A alt head a or a syl A pron pos n. a's infl head a syl a's pos n. mod pl. A's infl head a or As syl A's pos n. mod pl. As infl head a or A's syl As. pos n. mod pl. a 1. or A syl a pron pos n. def the first letter and first vowel of the modern English alphabet. a 2. or A syl a pron pos n. def any of several speech sounds represented by this letter, in English as in or a 3. or A syl a pron pos n. def Also called: {alpha}. the first in a series, esp. the highest grade or mark, as in an examination. from A to Z 4. head a syl from A to Z. def from start to finish; from beginning to end. an infl head a syl {an pos determiner. a H1.1. syl a pron <*>, pos determiner. usage %1)} def used preceding a singular countable noun, if the noun is not previously specified or known. exam 1 a dog; exam 2 a terrible disappointment. a H1.2. syl a pron <*>, pos determiner. usage %1)} def used preceding a proper noun to indicate that a person or thing has some of the qualities of the one named. exam 1 a Romeo; exam 2 a Shylock. a H1.3. syl a pron <*>, pos determiner. usage %1)} def used preceding a noun or determiner of quantity. exam 1 a cupful; exam 2 a dozen eggs; exam 3 a great many; exam 4 to read a lot. a H1.4. syl a pron <*>, pos determiner. usage %1)} def used preceding a noun indicating a concrete or abstract thing capable of being divided. exam 1 half a loaf; exam 2 a quarter of a minute. a H1.5. syl a pron <*>, pos determiner. usage %1)}; preceded by once, twice, several times, etc. def each or every; per. exam 1 once a day; exam 2 fifty pence a pound. a H1.6. syl a pron <*>, pos determiner. usage %1)} def a certain; one. exam 1 to change policy at a stroke; exam 2 a Mr. Jones called. a H1.7. syl a pron <*>, pos determiner. usage %1)}; preceded by not def any at all. exam 1 not a hope. a H2.0. syl a pron <*> pos vb. def an informal or dialect word for {have}. exam 1 they'd a said if they'd known. a H3.0. syl a pron <*> pos prep. usage usually linked to the preceding noun def an informal form of {of}. exam 1 sorta sad; exam 2 a kinda waste. a H4.1. syl a qual symbol for: def acceleration. a H4.2. syl a qual symbol for: def atto-. A 1.a. syl A qual symbol for: def a note having a frequency of 440 hertz ({A above middle C}) or this value multiplied or divided by any power of 2; the sixth note of the scale of C major. A 1.b. syl A qual symbol for: def a key, string, or pipe producing this note. A 1.c. syl A qual symbol for: def the major or minor key having this note as its tonic. A 2. syl A qual symbol for: def a human blood type of the ABO group, containing the A antigen. A 3. syl A qual symbol for: usage in Britain def a major arterial road. exam 1 the A3 runs from London to Portsmouth. A 4.a. syl A qual symbol for: def a film certified for viewing by anyone, but which contains material that some parents may not wish their children to see. A 4.b. syl A qual symbol for: usage as modifier exam 1 an A film. A 5. syl A qual symbol for: def mass number. A 6. syl A qual symbol for:; Cards. def ace. A 7. syl A qual symbol for: def argon (now superseded by {Ar) }. A 8. syl A qual symbol for: def ampere(s). A 9. syl A qual symbol for: def Also: {at}. ampere-turn. A 10. syl A qual symbol for: def absolute (temperature). A 11. syl A qual symbol for: usage in circuit diagrams def ammeter. A 12. syl A qual symbol for: def area. A 13. syl A qual symbol for: usage in combination def atomic. exam 1 an A-bomb; exam 2 an A-plant. A 14. syl A qual symbol for: usage international car registration for def Austria. A 0. syl *%A qual symbol for def angstrom unit. a 1. syl a. qual abbrev. for: def acre(s) or acreage. a 2. syl a. qual abbrev. for: def alto. a 3. syl a. qual abbrev. for: def amateur. a 4. syl a. qual abbrev. for: def answer. a 5. syl a. qual abbrev. for: def are(s) (metric measure of land). A 1. syl A. qual abbrev. for: def acre(s) or acreage. A 2. syl A. qual abbrev. for: def America(n). A 3. syl A. qual abbrev. for: def answer. aa infl head a' or aw syl aa pron pos adj. aw infl head a' or aa syl aw pron pos adj. a' 0. syl a' pron pos adj. qual Scot. def variant of {all}. a- ety from Greek a-, an- not, without a- H2.1. syl a- pos prefix. def on; in; towards. exam 1 afoot; exam 2 abed; exam 3 aground; exam 4 aback. a- H2.2. syl a- pos prefix. qual Literary or archaic. (used before a present participle def in the act or process of. exam 1 come a-running; exam 2 go a-hunting. a- H2.3. syl a- pos prefix. def in the condition or state of. exam 1 afloat; exam 2 alive; exam 3 asleep. A- infl head A or A-one syl A-1 pron <1A1w^n> pos adj. A-one infl head A or A- syl A-one pron <1A1w^n> pos adj. A 1. syl A1 pron <1A1w^n> pos adj. def in good health; physically fit. A 2. syl A1 pron <1A1w^n> pos adj. qual Informal. def first class; excellent. A 3. syl A1 pron <1A1w^n> pos adj. usage of a vessel def with hull and equipment in first-class condition. A 0.a. syl A4 pos n. def a standard paper size, 297#M210 mm. A 0.b. syl A4 pos as; adj. def . exam 1 an A4 book. A 0.a. syl A5 pos n. def a standard paper size (half A4), 210#M148 mm. A 0.b. syl A5 pos as; adj. exam 1 A5 notepaper. aa ety Hawaiian aa 0. syl a:a pron <1a:a:> pos n. def a volcanic rock consisting of angular blocks of lava with a very rough surface. AA 1. syl AA qual abbrev. for: def Alcoholics Anonymous. AA 2. syl AA qual abbrev. for: def anti-aircraft. AA 3. syl AA qual abbrev. for: usage in Britain def Automobile Association. {~} AA 4. syl AA qual abbrev. for: usage in Britain def a film that may not be publicly shown to a child under fourteen. AAA 1. syl A.A.A. qual abbrev. for:; Brit. def Amateur Athletic Association. AAA 2. syl A.A.A. qual abbrev. for:; U.S. def Automobile Association of America. Aachen 0. syl Aa:chen pron <1a:k*n>, German <1a:$xN> pos n. def a city and spa in West Germany, in North Rhine-Westphalia: the northern capital of Charlemagne's empire. Pop.: 241362 (1974 est.). French name: {Aix-la-Chapelle}. Alborg alt head Aalborg or Aalborg syl *%Al+borg pron Danish <1clbcr> pos n. Aalborg 0. or Alborg syl Aal+borg pron Danish <1clbcr> pos n. def a city and port in Denmark, in N Jutland. Pop.: 154582 (1974 est.). Aalesund 0. syl Aa:le+sund pron Norwegian <1o:l*2sun> pos n. def a variant spelling of {*%Alesund}. aalii ety Hawaiian aalii 0. syl aa:li:i pron pos n. def a bushy sapindaceous shrub, of Australia, Hawaii, Africa, and tropical America, having small greenish flowers and sticky foliage. Aalst 0. syl Aalst pron pos n. def the Flemish name for {Alost}. Alvar infl head Aalto syl Al:var pron <1alvar> pos n. Aalto 0. syl Aal:to pron Finnish <1a:ltc> pos n. def 1898-1976, Finnish architect and furniture designer, noted particularly for his public and industrial buildings, in which wood is much used. He invented bent plywood furniture (1932). AAM 0. syl AAM qual abbrev. for def air-to-air missile. A M 1. syl A ?& M qual abbrev. for: def Agricultural and Mechanical. A M 2. syl A ?& M qual abbrev. for: def Ancient and Modern (hymn book). A R 0. syl A ?& R qual abbrev. for def artists and repertoire. Aarau 0. syl Aar:au pron German <1a:rau> pos n. def a town in N Switzerland, capital of Aargau canton: capital of the Helvetic Republic from 1798 to 1803. Pop.: 16881 (1970). aardvark ety C19: from obsolete Afrikaans, from aarde earth+ varken pig aardvark 0. syl aard+vark pron <1a:d2va:k> pos n. def a nocturnal mammal, the sole member of its family and order It inhabits the grasslands of Africa, has long ears and snout, and feeds on termites. Also called: {ant bear}. aardwolf ety C19: from Afrikaans, from aarde earth+ wolf wolf aardwolves infl head aardwolf syl aard+wolves. pos n. mod pl. aardwolf 0. syl aard+wolf pron <1a:d2wulf> pos n. def a nocturnal mammal, that inhabits the plains of southern Africa and feeds on termites and insect larvae: family (hyenas), order (carnivores). Aargau 0. syl Aar+gau pron German <1a:rgau> pos n. def a canton in N Switzerland. Capital: Aarau. Pop.: 433284 (1970). Area: 1404 sq. km (542 sq. miles). French name: {Argovie}. Arhus alt head Aarhus or Aarhus syl *%Ar+hus pron Danish <1crhu:s> pos n. Aarhus 0. or Arhus syl Aar+hus pron Danish <1crhu:s> pos n. def a city and port in Denmark, in E Jutland. Pop.: 187342 (1970). Aaron 0. syl Aa:ron pron <1e*r*n> pos n. qual Old Testament. def the first high priest of the Israelites, brother of Moses (Exodus 4:14). Aaronic 1. syl Aa:ron+ic pron pos adj. def of or relating to Aaron, his family, or the priestly dynasty initiated by him. Aaronic 2. syl Aa:ron+ic pron pos adj. def of or relating to the Israelite high priesthood. Aaronic 3. syl Aa:ron+ic pron pos adj. def of or relating to the priesthood in general. Aaronic 4. syl Aa:ron+ic pron pos adj. qual Mormon Church. def denoting or relating to the second order of the Mormon priesthood. Aaron's beard 0. syl Aa:ron's beard pos n. def another name for { {rose of Sharon} (sense 1). Aaron's rod 1. syl Aa:ron's rod pos n. def the rod used by Aaron in performing a variety of miracles in Egypt. It later blossomed and produced almonds (Numbers 17). Aaron's rod 2. syl Aa:ron's rod pos n. def a widespread Eurasian scrophulari?!aceous plant, having woolly leaves and tall erect spikes of yellow flowers. A'asia 0. syl A'asia qual abbrev. for def Australasia. AB 0. syl AB def a human blood type of the ABO group, containing both the A antigen and the B antigen. AB 1. syl A.B. qual abbrev. for: def Also: {a.b}. able-bodied seaman. AB 2. syl A.B. qual abbrev. for: usage in the U.S. def Bachelor of Arts. Ab ety from Hebrew, from Akkadian abu Av alt head Ab or Ab syl Av pron <@v> pos n. Ab 0. or Av syl Ab pron <@b> pos n. def the eleventh month of the civil year and the fifth of the ecclesiastical year in the Jewish calendar, falling approximately in July and August. ab- ety from Latin ab away from ab- H1.0. syl ab- pos prefix. def away from; off; outside of; opposite to. exam 1 abnormal; exam 2 abaxial; exam 3 aboral. ab- ety abstracted from #7absolute ab- H2.0. syl ab- pos prefix. def denoting a cgs unit of measurement in the electromagnetic system. exam 1 abvolt. aba ety from Arabic aba 1. syl ab:a pron <1@b*> pos n. def a type of cloth from Syria, made of goat hair or camel hair. aba 2. syl ab:a pron <1@b*> pos n. def a sleeveless outer garment of such cloth. ABA 1. syl A.B.A. qual abbrev. for: usage in Britain def Amateur Boxing Associa?!tion. ABA 2. syl A.B.A. qual abbrev. for: def American Booksellers Associa?!tion. abac ety C20: from French, from Latin #7abacus abac 0. syl a:bac pron <2Ab@k> pos n. def another name for {nomogram}. abaca ety via Spanish from Tagalog abak*'a abaca 1. syl ab:a+ca pron <1@b*k*> pos n. def a Philippine plant, related to the banana: family Its leafstalks are the source of Manila hemp. abaca 2. syl ab:a+ca pron <1@b*k*> pos n. def another name for {Manila hemp}. aback ety Old English on b@ac to the back aback 1.a. syl a:back pron <*1b@k> pos adv. def startled or disconcerted. aback 1.b. syl a:back pron <*1b@k> pos adv. usage Nautical. of a vessel or sail def having the wind against the forward side so as to prevent forward motion. aback 2. syl a:back pron <*1b@k> pos adv. qual Rare. def towards the back; backwards. abactinal 0. syl ab+ac+ti+nal pron <@b1@ktinL> pos adj. usage Zoology. of organisms showing radial symmetry def situated away from or opposite to the mouth; aboral. abactinally sub head abactinal syl ab+1ac+ti+nal+ly pos adv. abacus ety C16: from Latin, from Greek abax board covered with sand for tracing calculations, from Hebrew *_abh*_aq dust abaci infl head abacus or abacuses syl ab:a+ci pron <-2sI> pos n. mod pl. abacuses infl head abacus or abaci syl ab:a+cus:es. pos n. mod pl. abacus 1. syl ab:a+cus pron <1@b*k*s> pos n. def a counting device that consists of a frame holding rods on which a specific number of beads are free to move. Each rod designates a given denomination, such as units, tens, hundreds, etc., in the decimal system, and each bead represents a digit or a specific number of digits. abacus 2. syl ab:a+cus pron <1@b*k*s> pos n. qual Architect. def the flat upper part of the capital of a column. Abadan 0. syl Ab:a+dan pron <2@b*1da:n> pos n. def a port in SW Iran, on an island in the Shatt-al-Arab delta. Pop.: 312000 (1973 est.). Abaddon ety Hebrew: literally, destruction Abaddon 1. syl A:bad+don pron <*1b@dN> pos n. def the Devil (Revelation 9:11). Abaddon 2. syl A:bad+don pron <*1b@dN> pos n. usage in rabbinical literature def a part of Gehenna; Hell. abaft ety C13: on baft; baft from Old English be@aftan, from be by+ @aftan behind abaft 1. syl a:baft pron <*1ba:ft> pos adv. adj. qual Nautical. usage postpositive def closer to the stern than to another place on a vessel. exam 1 with the wind abaft. abaft 2. syl a:baft pron <*1ba:ft> pos prep. qual Nautical. def behind; aft of. exam 1 abaft the mast. Abakan 0. syl A:ba+kan pron Russian pos n. def a city in the S Soviet Union, capital of the Khakass AR, at the confluence of the Yenisei and Abakan Rivers. Pop.: 116000 (1975 est.). abalone ety C19: from American Spanish abul*'on; origin unknown abalone 0. syl ab:a+lo+ne pron <2@b*1l*uni> pos n. def any of various edible marine gastropod molluscs of the genus having an ear-shaped shell that is perforated with a row of respiratory holes. The shells are used for ornament or decoration. Also called: {ear shell}. See also {ormer}. abamp 0. syl ab+amp pron <1@b2@mp> pos n. def short for {abampere}. abampere 0. syl ab+am+pere pron <@b1ampe*> pos n. def the cgs unit of current in the electromagnetic system; the constant current that, when flowing through two parallel straight infinitely long conductors 1 centimetre apart, will produce a force between them of 2 dynes per centimetre: equivalent to 10 amperes. Abbrev.: {abamp}. abandon ety C14: abandounen (vb.), from Old French, from a bandon under one's control, in one's power, from a at, to+ bandon control, power abandon 1. syl a:ban+don pron <*1b@nd*n> pos vb. mod tr. def to forsake completely; desert; leave behind. exam 1 to abandon a baby; exam 2 drivers had to abandon their cars. abandon 2. syl a:ban+don pron <*1b@nd*n> pos vb. mod tr. def to give up completely. exam 1 to abandon a habit; exam 2 to abandon hope. abandon 3. syl a:ban+don pron <*1b@nd*n> pos vb. mod tr. def to yield control of or concern in; relinquish. exam 1 to abandon office. abandon 4. syl a:ban+don pron <*1b@nd*n> pos vb. mod tr. def to give up (something begun) before completion. exam 1 to abandon a job; exam 2 the game was abandoned. abandon 5. syl a:ban+don pron <*1b@nd*n> pos vb. mod tr. def to surrender (oneself) to emotion without restraint. abandon 6. syl a:ban+don pron <*1b@nd*n> pos vb. mod tr. def to give (insured property that has suffered partial loss or damage) to the insurers in order that a claim for a total loss may be made. {~} abandon 7. syl a:ban+don pron <*1b@nd*n> pos vb. mod tr. def freedom from inhibitions, restraint, concern, or worry. exam 1 she danced with abandon. abandonment sub head abandon syl a:1ban+don+ment pos n. abandoned 1. syl a:ban+doned pron <*1b@nd*nd> pos adj. def deserted. exam 1 an abandoned windmill. abandoned 2. syl a:ban+doned pron <*1b@nd*nd> pos adj. def forsaken. exam 1 an abandoned child. abandoned 3. syl a:ban+doned pron <*1b@nd*nd> pos adj. def unrestrained; uninhibited. abandonee 0. syl a:ban+don:ee pron <*2b@nd*1nE> pos n. qual Law. def a person to whom something is formally relinquished, esp. an insurer having the right to salvage a wreck. a bas 0. syl *`a bas pron French. def down with&! abase ety C15: abessen, from Old French abaissier to make low. See #7base %2 abase 1. syl a:base pron <*1bAs> pos vb. mod tr. def to humble or belittle (oneself, etc.). abase 2. syl a:base pron <*1bAs> pos vb. mod tr. def to lower or reduce, as in rank or estimation. abasement sub head abase syl a:1base+ment pos n. abash ety C14: via Norman French from Old French esbair to be astonished, from es- out+ bair to gape, yawn abash 0. syl a:bash pron <*1b@S> pos vb. mod tr. usage usually passive def to cause to feel ill at ease, embarrassed, or confused; make ashamed. abashedly sub head abash syl a:bash+ed+ly pron <*1b@Sidli> pos adv. abashment sub head abash syl a:1bash+ment pos n. abate ety C14: from Old French abatre to beat down, fell abate 1. syl a:bate pron <*1bAt> pos vb. def to make or become less in amount, intensity, degree, etc.. exam 1 the storm has abated. abate 2.a. syl a:bate pron <*1bAt> pos vb. def to remove, suppress, or terminate (a nuisance). abate 2.b. syl a:bate pron <*1bAt> pos vb. def to suspend or extinguish (a claim or action). abate 2.c. syl a:bate pron <*1bAt> pos vb. def to annul (a writ). abate 3. syl a:bate pron <*1bAt> pos vb. mod intr. usage Law. of a writ, legal action, etc. def to become null and void. abate 4. syl a:bate pron <*1bAt> pos vb. mod tr. def to subtract or deduct, as part of a price. abatement 1. syl a:bate+ment pron <*1bAtm*nt> pos n. def diminution or alleviation; decrease. abatement 2. syl a:bate+ment pron <*1bAtm*nt> pos n. def suppression or termination. exam 1 the abatement of a nuisance. abatement 3. syl a:bate+ment pron <*1bAtm*nt> pos n. def the amount by which something is reduced, such as the cost of an article. abatement 4. syl a:bate+ment pron <*1bAtm*nt> pos n. qual Property law. def a decrease in the payment to legatees when the assets of the estate are insufficient to meet all payments in full. abatement 5. syl a:bate+ment pron <*1bAtm*nt> pos n. usage Property law. formerly def a wrongful entry on land by a stranger who takes possession after the death of the owner and before the heir has entered into possession. abatis ety C18: from French, from abattre to fell abattis alt head abatis or abatis syl ab+at+tis pron <1@b*tis>, <1@b*tE> pos n. abatis 0. or abattis syl ab:a+tis pron <1@b*tis>, <1@b*tE> pos n. qual Fortifications. def a rampart of felled trees placed with their branches outwards. abator 0. syl a:ba+tor pron <*1bAt*> pos n. qual Law. def a person who effects an abatement. A battery 0. syl A bat+ter:y pos n. qual U.S. def a low-voltage battery for supplying power to heat the cathode of a thermionic valve. Compare {B battery, C battery}. abattoir ety C19: French, from abattre to fell abattoir 0. syl ab+at+toir pron <1@b*2twa:> pos n. def another name for {slaughterhouse}. abaxial 0. syl ab+ax+i:al pron <@b1@ksi*l> pos adj. def facing away from the axis, as the surface of a leaf. Compare {adaxial}. Abba ety from Aramaic Abba 1. syl Ab:ba pron <1@b*> pos n. qual New Testament. def father (used of God). Abba 2. syl Ab:ba pron <1@b*> pos n. def a title given to bishops and patriarchs in the Syrian, Coptic, and Ethiopian Churches. abbacy ety C15: from Church Latin abb*_atia, from abb*_at- #7abbot abbacies infl head abbacy syl ab+ba+cies. pos n. mod pl. abbacy 0. syl ab+ba+cy pron <1@b*si> pos n. def the office, term of office, or jurisdiction of an abbot or abbess. Abbasid 0.a. syl Ab:bas:id pron <1@b*2sid>, <*1b@sid> pos n. def any caliph of the dynasty that ruled the Muslim empire from Baghdad (750-1258) and claimed descent from Abbas, uncle of Mohammed. Abbasid 0.b. syl Ab:bas:id pron <1@b*2sid>, <*1b@sid> pos n. usage as modifier exam 1 the Abbasid dynasty. abbatial ety C17: from Church Latin abb*_ati*_alis, from abb*_at- #7abbot ; see -#7al %1 abbatial 0. syl ab+ba+tial pron <*1bAS*l> pos adj. def of or relating to an abbot, abbess, or abbey. abb'e 1. syl ab:b*'e pron <1@bA>, French pos n. def a French abbot. abb'e 2. syl ab:b*'e pron <1@bA>, French pos n. def a title used in addressing any other French cleric, such as a priest. abbess ety C13: from Old French, from Church Latin abb*_atissa abbess 0. syl ab+bess pron <1@bis> pos n. def the female superior of a convent. Abbevillian ety C20: after Abbeville, France, where the stone tools were discovered Abbevillian 1. syl Abbe+vill+i:an pron <@b1vili*n>, <-j*n> pos n. qual Archaeol. def the period represented by Lower Palaeolithic European sites containing the earliest hand axes, dating from the Mindel glaciation. See also {Acheulian}. Abbevillian 2. syl Abbe+vill+i:an pron <@b1vili*n>, <-j*n> pos adj. qual Archaeol. def of or relating to this period. abbey ety C13: via Old French abeie from Church Latin abb*_atia #7abbacy abbey 1. syl ab+bey pron <1@bi> pos n. def a building inhabited by a community of monks or nuns governed by an abbot or abbess. abbey 2. syl ab+bey pron <1@bi> pos n. def a church built in conjunction with such a building. abbey 3. syl ab+bey pron <1@bi> pos n. def such a community of monks or nuns. Abbey Theatre 0. syl Ab+bey The:a+tre pos n. def an influential theatre in Dublin (opened 1904): associated with it were Synge, Yeats, Lady Gregory, and O'Casey. It was closed by fire in 1951 and reopened in 1966. abbot ety Old English abbod, from Church Latin abb*_at- (stem of abbas) , ultimately from Aramaic abb*_a A#7bba abbot 0. syl ab+bot pron <1@b*t> pos n. def the superior of an abbey of monks. abbotship sub head abbot or abbotcy syl ab+bot+2ship pos n. abbotcy sub head abbot or abbotship syl ab+bot+cy pos n. abbr alt head abbrev or abbrev syl abbr. abbrev 0. or abbr syl abbrev. qual abbrev. for def abbreviation. abbreviate ety C15: from the past participle of Late Latin abbrevi*_are, from Latin brevis brief abbreviate 1. syl ab+bre+vi+ate pron <*1brEvi2At> pos vb. mod tr. def to shorten (a word or phrase) by contraction or omission of some letters or words. abbreviate 2. syl ab+bre+vi+ate pron <*1brEvi2At> pos vb. mod tr. def to shorten (a speech or piece of writing) by omitting sections, paraphrasing, etc. abbreviate 3. syl ab+bre+vi+ate pron <*1brEvi2At> pos vb. mod tr. def to cut short; curtail. abbreviator sub head abbreviate syl ab+1bre+vi:2a+tor pos n. abbreviation 1. syl ab+bre+vi:a+tion pron <*2brEvi1AS*n> pos n. def a shortened or contracted form of a word or phrase used in place of the whole. abbreviation 2. syl ab+bre+vi:a+tion pron <*2brEvi1AS*n> pos n. def the process or result of abbreviating. ABC H1.1. syl ABC pos n. mod often; pl. qual U.S. usage in def the alphabet. ABC H1.2. syl ABC pos n. mod pl. qual U.S. usage in def the rudiments of a subject. ABC H1.3. syl ABC pos n. def an alphabetical guide to a subject. ABC H2.1. syl ABC qual abbrev. for: usage of weapons or warfare def atomic, biological, and chemical. ABC H2.2. syl ABC qual abbrev. for: def Australian Broadcasting Commission. ABC H2.3. syl ABC qual abbrev. for: def American Broadcasting Company. abcoulomb 0. syl ab+cou+lomb pron <@b1ku:lom> pos n. def the cgs unit of electric charge in the electromagnetic system; the charge per second passing any cross section of a conductor through which a steady current of 1 abampere is flowing: equivalent to 10 coulombs. Abd-el-Krim 0. syl Abd-el-Krim pron <2@bdel1krim> pos n. def 1882-1963, Moroccan chief who led revolts against Spain and France, surrendered before their combined forces in 1926, but later formed the North African independence movement. Abdias 0. syl Ab:di:as pron <@b1dI*s> pos n. qual Bible. def the Douay form of {Obadiah}. abdicate ety C16: from the past participle of Latin abdic*_are to proclaim away, disclaim abdicate 0. syl ab+di+cate pron <1@bdi2kAt> pos vb. def to renounce (a throne, power, responsibility, rights, etc.), esp. formally. abdicable sub head abdicate syl ab+di+ca:ble pron <1@bdik*bL> pos adj. abdication sub head abdicate syl ab+di+1ca+tion pos n. abdicative sub head abdicate syl ab+dic:a+tive pron <@b1dik*tiv> pos adj. abdicator sub head abdicate syl ab+di+2ca+tor pos n. abdomen ety C16: from Latin; origin obscure abdomen 1. syl ab+do+men pron <1@bd*m*n>, <@b1d*u-> pos n. def the region of the body of a vertebrate that contains the viscera other than the heart and lungs. In mammals it is separated from the thorax by the diaphragm. abdomen 2. syl ab+do+men pron <1@bd*m*n>, <@b1d*u-> pos n. def the front or surface of this region; belly. abdomen 3. syl ab+do+men pron <1@bd*m*n>, <@b1d*u-> pos n. usage in arthropods def the posterior part of the body behind the thorax, consisting of up to ten similar segments. abdominal sub head abdomen syl ab+dom:i+nal pron <@b1dominL> pos adj. abdominally sub head abdomen syl ab+1dom:i+nal+ly pos adv. abdominous 0. syl ab+dom:i+nous pron <@b1domin*s> pos adj. qual Rare. def having a large belly. abducens nerve ety see #7abducent abducens nerve 0. syl ab+du+cens nerve pron <@b1dju:s*nz> pos n. def either of the sixth pair of cranial nerves, which supply the lateral rectus muscle of the eye. abducent ety C18: from Latin abd*_ucent-, abd*_ucens leading away, from abd*_ucere, from ab- away+ d*_ucere to lead, carry abducent 0. syl ab+du+cent pron <@b1dju:sNt> pos adj. usage of a muscle def abducting. abduct ety C19: from the past participle of Latin abd*_ucere to lead away abduct 1. syl ab+duct pron <@b1d^kt> pos vb. mod tr. def to remove (a person) by force or cunning; kidnap. abduct 2. syl ab+duct pron <@b1d^kt> pos vb. mod tr. usage of certain muscles def to pull away (a leg, arm, etc.) from the median axis of the body. Compare {adduct}. abduction sub head abduct syl ab+1duc+tion pos n. Abdul-Hamid II 0. syl Ab:dul-Ha:mid II pron <1@bdul> <1h@mid> pos n. def 1842-1918, sultan of Turkey (1876-1909), deposed by the Young Turks, noted for his brutal suppression of the Armenian revolt (1894-96). abeam ety C19: {#7a -%2}#7+beam abeam 0. syl a:beam pron <*1bEm> pos adv. adj. usage postpositive def at right angles to the length and directly opposite the centre of a vessel or aircraft. abecedarian ety C17: from Late Latin abecedarius, from the letters a, b, c, d abecedarian 1. syl a:be:ce+dar+i:an pron <2AbEsE1de*ri*n> pos n. def a person who is learning the alphabet or the rudiments of a subject. {~} abecedarian 2. syl a:be:ce+dar+i:an pron <2AbEsE1de*ri*n> pos n. def alphabetically arranged. abed 0. syl a:bed pron <*1bed> pos adv. qual Archaic. def in bed. Abednego 0. syl A:bed:ne:go pron <*1bedni2g*u> pos n. qual Old Testament. def one of Daniel's three companions who, together with Shadrach and Meshach, was miraculously saved from destruction in Nebuchadnezzar's fiery furnace (Daniel 3:12-30). Abel 0. syl A:bel pron <1AbL> pos n. def the second son of Adam and Eve, a shepherd, murdered by his brother Cain (Genesis 4:1-8). Peter infl head Abelard syl Pe:ter. pos n. Abelard 0. syl Ab:e:lard pron <1@b*2la:d> pos n. def French name 1079-1142, French scholastic philosopher and theologian whose works include and (1121). His love for Heloise is recorded in their correspondence. abele ety C16: from Dutch abeel, ultimately related to Latin albus white abele 0. syl a:bele pron <*1bEl>, <1AbL> pos n. def another name for {white poplar}. Abelian group ety C19: named after Niels Henrik Abel (1802-29), Norwegian mathematician Abelian group 0. syl A:be:li:an group pron <*1bEli*n> pos n. def a mathematical group that is commutative: if and are members of an Abelian group then = . abelmosk ety New Latin, from Arabic abu'l misk father of musk abelmosk 0. syl a:bel+mosk pron <1AbL2mosk> pos n. def a tropical bushy malvaceous plant, cultivated for its yellow-and-crimson flowers and for its musk-scented seeds, which yield an oil used in perfumery. Also called: {musk mallow}. Abeokuta 0. syl Ab+e:o+ku+ta pron <2@bi*u1ku:t*> pos n. def a town in W Nigeria, capital of Ogun state. Pop.: 253000 (1975 est.). Aberdare 0. syl Ab+er+dare pron <2@b*1de*> pos n. def a mining town in South Wales, in N Mid Glamorgan. Pop.: 37760 (1971). Aberdeen H1.1. syl Ab+er+deen pron <2@b*1dEn> pos n. def a city in NE Scotland, administrative centre of Grampian region on the North Sea: centre for processing North Sea oil and gas; university (1494). Pop.: 209831 (1976 est.). Aberdeen H1.2. syl Ab+er+deen pron <2@b*1dEn> pos n. usage until 1975 def a county of NE Scotland, now part of Grampian region. &- {Ab+er+do+ni@.an} (@!@ab$$?!#!d$$$un$I$$n) George Hamilton-Gordon infl head Aberdeen syl George Ham:il:ton-Gor:don pos n. Aberdeen H2.0. syl Ab:er:deen pron <2@b*1dEn> pos n. def 4th Earl of. 1784-1860, British statesman. He was foreign secretary under Wellington (1828) and Peel (1841-46); became prime minister of a coalition ministry in 1852 but was compelled to resign after mismanagement of the Crimean War (1855). Aberdeen Angus 0. syl Ab+er+deen An+gus pos n. def a black hornless breed of beef cattle originating in Scotland. abernethy ety C19: perhaps named after Dr. John Abernethy (1764-1831), English surgeon interested in diet abernethy 0. syl ab+er+neth:y pron <2@b*1neTi> pos n. def a crisp unleavened biscuit. aberrant ety rare before C19: from the present participle of Latin aberr*_are to wander away aberrant 1. syl ab+er+rant pron <@1ber*nt> pos adj. def deviating from the normal or usual type, as certain animals from the group in which they are classified. aberrant 2. syl ab+er+rant pron <@1ber*nt> pos adj. def behaving in an abnormal or untypical way. aberrant 3. syl ab+er+rant pron <@1ber*nt> pos adj. def deviating from truth, morality, etc. aberrance sub head aberrant or aberrancy syl ab+1er+rance pos n. aberrancy sub head aberrant or aberrance syl ab+1er+ran+cy pos n. aberration 1. syl ab+er+ra+tion pron <2@b*1rAS*n> pos n. def deviation from what is normal, expected, or usual. aberration 2. syl ab+er+ra+tion pron <2@b*1rAS*n> pos n. def departure from truth, morality, etc. aberration 3. syl ab+er+ra+tion pron <2@b*1rAS*n> pos n. def a lapse in control of one's mental faculties. aberration 4. syl ab+er+ra+tion pron <2@b*1rAS*n> pos n. qual Optics. def a defect in a lens or mirror that causes the formation of either a distorted image (see {spherical aberration}) or one with coloured fringes (see {chromatic aberration) }. aberration 5. syl ab+er+ra+tion pron <2@b*1rAS*n> pos n. qual Astronomy. def the apparent displacement of a celestial body due to the motion of the observer with the earth. Aberystwyth 0. syl Ab+er+yst+wyth pron <2@b*1ristwiT> pos n. def a resort and university town in Wales, on Cardigan Bay. Pop.: 10680 (1971). abet ety C14: from Old French abeter to lure on, entice, from beter to bait abets infl head abet syl a:bets pos vb. mod tr. abetting infl head abet syl a:bet+ting pos vb. mod tr. abetted infl head abet syl a:bet+ted. pos vb. mod tr. abet 0. syl a:bet pron <*1bet> pos vb. mod tr. def to assist or encourage, esp. in crime or wrongdoing. abetment sub head abet or abettal syl a:1bet+ment pos n. abettal sub head abet or abetment syl a:1bet+tal pos n. abettor sub head abet or abetter syl a:1bet+tor pos n. abetter sub head abet or abettor syl a:1bet+ter pos n. abeyance ety C16-17: from Anglo-French, from Old French abeance expectation, literally a gaping after, a reaching towards abeyance 1. syl a:bey+ance pron <*1bA*ns> pos n. usage usually preceded by in or into def a state of being suspended or put aside temporarily. abeyance 2. syl a:bey+ance pron <*1bA*ns> pos n. qual Law. usage usually preceded by in def an indeterminate state of ownership, as when the person entitled to an estate has not been ascertained. abeyant sub head abeyance syl a:1bey+ant pos adj. abfarad 0. syl ab+far+ad pron <@b1f@r@d>, <-*d> pos n. def the cgs unit of capacitance in the electromagnetic system; the capacitance of a capacitor having a charge of 1 abcoulomb and a potential difference of 1 abvolt between its conductors: equivalent to 10%9 farads. abhenries infl head abhenry syl ab+hen+ries. pos n. mod pl. abhenry 0. syl ab+hen+ry pron <@b1henri> pos n. def the cgs unit of inductance in the electromagnetic system; the inductance that results when a rate of change of current of 1 abampere per second generates an induced emf of 1 abvolt: equivalent to 10%-%9 henry. abhor ety C15: from Latin abhorr*_ere to shudder at, shrink from, from ab- away from+ horr*_ere to bristle, shudder abhors infl head abhor syl ab+hors pos vb. mod tr. abhorring infl head abhor syl ab+hor+ring pos vb. mod tr. abhorred infl head abhor syl ab+horred. pos vb. mod tr. abhor 0. syl ab+hor pron <*b1hc:> pos vb. mod tr. def to detest vehemently; find repugnant; reject. abhorrer sub head abhor syl ab+1hor+rer pos n. abhorrence 1. syl ab+hor+rence pron <*b1hor*ns> pos n. def a feeling of extreme loathing or aversion. abhorrence 2. syl ab+hor+rence pron <*b1hor*ns> pos n. def a person or thing that is loathsome. abhorrent 1. syl ab+hor+rent pron <*b1hor*nt> pos adj. def repugnant; loathsome. abhorrent 2. syl ab+hor+rent pron <*b1hor*nt> pos adj. usage when postpositive, foll. by of def feeling extreme aversion or loathing (for). exam 1 abhorrent of vulgarity. abhorrent 3. syl ab+hor+rent pron <*b1hor*nt> pos adj. usage usually postpositive and foll. by to def conflicting (with). exam 1 abhorrent to common sense. abhorrently sub head abhorrent syl ab+1hor+rent+ly pos adv. Abib ety Hebrew *_abh*_ibh ear of grain, hence the month when grain was fresh Abib 0. syl A:bib pron Hebrew pos n. qual Judaism. def the month of Nisan in the ancient Hebrew calendar (Exodus 13:4). abide ety Old English *_ab*_idan, from a- (intensive)+ b*_idan to wait, bide abides infl head abide syl a:bides pos vb. abiding infl head abide syl a:bid+ing pos vb. abode infl head abide or abided syl a:bode pos vb. abided infl head abide or abode syl a:bid+ed. pos vb. abide 1. syl a:bide pron <*1bId> pos vb. mod tr. def to tolerate; put up with. abide 2. syl a:bide pron <*1bId> pos vb. mod tr. def to accept or submit to; suffer. exam 1 to abide the court's decision. abide 3.a. syl a:bide pron <*1bId> pos vb. def to comply (with). exam 1 to abide by the decision. abide 3.b. syl a:bide pron <*1bId> pos vb. def to remain faithful (to). exam 1 to abide by your promise. abide 4. syl a:bide pron <*1bId> pos vb. mod intr. def to remain or continue. abide 5. syl a:bide pron <*1bId> pos vb. mod intr. qual Archaic. def to dwell. abide 6. syl a:bide pron <*1bId> pos vb. mod tr. qual Archaic. def to await in expectation. abide 7. syl a:bide pron <*1bId> pos vb. mod tr. qual Archaic. def to withstand or sustain; endure. exam 1 to abide the onslaught. abidance sub head abide syl a:1bid+ance pos n. abider sub head abide syl a:1bid+er pos n. abiding 0. syl a:bid+ing pron <*1bIdiG> pos adj. def permanent; enduring. exam 1 an abiding belief. abidingly sub head abiding syl a:1bid+ing+ly pos adv. Abidjan 0. syl A:bid+jan pron <2@bi1Ja:n>, French pos n. def the capital of the Ivory Coast: a port on the Gulf of Guinea. Pop.: 282000 (1964 est.). abietic acid ety C19 abietic, from Latin abi*_et-, from abi*_es silver fir (the acid originally being extracted from the resin) abietic acid 0. syl ab:i+et+ic ac:id pron <2@bi1etik> pos n. def a yellowish powder occurring naturally as a constituent of rosin and used in lacquers, var?!nishes, and soap. Formula: C\1\9H\2\9COOH; melting pt.: 173?%C. abigail ety C17: after the name of a lady's maid in Beaumont and Fletcher's play, The Scornful Lady (1610) abigail 0. syl ab:i+gail pron <1@bi2gAl> pos n. qual Archaic. usage sometimes cap. def a lady's maid. Abigail 0. syl Ab:i+gail pron <1@bi2gAl> pos n. qual Old Testament. def the woman who brought provisions to David and his followers and subsequently became his wife (I Samuel 25:1-42). Abilene 0. syl Ab:i+lene pron <1@b*2lEn> pos n. def a city in central Texas. Pop.: 89653 (1970). ability ety C14: from Old French from Latin habilit*_as aptitude, handiness, from habilis #7able abilities infl head ability syl a:bil+i:ties. pos n. mod pl. ability 1. syl a:bil+i:ty pron <*1biliti> pos n. def possession of the qualities required to do something; necessary skill, competence, or power. exam 1 the ability to cope with a problem. ability 2. syl a:bil+i:ty pron <*1biliti> pos n. def considerable proficiency; natural capability. exam 1 a man of ability. ability 3. syl a:bil+i:ty pron <*1biliti> pos n. mod pl. def special talents. Abingdon 0. syl Ab+ing+don pron <1@biGd*n> pos n. def a market town in S England, in Oxfordshire. Pop.: 18596 (1971). ab initio 0. syl ab in:i+ti:o pron Latin. <@b> def from the start. abiogenesis ety C19: New Latin, from {#7a -%1}#7+bio -#7+genesis abiogenesis 0. syl a:bi:o+gen+e:sis pron <2AbI*u1Jenisis> pos n. def the hypothetical process by which living organisms arise from inanimate matter: formerly thought to explain the origin of microorganisms. Also called: {spontaneous generation, autogenesis}. Compare {biogenesis}. abiogenetic sub head abiogenesis syl a:bi:o+ge:1net+ic pos adj. abiogenist sub head abiogenesis syl a:bi:og+e:nist pron <2AbI1oJinist> pos n. abiosis ety C20: from {#7a -%1}#7+ Greek bi*_osis a way of living &- a@.bi@.ot+ic (#!e$Iba$I@!$At$Ik) adj. abiosis 0. syl a:bi:o+sis pron <2AbI1*usis> pos n. def absence of life. abirritant 1. syl ab+ir+ri+tant pron <@b1irit*nt> pos adj. def relieving irritation. abirritant 2. syl ab+ir+ri+tant pron <@b1irit*nt> pos n. def any drug or agent that relieves irritation. abirritate 0. syl ab+ir+ri+tate pron <@b1iri2tAt> pos vb. mod tr. qual Med. def to soothe or relieve irritation. abject ety C14 (in the sense: rejected, cast out): from Latin abjectus thrown or cast away, from abjicere, from ab- away+ jacere to throw abject 1. syl ab+ject pron <1@bJekt> pos adj. def utterly wretched or hopeless. abject 2. syl ab+ject pron <1@bJekt> pos adj. def miserable; forlorn; dejected. abject 3. syl ab+ject pron <1@bJekt> pos adj. def indicating humiliation; submissive. exam 1 an abject apology. abject 4. syl ab+ject pron <1@bJekt> pos adj. def contemptible; despicable; servile. exam 1 an abject liar. abjection sub head abject syl ab+1jec+tion pos n. abjectly sub head abject syl ab+ject+ly pos adv. abjure ety C15: from Old French abjurer or Latin abjur*_are to deny on oath abjure 1. syl ab+jure pron <*b1Ju*> pos vb. mod tr. def to renounce or retract, esp. formally, solemnly, or under oath. abjure 2. syl ab+jure pron <*b1Ju*> pos vb. mod tr. def to abstain from or reject. abjuration sub head abjure syl ab+ju+1ra+tion pos n. abjurer sub head abjure syl ab+1jur+er pos n. Abkhaz infl syl Ab+khaz pos n. mod pl. Abkhaz 1. syl Ab+khaz pron <@b1ka:z> pos n. def a member of a Georgian people living east of the Black Sea. Abkhaz 2. syl Ab+khaz pron <@b1ka:z> pos n. def the language of this people, belonging to the North Caucasian family. Abkhaz Autonomous Soviet Socialist Republic 0. syl Ab+khaz Au:ton:o+mous So+vi+et So+cial+ist Re+pub+lic pos n. def an administrative division of the S Soviet Union, in the NW Georgian SSR between the Black Sea and the Caucasus Mountains: a subtropical region, with mountains rising over 3900 m (13000 ft.). Capital: Sukhumi. Pop.: 486959 (1970). Area: 8600 sq. km (3320 sq. miles). Also called: {Ab+kha+zi@.a} (@ab#!k$a$:z$I$$). abl 0. syl abl. qual abbrev. for def ablative. ablactation 1. syl ab+lac+ta+tion pron <2@bl@k1tAS*n> pos n. def the weaning of an infant. ablactation 2. syl ab+lac+ta+tion pron <2@bl@k1tAS*n> pos n. def the cessation of milk secretion in the breasts. ablate ety C20: back formation from #7ablation ablate 0. syl ab+late pron <@b1lAt> pos vb. mod tr. def to remove by ablation. ablation ety C15: from Late Latin ablati*_on-, from Latin auferre to carry away, remove ablation 1. syl ab+la+tion pron <@b1lAS*n> pos n. def the surgical removal of an organ, structure, or part. ablation 2. syl ab+la+tion pron <@b1lAS*n> pos n. def the melting or wearing away of an ex?!pendable part, such as the heat shield of a space re-entry vehicle on passing through the earth's atmosphere. ablation 3. syl ab+la+tion pron <@b1lAS*n> pos n. def the wearing away of a rock or glacier. ablative 1. syl ab+la+tive pron <1@bl*tiv> pos adj. qual Grammar. usage in certain inflected languages such as Latin def denoting a case of nouns, pronouns, and adjectives indicating the agent in passive sentences or the instrument, manner, or place of the action described by the verb. ablative 2.a. syl ab+la+tive pron <1@bl*tiv> pos n. qual Grammar. def the ablative case. ablative 2.b. syl ab+la+tive pron <1@bl*tiv> pos n. qual Grammar. def a word or speech element in the ablative case. ablative absolute 0. syl ab+la+tive ab+so+lute pos n. def an absolute construction in Latin grammar in which a head noun and a modifier in the ablative case function as a sentence modifier; for example, @6the enemy having been beaten@9. ablator ety C20: from #7ablation ablator 0. syl ab+la+tor pron <@b1lAt*> pos n. def the heat shield of a space vehicle, which melts or wears away during re-entry into the earth's atmosphere. ablaut ety German, coined 1819 by Jakob Grimm from ab off+ Laut sound ablaut 0. syl ab+laut pron <1@blaut>, German <1aplaut> pos n. qual Linguistics. def vowel gradation, esp. in Indo-European languages. See { {gradation} (sense 5)}. ablaze 1. syl a:blaze pron <*1blAz> pos adj. postpositive; adv. def on fire; burning. ablaze 2. syl a:blaze pron <*1blAz> pos adj. postpositive; adv. def brightly illuminated. ablaze 3. syl a:blaze pron <*1blAz> pos adj. postpositive; adv. def emotionally aroused. able ety C14: ultimately from Latin habilis easy to hold, manageable, apt, from hab*_ere to have, hold+ -ilis -#7ile able 1. syl a:ble pron <1AbL> pos adj. usage postpositive def having the necessary power, resources, skill, time, opportunity, etc., to do something. exam 1 able to swim. able 2. syl a:ble pron <1AbL> pos adj. def capable; competent; talented. exam 1 an able teacher. able 3. syl a:ble pron <1AbL> pos adj. qual Law. def qualified, competent, or authorized to do some specific act. -able ety via Old French from Latin -*_abilis, -*_ibilis, forms of -bilis, adjectival suffix -able 0. syl -a:ble exam 1 suffix forming adjectives. -able 1. syl -a:ble def capable of, suitable for, or deserving of (being acted upon as indicated). exam 1 enjoyable; exam 2 pitiable; exam 3 readable; exam 4 separable; exam 5 washable. -able 2. syl -a:ble def inclined to; given to; able to; causing. exam 1 comfortable; exam 2 reasonable; exam 3 variable. -ably sub head -able syl -a:bly -ability sub head -able syl -a:bil:i:ty able-bodied 0. syl a:ble-bod:ied pos adj. def physically strong and healthy; robust. able-bodied seaman 0. syl a:ble-bod:ied sea+man pos n. def an ordinary seaman, esp. one in the merchant navy, who has been trained in certain skills. Also: {able seaman}. Abbrev.: {A.B., a.b}. able rating 0. syl a:ble rat+ing pos n. usage esp. in the Royal Navy def a rating who is qualified to perform certain duties of seamanship. abloom 0. syl a:bloom pron <*1blu:m> pos adj. usage postpositive def in flower; blooming. ablution ety C14: ultimately from Latin abl*_uere to wash away ablution 1. syl ab+lu+tion pron <*1blu:S*n> pos n. def the ritual washing of a priest's hands or of sacred vessels. ablution 2. syl ab+lu+tion pron <*1blu:S*n> pos n. mod often; pl. def the act of washing (esp. in the phrase {perform one's ablutions) }. ablution 3. syl ab+lu+tion pron <*1blu:S*n> pos n. mod pl. qual Military informal. def latrines. ablutionary sub head ablution syl ab+1lu+tion+ar:y pos adj. ably 0. syl a:bly pron <1Abli> pos adv. def in a competent or skilful manner. ABM 0. syl ABM qual abbrev. for def antiballistic missile. abnegate ety C17: from Latin abneg*_are to deny abnegate 0. syl ab+ne+gate pron <1@bni2gAt> pos vb. mod tr. def to deny to oneself; renounce (privileges, pleasure, etc.). abnegation sub head abnegate syl ab+ne+1ga+tion pos n. abnegator sub head abnegate syl ab+ne+2ga+tor pos n. Abney level ety C20: named after W. de W. Abney, died 1920, English scientist Abney level 0. syl Ab:ney lev+el pron <1@bni> pos n. def a surveying instrument consisting of a spirit level and a sighting tube, used to measure the angle of inclination of a line from the observer to another point. abnormal ety C19: {#7ab -%1}#7+normal, replacing earlier anormal from Medieval Latin anormalus, a blend of Late Latin an*_omalus #7anomalous+ Latin abnormis departing from a rule &- ab+#!nor+mal+ly adv. abnormal 1. syl ab+nor+mal pron <@b1nc:m*l> pos adj. def not normal; deviating from the usual or typical; extraordinary. abnormal 2. syl ab+nor+mal pron <@b1nc:m*l> pos adj. qual Informal. def odd in behaviour or appearance; strange. abnormalities infl head abnormality syl ab+nor+mal+i:ties. pos n. mod pl. abnormality 1. syl ab+nor+mal+i:ty pron <2@bnc:1m@liti> pos n. def an abnormal feature, event, etc. abnormality 2. syl ab+nor+mal+i:ty pron <2@bnc:1m@liti> pos n. def a physical malformation; deformity. abnormality 3. syl ab+nor+mal+i:ty pron <2@bnc:1m@liti> pos n. def deviation from the typical or usual; irregularity. abnormal psychology 0. syl ab+nor+mal psy+chol+o:gy pos n. def the study of behaviour patterns that diverge widely from generally accepted norms, esp. those of a pathological nature. Abos infl head Abo syl Ab:os. pos n. mod pl. Abo 0.a. syl Ab:o pron <1@b*u> pos n. qual Austral. informal, often derogatory. usage sometimes not cap. def short for {Aborigine}. Abo 0.b. syl Ab:o pron <1@b*u> pos n. qual Austral. informal, often derogatory. usage sometimes not cap.; as modifier exam 1 an Abo reserve. Abo 0. syl *%A:bo pron <1o:bu:> pos n. def the Swedish name for {Turku}. ABO system 0. syl ABO sys+tem pos n. def a system for classifying human blood on the basis of the presence or absence of two antigens in the red cells: there are four such blood types (A, B, AB, and O). aboard 1. syl a:board pron <*1bc:d> pos adv. adj. postpositive; prep. def on, in, onto, or into (a ship, train, aircraft, etc.). aboard 2. syl a:board pron <*1bc:d> pos adv. adj. postpositive; prep. qual Nautical. def alongside (a vessel). all aboard 3. head aboard syl all aboard&! pos interj. def a warning to passengers to board a vehicle, ship, etc. abode ety C17: n. formed from #7abide abode H1.0. syl a:bode pron <*1b*ud> pos n. def a place in which one lives; one's home. abode H2.0. syl a:bode pron <*1b*ud> pos vb. def a past tense and past participle of {abide}. abohm 0. syl ab+ohm pron <@b1*um>, <1@b2*um> pos n. def the cgs unit of resistance in the electromagnetic system: equivalent to 10%-%9 ohm. aboideau ety Canadian French aboiteau alt head aboideau or aboideau syl a:boi+teau pron <1@b*2t*u> pos n. aboideaus infl head aboideau or aboiteaus syl a:boi+deaus pron <-2d*uz> pos n. mod pl. aboideaux infl head aboideau or aboiteaux syl a:boi+deaux pron <-2d*uz> pos n. mod pl. aboiteaus infl head aboideau or aboideaus syl a:boi+teaus pron <-2t*uz> pos n. mod pl. aboiteaux infl head aboideau or aboideaux syl a:boi+teaux pron <-2t*uz> pos n. mod pl. aboideau 1. or aboiteau syl a:boi+deau pron <1@b*2d*u> pos n. usage in the Canadian Maritimes def a dyke with a sluice gate that allows flood water to drain off while keeping the sea water out. aboideau 2. or aboiteau syl a:boi+deau pron <1@b*2d*u> pos n. usage in the Canadian Maritimes def a sluice gate in a dyke. abolish ety C15: from Old French aboliss- (lengthened stem of abolir) , ultimately from Latin abol*_ere to destroy abolish 0. syl a:bol+ish pron <*1boliS> pos vb. mod tr. def to do away with (laws, regulations, customs, etc.); put an end to. abolishable sub head abolish syl a:1bol+ish+a:ble pos adj. abolisher sub head abolish syl a:1bol+ish+er pos n. abolishment sub head abolish syl a:1bol+ish+ment pos n. abolition ety C16: from Latin abolitio, from abol*_ere to destroy abolition 1. syl ab:o+li+tion pron <2@b*1liS*n> pos n. def the act of abolishing or the state of being abolished; annulment. abolition 2. syl ab:o+li+tion pron <2@b*1liS*n> pos n. usage often cap.; in British territories def the ending of the slave trade (1807) or the ending of slavery (1833): accomplished after a long campaign led by William Wilberforce. abolition 3. syl ab:o+li+tion pron <2@b*1liS*n> pos n. usage often cap.; in the U.S. def the emancipation of the slaves, accomplished by the Emancipation Proclamation issued in 1863 and ratified in 1865. abolitionary sub head abolition syl ab:o+1li+tion+ar:y pos adj. abolitionism sub head abolition syl ab:o+1li+tion+ism pos n. abolitionist sub head abolition syl ab:o+1li+tion+ist pos n. adj. abomasum ety C18: New Latin, from {#7ab -%1}#7+ om*_asum bullock's tripe abomasum 0. syl ab:o+ma+sum pron <2@b*1mAs*m> pos n. def the fourth and last compartment of the stomach of ruminants, which receives and digests food from the psalterium and passes it on to the small intestine. A-bomb 0. syl A-bomb pos n. def short for {atom bomb}. abominable ety C14: from Latin ab*_omin*_abilis, from ab*_omin*_ar*_i to #7abominate abominable 1. syl a:bom:i+na:ble pron <*1bomin*bL> pos adj. def offensive; loathsome; detestable. abominable 2. syl a:bom:i+na:ble pron <*1bomin*bL> pos adj. qual Informal. def very bad, unpleasant, or inferior. exam 1 abominable weather; exam 2 abominable workmanship. abominably sub head abominable syl a:1bom:i+na:bly pos adv. abominable snowman ety a translation of Tibetan metohkangmi, from metoh foul+ kangmi snowman abominable snowman 0. syl a:bom:i+na:ble snow+man pos n. def a large legendary manlike or apelike creature, alleged to inhabit the Himalayan Mountains. Also called: {yeti}. abominate ety C17: from the past participle of Latin ab*_omin*_ar*_i to regard as an ill omen, from ab- away from+ *_omin-, from #7omen abominate 0. syl a:bom:i+nate pron <*1bomi2nAt> pos vb. mod tr. def to dislike intensely; loathe; detest. abominator sub head abominate syl a:1bom:i+2na+tor pos n. abomination 1. syl a:bom:i+na+tion pron <*2bomi1nAS*n> pos n. def a person or thing that is disgusting or loathsome. abomination 2. syl a:bom:i+na+tion pron <*2bomi1nAS*n> pos n. def an action that is vicious, vile, etc. abomination 3. syl a:bom:i+na+tion pron <*2bomi1nAS*n> pos n. def intense loathing or disgust. abondance 0. syl a:bon+dance pron French pos n. qual Cards. def a variant spelling of { {abundance} (sense 6)}. a bon march'e 0. syl *`a bon mar+ch*'e pron French. pos adv. def at a bargain price. aboral 0. syl ab+o:ral pron <@b1c:r*l> pos adj. qual Zoology. def away from or opposite the mouth. aboriginal 0. syl ab:o+rig:i+nal pron <2@b*1riJinL> pos adj. def existing in a place from the earliest known period; indigenous; autochthonous. aboriginally sub head aboriginal syl ab:o+1rig:i+nal+ly pos adv. Aboriginal 1. syl Ab:o+rig:i+nal pron <2@b*1riJinL> pos adj. def of, relating to, or characteristic of the Aborigines of Australia. Aboriginal 2. syl Ab:o+rig:i+nal pron <2@b*1riJinL> pos n. def another word for an Australian {Aborigine}. aborigine ety C16: back formation from aborigines, from Latin: inhabitants of Latium in pre-Roman times, probably represent?!ing some tribal name but associated in folk etymology with ab origine from the beginning aborigine 0. syl ab:o+rig:i+ne pron <2@b*1riJini> pos n. def an original inhabitant of a country or region who has been there from the earliest known times. Aborigine 1. syl Ab:o+rig:i+ne pron <2@b*1riJini> pos n. def Also called: {native Australian}, (Austral.) {native}, (Austral.) {Black}. a member of a dark-skinned hunting and gathering people who were living in Australia when European settlers arrived. Often shortened to {Abo}. Aborigine 2. syl Ab:o+rig:i+ne pron <2@b*1riJini> pos n. def any of the languages of this people. See also { {Australian} (sense 3)}. aborning ety C20: from #7a -%2#7+ borning, from #7born aborning 0. syl a:born+ing pron <*1bc:niG> pos adv. qual U.S. def while being born, developed, or realized (esp. in the phrase {die aborning}) . abort ety C16: from Latin abort*_are, from the past participle of abor*_ir*_i to miscarry, from ab- wrongly, badly+ or*_ir*_i to appear, arise, be born abort 1. syl a:bort pron <*1bc:t> pos vb. def to terminate or cause to terminate pregnancy before the fetus is viable. abort 2. syl a:bort pron <*1bc:t> pos vb. mod intr. def to fail to come to completion; go wrong. abort 3. syl a:bort pron <*1bc:t> pos vb. mod tr. def to interrupt the development of. abort 4. syl a:bort pron <*1bc:t> pos vb. mod intr. def to give birth to a dead or nonviable fetus. abort 5. syl a:bort pron <*1bc:t> pos vb. usage of a space flight, military operation, etc. def to fail or terminate prematurely. abort 6. syl a:bort pron <*1bc:t> pos vb. mod intr. usage of an organism or part of an organism def to fail to develop into the mature form. aborticide 1. syl a:bor+ti+cide pron <*1bc:ti2sId> pos n. def the destruction of a fetus; feticide. aborticide 2. syl a:bor+ti+cide pron <*1bc:ti2sId> pos n. def a drug or agent that kills a fetus. abortifacient 1. syl a:bor+ti+fa+cient pron <*2bc:ti1fAS*nt> pos adj. def causing abortion. abortifacient 2. syl a:bor+ti+fa+cient pron <*2bc:ti1fAS*nt> pos n. def a drug or agent that causes abortion. abortion 1. syl a:bor+tion pron <*1bc:S*n> pos n. def an operation or other procedure to terminate pregnancy before the fetus is viable. abortion 2. syl a:bor+tion pron <*1bc:S*n> pos n. def the premature termination of pregnancy by spontaneous or induced expulsion of a nonviable fetus from the uterus. abortion 3. syl a:bor+tion pron <*1bc:S*n> pos n. def the products of abortion; an aborted fetus. abortion 4. syl a:bor+tion pron <*1bc:S*n> pos n. def the arrest of development of an organ. abortion 5. syl a:bor+tion pron <*1bc:S*n> pos n. def a failure to develop to completion or maturity. exam 1 the project proved an abortion. abortion 6. syl a:bor+tion pron <*1bc:S*n> pos n. def a person or thing that is de?!formed. abortional sub head abortion syl a:1bor+tion+al pos adj. abortionist 0. syl a:bor+tion+ist pron <*1bc:S*nist> pos n. def a person who performs abortions, esp. illegally. abortive 1. syl a:bor+tive pron <*1bc:tiv> pos adj. def failing to achieve a purpose; fruitless. abortive 2. syl a:bor+tive pron <*1bc:tiv> pos adj. usage of organisms def imperfectly developed; rudimentary. abortive 3. syl a:bor+tive pron <*1bc:tiv> pos adj. def causing abortion; abortifacient. Abukir Bay alt head Aboukir Bay or Aboukir Bay syl A:bu+kir Bay pron <2@bu:1ki*> pos n. Aboukir Bay 0. or Abukir Bay syl A:bou+kir Bay pron <2@bu:1ki*> pos n. def a bay on the N coast of Egypt, where the Nile enters the Mediterranean: site of the Battle of the Nile (1798), in which Nelson defeated the French fleet. Arabic name: {Abu Q*^ir}. aboulia 0. syl a:bou+li:a pron <*1bu:li*>, <-1bju:-> pos n. def a variant spelling of {abulia}. abound ety C14: via Old French from Latin abund*_are to overflow, from und*_are to flow, from unda wave abound 1. syl a:bound pron <*1baund> pos vb. mod intr. def to exist or occur in abundance; be plentiful. exam 1 a swamp in which snakes abound. abound 2. syl a:bound pron <*1baund> pos vb. mod intr. usage foll. by with or in def to be plentifully supplied (with); teem (with). exam 1 the gardens abound with flowers; exam 2 the fields abound in corn. about ety Old English ab*_utan, onb*_utan on the outside of, around, from #7on+ b*_utan outside about 1. syl a:bout pron <*1baut> pos prep. def relating to; concerning; on the subject of. about 2. syl a:bout pron <*1baut> pos prep. def near or close to. about 3. syl a:bout pron <*1baut> pos prep. def carried on. exam 1 I haven't any money about me. about 4. syl a:bout pron <*1baut> pos prep. def on every side of; all the way around. about 5. syl a:bout pron <*1baut> pos prep. def active in or engaged in. exam 1 she is about her business. about 6. syl a:bout pron <*1baut> pos prep. usage foll. by an infinitive def ready to or intending to: often used to form an immediate future verb. exam 1 he was about to jump. about 7. syl a:bout pron <*1baut> pos adv. def approximately; near in number, time, degree, etc.. exam 1 about 50 years old. about 8. syl a:bout pron <*1baut> pos adv. def nearby. about 9. syl a:bout pron <*1baut> pos adv. def here and there; from place to place; in no particular direction. exam 1 walk about to keep warm. about 10. syl a:bout pron <*1baut> pos adv. def all around; on every side. about 11. syl a:bout pron <*1baut> pos adv. def in or to the opposite direction. exam 1 he turned about and came back. about 12. syl a:bout pron <*1baut> pos adv. def in rotation or revolution. exam 1 turn and turn about. about 13. syl a:bout pron <*1baut> pos adv. def used in informal phrases to indicate understatement. exam 1 I've had just about enough of your insults; exam 2 it's about time you stopped. about 14. syl a:bout pron <*1baut> pos adv. qual Archaic. def in circumference; around. about 15. syl a:bout pron <*1baut> pos adj. usage predicative def active; astir after sleep. exam 1 up and about. about-ships infl head about-ship syl a:bout-ships pos vb. mod intr. about-shipping infl head about-ship syl a:bout-ship:ping pos vb. mod intr. about-shipped infl head about-ship syl a:bout-shipped. pos vb. mod intr. about-ship 0. syl a:bout-ship pos vb. mod intr. qual Nautical. def to manoeuvre a vessel onto a new tack. about face alt head about turn or about turn syl a:bout face pos interj. qual U.S. about turn 1. or about face syl a:bout turn pos interj. def a military command to a formation of men to reverse the direction in which they are facing. about-turn infl head about turn or about-face syl a:bout-turn pos n. about-face infl head about turn or about-turn syl a:bout-face. pos n. qual U.S. about turn 2. or about face syl a:bout turn pos n. def a complete change or reversal, as of opinion, attitude, direction, etc. about-turn infl head about turn or about-face syl a:bout-turn pos vb. about-face infl head about turn or about-turn syl a:bout-face. pos vb. qual U.S. about turn 3. or about face syl a:bout turn pos vb. mod intr. def to perform an about-turn. above ety Old English abufan, from a- on+ bufan above above 1. syl a:bove pron <*1b^v> pos prep. def on top of or higher than; over. exam 1 the sky above the earth. above 2. syl a:bove pron <*1b^v> pos prep. def greater than in quantity or degree. exam 1 above average in weight. above 3. syl a:bove pron <*1b^v> pos prep. def superior to or prior to. exam 1 to place honour above wealth. above 4. syl a:bove pron <*1b^v> pos prep. def too honourable or high-minded for. exam 1 above petty gossiping. above 5. syl a:bove pron <*1b^v> pos prep. def too respected for; beyond. exam 1 above suspicion; exam 2 above reproach. above 6. syl a:bove pron <*1b^v> pos prep. def too difficult to be understood by. exam 1 the talk was above me. above 7. syl a:bove pron <*1b^v> pos prep. def louder or higher than (other noise). exam 1 I heard her call above the radio. above 8. syl a:bove pron <*1b^v> pos prep. def in preference to. exam 1 I love you above all others. above 9. syl a:bove pron <*1b^v> pos prep. def north of. exam 1 which town lies just above London?? above 10. syl a:bove pron <*1b^v> pos prep. def upstream from. above all 11. head above syl above all. def most of all or most important. above and beyond 12. head above syl above and beyond. def in addition to. above oneself 13. head above syl above oneself. def presumptuous or conceited. {~} above 14. syl a:bove pron <*1b^v> pos prep. def in or to a higher place. exam 1 the sky above. above 15.a. syl a:bove pron <*1b^v> pos prep. def in a previous place (in something written). above 15.b. syl a:bove pron <*1b^v> pos prep. usage in combination exam 1 the above-mentioned clause. above 16. syl a:bove pron <*1b^v> pos prep. def higher in rank or position. above 17. syl a:bove pron <*1b^v> pos prep. def in or concerned with heaven. exam 1 seek the things that are above. the above 18. head above syl the above. def something that is above or previously mentioned. above 19. syl a:bove pron <*1b^v> pos adj. def mentioned or appearing in a previous place (in something written). (aboveboard infl head above board syl (aboveboard pos adj. above board 0. syl a:bove board pos adj. usage when prenominal) def , in the open; without dishonesty, concealment, or fraud. ab ovo ety literally: from the egg ab ovo 0. syl ab o:vo pron Latin. <@b> <1*uv*u> def from the beginning. abp alt head Abp or Abp syl abp. Abp 0. or abp syl Abp. qual abbrev. for def archbishop. abr 1. syl abr. qual abbrev. for: def abridged. abr 2. syl abr. qual abbrev. for: def abridgment. abracadabra ety C17: from Latin: magical word used in certain Gnostic writings, perhaps related to Greek Abrasax, a Gnostic deity abracadabra 1. syl ab+ra+ca+dab+ra pron <2@br*k*1d@br*> pos interj. def a spoken formula, used esp. by conjurors. abracadabra 2. syl ab+ra+ca+dab+ra pron <2@br*k*1d@br*> pos n. def a word used in incantations, etc., considered to possess magic powers. abracadabra 3. syl ab+ra+ca+dab+ra pron <2@br*k*1d@br*> pos n. def gibberish; nonsense. abrade ety C17: from Latin abr*_adere to scrape away, from #7ab -#7+ r*_adere to scrape abrade 0. syl a:brade pron <*1brAd> pos vb. mod tr. def to scrape away or wear down by friction; erode. abradant sub head abrade syl a:1bra+dant pos n. abrader sub head abrade syl a:1brad+er pos n. Abraham 1. syl A:bra:ham pron <1Abr*2h@m>, <-h*m> pos n. qual Old Testament. def the first of the patriarchs, the father of Isaac and the founder of the Hebrew people (Genesis 11-25). Abraham's bosom 2. head Abraham syl Abraham's bosom. def the place where the just repose after death (Luke 16:22). abranchiate ety C19: #7a -%1#7+branchiate abranchial alt head abranchiate or abranchiate syl a:bran+chi:al pos adj. abranchiate 0. or abranchial syl a:bran+chi+ate pron <*1br@Gkiit>, <-2At> pos adj. qual Zool?!ogy. def having no gills. abrasion ety C17: from Medieval Latin abr*_asi*_on-, from the past participle of Latin abr*_adere to #7abrade abrasion 1. syl a:bra+sion pron <*1brAZ*n> pos n. def the process of scraping or wearing down by friction. abrasion 2. syl a:bra+sion pron <*1brAZ*n> pos n. def a scraped area or spot; graze. abrasion 3. syl a:bra+sion pron <*1brAZ*n> pos n. qual Geography. def the effect of mechanical erosion of rock, esp. a river bed, by rock fragments scratching and scraping it; wearing down. Compare { {attrition} (sense 3)}, {corrasion}. abrasive 1. syl a:bra+sive pron <*1brAsiv> pos n. def a substance or material such as sandpaper, pumice, or emery, used for cleaning, grinding, smoothing, or polishing. abrasive 2. syl a:bra+sive pron <*1brAsiv> pos adj. def causing abrasion; grating; rough. abrasive 3. syl a:bra+sive pron <*1brAsiv> pos adj. def irritating in manner or personality; causing tension or annoyance. abraxas ety from Greek: invented word abraxas 0. syl a:brax+as pron <*1br@ks*s> pos n. def an ancient charm composed of Greek letters: originally believed to have magical powers and inscribed on amulets, etc., but from the second century #7a.d. personified by Gnostics as a deity, the source of divine emanations. abreact 0. syl ab+re+act pron <2@bri1@kt> pos vb. mod tr. qual Psychoanal. def to alleviate (emotional tension) through abreaction. abreaction 0. syl ab+re+ac+tion pron <2@bri1@kS*n> pos n. qual Psychoanal. def the release and expression of emotional tension associated with repressed ideas by bringing those ideas into consciousness. abreast 1. syl a:breast pron <*1brest> pos adj. usage postpositive def alongside each other and facing in the same direction. abreast 2. syl a:breast pron <*1brest> pos adj. usage postpositive; foll. by of or with def up to date (with); fully conversant (with). abri ety French, from Latin apricum an open place abri 0. syl a:bri pron <@1bri> pos n. def a shelter or place of refuge, esp. in wartime. abridge ety C14: via Old French abregier from Late Latin abbrevi*_are to shorten abridge 1. syl a:bridge pron <*1briJ> pos vb. mod tr. def to reduce the length of (a written work) by condensing or rewriting. abridge 2. syl a:bridge pron <*1briJ> pos vb. mod tr. def to curtail; diminish. abridge 3. syl a:bridge pron <*1briJ> pos vb. mod tr. qual Archaic. def to deprive of (privileges, rights, etc.). abridgable sub head abridge or abridgeable syl a:1bridg+a:ble pos adj. abridgeable sub head abridge or abridgable syl a:1bridge+a:ble pos adj. abridger sub head abridge syl a:1bridg+er pos n. abridgement alt head abridgment or abridgment syl a:bridge+ment pron <*1briJm*nt> pos n. abridgment 1. or abridgement syl a:bridg+ment pron <*1briJm*nt> pos n. def a short?!ened version of a written work. abridgment 2. or abridgement syl a:bridg+ment pron <*1briJm*nt> pos n. def the act of abridging or state of being abridged. abroach ety C14: from Old French abrochier from a - to+ brochier to #7broach abroach 0. syl a:broach pron <*1br*uC> pos adj. usage postpositive; of a cask, barrel, etc. def tapped; broached. abroad ety C13: from #7a -%2#7+broad abroad 1. syl a:broad pron <*1brc:d> pos adv. def to or in a foreign country or countries. abroad 2. syl a:broad pron <*1brc:d> pos adj. usage postpositive; of news, rumours, etc. def in general circulation; current. abroad 3. syl a:broad pron <*1brc:d> pos adj. usage postpositive def out in the open. abroad 4. syl a:broad pron <*1brc:d> pos adj. usage postpositive def over a wide area. abroad 5. syl a:broad pron <*1brc:d> pos adj. qual Archaic. usage postpositive def in error. abrogate ety C16: from Latin abrog*_atus repealed, from #7ab -%1#7+ rog*_are to propose (a law) abrogate 0. syl ab+ro+gate pron <1@br*u2gAt> pos vb. mod tr. def to cancel or revoke formally or officially; repeal; annul. abrogation sub head abrogate syl ab+ro+1ga+tion pos n. abrogator sub head abrogate syl ab+ro+2ga+tor pos n. abrupt ety C16: from Latin abruptus broken off, from #7ab -%1#7+ rumpere to break abrupt 1. syl ab+rupt pron <*1br^pt> pos adj. def sudden; unexpected. abrupt 2. syl ab+rupt pron <*1br^pt> pos adj. def brusque or brief in speech, manner, etc.; curt. abrupt 3. syl ab+rupt pron <*1br^pt> pos adj. usage of a style of writing or speaking def making sharp transitions from one subject to another; disconnected. abrupt 4. syl ab+rupt pron <*1br^pt> pos adj. def precipitous; steep. abrupt 5. syl ab+rupt pron <*1br^pt> pos adj. qual Botany. def shaped as though a part has been cut off; truncate. abrupt 6. syl ab+rupt pron <*1br^pt> pos adj. usage Geology. of strata def cropping out suddenly. abruptly sub head abrupt syl ab+1rupt+ly pos adv. abruptness sub head abrupt syl ab+1rupt+ness pos n. abruption ety C17: from Latin abruptio ; see #7abrupt abruption 0. syl ab+rup+tion pron <*1br^pS*n> pos n. def a breaking off of a part or parts from a mass. Abruzzi 0. syl A:bruz+zi pron Italian pos n. def a region of S central Italy, between the Apennines and the Adriatic: separated from the former administrative region {Abruzzi e Molise} in 1965. Capital: Aquila. Pop.: 1163334 (1971). Area: 10794 sq. km (4210 sq. miles). Absalom 0. syl Ab:sa:lom pron <1@bs*l*m> pos n. qual Old Testament. def the third son of David, who rebelled against his father and was eventually killed by Joab (II Samuel 15-18). abscess ety C16: from Latin abscessus a going away, a throwing off of bad humours, hence an abscess, from absc*_edere to go away abscess 1. syl ab+scess pron <1@bses>, <-sis> pos n. def a localized collection of pus formed as the product of inflammation and often caused by bacteria. abscess 2. syl ab+scess pron <1@bses>, <-sis> pos vb. mod intr. def to form such a collection of pus. abscessed sub head abscess syl ab+scessed pos adj. abscise ety C17: from Latin abscisus , from absc*_idere to cut off abscise 0. syl ab+scise pron <@b1sIz> pos vb. def to separate by abscission. abscissa ety C17: New Latin, originally linea abscissa a cut-off line abscissas infl head abscissa or abscissae syl ab+scis+sas pron <-1sisE> pos n. mod pl. abscissae infl head abscissa or abscissas syl ab+scis+sae pron <-1sisE> pos n. mod pl. abscissa 0. syl ab+scis+sa pron <@b1sis*> pos n. def the horizontal or -coordinate of a point in a two-dimensional system of Cartesian coordinates. It is the distance from the -axis measured parallel to the -axis. Compare { {ordinate} (sense 1)}. abscission ety C17: from Latin abscissi*_on-, from #7ab -%1#7+ scissi*_o a cleaving abscission 1. syl ab+scis+sion pron <@b1siZ*n>, <-1siS-> pos n. def the separation of leaves, branches, flowers, and bark from plants by the formation of an abscission layer. abscission 2. syl ab+scis+sion pron <@b1siZ*n>, <-1siS-> pos n. def the act of cutting off. abscission layer 0. syl ab+scis+sion lay+er pos n. def a layer of parenchyma cells, bounded on both sides by cork, that is formed at the base of fruit, flower, and leaf stems and under bark before abscission. As the parenchyma disintegrates the organ becomes separated from the plant. abscond ety C16: from Latin abscondere to hide, put away, from abs- #7ab -%1#7+ condere to stow abscond 0. syl ab+scond pron <*b1skond> pos vb. mod intr. def to run away secretly, esp. to avoid prosecution or arrest after stealing something. absconder sub head abscond syl ab+1scond+er pos n. abseil ety C20: from German abseilen to descend by a rope, from ab- down+ Seil rope abseil 1. syl ab+seil pron <1@bsIl> pos vb. mod intr. qual Mountaineering. def to descend a steep slope or vertical drop by a rope secured from above and coiled around one's body or through karabiners attached to one's body in order to control the speed of descent. abseil 2. syl ab+seil pron <1@bsIl> pos vb. mod intr. def to descend by rope from a helicopter. abseil 3. syl ab+seil pron <1@bsIl> pos n. mod intr. def an instance or the technique of abseiling. {~} Also called: {rappel}. absence ety C14: via Old French from Latin absentia, from abs*_ens a being away absence 1. syl ab+sence pron <1@bs*ns> pos n. def the state of being away. absence 2. syl ab+sence pron <1@bs*ns> pos n. def the time during which a person or thing is away. absence 3. syl ab+sence pron <1@bs*ns> pos n. def the fact of being without something; lack. absent ety C14: from Latin absent-, stem of abs*_ens, present participle of abesse to be away absent 1. syl ab+sent pron <1@bs*nt> pos adj. def away or not present. absent 2. syl ab+sent pron <1@bs*nt> pos adj. def lacking; missing. absent 3. syl ab+sent pron <1@bs*nt> pos adj. def inattentive; absent-minded. absent 4. syl ab+sent pron <@b1sent> pos vb. mod tr. def to remove (oneself) or keep away. absenter sub head absent syl ab+1sent+er pos n. absentee 0.a. syl ab+sen+tee pron <2@bs*n1tE> pos n. def a person who is absent. absentee 0.b. syl ab+sen+tee pron <2@bs*n1tE> pos n. usage as modifier exam 1 an absentee voter. absenteeism 0. syl ab+sen+tee+ism pron <2@bs*n1tEiz*m> pos n. def persistent absence from work, school, etc. absentee landlord 0. syl ab+sen+tee land+lord pos n. def a landlord who does not live in or near a property from which he draws an income. absente reo ety Latin: literally: the defendant being absent absente reo 0. syl ab+sen+te re:o pron <@b1senti> <1rE*u> qual Law. def in the absence of the defendant. absently 0. syl ab+sent+ly pron <1@bs*ntli> pos adv. def in an absent-minded or preoccupied manner; inattentively. absent-minded 0. syl ab:sent-mind:ed pos adj. def preoccupied; forgetful; inattentive. absent-mindedly sub head absent-minded syl ab:sent-1mind:ed+ly pos adv. absent-mindedness sub head absent-minded syl ab:sent-1mind:ed+ness pos n. absent without leave 0. syl ab+sent with+out leave qual Military. def the full form of {A.W.O.L}. absinthe ety C15: via French and Latin from Greek apsinthion wormwood absinth alt head absinthe or absinthe syl ab+sinth pron <1@bsinT> pos n. absinthe 1. or absinth syl ab+sinthe pron <1@bsinT> pos n. def a potent green alcoholic drink, technically a gin, originally having high wormwood content. absinthe 2. or absinth syl ab+sinthe pron <1@bsinT> pos n. def another name for {wormwood} (the plant). absinthism 0. syl ab+sinth+ism pron <1@bsin2Tiz*m> pos n. qual Pathol. def a diseased condition resulting from excessive drinking of absinthe. absit omen ety literally: may the (evil) omen be absent absit omen 0. syl ab+sit o:men pron Latin. <1@bsit> <1*umen> def may the presentiment not become real or take place. absolute ety C14: from Latin absol*_utus unconditional, freed from, from absolvere. See #7absolve absolute 1. syl ab+so+lute pron <1@bs*2lu:t> pos adj. def complete; perfect. absolute 2. syl ab+so+lute pron <1@bs*2lu:t> pos adj. def free from limitations, restrictions, or exceptions; unqualified. exam 1 an absolute choice. absolute 3. syl ab+so+lute pron <1@bs*2lu:t> pos adj. def having unlimited authority; despotic. exam 1 an absolute ruler. absolute 4. syl ab+so+lute pron <1@bs*2lu:t> pos adj. def undoubted; certain. exam 1 the absolute truth. absolute 5. syl ab+so+lute pron <1@bs*2lu:t> pos adj. def not depend?!ent on, conditioned by, or relative to anything else; independ?!ent. exam 1 an absolute term in logic; exam 2 the absolute value of a quantity in physics. absolute 6. syl ab+so+lute pron <1@bs*2lu:t> pos adj. def pure; unmixed. exam 1 absolute alcohol. absolute 7. syl ab+so+lute pron <1@bs*2lu:t> pos adj. usage of a grammatical construction def syntactically independent of the main clause, as for example the construction in the sentence absolute 8. syl ab+so+lute pron <1@bs*2lu:t> pos adj. usage Grammar. of a transitive verb def used without a direct object, as the verb in the sentence absolute 9. syl ab+so+lute pron <1@bs*2lu:t> pos adj. usage Grammar. of an adjective def used as a noun, as for instance and in the sentence absolute 10.a. syl ab+so+lute pron <1@bs*2lu:t> pos adj. usage postpositive; of a pressure measurement def not relative to atmospheric pressure. exam 1 the pressure was 5 bar absolute. absolute 10.b. syl ab+so+lute pron <1@bs*2lu:t> pos adj. def denoting absolute or thermo?!dynamic temperature. absolute 11.a. syl ab+so+lute pron <1@bs*2lu:t> pos adj. def Also: {{numerical} (sense 4b.)}. (of a value) having a magnitude but no sign. absolute 11.b. syl ab+so+lute pron <1@bs*2lu:t> pos adj. usage of a constant def never changing in value. absolute 11.c. syl ab+so+lute pron <1@bs*2lu:t> pos adj. usage of an inequality def un?!conditional. absolute 11.d. syl ab+so+lute pron <1@bs*2lu:t> pos adj. usage of a term def not containing a variable. absolute 12. syl ab+so+lute pron <1@bs*2lu:t> pos adj. usage Law. of a court order or decree def coming into effect immediately and not liable to be modified; final. See {decree absolute}. absolute 13. syl ab+so+lute pron <1@bs*2lu:t> pos adj. usage Law. of a title to property, etc. def not subject to any encumbrance or condition. absolute 14. syl ab+so+lute pron <1@bs*2lu:t> pos n. def something that is absolute. Absolute 1.a. syl Ab+so+lute pron <1@bs*2lu:t> pos n. usage sometimes not cap. def the ultimate basis of reality. Absolute 1.b. syl Ab+so+lute pron <1@bs*2lu:t> pos n. usage sometimes not cap. def that which is totally un?!conditioned, unrestricted, pure, perfect, or complete. Absolute 2. syl Ab+so+lute pron <1@bs*2lu:t> pos n. usage sometimes not cap.; in the philosophy of Hegel def that towards which all things evolve dialectically. absolute alcohol 0. syl ab+so+lute al+co+hol pos n. def a liquid containing at least 99 per cent of pure ethanol by weight. absolute ceiling 0. syl ab+so+lute ceil+ing pos n. def the maximum height above sea level, usually measured in feet or metres, at which an aircraft can maintain horizontal flight. Compare {service ceiling}. absolute humidity 0. syl ab+so+lute hu+mid+i:ty pos n. def the humidity of the atmosphere expressed as the number of grams of water contained in 1 cubic metre of air. Compare {relative humidity}. absolutely 1. syl ab+so+lute+ly pron <2@bs*1lu:tli> pos adv. def in an absolute manner, esp. completely or perfectly. absolutely 2. syl ab+so+lute+ly pron <2@bs*1lu:tli> pos adv. usage sentence substitute def yes; certainly; unquestionably. absolute magnitude 0. syl ab+so+lute mag+ni+tude pos n. def the magnitude a given star would have if it were situated at a distance of 10 parsecs (32.6 light years) from the earth. absolute majority 0. syl ab+so+lute ma+jor+i:ty pos n. def a majority of over 50 per cent, such as the total number of votes or seats obtained by a party that beats the combined opposition. Compare {relative majority}. absolute monarchy 0. syl ab+so+lute mon+ar+chy pos n. def a monarchy without constitutional limits. Compare {constitutional monarchy}. absolute music 0. syl ab+so+lute mu+sic pos n. def music that is not designed to depict or evoke any scene or event. Compare {programme music}. absolute pitch 1. syl ab+so+lute pitch pos n. def the ability to identify or to reproduce the pitch of a note. absolute pitch 2. syl ab+so+lute pitch pos n. def the exact pitch of a note determined by vibration per second. {~} Also called (not in technical usage): {perfect pitch}. Compare {relative pitch}. absolute temperature 0. syl ab+so+lute tem+per:a+ture pos n. def another name for {thermodynamic temperature}. absolute unit 1. syl ab+so+lute u:nit pos n. def a unit of measurement forming part of the electromagnetic cgs system, such as an abampere or abcoulomb. absolute unit 2. syl ab+so+lute u:nit pos n. def a unit of measurement forming part of a system of units that includes a unit of force defined so that it is independent of the acceleration of free fall. absolute value 1. syl ab+so+lute val:ue pos n. def the magnitude of a real number or quantity regardless of its sign. The absolute value of - is written #800002 - absolute value 2. syl ab+so+lute val:ue pos n. def Also called: {modulus}. the positive square root of the sum of the squares of the real and imaginary parts of a complex number: #800004 4+3 =+$/#800006 (4%2+3%2) =5. absolute viscosity 0. syl ab+so+lute vis+cos+i:ty pos n. def a full name for {viscosity}, used to distinguish it from kinematic viscosity and specific viscosity. absolute zero 0. syl ab+so+lute ze:ro pos n. def the lowest temperature theoretically attainable, at which the particles constituting matter would be at rest; the zero of thermodynamic temperature; zero on the International Practical Scale of Temperature: equivalent to -273.15?%C or -459.67?%F. absolution ety C12: from Latin absol*_uti*_on- acquittal, forgiveness of sins, from absolvere to #7absolve absolution 1. syl ab+so+lu+tion pron <2@bs*1lu:S*n> pos n. def the act of absolving or the state of being absolved; release from guilt, obligation, or punishment. absolution 2.a. syl ab+so+lu+tion pron <2@bs*1lu:S*n> pos n. def a formal remission of sin pronounced by a priest in the sacrament of penance. absolution 2.b. syl ab+so+lu+tion pron <2@bs*1lu:S*n> pos n. def the prescribed form of words granting such a remission. absolutory sub head absolution syl ab+sol:u+to:ry pron <@b1soljut*ri>, <-tri> pos adj. absolutism 1. syl ab+so+lut+ism pron <1@bs*lu:2tiz*m> pos n. def the principle or practice of a political system in which unrestricted power is vested in a monarch, dictator, etc.; despotism. absolutism 2. syl ab+so+lut+ism pron <1@bs*lu:2tiz*m> pos n. qual Philosophy. def the doctrine of the existence of an absolute or nonrelative being. absolutism 3. syl ab+so+lut+ism pron <1@bs*lu:2tiz*m> pos n. qual Theol. def an uncompromising form of the doctrine of predestination. absolve ety C15: from Latin absolvere to free from, from #7ab -%1#7+ solvere to make loose absolve 1. syl ab+solve pron <*b1zolv> pos vb. mod tr. usage usually foll. by from def to release from blame, sin, punishment, obligation, or responsibility. absolve 2. syl ab+solve pron <*b1zolv> pos vb. mod tr. def to pronounce not guilty; acquit; pardon. absolvable sub head absolve syl ab+1solv+a:ble pos adj. absolver sub head absolve syl ab+1solv+er pos n. absonant ety C16: Medieval Latin, from Latin #7ab -%1#7+ sonant-, from son*_ans sounding. Compare #7consonant absonant 0. syl ab+so+nant pron <1@bs*n*nt> pos adj. qual Archaic. def discordant or inharmoni?!ous. absorb ety C15: via Old French from Latin absorb*_ere to suck, swallow, from {#7ab -%1}#7+ sorb*_ere to suck absorb 1. syl ab+sorb pron <*b1sc:b>, <-1zc:b> pos vb. mod tr. def to soak or suck up (liquids). absorb 2. syl ab+sorb pron <*b1sc:b>, <-1zc:b> pos vb. mod tr. def to engage or occupy (the interest, attention, or time) of (someone); engross. absorb 3. syl ab+sorb pron <*b1sc:b>, <-1zc:b> pos vb. mod tr. def to receive or take in (the energy of an impact). absorb 4. syl ab+sorb pron <*b1sc:b>, <-1zc:b> pos vb. mod tr. qual Physics. def to take in all or part of incident radiated energy and retain it without reflection or transmission. absorb 5. syl ab+sorb pron <*b1sc:b>, <-1zc:b> pos vb. mod tr. def to take in or assimilate; incorporate. absorb 6. syl ab+sorb pron <*b1sc:b>, <-1zc:b> pos vb. mod tr. def to accept and find a market for (goods, etc.). absorb 7. syl ab+sorb pron <*b1sc:b>, <-1zc:b> pos vb. mod tr. def to pay for as part of a commercial transaction. exam 1 the distributor absorbed the cost of transport. absorb 8. syl ab+sorb pron <*b1sc:b>, <-1zc:b> pos vb. mod tr. qual Chem. def to undergo or cause to undergo a process in which one substance, usually a liquid or gas, permeates into or is dissolved by a liquid or solid. exam 1 porous solids absorb water; exam 2 hydrochloric acid absorbs carbon dioxide. absorb xref syl ab+sorb pron <*b1sc:b>, <-1zc:b> pos vb. mod tr. def Compare {{adsorb}}. absorbability sub head absorb syl ab+2sorb+a:1bil+i:ty pos n. absorbable sub head absorb syl ab+1sorb+a:ble pos adj. absorbance 0.a. syl ab+sorb+ance pron <*b1sc:b*ns>, <-1zc:-> pos n. qual Physics. def the logarithm to base ten of internal transmittance. absorbance 0.b. syl ab+sorb+ance pron <*b1sc:b*ns>, <-1zc:-> pos n. qual Physics. def another term for {transmission density}. absorbed 0. syl ab+sorbed pron <*b1sc:bd>, <-1zc:bd> pos adj. def engrossed; deeply interested. absorbedly sub head absorbed syl ab+sorb+ed+ly pron <*b1sc:bidli>, <-1zc:-> pos adv. absorbefacient 1. syl ab+sor+be+fa+cient pron <*b2sc:bi1fAS*nt>, <-2zc:-> pos n. qual Med. def a medicine or other agent that promotes absorption. absorbefacient 2. syl ab+sor+be+fa+cient pron <*b2sc:bi1fAS*nt>, <-2zc:-> pos adj. qual Med. def causing or promoting absorption. absorbent 1. syl ab+sorb+ent pron <*b1sc:b*nt>, <-1zc:-> pos adj. def able to absorb. absorbent 2. syl ab+sorb+ent pron <*b1sc:b*nt>, <-1zc:-> pos n. def a substance that absorbs. absorbency sub head absorbent syl ab+1sorb+en+cy pos n. absorbent cotton 0. syl ab+sorb+ent cot+ton pos n. def the usual U.S. term for { {cotton wool} (sense 1)}. absorber 1. syl ab+sorb+er pron <*b1sc:b*>, <-1zc:-> pos n. def a person or thing that absorbs. absorber 2. syl ab+sorb+er pron <*b1sc:b*>, <-1zc:-> pos n. qual Physics. def a material, esp. in a nuclear reactor, that absorbs radiation or causes it to lose energy. absorbing 0. syl ab+sorb+ing pron <*b1sc:biG>, <-1zc:b-> pos adj. def occupying one's interest or attention; engrossing; gripping. absorbingly sub head absorbing syl ab+1sorb+ing+ly pos adv. absorptance ety C20: #7absorption+ -#7ance absorption factor alt head absorptance or absorptance syl ab+sorp+tion fac+tor pos n. absorptance 0. or absorption factor syl ab+sorp+tance pron <*b1sc:pt*ns>, <-1zc:p-> pos n. qual Physics. def a measure of the ability of an object or surface to absorb radiation, equal to the ratio of the absorbed flux to the incident flux. For a plate of material the ratio of the flux absorbed between the entry and exit surfaces to the flux leaving the entry surface is the {internal absorptance}. Symbol: #Ga Compare {reflectance, transmittance}. absorption ety C16: from Latin absorpti*_on-, from ab?!sorb*_ere to #7absorb absorption 1. syl ab+sorp+tion pron <*b1sc:pS*n>, <-1zc:p-> pos n. def the process of absorbing or the state of being absorbed. absorption 2.a. syl ab+sorp+tion pron <*b1sc:pS*n>, <-1zc:p-> pos n. def normal assimilation by the tissues of the products of digestion. absorption 2.b. syl ab+sorp+tion pron <*b1sc:pS*n>, <-1zc:p-> pos n. def the process of taking up various gases, fluids, drugs, etc., through the mucous membranes or skin. absorptive sub head absorption syl ab+1sorp+tive pos adj. absorption spectrum 0. syl ab+sorp+tion spec+trum pos n. def the characteristic pattern of dark lines or bands that occurs when electromagnetic radiation is passed through an absorbing medium into a spectroscope. The same pattern occurs as coloured lines or bands in the emission spectrum of that medium. absorptivity 0. syl ab+sorp+tiv+i:ty pron <2@bsc:p1tiviti>, <-zc:p-> pos n. qual Physics. def a measure of the ability of a material to absorb radiation, equal to the internal absorptance of a homogeneous plate of the material under conditions in which the path of the radiation has unit length and the boundaries of the plate have no influence. absquatulate ety C19: humorous formation as if from Latin absquatulate 0. syl ab+squat:u+late pron <@b1skwotju2lAt> pos vb. mod intr. def to leave; decamp. abstain ety C14: via Old French from Latin abstin*_ere, from abs- #7ab -%1#7+ ten*_ere to hold, keep abstain 1. syl ab+stain pron <*b1stAn> pos vb. mod intr. usage usually foll. by from def to choose to refrain. exam 1 he abstained from alcohol. abstain 2. syl ab+stain pron <*b1stAn> pos vb. mod intr. usage usually foll. by from def to refrain from voting, esp. in a committee, legislature, etc. abstainer sub head abstain syl ab+1stain+er pos n. abstemious ety C17: from Latin abst*_emius, from abs- #7ab -%1#7+ t*_em-, from t*_em*_etum intoxicating drink abstemious 0. syl ab+ste+mi+ous pron <*b1stEmi*s> pos adj. def moderate or sparing, esp. in the consumption of alcohol or food; temperate. abstemiously sub head abstemious syl ab+1ste+mi+ous+ly pos adv. abstention ety C16: from Late Latin abstenti*_on-, from Latin abstin*_ere. See #7abstain abstention 1. syl ab+sten+tion pron <*b1stenS*n> pos n. def a voluntary decision not to act; the act of refraining or abstaining. abstention 2. syl ab+sten+tion pron <*b1stenS*n> pos n. def the act of withholding one's vote. abstentious sub head abstention syl ab+1sten+tious pos adj. abstergent ety C17: from Latin abstergent-, abst*_ergens wiping off, from abs- away, off+ terg*_ere to wipe abstergent 0. syl ab+ster+gent pron <*b1stR:J*nt> pos adj. def cleansing or scouring. abstinence ety C13: via Old French from Latin abstinentia, from abstin*_ere to #7abstain abstinence 1. syl ab+sti+nence pron <1@bstin*ns> pos n. def the act or practice of refraining from some action or from the use of something, esp. alcohol. abstinence 2. syl ab+sti+nence pron <1@bstin*ns> pos n. qual Chiefly R.C. Church. def the practice of refraining from specific kinds of food or drink, esp. from meat, as an act of penance. abstract ety C14 (in the sense: extracted): from Latin abstractus drawn off, removed from (something specific), from abs- #7ab -%1#7+ trahere to draw abstract 1. syl ab+stract pron <1@bstr@kt> pos adj. def having no reference to material objects or specific examples; not concrete. abstract 2. syl ab+stract pron <1@bstr@kt> pos adj. def not applied or practical; theoretical. abstract 3. syl ab+stract pron <1@bstr@kt> pos adj. def hard to understand; recondite; abstruse. abstract 4. syl ab+stract pron <1@bstr@kt> pos adj. qual Fine arts. def characterized by geometric, formalized, or otherwise nonrepresentational qualities. abstract 5. syl ab+stract pron <1@bstr@kt> pos n. def a condensed version of a piece of writing, speech, etc.; summary. abstract 6. syl ab+stract pron <1@bstr@kt> pos n. def an abstract term or idea. abstract 7. syl ab+stract pron <1@bstr@kt> pos n. def an abstract painting, sculpture, etc. in the abstract 8. head abstract syl in the abstract. def without reference to specific circumstances or practical experience. abstract 9. syl ab+stract pron <@b1str@kt> pos vb. mod tr. def to think of (a quality or concept) generally without reference to a specific example; regard theoretically. abstract 10. syl ab+stract pron <1@bstr@kt> pos vb. mod also; intr. def to summarize or epitomize. abstract 11. syl ab+stract pron <@b1str@kt> pos vb. mod tr. def to remove or extract. abstract 12. syl ab+stract pron <@b1str@kt> pos vb. mod tr. qual Euphemistic. def to steal. abstracted 1. syl ab+stract+ed pron <@b1str@ktid> pos adj. def lost in thought; preoccu?!pied. abstracted 2. syl ab+stract+ed pron <@b1str@ktid> pos adj. def taken out or separated; extracted. abstractedly sub head abstracted syl ab+1stract+ed+ly pos adv. abstractedness sub head abstracted syl ab+1stract+ed+ness pos n. abstract expressionism 0. syl ab+stract ex+pres+sion+ism pos n. def a school of painting in New York in the 1940s that combined the spontaneity of expressionism with abstract forms in unpremeditated, apparently random, compositions. See also {action painting, tachisme}. abstraction 1. syl ab+strac+tion pron <@b1str@kS*n> pos n. def absence of mind; preoccupa?!tion. abstraction 2. syl ab+strac+tion pron <@b1str@kS*n> pos n. def the process of formulating generalized ideas or concepts by extracting common qualities from specific examples. abstraction 3. syl ab+strac+tion pron <@b1str@kS*n> pos n. def an idea or concept formulated in this way. exam 1 good and evil are abstractions. abstraction 4. syl ab+strac+tion pron <@b1str@kS*n> pos n. def an abstract painting, sculpture, etc. abstraction 5. syl ab+strac+tion pron <@b1str@kS*n> pos n. def the act of withdrawing or removing. abstractive sub head abstraction syl ab+1strac+tive pos adj. abstractively sub head abstraction syl ab+1strac+tive+ly pos adv. abstractionism 0. syl ab+strac+tion+ism pron <@b1str@kS*2niz*m> pos n. def the theory and practice of the abstract, esp. of abstract art. &- {ab+#!strac+tion+ist} abstract noun 0. syl ab+stract noun pos n. def a noun that refers to an abstract concept. Compare {concrete noun}. abstract of title 0. syl ab+stract of ti+tle pos n. qual Property law. def a summary of the ownership of land, showing the original grant, conveyances, and any incumbrances. abstriction ety C17: from Latin #7ab -%1#7+ strictio a binding, from stringere to bind abstriction 0. syl ab+stric+tion pron <@b1strikS*n> pos n. def the separation and release of a mature spore from a sporophore by the formation of a septum. This process occurs in some fungi. abstruse ety C16: from Latin abstr*_usus thrust away, concealed, from abs- #7ab -%1#7+ tr*_udere to thrust abstruse 0. syl ab+struse pron <*b1stru:s> pos adj. def not easy to understand; recondite; esoteric. abstrusely sub head abstruse syl ab+1struse+ly pos adv. abstruseness sub head abstruse syl ab+1struse+ness pos n. absurd ety C16: via French from Latin absurdus dissonant,@T senseless,@T from@T #7ab -%1@T (intensive)+ surdus@T dull-sounding, indistinct absurd 1. syl ab+surd pron <*b1sR:d> pos adj. def at variance with reason; incongruous; ridiculous. absurd 2. syl ab+surd pron <*b1sR:d> pos adj. def ludicrous. absurdity sub head absurd or absurdness syl ab+1surd+i:ty pos n. absurdness sub head absurd or absurdity syl ab+1surd+ness pos n. absurdly sub head absurd syl ab+1surd+ly pos adv. Abu-Bakr alt head Abu-Bekr or Abu-Bekr syl A:bu-Bakr pron <*2bu:1b@k*> pos n. Abu-Bekr 0. or Abu-Bakr syl A:bu-Bekr pron <*2bu:1bek*> pos n. def 573-634 #7a.d., father-in-law of Mohammed; the first caliph of Islam. Abu Dhabi 0. syl Ab:u Dha+bi pron <1@bu:> <1da:bi> pos n. def a sheikdom of SE Arabia, on the S coast of the Persian Gulf: the chief sheikdom and capital of the United Arab Emirates, consisting principally of the port of Abu Dhabi and a desert hinterland; contains major oilfields. Pop.: 65000 (1972 est.). Area: about 10360 sq. km (4000 sq. miles). Abukir 0. syl A:bu+kir pron <2@bu:1ki*> pos n. def a variant spelling of {Aboukir}. abulia ety C19: New Latin, from Greek aboulia lack of resolution, from #7a -%1#7+ boul*_e will aboulia alt head abulia or abulia syl a:bou+li:a pron <*1bu:li*>, <-1bju:-> pos n. abulia 0. or aboulia syl a:bu+li:a pron <*1bu:li*>, <-1bju:-> pos n. qual Psychiatry. def a loss of will power. abulic sub head abulia syl a:1bu+lic pos adj. abundance ety C14: via Old French from Latin abundantia, from abund*_are to #7abound abundance 1. syl a:bun+dance pron <*1b^nd*ns> pos n. def a copious supply; great amount. abundance 2. syl a:bun+dance pron <*1b^nd*ns> pos n. def fullness or benevolence. exam 1 from the abundance of my heart. abundance 3. syl a:bun+dance pron <*1b^nd*ns> pos n. def degree of plentifulness. abundance 4. syl a:bun+dance pron <*1b^nd*ns> pos n. qual Chem. def the extent to which an element occurs in the earth's crust or some other specified environment: expressed in parts per million or as a percent?!age. abundance 5. syl a:bun+dance pron <*1b^nd*ns> pos n. qual Physics. def the ratio of the number of atoms of a specific isotope in a mixture of isotopes of an element to the total number of atoms present: often expressed as a percentage. exam 1 the abundance of neon-22 in natural neon is 8.82 per cent. abundance 6. syl a:bun+dance pron <*1b^nd*ns> pos n. def Also: {abondance}. a call in solo whist undertaking to make nine tricks. abundance 7. syl a:bun+dance pron <*1b^nd*ns> pos n. def affluence. abundant ety C14: from Latin abundant-, present participle of abund*_are to #7abound abundant 1. syl a:bun+dant pron <*1b^nd*nt> pos adj. def existing in plentiful supply. abundant 2. syl a:bun+dant pron <*1b^nd*nt> pos adj. usage postpositive; foll. by in def having a plentiful supply (of). abundant 3. syl a:bun+dant pron <*1b^nd*nt> pos adj. usage of a chemical element or mineral def occurring to an extent specified in relation to other elements or minerals in the earth's crust or some other specified environment. abundant 4. syl a:bun+dant pron <*1b^nd*nt> pos adj. usage of an isotope def occurring to an extent specified in relation to other isotopes in a mixture of isotopes. abundantly sub head abundant syl a:1bun+dant+ly pos adv. ab urbe condita 0. syl ab ur:be con+di+ta pron Latin. <@b> <1R:bi> <1kondit*> def the full form of {A.U.C}. abuse ety C14 (vb.): via Old French from Latin ab*_usus, past participle of ab*_ut*_i to misuse, from #7ab -%1#7+ *_ut*_i to #7use abuse 1. syl a:buse pron <*1bju:z> pos vb. mod tr. def to use incorrectly or improperly; misuse. abuse 2. syl a:buse pron <*1bju:z> pos vb. mod tr. def to maltreat. abuse 3. syl a:buse pron <*1bju:z> pos vb. mod tr. def to speak insultingly or cruelly to; revile. abuse 4. syl a:buse pron <*1bju:z> pos vb. mod tr. usage reflexive def to masturbate. abuse 5. syl a:buse pron <*1bju:s> pos n. mod tr. def improp?!er, incorrect, or excessive use; misuse. abuse 6. syl a:buse pron <*1bju:s> pos n. mod tr. def maltreatment of a person; injury. abuse 7. syl a:buse pron <*1bju:s> pos n. mod tr. def insulting, contemptuous, or coarse speech. abuse 8. syl a:buse pron <*1bju:s> pos n. mod tr. def an evil, unjust, or corrupt practice. abuse 9. syl a:buse pron <*1bju:s> pos n. mod tr. qual Archaic. def a deception. abuser sub head abuse syl a:1bus+er pos n. Abu Simbel 0. syl Ab:u Sim+bel pron <2@bu:> <1simbL> pos n. def a former village in S Egypt: site of two temples of Rameses II, which were moved to higher ground (1966-67) before the area behind the Aswan High Dam was flooded. Also called: {Ipsambul}. abusive 1. syl a:bu+sive pron <*1bju:siv> pos adj. def characterized by insulting or coarse language. abusive 2. syl a:bu+sive pron <*1bju:siv> pos adj. def characterized by maltreatment. abusive 3. syl a:bu+sive pron <*1bju:siv> pos adj. def incorrectly used; corrupt. abusively sub head abusive syl a:1bu+sive+ly pos adv. abusiveness sub head abusive syl a:1bu+sive+ness pos n. abut ety C15: from Old French abouter to join at the ends, border on; influenced by abuter to touch at an end, buttress abuts infl head abut syl a:buts pos vb. abutting infl head abut syl a:but+ting pos vb. abutted infl head abut syl a:but+ted. pos vb. abut 0. syl a:but pron <*1b^t> pos vb. usage usually foll. by on, upon, or against def to adjoin, touch, or border on (something) at one end. abuttal sub head abut syl a:1but+tal pos n. abutilon ety C18: New Latin from Arabic abutilon 0. syl a:bu+ti+lon pron <*1bju:til*n> pos n. def any shrub or herbaceous plant of the malvaceous genus such as the flowering maple, that have showy white, yellow, or red flowers. abuttal alt head abutment or abutment syl a:but+tal pos n. abutment 1. or abuttal syl a:but+ment pron <*1b^tm*nt> pos n. def the state or process of abutting. abutment 2.a. or abuttal syl a:but+ment pron <*1b^tm*nt> pos n. def something that abuts. abutment 2.b. or abuttal syl a:but+ment pron <*1b^tm*nt> pos n. def the thing on which something abuts. abutment 2.c. or abuttal syl a:but+ment pron <*1b^tm*nt> pos n. def the point of junction between them. abutment 3. or abuttal syl a:but+ment pron <*1b^tm*nt> pos n. qual Architect., civil engineering. def a construction that takes the thrust of an arch or vault or supports the end of a bridge. abuttals 0. syl a:but+tals pron <*1b^tLz> pos n. mod pl. qual Property law. def the boundaries of a plot of land where it abuts against other property. abutter 0. syl a:but+ter pron <*1b^t*> pos n. qual Property law. def the owner of adjoining property. abuzz 0. syl a:buzz pron <*1b^z> pos adj. usage postpositive def humming, as with conversa?!tion, activity, etc.; buzzing. abvolt 0. syl ab+volt pron <1@b2v*ult> pos n. def the cgs unit of potential difference in the electromagnetic system; the potential difference between two points when work of 1 erg must be done to transfer 1 abcoulomb of charge from one point to the other: equivalent to 10%#-%8 volt. abwatt 0. syl ab+watt pron <1@b2wot> pos n. def the cgs unit of power in the electro?!magnetic system, equal to the power dissipated when a current of 1 abampere flows across a potential difference of 1 abvolt: equivalent to 10%#-%7 watt. aby ety Old English *_abycgan to pay for, atone for, from bycgan to buy abye alt head aby or aby syl a:bye pron <*1bI> pos vb. mod tr. abys infl head aby or abyes syl a:bys pos vb. mod tr. abyes infl head aby or abys syl a:byes pos vb. mod tr. abying infl head aby syl a:by+ing pos vb. mod tr. abought infl head aby syl a:bought. pos vb. mod tr. aby 0. or abye syl a:by pron <*1bI> pos vb. mod tr. qual Archaic. def to pay the penalty for; redeem. Abydos 1. syl A:by+dos pron <*1bId*s> pos n. def an ancient town in central Egypt: site of many temples and tombs. Abydos 2. syl A:by+dos pron <*1bId*s> pos n. def an ancient Greek colony on the Asiatic side of the Dardanelles (Hellespont): scene of the legend of Hero and Leander. abysm ety C13: via Old French from Medieval Latin abysmus #7abyss abysm 0. syl a:bysm pron <*1biz*m> pos n. def an archaic word for {abyss}. abysmal 1. syl a:bys+mal pron <*1bizm*l> pos adj. def immeasurable; very great. exam 1 abysmal stupidity. abysmal 2. syl a:bys+mal pron <*1bizm*l> pos adj. qual Informal. def extremely bad. exam 1 an abysmal film. abysmally sub head abysmal syl a:1bys+mal+ly pos adv. abyss ety C16: via Late Latin from Greek abussos bottomless (as in the phrase abussos limn*_e bottomless lake), from #7a -%1#7+ bussos depth abyss 1. syl a:byss pron <*1bis> pos n. def a very deep or unfathomable gorge or chasm. abyss 2. syl a:byss pron <*1bis> pos n. def anything that appears to be endless or immeasurably deep, such as time, despair, or shame. abyss 3. syl a:byss pron <*1bis> pos n. def hell or the infernal regions conceived of as a bottomless pit. abyssal 1. syl a:bys+sal pron <*1bis*l> pos adj. def at or belonging to the depths or floor of the ocean. abyssal 2. syl a:bys+sal pron <*1bis*l> pos adj. qual Geology. def another word for {plutonic}. Abyssinia 0. syl Ab+ys+sin:i:a pron <2@bi1sini*> pos n. def a former name for {Ethiopia}. Abyssinian sub head Abyssinia syl Ab+ys+1sin+i:an pos adj. n. Abyssinian cat 0. syl Ab+ys+sin+i:an cat pos n. def a variety of cat with a long body and a short brown coat with black or dark brown markings. Ac 0. syl Ac usage the chemical symbol for def actinium. ac ety Latin: before meals ac 0. syl a.c. usage abbrev. for in prescriptions def ante cibum. AC 0. syl AC qual abbrev. for def alternating current. Compare {DC}. AC ety Latin: before Christ AC 1. syl A.C. qual abbrev. for: def ante Christum. AC 2. syl A.C. qual abbrev. for: def Air Corps. AC 3. syl A.C. qual abbrev. for: def athletic club. ac 1. syl a/c qual Book-keeping. abbrev. for: def account. ac 2. syl a/c qual Book-keeping. abbrev. for: def account current. acacia ety C16: from Latin, from Greek akakia, perhaps related to ak*_e point acacia 1. syl a:ca+cia pron <*1kAS*> pos n. def any shrub or tree of the tropical and subtropical mimosaceous genus having compound or reduced leaves and small yellow or white flowers. See also {wattle} (sense 4). false acacia 2. head acacia syl false acacia. def another name for { {locust} (senses 2, 3)}. gum acacia 3. head acacia syl gum acacia. def another name for {gum arabic}. academe ety C16: first used by Shakespeare in Love's Labour's Lost (1588); see #7academy academe 1. syl ac:a+deme pron <1@k*2dEm> pos n. qual Literary. def any place of learning, such as a college or university. the grove(s) of Academe 2. head academe syl the grove(s) of Academe. qual Literary. def the academic world. academia 0. syl ac:a+dem:i:a pron <2@k*1dEmi*> pos n. def the academic world. academic 1. syl ac:a+dem+ic pron <2@k*1demik> pos adj. def belonging or relating to a place of learning, esp. a college, university, or academy. academic 2. syl ac:a+dem+ic pron <2@k*1demik> pos adj. def of purely theoretical or speculative interest. exam 1 an academic argument. academic 3. syl ac:a+dem+ic pron <2@k*1demik> pos adj. def excessively concerned with intellectual matters and lacking experience of practical affairs. academic 4. syl ac:a+dem+ic pron <2@k*1demik> pos adj. def conforming to set rules and traditions; conventional. exam 1 an academic painter. academic 5. syl ac:a+dem+ic pron <2@k*1demik> pos adj. qual Chiefly U.S. def relating to studies such as languages, philosophy, and pure science, rather than technical or professional studies. academic 6. syl ac:a+dem+ic pron <2@k*1demik> pos n. def a member of a college or university. &- {@!ac@.a+#!dem+i@.cal+ly} academicals 0. syl ac:a+dem+i:cals pron <2@k*1demikLz> pos n. mod pl. def another term for {academ?!ic dress}. academic dress 0. syl ac:a+dem+ic dress pos n. def formal dress, usually comprising cap, gown, and hood, worn by university staff and students. academician 0. syl a:cad+e:mi+cian pron <*2k@d*1miS*n>, <2@k*d*-> pos n. def a member of an Academy (sense 2). academism alt head academicism or academicism syl a:cad+e:mism pron <*1k@d*?!2miz*m> pos n. academicism 0. or academism syl ac:a+dem:i+cism pron <2@k*1demi2siz*m> pos n. def adherence to rules and traditions in art, literature, etc.; conventionalism. academy ety C16: via Latin from Greek akad*_emeia name of the grove where Plato taught, named after the legendary hero Akad*_emos academies infl head academy syl a:cad+e:mies. pos n. mod pl. academy 1. syl a:cad+e:my pron <*1k@d*mi> pos n. def an institution or society for the advancement of literature, art, or science. academy 2. syl a:cad+e:my pron <*1k@d*mi> pos n. def a school for training in a particular skill or profession. exam 1 a military acad?!emy. academy 3. syl a:cad+e:my pron <*1k@d*mi> pos n. def a secondary school, esp. a private one. academy 4. syl a:cad+e:my pron <*1k@d*mi> pos n. usage in Scotland def a fee-paying secondary day school. the infl head Academy syl the. pos n. Academy 1.a. syl A:cad+e:my pron <*1k@d*mi> pos n. def the grove or garden near Athens where Plato taught in the late 4th century #7b.c. Academy 1.b. syl A:cad+e:my pron <*1k@d*mi> pos n. def the school of philosophy founded by Plato. Academy 1.c. syl A:cad+e:my pron <*1k@d*mi> pos n. def the members of this school and their successors. Academy 2. syl A:cad+e:my pron <*1k@d*mi> pos n. def short for the {French Academy, Royal Academy}, etc. Acadia 1.a. syl A:ca+di:a pron <*1kAdi*> pos n. def the Maritime Provinces of Canada. Acadia 1.b. syl A:ca+di:a pron <*1kAdi*> pos n. def the French-speaking areas of these provinces. Acadia 2. syl A:ca+di:a pron <*1kAdi*> pos n. usage formerly def a French colony in the present-day Maritime Provinces: ceded to Britain in 1713. Acadia xref syl A:ca+di:a pron <*1kAdi*> pos n. def French name: {A@.ca+die} (aka#!di). Acadian 1. syl A:ca+di:an pron <*1kAdi*n> pos adj. def denoting or relating to Acadia or its inhabitants. Acadian 2. syl A:ca+di:an pron <*1kAdi*n> pos n. def any of the early French settlers in Nova Scotia, many of whom were deported to Louisiana in the 18th century. See also {Cajun}. acajou ety C18: via French from Portuguese acaj*'u, from Tupi acajou 1. syl ac:a+jou pron <1@k*2Zu:> pos n. def a type of mahogany used by cabinet-makers in France. acajou 2. syl ac:a+jou pron <1@k*2Zu:> pos n. def a less common name for {cashew}. acaleph ety C18: from New Latin, from Greek akal*_eph*_e a sting acaleph 0. syl ac:a+leph pron <1@k*2lef> pos n. qual Obsolete. def any of the coelenterates of the former taxonomic group which included the jellyfishes. acanthaceous 1. syl ac+an+tha+ceous pron <2@k*n1TAS*s> pos adj. def of or relating to the a mainly tropical and subtropical family of flowering plants that includes the acanthus. acanthaceous 2. syl ac+an+tha+ceous pron <2@k*n1TAS*s> pos adj. def having spiny or prickly outgrowths. acanthine 1. syl a:can+thine pron <*1k@nTIn>, <-TEn> pos adj. def of or resembling an acanthus. acanthine 2. syl a:can+thine pron <*1k@nTIn>, <-TEn> pos adj. def decorated with acanthus leaves. acantho- ety New Latin from Greek akanthos thorn plant, from akantha thorn acanthocephalan 1. syl a:can+tho+ceph:a+lan pron <*2k@nT*u1sef*l*n> pos n. def any of the parasitic wormlike invertebrates of the phylum the adults of which have a spiny proboscis and live in the intestines of vertebrates. acanthocephalan 2. syl a:can+tho+ceph:a+lan pron <*2k@nT*u1sef*l*n> pos adj. def of, relating to, or belonging to the acanthoid 0. syl a:can+thoid pron <*1k@nTcid> pos adj. def resembling a spine; spiny. acanthopterygian ety C19: from New Latin Acanthopterygii, from #7acantho -#7+ Greek pter*'ugion fin acanthopterygian 1. syl ac+an+thop+ter+yg+i:an pron <2@k*n2Topt*1riJi*n> pos adj. def of, relat?!ing to, or belonging to the a large group of teleost fishes having spiny fin rays. The group includes most saltwater bony fishes. acanthopterygian 2. syl ac+an+thop+ter+yg+i:an pron <2@k*n2Topt*1riJi*n> pos n. def any fish belonging to the acanthopterygian xref syl ac+an+thop+ter+yg+i:an pron <2@k*n2Topt*1riJi*n> pos adj. def Compare {malacopterygian}. acanthous 0. syl a:can+thous pron <*1k@nT*s> pos adj. def another term for {spinous}. acanthus ety C17: New Latin, from Greek akanthos, from akantha thorn, spine acanthuses infl head acanthus or acanthi syl a:can+thus:es pron <-TI> pos n. mod pl. acanthi infl head acanthus or acanthuses syl a:can+thi pron <-TI> pos n. mod pl. acanthus 1. syl a:can+thus pron <*1k@nT*s> pos n. def any shrub or herbaceous plant of the genus native to the Mediterranean region but widely cultivated as ornamental plants, having large spiny leaves and spikes of white or purplish flowers: family See also {bear's-breech}. acanthus 2. syl a:can+thus pron <*1k@nT*s> pos n. def a carved ornament based on the leaves of the acanthus plant, esp. as used on the capital of a Corinthian column. a cappella ety Italian: literally, according to (the style of the) chapel a cappella 0. syl a cap+pel+la pron pos adj. adv. qual Music. def without instrumental accompaniment. Acapulco 0. syl A:ca+pul+co pron <2@k*1pulk*u>, Spanish <2aka1pulko> pos n. def a port and resort in SW Mexico, in Guerrero state. Pop.: 352673 (1975 est.). Official name: {A@.ca+pul+co de Ju*'a+rez} $de #!$xwares). acariasis ety C19: New Latin. See #7acarus, -#7iasis acariasis 0. syl ac:a+ri:a+sis pron <2@k*1rI*sis> pos n. def infestation of the hair follicles and skin with acarids, esp. mites. acarid ety C19: from #7acarus acaridan alt head acarid or acarid syl a:car:i+dan pron <*1k@ridN> pos n. acarid 1. or acaridan syl ac:a+rid pron <1@k*rid> pos n. def any of the small arachnids of the order (or which includes the ticks and mites. acarid 2. or acaridan syl ac:a+rid pron <1@k*rid> pos adj. def of or relating to the order acaroid ety C19: see #7acarus, -#7oid acaroid 0. syl ac:a+roid pron <1@k*2rcid> pos adj. def resembling a mite or tick. acaroid gum ety C19 acaroid, of uncertain origin (apparently not related to #7acarus) acaresin alt head acaroid gum or acaroid gum syl ac:a+res+in pos n. acaroid gum 0. or acaresin syl ac:a+roid gum pos n. def a red alcohol-soluble resin that exudes from various species of grass tree, esp. and is used in varnishes, for coating paper, etc. Also called: {gum accroides}. acarology 0. syl ac:a+rol+o:gy pron <2@k*1rol*Ji> pos n. def the study of mites and ticks. acarpelous alt head acarpellous or acarpellous syl a:car+pel+ous pron pos adj. qual U.S. acarpellous 0. or acarpelous syl a:car+pel+lous pron pos adj. usage of flowers def having no carpels. acarpous ety from Greek akarpos, from #7a -%1#7+ karpos fruit acarpous 0. syl a:car+pous pron pos adj. usage of plants def producing no fruit. acarus ety C17: New Latin, from Greek akari a small thing, a mite acari infl head acarus syl ac:a+ri pron <-2rI> pos n. mod pl. acarus 0. syl ac:a+rus pron <1@k*r*s> pos n. def any of the free-living mites of the widely distributed genus several of which, esp. are serious pests of stored flour, grain, etc. ACAS 0. syl ACAS pron <1Ak@s> pos n. usage in Britain; acronym for def Advisory Conciliation and Arbitration Service. acatalectic ety C16: via Late Latin from Greek akatal*_ektikos. See #7a -%1#7, catalectic acatalectic 1. syl a:cat:a+lec+tic pron <@2k@t*1lektik> pos adj. qual Prosody. def having the necessary number of feet or syllables, esp. having a complete final foot. acatalectic 2. syl a:cat:a+lec+tic pron <@2k@t*1lektik> pos n. qual Prosody. def a verse having the full number of syllables. acaudate alt head acaudal or acaudal syl a:cau+date pos adj. acaudal 0. or acaudate syl a:cau+dal pron pos adj. qual Zoology. def having no tail. acaulescent 0. syl a:cau+les+cent pron <2@kc:1lesNt> pos adj. def having no visible stem or a very short one. acc 1. syl acc. qual abbrev. for:; Commerce. def acceptance. acc 2. syl acc. qual abbrev. for: def accompa?!nied. acc 3. syl acc. qual abbrev. for: def according. acc 4. syl acc. qual abbrev. for:; Book-keeping. def account. acc 5. syl acc. qual abbrev. for:; Grammar. def accusative. Accad 0. syl Ac+cad pron <1@k@d> pos n. def a variant spelling of {Akkad}. accede ety C15: from Latin acc*_edere to approach, agree, from ad- to+ c*_edere to go, yield accede 1. syl ac+cede pron <@k1sEd> pos vb. mod intr. usage usually foll. by to def to assent or give one's consent; agree. accede 2. syl ac+cede pron <@k1sEd> pos vb. mod intr. usage usually foll. by to def to enter upon or attain (to an office, right, etc.). exam 1 the prince acceded to the throne. accede 3. syl ac+cede pron <@k1sEd> pos vb. mod intr. qual International law. usage usually foll. by to def to become a party (to an agreement between nations, etc.), as by signing a treaty. accedence sub head accede syl ac+1ced+ence pos n. acceder sub head accede syl ac+1ced+er pos n. accel 0. syl accel. qual abbrev. for def accelerando. accelerando ety Italian infl head accelerando syl ~ pos adj. adv. qual Music. accelerando 1. syl ac+cel+er+an+do pron <@k2sel*1r@nd*u> pos adj. adv. def be?!coming faster. {~} {+dos}. accelerando 2. syl ac+cel+er+an+do pron <@k2sel*1r@nd*u> pos adj. adv. def an increase in speed. accelerant ety C20: from Latin from acceler*_ans, present participle of acceler*_are to go faster accelerant 0. syl ac+cel+er+ant pron <@k1sel*r*nt> pos n. qual Chem. def another name for { {accelerator} (sense 3)}. accelerate ety C16: from Latin acceler*_atus, from acceler*_are to go faster, from ad- (intensive)+ celer*_are to hasten, from celer swift accelerate 1. syl ac+cel+er+ate pron <@k1sel*2rAt> pos vb. def to go, occur, or cause to go or occur more quickly; speed up. accelerate 2. syl ac+cel+er+ate pron <@k1sel*2rAt> pos vb. mod tr. def to cause to happen sooner than expected. accelerate 3. syl ac+cel+er+ate pron <@k1sel*2rAt> pos vb. mod tr. def to increase the velocity of (a body, reaction, etc.); cause acceleration. accelerable sub head accelerate syl ac+1cel+er+a:ble pos adj. accelerative sub head accelerate or acceleratory syl ac+1cel+er:a+tive pos adj. acceleratory sub head accelerate or accelerative syl ac+1cel+er:a+to:ry pos adj. acceleration 1. syl ac+cel+er:a+tion pron <@k2sel*1rAS*n> pos n. def the act of accelerating or the state of being accelerated. acceleration 2. syl ac+cel+er:a+tion pron <@k2sel*1rAS*n> pos n. def the rate of increase of speed or the rate of change of velocity. Symbol. exam 1 a acceleration of free fall 0. syl ac+cel+er:a+tion of free fall pos n. def the acceleration of a body falling freely in a vacuum in the earth's gravitational field: the standard value is 9.80665 metres per second per second or 32.174 feet per second per second. Symbol. exam 1 g accelerator 1. syl ac+cel+er:a+tor pron <@k1sel*2rAt*> pos n. def a device for increasing speed, esp. a pedal for controlling the fuel intake in a motor vehicle; throttle. accelerator 2. syl ac+cel+er:a+tor pron <@k1sel*2rAt*> pos n. def Also called (not in technical usage): {atom smasher}. a machine for increasing the kinetic energy of subatomic particles or atomic nuclei and focusing them on a target. accelerator 3. syl ac+cel+er:a+tor pron <@k1sel*2rAt*> pos n. qual Chem. def a substance that increases the speed of a chemical reaction, esp. one that increases the rate of vulcanization of rubber or the rate of development in photography; catalyst. accelerometer 0. syl ac+cel+er+om+e:ter pron <@k2sel*1romit*> pos n. def an instrument for measuring acceleration, esp. of an aircraft or rocket. accent ety C14: via Old French from Latin ac?!centus, from ad- to+ cantus chant, song. The Latin is a rendering of Greek pros*_oidia a song sung to music, the tone of a syllable accent 1. syl ac+cent pron <1@ks*nt> pos n. def the relative prominence of a spoken or sung syllable, esp. with regard to stress or pitch. Compare { {pitch} %1 (sense 26)}, { {stress} (sense 2)}. accent 2. syl ac+cent pron <1@ks*nt> pos n. def a mark (such as #! , @! , *' , or *` ) used in writing to indicate the stress or prominence of a syllable. Such a mark may also be used to indicate that a written syllable is to be pronounced, esp. when such pronunciation is not usual, as in accent 3. syl ac+cent pron <1@ks*nt> pos n. def any of various marks or symbols conventionally used in writing certain languages to indicate the quality of a vowel, or for some other purpose, such as differentiation of homographs. See { {acute} (sense 9)}, { {grave} %2 (sense 5)}, { {circumflex}}. accent 4. syl ac+cent pron <1@ks*nt> pos n. usage in some languages, such as Chinese def any of the tones that have phonemic value in distinguishing one word from another. Compare { {tone} (sense 7)}. accent 5. syl ac+cent pron <1@ks*nt> pos n. def rhythmical stress in verse or prose. accent 6.a. syl ac+cent pron <1@ks*nt> pos n. def stress placed on certain notes in a piece of music, indicated by a symbol printed over the note concerned. accent 6.b. syl ac+cent pron <1@ks*nt> pos n. def the rhythmical pulse of a piece or passage, usually represented as the stress on the first beat of each bar. See also {syncopation}. accent 7.a. syl ac+cent pron <1@ks*nt> pos n. def a superscript symbol used to distinguish between variables represented by the same letter, as in @'#800008 , a @"#800009 . accent 7.b. syl ac+cent pron <1@ks*nt> pos n. def a superscript symbol indicating the first or a higher derivative of a variable, as in @'#800010 , the second derivative. accent 8. syl ac+cent pron <1@ks*nt> pos n. def either of two superscript symbols indicating a specific unit, such as feet (@'#800011) , inches (@"#800012) , minutes of arc (@'#800013) , or seconds of arc (@"#800014) . accent 9. syl ac+cent pron <1@ks*nt> pos n. def the characteristic mode of pronunciation of a person or group, esp. one that betrays social or geographical origin. accent 10. syl ac+cent pron <1@ks*nt> pos n. def a distinctive characteristic of anything, such as taste, pattern, style, etc. accent 11. syl ac+cent pron <1@ks*nt> pos n. def particular attention or emphasis. exam 1 an accent on learning. accent 12. syl ac+cent pron <1@ks*nt> pos n. def a strongly contrasting detail. exam 1 a blue rug with red accents. accent 13. syl ac+cent pron <@k1sent> pos vb. mod tr. def to mark with an accent in writing, speech, music, etc. accent 14. syl ac+cent pron <@k1sent> pos vb. mod tr. def to lay particular emphasis or stress on. accentor 0. syl ac+cen+tor pron <@k1sent*> pos n. def any small sparrow-like songbirds of the genus family which inhabit mainly mountainous regions of Europe and Asia. See also {hedge sparrow}. accentual 1. syl ac+cen+tu:al pron <@k1senCu*l> pos adj. def of, relating to, or having accents; rhythmical. accentual 2. syl ac+cen+tu:al pron <@k1senCu*l> pos adj. qual Prosody. def of or relating to verse based on the number of stresses in a line rather than on the number of syllables. Compare {quantitative}. accentually sub head accentual syl ac+1cen+tu+al+ly pos adv. accentuate 0. syl ac+cen+tu+ate pron <@k1senCu2At> pos vb. mod tr. def to stress or emphasize. accentuation sub head accentuate syl ac+2cen+tu:1a+tion pos n. accept ety C14: from Latin accept*_are, from ad- to+ capere to take accept 1. syl ac+cept pron <*k1sept> pos vb. mod mainly; tr. def to take or receive (something offered). accept 2. syl ac+cept pron <*k1sept> pos vb. mod mainly; tr. def to give an affirmative reply to. exam 1 to accept an invitation. accept 3. syl ac+cept pron <*k1sept> pos vb. mod mainly; tr. def to take on the responsibilities, duties, etc., of. exam 1 he accepted office. accept 4. syl ac+cept pron <*k1sept> pos vb. mod mainly; tr. def to tolerate or accommodate oneself to. accept 5. syl ac+cept pron <*k1sept> pos vb. mod mainly; tr. def to consider as true or believe in (a philosophy, theory, etc.). exam 1 I cannot accept your argument. accept 6. syl ac+cept pron <*k1sept> pos vb. mod mainly; tr. usage may take a clause as object def be willing to grant or believe. exam 1 you must accept that he lied. accept 7. syl ac+cept pron <*k1sept> pos vb. mod mainly; tr. def to receive with approval or admit, as into a community, group, etc. accept 8. syl ac+cept pron <*k1sept> pos vb. mod mainly; tr. qual Commerce. def to agree to pay (a bill, draft, shipping document, etc.), esp. by signing. accept 9. syl ac+cept pron <*k1sept> pos vb. mod mainly; tr. def to receive as adequate, satisfactory, or valid. accept 10. syl ac+cept pron <*k1sept> pos vb. mod mainly; tr. def to receive, take, or hold (something applied, inserted, etc.). accept 11. syl ac+cept pron <*k1sept> pos vb. mod mainly; tr. qual Archaic. (intr. def some?!times foll. by to take or receive an offer, invitation, etc. accepter sub head accept syl ac+1cept+er pos n. acceptable 1. syl ac+cept+a:ble pron <*k1sept*bL> pos adj. def satisfactory; adequate. acceptable 2. syl ac+cept+a:ble pron <*k1sept*bL> pos adj. def pleasing; welcome. acceptable 3. syl ac+cept+a:ble pron <*k1sept*bL> pos adj. def tolerable. acceptability sub head acceptable or acceptableness syl ac+2cept+a:1bil+i:ty pos n. acceptableness sub head acceptable or acceptability syl ac+1cept+a:ble+ness pos n. acceptably sub head acceptable syl ac+1cept+a:bly pos adv. acceptance 1. syl ac+cept+ance pron <*k1sept*ns> pos n. def the act of accepting or the state of being accepted or acceptable. acceptance 2. syl ac+cept+ance pron <*k1sept*ns> pos n. def favourable reception; approval. acceptance 3. syl ac+cept+ance pron <*k1sept*ns> pos n. usage often foll. by of def belief (in) or assent (to). acceptance 4.a. syl ac+cept+ance pron <*k1sept*ns> pos n. def a formal agreement by a debtor to pay a draft, bill, etc. acceptance 4.b. syl ac+cept+ance pron <*k1sept*ns> pos n. def the document so accepted. Compare {bank acceptance, trade acceptance}. acceptance 5. syl ac+cept+ance pron <*k1sept*ns> pos n. qual Contract law. def words or conduct by which a person signifies his assent to the terms and conditions of an offer or agreement. acceptant 0. syl ac+cept+ant pron <*k1sept*nt> pos adj. def receiving willingly; receptive. acceptation 0. syl ac+cep+ta+tion pron <2@ksep1tAS*n> pos n. def the accepted meaning, as of a word, phrase, etc. accepted 0. syl ac+cept+ed pron <*k1septid> pos adj. def commonly approved or recognized; customary; established. acceptedly sub head accepted syl ac+1cept+ed+ly pos adv. acceptor 1. syl ac+cep+tor pron <*k1sept*> pos n. qual Commerce. def the person or organization on which a draft or bill of exchange is drawn after liability has been accepted, usually by signature. acceptor 2. syl ac+cep+tor pron <*k1sept*> pos n. def Also called: {acceptor impurity}. an impurity, such as gallium, added to a semiconductor material to increase its p-type conductivity by increasing the number of holes in the semi?!conductor. Compare {{donor} (sense 5)}. acceptor 3. syl ac+cep+tor pron <*k1sept*> pos n. qual Chem. def the atom or group that does not supply electrons in a semipolar bond. acceptor 4. syl ac+cep+tor pron <*k1sept*> pos n. qual Electronics. def a circuit tuned to accept a particular frequency. access ety C14: from Old French or from Latin accessus an approach, from acc*_edere to #7accede access 1. syl ac+cess pron <1@kses> pos n. def the act of approaching or entering. access 2. syl ac+cess pron <1@kses> pos n. def the state or condition of being approachable or easy to enter. access 3. syl ac+cess pron <1@kses> pos n. def the right or privilege to approach, reach, enter, or make use of something. access 4. syl ac+cess pron <1@kses> pos n. def a way or means of approach or entry. access 5. syl ac+cess pron <1@kses> pos n. usage modifier def : designating programmes made by the general public as distinguished from those made by professional broadcasters. exam 1 access television. access 6. syl ac+cess pron <1@kses> pos n. def a sudden outburst or attack, as of rage or disease. access 7.a. syl ac+cess pron <1@kses> pos vb. def to obtain or retrieve (information) from a storage device. access 7.b. syl ac+cess pron <1@kses> pos vb. def to place (information) in a storage device. See also {direct access, sequential access}. accessaries infl head accessary syl ac+ces+sa+ries. pos n. mod pl. accessary 0. syl ac+ces+sa+ry pron <*k1ses*ri> pos n. qual Law. def a less common spelling of {accessory}. accessarily sub head accessary syl ac+1ces+sa+ri+ly pos adv. accessariness sub head accessary syl ac+1ces+sa+ri+ness pos n. accessible 1. syl ac+ces+si:ble pron <*k1ses*bL> pos adj. def easy to approach, enter, or use. accessible to 2. head accessible syl accessible to. def likely to be affected by; open to; susceptible to. accessible 3. syl ac+ces+si:ble pron <*k1ses*bL> pos adj. def obtainable; available. accessibility sub head accessible syl ac+2ces+si:1bil+i:ty pos n. accessibly sub head accessible syl ac+1ces+si:bly pos adv. accession 1. syl ac+ces+sion pron <*k1seS*n> pos n. def the act of entering upon or attaining to an office, right, condition, etc. accession 2. syl ac+ces+sion pron <*k1seS*n> pos n. def an increase due to an addition. accession 3. syl ac+ces+sion pron <*k1seS*n> pos n. def an addition, as to a collection. accession 4.a. syl ac+ces+sion pron <*k1seS*n> pos n. def an addition to land or property by natural increase or improvement. accession 4.b. syl ac+ces+sion pron <*k1seS*n> pos n. def the owner's right to the increased value of such land. accession 5. syl ac+ces+sion pron <*k1seS*n> pos n. qual International law. def the formal acceptance of a convention or treaty. accession 6. syl ac+ces+sion pron <*k1seS*n> pos n. def agreement; consent. accession 7. syl ac+ces+sion pron <*k1seS*n> pos n. def a less common word for { {access} (sense 1)}. accession 8. syl ac+ces+sion pron <*k1seS*n> pos vb. mod tr. def to make a record of (additions to a collection). accessional sub head accession syl ac+1ces+sion+al pos adj. accession number 0. syl ac+ces+sion num+ber pos n. qual Library science. def the number given to record a new addition to a collection. accessories infl head accessory syl ac+ces+so+ries. pos n. mod pl. accessory 1. syl ac+ces+so+ry pron <*k1ses*ri> pos n. def a supplementary part or object, as of a car, appliance, etc. accessory 2. syl ac+ces+so+ry pron <*k1ses*ri> pos n. mod often; pl. def a small accompanying item of dress, esp. of women's dress. accessory 3. syl ac+ces+so+ry pron <*k1ses*ri> pos n. usage formerly def a person involved in a crime although absent during its commission, either a person who incites or encourages or otherwise assists the planning of a crime ({accessory before the fact}) or a person who knowingly conceals, comforts, or assists after the commission of a crime ({accessory after the fact}) . accessory 4. syl ac+ces+so+ry pron <*k1ses*ri> pos adj. def supplementary; additional; subordinate. accessory 5. syl ac+ces+so+ry pron <*k1ses*ri> pos adj. def assisting in or having knowledge of an act, esp. a crime. accessorial sub head accessory syl ac+ces+so+ri:al pron <2@kse1sc:ri*l> pos adj. accessorily sub head accessory syl ac+1ces+so+ri+ly pos adv. accessoriness sub head accessory syl ac+1ces+so+ri+ness pos n. accessory fruit 0. syl ac+ces+so+ry fruit pos n. def another name for {pseudocarp}. accessory nerve 0. syl ac+ces+so+ry nerve pos n. def either one of the eleventh pair of cranial nerves, which supply the muscles of the head, shoulders, larynx, and pharynx and the viscera of the abdomen and thorax. access road 0. syl ac+cess road pos n. def a road providing a means of entry into a region or of approach to another road, esp. a motorway. access time 0. syl ac+cess time pos n. qual Computer technol. def the time required to retrieve a piece of stored information. acciaccatura ety C18: literally: a crushing sound acciaccaturas infl head acciaccatura or acciaccature syl ac+ciac+ca+tu+ras pron <-rA>, <-rE> pos n. mod pl. acciaccature infl head acciaccatura or acciaccaturas syl ac+ciac+ca+tu+re pron <-rA>, <-rE> pos n. mod pl. acciaccatura 1. syl ac+ciac+ca+tu+ra pron pos n. def a small grace note melodically adjacent to a principal note and played simultaneously with or immediately before it. acciaccatura 2. syl ac+ciac+ca+tu+ra pron pos n. usage in modern music def a very short appoggiatura. accidence ety C15: from Latin accidentia accidental matters, hence inflections of words, from accidere to happen. See #7accident accidence 0. syl ac+ci+dence pron <1@ksid*ns> pos n. def inflectional morphology; the part of grammar concerned with changes in the form of words by internal modification or by affixation, for the expression of tense, person, case, number, etc. accident ety C14: via Old French from Latin accident- chance, happening, from the present participle of accidere to befall, happen, from ad- to+ cadere to fall accident 1. syl ac+ci+dent pron <1@ksid*nt> pos n. def an unforeseen event or one without an apparent cause. accident 2. syl ac+ci+dent pron <1@ksid*nt> pos n. def anything that occurs unintentionally or by chance; chance; fortune. exam 1 I met him by accident. accident 3. syl ac+ci+dent pron <1@ksid*nt> pos n. def a misfortune or mishap, esp. one causing injury or death. accident 4. syl ac+ci+dent pron <1@ksid*nt> pos n. def a material quality that is not an essential part of something (as opposed to . accident 5. syl ac+ci+dent pron <1@ksid*nt> pos n. def Also called: {adjunct}. a nonessential attribute or characteristic of something. accident 6. syl ac+ci+dent pron <1@ksid*nt> pos n. qual Geology. def a surface irregularity in a natural formation, esp. in a rock formation or a river system. accident 7. syl ac+ci+dent pron <1@ksid*nt> pos n. qual Archaic. def an inflected form of a word. accidental 1. syl ac+ci+den+tal pron <2@ksi1dentL> pos adj. def occurring by chance, unexpectedly, or unintentionally. accidental 2. syl ac+ci+den+tal pron <2@ksi1dentL> pos adj. def nonessential; incidental. accidental 3. syl ac+ci+den+tal pron <2@ksi1dentL> pos adj. qual Music. def denoting sharps, flats, or naturals that are not in the key signature of a piece. accidental 4. syl ac+ci+den+tal pron <2@ksi1dentL> pos n. def an incidental, nonessential, or supplementary circumstance, factor, or attribute. accidental 5. syl ac+ci+den+tal pron <2@ksi1dentL> pos n. qual Music. def a symbol denoting that the following note is a sharp, flat, or natural that is not a part of the key signature. accidentally sub head accidental syl ac+ci+1den+tal+ly pos adv. accident insurance 0. syl ac+ci+dent in+sur+ance pos n. def insurance providing compensation for accidental injury or death. accident-prone 0. syl ac+ci:dent-prone pos adj. def liable to become involved in accidents. accidie ety in use C13 to C16 and revived C19: via Late Latin from Greek ak*_edia, from #7a -%1#7+ k*_edos care acedia alt head accidie or accidie syl a:ce:di:a pos n. accidie 0. or acedia syl ac+ci+die pron <1@ksidi> pos n. def spiritual sloth; apathy; indifference. accipiter ety C19: New Latin, from Latin: hawk accipiter 0. syl ac+cip:i+ter pron <@k1sipit*> pos n. def any hawk of the genus typically having short rounded wings and a long tail. accipitrine 1. syl ac+cip:i+trine pron <@k1sipi2trIn>, <-trin> pos adj. def Also: {ac+cip@.i+tral} (@ak#!s$Ip$Itr$$l). of, relating to, or resembling a hawk; rapacious. accipitrine 2. syl ac+cip:i+trine pron <@k1sipi2trIn>, <-trin> pos adj. def of, relating to, or belonging to the subfamily which includes the hawks. acclaim ety C17: from Latin accl*_am*_are to shout at, shout applause, from ad- to+ clam*_are to shout acclaim 1. syl ac+claim pron <*1klAm> pos vb. mod tr. def to acknowledge publicly the excellence of (a person, act, etc.). acclaim 2. syl ac+claim pron <*1klAm> pos vb. def to salute with cheering, clapping, etc.; applaud. acclaim 3. syl ac+claim pron <*1klAm> pos vb. mod tr. def to acknowledge publicly that (a person) has (some position, quality, etc.). exam 1 they acclaimed him king. acclaim 4. syl ac+claim pron <*1klAm> pos n. def an enthusiastic shout of welcome, approval, etc. acclaimer sub head acclaim syl ac+1claim+er pos n. acclamation 1. syl ac+cla+ma+tion pron <2@kl*1mAS*n> pos n. def an enthusiastic reception or exhibition of welcome, approval, etc. acclamation 2. syl ac+cla+ma+tion pron <2@kl*1mAS*n> pos n. def an expression of approval by a meeting or gathering through shouts or applause. acclamation 3.a. syl ac+cla+ma+tion pron <2@kl*1mAS*n> pos n. def by an overwhelming majority without a ballot. acclamation 3.b. syl ac+cla+ma+tion pron <2@kl*1mAS*n> pos n. usage Canadian. of an election or electoral victory def without opposition. exam 1 he won by acclamation. acclamatory sub head acclamation syl ac+clam:a+to:ry pron <*1kl@m*t*ri>, <-tri> pos adj. acclimatise infl head acclimatize or acclimate syl ac+cli+ma+tise pron <*1klIm*2tIz> pos vb. acclimate infl head acclimatize or acclimatise syl ac+cli+mate pron <*1klImit>, <1@kli2mAt> pos vb. acclimatize 0. syl ac+cli+ma+tize pron <*1klIm*2tIz> pos vb. def to adapt or become accustomed to a new climate or environment. acclimatizable sub head acclimatize syl ac+1cli+ma+2tiz+a:ble pos adj. acclimatisable sub head acclimatize or acclimatable syl ac+1cli+ma+2tis+a:ble pos adj. acclimatable sub head acclimatize or acclimatisable syl ac+1cli+mat+a:ble pos adj. acclimatization sub head acclimatize syl ac+2cli+ma+ti+1za+tion pos n. acclimatisation sub head acclimatize or acclimation syl ac+2cli+ma+ti+1sa+tion pos n. acclimation sub head acclimatize or acclimatisation syl ac+cli+1ma+tion pos n. acclimatizer sub head acclimatize or acclimatiser syl ac+1cli+ma+2tiz+er pos n. acclimatiser sub head acclimatize or acclimatizer syl ac+1cli+ma+2tis+er pos n. acclivity ety C17: from Latin accl*_ivit*_as, from accl*_ivis sloping up, steep acclivities infl head acclivity syl ac+cliv+i:ties. pos n. mod pl. acclivity 0. syl ac+cliv+i:ty pron <*1kliviti> pos n. def an upward slope, esp. of the ground. Compare {declivity}. acclivitous sub head acclivity or acclivous syl ac+1cliv:i+tous pron <*1klIv*s> pos adj. acclivous sub head acclivity or acclivitous syl ac+cli+vous pron <*1klIv*s> pos adj. accolade ety C17: via French and Italian from Vulgar Latin accoll*_are (unattested) to hug; related to Latin collum neck accolade 1. syl ac+co+lade pron <1@k*2lAd>, <2@k*1lAd> pos n. def strong praise or approval; acclaim. accolade 2. syl ac+co+lade pron <1@k*2lAd>, <2@k*1lAd> pos n. def an award or honour. accolade 3. syl ac+co+lade pron <1@k*2lAd>, <2@k*1lAd> pos n. def the ceremonial gesture used to confer knighthood, originally an embrace, now a touch on the shoulder with a sword. accolade 4. syl ac+co+lade pron <1@k*2lAd>, <2@k*1lAd> pos n. def a rare word for { {brace} (sense 7)}. accolade 5. syl ac+co+lade pron <1@k*2lAd>, <2@k*1lAd> pos n. qual Architect. def a curved ornamental moulding, esp. one having the shape of an ogee arch. accommodate ety C16: from Latin accommod*_are to make fit, from ad- to+ commodus having the proper measure accommodate 1. syl ac+com+mo+date pron <*1kom*2dAt> pos vb. mod tr. def to supply or provide, esp. with lodging or board and lodging. accommodate 2. syl ac+com+mo+date pron <*1kom*2dAt> pos vb. mod tr. def to oblige or do a favour for. accommodate 3. syl ac+com+mo+date pron <*1kom*2dAt> pos vb. def to adjust or become adjusted; adapt. accommodate 4. syl ac+com+mo+date pron <*1kom*2dAt> pos vb. mod tr. def to bring into harmony; reconcile. accommodate 5. syl ac+com+mo+date pron <*1kom*2dAt> pos vb. mod tr. def to allow room for; contain. accommodate 6. syl ac+com+mo+date pron <*1kom*2dAt> pos vb. mod tr. def to lend money to. accommodative sub head accommodate syl ac+1com+mo+2da+tive pos adj. accommodating 0. syl ac+com+mo+dat+ing pron <*1kom*2dAtiG> pos adj. def willing to help; kind; obliging. accommodatingly sub head accommodating syl ac+1com+mo+2dat+ing+ly pos adv. accommodation 1. syl ac+com+mo+da+tion pron <*2kom*1dAS*n> pos n. def adjustment, as of differences or to new circumstances; adaptation, settlement, or reconciliation. accommodation 2. syl ac+com+mo+da+tion pron <*2kom*1dAS*n> pos n. def lodging or board and lodging. accommodation 3. syl ac+com+mo+da+tion pron <*2kom*1dAS*n> pos n. def something fulfilling a need, want, etc.; convenience or facility. accommodation 4. syl ac+com+mo+da+tion pron <*2kom*1dAS*n> pos n. qual Physiol. def the automatic or voluntary adjustment of the thickness of the lens of the eye for far or near vision. accommodation 5. syl ac+com+mo+da+tion pron <*2kom*1dAS*n> pos n. def willingness to help or oblige. accommodation 6. syl ac+com+mo+da+tion pron <*2kom*1dAS*n> pos n. qual Commerce. def a loan, usually made as an act of favour by a bank before formal credit arrangements are agreed. accommodation address 0. syl ac+com+mo+da+tion ad+dress pos n. def an address on letters, etc., to a person or business that does not wish or is not able to receive post at a permanent or actual address. accommodation bill 0. syl ac+com+mo+da+tion bill pos n. qual Commerce. def a bill of exchange cosigned by a guarantor: designed to strengthen the acceptor's credit. accommodation ladder 0. syl ac+com+mo+da+tion lad+der pos n. qual Nautical. def a flight of stairs or a ladder for lowering over the side of a ship for access to and from a small boat, pier, etc. accompaniment 1. syl ac+com+pa+ni+ment pron <*1k^mp*nim*nt>, <*1k^mpni-> pos n. def some?!thing that accompanies or is served or used with something else. accompaniment 2. syl ac+com+pa+ni+ment pron <*1k^mp*nim*nt>, <*1k^mpni-> pos n. def something inessential or subsidiary that is added, as for ornament or symmetry. accompaniment 3. syl ac+com+pa+ni+ment pron <*1k^mp*nim*nt>, <*1k^mpni-> pos n. qual Music. def a subordinate part for an instrument, voices, or an orchestra. accompanyist alt head accompanist or accompanist syl ac+com+pa+ny+ist pron <*1k^mp*nEist> pos n. qual U.S. (sometimes accompanist 0. or accompanyist syl ac+com+pa+nist pron <*1k^mp*nist>, <*1k^mpnist> pos n. def a person who supplies a musical accompaniment. accompany ety C15: from Old French accompaignier, from compaing #7companion accompanies infl head accompany syl ac+com+pa+nies pos vb. accompanying infl head accompany syl ac+com+pa+ny+ing pos vb. accompanied infl head accompany syl ac+com+pa+nied. pos vb. accompany 1. syl ac+com+pa+ny pron <*1k^mp*ni>, <*1k^mpni> pos vb. mod tr. def to go along with, so as to be in company with or escort. accompany 2. syl ac+com+pa+ny pron <*1k^mp*ni>, <*1k^mpni> pos vb. mod tr. usage foll. by with def to supplement. exam 1 he accompanied his tirade with gestures. accompany 3. syl ac+com+pa+ny pron <*1k^mp*ni>, <*1k^mpni> pos vb. mod tr. def to occur, coexist, or be associated with. accompany 4. syl ac+com+pa+ny pron <*1k^mp*ni>, <*1k^mpni> pos vb. def to provide a musical accompaniment for (a soloist, etc.). accompanier sub head accompany syl ac+1com+pa+ni+er pos n. accomplice ety C15: from a complice, interpreted as one word. See #7complice accomplice 0. syl ac+com+plice pron <*1komplis>, <*1k^m-> pos n. def a person who has helped another in committing a crime. accomplish ety C14: from Old French acomplir to complete, ultimately from Latin compl*_ere to fill up. See #7complete accomplish 1. syl ac+com+plish pron <*1kompliS>, <*1k^m-> pos vb. mod tr. def to manage to do; achieve. accomplish 2. syl ac+com+plish pron <*1kompliS>, <*1k^m-> pos vb. mod tr. def to conclude successfully; complete. accomplishable sub head accomplish syl ac+1com+plish+a:ble pos adj. accomplisher sub head accomplish syl ac+1com+plish+er pos n. accomplished 1. syl ac+com+plished pron <*1kompliSt>, <*1k^m-> pos adj. def successfully completed; achieved. accomplished 2. syl ac+com+plished pron <*1kompliSt>, <*1k^m-> pos adj. def expert; proficient. accomplishment 1. syl ac+com+plish+ment pron <*1kompliSm*nt>, <*1k^m-> pos n. def the act of carrying out or achieving. accomplishment 2. syl ac+com+plish+ment pron <*1kompliSm*nt>, <*1k^m-> pos n. def something achieved or successfully completed. accomplishment 3. syl ac+com+plish+ment pron <*1kompliSm*nt>, <*1k^m-> pos n. mod often; pl. def skill or talent. accomplishment 4. syl ac+com+plish+ment pron <*1kompliSm*nt>, <*1k^m-> pos n. mod often; pl. def social grace, style, and poise. accord ety C12: via Old French from Latin ad- to+ cord-, stem of cor heart accord 1. syl ac+cord pron <*1kc:d> pos n. def agreement; conformity; accordance (esp. in the phrase {in accord with}) . accord 2. syl ac+cord pron <*1kc:d> pos n. def consent or concurrence of opinion. with one accord 3. head accord syl with one accord. def unanimously. accord 4. syl ac+cord pron <*1kc:d> pos n. def pleasing relationship between sounds, colours, etc.; harmony. accord 5. syl ac+cord pron <*1kc:d> pos n. def a settlement of differences, as between nations; compromise. of one's own accord 6. head accord syl of one's own accord. def voluntarily. accord 7. syl ac+cord pron <*1kc:d> pos vb. def to be or cause to be in harmony or agreement. accord 8. syl ac+cord pron <*1kc:d> pos vb. mod tr. def to grant; bestow. accordable sub head accord syl ac+1cord+a:ble pos adj. accorder sub head accord syl ac1cord+er pos n. accordance 1. syl ac+cord+ance pron <*1kc:d*ns> pos n. def conformity; agreement; accord (esp. in the phrase {in accordance with}) . accordance 2. syl ac+cord+ance pron <*1kc:d*ns> pos n. def the act of granting; bestowal. exam 1 accordance of rights. accordant 0. syl ac+cord+ant pron <*1kc:dNt> pos adj. usage usually postpositive and foll. by with def in conformity or harmony. accordantly sub head accordant syl ac+1cord+ant+ly pos adv. according 1. syl ac+cord+ing pron <*1kc:diG> pos adj. usage foll. by to def in proportion; in relation. according 2. syl ac+cord+ing pron <*1kc:diG> pos adj. usage foll. by to def on the report (of); as stated (by). according 3. syl ac+cord+ing pron <*1kc:diG> pos adj. usage foll. by to def in conformity (with); in accordance (with). according 4. syl ac+cord+ing pron <*1kc:diG> pos adj. usage foll. by as def depending (on whether). according 5. syl ac+cord+ing pron <*1kc:diG> pos adj. qual Not standard. def dependent on. exam 1 it's all according where you want to go. accordingly 1. syl ac+cord+ing+ly pron <*1kc:diGli> pos adv. def in an appropriate manner; suitably. accordingly 2. syl ac+cord+ing+ly pron <*1kc:diGli> pos adv. usage sentence connector def consequently. accordion ety C19: from German Akkordion, from Akkord harmony, chord accordion 1. syl ac+cor+di+on pron <*1kc:di*n> pos n. def a portable box-shaped instrument of the reed organ family, consisting of metallic reeds that are made to vibrate by air from a set of bellows controlled by the player's hands. Notes are produced by means of studlike keys. accordion 2. syl ac+cor+di+on pron <*1kc:di*n> pos n. def short for {piano accordion}. accordionist sub head accordion syl ac+1cor+di+on+ist pos n. accordion pleats 0. syl ac+cor+di+on pleats pos n. mod pl. def tiny knife pleats. accost ety C16: from Late Latin accost*_are to place side by side, from Latin costa side, rib accost 1. syl ac+cost pron <*1kost> pos vb. mod tr. def to approach, stop, and speak to (a person), as to ask a question, confront with a crime, solicit sexually, etc. accost 2. syl ac+cost pron <*1kost> pos n. qual Rare. def a greeting. accostable sub head accost syl ac+1cost+a:ble pos adj. accouchement ety C19: from accoucher to put to bed, to give birth. See #7couch accouchement 0. syl ac+couche+ment pron French. , English <*1ku:Sm*nt> pos n. def childbirth or the period of confinement. accoucheur ety literally: one who is present at the bedside accoucheuse alt head accoucheur or accoucheur syl ac+cou+cheuse pron pos n. mod fem. accoucheur 0. or accoucheuse syl ac+cou+cheur pron French. pos n. def an obstetrician or midwife. account ety C13: from Old French acont, from conter, compter to #7count %1 account 1. syl ac+count pron <*1kaunt> pos n. def a verbal or written report, description, or narration of some occurrence, event, etc. account 2. syl ac+count pron <*1kaunt> pos n. def an explanation of conduct, esp. one made to someone in authority. account 3. syl ac+count pron <*1kaunt> pos n. def ground; basis; consideration (often in the phrases {on this (that, every, no}, {account, on account of) }. account 4. syl ac+count pron <*1kaunt> pos n. def importance, consequence, or value. exam 1 of little account. account 5. syl ac+count pron <*1kaunt> pos n. def assessment; judgment. account 6. syl ac+count pron <*1kaunt> pos n. def profit or advantage. exam 1 to turn an idea to account. account 7. syl ac+count pron <*1kaunt> pos n. def part or behalf (only in the phrase {on one's} {someone's account) }. account 8.a. syl ac+count pron <*1kaunt> pos n. def a business relationship between a bank, department store, stockbroker, etc., and a depositor, customer, or client permitting the latter certain banking or credit services. account 8.b. syl ac+count pron <*1kaunt> pos n. def the sum of money deposited at a bank. account 8.c. syl ac+count pron <*1kaunt> pos n. def the amount of credit available to the holder of an account. account 8.d. syl ac+count pron <*1kaunt> pos n. def a record of these. account 9. syl ac+count pron <*1kaunt> pos n. def a statement of monetary transactions with the resulting balance. account 10. syl ac+count pron <*1kaunt> pos n. usage on the London Stock Exchange def the period, ordinarily of a fortnight's duration, in which transactions take place and at the end of which settlements are made. account 11. syl ac+count pron <*1kaunt> pos n. qual Book-keeping. def a chronological list of debits and credits relating to a specified asset, liability, expense, or income of a business and forming part of the ledger. account 12.a. syl ac+count pron <*1kaunt> pos n. def a regular client or customer, esp. a firm that purchases commodities on credit. account 12.b. syl ac+count pron <*1kaunt> pos n. def an area of business assigned to another. exam 1 they transferred their publicity account to a new agent. account 13.a. syl ac+count pron <*1kaunt> pos n. def to insist on explanation. account 13.b. syl ac+count pron <*1kaunt> pos n. def to rebuke; reprimand. account 13.c. syl ac+count pron <*1kaunt> pos n. def to hold responsible. account 15.a. syl ac+count pron <*1kaunt> pos n. def on credit. account 15.b. syl ac+count pron <*1kaunt> pos n. def Also: {to account}. as partial payment. on account of 16. head account syl on account of. pos prep. def because of; by reason of. take account of 17. head account or take into account syl take account of def to take into consideration; allow for. account 18.a. syl ac+count pron <*1kaunt> pos n. def to pay or receive a balance due. account 18.b. syl ac+count pron <*1kaunt> pos n. def to get revenge on (someone). account 19. syl ac+count pron <*1kaunt> pos n. def See {bank account} or {credit account}. account 20. syl ac+count pron <*1kaunt> pos vb. mod tr. def to consider or reckon. exam 1 he accounts himself poor. accountable 1. syl ac+count+a:ble pron <*1kaunt*bL> pos adj. def responsible to someone or for some action; answerable. accountable 2. syl ac+count+a:ble pron <*1kaunt*bL> pos adj. def able to be explained. accountability sub head accountable syl ac+2count+a:1bil+i:ty pos n. accountably sub head accountable syl ac+1count+a:bly pos adv. accountancy 0. syl ac+count+an+cy pron <*1kaunt*nsi> pos n. def the profession or business of an accountant. accountant 0. syl ac+count+ant pron <*1kaunt*nt> pos n. def a person concerned with the maintenance and audit of business accounts and the preparation of consultant reports in tax and finance. account day 0. syl ac+count day pos n. usage on the London Stock Exchange def the day on which deliveries and payments relating to transactions made during the preceding account are made. account for 1. syl ac+count for pos vb. prep. mod intr. def to give reasons for (an event, act, etc.). account for 2. syl ac+count for pos vb. prep. mod intr. def to make or provide a reckoning of (expenditure, payments, etc.). account for 3. syl ac+count for pos vb. prep. mod intr. def to be responsible for destroying, killing, or putting (people, aircraft, etc.) out of action. accounting 0. syl ac+count+ing pron <*1kauntiG> pos n. def the skill or practice of maintaining and auditing accounts and preparing reports on the assets, liabilities, etc., of a business. account payable 0. syl ac+count pay+a:ble pos n. qual Accounting, U.S. def a current liability account showing amounts payable by a firm to suppliers for purchases of materials, stocks, or services on credit. account receivable 0. syl ac+count re+ceiv+a:ble pos n. qual Accounting, U.S. def a current asset account showing amounts payable to a firm by customers who have made purchases of goods and services on credit. accouplement ety C15: French, from accoupler, from Latin copul*_are to #7couple accouplement 0. syl ac+cou+ple+ment pron <*1k^pLm*nt> pos n. def a timber joist or beam that serves as a tie or support. accoutre ety C16: from Old French accoustrer to equip with clothing, ultimately related to Latin consuere to sew together accouter alt head accoutre or accoutre syl ac+cou+ter pron <*1ku:t*> pos vb. mod tr. qual U.S. accoutre 0. or accouter syl ac+cou+tre pron <*1ku:t*> pos vb. mod tr. usage usually passive def to provide with military equipment. accouterment alt head accoutrement or accoutrement syl ac+cou+terment pron <*1ku:tr*m*nt> pos n. qual U.S. accoutrement 1. or accouterment syl ac+cou+trement pron <*1ku:tr*m*nt> pos n. def equipment worn by soldiers in addition to their clothing and weapons. accoutrement 2. or accouterment syl ac+cou+trement pron <*1ku:tr*m*nt> pos n. mod usually; pl. def clothing, equipment, etc.; trappings. exam 1 the accoutrements of war. Accra 0. syl Ac+cra pron <*1kra:> pos n. def the capital of Ghana, a port on the Gulf of Guinea: built on the site of three 17th-century trading fortresses founded by the English, Dutch, and Danish. Pop.: 564194 (1970). accredit ety C17: from French accr*'editer, from the phrase mettre *`a cr*'edit to put to #7credit accredit 1. syl ac+cred+it pron <*1kredit> pos vb. mod tr. def to ascribe or attribute. accredit 2. syl ac+cred+it pron <*1kredit> pos vb. mod tr. def to give official recognition to; sanction; authorize. accredit 3. syl ac+cred+it pron <*1kredit> pos vb. mod tr. def to certify or guarantee as meeting required standards. accredit 4.a. syl ac+cred+it pron <*1kredit> pos vb. mod tr. def to furnish or send (an envoy, etc.) with official credentials. accredit 4.b. syl ac+cred+it pron <*1kredit> pos vb. mod tr. def to appoint (someone) as an envoy, etc. accredit 5. syl ac+cred+it pron <*1kredit> pos vb. mod tr. def to believe. accreditation sub head accredit syl ac+2cred:i+1ta+tion pos n. accrescent ety C18: from Latin accr*_escere to continue to grow, from cr*_escere to grow accrescent 0. syl ac+cres+cent pron <@1kresNt> pos adj. usage Botany. of a calyx or other part def continuing to grow after flowering. accrete ety C18: back formation from #7accretion accrete 1. syl ac+crete pron <*1krEt> pos vb. def to grow or cause to grow together; be or become fused. accrete 2. syl ac+crete pron <*1krEt> pos vb. mod tr. def to make or become bigger, as by addition. accrete 3. syl ac+crete pron <*1krEt> pos adj. usage of plant organs def grown together. accretion ety C17: from Latin accreti*_o increase, from accr*_escere. See #7accrue accretion 1. syl ac+cre+tion pron <*1krES*n> pos n. def any gradual increase in size, as through growth or external addition. accretion 2. syl ac+cre+tion pron <*1krES*n> pos n. def something added, esp. extraneously, to cause growth or an increase in size. accretion 3. syl ac+cre+tion pron <*1krES*n> pos n. def the growing together of normally separate plant or animal parts. accretion 4.a. syl ac+cre+tion pron <*1krES*n> pos n. def abnormal union or growing together of parts; adhesion. accretion 4.b. syl ac+cre+tion pron <*1krES*n> pos n. def a mass of foreign matter collected in a cavity. accretion 5. syl ac+cre+tion pron <*1krES*n> pos n. qual Law. def an increase in the share of a beneficiary in an estate, as when a co-beneficiary fails to take his share. accretive sub head accretion or accretionary syl ac+1cre+tive pos adj. accretionary sub head accretion or accretive syl ac+1cre+tion+ar:y pos adj. Accrington 0. syl Ac+cring+ton pron <1@kriGt*n> pos n. def a town in NW England, in SE Lancashire. Pop.: 36838 (1971). accrue ety C15: from Old French accreue growth, ultimately from Latin accr*_escere to increase, from ad- to, in addition+ cr*_escere to grow accrues infl head accrue syl ac+crues pos vb. mod intr. accruing infl head accrue syl ac+cru+ing pos vb. mod intr. accrued infl head accrue syl ac+crued. pos vb. mod intr. accrue 1. syl ac+crue pron <*1kru:> pos vb. mod intr. def to increase by growth or addition, esp. (of capital) to increase by periodic addition of interest. accrue 2. syl ac+crue pron <*1kru:> pos vb. mod intr. usage often foll. by to def to fall naturally (to); come into the possession (of); result (for). accrue 3. syl ac+crue pron <*1kru:> pos vb. mod intr. usage Law. of a right or demand def to become capable of being enforced. accrument sub head accrue or accrual syl ac+1cru+ment pos n. accrual sub head accrue or accrument syl ac+1cru+al pos n. acct 0. syl acct. qual Book-keeping. abbrev. for def account. acculturate ety C20: from #7ad -+#7culture +-#7ate %1 &- ac+@!cul+tur@.#!a+tion n. acculturate 0. syl ac+cul+tur+ate pron <*1k^lC*2rAt> pos vb. mod tr. usage of a cultural or social group def to assimilate the cultural traits of another group. accumbent ety C18: from Latin accumbere to recline accumbent 1. syl ac+cum+bent pron <*1k^mb*nt> pos adj. usage Botany. of plant parts and plants def lying against some other part or thing. accumbent 2. syl ac+cum+bent pron <*1k^mb*nt> pos adj. def a rare word for {recumbent}. accumbency sub head accumbent syl ac+1cum+ben+cy pos n. accumulate ety C16: from Latin accumul*_atus, past participle of accumul*_are to heap up, from cumulus a heap accumulate 0. syl ac+cu+mu+late pron <*1kju:mju2lAt> pos vb. def to gather or become gathered together in an increasing quantity; amass; collect. accumulable sub head accumulate syl ac+1cu+mu+la:ble pos adj. accumulative sub head accumulate syl ac+1cu+mu+la+tive pos adj. accumulatively sub head accumulate syl ac+1cu+mu+la+tive+ly pos adv. accumulativeness sub head accumulate syl ac+1cu+mu+la+tive+ness pos n. accumulation 1. syl ac+cu+mu+la+tion pron <*2kju:mju1lAS*n> pos n. def the act or process of collecting together or becoming collected. accumulation 2. syl ac+cu+mu+la+tion pron <*2kju:mju1lAS*n> pos n. def something that has been collected, gathered, heaped, etc. accumulation 3.a. syl ac+cu+mu+la+tion pron <*2kju:mju1lAS*n> pos n. def the continuous growth of capital by retention of interest or earnings. accumulation 3.b. syl ac+cu+mu+la+tion pron <*2kju:mju1lAS*n> pos n. usage in computing the yield on a bond purchased at a discount def the amount that is added to each yield to bring the cost of the bond into equality with its par value over its life. Compare { {amortization} (sense 2)}. accumulation 4. syl ac+cu+mu+la+tion pron <*2kju:mju1lAS*n> pos n. def the taking of a first and an advanced university degree simultaneously. accumulation point 0. syl ac+cu+mu+la+tion point pos n. qual Maths. def another name for {limit point}. accumulator 1. syl ac+cu+mu+la+tor pron <*1kju:mju2lAt*> pos n. def Also called: {battery, storage battery}. a rechargeable device for storing electrical energy in the form of chemical energy, consisting of one or more separate secondary cells. accumulator 2. syl ac+cu+mu+la+tor pron <*1kju:mju2lAt*> pos n. qual Horse racing, Brit. def a collective bet, esp. on four or more races, in which the stake and winnings on each successive race are carried forward to become the stake on the next, so that both stakes and winnings accumulate progressively so long as the bet continues to be a winning one. accumulator 3.a. syl ac+cu+mu+la+tor pron <*1kju:mju2lAt*> pos n. def a register in a calculator and the possible associated electrical circuits in which figures are stored and arithmetical operations performed on them. accumulator 3.b. syl ac+cu+mu+la+tor pron <*1kju:mju2lAt*> pos n. def a location in a computer store in which arithmetical results are produced. cies infl head accuracy syl +cies. pos n. mod pl. accuracy 1. syl ac+cu+ra+cy pron <1@kjur*si> pos n. def faithful measurement or representation of the truth; correctness; precision. accuracy 2. syl ac+cu+ra+cy pron <1@kjur*si> pos n. qual Physics, chem. def the degree of agreement between a measured value and the standard or accepted value for that measurement. accuracy 3. syl ac+cu+ra+cy pron <1@kjur*si> pos n. qual Maths. def the number of significant figures used or appearing in a number. accurate ety C16: from Latin acc*_ur*_atus, past participle of acc*_ur*_are to perform with care, from c*_ura care accurate 1. syl ac+cu+rate pron <1@kj*rit> pos adj. def faithfully representing or describ?!ing the truth. accurate 2. syl ac+cu+rate pron <1@kj*rit> pos adj. def showing a negligible or permissible deviation from a standard. exam 1 an accurate ruler. accurate 3. syl ac+cu+rate pron <1@kj*rit> pos adj. def without error; precise; meticulous. accurately sub head accurate syl ac+cu+rate+ly pos adv. accurateness sub head accurate syl ac+cu+rate+ness pos n. accursed ety Old English *_acursod, past participle of *_acursian to put under a #7curse accurst alt head accursed or accursed syl ac+curst pron <*1kR:st> pos adj. accursed 1. or accurst syl ac+curs+ed pron <*1kR:sid>, <*1kR:st> pos adj. def under or subject to a curse; doomed. accursed 2. or accurst syl ac+curs+ed pron <*1kR:sid>, <*1kR:st> pos adj. usage prenominal def hateful; detestable; execrable. accursedly sub head accursed syl ac+curs+ed+ly pron <*1kR:sidli> pos adv. accursedness sub head accursed syl ac+1curs+ed+ness pos n. accusal 0. syl ac+cus+al pron <*1kju:zL> pos n. def another word for {accusation}. accusation 1. syl ac+cu+sa+tion pron <2@kju1zAS*n> pos n. def an allegation that a person is guilty of some fault, offence, or crime; imputation. accusation 2. syl ac+cu+sa+tion pron <2@kju1zAS*n> pos n. def a formal charge brought against a person stating the crime that he is alleged to have committed. accusative ety C15: from Latin; in grammar, from the phrase c*_asus acc*_us*_at*_ivus accusative case, a mistaken translation of Greek pt*_osis aitiatik*_e the case indicating causation. See #7accuse accusative 1. syl ac+cu+sa+tive pron <*1kju:z*tiv> pos adj. qual Grammar. def denoting a case of nouns, pronouns, and adjectives in inflected languages that is used to identify the direct object of a finite verb, of certain prepositions, and for certain other purposes. See also { {objective} (sense 5)}. accusative 2. syl ac+cu+sa+tive pron <*1kju:z*tiv> pos adj. def another word for {accusatorial}. accusative 3.a. syl ac+cu+sa+tive pron <*1kju:z*tiv> pos n. def the accusative case. accusative 3.b. syl ac+cu+sa+tive pron <*1kju:z*tiv> pos n. def a word or speech element in the accusative case. accusatival sub head accusative syl ac+cu+sa+ti+val pron <*2kju:z*1tIvL> pos adj. accusatively sub head accusative syl ac+1cu+sa+tive+ly pos adv. accusatory alt head accusatorial or accusatorial syl ac+cu+sa+to:ry pron <*1kju?!:z*t*ri>, <-tri>, <2@kju1zAt*ri> pos adj. accusatorial 1. or accusatory syl ac+cu+sa+to+ri:al pron <*2kju:z*1tc:ri*l> pos adj. def containing or implying blame or strong criticism. accusatorial 2. or accusatory syl ac+cu+sa+to+ri:al pron <*2kju:z*1tc:ri*l> pos adj. qual Law. def denoting criminal procedure in which the prosecutor is distinct from the judge and the trial is conducted in public. Compare { {inquisitorial} (sense 3)}. accuse ety C13: via Old French from Latin acc*_usare to call to account, from ad- to+ causa lawsuit accuse 0. syl ac+cuse pron <*1kju:z> pos vb. def to charge (a person or persons) with some fault, offence, crime, etc.; impute guilt or blame. accuser sub head accuse syl ac+1cus+er pos n. accusingly sub head accuse syl ac+1cus+ing+ly pos adv. accused 0. syl ac+cused pron <*1kju:zd> pos n. qual Law. usage preceded by the def the defendant or defendants appearing on a criminal charge. accustom ety C15: from Old French acostumer, from costume #7custom accustom 0. syl ac+cus+tom pron <*1k^st*m> pos vb. mod tr. usage usually foll. by to def to make (oneself) familiar (with) or used (to), as by practice, habit, or experience. accustomed 1. syl ac+cus+tomed pron <*1k^st*md> pos adj. def usual; customary. accustomed 2. syl ac+cus+tomed pron <*1k^st*md> pos adj. usage postpositive; foll. by to def used or inured (to). accustomed 3. syl ac+cus+tomed pron <*1k^st*md> pos adj. usage postpositive; foll. by to def in the habit (of). exam 1 accustomed to walking after meals. Accutron 0. syl Ac+cu+tron pron <1@kju:2tron> pos n. qual Trademark. def a type of watch in which the balance wheel and hairspring are replaced by a tuning fork kept in vibration by a tiny internal battery. ACDC ety C20: humorous reference to electrical apparatus that is adaptable for #7alternating current and #7direct current ACDC 0. syl AC/DC pos adj. usage Slang. of a person def bisexual. ace ety C13: via Old French from Latin as a unit, perhaps from a Greek variant of heis one ace 1. syl ace pron pos n. def any die, domino, or any of four playing cards with one spot. ace 2. syl ace pron pos n. def a single spot or pip on a playing card, die, etc. ace 3.a. syl ace pron pos n. def a winning serve that the opponent fails to reach. ace 3.b. syl ace pron pos n. def any winning serve. ace 4. syl ace pron pos n. qual Golf, chiefly U.S. def a hole in one. ace 5. syl ace pron pos n. def a fighter pilot accredited with destroying many enemy aircraft. ace 6. syl ace pron pos n. qual Informal. def an expert or highly skilled person. exam 1 an ace at driving. an ace up one's sleeve 7. head ace or an ace in the hole syl an ace up one's sleeve def a hidden and powerful advantage. {~} ace 8. syl ace pron pos n. qual Informal. def superb; excellent. {~} ace 9. syl ace pron pos n. mod tr. qual Tennis. def to serve an ace against. ace 10. syl ace pron pos n. qual Golf. def to play (a hole) in one stroke. ACE 0. syl ACE pron pos n. usage in Britain; acronym for def Advisory Centre for Education; a private organization offering advice on schools to parents. -acea ety New Latin, from Latin, neuter plural of -*_aceus -#7aceous -acea 0. syl -a:ce:a usage suffix forming plural proper nouns. def denoting animals belonging to a class or order. exam 1 Crustacea -aceae ety New Latin, from Latin, feminine plural of -*_aceus -#7aceous -aceae 0. syl -a:ce:ae usage suffix forming plural proper nouns. def denoting plants belonging to a family. exam 1 Liliaceae; exam 2 Ranunculaceae. acedia 0. syl a:ce:di:a pron <*1sEdi*> pos n. def another word for {accidie}. Aceldama ety C14: from Aramaic haq*_el dem*_a field of blood Aceldama 0. syl A:cel+da+ma pron <*1seld*m*> pos n. qual New Testament. def the place near Jerusalem that was bought with the 30 pieces of silver paid to Judas for betraying Jesus (Matthew 27:8; Acts 1:19). acellular 0. syl a:cel+lu+lar pron pos adj. qual Biology. def not made up of or containing cells. acentric 1. syl a:cen+tric pron pos adj. def without a centre. acentric 2. syl a:cen+tric pron pos adj. def not on centre; eccentric. -aceous ety New Latin, from Latin -*_aceus of a certain kind; related to -*_ac, -*_ax, adjectival suffix -aceous 0. syl -a:ceous usage suffix forming adjectives. def relating to, belonging to, having the nature of, or resembling. exam 1 herbaceous; exam 2 larvaceous. acephalous ety C18: via Medieval Latin from Greek akephalos. See #7a -%1#7, -#7cephalous acephalous 1. syl a:ceph:a+lous pron <*1sef*l*s> pos adj. def having no head or one that is reduced and indistinct, as certain insect larvae. acephalous 2. syl a:ceph:a+lous pron <*1sef*l*s> pos adj. def having or recognizing no ruler or leader. acerate ety C19: from Latin *_acer sharp+-#7ate %1 acerate 0. syl ac+er+ate pron <1@s*2rAt>, <-rit> pos adj. def another word for {acerose}. acerbate ety C18: from Latin acerb*_atus, past participle of acerb*_are to make sour acerbate 1. syl ac+er+bate pron <1@s*2bAt> pos vb. mod tr. def to embitter or exasperate. acerbate 2. syl ac+er+bate pron <1@s*2bAt> pos vb. mod tr. def to make sour or bitter. acerbic ety C17: from Latin acerbus sour, bitter acerbic 0. syl a:cer+bic pron <*1sR:bik> pos adj. def harsh, bitter, or astringent; sour. acerbities infl head acerbity syl a:cer+bi:ties. pos n. mod pl. acerbity 1. syl a:cer+bi:ty pron <*1sR:biti> pos n. def vitriolic or embittered speech, temper, etc. acerbity 2. syl a:cer+bi:ty pron <*1sR:biti> pos n. def sourness or bitterness of taste. acerose ety C18: from Latin acer*_osus full of chaff (erroneously used by Linnaeus as if derived from *_acer sharp) acerous alt head acerose or acerose syl ac+er+ous pos adj. acerose 0. or acerous syl ac+er+ose pron <1@s*2r*us>, <-2r*uz> pos adj. def shaped like a needle, as pine leaves. acervate ety C19: from Latin acerv*_atus, from acerv*_are to heap up, from acervus a heap acervate 0. syl a:cer+vate pron <*1sR:vit>, <-2vAt> pos adj. qual Botany. def growing in heaps or clusters. acervately sub head acervate syl a:1cer+vate+ly pos adv. acescent ety C18: from Latin ac*_escent-, from ac*_escere to become sour, from *_acer sharp acescent 0. syl a:ces+cent pron <*1sesNt> pos adj. def slightly sour or turning sour. acescence sub head acescent or acescency syl a:1ces+cence pos n. acescency sub head acescent or acescence syl a:1ces+cen+cy pos n. acetabulum ety Latin: vinegar cup, hence a cuplike cavity, from ac*_etum vinegar+- abulum, suffix denot?!ing a container acetabula infl head acetabulum syl ac+e:tab:u+la pron <-l*> pos n. mod pl. acetabulum 1. syl ac+e:tab:u+lum pron <2@si1t@bjul*m> pos n. def the deep cuplike cavity on the side of the hipbone that receives the head of the thighbone. acetabulum 2. syl ac+e:tab:u+lum pron <2@si1t@bjul*m> pos n. def a round muscular sucker in flatworms, leeches, and cephalopod molluscs. acetal ety C19: from German Azetal, from #7aceto -#7+alcohol acetal 1. syl ac+e:tal pron <1@si2t@l> pos n. def a colourless volatile liquid used as a solvent and in perfumes. Formula: CH\3CH(OC\2H\5)\2. acetal 2. syl ac+e:tal pron <1@si2t@l> pos n. def any organic compound containing the group -CH(OR\1)OR\2, where R\1 and R\2 are other organic groups. acetaldehyde 0. syl ac+et+al+de+hyde pron <2@si1t@ldi2hId> pos n. def a colourless volatile pungent liquid, miscible with water, used in the manufacture of organic compounds and as a solvent and reducing agent. Formula: CH\3CHO. acetamide ety C19: from German Azetamid, from #7aceto -#7+amide acetamid alt head acetamide or acetamide syl ac+et+am+id pron <2@si1t@mid>, <*1setimid> pos n. acetamide 0. or acetamid syl ac+et+am+ide pron <2@si1t@mId>, <*1seti2mId> pos n. def a white or colourless soluble deliquescent crystalline compound, used in the manufacture of organic chemicals. Formula: CH\3CONH\2. acetanilide ety C19: from #7aceto -#7+aniline+ -#7ide acetanilid alt head acetanilide or acetanilide syl ac+et+an:i+lid pron <2@si1t@nilid> pos n. acetanilide 0. or acetanilid syl ac+et+an:i+lide pron <2@si1t@ni2lId> pos n. def a white crystalline powder used in the manufacture of dyes and rubber and as an analgesic in medicine. Formula: C\6H\5NHCOCH\3. acetate ety C19: from #7acetic+ -#7ate %1 acetate 1. syl ac+e:tate pron <1@si2tAt> pos n. def any salt or ester of acetic acid, containing the monovalent ion CH\3COO%#- or the group CH\3COO%#-. acetate 2. syl ac+e:tate pron <1@si2tAt> pos n. usage modifier def consisting of, containing, or concerned with the group CH\3COO%#-. exam 1 acetate group or radical. acetate 3. syl ac+e:tate pron <1@si2tAt> pos n. def short for {acetate rayon} {cellulose acetate}. acetated sub head acetate syl ac+e:tat+ed pos adj. acetate rayon 0. syl ac+e:tate ray+on pos n. def a synthetic textile fibre made from cellulose acetate. Also called: {acetate}. acetic ety C19: from Latin ac*_etum vinegar acetic 0. syl a:ce:tic pron <*1sEtik>, <*1set-> pos adj. def of, containing, producing, or derived from acetic acid or vinegar. acetic acid 0. syl a:ce:tic ac:id pos n. def a colourless pungent liquid, miscible with water, widely used in the manufacture of acetic anhydride, vinyl acetate, plastics, pharmaceuticals, dyes, etc. Formula: CH\3COOH. See also {glacial acetic acid, vinegar}. acetic anhydride 0. syl a:ce:tic an+hy+dride pos n. def a colourless pungent liquid used in the manufacture of cellulose and vinyl acetates for synthetic fabrics. Formula: (CH\3CO)\2O. acetifies infl head acetify syl a:cet:i+fies pos vb. acetifying infl head acetify syl a:cet:i+fy+ing pos vb. acetified infl head acetify syl a:cet:i+fied. pos vb. acetify 0. syl a:cet:i+fy pron <*1seti2fI> pos vb. def to become or cause to become acetic acid or vinegar. acetification sub head acetify syl a:2cet:i+fi+1ca+tion pos n. acetifier sub head acetify syl a:1cet:i+2fi+er pos n. aceto- ety from Latin ac*_etum vinegar acetometer 0. syl ac+e:tom+e:ter pron <2@si1tomit*> pos n. def a device for measuring the concentration of acetic acid in a solution, esp. in vinegar. acetone ety C19: from German Azeton, from #7aceto -#7+ -#7one acetone 0. syl ac+e:tone pron <1@si2t*un> pos n. def a colourless volatile flammable pungent liquid, miscible with water, used in the manufacture of chemicals and as a solvent and thinner for paints, varnishes, and lacquers. Formula: CH\3COCH\3. acetonic sub head acetone syl ac+e:ton+ic pron <2@si1tonik> pos adj. acetone body 0. syl ac+e:tone bod:y pos n. def another name for {ketone body}. acetophenetidin 0. syl a:ce:to+phe+net:i+din pron <*2sEt*uf*1netidin> pos n. def another name for {phenacetin}. acetous ety C18: from Late Latin ac*_et*_osus vinegary, from ac*_etum vinegar acetose alt head acetous or acetous syl ac+e:tose pron <1@si2t*us>, <-2t*uz> pos adj. acetous 1. or acetose syl ac+e:tous pron <1@sit*s>, <*1sE-> pos adj. def containing, producing, or resembling acetic acid or vinegar. acetous 2. or acetose syl ac+e:tous pron <1@sit*s>, <*1sE-> pos adj. def tasting like vinegar. acetum ety Latin acetum 1. syl a:ce:tum pron <*1sEt*m> pos n. def another name for {vinegar}. acetum 2. syl a:ce:tum pron <*1sEt*m> pos n. def a solution that has dilute acetic acid as solvent. acetyl ety C19: from #7acet(ic) +-#7yl &- ac+e@.tyl+ic (@!@as$I#!t$Il$Ik) adj. acetyl 0. syl ac+e:tyl pron <1@si2tIl>, <*1sEtIl> pos n. usage modifier def of, consisting of, or containing the monovalent group CH\3CO-. exam 1 acetyl group or radical. acetylate 1. syl a:cet:y+late pron <*1seti2lAt> pos vb. mod tr. def to introduce an acetyl group into (a chemical compound). acetylate 2. syl a:cet:y+late pron <*1seti2lAt> pos vb. mod intr. usage of a chemical compound def to gain or suffer substitution of an acetyl group. acetylation sub head acetylate syl a:2cet:y+1la+tion pos n. acetylcholine 0. syl ac+e:tyl+cho+line pron <2@sitIl1k*ulEn>, <-lin> pos n. def a chemical substance secreted at the ends of many nerve fibres, esp. in the autonomic nervous system, and responsible for the transmission of nervous impulses. Formula: C\7H\1\7NO\3. acetylene 1. syl a:cet:y+lene pron <*1seti2lEn> pos n. def Also called: {ethyne}. a colourless soluble flammable gas used in the manufacture of organic chemicals and in cutting and welding metals. Formula: C\2H\2. acetylene 2. syl a:cet:y+lene pron <*1seti2lEn> pos n. def another name for {alkyne}. acetylenic sub head acetylene syl a:cet:y+len+ic pron <*2seti1lenik> pos adj. acetylide 0. syl a:cet:y+lide pron <*1seti2lId> pos n. def any of a class of carbides in which the carbon is present as a diatomic divalent ion. They are formally derivatives of acetylene. acetylsalicylic acid 0. syl ac+e:tyl+sal:i+cyl+ic ac:id pron <2@sitIl2s@li1silik>, <*1sEtIl-> pos n. def the chemical name for {aspirin}. acey-deucy 0. syl ace:y-deuc:y pron <1Asi1dju:si> pos n. def a form of backgammon. ACGI 0. syl A.C.G.I. qual abbrev. for def Associate of the City and Guilds Institute. Achaia alt head Achaea or Achaea syl A:cha:ia pron <*1kI*> pos n. Achaea 1. or Achaia syl A:chae:a pron <*1kE*> pos n. def a department of Greece, in the N Peloponnese. Capital: Patras. Pop.: 239859 (1971). Area: 3209 sq. km (1239 sq. miles). Modern Greek name: {Akha*"ia}. Achaea 2. or Achaia syl A:chae:a pron <*1kE*> pos n. def a province of ancient Greece, in the N Peloponnese on the Gulf of Corinth: enlarged as a Roman province in 27 #7b.c. Achaian alt head Achaean or Achaean syl A:chai:an pron <*1kI*n> pos n. Achaean 1. or Achaian syl A:chae+an pron <*1kE*n> pos n. def a member of a principal Greek tribe in the Mycenaean era. Achaean 2. or Achaian syl A:chae+an pron <*1kE*n> pos n. def a native or inhabitant of the later Greek province of Achaea. Achaean 3. or Achaian syl A:chae+an pron <*1kE*n> pos adj. def of or relating to Achaea or the Achaeans. Achaean League 0. syl A:chae+an League pos n. def a confederation of Achaean cities formed in the early third century #7b.c., which became a political and military force in Greece, directed particularly against Macedonian domination of the Peloponnesus. Achaemenid ety from Greek, after Akhaimen*_es, name of the founder Achaemenids infl head Achaemenid syl A:chae:me:nids pron <2@ki1meni2dE> pos n. mod pl. Achaemenidae infl head Achaemenid or Achaemenides syl Ach:ae:men:i:dae pron <2@ki1meni2dE> pos n. mod pl. Achaemenides infl head Achaemenid or Achaemenidae syl Ach:ae:men:i:des pron <2@ki?!1meni2dEz> pos n. mod pl. Achaemenid 0. syl A:chae:me:nid pron <*1kEm*nid>, <*1kem-> pos n. def any member of a Persian dynasty of kings, including Cyrus the Great, that ruled from about 550 to 331 #7b.c., when Darius III was overthrown by Alexander the Great. Achates ety from the name of Aeneas' faithful companion in Virgil's Aeneid Achates 0. syl A:cha+tes pron <*1kAtEz> pos n. def a loyal friend. ache ety Old English *_acan (vb.), @ace (n.), Middle English aken (vb.), ache (n.). Compare #7bake, batch ache 1. syl ache pron pos vb. mod intr. def to feel, suffer, or be the source of a continuous dull pain. ache 2. syl ache pron pos vb. mod intr. def to suffer mental anguish. ache 3. syl ache pron pos n. mod intr. def a continuous dull pain. achingly sub head ache syl ach+ing+ly pos adv. Achelous 0. syl Ach:e:lo:us pron <2@ki1l*u*s> pos n. qual Classical myth. def a river god who changed into a snake and a bull while fighting Hercules but was defeated when Hercules broke off one of his horns. achene ety C19: from New Latin achaenium that which does not yawn or open, from #7a - %1#7+ Greek khainein to yawn akene alt head achene or achene syl a:kene pron <*1kEn> pos n. achene 0. or akene syl a:chene pron <*1kEn> pos n. def a dry one-seeded indehiscent fruit with the seed distinct from the fruit wall. It may be smooth, as in the buttercup, or feathery, as in clematis. achenial sub head achene or akenial syl a:1che:ni:al pos adj. akenial sub head achene or achenial syl a:1ke:ni:al pos adj. Achernar ety from Arabic *_akh*_ir al-nahr, literally: end of the river, alluding to the star's location in the constellation Achernar 0. syl A:cher+nar pron <1Ak*2na:> pos n. def the brightest star in the constellation Eridanus, visible only in the S hemisphere. Visual magnitude: 0.6; spectral type: B5; distance: 66 light years. Acheron 1. syl Ach+er+on pron <1@k*2ron> pos n. qual Greek myth. def one of the rivers in Hades over which the souls of the dead were ferried by Charon. Compare {Styx}. Acheron 2. syl Ach+er+on pron <1@k*2ron> pos n. qual Greek myth. def the underworld or Hades. Acheulian ety C20: after St. Acheul, town in northern France Acheulean alt head Acheulian or Acheulian syl A:cheu+le:an pron <*1Su:li*n>, <-j*n> Acheulian 1. or Acheulean syl A:cheu+li:an pron <*1Su:li*n>, <-j*n> pos n. qual Archaeol. usage in Europe def the period in the Lower Palaeolithic following the Abbevillian, represented by the use of soft hammerstones in hand axe production made of chipped stone, bone, antler, or wood. The Acheulian dates from the Riss glaciation. Acheulian 2. or Acheulean syl A:cheu+li:an pron <*1Su:li*n>, <-j*n> pos n. qual Archaeol. usage in Africa def the period represented by every stage of hand axe development. Acheulian 3. or Acheulean syl A:cheu+li:an pron <*1Su:li*n>, <-j*n> pos adj. qual Archaeol. def of or relating to this period. a cheval ety literally: on horseback a cheval 0. syl *`a che+val pron French. usage of a bet, esp. in roulette def made on two numbers, cards, etc. achieve ety C14: from Old French achever to bring to an end, from the phrase a chef to a head, to a conclusion achieve 1. syl a:chieve pron <*1CEv> pos vb. def to bring to a successful conclusion; accomplish; attain. achieve 2. syl a:chieve pron <*1CEv> pos vb. mod tr. def to gain as by hard work or effort. exam 1 to achieve success. achievable sub head achieve syl a:1chiev+a:ble pos adj. achiever sub head achieve syl a:1chiev+er pos n. achievement 1. syl a:chieve+ment pron <*1CEvm*nt> pos n. def something that has been accomplished, esp. by hard work, ability, or heroism. achievement 2. syl a:chieve+ment pron <*1CEvm*nt> pos n. def successful completion; accomplishment. achievement 3. syl a:chieve+ment pron <*1CEvm*nt> pos n. qual Heraldry. def a less common word for {hatchment}. achievement age 0. syl a:chieve+ment age pos n. qual Psychol. def the age at which a child should be able to perform a standardized test successfully. Compare {developmental age, mental age}. achievement quotient 0. syl a:chieve+ment quo+tient pos n. qual Psychol. def a measure of ability derived by dividing an individual's achievement age by his actual age. Abbrev.: {AQ} achievement test 0. syl a:chieve+ment test pos n. qual Psychol. def a test designed to measure the effects that learning and teaching have on individuals. Achilles 0. syl A:chil:les pron <*1kilEz> pos n. qual Greek myth. def Greek hero, the son of Peleus and the sea goddess Thetis: in the the foremost of the Greek warriors at the siege of Troy. While he was a baby his mother plunged him into the river Styx making his body invulnerable except for the heel by which she held him. After slaying Hector, he was killed by Paris who wounded him in the heel. Achillean sub head Achilles syl Ach+il+le:an pron <2@ki1lE*n> pos adj. Achilles heel 0. syl A:chil:les heel pos n. def a small but fatal weakness. Achilles tendon 0. syl A:chil:les ten+don pos n. def the fibrous cord that connects the muscles of the calf to the heelbone. Achill Island 0. syl Ach+ill Is+land pron <1@kil> pos n. def an island in Ireland, off the W coast of Co. Mayo. Area: 3133 sq. km (1210 sq. miles). Pop.: 3598 (1966). Achitophel 0. syl A:chit:o:phel pron <*1kit*2fel> pos n. qual Bible. def the Douay spelling of {Ahithophel}. achlamydeous 0. syl ach+la+myd+e:ous pron <2@kl*1midi*s> pos adj. usage of flowers such as the willow def having neither petals nor sepals. achlorhydria ety C20: New Latin; see #7a -%1#7, chloro -#7, hydro - achlorhydria 0. syl a:chlor+hy+dri:a pron <2Aklc:1hIdri*> pos n. def a marked reduction or virtual absence of free hydrochloric acid from the gastric juice. achondrite 0. syl a:chon+drite pron pos n. def a rare stony meteorite that consists mainly of silicate minerals and has the texture of igneous rock but contains no chondrules. Compare {chondrite}. achondritic sub head achondrite syl a:chon+drit+ic pron <2Akon1dritik> pos adj. achondroplasia ety C20: New Latin; see #7a -%1#7, chondro -#7, -#7plasia achondroplasia 0. syl a:chon+dro+pla+si:a pron pos n. def a skeletal disorder, characterized by failure of normal conversion of cartilage into bone, that begins during fetal life and results in dwarfism. achondroplastic sub head achondroplasia syl a:chon+dro+plas+tic pron pos adj. achromatic lens alt head achromat or achromat syl ach+ro+mat+ic lens pos n. achromat 0. or achromatic lens syl ach+ro+mat pron <1@kr*2m@t> pos n. def a lens designed to bring light of two chosen wavelengths to the same focal point, thus reducing chromatic aberration. Compare {apochromat}. achromatic 1. syl ach+ro+mat+ic pron <2@kr*1m@tik> pos adj. def without colour. achromatic 2. syl ach+ro+mat+ic pron <2@kr*1m@tik> pos adj. def capable of reflecting or refracting light without chromatic aberration. achromatic 3.a. syl ach+ro+mat+ic pron <2@kr*1m@tik> pos adj. def not staining with standard dyes. achromatic 3.b. syl ach+ro+mat+ic pron <2@kr*1m@tik> pos adj. def of or relating to achromatin. achromatic 4.a. syl ach+ro+mat+ic pron <2@kr*1m@tik> pos adj. def involving no sharps or flats. achromatic 4.b. syl ach+ro+mat+ic pron <2@kr*1m@tik> pos adj. def another word for {diatonic}. achromatically sub head achromatic syl ach+ro+1mat:i+cal+ly pos adv. achromatism sub head achromatic or achromaticity syl a:chro+ma+tism pron <*1kr*um*2tiz*m> pos n. achromaticity sub head achromatic or achromatism syl a:chro+ma+tic+i:ty pron <*2kr*um*1tisiti> pos n. achromatic colour 0. syl ach+ro+mat+ic col+our pos n. qual Physics. def colour, such as white, black, and grey, that is devoid of hue. See { {colour} (sense 2)}. achromatin 0. syl a:chro+ma+tin pron <*1kr*um*tin> pos n. def the material of the nucleus of a cell that does not stain with basic dyes. Compare {chromatin}. achromatise alt head achromatize or achromatize syl a:chro+ma+tise pron <*1kr*um*tIz> pos vb. mod tr. achromatize 0. or achromatise syl a:chro+ma+tize pron <*1kr*um*tIz> pos vb. mod tr. def to make achromatic; to remove colour from. achromatization sub head achromatize or achromatisation syl a:2chro+ma+ti+1za+tion pos n. achromatisation sub head achromatize or achromatization syl a:2chro+ma+ti+1sa+tion pos n. achromatous 0. syl a:chro+ma+tous pron <*1kr*um*t*s> pos adj. def having little or no colour or less than is normal. achromous alt head achromic or achromic syl a:chro+mous pos adj. achromic 0. or achromous syl a+chro+mic pron <*1kr*umik> pos adj. def colourless. ach-y-fi ety Welsh, probably from ach, achy general exclamation of disgust+ fi I, me ach-y-fi 0. syl ach-y-fi pron <2ax*1vE>, <2^x-> pos interj. qual Welsh dialect. def an expression of disgust or abhorrence. acicula ety C19: New Latin, diminutive of acus needle aciculae infl head acicula syl a:cic:u+lae pron <-2lE> pos n. mod pl. acicula 0. syl a:cic:u+la pron <*1sikjul*> pos n. def a needle-shaped part, such as a spine, prickle, or crystal. acicular sub head acicula syl a:1cic:u+lar pos adj. aciculated alt head aciculate or aciculate syl a:cic:u+lat+ed pos adj. aciculate 1. or aciculated syl a:cic:u+late pron <*1sikjulit>, <-2lAt> pos adj. def having aciculae. aciculate 2. or aciculated syl a:cic:u+late pron <*1sikjulit>, <-2lAt> pos adj. def marked with or as if with needle scratches. aciculum ety C19: New Latin; see #7acicula aciculums infl head aciculum or acicula syl a:cic:u+lums pron <-l*> pos n. mod pl. acicula infl head aciculum or aciculums syl a:cic:u+la pron <-l*> pos n. mod pl. aciculum 0. syl a:cic:u+lum pron <*1sikjul*m> pos n. def a needle-like bristle that provides internal support for the appendages (chaetae) of some polychaete worms. acid ety C17 (first used by Francis Bacon): from French acide or Latin acidus, from ac*_ere to be sour or sharp acid 1. syl ac:id pron <1@sid> pos n. def any substance that dissociates in water to yield a sour corrosive solution containing hydrogen ions, having a pH of less than 7, and turning litmus red. See also {Lewis acid}. acid 2. syl ac:id pron <1@sid> pos n. def a sour-tasting substance. acid 3. syl ac:id pron <1@sid> pos n. def a slang name for {LSD}. put the acid on (someone) 4. head acid syl put the acid on (someone). qual Austral. informal. def to apply pressure to someone, usually when seeking a favour. acid 5.a. syl ac:id pron <1@sid> pos adj. def of, derived from, or containing acid. exam 1 an acid radical. acid 5.b. syl ac:id pron <1@sid> pos adj. def being or having the properties of an acid. exam 1 sodium bicarbonate is an acid salt. acid 6. syl ac:id pron <1@sid> pos adj. def sharp or sour in taste. acid 7. syl ac:id pron <1@sid> pos adj. def cutting, sharp, or hurtful in speech, manner, etc.; vitriolic; caustic. acid 8. syl ac:id pron <1@sid> pos adj. usage of igneous rocks def having a silica content of more than two thirds the total and containing at least one tenth quartz. acid 9. syl ac:id pron <1@sid> pos adj. qual Metallurgy. def of or made by a process in which the furnace or converter is lined with an acid material. exam 1 acid steel. acidly sub head acid syl ac+id+ly pos adv. acidness sub head acid syl ac+id+ness pos n. acidy sub head acid syl ac+id:y pos adj. acid drop 0. syl ac:id drop pos n. def a boiled sweet with a sharp taste. acid-fast 0. syl ac:id-fast pos adj. usage of bacteria and tissues def resistant to decolorization by mineral acids after staining. acid-forming 1. syl ac:id-form:ing pos adj. usage of an oxide or element def yielding an acid when dissolved in water or having an oxide that forms an acid in water; acidic. acid-forming 2. syl ac:id-form:ing pos adj. usage of foods def producing an acid residue following digestion. acid-head 0. syl ac:id-head pos n. qual Slang. def a person who uses LSD. acidic 1. syl a:cid+ic pron <*1sidik> pos adj. def another word for {acid}. acidic 2. syl a:cid+ic pron <*1sidik> pos adj. usage of an oxide def yielding an acid in aqueous solution. acidifies infl head acidify syl a:cid:i+fies pos vb. acidifying infl head acidify syl a:cid:i+fy+ing pos vb. acidified infl head acidify syl a:cid:i+fied. pos vb. acidify 0. syl a:cid:i+fy pron <*1sidi2fI> pos vb. def to convert into or become acid. acidifiable sub head acidify syl a:1cid:i+2fi+a:ble pos adj. acidification sub head acidify syl a:2cid:i+fi+1ca+tion pos n. acidifier sub head acidify syl a:1cid:i+2fi+er pos n. acidimeter 1. syl ac:i+dim+e:ter pron <2@si1dimit*> pos n. def any instrument for determin?!ing the amount of acid in a solution. acidimeter 2. syl ac:i+dim+e:ter pron <2@si1dimit*> pos n. def another name for {acidometer}. acidimetric sub head acidimeter or acidimetrical syl ac:i+di+met+ric pron <2@sid*1metrik> pos adj. acidimetrical sub head acidimeter or acidimetric syl ac:i+di+1met+ri+cal pos adj. acidimetry 0. syl ac:i+dim+e:try pron <2@si1dimitri> pos n. def the determination of the amount of acid present in a solution, measured by an acidimeter or by volumetric analysis. acidimetric sub head acidimetry or acidimetrical syl ac:i+di+met+ric pron <2@sidi1metrik> pos adj. acidimetrical sub head acidimetry or acidimetric syl ac:i+di+1met+ri+cal pos adj. acidimetrically sub head acidimetry syl ac:i+di+1met+ri+cal+ly pos adv. acidities infl head acidity syl a:cid+i:ties. pos n. mod pl. acidity 1. syl a:cid+i:ty pron <*1siditi> pos n. def the quality or state of being acid. acidity 2. syl a:cid+i:ty pron <*1siditi> pos n. def the amount of acid present in a solution, often expressed in terms of pH. acidity 3. syl a:cid+i:ty pron <*1siditi> pos n. def another name for {hyperacidity}. acidometer 0. syl ac:i+dom+e:ter pron <2@si1domit*> pos n. def a type of hydrometer for measuring the relative density of an acid solution, esp. the acid in a battery. Also called: {acidimeter}. acidophil ety C20: see #7acid, -#7phile acidophile alt head acidophil or acidophil syl ac:i+do+phile pron <1@sid*u2fIl>, <*1sid*-> pos adj. acidophil 1. or acidophile syl ac:i+do+phil pron <1@sid*u2fil>, <*1sid*-> pos adj. usage also; of cells or cell contents def easily stained by acid dyes. acidophil 2. or acidophile syl ac:i+do+phil pron <1@sid*u2fil>, <*1sid*-> pos adj. usage also; of microorganisms def growing well in an acid environment. acidophil 3. or acidophile syl ac:i+do+phil pron <1@sid*u2fil>, <*1sid*-> pos n. usage also def an acidophil organism. acidophilus milk 0. syl ac:i+doph:i+lus milk pron <2@si1dofil*s> pos n. qual Med. def milk fermented by bacteria of the species used in treating disorders of the gastrointestinal tract. acidosis 0. syl ac:i+do+sis pron <2@si1d*usis> pos n. def a condition characterized by an abnormal increase in the acidity of the blood and extracellular fluids. acidotic sub head acidosis syl ac:i+dot+ic pron <2@si1dotik> pos adj. acid rock ety C20: from #7acid (LSD), alluding to its supposed inspiration by drug-induced states of consciousness acid rock 0. syl ac:id rock pos n. def a type of rock music characterized by electronically amplified bizarre instrumental effects. acid soil 0. syl ac:id soil pos n. def a soil that gives a pH reaction of below 7.2, found especially in cool moist areas where soluble bases are leached away. acid test ety C19: from the testing of gold with nitric acid acid test 0. syl ac:id test pos n. def a rigorous and conclusive test to establish worth or value. exam 1 the play passed the critic's acid test. acidulate ety C18: #7acidulous+ -#7ate %1 acidulate 0. syl a:cid:u+late pron <*1sidju2lAt> pos vb. mod tr. def to make slightly acid or sour. acidulation sub head acidulate syl a:2cid:u+1la+tion pos n. acidulous ety C18: from Latin acidulus sourish, diminutive of acidus sour acidulent alt head acidulous or acidulous syl a:cid:u+lent pos adj. acidulous 1. or acidulent syl a:cid:u+lous pron <*1sidjul*s> pos adj. def rather sour. acidulous 2. or acidulent syl a:cid:u+lous pron <*1sidjul*s> pos adj. def sharp or sour in speech, manner, etc.; acid. acid value 0. syl ac:id val:ue pos n. def the number of milligrams of potassium hydroxide required to neutralize the free fatty acid in one gram of a fat, oil, resin, etc. acierate ety C19: from French acier steel, from Latin aci*_es sharpness acierate 0. syl ac:i+er+ate pron <1@si*2rAt> pos vb. mod tr. def to change (iron) into steel. acieration sub head acierate syl ac:i+er:1a+tion pos n. acinaciform ety C19: via Latin ac*_inac*_es, from Greek akinak*_es short sword, ultimately from Iranian+-#7form acinaciform 0. syl ac:i+nac:i+form pron <2@si1n@si2fc:m> pos adj. usage of leaves def shaped like a scimitar; curved. aciniform ety C19: from New Latin aciniformis; see #7acinus aciniform 0. syl a:cin:i+form pron <*1sini2fc:m> pos adj. def shaped like a bunch of grapes. acinus ety C18: New Latin, from Latin: grape, berry acini infl head acinus syl ac:i+ni pron <-2nI> pos n. mod pl. acinus 1. syl ac:i+nus pron <1@sin*s> pos n. qual Anatomy. def any of the terminal saclike portions of a compound gland. acinus 2. syl ac:i+nus pron <1@sin*s> pos n. qual Botany. def any of the small drupes that make up the fruit of the blackberry, raspberry, etc. acinus 3. syl ac:i+nus pron <1@sin*s> pos n. qual Botany. def a collection of berries, such as a bunch of grapes. acinic sub head acinus syl a:cin+ic pron <*1sinik> pos adj. acinous sub head acinus or acinose syl ac:i+nous pos adj. acinose sub head acinus or acinous syl ac:i+nose pos adj. Acis 0. syl A:cis pron <1Asis> pos n. qual Greek myth. def a Sicilian shepherd and the lover of the nymph Galatea. In jealousy, Polyphemus crushed him with a huge rock, and his blood was turned by Galatea into a river. ack-ack ety C20: British signalling code term for AA, abbreviation of anti-aircraft ack-ack 1.a. syl ack-ack pron <1@k2@k> pos n. qual Military. def anti-aircraft fire. ack-ack 1.b. syl ack-ack pron <1@k2@k> pos n. qual Military. usage as modifier exam 1 ack-ack guns. ack-ack 2. syl ack-ack pron <1@k2@k> pos n. qual Military. def anti-aircraft arms. ackee ety C18: of African origin akee alt head ackee or ackee syl ak:ee pron <1@kE> pos n. ackee 1.a. or akee syl ack:ee pron <1@kE> pos n. def a sapindaceous tree, native to tropical Africa and cultivated in the West Indies for its fruit, edible when cooked. ackee 1.b. or akee syl ack:ee pron <1@kE> pos n. def the red pear-shaped fruit of this tree. ackee 2. or akee syl ack:ee pron <1@kE> pos n. def a sapindaceous tree, that grows on some Caribbean islands and is valued for its timber and edible fruit. ackee 3. or akee syl ack:ee pron <1@kE> pos n. def the green tough-skinned berry of this tree. acknowledge ety C15: probably from earlier knowledge, on the model of Old English oncn*_awan, Middle English aknowen to confess, recognize acknowledge 1. syl ac+knowl+edge pron <*k1noliJ> pos vb. mod tr. usage may take a clause as object def to recognize or admit the existence, truth, or reality of. acknowledge 2. syl ac+knowl+edge pron <*k1noliJ> pos vb. mod tr. def to indicate recognition or awareness of, as by a greeting, glance, etc. acknowledge 3. syl ac+knowl+edge pron <*k1noliJ> pos vb. mod tr. def to express appreciation or thanks for. exam 1 to acknowledge a gift. acknowledge 4. syl ac+knowl+edge pron <*k1noliJ> pos vb. mod tr. def to make the receipt of known to the sender. exam 1 to acknowledge a letter. acknowledge 5. syl ac+knowl+edge pron <*k1noliJ> pos vb. mod tr. def to recognize, esp. in legal form, the authority, rights, or claims of. acknowledgeable sub head acknowledge syl ac+1knowl+edge+a:ble pos adj. acknowledger sub head acknowledge syl ac+1knowl+edg+er pos n. acknowledgement alt head acknowledgment or acknowledgment syl ac+knowl+edge+ment pron <*k1noliJ?!m*nt> pos n. acknowledgment 1. or acknowledgement syl ac+knowl+edg+ment pron <*k1noliJ?!m*nt> pos n. def the act of acknowledging or state of being acknowl?!edged. acknowledgment 2. or acknowledgement syl ac+knowl+edg+ment pron <*k1noliJ?!m*nt> pos n. def something done or given as an expression of thanks, as a reply to a message, etc. acknowledgment 3. or acknowledgement syl ac+knowl+edg+ment pron <*k1noliJ?!m*nt> pos n. mod pl. def an author's statement acknowledging his use of the works of other authors, usually printed at the front of a book. aclinic line ety C19 aclinic, from Greek aklin*_es not bending, from #7a -%1+ klinein to bend, lean aclinic line 0. syl a:clin+ic line pron <*1klinik> pos n. def another name for {magnetic equator}. acme ety C16: from Greek akm*_e acme 0. syl ac:me pron <1@kmi> pos n. def the culminating point, as of achievement or excellence; summit; peak. acne ety C19: New Latin, from a misreading of Greek akm*_e eruption on the face. See #7acme acne 0. syl ac:ne pron <1@kni> pos n. def a chronic skin disease common in adolescence, involving inflammation of the sebaceous glands and characterized by pustules on the face, neck, and upper trunk. acnode ety C19: from Latin acus a needle+#7node acnode 0. syl ac+node pron <1@k2n*ud> pos n. def a point whose coordinates satisfy the equation of a curve although it does not lie on the curve; an isolated point. The origin is an acnode of the curve %2+ %2= %3. acnodal sub head acnode syl ac+1no+dal pos adj. Acol ety C20: named after a club in Acol Road, London Acol 0. syl Ac:ol pron <1@kL> pos n. qual Bridge. def a popular British bidding system favouring light opening bids and a flexible approach. acolyte ety C16: via Old French and Medieval Latin from Greek akolouthos a follower acolyte 1. syl ac:o+lyte pron <1@k*2lIt> pos n. def a follower or attendant. acolyte 2. syl ac:o+lyte pron <1@k*2lIt> pos n. qual Christianity. def an officer who attends or assists a priest. Aconcagua 0. syl A:con+ca+gua pron Spanish pos n. def a mountain in W Argentina: the highest peak in the Andes and in the W Hemi?!sphere. Height: 6960 m (22835 ft.). aconite ety C16: via Old French or Latin from Greek akoniton aconite, monkshood aconitum alt head aconite or aconite syl ac:o+ni+tum pron <2@k*1nIt*m> pos n. aconite 1. or aconitum syl ac:o+nite pron <1@k*2nIt> pos n. def any of various N temperate plants of the ranunculaceous genus such as monkshood and wolfsbane, many of which are poisonous. Compare {winter aconite}. aconite 2. or aconitum syl ac:o+nite pron <1@k*2nIt> pos n. def the dried poisonous root of many of these plants, sometimes used as a narcotic and analgesic. aconitic sub head aconite syl ac:o+nit+ic pron <2@k*1nitik> pos adj. Acores 0. syl A:*,c*^o+res pron <*1soriS> pos n. def the Portuguese name for (the) {Azores}. acorn ety C16: variant (through influence of corn) of Old English @acern the fruit of a tree, acorn; related to Gothic akran fruit, yield acorn 0. syl a:corn pron <1Akc:n> pos n. def the fruit of the oak tree, consisting of a smooth thick-walled nut in a woody scaly cuplike base. shell alt head acorn barnacle or acorn barnacle syl shell pos n. acorn barnacle 0. or shell syl a:corn bar+na+cle pos n. def any of various barnacles, such as that live attached to rocks and have a volcano-shaped shell from the top of which protrude feathery food-catching appendages (cirri). tube alt head acorn valve or acorn valve syl tube pos n. qual U.S. acorn valve 0. or tube syl a:corn valve pos n. def a small electronic valve, approximately acorn-shaped with small closely-spaced electrodes, used in ultrahigh-frequency applications. acorn worm 0. syl a:corn worm pos n. def any of various small burrowing marine animals of the genus and related genera, having an elongated wormlike body with an acorn-shaped eversible proboscis at the head end: subphylum (hemichordates). acotyledon 0. syl a:cot:y+le:don pron <*2koti1lEdN> pos n. def any plant, such as a fern, moss, or fungus, that does not possess cotyledons. acotyledonous sub head acotyledon syl a:2cot:y+1le:don+ous pos adj. acouchi ety C19: via French from a native name in Guiana acouchy alt head acouchi or acouchi syl a:cou+chy pron <*1ku:Si> pos n. acouchis infl head acouchi or acouchies syl a:cou+chis pos n. mod pl. acouchies infl head acouchi or acouchis syl a:cou+chies. pos n. mod pl. acouchi 0. or acouchy syl a:cou+chi pron <*1ku:Si> pos n. def any of several South American rodents of the genus closely related to the agoutis but much smaller, with a white-tipped tail: family acoustic ety C17: from Greek akoustikos, from akouein to hear acoustical alt head acoustic or acoustic syl a:cous+ti+cal pos adj. acoustic 1. or acoustical syl a:cous+tic pron <*1ku:stik> pos adj. def of or related to sound, the sense of hearing, or acoustics. acoustic 2. or acoustical syl a:cous+tic pron <*1ku:stik> pos adj. def designed to respond to, absorb, or control sound. exam 1 an acoustic tile. acoustic 3. or acoustical syl a:cous+tic pron <*1ku:stik> pos adj. usage of a musical instrument or recording def without electronic amplification. exam 1 an acoustic bass; exam 2 acoustic guitar. acoustically sub head acoustic syl a:1cous+ti+cal+ly pos adv. acoustic feature 0. syl a:cous+tic fea+ture pos n. qual Phonetics. def any of the acoustic components or elements present in a speech sound and capable of being experimentally observed, recorded, and reproduced. acoustician 0. syl a:cous+ti+cian pron <2@ku1stiS*n> pos n. def an expert in acoustics. acoustic nerve 0. syl a:cous+tic nerve pos n. def either one of the eighth pair of cranial nerves, which supply the cochlea and semicircular canals of the internal ear and contribute to the sense of hearing. acoustic phonetics 0. syl a:cous+tic pho+net+ics pos n. def the branch of phonetics concerned with the acoustic properties of human speech. Compare {ar?!ticulatory phonetics}. acoustics 1. syl a:cous+tics pron <*1ku:stiks> pos n. mod functioning as; sing. def the scientif?!ic study of sound and sound waves. acoustics 2. syl a:cous+tics pron <*1ku:stiks> pos n. mod functioning as; pl. def the characteristics of a room, auditorium, etc., that determine the fidelity with which sound can be heard within it. acpt 0. syl acpt. qual Commerce. abbrev. for def acceptance. acquaint ety C13: via Old French and Medieval Latin from Latin accog?!nitus, from accogn*_oscere to know perfectly, from ad- (intensive)+ cogn*_oscere to know acquaint 1. syl ac+quaint pron <*1kwAnt> pos vb. mod tr. usage foll. by with or of def to make (a person) familiar or conversant (with); inform (of). acquaint 2. syl ac+quaint pron <*1kwAnt> pos vb. mod tr. qual Chiefly U.S. usage foll. by with def to introduce (to); bring into contact (with). acquaintance 1. syl ac+quaint+ance pron <*1kwAnt*ns> pos n. def a person with whom one has been in contact but who is not a close friend. acquaintance 2. syl ac+quaint+ance pron <*1kwAnt*ns> pos n. def knowledge of a person or thing, esp. when slight. make the acquaintance of 3. head acquaintance syl make the acquaint?!ance of. def to come into social contact with. acquaintance 4. syl ac+quaint+ance pron <*1kwAnt*ns> pos n. def those persons collectively whom one knows. acquaintanceship sub head acquaintance syl ac+1quaint+ance+2ship pos n. acquainted 1. syl ac+quaint+ed pron <*1kwAntid> pos adj. usage postpositive; sometimes foll. by with def on terms of familiarity but not intimacy. acquainted 2. syl ac+quaint+ed pron <*1kwAntid> pos adj. usage postpositive; foll. by with def having knowledge or experience (of); familiar (with). acquiesce ety C17: from Latin acqui*_escere to remain at rest, agree without protest, from ad- at+ qui*_escere to rest, from qui*_es #7quiet &- @!ac+qui+#!es+cence n. ?- @!ac+qui+#!es+cent adj. acquiesce 0. syl ac+qui+esce pron <2@kwi1es> pos vb. mod intr. usage often foll. by in or to def to comply (with); assent (to) without protest. acquiescently sub head acquiesce syl ac+qui+1es+cent+ly pos adv. acquire ety C15: via Old French from Latin acqu*_irere, from ad- in addition+ quaerere to get, seek acquire 0. syl ac+quire pron <*1kwI*> pos vb. mod tr. def to get or gain (something, such as an object, trait, or ability), esp. more or less permanently. acquirable sub head acquire syl ac+1quir+a:ble pos adj. acquirement sub head acquire syl ac+1quire+ment pos n. acquirer sub head acquire syl ac+1quir+er pos n. acquired characteristic 0. syl ac+quired char+ac+ter+is+tic pos n. def a characteristic of an organism resulting from increased use or disuse of an organ or the effects of the environment. See also {Lamarckism}. acquired taste 1. syl ac+quired taste pos n. def a liking for something that is at first considered unpleasant. acquired taste 2. syl ac+quired taste pos n. def the thing so liked. acquisition ety C14: from Latin acqu*_is*_iti*_on-, from acqu*_irere to #7acquire acquisition 1. syl ac+qui+si+tion pron <2@kwi1ziS*n> pos n. def the act of acquiring or gaining possession. acquisition 2. syl ac+qui+si+tion pron <2@kwi1ziS*n> pos n. def something acquired. acquisition 3. syl ac+qui+si+tion pron <2@kwi1ziS*n> pos n. def a person or thing of special merit added to a group. acquisition 4.a. syl ac+qui+si+tion pron <2@kwi1ziS*n> pos n. def the re-establishment of communications between a spacecraft and a ground control station after a temporary blackout. acquisition 4.b. syl ac+qui+si+tion pron <2@kwi1ziS*n> pos n. def the process of locating a spacecraft, satellite, etc., esp. by radar, in order to gather tracking and telemetric information. acquisitive 0. syl ac+quis:i+tive pron <*1kwizitiv> pos adj. def inclined or eager to acquire things, esp. material possessions or ideas. exam 1 an acquisitive mind. acquisitively sub head acquisitive syl ac+1quis:i+tive+ly pos adv. acquisitiveness sub head acquisitive syl ac+1quis:i+tive+ness pos n. acquit ety C13: from Old French aquiter, from quiter to release, free from, #7quit acquits infl head acquit syl ac+quits pos vb. mod tr. acquitting infl head acquit syl ac+quit+ting pos vb. mod tr. acquitted infl head acquit syl ac+quit+ted. pos vb. mod tr. acquit 1.a. syl ac+quit pron <*1kwit> pos vb. mod tr. def to free or release (from a charge of crime). acquit 1.b. syl ac+quit pron <*1kwit> pos vb. mod tr. def to pronounce not guilty. acquit 2. syl ac+quit pron <*1kwit> pos vb. mod tr. usage foll. by of def to free or relieve (from an obligation, duty, responsibility, etc.). acquit 3. syl ac+quit pron <*1kwit> pos vb. mod tr. def to repay or settle (something, such as a debt or obligation). acquit 4. syl ac+quit pron <*1kwit> pos vb. mod tr. def to perform (one's part); conduct (oneself). acquitter sub head acquit syl ac+1quit+ter pos n. acquittal 1. syl ac+quit+tal pron <*1kwitL> pos n. qual Criminal law. def the deliverance and release of a person appearing before a court on a charge of crime, as by a finding of not guilty. acquittal 2. syl ac+quit+tal pron <*1kwitL> pos n. def a discharge or release from an obligation, duty, debt, etc. acquittance 1. syl ac+quit+tance pron <*1kwit*ns> pos n. def a release from or settlement of a debt, etc. acquittance 2. syl ac+quit+tance pron <*1kwit*ns> pos n. def a record of this, such as a receipt. acre ety Old English @acer field, acre; related to Old Norse akr, German Acker, Latin ager field, Sanskrit ajra field acre 1. syl a:cre pron <1Ak*> pos n. def a unit of area used in certain English-speaking countries, equal to 4840 square yards or 4046.86 square metres. acre 2.a. syl a:cre pron <1Ak*> pos n. def land, esp. a large area. acre 2.b. syl a:cre pron <1Ak*> pos n. qual Informal. def a large amount. exam 1 he has acres of space in his room. Acre 1. syl A:cre pron <1a:kr*> pos n. def a territory of W Brazil: mostly unexplored tropical forests; acquired from Bolivia in 1903. Capital: Rio Branco. Pop.: 215299 (1970). Area: 148026 sq. km (57153 sq. miles). Acre 2. syl A:cre pron <1Ak*>, <1a:k*> pos n. def a city and port in N Israel, strategically situated on the {Bay of Acre} in the E Mediterranean: taken and retaken during the Crusades (1104, 1187, 1191, 1291), taken by the Turks (1517), by Egypt (1832), and by the Turks again (1839). Pop.: 34400 (1972). Old Testament name: {Ac+cho} ($a$:#!k$$$u). Arabic name: {`Ak@.ka} ($a$:#!k$a$:). Hebrew name: {`Ak@.ko} ($a$:#!k$$$u). acreage 0. syl a:cre+age pron <1Ak*riJ> pos n. def land area in acres. acred 0. syl a:cred pron <1Ak*d> pos adj. usage usually in combination def having acres of land. exam 1 a many-acred farm; exam 2 a well-acred nobleman. acre-feet infl head acre-foot syl a:cre-feet. pos n. mod pl. acre-foot 0. syl a:cre-foot pos n. def the volume of water that would cover an area of 1 acre to a depth of 1 foot: equivalent to 43560 cubic feet or 1233.5 cubic metres. acre-inch 0. syl a:cre-inch pos n. def the volume of water that would cover an area of 1 acre to a depth of 1 inch; one twelfth of an acre-foot: equivalent to 3630 cubic feet or 102.8 cubic metres. acrid ety C18: from Latin *_acer sharp, sour; probably formed on the model of #7acid acrid 1. syl ac+rid pron <1@krid> pos adj. def unpleasantly pungent or sharp to the smell or taste. acrid 2. syl ac+rid pron <1@krid> pos adj. def sharp or caustic, esp. in speech or nature. acridity sub head acrid or acridness syl a:crid+i:ty pron <*1kriditi> pos n. acridness sub head acrid or acridity syl ac+rid+ness pos n. acridly sub head acrid syl ac+rid+ly pos adv. acridine 0. syl ac+ri+dine pron <1@kri2dEn> pos n. def a colourless crystalline solid used in the manufacture of dyes. Formula: C\1\3H\9N. acriflavine ety C20: from #7acridine+ -#7flavin acriflavine 0. syl ac+ri+fla+vine pron <2@kri1flAvin>, <-vEn> pos n. def a brownish or orange-red powder used in medicine as an antiseptic and bacteriostat. Formula: C\1\4H\1\4N\3Cl. acriflavine hydrochloride 0. syl ac+ri+fla+vine hy:dro+chlor+ide pos n. def a red crystalline water-soluble solid substance obtained from acriflavine and used as an antiseptic. Also called: {flavine}. Acrilan 0. syl Ac+ri+lan pron <1@kri2l@n> pos n. qual Trademark. def an acrylic fibre or fabric, characterized by strength, softness, and crease-resistance and used for clothing, upholstery, carpets, etc. acrimony ety C16: from Latin *_acrim*_onia, from *_acer sharp, sour &- ac+ri+mo+ni+ous (@!@akr$I#!m$$$un$I$$s) adj. &- @!ac+ri+#!mo+ni+ous+ly adv. &- @!ac+ri+#!mo+ni+ous+ness n. acrimonies infl head acrimony syl ac+ri+mo+nies. pos n. mod pl. acrimony 0. syl ac+ri+mo+ny pron <1@krim*ni> pos n. def bitterness or sharpness of manner, speech, temper, etc. acro- ety from Greek akros extreme, topmost acro- 0. syl ac:ro- exam 1 combining form. acro- 1. syl ac:ro- def denoting something at a height, summit, top, tip, beginning, or end. exam 1 acropolis; exam 2 acrogen. acro- 2. syl ac:ro- def denoting an extremity of the human body. exam 1 acromegaly. acrobat ety C19: via French from Greek akrobat*_es acrobat, one who walks on tiptoe, from #7acro -#7+ bat-, from bainein to walk acrobat 1. syl ac+ro+bat pron <1@kr*2b@t> pos n. def an entertainer who performs acts that require skill, agility, and coordination, such as tumbling, swinging from a trapeze, or walking a tightrope. acrobat 2. syl ac+ro+bat pron <1@kr*2b@t> pos n. qual Informal. def a person noted for his frequent and rapid changes of position or allegiances. exam 1 a political acrobat. acrobatic sub head acrobat syl ac+ro+1bat+ic pos adj. acrobatically sub head acrobat syl ac+ro+1bat:i+cal+ly pos adv. acrobatics 1. syl ac+ro+bat+ics pron <2@kr*1b@tiks> pos n. mod functioning as; pl. def the skills or feats of an acrobat. acrobatics 2. syl ac+ro+bat+ics pron <2@kr*1b@tiks> pos n. mod functioning as; sing. def the art of an acrobat. acrobatics 3. syl ac+ro+bat+ics pron <2@kr*1b@tiks> pos n. mod functioning as; pl. def any activity requiring agility and skill. exam 1 mental acrobatics. acrocarpous ety C19: from New Latin, from Greek akrokarpos acrocarpous 0. syl ac+ro+car+pous pron <2@kr*u1ka:p*s> pos adj. usage of ferns, mosses, etc. def having the reproductive parts at the tip of a stem. acrodont ety C19: from #7acro -#7+ -#7odont acrodont 1. syl ac+ro+dont pron <1@kr*2dont> pos adj. usage of the teeth of some reptiles def having no roots and being fused at the base to the margin of the jawbones. See also { {pleurodont} (sense 1)}. acrodont 2. syl ac+ro+dont pron <1@kr*2dont> pos adj. def having acrodont teeth. acrodrome 0. syl ac+ro+drome pron <1@kr*2dr*um> pos adj. usage of the veins of a leaf def running parallel to the edges of the leaf and fusing at the tip. Also: {a@.crod+ro+mous} ($$#!kr$Adr$$m$$s). acrogen 0. syl ac+ro+gen pron <1@kr*J*n> pos n. def any flowerless plant, such as a fern or moss, in which growth occurs from the tip of the main stem. acrogenic sub head acrogen or acrogenous syl ac+ro+gen+ic pron <2@kr*1Jenik> pos adj. acrogenous sub head acrogen or acrogenic syl a:crog+e:nous pron <*1kroJin*s> pos adj. acrogenously sub head acrogen syl a:1crog+e:nous+ly pos adv. acrolein ety C19: from Latin *_acer sharp+ ol*_ere to smell+-#7in acrolein 0. syl a:cro+le:in pron <*1kr*uliin> pos n. def a colourless or yellowish flammable poisonous pungent liquid used in the manufacture of resins and pharmaceuticals. Formula: CH\2:CHCHO. acrolith ety C19: via Latin acrolithus from Greek akrolithos having stone extremities acrolith 0. syl ac+ro+lith pron <1@kr*liT> pos n. usage esp. in ancient Greek sculpture def a wooden, often draped figure with only the head, hands, and feet in stone. acrolithic sub head acrolith syl ac+ro+1lith+ic pos adj. acromegaly ety C19: from French acrom*'egalie, from #7acro -#7+ Greek megal-, stem of megas big acromegaly 0. syl ac+ro+meg:a+ly pron <2@kr*u1meg*li> pos n. def a chronic disease characterized by enlargement of the bones of the head, hands, and feet. It is caused by excessive secretion of growth hormone by the pituitary gland. Compare {gigantism}. acromegalic sub head acromegaly syl ac+ro+me:gal+ic pron <2@kr*umi1g@lik> pos adj. n. acromion ety C17: New Latin, from Greek akr*_omion the point of the shoulder, from #7acro -#7+ *_omion, diminutive of *_omos shoulder acromia infl head acromion syl a:cro+mi:a pron <-mi*> pos n. mod pl. acromion 0. syl a:cro+mi+on pron <*1kr*umi*n> pos n. def the outermost edge of the spine of the shoulder blade. acronychal ety C16: from Greek akronychos at sunset, from #7acro -+ nykh-, nyx night acronycal infl head acronychal or acronical syl a:cron:y+cal pron <*1kronikL> pos adj. acronical infl head acronychal or acronycal syl a:cron:i+cal pron <*1kronikL> pos adj. qual U.S. acronychal 0. syl a:cron:y+chal pron <*1kronikL> pos adj. def occurring at sunset. exam 1 the star has an acronychal rising. acronychally sub head acronychal syl a:1cron:y+chal+ly pos adv. acronycally sub head acronychal or acronically syl a:1cron:y+cal+ly pos adv. acronically sub head acronychal or acronycally syl a:1cron:i+cal+ly pos adv. qual U.S. acronym ety C20: from #7acro -#7+onym acronym 0. syl ac+ro+nym pron <1@kr*nim> pos n. def a word formed from the initial letters of a group of words; for example, for the acronymic sub head acronym or acronymous syl ac+ro+1nym+ic pron <*1kronim*s> pos adj. acronymous sub head acronym or acronymic syl a:cron:y+mous pron <*1kronim*s> pos adj. acropetal 0. syl a:crop+e:tal pron <*1kropitL> pos adj. usage of leaves and flowers def produced in order from the base upwards so that the youngest are at the apex. Compare {basipetal}. acrophobia ety C19: from #7acro -+-#7phobia &- @!ac+ro+#!pho+bic adj. acrophobia 0. syl ac+ro+pho+bi:a pron <2@kr*1f*ubi*> pos n. def abnormal fear or dread of being at a great height. acropolis ety C17: from Greek, from #7acro -#7+ polis city acropolis 0. syl a:crop:o+lis pron <*1krop*lis> pos n. def the citadel of an ancient Greek city. Acropolis 0. syl A:crop:o+lis pron <*1krop*lis> pos n. def the citadel of Athens on which the Parthenon and the Erechtheum stand. acrospire ety C17: from obsolete akerspire, from aker #7ear %2#7+ spire sprout, #7spire %1; the modern form is influenced by #7acro - acrospire 0. syl ac+ro+spire pron <1@kr*2spI*> pos n. def the first shoot developing from the plumule of a germinating grain seed. across ety C13 on croice, acros, from Old French a croix crosswise across 1. syl a:cross pron <*1kros> pos prep. def from one side to the other side of. across 2. syl a:cross pron <*1kros> pos prep. def on or at the other side of. across 3. syl a:cross pron <*1kros> pos adv. def from one side to the other. across 4. syl a:cross pron <*1kros> pos adv. def on or to the other side. across-the-board 1. syl a:cross-the-board pos adj. usage of salary increases, taxation cuts, etc. def affecting all levels or classes equally. across-the-board 2. syl a:cross-the-board pos adj. qual Horse racing, chiefly U.S. def designating a bet in which equal amounts are staked on the same contestant to win or to come second or third in a race. acrostic ety C16: via French from Greek akrostikhis, from #7acro -#7+ stikhos line of verse, #7stich acrostic 0.a. syl a:cros+tic pron <*1krostik> pos n. def a number of lines of writing, such as a poem, certain letters of which form a word, proverb, etc. A {single acrostic} is formed by the initial letters of the lines, a {double acrostic} by the initial and final letters, and a {triple acrostic} by the initial, middle, and final letters. acrostic 0.b. syl a:cros+tic pron <*1krostik> pos n. def the word, proverb, etc., so formed. acrostic 0.c. syl a:cros+tic pron <*1krostik> pos n. usage as modifier exam 1 an acrostic sonnet. acrostically sub head acrostic syl a:1cros+ti+cal+ly pos adv. acroter ety C18: from French, from Latin acroterium, from Greek akr*_ot*_erion summit, from akros extreme acroter 0. syl a:cro+ter pron <*1kr*ut*>, <1@kr*t*> pos n. qual Architecture. def a plinth bearing a statue, etc., at either end or at the apex of a pediment. acrylic ety C20: from #7acrolein+ -#7yl+ -#7ic acrylic 1. syl a:cryl+ic pron <*1krilik> pos adj. def of, derived from, or concerned with acrylic acid. acrylic 2. syl a:cryl+ic pron <*1krilik> pos n. def short for {acrylic resin}. acrylic acid 0. syl a:cryl+ic ac:id pos n. def a colourless corrosive pungent liquid, miscible with water, used in the manufacture of acrylic resins. Formula: CH\2:CHCOOH. acrylic fibre 0. syl a:cryl+ic fi+bre pos n. def a textile fibre, such as Orlon or Acrilan, produced from acrylonitrile. acrylic resin 0. syl a:cryl+ic res+in pos n. def any of a group of polymers or copolymers of acrylic acid, its esters, or amides, used as synthetic rubbers, textiles, paints, adhesives, and as plastics such as Perspex. acrylonitrile ety C20: from #7acrylic+nitrile acrylonitrile 0. syl ac+ry+lo+ni+trile pron <2@kril*u1nItrIl> pos n. def a colourless liquid that is miscible with water and has toxic fumes: used in the manufacture of acrylic fibres and resins, rubber, and thermoplastics. Formula: CH\2:CHCN. acrylyl 0. syl ac+ry+lyl pron <1@krilil> pos n. usage modifier def of, consisting of, or containing the monovalent group CH\2:CHCO-. exam 1 acrylyl group or radical. acs pay 0. syl a/cs pay. qual abbrev. for def accounts payable. acs rec 0. syl a/cs rec. qual abbrev. for def accounts receivable. act ety C14: from Latin actus a doing, performance, and actum a thing done, from the past participle of agere to do act 1. syl act pron <@kt> pos n. def something done or performed; a deed. act 2. syl act pron <@kt> pos n. def the performance of some physical or mental process; action. act 3. syl act pron <@kt> pos n. usage cap. when part of a name def the formally codified result of deliberation by a legislative body; a law, edict, decree, statute, etc. act 4. syl act pron <@kt> pos n. mod often; pl. def a formal written record of transactions, proceedings, etc., as of a society, committee, or legislative body. act 5. syl act pron <@kt> pos n. def a major division of a dramatic work. act 6.a. syl act pron <@kt> pos n. def a short performance of skill, a comic sketch, dance, etc., esp. one that is part of a programme of light entertainment. act 6.b. syl act pron <@kt> pos n. def those giving such a performance. act 7. syl act pron <@kt> pos n. def an assumed attitude or pose, esp. one intended to impress. act 8. syl act pron <@kt> pos n. qual Philosophy. def an occurrence effected by a human agent as opposed to one that is determined. Compare { {event} (sense 4)}. act 9. syl act pron <@kt> pos vb. mod intr. def to do something; carry out an action. act 10. syl act pron <@kt> pos vb. mod intr. def to function in a specified way; operate; react. exam 1 his mind acted quickly. act 11. syl act pron <@kt> pos vb. def to perform (a part or role) in a play, etc. act 12. syl act pron <@kt> pos vb. mod tr. def to present (a play, etc.) on stage. act 13. syl act pron <@kt> pos vb. mod intr. usage usually foll. by for or as def to be a substitute (for); function in place (of). act 14. syl act pron <@kt> pos vb. mod intr. usage foll. by as def to serve the function or purpose (of). exam 1 the glass acted as protection. act 15. syl act pron <@kt> pos vb. mod intr. def to conduct oneself or behave (as if one were). exam 1 she usually acts like a lady; exam 2 she was acting tired. act 16. syl act pron <@kt> pos vb. mod intr. def to behave in an unnatural or affected way. act 17. syl act pron <@kt> pos vb. usage copula def to pose as; play the part of. exam 1 to act the fool. act 18. syl act pron <@kt> pos vb. usage copula def to behave in a manner appropriate to (esp. in the phrase {act one's age) }. act 19. syl act pron <@kt> pos vb. qual Not standard. usage copula def to seem or pretend to be. exam 1 to act tired. act xref syl act pron <@kt> pos n. def See also {act on, act out, act up}. actable sub head act syl act+a:ble pos adj. actability sub head act syl act+a:1bil+i:ty pos n. ACT 0. syl A.C.T. qual abbrev. for def Australian Capital Territory. Actaeon 0. syl Ac:tae:on pron <@k1tE*n>, <1@kti*n> pos n. qual Greek myth. def a hunter of Boeotia who, having accidentally seen Artemis bathing, was turned into a stag and torn apart by his own hounds. actg 0. syl actg. qual abbrev. for def acting. ACTH 0. syl ACTH pos n. def adrenocorticotropic hormone; a polypeptide hormone, secreted by the anterior lobe of the pituitary gland, that stimulates growth of the adrenal gland and the synthesis and secretion of corticosteroids. It is used in treating rheumatoid arthritis, allergic and skin diseases, and many other disorders. Also called: {corticotropin}. actin ety C20: from #7act+ -#7in actin 0. syl ac+tin pron <1@ktin> pos n. def a protein in muscle that exists in both globular and fibrous forms and associates with myosin to form the complex protein actomyosin. actinal ety C19: see #7actino -#7, -#7al %1 actinal 1. syl ac+ti+nal pron <1@ktinL>, <@k1tInL> pos adj. def of or denoting the oral part of a radiate animal, such as a jellyfish, sea anemone, or sponge, from which the rays, tentacles, or arms grow. actinal 2. syl ac+ti+nal pron <1@ktinL>, <@k1tInL> pos adj. def possessing rays or tentacles, as a jellyfish. actinally sub head actinal syl ac+ti+nal+ly pos adv. acting 1. syl act+ing pron <1@ktiG> pos adj. usage prenominal def taking on duties temporarily, esp. as a substitute for another. exam 1 the acting president. acting 2. syl act+ing pron <1@ktiG> pos adj. usage prenominal def operating or functioning. exam 1 an acting order. acting 3. syl act+ing pron <1@ktiG> pos adj. usage prenominal def intended for stage performance; provided with directions for actors. exam 1 an acting version of @6Hedda Gabler.@9 acting 4. syl act+ing pron <1@ktiG> pos n. usage prenominal def the art or profession of an actor. actinia ety C18: New Latin, literally: things having a radial structure. See #7actino -#7, -#7ia actiniae infl head actinia or actinias syl ac+tin:i:ae pron <-1tini2E> pos n. mod pl. actinias infl head actinia or actiniae syl ac+tin:i:as. pos n. mod pl. actinia 0. syl ac+tin:i:a pron <@k1tini*> pos n. def any sea anemone of the genus which are common in rock pools. actinic ety C19: from #7actino -#7+ -#7ic actinic 0. syl ac+tin+ic pron <@k1tinik> pos adj. usage of radiation def producing a photo?!chemical effect. actinically sub head actinic syl ac+1tin:i+cal+ly pos adv. actinism sub head actinic syl ac+tin+2ism pos n. actinide ety C19: from #7actino -#7+ -#7ide actinide 0. syl ac+ti+nide pron <1@kti2nId> pos n. def a member of the actinide series. Also called: {actinon}. actinide series 0. syl ac+ti+nide se+ries pos n. def a series of 15 radioactive elements with increasing atomic numbers from actinium to lawrencium. actiniform ety C20: from #7actino -#7+ -#7form actiniform 0. syl ac+tin:i+form pron <@k1tini2fc:m> pos adj. def another word for {actinoid}. actinium ety C19: New Latin, from #7actino -#7+ -#7ium actinium 0. syl ac+tin+i:um pron <@k1tini*m> pos n. def a radioactive element of the actinide series, occurring as a decay product of uranium. It is used as an alpha-particle source and in neutron production. Symbol: Ac; atomic no.: 89; half-life of most stable isotope,%2%2%7Ac: 22 years; relative density: 10.07; melting pt.: 1050?%C; boiling pt.: 3200?%C (est.). actinium series 0. syl ac+tin+i:um se+ries pos n. def a radioactive series that starts with actinium-235 and ends with lead-207. actino- ety from Greek aktino-, from aktis beam, ray actino- 1. syl ac:ti:no- usage before a vowel def indicat?!ing a radial structure. exam 1 actinomorphic. actino- 2. syl ac:ti:no- usage before a vowel def indicating radio?!activity or radiation. exam 1 actinometer. actinochemistry 0. syl ac+tin:o+chem+is+try pron <@k2tin*u1kemistri> pos n. def another name for {photochemistry}. actinoid 0. syl ac+ti+noid pron <1@kti2ncid> pos adj. def having a radiate form, as a sea anemone or starfish. actinolite ety C19: from #7actino - (from the radiating crystals in some forms)+-#7lite actinolite 0. syl ac+tin:o+lite pron <@k1tin*2lIt> pos n. def a green mineral of the amphibole group consisting of calcium magnesium iron silicate. Formula: Ca\2(Mg,Fe)\5Si\8O\2\2(OH)\2. actinomere 0. syl ac+ti+no+mere pron <1@ktin*u2mi*> pos n. def another name for {antimere}. actinometer 0. syl ac+ti+nom+e:ter pron <2@kti1nomit*> pos n. def an instrument for measuring the intensity of radiation, esp. of the sun's rays. actinometric sub head actinometer or actinometrical syl ac+ti+no+met+ric pron <2@ktin*u1metrik> pos adj. actinometrical sub head actinometer or actinometric syl ac+ti+no+1met+ri+cal pos adj. actinometry sub head actinometer syl ac+ti+1nom+e:try pos n. actinomorphous alt head actinomorphic or actinomorphic syl ac+ti+no+mor+phous pos adj. actinomorphic 0. or actinomorphous syl ac+ti+no+mor+phic pron <2@ktin*u1mc:fik> pos adj. usage Botany. esp. of a flower def having radial symmetry, as buttercups; capable of being cut vertically through the axis in any of two or more planes so that the two cut halves are mirror images of each other. See also {zygomorphic}. actinomycete 0. syl ac+ti+no+my+cete pron <2@ktin*umI1sEt> pos n. def any microorganism of the group usually regarded as filamentous bacteria. actinomycin 0. syl ac+ti+no+my+cin pron <2@ktin*u1mIsin> pos n. def any of several toxic antibiotics obtained from bacteria of the genus used in treating some cancers. actinomycosis 0. syl ac+ti+no+my+co+sis pron <2@ktin*umI1k*usis> pos n. def a fungal disease of cattle, sometimes transmitted to man, characterized by a swelling of the affected part, most often the jaw. Nontechnical name: {lumpy jaw}. actinomycotic sub head actinomycosis syl ac+ti+no+my+cot+ic pron <2@ktin*umI1kot?!ik> pos adj. actinon ety C20: New Latin, from #7actinium+ -#7on actinon 1. syl ac+ti+non pron <1@kti2non> pos n. def a radioisotope of radon that is a decay product of radium. Symbol: An or %2%1%9Rn; atomic no.: 86; half-life: 3.92s. actinon 2. syl ac+ti+non pron <1@kti2non> pos n. def another name for {actinide}. actinopod 0. syl ac+tin:o+pod pron <@k1tin*2pod> pos n. def any protozoan of the subclass such as a radiolarian or a heliozoan, having stiff radiating pseudopodia. actinotherapy 0. syl ac+ti+no+ther:a+py pron <2@ktin*u1Ter*pi> pos n. def another name for {radiotherapy}. actinouranium 0. syl ac+ti+no+u:ra+ni:um pron <2@ktin*uju1rAni*m> pos n. def the isotope of uranium that has a mass number of 235. actinozoan 0. syl ac+ti+no+zo+an pron <2@ktin*u1z*u*n> pos n. adj. def another word for {anthozoan}. action ety C14 accioun, ultimately from Latin *_acti*_on-, stem of *_acti*_o, from agere to do, act action 1. syl ac+tion pron <1@kS*n> pos n. def the state or process of doing something or being active; operation. action 2. syl ac+tion pron <1@kS*n> pos n. def something done, such as an act or deed. action 3. syl ac+tion pron <1@kS*n> pos n. def movement or posture during some physical activity. action 4. syl ac+tion pron <1@kS*n> pos n. def activity, force, or energy. exam 1 a man of action. action 5. syl ac+tion pron <1@kS*n> pos n. mod usually; pl. def conduct or behaviour. action 6.a. syl ac+tion pron <1@kS*n> pos n. def a legal proceeding brought by one party against another, seeking redress of a wrong or recovery of what is due; lawsuit. action 6.b. syl ac+tion pron <1@kS*n> pos n. def the right to bring such proceeding. action 7. syl ac+tion pron <1@kS*n> pos n. def the operating mechanism, esp. in a piano, gun, watch, etc. action 8. syl ac+tion pron <1@kS*n> pos n. def the force applied to a body. exam 1 the reaction is equal and opposite to the action. action 9. syl ac+tion pron <1@kS*n> pos n. def the way in which something operates or works. action 10.a. syl ac+tion pron <1@kS*n> pos n. def a property of a system expressed as twice the mean kinetic energy of the system over a given time interval multiplied by the time interval. action 10.b. syl ac+tion pron <1@kS*n> pos n. def the product of work or energy and time, usually expressed in joule seconds. exam 1 Planck's constant of action. action 11. syl ac+tion pron <1@kS*n> pos n. def the events that form the plot of a story, film, play, or other composition. action 12.a. syl ac+tion pron <1@kS*n> pos n. def a minor engagement. action 12.b. syl ac+tion pron <1@kS*n> pos n. def fighting at sea or on land. exam 1 he saw action in the war. action 13. syl ac+tion pron <1@kS*n> pos n. qual Informal. def the profits of an enterprise or transaction (esp. in the phrase {a piece of the action) }. action 14. syl ac+tion pron <1@kS*n> pos n. qual Slang. def the main activity, esp. social activity. {~} action 15. syl ac+tion pron <1@kS*n> pos n. def a command given by a film director to indicate that filming is to begin. See also { {cue} %1 (senses 1, 8)}. actionable 0. syl ac+tion+a:ble pron <1@kS*n*bL> pos adj. qual Law. def affording grounds for legal action. actionably sub head actionable syl ac+tion+a:bly pos adv. action painting 0. syl ac+tion paint+ing pos n. def a development of abstract expressionism evolved in the 1940s, characterized by broad vigorous brush strokes and accidental effects of thrown, smeared, dripped, or spattered paint. Also called: {tachisme}. See also {abstract expressionism}. action potential 0. syl ac+tion po+ten+tial pos n. def a localized change in electrical potential, from -70 mV to +30 mV, that occurs across a nerve fibre during transmission of a nerve impulse. action replay 0. syl ac+tion re+play pos n. def the rerunning of a small section of a television film or tape of a match or other sporting contest, often in slow motion. U.S. name: {instant replay}. action stations 1. syl ac+tion sta+tions pos n. mod pl. qual Military. def the positions taken up by individuals in preparation for or during a battle. {~} action stations 2. syl ac+tion sta+tions pos n. mod pl. qual Military. def a command to take up such positions. action stations 3. syl ac+tion sta+tions pos n. mod pl. qual Military.; Informal. def a warning to get ready for something. Actium 0. syl Ac+ti:um pron <1@kti*m> pos n. def a town of ancient Greece that overlooked the naval battle in 31 #7b.c. at which Octavian's fleet under Agrippa defeated that of Mark Antony and Cleopatra. activate 1. syl ac+ti+vate pron <1@kti2vAt> pos vb. mod tr. def to make active or capable of action. activate 2. syl ac+ti+vate pron <1@kti2vAt> pos vb. mod tr. qual Physics. def to make radioactive. activate 3.a. syl ac+ti+vate pron <1@kti2vAt> pos vb. mod tr. def to increase the rate of (a reaction). activate 3.b. syl ac+ti+vate pron <1@kti2vAt> pos vb. mod tr. def to treat (a substance, such as carbon or alumina) so as to increase powers of adsorption. activate 4. syl ac+ti+vate pron <1@kti2vAt> pos vb. mod tr. def to purify (sewage) by aeration. activate 5. syl ac+ti+vate pron <1@kti2vAt> pos vb. mod tr. qual U.S. military. def to create, mobilize, or organize (a unit). activation sub head activate syl ac+ti+1va+tion pos n. activated alumina 0. syl ac+ti+vat+ed a:lu+mi+na pos n. def a granular highly porous and adsorptive form of aluminium oxide, used for drying gases and as an oil-filtering material and catalyst. activated carbon 0. syl ac+ti+vat+ed car+bon pos n. def a porous highly adsorptive form of carbon used to remove colour or impurities from liquids and gases, in the separation and extraction of chemical compounds, and in the recovery of solvents. Also called: {activated charcoal, active carbon}. activated sludge 0. syl ac+ti+vat+ed sludge pos n. def a mass of aerated precipitated sewage added to untreated sewage to bring about purification by hastening bacterial decomposition. active ety C14: from Latin *_act*_ivus. See #7act, -#7ive active 1. syl ac+tive pron <1@ktiv> pos adj. def in a state of action; moving, working, or doing something. active 2. syl ac+tive pron <1@ktiv> pos adj. def busy or involved. exam 1 an active life. active 3. syl ac+tive pron <1@ktiv> pos adj. def physically energetic. active 4. syl ac+tive pron <1@ktiv> pos adj. def exerting influence; effective. exam 1 an active ingredient. active 5.a. syl ac+tive pron <1@ktiv> pos adj. def denoting a voice of verbs used to indicate that the subject of a sentence is performing the action or causing the event or process described by the verb, as in Compare { {passive} (sense 5)}. active 5.b. syl ac+tive pron <1@ktiv> pos adj. def another word for {nonstative}. active 6. syl ac+tive pron <1@ktiv> pos adj. def being fully engaged in military service (esp. in the phrase {on active service) }. active 7. syl ac+tive pron <1@ktiv> pos adj. usage of a volcano def erupting periodically; not extinct. Compare { {dormant} (sense 3)}, { {extinct} (sense 3)}. active 8. syl ac+tive pron <1@ktiv> pos adj. usage Astronomy. of the sun def exhibiting a large number of sunspots, solar flares, etc., and a marked variation in intensity and frequency of radio emission. Compare { {quiet} (sense 7)}. active 9. syl ac+tive pron <1@ktiv> pos adj. qual Commerce. def producing or being used to produce profit, esp. in the form of interest. exam 1 active balances. active 10.a. syl ac+tive pron <1@ktiv> pos adj. def containing a source of power. exam 1 an active network. active 10.b. syl ac+tive pron <1@ktiv> pos adj. def capable of amplifying a signal or controlling some function. exam 1 an active component; exam 2 an active communication satellite. active 11.a. syl ac+tive pron <1@ktiv> pos n. def the active voice. active 11.b. syl ac+tive pron <1@ktiv> pos n. def an active verb. active 12. syl ac+tive pron <1@ktiv> pos n. qual Chiefly U.S. def a member of an organization who par?!ticipates in its activities. actively sub head active syl ac+tive+ly pos adv. activeness sub head active syl ac+tive+ness pos n. active list 0. syl ac+tive list pos n. qual Military. def a list of officers available for full duty. activism 0. syl ac+tiv+ism pron <1@kti2viz*m> pos n. def a policy of taking direct and often militant action to achieve an end, esp. a political or social one. activist sub head activism syl ac+tiv+ist pos n. activities infl head activity syl ac+tiv+i:ties. pos n. mod pl. activity 1. syl ac+tiv+i:ty pron <@k1tiviti> pos n. def the state or quality of being active. activity 2. syl ac+tiv+i:ty pron <@k1tiviti> pos n. def lively action or movement. activity 3. syl ac+tiv+i:ty pron <@k1tiviti> pos n. def any specific deed, action, pursuit, etc.. exam 1 recreational activities. activity 4. syl ac+tiv+i:ty pron <@k1tiviti> pos n. def the number of disintegrations of a radioactive substance in a given unit of time, usually expressed in curies or disintegrations per second. activity 5.a. syl ac+tiv+i:ty pron <@k1tiviti> pos n. def the capacity of a substance to undergo chemical change. activity 5.b. syl ac+tiv+i:ty pron <@k1tiviti> pos n. def the effective concentration of a substance in a chemical system. The {absolute activity} of a substance B, #Gv\ , is defined as exp (#Gm where #Gm is the chemical potential. act of contrition 0. syl act of con+tri+tion pos n. qual Theol. def a short prayer of penitence. act of faith 0. syl act of faith pos n. qual Theol. def an act that demonstrates or tests a person's religious beliefs. act of God 0. syl act of God pos n. qual Law. def a sudden and inevitable occurrence caused by natural forces and not by the agency of man, such as a flood, earthquake, or a similar catastrophe. act of war 0. syl act of war pos n. def an aggressive act, usually employing military force, which constitutes an immediate threat to peace. actomyosin 0. syl ac+to+my:o+sin pron <2@kt*u1mI*sin> pos n. def a complex protein in skeletal muscle that is formed by actin and myosin and which, when stimulated, shortens to cause muscle contraction. upon alt head act on or act on syl up:on pos vb. prep. mod intr. act on 1. or upon syl act on pos vb. prep. mod intr. def to regulate one's behaviour in accordance with (advice, information, etc.). act on 2. or upon syl act on pos vb. prep. mod intr. def to have an effect on (illness, a part of the body, etc.). Acton H1.0. syl Ac+ton pron <1@kt*n> pos n. def a district of the London borough of Ealing. John Emerich Edward Dalberg 1. head Acton syl John Em:er:ich Ed:ward Dal:berg def 1st Baron Acton. 1834-1902, English historian: a proponent of Christian liberal ethics and adviser of Gladstone. Acton H2.2. syl Ac:ton pron <1@kt*n> pos n. def his grandfather, Sir {John Fran@.cis Ed@.ward}. 1736-1811, European naval commander and statesman: admiral of Tuscany (1774-79) and Naples (1779 onwards) and chief minister of Naples (1779-1806). actress alt head actor or actor syl ac+tress pron <1@ktris> pos n. mod fem. actor 1. or actress syl ac+tor pron <1@kt*> pos n. def a person who acts in a play, film, broadcast, etc. actor 2. or actress syl ac+tor pron <1@kt*> pos n. qual Informal. def a person who puts on a false manner in order to deceive others (often in the phrase {bad actor) }. act out 1. syl act out pos vb. adv. mod tr. def to reproduce (an idea, former event, etc.) in actions, often by mime. act out 2. syl act out pos vb. adv. qual Psychiatry. def to express unconsciously (a repressed impulse or experience) in overt behaviour. Acts of the Apostles 0. syl Acts of the A:pos+tles pos n. def the fifth book of the New Testament, describing the development of the early Church from Christ's ascension into heaven to Paul's sojourn at Rome. Often shortened to {Acts}. ACTU 0. syl A.C.T.U. qual abbrev. for def Australian Council of Trade Unions. actual ety C14 actuel existing, from Late Latin *_actu*_alis relating to acts, practical, from Latin *_actus #7act #e Usage. The excessive use of actual and actually should be avoided. They are unnecessary in sentences such as in actual fact, he is forty-two, and he did actually go to the play but did not enjoy it. actual 1. syl ac+tu:al pron <1@kCu*l> pos adj. def existing in reality or as a matter of fact. actual 2. syl ac+tu:al pron <1@kCu*l> pos adj. def real or genuine. actual 3. syl ac+tu:al pron <1@kCu*l> pos adj. def existing at the present time; current. actualities infl head actuality syl ac+tu+al+i:ties. pos n. mod pl. actuality 1. syl ac+tu+al+i:ty pron <2@kCu1@liti> pos n. def true existence; reality. actuality 2. syl ac+tu+al+i:ty pron <2@kCu1@liti> pos n. mod sometimes; pl. def a fact or condition that is real. actualise alt head actualize or actualize syl ac+tu+al+ise pron <1@kCu*2lIz> pos vb. mod tr. actualize 1. or actualise syl ac+tu+al+ize pron <1@kCu*2lIz> pos vb. mod tr. def to make actual or real. actualize 2. or actualise syl ac+tu+al+ize pron <1@kCu*2lIz> pos vb. mod tr. def to represent realistically. actualization sub head actualize or actualisation syl ac+tu+al:i+1za+tion pos n. actualisation sub head actualize or actualization syl ac+tu+al:i+1sa+tion pos n. actually 1.a. syl ac+tu+al+ly pron <1@kCu*li> pos adv. def as an actual fact; really. actually 1.b. syl ac+tu+al+ly pron <1@kCu*li> pos adv. usage as sentence modifier def . exam 1 actually, I haven't seen him. actually 2. syl ac+tu+al+ly pron <1@kCu*li> pos adv. def at present. actually 3. syl ac+tu+al+ly pron <1@kCu*li> pos adv. qual Informal. def a parenthetic filler used to add slight emphasis. exam 1 I don't know, actually. actuary ety C16 (meaning: registrar): from Latin *_actu*_arius one who keeps accounts, from actum public business, and acta documents, deeds. See #7act, -#7ary actuaries infl head actuary syl ac+tu+ar:ies. pos n. mod pl. actuary 0. syl ac+tu+ar:y pron <1@kCu*ri> pos n. def a statistician, esp. one employed by insurance companies to calculate risks, policy premiums and dividends, and annuity rates. actuarial sub head actuary syl ac+tu+ar:i+al pron <2@kCu1e*ri*l> pos adj. actuate ety C16: from Medieval Latin actu*_atus, from actu*_are to incite to action, from Latin *_actus #7act actuate 1. syl ac+tu+ate pron <1@kCu2At> pos vb. mod tr. def to put into action or mechanical motion. actuate 2. syl ac+tu+ate pron <1@kCu2At> pos vb. mod tr. def to motivate or incite into action. exam 1 actuated by unworthy desires. actuation sub head actuate syl ac+tu:1a+tion pos n. actuator sub head actuate syl ac+tu:2a+tor pos n. act up 0. syl act up pos vb. adv. mod intr. qual Informal. def to behave in a troublesome way. exam 1 the engine began to act up. acuity ety C15: from Old French, from Latin ac*_utus #7acute acuity 0. syl a:cu+i:ty pron <*1kju:iti> pos n. def keenness or acuteness, esp. in vision or thought. aculeate ety C17: from Latin ac*_ule*_atus; see #7aculeus aculeated alt head aculeate or aculeate syl a:cu+le:at+ed pos adj. aculeate 1. or aculeated syl a:cu+le:ate pron <*1kju:liit>, <-2At> pos adj. def cutting; pointed. aculeate 2. or aculeated syl a:cu+le:ate pron <*1kju:liit>, <-2At> pos adj. def having prickles or spines, as a rose. aculeate 3. or aculeated syl a:cu+le:ate pron <*1kju:liit>, <-2At> pos adj. def having a sting, as bees, wasps, and ants. aculeus ety C19: from Latin, diminutive of acus needle aculeus 1. syl a:cu+le:us pron <*1kju:li*s> pos n. def a prickle or spine, such as the thorn of a rose. aculeus 2. syl a:cu+le:us pron <*1kju:li*s> pos n. def a sting or ovipositor. acumen ety C16: from Latin: sharpness, from acuere to sharpen, from acus needle acumen 0. syl ac:u+men pron <1@kju2men>, <*1kju:m*n> pos n. def the ability to judge well; keen discernment; insight. acuminous sub head acumen syl a:1cu+mi+nous pos adj. acuminate ety C17: from Latin ac*_umin*_are to sharp?!en; see #7acumen acuminate 1. syl a:cu+mi+nate pron <*1kju:minit>, <-2nAt> pos adj. def narrowing to a sharp point, as some types of leaf. acuminate 2. syl a:cu+mi+nate pron <*1kju:mi2nAt> pos vb. mod tr. def to make pointed or sharp. acumination sub head acuminate syl a:2cu+mi+1na+tion pos n. acupuncture ety C17: from Latin acus needle+#7puncture acupuncture 0. syl ac:u+punc+ture pron <1@kju2p^GkC*> pos n. def the insertion of the tips of needles into the skin at specific points for the purpose of treating various disorders by stimulating nerve impulses. Originally Chinese, this method of treatment is practised in many parts of the world. Also called: {stylostixis}. acutance 0. syl a:cut+ance pron <*1kju:tNs> pos n. def a physical rather than subjective measure of the sharpness of a photographic image. acute ety C14: from Latin ac*_utus, past participle of acuere to sharpen, from acus needle acute 1. syl a:cute pron <*1kju:t> pos adj. def penetrating in perception or insight. acute 2. syl a:cute pron <*1kju:t> pos adj. def sensitive to details; keen. acute 3. syl a:cute pron <*1kju:t> pos adj. def of extreme importance; crucial. acute 4. syl a:cute pron <*1kju:t> pos adj. def sharp or severe; intense. exam 1 acute pain; exam 2 an acute drought. acute 5. syl a:cute pron <*1kju:t> pos adj. def having a sharp end or point. acute 6.a. syl a:cute pron <*1kju:t> pos adj. usage of an angle def less than 90?%. acute 6.b. syl a:cute pron <*1kju:t> pos adj. usage of a triangle def having all its interior angles less than 90?%. acute 7.a. syl a:cute pron <*1kju:t> pos adj. def arising suddenly and manifesting intense severity. acute 7.b. syl a:cute pron <*1kju:t> pos adj. def of relatively short duration. Compare { {chronic} (sense 2).} acute 8.a. syl a:cute pron <*1kju:t> pos adj. usage of a vowel or syllable in some languages with a pitch accent, such as ancient Greek def spoken or sung on a higher musical pitch relative to neighbouring syllables or vowels. acute 8.b. syl a:cute pron <*1kju:t> pos adj. def of or relating to an accent (*' ) placed over vowels, denoting that the vowel is pronounced with higher musical pitch (as in ancient Greek), with certain special quality (as in French), etc. Compare (for a. and b.) { {grave%2} (sense 5),} {circumflex}. acute 9. syl a:cute pron <*1kju:t> pos n. def an acute accent. acutely sub head acute syl a:1cute+ly pos adv. acuteness sub head acute syl a:1cute+ness pos n. acute accent 0. syl a:cute ac+cent pos n. def the diacritical mark (*' ), used in the writing system of some languages to indicate that the vowel over which it is placed has a special quality (as in French or that it receives the strongest stress in the word (as in Spanish . acute arch 0. syl a:cute arch pos n. def another name for {lancet arch}. ACW 0. syl A.C.W. qual abbrev. for def aircraftwoman. acyclic 1. syl a:cy+clic pron , pos adj. qual Chem. def not cyclic; having an open chain structure. acyclic 2. syl a:cy+clic pron , pos adj. qual Botany. def having flower parts arranged in a spiral rather than a whorl. acyl ety C20: from #7acid+ -#7yl acyl 1. syl a:cyl pron <1AsIl> pos n. usage modifier def of, denoting, or containing the monovalent group of atoms RCO-. exam 1 acyl group or radical; exam 2 acyl substitution. acyl 2. syl a:cyl pron <1AsIl> pos n. def an organometallic compound in which a metal atom is directly bound to an acyl group. ad H1.0. syl ad pron <@d> pos n. def short for {advertisement}. ad H2.0. syl ad pron <@d> pos n. qual Tennis, U.S. def short for {advantage}. Brit. word: {van}. AD 0. syl AD qual Military. abbrev. for def active duty. AD ety Latin: in the year of the Lord#e Usage. In strict usage, #7a.d. is only employed with specific years: he died in 1621 #7a.d., but he died in the 17th century (and not the 17th century #7a.d.) #7. Formerly the practice was to write #7a.d. preceding the date (#7a.d. 1621) , and it is also strictly correct to omit in when #7a.d. is used, since this is already contained in the meaning of the Latin anno Domini (in the year of Our Lord), but this is no longer general practice. #7b.c. is used with both specific dates and indications of the period: Heraclitus was born about 540 #7b.c. ; the battle took place in the 4th century #7b.c. AD 0. syl A.D. qual abbrev. for usage indicating years numbered from the supposed year of the birth of Christ def anno Domini. exam 1 70 #7a.d. ad- ety from Latin: to, towards. As a prefix in words of Latin origin, ad- became ac-, af-, ag-, al-, an-, acq-, ar-, as-, and at- before c, f, g, l, n, q, r, s, and t, and became a- before gn, sc, sp, st ad- 1. syl ad- pos prefix. def to; towards. exam 1 adsorb; exam 2 adverb. ad- 2. syl ad- pos prefix. def near; next to. exam 1 adrenal. -ad ety via Latin from Greek -ad- (plural, -ades) , originally forming adjectives; names of epic poems are all formed on the model of the Iliad -ad H1.0. syl -ad exam 1 suffix forming nouns. -ad H1.1. syl -ad def a group or unit (having so many parts or members). exam 1 triad. -ad H1.2. syl -ad def an epic poem concerning (the subject indicated by the stem). exam 1 Dunciad. -ad ety from Latin ad (preposition) to, towards -ad H2.0. syl -ad usage suffix forming adverbs. def denoting direction towards a specified part in anatomical descriptions. exam 1 cephalad. adactylous ety C19: from #7a -%1#7+dactyl+ -#7ous adactylous 0. syl a:dac+ty+lous pron pos adj. def possessing no fingers or toes. adage ety C16: via Old French from Latin adagium; related to *_aio I say adage 0. syl ad+age pron <1@diJ> pos n. def a traditional saying that is accepted by many as true or partially true; proverb. adagio ety C18: Italian, from ad at + agio ease infl head adagio syl ~ pos adj. adv. qual Music. adagio 1. syl a:da+gi:o pron <*1da:Ji2*u>, Italian pos adj. adv. def slow. {~} {+gi@.os} adagio 2. syl a:da+gi:o pron <*1da:Ji2*u>, Italian pos adj. adv. def a movement or piece to be performed slowly. adagio 3. syl a:da+gi:o pron <*1da:Ji2*u>, Italian pos adj. adv. qual Ballet. def a slow section of a pas de deux. Adam H1.1. syl Ad:am pron <1@d*m> pos n. qual Old Testament. def the first man, created by God: the progenitor of the human race (Genesis 2-3). not know (someone) from Adam 2. head Adam syl not know (someone) from Adam. def to fail to be acquainted with someone. the old Adam 3. head Adam syl the old Adam. def the evil supposedly inherent in human nature. Adam's ale 4. head Adam or wine syl Adam's ale def water. Robert 1. head Adam syl Rob:ert. def 1728-92, Scottish architect and furniture designer. Assisted by his brother, {James}, 1730-94, he emulated the harmony of classical and Italian Renaissance architecture. Adam H2.2. syl Ad:am pron <1@d*m> pos adj. def in the neoclassical style made popular by Robert Adam. Adam-and-Eve 0. syl Ad:am-and-Eve pos n. def another name for {puttyroot}. adamant ety Old English: from Latin adamant-, stem of adamas, from Greek; literal meaning perhaps: unconquerable, from #7a -%1#7+ daman to tame, conquer adamant 1. syl ad:a+mant pron <1@d*m*nt> pos adj. def unyielding; inflexible. adamant 2. syl ad:a+mant pron <1@d*m*nt> pos adj. def un?!breakable; impenetrable. adamant 3. syl ad:a+mant pron <1@d*m*nt> pos n. def any extremely hard or apparent?!ly unbreakable substance. adamant 4. syl ad:a+mant pron <1@d*m*nt> pos n. def a legendary stone said to be impenetrable, often identified with the diamond or loadstone. adamantine 1. syl ad:a+man+tine pron <2@d*1m@ntIn> pos adj. def having the lustre of a diamond. adamantine 2. syl ad:a+man+tine pron <2@d*1m@ntIn> pos adj. qual Rare. def another word for {adamant}. Adamawa 0. syl Ad:a+ma+wa pron <2@d*1ma:w*> pos n. def a small group of languages of W Africa, spoken chiefly in E Nigeria, N Cameroon, the Central African Republic, and N Za*"ire, forming a branch of the Niger-Congo family. Adamite 1. syl Ad+am+ite pron <1@d*2mIt> pos n. def a human being. Adamite 2. syl Ad+am+ite pron <1@d*2mIt> pos n. def a nudist, esp. a member of an early Christian sect who sought to imitate Adam. Adamitic sub head Adamite syl Ad+am+it+ic pron <2@d*1mitik> pos adj. Adams H1.0. syl Ad+ams pron <1@d*mz> pos n. def a mountain in SW Washington, in the Cascade Range. Height: 3751 m (12307 ft.). John 1. head Adams syl John. def 1735-1826, second president of the U.S. (1797-1801); U.S. ambassador to Great Britain (1785-88); helped draft the Declaration of Independence (1776). John Couch 2. head Adams syl John Couch. def 1819-92, English astronomer who deduced the existence and position of the planet Neptune. John Quincy 3. head Adams syl John Quin:cy def son of John Adams. 1767-1848, sixth president of the U.S. (1825-29); secretary of state (1817-25). Samuel 4. head Adams syl Sam:u:el. def 1722-1803, American revolutionary leader; one of the organizers of the Boston Tea Party; a signatory of the Declaration of Independence. Adam's apple 0. syl Ad+am's ap+ple pos n. def the visible projection of the thyroid cartilage of the larynx at the front of the neck. adamsite ety C20: named after Roger Adams (born 1899), American chemist adamsite 0. syl ad+ams+ite pron <1@d*m2zIt> pos n. def a yellow poisonous crystalline solid that readily sublimes. It is used as a tear gas; diphenyl?!aminechlorarsine. Formula: C\6H\4AsClNHC\6H\4; relative density: 1.65; melting pt.: 195?%C; boiling pt.: 410?%C. Adam's-needle 0. syl Ad:am's-nee:dle pos n. def a North American liliaceous plant, that has a tall woody stem, stiff pointed leaves, and large clusters of white flowers arranged in spikes. It is cultivated as an ornamental plant. See also {Spanish bayonet}. Adams-Stokes syndrome ety C19: named after R. Adams (1791-1875) and W. Stokes (1804-78), Irish physicians Adams-Stokes syndrome 0. syl Ad:ams-Stokes syn+drome pos n. def another term for {heart block}. Adana 0. syl A:da+na pron <1@d*n*> pos n. def a city in S Turkey, capital of Adana province. Pop.: 475384 (1975). Also called: {Seyhan}. adapt ety C17: from Latin adapt*_are, from ad- to+ apt*_are to fit, from aptus #7apt &- a@.#!dapt+a@.ble adj. adapt 1. syl a:dapt pron <*1d@pt> pos vb. usage often foll. by to def to adjust (someone or something, esp. oneself) to different conditions, a new environment, etc. adapt 2. syl a:dapt pron <*1d@pt> pos vb. mod tr. def to fit, change, or modify to suit a new or different purpose. exam 1 to adapt a play for use in schools. adaptability sub head adapt or adaptableness syl a:2dapt+a:1bil+i:ty pos n. adaptableness sub head adapt or adaptability syl a:1dapt+a:ble+ness pos n. adaptation 1. syl ad+ap+ta+tion pron <2@d*p1tAS*n>, <2@d@p-> pos n. def the act or process of adapting or the state of being adapted; adjustment. adaptation 2. syl ad+ap+ta+tion pron <2@d*p1tAS*n>, <2@d@p-> pos n. def something that is produced or created by adapting something else. adaptation 3. syl ad+ap+ta+tion pron <2@d*p1tAS*n>, <2@d@p-> pos n. def something that is changed or modified to suit new conditions or needs. adaptation 4. syl ad+ap+ta+tion pron <2@d*p1tAS*n>, <2@d@p-> pos n. qual Biology. def an inherited or acquired modification in organisms that makes them better suited to survive and reproduce in a particular environment. adaptor alt head adapter or adapter syl a:dap+tor pron <*1d@pt*> pos n. adapter 1. or adaptor syl a:dapt+er pron <*1d@pt*> pos n. def a person or thing that adapts. adapter 2. or adaptor syl a:dapt+er pron <*1d@pt*> pos n. def any device for connecting two parts, esp. ones that are of different sizes or have different mating fitments. adapter 3.a. or adaptor syl a:dapt+er pron <*1d@pt*> pos n. def a plug used to connect an electrical device to a mains supply when they have different types of terminals. adapter 3.b. or adaptor syl a:dapt+er pron <*1d@pt*> pos n. def a device used to connect several electrical appliances to a single mains socket. adaptive radiation 0. syl a:dap+tive ra+di:a+tion pos n. def the development of many different forms from an originally homogeneous group of animals as a result of the increase of the original stock and its spread and adaptation to different environments. This type of evolution occurred in the Tertiary mammals and the Mesozoic reptiles. Adar 0. syl A:dar pron Hebrew pos n. def the sixth month of the civil year and the twelfth of the ecclesiastical year in the Jewish calendar, falling approximately in February and March. Adar Sheni ety Hebrew: Adar the Second Adar Sheni 0. syl A:dar She+ni pron Hebrew pos n. qual Judaism. def the month of Adar in leap years when an intercalary month, Adar Rishon, is inserted between Shebat and Adar. adaxial 0. syl ad+ax+i:al pron <@d1@ksi*l> pos adj. def facing towards the axis, as the surface of a leaf that faces the stem. Compare {abaxial}. ADC 1. syl A.D.C. qual abbrev. for: def aide-de-camp. ADC 2. syl A.D.C. qual abbrev. for: def analog-digital convert?!er. add ety C14: from Latin addere, literally: to put to, from ad- to+ -dere to put add 1. syl add pron <@d> pos vb. def to combine (two or more numbers or quantities) by addition. add 2. syl add pron <@d> pos vb. mod tr. usage foll. by to def to increase (a number or quantity) by another number or quantity using addition. add 3. syl add pron <@d> pos vb. mod tr. usage often foll. by to def to join (something) to something else in order to increase the size, quantity, effect, or scope; unite (with). exam 1 to add insult to injury. add 4. syl add pron <@d> pos vb. mod intr. usage foll. by to def to have an extra and increased effect (on). exam 1 her illness added to his worries. add 5. syl add pron <@d> pos vb. mod tr. def to say or write further. add 6. syl add pron <@d> pos vb. mod tr. usage foll. by in def to include. add xref syl add pron <@d> pos vb. def See also {add up}. add 1. syl add. qual abbrev. for: def addendum. add 2. syl add. qual abbrev. for: def addition. add 3. syl add. qual abbrev. for: def additional. add 4. syl add. qual abbrev. for: def address. Jane infl head Addams syl Jane. pos n. Addams 0. syl Ad:dams pron <1@d*mz> pos n. def 1860-1935, U.S. social reformer, feminist, and pacifist, who founded Hull House, a social settlement in Chicago: Nobel peace prize 1931. addax ety C17: Latin, from an unidentified ancient N African language addax 0. syl ad+dax pron <1@d@ks> pos n. def a large light-coloured antelope, having ribbed loosely spiralled horns and inhabiting desert regions in N Africa: family order added sixth 0. syl add+ed sixth pos n. def a chord much used esp. in jazz, consisting of a triad with an added sixth above the root. Also called: {added sixth chord}. Compare {sixth chord}. addend ety C20: short for #7addendum addend 0. syl ad+dend pron <1@dend>, <*1dend> pos n. def any of a set of numbers that form a sum. Compare {augend}. addendum ety C18: from Latin, literally: a thing to be added, neuter gerundive of addere to #7add da infl head addendum syl +da pron <-d*> pos n. mod pl. addendum 1. syl ad+den+dum pron <*1dend*m> pos n. def something added; an addition. addendum 2. syl ad+den+dum pron <*1dend*m> pos n. def a supplement or appendix to a book, magazine, etc. addendum 3. syl ad+den+dum pron <*1dend*m> pos n. def the radial distance between the inner and outer pitch circles of a screw thread. addendum 4. syl ad+den+dum pron <*1dend*m> pos n. def the radial distance between the pitch circle and tip of a gear tooth. adder ety Old English n*_@adre snake; in Middle English a naddre was mistaken for an addre, whence the modern form; related to Old Norse nathr, Gothic nadrs adder H1.1. syl ad+der pron <1@d*> pos n. def Also called: {viper}. a common viper, that is widely distributed in Europe, including Britain, and Asia and is typically dark greyish in colour with a black zigzag pattern along the back. adder H1.2. syl ad+der pron <1@d*> pos n. def any of various similar venomous or nonvenomous snakes. adder xref syl ad+der pron <1@d*> pos n. def See also {puff adder}. adder H2.0. syl add+er pron <1@d*> pos n. def a person or thing that adds. adder's-meat 0. syl ad:der's-meat pos n. def another name for the {greater stitchwort} (see {stitchwort) }. adder's-mouth 0. syl ad:der's-mouth pos n. def any of various orchids of the genus that occur in all parts of the world except Australia and New Zealand and have clusters of small usually greenish flowers. See also {bog orchid}. adder's-tongue 1. syl ad:der's-tongue pos n. def any of several terrestrial ferns of the genus esp. that grow in the N hemisphere and have a narrow spore-bearing body that sticks out like a spike from the leaf: family adder's-tongue 2. syl ad:der's-tongue pos n. def another name for { {dogtooth violet}}. addict ety C16 (as adj. and as vb.; n. use C20): from Latin addictus given over, from add*_icere to give one's assent to, from ad- to+ d*_icere to say addict 1. syl ad+dict pron <*1dikt> pos vb. mod tr. usage usually passive; often foll. by to def to cause (someone or oneself) to become dependent (on something, esp. a narcotic drug). addict 2. syl ad+dict pron <1@dikt> pos n. def a person who is addicted, esp. to narcotic drugs. addict 3. syl ad+dict pron <1@dikt> pos n. qual Informal. def a person who is devoted to something. exam 1 a jazz addict. addiction 0. syl ad+dic+tion pron <*1dikS*n> pos n. def the condition of being abnormally dependent on some habit, esp. compulsive dependency on narcotic drugs. addictive 0. syl ad+dic+tive pron <*1diktiv> pos adj. def of, relating to, or causing addiction. adding machine 0. syl add+ing ma+chine pos n. def a mechanical device, operated manually or electrically, for adding and often subtracting, multiplying, and dividing. Compare {calculating machine}. Henry infl head Addington syl Hen:ry pos n. Addington 0. syl Ad:ding:ton pron <1@diGt*n> pos n. def 1st Viscount Sidmouth. 1757-1844, English statesman; prime minister (1801-04) and home secretary (1812-21). Addis Ababa 0. syl Ad+dis Ab:a+ba pron <1@dis> <1@b*b*> pos n. def the capital of Ethiopia, on a central plateau 2400 m (8000 ft.) above sea level: founded in 1887; became capital in 1896. Pop.: 1161267 (1975 est.). Joseph infl head Addison syl Jo:seph. pos n. Addison 0. syl Ad:di:son pron <1@disN> pos n. def 1672-1719, English essayist and poet who, with Richard Steele, founded (1711-14) and contributed most of its essays, including the Addison's disease ety C19: named after Thomas Addison (1793-1860), English physician who identified it Addison's disease 0. syl Ad:di:son's dis+ease pos n. def a disease characterized by deep bronz?!ing of the skin, anaemia, and extreme weakness, caused by underactivity of the adrenal glands. Also called: {adrenal insufficiency}. addition ety C15: from Latin additi*_on-, from addere to #7add addition 1. syl ad+di+tion pron <*1diS*n> pos n. def the act, process, or result of adding. addition 2. syl ad+di+tion pron <*1diS*n> pos n. def a person or thing that is added or acquired. addition 3. syl ad+di+tion pron <*1diS*n> pos n. def a mathematical operation in which the sum of two numbers or quantities is calculated. Usually indicated by the symbol + addition 4. syl ad+di+tion pron <*1diS*n> pos n. qual Chiefly U.S. def a part added to a building or piece of land; annexe. addition 5. syl ad+di+tion pron <*1diS*n> pos n. qual Obsolete. def a title following a person's name. in addition 6. head addition syl in addition. pos adv. def also; as well; besides. in addition to 7. head addition syl in addition to. pos prep. def besides; as well as. additional 0. syl ad+di+tion+al pron <*1diS*nL> pos adj. def added or supplementary. additive ety C17: from Late Latin addit*_ivus, from addere to #7add additive 1. syl ad+di+tive pron <1@ditiv> pos adj. def characterized or produced by addition; cumulative. additive 2. syl ad+di+tive pron <1@ditiv> pos n. def any substance added to some?!thing to improve it, prevent deterioration, etc. addle ety C18 (vb.), back formation from addled, from C13 addle rotten, from Old English adela filth; related to dialect German Addel liquid manure addle H1.1. syl ad+dle pron <1@dL> pos vb. def to make or become confused or muddled. addle H1.2. syl ad+dle pron <1@dL> pos vb. def to make or become rotten. addle H1.3. syl ad+dle pron <1@dL> pos adj. usage in combination def indicating a confused or muddled state. exam 1 addle-brained; exam 2 addle-pated. addle ety C13 addlen, from Old Norse *"othlask to gain possession of property, from *_othal property addle H2.0. syl ad+dle pron <1@dL> pos vb. qual Northern English dialect. def to earn (money or one's living). address ety C14 (in the sense: to make right, adorn) and C15 (in the modern sense: to direct words): via Old French from Vulgar Latin addricti*_are (unattested) to make straight, direct oneself towards, from Latin ad- to+ d*_irectus #7direct address 1. syl ad+dress pron <*1dres> pos n. def the conventional form by which the location of a building is described. address 2. syl ad+dress pron <*1dres> pos n. def the written form of this, as on a letter or parcel, preceded by the name of the person or organization for whom it is intended. address 3. syl ad+dress pron <*1dres> pos n. def the place at which someone lives. address 4. syl ad+dress pron <*1dres> pos n. def a speech or written communication, esp. one of a formal nature. address 5. syl ad+dress pron <*1dres> pos n. def skilfulness or tact. address 6. syl ad+dress pron <*1dres> pos n. qual Archaic. def manner or style of speaking or conversation. address 7. syl ad+dress pron <*1dres> pos n. qual Computer technol. def a number giving the location of a piece of stored information. See also {direct access}. address 8. syl ad+dress pron <*1dres> pos n. qual Brit. government. def a statement of the opinions or wishes of either or both Houses of Parliament that is sent to the sovereign. address 9. syl ad+dress pron <*1dres> pos n. def the alignment or position of a part, component, etc., that permits correct assembly or fitting. address 10. syl ad+dress pron <*1dres> pos n. qual Rare. def the act of dispatching or directing a ship. address 11. syl ad+dress pron <*1dres> pos n. mod usually; pl. def expressions of affection made by a man in courting a woman. addresses infl head address syl ad+dress:es pos vb. mod tr. addressing dressed infl head address or addrest syl ad+dress+ing; +dressed pos vb. mod tr. addrest infl head address or addressing dressed syl ad+drest. pos vb. mod tr. address 12. syl ad+dress pron <*1dres> pos vb. mod tr. def to mark (a letter, parcel, etc.) with an address. address 13. syl ad+dress pron <*1dres> pos vb. mod tr. def to speak to, refer to in speaking, or deliver a speech to. address 14.a. syl ad+dress pron <*1dres> pos vb. mod tr. def to speak or write to. exam 1 he addressed himself to the chairman. address 14.b. syl ad+dress pron <*1dres> pos vb. mod tr. def apply oneself to. exam 1 he addressed himself to the task. address 15. syl ad+dress pron <*1dres> pos vb. mod tr. def to direct (a message, warning, etc.) to the attention of. address 16. syl ad+dress pron <*1dres> pos vb. mod tr. def to consign or entrust (a ship or a ship's cargo) to a factor, merchant, etc. address 17. syl ad+dress pron <*1dres> pos vb. mod tr. def to adopt a position facing (the ball in golf, a partner in a dance, the target in archery, etc.). address 18. syl ad+dress pron <*1dres> pos vb. mod tr. def an archaic word for {woo}. addresser sub head address or addressor syl ad+1dress+er pos n. addressor sub head address or addresser syl ad+1dres+sor pos n. addressee 0. syl ad+dress:ee pron <2@dre1sE> pos n. def a person or organization to whom a letter, parcel, etc., is addressed. Addressograph 0. syl Ad+dres+so+graph pron <*1dres*u2gra:f>, <-2gr@f> pos n. qual Trademark. def a machine for addressing envelopes, etc. adduce ety C15: from Latin add*_ucere to lead or bring to adduce 0. syl ad+duce pron <*1dju:s> pos vb. mod tr. def to cite (reasons, examples, etc.) as evidence or proof. adduceable sub head adduce or adducible syl ad+1duce+a:ble pos adj. adducible sub head adduce or adduceable syl ad+1duc+i:ble pos adj. adducent sub head adduce syl ad+1du+cent pos adj. adduction sub head adduce syl ad+duc+tion pron <*1d^kS*n> pos n. adduct ety C19: from Latin add*_ucere; see #7adduce adduct 0. syl ad+duct pron <*1d^kt> pos vb. mod tr. usage of a muscle def to draw or pull (a leg, arm, etc.) towards the median axis of the body. Compare { {abduct} (sense 2)}. adduction sub head adduct syl ad+1duc+tion pos n. adductor 0. syl ad+duc+tor pron <*1d^kt*> pos n. def a muscle that adducts. add up 1. syl add up pos vb. adv. def to find the sum (of). add up 2. syl add up pos vb. adv. mod intr. def to result in a correct total. add up 3. syl add up pos vb. adv. mod intr. qual Informal. def to make sense. add up 4. syl add up pos vb. adv. mod intr. usage foll. by to def to amount to. -ade ety from French, from Latin -*_ata made of, feminine past participle of verbs ending in -*_are -ade 0. syl -ade usage suffix forming nouns. def a sweetened drink made of various fruits. exam 1 lemonade; exam 2 limeade. Adelaide 0. syl Ad+e:laide pron <1@di2lAd> pos n. def the capital of South Australia: {Port Adelaide}, 11 km (7 miles) away on St. Vincent Gulf, handles the bulk of exports. Pop.: 899300 (1975 est.). Ad'elie Coast 0. syl A:d*'e:lie Coast pron <1@dili>, French pos n. def a part of Antarctica, between Wilkes Land and George V Land: under French sovereignty. Also called: {Ad*'elie Land}. ademption ety C16: from Latin adempti*_on- a taking away, from adimere to take away, take to (oneself), from ad- to+ emere to buy, take ademption 0. syl a:demp+tion pron <*1dempS*n> pos n. qual Property law. def the failure of a specific legacy, as by a testator disposing of the subject matter in his lifetime. Aden 1. syl A:den pron <1AdN> pos n. def the main port and capital of Southern Yemen, on the N coast of the {Gulf of Aden} , an arm of the Indian Ocean at the entrance to the Red Sea: formerly an important port of call on shipping routes to the East. Pop.: 264326 (1973 est.). Aden 2. syl A:den pron <1AdN> pos n. def a former British colony and protectorate on the S coast of the Arabian Peninsula: became the People's Republic of Southern Yemen in 1967. Area: 195 sq. km (75 sq. miles). Konrad infl head Adenauer syl Kon:rad pron <1kcnra:t> pos n. Adenauer 0. syl A:den:au:er pron German <1a:d*2nau*r> pos n. def 1876-1967, German statesman; chancellor of West Germany (l949-63). adenectomy ety C19: from #7adeno -#7+ -#7ectomy adenectomies infl head adenectomy syl ad+e:nec+to+mies. pos n. mod pl. adenectomy 1. syl ad+e:nec+to+my pron <2@d*1nekt*mi> pos n. def surgical removal of a gland. adenectomy 2. syl ad+e:nec+to+my pron <2@d*1nekt*mi> pos n. def another name for {adenoidectomy}. adenine 0. syl ad+e:nine pron <1@d*nin>, <-2nEn>, <-2nIn> pos n. def a purine base present in animal and plant tissues as a constituent of the nucleic acids DNA and RNA and of certain coenzymes; 6-aminopurine. Formula: C\5H\5N\5; melting pt.: 360-365?%C. adenitis ety C19: New Latin, from #7adeno -#7+ -#7itis adenitis 0. syl ad+e:ni+tis pron <2@d*1nItis> pos n. def inflammation of a gland or lymph node. adeno- ety New Latin, from Greek ad*_en gland adenocarcinomas infl head adenocarcinoma or adenocarcinomata syl ad+e:no+car+ci+no+mas pron <-m*t*> pos n. mod pl. adenocarcinomata infl head adenocarcinoma or adenocarcinomas syl ad+e:no+car+ci+no+ma+ta pron <-m*t*> pos n. mod pl. adenocarcinoma 1. syl ad+e:no+car+ci+no+ma pron <2@din*u2ka:si1n*um*> pos n. def a malignant tumour originating in glandular tissue. adenocarcinoma 2. syl ad+e:no+car+ci+no+ma pron <2@din*u2ka:si1n*um*> pos n. def a malignant tumour with a glandlike structure. adenohypophysis 0. syl ad+e:no+hy+poph:y+sis pron <2@din*uhI1pofisis> pos n. def the anterior lobe of the pituitary gland. Compare {neurohypophysis}. adenoid ety C19: from Greek adenoeid*_es. See #7adeno -#7, -#7oid adenoid 1. syl ad+e:noid pron <1@di2ncid> pos adj. def of or resembling a gland. adenoid 2. syl ad+e:noid pron <1@di2ncid> pos adj. def of or relating to lymphoid tissue, as that found in the lymph nodes, spleen, tonsils, etc. adenoid 3. syl ad+e:noid pron <1@di2ncid> pos adj. def of or relating to the adenoids. adenoidal 1. syl ad+e:noi+dal pron <2@di1ncidL> pos adj. def having the nasal tones or impaired breathing of one with enlarged adenoids. adenoidal 2. syl ad+e:noi+dal pron <2@di1ncidL> pos adj. def another word for {adenoid} (for all senses). adenoidectomies infl head adenoidectomy syl ad+e:noid+ec+to+mies. pos n. mod pl. adenoidectomy 0. syl ad+e:noid+ec+to+my pron <2@dinci1dekt*mi> pos n. def surgical removal of the adenoids. adenoids 0. syl ad+e:noids pron <1@di2ncidz> pos n. mod pl. def a mass of lymphoid tissue at the back of the throat behind the uvula: when enlarged it often restricts nasal breathing, esp. in young children. Technical name: {pharyngeal tonsil}. adenomas infl head adenoma or adenomata syl ad+e:no+mas pron <-m*t*> pos n. mod pl. adenomata infl head adenoma or adenomas syl ad+e:no+ma+ta pron <-m*t*> pos n. mod pl. adenoma 1. syl ad+e:no+ma pron <2@di1n*um*> pos n. def a tumour, usually benign, occurring in glandular tissue. adenoma 2. syl ad+e:no+ma pron <2@di1n*um*> pos n. def a tumour having a glandlike structure. adenosine ety C20: a blend of #7adenine+ ribose adenosine 0. syl a:den:o+sine pron <@1den*2sEn>, <2@di1n*usEn> pos n. qual Biochem. def a nucleoside formed by the condensation of adenine and ribose. It is present in all living cells in a combined form, as in ribonucleic acids. Formula: C\1\0H\1\3N\5O\4. adenosine triphosphate 0. syl a:den:o+sine tri+phos+phate pos n. def the full name of {ATP}. adenovirus 0. syl ad+e:no+vi+rus pron <2@din*u1vIr*s> pos n. def any of a group of viruses that may cause upper respiratory diseases in man. Compare {enterovirus, myxovirus}. adept ety C17: from Medieval Latin adeptus, from Latin adipisc*_i to attain, from ad- to+ apisc*_i to attain adept 1. syl a:dept pron <*1dept> pos adj. def very proficient in something requiring skill or manual dexterity. adept 2. syl a:dept pron <*1dept> pos adj. def skilful; expert. adept 3. syl a:dept pron <1@dept> pos n. def a person who is skilled or proficient in something. adeptly sub head adept syl a:1dept+ly pos adv. adeptness sub head adept syl a:1dept+ness pos n. adequate ety C17: from Latin adaequ*_are to equalize, from ad- to+ aequus #7equal adequate 0. syl ad+e:quate pron <1@dikwit> pos adj. def able to fulfil a need or requirement without being abundant, outstanding, etc. adequacy sub head adequate syl ad+e:qua+cy pron <1@dikw*si> pos n. adequately sub head adequate syl ad+e:quate+ly pos adv. a deux 0. syl *`a deux pron French. pos adj. adv. def of or for two persons. adhere ety C16: via Medieval Latin adh*_er*_ere from Latin adhaer*_ere to stick to adhere 1. syl ad+here pron <*d1hi*> pos vb. mod intr. usage usually foll. by to def to stick or hold fast. adhere 2. syl ad+here pron <*d1hi*> pos vb. mod intr. usage foll. by to def to be devoted (to a political party, cause, religion, etc.); be a follower (of). adhere 3. syl ad+here pron <*d1hi*> pos vb. mod intr. usage foll. by to def to follow closely or exactly. exam 1 adhere to the rules. adherence sub head adhere syl ad+1her+ence pos n. adherent 1. syl ad+her+ent pron <*d1hi*r*nt> pos n. usage usually foll. by of def a supporter or follower. adherent 2. syl ad+her+ent pron <*d1hi*r*nt> pos adj. def sticking, holding fast, or attached. adhesion ety C17: from Latin adhaesi*_on- a sticking. See #7adhere adhesion 1. syl ad+he+sion pron <*d1hEZ*n> pos n. def the quality or condition of sticking together or holding fast. adhesion 2. syl ad+he+sion pron <*d1hEZ*n> pos n. def ability to make firm contact without skidding or slipping. adhesion 3. syl ad+he+sion pron <*d1hEZ*n> pos n. def attachment or fidelity, as to a political party, cause, etc. adhesion 4. syl ad+he+sion pron <*d1hEZ*n> pos n. def an attraction or repulsion between the molecules of unlike substances in contact: distinguished from adhesion 5. syl ad+he+sion pron <*d1hEZ*n> pos n. qual Pathol. def abnormal union of structures or parts. adhesion 6. syl ad+he+sion pron <*d1hEZ*n> pos n. qual Rare. def concurrence; assent. adhesive 1. syl ad+he+sive pron <*d1hEsiv> pos adj. def able or designed to adhere; sticky. exam 1 adhesive tape. adhesive 2. syl ad+he+sive pron <*d1hEsiv> pos adj. def tenacious or clinging. adhesive 3. syl ad+he+sive pron <*d1hEsiv> pos n. def a substance used for sticking objects together, such as glue, cement, or paste. adhesively sub head adhesive syl ad+1he+sive+ly pos adv. adhesiveness sub head adhesive syl ad+1he+sive+ness pos n. adhibit ety C16: from Latin adhib*_ere to bring to, from ad- to+ hab*_ere to have, hold adhibit 1. syl ad+hib+it pron <*d1hibit> pos vb. mod tr. qual Rare. def to administer or apply. adhibit 2. syl ad+hib+it pron <*d1hibit> pos vb. mod tr. qual Rare. def to affix; attach. adhibition sub head adhibit syl ad+hi+bi+tion pron <2@dhi1biS*n> pos n. ad hoc ety Latin, literally: to this ad hoc 0. syl ad hoc pron <@d> <1hok> pos adj. adv. def for a particular purpose only. exam 1 an ad hoc decision; exam 2 an ad hoc committee. ad hominem ety literally: to the man ad hominem 0. syl ad ho+mi+nem pron Latin. <@d> <1homi2nem> pos adj. adv. def directed against a person rather than against his arguments. adiabatic ety C19: from Greek adiabatos not to be crossed, impassable (to heat), from #7a -%1#7+ diabatos passable, from dia- across+ bainein to go adiabatic 1. syl ad:i:a+bat+ic pron <2@di*1b@tik>, <2A-> pos adj. usage of a thermodynamic process def taking place without loss or gain of heat. adiabatic 2. syl ad:i:a+bat+ic pron <2@di*1b@tik>, <2A-> pos n. def a curve on a graph representing the changes in two characteristics (such as pressure and volume) of a system undergoing an adiabatic process. adiaphorism ety C19: see #7adiaphorous adiaphorism 0. syl ad:i+aph+or+ism pron <2@di1@f*2riz*m> pos n. def a Christian Protestant theological theory that certain rites and actions are matters of indifference in religion since not forbidden by the Scriptures. adiaphorist sub head adiaphorism syl ad:i+1aph:o+rist pos n. adiaphoristic sub head adiaphorism syl ad:i+2aph:o+1ris+tic pos adj. adiaphorous ety C17: from Greek adiaphoros indifferent, from #7a -%1#7+ diaphoros different adiaphorous 0. syl ad:i+aph:o+rous pron <2@di1@f*r*s> pos adj. qual Med. def having no effect for good or ill, as a drug or placebo. adiathermancy 0. syl ad:i:a+ther+man+cy pron <2@di*1TR:m*nsi> pos n. def another name for {athermancy}. adiathermanous sub head adiathermancy syl ad:i:a+1ther+ma+nous pos adj. adieu ety C14: from Old French, from a to+ dieu God adieus infl head adieu or adieux syl a:dieus pron <*1dju:z>, French pos interj. n. mod pl. adieux infl head adieu or adieus syl a:dieux pron <*1dju:z>, French pos interj. n. mod pl. adieu 0. syl a:dieu pron <*1dju:>, French , French pos interj. n. def goodbye farewell. Adige 0. syl A:di+ge pron Italian <1a:diJA> pos n. def a river in N Italy, flowing southeast to the Adriatic. Length: 354 km (220 miles). ad infinitum ety Latin ad infinitum 0. syl ad in+fi+ni+tum pron <@d> <2infi1nIt*m> pos adv. def without end; endlessly; to infinity. Abbrev.: {ad inf}. ad interim ety Latin ad interim 0. syl ad in+ter+im pron <@d> <1int*rim> pos adj. adv. def for the meantime; for the present. exam 1 ad interim measures. ad interim xref syl ad in+ter+im pron <@d> <1int*rim> pos adj. adv. def Abbrev.: {ad int}. adios ety literally: to God adios 0. syl a:di+os pron <2a:di1os>, Spanish pos interj. def goodbye; farewell. adipocere ety C19: via French from New Latin adiposus fat (see #7adipose) #7+ French cire wax adipocere 0. syl ad:i+po+cere pron <2@dip*u1si*> pos n. def a waxlike fatty substance formed during the decomposition of corpses. Nontechnical name: {grave-wax}. adipocerous sub head adipocere syl ad:i+poc+er+ous pron <2@di1pos?!*r*s>, adipose ety C18: from New Latin adiposus, from Latin adeps fat adipose 1. syl ad:i+pose pron <1@di2p*us>, <-2p*uz> pos adj. def of, resembling, or containing fat; fatty. adipose 2. syl ad:i+pose pron <1@di2p*us>, <-2p*uz> pos n. def animal fat. adipose fin 0. syl ad:i+pose fin pos n. def a posterior dorsal fin occurring in the salmon and related fishes. Adirondacks alt head Adirondack Mountains or Adirondack Mountains syl Ad:i+ron+dacks pos n. mod pl. Adirondack Mountains 0. or Adirondacks syl Ad:i+ron+dack Moun+tains pron <2@di1rond@k> pos n. mod pl. def a mountain range in NE New York State. Highest peak: Mount Marcy, 1629 m (5344 ft.). adit ety C17: from Latin aditus an approach, from ad*_ire, from ad- towards+ *_ire to go adit 0. syl ad:it pron <1@dit> pos n. def an almost horizontal shaft into a mine, for access or drainage. Adivasi ety Sanskrit, from adi beginning+ vasi dweller Adivasi 0. syl A:di+va+si pron <1a:di2va:si> pos n. def a member of any of the aboriginal peoples of India. adj 1. syl adj. qual abbrev. for:; Maths. def adjacent. adj 2. syl adj. qual abbrev. for: def adjective. adj 3. syl adj. qual abbrev. for: def adjunct. adj 4. syl adj. qual abbrev. for: def ad?!journed. adj 5. syl adj. qual abbrev. for:; Insurance, banking, etc. def adjustment. adj 6. syl adj. qual abbrev. for: def Also: {adjt}. adjutant. adjacent ety C15: from Latin adjac*_ere to lie next to, from ad- near+ jac*_ere to lie adjacent 1. syl ad+ja+cent pron <*1JAsNt> pos adj. def being near or close, esp. having a common boundary; adjoining; contiguous. adjacent 2. syl ad+ja+cent pron <*1JAsNt> pos n. def the side lying between a specified angle and a right angle in a right-angled triangle. adjacency sub head adjacent syl ad+1ja+cen+cy pos n. adjacently sub head adjacent syl ad+1ja+cent+ly pos adv. adjective ety C14: from Late Latin adject*_ivus attributive, from adjicere to throw to, add, from ad- to+ jacere to throw; in grammatical sense, from the Latin phrase n*_omen adject*_ivum attributive noun adjective 1.a. syl ad+jec+tive pron <1@Jiktiv> pos n. def a word imputing a characteristic to a noun or pronoun. adjective 1.b. syl ad+jec+tive pron <1@Jiktiv> pos n. usage as modifier; an adjective phrase. def Abbrev.: {adj}. adjective 2. syl ad+jec+tive pron <1@Jiktiv> pos adj. def additional or dependent. adjective 3. syl ad+jec+tive pron <1@Jiktiv> pos adj. usage of law def relating to court practice and procedure, as opposed to the principles of law dealt with by the courts. Compare {{substantive} (sense 7)}. adjectival sub head adjective syl ad+jec+ti+val pron <2@Jik1tIvL> pos adj. adjoin ety C14: via Old French from Latin adjungere, from ad- to+ jungere to join adjoin 1. syl ad+join pron <*1Jcin> pos vb. def to be next to (an area of land, etc.). adjoin 2. syl ad+join pron <*1Jcin> pos vb. mod tr. usage foll. by to def to join; affix or attach. adjoining 0. syl ad+join+ing pron <*1JciniG> pos adj. def being in contact; connected or neighbouring. adjoint 0. syl ad+joint pron <1@d2Jcint> pos n. qual Maths. def another name for {Hermitian conjugate}. adjourn ety C14: from Old French ajourner to defer to an arranged day, from a- to+ jour day, from Late Latin diurnum, from Latin diurnus daily, from di*_es day adjourn 1. syl ad+journ pron <*1JR:n> pos vb. mod intr. usage of a court, etc. def to close at the end of a session. adjourn 2. syl ad+journ pron <*1JR:n> pos vb. def to postpone or be postponed, esp. temporarily or to another place. adjourn 3. syl ad+journ pron <*1JR:n> pos vb. mod tr. def to put off (a problem, discussion, etc.) for later consideration; defer. adjourn 4.a. syl ad+journ pron <*1JR:n> pos vb. def to move elsewhere. exam 1 let's adjourn to the kitchen. adjourn 4.b. syl ad+journ pron <*1JR:n> pos vb. def to stop work. adjournment sub head adjourn syl ad+1journ+ment pos n. adjt 0. syl adjt. qual abbrev. for def adjutant. adjudge ety C14: via Old French from Latin adj*_udic*_are. See #7adjudicate adjudge 1. syl ad+judge pron <*1J^J> pos vb. mod tr. usage usually passive def to pronounce formally; declare. exam 1 he was adjudged the winner. adjudge 2.a. syl ad+judge pron <*1J^J> pos vb. mod tr. usage usually passive def to determine judicially; judge. adjudge 2.b. syl ad+judge pron <*1J^J> pos vb. mod tr. usage usually passive def to order or pronounce by law; decree. exam 1 he was adjudged bankrupt. adjudge 2.c. syl ad+judge pron <*1J^J> pos vb. mod tr. usage usually passive def to award (costs, damages, etc.). adjudge 3. syl ad+judge pron <*1J^J> pos vb. mod tr. qual Archaic. usage usually passive def to sentence or condemn. adjudicate ety C18: from Latin adj*_udic*_are to award something to someone, from ad- to+ j*_udic*_are to act as a judge, from j*_udex judge &- ad+@!ju+di+#!ca+tion n. adjudicate 1. syl ad+ju+di+cate pron <*1Ju:di2kAt> pos vb. mod when; intr. usage usually foll. by upon def to decide (an issue) judicially; pass or sit in judgment. adjudicate 2. syl ad+ju+di+cate pron <*1Ju:di2kAt> pos vb. mod tr. qual Chess. def to determine the likely result of (a game) by counting relative value of pieces, positional strength, etc. adjudicate 3. syl ad+ju+di+cate pron <*1Ju:di2kAt> pos vb. mod intr. def to serve as a judge or arbiter, as in a competition. adjunct ety C16: from Latin adjunctus, past participle of ad?!jungere to #7adjoin adjunct 1. syl ad+junct pron <1@J^Gkt> pos n. def something incidental or not essential that is added to something else. adjunct 2. syl ad+junct pron <1@J^Gkt> pos n. def a person who is subordinate to another. adjunct 3.a. syl ad+junct pron <1@J^Gkt> pos n. def part of a sentence other than the subject or the predicate. adjunct 3.b. syl ad+junct pron <1@J^Gkt> pos n. def part of a sentence that may be omitted without making the sentence ungrammatical; a modifier. adjunct 4. syl ad+junct pron <1@J^Gkt> pos n. qual Logic. def another name for { {accident} (sense 5)}. adjunct 5. syl ad+junct pron <1@J^Gkt> pos adj. def added or connected in a secondary or subordinate position; auxiliary. adjunctive sub head adjunct syl ad+junc+tive pron <*1J^Gktiv> pos adj. adjunctly sub head adjunct syl ad+junct+ly pos adv. adjure ety C14: from Latin adj*_ur*_are to swear to, from ad- to+ j*_ur*_are to swear, from j*_us oath adjure 1. syl ad+jure pron <*1Ju*> pos vb. mod tr. def to command, often by exacting an oath; charge. adjure 2. syl ad+jure pron <*1Ju*> pos vb. mod tr. def to appeal earnestly to. adjuration sub head adjure syl ad+ju+ra+tion pron <2@Ju*1rAS*n> pos n. adjuratory sub head adjure syl ad+1jur:a+to:ry pos adj. adjurer sub head adjure or adjuror syl ad+1jur+er pos n. adjuror sub head adjure or adjurer syl ad+1ju+ror pos n. adjust ety C17: from Old French adjuster, from ad- to+ juste right, #7just adjust 1. syl ad+just pron <*1J^st> pos vb. mod tr. def to alter slightly, esp. to achieve accuracy; regulate. exam 1 to adjust the television. adjust 2. syl ad+just pron <*1J^st> pos vb. def to adapt, as to a new environment, etc. adjust 3. syl ad+just pron <*1J^st> pos vb. mod tr. def to put into order. adjust 4. syl ad+just pron <*1J^st> pos vb. mod tr. qual Insurance. def to determine the amount payable in settlement of (a claim). adjustable sub head adjust syl ad+1just+a:ble pos adj. adjustably sub head adjust syl ad+1just+a:bly pos adv. adjustment 1. syl ad+just+ment pron <*1J^stm*nt> pos n. def the act of adjusting or state of being adjusted. adjustment 2. syl ad+just+ment pron <*1J^stm*nt> pos n. def a control for regulating. exam 1 the adjustment for volume is beside the speaker. adjutant ety C17: from Latin adj*_ut*_are to #7aid adjutant 1. syl ad+ju+tant pron <1@J*t*nt> pos n. def an officer who acts as administrative assistant to a superior officer. adjutant 2. syl ad+ju+tant pron <1@J*t*nt> pos n. def short for {adjutant bird}. adjutancy sub head adjutant syl ad+ju+tan+cy pos n. stork alt head adjutant bird or adjutant bird syl stork pos n. adjutant bird 0. or stork syl ad+ju+tant bird pos n. def either of two large carrion-eating storks, or which are closely related and similar to the marabou and occur in S and SE Asia. adjutants general infl head adjutant general syl ad+ju+tants gen+er+al. pos n. mod pl. adjutant general 1.a. syl ad+ju+tant gen+er+al pos n. def the head of a department of the general staff. adjutant general 1.b. syl ad+ju+tant gen+er+al pos n. def a general's executive officer. adjutant general 2. syl ad+ju+tant gen+er+al pos n. qual U.S. Army. def the adjutant of a military unit with general staff. adjuvant ety C17: from Latin adjuv*_ans, present participle of adjuv*_are, from juv*_are to help adjuvant 1. syl ad+ju+vant pron <1@J*v*nt> pos adj. def aiding or assisting. adjuvant 2. syl ad+ju+vant pron <1@J*v*nt> pos n. def something that aids or assists; auxiliary. Alfred infl head Adler syl Al:fred pron <1alfrA:t> pos n. Adler 1. syl Ad:ler pron German <1adl*r> pos n. def 1870-1937, Austrian psychiatrist, noted for his descriptions of overcompensation and inferiority feelings. Larry infl head Adler syl Lar:ry pos n. Adler 2. syl Ad:ler pron <1@dl*> pos n. def original name born 1914, U.S. harmonica player. Adlerian sub head Adler syl Ad+ler+i:an pron <@d1li*ri*n> pos adj. ad-lib ety C18: short for Latin ad libitum, literally: according to pleasure ad-libs infl head ad-lib syl ad-libs pos vb. ad-libbing infl head ad-lib syl ad-lib:bing pos vb. ad-libbed infl head ad-lib syl ad-libbed. pos vb. ad-lib 1. syl ad-lib pron <@d1lib> pos vb. def to improvise and deliver spontaneously (a speech, musical performance, etc.). {~} ({ad lib} when predicative) ad-lib 2. syl ad-lib pron <@d1lib> pos vb. def improvised; impromptu. {~} {ad lib}. ad-lib 3. syl ad-lib pron <@d1lib> pos vb. def spontaneously; freely. ad-lib 4. syl ad-lib pron <@d1lib> pos n. def an improvised performance, often humorous. ad-libber sub head ad-lib syl ad-1lib:ber pos n. ad litem 0. syl ad li+tem pron Latin. <@d> <1lItem> pos adj. usage esp. of a guardian def appoint?!ed for a lawsuit. Adm 1. syl Adm. qual abbrev. for: def Admiral. Adm 2. syl Adm. qual abbrev. for: def Admiralty. admen infl head adman syl ad+men. pos n. mod pl. adman 0. syl ad+man pron <1@d2m@n>, <-m*n> pos n. qual Informal. def a person who works in advertising. admass ety C20: from #7ad %1 + #7mass admass 0. syl ad+mass pron <1@dm@s> pos n. def the section of the public that is susceptible or responsive to advertising, publicity, etc. admeasure ety Cl4 amesuren, from Old French amesurer, from mesurer to #7measure ; the modern form derives from #7ad -#7+measure admeasure 1. syl ad+meas+ure pron <@d1meZ*> pos vb. def to measure out (land, etc.) as a share; apportion. admeasure 2. syl ad+meas+ure pron <@d1meZ*> pos vb. mod tr. def to determine the dimensions, capacity, weight, and other details of (a vessel), as for an official registration, documentation, or yacht handicap rating. admeasurement sub head admeasure syl ad+1meas+ure+ment pos n. Admetus 0. syl Ad:me:tus pron <@d1mEt*s> pos n. qual Greek myth. def a king of Thessaly, one of the Argonauts, who was married to Alcestis. admin 0. syl ad+min pron <1@dmin> pos n. qual Informal. def short for {administration}. adminicle ety C16: from Latin adminiculum support adminicle 0. syl ad+min:i+cle pron <@d1minikL> pos n. qual Law. def something contributing to prove a point without itself being complete proof. administer ety C14 amynistre via Old French from Latin administrare, from ad- to+ ministr*_are to #7minister administer 1. syl ad+min+is+ter pron <*d1minist*> pos vb. mod also; intr. def to direct or control (the affairs of a business, government, etc.). administer 2. syl ad+min+is+ter pron <*d1minist*> pos vb. mod mainly; tr. def to put into execution; dispense. exam 1 administer justice. administer 3. syl ad+min+is+ter pron <*d1minist*> pos vb. mod when; intr. usage foll. by to def to give or apply (medicine, assistance, etc.) as a remedy or relief. administer 4. syl ad+min+is+ter pron <*d1minist*> pos vb. mod mainly; tr. def to apply formally; perform. exam 1 to administer extreme unction. administer 5. syl ad+min+is+ter pron <*d1minist*> pos vb. mod mainly; tr. def to supervise or impose the taking of (an oath, etc.). administer 6. syl ad+min+is+ter pron <*d1minist*> pos vb. mod mainly; tr. def to manage or distribute (an estate, property, etc.). administrate 0. syl ad+min+is+trate pron <*d1mini2strAt> pos vb. def to manage or direct (the affairs of a business, institution, etc.). administration 1. syl ad+min+is+tra+tion pron <*d2mini1strAS*n> pos n. def management of the affairs of an organization, such as a business or institution. administration 2. syl ad+min+is+tra+tion pron <*d2mini1strAS*n> pos n. def the duties of an administrator. administration 3. syl ad+min+is+tra+tion pron <*d2mini1strAS*n> pos n. def the body of people who administer an organization. administration 4. syl ad+min+is+tra+tion pron <*d2mini1strAS*n> pos n. def the conduct of the affairs of government. administration 5. syl ad+min+is+tra+tion pron <*d2mini1strAS*n> pos n. def term of office: often used of presidents, governments, etc. administration 6. syl ad+min+is+tra+tion pron <*d2mini1strAS*n> pos n. def the executive branch of government along with the public service; the government as a whole. administration 7. syl ad+min+is+tra+tion pron <*d2mini1strAS*n> pos n. qual Chiefly U.S. usage often cap. def the political executive, esp. of the U.S.; the government. administration 8. syl ad+min+is+tra+tion pron <*d2mini1strAS*n> pos n. qual Chiefly U.S. def a government board, agency, authority, etc. administration 9.a. syl ad+min+is+tra+tion pron <*d2mini1strAS*n> pos n. def the conduct or disposal of the estate of a deceased person. administration 9.b. syl ad+min+is+tra+tion pron <*d2mini1strAS*n> pos n. def the management by a trustee of an estate subject to a trust. administration 10. syl ad+min+is+tra+tion pron <*d2mini1strAS*n> pos n. def something administered, such as a sacrament, oath, or medical treatment. administrative sub head administration syl ad+1min+is+tra+tive pos adj. administratively sub head administration syl ad+1min+is+tra+tive+ly pos adv. administrator 1. syl ad+min+is+tra+tor pron <*d1mini2strAt*> pos n. def a person who administers the affairs of an organization, official body, etc. administrator 2. syl ad+min+is+tra+tor pron <*d1mini2strAt*> pos n. qual Property law. def a person authorized to manage an estate, esp. when the owner has died intestate or without having appointed executors. administratrix sub head administrator syl ad+2min+is+1tra+trix pos n. mod fem. admirable 0. syl ad+mi+ra:ble pron <1@dm*r*bL> pos adj. def deserving or inspiring admiration; excellent. admirably sub head admirable syl ad+mi+ra:bly pos adv. admiral ety C13 amyral, from Old French amiral emir, and from Medieval Latin adm*_ir*_alis (the spelling with d probably influenced by adm*_ir*_abilis admirable); both from Arabic am*_ir emir, commander, esp. in the phrase am*_ir-al command?!er of, as in am*_ir-al-bahr command?!er of the sea admiral 1. syl ad+mi+ral pron <1@dm*r*l> pos n. def the supreme commander of a fleet or navy. admiral 2. syl ad+mi+ral pron <1@dm*r*l> pos n. def Also called: {admiral of the fleet, fleet admiral}. a naval officer of the highest rank, equivalent to general of the army or field marshal. admiral 3. syl ad+mi+ral pron <1@dm*r*l> pos n. def a senior naval officer entitled to fly his own flag. See also {rear admiral, vice admiral}. admiral 4. syl ad+mi+ral pron <1@dm*r*l> pos n. qual Chiefly Brit. def the master of a fishing fleet. admiral 5. syl ad+mi+ral pron <1@dm*r*l> pos n. def any of various nymphalid butterflies, esp. the red admiral or white admiral. admiralship sub head admiral syl ad+mi+ral+2ship pos n. admiralties infl head admiralty syl ad+mi+ral+ties. pos n. mod pl. admiralty 1. syl ad+mi+ral+ty pron <1@dm*r*lti> pos n. def the office or jurisdiction of an admiral. admiralty 2.a. syl ad+mi+ral+ty pron <1@dm*r*lti> pos n. def jurisdiction over naval affairs. admiralty 2.b. syl ad+mi+ral+ty pron <1@dm*r*lti> pos n. usage as modifier exam 1 admiralty law. Admiralthe infl head Admiralty Board syl Ad+mi+ral+the. pos n. Admiralty Board 0. syl Ad+mi+ral+ty Board pos n. def a department of the British Ministry of Defence, responsible for the administration and planning of the Royal Navy. Admiralty House 0. syl Ad+mi+ral+ty House pos n. def the official residence of the governor general of Australia, in Sydney. Admiralty Islands 0. syl Ad+mi+ral+ty Is+lands pos n. mod pl. def a group of about 40 volcanic and coral islands in the SW Pacific, part of Papua New Guinea, in the Bismarck Archipelago: main island: Manus. Pop.: 20647 (1966). Area: about 2000 sq. km (800 sq. miles). Also called: {Admiralties}. Admiralty mile 0. syl Ad+mi+ral+ty mile pos n. def another name for {nautical mile}. Admiralty Range 0. syl Ad+mi+ral+ty Range pos n. def a mountain range in Antarctica, on the coast of Victoria Land, northwest of the Ross Sea. admiration 1. syl ad+mi+ra+tion pron <2@dm*1rAS*n> pos n. def pleasurable contemplation or surprise. admiration 2. syl ad+mi+ra+tion pron <2@dm*1rAS*n> pos n. def a person or thing that is admired. exam 1 she was the admiration of the court. admiration 3. syl ad+mi+ra+tion pron <2@dm*1rAS*n> pos n. qual Archaic. def wonder. admire ety C16: from Latin adm*_ir*_ari to wonder at, from ad- to, at+ m*_ir*_ari to wonder, from m*_irus wonderful admire 1. syl ad+mire pron <*d1mI*> pos vb. mod tr. def to regard with esteem, respect, approval, or pleased surprise. admire 2. syl ad+mire pron <*d1mI*> pos vb. mod tr. qual Archaic. def to wonder at. admiringly sub head admire syl ad+1mir+ing+ly pos adv. admissible 1. syl ad+mis+si:ble pron <*d1mis*bL> pos adj. def able or deserving to be considered or allowed. admissible 2. syl ad+mis+si:ble pron <*d1mis*bL> pos adj. def deserving to be admitted or allowed to enter. admissible 3. syl ad+mis+si:ble pron <*d1mis*bL> pos adj. usage Law. esp. of evidence def capable of being or bound to be admitted in a court of law. admissibility sub head admissible or admissibleness syl ad+2mis+si:1bil+i:ty pos n. admissibleness sub head admissible or admissibility syl ad+1mis+si:ble+ness pos n. admission ety C15: from Latin admissi*_on-, from admittere to #7admit admission 1. syl ad+mis+sion pron <*d1miS*n> pos n. def permission to enter or the right, authority, etc., to enter. admission 2. syl ad+mis+sion pron <*d1miS*n> pos n. def the price charged for entrance. admission 3. syl ad+mis+sion pron <*d1miS*n> pos n. def acceptance for a position, office, etc. admission 4. syl ad+mis+sion pron <*d1miS*n> pos n. def a confession, as of a crime, mistake, etc. admission 5. syl ad+mis+sion pron <*d1miS*n> pos n. def an acknowledgment of the truth or validity of something. admissive sub head admission syl ad+1mis+sive pos adj. admit ety C14: from Latin admittere to let come or go to, from ad- to+ mittere to send admits infl head admit syl ad+mits pos vb. mod mainly; tr. admitting infl head admit syl ad+mit+ting pos vb. mod mainly; tr. admitted infl head admit syl ad+mit+ted. pos vb. mod mainly; tr. admit 1. syl ad+mit pron <*d1mit> pos vb. mod mainly; tr. usage may take a clause as object def to confess or acknowledge (a crime, mistake, etc.). admit 2. syl ad+mit pron <*d1mit> pos vb. mod mainly; tr. usage may take a clause as object def to concede (the truth or validity of something). admit 3. syl ad+mit pron <*d1mit> pos vb. mod mainly; tr. def to allow to enter; let in. admit 4. syl ad+mit pron <*d1mit> pos vb. mod mainly; tr. usage foll. by to def to allow participation (in) or the right to be part (of). exam 1 to admit to the profession. admit 5. syl ad+mit pron <*d1mit> pos vb. mod when; intr. usage foll. by of def to allow (of); leave room (for). admit 6. syl ad+mit pron <*d1mit> pos vb. mod intr. def to give access. exam 1 the door admits onto the lawn. admittance 1. syl ad+mit+tance pron <*d1mitNs> pos n. def the right or authority to enter. admittance 2. syl ad+mit+tance pron <*d1mitNs> pos n. def the act of giving entrance. admittance 3. syl ad+mit+tance pron <*d1mitNs> pos n. def the reciprocal of impedance, usually measured in reciprocal ohms or siemens. It can be expressed as a complex quantity, the real part of which is the conductance and the imaginary part the susceptance. Symbol. exam 1 y admittedly 0. syl ad+mit+ted+ly pron <*d1mitidli> pos adv. usage sentence modifier def willingly conceded. exam 1 admittedly I am afraid. admix ety C16: back formation from obsolete admixt, from Latin adm*_isc*_ere to mix with admix 0. syl ad+mix pron <*d1miks> pos vb. mod tr. qual Rare. def to mix or blend. admixture 1. syl ad+mix+ture pron <*d1miksC*> pos n. def a less common word for {mixture}. admixture 2. syl ad+mix+ture pron <*d1miksC*> pos n. def anything added in mixing; ingredient. admonish ety C14: via Old French from Vulgar Latin admonest*_are (unattested), from Latin admon*_ere to put one in mind of, from mon*_ere to advise admonish 1. syl ad+mon+ish pron <*d1moniS> pos vb. mod tr. def to reprove firmly but not harshly. admonish 2. syl ad+mon+ish pron <*d1moniS> pos vb. mod tr. def to advise to do or against doing something; warn; caution. admonisher sub head admonish or admonitor syl ad+1mon+ish+er pos n. admonitor sub head admonish or admonisher syl ad+1mon:i+tor pos n. admonition sub head admonish syl ad+mo+ni+tion pron <2@dm*1niS*n> pos n. admonitory sub head admonish syl ad+1mon:i+to:ry pos adj. adnate ety C17: from Latin adn*_atus, a variant form of agn*_atus #7agnate adnate 0. syl ad+nate pron <1@dnAt> pos adj. qual Botany. def growing closely attached to an adjacent part or organ. ad nauseam ety Latin: to (the point of) nausea ad nauseam 0. syl ad nau+se:am pron <@d> <1nc:zi2@m>, <-si-> pos adv. def to a disgusting extent. adnominal 1. syl ad+nom:i+nal pron <*d1nominL> pos n. qual Grammar. def a word modifying a noun. adnominal 2. syl ad+nom:i+nal pron <*d1nominL> pos adj. qual Grammar. def of or relating to an adnoun. adnoun ety C18: from Latin ad to+#7noun, formed on the model of #7adverb adnoun 0. syl ad+noun pron <1@dnaun> pos n. def an adjective used as a noun; absolute adjective. ado ety C14: from the phrase at do a to-do, from Old Norse at to (marking the infinitive)+#7do %1 ado 0. syl a:do pron <*1du:> pos n. def bustling activity; fuss; bother; delay (esp. in the phrases {without more ado, with much ado) }. adobe ety C19: from Spanish adobe 1.a. syl a:do+be pron <*1d*ubi> pos n. def a sun-dried brick used for building. adobe 1.b. syl a:do+be pron <*1d*ubi> pos n. usage as modifier exam 1 an adobe house. adobe 2. syl a:do+be pron <*1d*ubi> pos n. def a building constructed of such bricks. adobe 3. syl a:do+be pron <*1d*ubi> pos n. def the clayey material from which such bricks are made. adobe flat 0. syl a:do+be flat pos n. qual Chiefly U.S. def a gently sloping clayey plain formed by a short-lived stream or flood water. adolescence ety C15: via Old French from Latin adol*_escentia, from adol*_escere to grow up, from al*_escere to grow, from al*_ere to feed, nourish adolescence 0. syl ad:o+les+cence pron <2@d*1les*ns> pos n. def the period in human development that occurs between the beginning of puberty and adulthood. adolescent 1. syl ad:o+les+cent pron <2@d*1lesNt> pos adj. def of or relating to adoles?!cence. adolescent 2. syl ad:o+les+cent pron <2@d*1lesNt> pos adj. qual Informal. def behaving in an immature way; puerile. adolescent 3. syl ad:o+les+cent pron <2@d*1lesNt> pos n. def an adolescent person. Adonai ety C15: from Hebrew: lord; compare A#7donis Adonai 0. syl Ad:o:nai pron <2@do1nI>, <-1nAI> pos n. qual Judaism. def a name for God. Adonic 1. syl A:don+ic pron <*1d*unik> pos adj. usage in classical prosody def of or relating to a verse line consisting of a dactyl (*_ *u *u ) followed by a spondee (*_ *_ ) or by a trochee (*_ *_ *u ), thought to have been first used in laments for Adonis. Adonic 2. syl A:don+ic pron <*1d*unik> pos adj. def of or relating to Adonis. Adonic 3. syl A:don+ic pron <*1d*unik> pos n. def an Adonic line or verse. Adonis ety C16: from Latin, via Greek Ad*_onis from Phoenician ad*_oni my lord, a title of the god Tammuz; related to Hebrew A#7donai Adonis 1. syl A:do:nis pron <*1d*unis> pos n. qual Greek myth. def a handsome youth loved by Aphrodite. Killed by a wild boar, he was believed to spend part of the year in the underworld and part on earth, symbolizing the vegetative cycle. Adonis 2. syl A:do:nis pron <*1d*unis> pos n. def a handsome young man. adopt ety C16: from Latin adopt*_are to choose for oneself, from opt*_are to choose &- a@.#!dop+tion n. adopt 1. syl a:dopt pron <*1dopt> pos vb. mod tr. qual Law. def to bring (a person) into a specific relationship, esp. to take (another's child) as one's own child. adopt 2. syl a:dopt pron <*1dopt> pos vb. mod tr. def to choose and follow (a plan, technique, etc.). adopt 3. syl a:dopt pron <*1dopt> pos vb. mod tr. def to take over (an idea, etc.) as if it were one's own. adopt 4. syl a:dopt pron <*1dopt> pos vb. mod tr. def to take on; assume. exam 1 to adopt a title. adopt 5. syl a:dopt pron <*1dopt> pos vb. mod tr. def to accept (a report, etc.). adopted 0. syl a:dopt+ed pron <*1doptid> pos adj. def having been adopted; fostered. exam 1 an adopted child. adoptive 0. syl a:dop+tive pron <*1doptiv> pos adj. def due to adoption; foster. exam 1 an adoptive parent. adorable 1. syl a:dor+a:ble pron <*1dc:r*bL> pos adj. def very attractive; charming; lovable. adorable 2. syl a:dor+a:ble pron <*1dc:r*bL> pos adj. qual Becoming rare. def deserving or eliciting adoration. adorably sub head adorable syl a:1dor+a:bly pos adv. adoration 1. syl ad:o+ra+tion pron <2@d*1rAS*n> pos n. def deep love or esteem. adoration 2. syl ad:o+ra+tion pron <2@d*1rAS*n> pos n. def the act of worshipping. adore ety Cl5: via French from Latin ad*_or*_are, from ad- to+ *_or*_are to pray adore 1. syl a:dore pron <*1dc:> pos vb. mod tr. def to love intensely or deeply. adore 2. syl a:dore pron <*1dc:> pos vb. def to worship (a god) with religious rites. adore 3. syl a:dore pron <*1dc:> pos vb. mod tr. qual Informal. def to like very much. exam 1 I adore chocolate. adorer sub head adore syl a:1dor+er pos n. adoringly sub head adore syl a:1dor+ing+ly pos adv. adorn ety C14: via Old French from Latin ad*_orn*_are, from *_orn*_are to furnish, prepare adorn 1. syl a:dorn pron <*1dc:n> pos vb. mod tr. def to decorate. exam 1 she adorned her hair with flowers. adorn 2. syl a:dorn pron <*1dc:n> pos vb. mod tr. def to increase the beauty, distinction, etc., of. adornment sub head adorn syl a:1dorn+ment pos n. Adowa 0. syl A:do+wa pron <1a:du2wa:> pos n. def a variant spelling of {Aduwa}. ADP 0. syl ADP pos n. qual Biochem. def adenosine diphosphate; a nucleotide derived from ATP with the liberation of energy that is then used in the performance of muscular work. ADP 0. syl A.D.P. qual abbrev. for def automatic data processing. Adrastus 0. syl A:dras:tus pron <*1dr@st*s> pos n. qual Greek myth. def a king of Argos and leader of the Seven against Thebes of whom he was the sole survivor. ad rem 0. syl ad rem pron Latin. <@d> <1rem> pos adj. adv. def to the point; without digression. exam 1 to reply ad rem; exam 2 an ad rem discussion. adrenal ety C19: from #7ad - (near)+#7renal adrenal 1. syl ad+re+nal pron <*1drEnL> pos adj. def on or near the kidneys. adrenal 2. syl ad+re+nal pron <*1drEnL> pos adj. def of or relating to the adrenal glands or their secretions. adrenal 3. syl ad+re+nal pron <*1drEnL> pos n. def an adrenal gland. adrenal gland 0. syl ad+re+nal gland pos n. def an endocrine gland at the anterior end of each kidney. Its medulla secretes adrenaline and noradrenaline and its cortex secretes several steroid hormones. Also called: {suprarenal gland}. Adrenalin 0. syl A:dren:a+lin pron <*1dren*lin> pos n. qual Trademark. def a brand of {adrenaline}. adrenaline 0. syl a:dren:a+line pron <*1dren*lin>, <-2lEn> pos n. def a hormone that is secreted by the adrenal medulla in response to stress and increases heart rate, pulse rate, and blood pressure, and raises the blood levels of glucose and lipids. It is extracted from animals or synthesized for such medical uses as the treatment of asthma. Chemical name: aminohydroxyphenylpropionic acid; formula: C\9H\1\3NO\3. U.S. name: {epinephrine}. adrenal insufficiency 0. syl ad+re+nal in+suf+fi+cien+cy pos n. def another name for {Addison's disease}. adrenergic ety C20: #7adrena?!line+ Greek ergon work adrenergic 0. syl ad+ren+er+gic pron <2@dr*1nR:Jik> pos adj. def releasing or activated by adrenaline or an adrenaline-like substance. adrenocorticotrophic alt head adrenocorticotropic or adrenocorticotropic syl a:dre+no+cor?!+ti+co+troph+ic pron <*2drEn*u2kc:t*k*u1trofik> pos adj. adrenocorticotropic 0. or adrenocorticotrophic syl a:dre+no+cor+ti+co+trop+ic pron <*2drEn*u2kc:t*k*u1tropik> pos adj. def stimulating the adrenal cortex. adrenocorticotropic hormone 0. syl a:dre+no+cor+ti+co+trop+ic hor+mone pos n. def the full name of {ACTH}. Edgar Douglas infl head Adrian syl Ed:gar Doug:las pos n. Adrian 0. syl A:dri:an pron <1Adri*n> pos n. def Baron Adrian. born 1889, English physiologist, noted particularly for his research into the function of neurons: shared with Sherrington the Nobel prize for medicine (1932). Adrian IV 0. syl A:dri:an IV pos n. def original name ??1100-59, the only English pope (1154-59). Adrianopolis alt head Adrianople or Adrianople syl A:dri:a+nop:o+lis pron <2Adri*?!1nop*lis> pos n. Adrianople 0. or Adrianopolis syl A:dri+an:o+ple pron <2Adri*1n*upL> pos n. def former names of {Edirne}. Adriatic 1. syl A:dri+at+ic pron <2Adri1@tik> pos adj. def of or relating to the Adriatic Sea, or to the inhabitants of its coast or islands. Adriathe 2. head Adriatic syl A:dri+athe. def short for the {Adriatic Sea}. Adriatic Sea 0. syl A:dri+at+ic Sea pos n. def an arm of the Mediterranean between Italy and Yugoslavia. adrift 1. syl a:drift pron <*1drift> pos adj. postpositive; adv. def floating without steering or mooring; drifting. adrift 2. syl a:drift pron <*1drift> pos adj. postpositive; adv. def without purpose; aimless. adrift 3. syl a:drift pron <*1drift> pos adj. postpositive; adv. qual Informal. def off course or amiss. exam 1 the project went adrift. adroit ety C17: from French *`a droit according to right, rightly adroit 1. syl a:droit pron <*1drcit> pos adj. def skilful or dexterous. adroit 2. syl a:droit pron <*1drcit> pos adj. def quick in thought or reaction. adroitly sub head adroit syl a:1droit+ly pos adv. adroitness sub head adroit syl a:1droit+ness pos n. adscititious ety C17: from Latin adsc*_itus admitted (from outside), from adsc*_iscere to admit, from sc*_iscere to seek to know, from sc*_ire to know. See -#7itious adscititious 0. syl ad+sci+ti+tious pron <2@dsi1tiS*s> pos adj. def added or supplemental; additional. adscititiously sub head adscititious syl ad+sci+1ti+tious+ly pos adv. adscription 0. syl ad+scrip+tion pron <*d1skripS*n> pos n. def a less common word for {ascription}. adsorb ety C19: #7ad -#7+ -sorb as in #7absorb adsorb 0. syl ad+sorb pron <*d1sc:b>, <-1zc:b> pos vb. def to undergo or cause to undergo a process in which a substance, usually a gas, accumulates on the surface of a solid forming a thin film, often only one molecule thick. exam 1 to adsorb hydrogen on nickel; exam 2 oxygen adsorbs on tungsten. adsorbable sub head adsorb syl ad+1sorb+a:ble pos adj. adsorbability sub head adsorb syl ad+2sorb+a:1bil+i:ty pos n. adsorption sub head adsorb syl ad+1sorp+tion pos n. adsorbate 0. syl ad+sorb+ate pron <*d1sc:bAt>, <-bit>, <-1zc:-> pos n. def a substance that has been or is to be adsorbed on a surface. adsorbent 1. syl ad+sor+bent pron <*d1sc:b*nt>, <-1zc:-> pos adj. def capable of adsorption. adsorbent 2. syl ad+sor+bent pron <*d1sc:b*nt>, <-1zc:-> pos n. def a material, such as activated charcoal, on which adsorption can occur. adsuki bean 0. syl ad+su+ki bean pron <@d1su:ki>, <-1zu:-> pos n. def a variant spelling of {adzuki bean}. adularia ety C18: via Italian from French adulaire, after Adula, a group of mountains in Switzerland adularia 0. syl ad:u+lar:i:a pron <2@dju1le*ri*> pos n. def a white or colourless glassy variety of orthoclase in the form of prismatic crystals. It occurs in metamorphic rocks and is a minor gemstone. Formula: KAlSi\3O\8. adulate ety C17: back formation from C15 adulation, from Latin ad*_ul*_ari to flatter &- @!ad@.u+#!la+tion n. ?- #!ad@.u+@!la+tor n. adulate 0. syl ad:u+late pron <1@dju2lAt> pos vb. mod tr. def to flatter or praise obsequiously. adulatory sub head adulate syl ad:u+la+to:ry pron <2@dju1lAt*ri>, <1@dju2lAt*ri> pos adj. Adullamite ety C19: originally applied to members of the British House of Commons who withdrew from the Liberal party (1866); alluding to the cave of Abdullam in the Bible, to which David and others fled (1 Samuel 22: 1-2) Adullamite 0. syl A:dul+la+mite pron <*1d^l*2mIt> pos n. def a person who has withdrawn from a political group and joined with a few others to form a dissident group. adult ety C16: from Latin adultus, from adol*_escere to grow up, from al*_escere to grow, from al*_ere to feed, nourish adult 1. syl a:dult pron <1@d^lt>, <*1d^lt> pos adj. def having reached maturity; fully developed. adult 2. syl a:dult pron <1@d^lt>, <*1d^lt> pos adj. def of or intended for mature people. exam 1 adult education; exam 2 adult films. adult 3. syl a:dult pron <1@d^lt>, <*1d^lt> pos n. def a person who has attained maturity; a grownup. adult 4. syl a:dult pron <1@d^lt>, <*1d^lt> pos n. def a mature fully grown animal or plant. adult 5. syl a:dult pron <1@d^lt>, <*1d^lt> pos n. qual Law. def a person who has attained the age of legal majority (18 years for most purposes). Compare {infant}. adulthood sub head adult syl a:1dult+hood pos n. adulterant 1. syl a:dul+ter+ant pron <*1d^lt*r*nt> pos n. def a substance or ingredient that adulterates. adulterant 2. syl a:dul+ter+ant pron <*1d^lt*r*nt> pos adj. def adulterating. adulterate ety C16: from Latin adulter*_are to corrupt, commit adultery, probably from alter another, hence to approach another, commit adultery adulterate 1. syl a:dul+ter+ate pron <*1d^lt*2rAt> pos vb. mod tr. def to debase by adding inferior material. exam 1 to adulterate milk with water. adulterate 2. syl a:dul+ter+ate pron <*1d^lt*rit>, <-2rAt> pos adj. def adulterated; debased or impure. adulterate 3. syl a:dul+ter+ate pron <*1d^lt*rit>, <-2rAt> pos adj. def a less common word for {adulterous}. adulteration sub head adulterate syl a:2dul+ter:1a+tion pos n. adulterator sub head adulterate syl a:1dul+ter:2a+tor pos n. adulterer ety C16: originally also adulter, from Latin adulter, back formation from adulter*_are to #7adulterate adulteress alt head adulterer or adulterer syl a:dul+ter+ess pos n. mod fem. adulterer 0. or adulteress syl a:dul+ter+er pron <*1d^lt*r*> pos n. def a person who has committed adultery. adulterine 1. syl a:dul+ter+ine pron <*1d^lt*rin>, <-2rEn>, <-2rIn> pos adj. def of or made by adulteration; fake. adulterine 2. syl a:dul+ter+ine pron <*1d^lt*rin>, <-2rEn>, <-2rIn> pos adj. def conceived in adultery. exam 1 an adulterine child. adulterous 1. syl a:dul+ter+ous pron <*1d^lt*r*s> pos adj. def of, characterized by, or inclined to adultery. adulterous 2. syl a:dul+ter+ous pron <*1d^lt*r*s> pos adj. def an obsolete word for { {adulterate} (sense 2)}. adulterously sub head adulterous syl a:1dul+ter+ous+ly pos adv. adultery ety C15 adulterie, altered (as if directly from Latin adulterium) from C14 avoutrie, via Old French from Latin adulterium, from adulter, back formation from adulter*_are. See #7adulterate adulteries infl head adultery syl a:dul+ter:ies. pos n. mod pl. adultery 0. syl a:dul+ter:y pron <*1d^lt*ri> pos n. def voluntary sexual intercourse between a married man or woman and partner other than the legal spouse. adumbral ety C19: from #7ad - (in the sense: in)+Latin umbra shadow adumbral 0. syl ad+um+bral pron <@d1^mbr*l> pos adj. qual Usually poetic. def shadowy. adumbrate ety C16: from Latin adumbr*_atus represented only in outline, from adumbr*_are to cast a shadow on, from umbra shadow adumbrate 1. syl ad+um+brate pron <1@d^m2brAt> pos vb. mod tr. def to outline; give a faint indication of. adumbrate 2. syl ad+um+brate pron <1@d^m2brAt> pos vb. mod tr. def to foreshadow. adumbrate 3. syl ad+um+brate pron <1@d^m2brAt> pos vb. mod tr. def to overshadow; obscure. adumbration sub head adumbrate syl ad+um+1bra+tion pos n. adumbrative sub head adumbrate syl ad+um+bra+tive pron <@d1^mbr*tiv> pos adj. adumbratively sub head adumbrate syl ad+1um+bra+tive+ly pos adv. adust ety C14 (in the sense: gloomy): from Latin ad*_ustus, from ad*_urere to set fire to, from *_urere to burn adust 1. syl a:dust pron <*1d^st> pos adj. qual Archaic. def dried up or darkened by heat; burnt or scorched. adust 2. syl a:dust pron <*1d^st> pos adj. qual Archaic. def gloomy or melancholy. Adowa alt head Aduwa or Aduwa syl A:do+wa pron <1a:du2wa:> pos n. Aduwa 0. or Adowa syl A:du+wa pron <1a:du2wa:> pos n. def a town in N Ethiopia: Emperor Menelik II defeated the Italians here in 1896. Pop.: 16430 (1971 est.). Italian name: {A@.du@.a} (a#!dua). adv ety Latin: against adv 1. syl adv. qual abbrev. for: def adverb. adv 2. syl adv. qual abbrev. for: def adverbial. adv 3. syl adv. qual abbrev. for: def adversus. adv 4. syl adv. qual abbrev. for: def advertisement. adv 5. syl adv. qual abbrev. for: def advocate. ad val 0. syl ad val. qual abbrev. for def ad valorem. ad valorem ety from Latin ad valorem 0. syl ad va+lo+rem pron <@d> pos adj. adv. usage of taxes def in proportion to the estimated value of the goods taxed. Abbrev.: {ad val}. advance ety C15 advauncen, altered (on the model of words beginning with Latin ad-) from C13 avauncen, via Old French from Latin abante from before, from ab- away from+ ante before advance 1. syl ad+vance pron <*d1va:ns> pos vb. def to go or bring forward in position. advance 2. syl ad+vance pron <*d1va:ns> pos vb. usage foll. by on def to move (towards) in a threatening manner. advance 3. syl ad+vance pron <*d1va:ns> pos vb. mod tr. def to present for consideration; suggest. advance 4. syl ad+vance pron <*d1va:ns> pos vb. def to bring or be brought to a further stage of development; improve; further. advance 5. syl ad+vance pron <*d1va:ns> pos vb. mod tr. def to cause (an event) to occur earlier. advance 6. syl ad+vance pron <*d1va:ns> pos vb. mod tr. def to supply (money, goods, etc.) beforehand, either for a loan or as an initial payment. advance 7. syl ad+vance pron <*d1va:ns> pos vb. def to increase (a price, value, rate of occurrence, etc.) or (of a price, etc.) to be increased. advance 8. syl ad+vance pron <*d1va:ns> pos vb. mod intr. def to improve one's position; be promoted. exam 1 he advanced rapidly in his job. advance 9. syl ad+vance pron <*d1va:ns> pos vb. mod tr. qual Archaic. def to promote in rank, status, or position. advance 10. syl ad+vance pron <*d1va:ns> pos n. def forward movement; progress in time or space. advance 11. syl ad+vance pron <*d1va:ns> pos n. def improvement; progress in development. advance 12.a. syl ad+vance pron <*d1va:ns> pos n. def the supplying of commodities or funds before receipt of an agreed consideration. advance 12.b. syl ad+vance pron <*d1va:ns> pos n. def the commodities or funds supplied in this manner. advance 12.c. syl ad+vance pron <*d1va:ns> pos n. usage as modifier exam 1 an advance supply. advance 13. syl ad+vance pron <*d1va:ns> pos n. def Also called: {advance payment}. a money payment made before it is legally due. advance 14. syl ad+vance pron <*d1va:ns> pos n. def increase in price, value, rate of occurrence, etc. advance 15. syl ad+vance pron <*d1va:ns> pos n. def a less common word for { {advancement} (sense 1)}. advance 16.a. syl ad+vance pron <*d1va:ns> pos n. def beforehand. exam 1 payment in advance. advance 16.b. syl ad+vance pron <*d1va:ns> pos n. usage foll. by of def ahead in time or development. exam 1 ideas in advance of the time. advance 17. syl ad+vance pron <*d1va:ns> pos n. usage modifier def forward in position or time. exam 1 advance booking; exam 2 an advance warning. advancer sub head advance syl ad+1vanc+er pos n. advancingly sub head advance syl ad+1vanc+ing+ly pos adv. advanced 1. syl ad+vanced pron <*d1va:nst> pos adj. def being ahead in development, knowledge, progress, etc.. exam 1 advanced studies. advanced 2. syl ad+vanced pron <*d1va:nst> pos adj. def having reached a comparatively late stage. exam 1 a man of advanced age. advanced 3. syl ad+vanced pron <*d1va:nst> pos adj. def ahead of the times. exam 1 advanced views on religion. advanced gas-cooled reactor 0. syl ad+vanced gas-cooled re+ac+tor pos n. def a nuclear reactor using carbon dioxide as the coolant, graphite as the moderator, and ceramic uranium dioxide cased in stainless steel as the fuel. Abbrev.: {AGR} advance guard 1. syl ad+vance guard pos n. def a military unit sent ahead of an advanc?!ing formation to ensure its progress, etc. advance guard 2. syl ad+vance guard pos n. def Also called: {ad?!vanced guard}. another name for {avant-garde}. advancement 1. syl ad+vance+ment pron <*d1va:nsm*nt> pos n. def promotion in rank, status, etc.; preferment. advancement 2. syl ad+vance+ment pron <*d1va:nsm*nt> pos n. def a less common word for { {advance} (senses 10, 11)}. advancement 3. syl ad+vance+ment pron <*d1va:nsm*nt> pos n. qual Property law. def the transfer during the life of a testator of money or property to a person (usually a child) to which the person is entitled. advance poll 0. syl ad+vance poll pos n. usage Canadian. in an election def a poll held prior to election day to permit voters who expect to be absent then to cast their ballots. advances 0. syl ad+vanc:es pron <*d1va:nsiz> pos n. mod pl. sometimes; sing. usage often foll. by to or towards def personal overtures made in an attempt to become friendly, gain a favour, etc. advantage ety C14 avantage (later altered to advantage on the model of words beginning with Latin ad-) , from Old French avant before, from Latin abante from before, away. See #7advance advantage 1. syl ad+van+tage pron <*d1va:ntiJ> pos n. usage often foll. by over or of def superior or more favourable position or power. exam 1 he had an advantage over me because of his experience. advantage 2. syl ad+van+tage pron <*d1va:ntiJ> pos n. def benefit or profit (esp. in the phrase {to one's advantage) }. advantage 3.a. syl ad+van+tage pron <*d1va:ntiJ> pos n. def the point scored after deuce. advantage 3.b. syl ad+van+tage pron <*d1va:ntiJ> pos n. def the resulting state of the score. advantage 4.a. syl ad+van+tage pron <*d1va:ntiJ> pos n. def to make good use of. advantage 4.b. syl ad+van+tage pron <*d1va:ntiJ> pos n. def to impose upon the weakness, good nature, etc., of; abuse. advantage 4.c. syl ad+van+tage pron <*d1va:ntiJ> pos n. def to seduce. to advantage 5. head advantage syl to advantage. def to good effect. exam 1 he used his height to advantage at the game. you have the advantage of me 6. head advantage syl you have the advantage of me. def you know me but I do not know you. advantage 7. syl ad+van+tage pron <*d1va:ntiJ> pos vb. mod tr. def to put in a better position; favour. advantageous 0. syl ad+van+ta+geous pron <2@dv*n1tAJ*s> pos adj. def producing advantage. advantageously sub head advantageous syl ad+van+1ta+geous+ly pos adv. advantageousness sub head advantageous syl ad+van+1ta+geous+ness pos n. advection ety C20: from Latin advecti*_o conveyance, from advehere, from ad- to+ vehere to carry advection 0. syl ad+vec+tion pron <*d1vekS*n> pos n. def the transference of heat energy in a horizontal stream of gas, esp. of air. advent ety C12: from Latin adventus, from adven*_ire, from ad- to+ ven*_ire to come advent 0. syl ad+vent pron <1@dvent>, <-v*nt> pos n. def an arrival or coming, esp. one which is awaited. Advent 0. syl Ad+vent pron <1@dvent>, <-v*nt> pos n. qual Christianity. def the season including the four Sundays preceding Christmas. Adventist 0. syl Ad+vent+ist pron <1@dventist>, <1@dv*n-> pos n. def a member of any of the Christian groups, such as the {Seventh Day Adventists}, that hold that the Second Coming of Christ is imminent. adventitia ety C19: New Latin, from the neuter plural of Latin advent*_icius; see #7adventitious adventitia 0. syl ad+ven+ti+ti:a pron <2@dven1tiSi*>, <-1tiS*> pos n. def the outermost covering of an organ or part, esp. the outer coat of a blood vessel. adventitious ety C17: from Latin advent*_icius coming from outside, from adventus a coming adventitious 1. syl ad+ven+ti+tious pron <2@dven1tiS*s> pos adj. def added or appearing accidentally or unexpectedly. adventitious 2. syl ad+ven+ti+tious pron <2@dven1tiS*s> pos adj. usage of a plant or animal part def developing in an abnormal position, as a root that grows from a stem. adventitiously sub head adventitious syl ad+ven+1ti+tious+ly pos adv. Advent Sunday 0. syl Ad+vent Sun+day pos n. def the first of the four Sundays of Advent, and the one that falls nearest to November 30. adventure ety C13 aventure (later altered to adventure after the Latin spelling), via Old French ultimately from Latin adven*_ire to happen to (someone), arrive adventure 1. syl ad+ven+ture pron <*d1venC*> pos n. def a risky undertaking of unknown outcome. adventure 2. syl ad+ven+ture pron <*d1venC*> pos n. def an exciting or unexpected event or course of events. adventure 3. syl ad+ven+ture pron <*d1venC*> pos n. def a hazardous financial operation; commercial speculation. adventure 4.a. syl ad+ven+ture pron <*d1venC*> pos n. def danger or misadventure. adventure 4.b. syl ad+ven+ture pron <*d1venC*> pos n. def chance. adventure 5. syl ad+ven+ture pron <*d1venC*> pos vb. def to take a risk or put at risk. adventure 6. syl ad+ven+ture pron <*d1venC*> pos vb. mod intr. usage foll. by into, on, upon def to dare to go or enter (into a place, dangerous activity, etc.). adventure 7. syl ad+ven+ture pron <*d1venC*> pos vb. def to dare to say (something). exam 1 he adventured his opinion. adventureful sub head adventure syl ad+1ven+ture+ful pos adj. adventure playground 0. syl ad+ven+ture play+ground pos n. qual Brit. def a playground for children that contains building materials, discarded industrial parts, etc., used by the children to build with, hide in, climb on, etc. adventuress alt head adventurer or adventurer syl ad+ven+tur+ess pos n. mod fem. adventurer 1. or adventuress syl ad+ven+tur+er pron <*d1venC*r*> pos n. def a person who seeks adventure, esp. one who seeks success or money through daring exploits. adventurer 2. or adventuress syl ad+ven+tur+er pron <*d1venC*r*> pos n. def a person who seeks money or power by unscrupulous means. adventurer 3. or adventuress syl ad+ven+tur+er pron <*d1venC*r*> pos n. def a speculator. adventurism 0. syl ad+ven+tur+ism pron <*d1venC*2riz*m> pos n. def recklessness, esp. in politics and finance. adventurist sub head adventurism syl ad+1ven+tur+ist pos n. adventurous 1. syl ad+ven+tur+ous pron <*d1venC*r*s> pos adj. def Also: {ad+ven+ture+some}. daring or enterprising. adventurous 2. syl ad+ven+tur+ous pron <*d1venC*r*s> pos adj. def dangerous; involving risk. adventurously sub head adventurous syl ad+1ven+tur+ous+ly pos adv. adverb ety C15-C16: from Latin adverbium adverb, literally: added word, a translation of Greek epirrh*_ema a word spoken afterwards adverb 0.a. syl ad+verb pron <1@d2vR:b> pos n. def a word or group of words that serves to modify a whole sentence, a verb, another adverb, or an adjective; for example, and respectively in the sentence adverb 0.b. syl ad+verb pron <1@d2vR:b> pos n. usage as modifier; an adverb marker. def Abbrev.: {adv}. adverbial 1. syl ad+ver+bi:al pron <@d1vR:bi*l> pos n. def a word or group of words playing the grammatical role of an adverb, such as in the sentence adverbial 2. syl ad+ver+bi:al pron <@d1vR:bi*l> pos adj. def of or relating to an adverb or adverbial. adversary ety C14: from Latin advers*_arius, from adversus against. See #7adverse adversaries infl head adversary syl ad+ver+sar:ies. pos n. mod pl. adversary 1. syl ad+ver+sar:y pron <1@dv*s*ri> pos n. def a person or group that is hostile to someone; enemy. adversary 2. syl ad+ver+sar:y pron <1@dv*s*ri> pos n. def an opposing contestant in a game or sport. adversative 1. syl ad+ver+sa+tive pron <*d1vR:s*tiv> pos adj. qual Grammar. usage of a word, phrase, or clause def implying opposition or contrast. and are adversative conjunctions introducing adversative clauses. adversative 2. syl ad+ver+sa+tive pron <*d1vR:s*tiv> pos n. qual Grammar. def an adversative word or speech element. adverse ety C14: from Latin ad?!versus opposed to, hostile, from advertere to turn towards, from ad- to, towards+ vertere to turn adverse 1. syl ad+verse pron <1@dvR:s>, <@d1vR:s> pos adj. def antagonistic or inimical; hostile. exam 1 adverse criticism. adverse 2. syl ad+verse pron <1@dvR:s>, <@d1vR:s> pos adj. def unfavourable to one's interests. exam 1 adverse circumstances. adverse 3. syl ad+verse pron <1@dvR:s>, <@d1vR:s> pos adj. def contrary or opposite in direction or position. exam 1 adverse winds. adverse 4. syl ad+verse pron <1@dvR:s>, <@d1vR:s> pos adj. usage of leaves, flowers, etc. def facing the main stem. Compare {{averse} (sense 2)}. adversely sub head adverse syl ad+1verse+ly pos adv. adverseness sub head adverse syl ad+1verse+ness pos n. adverse possession 0. syl ad+verse pos+ses+sion pos n. qual Property law. def the occupation or possession of land by a person not legally entitled to it. If continued unopposed for a period specifed by law, such occupation extinguishes the title of the rightful owner. adversities infl head adversity syl ad+ver+si:ties. pos n. mod pl. adversity 1. syl ad+ver+si:ty pron <*d1vR:siti> pos n. def distress; affliction; hardship. adversity 2. syl ad+ver+si:ty pron <*d1vR:siti> pos n. def an unfortunate event or incident. advert ety C15: from Latin advertere to turn one's attention to. See #7adverse advert H1.0. syl ad+vert pron <*d1vR:t> pos vb. mod intr. usage foll. by to def to draw attention (to); refer (to). advert H2.0. syl ad+vert pron <1@dvR:t> pos n. qual Brit. informal. def short for {advertisement}. advertency alt head advertence or advertence syl ad+vert+en+cy pos n. advertence 0. or advertency syl ad+vert+ence pron <*d1vR:t*ns> pos n. def heedfulness or attentiveness. advertent sub head advertence syl ad+1vert+ent pos adj. advertently sub head advertence syl ad+1vert+ent+ly pos adv. advertise ety C15: from a lengthened stem of Old French avertir, ultimately from Latin advertere to turn one's attention to. See #7adverse advertize alt head advertise or advertise syl ad+ver+tize pron <1@dv*2tIz> pos vb. qual U.S. (sometimes advertise 1. or advertize syl ad+ver+tise pron <1@dv*2tIz> pos vb. def to present or praise (goods, a service, etc.) to the public, esp. in order to encourage sales. advertise 2. or advertize syl ad+ver+tise pron <1@dv*2tIz> pos vb. def to make (something, such as a vacancy, article for sale, etc.) publicly known, as to possible applicants, buyers, etc.. exam 1 to advertise a job. advertise 3. or advertize syl ad+ver+tise pron <1@dv*2tIz> pos vb. mod intr. usage foll. by for def to make a public request (for), esp. in a newspaper, etc.. exam 1 she advertised for a cook. advertise 4. or advertize syl ad+ver+tise pron <1@dv*2tIz> pos vb. qual Obsolete. def to warn; caution. advertiser sub head advertise syl ad+ver+2tis+er pos n. advertizement alt head advertisement or advertisement syl ad+ver+tize+ment pron <*d1vR:tism*nt>, <-tiz-> pos n. qual U.S. (sometimes advertisement 0. or advertizement syl ad+ver+tise+ment pron <*d1vR:tism*nt>, <-tiz-> pos n. def any public notice, as a printed display in a newspaper, short film on television, announcement on radio, etc., designed to sell goods, publicize an event, etc. Shortened forms: {ad, advert}. advertizing alt head advertising or advertising syl ad+ver+tiz+ing pron <1@dv*?!2tIziG> pos n. qual U.S. (sometimes advertising 1. or advertizing syl ad+ver+tis+ing pron <1@dv*?!2tIziG> pos n. def the action or practice of drawing public attention to goods, services, events, etc., as by the distribution of printed notices, broadcasting, etc. advertising 2. or advertizing syl ad+ver+tis+ing pron <1@dv*?!2tIziG> pos n. def the business that specializes in creating such publicity. advertising 3. or advertizing syl ad+ver+tis+ing pron <1@dv*?!2tIziG> pos n. def advertisements collectively; pub?!licity. advice ety C13 avis (later advise) , via Old French from a Vulgar Latin phrase based on Latin ad to, according to+ v*_isum view (hence: according to one's view, opinion) advice 1. syl ad+vice pron <*d1vIs> pos n. def recommendation as to appropriate choice of action; counsel. advice 2. syl ad+vice pron <*d1vIs> pos n. mod sometimes; pl. def formal notification of facts, esp. when communicated from a distance. advisable 0. syl ad+vis+a:ble pron <*d1vIz*bL> pos adj. def worthy of recommendation; prudent; sensible. advisably sub head advisable syl ad+1vis+a:bly pos adv. advise ety C14: via Old French from Vulgar Latin adv*_is*_are (un?!attested) to consider, from Latin ad- to+ vis*_are (unattested), from v*_isere to view, from vid*_ere to see#e Usage. Advise is often used in the same sense as inform: as we advised you in our last communication, the order is being dealt with. This use is accepted and common in business corre?!spondence. Careful users of English prefer inform, notify, or tell in general English: when he returned home, the police informed him (not advised him) that his car had been stolen. advise 1. syl ad+vise pron <*d1vIz> pos vb. mod when; tr. usage an infinitive def to offer advice (to a person or persons); counsel. exam 1 he advised the king; exam 2 to advise caution; exam 3 he advised her to leave. advise 2. syl ad+vise pron <*d1vIz> pos vb. mod tr. usage an infinitive; sometimes foll. by of def to inform or notify. advise 3. syl ad+vise pron <*d1vIz> pos vb. mod intr. qual Chiefly U.S., obsolete in Brit. usage an infinitive; foll. by with def to consult or discuss. advised 0. syl ad+vised pron <*d1vIzd> pos adj. def resulting from deliberation. See also {ill-advised, well-advised}. &- {ad+vis+ed+ly} ($$d#!va$Iz$Idl$I) advisement 0. syl ad+vise+ment pron <*d1vIzm*nt> pos n. qual Chiefly U.S., archaic in Brit. def consultation; deliberation. advisor alt head adviser or adviser syl ad+vi+sor pron <*d1vIz*> pos n. adviser 1. or advisor syl ad+vis+er pron <*d1vIz*> pos n. def a person who advises. adviser 2. or advisor syl ad+vis+er pron <*d1vIz*> pos n. qual Education. def a person responsible for advising students on academic matters, career guidance, etc. adviser 3. or advisor syl ad+vis+er pron <*d1vIz*> pos n. qual Brit. education. def a subject specialist who advises heads of schools on current teaching methods and facilities. advisory 0. syl ad+vi+so+ry pron <*d1vIz*ri> pos adj. def giving advice; empowered to make recommendations. exam 1 an advisory body. advocaat ety C20: Dutch, from advocatenborrel, from advocaat #7advocate (n.)+ borrel drink advocaat 0. syl ad+vo+caat pron <1@dv*u2ka:>, <-2ka:t>, <1@dv*-> pos n. def a liqueur having a raw egg base. cies infl head advocacy syl +cies. pos n. mod pl. advocacy 0. syl ad+vo+ca+cy pron <1@dv*k*si> pos n. def active support, esp. of a cause. advocate ety C14: via Old French from Latin advoc*_atus legal witness, advocate, from advoc*_are to call as witness, from voc*_are to call advocate 1. syl ad+vo+cate pron <1@dv*2kAt> pos vb. mod tr. usage may take a clause as object def to support or recommend publicly; plead for or speak in favour of. advocate 2. syl ad+vo+cate pron <1@dv*kit>, <-2kAt> pos n. def a person who upholds or defends a cause; supporter. advocate 3. syl ad+vo+cate pron <1@dv*kit>, <-2kAt> pos n. def a person who intercedes on behalf of another. advocate 4. syl ad+vo+cate pron <1@dv*kit>, <-2kAt> pos n. def a person who pleads his client's cause in a court of law. See also {barrister, solicitor, counsellor}. advocate 5. syl ad+vo+cate pron <1@dv*kit>, <-2kAt> pos n. qual Scottish law. def the usual word for {counsel}. advocatory sub head advocate syl ad+vo+1ca+to:ry pos adj. Advocate Depute 0. syl Ad+vo+cate De+pute pos n. def a Scottish law officer with the functions of public prosecutor. advocation 0. syl ad+vo+ca+tion pron <2@dv*1kAS*n> pos n. qual Scottish and papal law. def the transfer to itself by a superior court of an action pending in a lower court. advocatus diaboli 0. syl ad+vo+ca+tus di+ab:o+li pron Latin. <2@dv*1ka:t*s> pos n. def another name for the {devil's advocate}. advowson ety C13: via Anglo-French and Old French from Latin advoc*_ati*_on- the act of summoning, from advoc*_are to summon advowson 0. syl ad+vow+son pron <*d1vauzN> pos n. qual English ecclesiastical law. def the right of presentation to a vacant benefice. advt 0. syl advt. qual abbrev. for def advertisement. Adyghe alt head Adygei or Adygei syl A:dy+ghe pron <1a:di2gA>, <2a:di1gA>, <2a:di1ge> pos n. Adygei infl or Adyghe syl A:dy+gei pos n. mod pl. Adygeis infl head Adygei or Adyghes syl A:dy+geis pos n. mod pl. Adyghe infl head Adygei or Adygei syl A:dy+ghe pos n. mod pl. Adyghes infl head Adygei or Adygeis syl A:dy+ghes pos n. mod pl. Adygei 1. or Adyghe syl A:dy+gei pron <1a:di2gA>, <2a:di1gA>, <2a:di1ge> pos n. def a member of a Circassian people of the Northwest Caucasus. Adygei 2. or Adyghe syl A:dy+gei pron <1a:di2gA>, <2a:di1gA>, <2a:di1ge> pos n. def the Circassian language. Adygei Autonomous Region 0. syl A:dy+gei Au:ton:o+mous Re+gion pos n. def an administrative division of the SW Soviet Union, bordering on the Caucasus Mountains: chiefly agricultural. Capital: Maikop. Pop.: 385644 (1970). Area: 7600 sq. km (2934 sq. miles). adynamia ety C19: New Latin, from #7a -%1+ -dynamia, from Greek dunamis strength, force adynamia 0. syl ad:y+na+mi:a pron <2@di1nAmi*> pos n. def loss of vital power or strength, esp. as the result of illness; weakness or debility. adynamic sub head adynamia syl ad:y+nam+ic pron <2@di1n@mik> pos adj. adytum ety C17: Latin, from Greek aduton a place not to be entered, from #7a -%1#7+ duein to enter adyta infl head adytum syl ad:y+ta pron <-t*> pos n. mod pl. adytum 0. syl ad:y+tum pron <1@dit*m> pos n. def the most sacred place of worship in an ancient temple from which the laity was prohibited. adze ety Old English adesa, of unknown origin adz alt head adze or adze syl adz pron <@dz> pos n. qual U.S. adze 0. or adz syl adze pron <@dz> pos n. def a heavy hand tool with a steel cutting blade attached at right angles to a wooden handle, used for dressing timber. Adzhar Autonomous Soviet Socialist Republic 0. syl A:dzhar Au:ton:o+mous So+vi+et So+cial+ist Re+pub+lic pron <*1Ja:> pos n. def an administrative division of the S Soviet Union, in the SW Georgian SSR on the Black Sea: part of Turkey from the 17th century until 1878; mostly mountainous, reaching 2805 m (9350 ft.), with a subtropical coastal strip. Capital: Batumi. Pop.: 309768 (1970). Area: 3000 sq. km (1160 sq. miles). Also called: {A@.dzha+ri@.a} ($$#!d#f$a$:r$I$$). adzuki bean ety adzuki, from Japanese: red bean adsuki bean alt head adzuki bean or adzuki bean syl ad+su+ki bean pos n. adzuki bean 1. or adsuki bean syl ad+zu+ki bean pron <@d1zu:ki> pos n. def a papilionaceous plant, that has yellow flowers and pods containing edible brown seeds and is widely cultivated as a food crop in China and Japan. adzuki bean 2. or adsuki bean syl ad+zu+ki bean pron <@d1zu:ki> pos n. def the seed of this plant. AE alt or AE syl AE pos n. AE 0. or AE syl A.E. pos n. def the pen name of (George William) {Russell}. ae ety Latin: at the age of; aged ae 0. syl ae. qual abbrev. for def aetatis. AEA 0. syl A.E.A. qual abbrev. for usage in Britain def Atomic Energy Authority. AE P 0. syl A.E. ?& P. qual abbrev. for def Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary. AEC 0. syl A.E.C. qual abbrev. for usage in the U.S. def Atomic Energy Commission. aeciospore ety C20: from #7aecium+spore aeciospore 0. syl ae:ci:o+spore pron <1Esi*2spc:> pos n. def any of the spores produced in an aecium of the rust fungi, which spread to and infect the primary host. aecium ety C19: New Latin, from Greek aikia injury (so called because of the damage the fungi cause) aecidium alt head aecium or aecium syl ae:cid+i:um pron pos n. aecia infl head aecium or aecidia syl ae:ci:a pron <-si*> pos n. mod pl. aecidia infl head aecium or aecia syl ae:cid:i:a pron <-1sidi*> pos n. mod pl. aecium 0. or aecidium syl ae:ci:um pron <1Esi*m> pos n. def a globular or cup-shaped structure in some rust fungi in which aeciospores are produced. aedes ety C20: New Latin, from Greek a*_ed*_es unpleasant, from #7a -%1#7+ *_edos pleasant aedes 0. syl a:e:des pron pos n. def any mosquito of the genus (formerly of tropical and subtropical regions, esp. which transmits yellow fever and dengue. aedile ety C16: from Latin aed*_ilis concerned with buildings, from aed*_es a building aedile alt or aedile syl ae:dile pron <1EdIl> pos n. qual U.S. (sometimes aedile 0. or aedile syl ae:dile pron <1EdIl> pos n. def a magistrate of ancient Rome in charge of public works, games, buildings, and roads. Aeetes 0. syl Ae:*"e:tes pron pos n. qual Greek myth. def a king of Colchis, father of Medea and keeper of the Golden Fleece. Aegean 1. syl Ae:ge:an pron pos adj. def of or relating to the Aegean Sea or Islands. Aegean 2. syl Ae:ge:an pron pos adj. def of or relating to the Bronze Age civilization of Greece, Asia Minor, and the Aegean Islands. Aegean Islands 0. syl Ae:ge:an Is+lands pos n. mod pl. def the islands of the Aegean Sea, including the Cyclades, Dodecanese, Euboea, and Sporades. The majority are under Greek administration. Aegean Sea 0. syl Ae:ge:an Sea pos n. def an arm of the Mediterranean between Greece and Turkey. Aegeus 0. syl Ae:ge:us pron , <1EJi*s> pos n. qual Greek myth. def an Athenian king and father of Theseus. Aegina 1. syl Ae:gi+na pron pos n. def an island in the Aegean Sea, in the Saronic Gulf. Area: 85 sq. km (33 sq. miles). Aegina 2. syl Ae:gi+na pron pos n. def a town on the coast of this island: a city-state of ancient Greece. Gulf of 3. head Aegina syl Gulf of. def another name for the {Saronic Gulf}. Aegina xref syl Ae:gi+na pron pos n. def Greek name: {Aiyina}. Aegir 0. syl Ae:gir pron <1EJi*> pos n. qual Norse myth. def the god of the sea. aegis ety C18: from Latin, from Greek aigis shield of Zeus, perhaps related to aig-, stem of aix goat aegis alt or aegis syl ae:gis pron <1EJis> pos n. qual U.S. (sometimes aegis 1. or aegis syl ae:gis pron <1EJis> pos n. def sponsorship or protection; auspices (esp. in the phrase {under the aegis of) }. aegis 2. or aegis syl ae:gis pron <1EJis> pos n. qual Greek myth. def the shield of Zeus, often represented in art as a goatskin. Aegisthus 0. syl Ae:gis:thus pron pos n. qual Greek myth. def a cousin to and the murderer of Agamemnon, whose wife Clytemnestra he had seduced. He usurped the kingship of Mycenae until Orestes, Agamemnon's son, returned home and killed him. Aegospotami 0. syl Ae:gos+pot:a+mi pron <2Eg*s1pot*2mI> pos n. def a river of ancient Thrace that flowed into the Hellespont. At its mouth the Spartan fleet under Lysander defeated the Athenians in 405 #7b.c., ending the Peloponnesian War. aegrotat ety C19: Latin, literally: he is ill aegrotat 1. syl ae:gro+tat pron <1Igr*u2t@t>, <1E-> pos n. usage in British and certain other universities def a certificate allowing a candidate to pass an examination although he has missed part of it through illness. aegrotat 2. syl ae:gro+tat pron <1Igr*u2t@t>, <1E-> pos n. def a degree obtained in such circumstances. Aegyptus 0. syl Ae:gyp:tus pron pos n. qual Greek myth. def a king of Egypt and twin brother of Dana*"us. -aemia ety New Latin, from Greek -aimia, from haima blood -haemia alt head -aemia or -hemia syl -hae:mi:a pos n. -emia infl head -aemia or -aemia syl -e:mi:a pos n. qual U.S. -hemia infl head -aemia or -haemia syl -he:mi:a pos n. qual U.S. -aemia 0. or -emia syl -ae:mi:a pos n. usage combining form. def denoting blood, esp. a specified condition of the blood in names of diseases. exam 1 leucaemia. Aeneas 0. syl Ae:ne:as pron pos n. qual Classical myth. def a Trojan prince, the son of Anchises and Aphrodite, who escaped the sack of Troy and sailed to Italy via Carthage and Sicily. After seven years, he and his followers established themselves near the site of the future Rome. Aeneas Sylvius alt head Aeneas Silvius or Aeneas Silvius syl Ae:ne:as Syl:vi:us pron <1silvi*s> pos n. Aeneas Silvius 0. or Aeneas Sylvius syl Ae:ne:as Sil:vi:us pron <1silvi*s> pos n. def the literary name of {Pius II}. Aeneid 0. syl Ae:ne+id pron pos n. def an epic poem in Latin by Virgil relating the experiences of Aeneas after the fall of Troy, written chiefly to provide an illustrious historical background for Rome. aeneous ety C19: from Latin a*_eneus of bronze, from aes bronze aeneous 0. syl a:e:ne:ous pron pos adj. qual Rare. def of a lustrous bronze colour. Eolian alt head Aeolian or Aeolian syl E:o:li:an pron pos n. Aeolian 1. or Eolian syl Ae:o+li:an pron pos n. def a member of a Hellenic people who settled in Thessaly and Boeotia and colonized Lesbos and parts of the Aegean coast of Asia Minor. Aeolian 2. or Eolian syl Ae:o+li:an pron pos adj. def of or relating to this people or their dialect of Ancient Greek; Aeolic. Aeolian 3. or Eolian syl Ae:o+li:an pron pos adj. def of or relating to Aeolus. Aeolian 4. or Eolian syl Ae:o+li:an pron pos adj. def denoting or relating to an authentic mode represented by the ascending natural diatonic scale from A to A: the basis of the modern minor key. See also {Hypo-}. aeolian harp 0. syl ae:o+li:an harp pos n. def a stringed instrument that produces a musical sound when a current of air or wind passes over the strings. Also called: {wind harp}. Aeolian Islands 0. syl Ae:o+li:an Is+lands pos n. mod pl. def another name for the {Lipari Islands}. Eolic alt head Aeolic or Aeolic syl E:ol+ic pron , pos adj. Aeolic 1. or Eolic syl Ae:ol+ic pron , pos adj. def of or relating to the Aeolians or their dialect. Aeolic 2. or Eolic syl Ae:ol+ic pron , pos n. def one of four chief dialects of Ancient Greek, spoken chiefly in Thessaly, Boeotia, and Aeolis. Compare {Arcadic, Doric, Ionic}. aeolipile ety C17: from Latin aeol*_ipilae balls of A#7eolus or aeol*_ipylae gates of A#7eolus aeolipile 0. syl ae:ol:i+pile pron pos n. def a device illustrating the reactive forces of a gas jet: usually a spherical vessel mounted so as to rotate and equipped with angled exit pipes from which steam within it escapes. Aeolia alt head Aeolis or Aeolis syl Ae:o+li:a pron pos n. Aeolis 0. or Aeolia syl Ae:o+lis pron <1E*lis> pos n. def the ancient name for the coastal region of NW Asia Minor, including the island of Lesbos, settled by the Aeolian Greeks (about 1000 #7b.c.) aeolotropic ety C19: from Greek aiolos fickle+-#7tropic aeolotropic 0. syl ae:o+lo+trop+ic pron <2E*l*u1tropik> pos adj. def a less common word for {anisotropic}. Aeolus 1. syl Ae:o:lus pron <1E*l*s>, pos n. qual Greek myth. def the god of the winds. Aeolus 2. syl Ae:o:lus pron <1E*l*s>, pos n. qual Greek myth. def the founding king of the Aeolians in Thessaly. aeon ety C17: from Greek ai*_on an infinitely long time aeon alt or aeon syl ae:on pron <1E*n>, <1Eon> pos n. qual U.S. aeon 1. or aeon syl ae:on pron <1E*n>, <1Eon> pos n. def an immeasurably long period of time; age. aeon 2. or aeon syl ae:on pron <1E*n>, <1Eon> pos n. qual Geology. def the longest division of geological time, comprising two or more eras. aeon 3. or aeon syl ae:on pron <1E*n>, <1Eon> pos n. qual Gnosticism. usage often cap. def one of the powers emanating from the supreme being and culminating in the demiurge. aeonian alt or aeonian syl ae:o+ni:an pron pos adj. aeonian 0. or aeonian syl ae:o+ni:an pron pos adj. qual Literary. def everlasting. aepyornis ety C19: New Latin, from Greek aipus high+ ornis bird aepyornis 0. syl ae:py+or+nis pron <2Epi1c:nis> pos n. def any of the large extinct flightless birds of the genus remains of which have been found in Madagascar. aer- 0. syl aer- usage combining form. def variant of {aero-} before a vowel. aerate 1. syl aer+ate pron <1e*rAt> pos vb. mod tr. def to charge (a liquid) with a gas, esp. carbon dioxide, as in the manufacture of effervescent drink. aerate 2. syl aer+ate pron <1e*rAt> pos vb. mod tr. def to expose to the action or circulation of the air, so as to purify. aeration sub head aerate syl aer:1a+tion pos n. aerator sub head aerate syl aer:a+tor pos n. aeri- 0. syl aer:i- usage combining form. def variant of {aero-}. aerial ety C17: via Latin from Greek a*_erios, from a*_er air aerial 1. syl aer+i:al pron <1e*ri*l> pos adj. def of, relating to, or resembling air. aerial 2. syl aer+i:al pron <1e*ri*l> pos adj. def existing, occurring, moving, or operating in the air. exam 1 aerial cable car; exam 2 aerial roots of a plant. aerial 3. syl aer+i:al pron <1e*ri*l> pos adj. def ethereal; light and delicate. aerial 4. syl aer+i:al pron <1e*ri*l> pos adj. def imaginary; visionary. aerial 5. syl aer+i:al pron <1e*ri*l> pos adj. def extending high into the air; lofty. aerial 6. syl aer+i:al pron <1e*ri*l> pos adj. def of or relating to aircraft. exam 1 aerial combat. aerial 7. syl aer+i:al pron <1e*ri*l> pos n. def Also called: {antenna}. the part of a radio or television system having any of various shapes, such as a dipole, Yagi, long-wire, or vertical aerial, by means of which radio waves are transmitted or received. aerialist 0. syl aer:i+al+ist pron <1e*ri*2list> pos n. qual Chiefly U.S. def a trapeze artist or tightrope walker. aerial ladder 0. syl aer+i:al lad+der pos n. def the U.S. term for {turntable ladder}. aerial perspective 0. syl aer+i:al per+spec+tive pos n. usage in painting and drawing def a means of indicating relative distance in terms of a gradation of clarity, tone, and colour, esp. blue. Also called: {atmospheric perspective}. aerial pingpong 0. syl aer+i:al ping+pong pos n. qual Austral., facetious. def Australian Rules football. aerie 0. syl aer:ie pron <1e*ri>, <1i*ri> pos n. def a variant spelling (esp. U.S.) of {eyrie}. aeriform 1. syl aer:i+form pron <1e*ri2fc:m> pos adj. def having the form of air; gaseous. aeriform 2. syl aer:i+form pron <1e*ri2fc:m> pos adj. def unsubstantial. aerifies infl head aerify syl aer:i+fies pos vb. aerifying infl head aerify syl aer:i+fy+ing pos vb. aerified infl head aerify syl aer:i+fied. pos vb. aerify 1. syl aer:i+fy pron <1e*ri2fI> pos vb. def to change or cause to change into a gas. aerify 2. syl aer:i+fy pron <1e*ri2fI> pos vb. def to mix or combine with air. aerification sub head aerify syl aer:i+fi+1ca+tion pos n. aero 0. syl aer:o pron <1e*r*u> pos n. usage modifier def of or relating to aircraft or aeronautics. exam 1 an aero engine. aero- ety ultimately from Greek a*_er air aeri- infl head aero- syl aer:i- aero- 1. syl aer:o- usage before a vowel def denoting air, atmosphere, or gas. exam 1 aerodynamics. aero- 2. syl aer:o- usage before a vowel def denoting aircraft. exam 1 aeronautics. aeroballistics 0. syl aer:o+bal+lis+tics pron <2e*r*ub*1listiks> pos n. mod pl. def the ballistics of projectiles dropped, launched, or fired from aircraft. aerobatics ety C20: from #7aero -#7+ (#7acro) #7batics aerobatics 0. syl aer:o+bat+ics pron <2e*r*u1b@tiks> pos n. mod pl. def spectacular or dangerous manoeuvres, such as loops or rolls, performed in an aircraft or glider; stunt flying. aerobe ety C19: from #7aero -#7+ Greek bios life. Compare #7microbe aerobium alt head aerobe or aerobe syl aer:o+bi:um pron pos n. aerobes infl head aerobe or aerobia syl aer+obes pron <-1*ubi*> pos n. mod pl. aerobia infl head aerobe or aerobes syl aer+o+bi:a pron <-1*ubi*> pos n. mod pl. aerobe 0. or aerobium syl aer+obe pron <1e*r*ub> pos n. def an organism that requires free oxygen or air for respiration. Compare {anaerobe}. aerobic 1. syl aer:o+bic pron pos adj. usage of an organism or process def de?!pending on free oxygen or air. aerobic 2. syl aer:o+bic pron pos adj. def of or relating to aerobes. aerobic xref syl aer:o+bic pron pos adj. def Compare {anaerobic}. aerobiology 0. syl aer:o+bi+ol+o:gy pron <2e*r*ubI1oliJi> pos n. def the study of airborne microorganisms, spores, etc., esp. those causing disease. &- {@!aer@.o+bi@.o+#!log@.i+cal} aerobiologically sub head aerobiology syl aer:o+bi:o+1log:i+cal+ly pos adv. aerobiologist sub head aerobiology syl aer:o+bi+1ol:o+gist pos n. aerobiosis 0. syl aer:o+bi:o+sis pron <2e*r*ubI1*usis> pos n. def life in the presence of free oxygen. &- {aer@.o+bi@.o+tic} (@!$e$$r$$$uba$I#!$At$Ik) aerodonetics ety C20: from Greek aerodonetos tossed in the air, from #7aero -#7+ don*_etos, past participle of donein to toss aerodonetics 0. syl aer:o+do+net+ics pron <2e*r*ud*1netiks> pos n. mod functioning as; sing. def the study of soaring or gliding flight, esp. the study of gliders. airdrome alt head aerodrome or aerodrome syl air+drome pron <1e*2dr*um> pos n. qual U.S. aerodrome 0. or airdrome syl aer:o+drome pron <1e*r*2dr*um> pos n. qual Brit. def a landing area, esp. for private aircraft, that is usually smaller than an airport. aerodynamics 0. syl aer:o+dy+nam+ics pron <2e*r*udI1n@miks> pos n. mod functioning as; sing. def the study of the dynamics of gases, esp. of the forces acting on a body passing through air. Compare {{aerostatics} (sense 1).} aerodynamic sub head aerodynamics syl aer:o+dy+1nam+ic pos adj. aerodynamically sub head aerodynamics syl aer:o+dy+1nam:i+cal+ly pos adv. aerodyne ety C20: back formation from #7aerodynamic ; see #7dyne aerodyne 0. syl aer:o+dyne pron <1e*r*u2dIn> pos n. def any heavier-than-air machine, such as an aircraft, that derives the greater part of its lift from aerodynamic forces. aeroembolism 0. syl aer:o+em+bo+lism pron <2e*r*u1emb*2liz*m> pos n. def the presence in the tissues and blood of nitrogen bubbles, caused by an abrupt and substantial reduction in atmospheric pressure. See {decompression sickness}. aero engine 0. syl aer:o en:gine pos n. def an engine for powering an aircraft. airfoil alt head aerofoil or aerofoil syl air+foil pron <1e*2fcil> pos n. qual U.S. aerofoil 0. or airfoil syl aer:o+foil pron <1e*r*u2fcil> pos n. qual Brit. def a surface, such as an aileron, wing, or tailplane, that is designed to produce lift or to control an aircraft in flight. aerogel 0. syl aer:o+gel pron <1e*r*2Jel> pos n. def a colloid that has a continuous solid phase containing dispersed gas. aerogramme alt head aerogram or aerogram syl aer:o+gramme pron <1e*r*2gr@m> pos n. aerogram 1. or aerogramme syl aer:o+gram pron <1e*r*2gr@m> pos n. def Also called: {air letter}. an air-mail letter written on a single sheet of lightweight paper that folds and is sealed to form an envelope. aerogram 2. or aerogramme syl aer:o+gram pron <1e*r*2gr@m> pos n. def another name for {radiotelegram}. aerography 0. syl aer+og+ra+phy pron pos n. def the description of the character of the atmosphere. aerolite 0. syl aer:o+lite pron <1e*r*2lIt> pos n. def a stony meteorite consisting of silicate minerals. aerology 0. syl aer+ol+o:gy pron pos n. def the study of the atmosphere, including its upper layers. aerologic sub head aerology or aerological syl aer:o+lo+gic pron <2e*r*1loJik> pos adj. aerological sub head aerology or aerologic syl aer:o+1log:i+cal pos adj. aerologist sub head aerology syl aer+1ol:o+gist pos n. aeromechanic 1. syl aer:o+me:chan+ic pron <2e*r*umi1k@nik> pos n. def an aircraft mechanic. aeromechanic 2. syl aer:o+me:chan+ic pron <2e*r*umi1k@nik> pos adj. def of or relating to aeromechanics. aeromechanics 0. syl aer:o+me:chan+ics pron <2e*r*umi1k@niks> pos n. mod functioning as; sing. def the mechanics of gases, esp. air. aeromechanical sub head aeromechanics syl aer:o+me:1chan:i+cal pos adj. aerometeorograph 0. syl aer:o+me:te+or:o+graph pron <2e*r*u1mEti*r*2gra:f>, <-2gr@f> pos n. qual Chiefly U.S. def an aircraft instrument that records temperature, humidity, and atmospheric pressure. aerometer 0. syl aer+om+e:ter pron pos n. def an instrument for determining the mass or density of a gas, esp. air. aerometric sub head aerometer syl aer:o+met+ric pron <2e*r*?!1metrik> pos adj. aerometry 0. syl aer+om+e:try pron pos n. def another name for {pneumatics}. aeron 1. syl aeron. qual abbrev. for: def aeronautics. aeron 2. syl aeron. qual abbrev. for: def aeronautical. aeronaut 0. syl aer:o+naut pron <1e*r*2nc:t> pos n. def a person who flies in a lighter-than-air craft, esp. the pilot or navigator. aeronautical 0. syl aer:o+nau+ti+cal pron <2e*r*1nc:tikL> pos adj. def of or relating to aeronauts or aeronautics. aeronautically sub head aeronautical syl aer:o+1nau+ti+cal+ly pos adv. aeronautical engineering 0. syl aer:o+nau+ti+cal en+gi+neer+ing pos n. def the branch of engineering concerned with the design, production, and maintenance of aircraft. aeronautical engineer sub head aeronautical engineering syl aer:o+nau+ti+cal en+gi+neer pos n. aeronautics 0. syl aer:o+naut+ics pron <2e*r*1nc:tiks> pos n. mod functioning as; sing. def the study or practice of all aspects of flight through the air. aeroneurosis 0. syl aer:o+neu+ro+sis pron <2e*r*unju1r*usis> pos n. def a functional disorder of aeroplane pilots characterized by anxiety and various psychosomatic disturbances, caused by insufficient oxygen at high altitudes and the emotional tension of flying. aeropause 0. syl aer:o+pause pron <1e*r*2pc:z> pos n. def the region of the upper atmosphere above which aircraft cannot fly. aerophagia 0. syl aer:o+pha+gi:a pron <2e*r*1fAJi*>, <-J*> pos n. def spasmodic swallowing of air, sometimes occurring in hysteria. aerophobia 0. syl aer:o+pho+bi:a pron <2e*r*1f*ubi*> pos n. def an abnormal fear of draughts of air. aerophobic sub head aerophobia syl aer:o+1pho+bic pos adj. aerophyte 0. syl aer:o+phyte pron <1e*r*2fIt> pos n. def another name for {epiphyte}. aeroplane ety C19: from French a*'eroplane, from #7aero -#7+ Greek -planos wandering, related to #7planet airplane alt head aeroplane or aeroplane syl air+plane pron <1e*2plAn> pos n. qual U.S. aeroplane 0. or airplane syl aer:o+plane pron <1e*r*2plAn> pos n. qual Brit. def a heavier-than-air powered flying vehicle with fixed wings. fabric alt head aeroplane cloth or aeroplane cloth syl fab+ric pos n. aeroplane cloth 1. or fabric syl aer:o+plane cloth pos n. def a strong fabric made from cotton, linen, and nylon yarns, used for some light aircraft fuselages and wings. aeroplane cloth 2. or fabric syl aer:o+plane cloth pos n. def a similar lightweight fabric used for clothing. aeroplane cloth xref or fabric syl aer:o+plane cloth pos n. def Also called: {aircraft fabric}. aeroplane spin 0. syl aer:o+plane spin pos n. def a wrestling attack in which a wrestler lifts his opponent onto his shoulders and spins around, leaving the opponent dizzy. aerosol ety C20: from #7aero -#7+sol (#7ution) aerosol 1. syl aer:o+sol pron <1e*r*2sol> pos n. def a colloidal dispersion of solid or liquid particles in a gas; smoke or fog. aerosol 2. syl aer:o+sol pron <1e*r*2sol> pos n. def a substance, such as a paint, polish, or insecticide, dispensed from a small metal container by a propellant under pressure. aerosol 3. syl aer:o+sol pron <1e*r*2sol> pos n. def Also called: {air spray}. such a substance together with its container. aerospace 1. syl aer:o+space pron <1e*r*2spAs> pos n. def the atmosphere and space beyond. aerospace 2. syl aer:o+space pron <1e*r*2spAs> pos n. usage modifier def of or relating to rockets, missiles, space vehicles, etc., that fly or operate in aerospace. exam 1 the aerospace industry. aerosphere 0. syl aer:o+sphere pron <1e*r*2sfi*> pos n. def the entire atmosphere surrounding the earth. aerostat ety C18: from French a*'erostat, from #7aero -#7+ Greek -statos standing aerostat 0. syl aer:o+stat pron <1e*r*2st@t> pos n. def a lighter-than-air craft, such as a balloon. aerostatic sub head aerostat or aerostatical syl aer:o+1stat+ic pos adj. aerostatical sub head aerostat or aerostatic syl aer:o+1stat:i+cal pos adj. aerostatics 1. syl aer:o+stat+ics pron <2e*r*1st@tiks> pos n. mod functioning as; sing. def the study of gases in equilibrium and bodies held in equilibrium in gases. Compare {aerodynamics}. aerostatics 2. syl aer:o+stat+ics pron <2e*r*1st@tiks> pos n. mod functioning as; sing. def the study of lighter-than-air craft, such as balloons. aerostation 0. syl aer:o+sta+tion pron <1e*r*2stAS*n> pos n. def the science of operating lighter-than-air craft. aerothermodynamics 0. syl aer:o+ther+mo+dy+nam+ics pron <2e*r*u2TR:m*udI1n@miks> pos n. mod functioning as; sing. def the study of the exchange of heat be?!tween solids and gases, esp. of the heating effect on aircraft flying through the air at very high speeds. aerothermodynamic sub head aerothermodynamics syl aer:o+2ther+mo+dy+1nam+ic pos adj. aerugo ety C18: from Latin, from aes copper, bronze aerugo 0. syl ae:ru+go pron pos n. usage esp. of old bronze def another name for {verdigris}. aeruginous sub head aerugo syl ae:ru+gin+ous pron pos adj. aery ety C16: via Latin from Greek a*_erios, from a*_er #7air aery H1.1. syl aer:y pron <1e*ri>, <1A*ri> pos adj. qual Poetic. def a variant spelling of {airy}. aery H1.2. syl aer:y pron <1e*ri>, <1A*ri> pos adj. qual Poetic. def lofty, insubstantial, or visionary. aeries infl head aery syl aer:ies. pos n. mod pl. aery H2.0. syl aer:y pron <1e*ri>, <1i*ri> pos n. def a variant spelling of {eyrie}. Aeschines 0. syl Aes:chi:nes pron <1Esk*2nEz> pos n. def ??389-??314 #7b.c., Athenian orator; the main political opponent of Demosthenes. Aeschylus 0. syl Aes:chy:lus pron <1Esk*l*s> pos n. def ??525-??456 #7b.c., Greek dramatist, regarded as the father of Greek tragedy. Seven of his plays are extant, including and the trilogy of the Aesculapian 0. syl Aes+cu+la+pi:an pron <2Eskju1lApi*n> pos adj. def of or relating to Aesculapius or to the art of medicine. Aesculapius 0. syl Aes:cu:la:pi:us pron <2Eskju1lApi*s> pos n. def the Roman god of medicine or healing. Greek counterpart: {Asclepius}. Aesir ety Old Norse, literally: gods Aesir 0. syl Ae:sir pron <1Asi*> pos n. def the chief gods of Norse mythology dwelling in Asgard. Aesop 0. syl Ae:sop pron <1Esop> pos n. def ??620-564 #7b.c. Greek author of fables in which animals are given human characters and used to satirize human failings. Aesopian sub head Aesop or Aesopic syl Ae:1sop+i:an pos adj. Aesopic sub head Aesop or Aesopian syl Ae:1sop+ic pos adj. aesthesia ety C20: back formation from #7anaesthesia aesthesia alt or aesthesia syl aes+the+si:a pron pos n. qual U.S. aesthesia 0. or aesthesia syl aes+the+si:a pron pos n. def the normal ability to experience sensation, perception, or sensitivity. aesthete ety C19: back formation from #7aesthetics aesthete alt or aesthete syl aes+thete pron <1EsTEt> pos n. qual U.S. aesthete 0. or aesthete syl aes+thete pron <1EsTEt> pos n. def a person who has or who affects a highly developed appreciation of beauty, esp. in poetry and the visual arts. aesthetical infl head aesthetic or aesthetic syl aes+thet:i+cal pos adj. aesthetic infl or aesthetical syl aes+thet+ic pos adj. qual U.S. (sometimes aesthetical infl head aesthetic syl aes+thet:i+cal pos adj. qual U.S. (sometimes aesthetic 1. syl aes+thet+ic pron , pos adj. def connected with aesthetics or its principles. aesthetic 2.a. syl aes+thet+ic pron , pos adj. def relating to pure beauty rather than to other considerations. aesthetic 2.b. syl aes+thet+ic pron , pos adj. def artistic or relating to good taste. exam 1 an aesthetic consideration. aesthetically sub head aesthetic or aesthetically syl aes+1thet:i+cal+ly pos adv. aesthetically sub head aesthetic or aesthetically syl aes+1thet:i+cal+ly pos adv. qual U.S. (sometimes aesthetician alt or aesthetician syl aes+the+ti+cian pron <2EsTi1tiS*n>, <2es-> pos n. qual U.S. (sometimes aesthetician 0. or aesthetician syl aes+the+ti+cian pron <2EsTi1tiS*n>, <2es-> pos n. def a student of aesthetics. aestheticism alt or aestheticism syl aes+thet:i+cism pron , pos n. qual U.S. (sometimes aestheticism 1. or aestheticism syl aes+thet:i+cism pron , pos n. def the doctrine that aesthetic principles are of supreme importance and that works of art should be judged accordingly. aestheticism 2. or aestheticism syl aes+thet:i+cism pron , pos n. def sensitivity to beauty, esp. in art, music, literature, etc. aesthetics alt or aesthetics syl aes+thet+ics pron , pos n. mod functioning as; sing. qual U.S. (sometimes aesthetics 1. or aesthetics syl aes+thet+ics pron , pos n. mod functioning as; sing. def the branch of philosophy concerned with the study of such concepts as beauty, taste, etc. aesthetics 2. or aesthetics syl aes+thet+ics pron , pos n. mod functioning as; sing. def the study of the rules and principles of art. aestival ety C14: from French, from Late Latin aest*_iv*_alis, from Latin aest*_as summer aestival alt or aestival syl aes+ti+val pron , <1esti-> pos adj. qual U.S. aestival 0. or aestival syl aes+ti+val pron , <1esti-> pos adj. qual Rare. def of or occurring in summer. aestivate ety C17: from Latin aest*_iv*_atus, from aest*_iv*_are to stay during the summer, from aest*_as summer aestivate alt or aestivate syl aes+ti+vate pron <1Esti2vAt>, <1es-> pos vb. mod intr. qual U.S. aestivate 1. or aestivate syl aes+ti+vate pron <1Esti2vAt>, <1es-> pos vb. mod intr. def to pass the summer. aestivate 2. or aestivate syl aes+ti+vate pron <1Esti2vAt>, <1es-> pos vb. mod intr. usage of animals such as the lungfish def to pass the summer or dry season in a dormant condition. Compare {hibernate}. aestivator sub head aestivate or aestivator syl aes+ti+2va+tor pos n. aestivator sub head aestivate or aestivator syl aes+ti+2va+tor pos n. qual U.S. aestivation alt or aestivation syl aes+ti+va+tion pron <2Esti1vAS*n>, <2es-> pos n. qual U.S. aestivation 1. or aestivation syl aes+ti+va+tion pron <2Esti1vAS*n>, <2es-> pos n. def the act or condition of aestivating. aestivation 2. or aestivation syl aes+ti+va+tion pron <2Esti1vAS*n>, <2es-> pos n. def the arrangement of the parts of a flower bud, esp. the sepals and petals. aet ety Latin: at the age of aetat alt head aet or aet syl aetat. aet 0. or aetat syl aet. qual abbrev. for def aetatis. aether 0. syl ae:ther pron <1ET*> pos n. def a variant spelling of {ether} (senses 3-5). aethereal 0. syl ae:the+re:al pron pos n. def a variant spelling of { {ethereal} (senses 1, 2, 3).} aethereality sub head aethereal syl ae:the+re:al+i:ty pron pos n. aethereally sub head aethereal syl ae:1the+re:al+ly pos adv. aetiology ety C16: from Late Latin aetiologia, from Greek aitiologia, from aitia cause aetiology alt or aetiology syl ae:ti+ol+o:gy pron <2Eti1ol*Ji> pos n. qual U.S. aetiologies infl head aetiology syl ae:ti+ol+o:gies. pos n. mod pl. aetiology 1. or aetiology syl ae:ti+ol+o:gy pron <2Eti1ol*Ji> pos n. def the philosophy or study of causation. aetiology 2. or aetiology syl ae:ti+ol+o:gy pron <2Eti1ol*Ji> pos n. def the study of the causes of diseases. aetiology 3. or aetiology syl ae:ti+ol+o:gy pron <2Eti1ol*Ji> pos n. def the cause of a disease. aetiological sub head aetiology or aetiological syl ae:ti:o+log:i+cal pron <2Eti*1loJikL> pos adj. aetiological sub head aetiology or aetiological syl ae:ti:o+log:i+cal pron <2Eti*1loJikL> pos adj. qual U.S. aetiologically sub head aetiology or aetiologically syl ae:ti:o+1log:i+cal+ly pos adv. aetiologically sub head aetiology or aetiologically syl ae:ti:o+1log:i+cal+ly pos adv. qual U.S. aetiologist sub head aetiology or aetiologist syl ae:ti+1ol:o+gist pos n. aetiologist sub head aetiology or aetiologist syl ae:ti+1ol:o+gist pos n. qual U.S. Aetna 0. syl Aet+na pron <1etn*> pos n. def the Latin name for Mount {Etna}. Aetolia 0. syl Ae:to+li:a pron pos n. def a mountainous region forming a department of W central Greece, north of the Gulf of Patras: a powerful federal state in the 3rd century #7b.c. Chief city: Missolonghi. Pop. (with Acarnania): 228719 (1971). Area: 5390 sq. km. (2081 sq. miles). AEU 0. syl A.E.U. qual abbrev. for usage in Britain def Amalgamated Engineering Union. Af 0. syl Af. qual abbrev. for def Africa(n). af 0. syl a.f. qual abbrev. for def audio frequency. AF 0. syl A.F. qual abbrev. for def Anglo-French. AF 0. syl A/F qual abbrev. for usage in auction catalogues, etc. def as found. AFAM 0. syl A.F.A.M. qual abbrev. for def Ancient Free and Accepted Masons. afar ety C14 a fer, altered from earlier on fer and of fer; see #7a -%2#7, far afar 1. syl a:far pron <*1fa:> pos adv. def at, from, or to a great distance. afar 2. syl a:far pron <*1fa:> pos n. def a great distance (esp. in the phrase {from afar) }. Territory of the infl head Afars and the Issas syl Territory of the. pos n. Afars and the Issas 0. syl A:fars and the Is+sas pron <1a:fa:z>, <1Esa:s> pos n. def a former French territory in E Africa (1946-77), now the independent republic of Djibouti. Former name (until 1967): {French Somaliland}. AFB 0. syl AFB usage abbrev. for U.S. def Air Force Base. AFC 1. syl A.F.C. qual abbrev. for: def Air Force Cross. AFC 2. syl A.F.C. qual abbrev. for: def Association Football Club. AFC 3. syl A.F.C. qual abbrev. for: def automatic flight control. AFC 4. syl A.F.C. qual abbrev. for: def automatic frequency control. afeard ety Old English *_af*_@ared, from af*_@aran to frighten, from f*_@aran to #7fear afeared alt head afeard or afeard syl a:feared pron <*1fi*d> pos adj. afeard 0. or afeared syl a:feard pron <*1fi*d> pos adj. usage postpositive def an archaic or dialect word for {afraid}. afebrile 0. syl a:fe:brile pron <@1fEbrIl>, pos adj. def without fever. affable ety C16: from Latin aff*_abilis easy to talk to, from aff*_ar*_i to talk to, from ad- to+ f*_ari to speak; compare #7fable, fate affable 1. syl af+fa:ble pron <1@f*bL> pos adj. def showing warmth and friendliness; kindly; mild; benign. affable 2. syl af+fa:ble pron <1@f*bL> pos adj. def easy to converse with; approachable; amicable. affability sub head affable syl af+fa:1bil+i:ty pos n. affair ety C13: from Old French, from *`a faire to do affair 1. syl af+fair pron <*1fe*> pos n. def a thing to be done or attended to; matter; business. exam 1 this affair must be cleared up. affair 2. syl af+fair pron <*1fe*> pos n. def an event or happening. exam 1 a strange affair. affair 3. syl af+fair pron <*1fe*> pos n. usage descriptive phrase def something previously specified, esp. a man-made object; thing. exam 1 our house is a tumbledown affair. affair 4. syl af+fair pron <*1fe*> pos n. def a sexual relationship between two people who are not married to each other. affaire 0. syl af+faire pron French. pos n. def a love affair. affaires d'honneur infl head affaire d'honneur syl af+faires d'hon+neur pron pos n. mod pl. affaire d'honneur 0. syl af+faire d'hon+neur pron French. pos n. def a duel. affairs 1. syl af+fairs pron <*1fe*z> pos n. mod pl. def personal or business interests. exam 1 his affairs were in disorder. affairs 2. syl af+fairs pron <*1fe*z> pos n. mod pl. def matters of public interest. exam 1 current affairs. affect ety C17: from Latin affectus, past participle of afficere to act upon, from ad- to+ facere to do affect H1.1. syl af+fect pron <*1fekt> pos vb. mod tr. def to act upon or influence, esp. in an adverse way. exam 1 damp affected the sparking plugs. affect H1.2. syl af+fect pron <*1fekt> pos vb. mod tr. def to move or disturb emotionally or mentally. exam 1 her death affected him greatly. affect H1.3. syl af+fect pron <*1fekt> pos vb. mod tr. usage of pain, disease, etc. def to attack. affect H1.4. syl af+fect pron <1@fekt>, <*1fekt> pos n. mod tr. qual Psychol. def the emotion associated with an idea or set of ideas. See also {affection}. affect ety C15: from Latin affect*_are to strive after, pretend to have; related to afficere to #7affect %1 affect H2.1. syl af+fect pron <*1fekt> pos vb. mod mainly; tr. def to put on an appearance or show of; make a pretence of. exam 1 to affect ignorance. affect H2.2. syl af+fect pron <*1fekt> pos vb. mod mainly; tr. def to imitate or assume, esp. pretentiously. exam 1 to affect an accent. affect H2.3. syl af+fect pron <*1fekt> pos vb. mod mainly; tr. def to have or use by preference. exam 1 she always affects funereal clothing. affect H2.4. syl af+fect pron <*1fekt> pos vb. mod mainly; tr. def to adopt the character, manner, etc., of. exam 1 he was always affecting the politician. affect H2.5. syl af+fect pron <*1fekt> pos vb. mod mainly; tr. usage of plants or animals def to live or grow in. exam 1 penguins affect an arctic climate. affect H2.6. syl af+fect pron <*1fekt> pos vb. mod mainly; tr. def to incline naturally or habitually towards. exam 1 falling drops of liquid affect roundness. affectation ety C16: from Latin affect*_ati*_on- an aiming at, striving after, from affect*_are; see #7affect %2 affectation 1. syl af+fec+ta+tion pron <2@fek1tAS*n> pos n. def an assumed manner of speech, dress, or behaviour, esp. one that is intended to impress others. affectation 2. syl af+fec+ta+tion pron <2@fek1tAS*n> pos n. usage often foll. by of def deliberate pretence or false display. exam 1 affectation of nobility. affected ety C17: from #7af?!fect %1#7+ -#7ed %2 affected H1.1. syl af+fect+ed pron <*1fektid> pos adj. usage usually postpositive def deeply moved, esp. by sorrow or grief. exam 1 he was greatly affected by her departure. affected H1.2. syl af+fect+ed pron <*1fektid> pos adj. usage usually postpositive def changed, esp. detrimentally. affected ety C16: from #7affect %2#7+ -#7ed %2 affected H2.1. syl af+fect+ed pron <*1fektid> pos adj. def behaving, speaking, etc., in an artificial or assumed way, esp. in order to impress others. affected H2.2. syl af+fect+ed pron <*1fektid> pos adj. def feigned. exam 1 affected indifference. affected H2.3. syl af+fect+ed pron <*1fektid> pos adj. qual Archaic. def inclined; disposed. affectedly sub head affected syl af+1fect+ed+ly pos adv. affectedness sub head affected syl af+1fect+ed+ness pos n. affecting 0. syl af+fect+ing pron <*1fektiG> pos adj. def evoking feelings of pity, sympathy, or pathos; moving. affectingly sub head affecting syl af+1fect+ing+ly pos adv. affection ety C13: from Latin affecti*_on- disposition, from afficere to #7affect %1 affection 1. syl af+fec+tion pron <*1fekS*n> pos n. def a feeling of fondness or tenderness for a person or thing; attachment. affection 2. syl af+fec+tion pron <*1fekS*n> pos n. mod often; pl. def emotion, feeling, or sentiment. exam 1 to play on a person's affections. affection 3. syl af+fec+tion pron <*1fekS*n> pos n. qual Pathol. def any disease or pathological condition. affection 4. syl af+fec+tion pron <*1fekS*n> pos n. qual Psychol. def any form of mental functioning that involves emotion. See also {affect} %1. affection 5. syl af+fec+tion pron <*1fekS*n> pos n. def the act of affecting or the state of being affected. affection 6. syl af+fec+tion pron <*1fekS*n> pos n. qual Archaic. def inclination or disposition. affectional sub head affection syl af+1fec+tion+al pos adj. affectionally sub head affection syl af+1fec+tion+al+ly pos adv. affectionate 0. syl af+fec+tion+ate pron <*1fekS*nit> pos adj. def having or displaying tender feelings, affection, or warmth. exam 1 an affectionate mother; exam 2 an affectionate letter. affectionately sub head affectionate syl af+1fec+tion+ate+ly pos adv. affective 1. syl af+fec+tive pron <*1fektiv> pos n. qual Psychol. def relating to affects. affective 2. syl af+fec+tive pron <*1fektiv> pos adj. def concerned with or arousing the emotions or affection. affectivity sub head affective or affectiveness syl af+fec+tiv+i:ty pron <2@fek1tiviti> pos n. affectiveness sub head affective or affectivity syl af+1fec+tive+ness pos n. affenpinscher ety German, literally: monkey-terrier, so called because its face resembles a monkey's affenpinscher 0. syl af+fen+pin+scher pron <1@f*n2pinS*> pos n. def a small wire-haired breed of dog of European origin, having tufts of hair on the muzzle. afferent ety C19: from Latin afferre to carry to, from ad- to+ ferre to carry afferent 0. syl af+fer+ent pron <1@f*r*nt> pos adj. def bringing or directing inwards to a part or an organ of the body, esp. towards the brain or spinal cord. Compare {efferent}. affettuoso ety C18: from Italian affettuoso 0. syl af+fet+tu:o+so pron <@2feCu:1*us*u> pos adj. adv. qual Music. def with feeling. affiance ety C14: via Old French from Medieval Latin aff*_id*_are to trust (oneself) to, from f*_id*_are to trust, from f*_idus faithful affiance 1. syl af+fi+ance pron <*1fI*ns> pos vb. mod tr. def to bind (a person or oneself) in a promise of marriage; betroth. affiance 2. syl af+fi+ance pron <*1fI*ns> pos n. qual Archaic. def a solemn pledge, esp. a marriage contract. affiant ety C19: Old French, from affier to trust to, from Medieval Latin aff*_id*_are; see #7affiance affiant 0. syl af+fi+ant pron <*1fI*nt> pos n. qual U.S. law. def a person who makes an affidavit. affiche ety C18: from afficher to post affiche 0. syl af+fiche pron French. pos n. def a poster or advertisement, esp. one drawn by an artist, as for the opening of an exhibition. affidavit ety C17: from Medieval Latin, literally: he declares on oath, from aff*_idare to trust (oneself) to; see #7affiance affidavit 0. syl af+fi+da+vit pron <2@fi1dAvit> pos n. qual Law. def a declaration in writing made upon oath before a person authorized to administer oaths. affiliate ety C18: from Medieval Latin aff*_ili*_atus adopted as a son, from aff*_il*_iare, from Latin filius son affiliate 1. syl af+fil:i+ate pron <*1fili2At> pos vb. mod tr. usage foll. by to or with def to receive into close connection or association (with a larger body, group, organization, etc.); adopt as a member, branch, etc. affiliate 2. syl af+fil:i+ate pron <*1fili2At> pos vb. usage foll. by with def to associate (oneself) or be associated, esp. as a subordinate or subsidiary; bring or come into close connection. exam 1 he affiliated himself with the Union. affiliate 3.a. syl af+fil:i+ate pron <*1filiit>, <-2At> pos n. def a person or organization that is affiliated with another. affiliate 3.b. syl af+fil:i+ate pron <*1filiit>, <-2At> pos n. usage as modifier exam 1 an affiliate member. affiliation sub head affiliate syl af+2fil:i:1a+tion pos n. affiliation order 0. syl af+fil:i:a+tion or+der pos n. qual Law. def an order made by a magistrates' court that a man adjudged to be the father of an illegitimate child shall contribute a specified periodic sum towards the child's maintenance. affiliation proceedings 0. syl af+fil:i:a+tion pro+ceed+ings pos n. mod pl. def legal proceedings, usu?!ally initiated by an unwed mother, claiming legal recognition that a particular man is the father of her child, often associated with a claim for financial support. affine ety C16: via French from Latin aff*_inis bordering on, related affine 0. syl af+fine pron <1@fIn> pos adj. qual Maths. def of, characterizing, or involving a transformation that has a combination of single transformations, such as translation, rotation, and reflection in an axis. affined 0. syl af+fined pron <*1fInd> pos adj. def closely related; connected. affinity ety C14: via Old French from Latin aff*_init*_at- connected by marriage, from aff*_inis bordering on, related affinities infl head affinity syl af+fin+i:ties. pos n. mod pl. affinity 1. syl af+fin+i:ty pron <*1finiti> pos n. def a natural liking, taste, or inclination for a person or thing. affinity 2. syl af+fin+i:ty pron <*1finiti> pos n. def the person or thing so liked. affinity 3. syl af+fin+i:ty pron <*1finiti> pos n. def a close similarity in appearance or quality; inherent likeness. affinity 4. syl af+fin+i:ty pron <*1finiti> pos n. def relationship by marriage or by ties other than of blood, as by adoption. Compare {consanguinity}. affinity 5. syl af+fin+i:ty pron <*1finiti> pos n. def similarity in structure, form, etc., between different animals, plants, or languages. affinity 6.a. syl af+fin+i:ty pron <*1finiti> pos n. def the force holding atoms together in a molecule; chemical attraction. affinity 6.b. syl af+fin+i:ty pron <*1finiti> pos n. def a measure of the tendency of a chemical reaction to take place expressed in terms of the free energy change. Symbol. exam 1 A affinitive sub head affinity syl af+1fin:i+tive pos adj. affirm ety C14: via Old French from Latin affirm*_are to present (something) as firm or fixed, assert, from ad- to+ firm*_are to make #7firm affirm 1. syl af+firm pron <*1fR:m> pos vb. mod mainly; tr. usage may take a clause as object def to declare to be true; assert positively. affirm 2. syl af+firm pron <*1fR:m> pos vb. mod mainly; tr. def to uphold, confirm, or ratify. affirm 3. syl af+firm pron <*1fR:m> pos vb. mod intr. qual Law. def to make an affirmation. affirmer sub head affirm or affirmant syl af+1firm+er pos n. affirmant sub head affirm or affirmer syl af+1firm+ant pos n. affirmation 1. syl af+fir+ma+tion pron <2@f*1mAS*n> pos n. def the act of affirming or the state of being affirmed. affirmation 2. syl af+fir+ma+tion pron <2@f*1mAS*n> pos n. def a statement of the existence or truth of something; assertion. affirmation 3. syl af+fir+ma+tion pron <2@f*1mAS*n> pos n. qual Law. def a solemn declaration permitted on grounds of conscientious objection to taking an oath. affirmative 1. syl af+firm:a+tive pron <*1fR:m*tiv> pos adj. def confirming or asserting something as true or valid. exam 1 an affirmative statement. affirmative 2. syl af+firm:a+tive pron <*1fR:m*tiv> pos adj. def indicating agreement or assent. exam 1 an affirmative answer. affirmative 3. syl af+firm:a+tive pron <*1fR:m*tiv> pos adj. usage Logic. of a proposition def affirming the truth of the predicate, as in the propositions Compare {{negative} (sense 12).} affirmative 4. syl af+firm:a+tive pron <*1fR:m*tiv> pos n. def a positive assertion. affirmative 5. syl af+firm:a+tive pron <*1fR:m*tiv> pos n. def a word or phrase stating agreement or assent, such as (esp. in the phrase {answer in the affirmative) }. affirmative 6. syl af+firm:a+tive pron <*1fR:m*tiv> pos n. qual Logic. def a proposition that affirms the truth of the predicate. the affirmative 7. head affirmative syl the affirmative. qual Chiefly U.S. def the side in a debate that supports the proposition. affirmative 8. syl af+firm:a+tive pron <*1fR:m*tiv> pos adj. usage sentence substitute. Military, etc. def a signal codeword used to express assent or confirmation. affirmatively sub head affirmative syl af+1firm:a+tive+ly pos adv. affix ety C15: from Medieval Latin affix*_are, from ad- to+ fix*_are to #7fix &- af+fix@.a+tion (@!@af$Ik#!se$I#s$$n) or affix 1. syl af+fix pron <*1fiks> pos vb. mod tr. usage usually foll. by to or on def to attach, fasten, join, or stick. exam 1 to affix a poster to the wall. affix 2. syl af+fix pron <*1fiks> pos vb. mod tr. usage usually foll. by to or on def to add or append. exam 1 to affix a signature to a document. affix 3. syl af+fix pron <*1fiks> pos vb. mod tr. usage usually foll. by to or on def to attach or attribute (guilt, blame, etc.). affix 4. syl af+fix pron <1@fiks> pos n. mod tr. usage usually foll. by to or on def a linguistic element added to a word or root to produce a derived or inflected form. exam 1 -ment affix 5. syl af+fix pron <1@fiks> pos n. mod tr. usage usually foll. by to or on def something fastened or attached; appendage. affixture sub head affix syl af+fix+ture pron <*1fiksC*> pos n. afflatus ety C17: Latin, from affl*_atus, from affl*_are to breathe or blow on, from fl*_are to blow afflatus 0. syl af+fla+tus pron <*1flAt*s> pos n. def an impulse of creative power or inspiration, esp. in poetry, considered to be of divine origin (esp. in the phrase {divine afflatus) }. afflict ety C14: from Latin afflictus, past participle of affl*_igere to knock against, from fl*_igere to knock, to strike afflict 0. syl af+flict pron <*1flikt> pos vb. mod tr. def to cause suffering or unhappiness to; distress greatly. afflictive sub head afflict syl af+1flic+tive pos adj. affliction 1. syl af+flic+tion pron <*1flikS*n> pos n. def a condition of great distress, pain, or suffering. affliction 2. syl af+flic+tion pron <*1flikS*n> pos n. def something responsible for physical or mental suffering, such as a disease, grief, etc. affluence 1. syl af+flu+ence pron <1@flu*ns> pos n. def an abundant supply of money, goods, or property; wealth. affluence 2. syl af+flu+ence pron <1@flu*ns> pos n. qual Rare. def abundance or profusion. affluent ety C15: from Latin affluent-, present participle of affluere to flow towards, from fluere to flow affluent 1. syl af+flu+ent pron <1@flu*nt> pos adj. def rich; wealthy. affluent 2. syl af+flu+ent pron <1@flu*nt> pos adj. def abundant; copious. affluent 3. syl af+flu+ent pron <1@flu*nt> pos adj. def flowing freely. {~} affluent 4. syl af+flu+ent pron <1@flu*nt> pos adj. def a tributary stream. afflux ety C17: from Latin affluxus, from fluxus #7flux afflux 0. syl af+flux pron <1@fl^ks> pos n. def a flowing towards a point. exam 1 an afflux of blood to the head. afford ety Old English geforthian to further, promote, from forth #7forth ; the Old English prefix ge- was later reduced to a-, and the modern spelling (C16) is influenced by words beginning aff - afford 1. syl af+ford pron <*1fc:d> pos vb. usage preceded by can, could, etc. def to be able to do or spare something, esp. without incurring financial difficulties or without risk of undesirable consequences. exam 1 we can afford to buy a small house; exam 2 I can afford to give you one of my chess sets; exam 3 we can't afford to miss this play. afford 2. syl af+ford pron <*1fc:d> pos vb. def to give, yield, or supply. exam 1 the meeting afforded much useful information. afforest ety C15: from Medieval Latin afforest*_are, from forestis #7forest afforest 0. syl af+for+est pron <*1forist> pos vb. mod tr. def to plant trees on; convert into forested land. afforestation sub head afforest syl af+2for+est:1a+tion pos n. affranchise ety C15: from Old French afranchiss-, a stem of afranchir, from franchir to free; see #7frank %1 affranchise 0. syl af+fran+chise pron <*1fr@nCIz> pos vb. mod tr. def to release from servitude or an obligation. affranchisement sub head affranchise syl af+1fran+chise+ment pos n. affray ety C14: via Old French from Vulgar Latin exfrid*_are (unattested) to break the peace; compare German Friede peace affray 1. syl af+fray pron <*1frA> pos n. qual Law. def a fight, noisy quarrel, or disturbance between two or more persons in a public place. affray 2. syl af+fray pron <*1frA> pos vb. mod tr. qual Archaic. def to frighten. affreightment ety C19: from French affr*'eter to charter a ship, from fret #7freight affreightment 0. syl af+freight+ment pron <*1frAtm*nt> pos n. def a contract hiring a ship to carry goods. affricate ety C19: from Latin affric*_are to rub against, from fric*_are to rub; compare #7friction affricate 0. syl af+fri+cate pron <1@fri2kit> pos n. def a composite speech sound consisting of a stop and a fricative articulated at the same point, such as the sound written as in affricative 1. syl af+fric:a+tive pron <*1frik*tiv>, <1@fr*2kA-> pos n. def another word for {affricate}. affricative 2. syl af+fric:a+tive pron <*1frik*tiv>, <1@fr*2kA-> pos adj. def of, relating to, or denoting an affricate. affright ety Old English *_afyrhtan, from a-, a prefix indicating the beginning or end of an action+ fyrhtan to #7fright affright 1. syl af+fright pron <*1frIt> pos vb. mod tr. qual Archaic or poetic. def to frighten. affright 2. syl af+fright pron <*1frIt> pos n. qual Archaic or poetic. def a sudden terror. affront ety C14: from Old French afront?!er to strike in the face, from Vulgar Latin affront*_are (unattested), from the Latin phrase ad frontem to the face affront 1. syl af+front pron <*1fr^nt> pos n. def a deliberate insult. affront 2. syl af+front pron <*1fr^nt> pos vb. mod tr. def to insult, esp. openly. affront 3. syl af+front pron <*1fr^nt> pos vb. mod tr. def to offend the pride or dignity of. affront 4. syl af+front pron <*1fr^nt> pos vb. mod tr. qual Obsolete. def to confront defiantly. affusion ety C17: from Late Latin aff*_usi*_on- a pouring upon, from af?!fundere, from fundere to pour affusion 0. syl af+fu+sion pron <*1fju:Z*n> pos n. def the baptizing of a person by pouring water onto his head. Compare {{aspersion} (sense 3),} {immersion}. Afgh alt head Afg or Afg syl Afgh. Afg 0. or Afgh syl Afg. qual abbrev. for def Afghanistan. afghan 1. syl af+ghan pron <1@fg@n>, <-g*n> pos n. def a knitted or crocheted wool blanket or shawl, esp. one with a geometric pattern. afghan 2. syl af+ghan pron <1@fg@n>, <-g*n> pos n. def a sheepskin coat, often embroidered and having long fur trimming around the edges. Afghani alt head Afghan or Afghan syl Af+ghan:i pron <@f1g@ni>, <-1ga:-> pos n. Afghan 1. or Afghani syl Af+ghan pron <1@fg@n>, <-g*n> pos n. def a native, citizen, or inhabitant of Afghanistan. Afghan 2. or Afghani syl Af+ghan pron <1@fg@n>, <-g*n> pos n. def another name for {Pashto} (the language). Afghan 3. or Afghani syl Af+ghan pron <1@fg@n>, <-g*n> pos adj. def denoting or relating to Afghanistan, its people, or their language. Afghan hound 0. syl Af+ghan hound pos n. def a tall graceful breed of hound with a long silky coat. afghani 0. syl af+ghan:i pron <@f1ga:ni> pos n. def the standard monetary unit of Afghanistan, divided into 100 puls. Afghanistan 0. syl Af+ghan:i+stan pron <@f1g@ni2sta:n>, <-2st@n> pos n. def a republic in central Asia: became independent in 1919; generally arid and mountainous, with the Hindu Kush range rising over 7500 m (25000 ft.) and fertile valleys of the Amu Darya, Helmand, and Kabul Rivers. Languages: Pashto and Tadzhik. Religion: Muslim. Currency: afghani. Capital: Kabul. Pop.: 18796000 (1974 UN est.). Area: 657500 sq. km (250000 sq. miles). aficionado ety Spanish, from aficionar to arouse affection, from aficion #7affection aficionados infl head aficionado syl a:fi+cio+na+dos pron <-d*uz>, Spanish <-Dos> pos n. mod pl. aficionado 1. syl a:fi+cio+na+do pron <*2fiSj*1na:d*u>, Spanish , Spanish <-Dos> pos n. def an ardent supporter or devotee. exam 1 a jazz aficionado. aficionado 2. syl a:fi+cio+na+do pron <*2fiSj*1na:d*u>, Spanish , Spanish <-Dos> pos n. def a devotee of bullfighting. afield 1. syl a:field pron <*1fEld> pos adv. adj. usage postpositive def away from one's usual surroundings or home (esp. in the phrase {far afield) }. afield 2. syl a:field pron <*1fEld> pos adv. adj. usage postpositive def off the subject; away from the point (esp. in the phrase {far afield) }. afield 3. syl a:field pron <*1fEld> pos adv. adj. usage postpositive def in or to the field, esp. the battlefield. afire 1. syl a:fire pron <*1fI*> pos adv. adj. usage postpositive def on fire; ablaze. afire 2. syl a:fire pron <*1fI*> pos adv. adj. usage postpositive def intensely interested or passionate. exam 1 he was afire with enthusiasm for the new plan. aflame 1. syl a:flame pron <*1flAm> pos adv. adj. usage postpositive def in flames; ablaze. aflame 2. syl a:flame pron <*1flAm> pos adv. adj. usage postpositive def deeply aroused, as with passion. exam 1 he was aflame with desire. aflame 3. syl a:flame pron <*1flAm> pos adv. adj. usage postpositive; of the face def red or inflamed. aflatoxin ety C20: from A (spergillus) fla (vus) + #7toxin aflatoxin 0. syl af+la+tox+in pron <2@fl*1toksin> pos n. def a toxin produced by the fungus growing on peanuts, maize, etc., thought to cause liver disease (esp. cancer) in man. AFL-CIO 0. syl AFL-CIO qual abbrev. for def American Federation of Labor and Congress of Industrial Organizations; a federation of independ?!ent American trade unions formed by the union of these two groups in 1955. afloat 1. syl a:float pron <*1fl*ut> pos adj. postpositive; adv. def floating. afloat 2. syl a:float pron <*1fl*ut> pos adj. postpositive; adv. def aboard ship; at sea. afloat 3. syl a:float pron <*1fl*ut> pos adj. postpositive; adv. def covered with water; flooded. afloat 4. syl a:float pron <*1fl*ut> pos adj. postpositive; adv. def aimlessly drifting. exam 1 afloat in a sea of indecision. afloat 5. syl a:float pron <*1fl*ut> pos adj. postpositive; adv. def in circulation; afoot. exam 1 nasty rumours were afloat. afloat 6. syl a:float pron <*1fl*ut> pos adj. postpositive; adv. def free of debt; solvent. aflutter 0. syl a:flut+ter pron <*1fl^t*> pos adj. postpositive; adv. def in or into a nervous or excited state. AFM 0. syl A.F.M. qual abbrev. for def Air Force Medal. afoot 1. syl a:foot pron <*1fut> pos adj. postpositive; adv. def in circulation or operation; astir. exam 1 mischief was afoot. afoot 2. syl a:foot pron <*1fut> pos adj. postpositive; adv. def on or by foot. afore 0. syl a:fore pron <*1fc:> pos adv. prep. conj. def an archaic or dialect word for {before}. aforementioned 0. syl a:fore+men+tioned pron <*1fc:2menS*nd> pos adj. usage usually prenominal; chiefly in legal documents def stated or mentioned before or already. aforesaid 0. syl a:fore+said pron <*1fc:2sed> pos adj. usage usually prenominal; chiefly in legal documents def spoken of or referred to previously. aforethought 0. syl a:fore+thought pron <*1fc:2Tc:t> pos adj. usage immediately postpositive def premeditated (esp. in the phrase {malice aforethought) }. aforetime 0. syl a:fore+time pron <*1fc:2tIm> pos adv. qual Archaic. def formerly. a fortiori ety Latin a fortiori 0. syl a for+ti:o+ri pron , <-ri>, pos adv. def for a stronger, more convincing, or more certain reason. exam 1 if Britain cannot afford a space programme, then, a fortiori, neither can India. afoul 1. syl a:foul pron <*1faul> pos adv. adj. usage postpositive; usually foll. by of def in or into a state of difficulty, confusion, or conflict (with). afoul 2. syl a:foul pron <*1faul> pos adv. adj. usage postpositive; often foll. by of def in or into an entanglement or collision (with) (often in the phrase {run afoul of) }. exam 1 a yacht with its sails afoul; exam 2 the boat ran afoul of a steamer. Afr 0. syl Afr. qual abbrev. for def Africa(n). afraid ety C14 affraied, past participle of #7affray (to frighten) afraid 1. syl a:fraid pron <*1frAd> pos adj. usage postpositive; often foll. by of def feeling fear or apprehension; frightened. exam 1 he was afraid of cats. afraid 2. syl a:fraid pron <*1frAd> pos adj. usage postpositive def reluctant (to do something), as through fear or timidity. exam 1 he was afraid to let himself go. afraid 3. syl a:fraid pron <*1frAd> pos adj. usage postpositive; often foll. by that; used to lessen the effect of an unpleasant statement def regretful. exam 1 I'm afraid that I shall have to tell you to go. afreet ety C19: from Arabic `ifr*_it afrit alt head afreet or afreet syl af+rit pron <1@frEt>, <*1frEt> pos n. afreet 0. or afrit syl af+reet pron <1@frEt>, <*1frEt> pos n. qual Arabian myth. def a powerful evil demon or giant monster. afresh 0. syl a:fresh pron <*1freS> pos adv. def once more; once again; anew. Africa 0. syl Af+ri+ca pron <1@frik*> pos n. def the second largest of the continents, on the Mediterranean in the north, the Atlantic in the west, and the Red Sea, Gulf of Aden, and Indian Ocean in the east. The Sahara Desert divides the continent unequally into North Africa (an early centre of civilization, in close contact with Europe and W Asia, now inhabited chiefly by Arabs) and Africa south of the Sahara (relatively isolated from the rest of the world until the 19th century and inhabited chiefly by Negro peoples). It was colonized mainly in the 18th and 19th centuries by Europeans and now comprises chiefly independent nations. The largest lake is Lake Victoria and the chief rivers are the Nile, Niger, Congo, and Zambezi. Pop.: 346015000 (1969 est.). Area: about 30300000 sq. km (11700000 sq. miles). African 1. syl Af+ri+can pron <1@frik*n> pos adj. def denoting or relating to Africa or any of its peoples, languages, nations, etc. African 2. syl Af+ri+can pron <1@frik*n> pos n. def a native, inhabitant, or citizen of any of the countries of Africa. African 3. syl Af+ri+can pron <1@frik*n> pos n. def a member or descendant of any of the peoples of Africa, esp. a Negro. Africanism 0. syl Af+ri+can+ism pron <1@frik*2niz*m> pos n. def something characteristic of Africa or Africans, esp. a characteristic feature of an African language when introduced into a non-African language. Africanist 0. syl Af+ri+can+ist pron <1@frik*nist> pos n. def a person specializing in the study of African affairs or culture. Africanise alt head Africanize or Africanize syl Af+ri+can+ise pron <1@frik*2nIz> pos vb. mod tr. Africanize 0. or Africanise syl Af+ri+can+ize pron <1@frik*2nIz> pos vb. mod tr. def to make African, esp. to give control of (policy, government, etc.) to Africans. Africanization sub head Africanize or Africanisation syl Af+ri+can:i+1za+tion pos n. Africanisation sub head Africanize or Africanization syl Af+ri+can:i+1sa+tion pos n. African lily 0. syl Af+ri+can lil:y pos n. def a liliaceous plant, of southern Africa, having rounded clusters of blue or white funnel-shaped flowers. African mahogany 1. syl Af+ri+can ma+hog:a+ny pos n. def any of several African trees of the meliaceous genus esp. that have wood similar to that of true mahogany. African mahogany 2. syl Af+ri+can ma+hog:a+ny pos n. def the wood of any of these trees, used for furniture, etc. African mahogany 3. syl Af+ri+can ma+hog:a+ny pos n. def any of various other African woods that resemble true mahogany. African violet 0. syl Af+ri+can vi:o+let pos n. def any of several tropical African plants of the genus esp. cultivated as house plants, with violet, white, or pink flowers and hairy leaves: family Afrikaans ety C20: from Dutch: African Afrikaans 0. syl Af+ri+kaans pron <2@fri1ka:ns>, <-1ka:nz> pos n. def an official language of all the Republic of South Africa, closely related to Dutch and Flemish. Also called: {South African Dutch, Taal}. Afrikander ety C19: from South African Dutch, formed on the model of Hollander Africander alt head Afrikander or Afrikander syl Af+ri+can+der pron <2afri1k@nd*>, <2@f-> pos n. Afrikander 1. or Africander syl Af+ri+kan+der pron <2afri1k@nd*>, <2@f-> pos n. def a breed of humped-back beef cattle originally raised in southern Africa. Afrikander 2. or Africander syl Af+ri+kan+der pron <2afri1k@nd*>, <2@f-> pos n. def a southern African breed of fat-tailed sheep. Afrikander 3. or Africander syl Af+ri+kan+der pron <2afri1k@nd*>, <2@f-> pos n. def a former name for an {Afrikaner}. Afrikaner 0. syl Af+ri+ka+ner pron <2afri1ka:n*>, <2@f-> pos n. def a White native of the Republic of South Africa whose mother tongue is Afrikaans. See also {Boer}. Afrikanerdom 0. syl Af+ri+ka+ner+dom pron <2afri1ka:n*d*m>, <2@f-> pos n. usage in South Africa def Afrikaner nationalism based on pride in the Afrikaans language and culture, conservative Calvinism, and a sense of heritage as pioneers. Afrikanerise alt head Afrikanerize or Afrikanerize syl Af+ri+ka+ner+ise pron <2afri1ka:n*2rIz>, <2@f-> pos vb. mod tr. Afrikanerize 0. or Afrikanerise syl Af+ri+ka+ner+ize pron <2afri1ka:n*2rIz>, <2@f-> pos vb. mod tr. qual Chiefly S. African. def to make (a person) Afrikaans in attitudes, language, etc. Afrikanerization sub head Afrikanerize or Afrikanerisation syl Af+ri+ka+ner:i+1za+tion pos n. Afrikanerisation sub head Afrikanerize or Afrikanerization syl Af+ri+ka+ner:i+1sa+tion pos n. afrit 0. syl af+rit pron <1@frEt>, <*1frEt> pos n. def a variant spelling of {afreet}. Afro ety C20: independent use of A#7fro- Afros infl head Afro syl Af:ros. pos n. mod pl. Afro 0. syl Af:ro pron <1@fr*u> pos n. def a hair style in which the hair is shaped into a wide frizzy bush, popular esp. among Negroes. Afro- 0. syl Af:ro- pron <1@fr*u-> usage combining form. def indicating Africa or African. exam 1 Afro-Asiatic. Afro-American 1. syl Af:ro-A:mer:i:can pos n. def an American Negro. Afro-American 2. syl Af:ro-A:mer:i:can pos adj. def de?!noting or relating to American Negroes, their history, or their culture. Afro-Asian 0. syl Af:ro-A:sian pos adj. def of or relating to both Africa and Asia, esp. as part of the Third World. Afro-Asiatic 1. syl Af:ro-A:si:at:ic pos n. def Also called: {Semito-Hamitic}. a family of languages of SW Asia and N Africa, consisting of the Semitic, ancient Egyptian, Berber, Cushitic, and Chadic subfamilies. Afro-Asiatic 2. syl Af:ro-A:si:at:ic pos adj. def denoting, belonging to, or relating to this family of languages. Afro-chain 0. syl Af:ro-chain pos n. usage in the Caribbean def a large chain necklace with a central pendant: usually worn with a dashiki by men. Afro-comb 0. syl Af:ro-comb pos n. usage in the Caribbean def a hand-shaped comb with long metal teeth used in tending an Afro. Afro-Cuban 0. syl Af:ro-Cu:ban pos adj. def of or relating to a type of jazz influenced by Cuban variants of African rhythms. Compare {Cu-bop}. afrormosia ety C20: from #7afro -+ Ormosia (genus name) afrormosia 0. syl af+ror+mo+si:a pron <2@frc:1m*uzi*> pos n. def a hard teaklike wood obtained from tropical African trees of the leguminous genus aft ety C17: perhaps a shortened form of earlier #7abaft aft 0. syl aft pron pos adv. adj. qual Chiefly nautical. def towards or at the stern or rear. exam 1 the aft deck; exam 2 aft of the engines. after ety Old English @after; related to Old Norse aptr back, eptir after, Old High German aftar after 1. syl af+ter pron <1a:ft*> pos prep. def following in time; in succession to. exam 1 after dinner; exam 2 time after time. after 2. syl af+ter pron <1a:ft*> pos prep. def following in space; behind. exam 1 they entered one after another. after 3. syl af+ter pron <1a:ft*> pos prep. def in pursuit or search of. exam 1 chasing after a thief; exam 2 he's only after money. after 4. syl af+ter pron <1a:ft*> pos prep. def concerning. exam 1 to inquire after his health. after 5. syl af+ter pron <1a:ft*> pos prep. def considering. exam 1 after what you have done, you shouldn't complain. after 6. syl af+ter pron <1a:ft*> pos prep. def next in excellence or importance to. exam 1 he ranked Jonson after Shakespeare. after 7. syl af+ter pron <1a:ft*> pos prep. def in imitation of; in the manner of. exam 1 a statue after classical models. after 8. syl af+ter pron <1a:ft*> pos prep. def in accordance with or in conformity to. exam 1 a man after her own heart. after 9. syl af+ter pron <1a:ft*> pos prep. def with a name derived from. exam 1 Mary was named after her grandmother. after 10. syl af+ter pron <1a:ft*> pos prep. qual U.S. def past (the hour of). exam 1 twenty after three. after 11.a. syl af+ter pron <1a:ft*> pos prep. def when everything is considered. exam 1 after all, why worry about it?? after 11.b. syl af+ter pron <1a:ft*> pos prep. def in spite of expectations, efforts, etc.. exam 1 he won the race after all&! after you 12. head after syl after you. def please go, enter, etc., before me. after 13. syl af+ter pron <1a:ft*> pos adv. def at a later time; afterwards. after 14. syl af+ter pron <1a:ft*> pos adv. def coming afterwards; in pursuit. after 15. syl af+ter pron <1a:ft*> pos adv. qual Nautical. def further aft; sternwards. after 16. syl af+ter pron <1a:ft*> pos conj. usage subordinating def at a time later than that at which. exam 1 he came after I had left. after 17. syl af+ter pron <1a:ft*> pos adj. qual Nautical. def further aft. exam 1 the after cabin. afterbirth 0. syl af:ter+birth pron <1a:ft*2bR:T> pos n. def the placenta and fetal membranes expelled from the uterus after the birth of offspring. afterbodies infl head afterbody syl af:ter+bod:ies. pos n. mod pl. afterbody 0. syl af:ter+bod:y pron <1a:ft*2bodi> pos n. def any discarded part that continues to trail a satellite, rocket, etc., in orbit. afterbrain 0. syl af:ter+brain pron <1a:ft*2brAn> pos n. def a nontechnical name for {myelencephalon}. afterburner 1. syl af:ter+burn:er pron <1a:ft*2bR:n*> pos n. def a device in the exhaust system of an internal-combustion engine for removing or rendering harmless potentially dangerous components in the exhaust gases. afterburner 2. syl af:ter+burn:er pron <1a:ft*2bR:n*> pos n. def a device placed in the jet pipe of an aircraft jet engine to produce afterburning. afterburning 1. syl af:ter+burn:ing pron <1a:ft*2bR:niG> pos n. def Also called: {reheat}. a process in which additional fuel is ignited in the exhaust gases of a jet engine to produce additional thrust. afterburning 2. syl af:ter+burn:ing pron <1a:ft*2bR:niG> pos n. def irregular burning of fuel in a rocket motor after the main burning has ceased. afterburning 3. syl af:ter+burn:ing pron <1a:ft*2bR:niG> pos n. def persistence of combustion in an internal-combustion engine, either in an incorrect part of the cycle or after the ignition has been switched off. aftercare 0. syl af:ter+care pron <1a:ft*2ke*> pos n. qual Med. def the care of a patient recovering from a serious illness or operation. afterdamp 0. syl af:ter+damp pron <1a:ft*2d@mp> pos n. def a poisonous gas, consisting main?!ly of carbon monoxide, formed after the explosion of firedamp in coal mines. See also {white damp}. afterdeck 0. syl af:ter+deck pron <1a:ft*2dek> pos n. qual Nautical. def the unprotected deck behind the bridge of a ship. aftereffect 1. syl af:ter+ef:fect pron <1a:ft*ri2fekt> pos n. def any result occurring some time after its cause. aftereffect 2. syl af:ter+ef:fect pron <1a:ft*ri2fekt> pos n. qual Med. def any delayed response to a stimulus or agent. Compare {side effect}. afterglow 1. syl af:ter+glow pron <1a:ft*2gl*u> pos n. def the glow left after a light has disappeared, such as that sometimes seen after sunset. afterglow 2. syl af:ter+glow pron <1a:ft*2gl*u> pos n. def the glow of an incandescent metal after the source of heat has been removed. afterglow 3. syl af:ter+glow pron <1a:ft*2gl*u> pos n. qual Physics. def luminescence persisting in a gas discharge after the source of power has been removed. afterglow 4. syl af:ter+glow pron <1a:ft*2gl*u> pos n. def a trace, impression, etc., of past emotion, brilliance, etc. afterheat 0. syl af:ter+heat pron <1a:ft*2hEt> pos n. def the heat generated in a nuclear reactor after it has been shut down, produced by residual radioactivity in the fuel elements. afterimage 0. syl af:ter+im:age pron <1a:ft*r2imiJ> pos n. def a sustained or renewed sensation, esp. visual, after the original stimulus has ceased. Also called: {aftersensation}. afterlife 0. syl af:ter+life pron <1a:ft*2lIf> pos n. def life after death or at a later time in a person's lifetime. aftermath ety C16: #7after+ math a mowing, from Old English m@ath aftermath 1. syl af:ter+math pron <1a:ft*2ma:T>, <-2m@T> pos n. def signs or results of an event or occurrence considered collectively, esp. of a catas?!trophe or disaster. exam 1 the aftermath of war. aftermath 2. syl af:ter+math pron <1a:ft*2ma:T>, <-2m@T> pos n. qual Agriculture. def a second mowing or crop of grass from land that has already yielded one crop earlier in the same year. aftermost 0. syl af:ter+most pron <1a:ft*2m*ust> pos adj. def closer or closest to the rear or (in a vessel) the stern; last. afternoon 1.a. syl af:ter+noon pron <2a:ft*1nu:n> pos n. def the period of the day between noon and evening. afternoon 1.b. syl af:ter+noon pron <2a:ft*1nu:n> pos n. usage as modifier exam 1 afternoon tea. afternoon 2. syl af:ter+noon pron <2a:ft*1nu:n> pos n. def a middle or later part. exam 1 the afternoon of life. afternoons 0. syl af:ter+noons pron <2a:ft*1nu:nz> pos adv. qual Informal. def during the afternoon, esp. regularly. afterpains 0. syl af:ter+pains pron <1a:ft*2pAnz> pos n. mod pl. def cramplike pains caused by contraction of the uterus after childbirth. afterpiece 0. syl af:ter+piece pron <1a:ft*2pEs> pos n. def a brief usually comic dramatic piece presented after a play. afters 0. syl af+ters pron <1a:ft*z> pos n. mod functioning as; sing. pl. qual Brit. informal. def dessert; sweet. aftersensation 0. syl af:ter+sen:sa:tion pron <1a:ft*sen2sAS*n> pos n. def another word for {after?!image}. aftershaft 0. syl af:ter+shaft pron <1a:ft*2Sa:ft> pos n. qual Ornithol. def a secondary feather arising near the base of a contour feather. aftershave lotion 0. syl af:ter+shave lo+tion pron <1a:ft*2SAv> pos n. def a lotion, usually styptic and perfumed, for application to the face after shaving. Often shortened to {aftershave}. aftershock 0. syl af:ter+shock pron <1a:ft*2Sok> pos n. def one of a series of minor tremors occurring after the main shock of an earthquake. aftertaste 1. syl af:ter+taste pron <1a:ft*2tAst> pos n. def a taste that lingers on after eating or drinking. aftertaste 2. syl af:ter+taste pron <1a:ft*2tAst> pos n. def a lingering impression or sensation. afterthought 1. syl af:ter+thought pron <1a:ft*2Tc:t> pos n. def a comment, reply, etc., that occurs to one after the opportunity to deliver it has passed. afterthought 2. syl af:ter+thought pron <1a:ft*2Tc:t> pos n. def an addition to something already completed. afterwards ety Old English @afterweard, @afteweard, from #7aft+ward afterward alt head afterwards or afterwards syl af:ter+ward pos adv. afterwards 0. or afterward syl af:ter+wards pron <1a:ft*w*dz> pos adv. def after an earlier event or time; subsequently. afterword 0. syl af:ter+word pron <1a:ft*2wR:d> pos n. def an epilogue or postscript in a book, etc. afterworld 0. syl af:ter+world pron <1a:ft*2wR:ld> pos n. def a world inhabited after death. Ag ety from Latin argentum Ag 0. syl Ag usage the chemical symbol for def silver. AG ety German: joint-stock company AG 1. syl A.G. qual abbrev. for: def Adjutant General. AG 2. syl A.G. qual abbrev. for: def Attorney General. AG 3. syl A.G. qual abbrev. for: def Aktiengesellschaft. aga ety C17: Turkish, literally: lord agha alt head aga or aga syl a:gha pron <1a:g*> pos n. aga 1. or agha syl a:ga pron <1a:g*> pos n. usage in the Ottoman Empire def a title of respect, often used with the title of a senior position. aga 2. or agha syl a:ga pron <1a:g*> pos n. usage in the Ottoman Empire def a military commander. Agadir 0. syl A:ga+dir pron <2@g*1di*> pos n. def a port in SW Morocco, which became the centre of an international crisis (1911), when a gunboat arrived to protect German interests. Britain issued a strong warning to Germany but the French negotiated and war was averted. In 1960 the town was virtually destroyed by an earthquake, about 10000 people being killed. Pop.: 61192 (1971). again ety Old English ongegn opposite to, from #7a -%2#7+ gegn straight again 1. syl a:gain pron <*1gen>, <*1gAn> pos adv. def another or second time; once more; anew. exam 1 he had to start again. again 2. syl a:gain pron <*1gen>, <*1gAn> pos adv. def once more in a previously experienced or encountered place, state, or condition. exam 1 he is ill again; exam 2 he came back again. again 3. syl a:gain pron <*1gen>, <*1gAn> pos adv. def in addition to the original amount, quantity, etc. (esp. in the phrases {as much again; half as much again) }. again 4. syl a:gain pron <*1gen>, <*1gAn> pos adv. usage sentence modifier def on the other hand. exam 1 he might come and then again he might not. again 5. syl a:gain pron <*1gen>, <*1gAn> pos adv. def besides; also. exam 1 she is beautiful and, again, intelligent. again 6. syl a:gain pron <*1gen>, <*1gAn> pos adv. qual Archaic. def in reply; back. exam 1 he answered again to the questioning voice. again and again 7. head again syl again and again. def continuously; repeatedly. again 8. syl a:gain pron <*1gen>, <*1gAn> pos adv. qual Caribbean. usage used with a negative def any more; any longer. exam 1 I don't eat pumpkin again. again 9. syl a:gain pron <*1gen>, <*1gAn> pos adv. usage sentence connector. def moreover; furthermore. exam 1 again, it could be said that he is not dead. against ety C12 ageines, from again, ageyn, etc., #7again+ -es genitive ending; the spelling with -t (C16) was probably due to confusion with superlatives ending in -st against 1. syl a:gainst pron <*1genst>, <*1gAnst> pos prep. def opposed to; in conflict or disagreement with. exam 1 they fought against the legislation. against 2. syl a:gainst pron <*1genst>, <*1gAnst> pos prep. def standing or leaning beside or in front of. exam 1 a ladder against the wall. against 3. syl a:gainst pron <*1genst>, <*1gAnst> pos prep. def coming in contact with. exam 1 the branches of a tree brushed against the bus. against 4. syl a:gainst pron <*1genst>, <*1gAnst> pos prep. def in contrast to. exam 1 silhouettes are outlines against a light background. against 5. syl a:gainst pron <*1genst>, <*1gAnst> pos prep. def having an adverse or unfavourable effect on. exam 1 the economic system works against small independent companies. against 6. syl a:gainst pron <*1genst>, <*1gAnst> pos prep. def as a protection from or means of defence from the adverse effects of. exam 1 a safeguard against contaminated water. against 7. syl a:gainst pron <*1genst>, <*1gAnst> pos prep. def in exchange for or in return for. against 8. syl a:gainst pron <*1genst>, <*1gAnst> pos prep. qual Now rare. def in preparation for. exam 1 he gave them warm clothing against their journey through the night. as against 9. head against syl as against. def as opposed to or as compared with. exam 1 he had two shots at him this time as against only one last time. Aga Khan 0. syl A:ga Khan def %1 (#!$a$:g$$ #!k$a$:n) the hereditary title of the head of the Ismaili Islamic sect. Aga Khan 0. syl A:ga Khan def %2 (#!$a$:g$$ #!k$a$:n) Prince {Sa@.drud@.din} (s$$#!dru$:d$In). born 1933, Iranian international civil servant; United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (1965-77). Aga Khan IV 0. syl A:ga Khan IV pos n. def Prince {Ka@.rim} (k$$#!ri$:m). born 1936, spiritual leader of the Ismaili sect of Muslims since 1957. agalloch ety C17: from Greek agallokhon agalloch 0. syl a:gal+loch pron <*1g@l*k> pos n. def another name for {eaglewood}. agama ety C19: Carib agama 1. syl ag:a+ma pron <1@g*m*>, <*1g@m*> pos n. def any small terrestrial lizard of the genus which inhabit warm regions of the Old World: family agama 2. syl ag:a+ma pron <1@g*m*>, <*1g@m*> pos n. def Also called: {agamid} (#!@ag$$m$Id, $$#!g@am$Id). any other lizard of the family which occur in the Old World and Australia and show a wide range of habits and diversity of structure. Agamemnon 0. syl Ag:a:mem:non pron <2@g*1memnon> pos n. qual Greek myth. def a king of Mycenae who led the Greeks at the siege of Troy. On his return home he was murdered by his wife Clytemnestra and her lover Aegisthus. See also {Menelaus}. agamete ety C19: from Greek agametos unmarried; see #7a -%1#7, gamete agamete 0. syl a:gam+ete pron <*1g@mEt> pos n. def a reproductive cell, such as the merozoite of some protozoans, that develops into a new form without fertilization. agamic ety C19: from Greek agamos unmarried, from #7a -%1#7+ gamos marriage agamic 0. syl a:gam+ic pron <*1g@mik> pos adj. def asexual; occurring or reproducing without fertilization. agamically sub head agamic syl a:1gam:i+cal+ly pos adv. agamogenesis ety C19: #7agamic+genesis agamogenesis 0. syl ag:a+mo+gen+e:sis pron <2@g*m*u1Jenisis> pos n. def asexual reproduction, such as fission or parthenogenesis. agamogenetic sub head agamogenesis syl ag:a+mo+ge:net+ic pron <2@g*m*uJ*1netik> pos adj. agamogenetically sub head agamogenesis syl ag:a+mo+ge:1net:i+cal+ly pos adv. Agana 0. syl A:ga+*~na pron <*1ga:nj*> pos n. def the capital of the Pacific island of Guam, on its W coast. Pop.: 2119 (1970). agapanthus ety C19: New Latin, from Greek agap*_e love+ anthos flower agapanthus 0. syl ag:a+pan+thus pron <2@g*1p@nT*s> pos n. def any African liliaceous plant of the genus esp. the African lily, with rounded clusters of blue or white flowers. agape ety C17: #7a -%2#7+gape agape 1. syl a:gape pron <*1gAp> pos adj. usage postpositive; esp. of the mouth def wide open. agape 2. syl a:gape pron <*1gAp> pos adj. usage postpositive def very surprised, expectant, or eager, esp. as indicated by a wide open mouth. Agape ety C17: Greek agap*_e love Agape 1. syl A:ga:pe pron <1@g*pi> pos n. qual Christianity. def Christian love, esp. as contrasted with erotic love; charity. Agape 2. syl A:ga:pe pron <1@g*pi> pos n. qual Christianity. def a communal meal in the early Church taken in commemoration of the Last Supper; love feast. agar ety C19: Malay agar 0. syl a:gar pron <1Ag*> pos n. def a complex gelatinous carbohydrate obtained from seaweeds, esp. those of the genus used as a culture medium for bacteria, a laxative, in food, etc. Also called: {agar-agar}. agaric ety C16: via Latin agaricum, from Greek agarikon, perhaps named after Agaria, a town in Sarmatia agaric 1. syl ag:a+ric pron <1@g*rik>, <*1g@rik> pos n. def any saprophytic basidio?!mycetous fungus of the family having gills on the underside of the cap. The group includes the edible mushrooms and poisonous forms such as the fly agaric. agaric 2. syl ag:a+ric pron <1@g*rik>, <*1g@rik> pos n. def the dried spore-producing bodies of certain fungi, esp. (or formerly used in medicine. agaricaceous sub head agaric syl a:gar:i+ca+ceous pron <*2g@ri1kAS*s> pos adj. Agartala 0. syl A:gar+ta+la pron <1^g*t*2la:> pos n. def a city in NE India, capital of the state of Tripura. Pop.: 100264 (1971). agate ety C16: via French from Latin ach*_at*_es, from Greek akhat*_es agate 1. syl ag+ate pron <1@git> pos n. def an impure microcrystalline form of quartz consisting of a variegated, usually banded chalcedony, used as a gemstone and in making pestles and mortars, burnishers, and polishers. Formula: SiO\2. agate 2. syl ag+ate pron <1@git> pos n. def a playing marble of this quartz or resembling it. agate 3. syl ag+ate pron <1@git> pos n. qual Printing. def the U.S. name for {ruby} (sense 5). agate line 0. syl ag+ate line pos n. qual U.S. def a measure of advertising space, one column wide and one fourteenth of an inch deep. Sometimes shortened to {line}. agateware 0. syl ag:ate+ware pron <1@git2we*> pos n. def ceramic ware made to resemble agate or marble. agave ety C18: New Latin, from Greek agau*_e, feminine of agauos illustrious, probably alluding to the height of the plant agave 0. syl a:ga+ve pron <*1gAvi>, <1@gAv> pos n. def any plant of the genus native to tropical America with tall flower stalks rising from thick fleshy leaves: family Some species are the source of fibres such as sisal or of alcoholic beverages such as pulque and tequila. See also {century plant}. AGC 0. syl AGC qual abbrev. for def automatic gain control. agcy 0. syl agcy. qual abbrev. for def agency. age ety C13: via Old French from Vulgar Latin aetat*_icum (unattested), from Latin aet*_as, ultimately from aevum lifetime; compare #7aeon age 1. syl age pron pos n. def the period of time that a person, animal, or plant has lived or is expected to live. exam 1 the age of a tree; exam 2 what age was he when he died?? exam 3 the age of a horse is up to thirty years. age 2. syl age pron pos n. def the period of existence of an object, material, group, etc.. exam 1 the age of this table is 200 years. age 3.a. syl age pron pos n. def a period or state of human life. exam 1 he should know better at his age; exam 2 she had got beyond the giggly age. age 3.b. syl age pron pos n. usage as modifier exam 1 age group. age 4. syl age pron pos n. def the latter part of life. age 5.a. syl age pron pos n. def a period of history marked by some feature or characteristic; era. age 5.b. syl age pron pos n. usage cap. when part of a name exam 1 the Middle Ages; exam 2 the Space Age. age 6. syl age pron pos n. def generation. exam 1 the Edwardian age. age 7.a. syl age pron pos n. def a period of the earth's history distinguished by special characteristics. exam 1 the age of reptiles. age 7.b. syl age pron pos n. def the period during which a stage of rock strata is formed; a subdivision of an epoch. age 8. syl age pron pos n. qual Myth. def any of the successive periods in the legendary history of man, which were, according to Hesiod, the golden, silver, bronze, heroic, and iron ages. age 9. syl age pron pos n. mod often; pl. qual Informal. def a relatively long time. exam 1 she was an age washing her hair; exam 2 I've been waiting ages. age 10. syl age pron pos n. qual Psychol. def the level in years that a person has reached in any area of development, such as mental or emotional, compared with the normal level for his chronological age. See also {achievement age, mental age}. age before beauty 11. head age syl age before beauty. usage often said humorously when yielding precedence def older people take precedence over young?!er people. of age 12. head age syl of age. def adult and legally responsible for one's actions (usually at 18 or 21 years). ages infl head age or aging syl ag:es pos vb. ageing infl head age or aged syl age+ing pos vb. aging infl head age or ages syl ag+ing pos vb. aged infl head age or ageing syl aged. pos vb. age 13. syl age pron pos vb. def to grow or make old or apparently old; become or cause to become old or aged. age 14. syl age pron pos vb. def to begin to seem older. exam 1 to have aged a lot in the past year. age 15. syl age pron pos vb. qual Brewing. def to mature or cause to mature. -age ety from Old French, from Late Latin -*_aticum, noun suffix, neuter of -*_aticus, adjectival suffix, from -*_atus -#7ate -%1#7+ -icus -#7ic -age 0. syl -age exam 1 suffix forming nouns. -age 1. syl -age def indicating a collection, set, or group. exam 1 acreage; exam 2 baggage. -age 2. syl -age def indicating a process or action or the result of an action. exam 1 haulage; exam 2 passage; exam 3 breakage. -age 3. syl -age def indicat?!ing a state, condition, or relationship. exam 1 bondage; exam 2 parent?!age. -age 4. syl -age def indicating a house or place. exam 1 orphanage. -age 5. syl -age def indicating a charge or fee. exam 1 postage. -age 6. syl -age def indicating a rate. exam 1 dosage; exam 2 mileage. aged 1.a. syl a:ged pron <1AJid> pos adj. def advanced in years; old. aged 1.b. syl a:ged pron <1AJid> pos as collective; n. usage preceded by the exam 1 the aged. aged 2. syl a:ged pron <1AJid> pos adj. def of, connected with, or characteristic of old age. aged 3. syl a:ged pron pos adj. usage postpositive def having the age of. exam 1 a woman aged twenty. aged 4. syl a:ged pron <1AJid> pos adj. qual Geography. def having reached an advanced stage of erosion. agee ety C19: #7a -%2#7+#7{gee %1} ajee alt head agee or agee syl a:jee pron <*1JE> pos adj. agee 0. or ajee syl a:gee pron <*1JE> pos adj. qual Scot. and Brit. dialect. def awry, crooked, or ajar. age hardening 0. syl age har+den+ing pos n. def the hardening of metals by spontaneous structural changes over a period of time. See also {precipitation hardening}. ageless 1. syl age+less pron <1AJlis> pos adj. def apparently never growing old. ageless 2. syl age+less pron <1AJlis> pos adj. def timeless; eternal. exam 1 an ageless quality. Agen 0. syl A:gen pron French pos n. def a market town in SW France, on the Garonne river. Pop.: 35839 (1975). agency ety C17: from Medieval Latin agentia, from Latin agere to do agencies infl head agency syl a:gen+cies. pos n. mod pl. agency 1. syl a:gen+cy pron <1AJ*nsi> pos n. def a business or other organization providing a specific service. exam 1 an employment agency. agency 2. syl a:gen+cy pron <1AJ*nsi> pos n. def the place where an agent conducts business. agency 3. syl a:gen+cy pron <1AJ*nsi> pos n. def the business, duties, or functions of an agent. agency 4. syl a:gen+cy pron <1AJ*nsi> pos n. def action, power, or operation. exam 1 the agency of fate. agency 5. syl a:gen+cy pron <1AJ*nsi> pos n. def intercession or mediation. agency 6. syl a:gen+cy pron <1AJ*nsi> pos n. qual Chiefly U.S. def one of the administrative organizations of a government. agenda ety C17: Latin, literally: things to be done, from agere to do agenda 1. syl a:gen+da pron <*1Jend*> pos n. mod functioning as; sing. def a schedule or list of items to be attended to. Also: {a@.gen+dum}. agenda 2. syl a:gen+da pron <*1Jend*> pos n. mod functioning as; pl. def matters to be attended to, as at a meeting of a committee. Also: {a@.gen+das, a@.gen+dums}. agenesis 1. syl a:gen+e:sis pron pos n. usage of an animal or plant def imperfect development. agenesis 2. syl a:gen+e:sis pron pos n. def impotence or sterility. agenetic sub head agenesis syl a:ge:net+ic pron <2AJ*1net?!ik> pos adj. agent ety C15: from Latin agent-, noun use of the present participle of agere to do agent 1. syl a:gent pron <1AJ*nt> pos n. def a person who acts on behalf of another person, group, business, government, etc.; representative. agent 2. syl a:gent pron <1AJ*nt> pos n. def a person or thing that acts or has the power to act. agent 3. syl a:gent pron <1AJ*nt> pos n. def a phenomenon, substance, or organism that exerts some force or effect. exam 1 a chemical agent. agent 4. syl a:gent pron <1AJ*nt> pos n. def the means by which something occurs or is achieved; instrument. exam 1 wind is an agent of plant pollination. agent 5. syl a:gent pron <1AJ*nt> pos n. def a person representing a business concern, esp. a travelling salesman. agent 6. syl a:gent pron <1AJ*nt> pos n. qual Brit. def short for {estate agent}. agent 7. syl a:gent pron <1AJ*nt> pos n. def short for {secret agent}. agential sub head agent syl a:gen+tial pron pos adj. agents-general infl head agent-general syl a:gents-gen:er:al. pos n. mod pl. agent-general 0. syl a:gent-gen:er:al pos n. def a representative in London of a Canadian province or an Australian state. agential alt head agentive or agentive syl a:gen+tial pron agentive 1. or agential syl a:gen+tive pron <1AJ*ntiv> pos adj. qual Grammar. usage in some inflected languages def denoting a case of nouns, etc., indicating the agent described by the verb. agentive 2. or agential syl a:gen+tive pron <1AJ*ntiv> pos adj. qual Grammar. usage of a speech element def indicating agency. exam 1 @6-er@9 in @6worker@9 is an agentive suffix. agentive 3.a. or agential syl a:gen+tive pron <1AJ*ntiv> pos n. qual Grammar. def the agentive case. agentive 3.b. or agential syl a:gen+tive pron <1AJ*ntiv> pos n. qual Grammar. def a word or element in the agentive case. agent of production 0. syl a:gent of pro+duc+tion pos n. def another name for {factor of production}. agents provocateurs infl head agent provocateur syl a:gents pro+vo+ca+teurs pron pos n. mod pl. agent provocateur 0. syl a:gent pro+vo+ca+teur pron French. pos n. def a secret agent employed to provoke suspected persons to commit illegal acts and so be discredited or liable to punishment. age of consent 0. syl age of con+sent pos n. def the age at which a person, esp. a female, is considered legally competent to consent to marriage or sexual intercourse. Age of Reason 0. syl Age of Rea+son pos n. usage usually preceded by the def the 18th century in W Europe. See also {Enlightenment}. age-long alt head age-old or age-old syl age-long pos adj. age-old 0. or age-long syl age-old pos adj. def very old or of long duration; ancient. ageratum ety C16: New Latin, via Latin from Greek ag*_eraton that which does not age, from #7a -%1#7+ g*_erat-, stem of g*_eras old age; the flowers of the plant remain vivid for a long time ageratum 0. syl ag+er:a+tum pron <2@J*1rAt*m> pos n. def any tropical American plant of the genus such as and which have thick clusters of purplish-blue flowers. agger ety C14: from Latin agger a heap, from ad- to+ gerere to carry, bring agger 0. syl ag+ger pron <1@J*> pos n. def an earthwork or mound forming a rampart, esp. in a Roman military camp. aggiornamenti infl head aggiornamento syl ag+gior+na+men+ti pos n. mod pl. agglomerate ety C17: from Latin agglomer*_are, from glomer*_are to wind into a ball, from glomus ball, mass agglomerate 1. syl ag+glom+er+ate pron <*1glom*2rAt> pos vb. def to form or be formed into a mass or cluster; collect. agglomerate 2. syl ag+glom+er+ate pron <*1glom*?!rit>, <-2rAt> pos n. def a confused mass. agglomerate 3. syl ag+glom+er+ate pron <*1glom*?!rit>, <-2rAt> pos n. def a volcanic rock consisting of angular fragments within a groundmass of lava. Compare {{conglomerate} (sense 2).} {~} ($$#!gl$Am$$r$It, -@!re$It). agglomerate 4. syl ag+glom+er+ate pron <*1glom*?!rit>, <-2rAt> pos n. def formed into a mass. agglomeration sub head agglomerate syl ag+2glom+er:1a+tion pos n. agglomerative sub head agglomerate syl ag+1glom+er:a+tive pos adj. agglutinate ety C16: from Latin aggl*_utin*_are to glue to, from gluten glue agglutinate 1. syl ag+glu+ti+nate pron <*1glu:ti2nAt> pos vb. def to cause to adhere, as with glue. agglutinate 2. syl ag+glu+ti+nate pron <*1glu:ti2nAt> pos vb. qual Linguistics. def to combine or be combined by agglutination. agglutinate 3. syl ag+glu+ti+nate pron <*1glu:ti2nAt> pos vb. mod tr. def to cause (bacteria, red blood cells, etc.) to clump together. agglutinate 4. syl ag+glu+ti+nate pron <*1glu:tinit>, <-2nAt> pos adj. def united or stuck, as by glue. agglutinability sub head agglutinate syl ag+2glu+ti+na:1bil+i:ty pos n. agglutinable sub head agglutinate syl ag+1glu+ti+na:ble pos adj. agglutinant sub head agglutinate syl ag+1glu+ti+nant pos adj. agglutination 1. syl ag+glu+ti+na+tion pron <*2glu:ti1nAS*n> pos n. def the act or process of agglutinating. agglutination 2. syl ag+glu+ti+na+tion pron <*2glu:ti1nAS*n> pos n. def the condition of being agglutinated; adhesion. agglutination 3. syl ag+glu+ti+na+tion pron <*2glu:ti1nAS*n> pos n. def a united mass or group of parts. agglutination 4. syl ag+glu+ti+na+tion pron <*2glu:ti1nAS*n> pos n. qual Linguistics. def the building up of words from component morphemes in such a way that these undergo little or no change of form or meaning in the process of combination. agglutinative 1. syl ag+glu+ti+na+tive pron <*1glu:tin*tiv> pos adj. def tending to join or capable of joining. agglutinative 2. syl ag+glu+ti+na+tive pron <*1glu:tin*tiv> pos adj. def Also: {agglomerative}. denot?!ing languages, such as Hungarian, whose morphology is characterized by agglutination. Compare {{analytic} (sense 3)}, {{synthetic} (sense 3)}, {{polysynthetic}}. agglutinin ety C19: #7agglutinate+ -#7in agglutinin 0. syl ag+glu+ti+nin pron <*1glu:tinin> pos n. def an antibody that causes agglutination. agglutinogen ety C20: from #7agglutinate+ -#7gen agglutinogen 0. syl ag+glu+tin:o+gen pron <2@glu1tin*J*n> pos n. def an antigen that reacts with or stimulates the formation of a specific agglutinin. aggrade 0. syl ag+grade pron <*1grAd> pos vb. mod tr. def to build up the level of (any land surface) by the deposition of sediment. Compare {{degrade} (sense 4).} aggradation sub head aggrade syl ag+grad:a+tion pron <2@gr*1dAS*n> pos n. aggrandize ety C17: from Old French aggrandiss-, long stem of aggrandir to make bigger, from Latin grandis #7grand ; the ending -ize is due to the influence of verbs ending in -ise, -ize aggrandise alt head aggrandize or aggrandize syl ag+gran+dise pron <1@gr*n2dIz>, <*1gr@ndIz> pos vb. mod tr. aggrandize 1. or aggrandise syl ag+gran+dize pron <1@gr*n2dIz>, <*1gr@ndIz> pos vb. mod tr. def to increase the power, wealth, prestige, scope, etc., of. aggrandize 2. or aggrandise syl ag+gran+dize pron <1@gr*n2dIz>, <*1gr@ndIz> pos vb. mod tr. def to cause (something) to seem greater; magnify; exaggerate. aggrandizement sub head aggrandize or aggrandisement syl ag+gran+dize+ment pron <*1gr@ndizm*nt> pos n. aggrandisement sub head aggrandize or aggrandizement syl ag+gran+dise+ment pron <*1gr@ndizm*nt> pos n. aggrandizer sub head aggrandize or aggrandiser syl ag+gran+2diz+er pos n. aggrandiser sub head aggrandize or aggrandizer syl ag+gran+2dis+er pos n. aggravate ety C16: from Latin aggrav*_are to make heavier, from gravis heavy aggravate 1. syl ag+gra+vate pron <1@gr*2vAt> pos vb. mod tr. def to make (a disease, situation, problem, etc.) worse or more severe. aggravate 2. syl ag+gra+vate pron <1@gr*2vAt> pos vb. mod tr. qual Informal. def to annoy; exasperate. aggravation sub head aggravate syl ag+gra+1va+tion aggregate ety C16: from Latin aggreg*_are to add to a flock or herd, attach (oneself) to, from grex flock #!ag+gre+gate+ly adv. aggregate 1. syl ag+gre+gate pron <1@grigit>, <-2gAt> pos adj. def formed of separate units collected into a whole; collective; corporate. aggregate 2. syl ag+gre+gate pron <1@grigit>, <-2gAt> pos adj. usage of fruits and flowers def composed of a dense cluster of carpels or florets. aggregate 3. syl ag+gre+gate pron <1@grigit>, <-2gAt> pos n. def a sum or assemblage of many separate units; sum total. aggregate 4. syl ag+gre+gate pron <1@grigit>, <-2gAt> pos n. qual Geology. def a rock, such as granite, consisting of a mixture of minerals. aggregate 5. syl ag+gre+gate pron <1@grigit>, <-2gAt> pos n. def the sand, etc., mixed with cement and water to make concrete. in the aggregate 6. head aggregate syl in the aggregate. def taken as a whole. aggregate 7. syl ag+gre+gate pron <1@gri2gAt> pos vb. def to combine or be combined into a body, etc. aggregate 8. syl ag+gre+gate pron <1@gri2gAt> pos vb. mod tr. def to amount to (a number). aggregation sub head aggregate syl ag+gre+1ga+tion pos n. aggregative sub head aggregate syl ag+gre+ga+tive pron <1@gri2gAtiv> pos adj. aggress ety C16: from Medieval Latin aggress*_are to attack, from Latin aggred*_i to attack, approach aggress 0. syl ag+gress pron <*1gres> pos vb. mod intr. def to attack first or begin a quarrel. aggression ety C17: from Latin aggression-, from aggr*_edi to attack aggression 1. syl ag+gres+sion pron <*1greS*n> pos n. def an attack or harmful action, esp. an unprovoked attack by one country against another. aggression 2. syl ag+gres+sion pron <*1greS*n> pos n. def any offensive activity, practice, etc.. exam 1 an aggression against personal liberty. aggression 3. syl ag+gres+sion pron <*1greS*n> pos n. qual Psychol. def a hostile or destructive mental attitude or behaviour. aggressor sub head aggression syl ag+gres+sor pron <*1gres*> pos n. aggressive 1. syl ag+gres+sive pron <*1gresiv> pos adj. def quarrelsome or belligerent. exam 1 an aggressive remark. aggressive 2. syl ag+gres+sive pron <*1gresiv> pos adj. def assertive; vigorous. exam 1 an aggressive businessman. aggressively sub head aggressive syl ag+1gres+sive+ly pos adv. aggrieve ety C14 agreven, via Old French from Latin aggrav*_are to #7aggravate aggrieve 1. syl ag+grieve pron <*1grEv> pos vb. mod tr. usage passive def to grieve; distress; afflict. exam 1 it aggrieved her much that she could not go. aggrieve 2. syl ag+grieve pron <*1grEv> pos vb. mod tr. def to injure unjustly, esp. by infringing a person's legal rights. aggrievedly sub head aggrieve syl ag+griev+ed+ly pron <*1grEvidli> pos adv. aggro ety C20: from #7aggravation aggro 0. syl ag+gro pron <1@gr*u> pos n. qual Brit. slang. def aggressive behaviour, esp. by youths in a gang. agha 0. syl a:gha pron <1a:g*> pos n. def a variant spelling of {aga}. aghast ety C13 agast, from Old English g@astan to frighten. The spelling with gh is on the model of #7ghastly aghast 0. syl a:ghast pron <*1ga:st> pos adj. usage postpositive def overcome with amazement or horror. agile ety C15: from Latin agilis, from agere to do, act agile 1. syl ag+ile pron <1@JIl> pos adj. def quick in movement; nimble. agile 2. syl ag+ile pron <1@JIl> pos adj. def mentally quick or acute. agilely sub head agile syl ag+ile+ly pos adv. agility sub head agile syl a:gil+i:ty pron <*1Jiliti> pos n. Agincourt 0. syl Ag+in+court pron <1aJin2kc:t>, French pos n. def a battle fought in 1415 near the village of Agincourt, N France: a decisive victory for English longbowmen under Henry V over French forces vastly superior in number. agio ety C17: from Italian, literally: ease agio 1.a. syl ag:i:o pron <1@Ji*u> pos n. def the difference between the nominal and actual values of a currency. agio 1.b. syl ag:i:o pron <1@Ji*u> pos n. def the charge payable for conversion of the less valuable currency. agio 2. syl ag:i:o pron <1@Ji*u> pos n. def a percentage payable for the exchange of one currency into another. agio 3. syl ag:i:o pron <1@Ji*u> pos n. def an allowance granted to compensate for differences in currency values, as on foreign bills of exchange. agio 4. syl ag:i:o pron <1@Ji*u> pos n. def an informal word for {agiotage}. agiotage ety C19: French, from #7agio agiotage 1. syl ag:io+tage pron <1@J*tiJ> pos n. def the business of exchanging currencies. agiotage 2. syl ag:io+tage pron <1@J*tiJ> pos n. def speculative dealing in stock exchange securities or foreign exchange. agist ety C14: from Old French agister, from gister to lodge, ultimately from Latin jac*_ere to lie down agist 1. syl a:gist pron <*1Jist> pos vb. mod tr. qual Law. def to care for and feed (cattle or horses) for payment. agist 2. syl a:gist pron <*1Jist> pos vb. mod tr. qual Law. def to assess and charge (land or its owner) with a public burden, such as a tax. agitate ety C16: from Latin agit*_atus, from agit*_are to move to and fro, set into motion, from agere to act, do agitate 1. syl ag:i+tate pron <1@Ji2tAt> pos vb. mod tr. def to excite, disturb, or trouble (a person, the mind or feelings); worry. agitate 2. syl ag:i+tate pron <1@Ji2tAt> pos vb. mod tr. def to cause to move vigorously; shake, stir, or disturb. agitate 3. syl ag:i+tate pron <1@Ji2tAt> pos vb. mod intr. usage often foll. by for or against def to attempt to stir up public opinion for or against something. agitate 4. syl ag:i+tate pron <1@Ji2tAt> pos vb. mod tr. def to discuss or debate in order to draw attention to or gain support for (a cause, etc.). exam 1 to agitate a political cause. agitation sub head agitate syl ag:i+1ta+tion pos n. agitato 0. syl a:gi+ta+to pron <2@Ji1ta:t*u> pos adj. adv. qual Music. def in an agitated manner. agitator 1. syl ag:i+ta+tor pron <1@Ji2tAt*> pos n. def a person who agitates for or against a cause, etc. agitator 2. syl ag:i+ta+tor pron <1@Ji2tAt*> pos n. def a device, machine, or part used for mixing, shaking, or vibrating a material. agitprop ety C20: short for Russian Agitpropbyuro agitprop 1. syl ag:it+prop pron <1@Jit2prop> pos n. usage often cap. def a bureau of the Central Committee of the Communist Party of the Soviet Union, in charge of agitation and propaganda on behalf of Communism. agitprop 2. syl ag:it+prop pron <1@Jit2prop> pos n. def any promotion of political agitation and propaganda, esp. of a Communist nature. Aglaia ety Greek: splendour, from aglaos splendid Aglaia 0. syl A:glai:a pron <*1glI*> pos n. qual Greek myth. def one of the three Graces. agleam 0. syl a:gleam pron <*1glEm> pos adj. usage postpositive def glowing; gleaming. aglet ety C15: from Old French aiguillette a small needle aiglet alt head aglet or aglet syl ai:glet pos n. aglet 1. or aiglet syl ag+let pron <1@glit> pos n. def a metal sheath or tag at the end of a shoelace, ribbon, etc. aglet 2. or aiglet syl ag+let pron <1@glit> pos n. def a variant spelling of {aiguillette}. aglet 3. or aiglet syl ag+let pron <1@glit> pos n. def any ornamental pendant. agley ety from gley squint agley 0. syl a:gley pron <*1glA>, <*1glE> pos adj. qual Scot. def awry. aglimmer 0. syl a:glim+mer pron <*1glim*> pos adj. usage postpositive def glimmering. aglitter 0. syl a:glit+ter pron <*1glit*> pos adj. usage postpositive def sparkling; glittering. aglow 0. syl a:glow pron <*1gl*u> pos adj. usage postpositive def glowing. AGM 0. syl A.G.M. qual abbrev. for def annual general meeting. agma 0. syl ag:ma pron <1@gm*> pos n. qual Phonetics. def the symbol (&n), used to represent a velar nasal consonant, as in (l$A&n) or (t@a&nk). agminate ety C19: from Latin agmen a moving throng agminate 0. syl ag+mi+nate pron <1@gminit>, <-2nAt> pos adj. def gathered or clustered together. agnail 0. syl ag+nail pron <1@g2nAl> pos n. def another name for {hangnail}. agnate ety C16: from Latin agn*_atus born in addition, added by birth, from agn*_asci, from ad- in addition+ gn*_asci to be born agnate 1. syl ag+nate pron <1@gnAt> pos adj. def related by descent from a common male ancestor. agnate 2. syl ag+nate pron <1@gnAt> pos adj. def related in any way; cognate. agnate 3. syl ag+nate pron <1@gnAt> pos n. def a male or female descendant by male links from a common male ancestor. agnatic sub head agnate syl ag+nat+ic pron <@g1n@tik> pos adj. agnation sub head agnate syl ag+1na+tion pos n. Saint infl head Agnes syl Saint. pos n. Agnes 0. syl Ag:nes pron <1@gnis> pos n. def ??292-??304 #7a.d., Christian child martyr under Diocletian. Feast day: Jan. 21. Agni ety Sanskrit: fire Agni 0. syl Ag:ni pron <1^gni> pos n. qual Hinduism. def the god of fire, one of the three chief deities of the Vedas. agnomen ety C18: from Late Latin, from ad- in addition to+ n*_omen name agnomina infl head agnomen syl ag+nom:i+na pron <-1nomin*> pos n. mod pl. agnomen 1. syl ag+no+men pron <@g1n*umen> pos n. def the fourth name or second cognomen occasionally acquired by an ancient Roman. See also {cognomen, nomen, praenomen}. agnomen 2. syl ag+no+men pron <@g1n*umen> pos n. def another word for {nickname}. agnominal sub head agnomen syl ag+nom:i+nal pron <@g1nominL> pos adj. agnostic ety C19: coined l869 by T. H. Huxley from #7a -%1#7+gnostic agnostic 1. syl ag+nos+tic pron <@g1nostik> pos n. def a person who holds that only material phenomena can be known and knowledge of a Supreme Being, ultimate cause, etc., is impossible. agnostic 2. syl ag+nos+tic pron <@g1nostik> pos adj. def of or relating to agnostics. agnosticism sub head agnostic syl ag+1nos+ti+cism pos n. Agnus Dei ety Latin: Lamb of God Agnus Dei 1. syl Ag+nus De:i pron <1@gnus> <1dAi> pos n. qual Christianity. def the figure of a lamb bearing a cross or banner, emblematic of Christ. Agnus Dei 2. syl Ag+nus De:i pron <1@gnus> <1dAi> pos n. qual Christianity. def a chant beginning with these words or a translation of them, forming part of the Roman Catholic Mass or sung as an anthem in the Anglican liturgy. Agnus Dei 3. syl Ag+nus De:i pron <1@gnus> <1dAi> pos n. qual Christianity. def a wax medallion stamped with a lamb as emblem of Christ and blessed by the pope. ago ety C14 ago, from Old English *_ag*_an to pass away #e Usage. The use of ago with since (it's ten years ago since he wrote the novel) is redundant and is therefore avoided in careful English. Ago should be followed by that: it was ten years ago that he wrote the novel. ago 0. syl a:go pron <*1g*u> pos adv. def in the past. exam 1 five years ago; exam 2 long ago. agog ety C15: perhaps from Old French en gogues in merriments, origin unknown agog 0. syl a:gog pron <*1gog> pos adj. usage postpositive def highly impatient, eager, or curious. a gogo ety C20: from French a gogo 0. syl *`a go:go pron <*> <1g*u2g*u> pos adj. adv. qual Informal. def as much as one likes; galore. exam 1 champagne *`a gogo. -agogue ety via Late Latin from Greek ag*_ogos leading, from agein to lead -agogue 1. syl -a:gogue usage esp. U.S. def indicating a person or thing that leads or incites to action. exam 1 pedagogue; exam 2 demagogue. -agogue 2. syl -a:gogue usage esp. U.S. def denoting a substance that stimulates the secretion of something. exam 1 galactagogue. -agogic sub head -agogue syl -a:gog:ic -agogy sub head -agogue syl -a:go:gy agon ety C17: Greek: contest, from agein to lead agones infl head agon syl a:go+nes pron <*1g*unEz> pos n. mod pl. agon 0. syl ag:on pron <1@g*un>, <-gon> pos n. usage in ancient Greece def a festival at which competitors contended for prizes. Among the best known were the Olympic, Pythias, Nemean, and Isthmian Games. agone 0. syl a:gone pron <*1gon> pos adv. def an archaic word for {ago}. agonic ety C19: from Greek ag*_onos, from #7a -%1#7+ g*_onia angle agonic 0. syl a:gon+ic pron <*1gonik>, pos adj. def forming no angle. agonic line 0. syl a:gon+ic line pos n. def an imaginary line on the surface of the earth connecting points of zero magnetic declination. agonist ety C17: from Greek ag*_on #7agon agonist 1. syl ag:o+nist pron <1@g*nist> pos n. def any muscle that is opposed in action by another muscle. Compare {antagonist}. agonist 2. syl ag:o+nist pron <1@g*nist> pos n. def a competitor, as in an agon. agonistic ety C17: via Late Latin from Greek ag*_onistikos, from ag*_on contest agonistic 1. syl ag:o+nis+tic pron <2@g*1nistik> pos adj. def striving for effect; strained. agonistic 2. syl ag:o+nis+tic pron <2@g*1nistik> pos adj. def eager to win in discussion or argument; competitive. agonize ety C16: via Medieval Latin from Greek ag*_onizesthai to contend for a prize, from ag*_on #7agon agonise alt head agonize or agonize syl ag:o+nise pron <1@g*2nIz> pos vb. agonize 1. or agonise syl ag:o+nize pron <1@g*2nIz> pos vb. def to suffer or cause to suffer agony. agonize 2. or agonise syl ag:o+nize pron <1@g*2nIz> pos vb. mod intr. def to make a desperate effort; struggle; strive. agonizingly sub head agonize or agonisingly syl ag:o+2niz+ing+ly pos adv. agonisingly sub head agonize or agonizingly syl ag:o+2nis+ing+ly pos adv. agony ety C14: via Late Latin from Greek ag*_onia struggle, from ag*_on contest agonies infl head agony syl ag:o+nies. pos n. mod pl. agony 1. syl ag:o+ny pron <1@g*ni> pos n. def acute physical or mental pain; anguish. agony 2. syl ag:o+ny pron <1@g*ni> pos n. def the suffering or struggle preceding death. put infl head agony or turn on the agony syl put turn on the agony infl head agony or put syl turn on the agony. pile 3. head agony syl pile qual Brit. informal. def to exaggerate one's distress for sympathy or greater effect. agony column 0. syl ag:o+ny col+umn pos n. qual Brit. informal. def a newspaper column devoted to advertisements relating esp. to personal problems. agora ety from Greek, from agorein to gather agorae infl head agora or agoras syl ag:o+rae pron <-rE>, <-rI> pos n. mod pl. agoras infl head agora or agorae syl ag:o+ras. pos n. mod pl. agora H1.0.a. syl ag:o+ra pron <1@g*r*> pos n. usage often cap. def the marketplace in Athens, used for popular meetings, or any similar place of assembly in ancient Greece. agora H1.0.b. syl ag:o+ra pron <1@g*r*> pos n. usage often cap. def the meeting itself. agora ety Hebrew, from *_ag*_or to collect agorot infl head agora syl ag:o+rot pron <-1rot> pos n. mod pl. agora H2.0. syl ag:o+ra pron <2@g*1ra:> pos n. def an Israeli monetary unit worth one hundredth of a pound. agoraphobia 0. syl ag:o+ra+pho+bi:a pron <2@g*r*1f*ubi*> pos n. def an abnormal dread of open spaces. agoraphobic sub head agoraphobia syl ag:o+ra+1pho+bic pos adj. n. Giacomo infl head Agostini syl Gia:co:mo pron <1Ja:komo> pos n. Agostini 0. syl A:gos:ti:ni pron Italian pos n. def born 1944, Italian racing motorcyclist: world champion (500 cc. class) 1966-72; (350 cc. class) 1968-74. agouti ety C18: via French and Spanish from Guarani agoutis infl head agouti or agouties syl a:gou+tis pos n. mod pl. agouties infl head agouti or agoutis syl a:gou+ties. pos n. mod pl. agouti 1. syl a:gou+ti pron <*1gu:ti> pos n. def any hystricomorph rodent of the genus of Central and South America and the West Indies: family Agoutis are agile and long-legged, with hooflike claws, and are valued for their meat. agouti 2. syl a:gou+ti pron <*1gu:ti> pos n. def a pattern of fur in certain rodents, characterized by irregular stripes. agric alt head agr or agr syl agric. agr 1. or agric syl agr. qual abbrev. for: def agricultural. agr 2. or agric syl agr. qual abbrev. for: def agriculture. agr 3. or agric syl agr. qual abbrev. for: def agricultur(al)ist. AGR 0. syl AGR qual abbrev. for def advanced gas-cooled reactor. Agra 0. syl A:gra pron <1a:gr*> pos n. def a city in N India, in W Uttar Pradesh on the Jumna River: a capital of the Mogul empire until 1658; famous for its Mogul architecture, esp. the Taj Mahal. Pop.: 591917 (1971). agraffe ety C18: from French, from grafe a hook agrafe alt head agraffe or agraffe syl a:grafe pron <*1gr@f> pos n. qual U.S. (sometimes agraffe 1. or agrafe syl a:graffe pron <*1gr@f> pos n. def a fastening consisting of a loop and hook, formerly used in armour and clothing. agraffe 2. or agrafe syl a:graffe pron <*1gr@f> pos n. def a metal cramp used to connect stones. Agram 0. syl A:gram pron <1a:gram> pos n. def the German name for {Zagreb}. agranulocytosis ety C20: New Latin; see #7a -%1#7, granule, -#7cyte, -#7osis agranulocytosis 0. syl a:gran+u:lo+cy+to:sis pron <*2gr@njul*usI1t*usis> pos n. def a serious and sometimes fatal illness characterized by a marked reduction of leucocytes, usually caused by hypersensitivity to certain drugs. agrapha ety Greek: things not written, from #7a -%1#7+ graphein to write agrapha 0. syl ag+ra+pha pron <1@gr*f*> pos n. mod pl. def sayings of Jesus not recorded in the canonical Gospels. agraphia ety C19: New Latin, from #7a -%1#7+ Greek graphein to write agraphia 0. syl a:graph:i:a pron <*1gr@fi*> pos n. def loss of the ability to write, resulting from a brain lesion. agrarian ety C16: from Latin agr*_arius, from ager field, land agrarian 1. syl a:grar+i:an pron <*1gre*ri*n> pos adj. def of or relating to land or its cultivation or to systems of dividing landed property. agrarian 2. syl a:grar+i:an pron <*1gre*ri*n> pos adj. def of or relating to rural or agricultural matters. agrarian 3. syl a:grar+i:an pron <*1gre*ri*n> pos adj. usage of plants def growing wild. {~} agrarian 4. syl a:grar+i:an pron <*1gre*ri*n> pos adj. def a person who favours the redistribution of landed property. agrarianism sub head agrarian syl a:1grar:i+an+ism pos n. agree ety C14: from Old French agreer, from the phrase a gre at will or pleasure agrees infl head agree syl a:grees pos vb. mod mainly; intr. agreeing infl head agree syl a:gree+ing pos vb. mod mainly; intr. agreed infl head agree syl a:greed. pos vb. mod mainly; intr. agree 1. syl a:gree pron <*1grE> pos vb. mod mainly; intr. usage often foll. by with def to be of the same opinion; concur. agree 2. syl a:gree pron <*1grE> pos vb. mod also; tr. when; intr. often foll. by to; when; tr. usage an infinitive def to give assent; consent. exam 1 she agreed to go home; exam 2 I'll agree to that. agree 3. syl a:gree pron <*1grE> pos vb. mod also; tr. when; intr. foll. by on or about; when; tr. usage may take a clause as object def to come to terms (about); arrive at a settlement (on). agree 4. syl a:gree pron <*1grE> pos vb. mod mainly; intr. usage foll. by with def to be similar or consistent; harmonize; correspond. agree 5. syl a:gree pron <*1grE> pos vb. mod mainly; intr. usage foll. by with def to be agreeable or suitable (to one's health, temperament, etc.). agree 6. syl a:gree pron <*1grE> pos vb. mod mainly; intr. qual Grammar. def to undergo agreement. agree 7. syl a:gree pron <*1grE> pos vb. mod tr. usage takes a clause as object def to concede or grant; admit. exam 1 they agreed that the price was too high. agreeable 1. syl a:gree+a:ble pron <*1grE*bL> pos adj. def pleasing; pleasant. agreeable 2. syl a:gree+a:ble pron <*1grE*bL> pos adj. def prepared to consent. agreeable 3. syl a:gree+a:ble pron <*1grE*bL> pos adj. usage foll. by to or with def in keeping; consistent. exam 1 salaries agreeable with current trends. agreeable 4. syl a:gree+a:ble pron <*1grE*bL> pos adj. usage foll. by to def to one's liking. exam 1 the terms were not agreeable to him. agreeableness sub head agreeable syl a:1gree+a:ble+ness pos n. agreeably sub head agreeable syl a:1gree+a:bly pos adv. agreed 0. syl a:greed pron <*1grEd> pos adj. def determined by common consent. exam 1 the agreed price. agreement ety C14: from Old French agreement 1. syl a:gree+ment pron <*1grEm*nt> pos n. def the act of agreeing. agreement 2. syl a:gree+ment pron <*1grEm*nt> pos n. def a settlement, esp. one that is legally enforceable; covenant; treaty. agreement 3. syl a:gree+ment pron <*1grEm*nt> pos n. def a contract or document containing such a settlement. agreement 4. syl a:gree+ment pron <*1grEm*nt> pos n. def the state of being of the same opinion; concord; harmony. agreement 5. syl a:gree+ment pron <*1grEm*nt> pos n. def the state of being similar or consistent; correspondence; conformity. agreement 6. syl a:gree+ment pron <*1grEm*nt> pos n. qual Grammar. def the determination of the inflectional form of one word by some grammatical feature, such as number or gender, of another word, esp. one in the same sentence. Also called: {concord}. agrestal 0. syl a:gres+tal pron <*1grest*l> pos adj. usage of uncultivated plants such as weeds def growing on cultivated land. agrestic ety C17: from Latin agrestis, from ager field agrestic 1. syl a:gres+tic pron <*1grestik> pos adj. def rural; rustic. agrestic 2. syl a:gres+tic pron <*1grestik> pos adj. def unpolished; uncouth. agribusiness ety C20: from #7agri (#7culture) +#7business agribusiness 0. syl ag+ri+busi+ness pron <1@gri2biznis> pos n. def the various businesses collectively that process, distribute, and support farm products. agr alt head agric or agric syl agr. agric 1. or agr syl agric. qual abbrev. for: def agricultural. agric 2. or agr syl agric. qual abbrev. for: def agriculture. agric 3. or agr syl agric. qual abbrev. for: def agricultur(al)ist. Georgius 1. head Agricola syl Geor:gi:us pron <1Jc:Ji*s> def original name 1494-1555, German mineralogist, metallurgist, and author, commonly regarded as the father of mineralogy. Gnaeus Julius 2. head Agricola syl Gnae:us Ju:li:us pron <1nE*s> <1Ju:li*s> def 40-93 #7a.d., Roman general; governor of Britain who advanced Roman rule north to the Firth of Forth. agriculture ety C17: from Latin agricult*_ura, from ager field, land+ cult*_ura #7culture agriculture 0. syl ag+ri+cul+ture pron <1@gri2k^lC*> pos n. def the science or occupation of cultivating land and rearing crops and livestock; farming; husbandry. agricultural sub head agriculture syl ag+ri+1cul+tur+al pos adj. agriculturally sub head agriculture syl ag+ri+1cul+tur+al+ly pos adv. agriculturist sub head agriculture or agriculturalist syl ag+ri+1cul+tur+ist pos n. agriculturalist sub head agriculture or agriculturist syl ag+ri+1cul+tur+al+ist pos n. Agrigento 0. syl A:gri+gen+to pron Italian pos n. def a town in Italy, in SW Sicily: site of six Greek temples. Pop.: 49213 (1971). Former name (until 1927): {Girgenti}. agrimony ety C15: altered from egrimonie (C14), via Old French from Latin agrim*_onia, variant of argem*_onia from Greek argem*_on*_e poppy agrimony 1. syl ag+ri+mo+ny pron <1@grim*ni> pos n. def any of various temperate rosaceous plants of the genus which have compound leaves, long spikes of small yellow flowers, and bristly burlike fruits. agrimony 2. syl ag+ri+mo+ny pron <1@grim*ni> pos n. def any of several other plants, such as hemp agrimony. Marcus Vipsanius infl head Agrippa syl Mar:cus Vip:sa:ni:us pron <1ma:k*s> pos n. Agrippa 0. syl A:grip:pa pron <*1grip*> pos n. def 63-12 #7b.c., Roman general: chief adviser and later son-in-law of Augustus. Agrippina 1. syl Ag:rip:pi:na pron <2@gri1pEn*> pos n. def called 14 #7b.c. -33 #7a.d., Roman matron: granddaughter of Augustus: wife of Germanicus, mother of Caligula and Agrippina the Younger. Agrippina 2. syl Ag:rip:pi:na pron <2@gri1pEn*> pos n. def called 15-59 #7a.d., mother of Nero, who put her to death after he became emperor. agro- ety from Greek agros field agro- 0. syl ag:ro- usage combining form. def denoting fields, soil, or agriculture. exam 1 agronomy. agrobiology 0. syl ag+ro+bi+ol+o:gy pron <2@gr*ubI1ol*Ji> pos n. def the science of plant growth and nutrition in relation to agriculture. agrobiological sub head agrobiology syl ag+ro+bi:o+log:i+cal pron <2@gr*u2bI*1loJikL> pos adj. agrobiologist sub head agrobiology syl ag+ro+bi+1ol:o+gist pos n. agrology 0. syl a:grol+o:gy pron <*1grol*Ji> pos n. def the scientific study of soils and their potential productivity. agrological sub head agrology syl ag+ro+log:i+cal pron <2@gr*1loJikL> pos adj. agron 0. syl agron. qual abbrev. for def agronomy. agronomics 0. syl ag+ro+nom+ics pron <2@gr*1nomiks> pos n. mod functioning as; sing. def the branch of economy dealing with the distribution, management, and productivity of land. agronomic sub head agronomics or agronomical syl ag+ro+1nom+ic pos adj. agronomical sub head agronomics or agronomic syl ag+ro+1nom:i+cal pos adj. agronomy 0. syl a:gron:o+my pron <*1gron*mi> pos n. def the science of cultivation of land, soil management, and crop production. agronomist sub head agronomy syl a:1gron:o+mist pos n. agrostology ety C19: from Greek agr*_ostis a type of grass+-#7logy agrostology 0. syl ag+ros+tol+o:gy pron <2@gr*1stol*Ji> pos n. def the branch of botany concerned with the study of grasses. aground 0. syl a:ground pron <*1graund> pos adv. adj. usage postpositive def on or onto the ground or bottom, as in shallow water. agrypnotic ety C20: from Greek agrupnos wakeful, from agrein to pursue+ hupnos sleep agrypnotic 1. syl ag+ryp+not+ic pron <2@grip1notik> pos adj. def inducing, relating to, or characterized by insomnia. agrypnotic 2. syl ag+ryp+not+ic pron <2@grip1notik> pos n. def a drug or agent that induces insomnia. agt 1. syl agt. qual abbrev. for: def agent. agt 2. syl agt. qual abbrev. for: def agreement. aguardiente ety C19: Spanish: burning water aguardiente 0. syl a:guar+dien+te pron Spanish. pos n. def any inferior brandy or similar spirit, esp. from Spain, Portugal, or South America. Aguascalientes 1. syl A:guas+ca+lien+tes pron Spanish <2a$Gwaska1ljAntAs> pos n. def a state in central Mexico. Pop.: 338142 (1970). Area: 6472 sq. km (2499 sq. miles). Aguascalientes 2. syl A:guas+ca+lien+tes pron Spanish <2a$Gwaska1ljAntAs> pos n. def a city in central Mexico, capital of Aguascalientes state, about 1900 m (6200 ft.) above sea level, with hot springs. Pop.: 221538 (1975 est.). ague ety C14: from Old French (fievre) ague acute fever; see #7acute ague 1. syl a:gue pron <1Agju:> pos n. def malarial fever with successive stages of fever and chills. ague 2. syl a:gue pron <1Agju:> pos n. def a fit of shivering. agueweed 1. syl a:gue+weed pron <1Agju:2wEd> pos n. def a North American gentianaceous plant, that has clusters of pale blue-violet or white flowers. agueweed 2. syl a:gue+weed pron <1Agju:2wEd> pos n. def another name for {boneset}. Cape infl head Agulhas syl Cape. pos n. Agulhas 0. syl A:gul+has pron <*1g^l*s> pos n. def a headland in South Africa, the southernmost point of the African Continent. ah 0. syl ah pron pos interj. def an exclamation expressing pleasure, pain, sympathy, etc., according to the intonation of the speaker. ah 0. syl a.h. qual abbrev. for def ampere-hour. AH ety Latin AH 0. syl A.H. qual abbrev. for usage indicating years in the Muslim system of dating, numbered from the Hegira (622 #7a.d. def anno Hegirae. aha 0. syl a:ha pron pos interj. def an exclamation expressing triumph, surprise, etc., according to the intonation of the speaker. Ahab 0. syl A:hab pron <1Ah@b> pos n. qual Old Testament. def the king of Israel from approximately 869 to 850 #7b.c. and husband of Jezebel: rebuked by Elijah (I Kings 16:29-22:40). Ahasuerus 0. syl A:has:u:e:rus pron <*2h@zju:1i*r*s> pos n. qual Old Testament. def a king of ancient Persia and husband of Esther, generally identified with Xerxes. ahead 1. syl a:head pron <*1hed> pos adj. usage postpositive def in front; in advance. ahead 2. syl a:head pron <*1hed> pos adv. def at or in the front; in advance; before. ahead 3. syl a:head pron <*1hed> pos adv. def onwards; forwards. exam 1 go straight ahead. ahead 4.a. syl a:head pron <*1hed> pos adv. def in front of; at a further advanced position than. ahead 4.b. syl a:head pron <*1hed> pos adv. qual Stock Exchange. def in anticipation of. exam 1 the share price rose ahead of the annual figures. be ahead infl head ahead syl be ahead. pos adv. qual Informal. ahead 5. syl a:head pron <*1hed> pos adv. def to have an advantage; be winning. exam 1 ahead on points. get ahead 6. head ahead syl get ahead. def to advance or attain success. ahem 0. syl a:hem pron <*1hem> pos interj. def a clearing of the throat, used to attract attention, express doubt, etc. ahimsa ety Sanskrit, from #7a -%1#7+ hims*_a injury ahimsa 0. syl a:him+sa pron pos n. usage in Hindu, Buddhist, and Jainist philosophy def the law of reverence for, and nonviolence to, every form of life. ahistoric alt head ahistorical or ahistorical syl a:his+tor+ic pos adj. ahistorical 0. or ahistoric syl a:his+tor:i+cal pron <2Ahis1torik*l> pos adj. def not related to history; not historical. Achitophel alt head Ahithophel or Ahithophel syl A:chit:o:phel pos n. Ahithophel 0. or Achitophel syl A:hith:o:phel pron <*1hiT*2fel> pos n. qual Old Testament. def a member of David's council, who became one of Absalom's advisers in his rebellion and hanged himself when his advice was overruled (II Samuel 15:12-17:23). Ahmadabad alt head Ahmedabad or Ahmedabad syl Ah+mad:a+bad pron <1a:m*d*2ba:d> pos n. Ahmedabad 0. or Ahmadabad syl Ah+med:a+bad pron <1a:m*d*2ba:d> pos n. def a city in W India, capital of Gujarat state: famous for its mosque. Pop.: 1585544 (1971). Ahmadnagar alt head Ahmednagar or Ahmednagar syl Ah+mad+na+gar pron <2a:m*d1n^g*> pos n. Ahmednagar 0. or Ahmadnagar syl Ah+med+na+gar pron <2a:m*d1n^g*> pos n. def a city in W India, in Maharashtra: formerly one of the kingdoms of Deccan. Pop.: 118236 (1971). A horizon 0. syl A ho+ri+zon pos n. def the top layer of a soil profile, usually dark coloured and containing humus, from which the soluble salts have been leached. See {B horizon, C horizon}. ahoy 0. syl a:hoy pron <*1hci> pos interj. qual Nautical. def a hail used to call a ship or to attract attention. AHQ 0. syl AHQ qual abbrev. for def Army Headquarters. Ahriman 0. syl Ah:ri:man pron <1a:rim*n> pos n. qual Zoroastrianism. def the supreme evil spirit and diabolical opponent of Ormazd. Ahura Mazda 0. syl A:hu:ra Maz:da pron <*1hu*r*> <1m@zd*> pos n. qual Zoroastrianism. def another name for {Ormazd}. Ahvenanmaa 0. syl Ah+ve+nan+maa pron <1ahvenamma:> pos n. def the Finnish name for the {*%Aland Islands}. Ahvaz alt head Ahwaz or Ahwaz syl Ah+vaz pron pos n. Ahwaz 0. or Ahvaz syl Ah+waz pron pos n. def a town in SW Iran, on the Karun River. Pop.: 302000 (1973 est.). ai ety C17: from Portuguese, from Tupi ais infl head ai syl a:is. pos n. mod pl. ai 0. syl a:i pron <1a:i> pos n. def another name for {three-toed sloth} (see {{sloth} (sense 1)}). AI 0. syl A.I. qual abbrev. for def artificial insemination. AIA 0. syl A.I.A. qual abbrev. for def Associate of the Institute of Actuaries. AICC 0. syl A.I.C.C. qual abbrev. for def All India Congress Committee: the national assembly of the Indian National Congress. aid ety C15: via Old French aidier from Latin adj*_ut*_are to help, from juv*_are to help aid 1. syl aid pron pos vb. def to give support to (someone to do something); help or assist. aid 2. syl aid pron pos vb. mod tr. def to assist financially. aid 3. syl aid pron pos n. def assistance; help; support. aid 4. syl aid pron pos n. def a person, device, etc., that helps or assists. exam 1 a teaching aid. aid 5. syl aid pron pos n. usage in medieval Europe; in England after 1066 def a feudal payment made to the king or any lord by his vassals, usually on certain occasions such as the marriage of a daughter or the knighting of an eldest son. in aid of 6. head aid syl in aid of. qual Brit. informal. def in support of; for the purpose of. aider sub head aid syl aid+er pos n. AID 1. syl A.I.D. qual abbrev. for: def acute infectious disease. AID 2. syl A.I.D. qual abbrev. for: def artificial insemination (by) donor. AID 3. syl A.I.D. qual abbrev. for: def Agency for International Development. Saint infl head Aidan syl Saint. pos n. Aidan 0. syl Ai:dan pron <1AdN> pos n. def died 651 #7a.d. Irish missionary in Northumbria, who founded the monastery at Lindisfarne (635). aide 1. syl aide pron pos n. def short for {aide-de-camp}. aide 2. syl aide pron pos n. def an assistant. aide-de-camp ety C17: from French: camp assistant aid-de-camp alt head aide-de-camp or aide-de-camp syl aid-de-camp pron <1Ad> <1koG> pos n. aides-de-camp infl head aide-de-camp or aids-de-camp syl aides-de-camp pos n. mod pl. aids-de-camp infl head aide-de-camp or aides-de-camp syl aids-de-camp. pos n. mod pl. aide-de-camp 0. or aid-de-camp syl aide-de-camp pron <1Ad> <1koG> pos n. def a military officer serving as personal assistant to a senior. Abbrev.: {A.D.C., ADC, a.d.c}. aide-m'emoire ety from aider to help+ m*'emoire memory aides-m'emoire infl head aide-m'emoire syl aides-m*'e:moire pron , English <1Adz> pos n. mod pl. aide-m'emoire 0. syl aide-m*'e:moire pron French. , English <1Ad> , English <1Adz> pos n. def a memorandum or summary of the items of an agreement, etc. Aidin 0. syl Ai:din pron <1Idin> pos n. def a variant spelling of {Aydin}. AIF 0. syl A.I.F. qual abbrev. for def Australian Imperial Force. aiglet 0. syl ai:glet pron <1Aglit> pos n. def a variant of {aglet}. aigret alt head aigrette or aigrette syl ai:gret pron <1Agret>, pos n. aigrette 1. or aigret syl ai:grette pron <1Agret>, pos n. def a long plume worn on hats or as a headdress, esp. one of long egret feathers. aigrette 2. or aigret syl ai:grette pron <1Agret>, pos n. def an ornament or piece of jewellery in imitation of a plume of feathers. aiguille ety C19: French, literally: needle aiguille 1. syl ai:guille pron , <1AgwEl> pos n. def a rock mass or mountain peak shaped like a needle. aiguille 2. syl ai:guille pron , <1AgwEl> pos n. def an instrument for boring holes in rocks or masonry. aiguillette 1. syl ai:guil+lette pron <2Agwi1let> pos n. def a metal tip or tag on loops of ornamental braid on military uniforms. aiguillette 2. syl ai:guil+lette pron <2Agwi1let> pos n. def a variant of {aglet}. AIH 0. syl A.I.H. qual abbrev. for def artificial insemination (by) husband. aikido ety from Japanese, from ai to harmonize+ ki control, breath+ do way aikido 0. syl ai:kid:o pron <1Ikid*u> pos n. def a Japanese system of self-defence employing similar principles to judo. aikona ety from Zulu aikona 0. syl ai:ko+na pron <1Ikc:n*> pos interj. qual S. African. def an informal word express?!ing strong negation. ail ety Old English eglan to trouble, from egle troublesome, painful, related to Gothic agls shameful ail 1. syl ail pron pos vb. mod tr. def to trouble; afflict. ail 2. syl ail pron pos vb. mod intr. def to feel unwell. ailanthus ety C19: New Latin, from Amboinese ai lanto tree (of) the gods ailanthuses infl head ailanthus syl ai:lan+thus:es. pos n. mod pl. ailanthus 0. syl ai:lan+thus pron pos n. def an E Asian simaroubaceous deciduous tree, planted in Europe and North America, having pinnate leaves, small greenish flowers, and winged fruits. Also called: {tree of heaven}. aileron ety C20: from French, diminutive of aile wing aileron 0. syl ai:ler+on pron <1Al*2ron> pos n. def a flap hinged to the trailing edge of an aircraft wing to provide lateral control, as in a bank or roll. ailing 0. syl ail+ing pron <1AliG> pos adj. def unwell, esp. over a long period. ailment 0. syl ail+ment pron <1Alm*nt> pos n. def a slight but often persistent illness. ailurophile ety C20: facetious coinage from Greek ailuros cat+-#7phile ailurophile 0. syl ai:lu+ro+phile pron pos n. def a person who likes cats. ailurophilia sub head ailurophile syl ai:lu+ro+phil:i:a pron pos n. ailurophobe ety C20: from Greek ailuros cat+-#7phobe ailurophobe 0. syl ai:lu+ro+phobe pron pos n. def a person who dislikes or is afraid of cats. aim ety C14: via Old French aesmer from Latin aestim*_are to #7estimate aim 1. syl aim pron pos vb. def to point (a weapon, missile, etc.) or direct (a blow) at a particular person or object; level. aim 2. syl aim pron pos vb. mod tr. def to direct (satire, criticism, etc.) at a person, object, etc. aim 3. syl aim pron pos vb. mod intr. usage foll. by at or an infinitive def to propose or intend. exam 1 we aim to leave early. aim 4. syl aim pron pos vb. mod intr. usage often foll. by at or for def to direct one's efforts or strive (towards). exam 1 to aim at better communications; exam 2 to aim high. aim 5. syl aim pron pos n. def the action of directing something at an object. aim 6. syl aim pron pos n. def the direction in which something is pointed; line of sighting (esp. in the phrase {to take aim}) . aim 7. syl aim pron pos n. def the object at which something is aimed; target. aim 8. syl aim pron pos n. def intention; purpose. aimless 0. syl aim+less pron <1Amlis> pos adj. def having no goal, purpose, or direction. aimlessly sub head aimless syl aim+less+ly pos adv. aimlessness sub head aimless syl aim+less+ness pos n. ain H1.0. syl ain pron pos determiner. def a Scot. word for {own}. ain H2.0. syl a:in pron <1a:jin> pos n. def a variant spelling of {ayin}. Ain 1. syl Ain pron French pos n. def a department in E central France, in Rh*^one-Alpes region. Capital: Bourg. Pop.: 386943 (1975). Area: 5785 sq. km (2256 sq. miles). Ain 2. syl Ain pron French pos n. def a river in E France, rising in the Jura Mountains and flowing south to the Rh*^one. Length: 190 km (118 miles). ain't 0. syl ain't pron qual Not standard. contraction of def am not, is not, are not, have not, has not. exam 1 I ain't seen it. #e Aintab 0. syl Ain+tab pron pos n. def the former name (until 1921) of {Gaziantep}. Ainu ety Ainu: man Ainus infl head Ainu or Ainu syl Ai:nus pos n. mod pl. Ainu infl or Ainus syl Ai:nu pos n. mod pl. Ainu 1. syl Ai:nu pron <1Inu:> pos n. def a member of the aboriginal people of Japan, now mostly intermixed with Mongoloid immigrants whose skin colour is more yellowish. Ainu 2. syl Ai:nu pron <1Inu:> pos n. def the language of this people, of no known relationships, still spoken in parts of Hokkaido and elsewhere. aioli ety from French ail garlic aioli 0. syl a*"i:o:li pron , pos n. def garlic mayonnaise. air ety C13: via Old French and Latin from Greek a*_er the lower atmosphere air 1. syl air pron pos n. def the mixture of gases that forms the earth's atmosphere. At sea level dry air has a density of 1.226 kilograms per sq. metre and consists of 78.08 per cent nitrogen, 20.95 per cent oxygen, 0.93 per cent argon, 0.03 per cent carbon dioxide, with smaller quantities of ozone and inert gases; water vapour varies between 0 and 4 per cent and in industrial areas sulphur gases may be present as pollutants. air 2. syl air pron pos n. def the space above and around the earth; sky. Related adj.: {aerial}. air 3. syl air pron pos n. def breeze; slight wind. air 4. syl air pron pos n. def public expression; utterance. exam 1 to give air to one's complaints. air 5. syl air pron pos n. def a distinctive quality. exam 1 an air of mystery. air 6. syl air pron pos n. def a person's distinctive appearance, manner, or bearing. air 7.a. syl air pron pos n. def a simple tune for either vocal or instrumental performance. air 7.b. syl air pron pos n. def another word for {aria}. air 8. syl air pron pos n. def transportation in aircraft (esp. in the phrase {by air) }. air 9. syl air pron pos n. def an archaic word for {{breath} (senses 1-3).} clear the air 10. head air syl clear the air. def to rid a situation of tension or discord by settling misunderstandings, etc. give (someone) the air 11. head air syl give (someone) the air. qual Slang. def to reject or dismiss (someone). air 12.a. syl air pron pos n. def in circulation; current. air 12.b. syl air pron pos n. def in the process of being decided; unsettled. into thin air 13. head air syl into thin air. def leaving no trace behind. on 14. head air or off the air syl on usage not def in the act of broadcasting or (not) being broadcast on radio or television. take the air 15. head air syl take the air. def to go out of doors, as for a short walk or ride. air 16.a. syl air pron pos n. def uncertain. air 16.b. syl air pron pos n. qual Informal. def agitated or excited. walk 17. head air or tread on air syl walk def to feel elated. air 18. syl air pron pos n. qual Astrology. usage modifier def of or relating to a group of three signs of the zodiac, Gemini, Libra, and Aquarius. Compare {{earth} (sense 10)}, {{fire} (sense 24)}, {{water} (sense 12).} air 19. syl air pron pos vb. def to expose or be exposed to the air so as to cool or freshen; ventilate. exam 1 to air a room. air 20. syl air pron pos vb. def to expose or be exposed to warm or heated air so as to dry. exam 1 to air linen. air 21. syl air pron pos vb. mod tr. def to make known publicly; display; publicize. exam 1 to air one's opinions. Air 0. syl A:*"ir pron <1a:i*> pos n. def a mountainous region of N central Niger, in the Sahara, rising to 1500 m (5000 ft.): a former native kingdom. Area: about 77700 sq. km (30000 sq. miles). Also called: {Asben, Azbine}. AIR 0. syl A.I.R. qual abbrev. for def All India Radio. air alert 1. syl air a:lert pos n. qual Military. def the condition in which combat aircraft are airborne and ready for an operation. air alert 2. syl air a:lert pos n. qual Military. def a signal to prepare for this. air bag 0. syl air bag pos n. def a safety device in a car, consisting of a bag that inflates automatically in an accident and prevents the passengers from being thrown forwards. air base 0. syl air base pos n. def a centre from which military aircraft operate. Also called: {air station}. air bed 0. syl air bed pos n. def an inflatable mattress. air bladder 1. syl air blad+der pos n. qual Ichthyol. def an air-filled sac, lying above the alimentary canal in bony fishes, that regulates buoyancy at different depths by a variation in the pressure of the air. Also called: {swim bladder}. air bladder 2. syl air blad+der pos n. def any air-filled sac, such as one of the bladders of seaweeds. airboat 0. syl air+boat pron <1e*2b*ut> pos n. def another name for {swamp boat}. airborne 1. syl air+borne pron <1e*2bc:n> pos adj. def conveyed by or through the air. airborne 2. syl air+borne pron <1e*2bc:n> pos adj. usage of aircraft def flying; in the air. air brake 1. syl air brake pos n. def a brake operated by compressed air, esp. in heavy vehicles and trains. air brake 2. syl air brake pos n. def an articulated flap or small parachute for reducing the speed of an aircraft. Also called: {dive brake}. air brake 3. syl air brake pos n. def a rotary fan or propeller connected to a shaft to reduce its speed. airbrick 0. syl air+brick pron <1e*2brik> pos n. qual Chiefly Brit. def a brick with holes in it, put into the wall of a building for ventilation. air bridge 0. syl air bridge pos n. qual Brit. def a link by air transport between two places, esp. two places separated by a stretch of sea. airbrush 0. syl air+brush pron <1e*2br^S> pos n. def an atomizer for spraying paint or varnish by means of compressed air. airburst 0. syl air+burst pron <1e*2bR:st> pos n. def the explosion of a bomb, shell, etc., in the air. airbus 0. syl air+bus pron <1e*2b^s> pos n. def an airliner operated over short distances. air chief marshal 0. syl air chief mar+shal pos n. def a senior officer of the Royal Air Force and certain other air forces, of equivalent rank to admiral in the Royal Navy. air commodore 0. syl air com+mo+dore pos n. def a senior officer of the Royal Air Force and certain other air forces, of equivalent rank to brigadier in the Army. air-condition 0. syl air-con:di:tion pos vb. mod tr. def to apply air conditioning to. air conditioning 0. syl air con+di+tion+ing pos n. def a system or process for controlling the temperature and sometimes the humidity and purity of the air in a house, etc. air conditioner sub head air conditioning syl air con+di+tion+er pos n. air-cool 0. syl air-cool pos vb. mod tr. def to cool (an engine, etc.) by a flow of air. Compare {water-cool}. air corridor 0. syl air cor+ri+dor pos n. def an air route along which aircraft are allowed to fly. air cover 0.a. syl air cov+er pos n. def the support of military forces by additional airborne units. air cover 0.b. syl air cov+er pos n. def the aircraft providing this. Also called: {air support}. aircraft infl syl air+craft. pos n. mod pl. aircraft 0. syl air+craft pron <1e*2kra:ft> pos n. def any machine capable of flying by means of buoyancy or aerodynamic forces, such as a glider, helicopter, or aeroplane. aircraft carrier 0. syl air+craft car+ri+er pos n. def a warship built with an extensive flat deck space for the launch and recovery of aircraft. aircrafabric alt head aircraft cloth or aircraft cloth syl air+crafab+ric pos n. aircraft cloth 0. or aircrafabric syl air+craft cloth pos n. def variants of {aeroplane cloth}. aircraftsman alt head aircraftman or aircraftman syl air+crafts+man pos n. aircraftmen infl head aircraftman syl air+craft+men. pos n. mod pl. aircraftman 0. or aircraftsman syl air+craft+man pron <1e*2kra:ftm*n> pos n. def a serviceman of the most junior rank in the RAF. {?-#!air+craft+@!wom@.an} {#!air+crafts+@!wom@.an} aircrew 0. syl air+crew pron <1e*2kru:> pos n. def the crew of an aircraft. air curtain 0. syl air cur+tain pos n. def an air stream across a doorway to exclude draughts, etc. air cushion 1. syl air cush+ion pos n. def an inflatable cushion, usually made of rubber or plastic. air cushion 2. syl air cush+ion pos n. def the pocket of air that supports a hovercraft. air cushion 3. syl air cush+ion pos n. def a form of pneumatic suspension consisting of an enclosed volume of air. See also {air spring}. air cylinder 0. syl air cyl+in+der pos n. def a cylinder containing air, esp. one fitted with a piston and used for damping purposes. Airdrie 0. syl Air+drie pron <1e*dri> pos n. def a burgh and town in W central Scotland, E of Glasgow: coal and iron industries. Pop.: 37736 (1971). airdrome 0. syl air+drome pron <1e*2dr*um> pos n. def the U.S. name for {aerodrome}. airdrop 1. syl air+drop pron <1e*2drop> pos n. def a delivery of supplies, troops, etc., from an aircraft by parachute. airdrops infl head airdrop syl air+drops pos vb. airdropping infl head airdrop syl air+drop+ping pos vb. airdropped infl head airdrop syl air+dropped. pos vb. airdrop 2. syl air+drop pron <1e*2drop> pos vb. mod tr. def to deliver (supplies, etc.) by an airdrop. air-dries infl head air-dry syl air-dries pos vb. mod tr. air-drying infl head air-dry syl air-dry+ing pos vb. mod tr. air-dried infl head air-dry syl air-dried. pos vb. mod tr. air-dry 0. syl air-dry pos vb. mod tr. def to dry by exposure to the air. Aire 0. syl Aire pron pos n. def a river in N England rising in the Pennines and flowing southeast mainly through West Yorkshire to the Ouse. Length: 112 km (70 miles). Airedale ety C19: name of a district in Yorkshire Airedale 0. syl Aire+dale pron <1e*2dAl> pos n. def a large rough-haired tan-coloured breed of terrier characterized by a black saddle-shaped patch on the back. Also called: {Airedale terrier}. air embolism 0. syl air em+bo+lism pos n. def another name for {aeroembolism}. airfield 0. syl air+field pron <1e*2fEld> pos n. def a landing and taking-off area for aircraft, usually with permanent buildings. airflow 0. syl air+flow pron <1e*2fl*u> pos n. def the flow of air in a wind tunnel or past a moving aircraft, car, train, etc.; airstream. airfoil 0. syl air+foil pron <1e*2fcil> pos n. def the U.S. name for {aerofoil}. air force 1.a. syl air force pos n. def the branch of a nation's armed services primarily responsible for military aircraft. air force 1.b. syl air force pos n. usage as modifier exam 1 an air-force base. air force 2. syl air force pos n. def a formation in the U.S. and certain other air forces larger than an air division but smaller than an air command. airframe 0. syl air+frame pron <1e*2frAm> pos n. def the body of an aircraft, excluding its engines. air gas 0. syl air gas pos n. def another name for {producer gas}. airglow 0. syl air+glow pron <1e*2gl*u> pos n. def the faint light from the upper atmosphere in the night sky, esp. in low latitudes. air gun 0. syl air gun pos n. def a gun discharged by means of compressed air. airhead 0. syl air+head pron <1e*2hed> pos n. qual Military, chiefly U.S. def an area secured in hostile territory of sufficient size to allow the continuous supply of troops and equipment by air. air hole 1. syl air hole pos n. def a hole that allows the passage of air, esp. for ventilation. air hole 2. syl air hole pos n. def a section of open water in a frozen surface. air hole 3. syl air hole pos n. def a less common name for {{air pocket} (sense 1).} air hostess 0. syl air host+ess pos n. def a stewardess on an airliner. airily 1. syl air:i+ly pron <1e*rili> pos adv. def in a jaunty or high-spirited manner. airily 2. syl air:i+ly pron <1e*rili> pos adv. def in a light or delicate manner. airiness 1. syl air:i+ness pron <1e*rinis> pos n. def the quality or condition of being fresh, light, or breezy. airiness 2. syl air:i+ness pron <1e*rinis> pos n. def lightness of heart; gaiety. airing 1.a. syl air+ing pron <1e*riG> pos n. def exposure to air or warmth, as for drying or ventilation. airing 1.b. syl air+ing pron <1e*riG> pos n. usage as modifier exam 1 airing cupboard. airing 2. syl air+ing pron <1e*riG> pos n. def an excursion in the open air. airing 3. syl air+ing pron <1e*riG> pos n. def exposure to public debate. air-intake 1.a. syl air-in:take pos n. def an opening in an aircraft through which air is drawn, esp. for the engines. air-intake 1.b. syl air-in:take pos n. def the amount of air drawn in. air-intake 2. syl air-in:take pos n. def the part of a carburettor or similar device through which air enters an internal-combustion engine. air-intake 3. syl air-in:take pos n. def any opening, etc., through which air enters. air jacket 1. syl air jack+et pos n. def an air-filled envelope or compartment surround?!ing a machine or part to reduce the rate at which heat is transferred to or from it. Compare {water jacket}. air jacket 2. syl air jack+et pos n. def a less common name for {life jacket}. airless 1. syl air+less pron <1e*lis> pos adj. def lacking fresh air; stuffy or sultry. airless 2. syl air+less pron <1e*lis> pos adj. def devoid of air. airlessness sub head airless syl air+less+ness pos n. air letter 0. syl air let+ter pos n. def another name for {{aerogram} (sense 1).} airlift 1. syl air+lift pron <1e*2lift> pos n. def the transportation by air of passengers, troops, cargo, etc., esp. when other routes are blocked. airlift 2. syl air+lift pron <1e*2lift> pos vb. mod tr. def to transport by an airlift. airline 1.a. syl air+line pron <1e*2lIn> pos n. def a system or organization that provides scheduled flights for passengers or cargo. airline 1.b. syl air+line pron <1e*2lIn> pos n. usage as modifier exam 1 an airline pilot. airline 2. syl air+line pron <1e*2lIn> pos n. def a hose or tube carrying air under pressure. airline 3. syl air+line pron <1e*2lIn> pos n. qual Chiefly U.S. def a beeline. airliner 0. syl air+lin+er pron <1e*2lIn*> pos n. def a large passenger aircraft. airlock 1. syl air+lock pron <1e*2lok> pos n. def a bubble in a pipe causing an obstruction or stoppage to the flow. airlock 2. syl air+lock pron <1e*2lok> pos n. def an airtight chamber with regulated air pressure used to gain access to a space that has air under pressure. air mail 1. syl air mail pos n. def the system of conveying mail by aircraft. air mail 2. syl air mail pos n. def mail conveyed by aircraft. air-mail infl head air mail syl air-mail. pos adj. air mail 3. syl air mail pos adj. def of, used for, or concerned with air mail. air-mail infl head air mail syl air-mail. pos vb. air mail 4. syl air mail pos vb. mod tr. def to send by air mail. airmen infl head airman syl air+men. pos n. mod pl. airman 0. syl air+man pron <1e*m*n> pos n. def an aviator, esp. one serving in the armed forces. airwoman sub head airman syl air+2wom:an pos n. mod fem. air marshal 1. syl air mar+shal pos n. def a senior Royal Air Force officer of equivalent rank to a vice admiral in the Royal Navy. air marshal 2. syl air mar+shal pos n. def a Royal Australian Air Force officer of the highest rank. air mass 0. syl air mass pos n. def a large body of air having characteristics of temperature, moisture, and pressure that are approximately uniform horizontally. air mile 0. syl air mile pos n. def another name for {{nautical mile} (sense 1).} air-minded 0. syl air-mind:ed pos adj. def interested in or promoting aviation or aircraft. air-mindedness sub head air-minded syl air-mind:ed+ness pos n. Air Officer 0. syl Air Of+fic+er pos n. def an officer in the Royal Air Force above the rank of Group Captain. airplane 0. syl air+plane pron <1e*2plAn> pos n. def the U.S. name for {aeroplane}. air plant 0. syl air plant pos n. def another name for {epiphyte}. air pocket 1. syl air pock+et pos n. def a localized region of low air density or a descending air current, causing an aircraft to suffer an abrupt decrease in height. air pocket 2. syl air pock+et pos n. def any pocket of air that prevents the flow of a liquid or gas, as in a pipe. airport 0. syl air+port pron <1e*2pc:t> pos n. def a landing and taking-off area for civil aircraft, usually with surfaced runways and aircraft maintenance and passenger facilities. air power 0. syl air pow+er pos n. def the strength of a nation's air force. air pump 0. syl air pump pos n. def a device for pumping air in or out of something. air raid 0.a. syl air raid pos n. def an attack by hostile aircraft or missiles. air raid 0.b. syl air raid pos n. usage as modifier exam 1 an air-raid shelter. air-raid warden 0. syl air-raid ward+en pos n. def a member of a civil defence organization responsible for enforcing regulations, etc., during an air attack. air rifle 0. syl air ri+fle pos n. def a rifle discharged by compressed air. airs 0. syl airs pron pos n. mod pl. def affected manners intended to impress others (esp. in the phrases {give oneself airs, put on airs) }. air sac 1. syl air sac pos n. def any of the membranous air-filled extensions of the lungs of birds, which increase the efficiency of gaseous exchange in the lungs. air sac 2. syl air sac pos n. def any of the thin-walled extensions of the tracheae of insects having a similar function. air scoop 0. syl air scoop pos n. def a device fitted to the surface of an aircraft to provide air pressure or ventilation from the airflow. Air Scout 0. syl Air Scout pos n. def a scout belonging to a scout troop that specializes in flying, gliding, etc. See {Scout}. airscrew 0. syl air+screw pron <1e*2skru:> pos n. qual Brit. def an aircraft propeller. air-sea rescue 0. syl air-sea res+cue pos n. def an air rescue at sea. air shaft 0. syl air shaft pos n. def a shaft for ventilation, esp. in a mine or tunnel. airship 0. syl air+ship pron <1e*2Sip> pos n. def a lighter-than-air self-propelled craft. Also called: {dirigible}. airsick 0. syl air+sick pron <1e*2sik> pos adj. def sick or nauseated from travelling in an aircraft. airsickness sub head airsick syl air+2sick+ness pos n. air sock 0. syl air sock pos n. def another name for {windsock}. airspace 0. syl air+space pron <1e*2spAs> pos n. def the atmosphere above the earth or part of the earth, esp. the atmosphere above a country deemed to be under its jurisdiction. airspeed 0. syl air+speed pron <1e*2spEd> pos n. def the speed of an aircraft relative to the air in which it moves. Compare {groundspeed}. air spray 0. syl air spray pos n. def another name for {{aerosol} (sense 3).} air spring 0. syl air spring pos n. qual Mechanical engineering. def an enclosed pocket of air used to absorb shock or sudden fluctuations of load. air station 0. syl air sta+tion pos n. def an airfield, usually smaller than an airport but having facilities for the maintenance of aircraft. airstream 1. syl air+stream pron <1e*2strEm> pos n. def a wind, esp. at a high altitude. airstream 2. syl air+stream pron <1e*2strEm> pos n. def a current of moving air. airstrip 0. syl air+strip pron <1e*2strip> pos n. def a cleared area for the landing and taking off of aircraft; runway. Also called: {landing strip}. airt ety C14: from Scots Gaelic aird point of the compass, height airth alt head airt or airt syl airth pron pos n. airt 0. or airth syl airt pron pos n. qual Scot. def a direction or point of the compass, esp. the direction of the wind. air terminal 0. syl air ter+mi+nal pos n. qual Brit. def a building in a city from which air passengers are taken by road or rail to an airport. airtight 1. syl air+tight pron <1e*2tIt> pos adj. def not permitting the passage of air either in or out. airtight 2. syl air+tight pron <1e*2tIt> pos adj. def having no weak points; invulnerable. exam 1 an airtight argument. air-to-air 0. syl air-to-air pos adj. def operating between aircraft in flight. air traffic 1. syl air traf+fic pos n. def the organized movement of aircraft within a given space. air traffic 2. syl air traf+fic pos n. def the passengers, cargo, or mail carried by aircraft. air-traffic control 0. syl air-traf:fic con+trol pos n. def an organization that determines the altitude, speed, and direction at which planes fly in a given area, giving instructions to pilots by radio. air turbine 0. syl air tur+bine pos n. def a small turbine driven by compressed air, esp. one used as a starter for engines. air valve 1. syl air valve pos n. def a device for controlling the flow of air in a pipe. air valve 2. syl air valve pos n. def a valve for exhausting air from a fluid system, esp. from a central-heating installation. See also {bleed valve}. air vesicavity alt head air vesicle or air vesicle syl air ves:i+cav+i:ty pos n. air vesicle 1. or air vesicavity syl air ves:i+cle pos n. def a large air-filled intercellular space in some aquatic plants. air vesicle 2. or air vesicavity syl air ves:i+cle pos n. def a large intercellular space in a leaf into which a stoma opens. air vice-marshal 1. syl air vice-mar:shal pos n. def a senior Royal Air Force officer of equivalent rank to a rear admiral in the Royal Navy. air vice-marshal 2. syl air vice-mar:shal pos n. def a Royal Australian Air Force officer of the second highest rank. airwaves 0. syl air+waves pron <1e*2wAvz> pos n. mod pl. qual Informal. def radio waves used in radio and television broadcasting. airway 1. syl air+way pron <1e*2wA> pos n. def an air route, esp. one that is fully equipped with emergency landing fields, navigational aids, etc. airway 2. syl air+way pron <1e*2wA> pos n. def a passage for ventilation, esp. in a mine. airworthy 0. syl air+wor:thy pron <1e*2wR:@di> pos adj. usage of an aircraft def safe to fly. airier infl head airy syl air:i+er pos adj. airiest infl head airy syl air:i+est. pos adj. airy 1. syl air:y pron <1e*ri> pos adj. def abounding in fresh air. airy 2. syl air:y pron <1e*ri> pos adj. def spacious or uncluttered. airy 3. syl air:y pron <1e*ri> pos adj. def of or relating to air. airy 4. syl air:y pron <1e*ri> pos adj. def weightless and insubstantial. exam 1 an airy gossamer. airy 5. syl air:y pron <1e*ri> pos adj. def light and graceful in movement. airy 6. syl air:y pron <1e*ri> pos adj. def buoyant and gay; lively. airy 7. syl air:y pron <1e*ri> pos adj. def visionary; fanciful. exam 1 airy promises; exam 2 airy plans. airy 8. syl air:y pron <1e*ri> pos adj. def having no material substance. exam 1 airy spirits. airy 9. syl air:y pron <1e*ri> pos adj. def high up in the air; lofty. airy 10. syl air:y pron <1e*ri> pos adj. def performed in the air; aerial. airy 11. syl air:y pron <1e*ri> pos adj. qual Informal. def nonchalant; superficial. airy-fairy ety C19: from Tennyson's poem Lillian (1830), where the central figure is described as @6Airy, fairy Lillian@9 airy-fairy 1. syl air:y-fair:y pron <1e*ri1fe*ri> pos adj. qual Informal. def fanciful and unrealistic. exam 1 an airy-fairy scheme. airy-fairy 2. syl air:y-fair:y pron <1e*ri1fe*ri> pos adj. def delicate to the point of being insubstantial; light. Ayesha alt head Aisha or Aisha syl A:ye:sha pron <1a:E2Sa:> pos n. Aisha 0. or Ayesha syl A:i:sha pron <1a:E2Sa:> pos n. def ??613-678 #7a.d., the favourite wife of Mohammed; daughter of Abu Bekr. aisle ety C14 ele (later aile, aisle, through confusion with isle (island)), via Old French from Latin *_ala wing aisle 1. syl aisle pron pos n. def a passageway separating seating areas in a theatre, church, etc.; gangway. aisle 2. syl aisle pron pos n. def a lateral division in a church flanking the nave or chancel. (rolling) in the aisles 3. head aisle syl (rolling) in the aisles. usage Informal. of an audience def overcome with laughter. aisled sub head aisle syl aisled pos adj. aisleless sub head aisle syl aisle+less pos adj. Aisne 1. syl Aisne pron , French pos n. def a department of NE France, in Picardy region. Capital: Laon. Pop.: 549372 (1975). Area: 7428 sq. km (2897 sq. miles). Aisne 2. syl Aisne pron , French pos n. def a river in N France, rising in the Argonne Forest and flowing northwest and west to the River Oise: scene of several battles during World War I. Length: 282 km (175 miles). ait ety Old English *_ygett small island, from ieg #7island eyot alt head ait or ait syl eyot pos n. ait 0. or eyot syl ait pron pos n. qual Brit. dialect. def an islet, esp. in a river. aitch ety C16: a phonetic spelling aitch 0. syl aitch pron pos n. def the letter or the sound represented by it. exam 1 he drops his aitches. aitchbone ety C15 hach-boon, altered from earlier nache-bone, nage-bone (a nache mistaken for an ache, an aitch; compare #7adder) ; nache buttock, via Old French from Late Latin natica, from Latin natis buttock aitchbone 1. syl aitch+bone pron <1AC2b*un> pos n. def the rump bone or floor of the pelvis in cattle. aitchbone 2. syl aitch+bone pron <1AC2b*un> pos n. def a cut of beef from or including the rump bone. Robert Grant 1. head Aitken syl Rob:ert Grant. def 1864-1951, U.S. astronomer who discovered over three thousand double stars. William Maxwell 2. head Aitken syl Wil:liam Max:well. def See {Beaverbrook}. Aix-en-Provence 0. syl Aix-en-Pro:vence pron French , French <*~a> pos n. def a city and spa in SE France: the medieval capital of Provence. Pop.: 114014 (1975). Also called: {Aix}. Aix-la-Chapelle 0. syl Aix-la-Cha:pelle pron French , French pos n. def the French name for {Aachen}. A'iyina 0. syl A*'i+yi+na pron <1Ajina> pos n. def transliteration of the Modern Greek name for {Aegina}. AJA 0. syl A.J.A. qual abbrev. for def Australian Journalists' Association. Ajaccio 0. syl A:jac+cio pron <*1J@tsi2*u>, <-1JA-> pos n. def the capital of Corsica, a port on the W coast. Pop.: 44659 (1968). ajar ety C18: altered form of obsolete on char, literally: on the turn; char, from Old English cierran to turn ajar H1.0. syl a:jar pron <*1Ja:> pos adj. postpositive; adv. postpositive; adv. usage esp. of a door or window def slightly open. ajar ety C19: altered form of at jar at discord. See #7jar %2 ajar H2.0. syl a:jar pron <*1Ja:> pos adj. usage postpositive def not in harmony. Ajax 1. syl A:jax pron <1AJ@ks> pos n. qual Greek myth. def the son of Telamon; a Greek hero of the Trojan War who killed himself in vexation when Achilles' armour was given to Odysseus. Ajax 2. syl A:jax pron <1AJ@ks> pos n. qual Greek myth. def called a Locrian king, a swift-footed Greek hero of the Trojan War. AJC 0. syl A.J.C. qual abbrev. for def Australian Jockey Club. Ajmer 0. syl Aj+mer pron <^J1mi*> pos n. def a city in NW India, in Rajasthan: textile centre. Pop.: 262851 (1971). Akademi 0. syl A:kad+e:mi pron <*1ka:d*mi> pos n. usage in India def a learned society. Akan infl or Akans syl A:kan pos n. mod pl. Akans infl head Akan or Akan syl A:kans pos n. mod pl. Akan 1. syl A:kan pron <1a:ka:n> pos n. def a member of a people of Ghana and the E Ivory Coast. Akan 2. syl A:kan pron <1a:ka:n> pos n. def the language of this people, having two chief dialects, Fanti and Twi, and belonging to the Kwa branch of the Niger-Congo family. Akbar 0. syl Ak:bar pron <1@kba:> pos n. def called 1542-1605, Mogul emperor of India (1556-1605), who extended the Mogul empire to include N India. Akela ety C20: after a character in Kipling's The Jungle Book (1894-95), who is the leader of a wolfpack Akela 0. syl A:ke+la pron pos n. qual Brit. def the adult leader of a pack of Cub Scouts. U.S. equivalent: {Den Mother}. akene 0. syl a:kene pron <*1kEn> pos n. def a variant spelling of {achene}. Akhaia 0. syl A:kha:*"i:a pron <2aka1ia> pos n. def transliteration of the modern Greek name for {Achaea}. akhara 0. syl a:kha+ra pron <*1ka:ra:> pos n. usage in India def a gymnasium. Akhenaton alt head Akhenaten or Akhenaten syl Ak:he:na:ton pron <2@k*1na:tN> pos n. Akhenaten 0. or Akhenaton syl Ak:he:na:ten pron <2@k*1na:tN> pos n. def original name died ??1358 #7b.c., king of Egypt, of the 18th dynasty; he moved his capital from Thebes to Tell El Amarna and introduced the cult of Aten. Anna infl head Akhmatova syl An:na pron <1ann*> pos n. Akhmatova 0. syl Akh:ma:to:va pron Russian pos n. def pseudo?!nym of 1889-1966, Russian poetess: noted for her concise and intensely personal lyrics. Akihito 0. syl Ak:i:hi:to pron <2@ki1hEt*u> pos n. def born 1933, crown prince of Japan. akimbo ety C15: in kenebowe, literally: in keen bow, that is, in a sharp curve akimbo 0. syl a:kim+bo pron <*1kimb*u> pos adj. postpositive; adv. def with hands on hips and elbows projecting outwards. akin 1. syl a:kin pron <*1kin> pos adj. usage postpositive def related by blood; of the same kin. akin 2. syl a:kin pron <*1kin> pos adj. usage postpositive; often foll. by to def having similar characteristics, properties, etc. Accad alt head Akkad or Akkad syl Ac+cad pron <1@k@d> pos n. Akkad 1. or Accad syl Ak+kad pron <1@k@d> pos n. def a city on the Euphrates in N Babylonia, the centre of a major empire and civilization (2360-2180 #7b.c.) . Ancient name: {Agade}. Akkad 2. or Accad syl Ak+kad pron <1@k@d> pos n. def an ancient region lying north of Babylon, from which the Akkadian language and culture is named. Accadian alt head Akkadian or Akkadian syl Ac+ca+di:an pron <*1k@di*n>, <*1kA-> pos n. Akkadian 1. or Accadian syl Ak+ka+di:an pron <*1k@di*n>, <*1kA-> pos n. def a member of an ancient Semitic people who lived in central Mesopotamia in the second millennium #7b.c. Akkadian 2. or Accadian syl Ak+ka+di:an pron <*1k@di*n>, <*1kA-> pos n. def the extinct language of this people, belonging to the E Semitic subfamily of the Afro-Asiatic family. Akkadian 3. or Accadian syl Ak+ka+di:an pron <*1k@di*n>, <*1kA-> pos adj. def of or relating to this people or their language. Akkerman 0. syl Ak+ker+man pron Russian pos n. def the former name (until 1946) of {Byelgorod-Dnestrovski}. Akmolinsk 0. syl Ak+mo+linsk pron Russian pos n. def the former name (until 1961) of {Tselinograd}. Akron 0. syl Ak+ron pron <1@kr*n> pos n. def a city in NE Ohio. Pop.: 261520 (1973 est.). Axum alt head Aksum or Aksum syl Ax:um pron <1a:ksum> pos n. Aksum 0. or Axum syl Ak+sum pron <1a:ksum> pos n. def an ancient town in N Ethiopia, in Tigr*'e province: capital of the Aksumite Empire (1st to 6th centuries #7a.d.) #7. According to tradition, the Ark of the Covenant was brought here from Jerusalem. Aktyubinsk 0. syl Ak+tyu+binsk pron Russian pos n. def an industrial city in the Soviet Union, in the Kazakh SSR. Pop.: 175000 (1975 est.). Akure 0. syl A:ku+re pron <*1ku:rA> pos n. def a city in SW Nigeria, capital of Ondo state: agricultural trade centre. Pop.: 71106 (1963). akvavit 0. syl ak+va+vit pron <1a:kva:2vEt> pos n. def a variant spelling of {aquavit}. Al 0. syl Al usage the chemical symbol for def aluminium. AL 0. syl AL usage international car registration for def Albania. al 0. syl al. qual abbrev. for def alcohol alcoholic. AL alt or AL syl AL AL 0. or AL syl A.L. qual abbrev. for def Anglo-Latin. -al ety from Latin -*_alis -al H1.0. syl -al usage suffix forming adjectives. def of; related to; connected with. exam 1 functional; exam 2 sectional; exam 3 tonal. -al ety via Old French -aille, -ail, from Latin -*_alia, neuter plural used as substantive, from -*_alis -#7al %1 -al H2.0. syl -al usage suffix forming nouns. def the act or process of doing what is indicated by the verb stem. exam 1 rebuttal; exam 2 recital; exam 3 renewal. -al ety shortened from #7aldehyde -al H3.0. syl -al exam 1 suffix forming nouns. -al H3.1. syl -al def indicating an aliphatic aldehyde containing six or more carbon atoms. exam 1 hexanal. -al H3.2. syl -al usage not used systematically def indicating any aldehyde. exam 1 salicylal. -al H3.3. syl -al def indicating a pharmaceutical product. exam 1 phenobarbital. alae infl head ala syl a:lae pron <1AlE> pos n. mod pl. ala 1. syl a:la pron <1Al*> pos n. qual Zoology. def a wing or flat winglike process or structure, such as a part of some bones and cartilages. ala 2. syl a:la pron <1Al*> pos n. qual Botany. def a winglike part, such as one of the wings of a sycamore seed or one of the flat petals of a sweet pea flower. a la ety C17: from French, short for *`a la mode de in the style of a la 1. syl *`a la pron , <@> , French pos prep. def in the manner or style of. a la 2. syl *`a la pron , <@> , French pos prep. def as prepared in (a particular place) or by or for (a particular person). Ala 0. syl Ala. qual abbrev. for def Alabama. Alabama 1. syl Al:a+bam:a pron <2@l*1b@m*> pos n. def a state of the southeastern U.S., on the Gulf of Mexico: consists of coastal and W lowlands crossed by the Tombigbee, Black Warrior, and Alabama Rivers, with parts of the Tennessee Valley and Cumberland Plateau in the north; noted for producing cotton and white marble. Capital: Montgomery. Pop.: 3444165 (1970). Area: 131333 sq. km (50708 sq. miles). Abbrevs.: {Ala}. or (with zip code) {AL} Alabama 2. syl Al:a+bam:a pron <2@l*1b@m*> pos n. def a river in Alabama, flowing southwest to the Mobile and Tensaw Rivers. Length: 507 km (315 miles). Alabamian sub head Alabama syl Al:a+1bam+i:an pos adj. alabaster ety C14: from Old French alabastre, from Latin alabaster, from Greek alabastros alabaster 1. syl al:a+bas+ter pron <1@l*2ba:st*>, <-2b@st*> pos n. def a fine-grained usually white, opaque, or translucent variety of gypsum used for statues, vases, etc. alabaster 2. syl al:a+bas+ter pron <1@l*2ba:st*>, <-2b@st*> pos n. def a variety of hard semitranslucent calcite, often banded like marble. alabaster 3. syl al:a+bas+ter pron <1@l*2ba:st*>, <-2b@st*> pos adj. def of or resembling alabaster. alabastrine sub head alabaster syl al:a+1bas+trine pos adj. a la carte ety C19: from French, literally: accord?!ing to the card a la carte 1. syl *`a la carte pron <1ka:t>, <@> , French <1kart> pos adj. adv. usage of a menu or a section of a menu def having dishes listed separately and individually priced. Compare {table d'h*^ote}. a la carte 2. syl *`a la carte pron <1ka:t>, <@> , French <1kart> pos adj. adv. usage of a dish def offered on such a menu. alack ety C15: from a ah&!+ lack loss, #7lack alackaday alt head alack or alack syl a:lack:a+day pron <*1l@k*2dA> pos interj. alack 0. or alackaday syl a:lack pron <*1l@k> pos interj. def an archaic or poetic word for {alas}. alacrity ety C15: from Latin alacrit*_as, from alacer lively alacrity 0. syl a:lac+ri:ty pron <*1l@kriti> pos n. def liveliness or briskness. alacritous sub head alacrity syl a:1lac+ri+tous pos adj. Ala Dagh alt head Ala Davg or Ala Davg syl A:la Dagh pron Turkish pos n. Ala Davg 1. or Ala Dagh syl A:la Da*vg pron Turkish pos n. def the E part of the Taurus Mountains, in SE Turkey, rising over 3600 m (12000 ft.). Ala Davg 2. or Ala Dagh syl A:la Da*vg pron Turkish pos n. def a mountain range in E Turkey, rising over 3300 m (11000 ft.). Ala Davg 3. or Ala Dagh syl A:la Da*vg pron Turkish pos n. def a mountain range in NE Turkey, rising over 3000 m (10000 ft.). Alagoz alt head Alagez or Alagez syl A:la+g*"oz pron <2ala1g@oz> pos n. Alagez 0. or Alagoz syl A:la+gez pron <2ala1g@oz> pos n. def the Turkish name for {Aragats}. Alagoas 0. syl A:la+go+as pron Portuguese <2ala1goas> pos n. def a state in NE Brazil, on the Atlantic coast. Capital: Macei*'o. Pop.: 1588109 (1970). Area: 30776 sq. km (11031 sq. miles). Alai 0. syl A:lai pron pos n. def a mountain range in the S Soviet Union, in the SW Kirghiz SSR, running from the Tien Shan range in China into the Tadzhik SSR. Average height: 4800 m (16000 ft.), rising over 5850 m (19500 ft.). Alain-Fournier 0. syl A:lain-Four:nier pron French pos n. def pen name of 1886-1914, French novelist; author of (1913; translated as 1959). a la king 0. syl *`a la king pron <1kiG>, <@> pos adj. usage usually postpositive def cooked in a cream sauce with mushrooms and green peppers. alameda 0. syl al:a+me:da pron <2@l*1mAd*> pos n. qual Chiefly southwestern U.S. def a public walk or promenade lined with trees, often poplars. Alamein 0. syl Al:a+mein pron <1@l*2mAn> pos n. def see {El Alamein}. the infl head Alamo syl the. pos n. Alamo 0. syl Al:a+mo pron <1@l*2m*u> pos n. def a mission in San Antonio, Texas, the site of a siege and massacre in 1836 by Mexican forces under Santa Anna of a handful of American rebels fighting for Texan independence from Mexico. a la mode ety C17: from French: according to the fashion a la mode 1. syl *`a la mode pron <1m*ud>, <@> , French <1mcd> pos adj. def fashionable in style, design, etc. a la mode 2. syl *`a la mode pron <1m*ud>, <@> , French <1mcd> pos adj. usage of meats def braised with vegetables in wine. a la mode 3. syl *`a la mode pron <1m*ud>, <@> , French <1mcd> pos adj. usage Chiefly U.S. of desserts def served with ice cream. alamode 0. syl a:la+mode pron <1@l*2m*ud> pos n. def a soft light silk used for shawls and dresses, esp. in the 19th century. See also {surah}. st Viscount infl head Alanbrooke syl 1st Viscount pos n. Alanbrooke 0. syl Al:an:brooke pron <1@l*n2bruk> pos n. def title of 1883-1963, British field marshal; chief of Imperial General Staff (1941-46). Aland Islands 0. syl *%A:land Is+lands pron <1a:l*nd>, <1c:l*nd>, Swedish <1o:land> pos n. mod pl. def a group of over 6000 islands under Finnish administration, in the Gulf of Bothnia. Capital: Mariehamn. Pop.: 21500 (1968). Finnish name: {Ahvenanmaa}. alanine ety C19: from German Alanin, from #7al (#7dehyde) #7+ -an- (euphonic infix)+ -in -#7ine %2 alanine 0. syl al:a+nine pron <1@l*2nEn>, <-2nIn> pos n. def a sweet-tasting aliphatic amino acid that occurs in many proteins and has several isomeric forms; aminoproprionic acid. Formula: CH\3CH(NH\2)COOH. alannah ety from Irish Gailic a leanbh alannah 0. syl a:lan+nah pron <*1l@n*> pos interj. qual Irish. def my child: used as a term of address or endearment. alap 0. syl a:lap pron <*1la:p> pos n. def Indian vocal music without words. alar ety C19: from Latin *_ala a wing alar 0. syl a:lar pron <1Al*> pos adj. def relating to, resembling, or having wings or alae. Pedro Antonio de infl head Alarc'on syl Pe:dro An:to:nio de pron <1pADro> pos n. Alarc'on 0. syl A:lar:c*'on pron Spanish <2alar1kon> pos n. def 1833-91, Spanish novelist and short-story writer, noted for his humorous sketches of rural life, esp. in (1874). Alaric 0. syl Al:a:ric pron <1@l*rik> pos n. def ??370-410 #7a.d., king of the Visigoths, who served under the Roman emperor Theodosius I but later invaded Greece and Italy, capturing Rome in 410. alarm ety C14: from Old French alarme, from Old Italian all'arme to arms; see #7arm %2 alarm 1. syl a:larm pron <*1la:m> pos vb. mod tr. def to fill with apprehension, anxiety, or fear. alarm 2. syl a:larm pron <*1la:m> pos vb. mod tr. def to warn about danger; alert. alarm 3. syl a:larm pron <*1la:m> pos n. mod tr. def fear or terror aroused by awareness of danger; fright. alarm 4. syl a:larm pron <*1la:m> pos n. mod tr. def apprehension or uneasiness. exam 1 the idea of failing filled him with alarm. alarm 5. syl a:larm pron <*1la:m> pos n. mod tr. def a noise, signal, etc., warning of danger. alarm 6. syl a:larm pron <*1la:m> pos n. mod tr. def any device that transmits such a warning. exam 1 a burglar alarm. alarm 7.a. syl a:larm pron <*1la:m> pos n. mod tr. def the device in an alarm clock that triggers off the bell or buzzer. alarm 7.b. syl a:larm pron <*1la:m> pos n. mod tr. def short for {alarm clock}. alarm 8. syl a:larm pron <*1la:m> pos n. mod tr. qual Archaic. def a call to arms. alarm 9. syl a:larm pron <*1la:m> pos n. mod tr. qual Fencing. def a warning or challenge made by stamping the front foot. alarming sub head alarm syl a:1larm+ing pos adj. alarmingly sub head alarm syl a:1larm+ing+ly pos adv. alarm clock 0. syl a:larm clock pos n. def a clock with a mechanism that sounds at a set time: used esp. for waking a person up. alarmist 1. syl a:larm+ist pron <*1la:mist> pos n. def a person who alarms or attempts to alarm others needlessly or without due grounds. alarmist 2. syl a:larm+ist pron <*1la:mist> pos n. def a person who is easily alarmed. alarmist 3. syl a:larm+ist pron <*1la:mist> pos adj. def characteristic of an alarmist. alarmism sub head alarmist syl a:1larm+ism pos n. alarum ety C15: variant of #7alarm alarum 1. syl a:lar+um pron <*1l@r*m>, <-1la:r->, <-1le*r-> pos n. qual Archaic. def an alarm, esp. a call to arms. alarum 2. syl a:lar+um pron <*1l@r*m>, <-1la:r->, <-1le*r-> pos n. usage used as a stage direction, esp. in Elizabethan drama def a loud disturbance or conflict (esp. in the phrase {alarums and excursions}) . alary ety C17: from Latin *_al*_arius, from *_ala wing alary 0. syl a:lar:y pron <1Al*ri>, <1@-> pos adj. def of, relating to, or shaped like wings. alas ety C13: from Old French ha las&! oh wretched&!; las from Latin lassus weary alas 0. syl a:las pron <*1l@s> pos interj. def an exclamation of grief, compassion, or alarm. Alas 0. syl Alas. qual abbrev. for def Alaska. Alaska 1. syl A:las+ka pron <*1l@sk*> pos n. def the largest state of the U.S., in the extreme northwest of North America: the aboriginal inhabitants are Eskimos; the earliest White settlements were made by the Russians. It is mostly mountainous and volcanic, rising over 6000 m (20000 ft.), with the Yukon basin in the central region; large areas are covered by tundra; it has important mineral resources (chiefly coal, oil, and natural gas). Capital: Willow South. Pop.: 302173 (1970). Area: 1518859 sq. km (586432 sq. miles). Abbrevs.: {Alas}. or (with zip code) {AK} Gulf of 2. head Alaska syl Gulf of. def the N part of the Pacific, between the Alaska Peninsula and the Alexander Archipelago. Alaskan sub head Alaska syl A:1las+kan pos adj. n. Alaska Highway 0. syl A:las+ka High+way pos n. def a road extending from Dawson Creek, British Columbia, to Fairbanks, Alaska: built by the U.S. Army (1942). Length: 2452 km (1523 miles). Also called: {Alcan Highway}. Alaska Peninsula 0. syl A:las+ka Pen+in+su+la pos n. def an extension of the mainland of SW Alaska between the Pacific and the Bering Sea, ending in the Aleutian Islands. Length: about 644 km (400 miles). Alaska Range 0. syl A:las+ka Range pos n. def a mountain range in S central Alaska. Highest peak: Mount McKinley, 6090 m (20300 ft.). alate ety C17: from Latin *_al*_atus, from *_ala wing alate 0. syl a:late pron <1AlAt> pos adj. def having wings or winglike extensions. alb ety Old English albe, from Medieval Latin alba (vestis) white (clothing) alb 0. syl alb pron <@lb> pos n. qual Christianity. def a long white linen vestment with sleeves worn by priests and others. Alb 0. syl Alb. qual abbrev. for def Albania(n). Alba 0. syl Al:ba pron Spanish <1al$Ba> pos n. def see (Duke of) {Alva}. Albacete 0. syl Al+ba+ce:te pron Spanish <2al$Ba1TAtA> pos n. def a city in SE Spain. Pop.: 93233 (1970). albacore ety C16: from Portuguese albacor, from Arabic al-bakrah, from al the+ bakr young camel albacore 0. syl al+ba+core pron <1@lb*2kc:> pos n. def a tunny, occurring mainly in warm regions of the Atlantic and Pacific. It has very long pectoral fins and is a valued food fish. Also called: {long-fin tunny}. Alba Longa 0. syl Al:ba Lon+ga pron <1@lb*> <1loGg*> pos n. def a city of ancient Latium, southeast of modern Rome: the legendary birthplace of Romulus and Remus. Albania 0. syl Al+ba+ni:a pron <@l1bAni*> pos n. def a republic in SE Europe, on the Balkan Peninsula: became independent in 1912 after more than four centuries of Turkish rule; established as a republic (1946) under Communist rule. It is generally mountainous, rising over 2700 m (9000 ft.), with extensive forests. Language: Albanian. Currency: lek. Capital: Tirana. Pop.: 2322600 (1973). Area: 28749 sq. km (11100 sq. miles). Official name: {Socialist People's Republic of Albania}. Albanian 1. syl Al+ba+ni:an pron <@l1bAni*n> pos n. def the official language of Albania: of uncertain relationship within the Indo-European family, but thought to be related to ancient Illyrian. Albanian 2.a. syl Al+ba+ni:an pron <@l1bAni*n> pos n. def a native, citizen, or inhabitant of Albania. Albanian 2.b. syl Al+ba+ni:an pron <@l1bAni*n> pos n. def a native speaker of Albanian. Albanian 3. syl Al+ba+ni:an pron <@l1bAni*n> pos adj. def of or relating to Albania, its people, or their language. Albany 1. syl Al+ba+ny pron <1c:lb*ni> pos n. def a city in E New York State, on the Hudson River: the state capital. Pop.: 111373 (1973 est.). Albany 2. syl Al+ba+ny pron <1c:lb*ni> pos n. def a river in central Canada, flowing east and northeast to James Bay. Length: 982 km (610 miles). albata ety C19: from Latin, literally: clothed in white, from albus white albata 0. syl al+ba+ta pron <@l1bAt*> pos n. def a variety of German silver consisting of nickel, copper, and zinc. albatross ety C17: from Portuguese alcatraz pelican, from Arabic al-ghatt*_as, from al the+ ghatt*_as white-tailed sea eagle; influenced by Latin albus white albatross 1. syl al+ba+tross pron <1@lb*2tros> pos n. def any large oceanic bird of the genera and family of cool southern oceans: order (petrels). They have long narrow wings and are noted for a powerful gliding flight. See also {wandering albatross}. albatross 2. syl al+ba+tross pron <1@lb*2tros> pos n. qual Golf. def a score of three strokes under par for a hole. albedo ety C19: from Church Latin: whiteness, from Latin albus white albedo 0. syl al+be+do pron <@l1bEd*u> pos n. def the ratio of the intensity of light reflected from an object, such as a planet, to that of the light it receives from the sun. albeit ety C14 al be it, that is, although it be (that) albeit 0. syl al+be+it pron pos conj. def even though. Albemarle Sound 0. syl Al+be+marle Sound pron <1@lb*2ma:l> pos n. def an inlet of the Atlantic in NE North Carolina. Length: about 96 km (60 miles). Isaac infl head Alb'eniz syl I:sa:ac pron <2isa1ak> pos n. Alb'eniz 0. syl Al:b*'e:niz pron Spanish pos n. def 1860-1909, Spanish composer; noted for piano pieces inspired by folk music, such as the suite Alberich 0. syl Al:ber:ich pron German <1alb*ri*,c> pos n. usage in medieval German legend def the king of the dwarfs and guardian of the treasures of the Nibelungs. albert ety C19: named after Prince A#7lbert albert 1. syl al+bert pron <1@lb*t> pos n. def a kind of watch chain usually attached to a waistcoat. albert 2. syl al+bert pron <1@lb*t> pos n. qual Brit. def a standard size of notepaper, 6#M3@8#800022 inches. Lake infl head Albert syl Lake. pos n. Albert H1.0. syl Al+bert pron <1@lb*t> pos n. def a lake in E Africa, between Za*"ire and Uganda in the Great Rift Valley, 660 m (2200 ft.) above sea level: a source of the Nile, fed by the Victoria Nile, which leaves as the Albert Nile. Area: 5345 sq. km (2064 sq. miles). Official name: {Lake Mobutu}. Prince infl head Albert syl Prince. pos n. Albert H2.0. syl Al:bert pron <1@lb*t> pos n. def full name 1819-61, Prince Consort of Queen Victoria of England. Albert I 1. syl Al:bert I pos n. usage c. def 1255-1308, king of Germany (1298-1308). Albert I 2. syl Al:bert I pos n. def 1875-1934, king of the Belgians (1909-34). Albert I 3. syl Al:bert I pos n. def called 1100-70. German military leader: first margrave of Brandenburg. Alberta 0. syl Al+ber+ta pron <@l1bR:t*> pos n. def a province of W Canada: mostly prairie, with the Rocky Mountains in the southwest. Capital: Edmonton. Pop.: 1838037 (1976). Area: 661188 sq. km (255285 sq. miles). Abbrev.: {Alta}. Albert Edward 0. syl Al+bert Ed+ward pos n. def a mountain in SE New Guinea, in the Owen Stanley Range. Height: 3993 m (13100 ft.). Leon Battista infl head Alberti syl Le:on Bat:tis:ta pron pos n. Alberti 0. syl Al:ber:ti pron Italian pos n. def 1404-72, Italian Renaissance architect, painter, writer, and musician; among his architectural designs are the fa*,cades of Sta. Maria Novella at Florence and S. Francesco at Rimini. albertite ety C19: named after Albert county, New Brunswick, Canada, where it is mined albertite 0. syl al+bert+ite pron <1@lb*2tIt> pos n. def a black solid variety of bitumen that has a conchoidal fracture and occurs in veins in oil-bearing strata. Saint infl head Albertus Magnus syl Saint. pos n. Albertus Magnus 0. syl Al:ber:tus Mag:nus pron <@l1bR:t*s> <1m@gn*s> pos n. def original name ??1193-1280, German scholastic philosopher; teacher of Thomas Aquinas and commentator on Aristotle. Feast day: Nov. 15. albescent ety C19: from Latin alb*_escere to grow white, from albus white albescent 0. syl al+bes+cent pron <@l1besNt> pos adj. def shading into, growing, or becoming white. albescence sub head albescent syl al+1bes+cence pos n. Albi 0. syl Al:bi pron French pos n. def a town in S France: connected with the Albigensian heresy and the crusade against it. Pop.: 49456 (1975). Albigenses ety from Medieval Latin: inhabitants of Albi, from Albiga A#7lbi Albigenses 0. syl Al+bi+gen+ses pron <2@lbi1JensEz> pos n. mod pl. def members of a Manichean sect that flourished in S France from the 11th to the 13th century. Albigensian sub head Albigenses syl Al+bi+1gen+si:an pos adj. Albigensianism sub head Albigenses syl Al+bi+1gen+si+an+ism pos n. albino ety C18: via Portuguese from Spanish, from albo white, from Latin albus albinos infl head albino syl al+bi+nos. pos n. mod pl. albino 1. syl al+bi+no pron <@l1bEn*u> pos n. def a person with congenital absence of pigmentation in the skin, eyes, and hair. albino 2. syl al+bi+no pron <@l1bEn*u> pos n. def any animal or plant that is deficient in pigment. albinic sub head albino or albinistic syl al+bin+ic pron <@l1binik> pos adj. albinistic sub head albino or albinic syl al+bin+1is+tic pos adj. albinotic sub head albino syl al+bi+not+ic pron <2@lbi1notik> pos adj. Tomaso infl head Albinoni syl To:ma:so pron pos n. Albinoni 0. syl Al:bi:no:ni pron Italian <2albi1no:ni> pos n. def 1671-1750, Italian composer and violinist. He wrote concertos and over 50 operas. Albinus 0. syl Al:bi:nus pron <@l1bEn*s> pos n. def another name for {Alcuin}. Albion ety C13: from Latin, of Celtic origin Albion 0. syl Al+bi+on pron <1@lbi*n> pos n. qual Archaic or poetic. def Britain or England. albite ety C19: from Latin albus white albite 0. syl al+bite pron <1@lbIt> pos n. def a white, bluish-green, or reddish-grey widely occurring feldspar mineral of the plagioclase series consisting of an aluminium silicate of sodium. It is used in the manufacture of glass and ceramics and as a gemstone. Formula: NaAlSi\3O\8. albitic sub head albite syl al+bit+ic pron <@l1bitik> pos adj. Alboin 0. syl Al:boin pron <1@lbcin>, <-b*uin> pos n. def died 573 #7a.d., king of the Lombards (565-73); conqueror of N Italy. Alborg 0. syl *%Al+borg pron Danish <1clbcr> pos n. def a variant spelling of {Aalborg}. album ety C17: from Latin: blank tablet, from albus white album 1. syl al+bum pron <1@lb*m> pos n. def a book or binder consisting of blank pages, pockets, or envelopes for keeping photographs, stamps, autographs, drawings, poems, etc. album 2. syl al+bum pron <1@lb*m> pos n. def a booklike holder containing sleeves for gramophone records. album 3. syl al+bum pron <1@lb*m> pos n. def one or more long-playing records released as a single item. album 4. syl al+bum pron <1@lb*m> pos n. qual Chiefly Brit. def an anthology, usually large and illustrated. albumen ety C16: from Latin: white of an egg, from albus white albumen 1. syl al+bu+men pron <1@lbjumin>, <-men> pos n. def the white of an egg; the nutritive and protective gelatinous substance, mostly an albumin, that surrounds the yolk. albumen 2. syl al+bu+men pron <1@lbjumin>, <-men> pos n. def a rare name for {endo?!sperm}. albumen 3. syl al+bu+men pron <1@lbjumin>, <-men> pos n. def a variant spelling of {albumin}. albumenise alt head albumenize or albumenize syl al+bu+me:nise pron <@l1bju:mi2nIz> pos vb. mod tr. albumenize 0. or albumenise syl al+bu+me:nize pron <@l1bju:mi2nIz> pos vb. mod tr. def to coat with a solution containing albumen or albumin. albumin ety C19: from #7albumen+ -#7in albumen alt head albumin or albumin syl al+bu+men pron <1@lbjumin> pos n. albumin 0. or albumen syl al+bu+min pron <1@lbjumin> pos n. def any of a group of simple water-soluble proteins that are coagulated by heat and are found in blood plasma, egg white, etc. albuminate 0. syl al+bu+mi+nate pron <@l1bju:mi2nAt> pos n. qual Now rare. def any of several substances formed from albumin by the action of acid or alkali. albuminoid 1. syl al+bu+mi+noid pron <@l1bju:mi2ncid> pos adj. def resembling albumin. albuminoid 2. syl al+bu+mi+noid pron <@l1bju:mi2ncid> pos n. def another name for {scleroprotein}. albuminous 0. syl al+bu+mi+nous pron <@l1bju:min*s> pos adj. def of or containing albumin. albuminuria 0. syl al+bu+mi+nu+ri:a pron <@l2bju:mi1nju*ri*> pos n. qual Pathol. def the presence of albumin in the urine. Also called: {proteinuria}. albumose ety C19: from #7albumin+ -#7ose %2 albumose 0. syl al+bu+mose pron <1@lbju2m*us>, <-2m*uz> pos n. def the U.S. name for {proteose}. Albuquerque H1.0. syl Al+bu+quer+que pron <1@lb*2kR:ki> pos n. def a city in central New Mexico, on the Rio Grande. Pop.: 243751 (1970). Afonso de infl head Albuquerque syl A:fon:so de pron <*1f?~csu> pos n. Albuquerque H2.0. syl Al:bu:quer:que pron <1@lb*2kR:ki>, Portuguese <2albu1kerk*>, Portuguese <2albu1kerk*> pos n. def 1453-1515, Portuguese navigator, who established Portuguese colonies in the East by conquering Goa, Ceylon, Malacca, and Ormuz. alburnum ety C17: from Latin: sapwood, from albus white alburnum 0. syl al+bur+num pron <@l1bR:n*m> pos n. def a former name for {sapwood}. Albury 0. syl Al+bu+ry pron <1c:b*ri>, <-bri> pos n. def a city in SE Australia, in S central New South Wales, on the Murray River: commercial centre of an agricultural region. Pop.: 32250 (1975 est.). Alcaeus 0. syl Al:cae:us pron <@l1si*s> pos n. def 7th century #7b.c., Greek lyric poet who wrote hymns, love songs, and political odes. alcahest 0. syl al+ca+hest pron <1@lk*2hest> pos n. def a variant spelling of {alkahest}. Alcaic ety C17: from Late Latin Alcaicus of A#7lcaeus Alcaic 1. syl Al+ca+ic pron <@l1kAik> pos adj. def of or relating to a metre used by the poet Alcaeus, consisting of a strophe of four lines each with four feet. Alcaic 2. syl Al+ca+ic pron <@l1kAik> pos n. mod usually; pl. def verse written in the Alcaic form. alcaide ety C16: from Spanish, from Arabic al-q*_a'id the captain, commander, from q*_ad to give orders alcaide 1. syl al+caide pron <@l1kAd>, Spanish pos n. usage in Spain and Spanish America def the commander of a fortress or castle. alcaide 2. syl al+caide pron <@l1kAd>, Spanish pos n. usage in Spain and Spanish America def the governor of a prison. alcalde ety C17: from Spanish, from Arabic al-q*_ad*_i the judge, from qad*_a to judge alcade alt head alcalde or alcalde syl al+cade pron <@l1kAd> pos n. alcalde 0. or alcade syl al+cal+de pron <@l1k@ldi>, Spanish pos n. usage in Spain and Spanish America def the mayor or chief magistrate in a town. Alcan Highway 0. syl Al+can High+way pron <1@lk@n> pos n. def another name for the {Alaska Highway}. Alcatraz 0. syl Al+ca+traz pron <1@lk*2tr@z> pos n. def an island in W California, in San Francisco Bay: a federal prison until 1963. alcazar ety C17: from Spanish, from Arabic al-qasr the castle alcazar 0. syl al+ca+zar pron <2@lk*1za:>, Spanish pos n. def any of various palaces or fortresses built in Spain by the Moors. Alcazar de San Juan 0. syl Al+ca+zar de San Juan pron <1@lk*2za:>, Spanish pos n. def a town in S central Spain: associated with Cervantes and Don Quixote. Pop.: 26963 (1970). Alcestis 0. syl Al:ces:tis pron <@l1sestis> pos n. qual Greek myth. def the wife of king Admetus of Thessaly. To save his life, she died in his place, but was rescued from Hades by Hercules. alchemist 0. syl al+che+mist pron <1@lk*mist> pos n. def a person who practises alchemy. alchemise alt head alchemize or alchemize syl al+che+mise pron <1@lk*2mIz> pos vb. mod tr. alchemize 0. or alchemise syl al+che+mize pron <1@lk*2mIz> pos vb. mod tr. def to alter (an element, metal, etc.) by alchemy; transmute. alchemy ety C14 alkamye, via Old French from Medieval Latin alchimia, from Arabic al-k*_imiy*_a', from al the+ k*_imiy*_a' transmutation, from Late Greek kh*_emeia the art of transmutation alchemies infl head alchemy syl al+che+mies. pos n. mod pl. alchemy 1. syl al+che+my pron <1@lk*mi> pos n. def the pseudoscientific predecessor of chemistry that sought a method of transmuting base metals into gold, an elixir to prolong life indefinitely, a panacea or universal remedy, and an alkahest or universal solvent. alchemy 2. syl al+che+my pron <1@lk*mi> pos n. def a power like that of alchemy. exam 1 her beauty had a potent alchemy. alchemic sub head alchemy syl al+chem+ic pron <@l1kemik> pos adj. alchemical sub head alchemy or alchemistic syl al+1chem:i+cal pos adj. alchemistic sub head alchemy or alchemical syl al+chem+1is+tic pos adj. alcheringa ety from a native Australian language, literally: dream-time alcheringa 0. syl al+che+rin+ga pron <2@lC*1riGg*> pos n. usage in the mythology of Australian Aboriginal peoples def a mythical Golden Age of the past. Also called: {al+che@.ra} (#!@alt#s$$r$$), {dreamtime}. Alcibiades 0. syl Al:ci:bi:a:des pron <2@lsi1bI*2dEz> pos n. def 450-404 #7b.c., Athenian statesman and general in the Peloponnesian war: brilliant, courageous, and unstable, he defected to the Spartans in 415, but returned and led the Athenian victories at Abydos (411) and Cyzicus (410). Alcibiadean sub head Alcibiades syl Al+ci+2bi:a+1de:an pos adj. Alcides 0. syl Al:ci:des pron <@l1sIdEz> pos n. def another name for {{Hercules%1}}. alcidine ety C20: from New Latin Alcidae, from Alca type genus alcidine 0. syl al+ci+dine pron <1@lsi2dIn> pos adj. def of, relating to, or belonging to the a family of sea birds including the auks, guillemots, puffins, and related forms. Alcinous 0. syl Al:cin:o:*"us pron <@l1sin*u*s> pos n. qual Odyssey usage in Homer's def a Phaeacian king at whose court the shipwrecked Odysseus told of his wanderings. See also {Nausica*"a}. Alcman 0. syl Alc:man pron <1@lkm*n> pos n. def 7th century #7b.c., Greek lyric poet. Alcmene 0. syl Alc:me:ne pron <@lk1mEni> pos n. qual Greek myth. def the mother of Hercules by Zeus who visited her in the guise of her husband, Amphitryon. Alcock 0. syl Al:cock pron <1c:lkok> pos n. def Sir {John Wil@.liam}. 1892-1919, English aviator who with A.W. Brown made the first flight across the Atlantic (1919). alcohol ety C16: via New Latin from Medieval Latin, from Arabic al-kuhl powdered antimony; see #7kohl alcohol 1. syl al+co+hol pron <1@lk*2hol> pos n. def a colourless flammable liquid, the active principle of intoxicating drinks, produced by the fermentation of sugars, esp. glucose, and used as a solvent and in the manufacture of organic chemicals. Formula: C\2H\5OH. Also called: {ethanol, ethyl alcohol}. alcohol 2. syl al+co+hol pron <1@lk*2hol> pos n. def a drink or drinks containing this substance. alcohol 3. syl al+co+hol pron <1@lk*2hol> pos n. qual Chem. def any one of a class of organic compounds that contain one or more hydroxyl groups bound to carbon atoms that are not part of an aromatic ring. The simplest alcohols have the formula ROH, where R is an alkyl group. Compare {{phenol} (sense 2).} See also {diol, triol}. alcoholic 1. syl al+co+hol+ic pron <2@lk*1holik> pos n. def a person affected by alcoholism. alcoholic 2. syl al+co+hol+ic pron <2@lk*1holik> pos adj. def of, relating to, containing, or resulting from alcohol. alcoholicity 0. syl al+co+hol+ic+i:ty pron <2@lk*ho1lisiti> pos n. def the strength of an alcoholic liquor. Alcoholics Anonymous 0. syl Al+co+hol+ics A:non:y+mous pos n. def an association of alcoholics who try, esp. by mutual assistance, to overcome alcoholism. alcoholism 1. syl al+co+hol+ism pron <1@lk*ho2liz*m> pos n. def continual heavy consumption of alcoholic drink. alcoholism 2. syl al+co+hol+ism pron <1@lk*ho2liz*m> pos n. def a physiological disorder result?!ing from this. alcoholise alt head alcoholize or alcoholize syl al+co+hol+ise pron <1@lk*ho2lIz> pos vb. mod tr. alcoholize 0. or alcoholise syl al+co+hol+ize pron <1@lk*ho2lIz> pos vb. mod tr. def to turn into alcoholic drink, as by fermenting or mixing with alcohol. alcoholization sub head alcoholize or alcoholisation syl al+co+2hol:i+1za+tion pos n. alcoholisation sub head alcoholize or alcoholization syl al+co+2hol:i+1sa+tion pos n. alcoholometer 0. syl al+co+hol+om+e:ter pron <2@lk*ho1lomit*> pos n. def an instrument, such as a specially calibrated hydrometer, for determining the percent?!age of alcohol in a liquid. Alkoran alt head Alcoran or Alcoran syl Al+ko+ran pron <2@lko1ra:n> pos n. Alcoran 0. or Alkoran syl Al+co+ran pron <2@lko1ra:n> pos n. def another name for the {Koran}. Alcoranic sub head Alcoran or Alkoranic syl Al+co+1ran+ic pos adj. Alkoranic sub head Alcoran or Alcoranic syl Al+ko+1ran+ic pos adj. Louisa May infl head Alcott syl Lou:i:sa May. pos n. Alcott 0. syl Al:cott pron <1c:lk*t> pos n. def 1832-88, U.S. novelist, noted for her children's books, esp. (1869). alcove ety C17: from French alc*^ove, from Spanish alcoba, from Arabic al-qubbah the vault, arch alcove 1. syl al+cove pron <1@lk*uv> pos n. def a recess or niche in the wall of a room, as for a bed, books, etc. alcove 2. syl al+cove pron <1@lk*uv> pos n. def any recessed usually vaulted area, as in a garden wall. alcove 3. syl al+cove pron <1@lk*uv> pos n. def any covered or secluded spot, such as a summerhouse. Albinus alt head Alcuin or Alcuin syl Al:bi:nus pos n. Alcuin 0. or Albinus syl Al:cuin pron <1@lkwin> pos n. def 735-804 #7a.d., English scholar and theologian; friend and adviser of Charlemagne. Alcyone H1.1. syl Al:cy:o:ne pron <@l1sI*ni> pos n. qual Greek myth. def the daughter of Aeolus and wife of Ceyx, who drowned herself in grief for her husband's death. She was transformed into a kingfisher. See also {Ceyx}. Also called: {Halcyone}. Alcyone H1.2. syl Al:cy:o:ne pron <@l1sI*ni> pos n. qual Greek myth. def one of the Pleiades. Alcyone H2.0. syl Al+cy:o+ne pron <@l1sI*ni> pos n. def the brightest star in the Pleiades, located in the constellation Taurus. Aldm alt head Ald or Ald syl Aldm. Ald 0. or Aldm syl Ald. qual abbrev. for def Alderman. Aldabra 0. syl Al+dab+ra pron <@l1d@br*> pos n. def an island group in the Indian Ocean: part of the British Indian Ocean Territory (1965-76); now adminstratively part of the Seychelles. Aldan 0. syl Al+dan pron Russian pos n. def a river in the Soviet Union in the SE Yakut ASSR, rising in the {Aldan Mountains} and flowing north and west to the Lena River. Length: about 2700 km (1700 miles). Aldebaran ety C14: via Medieval Latin from Arabic al-dabar*_an the follower (of the Pleiades) Aldebaran 0. syl Al+deb:a+ran pron <@l1deb*r*n> pos n. def a binary star, one component of which is a red giant, the brightest star in the constellation Taurus. It is situated close to the star cluster Hyades. Visual magnitude: l.06; spectral type: K5; distance: 55 light years. aldehyde ety C19: from New Latin al (cohol) dehyd (rogen*_atum) dehydrogenated alcohol aldehyde 1. syl al+de+hyde pron <1@ldi2hId> pos n. def any organic compound containing the group -CHO. Aldehydes are oxidized to carboxylic acids and take part in many addition reactions. aldehyde 2. syl al+de+hyde pron <1@ldi2hId> pos n. usage modifier def consist?!ing of, containing, or concerned with the group -CHO. exam 1 aldehyde group or radical. aldehydic sub head aldehyde syl al+de+hyd+ic pron <2@ld*1hidik> pos adj. al dente ety literally: to the tooth al dente 0. syl al den+te pron Italian. pos adj. usage of a pasta dish def cooked so as to be firm when eaten. alder ety Old English alor; related to Old High German elira, Latin alnus alder 1. syl al+der pron <1c:ld*> pos n. def any N temperate betulaceous shrub or tree of the genus having toothed leaves and conelike fruits. The bark is used in dyeing and tanning and the wood for bridges, etc. because it resists underwater rot. alder 2. syl al+der pron <1c:ld*> pos n. def any of several similar trees or shrubs. alder xref syl al+der pron <1c:ld*> pos n. def Compare {{elder%2}}. alder buckthorn 0. syl al+der buck+thorn pos n. def a Eurasian rhamnaceous shrub, with small greenish flowers and black berry-like fruits. alder fly 0. syl al+der fly pos n. def any of various neuropterous insects of the widely distributed group such as that have large broad-based hind wings, produce aquatic larvae, and occur near water. alderman ety Old English aldormann, from ealdor chief (comparative of eald #7old) #7+ mann #7man aldermen infl head alderman syl al+der+men. pos n. mod pl. alderman 1. syl al+der+man pron <1c:ld*m*n> pos n. usage in England and Wales until 1974 def one of the senior members of a local council, elected by other councillors. alderman 2. syl al+der+man pron <1c:ld*m*n> pos n. usage in the U.S., Canada, etc. def a member of the governing body of a municipality. alderman 3. syl al+der+man pron <1c:ld*m*n> pos n. qual History. def a variant spelling of {ealdorman}. alderman xref syl al+der+man pron <1c:ld*m*n> pos n. def Abbrevs. (for senses 1, 2): {Ald., Aldm}. aldermanic sub head alderman syl al+der+man+ic pron <2c:ld*1m@nik> pos adj. aldermanry sub head alderman syl al+der+man+ry pos n. aldermanship sub head alderman syl al+der+man+2ship pos n. Aldermaston 0. syl Al+der+mas+ton pron <1c:ld*2ma:st*n> pos n. def a village in S England, in Berkshire southwest of Reading: site of the Atomic Weapons Research Establishment and starting point of the Aldermaston marches (1958-63), organized by the Campaign for Nuclear Disarmament. Alderney 0. syl Al+der+ney pron <1c:ld*ni> pos n. def one of the Channel Islands, in the English Channel: separated from the French coast by a dangerous tidal channel (the {Race of Alderney) }. Pop.: 1686 (1971). Area: 8 sq. km (3 sq. miles). Aldershot 0. syl Al+der+shot pron <1c:ld*2Sot> pos n. def a town in S England, in Hampshire: site of a large military camp. Pop.: 33311 (1971). Aldine 1. syl Al+dine pron <1c:ldIn>, <-dEn> pos adj. def relating to Aldus Manutius or to his editions of the classics. Aldine 2. syl Al+dine pron <1c:ldIn>, <-dEn> pos n. def a book printed by the Aldine press. Aldine 3. syl Al+dine pron <1c:ldIn>, <-dEn> pos n. def any of the several typefaces designed by Aldus Manutius. Aldis lamp ety C20: originally a trademark, after A. C. W. Aldis, its inventor Aldis lamp 0. syl Al+dis lamp pron <1c:ldis> pos n. def a portable lamp used to transmit Morse code. aldol ety C19: from #7ald (#7ehyde) #7+ -#7ol aldol 1. syl al+dol pron <1@ldol> pos n. def a colourless or yellowish oily liquid, miscible with water, used in the manufacture of rubber accelerators, as an organic solvent, in perfume, and as a hypnotic and sedative. Formula: CH\3CHOHCH\2CHO. aldol 2. syl al+dol pron <1@ldol> pos n. def any organic compound containing the group -CHOHCH\2CHO. aldol 3. syl al+dol pron <1@ldol> pos n. usage modifier def consisting of, containing, or concerned with the group -CHOHCH\2CHO. exam 1 aldol group or radical. aldose ety C20: from #7ald (#7ehyde) #7+ {-#7ose %2} aldose 0. syl al+dose pron <1@ld*us>, <-d*uz> pos n. def a sugar that contains the aldehyde group or is a hemiacetal. aldosterone ety C20: from #7ald (#7ehyde) #7+ -#7o - #7+ster (#7ol) #7+ -#7one aldosterone 0. syl al+dos+te:rone pron <@l1dost*2r*un> pos n. def the principal mineralocorticoid secreted by the adrenal cortex. A synthesized form is used in the treatment of Addison's disease. aldoxime 0. syl ald+ox+ime pron <@l1doksEm> pos n. def an oxime formed by reaction between hydroxylamine and an aldehyde. Aldridge-Brownhills 0. syl Al:dridge-Brown:hills pron <1c:ldriJ> <1braun2hilz> pos n. def a town in central England, in N West Midlands: formed by the amalgamation of neighbouring towns in 1966; coalmining. Pop.: 88475 (1971). aldrin ety C20: named after K. Alder (1902-58) German chemist aldrin 0. syl al+drin pron <1c:ldrin> pos n. def a brown to white poisonous crystalline solid, more than 95 per cent of which consists of the compound C\1\2H\8Cl\6, which is used as an insecticide. Melting pt.: 105?%C. Aldus Manutius 0. syl Al:dus Ma:nu:ti:us pron <1c:ld*s> pos n. def 1450-1515, Italian printer, noted for his fine editions of the classics. He introduced italic type. ale ety Old English alu, ealu; related to Old Norse *"ol, Old Saxon alofat ale 1. syl ale pron pos n. def an alcoholic drink made by fermenting a cereal, esp. barley, originally differing from beer by being unflavoured by hops. ale 2. syl ale pron pos n. qual U.S. def such a drink made by the top-fermentation process. Compare {beer}. ale 3. syl ale pron pos n. qual Chiefly Brit. def another word for {beer}. aleatory ety C17: from Latin *_ale*_at*_orius, from *_ale*_ator gambler, from *_alea game of chance, dice, of uncertain origin aleatoric alt head aleatory or aleatory syl a:le:a+to+ric pron <2Ali*1torik> pos adj. aleatory 1. or aleatoric syl a:le:a+to+ry pron <1Ali*t*ri>, <-tri> pos adj. def dependent on chance. aleatory 2. or aleatoric syl a:le:a+to+ry pron <1Ali*t*ri>, <-tri> pos adj. usage esp. of a musical composition def involving elements chosen at random by the performer. aleck alt head alec or alec syl al+eck pron <1@lik> pos n. alec 0. or aleck syl al:ec pron <1@lik> pos n. qual Austral. slang. def a stupid person; silly fool. alecost 0. syl ale+cost pron <1Al2kost> pos n. def another name for {costmary}. Alecto 0. syl A:lec:to pron <*1lekt*u> pos n. qual Greek myth. def one of the three Furies; the others are Megaera and Tisiphore. alee 0. syl a:lee pron <*1lE> pos adv. adj. qual Nautical. usage postpositive def on or towards the lee. exam 1 with the helm alee. alegar ety C14: from #7ale+ vinegar alegar 0. syl al+e:gar pron <1Alig*>, <1@-> pos n. def malt vinegar. alehouse 0. syl ale+house pron <1Al2haus> pos n. def an archaic or dialect name for {pub}. Alexander infl head Alekhine syl Al:ex:an:der. pos n. Alekhine 0. syl Al:e:khine pron <1@li2kEn>, Russian pos n. def 1892-1946, Russian chess player who lived in France; world champion (1927-35, 1937-46) . Aleksandropol 0. syl A:le:ksan+dro+pol pron Russian pos n. def the former name (from 1837 until after the Revolution) of {Leninakan}. Aleksandrovsk 0. syl A:le:ksan+drovsk pron Russian pos n. def the former name (until 1921) of {Zaporozhye}. Mateo infl head Alem'an syl Ma:te:o pron pos n. Alem'an 0. syl A:le:m*'an pron Spanish <2alA1man> pos n. def 1547-??1614, Spanish novelist, author of the picaresque novel (1599). Alemanni ety C18: from Latin, of Germanic origin; related to Gothic alamans a totality of people Alemanni 0. syl Al:e+man+ni pron <2@l*1ma:ni> pos n. def a West Germanic people who settled in the 4th century #7a.d. between the Rhine, the Main, and the Danube. Alemannic ety C18: from Late Latin Alamannicus, of Germanic origin Alemannic 1.a. syl Al+e:man+nic pron <2@l*1m@nik> pos n. def the group of High German dialects spoken in Alsace, Switzerland, and SW Germany. Alemannic 1.b. syl Al+e:man+nic pron <2@l*1m@nik> pos n. def the language of the ancient Alemanni, from which these modern dialects have developed. See also {Old High German}. Alemannic 2. syl Al+e:man+nic pron <2@l*1m@nik> pos adj. def of or relating to the Alemanni, their speech, or the High German dialects descended from it. d' infl head Alembert syl d' pron French pos n. Jean Le Rond infl head Alembert syl Jean Le Rond pron <1r?~o> pos n. Alembert 0. syl A:lem:bert pron French pos n. def 1717-83, French mathematician, physicist, and rationalist philosopher, noted for his contribution to Newtonian physics in (1743) and for his collaboration with Diderot in editing the alembic ety C14: from Medieval Latin alembicum, from Arabic al-anb*_iq the still, from Greek ambix cup alembic 1. syl a:lem+bic pron <*1lembik> pos n. def an obsolete type of retort used for distillation. alembic 2. syl a:lem+bic pron <*1lembik> pos n. def anything that distils or purifies. alembicated 0. syl a:lem+bi+cat+ed pron <*1lembi2kAtid> pos adj. usage of a literary style def excessively refined; precious. alembication sub head alembicated syl a:2lem+bi+1ca+tion pos n. Alencon 0. syl A:len+*,con pron French pos n. def a town in NW France: early lace-manufacturing centre. Pop.: 34666 (1975). Alencon lace 0. syl A+len+*,con lace pos n. def an elaborate lace worked on a hexagonal mesh and used as a border, or a machine-made copy of this. aleph ety Hebrew: ox aleph 0. syl a:leph pron <1a:lif>, Hebrew <1alef> pos n. def the first letter in the Hebrew alphabet (###800023) articulated as a glottal stop and transliterated with a superior period (*.#800024) . aleph-zero alt head aleph-null or aleph-null syl a:leph-ze:ro pos n. aleph-null 0. or aleph-zero syl a:leph-null pos n. def the smallest infinite cardinal number; the cardinal number of the set of positive integers. Symbol: ###800025 \0. Aleppo 0. syl A:lep+po pron <*1lep*u> pos n. def an ancient city in NW Syria: industrial and commercial centre. Pop.: 639428 (1970). French name: {A@.lep} (a#!l$ep). Arabic name: {Ha+leb} (h$a$:#!l$eb). Aleppo gall 0. syl A:lep+po gall pos n. def a type of nutgall occurring in oaks in W Asia and E Europe. alert ety C17: from Italian all'erta on the watch, from erta lookout post, from ergere to build up, from Latin *_erigere; see #7erect alert 1. syl a:lert pron <*1lR:t> pos adj. usage usually postpositive def vigilantly attentive. exam 1 alert to the problems. alert 2. syl a:lert pron <*1lR:t> pos adj. usage usually postpositive def brisk, nimble, or lively. alert 3. syl a:lert pron <*1lR:t> pos n. usage usually postpositive def an alarm or warning, esp. a siren warning of an air raid. alert 4. syl a:lert pron <*1lR:t> pos n. usage usually postpositive def the period during which such a warning remains in effect. alert 5.a. syl a:lert pron <*1lR:t> pos n. usage usually postpositive def on guard against danger, attack, etc. alert 5.b. syl a:lert pron <*1lR:t> pos n. usage usually postpositive def watchful; ready. exam 1 on the alert for any errors. alert 6. syl a:lert pron <*1lR:t> pos vb. mod tr. usage usually postpositive def to warn or signal (troops, police, etc.) to prepare for action. alert 7. syl a:lert pron <*1lR:t> pos vb. mod tr. usage usually postpositive def to warn of danger, an attack, etc. alertly sub head alert syl a:1lert+ly pos adv. alertness sub head alert syl a:1lert+ness pos n. -ales ety New Latin, from Latin, plural of -*_alis -#7al -ales 0. syl -a:les usage suffix forming plural proper nouns. def denoting plants belonging to an order. exam 1 Rosales; exam 2 Filicales. Alessandria 0. syl A:les+san+dri:a pron Italian <2alAs1sandrja> pos n. def a town in NW Italy, in Piedmont. Pop.: 103474 (1975 est.). Aalesund alt head Alesund or Alesund syl *%Aa:le+sund pron Norwegian <1o:l*2sun> pos n. Alesund 0. or Aalesund syl *%A:le+sund pron Norwegian <1o:l*2sun> pos n. def a port and market town in W Norway, on an island between Bergen and Trondheim: fishing and sealing fleets. Pop.: 39145 (1970). alethic ety C20: from Greek al*_etheia truth alethic 0.a. syl a:le:thic pron <*1lETik> pos adj. qual Logic. def of or relating to such philosophical concepts as truth, necessity, possibility, contingency, etc. alethic 0.b. syl a:le:thic pron <*1lETik> pos adj. qual Logic. def designating the branch of modal logic that deals with the formalization of these concepts. aleurone ety C19: from Greek aleuron flour aleuron alt head aleurone or aleurone syl al:eu+ron pron <*1lu*ron>, <-r*n> pos n. aleurone 0. or aleuron syl al:eu+rone pron <*1lu*r*n>, <-2roun> pos n. def an albuminoid protein that occurs in the form of storage granules in plant cells, esp. in seeds such as maize. Aleut ety from Russian ale*'ut, probably of Chukchi origin Aleut 1. syl Al+eut pron <@1lu:t>, <1@lE2ut> pos n. def a member of a people inhabiting the Aleutian Islands and SW Alaska, related to the Eskimos. Aleut 2. syl Al+eut pron <@1lu:t>, <1@lE2ut> pos n. def the language of this people, related to Eskimo. Aleutian 1. syl A:leu+tian pron <*1lu:S*n> pos adj. def of, denoting, or relating to the Aleutian Islands, the Aleuts, or their language. Aleutian 2. syl A:leu+tian pron <*1lu:S*n> pos n. def another word for {Aleut}. Aleutian Islands 0. syl A:leu+tian Is+lands pos n. def a chain of over 150 volcanic islands, extending southwestwards from the Alaska Peninsula between the N Pacific and the Bering Sea. A level 0. syl A lev+el pos n. qual Brit. def the advanced level of a subject taken for General Certificate of Education ({G.C.E}.) , in schools usually taken two years after O level. alevin ety C19: from French, from Old French alever to rear (young), from Latin lev*_are to raise alevin 0. syl al+e:vin pron <1@livin> pos n. def a young fish, esp. a young salmon or trout. alewife ety C19: perhaps an alteration (through influence of alewife, that is, a large rotund woman, alluding to the fish's shape) of French alose shad alewives infl head alewife syl ale+wives. pos n. mod pl. alewife 0. syl ale+wife pron <1Al2wIf> pos n. def a North American fish, similar to the herring family (herrings). Harold (Rupert Leofric George) infl head Alexander syl Har:old (Rupert Leofric George) pos n. Alexander 0. syl Al:ex:an:der pron <2@lig1za:nd*> pos n. def Earl Alexander of Tunis. 1891-1969, British field marshal in World War II, who organized the retreat from Dunkirk and commanded the victories of North Africa (1943) and Sicily and Italy (1944-45); governor general of Canada (1946-52); British minister of defence (1952-54). Alexander I 1. syl Al:ex:an:der I pos n. usage c. def 1080-1124, king of Scotland (1107-24), son of Malcolm III. Alexander I 2. syl Al:ex:an:der I pos n. def 1777-1825, tsar of Russia (1801-25), who helped defeat Napoleon and formed the Holy Alliance (1815). Alexander II 1. syl Al:ex:an:der II pos n. def 1198-1249, king of Scotland (1214-49), son of William I. Alexander II 2. syl Al:ex:an:der II pos n. def 1818-81, tsar of Russia (1855-81), son of Nicholas I, who emancipated the serfs (1861). He was assassinated by the Nihilists. Alexander III 1. syl Al:ex:an:der III pos n. def 1241-86, king of Scotland (1249-86), son of Alexander II. Alexander III 2. syl Al:ex:an:der III pos n. def original name died 1181, pope (1159-81), who excommunicated Barbarossa. Alexander III 3. syl Al:ex:an:der III pos n. def 1845-94, tsar of Russia (1881-94), son of Alexander II. Alexander VI 0. syl Al:ex:an:der VI pos n. def original name 1431-1503, pope (1492-1503): noted for his extravagance and immorality as well as for his patronage of the arts; father of Cesare and Lucrezia Borgia, with whom he is said to have committed incest. Alexander Archipelago 0. syl Al+ex+an+der Ar+chi+pel:a+go pos n. def a group of over 1000 islands along the coast of SE Alaska. Alexander I Island 0. syl Al+ex+an+der I Is+land pos n. def an island of Antarctica, west of Palmer Land, in the Bellingshausen Sea. Length: about 378 km (235 miles). Saint infl head Alexander Nevski syl Saint. pos n. Alexander Nevski 0. syl Al:ex:an:der Nev:ski pron <1nevski>, <1nef->, Russian <1njefskij> pos n. def ??1220-63, Russian prince and military leader, who defeated the Swedes at the River Neva (1240) and the Teutonic knights at Lake Peipus (1242). alexanders ety Old English, from Medieval Latin alexandrum, probably (through association in folk etymology with Alexander the Great) changed from Latin holus atrum black vegetable alexanders 1. syl al+ex+an+ders pron <2@lig1za:nd*z> pos n. def a biennial umbelliferous plant, native to S Europe, with dense umbels of yellow-green flowers and black fruits. golden alexanders 2. head alexanders syl golden alexanders. def an umbelliferous plant, of North America, having yellow flowers in compound umbels. Alexander the Great 0. syl Al:ex:an:der the Great pos n. def 356-323 #7b.c., king of Macedon, who conquered Greece (336), Egypt (331), and the Persian Empire (328), and founded Alexandria. Alexandra 0. syl Al:ex:an:dra pron <2@lig1za:ndr*> pos n. def 1844-1925, queen consort of Edward VII of England. Alexandretta 0. syl Al+ex+an+dret+ta pron <2@ligza:n1dreta> pos n. def the former name of {Iskenderun}. Alexandria 0. syl Al+ex+an+dri:a pron <2@lig1z@ndri*>, <-1za:n-> pos n. def the chief port of Egypt, on the Nile Delta: cultural centre of ancient times, founded by Alexander the Great (332 #7b.c.) #7. Pop.: 2259000 (1974 est.). Arabic name: {El Iskandariyah}. Alexandrian 1. syl Al+ex+an+dri:an pron <2@lig1z@ndri*n>, <-1za:n-> pos adj. def of or relating to Alexandria in Egypt. Alexandrian 2. syl Al+ex+an+dri:an pron <2@lig1z@ndri*n>, <-1za:n-> pos adj. def of or relating to Alexander the Great. Alexandrian 3. syl Al+ex+an+dri:an pron <2@lig1z@ndri*n>, <-1za:n-> pos adj. def relating to the Hellenistic philosophical, literary, and scientific ideas that flourished in Alexandria in the last three centuries #7b.c. Alexandrian 4. syl Al+ex+an+dri:an pron <2@lig1z@ndri*n>, <-1za:n-> pos adj. usage of writers, literary works, etc. def erudite and imitative rather than original or creative. Alexandrian 5. syl Al+ex+an+dri:an pron <2@lig1z@ndri*n>, <-1za:n-> pos n. def a native or inhabitant of Alexandria. Alexandrine ety C16: from French alexandrin, from Alexandre title of 15th-century poem written in this metre Alexandrine 1. syl Al+ex+an+drine pron <2@lig1z@ndrIn>, <-drin>, <-1za:n-> pos n. qual Prosody. def a line of verse having six iambic feet, usually with a caesura after the third foot. Alexandrine 2. syl Al+ex+an+drine pron <2@lig1z@ndrIn>, <-drin>, <-1za:n-> pos adj. qual Prosody. def of, characterized by, or written in Alexandrines. alexandrite ety C19: named after A#7lexander I of Russia; see -#7ite %1 alexandrite 0. syl al+ex+an+drite pron <2@lig1z@ndrIt> pos n. def a green variety of chryso?!beryl used as a gemstone. Alexandro'upolis 0. syl A:le:xan+dro*'u+po+lis pron Greek <2aleksan1Drupclis> pos n. def a port in NE Greece, in W Thrace. Pop.: 22995 (1971). Former name (until the end of World War I): {Ded*'eagach}. alexia ety C19: from New Latin, from #7a -%1#7+ Greek lexis speech; influenced in meaning by Latin legere to read alexia 0. syl a:lex:i:a pron <*1leksi*> pos n. def a disorder of the central nervous system characterized by impaired ability to read. Nontechnical name: {word blindness}. Compare {aphasia}. alexin ety C19: from German, from Greek alexein to ward off alexin 0. syl a:lex+in pron <*1leksin> pos n. qual Immunol. def a former word for { {complement} (sense 9).} alexinic sub head alexin syl a:lex+in+ic pron <2@lik1sinik> pos adj. alexipharmic ety C17: from Greek alexipharmakon antidote, from alexein to avert+ pharmakon drug infl head alexipharmic syl ~ pos adj. qual Med. alexipharmic 1. syl a:lex:i+phar+mic pron <*2leksi1fa:mik> pos adj. def acting as an antidote. {~} alexipharmic 2. syl a:lex:i+phar+mic pron <*2leksi1fa:mik> pos adj. def an antidote. Alexis Mikhailovich 0. syl A:lex:is Mi:khai:lo:vich pron <*1leksis> pos n. def 1629-76, tsar of Russia (1645-76); father of Peter the Great. Alexius I Comnenus 0. syl A:lex:i:us I Com:ne:nus pron <*1leksi*s> pos n. def 1048-1118, ruler of the Byzantine Empire (1081-1118). alfalfa ety C19: from Spanish, from Arabic al-fasfasah, from al the+ fasfasah alfalfa 0. syl al+fal+fa pron <@l1f@lf*> pos n. def a papilionaceous plant, of Europe and Asia, having compound leaves with three leaflets and clusters of small purplish flowers. It is widely cultivated for forage and used as a commercial source of chlorophyll. Also called: {lucerne}. Al Fatah 0. syl Al Fat+ah pron <@l> <1f@t*> pos n. def See {Fatah}. Alfieri 0. syl Al:fie:ri pron Italian pos n. def Count {Vit@.to@.rio} (vit#!t@$$:rjo). 1749-1803, Italian dramatist and poet, noted for his classical tragedies and political satires. alfilaria ety via American Spanish from Spanish alfilerillo, from alfiler pin, from Arabic al-khil*_al the thorn alfileria alt head alfilaria or alfilaria syl al+fil+e:ri:a pron <2@lfi1le*ri*> pos n. alfilaria 0. or alfileria syl al+fil:a+ri:a pron <2@lfi1le*ri*> pos n. def a geraniaceous plant, native to Europe, with finely divided leaves and small pink or purplish flowers. It is widely naturalized in North America and is used as fodder. Also called: {pin clover}. Alfonso XIII 0. syl Al:fon:so XIII pron Spanish pos n. def 1886-1941, king of Spain (1886-1931), who was forced to abdicate on the establishment of the republic in 1931. alforja ety C17: from Spanish, from Arabic al-khurj the saddlebag alforja 0. syl al+for+ja pron <@l1fc:J*> pos n. qual Southwestern U.S. def a saddlebag made of leather or canvas. Alfred the Great 0. syl Al:fred the Great pron <1@lfrid> pos n. def 849-99, king of Wessex (871-99) and overlord of England, who defeated the Danes and encouraged learning and writing in English. alfresco ety C18: from Italian: in the cool alfresco 0. syl al+fres+co pron <@l1fresk*u> pos adj. adv. def in the open air. alg 0. syl alg. qual abbrev. for def algebra algebraic. Alg 0. syl Alg. qual abbrev. for def Algeria(n). algae ety C16: from Latin, plural of alga seaweed, of uncertain origin alga infl head algae syl al:ga pron <1@lg*> pos n. mod sing. algae 0. syl al+gae pron <1@lJE> pos n. mod pl. def unicellular or multicellular plants, occurring in fresh or salt water or moist ground, that have chlorophyll and other pigments but lack true stems, roots, and leaves. The group includes the seaweeds, diatoms, and spirogyra. See also {thallophyte}. algal sub head algae syl al+gal pron <1@lg*l> pos adj. algarroba ety C19: from Spanish, from Arabic al the+ kharr*_ubah #7carob algaroba alt head algarroba or algarroba syl al+ga+ro+ba pron <2@lg*1r*ub*> pos n. algarroba 1. or algaroba syl al+gar+ro+ba pron <2@lg*1r*ub*> pos n. def another name for {mesquite} or {carob}. algarroba 2. or algaroba syl al+gar+ro+ba pron <2@lg*1r*ub*> pos n. def the edible pod of these trees. algebra ety C14: from Medieval Latin, from Arabic al-jabr the bone-setting, reunification, mathematical reduction algebra 1. syl al+ge+bra pron <1@lJibr*> pos n. def a branch of mathematics in which arithmetical operations and relationships are generalized by using symbols to represent members of specified sets of numbers. algebra 2. syl al+ge+bra pron <1@lJibr*> pos n. def a system of logical notation in which variables represent propositions and symbols represent the relations, such as conjunction or disjunction, between them. algebraist sub head algebra syl al+ge+bra+ist pron <2@lJi1brAist> pos n. algebraical alt head algebraic or algebraic syl al+ge+bra:i+cal pos adj. algebraic 1. or algebraical syl al+ge+bra+ic pron <2@lJi1brAik> pos adj. def of or relating to algebra. exam 1 an algebraic expression. algebraic 2. or algebraical syl al+ge+bra+ic pron <2@lJi1brAik> pos adj. def using or relating to finite numbers, operations, or relationships. algebraically sub head algebraic syl al+ge+1bra:i+cal+ly pos adv. algebraic number 1. syl al+ge+bra+ic num+ber pos n. def any positive or negative real number. algebraic number 2. syl al+ge+bra+ic num+ber pos n. def any number that is a root of a polynomial equation having rational coefficients. Algeciras 0. syl Al+ge+ci+ras pron <2@lJi1sir*s>, Spanish <2al$xA1Tiras> pos n. def a port and resort in SW Spain, on the Strait of Gibraltar: scene of a conference of the Great Powers in 1906. Pop.: 81662 (1970). Horatio infl head Alger syl Ho:ra:ti:o. pos n. Alger 0. syl Al:ger pron <1@lJ*> pos n. def 1834-99, U.S. author of adventure stories for boys, including (1867). Algeria 0. syl Al+ge+ri:a pron <@l1Ji*ri*> pos n. def a republic in NW Africa, on the Mediterranean: became independent in 1962, after more than a century of French rule; consists chiefly of the N Sahara Desert, with the Atlas Mountains in the north, and contains rich deposits of oil and natural gas. Official language: Arabic; French also widely spoken. Religion: Muslim. Currency: dinar. Capital: Algiers. Pop.: 14431000 (1973 est.). Area: about 2382800 sq. km (920000 sq. miles). French name: {Al+g*'e+rie} (al#fe#!ri). Algerian sub head Algeria or Algerine syl Al+1ge+ri:an pron <1@lJ*2rEn> pos adj. n. Algerine sub head Algeria or Algerian syl Al+ge+rine pron <1@lJ*2rEn> pos adj. n. algerine 0. syl al+ge:rine pron <2@lJ*1rEn> pos n. def a soft striped woollen cloth. -algia ety from Greek algos pain -algia 0. syl -al:gi:a pos n. usage combining form. def denoting pain or a painful condition of the part specified. exam 1 neuralgia; exam 2 odontalgia. -algic sub head -algia syl -al:gic pos adj. algicide 0. syl al+gi+cide pron <1@lJi2sId> pos n. def any substance that kills algae. algid ety C17: from Latin algidus, from alg*_ere to be cold algid 0. syl al+gid pron <1@lJid> pos adj. qual Med. def chilly or cold. algidity sub head algid syl al+1gid+i:ty pos n. Algiers 0. syl Al+giers pron <@l1Ji*z> pos n. def the capital of Algeria, an ancient port on the Mediterranean; up to 1830 a centre of piracy. Pop.: 903533 (1966). Arabic name: {Al-Je@.za@.ir} (@!@ald#f$e#!z$a$:$I$$). French name: {Al+ger} (al#!#fe). algin 0. syl al+gin pron <1@lJin> pos n. def alginic acid or one of its esters or salts, esp. the gelatinous solution obtained as a by-product in the extraction of iodine from seaweed, used in mucilages and for thickening jellies. alginate 0. syl al+gi+nate pron <1@lJi2nAt> pos n. def a salt or ester of alginic acid. alginic acid 0. syl al+gin+ic ac:id pron <@l1Jinik> pos n. def a white or yellowish powdery polysaccharide having marked hydrophilic properties. Ex?!tracted from kelp, it is used mainly in the food and textile industries and in cosmetics and pharmaceuticals. Formula: (C\6H\8O\6)\n; molecular wt.: 32000-250000. algo- ety from Greek algos pain algo- 0. syl al:go- usage combining form. def denoting pain. exam 1 algometer; exam 2 algophobia. algoid 0. syl al+goid pron <1@lgcid> pos adj. def resembling or relating to algae. Algol ety C14: from Arabic al gh*_ul the #7ghoul Algol 0. syl Al+gol pron <1@lgol> pos n. def the second brightest star in Perseus, the first known eclipsing binary. Visual magnitude: 2.2-3.5; period: 68.8 hours; spectral type (brighter component): B8. ALGOL ety C20: alg- (orithmic) o (riented) l (anguage) ALGOL 0. syl ALGOL pron <1@lgol> pos n. def a computer programming language de?!signed for mathematical and scientific purposes, in which algorithms can be expressed unambiguously; a high-level language. Compare {FORTRAN, PL/1, COBOL}. algolagnia 0. syl al+go+lag+ni:a pron <2@lg*1l@gni*> pos n. def a perversion in which sexual pleasure is gained from the experience or infliction of pain. See also {sadism, masochism}. algolagnic sub head algolagnia syl al+go+1lag+nic pos adj. algolagnist sub head algolagnia syl al+go+1lag+nist pos n. algology 0. syl al+gol+o:gy pron <@l1gol*Ji> pos n. def the branch of botany concerned with the study of algae. algological sub head algology syl al+go+log:i+cal pron <2@lg*1loJikL> pos adj. algologically sub head algology syl al+go+1log:i+cal+ly pos adv. algologist sub head algology syl al+1gol:o+gist pos n. algometer 0. syl al+gom+e:ter pron <@l1gomit*> pos n. def an instrument for measuring sensitivity to pressure ({pressure algometer}) or to pain. &- {al+#!gom+e@.try} Algonkian 1. syl Al+gon+ki:an pron <@l1goGki*n> pos n. adj. def an obsolete term for {Proterozoic}. Algonkian 2. syl Al+gon+ki:an pron <@l1goGki*n> pos n. adj. def a variant spelling of {Algonquian}. Algonkian alt head Algonquian or Algonquian syl Al+gon+ki:an pos n. Algonquian 1. or Algonkian syl Al+gon+qui:an pron <@l1goGki*n>, <-kwi-> pos n. def a family of North American Indian languages whose speakers ranged over an area stretching from the Atlantic between Newfoundland and Delaware to the Rocky Mountains, including Micmac, Mahican, Ojibwa, Fox, Blackfoot, Cheyenne, and Shawnee. Algonquians infl head Algonquian or Algonquian syl Al+gon+qui:ans pos n. mod pl. Algonquian infl or Algonquians syl Al+gon+qui:an pos n. mod pl. Algonquian 2. or Algonkian syl Al+gon+qui:an pron <@l1goGki*n>, <-kwi-> pos n. def a member of any of the North American Indian peoples that speak one of these languages. Algonquian 3. or Algonkian syl Al+gon+qui:an pron <@l1goGki*n>, <-kwi-> pos adj. def denoting, belonging to, or relating to this linguistic family or its speakers. Algonquin ety C17: from Canadian French, earlier written as Algoumequin; perhaps related to Micmac algoomaking at the fish-spearing place Algonkin alt head Algonquin or Algonquin syl Al+gon+kin pron <@l1goGkin> pos n. Algonquins infl head Algonquin or Algonkins syl Al+gon+quins pos n. mod pl. Algonquin infl or Algonkin syl Al+gon+quin pos n. mod pl. Algonkins infl head Algonquin or Algonquins syl Al+gon+kins pos n. mod pl. Algonkin infl head Algonquin or Algonquin syl Al+gon+kin pos n. mod pl. Algonquin 1. or Algonkin syl Al+gon+quin pron <@l1goGkin>, <-kwin> pos n. def a member of a North American Indian people formerly living along the St. Lawrence and Ottawa Rivers in Canada. Algonquin 2. or Algonkin syl Al+gon+quin pron <@l1goGkin>, <-kwin> pos n. def the language of this people, a dialect of Ojibwa. Algonquin 3. or Algonkin syl Al+gon+quin pron <@l1goGkin>, <-kwin> pos n. adj. def a variant spelling of {Algonquian}. Algonquin Park 0. syl Al+gon+quin Park pos n. def a provincial park in S Canada, in E Ontario, containing over 1200 lakes. Area: 7100 sq. km (2741 sq. miles). algophobia 0. syl al+go+pho+bi:a pron <2@lg*1f*ubi*> pos n. qual Psychiatry. def an acute fear of experiencing or witnessing bodily pain. algor ety C15: from Latin algor 0. syl al+gor pron <1@lgc:> pos n. qual Med. def chill. algorism ety C13: from Old French algorisme, from Medieval Latin algorismus, from Arabic al-khuw*_arizmi, from the name of abu-Ja`far Mohammed ibn-M*_usa al-Khuw*_arizmi, ninth-century Persian mathematician algorism 1. syl al+go+rism pron <1@lg*2riz*m> pos n. def the Arabic or decimal system of counting. algorism 2. syl al+go+rism pron <1@lg*2riz*m> pos n. def the skill of computation using any system of numerals. algorism 3. syl al+go+rism pron <1@lg*2riz*m> pos n. def another name for {algorithm}. algorismic sub head algorism syl al+go+1ris+mic pos adj. algorithm ety C17: changed from #7algorism, through influence of Greek arithmos number algorithm 0. syl al+go+rithm pron <1@lg*2ri@d*m> pos n. def any method or procedure of computation, usually involving a series of steps as in long division. Also called: {algorism}. algorithmic sub head algorithm syl al+go+1rith+mic pos adj. algorithmically sub head algorithm syl al+go+1rith+mi+cal+ly pos adv. Alhambra 0. syl Al+ham+bra pron <@l1h@mbr*> pos n. def a citadel and palace in Granada built for the Moorish kings during the 13th and 14th centuries: noted for its rich ornamentation. Alhambresque sub head Alhambra syl Al+ham+bresque pron <2@lh@m1bresk> pos adj. Al Hasa 0. syl Al Ha:sa pron <1ha:s*> pos n. def a province in E Saudi Arabia, in Nejd on the Persian Gulf: site of the first discovery of oil in Saudi Arabia (near Ad Dammam in 1933). Chief town: Al Hufuf. Pop.: 500000 (1961 est.). Area: 106708 sq. km (41200 sq. miles). Al Hofuf alt head Al Hufuf or Al Hufuf syl Al Ho+fuf pron <@l> Al Hufuf 0. or Al Hofuf syl Al Hu+fuf pron <@l> def a town in E Saudi Arabia: a trading centre with nearby oilfields and oases. Pop.: 100000 (1970 est.). Ali 1. syl A:li pron <1a:li:> pos n. def ??600-661 #7a.d., fourth caliph of Islam (656-61 #7a.d.) #7, considered the first caliph by the Shiites: cousin and son-in-law of Mohammed. Mehemet 2. head Ali syl Mehemet. def See {Mehemet Ali}. alias ety C16: from Latin ali*_as (adv.) otherwise, at another time, from alius other alias 1. syl a:li+as pron <1Ali*s> pos adv. def at another time or place known as or named. exam 1 Dylan, alias Zimmerman. aliases infl head alias syl a:li+as:es. pos n. mod pl. alias 2. syl a:li+as pron <1Ali*s> pos n. def an assumed name. alibi ety C18: from Latin alib*_i elsewhere, from alius other+ -b*_i as in ub*_i where alibis infl head alibi syl al:i+bis. pos n. mod pl. alibi 1.a. syl al:i+bi pron <1@li2bI> pos n. def a defence by an accused person that he was elsewhere at the time the crime in question was committed. alibi 1.b. syl al:i+bi pron <1@li2bI> pos n. def the evidence given to prove this. alibi 2. syl al:i+bi pron <1@li2bI> pos n. qual Informal. def an excuse. alibi 3. syl al:i+bi pron <1@li2bI> pos vb. mod tr. def to provide with an alibi. alible ety C17: from Latin alibilis nutritious, from alere to nourish alible 0. syl al+i:ble pron <1@l*bL> pos adj. qual Archaic. def nourishing; nutritive. Alicante 0. syl Al:i+can+te pron <2@li1k@nti> pos n. def a port in SE Spain: commercial centre. Pop.: 184716 (1970). Alice-in-Wonderland ety C20: alluding to the absurdities of Wonderland in Lewis Carroll's book Alice-in-Wonderland 0. syl Al:ice-in-Won:der+land pos adj. def fantastic; irrational. Alice Springs 0. syl Al+ice Springs pos n. def a town in Australia, in the Northern Territory, in the Macdonnell Ranges: capital of the former territory of Central Australia. Pop.: 13400 (1975 est.). Former name (until 1931): {Stuart}. alicyclic ety C19: from German alicyclisch, from #7ali (#7phatic) #7+cyclic alicyclic 0. syl al:i+cy+clic pron <2@li1sIklik>, <-1sik-> pos adj. usage of an organic compound def having essentially aliphatic properties, in spite of the presence of a ring of carbon atoms. alidade ety C15: from French, from Medieval Latin allidada, from Arabic al-'id*_ada the revolving radius of a circle alidad alt head alidade or alidade syl al:i+dad pron <1@li2d@d> pos n. alidade 1. or alidad syl al:i+dade pron <1@li2dAd> pos n. def a surveying instrument used in plane-tabling for drawing lines of sight on a distant object and taking angular measurements. alidade 2. or alidad syl al:i+dade pron <1@li2dAd> pos n. def the upper rotatable part of a theodolite, including the telescope and its attachments. alien ety C14: from Latin ali*_enus foreign, from alius other alien 1. syl al+ien pron <1Alj*n>, <1Ali*n> pos n. def a person owing allegiance to a country other than that in which he lives; foreigner. alien 2. syl al+ien pron <1Alj*n>, <1Ali*n> pos n. def any being or thing foreign to the the environment in which it now exists. exam 1 an alien from another planet. alien 3. syl al+ien pron <1Alj*n>, <1Ali*n> pos n. def unnaturalized; foreign. alien 4. syl al+ien pron <1Alj*n>, <1Ali*n> pos n. def having foreign allegiance. exam 1 alien territory. alien 5. syl al+ien pron <1Alj*n>, <1Ali*n> pos n. def unfamiliar; strange. exam 1 an alien quality in a work of art. alien 6. syl al+ien pron <1Alj*n>, <1Ali*n> pos n. usage postpositive and foll. by to def repugnant or opposed (to). exam 1 war is alien to his philosophy. alien 7. syl al+ien pron <1Alj*n>, <1Ali*n> pos vb. mod tr. qual Rare. def to transfer (property, etc.) to another. alienage sub head alien syl al+ien+age pron <1Alj*niJ>, <1Ali*-> pos n. alienable 0. syl al+ien+a:ble pron <1Alj*n*bL>, <1Ali*-> pos adj. usage Law. of property def transferable to another owner. alienability sub head alienable syl al+ien+a:1bil+i:ty pos n. alienate 1. syl al+ien+ate pron <1Alj*2nAt>, <1Ali*-> pos vb. mod tr. def to cause (a friend, sympathizer, etc.) to become indifferent, unfriendly, or hostile; estrange. alienate 2. syl al+ien+ate pron <1Alj*2nAt>, <1Ali*-> pos vb. mod tr. def to turn away; divert. exam 1 to alienate the affections of a person. alienate 3. syl al+ien+ate pron <1Alj*2nAt>, <1Ali*-> pos vb. mod tr. qual Law. def to transfer the ownership of (property, title, etc.) to another person. alienator sub head alienate syl al+ien:2a+tor pos n. alienation 1. syl al+ien:a+tion pron <2Alj*1nAS*n>, <2Ali*-> pos n. def a turning away; estrange?!ment. alienation 2. syl al+ien:a+tion pron <2Alj*1nAS*n>, <2Ali*-> pos n. def the state of being an outsider or the feeling of being isolated, as from society. alienation 3. syl al+ien:a+tion pron <2Alj*1nAS*n>, <2Ali*-> pos n. qual Psychiatry. def a state in which a person's feelings are inhibited so that eventually both the self and the external world seem unreal. alienation 4.a. syl al+ien:a+tion pron <2Alj*1nAS*n>, <2Ali*-> pos n. def the transfer of property, as by conveyance or will, into the ownership of another. alienation 4.b. syl al+ien:a+tion pron <2Alj*1nAS*n>, <2Ali*-> pos n. def the right of an owner to dispose of his property. alienee 0. syl al+ien:ee pron <2Alj*1nE>, <2Ali*-> pos n. qual Law. def a person to whom a transfer of property is made. alienism 0. syl al+ien+ism pron <1Alj*2niz*m>, <1Ali*-> pos n. qual Obsolete. def the study and treatment of mental illness. alienist 1. syl al+ien+ist pron <1Alj*nist>, <1Ali*-> pos n. qual U.S. def a psychiatrist who specializes in the legal aspects of mental illness. alienist 2. syl al+ien+ist pron <1Alj*nist>, <1Ali*-> pos n. qual Obsolete. def a person who practises alienism. alienor 0. syl al+ien+or pron <1Alj*n*>, <1Ali*-> pos n. qual Law. def a person who transfers property to another. aliform ety C19: from New Latin *_aliformis, from Latin *_ala a wing aliform 0. syl al:i+form pron <1@li2fc:m>, <1Ali-> pos adj. def wing-shaped; alar. Aligarh 0. syl A:li+garh pron <2a:li1gR:>, <2@li-> pos n. def a city in N India, in W Uttar Pradesh, with a famous Muslim university (1920). Pop.: 252314 (1971). alight ety Old English *_al*_ihtan, from #7a -%2#7+ l*_ihtan to make less heavy, from l*_iht #7{light %2} alight 0. syl a:light def %1@T ($$#!la$It)@T {a@.lights, @T a@.light+ing, @T a@.light+ed@T} {a@.lit}. alight 1. syl a:light usage usually foll. by from def to step out (of) or get down (from). exam 1 to alight from a taxi. alight 2. syl a:light def to come to rest; settle; land. exam 1 a thrush alighted on the wall. alight ety Old English *_al*_iht lit up, from *_al*_ihtan to light up; see #7{light %1} alight H2.1. syl a:light pron <*1lIt> pos adj. postpositive; adv. def burning; on fire. alight H2.2. syl a:light pron <*1lIt> pos adj. postpositive; adv. def illuminated; lit up. alighting gear 0. syl a:light+ing gear pos n. def another name for { {undercarriage} (sense 1)}. align ety C17: from Old French aligner, from *`a ligne into line align 1. syl a:lign pron <*1lIn> pos vb. def to place or become placed in a line. align 2. syl a:lign pron <*1lIn> pos vb. def to bring (components or parts, such as the wheels of a car) into proper or desirable coordination or relation. align 3. syl a:lign pron <*1lIn> pos vb. mod tr. usage usually foll. by with def to bring (a person, country, etc.) into agreement or cooperation with the policy, etc. of another person or group. alignment 1. syl a:lign+ment pron <*1lInm*nt> pos n. def arrangement in a straight line. alignment 2. syl a:lign+ment pron <*1lInm*nt> pos n. def the line or lines formed in this manner. alignment 3. syl a:lign+ment pron <*1lInm*nt> pos n. def alliance or union with a party, cause, etc. alignment 4. syl a:lign+ment pron <*1lInm*nt> pos n. def proper or desirable coordination or relation of components. alignment 5. syl a:lign+ment pron <*1lInm*nt> pos n. def a ground plan of a railway, motor road, etc. alignment 6. syl a:lign+ment pron <*1lInm*nt> pos n. qual Archaeol. def an arrangement of one or more ancient rows of standing stones, of uncertain significance. alike ety Old English gel*_ic; see #7{like %1} alike 1. syl a:like pron <*1lIk> pos adj. usage postpositive def possessing the same or similar characteristics. exam 1 they all look alike to me. alike 2. syl a:like pron <*1lIk> pos adv. usage postpositive def in the same or a similar manner, way, or degree. exam 1 they walk alike. aliment ety C15: from Latin alimentum food, from alere to nourish aliment 1. syl al:i+ment pron <1@lim*nt> pos n. def something that nourishes, supports, or sustains the body or mind. aliment 2. syl al:i+ment pron <1@lim*nt> pos n. qual Scot. law. def another term for {alimony}. aliment 3. syl al:i+ment pron <1@li2ment> pos vb. mod tr. qual Obsolete. def to support or sustain. alimental sub head aliment syl al:i+1men+tal pos adj. alimentary 1. syl al:i+men+ta+ry pron <2@li1ment*ri>, <-tri> pos adj. def of or relating to nutrition. alimentary 2. syl al:i+men+ta+ry pron <2@li1ment*ri>, <-tri> pos adj. def providing sustenance or nourishment. alimentary 3. syl al:i+men+ta+ry pron <2@li1ment*ri>, <-tri> pos adj. qual Scot. law. def free from the claims of creditors. exam 1 an alimentary trust. alimentary canal 0. syl al:i+men+ta+ry ca+nal pos n. def the tubular passage extending from the mouth to the anus, through which food is passed and digested. alimentation 1. syl al:i+men+ta+tion pron <2@limen1tAS*n> pos n. def nourishment. alimentation 2. syl al:i+men+ta+tion pron <2@limen1tAS*n> pos n. def sustenance; support. alimentative sub head alimentation syl al:i+1men+ta+tive pos adj. alimony ety C17: from Latin alim*_onia sustenance, from alere to nourish alimony 0. syl al:i+mo+ny pron <1@lim*ni> pos n. qual Law. def an allowance paid under a court order by one spouse to another when they are separated, either before or after divorce. See also {maintenance}. aline 0. syl a:line pron <*1lIn> pos vb. def a rare spelling of {align}. alinement sub head aline syl a:1line+ment pos n. aliner sub head aline syl a:1lin+er pos n. Ali Pasha 0. syl A:li Pa:sha pron <1a:lE> <1pa:S*> pos n. def called 1741-1822, Turkish pasha and ruler of Albania (1787-1820), who was deposed and assassinated after intriguing against Turkey. aliped ety C19: from Latin *_alip*_es having winged feet, from *_ala wing+-#7ped aliped 1. syl al:i+ped pron <1@li2ped> pos adj. usage of bats and similar animals def having the digits connected by a winglike membrane. aliped 2. syl al:i+ped pron <1@li2ped> pos n. def an aliped animal. aliphatic ety C19: from Greek aleiphat-, aleiphar oil aliphatic 0. syl al:i+phat+ic pron <2@li1f@tik> pos adj. usage of an organic compound def not aromatic, esp. having an open chain structure, such as alkanes, alkenes, and alkynes. aliquant ety C17: from New Latin, from Latin aliquantus somewhat, a certain quantity of aliquant 0. syl al:i+quant pron <1@likw*nt> pos adj. qual Maths. def of, signifying, or relating to a quantity or number that is not an exact divisor of a given quantity or number. exam 1 5 is an aliquant part of 12. aliquot ety C16: from Latin: several, a few aliquot 1. syl al:i+quot pron <1@li2kwot> pos adj. qual Maths. def of, signifying, or relating to an exact divisor of a quantity or number. exam 1 3 is an aliquot part of 12. aliquot 2. syl al:i+quot pron <1@li2kwot> pos adj. def consisting of equal quantities. exam 1 the sample was divided into five aliquot parts. aliquot 3. syl al:i+quot pron <1@li2kwot> pos n. def an aliquot part. alit 0. syl a:lit pron <*1lit> pos vb. def a rare past tense and past participle of {alight%1}. aliunde ety Latin: from elsewhere aliunde 0. syl a:li:un+de pron <2Ali1^ndi> pos adv. adj. def from a source extrinsic to the matter, document, or instrument under consideration. exam 1 evidence aliunde. alive ety Old English on l*_ife in #7life alive 1. syl a:live pron <*1lIv> pos adj. usage postpositive; of people, animals, plants, etc. def living; having life. alive 2. syl a:live pron <*1lIv> pos adj. usage postpositive def in existence; active. exam 1 they kept hope alive; exam 2 the tradition was still alive. alive 3. syl a:live pron <*1lIv> pos adj. usage postpositive; immediately postpositive and usually used with a superlative def of those living; now living. exam 1 the happiest woman alive. alive 4. syl a:live pron <*1lIv> pos adj. usage postpositive def full of life; lively. exam 1 she was wonderfully alive for her age. alive 5. syl a:live pron <*1lIv> pos adj. usage postpositive; usually foll. by with def animated. exam 1 a face alive with emotion. alive 6. syl a:live pron <*1lIv> pos adj. usage postpositive; foll. by to def aware (of); sensitive (to). alive 7. syl a:live pron <*1lIv> pos adj. usage postpositive; foll. by with def teeming (with). exam 1 the mattress was alive with fleas. alive 8. syl a:live pron <*1lIv> pos adj. qual Electronics. usage postpositive def another word for {{live%2} (sense 10).} alive and kicking 9. head alive syl alive and kicking. usage postpositive; of a person def active and lively. alive 10.a. syl a:live pron <*1lIv> pos adj. usage postpositive def hurry up&! alive 10.b. syl a:live pron <*1lIv> pos adj. usage postpositive def pay attention&! aliveness sub head alive syl a:1live+ness pos n. alizarin ety C19: probably from French alizarine, probably from Arabic al-`as*_arah the juice, from `asara to squeeze alizarin 0. syl a:liz:a+rin pron <*1liz*rin> pos n. def a brownish-yellow powder or orange-red crystalline solid used as a dye and in the manufacture of other dyes. Formula: C\6H\4(CO)\2C\6H\2(OH)\2. alk 0. syl alk. qual abbrev. for def alkali. alkahest ety C17: apparently coined by Paracelsus on the model of Arabic words alcahest alt head alkahest or alkahest syl al+ca+hest pron <1@lk*2hest> pos n. alkahest 0. or alcahest syl al+ka+hest pron <1@lk*2hest> pos n. def the hypothetical universal solvent sought by alchemists. alkali ety C14: from Medieval Latin, from Arabic al-qili the ashes (of the plant saltwort) alkalis infl head alkali or alkalies syl al+ka+lis pos n. mod pl. alkalies infl head alkali or alkalis syl al+ka+lies. pos n. mod pl. alkali 1. syl al+ka+li pron <1@lk*2lI> pos n. qual Chemistry. def a soluble base or a solution of a base. alkali 2. syl al+ka+li pron <1@lk*2lI> pos n. def a soluble mineral salt that occurs in arid soils and some natural waters. alkalic 1. syl al+kal+ic pron <@l1k@lik> pos adj. usage of igneous rocks def containing large amounts of alkalis, esp. caustic soda and caustic potash. alkalic 2. syl al+kal+ic pron <@l1k@lik> pos adj. def another word for {alkaline}. alkali flat 0. syl al+ka+li flat pos n. def an arid plain encrusted with alkaline salts derived from the streams draining into it. alkalifies infl head alkalify syl al+ka+li+fies pos vb. alkalifying infl head alkalify syl al+ka+li+fy+ing pos vb. alkalified infl head alkalify syl al+ka+li+fied. pos vb. alkalify 0. syl al+ka+li+fy pron <1@lk*li2fI>, <@l1k@l-> pos vb. def to make or become alkaline. alkali metal 0. syl al+ka+li met+al pos n. def any of the monovalent metals lithium, sodium, potassium, rubidium, caesium, and francium, belong?!ing to group 1A of the periodic table. They are all very reactive and electropositive. alkalimeter 1. syl al+ka+lim+e:ter pron <2@lk*1limit*> pos n. def an apparatus for determining the concentration of alkalis in solution. alkalimeter 2. syl al+ka+lim+e:ter pron <2@lk*1limit*> pos n. def an apparatus for determining the quantity of carbon dioxide in carbonates. alkalimetric sub head alkalimeter syl al+ka+li+met+ric pron <2@lk*li1metrik> pos adj. alkalimetry 0. syl al+ka+lim+e:try pron <2@lk*1limitri> pos n. def determination of the amount of alkali or base in a solution, measured by an alkalimeter or by volumetric analysis. alkaline 0. syl al+ka+line pron <1@lk*2lIn> pos adj. def having the properties of or containing an alkali. alkaline earth 1. syl al+ka+line earth pos n. def Also called: {alkaline earth metal}. any of the divalent electropositive metals beryllium, magnesium, calcium, strontium, barium, and radium, belonging to group 2A of the periodic table. alkaline earth 2. syl al+ka+line earth pos n. def an oxide of one of the alkaline earth metals. alkalinity 1. syl al+ka+lin+i:ty pron <2@lk*1liniti> pos n. def the quality or state of being alkaline. alkalinity 2. syl al+ka+lin+i:ty pron <2@lk*1liniti> pos n. def the amount of alkali or base in a solution, often expressed in terms of pH. alkali soil 0. syl al+ka+li soil pos n. def a soil that gives a pH reaction of 8.5 or above, found esp. in dry areas where the soluble salts, esp. of sodium, have not been leached away but have accumulated in the B horizon of the soil profile. alkalise alt head alkalize or alkalize syl al+ka+lise pron <1@lk*2lIz> pos vb. mod tr. alkalize 0. or alkalise syl al+ka+lize pron <1@lk*2lIz> pos vb. mod tr. def to make alkaline. alkalizable sub head alkalize or alkalisable syl al+ka+2liz+a:ble pos adj. alkalisable sub head alkalize or alkalizable syl al+ka+2lis+a:ble pos adj. alkaloid 0. syl al+ka+loid pron <1@lk*2lcid> pos n. def any of a group of nitrogenous basic compounds found in plants, typically insoluble in water and physiologically active. Common examples are morphine, strych?!nine, and quinine. alkalosis 0. syl al+ka+lo+sis pron <2@lk*1l*usis> pos n. def an abnormal increase in alkalinity of the blood and extracellular fluids. alkane 0.a. syl al+kane pron <1@lkAn> pos n. def any saturated aliphatic hydrocarbon with the general formula C H\2 \+\2. alkane 0.b. syl al+kane pron <1@lkAn> pos n. usage as modifier; alkane series. def Also called: {paraffin}. alkanet ety C14: from Spanish alcaneta, diminutive of alcana henna, from Medieval Latin alchanna, from Arabic al the+ hinn*_a' henna alkanet 1. syl al+ka+net pron <1@lk*2net> pos n. def a European boraginaceous plant, the roots of which yield a red dye. alkanet 2. syl al+ka+net pron <1@lk*2net> pos n. def the dye obtained from this plant. Also called: {anchusin, alkannin}. alkanet 3. syl al+ka+net pron <1@lk*2net> pos n. def any of certain hairy blue-flowered Old World plants of the boraginaceous genus (or such as of Europe. See also { {bugloss}}. alkanet 4. syl al+ka+net pron <1@lk*2net> pos n. def another name for {{puccoon} (sense 1).} alkene 0.a. syl al+kene pron <1@lkEn> pos n. def any unsaturated aliphatic hydrocarbon with the general formula C H\2 alkene 0.b. syl al+kene pron <1@lkEn> pos n. usage as modifier; alkene series. def Also called: {olefine}. Alkmaar 0. syl Alk+maar pron Dutch <1alkma:r> pos n. def a city in the W Netherlands, in North Holland. Pop.: 60375 (1973 est.). Alcoran alt head Alkoran or Alkoran syl Al+co+ran pron <2@lko1ra:n> pos n. Alkoran 0. or Alcoran syl Al+ko+ran pron <2@lko1ra:n> pos n. def a less common name for the {Koran}. alkie alt head alky or alky syl al+kie pron <1@lki> pos n. alkies infl head alky syl al:kies. pos n. mod pl. alky 0. or alkie syl al:ky pron <1@lki> pos n. qual Slang, chiefly U.S. and Austral. def a heavy drinker or alcoholic. alkyd resin 0. syl al+kyd res+in pron <1@lkid> pos n. def any synthetic resin made from a dicarboxylic acid, such as phthalic acid, and diols or triols: used in paints and adhesives. alkyl ety C19: from German, from Alk (ohol) #7alcohol+ -#7yl alkyl 1. syl al+kyl pron <1@lkil> pos n. usage modifier def of, consisting of, or containing the monovalent group C H\2 \+\1. exam 1 alkyl group or radical. alkyl 2. syl al+kyl pron <1@lkil> pos n. def an organometallic compound, such as tetraethyl lead, containing an alkyl group bound to a metal atom. alkylation 1. syl al+kyl:a+tion pron <2@lki1lAS*n> pos n. def the replacement of a hydrogen atom in an organic compound by an alkyl group. alkylation 2. syl al+kyl:a+tion pron <2@lki1lAS*n> pos n. def the addition of an alkane hydrocarbon to an alkene in producing high-octane fuels. alkyne 0.a. syl al+kyne pron <1@lkIn> pos n. def any unsaturated aliphatic hydrocarbon that has a formula of the type C H\2 \-\2. alkyne 0.b. syl al+kyne pron <1@lkIn> pos n. usage as modifier; alkyne series. def Also called: {acetylene}. all ety Old English eall; related to Old High German al, Old Norse allr, Gothic alls all all 1.a. syl all pron pos determiner. def the whole quantity or amount of; totality of. exam 1 all the rice; exam 2 all interested parties. all 1.b. syl all pron pos determiner. mod as pronoun; functioning as; sing. pl. exam 1 is that all there are?? exam 2 all of it is nice; exam 3 all are welcome. all 2. syl all pron pos determiner. def every one of a class. exam 1 all men are mortal. all 3. syl all pron pos determiner. def the greatest possible. exam 1 in all earnestness. all 4. syl all pron pos determiner. def any whatever. exam 1 to lose all hope of recovery; exam 2 beyond all doubt. above all 5. head all syl above all. def most important. after all 6. head all syl after all. def in spite of everything. exam 1 it's only a game, after all. all but 7. head all syl all but. def almost; nearly. exam 1 all but dead. all of 8. head all syl all of. def no less or smaller than. exam 1 she's all of thirteen years. all 9.a. syl all pron pos determiner. def finished; at an end. exam 1 the affair is all over between us. all 9.b. syl all pron pos determiner. def over the whole area (of something); everywhere (in, on, etc.). exam 1 all over England. all 9.c. syl all pron pos determiner. qual Informal. def typically; representatively (in the phrase {that's me (you, him, us, them}, {all over) }. all 9.d. syl all pron pos determiner. def unduly effusive towards. all 9.e. syl all pron pos determiner. qual Sports. def in a dominant position over. all in 10. head all syl all in. def exhausted; tired out. all 11.a. syl all pron pos determiner. def everything considered. exam 1 all in all, it was a great success. all 11.b. syl all pron pos determiner. def the object of one's attention or interest. exam 1 you are my all in all. all the 13. head all syl all the. usage foll. by a comparative adjective or adverb def so much (more or less) than otherwise. exam 1 we must work all the faster now. and all 14. head all syl and all. qual Brit. informal. def as well; too. exam 1 and you can take that smile off your face and all. all 15.a. syl all pron pos determiner. def and similar or associated things; etcetera. exam 1 coffee, tea, and all that will be served in the garden. all 15.b. syl all pron pos determiner. def used as a filler or to make what precedes more vague: in this sense, it often occurs with concessive force. exam 1 she was sweet and pretty and all that, but I still didn't like her. as all that 16. head all syl as all that. def as one might expect or hope. exam 1 she's not as pretty as all that, but she has a personality. all 17.a. syl all pron pos determiner. usage in a question def in any way whatsoever or to any extent or degree. exam 1 I didn't know that at all. all 17.b. syl all pron pos determiner. def even so; anyway. exam 1 I'm surprised you came at all. be all for 18. head all syl be all for. qual Informal. def be strongly in favour of. all 19.a. syl all pron pos determiner. def in so far as; to the extent that. exam 1 for all anyone knows, he was a baron. all 19.b. syl all pron pos determiner. def notwithstanding. exam 1 for all my pushing, I still couldn't move it. for all that 20. head all syl for all that. def in spite of that. exam 1 he was a nice man for all that. in all 21. head all syl in all. def altogether. exam 1 there were five of them in all. all 22. syl all pron pos adv. usage in scores of games def apiece; each. exam 1 the score at half time was three all. all 23. syl all pron pos n. usage preceded by my, your, his, etc.; one's def complete effort or interest. exam 1 to give your all; exam 2 you are my all. all 24. syl all pron pos n. def totality or whole. all- 0. syl all- usage combining form. def variant of {allo-} before a vowel. alla breve ety C19: literally: (according) to the breve alla breve 1. syl al:la bre+ve pron <1@l*> <1brAvi>, Italian <1alla> <1brA:vA> pos n. def a musical time signature indicating two or four minims to a bar. {~} alla breve 2. syl al:la bre+ve pron <1@l*> <1brAvi>, Italian <1alla> <1brA:vA> pos n. def twice as fast as normal. Musical symbol: ###800026 Allah ety C16: from Arabic, from al the+ Il*_ah god; compare Hebrew el*_oah Allah 0. syl Al:lah pron <1@l*> pos n. qual Islam. def the principal Muslim name for God; the one Supreme Being. Allahabad 0. syl Al+lah:a+bad pron <2@l*h*1b@d>, <-1ba:d> pos n. def a city in N India, in SE Uttar Pradesh at the confluence of the Ganges and Jumna Rivers: Hindu pilgrimage centre. Pop.: 490622 (1971). all-American 1. syl all-A:mer:i+can pos adj. qual U.S. def representative of the whole of the United States. all-American 2. syl all-A:mer:i+can pos adj. qual U.S. def composed exclusively of American members. all-American 3. syl all-A:mer:i+can pos adj. qual U.S. usage of a person def typically American. Allan-a-Dale 0. syl Al:lan-a-Dale pron <2@l*n*1dAl> pos n. usage in English balladry def a member of Robin Hood's band who saved his sweetheart from an enforced marriage and married her himself. allanite ety C19: named after T. Allan (1777-1833), English mineralogist allanite 0. syl al+lan+ite pron <1@l*2nIt> pos n. def a rare black or brown mineral consisting of the hydrated silicate of calcium, aluminium, iron, cerium, lanthanum, and other rare earth minerals. It occurs in granites and other igneous rocks. Formula: (Ca,Ce,La,Na)\2(Al,Fe,Be,Mn,Mg)\3(SiO\4)\3(OH). allantoid ety C17: from Greek allantoeid*_es sausage-shaped, from allas sausage+-#7oid allantoid 1. syl al+lan+toid pron <*1l@ntcid> pos adj. def relating to or resembling the allantois. allantoid 2. syl al+lan+toid pron <*1l@ntcid> pos adj. qual Botany. def shaped like a sausage. allantoid 3. syl al+lan+toid pron <*1l@ntcid> pos n. def another name for {allantois}. allantoidal sub head allantoid syl al+lan+toi+dal pron <2@l*n?!1tcidL> pos adj. allantois ety C17: New Latin, irregularly from Greek allantoeid*_es sausage-shaped, #7allantoid allantois 0. syl al+lan+to+is pron <2@l*n1t*uis>, <*1l@ntcis> pos n. def a membranous sac growing out of the ventral surface of the hind gut of embryonic reptiles, birds, and mammals. It combines with the chorion to form the mammalian placenta. allantoic sub head allantois syl al+lan+to+ic pron <2@l*n1t*uik> pos adj. alla prima ety C19: from Italian: at once alla prima 0. syl al:la pri+ma pron <1a:la:> <1prEm*> pos adj. usage of a painting def painted with a single layer of paint, in contrast to paintings built up layer by layer. allargando ety Italian, from allargare to make slow or broad infl head allargando syl ~ pos adj. adv. qual Music. allargando 0. syl al+lar+gan+do pron <2a:la:1g@nd*u> pos adj. adv. def to be slowed down considerably. all-around 0. syl all-a:round pos adj. usage prenominal def the U.S. equivalent of {all-round}. allay ety Old English *_alecgan to put down, from lecgan to #7{lay %1} allay 1. syl al+lay pron <*1lAi> pos vb. def to relieve (pain, grief, etc.) or be relieved. allay 2. syl al+lay pron <*1lAi> pos vb. mod tr. def to reduce (fear, anger, etc.). All Black ety so named because of the players' black strip All Black 0. syl All Black pos n. def a member of the international Rugby Union football team of New Zealand. all clear 1. syl all clear pos n. def a signal, usually a siren, indicating that some danger, such as an air raid, is over. all clear 2. syl all clear pos n. def an indication that obstacles are no longer present; permission to proceed. exam 1 he received the all clear on the plan. allegation 1. syl al+le+ga+tion pron <2@li1gAS*n> pos n. def the act of alleging. allegation 2. syl al+le+ga+tion pron <2@li1gAS*n> pos n. def an unproved statement or assertion, esp. one in an accusation. allege ety C14 aleggen, ultimately from Latin all*_eg*_are to despatch on a mission, from l*_ex law allege 1. syl al+lege pron <*1leJ> pos vb. mod tr. usage may take a clause as object def to declare in or as if in a court of law; state without or before proof. exam 1 he alleged malpractice. allege 2. syl al+lege pron <*1leJ> pos vb. mod tr. usage may take a clause as object def to put forward (an argument or plea) for or against an accusation, claim, etc. allege 3. syl al+lege pron <*1leJ> pos vb. mod tr. qual Archaic. usage may take a clause as object def to cite or quote, as to confirm. alleged 1. syl al+leged pron <*1leJd> pos adj. usage prenominal def stated or described to be such; presumed. exam 1 the alleged murderer. alleged 2. syl al+leged pron <*1leJd> pos adj. usage prenominal def dubious. exam 1 an alleged miracle. allegedly sub head alleged syl al+leg+ed+ly pron <*1leJidli> pos adv. Alleghenies alt head Allegheny Mountains or Allegheny Mountains syl Al+le+ghe+nies pos n. mod pl. Allegheny Mountains 0. or Alleghenies syl Al+le+ghe+ny Moun+tains pron <2@li1gAni> pos n. mod pl. def a mountain range in Pennsylvania, Maryland, Virginia, and West Virginia: part of the Appalachian system; rising from 600 m (2000 ft.) to over 1440 m (4800 ft.). allegiance ety C14: from Old French ligeance, from lige #7liege allegiance 1. syl al+le+giance pron <*1lEJ*ns> pos n. def loyalty, as of a subject to his sovereign or of a citizen to his country. allegiance 2. syl al+le+giance pron <*1lEJ*ns> pos n. usage in feudal society def the obligations of a vassal to his liege lord. See also {fealty, {homage} (sense 2).} allegoric alt head allegorical or allegorical syl al+le+gor+ic pos adj. allegorical 0. or allegoric syl al+le+gor:i+cal pron <2@li1gorikL> pos adj. def used in, containing, or characteristic of allegory. allegorically sub head allegorical syl al+le+1gor:i+cal+ly pos adv. allegorise alt head allegorize or allegorize syl al+le+go+rise pron <1@lig*2rIz> pos vb. allegorize 1. or allegorise syl al+le+go+rize pron <1@lig*2rIz> pos vb. def to transform (a story, narrative, fable, etc.) into or compose in the form of allegory. allegorize 2. or allegorise syl al+le+go+rize pron <1@lig*2rIz> pos vb. mod tr. def to interpret allegorically. allegorization sub head allegorize or allegorisation syl al+le+2gor:i+1za+tion pos n. allegorisation sub head allegorize or allegorization syl al+le+2gor:i+1sa+tion pos n. allegory ety C14: from Old French allegorie, from Latin all*_egoria, from Greek, from all*_egorein to speak figuratively, from allos other+ agoreuein to make a speech in public, from agora a public gathering allegories infl head allegory syl al+le+go+ries. pos n. mod pl. allegory 1. syl al+le+go+ry pron <1@lig*ri> pos n. def a poem, play, picture, etc., in which the apparent meaning of the characters and events is used to symbolize a deeper moral or spiritual meaning. allegory 2. syl al+le+go+ry pron <1@lig*ri> pos n. def the technique or genre that this represents. allegory 3. syl al+le+go+ry pron <1@lig*ri> pos n. def use of such symbolism to illustrate truth or a moral. allegory 4. syl al+le+go+ry pron <1@lig*ri> pos n. def anything used as a symbol or emblem. allegorist sub head allegory syl al+le+go+rist pos n. allegretto ety C19: diminutive of #7allegro infl head allegretto syl ~ pos adj. adv. qual Music. allegretto 1. syl al+le+gret+to pron <2@li1gret*u> pos adj. adv. def quickly or briskly. {~} {+tos}. allegretto 2. syl al+le+gret+to pron <2@li1gret*u> pos adj. adv. def a piece or passage to be performed in this manner. allegro ety C17: from Italian: cheerful, from Latin alacer brisk, lively infl head allegro syl ~ pos adj. adv. qual Music. allegro 1. syl al+le+gro pron <*1lAgr*u>, <-1leg-> pos adj. adv. def quickly; in a brisk lively manner. allegros infl head allegro syl al+le+gros. pos n. mod pl. allegro 2. syl al+le+gro pron <*1lAgr*u>, <-1leg-> pos n. def a piece or passage to be performed in this manner. allele ety C20: from German Allel, shortened from allelomorph, from Greek all*_el- one another+ morph*_e form allele 0. syl al+lele pron <*1lEl> pos n. def any of two or more genes that have the same relative position on homologous chromosomes and are responsible for alternative characteristics, such as smooth or wrin?!kled seeds in peas. Also called: {al+le+lo+morph} ($$#!li$:l$$?!@!m@$$:f). See also {multiple alleles}. allelic sub head allele syl al+1lel+ic pos adj. allelism sub head allele syl al+1lel+ism pos n. alleluia ety C14: via Medieval Latin from Hebrew hallel*_uy*_ah alleluia 1. syl al+le+lu:ia pron <2@li1lu:j*> pos interj. def praise the Lord&! Used more commonly in liturgical contexts in place of alleluia 2. syl al+le+lu:ia pron <2@li1lu:j*> pos n. def a song of praise to God. allemande ety C17: from French danse allemande German dance allemande 1. syl al+le+mande pron <1@lim@nd>, French pos n. def the first movement of the classical suite, composed in a moderate tempo in a time signature of four-four. allemande 2. syl al+le+mande pron <1@lim@nd>, French pos n. def any of several German dances. allemande 3. syl al+le+mande pron <1@lim@nd>, French pos n. def a figure in a quadrille or a square dance. Bog of 1. head Allen syl Bog of. def a region of peat bogs in central Ireland, west of Dublin. Area: over 10 sq. km (3.75 sq. miles). Lough 2. head Allen syl Lough. def a lake in Ireland, in county Leitrim. Ethan 1. head Allen syl E:than. def 1738-89, American soldier during the War of Independence who led the Green Mountain Boys of Vermont. Woody 2. head Allen syl Wood:y. def original name born 1935, U.S. film comedian, screenwriter, and director: his films include (1971), (1973), (1973), and (1977), which he also directed. Edmund Henry Hynman infl head Allenby syl Ed:mund Hen:ry Hyn:man pos n. Allenby 0. syl Al:len:by pron <1@l*nbi> pos n. def 1st Viscount Allenby. 1861-1936, British field marshal who commanded British forces in Palestine in World War I; high commissioner in Egypt (1919-25). Salvador infl head Allende syl Sal:va:dor pron <2sal$Ba1@dor> pos n. Allende 0. syl Al:len:de pron Spanish pos n. def 1908-73, Chilean Marxist politician; president of Chile from 1970 until 1973, when the army seized power and he was killed. Allentown 0. syl Al+len+town pron <1@l*n2taun> pos n. def a city in E Pennsylvania, on the Lehigh River. Pop.: 108655 (1973 est.). Alleppey 0. syl Al+lep+pey pron <1^l*pi> pos n. def a port in S India, in Kerala on the Malabar Coast. Pop.: 160166 (1971). allergen 0. syl al+ler+gen pron <1@l*2Jen> pos n. def any substance, usually a protein, capable of inducing an allergy. allergenic sub head allergen syl al+ler+1gen+ic pos adj. allergic 1. syl al+ler+gic pron <*1lR:Jik> pos adj. def of, relating to, having, or caused by an allergy. allergic 2. syl al+ler+gic pron <*1lR:Jik> pos adj. qual Informal. usage postpositive; foll. by to def having an aversion (to). exam 1 he's allergic to work. allergist 0. syl al+ler+gist pron <1@l*Jist> pos n. def a physician skilled in the diagnosis and treatment of diseases or conditions caused by allergy. allergy ety C20: from German Allergie (indicating a changed reaction), from Greek allos other+ ergon activity allergies infl head allergy syl al+ler+gies. pos n. mod pl. allergy 1. syl al+ler+gy pron <1@l*Ji> pos n. def a hypersensitivity to a substance that causes the body to react to any contact with that substance. Hay fever is an allergic reaction to pollen. allergy 2. syl al+ler+gy pron <1@l*Ji> pos n. qual Informal. def aversion. exam 1 he has an allergy to studying. allethrin ety C20: from #7all (#7yl) #7+ (#7pyr) #7ethrin allethrin 0. syl al+le+thrin pron <@1leTrin> pos n. def a clear viscous amber-coloured liquid used as an insecticide and synergist. Formula: C\1\9H\2\6O\3; relative density: 1.005. alleviate ety C15: from Late Latin allevi*_are to mitigate, from Latin levis light alleviate 0. syl al+le+vi+ate pron <*1lEvi2At> pos vb. mod tr. def to make (pain, sorrow, etc.) easier to bear; lessen; relieve. alleviation sub head alleviate syl al+2le+vi:1a+tion pos n. alleviative sub head alleviate syl al+1le+vi:a+tive pos adj. alleviator sub head alleviate syl al+1le+vi:2a+tor pos n. alley ety C14: from Old French alee, from aler to go, ultimately from Latin ambul*_are to walk alley H1.1. syl al+ley pron <1@li> pos n. def a narrow lane or passage, esp. one between or behind buildings; back street. alley H1.2. syl al+ley pron <1@li> pos n. def See {bowling alley}. alley H1.3. syl al+ley pron <1@li> pos n. qual Tennis, chiefly U.S. def the space between the singles and doubles sidelines. alley H1.4. syl al+ley pron <1@li> pos n. def a walk in a park or garden, esp. one lined with trees or bushes. up 5. head alley or down one's alley syl up qual Slang. def suited to one's abilities or interests. alley ety C18: shortened and changed from #7alabaster alley H2.0. syl al+ley pron <1@li> pos n. def a large playing marble. alley cat 0. syl al+ley cat pos n. qual U.S. def a homeless cat that roams in back streets. alleyway 0. syl al:ley+way pron <1@li2wA> pos n. def a narrow passage; alley. all-fired 1. syl all-fired pos adj. qual Slang, chiefly U.S. usage prenominal def excessive; extreme. {~} all-flying tail 0. syl all-fly:ing tail pos n. def a type of aircraft tailplane in which the whole of the tailplane is moved for control purposes. All Fools' Day 0. syl All Fools' Day pos n. def another name for {April Fools' Day} (see {April fool) }. all fours 1. syl all fours pos n. def both the arms and legs of a person or all the legs of a quadruped (esp. in the phrase {on all fours) }. all fours 2. syl all fours pos n. def another name for {seven-up}. all hail ety C14, literally: all health (to someone) all hail 0. syl all hail pos interj. def an archaic greeting or salutation. Allhallows 1. syl All+hal+lows pron <2c:l1h@l*uz> pos n. def a less common term for {All Saints' Day}. Allhallows Eve 2. head Allhallows syl Allhallows Eve. def a less common name for {Halloween}. Allhallowtide 0. syl All+hal+low+tide pron <2c:l1h@l*u2tId> pos n. def the season of All Saints' Day (Allhallows). allheal 0. syl all+heal pron <1c:l2hEl> pos n. def any of several plants reputed to have healing powers, such as selfheal and valerian. alliaceous ety C18: from Latin allium garlic; see -#7aceous alliaceous 1. syl al+li:a+ceous pron <2@li1AS*s> pos adj. def of or relating to a genus of liliaceous plants that have a strong onion or garlic smell and often have bulbs. The genus occurs in the N hemi?!sphere and includes onion, garlic, leek, chive, and shallot. alliaceous 2. syl al+li:a+ceous pron <2@li1AS*s> pos adj. def tasting or smelling like garlic or onions. alliance ety C13: from Old French aliance, from alier to #7ally alliance 1. syl al+li+ance pron <*1lI*ns> pos n. def the act of allying or state of being allied; union; confederation. alliance 2. syl al+li+ance pron <*1lI*ns> pos n. def a formal agreement or pact, esp. a military one, between two or more countries to achieve a particular aim. alliance 3. syl al+li+ance pron <*1lI*ns> pos n. def the countries involved in such an agreement. alliance 4. syl al+li+ance pron <*1lI*ns> pos n. def a union between families through marriage. alliance 5. syl al+li+ance pron <*1lI*ns> pos n. def affinity or correspondence in qualities or characteristics. alliance 6. syl al+li+ance pron <*1lI*ns> pos n. qual Botany. def a taxonomic category consisting of a group of related families; subclass. allied 1. syl al+lied pron <*1lId>, <1@lId> pos adj. def joined, as by treaty, agreement, or marriage; united. allied 2. syl al+lied pron <*1lId>, <1@lId> pos adj. def of the same type or class; related. Allied 0. syl Al+lied pron <1@lId> pos adj. def of or relating to the Allies. Allier 1. syl Al+lier pron French pos n. def a department of central France, in Auvergne region. Capital: Moulins. Pop.: 386489 (1975). Area: 7382 sq. km (2879 sq. miles). Allier 2. syl Al+lier pron French pos n. def a river in S central France, rising in the C*'evennes and flowing north to the Loire. Length: over 403 km (250 miles). allies 0. syl al+lies pron <1@lIz> pos n. def the plural of {ally}. Allies 1. syl Al+lies pron <1@lIz> pos n. mod pl. usage in World War I def the powers of the Triple Entente (France, Russia, and Britain) together with the nations allied with them. Allies 2. syl Al+lies pron <1@lIz> pos n. mod pl. usage in World War II def the countries that fought against the Axis and Japan. The main Allied powers were Britain and the Commonwealth countries, the U.S., the Soviet Union, France, and Poland. See also {Axis}. alligator ety C17: from Spanish el lagarto the lizard, from Latin lacerta alligator 1. syl al+li+ga+tor pron <1@li2gAt*> pos n. def a large crocodilian, of the southern U.S., having powerful jaws and sharp teeth and differing from the crocodiles in having a shorter and broader snout: family (alligators and caymans). alligator 2. syl al+li+ga+tor pron <1@li2gAt*> pos n. def a similar but smaller species, occurring in China near the Yangtse River. alligator 3. syl al+li+ga+tor pron <1@li2gAt*> pos n. def any crocodilian belonging to the family alligator 4. syl al+li+ga+tor pron <1@li2gAt*> pos n. def any of various tools or machines having adjustable toothed jaws, used for gripping, crushing, or compacting. alligator pear 0. syl al+li+ga+tor pear pos n. def another name for {avocado}. alligator pepper 1. syl al+li+ga+tor pep+per pos n. qual Chiefly W. African. def a tropical African zingiberaceous plant, having red or orange spicy seed capsules. alligator pepper 2. syl al+li+ga+tor pep+per pos n. qual Chiefly W. African. def the capsules or seeds of this plant, used as a spice. all-important 0. syl all-im:por:tant pos adj. def crucial; vital. all in 1. syl all in pos adj. qual Slang. usage postpositive def completely exhausted; tired out. (all-in infl head all in syl (all-in pos adv. adj. all in xref syl all in pos adv. adj. exam 1 when prenominal) . all in 2.a. syl all in pos adv. adj. def with all expenses or costs included in the price. exam 1 the flat is twenty pounds a week all in. all in 2.b. syl all in pos adv. adj. usage prenominal exam 1 the all-in price is thirty pounds. all in 3. syl all in pos adv. adj. usage of wrestling def freestyle. all-inclusive 0. syl all-in:clu:sive pos adj. def including everything; comprehensive. alliterate 1. syl al+lit+er+ate pron <*1lit*2rAt> pos vb. def to contain or cause to contain alliteration. alliterate 2. syl al+lit+er+ate pron <*1lit*2rAt> pos vb. mod intr. def to speak or write using alliteration. alliteration ety C17: from Medieval Latin alliter*_ati*_o (from Latin al- #7al -#7+ litera letter), on the model of obliter*_ati*_o #7obliteration alliteration 0. syl al+lit+er:a+tion pron <*2lit*1rAS*n> pos n. def the use of the same consonant ({consonantal alliteration}) or of a vowel, not necessarily the same vowel ({vocalic alliteration) }, at the beginning of each word or each stressed syllable in a line of verse, as in alliterative sub head alliteration syl al+1lit+er:a+tive pos adj. allium ety C19: from Latin: garlic allium 0. syl al+li:um pron <1@li*m> pos n. def any liliaceous plant of the genus such as the onion, garlic, shallot, leek, and chive. all-night 0. syl all-night pos adj. def open or lasting all night. exam 1 an all-night show. allo- ety from Greek allos other, different Alloa 0. syl Al+lo:a pron <1@l*u*> pos n. def a town in E central Scotland, in Fife region. Pop.: 14110 (1971). allocate ety C17: from Medieval Latin alloc*_are, from Latin loc*_are to place, from locus a place allocate 1. syl al+lo+cate pron <1@l*2kAt> pos vb. mod tr. def to assign or allot for a particu?!lar purpose. allocate 2. syl al+lo+cate pron <1@l*2kAt> pos vb. mod tr. def a less common word for { {locate} (sense 2).} allocatable sub head allocate syl al+lo+2cat+a:ble pos adj. allocation 1. syl al+lo+ca+tion pron <2@l*1kAS*n> pos n. def the act of allocating or the state of being allocated. allocation 2. syl al+lo+ca+tion pron <2@l*1kAS*n> pos n. def a part that is allocated; share. allocation 3. syl al+lo+ca+tion pron <2@l*1kAS*n> pos n. qual Accounting, Brit. def a system of dividing overhead expenses between the various departments of a business. allochthonous 0. syl al+loch+tho+nous pron <*1lokT*n*s> pos adj. usage of rocks, deposits, etc. def found in a place other than where they or their constituents were formed. Compare { {autochthonous} (sense 1).} allocution ety C17: from Late Latin alloc*_uti*_o, from Latin alloqu*_i to address, from loqu*_i to speak allocution 0. syl al+lo+cu+tion pron <2@l*1kju:S*n> pos n. qual Rhetoric. def a formal or authoritative speech or address, esp. one that advises, informs, or exhorts. allodial 1. syl al+lo+di:al pron <*1l*udi*l> pos adj. usage of land def held as an allodium. allodial 2. syl al+lo+di:al pron <*1l*udi*l> pos adj. usage of tenure def characterized by or relating to the system of holding land in absolute ownership. exam 1 the allodial system. allodial 3. syl al+lo+di:al pron <*1l*udi*l> pos adj. usage of people def holding an allodium. allodium ety C17: from Medieval Latin, from Old German all*_od (unattested) entire property, from al- #7all+ -*_od property; compare Old High German *_ot, Old English e*_ad property allod alt head allodium or allodium syl al+lod pron <1@lod> pos n. allodia infl head allodium or allods syl al+lo+di:a pron <-1l*udi*> pos n. mod pl. allods infl head allodium or allodia syl al+lods. pos n. mod pl. allodium 0. or allod syl al+lo+di:um pron <*1l*udi*m> pos n. qual History. def lands held in absolute ownership, free from such obligations as rent or services due to an overlord. Also: {alodium}. allogamy 0. syl al+log:a+my pron <*1log*mi> pos n. def cross-fertilization in flowering plants. allogamous sub head allogamy syl al+1log:a+mous pos adj. allograph 1. syl al+lo+graph pron <1@l*2gra:f> pos n. def a document written by a person who is not a party to it. allograph 2. syl al+lo+graph pron <1@l*2gra:f> pos n. def a signature made by one person on behalf of another. Compare {autograph}. allograph 3. syl al+lo+graph pron <1@l*2gra:f> pos n. qual Linguistics. def any of the written symbols that constitute a single grapheme: m M allographic sub head allograph syl al+lo+graph+ic pron <2@l*1gr@fik> pos adj. allomerism 0. syl al+lom+er+ism pron <*1lom*2riz*m> pos n. def similarity of crystalline structure in substances of different chemical composition. allomerous sub head allomerism syl al+1lom+er+ous pos adj. allometry 1. syl al+lom+e:try pron <*1lomitri> pos n. def the study of the growth of part of an organism in relation to the growth of the entire organism. allometry 2. syl al+lom+e:try pron <*1lomitri> pos n. def a change in proportion of any of the parts of an organism that occurs during growth. allometric sub head allometry syl al+lo+met+ric pron <2@l*1metrik> pos adj. administrate 0. syl ad+min+is+trate pron <*d1mini2strAt> pos vb. def to manage or allomorph 1. syl al+lo+morph pron <1@l*2mc:f> pos n. qual Linguistics. def any of the phonological representations of a single morpheme. For example, the final (s) and (z) sounds of and are allomorphs of the English noun-plural morpheme. allomorph 2. syl al+lo+morph pron <1@l*2mc:f> pos n. def any of two or more different crystalline forms of a chemical compound, such as a mineral. allomorphic sub head allomorph syl al+lo+1mor+phic pos adj. allomorphism 0. syl al+lo+mor+phism pron <2@l*1mc:fiz*m> pos n. def variation in the crystalline form of a chemical compound. allonym 0. syl al+lo+nym pron <1@l*nim> pos n. def a name, often one of historical signifi?!cance or that of another person, assumed by a person, esp. an author. allopathist alt head allopath or allopath syl al+lop:a+thist pron <*1lop*Tist> pos n. allopath 0. or allopathist syl al+lo+path pron <1@l*2p@T> pos n. def a person who practises or is skilled in allopathy. allopathy 0. syl al+lop:a+thy pron <*1lop*Ti> pos n. def the usual method of treating disease, by inducing a condition different from the cause of the disease. Compare {homeopathy}. allopathic sub head allopathy syl al+lo+path+ic pron <2@l*1p@Tik> pos adj. allopathically sub head allopathy syl al+lo+1path:i+cal+ly pos adv. allopatric ety C20: from #7allo -#7+ -patric, from Greek patris native land allopatric 0. syl al+lo+pat+ric pron <2@l*1p@trik> pos adj. usage of biological speciation or species def taking place or existing in areas that are geographically isolated from one another. Compare {sympatric}. allopatrically sub head allopatric syl al+lo+1pat+ri+cal+ly pos adv. allophane ety C19: from Greek allophan*_es appearing differently, from #7allo -#7+ phainesthai to appear allophane 0. syl al+lo+phane pron <1@l*2fAn> pos n. def a variously coloured amorphous mineral consisting of hydrated aluminium silicate and occurring in cracks in some sedimentary rocks. allophone 0. syl al+lo+phone pron <1@l*2f*un> pos n. def any of several speech sounds that are regarded as contextual or environmental variants of the same phoneme. In English the aspirated initial (p) in and the unaspirated (p) in are allophones of the phoneme /p/. allophonic sub head allophone syl al+lo+phon+ic pron <2@l*1fonik> pos adj. alloplasm 0. syl al+lo+plasm pron <1@l*2pl@z*m> pos n. qual Biology. def part of the cytoplasm that is specialized to form cilia, flagella, and similar structures. alloplasmic sub head alloplasm syl al+lo+1plas+mic pos adj. allopurinol ety C20: from #7allo -#7+purine+ -#7ol allopurinol 0. syl al+lo+pu+ri+nol pron <2@l*u1pju*r*2nol> pos n. def a synthetic drug that reduces blood levels of uric acid and is administered orally in the treatment of gout. Formula: C\5H\4N\4O. allot ety C16: from Old French aloter, from lot portion, #7lot allots infl head allot syl al+lots pos vb. mod tr. allotting infl head allot syl al+lot+ting pos vb. mod tr. allotted infl head allot syl al+lot+ted. pos vb. mod tr. allot 1. syl al+lot pron <*1lot> pos vb. mod tr. def to assign or distribute (shares, etc.). allot 2. syl al+lot pron <*1lot> pos vb. mod tr. def to designate for a particular purpose. exam 1 money was allotted to cover expenses. allot 3. syl al+lot pron <*1lot> pos vb. mod tr. usage foll. by to def apportion. exam 1 we allotted two hours to the case. allotment 1. syl al+lot+ment pron <*1lotm*nt> pos n. def the act of allotting; apportionment. allotment 2. syl al+lot+ment pron <*1lotm*nt> pos n. def a portion or amount allotted. allotment 3. syl al+lot+ment pron <*1lotm*nt> pos n. qual Brit. def a small piece of usually public land rented by an individual for cultivation. allotrope 0. syl al+lo+trope pron <1@l*2tr*up> pos n. def any of two or more physical forms in which an element can exist. exam 1 diamond and graphite are allo?!tropes of carbon. allotropism alt head allotropy or allotropy syl al+lot+ro+pism pos n. allotropy 0. or allotropism syl al+lot+ro+py pron <*1lotr*pi> pos n. def the existence of an element in two or more physical forms. The most common elements having this property are carbon, sulphur, and phosphorus. &- {al+lo+trop+ic} (@!@al$$#!tr$Ap$Ik) &- {@!al+lo+#!trop@.i+cal+ly} all'ottava ety Italian: at the octave all'ottava 0. syl all'ot+ta+va pron <@l> <*1ta:v*> pos adj. adv. qual Music. def to be played an octave higher or lower than written. Symbol: 8va allottee 0. syl al+lot+tee pron <*lot1E> pos n. def a person to whom something is allotted. all-out 1. syl all-out pos adj. qual Informal. def using one's maximum powers. exam 1 an all-out effort. all out infl head all-out syl all out. pos adv. all-out 2. syl all-out pos adv. qual Informal. def to one's maximum effort or capacity. exam 1 he went all out on the home stretch. all-over 0. syl all-o:ver pos adj. def covering the entire surface. allow ety C14: from Old French alouer, from Late Latin allaud*_are to extol, influenced by Medieval Latin alloc*_are to assign, #7allocate allow 1. syl al+low pron <*1lau> pos vb. mod tr. def to permit (to do something); let. allow 2. syl al+low pron <*1lau> pos vb. mod tr. def to set aside. exam 1 five hours were allowed to do the job. allow 3. syl al+low pron <*1lau> pos vb. mod tr. def to let enter or stay. exam 1 they don't allow dogs. allow 4. syl al+low pron <*1lau> pos vb. mod tr. def to acknowl?!edge or concede (a point, claim, etc.). allow 5. syl al+low pron <*1lau> pos vb. mod tr. def to let have; grant. exam 1 he was allowed few visitors. allow 6. syl al+low pron <*1lau> pos vb. mod intr. usage foll. by for def to take into account. exam 1 allow for delays. allow 7. syl al+low pron <*1lau> pos vb. mod intr. usage often foll. by of def to permit; admit. exam 1 a question that allows of only one reply. allow 8. syl al+low pron <*1lau> pos vb. mod tr. qual U.S. dialect. usage may take a clause as object def to assert; maintain. allow 9. syl al+low pron <*1lau> pos vb. mod tr. qual Archaic. def to approve; accept. allowable 0. syl al+low+a:ble pron <*1lau*bL> pos adj. def permissible; admissible. allowably sub head allowable syl al+1low+a:bly pos adv. allowance 1. syl al+low+ance pron <*1lau*ns> pos n. def an amount of something, esp. money or food, given or allotted usually at regular intervals. allowance 2. syl al+low+ance pron <*1lau*ns> pos n. def a discount, as in consideration for something given in part exchange or to increase business; rebate. allowance 3. syl al+low+ance pron <*1lau*ns> pos n. def a portion set aside to compensate for something or to cover special expenses. allowance 4. syl al+low+ance pron <*1lau*ns> pos n. def admission; concession. allowance 5. syl al+low+ance pron <*1lau*ns> pos n. def the act of allowing; sanction; toleration. allowance 6. syl al+low+ance pron <*1lau*ns> pos n. def something allowed. allowance 7.a. syl al+low+ance pron <*1lau*ns> pos n. def to take mitigating circumstances into account in consideration (of). allowance 7.b. syl al+low+ance pron <*1lau*ns> pos n. def to allow (for). allowance 8. syl al+low+ance pron <*1lau*ns> pos vb. mod tr. def to supply (something) in limited amounts. Alloway 0. syl Al+lo+way pron <1@l*2wA> pos n. def a village in Scotland, south of Ayr: birthplace of Robert Burns. allowedly 0. syl al+low+ed+ly pron <*1lauidli> pos adv. usage sentence modifier def by general admission or agreement; admittedly. alloy ety C16: from Old French aloi a mixture, from aloier to combine, from Latin allig*_are, from lig*_are to bind alloy 1. syl al+loy pron <1@lci>, <*1lci> pos n. def a metallic material, such as steel, brass, or bronze, consisting of a mixture of two or more metals or of metallic elements with nonmetallic elements. Alloys often have physical properties markedly different from those of the pure metals. alloy 2. syl al+loy pron <1@lci>, <*1lci> pos n. def something that impairs the quality or reduces the value of the thing to which it is added. alloy 3. syl al+loy pron <*1lci> pos vb. mod tr. def to add (one metal or element to another metal or element) to obtain a substance with a desired property. alloy 4. syl al+loy pron <*1lci> pos vb. mod tr. def to debase (a pure substance) by mixing with an inferior element. alloy 5. syl al+loy pron <*1lci> pos vb. mod tr. def to diminish or impair. alloyed junction 0. syl al+loyed junc+tion pos n. def a semiconductor junction used in some junction transistors and formed by alloying metal contacts, functioning as emitter and collector regions, to a wafer of semiconductor that acts as the base region. Compare {diffused junction}. all-purpose 0. syl all-pur:pose pos adj. def useful for many things. exam 1 an all-purpose gadget. all right 1. syl all right pos adj. postpositive except in slang use; adv. def adequate; satisfactory. all right 2. syl all right pos adj. postpositive except in slang use; adv. def unharmed; safe. all right 3.a. syl all right pos adj. postpositive except in slang use; adv. def acceptable. exam 1 an all-right book. all right 3.b. syl all right pos adj. postpositive except in slang use; adv. def reliable. exam 1 an all-right guy. all right 4. syl all right pos adv. def very well: used to express assent. all right 5. syl all right pos adv. def satisfactorily; adequately. exam 1 the car goes all right. all right 6. syl all right pos adv. def without doubt. exam 1 he's a bad one, all right. all right xref syl all right pos adj. postpositive except in slang use; adv. def Also (not standard): {alright}. all-round 1. syl all-round pos adj. def efficient in all respects, esp. in sport; versatile. exam 1 an all-round player. all-round 2. syl all-round pos adj. def comprehensive; many-sided; not narrow. exam 1 an all-round education. all-rounder 0. syl all-round:er pos n. def a versatile person, esp. in a sport. All Saints' Day 0. syl All Saints' Day pos n. def a Christian festival celebrated on Nov. 1 to honour all the saints. allseed 0. syl all+seed pron <1c:l2sEd> pos n. def any of several plants that produce many seeds, such as knotgrass. all-sorts 0. syl all-sorts pos n. mod pl. def a mixture, esp. a mixture of liquorice sweets. All Souls' Day 0. syl All Souls' Day pos n. qual R.C. Church. def a day of prayer (Nov. 2) for the dead in purgatory. allspice 1. syl all+spice pron <1c:l2spIs> pos n. def a tropical American myrtaceous tree, having small white flowers and aromatic berries. allspice 2. syl all+spice pron <1c:l2spIs> pos n. def the whole or powdered seeds of this berry used as a spice, having a flavour said to resemble a mixture of cinnamon, cloves, and nutmeg. allspice xref syl all+spice pron <1c:l2spIs> pos n. def Also called: {pimento}. all-star 0. syl all-star pos adj. usage prenominal def consisting of star performers. all-time 0. syl all-time pos adj. qual Informal. usage prenominal def unsurpassed in some respect at a particular time. exam 1 an all-time record. #e all told 0. syl all told usage sentence modifier def taking every one into account; in all. exam 1 we were seven all told. allude ety C16: from Latin all*_udere, from l*_udere to sport, from l*_udus a game allude 0. syl al+lude pron <*1lu:d> pos vb. mod intr. usage foll. by to def to refer indirectly. exam 1 he often alluded to his life in the army. allure ety C15: from Old French alurer, from lure bait, #7lure allure 1. syl al+lure pron <*1lu*> pos vb. mod tr. def to entice or tempt (someone) to a person or place or to a course of action; attract. allure 2. syl al+lure pron <*1lu*> pos n. def attractiveness; appeal. exam 1 the cottage's allure was its isolation. allurer sub head allure syl al+1lur+er pos n. allurement sub head allure syl al+1lure+ment pos n. alluring 0. syl al+lur+ing pron <*1lu*riG> pos adj. def enticing; fascinating; attractive. alluringly sub head alluring syl al+1lur+ing+ly pos adv. allusion ety C16: from Late Latin all*_usi*_o, from Latin all*_udere to sport with, #7allude allusion 1. syl al+lu+sion pron <*1lu:Z*n> pos n. def the act of alluding. allusion 2. syl al+lu+sion pron <*1lu:Z*n> pos n. def a passing reference; oblique or obscure mention. allusive 0. syl al+lu+sive pron <*1lu:siv> pos adj. def containing or full of allusions. allusively sub head allusive syl al+1lu+sive+ly pos adv. allusiveness sub head allusive syl al+1lu+sive+ness pos n. alluvial 1. syl al+lu+vi:al pron <*1lu:vi*l> pos adj. def of or relating to alluvium. alluvial 2. syl al+lu+vi:al pron <*1lu:vi*l> pos n. def another name for {alluvium}. alluvial 3. syl al+lu+vi:al pron <*1lu:vi*l> pos n. qual Austral. def alluvium containing any heavy mineral, esp. gold. cone alt head alluvial fan or alluvial fan syl cone pos n. alluvial fan 0. or cone syl al+lu+vi:al fan pos n. def a fan-shaped accumulation of silt, sand, gravel, and boulders deposited by fast-flowing mountain rivers when they reach flatter land. alluvion ety C16: from Latin alluvi*_o an overflowing, from luere to wash alluvion 1.a. syl al+lu+vi:on pron <*1lu:vi*n> pos n. def the wash of the sea or of a river. alluvion 1.b. syl al+lu+vi:on pron <*1lu:vi*n> pos n. def an overflow or flood. alluvion 1.c. syl al+lu+vi:on pron <*1lu:vi*n> pos n. def matter deposited as sediment; alluvium. alluvion 2. syl al+lu+vi:on pron <*1lu:vi*n> pos n. qual Law. def the gradual formation of new land, as by the recession of the sea or deposit of sediment on a riverbed. alluvium ety C17: from Latin; see #7alluvion alluviums infl head alluvium or alluvia syl al+lu+vi:ums pron <-vi*> pos n. mod pl. alluvia infl head alluvium or alluviums syl al+lu+vi:a pron <-vi*> pos n. mod pl. alluvium 0. syl al+lu+vi:um pron <*1lu:vi*m> pos n. def a fine-grained fertile soil consisting of mud, silt, and sand deposited by flowing water on flood plains, in river beds, and in estuaries. ally ety C14: from Old French alier to join, from Latin allig*_are to bind to, from lig*_are to bind lies infl head ally syl +lies pos vb. allying infl head ally syl al:ly+ing pos vb. lied infl head ally syl +lied. pos vb. ally 1. syl al:ly pron <*1lI> pos vb. usage usually foll. by to or with def to unite or be united, esp. formally, as by treaty, confederation, or marriage. ally 2. syl al:ly pron <*1lI> pos vb. mod tr. usage usually foll. by to or with; usually passive def to connect or be related, as through being similar or compatible. allies infl head ally syl al:lies. pos n. mod pl. ally 3. syl al:ly pron <1@lI>, <*1lI> pos n. usage usually foll. by to or with def a country, person, or group allied with another. ally 4. syl al:ly pron <1@lI>, <*1lI> pos n. usage usually foll. by to or with def a plant, animal, substance, etc., closely related to another in characteristics or form. allyl ety C19: from Latin allium garlic+-#7yl ; first distinguished in a compound isolated from garlic allyl 0. syl al+lyl pron <1@lIl>, <1@lil> pos n. usage modifier def of, consisting of, or containing the monovalent group CH\2:CHCH\2-. exam 1 allyl group or radical; exam 2 allyl resin. allyl alcohol 0. syl al+lyl al+co+hol pos n. def a colourless pungent poisonous liquid used in the manufacture of resins, plasticizers, and other organic chemicals. Formula: CH\2:CHCH\2OH; relative density: 0.85; melting pt.: -129?%C; boiling pt.: 96.9?%C. allyl resin 0. syl al+lyl res+in pos n. def any of several thermosetting synthetic resins made by polymerizing esters of allyl alcohol with a dibasic acid. They are used as adhesives. allyl sulphide 0. syl al+lyl sul+phide pos n. def a colourless liquid that smells like garlic and is used as a flavouring. Formula: (CH\2:CHCH\2)\2S; relative density: 0.888; boiling pt.: 139?%C. allyou 0. syl all+you pron <1c:l2ju:>, <1c:2ju> pos pron. qual Caribbean informal. usage used in addressing more than one person def all of you. Alma-Ata 0. syl Al:ma-A:ta pron Russian pos n. def a city in the S Soviet Union, the capital of the Kazakh SSR. Pop.: 836000 (1975 est.). Former name (until 1927): {Verny}. Almada 0. syl Al+ma+da pron Portuguese pos n. def a city in S central Portugal, on the S bank of the Tagus estuary opposite Lisbon: statue of Christ 110 m (360 ft.) high, erected 1959. Pop.: 108150 (1970). Almad'en 0. syl Al+ma+d*'en pron Spanish <2alma1DAn> pos n. def a town in S Spain: rich cinnabar mines, worked since Roman times. Pop.: 10910 (1970). Al Madinah 0. syl Al Ma+di+nah pron <2@l> pos n. def the Arabic name for {Medina}. Almagest ety C14: from Old French, from Arabic al-majisti, from al the+ majisti, from Greek megist*_e greatest (treatise) Almagest 1. syl Al+ma+gest pron <1@lm*2Jest> pos n. def a work on astronomy compiled by Ptolemy in the 2nd century #7a.d. containing a description of the geocentric system of the universe and a star catalogue. Almagest 2. syl Al+ma+gest pron <1@lm*2Jest> pos n. usage sometimes not cap. def any of various similar medieval treatises on astrology, astronomy, or alchemy. alma mater ety C17: from Latin: bountiful mother alma mater 0. syl al:ma ma+ter pron <1@lm*> <1ma:t*>, <1mAt*> pos n. usage often caps. def one's school, college, or university. almanac ety C14: from Medieval Latin almanachus, perhaps from Late Greek almenikhiaka almanac 0. syl al+ma+nac pron <1c:lm*2n@k> pos n. def a yearly calendar giving statistical information on events and phenomena, such as the phases of the moon, times of sunrise and sunset, tides, anniversaries, etc. Also (archaic): {almanack}. almandine ety C17: from French, from Medieval Latin alaband*_ina, from Alabanda, ancient city of Asia Minor where these stones were cut almandine 0. syl al+man+dine pron <1@lm*n2din>, <-2dIn> pos n. def a deep violet-red garnet that consists of iron aluminium silicate and is used as a gemstone. Formula: Fe\3Al\2(SiO\4)\3. Al Mansurah 0. syl Al Man+s*^u+rah pron <2@l> pos n. def a variant spelling of {El Mansura}. Al Marj 0. syl Al Marj pron <@l> <1ma:J> pos n. def an ancient town in N Libya: founded in about 550 #7b.c. Pop.: 10645 (1969 est.). Italian name: {Barce}. Alma-Tadema 0. syl Al:ma-Tad:e:ma pron <1@lm*> <1t@dim*> pos n. def Sir {Law@.rence}. 1836-1912, Dutch-English painter of studies of Greek and Roman life. Almelo 0. syl Al+me+lo pron Dutch <1alm*lo:> pos n. def a city in the E Netherlands, in Overijssel province. Pop.: 59821 (1973 est.). almemar ety from Hebrew, from Arabic al-minbar the pulpit, platform almemar 0. syl al+me+mar pron <@l1mEma:> pos n. usage Judaism. in Ashkenazic usage def the raised platform in a synagogue on which the reading desk stands. Also called: {bema, bimah}. Almer'ia 0. syl Al+me+r*'i:a pron Spanish <2almA1ria> pos n. def a port in S Spain. Pop.: 114510 (1970). almighty 1. syl al+might:y pron pos adj. def all-powerful; omnipotent. almightily sub head almighty syl al+1might:i+ly pos adv. almightiness sub head almighty syl al+1might:i+ness pos n. Almighthe infl head Almighty syl Al+mighthe. pos n. Almighty 0. syl Al+might:y pron pos n. def another name for {God}. Almohade ety from Arabic al-muwahhid Almohad alt head Almohade or Almohade syl Al+mo+had pron <1@lm*2h@d> pos n. Almohades infl head Almohade or Almohads syl Al+mo+hades pos n. mod pl. Almohads infl head Almohade or Almohades syl Al+mo+hads. pos n. mod pl. Almohade 0. or Almohad syl Al+mo+hade pron <1@lm*2hAd>, <-2hAdE> pos n. def a member of a group of puritanical Muslims, originally Berbers, who arose in S Morocco in the 12th century as a reaction against the corrupt Almoravides and who ruled Spain and all Maghrib from about 1147 to after 1213. almond ety C13: from Old French almande, from Medieval Latin amandula, from Latin amygdala, from Greek amugdal*_e almond 1. syl al+mond pron <1a:m*nd> pos n. def a small widely cultivated rosaceous tree, that is native to W Asia and has pink flowers and a green fruit containing an edible nutlike seed. almond 2. syl al+mond pron <1a:m*nd> pos n. def the oval-shaped nutlike edible seed of this plant, which has a yellowish-brown shell. almond 3. syl al+mond pron <1a:m*nd> pos n. usage modifier def made of or containing almonds. exam 1 almond cake. almond 4.a. syl al+mond pron <1a:m*nd> pos n. def a pale yellowish-brown colour. almond 4.b. syl al+mond pron <1a:m*nd> pos as; adj. exam 1 almond wallpaper. almond 5. syl al+mond pron <1a:m*nd> pos n. def Also called: {almond green}. almond 5.a. syl al+mond pron <1a:m*nd> pos n. def a yellowish-green colour. almond 5.b. syl al+mond pron <1a:m*nd> pos as; adj. exam 1 an almond skirt. almond 6. syl al+mond pron <1a:m*nd> pos n. def anything shaped like an almond nut. almond-eyed 0. syl al:mond-eyed pos adj. def having narrow oval eyes. almoner ety C13: from Old French almosnier, from almosne alms, from Vulgar Latin alemosina (unattested), from Late Latin ele*_emosyna; see #7alms almoner 1. syl al+mon+er pron <1a:m*n*> pos n. qual Brit. def a trained hospital social worker responsible for the welfare of patients. almoner 2. syl al+mon+er pron <1a:m*n*> pos n. usage formerly def a person who distributes alms or charity on behalf of a household or institution. almonry ety C15: from Old French almosnerie; see #7almoner, alms almonries infl head almonry syl al+mon+ries. pos n. mod pl. almonry 0. syl al+mon+ry pron <1a:m*nri> pos n. qual History. def the house of an almoner, usually the place where alms were given. Almoravide ety from Arabic al-mur*_abit*_un the holy ones Almoravid alt head Almoravide or Almoravide syl Al+mo+ra+vid pron <@l1mc:r*vid> pos n. Almoravide 0. or Almoravid syl Al+mo+ra+vide pron <@l1mc:r*2vId> pos n. def a member of a fanatical people of Berber origin and Islamic faith, who founded an empire in N Africa that spread over much of Spain in the 11th century #7a.d. almost 0. syl al+most pron <1c:lm*ust> pos adv. def little short of being; very nearly. alms ety Old English @almysse, from Late Latin ele*_emosyna, from Greek ele*_emosun*_e pity; see #7eleemosynary alms 0. syl alms pron pos n. mod pl. def charitable donations of money or goods to the poor or needy. almshouse 1. syl alms+house pron <1a:mz2haus> pos n. qual Brit. def a privately supported house offering accommodation to the aged or needy. almshouse 2. syl alms+house pron <1a:mz2haus> pos n. qual Chiefly Brit. def another name for {poorhouse}. almswoman alt head almsman or almsman syl alms+wom:an pos n. mod fem. almsmen infl head almsman or almswomen syl alms+men pos n. mod pl. almswomen infl head almsman or almsmen syl alms+wom:en. pos n. mod pl. almsman 0. or almswoman syl alms+man pron <1a:mzm*n> pos n. qual Archaic. def a person who gives or receives alms. almucantar ety C14: from French, from Arabic almukantar*_at sundial almacantar alt head almucantar or almucantar syl al+ma+can+tar pron <2@lm*1k@nt*> pos n. almucantar 1. or almacantar syl al+mu+can+tar pron <2@lm*1k@nt*> pos n. def a circle on the celestial sphere parallel to the horizontal plane. almucantar 2. or almacantar syl al+mu+can+tar pron <2@lm*1k@nt*> pos n. def an instrument for measuring altitudes. almuce ety C15: from Old French aumusse, from Medieval Latin almucia, of unknown origin almuce 0. syl al+muce pron <1@lmju:s> pos n. def a fur-lined hood or cape formerly worn by members of certain religious orders, more recently by canons of France. Alnico 0. syl Al+ni+co pron <1@lni2k*u> pos n. qual Trademark. def an alloy of aluminium, nickel, and cobalt, used to make permanent magnets. alodia infl head alodium syl a:lo+di:a pron <-di*> pos n. mod pl. alodium 0. syl a:lo+di:um pron <*1l*udi*m> pos n. def a variant spelling of {allodium}. alodial sub head alodium syl a:1lo+di:al pos adj. aloe ety C14: from Latin alo*_e, from Greek aloes infl head aloe syl al:oes. pos n. mod pl. aloe 1. syl al:oe pron <1@l*u> pos n. def any plant of the liliaceous genus chiefly native to southern Africa, with fleshy spiny-toothed leaves and red or yellow flowers. American aloe 2. head aloe syl American aloe. def another name for {century plant}. aloetic sub head aloe syl al:o+e:tic pron <2@l*u1etik> pos adj. aloes 1. syl al:oes pron <1@l*uz> pos n. mod functioning as; sing. def Also called: {aloes wood}. another name for {eaglewood}. bitter aloes 2. head aloes syl bitter aloes. def a bitter purgative drug made from the leaves of several species of aloe. aloft ety C12: from Old Norse *_a lopt in the air; see #7lift, loft aloft 1. syl a:loft pron <*1loft> pos adv. adj. usage postpositive def in or into a high or higher place; up above. aloft 2. syl a:loft pron <*1loft> pos adv. adj. qual Nautical. usage postpositive def in or into the rigging of a vessel. aloha 0. syl a:lo+ha pron <*1l*u*>, pos n. interj. def a Hawaiian word for {hello} or {goodbye}. aloin ety C19: from #7aloe+ -#7in aloin 0. syl al:o+in pron <1@l*uin> pos n. def a bitter crystalline compound derived from various species of aloe and used medicinally as a laxative. alone ety Old English al one, literally: all (entirely) one alone 1. syl a:lone pron <*1l*un> pos adj. postpositive; adv. def apart from another or others; solitary. alone 2. syl a:lone pron <*1l*un> pos adj. postpositive; adv. def without anyone or anything else. exam 1 one man alone could lift it. alone 3. syl a:lone pron <*1l*un> pos adj. postpositive; adv. def without equal; unique. exam 1 he stands alone in the field of microbiology. alone 4. syl a:lone pron <*1l*un> pos adj. postpositive; adv. def to the exclusion of others; only. exam 1 she alone believed him. aleave 5. head alone or let alone syl a:leave def to refrain from annoying or interfering with. aleave 6. head alone or let well (enough) alone syl a:leave def to be content with the state of things as they are. let alone 7. head alone syl let alone. def even less. exam 1 he can't afford beer, let alone whisky. along ety Old English andlang, from and- against+ lang #7long %1; compare Old Frisian andlinga, Old Saxon antlang #e Usage. See at plus. along 1. syl a:long pron <*1loG> pos prep. def over or for the length of, esp. in a more or less horizontal plane. exam 1 along the road. along 2. syl a:long pron <*1loG> pos prep. def continuing over the length of some specified thing. along 3. syl a:long pron <*1loG> pos prep. def in accompaniment; together with some specified person or people. exam 1 he says he'd like to come along. along 4. syl a:long pron <*1loG> pos prep. def forward. exam 1 the horse trotted along at a steady pace. along 5. syl a:long pron <*1loG> pos prep. def to a more advanced state. exam 1 he got the work moving along. along with 6. head along syl along with. def accompanying; together with. exam 1 consider the advantages along with the disadvantages. alongshore 0. syl a:long+shore pron <*2loG1Sc:> pos adv. adj. usage postpositive def close to, by, or along a shore. alongside 1. syl a:long+side pron <*1loG2sId> pos prep. usage often foll. by of def along the side of; along beside. exam 1 alongside the quay. alongside 2. syl a:long+side pron <*1loG2sId> pos adv. def along the side of some specified thing. exam 1 come alongside. aloof ety C16: from #7a -%1#7+ loof, variant of #7luff aloof 0. syl a:loof pron <*1lu:f> pos adj. def distant, unsympathetic, or supercilious in manner, attitude, or feeling. aloofly sub head aloof syl a:1loof+ly pos adv. aloofness sub head aloof syl a:1loof+ness pos n. alopecia ety C14: from Latin, from Greek al*_opekia, originally: mange in foxes, from al*_op*_ex fox alopecia 0. syl al:o+pe:ci:a pron <2@l*1pESi*> pos n. def loss of hair, esp. on the head; baldness. Alost 0. syl A:lost pron French pos n. def a town in central Belgium, in East Flanders province. Pop.: 46659 (1970). Flemish name: {Aalst}. aloud 1. syl a:loud pron <*1laud> pos adv. adj. usage postpositive def in a normal voice; not in a whisper. aloud 2. syl a:loud pron <*1laud> pos adv. adj. usage postpositive def in a spoken voice; not silently. aloud 3. syl a:loud pron <*1laud> pos adv. adj. qual Archaic. usage postpositive def in a loud voice. alow 0. syl a:low pron <*1l*u> pos adv. adj. qual Nautical. usage postpositive def in or into the lower rigging of a vessel, near the deck. alp ety C14: back formation from Alps alp 0. syl alp pron <@lp> pos n. def a high mountain. alp xref syl alp pron <@lp> pos n. def See also {Alps}. ALP 0. syl A.L.P. qual abbrev. for def Australian Labor Party. alpaca ety C18: via Spanish from Aymara allpaca alpaca 1. syl al+pac:a pron <@l1p@k*> pos n. def a domesticated cud-chewing artio?!dactyl mammal, closely related to the llama and native to South America: family Its dark shaggy hair is a source of wool and cloth. alpaca 2. syl al+pac:a pron <@l1p@k*> pos n. def the wool or cloth obtained from this animal. alpaca 3. syl al+pac:a pron <@l1p@k*> pos n. def a glossy fabric simulating this, used for linings, etc. alpenglow ety partial translation of German Alpengl*"uhen, from Alpen A#7lps+ gl*"uhen to #7glow alpenglow 0. syl al:pen+glow pron <1@lp*n2gl*u> pos n. def a reddish light on the summits of snow-covered mountain peaks at sunset or sunrise. alpenhorn 0. syl al:pen+horn pron <1@lp*n2hc:n> pos n. def another name for {alphorn}. alpenstock ety C19: from German, from Alpen A#7lps+ Stock #7stick alpenstock 0. syl al:pen+stock pron <1@lp*n2stok> pos n. def a stout stick with an iron tip used by hikers, mountain climbers, etc. Alpes-de-Haute-Provence 0. syl Alpes-de-Haute-Pro+vence qual French def alp d$$ ot pr@$#!v*~a$:s) a department of SE France in Provence-C*^ote-d'Azur region. Capital: Digne. Pop.: 115697 (1975). Area: 6988 sq. km (2725 sq. miles). Former name: {Basses-Alpes}. Alpes Maritimes 0. syl Alpes Ma+ri+times qual French def alp mari#!tim) a department of the SE corner of France in Provence-C*^ote-d'Azur region. Capital: Nice. Pop.: 823731 (1975). Area: 4298 sq. km (1676 sq. miles). alpestrine ety C19: from Medieval Latin alpestris, from Latin Alp*_es the Alps alpestrine 0. syl al+pes+trine pron <@l1pestrin> pos adj. usage of plants def growing at high altitudes; subalpine. alpha ety via Latin from Greek, of Phoenician origin; related to Hebrew *_aleph, literally: ox alpha 1. syl al+pha pron <1@lf*> pos n. def the first letter in the Greek alphabet (#GA, #Ga), a vowel transliterated as alpha 2. syl al+pha pron <1@lf*> pos n. qual Brit. def the highest grade or mark, as in an examination. alpha 3.a. syl al+pha pron <1@lf*> pos n. def involving or relating to helium nuclei. exam 1 an alpha particle. alpha 3.b. syl al+pha pron <1@lf*> pos n. def relating to one of two or more allotropes or crystal structures of a solid. exam 1 alpha iron. alpha 3.c. syl al+pha pron <1@lf*> pos n. def relating to one of two or more isomeric forms of a chemical compound, esp. one in which a group is attached to the carbon atom to which the principal group is attached. Alpha 0. syl Al+pha pron <1@lf*> pos n. usage foll. by the genitive case of a specified constellation def usually the brightest star in a constellation. exam 1 Alpha Centauri. alpha and omega 1. syl al+pha and o:me:ga pos n. def the first and last, a phrase used in Revelation 1:8 to signify God's eternity. alpha and omega 2. syl al+pha and o:me:ga pos n. def the basic reason or meaning; most important part. alphabet ety C15: from Late Latin alphab*_etum, from Greek alphab*_etos, from the first two letters of the Greek alphabet; see #7alpha, beta alphabet 1. syl al+pha+bet pron <1@lf*2bet> pos n. def a set of letters or other signs used in a writing system, usually arranged in a fixed order, each letter or sign being used to represent one or sometimes more than one phoneme in the language being transcribed. alphabet 2. syl al+pha+bet pron <1@lf*2bet> pos n. def any set of symbols or characters, esp. one representing sounds of speech. alphabet 3. syl al+pha+bet pron <1@lf*2bet> pos n. def basic principles or rudiments, as of a subject. alphabetic alt head alphabetical or alphabetical syl al+pha+bet+ic pos adj. alphabetical 1. or alphabetic syl al+pha+bet:i+cal pron <2@lf*1betikL> pos adj. def in the conventional order of the letters or symbols of an alphabet. alphabetical 2. or alphabetic syl al+pha+bet:i+cal pron <2@lf*1betikL> pos adj. def of, characterized by, or expressed by an alphabet. alphabetically sub head alphabetical syl al+pha+1bet:i+cal+ly pos adv. alphabetise alt head alphabetize or alphabetize syl al+pha+bet+ise pron <1@lf*b*2tIz> pos vb. mod tr. alphabetize 1. or alphabetise syl al+pha+bet+ize pron <1@lf*b*2tIz> pos vb. mod tr. def to arrange in conventional alphabetical order. alphabetize 2. or alphabetise syl al+pha+bet+ize pron <1@lf*b*2tIz> pos vb. mod tr. def to express by an alphabet. alphabetization sub head alphabetize or alphabetisation syl al+pha+bet:i+1za+tion pos n. alphabetisation sub head alphabetize or alphabetization syl al+pha+bet:i+1sa+tion pos n. alphabetizer sub head alphabetize or alphabetiser syl al+pha+bet+2iz:er pos n. alphabetiser sub head alphabetize or alphabetizer syl al+pha+bet+2is+er pos n. Alpha Centauri 0. syl Al+pha Cen+tau+ri pron pos n. def a binary star that is the brightest in the constellation Centaurus and is the second nearest star to the sun. Visual magnitude: 0.0 (A), 1.4 (B); spectral type: G4 (A), K1 (B); distance from earth: 4.3 light years. Also called: {Rigil Kent}. See also {Proxima}. alpha iron 0. syl al+pha i:ron pos n. def a magnetic allotrope of iron that is stable below 910?%C; ferrite. alphameric alt head alphanumeric or alphanumeric syl al+pha+mer+ic pos adj. alphanumeric 0. or alphameric syl al+pha+nu+mer+ic pron <2@lf*nju:1merik> pos adj. usage of a character set, code, or file of data def consisting of alphabetical and numerical symbols. alphanumerically sub head alphanumeric or alphamerically syl al+pha+nu+1mer:i+cal+ly pos adv. alphamerically sub head alphanumeric or alphanumerically syl al+pha+1mer:i+cal+ly pos adv. alpha particle 0. syl al+pha par+ti+cle pos n. def a helium nucleus, containing two neutrons and two protons, emitted during some radioactive transforma?!tions. alpha privative 0. syl al+pha priv:a+tive pos n. usage in Greek grammar def the letter alpha (or before vowels) used as a negative or privative prefix. It appears in English words derived from Greek, as in alpha ray 0. syl al+pha ray pos n. def ionizing radiation consisting of a stream of alpha particles. wave alt head alpha rhythm or alpha rhythm syl wave pos n. alpha rhythm 0. or wave syl al+pha rhythm pos n. qual Physiol. def the normal bursts of electrical activity from the cerebral cortex of a drowsy or inactive person, occurring at a frequency of 8 to 12 hertz and detectable with an electroencephalograph. See also {brain wave}. Alpheus 0. syl Al:phe:us pron <@l1fE*s> pos n. qual Greek myth. def a river god, lover of the nymph Arethusa. She changed into a spring to evade him, but he changed into a river and mingled with her. Alphonsus 0. syl Al+phon+sus pron <@l1fons*s> pos n. def a crater in the SE quadrant of the moon, about 112 kilometres in diameter, in which volcanic activity has been observed. alphorn ety C19: from German Alpenhorn: Alps horn alpenhorn alt head alphorn or alphorn syl al:pen+horn pos n. alphorn 0. or alpenhorn syl alp+horn pron <1@lp2hc:n> pos n. qual Music. def a wind instrument used in the Swiss Alps, consisting of a very long tube of wood or bark with a cornet-like mouthpiece. alphosis ety C19: from New Latin, from Greek alphos leprosy alphosis 0. syl al+pho+sis pron <@l1f*usis> pos n. qual Pathol. def absence of skin pigmentation, as in albinism. alpine 1. syl al+pine pron <1@lpIn> pos adj. def of or relating to high mountains. alpine 2. syl al+pine pron <1@lpIn> pos adj. usage of plants def growing on mountains above the limit for tree growth. alpine 3. syl al+pine pron <1@lpIn> pos adj. def connected with or used in mountaineering. alpine 4. syl al+pine pron <1@lpIn> pos adj. qual Skiing. def of or relating to events such as the slalom and downhill. Alpine 1. syl Al+pine pron <1@lpIn> pos adj. def of or relating to the Alps or their inhabitants. Alpine 2. syl Al+pine pron <1@lpIn> pos adj. qual Geology. def of or relating to an episode of mountain building in the Tertiary period during which the Alps were formed. alpinist 0. syl al+pin+ist pron <1@lpinist> pos n. def a mountain climber. alpinism sub head alpinist syl al+pin+ism pos n. Alps 1. syl Alps pron <@lps> pos n. mod pl. def a mountain range in S central Europe, extending over 1000 km (650 miles) from the Mediterranean coast of France and NW Italy through Switzerland, N Italy, and Austria to NW Yugoslavia. Highest peak: Mont Blanc, 4807 m (15771 ft.). Alps 2. syl Alps pron <@lps> pos n. mod pl. def a range of mountains in the NW quadrant of the moon, which is cut in two by a straight fracture, the {Alpine Valley}. already 1. syl al+read:y pron pos adv. def by or before a stated or implied time. exam 1 he is already here. already 2. syl al+read:y pron pos adv. def at a time earlier than expected. exam 1 is it ten o'clock already?? alright 0. syl al+right pron pos adv. qual Not standard. def a variant spelling of {all right}. ALS 0. syl A.L.S. qual abbrev. for def autograph letter signed. Alsace 0. syl Al+sace pron <@l1s@s>, French pos n. def a region and former province of NE France, between the Vosges mountains and the Rhine: famous for its wines. Area: 8296 sq. km (3203 sq. miles). Ancient name: {Alsatia}. German name: {Elsass}. Alsace-Lorraine 0. syl Al:sace-Lor:raine pos n. def an area of NE France, comprising the modern regions of Alsace and Lorraine: under German rule 1871-1919 and 1940-44. Area: 14522 sq. km (5607 sq. miles). German name: {Elsass-Lothringen}. Alsatia 1. syl Al+sa+tia pron <@l1sAS*> pos n. def the ancient name for {Alsace}. Alsatia 2. syl Al+sa+tia pron <@l1sAS*> pos n. def an area around Whitefriars, London, in the 17th century, which was a sanctuary for criminals and debtors. Alsatian 1. syl Al+sa+tian pron <@l1sAS*n> pos n. def a large wolflike breed of dog often used as a guard or guide dog and by the police. U.S. name: {German shepherd}. Alsatian 2. syl Al+sa+tian pron <@l1sAS*n> pos n. def a native or inhabitant of Alsace. Alsatian 3. syl Al+sa+tian pron <@l1sAS*n> pos n. usage in the 17th century def a criminal or debtor who took refuge in the Whitefriars area of London. Alsatian 4. syl Al+sa+tian pron <@l1sAS*n> pos adj. def of or relating to Alsace or its inhabitants. alsike ety C19: named after Alsike, Sweden alsike 0. syl al+sike pron <1@lsIk>, <-sik>, <1c:l-> pos n. def a clover, native to Europe and Asia but widely cultivated as a forage crop. It has trifoliate leaves and pink or whitish flowers. Also called: {alsike clover}. Al Sirat ety from Arabic: the road, from Latin via str*_ata paved way Al Sirat 1. syl Al Si+rat pron <2@l> pos n. qual Islam. def the correct path of religion. Al Sirat 2. syl Al Si+rat pron <2@l> pos n. qual Islam. def the razor-edged bridge by which all who enter paradise must pass. also ety Old English alsw*_a; related to Old High German als*_o, Old Frisian alsa; see #7all, so %1 also 1. syl al:so pron <1c:ls*u> pos adv. usage sentence modifier def in addition; as well; too. also 2. syl al:so pron <1c:ls*u> pos adv. usage sentence modifier; sentence connector. def besides; moreover. also-ran 1. syl al:so-ran pos n. def a contestant, horse, etc., failing to finish among the first three in a race. also-ran 2. syl al:so-ran pos n. qual Informal. def an unsuccessful person; loser or nonentity. alt ety C16: from Proven*,cal, from Latin altus high, deep alt 1. syl alt pron <@lt> pos adj. qual Music. usage esp. of vocal music def high in pitch. alt 2. syl alt pron <@lt> pos adj. qual Music. def of or relating to the octave commencing with the G above the top line of the treble staff. in alt 3. head alt syl in alt. qual Music. def in the octave directly above the treble staff. alt 1. syl alt. qual abbrev. for: def alternate. alt 2. syl alt. qual abbrev. for: def altitude. alt 3. syl alt. qual abbrev. for: def alto. Alta 0. syl Alta. qual abbrev. for def Alberta. Altaic 1. syl Al+ta+ic pron <@l1tAik> pos n. def a family of languages of Asia and SE Europe, consisting of the Turkic, Mongolic, and Tungusic branches or subfamilies. See also {Ural-Altaic}. Altaic 2. syl Al+ta+ic pron <@l1tAik> pos adj. def de?!noting, belonging to, or relating to this linguistic family or its speakers. Altai Mountains 0. syl Al+tai Moun+tains pron pos n. mod pl. def a mountain system of central Asia, in W Mongolia, W China, and the S Soviet Union. Highest peak: Belukha, 4506 m (14783 ft.). Altair ety Arabic, from al the+ t*_a'ir bird Altair 0. syl Al+tair pron <1@lte*> pos n. def the brightest star in the constellation Aquilla. Visual magnitude: 0.9; spectral type: A5; distance: 15.7 light years. Altamira 0. syl Al+ta+mi+ra pron Spanish <2alta1mira> pos n. def a cave in N Spain, SW of Santander, noted for Old Stone Age wall drawings. altar ety Old English, from Latin alt*_aria (plural) altar, from altus high altar 1. syl al+tar pron <1c:lt*> pos n. def a raised place or structure where sacrifices are offered and religious rites performed. altar 2. syl al+tar pron <1c:lt*> pos n. usage in Christian churches def the communion table. altar 3. syl al+tar pron <1c:lt*> pos n. def a step in the wall of a dry dock upon which structures supporting a vessel can stand. lead to the altar 4. head altar syl lead to the altar. qual Informal. def to marry. altar boy 0. syl al+tar boy pos n. qual R.C. Church, Church of England. def a boy serving as an acolyte. altarpiece 0. syl al:tar+piece pron <1c:lt*2pEs> pos n. def a work of art set above and behind an altar; a reredos. altazimuth ety C19: from #7alt (#7itude) #7+azimuth altazimuth 0. syl alt+az:i+muth pron <@l1t@zim*T> pos n. def an instrument for measuring the altitude and azimuth of a celestial body by the horizontal and vertical rotation of a telescope. Altdorf 0. syl Alt+dorf pron German <1alt2dcrf> pos n. def a town in central Switzerland, capital of Uri canton: setting of the William Tell legend. Pop: 8647 (1970). Albrecht infl head Altdorfer syl Al:brecht pron <1albre*,ct> pos n. Altdorfer 0. syl Alt:dor:fer pron German <1alt2dcrf*r> pos n. def ??1480-??1538, German painter and engraver: one of the earliest landscape painters. alter ety C14: from Old French alterer, from Medieval Latin alter*_are to change, from Latin alter other alter 1. syl al+ter pron <1c:lt*> pos vb. def to make or become different in some respect; change. alter 2. syl al+ter pron <1c:lt*> pos vb. mod tr. qual Informal, chiefly U.S. def a euphemistic word for {castrate} or {spay}. alterable sub head alter syl al+ter+a:ble pos adj. alterably sub head alter syl al+ter+a:bly pos adv. alterability sub head alter syl al+ter+a:1bil+i:ty pos n. alteration 1. syl al+ter:a+tion pron <2c:lt*1rAS*n> pos n. def an adjustment, change, or modification. alteration 2. syl al+ter:a+tion pron <2c:lt*1rAS*n> pos n. def the act of altering or state of being altered. alterative 1. syl al+ter:a+tive pron <1c:lt*r*tiv> pos adj. def likely or able to produce alteration. alterative 2. syl al+ter:a+tive pron <1c:lt*r*tiv> pos adj. usage of a drug def able to restore normal health. alterative 3. syl al+ter:a+tive pron <1c:lt*r*tiv> pos n. def a drug that restores normal health. altercate ety C16: from Latin alterc*_ar*_i to quarrel with another, from alter other altercate 0. syl al+ter+cate pron <1c:lt*2kAt> pos vb. mod intr. def to argue, esp. heatedly; dispute. altercation 0. syl al+ter+ca+tion pron <2c:lt*1kAS*n> pos n. def an angry or heated discussion or quarrel; argument. altered chord 0. syl al+tered chord pos n. qual Music. def a chord in which one or more notes are chromatically changed by the introduction of accidentals. alter ego ety Latin: other self alter ego 1. syl al+ter e:go pron <1@lt*r> <1Eg*u>, <1eg*u> pos n. def a second self. alter ego 2. syl al+ter e:go pron <1@lt*r> <1Eg*u>, <1eg*u> pos n. def a very close and intimate friend. alternant ety C17: from French, from Latin altern*_are to #7alternate alternant 0. syl al+ter+nant pron pos adj. def alternating. alternate ety C16: from Latin altern*_are to do one thing and then another, from alternus one after the other, from alter other alternate 1. syl al+ter+nate pron <1c:lt*2nAt> pos vb. usage often foll. by with def to occur or cause to occur successively or by turns. exam 1 day and night alternate. alternate 2. syl al+ter+nate pron <1c:lt*2nAt> pos vb. mod intr. usage often foll. by between def to swing repeatedly from one condition, action, etc., to another. exam 1 he alternates between success and failure. alternate 3. syl al+ter+nate pron <1c:lt*2nAt> pos vb. mod tr. def to interchange regularly or in succession. alternate 4. syl al+ter+nate pron <1c:lt*2nAt> pos vb. mod intr. usage of an electric current, voltage, etc. def to reverse direction or sign at regular intervals, usually sinusoidally, the instantaneous value varying continuously. alternate 5. syl al+ter+nate pron <1c:lt*2nAt> pos vb. mod intr. qual Theatre. usage often foll. by for def to understudy another actor or actress. alternate 6. syl al+ter+nate pron pos adj. def occurring by turns. exam 1 alternate feelings of love and hate. alternate 7. syl al+ter+nate pron pos adj. def every other or second one of a series. exam 1 he came to work on alternate days. alternate 8. syl al+ter+nate pron pos adj. def being a second or further choice; alternative. alternate 9.a. syl al+ter+nate pron pos adj. usage of leaves, flowers, etc. def arranged singly at different heights on either side of the stem. alternate 9.b. syl al+ter+nate pron pos adj. usage of parts of a flower def arranged opposite the spaces between other parts. Compare { {opposite} (sense 4)}. alternate 10. syl al+ter+nate pron <1c:lt*nit>, pos n. qual U.S. def a person who substitutes for another in his absence; stand-in. alternate angles 0. syl al+ter+nate an+gles pos n. mod pl. def two angles at opposite ends and on opposite sides of a transversal cutting two lines. alternately 0. syl al+ter+nate+ly pron pos adv. def in an alternating sequence or position. alternating current 0. syl al+ter+nat+ing cur+rent pos n. def a continuous electric current that reverses direction sinusoidally with a frequency independent of the characteristics of the circuit through which it flows. Abbrev.: {a.c}. Compare {direct current}. alternating-gradient focusing 0. syl al+ter+nat:ing-gra:di:ent fo+cus+ing pos n. qual Physics. def a method of focusing beams of charged particles in high-energy accelerators, in which a series of magnetic or electrostatic lenses alternately converge and diverge the beam, producing a net focusing effect and thus preventing the beam from spreading. alternation 1. syl al+ter+na+tion pron <2c:lt*1nAS*n> pos n. def successive change from one condition or action to another and back again repeatedly. alternation 2. syl al+ter+na+tion pron <2c:lt*1nAS*n> pos n. qual Logic. def another name for {{disjunction} (sense 3)}. alternation of generations 0. syl al+ter+na+tion of gen+er:a+tions pos n. def the production within the life cycle of an organism of alternating asexual and sexual reproductive forms. It occurs in many plants and lower animals. Also called: {metagenesis, heterogenesis, digenesis, xenogenesis}. alternative 1. syl al+ter+na+tive pron pos n. def a possibility of choice, esp. between two things, courses of action, etc. alternative 2. syl al+ter+na+tive pron pos n. def either of such choices. exam 1 we took the alternative of walking. alternative 3. syl al+ter+na+tive pron pos adj. def present?!ing a choice, esp. between two possibilities only. alternative 4. syl al+ter+na+tive pron pos adj. usage of two things def mutually exclusive. alternative 5. syl al+ter+na+tive pron pos adj. qual Logic. def another word for { {disjunctive} (sense 3)}. alternatively sub head alternative syl al+1ter+na+tive+ly pos adv. alternativeness sub head alternative syl al+1ter+na+tive+ness pos n. alternator 0. syl al+ter+na+tor pron <1c:lt*2nAt*> pos n. def an electrical machine that generates an alternating current. althaea ety C17: from Latin althaea, from Greek althaia marsh mallow (literally: healing plant), from Greek althein to heal althea alt head althaea or althaea syl al+the:a pron <@l1TE*> pos n. qual U.S. althaea 1. or althea syl al+thae:a pron <@l1TE*> pos n. def any Eurasian plant of the malvaceous genus such as the hollyhock, having tall spikes of showy white, yellow, or red flowers. althaea 2. or althea syl al+thae:a pron <@l1TE*> pos n. def another name for { {rose of Sharon} (sense 2)}. Althing 0. syl Al+thing pron <1@lTiG> pos n. def the bicameral parliament of Iceland. althorn 0. syl alt+horn pron <1@lt2hc:n> pos n. def a valved brass musical instrument belonging to the saxhorn or fl*"ugelhorn families. although 0. syl al+though pron pos conj. usage subordinating def despite the fact that; even though. exam 1 although she was ill, she worked hard. alti- ety from Latin altus high alti- 0. syl al:ti- usage combining form. def indicating height or altitude. exam 1 altimeter. altimeter 0. syl al+tim:e+ter pron <@l1timit*>, <1@lti2mEt*> pos n. def an instrument that indicates height above sea level, esp. one based on an aneroid barometer and fitted to an aircraft. altimetry 0. syl al+tim+e:try pron <@l1timitri> pos n. def the science of measuring altitudes, as with an altimeter. altimetrical sub head altimetry syl al+ti+met+ri+cal pron <2@lti1metrikL> pos adj. altimetrically sub head altimetry syl al+ti+1met+ri+cal+ly pos adv. Altiplano 0. syl Al+ti+pla+no pron Spanish <2alti1plano> pos n. def a plateau of the Andes, covering two thirds of Bolivia and extending into S Peru: contains Lake Titicaca. Height: 3000 m (10000 ft.) to 3900 m (13000 ft.). altissimo ety Italian, literally: highest altissimo 1. syl al+tis+si+mo pron <@l1tisi2m*u> pos adj. usage of music def very high in pitch. altissimo 2. syl al+tis+si+mo pron <@l1tisi2m*u> pos adj. def of or relating to the octave commencing on the G lying an octave above the treble clef. in altissimo 3. head altissimo syl in altissimo. def in the octave commencing an octave above the treble clef. altitude ety C14: from Latin altit*_ud*_o, from altus high, deep altitude 1. syl al+ti+tude pron <1@lti2tju:d> pos n. def the vertical height of an object above some chosen level, esp. above sea level; elevation. altitude 2. syl al+ti+tude pron <1@lti2tju:d> pos n. qual Maths. def the perpendicular distance from the base of a figure to the opposite vertex. altitude 3. syl al+ti+tude pron <1@lti2tju:d> pos n. def Also called: {elevation}. the angular distance of a celestial body from the horizon measured along the vertical circle passing through the body. Compare {{azimuth} (sense 1)}. altitude 4. syl al+ti+tude pron <1@lti2tju:d> pos n. qual Surveying. def the angle of elevation of a point above the horizontal plane of the observ?!er. altitude 5. syl al+ti+tude pron <1@lti2tju:d> pos n. mod often; pl. def a high place or region. altitudinal sub head altitude syl al+ti+1tu+di+nal pos adj. alto ety C18: from Italian: high, from Latin altus altos infl head alto syl al:tos. pos n. mod pl. alto 1. syl al:to pron <1@lt*u> pos n. def the lowest female voice, usually having a range approximately from F a fifth below middle C up to D a ninth above it. alto 2. syl al:to pron <1@lt*u> pos n. def the highest adult male voice; countertenor. alto 3. syl al:to pron <1@lt*u> pos n. def a singer with such a voice. Compare {contralto}. alto 4. syl al:to pron <1@lt*u> pos n. def another name for { {viola} %1 (sense 1)}. alto 5. syl al:to pron <1@lt*u> pos n. def a flute, saxophone, etc., that is the third or fourth highest instrument in its group. alto 6. syl al:to pron <1@lt*u> pos adj. def denoting a flute, saxophone, etc., that is the third or fourth highest instrument in its group. alto- ety from Latin altus high alto- 0. syl al:to- usage combining form. def high. exam 1 altocumulus; exam 2 altostratus. alto clef 0. syl al:to clef pos n. def the clef that establishes middle C as being on the third line of the staff. Also: {viola clef}. See also {C clef}. altocumuli infl head altocumulus syl al:to+cu+mu+li pron <-lI> pos n. mod pl. altocumulus 0. syl al:to+cu+mu+lus pron <2@lt*u1kju:mjul*s> pos n. def a globular cloud at an intermediate height of about 2400 to 6000 metres (8000 to 20000 feet). altogether 1. syl al+to+geth+er pron <2c:lt*1geD*>, <1c:lt*2geD*> pos adv. def with everything included. exam 1 altogether he owed me sixty pounds. altogether 2. syl al+to+geth+er pron <2c:lt*1geD*>, <1c:lt*2geD*> pos adv. def completely; utterly; totally. exam 1 he was altogether mad. altogether 3. syl al+to+geth+er pron <2c:lt*1geD*>, <1c:lt*2geD*> pos adv. def on the whole. exam 1 altogether it was a very good party. in the altogether 4. head altogether syl in the altogether. qual Informal. def naked. alto horn 0. syl al:to horn pos n. def another term for {althorn}. Altona 0. syl Al+to+na pron <@l1t*un*>, German <1altona> pos n. def a port in N West Germany: part of Hamburg since 1937. alto-relievo ety C18: from Italian alto-rilievo alt head alto-relievo or alto-relievo syl al:to-ri:lie:vo pron <2@lt*uri1lEv*u> pos n. alto-relievos infl head alto-relievo syl al:to-re:lie:vos. pos n. mod pl. alto-relievo 0. or alto-rilievo syl al:to-re:lie:vo pron <2@lt*uri1lEv*u> pos n. def another name for {high relief}. ti infl head altostratus syl +ti pron <-tI> pos n. mod pl. altostratus 0. syl al+to+stra+tus pron <2@lt*u1strAt*s>, <-1stra:-> pos n. def a layer cloud at an intermediate height of about 2400 to 6000 metres (8000 to 20000 feet). altricial ety C19: from New Latin altrici*_alis, from Latin altrix a nurse, from alere to nourish altricial 1. syl al+tri+cial pron <@l1triS*l> pos adj. usage of young birds after hatching def naked, blind, and dependent on the parents for food. altricial 2. syl al+tri+cial pron <@l1triS*l> pos n. def an altricial bird, such as a pigeon. altricial xref syl al+tri+cial pron <@l1triS*l> pos adj. def Compare {precocial}. Altrincham 0. syl Al+trin+cham pron <1c:ltriG*m> pos n. def a residential town in NW England, in Greater Manchester. Pop.: 40752 (1971). altruism ety C19: from French altruisme, from Italian altrui others, from Latin alter*_i, plural of alter other altruism 0. syl al+tru+ism pron <1@ltru:2iz*m> pos n. def the principle or practice of un?!selfish concern for the welfare of others. Compare {egoism}. altruist sub head altruism syl al+tru+ist pos n. altruistic sub head altruism syl al+tru+1is+tic pos adj. altruistically sub head altruism syl al+tru+1is+ti+cal+ly pos adv. ALU 0. syl ALU qual Computer technol. abbrev. for def arithmetical and logical unit. aludel ety C16: via Old French from Spanish, from Arabic al-uth*_al the vessel aludel 0. syl al:u+del pron <1@lju2del> pos n. qual Chem. def a pear-shaped vessel, open at both ends, formerly used with similar vessels for collecting condensates, esp. of subliming mercury. alula ety C18: New Latin: a little wing, from Latin *_ala a wing alulae infl head alula syl al:u+lae pron <-lE> pos n. mod pl. alula 0. syl al:u+la pron <1@ljul*> pos n. def another name for {bastard wing}. alular sub head alula syl al:u+lar pos adj. alum ety C14: from Old French, from Latin al*_umen alum 1. syl al:um pron <1@l*m> pos n. def Also called: {potash alum}. a colourless soluble hydrated double sulphate of aluminium and potassium used in the manufacture of mordants and pigments, in dressing leather and sizing paper, and in medicine as a styptic and astringent. Formula: KAl(SO\4)\2.12H\2O. alum 2. syl al:um pron <1@l*m> pos n. def any of a group of isomorphic double sulphates of a monovalent metal or group and a trivalent metal. Formula: XY(SO\4)\2.12H\2O, where X is monovalent and Y is trivalent. alum 0. syl alum. qual abbrev. for def aluminium. alumina ety C18: from New Latin, plural of Latin al*_umen #7alum alumina 0. syl a:lu+mi+na pron <*1lu:min*> pos n. def another name for {aluminium oxide}. aluminate 0. syl a:lu+mi+nate pron <*1lu:minAt> pos n. def a salt of the ortho or meta acid forms of aluminium hydroxide containing the ions AlO%#-@b\2#800027 or AlO%3@b\3%#-#800028 . aluminiferous 0. syl a:lu+mi+nif+er+ous pron <*2lu:mi1nif*r*s> pos adj. def containing or yielding aluminium or alumina. aluminum alt head aluminium or aluminium syl a:lu+mi+num pron <*1lu:mi?!n*m> pos n. qual U.S. aluminium 0. or aluminum syl al:u+min+i:um pron <2@lju1mini*m> pos n. def a light malleable ductile silvery-white metallic element that resists corrosion; the third most abundant element in the earth's crust (8.1 per cent), occurring only as a compound, principally in bauxite. It is used, esp. in the form of its alloys, in aircraft parts, kitchen utensils, etc. Symbol: Al; atomic no.: 13; atomic wt.: 26.981; valency: 3; relative density: 2.699; melting pt.: 660.2?%C; boiling pt.: 2467?%C. aluminium hydroxide 0. syl a:lu+min+i:um hy+drox+ide pos n. def a white crystalline powder derived from bauxite and used in the manufacture of glass and ceramics, aluminium and its salts, and in dyeing. Formula: Al(OH)\3 or Al\2O\3.3H\2O. aluminium oxide 0. syl a:lu+min+i:um ox+ide pos n. def a white or colourless insoluble powder occurring naturally as corundum and used in the production of aluminium and its compounds, abrasives, glass, and ceramics. Formula: Al\2O\3. #800029 Also called: {alumina}. See also {activated alumina}. aluminium sulphate 0. syl a:lu+min+i:um sul+phate pos n. def a white crystalline salt used in the paper, textile, and dyeing industries and in the purification of water. Formula: Al\2(SO\4)\3. aluminise alt head aluminize or aluminize syl a:lu+mi+nise pron <*1lu:mi2nIz> pos vb. mod tr. aluminize 0. or aluminise syl a:lu+mi+nize pron <*1lu:mi2nIz> pos vb. mod tr. def to cover with aluminium or aluminium paint. aluminothermy 0. syl a:lu+mi+no+ther+my pron <*2lu:min*u1TR:mi> pos n. def a process for reducing metallic oxides using finely divided aluminium powder. The mixture of aluminium and oxide is ignited, causing the aluminium to be oxidized and the metal oxide to be reduced to the metal. Also called: {thermite process}. aluminous 1. syl a:lu+mi+nous pron <*1lu:mi?!n*s> pos adj. def resembling aluminium. aluminous 2. syl a:lu+mi+nous pron <*1lu:mi?!n*s> pos adj. def another word for {aluminiferous}. aluminosity sub head aluminous syl a:lu+mi+nos+i:ty pron <*2lu:mi1nositi> pos n. alumnus ety C17: from Latin: nursling, pupil, foster-son, from alere to nourish alumna alt head alumnus or alumnus syl a:lum+na pron <*1l^mn*> pos n. mod fem. alumni infl head alumnus or alumnae syl a:lum+ni pron <-nI> pos n. mod pl. alumnae infl head alumnus or alumni syl a:lum+nae pron <-nE> pos n. mod pl. alumnus 0. or alumna syl a:lum+nus pron <*1l^mn*s> pos n. qual Chiefly U.S. def a graduate of a school, college, etc. alumroot 1. syl al:um+root pron <1@l*m2ru:t> pos n. def any of several North American plants of the saxifragaceous genus having small white, reddish, or green bell-shaped flowers and astringent roots. alumroot 2. syl al:um+root pron <1@l*m2ru:t> pos n. def the root of such a plant. Alundum 0. syl A:lun+dum pron <*1l^nd*m> pos n. qual Trademark. def a hard material composed of fused alumina, used as an abrasive and a refractory. alunite ety C19: from French alun alum (from Latin al*_umen) + -#7ite %1 alunite 0. syl al:u+nite pron <1@lju2nIt> pos n. def a white, grey, or reddish mineral consisting of hydrated aluminium sulphate. It occurs in volcanic igneous rocks and is a source of potassium and aluminium compounds. Formula: KAl\3(SO\4)\2(OH)\6. Alba alt head Alva or Alva syl Al:ba pron Spanish <1al$Ba> pos n. Duke of infl head Alva syl Duke of pos n. Alva 0. or Alba syl Al:va pron Spanish <1al$Ba> pos n. def title of 1508-82, Spanish general and statesman who suppressed the Protestant revolt in the Netherlands (1567-72) and conquered Portugal (1580). alveolar 1. syl al+ve:o+lar pron <@l1vi*l*>, <2@lvi1*ul*> pos adj. qual Anatomy. def of, relating to, or resembling an alveolus. alveolar 2. syl al+ve:o+lar pron <@l1vi*l*>, <2@lvi1*ul*> pos adj. def denoting the part of the jawbone containing the roots of the teeth. alveolar 3. syl al+ve:o+lar pron <@l1vi*l*>, <2@lvi1*ul*> pos adj. usage of a consonant def articulat?!ed with the tongue in contact with the projecting part of the jawbone immediately behind the upper teeth. alveolar 4. syl al+ve:o+lar pron <@l1vi*l*>, <2@lvi1*ul*> pos n. def an alveolar consonant, such as the speech sounds written and in English. alveolate ety C19: from Late Latin alveol*_atus forming a channel, hollowed, from Latin: #7alveolus alveolate 1. syl al+ve:o+late pron <@l1vi*lit>, <-2lAt> pos adj. def having many alveoli. alveolate 2. syl al+ve:o+late pron <@l1vi*lit>, <-2lAt> pos adj. def resembling the deep pits of a honeycomb. alveolation sub head alveolate syl al+ve:o+1la+tion pos n. alveolus ety C18: from Latin: a little hollow, diminutive of alveus alveoli infl head alveolus syl al+ve:o+li pron <-2lI> pos n. mod pl. alveolus 1. syl al+ve:o+lus pron <@l1vi*l*s> pos n. def any small pit, cavity, or saclike dilation, such as a honeycomb cell. alveolus 2. syl al+ve:o+lus pron <@l1vi*l*s> pos n. def any of the sockets in which the roots of the teeth are embedded. alveolus 3. syl al+ve:o+lus pron <@l1vi*l*s> pos n. def any of the tiny air sacs in the lungs at the end of the bronchioles, through which oxygen is taken into the blood. alvine ety C18: from Latin alvus belly alvine 0. syl al+vine pron <1@lvin>, <-vIn> pos adj. qual Obsolete. def of or relating to the intestines or belly. always ety C13 alles weiss, from Old English ealne weg, literally: all the way; see #7all, way always 1. syl al+ways pron <1c:lwAz>, <-wiz> pos adv. def without exception; on every occasion; every time. exam 1 he always arrives on time. always 2. syl al+ways pron <1c:lwAz>, <-wiz> pos adv. def continually; repeatedly. always 3. syl al+ways pron <1c:lwAz>, <-wiz> pos adv. def in any case. exam 1 you could always take a day off work. for always 4. head always syl for always. qual Informal. def for ever; without end. exam 1 our marriage is for always. alyssum ety C16: from New Latin, from Greek alusson, from alussos (adj.) curing rabies, referring to the ancient belief in the plant's healing properties alyssum 0. syl a:lys+sum pron <1@lis*m> pos n. def any widely cultivated herbaceous garden plant of the genus having clusters of small yellow or white flowers: family (crucifers). See also {sweet alyssum}. am ety Old English eam; related to Old Norse em, Gothic im, Old High German bim, Latin sum, Greek eimi, Sanskrit asmi am 0. syl am pron <@m>, <*m> pos vb. qual I usage used with def a form of the present tense (indicative mood) of {be}. Am 0. syl Am usage the chemical symbol for def americium. am alt head AM or AM syl am AM 0. or am syl AM qual abbrev. for def amplitude modulation. Am 0. syl Am. qual abbrev. for def America(n). am ety Latin: before noon Compare p.m. AM alt head am or am syl A.M. am 0. or AM syl a.m. qual abbrev. for usage indicating the time period from midnight to midday def ante meridiem. AM 1. syl A.M. qual abbrev. for: def associate member. AM 2. syl A.M. qual abbrev. for: def Albert Medal. AM 3. syl A.M. qual abbrev. for: usage in the U.S. def Master of Arts. AMA 0. syl A.M.A. qual abbrev. for def American Medical Association. amadavat 0. syl am:a+da+vat pron <2@m*d*1v@t> pos n. def another name for {avadavat}. amadou ety C18: from French, from Proven*,cal: lover, from Latin am*_ator, from am*_are to love; so called because it readily ignites amadou 0. syl am:a+dou pron <1@m*2du:> pos n. def a spongy substance made from certain fungi, such as (or and related species, used as tinder to light fires and in medicine to stop bleeding. Amagasaki 0. syl A:ma+ga+sa+ki pron <*2ma:g*1sa:ki> pos n. def an industrial city in Japan, in W Honshu, on Osaka Bay. Pop.: 537781 (1974 est.). amah ety C19: from Portuguese ama nurse, wet nurse amah 0. syl a:mah pron <1a:m*>, <1@m*> pos n. usage in the East, esp. formerly def a nurse or maidservant. amain ety C16: from #7a -%2#7+#7main %1 amain 0. syl a:main pron <*1mAn> pos adv. qual Archaic or poetic. def with great strength, speed, or haste. Amalekite 0. syl Am:a+lek+ite pron <*1m@l*2kIt> pos n. qual Old Testament. def a member of a nomadic tribe descended from Esau (Genesis 36:12), dwelling in the desert between Sinai and Canaan and hostile to the Israelites: they were defeated by Saul and destroyed by David (I Samuel 15-30). amalgam ety C15: from Medieval Latin amalgama, of obscure origin amalgam 1. syl a:mal+gam pron <*1m@lg*m> pos n. def an alloy of mercury with another metal, esp. with silver. exam 1 dental amalgam. amalgam 2. syl a:mal+gam pron <*1m@lg*m> pos n. def a rare white metallic mineral that consists of silver and mercury and occurs in deposits of silver and cinnabar. amalgam 3. syl a:mal+gam pron <*1m@lg*m> pos n. def a blend or combination. amalgamate 1. syl a:mal+gam+ate pron <*1m@lg*2mAt> pos vb. def to combine or cause to combine; unite. amalgamate 2. syl a:mal+gam+ate pron <*1m@lg*2mAt> pos vb. def to alloy (a metal) with mercury. amalgamation 1. syl a:mal+gam:a+tion pron <*2m@lg*1mAS*n> pos n. def the action or process of amalgamating. amalgamation 2. syl a:mal+gam:a+tion pron <*2m@lg*1mAS*n> pos n. def the state of being amalgamated. amalgamation 3. syl a:mal+gam:a+tion pron <*2m@lg*1mAS*n> pos n. def a method of extracting precious metals from their ores by treatment with mercury to form an amalgam. amalgamation 4. syl a:mal+gam:a+tion pron <*2m@lg*1mAS*n> pos n. qual Commerce. def another word for { {merger} (sense 1)}. Amalthea 0.a. syl A:mal:the:a pron <2@m@l1TE*> pos n. qual Greek myth. def a nymph who brought up the infant Zeus on goat's milk. Amalthea 0.b. syl A:mal:the:a pron <2@m@l1TE*> pos n. qual Greek myth. def the goat itself. Also: {Amaltheia}. amanita ety C19: from Greek amanitai (plural) a variety of fungus amanita 0. syl am:a+ni+ta pron <2@m*1nIt*> pos n. def any of various saprophytic agaricaceous fungi constituting the genus having white gills and a broken membranous ring (volva) around the stalk. The genus includes several highly poisonous species, such as death cap, destroying angel, and fly agaric. amanuensis ety C17: from Latin *_amanuensis, from the phrase servus *_a man*_u slave at hand (that is, handwriting) amanuenses infl head amanuensis syl a:man:u+en+ses pron <-sEz> pos n. mod pl. amanuensis 0. syl a:man:u+en+sis pron <*2m@nju1ensis> pos n. def a person employed to take dictation or to copy manuscripts. Amap'a 0. syl A:ma+p*'a pron Portuguese <2*ma1pa> pos n. def a territory of N Brazil, on the Amazon delta. Capital: Macap*'a. Pop.: 114359 (1970). Area: 143716 sq. km (55489 sq. miles). amaranth ety C17: from Latin amarantus, from Greek amarantos unfading, from #7a -%1#7+ marainein to fade amaranth 1. syl am:a+ranth pron <1@m*2r@nT> pos n. qual Poetic. def an imaginary flower that never fades. amaranth 2. syl am:a+ranth pron <1@m*2r@nT> pos n. def any of numerous tropical and temperate plants of the genus having tassel-like heads of small green, red, or purple flowers: family See also {love-lies-bleeding, tumbleweed, {pigweed} (sense 1)}. amaranthaceous 0. syl am:a+ran+tha+ceous pron <2@m*r@n1TAS*s> pos adj. def of, relating to, or belonging to the (or a family of tropical and temperate herbaceous or shrubby flowering plants that includes the amaranths and cockscomb. amaranthine 1. syl am:a+ran+thine pron <2@m*1r@nTIn> pos adj. def of a dark reddish-purple colour. amaranthine 2. syl am:a+ran+thine pron <2@m*1r@nTIn> pos adj. def of or resembling the amaranth. amarelle ety C20: from German, from Medieval Latin am*_arellum, from Latin am*_arus bitter; compare #7morello amarelle 0. syl am:a+relle pron <1@m*2rel> pos n. def a variety of sour cherry that has pale red fruit and colourless juice. Compare {morello}. Amarillo 0. syl Am:a+ril+lo pron <2@m*1ril*u> pos n. def an industrial city in NW Texas. Pop.: 129808 (1973 est.). amaryllidaceous 0. syl am:a+ryl+li+da+ceous pron <2@m*2rili1dAS*s> pos adj. def of, relating to, or belonging to the a tropical and subtropical family of widely cultivated flowering plants having bulbs and including the amaryllis, snowdrop, narcissus, and daffodil. amaryllis ety C18: from New Latin, from Latin: named after A#7maryllis amaryllis 1. syl am:a+ryl+lis pron <2@m*1rilis> pos n. def Also called: {belladonna lily}. an amaryllidaceous plant, native to southern Africa and having large lily-like reddish or white flowers. amaryllis 2. syl am:a+ryl+lis pron <2@m*1rilis> pos n. def any of several related plants. Amaryllis 0. syl Am:a+ryl+lis pron <2@m*1rilis> pos n. usage in pastoral poetry def a name for a shepherdess or country girl. amass ety C15: from Old French amasser, from masse #7mass amass 1. syl a:mass pron <*1m@s> pos vb. mod tr. def to accumulate or collect (esp. riches, etc.). amass 2. syl a:mass pron <*1m@s> pos vb. def to gather in a heap; bring together. amasser sub head amass syl a:1mass+er pos n. amateur ety C18: from French, from Latin am*_ator lover, from am*_are to love amateur 1. syl am:a+teur pron <1@m*t*>, <-C*>, <-2tju*> <2@m*1tR:> pos n. def a person who engages in an activity, esp. a sport, as a pastime rather than professionally or for gain. amateur 2. syl am:a+teur pron <1@m*t*>, <-C*>, <-2tju*> <2@m*1tR:> pos n. def an athlete or sportsman. amateur 3. syl am:a+teur pron <1@m*t*>, <-C*>, <-2tju*> <2@m*1tR:> pos n. def a person unskilled in or having only a superficial knowledge of a subject or activity. amateur 4. syl am:a+teur pron <1@m*t*>, <-C*>, <-2tju*> <2@m*1tR:> pos n. def a person who is fond of or admires something. amateur 5. syl am:a+teur pron <1@m*t*>, <-C*>, <-2tju*> <2@m*1tR:> pos n. usage modifier def consisting of or for amateurs. exam 1 an amateur event. amateur 6. syl am:a+teur pron <1@m*t*>, <-C*>, <-2tju*> <2@m*1tR:> pos adj. def amateurish; not professional or expert. exam 1 an amateur approach. amateurism sub head amateur syl am:a+teur+ism pos n. amateurish 0. syl am:a+teur+ish pron <1@m*t*riS>, <-C*r-> <-2Cu*r-> <2@m*1tR:riS> pos adj. def lacking professional skill or expertise. amateurishly sub head amateurish syl am:a+teur+ish+ly pos adv. amateurishness sub head amateurish syl am:a+teur+ish+ness pos n. Amati 1. syl A:ma:ti pron Italian pos n. def a family of Italian violin makers, active in Cremona in the 16th and 17th centuries, esp. {Ni@.co@.l*`o} (niko#!l@$), 1596-1684, who taught Guarneri and Stradivari. Amati 2. syl A:ma:ti pron Italian pos n. def a violin or other stringed instrument made by any member of this family. amative ety C17: from Medieval Latin am*_at*_ivus, from Latin am*_are to love amative 0. syl am:a+tive pron <1@m*tiv> pos adj. def a rare word for {amorous}. amatively sub head amative syl am:a+tive+ly pos adv. amativeness sub head amative syl am:a+tive+ness pos n. amatol ety C20: from #7am (#7monium) #7+ (#7trinitro) #7tol (#7uene) amatol 0. syl am:a+tol pron <1@m*2tol> pos n. def an explosive mixture of ammonium nitrate and TNT, used in shells and bombs. amatory ety C16: from Latin am*_at*_orius, from am*_are to love amatorial alt head amatory or amatory syl am:a+to+ri:al pos adj. amatory 0. or amatorial syl am:a+to:ry pron <1@m*t*ri> pos adj. def of, relating to, or inciting sexual love or desire. amaurosis ety C17: via New Latin from Greek: darkening, from amauroun to dim, darken amaurosis 0. syl am:au+ro+sis pron <2@mc:1r*usis> pos n. qual Pathol. def blindness, esp. when occurring without observable damage to the eye. amaurotic sub head amaurosis syl am:au+rot+ic pron <2@mc:1rotik> pos adj. amaut ety from Eskimo amowt alt head amaut or amaut syl a:mowt pron <*1maut> pos n. amaut 0. or amowt syl a:maut pron <*1maut> pos n. qual Canadian. def a hood on an Eskimo woman's parka for carrying a child. amaze ety Old English *_amasian; see #7maze amaze 1. syl a:maze pron <*1mAz> pos vb. mod tr. def to fill with incredulity or surprise; astonish. amaze 2. syl a:maze pron <*1mAz> pos vb. mod tr. def an obsolete word for {bewilder}. amaze 3. syl a:maze pron <*1mAz> pos n. mod tr. def an archaic word for {amazement}. amazement 1. syl a:maze+ment pron <*1mAzm*nt> pos n. def incredulity or great astonish?!ment; complete wonder or surprise. amazement 2. syl a:maze+ment pron <*1mAzm*nt> pos n. qual Obsolete. def bewilderment or consternation. amazing 0. syl a:maz+ing pron <*1mAziG> pos adj. def causing wonder or astonishment. exam 1 amazing feats. amazingly sub head amazing syl a:1maz+ing+ly pos adv. amazon 0. syl am:a+zon pron <1@m*zN> pos n. def any of various tropical American parrots of the genus such as (green amazon), having a short tail and mainly green plumage. Amazon ety C14: via Latin from Greek Amaz*_on, of uncertain origin Amazon H1.1. syl Am:a+zon pron <1@m*zN> pos n. qual Greek myth. def one of a race of women warriors of Scythia near the Black Sea. Amazon H1.2. syl Am:a+zon pron <1@m*zN> pos n. def one of a legendary tribe of female warriors of South America. Amazon H1.3. syl Am:a+zon pron <1@m*zN> pos n. usage often not cap. def any tall, strong, or aggressive woman. Amazonian sub head Amazon syl Am:a+zo+ni:an pron <2@m*?!1z*uni*n> pos adj. Amazon H2.0. syl Am:a+zon pron <1@m*zN> pos n. def a river in South America, rising in the Peruvian Andes and flowing east through N Brazil to the Atlantic: in volume, the largest river in the world; navigable for 3700 km (2300 miles). Length: over 6440 km (4000 miles). Area of basin: over 5827500 sq. km (2250000 sq. miles). Amazonian sub head Amazon syl Am:a+zo+ni:an pron <2@m*1z*uni*n> pos adj. amazon ant 0. syl am:a+zon ant pos n. def any of several small reddish ants of the genus esp. that enslave the young of other ant species. Amazonas 0. syl A:ma+zo+nas pron <2@m*1z*un*s> pos n. def a state of W Brazil, consisting of the central Amazon basin: vast areas of unexplored tropical rain-forest. Capital: Manaus. Pop.: 955235 (1970). Area: 1542277 sq. km (595474 sq. miles). amazonite 0. syl am:a+zon+ite pron <1@m*z*2nIt> pos n. def a green variety of microcline used as a gemstone. Formula: KAlSi\3O\8. Also called: {Amazon stone}. ambage ety C14: via Old French from Latin amb*_ages a going around, from ambi- around+ agere to lead ambages infl head ambage syl am+bag:es pron <1@mbiJiz>, <@m1bAJEz> pos n. mod pl. ambage 0. syl am+bage pron <1@mbiJ> pos n. qual Archaic. (often pl. def circuitous, secret, or tortuous paths, ways, thoughts, etc. ambagious sub head ambage syl am+ba+gious pron <@m1bAJ*s> pos adj. Ambala 0. syl Am+ba+la pron <*m1ba:l*> pos n. def a city in N India, in Haryana: site of archaeological remains of a prehistoric Indian civilization. Pop.: 102493 (1971). ambary ety C20: from Hindi amb*_ar*_i ambari alt head ambary or ambary syl am+ba+ri pron <@m1ba:ri> pos n. ambaries infl head ambary or ambaris syl am+ba+ries pos n. mod pl. ambaris infl head ambary or ambaries syl am+ba+ris. pos n. mod pl. ambary 1. or ambari syl am+ba+ry pron <@m1ba:ri> pos n. def a tropical Asian malvaceous plant, that yields a fibre similar to jute. ambary 2. or ambari syl am+ba+ry pron <@m1ba:ri> pos n. def the fibre derived from this plant. ambary xref or ambari syl am+ba+ry pron <@m1ba:ri> pos n. def Also called: {kenaf}. ambassador ety C14: from Old French ambassadeur, from Italian ambasciator, from Old Proven*,cal ambaisador, from ambaisa (unattested) mission, errand; see #7embassy ambassador 1. syl am+bas+sa+dor pron <@m1b@s*d*> pos n. def short for {ambassador extraordinary and plenipotentiary}; a diplomatic minister of the highest rank, accredited as permanent representative to another country or sovereign. ambassador extraordinary 2. head ambassador syl ambassador extraordinary. def a diplomatic minister of the highest rank sent on a special mission. ambassador plenipotentiary 3. head ambassador syl ambassador plenipotentiary. def a diplomatic minister of the first rank with treaty-signing powers. ambassador-at-large 4. head ambassador syl ambassador-at-large. qual U.S. def an ambassador with special duties who may be sent to more than one government. ambassador 5. syl am+bas+sa+dor pron <@m1b@s*d*> pos n. def an authorized representative or messenger. ambassadress sub head ambassador syl am+1bas+sa+dress pos n. mod fem. ambassadorial sub head ambassador syl am+bas+sa+dor+i:al pron <@m2b@s*1dc:ri*l> pos adj. ambassadorship sub head ambassador syl am+1bas+sa+dor+2ship pos n. amber ety C14: from Medieval Latin ambra, from Arabic `anbar ambergris amber 1.a. syl am+ber pron <1@mb*> pos n. def a yellow or yellowish-brown hard translucent fossil resin derived from extinct coniferous trees that occurs in Tertiary deposits and often contains trapped insects. It is used for jewellery, ornaments, etc. amber 1.b. syl am+ber pron <1@mb*> pos n. usage as modifier exam 1 an amber necklace. amber 2.a. syl am+ber pron <1@mb*> pos n. def a medium to dark brownish-yellow colour, often somewhat orange, similar to that of the resin. amber 2.b. syl am+ber pron <1@mb*> pos as; adj. exam 1 an amber dress. amber 3. syl am+ber pron <1@mb*> pos n. def an amber traffic light used as a warning between red and green. ambergris ety C15: from Old French ambre gris grey amber ambergris 0. syl am:ber+gris pron <1@mb*2grEs>, <-gris> pos n. def a waxy substance consisting mainly of cholesterol secreted by the intestinal tract of the sperm whale and often found floating in the sea: used in the manufacture of perfumes. amberjack ety C19: from #7amber +#7jack %1 amberjack 0. syl am:ber+jack pron <1@mb*2J@k> pos n. def any of several large carangid fishes of the genus esp. with golden markings when young, occurring in tropical and subtropical Atlantic waters. ambroid alt head amberoid or amberoid syl am+broid pos n. amberoid 0. or ambroid syl am+ber+oid pron <1@mb*2rcid> pos n. def a synthetic amber made by compressing pieces of amber and other resins together at a high temperature. ambi- ety from Latin: round, on both sides, both, from ambo both; compare #7amphi - ambi- 0. syl am:bi- usage combining form. def indicating both. exam 1 ambidextrous; exam 2 am?!bivalence; exam 3 ambiversion. ambidextrous 1. syl am+bi+dex+trous pron <2@mbi1dekstr*s> pos adj. def equally expert with each hand. ambidextrous 2. syl am+bi+dex+trous pron <2@mbi1dekstr*s> pos adj. qual Informal. def highly skilled or adept. ambidextrous 3. syl am+bi+dex+trous pron <2@mbi1dekstr*s> pos adj. def underhand?!ed; deceitful. ambidexterity sub head ambidextrous or ambidextrousness syl am+bi+dex+ter+i:ty pron <2@mbidek1steriti> pos n. ambidextrousness sub head ambidextrous or ambidexterity syl am+bi+1dex+trous+ness pos n. ambidextrously sub head ambidextrous syl am+bi+1dex+trous+ly pos adv. ambience ety C19: from French ambiance, from ambiant surrounding; see #7ambient ambiance alt head ambience or ambience syl am+bi+ance pron <1@mbi*ns>, French <*~a1bj*~a:s> pos n. ambience 0. or ambiance syl am+bi+ence pron <1@mbi*ns>, French <*~a1bj*~a:s> pos n. def the atmosphere of a place. ambient ety C16: from Latin ambi*_ens going round, from amb*_ire, from #7ambi -#7+ *_ire to go ambient 0. syl am+bi+ent pron <1@mbi*nt> pos adj. def of or relating to the immediate surroundings. exam 1 the ambient temperature was 15?%C. ambiguities infl head ambiguity syl am+bi+gu+i:ties. pos n. mod pl. ambiguity 1. syl am+bi+gu+i:ty pron <2@mbi1gju:iti> pos n. def vagueness or uncertainty of meaning. ambiguity 2. syl am+bi+gu+i:ty pron <2@mbi1gju:iti> pos n. def an instance of this, as in the sentence ambiguity 3. syl am+bi+gu+i:ty pron <2@mbi1gju:iti> pos n. def an ambiguous phrase, statement, etc. ambiguous ety C16: from Latin ambiguus going here and there, uncertain, from ambigere to go around, from #7ambi -#7+ agere to lead, act ambiguous 1. syl am+big:u+ous pron <@m1bigju*s> pos adj. def having more than one possible interpretation or meaning. ambiguous 2. syl am+big:u+ous pron <@m1bigju*s> pos adj. def difficult to understand or classify; obscure. ambiguously sub head ambiguous syl am+1big:u+ous+ly pos adv. ambiguousness sub head ambiguous syl am+1big:u+ous+ness pos n. ambit ety C16: from Latin ambitus a going round, from amb*_ire to go round, from #7ambi -#7+ *_ire to go ambit 1. syl am+bit pron <1@mbit> pos n. def scope or extent. ambit 2. syl am+bit pron <1@mbit> pos n. def limits, boundary, or circumference. ambition ety C14: from Old French, from Latin ambiti*_o a going round (of candidates), a striving to please, from amb*_ire to go round; see #7ambit ambition 1. syl am+bi+tion pron <@m1biS*n> pos n. def strong desire for success, achievement, or distinction. ambition 2. syl am+bi+tion pron <@m1biS*n> pos n. def something so desired; goal; aim. ambitious 1. syl am+bi+tious pron <@m1biS*s> pos adj. def having a strong desire for success or achievement; wanting power, money, etc. ambitious 2. syl am+bi+tious pron <@m1biS*s> pos adj. def necessitating extraordinary effort or ability. exam 1 an ambitious project. ambitious 3. syl am+bi+tious pron <@m1biS*s> pos adj. usage often foll. by of def having a great desire (for something or to do something). ambitiously sub head ambitious syl am+1bi+tious+ly pos adv. ambitiousness sub head ambitious syl am+1bi+tious+ness pos n. ambivalency alt head ambivalence or ambivalence syl am+biv:a+len+cy pos n. ambivalence 0. or ambivalency syl am+biv:a+lence pron <@m1biv*l*ns> pos n. def the simultaneous existence of two opposed and conflicting attitudes, emotions, etc. ambivalent sub head ambivalence syl am+1biv:a+lent pos adj. ambivert 0. syl am+bi+vert pron <1@mbi2vR:t> pos n. qual Psychol. def a person who is intermediate between an extravert and an introvert. &- {am+bi+ver+sion} (@!@ambi#!v$$$:#s$$n) amble ety C14: from Old French ambler, from Latin ambul*_are to walk amble 1. syl am+ble pron <1@mbL> pos vb. mod intr. def to walk at a leisurely relaxed pace. amble 2. syl am+ble pron <1@mbL> pos vb. mod intr. usage of a horse def to move slowly, lifting both legs on one side together. amble 3. syl am+ble pron <1@mbL> pos vb. mod intr. def to ride a horse at an amble or leisurely pace. amble 4. syl am+ble pron <1@mbL> pos n. mod intr. def a leisurely motion in walking. amble 5. syl am+ble pron <1@mbL> pos n. mod intr. def a leisurely walk. amble 6. syl am+ble pron <1@mbL> pos n. mod intr. def the ambling gait of a horse. ambler sub head amble syl am+bler pos n. amblygonite ety C16: from Greek amblug*_onios, from amblus blunt+ g*_onia angle; referring to the obtuse angles in its crystals amblygonite 0. syl am+blyg:o+nite pron <@m1blig*2nIt> pos n. def a white or greyish mineral consisting of lithium aluminium fluophosphate in triclinic crystalline form. It is a source of lithium. Formula: LiAl(PO\4)(F,OH). amblyopia ety C18: New Latin, from Greek amblu*_opia, from amblus dull, dim+ *_ops eye amblyopia 0. syl am+bly:o+pi:a pron <2@mbli1*upi*> pos n. def impaired vision with no discernible damage to the eye or optic nerve. amblyopic sub head amblyopia syl am+bly+op+ic pron <2@mbli1opik> pos adj. ambo ety C17: from Medieval Latin, from Greek amb*_on raised rim, pulpit ambos infl head ambo syl am:bos. pos n. mod pl. ambo 0. syl am:bo pron <1@mb*u> pos n. def either of two raised pulpits from which the gospels and epistles were read in early Christian churches. amboceptor ety C20: from Latin amb*_o both (see #7ambi -)#7+ (#7re) #7ceptor amboceptor 0. syl am+bo+cep+tor pron <1@mb*u2sept*> pos n. def an immune body formed in the blood during infection or immunization that serves to link the complement to the antigen. Amboina 1. syl Am+boi+na pron <@m1bcin*> pos n. def an island in Indonesia, in the Moluccas. Capital: Amboina. Area: 1000 sq. km (386 sq. miles). Amboina 2. syl Am+boi+na pron <@m1bcin*> pos n. def Also called: {Am@.bon} (#!$a$:mb@$:n). a port in the Moluccas, the capital of Amboina Island. Amboise 0. syl Am+boise pron French <*~a1bwa:z> pos n. def a town in NW central France, on the River Loire: famous castle, a former royal residence. Pop.: 8000 (1968 est.). amboina alt head amboyna or amboyna syl am+boi+na pron <@m1bcin*> pos n. amboyna 0. or amboina syl am+boy+na pron <@m1bcin*> pos n. def the mottled curly-grained wood of an Indonesian papilionaceous tree, used in making furniture. ambroid 0. syl am+broid pron <1@mbrcid> pos n. def a variant spelling of {amberoid}. Saint infl head Ambrose syl Saint. pos n. Ambrose 0. syl Am:brose pron <1@mbr*uz> pos n. def ??340-397 #7a.d., bishop of Milan; built up the secular power of the early Christian Church; also wrote music and Latin hymns. Feast day: Dec. 7. Ambrosian sub head Ambrose syl Am+1bro+si:an pos adj. ambrosia ety C16: via Latin from Greek: immortality, from ambrotos, from #7a -%1#7+ brotos mortal ambrosia 1. syl am+bro+si:a pron <@m1br*uzi*> pos n. qual Classical myth. def the food of the gods, said to bestow immortality. Compare { {nectar} (sense 2)}. ambrosia 2. syl am+bro+si:a pron <@m1br*uzi*> pos n. def anything particularly delightful to taste or smell. ambrosia 3. syl am+bro+si:a pron <@m1br*uzi*> pos n. def another name for {beebread}. ambrosia 4. syl am+bro+si:a pron <@m1br*uzi*> pos n. def any of various herbaceous plants constituting the genus mostly native to America but widely naturalized: family (composites). The genus includes the ragweeds. ambrosial sub head ambrosia or ambrosian syl am+1bro+si:al pos adj. ambrosian sub head ambrosia or ambrosial syl am+1bro+si:an pos adj. ambrosially sub head ambrosia syl am+1bro+si+al+ly pos adv. ambrosia beetle 0. syl am+bro+si:a bee+tle pos n. def any of various small beetles of the genera etc., that bore tunnels into solid wood, feeding on fungi growing in the tunnels: family (bark beetles). ambrotype ety C19: from Greek ambrotos immortal+-#7type ; see #7ambrosia ambrotype 0. syl am+bro+type pron <1@mbr*u2tIp> pos n. qual Photog. def an early type of glass negative that could be made to appear as a positive by backing it with black varnish or paper. ambry ety C14: from Old French almarie, from Medieval Latin alm*_arium, from Latin arm*_arium chest for storage, from arma arms aumbry alt head ambry or ambry syl aum+bry pron <1c:mbri> pos n. ambries infl head ambry syl am+bries. pos n. mod pl. ambry 1. or aumbry syl am+bry pron <1@mbri> pos n. def a recessed cupboard in the wall of a church near the altar, used to store sacred vessels, etc. ambry 2. or aumbry syl am+bry pron <1@mbri> pos n. qual Obsolete. def a small cupboard or other storage space. ambsace ety C13: from Old French ambes as, both aces; as from Latin: unit amesace alt head ambsace or ambsace syl ames+ace pron <1Amz2As>, <1@mz-> pos n. ambsace 1. or amesace syl ambs+ace pron <1Amz2As>, <1@mz-> pos n. def double ace, the lowest throw at dice. ambsace 2. or amesace syl ambs+ace pron <1Amz2As>, <1@mz-> pos n. def bad luck. ambulacrum ety C19: from Latin: avenue, from ambul*_are to walk ambulacra infl head ambulacrum syl am+bu+lac+ra pron <-r*> pos n. mod pl. ambulacrum 0. syl am+bu+lac+rum pron <2@mbju1lAkr*m> pos n. def any of five radial bands on the ventral surface of echinoderms, such as the starfish and sea urchin, on which the tube feet are situated. ambulacral sub head ambulacrum syl am+bu+1lac+ral pos adj. ambulance ety C19: from French, based on (h*^opital) ambulant mobile or field (hospital), from Latin ambul*_are to walk ambulance 0. syl am+bu+lance pron <1@mbjul*ns> pos n. def a motor vehicle designed to carry sick or injured people. ambulance chaser 0. syl am+bu+lance chas+er pos n. qual U.S. slang. def a lawyer who seeks to encourage and profit from the lawsuits of accident victims. ambulance chasing sub head ambulance chaser syl am+bu+lance chas+ing pos n. ambulant 1. syl am+bu+lant pron <1@mbjul*nt> pos adj. def moving about from place to place. ambulant 2. syl am+bu+lant pron <1@mbjul*nt> pos adj. qual Med. def another word for { {ambulatory} (sense 3)}. ambulate ety C17: from Latin ambul*_are to walk, #7amble ambulate 0. syl am+bu+late pron <1@mbju2lAt> pos vb. mod intr. def to wander about or move from one place to another. ambulation sub head ambulate syl am+bu+1la+tion pos n. ambulatory 1. syl am+bu+la+to:ry pron <2@mbju1lAt*ri> pos adj. def of, relating to, or de?!signed for walking. ambulatory 2. syl am+bu+la+to:ry pron <2@mbju1lAt*ri> pos adj. def changing position; not fixed. ambulatory 3. syl am+bu+la+to:ry pron <2@mbju1lAt*ri> pos adj. def Also: {ambulant}. able to walk. ambulatory 4. syl am+bu+la+to:ry pron <2@mbju1lAt*ri> pos adj. usage Law. esp. of a will def capable of being altered or revoked. {~} {@.ries}. ambulatory 5.a. syl am+bu+la+to:ry pron <2@mbju1lAt*ri> pos adj. def an aisle running around the east end of a church, esp. one that passes behind the sanctuary. ambulatory 5.b. syl am+bu+la+to:ry pron <2@mbju1lAt*ri> pos adj. def a place for walking, such as an aisle or a cloister. ambuscade ety C16: from French embuscade, from Old Italian imboscata, probably of Germanic origin; compare #7ambush ambuscade 1. syl am+bus+cade pron <2@mb*1skAd> pos n. def an ambush. ambuscade 2. syl am+bus+cade pron <2@mb*1skAd> pos vb. def to ambush or lie in ambush. ambush ety C14: from Old French embuschier to position in ambush, from em- #7im -#7+ -buschier, from busche piece of firewood, probably of Germanic origin; see #7bush %1 ambush 1. syl am+bush pron <1@mbuS> pos n. def the act of waiting in a concealed position in order to launch a surprise attack. ambush 2. syl am+bush pron <1@mbuS> pos n. def a surprise attack from such a position. ambush 3. syl am+bush pron <1@mbuS> pos n. def the concealed position from which such an attack is launched. ambush 4. syl am+bush pron <1@mbuS> pos n. def the person or persons waiting to launch such an attack. {~} ambush 5. syl am+bush pron <1@mbuS> pos n. def to lie in wait (for). ambush 6. syl am+bush pron <1@mbuS> pos n. mod tr. def to attack suddenly from a concealed position. AMDG ety Latin: to the greater glory of God AMDG 0. syl A.M.D.G. qual abbrev. for def ad majorem Dei gloriam (the Jesuit motto). amebae infl head ameba or amebas syl a:me+bae pron <-bE> pos n. mod pl. amebas infl head ameba or amebae syl a:me+bas. pos n. mod pl. ameba 0. syl a:me+ba pron <*1mEb*> pos n. def the usual U.S. spelling of {amoeba}. &- {a@.#!me+bic} ameer 1. syl a:meer pron <*1mi*> pos n. def a variant spelling of {emir}. ameer 2. syl a:meer pron <*1mi*> pos n. usage formerly def the ruler of Afghanistan; amir. ameliorate ety C18: from #7meliorate, influenced by French am*'eliorer to improve, from Old French ameillorer to make better, from meillor better, from Latin melior ameliorate 0. syl a:me+lio+rate pron <*1mElj*2rAt> pos vb. def to make or become better; improve. ameliorable sub head ameliorate syl a:me+lio+ra:ble pron <*1mElj*r*bL> pos adj. ameliorant sub head ameliorate syl a:1me+lio+rant pos n. amelioration 1. syl a:me+lio+ra+tion pron <*2mElj*1rAS*n> pos n. def the act or an instance of ameliorating or the state of being ameliorated. amelioration 2. syl a:me+lio+ra+tion pron <*2mElj*1rAS*n> pos n. def something that ameliorates; an improvement. amelioration 3. syl a:me+lio+ra+tion pron <*2mElj*1rAS*n> pos n. def Also called: {elevation}. (of the meaning of a word) a change from pejorative to neutral or positively pleasant. The word has achieved its modern meaning by amelioration from the earlier sense amen ety C13: via Late Latin via Greek from Hebrew *_am*_en certainly amen 1. syl a:men pron <2A1men>, <2a:1men> pos interj. def So be it&! A term used at the end of a prayer or religious statement. amen 2. syl a:men pron <2A1men>, <2a:1men> pos n. def the use of the word as at the end of a prayer. say amen to 3. head amen syl say amen to. def to give assent to. Amon infl head Amen or Amun syl A:mon pron <1a:m*n> pos n. Amun infl head Amen or Amon syl A:m*_un pron <1a:m*n> pos n. Amen 0. syl A:men pron <1a:m*n> pos n. qual Egyptian myth. def a local Theban god, having a ram's head and symbolizing life and fertility, identified by the Egyptians with the national deity Amen-Ra. amenable ety C16: from Anglo-French, from Old French amener to lead up, from Latin min*_are to drive (cattle), from min*_ar*_i to threaten amenable 1. syl a:me+na:ble pron <*1mEn*bL> pos adj. def open or susceptible to suggestion; likely to listen, cooperate, etc. amenable 2. syl a:me+na:ble pron <*1mEn*bL> pos adj. def accountable for behaviour to some authority; answerable. amenable 3. syl a:me+na:ble pron <*1mEn*bL> pos adj. def capable of being or liable to be tested, judged, etc. amenability sub head amenable or amenableness syl a:2me+na:1bil+i:ty pos n. amenableness sub head amenable or amenability syl a:1me+na:ble+ness pos n. amenably sub head amenable syl a:1me+na:bly pos adv. the infl head amen corner syl the. pos n. amen corner 0. syl a:men cor+ner pos n. qual U.S. def the part of a church, usually to one side of the pulpit, occupied by people who lead the responsive amens during the service. amend ety C13: from Old French amender, from Latin *_emend*_are to #7emend amend 1. syl a:mend pron <*1mend> pos vb. mod tr. def to improve; change for the better. amend 2. syl a:mend pron <*1mend> pos vb. mod tr. def to remove faults from; correct. amend 3. syl a:mend pron <*1mend> pos vb. mod tr. def to alter or revise (legislation, a constitution, etc.) by formal procedure. amendable sub head amend syl a:1mend+a:ble pos adj. amender sub head amend syl a:1mend+er pos n. amendatory 0. syl a:mend:a+to:ry pron <*1mend*t*ri>, <-tri> pos adj. qual U.S. def serving to amend; corrective. amendment 1. syl a:mend+ment pron <*1mendm*nt> pos n. def the act of amending; correction. amendment 2. syl a:mend+ment pron <*1mendm*nt> pos n. def an addition, alteration, or improvement to a motion, document, etc. amends ety C13: from Old French amendes fines, from amende compensation, from amender to #7emend amends 0. syl a:mends pron <*1mendz> pos n. def recompense or compensation given or gained for some injury, insult, etc.. exam 1 to make amends. Amenhotpe III alt head Amenhotep III or Amenhotep III syl A:men:hot:pe III pron <2@men1hotpi> pos n. Amenhotep III 0. or Amenhotpe III syl A:men:ho:tep III pron <2@men1h*utep> pos n. def Greek name ??1411-??1375 #7b.c., Egyptian pharaoh who expanded Egypt's influence by peaceful diplomacy and erected many famous buildings. Amenhotpe IV alt head Amenhotep IV or Amenhotep IV syl Am:en:hot:pe IV pos n. Amenhotep IV 0. or Amenhotpe IV syl Am:en:ho:tep IV pos n. def the original name of {Akhenaten}. amenity ety C14: from Latin amoenit*_as pleasantness, from amoenus agreeable amenities infl head amenity syl a:men+i:ties. pos n. mod pl. amenity 1. syl a:men+i:ty pron <*1mEniti> pos n. mod often; pl. def a useful or pleasant facility or service. exam 1 a swimming pool was just one of the amenities. amenity 2. syl a:men+i:ty pron <*1mEniti> pos n. def the fact or condition of being pleasant or agreeable. amenity 3. syl a:men+i:ty pron <*1mEniti> pos n. mod usually; pl. def a social courtesy or pleasantry. amenorrhoea ety C19: from #7a -%1#7+meno -#7+ -#7rrhea Amen-Ra 0. syl A:men-Ra pron <2a:m*n1ra:> pos n. qual Egyptian myth. def the sun-god; the principle deity during the period of Theban hegemony. a mensa et thoro ety Latin: from table and bed a mensa et thoro 0. syl a men+sa et tho+ro pron <1mens*> <1Tc:r*u> pos adj. qual Law. def denoting or relating to a form of divorce in which the parties remain married but do not cohabit: abolished in England in 1857. ament ety C18: from Latin *_amentum strap, thong ament H1.0. syl am+ent pron <1@m*nt>, <1Am*nt> pos n. def another name for {catkin}. Also called: {amentum}. amentaceous sub head ament syl am+en+1ta+ceous pos adj. amentiferous sub head ament syl am+en+1tif+er+ous pos adj. ament ety C19: from Latin *_ament-, *_amens without mind; see #7amentia ament H2.0. syl a:ment pron <@1ment>, <1Am*nt> pos n. qual Psychiatry. def a mentally deficient person. amentia ety C14: from Latin: insanity, from *_am*_ens mad, from m*_ens mind amentia 0. syl a:men+tia pron <*1menS*> pos n. def severe mental deficiency, usually congenital. Compare {dementia}. Amer 0. syl Amer. qual abbrev. for def America(n). amerce ety C14: from Anglo-French amercier, from Old French *`a merci at the mercy (because the fine was arbitrarily fixed); see #7mercy amerce 1. syl a:merce pron <*1mR:s> pos vb. mod tr. qual Obsolete.; Law. def to punish by a fine. amerce 2. syl a:merce pron <*1mR:s> pos vb. mod tr. qual Obsolete. def to punish with any arbitrary penalty. amerceable sub head amerce syl a:1merce+a:ble pos adj. amercement sub head amerce syl a:1merce+ment pos n. amercer sub head amerce syl a:1merc+er pos n. America ety C16: from Americus, Latin form of Amerigo; see V#7espucci America 1. syl A:mer:i+ca pron <*1merik*> pos n. def short for the {United States of America}. America 2. syl A:mer:i+ca pron <*1merik*> pos n. def Also called: {the Americas}. the American continent, including North, South, and Central America. American 1. syl A:mer:i+can pron <*1merik*n> pos adj. def of or relating to the United States of America, its inhabitants, or their form of English. American 2. syl A:mer:i+can pron <*1merik*n> pos adj. def of or relating to the American continent. American 3. syl A:mer:i+can pron <*1merik*n> pos adj. qual Rare. def of or relating to the American Indians. American 4. syl A:mer:i+can pron <*1merik*n> pos n. def a native or citizen of the U.S. American 5. syl A:mer:i+can pron <*1merik*n> pos n. def a native or inhabitant of any country of North, Central, or South America. American 6. syl A:mer:i+can pron <*1merik*n> pos n. def the English language as spoken or written in the United States. Americana 0. syl A:mer:i+ca+na pron <*2meri1ka:n*> pos n. def objects, such as books, documents, relics, etc., relating to America, esp. in the form of a collection. American aloe 0. syl A:mer:i+can al:oe pos n. def another name for {century plant}. American Beauty 0. syl A:mer:i+can Beau+ty pos n. def a variety of hybrid perennial rose bearing large long-stemmed purplish-red flowers. American chameleon 0. syl A:mer:i+can cha+me:le:on pos n. def another name for {anole}. American cheese 0. syl A:mer:i+can cheese pos n. def a type of smooth hard white or yellow cheese similar to a mild Cheddar. American cloth 0. syl A:mer:i+can cloth pos n. def a glazed or waterproofed cotton cloth. American eagle 0. syl A:mer:i+can ea:gle pos n. def another name for {bald eagle}, esp. when depicted as the national emblem of the U.S. American Expeditionary Forces 0. syl A:mer:i+can Ex+pe+di+tion+ar:y Forc:es pos n. mod pl. def the troops sent to Europe by the U.S. during World War I. American Federation of Labor 0. syl A:mer:i+can Fed+er:a+tion of La+bor pos n. def the first permanent national labour movement in America, founded in 1886. It amalgamated with the Congress of Industrial Organizations in 1955. See also {AFL-CIO}. American football 1. syl A:mer:i+can foot+ball pos n. def a team game similar to rugby, with 11 players on each side. Forward passing is allowed and planned strategies and formations for play are decided during the course of the game. American football 2. syl A:mer:i+can foot+ball pos n. def the oval-shaped inflated ball used in this game. American Indian 1. syl A:mer:i+can In+di:an pos n. def Also called: {Indian, Red Indian, Amerindian}. a member of any of the indigenous peoples of North, Central, or South America, having Mongoloid affinities, notably straight black hair and a yellow to brown skin. {~} American Indian 2. syl A:mer:i+can In+di:an pos n. def of or relating to any of these peoples, their languages, or their cultures. American Indian Movement 0. syl A:mer:i+can In+di:an Move+ment pos n. def a militant movement or grouping of American Indians, organized in 1968 to combat discrimination, injustice, etc. Abbrev.: {AIM}. Americanism 1. syl A:mer:i+can+ism pron <*1merik*2niz*m> pos n. def a custom, linguistic usage, or other feature peculiar to or characteristic of the United States, its people, or their culture. Americanism 2. syl A:mer:i+can+ism pron <*1merik*2niz*m> pos n. def loyalty to the United States, its people, customs, etc. Americanist 0. syl A:mer:i+can+ist pron <*1merik*nist> pos n. def a person who studies some aspect of America, such as its history or languages. Americanise alt head Americanize or Americanize syl A:mer:i+can+ise pron <*1merik*2nIz> pos vb. Americanize 0. or Americanise syl A:mer:i+can+ize pron <*1merik*2nIz> pos vb. def to make or become American in outlook, attitudes, etc. Americanization sub head Americanize or Americanisation syl A:2mer:i+can:i+1za+tion pos n. Americanisation sub head Americanize or Americanization syl A:2mer:i+can:i+1sa+tion pos n. Americanizer sub head Americanize or Americaniser syl A:1mer:i+can+2iz+er pos n. Americaniser sub head Americanize or Americanizer syl A:1mer:i+can+2is+er pos n. American plan 0. syl A:mer:i+can plan pos n. qual U.S. def a hotel rate in which the charge includes meals. Compare {European plan}. American Revolution 0. syl A:mer:i+can Rev:o+lu+tion pos n. def the usual U.S. term for {War of American Independence}. American Samoa 0. syl A:mer:i+can Sa+mo:a pos n. def the part of Samoa administered by the U.S. Capital: Pago Pago. Pop.: 27769 (1970). Area: 197 sq. km (76 sq. miles). American Standard Version 0. syl A:mer:i+can Stand+ard Ver+sion pos n. def a revised version of the Authorized (King James) Version of the Bible, published by a committee of American scholars in 1901. American trypanosomiasis 0. syl A:mer:i+can tryp:a+no+so+mi:a+sis pos n. qual Pathol. def another name for {Chagas' disease}. America's Cup 0. syl A:mer:i+ca's Cup pos n. def an international yachting trophy, first won by the schooner in 1851 and since then held as a challenge trophy by the New York Yacht Club. americium 0. syl am+er:i+ci:um pron <2@m*1risi*m> pos n. def a white metallic transuranic element artificially produced from plutonium. It is used as an alpha-particle source. Symbol: Am; atomic no.: 95; half-life of most stable isotope, %2%4%3Am: 7.4#M10%3 years; valency: 3,4,5, or 6; relative density: 13.67; melting pt.: 995?%C; boiling pt.: 2607?%C (est.). Amerigo Vespucci 0. syl A:mer:i:go Ve:spuc:ci pron Italian <2amA1rEgo> pos n. def See {Vespucci}. Amerindic sub head Amerindian syl Am+er+1in+dic pos adj. Amersfoort 0. syl A:mers+foort pron Dutch <1a:m*rs2fo:rt> pos n. def a town in the central Netherlands, in E Utrecht province. Pop.: 79876 (1973 est.). amesace 0. syl ames+ace pron <1Amz1As>, <1@mz-> pos n. def a variant spelling of {ambsace}. amethyst ety C13: from Old French amatiste, from Latin amethystus, from Greek amethustos, literally: not drunken, from #7a -%1#7+ methuein to make drunk; referring to the belief that the stone could prevent intoxication amethyst 1. syl am+e:thyst pron <1@miTist> pos n. def a purple or violet transparent variety of quartz used as a gemstone. Formula: SiO\2. amethyst 2. syl am+e:thyst pron <1@miTist> pos n. def a purple variety of sapphire; oriental amethyst. amethyst 3. syl am+e:thyst pron <1@miTist> pos n. def the purple colour of amethyst. amethystine sub head amethyst syl am+e:thys+tine pron <2@mi1TistIn> pos adj. ametropia ety C19: New Latin, from Greek ametros unmeasured (from #7a -%1#7+ metron measure)+ *_ops eye ametropia 0. syl am+e:tro+pi:a pron <2@mi1tr*upi*> pos n. def loss of ability to focus images on the retina, caused by an imperfection in the refractive function of the eye. Amfortas 0. syl Am:for:tas pron <@m1fc:t*s> pos n. usage in medieval legend def the leader of the knights of the Holy Grail. Amhara 1. syl Am+ha+ra pron <@m1ha:r*> pos n. def a province of NW Ethiopia: formerly a kingdom. Capital: Goudar. Area: 197448 sq. km (76235 sq. miles). Amhara 2. syl Am+ha+ra pron <@m1ha:r*> pos n. def an inhabitant of the former kingdom of Amhara. Amharic 1. syl Am+har+ic pron <@m1h@rik> pos n. def the official language of Ethiopia, belonging to the SE Semitic subfamily of the Afro-Asiatic family. Amharic 2. syl Am+har+ic pron <@m1h@rik> pos adj. def denoting or relating to this language. Jeffrey infl head Amherst syl Jef:frey pos n. Amherst 0. syl Am:herst pron <1@mhR:st> pos n. def 1st Baron Amherst. 1717-97, British general who defeated the French in Canada (1758-60): governor general of British North America (1761-63). ami 0. syl a:mi pron French. pos n. def a male friend. amiable ety C14: from Old French, from Late Latin am*_ic*_abilis #7amicable amiable 0. syl a:mi+a:ble pron <1Ami*bL> pos adj. def having or displaying a pleasant or agreeable nature; friendly. amiability sub head amiable or amiableness syl a:mi+a:1bil+i:ty pos n. amiableness sub head amiable or amiability syl a:mi+a:ble+ness pos n. amianthus ety C17: from Latin amiantus, from Greek amiantos unsullied, from #7a -%1#7+ miainein to pollute amianthus 0. syl am:i+an+thus pron <2@mi1@nT*s> pos n. def any of the fine silky varieties of asbestos. amianthine sub head amianthus syl am:i+1an+thine pos adj. amianthoid sub head amianthus or amianthoidal syl am:i+1an+thoid pos adj. amianthoidal sub head amianthus or amianthoid syl am:i+an+1thoid+al pos adj. amicable ety C15: from Late Latin am*_ic*_abilis, from Latin am*_icus friend; related to am*_are to love amicable 0. syl am:i+ca:ble pron <1@mik*bL> pos adj. def characterized by friendliness. exam 1 an amicable agreement. amicability sub head amicable or amicableness syl am:i+ca:1bil+i:ty pos n. amicableness sub head amicable or amicability syl am:i+ca:ble+ness pos n. amicably sub head amicable syl am:i+ca:bly pos adv. amice ety C15: from Old French amis, plural of amit, or from Medieval Latin amicia, both from Latin amictus cloak, from amic*_ire to clothe, from am- #7ambi -#7+ iacere to throw amice H1.0. syl am+ice pron <1@mis> pos n. qual Christianity. def a rectangular piece of white linen worn by priests around the neck and shoulders under the alb or, formerly, on the head. amice H2.0. syl am+ice pron <1@mis> pos n. def another word for {almuce}. AMICE 0. syl A.M.I.C.E. qual abbrev. for def Associate Member of the Institution of Civil Engineers. AMIChemE 0. syl A.M.I.Chem.E. qual abbrev. for def Associate Member of the Institution of Chemical Engineers. amicus curiae ety Latin, literally: friend of the court amici curiae infl head amicus curiae syl a:mi+ci cu+ri:ae pron <@1mEkI> pos n. mod pl. amicus curiae 0. syl a:mi+cus cu+ri:ae pron <@1mEkus> <1kju*ri2E> pos n. qual Law. def a person not directly engaged in a case who advises the court. amid ety Old English on middan in the middle; see #7mid %1 amidst alt head amid or amid syl a:midst pos prep. amid 0. or amidst syl a:mid pron <*1mid> pos prep. def in the middle of; among. amide ety C19: from #7am (#7monia) #7+ -#7ide amide 1. syl am+ide pron <1@mId> pos n. def any organic compound containing the group -CONH\2. amide 2. syl am+ide pron <1@mId> pos n. usage modifier def consisting of, containing, or concerned with the group -CONH\2. exam 1 amide group or radical. amide 3. syl am+ide pron <1@mId> pos n. def an inorganic compound having the general formula M(NH\2) , where M is a metal atom. amidic sub head amide syl a:1mid+ic pron <*1midik> pos adj. amido- ety from #7amide amido- 0. syl a:mi:do- usage combining form. def (in chemistry) indicating the presence of an amide group. Amidol 0. syl Am:i+dol pron <1@midol> pos n. qual Trademark. def a grey to colourless soluble crystalline solid that is used as a photographic developer; 2,4-diaminophenol dihydrochloride. Formula: C\6H\3(NH\2)\2(OH).2HCl. amidships 0. syl a:mid+ships pron <*1midSips> pos adv. adj. qual Nautical. usage postpositive def at, near, or towards the centre of a vessel. amie 0. syl a:mie pron French. pos n. def a female friend. AMIEE 0. syl A.M.I.E.E. qual abbrev. for usage in Britain def Associate Member of the Institution of Electrical Engineers. Amiens 0. syl Am:i+ens pron <1@mi*nz>, French pos n. def a city in N France: its Gothic cathedral is the largest church in France. Pop.: 135992 (1975). amigo ety Spanish, from Latin amicus amigos infl head amigo syl a:mi+gos. pos n. mod pl. amigo 0. syl a:mi+go pron <@1mEg*u>, <*-> pos n. def a friend; comrade. AMIMechE 0. syl A.M.I.Mech.E. qual abbrev. for usage in Britain def Associate Member of the Institution of Mechanical Engineers. Lake infl head Amin syl Lake. pos n. Amin H1.0. syl A:min pron <@1mEn>, pos n. def the official name for (Lake) {Edward}. Idi infl head Amin syl I:di pron <1idE> pos n. Amin H2.0. syl A:min pron <@1mEn>, pos n. def born 1925, Ugandan soldier; dictator and head of state since 1971. amine ety C19: from #7am (#7monium) #7+ -#7ine %2 amine 0. syl a:mine pron <*1mEn>, <1@min> pos n. def an organic base formed by replacing one or more of the hydrogen atoms of ammonia by organic groups. -amine 0. syl -a:mine pos n. usage combining form. def indicating an amine. exam 1 histamine; exam 2 methylamine. amino 0. syl a:mi+no pron <*1mIn*u>, <-1mE-> pos n. usage modifier def of, consisting of, or containing the group of atoms -NH\2. exam 1 amino group or radical; exam 2 amino acid. amino- ety from #7amine amino- 0. syl a:mi:no- usage combining form. def indicating the presence of an amino group. exam 1 aminobenzoic acid. amino acid 0. syl a:mi+no ac:id pos n. def any of a group of organic compounds containing one or more amino groups, -NH\2, and one or more carboxyl groups, -COOH. They are the component molecules of proteins. aminobenzoic acid 0. syl a:mi+no+ben+zo+ic ac:id pron <*2mIn*uben1z*uik>, <-2mE-> pos n. def a derivative of benzoic acid existing in three isomeric forms, the form being used in the manufacture of dyes and sunburn preventatives. Formula: NH\2C\6H\4COOH. aminophenol 0. syl a:mi+no+phe:nol pron <*2mIn*u1fEnol>, <-2mE-> pos n. qual Chem. def any of three isomeric forms that are white soluble crystalline solids, used as a dye intermediate (meta- and ortho-), in dyeing hair, fur, and textiles (ortho- and para-), and as a photographic developer (para-). Formula: C\6H\4NH\2OH. aminopyrine 0. syl a:mi+no+py+rine pron <*2mIn*u1pIrEn>, <-2mE-> pos n. def a crystalline compound used to reduce pain and fever. Formula: C\1\3H\1\7N\3O. amino resin 0. syl a:mi+no res+in pos n. def any thermosetting synthetic resin formed by copolymerization of amines with aldehydes. Amino resins are used as adhesives and as coatings for paper and textiles. See also {urea-formaldehyde resin, melamine}. amir ety C19: from Arabic, variant of #7emir amir 1. syl a:mir pron <*1mi*> pos n. def a variant spelling of {emir}. amir 2. syl a:mir pron <*1mi*> pos n. usage formerly def the ruler of Afghanistan; ameer. amirate sub head amir syl a:1mir+ate pos adj. Kingsley infl head Amis syl King:sley. pos n. Amis 0. syl A:mis pron <1Amis> pos n. def born 1922, English novelist and poet, noted esp. for his satirical novel (1954). Amish ety C19: from German Amisch, after Jakob Amman, 17th-century Swiss Mennonite bishop Amish 1. syl A:mish pron <1a:miS>, <1@-> pos adj. def of or relating to a U.S. Mennonite sect that traces its origin to Jakob Amman. Amish 2. syl A:mish pron <1a:miS>, <1@-> pos n. def the Amish people. amiss ety C13 a mis, from mis wrong; see #7miss %1 amiss 1. syl a:miss pron <*1mis> pos adv. def in an incorrect, inappropriate, or defective manner. take amiss 2. head amiss syl take amiss. def to feel offended by. amiss 3. syl a:miss pron <*1mis> pos adj. usage postpositive def wrong, incorrect, or faulty. amitosis 0. syl am:i+to+sis pron <2@mi1t*usis> pos n. def an unusual form of cell division in which the nucleus and cytoplasm divide by constriction without the formation of chromosomes; direct cell division. amitotic sub head amitosis syl am:i+tot+ic pron <2@mi1totik> pos adj. amitotically sub head amitosis syl am:i+1tot:i+cal+ly pos adv. amity ety C15: from Old French amit*'e, from Medieval Latin am*_icit*_as friendship, from Latin am*_icus friend amities infl head amity syl am+i:ties. pos n. mod pl. amity 0. syl am+i:ty pron <1@miti> pos n. def friendship; cordiality. Amman 0. syl Am+man pron <*1ma:n> pos n. def the capital of Jordan, northeast of the Dead Sea: ancient capital of the Ammonites, rebuilt by Ptolemy in the 3rd century #7b.c. Pop.: 598000 (1974 est.). Ancient names: {Rabbath Ammon, Philadelphia}. ammeter ety C19: #7am (#7pere) #7+ -#7meter ammeter 0. syl am+me:ter pron <1@m2mEt*> pos n. def an instrument for measuring an electric current in amperes. ammine ety C19: from #7amm (#7onia) #7+ -#7ine %2 ammine 0. syl am+mine pron <1@mEn>, <*1mEn> pos n. def a compound that has molecules containing one or more ammonia molecules bound to another molecule, group, or atom by coordinate bonds. Also called: {ammoniate, ammonate}. ammo 0. syl am:mo pron <1@m*u> pos n. qual Informal. def short for {ammunition}. ammocoete ety C19: from New Latin ammocoete*_es, literally: that lie in sand, from Greek ammos sand+ koit*_e bed, from keisthai to lie ammocoete 0. syl am+mo+coete pron <1@m*2sEt> pos n. def the larva of primitive jawless vertebrates, such as the lamprey, that lives buried in mud and feeds on microorganisms. Ammon H1.0. syl Am:mon pron <1@m*n> pos n. qual Old Testament. def the ancestor of the Ammonites. Ammon H2.0. syl Am:mon pron <1@m*n> pos n. qual Myth. def the classical name of the Egyptian god Amen, identified by the Greeks with Zeus and by the Romans with Jupiter. ammonal ety C20: from #7ammon (#7ium) #7+al (#7uminium) ammonal 0. syl am+mo+nal pron <1@m*nL> pos n. def an explosive made by mixing TNT, ammonium nitrate, and aluminium powder. ammonate 0. syl am+mo+nate pron <1@m*2nAt> pos n. def another name for {ammine}. ammonia ety C18: from New Latin, from Latin (sal) amm*_oniacus (sal) #7ammoniac ammonia 1. syl am+mo+ni:a pron <*1m*uni*>, <-nj*> pos n. def a colourless pungent highly soluble gas mainly used in the manufacture of fertilizers, nitric acid, and other nitrogenous compounds and as a refrigerant and solvent. Formula: NH\3. ammonia 2. syl am+mo+ni:a pron <*1m*uni*>, <-nj*> pos n. def short for {aqueous ammonia}. ammoniac H1.0. syl am+mo+ni+ac pron <*1m*uni2@k> pos adj. def a variant of {ammoniacal}. ammoniac ety C14: from Latin amm*_oniacum, from Greek amm*_oniakos belonging to Ammon (apparently the gum resin was extracted from plants found in Libya near the temple of Ammon) ammoniac H2.0. syl am+mo+ni+ac pron <*1m*uni2@k> pos n. def a strong-smelling gum resin obtained from the stems of the N Asian umbelliferous plant and formerly used as an expectorant, stimulant, perfume, and in porcelain cement. Also called: {gum ammoniac}. ammoniacal 0. syl am+mo+ni:a+cal pron <2@m*1nI*kL> pos adj. def of, containing, using, or resembling ammonia. Also: {ammoniac}. ammonia solution 0. syl am+mo+ni:a so+lu+tion pos n. def another name for {ammonium hydroxide}. ammoniate 1. syl am+mo+ni+ate pron <*1m*uni2At> pos vb. def to unite or treat with ammonia. ammoniate 2. syl am+mo+ni+ate pron <*1m*uni2At> pos n. def another name for {ammine}. ammoniation sub head ammoniate syl am+2mo+ni:1a+tion pos n. ammonic 0. syl am+mon+ic pron <*1monik>, <*1m*unik> pos adj. def of or concerned with ammonia or ammonium compounds. ammonical sub head ammonic syl am+1mon:i+cal pos adj. ammonifies infl head ammonify syl am+mon:i+fies pos vb. ammonifying infl head ammonify syl am+mon:i+fy+ing pos vb. ammonified infl head ammonify syl am+mon:i+fied. pos vb. ammonify 0. syl am+mon:i+fy pron <*1moni2fI>, <*1m*uni-> pos vb. def to treat or impregnate with ammonia or a compound of ammonia. ammonification sub head ammonify syl am+2mon:i+fi+1ca+tion pos n. ammonite ety C18: from New Latin Amm*_on*_it*_es, from Medieval Latin corn*_u Amm*_onis, literally: horn of Ammon ammonite H1.1. syl am+mo+nite pron <1@m*2nIt> pos n. def any extinct marine cephalopod mollusc of the order which were common in Mesozoic times and had a coiled partitioned shell. Their closest modern relative is the pearly nautilus. ammonite H1.2. syl am+mo+nite pron <1@m*2nIt> pos n. def the shell of any of these animals, commonly occurring as a fossil. ammonitic sub head ammonite syl am+mo+nit+ic pron <2@m*1nitik> pos adj. ammonite ety C20: from #7ammo (#7nium) #7+ni (#7tra) #7te ammonite H2.1. syl am+mo+nite pron <1@m*2nIt> pos n. def an explosive consisting mainly of ammonium nitrate with smaller amounts of other sub?!stances, such as TNT. ammonite H2.2. syl am+mo+nite pron <1@m*2nIt> pos n. def a nitrogenous fertilizer made from animal wastes. Ammonites 0. syl Am+mo+nites pron <1@m*2nIts> pos n. mod pl. qual Old Testament. def a nomadic tribe living east of the Jordan: a persistent enemy of the Israelites. ammonium 0. syl am+mo+ni:um pron <*1m*uni*m>, <-nj*m> pos n. usage modifier def of, consisting of, or containing the monovalent group NH\4- or the ion NH%+@b\4#800030 . exam 1 ammonium compounds. ammonium carbamate 0. syl am+mo+ni:um car+ba+mate pos n. def a white soluble crystalline compound produced by reaction between dry ammonia and carbon dioxide and used as a nitrogen fertilizer. Formula: (NH\4)CO\2NH\2. ammonium carbonate 1. syl am+mo+ni:um car+bon+ate pos n. def an unstable pungent soluble white powder that is a double salt of ammonium bicarbonate and ammonium carbamate: used in the manufacture of baking powder, smelling salts, and ammonium compounds. Formula: (NH\4)HCO\3.(NH\4)CO\2NH\2. ammonium carbonate 2. syl am+mo+ni:um car+bon+ate pos n. def an unstable substance that is produced by treating this compound with ammonia. Formula: (NH\4)\2CO\3. ammonium chloride 0. syl am+mo+ni:um chlo+ride pos n. def a white soluble crystalline solid used chiefly as an electrolyte in dry batteries and as a mordant and soldering flux. Formula: NH\4Cl. Also called: {sal ammoniac}. ammonium hydroxide 0. syl am+mo+ni:um hy+drox+ide pos n. def a colourless pungent solution of ammonia and water, containing ammonium and hydroxyl ions and used in the manufacture of rayon, rubber, and plastics, in photography, in pharmaceuticals, and as a household cleans?!er. Formula: NH\4OH. Also called: {ammonia solution, aqua ammoniae}. ammonium nitrate 0. syl am+mo+ni:um ni+trate pos n. def a colourless highly soluble crystalline solid used mainly as a fertilizer and in explosives and pyrotechnics. Formula: NH\4NO\3. ammonium sulphate 0. syl am+mo+ni:um sul+phate pos n. def a white soluble crystalline solid used mainly as a fertilizer and in water purification. Formula: (NH\4)\2SO\4. ammunition ety C17: from obsolete French amunition, by mistaken division from earlier la munition; see #7munition ammunition 1. syl am+mu+ni+tion pron <2@mju1niS*n> pos n. def any projectiles, such as bullets, rockets, etc., that can be discharged from a weapon. ammunition 2. syl am+mu+ni+tion pron <2@mju1niS*n> pos n. def bombs, missiles, chemicals, biological agents, nuclear materi?!als, etc., capable of use as weapons. ammunition 3. syl am+mu+ni+tion pron <2@mju1niS*n> pos n. def any means of defence or attack, as in an argument. amnesia ety C19: via New Latin from Greek: forgetfulness, probably from amn*_estia oblivion; see #7amnesty amnesia 0. syl am+ne+si:a pron <@m1nEzi*> pos n. def partial or total loss of memory. amnesiac sub head amnesia or amnesic syl am+ne+si+ac pron <@m1nEzi?!2@k> pos adj. n. amnesic sub head amnesia or amnesiac syl am+ne+sic pron <@m1nEsik>, <-zik> pos adj. n. amnesty ety C16: from Latin amn*_estia, from Greek: oblivion, from amn*_estos forgetting, from #7a -%1#7+ -mn*_estos, from mnasthai to remember amnesties infl head amnesty syl am+nes+ties. pos n. mod pl. amnesty 1. syl am+nes+ty pron <1@mnisti> pos n. def a general pardon, esp. for offences against a government. amnesty 2. syl am+nes+ty pron <1@mnisti> pos n. def a period during which a law is suspended to allow offenders to admit their crime without fear of prosecution. amnesty 3. syl am+nes+ty pron <1@mnisti> pos n. qual Law. def a pardon granted by the Crown and effected by statute, effective for a limited period of time. amnesties infl head amnesty syl am+nes+ties pos vb. amnestying infl head amnesty syl am+nes+ty+ing pos vb. amnestied infl head amnesty syl am+nes+tied. pos vb. amnesty 4. syl am+nes+ty pron <1@mnisti> pos vb. mod tr. def to overlook or forget (an offence). amniocenteses infl head amniocentesis syl am+ni:o+cen+te:ses pron <-sEz> pos n. mod pl. amniocentesis 0. syl am+ni:o+cen+te:sis pron <2@mni*usen1tEsis> pos n. def removal of some amniotic fluid for therapeutic or diagnostic purposes. amnion ety C17: via New Latin from Greek: a little lamb, from amnos a lamb amnions infl head amnion or amnia syl am+ni+ons pron <-ni*> pos n. mod pl. amnia infl head amnion or amnions syl am+ni:a pron <-ni*> pos n. mod pl. amnion 0. syl am+ni+on pron <1@mni*n> pos n. def the innermost of two membranes (see also {chorion}) enclosing an embryonic reptile, bird, or mammal. amniotic sub head amnion syl am+ni+ot+ic pron <2@mni?!1otik> pos adj. amoeba ety C19: from New Latin, from Greek amoib*_e change, from ameibein to change, exchange ameba alt head amoeba or amoeba syl a:me:ba pron <*1mEb*> pos n. qual U.S. amoebae infl head amoeba or amoebas syl a:moe+bae pron <-bE> pos n. mod pl. amoebas infl head amoeba or amoebae syl a:moe+bas. pos n. mod pl. amoeba 0. or ameba syl a:moe+ba pron <*1mEb*> pos n. def any protozoan of the order esp. any of the genus able to change shape because of the movements of cell processes (pseudopodia): class They live in fresh water or soil or as parasites in man and animals. amoebic sub head amoeba or amebic syl a:1moe+bic pos adj. amebic sub head amoeba or amoebic syl a:1me:bic pos adj. qual U.S. amoebean alt head amoebaean or amoebaean syl am+oe:be:an pron <2@mi1bE*n> pos adj. amoebaean 0. or amoebean syl am+oe:bae:an pron <2@mi1bE*n> pos adj. qual Prosody. def of or relating to lines of verse dialogue that answer each other alternately. amoebiases infl head amoebiasis syl am+oe:bi:a+ses pron <-2sEz> pos n. mod pl. amoebiasis 0. syl am+oe:bi:a+sis pron <2@mi1bI*sis> pos n. def infection, esp. of the intestines, caused by the parasitic amoeba amoebic dysentery 0. syl a:moe+bic dys+en+ter:y pos n. def inflammation of the intestines caused by the parasitic amoeba amebocyte alt head amoebocyte or amoebocyte syl a:me:bo+cyte pron <*1mEb*2sIt> pos n. qual U.S. amoebocyte 0. or amebocyte syl a:moe+bo+cyte pron <*1mEb*2sIt> pos n. def any amoeboid cell found in the blood and body fluids. Some kinds, such as the phagocytic white blood cell, can engulf foreign particles. ameboid alt head amoeboid or amoeboid syl a:me:boid pron <*1mEbcid> pos adj. qual U.S. amoeboid 0. or ameboid syl a:moe+boid pron <*1mEbcid> pos adj. def of, related to, or resembling amoebae. amok 0. syl a:mok pron <*1m^k>, <*1mok> pos n. adv. def a variant spelling of {amuck}. Amon 0. syl A:mon pron <1a:m*n> pos n. qual Egyptian myth. def a variant spelling of {Amen}. among ety Old English amang, contracted from on gemang in the group of, from #7on+ gemang crowd; see #7mingle, mongrel #e Usage. See at between. amongst alt head among or among syl a:mongst pos prep. among 1. or amongst syl a:mong pron <*1m^G> pos prep. def in the midst of. exam 1 he lived among the Indians. among 2. or amongst syl a:mong pron <*1m^G> pos prep. def to each of. exam 1 divide the reward among yourselves. among 3. or amongst syl a:mong pron <*1m^G> pos prep. def in the group, class, or number of. exam 1 ranked among the greatest writers. among 4. or amongst syl a:mong pron <*1m^G> pos prep. def taken out of (a group). exam 1 he is only one among many. among 5. or amongst syl a:mong pron <*1m^G> pos prep. def with one another within a group; by the joint action of. exam 1 a lot of gossip among the women employees; exam 2 decide it among yourselves. amontillado ety C19: from Spanish vino amontillado wine of Montilla, town in Spain amontillado 0. syl a:mon+til+la+do pron <*2monti1la:d*u> pos n. def a medium dry Spanish sherry, not as pale in colour as a fino. amoral 1. syl a:mor+al pron <@1mor*l>, pos adj. def having no moral quality; non-moral. amoral 2. syl a:mor+al pron <@1mor*l>, pos adj. def without moral standards or principles. amorality sub head amoral syl a:mo+ral+i:ty pron <2@mo1r@liti>, <1Amo-> pos n. n. amorally sub head amoral syl a:1mor+al+ly amoretto ety C16: from Italian, diminutive of Amore Cupid, from Latin Amor Love amorino alt head amoretto or amoretto syl a:mo+ri+no pron <2@mc:1rEn*u> pos n. amoretti infl head amoretto or amorini syl a:mo+ret+ti pron <-1reti> pos n. mod pl. amorini infl head amoretto or amoretti syl a:mo+ri+ni pron <-1rEni> pos n. mod pl. amoretto 0. or amorino syl a:mo+ret+to pron <2@m*1ret*u> pos n. usage esp. in painting def a small chubby naked boy representing a cupid. Also called: {putto}. amorist 0. syl am:o+rist pron <1@m*rist> pos n. def a lover or a writer about love. amoroso ety from Italian and Spanish: #7amorous amoroso 1. syl am:o+ro+so pron <2@m*1r*us*u> pos adj. adv. qual Music. def lovingly. {~} amoroso 2. syl am:o+ro+so pron <2@m*1r*us*u> pos adj. adv. def a rich sweetened sherry of a dark colour. amorous ety C14: from Old French, from Medieval Latin am*_or*_osus, from Latin amor love amorous 1. syl am:o+rous pron <1@m*r*s> pos adj. def inclined towards or displaying love or desire. amorous 2. syl am:o+rous pron <1@m*r*s> pos adj. def in love. amorous 3. syl am:o+rous pron <1@m*r*s> pos adj. def of or relating to love. amorously sub head amorous syl am:o+rous+ly pos adv. amorousness sub head amorous syl am:o+rous+ness pos n. amor patriae 0. syl a:mor pa+tri:ae pron Latin. <1@mc:> <1p@tri2E> pos n. def love of one's country; patriotism. amorphous ety C18: from New Latin, from Greek amorphos shapeless, from #7a -%1#7+ morph*_e shape amorphous 1. syl a:mor+phous pron <*1mc:f*s> pos adj. def lacking a definite shape; formless. amorphous 2. syl a:mor+phous pron <*1mc:f*s> pos adj. def of no recognizable character or type. amorphous 3. syl a:mor+phous pron <*1mc:f*s> pos adj. usage of chemicals, rocks, etc. def not having a crystalline structure. amorphism sub head amorphous syl a:1mor+phism pos n. amorphously sub head amorphous syl a:1mor+phous+ly pos adv. amorphousness sub head amorphous syl a:1mor+phous+ness pos n. amortisation alt head amortization or amortization syl a:mor+ti+sa+tion pron <*2mc:tI1zAS*n> pos n. amortization 1.a. or amortisation syl a:mor+ti+za+tion pron <*2mc:tI1zAS*n> pos n. def the process of amortizing a debt. amortization 1.b. or amortisation syl a:mor+ti+za+tion pron <*2mc:tI1zAS*n> pos n. def the money devoted to amortizing a debt. amortization 2. or amortisation syl a:mor+ti+za+tion pron <*2mc:tI1zAS*n> pos n. usage in computing the redemption yield on a bond purchased at a premium def the amount that is subtracted from the annual yield. { Compare {accumulation} (sense 3b)}. amortizement sub head amortization or amortisement syl a:mor+tize+ment pron <*1mc:tizm*nt> pos n. amortisement sub head amortization or amortizement syl a:mor+tise+ment pron <*1mc:tizm*nt> pos n. amortize ety C14: from Medieval Latin admortiz*_are, from Old French amortir to reduce to the point of death, ultimately from Latin ad to+ mors death amortise alt head amortize or amortize syl a:mor+tise pron <*1mc:tIz> pos vb. mod tr. amortize 1. or amortise syl a:mor+tize pron <*1mc:tIz> pos vb. mod tr. qual Finance. def to liquidate (a debt, mortgage, etc.) by instalment payments or by periodic transfers to a sinking fund. amortize 2. or amortise syl a:mor+tize pron <*1mc:tIz> pos vb. mod tr. def to write off (a wasting asset) by annual transfers to a sinking fund. amortize 3. or amortise syl a:mor+tize pron <*1mc:tIz> pos vb. mod tr. usage Property law. formerly def to transfer (lands, etc.) in mortmain. amortizable sub head amortize or amortisable syl a:1mor+tiz+a:ble pos adj. amortisable sub head amortize or amortizable syl a:1mor+tis+a:ble pos adj. Amos 1. syl A:mos pron <1Amos> pos n. qual Old Testament. def a Hebrew prophet of the 8th century #7b.c. Amos 2. syl A:mos pron <1Amos> pos n. qual Old Testament. def the book containing his oracles. amount ety C13: from Old French amonter to go up, from amont upwards, from a to +mont mountain (from Latin m*_ons) amount 1. syl a:mount pron <*1maunt> pos n. def extent; quantity; supply. amount 2. syl a:mount pron <*1maunt> pos n. def the total of two or more quantities; sum. amount 3. syl a:mount pron <*1maunt> pos n. def the full value, effect, or significance of something. amount 4. syl a:mount pron <*1maunt> pos n. def a principal sum plus the interest on it, as in a loan. amount 5. syl a:mount pron <*1maunt> pos vb. mod intr. usage usually foll. by to def to be equal or add up in effect, meaning, or quantity. amour ety C13: from Old French, from Latin amor love amour 0. syl a:mour pron <*1mu*> pos n. def a love affair, esp. a secret or illicit one. amour-propre 0. syl a:mour-pro:pre pron French. pos n. def self-respect. amowt 0. syl a:mowt pron <*1maut> pos n. def a variant spelling of {amaut}. Amoy 1. syl A:moy pron <*1mci> pos n. def a port in SE China, in Fukien province on {Amoy Island}, at the mouth of the Chiu-lung River opposite Taiwan: one of the first treaty ports opened to European trade (1842). Pop.: 224300 (1953). Modern Chinese name: {Hsia-men}. Amoy 2. syl A:moy pron <*1mci> pos n. def the dialect of Chinese spoken in Amoy, Taiwan, and elsewhere: a Min dialect. amp 1. syl amp. qual abbrev. for: def amperage. amp 2. syl amp. qual abbrev. for: def ampere. AMP 0. syl AMP qual abbrev. for def adenosine monophosphate. ampelopsis ety C19: from New Latin, from Greek ampelos grapevine ampelopsis 0. syl am+pe+lop+sis pron <2@mpi1lopsis> pos n. def any woody vine of the vitaceous genus of tropical and subtropical Asia and America. amperage 0. syl am+per+age pron <1@mp*riJ> pos n. def the strength of an electric current measured in amperes, esp. the rated current of an electrical component or device. ampere ety C19: named after A. M. A#7mp*`ere ampere 1. syl am+pere pron <1@mpe*> pos n. def the basic SI unit of electric current; the constant current that, when maintained in two parallel conductors of infinite length and negligible cross section placed 1 metre apart in a vacuum, produces a force of 2#M10%#-%7 newton per metre between them. 1 ampere is equivalent to 1 coulomb per second. ampere 2. syl am+pere pron <1@mpe*> pos n. def a former unit of electric current ({international ampere}) ; the current that, when passed through a solution of silver nitrate, deposits silver at the rate of 0.001118 gram per second. 1 international ampere equals 0.999835 ampere. ampere xref syl am+pere pron <1@mpe*> pos n. def Abbrev.: {amp}. Symbol: A Andr'e Marie infl head Ampere syl An:dr*'e Ma:rie pron <*~a1drA> pos n. Ampere 0. syl Am:p*`ere pron <1@mpe*>, French <*~a1pe:r> pos n. def 1775-1836, French physicist and mathematician, who made major discoveries in the fields of magnetism and electricity. ampere-hour 0. syl am:pere-hour pos n. def a practical unit of quantity of electricity; the quantity that flows in one hour through a conductor carrying a current of one ampere. 1 ampere-hour is equivalent to 3600 coulombs. ampere-turn 0. syl am:pere-turn pos n. def a unit of magnetomotive force; the magnetomotive force produced by a current of 1 ampere passing through one complete turn of a coil. 1 ampere-turn is equivalent to 4#Gr/10 or 1.257 gilberts. ampersand ety C19: shortened from and per se and, that is, the symbol ?󃔡 by itself (represents) and ampersand 0. syl am+per+sand pron <1@mp*2s@nd> pos n. def the character (?󃔟) , meaning amphetamine ety C20: from #7a (#7lpha) #7+m (#7ethyl) #7+ph (#7enyl) #7+et (#7hyl) #7+amine amphetamine 0. syl am+phet:a+mine pron <@m1fet*2mEn>, <-min> pos n. def a synthetic colourless volatile liquid used medicinally, mainly for its stimulant action on the central nervous system, although it also stimulates the sympathetic nervous system. It can have unpleasant or dangerous side effects and drug dependence can occur; 1-phenyl-2-aminopropane. Formula: C\6H\5CH\2CH(NH\2)CH\3. amphi- ety from Greek amphi- 0. syl am:phi- exam 1 prefix of nouns and adjectives. amphi- 1. syl am:phi- def on both sides; at both ends; of both kinds. exam 1 amphipod; exam 2 amphitrichous; exam 3 amphibi?!ous. amphi- 2. syl am:phi- def around. exam 1 amphibole. amphiarthrosis ety C19: from #7amphi -#7+ Greek arthr*_osis articulation, from arthron a joint amphiarthroses infl head amphiarthrosis syl am+phi+ar+thro+ses pron <-sEz> pos n. mod pl. amphiarthrosis 0. syl am+phi+ar+thro+sis pron <2@mfia:1Tr*usis> pos n. qual Anatomy. def a type of articulation permitting only slight movement, as between the vertebrae of the backbone. amphiaster ety C19: from #7amphi -+New Latin aster; see #7aster amphiaster 0. syl am+phi+as+ter pron <1@mfi2@st*> pos n. qual Cytology. def the structure that occurs in a cell undergoing mitosis, consisting of a spindle with an aster at each end. amphibian 1. syl am+phib+i:an pron <@m1fibi*n> pos n. def any cold-blooded vertebrates of the class typically living on land but breeding in water. Their aquatic larvae (tadpoles) undergo metamorphosis into the adult form. The class includes the newts and salamanders, frogs and toads, and caecilians. amphibian 2. syl am+phib+i:an pron <@m1fibi*n> pos n. def a type of aircraft able to land and take off from both water and land. amphibian 3. syl am+phib+i:an pron <@m1fibi*n> pos n. def any vehicle able to travel on both water and land. amphibian 4. syl am+phib+i:an pron <@m1fibi*n> pos adj. def another word for {amphibious}. amphibian 5. syl am+phib+i:an pron <@m1fibi*n> pos adj. def of, relating to, or belonging to the class amphibiotic 0. syl am+phi+bi+ot+ic pron <2@mfibI1otik> pos adj. def having an aquatic larval form and a terrestrial adult form, as amphibians. amphibious ety C17: from Greek amphibios, literally: having a double life, from #7amphi -#7+ bios life amphibious 1. syl am+phib:i+ous pron <@m1fibi*s> pos adj. def able to live both on land and in the water, as frogs, toads, etc. amphibious 2. syl am+phib:i+ous pron <@m1fibi*s> pos adj. def designed for operation on or from both water and land. amphibious 3. syl am+phib:i+ous pron <@m1fibi*s> pos adj. def relating to military forces and equipment organized for operations launched from the sea against an enemy shore. amphibious 4. syl am+phib:i+ous pron <@m1fibi*s> pos adj. def having a dual or mixed nature. amphibiously sub head amphibious syl am+1phib:i+ous+ly pos adv. amphibiousness sub head amphibious syl am+1phib:i+ous+ness pos n. amphiblastula 0. syl am+phi+blas+tu+la pron <2@mfi1bl@stjul*> pos n. def the free-swimming larva of certain sponges, which consists of a hollow spherical mass of cells some of which have flagella. amphibole ety C17: from French, from Greek amphibolos uncertain; so called from the large number of varieties in the group amphibole 0. syl am+phi+bole pron <1@mfi2b*ul> pos n. def any of a large group of minerals consisting of the silicates of calcium, iron, magnesium, sodium, and aluminium, usually in the form of long slender dark-coloured crystals. Members of the group, including hornblende, actinolite, and tremolite, are common constituents of igneous rocks. amphibolite 0. syl am+phib:o+lite pron <@m1fib*2lIt> pos n. def a metamorphic rock consisting mainly of amphibole and plagioclase. amphibology ety C14: from Late Latin amphibologia, ultimately from Greek amphibolos ambiguous; see #7amphibole, -#7logy amphiboly alt head amphibology or amphibology syl am+phib:o+ly pron <@m1fib*li> pos n. amphibologies infl head amphibology or amphibolies syl am+phi+bol+o:gies pos n. mod pl. amphibolies infl head amphibology or amphibologies syl am+phi+bolies. pos n. mod pl. amphibology 0. or amphiboly syl am+phi+bol+o:gy pron <2@mfi1bol*Ji> pos n. def ambiguity of expression, esp. when due to a grammatical construction, as in amphibolic sub head amphibology or amphibolous syl am+phi+1bol+ic pron <@m1fib*l*s> pos adj. amphibolous sub head amphibology or amphibolic syl am+phib:o+lous pron <@m1fib*l*s> pos adj. amphibological sub head amphibology syl am+phib:o+log:i+cal pron <@m2fib*1loJikL> pos adj. amphibologically sub head amphibology syl am+2phib:o+1log:i+cal+ly pos adv. amphibrach ety C16: from Latin, from Greek amphibrakhus, literally: both ends being short, from #7amphi -#7+ brakhus short amphibrach 0. syl am+phi+brach pron <1@mfi2br@k> pos n. qual Prosody. def a metrical foot consist?!ing of a long syllable between two short syllables (*u *_ *u ). Compare {cretic}. amphibrachic sub head amphibrach syl am+phi+1brach+ic pos adj. amphichromatic alt head amphichroic or amphichroic syl am+phi+chro+mat+ic pron <2@mfikr*u1m@tik> pos adj. amphichroic 0. or amphichromatic syl am+phi+chro+ic pron <2@mfi1kr*uik> pos adj. def producing two colours, one on reacting with an acid, the other on reacting with a base. amphicoelous ety C19: from #7amphi -#7+ Greek koilos hollow amphicoelous 0. syl am+phi+coe+lous pron <2@mfi1sEl*s> pos adj. usage of the vertebrae of most fishes and some amphibians def concave at the anterior and posterior ends. amphictyon ety C16: back formation from amphictyons, from Greek amphiktiones neighbours, from #7amphi -#7+ ktizein to found amphictyon 0. syl am+phic+ty+on pron <@m1fikti*n> pos n. def a delegate to an amphictyonic council. amphictyonies infl head amphictyony syl am+phic+ty:o+nies. pos n. mod pl. amphictyony 0. syl am+phic+ty:o+ny pron <@m1fikti*ni> pos n. usage in ancient Greece def a religious association of states for the maintenance of temples and the cults connected with them. amphictyonic sub head amphictyony syl am+phic+ty+on+ic pron <@m2fikti1onik> pos adj. amphidiploid 0. syl am+phi+dip+loid pron <2@mfi1diplcid> pos n. def a hybrid plant in which the chromosome number is the sum of the chromosome numbers of both parental species. amphigory ety C19: from French amphigouri, of unknown origin amphigouri alt head amphigory or amphigory syl am+phi+gou+ri pron <1@mfi2gu*ri> pos n. amphigories infl head amphigory or amphigoris syl am+phi+go+ries pos n. mod pl. amphigoris infl head amphigory or amphigories syl am+phi+go+ris. pos n. mod pl. amphigory 0. or amphigouri syl am+phi+go+ry pron <1@mfig*ri> pos n. def a piece of nonsensical writing in verse or, less commonly, prose. amphigoric sub head amphigory syl am+phi+gor+ic pron <2@mfi1gorik> pos adj. amphimacer ety C16: from Latin amphimacrus, from Greek amphimakros both ends being long, from #7amphi -#7+ makros long amphimacer 0. syl am+phim:a+cer pron <@m1fim*s*> pos n. qual Prosody. def another word for {cretic}. amphimixis ety C19: from #7amphi -#7+ Greek mixis a blending, from mignunai to mingle &- am+phi+mic+tic (@!@amf$I#!m$Ikt$Ik) adj. amphimixes infl head amphimixis syl am+phi+mix:es pron <-1miksEz> pos n. mod pl. amphimixis 0. syl am+phi+mix+is pron <2@mfi1miksis> pos n. def true sexual reproduction, esp. the fusion of gametes from two organisms. Compare {apomixis}. amphioxus ety C19: from New Latin: both ends being sharp, from #7amphi -#7+ Greek oxus sharp amphioxi infl head amphioxus or amphioxuses syl am+phi+ox:i pron <-1oksI> pos n. mod pl. amphioxuses infl head amphioxus or amphioxi syl am+phi+ox+us:es. pos n. mod pl. amphioxus 0. syl am+phi+ox+us pron <2@mfi1oks*s> pos n. def another name for the {lancelet}. amphipod 1. syl am+phi+pod pron <1@mfi2pod> pos n. def any marine or freshwater crustacean of the order such as the sand hoppers, in which the body is laterally compressed: subclass amphipod 2. syl am+phi+pod pron <1@mfi2pod> pos adj. def of, relating to, or belonging to the amphiprostyle 0. syl am+phip+ro+style pron <@m1fipr*2stIl>, <2@mfi1pr*ustIl> pos adj. usage esp. of a classical temple def having a set of columns at both ends but not at the sides. amphiprostylar sub head amphiprostyle syl am+2phip+ro+1sty+lar pos adj. amphiprotic 0. syl am+phi+pro+tic pron <2@mfi1pr*utik> pos adj. def another word for {amphoteric}. amphisbaena ety C16: via Latin from Greek amphisbaina, from amphis both ways+ bainein to go amphisbaenae infl head amphisbaena or amphisbaenas syl am+phis+bae+nae pron <-nE> pos n. mod pl. amphisbaenas infl head amphisbaena or amphisbaenae syl am+phis+bae+nas. pos n. mod pl. amphisbaena 1. syl am+phis+bae+na pron <2@mfis1bEn*> pos n. def any worm lizard of the genus amphisbaena 2. syl am+phis+bae+na pron <2@mfis1bEn*> pos n. qual Classical myth. def a poisonous serpent having a head at each end and able to move forwards or backwards. amphisbaenic sub head amphisbaena syl am+phis+1bae+nic pos adj. amphistylar 0. syl am+phi+sty+lar pron <2@mfi1stIl*> pos adj. usage esp. of a classical temple def having a set of columns at both ends or at both sides. amphitheater alt head amphitheatre or amphitheatre syl am+phi+the:a+ter pron <1@mfi2Ti*t*> pos n. qual U.S. amphitheatre 1. or amphitheater syl am+phi+the:a+tre pron <1@mfi2Ti*t*> pos n. def a building, usually circular or oval, in which tiers of seats rise from a central open arena, as in those of ancient Rome. amphitheatre 2. or amphitheater syl am+phi+the:a+tre pron <1@mfi2Ti*t*> pos n. def a place where contests are held; arena. amphitheatre 3. or amphitheater syl am+phi+the:a+tre pron <1@mfi2Ti*t*> pos n. def any level circular area of ground surrounded by higher ground. amphitheatre 4.a. or amphitheater syl am+phi+the:a+tre pron <1@mfi2Ti*t*> pos n. def the first tier of seats in the gallery of a theatre. amphitheatre 4.b. or amphitheater syl am+phi+the:a+tre pron <1@mfi2Ti*t*> pos n. def any similarly designated seating area in a theatre. amphitheatre 5. or amphitheater syl am+phi+the:a+tre pron <1@mfi2Ti*t*> pos n. def a lecture room in which seats are tiered away from a central area. amphitheatric sub head amphitheatre or amphitheatrical syl am+phi+the:at+ric pron <2@mfiTi1@trik> pos adj. amphitheatrical sub head amphitheatre or amphitheatric syl am+phi+the:1at+ri+cal pos adj. amphitheatrically sub head amphitheatre syl am+phi+the:1at+ri+cal+ly pos adv. amphithecium ety C19: from New Latin, from #7amphi -#7+ Greek th*_ekion a little case, from th*_ek*_e case amphithecia infl head amphithecium syl am+phi+the:ci:a pron <-si*> pos n. mod pl. amphithecium 0. syl am+phi+the:ci:um pron <2@mfi1TEsi*m> pos n. def the outer layer of cells of the embryo of mosses and liverworts that develops into the outer parts of the spore-bearing capsule. amphitricha ety C20: from #7amphi -#7+ -tricha, from Greek thrix hair amphitricha 0. syl am+phit+ri+cha pron <@m1fitrik*> pos n. def bacteria that have flagella at both ends. amphitrichous sub head amphitricha syl am+1phit+ri+chous pos adj. Amphitrite 0. syl Am:phi:tri:te pron <2@mfi1trIti> pos n. qual Greek myth. def a sea goddess, wife of Poseidon and mother of Triton. amphitropous 0. syl am+phit+ro+pous pron <@m1fitr*p*s> pos adj. usage of a plant ovule def partially inverted so that the base and the micropyle at the apex are the same distance from the funicle. Amphitryon 0. syl Am:phit:ry:on pron <@m1fitri*n> pos n. qual Greek myth. def the grandson of Perseus and husband of Alcmene. amphora ety C17: from Latin, from Greek amphoreus, from #7amphi -#7+ phoreus bearer, from pherein to bear amphorae infl head amphora or amphoras syl am+pho+rae pron <-f*2rE> pos n. mod pl. amphoras infl head amphora or amphorae syl am+pho+ras. pos n. mod pl. amphora 0. syl am+pho+ra pron <1@mf*r*> pos n. def an ancient Greek or Roman two-handled narrow-necked jar for oil, wine, etc. amphoteric ety C19: from Greek amphoteros each of two (from amph*_o both)+-#7ic amphoteric 0. syl am+pho+ter+ic pron <2@mf*1terik> pos adj. qual Chem. def able to function as either a base or an acid. Also: {amphiprotic}. ample ety C15: from Old French, from Latin amplus spacious ample 1. syl am+ple pron <1@mpL> pos adj. def more than sufficient; abundant. exam 1 an ample helping. ample 2. syl am+ple pron <1@mpL> pos adj. def large in size, extent, or amount. exam 1 of ample proportions. ampleness sub head ample syl am+ple+ness pos n. amplexicaul ety C18: from New Latin amplexicaulis, from Latin amplect*_i to embrace+ caulis stalk amplexicaul 0. syl am+plex:i+caul pron <@m1pleksi2kc:l> pos adj. usage of some sessile leaves, stipules, etc. def having an enlarged base that encircles the stem. amplification 1. syl am+pli+fi+ca+tion pron <2@mplifi1kAS*n> pos n. def the act or result of amplifying. amplification 2. syl am+pli+fi+ca+tion pron <2@mplifi1kAS*n> pos n. def material added to a statement, story, etc., in order to expand or clarify it. amplification 3. syl am+pli+fi+ca+tion pron <2@mplifi1kAS*n> pos n. def a statement, story, etc., with such additional material. amplification 4.a. syl am+pli+fi+ca+tion pron <2@mplifi1kAS*n> pos n. def the increase in strength of an electrical signal or sound by means of an amplifier. 4.b. head amplification syl { def another word for {gain%1} (sense 13)}. amplifier 1. syl am+pli+fi+er pron <1@mpli2fI*> pos n. def an electronic device used to increase the strength of the current or voltage signal fed into it. amplifier 2. syl am+pli+fi+er pron <1@mpli2fI*> pos n. def such a device used for the amplification of sound in a radio, record player, etc. amplifier 3. syl am+pli+fi+er pron <1@mpli2fI*> pos n. qual Photog. def an additional lens for altering the focal length of a camera lens. amplifier 4. syl am+pli+fi+er pron <1@mpli2fI*> pos n. def a person or thing that amplifies. amplify ety C15: from Old French amplifier, ultimately from Latin amplific*_are to enlarge, from amplus spacious+ facere to make amplifies infl head amplify syl am+pli+fies pos vb. amplifying infl head amplify syl am+pli+fy+ing pos vb. amplified infl head amplify syl am+pli+fied. pos vb. amplify 1. syl am+pli+fy pron <1@mpli2fI> pos vb. mod tr. def to increase in size, extent, effect, etc., as by the addition of extra material; augment; enlarge; expand. amplify 2. syl am+pli+fy pron <1@mpli2fI> pos vb. qual Electronics. def to produce amplification of (electrical signals, sound, etc.); increase the amplitude of (signals, etc.). amplify 3. syl am+pli+fy pron <1@mpli2fI> pos vb. mod tr. qual U.S. def to exaggerate. amplify 4. syl am+pli+fy pron <1@mpli2fI> pos vb. mod intr. def to expand or enlarge a speech, narrative, etc. amplifiable sub head amplify syl am+pli+2fi+a:ble pos adj. amplitude ety C16: from Latin amplit*_ud*_o breadth, from amplus spacious amplitude 1. syl am+pli+tude pron <1@mpli2tju:d> pos n. def greatness of extent; magnitude. amplitude 2. syl am+pli+tude pron <1@mpli2tju:d> pos n. def abundance or copiousness. amplitude 3. syl am+pli+tude pron <1@mpli2tju:d> pos n. def breadth or scope, as of the mind. amplitude 4. syl am+pli+tude pron <1@mpli2tju:d> pos n. def the maximum displacement from the zero or mean position of a periodic motion or curve. amplitude 5. syl am+pli+tude pron <1@mpli2tju:d> pos n. qual Astronomy. def the angular distance along the horizon measured from true east or west to the point of intersection of the vertical circle passing through a celestial body. amplitude 6. syl am+pli+tude pron <1@mpli2tju:d> pos n. def Also called: {argument}. (of a complex number) the angle that the vector representing the complex number makes with the positive horizontal axis. amplitude modulation 1. syl am+pli+tude mod:u+la+tion pos n. def one of the principal methods of transmitting audio, visual, or other types of information using radio waves, the relevant signal being superimposed onto a radio-frequency carrier wave. The frequency of the carrier wave remains unchanged but its amplitude is varied in accord?!ance with the amplitude of the input signal. Abbrev.: {AM, am}. Compare {frequency modulation}. amplitude modulation 2. syl am+pli+tude mod:u+la+tion pos n. def a wave that has undergone this process. amply 0. syl am+ply pron <1@mpli> pos adv. def more than sufficiently; fully; generously. exam 1 he was amply rewarded. ampule alt head ampoule or ampoule syl am+pule pos n. qual U.S. ampoule 0. or ampule syl am+poule pron <1@mpu:l>, <-pju:l> pos n. qual Med. def a small glass vessel in which liquids for injection are hermetically sealed. ampulla ety C16: from Latin, diminutive of #7amphora &- am+pul+la+ceous (@!@amp$u#!le$I#s$$s) or @!am+pul+#!la+ceal adj. &- am+pul+lar (@am#!p$ul$$) or am+pul+lar@.y (@am?!#!p$ul$$r$I) adj. ampullae infl head ampulla syl am+pul+lae pron <-1pulE> pos n. mod pl. ampulla 1. syl am+pul+la pron <@m1pul*> pos n. qual Anatomy. def the dilated end part of certain ducts or canals, such as the end of a uterine tube. ampulla 2.a. syl am+pul+la pron <@m1pul*> pos n. def a vessel for containing the wine and water used at the Eucharist. ampulla 2.b. syl am+pul+la pron <@m1pul*> pos n. def a small flask for containing consecrated oil. ampulla 3. syl am+pul+la pron <@m1pul*> pos n. def a Roman two-handled bottle for oil, wine, or perfume. amputate ety C17: from Latin amput*_are, from am- around+ put*_are to trim, prune amputate 0. syl am+pu+tate pron <1@mpju2tAt> pos vb. qual Surgery. def to remove (all or part of a limb, esp. an arm or leg). amputation sub head amputate syl am+pu+1ta+tion pos n. amputee 0. syl am+pu+tee pron <2@mpju1tE> pos n. def a person who has had a limb amputated. Amravati 0. syl Am+ra+va+ti pron <@m1ra:v*ti> pos n. def a town in central India, in NE Maharashtra: cotton centre. Pop.: 193636 (1971). Former name: {Am+rao+ti} (#!@am@!r$a$:$$t$I, #!^m-). amrita ety from Sanskrit amrta immortal, from a- without+ mrta death amreeta alt head amrita or amrita syl am+ree+ta pron <@m1rEt*> pos n. amrita 1. or amreeta syl am+ri+ta pron <@m1rEt*> pos n. qual Hindu myth. def the ambrosia of the gods that bestows immortality. amrita 2. or amreeta syl am+ri+ta pron <@m1rEt*> pos n. qual Hindu myth. def the immortality it confers. Amritsar 0. syl Am+rit+sar pron <@m1rits*> pos n. def a city in India, in NW Punjab: centre of the Sikh religion; site of a massacre in 1919 of unarmed supporters of Indian self-government by British troops. Pop.: 407628 (1971). Amsterdam 0. syl Am+ster+dam pron <2@mst*1d@m>, Dutch <2amst*r1dam> pos n. def the commercial capital of the Netherlands, a major industrial centre and port on the IJsselmeer, connected with the North Sea by canal: built on about 100 islands within a network of canals. Pop.: 764 382 (1974 est.). amt 0. syl amt. qual abbrev. for def amount. amu 0. syl amu qual abbrev. for def atomic mass unit. amuck ety C17: from Malay amoq furious assault amok alt head amuck or amuck syl a:mok pos n. amuck 1. or amok syl a:muck pron <*1m^k> pos n. def a state of murderous frenzy, originally observed among Malays. run amuck 2. head amuck syl run amuck. def to run about with or as if with a frenzied desire to kill. Amu Darya 0. syl A:mu Dar+ya pron Russian pos n. def a river in central Asia, rising in the Pamirs and flowing northwest through the Hindu Kush and across Turkmenistan and Uzbekistan to its delta in the Aral Sea: forms much of the boundary between Afghani?!stan and the Soviet Union. Length: 2400 km (1500 miles). Ancient name: {Oxus}. amulet ety C17: from Latin amul*_etum, of unknown origin amulet 0. syl am:u+let pron <1@mjulit> pos n. def a trinket or piece of jewellery worn as a protection against evil; charm. Amun 0. syl A:m*_un pron <1a:m*n> pos n. qual Egyptian myth. def a variant spelling of {Amen}. Roald infl head Amundsen syl Ro:ald pron <1rcald> pos n. Amundsen 0. syl A:mund:sen pron Norwegian <1a:muns*n> pos n. def 1872-1928, Norwegian explorer and navigator, who was the first man to reach the South Pole (1911). Amundsen Sea 0. syl A:mund:sen Sea pron <1a:munds*n> pos n. def a part of the South Pacific Ocean, in Antarctica off Byrd Land. Amur 0. syl A:mur pron <*1mu*> pos n. def a river in NE Asia, rising in N Mongolia as the Argun and flowing southeast, then northeast to the Sea of Okhotsk: forms the boundary between Manchuria and the Soviet Union. Length: about 4350 km (2700 miles). amuse ety C15: from Old French amuser to cause to be idle, from muser to #7muse amuse 1. syl a:muse pron <*1mju:z> pos vb. mod tr. def to keep pleasantly occupied; entertain; divert. amuse 2. syl a:muse pron <*1mju:z> pos vb. mod tr. def to cause to laugh or smile. amusement 1. syl a:muse+ment pron <*1mju:zm*nt> pos n. def something that amuses, such as a game or other pastime. amusement 2. syl a:muse+ment pron <*1mju:zm*nt> pos n. def a mechanical device used for entertainment, as at a fair. amusement 3. syl a:muse+ment pron <*1mju:zm*nt> pos n. def the act of amusing or the state or quality of being amused. amusement arcade 0. syl a:muse+ment ar+cade pos n. qual Brit. def a covered area having coin-operated game machines. amusement park 0. syl a:muse+ment park pos n. def an open-air entertainment area consist?!ing of stalls, side shows, etc. amusing 0. syl a:mus+ing pron <*1mju:ziG> pos adj. def mildly entertaining; pleasantly diverting; causing a smile or laugh. amusingly sub head amusing syl a:1mus+ing+ly pos adv. amygdala ety C16: from Medieval Latin: #7almond amygdalae infl head amygdala syl a:myg+da+lae pron <-2lE> pos n. mod pl. amygdala 0. syl a:myg+da+la pron <*1migd*l*> pos n. qual Anatomy. def an almond-shaped part, such as a tonsil. amygdalate 0. syl a:myg+da+late pron <*1migd*lit>, <-2lAt> pos adj. def relating to, having, or bearing almonds. amygdale ety C19: from Greek: #7almond amygdale 0. syl a:myg+dale pron <*1migdAl> pos n. def an oval vesicle in a volcanic rock, formed from a bubble of escaping gas, that has become filled with a light-coloured mineral, such as quartz. Also called: {amygdule}. amygdalin 0. syl a:myg+da+lin pron <*1migd*lin> pos n. def a white soluble bitter-tasting crystalline glycoside extracted from bitter almonds and used as an expectorant. Formula: C\6H\5CHCNOC\1\2H\2\1O\1\0. amygdaline 1. syl a:myg+da+line pron <*1migd*lin>, <-2lIn> pos adj. qual Anatomy. def of or relating to a tonsil. amygdaline 2. syl a:myg+da+line pron <*1migd*lin>, <-2lIn> pos adj. def of or resembling almonds. amygdaloid 1. syl a:myg+da+loid pron <*1migd*2lcid> pos n. def a volcanic igneous rock containing amygdales. amygdaloid 2. syl a:myg+da+loid pron <*1migd*2lcid> pos adj. def having the shape of an almond. amygdaloid 3. syl a:myg+da+loid pron <*1migd*2lcid> pos adj. def a less common form of { {amygdaloidal} (sense 1)}. amygdaloidal 1. syl a:myg+da+loi+dal pron <*2migd*1lcidL> pos adj. usage of a volcanic rock def containing amygdales. amygdaloidal 2. syl a:myg+da+loi+dal pron <*2migd*1lcidL> pos adj. def a less common form of {amygdaloid} (sense 2). amyl ety C19: from Latin: #7amylum amyl 0. syl am:yl pron <1@mil> pos n. usage modifier; no longer in technical usage def of, consisting of, or containing any of eight isomeric forms of the monovalent group C\5H\1\1-. exam 1 amyl group or radical. amylaceous 0. syl am:y+la+ceous pron <2@mi1lAS*s> pos adj. def of or resembling starch. amyl acetate 0. syl am:yl ac+e:tate pos n. def another name (no longer in technical usage) for {pentyl acetate}. amyl alcohol 0. syl am:yl al+co+hol pos n. def a colourless flammable liquid existing in eight isomeric forms that is used as a solvent and in the manufacture of organic compounds and pharmaceuticals. Formula: C\5H\1\1OH. amylase 0. syl am+yl+ase pron <1@mi2lAz> pos n. def any of several enzymes that hydrolyse starch and glycogen to simple sugars, such as glucose. They are present in saliva. amylene 0. syl am+yl+ene pron <1@mi2lEn> pos n. def another name (no longer in technical usage) for {pentene}. amyl nitrite 0. syl am:yl ni+trite pos n. def a yellowish unstable volatile fragrant liquid used in medicine as a vasodilator and in perfumes. Formula: (CH\3)\2CHCH\2CH\2NO\2. amylo- ety from Latin: #7amylum amyloid 1. syl am:y+loid pron <1@mi2lcid> pos n. qual Pathol. def a complex protein resembling starch, deposited in tissues in some degenerative diseases. amyloid 2. syl am:y+loid pron <1@mi2lcid> pos n. def any substance resembling starch. amyloid 3. syl am:y+loid pron <1@mi2lcid> pos adj. def starch?!like. amylolysis 0. syl am:y+lol:y+sis pron <2@mi1lolisis> pos n. def the conversion of starch into sugar. amylopectin 0. syl am:y+lo+pec+tin pron <2@mil*u1pektin> pos n. def the major component of starch (about 80 per cent), consisting of branched chains of glucose units. It is insoluble and gives a red-brown colour with iodine. Compare {amylose}. amylopsin ety C19: from #7amylo (#7lysis) #7+ (#7pe) #7psin amylopsin 0. syl am:y+lop+sin pron <2@mi1lopsin> pos n. def an enzyme of the pancreatic juice that converts starch into sugar; pancreatic amylase. amylose 0. syl am+yl+ose pron <1@mi2l*uz>, <-l*us> pos n. def the minor component (about 20 per cent) of starch, consisting of long unbranched chains of glucose units. It is soluble in water and gives an intense blue colour with iodine. Compare {amylopectin}. amylum ety Latin, from Greek amulon fine meal, starch, from amulos not ground at the mill, from #7a -%1#7+ mul*_e mill amylum 0. syl am:y+lum pron <1@mil*m> pos n. def another name for { {starch} (sense 1)}. amyotonia 0. syl a:my:o+to+ni:a pron <2AmI*1t*uni*> pos n. def another name for {myotonia}. Amytal 0. syl Am:y+tal pron <1@mi2t@l> pos n. qual Trademark. def a crystalline compound used as a sedative and hypnotic; amobarbital. an ety Old English *_an #7one an H1.0. syl an pron <@n>, <*n>, <*n> pos determiner. usage article def a form of {a%1}, used before an initial vowel and sometimes before an initial an' alt head an or an syl an' pron <@n>, <*n>, <*n> pos conj. an H2.0. or an' syl an pron <@n>, <*n>, <*n> pos conj. usage subordinating def an obsolete word for {if}. See {and} (sense 9). An 0. syl An usage the chemical symbol for def actinon. An 0. syl An pron pos n. qual Myth. def the Sumerian sky god. Babylonian counterpart: {Anu}. an ety Latin: in the year an 0. syl an. qual abbrev. for def anno. AN 0. syl A.N. qual abbrev. for def Anglo-Norman. an- ety from Greek -an ety from Latin -*_anus, suffix of adjectives -ean infl head -an or -ian syl -e:an pos suffix. -ian infl head -an or -ean syl -i:an pos suffix. -an 1. syl -an pos suffix. usage forming adjectives and nouns def belonging to or relating to; a person belonging to or coming from. exam 1 European. -an 2. syl -an pos suffix. usage forming adjectives and nouns def typical of or resembling; a person typical of. exam 1 Elizabethan. -an 3. syl -an pos suffix. usage forming adjectives and nouns def adhering to or following; an adherent of. exam 1 Christian. -an 4. syl -an pos suffix. usage forming nouns def a person who specializes or is expert in. exam 1 dietician; exam 2 phonetician. ana ety C16: via Medieval Latin from Greek: of every one similarly ana H1.0. syl a:na pron <1An*>, <1a:n*> pos adv. usage Pharmacol. of ingredients in a prescription def in equal quantities. Abbrev.: {aa}. ana ety C18: independent use of -#7ana ana H2.1. syl an:a pron <1a:n*> pos n. def a collection of reminiscences, sketches, etc., of or about a person or place. ana H2.2. syl an:a pron <1a:n*> pos n. def an item of or for such a collection. ana- ety from Greek ana ana- 1. syl an:a- usage before a vowel def up; upwards. exam 1 anadromous. ana- 2. syl an:a- usage before a vowel def again. exam 1 anagram. ana- 3. syl an:a- usage before a vowel def back; backwards. exam 1 anatropous. -ana ety New Latin, from Latin -*_ana, literally: matters relating to, neuter plural of -*_anus; see -#7an -iana alt head -ana or -ana syl -i:a:na -ana 0. or -iana syl -a:na usage suffix forming nouns. def denoting a collection of items, esp. anecdotes or bibliographical items, on a certain individual or place. exam 1 Shakespeariana; exam 2 Americana. anabaena ety New Latin, from Greek anabainein to shoot up, go up, from #7ana -#7+ bainein to go; so called because they rise to the surface at intervals anabaenas infl head anabaena syl an:a+bae+nas. pos n. mod pl. anabaena 0. syl an:a+bae+na pron <2@n*1bEn*> pos n. def any freshwater alga of the genus sometimes occurring in drinking water, giving it a fishy taste and smell. anabantid 1. syl an:a+ban+tid pron <2@n*1b@ntid> pos n. def any of various spiny-finned fishes constituting the family and including the fighting fish, climbing perch, and gourami. See also {labyrinth fish}. anabantid 2. syl an:a+ban+tid pron <2@n*1b@ntid> pos adj. def of, relating to, or belonging to the family Anabaptist ety C16: from Ecclesiastical Latin anabaptista, from anabapt*_iz*_are to baptize again, from Late Greek anabaptizein; see #7ana -, #7baptize Anabaptist 1. syl An:a+bap+tist pron <2@n*1b@ptist> pos n. def a member of any of various 16th-century Protestant movements that rejected infant baptism, insisted that adults be rebaptized, and sought to establish Christian communism. Anabaptist 2. syl An:a+bap+tist pron <2@n*1b@ptist> pos n. def a member of a later Protestant sect holding the same doctrines, esp. with regard to baptism. Anabaptist 3. syl An:a+bap+tist pron <2@n*1b@ptist> pos adj. def of or relating to these movements or sects or their doctrines. Anabaptism sub head Anabaptist syl An:a+1bap+tism pos n. anabas ety C19: from New Latin, from Greek anabainein to go up; see #7anabaena anabas 0. syl an:a+bas pron <1@n*2b@s> pos n. def any of several labyrinth fishes of the genus esp. the climbing fish. anabasis ety C18: from Greek: a going up, ascent, from anabainein to go up; see #7anabaena anabases infl head anabasis syl a:nab:a+ses pron <-2sEz> pos n. mod pl. anabasis 1. syl a:nab:a+sis pron <*1n@b*sis> pos n. def the march of Cyrus the Younger and his Greek mercenaries from Sardis to Cunaxa in Babylonia in 401 #7b.c., described by Xenophon in his Compare {katabasis}. anabasis 2. syl a:nab:a+sis pron <*1n@b*sis> pos n. def any military expedition, esp. one from the coast to the interior. anabatic ety C19: from Greek anabatikos relating to ascents, from anabainein to go up; see #7anabasis anabatic 0. syl an:a+bat+ic pron <2@n*1b@tik> pos adj. usage Meteorol. of air currents def rising upwards, esp. up slopes. Compare {katabatic}. anabiosis ety C19: via New Latin from Greek, from anabioein to come back to life, from #7ana -#7+ bios life anabiosis 0. syl an:a+bi:o+sis pron <2@n*bI1*usis> pos n. def a return to life after apparent death; resuscitation. anabiotic sub head anabiosis syl an:a+bi+ot+ic pron <2@n*bI1otik> pos adj. anableps ety New Latin, literally: one who looks up, from Greek, from anablepein to look up anableps infl syl an:a+bleps. pos n. mod pl. anableps 0. syl an:a+bleps pron <1@n*2bleps> pos n. def any of various cyprinodont fishes constituting the genus which includes the four-eyed fishes. anabolic steroid 0. syl an:a+bol+ic ster+oid pron <2@n*1bolik> pos n. def any of a group of synthetic steroid hormones (androgens) used to stimulate muscle and bone growth for athletic or therapeutic purposes. anabolism ety C19: from #7ana -#7+ (#7meta) #7bolism anabolism 0. syl a:nab:o+lism pron <*1n@b*2liz*m> pos n. def a metabolic process in which complex molecules are synthesized from simpler ones with the storage of energy; constructive metabolism. Compare {catabo?!lism}. anabolic sub head anabolism syl an:a+bol+ic pron <2@n*?!1bolik> pos adj. anabolite 0. syl a:nab:o+lite pron <*1n@b*2lIt> pos n. def a product of anabolism. anabolitic sub head anabolite syl a:nab:o+lit+ic pron <*2n@b*1litik> pos adj. anabranch ety C19: from ana (stomosing) branch anabranch 0. syl a:na+branch pron <1a:n*2bra:nC> pos n. def a stream that leaves a river and enters it again further downstream. anacardiaceous ety C19: from New Latin Anacardi*_aceae, from #7ana -#7+ Greek kardia heart; so called from the shape of the top of the fruit stem anacardiaceous 0. syl an:a+car+di:a+ceous pron <2@n*2ka:di1AS*s> pos adj. def of, relating to, or belonging to the a chiefly tropical family of trees and shrubs many of which have edible drupes. The family includes the cashew, mango, pistachio, and sumach. anachorism ety C19: from #7ana -#7+ kh*_oros place anachorism 0. syl a:nach:o+rism pron <*1n@k*2riz*m> pos n. def a geographical misplacement; something located in an incongruous position. Compare {anachronism}. anachronic ety C19: see #7anachronism &- @!an@.a+#!chron@.i+cal+ly adv. anachronical alt head anachronic or anachronic syl an:a+chron:i+cal pos adj. anachronic 0. or anachronical syl an:a+chron+ic pron <2@n*1kronik> pos adj. def out of chronological order or out of date. anachronism ety C17: from Latin ana?!chronismus, from Greek anakhronismos a mistake in chronology, from anakhronizein to err in a time reference, from #7ana -#7+ khronos time anachronism 1. syl a:nach+ro+nism pron <*1n@kr*2niz*m> pos n. def the representation of an event, person, or thing in a historical context in which it could not have occurred or existed. anachronism 2. syl a:nach+ro+nism pron <*1n@kr*2niz*m> pos n. def a person or thing that belongs or seems to belong to another time. anachronistic sub head anachronism syl a:2nach+ro+1nis+tic pos adj. anachronistically sub head anachronism syl a:2nach+ro+1nis+ti+cal+ly pos adv. anaclinal ety C19: see #7ana -#7, -#7cline anaclinal 0. syl an:a+cli+nal pron <2@n*1klInL> pos adj. usage of valleys and similar formations def progressing in a direction opposite to the dip of the surrounding rock strata. anaclitic ety C20: from Greek anaklitos for leaning upon; see #7ana -#7, -#7cline anaclitic 0. syl an:a+clit+ic pron <2@n*1klitik> pos adj. qual Psychoanal. def of or relating to relationships that are characterized by the strong dependence of one person on others or another. anaclisis sub head anaclitic syl an:a+cli+sis pron <2@n*1klI?!sis> pos n. anacoluthia 0. syl an:a+co+lu+thi:a pron <2@n*k*1lu:Ti*> pos n. qual Rhetoric. def lack of grammatical sequence, esp. within a single sentence. anacoluthic sub head anacoluthia syl an:a+co+1lu+thic pos adj. anacoluthon ety C18: from Late Latin, from Greek anakolouthon, from anakolouthos not consistent, from #7an -#7+ akolouthos following anacolutha infl head anacoluthon syl an:a+co+lu+tha pron <-T*> pos n. mod pl. anacoluthon 0. syl an:a+co+lu+thon pron <2@n*k*1lu:Ton> pos n. qual Rhetoric. def a construction that involves the change from one grammatical sequence to another within a single sentence; an example of anacoluthia. anaconda ety C18: probably changed from Sinhalese henakanday*_a whip snake, from hena lightning+ kanda stem; originally referring to a snake of Sri Lanka anaconda 0. syl an:a+con+da pron <2@n*1kond*> pos n. def a very large nonvenomous arboreal and semiaquatic snake, of tropical South America, which kills its prey by constriction: family (boas). anacoustic 0. syl an:a+cous+tic pron <2@n*1ku:stik> pos adj. def unable to support the propagation of sound; soundless. Anacreon 0. syl A:nac:re:on pron <*1n@kri2on>, <-*n> pos n. def ??572-??488 #7b.c., Greek lyric poet, noted for his short songs celebrating love and wine. Anacreontic 1. syl A:nac+re:on+tic pron <*2n@kri1ontik> pos adj. usage sometimes not cap. def in the manner of Anacreon. Anacreontic 2. syl A:nac+re:on+tic pron <*2n@kri1ontik> pos adj. usage sometimes not cap.; of verse def in praise of love or wine; amatory or convivial. Anacreontic 3. syl A:nac+re:on+tic pron <*2n@kri1ontik> pos n. usage sometimes not cap. def an Anacreontic poem. Anacreontically sub head Anacreontic syl A:2nac+re:1on+ti+cal+ly pos adv. anacrusis ety C19: from Greek anakrousis prelude, from anakrouein to strike up, from #7ana -#7+ krouein to strike anacruses infl head anacrusis syl an:a+cru+ses pron <-sEz> pos n. mod pl. anacrusis 1. syl an:a+cru+sis pron <2@n*1kru:sis> pos n. qual Prosody. def one or more unstressed syllables at the beginning of a line of verse. anacrusis 2.a. syl an:a+cru+sis pron <2@n*1kru:sis> pos n. def an unstressed note or group of notes immediately preceding the strong first beat of the first bar. anacrusis 2.b. syl an:a+cru+sis pron <2@n*1kru:sis> pos n. def another word for {upbeat}. anacrustic sub head anacrusis syl an:a+crus+tic pron <2@n*1kr^stik> pos adj. anadem ety C17: from Latin anad*_ema wreath, from Greek anad*_ema, from anadein to wreathe, from #7ana -#7+ dein to bind anadem 0. syl an:a+dem pron <1@n*2dem> pos n. qual Poetic. def a garland for the head. anadiplosis ety C16: via Latin from Greek: repetition, from anadiploun to double back, from #7ana -+ diploun to double anadiplosis 0. syl an:a+di+plo+sis pron <2@n*di1pl*usis> pos n. qual Rhetoric. def repetition of the words or phrase at the end of one sentence, line, or clause at the beginning of the next. anadromous ety C18: from Greek anadromos running upwards, from #7ana -#7+ dromos a running anadromous 0. syl a:nad+ro+mous pron <*1n@dr*m*s> pos adj. usage of fishes such as the salmon def migrating up rivers from the sea in order to breed. Compare {catadromous}. Anadyr 1. syl A:na+dyr pron Russian pos n. def a town in the Soviet Union, in NE Siberia at the mouth of the Anadyr River. Pop.: 7703 (1970). Anadyr 2. syl A:na+dyr pron Russian pos n. def a mountain range in the Soviet Union, in NE Siberia, rising over 1500 m (5000 ft.). Anadyr 3. syl A:na+dyr pron Russian pos n. def a river in the Soviet Union, rising in mountains on the Arctic Circle, south of the Anadyr Range, and flowing east to the Gulf of Anadyr. Length: 725 km (450 miles). Gulf of 4. head Anadyr syl Gulf of. def an inlet of the Bering Sea, off the coast of the NE Soviet Union. anaemia ety C19: from New Latin, from Greek anaimia lack of blood, from #7an -#7+haima blood anemia alt head anaemia or anaemia syl a:ne:mi:a pron <*1nEmi*> pos n. qual U.S. anaemia 1. or anemia syl a:nae:mi:a pron <*1nEmi*> pos n. def a deficiency in the number of red blood cells or in their haemoglobin content, resulting in pallor, shortness of breath, and lack of energy. anaemia 2. or anemia syl a:nae:mi:a pron <*1nEmi*> pos n. def lack of vitality or vigour. anaemia 3. or anemia syl a:nae:mi:a pron <*1nEmi*> pos n. def pallid complexion. anemic alt head anaemic or anaemic syl a:ne:mic pron <*1nEmik> pos adj. qual U.S. anaemic 1. or anemic syl a:nae:mic pron <*1nEmik> pos adj. def relating to or suffering from anaemia. anaemic 2. or anemic syl a:nae:mic pron <*1nEmik> pos adj. def pale and sickly looking; lacking vitality. anaerobium alt head anaerobe or anaerobe syl an+aer:o+bi:um pron <2@ne*1r*ubi*m> pos n. anaerobes infl head anaerobe or anaerobia syl an+aer+obes pron <-1*ubi*> pos n. mod pl. anaerobia infl head anaerobe or anaerobes syl an+aer+o+bi:a pron <-1*ubi*> pos n. mod pl. anaerobe 0. or anaerobium syl an+aer+obe pron <@n1e*r*ub> pos n. def an organism that does not require free oxygen or air for respiration. Compare {aerobe}. anaerobic 1. syl an+aer:o+bic pron <2@ne*1r*ubik> pos adj. usage of an organism or process def requiring the absence of or not dependent on the presence of free oxygen or air. anaerobic 2. syl an+aer:o+bic pron <2@ne*1r*ubik> pos adj. def of or relating to anaerobes. anaerobic xref syl an+aer:o+bic pron <2@ne*1r*ubik> pos adj. def Compare {aerobic}. anaerobically sub head anaerobic syl an+aer:1o+bi+cal+ly pos adv. anaesthesia ety C19: from New Latin, from Greek anaisth*_esia absence of sensation, from #7an -#7+ aisth*_esis feeling anesthesia alt head anaesthesia or anaesthesia syl an+es+the+si:a pron <2@nis1TEzi*> pos n. qual U.S. anaesthesia 1. or anesthesia syl an+aes+the+si:a pron <2@nis1TEzi*> pos n. def local or general loss of bodily sensation, esp. of touch, as the result of nerve damage or other abnormality. anaesthesia 2. or anesthesia syl an+aes+the+si:a pron <2@nis1TEzi*> pos n. def loss of sensation, esp. of pain, induced by drugs: called {general anaesthesia} when consciousness is lost and {local anaesthesia} when only a specific area of the body is involved. anaesthesia 3. or anesthesia syl an+aes+the+si:a pron <2@nis1TEzi*> pos n. def a general dullness or lack of feeling. anesthesiology alt head anaesthesiology or anaesthesiology syl an+es+the+si+ol+o:gy pron <2@nis?!2TEzi1ol*Ji> pos n. qual U.S. anaesthesiology 0. or anesthesiology syl an+aes+the+si+ol+o:gy pron <2@nis?!2TEzi1ol*Ji> pos n. def the U.S. name for {anaesthetics}. anesthetic alt head anaesthetic or anaesthetic syl an+es+thet+ic pron <2@nis1Tetik> pos n. qual U.S. anaesthetic 1. or anesthetic syl an+aes+thet+ic pron <2@nis1Tetik> pos n. def a substance that causes anaesthesia. anaesthetic 2. or anesthetic syl an+aes+thet+ic pron <2@nis1Tetik> pos adj. def causing or characterized by anaesthesia. anaesthetics 0. syl an+aes+thet+ics pron <2@nis1Tetiks> pos n. mod functioning as; sing. def the science, study, and practice of anaesthesia and its application. U.S. name: {anesthesiology}. anaesthetist 1. syl a:naes+the+tist pron <*1nEsT*tist> pos n. qual Brit. def a qualified doctor specializing in the administration of anaesthetics. U.S. name: {anesthesiologist}. anaesthetist 2. syl a:naes+the+tist pron <*1nEsT*tist> pos n. qual U.S. def a person qualified to administer anaesthesia, often a nurse or someone other than a physician. Compare {anesthesiologist}. anaesthetise infl head anaesthetize or anesthetize syl a:naes+the+tise pron <*1nEsT*2tIz> pos vb. mod tr. anesthetize infl head anaesthetize or anaesthetise syl a:nes+the+tize pron <*1nEsT*2tIz> pos vb. mod tr. qual U.S. anaesthetize 0. syl a:naes+the+tize pron <*1nEsT*2tIz> pos vb. mod tr. def to render insensible to pain by administering an anaesthetic. anaesthetization sub head anaesthetize syl a:2naes+the+ti+1za+tion pos n. anaesthetisation sub head anaesthetize or anesthetization syl a:2naes+the+ti+1sa+tion pos n. anesthetization sub head anaesthetize or anaesthetisation syl a:2nes+the+ti+1za+tion pos n. qual U.S. anaglyph ety C17: from Greek anagluph*_e carved in low relief, from #7ana -#7+ gluph*_e carving, from gluphein to carve &- @!an@.a+#!glyph+ic, @!an@.a+#!glyph@.i+cal or an@.a+glyp+tic (@!@an$$#!gl$Ipt$Ik), @!an@.a+#!glyp+ti+cal adj. anaglyph 1. syl an:a+glyph pron <1@n*2glif> pos n. qual Photog. def a stereoscopic picture consisting of two images of the same object, taken from slightly different angles, in two complementary colours, usually red and cyan (green-blue). When viewed through spectacles having one red and one cyan lens, the images merge to produce a stereoscopic sensation. anaglyph 2. syl an:a+glyph pron <1@n*2glif> pos n. def anything cut to stand in low relief, such as a cameo. anaglyphy sub head anaglyph syl a:nag+ly+phy pron <*1n@gl*fi>, <1@n*?!2glifi> pos n. anaglypta ety C19: originally a trademark, from Greek ana?!gluptos; see #7anaglyph anaglypta 0. syl an:a+glyp+ta pron <2@n*1glipt*> pos n. def a type of thick embossed wallpaper. anagnorisis ety from Greek: recognition anagnorises infl head anagnorisis syl an+ag+nor:i+ses pron <-2sEz> pos n. mod pl. anagnorisis 0. syl an+ag+nor:i+sis pron <2@n*g1norisis> pos n. usage in Greek tragedy def the recognition or discovery by the protagonist of the identity of some character or the nature of his own predica?!ment, which leads to the resolution of the plot; denouement. anagoge ety C18: via Late Latin from Greek anag*_og*_e a lifting up, from anagein, from #7ana -#7+ agein to lead anagogy alt head anagoge or anagoge syl an:a+go+gy pron <1@n*2goJi> pos n. anagoge 1. or anagogy syl an:a+go+ge pron <1@n*2goJi> pos n. def allegorical or spiritual interpretation, esp. of sacred works such as the Bible. anagoge 2. or anagogy syl an:a+go+ge pron <1@n*2goJi> pos n. qual Christianity. def allegorical interpretation of the Old Testament as typifying or foreshadowing subjects in the New Testament. anagogic sub head anagoge or anagogical syl an:a+gog+ic pron <2@n*1goJik> pos adj. anagogical sub head anagoge or anagogic syl an:a+1gog:i+cal pos adj. anagogically sub head anagoge syl an:a+1gog:i+cal+ly pos adv. anagram ety C16: from New Latin anagramma, shortened from Greek anagramma?!tismos, from anagrammatizein to transpose letters, from #7ana -#7+ gramma a letter anagram 0. syl an:a+gram pron <1@n*2gr@m> pos n. def a word or phrase the letters of which can be rearranged into another word or phrase. anagrammatic sub head anagram or anagrammatical syl an:a+gram+mat+ic pron <2@n*gr*1m@tik> pos adj. anagrammatical sub head anagram or anagrammatic syl an:a+gram+1mat:i+cal pos adj. anagrammatically sub head anagram syl an:a+gram+1mat:i+cal+ly pos adv. anagrammatise alt head anagrammatize or anagrammatize syl an:a+gram+ma+tise pron <2@n*1gr@m*2tIz> pos vb. anagrammatize 0. or anagrammatise syl an:a+gram+ma+tize pron <2@n*1gr@m*2tIz> pos vb. def to arrange into an anagram. anagrammatism sub head anagrammatize syl an:a+1gram+ma+2tism pos n. anagrammatist sub head anagrammatize syl an:a+1gram+ma+tist pos n. Anaheim 0. syl An:a+heim pron <1@n*2hIm> pos n. def a city in SW California: site of Disneyland. Pop.: 186842 (1973 est.). anak kuching ety from Malay: small cat anak kuching 0. syl a:nak ku+ching pron <1ana> <1ku:CiG> pos n. def the Malaysian name for the {chevrotain}. anal ety C18: from New Latin *_an*_alis; see #7anus anal 1. syl a:nal pron <1AnL> pos adj. def of, relating to, or near the anus. anal 2.a. syl a:nal pron <1AnL> pos adj. def relating to a stage of psychosexual development during which the child's interest is concentrated on the anal region and excremental functions. anal 2.b. syl a:nal pron <1AnL> pos adj. def designating personality traits in the adult, such as orderliness, meanness, stubbornness, etc., due to fixation at the anal stage of development. Compare { {oral} (sense 7)}. anally sub head anal syl a:nal+ly pos adv. anal 1. syl anal. qual abbrev. for: def analogous. anal 2. syl anal. qual abbrev. for: def analogy. anal 3. syl anal. qual abbrev. for: def analysis. anal 4. syl anal. qual abbrev. for: def analytic. anal canal 0. syl a:nal ca+nal pos n. def the terminal part of the rectum forming the passage to the anus. analcite ety C19: from Greek analkimos@T weak@T (from@T #7an -#7+ alkimos@T strong,@T from@T alk*_e strength)+-#7ite %1 analcime alt head analcite or analcite syl a:nal+cime pron <@1n@lsim>, <-sIm>, <-sEm> pos n. analcite 0. or analcime syl a:nal+cite pron <@1n@lsIt> <1@nL2sIt>, <-sit> pos n. def a white, grey, or colourless zeolite mineral consisting of hydrated sodium aluminium silicate in cubic crystalline form. Formula: NaAlSi\2O\6.H\2O. analects ety C17: via Latin from Greek analekta, from analegein to collect up, from legein to gather analecta alt head analects or analects syl an:a+lec+ta pron <2@n*1lekt*> pos n. mod pl. analects 0. or analecta syl an:a+lects pron <1@n*2lekts> pos n. mod pl. def selected literary passages from one or more works. analectic sub head analects syl an:a+1lec+tic pos adj. analemma ety C17: from Latin: sundial, pedestal of sundial, from Greek anal*_emma pedestal, from analambanein to support analemmas infl head analemma or analemmata syl an:a+lem+mas pron <-m*t*> pos n. mod pl. analemmata infl head analemma or analemmas syl an:a+lem+ma+ta pron <-m*t*> pos n. mod pl. analemma 0. syl an:a+lem+ma pron <2@n*1lem*> pos n. def a graduated scale shaped like a figure eight that indicates the daily declination of the sun. analemmatic sub head analemma syl an:a+lem+mat+ic pron <2@n*le1m@tik> pos adj. analeptic ety C17: from New Latin anal*_epticus, from Greek anal*_eptikos stimulat?!ing, from analambanein to take up; see #7analemma analeptic 1. syl an:a+lep+tic pron <2@n%@1leptik> pos adj. usage of a drug, etc. def restorative or invigorating. analeptic 2. syl an:a+lep+tic pron <2@n%@1leptik> pos n. def a restorative remedy or drug. anal fin 0. syl a:nal fin pos n. def a median ventral unpaired fin, situated between the anus and the tail fin in fishes, that helps to maintain stable equilibrium. analgesia ety C18: via New Latin from Greek: insensibility, from #7an -#7+ alg*_esis sense of pain analgia alt head analgesia or analgesia syl an+al+gi:a pron <@n1@lJi*> pos n. analgesia 0. or analgia syl an+al+ge:si:a pron <2@nL1JEzi*>, <-si*> pos n. def inability to feel pain. analgesic 1. syl an+al:ge+sic pron <2@nL1JEzik>, <-sik> pos adj. def of or causing analgesia. analgesic 2. syl an+al:ge+sic pron <2@nL1JEzik>, <-sik> pos n. def a substance that produces analgesia. anal intercourse 0. syl a:nal in:ter+course pos n. def a form of sexual intercourse in which the penis is inserted into the anus rather than the vagina. analog computer 0. syl an:a+log com+put+er pos n. def a mechanical, electrical, or electronic computer that performs arithmetical operations by using some variable physical quantity, such as voltage, to represent numbers. It is used in monitoring systems, simulation processes, etc., but is less accurate than a digital computer. analog-digital converter 0. syl an:a:log-dig:it:al con+vert+er pos n. def a device converting the output of an analog computer into its digital representation so that it can be fed into a digital computing system. Abbrev.: {A.D.C}. analogise alt head analogize or analogize syl a:nal:o+gise pron <*1n@l*2JIz> pos vb. analogize 1. or analogise syl a:nal:o+gize pron <*1n@l*2JIz> pos vb. mod intr. def to make use of analogy, as in argument; draw comparisons. analogize 2. or analogise syl a:nal:o+gize pron <*1n@l*2JIz> pos vb. mod tr. def to make analogous or reveal analogy in. analogous ety C17: from Latin analogus, from Greek analogos proportionate, from #7ana -#7+ logos speech, ratio analogous 1. syl a:nal:o+gous pron <*1n@l*g*s> pos adj. def similar or corresponding in some respect. analogous 2. syl a:nal:o+gous pron <*1n@l*g*s> pos adj. usage Biology. of organs and parts def having the same function but different evolutionary origin. exam 1 the paddle of a whale and the fin of a fish are analogous. analogous 3. syl a:nal:o+gous pron <*1n@l*g*s> pos adj. qual Linguistics. def formed by analogy. exam 1 an analogous plural. analogously sub head analogous syl a:1nal:o+gous+ly pos adv. analogousness sub head analogous syl a:1nal:o+gous+ness pos n. analog alt head analogue or analogue syl an:a+log pron <1@n%*!log> pos n. qual U.S. (sometimes analogue 1. or analog syl an:a+logue pron <1@n%*!log> pos n. def something analogous to something else. analogue 2. or analog syl an:a+logue pron <1@n%*!log> pos n. qual Biology. def an analogous part or organ. analogy ety C16: from Greek analogia ratio, correspondence, from analogos #7analogous analogies infl head analogy syl a:nal+o:gies. pos n. mod pl. analogy 1. syl a:nal+o:gy pron <*1n@l*Ji> pos n. def agreement or similarity, esp. in a certain limited number of features or details. analogy 2. syl a:nal+o:gy pron <*1n@l*Ji> pos n. def a comparison made to show such a similarity. exam 1 to draw an analogy between an atom and the solar system. analogy 3. syl a:nal+o:gy pron <*1n@l*Ji> pos n. qual Biology. def the relationship between analogous organs or parts. analogy 4. syl a:nal+o:gy pron <*1n@l*Ji> pos n. qual Logic, maths. def a form of reasoning in which a similarity between two or more things is inferred from a known similarity between them in other respects. analogy 5. syl a:nal+o:gy pron <*1n@l*Ji> pos n. qual Linguistics. def imitation of existing models or regular patterns in the formation of words, inflections, etc.. exam 1 a child may use @6sheeps@9 as the plural of @6sheep@9 by analogy with @6dog,@9 @6dogs,@9 @6cat,@9 @6cats,@9 etc. analogical sub head analogy or analogic syl an:a+log:i+cal pron <2@n*1loJikL> pos adj. analogic sub head analogy or analogical syl 2an:a+1log+ic pos adj. analphabetic ety C20: from Greek analphab*_etos; see #7an -#7, alphabet analphabetic 1. syl an+al+pha+bet+ic pron <2@n@lf*1betik>, <@n2@l-> pos adj. def not in alpha?!betic order. analphabetic 2. syl an+al+pha+bet+ic pron <2@n@lf*1betik>, <@n2@l-> pos n. adj. def a less common word for {illiterate}. analphabetically sub head analphabetic syl an+al+pha+1bet:i+cal+ly pos adv. analysand ety C20: from #7analyse+ - and, on the model of multiplicand analysand 0. syl a:nal:y+sand pron <*1n@li2s@nd> pos n. def any person who is undergoing psychoanalysis. analyse ety C17: back formation from #7analysis analyze alt head analyse or analyse syl an:a+lyze pron <1@n%*!lIz> pos vb. qual U.S. analyse 1. or analyze syl an:a+lyse pron <1@n%*!lIz> pos vb. mod tr. def to examine in detail in order to discover meaning, essential features, etc. analyse 2. or analyze syl an:a+lyse pron <1@n%*!lIz> pos vb. mod tr. def to break down into components or essential features. exam 1 to analyse a financial structure. analyse 3. or analyze syl an:a+lyse pron <1@n%*!lIz> pos vb. mod tr. def to make a mathematical, chemical, grammatical, etc., analysis of. analyse 4. or analyze syl an:a+lyse pron <1@n%*!lIz> pos vb. def another word for {psychoanalyse}. analysable sub head analyse or analyzable syl an:a+1lys+a:ble pos adj. analyzable sub head analyse or analysable syl an:a+1lyz+a:ble pos adj. qual U.S. analysation sub head analyse or analyzation syl an:a+ly+1sa+tion pos n. analyzation sub head analyse or analysation syl an:a+ly+1za+tion pos n. qual U.S. analyser sub head analyse or analyzer syl an:a+2lys+er pos n. analyzer sub head analyse or analyser syl an:a+2lyz+er pos n. qual U.S. analysis ety C16: from New Latin, from Greek analusis, literally: a dissolving, from analuein, from #7ana -#7+ luein to loosen analyses infl head analysis syl a:nal:y+ses pron <-2sEz> pos n. mod pl. analysis 1. syl a:nal:y+sis pron <*1n@lisis> pos n. def the division of a physical or abstract whole into its constituent parts to examine or determine their relationship or value. Compare { {synthesis} (sense 1)}. analysis 2. syl a:nal:y+sis pron <*1n@lisis> pos n. def a statement of the results of this. analysis 3. syl a:nal:y+sis pron <*1n@lisis> pos n. def short for {psychoanalysis}. analysis 4.a. syl a:nal:y+sis pron <*1n@lisis> pos n. def the decomposition of a substance into its elements, radicals, or other constituents in order to determine the kinds of constituents present ({qualitative analysis}) or the amount of each constituent ({quantitative analysis) }. analysis 4.b. syl a:nal:y+sis pron <*1n@lisis> pos n. def the result obtained by such a determination. analysis 5. syl a:nal:y+sis pron <*1n@lisis> pos n. qual Linguistics. def the use of word order together with word function to express syntactic relations in a language, as opposed to the use of inflections. Compare { {synthesis} (sense 4)}. analysis 6. syl a:nal:y+sis pron <*1n@lisis> pos n. qual Maths. def the branch of mathematics principally concerned with the methods and concepts of algebra and calculus. analysis 7. syl a:nal:y+sis pron <*1n@lisis> pos n. usage Philosophy. in the writings of Kant def the separation of a concept from another that contains it. Compare {{synthesis} (sense 6)}. final infl head analysis or ultimate analysis syl final ultimate analysis infl head analysis or final syl ultimate analysis. analysin the last 8. head analysis syl a:nal:y+sin the last def after everything has been given due consideration. analysis of variance 0. syl a:nal:y+sis of var:i+ance pos n. qual Statistics. def a technique for analys?!ing the total variation of a set of observations as measured by the variance of the observations multiplied by their number. analysis situs 0. syl a:nal:y+sis si+tus pos n. def a former name for { {topology} (sense 2)}. analyst 1. syl an:a+lyst pron <1@n*list> pos n. def a person who analyses or is skilled in analysis. analyst 2. syl an:a+lyst pron <1@n*list> pos n. def short for {psychoanalyst}. analytic ety C16: via Late Latin from Greek analutikos from analuein to dissolve, break down; see #7analysis &- @!an@.a+#!lyt@.i+cal+ly adv. analytical alt head analytic or analytic syl an:a+lyt:i+cal pos adj. analytic 1. or analytical syl an:a+lyt+ic pron <2@n*1litik> pos adj. def relating to analysis. analytic 2. or analytical syl an:a+lyt+ic pron <2@n*1litik> pos adj. def capable of or given to analysing. exam 1 an analytic mind. analytic 3. or analytical syl an:a+lyt+ic pron <2@n*1litik> pos adj. def Also: {isolating}. denoting languages, such as Chinese, whose morphology is characterized by analysis. Compare { {synthetic} (sense 3)}, { {agglutinative} (sense 2)}, {polysynthetic}. analytic 4. or analytical syl an:a+lyt+ic pron <2@n*1litik> pos adj. usage Logic. of a proposition def necessarily true by reference to meaning alone, being independent of fact or experience, as in Compare {{synthetic} (sense 4)}, {a priori}. analytic 5. or analytical syl an:a+lyt+ic pron <2@n*1litik> pos adj. def Also called: {regular, holomorphic}. (of a function of a complex variable) having a derivative at each point of its domain. analytical geometry 0. syl an:a+lyt:i+cal ge+om+e:try pos n. def the branch of geometry that uses algebraic notation and analysis to locate a geometric point in terms of a coordinate system; coordinate geometry. analytic psychology 0. syl an:a+lyt+ic psy+chol+o:gy pos n. def a school of psychoanalysis found?!ed by Jung as a result of disagreements with Freud. See also {archetype, collective unconscious}. Anam 0. syl A:nam pron <@1n@m>, <1@n@m> pos n. def a variant spelling of {Annam}. Anambra 0. syl A:nam+bra pron <*1n@mbr*> pos n. def a state of S Nigeria, formed in 1976 from part of East-Central State. Capital: Enugu. Pop.: 2469000 (1976 est.). Area: 21189 sq. km (8179 sq. miles). anamnesis ety C17: via New Latin from Greek, from anamimn*_eskein to recall, from mimn*_eskein to call to mind anamneses infl head anamnesis syl an+am+ne+ses pron <-sEz> pos n. mod pl. anamnesis 1. syl an+am+ne+sis pron <2@n@m1nEsis> pos n. def the ability to recall past events; recollection. anamnesis 2. syl an+am+ne+sis pron <2@n@m1nEsis> pos n. def the case history of a patient. anamnestic sub head anamnesis syl an+am+nes+tic pron <2@n@m1nestik> pos adj. anamnestically sub head anamnesis syl an+am+1nes+ti+cal+ly pos adv. anamorphic 0. syl an:a+mor+phic pron <2@n*1mc:fik> pos adj. def of, relating to, or caused by anamorphosis or anamorphism. anamorphism 0. syl an:a+mor+phism pron <2@n*1mc:fiz*m> pos n. def metamorphism of a rock in which complex minerals are formed from simpler ones. anamorphoscope 0. syl an:a+mor+pho+scope pron <2@n*1mc:f*2sk*up> pos n. def an optical device, such as a cylindrical lens, for correcting an image that has been distorted by anamorphosis. anamorphosis ety C18: from Greek, from anamorphoun to transform, from morph*_e form, shape anamorphoses infl head anamorphosis syl an:a+mor+pho+ses pron <-2sEz> pos n. mod pl. anamorphosis 1.a. syl an:a+mor+pho+sis pron <2@n*1mc:f*sis>, <-mc:1f*usis> pos n. def an image or drawing distorted in such a way that it becomes recognizable only when viewed in a specified manner or through a special device. anamorphosis 1.b. syl an:a+mor+pho+sis pron <2@n*1mc:f*sis>, <-mc:1f*usis> pos n. def the process by which such images or drawings are produced. anamorphosis 2. syl an:a+mor+pho+sis pron <2@n*1mc:f*sis>, <-mc:1f*usis> pos n. def the evolution of one type of organism from another by a series of gradual changes. anandrous ety C19: from Greek anandros, lacking males, from #7an -#7+ an*_er man anandrous 0. syl an+an+drous pron <@n1@ndr*s> pos adj. usage of flowers def having no stamens. Ananias 1. syl An:a:ni:as pron <2@n*1nI*s> pos n. qual New Testament. def a Jewish Christian of Jerusalem who was struck dead for lying (Acts 5). Ananias 2. syl An:a:ni:as pron <2@n*1nI*s> pos n. def a liar. ananthous ety C19: from Greek ananth*_es, from #7an -#7+ anthos flower ananthous 0. syl an+an+thous pron <@n1@nT*s> pos adj. usage of higher plants def having no flowers. anapaest ety C17: via Latin from Greek anapaistos reversed, (that is, a dactyl reversed), from anapaiein, from ana- back+ paiein to strike &- @!an@.a+#!paes+tic or @!an@.a+#!pes+tic adj. anapest alt head anapaest or anapaest syl an:a+pest pron <1@n*pest>, <-2pEst> pos n. anapaest 0. or anapest syl an:a+paest pron <1@n*pest>, <-2pEst> pos n. qual Prosody. def a metrical foot of three syllables, the first two short, the last long (*u *u *_ ). anaphase ety C19: from #7ana -#7+phase anaphase 1. syl an:a+phase pron <1@n*2fAz> pos n. def the third stage of mitosis, during which the chromatids separate and migrate towards opposite ends of the spindle. See also {prophase, metaphase, telophase}. anaphase 2. syl an:a+phase pron <1@n*2fAz> pos n. def the corresponding stage of the first division of meiosis. anaphora ety C16: via Latin from Greek: repetition, from anapherein, from #7ana -+ pherein to bear anaphora 1. syl a:naph:o+ra pron <*1n@f*r*> pos n. qual Rhetoric. def the repetition of a word or phrase at the beginning of successive clauses. anaphora 2. syl a:naph:o+ra pron <*1n@f*r*> pos n. qual Grammar. def the use of a word such as a pronoun to avoid repetition of a word or words, as for example in anaphoral sub head anaphora or anaphoric syl a:1naph:o+ral pron <2@n*1forik> pos adj. anaphoric sub head anaphora or anaphoral syl an:a+pho:r+ic pron <2@n*1forik> pos adj. anaphorically sub head anaphora syl 2an:a+1phor:i+cal+ly pos adv. anaphrodisiac 1. syl an+aph+ro+dis+i:ac pron <2@n@fr*1dizi2@k> pos adj. def tending to lessen sexual desire. anaphrodisiac 2. syl an+aph+ro+dis+i:ac pron <2@n@fr*1dizi2@k> pos n. def an anaphrodisiac drug. anaphrodisia sub head anaphrodisiac syl an+aph+ro+1dis:i:a pos n. anaphylaxis ety C20: from #7ana -#7+ (#7pro) #7phylaxis &- @!an@.a+phy+#!lac+tic adj. anaphylaxis 0. syl an:a+phy+lax+is pron <2@n*fi1l@ksis> pos n. def extreme sensitivity to an injected antigen, esp. a protein, following a previous injection. anaphylactically sub head anaphylaxis syl an:a+phy+1lac+ti+cal+ly pos adv. anaplasia 0. syl an:a+pla+si:a pron <2@n*1plAsi*> pos n. def reversion of plant or animal cells to a simpler less differentiated form. anaplastic 1. syl an:a+plas+tic pron <2@n*1pl@stik> pos adj. def of or relating to anaplasia. anaplastic 2. syl an:a+plas+tic pron <2@n*1pl@stik> pos adj. def relating to plastic surgery. anaplasty 0. syl an:a+plas+ty pron <1@n*2pl@sti> pos n. qual Surgery. def another name for {plastic surgery}. anaptyxis ety C19: via New Latin from Greek anaptuxis, from anaptussein to unfold, from #7ana -#7+ ptussein to fold anaptyxes infl head anaptyxis syl an+ap+tyx:es pron <-1tiksEz> pos n. mod pl. anaptyxis 0. syl an+ap+tyx+is pron <2@n@p1tiksis> pos n. def the insertion of a short vowel between consonants in order to make a word more easily pronounceable. anaptyctic sub head anaptyxis or anaptyctical syl an+ap+tyc+tic pron <2@n@p1tiktik> pos adj. anaptyctical sub head anaptyxis or anaptyctic syl an+ap+1tyc+ti+cal pos adj. Anapurna 0. syl A:na+pur+na pron <2@n*1pu*n*> pos n. def a variant spelling of {Annapurna}. anarch 0. syl an+arch pron <1@na:k> pos n. qual Archaic. def an instigator or personification of anarchy. anarchism 1. syl an+ar+chism pron <1@n*2kiz*m> pos n. qual Political theory. def a doctrine advocating the abolition of government. anarchism 2. syl an+ar+chism pron <1@n*2kiz*m> pos n. def the principles or practice of anarchists. anarchist 1. syl an+ar+chist pron <1@n*kist> pos n. def a person who advocates the abolition of government and a social system based on voluntary cooperation. anarchist 2. syl an+ar+chist pron <1@n*kist> pos n. def a person who causes disorder or upheaval. anarchistic sub head anarchist syl an+ar+1chis+tic pos adj. anarchy ety C16: from Medieval Latin anarchia, from Greek anarkhia, from anarkhos without a ruler, from #7an -#7+ arkh- leader, from arkhein to rule anarchy 1. syl an+ar+chy pron <1@n*ki> pos n. def general lawlessness and disorder, esp. when thought to result from an absence or failure of government. anarchy 2. syl an+ar+chy pron <1@n*ki> pos n. def the absence or lack of government. anarchy 3. syl an+ar+chy pron <1@n*ki> pos n. def the absence of any guiding or uniting principle; disorder; chaos. anarchy 4. syl an+ar+chy pron <1@n*ki> pos n. def the theory or practice of political anarchism. anarchic sub head anarchy or anarchical syl an+ar+chic pron <@n1a:kik> pos adj. anarchical sub head anarchy or anarchic syl an+1ar+chi+cal pos adj. anarchically sub head anarchy syl an+1ar+chi+cal+ly pos adv. anarthria ety C19: New Latin, from Greek anarthros lacking vigour, from #7an -+ arthros joint anarthria 0. syl an+ar+thri:a pron <@n1a:Tri*> pos n. qual Pathol. def loss of the ability to speak coherently. anarthrous ety C19: from Greek anarthros, from #7an -#7+ arthros joint, definite article &- an+#!ar+throus+ly adv. anarthrous 1. syl an+ar+throus pron <@n1a:Tr*s> pos adj. usage of a noun def used without an article. anarthrous 2. syl an+ar+throus pron <@n1a:Tr*s> pos adj. def having no joints or articulated limbs. anarthrousness sub head anarthrous syl an+1ar+throus+ness pos n. anasarca ety C14: from New Latin, from #7ana - (puffed up)#7+ Greek sarx flesh anasarca 0. syl an:a+sar+ca pron <2@n*1sa:k*> pos n. qual Pathol. def a generalized accumulation of serous fluid within the subcutaneous connective tissue, resulting in oedema. anasarcous sub head anasarca syl an:a+1sar+cous pos adj. Grand Duchess infl head Anastasia syl Grand Duchess. pos n. Anastasia 0. syl An:a:sta:si:a pron <2@n*1sta:zi*>, <-1stA-> pos n. def 1901-?!??1918, daughter of Tsar Nicholas II, believed to have been executed by the Bolsheviks in 1918, although several women subsequently claimed to be her. anastigmat 0. syl an+as+tig+mat pron <@1n@stig2m@t>, <2@n*1stigm@t> pos n. def a lens or system of lenses designed to be free of astigmatism. anastigmatic 0. syl an+as+tig+mat+ic pron <2@n*stig1m@tik> pos adj. usage of a lens or optical device def not astigmatic. Also: {stigmatic}. anastomose 0. syl a:nas+to+mose pron <*1n@st*2m*uz> pos vb. def to join (two parts of a blood vessel, etc.) by anastomosis. anastomosis ety C16: via New Latin from Greek: opening, from anastomoun to equip with a mouth, from stoma mouth anastomoses infl head anastomosis syl a:nas+to+mo+ses pron <-sEz> pos n. mod pl. anastomosis 1. syl a:nas+to+mo+sis pron <*2n@st*1m*usis> pos n. def a natural connection between two tubular structures, such as blood vessels. anastomosis 2. syl a:nas+to+mo+sis pron <*2n@st*1m*usis> pos n. def the surgical union of two hollow organs or parts that are normally separate. anastomotic sub head anastomosis syl a:nas+to+mot+ic pron <*2n@st*1motik> pos adj. anastrophe ety C16: from Greek, from anastrephein to invert anastrophe 0. syl a:nas+tro+phe pron <*1n@str*fi> pos n. qual Rhetoric. def {another term for {inversion} (sense 3)}. anat 1. syl anat. qual abbrev. for: def anatomical. anat 2. syl anat. qual abbrev. for: def anatomy. anatase ety C19: from French, from Greek anatasis an extending (referring to the length of the crystals), from anateinein to stretch out anatase 0. syl an:a+tase pron <1@n*2tAz> pos n. def a rare blue or black mineral that consists of titanium oxide in tetragonal crystalline form and occurs in veins in igneous rocks. Formula: TiO\2. Also called: {octahedrite}. anathema ety C16: via Church Latin from Greek: something accursed, dedicated (to evil), from anatithenai to dedicate, from #7ana -#7+ tithenai to set anathemas infl head anathema syl a:nath+e:mas. pos n. mod pl. anathema 1. syl a:nath+e:ma pron <*1n@T*m*> pos n. def a detested person or thing. exam 1 he is anathema to me. anathema 2. syl a:nath+e:ma pron <*1n@T*m*> pos n. def a formal ecclesiastical curse of excommunication or a formal denunciation of a doctrine. anathema 3. syl a:nath+e:ma pron <*1n@T*m*> pos n. def the person or thing so cursed. anathema 4. syl a:nath+e:ma pron <*1n@T*m*> pos n. def a strong curse; imprecation. anathematise alt head anathematize or anathematize syl a:nath+e:ma+tise pron <*1n@Tim*2tIz> pos vb. anathematize 0. or anathematise syl a:nath+e:ma+tize pron <*1n@Tim*2tIz> pos vb. def to pronounce an anathema (upon a person, etc.); curse. anathematization sub head anathematize or anathematisation syl a:2nath+e:ma+ti+1za+tion pos n. anathematisation sub head anathematize or anathematization syl a:2nath+e:ma+ti+1sa+tion pos n. Anatolia 0. syl An:a+to+li:a pron <2@n*1t*uli*> pos n. def the Asian part of Turkey, occupying the peninsula between the Black Sea, the Mediterranean, and the Aegean: consists of a plateau, largely mountainous, with salt lakes in the interior. Historical name: {Asia Minor}. Anatolian 1. syl An:a+to+li:an pron <2@n*1t*uli*n> pos adj. def of or relating to Anatolia or its inhabitants. Anatolian 2. syl An:a+to+li:an pron <2@n*1t*uli*n> pos adj. def denoting, belonging to, or relating to an ancient family of languages related to the Indo-European family and including Hittite. Anatolian 3. syl An:a+to+li:an pron <2@n*1t*uli*n> pos n. def this family of languages, some?!times regarded as a branch of Indo-European. Anatolian 4. syl An:a+to+li:an pron <2@n*1t*uli*n> pos n. def a native or inhabitant of Anatolia. anatomical 0. syl an:a+tom:i+cal pron <2@n*1tomikL> pos adj. def of or relating to anatomy. anatomically sub head anatomical syl an:a+1tom:i+cal+ly pos adv. anatomical snuffbox 0. syl an:a+tom:i+cal snuff+box pos n. def the triangular depression on the back of the hand between the thumb and the index finger. anatomist 0. syl a:nat:o+mist pron <*1n@t*mist> pos n. def an expert in anatomy. anatomise alt head anatomize or anatomize syl a:nat:o+mise pron <*1n@t*2mIz> pos vb. mod tr. anatomize 1. or anatomise syl a:nat:o+mize pron <*1n@t*2mIz> pos vb. mod tr. def to dissect (an animal or plant). anatomize 2. or anatomise syl a:nat:o+mize pron <*1n@t*2mIz> pos vb. mod tr. def to examine in minute detail. anatomization sub head anatomize or anatomisation syl a:2nat:o+mi+1za+tion pos n. anatomisation sub head anatomize or anatomization syl a:2nat:o+mi+1sa+tion pos n. anatomizer sub head anatomize or anatomiser syl a:1nat:o+2miz+er pos n. anatomiser sub head anatomize or anatomizer syl a:1nat:o+2mis+er pos n. anatomy ety C14: from Latin anatomia, from Greek anatom*_e, from anatemnein to cut up, from #7ana -#7+ temnein to cut anatomies infl head anatomy syl a:nat:o+mies. pos n. mod pl. anatomy 1. syl a:nat:o+my pron <*1n@t*mi> pos n. def the science concerned with the physical structure of animals and plants. anatomy 2. syl a:nat:o+my pron <*1n@t*mi> pos n. def the physical structure of an animal or plant or any of its parts. anatomy 3. syl a:nat:o+my pron <*1n@t*mi> pos n. def a book or treatise on this subject. anatomy 4. syl a:nat:o+my pron <*1n@t*mi> pos n. def dissection of an animal or plant. anatomy 5. syl a:nat:o+my pron <*1n@t*mi> pos n. def any detailed analysis. exam 1 the anatomy of a crime. anatomy 6. syl a:nat:o+my pron <*1n@t*mi> pos n. qual Informal. def the human body. anatropous ety C19: from #7ana - (inverted)+-#7tropous anatropous 0. syl a:nat+ro+pous pron <*1n@tr*p*s> pos adj. usage of a plant ovule def inverted during development by a bending of the stalk (funicle) attaching it to the carpel wall. Compare {orthotropous}. anattos infl head anatto syl a:nat+tos. pos n. mod pl. anatto 0. syl a:nat+to pron <*1n@t*u> pos n. def a variant spelling of {annatto}. Anaxagoras 0. syl An:ax:ag:o:ras pron <2@n@k1s@g*r*s> pos n. def ??500-428 #7b.c., Greek phi?!losopher who maintained that all things were composed of minute particles arranged by an eternal intelligence. Anaximander 0. syl A:nax:i:man:der pron <*2n@ksi1m@nd*> pos n. def 611-547 #7b.c., Greek philosopher, astronomer, and mathematician who believed the first principle of the world to be the Infinite. Anaximenes 0. syl An:ax:im:e:nes pron <2@n@k1sim*2nEz> pos n. def 6th century #7b.c., Greek philosopher who believed air to be the primary substance. anbury ety C16: of uncertain origin anburies infl head anbury syl an+bur:ies. pos n. mod pl. anbury 1. syl an+bur:y pron <1@nb*ri> pos n. def a soft spongy tumour occurring in horses and oxen. anbury 2. syl an+bur:y pron <1@nb*ri> pos n. def a disease of cruciferous plants, esp. root crops, in which the roots are clubbed. -ance ety via Old French from Latin -antia; see -#7ancy -ancy alt head -ance or -ance syl -an:cy -ance 0. or -ancy syl -ance usage suffix forming nouns. def indicating an action, state or condition, or quality. exam 1 utterance; exam 2 hindrance; exam 3 resemblance. ancestor ety C13: from Old French ancestre, from Late Latin antec*_essor one who goes before, from Latin antec*_edere; see #7antecede ancestor 1. syl an+ces+tor pron <1@nsest*> pos n. mod often; pl. def a person from whom another is directly descended, esp. someone more distant than a grandparent; forefather. ancestor 2. syl an+ces+tor pron <1@nsest*> pos n. def an early type of animal or plant from which a later, usually dissimilar, type has evolved. ancestor 3. syl an+ces+tor pron <1@nsest*> pos n. def a person or thing regarded as a forerunner of a later person or thing. exam 1 the ancestor of the modern camera. ancestress sub head ancestor syl an+ces+tress pos n. mod fem. ancestral 0. syl an+ces+tral pron <@n1sestr*l> pos adj. def of, inherited from, or derived from ancestors. ancestrally sub head ancestral syl an+1ces+tral+ly pos adv. ancestries infl head ancestry syl an+ces+tries. pos n. mod pl. ancestry 1. syl an+ces+try pron <1@nsestri> pos n. def lineage or descent, esp. when ancient, noble, or distinguished. ancestry 2. syl an+ces+try pron <1@nsestri> pos n. def ancestors collectively. Anchises 0. syl An:chi:ses pron <@n1kIsEz> pos n. qual Classical myth. def a Trojan prince and father of Aeneas. In the he is rescued by his son at the fall of Troy and dies in Sicily. anchor ety Old English ancor, from Latin ancora, from Greek ankura; related to Greek ankos bend; compare Latin uncus bent, hooked anchor 1. syl an+chor pron <1@Gk*> pos n. def any of several devices, usually of steel, attached to a vessel by a cable and dropped overboard so as to grip the bottom and restrict the vessel's movement. anchor 2. syl an+chor pron <1@Gk*> pos n. def an object used to hold something else firmly in place. exam 1 the rock provided an anchor for the rope. anchor 3. syl an+chor pron <1@Gk*> pos n. def a source of stability or security. exam 1 religion was his anchor. anchor 4. syl an+chor pron <1@Gk*> pos n. def a metal cramp, bolt, or similar fitting, esp. one used to make a connection to masonry. anchor 5.a. syl an+chor pron <1@Gk*> pos n. def the rear person in a tug-of-war team. anchor 5.b. syl an+chor pron <1@Gk*> pos n. def short for {anchor man}. at anchor 6. head anchor syl at anchor. usage of a vessel def anchored. ancome to infl head anchor or drop anchor syl an+come to drop anchor infl head anchor or ancome to syl drop anchor. ancast 7. head anchor syl an+cast def to anchor a vessel. weigh anchor 8. head anchor syl weigh anchor. def to haul in an anchor. ride at anchor 9. head anchor syl ride at anchor. def to be anchored. drag anchor 10. head anchor syl drag anchor. usage of a vessel def to be subjected to such strain, esp. by wind or waves, as to cause the anchor to lose hold on the bottom. anchor 11. syl an+chor pron <1@Gk*> pos vb. def to use an anchor to hold (a vessel) in one place. anchor 12. syl an+chor pron <1@Gk*> pos vb. def to fasten or be fastened securely; fix or become fixed firmly. anchorage 1. syl an+chor+age pron <1@Gk*riJ> pos n. def the act of anchoring. anchorage 2. syl an+chor+age pron <1@Gk*riJ> pos n. def any place where a vessel is anchored. anchorage 3. syl an+chor+age pron <1@Gk*riJ> pos n. def a place designated for vessels to anchor. anchorage 4. syl an+chor+age pron <1@Gk*riJ> pos n. def a fee imposed for anchoring. anchorage 5. syl an+chor+age pron <1@Gk*riJ> pos n. def anything used as an anchor. anchorage 6. syl an+chor+age pron <1@Gk*riJ> pos n. def a source of security or strength. anchorage 7. syl an+chor+age pron <1@Gk*riJ> pos n. def something that supplies a secure hold for something else. Anchorage 0. syl An+chor+age pron <1@Gk*riJ> pos n. def the largest city in Alaska, a port in the south, at the head of Cook Inlet. Pop.: 48029 (1970). anchorite ety C15: from Medieval Latin anchor*_ita, from Late Latin anach*_or*_eta, from Greek ana?!kh*_or*_et*_es, from anakh*_orein to retire, withdraw, from kh*_ora a space anchorite 0. syl an+cho+rite pron <1@Gk*2rIt> pos n. def a person who lives in seclusion, esp. a religious recluse; hermit. anchoress sub head anchorite syl an+cho+ress pos n. mod fem. anchor man 1. syl an+chor man pos n. qual Sport. def the last person in a team to compete, esp. in a relay race. anchor man 2. syl an+chor man pos n. usage in broadcasting def a person in a central studio who links up and maintains contact with various outside camera units, reporters, etc. anchor ring 0. syl an+chor ring pos n. def a ring made from an iron bar of circular cross-section. anchoveta ety C20: Spanish, diminutive of anchova #7anchovy anchoveta 0. syl an+cho+vet:a pron <2@nC*1vet*> pos n. def a small anchovy, of the American Pacific, used as bait by tuna fishermen. anchovy ety C16: from Spanish anchova, perhaps ultimately from Greek aphu*_e small fish anchovies infl head anchovy or anchovy syl an+cho+vies pos n. mod pl. anchovy infl or anchovies syl an+cho+vy. pos n. mod pl. anchovy 0. syl an+cho+vy pron <1@nC*vi> pos n. def any of various small marine food fishes of the genus and related genera, esp. of S Europe: family (herrings). They have a salty taste and are often canned or made into a paste or essence. anchovy pear 0. syl an+cho+vy pear pos n. def a West Indian tree, bearing edible fruit that taste like the mango: family anchusa ety C18: from Latin anchusa 0. syl an+chu+sa pron <@G1kju:s*> pos n. def any Eurasian plant of the boragi?!naceous genus having rough hairy stems and leaves and blue flowers. {See also {alkanet} (sense 3)}, {{bugloss}}. anchusin 0. syl an+chu+sin pron <@G1kju:sin> pos n. def another name {for {alkanet} (sense 2)}. anchylose 0. syl an+chy+lose pron <1@Gki2l*uz> pos vb. def a variant spelling of {ankylose}. anchylosis sub head anchylose syl an+chy+1lo+sis pos n. anchylotic sub head anchylose syl an+chy+lot+ic pron <2@Gki1lotik> pos adj. ancien r'egime ety literally: old regime anciens r'egimes infl head ancien r'egime syl an+ciens r*'e+gimes pron <*~asj*~e> pos n. mod pl. ancien r'egime 1. syl an+cien r*'e+gime pron French. <*~asj*~e> pos n. def the political and social system of France before the Revolution of 1789. ancien r'egime 2. syl an+cien r*'e+gime pron French. <*~asj*~e> pos n. def a former or outdated regime. ancient ety C14: from Old French ancien, from Vulgar Latin anteanus (unattested), from Latin ante before ancient H1.1. syl an+cient pron <1AnS*nt> pos adj. def dating from very long ago. exam 1 ancient ruins. ancient H1.2. syl an+cient pron <1AnS*nt> pos adj. def very old; aged. ancient H1.3. syl an+cient pron <1AnS*nt> pos adj. def of the far past, esp. before the collapse of the Western Roman Empire (476 #7a.d.) #7. Compare {medieval, modern}. ancient H1.4. syl an+cient pron <1AnS*nt> pos adj. qual Law. def having existed since before the time of legal memory. ancient light 5. head ancient syl ancient light. def a right to the access of light through a window, recognized at law when it has been enjoyed for 20 years or more without interruption. ancient H1.6. syl an+cient pron <1AnS*nt> pos n. mod often; pl. def a member of a civilized nation in the ancient world, esp. a Greek, Roman, or Hebrew. ancient H1.7. syl an+cient pron <1AnS*nt> pos n. mod often; pl. def one of the classical authors of Greek or Roman antiquity. ancient H1.8. syl an+cient pron <1AnS*nt> pos n. qual Archaic. def an old man. ancientness sub head ancient syl an+cient+ness pos n. ancient ety C16: changed from #7ensign through the influence of #7ancient %1 ancient H2.1. syl an+cient pron <1AnS*nt> pos n. qual Archaic. def a flag or other banner; standard. ancient H2.2. syl an+cient pron <1AnS*nt> pos n. qual Archaic. def a standard-bearer; ensign. Ancient Greek 0. syl An+cient Greek pos n. def the Greek language from the earliest records to about 300 #7b.c., the chief dialect areas of which were Aeolic, Arcadic, Doric, and Ionic (including Attic). Compare {Koine, Late Greek, Medieval Greek}. ancient history 1. syl an+cient his+to+ry pos n. def the history of the {ancient world}, from the earliest known civilizations to the collapse of the Western Roman Empire in 476 #7a.d. #7. ancient history 2. syl an+cient his+to+ry pos n. qual Informal. def a recent event or fact sufficiently familiar to have lost its pertinence. anciently 0. syl an+cient+ly pron <1AnS*ntli> pos adv. def in ancient times. Ancient of Days 0. syl An+cient of Days pos n. qual Old Testament. def God (Daniel 7:9). ancillary ety C17: from Latin ancill*_aris concerning maidservants, from ancilla, diminutive of anc*_ula female servant ancillary 1. syl an+cil+lar:y pron <@n1sil*ri> pos adj. def subsidiary. ancillary 2. syl an+cil+lar:y pron <@n1sil*ri> pos adj. def auxiliary; supplementary. exam 1 ancillary services. ancillaries infl head ancillary syl an+cil+lar:ies. pos n. mod pl. ancillary 3. syl an+cil+lar:y pron <@n1sil*ri> pos n. def a subsidiary or auxiliary thing or person. exam 1 the company has an ancillary abroad. ancipital ety C18: from Latin anceps two-headed ancipitous alt head ancipital or ancipital syl an+cip:i+tous pron <@n1sipit*s> pos adj. ancipital 0. or ancipitous syl an+cip:i+tal pron <@n1sipitL> pos adj. qual Biology. def flattened and having two edges. exam 1 ancipital stems. Ancohuma 0. syl An+co+hu+ma pron <2@Gk*u1u:m*> pos n. def one of the two peaks of (Mount) {Sorata}. ancon ety C18: from Greek ank*_on a bend ancone alt head ancon or ancon syl an+cone pron <1@Gk*un> pos n. ancones infl head ancon syl an+con:es pron <@G1k*unEz> pos n. mod pl. ancon 1. or ancone syl an+con pron <1@Gkon> pos n. qual Architect. def a projecting bracket or console support?!ing a cornice. ancon 2. or ancone syl an+con pron <1@Gkon> pos n. def a former technical name for {elbow}. anconal sub head ancon or anconeal syl an+co+nal pron <@G1k*unL> pos adj. anconeal sub head ancon or anconal syl an+co+ne:al pron <@G1k*uni*l> pos adj. Ancona 0. syl An+co+na pron Italian pos n. def a port in Central Italy, on the Adriatic, capital of the Marches region: founded by Greeks from Syracuse in about 390 #7b.c. Pop.: 107213 (1975 est.). -ancy 0. syl -an:cy usage suffix forming nouns. def variant of {-ance}, indicating condition or quality. exam 1 expectancy, poignancy. ancylostomiasis ety from New Latin, from Ancylostoma genus of hookworms, from Greek ankulos hooked, crooked+ stoma mouth ankylostomiasis infl head ancylostomiasis or anchylostomiasis syl an+ky+los+to+mi:a+sis pos n. anchylostomiasis infl head ancylostomiasis or ankylostomiasis syl an+chy+los+to+mi:a+sis pos n. ancylostomiasis 0. syl an+cy+los+to+mi:a+sis pron <2@nsi2lost*1mI*sis> pos n. def infestation of the human intestine with blood-sucking hookworms, causing progressive anaemia. Also called: {hookworm disease}. and ety Old English and; related to Old Frisian anda, Old Saxon ande, Old High German anti, Sanskrit atha #e Usage. See at to. and 1. syl and pron <@nd>, <*nd>, <*n> pos conj. usage coordinating def along with; in addition to. exam 1 boys and girls. and 2. syl and pron <@nd>, <*nd>, <*n> pos conj. usage coordinating def as a consequence. exam 1 he fell down and cut his knee. and 3. syl and pron <@nd>, <*nd>, <*n> pos conj. usage coordinating def afterwards. exam 1 we pay the man and go through that door. and 5. syl and pron <@nd>, <*nd>, <*n> pos conj. usage coordinating def plus. exam 1 two and two equals four. and 6. syl and pron <@nd>, <*nd>, <*n> pos conj. usage coordinating def used to join identical words or phrases to give emphasis or indicate repetition or continuity. exam 1 better and better; exam 2 we ran and ran; exam 3 it rained and rained. and 7. syl and pron <@nd>, <*nd>, <*n> pos conj. usage coordinating def used to join two identical words or phrases to express a contrast between instances of what is named. exam 1 there are jobs and jobs. and 8. syl and pron <@nd>, <*nd>, <*n> pos conj. qual Informal. usage coordinating def used in place of in infinitives after verbs such as and and 9. syl and pron <@nd>, <*nd>, <*n> pos conj. usage coordinating def an obsolete word for {if}. exam 1 and it please you. and 10. syl and pron <@nd>, <*nd>, <*n> pos n. mod usually; pl. usage coordinating def an additional matter or problem (esp. in the phrase And 0. syl And. usage international car registration for def Andorra. -and ety from Latin gerundives ending in -andus, -endus -end alt head -and or -and syl -end -and 0. or -end syl -and usage suffix forming nouns. def indicating a person or thing that is to be dealt with in a specified way. exam 1 analysand; exam 2 dividend; exam 3 multiplicand. Andalusia 0. syl An+da+lu+si:a pron <2@nd*1lu:zi*> pos n. def a region of S Spain, on the Mediterranean and the Atlantic, with the Sierra Morena in the north, the Sierra Nevada in the southeast, and the Guadalquivir River flowing over fertile lands between them; a centre of Moorish civilization. Area: about 87280 sq. km (33700 sq. miles). Spanish name: {An+da+lu+c*'i@.a} (@!andalu#!#Ggia). andalusite 0. syl an+da+lu+site pron <2@nd*1lu:sIt> pos n. def a grey, pink, or brown hard mineral consisting of aluminium silicate in orthorhombic crystalline form. It occurs in metamorphic rocks and is used as a refractory and as a gemstone. Formula: Al\2SiO\5. Andaman and Nicobar Islands 0. syl An+da+man and Nic:o+bar Is+lands pron <1@nd*m*n> <1nik*u2ba:> pos n. mod pl. def a territory of India, in the E Bay of Bengal, consisting of two groups of over 200 islands. Capital: Port Blair. Pop.: 115133 (1971). Area: 8140 sq. km (3143 sq. miles). Andaman Islands 0. syl An+da+man Is+lands pos n. mod pl. def a group of islands in the E Bay of Bengal, part of the Indian territory of the Andaman and Nicobar Islands. Area: 6475 sq. km (2500 sq. miles). Andaman Sea 0. syl An+da+man Sea pos n. def part of the Bay of Bengal, between the Andaman and Nicobar Islands and the Malay Peninsula. andante ety C18: from Italian, from andare to walk, from Latin ambul*_are infl head andante syl ~ pos adj. adv. qual Music. andante 1. syl an+dan+te pron <@n1d@nti> pos adj. adv. def at a moderately slow tempo; walking pace. andante 2. syl an+dan+te pron <@n1d@nti> pos n. def a passage or piece to be performed in this manner. andantino ety C19: diminutive of #7andante infl head andantino syl ~ pos adj. adv. qual Music. andantino 1. syl an+dan+ti+no pron <2@nd@n1tEn*u> pos adj. adv. def slightly faster, or slightly slower, than andante. andantinos infl head andantino syl an+dan+ti+nos. pos n. mod pl. andantino 2. syl an+dan+ti+no pron <2@nd@n1tEn*u> pos n. def a passage or piece to be performed in this manner. AND circuit ety C20: so named because the action performed on electrical signals is similar to the operation of the conjunction and in logical constructions gate alt head AND circuit or AND circuit syl gate pron <@nd> pos n. AND circuit 0. or gate syl AND cir+cuit pron <@nd> pos n. qual Computer technol. def a logic circuit having two or more input wires and one output wire that has a high-voltage output signal if and only if all input signals are at a high voltage simultaneously: used extensively as a basic circuit in computers. Compare {OR circuit, NOR circuit}. Andean 0. syl An+de:an pron <@n1dE*n>, <1@ndi*n> pos adj. def of, relating to, or resembling the Andes. Anderlecht 0. syl An+der+lecht pron Flemish <1and*rle$xt> pos n. def a town in central Belgium, a suburb of Brussels. Pop.: 103796 (1970). Hans Christian infl head Andersen syl Hans Chris:tian. pos n. Andersen 0. syl An:der:sen pron <1@nd*sN> pos n. def 1805-75, Danish author of fairy tales, including and Andersen Nexo 0. syl An:der:sen Nex:*"o pos n. def See (Martin Andersen) {Nex*"o}. Anderson H1.0. syl An+der+son pron <1@nd*sN> pos n. def a river in N Canada, in the Northwest Territories, rising in lakes north of Great Bear Lake and flowing west and north to the Beaufort Sea. Length: about 580 km (360 miles). Carl David 1. head Anderson syl Carl Da:vid. def born 1905, U.S. physicist, who discovered the positron in cosmic rays (1932): Nobel prize for physics 1936. Elizabeth Garrett 2. head Anderson syl E:liz:a:beth Gar:rett. def 1836-1917, English physician and feminist: a campaigner for the admission of women to the professions. Marian 3. head Anderson syl Mar:i:an. def born 1902, U.S. contralto, the first Negro permanent member of the Metropolitan Opera Company, New York. Adolf infl head Anderssen syl A:dolf pron <1a:dclf> pos n. Anderssen 0. syl An:ders:sen pron <1@nd*sN> pos n. def 1818-79, German chess player: noted for the incisiveness of his combination play. Andes 0. syl An+des pron <1@ndEz> pos n. def a major mountain system of South America, extending for about 7250 km (4500 miles) along the entire W coast, with several parallel ranges or cordilleras and many volcanic peaks: rich in minerals, including gold, silver, copper, iron ore, and nitrates. Average height: 3900 m (13000 ft.). Highest peak: Aconcagua, 6850 m (22835 ft.). andesine ety C19: from the A#7ndes (where it is found)+-#7ine %1 andesine 0. syl an+de:sine pron <1@ndi2zEn>, <-zin> pos n. def a rare feldspar mineral of the plagioclase series consisting of an aluminium silicate of sodium and calcium. Formula: NaAlSi\3O\8.CaAl\2Si\2O\8. andesite ety C19: from A#7ndes +-#7ite %1 andesite 0. syl an+de:site pron <1@ndi2zIt> pos n. def a fine-grained grey volcanic rock consisting of plagioclase feldspar, esp. andesine, amphibole, and pyroxene. Andhra Pradesh 0. syl An+dhra Pra+desh pron <1@ndr*> pos n. def a state of SE India, on the Bay of Bengal: formed in 1953 from parts of Madras and Hyderabad states. Capital: Hyderabad. Pop.: 43502708 (1971). Area: about 274540 sq. km (106000 sq. miles). andiron ety C14: from Old French andier, of unknown origin; influenced by #7iron andiron 0. syl and+i:ron pron <1@nd2I*n> pos n. def either of a pair of decorative metal stands in a hearth for supporting logs. Andizhan 0. syl An+di+zhan pron Russian pos n. def a city in the SW Soviet Union, in the E Uzbek SSR. Pop.: 215000 (1975 est.). andor 0. syl and/or pos conj. usage coordinating def used to join terms when either one or the other or both is indicated. exam 1 passports and/or other means of identification.#e Andorra 0. syl An+dor+ra pron <@n1dc:r*> pos n. def a mountainous coprincipality in SW Europe, between France and Spain: according to tradition, given independence by Charlemagne in the 9th century for helping to fight the Moors; under the joint sovereignty of the president of France and the Spanish bishop of Urgel since 1278. Languages: Catalan, French, and Spanish. Religion: Roman Catholic. Currency: French franc and Spanish peseta. Capital: Andorra la Vella. Pop.: 20550 (1971). Area: 453 sq. km (175 sq. miles). Official name: {Valleys of Andorra}. Andorran sub head Andorra syl An+1dor+ran pos adj. n. Andorra La Vella 0. syl An+dor+ra La Ve+lla pron Spanish , Spanish <1bA$ya> pos n. def the capital of Andorra, situated in the west of the principality. Pop.: 2000 (1971). French name: {An+dorre la Vieille} (*~ad@$r la #!vj$ej). andradite ety C19: named after J. B. d' Andrada e Silva (1763-1838), Brazilian mineralogist; see -#7ite %1 andradite 0. syl an+dra+dite pron <1@ndr*2dIt> pos n. def a yellow, green, or brownish-black garnet that consists of calcium iron silicate and is used as a gemstone. Formula: Ca\3Fe\2(SiO\4)\3. Andr'assy 0. syl An:dr*'as:sy pron <@n1dr@si>, Hungarian <1cndra:Si> pos n. def Count {Gyu@.la} (#!djul@$). 1823-90, Hungarian statesman; the first prime minister of Hungary under the Dual Monarchy of Austria-Hungary (1867). John infl head Andr'e syl John. pos n. Andr'e 0. syl An:dr*'e pron <1a:ndrA>, <1@ndri> pos n. def 1751-80, British major who was hanged as a spy for conspiring with Benedict Arnold during the War of American Independence. Andrea del Sarto 0. syl An:dre:a del Sar:to pron Italian , Italian <1sarto> pos n. def See {Sarto}. Andreanof Islands 0. syl An+dre:a+nof Is+lands pron <2@ndri1a:nof> pos n. mod pl. def a group of islands in the central Aleutian Islands, Alaska. Area: 3710 sq. km (1432 sq. miles). Giulio infl head Andreotti syl Giu:lio pron <1Ju:ljo> pos n. Andreotti 0. syl An:dre:ot:ti pron Italian pos n. def born 1919, Italian statesman; prime minister of Italy (1972-73; since 1976). Andrew 0. syl An:drew pron <1@ndru:> pos n. qual New Testament. def one of the twelve apostles of Jesus; the brother of Peter; patron saint of Scotland. Feast day: Nov. 30. Lancelot infl head Andrewes syl Lanc:e:lot. pos n. Andrewes 0. syl An:drewes pron <1@ndru:z> pos n. def 1555-1626, English bishop and theologian. Thomas infl head Andrews syl Thom:as. pos n. Andrews 0. syl An:drews pron <1@ndru:z> pos n. def 1813-85, Irish physical chemist, noted for his work on the liquefaction of gases. Ivo infl head Andri'c syl I:vo pron <1i:vc> pos n. Andri'c 0. syl An:dri*'c pron Serbo-Croat <1andriC> pos n. def 1892-1975, Yugoslav novelist; author of (1945): Nobel prize for literature 1961. andro- ety from Greek an*_er (genitive andros) man andro- 1. syl an:dro- usage before a vowel def male; masculine. exam 1 androsterone. andro- 2. syl an:dro- usage before a vowel; in botany def stamen or anther. exam 1 androecium. Androclus alt head Androcles or Androcles syl An:dro:clus pron <1@ndr*kl*s> pos n. Androcles 0. or Androclus syl An:dro:cles pron <1@ndr*2klEz> pos n. usage in Roman legend def a slave whose life was spared in the arena by a lion from whose paw he had once extracted a thorn. androclinium ety C19: New Latin, from #7andro -#7+ -clinium, from Greek klin*_e slope; see #7clino - androclinia infl head androclinium syl an+dro+clin:i:a pron <-1klini*> pos n. mod pl. androclinium 0. syl an+dro+clin+i:um pron <2@ndr*1klini*m> pos n. def another name for {clinandrium}. androecium ety C19: from New Latin, from #7andro -#7+ Greek oikion a little house androecia infl head androecium syl an+droe+ci:a pron <-si*> pos n. mod pl. androecium 0. syl an+droe+ci:um pron <@n1drEsi*m> pos n. def the stamens of a flowering plant collectively. androecial sub head androecium syl an+1droe+ci:al pos adj. androgen 0. syl an+dro+gen pron <1@ndr*J*n> pos n. def any of several steroids, produced as hormones by the testes or made synthetically, that promote development of male sexual organs and male secondary sexual characteristics. androgenic sub head androgen syl an+dro+gen+ic pron <2@ndr*1Jenik> pos adj. androgenous 0. syl an+drog+e:nous pron <@n1droJin*s> pos adj. qual Biology. def producing only male offspring. androgyne ety C17: from Old French, via Latin from Greek androgunos, from an*_er man+ gun*_e woman androgyne 0. syl an+dro+gyne pron <1@ndr*2JIn> pos n. def another word for {hermaphrodite}. androgynous 1. syl an+drog:y+nous pron <@n1droJin*s> pos adj. qual Botany. def having male and female flowers in the same inflorescence, as plantain. androgynous 2. syl an+drog:y+nous pron <@n1droJin*s> pos adj. def having male and female characteristics; hermaphrodite. android ety C18: from Late Greek androeid*_es manlike; see #7andro -#7, -#7oid android 1. syl an+droid pron <1@ndrcid> pos n. usage in science fiction def a robot resembling a human being. android 2. syl an+droid pron <1@ndrcid> pos adj. def resembling a human being. Andromache 0. syl An:dro:ma:che pron <@n1drom*ki> pos n. qual Greek myth. def the wife of Hector. Andromeda H1.0. syl An:drom:e:da pron <@n1dromid*> pos n. qual Greek myth. def the daughter of Cassiopeia and wife of Perseus, who saved her from a sea monster. Andromedae infl head Andromeda syl An+drom+e:dae pron <@n1dromi2dE> pos n. qual Latin genitive Andromeda H2.0. syl An+drom+e:da pron <@n1dromid*> pos n. def a constellation in the N hemisphere lying between Cassiopeia and Pegasus, the three brightest stars being of the second magnitude. It contains the {Andromeda Galaxy}, a spiral galaxy 2.2 million light years away. Andros 1. syl An+dros pron <1@ndr*s> pos n. def an island in the Aegean Sea, the northernmost of the Cyclades: long famous for wine. Capital: Andros. Pop.: 10457 (1971). Area: about 311 sq. km (120 sq. miles). Andros 2. syl An+dros pron <1@ndr*s> pos n. def an island in the N West Indies, the largest of the Bahamas. Pop.: 8845 (1970). Area: 4144 sq. km (1600 sq. miles). androsphinxes infl head androsphinx or androsphinges syl an+dro+sphinx:es pron <-2sfinJEz> pos n. mod pl. androsphinges infl head androsphinx or androsphinxes syl an+dro+sphin:ges pron <-2sfinJEz> pos n. mod pl. androsphinx 0. syl an+dro+sphinx pron <1@ndr*2sfiGks> pos n. def a sphinx having the head of a man. androsterone 0. syl an+dros+ter+one pron <@n1drost*2r*un> pos n. def an androgenic steroid hormone produced in the testes. Formula: C\1\9H\3\0O\2. -androus ety from New Latin -andrus, from Greek -andros, from an*_er man -androus 0. syl -an:drous pos adj. usage combining form. def (in botany) indicating number or type of stamens. exam 1 diandrous. -andry ety from Greek -andria, from an*_er man -andry 0. syl -an:dry pos n. usage combining form. def indicating number of husbands. exam 1 polyandry. Andvari 0. syl And:va:ri pron <@n1dwa:ri> pos n. qual Norse myth. def a dwarf who possessed a treasure hoard, which was robbed by Loki. ane 0. syl ane pron usage determiner, pron., n. def a Scot. word for {one}. -ane ety coined to replace -ene, -ine, and -one -ane 0. syl -ane usage suffix forming nouns. def indicating an alkane hydrocarbon. exam 1 hexane. infl head anear syl ~ pos prep. qual Archaic. anear 1. syl a:near pron <*1ni*> pos prep. def near. anear 2. syl a:near pron <*1ni*> pos adv. def nearly. anecdotage 1. syl an+ec+dot+age pron <1@nik2d*utiJ> pos n. def anecdotes collectively. anecdotage 2. syl an+ec+dot+age pron <1@nik2d*utiJ> pos n. qual Humorous. def talkative or garrulous old age. anecdote ety C17: from Medieval Latin anecdota unpublished items, from Greek anekdotos unpublished, from #7an -#7+ ekdotos published, from ekdidonai, from ek- out+ didonai to give anecdote 0. syl an+ec+dote pron <1@nik2d*ut> pos n. def a short usually amusing account of an incident, esp. a personal or biographical one. anecdotal sub head anecdote or anecdotic syl an+ec+1do+tal pos adj. anecdotic sub head anecdote or anecdotal syl an+ec+1dot+ic pos adj. anechoic 0. syl an+e:cho+ic pron <2@ni1k*uik> pos adj. def having a low degree of reverbera?!tion. exam 1 an anechoic recording studio. anelace 0. syl an+e:lace pron <1@n*2lAs> pos n. def a variant spelling of {anlace}. anele ety C14 anelen, from an- (from Old English an- #7on) #7+ elen to anoint (from ele oil, from Latin oleum) anele 0. syl a:nele pron <*1nEl> pos vb. mod tr. qual Archaic. def to anoint, esp. to give extreme unction to. anemia ety C19: from New Latin, from Greek anaimia lack of blood anemia 0. syl a:ne:mi:a pron <*1nEmi*> pos n. def the usual U.S. spelling of {anaemia}. anemic 0. syl a:ne:mic pron <*1nEmik> pos adj. def the usual U.S. spelling of {anaemic}. anemo- ety from Greek anemos wind anemo- 0. syl a:ne:mo- usage combining form. def indicating wind. exam 1 anemometer; exam 2 anemophilous. anemochore 0. syl a:nem:o+chore pron <*1nEm*u2kc:> pos n. def a plant in which the fruits or seeds are dispersed by wind. anemograph 0. syl a:nem:o+graph pron <*1nem*u2gra:f> pos n. def a self-recording anemometer. anemographic sub head anemograph syl a:nem:o+graph+ic pron <*2nem*u1gr@fik> pos adj. anemographically sub head anemograph syl a:2nem:o+1graph:i+cal+ly pos adv. anemography 0. syl an+e:mog+ra+phy pron <2@ni1mogr*fi> pos n. qual Meteorol. def the technique of recording wind measurements. anemology 0. syl an+e:mol+o:gy pron <2@ni1mol*Ji> pos n. def the study of winds. anemometer 1. syl an+e:mom+e:ter pron <2@ni1momit*> pos n. def Also called: {wind gauge}. an instrument for recording the speed and often the direction of winds. anemometer 2. syl an+e:mom+e:ter pron <2@ni1momit*> pos n. def any instrument that measures the rate of movement of a fluid. anemometric sub head anemometer syl an+e:mo+met+ric pron <2@nimo1metrik> pos adj. anemometrical sub head anemometer syl an+e:mo+1met+ri+cal pos adj. anemometry 0. syl an+e:mom+e:try pron <2@ni1momitri> pos n. qual Meteorol. def the technique of measuring wind speed and direction. anemone ety C16: via Latin from Greek: wind-flower, from anemos wind anemone 0. syl a:nem:o+ne pron <*1nem*ni> pos n. def any ranunculaceous woodland plant of the genus of N temperate regions, such as the white-flowered ({wood anemone} or {windflower}) . Some cultivated anemones have lilac or pale blue flowers. See also {pasque flower}. Compare {sea anemone} (an animal). anemone fish 0. syl a:nem:o+ne fish pos n. def any of various damselfishes of the genus such as (clown anemone fish), that usually live closely associated with sea anemones. anemophilous 0. syl an+e:moph:i+lous pron <2@ni1mofil*s> pos adj. usage of flowering plants such as grasses def pollinated by the wind. Compare {entomophilous}. anemophily sub head anemophilous syl an+e:1moph:i+ly pos n. anemoscope 0. syl a:nem:o+scope pron <*1nem*2sk*up> pos n. qual Meteorol. def any device that shows the presence and direction of a wind. anent ety Old English on efen, literally: on even (ground) anent 0. syl a:nent pron <*1nent> pos prep. qual Archaic or Scot. def concerning; about. anergy ety from New Latin anergia, from #7an -#7+ Greek ergon work anergy 1. syl an+er+gy pron <1@n*Ji> pos n. def lack of energy. anergy 2. syl an+er+gy pron <1@n*Ji> pos n. qual Immunol. def diminution or lack of immunity to an antigen. anergic sub head anergy syl a:ner+gic pron <@1nR:Jik> pos adj. aneroid barometer ety C19 aneroid, from French, from #7an -#7+ Greek n*_eros wet+-#7oid aneroid barometer 0. syl an+er+oid ba+rom+e:ter pron <1@n*2rcid> pos n. def a device for measuring atmospheric pressure without the use of fluids. It consists of a partially evacuated metal chamber, the thin corrugated lid of which is displaced by variations in the external air pressure. This displacement is magnified by levers and made to operate a pointer. anesthesia 0. syl an+es+the:si:a pron <2@nis1TEzi*> pos n. def the usual U.S. spelling of {anaesthesia}. anaesthesiologist alt head anesthesiologist or anesthesiologist syl an+aes+the:si+ol:o+gist pron <2@nis?!2TEzi1ol*Jist> pos n. anesthesiologist 0. or anaesthesiologist syl an+es+the:si+ol:o+gist pron <2@nis?!2TEzi1ol*Jist> pos n. def the U.S. name for an {anaesthetist}; in the U.S., a qualified doctor specializing in the administration of anaesthesia. Compare {anesthetist}. anesthetic 0. syl an+es+thet+ic pron <2@nis1Tetik> pos n. adj. def the usual U.S. spelling of {anaesthetic}. anesthetist 0. syl an+es+the+tist pron <*1nEsT*tist> pos n. usage in the U.S. def a person qualified to administer anaesthesia, often a nurse or someone other than a physician. Compare {anesthesiologist}. anestrus 0. syl an+es+trus pron <@n1Estr*s> pos n. def a variant spelling (esp. U.S.) of {anoestrus}. anestrous sub head anestrus syl an+1es+trous pos adj. anethole ety C19: from Latin an*_ethum dill, anise, from Greek an*_ethon anethole 0. syl an+e:thole pron <1@ni2T*ul> pos n. def a white water-soluble crystalline substance with a liquorice-like odour, used as a flavouring and a sensitizer in the processing of colour photographs. Formula: CH\3CH:CHC\6H\4OCH\3. Pico de infl head Aneto syl Pi:co de pron <1piko> pos n. Aneto 0. syl A:ne:to pron Spanish pos n. def a mountain in N Spain, near the French border: the highest in the Pyrenees. Height: 3404 m (11168 ft.). aneuploid 1. syl an:eu+ploid pron <1@nju2plcid> pos adj. usage of polyploid cells or organisms def having a chromosome number that is not an exact multiple of the haploid number, caused by one chromosome set being incomplete. aneuploid 2. syl an:eu+ploid pron <1@nju2plcid> pos n. def a cell or individual of this type. aneuploid xref syl an:eu+ploid pron <1@nju2plcid> pos adj. def Compare {euploid}. aneurin ety C20: from #7a (#7nti -)+(#7poly) #7neur (#7itis) + (#7vitam) #7in aneurin 0. syl an:eu+rin pron <*1nju*rin> pos n. def a less common name for {thiamine}. aneurysm ety C15: from Greek aneurusma, from aneurunein to dilate, from eurunein to widen aneurism alt head aneurysm or aneurysm syl an:eu+rism pron <1@nj*2riz*m> pos n. aneurysm 0. or aneurism syl an:eu+rysm pron <1@nj*2riz*m> pos n. def a sac formed by abnormal dilation of the weakened wall of a blood vessel. aneurysmal sub head aneurysm syl an:eu+1rys+mal pos adj. aneurismal sub head aneurysm syl an:eu+1ris+mal pos adj. aneurysmatic sub head aneurysm or aneurismatic syl an:eu+rys+1mat+ic pos adj. aneurismatic sub head aneurysm or aneurysmatic syl an:eu+ris+1mat+ic pos adj. aneurysmally sub head aneurysm syl an:eu+1rys+mal+ly pos adv. aneurismally sub head aneurysm syl an:eu+1ris+mal+ly pos adv. aneurysmatically sub head aneurysm or aneurismatically syl an:eu+rys+1mat:i+cal+ly pos adv. aneurismatically sub head aneurysm or aneurysmatically syl an:eu+ris+1mat:i+cal+ly pos adv. anew ety Old English of n*_iwe; see #7of, new anew 1. syl a:new pron <*1nju:> pos adv. def over again; once more. anew 2. syl a:new pron <*1nju:> pos adv. def in a different way; afresh. anfractuosity 1. syl an+frac+tu+os+i:ty pron <2@nfr@kCu1ositi> pos n. def the condition or quality of being anfractuous. anfractuosity 2. syl an+frac+tu+os+i:ty pron <2@nfr@kCu1ositi> pos n. def a winding, circuitous, or intricate passage, surface, process, etc. anfractuous ety C17: from Late Latin anfractu*_osus, from Latin anfractus a digression, literally: a bending anfractuous 0. syl an+frac+tu+ous pron <@n1fr@kCu*s> pos adj. def characterized by twists and turns; convoluted. Angara 0. syl An+ga+ra pron Russian pos n. def a river in the S Soviet Union, in Siberia, flowing from Lake Baikal north and west to the Yenisei River: important for hydroelectric power. Length: about 2100 km (1300 miles). Angarsk 0. syl An+garsk pron Russian pos n. def an industrial city in the SE Soviet Union, in the southern RSFSR northwest of Irkutsk. Pop.: 228000 (1975 est.). angary ety C19: from French angarie, from Late Latin angaria enforced service, from Greek angareia office of a courier, from angaros courier, of Persian origin angary 0. syl an+ga+ry pron <1@Gg*ri> pos n. qual International law. def the right of a belligerent state to use the property of a neutral state or to destroy it if necessary, subject to payment of full compensation to the owners. angel ety Old English, from Late Latin angelus, from Greek angelos messenger angel 1. syl an+gel pron <1AnJ*l> pos n. qual Theol. def one of a class of spiritual beings attendant upon God. In medieval angelology they are divided by rank into nine orders: seraphim, cherubim, thrones, dominations (or dominions), virtues, powers, principalities (or prince?!doms), archangels, and angels. angel 2. syl an+gel pron <1AnJ*l> pos n. def a divine messenger from God. angel 3. syl an+gel pron <1AnJ*l> pos n. def a guardian spirit. angel 4. syl an+gel pron <1AnJ*l> pos n. def a conventional representation of any of these beings, depicted in human form with wings. angel 5. syl an+gel pron <1AnJ*l> pos n. qual Informal. def a person, esp. a woman, who is kind, pure, or beautiful. angel 6. syl an+gel pron <1AnJ*l> pos n. qual Informal. def an investor in a venture, esp. a backer of a theatrical production. angel 7. syl an+gel pron <1AnJ*l> pos n. def Also called: {angel-noble}. a former English gold coin with a representation of the archangel Michael on it, first minted in Edward IV's reign. angel 8. syl an+gel pron <1AnJ*l> pos n. qual Informal. def an unexplained signal on a radar screen. Angelenos infl head Angeleno syl An+ge+le:nos. pos n. mod pl. Angeleno 0. syl An+ge+le:no pron <2@nJ*1lEn*u> pos n. def a native or inhabitant of Los Angeles. Angel Falls 0. syl An+gel Falls pos n. def a waterfall in SE Venezuela, on the Caroni River. Height (probably the highest in the world): 979 m (3211 ft.). angelfish infl or angelfishes syl an:gel+fish pos n. mod pl. angelfishes infl head angelfish or angelfish syl an:gel+fish:es. pos n. mod pl. angelfish 1. syl an:gel+fish pron <1AnJ*l2fiS> pos n. def any of various small tropical marine percoid fishes of the genus and related genera, which have a deep flattened brightly coloured body and brushlike teeth: family See also {butterfly fish}. angelfish 2. syl an:gel+fish pron <1AnJ*l2fiS> pos n. def Also called: {scalare}. a South American cichlid, of the Amazon region, having a compressed body and large dorsal and anal fins: a popular aquarium fish. angelfish 3. syl an:gel+fish pron <1AnJ*l2fiS> pos n. def another name for {angel shark}. angelic 1. syl an+gel+ic pron <@n1Jelik> pos adj. def of or relating to angels. angelic 2. syl an+gel+ic pron <@n1Jelik> pos adj. qual Informal. def resembling an angel in beauty, purity, power, etc. angelical sub head angelic syl an+1gel:i+cal pos adj. angelically sub head angelic syl an+1gel:i+cal+ly pos adv. angelica ety C16: from Medieval Latin (herba) angelica angelic herb angelica 1. syl an+gel+ic:a pron <@n1Jelik*> pos n. def Also called: {archangel}. any tall umbelliferous plant of the genus having compound leaves and clusters of small white or greenish flowers, esp. the aromatic seeds, leaves, and stems of which are used in medicine and cookery. angelica 2. syl an+gel+ic:a pron <@n1Jelik*> pos n. def the candied stems of this plant, used for decorating and flavouring sweet dishes. Angelic Doctor 0. syl An+gel+ic Doc+tor pos n. def an epithet of Saint Thomas Aquinas. Fra infl head Angelico syl Fra pos n. Angell 0. syl An:gell pron <1AnJ*l> pos n. def Sir {Nor@.man}. original name 1874-1967, English writer, pacifist, and economist, noted for his work on the economic futility of war, (1910): Nobel peace prize 1933. angelology 0. syl an+gel+ol+o:gy pron <2AnJ*1lol*Ji> pos n. def a doctrine or theory treating of angels. fish alt head angel shark or angel shark syl fish pos n. angel shark 0. or fish syl an+gel shark pos n. def any of several sharks constituting the family such as that have very large flattened pectoral fins and occur in the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans. Also called: {monkfish}. angels-on-horseback 0. syl an:gels-on-horse:back pos n. qual Brit. def a savoury of oysters wrapped in bacon slices and served on toast. angel's tears 0. syl an+gel's tears pos n. mod functioning as; sing. def another name for {{moonflower} (sense 2)}. Angelus ety C17: Latin, from the phrase Angelus domini nuntiavit Mariae the angel of the Lord brought tidings to Mary Angelus 1. syl An+ge+lus pron <1@nJil*s> pos n. qual R.C. Church. def a series of prayers recited in the morning, at midday, and in the evening, commemorating the Annunciation and Incarnation. Angelus 2. syl An+ge+lus pron <1@nJil*s> pos n. qual R.C. Church. def the bell ({Angelus bell}) signalling the times of these prayers. anger ety C12: from Old Norse angr grief; related to Old English enge, Old High German engi narrow, Latin angere to strangle anger 1. syl an+ger pron <1@Gg*> pos n. def a feeling of great annoyance or antagonism as the result of some real or supposed grievance; rage; wrath. anger 2. syl an+ger pron <1@Gg*> pos vb. mod tr. def to make angry; enrage. Angers 0. syl An+gers pron French <*~a1ZA> pos n. def a city in W France, on the River Maine. Pop.: 142966 (1975). Angevin 1. syl An+ge+vin pron <1@nJivin> pos n. def a native or inhabitant of Anjou. Angevin 2. syl An+ge+vin pron <1@nJivin> pos n. qual History. def a member of the Plantagenet royal line descended from Geoffrey, Count of Anjou, esp. one of the kings of England from Henry II to Richard II (1154-1216). Angevin 3. syl An+ge+vin pron <1@nJivin> pos adj. def of or relating to Anjou or its inhabitants. Angevin 4. syl An+ge+vin pron <1@nJivin> pos adj. def of or relating to the Plantagenet kings of England between 1154 and 1216. angina ety C16: from Latin: quinsy, from Greek ankhon*_e a strangling angina 1. syl an+gi+na pron <@n1JIn*> pos n. def any disease marked by painful attacks of spasmodic choking, such as Vincent's angina and quinsy. angina 2. syl an+gi+na pron <@n1JIn*> pos n. def short for {angina pectoris}. anginal sub head angina syl an+1gi+nal pos adj. anginose sub head angina or anginous syl an+gi+nose pron <@n1JIn*us>, <-n*uz> pos adj. anginous sub head angina or anginose syl an+1gi+nous pos adj. angina pectoris ety C18: New Latin: angina of the chest angina pectoris 0. syl an+gi+na pec+to+ris pron <1pAkt*ris> pos n. def a sudden intense pain in the chest, often accompanied by feelings of suffocation, caused by momentary lack of adequate blood supply to the heart muscle. Sometimes shortened to {angina}. angio- ety from Greek angeion vessel angiology 0. syl an+gi+ol+o:gy pron <2@nJi1ol*Ji> pos n. def the branch of medical science concerned with the blood vessels and the lymphatic system. angiomas infl head angioma or angiomata syl an+gi:o+mas pron <-m*t*> pos n. mod pl. angiomata infl head angioma or angiomas syl an+gi:o+ma+ta pron <-m*t*> pos n. mod pl. angioma 0. syl an+gi:o+ma pron <2@nJi1*um*> pos n. def a tumour consisting of a mass of blood vessels ({haemangioma}) or a mass of lymphatic vessels ({lymphangioma}) . angiomatous sub head angioma syl an+gi+1om:a+tous pos adj. angiosperm 0. syl an+gi:o+sperm pron <1@nJi*2spR:m> pos n. def any seed-bearing plant of the division in which the ovules are enclosed in an ovary, which develops into the fruit after fertilization; any flowering plant. Compare {gymnosperm}. angiospermous sub head angiosperm syl an+gi:o+1sper+mous pos adj. Angkor 0. syl Ang+kor pron <1@Gkc:> pos n. def a large area of ruins in NW Cambodia, containing {Angkor Thom} (t@$$:m), the capital of the former Khmer Empire, and {Angkor Wat} (w$At), a three-storey temple, which were overgrown with dense jungle from the 14th to 19th centuries. Angl 0. syl Angl. qual abbrev. for def Anglican. angle ety C14: from French, from Old Latin angulus corner angle H1.1. syl an+gle pron <1@GgL> pos n. def the space between two straight lines that diverge from a common point or between two planes that extend from a common line. angle H1.2. syl an+gle pron <1@GgL> pos n. def the shape formed by two such lines or planes. angle H1.3. syl an+gle pron <1@GgL> pos n. def the extent to which one such line or plane diverges from another, measured in degrees or radians. angle H1.4. syl an+gle pron <1@GgL> pos n. def an angular projection or recess; corner. angle H1.5. syl an+gle pron <1@GgL> pos n. def standpoint; point of view. exam 1 look at the question from another angle; exam 2 the angle of a newspaper article. angle H1.6. syl an+gle pron <1@GgL> pos n. qual Informal. def a selfish or devious motive or purpose. angle H1.7. syl an+gle pron <1@GgL> pos n. def See {angle iron}. angle H1.8. syl an+gle pron <1@GgL> pos vb. def to move in or bend into angles or an angle. angle H1.9. syl an+gle pron <1@GgL> pos vb. mod tr. def to produce (an article, statement, etc.) with a particular point of view. angle H1.10. syl an+gle pron <1@GgL> pos vb. mod tr. def to present, direct, or place at an angle. angle H1.11. syl an+gle pron <1@GgL> pos vb. mod intr. def to turn or bend in a different direction. exam 1 the path angled sharply to the left. angle ety Old English angul fishhook; related to Old High German ango, Latin uncus, Greek onkos angle H2.1. syl an+gle pron <1@GgL> pos vb. mod intr. def to fish with a hook and line. angle H2.2. syl an+gle pron <1@GgL> pos vb. mod intr. usage often foll. by for def to attempt to get. exam 1 he angled for a compliment. angle H2.3. syl an+gle pron <1@GgL> pos n. mod intr. qual Obsolete. def any piece of fishing tackle, esp. a hook. Angle ety from Latin Anglus, from Germanic (compare E#7nglish) , an inhabitant of Angul, a district in Schleswig (now Angeln) , a name identical with Old English angul hook, #7angle %2, referring to its shape Angle 0. syl An+gle pron <1@GgL> pos n. def a member of a West Germanic people from N Germany who invaded and settled large parts of E and N England in the 5th and 6th centuries #7a.d. angle bracket 0. syl an+gle brack+et pos n. def either of a pair of brackets having the shapes ?<#800034 and ?>#800035 . angle iron 1. syl an+gle i:ron pos n. def Also called: {angle, angle bar}. an iron or a steel structural bar that has an L-shaped cross section. angle iron 2. syl an+gle i:ron pos n. def any piece of iron or steel forming an angle, esp. a right angle. angle of attack 0. syl an+gle of at+tack pos n. def the acute angle between the chord line of an aerofoil and the undisturbed relative airflow. Also called: {angle of incidence}. angle of bank 0. syl an+gle of bank pos n. def the angle between the lateral axis of an aircraft in flight and the horizontal. angle of deviation 0. syl an+gle of de+vi:a+tion pos n. def the angle between the direction of the refracted ray and the direction of the incident ray when a ray of light passes from one medium to another. angle of dip 0. syl an+gle of dip pos n. def the full name {for {dip} (sense 29)}. angle of incidence 1. syl an+gle of in+ci+dence pos n. def the angle that a line or beam of radiation makes with a line perpendicular to the surface at the point of incidence. angle of incidence 2. syl an+gle of in+ci+dence pos n. def another name for {angle of attack}. angle of incidence 3. syl an+gle of in+ci+dence pos n. def Also called: {rigging angle of incidence}. the angle between the chord line of an aircraft wing or tailplane and the aircraft's longitudinal axis. angle of reflection 0. syl an+gle of re+flec+tion pos n. def the angle that a beam of reflected radiation makes with the normal to a surface at the point of reflection. angle of refraction 0. syl an+gle of re+frac+tion pos n. def the angle that a refracted beam of radiation makes with the normal to the surface between two media at the point of refraction. angle of repose 0. syl an+gle of re+pose pos n. def the maximum angle to the horizontal at which rocks, soil, etc., will remain without sliding. angle plate 0. syl an+gle plate pos n. def a steel structural plate, esp. one in the shape of a right-angled triangle, used to connect structural members and stiffen frameworks. angler 1. syl an+gler pron <1@Ggl*> pos n. def a person who fishes with a rod and line. angler 2. syl an+gler pron <1@Ggl*> pos n. qual Informal. def a person who schemes or uses devious methods to secure an advantage. angler 3. syl an+gler pron <1@Ggl*> pos n. def Also called: {angler fish}. any spiny-finned fish of the order (or . They live at the bottom of the sea and typically have a long spiny movable dorsal fin with which they lure their prey. Anglesey 0. syl An+gle+sey pron <1@GgLsi> pos n. def an island and, until 1974, a county of N Wales, now part of Gwynedd, separated from the mainland by the Menai Strait. Pop.: 59705 (1971). Area: 714 sq. km (276 sq. miles). anglesite ety C19: from A#7nglesey, where it was first found anglesite 0. syl an+gle+site pron <1@GgL2sIt> pos n. def a white or grey secondary mineral consisting of lead sulphate in orthorhombic crystalline form. It occurs in lead-ore deposits and is a source of lead. Formula: PbSO\4. angleworm 0. syl an:gle+worm pron <1@GgL2wR:m> pos n. def an earthworm used as bait by anglers. Anglia 0. syl An+gli:a pron <1@Ggli*> pos n. def a Latin name for {England}. Anglian 1. syl An+gli:an pron <1@Ggli*n> pos adj. def of or relating to the Angles or to the Anglian dialects of Old English. Anglian 2. syl An+gli:an pron <1@Ggli*n> pos n. def the group of Old and Middle English dialects spoken in the Midlands and the north of England, divided into Mercian and Northumbrian. See also {Kentish, West Saxon}. Anglian xref syl An+gli:an pron <1@Ggli*n> pos adj. def See also {East Anglia}. Anglican ety C17: from Medieval Latin Anglic*_anus, from Anglicus English, from Latin Angl*_i the Angles Anglican 1. syl An+gli+can pron <1@Gglik*n> pos adj. def denoting or relating to the Anglican communion. Anglican 2. syl An+gli+can pron <1@Gglik*n> pos n. def a member of the Church of England or one of the Churches in full communion with it. Anglican Church 0. syl An+gli+can Church pos n. def any Church of the Anglican Communion or the Anglican Communion itself. Anglican Communion 0. syl An+gli+can Com+mun+ion pos n. def a group of Christian Churches including the Church of England, the Church of Ireland, the Episcopal Church in Scotland, the Church in Wales, the Episcopal Church in the U.S., and certain other Churches, all of which are in full communion with each other. Anglicanism 0. syl An+gli+can+ism pron <1@Gglik*2niz*m> pos n. def the doctrine and practice of the Church of England and other Anglican Churches. Anglice ety from Medieval Latin Anglice 0. syl An+gli+ce pron <1@Gglisi> pos adv. def in English. exam 1 Roma, Anglice Rome. Anglicism 1. syl An+gli+cism pron <1@Ggli2siz*m> pos n. def a word, phrase, or idiom peculiar to the English language, esp. as spoken in England. Anglicism 2. syl An+gli+cism pron <1@Ggli2siz*m> pos n. def an English attitude, mannerism, custom, etc. Anglicism 3. syl An+gli+cism pron <1@Ggli2siz*m> pos n. def the fact or quality of being English. Anglist alt head Anglicist or Anglicist syl An+glist pos n. Anglicist 0. or Anglist syl An+gli+cist pron <1@Gglisist> pos n. qual Rare. def an expert in or student of English literature or language. anglicise infl head anglicize or anglify syl an+gli+cise pron <1@Ggli2sIz> anglify infl head anglicize or anglicise syl an+gli+fy pron <1@Ggli2fI> anglicizes infl head anglicize syl an+gli+ciz:es pos vb. anglicizing infl head anglicize syl an+gli+ciz+ing pos vb. anglicized infl head anglicize syl an+gli+cized pos vb. anglicises infl head anglicize or fies syl an+gli+cis:es pos vb. anglicising infl head anglicize or fying syl an+gli+cis+ing pos vb. anglicised infl head anglicize or fied syl an+gli+cised pos vb. fies infl head anglicize or anglicises syl +fies pos vb. fying infl head anglicize or anglicising syl +fy+ing pos vb. fied infl head anglicize or anglicised syl +fied. pos vb. anglicize xref syl an+gli+cize pron <1@Ggli2sIz> pos vb. usage sometimes cap. def to make or become English in outlook, attitude, form, etc. anglicization sub head anglicize or anglicisation syl an+gli+ci+1za+tion pos n. anglicisation sub head anglicize or anglicization syl an+gli+ci+1sa+tion pos n. angling 0.a. syl an+gling pron <1@GgliG> pos n. def the art or sport of catching fish with a rod and line and a baited hook or other lure, such as a fly; fishing. angling 0.b. syl an+gling pron <1@GgliG> pos n. usage as modifier exam 1 an angling contest. Anglo- ety from Medieval Latin Angli*_i Anglo- 0. syl An:glo- pron <1@Ggl*u-> usage combining form. def denoting English or England. exam 1 Anglo-Saxon. Anglo-American 1. syl An:glo-A:mer:i:can pos adj. def of or relating to relations between England and the United States or their peoples. Anglo-American 2. syl An:glo-A:mer:i:can pos n. qual Chiefly U.S. def an inhabitant or citizen of the United States who was or whose ancestors were born in England. Anglo-Catholic 1. syl An:glo-Cath:o:lic pos adj. def of or relating to a group within the Church of England or the Anglican Communion that emphasizes the Catholic elements in its teaching and practice. Anglo-Catholic 2. syl An:glo-Cath:o:lic pos n. def a member of this group. &- {An@.glo-Ca@.thol@.i@.cism} Anglo-French 1. syl An:glo-French pos adj. def of or relating to England and France. Anglo-French 2. syl An:glo-French pos adj. def of or relating to Anglo-French. Anglo-French 3. syl An:glo-French pos n. def the Norman-French language of medieval England. Anglo-Indian 1. syl An:glo-In:di:an pos adj. def of or relating to England and India. Anglo-Indian 2. syl An:glo-In:di:an pos adj. def denoting or relating to Anglo-Indians. Anglo-Indian 3. syl An:glo-In:di:an pos adj. usage of a word def introduced into English from an Indian language. {~} Anglo-Indian 4. syl An:glo-In:di:an pos adj. def a person of mixed British and Indian descent. Anglo-Indian 5. syl An:glo-In:di:an pos adj. def an Englishman who lives or has lived for a long time in India. Anglo-Irish 1. syl An:glo-I:rish pos n. mod preceded by the; functioning as; pl. def the inhabitants of Ireland of English birth or descent. Anglo-Irish 2. syl An:glo-I:rish pos n. def the English language as spoken in Ireland. Anglo-Irish 3. syl An:glo-I:rish pos adj. def of or relating to the Anglo-Irish. Anglo-Irish 4. syl An:glo-I:rish pos adj. def of or relating to English and Irish. Anglo-Irish 5. syl An:glo-I:rish pos adj. def of or relating to the English language as spoken in Ireland. Anglomania 0. syl An+glo+ma+ni:a pron <2@Ggl*u1mAni*> pos n. def excessive respect for English customs, etc. Anglomaniac sub head Anglomania syl An+glo+1ma+ni+ac pos n. Anglo-Norman 1. syl An:glo-Nor:man pos adj. qual History. def relating to the Norman conquerors of England, their society, or their language. Anglo-Norman 2. syl An:glo-Nor:man pos n. qual History. def a Norman inhabitant of England after 1066. Anglo-Norman 3. syl An:glo-Nor:man pos n. def the Anglo-French language. Anglophil alt head Anglophile or Anglophile syl An+glo+phil pos n. Anglophile 0. or Anglophil syl An+glo+phile pron <1@Ggl*ufil>, <-2fIl> pos n. def a person having admiration for England or the English. Anglophilia sub head Anglophile syl An+glo+phil:i:a pron <2@Ggl*u1fili*> pos n. Anglophiliac sub head Anglophile or Anglophilic syl An+glo+phil:i+ac pron <2@Ggl*u1fili2@k> pos adj. Anglophilic sub head Anglophile or Anglophiliac syl An:glo+phil+ic pron <2@Ggl*u1filik> pos adj. Anglophobe 0. syl An+glo+phobe pron <1@Ggl*u2f*ub> pos n. def a person who hates or fears England or its people. Anglophobia sub head Anglophobe syl An+glo+1pho+bi:a pos n. Anglophone 1. syl An+glo+phone pron <1@Ggl*2f*un> pos n. def a person who speaks English, esp. a native speaker. Anglophone 2. syl An+glo+phone pron <1@Ggl*2f*un> pos adj. def speaking English. Anglo-Saxon 1. syl An:glo-Sax:on pos n. def a member of any of the West Germanic tribes (Angles, Saxons, and Jutes) that settled in Britain from the 5th century #7a.d. and were dominant until the Norman conquest. Anglo-Saxon 2. syl An:glo-Sax:on pos n. def the language of these tribes. See {Old English}. Anglo-Saxon 3. syl An:glo-Sax:on pos n. def any White person whose native language is English and whose cultural affiliations are those common to Britain and the U.S. Anglo-Saxon 4. syl An:glo-Sax:on pos n. qual Informal. def plain blunt English, esp. English containing taboo words. Anglo-Saxon 5. syl An:glo-Sax:on pos adj. def forming part of the Germanic element in Modern English. exam 1 @6forget@9 is an Anglo-Saxon word. Anglo-Saxon 6. syl An:glo-Sax:on pos adj. def of or relating to the Anglo-Saxons or the Old English language. Anglo-Saxon 7. syl An:glo-Sax:on pos adj. def of or relating to the White Protestant culture of Britain and the U.S. Anglo-Saxon 8. syl An:glo-Sax:on pos adj. usage Informal. of English speech or writing def plain and blunt. Angola 0. syl An+go+la pron <@G1g*ul*> pos n. def a republic in SW Africa, on the Atlantic: includes the enclave of Cabinda, north of the River Congo; a Portuguese colony from 1575 until its independence in 1975. It consists of a narrow coastal plain with a large fertile plateau in the east. Currency: kwanza. Capital: Luanda. Pop.: 5673046 (1970). Area: 1246693 sq. km (481351 sq. miles). Angolan sub head Angola syl An+1go+lan pos adj. n. angora 1.a. syl an+go+ra pron <@G1gc:r*> pos n. usage sometimes cap. def the long soft hair of the outer coat of the Angora goat or the fur of the Angora rabbit. angora 1.b. syl an+go+ra pron <@G1gc:r*> pos n. usage sometimes cap. def yarn, cloth, or clothing made from this hair. angora 1.c. syl an+go+ra pron <@G1gc:r*> pos n. usage sometimes cap. def a material made to resemble this yarn or cloth. angora 1.d. syl an+go+ra pron <@G1gc:r*> pos n. usage sometimes cap.; as modifier; an angora sweater. def See also {mohair}. angora 2. syl an+go+ra pron <@G1gc:r*> pos n. qual Austral. slang. usage sometimes cap. def an idiot; fool. Angora 1. syl An+go+ra pron <@G1gc:r*>, <1@Gg*r*> pos n. def the former name (until 1930) of {Ankara}. Angora 2. syl An+go+ra pron <@G1gc:r*> pos n. def short for {Angora cat, Angora goat}, or {Angora rabbit}. Angora cat 0. syl An+go+ra cat pos n. def a former long-haired variety of cat, similar to the Persian. Angora goat 0. syl An+go+ra goat pos n. def a breed of domestic goat with long soft hair. Angora rabbit 0. syl An+go+ra rab+bit pos n. def a breed of rabbit with long usually white silky hair. Angostura 0. syl An+go+stu+ra pron Spanish <2aGgo1stura> pos n. def the former name (1764-1846) for {Ciudad Bol*'ivar}. angostura bark 0. syl an+gos+tu+ra bark pron <2@Gg*1stju*r*> pos n. def the bitter aromatic bark of certain South American rutaceous trees of the genus or used to make angostura bitters and formerly used medicinally to reduce fever. angostura bitters 0. syl an+gos+tu+ra bit+ters pos n. mod pl. qual Trademark. usage often cap. def a bitter aromatic tonic, used as a flavouring in alcoholic drinks. Angra do Hero'ismo 0. syl An+gra do He+ro+*'is+mo pron Portuguese <1*~*Ggr*> pos n. def a port in the Azores, on Terceira Island. Pop.: 40362 (1970). angrier infl head angry syl an+gri+er pos adj. angriest infl head angry syl an+gri+est. pos adj. angry 1. syl an+gry pron <1@Ggri> pos adj. def feeling or expressing annoyance, animosity, or resentment; enraged. angry 2. syl an+gry pron <1@Ggri> pos adj. def suggestive of anger. exam 1 angry clouds. angry 3. syl an+gry pron <1@Ggri> pos adj. def severely inflamed. exam 1 an angry sore. angrily sub head angry syl an+gri+ly pos adv. angry young man 1. syl an+gry young man pos n. usage often cap. def one of several British novelists and playwrights of the 1950s who shared a hostility towards the established traditions and ruling elements of their country. angry young man 2. syl an+gry young man pos n. def any similarly rebellious person or group. angst ety German angst 0. syl angst pron <@Gst>, German pos n. def an acute but nonspecific sense of anxiety or remorse. angstrom ety C20: named after Anders J. *%A#7ngstr*"om angstrom 0. syl ang+strom pron <1@Gstr^m>, <-str*m> pos n. def a unit of length equal to 10%-%1%0 metre, used principally to express the wavelengths of electromagnetic radiations. It is equivalent to 0.1 nanometre. Symbol: *%A or A Also called: {angstrom unit}. Anders Jonas infl head Angstrom syl *%An:ders Jo:nas pron <1and*rs> <1ju:nas> pos n. Angstrom 0. syl *%Ang:str*"om pron <1@Gstr*m>, Swedish <1cGstr@om> pos n. def 1814-74, Swedish physicist, noted for his work on spectroscopy and solar physics. Anguilla 0. syl An+guil+la pron <@G1gwil*> pos n. def an island in the West Indies, in the Leeward Islands: part of the British territory of St. Kitts-Nevis-Anguilla. Pop.: 5500 (1970 est.); area: 90 sq. km (35 sq. miles). anguilliform ety C17: from Latin anguilla eel, diminutive of anguis snake anguilliform 0. syl an+guil+li+form pron <@G1gwili2fc:m> pos adj. def having the shape or form of an eel. anguine ety C17: from Latin angu*_inus, from anguis snake anguine 0. syl an+guine pron <1@Ggwin> pos adj. def of, relating to, or similar to a snake. anguish ety C13: from Old French angoisse a strangling, from Latin angustia narrowness, from angustus narrow anguish 1. syl an+guish pron <1@GgwiS> pos n. def extreme pain or misery; mental or physical torture; agony. anguish 2. syl an+guish pron <1@GgwiS> pos vb. def to afflict or be afflicted with anguish. angular ety C15: from Latin angul*_aris, from angulus #7angle %1 angular 1. syl an+gu+lar pron <1@Ggjul*> pos adj. def lean or bony. angular 2. syl an+gu+lar pron <1@Ggjul*> pos adj. def awkward or stiff in manner or movement. angular 3. syl an+gu+lar pron <1@Ggjul*> pos adj. def having an angle or angles. angular 4. syl an+gu+lar pron <1@Ggjul*> pos adj. def placed at an angle. angular 5. syl an+gu+lar pron <1@Ggjul*> pos adj. def measured by an angle or by the rate at which an angle changes. angularly sub head angular syl an+gu+lar+ly pos adv. angularness sub head angular syl an+gu+lar+ness pos n. angular acceleration 0. syl an+gu+lar ac+cel+er:a+tion pos n. def the rate of change of angular velocity. angularities infl head angularity syl an+gu+lar+i:ties. pos n. mod pl. angularity 1. syl an+gu+lar+i:ty pron <2@Ggju1l@riti> pos n. def the condition of being angular. angularity 2. syl an+gu+lar+i:ty pron <2@Ggju1l@riti> pos n. def an angular form or shape. angular momentum 0. syl an+gu+lar mo+men+tum pos n. def the product of the momentum of a rotating body and its distance from the axis of rotation. angular velocity 0. syl an+gu+lar ve+loc+i:ty pos n. def the velocity of a body rotating about@T a@T fixed@T point@T measured@T as@T the@T rate@T of @T change@T of@T the@T angle subtended at that fixed point by the path of the body. Symbol: #Gw angulate ety C18: from Late Latin angul*_are to make angled, from Latin angulus #7angle %1 angulate 1. syl an+gu+late pron <1@Ggjulit>, <-2lAt> pos adj. def having angles or an angular shape. angulate 2. syl an+gu+late pron <1@Ggju2lAt> pos vb. def to make or become angular. angulated sub head angulate syl an+gu+2lat+ed pos adj. angulation 1. syl an+gu+la+tion pron <2@Ggju1lAS*n> pos n. def an angular formation. angulation 2. syl an+gu+la+tion pron <2@Ggju1lAS*n> pos n. def the precise measurement of angles. Angus 0. syl An+gus pron <1@Gg*s> pos n. usage until 1975 def a county of E Scotland, now part of Tayside region. Angus Og 0. syl An:gus Og pron <*ug> pos n. qual Irish myth. def the god of love and beauty. angwantibo ety C19: from Efik angwantibos infl head angwantibo syl ang+wan+ti+bos. pos n. mod pl. angwantibo 0. syl ang+wan+ti+bo pron <@G1gw@nti2b*u> pos n. def a rare gold-coloured prosimian primate, having digits that are specialized as a pair of pincers for climbing: family (lorises). Also called: {golden potto}. Anhalt 0. syl An+halt pron German <1anhalt> pos n. def a former state of central Germany, now part of West Germany. anhedral 0. syl an+he+dral pron <@n1hEdr*l> pos n. def the downward inclination of an aircraft wing in relation to the lateral axis. Compare {{dihedral} (sense 3)}. anhinga ety C18: via Portuguese from Tupi anhinga 0. syl an+hin+ga pron <@n1hiGg*> pos n. def another name for {darter} (the bird). Anhwei 0. syl An+hwei pron <1@n1wA> pos n. def a province of E China, crossed by the Yangtze River. Capital: Hofei. Pop.: 35000000 (1967-71 est.). Area: 13986 sq. km (54000 sq. miles). anhydride ety C19: from #7anhydr (#7ous) #7+ -#7ide anhydride 1. syl an+hy+dride pron <@n1hIdrId>, <-drid> pos n. def a compound that has been formed from another compound by dehydration. anhydride 2. syl an+hy+dride pron <@n1hIdrId>, <-drid> pos n. def a compound that forms an acid or base when added to water. anhydride 3. syl an+hy+dride pron <@n1hIdrId>, <-drid> pos n. def any organic compound containing the group -CO.O.CO- formed by removal of one water molecule from two carboxyl groups. anhydrite ety C19: from #7anhydr (#7ous) #7+ -#7ite %1 anhydrite 0. syl an+hy+drite pron <@n1hIdrIt> pos n. def a glassy colourless to grey mineral consisting of anhydrous calcium sulphate in orthorhombic crystalline form, found in sedimentary rocks. Formula: CaSO\4. anhydrous ety C19: from Greek anudros; see #7an -#7, hydro - anhydrous 0. syl an+hy+drous pron <@n1hIdr*s> pos adj. def containing no water, esp. no water of crystallization. ani ety Spanish an*'i, from Tupi anis infl head ani syl a:nis. pos n. mod pl. ani 0. syl a:ni pron <1a:ni> pos n. def any of several gregarious tropical American birds of the genus family (cuckoos). They have a black plumage, long square-tipped tail, and heavily hooked bill. Aniakchak 0. syl An:i+ak+chak pron <2@ni1@kC@k> pos n. def an active volcanic crater in SW Alaska, on the Alaska Peninsula: the largest explosion crater in the world. Height: 1347 m (4420 ft.). Diameter: 9 km (6 miles). aniconic ety C19: from #7an -+#7iconic aniconic 0. syl an+i:con+ic pron <2@nI1konik> pos adj. usage of images of deities, symbols, etc. def not portrayed in a human or animal form. anil ety C16: from Portuguese, from Arabic an-*_nil, the indigo, from Sanskrit n*_ila dark blue anil 0. syl an:il pron <1@nil> pos n. def a leguminous West Indian shrub, a source of indigo. Also called: {indigo}. anile ety C17: from Latin an*_ilis, from anus old woman anile 0. syl an+ile pron <1@nIl>, <1AnIl> pos adj. def of or like a feeble old woman. anility sub head anile syl a:nil+i:ty pron <*1nil?!iti> pos n. aniline 0. syl an:i+line pron <1@nilin>, <-2lEn> pos n. def a colourless oily pungent poisonous liquid used in the manufacture of dyes, plastics, pharmaceuticals, and explosives. Formula: C\6H\5NH\2. Also called: {phenyl?!amine}. aniline dye 0. syl an:i+line dye pos n. def any synthetic dye originally made from raw materials, such as aniline, found in coal tar. anilingus ety C20: from ani- #7anus+ -lingus, as in #7cunnilingus anilingus 0. syl a:ni+lin+gus pron <2Ani1liGg*s> pos n. def sexual stimulation involving oral contact with the anus. anim 0. syl anim. qual abbrev. for def animato. anima ety Latin: air, breath, spirit, feminine of #7animus anima 0.a. syl an:i+ma pron <1@nim*> pos n. usage in Jungian psychology def the inner personality, which is in communication with the unconscious. anima 0.b. syl an:i+ma pron <1@nim*> pos n. usage in Jungian psychology def the feminine principle as present in the male unconscious. See also {animus}. animadversion 1. syl an:i+mad+ver+sion pron <2@nim@d1vR:S*n> pos n. def criticism or censure. animadversion 2. syl an:i+mad+ver+sion pron <2@nim@d1vR:S*n> pos n. def a carefully considered observation. animadvert ety C16: from Latin animadvertere to notice, pay attention, from animus mind+ advertere to turn to, from vertere to turn animadvert 1. syl an:i+mad+vert pron <2@nim@d1vR:t> pos vb. mod intr. usage usually foll. by on or upon def to comment with strong criticism (upon); make censorious remarks (about). animadvert 2. syl an:i+mad+vert pron <2@nim@d1vR:t> pos vb. mod intr. def to make an observation or comment. animal ety C14: from Latin animal (n.), from anim*_alis (adj.) living, breathing; see #7anima animal 1. syl an:i+mal pron <1@nim*l> pos n. qual Zoology. def any living organism characterized by voluntary movement, the possession of cells with noncellulose cell walls and specialized sense organs enabling rapid response to stimuli, and the ingestion of complex organic substances such as plants and other animals. animal 2. syl an:i+mal pron <1@nim*l> pos n. def any mammal, esp. any mammal except man. animal 3. syl an:i+mal pron <1@nim*l> pos n. def a brutish person. animal 4. syl an:i+mal pron <1@nim*l> pos n. qual Facetious. def a person or thing (esp. in the phrase {no such animal) }. animal 5. syl an:i+mal pron <1@nim*l> pos adj. def of or relating to animals. exam 1 animal products; exam 2 an animal characteristic. animal 6. syl an:i+mal pron <1@nim*l> pos adj. def of or relating to the physical needs or desires; carnal; sensual. animalcule ety C16: from New Latin animalculum a small #7animal animalculum alt head animalcule or animalcule syl an:i+mal+cu+lum pron <2@ni?!1m@lkjul*m> pos n. animalcules infl head animalcule or animalcula syl an:i+mal+cules pron <-kjul*> pos n. mod pl. animalcula infl head animalcule or animalcules syl an:i+mal+cu+la pron <-kjul*> pos n. mod pl. animalcule 0. or animalculum syl an:i+mal+cule pron <2@ni1m@lkju:l> pos n. def a microscopic animal such as an amoeba or rotifer. animalcular sub head animalcule syl an:i+1mal+cu+lar pos adj. animal husbandry 0. syl an:i+mal hus+band+ry pos n. def the science of breeding, rearing, and caring for farm animals. animalism 1. syl an:i+mal+ism pron <1@nim*2liz*m> pos n. def satisfaction of or preoccupation with physical matters; sensuality. animalism 2. syl an:i+mal+ism pron <1@nim*2liz*m> pos n. def the doctrine or belief that man lacks a spiritual nature. animalism 3. syl an:i+mal+ism pron <1@nim*2liz*m> pos n. def a trait or mode of behaviour typical of animals. animalist sub head animalism syl an:i+mal+ist pos n. animality 1. syl an:i+mal+i:ty pron <2@ni1m@liti> pos n. def the animal side of man, as opposed to the intellectual or spiritual. animality 2. syl an:i+mal+i:ty pron <2@ni1m@liti> pos n. def the fact of being or having the characteristics of an animal. animalise alt head animalize or animalize syl an:i+mal+ise pron <1@nim*2lIz> pos vb. mod tr. animalize 0. or animalise syl an:i+mal+ize pron <1@nim*2lIz> pos vb. mod tr. def to rouse to brutality or sensuality or make brutal or sensual. animalization sub head animalize or animalisation syl an:i+mal:i+1za+tion pos n. animalisation sub head animalize or animalization syl an:i+mal:i+1sa+tion pos n. animal kingdom 0. syl an:i+mal king+dom pos n. def a category of living organisms comprising all animals. Compare {plant kingdom, mineral kingdom}. animal magnetism 1. syl an:i+mal mag+net+ism pos n. qual Sometimes facetious. def the quality of being attractive, esp. to members of the opposite sex. animal magnetism 2. syl an:i+mal mag+net+ism pos n. qual Obsolete. def hypnotism. animal starch 0. syl an:i+mal starch pos n. def a less common name for {glycogen}. animate ety C16: from Latin anim*_are to fill with breath, make alive, from anima breath, spirit &- #!an@.i+@!mat+ed+ly adv. animate 1. syl an:i+mate pron <1@ni2mAt> pos vb. mod tr. def to give life to or cause to come alive. animate 2. syl an:i+mate pron <1@ni2mAt> pos vb. mod tr. def to make gay or lively; enliven. animate 3. syl an:i+mate pron <1@ni2mAt> pos vb. mod tr. def to encourage or inspire. animate 4. syl an:i+mate pron <1@ni2mAt> pos vb. mod tr. def to impart motion to; move to action or work. animate 5. syl an:i+mate pron <1@ni2mAt> pos vb. mod tr. def to record on film so as to give movement to. exam 1 an animated cartoon. animate 6. syl an:i+mate pron <1@nimit> pos adj. mod tr. def being alive or having life. animate 7. syl an:i+mate pron <1@nimit> pos adj. mod tr. def gay, spirited, or lively. animated cartoon 0. syl an:i+mat+ed car+toon pos n. def a film produced by photographing a series of gradually changing drawings, etc., which give the illusion of movement when the series is projected rapidly. animation 1. syl an:i+ma+tion pron <2@ni1mAS*n> pos n. def liveliness; vivacity. animation 2. syl an:i+ma+tion pron <2@ni1mAS*n> pos n. def the condition of being alive. animation 3.a. syl an:i+ma+tion pron <2@ni1mAS*n> pos n. def the techniques used in the production of animated cartoons. animation 3.b. syl an:i+ma+tion pron <2@ni1mAS*n> pos n. def a variant of {animated cartoon}. animatism 0. syl an:i+ma+tism pron <1@nim*2tiz*m> pos n. def the belief that inanimate objects have consciousness. animato ety Italian animato 0. syl a:ni+ma+to pron <2@ni1ma:t*u> pos adj. adv. qual Music. def lively; animated. animater alt head animator or animator syl an:i+mat+er pron <1@ni2mAt*> pos n. animator 0. or animater syl an:i+ma+tor pron <1@ni2mAt*> pos n. def an artist who produces animated cartoons. anim'e ety French: of uncertain origin anim'e 0. syl an:i+m*'e pron <1@ni2mA>, <-mi> pos n. def any of various resins, esp. that obtained from the tropical American leguminous tree animism ety C19: from Latin anima vital breath, spirit animism 1. syl an:i+mism pron <1@ni2miz*m> pos n. def the belief that natural objects, phenomena, and the universe itself possess souls. animism 2. syl an:i+mism pron <1@ni2miz*m> pos n. usage in the philosophies of Plato and Pythagoras def the hypothesis that there is an immaterial force that animates the universe. animist sub head animism syl an:i+mist pos n. animistic sub head animism syl an:i+mis+tic pron <2@ni1mistik> pos adj. animosity ety C15: from Late Latin anim*_osit*_as, from Latin anim*_osus spirited, from #7animus animosities infl head animosity syl an:i+mos+i:ties. pos n. mod pl. animosity 0. syl an:i+mos+i:ty pron <2@ni1mositi> pos n. def a powerful and active dislike or hostility; enmity. animus ety C19: from Latin: mind, spirit animus 1. syl an:i+mus pron <1@nim*s> pos n. def intense dislike; hatred; animosity. animus 2. syl an:i+mus pron <1@nim*s> pos n. def motive, intention, or purpose. animus 3. syl an:i+mus pron <1@nim*s> pos n. usage in Jungian psychology def the masculine principle present in the female unconscious. See also {anima}. anion ety C19: from #7ana -#7+#7ion &- an@.i+on+ic (@!@ana$I#!$An$Ik) adj. anion 0. syl an+i:on pron <1@n2I*n> pos n. def a negatively charged ion; an ion that is attracted to the anode during electrolysis. Compare {cation}. anise ety C13: from Old French anis, via Latin from Greek anison anise 0. syl an+ise pron <1@nis> pos n. def a Mediterranean umbelliferous plant, having clusters of small yellowish-white flowers and liquorice-flavoured seeds (see {aniseed) }. aniseed 0. syl an:i+seed pron <1@ni2sEd> pos n. def the liquorice-flavoured aromatic seeds of the anise plant, used medicinally for expelling intestinal gas and in cookery as a flavouring, esp. in cakes. Also called: {anise}. aniseikonia ety C20: New Latin, from #7aniso -#7+ Greek eikon image aniseikonia 0. syl an+is:ei+ko+ni:a pron <2@nIsI1k*uni*> pos n. def a visual defect in which the shape and size of an object seen by one eye differs from that seen by the other eye. aniseikonic sub head aniseikonia syl an+is:ei+1kon+ic pos adj. anisette ety C19: from French; see #7anise, -#7ette anisette 0. syl an:i+sette pron <2@ni1zet>, <-1set> pos n. def a liquorice-flavoured liqueur made from aniseed. aniso- ety New Latin, from Greek anisos; see #7an -#7, iso - anisodactyl 1. syl an+i:so+dac+tyl pron <@n2Is*u1d@ktil>, <2@nI-> pos adj. usage also; of the feet of passerine birds def having the first toe directed backwards and the other three toes directed forwards. anisodactyl 2. syl an+i:so+dac+tyl pron <@n2Is*u1d@ktil>, <2@nI-> pos n. usage also def a bird having this type of feet. anisogamy 0. syl an:i+sog:a+my pron <2@nI1sog*mi> pos n. def a type of sexual reproduction in which the gametes are dissimilar, either in size alone or in size and form. anisogamous sub head anisogamy syl an:i+1sog:a+mous pos adj. anisole ety C19: from #7anise+ -#7ole anisole 0. syl an:i+sole pron <1@ni2s*ul> pos n. def a colourless pleasant-smelling liquid used as a solvent and vermicide and in perfume and flavouring. Formula: C\6H\5OCH\3; relative density: 0.996; melting pt.: -37.5?%C; boiling pt.: 155?%C. anisomerous 0. syl an+i:som+er+ous pron <2@ni1som*r*s> pos adj. usage of flowers def having floral whorls that differ in the number of their parts. Compare {{isomerous} (sense 2)}. anisometric 1. syl an+i:so+met+ric pron <@n2Is*u1metrik> pos adj. def not isometric; having unsymmetrical parts or unequal measurements. anisometric 2. syl an+i:so+met+ric pron <@n2Is*u1metrik> pos adj. usage of a crystal def having unequal axes. anisometropia 0. syl an+i:so+me:tro+pi:a pron <@n2Is*um*1tr*upi*>, <2@nI-> pos n. def an im?!balance in the power of the two eyes to refract light. anisotropic 1. syl an+i:so+trop+ic pron <@n2Is*u1tropik>, <2@nI-> pos adj. def not isotropic; having different physical properties in different directions. exam 1 anisotropic crystals. anisotropic 2. syl an+i:so+trop+ic pron <@n2Is*u1tropik>, <2@nI-> pos adj. usage of a plant def responding unequally to an external stimulus in different parts of the plant. &- {an+@!i@.so+#!trop@.i+cal+ly} anisotropy sub head anisotropic syl an+i:sot+ro+py pron <2@nI1sotr*pi> pos n. Anjou 0. syl An+jou pron French <*~a1Zu> pos n. def a former province of W France, in the Loire valley: a medieval countship from the 10th century, belonging to the English crown from 1154 until 1204; annexed by France in 1480. Ankara 0. syl An+ka+ra pron <1@Gk*r*> pos n. def the capital of Turkey, an ancient city in the Anatolian highlands: first a capital in the 3rd century #7b.c., in the Celtic kingdom of Galatia. Pop.: 1701004 (1975). Ancient name: {Ancyra}. Former name (until 1930): {Angora}. ankerite ety C19: named after M. J. Anker (died 1843), Austrian mineralogist ankerite 0. syl an+ker+ite pron <1@Gk*2rIt> pos n. def a greyish to brown mineral that resembles dolomite and consists of a carbonate of calcium, magnesium, and iron. Formula: (Ca,Mg,Fe)CO\3. ankh ety from Egyptian `nh life, soul ankh 0. syl ankh pron <@Gk> pos n. def a tall cross with a loop on the top, symbolizing eternal life: often appearing in Egyptian personal names, such as Tutankhamen. Also called: {ansate cross, crux ansata}. Anking 0. syl An+king pron <1a:n1kiG> pos n. def a city in E China, capital of Anhwei province, on the Yangtze River: famous seven-storeyed pagoda. Pop.: 105300 (1953). ankle ety C14: from Old Norse; related to German, Dutch enkel, Latin angulus #7angle %1 ankle 1. syl an+kle pron <1@GkL> pos n. def the joint connecting the leg and the foot. See {talus%1}. ankle 2. syl an+kle pron <1@GkL> pos n. def the part of the leg just above the foot. anklebone 0. syl an:kle+bone pron <1@GkL2b*un> pos n. def the nontechnical name for {talus%1}. ankle sock 0. syl an+kle sock pos n. mod often; pl. qual Brit. def a short sock coming up to the ankle. U.S. term: {anklet}. anklet 1. syl an+klet pron <1@Gklit> pos n. def an ornamental chain worn around the ankle. anklet 2. syl an+klet pron <1@Gklit> pos n. def the U.S. word for {ankle sock}. ankus ety from Hindi ankus infl or ankuses syl an+kus pos n. mod pl. ankuses infl head ankus or ankus syl an+kus:es. pos n. mod pl. ankus 0. syl an+kus pron <1@Gk*s> pos n. def a stick used, esp. in India, for goading elephants. ankylosaur ety C20: from New Latin, from Greek ankulos crooked+ -#7saur ankylosaur 0. syl an+ky+lo+saur pron <1@Gkil*u2sc:> pos n. def any of various quadrupedal herbivorous ornithischian dinosaurs constituting the suborder which were most abundant in upper Cretaceous times and had a very heavily armoured tanklike body. anchylose alt head ankylose or ankylose syl an+chy+lose pron <1@Gki2l*us>, <-2l*uz> pos vb. ankylose 0. or anchylose syl an+ky+lose pron <1@Gki2l*us>, <-2l*uz> pos vb. usage of bones in a joint, etc. def to fuse or stiffen by ankylosis. ankylosis ety C18: from New Latin, from Greek ankuloun to crook anchylosis alt head ankylosis or ankylosis syl an+chy+lo+sis pron <2@Gki1l*usis> pos n. ankylosis 0. or anchylosis syl an+ky+lo+sis pron <2@Gki1l*usis> pos n. def abnormal adhesion or immobility of the bones in a joint, as by a direct joining of the bones, a fibrous growth of tissues within the joint, or surgery. ankylotic sub head ankylosis or anchylotic syl an+ky+lot+ic pron <2@Gki1lotik> pos adj. anchylotic sub head ankylosis or ankylotic syl an+chy+lot+ic pron <2@Gki1lotik> pos adj. ankylostomiasis 0. syl an+ky+los+to+mi:a+sis pron <2@Gki2lost*1mI*sis> pos n. def a variant spelling of {ancylostomiasis}. anlace ety C13: of unknown origin anelace alt head anlace or anlace syl an+e:lace pron <1@n*2lAs> pos n. anlace 0. or anelace syl an+lace pron <1@nlis> pos n. def a medieval short dagger with a broad tapering blade. anlage ety German: predisposition, layout anlagen infl head anlage or anlages syl an+la+gen pron <-g*n> pos n. mod pl. anlages infl head anlage or anlagen syl an+la+ges. pos n. mod pl. anlage 0. syl an+la+ge pron <1@n2la:g*> pos n. def another word for {primordium}. ann 1. syl ann. qual abbrev. for: def annals (periodical publications). ann 2. syl ann. qual abbrev. for: def an?!nual. ann 3. syl ann. qual abbrev. for: def annuity. anna ety C18: from Hindi *_an*_a anna 0. syl an:na pron <1@n*> pos n. def a former Indian copper coin, worth one sixteenth of a rupee. Annaba 0. syl An+na+ba pron <1@n*b*> pos n. def a port in NE Algeria: site of the Roman city of Hippo Regius. Pop.: 152006 (1966). Former name: {B*^one}. annabergite ety C19: named after Annaberg in Saxony, where it was discovered; see -#7ite %1 annabergite 0. syl an+na+berg+ite pron <1@n*2bR:gIt> pos n. def a rare green secondary mineral consisting of hydrated nickel arsenate in monoclinic crystalline form. Formula: Ni\3(AsO\4)\2.8H\2O. Also called: {nickel bloom}. annal 0. syl an+nal pron <1@nL> pos n. def the recorded events of one year. See also {annals}. annals ety C16: from Latin (libr*_i) ann*_al*_es yearly (books), from annus year &- #!an+nal+ist n. &- @!an+nal+#!is+tic adj. annals 1. syl an+nals pron <1@nLz> pos n. mod pl. def yearly records of events, generally in chronological order. annals 2. syl an+nals pron <1@nLz> pos n. mod pl. def history or records of history in general. annals 3. syl an+nals pron <1@nLz> pos n. mod pl. def regular reports of the work of a society, learned body, etc. Anam alt head Annam or Annam syl A:nam pron <@1n@m>, <1@n@m> pos n. Annam 0. or Anam syl An+nam pron <@1n@m>, <1@n@m> pos n. def a former kingdom (3rd cent.-1428), empire (1428-1884), and French protectorate (1884-1945) of E Indochina: now part of Vietnam. Annamese 1. syl An+na+mese pron <2@n*1mEz> pos adj. def of or relating to Annam. Annamese 2. syl An+na+mese pron <2@n*1mEz> pos adj. n. def a former word for {Vietnamese}. Annapolis 0. syl An+nap:o+lis pron <*1n@p*lis> pos n. def the capital of Maryland, near the mouth of the Severn River on Chesapeake Bay: site of the U.S. Naval Academy. Pop.: 29592 (1970). Annapolis Royal 0. syl An+nap:o+lis Roy+al pos n. def a town in SE Canada in W Nova Scotia on an arm of the Bay of Fundy: the first settlement in Canada (1605). Pop.: 758 (1971). Former name (until 1710): {Park Royal}. Anapurna alt head Annapurna or Annapurna syl A:na+pur+na pron <2@n*1pu*n*> pos n. Annapurna 0. or Anapurna syl An+na+pur+na pron <2@n*1pu*n*> pos n. def a massif of the Himalayas, in Nepal. Highest peak: 8078 m (26502 ft.). Ann Arbor 0. syl Ann Ar+bor pron <@n> <1a:b*> pos n. def a city in SE Michigan: seat of the University of Michigan. Pop.: 104791 (1973 est.). annates ety C16: plural of French annate, from Medieval Latin ann*_ata, from Latin annus year annates 0. syl an+nates pron <1@nAts>, <-*ts> pos n. mod pl. qual R.C. Church. def the first year's revenue of a see, an abbacy, or a minor benefice, paid to the pope. annatto ety from Carib anatto alt head annatto or annatto syl a:nat+to pron <*1n@t*u> pos n. annattos infl head annatto syl an+nat+tos. pos n. mod pl. annatto 1. or anatto syl an+nat+to pron <*1n@t*u> pos n. def a small tropical American tree, having red or pinkish flowers and pulpy seeds that yield a dye: family annatto 2. or anatto syl an+nat+to pron <*1n@t*u> pos n. def the yellowish-red dye obtained from the pulpy outer layer of the coat of the seeds of this tree, used for colouring fabrics, butter, varnish, etc. Princess 1. head Anne syl Princess. def born 1950, daughter of Elizabeth II of England; noted also as a horsewoman. Queen 2. head Anne syl Queen. def 1665-1714, queen of Great Britain and Ireland (1702-14), daughter of James II, and the last of the Stuart monarchs. Saint 3. head Anne syl Saint. usage in Christian tradition def the mother of the Virgin Mary. Feast day: July 26. anneal ety Old English on*_@alan, from #7on+ *_@alan to burn, from *_al fire anneal 1. syl an+neal pron <*1nEl> pos vb. def to temper or toughen (something) by heat treatment. anneal 2. syl an+neal pron <*1nEl> pos vb. def to subject to or undergo some physical treatment, esp. heating, that removes internal stress, crystal defects, and dislocations. anneal 3. syl an+neal pron <*1nEl> pos vb. mod tr. def to toughen or strengthen (the will, determination, etc.). anneal 4. syl an+neal pron <*1nEl> pos vb. qual Physics. usage often foll. by out def to disappear or cause to disappear by a rearrangement of atoms. exam 1 defects anneal out at different temperatures. anneal 5. syl an+neal pron <*1nEl> pos vb. def an act of annealing. annealer sub head anneal syl an+1neal+er pos n. Anne Boleyn 0. syl Anne Bo:leyn pos n. def See (Anne) {Boleyn}. Annecy 1. syl Anne+cy pron French pos n. def a city and resort in E France, on Lake Annecy. Pop.: 54954 (1975). Lake 2. head Annecy syl Lake. def a lake in E France, in the Alps. annelid ety C19: from New Latin Annelida, from French annel*'es, literally: the ringed ones, from Old French annel ring, from Latin *_anellus, from *_anulus ring annelid 1. syl an+ne:lid pron <1@n*lid> pos n. def any worms of the phylum in which the body is divided into segments both externally and internally. The group includes the earthworms, lugworm, ragworm, and leeches. annelid 2. syl an+ne:lid pron <1@n*lid> pos adj. def of, relating to, or belonging to the annelidan sub head annelid syl an+nel:i+dan pron <*1neli?!d*n> pos n. adj. Anne of Austria 0. syl Anne of Aus+tri:a pos n. def 1601-66, wife of Louis XIII of France and daughter of Philip III of Spain: regent of France (1643-61) for her son Louis XIV. Anne of Bohemia 0. syl Anne of Bo+he+mi:a pos n. def 1366-94, queen consort of Richard II of England. Anne of Cleves 0. syl Anne of Cleves pron pos n. def 1515-57, the fourth wife of Henry VIII of England, whose marriage (1540) was annulled after six months. annex ety C14: from Medieval Latin annex*_are, from Latin annectere to attach to, from nectere to join annex 1. syl an+nex pron <@1neks> pos vb. mod tr. def to join or add, esp. to something larger; attach. annex 2. syl an+nex pron <@1neks> pos vb. mod tr. def to add territory by conquest or occupation. annex 3. syl an+nex pron <@1neks> pos vb. mod tr. def to add or append as a condition, warranty, etc. annex 4. syl an+nex pron <@1neks> pos vb. mod tr. def to appropriate without permission. annex 5. syl an+nex pron <1@neks> pos n. mod tr. def a variant spelling (esp. U.S.) of {annexe}. annexable sub head annex syl an+1nex+a:ble pos adj. annexation 1. syl an+nex:a+tion pron <2@nik1sAS*n>, <-ek-> pos n. def the act of annexing, esp. territory, or the condition of being annexed. annexation 2. syl an+nex:a+tion pron <2@nik1sAS*n>, <-ek-> pos n. def something annexed. annexational sub head annexation syl an+nex:1a+tion+al pos adj. annexationism sub head annexation syl an+nex:1a+tion+ism pos n. annexationist sub head annexation syl an+nex:1a+tion+ist pos n. annexe 1. syl an+nexe usage esp. U.S. def an extension to a main building. annexe 2. syl an+nexe usage esp. U.S. def something added or annexed, esp. a supplement to a document. annihilate ety C16: from Late Latin annihil*_are to bring to nothing, from Latin nihil nothing annihilate 1. syl an+ni+hi+late pron <*1nI*2lAt> pos vb. mod tr. def to destroy completely; extinguish. annihilate 2. syl an+ni+hi+late pron <*1nI*2lAt> pos vb. mod tr. qual Informal. def to defeat totally, as in debate or argument. annihilable sub head annihilate syl an+ni+hil+a:ble pron <*1nI*l*bL> pos adj. annihilative sub head annihilate syl an+1ni+hi+la+tive pos adj. annihilator sub head annihilate syl an+1ni+hi+2la+tor pos n. annihilation 1. syl an+ni+hi+la+tion pron <*2nI*1lAS*n> pos n. def total destruction. annihilation 2. syl an+ni+hi+la+tion pron <*2nI*1lAS*n> pos n. def the act of annihilating. annihilation 3. syl an+ni+hi+la+tion pron <*2nI*1lAS*n> pos n. def the destruction of a particle and its antiparticle when they collide. The energy equivalent of the interacting masses is converted into one or more photons of {annihilation radiation}. anniversary ety C13: from Latin annivers*_arius returning every year, from annus year+ vertere to turn anniversaries infl head anniversary syl an+ni+ver+sa+ries. pos n. mod pl. anniversary 1. syl an+ni+ver+sa+ry pron <2@ni1vR:s*ri> pos n. def the date on which an event occurred in some previous year. exam 1 a wedding anniversary. anniversary 2. syl an+ni+ver+sa+ry pron <2@ni1vR:s*ri> pos n. def the celebration of this. anniversary 3. syl an+ni+ver+sa+ry pron <2@ni1vR:s*ri> pos adj. def of or relating to an anniversary. anniversary 4. syl an+ni+ver+sa+ry pron <2@ni1vR:s*ri> pos adj. def recurring every year, esp. on the same date. Anniversary Day 0. syl An+ni+ver+sa+ry Day pos n. def another name for {Australia Day}. anno Domini ety Latin: in the year of our Lord anno Domini 0. syl an:no Dom:i+ni pron <1@n*u> <1domi2nI>, <-2nE> def the full form of {A.D}. anno regni 0. syl an:no reg+ni pron Latin. <1@n*u> <1regnI> def in the year of the reign. annotate ety C18: from Latin annot*_are, from nota mark &- #!an+no+@!tat+a@.ble adj. ?- #!an+no+@!ta+tive adj. annotate 0. syl an+no+tate pron <1@n*u2tAt>, <1@n*-> pos vb. def to supply (a written work, such as an ancient text) with critical or explanatory notes. annotator sub head annotate syl an+no+2ta+tor pos n. annotation 1. syl an+no+ta+tion pron <2@n*u1tAS*n>, <2@n*-> pos n. def the act of annotat?!ing. annotation 2. syl an+no+ta+tion pron <2@n*u1tAS*n>, <2@n*-> pos n. def a note added in explanation, etc., esp. of some literary work. announce ety C15: from Old French anoncer, from Latin annunit*_are, from nuntius messenger announce 1. syl an+nounce pron <*1nauns> pos vb. mod tr. usage may take a clause as object def to make known publicly; proclaim. announce 2. syl an+nounce pron <*1nauns> pos vb. mod tr. def to declare the arrival of. exam 1 to announce a guest. announce 3. syl an+nounce pron <*1nauns> pos vb. mod tr. usage may take a clause as object def to reveal to the mind or senses; presage. exam 1 the dark clouds an?!nounced rain. announce 4. syl an+nounce pron <*1nauns> pos vb. mod intr. def to work as an announcer, as on radio or television. announce 5. syl an+nounce pron <*1nauns> pos vb. qual U.S. def to make known (one's intention to run as a candidate). exam 1 to announce for the presidency. announcement 1. syl an+nounce+ment pron <*1naunsm*nt> pos n. def a public statement. announcement 2. syl an+nounce+ment pron <*1naunsm*nt> pos n. def a brief item or advertisement, as in a newspaper. announcement 3. syl an+nounce+ment pron <*1naunsm*nt> pos n. def a formal printed or written invitation. announcement 4. syl an+nounce+ment pron <*1naunsm*nt> pos n. def the act of announcing. ********************************************************************** ********************************************************************** the act of announcing. ********************************************************************** ********************************************************************** position. announcement 5. syl an+nounce+ment pron <*1naunsm*nt> pos n. usage foll. by on def to move (towards) in a threatening manner. announcement 6. syl an+nounce+ment pron <*1naunsm*nt> pos n. mod tr. def to present for consideration; suggest. announcement 7. syl an+nounce+ment pron <*1naunsm*nt> pos n. def to bring or be brought to a further stage of announcer 0. syl an+nounc+er pron <*1nauns*> pos n. def a person who announces, esp. one who reads the news, introduces programmes, etc., on radio or television. anno urbis conditae 0. syl an:no ur+bis con+di+tae pron Latin. <1@n*u> <1R:bis> <1kondi2tE> def the full form of {A.U.C}. annoy ety C13: from Old French anoier, from Late Latin inodi*_are to make hateful, from Latin in odi*_o (esse) (to be) hated, from odium hatred annoy 1. syl an+noy pron <*1nci> pos vb. def to irritate or displease. annoy 2. syl an+noy pron <*1nci> pos vb. def to harass with repeated attacks. annoyer sub head annoy syl an+1noy+er pos n. annoyance 1. syl an+noy+ance pron <*1nci*ns> pos n. def the feeling of being annoyed. annoyance 2. syl an+noy+ance pron <*1nci*ns> pos n. def the act of annoying. annoyance 3. syl an+noy+ance pron <*1nci*ns> pos n. def a person or thing that annoys. annual ety C14: from Late Latin annu*_alis, from Latin annuus yearly, from annus year annual 1. syl an+nu:al pron <1@nju*l> pos adj. def occurring, done, etc., once a year or every year; yearly. exam 1 an annual income. annual 2. syl an+nu:al pron <1@nju*l> pos adj. def lasting for a year. exam 1 an annual subscription. annual 3. syl an+nu:al pron <1@nju*l> pos n. def a plant that completes its life cycle in one year. Compare { {perennial} (sense 3)}, { {biennial} (sense 3)}. annual 4. syl an+nu:al pron <1@nju*l> pos n. def a book, magazine, etc., published once every year. annually sub head annual syl an+nu+al+ly pos adv. annual parallax 0. syl an+nu:al par+al+lax pos n. def See under { {parallax} (sense 2)}. annual ring 0. syl an+nu:al ring pos n. def a ring of wood indicating one year's growth, seen in the transverse section of stems and roots of woody plants growing in temperate climates. annuitant 0. syl an+nu:i+tant pron <*1nju:it*nt> pos n. def a person in receipt of or entitled to an annuity. annuity ety C15: from French annuit*'e, from Medieval Latin annuit*_as, from Latin annuus #7annual annuities infl head annuity syl an+nu+i:ties. pos n. mod pl. annuity 1. syl an+nu+i:ty pron <*1nju:iti> pos n. def a fixed sum payable at specified intervals, esp. annually, over a period, such as the recipient's life, or in perpetuity, in return for a premium paid either in instalments or in a single payment. annuity 2. syl an+nu+i:ty pron <*1nju:iti> pos n. def the right to receive or the duty to pay such a sum. annul ety C14: from Old French annuller, from Late Latin adnull*_are to bring to nothing, from Latin nullus not any; see #7null annuls infl head annul syl an+nuls pos vb. mod tr. annulling infl head annul syl an+nul+ling pos vb. mod tr. annulled infl head annul syl an+nulled. pos vb. mod tr. annul 0. syl an+nul pron <*1n^l> pos vb. mod tr. def to make (something, esp. a law or marriage) void; cancel the validity of; abolish. annullable sub head annul syl an+1nul+la:ble pos adj. annular ety C16: from Latin annul*_aris, from annulus, *_anulus ring annular 0. syl an+nu+lar pron <1@njul*> pos adj. def ring-shaped; of or forming a ring. annularity sub head annular syl an+nu+lar+i:ty pron <2@nju1l@riti> pos n. annularly sub head annular syl an+nu+lar+ly pos adv. annular eclipse 0. syl an+nu+lar e:clipse pos n. def an eclipse of the sun in which the moon does not cover the entire disc of the sun, so that a ring of sunlight surrounds the darkened moon. Compare {total eclipse, partial eclipse}. annular ligament 0. syl an+nu+lar lig:a+ment pos n. qual Anatomy. def any of various ligaments that encircle a part, such as the wrist, ankle, or trachea. annulate ety C19: from Latin *_anul*_atus, from *_anulus a ring annulate 0. syl an+nu+late pron <1@njulit>, <-2lAt> pos adj. def having, composed of, or marked with rings. annulated sub head annulate syl an+nu+2lat+ed pos adj. annulation 1. syl an+nu+la+tion pron <2@nju1lAS*n> pos n. def the formation of rings. annulation 2. syl an+nu+la+tion pron <2@nju1lAS*n> pos n. def a ringlike formation or part. annulet ety C16: from Latin *_anulus ring+-#7et annulet 1. syl an+nu+let pron <1@nju2lit> pos n. qual Architect. def a moulding in the form of a ring, as at the top of a column adjoining the capital. annulet 2. syl an+nu+let pron <1@nju2lit> pos n. qual Heraldry. def a ring-shaped device on a shield; hollow roundel. annulet 3. syl an+nu+let pron <1@nju2lit> pos n. def a little ring. annulment 1. syl an+nul+ment pron <*1n^lm*nt> pos n. def a formal invalidation, as of a marriage, judicial proceeding, etc. annulment 2. syl an+nul+ment pron <*1n^lm*nt> pos n. def the act of annulling. annulose ety C19: from New Latin annul*_osus; see #7annulus annulose 0. syl an+nu+lose pron <1@nju2l*us>, <-2l*uz> pos adj. usage of earthworms, crustaceans, and similar animals def having a body formed of a series of rings; segmented. annulus ety C16: from Latin, variant of *_anulus ring annuli infl head annulus or annuluses syl an+nu+li pron <-2lI> pos n. mod pl. annuluses infl head annulus or annuli syl an+nu+lus:es. pos n. mod pl. annulus 1. syl an+nu+lus pron <1@njul*s> pos n. def the area between two concentric circles. annulus 2. syl an+nu+lus pron <1@njul*s> pos n. def a ring-shaped part, figure, or space. annunciate 0. syl an+nun+ci+ate pron <*1n^nsi2At>, <-Si-> pos vb. mod tr. def a less common word for {announce}. &- {an+@!nun+ci@.#!a+tion} &- {an+nun+ci@.a+tive} ($$#!n^ns$I$$t$Iv, -#s$$t$Iv) {an+nun+ci@.a+to@.ry} ($$#!n^ns$I$$t$$r$I, -#s$$-) Annunciathe 1. head Annunciation syl An+nun+ci:a+the. qual New Testament. def the announcement of the Incarnation by the angel Gabriel to the Virgin Mary (Luke 1:26-38). Annunciation 2. syl An+nun+ci:a+tion pron <*2n^nsi1AS*n> pos n. def Also called: {Annunciation Day}. the festival commemorating this, held on March 25 (Lady Day). annunciator 1. syl an+nun+ci:a+tor pron <*1n^nsi2At*> pos n. def a device that gives a visual indication as to which of a number of electric circuits has operated, such as an indicator in a hotel showing in which room a bell has been rung. annunciator 2. syl an+nun+ci:a+tor pron <*1n^nsi2At*> pos n. def a device giving an audible signal indicating the position of a train. annunciator 3. syl an+nun+ci:a+tor pron <*1n^nsi2At*> pos n. def a less common word for {announcer}. anni mirabiles infl head annus mirabilis syl an:ni mi+ra+bi+les pron <1@nI> pos n. mod pl. annus mirabilis 0. syl an+nus mi+ra+bi+lis pron Latin. <1@nus> pos n. def a year of wonders, catastrophes, or other notable events. anoa ety from a native name in Celebes anoa 0. syl a:no:a pron <*1n*u*> pos n. def the smallest of the cattle tribe having small straight horns and inhabiting the island of Celebes in Indonesia. Compare {tamarau}. anode ety C19: from Greek anodos a way up, from hodos a way; alluding to the movement of the current to or from the positive pole &- an+od+al (e$I#!n$$$ud%@l) or an+od+ic ($$#!n$Ad$Ik) adj. anode 1. syl an+ode pron <1@n*ud> pos n. def the positive electrode in an electrolytic cell. anode 2. syl an+ode pron <1@n*ud> pos n. def Also called (esp. U.S.): {plate}. the positively charged electrode in an electronic valve or tube. anode 3. syl an+ode pron <1@n*ud> pos n. def the negative terminal of a primary cell. Compare {cathode}. anodise alt head anodize or anodize syl an:o+dise pron <1@n*2dIz> pos vb. anodize 0. or anodise syl an:o+dize pron <1@n*2dIz> pos vb. def to coat (a metal, such as aluminium or magnesium) with a protective oxide film by electrodeposition. anodyne ety C16: from Latin an*_odynus, from Greek an*_odunos painless, from #7an -#7+ odun*_e pain anodyne 1. syl an:o+dyne pron <1@n*2dIn> pos n. def a drug that relieves pain; analgesic. anodyne 2. syl an:o+dyne pron <1@n*2dIn> pos n. def anything that alleviates mental distress. {~} anodyne 3. syl an:o+dyne pron <1@n*2dIn> pos n. def capable of relieving pain or distress. anoestrus ety C20: New Latin; see #7an -#7, oestrus anestrus alt head anoestrus or anoestrus syl an+es+trus pron <@n1Estr*s> pos n. qual U.S. anoestrus 0. or anestrus syl an+oes+trus pron <@n1Estr*s> pos n. def a period of sexual inactivity between two periods of oestrus in many mammals. anoestrous sub head anoestrus or anestrous syl an+1oes+trous pos adj. anestrous sub head anoestrus or anoestrous syl an+1es+trous pos adj. qual U.S. anoint ety C14: from Old French enoint, from enoindre, from Latin inunguere, from #7in -%2#7+ unguere to smear with oil anoint 1. syl a:noint pron <*1ncint> pos vb. mod tr. def to smear or rub over with oil or an oily liquid. anoint 2. syl a:noint pron <*1ncint> pos vb. mod tr. def to apply oil to as a sign of consecration or sanctification in a sacred rite. anointer sub head anoint syl a:1noint+er pos n. anointment sub head anoint syl a:1noint+ment pos n. anole ety C18 annolis, from French anolis, from Carib anoli anole 0. syl a:nole pron <*1n*ul> pos n. def any small arboreal tropical American insecti?!vorous lizards of the genus such as ({green anole}) : family (iguanas). They are able to change the colour of their skin. Also called: {American chameleon}. anomalistic month 0. syl a:nom:a+lis+tic month pos n. def the interval between two successive passages of the moon through perigee; 27.55455 days. anomalistic year 0. syl a:nom:a+lis+tic year pos n. def the interval between two successive passages of the earth through perihelion; 365.25964 mean solar days. anomalous ety C17: from Late Latin an*_omalus, from Greek an*_omalos uneven, inconsistent, from #7an -#7+ homalos even, from homos one and the same anomalous 0. syl a:nom:a+lous pron <*1nom*l*s> pos adj. def deviating from the normal or usual order, type, etc.; irregular, abnormal, or incongruous. anomalously sub head anomalous syl a:1nom:a+lous+ly pos adv. anomalies infl head anomaly syl a:nom:a+lies. pos n. mod pl. anomaly 1. syl a:nom:a+ly pron <*1nom*li> pos n. def something anomalous. anomaly 2. syl a:nom:a+ly pron <*1nom*li> pos n. def deviation from the normal or usual order, type, etc.; irregu?!larity. anomaly 3. syl a:nom:a+ly pron <*1nom*li> pos n. qual Astronomy. def the angle between a planet, the sun, and the previous perihelion of the planet. anomalistic sub head anomaly syl a:2nom:a+1lis+tic pos adj. anomalistically sub head anomaly syl a:2nom:a+1lis+ti+cal+ly pos adv. anomie ety from Greek anomia lawlessness, from #7a -%1#7+ nomos law anomy alt head anomie or anomie syl an+o:my pron <1@n*umi> pos n. anomie 0. or anomy syl an+o:mie pron <1@n*umi> pos n. qual Sociol. def lack of social or moral standards in an individual or society. anomic sub head anomie syl a:nom+ic pron <*1nomik> pos adj. anon ety Old English on *_ane, literally: in one, that is, immediately anon 1. syl a:non pron <*1non> pos adv. qual Archaic or literary. def in a short time; soon. ever and anon 2. head anon syl ever and anon. qual Archaic or literary. def now and then. anon 0. syl anon. qual abbrev. for def anonymous. anonym 1. syl an:o+nym pron <1@n*nim> pos n. def a less common word for {pseudo?!nym}. anonym 2. syl an:o+nym pron <1@n*nim> pos n. def an anonymous person or publication. anonymous ety C17: via Late Latin from Greek an*_onumos, from #7an -#7+ onoma name anonymous 1. syl a:non:y+mous pron <*1nonim*s> pos adj. def from or by a person, author, etc., whose name is unknown or withheld. exam 1 an anonymous letter. anonymous 2. syl a:non:y+mous pron <*1nonim*s> pos adj. def having no known name. anonymous 3. syl a:non:y+mous pron <*1nonim*s> pos adj. def lacking individual characteristics; unexceptional. anonymity sub head anonymous syl an:o+nym+i:ty pron <2@n*?!1nimiti> pos n. anonymously sub head anonymous syl a:1non:y+mous+ly pos adv. anopheles ety C19: via New Latin from Greek an*_ophel*_es useless, from #7an -#7+ *_ophelein to help, from ophelos help anopheles infl syl a:noph:e+les. pos n. mod pl. anopheles 0. syl a:noph:e+les pron <*1nofi2lEz> pos n. def any of various mosquitoes constituting the genus some species of which transmit the malaria parasite to man. anorak ety from Eskimo *'anor*^aq anorak 0. syl a:no+rak pron <1@n*2r@k> pos n. def a warm waterproof hip-length jacket usually with a hood, originally worn in polar regions, but now worn for any outdoor activity. anorexia ety C17: via New Latin from Greek, from #7an -#7+ orexis appetite anorexia 0. syl an:o+rex:i:a pron <2@no1reksi*> pos n. def loss of appetite. anorexia nervosa 0. syl an:o+rex:i:a ner+vo+sa pron pos n. qual Psychiatry. def a psychological disorder characterized by fear of becoming fat and refusal of food, leading to debility and even death. anorthic ety C19: from #7an -#7+ortho -#7+ -#7ic anorthic 0. syl an+or+thic pron <@n1c:Tik> pos adj. def another word for {triclinic}. anorthite ety C19: from #7an -#7+ortho -#7+ -#7ite %1 anorthite 0. syl an+or+thite pron <@n1c:TIt> pos n. def a rare feldspar mineral of the plagioclase series that consists of an aluminium silicate of calcium and occurs in volcanic regions, esp. in Italy and Japan. Formula: CaAl\2Si\2O\8. anorthitic sub head anorthite syl an+or+thit+ic pron <2@nc:1Titik> pos adj. anorthosite ety C19: from French anorthose (see #7an -#7, ortho -)#7+ -#7ite %1 anorthosite 0. syl an+or+tho+site pron <@n1c:T*2sIt> pos n. def a coarse-grained plutonic igneous rock consisting almost entirely of plagioclase feldspar. anosmia ety C19: from New Latin, from #7an -#7+ Greek osm*_e smell, from ozein to smell anosmia 0. syl an+os+mi:a pron <@n1ozmi*>, <-1os-> pos n. qual Pathol. def loss of the sense of smell, usually as the result of a lesion of the olfactory nerve, disease in another organ or part, or obstruction of the nasal passages. anosmatic sub head anosmia or anosmic syl an+os+mat+ic pron <2@noz1m@tik> pos adj. anosmic sub head anosmia or anosmatic syl an+1os+mic pos adj. another 1.a. syl an+oth+er pron <*1n^D*> pos determiner. def one more; an added. exam 1 another chance. another 1.b. syl an+oth+er pron <*1n^D*> pos determiner. usage as pronoun exam 1 help yourself to another. another 2.a. syl an+oth+er pron <*1n^D*> pos determiner. def a different; alternative. exam 1 another era from ours. another 2.b. syl an+oth+er pron <*1n^D*> pos determiner. usage as pronoun exam 1 to try one path, then another. another 3.a. syl an+oth+er pron <*1n^D*> pos determiner. def a different example of the same sort. exam 1 another Beethoven. another 3.b. syl an+oth+er pron <*1n^D*> pos determiner. usage as pronoun exam 1 we got rid of one loafer, but I think this new man's another. another place 4. head another syl another place. def the other House of Parliament (used in the House of Commons to refer to the House of Lords and vice versa). AN Other 0. syl A.N. Oth+er pos n. qual Brit. def an unnamed person: used in team lists, etc., to indicate a place that remains to be filled. Jean infl head Anouilh syl Jean pron pos n. Anouilh 0. syl A:nouilh pron French pos n. def born 1910, French dramatist, noted for his reinterpretations of Greek myths: his works include (1942), (1944), and (1959). anoxaemia ety C19: from New Latin, from #7an -#7+ox (#7ygen) #7+ -#7aemia &- @!an+ox+#!ae@.mic or U.S. @!an+ox+#!e@.mic adj. anoxemia alt head anoxaemia or anoxaemia syl an+ox+e:mi:a pron <2@nok1sEmi*> pos n. qual U.S. anoxaemia 0. or anoxemia syl an+ox+ae:mi:a pron <2@nok1sEmi*> pos n. def a deficiency in the amount of oxygen in the arterial blood. anoxia ety C20: from #7an -#7+ox (#7ygen) +-#7ia anoxia 1. syl an+ox:i:a pron <@n1oksi*> pos n. def lack or absence of oxygen. anoxia 2. syl an+ox:i:a pron <@n1oksi*> pos n. def a deficiency of oxygen in tissues and organs. Compare {hypoxia}. anoxic sub head anoxia syl an+1ox+ic pos adj. ansate ety C19: from Latin ans*_atus, from ansa handle ansate 0. syl an+sate pron <1@nsAt> pos adj. def having a handle or handle-like part. Anschluss ety German: from anschliessen to join Anschluss 0. syl An+schluss pron <1@nSlus> pos n. def a political or economic union, esp. the annexation of Austria by Nazi Germany (1938). Saint infl head Anselm syl Saint. pos n. Anselm 0. syl An:selm pron <1@nselm> pos n. def 1033-1109, Italian Benedictine monk; archbishop of Canterbury (1093-1109): one of the found?!ers of scholasticism; author of . Feast day: Aug. 21. anserine ety C19: from Latin anser*_inus, from anser goose anserous alt head anserine or anserine syl an+ser+ous pron <1@ns*r*s> pos adj. anserine 1. or anserous syl an+ser+ine pron <1@ns*2rIn>, <-rin> pos adj. def of or resembling a goose. anserine 2. or anserous syl an+ser+ine pron <1@ns*2rIn>, <-rin> pos adj. def of, relating to, or belonging to the subfamily which includes geese, swans, and certain ducks: family order anserine 3. or anserous syl an+ser+ine pron <1@ns*2rIn>, <-rin> pos adj. def silly; foolish. Ernest infl head Ansermet syl Er:nest pron pos n. Ansermet 0. syl An:ser:met pron French pos n. def 1883-1969, Swiss orchestral conductor; principal conductor of Diaghilev's Ballet Russe. Anshan 1. syl An+shan pron <2@n1S@n> pos n. def a city in NE China, in Liaoning province. Pop.: 1050000 (1970 est.). Anshan 2. syl An+shan pron <2@n1S@n> pos n. def an ancient city and region in Persia, associated with Elam. answer ety Old English andswaru an answer; related to Old Frisian ondser, Old Norse andsvar; see #7swear answer 1. syl an+swer pron <1a:ns*> pos n. def a reply, either spoken or written, as to a question, request, letter, or article. answer 2. syl an+swer pron <1a:ns*> pos n. def a reaction or response in the form of an action. exam 1 drunkenness was his answer to disappointment. answer 3. syl an+swer pron <1a:ns*> pos n. def a solution, esp. of a mathematical problem. answer 4.a. syl an+swer pron <1a:ns*> pos n. def a party's written reply to his opponent's interrogatories. answer 4.b. syl an+swer pron <1a:ns*> pos n. usage in divorce law def the respondent's written reply to the petition. answer 5. syl an+swer pron <1a:ns*> pos n. def a musical phrase that follows the subject of a fugue, reproducing it a fifth higher or a fourth lower. {~} answer 6. syl an+swer pron <1a:ns*> pos n. mod when; tr. usage may take a clause as object def to reply or respond (to) by word or act. exam 1 to answer a question; exam 2 he answered; exam 3 to answer the door; exam 4 he answered that he would come. answer 7. syl an+swer pron <1a:ns*> pos n. mod tr. def to reply correctly to; solve or attempt to solve. exam 1 I could answer only three questions. answer 8. syl an+swer pron <1a:ns*> pos n. mod intr. usage usually foll. by to def to respond or react (to a stimulus, command, etc.). exam 1 the steering answers to the slightest touch. answer 9. syl an+swer pron <1a:ns*> pos n. mod tr. def to pay off (a debt, obligation, etc.); discharge. answer 10. syl an+swer pron <1a:ns*> pos n. mod when; intr. usage often foll. by for def to meet the requirements (of); be satisfactory (for); serve the purpose (of). exam 1 this will answer his needs; exam 2 this will answer for a chisel. answer 11. syl an+swer pron <1a:ns*> pos n. mod when; intr. usage foll. by to def to match or correspond (esp. in the phrase {answer} (or {answer to) the description) }. answer 12. syl an+swer pron <1a:ns*> pos n. mod tr. def to give a defence or refutation of (a charge) or in (an argument). answerable 1. syl an+swer+a:ble pron <1a:ns*r*bL> pos adj. usage postpositive; foll. by for or to def responsible or accountable. exam 1 answerable for someone's safety; exam 2 answerable to one's boss. answerable 2. syl an+swer+a:ble pron <1a:ns*r*bL> pos adj. def able to be answered. answerability sub head answerable or answerableness syl an+swer+a:1bil+i:ty pos n. answerableness sub head answerable or answerability syl an+swer+a:ble+ness pos n. answerably sub head answerable syl an+swer+a:bly pos adv. answer back 0. syl an+swer back pos vb. adv. def to reply rudely to (a person, esp. someone in authority) when one is expected to remain silent. answer for 1. syl an+swer for pos vb. prep. mod intr. def to be liable or responsible for (a person's actions, behaviour, etc.). answer for 2. syl an+swer for pos vb. prep. mod intr. def to vouch for or speak on behalf of (a person). answer for 3. syl an+swer for pos vb. prep. mod intr. def to suffer or atone for (one's wrongdoing). ant ety Old English *_@amette; related to Old High German *_ameiza, Old Norse meita; see #7emmet ant 1. syl ant pron <@nt> pos n. def any small social insect of the widely distributed hymenopterous family typically living in highly organized colonies of winged males, wingless sterile females (workers), and fertile females (queens), which are winged until after mating. See also {army ant, fire ant, slave ant, wood ant}. Related adj.: {formic}. white ant 2. head ant syl white ant. def another name for a {termite}. have ants in one's pants 3. head ant syl have ants in one's pants. qual Slang. def to be restless or impatient. antlike sub head ant syl ant+like pos adj. ant 0. syl ant. qual abbrev. for def antonym. an't 1. syl an't pron qual Chiefly Brit. def a rare variant spelling of {aren't}. an't 2. syl an't pron qual Chiefly Brit.; Dialect. def a variant spelling of {ain't}. ant- 0. syl ant- pos prefix. def variant of {anti-}. exam 1 antacid. -ant ety from Latin -ant, ending of present participles of the first conjugation -ant 0. syl -ant usage suffix forming adjectives and nouns. def causing or perform?!ing an action or existing in a certain condition; the agent that performs an action. exam 1 pleasant; exam 2 claimant; exam 3 deodorant; exam 4 protestant; exam 5 servant. antae infl head anta syl an:tae pron <1@ntE> pos n. mod pl. anta 0. syl an:ta pron <1@nt*> pos n. qual Architect. def a pilaster attached to the end of a side wall or sometimes to the side of a doorway. Antabuse 0. syl An+ta+buse pron <1@nt*2bju:s> pos n. qual Trademark. def a drug used in the treatment of alcoholism that acts by inducing nausea following ingestion of alcohol; tetraethylthiuram disulphide. antacid 1. syl ant+ac:id pron <@nt1@sid> pos n. def a substance used to treat acidity, esp. in the stomach. antacid 2. syl ant+ac:id pron <@nt1@sid> pos adj. def having the properties of this substance. Antaeus 0. syl An:tae:us pron <@n1tE*s> pos n. qual Greek myth. def an African giant who was invincible as long as he touched the ground, but was lifted into the air by Hercules and crushed to death. antagonism 1. syl an+tag:o+nism pron <@n1t@g*2niz*m> pos n. def openly expressed and usually mutual opposition. antagonism 2. syl an+tag:o+nism pron <@n1t@g*2niz*m> pos n. def the inhibiting or nullifying action of one substance or organism on another. antagonism 3. syl an+tag:o+nism pron <@n1t@g*2niz*m> pos n. qual Physiol. def the normal opposition between certain muscles. antagonist 1. syl an+tag:o+nist pron <@n1t@g*nist> pos n. def an opponent or adversary, as in a contest, drama, sporting event, etc. antagonist 2. syl an+tag:o+nist pron <@n1t@g*nist> pos n. def any muscle that opposes the action of another. Compare {agonist}. antagonist 3. syl an+tag:o+nist pron <@n1t@g*nist> pos n. def a drug that neutralizes or counteracts the effects of another drug. Compare { {synergist} (sense 1)}. antagonistic 1. syl an+tag:o+nis+tic pron <@n2t@g*1nistik> pos adj. def in active opposition. antagonistic 2. syl an+tag:o+nis+tic pron <@n2t@g*1nistik> pos adj. def mutually opposed. antagonistically sub head antagonistic syl an+2tag:o+1nis+ti+cal+ly pos adv. antagonize ety C17: from Greek antag*_onizesthai, from #7anti -#7+ ag*_onizesthai to strive, from ag*_on contest antagonise alt head antagonize or antagonize syl an+tag:o+nise pron <@n1t@g*2nIz> pos vb. mod tr. antagonize 1. or antagonise syl an+tag:o+nize pron <@n1t@g*2nIz> pos vb. mod tr. def to make hostile; annoy or irritate. antagonize 2. or antagonise syl an+tag:o+nize pron <@n1t@g*2nIz> pos vb. mod tr. def to act in opposition to or counteract. antagonizable sub head antagonize or antagonisable syl an+1tag:o+2niz+a:ble pos adj. antagonisable sub head antagonize or antagonizable syl an+1tag:o+2nis+a:ble pos adj. antagonization sub head antagonize or antagonisation syl an+2tag:o+ni+1za+tion pos n. antagonisation sub head antagonize or antagonization syl an+2tag:o+ni+1sa+tion pos n. Antakiya 0. syl An+ta+ki+ya pron <2@nta:1kEj*> pos n. def the Arabic name for {Antioch}. Antakya 0. syl An+ta+kya pron pos n. def the Turkish name for {Antioch}. antalkalis infl head antalkali or antalkalies syl ant+al+ka+lis pos n. mod pl. antalkalies infl head antalkali or antalkalis syl ant+al+ka+lies. pos n. mod pl. antalkali 0. syl ant+al+ka+li pron <@nt1@lk*2lI> pos n. def a substance that neutralizes alkalis, esp. one used to treat alkalosis. antalkaline sub head antalkali syl ant+al+ka+line pron <@nt1@lk*2lIn>, <-lin> pos adj. n. Antalya 0. syl An+tal+ya pron Turkish pos n. def a port in SW Turkey, on the {Gulf of Antalya}. Pop.: 130774 (1975). Antananarivo 0. syl An+ta+na+na+ri+vo pron <2@nt*2n@n*1rEv*u> pos n. def another name for {Tananarive}. Antarctic ety C14: via Latin from Greek antarktikos; see #7anti -#7, arctic the 1. head Antarctic syl the. def Also called: {Antarctic Zone}. Antarctica and the surrounding waters. Antarctic 2. syl Ant+arc+tic pron <@nt1a:ktik> pos adj. def of or relating to the south polar regions. Antarctica 0. syl Ant+arc+ti+ca pron <@nt1a:ktik*> pos n. def a continent around the South Pole: consists of an ice-covered plateau, 1800-3000 m (6000 ft. to 10000 ft.) above sea level, and mountain ranges rising to 4500 m (15000 ft.) with some volcanic peaks; average temperatures all below freezing and human settlement is confined to research stations. Antarctic Archipelago 0. syl Ant+arc+tic Ar+chi+pel:a+go pos n. def the former name of the {Palmer Archipelago}. Antarctic Circle 0. syl Ant+arc+tic Cir+cle pos n. def the imaginary circle around the earth, parallel to the equator, at latitude 66?% 32@' S. Antarctic Ocean 0. syl Ant+arc+tic O:cean pos n. def the sea surrounding Antarctica, consist?!ing of the most southerly parts of the Pacific, Atlantic, and Indian Oceans. Antarctic Peninsula 0. syl Ant+arc+tic Pen+in+su+la pos n. def the largest peninsula of Antarctica, between the Weddell Sea and the Pacific: consists of Graham Land in the north and the Palmer Peninsula in the south. Former name (until 1964): {Palmer Peninsula}. Antares ety from Greek Antar*_es, literally: simulating Mars (in colour), from #7anti -#7+ Ar*_es Mars Antares 0. syl An+tar+es pron <@n1te*rEz> pos n. def the brightest star in the constellation Scorpius. It is a variable binary star whose main component, a red supergiant, is associated with a fainter green component. Visual magnitude: 1.2 (red), 6.8 (green); spectral type: MO (red); distance: 250 light years. ant bear 0. syl ant bear pos n. def another name for {aardvark} or {giant anteater}. See { {anteater} (sense 1)}. ant bird 0. syl ant bird pos n. def any of various dull-coloured South American passerine birds of the family such as (spotted ant bird), that typically feed on ants. Also called: {bush-shrike, ant thrush}. ant cow 0. syl ant cow pos n. def an insect, esp. an aphid, that excretes a sweet honey-like substance that is collected and eaten by ants. ante 1. syl an:te pron <1@nti> pos n. def the gaming stake put up before the deal in poker by the players. ante 2. syl an:te pron <1@nti> pos n. qual Informal, chiefly U.S. def a sum of money representing a person's share, as in a syndicate. antes infl head ante syl an:tes pos vb. anteing ted infl head ante or anteed syl an:te+ing; +ted pos vb. anteed infl head ante or anteing ted syl an:teed. pos vb. ante 3. syl an:te pron <1@nti> pos vb. def to place (one's stake) in poker. ante 4. syl an:te pron <1@nti> pos vb. qual Informal, chiefly U.S. usage usually foll. by up def to pay. ante- ety from Latin ante- 0. syl an:te- pos prefix. def before in time or position; previous to; in front of. exam 1 antedate; exam 2 antechamber. anteater 1. syl ant+eat:er pron <1@nt2Et*> pos n. def any toothless edentate mammal of the family of Central and South America, esp. (or ({giant anteater} or {ant bear}) , having a long tubular snout used for eating termites. See also {tamandua}. scaly anteater 2. head anteater syl scaly anteater. def another name for {pangolin}. spiny anteater 3. head anteater syl spiny anteater. def another name for {echidna}. banded anteater 4. head anteater syl banded anteater. def another name for {numbat}. antebellum ety Latin ante bellum, literally: before the war antebellum 0. syl an:te+bel+lum pron <2@nti1bel*m> pos adj. def of or during the period before a war, esp. the American Civil War. exam 1 the antebellum South. antecede ety C17: from Latin antec*_edere, from c*_edere to go antecede 0. syl an:te+cede pron <2@nti1sEd> pos vb. mod tr. def to go before, as in time, order, etc.; precede. antecedence 1. syl an:te+ced+ence pron <2@nti1sEdNs> pos n. def precedence; priority. antecedence 2. syl an:te+ced+ence pron <2@nti1sEdNs> pos n. qual Astronomy. def retrograde motion. antecedent 1. syl an:te+ced+ent pron <2@nti1sEdNt> pos n. def an event, circumstance, etc., that happens before another. antecedent 2. syl an:te+ced+ent pron <2@nti1sEdNt> pos n. qual Grammar. def a word or phrase to which a pronoun refers. In the sentence @6People who live in glass houses shouldn't throw stones,@9 is the antecedent of antecedent 3. syl an:te+ced+ent pron <2@nti1sEdNt> pos n. qual Logic. def the first proposition in a conditional, such as in antecedent 4. syl an:te+ced+ent pron <2@nti1sEdNt> pos n. qual Maths. def an obsolescent name for {numerator} (sense 1). antecedent 5. syl an:te+ced+ent pron <2@nti1sEdNt> pos adj. def preceding in time or order; prior. antecedents 1. syl an:te+ced+ents pron <2@nti1si:dNts> pos n. mod pl. def ancestry. antecedents 2. syl an:te+ced+ents pron <2@nti1si:dNts> pos n. mod pl. def a person's past history. antechamber ety C17: from Old French, from Italian anticamera; see #7ante -#7, chamber antechamber 0. syl an:te+cham+ber pron <1@nti2CAmb*> pos n. def another name for {anteroom}. antechoir 0. syl an:te+choir pron <1@nti2kwI*> pos n. def the part of a church in front of the choir, usually enclosed by screens, tombs, etc. antedate 1. syl an:te+date pron <1@nti2dAt>, <2@nti1dAt> pos vb. mod tr. def to be or occur at an earlier date than. antedate 2. syl an:te+date pron <1@nti2dAt>, <2@nti1dAt> pos vb. mod tr. def to affix a date to (a document, etc.) that is earlier than the actual date. antedate 3. syl an:te+date pron <1@nti2dAt>, <2@nti1dAt> pos vb. mod tr. def to assign a date to (an event, etc.) that is earlier than its previously assigned date. antedate 4. syl an:te+date pron <1@nti2dAt>, <2@nti1dAt> pos vb. mod tr. def to cause to occur sooner. {~} (#!@ant$I@!de$It) antedate 5. syl an:te+date pron <1@nti2dAt>, <2@nti1dAt> pos vb. mod tr. def an earlier date. antediluvian ety C17: from #7ante -#7+ Latin d*_iluvium flood antediluvian 1. syl an:te+di+lu+vi:an pron <2@ntidi1lu:vi*n>, <-dI-> pos adj. def belonging to the ages before the biblical Flood (Genesis 7, 8). antediluvian 2. syl an:te+di+lu+vi:an pron <2@ntidi1lu:vi*n>, <-dI-> pos adj. def old-fashioned or antiquated. antediluvian 3. syl an:te+di+lu+vi:an pron <2@ntidi1lu:vi*n>, <-dI-> pos n. def an antediluvian person or thing. antefix ety C19: from Latin antefixa (things) fastened in front, from f*_igere to #7fix antefixes infl head antefix or antefixa syl an:te+fix:es pron <-2fiks*> pos n. mod pl. antefixa infl head antefix or antefixes syl an:te+fix:a pron <-2fiks*> pos n. mod pl. antefix 0. syl an:te+fix pron <1@nti2fiks> pos n. def a carved ornament at the eaves of a roof to hide the joint between the tiles. antefixal sub head antefix syl an:te+fix+al pron <2@nti1fiks*l> pos adj. antelope ety C15: from Old French antelop, from Medieval Latin antalopus, from Late Greek antholops a legendary beast antelopes infl head antelope or antelope syl an:te+lopes pos n. mod pl. antelope infl or antelopes syl an:te+lope. pos n. mod pl. antelope 1. syl an:te+lope pron <1@nti2l*up> pos n. def any bovid mammal of the subfamily of Africa and Asia. They are typically graceful, having long legs and horns, and include the gazelles, springbok, impala, gerenuk, blackbuck, and dik-diks. antelope 2. syl an:te+lope pron <1@nti2l*up> pos n. def any of various similar bovids of Africa and Asia. American antelope 3. head antelope syl American antelope. def another name for {pronghorn}. antemeridian ety C17: from Latin antemer*_idi*_anus; see #7ante -#7, meridian antemeridian 0. syl an:te+me+rid+i:an pron <2@ntim*1ridi*n> pos adj. def before noon; in the morning. ante meridiem ety Latin, from #7ante -#7+ mer*_idi*_es midday ante meridiem 0. syl an:te me+rid:i+em pron <1@nti> def the full form of {a.m}. ante-mortem ety Latin ante-mortem 0. syl an:te-mor:tem pos adj. adv. usage esp. in legal or medical contexts def before death. antenatal 1. syl an:te+na+tal pron <2@nti1nAtL> pos adj. def occurring or present before birth; during pregnancy. antenatal 2. syl an:te+na+tal pron <2@nti1nAtL> pos n. def Also called: {prenatal}. an examination during pregnancy. antenatally sub head antenatal syl an:te+1na+tal+ly pos adv. antenna ety C17: from Latin: sail yard, of obscure origin &- an+#!ten+nal or an+#!ten+na@.ry adj. antennae infl head antenna syl an+ten+nae pron <-nE)). onA of a pair of mobilA ap?!pAndagAs on thA hAads of insActs, crustacAans, Atc., that arA oftAn whiplikA and rAspond to touch and tastA but may bA spAcializAd for swimming or attachmAnt> pos n. mod pl. antennas infl head antenna syl an+ten+nas pos n. mod pl. antenna 2. syl an+ten+na pron <@n1ten*> pos n. def another name for { {aerial} (sense 7)}. antennule ety C19: from French, diminutive of #7antenna antennule 0. syl an+ten+nule pron <@n1tenju:l> pos n. def one of a pair of small mobile appendages on the heads of crustaceans in front of the antennae, usually having a sensory function. antependium ety C17: from Medieval Latin, from Latin #7ante -#7+ pend*_ere to hang antependia infl head antependium syl an:te+pen+di:a pron <-di*> pos n. mod pl. antependium 0. syl an:te+pen+di:um pron <2@nti1pendi*m> pos n. def a covering hung over the front of an altar. antepenult ety C16: shortened from Latin (syllaba) antepaenultima; see #7ante -, #7penult antepenult 0. syl an:te+pe:nult pron <2@ntipi1n^lt> pos n. def the third last syllable in a word. antepenultimate 1. syl an:te+pe:nul+ti+mate pron <2@ntipi1n^ltimit> pos adj. def third from last. antepenultimate 2. syl an:te+pe:nul+ti+mate pron <2@ntipi1n^ltimit> pos n. def anything that is third from last. anterior ety C17: from Latin, comparative of ante before &- an+te@.ri+or+i@.ty (@an@!t$I$$r$I?!#!$Ar$It$I) n. anterior 1. syl an:te+ri+or pron <@n1ti*ri*> pos adj. def situated at or towards the front. anterior 2. syl an:te+ri+or pron <@n1ti*ri*> pos adj. def earlier in time. anterior 3. syl an:te+ri+or pron <@n1ti*ri*> pos adj. qual Zoology. def of or near the head end. anterior 4. syl an:te+ri+or pron <@n1ti*ri*> pos adj. usage Botany. of part of a flower or leaf def situated farthest away from the main stem. anterior xref syl an:te+ri+or pron <@n1ti*ri*> pos adj. def Compare {posterior}. anteroom 0. syl an:te+room pron <1@nti2ru:m>, <-2rum> pos n. def a room giving entrance to a larger room, often used as a waiting room. antetype 0. syl an:te+type pron <1@nti2tIp> pos n. def an earlier form; prototype. anteversion 0. syl an:te+ver+sion pron <2@nti1vR:S*n> pos n. def abnormal forward tilting of a bodily organ, esp. the uterus. antevert ety C17: from Latin antevertere to go in front, from vertere to turn antevert 0. syl an:te+vert pron <2@nti1vR:t> pos vb. mod tr. def to displace (an organ or part) by tilting forward. anthelion ety C17: from Late Greek, from anth*_elios opposite the sun, from #7ante -#7+ h*_elios sun anthelia infl head anthelion syl ant+he+li:a pron <-li*> pos n. mod pl. anthelion 1. syl ant+he+li+on pron <@nt1hEli*n>, <@n1TE-> pos n. def a faint halo sometimes seen in polar or high altitude regions around the shadow of an object cast onto a thick cloud bank or fog. anthelion 2. syl ant+he+li+on pron <@nt1hEli*n>, <@n1TE-> pos n. def a white spot occasionally appearing on the parhelic circle at the same height as and opposite to the sun. antihelix alt head anthelix or anthelix syl an:ti+he+lix pron <-1hElisEz> pos n. anthelices infl head anthelix or anthelixes syl ant+hel:i+ces pron <-1hElisEz> pos n. mod pl. anthelixes infl head anthelix or anthelices syl ant+he+lix:es. pos n. mod pl. anthelix 0. or antihelix syl ant+he+lix pron <@nt1hEliks>, <@n1Ti:-> pos n. qual Anatomy. def a prominent curved fold of cartilage just inside the outer rim of the external ear. anthelminthic alt head anthelmintic or anthelmintic syl an+thel+min+thic pron <2@nTel?!1minTik> pos n. anthelmintic 0. or anthelminthic syl an+thel+min+tic pron <2@nTel1mintik> pos n. qual Med. def another name for {vermifuge}. anthem ety Old English antemne, from Late Latin antiph*_ona #7antiphon anthem 1. syl an+them pron <1@nT*m> pos n. def a song of loyalty or devotion, as to a nation or college. exam 1 a national anthem. anthem 2. syl an+them pron <1@nT*m> pos n. def a musical composition for choir, usually set to words from the Bible, sung as part of a church service. anthem 3. syl an+them pron <1@nT*m> pos n. def a religious chant sung antiphonally. anthemion ety from Greek: a little flower, from anthos flower anthemia infl head anthemion syl an+the:mi:a pron <-mi*> pos n. mod pl. anthemion 0. syl an+the:mi+on pron <@n1TEmi*n> pos n. def a floral design, used esp. in ancient Greek and Roman architecture and decoration, usually consisting of honeysuckle, lotus, or palmette leaf motifs. anther ety C18: from New Latin anth*_era, from Latin: a remedy prepared from flowers, from Greek, from anth*_eros flowery, from anthos flower &- #!an+ther+al adj. anther 0. syl an+ther pron <1@nT*> pos n. def the terminal part of a stamen consisting of two lobes each containing two sacs in which the pollen matures. antheridium ety C19: from New Latin, diminutive of anth*_era #7anther antheridiia infl head antheridium syl an+ther+id+i:i:a pron <-i*> pos n. mod pl. antheridium 0. syl an+ther+id+i:um pron <2@nT*1ridi*m> pos n. def the male sex organ of algae, fungi, mosses, and ferns, which produces antherozoids. antheridial sub head antheridium syl an+ther+1id+i:al pos adj. antherozoid ety C19: see #7anther, zo (#7o) #7id antherozoid 0. syl an+ther:o+zo+id pron <2@nT*r*1z*uid>, <-1zcid> pos n. def one of many small male gametes produced in an antheridium. anthesis ety C19: via New Latin from Greek: full bloom, from anthein to bloom, from anthos flower anthesis 0. syl an+the:sis pron <@n1TEsis> pos n. def the process of flowering in plants. ant hill 0. syl ant hill pos n. def a mound of soil, leaves, etc., near the entrance of an ants' nest, carried and deposited there by the ants while constructing the nest. antho- ety from Greek anthos antho- 0. syl an:tho- usage combining form. def denoting a flower. exam 1 anthophore; exam 2 anthotaxy; exam 3 anthozoan. anthocyanin ety C19: from #7antho -#7+ -cyanin, from Greek kuanos dark blue anthocyan alt head anthocyanin or anthocyanin syl an+tho+cy+an pron <2@nT*u?!1sI*n> pos n. anthocyanin 0. or anthocyan syl an+tho+cy:a+nin pron <2@nT*u1sI*nin> pos n. def any of a class of water-soluble glycosidic pigments, esp. those responsible for the red and blue colours in flowers. They are closely related to vitamins E and P. anthodium ety C19: from New Latin, from Greek anth*_od*_es flower-like, from anthos flower+ -*_od*_es -#7oid anthodia infl head anthodium syl an+tho+di:a pron <-di*> pos n. mod pl. anthodium 0. syl an+tho+di:um pron <@n1T*udi*m> pos n. qual Botany. def another name for { {capitulum} (sense 1)}. anthologise alt head anthologize or anthologize syl an+thol:o+gise pron <@n1Tol*2JIz> pos vb. mod tr. anthologize 0. or anthologise syl an+thol:o+gize pron <@n1Tol*2JIz> pos vb. mod tr. def to compile or put into an anthology. anthology ety C17: from Medieval Latin anthologia, from Greek, literally: a flower gathering, from anthos flower+ legein to collect anthologies infl head anthology syl an+thol+o:gies. pos n. mod pl. anthology 1. syl an+thol+o:gy pron <@n1Tol*Ji> pos n. def a collection of literary passages or works, esp. poems, by various authors. anthology 2. syl an+thol+o:gy pron <@n1Tol*Ji> pos n. def any printed collection of literary pieces, songs, works of art, etc. anthological sub head anthology syl an+tho+log:i+cal pron <2@nT*1loJikL> pos adj. anthologist sub head anthology syl an+1thol:o+gist pos n. Saint infl head Anthony syl Saint. pos n. Anthony 0. syl An:tho:ny pron <1@nt*ni> pos n. def ??251-??356 #7a.d., Egyptian hermit, commonly regarded as the founder of Christian monasticism. Feast day: Jan. 17. Saint infl head Anthony of Padua syl Saint. pos n. Anthony of Padua 0. syl An:tho:ny of Pad:u:a pos n. def 1195-1231, Franciscan friar, who preached in France and Italy. Feast day: June 13. anthophore 0. syl an+tho+phore pron <1@nT*u2fc:>, <-T*-> pos n. def an elongation of the receptacle of a flower between the calyx and corolla. anthotaxy 0. syl an+tho+tax:y pron <1@nT*2t@ksi> pos n. def the arrangement of flowers on a stem or parts on a flower. anthozoan 1. syl an+tho+zo+an pron <2@nT*1z*u*n> pos n. def any of the solitary or colonial sessile marine coelenterates of the class including the corals, sea anemones, and sea pens, in which the body is in the form of a polyp. {~} anthozoan 2. syl an+tho+zo+an pron <2@nT*1z*u*n> pos n. def Also: {actinozoan}. of or relating to the class anthracene ety C19: from #7anthrax+ -#7ene anthracene 0. syl an+thra+cene pron <1@nTr*2sEn> pos n. def a colourless tricyclic crystalline solid having a slight blue fluorescence, used in the manufacture of chemicals, esp. diphenylamine and alizarin, and as crystals in scintillation counters. Formula: C\6H\4(CH)\2C\6H\4. anthracite ety C19: from Latin anthrac*_ites type of bloodstone, from Greek anthra?!kit*_es coal-like, from anthrax coal, #7anthrax anthracite 0. syl an+thra+cite pron <1@nTr*2sIt> pos n. def a hard jet-black coal that burns slowly with a nonluminous flame giving out intense heat. Fixed carbon content: 86-98 per cent; calorific value: 3.14#Ml0%7-3.63#M10%7 J/kg. Also called: {hard coal}. anthracitic sub head anthracite syl an+thra+cit+ic pron <2@nTr*1sitik> pos adj. anthracnose ety C19: from French, from Greek anthrax coal, carbuncle+ nosos disease anthracnose 0. syl an+thrac+nose pron <@n1Tr@kn*us> pos n. def any of several fungus diseases of plants, such as vines and beans, characterized by oval dark depressed spots on the fruit and elsewhere. anthracoid 1. syl an+thra+coid pron <1@nTr*2kcid> pos adj. def resembling anthrax. anthracoid 2. syl an+thra+coid pron <1@nTr*2kcid> pos adj. def resembling carbon, coal, or charcoal. anthraquinone ety C19: #7anthra (#7cene) #7+quinone anthraquinone 0. syl an+thra+qui+none pron <2@nTr*kwi1n*un>, <-1kwin*un> pos n. def a yellow crystalline solid used in the manufacture of dyes, esp. {anthraquinone dyes}, which have excellent colour properties. Formula: C\6H\4(CO)\2C\6H\4. anthrax ety C19: from Late Latin, from Greek: carbuncle anthraces infl head anthrax syl an+thra+ces pron <-Tr*2sEz> pos n. mod pl. anthrax 1. syl an+thrax pron <1@nTr@ks> pos n. def a highly infectious disease of animals, esp. cattle and sheep, characterized by fever, enlarged spleen and swelling of the throat. It is caused by the bacterium and can be transmitted to man. anthrax 2. syl an+thrax pron <1@nTr@ks> pos n. def a pustule or other lesion caused by this disease. anthrop 1. syl anthrop. qual abbrev. for: def anthropological. anthrop 2. syl anthrop. qual abbrev. for: def anthropology. anthropo- ety from Greek anthr*_opos anthropo- 0. syl an:thro:po- usage combining form. def indicating man or human. exam 1 anthropology; exam 2 anthropomorphism. anthropocentric 0. syl an+thro+po+cen+tric pron <2@nTr*p*u1sentrik> pos adj. def regarding man as the most important and central factor in the universe. anthropocentrism sub head anthropocentric syl an+thro+po+1cen+trism pos n. anthropogeny alt head anthropogenesis or anthropogenesis syl an+thro+po+gen:y pron <2@nTr*1poJini> pos n. anthropogenesis 0. or anthropogeny syl an+thro+po+gen+e:sis pron <2@nTr*p*u1Jenisis> pos n. def the study of the origins of man. anthropogenetic sub head anthropogenesis or anthropogenic syl an+thro+po+ge:1net+ic pos adj. anthropogenic sub head anthropogenesis or anthropogenetic syl an+thro+po+1gen+ic pos adj. anthropoid 1. syl an+thro+poid pron <1@nTr*2pcid> pos adj. def resembling man. anthropoid 2. syl an+thro+poid pron <1@nTr*2pcid> pos adj. def resembling an ape; apelike. anthropoid 3. syl an+thro+poid pron <1@nTr*2pcid> pos adj. def of or relating to the suborder anthropoid 4. syl an+thro+poid pron <1@nTr*2pcid> pos n. def any primate of the suborder including monkeys, apes, and man. Compare {prosimian}. anthropoidal sub head anthropoid syl an+thro+1poi+dal pos adj. anthropoid ape 0. syl an+thro+poid ape pos n. def any primate of the family having no tail, elongated arms, and a highly developed brain. The group includes gibbons, orang-utans, chimpanzees, and gorillas. anthropol 0. syl anthropol. qual abbrev. for def anthropology. anthropology 0. syl an+thro+pol+o:gy pron <2@nTr*1pol*Ji> pos n. def the study of man, his origins, physical characteristics, institutions, religious beliefs, social relationships, etc. See also {cultural anthropology, eth?!nology, physical anthropology, social anthropology}. anthropological sub head anthropology syl an+thro+po+log:i+cal pron <2@nTr*p*1loJikL> pos adj. anthropologically sub head anthropology syl an+thro+po+1log:i+cal+ly pos adv. anthropologist sub head anthropology syl an+thro+1pol:o+gist pos n. anthropometry 0. syl an+thro+pom+e:try pron <2@nTr*1pomitri> pos n. def the comparative study of sizes and proportions of the human body. anthropometric sub head anthropometry or anthropometrical syl an+thro+po+met+ric pron <2@nTr*p*1metrik> pos adj. anthropometrical sub head anthropometry or anthropometric syl an+thro+po+1met+ri+cal pos adj. anthropometrically sub head anthropometry syl an+thro+po+1met+ri+cal+ly pos adv. anthropometrist sub head anthropometry syl an+thro+1pom+e:trist pos n. anthropomorphic 1. syl an+thro+po+mor+phic pron <2@nTr*p*1mc:fik> pos adj. def of or relating to anthropomorphism. anthropomorphic 2. syl an+thro+po+mor+phic pron <2@nTr*p*1mc:fik> pos adj. def resembling the human form. anthropomorphism 0. syl an+thro+po+mor+phism pron <2@nTr*p*1mc:fiz*m> pos n. def the attribution of human form or behaviour to a deity, animal, etc. anthropomorphist sub head anthropomorphism syl an+thro+po+1mor+phist pos n. anthropomorphise alt head anthropomorphize or anthropomorphize syl an+thro+po+mor+phise pron <2@nTr*p*?!1mc:fIz> pos vb. anthropomorphize 0. or anthropomorphise syl an+thro+po+mor+phize pron <2@nTr*p*?!1mc:fIz> pos vb. def to attribute or ascribe human form or behaviour to (a god, animal, object, etc.). anthropomorphosis 0. syl an+thro+po+mor+pho+sis pron <2@nTr*p*1mc:f*sis> pos n. def transforma?!tion into human form. anthropomorphous 1. syl an+thro+po+mor+phous pron <2@nTr*p*1mc:f*s> pos adj. def shaped like a human being. anthropomorphous 2. syl an+thro+po+mor+phous pron <2@nTr*p*1mc:f*s> pos adj. def another word for {anthropomorphic}. anthropomorphously sub head anthropomorphous syl an+thro+po+1mor+phous+ly pos adv. anthropopathism alt head anthropopathy or anthropopathy syl an+thro+pop:a+thism pos n. anthropopathy 0. or anthropopathism syl an+thro+pop:a+thy pron <2@nTr*1pop*Ti> pos n. def the attribution of human passions, etc., to a deity, object, etc. anthropopathic sub head anthropopathy syl an+thro+po+path+ic pron <2@nTr*p*1p@Tik> pos adj. anthropophagi ety C16: from Latin, from Greek anthr*_opophagos; see #7anthropo -#7, -#7phagous anthropophagus infl head anthropophagi syl an+thro+poph:a+gus pron <-g*s> pos n. mod sing. anthropophagi 0. syl an+thro+poph:a+gi pron <2@nTr*1pof*2gI> pos n. mod pl. def cannibals. anthropophagite 0. syl an+thro+poph:a+gite pron <2@nTr*1pof*2gIt> pos n. def a rare word for {cannibal}. anthropophagy sub head anthropophagite syl an+thro+poph:a+gy pron <2@nTr*1pof*Ji> pos n. anthropophagic sub head anthropophagite syl an+thro+po+phag+ic pron <2@nTr*p*1f@Jik> pos adj. anthropophagous sub head anthropophagite syl an+thro+1poph:a+gous pos adj. anthroposophy 0. syl an+thro+pos:o+phy pron <2@nTr*1pos*fi> pos n. def the spiritual and mystical teachings of Rudolph Steiner. &- {an+thro+po+soph+ic} (@!@an#Ggr$$p$$$u#!s$Af$Ik) &- {@!an+thro+#!pos@.o+phist} anthurium ety C19: New Latin, from #7antho -#7+ Greek oura a tail anthurium 0. syl an+thu+ri:um pron <@n1Tju*ri*m> pos n. def any of various tropical American aroid plants constituting the genus many of which are cultivated as house plants for their showy foliage and their flowers, which have a long-stalked spike surrounded by a flaring heart-shaped white or red bract. anti 1. syl an:ti pron <1@nti> pos adj. qual Informal. def opposed to a party, policy, attitude, etc.. exam 1 he won't join because he is rather anti. anti 2. syl an:ti pron <1@nti> pos n. qual Informal. def an opponent of a party, policy, etc. anti- ety from Greek anti anti- 1. syl an:ti- pos prefix. def against; opposing. exam 1 anticlerical; exam 2 antisocial. anti- 2. syl an:ti- pos prefix. def opposite to. exam 1 anticlimax; exam 2 antimere. anti- 3. syl an:ti- pos prefix. def rival; false. exam 1 antipope. anti- 4. syl an:ti- pos prefix. def counteracting, inhibiting, or neutralizing. exam 1 antifreeze; exam 2 anti?!histamine. anti-aircraft 0. syl an:ti-air:craft pron <2@nti1e*kra:ft> pos n. usage modifier def of or relating to defence against aircraft attack. exam 1 anti-aircraft batteries. antiar ety from Javanese antiar 0. syl an+ti+ar pron <1@nti2a:> pos n. def another name for { {upas} (senses 1, 2)}. antibaryon 0. syl an:ti+bar:y+on pron <2@nti1b@ri*n> pos n. qual Physics. def the antiparticle of any of the baryons. Antibes 0. syl An+tibes pron French pos n. def a port and resort in SE France, on the Mediterranean: an important Roman town. Pop.: 56309 (1975). antibiosis 0. syl an:ti+bi:o+sis pron <2@ntibI1*usis> pos n. def an association between two organisms, esp. microorganisms, that is harmful to one of them. antibiotic 1. syl an:ti+bi+ot+ic pron <2@ntibI1otik> pos n. def any of various chemical substances, such as penicillin, streptomycin, neomycin, and tetracycline, produced by various microorganisms, esp. fungi, or made synthetically and capable of destroying or inhibiting the growth of microorganisms, esp. bacteria. {~} antibiotic 2. syl an:ti+bi+ot+ic pron <2@ntibI1otik> pos n. def of or relating to antibiotics. antibodies infl head antibody syl an:ti+bod:ies. pos n. mod pl. antibody 0. syl an:ti+bod:y pron <1@nti2bodi> pos n. def any of various proteins produced in the blood in response to the presence of an antigen. It combines with the antigen, usually a toxin produced by a bacterium, rendering it harmless. See also {immuno?!globulin}. antic ety C16: from Italian antico something ancient, or grotesque (from its application to fantastic carvings found in ruins of ancient Rome); see #7antique antic 1. syl an+tic pron <1@ntik> pos n. qual Archaic. def an actor in a ludicrous or grotesque part; clown; buffoon. {~} antic 2. syl an+tic pron <1@ntik> pos n. qual Archaic. def fantastic; grotesque. anticatalyst 1. syl an:ti+cat:a+lyst pron <2@nti1k@t*list> pos n. def a substance that destroys or diminishes the activity of a catalyst. anticatalyst 2. syl an:ti+cat:a+lyst pron <2@nti1k@t*list> pos n. def another name for { {inhibitor} (sense 1)}. anticathode 0. syl an:ti+cath+ode pron <2@nti1k@T*ud> pos n. def the target electrode for the stream of electrons in a vacuum tube, esp. an x-ray tube. antichlor ety C19: from #7anti -#7+ chlor (#7ine) antichlor 0. syl an:ti+chlor pron <1@nti2klc:> pos n. def a substance used to remove chlorine from a material after bleaching. antichloristic sub head antichlor syl an:ti+chlo+1ris+tic pos adj. anticholinergic 1. syl an:ti+cho+lin+er+gic pron <2@nti2koli1nR:Jik> pos adj. qual Physiol. def blocking nerve impulses through the parasympathetic nerves. anticholinergic 2. syl an:ti+cho+lin+er+gic pron <2@nti2koli1nR:Jik> pos n. qual Med. def a drug or agent that blocks these nerve impulses, used esp. to control intestinal spasm. anticholinesterase 0. syl an:ti+cho+lin+es+ter+ase pron <2@nti2kol*1nest*2rAz> pos n. def any of a group of substances that inhibit the action of cholinesterase. Antichrist 1. syl An:ti+christ pron <1@nti2krIst> pos n. qual New Testament. def the antago?!nist of Christ, expected by early Christians to appear and reign over the world until overthrown at Christ's Second Coming. Antichrist 2. syl An:ti+christ pron <1@nti2krIst> pos n. usage sometimes not cap. def an enemy of Christ or Christianity. Antichristian sub head Antichrist syl An:ti+1chris+tian pos adj. anticipant 1. syl an+tic:i+pant pron <@n1tisip*nt> pos adj. def operating in advance; expectant. anticipant 2. syl an+tic:i+pant pron <@n1tisip*nt> pos n. def a person who anticipates. anticipate ety C16: from Latin anticip*_are to take before, realize beforehand, from anti- #7ante -#7+ capere to take &- an+#!tic@.i+@!pa+tor n. anticipate 1. syl an+tic:i+pate pron <@n1tisi2pAt> pos vb. mod mainly; tr. usage may take a clause as object def to regard as likely; expect; foresee. exam 1 he antici?!pated that it would happen. anticipate 2. syl an+tic:i+pate pron <@n1tisi2pAt> pos vb. mod mainly; tr. usage may take a clause as object def to foresee and act in advance of. exam 1 he anticipated the fall in value by selling early. anticipate 3. syl an+tic:i+pate pron <@n1tisi2pAt> pos vb. mod mainly; tr. def to thwart by acting in advance of; forestall. exam 1 I anticipated his punch by moving out of reach. anticipate 4. syl an+tic:i+pate pron <@n1tisi2pAt> pos vb. mod also; intr. def to mention (something) before its proper time. exam 1 don't anticipate the climax of the story. anticipate 5. syl an+tic:i+pate pron <@n1tisi2pAt> pos vb. mod mainly; tr. def to make use of in advance of possession. exam 1 he anticipated his salary in buying a house. anticipate 6. syl an+tic:i+pate pron <@n1tisi2pAt> pos vb. mod mainly; tr. def to pay (a bill, etc.) before it falls due. anticipate 7. syl an+tic:i+pate pron <@n1tisi2pAt> pos vb. mod mainly; tr. def to cause to happen sooner. exam 1 the spread of nationalism anticipated the decline of the Empire. anticipatory sub head anticipate or anticipative syl an+1tic:i+2pa+to:ry pos adj. anticipative sub head anticipate or anticipatory syl an+1tic:i+pa+tive pos adj. anticipation 1. syl an+tic:i+pa+tion pron <@n2tisi1pAS*n> pos n. def the act of anticipating; expectation, premonition, or foresight. anticipation 2. syl an+tic:i+pa+tion pron <@n2tisi1pAS*n> pos n. def the act of taking or dealing with funds before they are legally available or due. anticipation 3. syl an+tic:i+pa+tion pron <@n2tisi1pAS*n> pos n. qual Music. def an unstressed, usually short note introduced before a downbeat and harmonically related to the chord immediately following it. Compare { {suspension} (sense 11)}. anticlastic 0. syl an:ti+clas+tic pron <2@nti1kl@stik> pos adj. usage Maths. of a surface def having a curvature, at a given point and in a particular direction, that is of the opposite sign to the curvature at that point in a perpendicular direction. Compare {synclastic}. anticlerical 1. syl an:ti+cler:i+cal pron <2@nti1klerikL> pos adj. def opposed to the power and influence of the clergy, esp. in politics. anticlerical 2. syl an:ti+cler:i+cal pron <2@nti1klerikL> pos n. def a supporter of an anticlerical party. anticlericalism sub head anticlerical syl an:ti+1cler:i+cal+ism pos n. anticlimax 1. syl an:ti+cli+max pron <2@nti1klIm@ks> pos n. def a disappointing or ineffective conclusion to a series of events, etc. anticlimax 2. syl an:ti+cli+max pron <2@nti1klIm@ks> pos n. def a sudden change from a serious subject to one that is disappointing or ludicrous. anticlimax 3. syl an:ti+cli+max pron <2@nti1klIm@ks> pos n. qual Rhetoric. def a descent in discourse from the significant or important to the trivial, inconsequential, etc. anticlimactic sub head anticlimax syl an:ti+cli+mac+tic pron <2@ntiklI1m@ktik> pos adj. anticlimactically sub head anticlimax syl an:ti+cli+1mac+ti+cal+ly pos adv. anticlinal 1. syl an:ti+cli+nal pron <2@nti1klInL> pos adj. def of, relating to, or resembling an anticline. anticlinal 2. syl an:ti+cli+nal pron <2@nti1klInL> pos adj. qual Botany. def of or relating to the plane at right angles to the surface of an organ. anticline 0. syl an:ti+cline pron <1@nti2klIn> pos n. def a formation of stratified rock raised up, by folding, into a broad arch so that the strata slope down on both sides from a common crest. Compare {syncline}. anticlinoria infl head anticlinorium syl an:ti+cli+no+ri:a pron <-1nc:ri*> pos n. mod pl. anticlinorium 0. syl an:ti+cli+no+ri:um pron <2@ntiklI1nc:ri*m> pos n. def a vast elongated anticline with its strata further folded into anticlines and synclines. anticlockwise 0. syl an:ti+clock+wise pron <2@nti1klok2wIz> pos adv. adj. def in the opposite direction to the rotation of the hands of a clock. U.S. equivalent: {counterclockwise}. anticoagulant 1. syl an:ti+co+ag:u+lant pron <2@ntik*u1@gjul*nt> pos adj. def acting to prevent or retard coagulation, esp. of blood. anticoagulant 2. syl an:ti+co+ag:u+lant pron <2@ntik*u1@gjul*nt> pos n. def an agent that prevents or retards coagulation. anticoincidence 0. syl an:ti+co+in+ci+dence pron <2@ntik*u1insid*ns> pos n. usage modifier def of or relating to an electronic circuit that produces an output pulse if one but not both of its input terminals receives a pulse within a specified interval of time. Compare { {coincidence} (sense 3)}. anticonvulsant 1. syl an:ti+con+vul+sant pron <2@ntik*n1v^ls*nt> pos n. def any of a class of drugs used to relieve convulsions. {~} anticonvulsant 2. syl an:ti+con+vul+sant pron <2@ntik*n1v^ls*nt> pos n. def of or relating to this class of drugs. Anti-Corn Law League 0. syl An:ti-Corn Law League pos n. def an organization founded in 1839 by Richard Cobden and John Bright to oppose the Corn Laws, which were repealed in 1846. Anticosti 0. syl An+ti+cos+ti pron <2@nti1kosti> pos n. def an island of E Canada in the Gulf of St. Lawrence; part of Quebec. Area: 7881 sq. km (3043 sq. miles). antics 0. syl an+tics pron <1@ntiks> pos n. mod pl. def absurd or grotesque acts or postures. anticyclone 0. syl an:ti+cy+clone pron <2@nti1sIkl*un> pos n. qual Meteorol. def a body of moving air of higher pressure than the surrounding air, in which the pressure decreases away from the centre. Winds circulate around the centre in a clockwise direction in the N hemisphere and anticlockwise in the S hemisphere. Also called: {high}. anticyclonic sub head anticyclone syl an:ti+cy+clon+ic pron <2@ntisI1klonik> pos adj. antidepressant 1. syl an:ti+de+pres+sant pron <2@ntidi1presNt> pos n. def any of a class of drugs used to alleviate depression. {~} antidepressant 2. syl an:ti+de+pres+sant pron <2@ntidi1presNt> pos n. def of or relating to this class of drugs. antidote ety C15: from Latin antidotum, from Greek antidoton something given as a countermeasure, from #7anti -#7+ didonai to give &- @!an@.ti+#!dot+al adj. antidote 1. syl an:ti+dote pron <1@nti2d*ut> pos n. qual Med. def a drug or agent that counter?!acts or neutralizes the effects of a poison. antidote 2. syl an:ti+dote pron <1@nti2d*ut> pos n. def anything that counteracts or relieves a harmful or unwanted condition; remedy. antidromic 1. syl an:ti+drom+ic pron <2@nti1dromik> pos adj. usage of nerve fibres def conduct?!ing nerve impulses in a direction opposite to normal. antidromic 2. syl an:ti+drom+ic pron <2@nti1dromik> pos adj. usage of plants def showing twining to the left and right in members of the same species. Antietam 0. syl An+tie+tam pron <@n1tEt*m> pos n. def a creek in NW Maryland, flowing into the Potomac: scene of a Civil War battle (1862), in which the Confederate forces of General Robert E. Lee were defeated. antifebrile 1. syl an:ti+fe:brile pron <2@nti1fEbrIl> pos adj. def reducing fever; antipyretic. {~} antifebrile 2. syl an:ti+fe:brile pron <2@nti1fEbrIl> pos adj. def an antifebrile agent or drug. Antifederalist 1. syl An:ti+fed+er+al+ist pron <2@nti1fed*r*list>, <-1fedr*-> pos n. qual U.S. history. def a person who opposed the ratification of the Constitution in 1789 and thereafter allied with Thomas Jefferson's Antifederal Party, which opposed extension of the powers of the federal Government. Antifederalist 2. syl An:ti+fed+er+al+ist pron <2@nti1fed*r*list>, <-1fedr*-> pos n. usage often not cap. def any person who opposes federalism. antiferromagnetism 0. syl an:ti+fer+ro+mag+ne+tism pron <2@nti2fer*u1m@gni2tiz*m> pos n. qual Phys?!ics. def the phenomenon exhibited by substances that resemble paramagnetic substances in the value of their relative permeability but that behave like ferromagnetic substances when their temperature is varied. See also {ferrimagnetism}. antifouling 1. syl an:ti+foul+ing pron <2@nti1fauliG> pos adj. usage of a paint or other coating def inhibiting the growth of barnacles and other marine organisms on a ship's bottom. antifouling 2. syl an:ti+foul+ing pron <2@nti1fauliG> pos n. def an antifouling paint or other coating. antifreeze 0. syl an:ti+freeze pron <1@nti2frEz> pos n. def a liquid, usually ethylene glycol (ethanediol), added to cooling water to lower its freezing point, esp. for use in an internal-combustion engine. antigen ety C20: from #7anti (#7body) #7+ -#7gen antigen 0. syl an:ti+gen pron <1@ntiJ*n>, <-2Jen> pos n. def a substance that stimulates the production of antibodies. antigenic sub head antigen syl an:ti+1gen+ic pos adj. antigenically sub head antigen syl an:ti+1gen:i+cal+ly pos adv. Antigone 0. syl An:tig:o:ne pron <@n1tig*ni> pos n. qual Greek myth. def daughter of Oedipus and Jocasta, who was condemned to death for cremating the body of her brother Polynices in defiance of an edict of her uncle, King Creon of Thebes. Antigonus I 0. syl An:tig:o:nus I pron <@n1tig*n*s> pos n. def called 382-301 #7b.c., Macedonian general under Alexander the Great; king of Macedon (306-301). anti-G suit 0. syl an:ti-G suit pos n. def another name for {G-suit}. Antigua 0. syl An+ti+gua pron <@n1tEg*> pos n. def an island of the West Indies, one of the Leeward Islands: a British colony until 1967, now a British Associated State. Capital: St. John's. Pop.: 66000 (1972 est.). Area: 279 sq. km (108 sq. miles). &- {An+#!ti+guan} antihalation 0.a. syl an:ti+ha+la+tion pron <2antih*1lAS*n> pos n. qual Photog. def a process by which light, passing through the emulsion on a film or plate, is not reflected back into it but is absorbed by a layer of dye or pigment, usually on the back of the film, thus preventing halation. antihalation 0.b. syl an:ti+ha+la+tion pron <2antih*1lAS*n> pos n. qual Photog. usage as modifier exam 1 antihalation backing. antihelices infl head antihelix or antihelixes syl an:ti+hel:i+ces pron <-1hElisEz> pos n. mod pl. antihelixes infl head antihelix or antihelices syl an:ti+he+lix:es. pos n. mod pl. antihelix 0. syl an:ti+he+lix pron <2@nti1hEliks> pos n. def a variant spelling of {anthelix}. antiheroes infl head antihero syl an:ti+he+roes. pos n. mod pl. antihero 0. syl an:ti+he+ro pron <1@nti2hi*r*u> pos n. def a central character in a novel, play, etc., who lacks the traditional heroic virtues. antihistamine 0. syl an:ti+his+ta+mine pron <2@nti1hist*2mEn>, <-min> pos n. def any drug that neutralizes the effects of histamine, used esp. in the treatment of allergies. anti-icer 0. syl an:ti-ic:er pos n. def a device fitted to an aircraft to prevent the formation of ice. Compare {de-icer}. antiknock 0. syl an:ti+knock pron <2@nti1nok> pos n. def a compound, such as lead tetraethyl, added to petrol to reduce knocking in the engine. Anti-Lebanon 0. syl An:ti-Leb:a+non pos n. def a mountain range running north and south between Syria and Lebanon, east of the Lebanon Mountains. Highest peak: Mount Hermon, 279 m (9232 ft.). antilepton 0. syl an:ti+lep+ton pron <2@nti1lept*n> pos n. qual Physics. def the antiparticle of any of the leptons. Anthe infl head Antilles syl An+the. pos n. Antilles 0. syl An+til+les pron <@n1tilEz> pos n. mod pl. def a group of islands in the West Indies consisting of the {Greater Antilles} and the {Lesser Antilles}. antilog 0. syl an:ti+log pron <1@nti2log> pos n. def short for {antilogarithm}. antilogarithm 0. syl an:ti+log:a+rithm pron <2@nti1log*2riD*m> pos n. def a number whose logarithm is the given number. exam 1 100 is the antilogarithm of 2. antilogarithmic sub head antilogarithm syl an:ti+2log:a+1rith+mic pos adj. antilogism ety C20: from #7anti -#7+ (#7syl) #7logism antilogism 0. syl an+til:o+gism pron <@n1til*2Jiz*m> pos n. def a triad of propositions consist?!ing of the two premisses of a syllogism and the negation of its conclusion. antilogy ety C17: from Greek antilogia antilogies infl head antilogy syl an+til+o:gies. pos n. mod pl. antilogy 0. syl an+til+o:gy pron <@n1til*Ji> pos n. def a contradiction in terms. antimacassar ety C19: from #7anti -#7+ M#7acassar (#7oil) antimacassar 0. syl an:ti+ma+cas+sar pron <2@ntim*1k@s*> pos n. def a cloth covering the back and arms of chairs, etc., to prevent soiling or as decoration. antimagnetic 0. syl an:ti+mag+net+ic pron <2@ntim@g1netik> pos adj. def of or constructed of a material that does not acquire permanent magnetism when exposed to a magnetic field. exam 1 an antimagnetic watch. antimalarial 1. syl an:ti+ma+lar+i:al pron <2@ntim*1le*ri*l> pos adj. def effective in the treatment of malaria. {~} antimalarial 2. syl an:ti+ma+lar+i:al pron <2@ntim*1le*ri*l> pos adj. def an antimalarial drug or agent. antimasque 0. syl an:ti+masque pron <1@nti2ma:sk> pos n. def a comic or grotesque dance, presented between the acts of a masque. antimatter 0. syl an:ti+mat+ter pron <1@nti2m@t*> pos n. def a hypothetical form of matter composed of antiparticles. antimere 0. syl an:ti+mere pron <1@nti2mi*> pos n. def a part or organ of a bilaterally or radially symmetrical organism that corresponds to a similar structure on the other side of the axis, such as the right or left limb of a four-legged animal. Also called: {actinomere}. antimeric sub head antimere syl an:ti+mer+ic pron <2@nti1merik> pos adj. antimerism sub head antimere syl an+tim+er+ism pron <@n1tim*2riz*m> pos n. antimissile 1. syl an:ti+mis+sile pron <2@nti1misIl> pos adj. def relating to defensive measures against missile attack. exam 1 an antimissile system. antimissile 2. syl an:ti+mis+sile pron <2@nti1misIl> pos n. def a defensive missile used to intercept and destroy attacking missiles. antimonial 1. syl an:ti+mo+ni:al pron <2@nti1m*uni*l> pos adj. def of or containing antimony. antimonial 2. syl an:ti+mo+ni:al pron <2@nti1m*uni*l> pos n. def a drug or agent containing antimony. antimonic 0. syl an:ti+mo+nic pron <2@nti1monik> pos adj. def of or containing antimony in the pentavalent state. antimonous 0. syl an:ti+mo+nous pron <1@ntim*n*s> pos adj. def of or containing antimony in the trivalent state. antimony ety C15: from Medieval Latin antim*_onium, of uncertain origin antimony 0. syl an:ti+mo+ny pron <1@ntim*ni> pos n. def a toxic metallic element that exists in two allotropic forms and occurs principally in stibnite. The stable form is a brittle silvery-white crystalline metal that is added to alloys to increase their strength and hardness and is used in semiconductors. Symbol: Sb; atomic no.: 51; atomic wt.: 121.75; valency: 3 or 5; relative density: 6.684; melting pt.: 630.5?%C; boiling pt.: 1640?%C. antimonyl 0. syl an:ti+mo+nyl pron <1@ntim*nil>, <@n1tim-> pos n. usage modifier def of, consisting of, or containing the monovalent group SbO-. exam 1 an antimonyl group or radical. antimony potassium tartrate 0. syl an:ti+mo+ny po+tas+si:um tar+trate pos n. def a colourless odourless poisonous crystalline salt used as a mordant for textiles and leather, as an insecticide, and as an anthelmintic. Formula: K(SbO)C\4H\4O\6. Also called: {tartar emetic}. antineutrinos infl head antineutrino syl an:ti+neu+tri+nos. pos n. mod pl. antineutrino 0. syl an:ti+neu+tri+no pron <2@ntinju:1trEn*u> pos n. def the antiparticle of a neutrino; a particle having the opposite spin to a neutrino. antineutron 0. syl an:ti+neu+tron pron <2@nti1nju:tron> pos n. def the antiparticle of a neutron; a particle having the same mass as the neutron but a magnetic moment of opposite sign. anting 0. syl ant+ing pron <1@ntiG> pos n. def the placing or rubbing of ants by birds on their feathers. The body fluids of the ants are thought to repel parasites. antinode 0. syl an:ti+node pron <1@nti2n*ud> pos n. def a point of maximum displacement between two adjacent nodes in a standing wave. antinodal sub head antinode syl an:ti+1nod+al pos adj. antinomian 1. syl an:ti+no+mi:an pron <2@nti1n*umi*n> pos adj. def relating to the doctrine that by faith and the dispensation of grace a Christian is released from the obligation of adhering to any moral law. antinomian 2. syl an:ti+no+mi:an pron <2@nti1n*umi*n> pos n. def a member of a Christian sect holding such a doctrine. antinomianism sub head antinomian syl an:ti+1no+mi+an+ism pos n. antinomy ety C16: from Latin antinomia, from Greek: conflict between laws, from #7anti -#7+ nomos law antinomies infl head antinomy syl an+tin:o+mies. pos n. mod pl. antinomy 1. syl an+tin:o+my pron <@n1tin*mi> pos n. def opposition of one law, principle, or rule to another; contradiction within a law. antinomy 2. syl an+tin:o+my pron <@n1tin*mi> pos n. qual Philosophy. def contradiction existing between two apparently indubitable propositions; paradox. antinomic sub head antinomy syl an:ti+nom+ic pron <2@nti1nomik> pos adj. antinomically sub head antinomy syl an:ti+1nom:i+cal+ly pos adv. antinovel 0. syl an:ti+nov+el pron <1@nti2novL> pos n. def a type of prose fiction in which conventional or traditional novelistic elements are rejected. Also called: {anti-roman, nouveau roman}. antinucleon 0. syl an:ti+nu+cle:on pron <2@nti1nju:kli2on> pos n. def an antiproton or an antineutron. Antioch 0. syl An+ti+och pron <1@nti2ok> pos n. def a city in S Turkey, on the Orantes River: ancient commercial centre and capital of Syria (300-64 #7b.c.) ; early centre of Christianity. Pop.: 57900 (1965). Arabic name: {Antakiya}. Turkish name: {Antakya}. Antiochus III 0. syl An:ti:o:chus III pron <@n1tI*k*s> pos n. def called 242-187 #7b.c., king of Syria (223-187), who greatly extended the Seleucid empire but was forced (190) to surrender most of Asia Minor to the Romans. Antiochus IV 0. syl An:ti:o:chus IV pos n. def ??215-164 #7b.c., Seleucid king of Syria (175-164), who attacked the Jews and provoked the revolt of the Maccabees. antioxidant 0. syl an:ti+ox:i+dant pron <2@nti1oksid*nt> pos n. def any substance that retards deterioration by oxidation, esp. of fats, oils, foods, petroleum products, or rubber. antiparallel 1. syl an:ti+par+al+lel pron <2@nti1p@r*2lel> pos adj. qual Physics. def parallel but pointing or rotating in opposite directions. antiparallel 2. syl an:ti+par+al+lel pron <2@nti1p@r*2lel> pos adj. usage Maths. of two lines def cutting two given lines so that in the quadrilateral formed the interior opposite angles are supplementary. antiparticle 0. syl an:ti+par+ti+cle pron <1@nti2pa:tikL> pos n. def any of a group of elementary particles that have the same mass as their corresponding particle but have a charge, baryon number, strangeness, and isospin quantum number, I\3, of equal magnitude but opposite sign. When a particle collides with its antiparticle mutual annihilation occurs. antipasto ety Italian: before food antipastos infl head antipasto syl an:ti+pas+tos. pos n. mod pl. antipasto 0. syl an:ti+pas+to pron <2@nti1pa:st*u>, <-1p@s-> pos n. def a course of hors d'oeuvres in an Italian meal. Antipater 0. syl An:tip:a:ter pron <@n1tip*t*> pos n. def ??398-319 #7b.c., Macedonian general under Alexander the Great: regent of Macedon (334-323). antipathetical alt head antipathetic or antipathetic syl an:ti+pa+thet+ic:al pos adj. antipathetic 0. or antipathetical syl an:ti+pa+thet+ic pron <@n2tip*1Tetik>, <2@ntip*-> pos adj. usage often foll. by to def having or arousing a strong aversion. antipathetically sub head antipathetic syl an:ti+pa+1thet:i+cal+ly pos adv. antipathy ety C17: from Latin antipathia, from Greek antipatheia, from #7anti -#7+ patheia feeling antipathies infl head antipathy syl an+tip:a+thies. pos n. mod pl. antipathy 1. syl an+tip:a+thy pron <@n1tip*Ti> pos n. def a feeling of intense aversion, dislike, or hostility. antipathy 2. syl an+tip:a+thy pron <@n1tip*Ti> pos n. def the object of such a feeling. antiperiodic 1. syl an:ti+pe:ri+od+ic pron <2@nti2pi*ri1odik> pos adj. qual Med. def efficacious against recurring attacks of a disease. {~} antiperiodic 2. syl an:ti+pe:ri+od+ic pron <2@nti2pi*ri1odik> pos adj. qual Med. def an antiperiodic drug or agent. antiperistalsis 0. syl an:ti+per:i+stal+sis pron <2@nti2peri1st@lsis> pos n. qual Physiol. def contractions of the intestine that force the contents in the opposite direction to the normal. antipersonnel 0. syl an:ti+per+son+nel pron <2@nti2pR:s*1nel> pos adj. usage of weapons, etc. def designed to cause casualties to personnel rather than to destroy equipment or defences. antiperspirant 1. syl an:ti+per+spi+rant pron <2@nti1pR:sp*r*nt> pos n. def an astringent substance applied to the skin to reduce or prevent perspiration. antiperspirant 2. syl an:ti+per+spi+rant pron <2@nti1pR:sp*r*nt> pos adj. def reducing or preventing perspiration. antiphlogistic 1. syl an:ti+phlo+gis+tic pron <2@ntifl*1Jistik> pos adj. def of or relating to the prevention or alleviation of inflammation. antiphlogistic 2. syl an:ti+phlo+gis+tic pron <2@ntifl*1Jistik> pos n. def an antiphlogistic agent or drug. antiphon ety C15: from Late Latin antiph*_ona sung responses, from Late Greek, plural of antiph*_onon (something) responsive, from antiph*_onos, from #7anti -#7+ ph*_on*_e sound antiphon 1. syl an:ti+phon pron <1@ntif*n> pos n. def a short passage, usually from the Bible, recited or sung as a response after certain parts of a liturgical service. antiphon 2. syl an:ti+phon pron <1@ntif*n> pos n. def a psalm, hymn, etc., chanted or sung in alternate parts. antiphon 3. syl an:ti+phon pron <1@ntif*n> pos n. def any response or answer. antiphonal 1. syl an+tiph:o+nal pron <@n1tif*n*l> pos adj. def sung or recited in alternation. antiphonal 2. syl an+tiph:o+nal pron <@n1tif*n*l> pos n. def another word for {antiphonary}. antiphonally sub head antiphonal syl an+1tiph:o+nal+ly pos adv. antiphonaries infl head antiphonary syl an+tiph:o+nar:ies. pos n. mod pl. antiphonary 1. syl an+tiph:o+nar:y pron <@n1tif*n*ri> pos n. def a bound collection of antiphons, esp. for use in the divine office. antiphonary 2. syl an+tiph:o+nar:y pron <@n1tif*n*ri> pos adj. def of or relating to such a book. antiphonies infl head antiphony syl an+tiph:o+nies. pos n. mod pl. antiphony 1. syl an+tiph:o+ny pron <@n1tif*ni> pos n. def the antiphonal singing of a musical composition by two choirs. antiphony 2. syl an+tiph:o+ny pron <@n1tif*ni> pos n. def any musical or other sound effect that answers or echoes another. antiphrasis ety C16: via Late Latin from Greek, from #7anti -#7+ phrasis, from phrazein to speak antiphrasis 0. syl an+tiph+ra+sis pron <@n1tifr*sis> pos n. qual Rhetoric. def the use of a word in a sense opposite to its normal one, esp. for ironic effect. antipodal 1. syl an+tip:o+dal pron <@n1tip*dL> pos adj. def of or relating to diametrically opposite points on the earth's surface. antipodal 2. syl an+tip:o+dal pron <@n1tip*dL> pos adj. def exactly or diametrically opposite. antipode 0. syl an:ti+pode pron <1@ntip*ud> pos n. def the exact or direct opposite. antipodes ety C16: via Late Latin from Greek, plural of antipous having the feet opposite, from #7anti -#7+ pous foot &- an+tip@.o+de@.an (@an@!t$Ip$$#!di$:$$n) adj. antipodes 1. syl an+tip:o+des pron <@n1tip*2dEz> pos n. mod pl. def either or both of two points, places, or regions that are situated diametrically opposite to one another on the earth's surface, esp. the country or region opposite one's own. antipodes 2. syl an+tip:o+des pron <@n1tip*2dEz> pos n. mod pl. def the people who live there. anthe infl head antipodes syl an+the. pos n. antipodes 3. syl an+tip:o+des pron <@n1tip*2dEz> pos n. mod pl. def Australia and New Zealand. antipodes 4. syl an+tip:o+des pron <@n1tip*2dEz> pos n. mod sometimes functioning as; sing. def the exact or direct opposite. Anthe infl head Antipodes syl An+the. pos n. Antipodes 0. syl An+tip:o+des pron <@n1tip*2dEz> pos n. mod pl. def a group of small un?!inhabited islands in the South Pacific, southeast of and belonging to New Zealand. Area: 62 sq. km (24 sq. miles). antipope 0. syl an:ti+pope pron <1@nti2p*up> pos n. def a rival pope elected in opposition to one who has been canonically chosen. antiproton 0. syl an:ti+pro+ton pron <1@nti2pr*uton> pos n. def the antiparticle of the proton; a particle having the same mass as the proton but an equal and opposite charge. antipsychiatry 0. syl an:ti+psy+chi:a+try pron <2@ntisI1kI*tri> pos n. def an approach to mental disorders that makes use of concepts derived from existentialism, psychoanalysis, and sociological theory. antipyretic 1. syl an:ti+py+ret+ic pron <2@ntipI1retik> pos adj. def preventing or alleviating fever. {~} antipyretic 2. syl an:ti+py+ret+ic pron <2@ntipI1retik> pos adj. def an antipyretic remedy or drug. antipyresis sub head antipyretic syl an:ti+py+re:sis pron <2@ntipI1rEsis> pos n. antipyrine 0. syl an:ti+py+rine pron <2@nti1pIrin>, <-rEn> pos n. def a white powder used medicinally to reduce pain and fever. Formula: C\1\1H\1\2N\2O. antiq 1. syl antiq. qual abbrev. for: def antiquarian. antiq 2. syl antiq. qual abbrev. for: def antiquity. antiquarian 1. syl an:ti+quar+i:an pron <2@nti1kwe*ri*n> pos adj. def concerned with the study of antiquities or antiques. antiquarian 2. syl an:ti+quar+i:an pron <2@nti1kwe*ri*n> pos n. def the largest size of handmade drawing paper, 53#M31 inches. antiquarian 3. syl an:ti+quar+i:an pron <2@nti1kwe*ri*n> pos n. def a less common name for {antiquary}. antiquarianism sub head antiquarian syl an:ti+1quar:i+an+ism pos n. antiquaries infl head antiquary syl an:ti+quar:ies. pos n. mod pl. antiquary 0. syl an:ti+quar:y pron <1@nti2kweri> pos n. def a person who collects, deals in, or studies antiques, ancient works of art, or ancient times. Also called: {antiquarian}. antiquate ety C15: from Latin ant*_iqu*_are to make old, from ant*_iquus ancient antiquate 1. syl an:ti+quate pron <1@nti2kwAt> pos vb. mod tr. def to make obsolete or old-fashioned. antiquate 2. syl an:ti+quate pron <1@nti2kwAt> pos vb. mod tr. def to give an old or antique appearance to. antiquated 1. syl an:ti+quat+ed pron <1@nti2kwAtid> pos adj. def outmoded; obsolete. antiquated 2. syl an:ti+quat+ed pron <1@nti2kwAtid> pos adj. def aged; ancient. antiquatedness sub head antiquated syl an:ti+2quat+ed+ness pos n. antique ety C16: from Latin ant*_iquus ancient, from ante before antique 1.a. syl an+tique pron <@n1tEk> pos n. def a decorative object, piece of furniture, or other work of art created in an earlier period, that is collected and valued for its beauty, workmanship, and age. antique 1.b. syl an+tique pron <@n1tEk> pos n. usage as modifier exam 1 an antique shop. antique 2. syl an+tique pron <@n1tEk> pos n. def any object made in an earlier period. anthe 3. head antique syl an+the. def the style of ancient art, esp. Greek or Roman art, or an example of it. antique 4. syl an+tique pron <@n1tEk> pos n. qual Printing. def a family of typefaces having all lines of nearly equal thickness. antique 5. syl an+tique pron <@n1tEk> pos adj. def made in or in the style of an earlier period. antique 6. syl an+tique pron <@n1tEk> pos adj. def of or belonging to the distant past, esp. of or in the style of ancient Greece or Rome. antique 7. syl an+tique pron <@n1tEk> pos adj. qual Informal. def old-fashioned; out-of-date. antique 8. syl an+tique pron <@n1tEk> pos adj. qual Archaic. def aged or venerable. antique 9. syl an+tique pron <@n1tEk> pos adj. usage of paper def not calendered or coated; having a rough surface. antique 10. syl an+tique pron <@n1tEk> pos vb. mod tr. def to give an antique appearance to. antiquities 0. syl an+tiq+ui:ties pron <@n1tikwitiz> pos n. mod pl. def remains or relics, such as statues, buildings, or coins, that date from ancient times. antiquities infl head antiquity syl an+tiq+ui:ties. pos n. mod pl. antiquity 1. syl an+tiq+ui:ty pron <@n1tikwiti> pos n. def the quality of being ancient or very old. exam 1 a vase of great antiquity. antiquity 2. syl an+tiq+ui:ty pron <@n1tikwiti> pos n. def the far distant past, esp. the time preceding the Middle Ages in Europe. antiquity 3. syl an+tiq+ui:ty pron <@n1tikwiti> pos n. def the people of ancient times collectively; the ancients. antirachitic 1. syl an:ti+ra+chit+ic pron <2@ntir*1kitik> pos adj. def preventing or curing rickets. {~} antirachitic 2. syl an:ti+ra+chit+ic pron <2@ntir*1kitik> pos adj. def an antirachitic remedy or agent. Antiremonstrant 0. syl An:ti+re:mon+strant pron <2@ntiri1monstr*nt> pos n. qual Dutch Reformed Church. def the party that opposed the Remonstrants. antirrhinum ety C16: via Latin from Greek antirrhinon, from #7anti - (imitating)#7+ rhis nose; so called from a fancied likeness to an animal's snout antirrhinum 0. syl an+tir+rhi+num pron <2@nti1rIn*m> pos n. def any scrophulariaceous plant of the genus esp. the snapdragon, which have two-lipped flowers of various colours. Antisana 0. syl An+ti+sa+na pron Spanish <2anti1sana> pos n. def a volcano in N central Ecuador, in the Andes. Height: 5756 m (18885 ft.). antiscorbutic 1. syl an:ti+scor+bu+tic pron <2@ntiskc:1bju:tik> pos adj. def preventing or curing scurvy. antiscorbutic 2. syl an:ti+scor+bu+tic pron <2@ntiskc:1bju:tik> pos n. def an antiscorbutic remedy or agent. anti-Semite 0. syl an:ti-Sem:ite pos n. def a person who persecutes or discriminates against Jews. anti-Semitic sub head anti-Semite syl an:ti-Se:1mit:ic pos adj. anti-Semitically sub head anti-Semite syl an:ti-Se:1mit:i+cal+ly pos adv. anti-Semitism sub head anti-Semite syl an:ti-1Sem:i:tism pos n. antisepsis 1. syl an:ti+sep+sis pron <2@nti1sepsis> pos n. def destruction of undesirable microorganisms, such as those that cause disease or putrefaction. Compare {asepsis}. antisepsis 2. syl an:ti+sep+sis pron <2@nti1sepsis> pos n. def the state or condition of being free from such microorganisms. antiseptic 1. syl an:ti+sep+tic pron <2@nti1septik> pos adj. def of, relating to, or affecting antisepsis. antiseptic 2. syl an:ti+sep+tic pron <2@nti1septik> pos adj. def entirely free from contamination. antiseptic 3. syl an:ti+sep+tic pron <2@nti1septik> pos adj. qual Informal. def lacking spirit or excitement; clinical. antiseptic 4. syl an:ti+sep+tic pron <2@nti1septik> pos n. def an antiseptic agent or substance. antiseptically sub head antiseptic syl an:ti+1sep+ti+cal+ly pos adv. antiserums infl head antiserum or antisera syl an:ti+se:rums pron <-r*> pos n. mod pl. antisera infl head antiserum or antiserums syl an:ti+se:ra pron <-r*> pos n. mod pl. antiserum 0. syl an:ti+se:rum pron <2@nti1si*r*m> pos n. def blood serum containing antibodies against a specific antigen, used to treat or provide immunity to a disease. antislavery 0. syl an:ti+slav+er:y pron <2@nti1slAv*ri> pos adj. def opposed to slavery, esp. Negro slavery. antisocial 1. syl an:ti+so+cial pron <2@nti1s*uS*l> pos adj. def avoiding the company of other people; unsociable. antisocial 2. syl an:ti+so+cial pron <2@nti1s*uS*l> pos adj. def contrary or injurious to the interests of society in general. antisocially sub head antisocial syl an:ti+1so+cial+ly pos adv. antispasmodic 1. syl an:ti+spas+mod+ic pron <2@ntisp@z1modik> pos adj. def preventing or arresting spasms. antispasmodic 2. syl an:ti+spas+mod+ic pron <2@ntisp@z1modik> pos n. def an antispasmodic drug. antistatic 0. syl an:ti+stat+ic pron <2@nti1st@tik> pos adj. usage of a substance, textile, etc. def retaining sufficient moisture to provide a conducting path, thus avoiding the effects of static electricity. Antisthenes 0. syl An:tis:the:nes pron <@n1tisT*2nEz> pos n. def ??445-365 #7b.c., Greek philosopher, founder of the Cynic school, who taught that the only good was virtue, won by self-control and independence from worldly needs. antistrophe ety C17: via Late Latin from Greek antistroph*_e an answering turn, from #7anti -#7+ stroph*_e a turning antistrophe 1.a. syl an+tis+tro+phe pron <@n1tistr*fi> pos n. def the second of two movements made by a chorus during the performance of a choral ode. antistrophe 1.b. syl an+tis+tro+phe pron <@n1tistr*fi> pos n. def the second part of a choral ode sung during this movement. antistrophe 2. syl an+tis+tro+phe pron <@n1tistr*fi> pos n. usage in classical prosody def the second of two metrical systems used alternately within a poem. {~} See {strophe}. antistrophic sub head antistrophe syl an:ti+stroph+ic pron <2@nti1strofik> pos adj. antistrophically sub head antistrophe syl an:ti+1stroph:i+cal+ly pos adv. antitank 0. syl an:ti+tank pron <2@nti1t@Gk> pos adj. def designed to immobilize or destroy armoured vehicles. exam 1 antitank weapons. antithesis ety C15: via Latin from Greek: a setting against, from #7anti -#7+ tithenai to place antitheses infl head antithesis syl an+tith+e:ses pron <-2sEz> pos n. mod pl. antithesis 1. syl an+tith+e:sis pron <@n1tiTisis> pos n. def the exact opposite. antithesis 2. syl an+tith+e:sis pron <@n1tiTisis> pos n. def contrast or opposition. antithesis 3. syl an+tith+e:sis pron <@n1tiTisis> pos n. qual Rhetoric. def the juxtaposition of contrasting ideas, phrases, or words so as to produce an effect of balance, such as antithesis 4. syl an+tith+e:sis pron <@n1tiTisis> pos n. qual Philosophy. def the second stage in the {Hegelian dialectic}. antithetic alt head antithetical or antithetical syl an:ti+thet+ic pos adj. antithetical 1. or antithetic syl an:ti+thet:i+cal pron <2@nti1TetikL> pos adj. def of the nature of antithesis. antithetical 2. or antithetic syl an:ti+thet:i+cal pron <2@nti1TetikL> pos adj. def directly contrasted. antitoxin 1. syl an:ti+tox+in pron <2@nti1toksin> pos n. def an antibody that neutralizes a toxin. antitoxin 2. syl an:ti+tox+in pron <2@nti1toksin> pos n. def blood serum that contains a specific antibody. &- {@!an@.ti+#!tox+ic} antitrades 0. syl an:ti+trades pron <1@nti2trAdz> pos n. mod pl. def winds in the upper atmosphere blowing in the opposite direction from and above the trade winds. antitragus ety C19: from New Latin, from Greek antitragos; see #7anti -, #7tragus antitragi infl head antitragus syl an+tit+ra+gi pron <-2JI> pos n. mod pl. antitragus 0. syl an+tit+ra+gus pron <@n1titr*g*s> pos n. def a cartilaginous projection of the external ear opposite the tragus. antitrust 0. syl an:ti+trust pron <2@nti1tr^st> pos n. qual Chiefly U.S. usage modifier def regulating or opposing trusts, monopolies, cartels, or similar organizations, esp. in order to prevent unfair competition. antitussive 1. syl an:ti+tus+sive pron <2@nti1t^siv> pos adj. def alleviating or suppressing coughing. {~} antitussive 2. syl an:ti+tus+sive pron <2@nti1t^siv> pos adj. def an antitussive drug. antitype 1. syl an:ti+type pron <1@nti2tIp> pos n. def a person or thing that is foreshadowed or represented by a type or symbol, esp. a character or event in the New Testament prefigured in the Old Testament. antitype 2. syl an:ti+type pron <1@nti2tIp> pos n. def an opposite type. antitypic sub head antitype or antitypical syl an:ti+typ+ic pron <2@nti1tipik> pos adj. antitypical sub head antitype or antitypic syl an:ti+1typ:i+cal pos adj. antitypically sub head antitype syl an:ti+1typ:i+cal+ly pos adv. antivenin ety C19: from #7anti -#7+ ven (#7om) #7+ -#7in antivenin 0. syl an:ti+ven+in pron <2@nti1venin> pos n. def an antitoxin that counteracts a specific venom, esp. snake venom. antiworld 0. syl an:ti+world pron <1@nti2wR:ld> pos n. def a hypothetical or supposed world or universe composed of antimatter. antler ety C14: from Old French antoillier, from Vulgar Latin anteoculare (unattested) (something) in front of the eye antler 0. syl ant+ler pron <1@ntl*> pos n. def one of a pair of bony outgrowths on the heads of male deer and some related species of either sex. The antlers are shed each year and grow more branches as the animal ages. antler moth 0. syl ant+ler moth pos n. def a European noctuid moth, (or that has white antler-like markings on the forewings and produces larvae that periodically cause great damage to pastures and grasslands. Antlia ety C19: from Latin, from Greek: bucket Antliae infl head Antlia syl Ant+li:ae pron <1@ntli2E> pos n. qual Latin genitive Antlia 0. syl Ant+li:a pron <1@ntli*> pos n. def a faint constellation in the S hemisphere close to Hydra and Vela. antlion 1. syl ant+li+on pron <1@nt2lI*n> pos n. def Also called: {antlion fly}. any of various neuropterous insects of the family which typically resemble dragonflies and are most common in tropical regions. antlion 2. syl ant+li+on pron <1@nt2lI*n> pos n. def Also called (U.S.): {doodlebug}. the larva of this insect, which has very large jaws and buries itself in the sand to await its prey. Antofagasta 0. syl An+to+fa+gas+ta pron <2@nt*f*1g@st*>, Spanish <2antofa1$Gasta> pos n. def a port in N Chile. Pop.: 149720 (1975 est.). Antoinette 0. syl An:toi:nette pron French pos n. def See {Marie Antoinette}. Antoninus 0. syl An:to:ni:nus pron <2@nt*1nIn*s> pos n. def See {Marcus Aurelius Antoninus}. Antoninus Pius 0. syl An:to:ni:nus Pi:us pos n. def 86-161 #7a.d., emperor of Rome (138-161); adopted son and successor of Hadrian. Michelangelo infl head Antonioni syl Mi:chel:an:ge:lo pron pos n. Antonioni 0. syl An:to:ni:o:ni pron <2@nt*uni1*uni> pos n. def born 1912, Italian film director; his films include (1959), (1961), (1966), and (1970). Marcus infl head Antonius syl Mar:cus pron <1ma:k*s> pos n. Antonius 0. syl An:to:ni:us pron <@n1t*uni*s> pos n. def Latin name of (Mark) {Antony}. antonomasia ety C16: via Latin from Greek, from antonoma?!zein to name differently, from onoma name antonomasia 1. syl an+to+no+ma+si:a pron <2@nt*n*1mAzi*> pos n. qual Rhetoric. def the substitution of a title or epithet for a proper name, such as antonomasia 2. syl an+to+no+ma+si:a pron <2@nt*n*1mAzi*> pos n. qual Rhetoric. def the use of a proper name for an idea. exam 1 he is a Daniel come to judgment. antonomastic sub head antonomasia syl an+to+no+mas+tic pron <2@nt*n*1m@stik> pos adj. antonomastically sub head antonomasia syl an+to+no+1mas+ti+cal+ly pos adv. Mark infl head Antony syl Mark. pos n. Antony 0. syl An:to:ny pron <1@nt*ni> pos n. def Latin name ??83-30 #7b.c., Roman general who served under Julius Caesar in the Gallic wars and became a member of the second triumvirate (43). He defeated Brutus and Cassius at Philippi (42) but having repudiated his wife for Cleopatra, queen of Egypt, he was defeated by his brother-in-law Octavian (Augustus) at Actium (31). antonym ety C19: from Greek ant*_onumia, from #7anti -#7+ onoma name antonym 0. syl an+to+nym pron <1@nt*nim> pos n. def a word that means the opposite of another word: @6 @9 @6 @9. antonymous sub head antonym syl an+ton:y+mous pron <@n1tonim*s> pos adj. antre ety C17: from French, from Latin antrum, from Greek antron antre 0. syl an+tre pron <1@nt*> pos n. qual Rare. def a cavern or cave. Antrim 0. syl An+trim pron <1@ntrim> pos n. def a county of NE Northern Ireland: famous for the Giant's Causeway on the N coast. County town: Belfast. Pop.: 352549 (1971). Area: 2843 sq. km (1098 sq. miles). antrorse ety C19: from New Latin antrorsus, from antero- front+ -orsus, as in Latin introrsus; see #7introrse antrorse 0. syl an+trorse pron <@n1trc:s> pos adj. qual Biology. def directed or pointing upwards or forwards. antrorsely sub head antrorse syl an+1trorse+ly pos adv. antrum ety C14: from Latin: cave, from Greek antron &- #!an+tral adj. antra infl head antrum syl an+tra pron <-tr*> pos n. mod pl. antrum 0. syl an+trum pron <1@ntr*m> pos n. qual Anatomy. def a natural cavity, hollow, or sinus, esp. in a bone. Antung 0. syl An+tung pron <1@n1tuG> pos n. def a port in E China, in Liaoning province at the mouth of the Yalu River. Pop.: 360000 (1953). Antwerp 1. syl Ant+werp pron <1@ntwR:p> pos n. def a province of N Belgium. Pop.: 1559269 (1975 est.). Area: 2859 sq. km (1104 sq. miles). Antwerp 2. syl Ant+werp pron <1@ntwR:p> pos n. def a port in N Belgium, capital of Antwerp province, on the River Scheldt: a major European port. Pop.: 224543 (1970). Flemish name: {Ant+werp+en} (#!$antw$erp$$). French name: {Anvers}. ANU 0. syl A.N.U. qual abbrev. for def Australian National University. Anu 0. syl A:nu pron <1a:nu:> pos n. qual Babylonian myth. def the sky god. Anubis 0. syl A:nu:bis pron <*1nju:bis> pos n. qual Egyptian myth. def a deity, a son of Osiris, who conducted the dead to judgment. He is represented as having a jackal's head and was identified by the Greeks with Hermes. Anuradhapura 0. syl A:nu+ra+dha+pu+ra pron <*1nu*r*d*2pu*r*>, <2^nu1ra:d*-> pos n. def a town in Sri Lanka: ancient capital of Ceylon; site of the sacred bo tree and place of pilgrimage for Buddhists. Pop.: 35000 (1971). anuran ety C20: from New Latin Anura, from #7an -#7+ Greek oura tail anuran 1. syl a:nu+ran pron <*1nju*r*n> pos n. def any of the vertebrates of the order (or characterized by absence of a tail and very long hind legs specialized for hopping: class (amphibians). The group includes the frogs and toads. anuran 2. syl a:nu+ran pron <*1nju*r*n> pos adj. def of, relating to, or belonging to the order anuran xref syl a:nu+ran pron <*1nju*r*n> pos n. def Also: {salientian}. anuresis ety C20: New Latin, from #7an -#7+ Greek ouresis urination, from ouron urine anuresis 0. syl an:u+re:sis pron <2@nju1rEsis> pos n. qual Pathol. def inability to urinate even though urine is formed by the kidneys and retained in the urinary bladder. Compare {anuria}. anuria ety C19: from New Latin, from #7an -#7+ Greek ouron urine anuria 0. syl an:u+ri:a pron <*1nju*ri*> pos n. qual Pathol. def complete suppression of urine formation, often as the result of a kidney disorder. Compare {anuresis, oliguria}. anurous ety C19: from #7an -#7+ Greek oura tail anurous 0. syl a:nu+rous pron <@1nju*r*s> pos adj. qual Zoology. def lacking a tail; tailless; acaudate. anus ety C16: from Latin anus 0. syl a:nus pron <1An*s> pos n. def the excretory opening at the end of the alimentary canal. Anvers 0. syl An+vers pron pos n. def the French name for {Antwerp}. anvil ety Old English anfealt; related to Old High German anafalz, Middle Dutch anvilte; see #7on, felt %2 anvil 1. syl an+vil pron <1@nvil> pos n. def a heavy iron or steel block on which metals are hammered during forging. anvil 2. syl an+vil pron <1@nvil> pos n. def any part having a similar shape or function, such as the lower part of a telegraph key. anvil 3. syl an+vil pron <1@nvil> pos n. def the fixed jaw of a measurement device against which the piece to be measured is held. anvil 4. syl an+vil pron <1@nvil> pos n. qual Anatomy. def the nontechnical name for {incus}. anxiety ety C16: from Latin anxietas; see #7anxious anxieties infl head anxiety syl anx:i+e:ties. pos n. mod pl. anxiety 1. syl anx:i+e:ty pron <@G1zIiti> pos n. def a state of uneasiness or tension caused by apprehension of possible future misfortune, danger, etc.; worry. anxiety 2. syl anx:i+e:ty pron <@G1zIiti> pos n. def intense desire; eagerness. anxiety 3. syl anx:i+e:ty pron <@G1zIiti> pos n. qual Psychol. def an intense state of apprehension or worry occurring in a variety of nervous and mental disorders. See also {angst}. anxious ety C17: from Latin anxius; related to Latin angere to torment; see #7anger, anguish anxious 1. syl anx+ious pron <1@GkS*s>, <1@GS*s> pos adj. def worried and tense because of possible misfortune, danger, etc.; uneasy. anxious 2. syl anx+ious pron <1@GkS*s>, <1@GS*s> pos adj. def fraught with or causing anxiety; worrying; distressing. exam 1 an anxious time. anxious 3. syl anx+ious pron <1@GkS*s>, <1@GS*s> pos adj. def intensely desirous; eager. exam 1 anxious for promotion. anxiously sub head anxious syl anx+ious+ly pos adv. anxiousness sub head anxious syl anx+ious+ness pos n. any ety Old English *_@anig; related to Old Frisian *_enig, Old High German einag, Old Norse einigr anyone, Latin *_unicus unique; see #7an %1#7, one any 1.a. syl an:y pron <1eni> pos determiner. def one, some, or several, as specified, no matter how much or many, what kind or quality, etc.. exam 1 any cheese in the cupboard is yours; exam 2 you may take any clothes you like. any 1.b. syl an:y pron <1eni> pos determiner. mod as pronoun; functioning as; sing. pl. exam 1 take any you like. any 2.a. syl an:y pron <1eni> pos determiner. def even the smallest amount or even one. exam 1 I can't stand any noise. any 2.b. syl an:y pron <1eni> pos determiner. mod as pronoun; functioning as; sing. pl. exam 1 don't give her any. any 3. syl an:y pron <1eni> pos determiner. def whatever or whichever; no matter what or which. exam 1 any dictionary will do; exam 2 any time of day. any 4. syl an:y pron <1eni> pos determiner. def an indefinite or unlimited (esp. in the phrases {any amount} or {number) }. exam 1 any number of friends. any 5.a. syl an:y pron <1eni> pos adv. usage foll. by a comparative adj. def to even the smallest extent. exam 1 it isn't any worse now. any 5.b. syl an:y pron <1eni> pos adv. qual Not standard. def at all. exam 1 he doesn't care any. Anyang 0. syl An+yang pron <1a:n1ja:G> pos n. def a town in E China: archaeological site and capital of the Shang dynasty. Pop.: 124900 (1953). anybody 1. syl an:y+bod:y pron <1eni2bodi>, <-b*di> pos pron. def any person; anyone. anybody 2. syl an:y+bod:y pron <1eni2bodi>, <-b*di> pos pron. usage a question def a person of any importance. exam 1 he isn't anybody in this town. anybodies infl head anybody syl an:y+bod:ies. pos n. mod pl. anybody 3. syl an:y+bod:y pron <1eni2bodi>, <-b*di> pos n. usage often preceded by just def any person at random; no matter who. anyhow 1. syl an:y+how pron <1eni2hau> pos adv. def in any case; at any rate. anyhow 2. syl an:y+how pron <1eni2hau> pos adv. def in any manner or by any means whatever. anyhow 3. syl an:y+how pron <1eni2hau> pos adv. def in a haphazard manner; carelessly. anyone 1. syl an:y+one pron <1eni2w^n>, <-w*n> pos pron. def any person; anybody. anyone 2. syl an:y+one pron <1eni2w^n>, <-w*n> pos pron. usage a question def a person of any impor?!tance. exam 1 is he anyone in this town?? anyone 3. syl an:y+one pron <1eni2w^n>, <-w*n> pos pron. usage often preceded by just def any person at random; no matter who. anyplace 0. syl an:y+place pron <1eni2plAs> pos adv. qual U.S. informal. def in, at, or to any unspecified place. anything 1. syl an:y+thing pron <1eni2TiG> pos pron. def any object, event, action, etc., whatever. exam 1 anything might happen. anything 2. syl an:y+thing pron <1eni2TiG> pos n. def a thing of any kind. exam 1 have you anything to declare?? anything 3. syl an:y+thing pron <1eni2TiG> pos adv. def in any way. exam 1 he wasn't anything like his father. anything but 4. head anything syl anything but. def by no means; not in the least. exam 1 she was anything but happy. anyway 1. syl an:y+way pron <1eni2wA> pos adv. def in any case; at any rate; nevertheless; anyhow. anyway 2. syl an:y+way pron <1eni2wA> pos adv. def in a careless or haphazard manner. anyway 3. syl an:y+way pron <1eni2wA> pos adv. def Usually {any way}. in any manner; by any means. anyways 0. syl an:y+ways pron <1eni2wAz> pos adv. qual U.S. def a nonstandard word for {anyway}. anywhere 1. syl an:y+where pron <1eni2we*> pos adv. def in, at, or to any place. get anywhere 2. head anywhere syl get anywhere. def to be successful. exam 1 it took three years before he got anywhere. anywhere from 3. head anywhere syl anywhere from. def any quantity, time, degree, etc., above a specified limit. exam 1 he could be anywhere from 40 to 50 years old. anywheres 0. syl an:y+wheres pron <1eni2we*z> pos adv. qual U.S. def a nonstandard word for {anywhere}. anywise 0. syl an:y+wise pron <1eni2wIz> pos adv. qual Chiefly U.S. def in any way or manner; at all. Anzac 1. syl An+zac pron <1@nz@k> pos n. usage in World War I def a soldier serving with the Australian and New Zealand Army Corps. Anzac 2. syl An+zac pron <1@nz@k> pos n. usage now def any Australian or New Zealand soldier. Anzac 3. syl An+zac pron <1@nz@k> pos n. def the Anzac landing at Gallipoli in 1915. Anzac Day 0. syl An+zac Day pos n. def 25 April, a public holiday in Australia and New Zealand commemorating the Anzac landing at Gallipoli in 1915. Anzio 0. syl An+zi:o pron <1@nzi2*u>, Italian <1antsjo> pos n. def a port and resort on the W coast of Italy: site of Allied landings in World War II. Pop.: 22927 (1971). ANZUS 0. syl ANZUS pron <1@nz*s> pos n. usage acronym for def Australia, New Zealand, and the United States, with reference to the security alliance between them. ao alt head AO or AO syl a/o AO 0. or ao syl A/O qual abbrev. for usage accounting, etc. def account of. AOB alt head aob or aob syl A.O.B. aob 0. or AOB syl a.o.b. qual abbrev. for def any other business. A-OK ety C20: from a(ll systems) OK A-okay alt head A-OK or A-OK syl A-o:kay pos adj. A-OK 0. or A-okay syl A-OK pos adj. qual Informal, chiefly U.S. def in perfect working order; excellent. Aorangi 0. syl A:o:ran+gi pron <2A*u1r@Ggi> pos n. def another name for Mount {Cook}. aorist ety C16: from Greek aoristos not limited, from #7a -%1#7+ horistos restricted, from horizein to define aorist 0. syl a:o:rist pron <1A*rist>, <1e*rist> pos n. qual Grammar. def a tense of the verb in classical Greek and in certain other inflected languages, indicating past action without reference to whether the action involved was momentary or continuous. Compare { {perfect} (sense 8)}, { {imperfect} (sense 4)}. aoristic sub head aorist syl a:o:1ris+tic pos adj. aoristically sub head aorist syl a:o:1ris+ti+cal+ly pos adv. aorta ety C16: from New Latin, from Greek aort*_e, literally: something lifted, from aeirein to raise aortas infl head aorta or aortae syl a:or+tas pron <-tE> pos n. mod pl. aortae infl head aorta or aortas syl a:or+tae pron <-tE> pos n. mod pl. aorta 0. syl a:or+ta pron pos n. def the main vessel in the arterial network, which conveys oxygen-rich blood from the heart to all parts of the body except the lungs. aortic sub head aorta or aortal syl a:1or+tic pos adj. aortal sub head aorta or aortic syl a:1or+tal pos adj. Aosta 0. syl A:o:sta pron Italian pos n. def a town in NW Italy, in Piedmont: Roman remains. Pop.: 36906 (1971). aoudad ety from French, from Berber audad aoudad 0. syl a:ou+dad pron <1a:u2d@d> pos n. def a wild mountain sheep, of N Africa, having horns curved in a semicircle and long hair covering the neck and forelegs. Also called: {Barbary sheep}. ap- 0. syl ap- pos prefix. def variant of {apo-}. exam 1 aphelion. ap ety Latin: before a meal ap 1. syl a.p. qual abbrev. for: def additional premium. ap 2. syl a.p. qual abbrev. for: usage in prescriptions, etc. def ante prandium. AP 1. syl A.P. qual abbrev. for: def Air Police. AP 2. syl A.P. qual abbrev. for: def Associated Press. apace ety C14: probably from Old French *`a pas, at a (good) pace apace 0. syl a:pace pron <*1pAs> pos adv. def quickly; rapidly. apache ety from French: A#7pache apache 0. syl a:pache pron <*1pa:S>, <-1p@S>, French pos n. def a Parisian gangster or ruffian. Apache ety from Mexican Spanish, probably from Zu?~ni Apachu, literally: enemy Apache 1. or Apaches syl A:pach:e pron <*1p@Ci> pos n. mod pl. def a member of a North American Indian people, formerly nomadic and warlike, inhabiting the southwestern U.S. and N Mexico. Apache 2. syl A:pach:e pron <*1p@Ci> pos n. def the language of this people, belonging to the Athapascan group of the Na-Dene phylum. apache dance 0. syl a:pache dance pos n. def a fast violent dance in French vaudeville, supposedly between a Parisian gangster and his girl. apagoge ety C18: from Greek apag*_og*_e a taking away, from agein to lead apagoge 0. syl ap:a+go+ge pron <2@p*1g*uJi> pos n. def an indirect proof of a proposition, hypothesis, etc., by showing that its contrary is false, impossible, or absurd. apagogic sub head apagoge or apagogical syl ap:a+gog+ic pron <2@p*1goJik> pos adj. apagogical sub head apagoge or apagogic syl ap:a+1gog:i+cal pos adj. apagogically sub head apagoge syl ap:a+1gog:i+cal+ly pos adv. apanage 0. syl ap:a+nage pron <1@p*niJ> pos n. def a variant spelling of {appanage}. aparejo ety American Spanish: equipment, from aparejar to make ready; see #7apparel aparejos infl head aparejo syl a:pa+re:jos pos n. mod pl. Aparri 0. syl A:par+ri pron <@1pa:ri> pos n. def a port in the Philippines, on the N coast of Luzon. Pop.: 40307 (1970). apart ety C14: from Old French a part at (the) side apart 1. syl a:part pron <*1pa:t> pos adj. postpositive; adv. def to pieces or in pieces. exam 1 he had the television apart on the floor. apart 2. syl a:part pron <*1pa:t> pos adj. postpositive; adv. def placed or kept separately or to one side for a particular purpose, reason, etc.; aside (esp. in the phrases {set} {put apart) }. apart 3. syl a:part pron <*1pa:t> pos adj. postpositive; adv. def separate in time, place, or position; at a distance. exam 1 he stood apart from the group; exam 2 two points three feet apart. apart 4. syl a:part pron <*1pa:t> pos adj. postpositive; adv. def not being taken into account; aside. exam 1 these difficulties apart, the project ran smoothly. apart 5. syl a:part pron <*1pa:t> pos adj. postpositive; adv. def individual; distinct; separate. exam 1 a race apart. apart 6. syl a:part pron <*1pa:t> pos adj. postpositive; adv. def separately or independently in use, thought, or function. exam 1 considered apart, his reasoning was faulty. apart from 7. head apart syl apart from. pos prep. def besides; other than. apart xref syl a:part pron <*1pa:t> pos adj. postpositive; adv. def See also {take apart, tell apart}. apartheid ety C20: Afrikaans, from apart #7apart+ -heid -#7hood apartheid 0. syl a:part+heid pron <*1pa:thIt>, <-hAt> pos n. usage in South Africa def the official government policy of racial segregation. apartment ety C17: from French appartement, from Italian appartamento, from appartare to set on one side, separate apartment 1. syl a:part+ment pron <*1pa:tm*nt> pos n. mod often; pl. def any room in a building, usually one of several forming a suite, esp. one that is spacious and well furnished and used as living accommodation, offices, etc. apartment 2.a. syl a:part+ment pron <*1pa:tm*nt> pos n. def another name (esp. U.S.) for { {flat} %2 (sense 1)}. apartment 2.b. syl a:part+ment pron <*1pa:tm*nt> pos n. usage as modifier exam 1 apartment building; exam 2 apartment house. apatetic ety C19: from Greek apat*_etikos deceitful, from apateuein to deceive apatetic 0. syl ap:a+tet+ic pron <2@p*1tetik> pos adj. def of or relating to coloration that disguises and protects an animal. apathetic ety C18: from #7apathy+pathetic apathetic 0. syl ap:a+thet+ic pron <2@p*1Tetik> pos adj. def having or showing little or no emotion; indifferent. apathetically sub head apathetic syl ap:a+1thet:i+cal+ly pos adv. apathy ety C17: from Latin, from Greek apatheia, from apath*_es without feeling, from #7a -%1#7+ pathos feeling apathy 1. syl ap:a+thy pron <1@p*Ti> pos n. def absence of interest in or enthusiasm for things generally considered interesting or moving. apathy 2. syl ap:a+thy pron <1@p*Ti> pos n. def absence of emotion. apatite ety C19: from German Apatit, from Greek apat*_e deceit; from its misleading similarity to other minerals apatite 0. syl ap:a+tite pron <1@p*2tIt> pos n. def a common naturally occurring mineral consisting basically of calcium fluorophosphate or calcium chlorophosphate in hexagonal crystalline form. It is a source of phosphorus and is used in the manufacture of fertilizers. Formula: Ca\5(F,Cl,OH,@2CO\3)(PO\4)\3. APC 0. syl APC pos n. def acetylsalicylic acid, phenacetin, and caffeine; the mixture formerly used in headache and cold tablets. ape ety Old English apa; related to Old Saxon ape, Old Norse api, Old High German affo ape 1. syl ape pron pos n. def any of various primates, esp. those of the family (see {anthropoid ape) }, in which the tail is very short or absent. ape 2. syl ape pron pos n. usage not in technical use def any monkey. ape 3. syl ape pron pos n. def an imitator; mimic. ape 4. syl ape pron pos n. qual U.S. informal. def a coarse, clumsy, or rude person. ape 5. syl ape pron pos vb. mod tr. def to imitate. apelike sub head ape syl ape+2like pos adj. apeak 0. syl a:peak pron <*1pEk> pos adv. adj. qual Nautical. def in a vertical or almost vertical position. exam 1 with the oars apeak. Apeldoorn 0. syl A:pel+doorn pron <1@pL2dc:n>, Dutch <1a:p*ldo:rn> pos n. def a town in the Netherlands, in central Gelderland province: nearby is the summer residence of the Dutch royal family. Pop.: 131768 (1974 est.). Apelles 0. syl A:pel:les pron <*1pelEz> pos n. def 4th century #7b.c., Greek painter of mythological subjects, none of whose work survives, his fame resting on the testimony of Pliny and other writers. apemen infl head apeman syl ape+men. pos n. mod pl. apeman 0. syl ape+man pron <1Ap2m@n> pos n. def any of various extinct apelike primates thought to have been the forerunners, or closely related to the forerunners, of modern man. Apennines 1. syl Ap+en+nines pron <1@p*2nInz> pos n. mod pl. def a mountain range in Italy, extending over 1250 km (800 miles) from the northwest to the southernmost tip of the peninsula. Highest peak: Monte Corno, 2912 m (9554 ft.). Apennines 2. syl Ap+en+nines pron <1@p*2nInz> pos n. mod pl. def a mountain range lying in the N quadrants of the moon, extending over 950 km along the SE border of the Mare Imbrium and rising to 6200 m. apercu ety from apercevoir to #7perceive apercu 1. syl a:per+*,cu pron French. pos n. def an outline; summary. apercu 2. syl a:per+*,cu pron French. pos n. def an insight. aperient ety C17: from Latin aper*_ire to open infl head aperient syl ~ pos adj. qual Med. aperient 1. syl a:per:i+ent pron <*1pi*ri*nt> pos adj. def laxative. aperient 2. syl a:per:i+ent pron <*1pi*ri*nt> pos n. def a mild laxative. aperiodic 1. syl a:pe:ri+od+ic pron <2Api*ri1odik> pos adj. def not periodic; not occurring at regular intervals. aperiodic 2.a. syl a:pe:ri+od+ic pron <2Api*ri1odik> pos adj. usage of a system or instrument def being damped sufficiently to reach equilibrium without oscilla?!tion. aperiodic 2.b. syl a:pe:ri+od+ic pron <2Api*ri1odik> pos adj. usage of an oscillation or vibration def not having a regular period. aperiodically sub head aperiodic syl a:pe:ri+1od:i+cal+ly pos adv. aperiodicity sub head aperiodic syl a:pe:ri:o+dic+i:ty pron <2Api*ri*1disiti> pos n. ap'eritif ety C19: from French, from Medieval Latin aperit*_ivus, from Latin aper*_ire to open ap'eritif 0. syl a:p*'e+ri+tif pron , <*2per-> pos n. def an alcoholic drink, esp. a wine, drunk before a meal to whet the appetite. aperture ety C15: from Late Latin apert*_ura opening, from aper*_ire to open aperture 1. syl ap+er+ture pron <1@p*C*> pos n. def a hole, gap, crack, slit, or other opening. aperture 2.a. syl ap+er+ture pron <1@p*C*> pos n. def a usually circular and often variable opening in an optical instrument or device that controls the quantity of radiation entering or leaving it. aperture 2.b. syl ap+er+ture pron <1@p*C*> pos n. def the diameter of such an opening. See also {relative aperture}. aperies infl head apery syl ap+er:ies. pos n. mod pl. apery 0. syl ap+er:y pron <1Ap*ri> pos n. def imitative behaviour; mimicry. apetalous ety C18: from New Latin apetalus, see #7a -%1, #7petal &- a@.#!pet+al@.y n. apetalous 0. syl a:pet+al+ous pron pos adj. usage of flowering plants such as the wood anemone def having no petals. apex ety C17: from Latin: point apexes infl head apex or apices syl a:pex:es pron <1@pi2sEz>, <1A-> pos n. mod pl. apices infl head apex or apexes syl a:pi+ces pron <1@pi2sEz>, <1A-> pos n. mod pl. apex 1. syl a:pex pron <1Apeks> pos n. def the highest point; vertex. apex 2. syl a:pex pron <1Apeks> pos n. def the pointed end or tip of something. apex 3. syl a:pex pron <1Apeks> pos n. def a pinnacle or high point, as of a career, etc. apex 4. syl a:pex pron <1Apeks> pos n. def Also called: {solar apex}. the point on the celestial sphere, lying in the constellation Hercules, towards which the sun appears to move at a velocity of 7.5 kilometres per second relative to the nearest stars. aphaeresis ety C17: via Late Latin from Greek, from aphairein to remove apheresis alt head aphaeresis or aphaeresis syl a:pher+e:sis pron <*1fi*risis> pos n. aphaeresis 0. or apheresis syl a:phaer+e:sis pron <*1fi*risis> pos n. def the omission of a letter or syllable at the beginning of a word. aphagia ety C20: from #7a -%1#7+ -#7phagia aphagia 0. syl a:pha+gi:a pron <*1fAJi*> pos n. qual Pathol. def refusal or inability to swallow. aphanite ety C19: from Greek aphan*_es invisible aphanite 0. syl aph:a+nite pron <1@f*2nIt> pos n. def any fine-grained rock, such as a basalt, containing minerals that cannot be distinguished with the naked eye. aphasia ety C19: via New Latin from Greek, from #7a -%1#7+ -phasia, from phanai to speak aphasia 0. syl a:pha+si:a pron <*1fAzi*> pos n. def a disorder of the central nervous system characterized by partial or total loss of the ability to communicate, esp. in speech or writing. Compare {alexia}. aphelion ety C17: from New Latin aph*_elium (with pseudo-Greek ending -ion) from #7ap -#7+ Greek h*_elios sun aphelia infl head aphelion syl ap+he+li:a pron <-li*> pos n. mod pl. aphelion 0. syl ap+he+li+on pron <@p1hEli*n>, <*1fE-> pos n. def the point in its orbit when a planet or comet is at its greatest distance from the sun. Compare {perihelion}. aphelian sub head aphelion syl ap+1he+li:an pos adj. apheliotropic ety C19: see #7apo -#7, heliotropic apheliotropic 0. syl ap+he+li:o+trop+ic pron <@p2hEli*1tropik>, <*2fE-> pos adj. qual Biology. def growing in a direction away from the sunlight, as the roots of plants. aphesis ety C19: from Greek, from aphienai to set free, send away aphesis 0. syl aph+e:sis pron <1@fisis> pos n. def the gradual disappearance of an unstressed vowel at the beginning of a word, as in from aphetic sub head aphesis syl a:phet+ic pron <*1fetik> pos adj. aphetically sub head aphesis syl a:1phet:i+cal+ly pos adv. aphid ety C19: back formation from aphides, plural of #7aphis aphid 0. syl a:phid pron <1Afid> pos n. def any of the small homopterous insects of the family which feed by sucking the juices from plants. Also called: {plant louse}. See also {greenfly, blackfly}. aphidian sub head aphid syl a:phid+i:an pron <*1fidi*n> pos adj. n. aphidious sub head aphid syl a:1phid:i+ous pos adj. aphis ety C18: from New Latin (coined by Linnaeus for obscure reasons) aphides infl head aphis syl aph:i+des pron <1Afi2dEz> pos n. mod pl. aphis 1. syl a:phis pron <1Afis> pos n. def any of various aphids constituting the genus such as the blackfly. aphis 2. syl a:phis pron <1Afis> pos n. def any other aphid. aphonia ety C18: via New Latin from Greek, from #7a -%1#7+ ph*_on*_e sound, voice aphony alt head aphonia or aphonia syl a:pho+ny pron <1@f*ni> pos n. aphonia 0. or aphony syl a:pho+ni:a pron <*1f*uni*> pos n. def loss of the voice. aphonic 1. syl a:phon+ic pron <*1fonik> pos adj. def affected with aphonia. aphonic 2.a. syl a:phon+ic pron <*1fonik> pos adj. def not representing a spoken sound, as in aphonic 2.b. syl a:phon+ic pron <*1fonik> pos adj. def voiceless or devoiced. aphorism ety C16: from Late Latin aphorismus, from Greek aphorismos definition, from aphorizein to define, set limits to, from horos boundary aphorism 0. syl aph:o+rism pron <1@f*2riz*m> pos n. def a short pithy saying expressing a general truth; maxim. aphorist sub head aphorism syl aph:o+rist pos n. aphoristic 1. syl aph:o+ris+tic pron <2@f*1ristik> pos adj. def of, relating to, or resembling an aphorism. aphoristic 2. syl aph:o+ris+tic pron <2@f*1ristik> pos adj. def tending to write or speak in aphorisms. aphorise alt head aphorize or aphorize syl aph:o+rise pron <1@f*2rIz> pos vb. mod intr. aphorize 0. or aphorise syl aph:o+rize pron <1@f*2rIz> pos vb. mod intr. def to write or speak in aphorisms. aphotic ety C20: from #7a -%1#7+ -photic, from Greek ph*_os light aphotic 1. syl a:pho+tic pron <*1fotik> pos adj. def characterized by or growing in the absence of light. exam 1 an aphotic plant. aphotic 2. syl a:pho+tic pron <*1fotik> pos adj. def of or relating to the zone of an ocean below about 90m (300 ft.), the lowest level at which photosynthesis can take place. aphrodisiac ety C18: from Greek aphrodisiakos, from aphrodisios belonging to A#7phrodite aphrodisiac 1. syl aph+ro+dis:i+ac pron <2@fr*1dizi@k> pos n. def a drug, food, etc., that excites sexual desire. aphrodisiac 2. syl aph+ro+dis:i+ac pron <2@fr*1dizi@k> pos adj. def exciting or heightening sexual desire. Aphrodite 0. syl Aph:ro:di:te pron <2@fr*1dIti> pos n. qual Greek myth. def the goddess of love and beauty, daughter of Zeus. Roman counterpart: {Venus}. Also called: {Cytherea}. aphtha ety C17: via Latin from Greek: mouth-sore, thrush aphtha 0. syl aph+tha pron <1@fT*> pos n. def a small ulceration on a mucous membrane, as in thrush, caused by a fungal infection. aphyllous ety C19: from New Latin aphyllus, from Greek aphullos, from #7a -%1#7+ phullon leaf aphyllous 0. syl a:phyl+lous pron <*1fil*s> pos adj. usage of plants def having no leaves. aphylly sub head aphyllous syl a:1phyl+ly pos n. Apia 0. syl A:pi:a pron <@1pi*>, <1@pi*> pos n. def the capital of Western Samoa, a port on the N coast of Upolu. Pop.: 28880 (1970 est.). apian ety C19: from Latin api*_anus, from apis bee apian 0. syl a:pi:an pron <1Api*n> pos adj. def of, relating to, or resembling bees. apiarian 0. syl a:pi+ar+i:an pron <2Api1e*ri*n> pos adj. def of or relating to the breeding and care of bees. apiarist 0. syl a:pi:a+rist pron <1Api*2rist> pos n. def a person who studies or keeps bees. apiary ety C17: from Latin api*_arium from apis bee apiaries infl head apiary syl a:pi+ar:ies. pos n. mod pl. apiary 0. syl a:pi+ar:y pron <1Api*ri> pos n. def a place where bees are kept, usually in beehives. apical ety C19: from New Latin apic*_alis, from Latin: #7apex apical 1. syl ap:i+cal pron <1@pikL>, <1A-> pos adj. def of, at, or being the apex. apical 2. syl ap:i+cal pron <1@pikL>, <1A-> pos adj. def of or denoting a consonant articulated with the tip of the tongue, such as (t) or (d). apically sub head apical syl ap:i+cal+ly pos adv. apices 0. syl ap:i+ces pron <1@pi2sEz>, <1A-> pos n. def a plural of {apex}. apiculate ety C19: from New Latin apicul*_atus, from apiculus a short point, from #7apex apiculate 0. syl a:pic:u+late pron <*1pikjulit>, <-2lAt> pos adj. usage of leaves def ending in a short sharp point. apiculture ety C19: from Latin apis bee+#7culture apiculture 0. syl a:pi+cul+ture pron <1Api2k^lC*> pos n. def the breeding and care of bees. apicultural sub head apiculture syl a:pi+1cul+tur+al pos adj. apiculturist sub head apiculture syl a:pi+1cul+tur+ist pos n. apiece 0. syl a:piece pron <*1pEs> pos adv. def for, to, or from each one. exam 1 they were given two apples apiece. a pied 0. syl *`a pied pron French. pos adv. adj. usage postpositive def on foot. Apiezon 0. syl Ap:i+e:zon pron <2@pi1Azon> pos adj. qual Trademark. def designating any of a number of hydrocarbon oils, greases, or waxes, characterized by a low vapour pressure and used in vacuum equipment. Apis 0. syl A:pis pron <1a:pis> pos n. usage in ancient Egypt def a sacred bull worshipped at Memphis. apish 1. syl ap+ish pron <1ApiS> pos adj. def stupid; foolish. apish 2. syl ap+ish pron <1ApiS> pos adj. def resembling an ape. apish 3. syl ap+ish pron <1ApiS> pos adj. def slavishly imitative. apishly sub head apish syl ap+ish+ly pos adv. apishness sub head apish syl ap+ish+ness pos n. apivorous ety C19: from Latin apis bee+-#7vorous apivorous 0. syl a:piv+or+ous pron pos adj. def eating bees. exam 1 apivorous birds. aplacental 0. syl a:pla+cen+tal pron <2Apl*1sentL>, <2@pl*-> pos adj. usage of monotremes and marsupials def having no placenta. aplanatic ety C18: from Greek aplan*_etos prevented from wandering, from #7a -%1#7+ plan*_etos, from planaein to wander aplanatic 0. syl ap+la+nat+ic pron <2@pl*1n@tik> pos adj. usage of a lens or mirror def free from spherical aberration. aplanatically sub head aplanatic syl ap+la+1nat:i+cal+ly pos adv. aplanospore ety C20: from #7a -%1#7+ Greek planos wandering+#7spore aplanospore 0. syl a:plan:o+spore pron <*1plAn*u2spc:> pos n. def a nonmotile asexual spore produced by certain algae and fungi. aplasia ety C19: New Latin, from #7a -%1#7+ -plasia, from Greek plassein to form aplasia 0. syl a:pla+si:a pron <*1plAzi*> pos n. qual Pathol. def congenital absence or abnormal development of an organ or part. aplastic 1. syl a:plas+tic pron pos adj. def relating to or characterized by aplasia. aplastic 2. syl a:plas+tic pron pos adj. def failing to develop into new tissue; defective in the regeneration of tissue, as of blood cells. exam 1 aplastic anaemia. aplenty 0. syl a:plen+ty pron <*1plenti> pos adj. postpositive; adv. def in plenty. aplite ety C19: from German Aplit, from Greek haploos simple+-#7ite %1 haplite alt head aplite or aplite syl hap+lite pos n. aplite 0. or haplite syl ap+lite pron <1@plIt> pos n. def a light-coloured fine-grained acid igneous rock with a sugary texture, consisting of quartz and feldspars. aplitic sub head aplite or haplitic syl ap+lit+ic pron <@p1litik> pos adj. haplitic sub head aplite or aplitic syl hap+1lit+ic pos adj. aplomb ety C18: from French: rectitude, uprightness, from *`a plomb according to the plumbline, vertically aplomb 0. syl a:plomb pron <*1plom> pos n. def equanimity, self-confidence, or self-possession. apnoea ety C18: from New Latin, from Greek apnoia, from #7a -%1#7+ pnein to breathe apnea alt head apnoea or apnoea syl ap+ne:a pron <@p1ni*> pos n. qual U.S. apnoea 0. or apnea syl ap+noe:a pron <@p1ni*> pos n. def a temporary inability to breathe. Apo 0. syl A:po pron <1a:p*u> pos n. def the highest mountain in the Philippines, on SE Mindanao: active volcano with three peaks. Height: 2954 m (9690 ft.). apo- ety from Greek apo away, off ap- alt head apo- or apo- syl ap- pos prefix. apo- 1. or ap- syl ap:o- pos prefix. def away from; off. exam 1 apogee. apo- 2. or ap- syl ap:o- pos prefix. def indicating separation of. exam 1 apocarpous. apo- 3. or ap- syl ap:o- pos prefix. def indicating a lack or absence of. exam 1 apogamy. apo- 4. or ap- syl ap:o- pos prefix. def indicating derivation from or relationship to. exam 1 apomorphine. Apoc 1. syl Apoc. qual abbrev. for: def Apocalypse. Apoc 2. syl Apoc. qual abbrev. for: def Apocrypha or Apocryphal. apocalypse ety C13: from Late Latin apocalypsis, from Greek apokalupsis, from apokaluptein to disclose, from #7apo -#7+ kaluptein to hide apocalypse 1. syl a:poc:a+lypse pron <*1pok*lips> pos n. def a prophetic disclosure or revelation. apocalypse 2. syl a:poc:a+lypse pron <*1pok*lips> pos n. def an event of great importance, violence, etc., like the events described in the Apocalypse. Apocalypse 0. syl A:poc:a+lypse pron <*1pok*lips> pos n. usage Bible. in the Vulgate and Douay versions of the Bible def the Book of Revelations. apocalyptic 1. syl a:poc:a+lyp+tic pron <*2pok*1liptik> pos adj. def outstanding in revelation, prophecy, or significance. apocalyptic 2. syl a:poc:a+lyp+tic pron <*2pok*1liptik> pos adj. def of or like an apocalypse. apocalyptically sub head apocalyptic syl a:2poc:a+1lyp+ti+cal+ly pos adv. apocarp 0. syl ap:o+carp pron <1@p*2ka:p> pos n. def an apocarpous gynoecium or fruit. apocarpous 0. syl ap:o+car+pous pron <2@p*1ka:p*s> pos adj. usage of the ovaries of flowering plants such as the buttercup def consisting of separate carpels. Compare {syncarpous}. apochromatic lens alt head apochromat or apochromat syl ap:o+chro+mat+ic lens pos n. apochromat 0. or apochromatic lens syl ap:o+chro+mat pron <2@p*1kr*um@t> pos n. def a lens, consisting of three or more elements of different types of glass, that is designed to bring light of three colours to the same focal point, thus reducing its chromatic aberration. Compare {achromat}. apochromatic 0. syl ap:o+chro+mat+ic pron <2@p*kr*1m@tik> pos adj. usage of a lens def almost free from spherical and chromatic aberration. apochromatism sub head apochromatic syl ap:o+chro+ma+tism pron <2@p*1kr*um*2tiz*m> pos n. apocopate 0. syl a:poc:o+pate pron <*1pok*2pAt> pos vb. mod tr. def to omit the final sound or sounds of (a word). apocopation sub head apocopate syl a:2poc:o+1pa+tion pos n. apocope ety C16: via Late Latin from Greek apokop*_e, from apokoptein to cut off apocope 0. syl a:poc:o+pe pron <*1pok*pi> pos n. def omission of the final sound or sounds of a word. Apocr 0. syl Apocr. qual abbrev. for def Apocrypha. apocrine ety C20: from #7apo -#7+ -crine, from Greek krinein to separate apocrine 0. syl ap:o+crine pron <1@p*krIn>, <-krin> pos adj. def denoting a type of glandular secretion in which part of the secreting cell is lost with the secretion, as in mammary glands. Compare {merocrine, holocrine}. Apocrypha ety C14: via Late Latin apocrypha (scripta) hidden (writings), from Greek, from apokruptein to hide away the infl head Apocrypha syl the. pos n. mod functioning as; sing. pl. Apocrypha 1. syl A:poc+ry+pha pron <*1pokrif*> pos n. mod functioning as; sing. pl. def the 14 books included as an appendix to the Old Testament in the Septuagint and the Vulgate but not included in the Hebrew canon. They are not printed in Protestant versions of the Bible. Apocrypha 2. syl A:poc+ry+pha pron <*1pokrif*> pos n. mod functioning as; sing. pl. qual R.C. Church. def another name for the {Pseudepigrapha}. apocryphal 1. syl a:poc+ry+phal pron <*1pokrif*l> pos adj. def of questionable authentic?!ity. apocryphal 2. syl a:poc+ry+phal pron <*1pokrif*l> pos adj. usage sometimes cap. def of or like the Apocrypha. apocryphal 3. syl a:poc+ry+phal pron <*1pokrif*l> pos adj. def untrue; counterfeit. apocryphally sub head apocryphal syl a:1poc+ry+phal+ly pos adv. apocynaceous ety C19: from New Latin Apocynum type genus, from Latin: dogbane, from Greek apokunon, from ku*_on dog apocynaceous 0. syl a:poc:y+na+ceous pron <*2posi1nAS*s> pos adj. def of, relating to, or belong?!ing to the a family of mostly tropical flowering plants with latex in their stems, including the dogbane, periwinkle, oleander, and some lianas. apocynthion ety C20: from #7apo - (away)+ cynthion, from Latin Cynthia goddess of the moon apocynthion 0. syl a:po+cyn+thi+on pron <2@p*1sinTi*n> pos n. def the point at which a spacecraft in lunar orbit is farthest from the moon. Compare {apolune, pericynthion}. apodal ety C18: from Greek apous from #7a -%1#7+ pous foot apodal 0. syl ap:o+dal pron <1@p*dL> pos adj. usage of snakes, eels, etc. def without feet; having no obvious hind limbs or pelvic fins. apodictic ety C17: from Latin apod*_icticus, from Greek apodeiktikos clearly demonstrating, from apodeiknunai to demonstrate apodeictic alt head apodictic or apodictic syl ap:o+deic+tic pron <2@p*1dIktik> pos adj. apodictic 1. or apodeictic syl ap:o+dic+tic pron <2@p*1diktik> pos adj. def unquestionably true by virtue of demonstration. apodictic 2. or apodeictic syl ap:o+dic+tic pron <2@p*1diktik> pos adj. qual Logic. def necessarily true. apodictically sub head apodictic or apodeictically syl ap:o+1dic+ti+cal+ly pos adv. apodeictically sub head apodictic or apodictically syl ap:o+1deic+ti+cal+ly pos adv. apodosis ety C17: via Late Latin from Greek: a returning or answering (clause), from apodidonai to give back apodoses infl head apodosis syl a:pod:o+ses pron <-2sEz> pos n. mod pl. apodosis 0. syl a:pod:o+sis pron <*1pod*sis> pos n. qual Grammar. def the main clause of a conditional sentence, as in Compare {protasis}. apoenzyme 0. syl ap:o+en+zyme pron <2@p*u1enzIm> pos n. def a protein component that together with a coenzyme forms an enzyme. apogamy 0. syl a:pog:a+my pron <*1pog*mi> pos n. def a type of reproduction, occurring in some ferns, in which the sporophyte develops from the gametophyte without fusion of gametes. apogamic sub head apogamy syl ap:o+gam+ic pron <2@p*1g@mik> pos adj. apogamous sub head apogamy syl a:1pog:a+mous pos adj. apogee ety C17: from New Latin apogaeum (influenced by French apog*'ee) , from Greek apogaion, from apogaios away from the earth, from #7apo -#7+ gaia earth &- @!ap@.o+#!ge@.an adj. apogee 1. syl ap:o+gee pron <1@p*2JE> pos n. def the point in its orbit around the earth when the moon or an artificial satellite is at its greatest distance from the earth. Compare {perigee}. apogee 2. syl ap:o+gee pron <1@p*2JE> pos n. def the highest point. apogeotropism ety C19: from Greek apogaios away from the earth+ tropos a turn apogeotropism 0. syl ap:o+ge:ot+ro+pism pron <2@p*Ji1otr*2piz*m> pos n. def negative geotropism, as shown by plant stems. apogeotropic sub head apogeotropism syl ap:o+ge:o+trop+ic pron <2@p*2Ji*1tropik> pos adj. apolitical 0. syl a:po+lit:i+cal pron <2Ap*1litikL> pos adj. def politically neutral; without political attitudes, content, or bias. Guillaume infl head Apollinaire syl Guil:laume pron pos n. Apollinaire 0. syl A:pol:li:naire pron French pos n. def pen name of 1880-1918, French poet, novelist, and dramatist, regarded as a precursor of surrealism; author of (1913) and (1918). Apollinaris ety C19: named after Apollinarisburg, near Bonn, Germany Apollinaris 0. syl A:pol+li+naris pron <*2poli1ne*ris> pos n. def an effervescent mineral water. apollos infl head apollo syl a:pol+los. pos n. mod pl. apollo 0. syl a:pol+lo pron <*1pol*u> pos n. def a strikingly handsome youth. Apollo H1.0. syl A:pol:lo pron <*1pol*u> pos n. qual Classical myth. def the god of light, poetry, music, healing, and prophecy: son of Zeus and Leda. Apollo H2.0. syl A:pol+lo pron <*1pol*u> pos n. def any of a series of manned U.S. spacecraft designed to explore the moon and surrounding space. {Apollo 11} made the first moon landing in July 1969. Apollonian 1. syl Ap+ol+lo+ni:an pron <2@p*1l*uni*n> pos adj. def of or relating to Apollo or the cult of Apollo. Apollonian 2. syl Ap+ol+lo+ni:an pron <2@p*1l*uni*n> pos adj. usage sometimes not cap.; in the philosophy of Nietzsche def denoting or relating to the set of static qualities that encompass form, reason, harmony, sobriety, etc. Apollonian 3. syl Ap+ol+lo+ni:an pron <2@p*1l*uni*n> pos adj. usage often not cap. def harmonious; serene; ordered. Apollonian xref syl Ap+ol+lo+ni:an pron <2@p*1l*uni*n> pos adj. def Compare {Dionysian}. Apollyon ety C14: via Late Latin from Greek, from apollunai to destroy totally Apollyon 0. syl A:pol:lyon pron <*1polj*n> pos n. qual New Testament. def the destroyer, a name given to the Devil (Revelation 9:11). apologetic 1. syl a:pol:o+get+ic pron <*2pol*1Jetik> pos adj. def expressing or anxious to make apology; contrite. apologetic 2. syl a:pol:o+get+ic pron <*2pol*1Jetik> pos adj. def protecting or defending in speech or writing. apologetically sub head apologetic syl a:2pol:o+1get:i+cal+ly pos adv. apologetics 1. syl a:pol:o+get+ics pron <*2pol*1Jetiks> pos n. mod functioning as; sing. def the branch of theology concerned with the defence and rational justification of Christianity. apologetics 2. syl a:pol:o+get+ics pron <*2pol*1Jetiks> pos n. mod functioning as; sing. def a defensive method of argument. apologia 0. syl ap:o+lo+gi:a pron <2@p*1l*uJi*> pos n. def a formal written defence of a cause or one's beliefs or conduct. apologist 0. syl a:pol:o+gist pron <*1pol*Jist> pos n. def a person who offers a defence by argument. apologise alt head apologize or apologize syl a:pol:o+gise pron <*1pol*2JIz> pos vb. mod intr. apologize 1. or apologise syl a:pol:o+gize pron <*1pol*2JIz> pos vb. mod intr. def to express or make an apology; acknowledge failings or faults. apologize 2. or apologise syl a:pol:o+gize pron <*1pol*2JIz> pos vb. mod intr. def to defend formally in speech or writing. apologizer sub head apologize or apologiser syl a:1pol:o+2giz+er pos n. apologiser sub head apologize or apologizer syl a:1pol:o+2gis+er pos n. apologue ety C17: from Latin, from Greek apologos apologue 0. syl ap:o+logue pron <1@p*2log> pos n. def an allegory or moral fable. apology ety C16: from Old French apologie, from Late Latin apologia, from Greek: a verbal defence, from #7apo -#7+ logos speech apologies infl head apology syl a:pol+o:gies. pos n. mod pl. apology 1. syl a:pol+o:gy pron <*1pol*Ji> pos n. def a verbal or written expression of regret or contrition for a fault or failing. apology 2. syl a:pol+o:gy pron <*1pol*Ji> pos n. def a poor substitute or offering. apology 3. syl a:pol+o:gy pron <*1pol*Ji> pos n. def another word for {apologia}. apolune ety C20: from #7apo -#7+ -lune, from Latin l*_una moon apolune 0. syl ap:o+lune pron <1@p*2lu:n> pos n. def the point in a lunar orbit when a spacecraft is at its greatest distance from the moon. Compare {apocynthion, perilune}. apomict 0. syl ap:o+mict pron <1@p*2mikt> pos n. def an organism, esp. a plant, produced by apomixis. apomixis ety C20: New Latin, from Greek #7apo -#7+ mixis a mixing &- @!ap@.o+#!mic+tic adj. apomixes infl head apomixis syl ap:o+mix:es pron <-1miksEz> pos n. mod pl. apomixis 0. syl ap:o+mix:is pron <2@p*1miksis> pos n. def any of several types of asexual reproduction, such as parthenogenesis and apogamy, in which fertilization does not take place. Compare {amphimixis}. apomorphine 0. syl ap:o+mor+phine pron <2@p*1mc:fEn>, <-fin> pos n. def a white crystalline alkaloid, derived from morphine but less strong in action, that is used medicinally as an emetic, expectorant, and hypnotic. Formula: C\1\7H\1\7NO\2. aponeurosis ety C17: via New Latin from Greek, from aponeurousthai to change into a tendon, from neuron tendon ?- ap@.o+neu+rot+ic (@!@ap$$nj$u$$#!r$At$Ik) adj. aponeuroses infl head aponeurosis syl ap:o+neu+ro+ses pron <-sEz> pos n. mod pl. aponeurosis 0. syl ap:o+neu+ro+sis pron <2@p*nju*1r*usis> pos n. qual Anatomy. def a white fibrous sheet of tissue by which certain muscles are attached to bones. apopemptic ety C18: from Greek apopemptikos concerning dismissal, from apopempein to dismiss, from pempein to send apopemptic 1. syl ap:o+pemp+tic pron <2@p*1pemptik> pos adj. qual Archaic. def relating to leave-taking or farewell; valedictory. apopemptic 2. syl ap:o+pemp+tic pron <2@p*1pemptik> pos n. qual Archaic. def a speech or poem made on departure. apophasis ety C17: via Latin from Greek: denial, from #7apo -#7+ phanai to say apophasis 0. syl a:poph:a+sis pron <*1pof*2sis> pos n. qual Rhetoric. def the device of mentioning a subject by stating that it will not be mentioned. exam 1 I shall not discuss his cowardice or his treachery. apophthegm ety C16: from Greek apophthegma, from apophthengesthai to speak one's opinion frankly, from phthengesthai to speak apothegm alt head apophthegm or apophthegm syl ap:o+thegm pron <1@p*2Tem> pos n. apophthegm 0. or apothegm syl ap:o+phthegm pron <1@p*2Tem> pos n. def a short cryptic remark containing some general or generally accepted truth; maxim. apophthegmatic sub head apophthegm or apothegmatic syl ap:o+phtheg+mat+ic pron <2@p*Teg?!1m@tik> pos adj. apothegmatic sub head apophthegm or apophthegmatic syl ap:o+theg+mat+ic pron <2@p*Teg?!1m@tik> pos adj. apophyge ety C16: from Greek apophug*_e, literally: escape, from apopheugein to escape from apophyge 0. syl a:poph:y+ge pron <*1pofiJi> pos n. qual Architect. def the outward curve at each end of the shaft of a column, adjoining the base or capital. Also called: {hypophyge}. apophyllite ety C19: from French, from #7apo - +Greek phullon leaf+-#7ite %1; referring to its tendency to exfoliate apophyllite 0. syl a:poph:yl+lite pron <*1pofi2lIt>, <2@p*1filIt> pos n. def a white, colourless, pink, or green mineral consisting of a hydrated silicate of calcium, potassium, and fluorine in tetragonal crystalline form. It occurs in cracks in volcanic rocks. Formula: KCa\4?!FSi\4O\1\0.8H\2O. apophysis ety C17: via New Latin from Greek apophusis a sideshoot, from #7apo -#7+ phusis growth ?- a@.poph@.y+sate ($$#!p$Af$Is$It, -se$It) adj. apophyses infl head apophysis syl a:poph:y+ses pron <-2sEz> pos n. mod pl. apophysis 1. syl a:poph:y+sis pron <*1pofisis> pos n. def a process, outgrowth, or swelling from part of an animal or plant. apophysis 2. syl a:poph:y+sis pron <*1pofisis> pos n. qual Geology. def a tapering offshoot from a larger igneous intrusive mass. apophysial sub head apophysis syl a:poph:y+si:al pron <2@p*1fizi*l> pos adj. apoplectic 1. syl ap:o+plec+tic pron <2@p*1plektik> pos adj. def of or relating to apoplexy. apoplectic 2. syl ap:o+plec+tic pron <2@p*1plektik> pos adj. qual Informal. def furious. apoplectic 3. syl ap:o+plec+tic pron <2@p*1plektik> pos n. def a person having apoplexy. &- {@!ap@.o+#!plec+ti+cal+ly} apoplexy ety C14: from Old French apoplexie, from Late Latin apopl*_exia, from Greek: from apopl*_essein to cripple by a stroke, from pl*_essein to strike apoplexy 0. syl ap:o+plex:y pron <1@p*2pleksi> pos n. def sudden loss of consciousness, often followed by paralysis, caused by rupture or occlusion of a blood vessel in the brain. aport 0. syl a:port pron <*1pc:t> pos adv. adj. qual Nautical. usage postpositive def on or towards the port side. exam 1 with the helm aport. aposematic ety C19: from #7apo -+ Greek s*_ema sign aposematic 0. syl ap:o+se:mat+ic pron <2@p*si1m@tik> pos adj. usage of the coloration of certain distasteful or poisonous animals def characterized by bright conspicuous markings, which predators recognize and learn to avoid; warning. aposiopesis ety C16: via Late Latin from Greek, from aposi*_opaein to be totally silent, from si*_opaein to be silent aposiopeses infl head aposiopesis syl ap:o+si:o+pe:ses pron <-sEz> pos n. mod pl. aposiopesis 0. syl ap:o+si:o+pe:sis pron <2@p*u2sI*1pEsis> pos n. qual Rhetoric. def the device of suddenly breaking off in the middle of a sentence as if unwilling to continue. aposiopetic sub head aposiopesis syl ap:o+si:o+pet+ic pron <2@p*u2sI*1petik> pos adj. apospory ety C19: from #7apo -#7+spore+ -#7y %1 apospory 0. syl a:po+spor:y pron <1@p*2spc:ri> pos n. qual Botany. def development of the gametophyte from the sporophyte without the formation of spores. apostasy ety C14: from Church Latin apostasia, from Greek apostasis desertion, from apostanai to stand apart from, desert apostasies infl head apostasy syl a:pos+ta+sies. pos n. mod pl. apostasy 0. syl a:pos+ta+sy pron <*1post*si> pos n. def abandonment of one's religious faith, party, a cause, etc. apostate 1. syl a:pos+tate pron <*1postAt>, <-tit> pos n. def a person who abandons his religion, party, cause, etc. apostate 2. syl a:pos+tate pron <*1postAt>, <-tit> pos adj. def guilty of apostasy. &- {ap@.o+stat@.i+cal} (@!@ap$$#!st@at$Ik%@l) apostatise alt head apostatize or apostatize syl a:pos+ta+tise pron <*1post*2tIz> pos vb. mod intr. apostatize 0. or apostatise syl a:pos+ta+tize pron <*1post*2tIz> pos vb. mod intr. def to forsake or abandon one's belief, faith, or allegiance. a posteriori ety C18: from Latin, literally: from the latter (that is, from effect to cause) a posteriori 1. syl a pos+te:ri:o+ri pron , <-ri>, pos adj. qual Logic. def relating to or involving inductive reasoning from particular facts or effects to a general principle. a posteriori 2. syl a pos+te:ri:o+ri pron , <-ri>, pos adj. qual Logic. def derived from or requiring evidence for its validation or support; empirical; open to revision. a posteriori xref syl a pos+te:ri:o+ri pron , <-ri>, pos adj. qual Logic. def Compare {a priori, {synthetic} (sense 4)}. apostil ety C16: from French apostille, from Old French apostiller to make marginal notes, from Medieval Latin postilla, probably from Latin post illa (verba) after those (words) apostil 0. syl a:pos+til pron <*1postil> pos n. def a marginal note. apostle ety Old English apostol, from Church Latin apostolus, from Greek apostolos a messenger, from apostellein to send forth apostle 1. syl a:pos+tle pron <*1posL> pos n. usage often cap. def one of the 12 disciples chosen by Christ to preach his gospel. apostle 2. syl a:pos+tle pron <*1posL> pos n. def any prominent Christian missionary, esp. one who first converts a nation or people. apostle 3. syl a:pos+tle pron <*1posL> pos n. def an ardent early supporter of a cause, reform movement, etc. apostle 4. syl a:pos+tle pron <*1posL> pos n. qual Mormon Church. def a member of a council of twelve officials appointed to administer and preside over the Church. Apostles' Creed 0. syl A:pos+tles' Creed pos n. def a concise statement of Christian beliefs dating from about 500 #7a.d., traditionally ascribed to the Apostles. apostle spoon 0. syl a:pos+tle spoon pos n. def a silver spoon with a figure of one of the Apostles on the handle. apostolate 0. syl a:pos+to+late pron <*1post*lit>, <-2lAt> pos n. def the office, authority, or mission of an apostle. apostolic 1. syl ap+os+tol+ic pron <2@p*1stolik> pos adj. def of, relating to, deriving from, or contemporary with the Apostles. apostolic 2. syl ap+os+tol+ic pron <2@p*1stolik> pos adj. def of or relating to the teachings or practice of the Apostles. apostolic 3. syl ap+os+tol+ic pron <2@p*1stolik> pos adj. def of or relating to the pope regarded as chief successor of the Apostles. &- {@!ap+os+#!tol@.i+cal} &- {@!ap+os+#!tol@.i+cal+ly} apostolic delegate 0. syl ap+os+tol+ic del+e:gate pos n. qual R.C. Church. def a representative of the pope sent to countries that do not have full or regular diplomatic relations with the Holy See. Apostolic Fathers 0. syl Ap+os+tol+ic Fa+thers pos n. mod pl. def the Fathers of the early Church who immediately followed the Apostles. Apostolic See 1. syl Ap+os+tol+ic See pos n. qual R.C. Church. def the see of the pope regarded as the successor to Saint Peter. Apostolic See 2. syl Ap+os+tol+ic See pos n. usage often not caps. def a see established by one of the Apostles. Apostolic succession 0. syl Ap+os+tol+ic suc+ces+sion pos n. def the doctrine that the authority of Christian bishops derives from the Apostles through an unbroken line of consecration. apostrophe ety C17: from Late Latin, from Greek apostrophos mark of elision, from apos?!trephein to turn away apostrophe H1.0. syl a:pos+tro+phe pron <*1postr*fi> pos n. def the punctuation mark {'} used to indicate the omission of a letter or number, such as for or also used in English to form the possessive, as in and apostrophe ety C16: from Latin apostroph*_e, from Greek: a turning away, digression &- ap@.o+stroph+ic (@!@ap$$#!str$Af$Ik) adj. apostrophe H2.0. syl a:pos+tro+phe pron <*1postr*fi> pos n. qual Rhetoric. def a digression from a discourse, esp. an address to an imaginary or absent person or a personification. apostrophise alt head apostrophize or apostrophize syl a:pos+tro+phise pron <*1postr*2fIz> pos vb. apostrophize 0. or apostrophise syl a:pos+tro+phize pron <*1postr*2fIz> pos vb. qual Rheto?!ric. def to address an apostrophe to. apothecaries' measure 0. syl a:poth+e:car:ies' meas+ure pos n. def a system of liquid volume measure used in pharmacy in which 60 minims equal 1 fluid drachm, 8 fluid drachms equal 1 fluid ounce, and 20 fluid ounces equal 1 pint. apothecaries' weight 0. syl a:poth+e:car:ies' weight pos n. def a system of weights formerly used in pharmacy based on the Troy ounce, which contains 480 grains. 1 grain is equal to 0.065 gram. apothecary ety C14: from Old French apotecaire, from Late Latin apoth*_ec*_arius warehouseman, from apoth*_eca, from Greek apoth*_ek*_e storehouse apothecaries infl head apothecary syl a:poth+e:car:ies. pos n. mod pl. apothecary 1. syl a:poth+e:car:y pron <*1poTik*ri> pos n. def an archaic word for {chemist}. apothecary 2. syl a:poth+e:car:y pron <*1poTik*ri> pos n. qual Law. def a chemist licensed by the Society of Apothecaries of London to prescribe, prepare, and sell drugs. apothecium ety C19: from New Latin, from #7apo -#7+ Greek th*_ekion a little case apothecia infl head apothecium syl ap:o+the+ci:a pron <-si*> pos n. mod pl. apothecium 0. syl ap:o+the+ci:um pron <1@p*1TEsi*m> pos n. qual Botany. def a cup-shaped structure that contains the asci; a type of ascocarp. apothecial sub head apothecium syl ap:o+the+ci:al pron <2@p*1TEsi*l> pos adj. apothegm 0. syl ap:o+thegm pron <1@p*2Tem> pos n. def a variant spelling of {apophthegm}. apothem ety C20: from #7apo -#7+ Greek thema, from #7tithenai to place apothem 0. syl ap:o+them pron <1@p*2Tem> pos n. def the perpendicular line or distance from the centre of a regular polygon to any of its sides. apotheosis ety C17: via Late Latin from Greek: deification, from theos god apotheoses infl head apotheosis syl a:poth+e:o+ses pron <-sEz> pos n. mod pl. apotheosis 1. syl a:poth+e:o+sis pron <*2poTi1*usis> pos n. def the elevation of a person to the rank of a god; deification. apotheosis 2. syl a:poth+e:o+sis pron <*2poTi1*usis> pos n. def glorification of a person or thing. apotheosis 3. syl a:poth+e:o+sis pron <*2poTi1*usis> pos n. def a glorified ideal. apotheosise alt head apotheosize or apotheosize syl a:poth+e:o+sise pron <*1poTi*2sIz> pos vb. mod tr. apotheosize 1. or apotheosise syl a:poth+e:o+size pron <*1poTi*2sIz> pos vb. mod tr. def to deify. apotheosize 2. or apotheosise syl a:poth+e:o+size pron <*1poTi*2sIz> pos vb. mod tr. def to glorify or idealize. apotropaic ety C19: from Greek apotropaios turning away (evil), from apotrepein; see #7apo -#7, trope apotropaic 0. syl ap:o+tro+pa+ic pron <2@p*utr*1pAik> pos adj. def preventing or intended to prevent evil. app 1. syl app. qual abbrev. for: def apparatus. app 2. syl app. qual abbrev. for: def appendix (of a book). app 3. syl app. qual abbrev. for: def applied. app 4. syl app. qual abbrev. for: def appointed. app 5. syl app. qual abbrev. for: def apprentice. app 6. syl app. qual abbrev. for: def approved. app 7. syl app. qual abbrev. for: def approximate. appal ety C14: from Old French appalir to turn pale appall alt head appal or appal syl ap+pall pron <*1pc:l> pos vb. qual U.S. appals infl head appal or appalls syl ap+pals pos vb. appalling infl head appal or appalling syl ap+pal+ling pos vb. mod tr. qual U.S. appalled infl head appal or appalled syl ap+palled pos vb. mod tr. appalls infl head appal or appals syl ap+palls pos vb. mod tr. qual U.S. appalled infl head appal or appalled syl ap+palled. pos vb. mod tr. qual U.S. appal 0. or appall syl ap+pal pron <*1pc:l> pos vb. def to fill with horror; shock or dismay. Appalachia 0. syl Ap+pa+la+chi:a pron <2@p*1lACi*> pos n. def a highland region of the eastern U.S., containing the Appalachian Mountains, extending from Pennsylvania to Alabama. Appalachian 1. syl Ap:pa+la+chi:an pron <2@p*1lACi*n> pos adj. def of, from, or relating to the Appalachian Mountains. Appalachian 2. syl Ap:pa+la+chi:an pron <2@p*1lACi*n> pos adj. qual Geology. def of or relating to an episode of mountain building in the late Palaeozoic era during which the Appalachian Mountains were formed. Appalachians alt head Appalachian Mountains or Appalachian Mountains syl Ap+pa+la+chi:ans pos n. mod pl. Appalachian Mountains 0. or Appalachians syl Ap+pa+la+chi:an Moun+tains pos n. mod pl. def a mountain system of E North America, extending from Quebec province in Canada to central Alabama: contains rich deposits of anthracite, bitumen, and iron ore. Highest peak: Mount Mitchell, 2038 m (6684 ft.). appalling 0. syl ap+pal+ling pron <*1pc:liG> pos adj. def causing extreme dismay, horror, or revulsion. appallingly sub head appalling syl ap+1pal+ling+ly pos adv. Appaloosa ety C19: perhaps from Palouse, river in Idaho Appaloosa 0. syl Ap+pa+loo+sa pron <2@p*1lu:s*> pos n. def a breed of horse, originally from America, typically having a spotted rump. appanage ety C17: from Old French, from Medieval Latin app*_an*_agium, from app*_an*_are to provide for, from Latin p*_anis bread apanage alt head appanage or appanage syl ap:a+nage pron <1@p*niJ> pos n. appanage 1. or apanage syl ap+pa+nage pron <1@p*niJ> pos n. def land or other provision granted by a king for the support of a member of the royal family, esp. a younger son. appanage 2. or apanage syl ap+pa+nage pron <1@p*niJ> pos n. def a natural or customary accompaniment or perquisite, as to a job or position. apparatus ety C17: from Latin, from appar*_are to make ready apparatus infl or apparatuses syl ap+pa+rat+us pos n. mod pl. apparatuses infl head apparatus or apparatus syl ap+pa+rat+us:es. pos n. mod pl. apparatus 1. syl ap+pa+rat+us pron <2@p*1rAt*s> pos n. def a collection of instruments, machines, tools, parts, or other equipment used for a particular purpose. apparatus 2. syl ap+pa+rat+us pron <2@p*1rAt*s> pos n. def a machine having a specific function. exam 1 breathing apparatus. apparatus 3. syl ap+pa+rat+us pron <2@p*1rAt*s> pos n. def the means by which something operates; organization. exam 1 the apparatus of government. apparatus 4. syl ap+pa+rat+us pron <2@p*1rAt*s> pos n. qual Anatomy. def any group of organs having a spe?!cific function. apparatus criticus ety Latin: critical apparatus apparatus criticus 0. syl ap+pa+rat+us crit:i+cus pron <1kritik*s> pos n. def textual notes, list of variant readings, etc., relating to a document, esp. in a scholarly edition of a text. apparel ety C13: from Old French apareillier to make ready, from Vulgar Latin apparicu?!l*_are (unattested), from Latin appar*_are, from par*_are to prepare apparel 1. syl ap+par+el pron <*1p@r*l> pos n. def something that covers or adorns, esp. outer garments or clothing. apparel 2. syl ap+par+el pron <*1p@r*l> pos n. qual Nautical. def a vessel's gear and equipment. {~} {+els, +el+ling, +elled} {+els, +el+ing, +eled}. apparel 3. syl ap+par+el pron <*1p@r*l> pos n. qual Archaic. (tr. def to clothe, adorn, etc. apparent ety C14: from Latin app*_ar*_ens, from app*_ar*_ere to #7appear apparent 1. syl ap+par+ent pron <*1p@r*nt>, <*1pe*r-> pos adj. def readily seen or understood; evident; obvious. apparent 2. syl ap+par+ent pron <*1p@r*nt>, <*1pe*r-> pos adj. usage usually prenominal def seeming, as opposed to real. exam 1 his apparent innocence belied his complicity in the crime. apparent 3. syl ap+par+ent pron <*1p@r*nt>, <*1pe*r-> pos adj. qual Physics. def as observed but discounting such factors as the motion of the observer, changes in the environment, etc. Compare { {true} (sense 9)}. apparently sub head apparent syl ap+1par+ent+ly pos adv. apparentness sub head apparent syl ap+1par+ent+ness pos n. apparent magnitude 0. syl ap+par+ent mag+ni+tude pos n. def another name for { {magnitude} (sense 4)}. apparition ety C15: from Late Latin app*_ariti*_o, from Latin: attendance, from app*_ar*_ere to #7appear apparition 1. syl ap+pa+ri+tion pron <2@p*1riS*n> pos n. def an appearance, esp. of a ghost or ghostlike figure. apparition 2. syl ap+pa+ri+tion pron <2@p*1riS*n> pos n. def the figure so appearing; phantom; spectre. apparition 3. syl ap+pa+ri+tion pron <2@p*1riS*n> pos n. def the act of appearing or being visible. apparitor ety C15: from Latin: public servant, from app*_ar*_ere to #7appear apparitor 0. syl ap+par:i+tor pron <*1p@rit*> pos n. def an officer who summons witnesses and executes the orders of an ecclesiastical and (formerly) a civil court. appassionato 0. syl ap+pas+sio+na+to pron <*2p@sj*1na:t*u> pos adj. adv. qual Music. def in an impassioned manner. appeal ety C14: from Old French appeler, from Latin appell*_are to entreat (literally: to approach), from pellere to push, drive appeal 1. syl ap+peal pron <*1pEl> pos n. def a request for relief, aid, etc. appeal 2. syl ap+peal pron <*1pEl> pos n. def the power to attract, please, stimulate, or interest. exam 1 a dress with appeal. appeal 3. syl ap+peal pron <*1pEl> pos n. def an application or resort to another person or authority, esp. a higher one, as for a decision or confirmation of a decision. appeal 4.a. syl ap+peal pron <*1pEl> pos n. def the judicial review by a superior court of the decision of a lower tribunal. appeal 4.b. syl ap+peal pron <*1pEl> pos n. def a request for such review. appeal 4.c. syl ap+peal pron <*1pEl> pos n. def the right to such review. appeal 5. syl ap+peal pron <*1pEl> pos n. qual Cricket. def a verbal request to the umpire from one or more members of the fielding side to declare a batsman out. appeal 6. syl ap+peal pron <*1pEl> pos n. usage English law. formerly def a formal charge or accusation. exam 1 appeal of felony. appeal 7. syl ap+peal pron <*1pEl> pos vb. mod intr. def to make an earnest request for relief, support, etc. appeal 8. syl ap+peal pron <*1pEl> pos vb. mod intr. def to attract, please, stimulate, or interest. appeal 9. syl ap+peal pron <*1pEl> pos vb. qual Law. def to apply to a superior court to review (a case or particular issue decided by a lower tribunal). appeal 10. syl ap+peal pron <*1pEl> pos vb. mod intr. def to resort to, as for a decision or confirmation of a decision. appeal 11. syl ap+peal pron <*1pEl> pos vb. mod intr. qual Cricket. def to ask the umpire to declare a batsman out. appeal 12. syl ap+peal pron <*1pEl> pos vb. mod intr. def to challenge the umpire's or referee's decision. appealable sub head appeal syl ap+1peal+a:ble pos adj. appealer sub head appeal syl ap+1peal+er pos n. appealingly sub head appeal syl ap+1peal+ing+ly pos adv. appear ety C13: from Old French aparoir, from Latin app*_ar*_ere to become visible, attend upon, from p*_ar*_ere to appear appear 1. syl ap+pear pron <*1pi*> pos vb. mod intr. def to come into sight or view. appear 2. syl ap+pear pron <*1pi*> pos vb. mod intr. usage copula; may take an infinitive def to seem or look. exam 1 the evidence appears to support you. appear 3. syl ap+pear pron <*1pi*> pos vb. mod intr. def to be plain or clear, as after further evidence, etc.. exam 1 it appears you were correct after all. appear 4. syl ap+pear pron <*1pi*> pos vb. mod intr. def to develop or come into being; occur. exam 1 faults appeared during testing. appear 5. syl ap+pear pron <*1pi*> pos vb. mod intr. def to become publicly available; be published. exam 1 his biography appeared last month. appear 6. syl ap+pear pron <*1pi*> pos vb. mod intr. def to perform or act. exam 1 he has appeared in many London productions. appear 7. syl ap+pear pron <*1pi*> pos vb. mod intr. def to be present in court before a magistrate or judge. exam 1 he appeared on two charges of theft. appearance 1. syl ap+pear+ance pron <*1pi*r*ns> pos n. def the act or an instance of appearing, as to the eye, before the public, etc. appearance 2. syl ap+pear+ance pron <*1pi*r*ns> pos n. def the outward or visible aspect of a person or thing. exam 1 her appearance was stunning; exam 2 it has the appearance of powdered graphite. appearance 3. syl ap+pear+ance pron <*1pi*r*ns> pos n. def an outward show; pretence. exam 1 he gave an appearance of working hard. appearance 4. syl ap+pear+ance pron <*1pi*r*ns> pos n. mod often; pl. def one of the outward signs or indications by which a person or thing is assessed. exam 1 first appearances are deceptive. appearance 5.a. syl ap+pear+ance pron <*1pi*r*ns> pos n. def the formal attendance in court of a party in an action. appearance 5.b. syl ap+pear+ance pron <*1pi*r*ns> pos n. def formal notice that a party or his legal representative intends to maintain or contest the issue. exam 1 to enter an appearance. appearance 6.a. syl ap+pear+ance pron <*1pi*r*ns> pos n. def the outward or phenomenal manifestation of things. appearance 6.b. syl ap+pear+ance pron <*1pi*r*ns> pos n. def the world as revealed by the senses, as opposed to its real nature. Compare { {reality} (sense 4)}. keep up appearances 7. head appearance syl keep up appearances. def to maintain the public impression of well-being or normality. put in 8. head appearance or make an appearance syl put in def to come or attend briefly, as out of politeness. to all appearances 9. head appearance syl to all appearances. def to the extent that can easily be judged; apparently. appease ety C16: from Old French apaisier, from pais peace, from Latin pax appease 1. syl ap+pease pron <*1pEz> pos vb. mod tr. def to calm, pacify, or soothe, esp. by acceding to the demands of. appease 2. syl ap+pease pron <*1pEz> pos vb. mod tr. def to satisfy or quell (an appetite or thirst, etc.). appeasable sub head appease syl ap+1peas+a:ble pos adj. appeaser sub head appease syl ap+1peas+er pos n. appeasement 1. syl ap+pease+ment pron <*1pEzm*nt> pos n. def the policy of acceding to the demands of a potentially hostile nation in the hope of maintaining peace. appeasement 2. syl ap+pease+ment pron <*1pEzm*nt> pos n. def the act of appeasing. appel ety from French: challenge appel 1. syl ap+pel pron <*1pel>, French pos n. qual Fencing. def a stamp of the foot, used to warn of one's intent to attack. appel 2. syl ap+pel pron <*1pel>, French pos n. qual Fencing. def a sharp blow with the blade made to procure an opening. Karel infl head Appel syl Ka:rel pron <1ka:r*l> pos n. Appel 0. syl Ap:pel pron Dutch <1ap*l> pos n. def born 1921, Dutch abstract expressionist painter. appellant ety C14: from Old French; see #7appeal appellant 1. syl ap+pel+lant pron <*1pel*nt> pos n. def a person who appeals. appellant 2. syl ap+pel+lant pron <*1pel*nt> pos n. qual Law. def the party who appeals to a higher court from the decision of a lower tribunal. appellant 3. syl ap+pel+lant pron <*1pel*nt> pos adj. qual Law. def another word for {appellate}. appellate ety C18: from Latin appell*_atus summoned, from appell*_are to #7appeal appellate 1. syl ap+pel+late pron <*1pelit> pos adj. qual Law. def of or relating to appeals. appellate 2. syl ap+pel+late pron <*1pelit> pos adj. qual Law. usage of a tribunal def having jurisdiction to review cases on appeal and to reverse decisions of inferior courts. appellation 1. syl ap+pel+la+tion pron <2@pi1lAS*n> pos n. def an identifying name or title. appellation 2. syl ap+pel+la+tion pron <2@pi1lAS*n> pos n. def the act of naming or giving a title to. appellative 1. syl ap+pel+la+tive pron <*1pel*tiv> pos n. def an identifying name or title; appellation. appellative 2. syl ap+pel+la+tive pron <*1pel*tiv> pos n. qual Grammar. def another word for {common noun}. appellative 3. syl ap+pel+la+tive pron <*1pel*tiv> pos adj. def of or relating to a name or title. appellative 4. syl ap+pel+la+tive pron <*1pel*tiv> pos adj. usage of a proper noun def used as a common noun. appellatively sub head appellative syl ap+1pel+la+tive+ly pos adv. appellee ety C16: from Old French apele summoned; see #7appeal appellee 0. syl ap+pel+lee pron <2@pe1lE> pos n. qual Law. def a person who is accused or appealed against. append ety C15: from Late Latin appendere to hang (something) from, from Latin pendere to hang append 1. syl ap+pend pron <*1pend> pos vb. mod tr. def to add as a supplement. exam 1 to append a footnote. append 2. syl ap+pend pron <*1pend> pos vb. mod tr. def to attach; hang on. appendage 1. syl ap+pend+age pron <*1pendiJ> pos n. def an ancillary or secondary part attached to a main part; adjunct. appendage 2. syl ap+pend+age pron <*1pendiJ> pos n. qual Zoology. def any organ that projects from the trunk of animals such as arthropods. appendage 3. syl ap+pend+age pron <*1pendiJ> pos n. qual Botany. def any subsidiary part of a plant, such as a branch or leaf. appendant 1. syl ap+pen+dant pron <*1pend*nt> pos adj. def attached, affixed, or added. appendant 2. syl ap+pen+dant pron <*1pend*nt> pos adj. def attendant or associated as an accompaniment or result. appendant 3. syl ap+pen+dant pron <*1pend*nt> pos adj. def a less common word for {pendent}. appendant 4. syl ap+pen+dant pron <*1pend*nt> pos adj. qual Law. def relating to another right. appendant 5. syl ap+pen+dant pron <*1pend*nt> pos n. def a person or thing attached or added. appendant 6. syl ap+pen+dant pron <*1pend*nt> pos n. qual Property law. def a subordinate right or interest, esp. in or over land, attached to a greater interest and automatically passing with the sale of the latter. appendicitis 0. syl ap+pen+di+ci+tis pron <*2pendi1sItis> pos n. def inflammation of the vermiform appendix. appendicle ety C17: from Latin appendicula; see #7appendix appendicle 0. syl ap+pen+di+cle pron <*1pendikL> pos n. def a small appendage. appendicular 1. syl ap+pen+dic:u+lar pron <2@p*n1dikjul*> pos adj. def relating to an append?!age or appendicle. appendicular 2. syl ap+pen+dic:u+lar pron <2@p*n1dikjul*> pos adj. qual Anatomy. def of or relating to the vermiform appendix. appendix ety C16: from Latin: an appendage, from appendere to #7append appendixes infl head appendix or appendices syl ap+pen+dix:es pron <-di2sEz> pos n. mod pl. appendices infl head appendix or appendixes syl ap+pen+di+ces pron <-di2sEz> pos n. mod pl. appendix 1. syl ap+pen+dix pron <*1pendiks> pos n. def a body of separate additional material at the end of a book, magazine, etc., esp. one that is documentary or explanatory. appendix 2. syl ap+pen+dix pron <*1pendiks> pos n. def any part that is dependent or supplementary in nature or function; appendage. appendix 3. syl ap+pen+dix pron <*1pendiks> pos n. qual Anatomy. def See {vermiform appendix}. Appenzell 1. syl Ap+pen+zell pron German , <1apN2tsel> pos n. def a canton of NE Switzerland, divided in 1597 into the Protestant demicanton of {Appenzell Outer Rhodes} and the Catholic demicanton of {Appenzell Inner Rhodes}. Capitals: Herisau and Appenzell. Pop.: 49023 and 13124 (1970). Areas: 243 sq. km (94 sq. miles) and 171 sq. km (66 sq. miles) respectively. Appenzell 2. syl Ap+pen+zell pron German , <1apN2tsel> pos n. def a town in NE Switzerland, capital of Appenzell Inner Rhodes demi?!canton. Pop.: 5217 (1970). apperceive ety C19: from Old French aperceveir, from Latin percipere to #7perceive apperceive 1. syl ap+per+ceive pron <2@p*1sEv> pos vb. mod tr. def to be aware of perceiving. apperceive 2. syl ap+per+ceive pron <2@p*1sEv> pos vb. mod tr. qual Psychol. def to comprehend by assimilating (a perception) to ideas already in the mind. apperception 1. syl ap+per+cep+tion pron <2@p*1sepS*n> pos n. qual Psychol. def conscious awareness of the act and significance of perception; focused perception, esp. when selective of certain sensory data. apperception 2. syl ap+per+cep+tion pron <2@p*1sepS*n> pos n. qual Psychol. def the act or process of apperceiving. apperceptive sub head apperception syl ap+per+1cep+tive pos adj. appertain ety C14: from Old French apertenir to belong, from Late Latin appertin*_ere, from Latin #7apo -#7+ pertin*_ere to #7pertain appertain 0. syl ap+per+tain pron <2@p*1tAn> pos vb. mod intr. usage usually foll. by to def to belong (to) as a part, function, right, etc.; relate (to) or be connected (with). appestat ety C20: from #7appe (#7tite) #7+ -#7stat appestat 0. syl ap+pes+tat pron <1@pist@t> pos n. def a neural control centre within the hypothalamus of the brain that regulates the sense of hunger and satiety. appetence ety C17: from Latin appetentia, from appetere to crave appetency alt head appetence or appetence syl ap+pe+ten+cy pos n. appetences infl head appetence or appetencies syl ap+pe+tenc:es pos n. mod pl. appetencies infl head appetence or appetences syl ap+pe+ten+cies. pos n. mod pl. appetence 1. or appetency syl ap+pe+tence pron <1@pi2t*ns> pos n. def a natural craving or desire. appetence 2. or appetency syl ap+pe+tence pron <1@pi2t*ns> pos n. def a natural or instinctive inclination. appetence 3. or appetency syl ap+pe+tence pron <1@pi2t*ns> pos n. def an attraction or affinity. appetite ety C14: from Old French apetit, from Latin appet*_itus a craving, from appetere to desire ardently &- ap+pet@.i+tive ($$#!p$et$It$Iv, #!@ap$I@!ta$It$Iv) adj. appetite 1. syl ap+pe+tite pron <1@pi2tIt> pos n. def a desire for food or drink. appetite 2. syl ap+pe+tite pron <1@pi2tIt> pos n. def a desire to satisfy a bodily craving, as for sexual pleasure. appetite 3. syl ap+pe+tite pron <1@pi2tIt> pos n. usage usually foll. by for def a desire, liking, or willingness. exam 1 a great appetite for work. appetiser alt head appetizer or appetizer syl ap+pe+tis+er pron <1@pi2tIz*> pos n. appetizer 1. or appetiser syl ap+pe+tiz+er pron <1@pi2tIz*> pos n. def a small amount of food or drink taken to stimulate the appetite. appetizer 2. or appetiser syl ap+pe+tiz+er pron <1@pi2tIz*> pos n. def any stimulating foretaste. appetising alt head appetizing or appetizing syl ap+pe+tis+ing pron <1@pi2tIziG> pos adj. appetizing 0. or appetising syl ap+pe+tiz+ing pron <1@pi2tIziG> pos adj. def pleasing or stimulating to the appetite; delicious; tasty. Appian Way 0. syl Ap+pi:an Way pron <1@pi*n> pos n. def a Roman road in Italy, extending from Rome to Brindisi: begun in 312 #7b.c. by Appius Claudius Caecus. Length: about 560 km (350 miles). applaud ety C15: from Latin applaudere to clap, from plaudere to beat, applaud applaud 1. syl ap+plaud pron <*1plc:d> pos vb. def to indicate approval of (a person, performance, etc.) by clapping the hands. applaud 2. syl ap+plaud pron <*1plc:d> pos vb. mod usually; tr. def to offer or express approval or praise of (an action, person, or thing). exam 1 I applaud your decision. applauder sub head applaud syl ap+1plaud+er pos n. applaudingly sub head applaud syl ap+1plaud+ing+ly pos adv. applause 0. syl ap+plause pron <*1plc:z> pos n. def appreciation or praise, esp. as shown by clapping the hands. apple ety Old English @appel; related to Old Saxon appel, Old Norse apall, Old High German apful apple 1. syl ap+ple pron <1@pL> pos n. def a rosaceous tree, (or widely cultivated in temperate regions in many varieties, having pink or white fragrant flowers and firm rounded edible fruits. apple 2. syl ap+ple pron <1@pL> pos n. def the fruit of this tree, having red, yellow, or green skin and crisp whitish flesh. apple 3. syl ap+ple pron <1@pL> pos n. def the wood of this tree. apple 4. syl ap+ple pron <1@pL> pos n. def any of several unrelated trees that have fruit similar to the apple, such as the custard apple, sugar apple, and May apple. See also {love apple, oak apple, thorn apple}. apple of one's eye 5. head apple syl apple of one's eye. def a person or thing that is very precious or much loved. apple blight 0. syl ap+ple blight pos n. def an aphid, that is covered with a powdery waxy secretion and infests apple trees. Also called: {American blight}. apple box 0. syl ap+ple box pos n. def an ornamental Australian tree, having heart-shaped juvenile leaves, large lanceolate adult leaves, and conical fruits. Also called: {apple gum}. apple butter 0. syl ap+ple but+ter pos n. def a jam made from stewed spiced apples. applecart 1. syl ap:ple+cart pron <1@pL2ka:t> pos n. def a cart or barrow from which apples and other fruit are sold in the street. upset the 2. head applecart or one's applecart syl upset the def to spoil plans or arrangements. apple green 0.a. syl ap+ple green pos n. def a bright light green or moderate yellowish-green. apple green 0.b. syl ap+ple green pos as; adj. exam 1 an apple-green carpet. the infl head Apple Isle syl the. pos n. Apple Isle 0. syl Apple Isle pos n. qual Austral. informal. def Tasmania. &- {#!Ap+ple #!Is+land+er} applejack 0. syl ap:ple+jack pron <1@pL2J@k> pos n. def a brandy made from apples; dis?!tilled cider. Also called: {applejack brandy, apple brandy}. apple maggot 0. syl ap+ple mag+got pos n. def a fruit fly, the larvae of which bore into and feed on the fruit of apple trees: family apple of discord 0. syl ap+ple of dis+cord pos n. qual Greek myth. def a golden apple inscribed @6For the fairest.@9 It was claimed by Hera, Athena, and Aphrodite, to whom Paris awarded it, thus beginning a chain of events that led to the Trojan War. apple-pie bed 0. syl ap:ple-pie bed pos n. qual Brit. def a way of making a bed so as to prevent the person from entering it. apple-pie order 0. syl ap:ple-pie or+der pos n. qual Informal. def perfect order or condition. apple polisher 0. syl ap+ple pol+ish+er pos n. qual U.S. slang. def a sycophant; toady. apples 1. syl ap+ples pron <1@pLz> pos n. def See {apples and pears}. she's apples 2. head apples syl she's apples. qual Austral. informal. def all is going well. apples and pears 0. syl ap+ples and pears pos n. mod pl. qual Cockney rhyming slang. def stairs. Often shortened to {apples}. apple sauce 1. syl ap+ple sauce pos n. def a pur*'ee of stewed apples often served with pork. apple sauce 2. syl ap+ple sauce pos n. qual U.S. slang. def nonsense; rubbish. applesnits ety from German Apfelschnitzel applesnits 0. syl ap:ple+snits pron <1@pL2snits> pos n. qual Canadian W coast. def a dish consisting of apple slices. Appleton 0. syl Ap:ple:ton pron <1@pLt*n> pos n. def Sir {Ed@.ward (Victor) }. 1892-1965, English physicist, noted particularly for his research on the ionosphere: Nobel prize for physics 1947. Appleton layer 0. syl Ap:ple:ton lay+er pos n. def another name for {F region} (of the ionosphere). appliance 1. syl ap+pli+ance pron <*1plI*ns> pos n. def a machine or device, esp. an electrical one used domestically. appliance 2. syl ap+pli+ance pron <*1plI*ns> pos n. def any piece of equipment having a specific function. appliance 3. syl ap+pli+ance pron <*1plI*ns> pos n. def a device fitted to a machine or tool to adapt it for a specific purpose. appliance 4. syl ap+pli+ance pron <*1plI*ns> pos n. def another name for a {fire engine}. applicable 0. syl ap+pli+ca:ble pron <1@plik*bL>, <*1plik*-> pos adj. def being appropriate or relevant; able to be applied; fitting. applicability sub head applicable or applicableness syl ap+plic+a:1bil+i:ty pos n. applicableness sub head applicable or applicability syl ap+pli+ca:ble+ness pos n. applicably sub head applicable syl ap+pli+ca:bly pos adv. applicant ety C15: from Latin applic*_ans, from applic*_are to #7apply applicant 0. syl ap+pli+cant pron <1@plik*nt> pos n. def a person who applies, as for a job, grant, support, etc.; candidate. application 1. syl ap+pli+ca+tion pron <2@pli1kAS*n> pos n. def the act of applying to a particular purpose or use. application 2. syl ap+pli+ca+tion pron <2@pli1kAS*n> pos n. def relevance or value. exam 1 the practical applications of space technology. application 3. syl ap+pli+ca+tion pron <2@pli1kAS*n> pos n. def the act of asking for something. exam 1 an application for leave. application 4. syl ap+pli+ca+tion pron <2@pli1kAS*n> pos n. def a verbal or written request, as for a job, etc.. exam 1 he filed his application. application 5. syl ap+pli+ca+tion pron <2@pli1kAS*n> pos n. def diligent effort or concentration. exam 1 a job requiring application. application 6. syl ap+pli+ca+tion pron <2@pli1kAS*n> pos n. def something, such as a healing agent or lotion, that is applied, esp. to the skin. applicative 0. syl ap+plic:a+tive pron <*1plik*tiv> pos adj. def relevant or applicable. applicatively sub head applicative syl ap+1plic:a+tive+ly pos adv. applicator 0. syl ap+pli+ca+tor pron <1@pli2kAt*> pos n. def a device, such as a spatula or rod, for applying a medicine, glue, etc. applicatory 0. syl ap+pli+ca+to:ry pron <1@pli2kAt*ri> pos adj. def suitable for application. applied 0. syl ap+plied pron <*1plId> pos adj. def related to or put to practical use. exam 1 applied mathematics. appliqu'e ety C18: from French, literally: applied appliqu'e 1. syl ap+pli+qu*'e pron <@1plEkA> pos n. def a decoration or trimming of one material sewn or otherwise fixed onto another. appliqu'e 2. syl ap+pli+qu*'e pron <@1plEkA> pos n. def the practice of decorating in this way. appliqu'es infl head appliqu'e syl ap+pli+qu*'es pos vb. appliqu'eing infl head appliqu'e syl ap+pli+qu*'e+ing pos vb. appliqu'ed infl head appliqu'e syl ap+pli+qu*'ed. pos vb. appliqu'e 3. syl ap+pli+qu*'e pron <@1plEkA> pos vb. mod tr. def to sew or fix (a decoration) on as an appliqu*'e. apply ety C14: from Old French aplier, from Latin applic*_are to attach to &- ap+#!pli+er n. applies infl head apply syl ap+plies pos vb. applying infl head apply syl ap+ply+ing pos vb. applied infl head apply syl ap+plied. pos vb. apply 1. syl ap+ply pron <*1plI> pos vb. mod tr. def to put to practical use; utilize; employ. apply 2. syl ap+ply pron <*1plI> pos vb. mod intr. def to be relevant, useful, or appropriate. apply 3. syl ap+ply pron <*1plI> pos vb. mod tr. def to cause to come into contact with; put onto. apply 4. syl ap+ply pron <*1plI> pos vb. mod intr. usage often foll. by for def to put in an application or request. apply 5. syl ap+ply pron <*1plI> pos vb. mod tr. usage often foll. by to def to devote (oneself, one's efforts) with diligence. apply 6. syl ap+ply pron <*1plI> pos vb. mod tr. def to bring into operation or use. exam 1 the police only applied the law to aliens. apply 7. syl ap+ply pron <*1plI> pos vb. mod tr. def to refer (a word, epithet, etc.) to a person or thing. appoggiatura ety C18: from Italian, literally: a propping, from appoggiare to prop, support appoggiaturas infl head appoggiatura or appoggiature syl ap+pog+gia+tu+ras pron <-re> pos n. mod pl. appoggiature infl head appoggiatura or appoggiaturas syl ap+pog+gia+tu+re pron <-re> pos n. mod pl. appoggiatura 0. syl ap+pog+gia+tu+ra pron <*2poJ*1tu*r*> pos n. qual Music. def an ornament consisting of a nonharmonic note (short or long) preceding a harmonic one either before or on the stress. See also { {acciaccatura} (sense 2)}. appoint ety C14: from Old French apointer to put into a good state, from a point in good condition, literally: to a #7point appoint 1. syl ap+point pron <*1pcint> pos vb. mod also; intr. def to assign officially, as for a position, responsibility, etc.. exam 1 he was appointed manager. appoint 2. syl ap+point pron <*1pcint> pos vb. mod mainly; tr. def to establish by agreement or decree; fix. exam 1 a time was appointed for the duel. appoint 3. syl ap+point pron <*1pcint> pos vb. mod mainly; tr. def to prescribe or ordain. exam 1 laws appointed by tribunal. appoint 4. syl ap+point pron <*1pcint> pos vb. mod mainly; tr. qual Property law. def to nominate (a person), under a power granted in a deed or will, to take an interest in property. appoint 5. syl ap+point pron <*1pcint> pos vb. mod mainly; tr. def to equip with necessary or usual features; furnish. exam 1 a well-appointed hotel. appointer sub head appoint syl ap+1point+er pos n. appointee 1. syl ap+poin+tee pron <*pcin1tE>, <2@p-> pos n. def a person who is appointed. appointee 2. syl ap+poin+tee pron <*pcin1tE>, <2@p-> pos n. qual Property law. def a person to whom property is granted under a power of appointment. appointive 0. syl ap+poin+tive pron <*1pcintiv> pos adj. qual Chiefly U.S. def relating to or filled by appointment. exam 1 an appointive position. appointment 1. syl ap+point+ment pron <*1pcintm*nt> pos n. def an arrangement to meet a person or be at a place at a certain time. appointment 2. syl ap+point+ment pron <*1pcintm*nt> pos n. def the act of placing in a job or position. appointment 3. syl ap+point+ment pron <*1pcintm*nt> pos n. def the person who receives such a job or position. appointment 4. syl ap+point+ment pron <*1pcintm*nt> pos n. def the job or position to which such a person is appointed. appointment 5. syl ap+point+ment pron <*1pcintm*nt> pos n. mod usually; pl. def a fixture or fitting. appointment 6. syl ap+point+ment pron <*1pcintm*nt> pos n. qual Property law. def nomination to an interest in property under a deed or will. appointor 0. syl ap+poin+tor pron <*1pcint*>, <*pcin1tc:> pos n. qual Property law. def a person to whom a power to nominate persons to take property is given by deed or will. See also {power of appointment}. Appomattox 1. syl Ap+po+mat+tox pron <2@p*1m@t*ks> pos n. def a village in central Virginia where the Confederate army under Robert E. Lee surrendered to Ulysses S. Grant's Union forces on April 9, 1865, effectively ending the American Civil War. apportion 0. syl ap+por+tion pron <*1pc:S*n> pos vb. mod tr. def to divide, distribute, or assign appropriate shares of; allot proportionally. exam 1 to apportion the blame. apportionable sub head apportion syl ap+1por+tion+a:ble pos adj. apportioner sub head apportion syl ap+1por+tion+er pos n. apportionment 1. syl ap+por+tion+ment pron <*1pc:S*nm*nt> pos n. def the act of apportioning. apportionment 2. syl ap+por+tion+ment pron <*1pc:S*nm*nt> pos n. qual U.S. government. def the proportional distribution of the seats in a legislative body, esp. the House of Representatives, on the basis of population. apposable 1. syl ap+pos:a+ble pron <*1p*uz*bL> pos adj. def capable of being apposed or brought into apposition. apposable 2. syl ap+pos:a+ble pron <*1p*uz*bL> pos adj. qual Anatomy. def another word for { {opposable} (sense 2)}. appose ety C16: from Old French apposer, from poser to put, from Latin p*_onere appose 1. syl ap+pose pron <*1p*uz> pos vb. mod tr. def to place side by side or near to each other. appose 2. syl ap+pose pron <*1p*uz> pos vb. mod tr. usage usually foll. by to def to place (something) near or against another thing. apposite ety C17: from Latin appositus placed near, from app*_onere, from p*_onere to put, place apposite 0. syl ap+po+site pron <1@p*zit> pos adj. def well suited for the purpose; appropriate; apt. appositely sub head apposite syl ap+po+site+ly pos adv. appositeness sub head apposite syl ap+po+site+ness pos n. apposition 1. syl ap+po+si+tion pron <2@p*1ziS*n> pos n. def a putting into juxtaposition. apposition 2. syl ap+po+si+tion pron <2@p*1ziS*n> pos n. def a grammatical construction in which a word, esp. a noun phrase, is placed after another to modify its meaning. apposition 3. syl ap+po+si+tion pron <2@p*1ziS*n> pos n. qual Biology. def growth in the thickness of a cell wall by the deposition of successive layers of material. Compare { {intussusception} (sense 2)}. &- {@!ap+po+#!si+tion+al} appositive 1.a. syl ap+pos:i+tive pron <*1pozitiv> pos adj. def standing in apposition. appositive 1.b. syl ap+pos:i+tive pron <*1pozitiv> pos adj. def another word for {nonrestrictive}. appositive 2. syl ap+pos:i+tive pron <*1pozitiv> pos adj. def of or relating to apposition. appositive 3. syl ap+pos:i+tive pron <*1pozitiv> pos n. def an appositive word or phrase. appositively sub head appositive syl ap+1pos:i+tive+ly pos adv. appraisement alt head appraisal or appraisal syl ap+praise+ment pos n. appraisal 1. or appraisement syl ap+prais+al pron <*1prAzL> pos n. def an assessment or estimation of the worth, value, or quality of a person or thing. appraisal 2. or appraisement syl ap+prais+al pron <*1prAzL> pos n. def a valuation of property or goods. appraise ety C15: from Old French aprisier, from prisier to #7prize %2 &- ap+#!prais+a@.ble adj. &- ap+#!prais+er n. appraise 1. syl ap+praise pron <*1prAz> pos vb. mod tr. def to assess the worth, value, or quality of. appraise 2. syl ap+praise pron <*1prAz> pos vb. mod tr. def to make a valuation of, as for taxation purposes. appraisingly sub head appraise syl ap+1prais+ing+ly pos adv. appraisive sub head appraise syl ap+1prais+ive pos adj. appraisively sub head appraise syl ap+1prais+ive+ly pos adv. appreciable 0. syl ap+pre+ci+a:ble pron <*1prESi*bL>, <-S*bL> pos adj. def sufficient to be easily seen, measured, or noticed. appreciably sub head appreciable syl ap+1pre+ci+a:bly pos adv. appreciate ety C17: from Medieval Latin appreti*_are to value, prize, from Latin pretium #7price appreciate 1. syl ap+pre+ci+ate pron <*1prESi2At>, <-si-> pos vb. mod mainly; tr. def to feel thankful or grateful for. exam 1 to appreciate a favour. appreciate 2. syl ap+pre+ci+ate pron <*1prESi2At>, <-si-> pos vb. mod mainly; tr. usage may take a clause as object def to take full or sufficient account of. exam 1 to appreciate a problem. appreciate 3. syl ap+pre+ci+ate pron <*1prESi2At>, <-si-> pos vb. mod mainly; tr. def to value highly. exam 1 to appreciate Shakespeare. appreciate 4. syl ap+pre+ci+ate pron <*1prESi2At>, <-si-> pos vb. mod usually; intr. def to raise or increase in value. appreciator sub head appreciate syl ap+1pre+ci:2a+tor pos n. appreciation 1. syl ap+pre+ci:a+tion pron <*2prESi1AS*n>, <-si-> pos n. def thanks or gratitude. appreciation 2. syl ap+pre+ci:a+tion pron <*2prESi1AS*n>, <-si-> pos n. def assessment of the true worth or value of persons or things. appreciation 3. syl ap+pre+ci:a+tion pron <*2prESi1AS*n>, <-si-> pos n. def perceptive recognition of qualities, as in art. appreciation 4. syl ap+pre+ci:a+tion pron <*2prESi1AS*n>, <-si-> pos n. def an increase in value, as of goods or property. appreciation 5. syl ap+pre+ci:a+tion pron <*2prESi1AS*n>, <-si-> pos n. def a written review of a book, etc., esp. when favourable. appreciatory alt head appreciative or appreciative syl ap+pre+cia+to:ry pos adj. appreciative 0. or appreciatory syl ap+pre+ci:a+tive pron <*1prESi*tiv>, <-S*-> pos adj. def feeling, expressing, or capable of appreciation. appreciativeness sub head appreciative syl ap+1pre+ci:a+tive+ness pos n. appreciatively sub head appreciative or appreciatorily syl ap+1pre+ci:a+tive+ly pos adv. appreciatorily sub head appreciative or appreciatively syl ap+1pre+ci:a+to+ri+ly pos adv. apprehend ety C14: from Latin apprehendere to lay hold of apprehend 1. syl ap+pre+hend pron <2@pri1hend> pos vb. mod tr. def to arrest and escort into custody; seize. apprehend 2. syl ap+pre+hend pron <2@pri1hend> pos vb. def to perceive or grasp mentally; understand. apprehend 3. syl ap+pre+hend pron <2@pri1hend> pos vb. def to await with fear or anxiety; dread. apprehensible 0. syl ap+pre+hen+si:ble pron <2@pri1hensibL> pos adj. def capable of being com?!prehended or grasped mentally. &- {@!ap+pre+@!hen+si@.#!bil+i@.ty} &- {@!ap+pre+#!hen+si@.bly} apprehension 1. syl ap+pre+hen+sion pron <2@pri1henS*n> pos n. def fear or anxiety over what may happen. apprehension 2. syl ap+pre+hen+sion pron <2@pri1henS*n> pos n. def the act of capturing or arresting. apprehension 3. syl ap+pre+hen+sion pron <2@pri1henS*n> pos n. def the faculty of comprehending; understanding. apprehension 4. syl ap+pre+hen+sion pron <2@pri1henS*n> pos n. def a notion or conception. apprehensive 1. syl ap+pre+hen+sive pron <2@pri1hensiv> pos adj. def fearful or anxious. apprehensive 2. syl ap+pre+hen+sive pron <2@pri1hensiv> pos adj. def able to learn or understand quickly. apprehensive 3. syl ap+pre+hen+sive pron <2@pri1hensiv> pos adj. usage usually postpositive and foll. by of def perceptive or appreciative. apprehensively sub head apprehensive syl ap+pre+1hen+sive+ly pos adv. apprehensiveness sub head apprehensive syl ap+pre+1hen+sive+ness pos n. apprentice ety C14: from Old French aprentis, from Old French aprendre to learn, from Latin apprehendere to #7ap?!prehend apprentice 1. syl ap+pren+tice pron <*1prentis> pos n. def someone who works for a skilled or qualified person in order to learn a trade or profession, esp. for a recognized period. apprentice 2. syl ap+pren+tice pron <*1prentis> pos n. def any beginner or novice. apprentice 3. syl ap+pren+tice pron <*1prentis> pos vb. mod tr. def to take, place, or bind as an apprentice. apprenticeship sub head apprentice syl ap+1pren+tice+2ship pos n. appressed ety C18: from Latin appressus, from apprimere, from premere to press appressed 0. syl ap+pressed pron <*1prest> pos adj. def pressed closely against, but not joined to, a surface. exam 1 leaves appressed to a stem. apprise ety C17: from French appris, from apprendre to teach; learn; see #7apprehend apprize alt head apprise or apprise syl ap+prize pron <*1prIz> pos vb. mod tr. apprise 0. or apprize syl ap+prise pron <*1prIz> pos vb. mod tr. usage often foll. by of def to make aware; inform. appro 0. syl ap+pro pron <1@pr*u> pos n. def an informal shortening of {approval}. exam 1 on appro. approach ety C14: from Old French aprochier, from Late Latin appropi*_are to draw near, from Latin prope near approach 1. syl ap+proach pron <*1pr*uC> pos vb. def to come nearer in position, time, quality, character, etc., to (someone or something). approach 2. syl ap+proach pron <*1pr*uC> pos vb. mod tr. def to make advances to, as with a proposal, suggestion, etc. approach 3. syl ap+proach pron <*1pr*uC> pos vb. mod tr. def to begin to deal with. exam 1 to approach a problem. approach 4. syl ap+proach pron <*1pr*uC> pos vb. mod tr. qual Rare. def to cause to come near. approach 5. syl ap+proach pron <*1pr*uC> pos n. def the act of coming towards or drawing close or closer. approach 6. syl ap+proach pron <*1pr*uC> pos n. def a close approximation. approach 7. syl ap+proach pron <*1pr*uC> pos n. def the way or means of entering or leaving; access. approach 8. syl ap+proach pron <*1pr*uC> pos n. mod often; pl. def an advance or overture to a person. approach 9. syl ap+proach pron <*1pr*uC> pos n. def a means adopted in tackling a problem, job of work, etc. approach 10. syl ap+proach pron <*1pr*uC> pos n. def Also called: {approach path}. the course followed by an aircraft preparing for landing. approach 11. syl ap+proach pron <*1pr*uC> pos n. def Also called: {approach shot}. a shot made to or towards the green after a tee shot. approachable 1. syl ap+proach+a:ble pron <*1pr*uC*bL> pos adj. def capable of being approached; accessible. approachable 2. syl ap+proach+a:ble pron <*1pr*uC*bL> pos adj. usage of a person def friendly. approachability sub head approachable or approachableness syl ap+2proach+a:1bil+i:ty pos n. approachableness sub head approachable or approachability syl ap+1proach+a:ble+ness pos n. approbate ety C15: from Latin approb*_are to approve, from prob*_are to test approbate 1. syl ap+pro+bate pron <1@pr*2bAt> pos vb. mod tr. qual Scot. law. def to accept as valid. approbate and reprobate 2. head approbate syl approbate and reprobate. qual Scot. law. def to accept part of a document and reject those parts unfavourable to one's interests. approbate 3. syl ap+pro+bate pron <1@pr*2bAt> pos vb. mod tr. qual Chiefly U.S. def to sanction officially. approbation 1. syl ap+pro+ba+tion pron <2@pr*1bAS*n> pos n. def commendation; praise. approbation 2. syl ap+pro+ba+tion pron <2@pr*1bAS*n> pos n. def official recognition or approval. approbation 3. syl ap+pro+ba+tion pron <2@pr*1bAS*n> pos n. def an obsolete word for {proof}. approbative sub head approbation or approbatory syl ap+pro+2ba+tive pos adj. approbatory sub head approbation or approbative syl ap+pro+2ba+to:ry pos adj. appropriate ety C15: from Late Latin appropri*_are to make one's own, from Latin proprius one's own; see #7proper appropriate 1. syl ap+pro+pri+ate pron <*1pr*upriit> pos adj. def right or suitable; fitting. appropriate 2. syl ap+pro+pri+ate pron <*1pr*upriit> pos adj. qual Rare. def particular; own. exam 1 they had their appropriate methods. appropriate 3. syl ap+pro+pri+ate pron <*1pr*upri2At> pos vb. mod tr. def to take for one's own use, esp. illegally or without permission. appropriate 4. syl ap+pro+pri+ate pron <*1pr*upri2At> pos vb. mod tr. def to put aside (funds, etc.) for a particular purpose or person. appropriable sub head appropriate syl ap+1pro+pri+a:ble pos adj. appropriately sub head appropriate syl ap+1pro+pri+ate+ly pos adv. appropriateness sub head appropriate syl ap+1pro+pri+ate+ness pos n. appropriation 1. syl ap+pro+pri:a+tion pron <*2pr*upri1AS*n> pos n. def the act of setting apart or taking for one's own use. appropriation 2. syl ap+pro+pri:a+tion pron <*2pr*upri1AS*n> pos n. def a sum of money set apart for a specific purpose, esp. by a legislature. approval 1. syl ap+prov+al pron <*1pru:vL> pos n. def the act of approving. approval 2. syl ap+prov+al pron <*1pru:vL> pos n. def formal agreement; sanction. approval 3. syl ap+prov+al pron <*1pru:vL> pos n. def a favourable opinion; commendation. on approval 4. head approval syl on approval. usage of articles for sale def for examination with an option to buy or return. approve ety C14: from Old French aprover, from Latin approb*_are to approve, from prob*_are to test, #7prove approve H1.1. syl ap+prove pron <*1pru:v> pos vb. def to consider fair, good, or right; commend (a person or thing). approve H1.2. syl ap+prove pron <*1pru:v> pos vb. mod tr. def to authorize or sanction. approve H1.3. syl ap+prove pron <*1pru:v> pos vb. mod tr. qual Obsolete. def to demonstrate or prove by trial. approve ety C15: from Old French approuer to turn to advantage, from prou advantage approve H2.0. syl ap+prove pron <*1pru:v> pos vb. mod tr. qual Law. def to improve or increase the value of (waste or common land), as by enclosure. approved school 0. syl ap+proved school pos n. def a former name for {community home}. approx 0. syl approx. qual abbrev. for def approximate(ly). approximal 0. syl ap+prox:i+mal pron <*1proksim*l> pos adj. qual Anatomy. def situated side by side; close together. exam 1 approximal teeth or fillings. approximate ety C15: from Late Latin approxim*_are, from Latin proximus nearest, from prope near approximate 1. syl ap+prox:i+mate pron <*1proksimit> pos adj. def almost accurate or exact. approximate 2. syl ap+prox:i+mate pron <*1proksimit> pos adj. def inexact; rough; loose. exam 1 only an approximate fit. approximate 3. syl ap+prox:i+mate pron <*1proksimit> pos adj. def much alike; almost the same. approximate 4. syl ap+prox:i+mate pron <*1proksimit> pos adj. def near; close together. approximate 5. syl ap+prox:i+mate pron <*1proksi2mAt> pos vb. usage usually foll. by to def to come or bring near or close; be almost the same (as). approximately sub head approximate syl ap+1prox:i+mate+ly pos adv. approximation 1. syl ap+prox:i+ma+tion pron <*1proksi1mAS*n> pos n. def the process or result of making a rough calculation, estimate, or guess. exam 1 he based his conclusion on his own approximation of the fuel consumption. approximation 2. syl ap+prox:i+ma+tion pron <*1proksi1mAS*n> pos n. def an imprecise or unreliable record or version. exam 1 an approximation of what really happened. approximation 3. syl ap+prox:i+ma+tion pron <*1proksi1mAS*n> pos n. qual Maths. def an inexact number, relationship, or theory that is sufficiently accurate for a specific purpose. appulse ety C17: from Latin appulsus brought near, from appellere to drive towards, from pellere to drive appulse 0. syl ap+pulse pron <*1p^ls> pos n. def a very close approach of two celestial bodies so that they are in conjunction but no eclipse or occultation occurs. appulsive sub head appulse syl ap+1pul+sive pos adj. appulsively sub head appulse syl ap+1pul+sive+ly pos adv. appurtenance ety C14: from Anglo-French apurtenance, from Old French apartenance, from apartenir to #7appertain appurtenance 1. syl ap+pur+te+nance pron <*1pR:tin*ns> pos n. def a secondary or less significant thing or part. appurtenance 2. syl ap+pur+te+nance pron <*1pR:tin*ns> pos n. mod pl. def accessories or equipment. appurtenance 3. syl ap+pur+te+nance pron <*1pR:tin*ns> pos n. qual Property law. def a minor right, interest, or privilege which passes when the title to the principal property is transferred. appurtenant 1. syl ap+pur+te+nant pron <*1pR:tin*nt> pos adj. def relating, belonging, or accessory. appurtenant 2. syl ap+pur+te+nant pron <*1pR:tin*nt> pos n. def another word for {appurtenance}. Apr 0. syl Apr. qual abbrev. for def April. apraxia ety C19: via New Latin from Greek: inactivity, from #7a -%1#7+ praxis action apraxia 0. syl a:prax:i:a pron <*1pr@ksi*> pos n. def a disorder of the central nervous system characterized by apparent loss of the memory of how to make certain purposeful muscular movements. apraxic sub head apraxia or apractic syl a+1prax+ic pos adj. apractic sub head apraxia or apraxic syl a+1prac+tic pos adj. apres-ski ety French, literally: after ski apres-ski 0.a. syl a:pr*`es-ski pron <2@prA1skE> pos n. def social activity following a day's skiing. apres-ski 0.b. syl a:pr*`es-ski pron <2@prA1skE> pos n. usage as modifier exam 1 an apr*`es-ski outfit. apricot ety C16: earlier apricock, from Portuguese (albricoque) or Spanish, from Arabic al-birq*_uq the apricot, from Late Greek praikokion, from Latin praecox early-ripening; see #7precocious apricot 1. syl a:pri+cot pron <1Apri2kot> pos n. def a rosaceous tree, native to Africa and W Asia, but widely cultivated for its edible fruit. apricot 2. syl a:pri+cot pron <1Apri2kot> pos n. def the downy yellow juicy edible fruit of this tree, which resembles a small peach. April ety C14: from Latin Apr*_ilis, probably of Etruscan origin April 0. syl A:pril pron <1Apr*l> pos n. def the fourth month of the year, consisting of 30 days. April fool 0. syl A:pril fool pos n. def an unsuspecting victim of a practical joke or trick traditionally performed on the first of April ({April Fools' Day} {All Fools' Day) }. a priori ety C18: from Latin, literally: from the previous (that is, from cause to effect) a priori 1. syl a pri:o+ri pron , pos adj. qual Logic. def relating to or involving deductive reasoning from a general principle to the expected facts or effects. a priori 2. syl a pri:o+ri pron , pos adj. qual Logic. def known to be true independ?!ently of or in advance of experience of the subject matter; requiring no evidence for its validation or support. a priori xref syl a pri:o+ri pron , qual Logic. def Compare {a posteriori, {analytic} (sense 4)}. apriority sub head a priori syl a:pri+or+i:ty pron <2AprI1oriti> pos n. apriorism 0. syl a:pri+or+ism pron pos n. def the doctrine that knowledge is based on a priori ideas. apron ety C16: mistaken division (as if an apron) of earlier a napron, from Old French naperon a little cloth, from nape cloth, from Latin mappa napkin apron 1. syl a:pron pron <1Apr*n> pos n. def a protective or sometimes decorative or ceremonial garment worn over the front of the body and tied around the waist. apron 2. syl a:pron pron <1Apr*n> pos n. def the part of a stage extending in front of the curtain line; forestage. apron 3. syl a:pron pron <1Apr*n> pos n. def a hard-surfaced area in front of or around an aircraft hangar, terminal building, etc., upon which aircraft can stand. apron 4. syl a:pron pron <1Apr*n> pos n. def a continuous conveyor belt composed of metal slats linked together. apron 5. syl a:pron pron <1Apr*n> pos n. def a protective plate screening the operator of a machine, artillery piece, etc. apron 6. syl a:pron pron <1Apr*n> pos n. def a ground covering of concrete or other material used to protect the underlying earth from water erosion. apron 7. syl a:pron pron <1Apr*n> pos n. def a panel or board between a window and a skirting in a room. apron 8. syl a:pron pron <1Apr*n> pos n. qual Geology. def a sheet of sand, gravel, etc., deposited at the front of a moraine. apron 9. syl a:pron pron <1Apr*n> pos n. qual Golf. def the part of the fairway leading onto the green. apron 10. syl a:pron pron <1Apr*n> pos n. qual Machinery. def the housing for the lead screw gears of a lathe. apron 11. syl a:pron pron <1Apr*n> pos n. def another name for { {skirt} (sense 3)}. tied to someone's apron strings 12. head apron syl tied to someone's apron strings. def dependent on or dominated by someone, esp. a mother or wife. apron 13. syl a:pron pron <1Apr*n> pos vb. mod tr. def to protect or provide with an apron. apron stage 0. syl a:pron stage pos n. def a stage that projects into the auditorium so that the audience sit on three sides of it. apropos ety C17: from French *`a propos to the purpose apropos 1. syl ap+ro+pos pron <2@pr*1p*u> pos adj. def appropriate; pertinent. apropos 2. syl ap+ro+pos pron <2@pr*1p*u> pos adv. def appropriately or pertinently. apropos 3. syl ap+ro+pos pron <2@pr*1p*u> pos adv. def by the way; incidentally. apropos of 4. head apropos syl apropos of. pos prep. def with regard to; in respect of. apse ety C19: from Latin apsis, from Greek: a fitting together, arch, from haptein to fasten apse 1. syl apse pron <@ps> pos n. def Also called: {apsis}. a domed or vaulted semi?!circular or polygonal recess, esp. at the east end of a church. apse 2. syl apse pron <@ps> pos n. qual Astronomy. def another name for { {apsis} (sense 1)}. apsidal sub head apse syl ap+si+dal pron <@p1sIdL>, <1@psidL> pos adj. apsis ety C17: via Latin from Greek; see #7apse apsides infl head apsis syl ap+si+des pron <@p1sIdEz>, <1@psi2dEz> pos n. mod pl. apsis 1. syl ap+sis pron <1@psis> pos n. def Also called: {apse}. either of two points lying at the extremities of an eccentric orbit of a planet, satellite, etc., such as the aphelion and perihelion of a planet or the apogee and perigee of the moon. The {line of apsides} connects two such points and is the principal axis of the orbit. apsis 2. syl ap+sis pron <1@psis> pos n. def another name for { {apse} (sense 1)}. apsidal sub head apsis syl ap+si+dal pron <@p1sIdL>, <1@psidL> pos adj. apt ety C14: from Latin aptus fitting, suitable, from apere to fasten apt 1. syl apt pron <@pt> pos adj. def suitable for the circumstance or purpose; appropriate. apt 2. syl apt pron <@pt> pos adj. usage postpositive; foll. by an infinitive def having a tendency (to behave as specified). apt 3. syl apt pron <@pt> pos adj. def having the ability to learn and understand easily; clever (esp. in the phrase {an apt pupil) }. aptly sub head apt syl apt+ly pos adv. aptness sub head apt syl apt+ness pos n. apts infl head apt syl apts. mod pl. apt 0. syl apt. qual abbrev. for def apartment. APT 0. syl APT qual abbrev. for def Advanced Passenger Train. apteral ety C19: from Greek apteros wingless; see #7apterous apteral 1. syl ap+ter+al pron <1@pt*r*l> pos adj. usage esp. of a classical temple def not having columns at the sides. apteral 2. syl ap+ter+al pron <1@pt*r*l> pos adj. usage of a church def having no aisles. apterous ety C18: from Greek apteros wingless, from #7a -%1#7+ pteron wing apterous 1. syl ap+ter+ous pron <1@pt*r*s> pos adj. usage of insects def without wings, as silverfish and springtails. apterous 2. syl ap+ter+ous pron <1@pt*r*s> pos adj. def without winglike expansions, as some plant stems, seeds, and fruits. apterygial ety C20: from New Latin apteryx wingless creature; see #7apterous apterygial 0. syl ap+ter+yg+i:al pron <2@pt*1riJi*l> pos adj. usage of eels, certain insects, etc. def lacking such paired limbs as wings or fins. apteryx ety C19: from New Latin: wingless creature; see #7apterous apteryx 0. syl ap+ter+yx pron <1@pt*riks> pos n. def another name for {kiwi} (the bird). aptitude ety C15: via Old French from Late Latin aptit*_ud*_o, from Latin aptus #7apt aptitude 1. syl ap+ti+tude pron <1@pti2tju:d> pos n. def inherent or acquired ability. aptitude 2. syl ap+ti+tude pron <1@pti2tju:d> pos n. def ease in learning or understanding; intelligence. aptitude 3. syl ap+ti+tude pron <1@pti2tju:d> pos n. def the condition or quality of being apt. aptitude test 0. syl ap+ti+tude test pos n. def a test designed to assess a person's ability to do a particular type of work. Lucius infl head Apuleius syl Lu:ci:us pron <1lu:si*s> pos n. Apuleius 0. syl Ap:u:lei:us pron <2@pju1lE*s> pos n. def 2nd century #7a.d. Roman writer, noted for his romance Apulia 0. syl A:pu+lia pron <*1pju:lj*> pos n. def a region of SE Italy, on the Adriatic. Capital: Bari. Pop.: 3493265 (1971). Area: 19223 sq. km (7422 sq. miles). Italian name: {Puglia}. Apure 0. syl A:pu+re pron Spanish pos n. def a river in W Venezuela, rising in the Andes and flowing east to the Orinoco. Length: about 676 km (420 miles). Apurimac 0. syl Ap:u+ri+mac pron <2@pu:1rEm@k> pos n. def a river in S Peru, rising in the Andes and flowing northwest into the Urubamba River. Length: about 885 km (550 miles). Apus ety New Latin, from Greek apous, literally: footless, from #7a -%1#7+ pous foot Apodis infl head Apus syl Ap:o+dis pron <1@p*dis> pos n. qual Latin genitive Apus 0. syl A:pus pron <1Ap*s> pos n. def a constellation in the S hemisphere situated near Musca and Octans. apyretic ety C19: from #7a -%1#7+ Greek puretos fever apyretic 0. syl ap:y+re+tic pron <2@pI1retik> pos adj. def without fever. AQ 0. syl AQ qual abbrev. for def achievement quotient. aq ety Latin: water Aq alt head aq or aq syl Aq. aq 1. or Aq syl aq. qual abbrev. for: def aqua. aq 2. or Aq syl aq. qual abbrev. for: def aqueous. Akaba alt head Aqaba or Aqaba syl Ak:a+ba pron <1@k*b*> pos n. Aqaba 1. or Akaba syl Aq:a+ba pron <1@k*b*> pos n. def the only port in Jordan, in the southwest, on the {Gulf of Aqaba}. Pop.: 10000 (1964 est.). aqua ety Latin: water aquae infl head aqua or aquas syl aq:uae pron <1@kwE> pos n. mod pl. aquas infl head aqua or aquae syl aq:uas. pos n. mod pl. aqua 1. syl aq:ua pron <1@kw*> pos n. def water: used in compound names of certain liquid substances (as in {aqua regia}) or solutions of substances in water (as in {aqua am?!moniae) }, esp. in the names of pharmacological solutions. aqua 2. syl aq:ua pron <1@kw*> pos adj. def short for {aquamarine} (the colour). aqua ammoniae ety New Latin aqua ammoniae 0. syl aq:ua am+mo+ni:ae pron <*1m*uni2E> pos n. qual Rare. def another name for {ammonium hydroxide}. aquaculture 0. syl aq:ua+cul+ture pron <1@kw*2k^lC*> pos n. def the cultivation of marine organisms for human consumption or use. aqua fortis ety C17: from Latin, literally: strong water aqua fortis 0. syl aq:ua for+tis pron <1fc:tis> pos n. def an obsolete name for {nitric acid}. aqualung 0. syl aq:ua+lung pron <1@kw*2l^G> pos n. def breathing apparatus used by divers, etc., consisting of an oxygen mask attached to a cylinder strapped to the back. aquamarine ety C19: from New Latin aqua mar*_ina, from Latin: sea water (referring to the gem's colour) aquamarine 1. syl aq:ua+ma:rine pron <2@kw*m*1rEn> pos n. def a pale greenish-blue trans?!parent variety of beryl used as a gemstone. aquamarine 2.a. syl aq:ua+ma:rine pron <2@kw*m*1rEn> pos n. def a pale blue to greenish-blue colour. aquamarine 2.b. syl aq:ua+ma:rine pron <2@kw*m*1rEn> pos as; adj. exam 1 an aquamarine dress. aquanaut ety C20: from #7aqua+ -naut, as in #7astronaut aquanaut 1. syl aq:ua+naut pron <1@kw*nc:t> pos n. def a person who lives and works underwater. aquanaut 2. syl aq:ua+naut pron <1@kw*nc:t> pos n. def a person who swims or dives underwater. aquaphobia 0. syl aq:ua+pho+bi:a pron <2@kw*1f*ubi*> pos n. def an abnormal fear of water, esp. because of the possibility of drowning. Compare { {hydrophobia} (sense 2)}. aquaplane 1. syl aq:ua+plane pron <1@kw*2plAn> pos n. def a single board on which a person stands and is towed by a motorboat at high speed, as in water skiing. aquaplane 2. syl aq:ua+plane pron <1@kw*2plAn> pos vb. mod intr. def to ride on an aquaplane. aquaplane 3. syl aq:ua+plane pron <1@kw*2plAn> pos vb. mod intr. usage of a motor vehicle travelling at high speeds in wet road conditions def to rise up onto a thin film of water between the tyres and road surface so that actual contact with the road is lost. aqua regia ety C17: from New Latin: royal water; referring to its use in dissolving gold, the royal metal aqua regia 0. syl aq:ua re+gi:a pron <1rEJi*> pos n. def a yellow fuming corrosive mixture of one part nitric acid and three to four parts hydrochloric acid, used in metallurgy for dissolving metals, including gold. Also called: {nitrohydrochloric acid}. aquarelle ety C19: from French aquarelle 1. syl aq:ua+relle pron <2@kw*1rel> pos n. def a method of watercolour painting in transparent washes. aquarelle 2. syl aq:ua+relle pron <2@kw*1rel> pos n. def a painting done in this way. aquarellist sub head aquarelle syl aq:ua+1rel+list pos n. aquarist 1. syl aq:ua+rist pron <1@kw*rist> pos n. def the curator of an aquarium. aquarist 2. syl aq:ua+rist pron <1@kw*rist> pos n. def a person who studies aquatic life. aquarium ety C19: from Latin aqu*_arius relating to water, on the model of #7vivarium aquariums infl head aquarium or aquaria syl a:quar+i:ums pron <*1kwe*ri*> pos n. mod pl. aquaria infl head aquarium or aquariums syl a:quar:i:a pron <*1kwe*ri*> pos n. mod pl. aquarium 1. syl a:quar+i:um pron <*1kwe*ri*m> pos n. def a tank, bowl, or pool in which aquatic animals and plants are kept for pleasure, study, or exhibition. aquarium 2. syl a:quar+i:um pron <*1kwe*ri*m> pos n. def a building housing a collection of aquatic life, as for exhibition. Aquarius ety Latin Aquarii infl head Aquarius syl A:quar:i:i pron <*1kwe*ri?!2I> pos n. qual Latin genitive Aquarius 1. syl A:quar+i:us pron <*1kwe*ri*s> pos n. qual Astronomy. def a zodiacal constellation in the S hemisphere lying between Pisces and Capricorn on the ecliptic. Aquarius 2.a. syl A:quar+i:us pron <*1kwe*ri*s> pos n. def Also called: the {Water Carrier}. the eleventh sign of the zodiac, symbol ###800038 , having a fixed air classification and ruled by the planets Saturn and Uranus. The sun is in this sign between about Jan. 20 and Feb. 18. Aquarius 2.b. syl A:quar+i:us pron <*1kwe*ri*s> pos n. def a person born during a period when the sun is in this sign. Aquarius 3. syl A:quar+i:us pron <*1kwe*ri*s> pos adj. qual Astrology. def born under or characteristic of Aquarius. Aquarius xref syl A:quar+i:us pron <*1kwe*ri*s> pos n. def Also (for senses 2b, 3): {A@.quar+i@.an} ($$#!kw$e$$r$I$$n). aquacade alt head aquashow or aquashow syl aq:ua+cade pos n. qual U.S. aquashow 0. or aquacade syl aq:ua+show pron <1@kw*2S*u> pos n. def an exhibition of swimming and diving, often accompanied by music. aquatic ety C15: from Latin aqu*_aticus, from aqua water aquatic 1. syl a:quat+ic pron <*1kw@tik>, <*1kwot-> pos adj. def growing, living, or found in water. aquatic 2. syl a:quat+ic pron <*1kw@tik>, <*1kwot-> pos adj. qual Sport. def performed in or on water. aquatic 3. syl a:quat+ic pron <*1kw@tik>, <*1kwot-> pos n. def a marine animal or plant. aquatics 0. syl a:quat+ics pron <*1kw@tiks>, <*1kwot-> pos n. mod pl. def sports or pastimes per?!formed in or on the water. aquatint ety C18: from Italian acqua tinta: dyed water aquatint 1. syl aq:ua+tint pron <1@kw*2tint> pos n. def a technique of etching copper with acid to produce an effect resembling the flat tones of wash or watercolour. aquatint 2. syl aq:ua+tint pron <1@kw*2tint> pos n. def an etching made in this way. aquatint 3. syl aq:ua+tint pron <1@kw*2tint> pos vb. mod tr. def to etch (a block, etc.) in aquatint. aquavit ety from Scandinavian; see #7aqua vitae aquavit 0. syl aq:ua+vit pron <1@kw*2vit> pos n. def a grain- or potato-based spirit from the Scandinavian countries, flavoured with aromatic seeds and spices, esp. caraway. Also: {akvavit}. aqua vitae ety Medieval Latin: water of life aqua vitae 0. syl aq:ua vi+tae pron <1vEtI>, <1vItE> pos n. def an archaic name for {brandy}. aqueduct ety C16: from Latin aquaeductus, from aqua water+ d*_ucere to convey aqueduct 1. syl aq:ue+duct pron <1@kwi2d^kt> pos n. def a conduit used to convey water over a long distance. aqueduct 2. syl aq:ue+duct pron <1@kwi2d^kt> pos n. def a structure, often a bridge, that carries such a conduit or a canal across a valley or river. aqueduct 3. syl aq:ue+duct pron <1@kwi2d^kt> pos n. def a channel in an organ or part of the body, esp. one that conveys a natural body fluid. aqueous ety C17: from Medieval Latin aqueus, from Latin aqua water aqueous 1. syl a:que+ous pron <1Akwi*s>, <1@kwi-> pos adj. def of, like, or containing water. aqueous 2. syl a:que+ous pron <1Akwi*s>, <1@kwi-> pos adj. usage of rocks, deposits, etc. def formed from material laid down in water. aqueous ammonia 0. syl a:que+ous am+mo+ni:a pos n. def a solution of ammonia gas in water forming {ammonium hydroxide}. Sometimes shortened to {ammonia}. aqueous humour 0. syl a:que+ous hu+mour pos n. qual Physiol. def the watery fluid within the eyeball between the cornea and the lens. aquiculture 0. syl a:qui+cul+ture pron <1Akwi2k^lC*>, <1@kwi-> pos n. def another name for {hydroponics}. aquiculturist sub head aquiculture syl aq:ui+2cul+tur+ist pos n. aquicultural sub head aquiculture syl aq:ui+2cul+tur+al pos adj. aquifer 0. syl aq:ui+fer pron <1@kwif*> pos n. def a deposit or rock, such as a sandstone, containing water that can be used to supply wells. Aquila ety from Latin: eagle Aquilae infl head Aquila syl Aq:ui+lae pron <1@kwi2lE> pos n. qual Latin genitive Aquila H1.0. syl Aq:ui+la pron <1@kwil*>, <*1kwil*> pos n. def a constellation lying in the Milky Way close to Cygnus and situated on the celestial equator. The brightest star is Altair. l'Aquila alt head Aquila or Aquila syl l'Aq:ui+la pron <1@kwil*>, Italian <1a:kwila> pos n. Aquila H2.0. or l'Aquila syl Aq:ui+la pron <1@kwil*>, Italian <1a:kwila>, Italian <1a:kwila> pos n. def a city in central Italy, capital of Abruzzi region. Pop.: 60131 (1971). Official name: {A@.qui+la de+gli A@.bruz+zi} (#!de$yi a#!bruttsi). aquilegia ety C19: from Medieval Latin, of uncertain origin aquilegia 0. syl aq:ui+le:gi:a pron <2@kwi1lEJi*> pos n. def another name for {columbine%1}. Aquileia 0. syl Aq:ui+le:ia pron <2@kwi1lE*> pos n. def a town in NE Italy, at the head of the Adriatic: important Roman centre, founded in 181 #7b.c. Pop.: 3041 (1971). aquiline ety C17: from Latin aquil*_inus, from aquila eagle aquiline 1. syl aq:ui+line pron <1@kwi2lIn> pos adj. usage of a nose def having the curved or hooked shape of an eagle's beak. aquiline 2. syl aq:ui+line pron <1@kwi2lIn> pos adj. def of or resembling an eagle. Saint Thomas infl head Aquinas syl Saint Thom:as. pos n. Aquinas 0. syl A:qui:nas pron <*1kwIn*s> pos n. def 1225-74, Italian theologian, scholastic philosopher, and Dominican friar, whose works include (1259-64) and (1267-73), the first attempt at a comprehensive theological system. See also {Thomism}. Aquitaine 0. syl Aq:ui+taine pron <2@kwi1tAn>, French pos n. def a region of SW France on the Bay of Biscay: a former Roman province and medieval duchy. It is generally flat in the west, rising to the slopes of the Massif Central in the northeast and the Pyrenees in the south; mainly agricultural. Ancient name: {Aquitania}. Ar 0. syl Ar usage the chemical symbol for def argon. ar 1. syl ar. qual abbrev. for: def arrival. ar 2. syl ar. qual abbrev. for: def arrive(s). Ar 1. syl Ar. qual abbrev. for: def Arabia(n). Ar 2. syl Ar. qual abbrev. for: def Also: {Ar} Arabic. Ar 3. syl Ar. qual abbrev. for: def Aramaic. ar ety Latin: in the year of the reign ar 0. syl a.r. qual abbrev. for def anno regni. AR 0. syl A.R. qual abbrev. for def Autonomous Region. -ar ety via Old French -er from Latin -*_aris, replacing -*_alis (-#7al %1) after stems ending in l -ar 0. syl -ar usage suffix forming adjectives. def of; belonging to; like. exam 1 linear; exam 2 polar; exam 3 minuscular. Ara ety from Latin: altar Arae infl head Ara syl A:rae pron <1a:rE> pos n. qual Latin genitive Ara 0. syl A:ra pron <1a:r*> pos n. def a constellation in the S hemisphere near Scorpius. ARA 0. syl A.R.A. qual abbrev. for usage in Britain def Associate of the Royal Academy. Arab ety C14: from Latin Arabs, from Greek Araps, from Arabic `Arab Arab 1. syl Ar:ab pron <1@r*b> pos n. def a member of a Semitic people originally inhabiting Arabia, who spread throughout the Middle East, N Africa, and Spain during the seventh and eighth centuries #7a.d. Arab 2. syl Ar:ab pron <1@r*b> pos n. def a small lively intelligent breed of horse, mainly used for riding. Arab 3. syl Ar:ab pron <1@r*b> pos n. def See {street Arab}. Arab 4. syl Ar:ab pron <1@r*b> pos n. usage modifier def of or relating to the Arabs. exam 1 the Arab nations. Arab 1. syl Arab. qual abbrev. for: def Arabia(n). Arab 2. syl Arab. qual abbrev. for: def Arabic. arabesque ety C18: from French, from Italian arabesco in the Arabic style arabesque 1. syl ar:a+besque pron <2@r*1besk> pos n. qual Ballet. def a classical position in which the dancer has one leg raised behind and both arms stretched out in one of several conventional poses. arabesque 2. syl ar:a+besque pron <2@r*1besk> pos n. qual Music. def a piece or movement with a highly ornamented or decorated melody. arabesque 3.a. syl ar:a+besque pron <2@r*1besk> pos n. def a type of curvilinear decoration in painting, metalwork, etc., with intricate intertwining leaf, flower, animal, or geometrical designs. arabesque 3.b. syl ar:a+besque pron <2@r*1besk> pos n. def a design of flowing lines. arabesque 4. syl ar:a+besque pron <2@r*1besk> pos adj. def designating, of, or decorated in this style. Arabia 0. syl A:ra+bi:a pron <*1rAbi*> pos n. def a great peninsula of SW Asia, between the Red Sea and the Persian Gulf: consists chiefly of a desert plateau, with mountains rising over 3000 m (10000 ft.) in the west and scattered oases; includes the present-day countries of Saudi Arabia, Yemen, Southern Yemen, Oman, Bahrain, Qatar, and the United Arab Emirates. Area: about 2600000 sq. km (1000000 sq. miles). Arabian 1. syl A:ra+bi:an pron <*1rAbi*n> pos adj. def of or relating to Arabia or the Arabs. Arabian 2. syl A:ra+bi:an pron <*1rAbi*n> pos n. def another word for an {Arab}. Arabian camel 0. syl A:ra+bi:an cam+el pos n. def a domesticated camel, having one hump on its back and used as a beast of burden in the hot deserts of N Africa and SW Asia. See also {dromedary}. Compare {Bactrian camel}. Arabian Desert 1. syl A:ra+bi:an Des+ert pos n. def a desert in E Egypt, between the Nile, the Gulf of Suez, and the Red Sea: mountainous parts rise over 1800 m (6000 ft.). Arabian Desert 2. syl A:ra+bi:an Des+ert pos n. def the desert area of the Arabian Peninsula, esp. in the north. The infl head Arabian Nights' Entertainment syl The. pos n. Arabian Nights' Entertainment 0. syl A:ra+bi:an Nights' En+ter+tain+ment pos n. def a collection of oriental folk tales dating from the tenth century. Often shortened to {the Arabian Nights}. Also called: {the Thousand and One Nights}. Arabian Sea 0. syl A:ra+bi:an Sea pos n. def the NW part of the Indian Ocean, between Arabia and India. Arabic 1. syl Ar:a+bic pron <1@r*bik> pos n. def the language of the Arabs, spoken in a variety of dialects; the official language of Algeria, Egypt, Iraq, Jordan, the Lebanon, Libya, Morocco, Saudi Arabia, the Sudan, Syria, Tunisia, Yemen and Southern Yemen. It is estimated to be the native language of some 75 million people throughout the world. It belongs to the Semitic subfamily of the Afro-Asiatic family of languages and has its own alphabet, which has been borrowed by certain other languages such as Urdu. {~} Arabic 2. syl Ar:a+bic pron <1@r*bik> pos n. def denoting or relating to this language, any of the peoples that speak it, or the countries in which it is spoken. Arabic numeral 0. syl Ar:a+bic nu+mer+al pos n. def one of the numbers 1,2,3,4,5,6,7,8,9,0 (opposed to . arabinose ety C19: from arabin (from (#7gum) #7arab (#7ic) #7+ -#7in) #7+ -#7ose %2 arabinose 0. syl a:rab:i+nose pron <*1r@bi2n*uz>, <-2n*us> pos n. def a pentose sugar in plant gums, esp. of cedars and pines. It is used as a culture medium in bacteriology. Formula: C\5H\1\0O\5. Arabist 0. syl Ar+ab+ist pron <1@r*bist> pos n. def a student or expert in Arabic culture, language, history, etc. arable ety C15: from Latin ar*_abilis that can be ploughed, from ar*_are to plough arable 1. syl ar+a:ble pron <1@r*bL> pos adj. usage of land def being or capable of being tilled for the production of crops. arable 2. syl ar+a:ble pron <1@r*bL> pos adj. def of, relating to, or using such land. exam 1 arable farming. arable 3. syl ar+a:ble pron <1@r*bL> pos n. def arable land or farming. Arab League 0. syl Ar:ab League pos n. def the league of independent Arab states formed in 1945 to further cultural, economic, military, political, and social cooperation. Araby 0. syl Ar:a+by pron <1@r*bi> pos n. def an archaic or poetic name for {Arabia}. Aracaj'u 0. syl A:ra+ca+j*'u pron Portuguese <2araka1Zu> pos n. def a port in E Brazil, capital of Sergipe state. Pop.: 179512 (1970). araceous ety C19: from New Latin Ar*_aceae; see #7arum araceous 0. syl a:ra+ceous pron <*1rAS*s> pos adj. def another word for { {aroid} (sense 1)}. Arachne ety from Greek arakhn*_e spider Arachne 0. syl A:rach:ne pron <*1r@kni> pos n. qual Greek myth. def a maiden changed into a spider for having presumptuously challenged Athena to a weaving contest. arachnid ety C19: from New Latin Arachnida, from Greek arakhn*_e spider arachnid 0. syl a:rach+nid pron <*1r@knid> pos n. def any terrestrial chelicerate arthropod of the class characterized by simple eyes and four pairs of legs. The group includes the spiders, scorpions, ticks, mites, and harvestmen. arachnidan sub head arachnid syl a:1rach+ni+dan pos adj. n. arachnoid 1. syl a:rach+noid pron <*1r@kncid> pos n. def the middle of the three membranes (see {meninges}) that cover the brain and spinal cord. arachnoid 2. syl a:rach+noid pron <*1r@kncid> pos n. def another name for {arachnid}. arachnoid 3. syl a:rach+noid pron <*1r@kncid> pos adj. def of or relating to the middle of the three meninges. arachnoid 4. syl a:rach+noid pron <*1r@kncid> pos adj. qual Botany. def consisting of or covered with soft fine hairs or fibres. arachnoid 5. syl a:rach+noid pron <*1r@kncid> pos adj. def of or relating to the arachnids. Arad 0. syl Ar:ad pron <1@r@d> pos n. def a city in W Rumania, on the Mures River: became part of Rumania after World War I, after belonging successively to Turkey, Austria, and Hungary. Pop.: 145968 (1974 est.). Yasser infl head Arafat syl Yas:ser pron <1j@s*> pos n. Arafat 0. syl Ar:a:fat pron <1@r*f@t> pos n. def born 1929, Palestinian leader; co-founder of Al Fatah (1956) and leader since 1968 of the Palestine Liberation Organization. Arafura Sea 0. syl Ar:a+fu+ra Sea pron <2@r*1fu*r*> pos n. def a part of the W Pacific Ocean, between N Australia and SW New Guinea. Mount infl head Aragats syl Mount. pos n. Aragats 0. syl A:ra+gats pron Russian <2ara1gats> pos n. def a volcanic mountain in the Soviet Union, in the NW Armenian SSR. Height: 4095 m (13435 ft.). Turkish name: {Alagez}. Aragon H1.0. syl Ar:a+gon pron <1@r*g*n> pos n. def a region of NE Spain: independent kingdom from the 11th century until 1479, when it was united with Castile to form modern Spain. Area: 47609 sq. km (18382 sq. miles). Aragonese sub head Aragon syl Ar:a+go+nese pron <2ar*g*1nEz> pos n. adj. Louis infl head Aragon syl Louis pos n. Aragon H2.0. syl A:ra:gon pron French <2ara1g?~c> pos n. usage lwi). born 1897, French poet, essayist, and novelist; an early surrealist, later a committed Communist. His works include the verse collections; Le Cr*`eve-Coeur 1941 def and (1942) and the series of novels (1933-44). aragonite ety C19: from A#7ragon %1+-#7ite %1 aragonite 0. syl a:rag:o+nite pron <*1r@g*2nIt> pos n. def a colourless or white rare mineral that consists of calcium carbonate in orthorhombic crystalline form and is found in deposits from hot springs. Formula: CaCO\4. Araguaya alt head Araguaia or Araguaia syl A:ra+guay:a pron <2a:r*1gwI*> pos n. Araguaia 0. or Araguaya syl A:ra+guai:a pron <2a:r*1gwI*> pos n. def a river in central Brazil, rising in S central Mato Grosso state and flowing north to the Tocantins River. Length: over 1771 km (1100 miles). arak 0. syl ar:ak pron <1@r*k> pos n. def a variant spelling of {arrack}. Arak 0. syl A:rak pron <@1ra:k>, <*1r@k> pos n. def a town in central Iran. Pop.: 72087 (1966). Former name: {Sultanabad}. Arakan Yoma 0. syl A:ra+kan Yo:ma pron <2a:ra:1ka:n> <1j*uma:> pos n. def a mountain range in Burma, between the Irrawaddy River and the W coast: forms a barrier between Burma and India; teak forests. Araks 0. syl A:raks pron pos n. def the Russian name for the {Aras} (River). araliaceous ety C19: from New Latin Aralia (genus), of uncertain origin araliaceous 0. syl a:ra+li:a+ceous pron <*2rAli1AS*s> pos adj. def of, relating to, or belonging to the a chiefly tropical family of trees, shrubs, or woody climbers having small clusters of whitish or greenish flowers. The family includes the ivy and ginseng. Aral Sea 0. syl Ar:al Sea pron <1@r*l> pos n. def the fourth largest lake in the world, in the SW Soviet Union east of the Caspian Sea: shallow and saline. Area: about 64750 sq. km (25000 sq. miles). Also called: {Lake Aral}. Aram 0. syl A:ram pron <1e*r@m>, <-r*m> pos n. def the biblical name for ancient Syria. &- {Ar@.a+mae@.an} {Ar@.a+me@.an} (@!@ar$$#!mi$:$$n) Aram 0. syl Aram. qual abbrev. for def Aramaic. Aramaic 1. syl Ar:a+ma+ic pron <2@r*1mAik> pos n. def an ancient language of the Middle East, still spoken in parts of Syria and the Lebanon, belonging to the NW Semitic subfamily of the Afro-Asiatic family. Originally the speech of Aram, in the 5th century #7b.c. it spread to become the lingua franca of the Persian empire. See also {Biblical Aramaic}. Aramaic 2. syl Ar:a+ma+ic pron <2@r*1mAik> pos adj. def of, relating to, or using this language. Aran 1. syl Ar:an pron <1@r*n> pos adj. def of or relating to the Aran Islands. Aran 2. syl Ar:an pron <1@r*n> pos adj. def made of thick undyed wool with its natural oils retained. exam 1 an Aran sweater. araneid ety C19: from New Latin Araneida, from Latin ar*_anea spider araneid 0. syl a:ra+ne:id pron <*1rAniid> pos n. def any of numerous arachnids constituting the order (or which comprises the spiders. Aran Islands 0. syl Ar:an Is+lands pos n. mod pl. def a group of three islands in the Atlantic, off the W coast of Ireland: Aranmore or Inishmore (the largest), Inishmaan, and Inisheer. Pop.: 1612 (1966). Area: 46 km (18 sq. miles). J'anos infl head Arany syl J*'a:nos pron <1ja:noS> pos n. Arany 0. syl A:rany pron Hungarian <1crcnj> pos n. def 1817-82, Hungarian epic poet, ballad writer, and scholar. Arapahos infl head Arapaho or Arapaho syl A:rap:a+hos pos n. mod pl. Arapaho infl or Arapahos syl A:rap:a+ho pos n. mod pl. Arapaho 1. syl A:rap:a+ho pron <*1r@p*2h*u> pos n. def a member of a North American Indian people of the Plains, now living chiefly in Oklahoma and Wyoming. Arapaho 2. syl A:rap:a+ho pron <*1r@p*2h*u> pos n. def the language of this people, belonging to the Algonquian family. arapaima ety via Portu?!guese from Tupi arapaima 0. syl ar:a+pai+ma pron <2@r*1pIm*> pos n. def a very large primitive freshwater teleost fish, that occurs in tropical South America and can attain a length of 4.5 metres (15 feet) and a weight of 200 kilograms (440 lbs): family Ararat 0. syl Ar:a+rat pron <1@r*2r@t> pos n. def an extinct volcanic mountain massif in E Turkey: two main peaks; {Great Ararat} 5155 m (16916 ft.), said to be the resting place of Noah's Ark after the Flood (Genesis 8:4), and {Little Ararat} 3914 m (12843 ft.). araroba ety from Portu?!guese, probably from Tupi, from arara parrot+ yba tree araroba 1. syl ar:a+ro+ba pron <2@r*1r*ub*> pos n. def a Brazilian leguminous tree, araroba 2. syl ar:a+ro+ba pron <2@r*1r*ub*> pos n. def Also called: {Goa powder}. a bitter yellow powder obtained from cavities in the wood of this tree, used in medicine to treat skin ailments. See also {chrysarobin}. Aras 0. syl A:ras pron <@1r@s> pos n. def a river rising in mountains in Turkish Armenia and flowing east to the Caspian Sea: forms part of the border between the Soviet Union and Turkey and Iran. Length: about 1100 km (660 miles). Ancient name: {Araxes}. Russian name: {Araks}. Araucania 0. syl Ar:au+ca+ni:a pron <2@rc:1kAni*>, Spanish <2arau1kanja> pos n. def a region of central Chile, inhabited by Araucanian Indians. Araucanian 1. syl Ar:au+ca+ni:an pron <2@rc:1kAni*n> pos n. def a South American Indian language of no known relationships, spoken in Chile and W Argentina. Araucanian 2. syl Ar:au+ca+ni:an pron <2@rc:1kAni*n> pos n. def a member of the people who speak this language. Araucanian 3. syl Ar:au+ca+ni:an pron <2@rc:1kAni*n> pos adj. def of or relating to this people or their language. araucaria ety C19: from New Latin (arbor) Araucaria (tree) from Arauco, a province in Chile araucaria 0. syl ar:au+ca+ri:a pron <2@rc:1ke*ri*> pos n. def any tree of the coniferous genus of South America, Australia, and Polynesia, such as the monkey puzzle and bunya-bunya. Arawakan 1. syl Ar:a+wak+an pron <2@r*1w@k*n> pos n. def a family of American Indian languages found throughout NE South America. Arawakan 2. syl Ar:a+wak+an pron <2@r*1w@k*n> pos adj. def of or relating to the peoples speaking these languages. Araxes 0. syl A:rax+es pron <*1r@ksEz> pos n. def the ancient name for {Aras}. arbalest ety C11: from Old French arbaleste, from Late Latin arcuballista, from Latin arcus bow+#7ballista arbalist alt head arbalest or arbalest syl ar+ba+list pron <1a:b*list> pos n. arbalest 0. or arbalist syl ar+ba+lest pron <1a:b*list> pos n. def a large medieval crossbow, usually cocked by mechanical means. Arbela 0. syl Ar+be+la pron pos n. def an ancient city in Assyria, near which the {Battle of Arbela} took place (331 #7b.c.) , in which Alexander the Great defeated the Persians. Modern name: {Erbil}. Arbil 0. syl Ar+bil pron <1a:bil> pos n. def a variant spelling of {Erbil}. arbiter ety C15: from Latin, of obscure origin arbiter 1. syl ar+bi+ter pron <1a:bit*> pos n. def a person empowered to judge in a dispute; referee; arbitrator. arbiter 2. syl ar+bi+ter pron <1a:bit*> pos n. def a person having complete control of something. arbitress sub head arbiter syl ar+bi+tress pos n. mod fem. arbitrage ety C15: from French, from arbitrer to #7arbitrate &- ar+bi+tra+geur (@!$a$:b$I?!tr@a#!#f$z$:) n. arbitrage 0.a. syl ar+bi+trage pron <1a:bi2tra:Z>, <1a:bitriJ> pos n. qual Finance. def the purchase of currencies, securities, or commodities in one market for immediate resale in others in order to profit from unequal prices. arbitrage 0.b. syl ar+bi+trage pron <1a:bi2tra:Z>, <1a:bitriJ> pos n. qual Finance. usage as modifier exam 1 arbitrage operations. arbitral 0. syl ar+bi+tral pron <1a:bitr*l> pos adj. def of or relating to arbitration. arbitrament 1. syl ar+bit+ra+ment pron pos n. def the decision or award made by an arbitrator upon a disputed matter. arbitrament 2. syl ar+bit+ra+ment pron pos n. def the power or authority to pronounce such a decision. arbitrament 3. syl ar+bit+ra+ment pron pos n. def another word for {arbitration}. arbitrary ety C15: from Latin arbitr*_arius arranged through arbitration, uncertain arbitrary 1. syl ar+bi+trar:y pron <1a:bitr*ri> pos adj. def founded on or subject to personal whims, prejudices, etc.; capricious. arbitrary 2. syl ar+bi+trar:y pron <1a:bitr*ri> pos adj. def having only relative application or relevance; not absolute. arbitrary 3. syl ar+bi+trar:y pron <1a:bitr*ri> pos adj. usage of a government, ruler, etc. def despotic or dictatorial. arbitrary 4. syl ar+bi+trar:y pron <1a:bitr*ri> pos adj. qual Maths. def not repre?!senting any specific value. exam 1 an arbitrary constant. arbitrary 5. syl ar+bi+trar:y pron <1a:bitr*ri> pos adj. usage Law. esp. of a penalty or punishment def not laid down by statute; within the court's discretion. arbitraries infl head arbitrary syl ar+bi+trar:ies. pos n. mod pl. arbitrary 6. syl ar+bi+trar:y pron <1a:bitr*ri> pos n. qual Printing. def a less common name for { {peculiar} (sense 4)}. arbitrarily sub head arbitrary syl 1ar+bi+trar:i+ly pos adv. arbitrariness sub head arbitrary syl 1ar+bi+trar:i+ness pos n. arbitrate ety C16: from Latin arbitr*_ari to give judgment; see #7arbiter &- #!ar+bi+tra@.ble adj. &- #!ar+bi+@!tra+tor n. arbitrate 1. syl ar+bi+trate pron <1a:bi2trAt> pos vb. def to settle or decide (a dispute); achieve a settlement between parties. arbitrate 2. syl ar+bi+trate pron <1a:bi2trAt> pos vb. def to submit to or settle by arbitration. arbitration 1. syl ar+bi+tra+tion pron <2a:bi1trAS*n> pos n. qual Law. def the hearing and determination of a dispute by an impartial referee selected or agreed upon by the parties concerned. arbitration 2. syl ar+bi+tra+tion pron <2a:bi1trAS*n> pos n. qual International law. def the procedure laid down for the settlement of international disputes. arbitress 0. syl ar+bi+tress pron <1a:bitris> pos n. def a female arbitrator. d' infl head Arblay syl d' pron <1da:blA>, French pos n. Madame infl head Arblay syl Ma:dame. pos n. Arblay 0. syl Ar:blay pron <1da:blA>, French pos n. def the married name of (Fanny) {Burney}. arbor H1.0. syl ar+bor pron <1a:b*> pos n. def the U.S. spelling of {arbour}. arbor ety C17: from Latin: tree, mast arbor H2.1. syl ar+bor pron <1a:b*> pos n. def a rotating shaft in a machine or power tool on which a milling cutter or grinding wheel is fitted. arbor H2.2. syl ar+bor pron <1a:b*> pos n. def a rotating shaft or mandrel on which a workpiece is fitted for machining. arbor H2.3. syl ar+bor pron <1a:b*> pos n. qual Foundry. def a part, piece, or structure used to reinforce the core of a mould. arboraceous 1. syl ar+bor:a+ceous pron <2a:b*1rAS*s> pos adj. qual Literary. def resembling a tree. arboraceous 2. syl ar+bor:a+ceous pron <2a:b*1rAS*s> pos adj. qual Literary. def wooded. arboreal 1. syl ar+bor+e:al pron pos adj. def of, relating to, or resembling a tree. arboreal 2. syl ar+bor+e:al pron pos adj. def living in or among trees. exam 1 arboreal monkeys. arboreous 1. syl ar+bo+re:ous pron pos adj. def thickly wooded; having many trees. arboreous 2. syl ar+bo+re:ous pron pos adj. def another word for {arborescent}. arborescent 0. syl ar+bo+res+cent pron <2a:b*1resNt> pos adj. def having the shape or characteristics of a tree. arborescence sub head arborescent syl ar+bo+1res+cence pos n. arboretum ety C19: from Latin, from arbor tree arboreta infl head arboretum or arboretums syl ar+bo+re:ta pron <-t*> pos n. mod pl. arboretums infl head arboretum or arboreta syl ar+bo+re:tums. pos n. mod pl. arboretum 0. syl ar+bo+re:tum pron <2a:b*1rEt*m> pos n. def a place where trees or shrubs are cultivated for their scientific or educational interest. arboriculture 0. syl ar+bor:i+cul+ture pron <1a:b*ri2k^lC*> pos n. def the cultivation of trees or shrubs, esp. for the production of timber. &- {@!ar+bor@.i+#!cul+tur+al} &- {@!ar+bor@.i+#!cul+tur+ist} arborist 0. syl ar+bor+ist pron <1a:b*rist> pos n. def a specialist in the cultivation of trees. arborisation alt head arborization or arborization syl ar+bor:i+sa+tion pron <2a:b*rI1zAS*n> pos n. arborization 0. or arborisation syl ar+bor:i+za+tion pron <2a:b*rI1zAS*n> pos n. def a branching treelike appearance in certain fossils and minerals. arbor vitae ety C17: from New Latin, literally: tree of life arbor vitae 0. syl ar+bor vi+tae pron <1a:bc:> <1vEtI>, <1vItE> pos n. def any of several Asian and North American evergreen coniferous trees of the genera and esp. having tiny scalelike leaves and egglike cones. See also {red cedar}. arbour ety C14 erber, from Old French herbier, from Latin herba grass arbour 1. syl ar+bour pron <1a:b*> pos n. def a leafy glade or bower shaded by trees, vines, shrubs, etc., esp. when trained about a trellis. arbour 2. syl ar+bour pron <1a:b*> pos n. qual Obsolete. def an orchard, garden, or lawn. Arbroath 0. syl Ar+broath pron pos n. def a port and resort in E Scotland, in Tayside region: scene of Robert I's declaration of independence in 1320. Pop.: 22585 (1971). John infl head Arbuthnot syl John. pos n. Arbuthnot 0. syl Ar:buth:not pron pos n. def 1667-1735, Scottish physician and satirist: author of (1712) and, with others, of the (1741). arbutus ety C16: from Latin; related to arbor tree arbutuses infl head arbutus syl ar+bu+tus:es. pos n. mod pl. arbutus 1. syl ar+bu+tus pron pos n. def any of several temperate ericaceous shrubs of the genus esp. the strawberry tree of S Europe. They have clusters of white or pinkish flowers, broad evergreen leaves, and strawberry-like berries. arbutus 2. syl ar+bu+tus pron pos n. def See {trailing arbutus}. arc ety C14: from Old French, from Latin arcus bow, arch arc 1. syl arc pron pos n. def something curved in shape. arc 2. syl arc pron pos n. def part of an unbroken curved line. arc 3. syl arc pron pos n. def a luminous discharge that occurs when an electric current flows between two electrodes or any other two surfaces separated by a small gap and a high potential difference. arc 4. syl arc pron pos n. qual Astronomy. def a circular section of the apparent path of a celestial body. arcs infl head arc or arcs syl arcs pos vb. arcing infl head arc or arcking syl arc+ing pos vb. arced infl head arc or arcked syl arced pos vb. arcking infl head arc or arcing syl arck+ing pos vb. arcked infl head arc or arced syl arcked. pos vb. arc 5. syl arc pron pos vb. mod intr. def to form an arc. arc 6. syl arc pron pos adj. qual Maths. def specifying an inverse trigonometric function: usually written {arcsin, arccos, arctan}, etc., or sometimes sin%-%1, cos%-%1, tan%-%1, etc. arcade ety C18: from French, from Italian arcata, from arco, from Latin arcus bow, arch arcade 1. syl ar+cade pron pos n. def a set of arches and their supporting columns. arcade 2. syl ar+cade pron pos n. def a covered and sometimes arched passageway, usually with shops on one or both sides. arcade 3. syl ar+cade pron pos n. def a building, or part of a building, with an arched roof. Arcadia 1. syl Ar+ca+di:a pron pos n. def a department of Greece, in the central Peloponnese. Pop.: 11263 (1971). Area: 4367 sq. km (1686 sq. miles). Arcadia 2. syl Ar+ca+di:a pron pos n. def Also (poetic): {Ar+ca+dy} (#!$a$:k$$d$I). the traditional idealized rural setting of Greek and Roman bucolic poetry and later in the literature of the Renaissance. Arcadian 1. syl Ar+ca+di:an pron pos adj. def of or relating to Arcadia or its inhabitants, esp. the idealized Arcadia of pastoral poetry. Arcadian 2. syl Ar+ca+di:an pron pos adj. def rustic or bucolic. exam 1 a life of Arcadian simplicity. Arcadian 3. syl Ar+ca+di:an pron pos n. def an inhabitant of Arcadia. Arcadian 4. syl Ar+ca+di:an pron pos n. def a person who leads or prefers a quiet simple rural life. &- {Ar+#!ca+di+an+ism} Arcadic 1. syl Ar+cad+ic pron pos adj. def of or relating to the Arcadians or to their dialect of Ancient Greek. Arcadic 2. syl Ar+cad+ic pron pos n. def one of four chief dialects of Ancient Greek; the dialect spoken by the Arcadians. Compare {Aeolic, Doric, Ionic}. arcana 0. syl ar+ca+na pron , <-1ka:-> pos n. def either of the two divisions (the {minor arcana} and the {major arcana}) of a pack of tarot cards. arcane ety C16: from Latin arc*_anus secret, hidden, from arc*_ere to shut up, keep safe &- ar+#!cane+ly adv. &- ar+#!cane+ness n. arcane 0. syl ar+cane pron pos adj. def requiring secret knowledge to be understood; mysterious; esoteric. arcanum ety C16: from Latin; see #7arcane arcana infl head arcanum syl ar+ca+na pron <-n*> pos n. mod pl. arcanum 1. syl ar+ca+num pron pos n. mod sometimes; pl. def a profound secret or mystery known only to initiates. arcanum 2. syl ar+ca+num pron pos n. def a secret of nature sought by alchemists. arcature 1. syl ar+ca+ture pron <1a:k*C*> pos n. def a small-scale arcade. arcature 2. syl ar+ca+ture pron <1a:k*C*> pos n. def a set of blind arches attached to the wall of a building as decoration. arcs-boutants infl head arc-boutant syl arcs-bou:tants pron pos n. mod pl. flying buttress infl head arc-boutant syl flying buttress. pos n. mod pl. arc furnace 0. syl arc fur+nace pos n. def a furnace in which the charge is heated by an electric arc. arch ety C14: from Old French arche, from Vulgar Latin arca (unattested), from Latin arcus bow, #7arc arch H1.1. syl arch pron pos n. def a curved structure, normally in the vertical plane, that spans an opening. arch H1.2. syl arch pron pos n. def Also called: {archway}. a structure in the form of an arch that serves as a gateway. arch H1.3. syl arch pron pos n. def something curved like an arch. arch H1.4.a. syl arch pron pos n. def any of various parts or structures of the body having a curved or archlike outline, such as the transverse portion of the aorta ({arch of the aorta}) or the raised bony vault formed by the tarsal and metatarsal bones ({arch of the foot}) . arch H1.4.b. syl arch pron pos n. def one of the basic patterns of the human fingerprint, formed by several curved ridges one above the other. Compare { {loop%1} (sense 9a.)}, { {whorl} (sense 3)}. arch H1.5. syl arch pron pos vb. mod tr. def to span (an opening) with an arch. arch H1.6. syl arch pron pos vb. def to form or cause to form an arch or a curve resembling that of an arch. exam 1 the cat arched its back. arch H1.7. syl arch pron pos vb. mod tr. def to span or extend over. exam 1 the bridge arched the flooded stream. arch ety C16: independent use of #7arch - arch H2.1. syl arch pron pos adj. usage prenominal def chief; principal; leading. exam 1 his arch rival. arch H2.2. syl arch pron pos adj. usage prenominal def very experienced; expert. exam 1 an arch criminal. arch H2.3. syl arch pron pos adj. def knowing or superior. exam 1 an arch look. arch H2.4. syl arch pron pos adj. def mischievous or cunning. exam 1 an arch child. archly sub head arch syl arch+ly pos adv. archness sub head arch syl arch+ness pos n. arch 1. syl arch. qual abbrev. for: def archaic. arch 2. syl arch. qual abbrev. for: def archaism. arch 3. syl arch. qual abbrev. for: def archery. arch 4. syl arch. qual abbrev. for: def archipelago. arch 5. syl arch. qual abbrev. for: def architect. arch 6. syl arch. qual abbrev. for: def architectural. arch 7. syl arch. qual abbrev. for: def architecture. Arch 0. syl Arch. qual abbrev. for def Archbishop. arch- ety ultimately from Greek arkhi-, from arkhein to rule archi- alt head arch- or arch- syl ar:chi- arch- 0. or archi- syl arch- exam 1 combining form. arch- 1. or archi- syl arch- def chief; principal; of highest rank. exam 1 archangel; exam 2 archbishop; exam 3 archduke. arch- 2. or archi- syl arch- def eminent above all others of the same kind; extreme. exam 1 archenemy; exam 2 archfiend; exam 3 archfool. -arch ety from Greek -arkh*_es, from arkhein to rule; compare #7arch - -arch 0. syl -arch pos n. usage combining form. def leader; ruler; chief. exam 1 patriarch; exam 2 monarch; exam 3 heresiarch. archaeo- ety from Greek arkhaio-, from arkhaios, from arkhein to begin archeo- alt head archaeo- or archaeo- syl ar:che:o- archaeo- 0. or archeo- syl ar:chae:o- usage combining form. def indicating ancient or primitive time or condition. exam 1 archaeology; exam 2 archaeopteryx. archaeol 0. syl archaeol. qual abbrev. for def archaeology. archaeology ety C17: from Late Latin archaeologia, from Greek arkhaiologia study of what is ancient, from arkhaios ancient (from arkh*_e beginning) archeology alt head archaeology or archaeology syl ar+che+ol+o:gy pron <2a:ki1ol*Ji> pos n. archaeology 0. or archeology syl ar+chae+ol+o:gy pron <2a:ki1ol*Ji> pos n. def the study of man's past by scientific analysis of the material remains of his cultures. See also {prehistory, protohistory}. archaeological sub head archaeology or archeological syl ar+chae:o+log:i+cal pron <2a:ki*1loJikL> pos adj. archeological sub head archaeology or archaeological syl ar+che:o+log:i+cal pron <2a:ki*1loJikL> pos adj. archaeologically sub head archaeology or archeologically syl ar+chae:o+1log:i+cal+ly pos adv. archeologically sub head archaeology or archaeologically syl ar+che:o+1log:i+cal+ly pos adv. archaeologist sub head archaeology or archeologist syl ar+chae+1ol:o+gist pos n. archeologist sub head archaeology or archaeologist syl ar+che+1ol:o+gist pos n. archeomagnetism alt head archaeomagnetism or archaeomagnetism syl ar+che:o+mag+net+ism pron <2a:ki*u?!1m@gni2tiz*m> pos n. archaeomagnetism 0. or archeomagnetism syl ar+chae:o+mag+net+ism pron <2a:ki*u?!1m@gni2tiz*m> pos n. def an archaeological technique for dating certain clay objects by measuring the extent to which they have been magnetized by the earth's magnetic field. archaeopteryx ety C19: from #7archaeo -#7+ Greek pterux winged creature archaeopteryx 0. syl ar+chae+op+ter+yx pron <2a:ki1opt*riks> pos n. def any of several extinct primitive birds constituting the genus esp. which occurred in Jurassic times and had teeth, a long tail, well-developed wings, and a body covering of feathers. archaeornis ety C19: New Latin, from #7archaeo -#7+ Greek ornis bird archaeornis 0. syl ar+chae+or+nis pron <2a:ki1c:nis> pos n. def an extinct primitive Jurassic bird, formerly placed in the genus but now thought to be a species of archaeopteryx. Archaeozoic 1. syl Ar+chae:o+zo+ic usage esp. U.S. def of or formed in the early Precambrian era. Archaeozoic 2. syl Ar+chae:o+zo+ic pos n. usage esp. U.S. def the earlier of two divisions of the Precambrian era, during which the earliest forms of life are assumed to have appeared. Compare {Proterozoic}. archaic ety C19: from French archa*"ique, from Greek arkha*"ikos, from arkhaios ancient, from arkh*_e beginning, from arkhein to begin archaic 1. syl ar+cha+ic pron pos adj. def belonging to or characteristic of a much earlier period; ancient. archaic 2. syl ar+cha+ic pron pos adj. def out of date; antiquated. exam 1 an archaic prison system. archaic 3. syl ar+cha+ic pron pos adj. usage of idiom, vocabulary, etc. def characteristic of an earlier period of a language and not in ordinary use. archaically sub head archaic syl ar+1cha:i+cal+ly pos adv. archaism ety C17: from New Latin archaismus, from Greek arkha*"ismos, from arkhaizein to model one's style upon that of ancient writers; see #7archaic archaism 1. syl ar+cha+ism pron <1a:ki2iz*m>, <-kA-> pos n. def the adoption or imitation of something archaic, such as a word or an artistic or literary style. archaism 2. syl ar+cha+ism pron <1a:ki2iz*m>, <-kA-> pos n. def an archaic word, expression, style, etc. archaist sub head archaism syl ar+cha+ist pos n. archaistic sub head archaism syl ar+cha+1is+tic pos adj. archaise alt head archaize or archaize syl ar+cha+ise pron <1a:ki2Iz>, <-kA-> pos vb. mod tr. archaize 0. or archaise syl ar+cha+ize pron <1a:ki2Iz>, <-kA-> pos vb. mod tr. def to give an archaic appearance or character to, as by the use of archaisms. archaizer sub head archaize or archaiser syl ar+cha+2iz+er pos n. archaiser sub head archaize or archaizer syl ar+cha+2is+er pos n. archangel 1. syl arch+an:gel pron <1a:k2AnJ*l> pos n. qual Theol. def a principal angel, a member of the order ranking immediately above the angels in medieval angelology. archangel 2. syl arch+an:gel pron <1a:k2AnJ*l> pos n. def another name for { {angelica} (sense 1)}. yellow archangel 3. head archangel syl yellow archangel. def a Eurasian herbaceous plant, (or that occurs in woodlands and has yellow helmet-shaped flowers: family (labiates). archangel 4. syl arch+an:gel pron <1a:k2AnJ*l> pos n. def a bronze-coloured breed of domestic pigeon with black markings. archangelic sub head archangel syl arch+an:gel:ic pron <2a:k@n1Jelik> pos adj. Archangel 0. syl Arch+an+gel pron <1a:k2AnJ*l> pos n. def a port in the NW Soviet Union, on the Dvina River: major centre for the timber trade and White Sea fisheries. Pop.: 376000 (1975 est.). Russian name: {Arkhangelsk}. archbishop 0. syl arch+bish:op pron <1a:C1biS*p> pos n. def a bishop of the highest rank. Abbrev.: {abp., Abp., Arch., Archbp}. archbishopric 1. syl arch+bish:op+ric pron <1a:C1biS*prik> pos n. def the rank, office, or jurisdiction of an archbishop. archbishopric 2. syl arch+bish:op+ric pron <1a:C1biS*prik> pos n. def the area governed by an archbishop. Archbp 0. syl Archbp. qual abbrev. for def archbishop. Archd 1. syl Archd. qual abbrev. for: def archdeacon. Archd 2. syl Archd. qual abbrev. for: def archduke. archdeacon 1. syl arch+dea:con pron <1a:C1dEk*n> pos n. def an Anglican clergyman ranking just below a bishop and having supervisory duties under the bishop. archdeacon 2. syl arch+dea:con pron <1a:C1dEk*n> pos n. def a clergyman of similar rank in other Churches. archdeaconries infl head archdeaconry syl arch+dea:con+ries. pos n. mod pl. archdeaconry 1. syl arch+dea:con+ry pron <1a:C1dEk*nri> pos n. def the office, rank, or duties of an archdeacon. archdeaconry 2. syl arch+dea:con+ry pron <1a:C1dEk*nri> pos n. def the residence of an archdeacon. archdiocese 0. syl arch+di:o+cese pron <2a:C1dI*2sEs>, <-sis> pos n. def the diocese of an archbishop. archdiocesan sub head archdiocese syl arch+di:oc+e:san pron <2a:CdI1osisN> pos adj. archducal 0. syl arch+du:cal pron <1a:C1dju:kL> pos adj. def of or relating to an archduke, archduchess, or archduchy. archduchess 1. syl arch+duch:ess pron <1a:C1d^Cis> pos n. def the wife or widow of an archduke. archduchess 2. syl arch+duch:ess pron <1a:C1d^Cis> pos n. usage since 1453 def a princess of the Austrian imperial family, esp. a daughter of the Austrian emperor. archduchies infl head archduchy syl arch+duch:ies. pos n. mod pl. archduchy 0. syl arch+duch:y pron <1a:C1d^Ci> pos n. def the territory ruled by an archduke or archduchess. archduke 0. syl arch+duke pron <1a:C1dju:k> pos n. def a chief duke, esp. (since 1453) a prince of the Austrian imperial dynasty. Archean 0. syl Ar+che:an pron pos adj. def a variant spelling (esp. U.S.) of {Archaean}. arched 1. syl arched pron pos adj. def provided with or spanned by an arch or arches. arched 2. syl arched pron pos adj. def shaped like an arch; curved. archegonium ety C19: from New Latin, from Greek arkhegonos original parent, from arkhe- chief, first+ gonos seed, race archegonia infl head archegonium syl ar+che+go+ni:a pron <-ni*> pos n. mod pl. archegonium 0. syl ar+che+go+ni:um pron <2a:ki1g*uni*m> pos n. def a female sex organ, occurring in mosses, ferns, and evergreen trees, that produces a single egg cell in its swollen base. archegoniate sub head archegonium syl ar+che+1go+ni+ate pos adj. archenemies infl head archenemy syl arch+en+e:mies. pos n. mod pl. archenemy 1. syl arch+en+e:my pron <1a:C1enimi> pos n. def a chief enemy. archenemy 2. syl arch+en+e:my pron <1a:C1enimi> pos n. usage often cap.; preceded by the def the devil. archenteron ety C19: from Greek arkh*_e beginning+ enteron intestine archenteron 0. syl ar+chen+ter+on pron pos n. def the cavity within an embryo at the gastrula stage of development that eventually becomes the digestive cavity. archenteric sub head archenteron syl ar+chen+ter+ic pron <2a:k*n1terik> pos adj. archeology 0. syl ar+che+ol+o:gy pron <2a:ki1ol*Ji> pos n. def a variant spelling of {archaeol?!ogy}. Archeozoic 0. syl Ar+che:o+zo+ic pron <2a:ki*1z*uik> pos adj. def a variant spelling (esp. U.S.) of {Archaeozoic}. archer ety C13: from Old French archier, from Late Latin arc*_arius, from Latin arcus bow archer 0. syl arch+er pron <1a:C*> pos n. def a person skilled in the use of a bow and arrow. the infl head Archer syl the. pos n. Archer H1.0. syl Arch+er pron <1a:C*> pos n. def the constellation Sagittarius, the ninth sign of the zodiac. William infl head Archer syl Wil:liam. pos n. Archer H2.0. syl Arch:er pron <1a:C*> pos n. def 1856-1924, Scottish critic and dramatist: made the first English translations of Ibsen. archerfish infl or archerfishes syl arch:er+fish pos n. mod pl. archerfishes infl head archerfish or archerfish syl arch:er+fish:es. pos n. mod pl. archerfish 0. syl arch:er+fish pron <1a:C*2fiS> pos n. def any freshwater percoid fish of the family of S and SE Asia and Australia, esp. that catch insects by spitting water at them. archery 1. syl ar+cher:y pron <1a:C*ri> pos n. def the art or sport of shooting with bows and arrows. archery 2. syl ar+cher:y pron <1a:C*ri> pos n. def archers or their weapons collectively. Court of infl head Arches syl Court of. pos n. Arches 0. syl Arch:es pron <1a:Ciz> pos n. mod pl. qual Church of England. def the court of appeal of the Province of Canterbury, formerly held under the arches of Bow Church. archesporium alt head archespore or archespore syl ar+che+spo+ri:um pron <2a:ki1spc:ri*m> pos n. archespores infl head archespore or archesporia syl ar+che+spores pron <-1spc:ri*> pos n. mod pl. archesporia infl head archespore or archespores syl ar+che+spo+ri:a pron <-1spc:ri*> pos n. mod pl. archespore 0. or archesporium syl ar+che+spore pron <1a:ki2spc:> pos n. qual Botany. def the cell or group of cells in a sporangium that gives rise to spores. archesporial sub head archespore syl ar+che+1spo+ri:al pos adj. archetype ety C17: from Latin arche?!typum an original, from Greek arkhetupon, from arkhetupos first-moulded; see #7arch -#7, type archetype 1. syl ar+che+type pron <1a:ki2tIp> pos n. def a perfect or typical specimen. archetype 2. syl ar+che+type pron <1a:ki2tIp> pos n. def an original model or pattern; prototype. archetype 3. syl ar+che+type pron <1a:ki2tIp> pos n. qual Psychoanal. def one of the inherited mental images postulated by Jung as the content of the collective unconscious. archetype 4. syl ar+che+type pron <1a:ki2tIp> pos n. def a constantly recurring symbol or motif in literature, painting, etc. archetypal sub head archetype or archetypical syl ar+che+2typ+al pron <2a:ki1tipikL> pos adj. archetypical sub head archetype or archetypal syl ar+che+typ:i+cal pron <2a:ki1tipikL> pos adj. archetypally sub head archetype or archetypically syl ar+che+1typ+al+ly pos adv. archetypically sub head archetype or archetypally syl ar+che+1typ:i+cal+ly pos adv. the infl head archfiend syl the. pos n. archfiend 0. syl arch+fiend pron <2a:C1fEnd> pos n. def the chief of fiends or devils; Satan. archi- 0. syl ar:chi- usage combining form. def variant of {arch-}. archicarp 0. syl ar:chi+carp pron <1a:ki2ka:p> pos n. def a female reproductive structure in ascomycetous fungi that consists of a cell or hypha and develops into the ascogonium. archidiaconal 0. syl ar:chi+di+ac:o+nal pron <2a:kidI1@k*nL> pos adj. def of or relating to an archdeacon or his office. archidiaconate 0. syl ar:chi+di+ac:o+nate pron <2a:kidI1@k*nit> pos n. def the office, term of office, or area of jurisdiction of an archdeacon. archiepiscopal 0. syl ar:chi+e:pis+co+pal pron <2a:kii1pisk*pL> pos adj. def of or associated with an archbishop. archiepiscopacy alt head archiepiscopate or archiepiscopate syl ar:chi+e:pis+co+pa+cy pron <2a:kii1pisk*p*si> pos n. archiepiscopate 0. or archiepiscopacy syl ar:chi+e:pis+co+pate pron <2a:kii1pisk*pit>, <-2pAt> pos n. def the rank, office, or term of office of an archbishop. archil 0. syl ar+chil pron <1a:Cil> pos n. def a variant spelling of {orchil}. Archilochian 0. syl Ar:chi+lo+chi:an pron <2a:ki1l*uki*n> pos adj. def denoting or relating to Archilochus or his verse, esp. the iambic trimeters or trochaic tetrameters used by him. Archilochus 0. syl Ar:chil:o:chus pron pos n. def 7th century #7b.c., Greek poet of Paros, notable for using his own experience as subject matter. archimage ety C16: from #7archi -#7+ mage, from Latin magus magician archimage 0. syl ar:chi+mage pron <1a:ki2mAJ> pos n. def a great magician or wizard. archimandrite ety C16: from Late Latin archimandr*_ita, from Late Greek arkhimandrit*_es, from #7archi -#7+ mandra monastery archimandrite 0. syl ar:chi+man+drite pron <2a:ki1m@ndrIt> pos n. qual Greek Orthodox Church. def the head of a monastery or a group of monasteries. Archimedes H1.0. syl Ar:chi:me:des pron <2a:ki1mEdEz> pos n. def ??287-212 #7b.c., Greek math?!ematician and physicist of Syracuse, noted for his work in geometry, hydrostatics, and mechanics. Archimedean sub head Archimedes syl Ar:chi+me:de:an pron <2a:ki?!1mEdi*n>, <-mi1dE*n> pos adj. Archimedes H2.0. syl Ar:chi+me:des pron <2a:ki1mEdEz> pos n. def a walled plain in the NE quadrant of the moon, about 80 kilometres in diameter. Archimedes' principle 0. syl Ar:chi:me:des' prin+ci+ple pos n. def a law of physics stating that the apparent loss in weight of a body immersed in a fluid is equal to the weight of the displaced fluid. Archimedean screw alt head Archimedes' screw or Archimedes' screw syl Ar:chi+me:de:an screw pos n. Archimedes' screw 0. or Archimedean screw syl Ar:chi:me:des' screw pos n. def an ancient type of water-lifting device making use of a spiral passage in an inclined cylinder. The water is raised when the spiral is rotated. archine ety from Russian arshin, of Turkic origin archine 0. syl ar+chine pron pos n. def a Russian unit of length equal to about 71 cm. archipelago ety C16 (meaning: the Aegean Sea): from Italian arcipelago, literally: the chief sea (perhaps originally a mistranslation of Greek Aigaion pelagos the Aegean Sea), from #7archi -#7+ pelago sea, from Latin pelagus, from Greek pelagos archipelagos infl head archipelago or archipelagoes syl ar:chi+pel:a+gos pos n. mod pl. archipelagoes infl head archipelago or archipelagos syl ar:chi+pel:a+goes. pos n. mod pl. archipelago 1. syl ar:chi+pel:a+go pron <2a:ki1peli2g*u> pos n. def a group of islands. archipelago 2. syl ar:chi+pel:a+go pron <2a:ki1peli2g*u> pos n. def a sea studded with islands. archipelagic sub head archipelago or archipelagian syl ar:chi+pe:lag+ic pron <2a:kip*1l@Jik> pos adj. archipelagian sub head archipelago or archipelagic syl ar:chi+pe+la:gi:an pron <2a:kip*1lAJi*n> pos adj. Aleksandr Porfiryevich infl head Archipenko syl A:le:ksan:dr Por:fir:ye:vich pron pos n. Archipenko 0. syl Ar:chi:pen:ko pron Russian pos n. def 1887-1964, Russian sculptor and painter, in the U.S. after 1923, whose work is characterized by economy of form. archiphoneme 0. syl ar:chi+pho+neme pron <1a:ki2f*unEm>, <2a:ki1f*unEm> pos n. qual Phonetics. def an abstract linguistic unit representing two or more phonemes when the distinction between these has been neutralized: conventionally shown by a capital letter within slashes, as /T/ for /t/ and /d/ in German and archiplasm 0. syl ar:chi+plasm pron <1a:ki2pl@z*m> pos n. def a variant spelling of {archoplasm}. archiplasmic sub head archiplasm syl ar:chi+1plas+mic pos adj. archit 0. syl archit. qual abbrev. for def architecture. architect ety C16: from French architecte, from Latin architectus, from Greek arkhitekt*_on director of works, from #7archi -#7+ tekt*_on workman; related to tekhn*_e art, skill architect 1. syl ar:chi+tect pron <1a:ki2tekt> pos n. def a person qualified to design and supervise the construction of buildings. architect 2. syl ar:chi+tect pron <1a:ki2tekt> pos n. def a person similarly qualified in another form of construction. exam 1 a naval architect. architect 3. syl ar:chi+tect pron <1a:ki2tekt> pos n. def any planner or creator. exam 1 the architect of the expedition. architectonic ety C16: from Late Latin architectonicus concerning architecture; see #7architect architectonic 1. syl ar:chi+tec+ton+ic pron <2a:kitek1tonik> pos adj. def denoting, relating to, or having architectural qualities. architectonic 2. syl ar:chi+tec+ton+ic pron <2a:kitek1tonik> pos adj. qual Metaphysics. def of or relating to the systematic classification of knowledge. architectonically sub head architectonic syl ar:chi+tec+1ton:i+cal+ly pos adv. architectonics 1. syl ar:chi+tec+ton+ics pron <2a:kitek1toniks> pos n. mod functioning as; sing. def the science of architecture. architectonics 2. syl ar:chi+tec+ton+ics pron <2a:kitek1toniks> pos n. mod functioning as; sing. qual Metaphysics. def the scientific classification of knowledge. architecture 1. syl ar:chi+tec+ture pron <1a:ki2tekC*> pos n. def the art and science of designing and supervising the construction of buildings and similar structures. architecture 2. syl ar:chi+tec+ture pron <1a:ki2tekC*> pos n. def a style of building or structure. exam 1 Gothic architecture. architecture 3. syl ar:chi+tec+ture pron <1a:ki2tekC*> pos n. def buildings or structures collectively. architecture 4. syl ar:chi+tec+ture pron <1a:ki2tekC*> pos n. def the structure or design of anything. exam 1 the architecture of the universe. architectural sub head architecture syl ar:chi+1tec+tur+al pos adj. architecturally sub head architecture syl ar:chi+1tec+tur+al+ly pos adv. architrave ety C16: via French from Italian, from #7archi -#7+ trave beam, from Latin trabs architrave 1. syl ar:chi+trave pron <1a:ki2trAv> pos n. qual Architect. def the lowest part of an entablature that bears on the columns. architrave 2. syl ar:chi+trave pron <1a:ki2trAv> pos n. qual Architect. def a moulding around a doorway, window opening, etc. archives ety C17: from Late Latin arch*_ivum, from Greek arkheion repository of official records, from arkh*_e government archives 1. syl ar+chives pron <1a:kIvz> pos n. mod pl. def a collection of records of or about an institution, family, etc. archives 2. syl ar+chives pron <1a:kIvz> pos n. mod pl. def a place where such records are kept. archival sub head archives syl ar+1chiv+al pos adj. archivist 0. syl ar:chi+vist pron <1a:kivist> pos n. def a person in charge of archives, their collection, and cataloguing. archivolt ety C18: from Italian archivolto; see #7arc, {vault %1} archivolt 1. syl ar:chi+volt pron <1a:ki2v*ult> pos n. qual Architect. def a moulding around an arch, sometimes decorated. archivolt 2. syl ar:chi+volt pron <1a:ki2v*ult> pos n. qual Architect. def the under surface of an arch. archon ety C17: from Greek arkh*_on ruler, from arkhein to rule archon 0. syl ar+chon pron <1a:kon>, <-k*n> pos n. usage in ancient Athens def one of the nine chief magistrates. archonship sub head archon syl ar+chon+2ship pos n. archiplasm alt head archoplasm or archoplasm syl ar:chi+plasm pos n. archoplasm 0. or archiplasm syl ar+cho+plasm pron <1a:k*2pl@z*m> pos n. def the protoplasmic material surrounding the centrosome, formerly thought to be involved in the formation of the asters and spindle during mitosis. archoplasmic sub head archoplasm syl ar+cho+1plas+mic pos adj. archpriest 1. syl arch+priest pron <1a:C1prEst> pos n. qual Ecclesiast. usage formerly def a chief assistant to a bishop, performing many of his sacerdotal functions during his absence. archpriest 2. syl arch+priest pron <1a:C1prEst> pos n. qual Ecclesiast. def a senior priest. archpriesthood sub head archpriest or archpriestship syl arch+1priest+2hood pos n. archpriestship sub head archpriest or archpriesthood syl arch+1priest+2ship pos n. archt 0. syl archt. qual abbrev. for def architect. archway 0. syl arch+way pron <1a:C2wA> pos n. def a passageway or entrance under an arch or arches. -archy ety from Greek -arkhia; see -#7arch -archy 0. syl -ar:chy pos n. usage combining form. def government; rule. exam 1 anarchy; exam 2 monarchy. -archic sub head -archy syl -ar:chic pos adj. -archist sub head -archy syl -ar:chist pos n. arc light 0. syl arc light pos n. def a light source in which an arc between two electrodes, usually carbon, produces intense white illumination. Also called: {arc lamp}. ARCM 0. syl A.R.C.M. qual abbrev. for def Associate of the Royal College of Music. arcograph 0. syl arc:o+graph pron <1a:k*2gra:f>, <-2gr@f> pos n. qual Geom. def an instrument used for drawing arcs without using a central point. Also called: {cyclograph}. ARCS 0. syl A.R.C.S. qual abbrev. for def Associate of the Royal College of Science. arctic ety C14: from Latin arcticus, from Greek arktikos northern, literally: pertaining to (the constellation of) the Bear, from arktos bear arctic 1. syl arc+tic pron <1a:ktik> pos adj. def of or relating to the Arctic. exam 1 arctic temperatures. arctic 2. syl arc+tic pron <1a:ktik> pos adj. qual Informal. def cold; freezing. exam 1 the weather at Christmas was arctic. arctic 3. syl arc+tic pron <1a:ktik> pos adj. qual U.S. def a high waterproof overshoe with buckles. arctic 4. syl arc+tic pron <1a:ktik> pos adj. usage modifier def designed or suitable for conditions of extreme cold. exam 1 arctic clothing. Arcthe 1. head Arctic syl Arc+the. def Also called: {Arctic Zone}. the regions north of the Arctic Circle. {~} Arctic 2. syl Arc+tic pron <1a:ktik> pos n. def of or relating to the regions north of the Arctic Circle. arctic char 0. syl arc+tic char pos n. def a char, that occurs in northern and arctic seas. Arctic Circle 0. syl Arc+tic Cir+cle pos n. def the imaginary circle round the earth, parallel to the equator, at latitude 66?% 32@' N. arctic fox 0. syl arc+tic fox pos n. def a fox, of arctic regions, whose fur is dark grey in the summer and white in the winter. See also {blue fox}. Arctic Ocean 0. syl Arc+tic O:cean pos n. def the ocean surrounding the North Pole, north of the Arctic Circle. Area: about 14100000 sq. km (5440000 sq. miles). arctic tern 0. syl arc+tic tern pos n. def a black-capped tern, that breeds in the Arctic and then migrates as far south as the Antarctic. Arctogaea 0. syl Arc+to+gae:a pron <2a:kt*1JE*> pos n. def a zoogeographical area compris?!ing the Palaearctic, Nearctic, Oriental, and Ethiopian regions. Compare {Neogaea, Notogaea}. Arctogaean sub head Arctogaea syl Arc+to+1gae:an pos adj. Arcturus ety C14: from Latin, from Greek Arktouros, from arktos bear+ ouros guard, keeper Arcturus 0. syl Arc+tu+rus pron pos n. def the brightest star in the constellation Bo*"otes: a red giant. Visual magnitude: 0.24; spectral type: KO; distance: 36 light years. Arcturian sub head Arcturus syl Arc+1tu+ri:an pos adj. arcuate ety C17: from Latin arcu*_are, from arcus #7arc arcuate 0. syl ar+cu+ate pron <1a:kju:it>, <-2At> pos adj. def shaped or bent like an arc or bow. exam 1 arcuate leaves; exam 2 arcuate fibres of the cerebrum. arcuately sub head arcuate syl ar+cu+ate+ly pos adv. arcuation ety C17: from Late Latin arcu*_ati*_o arch, from Latin arcu*_are to curve arcuation 1. syl ar+cu:a+tion pron <2a:kju1AS*n> pos n. def the use of arches or vaults in buildings. arcuation 2. syl ar+cu:a+tion pron <2a:kju1AS*n> pos n. def an arrangement of arches. arcus senilis ety Latin: senile bow arcus senilis 0. syl ar+cus se+ni+lis pron <1a:k*s> pos n. def an opaque circle around the cornea of the eye, often seen in elderly people. arc welding 0. syl arc weld+ing pos n. def a technique in which metal is welded by heat generated by an electric arc struck between two electrodes or between one electrode and the metal workpiece. arc welder sub head arc welding syl arc weld+er pos n. -ard ety via Old French from Germanic -hard (literally: hardy, bold), the final element in many Germanic masculine names, such as Bernhard Bernard, Gerhart Gerard, etc. -art alt head -ard or -ard syl -art -ard 0. or -art syl -ard usage suffix forming nouns. def indicating a person who does something, esp. to excess, or is characterized by a certain quality. exam 1 braggart; exam 2 drunkard; exam 3 dullard. ardeb ety C19: from Arabic ardabb, from Greek artab*_e a Persian measure ardeb 0. syl ar+deb pron <1a:deb> pos n. def a unit of dry measure used in Egypt and other Middle Eastern countries. In Egypt it is approximately equal to 0.195 cubic metres. Ardeche 0. syl Ar+d*`eche pron French pos n. def a department of S France, in Rh*^one-Alpes region. Capital: Privas. Pop.: 263790 (1975). Area: 5556 sq. km (2167 sq. miles). Forest of infl head Arden syl Forest of. pos n. Arden 0. syl Ar+den pron <1a:dN> pos n. def a region of N Warwickshire, part of a former forest: scene of Shakespeare's Ardennes 1. syl Ar+dennes pron , French pos n. def a department of NE France, in Champagne-Ardenne region. Capital: M*'ezi*`eres. Pop.: 317139 (1975). Area: 5253 sq. km (2049 sq. miles). the 2. head Ardennes syl the. def a wooded plateau in SE Belgium, Luxembourg, and NE France: scene of heavy fighting in both World Wars. ardent ety C14: from Latin *_ard*_ere to burn ardent 1. syl ar+dent pron <1a:dNt> pos adj. def expressive of or characterized by intense desire or emotion; passionate. exam 1 ardent love. ardent 2. syl ar+dent pron <1a:dNt> pos adj. def intensely enthusiastic; eager. exam 1 an ardent longing. ardent 3. syl ar+dent pron <1a:dNt> pos adj. def glowing, flashing, or shining. exam 1 ardent eyes. ardent 4. syl ar+dent pron <1a:dNt> pos adj. qual Rare. def burning. exam 1 an ardent fever. ardency sub head ardent syl ar+den+cy pos n. ardently sub head ardent syl ar+dent+ly pos adv. ardent spirits 0. syl ar+dent spir+its pos n. mod pl. def spirits, such as rum, whisky, etc. ardour ety C14: from Old French ardour, from Latin *_ardor, from *_ard*_ere to burn ardor alt head ardour or ardour syl ar+dor pron <1a:d*> pos n. qual U.S. ardour 1. or ardor syl ar+dour pron <1a:d*> pos n. def feelings of great intensity and warmth; fervour. ardour 2. or ardor syl ar+dour pron <1a:d*> pos n. def eagerness; zeal. ardour 3. or ardor syl ar+dour pron <1a:d*> pos n. qual Rare. def burning heat. arduous ety C16: from Latin arduus steep, difficult arduous 1. syl ar+du+ous pron <1a:dju:*s> pos adj. def requiring great physical or mental effort; difficult to accomplish; strenuous. arduous 2. syl ar+du+ous pron <1a:dju:*s> pos adj. def hard to endure; harsh. exam 1 arduous conditions. arduous 3. syl ar+du+ous pron <1a:dju:*s> pos adj. def hard to overcome or surmount; steep or difficult. exam 1 an arduous track. arduously sub head arduous syl ar+du+ous+ly pos adv. arduousness sub head arduous syl ar+du+ous+ness pos n. are ety Old English aron, second person plural of b*_eon to #7be are H1.0. syl are pron , <*>, <*> pos vb. def the plural form of the present tense (indicative mood) of {be} and the singular form used with are ety C19: from French, from Latin *_area piece of ground; see #7area are H2.0. syl are pron pos n. def a unit of area equal to 100 sq. metres or 119.599 sq. yards; one hundredth of a hectare. area ety C16: from Latin: level ground, open space for play, threshing-floor; related to *_ar*_ere to be dry area 1. syl ar:e:a pron <1e*ri*> pos n. def any flat, curved, or irregular expanse of a surface. area 2.a. syl ar:e:a pron <1e*ri*> pos n. def the extent of a two-dimensional surface enclosed within a specified boundary or geometric figure. exam 1 the area of Ireland; exam 2 the area of a triangle. area 2.b. syl ar:e:a pron <1e*ri*> pos n. def the two-dimensional extent of the boundary of a closed plane or curved surface. exam 1 the area of a sphere. area 3. syl ar:e:a pron <1e*ri*> pos n. def a section, portion, or part. exam 1 an area of the body; exam 2 an area of the sky. area 4. syl ar:e:a pron <1e*ri*> pos n. def region; district; locality. exam 1 a mountainous area. area 5. syl ar:e:a pron <1e*ri*> pos n. def a part or section, as of a building, town, etc., having some specified function or characteristic. exam 1 reception area; exam 2 commercial area; exam 3 slum area. area 6. syl ar:e:a pron <1e*ri*> pos n. def the range, extent, or scope of anything. area 7. syl ar:e:a pron <1e*ri*> pos n. def a subject field or field of study. area 8. syl ar:e:a pron <1e*ri*> pos n. def any unoccupied or unused flat open piece of ground. area 9. syl ar:e:a pron <1e*ri*> pos n. def the ground on which a building stands, or the ground surrounding a building. area 10. syl ar:e:a pron <1e*ri*> pos n. qual Anatomy. def any of the various regions of the cerebral cortex. area 11. syl ar:e:a pron <1e*ri*> pos n. qual Computer technol. def any part of a computer memory assigned to store data of a specified type. areal sub head area syl ar+e:al pos adj. area code 0. syl ar:e:a code pos n. qual U.S. def a three-digit number prefixed to an individual telephone number: used in making long-distance calls. areaway 1. syl ar:e:a+way pron <1e*ri*2wA> pos n. def a passageway between parts of a building or between different buildings. areaway 2. syl ar:e:a+way pron <1e*ri*2wA> pos n. def Also called {area}. a sunken area, usually enclosed, giving light, air, and sometimes access to a cellar or basement. areca ety C16: from Portuguese, from Malayalam adekka areca 0. syl ar+e:ca pron <1@rik*>, <*1rEk*> pos n. def any of various tall palms of the genus which are native to SE Asia and have white flowers and orange or red egg-shaped nuts. areg 0. syl a:reg pron <*1reg> pos n. def a plural of {erg} %2. arena ety C17: from Latin har*_ena sand, place where sand was strewn for the combats arena 1.a. syl a:re:na pron <*1rEn*> pos n. def an enclosure or platform, usually surrounded by seats on all sides, in which sports events, contests, entertainments, etc., are performed. exam 1 a boxing arena. arena 1.b. syl a:re:na pron <*1rEn*> pos n. usage as modifier exam 1 arena stage. arena 2. syl a:re:na pron <*1rEn*> pos n. def the central area of an ancient Roman amphitheatre, in which gladiatorial contests and other spectacles were held. arena 3. syl a:re:na pron <*1rEn*> pos n. def a sphere or scene of conflict or intense activity. exam 1 the political arena. arenaceous ety C17: from Latin har*_en*_aceus sandy, from har*_ena sand arenaceous 1. syl ar+e:na+ceous pron <2@ri1nAS*s> pos adj. usage of sedimentary rocks and deposits def composed of sand or sandstone. Compare {argillaceous} and {rudaceous}. arenaceous 2. syl ar+e:na+ceous pron <2@ri1nAS*s> pos adj. usage of plants def growing best in a sandy soil. arena theatre 0. syl a:re:na the:a+tre pos n. def another term for {theatre-in-the-round}. arenicolous ety C19: from Latin har*_ena sand+ colere to inhabit arenicolous 0. syl ar+e:nic:o+lous pron <2@ri1nik*l*s> pos adj. def growing or living in sand or sandy places. exam 1 arenicolous plants. arenite ety C20: from Latin har*_ena sand+-#7ite %1 arenite 0. syl ar+e:nite pron <1@r*2nIt>, <*1rE-> pos n. def any arenaceous rock; a sandstone. arenitic sub head arenite syl ar+e:nit+ic pron <2@r*?!1nitik> pos adj. aren't 1. syl aren't pron usage contraction of def are not. aren't 2. syl aren't pron usage Informal, chiefly Brit. used in interrogative sentences; Informal, chiefly Brit. contraction of def am not. areography ety C19: from Greek Areos Mars+-#7graphy areography 0. syl ar+e:og+ra+phy pron <2e*ri1ogr*fi> pos n. def the description of the physical features, such as the surface, atmosphere, etc., of the planet Mars. areola ety C17: from Latin: diminutive of #7area areolae infl head areola or areolas syl a:re:o+lae pron <-2lE> pos n. mod pl. areolas infl head areola or areolae syl a:re:o+las. pos n. mod pl. areola 1. syl a:re:o+la pron <*1ri*l*> pos n. qual Biology. def a space outlined on a surface, such as an area between veins on a leaf or on an insect's wing. areola 2. syl a:re:o+la pron <*1ri*l*> pos n. qual Anatomy. def any small circular area, such as the pigmented ring around the human nipple or the inflamed area surrounding a pimple. areolar sub head areola or areolate syl a:1re:o+lar pron <*1ri*lit>, <-2lAt> pos adj. areolate sub head areola or areolar syl a:re:o+late pron <*1ri*lit>, <-2lAt> pos adj. areolation sub head areola syl a:re:o+la+tion pron <*2ri*1lAS*n> pos n. Areopagus ety via Latin from Greek Areiopagus, contracted from Areios pagos, hill of Ares &- Ar+e@.op@.a+gite (@!@ar$I#!$Ap$$d#fa$It) n. Areopagus 1.a. syl Ar+e:op:a+gus pron <2@ri1op*g*s> pos n. def the hill to the northwest of the Acropolis in Athens. Areopagus 1.b. syl Ar+e:op:a+gus pron <2@ri1op*g*s> pos n. usage in ancient Athens def the judicial council whose members (Areopagites) met on this hill. Areopagus 2. syl Ar+e:op:a+gus pron <2@ri1op*g*s> pos n. qual Literary. def any high court. Arequipa 0. syl A:re:qui+pa pron <2@ri1kEp*>, Spanish <2arA1kipa> pos n. def a city in S Peru, at an altitude of 2250 m (7500 ft.): founded in 1540 on the site of an Inca city. Pop.: 302316 (1972). Ares 0. syl Ar:es pron <1e*rEz> pos n. qual Greek myth. def the god of war, born of Zeus and Hera. Roman counterpart: {Mars}. arete ety C19: from French: fishbone, backbone (of a fish), ridge, sharp edge, from Latin arista ear of corn, fishbone arete 0. syl a:r*^ete pron <*1rAt> pos n. def a sharp ridge found in mountainous regions that separates two cirques or glacial valleys. arethusa 0. syl ar+e:thu+sa pron <2@ri1Tju:z*> pos n. def a North American orchid, having one long narrow leaf and one rose-purple flower fringed with yellow. Arethusa 0. syl Ar+e:thu+sa pron <2@ri1Tju:z*> pos n. qual Greek myth. def a nymph who was changed into a spring on the island of Ortygia to escape the amorous advances of the river god Alpheus. Pietro infl head Aretino syl Pie:tro pron <1pje:tro> pos n. Aretino 0. syl Ar:e:ti:no pron Italian <2arA1tEno> pos n. def 1492-1556, Italian satirist, poet, and dramatist, noted for his satirical attacks on leading political figures. Arezzo 0. syl A:rez+zo pron <*1rets*u>, Italian pos n. def a city in central Italy, in E Tuscany. Pop.: 87128 (1971). Arg 0. syl Arg. qual abbrev. for def Argentina. argal 0. syl ar+gal pron <1a:g*l> pos n. def another name for {argol}. argali ety C18: from Mongolian argal alt head argali or argali syl ar+gal pos n. argali infl or argals syl ar+ga+li pos n. mod pl. argals infl head argali or argali syl ar+gals. pos n. mod pl. argali 0. or argal syl ar+ga+li pron <1a:g*li> pos n. def a wild sheep, inhabiting semidesert regions in central Asia: family order It is the largest of the sheep, having massive horns in the male, which may almost form a circle. Argand diagram ety C19: named after Jean-Robert Argand (1768-1822), French mathematician Argand diagram 0. syl Ar:gand di:a+gram pron <1a:g@nd> pos n. qual Maths. def a diagram consisting of two perpendicular axes, the real axis axis) and the imaginary axis axis), on which a complex number + can be represented as a point. argent ety C15: from Old French, from Latin argent 0.a. syl ar+gent pron <1a:J*nt> pos n. def an archaic or poetic word for {silver}. argent 0.b. syl ar+gent pron <1a:J*nt> pos as; adj. usage often postpositive, esp. in heraldry exam 1 a bend argent. Argenteuil 0. syl Ar+gen+teuil pron French pos n. def a suburb of Paris, with a convent (656) that became famous when H*'elo*"ise was abbess (12th century). Pop.: 103141 (1975). argentic 0. syl ar+gen+tic pron pos adj. qual Chem. def of or containing silver in the divalent or trivalent state. argentiferous 0. syl ar+gen+tif+er+ous pron <2a:J*n1tif*r*s> pos adj. def containing or bearing silver. Argentina 0. syl Ar+gen+ti+na pron <2a:J*n1tEn*> pos n. def a republic in southern South America: colonized by the Spanish from 1516 onwards; gained independence in 1816 and became a republic in 1852; consists chiefly of subtropical plains and forests (the Chaco) in the north, temperate plains (the pampas) in the central parts, the Andes in the west, and an infertile plain extending to Tierra del Fuego in the south (Patagonia); an important meat producer. Language: Spanish. Religion: Roman Catholic. Currency: peso. Capital: Buenos Aires. Pop.: 23362204 (1970). Area: 2776653 sq. km (1072067 sq. miles). Also called: {the Argentine}. argentine 1. syl ar+gen+tine pron <1a:J*n2tIn> pos adj. def of, relating to, or resembling silver. argentine 2. syl ar+gen+tine pron <1a:J*n2tIn> pos n. def any of various small marine salmonoid fishes, such as that constitute the family and are characterized by a long silvery body. Argenthe 1. head Argentine syl Ar+gen+the. def another name for {Argentina}. Argentine 2. syl Ar+gen+tine pron <1a:J*n2tEn>, <-2tIn> pos n. def a native or inhabitant of Argentina. Argentine 3. syl Ar+gen+tine pron <1a:J*n2tEn>, <-2tIn> pos adj. def of or relating to Argentina. Argentine xref syl Ar+gen+tine pron <1a:J*n2tEn>, <-2tIn> pos n. def Also (for senses 2, 3): {Ar+gen+tin+e@.an} (@!$a$:d#f$$n#!t$In$I$$n). argentite 0. syl ar+gen+tite pron <1a:J*n2tIt> pos n. def a dark grey mineral that consists of silver sulphide, usually in cubic crystalline forms, and occurs in veins, often with native silver. It is found esp. in Mexico, Nevada, and Saxony and is an important source of silver. Formula: Ag\2S. argentous 0. syl ar+gen+tous pron pos adj. qual Chem. def of or containing silver in the monovalent state. argentum ety Latin argentum 0. syl ar+gen+tum pron pos n. def an obsolete name for {silver}. argil ety C16: from Latin argilla white clay, from Greek argillos argil 0. syl ar+gil pron <1a:Jil> pos n. def clay, esp. potters' clay. argillaceous 0. syl ar+gil+la+ceous pron <2a:Ji1lAS*s> pos adj. usage of sedimentary rocks and deposits def composed of very fine-grained material, such as clay, shale, etc. Compare { {arenaceous} (sense 1)} and {rudaceous}. argilliferous 0. syl ar+gil+lif+er+ous pron <2a:Ji1lif*r*s> pos adj. def containing or yielding clay. exam 1 argilliferous rocks. argillite ety C18: from Latin argilla clay (from Greek argillos) + -#7ite %1 argillite 0. syl ar+gil+lite pron <1a:Ji2lIt> pos n. def any argillaceous rock, esp. a hardened mudstone. argillitic sub head argillite syl ar+gil+lit+ic pron <2a:Ji1litik> pos adj. arginine ety C19: from German Arginin, of uncertain origin arginine 0. syl ar+gi+nine pron <1a:Ji2nIn> pos n. def an essential bitter-tasting amino acid of plant and animal proteins, necessary for nutrition. Its absence from the diet leads to a reduced production of sperma?!tozoa; 2-amino-5-guanidopentanoic acid. Formula: H\2NC (:NH)NH(CH\2)\3CHNH\2COOH. Argive 1. syl Ar+give pron <1a:JIv>, <-gIv> pos adj. usage in Homer, Virgil, etc. def of or relating to the Greeks besieging Troy, esp. those from Argos. Argive 2. syl Ar+give pron <1a:JIv>, <-gIv> pos adj. def of or relating to Argos or Argolis. Argive 3. syl Ar+give pron <1a:JIv>, <-gIv> pos adj. def a literary word for {Greek}. Argive 4. syl Ar+give pron <1a:JIv>, <-gIv> pos n. def an ancient Greek, esp. one from Argos or Argolis. argle-bargle 0. syl ar:gle-bar:gle pron <2a:gL1ba:gL> pos n. def another word for {argy-bargy}. Argo H1.0. syl Ar:go pron <1a:g*u> pos n. qual Greek myth. def the ship in which Jason sailed in search of the Golden Fleece. Argus infl head Argo syl Ar+gus pron <1a:g*s> pos n. qual Latin genitive Argo H2.0. syl Ar:go pron <1a:g*u> pos n. def an extensive constellation in the S hemisphere now subdivided into the smaller constellations of {Puppis, Vela, Carina}, and {Pyxis}. Also called: {Argo Navis}. argol ety C14: from Anglo-French argoil, of unknown origin argal alt head argol or argol syl ar+gal pos n. argol 0. or argal syl ar+gol pron <1a:gol> pos n. def crude potassium hydrogen tartrate, deposited as a crust on the sides of wine vats. Argolis 1. syl Ar+go+lis pron <1a:g*lis> pos n. def a department and ancient region of Greece, in the NE Peloponnese. Pop.: 88698 (1971). Area: 2261 sq. km (873 sq. miles). Gulf of 2. head Argolis syl Gulf of. def an inlet of the Aegean Sea, in the E Peloponnese. argon ety C19: from Greek, from argos idle, inactive, from #7a -%1#7+ ergon work argon 0. syl ar+gon pron <1a:gon> pos n. def an extremely unreactive colourless odourless element of the rare gas series that forms almost 1 per cent (by volume) of the atmosphere. It is used in electric lights. Symbol: Ar; atomic no.: 18; atomic wt.: 39.95; density: 1.78 kg/m%3; freezing pt.: -189.2?%C; boiling pt.: -185.7?%C. Argonaut ety C16: from Greek Argonaut*_es, from Arg*_o the name of Jason's ship+ naut*_es sailor Argonaut 1. syl Ar+go+naut pron <1a:g*2nc:t> pos n. qual Greek myth. def one of the heroes who sailed with Jason in quest of the Golden Fleece. Argonaut 2. syl Ar+go+naut pron <1a:g*2nc:t> pos n. def a person who took part in the Californian gold rush of 1849. Argonaut 3. syl Ar+go+naut pron <1a:g*2nc:t> pos n. def another name for the {paper nautilus}. Argonautic sub head Argonaut syl Ar+go+1naut+ic pos adj. The infl head Argonne syl The. pos n. Argonne 0. syl Ar+gonne pron <1a:gon>, French pos n. def a wooded region of NE France: scene of major battles in both World Wars. argonon ety C20: from #7argon+ -#7on (indicating an inert gas) argonon 0. syl ar+go+non pron <1a:g*2non> pos n. def another name for {inert gas}. Argos 0. syl Ar+gos pron <1a:gos>, <-g*s> pos n. def an ancient city in SE Greece, in the NE Peloponnese: one of the oldest Greek cities, it dominated the Peloponnese in the 7th century #7b.c. Pop.: 19878 (1971). argosy ety C16: from Italian Ragusea (nave) (ship) of Ragusa argosies infl head argosy syl ar+go+sies. pos n. mod pl. argosy 0. syl ar+go+sy pron <1a:g*si> pos n. qual Archaic or poetic. def a large abundantly laden merchant ship, or a fleet of such ships. argot ety C19: from French, of unknown origin argot 0. syl ar+got pron <1a:g*u> pos n. def slang or jargon peculiar to a particular group, esp. (formerly) a group of thieves. argotic sub head argot syl ar+got+ic pron pos adj. Argovie 0. syl Ar+go+vie pron pos n. def the French name for {Aargau}. arguable 1. syl ar+gu+a:ble pron <1a:gju*bL> pos adj. def capable of being disputed; doubtful. arguable 2. syl ar+gu+a:ble pron <1a:gju*bL> pos adj. def capable of being supported by argument; plausible. arguably sub head arguable syl ar+gu+a:bly pos adv. argue ety C14: from Old French arguer to assert, charge with, from Latin arguere to make clear, accuse; related to Latin arg*_utus clear, argentum silver argues infl head argue syl ar+gues pos vb. arguing infl head argue syl ar+gu+ing pos vb. argued infl head argue syl ar+gued. pos vb. argue 1. syl ar+gue pron <1a:gju:> pos vb. mod intr. def to quarrel; wrangle. exam 1 they were always arguing until I arrived. argue 2. syl ar+gue pron <1a:gju:> pos vb. mod intr. usage often foll. by for or against def to present supporting or opposing reasons or cases in a dispute; reason. argue 3. syl ar+gue pron <1a:gju:> pos vb. mod tr. usage may take a clause as object def to try to prove by presenting reasons; maintain. argue 4. syl ar+gue pron <1a:gju:> pos vb. mod tr. usage often passive def to debate or discuss. exam 1 the case was fully argued before agreement was reached. argue 5. syl ar+gue pron <1a:gju:> pos vb. mod tr. def to persuade. exam 1 he argued me into going. argue 6. syl ar+gue pron <1a:gju:> pos vb. mod tr. def to give evidence of; suggest. exam 1 her looks argue despair. arguer sub head argue syl ar+gu+er pos n. argufies infl head argufy syl ar+gu+fies pos vb. argufying infl head argufy syl ar+gu+fy+ing pos vb. argufied infl head argufy syl ar+gu+fied. pos vb. argufy 0. syl ar+gu+fy pron <1a:gju2fI> pos vb. qual Facetious or dialect. def to argue or quarrel, esp. over something trivial. argument 1. syl ar+gu+ment pron <1a:gjum*nt> pos n. def a quarrel; altercation. argument 2. syl ar+gu+ment pron <1a:gjum*nt> pos n. def a discussion in which reasons are put forward in support of and against a proposition, proposal, or case; debate. exam 1 the argument on birth control will never be concluded. argument 3. syl ar+gu+ment pron <1a:gjum*nt> pos n. mod sometimes; pl. def a point or series of reasons presented to support or oppose a proposition. argument 4. syl ar+gu+ment pron <1a:gjum*nt> pos n. def a summary of the plot or subject of a book, etc. argument 5.a. syl ar+gu+ment pron <1a:gjum*nt> pos n. def a process of deductive or inductive reasoning in which the conclusion can be shown to be true or false. argument 5.b. syl ar+gu+ment pron <1a:gjum*nt> pos n. def the term present in both premisses of a syllogism but absent from its conclusion. argument 6.a. syl ar+gu+ment pron <1a:gjum*nt> pos n. def another name for {independent variable} of a function. argument 6.b. syl ar+gu+ment pron <1a:gjum*nt> pos n. def another name for { {amplitude} (sense 6)} of a complex number. argumentation 1. syl ar+gu+men+ta+tion pron <2a:gjumen1tAS*n> pos n. def the process of reasoning methodically. argumentation 2. syl ar+gu+men+ta+tion pron <2a:gjumen1tAS*n> pos n. def a less common word for {argument} (senses 2, 3). argumentative 1. syl ar+gu+men+ta+tive pron <2a:gju1ment*tiv> pos adj. def given to arguing; contentious. argumentative 2. syl ar+gu+men+ta+tive pron <2a:gju1ment*tiv> pos adj. def characterized by argument; controversial. argumentatively sub head argumentative syl ar+gu+1men+ta+tive+ly pos adv. argumentativeness sub head argumentative syl ar+gu+1men+ta+tive+ness pos n. argumentum ety Latin: argument argumenta infl head argumentum syl ar+gu+men+ta pron <-t*> pos n. mod pl. argumentum 0. syl ar+gu+men+tum pron Latin. <2a:gju1mentum> pos n. def an argument, proof, or series of reasons in support or refutation of a proposition. Argus 1. syl Ar:gus pron <1a:g*s> pos n. qual Greek myth. def a giant with a hundred eyes who was made guardian of the heifer Io. After he was killed by Hermes his eyes were transferred to the peacock's tail. Argus 2. syl Ar:gus pron <1a:g*s> pos n. def a vigilant person; guardian. Argus-eyed 0. syl Ar:gus-eyed pos adj. def keen-sighted; observant; vigilant. argus pheasant 0. syl ar+gus pheas+ant pos n. def either of two pheasants, (great argus) or (crested argus), occurring in SE Asia and Indonesia. The males have very long tails marked with eyelike spots. argy-bargy ety C19: from Scottish, compound based on dialect argle, probably from #7argue argy-bargies infl head argy-bargy syl ar:gy-bar:gies. pos n. mod pl. argy-bargy 0. syl ar:gy-bar:gy pron <1a:Ji1ba:Ji> pos n. qual Brit. informal. def a wrangling argument or verbal dispute. Also called: {argle-bargle}. argyle ety C20: after Campbell of Argyle (Argyll), the pattern being an adaptation of the tartan of this clan argyle 1. syl ar+gyle pron pos adj. def made of knitted or woven material with a diamond-shaped pattern of two or more colours. argyle 2. syl ar+gyle pron pos n. mod often; pl. def a sock made of this. Argyllshire alt head Argyll or Argyll syl Ar+gyll+shire pos n. Argyll 0. or Argyllshire syl Ar+gyll pron pos n. usage until 1975 def a county of W Scotland, now part of Strathclyde region. Argyrol 0. syl Ar+gy+rol pron <1a:Ji2rol>, pos n. qual Trademark. def a dark brown compound of silver and a protein, used medicinally as a local antiseptic. Arhat ety from Sanskrit: worthy of respect, from arhati he deserves Arhat 0. syl Ar+hat pron <1a:h*t> pos n. def a Buddhist, esp. a monk who at death passes to nirvana. Compare {Bodhisattva}. Arhus 0. syl *%Ar+hus pron Danish <1crhu:s> pos n. def a variant spelling of {Aarhus}. aria ety C18: from Italian: tune, #7air aria 0. syl a:ri:a pron <1a:ri*> pos n. def an elaborate accompanied song for solo voice from a cantata, opera, or oratorio. See also {da capo}. Ariadne 0. syl Ar:i:ad:ne pron <2@ri1@dni> pos n. qual Greek myth. def daughter of Minos and Pasipha*"e: she gave Theseus the thread with which he found his way out of the Minotaur's labyrinth. Arian 1. syl Ar:i:an pron <1e*ri*n> pos adj. def of, relating to, or characterizing Arius or Arianism. Arian 2. syl Ar:i:an pron <1e*ri*n> pos n. def an adherent of Arianism. Arian 3. syl Ar:i:an pron <1e*ri*n> pos adj. n. def a variant spelling of {Aryan}. -arian ety from Latin -*_arius -#7ary+ -#7an -arian 0. syl -ar:i:an usage suffix forming nouns. def indicating a person or thing that advocates, believes, or is associated with something. exam 1 vege?!tarian; exam 2 millenarian; exam 3 librarian. Arianism 0. syl Ar:i+an+ism pron <1e*ri*2niz*m> pos n. qual Theol. def the doctrine of Arius, pronounced heretical at the Council of Nicaea, which asserted that Christ was not of one substance with the Father, but a creature raised by the Father to the dignity of Son of God. Arica 0. syl A:ri+ca pron <*1rEk*>, Spanish pos n. def a port in extreme N Chile: awarded to Chile in 1929 after the lengthy Tacna-Arica dispute with Peru; outlet for Bolivian and Peruvian trade. Pop.: 112300 (1975 est.). See also {Tacna-Arica}. arid ety C17: from Latin *_aridus, from *_ar*_ere to be dry arid 1. syl ar:id pron <1@rid> pos adj. def having little or no rain; dry; parched with heat. arid 2. syl ar:id pron <1@rid> pos adj. def devoid of interest. aridity sub head arid or aridness syl a:rid+i:ty pron <*1riditi> pos n. aridness sub head arid or aridity syl ar+id+ness pos n. aridly sub head arid syl ar+id+ly pos adv. Ariege 0. syl A:ri*`ege pron French pos n. def a department of SW France, in Midi-Pyrenees region. Capital: Foix. Pop.: 141436 (1975). Area: 4903 sq. km (1912 sq. miles). ariel ety C19: from Arabic aryal ariel 0. syl ar:i+el pron <1e*ri*l> pos n. def an Arabian gazelle, (or Ariel 0. syl Ar:i+el pron <1e*ri*l> pos n. def the third largest of the five satellites of Uranus and the second nearest to the planet. Aries ety C14: from Latin: ram Arietis infl head Aries syl A:ri+e:tis pron <*1rIitis> pos n. qual Latin genitive Aries 1. syl Ar:ies pron <1e*rEz> pos n. qual Astronomy. def a small zodiacal constellation in the N hemisphere lying between Taurus and Pisces on the ecliptic and having a second-magnitude star. Aries 2.a. syl Ar:ies pron <1e*rEz> pos n. def Also called: the {Ram}. the first sign of the zodiac, symbol ###800040 , having a cardinal fire classification, ruled by the planet Mars. The sun is in this sign between about March 21 and April 19. Aries 2.b. syl Ar:ies pron <1e*rEz> pos n. def a person born during the period when the sun is in this sign. Aries 3. syl Ar:ies pron <1e*rEz> pos adj. qual Astrology. def born under or characteristic of Aries. Aries xref syl Ar:ies pron <1e*rEz> pos n. def Also (for senses 2b., 3): {Ar+i@.en} (#!$e$$r$I$$n). arietta ety C18: from Italian, diminutive of #7aria ariette alt head arietta or arietta syl ar:i+ette pron <2@ri1et> pos n. ariettas infl head arietta syl ar:i+et+tas pron <-1AttA> pos n. mod pl. ariette infl head arietta or ariettes syl ar:i+et+te pron <-1AttA> pos n. mod pl. ariettes infl head arietta or ariette syl ar:i+ettes. pos n. mod pl. arietta 0. or ariette syl ar:i+et+ta pron <2@ri1et*>, Italian pos n. def a short relatively uncompli?!cated aria. aright 0. syl a:right pron <*1rIt> pos adv. def correctly; rightly; properly. aril ety C18: from New Latin arillus, from Medieval Latin arilli raisins, pips of grapes aril 0. syl ar:il pron <1@ril> pos n. def an appendage on certain seeds, such as those of the yew and nutmeg, developed from or near the funicle of the ovule and often brightly coloured and fleshy. arillate sub head aril syl ar+il+2late pos adj. arillode ety C19: from #7aril+ -#7ode %1 arillode 0. syl ar+il+lode pron <1@ri2l*ud> pos n. def a structure in certain seeds, such as the nutmeg, that resembles an aril but is developed from the micropyle of the ovule. Arimathaea alt head Arimathea or Arimathea syl Ar:i+ma+thae:a pron <2@rim*1TE*> pos n. Arimathea 0. or Arimathaea syl Ar:i+ma+the:a pron <2@rim*1TE*> pos n. def a town in ancient Palestine: location unknown. Ariminum 0. syl A:rim:i+num pron <*1rimin*m> pos n. def the ancient name of {Rimini}. ariose ety C18: from Italian #7arioso ariose 0. syl a:ri+ose pron <1a:ri2*us>, <1@-> <2a:ri1*us>, <2@-> pos adj. qual Rare. def melodic or songlike. arioso ety C18: from Italian, from #7aria arioso 0. syl a:ri:o+so pron <2a:ri1*uz*u>, <1@-> pos n. qual Music. def a recitative with the lyrical quality of an aria. Ludovico infl head Ariosto syl Lu:do:vi:co pron <2ludo1vEko> pos n. Ariosto 0. syl A:ri:o:sto pron Italian pos n. def 1474-1533, Italian poet, famous for his romantic epic (1516). arise ety Old English *_ar*_isan; related to Old Saxon ar*_isan, Old High German irr*_isan; see #7rise arises infl head arise syl a:ris:es pos vb. mod intr. arising infl head arise syl a:ris+ing pos vb. mod intr. arose infl head arise syl a:rose pos vb. mod intr. arisen infl head arise syl a:ris+en. pos vb. mod intr. arise 1. syl a:rise pron <*1rIz> pos vb. mod intr. def to come into being; originate. arise 2. syl a:rise pron <*1rIz> pos vb. mod intr. usage foll. by from def to spring or proceed as a consequence; result. arise 3. syl a:rise pron <*1rIz> pos vb. mod intr. def to get or stand up, as from a sitting, kneeling, or lying position. arise 4. syl a:rise pron <*1rIz> pos vb. mod intr. def to come into notice. arise 5. syl a:rise pron <*1rIz> pos vb. mod intr. def to move upwards; ascend. arista ety C17: from Latin: ear of corn, fishbone aristae infl head arista syl a:ris+tae pron <-tE> pos n. mod pl. arista 1. syl a:ris+ta pron <*1rist*> pos n. def a stiff bristle such as the awn of some grasses and cereals. arista 2. syl a:ris+ta pron <*1rist*> pos n. def a bristle-like appendage on the antennae of some insects. aristate sub head arista syl a:1ris+tate pos adj. Aristaeus 0. syl Ar:is:tae:us pron <2@ri1stE*s> pos n. qual Greek myth. def a son of Apollo and Cyrene: protector of herds and fields. Aristarchus 0. syl Ar+is+tar+chus pron <2@ri1sta:k*s> pos n. def a crater in the NE quadrant of the moon, having a diameter of about 37 kilometres, which is the brightest formation on the moon. Aristarchus of Samos 0. syl Ar:is:tar:chus of Sa+mos pos n. def 3rd century #7b.c., Greek astronomer who anticipated Copernicus in advancing the theory that the earth revolves around the sun. Aristarchus of Samothrace 0. syl Ar:is:tar:chus of Sam:o+thrace pos n. def ??220-??150 #7b.c., Greek scholar: librarian at Alexandria, noted for his edition of Homer. Aristides 0. syl A:ris:ti:des pron <2@ri1stIdEz> pos n. def called ??530-??468 #7b.c., Athenian general and statesman, who played a prominent part in the Greek victories over the Persians at Marathon (490), Salamis (480), and Plataea (479). Aristippus 0. syl Ar:is:tip:pus pron <2@ri1stip*s> pos n. def ??435-??356 #7b.c., Greek philosopher who believed pleasure to be the highest good and founded the Cyrenaic school. aristocracy ety C16: from Late Latin aristocratia, from Greek aristokratia rule by the best-born, from aristos best; see -#7cracy ********************************************************************** ********************************************************************** best; see -#7cracy ********************************************************************** ********************************************************************** aristocracies infl head aristocracy syl ar+is+toc+ra+cies. pos n. mod pl. aristocracy 1. syl ar+is+toc+ra+cy pron <2@ri1stokr*si> pos n. def government by the best citizens. aristocracy 2. syl ar+is+toc+ra+cy pron <2@ri1stokr*si> pos n. def a privileged class of people usually of high birth; the nobility. aristocracy 3. syl ar+is+toc+ra+cy pron <2@ri1stokr*si> pos n. def such a class as the ruling body of a state. aristocracy 4. syl ar+is+toc+ra+cy pron <2@ri1stokr*si> pos n. def government by such a class. aristocracy 5. syl ar+is+toc+ra+cy pron <2@ri1stokr*si> pos n. def a state governed by such a class. aristocracy 6. syl ar+is+toc+ra+cy pron <2@ri1stokr*si> pos n. def a class of people considered to be outstanding in a sphere of activity. aristocrat 1. syl a:ris+to+crat pron <1@rist*2kr@t> pos n. def a member of the aristocracy; a noble. aristocrat 2. syl a:ris+to+crat pron <1@rist*2kr@t> pos n. def a person who has the manners or qualities of a member of a privileged or superior class. aristocrat 3. syl a:ris+to+crat pron <1@rist*2kr@t> pos n. def a person who advocates aristocracy as a form of government. aristocratic 1. syl a:ris+to+crat+ic pron <2@rist*1kr@tik> pos adj. def relating to or characteristic of aristocracy or an aristocrat. aristocratic 2. syl a:ris+to+crat+ic pron <2@rist*1kr@tik> pos adj. def elegant or stylish in appearance and behaviour. aristocratically sub head aristocratic syl a:ris+to+1crat:i+cal+ly pos adv. Aristophanes 0. syl Ar:is:toph:a:nes pron <2@ri1stof*2nEz> pos n. def ??448-??380 #7b.c., Greek comic dramatist, who satirized leading contemporary figures such as Socrates and Euripides. Eleven of his plays are extant, including and Aristotelian 1. syl Ar+is+to+te:li:an pron <2@rist*1tEli*n> pos adj. def of or relating to Aristotle or his philosophy. {~} Aristotelian 2. syl Ar+is+to+te:li:an pron <2@rist*1tEli*n> pos adj. def a follower of Aristotle. Aristotelian logic 1. syl Ar+is+to+te:li:an log+ic pos n. def traditional or classical logic, esp. as opposed to modern or symbolic logic. Aristotelian logic 2. syl Ar+is+to+te:li:an log+ic pos n. def logical method relying on the theory of syllogism, which considers the form of propositions regardless of their content. Aristotelian logic 3. syl Ar+is+to+te:li:an log+ic pos n. def the logical method of Aristotle, esp. as developed in the Middle Ages. Aristotle H1.0. syl Ar:is:to:tle pron <1@ri2stotL> pos n. def 384-322 #7b.c., Greek philosopher; pupil of Plato, tutor of Alexander the Great, and founder of the Peripatetic school at Athens; author of works on logic, ethics, politics, poetics, rhetoric, biology, zoology, and metaphysics. His works influenced Muslim philosophy and science and medieval scholastic philosophy. Aristotle H2.0. syl Ar+is+tot+le pron <1@ri2stotL> pos n. def a prominent crater in the NW quadrant of the moon about 83 kilometres in diameter. arithmetic ety C13: from Latin arithm*_etica, from Greek arithm*_etik*_e, from arithmein to count, from arithmos number arithmetic 1. syl a:rith+me+tic pron <*1riTm*tik> pos n. def the branch of mathematics concerned with numerical calculations, such as addition, subtraction, multiplication, division, and also involution and evolution. arithmetic 2. syl a:rith+me+tic pron <*1riTm*tik> pos n. def one or more calculations involving numerical operations. arithmetic 3. syl a:rith+me+tic pron <*1riTm*tik> pos n. def knowledge of or skill in using arithmetic. exam 1 his arithmetic is good. arithmetic 4. syl a:rith+me+tic pron <2@riT1metik> pos adj. usage also def of, related to, or using arithmetic. arithmetician sub head arithmetic syl a:2rith+me:1ti+cian pos n. arithmetic mean 0. syl a:rith+me+tic mean pos n. def the average value of a set of integers, terms, or quantities, expressed as their sum divided by their number. exam 1 the arithmetic mean of 3, 4, and 8 is 5. arithmetic progression 0. syl a:rith+me+tic pro+gres+sion pos n. def a sequence of numbers or quantities, each term of which differs from the succeeding term by a constant amount, such as 3,6,9,12. Compare {geometric progression}. -arium ety from Latin -*_arium, neuter of -*_arius -#7ary -arium 0. syl -ar:i:um usage suffix forming nouns. def indicating a place for or associated with something. exam 1 aquarium; exam 2 planetarium; exam 3 solarium. Arius 0. syl Ar:i:us pron <1e*ri*s> pos n. def ??250-336 #7a.d., Greek Christian theologian, originator of the doctrine of Arianism. Ariz 0. syl Ariz. qual abbrev. for def Arizona. Arizona 0. syl Ar:i+zo+na pron <2@ri1z*un*> pos n. def a state of the southwestern U.S.: consists of the Colorado plateau in the northeast, including the Grand Canyon, divided from desert in the southwest by mountains rising over 3750 m (12500 ft.). Capital: Phoenix. Pop.: 1772482 (1970). Area: 293750 sq. km (113417 sq. miles). Abbrevs.: {Ariz}. or (with zip code) {AZ} Arjuna 0. syl Ar:ju:na pron <1a:Jun*> pos n. qual Hindu myth. def the most important of the five princes in the Krishna served as his charioteer in the battle with the Kauravas. ark ety Old English arc, from Latin arca box, chest ark 1. syl ark pron pos n. def the vessel that Noah built and in which he saved himself, his family, and a number of animals and birds during the Flood (Genesis 6-9). out of the ark 2. head ark syl out of the ark. qual Informal. def very old; out of date. ark 3. syl ark pron pos n. def a place or thing offering shelter or protection. ark 4. syl ark pron pos n. qual Dialect. def a chest, box, or coffer. Ark 1. syl Ark pron pos n. qual Judaism. def Also called: {Ark of the Covenant}. the most sacred symbol of God's presence among the Hebrew people, carried in their journey from Sinai to the Promised Land (Canaan) and eventually enshrined in the holy of holies of the Temple in Jerusalem. Ark 2. syl Ark pron pos n. qual Judaism. def Also called: {Holy Ark}. a receptacle for the scrolls of the Law usually kept in the place of honour of a synagogue. Ark 0. syl Ark. qual abbrev. for def Arkansas. Arkansas 1. syl Ar+kan+sas pron <1a:k*n2sc:> pos n. def a state of the southern U.S.: mountainous in the north and west, with the alluvial plain of the Mississippi in the east; has the only diamond mine in the U.S.; the chief U.S. producer of bauxite. Capital: Little Rock. Pop.: 1923295 (1970). Area: 134537 sq. km (51945 sq. miles). Abbrevs.: {Ark}. or (with zip code) {AR} Arkansas 2. syl Ar+kan+sas pron <1a:k*n2sc:> pos n. def a river in the S central U.S., rising in central Colorado and flowing east and southeast to join the Mississippi in Arkansas. Length: 2335 km (1450 miles). Arkhangelsk 0. syl Ar+khan+gelsk pron pos n. def the Russian name for {Arch?!angel}. arkose ety C19: from French arkose 0. syl ar+kose pron <1a:k*us> pos n. def a sandstone consisting of grains of feldspar and quartz cemented by a mixture of quartz and clay minerals. Arkwright 0. syl Ark:wright pron <1a:krIt> pos n. def Sir {Rich@.ard}. 1732-92, English cotton manufacturer: inventor of the spinning frame (1769) which produced cotton thread strong enough to be used as a warp. Arlberg 0. syl Arl+berg pron German <1arl2berk> pos n. def a mountain pass in W Austria: a winter sports region. Height: 1802 m (5910 ft.). Arles 1. syl Arles pron , French pos n. def a city in SE France, on the Rh*^one: Roman amphitheatre. Pop.: 50345 (1975). Kingdom of 2. head Arles syl Kingdom of. def a kingdom in SE France which had dissolved by 1378: known as the Kingdom of Burgundy until about 1200. Arlington 0. syl Ar+ling+ton pron <1a:liGt*n> pos n. def a county of N Virginia: site of {Arlington National Cemetery}. Arlon 0. syl Ar+lon pron French pos n. def a town in SE Belgium, capital of Luxembourg province. Pop.: 13745 (1970). arm ety Old English; related to German Arm, Old Norse armr arm, Latin armus shoulder, Greek harmos joint arm H1.1. syl arm pron pos n. usage in man def either of the upper limbs from the shoulder to the wrist. Related adj.: {brachial}. arm H1.2. syl arm pron pos n. def the part of either of the upper limbs from the elbow to the wrist; forearm. arm H1.3.a. syl arm pron pos n. def the corresponding limb of any other vertebrate. arm H1.3.b. syl arm pron pos n. def an armlike appendage of some invertebrates. arm H1.4. syl arm pron pos n. def an object that covers or supports the human arm, esp. the sleeve of a garment or the side of a chair, sofa, etc. arm H1.5. syl arm pron pos n. def anything considered to resemble an arm in appearance, position, or function, esp. something that branches out from a central support or larger mass. exam 1 an arm of the sea; exam 2 the arm of a record player. arm H1.6. syl arm pron pos n. def an administrative subdivision of an organization. exam 1 an arm of the government. arm H1.7. syl arm pron pos n. def power; authority. exam 1 the arm of the law. arm H1.8. syl arm pron pos n. def any of the specialist combatant sections of a military force, such as cavalry, infantry, etc. arm H1.9. syl arm pron pos n. qual Nautical. def See {yardarm}. arm H1.10. syl arm pron pos n. qual Sport, esp. ball games. def ability to throw or pitch. exam 1 he has a good arm. arm in arm 11. head arm syl arm in arm. def with arms linked. at arm's length 12. head arm syl at arm's length. def at a distance; away from familiarity with or subjection to another. in the arms of Morpheus 13. head arm syl in the arms of Morpheus. def sleeping. with open arms 14. head arm syl with open arms. def with great warmth and hospitality. exam 1 to welcome someone with open arms. arm H1.15. syl arm pron pos vb. mod tr. qual Archaic. def to walk arm in arm with. armless sub head arm syl arm+less pos adj. armlike sub head arm syl arm+2like pos adj. arm ety C14: (n.) back formation from arms, from Old French armes, from Latin arma; (vb.) from Old French armer to equip with arms, from Latin arm*_are, from arma arms, equipment arm H2.1. syl arm pron pos vb. def to equip with weapons as a preparation for war. arm H2.2. syl arm pron pos vb. mod tr. def to provide (a person or thing) with something that strengthens, protects, or increases efficiency. exam 1 he armed himself against the cold. arm H2.3. syl arm pron pos vb. mod tr. def to activate a fuse so that it will explode at the required time. arm H2.4. syl arm pron pos vb. mod tr. qual Nautical. def to pack arming into (a sounding lead). arm H2.5. syl arm pron pos n. mod usually; pl. def a weapon, esp. a firearm. Arm 1. syl Arm. qual abbrev. for: def Armenia(n). Arm 2. syl Arm. qual abbrev. for: def Armoric. armada ety C16: from Spanish, from Medieval Latin arm*_ata fleet, armed forces, from Latin arm*_are to provide with arms armada 0. syl ar+ma+da pron pos n. def a large number of ships or aircraft. Armada 0. syl Ar+ma+da pron pos n. usage usually preceded by the def See the {Spanish Armada}. armadillo ety C16: from Spanish, diminutive of armado armed (man), from Latin arm*_atus armed; compare #7armada armadillos infl head armadillo syl ar+ma+dil+los. pos n. mod pl. armadillo 1. syl ar+ma+dil+lo pron <2a:m*1dil*u> pos n. def any edentate mammal of the family of Central and South America and S North America, such as ({giant armadillo}) . They are burrowing animals, with peglike rootless teeth and a covering of strong horny plates over most of the body. fairy armadillo 2. head armadillo syl fairy armadillo. def another name for {pichiciego}. Armageddon ety C19: from Late Latin Armaged*_on, from Greek, from Hebrew har megidd*_on, mountain district of Megiddo, site of various battles in the Old Testament Armageddon 1. syl Ar+ma+ged+don pron <2a:m*1gedN> pos n. qual New Testament. def the place (possibly to be identified with Megiddo in N Palestine) designated in Revelation 16:16 as the scene of the final battle between the kings of the earth at the end of the world. Armageddon 2. syl Ar+ma+ged+don pron <2a:m*1gedN> pos n. def a catastrophic and extremely destructive conflict, esp. World War I viewed as this. Armagh 1. syl Ar+magh pron pos n. def a county of S Northern Ireland. County town: Armagh. Pop.: 133196 (1971). Area: 1266 sq. km (489 sq. miles). Armagh 2. syl Ar+magh pron pos n. def a town in S Northern Ireland, county town of Co. Armagh: seat of Roman Catholic and Protestant archbishops. Pop.: 12297 (1971). Armagnac ety from Armagnac, the former name of this region Armagnac 0. syl Ar+ma+gnac pron <1a:m*n2j@k> pos n. def a dry brown brandy distilled in the French district of Gers. armament ety C17: from Latin arm*_amenta utensils, from arm*_are to equip armament 1. syl ar+ma+ment pron <1a:m*m*nt> pos n. def the weapon equipment of a military vehicle, ship, or aircraft. armament 2. syl ar+ma+ment pron <1a:m*m*nt> pos n. def a military force raised and armed ready for war. armament 3. syl ar+ma+ment pron <1a:m*m*nt> pos n. def preparation for war involving the production of equipment and arms. armamentariums infl head armamentarium or armamentariia syl ar+ma+men+tar+i:ums pron <-i*> pos n. mod pl. armamentariia infl head armamentarium or armamentariums syl ar+ma+men+tar+i:i:a pron <-i*> pos n. mod pl. armamentarium 0. syl ar+ma+men+tar+i:um pron <2a:m*men1te*ri*m> pos n. def the items that comprise the material and equipment used by a physician in his professional practice. armature ety C15: from Latin arm*_at*_ura armour, equipment, from arm*_are to furnish with equipment; see #7arm %2 armature 1. syl ar+ma+ture pron <1a:m*tju*> pos n. def a revolving structure in an electric motor or generator, wound with the coils that carry the current. armature 2. syl ar+ma+ture pron <1a:m*tju*> pos n. def any part of an electric machine or device that vibrates under the influence of a magnetic field or within which an electromotive force is induced. armature 3. syl ar+ma+ture pron <1a:m*tju*> pos n. def Also called: {keeper}. a soft iron or steel bar placed across the poles of a permanent magnet to close the magnetic circuit. armature 4. syl ar+ma+ture pron <1a:m*tju*> pos n. def such a bar placed across the poles of an electromagnet to transmit mechanical force. armature 5. syl ar+ma+ture pron <1a:m*tju*> pos n. qual Sculpture. def a framework to support the clay or other material used in modelling. armature 6. syl ar+ma+ture pron <1a:m*tju*> pos n. def the protective outer covering of an animal or plant. armature 7. syl ar+ma+ture pron <1a:m*tju*> pos n. qual Archaic. def armour. armband 0. syl arm+band pron <1a:m2b@nd> pos n. def a band of material worn round the arm, such as one bearing an identifying mark, etc., or a black one indicating mourning. armchair 1. syl arm+chair pron <1a:m2Ce*> pos n. def a chair, esp. an upholstered one, that has side supports for the arms or elbows. armchair 2. syl arm+chair pron <1a:m2Ce*> pos n. usage modifier def taking no active part; lacking practical experience; theoretical. exam 1 an armchair strategist. armchair 3. syl arm+chair pron <1a:m2Ce*> pos n. usage modifier def participated in away from the place of action or in the home. exam 1 armchair theatre. Armco 0. syl Arm+co pron <1a:mk*u> pos n. qual Trademark. def a metal safety barrier erected at the side of motor-racing circuits, esp. on corners. armed H1.1. syl armed pron pos adj. def equipped with or supported by arms, armour, etc. armed H1.2. syl armed pron pos adj. def prepared for conflict or any difficulty. armed H2.0.a. syl armed pron pos adj. def having an arm or arms. armed H2.0.b. syl armed pron pos adj. usage in combination; long-armed def ; armed forces 0. syl armed forc:es pos n. mod pl. def the military forces of a nation or nations, including the army, navy, air force, marines, etc. Armenia 1. syl Ar+me+ni:a pron pos n. def a region of W Asia, now divided among the Soviet Union, Turkey, and Iran: formerly a kingdom, with origins in the 12th century #7b.c. Armenia 2. syl Ar+me+ni:a pron pos n. def a town in central Colombia: centre of a coffee-growing district. Pop.: 135615 (1973). Armenian 1. syl Ar+me+ni:an pron pos n. def a native or inhabitant of Armenia or an Armenian-speaking person elsewhere. Armenian 2. syl Ar+me+ni:an pron pos n. def the language of the Armenians: an Indo-European language probably belonging to the Thraco-Phrygian branch, but containing many non-Indo-European elements. Armenian 3. syl Ar+me+ni:an pron pos n. def an adherent of the Armenian Church or its doctrines. {~} Armenian 4. syl Ar+me+ni:an pron pos n. def of or relating to Armenia, its inhabitants, their language, or the Armenian Church. Armenian Church 0. syl Ar+me+ni:an Church pos n. def the national Church of Armenia, founded in the early fourth century #7a.d., the dogmas and liturgy of which are similar to those of the Orthodox Church. Armenian Soviet Socialist Republic 0. syl Ar+me+ni:an So+vi+et So+cial+ist Re+pub+lic pos n. def an administrative division of the S Soviet Union, bordering on Iran in the south and Turkey in the west: mountainous, rising over 4000 m (13000 ft.). Capital: Yerevan. Pop.: 2491873 (1970). Area: 229800 sq. km (11490 sq. miles). Armentieres 0. syl Ar+men+ti*`eres pron <1a:m*n2ti*z>, French pos n. def a town in N France: site of battles in both World Wars. Pop.: 27473 (1975). armes parlantes ety literally: speaking arms armes parlantes 0. syl armes par+lantes qual French def arm par#!l*~a$:t) arms using devices to illustrate the name of the bearers, such as a rose and a wall to illustrate the name armet ety C16: from Old French, from Old Spanish almete, from Old French #7helmet armet 0. syl ar+met pron <1a:met> pos n. def a close-fitting medieval visored helmet with a neck guard. armfuls infl head armful syl arm+fuls. pos n. mod pl. armful 0. syl arm+ful pron <1a:mful> pos n. def the amount that can be held by one or both arms. armhole 0. syl arm+hole pron <1a:m2h*ul> pos n. def the opening in an article of clothing through which the arm passes and to which a sleeve is often fitted. armiger ety C16: from Medieval Latin: squire, from Latin: armour-bearer, from arma arms+ gerere to carry, bear armiger 1. syl ar+mi+ger pron <1a:miJ*> pos n. def a person entitled to bear heraldic arms, such as a sovereign or nobleman. armiger 2. syl ar+mi+ger pron <1a:miJ*> pos n. def a squire carrying the armour of a medieval knight. armigerous sub head armiger syl ar+mig+er+ous pron pos adj. armillary ety C17: from New Latin armillaris, from Latin armilla bracelet armillary 0. syl ar+mil+lar:y pron <1a:mil*ri>, pos adj. def of or relating to bracelets. armillary sphere 0. syl ar+mil+lar:y sphere pos n. def a model of the celestial sphere consist?!ing of rings representing the relative positions of the celestial equator, ecliptic, etc., used by early astronomers for determining the positions of stars. arming 1. syl arm+ing pron <1a:miG> pos n. def the act of taking arms or providing with arms. arming 2. syl arm+ing pron <1a:miG> pos n. qual Nautical. def a greasy substance, such as tallow, packed into the recess at the bottom of a sounding lead to pick up samples of sand, gravel, etc., from the bottom. Arminian 1. syl Ar+min:i+an pron pos adj. def denoting, relating to, or believing in the Christian Protestant doctrines of Jacobus Arminius, published in 1610, which rejected absolute predestination and insisted that the sovereignty of God is compatible with free will in man. These doctrines deeply influenced Wesleyan and Methodist theology. {~} Arminian 2. syl Ar+min:i+an pron pos adj. def a follower of such doctrines. &- {Ar+#!min@.i+an+@!ism} Jacobus infl head Arminius syl Ja:co:bus pron pos n. Arminius 0. syl Ar:min:i:us pron pos n. def original name 1560-1609, Dutch Protestant theologian. armipotent ety C14: from Latin armipot*_ens, from arma arms+ pot*_ens powerful, from posse to be able armipotent 0. syl ar+mip:o+tent pron pos adj. qual Literary. def strong in arms or war. armipotence sub head armipotent syl ar+1mip:o+tence pos n. armistice ety C18: from New Latin armistitium, from Latin arma arms+ sistere to stop, stand still armistice 0. syl ar+mi+stice pron <1a:mistis> pos n. def an agreement between opposing armies to suspend hostilities in order to discuss peace terms; truce. Armistice Day 0. syl Ar+mi+stice Day pos n. def the anniversary of the signing of the armistice that ended World War I, on Nov. 11, 1918, now kept on Remembrance Sunday. See also {Remembrance Day}. U.S. name: {Veterans Day}. armlet 1. syl arm+let pron <1a:mlit> pos n. def a small arm, as of a lake, the sea, etc. armlet 2. syl arm+let pron <1a:mlit> pos n. def a band or bracelet worn round the arm for ornament, identification, etc. armlet 3. syl arm+let pron <1a:mlit> pos n. def a very short sleeve on a garment. armoire ety C16: from French, from Old French armaire, from Latin arm*_arium chest, closet; see #7ambry armoire 0. syl ar+moire pron pos n. def a large cabinet, originally used for storing weapons. armor 0. syl ar+mor pron <1a:m*> pos n. def the U.S. spelling of {armour}. armorial 1. syl ar+mo+ri+al pron pos adj. def of or relating to heraldry or heraldic arms. armorial 2. syl ar+mo+ri+al pron pos n. def a book of coats of arms. Armorica 0. syl Ar+mor:i+ca pron pos n. def an ancient name for Brittany. Armorican sub head Armorica syl Ar+1mor:i+can pos n. adj. armories infl head armory syl ar+mor:ies. pos n. mod pl. armory 1. syl ar+mor:y pron <1a:m*ri> pos n. qual Rare. def another name for {heraldry}. armory 2. syl ar+mor:y pron <1a:m*ri> pos n. def the usual U.S. spelling of {armoury}. &- {#!ar+mor+ist} armour ety C13: from Old French armure, from Latin arm*_atur*_a armour, equipment armor alt head armour or armour syl ar+mor pron <1a:m*> pos n. qual U.S. armour 1. or armor syl ar+mour pron <1a:m*> pos n. def any defensive covering, esp. that of metal, chain mail, etc., worn by medieval warriors to prevent injury to the body in battle. armour 2. or armor syl ar+mour pron <1a:m*> pos n. def the protective metal plates on a tank, warship, etc. armour 3. or armor syl ar+mour pron <1a:m*> pos n. qual Military. def armoured fighting vehicles in general. armour 4. or armor syl ar+mour pron <1a:m*> pos n. def any protective covering, such as the shell of certain animals. armour 5. or armor syl ar+mour pron <1a:m*> pos n. qual Nautical. def the watertight suit of a diver. armour 6. or armor syl ar+mour pron <1a:m*> pos n. def heraldic insignia; arms. armour 7. or armor syl ar+mour pron <1a:m*> pos vb. mod tr. def to equip or cover with armour. armour-bearer 0. syl ar:mour-bear:er pos n. qual History. def a retainer who carried the arms or armour of a warrior. armored alt head armoured or armoured syl ar+mored pron <1a:m*d> pos adj. qual U.S. armoured 1. or armored syl ar+moured pron <1a:m*d> pos adj. def having a protective covering, such as armour or bone. armoured 2. or armored syl ar+moured pron <1a:m*d> pos adj. def comprising units making use of armoured vehicles. exam 1 an armoured brigade. armoured 3. or armored syl ar+moured pron <1a:m*d> pos adj. usage of glass def toughened. armoured car 1. syl ar+moured car pos n. qual Military. def a fast lightly armed and armoured vehicle, mainly used for reconnaissance. armoured car 2. syl ar+moured car pos n. def any vehicle strengthened by armoured plate, esp. a security van for transporting cash and valuables. armorer alt head armourer or armourer syl ar+mor+er pron <1a:m*r*> pos n. qual U.S. armourer 1. or armorer syl ar+mour+er pron <1a:m*r*> pos n. def a person who makes or mends arms and armour. armourer 2. or armorer syl ar+mour+er pron <1a:m*r*> pos n. def a person employed in the maintenance of small arms and weapons in a military unit. armour plate 0. syl ar+mour plate pos n. def a tough heavy steel, usually containing chromium, nickel, and molybdenum and often hardened on the surface, used for protecting warships, tanks, etc. armory alt head armoury or armoury syl ar+mor:y pron <1a:m*ri> pos n. qual U.S. armouries infl head armoury or armories syl ar+mour:ies pos n. mod pl. armories infl head armoury or armouries syl ar+mor:ies. pos n. mod pl. armoury 1. or armory syl ar+mour:y pron <1a:m*ri> pos n. def a secure place for the storage of weapons. armoury 2. or armory syl ar+mour:y pron <1a:m*ri> pos n. def a building in which training in the use of arms and drill takes place. armoury 3. or armory syl ar+mour:y pron <1a:m*ri> pos n. def a place where arms are made. armoury 4. or armory syl ar+mour:y pron <1a:m*ri> pos n. def armour generally; military supplies. armpit 0. syl arm+pit pron <1a:m2pit> pos n. def the small depression beneath the arm where it joins the shoulder. Technical name: {axilla}. armrest 0. syl arm+rest pron <1a:m2rest> pos n. def the part of a chair, sofa, etc., that supports the arm. Sometimes shortened to {arm}. arms ety C13: from Old French armes, from Latin arma; see #7arm %2 arms 1. syl arms pron pos n. mod pl. def weapons collectively. See also {small arms}. arms 2. syl arms pron pos n. mod pl. def military exploits. exam 1 prowess in arms. arms 3. syl arms pron pos n. mod pl. def the official heraldic symbols of a family, state, etc., including a shield with distinctive devices, and often supports, a crest, or other insignia. arms 4.a. syl arms pron pos n. mod pl. def to carry weapons. arms 4.b. syl arms pron pos n. mod pl. def to serve in the armed forces. arms 4.c. syl arms pron pos n. mod pl. def to have a coat of arms. in 5. head arms or under arms syl in def armed and prepared for war. lay down one's arms 6. head arms syl lay down one's arms. def to stop fighting; surrender. arms 7.a. syl arms pron pos n. mod pl. def a position of salute in which the rifle is brought up to a position vertically in line with the body, muzzle uppermost and trigger guard to the fore. arms 7.b. syl arms pron pos n. mod pl. def the command for this drill. take (up) arms 8. head arms syl take (up) arms. def to prepare to fight. to arms 9. head arms syl to arms&! def arm yourselves&! up in arms 10. head arms syl up in arms. def indignant; prepared to protest strongly. arms race 0. syl arms race pos n. def the continuing attempt by two or more nations each to have available to it more and more powerful weapons than the other(s). (Daniel) Louis infl head Armstrong syl (Daniel) Lou:is pos n. Armstrong 0. syl Arm:strong pron <1a:m2stroG> pos n. def nickname 1900-71, U.S. jazz trumpeter and bandleader. armure ety C19: from French: #7armour armure 0. syl ar+mure pron <1a:mju*> pos n. def a silk or wool fabric with a small cobbled pattern. army ety C14: from Old French armee, from Medieval Latin arm*_ata armed forces; see #7armada armies infl head army syl ar:mies. pos n. mod pl. army 1. syl ar:my pron <1a:mi> pos n. def the military land forces of a nation. army 2. syl ar:my pron <1a:mi> pos n. def a military unit usually consisting of two or more corps with supporting arms and services. army 3. syl ar:my pron <1a:mi> pos n. usage modifier def of, relating to, or characteristic of an army. exam 1 army rations. army 4. syl ar:my pron <1a:mi> pos n. def any large body of people united for some specific purpose. army 5. syl ar:my pron <1a:mi> pos n. def a large number of people, animals, etc.; multitude. army ant 0. syl ar:my ant pos n. def any of various mainly tropical American predatory ants of the subfamily which live in temporary nests and travel in vast hordes preying on other animals. Also called: {legionary ant}. See also {driver ant}. Army List 0. syl Ar:my List pos n. qual Brit. def an official list of all serving commissioned officers of the army and reserve officers liable for recall. army worm 1. syl ar:my worm pos n. def the caterpillar of a widely distributed noctuid moth, which travels in vast hordes and is a serious pest of cereal crops in North America. army worm 2. syl ar:my worm pos n. def any of various similar caterpillars. Thomas (Augustine) infl head Arne syl Thom:as (Augustine) . pos n. Arne 0. syl Arne pron pos n. def 1710-78, English composer, noted for his setting of Shakespearean songs and for his song Arnhem 0. syl Arn+hem pron <1a:n*m> pos n. def a city in the E Netherlands, capital of Gelderland province, on the Rhine: site of a World War II battle. Pop.: 126955 (1974 est.). Arnhem Land 0. syl Arn+hem Land pos n. def a region of N Australia, in the N Northern Territory: mainly a reserve for Aborigines. arnica ety C18: from New Latin, of unknown origin arnica 1. syl ar+ni+ca pron <1a:nik*> pos n. def any N temperate or arctic plant of the genus typically having yellow flowers: family (composites). arnica 2. syl ar+ni+ca pron <1a:nik*> pos n. def the tincture of the dried flower heads of any of these plants, esp. used in treating bruises. Achim von infl head Arnim syl Ach:im von pron <1a$xim> pos n. Arnim 0. syl Ar:nim pron German <1arnim> pos n. def 1781-1831, German romantic poet. He published, with Clemens Brentano, the collection of folk songs, (1805-08). Arno 0. syl Ar:no pron <1a:n*u> pos n. def a river in central Italy, rising in the Apennines and flowing through Florence and Pisa to the Ligurian Sea. Length: about 240 km (150 miles). Arnold H1.0. syl Ar+nold pron <1a:nLd> pos n. def a town in N central England, in S Nottinghamshire. Pop.: 33254 (1971). Malcolm 1. head Arnold syl Mal:colm. def born 1921, English composer, esp. of orchestral works in a traditional idiom. Matthew 2. head Arnold syl Mat:thew. def 1822-88, English poet, essayist, and literary critic, noted par?!ticularly for his poems (1853) and (1867), and for his (1865) and (1869). Arnold H2.3. syl Ar:nold pron <1a:nLd> pos n. def his father, {Thom@.as}. 1795-1842, English historian and educationalist, headmaster of Rugby School, noted for his reforms in public-school education. aroid ety C19: from New Latin Arum type genus+-#7oid ; see #7arum aroid 1. syl ar+oid pron <1@rcid>, <1e*r-> pos adj. def Also: {araceous}. of, relating to, or belonging to the a family of plants having small flowers massed on a spadix surrounded by a large petaloid spathe. The family includes arum, calla, and anthurium. aroid 2. syl ar+oid pron <1@rcid>, <1e*r-> pos n. def any plant of the aroint thee ety C17: of unknown origin ye alt head aroint thee or aroint thee syl ye pron <*1rcint> pos interj. aroint thee 0. or ye syl a:roint thee pron <*1rcint> pos interj. qual Archaic. def away&! begone&! aroma ety C18: via Latin from Greek: spice aroma 1. syl a:ro+ma pron <*1r*um*> pos n. def a distinctive usually pleasant smell, esp. of spices, wines, and plants. aroma 2. syl a:ro+ma pron <*1r*um*> pos n. def a subtle pervasive quality or atmosphere. aromatic 1. syl ar:o+mat+ic pron <2@r*1m@tik> pos adj. def having a distinctive, usually fragrant smell. aromatic 2. syl ar:o+mat+ic pron <2@r*1m@tik> pos adj. usage of an organic compound def having an unsaturated ring containing alternating double and single bonds, esp. containing a benzene ring; exhibiting aromaticity. Compare {aliphatic}. aromatic 3. syl ar:o+mat+ic pron <2@r*1m@tik> pos n. def something, such as a plant or drug, giving off a fragrant smell. aromatically sub head aromatic syl ar:o+1mat:i+cal+ly pos adv. aromaticity 1. syl ar:o+ma+tic+i:ty pron <*2r*um*1tisiti> pos n. def the property of certain planar cyclic conjugated molecules, esp. benzene, of behaving like unsaturated molecules and undergoing substitution reactions rather than addition. aromaticity 2. syl ar:o+ma+tic+i:ty pron <*2r*um*1tisiti> pos n. def the quality or state of having an aroma. aromatise alt head aromatize or aromatize syl a:ro+ma+tise pron <*1r*um*2tIz> pos vb. aromatize 1. or aromatise syl a:ro+ma+tize pron <*1r*um*2tIz> pos vb. mod tr. def to make aromatic. aromatize 2. or aromatise syl a:ro+ma+tize pron <*1r*um*2tIz> pos vb. def to convert (an aliphatic compound) to an aromatic compound. aromatization sub head aromatize or aromatisation syl a:2ro+ma+ti+1za+tion pos n. aromatisation sub head aromatize or aromatization syl a:2ro+ma+ti+1sa+tion pos n. arose 0. syl a:rose pron <*1r*uz> pos vb. def the past tense of {arise}. around ety C17 (rare earlier): from #7a -%2#7+round #e Usage. In adverbial and prepositional senses round is now regarded by most speakers and writers of British English as a less formal variant of around, although historically it is the better established form. In American English, around has almost completely replaced round in these senses, except in a few fixed phrases such as all year round. around 1. syl a:round pron <*1raund> pos prep. def surrounding, encircling, or enclosing. exam 1 a band around her head. around 2. syl a:round pron <*1raund> pos prep. def on all or most sides of. exam 1 to look around one. around 3. syl a:round pron <*1raund> pos prep. def on or outside the circumference or perimeter of. exam 1 the stands around the racecourse. around 4. syl a:round pron <*1raund> pos prep. def situated at various points in. exam 1 a lot of shelves around the house. around 5. syl a:round pron <*1raund> pos prep. def from place to place in. exam 1 driving around Ireland. around 6. syl a:round pron <*1raund> pos prep. def somewhere in or near. exam 1 to stay around the house. around 7. syl a:round pron <*1raund> pos prep. def making a circuit or partial circuit about. exam 1 the ring road around the town. around 8. syl a:round pron <*1raund> pos prep. def reached by making a partial circuit about something. exam 1 the shop around the corner. around 9. syl a:round pron <*1raund> pos prep. def revolving round a centre or axis. exam 1 the earth's motion around its axis. around 10. syl a:round pron <*1raund> pos prep. def so as to have a basis in. exam 1 the story is built around a good plot. around 11. syl a:round pron <*1raund> pos prep. def approximately in. exam 1 it happened around 1957, I think. around 12. syl a:round pron <*1raund> pos prep. def on all or most sides. exam 1 the garden is fenced all around; exam 2 the crowd gathered around. around 13. syl a:round pron <*1raund> pos prep. def on or outside the circumference or perimeter. exam 1 the racing track is two miles around. around 14. syl a:round pron <*1raund> pos prep. def in all directions from a point of reference. exam 1 he owns the land for ten miles around. around 15. syl a:round pron <*1raund> pos prep. def to all members of a group. exam 1 pass the food around. around 16. syl a:round pron <*1raund> pos prep. def in the vicinity, esp. restlessly but idly. exam 1 to wait around; exam 2 stand around. around 17. syl a:round pron <*1raund> pos prep. def here and there; in no particular place or direction. exam 1 to sleep around. around 18. syl a:round pron <*1raund> pos prep. def in rotation or revolution. exam 1 the wheels turn around. around 19. syl a:round pron <*1raund> pos prep. def by a circuitous route. exam 1 the road to the farm goes around by the pond. around 20. syl a:round pron <*1raund> pos prep. def to a specific place. exam 1 she came around to see me. around 21. syl a:round pron <*1raund> pos prep. usage Informal. of people def active and prominent in a particular area or profession. exam 1 some pop stars are around for only a few years. around 22. syl a:round pron <*1raund> pos prep. qual Informal. def present in some place (the exact location being inexact). exam 1 he's around here somewhere. around 23. syl a:round pron <*1raund> pos prep. qual Informal. def in circulation; available. exam 1 that type of phone has been around for some years now. around 24. syl a:round pron <*1raund> pos prep. qual Informal. def to many places, so as to have gained considerable experience, often of a worldly or social nature. exam 1 he gets around; exam 2 I've been around. arouse 1. syl a:rouse pron <*1rauz> pos vb. mod tr. def to evoke or elicit (a reaction, emotion, or response); stimulate. arouse 2. syl a:rouse pron <*1rauz> pos vb. def to awaken from sleep. arousal sub head arouse syl a:1rous+al pos n. arouser sub head arouse syl a:1rous+er pos n. Arp 0. syl Arp qual French def arp) {Jean} (#f?~a) {Hans} (hans). 1887-1966, Alsatian sculptor, painter, and poet, cofounder of the Dada movement in Zurich, noted particularly for his abstract organic sculptures based on natural forms. Arp'ad 0. syl Ar:p*'ad pron <1a:pa:d> pos n. def died 907 #7a.d., Magyar chieftain who conquered Hungary in the late ninth century. arpeggio ety C18: from Italian, from arpeggiare to perform on the harp, from arpa #7harp arpeggios infl head arpeggio syl ar+peg+gi:os. pos n. mod pl. arpeggio 1. syl ar+peg+gi:o pron pos n. def a chord whose notes are played in rapid succession rather than simultaneously. arpeggio 2. syl ar+peg+gi:o pron pos n. def an ascending and descending figuration used in practising the piano, voice, etc. arpent ety C16: from Old French, probably from Late Latin arepennis half an acre, of Gaulish origin; related to Middle Irish airchenn unit of land measure arpent 0. syl ar+pent pron <1a:p*nt>, French pos n. def a former French unit of area, approximately equal to one acre, still used in parts of Canada. arquebus ety C16: via Old French harquebuse from Middle Dutch hakebusse, literally: hook gun, from hake hook+ busse box, gun, from Late Latin busis box harquebus alt head arquebus or arquebus syl har+que+bus pos n. arquebus 0. or harquebus syl ar+que+bus pron <1a:kwib*s> pos n. def a portable long-barrelled gun dating from the 15th century: fired by a wheel-lock or matchlock. Also: {hackbut, hagbut}. arr 1. syl arr. qual abbrev. for: def arranged (by). arr 2. syl arr. qual abbrev. for: def arrival. arr 3. syl arr. qual abbrev. for: def arrive(d). arrack ety C17: from Arabic `araq sweat, sweet juice, liquor arak alt head arrack or arrack syl ar:ak pron <1@r*k> pos n. arrack 0. or arak syl ar+rack pron <1@r*k> pos n. def a coarse spirit distilled in various Eastern countries from grain, rice, sugar cane, etc. arraign ety C14: from Old French araisnier to speak, accuse, from #7{a -%2}#7+ raisnier, from Vulgar Latin rati*_on*_are (unattested) to talk, argue, from Latin rati*_o a reasoning arraign 1. syl ar+raign pron <*1rAn> pos vb. mod tr. def to bring (a prisoner) before a court to answer an indictment. arraign 2. syl ar+raign pron <*1rAn> pos vb. mod tr. def to call to account; complain about; accuse. arraigner sub head arraign syl ar+1raign+er pos n. arraignment sub head arraign syl ar+1raign+ment pos n. Arran 0. syl Ar+ran pron <1@r*n> pos n. def an island off the SW coast of Scotland, in the Firth of Clyde. Pop.: 3567 (1971). Area: 427 sq. km (165 sq. miles). arrange ety C14: from Old French arangier, from #7a -%2#7+ rangier to put in a row, #7range arrange 1. syl ar+range pron <*1rAnJ> pos vb. mod tr. def to put into a proper, systematic, or decorative order. arrange 2. syl ar+range pron <*1rAnJ> pos vb. mod tr. usage an infinitive def to arrive at an agreement or understanding about; settle. arrange 3. syl ar+range pron <*1rAnJ> pos vb. mod when; intr. often foll. by for; when; tr. usage an infinitive def to make plans or preparations in advance (for something). exam 1 we arranged for her to be met. arrange 4. syl ar+range pron <*1rAnJ> pos vb. mod tr. def to adapt (a musical composition) for performance in a different way, esp. on different instruments. arrange 5. syl ar+range pron <*1rAnJ> pos vb. mod tr. def to adapt (a play, etc.) for broadcasting. arrange 6. syl ar+range pron <*1rAnJ> pos vb. mod intr. usage often foll. by with def to come to an agreement. arrangeable sub head arrange syl ar+1range+a:ble pos adj. arranger sub head arrange syl ar+1rang+er pos n. arrangement 1. syl ar+range+ment pron <*1rAnJm*nt> pos n. def the act of arranging or being arranged. arrangement 2. syl ar+range+ment pron <*1rAnJm*nt> pos n. def the form in which things are arranged. exam 1 he altered the arrangement of furniture in the room. arrangement 3. syl ar+range+ment pron <*1rAnJm*nt> pos n. def a thing composed of various ordered parts; the result of arranging. exam 1 a flower arrangement. arrangement 4. syl ar+range+ment pron <*1rAnJm*nt> pos n. mod often; pl. def a preparatory measure taken or plan made; preparation. arrangement 5. syl ar+range+ment pron <*1rAnJm*nt> pos n. def an agreement or settlement; understanding. arrangement 6. syl ar+range+ment pron <*1rAnJm*nt> pos n. def an adaptation of a piece of music for performance in a different way, esp. on different instruments from those for which it was originally composed. arrangement 7. syl ar+range+ment pron <*1rAnJm*nt> pos n. def an adaptation (of a play, etc.) for broadcasting. arrant ety C14: variant of #7errant (wandering, vagabond); sense developed from its frequent use in phrases like arrant thief (hence: notorious) &- #!ar+rant+ly adv. arrant 0. syl ar+rant pron <1@r*nt> pos adj. def utter; out-and-out. exam 1 an arrant fool. arras 0. syl ar+ras pron <1@r*s> pos n. def a wall hanging, esp. of tapestry. Arras 0. syl Ar+ras pron <1@r*s>, French pos n. def a town in N France: formerly famous for tapestry; severely damaged in both World Wars. Pop.: 50396 (1975). array ety C13: from Old French aroi arrangement, from arayer to arrange, of Germanic origin; compare Old English ar*_@adan to make ready array 1. syl ar+ray pron <*1rA> pos n. def an impressive display or collection. array 2. syl ar+ray pron <*1rA> pos n. def an orderly or regular arrangement, esp. of troops in battle order. array 3. syl ar+ray pron <*1rA> pos n. qual Poetic. def rich clothing; apparel. array 4. syl ar+ray pron <*1rA> pos n. qual Maths. def a sequence of numbers or symbols in a specified order. array 5. syl ar+ray pron <*1rA> pos n. qual Maths. def a set of numbers or symbols arranged in rows and columns, as in a determinant or matrix. array 6. syl ar+ray pron <*1rA> pos n. qual Electronics. def an arrangement of aerials spaced to give desired directional characteristics, used esp. in radar. array 7. syl ar+ray pron <*1rA> pos n. qual Law. def a panel of jurors. array 8. syl ar+ray pron <*1rA> pos n. def the arming of military forces. array 9. syl ar+ray pron <*1rA> pos vb. mod tr. def to dress in rich attire; adorn. array 10. syl ar+ray pron <*1rA> pos vb. mod tr. def to arrange in order, esp. troops for battle; marshal. array 11. syl ar+ray pron <*1rA> pos vb. mod tr. qual Law. def to draw up (a panel of jurors). arrayal sub head array syl ar+1ray+al pos n. arrears ety C18: from obsolete arrear (adv.) behindhand, from Old French arere, from Medieval Latin adretr*_o, from Latin ad to+ retr*_o backwards arrears 1. syl ar+rears pron <*1ri*z> pos n. mod sometimes; sing. def Also called: {arrearage}. something outstanding or owed. in arrears 2. head arrears or arrear syl in arrears def late in paying a debt or meeting an obligation. arrest ety C14: from Old French arester, from Vulgar Latin arrest*_are (unattested), from Latin ad at, to+ rest*_are to stand firm, stop arrest 1. syl ar+rest pron <*1rest> pos vb. mod tr. def to deprive (a person) of liberty by taking him into custody, esp. under lawful authority. arrest 2. syl ar+rest pron <*1rest> pos vb. mod tr. def to seize (a ship) under lawful authority. arrest 3. syl ar+rest pron <*1rest> pos vb. mod tr. def to slow or stop the development or progress of (a disease, growth, etc.). arrest 4. syl ar+rest pron <*1rest> pos vb. mod tr. def to catch and hold (one's attention, sight, etc.). arrest judgment 5. head arrest syl arrest judgment. qual Law. def to stay proceedings after a verdict, on the grounds of error or possible error. {~} arrest 6. syl ar+rest pron <*1rest> pos vb. mod tr. def the act of taking a person into custody, esp. under lawful authority. arrest 7. syl ar+rest pron <*1rest> pos vb. mod tr. def the act of seizing and holding a ship under lawful authority. arrest 8. syl ar+rest pron <*1rest> pos vb. mod tr. def the state of being held, esp. under lawful authority. exam 1 under arrest. arrest 9. syl ar+rest pron <*1rest> pos vb. mod tr. def Also called: {ar+res+ta+tion} (@!@ar$es#!te$I#s$$n). the slowing or stopping of the development or progress of something. arrest 10. syl ar+rest pron <*1rest> pos vb. mod tr. def the stopping or sudden cessation of motion of something. exam 1 a cardiac arrest. arrestable 1. syl ar+rest+a:ble pron <*1rest*bL> pos adj. def liable to be arrested. arrestable 2. syl ar+rest+a:ble pron <*1rest*bL> pos adj. usage of an offence def such that an offender may be arrested without a warrant. arrester 1. syl ar+rest+er pron <*1rest*> pos n. def a person who arrests. arrester 2. syl ar+rest+er pron <*1rest*> pos n. def a thing that stops or checks motion, esp. a mechanism of wires for slowing aeroplanes as they land on an aircraft carrier. arresting 0. syl ar+rest+ing pron <*1restiG> pos adj. def attracting attention; striking. arrestingly sub head arresting syl ar+1rest+ing+ly pos adv. arrestment 0. syl ar+rest+ment pron <*1restm*nt> pos n. qual Scot. law. def the seizure of money or property to prevent a debtor paying one creditor in advance of another. arrest of judgment 0. syl ar+rest of judg+ment pos n. qual Law. def a stay of proceedings after a verdict, on the grounds of error or possible error. Arretine ware 0. syl Ar+re+tine ware pos n. def another term for { {Samian ware} (sense 2)}. Arretium 0. syl Ar+re+ti:um pron <@1rEti*m>, <-1ret-> pos n. def the ancient Latin name of {Arezzo}. Arretine sub head Arretium syl Ar+re+tine pron <1@ri2tIn> pos adj. Svante August infl head Arrhenius syl Svan:te Au:gust pron <1svant*> <1august> pos n. Arrhenius 0. syl Ar:rhe:ni:us pron Swedish pos n. def 1859-1927, Swedish chemist and physicist, noted for his work on the theory of electrolytic dissociation: Nobel prize for chemistry 1903. arrhythmia ety C19: New Latin, from Greek arrhuthmia, from #7{a -%1}#7+ rhuthmos #7rhythm arrhythmia 0. syl ar+rhyth+mi:a pron <*1riDmi*> pos n. def any variation from the normal rhythm in the heartbeat. arriere-ban ety C16: from French, changed from Old French herban call to arms, of Germanic origin; compare Old High German heriban, from heri army+ ban summons, #7{ban %2} arriere-ban 1. syl ar:ri*`ere-ban pron French pos n. usage in medieval France def a summons to the king's vassals to do military service. arriere-ban 2. syl ar:ri*`ere-ban pron French pos n. def the vassals so assembled for military service. arriere-pens'ee ety C19: literally: behind thought arriere-pens'ee 0. syl ar:ri*`ere-pen:s*'ee pron French. pos n. def an unrevealed intention; mental reservation. Ar Rimal 0. syl Ar Ri+mal pron pos n. def another name for {Rub` al Khali}. arris ety C17: apparently from Old French areste beard of grain, sharp ridge; see #7ar*^ete arris infl or arrises syl ar+ris pos n. mod pl. arrises infl head arris or arris syl ar+ris:es. pos n. mod pl. arris 0. syl ar+ris pron <1@ris> pos n. def a sharp edge at the meeting of two surfaces at an angle with one another, as at two adjacent sides of a stone block. arrival 1. syl ar+ri+val pron <*1rIvL> pos n. def the act or time of arriving. arrival 2. syl ar+ri+val pron <*1rIvL> pos n. def a person or thing that arrives or has arrived. arrival 3. syl ar+ri+val pron <*1rIvL> pos n. def the reaching of a condition or objective. arrive ety C13: from Old French ariver, from Vulgar Latin arr*_ip*_are (unattested) to land, reach the bank, from Latin ad to+ r*_ipa riverbank arrive 1. syl ar+rive pron <*1rIv> pos vb. mod intr. def to come to a certain place during or after a journey; reach a destination. arrive 2. syl ar+rive pron <*1rIv> pos vb. mod intr. def to agree upon; reach. exam 1 to arrive at a decision. arrive 3. syl ar+rive pron <*1rIv> pos vb. mod intr. def to occur eventually. exam 1 the moment arrived when pretence was useless. arrive 4. syl ar+rive pron <*1rIv> pos vb. mod intr. usage Informal. of a baby def to be born. arrive 5. syl ar+rive pron <*1rIv> pos vb. mod intr. qual Informal. def to attain success or gain recognition. arriver sub head arrive syl ar+1riv+er pos n. arrivederci 0. syl ar+ri+ve:der+ci pron Italian. <2arrivA1derCi> pos interj. def goodbye. arrivisme 0. syl ar+ri+visme pron <2@rE1vEzm*>, French pos n. def unscrupulous ambition. arriviste ety French: see #7arrive, -#7ist arriviste 0. syl ar+ri+viste pron <2@rE1vEst>, French pos n. def a person who is unscrupulously ambitious. arroba ety C16: from Spanish, from Arabic ar-rub` the quarter (of a quintal) arroba 1. syl ar+ro+ba pron <*1r*ub*> pos n. def a unit of weight, approximately equal to 11 kilograms, used in some Spanish-speaking countries. arroba 2. syl ar+ro+ba pron <*1r*ub*> pos n. def a unit of weight, approximately equal to 15 kilograms, used in some Portuguese-speaking countries. arroba 3. syl ar+ro+ba pron <*1r*ub*> pos n. def a liquid measure used in some Spanish-speaking countries with different values, but in Spain used as a wine-measure, approximately equal to 16 litres. arrogant ety C14: from Latin arrog*_are to claim as one's own; see #7arrogate &- #!ar+ro+gance n. arrogant 0. syl ar+ro+gant pron <1@r*g*nt> pos adj. def having or showing an exaggerated opinion of one's own importance, merit, ability, etc.; conceited; overbearingly proud. exam 1 an arrogant teacher; exam 2 an arrogant assumption. arrogantly sub head arrogant syl ar+ro+gant+ly pos adv. arrogate ety C16: from Latin arrog*_are, from rog*_are to ask arrogate 1. syl ar+ro+gate pron <1@r*2gAt> pos vb. mod tr. def to claim or appropriate for oneself presumptuously or without justification. arrogate 2. syl ar+ro+gate pron <1@r*2gAt> pos vb. mod tr. def to attribute or assign to another without justification. arrogation sub head arrogate syl ar+ro+1ga+tion pos n. arrogative sub head arrogate syl ar+rog:a+tive pron <*1rog*tiv> pos adj. arrogator sub head arrogate syl ar+ro+2ga+tor pos n. arrondissement ety C19: from arrondir to make round, from #7{ab -%1}+ -rondir from rond #7round arrondissement 1. syl ar+ron+disse+ment pron French pos n. usage in France def the largest administrative subdivision of a department. arrondissement 2. syl ar+ron+disse+ment pron French pos n. usage in France def a municipal district of certain large cities, esp. Paris. arrow ety Old English arwe; related to Old Norse *"or, Gothic arhvazna, Latin arcus bow, #7{arch %1} arrow 1. syl ar+row pron <1@r*u> pos n. def a long slender pointed weapon, usually having feathers fastened at the end as a balance, that is shot from a bow. arrow 2. syl ar+row pron <1@r*u> pos n. def any of various things that resemble an arrow in shape, function, or speed, such as a sign or symbol indicating direction or position. arrowhead 1. syl ar:row+head pron <1@r*u2hed> pos n. def the pointed tip of an arrow, often removable from the shaft. arrowhead 2. syl ar:row+head pron <1@r*u2hed> pos n. def something that resembles the head of an arrow in shape, such as a triangular decoration on garments used to reinforce joins. arrowhead 3. syl ar:row+head pron <1@r*u2hed> pos n. def any aquatic herbaceous plant of the genus esp. having arrow-shaped aerial leaves and linear submerged leaves: family arrowroot 1. syl ar:row+root pron <1@r*u2ru:t> pos n. def a white-flowered West Indian plant, whose rhizomes yield an easily digestible starch: family arrowroot 2. syl ar:row+root pron <1@r*u2ru:t> pos n. def the starch obtained from this plant. arrowroot 3. syl ar:row+root pron <1@r*u2ru:t> pos n. def any of several other plants whose rhizomes or roots yield starch. arrows 0. syl ar+rows pron <1@r*uz> pos n. mod pl. qual Brit. def an informal name for {darts}. arrowwood 0. syl ar:row+wood pron <1@r*u2wud> pos n. def any of various trees or shrubs, esp. certain viburnums, having long straight tough stems formerly used by North American Indians to make arrows. arrowworm 0. syl ar:row+worm pron <1@r*u2wR:m> pos n. def any small marine invertebrate of the genus having an elongated transparent body with fins and prehensile oral bristles: phylum (chaetognaths). arroyo ety C19: from Spanish, probably related to Latin arr*_ugia shaft in a goldmine arroyos infl head arroyo syl ar+roy:os. pos n. mod pl. arroyo 0. syl ar+roy:o pron <*1rci*u> pos n. qual Chiefly southwestern U.S. def a stream or brook. Arru Islands 0. syl Ar:ru Is+lands pron <1a:ru:> pos n. mod pl. def a variant spelling of {Aru Islands}. ass alt head arse or arse syl ass pos n. qual U.S. arse 1. or ass syl arse pron pos n. qual Taboo. def the buttocks. arse 2. or ass syl arse pron pos n. qual Taboo. def the anus. arse 3. or ass syl arse pron pos n. qual Taboo. def a stupid person; fool. arse 4. or ass syl arse pron pos n. qual Taboo.; Slang. def sexual intercourse. arse 5. or ass syl arse pron pos n. qual Taboo.; Austral. slang. def effrontery; cheek. {~} Also called (for senses 2, 3): {arse+hole} (#!$a$:s@!h$$$ul). ass about alt head arse or around syl ass a:bout pos vb. adv. mod intr. qual U.S. around infl head arse or ass about syl a:round pos vb. adv. mod intr. arse 0. or ass about syl arse pos vb. adv. mod intr. qual Taboo slang. def to play the fool; act stupidly, esp. in an irritating manner. ass licker alt head arse licker or arse licker syl ass lick:er pos n. qual U.S. arse licker 0. or ass licker syl arse lick:er pron <1a:s2lik*> pos n. qual Taboo slang. def a person who curries favour. &- {#!arse-@!lick@.ing} {#!ass-@!lick@.ing} arsenal ety C16: from Italian arsenale dockyard, from Arabic d*_ar si*_n`ah, from d*_ar house+ si*_n`ah manufacture arsenal 1. syl ar+se:nal pron <1a:s*nL> pos n. def a store for arms, ammunition, and other military items. arsenal 2. syl ar+se:nal pron <1a:s*nL> pos n. def a workshop or factory that produces munitions. arsenal 3. syl ar+se:nal pron <1a:s*nL> pos n. def a store of anything regarded as weapons. exam 1 an arsenal of destructive arguments. arsenate 0. syl ar+se:nate pron <1a:s*2nAt>, <-nit> pos n. def a salt or ester of arsenic acid. arsenic ety C14: from Latin arsenicum, from Greek arsenikon yellow orpiment, from Syriac zarn*_ig (influenced in form by Greek arsenikos virile) arsenic 1. syl ar+se:nic pron <1a:snik> pos n. def a toxic metalloid element, existing in several allotropic forms, that occurs principally in realgar and orpiment and as the free element. It is used in transistors, lead-based alloys, and high-temperature brasses. Symbol: As; atomic no.: 33; atomic wt.: 74.92; valency: 3 or 5; relative density: 5.73 grey; melting pt.: 817?%C at a pressure of 3MN/m%2 (grey); sublimes at 613?%C (grey). arsenic 2. syl ar+se:nic pron <1a:snik> pos n. def a nontechnical name for {arsenic trioxide}. arsenic 3. syl ar+se:nic pron pos adj. def of or containing arsenic, esp. in the pentavalent state. arsenic acid 0. syl ar+se:nic ac:id pos n. def a white poisonous soluble crystalline solid used in the manufacture of arsenates and insecticides. Formula: H\3AsO\4. arsenical 1. syl ar+sen:i+cal pron pos adj. def of or containing arsenic. arsenical 2. syl ar+sen:i+cal pron pos n. def a drug or insecticide containing arsenic. arsenic trioxide 0. syl ar+se:nic tri+ox+ide pos n. def a white poisonous powder used in the manufacture of glass and as an insecticide, rat poison, and weedkiller. Formula: As\2O\3. arsenide 0. syl ar+se:nide pron <1a:s*2nId> pos n. def a compound in which arsenic is the most electronegative element. arsenous alt head arsenious or arsenious syl ar+sen+ous pron <1a:sin*s> pos adj. arsenious 0. or arsenous syl ar+se:ni+ous pron pos adj. def of or containing arsenic in the trivalent state. arsenite 0. syl ar+se:nite pron <1a:si2nIt> pos n. def a salt or ester of arsenous acid. arsenopyrite 0. syl ar+se:no+py+rite pron <2a:sin*u1pIrIt>, pos n. def a white or grey metallic mineral consisting of a sulphide of iron and arsenic in monoclinic crystalline form: an ore of arsenic. Formula: FeAsS. Also called: {mispickel}. arsine 0. syl ar+sine pron <1a:sEn> pos n. def a colourless poisonous gas used in the manufacture of organic compounds, to dope transistors, and as a military poisonous gas. Formula: AsH\3. arsis ety C18: via Late Latin from Greek, from airein to raise arses infl head arsis syl ar+ses pron <-sEz> pos n. mod pl. arsis 0. syl ar+sis pron <1a:sis> pos n. usage in classical prosody def the long syllable or part on which the ictus falls in a metrical foot. Compare {thesis} (sense 6). ARSM 0. syl A.R.S.M. qual abbrev. for usage in Britain def Associate of the Royal School of Mines. ars nova ety Latin, literally: new art ars nova 0. syl ars no:va pron <1a:z> <1n*uv*> pos n. def a style of music of the 14th century, characterized by great freedom and variety of rhythm and melody contrasted with the strictness of the music of the 13th century. arson ety C17: from Old French, from Medieval Latin *_arsi*_o, from Latin *_ard*_ere to burn; see #7ardent arson 0. syl ar+son pron <1a:sN> pos n. qual Criminal law. def the act of intentionally or recklessly setting fire to another's property or to one's own property for some improper reason. arsonist sub head arson syl ar+son+ist pos n. arsphenamine 0. syl ars+phen:a+mine pron , <-2mEn> pos n. def a drug containing arsenic, formerly used in the treatment of syphilis and related infections. ars poetica 0. syl ars po+e:ti+ca pron <1a:z> pos n. def the art of poetry. arsy-versy ety C16: from #7arse+ Latin versus turned, modelled on compounds like hurly-burly arsy-versy 1. syl ars:y-vers:y pron <1a:si1vR:si> pos adv. qual Slang. def backwards or upside down. arsy-versy 2. syl ars:y-vers:y pron <1a:si1vR:si> pos adv. qual Slang. def in reverse. art ety C13: from Old French, from Latin ars craftsmanship art H1.1.a. syl art pron pos n. def the creation of works of beauty or other special significance. art H1.1.b. syl art pron pos n. usage as modifier exam 1 an art movement. art H1.2. syl art pron pos n. def the exercise of human skill (as distinguished from . art H1.3. syl art pron pos n. def imaginative skill as applied to representations of the natural world or figments of the imagination. art H1.4.a. syl art pron pos n. def the products of man's creative activities; works of art collectively, esp. of the visual arts, sometimes also music, drama, dance, and literature. art H1.4.b. syl art pron pos n. usage as modifier; an art gallery. def See also {arts, fine art}. art H1.5. syl art pron pos n. def excellence or aesthetic merit of conception or execution as exemplified by such works. art H1.6. syl art pron pos n. def any branch of the visual arts, esp. painting. art H1.7.a. syl art pron pos n. def any field using the techniques of art to display artistic qualities. exam 1 advertising art. art H1.7.b. syl art pron pos n. usage as modifier exam 1 an art film. art H1.8. syl art pron pos n. qual Journalism. def photographs or other illustrations in a newspaper, etc. art H1.9. syl art pron pos n. def method, facility, or knack. exam 1 the art of threading a needle; exam 2 the art of writing letters. art H1.10. syl art pron pos n. def the system of rules or principles governing a particular human activity. exam 1 the art of government. art H1.11. syl art pron pos n. def artfulness; cunning. get something down to a fine art 12. head art syl get something down to a fine art. def to become highly proficient at something through practice. art ety Old English eart, part of b*_eon to #7be art H2.0. syl art pron pos vb. usage Archaic. used with the pronoun thou def a singular form of the present tense (indicative mood) of {be}. art 1. syl art. qual abbrev. for: def article. art 2. syl art. qual abbrev. for: def artificial. art 3. syl art. qual abbrev. for: def Also: {arty}. artillery. -art 0. syl -art usage suffix forming nouns. def variant of {-ard}. Antonin infl head Artaud syl An:to:nin pron <*~atc1n*~e> pos n. Artaud 0. syl Ar:taud pron French pos n. def 1896-1948, French stage director and dramatist, whose concept of the theatre of cruelty is expounded in (1932) and (1938). Artaxerxes I 0. syl Ar:ta:xerx:es I pron <2a:t*1zR:ksEz> pos n. def died 425 #7b.c., king of Persia (465-425): son of Xerxes I. Artaxerxes II 0. syl Ar:ta:xerx:es II pos n. def died ??358 #7b.c., king of Persia (??404-??358). He defeated his brother Cyrus the Younger at Cunaxa (401). Art Deco ety C20: shortened from art d*'ecoratif, after the Exposition des arts d*'ecoratifs held in Paris in 1925 Art Deco 0.a. syl Art Dec:o pron <1dek*u> pos n. def a style of interior decoration, jewellery, architecture, etc., at its height in the 1930s and characterized by geometrical shapes, stylized natural forms, and symmetrical utilitarian designs adapted to mass production. Art Deco 0.b. syl Art Dec:o pron <1dek*u> pos n. usage as modifier exam 1 an Art-Deco carpet. artefact ety C19: from Latin phrase arte factum, from ars skill + facere to make artifact alt head artefact or artefact syl ar+ti+fact pron <1a:ti2f@kt> pos n. qual U.S. artefact 1. or artifact syl ar+te+fact pron <1a:ti2f@kt> pos n. def something made or given shape by man, such as a tool or a work of art, esp. an object of archaeological interest. artefact 2. or artifact syl ar+te+fact pron <1a:ti2f@kt> pos n. qual Cytology. def a structure seen in tissue after death, fixation, staining, etc., that is not normally present in the living tissue. artel ety from Russian artel', from Italian artieri artisans, from arte work, from Latin ars #7{art %1} artel 1. syl ar+tel pron pos n. usage in the Soviet Union def a cooperative union or organization, esp. of producers, such as peasants. artel 2. syl ar+tel pron pos n. usage in pre?!revolutionary Russia def a quasi-cooperative association of people engaged in the same activity. Artemis 0. syl Ar:te:mis pron <1a:timis> pos n. qual Greek myth. def the virgin goddess of the hunt and the moon: the twin sister of Apollo. Roman counterpart: {Diana}. Also called: {Cynthia}. artemisia ety C14: via Latin from Greek, probably from Artemis A#7rtemis artemisia 0. syl ar+te+mi+si:a pron <2a:ti1mEzi*> pos n. def any herbaceous perennial plant of the genus of the N hemisphere, such as mugwort, sagebrush, and wormwood: family (composites). arterial 1. syl ar+te+ri:al pron pos adj. def of, relating to, or affecting an artery or arteries. exam 1 arterial disease. arterial 2. syl ar+te+ri:al pron pos adj. def denoting or relating to the usually bright red reoxygenated blood returning from the lungs or gills that circulates in the arteries. arterial 3. syl ar+te+ri:al pron pos adj. def being a major route, esp. one with many minor branches. exam 1 an arterial road. arterially sub head arterial syl ar+1te+ri+al+ly pos adv. arterialise alt head arterialize or arterialize syl ar+te+ri+al+ise pron pos vb. mod tr. arterialize 1. or arterialise syl ar+te+ri+al+ize pron pos vb. mod tr. def to change (venous blood) into arterial blood by replenishing the depleted oxygen. arterialize 2. or arterialise syl ar+te+ri+al+ize pron pos vb. mod tr. def to vascularize (tissues). arterialize 3. or arterialise syl ar+te+ri+al+ize pron pos vb. mod tr. def to provide with arteries. arterialization sub head arterialize or arterialisation syl ar+2te+ri+al:i+1za+tion pos n. arterialisation sub head arterialize or arterialization syl ar+2te+ri+al:i+1sa+tion pos n. arterio- ety from Greek; see #7artery arterio- 0. syl ar:te:ri:o- usage combining form. def artery or arteries. exam 1 arteriosclerosis. arteriole ety C19: from New Latin arteriola, from Latin art*_eria #7artery arteriole 0. syl ar+te+ri+ole pron pos n. qual Anat. def any of the small subdivisions of an artery that form thin-walled vessels ending in capillaries. ses infl head arteriosclerosis syl +ses pron <-sEz> pos n. mod pl. arteriosclerosis 0. syl ar+te+ri:o+scle:ro+sis pron pos n. def a pathological condition of the circulatory system characterized by thickening and loss of elasticity of the arterial walls. Nontechnical name: {hardening of the arteries}. arteriosclerotic sub head arteriosclerosis syl ar+te+ri:o+scle:rot+ic pron pos adj. arteriovenous 0. syl ar+te+ri:o+ve:nous pron pos adj. def of, relating to, or affecting an artery and a vein. arteritis 0. syl ar+te+ri+tis pron <2a:t*1rItis> pos n. qual Pathol. def inflammation of an artery. artery ety C14: from Latin art*_eria, related to Greek aort*_e the great artery, #7aorta arteries infl head artery syl ar+ter:ies. pos n. mod pl. artery 1. syl ar+ter:y pron <1a:t*ri> pos n. def any of the tubular thick-walled muscular vessels that convey oxygenated blood from the heart to various parts of the body. Compare {pulmonary artery, vein}. artery 2. syl ar+ter:y pron <1a:t*ri> pos n. def a major road or means of communication in any complex system. artesian well ety C19: from French art*'esien, from Old French Arteis Artois, old province, where such wells were common artesian well 0. syl ar+te+sian well pron , <-Z*n> pos n. def a well sunk through im?!permeable strata into strata receiving water from an area at a higher altitude than that of the well, so that there is sufficient pressure to force water to flow upwards. artful 1. syl art+ful pron <1a:tful> pos adj. def cunning or tricky. artful 2. syl art+ful pron <1a:tful> pos adj. def skilful in achieving a desired end. artful 3. syl art+ful pron <1a:tful> pos adj. qual Archaic. def characterized by skill or art. artful 4. syl art+ful pron <1a:tful> pos adj. qual Archaic. def artificial. artfully sub head artful syl art+ful+ly pos adv. artfulness sub head artful syl art+ful+ness pos n. arthralgia 0. syl ar+thral+gia pron pos n. qual Pathol. def pain in a joint. arthralgic sub head arthralgia syl ar+1thral+gic pos adj. arthritis ety C16: via Latin from Greek: see #7arthro -#7, -#7itis arthritis 0. syl ar+thri+tis pron pos n. def inflammation of a joint or joints characterized by pain and stiffness of the affected parts, caused by gout, rheumatic fever, etc. See also {rheumatoid arthritis}. arthritic sub head arthritis syl ar+thrit+ic pron pos adj. n. arthro- ety from Greek arthron arthromere 0. syl ar:thro+mere pron <1a:Tr*2mi*> pos n. def any of the segments of the body of an arthropod. arthromeric sub head arthromere syl ar:thro+mer+ic pron <2a:Tr*1merik> pos adj. arthropod 0. syl ar:thro+pod pron <1a:Tr*2pod> pos n. def any invertebrate of the phylum having jointed limbs, a segmented body, and an exoskeleton made of chitin. The group includes the crustaceans, insects, arachnids, and centipedes. arthropodous sub head arthropod or arthropodal syl ar+throp:o+dous pron pos adj. arthropodal sub head arthropod or arthropodous syl ar+1throp:o+dal pos adj. arthrospore 1. syl ar:thro+spore pron <1a:Tr*2spc:> pos n. def a sporelike cell of ascomycetous fungi and some algae produced by a breaking of the hyphae. arthrospore 2. syl ar:thro+spore pron <1a:Tr*2spc:> pos n. def a resting sporelike cell produced by some bacteria. arthrosporic sub head arthrospore or arthrosporous syl ar+thro+1spor+ic pos adj. arthrosporous sub head arthrospore or arthrosporic syl ar+thro+1spor+ous pos adj. Arthur 1. syl Ar:thur pron <1a:T*> pos n. def a legendary king of the Britons in the sixth century #7a.d., who led Celtic resistance against the Saxons: possibly based on a historical figure; represented as leader of the Knights of the Round Table at Camelot. Chester Alan 2. head Arthur syl Ches:ter Al:an. def 1830-86, 21st president of the U.S. (1881-85). Arthurian 0. syl Ar+thu+ri:an pron pos adj. def of or relating to King Arthur and his Knights of the Round Table. artic 0. syl ar+tic pron pos n. qual Informal. def short for {articulated lorry}. artichoke ety C16: from Italian articiocco, from Old Spanish alcarchofa, from Arabic al-kharsh*_uf artichoke 1. syl ar+ti+choke pron <1a:ti2C*uk> pos n. def Also called: {globe artichoke}. a thistle-like Eurasian plant, cultivated for its large edible flower head containing many fleshy scalelike bracts: family (composites). artichoke 2. syl ar+ti+choke pron <1a:ti2C*uk> pos n. def the unopened flower head of this plant, which can be cooked and eaten. artichoke 3. syl ar+ti+choke pron <1a:ti2C*uk> pos n. def See {Jerusalem artichoke}. article ety C13: from Old French, from Latin articulus small joint, from artus joint article 1. syl ar+ti+cle pron <1a:tikL> pos n. def one of a class of objects; item. exam 1 an article of clothing. article 2. syl ar+ti+cle pron <1a:tikL> pos n. def an unspecified or previously named thing, esp. a small object. exam 1 he put the article on the table. article 3. syl ar+ti+cle pron <1a:tikL> pos n. def a distinct part of a subject or action. article 4. syl ar+ti+cle pron <1a:tikL> pos n. def a written composition on a subject, often being one of several found in a magazine, newspaper, etc. article 5. syl ar+ti+cle pron <1a:tikL> pos n. qual Grammar. def a kind of determiner, occurring in many languages including English, that lacks independent meaning but may serve to indicate the specificity of reference of the noun phrase with which it occurs. See also {definite article, indefinite article}. article 6. syl ar+ti+cle pron <1a:tikL> pos n. def a clause or section in a written document such as a treaty, contract, statute, etc. article 7. syl ar+ti+cle pron <1a:tikL> pos n. qual Christianity. usage often cap. def See {article of faith, Thirty-nine Articles}. article 8. syl ar+ti+cle pron <1a:tikL> pos n. qual Archaic. def a topic or subject. article 9. syl ar+ti+cle pron <1a:tikL> pos vb. mod tr. def to bind by a written contract, esp. one that governs a period of training. exam 1 an articled clerk in a solici?!tor's office. article 10. syl ar+ti+cle pron <1a:tikL> pos vb. mod tr. qual Archaic. def to accuse. article of faith 1. syl ar+ti+cle of faith pos n. qual Christianity. def any of the clauses or propositions into which a creed or other statement of doctrine is divided. article of faith 2. syl ar+ti+cle of faith pos n. def a deeply held belief. articles of association 1. syl ar+ti+cles of as+so+ci:a+tion pos n. mod pl. def the constitution and regulations of a registered company as required by the British Companies Acts. articles of association 2. syl ar+ti+cles of as+so+ci:a+tion pos n. mod pl. def the document containing these. Articles of Confederation 0. syl Ar+ti+cles of Con+fed+er:a+tion pos n. mod pl. def the agreement made by the original 13 states in 1777 establishing a confederacy to be known as the United States of America; replaced by the Constitution of 1788. Articles of War 1. syl Ar+ti+cles of War pos n. mod pl. def the disciplinary and legal procedures by which the naval and military forces of Great Britain were bound before the 19th century. Articles of War 2. syl Ar+ti+cles of War pos n. mod pl. def the regulations of the U.S. army, navy, and air force until the Uniform Code of Military Justice replaced them in 1951. articular ety C15: from Latin articul*_aris concerning the joints, from articulus small joint; see #7article articular 0. syl ar+tic:u+lar pron pos adj. def of or relating to joints or to the structural components in a joint. articulate ety C16: from Latin articul*_are to divide into joints; see #7article articulate 1. syl ar+tic:u+late pron pos adj. def able to express oneself fluently and coherently. exam 1 an articulate lecturer. articulate 2. syl ar+tic:u+late pron pos adj. def having the power of speech. articulate 3. syl ar+tic:u+late pron pos adj. def distinct, clear, or definite; well-constructed. exam 1 an articulate voice; exam 2 an articulate document. articulate 4. syl ar+tic:u+late pron pos adj. usage Zoology. of arthropods and higher vertebrates def possessing joints or jointed segments. articulate 5. syl ar+tic:u+late pron pos vb. def to speak or enunciate (words, syllables, etc.) clearly and distinctly. articulate 6. syl ar+tic:u+late pron pos vb. mod tr. def to express coherently in words. articulate 7. syl ar+tic:u+late pron pos vb. mod intr. qual Zoology. def to be jointed or form a joint. articulate 8. syl ar+tic:u+late pron pos vb. def to be separated into jointed segments. articulately sub head articulate syl ar+1tic:u+late+ly pos adv. articulateness sub head articulate or articulacy syl ar+1tic:u+late+ness pos n. articulacy sub head articulate or articulateness syl ar+1tic:u+la+cy pos n. articulated lorry 0. syl ar+tic:u+lat+ed lor+ry pos n. def a large lorry made in two separate sections, a tractor and a trailer, connected by a pivoted bar. U.S. name: {trailer truck}. articulation 1. syl ar+tic:u+la+tion pron pos n. def the act or process of speaking or expressing in words. articulation 2.a. syl ar+tic:u+la+tion pron pos n. def the process of articu?!lating a speech sound. articulation 2.b. syl ar+tic:u+la+tion pron pos n. def the sound so produced, esp. a consonant. articulation 3. syl ar+tic:u+la+tion pron pos n. def the act or the state of being jointed together. articulation 4. syl ar+tic:u+la+tion pron pos n. def the form or manner in which something is jointed. articulation 5.a. syl ar+tic:u+la+tion pron pos n. def a joint such as that between bones or arthropod segments. articulation 5.b. syl ar+tic:u+la+tion pron pos n. def the way in which jointed parts are connected. articulation 6. syl ar+tic:u+la+tion pron pos n. qual Botany. def the part of a plant at which natural separation occurs, such as the joint between leaf and stem. articulation 7. syl ar+tic:u+la+tion pron pos n. def a joint or jointing. articulatory sub head articulation syl ar+1tic:u+la+to:ry pos adj. articulator 1. syl ar+tic:u+la+tor pron pos n. def a person or thing that ar?!ticulates. articulator 2. syl ar+tic:u+la+tor pron pos n. qual Phonetics. def any vocal organ that takes part in the production of a speech sound. Such organs are of two types: those that can move, such as the tongue, lips, etc. ({active articulators}) , and those that remain fixed, such as the teeth, the hard palate, etc. ({passive articulators) }. articulatory phonetics 0. syl ar+tic:u+la+to:ry pho+net+ics pos n. def the branch of phonetics concerned with the production of speech sounds. Compare {acoustic phonetics}. artifact 0. syl ar+ti+fact pron <1a:ti2f@kt> pos n. def a variant spelling of {artefact}. artifice ety C16: from Old French, from Latin artificium skill, from artifex one possessed of a specific skill, from ars skill+ -fex, from facere to make artifice 1. syl ar+ti+fice pron <1a:tifis> pos n. def a clever expedient; ingenious stratagem. artifice 2. syl ar+ti+fice pron <1a:tifis> pos n. def crafty or subtle deception. artifice 3. syl ar+ti+fice pron <1a:tifis> pos n. def skill; cleverness. artifice 4. syl ar+ti+fice pron <1a:tifis> pos n. def a skilfully contrived device. artifice 5. syl ar+ti+fice pron <1a:tifis> pos n. qual Obsolete. def craftsmanship. artificer 1. syl ar+tif:i+cer pron pos n. def a skilled craftsman. artificer 2. syl ar+tif:i+cer pron pos n. def a clever or inventive designer. artificer 3. syl ar+tif:i+cer pron pos n. def a serviceman trained in mechanics. artificial ety C14: from Latin artifici*_alis belonging to art, from artificium skill, #7artifice artificial 1. syl ar+ti+fi+cial pron <2a:ti1fiS*l> pos adj. def produced by man; not occurring naturally. exam 1 artificial materials of great strength. artificial 2. syl ar+ti+fi+cial pron <2a:ti1fiS*l> pos adj. def made in imitation of a natural product, esp. as a substitute; not genuine. exam 1 artificial cream. artificial 3. syl ar+ti+fi+cial pron <2a:ti1fiS*l> pos adj. def pretended; assumed; insincere. exam 1 an artificial manner. artificial 4. syl ar+ti+fi+cial pron <2a:ti1fiS*l> pos adj. def lacking in spontaneity; affected. exam 1 an artificial laugh. artificial 5. syl ar+ti+fi+cial pron <2a:ti1fiS*l> pos adj. qual Biology. def relating to superficial characteristics not based on the interrelationships of organisms. exam 1 an artificial classification. artificiality sub head artificial syl ar+ti+fi+ci+al+i:ty pron <2a:ti2fi?!Si1@liti> pos n. artificially sub head artificial syl ar+ti+1fi+cial+ly pos adv. artificial feel 0. syl ar+ti+fi+cial feel pos n. def a system, used in aircraft that have fully powered control surfaces, providing the pilot with simulated aerodynamic forces on the controls. artificial horizon 1. syl ar+ti+fi+cial ho+ri+zon pos n. def Also called: {gyro horizon}. an aircraft instrument, using a gyroscope, that indicates the aircraft's attitude in relation to the horizontal. artificial horizon 2. syl ar+ti+fi+cial ho+ri+zon pos n. qual Astronomy. def a level reflecting surface, such as one of mercury, that measures the altitude of a celestial body as half the angle between the body and its reflection. artificial insemination 0. syl ar+ti+fi+cial in+sem:i+na+tion pos n. def introduction of spermatozoa into the vagina or uterus by means other than sexual union. See {AID, AIH}. artificialise alt head artificialize or artificialize syl ar+ti+fi+cial+ise pron <2a:ti1fiS*2lIz> pos vb. mod tr. artificialize 0. or artificialise syl ar+ti+fi+cial+ize pron <2a:ti1fiS*2lIz> pos vb. mod tr. def to render artificial. artificial kidney 0. syl ar+ti+fi+cial kid+ney pos n. qual Med. def a mechanical apparatus for performing haemodialysis. artificial language 0. syl ar+ti+fi+cial lan+guage pos n. def an invented language, esp. one intended as an international medium of communication or for use with computers. Compare {natural language}. artificial respiration 1. syl ar+ti+fi+cial res+pi+ra+tion pos n. def any of various methods of restarting breathing after it has stopped, by manual rhythmic pressure on the chest, mouth-to-mouth breathing, etc. artificial respiration 2. syl ar+ti+fi+cial res+pi+ra+tion pos n. def any method of maintaining respiration artificially, as by use of an iron lung. artillery ety C14: from Old French artillerie, from artillier to equip with weapons, of uncertain origin artillery 1. syl ar+til+ler:y pron pos n. def cannon or any mounted guns of higher calibre than machine guns. artillery 2. syl ar+til+ler:y pron pos n. def troops or military units specializing in using such guns. artillery 3. syl ar+til+ler:y pron pos n. def the science dealing with the use of guns. artillery 4. syl ar+til+ler:y pron pos n. def devices for discharging heavy missiles, such as catapults or slings. artillerymen infl head artilleryman syl ar+til:ler:y+men. pos n. mod pl. artilleryman 0. syl ar+til:ler:y+man pron pos n. def a serviceman who serves in an artillery unit. artillery plant 0. syl ar+til+ler:y plant pos n. def any of various tropical urticaceous plants of the genus such as all having stamens that discharge their pollen explosively. artiodactyl 1. syl ar+ti:o+dac+tyl pron <2a:ti*u1d@ktil> pos n. def any placental mammal of the order having hooves with an even number of toes; an even-toed ungulate. The order includes pigs, hippopotamuses, camels, deer, cattle, and antelopes. artiodactyl 2. syl ar+ti:o+dac+tyl pron <2a:ti*u1d@ktil> pos adj. def of, relating to, or belonging to the order artiodactylous sub head artiodactyl syl ar+ti:o+1dac+ty+lous pos adj. artisan ety C16: from French, from Old Italian artigiano, from arte #7{art %1} artisan 1. syl ar+ti+san pron <1a:ti2z@n>, <2a:ti1z@n> pos n. def a skilled workman; craftsman. artisan 2. syl ar+ti+san pron <1a:ti2z@n>, <2a:ti1z@n> pos n. qual Obsolete. def an artist. artist 1. syl art+ist pron <1a:tist> pos n. def a person who practises or is skilled in an art, esp. painting, drawing, or sculpture. artist 2. syl art+ist pron <1a:tist> pos n. def a person who displays in his work qualities required in art, such as sensibility and imagination. artist 3. syl art+ist pron <1a:tist> pos n. def a person whose profession requires artistic expertise, esp. a designer. exam 1 a commercial artist. artist 4. syl art+ist pron <1a:tist> pos n. def a person skilled in some task or occupation. exam 1 an artist at bricklaying. artist 5. syl art+ist pron <1a:tist> pos n. qual Obsolete. def an artisan. artist 6. syl art+ist pron <1a:tist> pos n. qual U.S. and Austral. slang. def a person devoted to or proficient in something. exam 1 a booze artist; exam 2 a con artist. artiste 1. syl ar+tiste pron , French pos n. def an entertainer, such as a singer or dancer. artiste 2. syl ar+tiste pron , French pos n. def a person who is highly skilled in some occupation. exam 1 a hair artiste. artistry 1. syl art+ist+ry pron <1a:tistri> pos n. def artistic workmanship, ability, or quality. artistry 2. syl art+ist+ry pron <1a:tistri> pos n. def artistic pursuits. artistry 3. syl art+ist+ry pron <1a:tistri> pos n. def great skill. artless 1. syl art+less pron <1a:tlis> pos adj. def free from deceit. exam 1 an artless manner. artless 2. syl art+less pron <1a:tlis> pos adj. def natural or simple; unpretentious. exam 1 artless elegance. artless 3. syl art+less pron <1a:tlis> pos adj. def without art or skill. artless 4. syl art+less pron <1a:tlis> pos adj. def naive or awkward. exam 1 an artless remark. artless 5. syl art+less pron <1a:tlis> pos adj. def ignorant, uneducated, or uncultured. artlessly sub head artless syl art+less+ly pos adv. artlessness sub head artless syl art+less+ness pos n. art music 0. syl art mu+sic pos n. def music written by a composer rather than passed on by oral tradition. Compare {folk music}. Art Nouveau ety French, literally: new art Art Nouveau 0.a. syl Art Nou+veau pron <1a:> , French pos n. def a style of art and architecture of the 1890s, characterized by swelling sinuous outlines and stylized natural forms, such as flowers and leaves. Art Nouveau 0.b. syl Art Nou+veau pron <1a:> , French pos n. usage as modifier exam 1 an Art-Nouveau mirror. Artois 0. syl Ar+tois pron French pos n. def a former province of N France. art paper 0. syl art pa+per pos n. def a high-quality type of paper having a smooth coating of china clay or similar substance on it. arthe 1.a. head arts syl arthe. def imaginative, creative, and non?!scientific branches of knowledge considered collectively, esp. as studied academically. arts 1.b. syl arts pron pos n. mod pl. usage as modifier exam 1 an arts degree. arts 2. syl arts pron pos n. mod pl. def See {fine art}. arts 3. syl arts pron pos n. mod pl. def cunning or crafty actions or plots; schemes. art union 0. syl art un+ion pos n. qual Austral. def a lottery for prizes of cash or goods. artwork 0. syl art+work pron <1a:t2wR:k> pos n. def all the original nontextual matter in a publication, esp. the illustrations. artier infl head arty syl art:i+er pos adj. artiest infl head arty syl art:i+est. pos adj. arty 0. syl art:y pron <1a:ti> pos adj. qual Informal. def having an ostentatious or affected interest in or desire to imitate artists or artistic standards. artiness sub head arty syl art:i+ness pos n. Aruba 0. syl A:ru+ba pron <*1ru:b*>, Dutch pos n. def an island in the West Indies, in the Netherlands Antilles off the NW coast of Venezuela. Chief town: Oranjestad. Pop.: 61293 (1972 est.). Area: about 181 sq. km (70 sq. miles). Aru Islands 0. syl A:ru Is+lands pron <1a:ru:> pos n. mod pl. def a group of islands in Indonesia, in the SW Moluccas. Area: about 8500 sq. km (3300 sq. miles). arum ety C16: from Latin, variant of aros wake-robin, from Greek aron arum 1. syl ar:um pron <1e*r*m> pos n. def any plant of the aroid genus of Europe and the Mediterranean region, having arrow-shaped leaves and a typically white spathe. See also {cuckoopint}. arum lily 2. head arum syl arum lily. def another name for {{calla} (sense 1)}. Arunachal Pradesh 0. syl A:ru+na+chal Pra+desh pron <2a:r*1na:kL> pos n. def a union territory of NE India, formed in 1972 from the former North East Frontier Agency. Capital: Shillong. Pop.: 467511 (1971). Area: 81426 sq. km (31756 sq. miles). Arundel 0. syl Ar+un+del pron <1@r*nd*l> pos n. def a town in S England, in West Sussex: 11th-century castle. Pop.: 2382 (1971). arundinaceous ety C17: from Latin harundin*_aceus, from harund*_o a reed arundinaceous 0. syl a:run+di+na+ceous pron <*2r^ndi1nAS*s> pos adj. qual Botany. def resembling a reed. aruspices infl head aruspex syl a:rus+pi+ces pron <-pi2sEz> pos n. mod pl. aruspex 0. syl a:rus+pex pron <*1r^speks> pos n. def a variant spelling of {haruspex}. Aruwimi 0. syl A:ru+wi+mi pron <2a:ru:1wEmi> pos n. def a river in NE Za*"ire, rising near Lake Albert as the Ituri and flowing west into the River Congo (Za*"ire). Length: about 1288 km (800 miles). arvo 0. syl ar:vo pron <1a:v*u> pos n. qual Austral. informal. def afternoon. -ary ety from Latin -*_arius, -*_aria, -*_arium -ary 1. syl -a:ry pos suffix. usage forming adjectives def of; related to; belonging to. exam 1 cautionary; exam 2 rudimentary. -ary 2.a. syl -a:ry pos suffix. def a person connected with or engaged in. exam 1 missionary. -ary 2.b. syl -a:ry pos suffix. def a thing relating to; a place for. exam 1 commentary; exam 2 aviary. Aryan ety C19: from Sanskrit *_arya of noble birth Arian alt head Aryan or Aryan syl Ar:i:an pron <1e*ri*n> pos n. Aryan 1. or Arian syl Ar:y:an pron <1e*ri*n> pos n. usage in Nazi ideology def a Caucasian of non-Jewish descent, esp. of the Nordic type. Aryan 2. or Arian syl Ar:y:an pron <1e*ri*n> pos n. def a member of any@T of@T the@T peoples@T supposedly@T descended from the Indo-Europeans, esp. a speaker of an Iranian or Indic language in ancient times. Aryan 3. or Arian syl Ar:y:an pron <1e*ri*n> pos adj. def of, relating to, or characteristic of an Aryan or Aryans. Aryan 4. or Arian syl Ar:y:an pron <1e*ri*n> pos adj. n. qual Archaic. def Indo-European. Aryanise alt head Aryanize or Aryanize syl Ar:y+an+ise pron <1e*ri*2nIz> pos vb. mod tr. Aryanize 0. or Aryanise syl Ar:y+an+ize pron <1e*ri*2nIz> pos vb. mod tr. usage in Nazi ideology def to purge (politics and society) of all non-Aryan elements or people; make characteristically Aryan. aryl ety C20: from #7ar (#7omatic) #7+ -#7yl aryl 1. syl ar:yl pron <1@ril> pos n. qual Chem. usage modifier def of, consisting of, or containing an aromatic group. exam 1 aryl group or radical. aryl 2. syl ar:yl pron <1@ril> pos n. def an organometallic compound in which a metal atom is bound to an aryl or molecule. arytenoid ety C18: from New Latin arytaeno*_ides, from Greek arutainoeid*_es shaped like a ladle, from arutaina ladle arytaenoid alt head arytenoid or arytenoid syl ar:y+tae+noid pron <2@ri1tEncid> pos adj. arytenoid 1. or arytaenoid syl ar:y+te+noid pron <2@ri1tEncid> pos adj. usage also def denoting either of two small cartilages of the larynx that are attached to the vocal cords. arytenoid 2. or arytaenoid syl ar:y+te+noid pron <2@ri1tEncid> pos adj. usage also def denoting any of three small muscles of the larynx that narrow the space between the vocal cords. arytenoid 3. or arytaenoid syl ar:y+te+noid pron <2@ri1tEncid> pos n. usage also def an arytenoid cartilage or muscle. as ety Old English alsw*_a likewise; see #7also as H1.1. syl as pron <@z>, <*z> pos conj. usage subordinating; often preceded by just def while; when; at the time that. exam 1 he caught me as I was leaving. as H1.2. syl as pron <@z>, <*z> pos conj. usage subordinating def in the way that. exam 1 dancing as only she can. as H1.3. syl as pron <@z>, <*z> pos conj. usage subordinating def that which; what. exam 1 I did as I was told. as H1.4. syl as pron <@z>, <*z> pos conj. usage subordinating; of def which fact, event, etc. (referring to the previous statement). exam 1 to become wise, as we all know, is not easy. as it were 5. head as syl as it were. usage subordinating def in a way; so to speak; as if it were really so. as H1.6.a. syl as pron <@z>, <*z> pos conj. usage subordinating def a military command to return to the previous position. as H1.6.b. syl as pron <@z>, <*z> pos conj. usage subordinating def a statement to withdraw something just said. as H1.7. syl as pron <@z>, <*z> pos conj. usage subordinating def since; seeing that. exam 1 as you're in charge here, you'd better tell me where to wait. as H1.8. syl as pron <@z>, <*z> pos conj. usage subordinating def in the same way that. exam 1 he died of cancer, as his father had done. as H1.9. syl as pron <@z>, <*z> pos conj. usage subordinating def in spite of the extent to which. exam 1 intelligent as you are, I suspect you will fail. as H1.10. syl as pron <@z>, <*z> pos conj. usage subordinating def for instance. exam 1 capital cities, as London. as H1.11.a. syl as pron <@z>, <*z> pos prep. conj. usage subordinating def used correlatively before an adjective or adverb and before a noun phrase or a clause to indicate identity of extent, amount, etc.. exam 1 she is as heavy as her sister; exam 2 she is as heavy now as she used to be. as H1.11.b. syl as pron <@z>, <*z> pos prep. conj. usage subordinating def used with this sense after a noun phrase introduced by as H1.12. syl as pron <@z>, <*z> pos prep. usage subordinating def in the role of; being. exam 1 as his friend, my opinions are probably biased. as for 13. head as or to syl as for usage subordinating def with reference to. exam 1 as for my past, I'm not telling you anything. as from 14. head as or of syl as from usage subordinating; Formal. in expressions of time def from. exam 1 fares will rise as from January 11. as if 15. head as or though syl as if usage subordinating def as it would be if. exam 1 he talked as if he knew all about it. as (it) is 16. head as syl as (it) is. usage subordinating def in the existing state of affairs. exam 1 as it is, I shall have difficulty finishing all this work, without any more. as per 17. head as syl as per. usage subordinating def See {{per} (sense 3)}. as regards 18. head as syl as regards. usage subordinating def See {{regard} (sense 6)}. as such 19. head as syl as such. usage subordinating def See { {such} (sense 3)}. such as 20. head as syl such as. usage subordinating def See {{such} (sense 5)}. as was 21. head as syl as was. usage subordinating def in a previous state. as well 22. head as syl as well. usage subordinating def See {{well} (sense 12)}. as yet 23. head as syl as yet. usage subordinating def up to now; so far. as ety C17: from Latin *_as unity, probably of Etruscan origin as H2.1. syl as pron <@s> pos n. def an ancient Roman unit of weight approximately equal to 1 pound troy (373 grams). as H2.2. syl as pron <@s> pos n. def the standard monetary unit and copper coin of ancient Rome. As 1. syl As qual symbol for:; Chemistry. def arsenic. As 2. syl As qual symbol for: def altostratus. AS 1. syl AS qual abbrev. for: def Also: {A.S}. Anglo-Saxon. AS 2. syl AS qual abbrev. for: def antisubmarine. As 1. syl As. qual abbrev. for: def Asia(n). As 2. syl As. qual abbrev. for: def Asiatic. ASA 1. syl A.S.A. qual abbrev. for: usage in Britain def Amateur Swimming Asso?!ciation. ASA 2. syl A.S.A. qual abbrev. for: usage in the U.S. def American Standards Association. ASABS ety C20: from American Standards Association/British Standard ASABS 0. syl ASA/BS qual abbrev. def an expression of the speed of a photographic film, given as 0.8/ where is the exposure of a point 0.1 density units above the fog level on the characteristic curve of a particular sensitized material. Compare {DIN}. asafoetida ety C14: from Medieval Latin, from asa gum (compare Persian az*_a mastic)+Latin foetidus evil-smelling, #7fetid asafetida alt head asafoetida or asafoetida syl as:a+fet:i+da pron <2@s*1fetid*> pos n. asafoetida 0. or asafetida syl as:a+foet:i+da pron <2@s*1fetid*> pos n. def a bitter resin with an unpleasant onion-like smell, obtained from the roots of some umbelliferous plants of the genus formerly used to treat flatulence, hysteria, etc. Asantehene 0. syl A:san+te+he+ne pron <@1S@nti2heni> pos n. def the ruler of the Ashanti people of Ghana. asarabacca 0. syl as:a+ra+bac+ca pron <2@s*r*1b@k*> pos n. def a perennial evergreen Eurasian plant, having kidney-shaped leaves and a single brownish flower: family asarum ety C19: via New Latin from Latin: hazelwort, from Greek asaron asarum 0. syl as:a+rum pron <1@s*r*m> pos n. def the dried strong-scented root of the wild ginger plant: a flavouring agent and source of an aromatic oil used in perfumery, formerly used in medicine. Asben 0. syl As+ben pron <@s1ben> pos n. def another name for {A*"ir} (region of the Sahara). asbestos ety C14 (originally applied to a mythical stone the heat of which could not be extinguished): via Latin from Greek: from asbestos inextin?!guishable, from #7{a -%1}#7+ sbennunai to extinguish &- as+#!bes+tine adj. asbestos 0.a. syl as+bes+tos pron <@s1bestos>, <-t*s> pos n. def any of the fibrous amphibole and serpentine minerals, esp. chrysotile and tremolite, that are incombustible and resistant to chemicals. It is widely used in the form of fabric or board as a heat-resistant structural material. asbestos 0.b. syl as+bes+tos pron <@s1bestos>, <-t*s> pos n. usage as modifier exam 1 asbestos matting. asbestosis 0. syl as+bes+to+sis pron <2@sbes1t*usis> pos n. def inflammation of the lungs resulting from chronic inhalation of asbestos particles. Asc 0. syl Asc. qual Astrology. abbrev. for def Ascendant. Ascanius 0. syl As:ca:ni:us pron <@1skAni*s> pos n. qual Roman myth. def the son of Aeneas and Creusa; founder of Alba Longa, mother city of Rome. Also called: {Iulus}. ascariasis 0. syl as+ca+ri:a+sis pron <2@sk*1rI*sis> pos n. def infestation of the intestines with the roundworm causing abdominal pain, nausea and vomiting, weight loss, etc. ascarid ety C14: from New Latin ascaridae, from Greek askarides, plural of askaris ascarid 0. syl as+ca+rid pron <1@sk*rid> pos n. def any parasitic nematode worm of the family such as the common roundworm of man and pigs. ascend ety C14: from Latin ascendere, from scandere ascend 1. syl as+cend pron <*1send> pos vb. def to go or move up (a ladder, hill, slope, etc.); mount; climb. ascend 2. syl as+cend pron <*1send> pos vb. mod intr. def to slope or incline upwards. ascend 3. syl as+cend pron <*1send> pos vb. mod intr. def to rise to a higher point, level, degree, etc. ascend 4. syl as+cend pron <*1send> pos vb. def to follow (a river) upstream towards its source. ascend 5. syl as+cend pron <*1send> pos vb. def to trace (a genealogy, etc.) back in time. ascend 6. syl as+cend pron <*1send> pos vb. def to sing or play (a scale, arpeggio, etc.) from the lower to higher notes. ascend the throne 7. head ascend syl ascend the throne. def to become king or queen. ascendency alt head ascendancy or ascendence syl as+cend+en:cy pron <*1send*nsi> pos n. ascendance infl head ascendancy or ascendancy syl as+cend+ance pos n. ascendence infl head ascendancy or ascendency syl as+cend+ence pos n. ascendancy 0. or ascendance syl as+cend+an:cy pron <*1send*nsi> pos n. def the condition of being dominant, esp. through superior economic or political power. ascendent alt head ascendant or ascendant syl as+cend+ent pron <*1send*nt> pos adj. ascendant 1. or ascendent syl as+cend+ant pron <*1send*nt> pos adj. def proceeding upwards; rising. ascendant 2. or ascendent syl as+cend+ant pron <*1send*nt> pos adj. def dominant, superior, or influential. ascendant 3. or ascendent syl as+cend+ant pron <*1send*nt> pos adj. qual Botany. def another term for {ascending}. ascendant 4. or ascendent syl as+cend+ant pron <*1send*nt> pos n. qual Rare. def an ancestor. ascendant 5. or ascendent syl as+cend+ant pron <*1send*nt> pos n. def a position or condition of dominance, superiority or control. ascendant 6.a. or ascendent syl as+cend+ant pron <*1send*nt> pos n. def a point on the ecliptic that rises on the eastern horizon at a particular moment and changes as the earth rotates on its axis. ascendant 6.b. or ascendent syl as+cend+ant pron <*1send*nt> pos n. def the sign of the zodiac containing this point. in the ascendant 7. head ascendant syl in the ascendant. def increasing in influence, prosperity, etc. ascender 1.a. syl as+cend+er pron <*1send*> pos n. def the part of certain lower-case letters, such as or that extends above the body of the letter. ascender 1.b. syl as+cend+er pron <*1send*> pos n. def any letter having such a part. ascender 2. syl as+cend+er pron <*1send*> pos n. def a person or thing that ascends. ascending 1. syl as+cend+ing pron <*1sendiG> pos adj. def moving upwards; rising. ascending 2. syl as+cend+ing pron <*1sendiG> pos adj. qual Botany. def sloping or curving upwards. exam 1 the ascending stem of a vine. ascension 1. syl as+cen+sion pron <*1senS*n> pos n. def the act of ascending. ascension 2. syl as+cen+sion pron <*1senS*n> pos n. qual Astrono?!my. def the rising of a star above the horizon. ascensional sub head ascension syl as+1cen+sion+al pos adj. Ascension H1.0. syl As+cen+sion pron <*1senS*n> pos n. qual New Testament. def the passing of Jesus Christ from earth into heaven (Acts 1:9). Ascension H2.0. syl As+cen+sion pron <*1senS*n> pos n. def an island in the S Atlantic, northwest of St. Helena: uninhabited until claimed by Britain in 1815. Pop.: 1231 (1971). Area: 88 sq. km (34 sq. miles). Ascension Day 0. syl As+cen+sion Day pos n. qual Christianity. def the 40th day after Easter, when the Ascension of Christ into heaven is celebrated. Ascensiontide 0. syl As+cen+sion+tide pron <*1senS*n2tId> pos n. def the ten days from Ascension Day to the day before Whit Sunday. ascent 1. syl as+cent pron <*1sent> pos n. def the act of ascending; climb or upward movement. exam 1 the ascent of hot gases. ascent 2. syl as+cent pron <*1sent> pos n. def an upward slope; incline or gradient. ascent 3. syl as+cent pron <*1sent> pos n. def movement back through time, as in tracing of earlier generations (esp. in the phrase {line of ascent) }. ascertain ety C15: from Old French acertener to make certain ascertain 1. syl as+cer+tain pron <2@s*1tAn> pos vb. mod tr. def to determine or discover definitely. ascertain 2. syl as+cer+tain pron <2@s*1tAn> pos vb. mod tr. qual Archaic. def to make certain. ascertainable sub head ascertain syl as+cer+1tain+a:ble pos adj. ascertainably sub head ascertain syl as+cer+1tain+a:bly pos adv. ascertainment sub head ascertain syl as+cer+1tain+ment pos n. ascesis ety C19: from Greek, from aske*^in to exercise asceses infl head ascesis syl as+ce:ses pron <-sEz> pos n. mod pl. ascesis 0. syl as+ce:sis pron <*1sEsis> pos n. def the exercise of self-discipline. ascetic ety C17: from Greek ask*_etikos, from ask*_et*_es, from aske*^in to exercise ascetic 1. syl as+cet+ic pron <*1setik> pos n. def a person who practises great self-denial and austerities and abstains from worldly comforts and pleasures, esp. for religious reasons. ascetic 2. syl as+cet+ic pron <*1setik> pos n. usage in the early Christian Church def a monk. ascetic 3. syl as+cet+ic pron <*1setik> pos adj. usage also def rigidly abstinent or abstemious; austere. ascetic 4. syl as+cet+ic pron <*1setik> pos adj. usage also def of or relating to ascetics or asceticism. ascetic 5. syl as+cet+ic pron <*1setik> pos adj. usage also def intensely rigorous in religious austerities. ascetically sub head ascetic syl as+1cet:i+cal+ly pos adv. asceticism 1. syl as+cet:i+cism pron <*1seti2siz*m> pos n. def the behaviour, discipline, or outlook of an ascetic, esp. of a religious ascetic. asceticism 2. syl as+cet:i+cism pron <*1seti2siz*m> pos n. def the principles@T of@T ascetic@T practices,@T esp.@T in@T the@T early@T Christian Church. asceticism 3. syl as+cet:i+cism pron <*1seti2siz*m> pos n. qual Theol. def the theory and system of ascetic practices. Sholem infl head Asch syl Sho:lem pron <1S*ul*m> pos n. Asch 0. syl Asch pron <@S> pos n. def 1880-1957, U.S. writer, born in Poland, who wrote in Yiddish. His works include biblical novels. Aschaffenburg 0. syl A:schaf+fen+burg pron German pos n. def a city in central West Germany, on the River Main in Bavaria: seat of the Imperial Diet (1447); ceded to Bavaria in 1814. Pop.: 55100 (1970). Roger infl head Ascham syl Rog:er. pos n. Ascham 0. syl As:cham pron <1@sk*m> pos n. def ??1515-68, English humanist writer and classical scholar: tutor to Queen Elizabeth I. asci 0. syl as:ci pron <1@sI>, <1@skI> pos n. def plural of {ascus}. ascidian 1. syl as+cid+i:an pron <*1sidi*n> pos n. def any minute marine invertebrate animal of the class such as the sea squirt, the adults of which are degenerate and sedentary: subphylum (tunicates). ascidian tadpole 2. head ascidian syl ascidian tadpole. def the free-swimming larva of an ascidian, having a tadpole-like tail containing the notochord and nerve cord. ascidian 3. syl as+cid+i:an pron <*1sidi*n> pos adj. def of, relating to, or belong?!ing to the ascidium ety C18: from New Latin, from Greek askidion a little bag, from askos bag ascidia infl head ascidium syl as+cid:i:a pron <-1sidi*> pos n. mod pl. ascidium 0. syl as+cid+i:um pron <*1sidi*m> pos n. def part of a plant that is shaped like a pitcher, such as the modified leaf of the pitcher plant. ASCII 0. syl ASCII pron <1@skE> pos n. usage acronym for def American standard code for information interchange: a computer code for representing alphanumeric characters. ascites ety C14: from Latin: a kind of dropsy, from Greek askit*_es, from askos wineskin ascites infl syl as+ci+tes. pos n. mod pl. ascites 0. syl as+ci+tes pron <*1sItEz> pos n. qual Pathol. def accumulation of serous fluid in the peritoneal cavity. ascitic sub head ascites syl as+cit+ic pron <*1sitik> pos adj. asclepiadaceous ety C19: from New Latin Ascl*_epias genus name, from Latin, from Greek askl*_epias, named after A#7sclepius asclepiadaceous 0. syl as+cle+pi:a+da+ceous pron <@2sklEpi*1dAS*s> pos adj. def of, relating to, or belonging to the a family of mostly tropical and subtropical flowering plants, including the milkweed and swallowwort, having pollen in the form of a waxy mass (pollinium). Asclepiadean ety C17: via Latin from Greek Askl*_epiad*_es (about 270 #7b.c.) #7, who invented the verse form Asclepiadean 1. syl As+cle+pi:a+de:an pron <@2sklEpi*1dE*n> pos adj. qual Prosody. def of or relating to a type of classical verse line consisting of a spondee, two or three choriambs, and an iamb. Asclepiadean 2. syl As+cle+pi:a+de:an pron <@2sklEpi*1dE*n> pos n. qual Prosody. def Also called: {Asclepiad}. an Asclepiadean verse. Asclepius 0. syl As:cle:pi:us pron <*1sklEpi*s> pos n. qual Greek myth. def a god of healing; son of Apollo. Roman counterpart: {Aesculapius}. asco- ety from Greek askos bladder asco- 0. syl as:co- usage combining form. def indicating a bladder or ascus. exam 1 ascomycete. ascocarp 0. syl as+co+carp pron <1@sk*2ka:p> pos n. usage in some ascomycetous fungi def a globular structure containing the asci. See {apothecium, perithecium}. ascogonia infl head ascogonium syl as+co+go+ni:a pron <-ni*> pos n. mod pl. ascogonium 0. syl as+co+go+ni:um pron <2@sk*1g*uni*m> pos n. def a female reproductive body in some ascomycetous fungi in which, after fertilization, the asci develop. Ascoli Piceno 0. syl As+co+li Pi+ce+no pron Italian <1askoli> pos n. def a town in E central Italy, in the Marches: capital of the Roman province of Picenum; site of the massacre of all its Roman citizens in the Social War in 90 #7b.c. Pop.: 55053 (1971). Latin name: {Asculum Picenum}. ascomycete 0. syl as+co+my+cete pron <2@sk*mI1sEt> pos n. def any fungus of the class in which the spores (ascospores) are formed inside a club-shaped cell (ascus). The group includes yeast, penicillium, aspergillus, truffles, and certain mildews. &- {@!as+co+my+#!ce@.tous} ascorbic acid 0. syl a:scor+bic ac:id pron <*1skc:bik> pos n. def a white crystalline vitamin present in plants, esp. citrus fruits, tomatoes, and green vegetables. A deficiency in the diet of man leads to scurvy. Formula: C\6H\8O\6. Also called: {vitamin C}. ascospore 0. syl as+co+spore pron <1@sk*2spc:> pos n. def one of the spores (usually eight in number) that are produced in an ascus. ascot ety C20: named after A#7scot, where it was probably first worn ascot 0. syl as+cot pron <1@sk*t> pos n. def a cravat with wide square ends, usually secured with an ornamental stud. Ascot 0. syl As+cot pron <1@sk*t> pos n. def a horse race meeting held at Ascot, Berkshire, esp. {Royal Ascot}, a four-day meeting held in June: one of the chief events of the English racing year. ascribe ety C15: from Latin ascr*_ibere to enroll, from ad in addition+ scr*_ibere to write ascribe 1. syl as+cribe pron <*1skrIb> pos vb. mod tr. def to credit or assign, as to a particular origin or period. exam 1 to ascribe parts of a play to Shakespeare. ascribe 2. syl as+cribe pron <*1skrIb> pos vb. mod tr. def to attribute as a quality; consider as belonging to. exam 1 to ascribe beauty to youth. ascribable sub head ascribe syl as+1crib+a:ble pos adj. ascription ety C16: from Latin ascr*_ipti*_o, from ascr*_ibere to #7ascribe adscription alt head ascription or ascription syl ad+scrip+tion pron pos n. ascription 1. or adscription syl as+crip+tion pron <*1skripS*n> pos n. def the act of ascribing. ascription 2. or adscription syl as+crip+tion pron <*1skripS*n> pos n. def a statement ascribing something to someone, esp. praise to God. ascus ety C19: from New Latin, from Greek askos bag asci infl head ascus syl as:ci pron <1@sI>, <1@skI> pos n. mod pl. ascus 0. syl as+cus pron <1@sk*s> pos n. def a saclike structure that produces (usually) eight ascospores during sexual reproduction in ascomycetous fungi such as yeasts and mildews. asdic ety C20: from A (nti-) S (ubmarine) D (etection) I (nvestigation) C (ommittee) asdic 0. syl as+dic pron <1@zdik> pos n. def another name for an {echo sounder}. -ase ety abstracted from #7diastase -ase 0. syl -ase usage suffix forming nouns. def indicating an enzyme. exam 1 oxidase. ASEAN 0. syl A.S.E.A.N. qual abbrev. for def Association of Southeast Asian Nations. aseity ety C17: from Medieval Latin aseitas, from Latin *_a from+ s*_e oneself aseity 0. syl a:se+i:ty pron pos n. qual Philosophy. def existence derived from itself, having no other source. asepalous 0. syl a:sep+al+ous pron <@1sep*l*s> pos adj. usage of a plant or flower def having no sepals. asepsis 1. syl a:sep+sis pron <*1sepsis>, pos n. def the state of being free from living pathogenic organisms. asepsis 2. syl a:sep+sis pron <*1sepsis>, pos n. def the methods of achieving a germ-free condition. &- {a@.#!sep+tic} asexual 1. syl a:sex:u+al pron , <@-> pos adj. def having no apparent sex or sex organs. asexual 2. syl a:sex:u+al pron , <@-> pos adj. usage of reproduction def not involving the fusion of male and female gametes, as in vegetative reproduction, fission, and budding. asexuality sub head asexual syl a:2sex:u+1al+i:ty pos n. asexually sub head asexual syl a:1sex:u+al+ly pos adv. Asgarth alt head Asgard or Asgard syl As+garth pron <1@sga:T> pos n. Asgard 0. or Asgarth syl As+gard pron <1@sga:d> pos n. qual Norse myth. def the dwelling place of the principal gods, the Aesir. ash ety Old English @asce; related to Old Norse, Old High German aska, Gothic azg*_o, Latin aridus dry ash H1.1. syl ash pron <@S> pos n. def the nonvolatile products and residue formed when matter is burnt. ash H1.2. syl ash pron <@S> pos n. def any of certain compounds formed by burning. See {soda ash}. ash H1.3. syl ash pron <@S> pos n. def fine particles of lava thrown out by an erupting volcano. ash H1.4. syl ash pron <@S> pos n. def a light silvery grey colour, often with a brownish tinge. ash ety Old English @asc; related to Old Norse askr, Old Saxon, Old High German ask, Lithuanian uosis ash H2.1. syl ash pron <@S> pos n. def any oleaceous tree of the genus esp. of Europe and Asia, having compound leaves, clusters of small greenish flowers, and winged seeds. ash H2.2. syl ash pron <@S> pos n. def the close-grained durable wood of any of these trees, used for tool handles, etc. ash H2.3. syl ash pron <@S> pos n. def any of several trees resembling the ash, such as the mountain ash. ash H3.0. syl ash pron <@S> pos n. def the digraph as in Old English, representing a front vowel approximately like that of the in Modern English The character is also used to represent this sound in the International Phonetic Alphabet. ashamed ety Old English *_ascamod, past participle of *_ascamian to shame, from scamu #7shame ashamed 1. syl a:shamed pron <*1SAmd> pos adj. usage usually postpositive def overcome with shame, guilt, or remorse. ashamed 2. syl a:shamed pron <*1SAmd> pos adj. usage usually postpositive; foll. by of def suffering from feelings of inferiority or shame in relation to (a person, thing, or deed). ashamed 3. syl a:shamed pron <*1SAmd> pos adj. usage usually postpositive; foll. by to def unwilling through fear of humiliation, shame, etc. ashamedly sub head ashamed syl a:sham+ed+ly pron <*1SAmidli> pos adv. Ashanti 1. syl A:shan+ti pron <*1S@nti> pos n. def an administrative region of central Ghana: former native kingdom, suppressed by the British in 1900 after four wars. Capital: Kumasi. Pop.: 1477397 (1970). Area: 24390 sq. km (9417 sq. miles). Ashanti 2. syl A:shan+ti pron <*1S@nti> pos n. def a native or inhabitant of Ashanti. Ashanti 3. syl A:shan+ti pron <*1S@nti> pos n. def a former name for {Twi} (the language). ash blond 1.a. syl ash blond pos n. def a very light blond colour. ash blond 1.b. syl ash blond pos as; adj. exam 1 ash-blond hair. ash blond 2. syl ash blond pos n. def a person whose hair is this colour. ash can 0. syl ash can pos n. def a U.S. word for {dustbin}. Also called: {garbage can, ash bin, trash can}. Ash Can School 0. syl Ash Can School pos n. def a group of U.S. painters including Robert Henri and later George Bellows, founded in 1907, noted for their depiction of the sordid aspects of city life. Ashcroft 0. syl Ash:croft pron <1@Skroft> pos n. def Dame {Peg@.gy}. born 1907, English actress. Arthur (Robert) infl head Ashe syl Ar:thur (Robert). pos n. Ashe 0. syl Ashe pron <@S> pos n. def born 1943, U.S. tennis player: U.S. champion 1968; Wimbledon champion 1975. ashen H1.1. syl ash+en pron <1@S*n> pos adj. def drained of colour; pallid. ashen H1.2. syl ash+en pron <1@S*n> pos adj. def consisting of or resembling ashes. ashen H1.3. syl ash+en pron <1@S*n> pos adj. def of a pale greyish colour. ashen H2.0. syl ash+en pron <1@S*n> pos adj. def of, relating to, or made from the ash tree or its timber. Asher 0. syl Ash:er pron <1@S*> pos n. def the son of Jacob and ancestor of one of the 12 tribes of Israel. ashes 1. syl ash:es pron <1@Siz> pos n. mod pl. def ruins or remains, as after destruction or burning. exam 1 the city was left in ashes. ashes 2. syl ash:es pron <1@Siz> pos n. mod pl. def the remains of a human body after cremation. the infl head Ashes syl the. pos n. Ashes 0. syl Ash:es pron <1@Siz> pos n. mod pl. def a cremated cricket stump constituting a trophy competed for by England and Australia in test cricket. ashet ety C16: from French assiette ashet 0. syl ash:et pron <1@Set> pos n. qual Dialect. def a dish or large plate. Ashford 0. syl Ash+ford pron <1@Sf*d> pos n. def a market town in SE England in central Kent. Pop.: 35560 (1971). Ashkenazi ety C19: Late Hebrew, from Hebrew Ashkenaz, the son of Gomer (Genesis 10:3; I Chronicles 1:6), a descendant of Noah through Japheth, and hence taken to be identified with the ancient Ascanians of Phrygia and, in the medieval period, the Germans Ashkenazim infl head Ashkenazi syl Ash+ke+na+zim pron <-zim> pos n. mod pl. Ashkenazi 1. syl Ash+ke+na+zi pron <2@Sk*1na:zi> pos n. usage modifier def of or relating to the Jews of Germany and E Europe. Ashkenazi 2. syl Ash+ke+na+zi pron <2@Sk*1na:zi> pos n. def a Jew of German or E European descent. Ashkenazi 3. syl Ash+ke+na+zi pron <2@Sk*1na:zi> pos n. def the pronunciation of Hebrew used by these Jews. Compare {Sephardi}. ashkey 0. syl ash+key pron <1@SkE> pos n. def the winged fruit of the ash. Ashkhabad 0. syl Ash+kha+bad pron Russian pos n. def a city in the SW Soviet Union, capital of the Turkmen SSR. Pop.: 289000 (1975 est.). ashlar ety C14: from Old French aisselier crossbeam, from ais board, from Latin axis axletree; see #7axis ashler alt head ashlar or ashlar syl ash+ler pron <1@Sl*> pos n. ashlar 1. or ashler syl ash+lar pron <1@Sl*> pos n. def a block of hewn stone with straight edges for use in building. ashlar 2. or ashler syl ash+lar pron <1@Sl*> pos n. def Also called: {ashlar veneer}. a thin dressed stone with straight edges, used to face a wall. ashlar 3. or ashler syl ash+lar pron <1@Sl*> pos n. def masonry made of ashlar. ashlaring 1. syl ash+lar+ing pron <1@Sl*riG> pos n. def ashlars collectively. ashlaring 2. syl ash+lar+ing pron <1@Sl*riG> pos n. def a number of short upright boards forming the wall of a garret, cutting off the acute angle between the rafters and the floor. ashore 1. syl a:shore pron <*1Sc:> pos adv. def towards or onto land from the water. exam 1 we swam ashore. ashore 2. syl a:shore pron <*1Sc:> pos adj. postpositive; adv. def on land, having come from the water. exam 1 a day ashore before sailing. ashplant 0. syl ash+plant pron <1@S2pla:nt> pos n. def a walking stick made from an ash sapling. ashram ety from Sanskrit *_a*'srama, from *_a- near + *'srama religious exertion ashram 1. syl ash+ram pron <1@Sr*m>, <1a:S-> pos n. def a religious retreat or community where a Hindu holy man lives. ashram 2. syl ash+ram pron <1@Sr*m>, <1a:S-> pos n. def a house that provides accommodation for destitute people. Ashton 0. syl Ash:ton pron <1@St*n> pos n. def Sir {Fred@.e@.rick}. born 1906, British ballet dancer and choreographer. His ballets include (1931), to music by Walton, (1960), (1964), and (1976). Ashton-under-Lyne 0. syl Ash:ton-un:der-Lyne pron <1@St*n>, <1lIn> pos n. def a town in NW England, in Greater Manchester. Pop.: 48865 (1971). Ashtoreth 0. syl Ash:to:reth pron <1@St*2reT> pos n. qual Old Testament. def an ancient Semitic fertility goddess, identified with Astarte and Ishtar. ashtray 0. syl ash+tray pron <1@S2trA> pos n. def a receptacle for tobacco ash, cigarette butts, etc. Ashur 0. syl Ash:ur pron <1@Su*> pos n. def a variant spelling of {Assur}. Assurbanipal alt head Ashurbanipal or Ashurbanipal syl As:sur:ba:ni:pal pos n. Ashurbanipal 0. or Assurbanipal syl Ash:ur:ba:ni:pal pron <2@Su*1ba:ni2p@l> pos n. def died ??626 #7b.c., king of Assyria (??668-??626): son of Esarhaddon. He built the magnificent palace and library at Nineveh. Ash Wednesday 0. syl Ash Wednes+day pos n. def the first day of Lent, named from the practice of Christians of placing ashes on their heads. ashier infl head ashy syl ash:i+er pos adj. ashiest infl head ashy syl ash:i+est. pos adj. ashy 1. syl ash:y pron <1@Si> pos adj. def of a pale greyish colour; ashen. ashy 2. syl ash:y pron <1@Si> pos adj. def consisting of, covered with, or resembling ash. Asi 0. syl `A:si pron <1@si> pos n. def the Arabic name for the {Orontes}. Asia 0. syl A:sia pron <1AS*>, <1AZ*> pos n. def the largest of the continents, bordering on the Arctic Ocean, the Pacific Ocean, the Indian Ocean, and the Mediterranean and Red Seas in the west. It includes the large peninsulas of Asia Minor, India, Arabia, and Indo-China and the island groups of Japan, Indonesia, the Philippines, and Ceylon; contains the mountain ranges of the Hindu Kush, Himalayas, Pamirs, Tien Shan, Urals, and Caucasus, the great plateaus of India, Iran, and Tibet, vast plains and deserts, and the valleys of many large rivers including the Mekong, Irrawaddy, Indus, Ganges, Tigris, and Euphrates. Pop.: 2052000000 (1968 est.). Area: 44391162 sq. km (17139445 sq. miles). Asia Minor 0. syl A:sia Mi+nor pos n. def the historical name for {Anatolia}. Asian 1. syl A:sian pron <1AS*n>, <1AZ*n> pos adj. def of or relating to Asia or to any of its peoples or languages. Asian 2. syl A:sian pron <1AS*n>, <1AZ*n> pos n. def a native or inhabitant of Asia or a descendant of one. #e {Usage}. is used in formal writing as a noun indicating a person from Asia. The use of the word in this sense is regarded by some people as offensive. Asian flu 0. syl A:sian flu pos n. def a type of influenza recurring in worldwide epidemics, caused by a virus (A2 strain or subsequent antigenic variants), which apparently originated in China in 1957. Asiatic 0. syl A:si+at+ic pron <2ASi1@tik>, <-zi-> pos n. adj. def another name for {Asian}. Asiatic beetle 0. syl A:si+at+ic bee+tle pos n. def a Japanese scarabaeid beetle, introduced into Hawaii and the northeastern U.S.: a serious pest of sugar cane and cereal crops by destroying the roots. Asiatic cholera 0. syl A:si+at+ic chol+er:a pos n. def another name for {cholera}. aside 1. syl a:side pron <*1sId> pos adv. def on or to one side. exam 1 they stood aside to let him pass. aside 2. syl a:side pron <*1sId> pos adv. def out of hearing; in or into seclusion. exam 1 he took her aside to tell her of his plan. aside 3. syl a:side pron <*1sId> pos adv. def away from oneself. exam 1 he threw the book aside. aside 4. syl a:side pron <*1sId> pos adv. def out of mind or consideration. exam 1 he put aside all fears. aside 5. syl a:side pron <*1sId> pos adv. def in or into reserve. exam 1 to put aside money for old age. aside 6.a. syl a:side pron <*1sId> pos adv. def besides. exam 1 he has money aside from his possessions. aside 6.b. syl a:side pron <*1sId> pos adv. def except for. exam 1 he has nothing aside from the clothes he stands in. aside 7. syl a:side pron <*1sId> pos n. def something spoken by an actor, intended to be heard by the audience, but not by the others on stage. aside 8. syl a:side pron <*1sId> pos n. def any confidential statement spoken in undertones. aside 9. syl a:side pron <*1sId> pos n. def a digression. asinine ety C16: from Latin asin*_inus, from asinus #7{ass %1} asinine 1. syl as:i+nine pron <1@si2nIn> pos adj. def obstinate or stupid. asinine 2. syl as:i+nine pron <1@si2nIn> pos adj. def resembling an ass. asininely sub head asinine syl as:i+2nine+ly pos adv. asininity sub head asinine syl as:i+nin+i:ty pron <2@si1niniti> pos n. ASIO 0. syl A.S.I.O. qual abbrev. for def Australian Security Intelligence Organi?!zation. Asir 0. syl A:sir pron <@1si*> pos n. def a region of SW Saudi Arabia, on the Red Sea: under Turkish rule until 1933. Pop.: about 1000000 (1970 est.). Area: 103600 sq. km (40000 sq. miles). -asis 0. syl -a:sis usage suffix forming nouns. def a variant of {-iasis}. ask ety Old English *_ascian; related to Old Frisian *_askia, Old Saxon *_escon, Old High German eisc*_on ask 1. syl ask pron pos vb. usage often foll. by about def to put a question (to); request an answer (from). exam 1 she asked (him) about God. ask 2. syl ask pron pos vb. mod tr. def to inquire about. exam 1 she asked him the time of the train; exam 2 she asked the way. ask 3. syl ask pron pos vb. mod tr. def to direct or put (a question). ask 4. syl ask pron pos vb. usage an infinitive; often foll. by for def to make a request or demand. exam 1 she asked (him) for information; exam 2 they asked for a deposit. ask 5. syl ask pron pos vb. mod tr. def to demand or expect (esp. in the phrases {ask a lot of, ask too much of}) . ask 6. syl ask pron pos vb. mod tr. def Also: {ask out, ask over}. to request (a person) politely to come or go to a place; invite. exam 1 he asked her to the party. ask 7. syl ask pron pos vb. mod tr. def to need; require. exam 1 the job asks both time and patience. ask 8. syl ask pron pos vb. mod tr. qual Archaic. def to proclaim (marriage banns). {~} See also {ask after, ask for}. asker sub head ask syl ask+er pos n. Ask 0. syl Ask pron pos n. qual Norse myth. def the first man, created by the gods from an ash tree. ask after 0. syl ask af+ter pos vb. prep. def to make enquiries about the health of (someone). exam 1 he asked after her mother. askance ety C16: of unknown origin askant alt head askance or askance syl a:skant pron <*1sk@nt> pos adv. adj. askance 1. or askant syl a:skance pron <*1sk@ns> pos adv. adj. def with an oblique glance. askance 2. or askant syl a:skance pron <*1sk@ns> pos adv. adj. def with doubt or mistrust. askari ety C19: from Arabic: soldier askari 0. syl as+ka+ri pron pos n. usage in East Africa def a soldier or policeman. askew 0. syl a:skew pron <*1skju:> pos adv. adj. def at an oblique angle; towards one side; awry. ask for 1. syl ask for pos vb. prep. def to try to obtain by requesting. exam 1 he asked for help. ask for 2. syl ask for pos vb. prep. mod intr. qual Informal. def to behave in a provocative manner that is regarded as inviting (trouble, etc.). exam 1 she's asking for trouble; exam 2 you're asking for it. asking price 0. syl ask+ing price pos n. def the price suggested by a seller but usually considered to be subject to bargaining. Askja 0. syl Ask+ja pron <1a:skj*> pos n. def a volcano in E central Iceland: active in 1961; largest crater in Iceland. Height: 1510 m (4954 ft.). Area of crater: 88 sq. km (34 sq. miles). aslant 1. syl a:slant pron <*1sla:nt> pos adv. def at a slant. aslant 2. syl a:slant pron <*1sla:nt> pos prep. def at a slant across or athwart. asleep 1. syl a:sleep pron <*1slEp> pos adj. usage postpositive def in or into a state of sleep. asleep 2. syl a:sleep pron <*1slEp> pos adj. usage postpositive def in or into a dormant or inactive state. asleep 3. syl a:sleep pron <*1slEp> pos adj. usage postpositive; of limbs, esp. when the blood supply to them has been restricted def numb; lacking sensation. asleep 4. syl a:sleep pron <*1slEp> pos adj. qual Euphemistic. usage postpositive def dead. ASLEF 0. syl ASLEF pron <1@zlef> pos n. usage in Britain; acronym for def Associated Society of Locomotive Engineers and Firemen. aslope 0. syl a:slope pron <*1sl*up> pos adv. adj. usage postpositive def sloping. ASM 0. syl A.S.M. qual abbrev. for def air-to-surface missile. Asmara 0. syl As+ma+ra pron <@s1ma:r*> pos n. def a city in Ethiopia: capital of Eritrea. Pop.: 317950 (1975 est.). Asmodeus ety via Latin Asmodaeus, from Avestan A*_esma-da*_eva, spirit of anger Asmodeus 0. syl As:mo:de:us pron <@s1m*udi*s>, <2@sm*u1dE*s> pos n. usage in Jewish demon?!ology def prince of the demons. Asnieres 0. syl As+ni*`eres pron French pos n. def a suburb of Paris, on the Seine. Pop.: 75679 (1975). Aso 0. syl A:so pron <1a:s*u> pos n. def a group of five volcanic cones in Japan on central Kyushu, one of which, Naka-dake, has the largest crater in the world, between 16 km (10 miles) and 24 km (15 miles) in diameter. Highest cone: 1592 m (5223 ft.). Also called: {A@.so+san} (@!$a$:s$$$u#!s$a$:n). asocial 1. syl a:so+cial pron pos adj. def avoiding contact; not gregarious. asocial 2. syl a:so+cial pron pos adj. def unconcerned about the welfare of others. asocial 3. syl a:so+cial pron pos adj. def hostile to society or social practices. Asoka 0. syl A:so:ka pron <*1s*uk*>, <*1S*u-> pos n. def died 232 #7b.c., Indian emperor (??273-232 #7b.c.) , who elevated Buddhism to the official state religion. asp ety C15: from Latin aspis, from Greek asp H1.1. syl asp pron <@sp> pos n. def the venomous snake, probably (Egyptian cobra), that caused the death of Cleopatra and was formerly used by the Pharaohs as a symbol of their power over life and death. See also {uraeus}. asp H1.2. syl asp pron <@sp> pos n. def Also called: {asp viper}. a viper, that occurs in S Europe and is very similar to but smaller than the adder. horned asp 3. head asp syl horned asp. def another name for {horned viper}. asp ety Old English @aspe; related to Old Norse *"osp, Old High German aspa asp H2.0. syl asp pron <@sp> pos n. def an archaic name for the {aspen}. asparagine ety C19: from French, from Latin asparagus #7asparag(us)+ -#7{ine %2} asparagine 0. syl as+par:a+gine pron <*1sp@r*2JEn>, <-Jin> pos n. def a nonessential amino acid obtained mainly from asparagus, potatoes, and beetroot. Formula: NH\2COCH\2CH(NH\2)COOH. asparagus ety C15: from Latin, from Greek asparagos, of obscure origin asparagus 1. syl as+par:a+gus pron <*1sp@r*g*s> pos n. def any Eurasian liliaceous plant of the genus esp. the widely cultivated having small scaly or needle-like leaves. asparagus 2. syl as+par:a+gus pron <*1sp@r*g*s> pos n. def the succulent young shoots of which may be cooked and eaten. asparagus fern 3. head asparagus syl asparagus fern. def a fernlike species of asparagus, native to southern Africa. aspartic acid ety C19: from #7aspar (#7agus) #7+ -#7tic aspartic acid 0. syl as+par+tic ac:id pron <*1spa:tik> pos n. def a nonessential amino acid occurring naturally in sugar cane and sugar beet; aminosuccinic acid. Formula: COOHCH\2CH(NH\2)COOH. Aspasia 0. syl A:spa:si:a pron <*1spAzi*> pos n. def 5th century #7b.c., Greek courtesan; mistress of Pericles. aspect ety C14: from Latin aspectus a sight, from aspicere, from ad- to, at+ specere to look aspect 1. syl as+pect pron <1@spekt> pos n. def appearance to the eye; visual effect. exam 1 the physical aspect of the landscape. aspect 2. syl as+pect pron <1@spekt> pos n. def a distinct feature or element in a problem, situation, etc.; facet. exam 1 to consider every aspect of a problem. aspect 3. syl as+pect pron <1@spekt> pos n. def the way in which a problem, idea, etc., may be considered. exam 1 to consider a problem from every aspect. aspect 4. syl as+pect pron <1@spekt> pos n. def a facial expression; manner of appearing. exam 1 a severe aspect. aspect 5. syl as+pect pron <1@spekt> pos n. def a position facing a particular direction; outlook. exam 1 the southern aspect of a house. aspect 6. syl as+pect pron <1@spekt> pos n. def a view in a certain direction. exam 1 a good aspect of the village from the tower. aspect 7. syl as+pect pron <1@spekt> pos n. def a surface that faces in a given direction. exam 1 the ventral aspect of a fish. aspect 8. syl as+pect pron <1@spekt> pos n. qual Astrology. def any of several specific angular distances between two planets or a planet and the Ascendant or Midheaven measured, from the earth, in degrees along the ecliptic. aspect 9. syl as+pect pron <1@spekt> pos n. qual Grammar. def a category of verbs or verbal inflections that expresses such features as the continuity, repetition, or completedness of the action described. Compare {{perfective} (sense 2)}, {{progressive} (senses 8, 10)}. aspect 10. syl as+pect pron <1@spekt> pos n. qual Archaic. def glance or gaze. aspect ratio 1. syl as+pect ra+ti:o pos n. def the ratio of the width of a televised picture to its height. aspect ratio 2. syl as+pect ra+ti:o pos n. def the ratio of the span of an aerofoil to its mean chord. aspectual 0. syl as+pec+tu:al pron <@1spektju*l> pos adj. def of or relating to grammatical aspect. aspen ety Old English @aspe; see #7{asp %2} aspen 1. syl as+pen pron <1@sp*n> pos n. def any of several trees of the salicaceous genus such as of Europe, in which the leaves are attached to the stem by long flattened stalks so that they quiver in the wind. Archaic name: {asp}. aspen 2. syl as+pen pron <1@sp*n> pos adj. qual Archaic, chiefly literary. def trembling. asper ety from Turkish, ultimately from Latin: rough, harsh asper 0. syl as+per pron <1@sp*> pos n. def a Turkish monetary unit, formerly a silver coin, worth 1/20 of a piastre. Asperges ety C16: from Latin Asperges (me hyssopo) Thou shalt purge (me with hyssop) Asperges 1. syl As+per+ges pron <@1spR:JEz> pos n. qual R.C. Church. def a short rite preceding Mass, in which the celebrant sprinkles those present with holy water to the accompaniment of the chant Asperges 2. syl As+per+ges pron <@1spR:JEz> pos n. qual R.C. Church. def the chant opening with these words. aspergillosis ety C19: from New Latin, from #7aspergillus aspergilloses infl head aspergillosis syl as+per+gil+lo+ses pron <-sEz> pos n. mod pl. aspergillosis 0. syl as+per+gil+lo+sis pron <@2spR:Ji1l*usis> pos n. def a rare fungal infection, esp. of the mucous membranes or lungs, caused by various species of aspergillum ety C17: from New Latin aspergillum, from Latin aspergere, from spargere to sprinkle aspergill alt head aspergillum or aspergillum syl as+per+gill pron <1@sp*Jil> pos n. aspergilla infl head aspergillum syl as+per+gil+la pron <-1Jil*> pos n. mod pl. aspergillums infl head aspergillum or aspergills syl as+per+gil+lums pos n. mod pl. aspergills infl head aspergillum or aspergillums syl as+per+gills. pos n. mod pl. aspergillum 0. or aspergill syl as+per+gil+lum pron <2@sp*1Jil*m> pos n. def another term for { {aspersorium} (sense 2)}. aspergillus ety C19: from New Latin: aspergillum (from its similar appearance) aspergilli infl head aspergillus syl as+per+gil+li pron <-1JilI> pos n. mod pl. aspergillus 0. syl as+per+gil+lus pron <2@sp*1Jil*s> pos n. def any ascomycetous fungus of the genus having chains of spores attached like bristles to a club-shaped stalk: family asperity ety C16: from Latin asperit*_as, from asper rough asperities infl head asperity syl as+per+i:ties. pos n. mod pl. asperity 1. syl as+per+i:ty pron <@1speriti> pos n. def roughness or sharpness of temper. asperity 2. syl as+per+i:ty pron <@1speriti> pos n. def roughness or harshness of a surface, sound, taste, etc. asperity 3. syl as+per+i:ty pron <@1speriti> pos n. def a condition hard to endure; affliction. asperse ety C15: from Latin aspersus, from aspergere to sprinkle asperse 1. syl as+perse pron <*1spR:s> pos vb. mod tr. def to spread false rumours about; defame. asperse 2. syl as+perse pron <*1spR:s> pos vb. mod tr. qual Rare. def to sprinkle, as with water in baptism. asperser sub head asperse syl as+1pers+er pos n. aspersive sub head asperse syl as+1per+sive pos adj. aspersively sub head asperse syl as+1per+sive+ly pos adv. aspersion 1. syl as+per+sion pron <*1spR:S*n> pos n. def a disparaging or malicious remark; slanderous accusation (esp. in the phrase {cast aspersions (on}) ) {}. aspersion 2. syl as+per+sion pron <*1spR:S*n> pos n. def the act of defaming. aspersion 3. syl as+per+sion pron <*1spR:S*n> pos n. qual Rare. def the act of sprinkling, esp. of water in baptism. aspersorium 1. syl as+per+so+ri:um: pron <2@sp*1sc:ri*m)@T>, <+ri@.a@T> <-ri*).@T> def a basin containing holy water with which worshippers sprinkle themselves. aspersorium 2. syl as+per+so+ri:um: pron <2@sp*1sc:ri*m)@T>, <+ri@.a@T> <-ri*).@T> def Also called: {aspergillum}. a perforated instrument used to sprinkle holy water. asphalt ety C14: from Late Latin aspaltus, from Greek asphaltos, probably from #7{a -%1}#7+ sphallein to cause to fall; referring to its use as a binding agent asphalt 1. syl as+phalt pron <1@sf@lt>, <-fc:lt> pos n. def any of several black semisolid substances composed of bitumen and inert mineral matter. They occur naturally in parts of America and as a residue from petroleum distillation: used as a waterproofing material and in paints, dielectrics, and fungicides. asphalt 2. syl as+phalt pron <1@sf@lt>, <-fc:lt> pos n. def a mixture of this substance with gravel, used in road-surfacing and roofing materials. asphalt 3. syl as+phalt pron <1@sf@lt>, <-fc:lt> pos n. usage modifier def containing or surfaced with asphalt. asphalt 4. syl as+phalt pron <1@sf@lt>, <-fc:lt> pos vb. mod tr. def to cover with asphalt. asphaltic sub head asphalt syl as+1phal+tic pos adj. asphaltite 0. syl as+phal+tite pron <@s1f@ltIt> pos n. def any of various naturally occurring hydrocarbons that resemble asphalt but have a higher melting point. asphodel ety C16: from Latin asphodelus, from Greek asphodelos, of obscure origin asphodel 1. syl as+pho+del pron <1@sf*2del> pos n. def any of various S European liliaceous plants of the genera and having clusters of white or yellow flowers. Compare {bog asphodel}. asphodel 2. syl as+pho+del pron <1@sf*2del> pos n. def any of various other plants, such as the daffodil. asphodel 3. syl as+pho+del pron <1@sf*2del> pos n. def an unidentified flower of Greek legend, probably a narcissus, said to cover the Elysian fields. asphyxia ety C18: from New Latin, from Greek asphuxia a stopping of the pulse, from #7{a -%1}#7+ sphuxis pulse, from sphuzein to throb asphyxia 0. syl as+phyx:i:a pron <@s1fiksi*> pos n. def lack of oxygen in the blood due to restricted respiration; suffocation. If severe enough and pro?!longed, it causes death. asphyxial sub head asphyxia syl as+1phyx+i:al pos adj. asphyxiant 1. syl as+phyx:i+ant pron <@s1fiksi*nt> pos adj. def causing asphyxia. asphyxiant 2. syl as+phyx:i+ant pron <@s1fiksi*nt> pos n. def anything that causes asphyxia. exam 1 carbon monoxide is an asphyxiant. asphyxiate 0. syl as+phyx:i+ate pron <@s1fiksi2At> pos vb. def to cause asphyxia in or undergo asphyxia; smother; suffocate. asphyxiation sub head asphyxiate syl as+2phyx:i:1a+tion pos n. asphyxiator sub head asphyxiate syl as+1phyx:i:2a+tor pos n. aspic ety C18: from French: aspic (jelly), #7asp %1; variously explained as referring to its colour or coldness as compared to that of the snake aspic H1.0. syl as+pic pron <1@spik> pos n. def a savoury jelly based on meat or fish stock, used as a relish or as a mould for meat, vegetables, etc. aspic ety C17: from French, from Old Proven*,cal espic spike, from Latin sp*_ica, head (of flower); compare #7spikenard aspic H2.0. syl as+pic pron <1@spik> pos n. def an archaic word for {asp} %1. aspic ety C16: from Old French, variant of aspe #7asp %2 aspic H3.0. syl as+pic pron <1@spik> pos n. def either of two species of lavender, or that yield an oil used in perfumery: family (labiates). aspidistra ety C19: from New Latin, from Greek aspis shield, on the model of Tupistra genus of liliaceous plants aspidistra 0. syl as+pi+dis+tra pron <2@spi1distr*> pos n. def any Asian plant of the liliaceous genus esp. a popular house plant with long tough evergreen leaves and small brownish flowers. Aspinwall 0. syl As+pin+wall pron <1@spin2wc:l> pos n. def the former name of {Col*'on}. aspirant 1. syl as+pir+ant pron <1@spir*nt>, <*1spI*r*nt> pos n. def a person who aspires, as to a high position. aspirant 2. syl as+pir+ant pron <1@spir*nt>, <*1spI*r*nt> pos adj. def aspiring or striving. aspirate 1.a. syl as+pi+rate pron <1@spi2rAt> pos vb. mod tr. def to articulate (a stop) with some force, so that breath escapes with audible friction as the stop is released. aspirate 1.b. syl as+pi+rate pron <1@spi2rAt> pos vb. mod tr. def to pronounce (a word or syllable) with an initial aspirate 2. syl as+pi+rate pron <1@spi2rAt> pos vb. mod tr. def to draw in or remove by inhalation or suction, esp. to suck (air or fluid) from a body cavity or to inhale (fluid) into the lungs after vomiting. aspirate 3.a. syl as+pi+rate pron <1@spirit> pos n. mod tr. def a stop pronounced with an audible release of breath. aspirate 3.b. syl as+pi+rate pron <1@spirit> pos n. mod tr. def the glottal fricative represented in English and several other languages as aspirate 4. syl as+pi+rate pron <1@spirit> pos adj. mod tr. usage Phonetics. of a stop def pronounced with a forceful and audible expulsion of breath. aspiration 1. syl as+pi+ra+tion pron <2@spi1rAS*n> pos n. def strong desire to achieve something, such as success. aspiration 2. syl as+pi+ra+tion pron <2@spi1rAS*n> pos n. def the aim of such desire. aspiration 3.a. syl as+pi+ra+tion pron <2@spi1rAS*n> pos n. def the act of breathing. aspiration 3.b. syl as+pi+ra+tion pron <2@spi1rAS*n> pos n. def a breath. aspiration 4.a. syl as+pi+ra+tion pron <2@spi1rAS*n> pos n. def the pronunciation of a stop with an audible and forceful release of breath. aspiration 4.b. syl as+pi+ra+tion pron <2@spi1rAS*n> pos n. def the friction of the released breath. aspiration 4.c. syl as+pi+ra+tion pron <2@spi1rAS*n> pos n. def an aspirated consonant. aspiration 5. syl as+pi+ra+tion pron <2@spi1rAS*n> pos n. def removal of air or fluid from a body cavity by suction. aspiration 6. syl as+pi+ra+tion pron <2@spi1rAS*n> pos n. qual Med. def the sucking of fluid or foreign matter into the air passages of the body. aspiratory sub head aspiration syl as+pir:a+to:ry pron <*1spIr*t*ri>, <-tri> <1@spi2rAt*ri>, <-tri> pos adj. aspirator 0. syl as+pi+ra+tor pron <1@spi2rAt*> pos n. def a device employing suction, such as a jet pump or one for removing fluids from a body cavity. aspire ety C15: from Latin asp*_ir*_are to breathe upon, from sp*_ir*_are to breathe aspire 1. syl as+pire pron <*1spI*> pos vb. mod intr. usage usually foll. by to or after def to yearn (for) or have a powerful or ambitious plan, desire, or hope (to do or be something). exam 1 to aspire to be a great leader. aspire 2. syl as+pire pron <*1spI*> pos vb. mod intr. def to rise to a great height. aspirer sub head aspire syl as+1pir+er pos n. aspiring sub head aspire syl as+1pir+ing pos adj. aspirin ety C19: from German, from A (cetyl) +Spir (s*"aure) spiraeic acid (modern salicylic acid); see also #7spiraea,+ -#7{in } aspirin infl or aspirins syl as+pi+rin pos n. mod pl. aspirins infl head aspirin or aspirin syl as+pi+rins. pos n. mod pl. aspirin 1. syl as+pi+rin pron <1@sprin> pos n. def a white crystalline compound widely used in the form of tablets to relieve pain, fever, and colds and to reduce inflammation. Formula: CH\3COOC\6H\4COOH. Chemical name: {acetylsalicylic acid}. aspirin 2. syl as+pi+rin pron <1@sprin> pos n. def a tablet of aspirin. asquint ety C13: perhaps from Dutch schuinte slant, of obscure origin asquint 0. syl a:squint pron <*1skwint> pos adv. adj. usage postpositive def with a glance from the corner of the eye, esp. a furtive one. Herbert Henry infl head Asquith syl Her:bert Hen:ry pos n. Asquith 0. syl As:quith pron <1@skwiT> pos n. def 1st Earl of Oxford and Asquith. 1852-1928, British statesman; prime minister (1908-16); leader of the Liberal Party (1908-26). ass ety Old English assa, probably from Old Irish asan, from Latin asinus; related to Greek onos ass ass H1.1. syl ass pron <@s> pos n. def either of two perissodactyl mammals of the horse family ({African wild ass}) or ({Asiatic wild ass) }. They are hardy and sure-footed, having longer ears than the horse. ass H1.2. syl ass pron <@s> pos n. usage not in technical use def the domesticated variety of the African wild ass; donkey. ass H1.3. syl ass pron <@s> pos n. def a foolish or ridiculously pompous person. ass ety Old English @ars; see #7arse ass H2.1. syl ass pron <@s> pos n. def the usual U.S. word for {arse}. ass H2.2. syl ass pron <@s> pos n. qual U.S. slang, offensive. def sexual intercourse or a woman considered sexually (esp. in the phrase {piece of ass) }. Hafezal infl head Assad syl Haf:e:zal pron <1hafezal> pos n. Assad 0. syl As:sad pron <1asad> pos n. def born 1928, Syrian statesman and general; president of Syria since 1971. assagais infl head assagai syl as+sa+gais. pos n. mod pl. assagai 0. syl as+sa+gai pron <1@s*2gI> pos n. def a variant spelling of {assegai}. assai ety Italian: enough assai H1.0. syl as+sai pron <@1sI> pos adv. usage Music. usually preceded by a musical direction def very much. exam 1 allegro assai. assai ety via Brazilian Portuguese from Tupi assai H2.1. syl as+sai pron <@1sI> pos n. def any of several Brazilian palm trees of the genus esp. that have small dark purple fleshy edible fruit. assai H2.2. syl as+sai pron <@1sI> pos n. def a beverage made from the fruit of this tree. assail ety C13: from Old French asalir, from Vulgar Latin assal*_ire (unattested) to leap upon, from Latin assil*_ire, from sal*_ire to leap assail 1. syl as+sail pron <*1sAl> pos vb. mod tr. def to attack violently; assault. assail 2. syl as+sail pron <*1sAl> pos vb. mod tr. def to criticize or ridicule vehemently, as in argument. assail 3. syl as+sail pron <*1sAl> pos vb. mod tr. def to beset or disturb. exam 1 his mind was assailed by doubts. assail 4. syl as+sail pron <*1sAl> pos vb. mod tr. def to encounter with the intention of mastering. exam 1 to assail a problem; exam 2 to assail a difficult mountain ridge. assailable sub head assail syl as+1sail+a:ble pos adj. assailer sub head assail syl as+1sail+er pos n. assailment sub head assail syl as+1sail+ment pos n. assailant 0. syl as+sail+ant pron <*1sAl*nt> pos n. def a person who attacks another, either physically or verbally. assam ety from Malay asam sour assam 0. syl as+sam pron <1asam> pos n. usage in Malaysia def tamarind as used in cooking. {Assam ikan} is a dish of fish cooked with tamarind. Assam 0. syl As+sam pron <@1s@m> pos n. def a state of NE India, situated in the central Brahmaputra valley: tropical forest, with the heaviest rainfall in the world; produces large quantities of tea. Capital: Shillong. Pop.: 14957542 (1971). Area: about 220150 sq. km (85000 sq. miles). Assamese infl syl As+sa+mese. pos n. mod pl. Assamese 1. syl As+sa+mese pron <2@s*1mEz> pos n. def the state language of Assam, belonging to the Indic branch of the Indo-European family and closely related to Bengali. Assamese 2. syl As+sa+mese pron <2@s*1mEz> pos n. def a native or inhabitant of Assam. Assamese 3. syl As+sa+mese pron <2@s*1mEz> pos adj. def of or relating to Assam, its people, or their language. assassin ety C16: from Medieval Latin assass*_inus, from Arabic hashsh*_ash*_in, plural of hashsh*_ash one who eats #7hashish assassin 0. syl as+sas+sin pron <*1s@sin> pos n. def a murderer, esp. one who kills a prominent political figure. Assassin 0. syl As+sas+sin pron <*1s@sin> pos n. def a member of a secret sect of Muslim fanatics operating in Persia and Syria from about 1090 to 1256, murdering their victims, usually Crusaders. assassinate 1. syl as+sas+si+nate pron <*1s@si2nAt> pos vb. mod tr. def to murder (a person, esp. a public or political figure), usually by a surprise attack. assassinate 2. syl as+sas+si+nate pron <*1s@si2nAt> pos vb. mod tr. def to ruin or harm (a person's reputation, etc.) by slander. assassination sub head assassinate syl as+2sas+si+1na+tion pos n. assassin bug 0. syl as+sas+sin bug pos n. def any long-legged predatory, often blood-sucking, insect of the heteropterous family assault ety C13: from Old French asaut, from Vulgar Latin assaltus (unattested), from assal*_ire (unattested) to leap upon; see #7assail assault 1. syl as+sault pron <*1sc:lt> pos n. def a violent attack, either physical or verbal. assault 2. syl as+sault pron <*1sc:lt> pos n. qual Law. def an intentional or reckless act that causes immediate and unlawful violence to another. Compare {battery}. assault 3.a. syl as+sault pron <*1sc:lt> pos n. def the culmination of a military attack, closing at close quarters. assault 3.b. syl as+sault pron <*1sc:lt> pos n. usage as modifier exam 1 assault troops. assault 4. syl as+sault pron <*1sc:lt> pos n. def rape. assault 5. syl as+sault pron <*1sc:lt> pos vb. mod tr. def to make an assault upon. assault 6. syl as+sault pron <*1sc:lt> pos vb. mod tr. def to rape or attempt to rape. assaulter sub head assault syl as+1sault+er pos n. assault and battery 0. syl as+sault and bat+ter:y pos n. qual Criminal law. def a threat of attack to another person followed by actual attack, which need amount only to touching with hostile intent. assay ety C14: from Old Northern French assai; see #7essay assay 1. syl as+say pron <*1sA> pos vb. def to subject (a substance, such as silver or gold) to chemical analysis, as in the determination of the amount of impurity. assay 2. syl as+say pron <*1sA> pos vb. mod tr. def to attempt (something or to do something). assay 3. syl as+say pron <*1sA> pos vb. mod tr. usage may take a clause as object def to test, analyse, or evaluate. exam 1 to assay the significance of early childhood experience. assay 4.a. syl as+say pron <*1sA>, <1@sA> pos n. def an analysis, esp. a determination of the amount of metal in an ore or the amounts of impurities in a precious metal. assay 4.b. syl as+say pron <*1sA>, <1@sA> pos n. usage as modifier exam 1 an assay office. assay 5. syl as+say pron <*1sA>, <1@sA> pos n. def a substance undergoing an analysis. assay 6. syl as+say pron <*1sA>, <1@sA> pos n. def a written report on the results of an analysis. assay 7. syl as+say pron <*1sA>, <1@sA> pos n. def a test. assay 8. syl as+say pron <*1sA>, <1@sA> pos n. qual Archaic. def an attempt. assayable sub head assay syl as+1say+a:ble pos adj. assayer sub head assay syl as+1say+er pos n. assegai ety C17: from Portuguese azagaia, from Arabic az zagh*_ayah, from al the+ zagh*_ayah assegai, from Berber assagai alt head assegai or assegai syl as+sa+gai pron <1@s*2gI> pos n. assegais infl head assegai syl as+se+gais. pos n. mod pl. assegai 1. or assagai syl as+se+gai pron <1@s*2gI> pos n. def a southern African cornaceous tree, the wood of which is used for making spears. assegai 2. or assagai syl as+se+gai pron <1@s*2gI> pos n. def a sharp light spear, esp. one made of this wood. assemblage 1. syl as+sem+blage pron <*1sembliJ> pos n. def a number of things or persons assembled together; collection; assembly. assemblage 2. syl as+sem+blage pron <*1sembliJ> pos n. def a list of dishes served at a meal or the dishes themselves. assemblage 3. syl as+sem+blage pron <*1sembliJ> pos n. def the act or process of assembling or the state of being assembled. assemblage 4. syl as+sem+blage pron <2@s*m1bla:Z> pos n. def a three-dimensional work of art that combines various objects into an integrated whole. assemble ety C13: from Old French assembler, from Vulgar Latin assimul*_are (unattested) to bring together, from Latin simul together assemble 1. syl as+sem+ble pron <*1sembL> pos vb. def to come or bring together; collect or congregate. assemble 2. syl as+sem+ble pron <*1sembL> pos vb. def to fit or join together (the parts) of (something, such as a machine). exam 1 to assemble the parts of a kit. assemble 3. syl as+sem+ble pron <*1sembL> pos vb. def to run (a computer program) that converts a set of symbolic data, usually in the form of specific single-step instructions, into machine language. assembler sub head assemble syl as+1sem+bler pos n. assembl'e ety literally: brought together assembl'e 0. syl as+sem+bl*'e pron French. pos n. qual Ballet. def a sideways leap in which the feet come together in the air in preparation for landing. assembler 0. syl as+sem+bler pron <*1sembl*> pos n. def a computer program that converts a set of symbolic data, usually in the form of specific single-step instructions, into machine language. Compare { {compiler} (sense 2)}. assemblies infl head assembly syl as+sem+blies. pos n. mod pl. assembly 1. syl as+sem+bly pron <*1sembli> pos n. def a number of people gathered together, esp. for a formal meeting held at regular intervals. assembly 2. syl as+sem+bly pron <*1sembli> pos n. def the act of assembling or the state of being assembled. assembly 3. syl as+sem+bly pron <*1sembli> pos n. def the process of putting together a number of parts to make a machine or other product. assembly 4. syl as+sem+bly pron <*1sembli> pos n. qual Machinery. def a group of mating components before or after fitting together. assembly 5.a. syl as+sem+bly pron <*1sembli> pos n. def a signal for personnel to assemble, as by drum, bugle, etc. assembly 5.b. syl as+sem+bly pron <*1sembli> pos n. usage as modifier exam 1 an assembly area. Assemblies infl head Assembly syl As+sem+blies. pos n. mod pl. Assembly 0. syl As+sem+bly pron <*1sembli> pos n. def the lower chamber in various American state legislatures. See also {House of Assembly, legislative assembly, National Assembly}. assembly line 0. syl as+sem+bly line pos n. def a sequence of machines, tools, operations, workers, etc., in a factory, arranged so that at each stage a further process is carried out. assemblymen infl head assemblyman syl as+sem:bly+men. pos n. mod pl. assemblyman 0. syl as+sem:bly+man pron <*1semblim*n> pos n. usage sometimes cap. def a member of an assembly, esp. a legislature. Assen 0. syl As+sen pron Dutch <1as*> pos n. def a city in the N Netherlands, capital of Drenthe province. Pop.: 42410 (1973 est.). assent ety C13: from Old French assenter, from Latin assent*_ir*_i, from sent*_ire to think assent 1. syl as+sent pron <*1sent> pos n. def agreement, as to a statement, proposal, etc.; acceptance. assent 2. syl as+sent pron <*1sent> pos n. def hesitant agreement; compliance. assent 3. syl as+sent pron <*1sent> pos n. def sanction. assent 4. syl as+sent pron <*1sent> pos vb. mod intr. usage usually foll. by to def to agree or express agreement. assent 5. syl as+sent pron <*1sent> pos vb. mod intr. qual Archaic. usage usually foll. by to def to concede. assentation 0. syl as+sen+ta+tion pron <2@sen1tAS*n> pos n. def servile or hypocritical agreement. assentient 1. syl as+sen+ti:ent pron <*1senSi*nt> pos adj. def approving or agreeing. {~} assentient 2. syl as+sen+ti:ent pron <*1senSi*nt> pos adj. def a person who assents. assentor 0. syl as+sen+tor pron <*1sent*> pos n. qual Brit. government. def any of the eight voters legally required to endorse the nomination of a candidate in a parliamentary or local election in addition to the nominator and seconder. assert ety C17: from Latin asserere to join to oneself, from serere to join assert 1. syl as+sert pron <*1sR:t> pos vb. mod tr. def to insist upon (rights, claims, etc.). assert 2. syl as+sert pron <*1sR:t> pos vb. mod tr. usage may take a clause as object def to state categorically; declare. assert 3. syl as+sert pron <*1sR:t> pos vb. mod tr. def to put (oneself) forward in an insistent manner. asserter sub head assert or assertor syl as+1sert+er pos n. assertor sub head assert or asserter syl as+1ser+tor pos n. assertible sub head assert syl as+1sert+i:ble pos adj. assertion 1. syl as+ser+tion pron <*1sR:S*n> pos n. def a positive statement, usually made without an attempt at furnishing evidence. assertion 2. syl as+ser+tion pron <*1sR:S*n> pos n. def the act of assert?!ing. assertive 0. syl as+ser+tive pron <*1sR:tiv> pos adj. def given to making assertions or bold demands; dogmatic or aggressive. assertively sub head assertive syl as+1ser+tive+ly pos adv. assertiveness sub head assertive syl as+1ser+tive+ness pos n. assess ety C15: from Old French assesser, from Latin assid*_ere to sit beside, from sed*_ere to sit assess 1. syl as+sess pron <*1ses> pos vb. mod tr. usage foll. by at def to estimate the value of (income, property, etc.) for taxation purposes. exam 1 the estate was assessed at three thousand pounds. assess 2. syl as+sess pron <*1ses> pos vb. mod tr. def to determine the amount of (a fine, tax, damages, etc.). assess 3. syl as+sess pron <*1ses> pos vb. mod tr. def to impose a tax, fine, etc., on (a person or property). assess 4. syl as+sess pron <*1ses> pos vb. mod tr. def to judge the worth, importance, etc., of; evaluate. assessable sub head assess syl as+1sess+a:ble pos adj. assessment 1. syl as+sess+ment pron <*1sesm*nt> pos n. def an amount determined as payable. assessment 2. syl as+sess+ment pron <*1sesm*nt> pos n. def a valuation set on taxable property, income, etc. assessment 3. syl as+sess+ment pron <*1sesm*nt> pos n. def evaluation; estimation. assessment 4. syl as+sess+ment pron <*1sesm*nt> pos n. def the act of assessing. assessor 1. syl as+ses+sor pron <*1ses*> pos n. def a person who values property for taxation. assessor 2. syl as+ses+sor pron <*1ses*> pos n. def a person who estimates the value of damage to property for insurance purposes. assessor 3. syl as+ses+sor pron <*1ses*> pos n. def a person with technical expertise called in to advise a court on specialist matters. assessor 4. syl as+ses+sor pron <*1ses*> pos n. def a person who shares another's position or rank, esp. in an advisory capacity. assessorial sub head assessor syl as+ses+so+ri:al pron <2@se1sc:ri*l> pos adj. asset ety C19: back formation from #7assets asset 0. syl as+set pron <1@set> pos n. def anything valuable or useful. exam 1 experience is their main asset. assets ety C16 (in the sense: enough to discharge one's liabilities): via Anglo-French from Old French asez enough, from Vulgar Latin ad satis (unattested), from Latin ad up to+ satis enough assets 1. syl as+sets pron <1@sets> pos n. mod pl. qual Accounting. def the property and claims against debtors that a business enterprise may apply to discharge its liabilities. Assets may be fixed, current, liquid, or intangible and are entered on the debit side of the balance sheet. Compare {liabilities}. assets 2. syl as+sets pron <1@sets> pos n. mod pl. qual Law. def the property available to an executor or administrator for settlement of the debts and payment of legacies of a deceased person's estate. assets 3. syl as+sets pron <1@sets> pos n. mod pl. def any property owned by a person or firm. asset-stripping 0. syl as:set-strip:ping pos n. qual Commerce. def the practice of taking over a failing company at a low price and then selling the assets piecemeal. asset-stripper sub head asset-stripping syl as:set-2strip:per pos n. asseverate ety C18: from Latin assev*_er*_are to do (something) earnestly, from sev*_erus #7severe asseverate 0. syl as+sev+er+ate pron <*1sev*2rAt> pos vb. mod tr. def to assert or declare emphatically or solemnly. asseveration sub head asseverate syl as+2sev+er:1a+tion pos n. Asshur 0. syl As:shur pron <1@Su*> pos n. def a variant spelling of {Assur}. assibilate ety C19: from Late Latin ass*_ibil*_are to hiss at, from s*_ibil*_are to hiss; see #7sibilant assibilate 1. syl as+sib:i+late pron <*1sibi2lAt> pos vb. mod intr. qual Phonetics. usage of a speech sound def to be changed into a sibilant. assibilate 2. syl as+sib:i+late pron <*1sibi2lAt> pos vb. mod tr. qual Phonetics. def to pronounce (a speech sound) with or as a sibilant. assibilation sub head assibilate syl as+2sib:i+1la+tion pos n. assiduities infl head assiduity syl as+si+du+i:ties. pos n. mod pl. assiduity 1. syl as+si+du+i:ty pron <2@si1dju:iti> pos n. def constant and close application. assiduity 2. syl as+si+du+i:ty pron <2@si1dju:iti> pos n. mod often; pl. def devoted attention. assiduous ety C16: from Latin assiduus sitting down to (something), from assid*_ere to sit beside, from sed*_ere to sit assiduous 1. syl as+sid:u+ous pron <*1sidju*s> pos adj. def hard-working; persevering. exam 1 an assiduous researcher. assiduous 2. syl as+sid:u+ous pron <*1sidju*s> pos adj. def undertaken with perseverance and care. exam 1 assiduous editing. assiduously sub head assiduous syl as+1sid:u+ous+ly pos adv. assiduousness sub head assiduous syl as+1sid:u+ous+ness pos n. assign ety C14: from Old French assigner, from Latin assign*_are, from sign*_are to mark out assign 1. syl as+sign pron <*1sIn> pos vb. mod mainly; tr. def to select for and appoint to a post, etc.. exam 1 to assign an expert to the job. assign 2. syl as+sign pron <*1sIn> pos vb. mod mainly; tr. def to give out or allot (a task, problem, etc.). exam 1 to assign advertising to an expert. assign 3. syl as+sign pron <*1sIn> pos vb. mod mainly; tr. def to set apart (a place, person, time, etc.) for a particular function or event. exam 1 to assign a day for the meeting. assign 4. syl as+sign pron <*1sIn> pos vb. mod mainly; tr. def to attribute to a specified cause, origin, or source; ascribe. exam 1 to assign a stone cross to the Vikings. assign 5. syl as+sign pron <*1sIn> pos vb. mod mainly; tr. def to transfer (one's right, interest, or title to property) to someone else. assign 6. syl as+sign pron <*1sIn> pos vb. mod also; intr. usage Law. formerly def to transfer (property) to trustees so that it may be used for the benefit of creditors. assign 7. syl as+sign pron <*1sIn> pos vb. mod mainly; tr. qual Military. def to allocate (men or materials) on a permanent basis. Compare {attach}. assign 8. syl as+sign pron <*1sIn> pos n. mod mainly; tr. qual Law. def a person to whom property is assigned; assignee. assignable sub head assign syl as+1sign+a:ble pos adj. assignability sub head assign syl as+2sign+a:1bil+i:ty pos n. assignably sub head assign syl as+1sign+a:bly pos adv. assigner sub head assign syl as+1sign+er pos n. assignat ety C18: from French, from Latin assign*_atum some?!thing appointed; see #7assign assignat 0. syl as+sig+nat pron <1@sig2n@t>, <2@si1nja:>, French pos n. qual French history. def the paper money issued by the Constituent Assembly in 1789, backed by the confiscated land of the Church and the *'emigr*'es. assignation ety C14: from Old French, from Latin assign*_ati*_o a marking out; see #7assign assignation 1. syl as+sig+na+tion pron <2@sig1nAS*n> pos n. def a secret or forbidden arrangement to meet, esp. one between lovers. assignation 2. syl as+sig+na+tion pron <2@sig1nAS*n> pos n. def the act of assigning; assignment. assignation 3. syl as+sig+na+tion pron <2@sig1nAS*n> pos n. qual Law, chiefly Scot. def another word for {assignment}. assignee 1. syl as+sign:ee pron <2@sI1nE> pos n. qual Law. def a person to whom some right, interest, or property is transferred. assignee 2. syl as+sign:ee pron <2@sI1nE> pos n. qual Austral. history. def a convict who had undergone assignment. assignment 1. syl as+sign+ment pron <*1sInm*nt> pos n. def something that has been assigned, such as a mission or task. assignment 2. syl as+sign+ment pron <*1sInm*nt> pos n. def a position or post to which a person is assigned. assignment 3. syl as+sign+ment pron <*1sInm*nt> pos n. def the act of assigning or state of being assigned. assignment 4.a. syl as+sign+ment pron <*1sInm*nt> pos n. def the transfer to another of a right, interest, or title to property, esp. personal property. exam 1 assignment of a lease. assignment 4.b. syl as+sign+ment pron <*1sInm*nt> pos n. def the document effecting such a transfer. assignment 4.c. syl as+sign+ment pron <*1sInm*nt> pos n. def the right, interest, or property transferred. assignment 5. syl as+sign+ment pron <*1sInm*nt> pos n. usage Law. formerly def the transfer, esp. by an insolvent debtor, of property in trust for the benefit of his creditors. assignment 6. syl as+sign+ment pron <*1sInm*nt> pos n. qual Austral. history. def a system (1789-1841) whereby a convict could become the unpaid servant of a freeman. assignor 0. syl as+sign+or pron <2@si1nc:> pos n. qual Law. def a person who transfers or assigns property. assimilate ety C15: from Latin assimil*_are to make one thing like another, from similis like, #7similar assimilate 1. syl as+sim:i+late pron <*1simi2lAt> pos vb. mod tr. def to learn (information, a procedure, etc.) and understand it thoroughly. assimilate 2. syl as+sim:i+late pron <*1simi2lAt> pos vb. mod tr. def to absorb (food) and incorporate it into the body tissues. assimilate 3. syl as+sim:i+late pron <*1simi2lAt> pos vb. mod intr. def to become absorbed, incorporated, or learned and understood. assimilate 4. syl as+sim:i+late pron <*1simi2lAt> pos vb. usage usually foll. by into or with def to bring or come into harmony; adjust or become adjusted. exam 1 the new immigrants assimilated easily. assimilate 5. syl as+sim:i+late pron <*1simi2lAt> pos vb. usage usually foll. by to or with def to become or cause to become similar. assimilate 6. syl as+sim:i+late pron <*1simi2lAt> pos vb. qual Phonetics. usage usually foll. by to def to change (a consonant) or (of a consonant) to be changed into another under the influence of one adjacent to it. exam 1 (n) often assimilates to (&n) before (k), as in @6include@9. assimilable sub head assimilate syl as+1sim:i+la:ble pos adj. assimilably sub head assimilate syl as+1sim:i+la:bly pos adv. assimilative sub head assimilate or assimilatory syl as+1sim:i+la+tive pos adj. assimilatory sub head assimilate or assimilative syl as+1sim:i+la+to:ry pos adj. assimilatively sub head assimilate syl as+1sim:i+la+tive+ly pos adv. Assiniboine 0. syl As+sin:i+boine pron <*1sini2bcin> pos n. def a river in W Canada, rising in E Saskatchewan and flowing southeast and east to the Red River at Winnipeg. Length: over 860 km (500 miles). Assisi 0. syl As+si+si pron Italian pos n. def a town in central Italy, in Umbria: birthplace of St. Francis, who founded the Franciscan religious order here in 1208. Pop.: 24002 (1971). assist ety C15: from French assister to be present, from Latin assistere to stand by, from sistere to cause to stand, from st*_are to stand assist 1. syl as+sist pron <*1sist> pos vb. def to give help or support to (a person, cause, etc.); aid. assist 2. syl as+sist pron <*1sist> pos vb. def to work or act as an assistant or subordinate to (another). assist 3. syl as+sist pron <*1sist> pos vb. qual Ice hockey. def to help (a teammate) to score, as by passing the puck. assist 4. syl as+sist pron <*1sist> pos vb. mod intr. qual Archaic. usage foll. by at def to be present; attend. assist 5. syl as+sist pron <*1sist> pos n. qual U.S. def the act of helping; aid; assistance. assist 6. syl as+sist pron <*1sist> pos n. qual Baseball. def the act of a player who throws or deflects a batted ball in such a way that a team is enabled to put out an opponent. assist 7. syl as+sist pron <*1sist> pos n. qual Ice hockey. def a pass of the puck that enables a teammate to score. assister sub head assist syl as+1sist+er pos n. assistance 1. syl as+sis+tance pron <*1sist*ns> pos n. def help; support. assistance 2. syl as+sis+tance pron <*1sist*ns> pos n. def the act of assisting. assistance 3. syl as+sis+tance pron <*1sist*ns> pos n. qual Brit. informal. def See {national assistance}. assistant 1.a. syl as+sis+tant pron <*1sist*nt> pos n. def a person who assists, esp. in a subordinate position. assistant 2. syl as+sis+tant pron <*1sist*nt> pos n. qual Archaic. def helpful or useful as an aid. assistant professor 0. syl as+sis+tant pro+fes+sor pos n. qual U.S. def a university teacher lower in rank than an associate professor. Assiut 0. syl As+siut pron <@1sju:t> pos n. def a variant spelling of {Asyut}. assize ety C13: from Old French assise session, from asseoir to seat, from Latin assid*_ere to sit beside; see #7assess assize 1.a. syl as+size pron <*1sIz> pos n. def a sitting of a legislative assembly or administrative body. assize 1.b. syl as+size pron <*1sIz> pos n. def an enactment or order of such an assembly. assize 2. syl as+size pron <*1sIz> pos n. qual English history. def a trial or judicial inquest, the writ instituting such inquest, or the verdict. assize 3.a. syl as+size pron <*1sIz> pos n. def trial by jury. assize 3.b. syl as+size pron <*1sIz> pos n. def another name for {jury}. assizes 0. syl as+siz:es pron <*1sIziz> pos n. mod pl. usage formerly in England and Wales def the sessions, usually held four times a year, of the principal court in each county, exercising civil and criminal jurisdiction, at?!tended by itinerant judges: replaced in 1971 by crown courts. assn 0. syl assn. qual abbrev. for def association. assoc 1. syl assoc. qual abbrev. for: def associate(d). assoc 2. syl assoc. qual abbrev. for: def association. associate ety C14: from Latin associ*_are to ally with, from soci*_are to join, from socius an ally associate 1. syl as+so+ci+ate pron <*1s*uSi2At>, <-si-> pos vb. mod tr. usage usually foll. by with def to link or connect in the mind or imagination. exam 1 to associate Christmas with fun. associate 2. syl as+so+ci+ate pron <*1s*uSi2At>, <-si-> pos vb. mod intr. usage usually foll. by with def to keep company; mix socially. exam 1 to associate with writers. associate 3. syl as+so+ci+ate pron <*1s*uSi2At>, <-si-> pos vb. mod intr. usage usually foll. by with def to form or join an association, group, etc. associate 4. syl as+so+ci+ate pron <*1s*uSi2At>, <-si-> pos vb. mod tr. usage usually foll. by with; usually passive def to consider in conjunction; connect. exam 1 rainfall is associated with humidity. associate 5. syl as+so+ci+ate pron <*1s*uSi2At>, <-si-> pos vb. mod tr. usage usually foll. by with def to bring (a person, esp. oneself) into friendship, partnership, etc. associate 6. syl as+so+ci+ate pron <*1s*uSi2At>, <-si-> pos vb. mod tr. usage usually foll. by with; often passive def to express agreement or allow oneself to be connected (with). exam 1 Bertrand Russell was associated with the peace movement. associate 7. syl as+so+ci+ate pron <*1s*uSiit>, <-2At>, <-si-> pos n. usage usually foll. by with def a person joined with another or others in an enterprise, business, etc.; partner; colleague. associate 8. syl as+so+ci+ate pron <*1s*uSiit>, <-2At>, <-si-> pos n. usage usually foll. by with def a companion or friend. associate 9. syl as+so+ci+ate pron <*1s*uSiit>, <-2At>, <-si-> pos n. usage usually foll. by with def something that usually accompanies another thing; concomitant. exam 1 hope is an associate to happiness. associate 10. syl as+so+ci+ate pron <*1s*uSiit>, <-2At>, <-si-> pos n. usage usually foll. by with def a person having a subordinate position in or admitted to only partial membership of an institution, association, etc. associate 11. syl as+so+ci+ate pron <*1s*uSiit>, <-2At>, <-si-> pos adj. usage usually foll. by with; prenominal def joined with another or others in an enterprise, business, etc.; having equal or nearly equal status. exam 1 an associate director. associate 12. syl as+so+ci+ate pron <*1s*uSiit>, <-2At>, <-si-> pos adj. usage usually foll. by with; prenominal def having partial rights and privileges or subordinate status. exam 1 an associate member. associate 13. syl as+so+ci+ate pron <*1s*uSiit>, <-2At>, <-si-> pos adj. usage usually foll. by with; prenominal def accompanying; concomitant. associable sub head associate syl as+1so+ci+a:ble pos adj. associated statehood 0. syl as+so+ci+at+ed state+hood pos n. def the semi-independent political status of various former British colonies in the Caribbean since 1967, by which Britain retains responsibility for defence and some aspects of foreign affairs. The {associated states} are Antigua, Dominica, Grenada, St. Kitts-Nevis-Anguilla, St. Lucia, and St. Vincent. associate professor 0. syl as+so+ci+ate pro+fes+sor pos n. qual U.S. def a university teacher lower in rank than a full professor but higher than an assistant professor. association 1. syl as+so+ci:a+tion pron <*2s*usi1AS*n>, <-Si-> pos n. def a group of people having a common purpose or interest; a society or club. association 2. syl as+so+ci:a+tion pron <*2s*usi1AS*n>, <-Si-> pos n. def the act of associating or the state of being associated. association 3. syl as+so+ci:a+tion pron <*2s*usi1AS*n>, <-Si-> pos n. def friendship or companionship. exam 1 their association will not last. association 4. syl as+so+ci:a+tion pron <*2s*usi1AS*n>, <-Si-> pos n. def a mental connection of ideas, feelings, or sensations. exam 1 association of revolution with bloodshed. association 5. syl as+so+ci:a+tion pron <*2s*usi1AS*n>, <-Si-> pos n. qual Psychol. def the mental process of linking events so that the recurrence of one event automatically recalls the other. See also {free association}. association 6. syl as+so+ci:a+tion pron <*2s*usi1AS*n>, <-Si-> pos n. qual Chem. def the formation of groups of molecules and ions, esp. in liquids, held together by weak chemical bonds. association 7. syl as+so+ci:a+tion pron <*2s*usi1AS*n>, <-Si-> pos n. qual Ecology. def a group of similar plants that grow in a uniform environment and contain one or more dominant species. association football 1. syl as+so+ci:a+tion foot+ball pos n. def a more formal name for {soccer}. association football 2. syl as+so+ci:a+tion foot+ball pos n. qual Austral. def Australian Rules played in a football association rather than a league. associationism 0. syl as+so+ci:a+tion+ism pron <*2s*usi1AS*2niz*m> pos n. qual Psychol. def a theory that all mental activity is based on connections between basic mental events, such as sensations and feelings. associative 1. syl as+so+ci:a+tive pron <*1s*uSi*tiv> pos adj. def of, relating to, or causing association or union. associative 2.a. syl as+so+ci:a+tive pron <*1s*uSi*tiv> pos adj. def being independent of the grouping of numbers, symbols, or terms within a given set, as in conjunction or in an expression such as (2 #M3)#M4=2#M(3#M4). associative 2.b. syl as+so+ci:a+tive pron <*1s*uSi*tiv> pos adj. def referring to this property. exam 1 the associative laws of arithmetic. assoil ety C13: from Old French assoldre, from Latin absolvere to #7absolve assoil 1. syl as+soil pron <*1scil> pos vb. mod tr. qual Archaic. def to absolve; set free. assoil 2. syl as+soil pron <*1scil> pos vb. mod tr. qual Archaic. def to atone for. assonance ety C18: from French, from Latin asson*_are to sound, from son*_are to sound assonance 1. syl as+so+nance pron <1@s*n*ns> pos n. def the use of the same vowel sound with different consonants or the same consonant with different vowels in successive words or stressed syllables, as in a line of verse. Examples are and or and assonance 2. syl as+so+nance pron <1@s*n*ns> pos n. def partial correspondence; rough similarity. assonant sub head assonance syl as+so+nant pos adj. n. assonantal sub head assonance syl as+so+nan+tal pron <2@s*1n@ntL> pos adj. assort ety C15: from Old French assorter, from sorte #7sort assort 1. syl as+sort pron <*1sc:t> pos vb. mod tr. def to arrange or distribute into groups of the same type; classify. assort 2. syl as+sort pron <*1sc:t> pos vb. mod intr. usage usually foll. by with def to fit or fall into a class or group; match. assort 3. syl as+sort pron <*1sc:t> pos vb. mod tr. def to supply with an assortment of merchandise. assort 4. syl as+sort pron <*1sc:t> pos vb. mod tr. def to put in the same category as others; group. assort 5. syl as+sort pron <*1sc:t> pos vb. mod intr. qual Rare. usage usually foll. by with def to keep company; consort. assortative sub head assort or assortive syl as+1sort:a+tive pos adj. assortive sub head assort or assortative syl as+1sort+ive pos adj. assortatively sub head assort syl as+1sort:a+tive+ly pos adv. assorter sub head assort syl as+1sort+er pos n. assorted 1. syl as+sort+ed pron <*1sc:tid> pos adj. def consisting of various kinds mixed together; miscellaneous. exam 1 assorted sweets. assorted 2. syl as+sort+ed pron <*1sc:tid> pos adj. def arranged in sorts; classified. exam 1 assorted categories. assorted 3. syl as+sort+ed pron <*1sc:tid> pos adj. def matched; suited (esp. in the combinations {well-assorted, ill-assorted}) . assortment 1. syl as+sort+ment pron <*1sc:tm*nt> pos n. def a collection or group of various things or sorts. assortment 2. syl as+sort+ment pron <*1sc:tm*nt> pos n. def the act of assorting. ASSR 0. syl ASSR qual abbrev. for def Autonomous Soviet Socialist Republic. asst 0. syl asst. qual abbrev. for def assistant. assuage ety C14: from Old French assouagier, from Vulgar Latin assu*_avi*_are (unattested) to sweeten, from Latin su*_avis pleasant; see #7suave assuage 1. syl as+suage pron <*1swAJ> pos vb. mod tr. def to soothe, moderate, or relieve (grief, pain, etc.). assuage 2. syl as+suage pron <*1swAJ> pos vb. mod tr. def to give relief to (thirst, appetite, etc.); satisfy. assuage 3. syl as+suage pron <*1swAJ> pos vb. mod tr. def to pacify; calm. assuagement sub head assuage syl as+1suage+ment pos n. assuager sub head assuage syl as+1suag+er pos n. assuasive sub head assuage syl as+sua+sive pron <*1swAsiv> pos adj. Assouan alt head Assuan or Assuan syl As+souan pron pos n. Assuan 0. or Assouan syl As+suan pron pos n. def variant spellings of {Aswan}. assume ety C15: from Latin ass*_umere to take up, from s*_umere to take up, from #7sub -#7+ emere to take assume 1. syl as+sume pron <*1sju:m> pos vb. mod tr. usage may take a clause as object def to take for granted; accept without proof; suppose. exam 1 to assume that someone is sane. assume 2. syl as+sume pron <*1sju:m> pos vb. mod tr. def to take upon oneself; undertake or take on or over (a position, responsibility, etc.). exam 1 to assume office. assume 3. syl as+sume pron <*1sju:m> pos vb. mod tr. def to pretend to; feign. exam 1 he assumed indifference, although the news affected him deeply. assume 4. syl as+sume pron <*1sju:m> pos vb. mod tr. def to take or put on; adopt. exam 1 the problem assumed gigantic proportions. assume 5. syl as+sume pron <*1sju:m> pos vb. mod tr. def to appropriate or usurp (power, control, etc.); arrogate. exam 1 the revolutionaries assumed control of the city. assume 6. syl as+sume pron <*1sju:m> pos vb. mod tr. usage Christianity. of God def to take up (the soul of a believer) into heaven. assumable sub head assume syl as+1sum+a:ble pos adj. assumer sub head assume syl as+1sum+er pos n. assumed 1. syl as+sumed pron <*1sju:md> pos adj. def false; fictitious. exam 1 an assumed name. assumed 2. syl as+sumed pron <*1sju:md> pos adj. def taken for granted. exam 1 an assumed result. assumed 3. syl as+sumed pron <*1sju:md> pos adj. def usurped; arrogated. exam 1 an assumed authority. assuming 0. syl as+sum+ing pron <*1sju:miG> pos adj. def expecting too much; presumptuous; arrogant. assumpsit ety C17: from Latin, literally: he has undertaken, from ass*_umere to #7assume assumpsit 0. syl as+sump+sit pron <*1s^mpsit> pos n. usage Law. before 1875 def an action to recover damages for breach of an express or implied contract or agreement that was not under seal. assumption ety C13: from Latin ass*_umpti*_o a taking up, from ass*_umere to #7assume assumption 1. syl as+sump+tion pron <*1s^mpS*n> pos n. def the act of taking something for granted or something that is taken for granted. assumption 2. syl as+sump+tion pron <*1s^mpS*n> pos n. def an assuming of power or possession of something. assumption 3. syl as+sump+tion pron <*1s^mpS*n> pos n. def arrogance; presumption. assumption 4. syl as+sump+tion pron <*1s^mpS*n> pos n. qual Logic. def a minor premiss. assumptive sub head assumption syl as+1sump+tive pos adj. assumptively sub head assumption syl as+1sump+tive+ly pos adv. Assumption 1. syl As+sump+tion pron <*1s^mpS*n> pos n. qual Christianity. def the taking up of the Virgin Mary (body and soul) into heaven when her earthly life was ended. Assumption 2. syl As+sump+tion pron <*1s^mpS*n> pos n. qual Christianity. def the feast commemorating this, celebrated by Roman Catholics on Aug. 15. Asur infl head Assur syl A:sur pron <1@s*> pos n. Asshur infl head Assur or Ashur syl As:shur pron <1@Su*> pos n. Ashur infl head Assur or Asshur syl A:shur pron <1@Su*> pos n. Assur 1. syl As:sur pron <1@s*> pos n. def the supreme national god of the ancient Assyrians, chiefly a war god, whose symbol was an archer within a winged disc. Assur 2. syl As:sur pron <1@s*> pos n. def one of the chief cities of ancient Assyria, on the River Tigris about 100 km (60 miles) downstream from the present-day city of Mosul. assurance 1. syl as+sur+ance pron <*1Su*r*ns> pos n. def a statement, assertion, etc., in?!tended to inspire confidence or give encouragement. exam 1 she was helped by his assurance that she would cope. assurance 2. syl as+sur+ance pron <*1Su*r*ns> pos n. def a promise or pledge of support. exam 1 he gave an assurance of help when needed. assurance 3. syl as+sur+ance pron <*1Su*r*ns> pos n. def freedom from doubt; certainty. exam 1 his assurance about his own superiority infuriated her. assurance 4. syl as+sur+ance pron <*1Su*r*ns> pos n. def forwardness; impudence. assurance 5. syl as+sur+ance pron <*1Su*r*ns> pos n. qual Chiefly Brit. def insurance providing for certainties such as death as contrasted with fire or theft. Assurbanipal 0. syl As:sur:ba:ni:pal pron <2@su*1ba:ni2p@l> pos n. def a variant spelling of {Ashurbanipal}. assure ety C14: from Old French ase*"urer to assure, from Medieval Latin ass*_ec*_ur*_are to secure or make sure, from s*_ec*_urus #7secure assure 1. syl as+sure pron <*1Su*> pos vb. mod tr. usage may take a clause as object def to cause to feel sure or certain; convince. exam 1 to assure a person of one's love. assure 2. syl as+sure pron <*1Su*> pos vb. mod tr. usage may take a clause as object def to promise; guarantee. exam 1 he assured us that he would come. assure 3. syl as+sure pron <*1Su*> pos vb. mod tr. usage may take a clause as object def to state positively or with assurance. assure 4. syl as+sure pron <*1Su*> pos vb. mod tr. usage may take a clause as object def to make (an event) certain; ensure. assure 5. syl as+sure pron <*1Su*> pos vb. mod tr. qual Chiefly Brit. usage may take a clause as object def to insure against loss, esp. of life. assure 6. syl as+sure pron <*1Su*> pos vb. mod tr. qual Property law. usage may take a clause as object def another word for {convey}. assurable sub head assure syl as+1sur+a:ble pos adj. assurer sub head assure syl as+1sur+er pos n. assured 1. syl as+sured pron <*1Su*d> pos adj. def made certain; sure; guaranteed. assured 2. syl as+sured pron <*1Su*d> pos adj. def self-assured. assured 3. syl as+sured pron <*1Su*d> pos adj. qual Chiefly Brit. def insured, esp. by a life assurance policy. assured 4.a. syl as+sured pron <*1Su*d> pos n. qual Chiefly Brit. def the beneficiary under a life assurance policy. assured 4.b. syl as+sured pron <*1Su*d> pos n. qual Chiefly Brit. def the person whose life is insured. assuredly sub head assured syl as+sur+ed+ly pron <*1Su*ridli> pos adv. assuredness sub head assured syl as+1sur+ed+ness pos n. assurgent ety C16: from Latin assurgere to rise up, from surgere to rise assurgent 0. syl as+sur+gent pron <*1sR:J*nt> pos adj. usage of leaves, stems, etc. def curving or growing upwards; rising. assurgency sub head assurgent syl as+1sur+gen+cy pos n. Assyr 0. syl Assyr. qual abbrev. for def Assyrian. Assyria 0. syl As+syr:i:a pron <*1siri*> pos n. def an ancient kingdom of N Mesopotamia: it established an empire that stretched from Egypt to the Persian Gulf, reaching its greatest extent between 721 and 633 #7b.c. Its chief cities were Assur and Nineveh. Assyrian 1. syl As+syr+i:an pron <*1siri*n> pos n. def an inhabitant of ancient Assyria. Assyrian 2. syl As+syr+i:an pron <*1siri*n> pos n. def the extinct language of the Assyrians, belonging to the E Semitic subfamily of the Afro-Asiatic family and regarded as a dialect of Akkadian. Assyrian 3. syl As+syr+i:an pron <*1siri*n> pos adj. def of, relating to, or characteristic of the ancient Assyrians, their language, or culture. Assyriology 0. syl As+syr:i+ol+o:gy pron <*2siri1ol*Ji> pos n. def the study of the culture, history, and archaeological remains of ancient Assyria. Assyriologist sub head Assyriology syl As+2syr:i+1ol:o+gist pos n. AST 0. syl A.S.T. qual abbrev. for def Atlantic Standard Time. astable 1. syl a:sta+ble pron pos adj. def not stable. astable 2. syl a:sta+ble pron pos adj. qual Electricity. def capable of oscillating between two states. Fred infl head Astaire syl Fred. pos n. Astaire 0. syl A:staire pron <*1ste*> pos n. def born 1899, U.S. dancer, whose films include (1935). Astarte 0. syl As:tar:te pron <@1sta:ti> pos n. def a fertility goddess worshipped by the Phoenicians: identified with Ashtoreth of the Hebrews and Ishtar of the Babylonians and Assyrians. astatic ety C19: from Greek astatos unsteady; see #7{a -%1}#7, static astatic 1. syl a:stat+ic pron <@1st@tik>, pos adj. def not static; unstable. astatic 2.a. syl a:stat+ic pron <@1st@tik>, pos adj. def having no tendency to assume any particular position or orientation. astatic 2.b. syl a:stat+ic pron <@1st@tik>, pos adj. usage of a galvanometer def having two mutually compensating magnets arranged so that the instrument is independent of the earth's magnetic field. astatically sub head astatic syl a:1stat:i+cal+ly pos adv. astaticism sub head astatic syl a:1stat:i+2cism pos n. astatine ety C20: from Greek astatos unstable (see #7astatic) #7+ -#7{ine %2} astatine 0. syl as+ta+tine pron <1@st*2tEn>, <-tin> pos n. def a radioactive element of the halogen series: a decay product of uranium and thorium that occurs naturally in minute amounts and is artificially produced by bombarding bismuth with alpha particles. Symbol: At; atomic no.: 85; half-life of most stable isotope, %2%1%0At: 8.3 hours; valency: 1,3,5, or 7. aster ety C18: from New Latin, from Latin aster star, from Greek aster 1. syl as+ter pron <1@st*> pos n. def any plant of the genus having white, blue, purple, or pink daisy-like flowers: family (composites). Compare {golden aster}. China aster 2. head aster syl China aster. def a related Chinese plant, widely cultivated for its showy brightly coloured flowers. aster 3. syl as+ter pron <1@st*> pos n. qual Cytology. def a group of radiating cytoplasmic threads that surrounds the centrosome before and during mitosis. -aster ety from Latin: suffix indicating imperfect resem?!blance -aster 0. syl -as:ter usage suffix forming nouns. def a person or thing that is inferior or bears only a poor resemblance to what is specified. exam 1 poetaster. asteriated 0. syl as+te+ri+at+ed pron <@1sti*ri2Atid> pos adj. usage of a crystal, esp. a gemstone def exhibiting a star-shaped figure in transmitted or reflected light. asterisk ety C17: from Late Latin asteriscus a small star, from Greek asteriskos, from ast*_er star asterisk 1. syl as+ter+isk pron <1@st*risk> pos n. def a star-shaped character (?*#800045) used in printing or writing to indicate a cross-reference to a footnote, an omission, etc. asterisk 2.a. syl as+ter+isk pron <1@st*risk> pos n. usage in historical linguistics def this sign used to indicate an unattested reconstructed form. asterisk 2.b. syl as+ter+isk pron <1@st*risk> pos n. usage in descriptive linguistics def this sign used to indicate that an expression is ungrammatical or in some other way unacceptable. asterisk 3. syl as+ter+isk pron <1@st*risk> pos vb. mod tr. def to mark with an asterisk. asterism ety C16: from Greek asterismos arrangement of constellations, from ast*_er star asterism 1. syl as+ter+ism pron <1@st*2riz*m> pos n. def three asterisks arranged in a triangle (\?*%?*\?* or %?*\?*%?*), to draw attention to the text that follows. asterism 2. syl as+ter+ism pron <1@st*2riz*m> pos n. def a starlike effect seen in some minerals and gemstones when viewed by reflected or transmitted light. asterism 3. syl as+ter+ism pron <1@st*2riz*m> pos n. def a cluster of stars or a constellation. astern 1. syl a:stern pron <*1stR:n> pos adv. adj. qual Nautical. usage postpositive def at or towards the stern. astern 2. syl a:stern pron <*1stR:n> pos adv. adj. qual Nautical. usage postpositive def with the stern first. exam 1 full speed astern&! astern 3. syl a:stern pron <*1stR:n> pos adv. adj. qual Nautical. usage postpositive def aft of the stern of a vessel. asternal 1. syl a:ster+nal pron <@1stR:nL>, pos adj. qual Anatomy. def not connected or joined to the sternum. asternal 2. syl a:ster+nal pron <@1stR:nL>, pos adj. qual Anatomy. def lacking a sternum. asteroid ety C19: from Greek asteroeid*_es starlike, from ast*_er a star asteroid 1. syl as+ter+oid pron <1@st*2rcid> pos n. def Also called: {minor planet}. any of numerous small celestial bodies that move around the sun mainly between the orbits of Mars and Jupiter. Their diameters range from 670 kilometres (Ceres) to less than one kilometre. asteroid 2. syl as+ter+oid pron <1@st*2rcid> pos n. def Also: {as+ter@.oi+de@.an} (@!@ast$$#!r@$$Id$I$$n). any echinoderm of the class a starfish. {~} {as+ter@.oi+dal} (@!@ast$$?!#!r@$$Id%@l). asteroid 3. syl as+ter+oid pron <1@st*2rcid> pos n. def of, relating to, or belonging to the class asteroid 4. syl as+ter+oid pron <1@st*2rcid> pos n. def shaped like a star. asthenia ety C19: via New Latin from Greek astheneia weakness, from #7{a -%1}#7+ sthenos strength astheny alt head asthenia or asthenia syl as+the+ny pron <1@sT*ni> pos n. asthenia 0. or astheny syl as+the+ni:a pron <@s1TEni*> pos n. qual Pathol. def an abnormal loss of strength; debility. asthenic 1. syl as+then+ic pron <@s1Tenik> pos adj. def of, relating to, or having asthenia; weak. asthenic 2. syl as+then+ic pron <@s1Tenik> pos adj. usage in constitutional psychology def referring to a physique characterized by long limbs and a small trunk: claimed to be associated with a schizoid personality. See also {somatotype. ~} asthenic 3. syl as+then+ic pron <@s1Tenik> pos adj. def a person having long limbs and a small trunk. asthenopia ety C19: from New Latin, from Greek asthen*_es weak (from #7{a -%1}#7+ sthenos strength)+ *_ops eye asthenopia 0. syl as+the+no+pi:a pron <2@sTi1n*upi*> pos n. def a technical name for {eyestrain}. asthenopic sub head asthenopia syl as+the+nop+ic pron <2@sTi?!1nopik> pos adj. asthenosphere ety C20: from astheno-, from Greek asthen*_es weak+#7sphere asthenosphere 0. syl as+then:o+sphere pron <*s1TEn*2sfi*>, <-1Ten-> pos n. def a zone of the earth's crust below the lithosphere, thought to yield readily to the pressure of subsiding land, allowing the compensating elevation of a less dense region. See also {isostasy}. asthma ety C14: from Greek: laborious breathing, from azein to breathe hard asthma 0. syl asth+ma pron <1@sm*> pos n. def a respiratory disorder, often of allergic origin, characterized by difficulty in breathing, wheezing, and a sense of constriction in the chest. asthmatic 1. syl asth+mat+ic pron <@s1m@tik> pos adj. def of, relating to, or having asthma. asthmatic 2. syl asth+mat+ic pron <@s1m@tik> pos n. def a person who has asthma. asthmatically sub head asthmatic syl asth+1mat:i+cal+ly pos adv. Asti 0. syl As:ti pron <1@sti> pos n. def a town in NW Italy: famous for its sparkling wine ({Asti spumante}) . Pop.: 76048 (1971). astigmatic ety C19: from #7{a -%1}+Greek stigmat-, stigma spot, focus; see #7stigma astigmatic 1. syl as+tig+mat+ic pron <2@stig1m@tik> pos adj. def of, relating to, having, correcting, or corrected for astigmatism. astigmatic 2. syl as+tig+mat+ic pron <2@stig1m@tik> pos n. def a person who has astigmatism. astigmatically sub head astigmatic syl as+tig+1mat:i+cal+ly pos adv. astigmia alt head astigmatism or astigmatism syl a:stig+mi:a pron <*1stigmi*> pos n. astigmatism 1. or astigmia syl a:stig+ma+tism pron <*1stigm*2tiz*m> pos n. def a defect of a lens resulting in the formation of distorted images; caused by the curvature of the lens being different in different planes. astigmatism 2. or astigmia syl a:stig+ma+tism pron <*1stigm*2tiz*m> pos n. def faulty vision resulting from astigmatism of the lens of the eye. astilbe ety C19: New Latin, from Greek: not glittering, from #7a -%1+ stilb*_e, from stilbein to glitter; referring to its inconspicuous individual flowers astilbe 0. syl a:stil+be pron <*1stilbi> pos n. def any perennial saxifragaceous plant of the genus of E Asia and North America: cultivated for their ornamental pink or white flowers. astir 1. syl a:stir pron <*1stR:> pos adj. usage postpositive def awake and out of bed. astir 2. syl a:stir pron <*1stR:> pos adj. usage postpositive def in motion; on the move. ASTMS 0. syl A.S.T.M.S. qual abbrev. for usage in Britain def Association of Scientific, Technical, and Managerial Staffs. Astolat 0. syl As+to+lat pron <1@st*u2l@t> pos n. def a town in Arthurian legend: location unknown. astomatous 1. syl a:stom:a+tous pron <@1stom*t*s>, <-1st*u-> pos adj. usage of animals def having no mouth. astomatous 2. syl a:stom:a+tous pron <@1stom*t*s>, <-1st*u-> pos adj. usage of plants def having no stomata. Francis William infl head Aston syl Fran:cis Wil:liam. pos n. Aston 0. syl As:ton pron <1@st*n> pos n. def 1877-1945, English physicist and chemist, who developed the first mass spectograph, using it to investigate the isotopic structures of elements: Nobel prize for chemistry 1922. astonied ety C14: from astonyen to #7astonish astonied 0. syl as+ton+ied pron <*1stonid> pos adj. qual Archaic. def stunned; dazed. astonish ety C15: from earlier astonyen (see #7astonied) #7, from Old French estoner, from Vulgar Latin exton*_are (unattested) to strike with thunder, from Latin ton*_are to thunder astonish 0. syl a:ston+ish pron <*1stoniS> pos vb. mod tr. def to fill with amazement; surprise greatly. astonishing sub head astonish syl a:1ston+ish+ing pos adj. astonishingly sub head astonish syl a:1ston+ish+ing+ly pos adv. astonishment 1. syl a:ston+ish+ment pron <*1stoniSm*nt> pos n. def extreme surprise; amazement. astonishment 2. syl a:ston+ish+ment pron <*1stoniSm*nt> pos n. def a cause of amazement. John Jacob 1. head Astor syl John Ja:cob def 1st Baron Astor of Hever. 1886-1971, British proprietor of (1922-66). Astor 2. syl As:tor pron <1@st*> pos n. def Viscount?!ess {Nan@.cy Witch@.er Lang@.horne} (#!w$It#s$$ #!l@a&n@!h@$$:n). 1879-1964, British politician, born in the U.S.; the first woman to sit in the British House of Commons. Astoria 0. syl As+to+ri:a pron <*1stc:ri*> pos n. def a port in NW Oregon, near the mouth of the Columbia River: founded as a fur-trading post in 1811 by John Jacob Astor. Pop.: 10244 (1970). astound ety C17: from astoned amazed, from Old French eston*'e, from estoner to #7astonish astound 0. syl a:stound pron <*1staund> pos vb. mod tr. def to overwhelm with amazement and wonder; bewilder. astoundingly sub head astound syl a:1stound+ing+ly pos adv. astron alt head astr or astr syl astron. astr 1. or astron syl astr. qual abbrev. for: def astronomer. astr 2. or astron syl astr. qual abbrev. for: def astronomical. astr 3. or astron syl astr. qual abbrev. for: def astronomy. astraddle 1. syl a:strad+dle pron <*1str@dL> pos adj. usage postpositive def with a leg on either side of something. astraddle 2. syl a:strad+dle pron <*1str@dL> pos prep. def astride. astragal ety C17: from Latin astragalus, from Greek astragalos ankle bone, hence, small round moulding astragal 1.a. syl as+tra+gal pron <1@str*gL> pos n. def Also called: {bead}. a small convex moulding, usually with a semicircular cross section. astragal 1.b. syl as+tra+gal pron <1@str*gL> pos n. def a moulding having the form of a string of beads. astragal 2. syl as+tra+gal pron <1@str*gL> pos n. qual Furniture. def a glazing-bar, esp. in a bookcase. astragal 3. syl as+tra+gal pron <1@str*gL> pos n. qual Anatomy. def the ankle or ankle bone. astragalus ety C16: via New Latin from Latin: #7astragal astragali infl head astragalus syl a:strag:a+li pron <-2lI> pos n. mod pl. astragalus 0. syl a:strag:a+lus pron <@1str@g*l*s> pos n. qual Anatomy. def another name for {talus}. astrakhan 1. syl as+tra+khan pron <2@str*1k@n>, <-1ka:n> pos n. def a fur, usually black or grey, made of the closely curled wool of lambs from Astrakhan. astrakhan 2. syl as+tra+khan pron <2@str*1k@n>, <-1ka:n> pos n. def a cloth with curled pile resembling this. astrakhan 3. syl as+tra+khan pron <2@str*1k@n>, <-1ka:n> pos n. usage modifier def made of such fur or cloth. exam 1 an astrakhan collar. Astrakhan 0. syl As+tra+khan pron <2@str*1k@n>, <-1ka:n>, Russian <1astr*x*nj> pos n. def a city in the S Soviet Union, on the delta of the Volga River, 21 m (70 ft.) below sea level. Pop.: 452000 (1975 est.). astral ety C17: from Late Latin astr*_alis, from Latin astrum star, from Greek astron astral 1. syl as+tral pron <1@str*l> pos adj. def relating to, proceeding from, consisting of, or resembling the stars. exam 1 an astral body. astral 2. syl as+tral pron <1@str*l> pos adj. qual Biology. def of or relating to the aster occurring in dividing cells. astral 3. syl as+tral pron <1@str*l> pos adj. qual Theosophy. def denoting or relating to a supposed supersensible substance believed to form the material of a second body for each person, taking the form of an aura discernible to certain gifted individuals. astrally sub head astral syl as+tral+ly pos adv. astraphobia ety C20: see #7astro -#7, -#7phobia astrophobia alt head astraphobia or astraphobia syl as+tro+pho+bi:a pron <2@str*1f*ubi*> pos n. astraphobia 0. or astrophobia syl as+tra+pho+bi:a pron <2@str*1f*ubi*> pos n. def an exaggerated fear of thunder and lightning. astraphobic sub head astraphobia or astrophobic syl as+tra+1pho+bic pos adj. astrophobic sub head astraphobia or astraphobic syl as+tro+1pho+bic pos adj. astray ety C13: from Old French estraie roaming, from estraier to #7stray astray 1. syl a:stray pron <*1strA> pos adj. postpositive; adv. def out of the correct path or direction. astray 2. syl a:stray pron <*1strA> pos adj. postpositive; adv. def out of the right, good, or expected way; into error. astrict ety C16: from Latin astrictus drawn closely together, from astringere to tighten, from stringere to bind astrict 0. syl as+trict pron <*1strikt> pos vb. qual Archaic. def to bind, confine, or constrict. astriction sub head astrict syl as+1tric+tion pos n. astrictive sub head astrict syl as+1tric+tive pos adj. astrictively sub head astrict syl as+1tric+tive+ly pos adv. astride 1. syl a:stride pron <*1strId> pos adj. usage postpositive def with a leg on either side. astride 2. syl a:stride pron <*1strId> pos adj. usage postpositive def with the legs far apart. astride 3. syl a:stride pron <*1strId> pos prep. usage postpositive def with a leg on either side of. astride 4. syl a:stride pron <*1strId> pos prep. usage postpositive def with a part on both sides of; spanning. astringent ety C16: from Latin astring*_ens drawing together; see #7astrict astringent 1. syl as+trin+gent pron <*1strinJ*nt> pos adj. def severe; harsh. astringent 2. syl as+trin+gent pron <*1strinJ*nt> pos adj. def sharp or invigorating. astringent 3. syl as+trin+gent pron <*1strinJ*nt> pos adj. def causing contraction of body tissues, checking blood flow, or restricting secretions of fluids; styptic. astringent 4. syl as+trin+gent pron <*1strinJ*nt> pos n. def an astringent drug. astringency sub head astringent or astringence syl as+1trin+gen+cy pos n. astringence sub head astringent or astringency syl as+1trin+gence pos n. astringently sub head astringent syl as+1trin+gent+ly pos adv. astro- ety from Greek, from astron star astro- 0. syl as:tro- exam 1 combining form. astro- 1. syl as:tro- def indicating a heavenly body, star, or star-shaped structure. exam 1 astrology; exam 2 astrocyte. astro- 2. syl as:tro- def indicating outer space. exam 1 astronautics. astrobiology 0. syl as+tro+bi+ol+o:gy pron <2@str*ubI1ol*Ji> pos n. def the branch of biology that investigates the possibility of life on other planets. astrobotany 0. syl as+tro+bot:a+ny pron <2@str*u1bot*ni> pos n. def the branch of botany that investigates the possibility that plants grow on other planets. astrocompass 0. syl as+tro+com+pass pron <2@str*u1k^mp*s> pos n. def a navigational instrument for giving directional bearings from the centre of the earth to a particular star. It is carried in long-range aircraft, ships, spacecraft, etc. astrocyte 0. syl as+tro+cyte pron <1@str*u2sIt> pos n. def any of the star-shaped cells in the tissue supporting the brain and spinal cord (neuroglia). astrodome 0. syl as+tro+dome pron <1@str*2d*um> pos n. def a transparent dome on the top of an aircraft, through which observations can be made, esp. of the stars. Also called: {astrohatch}. astrodynamics 0. syl as+tro+dy+nam+ics pron <2@str*udI1n@miks> pos n. mod functioning as; sing. def the study of the motion of natural and artificial bodies in space. astrogeology 0. syl as+tro+ge:ol+o:gy pron <2@str*uJi1ol*Ji> pos n. def the study of the structure, composition, and history of other planets and other bodies in the solar system. astroid ety C19: from #7astro -#7+ -#7oid astroid 0. syl as+troid pron <1@strcid> pos n. qual Maths. def a hypocycloid having four cusps. astrol 1. syl astrol. qual abbrev. for: def astrologer. astrol 2. syl astrol. qual abbrev. for: def astrological. astrol 3. syl astrol. qual abbrev. for: def astrology. astrolabe ety C13: via Old French and Medieval Latin from Greek, from astrolabos (adj.), literally: star-taking, from astron star+ lambanein to take astrolabe 0. syl as+tro+labe pron <1@str*2lAb> pos n. def an instrument used by early astronomers to measure the altitude of stars and planets and also as a navigational aid. It consists of a graduated circular disc with a movable sighting device. Compare {sextant}. astrology ety C14: from Old French astrologie, from Latin astrologia, from Greek, from astrologos (originally: astronomer); see #7astro -#7, -#7logy astrology 1. syl as+trol+o:gy pron <*1strol*Ji> pos n. def the study of the motions and relative positions of the planets, sun, and moon, interpreted in terms of human characteristics and activities. astrology 2. syl as+trol+o:gy pron <*1strol*Ji> pos n. def the primitive study of celestial bodies, which formed the basis of astronomy. astrologer sub head astrology or astrologist syl as+1trol:o+ger pos n. astrologist sub head astrology or astrologer syl as+1trol:o+gist pos n. astrological sub head astrology syl as+tro+log:i+cal pron <2@str*1loJikL> pos adj. astrologically sub head astrology syl as+tro+1log:i+cal+ly pos adv. astrometry 0. syl as+trom+e:try pron <*1stromitri> pos n. def the branch of astronomy con?!cerned with the measurement of the position and motion of celestial bodies. astrometric sub head astrometry or astrometrical syl as+tro+met+ric pron <2@str*1metrik> pos adj. astrometrical sub head astrometry or astrometric syl as+tro+1met+ri+cal pos adj. astronaut ety C20: from #7astro -#7+ -naut from Greek naut*_es sailor, on the model of aeronaut astronaut 0. syl as+tro+naut pron <1@str*2nc:t> pos n. def a person trained for travelling in space. astronautics 0. syl as+tro+nau+tics pron <2@str*1nc:tiks> pos n. mod functioning as; sing. def the science and technology of space flight. astronautic sub head astronautics or astronautical syl as+tro+1nau+tic pos adj. astronautical sub head astronautics or astronautic syl as+tro+1nau+ti+cal pos adj. astronautically sub head astronautics syl as+tro+1nau+ti+cal+ly pos adv. astronavigation 0. syl as+tro+nav:i+ga+tion pron <2@str*un@vi1gAS*n> pos n. def another term for {celestial navigation}. astronavigator sub head astronavigation syl as+tro+1nav:i+2ga+tor pos n. astronomer 0. syl as+tron:o+mer pron <*1stron*m*> pos n. def a scientist who studies astronomy. astronomic alt head astronomical or astronomical syl as+tro+nom+ic pos adj. astronomical 1. or astronomic syl as+tro+nom:i+cal pron <2@str*1nomikL> pos adj. def enormously large; immense. astronomical 2. or astronomic syl as+tro+nom:i+cal pron <2@str*1nomikL> pos adj. def of or relating to astronomy. astronomically sub head astronomical syl as+tro+1nom:i+cal+ly pos adv. astronomical telescope 0. syl as+tro+nom:i+cal tel:e+scope pos n. def any telescope designed and mounted for use in astronomy. Such telescopes usually form inverted images. See {Cassegrainian telescope, Newtonian telescope, equatorial telescope}. astronomical unit 0. syl as+tro+nom:i+cal u:nit pos n. def a unit of distance used in astronomy equal to the mean distance between the earth and the sun. 1 astronomical unit is equivalent to 1.495#M10%1%1 metres or about 9.3#M10%7 miles. astronomical year 0. syl as+tro+nom:i+cal year pos n. def another name for {solar year}. See { {year} (sense 4)}. astronomy ety C13: from Old French astronomie, from Latin astronomia, from Greek; see #7astro -#7, -#7nomy astronomy 0. syl as+tron:o+my pron <*1stron*mi> pos n. def the scientific study of the individual celestial bodies (excluding the earth) and of the universe as a whole. Its various branches include astrometry, astrodynamics, cosmology, and astrophysics. astrophotography 0. syl as+tro+pho+tog+ra+phy pron <2@str*uf*1togr*fi> pos n. def the photography of celestial bodies used in astronomy. astrophotographic sub head astrophotography syl as+tro+pho:to+graph+ic pron <2@str*u2f*ut*1gr@fik> pos adj. astrophysics 0. syl as+tro+phys+ics pron <2@str*u1fiziks> pos n. mod functioning as; sing. def the branch of physics concerned with the physical and chemical properties, origin, and evolution of the celestial bodies. astrophysical sub head astrophysics syl as+tro+1phys:i+cal pos adj. astrophysicist sub head astrophysics syl as+tro+1phys:i+cist pos n. astrosphere 1. syl as+tro+sphere pron <1@str*2sfi*> pos n. qual Cytology. def another name for {centrosome}. astrosphere 2. syl as+tro+sphere pron <1@str*2sfi*> pos n. qual Cytology. def Also called: {attraction sphere}. the part of the aster excluding the centrosome. Asturias 0. syl As+tu+ri+as pron <@1stu*ri2@s> pos n. def a region and former kingdom of NW Spain, consisting of a coastal plain and the Cantabrian Mountains: a Christian stronghold against the Moors (8th to 13th centuries); rich mineral resources. astute ety C17: from Latin ast*_utus cunning, from astus (n.) cleverness astute 0. syl as+tute pron <*1stju:t> pos adj. def having insight or acumen; perceptive; shrewd. astutely sub head astute syl as+1tute+ly pos adv. astuteness sub head astute syl as+1tute+ness pos n. Astyanax 0. syl As:ty:a:nax pron <@1stI*2n@ks> pos n. qual Greek myth. def the young son of Hector and Andromache, who was hurled from the walls of Troy by the Greeks. astylar ety C19: from #7{a -%1}#7+ Greek stulos pillar astylar 0. syl a:sty+lar pron <@1stIl*>, pos adj. qual Architect. def without columns or pilasters. Asunci'on 0. syl A:sun+ci*'on pron Spanish <2asun1sjon> pos n. def the capital and chief port of Paraguay, on the Paraguay River, 1530 km (950 miles) from the Atlantic. Pop.: 387676 (1972 est.). asunder ety Old English on sundran apart; see #7sunder asunder 1. syl a:sun+der pron <*1s^nd*> pos adv. adj. usage postpositive def in or into parts or pieces; apart. exam 1 to tear asunder. asunder 2. syl a:sun+der pron <*1s^nd*> pos adv. adj. qual Archaic. usage postpositive def in or into a position apart or separate. Asur 0. syl A:sur pron <1@s*> pos n. def a variant spelling of {Assur}. Aswan 0. syl As+wan pron pos n. def an ancient town in SE Egypt, on the Nile, just below the First Cataract. Pop.: 246000 (1974 est.). Ancient name: {Syene}. Also: {Assuan, Assouan}. Aswan High Dam 0. syl As+wan High Dam pos n. def a dam on the Nile forming a reservoir (Lake Nasser) extending 480 km (300 miles) from the First to the Third Cataracts: opened in 1971, it was built 6 km (4 miles) upstream from the old {Aswan Dam} (built in 1902 and twice raised). Height of dam: 109 m (365 ft.). aswarm 0. syl a:swarm pron <*1swc:m> pos adj. usage postpositive def filled, esp. with moving things; swarming. exam 1 flower beds aswarm with bees. asyllabic 0. syl a:syl+lab+ic pron <2@si1l@bik>, <2A-> pos adj. def not functioning in the manner of a syllable. asylum ety C15: via Latin from Greek asulon refuge, from asulos that may not be seized, from #7{a -%1}#7+ sulon right of seizure asylum 1. syl a:sy+lum pron <*1sIl*m> pos n. def an institution for the shelter, treatment, or confinement of individuals, esp. a mental hospital (formerly termed {lunatic asylum) }. asylum 2. syl a:sy+lum pron <*1sIl*m> pos n. def a safe or inviolable place of refuge, esp. as formerly offered by the Christian Church to criminals, outlaws, etc.; sanctuary (often in the phrase {give asylum to) }. asylum 3. syl a:sy+lum pron <*1sIl*m> pos n. def shelter; refuge. asylum 4. syl a:sy+lum pron <*1sIl*m> pos n. qual International law. def refuge afforded to a person whose extradition is sought by a foreign government. exam 1 political asylum. asymmetrical alt head asymmetric or asymmetric syl a:sym+met+ri+cal pos adj. asymmetric 1. or asymmetrical syl a:sym+met+ric pron <2@si1metrik>, <2A-> pos adj. def not symmetrical; lacking symmetry; misproportioned. asymmetric 2.a. or asymmetrical syl a:sym+met+ric pron <2@si1metrik>, <2A-> pos adj. usage of a molecule def having its atoms and radicals arranged unsymmetrically. asymmetric 2.b. or asymmetrical syl a:sym+met+ric pron <2@si1metrik>, <2A-> pos adj. usage of a carbon atom def attached to four different atoms or radicals so that stereoisomerism results. asymmetric 3. or asymmetrical syl a:sym+met+ric pron <2@si1metrik>, <2A-> pos adj. usage Logic, maths. of a relation def altered in meaning or value if the related terms are interchanged, as in asymmetrically sub head asymmetric syl a:sym+1met+ri+cal+ly pos adv. asymmetric time 0. syl a:sym+met+ric time pos n. def musical time consisting of an odd number of beats in each bar divided into uneven combinations, such as 3+2, 4+3, 2+3+2, etc. asymmetry 0. syl a:sym+me+try pron <@1simitri>, pos n. def lack or absence of symmetry in spatial arrangements or in mathematical or logical relations. asymptomatic 0. syl a:symp+to+mat+ic pron <@2simpt*1m@tik>, pos adj. usage of a disease or suspected disease def without symptoms; providing no subjective evidence of existence. asymptomatically sub head asymptomatic syl a:2symp+to+1mat:i+cal+ly pos adv. asymptote ety C17: from Greek asumpt*_otos not falling together, from {#7a- %1}+#7syn+ pt*_otos inclined to fall, from piptein to fall asymptote 0. syl as+ymp+tote pron <1@sim2t*ut> pos n. def a straight line that is closely approached by a plane curve so that the perpendicular distance between them decreases to zero as the distance from the origin increases to infinity. asymptotical alt head asymptotic or asymptotic syl as+ymp+tot:i+cal pos adj. asymptotic 1. or asymptotical syl as+ymp+tot+ic pron <2@sim1totik> pos adj. def of or referring to an asymptote. asymptotic 2. or asymptotical syl as+ymp+tot+ic pron <2@sim1totik> pos adj. usage of a function, series, formula, etc. def approaching a given value or condition, as a variable or an expression containing a variable approaches a limit, usually infinity. asymptotically sub head asymptotic syl as+ymp+1tot:i+cal+ly pos adv. asynchronism 0. syl a:syn+chro+nism pron <@1siGkr*2niz*m>, pos n. def a lack of synchro?!nism; occurrence at different times. asynchronous sub head asynchronism syl a:1syn+chro+nous pos adj. asynchronously sub head asynchronism syl a:1syn+chro+nous+ly pos adv. asyndetic 1. syl as+yn+det+ic pron <2@sin1detik> pos adj. usage of a catalogue or index def without cross references. asyndetic 2. syl as+yn+det+ic pron <2@sin1detik> pos adj. usage of a linguistic construction def having no conjunction, as in asyndetically sub head asyndetic syl as+yn+1det:i+cal+ly pos adv. asyndeton ety C16: from New Latin, from Greek asundeton, from asundetos unconnected, from #7{a -%1}#7+ sundein to bind together asyndeta infl head asyndeton syl a:syn+de:ta pron <-dit*> pos n. mod pl. asyndeton 1. syl a:syn+de:ton pron <@1sindit*n> pos n. def the omission of a conjunction between the parts of a sentence. asyndeton 2. syl a:syn+de:ton pron <@1sindit*n> pos n. def an asyndetic construction. Compare {syndeton}. Assiut alt head Asyut or Asyut syl As+siut pron <@1sju:t> pos n. Asyut 0. or Assiut syl A:syut pron <@1sju:t> pos n. def an ancient city in central Egypt, on the Nile. Pop.: 197200 (1974 est.). Ancient Greek name: {Lycopolis}. at ety Old English @at; related to Old Norse at to, Latin ad to at H1.1. syl at pron <@t> pos prep. def used to indicate location or position. exam 1 are they at the table?? exam 2 staying at a small hotel. at H1.2. syl at pron <@t> pos prep. def towards; in the direction of. exam 1 looking at television; exam 2 throwing stones at windows. at H1.3. syl at pron <@t> pos prep. def used to indicate position in time. exam 1 come at three o'clock. at H1.4. syl at pron <@t> pos prep. def engaged in; in a state of (being). exam 1 children at play; exam 2 stand at ease; exam 3 he is at his most charming today. at H1.5. syl at pron <@t> pos prep. usage in expressions concerned with habitual activity def during the passing of (esp. in the phrase {at night) }. exam 1 he used to work at night. at H1.6. syl at pron <@t> pos prep. def for; in exchange for. exam 1 it's selling at four pounds. at H1.7. syl at pron <@t> pos prep. def used to indicate the object of an emotion. exam 1 angry at the driver; exam 2 shocked at his behaviour. where it's at 8. head at syl where it's at. qual Slang. def the real place of action. at ety from Thai at infl syl at. pos n. mod pl. at H2.0. syl at pron , <@t> pos n. def a Laotian monetary unit worth one hundredth of a kip. At 1. syl At usage the chemical symbol for def astatine. At 2. syl At def Also: {A} ampere-turn. at 1. syl at. qual abbrev. for: usage unit of pressure def atmosphere. at 2. syl at. qual abbrev. for: def atomic. Atacama Desert 0. syl A:ta+ca+ma Des+ert pron Spanish <2ata1kama> pos n. def a desert region along the W coast of South America, mainly in N Chile: a major source of nitrates. atactic 0. syl a:tac+tic pron pos adj. usage Chem. of a polymer def having random sequence of the stereochemical arrangement of groups on carbon atoms in the chain; not stereospecific. ataghan 0. syl at:a+ghan pron <1@t*2g@n> pos n. def a variant of {yataghan}. Atabalipa alt head Atahualpa or Atahualpa syl At:a:ba:li:pa pron <2@t*1ba:lip*> pos n. Atahualpa 0. or Atabalipa syl At:a:hual:pa pron <2@t*1wa:lp*> pos n. def ??1500-33, the last Inca emperor of Peru (1525-33), who was put to death by the Spanish under Pizarro. Atalanta 0. syl At:a:lan:ta pron <2@t*1l@nt*> pos n. qual Greek myth. def a maiden who agreed to marry any man who could defeat her in a running race. She lost to Hippomenes when she paused to pick up three golden apples that he had deliberately dropped. ataman ety from Russian, from Polish hetman, from German Hauptmann (literally: head man) atamans infl head ataman syl at:a+mans. pos n. mod pl. ataman 0. syl at:a+man pron <1@t*m*n> pos n. def an elected leader of the Cossacks; hetman. ataraxic alt head ataractic or ataractic syl at:a+rax+ic pron <2@t*1raksik> pos adj. ataractic 1. or ataraxic syl at:a+rac+tic pron <2@t*1r@ktik> pos adj. def able to calm or tranquillize. ataractic 2. or ataraxic syl at:a+rac+tic pron <2@t*1r@ktik> pos n. def an ataractic drug. ataraxia ety C17: from Greek: serenity, from ataraktos undisturbed, from #7{a -%1}#7+ tarassein to trouble ataraxy alt head ataraxia or ataraxia syl at:a+rax:y pron <1@t*2r@ksi> pos n. ataraxia 0. or ataraxy syl at:a+rax:i:a pron <2@t*1r@ksi*> pos n. def calmness or peace of mind; emotional tranquillity. Kemal infl head Ataturk syl Ke:mal pron pos n. Ataturk 0. syl At:a:t*"urk pron <1@t*2tR:k> pos n. def original name 1881-1938, Turkish general and statesman; founder of the Turkish republic and president of Turkey (1923-38), who westernized and secularized the country. atavism ety C19: from French atavisme, from Latin atavus strictly: great-grandfather's grandfather, probably from atta daddy+ avus grandfather atavism 1. syl at:a+vism pron <1@t*2viz*m> pos n. def the recurrence in a plant or animal of certain primitive characteristics that were present in an ancestor but have not occurred in intermediate generations. atavism 2. syl at:a+vism pron <1@t*2viz*m> pos n. def reversion to a former or more primitive type. atavist sub head atavism syl at:a+vist pos n. atavistic sub head atavism or atavic syl at:a+1vis+tic pron <*1t@vik> pos adj. atavic sub head atavism or atavistic syl at:a+vic pron <*1t@vik> pos adj. atavistically sub head atavism syl at:a+1vis+ti+cal+ly pos adv. ataxia ety C17: via New Latin from Greek: lack of coordination, from #7{a -%1}#7+ -taxia, from tassein to put in order ataxy alt head ataxia or ataxia syl a:tax:y pron <*1t@ksi> pos n. ataxia 0. or ataxy syl a:tax:i:a pron <*1t@ksi*> pos n. qual Pathol. def lack of muscular coordination. ataxic sub head ataxia or atactic syl a:1tax+ic pos adj. atactic sub head ataxia or ataxic syl a:1tac+tic pos adj. Atbara 1. syl At+ba+ra pron <1@tb*r*>, <@t1ba:-> pos n. def a town in NE Sudan. Pop.: 64326 (1973). Atbara 2. syl At+ba+ra pron <1@tb*r*>, <@t1ba:-> pos n. def a river in NE Africa, rising in N Ethiopia and flowing through E Sudan to the Nile at Atbara. Length: over 800 km (500 miles). ATC 1. syl A.T.C. qual abbrev. for: def air traffic control. ATC 2. syl A.T.C. qual abbrev. for: usage in Britain def Air Training Corps. ate 0. syl ate pron , pos vb. def the past tense of {eat}. Ate ety C16: via Latin from Greek at*_e a rash impulse Ate 0. syl A:te pron <1Ati>, <1a:ti> pos n. qual Greek myth. def a goddess who makes men blind so that they will blunder into guilty acts. See also {hubris}. -ate ety from Latin -*_atus, past participial ending of verbs ending in -*_are -ate H1.1. syl -ate pos suffix. usage forming adjectives def possessing; having the appearance or characteristics of. exam 1 fortunate; exam 2 palmate; exam 3 Latinate. -ate H1.2. syl -ate pos suffix. usage forming nouns def a chemical compound, esp. a salt or ester of an acid. exam 1 carbonate; exam 2 stearate. -ate H1.3. syl -ate pos suffix. usage forming nouns def the product of a process. exam 1 condensate. -ate H1.4. syl -ate pos suffix. def forming verbs from nouns and adjectives. exam 1 hyphenate; exam 2 rusticate. -ate ety from Latin -*_atus, suffix (fourth declension) of collective nouns -ate H2.0. syl -ate usage suffix forming nouns. def denoting office, rank, or a group having a certain function. exam 1 episcopate; exam 2 electorate. atelectasis ety C19: New Latin, from Greek atel*_es imperfect+ ektasis extension atelectasis 1. syl at+e:lec+ta+sis pron <2@t*1lekt*sis> pos n. def failure of the lungs to expand fully at birth. atelectasis 2. syl at+e:lec+ta+sis pron <2@t*1lekt*sis> pos n. def collapse of the lung or a part of the lung, usually caused by bronchial obstruction. atelier ety C17: from Old French astelier workshop, from astele chip of wood, from Latin astula splinter, from assis board atelier 0. syl at+el+ier pron <1@t*l2jA>, French pos n. def an artist's studio or workshop. a tempo ety Italian: in (the original) time infl head a tempo syl ~ pos adj. adv. qual Music. a tempo 1. syl a tem+po pron <1temp*u> pos adj. adv. def to the original tempo. {~} a tempo 2. syl a tem+po pron <1temp*u> pos adj. adv. def a passage thus marked. {~} Also: {tempo primo}. Aton alt head Aten or Aten syl A:ton pron <1a:tN> pos n. Aten 0. or Aton syl A:ten pron <1a:tN> pos n. usage in ancient Egypt def the solar disc worshipped as the sole god in the reign of Akhenaten. Athabasca alt head Athabaska or Athabaska syl Ath:a+bas+ca pron <2@T*1b@sk*> pos n. Lake 1. head Athabaska syl Lake. def a lake in W Canada, in NW Saskatchewan and NE Alberta. Area: about 7770 sq. km (3000 sq. miles). Athabaska 2. or Athabasca syl Ath:a+bas+ka pron <2@T*1b@sk*> pos n. def a river in W Canada, rising in the Rocky Mountains and flowing northeast to Lake Athabaska. Length: 1230 km (765 miles). Athamas 0. syl Ath:a+mas pron <1@T*2m@s> pos n. qual Greek myth. def a king of Orchomenus in Boeotia; the father of Phrixus and Helle by his first wife Nephele, whom he deserted for Ino. Athanasian Creed 0. syl Ath:a+na+sian Creed pron <2@T*1nAS*n> pos n. qual Christianity. def a profession of faith widely used in the Western Church which, though formerly attributed to Athanasius, probably originated in Gaul between 381 and 428 #7a.d. Saint infl head Athanasius syl Saint. pos n. Athanasius 0. syl Ath:a:na:sius pron <2@T*1nAS*s> pos n. def ??296-373 #7a.d., patriarch of Alexandria who championed Christian orthodoxy against Arianism. Feast day: May 2. Athanasian sub head Athanasius syl Ath:a+1na+sian pos adj. Athapascan ety from Cree athapaskaaw scattered grass or reeds Athapaskan alt head Athapascan or Athabaskan syl Ath:a+pas+kan pron <2@T*1p@sk*n> pos n. Athabascan infl head Athapascan or Athapascan syl Ath:a+bas+can pron <2@T*1b@sk*n> pos n. Athabaskan infl head Athapascan or Athapaskan syl Ath:a+bas+kan pron <2@T*1b@sk*n> pos n. Athapascan 1. or Athabascan syl Ath:a+pas+can pron <2@T*1p@sk*n> pos n. def a group of North American Indian languages belonging to the Na-Dene phylum, including Apache and Navaho. Athapascan 2. or Athabascan syl Ath:a+pas+can pron <2@T*1p@sk*n> pos n. def a speaker of one of these languages. Atharva-Veda 0. syl A:thar:va-Ve:da pron <*1ta:v*1vAd*> pos n. qual Hinduism. def the fourth and latest Veda, largely consisting of priestly spells and incantations. atheism ety C16: from French ath*'eisme, from Greek atheos godless, from #7{a -%1}#7+ theos god &- #!a@.the+ist n., adj. &- @!a@.the+#!is+tic or @!a@.the+#!is+ti+cal adj. &- @!a@.the+#!is+ti+cal+ly adv. atheism 1. syl a:the+ism pron <1ATi2iz*m> pos n. def the doctrine or belief that there is no God or that the assertion of his existence is meaningless. atheism 2. syl a:the+ism pron <1ATi2iz*m> pos n. def rejection of belief in God or gods. atheism 3. syl a:the+ism pron <1ATi2iz*m> pos n. qual Archaic. def behaviour or attitudes regarded as evil or sinful; godlessness. atheling ety Old English @atheling, from @athelu noble family+{-#7ing %3}; related to Old High German adaling, Old Norse *"othlingr atheling 0. syl ath+el+ing pron <1@TiliG> pos n. usage in Anglo-Saxon England def a prince of any of the royal dynasties. Athelstan 0. syl Ath:el:stan pron <1@T*lst*n> pos n. def ??895-939 #7a.d., king of Wessex and Mercia (924-939 #7a.d.) , who extended his kingdom to include most of England. athematic 1. syl a:th+e:mat+ic pron <2@Ti1m@tik> pos adj. qual Music. def not based on themes. athematic 2. syl a:th+e:mat+ic pron <2@Ti1m@tik> pos adj. usage Linguistics. of verbs def having a suffix attached immediately to the stem, without an intervening vowel. Athene alt head Athena or Athena syl A:the:ne pron <*1TEni> pos n. Athena 0. or Athene syl A:the:na pron <*1TEn*> pos n. qual Greek myth. def a virgin goddess of wisdom, practical skills, and prudent warfare. She was born, fully armed, from the head of Zeus. Also called: {Pallas Athena, Pallas}. Roman counterpart: {Minerva}. athenaeum ety C18: from Late Latin, from Greek Ath*_enaion temple of Athene, frequented by poets and teachers atheneum alt head athenaeum or athenaeum syl ath+e:ne:um pron <2@Ti1nE*m> pos n. qual U.S. athenaeum 1. or atheneum syl ath+e:nae:um pron <2@Ti1nE*m> pos n. def an institution for the promotion of learning. athenaeum 2. or atheneum syl ath+e:nae:um pron <2@Ti1nE*m> pos n. def a building containing a reading room or library, esp. one used by such an institution. Atheneum alt head Athenaeum or Athenaeum syl Ath+e:ne:um pron <2@Ti1nE*m> pos n. qual U.S. (sometimes Athenaeum 1. or Atheneum syl Ath+e:nae:um pron <2@Ti1nE*m> pos n. usage in ancient Greece def a building sacred to the goddess Athena, esp. the Athenian temple that served as a gathering place for the learned. Athenaeum 2. or Atheneum syl Ath+e:nae:um pron <2@Ti1nE*m> pos n. usage in imperial Rome def the academy of learning established near the Forum in about 135 #7a.d. by Hadrian. Athenian 1. syl A:the+ni:an pron <*1TEni*n> pos n. def a native or inhabitant of Athens. Athenian 2. syl A:the+ni:an pron <*1TEni*n> pos adj. def of or relating to Athens. Athens 0. syl Ath+ens pron <1@Tinz> pos n. def the capital of Greece, in the southeast near the Saronic Gulf: became capital after independence in 1834; ancient city-state, most powerful in the 5th century #7b.c.; contains the hill citadel of the Acropolis. Pop.: 867023 (1971). Greek name: {A@.thi+nai} (a#!#Ggine). athermancy ety C19: from Greek athermantos not heated, from {#7a -%1}#7+ thermainein to heat, from therm*_e heat; compare #7diathermancy athermancy 0. syl a:ther+man+cy pron <@1TR:m*nsi> pos n. def an inability to transmit radiant heat or infrared radiation. Also called: {adiathermancy}. athermanous 0. syl a:ther+ma+nous pron <@1TR:m*n*s> pos adj. def capable of stopping radiant heat or infrared radiation. atheroma ety C18: via Latin from Greek ath*_er*_oma tumour full of matter resembling gruel, from ath*_era gruel atheromas infl head atheroma or atheromata syl ath+er:o+mas pron <-m*t*> pos n. mod pl. atheromata infl head atheroma or atheromas syl ath+er:o+ma+ta pron <-m*t*> pos n. mod pl. atheroma 0. syl ath+er:o+ma pron <2@T*1r*um*> pos n. qual Pathol. def a fatty deposit on or within the inner lining of an artery, often causing an obstruction to the blood flow. atheromatous sub head atheroma syl ath+er+om:a+tous pron <2@T*1rom*t*s>, <-1r*u-> pos adj. atherosclerosis ety C20: from New Latin, from Greek ath*_era gruel (see #7atheroma) #7+sclerosis ses infl head atherosclerosis syl +ses pron <-sEz> pos n. mod pl. atherosclerosis 0. syl ath+er:o+scle+ro+sis pron <2@T*r*uskli*1r*usis> pos n. def a degenerative disease of the arteries characterized by patchy thickening of the inner lining of the arterial walls, caused by deposits of fatty material; a form of arteriosclerosis. See {atheroma}. atherosclerotic sub head atherosclerosis syl ath+er:o+scle+rot+ic pron <2@$T*r*u?!skli*?!1rotik> pos adj. athirst 1. syl a:thirst pron <*1TR:st> pos adj. usage postpositive; often foll. by for def having an eager desire; longing. athirst 2. syl a:thirst pron <*1TR:st> pos adj. qual Archaic. usage postpositive def thirsty. athlete ety C18: from Latin via Greek athl*_et*_es, from athlein to compete for a prize, from athlos a contest athlete 1. syl ath+lete pron <1@TlEt> pos n. def a person trained to compete in sports or exercises involving physical strength, speed, or endurance. athlete 2. syl ath+lete pron <1@TlEt> pos n. def a person who has a natural aptitude for physical activities. athlete 3. syl ath+lete pron <1@TlEt> pos n. qual Chiefly Brit. def a competitor in track and field events. athlete's foot 0. syl ath+lete's foot pos n. def a fungal infection of the skin of the foot, esp. between the toes and on the soles. Technical name: {dermatophytosis interdigitale}. athletic 1. syl ath+let+ic pron <@T1letik> pos adj. def physically fit or strong; muscular or active. athletic 2. syl ath+let+ic pron <@T1letik> pos adj. def of, relating to, or suitable for an athlete or for athletics. athletic 3. syl ath+let+ic pron <@T1letik> pos adj. def of or relating to a person with a muscular and well-proportioned body. See also {somatotype}. athletically sub head athletic syl ath+1let:i+cal+ly pos adv. athleticism sub head athletic syl ath+1let:i+cism pos n. athletics 1.a. syl ath+let+ics pron <@T1letiks> pos n. def track and field events. athletics 1.b. syl ath+let+ics pron <@T1letiks> pos n. usage as modifier exam 1 an athletics meeting. athletics 2. syl ath+let+ics pron <@T1letiks> pos n. def sports or exercises engaged in by athletes. athletics 3. syl ath+let+ics pron <@T1letiks> pos n. def the theory or practice of athletic activities and training. athletic support 0. syl ath+let+ic sup+port pos n. def a more formal term for {jockstrap}. athodyd ety C20: from a (ero) -th (erm) ody (namic) d (uct) athodyd 0. syl ath:o+dyd pron <1@T*u2dId> pos n. def another name for {ramjet}. at-home 1. syl at-home pos n. def a social gathering in a person's home. at-home 2. syl at-home pos n. def another name for {open day}. Mount infl head Athos syl Mount. pos n. Athos 0. syl Ath+os pron <1@Tos>, <1A-> pos n. def a department of NE Greece, in Macedonia: autonomous since 1927; inhabited by Greek Orthodox Basilian monks in 20 monasteries founded in the tenth century. Administrative centre: Karyai. Pop.: 1732 (1971). athwart ety C15: from #7{a -%1}#7+thwart athwart 1. syl a:thwart pron <*1Twc:t> pos adv. def transversely; from one side to another. athwart 2. syl a:thwart pron <*1Twc:t> pos prep. def across the path or line of (esp. a ship). athwart 3. syl a:thwart pron <*1Twc:t> pos prep. def in opposition to; against. athwartships 0. syl a:thwart+ships pron <*1Twc:t2Sips> pos adv. qual Nautical. def from one side to the other of a vessel at right angles to the keel. -atic ety from French -atique, from Greek -atikos -atic 0. syl -at:ic usage suffix forming adjectives. def of the nature of the thing specified. exam 1 problematic. atilt 1. syl a:tilt pron <*1tilt> pos adv. adj. usage postpositive def in a tilted or inclined position. atilt 2. syl a:tilt pron <*1tilt> pos adv. adj. qual Archaic. usage postpositive def in or as if in a joust. -ation ety from Latin -*_ati*_on-, suffix of abstract nouns, from -*_atus {-#7ate %1}#7+ -i*_on- -#7ion -ation 0. syl -a:tion usage suffix forming nouns. def indicating an action, process, state, condition, or result. exam 1 arbitration; exam 2 cogitation; exam 3 hibernation; exam 4 moderation. -ative ety from Latin -*_at*_ivus, from *_atus {-#7ate %1}#7+ *_ivus -#7ive -ative 0. syl -a:tive usage suffix forming adjectives. def of, relating to, or tending to. exam 1 authoritative; exam 2 decorative; exam 3 informative. Atkinson 0. syl At:kin:son pron <1@tkinsN> pos n. def Sir {Har@.ry Al@.bert}. 1831-92, New Zealand statesman, born in England: prime minister of New Zealand (1876-77; 1883-84; 1887-91). Atlanta 0. syl At+lan+ta pron <@t1l@nt*> pos n. def a city in N Georgia: the state capital. Pop.: 451123 (1973 est.). Atlantean 1. syl At+lan+te:an pron <2@tl@n1tE*n> pos adj. qual Literary. def of, relating to, or like Atlas; extremely strong. Atlantean 2. syl At+lan+te:an pron <2@tl@n1tE*n> pos adj. def of or connected with Atlantis. atlantes 0. syl at+lan+tes pron <*t1l@ntEz> pos n. def the plural of {{atlas} (sense 4)}. Atlantic ety C15: from Latin Atlanticus, from Greek (pelagos) Atlantikos (the sea) of Atlas (so called because it lay beyond the Atlas Mountains) the 1. head Atlantic syl the. def short for the {Atlantic Ocean}. Atlantic 2. syl At+lan+tic pron <*t1l@ntik> pos adj. def of or relating to or bordering the Atlantic Ocean. Atlantic 3. syl At+lan+tic pron <*t1l@ntik> pos adj. def of or relating to Atlas or the Atlas Mountains. Atlantic Charter 0. syl At+lan+tic Char+ter pos n. def the joint declaration issued by F. D. Roosevelt and Winston Churchill on Aug. 14, 1941, consisting of eight principles to guide a postwar settlement. Atlantic City 0. syl At+lan+tic Cit:y pos n. def a resort in SE New Jersey on Absecon Beach, an island on the Atlantic coast. Pop.: 47859 (1970). Atlantic Intracoastal Waterway 0. syl At+lan+tic In:tra+coast+al Wa:ter+way pos n. def a system of inland and coastal waterways along the Atlantic coast of the U.S. from Cape Cod to Florida Bay. Length: 2495 km (1550 miles). Atlantic Ocean 0. syl At+lan+tic O:cean pos n. def the world's second largest ocean, bound?!ed in the north by the Arctic, in the south by the Antarctic, in the west by North and South America, and in the east by Europe and Africa. Greatest depth: 9220 m (30246 ft.). Area: about 81585000 sq. km (31500000 sq. miles). Atlantic Provinces 0. syl At+lan+tic Prov+in+ces pos n. mod pl. def another name for the {Maritime Provinces} of Canada. Atlantic Standard Time 0. syl At+lan+tic Stand+ard Time pos n. def the local time used in eastern Canada. Atlantis 0. syl At+lan+tis pron <*t1l@ntis> pos n. usage in ancient legend def a continent said to have sunk beneath the Atlantic Ocean west of the Straits of Gibraltar. atlas ety C16: via Latin from Greek; first applied to maps, from depictions of Atlas supporting the heavens in 16th-century collections of maps atlas 1. syl at+las pron <1@tl*s> pos n. def a collection of maps, usually in book form. atlas 2. syl at+las pron <1@tl*s> pos n. def a book of charts, graphs, etc., illustrating aspects of a subject. exam 1 an anatomical atlas. atlas 3. syl at+las pron <1@tl*s> pos n. qual Anatomy. def the first cervical vertebra, attached to and supporting the skull in man. Compare { {axis} %1 (sense 3)}. atlantes infl head atlas syl at+lan+tes pos n. mod pl. atlas 4. syl at+las pron <1@tl*s> pos n. qual Architect. def another name for {telamon}. atlas 5. syl at+las pron <1@tl*s> pos n. def a standard size of drawing paper, 26#M17 inches. Atlas 1. syl At:las pron <1@tl*s> pos n. qual Greek myth. def a Titan compelled to support the sky on his shoulders as punishment for rebelling against Zeus. Atlas 2. syl At:las pron <1@tl*s> pos n. def a U.S. intercontinental ballistic missile, also used in launching spacecraft. Atlas Mountains 0. syl At+las Moun+tains pos n. mod pl. def a mountain system of N Africa, between the Mediterranean and the Sahara Desert. Highest peak: Mount Toubkal, 4165 m (13664 ft.). Atli 0. syl At:li pron <1a:tli> pos n. qual Norse legend. def a king of the Huns who married Gudrun for her inheritance and was slain by her after he killed her brothers. atm 1. syl atm. qual abbrev. for: def atmosphere (unit of pressure). atm 2. syl atm. qual abbrev. for: def atmospheric. atman ety from Sanskrit *_atman breath; compare Old High German *_atum breath atman 1. syl at+man pron <1a:tm*n> pos n. qual Hinduism. def the personal soul or self; the thinking principle as manifested in consciousness. atman 2. syl at+man pron <1a:tm*n> pos n. qual Hinduism. def Brahman considered as the Universal Soul, the great Self or Person that dwells in the entire created order. atmo- ety via New Latin from Greek atmos vapour atmo- 0. syl at:mo- usage combining form. def air or vapour. exam 1 atmometer; exam 2 atmosphere. atmolyses infl head atmolysis syl at+mol:y+ses pron <-2sEz> pos n. mod pl. atmolysis 0. syl at+mol:y+sis pron <@t1molisis> pos n. def a method of separating gases that depends on their differential rates of diffusion through a porous substance. atmometer 0. syl at+mom+e:ter pron <@t1momit*> pos n. def an instrument for measuring the rate of evaporation of water into the atmosphere. Also called: {evaporimeter} or {evaporometer}. atmometry sub head atmometer syl at+1mom+e:try pos n. atmosphere 1. syl at+mos+phere pron <1@tm*s2fi*> pos n. def the gaseous envelope sur?!rounding the earth or any other celestial body. See also {troposphere, stratosphere, mesosphere}, and {ionosphere}. atmosphere 2. syl at+mos+phere pron <1@tm*s2fi*> pos n. def the air or climate in a particular place. exam 1 the atmosphere was thick with smoke. atmosphere 3. syl at+mos+phere pron <1@tm*s2fi*> pos n. def a general pervasive feeling or mood. exam 1 an atmosphere of elation. atmosphere 4. syl at+mos+phere pron <1@tm*s2fi*> pos n. def the prevailing tone or mood of a novel, symphony, painting, or other work of art. atmosphere 5. syl at+mos+phere pron <1@tm*s2fi*> pos n. def a special mood or character associated with a place. atmosphere 6. syl at+mos+phere pron <1@tm*s2fi*> pos n. def any local gaseous environment or medium. exam 1 an inert atmosphere. atmosphere 7. syl at+mos+phere pron <1@tm*s2fi*> pos n. def Abbrev: {at}. or {atm}. a unit of pressure; the pressure that will support a column of mercury 760 mm high at 0?%C at sea level. 1 atmosphere is equivalent to 101325 newtons per square metre or 14.72 pounds per square inch. &- {@!at+mos+#!pher+ic} {@!at+mos+#!pher@.i+cal} &- {@!at+mos+#!pher@.i+cal+ly} atmospheric perspective 0. syl at+mos+pher+ic per+spec+tive pos n. def another term for {aerial perspective}. atmospheric pressure 0. syl at+mos+pher+ic pres+sure pos n. def the pressure exerted by the atmosphere at the earth's surface. It has an average value of 1 atmosphere. atmospherics 1. syl at+mos+pher+ics pron <2@tm*s1feriks> pos n. mod pl. def electrical disturb?!ances produced in the atmosphere by natural causes such as lightning. atmospherics 2. syl at+mos+pher+ics pron <2@tm*s1feriks> pos n. mod pl. def radio interference, heard as crackling or hissing in receivers, caused by electrical disturbance. at no 0. syl at. no. qual abbrev. for def atomic number. atoll ety C17: from atollon, native name in the Maldive Islands atoll 0. syl at+oll pron <1@tol>, <*1tol> pos n. def a circular coral reef or string of coral islands surrounding a lagoon. atom ety C16: via Old French and Latin, from Greek atomos (n.), from atomos (adj.) that cannot be divided, from #7{a -%1}#7+ temnein to cut atom 1.a. syl at:om pron <1@t*m> pos n. def the smallest quantity of an element that can take part in a chemical reaction. atom 1.b. syl at:om pron <1@t*m> pos n. def this entity as a source of nuclear energy. exam 1 the power of the atom. atom 2. syl at:om pron <1@t*m> pos n. def the hypothetical indivisible particle of matter postulated by certain ancient philosophers as the fundamental constituent of matter. See also {atomism}. atom 3. syl at:om pron <1@t*m> pos n. def a very small amount or quantity; minute fragment. exam 1 to smash something to atoms; exam 2 there is not an atom of truth in his allegations. atomic bomb alt head atom bomb or atom bomb syl a:tom+ic bomb pos n. atom bomb 0. or atomic bomb syl at:om bomb pos n. def a type of bomb in which the energy is provided by nuclear fission. Uranium-235 and plutonium-239 are the isotopes most commonly used in atom bombs. Also called: {A-bomb, fission bomb}. Compare {fusion bomb}. atomic 1. syl a:tom+ic pron <*1tomik> pos adj. def of, using, or characterized by atomic bombs or atomic energy. exam 1 atomic warfare. atomic 2. syl a:tom+ic pron <*1tomik> pos adj. def of, related to, or comprising atoms. exam 1 atomic hydrogen. atomic 3. syl a:tom+ic pron <*1tomik> pos adj. def extremely small; minute. atomically sub head atomic syl a:1tom:i+cal+ly pos adv. athe infl head atomic age syl a:the. pos n. atomic age 0. syl a:tom+ic age pos n. def the current historical period, initiated by the development of the first atomic bomb towards the end of World War II and now marked by a balance of power between nations possessing the hydrogen bomb and the growing use of nuclear power as a source of energy. atomic clock 0. syl a:tom+ic clock pos n. def an extremely accurate clock in which an electrical oscillator is controlled by the natural vibrations of an atomic or molecular system such as caesium or ammonia. atomic cocktail 0. syl a:tom+ic cock+tail pos n. def an aqueous solution of radioactive substance, such as sodium iodide, administered orally as part of the treatment for cancer. atomic energy 0. syl a:tom+ic en+er+gy pos n. def another name for {nuclear energy}. Atomic Energy Authority 0. syl A:tom+ic En+er+gy Au:thor+i:ty pos n. usage in Britain def a government body established in 1954 to control research and development in atomic energy. Abbrev.: {AEA} Atomic Energy Commission 0. syl A:tom+ic En+er+gy Com+mis+sion pos n. usage in the U.S. def a federal board established in 1946 to administer and develop domestic atomic energy programmes. Abbrev.: {AEC} atomic heat 0. syl a:tom+ic heat pos n. def the product of an element's atomic weight and its specific heat (capacity). atomicity 1. syl at:o+mic+i:ty pron <2@t*1misiti> pos n. def the state of being made up of atoms. atomicity 2. syl at:o+mic+i:ty pron <2@t*1misiti> pos n. def the number of atoms in the molecules of an element. atomicity 3. syl at:o+mic+i:ty pron <2@t*1misiti> pos n. def a less common name for {valency}. atomic mass 1. syl a:tom+ic mass pos n. qual Chem. def the mass of an isotope of an element in atomic mass units. atomic mass 2. syl a:tom+ic mass pos n. qual Chem. def See {relative atomic mass}. atomic mass unit 0. syl a:tom+ic mass u:nit pos n. def a unit of mass used to express atomic and molecular weights that is equal to one twelfth of the mass of an atom of carbon-12. It is equivalent to 1.66#M10%-%2%7 kg. Abbrev.: {AMU} Also called: {unified atomic mass unit, dalton}. atomic number 0. syl a:tom+ic num+ber pos n. def the number of protons in the nucleus of an atom of an element. Abbrev.: {at. no}. Symbol. exam 1 Z atomic pile 0. syl a:tom+ic pile pos n. def the original name for a {nuclear reactor}. atomic power 0. syl a:tom+ic pow+er pos n. def another name for {nuclear power}. atomic structure 0. syl a:tom+ic struc+ture pos n. def the concept of an atom as a central positively charged nucleus consisting of protons and neutrons surrounded by a number of electrons. The number of electrons is equal to the number of protons: the whole entity is thus electrically neutral. atomic theory 1. syl a:tom+ic the:o+ry pos n. def any theory in which matter is regarded as consisting of atoms, esp. that proposed by John Dalton postulating that elements are composed of atoms that can combine in definite proportions to form compounds. atomic theory 2. syl a:tom+ic the:o+ry pos n. def the current concept of the atom as an entity with a definite structure. See {atomic structure}. atomic volume 0. syl a:tom+ic vol+ume pos n. def the atomic weight (relative atomic mass) of an element divided by its density. atomic weight 0. syl a:tom+ic weight pos n. def the ratio of the average mass per atom of an element to half the mass of an atom of carbon-12. Abbrev.: {at. wt}. Also called: {relative atomic mass.#eUsage}. Until 1961 were based on the mass of an atom of oxygen-16. The carbon-12 atom is now the usual basis of calculations and is the preferred term for the new atomic weights. atomism 1. syl at+om+ism pron <1@t*2miz*m> pos n. def an ancient philosophical theory that the ultimate constituents of the universe are atoms. See also {Democritus, Lucretius}. atomism 2. syl at+om+ism pron <1@t*2miz*m> pos n. qual Psychol. def the theory that experiences and mental states are composed of elementary units. &- {#!at+om+ist} atomistic sub head atomism or atomistical syl at+om+1is+tic pos adj. atomistical sub head atomism or atomistic syl at+om+1is+ti+cal pos adj. atomistically sub head atomism syl at+om+1is+ti+cal+ly pos adv. atomise alt head atomize or atomize syl at+om+ise pron <1@t*2mIz> pos vb. atomize 1. or atomise syl at+om+ize pron <1@t*2mIz> pos vb. def to separate or be separated into free atoms. atomize 2. or atomise syl at+om+ize pron <1@t*2mIz> pos vb. def to reduce (a liquid or solid) to fine particles or spray or (of a liquid or solid) to be reduced in this way. atomize 3. or atomise syl at+om+ize pron <1@t*2mIz> pos vb. def to destroy by weapons, esp. nuclear weapons. atomization sub head atomize or atomisation syl at+om:i+1za+tion pos n. atomisation sub head atomize or atomization syl at+om:i+1sa+tion pos n. atomiser alt head atomizer or atomizer syl at+om+is+er pron <1@t*2mIz*> pos n. atomizer 0. or atomiser syl at+om+iz+er pron <1@t*2mIz*> pos n. def a device for reducing a liquid to a fine spray, such as the nozzle used to feed oil into a furnace or an enclosed bottle with a fine outlet used to spray perfumes or medicines. atom smasher 0. syl at:om smash+er pos n. qual Physics. def the nontechnical name for {{accelerator} (sense 2)}. atomy ety C16: from Latin atom*_i atoms, but used as if singular; see #7atom atomies infl head atomy syl at:o+mies. pos n. mod pl. atomy H1.1. syl at:o+my pron <1@t*mi> pos n. qual Archaic. def an atom or minute particle. atomy H1.2. syl at:o+my pron <1@t*mi> pos n. qual Archaic. def a minute creature. atomy ety C16: from mistaken division of #7anatomy (as if an atomy) atomies infl head atomy syl at:o+mies. pos n. mod pl. atomy H2.0. syl at:o+my pron <1@t*mi> pos n. def an obsolete word for {skeleton}. Aton 0. syl A:ton pron <1a:tN> pos n. def a variant spelling of {Aten}. atonal 0. syl a:ton+al pron , <@-> pos adj. qual Music. def having no established key. Compare {{tonal} (sense 2)}. atonalism sub head atonal syl a:1ton+al+ism pos n. atonally sub head atonal syl a:1ton+al+ly pos adv. atonality 1. syl a:to+nal+i:ty pron <2At*u1n@liti>, <2@-> pos n. def absence of or disregard for an established musical key in a composition. atonality 2. syl a:to+nal+i:ty pron <2At*u1n@liti>, <2@-> pos n. def the principles of composition embodying this and providing a radical alternative to the diatonic system. atonality xref syl a:to+nal+i:ty pron <2At*u1n@liti>, <2@-> pos n. def Compare {tonality}. atone ety C16: back formation from #7atonement atone 1. syl a:tone pron <*1t*un> pos vb. mod intr. usage foll. by for def to make amends or reparation (for a crime, sin, etc.). atone 2. syl a:tone pron <*1t*un> pos vb. mod tr. def to expiate. exam 1 to atone a guilt with repentance. atone 3. syl a:tone pron <*1t*un> pos vb. qual Obsolete. def to be in or bring into agreement. atonable sub head atone or atoneable syl a:1ton+a:ble pos adj. atoneable sub head atone or atonable syl a:1tone+a:ble pos adj. atoner sub head atone syl a:1ton+er pos n. atonement ety C16: from Middle English phrase at onement in harmony atonement 1. syl a:tone+ment pron <*1t*unm*nt> pos n. def satisfaction, reparation, or expiation given for an injury or wrong. atonement 2.a. syl a:tone+ment pron <*1t*unm*nt> pos n. def the reconciliation of man with God through the life, sufferings, and sacrificial death of Christ. atonement 2.b. syl a:tone+ment pron <*1t*unm*nt> pos n. def the sufferings and death of Christ. atonement 3. syl a:tone+ment pron <*1t*unm*nt> pos n. qual Christian Science. def the state in which the attributes of God are exemplified in man. atonement 4. syl a:tone+ment pron <*1t*unm*nt> pos n. qual Obsolete. def reconciliation or agreement. atonic ety C18: from Latin atonicus, from Greek atonos lacking tone; see #7atony atonic 1. syl a:ton+ic pron , <@-> pos adj. usage of a syllable, word, etc. def carrying no stress; unaccented. atonic 2. syl a:ton+ic pron , <@-> pos adj. qual Pathol. def relating to or characterized by atony. atonic 3. syl a:ton+ic pron , <@-> pos n. def an unaccented or unstressed syllable, word, etc., such as in atonicity sub head atonic syl at:o+nic+i:ty pron <2@t*1nisiti>, <2At*u-> pos n. atony ety C17: from Latin atonia, from Greek: tonelessness, from atonos slack, from #7{a -%1}#7+ tonos #7tone atony 1. syl at:o+ny pron <1@t*ni> pos n. qual Pathol. def lack of normal tone or tension, as in muscles; abnormal relaxation of a muscle. atony 2. syl at:o+ny pron <1@t*ni> pos n. qual Phonetics. def lack of stress or accent on a syllable or word. atop 1. syl a:top pron <*1top> pos adv. def on top; at the top. atop 2. syl a:top pron <*1top> pos prep. def on top of; at the top of. -ator ety from Latin -*_ator; see -#7{ate %1}#7, -{#7or %1} -ator 0. syl -a:tor usage suffix forming nouns. def a person or thing that performs a certain action. exam 1 agitator; exam 2 escalator; exam 3 radiator. -atory ety from Latin -*_at*_orius; see {-#7ate %1}#7, {-#7ory %2} -atory 0. syl -a:to:ry usage suffix forming adjectives. def of, relating to, characterized by, or serving to. exam 1 circulatory; exam 2 exploratory; exam 3 migratory; exam 4 explanatory. ATP 0. syl ATP pos n. def adenosine triphosphate; a nucleotide found in the mitochondria of all plant and animal cells. It is the major source of energy for cellular reactions, this energy being released during its conversion to ADP. Formula: C\1\0H\1\6N\5O\1\3P\3. atrabilious ety C17: from Latin *_atra b*_ilis black bile, from *_ater black+ b*_ilis #7bile atrabiliar alt head atrabilious or atrabilious syl at+ra+bil:i+ar pos adj. atrabilious 0. or atrabiliar syl at+ra+bil+ious pron <2@tr*1bilj*s> pos adj. qual Rare. def irritable. atrabiliousness sub head atrabilious syl at+ra+1bil+ious+ness pos n. Atreus 0. syl A:tre:us pron <1Atri2u:s>, <1Atri*s> pos n. qual Greek myth. def a king of Mycenae, son of Pelops, father of Agamemnon and Menelaus, and member of the family known as the {A@.tre+ids} (#!e$Itr$I$Idz). atrioventricular ety C19: from atrio-, from New Latin atrium heart chamber (see #7atrium) #7+ventricular atrioventricular 0. syl a:tri:o+ven+tric:u+lar pron <2Atri*uven1trikjul*> pos adj. qual Anatomy. def of, relating to, or affecting both the atria and the ventricles of the heart. exam 1 atrioventricular disease. atrip 0. syl a:trip pron <*1trip> pos adj. usage postpositive; Nautical. of an anchor def no longer caught on the bottom; tripped; aweigh. atrium ety C17: from Latin; related to *_ater black, perhaps originally referring to the part of the house that was blackened by smoke from the hearth atria infl head atrium syl a:tri:a pron <1Atri*>, <1a:-> pos n. mod pl. atrium 1. syl a:tri:um pron <1Atri*m>, <1a:-> pos n. def the open main court of a Roman house. atrium 2. syl a:tri:um pron <1Atri*m>, <1a:-> pos n. def a court in front of an early Christian or medieval church, esp. one flanked by colonnades. atrium 3. syl a:tri:um pron <1Atri*m>, <1a:-> pos n. qual Anatomy. def a cavity or chamber in the body, esp. the upper chamber of each half of the heart. atrial sub head atrium syl a:tri:al pos adj. atrocious ety C17: from Latin *_atr*_ox dreadful, from *_ater black atrocious 1. syl a:tro+cious pron <*1tr*uS*s> pos adj. def extremely cruel or wicked; ruthless. exam 1 atrocious deeds. atrocious 2. syl a:tro+cious pron <*1tr*uS*s> pos adj. def horrifying or shocking. exam 1 an atrocious road accident. atrocious 3. syl a:tro+cious pron <*1tr*uS*s> pos adj. qual Informal. def very bad; detestable. exam 1 atrocious writing. atrociously sub head atrocious syl a:1tro+cious+ly pos adv. atrociousness sub head atrocious syl a:1tro+cious+ness pos n. ties infl head atrocity syl :ties. pos n. mod pl. atrocity 1. syl a:troc+i:ty pron <*1trositi> pos n. def behaviour or an action that is wicked or ruthless. atrocity 2. syl a:troc+i:ty pron <*1trositi> pos n. def the fact or quality of being atrocious. atrocity 3. syl a:troc+i:ty pron <*1trositi> pos n. mod usually; pl. def acts of extreme cruelty, esp. against prisoners or civilians in wartime. atrophy ety C17: from Late Latin atrophia, from Greek, from atrophos ill-fed, from #7{a -%1}#7+ -trophos from trephein to feed atrophies infl head atrophy syl at+ro+phies. pos n. mod pl. atrophy 1. syl at+ro+phy pron <1@tr*fi> pos n. def a wasting away of an organ or part, or a failure to grow to normal size as the result of disease, faulty nutrition, etc. atrophy 2. syl at+ro+phy pron <1@tr*fi> pos n. def any degeneration or diminution, esp. through lack of use. atrophies infl head atrophy syl at+ro+phies pos vb. atrophying infl head atrophy syl at+ro+phy+ing pos vb. atrophied infl head atrophy syl at+ro+phied. pos vb. atrophy 3. syl at+ro+phy pron <1@tr*fi> pos vb. def to waste away or cause to waste away. atrophic sub head atrophy syl a:troph+ic pron <*1trofik> pos adj. atropine ety C19: from New Latin atropa deadly nightshade, from Greek atropos unchangeable, inflexible; see A#7tropos atropin alt head atropine or atropine syl at+ro+pin pron <1@tr*pin> pos n. atropine 0. or atropin syl at+ro+pine pron <1@tr*2pEn>, <-pin> pos n. def a poisonous alkaloid obtained from the deadly nightshade, having an inhibitory action on the autonomic nervous system. It is used medicinally in preanaesthetic medication and to treat peptic ulcers, biliary and renal colic, etc. Formula: C\1\7H\2\3NO\3. Atropos ety Greek, from atropos that may not be turned, from {#7a -%1}#7+ -tropos from trepein to turn Atropos 0. syl At:ro:pos pron <1@tr*2pos> pos n. qual Greek myth. def the one of the three Fates who severs the thread of life. att 1. syl att. qual abbrev. for: def attached. att 2. syl att. qual abbrev. for: def attorney. attaboy 0. syl at:ta+boy pron <1@t*2bci> pos interj. qual Slang, chiefly U.S. def an expression of approval or exhortation. attach ety C14: from Old French atachier to fasten, changed from estachier to fasten with a stake, from estache #7stake attach 1. syl at+tach pron <*1t@C> pos vb. mod mainly; tr. def to join, fasten, or connect. attach 2. syl at+tach pron <*1t@C> pos vb. mod mainly; tr. usage passive def to become associated with or join, as in a business or other venture. exam 1 he attached himself to the expedition. attach 3. syl at+tach pron <*1t@C> pos vb. mod intr. usage foll. by to def to be inherent (in) or connected (with). exam 1 responsibility attaches to the job. attach 4. syl at+tach pron <*1t@C> pos vb. mod mainly; tr. def to attribute or ascribe. exam 1 to attach importance to an event. attach 5. syl at+tach pron <*1t@C> pos vb. mod mainly; tr. def to include or append, esp. as a condition. exam 1 a proviso attaches to the contract. attach 6. syl at+tach pron <*1t@C> pos vb. mod mainly; tr. qual Military. usage usually passive def to place on temporary duty with another unit. attach 7. syl at+tach pron <*1t@C> pos vb. mod mainly; tr. def to appoint officially. attach 8. syl at+tach pron <*1t@C> pos vb. mod mainly; tr. qual Law. def to arrest or take (a person, property, etc.) with lawful authority. attach 9. syl at+tach pron <*1t@C> pos vb. mod mainly; tr. qual Obsolete. def to seize. attachable sub head attach syl at+1tach+a:ble pos adj. attacher sub head attach syl at+1tach+er pos n. attach'e ety C19: from French: someone attached (to a mission), from attacher to #7attach attach'e 1. syl at+ta+ch*'e pron <*1t@SA>, French pos n. def a specialist attached to a diplomatic mission. exam 1 military attach*'e. attach'e 2. syl at+ta+ch*'e pron <*1t@SA>, French pos n. qual Brit. def a junior member of the staff of an embassy or legation. attach'e case 0. syl at+ta+ch*'e case pos n. def a small flat rectangular briefcase used for carrying documents, papers, etc. attached 1. syl at+tached pron <*1t@Ct> pos adj. usage foll. by to def fond (of); full of regard (for). exam 1 he was very attached to the old lady. attached 2. syl at+tached pron <*1t@Ct> pos adj. def married, engaged, or associated in an exclusive sexual relationship. exam 1 it's no good dancing with her, she's already attached. attachment 1. syl at+tach+ment pron <*1t@Cm*nt> pos n. def a means of securing; a fastening. attachment 2. syl at+tach+ment pron <*1t@Cm*nt> pos n. usage often foll. by to def affection or regard (for); devotion (to). exam 1 attachment to a person or to a cause. attachment 3. syl at+tach+ment pron <*1t@Cm*nt> pos n. def an object to be attached, esp. a supplementary part. exam 1 an attachment for an electric drill. attachment 4. syl at+tach+ment pron <*1t@Cm*nt> pos n. def the act of attaching or the state of being attached. attachment 5.a. syl at+tach+ment pron <*1t@Cm*nt> pos n. def the arrest of a person for disobedience to a court order. attachment 5.b. syl at+tach+ment pron <*1t@Cm*nt> pos n. def the lawful seizure of property and placing of it under control of a court. attachment 5.c. syl at+tach+ment pron <*1t@Cm*nt> pos n. def a writ authorizing such arrest or seizure. attachment 6. syl at+tach+ment pron <*1t@Cm*nt> pos n. qual Law. def the binding of a debt in the hands of a gar?!nishee until its disposition has been decided by the court. attack ety C16: from French attaquer, from Old Italian attaccare to attack, attach, from estaccare to attach, from stacca #7stake ; compare #7attach &- at+#!tack@.a+ble adj. ?- at+#!tack+er n. attack 1. syl at+tack pron <*1t@k> pos vb. def to launch a physical assault (against) with or without weapons; begin hostilities (with). attack 2. syl at+tack pron <*1t@k> pos vb. mod intr. def to take the initiative in a game, sport, etc.. exam 1 after a few minutes, the team began to attack. attack 3. syl at+tack pron <*1t@k> pos vb. mod tr. def to direct hostile words or writings at; criticize or abuse vehemently. attack 4. syl at+tack pron <*1t@k> pos vb. mod tr. def to turn one's mind or energies vigorously to (a job, problem, etc.). attack 5. syl at+tack pron <*1t@k> pos vb. mod tr. def to begin to injure or affect adversely; corrode, corrupt, or infect. exam 1 rust attacked the metal. attack 6. syl at+tack pron <*1t@k> pos vb. mod tr. def to attempt to rape. attack 7. syl at+tack pron <*1t@k> pos n. def the act or an instance of attacking. attack 8. syl at+tack pron <*1t@k> pos n. def strong criticism or abuse. exam 1 an unjustified attack on someone's reputation. attack 9. syl at+tack pron <*1t@k> pos n. def an offensive move in a game, sport, etc. attack 10. syl at+tack pron <*1t@k> pos n. def commencement of a task, etc. attack 11. syl at+tack pron <*1t@k> pos n. def any sudden and usually severe manifestation of a disease or disorder. exam 1 a heart attack; exam 2 an attack of indigestion. the attack 12. head attack syl the attack. qual Ball games. def the players in a team whose main role is to attack the opponents' goal or territory. attack 13. syl at+tack pron <*1t@k> pos n. qual Music. def decisiveness in beginning a passage, movement, or piece. attack 14. syl at+tack pron <*1t@k> pos n. def an attempted rape. attain ety C14: from Old French ateindre, from Latin attingere to reach, from tangere to touch attain 1. syl at+tain pron <*1tAn> pos vb. mod tr. def to achieve or accomplish (a task, goal, aim, etc.). attain 2. syl at+tain pron <*1tAn> pos vb. mod tr. def to reach or arrive at in space or time. exam 1 to attain old age. attain 3. syl at+tain pron <*1tAn> pos vb. mod intr. usage often foll. by to def to arrive (at) with effort or exertion. exam 1 to attain to glory. attainable sub head attain syl at+1tain+a:ble pos adj. attainability sub head attain or attainableness syl at+2tain+a:1bil+i:ty pos n. attainableness sub head attain or attainability syl at+1tain+a:ble+ness pos n. attainder ety C15: from Anglo-French attaindre to convict, from Old French ateindre to #7attain attainder 1. syl at+tain+der pron <*1tAnd*> pos n. usage formerly def the extinction of a person's civil rights resulting from a sentence of death or outlawry on conviction for treason or felony. See also {bill of attainder}. attainder 2. syl at+tain+der pron <*1tAnd*> pos n. qual Obsolete. def dishonour. attainder xref syl at+tain+der pron <*1tAnd*> pos n. def Archaic equivalent: {at+tain+ture} ($$#!te$Int#s$$). attainment 0. syl at+tain+ment pron <*1tAnm*nt> pos n. def an achievement or the act of achieving; accomplishment. attaint ety C14: from Old French ateint convicted, from ateindre to #7attain attaint 1. syl at+taint pron <*1tAnt> pos vb. mod tr. qual Archaic. def to pass judgment of death or outlawry upon (a person); condemn by bill of attainder. attaint 2. syl at+taint pron <*1tAnt> pos vb. mod tr. qual Archaic. def to dishonour or disgrace. attaint 3. syl at+taint pron <*1tAnt> pos vb. mod tr. qual Archaic. def to accuse or prove to be guilty. attaint 4. syl at+taint pron <*1tAnt> pos vb. mod tr. qual Archaic. usage of sickness def to affect or strike (somebody). attaint 5. syl at+taint pron <*1tAnt> pos n. mod tr. qual Archaic. def a less common word for {attainder}. attaint 6. syl at+taint pron <*1tAnt> pos n. mod tr. qual Archaic. def a dishonour; taint. attar ety C18: from Persian `atir perfumed, from `itr perfume, from Arabic otto infl head attar or ottar syl ot:to pron <1ot*u> pos n. ottar infl head attar or otto syl ot+tar pron <1ot*> pos n. attar 0. syl at+tar pron <1@t*> pos n. def an essential oil from flowers, esp. the damask rose, used pure or as a base for perfume. exam 1 attar of roses. attemper 1. syl at+tem+per pron <*1temp*> pos vb. mod tr. qual Archaic. def to modify by blend?!ing; temper. attemper 2. syl at+tem+per pron <*1temp*> pos vb. mod tr. qual Archaic. def to moderate or soothe. attemper 3. syl at+tem+per pron <*1temp*> pos vb. mod tr. qual Archaic. def to accommodate or bring into harmony. &- {at+#!tem+per+ment} attempt ety C14: from Old French attempter, from Latin attempt*_are to strive after, from tent*_are to try attempt 1. syl at+tempt pron <*1tempt> pos vb. mod tr. def to make an effort (to do something) or to achieve (something); try. attempt 2. syl at+tempt pron <*1tempt> pos vb. mod tr. def to try to surmount (an obstacle). attempt 3. syl at+tempt pron <*1tempt> pos vb. mod tr. def to try to climb. exam 1 they will attempt the north wall of the Eiger. attempt 4. syl at+tempt pron <*1tempt> pos vb. mod tr. qual Archaic. def to attack. attempt 5. syl at+tempt pron <*1tempt> pos vb. mod tr. qual Archaic. def to tempt. attempt 6. syl at+tempt pron <*1tempt> pos n. mod tr. def an endeavour to achieve something; effort. attempt 7. syl at+tempt pron <*1tempt> pos n. mod tr. def a result of an attempt or endeavour. attempt 8. syl at+tempt pron <*1tempt> pos n. mod tr. def an attack, esp. with the intention to kill. exam 1 an attempt on his life. attemptable sub head attempt syl at+1tempt+a:ble pos adj. attempter sub head attempt syl at+1tempt+er pos n. Attenborough 0. syl At:ten:bor:ough pron <1@tNb%@r*> pos n. def Sir {Rich@.ard}. born 1923, English film actor and producer. attend ety C13: from Old French atendre, from Latin attendere to stretch towards, from tendere to extend attend 1. syl at+tend pron <*1tend> pos vb. def to be present at (an event, meeting, etc.). attend 2. syl at+tend pron <*1tend> pos vb. mod when; intr. usage foll. by to def to give care; minister. attend 3. syl at+tend pron <*1tend> pos vb. mod when; intr. usage foll. by to def to pay attention; listen. attend 4. syl at+tend pron <*1tend> pos vb. mod tr. usage often passive def to accompany or follow. exam 1 a high temperature attended by a severe cough. attend 5. syl at+tend pron <*1tend> pos vb. mod intr. usage foll. by on or upon def to follow as a consequence (of). attend 6. syl at+tend pron <*1tend> pos vb. mod intr. usage foll. by to def to devote one's time; apply oneself. exam 1 to attend to the garden. attend 7. syl at+tend pron <*1tend> pos vb. mod tr. def to escort or accompany. attend 8. syl at+tend pron <*1tend> pos vb. mod intr. usage foll. by on or upon def to wait (on); serve; provide for the needs (of). exam 1 to attend on a guest. attend 9. syl at+tend pron <*1tend> pos vb. mod tr. qual Archaic. def to wait for; expect. attend 10. syl at+tend pron <*1tend> pos vb. mod intr. qual Obsolete. def to delay. attender sub head attend syl at+1tend+er pos n. attendance 1. syl at+tend+ance pron <*1tend*ns> pos n. def the act or state of attending. attendance 2. syl at+tend+ance pron <*1tend*ns> pos n. def the number of persons present. exam 1 an attendance of 5000 at the festival. attendance 3. syl at+tend+ance pron <*1tend*ns> pos n. qual Obsolete. def attendants collectively; retinue. attendance allowance 0. syl at+tend+ance al+low+ance pos n. qual Brit. def extra money paid under the National Insurance scheme to an invalid who has to have full-time nursing attendance. attendance centre 0. syl at+tend+ance cen+tre pos n. qual Brit. def a place at which young offend?!ers are required to attend regularly instead of going to prison. attendant 1. syl at+tend+ant pron <*1tend*nt> pos n. def a person who accompanies or waits upon another. attendant 2. syl at+tend+ant pron <*1tend*nt> pos n. def a person employed to assist, guide, or provide a service for others, esp. for the general public. exam 1 a lavatory attendant. attendant 3. syl at+tend+ant pron <*1tend*nt> pos n. def a person who is present. attendant 4. syl at+tend+ant pron <*1tend*nt> pos n. def a logical consequence or natural accompaniment. exam 1 hatred is often an attendant of jealousy. attendant 5. syl at+tend+ant pron <*1tend*nt> pos adj. def being in attendance. attendant 6. syl at+tend+ant pron <*1tend*nt> pos adj. def associated; accompanying; related. exam 1 attendant problems. attention ety C14: from Latin attenti*_o, from attendere to apply the mind to; see #7attend attention 1. syl at+ten+tion pron <*1tenS*n> pos n. def concentrated direction of the mind, esp. to a problem or task. attention 2. syl at+ten+tion pron <*1tenS*n> pos n. def consideration, notice, or observa?!tion. exam 1 a new matter has come to our attention. attention 3. syl at+ten+tion pron <*1tenS*n> pos n. def detailed care or special treatment. exam 1 to pay attention to one's appear?!ance. attention 4. syl at+ten+tion pron <*1tenS*n> pos n. mod usually; pl. def an act of consideration, courtesy, or gal?!lantry indicating affection or love. exam 1 attentions given to a lover. attention 5. syl at+ten+tion pron <*1tenS*n> pos n. def the motionless position of formal military alertness, esp. in drill when an upright position is assumed with legs and heels together, arms to the sides, head and eyes facing to the front. attention 6. syl at+ten+tion pron <*1tenS*n> pos n. qual Psychol. def the act of concentrating on any one of a set of objects or thoughts. See also {selective attention}. attention 7. syl at+ten+tion pron <*1tenS*n> pos interj. def the order to be alert or to adopt a position of formal military alertness. attentive 1. syl at+ten+tive pron <*1tentiv> pos adj. def paying attention; listening carefully; observant. attentive 2. syl at+ten+tive pron <*1tentiv> pos adj. usage postpositive; often foll. by to def careful to fulfil the needs or wants (of); considerate (about). exam 1 she was always attentive to his needs. attentively sub head attentive syl at+1ten+tive+ly pos adv. attentiveness sub head attentive syl at+1ten+tive+ness pos n. attenuant 1. syl at+ten:u+ant pron <*1tenju*nt> pos adj. def causing dilution or thinness, esp. of the blood. attenuant 2. syl at+ten:u+ant pron <*1tenju*nt> pos n. def an attenuant drug or agent. attenuate ety C16: from Latin attenu*_are to weaken, from tenuis thin attenuate 1. syl at+ten:u+ate pron <*1tenju2At> pos vb. def to weaken or become weak; reduce in size, strength, density, or value. attenuate 2. syl at+ten:u+ate pron <*1tenju2At> pos vb. def to make or become thin or fine; extend. attenuate 3. syl at+ten:u+ate pron <*1tenju2At> pos vb. mod tr. def to make (a pathogenic bacterium, virus, etc.) less virulent, as by culture in special media or exposure to heat. attenuate 4. syl at+ten:u+ate pron <*1tenjuit>, <-2At> pos adj. def diluted, weakened, slender, or reduced. attenuate 5. syl at+ten:u+ate pron <*1tenjuit>, <-2At> pos adj. qual Botany. def tapering gradually to a point. attenuation 1. syl at+ten:u:a+tion pron <*2tenju1AS*n> pos n. def the act of attenuating or the state of being attenuated. attenuation 2. syl at+ten:u:a+tion pron <*2tenju1AS*n> pos n. def the loss of energy suffered by radiation as it passes through matter, esp. as a result of absorption or scattering. attenuator 1. syl at+ten:u:a+tor pron <*1tenju2At*> pos n. qual Physics. def any device designed to reduce the power of a wave without distorting it. attenuator 2. syl at+ten:u:a+tor pron <*1tenju2At*> pos n. def a person or thing that attenuates. attest ety C16: from Latin attest*_ar*_i to prove, from test*_ar*_i to bear witness, from testis a witness attest 1. syl at+test pron <*1test> pos vb. mod tr. def to affirm the correctness or truth of. attest 2. syl at+test pron <*1test> pos vb. mod when; intr. usage usually foll. by to def to witness (an act, event, etc.) or bear witness (to an act, event, etc.) as by signature or oath. attest 3. syl at+test pron <*1test> pos vb. mod tr. def to make evident; demonstrate. exam 1 his life of luxury attests his wealth. attest 4. syl at+test pron <*1test> pos vb. mod tr. def to provide evidence for. exam 1 the marks in the ground attested the presence of a fossil. attestable sub head attest syl at+1test+a:ble pos adj. attestant sub head attest syl at+1test+ant attester sub head attest syl at+1test+er attestation sub head attest syl at+tes+ta+tion pron <2@te1stAS*n> pos n. attested 0. syl at+test+ed pron <*1testid> pos adj. usage Brit. of cattle, etc. def certified to be free from a disease, esp. from tuberculosis. Atty Gen alt head Att Gen or Att Gen syl Atty. Gen. Att Gen 0. or Atty Gen syl Att. Gen. qual abbrev. for def Attorney General. attic ety C18: special use of A#7ttic, from the use of Attic-style pilasters to adorn the fa*,cade of the top storey attic 1. syl at+tic pron <1@tik> pos n. def a space or room within the roof of a house. attic 2. syl at+tic pron <1@tik> pos n. qual Architect. def a storey or low wall above the cornice of a classical fa*,cade. Attic 1. syl At+tic pron <1@tik> pos adj. def of or relating to Attica, its inhabitants, or the dialect of Greek spoken there, esp. in classical times. Attic 2. syl At+tic pron <1@tik> pos adj. usage often not cap. def classically elegant, simple, or pure. exam 1 an Attic style. Attic 3. syl At+tic pron <1@tik> pos n. def the dialect of Ancient Greek spoken and written in Athens: the chief literary dialect of classical Greek. See also {Ionic}. Attica 0. syl At+ti+ca pron <1@tik*> pos n. def a department of E central Greece: in ancient times the territory of Athens. Capital: Athens. Pop.: 2303051 (1971). Area: 3776 sq. km (1458 sq. miles). Atticism 1. syl At+ti+cism pron <1@ti2siz*m> pos n. def the idiom or character of the Attic dialect of Ancient Greek, esp. in the Hellenistic period. Atticism 2. syl At+ti+cism pron <1@ti2siz*m> pos n. def an elegant, simple, and clear expression. Atticist sub head Atticism syl At+ti+cist pos n. Attic order 0. syl At+tic or+der pos n. def a low pilaster of any order set into the cornice of a building. wit alt head Attic salt or Attic salt syl wit pos n. Attic salt 0. or wit syl At+tic salt pos n. def refined incisive wit. Attila 0. syl At:til:a pron <*1til*> pos n. def ??406-453 #7a.d., king of the Huns, who devastated much of the Roman Empire, invaded Gaul in 451 #7a.d., but was defeated by the Romans and Visigoths at Ch*^alons-sur-Marne. attire ety C13: from Old French atirier to put in order, from tire row; see {#7tier %1} attire 1. syl at+tire pron <*1tI*> pos vb. mod tr. def to dress, esp. in fine elegant clothes; array. attire 2. syl at+tire pron <*1tI*> pos n. def clothes or garments, esp. if fine or decorative. Attis 0. syl At:tis pron <1@tis> pos n. qual Classical myth. def a youth of Phrygia, loved by the goddess Cybele. In a jealous passion she caused him to go mad, whereupon he castrated himself and died. attitude ety C17: from French, from Italian attitudine disposition, from Late Latin aptit*_ud*_o fitness, from Latin aptus #7apt attitude 1. syl at+ti+tude pron <1@ti2tju:d> pos n. def a mental view or disposition, esp. as it indicates opinion or allegiance. attitude 2. syl at+ti+tude pron <1@ti2tju:d> pos n. def a theatrical pose created for effect (esp. in the phrase {strike an attitude) }. attitude 3. syl at+ti+tude pron <1@ti2tju:d> pos n. def a position of the body indicating mood or emotion. attitude 4. syl at+ti+tude pron <1@ti2tju:d> pos n. def the orientation of an aircraft's axes in relation to some plane, esp. the horizontal. See also {{axis%1} (sense 1)}. attitude 5. syl at+ti+tude pron <1@ti2tju:d> pos n. def the orientation of a spacecraft in relation to its direction of motion. attitude 6. syl at+ti+tude pron <1@ti2tju:d> pos n. qual Ballet. def a classical position in which the body is upright and one leg raised and bent behind. attitudinal sub head attitude syl at+ti+1tu+di+nal pos adj. attitudinise alt head attitudinize or attitudinize syl at+ti+tu+di+nise pron <2@ti1tju:di2nIz> pos vb. mod intr. attitudinize 0. or attitudinise syl at+ti+tu+di+nize pron <2@ti1tju:di2nIz> pos vb. mod intr. def to adopt a pose or opinion for effect; strike an attitude. attitudinizer sub head attitudinize or attitudiniser syl at+ti+1tu+di+2niz+er pos n. attitudiniser sub head attitudinize or attitudinizer syl at+ti+1tu+di+2nis+er pos n. Clement Richard infl head Attlee syl Clem:ent Rich:ard pos n. Attlee 0. syl Att:lee pron <1@tli> pos n. def 1st Earl Attlee. 1883-1967, British statesman; prime minister (1945-51); leader of the Labour party (1935-55). His government instituted the welfare state, with extensive nationalization. attn 0. syl attn. qual abbrev. for def attention. atto- ety from Norwegian, Danish atten eighteen atto- 0. syl at:to- pos prefix. def denoting 10%-%1%8. exam 1 attotesla. attorn ety C15: from Old French atourner to direct to, from tourner to #7turn attorn 1. syl at+torn pron <*1tR:n> pos vb. mod intr. qual Law. def to acknowledge a new owner of land as one's landlord. attorn 2. syl at+torn pron <*1tR:n> pos vb. mod intr. qual Feudal history. def to transfer allegiance or do homage to a new lord. attorn 3. syl at+torn pron <*1tR:n> pos vb. mod tr. qual Rare. def to transfer. attornment sub head attorn syl at+1torn+ment pos n. attorney ety C14: from Old French atourn*'e, from atourner to direct to; see #7attorn attorney 1. syl at+tor+ney pron <*1tR:ni> pos n. def a person, esp. a lawyer, appointed or empowered to act for another. letter of attorney 2. head attorney syl letter of attorney. def a less common term for {power of attorney}. attorneyship sub head attorney syl at+1tor+ney+2ship pos n. attorneys-at-law infl head attorney-at-law syl at+tor:neys-at-law. pos n. mod pl. attorney-at-law 1. syl at+tor:ney-at-law pos n. qual Law.; Now chiefly U.S. def a lawyer qualified to represent in court a party to a legal action. attorney-at-law 2. syl at+tor:ney-at-law pos n. qual Law.; Brit. obsolete. def a solicitor. attorneys general infl head attorney general or attorney generals syl at+tor+neys gen+er+al pos n. mod pl. attorney generals infl head attorney general or attorneys general syl at+tor+ney gen+er+als. pos n. mod pl. attorney general 1. syl at+tor+ney gen+er+al pos n. def a country's chief law officer and senior legal adviser to its government. attorney general 2. syl at+tor+ney gen+er+al pos n. usage in the U.S. def the chief law officer and legal adviser of a state government. attorney general 3. syl at+tor+ney gen+er+al pos n. usage in some states of the U.S. def a public prosecutor. Attorney General 1. syl At+tor+ney Gen+er+al pos n. usage in the United Kingdom except Scotland def the senior law officer and chief legal counsel of the Crown: a member of the government and of the House of Commons. Attorney General 2. syl At+tor+ney Gen+er+al pos n. usage in the U.S. def the chief law officer and legal adviser to the Administration: head of the Department of Justice and member of the cabinet. attract ety C15: from Latin attrahere to draw towards, from trahere to pull attract 1. syl at+tract pron <*1tr@kt> pos vb. mod mainly; tr. def to draw (notice, a crowd of observers, etc.) to oneself by conspicuous behaviour or appearance (esp. in the phrase {attract attention}) . attract 2. syl at+tract pron <*1tr@kt> pos vb. mod also; intr. def to exert a force on (a body) that tends to cause an approach or oppose a separation. exam 1 the gravitational pull of the earth attracts objects to it. attract 3. syl at+tract pron <*1tr@kt> pos vb. mod mainly; tr. def to possess some property that pulls or draws (something) towards itself. exam 1 jam attracts wasps. attract 4. syl at+tract pron <*1tr@kt> pos vb. mod also; intr. def to exert a pleasing, alluring, or fascinating influence (upon); be attractive (to). attractable sub head attract syl at+1tract+a:ble pos adj. attractor sub head attract or attracter syl at+1trac+tor pos n. attracter sub head attract or attractor syl at+1tract+er pos n. attractant 0. syl at+tract+ant pron <*1tr@kt*nt> pos n. def a substance that attracts, esp. a chemical ({sex attractant}) produced by an insect and attracting insects of the same species. See also {pheromone}. attraction 1. syl at+trac+tion pron <*1tr@kS*n> pos n. def the act, power, or quality of attracting. attraction 2. syl at+trac+tion pron <*1tr@kS*n> pos n. def a person or thing that attracts or is intended to attract. attraction 3. syl at+trac+tion pron <*1tr@kS*n> pos n. def a force by which one object attracts another, such as the gravitational or magnetic force. attraction 4. syl at+trac+tion pron <*1tr@kS*n> pos n. def a change in the form of one linguistic element caused by the proximity of another element. Compare {assimilation}. attraction sphere 0. syl at+trac+tion sphere pos n. def another name for {astrosphere} (sense 2). attractive 1. syl at+trac+tive pron <*1tr@ktiv> pos adj. def appealing to the senses or mind through beauty, form, character, etc. attractive 2. syl at+trac+tive pron <*1tr@ktiv> pos adj. def arousing interest. exam 1 an attractive opportunity. attractive 3. syl at+trac+tive pron <*1tr@ktiv> pos adj. def possessing the ability to draw or pull. exam 1 an attractive force. attractively sub head attractive syl at+1trac+tive+ly pos adv. attractiveness sub head attractive syl at+1trac+tive+ness pos n. attrib 1. syl attrib. qual abbrev. for: def attribute. attrib 2. syl attrib. qual abbrev. for: def attributive. attribute ety C15: from Latin attribuere to associate with, from tribuere to give attribute 1. syl at+trib+ute pron <*1tribju:t> pos vb. mod tr. usage usually foll. by to def to regard as belonging (to), produced (by), or resulting (from); ascribe (to). exam 1 to attribute a painting to Picasso. attribute 2. syl at+trib+ute pron <*1tribju:t> pos vb. def a property, quality, or feature belonging to or representative of a person or thing. attribute 3. syl at+trib+ute pron <*1tribju:t> pos vb. def an object accepted as belonging to a par?!ticular office or position. attribute 4.a. syl at+trib+ute pron <*1tribju:t> pos vb. def an adjective or adjectival phrase. attribute 4.b. syl at+trib+ute pron <*1tribju:t> pos vb. def an attributive adjective. attribute 5. syl at+trib+ute pron <*1tribju:t> pos vb. qual Logic. def the property, quality, or feature that is affirmed or denied concerning the subject of a proposition. attributable sub head attribute syl at+1trib+ut+a:ble pos adj. attributer sub head attribute or attributor syl at+1trib+ut+er pos n. attributor sub head attribute or attributer syl at+1trib:u+tor pos n. attribution sub head attribute syl at+trib:u+tion pron <2@tri?!1bju:S*n> pos n. attributive 1. syl at+trib:u+tive pron <*1tribjutiv> pos adj. def relating to an attribute. attributive 2. syl at+trib:u+tive pron <*1tribjutiv> pos adj. usage Grammar. of an adjective or adjectival phrase def preceding the noun modified. Compare {predicative}. attributive 3. syl at+trib:u+tive pron <*1tribjutiv> pos n. def an attributive adjective. attributively sub head attributive syl at+1trib:u+tive+ly pos adv. attributiveness sub head attributive syl at+1trib:u+tive+ness pos n. attrition ety C14: from Late Latin attr*_iti*_o a rubbing against something, from Latin atterere to weaken, from terere to rub attrition 1. syl at+tri+tion pron <*1triS*n> pos n. def the act of wearing away or the state of being worn away, as by friction. attrition 2. syl at+tri+tion pron <*1triS*n> pos n. def constant wearing down to weaken or destroy (often in the phrase {war of attrition}) . attrition 3. syl at+tri+tion pron <*1triS*n> pos n. qual Geography. def the grinding down of rock particles by friction during transportation by water, wind, or ice. Compare { {abrasion} (sense 3)}, {corrasion}. attrition 4. syl at+tri+tion pron <*1triS*n> pos n. qual Theol. def sorrow for sin arising from fear of damnation, esp. as contrasted with contrition, which arises purely from love of God. attritional sub head attrition syl at+1tri+tion+al pos adj. attritive sub head attrition syl at+tri+tive pron <*1trI?!tiv> pos adj. Attu 0. syl At:tu pron <1@tu:> pos n. def the westernmost of the Aleutian Islands, off the coast of SW Alaska: largest of the Near Islands. attune 1. syl at+tune pron <*1tju:n> pos vb. mod tr. def to adjust or accustom (a person or thing); acclimatize. attune 2. syl at+tune pron <*1tju:n> pos vb. mod tr. def to tune (a musical instrument). atty 0. syl atty. qual abbrev. for def attorney. ATV 0. syl A.T.V. qual abbrev. for usage in Britain def Associated Television. atween 0. syl a:tween pron <*1twEn> pos prep. def an archaic word for {between}. at wt 0. syl at. wt. qual abbrev. for def atomic weight. atypical 0. syl a:typ:i+cal pron pos adj. def not typical; deviating from or not conforming to type. atypically sub head atypical syl a:1typ:i+cal+ly pos adv. Au ety from New Latin aurum Au 0. syl Au usage the chemical symbol for def gold. au alt head AU or AU syl a.u. AU 1. or au syl A.U. qual abbrev. for: def angstrom unit. AU 2. or au syl A.U. qual abbrev. for: def astronomical unit. aubade ety C19: from French, from Old Proven*,cal aubada (unattested), from auba dawn, ultimately from Latin albus white aubade 1. syl au:bade pron French pos n. def a song or poem appropriate to or greeting the dawn. aubade 2. syl au:bade pron French pos n. def a romantic or idyllic prelude or overture. aubade xref syl au:bade pron French pos n. def Compare {serenade}. Aube 1. syl Aube pron French pos n. def a department of N central France, in Champagne-Ardenne region. Capital: Troyes. Pop.: 292325 (1975). Area: 6026 sq. km (2350 sq. miles). Aube 2. syl Aube pron French pos n. def a river in N central France, flowing northwest to the Seine. Length: about 225 km (140 miles). auberge ety C17: from French, from Old Proven*,cal alberga, of Germanic origin; compare Old Saxon heriberga army shelter auberge 0. syl au:berge pron French pos n. def an inn or tavern. aubergine ety C18: from French, from Catalan alberginia, from Arabic al-b*_adindj*_an, ultimately from Sanskrit vatin-ganah, of obscure origin aubergine 1. syl au:ber+gine pron <1*ub*2ZEn> pos n. def a tropical Old World solanaceous plant, widely cultivated for its egg-shaped typically dark purple fruit. U.S. name: {eggplant}. aubergine 2. syl au:ber+gine pron <1*ub*2ZEn> pos n. def the fruit of this plant, which is cooked and eaten as a vegetable. aubergine 3.a. syl au:ber+gine pron <1*ub*2ZEn> pos n. def a dark purple colour. aubergine 3.b. syl au:ber+gine pron <1*ub*2ZEn> pos as; adj. exam 1 an aubergine dress. Aubervilliers 0. syl Au:ber+vil+liers pron French pos n. def an industrial suburb of Paris, on the Seine. Pop.: 72997 (1975). Former name: {No@.tre-Dame-des-Ver@.tus} n@$tr dam de v$er#!ty). John infl head Aubrey syl John. pos n. Aubrey 0. syl Au:brey pron <1c:bri> pos n. def 1626-97, English antiquary and author, noted for his vivid biographies of his contemporaries, (edited 1898). aubrietia ety C19: from New Latin, named after Claude Aubriet, 18th-century French painter of flowers and animals aubretia alt head aubrietia or aubrietia syl au:bre+tia pron pos n. aubrietia 0. or aubretia syl au:brie+tia pron pos n. def any trailing purple-flowered plant of the genus native to European mountains but widely planted in rock gardens: family (crucifers). auburn ety C15 (originally meaning: blond): from Old French alborne blond, from Medieval Latin alburnus whitish, from Latin albus white auburn 0.a. syl au:burn pron <1c:bN> pos n. def a moderate reddish-brown colour. auburn 0.b. syl au:burn pron <1c:bN> pos as; adj. exam 1 auburn hair. Aubusson 0. syl Au:bus+son pron French pos adj. def denoting or relating to carpets or tapestries of a type made in and near Aubusson in Creuse department, France, esp. flat-woven carpets. AUC 1.a. syl A.U.C. qual abbrev. for: def ab urbe condita. AUC 1.b. syl A.U.C. qual abbrev. for: def anno urbis conditae. AUC 2. syl A.U.C. qual abbrev. for: def Australian Universities Commission. Auckland 0. syl Auck+land pron <1c:kl*nd> pos n. def the chief port of New Zealand, in the northern part of North Island: former capital of New Zealand (1840-65). Pop.: 152600 (1974 est.). Auckland Islands 0. syl Auck+land Is+lands pos n. def a group of six uninhabited islands, south of New Zealand. Area: 611 sq. km (234 sq. miles). au courant ety literally: in the current au courant 0. syl au cou+rant pron French. pos adj. def up-to-date, esp. in knowl?!edge of current affairs. auction ety C16: from Latin aucti*_o an increasing, from aug*_ere to increase auction 1. syl auc+tion pron <1c:kS*n> pos n. def a public sale of goods or property, esp. one in which prospective purchasers bid against each other until the highest price is reached. Compare {Dutch auction}. auction 2. syl auc+tion pron <1c:kS*n> pos n. def the competitive calls made in bridge and other games before play begins, undertaking to win a given number of tricks if a certain suit is trumps. auction 3. syl auc+tion pron <1c:kS*n> pos n. def See {auction bridge}. auction 4. syl auc+tion pron <1c:kS*n> pos vb. mod tr. usage often foll. by off def to sell by auction. auction bridge 0. syl auc+tion bridge pos n. def a variety of bridge, now generally superseded by contract bridge, in which all the tricks made score towards game. auctioneer 1. syl auc+tion+eer pron <2c:kS*1ni*> pos n. def a person who conducts an auction by announcing the lots and controlling the bidding. auctioneer 2. syl auc+tion+eer pron <2c:kS*1ni*> pos vb. mod tr. def to sell by auction. auctorial ety C19: from Latin auctor #7author auctorial 0. syl auc+to+ri:al pron pos adj. def of or relating to an author. aud 1. syl aud. qual abbrev. for: def audit. aud 2. syl aud. qual abbrev. for: def auditor. audacious ety C16: from Latin aud*_ax bold, from aud*_ere to dare audacious 1. syl au:da+cious pron pos adj. def recklessly bold or daring; fearless. audacious 2. syl au:da+cious pron pos adj. def impudent or presumptuous. audaciously sub head audacious syl au:1da+cious+ly pos adv. audaciousness sub head audacious or audacity syl au:1da+cious+ness pron pos n. audacity sub head audacious or audaciousness syl au:dac+i:ty pron pos n. Aude 0. syl Aude qual French def o:d) a department of S France on the Gulf of Lions, in Languedoc-Roussillon region. Capital: Carcassonne. Pop.: 279003 (1975). Area: 6342 sq. km (2473 sq. miles). W (ystan) H (ugh) infl head Auden syl W (ystan) H (ugh) . pos n. Auden 0. syl Au:den pron <1c:dN> pos n. def 1907-73, English poet, dramatist, critic, and librettist, noted for his lyric and satirical poems and for plays written in collaboration with Christopher Isherwood. audible ety C16: from Late Latin audibilis, from Latin aud*_ire to hear audible 0. syl au:di:ble pron <1c:dibL> pos adj. def perceptible to the hearing; loud enough to be heard. audibility sub head audible or audibleness syl au:di:1bil+i:ty pos n. audibleness sub head audible or audibility syl au:di:ble+ness pos n. audibly sub head audible syl au:di:bly pos adv. audience ety C14: from Old French, from Latin audientia a hearing, from aud*_ire to hear audience 1. syl au:di+ence pron <1c:di*ns> pos n. def a group of spectators or listeners, esp. at a public event such as a concert or play. audience 2. syl au:di+ence pron <1c:di*ns> pos n. def the people reached by a book, film, or radio or television programme. audience 3. syl au:di+ence pron <1c:di*ns> pos n. def the devotees or followers of a public entertainer, lecturer, etc.; regular public. audience 4. syl au:di+ence pron <1c:di*ns> pos n. def an opportunity to put one's point of view, such as a formal interview with a monarch or head of state. audile ety C19: from #7aud (#7itory) #7+ -#7ile audile 1. syl au:dile pron <1c:dil>, <1c:dIl> pos n. qual Psychol. def a person who possesses a faculty for auditory imagery that is more distinct than his visual or other imagery. audile 2. syl au:dile pron <1c:dil>, <1c:dIl> pos adj. qual Psychol. def of or relating to such a person. audio ety C20: independent use of #7audio - audio 1. syl au:di:o pron <1c:di2*u> pos n. usage modifier def of or relating to sound or hearing. exam 1 audio frequency. audio 2. syl au:di:o pron <1c:di2*u> pos n. usage modifier def relating to or employed in the transmission, reception, or reproduction of sound. audio 3. syl au:di:o pron <1c:di2*u> pos n. usage modifier def of, concerned with, or operating at audio frequencies. {~} Compare {video}. audio- ety from Latin aud*_ire to hear audio- 0. syl au:di:o- usage combining form. def indicating hearing or sound. exam 1 audi?!ometer; exam 2 audiovisual. audio frequency 0. syl au:di:o fre+quen+cy pos n. def a frequency in the range 50 hertz to 20000 hertz. A sound wave of this frequency would be audible to the human ear. audiogenic 0. syl au:di:o+gen+ic pron <2c:di*u1Jenik> pos adj. def caused or produced by sound or an audio frequency. exam 1 an audiogenic epileptic fit. audiology 0. syl au:di+ol+o:gy pron <2c:di1ol*Ji> pos n. def the scientific study of hearing, often including the treatment of persons with hearing defects. audiological sub head audiology syl au:di:o+log:i+cal pron <2c:di*1loJikL> pos adj. audiologically sub head audiology syl au:di:o+1log:i+cal+ly pos adv. audiologist sub head audiology syl au:di+1ol:o+gist pos n. audiometer 0. syl au:di+om+e:ter pron <2c:di1omit*> pos n. def an instrument for testing the intensity and frequency range of sound that is capable of detection by the human ear. audiometric sub head audiometer syl au:di:o+met+ric pron <2c:di*u1metrik> pos adj. audiometrically sub head audiometer syl au:di:o+1met+ri+cal+ly pos adv. audiometrist sub head audiometer syl au:di+1om+e:trist pos n. audiometry sub head audiometer syl au:di+1om+e:try pos n. audiophile 0. syl au:di:o+phile pron <1c:di*u2fIl> pos n. def a person who has a great interest in high-fidelity sound reproduction. audiotypist 0. syl au:di:o+typ:ist pron <1c:di*u2tIpist> pos n. def a typist trained to type from a dictating machine. audiotyping sub head audiotypist syl au:di:o+2typ:ing pos n. audiovisual 0. syl au:di:o+vis:u:al pron <2c:di*u1vizju*l>, <-Zu*l> pos adj. usage esp. of teaching aids def involving or directed at both hearing and sight. exam 1 the language class had new audiovisual equipment. audiovisually sub head audiovisual syl au:di:o+1vis:u:al+ly pos adv. audiphone 0. syl au:di+phone pron <1c:di2f*un> pos n. def a type of hearing aid consisting of a diaphragm that, when placed against the upper teeth, conveys sound vibrations to the inner ear. audit ety C15: from Latin aud*_itus a hearing, from aud*_ire to hear audit 1.a. syl au:dit pron <1c:dit> pos n. def an inspection, correction, and verification of business accounts by a qualified accountant. audit 1.b. syl au:dit pron <1c:dit> pos n. usage as modifier exam 1 audit report. audit 2. syl au:dit pron <1c:dit> pos n. qual U.S. def an audited account. audit 3. syl au:dit pron <1c:dit> pos n. qual Archaic. def a hearing. audit 4. syl au:dit pron <1c:dit> pos vb. def to inspect, correct, and certify (accounts, etc.). audit 5. syl au:dit pron <1c:dit> pos vb. qual U.S. def to attend (classes, etc.) as an auditor. audition ety C16: from Latin aud*_iti*_o a hearing, from aud*_ire to hear audition 1. syl au:di+tion pron pos n. def a test at which a performer or musician is asked to demonstrate his ability for a particular role, etc. audition 2. syl au:di+tion pron pos n. def the act, sense, or power of hearing. audition 3. syl au:di+tion pron pos vb. def to judge by means of or be tested in an audition. auditor ety C14: from Old French auditeur, from Latin aud*_itor a hearer &- @!au@.di+#!to+ri+al adj. auditor 1. syl au:di+tor pron <1c:dit*> pos n. def a person qualified to audit accounts. auditor 2. syl au:di+tor pron <1c:dit*> pos n. def a person who hears or listens. auditor 3. syl au:di+tor pron <1c:dit*> pos n. qual U.S. def a registered student who attends a class that is not an official part of his course of study. auditorium ety C17: from Latin: a judicial examination, from aud*_it*_orius concerning a hearing; see #7auditory auditoriums infl head auditorium or auditoria syl au:di+to+ri:ums pron <-1tc:?!ri*> pos n. mod pl. auditoria infl head auditorium or auditoriums syl au:di+to+ri:a pron <-1tc:?!ri*> pos n. mod pl. auditorium 1. syl au:di+to+ri:um pron pos n. def the area of a concert hall, theatre, etc., in which the audience sits. auditorium 2. syl au:di+to+ri:um pron pos n. qual U.S. def a building for public gatherings or meetings. auditory ety C14: from Latin aud*_it*_orius relating to hearing, from aud*_ire to hear auditory 1. syl au:di+to:ry pron <1c:dit*ri>, <-tri> pos adj. usage also def of or relating to hearing, the sense of hearing, or the organs of hearing. {~} auditory 2. syl au:di+to:ry pron <1c:dit*ri>, <-tri> pos adj. usage also def an archaic word for {audience} or {auditorium}. John James infl head Audubon syl John James. pos n. Audubon 0. syl Au:du:bon pron <1c:d*2bon> pos n. def 1785-1851, U.S. naturalist and artist, noted particularly for his paintings of birds in (1827-38). Karl infl head Auer syl Karl pos n. AUEW 0. syl A.U.E.W. qual abbrev. for usage in Britain def Amalgamated Union of Engineering Workers. au fait ety C18: literally: to the point au fait 0. syl au fait pron French. , English <*u 1fA> pos adj. def fully informed; in touch or expert. Aufklarung 0. syl Auf+kl*"a+rung pron German. <1auf2kle:ruG> pos n. def the Enlightenment, esp. in Germany. au fond ety literally: at the bottom au fond 0. syl au fond pron French. pos adv. def fundamentally; essentially. auf Wiedersehen 0. syl auf Wie+der+seh+en pron German. <1vEd*r2zA:*n> pos interj. def goodbye, until we see each other again. aug 0. syl aug. qual abbrev. for def augmentative. Aug 0. syl Aug. qual abbrev. for def August. Augean ety C16: after Augeas; see A#7ugean stables Augean 0. syl Au:ge:an pron pos adj. def extremely dirty or corrupt. Augean stables 0. syl Au:ge:an sta+bles pos n. mod pl. qual Greek myth. def the stables, not cleaned for 30 years, where King Augeas kept 3000 oxen. Hercules diverted the River Alpheus through them and cleaned them in a day. augend ety from Latin augendum that is to be increased, from aug*_ere to increase augend 0. syl au:gend pron <1c:Jend>, pos n. def a number to which another number, the addend, is added. auger ety C15: an augur, resulting from mistaken division of earlier a nauger, from Old English nafug*_ar nave (of a wheel) spear (that is, tool for boring hubs of wheels), from nafu #7nave+ g*_ar spear; see #7gore %2 auger 1. syl au:ger pron <1c:g*> pos n. def a hand tool with a bit shaped like a corkscrew, for boring holes in wood. auger 2. syl au:ger pron <1c:g*> pos n. def a larger tool of the same kind for boring holes in the ground. Auger effect ety C20: named after Pierre Auger (born 1899), French physicist Auger effect 0. syl Au:ger ef+fect pron <1aug*> pos n. def the emission of an electron instead of a photon by an excited ion as a result of a vacancy being filled in an inner electron shell. aught ety Old English *_awiht, from *_a ever, #7ay %1#7+ wiht thing; see #7wight %1 ought alt head aught or aught syl ought pron aught H1.1. or ought syl aught pron pos pron. qual Archaic or literary. usage clauses def anything at all; anything whatever (esp. in the phrase {for aught I know}) . aught H1.2. or ought syl aught pron pos adv. qual Archaic or literary.; Brit. dialect. usage clauses def in any least part; to any degree. ought alt head aught or aught syl ought pron pos n. aught H2.0. or ought syl aught pron pos n. def a less common word for {nought} (zero). augite ety C19: from Latin aug*_it*_es, from Greek, from aug*_e brightness augite 0. syl au:gite pron <1c:gIt> pos n. def a common black or dark green glassy mineral of the pyroxene group that consists of a silicate of calcium, magnesium, aluminium, and iron in monoclinic crystalline form. Formula: (Ca,Mg,Fe,Al)(Si,Al)O\3. augitic sub head augite syl au+git+ic pron pos adj. augment ety C15: from Late Latin augment*_are to increase, from augmentum growth, from Latin aug*_ere to increase augment 1. syl aug+ment pron pos vb. def to make or become greater in number, amount, strength, etc.; increase. augment 2. syl aug+ment pron pos vb. mod tr. qual Music. def to increase (a major or perfect interval) by a semitone. Compare {{diminish} (sense 3)}. augment 3. syl aug+ment pron pos vb. mod tr. usage in Greek and Sanskrit grammar def to prefix a vowel or diphthong to (a verb) to form a past tense. augment 4. syl aug+ment pron <1c:gment> pos n. usage in Greek and Sanskrit grammar def a vowel or diphthong prefixed to a verb to form a past tense. augmentable sub head augment syl aug+1ment+a:ble pos adj. augmentor sub head augment or augmenter syl aug+1men+tor pos n. augmenter sub head augment or augmentor syl aug+1ment+er pos n. augmentation 1. syl aug+men+ta+tion pron <2c:gmen1tAS*n> pos n. def the act of augmenting or the state of being augmented. augmentation 2. syl aug+men+ta+tion pron <2c:gmen1tAS*n> pos n. def the amount by which something is increased. augmentation 3. syl aug+men+ta+tion pron <2c:gmen1tAS*n> pos n. qual Music. def the presentation of a subject of a fugue, in which the note values are uniformly increased. Compare { {diminution} (sense 2)}. augmentative 1. syl aug+ment:a+tive pron pos adj. def tending or able to augment. augmentative 2.a. syl aug+ment:a+tive pron pos adj. def denoting an affix that may be added to a word to convey the meaning or for example, the suffix in Spanish, where means man and big man. augmentative 2.b. syl aug+ment:a+tive pron pos adj. def denoting a word formed by the addition of an augmentative affix. augmentative 3. syl aug+ment:a+tive pron pos n. qual Grammar. def an augmentative word or affix. {~} Compare (for senses 2, 3) {diminutive}. augmentatively sub head augmentative syl aug+1ment:a+tive+ly pos adv. augmented 1. syl aug+ment+ed pron pos adj. usage Music. of an interval def increased or expanded from the state of being perfect or major by the raising of the higher note or the dropping of the lower note by one semitone. exam 1 C to G is a perfect fifth, but C to G sharp is an augmented fifth. augmented 2.a. syl aug+ment+ed pron pos adj. def denoting a chord based upon an augmented triad. exam 1 an augmented seventh chord. augmented 2.b. syl aug+ment+ed pron pos adj. def denoting a triad consisting of the root plus a major third and an augmented fifth. augmented 2.c. syl aug+ment+ed pron pos adj. usage postpositive; esp. in jazz def denoting a chord having as its root the note specified. exam 1 D augmented. augmented 3. syl aug+ment+ed pron pos adj. def having been increased, esp. in number. exam 1 an augmented orchestra. au gratin ety French, literally: with the grating au gratin 0. syl au gra+tin qual French def o gra#!t?~$e) covered and cooked with browned breadcrumbs and sometimes cheese. Augsburg 0. syl Augs+burg pron German <1auks2burk> pos n. def a city in S West Germany, in Bavaria: founded by the Romans in 14 #7b.c.; site of the diet that produced the {Peace of Augsburg} (1555), which ended the struggles between Lutherans and Catholics in the Holy Roman Empire and established the principle that each ruler should determine the form of worship in his lands. Pop.: 256908 (1974 est.). Roman name: {Augusta Vindelicorum}. augur ety C14: from Latin: a diviner, perhaps from aug*_ere to increase augur 1. syl au:gur pron <1c:g*> pos n. def Also called: {auspex}. (in ancient Rome) a religious official who observed and interpreted omens and signs to help guide the making of public decisions. augur 2. syl au:gur pron <1c:g*> pos n. def any prophet or soothsayer. augur 3. syl au:gur pron <1c:g*> pos vb. def to predict (some future event), as from signs or omens. augur 4. syl au:gur pron <1c:g*> pos vb. mod tr. usage may take a clause as object def to be an omen (of); presage. augur 5. syl au:gur pron <1c:g*> pos vb. mod intr. def to foreshadow future events to be as specified; bode. exam 1 this augurs well for us. augural sub head augur syl au:gur+al pron <1c:gjur*l> pos adj. auguries infl head augury syl au:gu+ries. pos n. mod pl. augury 1. syl au:gu+ry pron <1c:gjuri> pos n. def the art of or a rite conducted by an augur. augury 2. syl au:gu+ry pron <1c:gjuri> pos n. def a sign or portent; omen. august ety C17: from Latin augustus; related to aug*_ere to increase august 1. syl au:gust pron pos adj. def dignified or imposing. exam 1 an august presence. august 2. syl au:gust pron pos adj. def of noble birth or high rank. exam 1 an august lineage. augustly sub head august syl au:1gust+ly pos adv. augustness sub head august syl au:1gust+ness pos n. August ety Old English, from Latin, named after the emperor A#7ugustus August 0. syl Au:gust pron <1c:g*st> pos n. def the eighth month of the year, consisting of 31 days. Augusta 0. syl Au+gus+ta pron pos n. def a port in S Italy, in E Sicily. Pop.: 44794 (1971). Augustan 1. syl Au:gus+tan pron pos adj. def characteristic of, denoting, or relating to the Roman emperor Augustus Caesar, his period, or the poets, notably Virgil, Horace, and Ovid, writing during his reign. Augustan 2. syl Au:gus+tan pron pos adj. def of, relating to, or characteristic of any literary period noted for refinement and classicism, esp. the late 17th century in France (the period of the dramatists Corneille, Racine, and Moli*`ere) or the 18th century in England (the period of Swift, Pope, and Johnson, much influenced by Dryden). Augustan 3. syl Au:gus+tan pron pos n. def an author in an Augustan Age. Augustan 4. syl Au:gus+tan pron pos n. def a student of or specialist in Augustan literature. Saint 1. head Augustine syl Saint. def 354-430 #7a.d., one of the Fathers of the Christian Church; bishop of Hippo in North Africa (396-430), who profoundly influenced both Catholic and Protestant theology. His most famous works are a spiritual autobiography, and a vindication of the Christian Church. Feast day: Aug. 28. Saint 2. head Augustine syl Saint. def died 604 #7a.d., Roman monk, who converted the English to Christianity; became the first archbishop of Canterbury (601-604). Feast day: May 28. Augustine 3. syl Au:gus:tine pron pos n. def a member of an Augustinian order. Augustinian 1. syl Au:gus+tin+i:an pron <2c:g*1stini*n> pos adj. def of or relating to Saint Augustine of Hippo, his doctrines, or any of the Christian religious orders founded on his doctrines. Augustinian 2. syl Au:gus+tin+i:an pron <2c:g*1stini*n> pos n. def a member of any of several religious orders, such as the {Augustinian Canons, Augustinian Hermits}, and {Austin Friars}, which are governed by the rule of Saint Augustine. Augustinian 3. syl Au:gus+tin+i:an pron <2c:g*1stini*n> pos n. def a person who follows the doctrines of Saint Augustine. Augustus 0. syl Au:gus:tus pron pos n. def original name after his adoption by Julius Caesar (44 #7b.c.) known as 63 #7b.c.- 14 #7a.d., Roman statesman, a member of the second triumvirate (43 #7b.c.) . After defeating Mark Antony at Actium (31 #7b.c.) , he became first emperor of Rome, adopting the title Augustus (27 #7b.c.) . au jus ety French, literally: with the juice au jus 0. syl au jus qual French def o #!#fy) (of meat) served in its own gravy. auk ety C17: from Old Norse *_alka; related to Swedish alka, Danish alke auk 1. syl auk pron pos n. def any of various diving birds of the family of northern oceans having a heavy body, short tail, narrow wings, and a black-and-white plumage: order See also {great auk, razorbill}. little auk 2. head auk syl little auk. def Also called: {dovekie}. a small short-billed auk, abundant in Arctic regions. auklet 0. syl auk+let pron <1c:klit> pos n. def any of various small auks of the genera and au lait ety French, literally: with milk au lait 0. syl au lait pron <*u> <1lA>, French <1le> pos adj. def prepared or served with milk. auld 0. syl auld pron pos adj. def a Scot. word for {old}. auld lang syne ety Scottish, literally: old long since auld lang syne 0. syl auld lang syne pron <1c:ld> <1sIn>, <-1zIn> pos n. def old times; times past, esp. those remembered with affection or nostalgia. aulic ety C18: from Latin aulicus, from Greek aulikos belonging to a prince's court, from aul*_e court aulic 0. syl au:lic pron <1c:lik> pos adj. qual Rare. def relating to a royal court. Aulic Council 0. syl Au:lic Coun+cil pos n. def a council, founded in 1498, of the Holy Roman Emperor. It functioned mainly as a judicial body. Aulis 0. syl Au:lis pron <1c:lis> pos n. def an ancient town in E central Greece, in Boeotia: traditionally the harbour from which the Greeks sailed at the beginning of the Trojan war. au naturel ety literally: in (a) natural (condition) au naturel 1. syl au na+tu+rel pron French. pos adj. adv. def naked; nude. au naturel 2. syl au na+tu+rel pron French. pos adj. adv. def uncooked or plainly cooked. aunt ety C13: from Old French ante, from Latin amita a father's sister aunt 1. syl aunt pron pos n. usage often cap., esp. as a term of address def a sister of one's father or mother. aunt 2. syl aunt pron pos n. usage often cap., esp. as a term of address def the wife of one's uncle. aunt 3. syl aunt pron pos n. usage often cap., esp. as a term of address def a term of address used by children for any woman, esp. for a friend of the parents. my (sainted) aunt 4. head aunt syl my (sainted) aunt&! usage often cap., esp. as a term of address def an exclamation of surprise or amazement. aunty alt head auntie or auntie syl aunt:y pron <1a:nti> pos n. aunties infl head auntie syl aunt:ies. pos n. mod pl. auntie 0. or aunty syl aunt:ie pron <1a:nti> pos n. def a familiar or diminutive word for {aunt}. auntie man 0. syl aunt:ie man pos n. qual Caribbean informal. def an effeminate or homosexual male. Aunt Sallies infl head Aunt Sally syl Aunt Sal+lies. pos n. mod pl. Aunt Sally 1. syl Aunt Sal+ly pron <1s@li> pos n. qual Brit. def a figure of an old woman's head, typically with a clay pipe, used in fairgrounds and f*^etes as a target for balls or other objects. Aunt Sally 2. syl Aunt Sal+ly pron <1s@li> pos n. qual Brit. def any person who is a target for insults or criticism. Aunt Sally 3. syl Aunt Sal+ly pron <1s@li> pos n. qual Brit. def something set up as a target for disagreement or attack. au pair ety C20: from French: on an equal footing au pair 1.a. syl au pair pron <*u> <1pe*>, French <1pe:r> pos n. def a young foreigner, usually a girl, who undertakes housework in exchange for board and lodging, esp. in order to learn the language. au pair 1.b. syl au pair pron <*u> <1pe*>, French <1pe:r> pos n. usage as modifier exam 1 an au pair girl. au pair 2. syl au pair pron <*u> <1pe*>, French <1pe:r> pos n. def a young person who lives temporarily with a family abroad in exchange for a reciprocal arrangement with his or her own family. au pair 3. syl au pair pron <*u> <1pe*>, French <1pe:r> pos vb. mod intr. def to work as an au pair. au pair 4. syl au pair pron <*u> <1pe*>, French <1pe:r> pos adv. def as an au pair. exam 1 she worked au pair in Greece. aura ety C18: via Latin from Greek: breeze auras infl head aura or aurae syl au:ras pron <1c:rE> pos n. mod pl. aurae infl head aura or auras syl au:rae pron <1c:rE> pos n. mod pl. aura 1. syl au:ra pron <1c:r*> pos n. def a distinctive air or quality considered to be characteristic of a person or thing. aura 2. syl au:ra pron <1c:r*> pos n. def any invisible emanation, such as a scent or odour. aura 3. syl au:ra pron <1c:r*> pos n. qual Pathol. def a phenomenon, such as noises in the ears or flashes of light, that immediately precedes an attack, esp. of epilepsy. aura 4. syl au:ra pron <1c:r*> pos n. usage in parapsychology def an invisible emanation produced by and surrounding a person or object: alleged to be discernible by individuals of supernormal sensibility. aural ety C19: from Latin auris ear aural H1.0. syl au:ral pron <1c:r*l> pos adj. def of or relating to the sense or organs of hearing; auricular. aurally sub head aural syl au:ral+ly pos adv. aural H2.0. syl au:ral pron <1c:r*l> pos adj. def of or relating to an aura. Aurungzeb alt head Aurangzeb or Aurangzeb syl Au:rung:zeb pron <1c:r*G2zeb> pos n. Aurangzeb 0. or Aurungzeb syl Au:rang:zeb pron <1c:r*G2zeb> pos n. def 1618-1707, Mogul emperor of Hindustan (1658-1707), whose reign marked both the height of Mogul prosperity and the decline of its power through the revolts of the Mahrattas. aurar 0. syl au:rar pron <1c:ra:> pos n. def the plural of {eyrir}. aureate ety C15: from Late Latin aure*_atus gilded, from Latin aureus golden, from aurum gold aureate 1. syl au:re+ate pron <1c:riit>, <-2At> pos adj. def covered with gold; gilded. aureate 2. syl au:re+ate pron <1c:riit>, <-2At> pos adj. def of a golden colour. aureate 3. syl au:re+ate pron <1c:riit>, <-2At> pos adj. usage of a style of writing or speaking def excessively elaborate or ornate; florid. aureately sub head aureate syl au:re+ate+ly pos adv. aureateness sub head aureate syl au:re+ate+ness pos n. Aurelian 0. syl Au:re:li:an pron pos n. def Latin name ??212-275 #7a.d., Roman emperor (270-275), who conquered Palmyra (273) and restored political unity to the Roman Empire. Aurelius 0. syl Au:re:li:us pron pos n. def See {Marcus Aurelius Antoninus}. aureole ety C13: from Old French aur*'eole, from Medieval Latin (cor*_ona) aureola golden (crown), from Latin aureolus golden, from aurum gold aureola alt head aureole or aureole syl au:re:o+la pron pos n. aureole 1. or aureola syl au:re+ole pron <1c:ri2*ul> pos n. usage esp. in paint?!ings of Christian saints and the deity def a border of light or radiance enveloping the head or sometimes the whole of a figure represented as holy. aureole 2. or aureola syl au:re+ole pron <1c:ri2*ul> pos n. def a less common word for {halo}. aureole 3. or aureola syl au:re+ole pron <1c:ri2*ul> pos n. def another name for {{corona} (sense 2)}. Aureomycin 0. syl Au:re:o+my+cin pron <2c:ri*u1mIsin> pos n. qual Trademark. def a brand of {chlortetracycline}. aureus ety Latin: golden; see #7aureate aurei infl head aureus syl au:re:i pron <1c:ri2I> pos n. mod pl. aureus 0. syl au:re+us pron <1c:ri*s> pos n. def a gold coin of the Roman Empire. au revoir ety literally: to the seeing again au revoir 0. syl au re+voir pron French. pos interj. def goodbye. auric ety C19: from Latin aurum gold auric 0. syl au:ric pron <1c:rik> pos adj. def of or containing gold in the trivalent state. Georges infl head Auric syl Georges pron pos n. Auric 0. syl Au:ric pron French pos n. def born 1899, French composer; one of His works include ballet and film music. auricle ety C17: from Latin auricula the external ear, from auris ear auricle 1.a. syl au:ri+cle pron <1c:rikL> pos n. def the upper chamber of the heart; atrium. auricle 1.b. syl au:ri+cle pron <1c:rikL> pos n. def a small sac in the atrium of the heart. auricle 2. syl au:ri+cle pron <1c:rikL> pos n. def Also called: {pinna}. the external part of the ear. auricle 3. syl au:ri+cle pron <1c:rikL> pos n. def Also called: {auricu?!la}. an ear-shaped part or appendage, such as that occurring at the base of some leaves. auricled sub head auricle syl au:ri+cled pos adj. auricula ety C17: from New Latin, from Latin: external ear; see #7auricle auriculae infl head auricula or auriculas syl au:ric:u+lae pron <-2lE> pos n. mod pl. auriculas infl head auricula or auriculae syl au:ric:u+las. pos n. mod pl. auricula 1. syl au:ric:u+la pron pos n. def Also called: {bear's-ear}. a widely cultivated alpine primrose, with leaves shaped like a bear's ear. auricula 2. syl au:ric:u+la pron pos n. def another word for { {auricle} (sense 3)}. auricular 1. syl au:ric:u+lar pron pos adj. def of, relating to, or received by the sense or organs of hearing; aural. auricular 2. syl au:ric:u+lar pron pos adj. def shaped like an ear. auricular 3. syl au:ric:u+lar pron pos adj. def of or relating to an auricle of the heart. auricular 4. syl au:ric:u+lar pron pos adj. usage of feathers def occurring in tufts surrounding the ears of owls and similar birds. auricular 5. syl au:ric:u+lar pron pos n. mod usually; pl. def an auricular feather. &- {au@.#!ric@.u+lar+ly} auriculated alt head auriculate or auriculate syl au:ric:u+lat+ed pos adj. auriculate 1. or auriculated syl au:ric:u+late pron , <-2lAt> pos adj. def having ears. auriculate 2. or auriculated syl au:ric:u+late pron , <-2lAt> pos adj. qual Botany. def having ear-shaped parts or append?!ages. 3. head auriculate syl : def Also:@T {au@.ri+form@T} (#!@$$:r$I@!f@$$:m). shaped@T like @T an @T ear;@T auricular. auriculately sub head auriculate syl au:1ric:u+late+ly pos adv. auriferous ety C18: from Latin aurifer gold-bearing, from aurum gold+ ferre to bear auriferous 0. syl au:rif+er+ous pron pos adj. usage of rock def containing gold; gold-bearing. Auriga ety Latin: charioteer Aurigae infl head Auriga syl Au:ri+gae pron pos n. qual Latin genitive Auriga 0. syl Au:ri+ga pron pos n. def a conspicuous constellation in the N hemisphere between the Great Bear and Orion, at the edge of the Milky Way. It contains the first magnitude star Capella and the binary star {Epsilon Aurigae}, which is the largest known star. Aurignacian ety C20: from French Aurignacien, after Aurignac, France, in the Pyrenees, near which is the cave where remains were discovered Aurignacian 0. syl Au:rig+na+cian pron <2c:rig1nAS*n> pos adj. def of, relating to, or produced during a flint culture of the Upper Palaeolithic type characterized by the use of bone and antler tools, pins, awls, etc., and also by cave art and evidence of the beginnings of religion. Vincent infl head Auriol syl Vin:cent pron pos n. Auriol 0. syl Au:riol pron French pos n. def 1884-1966, French statesman; president of the Fourth Republic (1947-54). aurist 0. syl au:rist pron <1c:rist> pos n. def an ear specialist. aurochs ety C18: from German, from Old High German *_urohso, from *_uro bison+ ohso #7ox aurochs infl syl au:rochs. pos n. mod pl. aurochs 0. syl au:rochs pron <1c:roks> pos n. def a recently extinct member of the cattle tribe, that inhabited forests in N Africa, Europe, and SW Asia. It had long horns and is thought to be one of the ancestors of modern cattle. Also called: {urus}. aurora ety C14: from Latin: dawn; see #7east &- au@.#!ro+ral adj. &- au@.#!ro+ral+ly adv. auroras infl head aurora or aurorae syl au:ro+ras pron <-rE> pos n. mod pl. aurorae infl head aurora or auroras syl au:ro+rae pron <-rE> pos n. mod pl. aurora 1. syl au:ro+ra pron pos n. def an atmospheric phenomenon consisting of bands, curtains, or streamers of light, usually green, red, or yellow, that move across the sky, esp. in polar regions. It is caused by collisions between air molecules and charged particles from the sun that are trapped in the earth's magnetic field. aurora 2. syl au:ro+ra pron pos n. qual Poetic. def the dawn. Aurora H1.1. syl Au:ro:ra pron pos n. def the Roman goddess of the dawn. Greek counterpart: {Eos}. Aurora H1.2. syl Au:ro:ra pron pos n. def the dawn or rise of something. Aurora H2.0. syl Au:ro+ra pron pos n. def another name for {Maewo}. aurora australis ety New Latin: southern aurora aurora australis 0. syl au:ro+ra aus+tra+lis pron pos n. usage sometimes cap. def the aurora seen around the South Pole. Also called: {southern lights}. aurora borealis ety C17: New Latin: northern aurora aurora borealis 0. syl au:ro+ra bo+re:al+is pron <2bc:ri1Alis> pos n. usage sometimes cap. def the aurora seen around the North Pole. Also called: {northern lights}. aurous ety C19: apparently from French aureux, from Late Latin aur*_osus gold-coloured, from Latin aurum gold aurous 0. syl aur+ous pron <1c:r*s> pos adj. def of or containing gold, esp. in the monovalent state. aurum ety C16: Latin: gold aurum 0. syl au:rum pron <1c:r*m> pos n. qual Obsolete. def gold. AUS 0. syl AUS usage international car registration for def Australia. Aus 1. syl Aus. qual abbrev. for: def Australia(n). Aus 2. syl Aus. qual abbrev. for: def Austria(n). Auschwitz 0. syl Ausch+witz pron <1auSvits> pos n. def the German name for {O*'swi*,ecim}. auscultate 0. syl aus+cul+tate pron <1c:sk*l2tAt> pos vb. def to examine (a patient) by means of auscultation. auscultator sub head auscultate syl aus+cul+2ta+tor pos n. auscultation ety C19: from Latin auscult*_ati*_o a listening, from auscult*_are to listen attentively; related to Latin auris ear auscultation 1. syl aus+cul+ta+tion pron <2c:sk*l1tAS*n> pos n. def the diagnostic technique in medicine of listening to the various internal sounds made by the body, usually with the aid of a stethoscope. auscultation 2. syl aus+cul+ta+tion pron <2c:sk*l1tAS*n> pos n. def the act of listening. auscultatory sub head auscultation or auscultative syl aus+cul+ta+to:ry pron pos adj. auscultative sub head auscultation or auscultatory syl aus+cul+ta+tive pron , <1c:sk*l?!2tAtiv> pos adj. ausforming ety C20: from #7aus (#7tenitic) +(#7de) #7form ausforming 0. syl aus+form+ing pron <1aus2fc:miG> pos n. def a treatment to strengthen hard steels, prior to quenching, in which the specimen is plastically deformed while it is in the austenite temperature range. Ausgleich ety German: levelling out, from aus #7out+ gleichen to be similar Ausgleich 0. syl Aus+gleich pron German. <1ausglI*,c> pos n. def the agreement (1867) that established the Dual Monarchy of Austria-Hungary. Decimus Magnus infl head Ausonius syl Dec:i:mus Mag:nus pron <1desim*s> <1m@gn*s> pos n. Ausonius 0. syl Au:so:ni:us pron pos n. def ??310-??395 #7a.d., Latin poet, born in Gaul. auspex ety C16: from Latin: observer of birds, from avis bird+ specere to look auspices infl head auspex syl aus+pi+ces pron <1c:spi2sEz> pos n. mod pl. auspex 0. syl aus+pex pron <1c:speks> pos n. qual Roman history. def another word for { {augur} (sense 1)}. auspicate 0. syl aus+pi+cate pron <1c:spi2kAt> pos vb. mod tr. qual Archaic. def to begin. auspice ety C16: from Latin auspicium augury from birds; see #7auspex auspices infl head auspice syl aus+pic:es pron <-pisiz> pos n. mod pl. auspice 1. syl aus+pice pron <1c:spis> pos n. mod usually; pl. def patronage or guidance (esp. in the phrase {under the auspices of) }. auspice 2. syl aus+pice pron <1c:spis> pos n. mod often; pl. def a sign or omen, esp. one that is favourable. auspicious 1. syl aus+pi+cious pron pos adj. def favourable or propitious. auspicious 2. syl aus+pi+cious pron pos adj. qual Archaic. def prosperous or fortunate. auspiciously sub head auspicious syl aus+1pi+cious+ly pos adv. auspiciousness sub head auspicious syl aus+1pi+cious+ness pos n. Aussie 0. syl Aus+sie pron <1ozi> pos n. def an informal word for {Australian} or (rare) {Australia}. Aust 1. syl Aust. qual abbrev. for: def Australia(n). Aust 2. syl Aust. qual abbrev. for: def Austria(n). Jane infl head Austen syl Jane. pos n. Austen 0. syl Aus:ten pron <1ostin>, <1c:-> pos n. def 1775-1817, English novelist, noted particularly for the insight and delicate irony of her portrayal of middle-class families. Her completed novels are (1811), (1813), (1814), (1816), (1818), and (1818). austenite ety C20: named after Sir William C. Roberts- Austen (1843-1902), English metallurgist austenite 1. syl aus+ten+ite pron <1c:st*2nIt> pos n. def a solid solution of carbon in face-centred cubic gamma iron, usually existing above 723?%C. austenite 2. syl aus+ten+ite pron <1c:st*2nIt> pos n. def the gamma phase of iron, stabilized at low temperatures by the addition of such elements as nickel. austenitic sub head austenite syl aus+ten+it+ic pron <2c:st*1nitik> pos adj. austenitic stainless steel 0. syl aus+ten+it+ic stain+less steel pos n. def an alloy of iron, usually containing 18 per cent of nickel and 8 per cent of chromium, used where corrosion resistance, heat resistance, or nonmagnetic properties are required. Auster 0. syl Aus+ter pron <1c:st*> pos n. qual Poetic. def the south wind. austere ety C14: from Old French aust*`ere, from Latin aust*_erus sour, from Greek aust*_eros astringent; related to Greek hauein to dry austere 1. syl aus+tere pron pos adj. def stern or severe in attitude or manner. exam 1 an austere schoolmaster. austere 2. syl aus+tere pron pos adj. def grave, sober, or serious. exam 1 an austere expression. austere 3. syl aus+tere pron pos adj. def self-disciplined, abstemious, or ascetic. exam 1 an austere life. austere 4. syl aus+tere pron pos adj. def severely simple or plain. exam 1 an austere design. austerely sub head austere syl aus+1tere+ly pos adv. austereness sub head austere syl aus+1tere+ness pos n. austerities infl head austerity syl aus+ter+i:ties. pos n. mod pl. austerity 1. syl aus+ter+i:ty pron pos n. def the state or quality of being austere. austerity 2. syl aus+ter+i:ty pron pos n. mod often; pl. def an austere habit, practice, or act. austerity 3.a. syl aus+ter+i:ty pron pos n. def reduced availability of luxuries and consumer goods, esp. when brought about by government policy. austerity 3.b. syl aus+ter+i:ty pron pos n. usage as modifier exam 1 an austerity budget. Austerlitz 0. syl Aus+ter+litz pron <1c:st*lits> pos n. def a town in central Czechoslovakia, in Moravia: site of Napoleon's victory over the Russian and Austrian armies in 1805. Pop.: 4747 (1972 est.). Czech name: {Slavkov}. Austin 0. syl Aus+tin pron <%1(1ostin> pos n. def a city in central Texas, on the Colorado River: state capital since 1845. Pop.: 291214 (1973 est.). John infl head Austin syl John. pos n. Austin H2.0. syl Aus:tin pron <1ostin>, <1c:-> pos n. def 1790-1859, English jurist, whose book (1832) greatly influenced legal theory and the English legal system. austral ety C14: from Latin austr*_alis, from auster the south wind austral 0. syl aus+tral pron <1c:str*l> pos adj. def of or coming from the south. exam 1 austral winds. Austral 1. syl Austral. qual abbrev. for: def Australasia. Austral 2. syl Austral. qual abbrev. for: def Australia(n). Australasia 1. syl Aus+tral+a:si:a pron <2ostr*1lAzi*> pos n. def Australia, New Zealand, and neighbouring islands in the S Pacific Ocean. Australasia 2. syl Aus+tral+a:si:a pron <2ostr*1lAzi*> pos n. usage loosely def the whole of Oceania. &- {@!Aus+tral+#!a@.si@.an} Australia 0. syl Aus+tral:i:a pron pos n. def the smallest continent and largest island in the world, situated between the Indian Ocean and the Pacific: a former British colony, now an independent member of the Commonwealth; consists chiefly of a low plateau, mostly arid in the west, with the basin of the Murray River and the Great Dividing Range in the east and the Great Barrier Reef off the NE coast. Language: English. Currency: dollar. Capital: Canberra. Pop.: 13546200 (1976). Area: 7686845 sq. km (2967894 sq. miles). Australia Day 0. syl Aus+tral:i:a Day pos n. def a public holiday in Australia, com?!memorating the landing of the British in 1788: observed on the first Monday after January 26. Australian 1. syl Aus+tral+i:an pron pos n. def a native or inhabitant of Australia. Australian 2. syl Aus+tral+i:an pron pos n. def the form of English spoken in Australia. Australian 3. syl Aus+tral+i:an pron pos n. def a linguistic phylum consisting of the languages spoken by the Aborigines of Australia. Australian 4. syl Aus+tral+i:an pron pos adj. def of, relating to, or characteristic of Australia, the Australians, or their form of English. Australian 5. syl Aus+tral+i:an pron pos adj. def of, relating to, or belonging to the phylum of languages spoken by the Australian Aborigines. Australian 6. syl Aus+tral+i:an pron pos adj. def of or denoting a zoogeographi?!cal region consisting of Australia, New Zealand, Polynesia, New Guinea, and the Moluccas. Australiana 0. syl Aus+tral+i:a+na pron pos n. def objects, such as books, relics, etc., considered to be typical of Australia, esp. in the form of a collection. Australian Alps 0. syl Aus+tral+i:an Alps pos n. def a mountain range in SE Australia, in E Victoria and SE New South Wales. Highest peak: Mount Kosciusko, 2195 m (7316 ft.). Australian Antarctic Territory 0. syl Aus+tral+i:an Ant+arc+tic Ter+ri+to:ry pos n. def the area of Antarctica, other than Ad*'elie Land, that is administered by Australia, lying south of latitude 60?%S and between longitudes 45?%E and 160?%E. Australian Capital Territory 0. syl Aus+tral+i:an Cap:i+tal Ter+ri+to:ry pos n. def a territory of SE Australia, within New South Wales: consists of two exclaves, one containing Canberra, the capital of Australia, and one at Jervis Bay. Pop.: 197600 (1976). Area: 2432 sq. km (939 sq. miles). Former name: {Federal Capital Territory}. Australianism 1. syl Aus+tral:i+an+ism pron pos n. def the Australian national character or spirit. Australianism 2. syl Aus+tral:i+an+ism pron pos n. def loyalty to Australia, its political independence, culture, etc. Australianism 3. syl Aus+tral:i+an+ism pron pos n. def a linguistic usage, custom, or other feature peculiar to or characteristic of Australia, its people, or their culture. Australianise alt head Australianize or Australianize syl Aus+tral:i+an+ise pron pos vb. Australianize 0. or Australianise syl Aus+tral:i+an+ize pron pos vb. usage esp. of a new immigrant def to adopt or cause to adopt Australian habits and attitudes; integrate into Australian society. Australian Rules 0. syl Aus+tral+i:an Rules pos n. mod functioning as; sing. def a game resembling rugby football, played in Australia between teams of 18 men each on an oval pitch, with a ball resembling a large rugby ball. Players attempt to kick the ball between posts (without crossbars) at either end of the pitch, scoring six points for a goal (between the two main posts) and one point for a behind (between either of two outer posts and the main posts). They may punch or kick the ball and run with it provided that they bounce it every ten yards. Also called: {national code}. Australian terrier 0. syl Aus+tral+i:an ter+ri+er pos n. def a small wire-haired breed of terrier similar to the cairn. Austral Islands 0. syl Aus+tral Is+lands pron <1c:str*l> pos n. mod pl. def another name for the {Tubuai Islands}. australite 0. syl aus+tra+lite pron <1ostr*2lIt> pos n. def a small piece of dark glassy meteorite found in Australia. Australoid 1. syl Aus+tra+loid pron <1ostr*2lcid> pos adj. def denoting, relating to, or belonging to a racial group that includes the Australian Aborigines and certain other peoples of southern Asia and the Pacific islands, characterized by dark skin, flat retreating forehead, and medium stature. Australoid 2. syl Aus+tra+loid pron <1ostr*2lcid> pos n. def any member of this racial group. australopithecine ety C20: from New Latin Australopithecus, from Latin austr*_alis southern, #7austral+ Greek pith*_ekos ape australopithecine 1. syl aus+tra+lo+pith:e+cine pron <2ostr*l*u1piTi2sEn> pos n. def any of various extinct apelike primates of the genus and related genera, remains of which have been discovered in southern and E Africa. Some species are estimated to be over 4.5 #800053 million years old. See also {zinjanthropus}. australopithecine 2. syl aus+tra+lo+pith:e+cine pron <2ostr*l*u1piTi2sEn> pos adj. def of or relating to any of these primates. Australorp ety shortened from Austral (ian Black) Orp (ington) Australorp 0. syl Aus+tral+orp pron <1ostr*2lc:p> pos n. def a heavy black breed of domestic fowl laying brown eggs. Austrasia 0. syl Aus+tra+sia pron , <-S*> pos n. def the eastern region of the kingdom of the Merovingian Franks that had its capital at Metz and lasted from 511 #7a.d. until 814 #7a.d. It covered the area now comprising NE France, Belgium, and western Germany. Austria 0. syl Aus+tri:a pron <1ostri*> pos n. def a republic in central Europe: ruled by the Hapsburgs from 1282 to 1918; formed a dual monarchy with Hungary in 1867 and became a republic in 1919; contains part of the Alps, the Danube basin in the east, and extensive forests. Language: German. Religion: chiefly Roman Catholic. Currency: schilling. Capital: Vienna. Pop.: 7545000 (1974 est.). Area: 83849 sq. km (32374 sq. miles). German name: {*"Osterreich}. Austrian sub head Austria syl Aus+tri:an pos adj. n. Austria-Hungary 0. syl Aus:tri:a-Hun:ga:ry pos n. def the Dual Monarchy established in 1867, consisting of what are now Austria, Hungary, Czecho?!slovakia, and parts of Poland, Rumania, Yugoslavia, the Ukraine, and Italy. The empire was broken up after World War I. &- {@!Aus@.tro-Hun@.#!gar+i@.an} Austro- ety from Latin auster the south wind Austro- H1.0. syl Aus:tro- pron <1ostr*u-> usage combining form. def southern. exam 1 Austro-Asiatic. Austro- 0. syl Aus:tro- def %2@T (#!$Astr$$$u-)@T Austrian. exam 1 Austro-Hungarian. Austro-Asiatic 0. syl Aus:tro-As:i:at:ic pos n. def a hypothetical phylum or superfamily of languages that would consist of Malayo-Polynesian together with Mon-Khmer, certain Indian languages, Papuan, etc. Austronesia 0. syl Aus+tro+ne:sia pron <2ostr*u1nEZ*>, <-S*> pos n. def the islands of the central and S Pacific, including Indonesia, Melanesia, Micronesia, and Polynesia. Austronesian 1. syl Aus+tro+ne:sian pron <2ostr*u1nEZ*n>, <-S*n> pos adj. def of or relating to Austronesia, its peoples, or their languages. Austronesian 2. syl Aus+tro+ne:sian pron <2ostr*u1nEZ*n>, <-S*n> pos n. def another name for {Malayo-Polynesian}. aut- 0. syl aut- usage combining form. def variant of {auto-} before a vowel. autacoid ety C20: from #7auto -#7+ Greek akos cure+-#7oid autacoid 0. syl au:ta+coid pron <1c:t*2kcid> pos n. qual Physiol. def any natural internal secretion, esp. one that exerts an effect similar to a drug. autarchy ety C17: from Greek autar?!khia, from autarkhos autocratic; see #7auto -#7, -#7archy autarchies infl head autarchy syl au:tar+chies. pos n. mod pl. autarchy 1. syl au:tar+chy pron <1c:ta:ki> pos n. def unlimited rule; autoc?!racy. autarchy 2. syl au:tar+chy pron <1c:ta:ki> pos n. def self-government; self-rule. autarchic sub head autarchy or autarchical syl au:1tar+chic pos adj. autarchical sub head autarchy or autarchic syl au:1tar+chi+cal pos adj. autarky ety C17: from Greek autar?!keia, from autark*_es self-sufficient, from #7auto -#7+ arkein to suffice autarchy alt head autarky or autarky syl au:tar+chy pron <1c:ta:ki> pos n. autarkies infl head autarky or autarchies syl au:tar+kies pos n. mod pl. autarchies infl head autarky or autarkies syl au:tar+chies. pos n. mod pl. autarky 1. or autarchy syl au:tar+ky pron <1c:ta:ki> pos n. usage esp. of a political unit def a system or policy of economic self-sufficiency aimed at removing the need for imports. autarky 2. or autarchy syl au:tar+ky pron <1c:ta:ki> pos n. def an economically self-sufficient country. autarkic sub head autarky or autarchic syl au:1tar+kic pos adj. autarchic sub head autarky or autarkic syl au:1tar+chic pos adj. autecious 0. syl au:te+cious pron pos adj. def a variant spelling of {autoecious}. autecology 0. syl aut+e:col+o:gy pron <2c:ti1kol*Ji> pos n. def the ecological study of an individual organism or species. Compare {synecology}. autecological sub head autecology syl aut+ec:o+1log:i+cal pos adj. auteur ety French: author auteur 0. syl au:teur pron pos n. def a film director, esp. one considered as having a dominant creative role. auth 1. syl auth. qual abbrev. for: def author. auth 2. syl auth. qual abbrev. for: def authority. auth 3. syl auth. qual abbrev. for: def authorized. authentic ety C14: from Late Latin authenticus coming from the author, from Greek authentikos, from authent*_es one who acts in?!dependently, from #7auto -#7+ hent*_es a doer authentic 1. syl au:then+tic pron pos adj. def of undisputed origin or authorship; genuine. exam 1 an authentic signature. authentic 2. syl au:then+tic pron pos adj. def accurate in representation of the facts; trustworthy; reliable. exam 1 an authentic account. authentic 3. syl au:then+tic pron pos adj. usage of a deed or other document def duly executed, any necessary legal formalities having been complied with. authentic 4.a. syl au:then+tic pron pos adj. usage of a mode as used in Gregorian chant def commencing on the final and ending an octave higher. authentic 4.b. syl au:then+tic pron pos adj. usage of a cadence def progressing from a dominant to a tonic chord. Compare {plagal}. authentically sub head authentic syl au:1then+ti+cal+ly pos adv. authenticate 1. syl au:then+ti+cate pron pos vb. mod tr. def to establish as genuine or valid. authenticate 2. syl au:then+ti+cate pron pos vb. mod tr. def to give authority or legal validity to. authentication sub head authenticate syl au:2then+ti+1ca+tion pos n. author ety C14: from Old French autor, from Latin auctor author, from aug*_ere to increase authoress alt head author or author syl au:thor+ess pos n. mod fem. author 1. or authoress syl au:thor pron <1c:T*> pos n. def a person who composes a book, article, or other written work. Related adj.: {auctorial}. author 2. or authoress syl au:thor pron <1c:T*> pos n. def a person who writes books as a profession; writer. author 3. or authoress syl au:thor pron <1c:T*> pos n. def the writings of such a person. exam 1 reviewing a postwar author. author 4. or authoress syl au:thor pron <1c:T*> pos n. def an originator or creator. exam 1 the author of this plan. author 5. or authoress syl au:thor pron <1c:T*> pos n. def to write or originate. authorial sub head author syl au:tho+ri:al pron pos adj. authoritarian 1. syl au:thor:i+tar+i:an pron pos adj. def favouring, denoting, or characterized by strict obedience to authority. authoritarian 2. syl au:thor:i+tar+i:an pron pos adj. def favouring, denoting, or relating to government by a small elite with wide powers. authoritarian 3. syl au:thor:i+tar+i:an pron pos adj. def despotic; dictatorial; domineering. authoritarian 4. syl au:thor:i+tar+i:an pron pos n. def a person who favours or practises authoritarian policies. authoritarianism sub head authoritarian syl au:2thor:i+1tar:i+an+ism pos n. authoritative 1. syl au:thor:i+ta+tive pron pos adj. def recognized or accepted as being true or reliable. exam 1 an authoritative article on drugs. authoritative 2. syl au:thor:i+ta+tive pron pos adj. def exercising or asserting authority; commanding. exam 1 an authoritative manner. authoritative 3. syl au:thor:i+ta+tive pron pos adj. def possessing or supported by authority; official. exam 1 an authoritative communiqu*'e. authoritatively sub head authoritative syl au:1thor:i+ta+tive+ly pos adv. authoritativeness sub head authoritative syl au:1thor:i+ta+tive+ness pos n. ties infl head authority syl :ties. pos n. mod pl. authority 1. syl au:thor+i:ty pron pos n. def the power or right to control, judge, or prohibit the actions of others. authority 2. syl au:thor+i:ty pron pos n. mod often; pl. def a person or group of people having this power, such as a government, police force, etc. authority 3. syl au:thor+i:ty pron pos n. def a position that commands such a power or right (often in the phrase {in authority) }. authority 4. syl au:thor+i:ty pron pos n. def such a power or right delegated, esp. from one person to another; authorization. exam 1 she has his authority. authority 5. syl au:thor+i:ty pron pos n. def the ability to influence or control others. exam 1 a man of authority. authority 6. syl au:thor+i:ty pron pos n. def an expert or an authoritative written work in a particular field. exam 1 he is an authority on Ming china. authority 7. syl au:thor+i:ty pron pos n. def evidence or testimony. exam 1 we have it on his authority that she is dead. authority 8. syl au:thor+i:ty pron pos n. def confidence resulting from great expertise. exam 1 the violinist lacked authority in his cadenza. authority 9. syl au:thor+i:ty pron pos n. usage cap. when part of a name def a public board or corporation exercising governmental authority in administering some enterprise. exam 1 Independent Broadcasting Authority. authority 10.a. syl au:thor+i:ty pron pos n. def a judicial decision, statute, or rule of law that establishes a principle; precedent. authority 10.b. syl au:thor+i:ty pron pos n. def legal permission granted to a person to perform a specified act. authorise alt head authorize or authorize syl au:thor+ise pron <1c:T*2rIz> pos vb. mod tr. authorize 1. or authorise syl au:thor+ize pron <1c:T*2rIz> pos vb. mod tr. def to confer authority upon (someone to do something); empower. authorize 2. or authorise syl au:thor+ize pron <1c:T*2rIz> pos vb. mod tr. def to permit (someone to do or be something) with official sanction. exam 1 a dealer authorized by a manufacturer to retail his products. Authe infl head Authorized Version syl Au:the. pos n. Authorized Version 0. syl Au:thor+ized Ver+sion pos n. def an English translation of the Bible published in 1611 under James I. Also called: {King James Version, King James Bible}. authorship 1. syl au:thor+ship pron <1c:T*2Sip> pos n. def the origin or originator of a written work, plan, etc.. exam 1 a book of unknown authorship. authorship 2. syl au:thor+ship pron <1c:T*2Sip> pos n. def the profession of writing books. Auth Ver 0. syl Auth. Ver. qual abbrev. for def Authorized Version (of the Bible). autism 0. syl au:tism pron <1c:tiz*m> pos n. qual Psychiatry. def abnormal self-absorption, usually affecting children, characterized by lack of response to people and actions and limited ability to communicate: children suffering from autism often do not learn to speak. &- {au@.#!tis+tic} autos infl head auto syl au:tos. pos n. mod pl. auto 0.a. syl au:to pron <1c:t*u> pos n. qual U.S. informal. def short for {automobile}. auto 0.b. syl au:to pron <1c:t*u> pos n. qual U.S. informal. usage as modifier exam 1 auto parts. auto 1. syl auto. qual abbrev. for: def automatic. auto 2. syl auto. qual abbrev. for: def automobile. auto 3. syl auto. qual abbrev. for: def automotive. auto- ety from Greek autos self auto- 1. syl au:to- usage sometimes before a vowel def self; same; of or by the same one. exam 1 autobiography. auto- 2. syl au:to- usage sometimes before a vowel def acting from or occurring within; self-caused. exam 1 autohypnosis. auto- 3. syl au:to- usage sometimes before a vowel def self-propelling; automatic. exam 1 automobile. autoantibodies infl head autoantibody syl au:to+an:ti+bod:ies. pos n. mod pl. autoantibody 0. syl au:to+an:ti+bod:y pron <2c:t*u1@nti2bodi> pos n. def an antibody reacting with an antigen that is a part of the organism in which the antibody is formed. autobahn 0. syl au:to+bahn pron <1c:t*2ba:n> pos n. def a German motorway. autobiographical 1. syl au:to+bi:o+graph:i+cal pron <2c:t*2bI*1gr@fikL> pos adj. def of or con?!cerned with one's own life. autobiographical 2. syl au:to+bi:o+graph:i+cal pron <2c:t*2bI*1gr@fikL> pos adj. def of or relating to an autobi?!ography. autobiographically sub head autobiographical syl au:to+2bi:o+1graph:i+cal+ly pos adv. autobiographies infl head autobiography syl au:to+bi+og+ra+phies. pos n. mod pl. autobiography 0. syl au:to+bi+og+ra+phy pron <2c:t*ubI1ografi>, <2c:t*-> pos n. def an account of a person's life written or otherwise recorded by that person. autobiographer sub head autobiography syl au:to+bi+1og+ra+pher pos n. autocade 0. syl au:to+cade pron <1c:t*u2kAd> pos n. qual U.S. def another name for {motorcade}. autocatalyses infl head autocatalysis syl au:to+ca+tal:y+ses pron <-2sEz> pos n. mod pl. autocatalysis 0. syl au:to+ca+tal:y+sis pron <2c:t*uk*1t@lisis> pos n. def the catalysis of a chemical reaction in which the catalyst is one of the products of the reaction. autocephalous 1. syl au:to+ceph:a+lous pron <2c:t*u1sef*l*s> pos adj. usage of an Eastern Christian Church def governed by its own national synods and appoint?!ing its own patriarchs or prelates. autocephalous 2. syl au:to+ceph:a+lous pron <2c:t*u1sef*l*s> pos adj. usage of a bishop def independ?!ent of any higher governing body. autocephalic sub head autocephalous syl au:to+ce:phal+ic pron <2c:t*u?!si1f@lik> pos adj. autocephaly sub head autocephalous syl au:to+1ceph:a+ly pos n. autochanger 1. syl au:to+chang+er pron <1c:t*u2CAnJ*> pos n. def a device in a record player that enables a small stack of records to be dropped automatically onto the turntable one at a time and played separately. autochanger 2. syl au:to+chang+er pron <1c:t*u2CAnJ*> pos n. def a record player with such a device. autochthon ety C17: from Greek autokhth*_on from the earth itself, from #7auto -#7+ khth*_on the earth autochthons infl head autochthon or autochthones syl au:toch+thons pron <-T*?!2nEz> pos n. mod pl. autochthones infl head autochthon or autochthons syl au:toch+tho+nes pron <-T*?!2nEz> pos n. mod pl. autochthon 1. syl au:toch+thon pron , <-Ton> pos n. mod often; pl. def one of the earliest known inhabitants of any country; aboriginal. autochthon 2. syl au:toch+thon pron , <-Ton> pos n. def an animal or plant that is native to a particular region. autochthonic (tAkTAnIk) infl head autochthonous or autochthonal syl au:toch+thon+ic (2:$:t$Ak1$T$An$Ik) pos adj. autochthonal infl head autochthonous or autochthonic (tAkTAnIk) syl au:toch+tho+nal pos adj. autochthonous 1. syl au:toch+tho+nous pron pos adj. usage of rocks, deposits, etc. def found where they and their constituents were formed. Compare {allochthonous}. autochthonous 2. syl au:toch+tho+nous pron pos adj. def inhabiting a place or region from earliest known times; aboriginal. autochthonism sub head autochthonous or autochthony syl au:1toch+thon+ism pos n. autochthony sub head autochthonous or autochthonism syl au:1toch+tho+ny pos n. autochthonously sub head autochthonous syl au:1toch+tho+nous+ly pos adv. autoclave ety C19: from French #7auto -#7+ -clave, from Latin cl*_avis key autoclave 1. syl au:to+clave pron <1c:t*2klAv> pos n. def a strong sealed vessel used for chemical reactions at high pressure. autoclave 2. syl au:to+clave pron <1c:t*2klAv> pos n. def an apparatus for sterilizing objects (esp. surgical instruments) or for cooking by means of steam under pressure. autoclave 3. syl au:to+clave pron <1c:t*2klAv> pos vb. mod tr. def to put in or subject to the action of an autoclave. autocorrelation 0. syl au:to+cor+re+la+tion pron <2c:t*u2kori1lAS*n> pos n. qual Statistics. def the condition occurring when successive items in a series are correlated so that their covariance is not zero and they are not independ?!ent. Also called: {serial correlation}. autocracies infl head autocracy syl au:toc+ra+cies. pos n. mod pl. autocracy 1. syl au:toc+ra+cy pron pos n. def government by an individual with unrestricted authority. autocracy 2. syl au:toc+ra+cy pron pos n. def the unrestricted authority of such an individual. autocracy 3. syl au:toc+ra+cy pron pos n. def a country, society, etc., ruled by an autocrat. autocrat 1. syl au:to+crat pron <1c:t*2kr@t> pos n. def a ruler who possesses absolute and unrestricted authority. autocrat 2. syl au:to+crat pron <1c:t*2kr@t> pos n. def a domineering or dictatorial person. autocratic sub head autocrat syl au:to+1crat+ic pos adj. autocratically sub head autocrat syl au:to+1crat:i+cal+ly pos adv. autocross 0. syl au:to+cross pron <1c:t*u2kros> pos n. def a form of motor sport in which cars race over a half-mile circuit of rough grass. See also {motocross, rallycross}. autocue 0. syl au:to+cue pron <1c:t*u2kju:> pos n. def an electronic television prompting device whereby a prepared script, unseen by the audience, is enlarged line by line for the speaker. U.S. name (trademark): {Teleprompter}. autocycle 0. syl au:to+cy+cle pron <1c:t*u2sIkL> pos n. qual Obsolete. def a bicycle powered or assisted by a small engine. auto-da-f'e ety C18: from Portuguese, literally: act of the faith autos-da-f'e infl head auto-da-f'e syl au:tos-da-f*'e. pos n. mod pl. auto-da-f'e 1. syl au:to-da-f*'e pron <2c:t*ud*1fA> pos n. qual History. def a ceremony of the Spanish Inquisition including the pronouncement and execution of sentences passed on sinners or heretics. auto-da-f'e 2. syl au:to-da-f*'e pron <2c:t*ud*1fA> pos n. def the burning to death of people condemned as heretics by the Inquisition. autodidact 0. syl au:to+di+dact pron <1c:t*u2dId@kt> pos n. def a person who is self-taught. &- {@!au@.to+di+#!dact+ic} autodyne reception 0. syl au:to+dyne re+cep+tion pron <1c:t*2dIn> pos n. def reception of radio signals by a superheterodyne receiver in which the circuit generating the beating oscillation also performs other functions such as amplification or detection. autecious alt head autoecious or autoecious syl au:te+cious pron pos adj. qual U.S. (sometimes autoecious 0. or autecious syl au:toe+cious pron pos adj. usage of parasites, esp. the rust fungi def completing the entire life cycle on a single species of host. Compare {heteroecious}. autoecism sub head autoecious or autecism syl au:1toe+cism pos n. autecism sub head autoecious or autoecism syl au:1te+cism pos n. qual U.S. (sometimes autoerotism alt head autoeroticism or autoeroticism syl au:to+er:o+tism pron <2c:t*u1er*2tiz*m> pos n. autoeroticism 0. or autoerotism syl au:to+e:rot:i+cism pron <2c:t*ui1roti2siz*m> pos n. qual Psychol. def the arousal and use of one's own body as a sexual object, as through masturbation. autoerotic sub head autoeroticism syl au:to+e:1rot+ic pos adj. autogamy 1. syl au:tog:a+my pron pos n. def self-fertilization in flowering plants. autogamy 2. syl au:tog:a+my pron pos n. def a type of sexual reproduction, occurring in some protozoans, in which the uniting gametes are derived from the same cell. autogamous sub head autogamy or autogamic syl au:1tog:a+mous pron <2c:t*1g@mik> pos adj. autogamic sub head autogamy or autogamous syl au:to+gam+ic pron <2c:t*1g@mik> pos adj. autogeny alt head autogenesis or autogenesis syl au:tog+e:ny pron pos n. autogenesis 0. or autogeny syl au:to+gen+e:sis pron <2c:t*u1Jenisis> pos n. def another word for {abiogenesis}. autogenetic sub head autogenesis syl au:to+ge:net+ic pron <2c:t*u?!Ji?!1netik> pos adj. autogenous 1.a. syl au:tog+e:nous pron pos adj. def originating within the body. Compare {heterogenous}. autogenous 1.b. syl au:tog+e:nous pron pos adj. def denoting a vaccine made from bacteria obtained from the patient's own body. autogenous 2. syl au:tog+e:nous pron pos adj. def self-generated; self-produced. autogenous 3. syl au:tog+e:nous pron pos adj. usage of a joint between two parts def achieved without flux, adhesive, or solder. exam 1 autogenous welding. autogenously sub head autogenous syl au:1tog+e:nous+ly pos adv. autogenously sub head autogenous syl au:1tog+e:nous+ly pos adv. autogiro ety C20: originally a trademark autogyro alt head autogiro or autogiro syl au:to+gy+ro pron <2c:t*u1JI2r*u> pos n. autogiros infl head autogiro syl au:to+gi+ros. pos n. mod pl. autogiro 0. or autogyro syl au:to+gi+ro pron <2c:t*u1JI2r*u> pos n. def a self-propelled aircraft supported in flight mainly by unpowered rotating horizontal blades. Also called: {gyroplane}. Compare {helicopter}. autograft 0. syl au:to+graft pron <1c:t*2gra:ft> pos n. qual Surgery. def a tissue graft obtained from one part of a patient's body for use on another part. autograph 1.a. syl au:to+graph pron <1c:t*2gra:f> pos n. def a handwritten signature, esp. that of a famous person. autograph 1.b. syl au:to+graph pron <1c:t*2gra:f> pos n. usage as modifier exam 1 an autograph album. autograph 2. syl au:to+graph pron <1c:t*2gra:f> pos n. def a person's handwriting. autograph 3.a. syl au:to+graph pron <1c:t*2gra:f> pos n. def a book, document, etc., handwritten by its author; original manuscript; holograph. autograph 3.b. syl au:to+graph pron <1c:t*2gra:f> pos n. usage as modifier exam 1 an autograph letter. autograph 5. syl au:to+graph pron <1c:t*2gra:f> pos vb. def to write one's signature on or in; sign. autograph 6. syl au:to+graph pron <1c:t*2gra:f> pos vb. def to write with one's own hand. autographic sub head autograph or autographical syl au:to+graph+ic pron <2c:t*1gr@fik> pos adj. autographical sub head autograph or autographic syl au:to+1graph:i+cal pos adj. autographically sub head autograph syl au:to+1graph:i+cal+ly pos adv. autography 1. syl au:tog+ra+phy pron pos n. def the writing of something in one's own handwriting; something handwritten. autography 2. syl au:tog+ra+phy pron pos n. def the precise reproduction of an illustration or of writing. Autoharp 0. syl Au:to+harp pron <1c:t*u2ha:p> pos n. qual Trademark. def a zither-like musical instrument used in country-and-western music, equipped with button-controlled dampers that can prevent selected strings from sounding, thus allowing chords to be played. It is plucked with the fingers or a plectrum. autohypnosis 0. syl au:to+hyp+no+sis pron <2c:t*uhip1n*usis> pos n. qual Psychol. def the process or result of self-induced hypnosis. autohypnotic sub head autohypnosis syl au:to+hyp+not+ic pron <2c:t*uhip?!1notik> pos adj. autohypnotically sub head autohypnosis syl au:to+hyp+1not:i+cal+ly pos adv. autoicous ety C19: from #7auto -#7+ Greek oikos dwelling autoicous 0. syl au:toi+cous pron pos adj. usage of plants, esp. mosses def having male and female reproductive organs on the same plant. autoimmune 0. syl au:to+im+mune pron <2c:t*ui1mju:n> pos adj. usage of a disease def caused by the action of antibodies produced against substances normally present in the body. &- {@!au@.to+im+#!mun+i@.ty} autoinfection 0. syl au:to+in:fec+tion pron <2c:t*uin1fekS*n> pos n. def infection by a pathogenic agent already within the body or infection transferred from one part of the body to another. autoinoculation 0. syl au:to+in:oc:u+la+tion pron <2c:t*ui2nokju1lAS*n> pos n. def the inoculation of microorganisms (esp. viruses) from one part of the body into another, usually in the form of a vaccine. autointoxication 0. syl au:to+in:tox:i+ca+tion pron <2c:t*uin2toksi1kAS*n> pos n. def self-poisoning caused by absorption of toxic products originating within the body. Also called: {autotoxaemia}. autoionisation alt head autoionization or autoionization syl au:to+i:on:i+sa+tion pron <2c:t*u2I*nI?!1zAS*n> pos n. autoionization 0. or autoionisation syl au:to+i:on:i+za+tion pron <2c:t*u2I*nI?!1zAS*n> pos n. qual Physics. def the process in which the decay of excited atoms or molecules results in emission of electrons, rather than photons. autokinetic 0. syl au:to+ki+net+ic pron <2c:t*uki1netik>, <-kI-> pos adj. def automatically self-moving. autokinetic phenomenon 0. syl au:to+ki+net+ic phe+nom+en+on pos n. qual Psychol. def the apparent movement of a fixed point of light when observed in a darkened room. The effect is produced by small eye movements for which the brain is unable to compensate, having no other reference points. autoloading 0. syl au:to+load+ing pron <1c:t*u2l*udiG> pos adj. def self-loading. Autolycus H1.0. syl Au:tol:y+cus pron pos n. def a crater in the NW quadrant of the moon about 38 kilometres in diameter and 3000 metres deep. Autolycus H2.0. syl Au:tol:y:cus pron pos n. qual Greek myth. def a thief who stole cattle from his neighbour Sisyphus and prevented him from recognizing them by making them invisible. autolyze alt head autolyse or autolyse syl au:to+lyze pron <1c:t*2lIz> pos vb. qual U.S. autolyse 0. or autolyze syl au:to+lyse pron <1c:t*2lIz> pos vb. qual Biochem. def to undergo or cause to undergo autolysis. autolysin 0. syl au:to+ly+sin pron <2c:t*1lIsin>, pos n. def any agent that produces autolysis. autolysis 0. syl au:tol:y+sis pron pos n. def the destruction of cells and tissues of an organism by enzymes produced by the cells themselves. autolytic sub head autolysis syl au:to+lyt+ic pron <2c:t*1litik> pos adj. automat 1. syl au:to+mat pron <1c:t*2m@t> pos n. def Also called: {vending machine}. a machine that automatically dispenses goods such as cigarettes, when money is inserted. automat 2. syl au:to+mat pron <1c:t*2m@t> pos n. qual Chiefly U.S. def an area or room, sometimes having restaurant facilities, where food and other goods are supplied from vending machines. automata 0. syl au:tom:a+ta pron pos n. def a plural of {automaton}. automate 0. syl au:to+mate pron <1c:t*2mAt> pos vb. def to make (a manufacturing process, factory, etc.) automatic, or (of a manufacturing process, etc.) to be made automatic. automatic ety C18: from Greek automatos acting independently; see #7automaton automatic 1. syl au:to+mat+ic pron <2c:t*1m@tik> pos adj. def performed from force of habit or without conscious thought; lacking spontaneity; mechanical. exam 1 an automatic smile. automatic 2.a. syl au:to+mat+ic pron <2c:t*1m@tik> pos adj. usage of a device, mechanism, etc. def able to activate, move, or regulate itself. automatic 2.b. syl au:to+mat+ic pron <2c:t*1m@tik> pos adj. usage of an act or process def performed by such automatic equipment. automatic 3. syl au:to+mat+ic pron <2c:t*1m@tik> pos adj. usage of the action of a muscle, gland, etc. def involuntary or reflex. automatic 4. syl au:to+mat+ic pron <2c:t*1m@tik> pos adj. def occurring as a necessary consequence. exam 1 promotion is automatic after a year. automatic 5. syl au:to+mat+ic pron <2c:t*1m@tik> pos adj. usage of a firearm def utilizing some of the force of each explosion to eject the empty shell, replace it with a new one, and fire continuously until release of the trigger. Compare { {semiautomatic} (sense 2)}. automatic 6. syl au:to+mat+ic pron <2c:t*1m@tik> pos n. def an automatic firearm. automatic 7. syl au:to+mat+ic pron <2c:t*1m@tik> pos n. def a motor vehicle having automatic transmission. automatic 8. syl au:to+mat+ic pron <2c:t*1m@tik> pos n. def a machine that operates automatically. automatically sub head automatic syl au:to+1mat:i+cal+ly pos adv. automatic data processing 0. syl au:to+mat+ic: da:ta: pro+ces+sing: usage n.@T def data processing per?!formed by automatic electromechanical devices. Abbrevs.: {A.D.P., ADP, a.d.p}. Compare {electronic data processing}. automatic gain control 0. syl au:to+mat+ic gain con+trol pos n. def control of a radio receiver in which the gain varies inversely with the magnitude of the input, thus maintaining the output at an approximately constant level. Abbrev.: {AGC}. automatic pilot 0. syl au:to+mat+ic pi+lot pos n. def a device that automatically maintains an aircraft on a preset course. Also called: {autopilot}. automatic transmission 0. syl au:to+mat+ic trans+mis+sion pos n. def a transmission system in a motor vehicle, usually incorporating a fluid clutch, in which the gears change automatically. automatic typesetting 0. syl au:to+mat+ic type+set+ting pos n. def another name for {computer typesetting}. automation 1. syl au:to+ma+tion pron <2c:t*1mAS*n> pos n. def the use of methods for controlling industrial processes automatically, esp. by electronically controlled systems, often reducing manpower. automation 2. syl au:to+ma+tion pron <2c:t*1mAS*n> pos n. def the extent to which a process is so controlled. automatism 1. syl au:tom:a+tism pron pos n. def the state or quality of being automatic; mechanical or involuntary action. automatism 2. syl au:tom:a+tism pron pos n. qual Philosophy. def the theory that all the activities of men and animals are controlled by unconscious physical and physiological processes. automatism 3. syl au:tom:a+tism pron pos n. qual Psychol. def the performance of actions, such as sleepwalking, without conscious knowledge or control. automatism 4. syl au:tom:a+tism pron pos n. def the suspension of consciousness sought or achieved by certain artists and writers to allow free flow of uncensored thoughts. automatist sub head automatism syl au:1tom:a+tist pos n. automatise alt head automatize or automatize syl au:tom:a+tise pron pos vb. automatize 0. or automatise syl au:tom:a+tize pron pos vb. def to make (a process, etc.) automatic or (of a process, etc.) to be made automatic. &- {au@.@!tom@.a+ti+#!za+tion} {au@.@!tom@.a+ti+#!sa+tion} automaton ety C17: from Latin, from Greek, from automa?!tos spontaneous automatons infl head automaton or automata syl au:tom:a+tons pron <-t*> pos n. mod pl. automata infl head automaton or automatons syl au:tom:a+ta pron <-t*> pos n. mod pl. automaton 1. syl au:tom:a+ton pron , <-tN> pos n. def a mechanical device operating under its own hidden power; robot. automaton 2. syl au:tom:a+ton pron , <-tN> pos n. def a person who acts mechanically or leads a routine monotonous life. automatous sub head automaton syl au:1tom:a+tous pos adj. automobile 0. syl au:to+mo+bile pron <1c:t*m*2bEl> pos n. qual Formal. def a {car (sense 1)}. automobilist sub head automobile syl au:to+mo+bil+ist pron <2c:t*m*1bElist>, <-1m*ubilist> pos n. automotive 1. syl au:to+mo+tive pron <2c:t*1m*utiv> pos adj. def relating to motor vehicles. automotive 2. syl au:to+mo+tive pron <2c:t*1m*utiv> pos adj. def self-propelling. autonomic 1. syl au:to+nom+ic pron <2c:t*1nomik> pos adj. def occurring involuntarily or spontaneously. autonomic 2. syl au:to+nom+ic pron <2c:t*1nomik> pos adj. def of or relating to the autonomic nervous system. autonomic 3. syl au:to+nom+ic pron <2c:t*1nomik> pos adj. def Also: {autonomous}. (of plant movements) occurring as a result of internal stimuli. &- {@!au@.to+#!nom@.i+cal+ly} autonomic nervous system 0. syl au:to+nom+ic nerv+ous sys+tem pos n. def the section of the nervous system of vertebrates that controls the involuntary actions of the smooth muscles, heart, and glands. autonomous ety C19: from Greek autonomos living under one's own laws, from #7auto -#7+ nomos law autonomous 1. syl au:ton:o+mous pron pos adj. usage of a community, country, etc. def possessing a large degree of self-government. autonomous 2. syl au:ton:o+mous pron pos adj. def of or relating to an autonomous community. autonomous 3. syl au:ton:o+mous pron pos adj. def independent of others. autonomous 4. syl au:ton:o+mous pron pos adj. qual Philosophy. def governed by its own principles. autonomous 5. syl au:ton:o+mous pron pos adj. qual Biol. def existing as an organism independent of other organisms or parts. autonomous 6. syl au:ton:o+mous pron pos adj. def a variant spelling of { {autonomic} (sense 3)}. autonomously sub head autonomous syl au:1ton:o+mous+ly pos adv. autonomy ety C17: from Greek automonia freedom to live by one's own laws; see #7autonomous autonomies infl head autonomy syl au:ton:o+mies. pos n. mod pl. autonomy 1. syl au:ton:o+my pron pos n. def the right or state of self-government, esp. when limited. autonomy 2. syl au:ton:o+my pron pos n. def a state, community, or individual possessing autonomy. autonomy 3. syl au:ton:o+my pron pos n. def freedom to determine one's own actions, behaviour, etc. autonomy 4. syl au:ton:o+my pron pos n. qual Philosophy. def the doctrine that the individual human will is governed only by its own principles and laws. autonomist sub head autonomy syl au:1ton:o+mist pos n. autophyte 0. syl au:to+phyte pron <1c:t*2fIt> pos n. def an autotrophic plant, such as any green plant. autophytic sub head autophyte syl au:to+phyt+ic pron <2c:t*1fitik> pos adj. autophytically sub head autophyte syl au:to+1phyt:i+cal+ly pos adv. autopilot 0. syl au:to+pi+lot pron <2c:t*1pIl*t>, <-t*u-> pos n. def short for {automatic pilot}. autopista ety from Spanish: auto(mobile) track autopista 0. syl au:to+pis+ta pron <2c:t*1pEst*> pos n. def a Spanish motorway. autoplasty 0. syl au:to+plas+ty pron <1c:t*2pl@sti> pos n. def surgical repair of defects by grafting or transplanting tissue from the patient's own body. autoplastic sub head autoplasty syl au:to+1plas+tic pos adj. autopsy ety C17: from New Latin autopsia, from Greek: seeing with one's own eyes, from #7auto -#7+ opsis sight autopsies infl head autopsy syl au:top+sies. pos n. mod pl. autopsy 1. syl au:top+sy pron , <1c:t*p-> pos n. def Also called: {necropsy, postmortem examination}. dissection and examination of a dead body to determine the cause of death. autopsy 2. syl au:top+sy pron , <1c:t*p-> pos n. def an eye witness observation. autopsy 3. syl au:top+sy pron , <1c:t*p-> pos n. def any critical analysis. autoput ety from Serbo-Croat: auto(mobile) road autoput 0. syl au:to+put pron <1c:t*u2put> pos n. def a Yugoslavian motorway. autoradiograph 0. syl au:to+ra:di:o+graph pron <2c:t*u1rAdi*2gra:f>, <-2gr@f> pos n. def a photograph showing the distribution of a radioactive substance in a specimen. The photographic plate is exposed by radiation from the specimen. Also called: {radioautograph}. &- {au@.to+ra+di@.o+graph+ic} (@!@$$:t$$$u@!re$Id$I$$#!gr@af$Ik) autoradiography sub head autoradiograph syl au:to+ra+di+og+ra+phy pron <2c:t*u2rAdi1ogr*fi> pos n. auto-rickshaw 0. syl au:to-rick:shaw pron <1c:t*u1rikSc:> pos n. usage in India def a light three-wheeled vehicle driven by a motorcycle engine. autorotation 0. syl au:to+ro+ta+tion pron <2c:t*ur*u1tAS*n> pos n. def the continuous rotation of a symmetrical body in an airflow, such as that of the rotor blades of a helicopter in an unpowered descent. autoroute 0. syl au:to+route pron <1c:t*u2ru:t> pos n. def a French motorway. autosome 0. syl au:to+some pron <1c:t*2s*um> pos n. def any chromosome that is not a sex chromosome. autosomal sub head autosome syl au:to+1so+mal pos adj. autostability 0. syl au:to+sta+bil+i:ty pron <2c:t*ust*1biliti> pos n. def the property of being stable either as a result of inherent characteristics or of built-in devices. autostrada 0. syl au:to+stra+da pron <1c:t*u2stra:d*> pos n. def an Italian motorway. autosuggestion 0. syl au:to+sug+ges+tion pron <2c:t*us*1JesC*n> pos n. def a process of suggestion in which the person unconsciously supplies or consciously attempts to supply the means of influencing his own behaviour or beliefs. autosuggestive sub head autosuggestion syl au:to+sug+1ges+tive pos adj. autotimer 0. syl au:to+tim+er pron <1c:t*u2tIm*> pos n. def a device for turning an electric cooker on and off automatically at times predetermined by advance setting. autotomise alt head autotomize or autotomize syl au+tot:o+mise pron pos vb. autotomize 0. or autotomise syl au:tot:o+mize pron pos vb. def to cause (a part of the body) to undergo autotomy. autotomies infl head autotomy syl au:tot:o+mies. pos n. mod pl. autotomy 0. syl au:tot:o+my pron pos n. def the casting off by an animal of a part of its body, to facilitate escape when attacked. autotomic sub head autotomy syl au:to+tom+ic pron <2c:t*1tomik> pos adj. autotoxemia alt head autotoxaemia or autotoxaemia syl au:to+tox+e:mi:a pron <2c:t*utok1sEmi*> pos n. qual U.S. autotoxaemia 0. or autotoxemia syl au:to+tox+ae:mi:a pron <2c:t*utok1sEmi*> pos n. def another name for {autointoxication}. autotoxin 0. syl au:to+tox+in pron <2c:t*1toksin> pos n. def any poison or toxin formed in the organism upon which it acts. See {autointoxication}. autotoxic sub head autotoxin syl au:to+1tox+ic pos adj. autotransformer 0. syl au:to+trans+form+er pron <2c:t*utr@ns1fc:m*> pos n. def a transformer in which all or part of the winding is common to both primary and secondary circuits. autotrophic 0. syl au:to+troph+ic pron <2c:t*1trofik> pos adj. usage of organisms such as green plants def capable of manufacturing complex organic nutritive compounds from simple inorganic sources such as carbon dioxide, water, and nitrates. Compare {heterotrophic}. autotype 1. syl au:to+type pron <1c:t*2tIp> pos n. def a photographic process for producing prints in black and white, using a carbon pigment. autotype 2. syl au:to+type pron <1c:t*2tIp> pos n. def an exact copy of a manuscript, etc.; facsimile. autotypic sub head autotype syl au:to+typ+ic pron <2c:t*1tipik> pos adj. autotypy sub head autotype syl au:to+2typ:y pos n. autoxidation 0.a. syl au:tox:i+da+tion pron pos n. qual Chem. def oxidation by exposure to atmospheric oxygen. autoxidation 0.b. syl au:tox:i+da+tion pron pos n. qual Chem. def oxidation that will only occur when another oxidation reaction is taking place in the same system. autumn ety C14: from Latin autumnus, perhaps of Etruscan origin autumn 1.a. syl au:tumn pron <1c:t*m> pos n. def Also called (esp. U.S.): {fall}. the season of the year between summer and winter, astronomically from the September equinox to the December solstice in the N hemisphere and from the March equinox to the June solstice in the S hemisphere. autumn 1.b. syl au:tumn pron <1c:t*m> pos n. usage as modifier exam 1 autumn leaves. autumn 2. syl au:tumn pron <1c:t*m> pos n. def a period of late maturity, esp. one followed by a decline. autumnal 0. syl au:tum+nal pron pos adj. def of, occurring in, or characteristic of autumn. autumnally sub head autumnal syl au:1tum+nal+ly pos adv. autumnal equinox 1. syl au:tum+nal e:qui+nox pos n. def the time at which the sun crosses the plane of the equator away from the relevant hemisphere, making day and night of equal length. It occurs about Sept. 23 in the N hemisphere (March 21 in the S hemisphere) autumnal equinox 2. syl au:tum+nal e:qui+nox pos n. qual Astronomy. def the point on the celestial sphere, lying in the constellation of Virgo, at which the ecliptic intersects the celestial equator. autumn crocus 0. syl au:tumn cro+cus pos n. def a liliaceous plant, of Europe and N Africa having pink or purplish autumn flowers. Also called: {meadow saffron}. Compare {saffron}. autunite 0. syl au:tun+ite pron <1c:t*2nIt> pos n. def a yellowish fluorescent radioactive mineral consisting of a hydrated calcium uranium phosphate in tetragonal crystalline form. It is found in uranium ores. Formula: Ca(UO\2)\2(PO\4)\2.10-12H\2O. Auvergne 0. syl Au:vergne pron <*u1ve*n>, <*u1vR:n>, French pos n. def a region of S central France: largely mountainous, rising over 1800 m (6000 ft.). aux 0. syl aux. qual abbrev. for def auxiliary. auxanometer ety C19: from Greek auxanein to increase+-#7meter auxanometer 0. syl aux:a+nom+e:ter pron <2c:ks*1nomit*> pos n. def an instrument that measures the linear growth of plant shoots. Aux Cayes 0. syl Aux Cayes pron <*u> <1kA>, French <1kaj> pos n. def the former name of {Les Cayes}. auxesis ety C16: via Latin from Greek: increase, from auxein to increase, grow auxesis 0. syl aux+e:sis pron , pos n. def growth in animal or plant tissues resulting from an increase in cell size without cell division. auxiliaries 0. syl aux+il:ia+ries pron , <-1zil*-> pos n. mod pl. def foreign troops serving another nation; mercenaries. auxiliary ety C17: from Latin auxili*_arius bringing aid, from auxilium help, from aug*_ere to increase, enlarge, strengthen auxiliary 1. syl aux+il:ia+ry pron , <-1zil*-> pos adj. def secondary or supplementary. auxiliary 2. syl aux+il:ia+ry pron , <-1zil*-> pos adj. def supporting. auxiliary 3. syl aux+il:ia+ry pron , <-1zil*-> pos adj. usage Nautical. of a sailing vessel def having an engine. exam 1 an auxiliary sloop. auxiliaries infl head auxiliary syl aux+il:ia+ries. pos n. mod pl. auxiliary 4. syl aux+il:ia+ry pron , <-1zil*-> pos n. def a person or thing that supports or supplements; subordinate or assistant. auxiliary 5.a. syl aux+il:ia+ry pron , <-1zil*-> pos n. def a sailing vessel with an engine. auxiliary 5.b. syl aux+il:ia+ry pron , <-1zil*-> pos n. def the engine of such a vessel. auxiliary 6. syl aux+il:ia+ry pron , <-1zil*-> pos n. qual Navy. def a vessel such as a tug, hospital ship, etc., not used for combat. auxiliary note 0. syl aux+il:ia+ry note pos n. qual Music. def a nonharmonic note occurring between two harmonic notes. auxiliary power unit 0. syl aux+il:ia+ry pow+er u:nit pos n. def an additional engine fitted to an aircraft to operate when the main engines are not in use. auxiliary verb 0. syl aux+il:ia+ry verb pos n. def a verb used to indicate the tense, voice, mood, etc., of another verb where this is not indicated by inflection, such as English in in and in etc. auxin ety C20: from Greek auxein to grow auxin 0. syl aux+in pron <1c:ksin> pos n. def any of various plant hormones, such as indoleacetic acid, that promote growth and control fruit and flower development. Synthetic auxins are widely used in agriculture and horticulture. auxochrome 0. syl aux:o+chrome pron <1c:ks*2kr*um> pos n. def a group of atoms that can be attached to a chromogen to convert it into a dye. Av 0. syl Av pron <@v> pos n. qual Hebrew. def a variant spelling of {Ab}. av 1. syl av. qual abbrev. for: def average. av 2. syl av. qual abbrev. for: def avoirdupois. av alt head Av or Av syl av. Av 0. or av syl Av. qual abbrev. for def avenue. AV alt head av or av syl A/V av 0. or AV syl a.v. qual abbrev. for def ad valorem. AV 0. syl A.V. qual abbrev. for def Authorized Version (of the Bible). A-V infl head a-v or AV syl A-V AV infl head a-v or A-V syl AV a-v 0. syl a-v qual abbrev. for def audiovisual. avadavat ety C18: from Ahmadabad, Indian city from which these birds were brought to Europe amadavat alt head avadavat or avadavat syl am:a+da+vat pron <2@m*d*1v@t> pos n. avadavat 0. or amadavat syl av:a+da+vat pron <2@v*d*1v@t> pos n. def either of two Asian weaverbirds of the genus esp. having a red plumage: often kept as cage birds. avail ety C13 availen, from vailen, from Old French valoir, from Latin val*_ere to be strong, prevail avail 1. syl a:vail pron <*1vAl> pos vb. def to be of use, advantage, profit, or assistance (to). avail oneself of 2. head avail syl avail oneself of. def to make use of to one's advantage. avail 3. syl a:vail pron <*1vAl> pos n. def use or advantage (esp. in the phrases {of no avail, to little avail) }. availingly sub head avail syl a:1vail+ing+ly pos adv. available 1. syl a:vail+a:ble pron <*1vAl*bL> pos adj. def obtainable or accessible; capable of being made use of; at hand. available 2. syl a:vail+a:ble pron <*1vAl*bL> pos adj. qual U.S. politics, derogatory. def suitable for public office, usually as a result of having an inoffensive character. exam 1 Smith was a particularly available candidate. available 3. syl a:vail+a:ble pron <*1vAl*bL> pos adj. qual Archaic. def advantageous. availability sub head available or availableness syl a:2vail+a:1bil+i:ty pos n. availableness sub head available or availability syl a:1vail+a:ble+ness pos n. availably sub head available syl a:1vail+a:bly pos adv. avalanche ety C18: from French, by mistaken division from la valanche, from valanche, from (northwestern Alps) dialect lavantse; related to Old Proven*,cal lavanca, of obscure origin avalanche 1.a. syl av:a+lanche pron <1@v*2la:nC> pos n. def a fall of large masses of snow and ice down a mountain. avalanche 1.b. syl av:a+lanche pron <1@v*2la:nC> pos n. def a fall of rocks, sand, etc. avalanche 2. syl av:a+lanche pron <1@v*2la:nC> pos n. def a sudden or overwhelming appearance of a large quantity of things. exam 1 an avalanche of letters. avalanche 3. syl av:a+lanche pron <1@v*2la:nC> pos n. qual Physics. def a group of ions produced by a single ion as a result of a collision with some other form of matter. avalanche 4. syl av:a+lanche pron <1@v*2la:nC> pos vb. def to come down overwhelmingly (upon). Avalon ety from Medieval Latin insula avallonis island of Avalon, from Old Welsh aballon apple Avalon 0. syl Av:a+lon pron <1@v*2lon> pos n. qual Celtic myth. def an island paradise in the western seas: in Arthurian legend it is where King Arthur was taken after he was mortally wounded. Avalon Peninsula 0. syl Av:a+lon Pen+in+su+la pos n. def a large peninsula of Newfoundland, between Trinity and Placentia Bays. Area: about 10000 sq. km (4000 sq. miles). avant-garde ety from French: #7vanguard &- @!a@.vant-#!gard@.ism n. &- @!a@.vant-#!gard@.ist n. avant-garde 1. syl a:vant-garde pron <2@voG1ga:d>, French pos n. def those artists, writers, musicians, etc., whose techniques and ideas are markedly experimental or in advance of those generally accepted. avant-garde 2. syl a:vant-garde pron <2@voG1ga:d>, French pos adj. def of such artists, etc., their ideas, or tech?!niques. avant-garde 3. syl a:vant-garde pron <2@voG1ga:d>, French pos adj. def radical; daring. Avar 0. syl A:var pron <1Ava:>, <1@va:> pos n. def a member of a people of unknown origin in E Europe from the sixth to the early 9th century #7a.d. : crushed by Charlemagne around 800. avarice ety C13: from Old French, from Latin avaritia, from av*_arus covetous, from av*_ere to crave avarice 0. syl av:a+rice pron <1@v*ris> pos n. def extreme greed for riches; cupidity. avaricious sub head avarice syl av:a+1ri+cious pos adj. avariciously sub head avarice syl av:a+1ri+cious+ly pos adv. avast ety C17: perhaps from Dutch hou'vast hold fast avast 0. syl a:vast pron <*1va:st> pos interj. qual Nautical. def stop&! cease&! avatar ety C18: from Sanskrit avat*_ara a going down, from avatarati he descends, from ava down+ tarati he passes over avatar 1. syl av:a+tar pron <1@v*2ta:> pos n. qual Hinduism. def the manifestation of a deity, notably Vishnu, in human, superhuman, or animal form. avatar 2. syl av:a+tar pron <1@v*2ta:> pos n. def a visible manifestation or embodiment of an abstract concept; archetype. avaunt ety C15: from Old French avant&! forward&! from Late Latin ab ante forward, from Latin ab from+ ante before avaunt 0. syl a:vaunt pron <*1vc:nt> pos interj. qual Archaic. def go away&! depart&! avdp 0. syl avdp. qual abbrev. for def avoirdupois. ave ety Latin ave 0. syl a:ve pron <1a:vi>, <1a:vA> pos interj. def welcome or farewell. Ave ety C13: from Latin: hail&! Ave 1. syl A:ve pron <1a:vi> pos n. qual R.C. Church. def short for {Ave Maria}. Ave 2. syl A:ve pron <1a:vi> pos n. qual R.C. Church. def the time for the Angelus to be recited, so called because of the threefold repetition of the Ave Maria in this devotion. Ave 3. syl A:ve pron <1a:vi> pos n. qual R.C. Church. def the beads of the rosary used to count the number of Ave Marias said. ave alt head Ave or Ave syl ave. Ave 0. or ave syl Ave. qual abbrev. for def avenue. Avebury 0. syl Ave+bur:y pron <1Avb*ri> pos n. def a village in Wiltshire, near Stonehenge: site of an extensive neolithic stone circle. Aveiro 0. syl A:vei+ro pron Portuguese <*1v*iru> pos n. def a port in N central Portugal, on the {Aveiro lagoon}: ancient Roman town; linked by canal with the Atlantic Ocean. Pop.: 51709 (1970). Ancient name: {Talabriga}. Avellaneda 0. syl A:ve+lla+ne+da pron Spanish pos n. def a city in E Argentina, an industrial suburb of Buenos Aires. Pop.: 329626 (1960). Ave Maria ety C14: from Medieval Latin: hail, Mary&! Ave Maria 0. syl A:ve Ma+ri:a pron pos n. qual R.C. Church. def a prayer to the Virgin Mary, based on the salutations of the angel Gabriel (Luke 1:28) and Elisabeth (Luke 1:42) to her; Hail Mary. avenge ety C14: from Old French avengier, from vengier, from Latin vindic*_are; see #7vengeance, vindicate avenge 0. syl a:venge pron <*1venJ> pos vb. mod usually; tr. def to inflict a punishment in retaliation for (harm, injury, etc.) done to (a person or per?!sons); take revenge for or on behalf of. exam 1 to avenge a crime; exam 2 to avenge a murdered friend. avenger sub head avenge syl a:1veng+er pos n. avens ety C15: from Old French avence, from Medieval Latin avencia variety of clover avens infl syl av+ens. pos n. mod pl. functioning as; sing. avens 1. syl av+ens pron <1@vinz> pos n. mod functioning as; sing. def any of several temperate or arctic rosaceous plants of the genus such as ({water avens}) , which has a purple calyx and orange-pink flowers. See also {herb bennet}. mountain avens 2. head avens syl mountain avens. def a trailing evergreen white-flowered rosaceous shrub, that grows on mountains in N temperate regions. Aventine 0. syl Av+en+tine pron <1@vin2tIn>, <-tin> pos n. def one of the seven hills on which Rome was built. aventurine ety C19: from French, from Italian avventurina, from avventura chance; so named because usually found by accident; see #7adventure aventurin infl head aventurine or avanturine syl a:ven+tu+rin pron <*1ventjurin> pos n. avanturine infl head aventurine or aventurin syl a:van+tu+rine pron <*1v@ntjurin> pos n. aventurine 1. syl a:ven+tu+rine pron <*1ventjurin> pos n. def a dark-coloured glass, usually green or brown, spangled with fine particles of gold, copper, or some other metal. aventurine 2. syl a:ven+tu+rine pron <*1ventjurin> pos n. def Also called: {sunstone}. a light-coloured translucent variety of orthoclase feldspar containing reddish-gold particles of iron compounds. aventurine 3. syl a:ven+tu+rine pron <*1ventjurin> pos n. def a variety of quartz containing red or greenish particles of iron oxide or mica: a gemstone. avenue ety C17: from French, from avenir to come to, from Latin adven*_ire, from ven*_ire to come avenue 1.a. syl av+e:nue pron <1@vi2nju:> pos n. def a broad street, often lined with trees. avenue 1.b. syl av+e:nue pron <1@vi2nju:> pos n. usage cap. as part of a street name def a road, esp. in a built-up area. exam 1 Shaftesbury Avenue. avenue 2. syl av+e:nue pron <1@vi2nju:> pos n. def a main approach road, as to a country house. avenue 3. syl av+e:nue pron <1@vi2nju:> pos n. def a way bordered by two rows of trees. exam 1 an avenue of oaks. avenue 4. syl av+e:nue pron <1@vi2nju:> pos n. def a line of approach. exam 1 explore every avenue. aver ety C14: from Old French averer, from Medieval Latin adv*_er*_are, from Latin v*_erus true avers infl head aver syl a:vers pos vb. mod tr. averring infl head aver syl a:ver+ring pos vb. mod tr. averred infl head aver syl a:verred. pos vb. mod tr. aver 1. syl a:ver pron <*1vR:> pos vb. mod tr. def to state positively; assert. aver 2. syl a:ver pron <*1vR:> pos vb. mod tr. qual Law. def to allege as a fact or prove to be true. averment sub head aver syl a:1ver+ment pos n. average ety C15: averay loss arising from damage to ships or cargoes (shared equitably among all concerned, hence the modern sense), from Old Italian avaria, ultimately from Arabic aw*_ar damage, blemish average 1. syl av+er+age pron <1@v*riJ>, <1avriJ> pos n. def the typical or normal amount, quality, degree, etc.. exam 1 above average in intelligence. average 2. syl av+er+age pron <1@v*riJ>, <1avriJ> pos n. def Also called: {arithmetic mean}. the result obtained by adding the numbers or quantities in a set and dividing the total by the number of members in the set. exam 1 the average of 3, 4, and 8 is 5. average 3. syl av+er+age pron <1@v*riJ>, <1avriJ> pos n. usage of a continuously variable ratio, such as speed def the quotient of the differences between the initial and final values of the two quantities that make up the ratio. exam 1 his average over the journey was 30 miles per hour. average 4.a. syl av+er+age pron <1@v*riJ>, <1avriJ> pos n. def a loss incurred or damage suffered by a ship or its cargo at sea. average 4.b. syl av+er+age pron <1@v*riJ>, <1avriJ> pos n. def the equitable apportionment of such loss among the interested parties. average 5. syl av+er+age pron <1@v*riJ>, <1avriJ> pos n. mod often; pl. qual Stock exchange. def a simple or weighted average of the prices of a selected group of securities computed in order to facilitate market comparisons. on (the 6. head average or an) average syl on (the def usually; typically. exam 1 on average, he goes twice a week. average 7. syl av+er+age pron <1@v*riJ>, <1avriJ> pos adj. def usual or typical. average 8. syl av+er+age pron <1@v*riJ>, <1avriJ> pos adj. def mediocre or inferior. exam 1 his performance was only average. average 9. syl av+er+age pron <1@v*riJ>, <1avriJ> pos adj. def constituting a numerical average. exam 1 the average age; exam 2 an average speed. average 10. syl av+er+age pron <1@v*riJ>, <1avriJ> pos adj. def approximately typical of a range of values. exam 1 the average contents of a matchbox. average 11. syl av+er+age pron <1@v*riJ>, <1avriJ> pos vb. mod tr. def to obtain or estimate a numerical average of. average 12. syl av+er+age pron <1@v*riJ>, <1avriJ> pos vb. mod tr. def to assess the general quality of. average 13. syl av+er+age pron <1@v*riJ>, <1avriJ> pos vb. mod tr. def to perform or receive a typical number of. exam 1 to average eight hours work a day. average 14. syl av+er+age pron <1@v*riJ>, <1avriJ> pos vb. mod tr. def to divide up proportionately. exam 1 they averaged the profits among the staff. average 15. syl av+er+age pron <1@v*riJ>, <1avriJ> pos vb. mod intr. def to amount to or be on average. exam 1 the children averaged 15 years of age. average 16. syl av+er+age pron <1@v*riJ>, <1avriJ> pos vb. mod intr. qual Stock exchange. def to purchase additional securities in a holding whose price has fallen ({average down}) or risen ({average up}) in anticipation of a speculative profit after further increases in price. averagely sub head average syl av+er+age+ly pos adv. average deviation 0. syl av+er+age de+vi:a+tion pos n. qual Statistics. def another name for {mean deviation}. Averno ety from Latin, from Greek aornos without birds, from #7a -%1#7+ ornis bird; referring to the legend that the lake's sulphurous exhalations killed birds Averno 0. syl A:ver+no pron Italian pos n. def a crater lake in Italy, near Naples: in ancient times regarded as an entrance to hell. Latin name: {A@.ver+nus} ($$#!v$z$:n$$s). Averroes 0. syl A:ver:ro:*"es pron <*1ver*u2Ez> pos n. def Arabic name 1126-88, Arab philosopher and physician in Spain, noted particularly for his attempts to reconcile Aristotelian philosophy with Islamic religion, which profoundly influenced Christian scholasticism. Averroism 0. syl Av+er+ro+ism pron <2@v*1r*uiz*m>, <*1ver*u-> pos n. def the teachings of Averro*"es. Averroist sub head Averroism syl Av+er+1ro+ist pos n. Averroistic sub head Averroism syl Av+er+ro+1is+tic pos adj. averse ety C16: from Latin *_aversus, from *_avertere to turn from, from vertere to turn averse 1. syl a:verse pron <*1vR:s> pos adj. usage postpositive; usually foll. by to def opposed, disinclined, or loath. averse 2. syl a:verse pron <*1vR:s> pos adj. usage of leaves, flowers, etc. def turned away from the main stem. Compare { {adverse} (sense 4)}. aversely sub head averse syl a:1verse+ly pos adv. aversion 1. syl a:ver+sion pron <*1vR:S*n> pos n. usage usually foll. by to or for def extreme dislike or disinclination; repugnance. aversion 2. syl a:ver+sion pron <*1vR:S*n> pos n. def a person or thing that arouses this. exam 1 he is my pet aversion. aversion therapy 0. syl a:ver+sion ther:a+py pos n. qual Psychiatry. def a method of suppressing an undesirable habit, such as excessive smoking, by causing the subject to associate an unpleasant effect, such as an electric shock or nausea, with the habit, etc. aversive 0. syl a:ver+sive pron <*1vR:siv> pos adj. def tending to dissuade or repel. aversively sub head aversive syl a:1ver+sive+ly pos adv. avert ety C15:@T from Old French @T avertir, @T from Latin@T *_avertere;@T see #7averse &- a@.#!vert+i@.ble or a@.#!vert+a@.ble adj. avert 1. syl a:vert pron <*1vR:t> pos vb. mod tr. def to turn away or aside. exam 1 to avert one's gaze. avert 2. syl a:vert pron <*1vR:t> pos vb. mod tr. def to ward off; prevent from occurring. exam 1 to avert danger. Aves ety pl. of Latin avis bird Aves 0. syl A:ves pron <1AvEz> pos n. mod pl. def the class of vertebrates comprising the birds. See { {bird} %1 (sense 1)}. Avesta 0. syl A:ves+ta pron <*1vest*> pos n. def a collection of sacred writings of Zoro?!astrianism, including the Songs of Zoroaster. Avestic alt head Avestan or Avestan syl A:ves+tic pron <*1vestik> pos n. Avestan 1. or Avestic syl A:ves+tan pron <*1vest*n> pos n. def the oldest recorded language of the Iranian branch of the Indo-European family; the language of the Avesta. Formerly called: {Zend}. Avestan 2. or Avestic syl A:ves+tan pron <*1vest*n> pos adj. def of or relating to the Avesta or its language. Aveyron 0. syl A:vey+ron pron French pos n. def a department of S France in Midi-Pyrenees region. Capital: Rodez. Pop.: 289352 (1975). Area: 8771 sq. km (3421 sq. miles). avg 0. syl avg. qual abbrev. for def average. avian ety C19: from Latin avis bird avian 0. syl a:vi:an pron <1Avi*n> pos adj. def of, relating to, or resembling a bird. aviary ety C16: from Latin avi*_arium, from avi*_arius concerning birds, from avis bird aviaries infl head aviary syl a:viar:ies. pos n. mod pl. aviary 0. syl a:viar:y pron <1Avj*ri> pos n. def a large enclosure in which birds are kept. aviate 0. syl a:vi+ate pron <1Avi2At> pos vb. def to pilot or fly in an aircraft. aviation ety C19: from French, from Latin avis bird aviation 1.a. syl a:vi:a+tion pron <2Avi1AS*n> pos n. def the art or science of flying aircraft. aviation 1.b. syl a:vi:a+tion pron <2Avi1AS*n> pos n. def the design, production, and maintenance of aircraft. aviation 2. syl a:vi:a+tion pron <2Avi1AS*n> pos n. qual U.S. def military aircraft collectively. aviation medicine 0. syl a:vi:a+tion med:i+cine pos n. def the branch of medicine concerned with the effects on man of flight in the earth's atmosphere. Compare {space medicine}. aviator 0. syl a:vi:a+tor pron <1Avi2At*> pos n. qual Old-fashioned. def the pilot of an aeroplane or airship; flier. aviatrix sub head aviator or aviatress syl a:vi:2a+trix pos n. mod fem. aviatress sub head aviator or aviatrix syl a:vi:2a+tress pos n. mod fem. Avicenna 0. syl Av:i:cen:na pron <2@vi1sen*> pos n. def Arabic name 980-1037, Arab philosopher and physician whose philosophical writings, which combined Aristotelianism with neo-Platonist ideas, greatly influenced scholasticism, and whose medical work was the greatest single influence on medieval medicine. aviculture 0. syl a:vi+cul+ture pron <1Avi2k^lC*> pos n. def the keeping and rearing of birds. aviculturist sub head aviculture syl a:vi+1cul+tur+ist pos n. avid ety C18: from Latin avidus, from av*_ere to long for; compare #7avaricious avid 1. syl av:id pron <1@vid> pos adj. def very keen; enthusiastic. exam 1 an avid reader. avid 2. syl av:id pron <1@vid> pos adj. usage postpositive; often foll. by for or of def eager (for); desirous (of); greedy (for). exam 1 avid for revenge. avidly sub head avid syl av+id+ly pos adv. avidin ety C20: from #7avid+ (#7biot) #7in ; from its characteristic avidity for biotin avidin 0. syl av:i+din pron <1@vidin>, <*1vidin> pos n. def a protein, found in egg-white, that combines with biotin to form a stable compound that cannot be absorbed, leading to a biotin deficiency in the consumer. Aviemore 0. syl A:vie+more pron <2@vi1mc:> pos n. def a winter sports resort in Scotland, in the Cairngorm Mountains. avifauna 0. syl a:vi+fau+na pron <2Avi1fc:n*> pos n. def all the birds in a particular region. avifaunal sub head avifauna syl a:vi+1fau+nal pos adj. Avignon 0. syl A:vi+gnon pron French pos n. def a city in SE France, on the Rh*^one: seat of the papacy (1309-77); famous 12th-century bridge, now partly destroyed. Pop.: 93024 (1975). 'Avila 0. syl *'A:vi+la pron Spanish <1a$Bila> pos n. def a city in central Spain: 11th-century granite walls and Romanesque cathedral. Pop.: 30983 (1970). avionics ety C20: from avi (ation electr) onics avionics 0. syl a:vi+on+ics pron <2Avi1oniks> pos n. mod functioning as; sing. def the science and technology of electronics applied to aeronautics and astronautics. avionic sub head avionics syl a:vi+1on+ic pos adj. avirulent 0. syl a:vir:u+lent pron <@1virul*nt> pos adj. usage esp. of bacteria def not virulent. -ses infl head avitaminosis syl -ses pron <-sEz> pos n. mod pl. avitaminosis 0. syl a:vit:a+min:o+sis pron <@2vit*min1*usis>, <2@vi2t@mi1n*usis> pos n. def any disease caused by a vitamin deficiency in the diet. avizandum ety from Medieval Latin, from avizare to consider; see #7advise avizandum 0. syl av:i+zan+dum pron <2@vi1z@nd*m> pos n. qual Scot. law. def a private consideration by a judge. Avlona 0. syl Av+lo+na pron <@v1l*un*> pos n. def the ancient name for {Vlor*"e}. AVM 0. syl A.V.M. qual abbrev. for usage in Britain def Air Vice-Marshal. avn 0. syl avn. qual abbrev. for def aviation. avocado ety C17: from Spanish aguacate, from Nahuatl ahuacatl testicle, alluding to the shape of the fruit avocados infl head avocado syl av:o+ca+dos. pos n. mod pl. avocado 1. syl av:o+ca+do pron <2@v*1ka:d*u> pos n. def a tropical American lauraceous tree, cultivated for its fruit. avocado 2. syl av:o+ca+do pron <2@v*1ka:d*u> pos n. def the pear-shaped fruit of this tree, having a leathery green or blackish skin, a large stony seed, and a greenish-yellow edible pulp. {~} Also called: {avocado pear, alligator pear}. avocation ety C17: from Latin *_avoc*_ati*_o a calling away, diversion from, from *_avoc*_are to distract, from voc*_are to call avocation 1. syl av:o+ca+tion pron <2@v*1kAS*n> pos n. qual Archaic. def a minor occupation undertaken as a diversion. avocation 2. syl av:o+ca+tion pron <2@v*1kAS*n> pos n. qual Archaic. def a person's regular job or vocation. avocet ety C18: from French avocette, from Italian avocetta, of uncertain origin avoset alt head avocet or avocet syl av:o+set pron <1@v*2set> pos n. avocet 0. or avoset syl av:o+cet pron <1@v*2set> pos n. def any of several long-legged shore birds of the genus such as the European having black-and-white plumage and a long slender upward-curving bill: family order Amedeo infl head Avogadro syl A:me:de:o pron <2amA1de:o> pos n. Avogadro 0. syl A:vo:ga:dro pron <2@v*1ga:dr*u>, Italian <2avo1ga:dro> pos n. qual Conte di Quaregna. def 1776-1856, Italian physicist, noted for his work on gases. number alt head Avogadro constant or Avogadro constant syl num+ber pos n. Avogadro constant 0. or number syl A:vo:ga:dro con+stant pos n. def the number of atoms or molecules in a mole of a substance, equal to 6.02252 #M 10%2%3 per mole. Symbol. exam 1 L hypothesis alt head Avogadro's law or Avogadro's law syl hy+poth+e:sis pos n. Avogadro's law 0. or hypothesis syl A:vo:ga:dro's law pos n. def the principle that equal volumes of all gases contain the same number of molecules at the same temperature and pressure. avoid ety C14: from Anglo-French avoider, from Old French esvuidier, from vuidier to empty, #7void avoid 1. syl a:void pron <*1vcid> pos vb. mod tr. def to keep out of the way of. avoid 2. syl a:void pron <*1vcid> pos vb. mod tr. def to refrain from doing. avoid 3. syl a:void pron <*1vcid> pos vb. mod tr. def to not allow to happen. exam 1 to avoid damage to machinery. avoid 4. syl a:void pron <*1vcid> pos vb. mod tr. qual Law. def to make (a plea, contract, etc.) void; invalidate; quash. avoid 5. syl a:void pron <*1vcid> pos vb. mod tr. qual Obsolete. def to expel. avoid 6. syl a:void pron <*1vcid> pos vb. mod tr. qual Obsolete. def to depart from. avoidable sub head avoid syl a:1void+a:ble pos adj. avoidably sub head avoid syl a:1void+a:bly pos adv. avoider sub head avoid syl a:1void+er pos n. avoidance 1. syl a:void+ance pron <*1vcid*ns> pos n. def the act of keeping away from or preventing from happening. avoidance 2.a. syl a:void+ance pron <*1vcid*ns> pos n. def the act of annulling or making void. avoidance 2.b. syl a:void+ance pron <*1vcid*ns> pos n. def the countering of an opponent's plea with fresh evidence. avoidance 3. syl a:void+ance pron <*1vcid*ns> pos n. qual Ecclesiastical law. def the state of a benefice having no incumbent. avoir 0. syl avoir. qual abbrev. for def avoirdupois. avoirdupois ety C14: from Old French aver de peis goods of weight avoirdupois weight alt head avoirdupois or avoirdupois syl av+oir+du+pois weight pron <2@v*d*1pciz>, <2@vwa:dju:1pwa:> pos n. avoirdupois 0. or avoirdupois weight syl av+oir+du+pois pron <2@v*d*1pciz>, <2@vwa:dju:1pwa:> pos n. def a system of weights used in many English-speaking countries. It is based on the pound, which contains 16 ounces or 7000 grains. 100 pounds (U.S.) or 112 pounds (Brit.) is equal to 1 hundredweight and 20 hundredweights equals 1 ton. Avon H1.1. syl A:von pron <1AvN> pos n. usage since 1974 def a county of SW England, comprising areas that were formerly parts of N Somerset and Gloucestershire. Administrative centre: Bristol. Pop.: 920200 (1976 est.). Area: 1336 sq. km (516 sq. miles). Avon H1.2. syl A:von pron <1AvN> pos n. def a river in central England, rising in Northamptonshire and flowing southwest through Stratford-upon-Avon to the River Severn at Tewkesbury. Length: 154 km (96 miles). Avon H1.3. syl A:von pron <1AvN> pos n. def a river in SW England, rising in Gloucestershire and flowing south and west through Bristol to the Severn estuary at {Avonmouth}. Length: 120 km (75 miles). Avon H1.4. syl A:von pron <1AvN> pos n. def a river in S England, rising in Wiltshire and flowing south to the English Channel. Length: about 96 km (60 miles). Earl of infl head Avon syl Earl of. pos n. Avon H2.0. syl A:von pron <1AvN> pos n. def title of (Anthony) {Eden}. avouch ety C16: from Old French avochier to summon, call on, from Latin advoc*_are; see #7advocate avouch 1. syl a:vouch pron <*1vauC> pos vb. mod tr. qual Archaic. def to vouch for; guarantee. avouch 2. syl a:vouch pron <*1vauC> pos vb. mod tr. qual Archaic. def to acknowledge. avouch 3. syl a:vouch pron <*1vauC> pos vb. mod tr. qual Archaic. def to assert. avouchment sub head avouch syl a:1vouch+ment pos n. avow ety C13: from Old French avouer to confess, from Latin advoc*_are to appeal to, call upon; see #7avouch, advocate avow 1. syl a:vow pron <*1vau> pos vb. mod tr. def to state or affirm. avow 2. syl a:vow pron <*1vau> pos vb. mod tr. def to admit openly. avow 3. syl a:vow pron <*1vau> pos vb. mod tr. qual Law, rare. def to justify or maintain (some action taken). avowable sub head avow syl a:1vow+a:ble pos adj. avowal sub head avow syl a:1vow+al pos n. avowed sub head avow syl a:vowed pron <*1vaud> pos adj. avowedly sub head avow syl a:vow+ed+ly pron <*1vauidli> pos adv. avower sub head avow syl a:1vow+er pos n. avulsion ety C17: from Latin *_avulsi*_o, from *_avellere to pluck away, from vellere to pull, pluck avulsion 1. syl a:vul+sion pron <*1v^lS*n> pos n. def a forcible tearing away or separation of a bodily structure or part, either as the result of injury or as an intentional surgical procedure. avulsion 2. syl a:vul+sion pron <*1v^lS*n> pos n. qual Law. def the sudden removal of soil from one person's land to that of another, as by flooding. avuncular ety C19: from Latin avunculus (maternal) uncle, diminutive of avus grandfather avuncular 1. syl a:vun+cu+lar pron <*1v^Gkjul*> pos adj. def of or concerned with an uncle. avuncular 2. syl a:vun+cu+lar pron <*1v^Gkjul*> pos adj. def resembling an uncle; friendly, helpful. avunculate 1. syl a:vun+cu+late pron <*1v^Gkjulit> pos n. def the custom in some societies of assigning rights and duties to a maternal uncle concerning his sister's son. avunculate 2. syl a:vun+cu+late pron <*1v^Gkjulit> pos adj. def of, relating to, or governed by this custom. aw H1.0. syl aw pron pos adj. qual Scot. def a variant spelling of {a'} (all). aw H2.0. syl aw pron pos interj. qual Informal, chiefly U.S. def an expression of disapproval, commiseration, or appeal. aw 0. syl a.w. qual abbrev. for def all water (shipping). await 1. syl a:wait pron <*1wAt> pos vb. mod tr. def to wait for; expect. await 2. syl a:wait pron <*1wAt> pos vb. mod tr. def to be in store for. await 3. syl a:wait pron <*1wAt> pos vb. mod intr. def to wait, esp. with expectation. await 4. syl a:wait pron <*1wAt> pos vb. mod tr. qual Obsolete. def to wait for in order to ambush. awake ety Old English awacian, awacan; see #7wake %1#e Usage. See at wake%1. awakes infl head awake syl a:wakes pos vb. awaking awoke infl head awake or awaked awoken syl a:wak+ing; a:woke pos vb. awaked awoken infl head awake or awaked syl a:waked; a:wok+en pos vb. awaked infl head awake or awaked awoken syl a:waked. pos vb. awake 1. syl a:wake pron <*1wAk> pos vb. def to emerge or rouse from sleep; wake. awake 2. syl a:wake pron <*1wAk> pos vb. def to become or cause to become alert. awake 3. syl a:wake pron <*1wAk> pos vb. usage usually foll. by to def to become or make aware (of). exam 1 to awake to reality. awake 4. syl a:wake pron <*1wAk> pos vb. def Also: {awaken}. to arouse (feelings, etc.) or cause to remember (memories, etc.). {~} awake 5. syl a:wake pron <*1wAk> pos vb. def not sleeping. awake 6. syl a:wake pron <*1wAk> pos vb. usage sometimes foll. by to def lively or alert. award ety C14: from Anglo-Norman awarder, from Old Northern French eswarder to decide after investigation, from es- #7ex -%1#7+ warder to observe; see #7ward award 1. syl a:ward pron <*1wc:d> pos vb. mod tr. def to give (something due), esp. as a reward for merit. exam 1 to award prizes. award 2. syl a:ward pron <*1wc:d> pos vb. mod tr. qual Law. def to declare to be entitled, as by decision of a court of law or an arbitrator. award 3. syl a:ward pron <*1wc:d> pos n. mod tr. def something awarded, such as a prize or medal. exam 1 an award for bravery. award 4.a. syl a:ward pron <*1wc:d> pos n. mod tr. def the decision of an arbitrator. award 4.b. syl a:ward pron <*1wc:d> pos n. mod tr. def a grant made by a court of law, esp. of damages in a civil action. awardable sub head award syl a:1ward+a:ble pos adj. awardee sub head award syl a:2ward:1ee pos n. awarder sub head award syl a:1ward+er pos n. award wage 0. syl a:ward wage pos n. usage in Australia def statutory minimum pay. Sometimes shortened to {award}. aware ety Old English gew@ar; related to Old Saxon, Old High German giwar Latin ver*_er*_i to be fearful; see #7beware, wary aware 1. syl a:ware pron <*1we*> pos adj. usage postpositive; foll. by of def having knowl?!edge; cognizant. exam 1 aware of his error. aware 2. syl a:ware pron <*1we*> pos adj. def informed of current developments. exam 1 politically aware. awareness sub head aware syl a:1ware+ness pos n. awash 1. syl a:wash pron <*1woS> pos adv. adj. qual Nautical. usage postpositive def at a level even with the surface of the sea. awash 2. syl a:wash pron <*1woS> pos adv. adj. qual Nautical. usage postpositive def washed over by the waves. away ety Old English on wea on way away 1. syl a:way pron <*1wA> pos adv. def from a particular place; off. exam 1 to swim away. away 2. syl a:way pron <*1wA> pos adv. def in or to another, usual, or proper place. exam 1 to put toys away. away 3. syl a:way pron <*1wA> pos adv. def apart; at a distance. exam 1 to keep away from strangers. away 4. syl a:way pron <*1wA> pos adv. def out of existence. exam 1 the music faded away. away 5. syl a:way pron <*1wA> pos adv. def indicating motion, displacement, transfer, etc., from a normal or proper place, from a person's own possession, etc.. exam 1 to turn one's head away; exam 2 to give away money. away 6. syl a:way pron <*1wA> pos adv. def indicating activity that is wasteful or designed to get rid of something. exam 1 to sleep away the hours. away 7. syl a:way pron <*1wA> pos adv. def continuously. exam 1 laughing away; exam 2 fire away. away with 8. head away syl away with. def a command for a person to go or be removed. exam 1 away with you; exam 2 away with him to prison&! far 9. head away or out and away syl far def by far. exam 1 far and away the biggest meal he'd ever eaten. away 10. syl a:way pron <*1wA> pos adv. def not present. exam 1 away from school. away 11. syl a:way pron <*1wA> pos adv. def distant. exam 1 he is a good way away. away 12. syl a:way pron <*1wA> pos adv. def having started; released. exam 1 he was away before sunrise; exam 2 bombs away&! away 13. syl a:way pron <*1wA> pos adv. qual Sport. usage also prenominal def played on an opponent's ground. exam 1 an away game. away 14. syl a:way pron <*1wA> pos adv. usage Golf. of a ball or player def farthest from the hole. away 15. syl a:way pron <*1wA> pos adv. usage Baseball. of a player def having been put out. away 16. syl a:way pron <*1wA> pos adv. qual Horse racing. def relating to the outward portion or first half of a race. {~} away 17. syl a:way pron <*1wA> pos adv. qual Sport. def a game played or won at an opponent's ground. {~} away 18. syl a:way pron <*1wA> pos adv. def an expression of dismissal. awe ety C13: from Old Norse agi; related to Gothic agis fear, Greek akhesthai to be grieved awe 1. syl awe pron pos n. def overwhelming wonder, admiration, respect, or dread. awe 2. syl awe pron pos n. qual Archaic. def power to inspire fear or reverence. awe 3. syl awe pron pos vb. mod tr. def to inspire with reverence or dread. aweless sub head awe or awless syl awe+less pos adj. awless sub head awe or aweless syl aw+less pos adj. qual U.S. aweather 0. syl a:weath+er pron <*1we@d*> pos adv. adj. qual Nautical. usage postpositive def towards the weather. exam 1 with the helm aweather. aweigh 0. syl a:weigh pron <*1wA> pos adj. usage postpositive; Nautical. of an anchor def no longer hooked into the bottom; hanging by its rode. awe-inspiring 0. syl awe-in:spir:ing pos adj. def causing or worthy of admiration or respect; amazing or magnificent. awesome 0. syl awe+some pron <1c:s*m> pos adj. def inspiring or displaying awe. awesomely sub head awesome syl awe+some+ly pos adv. awesomeness sub head awesome syl awe+some+ness pos n. awe-struck alt head awe-stricken or awe-stricken syl awe-struck pos adj. awe-stricken 0. or awe-struck syl awe-strick+en pos adj. def overcome or filled with awe. awful ety C13: see #7awe, -#7ful awful 1. syl aw+ful pron <1c:ful> pos adj. def nasty or ugly. awful 2. syl aw+ful pron <1c:ful> pos adj. qual Archaic. def inspiring reverence or dread. awful 3. syl aw+ful pron <1c:ful> pos adj. qual Archaic. def overcome with awe; reverential. awfulness sub head awful syl aw+ful+ness pos n. awfully 1. syl aw+ful+ly pron <1c:f*li>, <1c:fli> pos adv. def in an unpleasant, bad, or reprehensible manner. awfully 3. syl aw+ful+ly pron <1c:f*li>, <1c:fli> pos adv. qual Archaic. def so as to express or inspire awe. awheel 0. syl a:wheel pron <*1wEl> pos adv. def on wheels. awhile 0. syl a:while pron <*1wIl> pos adv. def for a brief period. awkward ety C14: awk, from Old Norse *"ofugr turned the wrong way round+-#7ward awkward 1. syl awk+ward pron <1c:kw*d> pos adj. def lacking dexterity, proficiency, or skill; clumsy; inept. exam 1 the new recruits were awkward in their exercises. awkward 2. syl awk+ward pron <1c:kw*d> pos adj. def ungainly or inelegant in movements or posture. awkward 3. syl awk+ward pron <1c:kw*d> pos adj. def unwieldy; difficult to use. exam 1 an awkward implement. awkward 4. syl awk+ward pron <1c:kw*d> pos adj. def embar?!rassing. exam 1 an awkward moment. awkward 5. syl awk+ward pron <1c:kw*d> pos adj. def embarrassed. exam 1 he felt awkward about leaving. awkward 6. syl awk+ward pron <1c:kw*d> pos adj. def difficult to deal with; requiring tact. exam 1 an awkward situation; exam 2 an awkward customer. awkward 7. syl awk+ward pron <1c:kw*d> pos adj. def dangerous or difficult. exam 1 an awkward ascent of the ridge. awkward 8. syl awk+ward pron <1c:kw*d> pos adj. qual Obsolete. def perverse. awkwardly sub head awkward syl awk+ward+ly pos adv. awkwardness sub head awkward syl awk+ward+ness pos n. awl ety Old English *_@al; related to Old Norse alr, Old High German *_ala, Dutch aal, Sanskrit *_ar*_a awl 0. syl awl pron pos n. def a pointed hand tool with a fluted blade used for piercing wood, leather, etc. See also {bradawl}. awlwort 0. syl awl+wort pron <1c:l2wR:t> pos n. def a small stemless aquatic plant, of the N hemisphere, having slender sharp-pointed leaves and minute submerged white flowers: family (crucifers). awn ety Old English agen ear of grain; related to Old Norse *"ogn chaff, Gothic ahana, Old High German agana, Greek ak*_on javelin awn 0. syl awn pron pos n. def any of the bristles growing from the flowering parts of certain grasses and cereals. awned sub head awn syl awned pos adj. awnless sub head awn syl awn+less pos adj. awning ety C17: of uncertain origin awning 0. syl awn+ing pron <1c:niG> pos n. def a roof of canvas or other material supported by a frame to provide protection from the weather, esp. one placed over a doorway or part of a deck of a ship. awoke 0. syl a:woke pron <*1w*uk> pos vb. def a past tense or (now rare or dialectal) past participle of {awake}. AWOL alt or AWOL syl AWOL pron pos adj. AWOL 0. or AWOL syl A.W.O.L. pron pos adj. qual Military. def absent without leave; absent from one's post or duty without official permission but without intending to desert. awry ety C14 on wry; see {#7a -%1#7}, wry awry 1. syl a:wry pron <*1rI> pos adv. adj. usage postpositive def with a slant or twist to one side; askew. awry 2. syl a:wry pron <*1rI> pos adv. adj. usage postpositive def away from the appropriate or right course; amiss. AWU 0. syl A.W.U. qual abbrev. for def Australian Workers' Union. ax 0. syl ax. qual abbrev. for def axiom. axe ety Old English @ax; related to Old Frisian axa, Old High German acchus, Old Norse *"ox, Latin ascia, Greek axin*_e ax alt head axe or axe syl ax pron <@ks> pos n. qual U.S. axes infl head axe syl ax:es. pos n. mod pl. axe 1. or ax syl axe pron <@ks> pos n. def a hand tool with one side of its head forged and sharpened to a cutting edge, used for felling trees, splitting timber, etc. See also {hatchet}. axe 2.a. or ax syl axe pron <@ks> pos n. def an ulterior motive. axe 2.b. or ax syl axe pron <@ks> pos n. def a grievance. axe 2.c. or ax syl axe pron <@ks> pos n. def a pet subject. axe 3.a. or ax syl axe pron <@ks> pos n. def dismissal, esp. from employment; the sack (esp. in the phrase {get the axe) }. axe 3.b. or ax syl axe pron <@ks> pos n. qual Brit. def severe cutting down of expenditure, esp. the removal of unprofitable sections of a public service. axe 4. or ax syl axe pron <@ks> pos n. qual U.S. slang. def any musical instrument. axe 5. or ax syl axe pron <@ks> pos vb. mod tr. def to chop or trim with an axe. axe 6. or ax syl axe pron <@ks> pos vb. mod tr. qual Informal. def to dismiss (employees), restrict (expenditure or services), or terminate (a project, etc.). axe-breaker 0. syl axe-break:er pos n. qual Austral. def an Australian oleaceous tree, yielding very hard timber. axel ety C20: named after Axel Paulsen (d. 1938), Norwegian skater axel 0. syl ax:el pron <1@ks*l> pos n. qual Skating. def a jump in which the skater takes off from the forward outside edge of one skate, makes one and a half turns in the air, and lands on the backward outside edge of the other skate. axenic ety C20: see #7a -%1#7, xeno -#7, -#7ic axenic 0. syl a:xen+ic pron pos adj. usage of a biological culture or culture medium def free from undesirable microorganisms; uncontaminated. axes H1.0. syl ax:es pron <1@ksEz> pos n. def the plural of {axis%1}. axes H2.0. syl ax:es pron <1@ksiz> pos n. def the plural of {axe}. axial 1. syl ax+i:al pron <1@ksi*l> pos adj. def relating to, forming, or characteristic of an axis. axial 2. syl ax+i:al pron <1@ksi*l> pos adj. def situated in, on, or along an axis. &- {@!ax@.i+#!al+i@.ty} axially sub head axial syl ax:i+al+ly pos adv. axial flow compressor 0. syl ax+i:al flow com+pres+sor pos n. def a device for compressing a gas by accelerating it tangentially by means of bladed rotors, to increase its kinetic energy, and then diffusing it through static vanes (stators), to increase its pressure. axial skeleton 0. syl ax+i:al skel+e:ton pos n. def the bones that together comprise the skull and the vertebral column. axil ety C18: from Latin axilla armpit axil 0. syl ax:il pron <1@ksil> pos n. def the angle between the upper surface of a branch or leaf stalk and the stem from which it grows. axile 0. syl ax+ile pron <1@ksil>, <-sIl> pos adj. qual Botany. def of, relating to, or attached to the axis. exam 1 axile placentation. axilla ety C17: from Latin: armpit axillae infl head axilla syl ax+il+lae pron <-lE> pos n. mod pl. axilla 1. syl ax+il+la pron <@k1sil*> pos n. def the technical name for the {armpit}. axilla 2. syl ax+il+la pron <@k1sil*> pos n. def the area on the undersurface of a bird's wing corresponding to the armpit. axillary 1. syl ax+il+lar:y pron <@k1sil*ri> pos adj. def of, relating to, or near the armpit. axillary 2. syl ax+il+lar:y pron <@k1sil*ri> pos adj. qual Botany. def growing in or related to the axil. exam 1 an axillary bud. axillaries infl head axillary syl ax+il+lar:ies. pos n. mod pl. axillary 3. syl ax+il+lar:y pron <@k1sil*ri> pos n. def Also called: {ax+il+lar} (@ak#!s$Il$$, #!@aks$Il$$). one of the feathers growing from the axilla of a bird's wing. axiology ety C20: from Greek axios worthy axiology 1. syl ax:i+ol+o:gy pron <2@ksi1ol*Ji> pos n. qual Philosophy. def the theory of values. axiology 2. syl ax:i+ol+o:gy pron <2@ksi1ol*Ji> pos n. qual Philosophy. def the study of moral or aesthetic value judgments. axiological sub head axiology syl ax:i:o+log:i+cal pron <2@ksi*?!1loJikL> pos adj. axiologically sub head axiology syl ax:i:o+1log:i+cal+ly pos adv. axiologist sub head axiology syl ax:i+1ol:o+gist pos n. axiom ety C15: from Latin axi*_oma a principle, from Greek, from axioun to consider worthy, from axios worthy axiom 1. syl ax:i+om pron <1@ksi*m> pos n. def a generally accepted proposition or principle, sanctioned by experience; maxim. axiom 2. syl ax:i+om pron <1@ksi*m> pos n. def a universally established principle or law that is not a necessary truth. exam 1 the axioms of politics. axiom 3. syl ax:i+om pron <1@ksi*m> pos n. qual Logic, maths. def a self-consistent self-evident statement that is a universally accepted truth resting on intuition rather than experience and forming the basis of reasoning. axiomatical alt head axiomatic or axiomatic syl ax:i:o+mat:i+cal pos adj. axiomatic 1. or axiomatical syl ax:i:o+mat+ic pron <2@ksi*1m@tik> pos adj. def relating to or resembling an axiom; self-evident. axiomatic 2. or axiomatical syl ax:i:o+mat+ic pron <2@ksi*1m@tik> pos adj. def containing maxims; aphoristic. axiomatically sub head axiomatic syl ax:i:o+1mat:i+cal+ly pos adv. axis ety C14: from Latin: axletree, earth's axis; related to Greek ax*_on axis axes infl head axis syl ax:es pron <1@ksEz> pos n. mod pl. axis H1.1. syl ax:is pron <1@ksis> pos n. def a real or imaginary line about which a body, such as an aircraft, can rotate or about which an object, form, composition, or geometrical construction is symmetrical. axis H1.2. syl ax:is pron <1@ksis> pos n. def one of two or three reference lines used in coordinate geometry to locate a point in a plane or in space. axis H1.3. syl ax:is pron <1@ksis> pos n. qual Anatomy. def the second cervical vertebra. Compare { {atlas} (sense 3)}. axis H1.4. syl ax:is pron <1@ksis> pos n. qual Botany. def the main central part of a plant, typically consisting of the stem and root, from which second?!ary branches and other parts develop. axis H1.5. syl ax:is pron <1@ksis> pos n. def an alliance between a number of states to coordinate their foreign policy. axis H1.6. syl ax:is pron <1@ksis> pos n. def Also called: {principal axis}. the line of symmetry of an optical system, such as the line passing through the centre of a lens. axis H1.7. syl ax:is pron <1@ksis> pos n. qual Geology. def an imaginary line along the crest of an anticline or the trough of a syncline. axis H1.8. syl ax:is pron <1@ksis> pos n. qual Crystallog. def one of three lines passing through the centre of a crystal and used to characterize its symmetry. axis ety C18: from Latin: Indian wild animal, of uncertain identity axises infl head axis syl ax+is:es. pos n. mod pl. axis H2.0. syl ax:is pron <1@ksis> pos n. def any of several S Asian deer of the genus esp. They typically have a reddish-brown white-spotted coat and slender antlers. the 0.a. head Axis syl the. def the alliance of Nazi Germany, Fascist Italy, and Japan, established in 1936 and lasting until their defeat in World War II. Axis 0.b. syl Ax:is pron <1@ksis> pos n. usage as modifier exam 1 the Axis powers. axle ety C17: from Old Norse *"oxull; related to German Achse; see #7axis %1 axle 0. syl ax:le pron <1@ks*l> pos n. def a bar or shaft on which a wheel, pair of wheels, or other rotating member revolves. axletree 0. syl ax:le+tree pron <1@ks*l2trE> pos n. def a bar fixed across the underpart of a wagon or carriage that has rounded ends on which the wheels revolve. Axminster carpet ety after Axminster, in Devon, where such carpets are made Axminster carpet 0. syl Ax+min+ster car+pet pron <1@ks2minst*> pos n. def a type of patterned carpet with a cut pile. Often shortened to {Axminster}. axolotl ety C18: from Nahuatl, from atl water+ xolotl servant, doll axolotl 1. syl ax:o+lotl pron <1@ks*2lotL> pos n. def any of several aquatic salamanders of the North American genus esp. ({Mexican axolotl}) , in which the larval form (including external gills) is retained throughout life under natural conditions (see {neoteny}) : family axolotl 2. syl ax:o+lotl pron <1@ks*2lotL> pos n. def any of various other North American salamanders in which neoteny occurs or is induced. axon ety C19: via New Latin from Greek: axis, axle, vertebra axone alt head axon or axon syl ax+one pron <1@ks*un> pos n. axon 0. or axone syl ax:on pron <1@kson> pos n. def the long threadlike extension of a nerve cell that conducts nerve impulses from the cell body. Compare {dendrite}. axonal sub head axon syl ax+on+al pos adj. axseed 0. syl ax+seed pron <1@ks2sEd> pos n. def another name for {crown vetch}. Axum 0. syl Ax:um pron <1a:ksum> pos n. def a variant spelling of {Aksum}. ay ety C12 ai, from Old Norse ei; related to Old English *_a always, Latin aevum an age, Greek ai*_on ay H1.0. syl ay pron pos interj. qual Archaic, poetic. def an expression of misery or surprise. aye alt head ay or ay syl aye pron pos adv. ay H2.0. or aye syl ay pron pos adv. qual Archaic, poetic. def ever; always. ay H3.0. syl ay pron def a variant spelling of {aye}. Ayacucho 0. syl A:ya+cu+cho pron Spanish <2aja1kuCo> pos n. def a city in SE Peru: nearby is the site of the battle (1824) that won independence for Peru. Pop.: 26400 (1970 est.). ayah ety C18: from Hindi *_ay*_a, from Portuguese aia, from Latin avia grandmother ayah 0. syl a:yah pron <1I*> pos n. usage in the East, Africa, and other parts of the former British Empire def a maidservant, nursemaid, or governess. ayahuasca ety C20: from Quechua ayahuasca 0. syl a:ya+huas+ca pron <2I*1wa:sk*> pos n. def a Brazilian plant, that has winged fruits and yields a powerful hallucinogenic alkaloid sometimes used to treat certain disorders of the central nervous system: family Aycliffe 0. syl Ay+cliffe pron <1Aklif> pos n. def a town in Co. Durham: founded as a new town in 1947. Pop.: 20190 (1971). Aidin alt head Aydin or Aydin syl Ai:din pron <1Idin> pos n. Aydin 0. or Aidin syl Ay+din pron <1Idin> pos n. def a town in SW Turkey: an ancient city of Lydia. Pop.: 50551 (1970). Ancient name: {Tralles}. aye ety C16: probably from pronoun I, expressing assent ay alt head aye or aye syl ay pron aye 0. or ay syl aye pron exam 1 sentence substitute. aye 1. or ay syl aye pron def yes: archaic or dialectal except in voting by voice. aye 2.a. or ay syl aye pron def an expression of compliance, esp. used by seamen. aye 2.b. or ay syl aye pron qual Brit. def an expression of amused surprise, esp. at encountering something that confirms one's suspicions, expectations, etc. aye 3.a. or ay syl aye pron pos n. def a person who votes in the affirmative. aye 3.b. or ay syl aye pron pos n. def an affirmative vote. aye xref or ay syl aye pron def Compare {nay}. aye-aye ety C18: from French, from Malagasay aiay, probably of imitative origin aye-aye 0. syl aye-aye pron <1ai2ai> pos n. def a rare nocturnal arboreal prosimian primate of Madagascar, related to the lemurs: family It has long bony fingers and rodent-like incisor teeth adapted for feeding on insect larvae and bamboo pith. Ayer 0. syl Ayer pron pos n. def Sir {A l@.fred J ules }. born 1910, English positivist philosopher, noted particularly for his antimetaphysical work (1936). Ayers Rock 0. syl Ayers Rock pron pos n. def the world's largest monolith, in the Northern Territory of Australia. Height: 330 m (1100 ft.). Base circumference: 9 km (5.6 miles). Ayesha 0. syl A:ye:sha pron <1a:E2Sa:> pos n. def a variant spelling of {Aisha}. ayin ety Hebrew ain alt head ayin or ayin syl a:in pron <1a:jin>, Hebrew <1ajEn> pos n. ayin 0. or ain syl a:yin pron <1a:jin>, Hebrew <1ajEn> pos n. def the 16th letter in the Hebrew alphabet ( #800054) , originally a pharyngeal fricative, that is now silent and transliterated by a centred period (@.). Aylesbury 0. syl Ayles+bur:y pron <1Alzb*ri>, <-bri> pos n. def a town in SE central England, administrative centre of Buckinghamshire. Pop.: 38499 (1971). Aymara ety from Spanish aimar*'a, of American Indian origin Aymaras infl head Aymara or Aymara syl Ay+ma+ras pos n. mod pl. Aymara infl or Aymaras syl Ay+ma+ra pos n. mod pl. Aymara 1. syl Ay+ma+ra pron <2Im*1ra:> pos n. def a member of a South American Indian people of Bolivia and Peru. Aymara 2. syl Ay+ma+ra pron <2Im*1ra:> pos n. def the language of this people, probably related to Quechua. Aymaran sub head Aymara syl Ay+ma+1ran pos adj. Marcel infl head Aym'e syl Mar:cel pron pos n. Aym'e 0. syl Ay:m*'e pron French pos n. def 1902-67, French writer: noted for his light and witty narratives. Ayr 1. syl Ayr pron pos n. def a port in SW Scotland, in Strathclyde region. Pop.: 47884 (1971). Ayr 2. syl Ayr pron pos n. usage until 1975 def a county of SW Scotland, now part of Strathclyde region. Ayrshire 0. syl Ayr+shire pron <1e*Si*>, <-S*> pos n. def any one of a hardy breed of brown and white dairy cattle. Mohammed infl head Ayub Khan syl Mo:ham:med. pos n. Ayub Khan 0. syl A:yub Khan pron <1ka:n> pos n. def 1907-74, Pakistani field marshal; president of Pakistan (1958-69). Ayurveda ety from Sanskrit, from *_ayur life+ veda knowledge Ayurveda 0. syl A:yur+ve:da pron <1a:ju2vAd*>, <-2vEd*> pos n. qual Hinduism. def an ancient medical treatise on the art of healing and prolonging life, sometimes regarded as a fifth Veda. Ayurvedic sub head Ayurveda syl A:yur+1ve:dic pos adj. Ayutthaya 0. syl A:yut+tha+ya pron pos n. def a city in S Thailand, on the Chao Phraya River: capital of the country until 1767; noted for its canals and ruins. Pop.: 501000 (1970). Also: {A@.yudh+ya} ($a$:#!ju$:dj$$), {A@.yu+thi@.a} ($a$:#!ju$:#Gg$I$$). az 0. syl az. qual abbrev. for def azimuth. aza- ety C20: from #7az (#7o) -#7+ - a- azalea ety C18: via New Latin from Greek, from azaleos dry; from its supposed preference for a dry situation azalea 0. syl a:zal:ea pron <*1zAlj*> pos n. def any ericaceous plant of the group formerly a separate genus but now included in the genus cultivated for their showy pink or purple flowers. azan ety from Arabic adh*_an, from adhina to proclaim, invite; see #7muezzin azan 0. syl a:zan pron pos n. qual Islam. def the call to prayer five times a day, usually by a muezzin from a minaret. Manuel infl head Azana syl Ma:nuel pron pos n. Azana 0. syl A:za:*~na pron Spanish pos n. def 1880-1940, Spanish statesman; president of the Spanish Republic (1936-39) until overthrown by Franco. azathioprine ety C20: from #7aza -#7+thio -#7+p (#7u) #7rine azathioprine 0. syl az:a+thi:o+prine pron <2@z*1TI*2prEn> pos n. def a synthetic drug that suppresses the normal immune responses of the body and is administered orally during and after organ transplantation and also in certain types of anaemia and rheumatoid arthritis. Formula: C\9H\7N\7O\2S. Azazel 1. syl A:za+zel pron <*1zAzL>, <1@z*2zel> pos n. qual Old Testament. def a desert demon to whom the scapegoat bearing the sins of Israel was sent out once a year on the Day of Atonement (Leviticus 16:1-28). Azazel 2. syl A:za+zel pron <*1zAzL>, <1@z*2zel> pos n. usage in later Jewish and Gnostic writings and in Muslim tradition def a prince of demons. Azbine 0. syl Az+bine pron <@z1bEn> pos n. def another name for {A*"ir}. azedarach ety C18: from French az*'edarac, from Persian *_az*_ad dirakht, from *_az*_ad free, noble+ dirakht tree azedarach 1. syl a:zed:a+rach pron <*1zed*2r@k> pos n. def the astringent bark of the china?!berry tree, formerly used as an emetic and cathartic. azedarach 2. syl a:zed:a+rach pron <*1zed*2r@k> pos n. def another name for { {chinaberry} (sense 1)}. azeotrope ety C20: from {#7a -%1}#7+ zeo-, from Greek zein to boil+-#7trope azeotrope 0. syl a:ze:o+trope pron <*1zE*2tr*up> pos n. def a mixture of liquids that boils at a constant temperature, at a given pressure, without change of composition. azeotropic sub head azeotrope syl a:ze:o+trop+ic pron <2Azi*1tropik> pos adj. Azerbaijan 0. syl A:zer+bai+jan pron <2@z*bI1Ja:n> pos n. def a mountainous region of NW Iran, separated from Soviet Azerbaijan by the Aras River: divided administratively into {Eastern Azerbaijan} and {Western Azerbaijan}. Capitals: Tabriz and Rezaiyeh. Pop.: 3600000 (1977 est.). Azerbaijani infl or Azerbaijanis syl A:zer+bai+ja+ni pos n. mod pl. Azerbaijanis infl head Azerbaijani or Azerbaijani syl A:zer+bai+ja+nis pos n. mod pl. Azerbaijani 1. syl A:zer+bai+ja+ni pron <2@z*bI1Ja:ni> pos n. def a native or inhabitant of Azerbaijan. Azerbaijani 2. syl A:zer+bai+ja+ni pron <2@z*bI1Ja:ni> pos n. def the language of this people, belonging to the Turkic branch of the Altaic family. Azerbaijan Soviet Socialist Republic 0. syl A:zer+bai+jan So+vi+et So+cial+ist Re+pub+lic pos n. def an administrative division of the S Soviet Union, on the Caspian Sea in the east: consists of dry subtropical steppes around the Aras and Kura Rivers, surrounded by the Caucasus; contains the extensive Baku oilfields. Capital: Baku. Pop.: 5117081 (1970). Area: 86600 sq. km (33430 sq. miles). azide 1. syl az+ide pron <1AzId> pos n. def any compound containing the monovalent group -N\3 or the monovalent ion N\3. azide 2. syl az+ide pron <1AzId> pos n. usage modifier def consisting of, containing, or concerned with the group -N\3 or the ion N\3. exam 1 azide group or radical. Nnamdi infl head Azikiwe syl Nnam:di pron pos n. Azikiwe 0. syl A:zi:ki:we pron <2a:zE1kEwA> pos n. def born 1904, Nigerian statesman; first president of Nigeria (1963-66). Azilian ety C19: named after Mas d' Azil, France, where artefacts were found Azilian 1. syl A:zil+i:an pron <*1zili*n> pos n. def a Palaeolithic culture of Spain and SW France that can be dated to the 10th millenium #7b.c., characterized by flat bone harpoons and schematically painted pebbles. Azilian 2. syl A:zil+i:an pron <*1zili*n> pos adj. def of or relating to this culture. azimuth ety C14: from Old French azimut, from Arabic as-sum*_ut, plural of as-samt the path, from Latin semita path azimuth 1. syl az:i+muth pron <1@zim*T> pos n. qual Astronomy, navigation. def the angular distance usually measured clockwise from the south point of the horizon in astronomy or from the north point in navigation to the intersection with the horizon of the vertical circle passing through a celestial body. Compare { {altitude} (sense 3}). azimuth 2. syl az:i+muth pron <1@zim*T> pos n. qual Surveying. def the horizontal angle of a bearing clockwise from a stand?!ard direction, such as north. azimuthal sub head azimuth syl az:i+muth+al pron <2@zi1m^T*l> pos adj. azimuthally sub head azimuth syl az:i+1muth+al+ly pos adv. azimuthal projection 0. syl az:i+muth+al pro+jec+tion pos n. def another term for {zenithal projection}. azine 0. syl az+ine pron <1AzEn>, <-zin> pos n. def any organic compound having a six-membered ring containing at least one nitrogen atom. See also {diazine, triazine}. Charles infl head Aznavour syl Charles pron pos n. Aznavour 0. syl Az:na:vour pron French pos n. def original name born 1924, French singer and film actor. azo ety independent use of #7azo - azo 0. syl az:o pron <1Az*u>, <1@-> pos adj. def of, consisting of, or containing the divalent group -N:N-. exam 1 an azo group or radical. azo- ety from French azote nitrogen, from Greek az*_oos lifeless, from {#7a -%1}#7+ z*_o*_e life azobenzene 1. syl az:o+ben+zene pron <2Az*u1benzEn>, <-ben1zEn> pos n. def a yellow or orange crystalline solid used mainly in the manufacture of dyes. Formula: C\6H\5N:NC\6H\5. azobenzene 2. syl az:o+ben+zene pron <2Az*u1benzEn>, <-ben1zEn> pos n. def any organic compound that is a substituted derivative of azobenzene. azo dye 0. syl az:o dye pos n. def any of a class of artificial dyes that contain the azo group. They are usually red, brown, or yellow and are obtained from aromatic amines. azoic ety C19: from Greek az*_oos lifeless; see #7azo - azoic 0. syl a:zo+ic pron <*1z*uik>, pos adj. def without life; characteristic of the ages that have left no evidence of life in the form of organic remains. azole ety from #7azo -#7+ -#7ole, on the model of diazole azole 1. syl az+ole pron <1Az*ul>, <*1z*ul> pos n. def an organic five-membered ring compound containing one or more atoms in the ring, the number usually being specified by a prefix. exam 1 diazole; exam 2 triazole. azole 2. syl az+ole pron <1Az*ul>, <*1z*ul> pos n. def a less common name for {pyrrole}. azonal soil 0. syl a:zon+al soil pron pos n. def soil that has a profile determined predominantly by factors other than local climate and vegetation. Azonal soils include some mountain, alluvial, marine, glacial, wind-blown, and volcanic soils. Compare {intrazonal soil, zonal soil}. the infl head Azores syl the. pos n. Azores 0. syl A:zores pron <*1zc:z> pos n. mod pl. def three groups of volcanic islands in the N Atlantic, forming the Portuguese districts of Angra do Hero*'ismo, Horta, and Ponta Delgada: achieved partial autonomy (1976). Capital: Ponta Delgada (on S*~ao Miguel). Pop.: 336100 (1970). Area: 2300 sq. km (888 sq. miles). Portuguese name: {A*,c*^ores}. Azor'in 0. syl A:zo:r*'in pron Spanish pos n. def pen name of 1874-1967, Spanish writer: noted for his stories of the Spanish countryside. azote ety C18: from French, from Greek az*_otos ungirded, intended for Greek az*_oos lifeless azote 0. syl az+ote pron <1Az*ut>, <*1z*ut> pos n. def an obsolete name for {nitrogen}. azotemia ety C20: see #7azote, -#7emia azotemia 0. syl az:o+te:mi:a pron <2@z*1tEmi*> pos n. qual Pathol. def uraemia. azotemic sub head azotemia syl az:o+te:mic pron <2@z*1tEmik> pos adj. azoth ety from Arabic az-z*_a'*_uq the mercury azoth 1. syl az+oth pron <1@zoT> pos n. def the alchemical name for {mercury}, regarded as the first principle of all metals. azoth 2. syl az+oth pron <1@zoT> pos n. def the panacea postulated by Paracelsus. azotic 0. syl a:zot+ic pron pos adj. def of, containing, or concerned with nitrogen. azotise alt head azotize or azotize syl az:o+tise pron <1Az*2tIz> pos vb. azotize 0. or azotise syl az:o+tize pron <1Az*2tIz> pos vb. def a less common word for {nitrogenize}. azotobacter ety New Latin; see #7azote, bacteria azotobacter 0. syl a:zo+to+bac+ter pron <*1z*ut*u2b@kt*> pos n. def any bacterium of the family important in nitrogen fixation in the soil. Sea of infl head Azov syl Sea of. pos n. Azov 0. syl A:zov pron <1a:zov> pos n. def a shallow arm of the Black Sea, to which it is connected by the Kerch Strait: almost entirely landlocked; fed chiefly by the River Don. Area: about 37500 sq. km (14500 sq. miles). Azrael 0. syl Az:rael pron <1@zrAl>, <-ri*l> pos n. usage in Jewish and Islamic angelology def the angel who separates the soul from the body at death. Aztec ety C18: from Spanish Azteca, from Nahuatl Aztecatl, from Aztlan, their traditional place of origin, literally: near the cranes, from azta cranes+ tlan near Aztec 1. syl Az+tec pron <1@ztek> pos n. def a member of a Mexican Indian people who established a great empire, centred on the valley of Mexico, that was overthrown by Cort*'es and his followers in the early 16th century. Aztec 2. syl Az+tec pron <1@ztek> pos n. def the language of the Aztecs. See also {Nahuatl}. Aztec 3. syl Az+tec pron <1@ztek> pos adj. usage also def of, relating to, or characteristic of the Aztecs, their civilization, or their language. azure ety C14: from Old French azur, from Old Spanish, from Arabic l*_azaward lapis lazuli, from Persian l*_azhuward azure 1. syl az+ure pron <1@Z*>, <-Zu*>, <1A-> pos n. def a deep blue, occasionally somewhat purple, similar to the colour of a clear blue sky. azure 2. syl az+ure pron <1@Z*>, <-Zu*>, <1A-> pos n. qual Poetic. def a clear blue sky. azure 3. syl az+ure pron <1@Z*>, <-Zu*>, <1A-> pos adj. def of the colour azure; serene. azure 4. syl az+ure pron <1@Z*>, <-Zu*>, <1A-> pos adj. qual Heraldry. usage usually postpositive def of the colour blue. azurite 0. syl az+ur+ite pron <1@Zu2rIt> pos n. def a deep-blue secondary mineral consist?!ing of hydrated basic copper carbonate in monoclinic crystalline form. It is used as an ore of copper and as a gemstone. Formula: Cu\3(OH)\2(CO\3)\2. azygous ety C17: via New Latin from Greek azugos, from {#7a -%1}#7+ zugon #7yoke ********************************************************************** ********************************************************************** ********************************************************************** ********************************************************************** ********************************************************************** ********************************************************************** azygous 0. syl az:y+gous pron <1@zig*s> pos adj. qual Biology. def developing or occurring singly. B alt head b or b syl B pron pos n. b's infl head b syl b's pos n. mod pl. B's infl head b or Bs syl B's pos n. mod pl. Bs infl head b or B's syl Bs. pos n. mod pl. b 1. or B syl b pron pos n. def the second letter and first consonant of the modern English alphabet. b 2. or B syl b pron pos n. def a speech sound represented by this letter, usually a voiced bilabial stop, as in b 3. or B syl b pron pos n. def Also: {beta}. the second in a series, esp. the second highest grade in an examination. B 1.a. syl B qual symbol for: def a note having a frequency of 493.88 hertz ({B above middle C}) or this value multiplied or divided by any power of 2; the seventh note of the scale of C major. B 1.b. syl B qual symbol for: def a key, string, or pipe producing this note. B 1.c. syl B qual symbol for: def the major or minor key having this note as its tonic. B 2. syl B qual symbol for: def the supporting or less important of two things. exam 1 the B side of a record. B 3. syl B qual symbol for: def a human blood type of the ABO group, containing the B antigen. B 4. syl B qual symbol for: usage in Britain def a secondary road. B 5. syl B qual symbol for:; Chem. def boron. B 6. syl B qual symbol for: def magnetic flux density. B 7. syl B qual symbol for:; Chess. def bishop. B 8. syl B qual symbol for: usage on Brit. pencils, signifying degree of softness of lead def black. exam 1 B; exam 2 2B; exam 3 3B. #800055 B 9. syl B qual symbol for: def Also: {b} bel. B 10. syl B qual symbol for:; Physics. def baryon number. {?-$D}. Belgium. B alt head b or b syl B. b 1. or B syl b. qual abbrev. for:; Music. def bass basso. b 2. or B syl b. qual abbrev. for: usage on maps, etc. def bay. b 3. or B syl b. qual abbrev. for: def balboa. b 4. or B syl b. qual abbrev. for: def belga. b 5. or B syl b. qual abbrev. for: usage cap. def Bible. b 6. or B syl b. qual abbrev. for: def bolivar. b 7. or B syl b. qual abbrev. for: def book. b 8. or B syl b. qual abbrev. for: def born. b 9.a. or B syl b. qual abbrev. for: def bowled. b 9.b. or B syl b. qual abbrev. for: def bye. b 10. or B syl b. qual abbrev. for: def breadth. b 11. or B syl b. qual abbrev. for: usage cap. def British. B- 0. syl B- qual abbrev. for usage of U.S. military aircraft def bomber. exam 1 B-52. Ba 0. syl Ba usage the chemical symbol for def barium. Ba 0. syl Ba pron pos n. qual Egyptian myth. def the soul, represented as a bird with a human head. BA 1. syl B.A. qual abbrev. for: def Bachelor of Arts. BA 2. syl B.A. qual abbrev. for: def British Academy. BA 3. syl B.A. qual abbrev. for: def British Association (for the Advancement of Science). BAA 0. syl B.A.A. qual abbrev. for def British Airports Authority. baas infl head baa syl baas pos vb. baaing infl head baa syl baa+ing pos vb. baaed infl head baa syl baaed. pos vb. baa 1. syl baa pron pos vb. mod intr. def to make the cry of a sheep; bleat. baa 2. syl baa pron pos n. def the cry made by sheep. the infl head Baader-Meinhof Gang syl the. pos n. Baader-Meinhof Gang 0. syl Baa:der-Mein:hof Gang pron German <1ba:d*r> <1mInho:f> pos n. def a group of West German guerrillas dedicated to the violent overthrow of capitalist society; named after its leading members, Andreas Baader (1943-77) and Ulrike Meinhof (1934-76). See also {Red Brigades}. Baal ety from Hebrew b*'a`al lord, master Baal 1. syl Baal pron pos n. def any of several ancient Semitic fertility gods. Baal 2. syl Baal pron pos n. qual Phoenician myth. def the sun god and supreme national deity. Baal 3. syl Baal pron pos n. usage sometimes not cap. def any false god or idol. Baalbek 0. syl Baal+bek pron <1ba:lbek> pos n. def a town in E Lebanon: an important city in Phoenician and Roman times; extensive ruins. Pop.: 15000 (1973 est.). Ancient name: {Heliopolis}. Baal Shem Tob alt head Baal Shem Tov or Baal Shem Tov syl Baal Shem Tob pron <1Sem> , <1Sa:m> pos n. Baal Shem Tov 0. or Baal Shem Tob syl Baal Shem Tov pron <1Sem> , <1Sa:m> pos n. def original name ??1700-60, Jewish religious leader, teacher, and healer in Poland: founder of modern Hasidism. baas ety C17: from Afrikaans, from Middle Dutch baes master; see #7boss %1 baas 0. syl baas pron pos n. def a South African word for {boss}: used by Africans and Coloureds in addressing European managers or overseers. baaskap ety from Afrikaans, from #7baas+ -skap -#7ship baasskap alt head baaskap or baaskap syl baas+skap pron <1ba:s2kap> pos n. baaskap 0. or baasskap syl baas+kap pron <1ba:s2kap> pos n. usage sometimes cap.; in South Africa def control by Whites of non-Whites. Bab ety from Persian b*_ab gate, from Arabic the infl head Bab syl the. pos n. Bab 0. syl Bab pron pos n. def title of 1819-50, Persian religious leader: founded Babism; executed as a heretic of Islam. baba ety C19: from French, from Polish, literally: old woman baba 0. syl ba:ba pron <1ba:ba:>, French pos n. def a small cake of leavened dough, sometimes mixed with currants and usually soaked in rum ({rum baba}) . Babar 0. syl Ba:bar pron <1ba:b*> pos n. def a variant spelling of {Baber}. babassu ety from Portuguese baba*,c*'u, from a native Amerindian word babassu 0. syl ba+bas+su pron <2ba:b*1su:> pos n. def a Brazilian palm tree, (or having hard edible nuts that yield an oil used in making soap, margarine, etc. Charles infl head Babbage syl Charles. pos n. Babbage 0. syl Bab:bage pron <1b@biJ> pos n. def 1792-1871, English mathema?!tician and inventor, who built a calculating machine that antici?!pated the modern electronic computer. babbitt 0. syl bab+bitt pron <1b@bit> pos vb. mod tr. def to line (a bearing) or face (a surface) with Babbitt metal or a similar soft alloy. Babbitt ety C20: after George Babbitt, central character in the novel Babbitt (1922) by Sinclair Lewis &- #!Bab+bitt+ry n. Babbitt 0. syl Bab:bitt pron <1b@bit> pos n. qual U.S. derogatory. def a narrow-minded and complacent member of the middle class. Babbitt metal ety C19: named after Isaac Babbitt (1799-1862), American inventor Babbitt metal 0. syl Bab:bitt met+al pos n. def any of a number of alloys originally based on tin, antimony, and copper but now often including lead: used esp. in bearings. Sometimes shortened to {Babbitt}. babble ety C13: compare Dutch babbelen, Swedish babbla, French ba?!biller to prattle, Latin babulus fool; probably all of imitative origin babble 1. syl bab+ble pron <1b@bL> pos vb. def to utter (words, sounds, etc.) in an incoherent or indistinct jumble. babble 2. syl bab+ble pron <1b@bL> pos vb. mod intr. def to talk foolishly, incessantly, or irrelevantly. babble 3. syl bab+ble pron <1b@bL> pos vb. mod tr. def to disclose (secrets, confidences, etc.) carelessly or impulsively. babble 4. syl bab+ble pron <1b@bL> pos vb. mod intr. usage of streams, birds, etc. def to make a low murmuring or bubbling sound. babble 5. syl bab+ble pron <1b@bL> pos vb. mod intr. qual Scot. def to snivel; blubber. babble 6. syl bab+ble pron <1b@bL> pos n. def incoherent or foolish speech; chatter. babble 7. syl bab+ble pron <1b@bL> pos n. def a murmuring or bubbling sound. babblement sub head babble syl bab+ble+ment pos n. babbler H1.1. syl bab+bler pron <1b@bl*> pos n. def a person who babbles. babbler H1.2. syl bab+bler pron <1b@bl*> pos n. def any of various insect-eating birds of the Old World tropics and subtropics that have a loud incessant song: family (warblers, thrushes, etc.). babbler ety C20: from babbling brook, rhyming slang for cook babbler H2.0. syl bab+bler pos n. qual Austral. slang. def a cook or chef. babe 1. syl babe pron pos n. def a baby. babe 2. syl babe pron pos n. qual Informal. def a naive, gullible, or unsuspecting person (often in the phrase {a babe in arms}) . babe 3. syl babe pron pos n. qual Slang, chiefly U.S. def a girl or young woman. Babel ety from Hebrew B*_abh*'el, from Akkadian B*_ab-ilu, literally: gate of God Babel H1.1.a. syl Ba+bel pron <1bAbL> pos n. def Also called: {Tower of Babel}. a tower presumptuously intended to reach from earth to heaven, the building of which was frustrated when Jehovah confused the language of the builders (Genesis 11:1-10). Babel H1.1.b. syl Ba+bel pron <1bAbL> pos n. def the city, probably Babylon, in which this tower was supposedly built. Babel H1.2.a. syl Ba+bel pron <1bAbL> pos n. def a confusion of noises or voices. Babel H1.2.b. syl Ba+bel pron <1bAbL> pos n. def a scene of noise and confusion. Isaak Emmanuilovich infl head Babel syl I:saak Em:ma:nu:i:lo:vich pron pos n. Babel H2.0. syl Ba:bel pron Russian <1babil> pos n. def 1894-1941, Russian short-story writer, whose works include (1924) and (1926). Bab el Mandeb 0. syl Bab el Man+deb pron <1b@b> <1m@ndeb> pos n. def a strait between SW Arabia and E Africa, connecting the Red Sea with the Gulf of Aden. Babar infl head Baber or Babur syl Ba:bar pron <1ba:b*> pos n. Babur infl head Baber or Babar syl Ba:bur pron <1ba:b*> pos n. Baber 0. syl Ba:ber pron <1ba:b*> pos n. def original name 1483-1530, founder of the Mogul Empire: conquered India in 1526. Francois Noel infl head Babeuf syl Fran:*,cois No:*"el pron pos n. Babi 1. syl Ba:bi pron <1ba:bi> pos n. def a disciple of the Bab. Babi 2. syl Ba:bi pron <1ba:bi> pos n. def another word for {Babism}. babiche ety C19: from Canadian French, of Algonquian origin babiche 0. syl ba+biche pron pos n. qual Canadian. def thongs or lacings of rawhide. babies'-breath 0. syl ba:bies'-breath pos n. def a variant of {baby's-breath}. babirusa ety C17: from Malay, from b*_ab*_i hog+ r*_usa deer babirusa 0. syl bab:i+ru+sa pron <2ba:bi1ru:s*> pos n. def a wild pig, inhabiting marshy forests in Indonesia. It has an almost hairless wrinkled skin and enormous curved canine teeth. Babism 0. syl Bab+ism pron <1ba:biz*m> pos n. def a pantheistic Persian religious sect, founded in 1844 by the Bab, forbidding polygamy, concubinage, begging, trading in slaves, and indulgence in alcohol and drugs. Compare {Bahaism}. baboon ety C14 babewyn gargoyle, later, baboon, from Old French babouin, from baboue grimace; related to Old French babine a thick lip baboon 0. syl ba+boon pron pos n. def any of several medium-sized omnivorous Old World monkeys of the genus (or and related genera, inhabiting open rocky ground or wooded regions of Africa. They have an elongated muzzle, large teeth, and a fairly long tail. See also {hamadryas, gelada}. babu ety Hindi, literally: father babu 0. syl ba:bu pron <1ba:bu:> pos n. usage in India def a title or form of address more or less equivalent to placed before a person's full name or after his first name. babul ety from Persian bab*_ul; related to Sanskrit babb*_ula babul 0. syl ba+bul pron , <1ba:bu:l> pos n. def any of several mimosaceous trees of the genus esp. of N Africa and India, which bear small yellow flowers and are a source of gum arabic, tannin, and hardwood. Babur 0. syl Ba:bur pron <1ba:b*> pos n. def a variant spelling of {Baber}. babushka ety Russian: grandmother, from baba old woman babushka 0. syl ba+bush+ka pron pos n. def a headscarf tied under the chin, worn by Russian peasant women. baby ety C14: probably childish reduplication; compare #7mama, papa babies infl head baby syl ba:bies. pos n. mod pl. baby 1.a. syl ba:by pron <1bAbi> pos n. def a newborn or recently born child; infant. baby 1.b. syl ba:by pron <1bAbi> pos n. usage as modifier exam 1 baby food. baby 2. syl ba:by pron <1bAbi> pos n. def the youngest or smallest of a family or group. baby 3.a. syl ba:by pron <1bAbi> pos n. def a newborn or recently born animal. baby 3.b. syl ba:by pron <1bAbi> pos n. usage as modifier exam 1 baby rabbits. baby 4. syl ba:by pron <1bAbi> pos n. qual Usually derogatory. def an immature person. baby 5. syl ba:by pron <1bAbi> pos n. qual Slang. def a young woman or sweetheart: often used as a term of address expressing affection. baby 6. syl ba:by pron <1bAbi> pos n. qual Slang. def a project of personal concern. be left holding the baby 7. head baby syl be left holding the baby. def to be left with the responsibility. throw the baby out with the bath water 8. head baby syl throw the baby out with the bath water. def to lose the essential element by indiscriminate rejection. baby 9. syl ba:by pron <1bAbi> pos adj. usage prenominal def comparatively small of its type. exam 1 a baby grand (piano) . babies infl head baby syl ba:bies pos vb. babying infl head baby syl ba:by+ing pos vb. bied infl head baby syl +bied. pos vb. baby 10. syl ba:by pron <1bAbi> pos vb. mod tr. def to treat with love and attention. babyhood sub head baby syl ba+by+hood pos n. babyish sub head baby syl ba+by+ish pos adj. baby bonus 0. syl ba:by bo+nus pos n. qual Canadian informal. def family allowance. Baby-bouncer 0. syl Ba:by-bounc:er pos n. qual Trademark. def a seat on springs suspended from a door frame, etc., in which a baby may be placed for exercise. baby buggy 1. syl ba:by bug+gy pos n. qual Brit. def a kind of child's light pushchair. baby buggy 2. syl ba:by bug+gy pos n. qual U.S. informal. def a pram. baby carriage 0. syl ba:by car+riage pos n. def the U.S. name for {{pram} %1}. baby-face 1. syl ba:by-face pos n. def a smooth round face like a baby's. baby-face 2. syl ba:by-face pos n. def a person with such a face. Babylon ety via Latin and Greek from Hebrew B*_abhel; see {B#7abel %1} Babylon 1. syl Bab:y+lon pron <1b@bil*n> pos n. def the chief city of ancient Mesopotamia: first settled around 3000 #7b.c. See also {Hanging Gardens of Babylon}. Babylon 2. syl Bab:y+lon pron <1b@bil*n> pos n. def any place of exile. Babylon 3. syl Bab:y+lon pron <1b@bil*n> pos n. def any city of depravity and luxury. Babylon 4. syl Bab:y+lon pron <1b@bil*n> pos n. usage Derogatory. in Protestant polemic def the Roman Catholic Church, regarded as the seat of luxury and corruption. Babylonia 0. syl Bab:y+lo+ni:a pron <2b@bi1l*uni*> pos n. def the southern kingdom of ancient Mesopotamia: a great empire from about 2200-538 #7b.c., when it was conquered by the Persians. Babylonian 1. syl Bab:y+lo+ni:an pron <2b@bi1l*uni*n> pos n. def an inhabitant of ancient Babylon or Babylonia. Babylonian 2. syl Bab:y+lo+ni:an pron <2b@bi1l*uni*n> pos n. def the extinct language of Babylonia, belonging to the E Semitic subfamily of the Afro-Asiatic family: a dialect of Akkadian. Babylonian 3. syl Bab:y+lo+ni:an pron <2b@bi1l*uni*n> pos adj. def of, relating to, or character?!istic of ancient Babylon or Babylonia, its people, or their language. Babylonian 4. syl Bab:y+lo+ni:an pron <2b@bi1l*uni*n> pos adj. def decadent or depraved. Babylonian captivity 1. syl Bab:y+lo+ni:an cap+tiv+i:ty pos n. def the exile of the Jews in Babylonia from 597 to about 538 #7b.c. Babylonian captivity 2. syl Bab:y+lo+ni:an cap+tiv+i:ty pos n. def the exile of the seven popes in Avignon (1309-77). babies'-breath alt head baby's-breath or baby's-breath syl ba:bies'-breath pos n. baby's-breath 1. or babies'-breath syl ba:by's-breath pos n. def a tall Eurasian caryophyllaceous plant, bearing small white or pink fragrant flowers. baby's-breath 2. or babies'-breath syl ba:by's-breath pos n. def any of several other plants, such as the grape hyacinth and certain bedstraws, that have small scented flowers. baby-sits infl head baby-sit syl ba:by-sits pos vb. mod intr. baby-sitting infl head baby-sit syl ba:by-sit:ting pos vb. mod intr. baby-sat infl head baby-sit syl ba:by-sat. pos vb. mod intr. baby-sit 0. syl ba:by-sit pos vb. mod intr. def to act or work as a baby-sitter. baby-sitter 0. syl ba:by-sit:ter pos n. def a person who takes care of a child or children while the parents are out. baby snatcher 1. syl ba:by snatch+er pos n. qual Informal. def a person who steals a baby from its pram. baby snatcher 2. syl ba:by snatch+er pos n. qual Informal. def someone who marries or has an affair with a much younger person. baby talk 1. syl ba:by talk pos n. def the speech of very young children learning to talk. baby talk 2. syl ba:by talk pos n. def an adult's imitation of this. baby tooth 0. syl ba:by tooth pos n. def another term for {milk tooth}. Baby-walker 0. syl Ba:by-walk:er pos n. qual Trademark. def a light frame on casters or wheels to help a baby learn to walk. U.S. equivalent: {go-cart}. baccalaureate ety C17: from Medieval Latin baccalaure*_atus, from baccalaureus advanced student, alteration of baccal*_arius #7bachelor ; influenced in folk etymology by Latin b*_aca berry+ laureus laurel baccalaureate 1. syl bac+ca+lau+re+ate pron <2b@k*1lc:riit> pos n. def the university degree of Bachelor of Arts, Bachelor of Science, etc. baccalaureate 2. syl bac+ca+lau+re+ate pron <2b@k*1lc:riit> pos n. qual U.S. def a farewell sermon delivered at the commencement ceremonies in many colleges and universities. baccarat ety C19: from French baccara, of unknown origin baccarat 0. syl bac+ca+rat pron <1b@k*2ra:>, <2b@k*1ra:>, French pos n. def a card game in which two or more punters gamble against the banker. baccate ety C19: from Latin b*_aca berry baccate 1. syl bac+cate pron <1b@kAt> pos adj. qual Botany. def like a berry in form, texture, etc. baccate 2. syl bac+cate pron <1b@kAt> pos adj. qual Botany. def bearing berries. Bacchae ety Latin, from Greek Bakkhai, plural of Bakkh*_e priestess of B#7acchus Bacchae 0. syl Bac+chae pron <1b@kE> pos n. mod pl. def the priestesses or female devotees of Bacchus. bacchanal ety C16: from Latin Bacch*_an*_alis; see B#7acchus bacchanal 1. syl bac+cha+nal pron <1b@k*nL> pos n. def a follower of Bacchus. bacchanal 2. syl bac+cha+nal pron <1b@k*nL> pos n. def a drunken and riotous celebration. bacchanal 3. syl bac+cha+nal pron <1b@k*nL> pos n. def a participant in such a celebration; reveller. bacchanal 4. syl bac+cha+nal pron <1b@k*nL> pos adj. def of or relating to Bacchus. bacchanalia 1. syl bac+cha+na+li:a pron <2b@k*1nAli*> pos n. mod pl. usage often cap. def orgiastic rites associated with Bacchus. bacchanalia 2. syl bac+cha+na+li:a pron <2b@k*1nAli*> pos n. mod pl. def any drunken revelry. &- {@!bac+cha+#!na+li@.an} bacchant ety C17: from Latin bacch*_ans, from bacch*_ar*_i to cel?!ebrate the #7bacchanalia bacchante alt head bacchant or bacchant syl bac+chan+te pron pos n. mod fem. bacchants infl head bacchant syl bac+chants pron pos n. mod pl. bacchantes infl head bacchant or bacchantes syl bac+chan+tes pron pos n. mod pl. bacchantes infl head bacchant or bacchantes syl bac+chan+tes. pos n. mod pl. fem. bacchant 1. or bacchante syl bac+chant pron <1b@k*nt> pos n. def a priest, priestess, or votary of Bacchus. bacchant 2. or bacchante syl bac+chant pron <1b@k*nt> pos n. def a drunken reveller. Bacchic 1. syl Bac+chic pron <1b@kik> pos adj. def of or relating to Bacchus. Bacchic 2. syl Bac+chic pron <1b@kik> pos adj. usage often not cap. def riotously drunk. bacchius ety C16: from Latin, from Greek Bakkheios (pous) a Bacchic (foot) bacchii infl head bacchius syl bac+chi:i pron <-1kII> pos n. mod pl. bacchius 0. syl bac+chi:us pron pos n. qual Prosody. def a metrical foot of one short syllable followed by two long ones (*v *_ *_ ). Compare {dactyl}. Bacchus ety C15: from Latin, from Greek Bakkhos; related to Latin b*_aca small round fruit, berry Bacchus 0. syl Bac:chus pron <1b@k*s> pos n. usage in ancient Greece and Rome def a god of wine and giver of ecstasy, identified with Dionysus. bacciferous ety C17: from Latin b*_acifer, from b*_aca berry+ ferre to bear bacciferous 0. syl bac+cif+er+ous pron pos adj. def bearing berries. bacciform 0. syl bac+ci+form pron <1b@ksi2fc:m> pos adj. qual Botany. def shaped like a berry. baccivorous 0. syl bac+civ+or+ous pron pos adj. def feeding on berries. baccy 0. syl bac+cy pron <1b@ki> pos n. def a Brit. informal name for {tobacco}. bach 1. syl bach pron pos n. qual N.Z. def a second or holiday house, esp. at the seaside. {~} {batch}. bach 2. syl bach pron pos n. qual Austral. def to live as a bachelor. Bach 0. syl Bach qual German def ba$x) Johann Christian 1. head Bach syl Jo:hann Chris:tian pron <1jo:han> <1kristjan> qual German def 11th son of J. S. Bach, called 1735-82, German composer, resident in London from 1762. Johann Christoph 2. head Bach syl Jo:hann Chri:stoph pron <1kristcf> qual German def 1642-1705, German composer: wrote oratorios, cantatas, and motets, some of which were falsely attributed to J. S. Bach, of whom he was a distant relative. Johann Sebastian 3. head Bach syl Jo:hann Se:bas:tian pron qual German def 1685-1750, German composer: church organist at Arnstadt (1703-07) and M*"uhlhausen (1707-08); court organist at Weimar (1708-17); musical director for Prince Leopold of K*"othen (1717-28); musical director for the city of Leipzig (1728-50). His output was enormous and displays great vigour and invention within the northern European polyphonic tradition. His works include nearly 200 cantatas and oratorios, settings of the (1723) and (1729), the six (1720-21), the 48 preludes and fugues of the (completed 1744), and the (1733-38). Carl Philipp Emanuel infl head Bach syl Carl Phil:ipp E:ma:nu:el pron Wilhelm Friedemann 5. head Bach syl Wil:helm Frie:de:mann pron <1vilhelm> <1frEd*man> qual German def eldest son of J. S. Bach. 1710-84, German composer: wrote nine symphonies and much keyboard and religious music. Burt infl head Bacharach syl Burt. pos n. Bacharach 0. syl Bach:a:rach pron <1b@k*r@k> pos n. def born 1928, U.S. composer of popular songs. bachelor ety C13: from Old French bacheler youth, squire, from Vulgar Latin baccal*_aris (unattested) farm worker, of Celtic origin; compare Irish Gaelic bachlach peasant &- #!bach+e@.lor+hood n. bachelor 1.a. syl bach+e:lor pron <1b@C*l*>, <1b@Cl*> pos n. def an unmarried man. bachelor 1.b. syl bach+e:lor pron <1b@C*l*>, <1b@Cl*> pos n. usage as modifier exam 1 a bachelor flat. bachelor 2.a. syl bach+e:lor pron <1b@C*l*>, <1b@Cl*> pos n. def a person who holds the degree of Bachelor of Arts, Bachelor of Science, etc. bachelor 2.b. syl bach+e:lor pron <1b@C*l*>, <1b@Cl*> pos n. def the degree itself. bachelor 3. syl bach+e:lor pron <1b@C*l*>, <1b@Cl*> pos n. def Also called: {bachelor-at-arms}. (in the Middle Ages) a young knight serving a great noble. bachelor seal 4. head bachelor syl bachelor seal. def a young male seal, esp. a fur seal, that has not yet mated. bachelor girl 0. syl bach+e:lor girl pos n. def a young unmarried woman, esp. one who is self-supporting. Bachelor of Arts 1. syl Bach+e:lor of Arts pos n. def a degree conferred on a person who has successfully completed his undergraduate studies, usually in a branch of the liberal arts or humanities. Bachelor of Arts 2. syl Bach+e:lor of Arts pos n. def a person who holds this degree. Bachelor of Science 1. syl Bach+e:lor of Sci+ence pos n. def a degree conferred on a person who has successfully completed his undergraduate studies in a branch of the sciences. Bachelor of Science 2. syl Bach+e:lor of Sci+ence pos n. def a person who holds this degree. bachelor's-buttons 0. syl bach:e:lor's-but:tons pos n. mod functioning as; sing. pl. def any of various plants of the daisy family with button-like flower heads, esp. a double-flowered buttercup. Bach trumpet 0. syl Bach trum+pet pos ba$x; n. def a modern small three-valved trumpet for playing clarino passages in Bach's music. bacillar alt head bacillary or bacillary syl ba+cil+lar pron pos adj. bacillary 1. or bacillar syl ba+cil+lar:y pron pos adj. def of, relating to, or caused by bacilli. bacillary 2. or bacillar syl ba+cil+lar:y pron pos adj. def Also: {ba+cil+li+form} (b$$#!s$Il$I@!f@$$:m). shaped like a short rod. bacillus ety C19: from Latin: a small staff, from baculum walking stick bacilli infl head bacillus syl ba+cil+li pron <-1silI> pos n. mod pl. bacillus 1. syl ba+cil+lus pron pos n. def any rod-shaped bacterium, such as a clostridium bacterium. Compare {{coccus} (sense 1)}, {{spirillum} (sense 1)}. bacillus 2. syl ba+cil+lus pron pos n. def any of various rodlike spore-producing bacteria constituting the family esp. of the genus bacitracin ety C20: #7baci (#7llus) #7+ -trac- from Margaret Tracy (born 1936), American girl in whose blood Bacillus subtilis was found; see -#7in bacitracin 0. syl bac:i+tra+cin pron <2b@si1trAsin> pos n. def an antibiotic used mainly in treating bacterial skin infections: obtained from the bacterium back ety Old English b@ac; related to Old Norse bak, Old Frisian bek, Old High German bah back H1.1. syl back pron pos n. def the posterior part of the human body, extend?!ing from the neck to the pelvis. back H1.2. syl back pron pos n. def the corresponding or upper part of an animal. back H1.3. syl back pron pos n. def the spinal column. back H1.4. syl back pron pos n. def the part or side of an object opposite the front. back H1.5. syl back pron pos n. def the part or side of anything less often seen or used. exam 1 the back of a carpet; exam 2 the back of a knife. back H1.6. syl back pron pos n. def the part or side of anything that is furthest from the front or from a spectator. exam 1 the back of the stage. back H1.7. syl back pron pos n. def the convex part of something. exam 1 the back of a hill; exam 2 the back of a ship. back H1.8. syl back pron pos n. def something that supports, covers, or strengthens the rear of an object. back H1.9.a. syl back pron pos n. def a mainly defensive player behind a forward. back H1.9.b. syl back pron pos n. def the position of such a player. back H1.10. syl back pron pos n. def the part of a book to which the pages are glued or that joins the covers. back H1.11.a. syl back pron pos n. def the side of a passage or layer nearest the surface. back H1.11.b. syl back pron pos n. def the earth between that level and the next. back H1.12. syl back pron pos n. def the upper surface of a joist, rafter, slate, tile, etc., when in position. Compare {{bed} (sense 12)}. at one's back 13. head back syl at one's back. def behind, esp. in support or pursuit. at the back of one's mind 14. head back syl at the back of one's mind. def not in one's conscious thoughts. behind one's back 15. head back syl behind one's back. def without one's knowledge; secretly or deceitfully. break one's back 16. head back or balls syl break one's back def to overwork or work very hard. break the back of 17. head back syl break the back of. def to complete the greatest or hardest part of (a task). (flat) on one's back 18. head back syl (flat) on one's back. def incapacitated, esp. through illness. get off someone's back 19. head back syl get off someone's back. qual Informal. def to stop criticizing or pestering someone. have on one's back 20. head back syl have on one's back. def to be burdened with. put one's back into 21. head back syl put one's back into. def to devote all one's strength to (a task). put 22. head back or get someone's back up syl put def to annoy someone. see the back of 23. head back syl see the back of. def to be rid of. the 24.a. head back syl the. def a very remote place. back H1.24.b. syl back pron pos n. qual Austral. def in such a place (esp. in the phrase {out back of beyond}) . back H1.25.a. syl back pron pos n. def to turn away from in anger or contempt. back H1.25.b. syl back pron pos n. def to refuse to help; abandon. with one's back to the wall 26. head back syl with one's back to the wall. def in a difficult or desperate situation. {~} back H1.27. syl back pron pos n. mod also; intr. def to move or cause to move backwards. back H1.28. syl back pron pos n. def to provide support, money, or encouragement for (a person, enterprise, etc.). back H1.29. syl back pron pos n. def to bet on the success of. exam 1 to back a horse. back H1.30. syl back pron pos n. def to provide with a back, backing, or lining. back H1.31. syl back pron pos n. def to provide with a music accompaniment. exam 1 a soloist backed by an orchestra. back H1.32. syl back pron pos n. def to provide a background for; be at the back of. exam 1 mountains back the town. back H1.33. syl back pron pos n. def to countersign or endorse. back H1.34. syl back pron pos n. qual Archaic. def to mount the back of. back H1.35. syl back pron pos n. mod intr. usage foll. by on or onto def to have the back facing (towards). exam 1 the house backs onto a river. back H1.36. syl back pron pos n. mod intr. usage of the wind def to change direction in an anticlockwise direction. Compare {{veer} %1 (sense 3a.)}. back H1.37. syl back pron pos n. qual Nautical. def to position (a sail) so that the wind presses on its opposite side. back H1.38.a. syl back pron pos n. qual Nautical. def to manoeuvre the sails by alternately filling and emptying them of wind to navigate in a narrow place. back H1.38.b. syl back pron pos n. def to vacillate in one's opinion. back H1.39. syl back pron pos adj. usage prenominal def situated behind. exam 1 a back lane. back H1.40. syl back pron pos adj. usage prenominal def of the past. exam 1 back issues of a magazine. back H1.41. syl back pron pos adj. usage prenominal def owing from an earlier date. exam 1 back rent. back H1.42. syl back pron pos adj. qual Chiefly U.S. usage prenominal def remote. exam 1 a back road. back H1.43. syl back pron pos adj. usage prenominal def moving in a backward direction. exam 1 back current. back H1.44. syl back pron pos adj. qual Phonetics. usage prenominal def of, relating to, or denot?!ing a vowel articulated with the tongue retracted towards the soft palate, as for the vowels in English back H1.45. syl back pron pos adv. def at, to, or towards the rear; away from something considered to be the front; backwards; behind. back H1.46. syl back pron pos adv. def in, to, or towards the original starting point, place, or condition. exam 1 to go back home; exam 2 put the book back; exam 3 my headache has come back. back H1.47. syl back pron pos adv. def in or into the past. exam 1 to look back on one's childhood. back H1.48. syl back pron pos adv. def in reply, repayment, or retaliation. exam 1 to hit someone back; exam 2 pay back a debt; exam 3 to answer back. back H1.49. syl back pron pos adv. def in check. exam 1 the dam holds back the water. back H1.50. syl back pron pos adv. def in concealment; in reserve. exam 1 to keep something back; exam 2 to hold back information. back and forth 51. head back syl back and forth. def to and fro. back H1.52.a. syl back pron pos adv. def in reverse. back H1.52.b. syl back pron pos adv. def in disorder. {~} See also {back down, back out, back up}. back ety C17: from Dutch bak tub, cistern, from Old French bac, from Vulgar Latin bacca (unattested) vessel for liquids back H2.0. syl back pron pos n. def a large tub or vat, esp. one used by brewers. backache 0. syl back+ache pron <1b@k2Ak> pos n. def an ache or pain in one's back. backbencher 0. syl back+bench:er pron <1b@k1benC*> pos n. qual Brit., Austral., etc. def a member of Parliament who does not hold office in the government or opposition. backbend 0. syl back+bend pron <1b@k2bend> pos n. def a gymnastic exercise in which the trunk is bent backwards until the hands touch the floor. backbites infl head backbite syl back+bites pos vb. backbiting infl head backbite syl back+bit+ing pos vb. backbit bitten infl head backbite or backbit syl back+bit; bit+ten pos vb. backbit infl head backbite or backbit bitten syl back+bit. pos vb. backbite 0. syl back+bite pron <1b@k2bIt> pos vb. def to talk spitefully about (an absent person). &- {#!back+@!bit@.er} backblocks 0. syl back+blocks pron <1b@k2bloks> pos n. mod pl. qual Austral. def sparsely populated areas in the remote interior. backblock sub head backblocks syl back+2block pos adj. backboard 1. syl back+board pron <1b@k2bc:d> pos n. def a board that is placed behind something to form or support its back. backboard 2. syl back+board pron <1b@k2bc:d> pos n. def a board worn to straighten or support the back, as after surgery. backboard 3. syl back+board pron <1b@k2bc:d> pos n. usage in basketball def a flat upright surface supported on a high frame, under which the basket is attached. back boiler 0. syl back boil+er pos n. def a tank or series of pipes at the back of a fireplace for heating water. U.S. name: {water back}. backbone 1. syl back+bone pron <1b@k2b*un> pos n. def a nontechnical name for {spinal column}. backbone 2. syl back+bone pron <1b@k2b*un> pos n. def something that resembles the spinal column in function, position, or appearance. backbone 3. syl back+bone pron <1b@k2b*un> pos n. def strength of character; courage. backbone 4. syl back+bone pron <1b@k2b*un> pos n. def the main or central mountain range of a country or region. backbone 5. syl back+bone pron <1b@k2b*un> pos n. qual Printing. def a less common name for {{spine} (sense 4)}. backbone 6. syl back+bone pron <1b@k2b*un> pos n. qual Nautical. def the main longitudinal members of a vessel, giving structural strength. backbreaker 1. syl back+break:er pron <1b@k2brAk*> pos n. def a wrestling hold in which a wrestler uses his knee or shoulder as a fulcrum to bend his opponent's body backwards. backbreaker 2. syl back+break:er pron <1b@k2brAk*> pos n. qual Informal. def an extremely arduous task. backbreaking 0. syl back+break:ing pron <1b@k2brAkiG> pos adj. def demanding great effort; exhausting. backchat 0. syl back+chat pron <1b@k2C@t> pos n. qual Informal. def the act of answering back, esp. impudently. backdrop alt head backcloth or backcloth syl back+drop pos n. backcloth 0. or backdrop syl back+cloth pron <1b@k2kloT> pos n. def a large painted curtain hanging at the back of a stage set. backcomb 0. syl back+comb pron <1b@k2k*um> pos vb. def to comb the under layers of (the hair) towards the roots to give more bulk to a hair style. Also: {tease}. back country 0. syl back coun+try pos n. qual Austral. def sparsely populated areas. backcourt 1. syl back+court pron <1b@k2kc:t> pos n. qual Tennis, chiefly U.S. def the part of the court between the service line and the baseline. backcourt 2. syl back+court pron <1b@k2kc:t> pos n. usage in various court games def the area nearest the back boundary line. backcross 1. syl back+cross pron <1b@k2kros> pos vb. def to mate (a hybrid of the first generation) with one of its parents. backcross 2. syl back+cross pron <1b@k2kros> pos n. def the offspring so produced. backcross 3. syl back+cross pron <1b@k2kros> pos n. def the act or process of backcrossing. backdate 0. syl back+date pron <2b@k1dAt> pos vb. mod tr. def to make effective from an earlier date. exam 1 the pay rise was backdated to August. back door 1. syl back door pos n. def a door at the rear or side of a building. back door 2. syl back door pos n. def a means of entry to a job, position, etc., that is secret, underhand, or obtained through influence. back down 1. syl back down pos adv. mod intr. def to withdraw an earlier claim. back down 2. syl back down pos vb. mod tr. qual Rowing. def to cause (a boat) to move backwards by pushing rather than pulling on the oars. {~} {back+down}. back down 3. syl back down pos vb. def abandonment of an earlier claim. backed 0.a. syl backed pron pos adj. def having a back or backing. backed 0.b. syl backed pron pos adj. usage in combination exam 1 high-backed; exam 2 black-backed. back end ety from the phrase the back end of the year back end 0. syl back end pos n. qual Northern English dialect. def autumn. backer 1. syl back+er pron <1b@k*> pos n. def a person who gives financial or other support. backer 2. syl back+er pron <1b@k*> pos n. def a person who bets on a competitor or contestant. backfill 1. syl back+fill pron <1b@k2fil> pos vb. mod tr. def to refill an excavated trench, esp. (in archaeology) at the end of an investigation. backfill 2. syl back+fill pron <1b@k2fil> pos n. def the soil used to do this. backfire 1. syl back+fire pron <2b@k1fI*> pos vb. mod intr. usage of an internal-combustion engine def to emit a loud noise as a result of an explosion in the inlet manifold or exhaust system. backfire 2. syl back+fire pron <2b@k1fI*> pos vb. mod intr. def to fail to have the desired or expected effect. exam 1 his plans backfired on him. backfire 3. syl back+fire pron <2b@k1fI*> pos vb. mod intr. def to start a controlled fire in order to halt an advancing forest or prairie fire by creating a barren area. {~} backfire 4.a. syl back+fire pron <2b@k1fI*> pos vb. mod intr. def an explosion of unburnt gases in the exhaust system. backfire 4.b. syl back+fire pron <2b@k1fI*> pos vb. mod intr. def a premature explosion in a cylinder or inlet manifold. backfire 5. syl back+fire pron <2b@k1fI*> pos vb. mod intr. def a controlled fire started to create a barren area that will halt an advancing forest or prairie fire. back formation 1. syl back for+ma+tion pos n. def the unwitting invention of a new word on the assumption that a familiar word is derived from it. The verbs and in English were so created from and back formation 2. syl back for+ma+tion pos n. def a word formed by this process. back four 0. syl back four pos n. qual Soccer. def the defensive players in many modern team formations: usually two fullbacks and two centre backs. backgammon ety C17: #7back+ gammon, variant of #7game backgammon 1. syl back+gam+mon pron <1b@k2g@m*n>, pos n. def a game for two people played on a board with pieces moved according to throws of the dice. backgammon 2. syl back+gam+mon pron <1b@k2g@m*n>, pos n. def the most complete form of win in this game. backie alt head back green or back green syl back:ie pron <1ba:ki> pos n. back green 0. or backie syl back green pron <1ba:ki> pos n. qual Edinburgh dialect. def a yard at the back of a house. background 1. syl back+ground pron <1b@k2graund> pos n. def the part of a scene or view furthest from the viewer. background 2.a. syl back+ground pron <1b@k2graund> pos n. def an inconspicuous or unobtrusive position (esp. in the phrase {in the background) }. background 2.b. syl back+ground pron <1b@k2graund> pos n. usage as modifier exam 1 a background influence. background 3.a. syl back+ground pron <1b@k2graund> pos n. def the plane or ground in a picture upon which all other planes or forms appear super?!imposed. background 3.b. syl back+ground pron <1b@k2graund> pos n. def the parts of a picture that appear most distant. Compare {foreground, middle distance}. background 4. syl back+ground pron <1b@k2graund> pos n. def a person's social class, education, training, or experience. background 5.a. syl back+ground pron <1b@k2graund> pos n. def the social, historical, or technical circumstances that lead up to or help to explain something. exam 1 the background to the French Revolution. background 5.b. syl back+ground pron <1b@k2graund> pos n. usage as modifier exam 1 background information. background 6.a. syl back+ground pron <1b@k2graund> pos n. def a low level of sound, lighting, etc., whose purpose is to be an unobtrusive or appropriate accompaniment to something else, such as a social activity, conversation, or the action of a film. background 6.b. syl back+ground pron <1b@k2graund> pos n. usage as modifier exam 1 background music. background 7. syl back+ground pron <1b@k2graund> pos n. def Also called: {background radiation}. low-intensity radiation from small amounts of radio isotopes in soil, air, building materials, etc. background 8.a. syl back+ground pron <1b@k2graund> pos n. def unwanted effects, such as noise, occurring in a measuring instrument, electronic device, etc. background 8.b. syl back+ground pron <1b@k2graund> pos n. usage as modifier exam 1 background interference. backhand 1.a. syl back+hand pron <1b@k2h@nd> pos n. def a stroke made across the body with the back of the hand facing the direction of the stroke. backhand 1.b. syl back+hand pron <1b@k2h@nd> pos n. usage as modifier exam 1 a backhand return. backhand 2. syl back+hand pron <1b@k2h@nd> pos n. def the side on which backhand strokes are made. backhand 3. syl back+hand pron <1b@k2h@nd> pos n. def handwriting slanting to the left. backhand 4. syl back+hand pron <1b@k2h@nd> pos adv. def with a backhand stroke. backhand 5. syl back+hand pron <1b@k2h@nd> pos vb. mod tr. qual Sport. def to play (a shot) backhand. backhanded 1. syl back+hand+ed pron <2b@k1h@ndid> pos adj. usage of a blow, shot, stroke, etc. def performed with the arm moving across the body. backhanded 2. syl back+hand+ed pron <2b@k1h@ndid> pos adj. def double-edged; equivocal. exam 1 a backhanded compliment. backhanded 3. syl back+hand+ed pron <2b@k1h@ndid> pos adj. usage of handwriting def slanting to the left. backhanded 4. syl back+hand+ed pron <2b@k1h@ndid> pos adj. usage of a rope def twisted in the opposite way from the normal right-handed direction. backhanded 5. syl back+hand+ed pron <2b@k1h@ndid> pos adv. def in a backhanded manner. backhandedly sub head backhanded syl back+1hand+ed+ly pos adv. backhandedness sub head backhanded syl back+1hand+ed+ness pos n. backhander 1. syl back+hand+er pron <1b@k2h@nd*> pos n. def a backhanded stroke or blow. backhander 2. syl back+hand+er pron <1b@k2h@nd*> pos n. qual Informal. def an indirect attack. backhander 3. syl back+hand+er pron <1b@k2h@nd*> pos n. qual Slang. def a bribe. backing 1. syl back+ing pron <1b@kiG> pos n. def support given to a person, cause, or enterprise. backing 2. syl back+ing pron <1b@kiG> pos n. def a body of supporters. backing 3. syl back+ing pron <1b@kiG> pos n. def something that forms, protects, supports, or strengthens the back of something. backing 4. syl back+ing pron <1b@kiG> pos n. qual Theatre. def a scenic cloth or flat placed behind a window, door, etc., in a set to mask the offstage space. backing 5. syl back+ing pron <1b@kiG> pos n. def musical accompaniment, esp. for a pop singer. backing store 0. syl back+ing store pos n. def a computer storage device, such as a disk, drum, or magnetic tape, that has a larger capacity but longer access time than a computer memory. backlash 1. syl back+lash pron <1b@k2l@S> pos n. def a reaction or recoil between interact?!ing worn or badly fitting parts in a mechanism. backlash 2. syl back+lash pron <1b@k2l@S> pos n. def the excessive play between such parts. backlash 3. syl back+lash pron <1b@k2l@S> pos n. def a sudden and adverse reaction, esp. to a political or social development. exam 1 the White backlash to the Black Power movement. backless 0. syl back+less pron <1b@klis> pos adj. usage of a dress def low-cut at the back. back list 0. syl back list pos n. def a publisher's previously published books that are still available. backlog 1. syl back+log pron <1b@k2log> pos n. def an accumulation of uncompleted work, unsold stock, etc., to be dealt with. backlog 2. syl back+log pron <1b@k2log> pos n. qual Chiefly U.S. def a large log at the back of a fireplace. back marker 0. syl back mark+er pos n. def a competitor who is at the back of a field in a race. back matter 0. syl back mat+ter pos n. def the parts of a book, such as the index and appendixes, that follow the main text. Also called: {end matter}. backmost 0. syl back+most pron <1b@k2m*ust> pos adj. def furthest back. back number 1. syl back num+ber pos n. def an issue of a newspaper, magazine, etc., that appeared on a previous date. back number 2. syl back num+ber pos n. qual Informal. def a person or thing considered to be old-fashioned. back o' Bourke ety from Bourke, a town in New South Wales back o' Bourke 0. syl back o' Bourke pron pos adv. qual Austral. def in a remote or backward place. back out 0. syl back out pos vb. adv. mod intr. usage often foll. by of def to withdraw (from an agreement, etc.). back pack 1. syl back pack pos n. qual Chiefly U.S. def a rucksack or knapsack. back pack 2. syl back pack pos n. def a pack carried on the back of an astronaut, containing oxygen cylinders, essential supplies, etc. back passage 0. syl back pass+age pos n. def the rectum. back-pedals infl head back-pedal or back-pedals syl back-ped:als pos vb. mod intr. qual U.S. back-pedalling infl head back-pedal or back-pedaling syl back-ped:al:ling pos vb. mod intr. back-pedalled infl head back-pedal or back-pedaled syl back-ped:alled pos vb. mod intr. back-pedaling infl head back-pedal or back-pedalling syl back-ped:al:ing pos vb. mod intr. qual U.S. back-pedaled infl head back-pedal or back-pedalled syl back-ped:aled. pos vb. mod intr. qual U.S. back-pedal 1. syl back-ped:al pos vb. def to turn the pedals of a bicycle backwards. back-pedal 2. syl back-ped:al pos vb. def to retract or modify a previous opinion, principle, etc. back-pedal 3. syl back-ped:al pos vb. qual Boxing. def to take backward steps. back projection 0. syl back pro+jec+tion pos n. def a method of projecting pictures onto a translucent screen so that they are viewed from the opposite side, used esp. in films to create the illusion that the actors in the foreground are moving. Also called: {background projection}. back rest 0. syl back rest pos n. def a support for the back of something. Back River 0. syl Back Riv+er pos n. def a river in N Canada, rising in the Northwest Territories and flowing northeast to the Arctic Ocean. Length: about 966 km (600 miles). back room 0.a. syl back room pos n. def a place where research is done, esp. secret research in wartime. back room 0.b. syl back room pos n. usage as modifier exam 1 back-room boys. the infl head Backs syl the. pos n. Backs 0. syl Backs pron pos n. mod pl. def the grounds between the River Cam and certain Cambridge colleges. back saw 0. syl back saw pos n. def a small handsaw stiffened along its upper edge by a metal section. back scatter 1. syl back scat+ter pos n. qual Physics. def the scattering of radiation, such as x-rays or alpha-particles, by the atoms of the medium through which it passes, a proportion of this radiation emerg?!ing from the surface through which it entered. back scatter 2. syl back scat+ter pos n. qual Physics. def the radiation so scattered. backscratcher 1. syl back+scratch+er pron <1b@k2skr@C*> pos n. def an implement with a long handle, used for scratching one's own back. backscratcher 2. syl back+scratch+er pron <1b@k2skr@C*> pos n. qual Informal. def a person who provides a service, corporate or public money etc., for another, in order to receive a similar service or reward in return. back seat 1. syl back seat pos n. def a seat at the back, esp. of a vehicle. back seat 2. syl back seat pos n. qual Informal. def a subordinate or inconspicuous position (esp. in the phrase {take a back seat) }. back-seat driver 1. syl back-seat driv+er pos n. qual Informal. def a passenger in a car who offers unwanted advice to the driver. back-seat driver 2. syl back-seat driv+er pos n. qual Informal. def a person who offers advice on or tries to direct matters that are not his concern. backsheesh 0. syl back+sheesh pron <1b@kSES> pos n. def a variant spelling of {baksheesh}. backside 1. syl back+side pron <2b@k1sId> pos n. def the back of something. backside 2. syl back+side pron <2b@k1sId> pos n. qual Informal. def the buttocks. backsight 1. syl back+sight pron <1b@k2sIt> pos n. def the sight of a rifle nearer the stock. backsight 2. syl back+sight pron <1b@k2sIt> pos n. qual Surveying. def a reading taken looking backwards to a previously occupied station. Compare {{foresight} (sense 4)}. back slang 0. syl back slang pos n. def a type of slang in which words are spelled and, as far as possible, pronounced backwards. back-slapping 0. syl back-slap:ping pos adj. def energetically jovial; hearty. backslides infl head backslide syl back+slides pos vb. mod intr. backsliding infl head backslide syl back+slid+ing pos vb. mod intr. backslid slid infl head backslide or backslidden syl back+slid; +slid pos vb. mod intr. backslidden infl head backslide or backslid slid syl back+slid+den. pos vb. mod intr. backslide 0. syl back+slide pron <1b@k2slId> pos vb. mod intr. def to lapse into bad habits or vices from a state of virtue, religious faith, etc. backslider sub head backslide syl back+2slid+er pos n. backspace 1. syl back+space pron <1b@k2spAs> pos vb. def to move a (typewriter carriage, etc.) backwards. backspace 2. syl back+space pron <1b@k2spAs> pos n. def a typewriter key that can effect such a movement. backspin 0. syl back+spin pron <1b@k2spin> pos n. qual Sport. def a backward spinning motion imparted to a ball to minimize its bounce. Compare {topspin}. backstage 1. syl back+stage pron <2b@k1stAJ> pos adv. def behind the part of the theatre in view of the audience; in the dressing rooms, wings, etc. backstage 2. syl back+stage pron <2b@k1stAJ> pos adv. def towards the rear of the stage. backstage 3. syl back+stage pron <2b@k1stAJ> pos adj. def situated backstage. backstage 4. syl back+stage pron <2b@k1stAJ> pos adj. qual Informal. def away from public view. backstairs 1. syl back+stairs pron <1b@k1ste*z> pos n. mod pl. def a secondary staircase in a house, esp. one originally for the use of servants. backstairs 2. syl back+stairs pron <1b@k1ste*z> pos adj. mod pl. usage also def underhand. exam 1 backstairs gossip. backstay 1. syl back+stay pron <1b@k2stA> pos n. qual Nautical. def a stay leading aft from the upper part of a mast to the deck or stern. backstay 2. syl back+stay pron <1b@k2stA> pos n. qual Machinery. def a supporting piece or arresting part. backstay 3. syl back+stay pron <1b@k2stA> pos n. def anything that supports or strengthens the back of something, such as leather covering the back seam of a shoe. backstitch 1. syl back+stitch pron <1b@k2stiC> pos n. def a strong sewing stitch made by starting the next stitch at the middle or beginning of the preceding one. backstitch 2. syl back+stitch pron <1b@k2stiC> pos vb. def to sew using this stitch. back stop 1. syl back stop pos n. qual Sport. def a screen or fence to prevent balls leaving the playing area. back stop 2. syl back stop pos n. def a block or catch to prevent excessive backward movement, such as one on the sliding seat of a rowing boat. back straight 0. syl back straight pos n. def a straight part of a circuit, esp. of an athletics track, furthest from the finishing point. backstreet 1. syl back+street pron <1b@k2strEt> pos n. def a street in a town remote from the main roads. backstreet 2. syl back+street pron <1b@k2strEt> pos n. usage modifier def denoting illicit activities regarded as likely to take place in such a street. exam 1 a backstreet abortion. back stretch 0. syl back stretch pos n. def a horse-racing term for {back straight}. backstroke 1. syl back+stroke pron <1b@k2str*uk> pos n. def Also called: {back crawl}. backstroke 1.a. syl back+stroke pron <1b@k2str*uk> pos n. def a stroke performed on the back, using backward circular strokes of each arm and flipper movements of the feet. backstroke 1.b. syl back+stroke pron <1b@k2str*uk> pos n. usage as modifier exam 1 the backstroke champion. backstroke 2. syl back+stroke pron <1b@k2str*uk> pos n. def a return stroke or blow. backstroke 3. syl back+stroke pron <1b@k2str*uk> pos n. qual Chiefly U.S. def a backhanded stroke. backstroke 4. syl back+stroke pron <1b@k2str*uk> pos n. qual Bell-ringing. def the upward movement of the bell rope as the bell swings back and forth. Compare {handstroke}. backstroke 5. syl back+stroke pron <1b@k2str*uk> pos vb. mod intr. def to swim the backstroke. backswept 1. syl back+swept pron <1b@k2swept> pos adj. def slanting backwards. backswept 2. syl back+swept pron <1b@k2swept> pos adj. def another word for {sweptback}. backsword 1. syl back+sword pron <1b@k2sc:d> pos n. def another name for {broadsword}. backsword 2. syl back+sword pron <1b@k2sc:d> pos n. def Also called: {back+swords+man}. a person who uses the backsword. backsword 3. syl back+sword pron <1b@k2sc:d> pos n. def a fencing stick with a basket-like protective hilt. back-to-back 1. syl back-to-back pos adj. usage usually postpositive def facing in opposite directions, often with the backs touching. back-to-back 2. syl back-to-back pos adj. usage usually postpositive; Chiefly Brit. of urban houses def built so that their backs are adjacent or separated only by a narrow alley. back-to-back 3. syl back-to-back pos adj. qual Informal. usage usually postpositive def consecutive. back-to-back 4. syl back-to-back pos n. usage usually postpositive def a house or terrace built in back-to-back style. backtrack 1. syl back+track pron <1b@k2tr@k> pos vb. mod intr. def to return by the same route by which one has come. backtrack 2. syl back+track pron <1b@k2tr@k> pos vb. mod intr. def to retract or reverse one's opinion, action, policy, etc. back up 1. syl back up pos vb. adv. mod tr. def to support or assist. back up 2. syl back up pos vb. adv. mod intr. usage Cricket. of a nonstriking batsman def to move down the wicket in readiness for a run as a ball is bowled. back up 3. syl back up pos vb. adv. usage of water def to accumulate. back up 4. syl back up pos vb. adv. qual Printing. def to print the second side of (a sheet). back up 5. syl back up pos vb. adv. qual Computer technol. def to make a copy of (a data file), esp. for storage in another place as a security copy. back up 6. syl back up pos vb. adv. mod intr. qual Austral. usage usually foll. by on def to repeat an action immediately. backup infl head back up syl back+up. pos n. back up 7. syl back up pos n. qual Chiefly U.S. def a support or reinforcement. back up 8.a. syl back up pos n. qual Chiefly U.S. def a reserve or substitute. back up 8.b. syl back up pos n. qual Chiefly U.S. usage as modifier exam 1 backup troops. back up 9. syl back up pos n. qual Chiefly U.S. def the overflow from a blocked drain or pipe. back-up light 0. syl back-up light pos n. def a U.S. name for {reversing light}. backveld ety Afrikaans, from back #7{back %1}#7+ velt field backveld 0. syl back+veld pron <1b@kfelt>, <-velt> pos n. qual S. African informal. def a remote sparsely populated rural area. backvelder sub head backveld syl back+veld+er pos n. backward 1. syl back+ward pron <1b@kw*d> pos adj. usage usually prenominal def directed towards the rear. exam 1 a backward glance. backward 2. syl back+ward pron <1b@kw*d> pos adj. def retarded in physical, material, or intellectual development. exam 1 backward countries; exam 2 a backward child. backward 3.a. syl back+ward pron <1b@kw*d> pos adj. def of or relating to the past; conservative or reactionary. backward 3.b. syl back+ward pron <1b@kw*d> pos adj. usage in combination exam 1 backward-looking. backward 4. syl back+ward pron <1b@kw*d> pos adj. def reluctant or bashful. exam 1 a backward lover. backward 5. syl back+ward pron <1b@kw*d> pos adv. def a variant of {backwards}. backwardly sub head backward syl back+ward+ly pos adv. backwardness sub head backward syl back+ward+ness pos n. backwardation 1. syl back+ward:a+tion pron <2b@kw*1dAS*n> pos n. usage on the London Stock Exchange def postponement, usually speculative, of delivery by a seller of securities until the next settlement period. backwardation 2. syl back+ward:a+tion pron <2b@kw*1dAS*n> pos n. def the fee paid by the seller to the purchaser for such postponement. backwardation xref syl back+ward:a+tion pron <2b@kw*1dAS*n> pos n. def Compare {contango}. backward alt head backwards or backwards syl back+ward pos adv. backwards 1. or backward syl back+wards pron <1b@kw*dz> pos adv. def towards the rear. backwards 2. or backward syl back+wards pron <1b@kw*dz> pos adv. def with the back foremost. backwards 3. or backward syl back+wards pron <1b@kw*dz> pos adv. def in the reverse of usual order or direction. backwards 4. or backward syl back+wards pron <1b@kw*dz> pos adv. def to or towards the past. backwards 5. or backward syl back+wards pron <1b@kw*dz> pos adv. def into a worse state. exam 1 the patient was slipping backwards. backwards 6. or backward syl back+wards pron <1b@kw*dz> pos adv. def towards the point of origin. lean infl head backwards or fall over backwards syl lean fall over backwards infl head backwards or lean syl fall over backwards. bend 7. head backwards syl bend qual Informal. def to make a special effort, esp. in order to please. know backwards 8. head backwards syl know backwards. qual Brit. informal. def to understand completely. backwash 1. syl back+wash pron <1b@k2woS> pos n. def a dashing movement of water, such as that of retreating waves. Compare {swash}. backwash 2. syl back+wash pron <1b@k2woS> pos n. def water washed backwards by the motion of oars or other propelling devices. backwash 3. syl back+wash pron <1b@k2woS> pos n. def the backward flow of air set up by an aircraft's engines. backwash 4. syl back+wash pron <1b@k2woS> pos n. def a condition resulting from a previous event; repercussion. backwash 5. syl back+wash pron <1b@k2woS> pos vb. mod tr. def to remove oil from (combed wool). backwater 1. syl back+wa:ter pron <1b@k2wc:t*> pos n. def a body of stagnant water connected to a river. backwater 2. syl back+wa:ter pron <1b@k2wc:t*> pos n. def water held or driven back, as by a dam, flood, or tide. backwater 3. syl back+wa:ter pron <1b@k2wc:t*> pos n. def an isolated, backward, or intellectually stagnant place or condition. back water infl head backwater syl back wa+ter. pos vb. backwater 4. syl back+wa:ter pron <1b@k2wc:t*> pos vb. mod intr. def to reverse the direction of a boat, esp. to push the oars of a rowing boat. backwoods 1. syl back+woods pron <1b@kwudz> pos n. mod pl. qual Chiefly U.S. def partially cleared, sparsely populated forests. backwoods 2. syl back+woods pron <1b@kwudz> pos n. mod pl. def any remote sparsely populated place. backwoods 3. syl back+woods pron <1b@kwudz> pos n. mod pl. usage modifier def of, from, or like the backwoods. backwoods 4. syl back+woods pron <1b@kwudz> pos n. mod pl. usage modifier def uncouth; rustic. backwoodsmen infl head backwoodsman syl back+woods+men. pos n. mod pl. backwoodsman 1. syl back+woods+man pron <1b@k2wudzm*n> pos n. def a person from the backwoods. backwoodsman 2. syl back+woods+man pron <1b@k2wudzm*n> pos n. qual U.S. informal. def an uncouth or rustic person. backwoodsman 3. syl back+woods+man pron <1b@k2wudzm*n> pos n. qual Brit. informal. def a peer who rarely attends the House of Lords. back yard 1. syl back yard pos n. def a yard at the back of a house, etc. in one's own back yard 2. head back yard syl in one's own back yard. def close at hand. baclava 0. syl bac+la+va pron <1ba:kl*2va:> pos n. def a variant spelling of {baklava}. Bacolod 0. syl Ba+co+lod pron pos n. def a town in the Philippines, on the NW coast of Negros Island. Pop.: 196492 (1975 est.). bacon ety C12: from Old French bacon, from Old High German bahho; related to Old Saxon baco; see #7{back %1} bacon 1. syl ba+con pron <1bAk*n> pos n. def meat from the back and sides of a pig, dried, salted, and usually smoked. bacon 2.a. syl ba+con pron <1bAk*n> pos n. def to achieve success. bacon 2.b. syl ba+con pron <1bAk*n> pos n. def to provide material support. save one's bacon 3. head bacon syl save one's bacon. qual Brit. informal. def to escape from a dangerous or difficult situation. Francis 1. head Bacon syl Fran:cis def Baron Verulam, Viscount St. Albans. 1561-1626, English philosopher, statesman, and essayist; described the inductive method of reasoning: his works include (1625), (1605), and (1620). Francis 2. head Bacon syl Fran:cis. def born 1909, Irish painter, noted for his distorted, richly coloured human figures, dogs, and carcasses. Roger 3. head Bacon syl Rog:er. def ??1214-92, English Franciscan monk, scholar, and scientist: stressed the importance of experiment, demonstrated that air is required for combustion, and first used lenses to correct vision. His (1266) is a compendium of all the sciences of his age. &- {Ba+co+ni@.an} (be$I#!k$$$un$I$$n) bacon-and-eggs 0. syl ba:con-and-eggs pos n. def another name for {bird's-foot trefoil}. baconer 0. syl ba+con+er pron <1bAk*n*> pos n. def a pig that weighs between 83 and 101 kg, from which bacon is cut. bact 0. syl bact. qual abbrev. for def bacteria(l). bacteremia alt head bacteraemia or bacteraemia syl bac+te+re+mi:a pron <2b@kt*1rEmi*> pos n. qual U.S. bacteraemia 0. or bacteremia syl bac+te+rae+mi:a pron <2b@kt*1rEmi*> pos n. qual Pathol. def the presence of bacteria in the blood. bacteria ety C19: plural of New Latin bacterium, from Greek bakt*_erion, literally: a little stick, from baktron rod, staff bacterium infl head bacteria syl bac+te+ri:um pron <-ri*m> pos n. mod sing. bacteria 0. syl bac+te+ri:a pron pos n. mod pl. def a large group of typically unicellular microorganisms, usually classified as plants. Most bacteria are parasites (many of which cause disease) or saprophytes and reproduce by fission. bacterial sub head bacteria syl bac+1te+ri:al pos adj. bacterially sub head bacteria syl bac+1te+ri+al+ly pos adv. bacteria bed 0. syl bac+te+ri:a bed pos n. def a layer of sand or gravel used to expose sewage effluent, in its final stages, to air and the action of microorganisms. Compare {{filter bed} (sense 1)}. bacterial plaque 0. syl bac+te+ri:al plaque pos n. def another term for {dental plaque}. bactericide 0. syl bac+te+ri+cide pron pos n. def a substance able to destroy bacteria. bactericidal sub head bactericide syl bac+2te+ri+1cid+al pos adj. bacterin 0. syl bac+te+rin pron <1b@kt*rin> pos n. def a vaccine prepared from bacteria. bacterio- ety New Latin, from #7bacteria bacteri- infl head bacterio- syl bac:te:ri- bacteriol 1. syl bacteriol. qual abbrev. for: def bacteriological. bacteriol 2. syl bacteriol. qual abbrev. for: def bacteriology. bacteriology 0. syl bac+te+ri+ol+o:gy pron pos n. def the branch of science concerned with the study of bacteria. bacteriological sub head bacteriology syl bac+te+ri:o+log:i+cal pron pos adj. bacteriologically sub head bacteriology syl bac+2te+ri:o+1log:i+cal+ly pos adv. bacteriologist sub head bacteriology syl bac+2te+ri+1ol:o+gist pos n. bacteriolysis 0. syl bac+te+ri+ol:y+sis pron pos n. def the destruction of bacteria, esp. by antibodies. bacteriolytic sub head bacteriolysis syl bac+te+ri:o+lyt+ic pron pos adj. bacteriophage 0. syl bac+te+ri:o+phage pron pos n. def a virus that is parasitic in a bacterium and multiplies within its host, which is destroyed when the new viruses are released. Often shortened to {phage}. bacteriophagic sub head bacteriophage syl bac+te+ri:o+phag+ic pron pos adj. bacteriophagous sub head bacteriophage syl bac+te+ri+oph:a+gous pron pos adj. bacteriostases infl head bacteriostasis syl bac+te+ri:o+sta+ses pron <-1stAsEz>, <-1st@sEz> pos n. mod pl. bacteriostasis 0. syl bac+te+ri:o+sta+sis pron , <-1st@sis> pos n. def inhibition of the growth and reproduction of bacteria, esp. by the action of a chemical agent. bacteriostatic sub head bacteriostasis syl bac+te+ri:o+stat+ic pron pos adj. bacteriostatically sub head bacteriostasis syl bac+2te+ri:o+1stat:i+cal+ly pos adv. bacterium 0. syl bac+te+ri:um pron pos n. def singular of {bacteria}. bacteroid 1. syl bac+ter+oid pron <1b@kt*2rcid> pos adj. def resembling a bacterium. bacteroid 2. syl bac+ter+oid pron <1b@kt*2rcid> pos n. def any rodlike bacterium of the genus occurring in the gut of man and animals. Bactria 0. syl Bac+tri:a pron <1b@ktri*> pos n. def an ancient country of SW Asia, between the Hindu Kush mountains and the Oxus River: forms the present district of Balkh in N Afghanistan. Bactrian sub head Bactria syl Bac+tri:an pos adj. n. Bactrian camel 0. syl Bac+tri:an cam+el pos n. def a two-humped camel, used as a beast of burden in the cold deserts of central Asia. Compare {Arabian camel}. baculiform ety C19: from baculi-, from Latin baculum walking stick+-#7form baculiform 0. syl ba+cu+li+form pron , <1b@kju:-> pos adj. qual Biology. def shaped like a rod. exam 1 baculiform fungal spores. baculum ety C20: New Latin, from Latin: stick, staff bacula infl head baculum or baculums syl bac:u+la pron <-l*> pos n. mod pl. baculums infl head baculum or bacula syl bac:u+lums. pos n. mod pl. baculum 0. syl bac:u+lum pron <1b@kjul*m> pos n. def a bony support in the penis of certain mammals, esp. the carnivores. bad ety C13: probably from b@ad-, as the first element of Old English b*_@addel hermaphrodite, b*_@adling sodomite &- #!bad+dish adj. &- #!bad+ness n. #e Usage. See at good. worse infl head bad syl worse pos adj. worst infl head bad syl worst. pos adj. bad H1.1. syl bad pron pos adj. def not good; of poor quality; inadequate; inferior. exam 1 bad workmanship; exam 2 bad soil; exam 3 bad light for reading. bad H1.2. syl bad pron pos adj. usage often foll. by at def lacking skill or talent; incompetent. exam 1 a bad painter; exam 2 bad at sports. bad H1.3. syl bad pron pos adj. usage often foll. by for def harmful. exam 1 bad air; exam 2 smoking is bad for you. bad H1.4. syl bad pron pos adj. def immoral; evil. exam 1 a bad life. bad H1.5. syl bad pron pos adj. def naughty; mischievous; disobedient. exam 1 a bad child. bad H1.6. syl bad pron pos adj. def rotten; decayed; spoiled. exam 1 a bad egg. bad H1.7. syl bad pron pos adj. def severe; intense. exam 1 a bad headache. bad H1.8. syl bad pron pos adj. def incorrect; wrong; faulty. exam 1 bad pronunciation. bad H1.9. syl bad pron pos adj. def ill or in pain (esp. in the phrase {feel bad) }. bad H1.10. syl bad pron pos adj. def regretful, sorry, or upset (esp. in the phrase {feel bad about) }. bad H1.11. syl bad pron pos adj. def unfavourable; distressing. exam 1 bad news; exam 2 a bad business. bad H1.12. syl bad pron pos adj. def offensive; unpleasant; disagreeable. exam 1 bad language; exam 2 bad temper. bad H1.13. syl bad pron pos adj. def not valid or sound; void. exam 1 a bad cheque. bad H1.14. syl bad pron pos adj. def not recoverable. exam 1 a bad debt. go from bad to worse 15. head bad syl go from bad to worse. def to deteriorate even more. go bad 16. head bad syl go bad. def to putrefy; spoil. bad H1.17.a. syl bad pron pos adj. def seriously ill, through sickness or injury. bad H1.17.b. syl bad pron pos adj. def in trouble of any kind. in someone's bad books 18. head bad syl in someone's bad books. def See {{book} (sense 16)}. make the best of a bad job 19. head bad syl make the best of a bad job. def to manage as well as possible in unfavourable circumstances. not bad 20. head bad or not so bad syl not bad qual Informal. def passable; fair; fairly good. not half bad 21. head bad syl not half bad. qual Informal. def very good. too bad 22. head bad syl too bad. usage Informal. often used dismissively def regrettable. bad H1.23. syl bad pron pos adj. usage Slang. chiefly U.S. Negro usage, also found in jazz contexts def good; fine. bad H1.24. syl bad pron pos n. def unfortunate or unpleasant events collectively (often in the phrase {take the bad with the good) }. bad H1.25. syl bad pron pos n. def an immoral or degenerate state (often in the phrase {go to the bad}) . bad H1.26. syl bad pron pos n. def the debit side of an account. exam 1 @P200 to the bad. in bad with 27. head bad syl in bad with. qual Informal. def out of favour with. {~} bad H1.28. syl bad pron pos n. qual Not standard. def badly. exam 1 to want something bad. bad H2.0. syl bad pron pos vb. def a variant spelling of {bade}. Badajoz 0. syl Ba+da+joz pron <1b@d*2hoz>, Spanish <2baDa1$xoT> pos n. def a city in SW Spain: strategically positioned near the frontier with Portugal. Pop.: 101110 (1970). Badalona 0. syl Ba+da+lo+na pron Spanish <2baDa1lona> pos n. def a port in NE Spain: an industrial suburb of Barcelona. Pop.: 162888 (1970). bad blood 0. syl bad blood pos n. def a feeling of intense hatred or hostility; enmity. badderlocks ety C18: of unknown origin badderlocks 0. syl bad+der+locks pron <1b@d*2loks> pos n. def a seaweed, that has long brownish-green fronds and is eaten in parts of N Europe. baddy alt head baddie or baddie syl bad+dy pron <1b@di> pos n. baddies infl head baddie syl bad+dies. pos n. mod pl. baddie 0. or baddy syl bad+die pron <1b@di> pos n. qual Informal. def a bad character in a story, film, etc., esp. an opponent of the hero. bad alt head bade or bade syl bad pos vb. bade 0. or bad syl bade pron , pos vb. def the past tense of {bid}. Baden 0. syl Ba+den pron <1ba:dN> pos n. def a former state of West Germany, now part of Baden-W*"urttemberg. Baden-Baden 0. syl Ba:den-Ba:den pos n. def a spa in SW West Germany, in Baden-W*"urttemberg. Pop.: 36900 (1970). Robert Stephenson Smyth infl head Baden-Powell syl Rob:ert Ste:phen:son Smyth pron , pos n. Baden-Powell 0. syl Ba:den-Pow:ell pron <1bAdN> <1p*u*l>, <1pau*l> pos n. def 1st Baron Baden-Powell. 1857-1941, British general, noted for his defence of Mafeking (1899-1900) in the Boer War; founder of the Boy Scouts (1908) and (with his sister Agnes) the Girl Guides (1910). Baden-Wurttemberg 0. syl Ba:den-W*"urt:tem+berg pron German <1ba:dN> <1vyrt*m2berk> pos n. def a state of SW West Germany. Capital: Stuttgart. Pop.: 8895048 (1970). Area: 35742 sq. km (13800 sq. miles). badge ety C14: from Norman French bage; related to Anglo-Latin bagia badge 1. syl badge pron pos n. def a distinguishing emblem or mark worn to signify membership, employment, achievement, etc. badge 2. syl badge pron pos n. def any revealing feature or mark. badger ety C16: variant of badgeard, probably from #7badge (from the white mark on its forehead)+-#7ard badger 1. syl badg+er pron <1b@J*> pos n. def any of various stocky omnivorous musteline mammals of the subfamily such as ({Eurasian badger}) , occurring in Europe, Asia, and North America: order (carnivores). They are typically large burrowing animals, with strong claws and a thick coat striped black and white on the head. Compare {ferret badger, hog badger}. honey badger 2. head badger syl honey badger. def another name for {ratel}. badger 3. syl badg+er pron <1b@J*> pos vb. mod tr. def to pester or harass. Bad Godesberg 0. syl Bad Go+des+berg pron German <1go:d*sberk> pos n. def the official name for {Godesberg}. badinage ety C17: from French, from badiner to jest, banter, from Old Proven*,cal badar to gape badinage 0. syl bad:i+nage pron <1b@di2na:Z> pos n. def playful or frivolous repartee or banter. Bad Lands 0. syl Bad Lands pos n. mod pl. def a deeply eroded barren region of SW South Dakota and NW Nebraska. badlands 0. syl bad+lands pron <1b@d2l@ndz> pos n. mod pl. def any deeply eroded barren area. worse infl head badly syl worse pos adv. worst infl head badly syl worst. pos adv. badly 1. syl bad+ly pron <1b@dli> pos adv. def poorly; defectively; in?!adequately. exam 1 the chair is badly made. badly 2. syl bad+ly pron <1b@dli> pos adv. def unfavourably; unsuccessfully; unfortunately. exam 1 our scheme worked out badly. badly 3. syl bad+ly pron <1b@dli> pos adv. def severely; gravely. exam 1 he was badly hurt. badly 4. syl bad+ly pron <1b@dli> pos adv. def incorrectly or inaccurately. exam 1 to speak German badly. badly 5. syl bad+ly pron <1b@dli> pos adv. def improperly; naughtily; wickedly. exam 1 to behave badly. badly 6. syl bad+ly pron <1b@dli> pos adv. def without humanity; cruelly. exam 1 to treat badly. badly 7. syl bad+ly pron <1b@dli> pos adv. def very much (esp. in the phrases {need badly, badly in need of, want badly}) . badly 8. syl bad+ly pron <1b@dli> pos adv. def regretfully. exam 1 he felt badly about it. badly off 9. head badly syl badly off. def poor; impoverished. badly 10. syl bad+ly pron <1b@dli> pos adj. qual Northern English dialect. usage postpositive def ill; poorly. badmen infl head badman syl bad+men. pos n. mod pl. badman 0. syl bad+man pron <1b@d2m@n> pos n. qual Chiefly U.S. def a hired gunman, outlaw, or criminal. badminton 1. syl bad+min+ton pron <1b@dmint*n> pos n. def a game played with rackets and a shuttlecock, which is hit back and forth across a high net. badminton 2. syl bad+min+ton pron <1b@dmint*n> pos n. def Also called: {badminton cup}. a long refreshing drink of claret with soda water and sugar. bad-mouth 0. syl bad-mouth pos vb. mod tr. qual U.S. slang. def to speak unfavourably about. bad news 0. syl bad news pos n. qual Slang. def someone or something regarded as undesirable. exam 1 he's bad news around here. Pietro infl head Badoglio syl Pie:tro pron <1pje:tro> pos n. Badoglio 0. syl Ba:do:glio pron Italian pos n. def 1871-1956, Italian marshal; premier (1943-44) following Mussolini's downfall: arranged an armistice with the Allies (1943). Baeda 0. syl Bae:da pron <1bEd*> pos n. def Latin name of {Bede}. Baedeker 1. syl Bae+de+ker pron <1bAdik*> pos n. def any of a series of travel guidebooks issued by the German publisher Karl Baedeker (1801-59) or his firm. Baedeker 2. syl Bae+de+ker pron <1bAdik*> pos n. def any guidebook. Baedeker raid 0. syl Bae+de+ker raid pos n. qual Informal. def one of the German air raids in 1942 on places of cultural and historical importance in England. bael ety C17: from Hindi bel bael 1. syl bael pron <1bA*l> pos n. def a spiny Indian rutaceous tree, bael 2. syl bael pron <1bA*l> pos n. def the edible thick-shelled fruit of this tree. Johann Friedrich Wilhelm Adolf von infl head Baeyer syl Jo:hann Frie:drich Wil:helm A:dolf von pron <1jo:han> <1frEdri*,c> <1vilhelm> <1a:dclf> pos n. Baeyer 0. syl Bae:yer pron German <1bI*r> pos n. def 1835-1917, German chemist, noted for the synthesis of indigo: Nobel prize for chemistry 1905. Joan infl head Baez syl Joan. pos n. Baez 0. syl Ba:ez pron pos n. def born 1941, U.S. rock and folk singer, guitarist, and songwriter, noted for the pure quality of her voice and for her committed pacifist and protest songs. Baffin Bay ety named after William Baffin, 17th-century English navigator Baffin Bay 0. syl Baf+fin Bay pron <1b@fin> pos n. def part of the Northwest Passage, situated between Baffin Island and Greenland. Baffin Island ety see B#7affin B#7ay Baffin Island 0. syl Baf+fin Is+land pos n. def the largest island of the Canadian Arctic, between Greenland and Hudson Bay. Pop.: about 2000. Area: 476560 sq. km (184000 sq. miles). baffle ety C16: perhaps from Scottish dialect bachlen to condemn publicly baffle 1. syl baf+fle pron <1b@fL> pos vb. mod tr. def to perplex; bewilder; puzzle. baffle 2. syl baf+fle pron <1b@fL> pos vb. mod tr. def to frustrate (plans, efforts, etc.). baffle 3. syl baf+fle pron <1b@fL> pos vb. mod tr. def to check, restrain, or regulate (the flow of a fluid or the emission of sound or light). baffle 4. syl baf+fle pron <1b@fL> pos vb. mod tr. def to provide with a baffle. baffle 5. syl baf+fle pron <1b@fL> pos vb. mod tr. qual Obsolete. def to cheat or trick. {~} baffle 6. syl baf+fle pron <1b@fL> pos vb. mod tr. def Also called: {baffle board, baffle plate}. a plate or mechanical device designed to restrain or regulate the flow of a fluid, the emission of light or sound, or the distribution of sound, esp. in a loudspeaker or microphone. bafflement sub head baffle syl baf+fle+ment pos n. baffler sub head baffle syl baf+fler pos n. bafflingly sub head baffle syl baf+fling+ly pos adv. bag ety C13: probably from Old Norse baggi; related to Old French bague bundle, pack, Medieval Latin baga chest, sack, Flemish bagge bag 1. syl bag pron pos n. def a flexible container with an opening at one end. bag 2. syl bag pron pos n. def Also called: {bagful}. the contents of or amount contained in such a container. bag 3. syl bag pron pos n. def any of various measures of quantity, such as a bag containing 1 hundredweight of coal. bag 4. syl bag pron pos n. def a piece of portable luggage. bag 5. syl bag pron pos n. def short for {handbag}. bag 6. syl bag pron pos n. def anything that hangs loosely, sags, or is shaped like a bag, such as a loose fold of skin under the eyes or the bulging part of a sail. bag 7. syl bag pron pos n. def any pouch or sac forming part of the body of an animal, esp. the udder of a cow. bag 8. syl bag pron pos n. qual Hunting. def the quantity of quarry taken in a single hunting trip or by a single hunter. bag 9. syl bag pron pos n. qual Derogatory slang. def an ugly or bad-tempered woman or girl (often in the phrase {old bag}) . bag 10. syl bag pron pos n. qual Slang. def a measure of marijuana, heroin, etc., in folded paper. bag 11. syl bag pron pos n. qual Slang. def a person's particular taste, field of skill, interest, activity, etc.. exam 1 blues is his bag. bag 12.a. syl bag pron pos n. def with all one's belongings. bag 12.b. syl bag pron pos n. def entirely. a bag of bones 13. head bag syl a bag of bones. def a lean creature. in the bag 14. head bag syl in the bag. qual Slang. def almost assured of succeeding or being obtained. the (whole) bag of tricks 15. head bag syl the (whole) bag of tricks. qual Informal. def every device; everything. bags infl head bag syl bags pos vb. bagging infl head bag syl bag+ging pos vb. bagged infl head bag syl bagged. pos vb. bag 16. syl bag pron pos vb. mod tr. def to put into a bag. bag 17. syl bag pron pos vb. def to bulge or cause to bulge; swell. bag 18. syl bag pron pos vb. mod tr. def to capture or kill, as in hunting. bag 19. syl bag pron pos vb. mod tr. def to catch, seize, or steal. bag 20. syl bag pron pos vb. mod intr. def to hang loosely; sag. bag 21. syl bag pron pos vb. mod tr. qual Brit. informal. def to reserve or secure the right to do or to have something. exam 1 he bagged the best chair. bag 22. syl bag pron pos vb. mod tr. qual Austral. slang. def to criticize; disparage. Baganda 0. syl Ba+gan+da pron , <-1ga:n-> pos n. mod functioning as; pl. def a Negroid people of E Africa living chiefly in Uganda. See also {Ganda, Luganda}. bagasse ety C19: from French, from Spanish bagazo dregs, refuse, from baga husk, from Latin b*_aca berry bagasse 1. syl ba+gasse pron pos n. def the dry pulp remaining after the extraction of juice from sugar cane or other similar plants: used as fuel, for making fibreboard, paper, etc. bagasse 2. syl ba+gasse pron pos n. def Also called: {megass, megasse}. a type of paper made from bagasse fibres. bagatelle ety C17: from French, from Italian bagattella, from (dialect) bagatta a little possession, from baga a possession, probably from Latin b*_aca berry bagatelle 1. syl bag:a+telle pron <2b@g*1tel> pos n. def something of little value or significance; trifle. bagatelle 2. syl bag:a+telle pron <2b@g*1tel> pos n. def a board game in which balls are struck into holes, with pins as obstacles; pinball. bagatelle 3. syl bag:a+telle pron <2b@g*1tel> pos n. def another name for {bar billiards}. bagatelle 4. syl bag:a+telle pron <2b@g*1tel> pos n. def a short light piece of music, esp. for piano. Bagdad 0. syl Bag+dad pron pos n. def a variant spelling of {Baghdad}. Walter infl head Bagehot syl Wal:ter. pos n. Bagehot 0. syl Bage:hot pron <1b@J*t> pos n. def 1826-77, English economist and journalist: editor of author of (1867), (1872), and (1873). bagel ety from Yiddish beygel, ultimately from Old High German boug ring beigel alt head bagel or bagel syl bei+gel pron <1bAgL> pos n. bagel 0. or beigel syl ba+gel pron <1bAgL> pos n. def a hard ring-shaped bread roll, characteristic of Jewish baking. baggage ety C15: from Old French bagage, from bague a bundle, perhaps of Scandinavian origin; compare Old Norse baggi #7bag baggage 1.a. syl bag+gage pron <1b@giJ> pos n. def suitcases, bags, etc., packed for a journey; luggage. baggage 2. syl bag+gage pron <1b@giJ> pos n. def an army's portable equipment. baggage 3.a. syl bag+gage pron <1b@giJ> pos n. def a pert young woman. baggage 3.b. syl bag+gage pron <1b@giJ> pos n. def an immoral woman or prostitute. bagging 0. syl bag+ging pron <1b@giG> pos n. def coarse woven cloth; sacking. baggier infl head baggy syl bag+gi+er pos adj. baggiest infl head baggy syl bag+gi+est. pos adj. baggy H1.0. syl bag+gy pron <1b@gi> pos adj. usage of clothes def hanging loosely; puffed out. baggily sub head baggy syl bag+gi+ly pos adv. bagginess sub head baggy syl bag+gi+ness pos n. baggies infl head baggy syl bag+gies. pos n. mod pl. baggy H2.0. syl bag+gy pron <1b@gi> pos n. def a variant spelling of {bagie}. bagh ety Urdu bagh 0. syl bagh pron pos n. usage in India and Pakistan def a garden. Bagdad alt head Baghdad or Baghdad syl Bag+dad pron pos n. Baghdad 0. or Bagdad syl Bagh+dad pron pos n. def the capital of Iraq, on the River Tigris: capital of the Abbasid Caliphate (762-1258). Pop.: 2183760 (1970 est.). Baghlan 0. syl Bagh+lan pron pos n. def a city in NE Afghanistan: sugar refining. Pop.: 110874 (1973 est.). bagie ety perhaps from #7rutabaga baggy alt head bagie or bagie syl bag+gy pos n. bagies infl head bagie syl ba+gies. pos n. mod pl. bagie 0. or baggy syl ba+gie pron <1bAgi> pos n. qual Northumbrian dialect. def a turnip. bagmen infl head bagman syl bag+men. pos n. mod pl. bagman 1. syl bag+man pron <1b@gm*n> pos n. qual Brit. informal. def a travelling salesman. bagman 2. syl bag+man pron <1b@gm*n> pos n. qual U.S. slang. def a person who collects or distributes money for racketeers. bagman 3. syl bag+man pron <1b@gm*n> pos n. qual Austral. def a tramp or swagman, esp. one on horseback. bagnette 0. syl bag+nette pron <1b@gnet> pos n. def a variant of {{baguette} (sense 3)}. bagnio ety C16: from Italian bagno, from Latin balneum bath, from Greek balaneion bagnios infl head bagnio syl bagn:ios. pos n. mod pl. bagnio 1. syl bagn:io pron <1ba:nj*u> pos n. def a brothel. bagnio 2. syl bagn:io pron <1ba:nj*u> pos n. qual Obsolete. def an oriental prison for slaves. bagnio 3. syl bagn:io pron <1ba:nj*u> pos n. qual Obsolete. def an Italian or Turkish bathhouse. bagpipe ety C14: probably a translation of Low German sakp*_ipe; see #7{sack %1}#7, {pipe %1}; related to Dutch zakpijpe bagpipe 0. syl bag+pipe pron <1b@g2pIp> pos n. usage modifier def of or relating to the bagpipes. bagpipes 0. syl bag+pipes pron <1b@g2pIps> pos n. mod pl. def any of a family of musical wind instruments in which sounds are produced in reed pipes supplied with air from a bag inflated either by the player's mouth, as in the {Irish bagpipes} or {Highland bagpipes} of Scotland, or by arm-operated bellows, as in the {Northumbrian bagpipes}. bags 1. syl bags pron pos n. mod pl. qual Informal. def a lot; a great deal. bags 2. syl bags pron pos n. mod pl. def short for {Oxford bags}. bags 3. syl bags pron pos n. mod pl. qual Brit. informal. def any pair of trousers. bags 4. syl bags pron pos interj. mod pl. def Also: {bags I}. an indication of the desire to do, be, or have something. baguette ety C18: from French, from Italian bacchetta a little stick, from bacchio rod, from Latin baculum walking stick baguet alt head baguette or baguette syl ba+guet pron pos n. baguette 1. or baguet syl ba+guette pron pos n. def a small gem cut as a long rectangle. baguette 2. or baguet syl ba+guette pron pos n. def the shape of such a gem. baguette 3. or baguet syl ba+guette pron pos n. qual Architect. def a small moulding having a semicircular cross section. baguette 4. or baguet syl ba+guette pron pos n. def a narrow French stick loaf. Baguio 0. syl Ba+gui:o pron <1b@gi2*u> pos n. def a city in the N Philippines, on N Luzon: summer capital of the Republic. Pop.: 84538 (1970). bagwash 1. syl bag+wash pron <1b@g2woS> pos n. qual Old-fashioned. def a laundry that washes clothes without drying or pressing them. bagwash 2. syl bag+wash pron <1b@g2woS> pos n. qual Old-fashioned. def the clothes so washed. bagwig 0. syl bag+wig pron <1b@g2wig> pos n. def an 18th-century wig with hair pushed back into a bag. bagworm 1. syl bag+worm pron <1b@g2wR:m> pos n. def the larva of moths of the family which typically constructs and inhabits a protective case of silk covered with grass, leaves, etc. bagworm moth 2. head bagworm syl bagworm moth. def any moth of the family bah 0. syl bah pron , pos interj. def an expression of contempt or disgust. bahadur ety C18: from Hindi bah*_adur hero, from Persian: valiant bahadur 0. syl ba+ha+dur pron pos n. usage often in combination def a title formerly conferred by the British on distinguished Indians. Bahai ety from Persian bah*_a'*_i, literally: of glory, from bah*_a' u'll*_ah glory of God, from Arabic Bahai 1. syl Ba+ha:i pron pos n. def an adherent of Bahaism. Bahai 2. syl Ba+ha:i pron pos adj. def of or relating to Bahaism. Bahaism 0. syl Ba+ha+ism pron pos n. def a religious system founded in 1863 by Baha'ullah, based on Babism and emphasizing the value of all religions and the spiritual unity of all mankind. &- {Ba+#!ha+ist} {Ba+#!ha+ite} Bahama Islands alt head Bahamas or Bahamas syl Ba+ha+ma Is+lands pos n. mod pl. The infl head Bahamas syl The. pos n. Bahamas 0. or Bahama Islands syl Ba+ha+mas pron pos n. mod pl. def a group of over 700 coral islands (about 20 of which are inhabited) in the West Indies: a British colony from 1783 until 1964; an independent nation within the Commonwealth since 1973. Language: English. Currency: Bahamian dollar. Capital: Nassau. Pop.: 175192 (1970). Area: 11406 sq. km (4404 sq. miles). Bahamian sub head Bahamas syl Ba+ha+mi:an pron , <-1ha:-> pos adj. n. Bahasa Indonesia 0. syl Ba+ha+sa In+do+ne:si:a pron pos n. def the official language of Indonesia: developed from the form of Malay formerly widely used as a trade language in SE Asia. Baha'ullah 0. syl Ba:ha':ul:lah pron <2ba:ha:1ul*> pos n. def title of 1817-92, Persian religious leader: originally a Shiite Muslim, later a disciple of the Bab: founder of Bahaism. Bahia 0. syl Ba+hi:a pron , Portuguese pos n. def a state of E Brazil, on the Atlantic coast. Capital: Salvador. Pop.: 7493470 (1970). Area: about 562000 sq. km (217000 sq. miles). Bah'ia Blanca 0. syl Ba+h*'i:a Blan+ca pron Spanish <1blaGka> pos n. def a port in E Argentina. Pop.: 175000 (1970). Bahia de los Cochinos 0. syl Ba+hi:a de los Co+chi+nos pron , pos n. def the Spanish name of {Bay of Pigs}. Bahrein alt head Bahrain or Bahrain syl Bah+rein pron pos n. Bahrain 0. or Bahrein syl Bah+rain pron pos n. def an independent sheikdom on the Persian Gulf, consisting of several islands: under British protection until the declaration of independence in 1971. It has large oil reserves. Language: Arabic. Religion: Muslim. Cur?!rency: dinar. Capital: Manama. Pop.: 243000 (1974 UN est.). Area: 600 sq. km (232 sq. miles). Bahraini sub head Bahrain or Bahreini syl Bah+1rai+ni pos adj. n. Bahreini sub head Bahrain or Bahraini syl Bah+1rei+ni pos adj. n. bahts infl head baht or baht syl bahts pos n. mod pl. baht infl or bahts syl baht. pos n. mod pl. baht 0. syl baht pron pos n. def the standard monetary unit of Thailand, divided into 100 satangs. bahuvrihi ety from Sanskrit bahuvr*_ihi, itself this type of compound, from bahu much+ vr*_ih rice bahuvrihi 1. syl ba+hu+vri+hi pron <2ba:hu:1vrEhE> pos n. qual Linguistics. def a class of compound words consisting of two elements the first of which is a specific feature of the second. bahuvrihi 2. syl ba+hu+vri+hi pron <2ba:hu:1vrEhE> pos n. qual Linguistics. def a compound word of this type, such as Lake infl head Baikal syl Lake. pos n. Baikal 0. syl Bai+kal pron , <-1k@l> pos n. def a lake in the S Soviet Union, in SE Siberia: the largest freshwater lake in Eurasia and the deepest in the world. Greatest depth: over 1500 m (5000 ft.). Area: about 33670 sq. km (13000 sq. miles). bail ety C14: from Old French: custody, from baillier to hand over, from Latin b*_aiul*_are to carry burdens, from b*_aiulus carrier, of obscure origin bail H1.1. syl bail pron pos n. qual Law. def a sum of money by which a person is bound to take responsibility for the appearance in court of another person or himself, forfeited if the person fails to appear. bail H1.2. syl bail pron pos n. qual Law. def the person or persons so binding themselves; surety. bail H1.3. syl bail pron pos n. qual Law. def the system permitting release of a person from custody where such security has been taken. exam 1 he was released on bail. jump bail 4. head bail or forfeit bail syl jump bail qual Law. def to fail to appear in court to answer to a charge. stand 5. head bail or go bail syl stand qual Law. def to act as surety (for someone). bail H1.6. syl bail pron pos vb. mod tr. qual Law. usage often foll. by out def to release or obtain the release of (a person) from custody, security having been made. {~} See also {bale out}. bail ety C13: from Old French baille bucket, from Latin b*_aiulus carrier bale alt head bail or bail syl bale pron pos vb. bail H2.0. or bale syl bail pron pos vb. usage often foll. by out def to remove (water) from (a boat). bailer sub head bail or baler syl bail+er pos n. baler sub head bail or bailer syl bal+er pos n. bail ety C18: from Old French baile stake, fortification, probably from Latin baculum stick bail H3.1. syl bail pron pos n. qual Cricket. def either of two small wooden bars placed across the tops of the stumps to form the wicket. bail H3.2.a. syl bail pron pos n. def a partition between stalls in a stable or barn, for horses. bail H3.2.b. syl bail pron pos n. def a portable dairy house built on wheels or skids. bail H3.3. syl bail pron pos n. qual Austral. def a framework in a cowshed used to secure the head of a cow during milking. bail H3.4. syl bail pron pos vb. def See {bail up}. bail ety C15: probably of Scandinavian origin; compare Old Norse beygja to bend bale alt head bail or bail syl bale pron pos n. bail H4.1. or bale syl bail pron pos n. def the semicircular handle of a kettle, bucket, etc. bail H4.2. or bale syl bail pron pos n. def a semicircular support for a canopy. bail H4.3. or bale syl bail pron pos n. def a movable bar on a typewriter that holds the paper against the platen. bailable 1. syl bail+a:ble pron <1bAl*bL> pos adj. qual Law. def eligible for release on bail. bailable 2. syl bail+a:ble pron <1bAl*bL> pos adj. qual Law. def admitting of bail. exam 1 a bailable offence. bail bond 0. syl bail bond pos n. def a document in which a prisoner and one or more sureties guarantee that the prisoner will attend the court hearing of the charges against him if he is released on bail. Baile 'Atha Cliath 0. syl Baile *'Atha Cli+ath pron pos n. def the Irish Gaelic name for {Dublin}. bailee 0. syl bail:ee pron pos n. qual Contract law. def a person to whom goods are entrusted under a contract of bailment. bailey ety C13: from Old French baille enclosed court, from bailler to enclose, from Late Latin b*_ajul*_are to bear (something heavy); see #7{bail %3} bailey 0. syl bai+ley pron <1bAli> pos n. def the outermost wall or court of a castle. Nathan infl head Bailey or Nathaniel syl Na:than pos n. Nathaniel infl head Bailey or Nathan syl Na:than:iel. pos n. Bailey 0. syl Bai:ley pron <1bAli> pos n. def died 1742, English lexicographer: compiler of (1721-27), on which Dr. Johnson's dictionary was based. Bailey bridge ety C20: named after Sir Donald Bailey (born 1901), its English designer Bailey bridge 0. syl Bai:ley bridge pos n. def a temporary bridge made of prefabricated steel parts that can be rapidly assembled. bailie ety C13: from Old French bailli, from earlier baillif #7bailiff bailie 1. syl bail:ie pron <1bAli> pos n. usage in Scotland def a municipal magistrate. bailie 2. syl bail:ie pron <1bAli> pos n. def an obsolete or dialect spelling of {bailiff}. bailiff ety C13: from Old French baillif, from bail custody; see #7{bail %1} bailiff 1. syl bail+iff pron <1bAlif> pos n. qual Brit. def the agent or steward of a landlord or landowner. bailiff 2. syl bail+iff pron <1bAlif> pos n. def a sheriff's officer who serves writs and sum?!monses, makes arrests, and ensures that the sentences of the court are carried out. bailiff 3. syl bail+iff pron <1bAlif> pos n. usage Chiefly Brit. formerly def a high official having judicial powers. bailiff 4. syl bail+iff pron <1bAlif> pos n. qual Chiefly U.S. def an official having custody of prisoners appearing in court. bailiwick ety C15: from #7bailie +#7wick bailiwick 1. syl bail:i+wick pron <1bAliwik> pos n. qual Law. def the area over which a bailiff has jurisdiction. bailiwick 2. syl bail:i+wick pron <1bAliwik> pos n. def a person's special field of interest, authority, or skill. Bailly 0. syl Bail+ly pron <1bAli> pos n. def one of the largest craters on the moon, about 293 kilometres in diameter, lying in the SE quadrant. bailment 1. syl bail+ment pron <1bAlm*nt> pos n. qual Contract law. def a contractual delivery of goods in trust to a person for a specific purpose. bailment 2. syl bail+ment pron <1bAlm*nt> pos n. qual Criminal law. def the act of granting bail. bailor 0. syl bail+or pron <1bAl*>, pos n. qual Contract law. def a person who delivers goods to another under a contract of bailment. bailsmen infl head bailsman syl bails+men. pos n. mod pl. bailsman 0. syl bails+man pron <1bAlzm*n> pos n. qual Rare. def a person who stands bail for another; surety. bail up 1. syl bail up pos vb. adv. qual Austral. def to confine (a cow) or (of a cow) to be confined by the head in a bail. See {bail} %3. bail up 2. syl bail up pos vb. adv. mod tr. qual Austral. usage of a bushranger def to tie up or hold under guard in order to rob. bail up 3. syl bail up pos vb. adv. mod intr. qual Austral. def to submit to robbery without offering resistance. bail up 4. syl bail up pos vb. adv. mod tr. qual Austral.; Informal. def to accost or detain, esp. in conversation; buttonhole. Baily's beads ety C19: named after Francis Baily (died 1844), English astronomer who described them Baily's beads 0. syl Bai+ly's beads pos n. def the brilliant points of sunlight that appear briefly around the moon, just before and after a total eclipse. bainite ety C20: named after Edgar C. Bain (1891-1971), American physicist; see -#7{ite %1} bainite 0. syl bain+ite pron <1bAnIt> pos n. def a mixture of iron and iron carbide found in incompletely hardened steels, produced when austenite is transformed at temperatures between the pearlite and martensite ranges. bain-marie ety C19: from French, from Medieval Latin balneum Mariae, literally: bath of Mary, inaccurate translation of Medieval Greek kaminos Marios, literally: furnace of Miriam, alleged author of a treatise on alchemy bains-marie infl head bain-marie syl bains-ma:rie pron pos n. mod pl. bain-marie 0. syl bain-ma:rie pron French. pos n. def a vessel for holding hot water, in which sauces and other dishes are gently cooked. Bairam ety from Turkish bayr*_am Bairam 0. syl Bai+ram pron , <1bIr@m> pos n. def either of two Muslim festivals, one ({Lesser Bairam}) falling at the end of Ramadan, the other ({Greater Bairam}) 70 days later at the end of the Islamic year. John Logie infl head Baird syl John Lo:gie pron <1l*ugi> pos n. Baird 0. syl Baird pron pos n. def 1888-1946, Scottish engineer: inventor of a 240-line mechanically scanned system of television, replaced in 1935 by a 405-line electrically scanned system. bairn ety Old English bearn; related to bearm lap, Old Norse, Old High German barn child bairn 0. syl bairn pron pos n. qual Scot. def a child. Bruce infl head Bairnsfather syl Bruce. pos n. Bairnsfather 0. syl Bairns:fa:ther pron <1be*nz2fa:D*> pos n. def 1888-1959, English cartoonist, born in India: best known for his cartoons of the war in the trenches during World War I. bait ety C13: from Old Norse beita to hunt, persecute; related to Old English b*_@atan to restrain, hunt, Old High German beizen bait H1.1. syl bait pron pos n. def something edible, such as soft bread paste, worms, pieces of meat, etc., fixed to a hook or in a trap to attract fish or animals. bait H1.2. syl bait pron pos n. def an enticement; temptation. bait H1.3. syl bait pron pos n. def a variant spelling of {bate} %4. bait H1.4. syl bait pron pos n. qual Northern Brit. dialect. def food, esp. a packed lunch. bait H1.5. syl bait pron pos n. qual Archaic. def a short stop for refreshment during a journey. bait H1.6. syl bait pron pos vb. mod tr. def to put a piece of food on or in (a hook or trap). bait H1.7. syl bait pron pos vb. mod tr. def to persecute or tease. bait H1.8. syl bait pron pos vb. mod tr. def to entice; tempt. bait H1.9. syl bait pron pos vb. mod tr. def to set dogs upon (a bear, etc.). bait H1.10. syl bait pron pos vb. mod tr. qual Archaic. def to feed (a horse), esp. during a break in a journey. bait H1.11. syl bait pron pos vb. mod intr. qual Archaic. def to stop for rest and refreshment during a journey. bait H2.0. syl bait pron pos vb. mod intr. qual Falconry. def a variant spelling of {bate%2}. baize ety C16: from Old French baies, plural of baie baize, from bai reddish brown, #7{bay %5}, perhaps the original colour of the fabric baize 1. syl baize pron pos n. def a woollen fabric resembling felt, usually green, used mainly for the tops of billiard tables. baize 2. syl baize pron pos vb. mod tr. def to line or cover with such fabric. Baja California 1. syl Ba:ja Cal:i+for+nia pron <1baha> pos n. def a state of NW Mexico, in the N part of the Lower California peninsula. Capital: Mexicali. Pop.: 856773 (1970). Area: about 71500 sq. km (27600 sq. miles). Baja California 2. syl Ba:ja Cal:i+for+nia pron <1baha> pos n. def the Spanish name for {Lower California}. Baja California Sur 0. syl Ba:ja Ca+li+for+nia Sur pos n. def a state of NW Mexico, in the S part of the Lower California peninsula. Capital: La Paz. Pop.: 128019 (1970). Area: about 72500 sq. km (28000 sq. miles). Bajan ety C20: variant of Badian, a shortened form of Barbadian Bajan 1. syl Ba+jan pron <1bAJ*n> pos n. qual Caribbean informal. def a native of Barbados. Bajan 2. syl Ba+jan pron <1bAJ*n> pos adj. qual Caribbean informal. def of or relating to Barbados or its inhabitants. bake ety Old English bacan; related to Old Norse baka, Old High German bahhan to bake, Greek ph*_ogein to parch, roast bake 1. syl bake pron pos vb. mod tr. def to cook by dry heat in or as if in an oven. bake 2. syl bake pron pos vb. mod intr. def to cook bread, pastry, etc., in an oven. bake 3. syl bake pron pos vb. def to make or become hardened by heat. bake 4. syl bake pron pos vb. mod intr. qual Informal. def to be extremely hot, as in the heat of the sun. bake 5. syl bake pron pos n. qual U.S. def a party at which the main dish is baked. bake 6. syl bake pron pos n. def a batch of things baked at one time. bake 7. syl bake pron pos n. qual Scot. def a kind of biscuit. bake 8. syl bake pron pos n. qual Caribbean. def a small flat fried cake. bakeapple 0. syl bake+ap:ple pron <1bAk2@pL> pos n. qual Canadian. def the fruit of the cloudberry. baked Alaska 0. syl baked A:las+ka pos n. def a dessert consisting of cake covered with ice cream, with a meringue topping. baked beans 0. syl baked beans pos n. mod pl. def haricot beans, baked and tinned in tomato sauce. bakehouse 0. syl bake+house pron <1bAk2haus> pos n. def another word for {bakery}. Bakelite ety C20: named after L. H. Baekeland (1863-1944), Belgian-born U.S. inventor; see -#7ite %1 Bakelite 0. syl Ba+ke+lite pron <1bAk*2lIt> pos n. qual Trademark. def any one of a class of thermosetting resins used as electric insulators and for making plastic ware, telephone receivers, etc. baker 1. syl bak+er pron <1bAk*> pos n. def a person whose business or employment is to make or sell bread, cakes, etc. baker 2. syl bak+er pron <1bAk*> pos n. def a portable oven. Baker 1. syl Ba:ker pron <1bAk*> pos n. def Sir {Ben@.ja@.min}. 1840-1907, English engineer who, with Sir John Fowler, designed and constructed much of the London underground railway, the Forth Railway Bridge, and the first Aswan Dam. Baker 2. syl Ba:ker pron <1bAk*> pos n. def Dame {Jan@.et}. born 1933, English mezzo-soprano. Baker 3. syl Ba:ker pron <1bAk*> pos n. def Sir {Sam@.u@.el White}. 1821-93, English explorer: discovered Lake Albert (1864). baker's dozen ety from the bakers' former practice of giving thirteen rolls where twelve were requested, to protect themselves against accusations of giving light weight baker's dozen 0. syl bak+er's doz+en pos n. def thirteen. bakeries infl head bakery syl bak+er:ies. pos n. mod pl. bakery 1. syl bak+er:y pron <1bAk*ri> pos n. def Also called: {bakehouse}. a room or building equipped for baking. bakery 2. syl bak+er:y pron <1bAk*ri> pos n. def a shop in which bread, cakes, etc., are sold. Bakewell tart ety named after Bakewell, Derbyshire Bakewell tart 0. syl Bake+well tart pron <1bAkwel> pos n. qual Brit. def an open tart having a pastry base and a layer of jam and filled with almond-flavoured sponge cake. baking powder 0. syl bak+ing pow+der pos n. def any of various powdered mixtures that contain sodium bicarbonate, starch (usually flour), and one or more slightly acidic compounds, such as cream of tartar: used in baking as a substitute for yeast. baklava ety from Turkish baclava alt head baklava or baklava syl bac+la+va pron <1ba:kl*2va:> pos n. baklava 0. or baclava syl bak+la+va pron <1ba:kl*2va:> pos n. def a rich cake of Middle Eastern origin consisting of thin layers of pastry filled with nuts and honey. bakra ety of African origin bakra infl or bakras syl bak+ra pos n. mod pl. bakras infl head bakra or bakra syl bak+ras. pos n. mod pl. bakra 1. syl bak+ra pron <1b@kr*> pos n. qual Caribbean. def a White person, esp. one from Britain. bakra 2. syl bak+ra pron <1b@kr*> pos adj. qual Caribbean. usage of people def White, esp. British. baksheesh ety C17: from Persian bakhsh*_ish, from bakhsh*_idan to give; related to Sanskrit bhaksati he enjoys backsheesh alt head baksheesh or baksheesh syl back+sheesh pron <1b@kSES> baksheesh 1. or backsheesh syl bak+sheesh pron <1b@kSES> pos n. usage in some Eastern countries, esp. formerly def money given as a tip, a present, or alms. baksheesh 2. or backsheesh syl bak+sheesh pron <1b@kSES> pos vb. usage in some Eastern countries, esp. formerly def to give such money to (a person). Bakst 0. syl Bakst qual Russian def bakst) {Le@.on Ni@.ko@.la@.ye@.vich} (l$I#!@$n nika?!#!laj$Ivit#s). 1866-1924, Russian painter and stage designer, noted particularly for his richly coloured sets for Diaghilev's (1909-21). Baku 0. syl Ba:ku pron Russian pos n. def a port in the S Soviet Union, on the Caspian Sea: the capital of the Azerbaijan SSR: important for its extensive oilfields. Pop.: 851547 (1970). Mikhail infl head Bakunin syl Mi:kha:il pron pos n. Bakunin 0. syl Ba:ku:nin pron Russian pos n. def 1814-76, Russian anarchist and writer: a prominent member of the First International, expelled from it after conflicts with Marx. BAL 0. syl BAL qual abbrev. for def British anti-lewisite. See {dimercaprol}. bal 0. syl bal. qual Book-keeping. abbrev. for def balance. Lake infl head Bala syl Lake. pos n. Bala 0. syl Bal:a pron <1b@l*> pos n. def a narrow lake in Gwynedd: the largest natural lake in Wales. Length: 6 km (4 miles). Balaam 0. syl Ba:laam pron <1bAl@m> pos n. qual Old Testament. def a Mesopotamian diviner who, when summoned to curse the Israelites, prophesied future glories for them instead, after being reproached by his ass (Numbers 22-23). Balaclava helmet 0. syl Bal:a+cla+va hel+met pron <2b@l*1kla:v*> pos n. def a close-fitting woollen hood that covers the ears, as originally worn by soldiers in the Crimean War. Mily Alexeyevich infl head Balakirev syl Mi:ly A:lex:e:ye:vich pron <1milij> pos n. Balakirev 0. syl Ba:la:ki:rev pron Russian pos n. def 1837-1910, Russian composer, whose works include two symphonic poems, two symphonies, and many arrangements of Russian folk songs. Balaclava alt head Balaklava or Balaklava syl Bal:a+cla+va: pron <2b@l*1kla:v*>, Russian pos n. Balaklava 0. or Balaclava syl Bal:a+kla+va pron <2b@l*1kla:v*>, Russian pos n. def a small port in the SW Soviet Union, in S Crimea: scene of an inconclusive battle (1854), which included the charge of the Light Brigade, during the Crimean War. balalaika ety C18: from Russian balalaika 0. syl bal:a+lai+ka pron <2b@l*1lIk*> pos n. def a plucked musical instrument, usually having a triangular body and three strings: used chiefly for Russian folk music. balance ety C13: from Old French, from Vulgar Latin bilancia (unattested), from Late Latin bilanx having two scalepans, from #7{bi -%1}#7+ lanx scale balance 1. syl bal+ance pron <1b@l*ns> pos n. def a weighing device, generally consisting of a horizontal beam pivoted at its centre, from the ends of which two pans are suspended. The substance to be weighed is placed in one pan and known weights are placed in the other until the beam returns to the horizontal. See also {microbal?!ance}. balance 2. syl bal+ance pron <1b@l*ns> pos n. def an imagined device for events, actions, motives, etc., in relation to each other (esp. in the phrases {weigh in the balance, hang in the balance) }. balance 3. syl bal+ance pron <1b@l*ns> pos n. def a state of equilibrium. balance 4. syl bal+ance pron <1b@l*ns> pos n. def something that brings about such a state. balance 5. syl bal+ance pron <1b@l*ns> pos n. def equilibrium of the body; steadiness. exam 1 to lose one's balance. balance 6. syl bal+ance pron <1b@l*ns> pos n. def emotional stability; calmness of mind. balance 7. syl bal+ance pron <1b@l*ns> pos n. def harmony in the parts of a whole. exam 1 balance in an artistic composition. balance 8. syl bal+ance pron <1b@l*ns> pos n. def the act of weighing factors, quantities, etc., against each other. balance 9. syl bal+ance pron <1b@l*ns> pos n. def the power to influence or control. exam 1 he held the balance of power. balance 10. syl bal+ance pron <1b@l*ns> pos n. def something that remains or is left. exam 1 let me have the balance of what you owe me. balance 11.a. syl bal+ance pron <1b@l*ns> pos n. def equality of debit and credit totals in an account. balance 11.b. syl bal+ance pron <1b@l*ns> pos n. def a difference between such totals. balance 12. syl bal+ance pron <1b@l*ns> pos n. qual Chem. def the state of a chemical equation in which the number, kind, electrical charges, etc., of the atoms on opposite sides are equal. balance 13. syl bal+ance pron <1b@l*ns> pos n. def a balancing movement. balance 14. syl bal+ance pron <1b@l*ns> pos n. def short for {spring balance}. on balance 15. head balance syl on balance. def after weighing up all the factors. strike a balance 16. head balance syl strike a balance. def to make a compromise. balance 17. syl bal+ance pron <1b@l*ns> pos vb. mod tr. def to weigh in or as if in a balance. balance 18. syl bal+ance pron <1b@l*ns> pos vb. mod intr. def to be or come into equilibrium. balance 19. syl bal+ance pron <1b@l*ns> pos vb. mod tr. def to bring into or hold in equilibrium. balance 20. syl bal+ance pron <1b@l*ns> pos vb. mod tr. def to assess or compare the relative weight, importance, etc., of. balance 21. syl bal+ance pron <1b@l*ns> pos vb. mod tr. def to act so as to equalize; be equal to. balance 22. syl bal+ance pron <1b@l*ns> pos vb. mod tr. def to compose or arrange so as to create a state of harmony. balance 23. syl bal+ance pron <1b@l*ns> pos vb. mod tr. def to bring (a chemical or mathematical equation) into balance. balance 24.a. syl bal+ance pron <1b@l*ns> pos vb. def to compute the credit and debit totals of (an account) in order to determine the difference. balance 24.b. syl bal+ance pron <1b@l*ns> pos vb. def to equalize the credit and debit totals of (an account) by making certain entries. balance 24.c. syl bal+ance pron <1b@l*ns> pos vb. def to settle or adjust (an account) by paying any money due. balance 25. syl bal+ance pron <1b@l*ns> pos vb. mod intr. usage of a business account, balance sheet, etc. def to have the debit and credit totals equal. balance 26. syl bal+ance pron <1b@l*ns> pos vb. def to match or counter (one's dancing partner or his or her steps) by moving towards and away from him or her. balanceable sub head balance syl bal+ance+a:ble pos adj. the infl head Balance syl the. pos n. Balance 0. syl Bal+ance pron <1b@l*ns> pos n. def the constellation Libra, the seventh sign of the zodiac. balance of nature 0. syl bal+ance of na+ture pos n. def the stable state in which natural communities of animals and plants exist, maintained by adaptation, competition, and other interactions between members of the community and their nonliving environment. balance of payments 0. syl bal+ance of pay+ments pos n. def the difference over a given time between total payments to foreign nations, arising from imports of goods and services and transfers abroad of capital, interest, grants, etc., and total receipts from foreign nations, arising from exports of goods and services and transfers from abroad of capital, interest, grants, etc. balance of power 1. syl bal+ance of pow+er pos n. def the distribution of power among countries so that no one nation can seriously threaten the fundamental interests of another. balance of power 2. syl bal+ance of pow+er pos n. def any similar distribution of power or influence. balance of trade 0. syl bal+ance of trade pos n. def the difference in value between total exports and total imports of goods. Also called: {visible balance}. Compare {invisible balance}. balancer 1. syl bal+anc+er pron <1b@l*ns*> pos n. def a person or thing that balances. balancer 2. syl bal+anc+er pron <1b@l*ns*> pos n. qual Entomol. def another name for {haltere}. balance sheet 0. syl bal+ance sheet pos n. def a statement that shows the financial position of a business enterprise at a specified date by listing the asset balances and the claims on such assets. balance wheel 0. syl bal+ance wheel pos n. def a wheel oscillating against the hairspring of a timepiece, thereby regulating its beat. George infl head Balanchine syl George. pos n. Balanchine 0. syl Bal:an:chine pron <1b@l*n2CEn>, <2b@l*n1CEn> pos n. def born 1904 in Russia, U.S. choreographer. balas ety C15: from Old French balais, from Arabic b*_alakhsh, from Badhakhsh*_an, region in Afghanistan where the gem is found balas 0. syl bal+as pron <1b@l*s>, <1bA-> pos n. def a red variety of spinel, used as a gemstone. Also called: {balas ruby}. balata ety from American Spanish, of Carib origin balata 1. syl bal:a+ta pron <1b@l*t*> pos n. def a tropical American sapotaceous tree, yielding a latex-like sap. balata 2. syl bal:a+ta pron <1b@l*t*> pos n. def a rubber-like gum obtained from this sap: used as a substitute for gutta-percha. Lake infl head Balaton syl Lake. pos n. Balaton 0. syl Ba+la+ton pron Hungarian <1bclcton> pos n. def a large shallow lake in W Hungary. Area: 689 sq. km (266 sq. miles). Italo infl head Balbo syl I:ta:lo pron <1i:ta2lo> pos n. Balbo 0. syl Bal:bo pron Italian <1balbo> pos n. def 1896-1940, Italian Fascist politician and airman: minister of aviation (1929-33). balboa 0. syl bal+bo:a pron pos n. def the standard currency unit of Panama, divided into 100 centesimos. Vasco N'unez de infl head Balboa syl Vas:co N*'u:*~nez de pron <1basko> <1nu$jeT> pos n. Balboa H1.0. syl Bal:bo:a pron , Spanish , Spanish pos n. def ??1475-1519, Spanish explorer, who discovered the Pacific Ocean in 1513. Balboa H2.0. syl Bal+bo:a pron , Spanish , Spanish pos n. def a port at the Pacific end of the Panama Canal: the administrative centre of the Canal Zone. Pop.: 2569 (1970). balbriggan ety C19: from Balbriggan, Ireland, where it was originally made balbriggan 1. syl bal+brig+gan pron pos n. def a knitted unbleached cotton fabric. balbriggan 2. syl bal+brig+gan pron pos n. mod often; pl. def underwear made of this. balcony ety C17: from Italian balcone, probably from Old High German balko beam; see #7balk balconies infl head balcony syl bal+co+nies. pos n. mod pl. balcony 1. syl bal+co+ny pron <1b@lk*ni> pos n. def a platform projecting from the wall of a building with a balustrade or railing along its outer edge, often with access from a door or window. balcony 2. syl bal+co+ny pron <1b@lk*ni> pos n. def a gallery in a theatre or auditorium, above the dress circle. balcony 3. syl bal+co+ny pron <1b@lk*ni> pos n. qual U.S. def the dress circle in a theatre or auditorium. balconied sub head balcony syl bal+co+nied pos adj. bald ety C14 ballede (literally: having a white spot); related to Danish b*_@aldet, Greek phalaros having a white spot bald 1. syl bald pron pos adj. def having no hair or fur, esp. (of a man) having no hair on all or most of the scalp. bald 2. syl bald pron pos adj. def lacking natural growth or covering. bald 3. syl bald pron pos adj. def plain or blunt. exam 1 a bald statement. bald 4. syl bald pron pos adj. def bare or simple; unadorned. bald 5. syl bald pron pos adj. def Also: {bald+faced}. (of certain birds and other animals) having white markings on the head and face. bald 6. syl bald pron pos adj. usage of a tyre def having a worn tread. baldish sub head bald syl bald+ish pos adj. baldly sub head bald syl bald+ly pos adv. baldness sub head bald syl bald+ness pos n. baldachin ety Old English baldekin, from Italian baldacchino, literally: stuff from Baghdad, from Baldacco Baghdad, noted for its brocades baldaquin infl head baldachin or baldachino syl bal+da+quin pron <1bc:ld*kin> pos n. baldachino infl head baldachin or baldaquin syl bal+da+chi+no pron <2bc:ld*1kEn*u> pos n. baldachin 1. syl bal+da+chin pron <1bc:ld*kin> pos n. def a richly ornamented silk and gold brocade. baldachin 2. syl bal+da+chin pron <1bc:ld*kin> pos n. def a canopy of fabric or stone over an altar, shrine, or throne in a Christian church or carried in Christian religious processions over an object of veneration. bald cypress 0. syl bald cy+press pos n. def another name for {swamp cypress}. bald eagle 0. syl bald ea:gle pos n. def a large eagle, of North America, having a white head and tail, a yellow bill, and dark wings and body. It is the U.S. national bird (see also {American eagle) }. Balder 0. syl Bal:der pron <1bc:ld*> pos n. qual Norse myth. def a god, son of Odin and Frigg, noted for his beauty and sweet nature. He was killed by a bough of mistletoe thrown by the blind god H*"od, misled by the malicious Loki. balderdash ety C16: of unknown origin balderdash 0. syl bal+der+dash pron <1bc:ld*2d@S> pos n. def stupid or illogical talk; senseless rubbish. baldhead 0. syl bald+head pron <1bc:ld2hed> pos n. def a person with a bald head. baldheaded 1. syl bald+head:ed pron <2bc:ld1hedid> pos adj. def having a bald head. go baldheaded 2. head baldheaded syl go baldheaded. qual Informal. usage usually foll. by into, for, or at def to act impetuously without regard to the consequences. balding 0. syl bald+ing pron <1bc:ldiG> pos adj. def somewhat bald or becoming bald. baldmoney 0. syl bald+mon:ey pron <1bc:ld2m^ni> pos n. def another name for {spignel}. baldpate 1. syl bald+pate pron <1bc:ld2pAt> pos n. def a person with a bald head. baldpate 2. syl bald+pate pron <1bc:ld2pAt> pos n. def another name for the {American wigeon} (see {{wigeon} (sense 2)}). baldric ety C13: from Old French baudrei, of Frankish origin baldric 0. syl bal+dric pron <1bc:ldrik> pos n. def a wide silk sash or leather belt worn over the right shoulder to the left hip for carrying a sword, etc. James (Arthur) 1. head Baldwin syl James (Arthur) . def born 1924, U.S. writer, whose works include the novel (1954). Stanley 2. head Baldwin syl Stan:ley def 1st Earl Baldwin of Bewdley. 1867-1947, British Conservative statesman: prime minister (1923-24, 1924-29, 1932-37). Baldwin I 0. syl Bald:win I pos n. def 1058-1118, crusader and first king of Jerusalem (1100-18), who captured Acre (1104), Beirut (1109), and Sidon (1110). bale ety C14: probably from Old French bale, from Old High German balla #7ball %1 bale H1.1. syl bale pron pos n. def a large bundle, esp. of a raw or partially processed material, bound by ropes, wires, etc., for storage or transportation. exam 1 bale of hay. bale H1.2. syl bale pron pos n. qual U.S. def 500 pounds of cotton. bale H1.3. syl bale pron pos n. def a group of turtles. bale H1.4. syl bale pron pos vb. def to make (hay, etc.) into a bale or bales. {~} See also {bale out}. baler sub head bale syl bal+er pos n. bale ety Old English bealu; related to Old Norse b*"ol evil, Gothic balwa, Old High German balo bale H2.1. syl bale pron pos n. qual Archaic. def evil; injury. bale H2.2. syl bale pron pos n. qual Archaic. def woe; suffering; pain. bale H3.0. syl bale pron pos vb. def a variant spelling of {bail%2}. baler sub head bale syl bal+er pos n. bale H4.0. syl bale pron pos n. def a variant spelling of {bail%4}. Bale 0. syl B*^ale pron pos n. def the French name for {Basel}. Balearic Islands 0. syl Bal+e:ar+ic Is+lands pron <2b@li1@rik> pos n. mod pl. def a group of islands in the W Mediterranean, consisting of Majorca, Minorca, Ibiza, Formentera, Cabrera, and 11 islets: a province of Spain. Capital: Palma, on Majorca. Pop.: 532946 (1970). Area: 5012 sq. km (1935 sq. miles). Spanish name: {Ba+le@.a+res} (bale#!ares). baleen ety C14: from Latin b*_alaena whale; related to Greek phalaina whale baleen 0. syl ba+leen pron pos n. def whalebone. baleen whale 0. syl ba+leen whale pos n. def another name for {whalebone whale}. balefire ety C14 bale, from Old English b*_@al pyre; related to Old Norse b*_al flame, pyre, Sanskrit bh*_ala brightness balefire 1. syl bale+fire pron <1bAl2fI*> pos n. qual Archaic. def a bonfire. balefire 2. syl bale+fire pron <1bAl2fI*> pos n. qual Archaic. def a beacon fire. balefire 3. syl bale+fire pron <1bAl2fI*> pos n. qual Archaic. def a funeral pyre. baleful 1. syl bale+ful pron <1bAlful> pos adj. def harmful, menacing, or vindictive. baleful 2. syl bale+ful pron <1bAlful> pos adj. def dejected. balefully sub head baleful syl bale+ful+ly pos adv. balefulness sub head baleful syl bale+ful+ness pos n. Crist'obal infl head Balenciaga syl Cris:t*'o:bal pron pos n. Balenciaga 0. syl Ba:len:cia:ga pron Spanish pos n. def 1895-1972, Spanish couturier. bail out alt head bale out or bale out syl bail out pos vb. adv. bale out 1. or bail out syl bale out pos vb. adv. mod intr. def to make an emergency parachute jump from an aircraft. bale out 2. or bail out syl bale out pos vb. adv. mod tr. qual Informal. def to help (a person, organization, etc.) out of a predicament. exam 1 the government baled the company out. bale out 3. or bail out syl bale out pos vb. adv. mod intr. qual Informal. def to escape from a predicament. baler 0. syl bal+er pron <1bAl*> pos n. def an agricultural machine for making bales of hay, etc. Also called: {baling machine}. Arthur James infl head Balfour syl Ar:thur James pos n. Balfour 0. syl Bal:four pron <1b@lfc:>, <-f*>, <-fu*> pos n. def 1st Earl of Balfour. 1848-1930, British Conservative statesman: prime minister (1902-05); foreign secretary (1916-19). Balfour Declaration 0. syl Bal:four Dec+la+ra+tion pos n. def the statement made by Arthur Balfour in 1917 of British support for the setting up of a national home for the Jews in Palestine, provided that the rights of @6existing non-Jewish communities@9 in Palestine could be safeguarded. Bali 0. syl Ba:li pron <1ba:li> pos n. def an island in Indonesia, east of Java: mountainous, rising over 3000 m (10000 ft.). Capital: Singaradja. Pop.: 2217000 (1974 est.). Area: 5558 sq. km (2146 sq. miles). balibuntal ety C20: changed from Baliuag buntal, from Baliuag in the Philippines, where such hats were made balibuntal 1. syl bal:i+bun+tal pron <2b@li1b^ntL> pos n. def closely woven fine straw, used for making hats in the Philippines. balibuntal 2. syl bal:i+bun+tal pron <2b@li1b^ntL> pos n. def a hat of this straw. Balikpapan 0. syl Ba+lik+pa+pan pron <2ba:lik1pa:pa:n> pos n. def a city in Indonesia, on the SE coast of Borneo. Pop.: 137340 (1971). Balinese 1. syl Ba+li+nese pron <2ba:li1nEz> pos adj. def of or relating to Bali, its people, or their language. Balinese infl syl Ba+li+nese pos n. mod pl. Balinese 2. syl Ba+li+nese pron <2ba:li1nEz> pos n. def a native or inhabitant of Bali. Balinese 3. syl Ba+li+nese pron <2ba:li1nEz> pos n. def the language of the people of Bali, belonging to the Malayo-Polynesian family. Balliol alt head Baliol or Baliol syl Bal:li:ol pron <1bAli*l> pos n. John de infl head Baliol syl John de. pos n. Baliol 0. or Balliol syl Ba:li:ol pron <1bAli*l> pos n. def 1249-1315, king of Scotland (1292-96): defeated and imprisoned by Edward I of England (1296). balk ety Old English balca; related to Old Norse b*'alkr partition, Old High German balco beam baulk alt head balk or balk syl baulk pron , pos vb. balk 1. or baulk syl balk pron , pos vb. mod intr. usage usually foll. by at def to stop short, esp. suddenly or unexpectedly; jib. exam 1 the horse balked at the jump. balk 2. or baulk syl balk pron , pos vb. mod intr. usage foll. by at def to turn away abruptly; recoil. exam 1 he balked at the idea of murder. balk 3. or baulk syl balk pron , pos vb. mod tr. def to thwart, check, disappoint, or foil. exam 1 he was balked in his plans. balk 4. or baulk syl balk pron , pos vb. mod tr. def to avoid deliberately. exam 1 he balked the question. balk 5. or baulk syl balk pron , pos vb. mod tr. def to miss unintentionally. balk 6. or baulk syl balk pron , pos n. def a roughly squared heavy timber beam. balk 7. or baulk syl balk pron , pos n. def a timber tie beam of a roof. balk 8. or baulk syl balk pron , pos n. def an unploughed ridge to prevent soil erosion or mark a division on common land. balk 9. or baulk syl balk pron , pos n. def an obstacle; hindrance; disappointment. balk 10. or baulk syl balk pron , pos n. qual Baseball. def an illegal motion by a pitcher towards the plate or towards the base when there are runners on base, esp. without delivering the ball. {~} See also {baulk}. balker sub head balk or baulker syl balk+er pos n. baulker sub head balk or balker syl baulk+er pos n. Balkan 0. syl Bal+kan pron <1bc:lk*n> pos adj. def of, denoting, or relating to the Balkan States or their inhabitants, the Balkan Peninsula, or the Balkan Mountains. Balkanise alt head Balkanize or Balkanize syl Bal+kan+ise pron <1bc:lk*2nIz> pos vb. mod tr. Balkanize 0. or Balkanise syl Bal+kan+ize pron <1bc:lk*2nIz> pos vb. mod tr. def to divide (a territory) into small warring states. Balkanization sub head Balkanize or Balkanisation syl Bal+kan:i+1za+tion pos n. Balkanisation sub head Balkanize or Balkanization syl Bal+kan:i+1sa+tion pos n. Balkan Mountains 0. syl Bal+kan Moun+tains pos n. mod pl. def a mountain range extending across Bulgaria from the Black Sea to the Yugoslav border. Highest peak: Mount Botev, 2376 m (7793 ft.). Balkan Peninsula 0. syl Bal+kan Pen+in+su+la pos n. def a large peninsula in SE Europe, between the Adriatic and Aegean Seas. Balkan States 0. syl Bal+kan States pos n. mod pl. def the countries of the Balkan Peninsula: Yugoslavia, Rumania, Bulgaria, Albania, Greece, and the European part of Turkey. Also called: {the Balkans}. Balkh 0. syl Balkh pron pos n. def a district of N Afghanistan, corresponding to ancient Bactria. Chief town: Mazar-i-Sharif. Lake infl head Balkhash syl Lake. pos n. Balkhash 0. syl Bal+khash pron Russian pos n. def a salt lake in the SW Soviet Union, in SE Kazakhstan: fed by the Ili River. Area: about 1800 sq. km (7000 sq. miles). Balkis 0. syl Bal:kis pron <1b@lkis> pos n. def the name in the Koran of the queen of {Sheba}. baulky alt head balky or balky syl baulk:y pron <1bc:ki>, <1bc:lki> pos adj. balkier infl head balky or baulkier syl balk:i+er pos adj. balkiest infl head balky or baulkiest syl balk:i+est pos adj. baulkier infl head balky or balkier syl baulk:i+er pos adj. baulkiest infl head balky or balkiest syl baulk:i+est. pos adj. balky 0. or baulky syl balk:y pron <1bc:ki>, <1bc:lki> pos adj. def inclined to stop abruptly and unexpectedly. exam 1 a balky horse. balkily sub head balky or baulkily syl balk:i+ly pos adv. baulkily sub head balky or balkily syl baulk:i+ly pos adv. balkiness sub head balky or baulkiness syl balk:i+ness pos n. baulkiness sub head balky or balkiness syl baulk:i+ness pos n. ball ety C13: from Old Norse b*"ollr; related to Old High German balla, Italian palla, French balle ball H1.1. syl ball pron pos n. def a spherical or nearly spherical body or mass. exam 1 a ball of wool. ball H1.2. syl ball pron pos n. def a round or roundish body, either solid or hollow, of a size and composition suitable for any of various games, such as football, golf, billiards, etc. ball H1.3. syl ball pron pos n. def a ball propelled in a particular way in a sport. exam 1 a high ball. ball H1.4. syl ball pron pos n. def any of various rudimentary games with a ball. exam 1 to play ball. ball H1.5. syl ball pron pos n. qual Cricket. def a single delivery of the ball by the bowler to the batsman. ball H1.6. syl ball pron pos n. qual Baseball. def a single delivery of the ball by a pitcher outside certain limits and not swung at by the batter. ball H1.7.a. syl ball pron pos n. def a solid nonexplosive projectile for a firearm, cannon, etc. Compare {{shell} (sense 6)}. ball H1.7.b. syl ball pron pos n. def such projectiles collectively. ball H1.8. syl ball pron pos n. def any more or less rounded part or protuberance. exam 1 the ball of the foot. ball H1.9. syl ball pron pos n. qual Taboo slang. def a testicle. See {balls}. ball H1.10. syl ball pron pos n. qual Vet. science. def another word for {bolus}. ball H1.11. syl ball pron pos n. qual Horticulture. def the hard mass of roots and earth removed with the rest of the plant during transplanting. ball of muscle 12. head ball syl ball of muscle. qual Austral. def a very strong, fit, or forceful person. have the ball at one's feet 13. head ball syl have the ball at one's feet. def to have the chance of doing something. keep the ball rolling 14. head ball syl keep the ball rolling. def to maintain the progress of a project, plan, etc. on the ball 15. head ball syl on the ball. qual Informal. def alert; informed. play ball 16. head ball syl play ball. qual Informal. def to cooperate. start 17. head ball or set the ball rolling syl start def to set a project, plan, etc., in motion; start. the ball is in your court 18. head ball syl the ball is in your court. def you are obliged to make the next move. ball H1.19. syl ball pron pos vb. mod tr. def to make, form, wind, etc., into a ball or balls. exam 1 to ball wool. ball ety C17: from French bal (n.), from Old French baller (vb.), from Late Latin ball*_are to dance, from Greek ballizein ball H2.1. syl ball pron pos n. def a social function for dancing, esp. one that is lavish or formal. ball H2.2. syl ball pron pos n. qual Informal, chiefly U.S. def a very enjoyable time (esp. in the phrase {have a ball) . ~} ball H2.3. syl ball pron pos n. qual Taboo slang, chiefly U.S. def to copulate (with). John infl head Ball syl John. pos n. Ball 0. syl Ball pron pos n. def died 1381, English priest: executed as one of the leaders of the Peasants' Revolt (1381). ballad ety C15: from Old French balade, from Old Proven*,cal balada song accompanying a dance, from balar to dance, from Late Latin ball*_are; see #7{ball %2} ballad 1. syl bal+lad pron <1b@l*d> pos n. def a narrative song with a recurrent refrain. ballad 2. syl bal+lad pron <1b@l*d> pos n. def a narrative poem in short stanzas of popular origin, originally sung to a repeated tune. ballad 3. syl bal+lad pron <1b@l*d> pos n. def a slow sentimental song, esp. a pop song. ballade 1. syl bal+lade pron , French pos n. qual Prosody. def a verse form consisting of three stanzas and an envoy, all ending with the same line. The first three stanzas commonly have eight or ten lines each and the same rhyme scheme. ballade 2. syl bal+lade pron , French pos n. qual Music. def an instrumental composition, esp. for piano, based on or intended to evoke a narrative. balladeer 0. syl bal+lad+eer pron <2b@l*1di*> pos n. def a singer of ballads. ballad metre 0. syl bal+lad me+tre pos n. def the metre of a ballad stanza. balladmonger 1. syl bal:lad+mon:ger pron <1b@l*d2m^Gg*> pos n. usage formerly def a seller of ballads, esp. on broadsheets. balladmonger 2. syl bal:lad+mon:ger pron <1b@l*d2m^Gg*> pos n. qual Derogatory. def a writer of mediocre poetry. ballad opera 0. syl bal+lad op+e:ra pos n. def an opera consisting of popular tunes to which appropriate words have been set, interspersed with spoken dialogue. balladry 1. syl bal+lad+ry pron <1b@l*dri> pos n. def ballad poetry or songs. balladry 2. syl bal+lad+ry pron <1b@l*dri> pos n. def the art of writing, composing, or performing ballads. ballad stanza 0. syl bal+lad stan+za pos n. def a four-line stanza, often used in ballads, in which the second and fourth lines rhyme and have three stresses each and the first and third lines are unrhymed and have four stresses each. John infl head Ballance syl John. pos n. Ballance 0. syl Bal:lance pron <1b@l*ns> pos n. def 1839-93, New Zealand statesman, born in Northern Ireland: prime minister of New Zealand (1891-93). ball and chain 1. syl ball and chain pos n. usage formerly def a heavy iron ball attached to a chain and fastened to a prisoner. ball and chain 2. syl ball and chain pos n. def a heavy restraint. ball and chain 3. syl ball and chain pos n. qual Slang. def one's wife. ball-and-socket joint 1. syl ball-and-sock:et joint pos n. def a coupling between two rods, tubes, etc., that consists of a spherical part fitting into a spherical socket, allowing free movement and rotation. ball-and-socket joint 2. syl ball-and-sock:et joint pos n. def Also called: {multiaxial joint}. a bony joint, such as the hip joint, in which a rounded head fits into a rounded cavity, allowing a wide range of movement. Ballarat 0. syl Bal+la+rat pron <1b@l*2r@t>, <2b@l*1r@t> pos n. def a town in SE Australia, in S central Victoria: originally the centre of a gold-mining region. Pop.: 58434 (1971). See also {Eureka Stockade}. ballast ety C16: probably from Low German; related to Old Danish, Old Swedish barlast, literally: bare load (without commercial value), from bar bare, mere+ last load, burden ballast 1. syl bal+last pron <1b@l*st> pos n. def any dense heavy material, such as lead or iron pigs, used to stabilize a vessel, esp. one that is not carrying cargo. ballast 2. syl bal+last pron <1b@l*st> pos n. def crushed rock, broken stone, etc., used for the foundation of a road or railway track. ballast 3. syl bal+last pron <1b@l*st> pos n. def coarse aggregate of sandy gravel, used in making concrete. ballast 4. syl bal+last pron <1b@l*st> pos n. def anything that provides stability or weight. ballast 5. syl bal+last pron <1b@l*st> pos n. qual Electronics. def a device for maintaining the current in a circuit. {~} ballast 6. syl bal+last pron <1b@l*st> pos n. def to give stability or weight to. ball bearing 1. syl ball bear+ing pos n. def a bearing consisting of a number of hard steel balls rolling between a metal sleeve fitted over the rotating shaft and an outer sleeve held in the bearing housing, so reducing friction between moving parts. ball bearing 2. syl ball bear+ing pos n. def a metal ball, esp. one used in such a bearing. ball boy 0. syl ball boy pos n. usage esp. in tennis def a person who retrieves balls that go out of play. ball cock 0. syl ball cock pos n. def a device for regulating the flow of a liquid into a tank, cistern, etc., consisting of a floating ball mounted at one end of an arm and a valve on the other end that opens and closes as the ball falls and rises. ballerina ety C18: from Italian, feminine of ballerino dancing master, from ballare to dance, from Late Latin ball*_are; see #7ball %2 ballerina 1. syl bal+le+ri+na pron <2b@l*1rEn*> pos n. def a female ballet dancer. ballerina 2. syl bal+le+ri+na pron <2b@l*1rEn*> pos n. qual U.S. def the principal female dancer of a ballet company. ballet ety C17: from French, from Italian balletto, literally: a little dance, from ballare to dance; see #7ball %2 &- bal+let+ic (b@a#!l$et$Ik) adj. ballet 1.a. syl bal+let pron <1b@lA>, pos n. def a classical style of expressive dancing based on precise conventional steps with gestures and movements of grace and fluidity. ballet 1.b. syl bal+let pron <1b@lA>, pos n. usage as modifier exam 1 ballet dancer. ballet 2. syl bal+let pron <1b@lA>, pos n. def a theatrical representation of a story or theme performed to music by ballet dancers. ballet 3. syl bal+let pron <1b@lA>, pos n. def a troupe of ballet dancers. ballet 4. syl bal+let pron <1b@lA>, pos n. def a piece of music written for a ballet. balletomania 0. syl bal+let:o+ma+ni:a pron <2b@let*u1mAni*> pos n. def passionate enthusiasm for ballet. &- {bal+#!let@.o+mane} ballflower 0. syl ball+flow:er pron <1bc:l2flau*> pos n. qual Architect. def a carved ornament in the form of a ball enclosed by the three petals of a circular flower. ball game 1. syl ball game pos n. def any game played with a ball. ball game 2. syl ball game pos n. qual U.S. def a game of baseball. ball game 3. syl ball game pos n. qual U.S. informal. def any activity. exam 1 aeronautics is a whole new ball game from what it was in 1903. Balliol 0. syl Bal:li:ol pron <1bAli*l> pos n. def See (John de) {Baliol}. ballista ety C16: from Latin, ultimately from Greek ballein to throw ballistae infl head ballista syl bal+lis+tae pron <-tE> pos n. mod pl. ballista 0. syl bal+lis+ta pron pos n. def an ancient catapult for hurling stones, etc. ballistic 1. syl bal+lis+tic pron pos adj. def of or relating to ballistics. ballistic 2. syl bal+lis+tic pron pos adj. def denot?!ing or relating to the flight of projectiles after power has been cut off, moving under their own momentum and the force of gravity. ballistic 3. syl bal+lis+tic pron pos adj. usage of a measurement or measuring instrument def depending on a brief impulse or current that causes a movement related to the quantity to be measured. exam 1 a ballistic pendulum. ballistically sub head ballistic syl bal+1lis+ti+cal+ly pos adv. ballistic galvanometer 0. syl bal+lis+tic gal+va+nom+e:ter pos n. qual Physics. def a type of galva?!nometer for measuring surges of current. After deflection the instrument returns slowly to its original reading. ballistic missile 0. syl bal+lis+tic mis+sile pos n. def a missile that has no wings or fins and that follows a ballistic trajectory when its propulsive power is discontinued. ballistics 1. syl bal+lis+tics pron pos n. mod functioning as; sing. def the study of the flight dynamics of projectiles. ballistics 2. syl bal+lis+tics pron pos n. mod functioning as; sing. def the study of the effects of firing on firearms and their projectiles, either before ({interior ballistics}) or after ({exterior ballistics}) they have left the muzzle. ballocks 0. syl bal+locks pron <1b@l*ks> pos n. interj. vb. mod pl. def a variant spelling of {bollocks}. ball of fire 0. syl ball of fire pos n. qual Informal. def a very lively person. ballonet ety C20: from French ballonnet a little #7balloon ballonet 0. syl bal+lo+net pron <2b@l*1net> pos n. def an air or gas compartment in a balloon or nonrigid airship, used to control buoyancy and shape. balloon ety C16 (in the sense: ball, ball game): from Italian dialect ballone, from balla, of Germanic origin; compare Old High German balla #7ball %1 balloon 1. syl bal+loon pron pos n. def an inflatable rubber bag of various sizes, shapes, and colours: usually used as a plaything or party decoration. balloon 2. syl bal+loon pron pos n. def a large impermeable bag inflated with a lighter-than-air gas, designed to rise and float in the atmosphere. It may have a basket or gondola for carrying passengers, etc. See also {barrage balloon, hot-air balloon}. balloon 3. syl bal+loon pron pos n. def a circular or elliptical figure containing the words or thoughts of a character in a cartoon. balloon 4.a. syl bal+loon pron pos n. def a kick or stroke that propels a ball high into the air. balloon 4.b. syl bal+loon pron pos n. usage as modifier exam 1 a balloon shot. balloon 5. syl bal+loon pron pos n. qual Chem. def a round-bottomed flask. balloon 6. syl bal+loon pron pos n. def a large rounded brandy glass. when the balloon goes up 7. head balloon syl when the balloon goes up. qual Informal. def when the action starts. {~} balloon 8. syl bal+loon pron pos n. mod intr. def to go up or fly in a balloon. balloon 9. syl bal+loon pron pos n. def to inflate or be inflated; distend; swell. exam 1 the wind ballooned the sails. balloon 10. syl bal+loon pron pos n. mod tr. qual Brit. def to propel (a ball) high into the air. balloonist sub head balloon syl bal+1loon+ist pos n. balloon-like sub head balloon syl bal:1loon-2like pos adj. balloon sail 0. syl bal+loon sail pos n. qual Nautical. def a large light bellying sail used in light winds. Compare {spinnaker}. balloon sleeve 0. syl bal+loon sleeve pos n. def a sleeve fitting tightly from wrist to elbow and becoming fully rounded from elbow to shoulder. balloon tyre 0. syl bal+loon tyre pos n. def a pneumatic tyre containing air at a relatively low pressure and having a wide tread. balloon vine 0. syl bal+loon vine pos n. def a tropical tendril-climbing sapindaceous plant, cultivated for its ornamental balloon-like seed capsules. ballot ety C16: from Italian ballotta, literally: a little ball, from balla #7ball %1 ballot 1. syl bal+lot pron <1b@l*t> pos n. def the democratic practice of selecting a representative, a course of action, or deciding some other choice by submitting the options to a vote of all qualified persons. ballot 2. syl bal+lot pron <1b@l*t> pos n. def an instance of voting, usually in secret using ballot papers or a voting machine. ballot 3. syl bal+lot pron <1b@l*t> pos n. def a list of candidates standing for office. ballot 4. syl bal+lot pron <1b@l*t> pos n. def the number of votes cast in an election. ballot 5. syl bal+lot pron <1b@l*t> pos n. qual Archaic. def a drawing of lots. ballots infl head ballot syl bal+lots pos vb. balloting infl head ballot syl bal+lot+ing pos vb. balloted infl head ballot syl bal+lot+ed. pos vb. ballot 6. syl bal+lot pron <1b@l*t> pos vb. def to vote or elicit a vote from. exam 1 we balloted the members on this issue. ballot 7. syl bal+lot pron <1b@l*t> pos vb. mod tr. usage usually foll. by for def to select (conscripts, etc.) by lot or ballot. ballot 8. syl bal+lot pron <1b@l*t> pos vb. mod tr. usage often foll. by for def to vote or decide (on an issue, etc.). ballot box 0. syl bal+lot box pos n. def a box into which ballot papers are dropped after voting. ballot paper 0. syl bal+lot pa+per pos n. def a paper used for voting in a ballot, esp. (in a parliamentary or local government election) one having the names of the candidates printed on it. ballottement ety C19: from French, literally: a tossing, shaking, from ballotter to toss, from ballotte a little ball, from Italian ballotta; see #7ballot ballottement 0. syl bal+lotte+ment pron pos n. qual Med. def a technique of feeling for a movable object in the body, esp. confirmation of pregnancy by feeling the rebound of the fetus following a quick digital tap on the wall of the uterus. ballpark 1. syl ball+park pron <1bc:l2pa:k> pos n. qual U.S. def a stadium used for baseball games. ballpark 2.a. syl ball+park pron <1bc:l2pa:k> pos n. def approximate range. exam 1 in the right ballpark. ballpark 2.b. syl ball+park pron <1bc:l2pa:k> pos n. usage as modifier exam 1 a ballpark figure. ball-peen hammer 0. syl ball-peen ham+mer pos n. def a hammer that has one end of its head shaped in a hemisphere for beating metal, etc. ballplayer 1. syl ball+play:er pron <1bc:l2plA*> pos n. def a player, esp. in soccer, with outstanding ability to control the ball. ballplayer 2. syl ball+play:er pron <1bc:l2plA*> pos n. qual U.S. def a baseball player, esp. a professional. ballpoint pen infl head ballpoint or ball pen syl ball+point pen pron <1bc:l2pcint> pos n. ball pen infl head ballpoint or ballpoint pen syl ball pen pos n. ballpoint 0. syl ball+point pron <1bc:l2pcint> pos n. def a pen having a small ball bearing as a writing point. Also called (Brit.): {Biro}. ballroom 0. syl ball+room pron <1bc:l2ru:m>, <-2rum> pos n. def a large hall for dancing. ballroom dancing 0. syl ball+room danc+ing pos n. def social dancing, popular since the beginning of the 20th century, to dances in conventional rhythms ({ballroom dances}) such as the foxtrot and the quickstep. balls 1. syl balls pron pos n. mod pl. qual Taboo slang. def the testicles. by the balls 2. head balls syl by the balls. qual Taboo slang. def so as to be rendered powerless. balls 3. syl balls pron pos n. mod pl. qual Taboo slang. def nonsense; rubbish. balls 4. syl balls pron pos interj. qual Taboo slang. def an exclamation of strong disagreement, contempt, annoyance, etc. ballup alt head balls-up or balls-up syl ball+up qual U.S. balls-up 1. or ballup syl balls-up pos n. qual Taboo slang. def something botched or muddled. balls up infl head balls-up or ball up syl balls up pos vb. ball up infl head balls-up or balls up syl ball up. pos vb. qual U.S. balls-up 2. or ballup syl balls-up pos adv. mod tr. qual Taboo slang. def to muddle or botch. ball valve 0. syl ball valve pos n. def a one-way valve consisting of a metal ball fitting into a concave seat over an opening. bally 0. syl bal+ly pron <1b@li> pos adj. adv. qual Brit. slang. usage intensifier def a euphemistic word for {{bloody} (sense 6)}. ballyhoo ety C19: of uncertain origin ballyhoo 1. syl bal+ly+hoo pron <1b@li2hu:> pos n. qual Informal. def a noisy, confused, or nonsensical situation or uproar. ballyhoo 2. syl bal+ly+hoo pron <1b@li2hu:> pos n. qual Informal. def sensational or blatant advertising or publicity. ballyhoos infl head ballyhoo syl bal+ly+hoos pos vb. ballyhooing infl head ballyhoo syl bal+ly+hoo+ing pos vb. ballyhooed infl head ballyhoo syl bal+ly+hooed. pos vb. ballyhoo 3. syl bal+ly+hoo pron <1b@li2hu:> pos vb. mod tr. qual Informal.; Chiefly U.S. def to advertise or publicize by sensational or blatant methods. ballyrags infl head ballyrag syl bal+ly+rags pos vb. ballyragging infl head ballyrag syl bal+ly+rag+ging pos vb. ballyragged infl head ballyrag syl bal+ly+ragged. pos vb. ballyrag 0. syl bal+ly+rag pos vb. def a variant spelling of {bullyrag}. balm ety C13: from Old French basme, from Latin balsamum #7balsam balm 1. syl balm pron pos n. def any of various oily aromatic resinous substances obtained from certain tropical trees and used for healing and soothing. See also {{balsam} (sense 1)}. balm 2. syl balm pron pos n. def any plant yielding such a substance, esp. the balm of Gilead. balm 3. syl balm pron pos n. def something comforting or soothing. exam 1 soft music is a balm. balm 4. syl balm pron pos n. def any aromatic or oily substance used for healing or soothing. balm 5. syl balm pron pos n. def Also called: {lemon balm}. an aromatic Eurasian herbaceous plant, having clusters of small fragrant white two-lipped flowers: family (labiates). balm 6. syl balm pron pos n. def a pleasant odour. balmlike sub head balm syl balm+2like pos adj. balmacaan ety C19: after Balmacaan, near Inverness, Scotland balmacaan 0. syl bal+ma+caan pron <2b@lm*1ka:n> pos n. def a man's knee-length loose flaring overcoat with raglan sleeves. Pierre Alexandre infl head Balmain syl Pierre Al:ex:andre pron pos n. Balmain 0. syl Bal:main pron French pos n. def born 1914, French couturier. balm of Gilead 1. syl balm of Gil+e:ad pos n. def any of several trees of the burseraceous genus esp. of Africa and W Asia, that yield a fragrant oily resin (see {{balm} (sense 1)}). Compare {{myrrh} (sense 1)}. balm of Gilead 2. syl balm of Gil+e:ad pos n. def the resin exuded by these trees. balm of Gilead 3. syl balm of Gil+e:ad pos n. def a North American hybrid female poplar tree, (or with broad heart-shaped leaves. balm of Gilead 4. syl balm of Gil+e:ad pos n. def a fragrant resin obtained from the balsam fir. Balmoral H1.1. syl Bal+mor+al pron pos n. usage sometimes not cap. def a laced walking shoe. Balmoral H1.2. syl Bal+mor+al pron pos n. def a 19th-century woollen petticoat, worn showing below the skirt. Balmoral H1.3. syl Bal+mor+al pron pos n. def Also called: {bluebonnet}. a Scottish brimless hat of dark blue wool with a cockade and plume on one side. Balmoral H2.0. syl Bal+mor+al pron pos n. def a castle in NE Scotland, in Grampian region: a private residence of the British sovereign. Balmunc alt head Balmung or Balmung syl Bal+munc pron <1b@lmuGk> pos n. Balmung 0. or Balmunc syl Bal+mung pron <1b@lmuG> pos n. qual Nibelungenlied usage in the def Siegfried's sword. balmier infl head balmy syl balm:i+er pos adj. balmiest infl head balmy syl balm:i+est. pos adj. balmy 1. syl balm:y pron <1ba:mi> pos adj. usage of weather def mild and pleasant. balmy 2. syl balm:y pron <1ba:mi> pos adj. def having the qualities of balm; fragrant or soothing. balmy 3. syl balm:y pron <1ba:mi> pos adj. def a variant spelling (esp. U.S.) of {barmy}. balmily sub head balmy syl balm:i+ly pos adv. balminess sub head balmy syl balm:i+ness pos n. balneal ety C17: from Latin balneum bath, from Greek balaneion balneary alt head balneal or balneal syl bal+ne+ar:y pron <1b@lni*ri> pos adj. balneal 0. or balneary syl bal+ne+al pron <1b@lni*l> pos adj. qual Rare. def of or relating to baths or bathing. balneology ety from Latin balneum bath balneology 0. syl bal+ne+ol+o:gy pron <2b@lni1ol*Ji> pos n. def the branch of medical science concerned with the therapeutic value of baths, esp. those taken with natural mineral waters. balneological sub head balneology syl bal+ne:o+log:i+cal pron <2b@lni*1loJikL> pos adj. balneologist sub head balneology syl bal+ne+1ol:o+gist pos n. baloney ety C20: changed from Bologna (sausage) boloney alt head baloney or baloney syl bo+lo+ney pron pos n. baloney 0. or boloney syl ba+lo+ney pron pos n. qual Informal. def foolish talk; nonsense. BALPA 0. syl BALPA pron <1b@lp*> pos n. usage acronym for def British Airline Pilots' Association. balsa ety C18: from Spanish: raft balsa 1. syl bal+sa pron <1bc:ls*> pos n. def a bombacaceous tree, of tropical America. balsa 2. syl bal+sa pron <1bc:ls*> pos n. def Also called: {bal@.sa+wood}. the very light wood of this tree, used for making rafts, etc. balsa 3. syl bal+sa pron <1bc:ls*> pos n. def a light raft. balsam ety C15: from Latin balsamum, from Greek balsamon, from Hebrew b*_a*'s*_am spice; see #7balm balsam 1. syl bal+sam pron <1bc:ls*m> pos n. def any of various fragrant oleoresins, such as balm or tolu, obtained from any of several trees and shrubs and used as a base for medicines and perfumes. balsam 2. syl bal+sam pron <1bc:ls*m> pos n. def any of various similar substances used as medicinal or ceremonial ointments. balsam 3. syl bal+sam pron <1bc:ls*m> pos n. def any of certain aromatic resinous turpentines. See {Canada balsam}. balsam 4. syl bal+sam pron <1bc:ls*m> pos n. def any plant yielding balsam. balsam 5. syl bal+sam pron <1bc:ls*m> pos n. def any of several balsaminaceous plants of the genus esp. cultivated for its brightly coloured double flowers. balsam 6. syl bal+sam pron <1bc:ls*m> pos n. def anything healing or soothing. balsamic sub head balsam syl bal+sam+ic pron pos adj. balsamy sub head balsam syl bal+sam:y pos adj. balsam apple 0. syl bal+sam ap+ple pos n. def an ornamental cucurbitaceous vine, of the Old World tropics, with yellow flowers and orange egg-shaped fruits. balsam fir 0. syl bal+sam fir pos n. def a fir tree, of NE North America, that yields Canada balsam. Also called: {balsam, Canada balsam}. See also {balm of Gilead}. balsamiferous 0. syl bal+sam+if+er+ous pron <2bc:ls*1mif*r*s> pos adj. def yielding or producing balsam. balsaminaceous 0. syl bal+sa+mi+na+ceous pron <2bc:ls*mi1nAS*s> pos adj. def of, relating to, or belonging to the a family of flowering plants, including balsam and touch-me-not, that have irregular flowers and explosive capsules. balsam poplar 0. syl bal+sam pop+lar pos n. def a poplar tree, of NE North America, having resinous buds and broad heart-shaped leaves. See also {tacamahac}. balsam spruce 0. syl bal+sam spruce pos n. def either of two North American coniferous trees of the genus (the blue spruce) or Balt 0. syl Balt pron pos n. def a member of any of the Baltic-speaking peoples of the Baltic States. Balt 0. syl Balt. qual abbrev. for def Baltic. Balthazar H1.0. syl Bal+tha+zar pron <1b@lT*2za:>, pos n. def a wine bottle holding the equivalent of sixteen normal bottles (approximately 416 ounces). Balthazar H2.0. syl Bal:tha:zar pron <1b@lT*2za:>, pos n. def one of the Magi, the others being Caspar and Melchior. Baltic 1. syl Bal+tic pron <1bc:ltik> pos adj. def denoting or relating to the Baltic Sea or the Baltic States. Baltic 2. syl Bal+tic pron <1bc:ltik> pos adj. def of, denoting, or characteristic of Baltic as a group of languages. Baltic 3. syl Bal+tic pron <1bc:ltik> pos n. def a branch of the Indo-European family of languages consisting of Lithuanian, Latvian, and Old Prussian. Baltic 4. syl Bal+tic pron <1bc:ltik> pos n. def short for {Baltic Sea}. Baltic 5. syl Bal+tic pron <1bc:ltik> pos n. def Also called: {Baltic Exchange}. a commodities exchange in the City of London. Baltic Sea 0. syl Bal+tic Sea pos n. def a sea in N Europe, connected with the North Sea by the Skaggerak, Kattegat, and *"Oresund; shallow, with low salinity and small tides. Baltic Shield 0. syl Bal+tic Shield pos n. def the wide area of ancient rock in Scandinavia. Also called: {Scandinavian Shield}. See { {shield} (sense 7)}. Baltic States 0. syl Bal+tic States pos n. mod pl. def the formerly independent republics of Estonia, Latvia, and Lithuania, which became constituent republics of the Soviet Union in 1940. Lord infl head Baltimore syl Lord. pos n. Baltimore H1.0. syl Bal:ti:more pron <1bc:lti2mc:> pos n. def See (Sir George) {Calvert}. Baltimore H2.0. syl Bal+ti+more pron <1bc:lti2mc:> pos n. def a port in N Maryland, on Chesapeake Bay. Pop.: 877838 (1973 est.). Baltimore oriole 0. syl Bal+ti+more o:ri+ole pos n. def a North American oriole, the male of which has orange and black plumage. Balto-Slavic alt head Balto-Slavonic or Balto-Slavonic syl Bal:to-Sla:vic pos n. Balto-Slavonic 0. or Balto-Slavic syl Bal:to-Sla:von+ic pos n. def a hypothetical subfamily of Indo-European languages consisting of Baltic and Slavonic. It is now generally believed that similarities between them result from geographical proximity rather than any special relationship. Balochi alt head Baluchi or Baluchi syl Ba+lo+chi pron pos n. Baluchis infl head Baluchi or Baluchi syl Ba+lu+chis pos n. mod pl. Baluchi infl or Baluchis syl Ba+lu+chi pos n. mod pl. Baluchi 1. or Balochi syl Ba+lu+chi pron pos n. def a member of a Muslim people living chiefly in coastal Pakistan and Iran. Baluchi 2. or Balochi syl Ba+lu+chi pron pos n. def the language of this people, belonging to the West Iranian branch of the Indo-European family. Baluchi 3. or Balochi syl Ba+lu+chi pron pos adj. def of or relating to Baluchistan, its inhabitants, or their language. Baluchistan 1. syl Ba+lu+chi+stan pron , <-2st@n> pos n. def a mountainous region of SW Asia, in SW Pakistan and SE Iran. Baluchistan 2. syl Ba+lu+chi+stan pron , <-2st@n> pos n. def a province of SW Pakistan: a former territory of British India (until 1947). Capital: Quetta. baluster ety C17: from French balustre, from Italian balaustro pillar resembling a pomegranate flower, ultimately from Greek balaustion baluster 1. syl bal+us+ter pron <1b@l*st*> pos n. def any of a set of posts supporting a rail or coping. baluster 2. syl bal+us+ter pron <1b@l*st*> pos adj. usage of a shape def swelling at the base and rising in a concave curve to a narrow stem or neck. exam 1 a baluster stem on a goblet. balustrade ety C17: from French, from balustre #7baluster balustrade 0. syl bal+us+trade pron <1b@l*2strAd> pos n. def an ornamental rail or coping with its supporting set of balusters. Honor'e de infl head Balzac syl Ho:no:r*'e de pron pos n. Balzac 0. syl Bal:zac pron <1b@lz@k>, French pos n. def 1799-1850, French novelist: author of a collection of novels under the general title including (1833), (1834), and (1846). Bamako 0. syl Bam:a+ko pron <2b@m*1k*u> pos n. def the capital of Mali, in the south, on the River Niger. Pop.: 196800 (1972 est.). Bambara infl or Bambaras syl Bam+ba+ra pos n. mod pl. Bambaras infl head Bambara or Bambara syl Bam+ba+ras pos n. mod pl. Bambara 1. syl Bam+ba+ra pron pos n. def a member of a Negroid people of W Africa living chiefly in Mali and by the headwaters of the River Niger in Guinea. Bambara 2. syl Bam+ba+ra pron pos n. def the language of this people, belonging to the Mande branch of the Niger-Congo family. Bamberg 0. syl Bam+berg pron <1b@mbR:g>, German <1bamberk> pos n. def a town in S West Germany, in the north of present-day Bavaria: seat of inde?!pendent prince-bishops of the Holy Roman Empire (1007-1802). Pop.: 70400 (1970). bambino ety C18: from Italian bambinos infl head bambino or bambini syl bam+bi+nos pron <-nE> pos n. mod pl. bambini infl head bambino or bambinos syl bam+bi+ni pron <-nE> pos n. mod pl. bambino 1. syl bam+bi+no pron pos n. qual Informal. def a young child, esp. an Italian one. bambino 2. syl bam+bi+no pron pos n. def a representation of the infant Jesus. bamboo ety C16: probably from Malay bambu bamboo 1. syl bam+boo pron pos n. def any tall treelike tropical or semi?!tropical fast-growing grass of the genus having hollow woody-walled stems with ringed joints and edible young shoots ({bamboo shoots}) . bamboo 2. syl bam+boo pron pos n. def the stem of any of these plants, used for building, poles, and furniture. bamboo 3. syl bam+boo pron pos n. def any of various bamboo-like grasses of the genera or bamboo 4. syl bam+boo pron pos n. usage modifier def made of bamboo. exam 1 a bamboo pipe; exam 2 a bamboo fence. bamboo curtain 0. syl bam+boo cur+tain pos n. usage esp. in the 1950s and 1960s def the political and military barrier to communications around the People's Republic of China. bamboozle ety C18: of unknown origin bamboozle 1. syl bam+boo+zle pron pos vb. mod tr. qual Informal. def to cheat; mislead. bamboozle 2. syl bam+boo+zle pron pos vb. mod tr. qual Informal. def to confuse. bamboozler sub head bamboozle syl bam+1boo+zler pos n. bamboozlement sub head bamboozle syl bam+1boo+zle+ment pos n. ban ety Old English bannan to proclaim; compare Old Norse banna to forbid, Old High German bannan to command bans infl head ban syl bans pos vb. banning infl head ban syl ban+ning pos vb. banned infl head ban syl banned. pos vb. ban H1.1. syl ban pron pos vb. mod tr. def to prohibit, esp. officially, from action, display, entrance, sale, etc.; forbid. exam 1 to ban a book; exam 2 to ban smoking. ban H1.2. syl ban pron pos vb. mod tr. usage in South Africa def to place (a person suspected of illegal political activity) under a government order restricting his movement and his contact with other people. ban H1.3. syl ban pron pos vb. qual Archaic. def to curse. ban H1.4. syl ban pron pos n. def an official prohibition or interdiction. ban H1.5. syl ban pron pos n. qual Law. def an official proclamation or public notice, esp. of prohibition. ban H1.6. syl ban pron pos n. def a public proclamation or edict, esp. of outlawry. ban H1.7. syl ban pron pos n. qual Archaic. def public censure or condemnation. ban H1.8. syl ban pron pos n. qual Archaic. def a curse; imprecation. ban ety C13: from Old French ban, of Germanic origin; related to Old High German ban command, Old Norse bann #7ban %1 ban H2.0. syl ban pron pos n. usage in feudal England def the summoning of vassals to perform their military obligations. ban ety from Rumanian, from Serbo-Croatian b*_an lord ban H3.0. syl ban pron pos n. def a Rumanian monetary unit worth one hundredth of a leu. banal ety C18: from Old French: relating to compulsory feudal service, hence common to all, commonplace, from ban #7{ban %2} banal 0. syl ba+nal pron pos adj. def lacking force or originality; trite; commonplace. banality sub head banal syl ba+nal+i:ty pron pos n. banally sub head banal syl ba+1nal+ly pos adv. banana ety C16: from Spanish or Portuguese, of African origin banana 1. syl ba+na+na pron pos n. def any of several tropical and sub?!tropical herbaceous treelike plants of the musaceous genus esp. a widely cultivated species propagated from suckers and having hanging clusters of edible fruit. banana 2. syl ba+na+na pron pos n. def the crescent-shaped fruit of any of these plants. {~} Compare {{plantain%2}}. banana belt 0. syl ba+na+na belt pos n. qual Canadian informal. def a region with a warm climate, esp. one in Canada. Banana bender 0. syl Ba+na+na bend+er pos n. qual Austral. informal; offensive. def a native or inhabitant of Queensland. Also called: {Ba+na+na+land+er} (b$$#!n$a$:n$$@!l@and$$). banana oil 1. syl ba+na+na oil pos n. def a solution of cellulose nitrate in pentyl acetate or a similar solvent, which has a banana-like smell. banana oil 2. syl ba+na+na oil pos n. def a nontechnical name for {pentyl acetate}. banana republic 0. syl ba+na+na re+pub+lic pos n. qual Informal. def a small country, esp. in Central America, that is politically unstable and has an economy dominated by foreign interest, usually dependent on one export, such as bananas. bananas 0. syl ba+na+nas pron pos adj. qual Brit. slang. def crazy. banana split 0. syl ba+na+na split pos n. def a dish of ice cream and banana cut in half lengthwise, usually topped with syrup, nuts, whipped cream, etc. Banaras 0. syl Ba+na+ras pron pos n. def a variant spelling of {Benares}. Banat 0. syl Ban+at pron <1b@nit>, <1ba:nit> pos n. def a fertile plain extending through Hungary, Rumania, and Yugoslavia. banausic ety C19: from Greek banausikos for mechanics, from baunos forge banausic 0. syl ba+nau+sic pron pos adj. def merely mechanical; materialistic; utilitarian. Banbury 0. syl Ban+bur:y pron <1b@nb*ri> pos n. def a town in central England, in N Oxfordshire. Pop.: 29216 (1971). Banbury cake 0. syl Ban+bur:y cake pos n. qual Brit. def a cake consisting of a pastry base filled with currants, raisins, candied peel, and sugar, with a criss-cross pattern on the top. banc ety from Anglo-French: bench in banc infl head banc syl in banc. pos n. banc 0. syl banc pron pos n. qual Law. def sitting as a full court. band ety C15: from French bande, probably from Old Proven*,cal banda, of Germanic origin; compare Gothic bandwa sign, #7banner band H1.1. syl band pron pos n. def a company of people having a common purpose; group. exam 1 a band of outlaws. band H1.2. syl band pron pos n. def a group of musicians playing either brass and percussion instruments only ({brass band}) or brass, woodwind, and percussion instruments ({concert band} or {military band) }. band H1.3. syl band pron pos n. def a group of musicians who play popular music, jazz, etc., often for dancing. band H1.4. syl band pron pos n. def a group of instrumentalists generally; orchestra. band H1.5. syl band pron pos n. qual Canadian. def a formally recognized group of Indians on a reservation. band H1.6. syl band pron pos n. qual Anthropol. def a division of a tribe; a family group or camp group. band H1.7. syl band pron pos n. qual U.S., Canadian. def a flock or herd. band H1.8. syl band pron pos vb. usage usually foll. by together def to unite; assemble. band ety C15: from Old French bende, of Germanic origin; compare Old High German binda fillet; see #7band %3 band H2.1. syl band pron pos n. def a thin flat strip of some material, used esp. to encircle objects and hold them together. exam 1 a rubber band. band H2.2.a. syl band pron pos n. def a strip of fabric or other material used as an ornament or to reinforce clothing. band H2.2.b. syl band pron pos n. usage in combination exam 1 waistband; exam 2 hairband; exam 3 hatband. band H2.3. syl band pron pos n. def a stripe of contrasting colour or texture band H2.4. syl band pron pos n. def a driving belt in machinery. band H2.5. syl band pron pos n. def a range of values that are close or related in number, degree, or quality. band H2.6. syl band pron pos n. qual Physics. def a range of frequencies or wavelengths between two limits. band H2.7. syl band pron pos n. def short for {energy band}. band H2.8. syl band pron pos n. qual Computer technol. def one or more tracks on a magnetic disk or drum. band H2.9. syl band pron pos n. qual Anatomy. def any structure resembling a ribbon or cord that connects, encircles, or binds different parts. band H2.10. syl band pron pos n. def the cords, usually of flax or hemp, to which the folded sheets of a book are sewn. band H2.11. syl band pron pos n. def a thin layer or seam of ore. band H2.12. syl band pron pos n. qual Architect. def a strip of flat panelling, such as a fascia or plinth, usually attached to a wall. band H2.13. syl band pron pos n. def a large white collar, sometimes edged with lace, worn in the 17th century. band H2.14. syl band pron pos n. def either of a pair of hanging extensions of the collar, forming part of academic, legal, or (formerly) clerical dress. band H2.15. syl band pron pos n. usage of a gramophone record def another word for {{track} (sense 11)}. band H2.16. syl band pron pos n. def a ring for the finger (esp. in phrases such as {wedding band, band of gold}, etc.). band H2.17. syl band pron pos vb. mod tr. def to fasten or mark with a band. band H2.18. syl band pron pos vb. mod tr. qual U.S. def to ring (birds). See {{ring} %1 (sense 22)}. band ety C13: from Old Norse band; related to Old High German bant fetter; see #7bend %1, #7bond band H3.0. syl band pron pos n. def an archaic word for {{bond} (senses 1, 3, 4)}. Hastings Kamuzu infl head Banda syl Has:tings Ka:mu:zu pron pos n. Banda 0. syl Ban:da pron <1b@nd*> pos n. def born 1906, Malawi statesman. As first prime minister of Nyasaland (since 1963), he led his country to independence (1964) as Malawi: president since 1966. bandage ety C16: from French, from bande strip, #7{band %2} bandage 1. syl band+age pron <1b@ndiJ> pos n. def a piece of material used to dress a wound, bind a broken limb, etc. bandage 2. syl band+age pron <1b@ndiJ> pos n. def a strip of any soft material used for binding, etc. bandage 3. syl band+age pron <1b@ndiJ> pos vb. def to cover or bind with a bandage. bandanna ety C18: from Hindi b*_andhn*_u tie-dyeing, from b*_andhn*_a to tie, from Sanskrit bandhn*_ati he ties bandana alt head bandanna or bandanna syl ban+dan:a pron pos n. bandanna 0. or bandana syl ban+dan+na pron pos n. def a large silk or cotton handkerchief or neckerchief. Bandaranaike 1. syl Ban:da:ra:na:i:ke pron <2b@nd*r*1nIik*> pos n. def Mrs. {Si@.ri@.ma@.vo} (@!s$Ir$I#!m$a$:v$$$u). born 1916, prime minister of Sri Lanka, formerly Ceylon (1960-65; 1970-77). Bandaranaike 2. syl Ban:da:ra:na:i:ke pron <2b@nd*r*1nIik*> pos n. def her husband, {Sol@.o@.mon}. 1899-1959, prime minister of Ceylon (1956-59); assassinated. Bandar Seri Begawan 0. syl Ban+dar Se:ri Be+ga+wan pron <1ba:nda:> <1seri> pos n. def the capital of Brunei. Pop.: 72481 (1971). Former name: {Brunei}. Banda Sea 0. syl Ban+da Sea pron <1b@nd*> pos n. def a part of the Pacific in Indonesia, between Celebes and New Guinea. b and b 0. syl b. and b. qual abbrev. for def bed and breakfast. bandbox 0. syl band+box pron <1b@nd2boks> pos n. def a lightweight usually cylindrical box used for holding small articles, esp. hats. bandeau ety C18: from French, from Old French bandel a little #7band %2 bandeaux infl head bandeau syl ban+deaux pron <-d*uz> pos n. mod pl. bandeau 0. syl ban+deau pron <1b@nd*u> pos n. def a narrow band of ribbon, velvet, etc., worn round the head. banderilla ety Spanish, literally: a little banner, from bandera #7banner banderilla 0. syl ban+de+ril+la pron <2b@nd*1rE*>, <-1rElj*> pos n. qual Bullfighting. def a decorated barbed dart, thrust into the bull's neck or shoulder. banderilleros infl head banderillero syl ban+de+ril+le:ros. pos n. mod pl. banderillero 0. syl ban+de+ril+le:ro pron <2b@nd*rE1e*r*u>, <-rE1lje*r*u> pos n. def a bullfighter's assistant who sticks banderillas into the bull. banderole ety C16: from Old French, from Italian banderuola, literally: a little banner, from bandiera #7banner banderol infl head banderole or bannerol syl ban+de+rol pron <1b@nd*2r*ul> pos n. bannerol infl head banderole or banderol syl ban+ne+rol pos n. banderole 1. syl ban+de+role pron <1b@nd*2r*ul> pos n. def a long narrow flag, usually with forked ends, esp. one attached to the masthead of a ship; pennant. banderole 2. syl ban+de+role pron <1b@nd*2r*ul> pos n. def a square flag draped over a tomb or carried at a funeral. band-gala ety from Hindi band-gala 0. syl band-ga:la pron <1b^ndg*la:> pos adj. usage in India; of a coat def closed at the neck. bandh ety Hindi, literally: a tying up bundh alt head bandh or bandh syl bundh pos b^nd; n. bandh 0. or bundh syl bandh pos b^nd; n. usage in India def a general strike. bandicoot ety C18: from Telegu pandikokku, from pandi pig+ kokku bandicoot bandicoot 1. syl ban+di+coot pron <1b@ndi2ku:t> pos n. def any agile terrestrial marsupial of the family of Australia and New Guinea. They have a long pointed muzzle and a long tail and feed mainly on small invertebrates. bandicoot rat 2. head bandicoot syl bandicoot rat. def Also called: {mole rat}. any of three burrowing rats of the genera and of S and SE Asia: family {~} bandicoot 3. syl ban+di+coot pron <1b@ndi2ku:t> pos n. qual Austral. def to dig up (potatoes), leaving the plant intact above the ground. bandit ety C16: from Italian bandito, literally: banished man, from bandire to proscribe, from bando edict, #7ban %2 bandits infl head bandit or banditti syl ban+dits pron <-1diti> pos n. mod pl. banditti infl head bandit or bandits syl ban+dit+ti pron <-1diti> pos n. mod pl. bandit 0. syl ban+dit pron <1b@ndit> pos n. def a robber, esp. a member of an armed gang; brigand. banditry sub head bandit syl ban+dit+ry pos n. Banjermasin alt head Bandjarmasin or Bandjarmasin syl Ban+jer+ma+sin pron <2b@nJ*1ma:sin> pos n. Bandjarmasin 0. or Banjermasin syl Band+jar+ma+sin pron <2b@nJ*1ma:sin> pos n. def a port in Indonesia, in SW Borneo. Pop.: 281673 (1971). bandmaster 0. syl band+mas:ter pron <1b@nd2ma:st*> pos n. def the conductor of a band. bandobust ety Hindi band-o-bast tying and bind?!ing, from Persian bandobundobust alt head bandobust or bandobust syl ban+do+bun+do+bust pron <1b^nd*ub*st> pos n. bandobust 0. or bandobundobust syl ban+do+bust pron <1b^nd*ub*st> pos n. usage in India and Pakistan def arrangements. bandoleer ety C16: from Old French bandouliere, from Old Spanish bandolera, bandolero guerrilla, from Catalan bandoler, from bandol band, from Spanish bando; see #7band %1 bandolier alt head bandoleer or bandoleer syl ban+do+lier pron <2b@nd*1li*> pos n. bandoleer 0. or bandolier syl ban+do+leer pron <2b@nd*1li*> pos n. def a soldier's broad shoulder belt having small pockets or loops for cartridges. bandoline ety C19: bando -, from French #7bandeau+ -line, from Latin linere to smear bandoline 0. syl ban+do+line pron <1b@nd*2lEn> pos n. def a glutinous hairdressing, used (esp. formerly) to keep the hair in place. bandore ety C16: from Spanish bandurria, from Late Latin pand*_ura three-stringed instrument, from Greek pandoura bandore 0. syl ban+dore pron , <1b@ndc:> pos n. def a 16th-century plucked musical instrument resembling a lute but larger and fitted with seven pairs of metal strings. Also called: {pandore, pandora}. band-pass filter 0. syl band-pass fil+ter pos n. qual Electronics. def a filter that transmits only those currents having a frequency lying within specified limits. Compare {high-pass filter, low-pass filter}. band saw 0. syl band saw pos n. def a power-operated saw consisting of an endless toothed metal band running over and driven by two wheels. bandsmen infl head bandsman syl bands+men. pos n. mod pl. bandsman 0. syl bands+man pron <1b@ndzm*n> pos n. def a player in a musical band, esp. a brass or military band. band spectrum 0. syl band spec+trum pos n. def a spectrum consisting of a number of bands of closely spaced lines that are associated with emission or absorption of radiation by molecules. bandspreading 0. syl band+spread:ing pron <1b@nd2sprediG> pos n. def an additional tuning control in some radio receivers whereby a selected narrow band of frequencies can be spread over a wider frequency band, in order to increase selectivity. bandstand 0. syl band+stand pron <1b@nd2st@nd> pos n. def a platform for a band, usually out of doors and roofed. Bandung 0. syl Ban+dung pron <1b@nduG> pos n. def a city in Indonesia, in SW Java. Pop.: 1201730 (1971). bandwagon 1. syl band+wag:on pron <1b@nd2w@g*n> pos n. qual U.S. def a wagon, usually high and brightly coloured, for carrying the band in a parade. jump infl head bandwagon or get on the bandwagon syl jump get on the bandwagon infl head bandwagon or jump syl get on the bandwagon. climb 2. head bandwagon syl climb qual Informal. def to join or give support to a party or movement that seems to be assured of success. bandwidth 1. syl band+width pron <1b@nd2widT> pos n. def the range of frequencies within a given waveband used for a particular radio transmission. bandwidth 2. syl band+width pron <1b@nd2widT> pos n. def the range of frequencies over which a receiver or amplifier should not differ appreciably from its maximum value. bandy ety C16: probably from Old French bander to hit the ball back and forth at tennis bandier infl head bandy syl ban+di+er pos adj. bandiest infl head bandy syl ban+di+est. pos adj. bandy 1. syl ban+dy pron <1b@ndi> pos adj. def Also: {bandy-legged}. having legs curved outwards at the knees. bandy 2. syl ban+dy pron <1b@ndi> pos adj. usage of legs def curved outwards at the knees. bandies infl head bandy syl ban+dies pos vb. mod tr. bandying infl head bandy syl ban+dy+ing pos vb. mod tr. bandied infl head bandy syl ban+died. pos vb. mod tr. bandy 3. syl ban+dy pron <1b@ndi> pos vb. mod tr. def to exchange (words) in a heated or hostile manner. bandy 4. syl ban+dy pron <1b@ndi> pos vb. mod tr. def to give and receive (blows). bandy 5. syl ban+dy pron <1b@ndi> pos vb. mod tr. usage Informal. often foll. by about def to circulate (a name, rumour, etc.). bandy 6. syl ban+dy pron <1b@ndi> pos vb. mod tr. def to throw or strike to and fro; toss about. bandies infl head bandy syl ban+dies. pos n. mod pl. bandy 7. syl ban+dy pron <1b@ndi> pos n. def an early form of hockey, often played on ice. bandy 8. syl ban+dy pron <1b@ndi> pos n. def a stick, curved at one end, used in the game of bandy. bandy 9. syl ban+dy pron <1b@ndi> pos n. def an old form of tennis. knock (someone) bandy 10. head bandy syl knock (someone) bandy. qual Austral. informal. def to amaze or astound. bandy-bandies infl head bandy-bandy syl ban:dy-ban:dies. pos n. mod pl. bandy-bandy 0. syl ban:dy-ban:dy pron <1b@ndi1b@ndi> pos n. def a small Australian elapid snake, ringed with black and yellow. bandy leg 0. syl ban+dy leg pos n. def another term for {bow leg}. bane ety Old English bana; related to Old Norse bani death, Old High German bano destruction, death bane 1. syl bane pron pos n. def a person or thing that causes misery or distress (esp. in the phrase {bane of one's life}) . bane 2. syl bane pron pos n. def something that causes death or destruction. bane 3.a. syl bane pron pos n. def a fatal poison. bane 3.b. syl bane pron pos n. usage in combination exam 1 ratsbane. bane 4. syl bane pron pos n. qual Archaic. def ruin or distress. baneberries infl head baneberry syl bane+ber:ries. pos n. mod pl. baneberry 1. syl bane+ber:ry pron <1bAnb*ri> pos n. def Also called: {herb Christopher} (Brit.), {cohosh} (U.S.). any ranunculaceous plant of the genus esp. which has small white flowers and red or white poisonous berries. baneberry 2. syl bane+ber:ry pron <1bAnb*ri> pos n. def a berry of any of these plants. baneful 0. syl bane+ful pron <1bAnful> pos adj. qual Archaic. def destructive, poisonous, or fatal. banefully sub head baneful syl bane+ful+ly pos adv. banefulness sub head baneful syl bane+ful+ness pos n. Banff 1. syl Banff pron pos n. usage until 1975 def a county of NE Scotland, now part of Grampian region. Banff 2. syl Banff pron pos n. def a town in Canada, in SW Alberta, in the Rocky Mountains: surrounded by {Banff National Park}. Pop.: 3532 (1971). bang ety C16: from Old Norse bang, banga hammer; related to Low German bangen to beat; all of imitative origin bang H1.1. syl bang pron pos n. def a short loud explosive noise, as of the bursting of a balloon or the report of a gun. bang H1.2. syl bang pron pos n. def a hard blow or knock, esp. a noisy one; thump. exam 1 he gave the ball a bang. bang H1.3. syl bang pron pos n. qual Informal. def a startling or sudden effect. exam 1 he realized with a bang that he was late. bang H1.4. syl bang pron pos n. qual U.S. slang. def thrill; excitement. bang H1.5. syl bang pron pos n. qual Slang. def an injection of heroin or other narcotic. bang H1.6. syl bang pron pos n. qual Taboo slang. def an act of sexual intercourse. with a bang 7. head bang syl with a bang. def successfully. exam 1 the party went with a bang. bang H1.8. syl bang pron pos vb. def to hit or knock, esp. with a loud noise; bump. exam 1 to bang one's head. bang H1.9. syl bang pron pos vb. def to move noisily or clumsily. exam 1 to bang about the house. bang H1.10. syl bang pron pos vb. def to close (a door, window, etc.) or (of a door, etc.) be closed noisily; slam. bang H1.11. syl bang pron pos vb. mod tr. def to cause to move by hitting vigorously. exam 1 he banged the ball over the fence. bang H1.12. syl bang pron pos vb. def to make or cause to make a loud noise, as of an explosion. bang H1.13.a. syl bang pron pos vb. def to cause (stock prices) to fall by rapid selling. bang H1.13.b. syl bang pron pos vb. def to sell rapidly in (a stock market), thus causing prices to fall. bang H1.14. syl bang pron pos vb. qual Taboo slang. def to have sexual intercourse with. bang H1.15. syl bang pron pos vb. mod intr. qual Slang. def to inject heroin, etc. bang one's head against a brick wall 16. head bang syl bang one's head against a brick wall. qual Informal. def to make no progress. {~} bang H1.17. syl bang pron pos vb. def with a sudden impact or effect. exam 1 bang went his hopes of winning; exam 2 the car drove bang into a lamp-post. bang H1.18. syl bang pron pos vb. def precisely. exam 1 bang in the middle of the road. go bang 19. head bang syl go bang. def to burst, shut, etc., with a loud noise. {~} See also {bang up}. bang ety C19: probably short for bangtail short tail bang H2.1. syl bang pron pos n. def a fringe or section of hair cut straight across the forehead. {~} bang H2.2. syl bang pron pos n. def to cut (the hair) in such a style. bang H2.3. syl bang pron pos n. def to dock (the tail of a horse, etc.). bang H3.0. syl bang pron pos n. def a variant spelling of {bhang}. Bangalore 0. syl Ban+ga+lore pron <2b@Gg*1lc:> pos n. def a city in S India, capital of Karnataka state. Pop.: 1540741 (1971). bangalore torpedo ety C20: named after B#7angalore, where it was used bangalore torpedo 0. syl ban+ga+lore tor+pe:do pos n. def an explosive device in a long metal tube, used to blow gaps in barbed-wire barriers. banger 1. syl bang+er pron <1b@G*> pos n. qual Brit.; Slang. def a sausage. banger 2.a. syl bang+er pron <1b@G*> pos n. qual Brit. def an old decrepit car. banger 2.b. syl bang+er pron <1b@G*> pos n. qual Brit. usage as modifier exam 1 banger racing. banger 3. syl bang+er pron <1b@G*> pos n. qual Brit. def a type of firework that explodes loudly. Banka alt head Bangka or Bangka syl Ban+ka pron <1b@Gk*> pos n. Bangka 0. or Banka syl Bang+ka pron <1b@Gk*> pos n. def an island in Indonesia, separated from Sumatra by the {Bangka Strait}. Chief town: Pangkalpinang. Area: about 11914 sq. km (4600 sq. miles). Bangkok 0. syl Bang+kok pron <1b@Gkok>, pos n. def the capital and chief port of Thailand, on the Chao Phraya River: became a royal city and the capital in 1782. Pop.: 1867297 (1970). Thai name: {Krung Thep} (#!kr$u&n #!te$Ip). Bangladesh 0. syl Bang+la+desh pron <2ba:Ggl*1deS>, <2b@G-> pos n. def a republic in S Asia: formerly the Eastern Province of Pakistan; became independ?!ent in 1971 after civil war and the defeat of Pakistan by India; consists of the plains and vast deltas of the Ganges and Brahmaputra Rivers: economy based on jute and jute products (over 80 per cent of world production). Language: Bengali. Religion: Muslim. Currency: taka. Capital: Dacca. Pop.: 71316517 (1974). Area: 142797 sq. km (55126 sq. miles). Bangladeshi sub head Bangladesh syl Bang+la+1desh:i pos adj. n. bangle ety C19: from Hindi bangr*_i bangle 1. syl ban+gle pron <1b@GgL> pos n. def a bracelet, usually without a clasp, often worn high up round the arm or sometimes round the ankle. bangle 2. syl ban+gle pron <1b@GgL> pos n. def a disc or charm hanging from a bracelet, necklace, etc. bang on 1. syl bang on pos adj. adv. qual Brit. informal. def with absolute accuracy. bang on 2. syl bang on pos adj. adv. qual Brit. informal. def excellent or excellently. {~} Also (U.S.): {bang up}. Bangor 1. syl Ban+gor pron <1b@Ggc:>, <-g*> pos n. def a university town in NW Wales, in Gwynedd, on the Menai Strait. Pop.: 14526 (1971). Bangor 2. syl Ban+gor pron <1b@Ggc:>, <-g*> pos n. def a town in SE Northern Ireland, in Co. Down, on Belfast Lough. Pop.: 35178 (1971). bangtail ety C19: from bangtail short tail bangtail 1. syl bang+tail pron <1b@G2tAl> pos n. def a horse's tail cut straight across but not through the bone. bangtail 2. syl bang+tail pron <1b@G2tAl> pos n. def a horse with a tail cut in this way. bangtail muster 0. syl bang+tail mus+ter pos n. qual Austral. def a roundup of cattle to be count?!ed, each one having the hairs on its tail clipped as it is counted. Bangui 0. syl Ban+gui pron French pos n. def the capital of the Central African Empire, in the south part, on the Ubangi River. Pop.: 187000 (1971 est.). bang up 0. syl bang up pos vb. adv. mod tr. qual Prison slang. def to lock up (a prisoner) in his cell, esp. for the night. Lake infl head Bangweulu syl Lake. pos n. Bangweulu 0. syl Bang+we:u+lu pron <2b@Gwi1u:lu> pos n. def a shallow lake in NE Zambia, discovered by David Livingstone, who died there in 1873. Area: about 9850 sq. km (3800 sq. miles), including swamps. bani 0. syl ba:ni pron <1ba:ni> pos n. def the plural of {{ban%3}} (the Rumanian coin). banian 0. syl ban+ian pron <1b@nj*n> pos n. def a variant spelling of {banyan}. banish ety C14: from Old French banir, of Germanic origin; compare Old High German ban #7ban %1 banish 1. syl ban+ish pron <1b@niS> pos vb. mod tr. def to expel from a place, esp. by an official decree as a punishment. banish 2. syl ban+ish pron <1b@niS> pos vb. mod tr. def to drive away. exam 1 to banish gloom. banishment sub head banish syl ban+ish+ment pos n. banisters 0. syl ban+is+ters pron <1b@nist*z> pos n. mod pl. def the railing and supporting balusters on a staircase; balustrade. Banja Luka 0. syl Ban+ja Lu:ka pron Serbo-Croatian <1ba:nja:> <2lu:ka> pos n. def a city in NW central Yugoslavia, on the Vrbas River in Bosnia and Herzegovina: scene of battles between the Austrians and Turks in 1527, 1688, and 1737. Pop.: 89866 (1971). Banjermasin 0. syl Ban+jer+ma+sin pron <2b@nJ*1ma:sin> pos n. def a variant spelling of {Bandjarmasin}. banjo ety C18: variant (U.S. Southern pronunciation) of #7bandore &- #!ban+jo+ist n. banjos infl head banjo or banjoes syl ban+jos pos n. mod pl. banjoes infl head banjo or banjos syl ban+joes. pos n. mod pl. banjo 1. syl ban+jo pron <1b@nJ*u> pos n. def a stringed musical instrument with a long neck (usually fretted) and a circular drumlike body overlaid with parchment, plucked with the fingers or a plectrum. banjo 2. syl ban+jo pron <1b@nJ*u> pos n. qual Slang. def any banjo-shaped object, esp. a frying pan. banjo 3. syl ban+jo pron <1b@nJ*u> pos n. usage modifier def banjo-shaped. exam 1 a banjo clock. Banjul 0. syl Ban+jul pron pos n. def the capital of Gambia, a port at the mouth of the Gambia river. Pop.: 42687 (1975 est.). bank ety C15: probably from Italian banca bench, money changer's table, of Germanic origin; compare Old High German banc #7bench bank H1.1. syl bank pron pos n. def an institution offering certain financial services, such as the safekeeping of money, conversion of domestic into and from foreign currencies, lending of money at interest, and acceptance of bills of exchange. bank H1.2. syl bank pron pos n. def the building used by such an institution. bank H1.3. syl bank pron pos n. def a small container used at home for keeping money. bank H1.4. syl bank pron pos n. def the funds held by a gaming house or a banker or dealer in some gambling games. bank H1.5.a. syl bank pron pos n. def the stock, as of money, pieces, tokens, etc., on which players may draw. bank H1.5.b. syl bank pron pos n. def the player holding this stock. bank H1.6. syl bank pron pos n. def any supply, store, or reserve, for future use. exam 1 a data bank; exam 2 a blood bank. bank H1.7. syl bank pron pos vb. mod tr. def to deposit (cash, cheques, etc.) in a bank. bank H1.8. syl bank pron pos vb. mod intr. def to transact business with a bank. bank H1.9. syl bank pron pos vb. mod intr. def to engage in the business of banking. bank H1.10. syl bank pron pos vb. mod intr. def to hold the bank in some gambling games. {~} See also: {bank on}. bank ety C12: of Scandinavian origin; compare Old Icelandic bakki hill, Old Danish banke, Swedish backe bank H2.1. syl bank pron pos n. def a long raised mass, esp. of earth; mound; ridge. bank H2.2. syl bank pron pos n. def a slope, as of a hill. bank H2.3. syl bank pron pos n. def the sloping side of any hollow in the ground, esp. when bordering a river. exam 1 the left bank of a river is on a spectator's left looking downstream. bank H2.4.a. syl bank pron pos n. def an elevated section, rising to near the surface, of the bed of a sea, lake, or river. bank H2.4.b. syl bank pron pos n. usage in combination exam 1 sandbank; exam 2 mudbank. bank H2.5.a. syl bank pron pos n. def the area around the mouth of the shaft of a mine. bank H2.5.b. syl bank pron pos n. def the face of a body of ore. bank H2.6. syl bank pron pos n. def the lateral inclination of an aircraft about its longitudinal axis during a turn. bank H2.7. syl bank pron pos n. def Also called: {camber, cant}. a bend on a road or on a railway, athletics, cycling, or other track having the outside built higher than the inside in order to reduce the effects of centrifugal force on vehicles, runners, etc., rounding it at speed. bank H2.8. syl bank pron pos n. def the cushion of a billiard table. bank H2.9. syl bank pron pos vb. mod when; tr. usage often foll. by up def to form into a bank or mound. bank H2.10. syl bank pron pos vb. mod tr. def to border or enclose (a road, etc.) with a bank. bank H2.11. syl bank pron pos vb. mod tr. usage sometimes foll. by up def to cover (a fire) with ashes, fresh fuel, etc., so that it will burn slowly. bank H2.12. syl bank pron pos vb. def to cause (an aircraft) to tip laterally about its longitudinal axis or (of an aircraft) to tip in this way, esp. while turning. bank H2.13. syl bank pron pos vb. def to travel round a bank, esp. at high speed. bank H2.14. syl bank pron pos vb. mod tr. qual Billiards. def to drive (a ball) into the cushion. bank ety C17: from Old French banc bench, of Germanic origin; see #7bank %1 bank H3.1. syl bank pron pos n. def an arrangement of objects, esp. similar objects, in a row or in tiers. exam 1 a bank of dials. bank H3.2.a. syl bank pron pos n. def a tier of oars in a galley. bank H3.2.b. syl bank pron pos n. def a bench for the rowers in a galley. bank H3.3. syl bank pron pos n. qual Printing. def lines of type under a headline. bank H3.4. syl bank pron pos n. usage Telephony. in automatic switching def an assembly of fixed electrical contacts forming a rigid unit in a selector or similar device. bank H3.5. syl bank pron pos vb. mod tr. def to arrange in a bank. Banka 0. syl Ban+ka pron <1b@Gk*> pos n. def a variant spelling of {Bangka}. bankable 1. syl bank+a:ble pron <1b@Gk*bL> pos adj. def appropriate for receipt by a bank. bankable 2. syl bank+a:ble pron <1b@Gk*bL> pos adj. def dependable or reliable. exam 1 a bankable promise. bank acceptance 0. syl bank ac+cept+ance pos n. def a bill of exchange or draft drawn on and endorsed by a bank. Also called: {banker's acceptance}. bank account 1. syl bank ac+count pos n. def an account created by the deposit of money at a bank by a customer. bank account 2. syl bank ac+count pos n. def the amount of money credited to a depositor at a bank. bank annuities 0. syl bank an+nu+i:ties pos n. mod pl. def another term for {consols}. draft alt head bank bill or bank bill syl draft pos n. bank bill 1. or draft syl bank bill pos n. def a bill of exchange drawn by one bank on another. bank bill 2. or draft syl bank bill pos n. def Also called: {banker's bill}. a bank note. bankbook 0. syl bank+book pron <1b@Gk2buk> pos n. def a book held by depositors at certain banks, in which the bank enters a record of deposits, withdrawals, and earned interest. Also called: {passbook}. bank card 0. syl bank card pos n. def another name for {banker's card}. bank clerk 0. syl bank clerk pos n. qual Brit. def an employee of a bank. U.S. name: {teller}. bank discount 0. syl bank dis+count pos n. def interest on a loan deducted from the principal amount when the loan is made and based on the loan's face value. banker H1.1. syl bank+er pron <1b@Gk*> pos n. def a person who owns or is an executive in a bank. banker H1.2. syl bank+er pron <1b@Gk*> pos n. def an official or player in charge of the bank in any of various games, esp. gambling games. banker H1.3. syl bank+er pron <1b@Gk*> pos n. def a result that has been forecast identically in a series of entries on a football pool coupon. banker H2.1. syl bank+er pron <1b@Gk*> pos n. def a fishing vessel of Newfoundland. banker H2.2. syl bank+er pron <1b@Gk*> pos n. def a fisherman in such a vessel. banker H2.3. syl bank+er pron <1b@Gk*> pos n. qual Austral. informal. def a stream almost overflowing its banks (esp. in the phrase {run a banker}) . banker H2.4. syl bank+er pron <1b@Gk*> pos n. def Also called: {bank engine}. a locomotive that is used to help a heavy train up a steep gradient. banker H3.1. syl bank+er pron <1b@Gk*> pos n. def a craftsman's workbench. banker H3.2. syl bank+er pron <1b@Gk*> pos n. def a timber board used as a base for mixing building materials. banker's card 0. syl bank+er's card pos n. def a card issued by a bank, guaranteeing payment of the cheques of a customer up to a stated value. banker's order 0. syl bank+er's or+der pos n. def another name for {{standing order} (sense 1)}. banket ety C19: from Dutch: a kind of almond hardbake, alluding to its appearance banket 0. syl bank+et pron <1b@Gkit> pos n. def a gold-bearing conglomerate found in South Africa. bank holiday 0. syl bank hol:i+day pos n. usage in Britain def any of several weekdays on which banks are closed by law and which are observed as national holidays. banking H1.0. syl bank+ing pron <1b@GkiG> pos n. def the business engaged in by a bank. banking H2.0. syl bank+ing pron <1b@GkiG> pos n. def fishing on a sea bank, esp. off the coast of Newfoundland. bank manager 0. syl bank man+ag+er pos n. def a person who directs the business of a local branch of a bank. bank note 0. syl bank note pos n. def a promissory note, esp. one issued by a central bank, serving as money. Bank of England 0. syl Bank of Eng+land pos n. def the central bank of England and Wales, concerned with credit control, determination of the bank rate, and other aspects of government monetary policy. bank on 0. syl bank on pos vb. prep. mod intr. qual Informal. def to expect or rely with confidence on. exam 1 you can bank on him always arriving on time. bank rate 1. syl bank rate pos n. def a rate of discount fixed by a bank or banks. bank rate 2. syl bank rate pos n. usage sometimes caps. def the minimum rate by which a central bank, such as the Bank of England, is obliged to rediscount bills of exchange and to lend money. See also {minimum lending rate}. bank-riding 0. syl bank-rid:ing pos n. qual Skateboarding. def riding along any sloping banked surface. bankroll 1. syl bank+roll pron <1b@Gk2r*ul> pos n. qual U.S. def a roll of currency notes. bankroll 2. syl bank+roll pron <1b@Gk2r*ul> pos n. qual U.S. def the financial resources of a person, organization, etc. bankroll 3. syl bank+roll pron <1b@Gk2r*ul> pos vb. mod tr. qual U.S.; Slang. def to provide the capital for; finance. bankrupt ety C16: from Old French banqueroute, from Old Italian bancarotta, from banca #7bank %1#7 + rotta broken, from Latin ruptus, from rumpere to break bankrupt 1. syl bank+rupt pron <1b@nkr^pt>, <-r*pt> pos n. def a person adjudged insolvent by a court, his property being transferred to a trustee and administered for the benefit of his creditors. bankrupt 2. syl bank+rupt pron <1b@nkr^pt>, <-r*pt> pos n. def any person unable to discharge all his debts. bankrupt 3. syl bank+rupt pron <1b@nkr^pt>, <-r*pt> pos n. def a person whose resources in a certain field are exhausted or nonexistent. exam 1 a spiritual bankrupt. bankrupt 4. syl bank+rupt pron <1b@nkr^pt>, <-r*pt> pos adj. def adjudged insolvent. bankrupt 5. syl bank+rupt pron <1b@nkr^pt>, <-r*pt> pos adj. def financially ru?!ined. bankrupt 6. syl bank+rupt pron <1b@nkr^pt>, <-r*pt> pos adj. def depleted in resources or having completely failed. exam 1 spiritually bankrupt. bankrupt 7. syl bank+rupt pron <1b@nkr^pt>, <-r*pt> pos adj. qual Brit. usage foll. by in def lacking. exam 1 bankrupt in intelligence. bankrupt 8. syl bank+rupt pron <1b@nkr^pt>, <-r*pt> pos vb. mod tr. def to make bankrupt. bankruptcies infl head bankruptcy syl bank+rupt+cies. pos n. mod pl. bankruptcy 0. syl bank+rupt+cy pron <1b@nkr^ptsi>, <-r*ptsi> pos n. def the state, condition, or quality of being or becoming bankrupt. Gordon 1. head Banks syl Gor:don. def born 1937, English footballer: goalkeeper in the England team 73 times (1963-72). Banks 2. syl Banks pron pos n. def Sir {Jo@.seph}. 1743-1820, English botanist and explorer: circumnavigated the world with James Cook (1768-71). banksia ety C19: New Latin, named after Sir Joseph B#7anks banksia 0. syl bank+si:a pron <1b@Gksi*> pos n. def any shrub or tree of the Australian genus having long leathery evergreen leaves and dense cylindrical heads of flowers that are often yellowish: family See also {{honeysuckle} (sense 3)}. Banks Island 1. syl Banks Is+land pos n. def an island of N Canada, in the Northwest Territories: the westernmost island of the Arctic Archipelago. Area: about 67340 sq. km (26000 sq. miles). Banks Island 2. syl Banks Is+land pos n. def an island of W Canada, off British Columbia. Length: about 72 km (45 miles). bank statement 0. syl bank state+ment pos n. def a statement of transactions in a bank account, esp. one of a series sent at regular intervals to the depositor. banlieue 0. syl ban+lieue pron French. pos n. def a suburb of a city. banner ety C13: from Old French baniere, of Germanic origin; compare Gothic bandwa sign; influenced by Medieval Latin bannum #7ban %1#7, bann*_ire to #7banish &- #!ban+nered adj. banner 1. syl ban+ner pron <1b@n*> pos n. def a long strip of flexible material displaying a slogan, advertisement, etc., esp. one suspended between two points. banner 2. syl ban+ner pron <1b@n*> pos n. def a placard or sign carried in a procession or demonstration. banner 3. syl ban+ner pron <1b@n*> pos n. def something that represents a belief or principle. exam 1 a commitment to nationalization is the banner of British socialism. banner 4. syl ban+ner pron <1b@n*> pos n. def the flag of a nation, army, etc., used as a standard or ensign. banner 5. syl ban+ner pron <1b@n*> pos n. usage formerly def the standard of an emperor, knight, etc. banner 6. syl ban+ner pron <1b@n*> pos n. def Also called: {banner headline}. a large headline in a newspaper, etc., extending across the page, esp. the front page. banner 7. syl ban+ner pron <1b@n*> pos n. def a square flag, often charged with the arms of its bearer. banneret ety C14: from Old French banerete a small #7banner banneret 1. syl ban+ner+et pron <1b@n*rit>, <-*2ret> pos n. usage in the Middle Ages def Also called: {knight banneret}. a knight who was entitled to command other knights and men-at-arms under his own banner. banneret 2. syl ban+ner+et pron <1b@n*rit>, <-*2ret> pos n. usage in the Middle Ages def a title of knighthood conferred by the king for valour on the battlefield. bannerette ety C13: from Old French baneret, from banere #7banner banneret alt head bannerette or bannerette syl ban+ner+et pron <2b@n*1ret> pos n. bannerette 0. or banneret syl ban+ner+ette pron <2b@n*1ret> pos n. def a small banner. bannerol 0. syl ban+ne+rol pron <1b@n*2r*ul> pos n. def a variant spelling of {banderole}. Roger (Gilbert) infl head Bannister syl Ro:ger (Gilbert) . pos n. Bannister 0. syl Ban:nis:ter pron <1b@nist*> pos n. def born 1929, British athlete: first man to run a mile in under four minutes (1954). bannisters 0. syl ban+nis+ters pron <1b@nist*z> pos n. mod pl. def a variant spelling of {banisters}. bannock ety Old English bannuc; related to Breton bannach, banne drop, bit, Cornish banna drop bannock 0. syl ban+nock pron <1b@n*k> pos n. def a round flat cake originating in Scotland, made from wheat or barley and sometimes filled with currants, raisins, etc. Bannockburn 0. syl Ban+nock+burn pron <1b@n*k2bR:n> pos n. def a village in central Scotland, south of Stirling: site of a victory (1314) of the Scots, led by Robert the Bruce, over the English. banns ety C14: plural of bann proclamation; see #7ban %1 bans alt head banns or banns syl bans pron pos n. mod pl. banns 1. or bans syl banns pron pos n. mod pl. def the public declaration of an intended marriage, usually formally announced on three successive Sundays in the parish churches of both the be?!trothed. forbid the banns 2. head banns syl forbid the banns. def to raise an objection to a marriage announced in this way. banquet ety C15: from Old French, from Italian banchetto, from banco a table, of Germanic origin; see #7bank %1 banquet 1. syl ban+quet pron <1b@Gkwit> pos n. def a lavish and sumptuous meal; feast. banquet 2. syl ban+quet pron <1b@Gkwit> pos n. def a ceremonial meal for many people, often followed by speeches. banquets infl head banquet syl ban+quets pos vb. banqueting infl head banquet syl ban+quet+ing pos vb. banqueted infl head banquet syl ban+quet+ed. pos vb. banquet 3. syl ban+quet pron <1b@Gkwit> pos vb. mod intr. def to hold or take part in a banquet. banquet 4. syl ban+quet pron <1b@Gkwit> pos vb. mod tr. def to entertain or honour (a person) with a banquet. banqueter sub head banquet syl ban+quet+er pos n. banquette ety C17: from French, from Proven*,cal banqueta, literally: a little bench, from banc bench; see #7bank %3 banquette 1. syl ban+quette pron pos n. usage formerly def a raised part behind a parapet. banquette 2. syl ban+quette pron pos n. def a footbridge. banquette 3. syl ban+quette pron pos n. qual Chiefly U.S. def an upholstered bench. bans 0. syl bans pron pos n. mod pl. def a variant spelling of {banns}. bansela 0. syl ban+sel:a pron pos n. def a variant spelling of {bonsela}. banshee ety C18: from Irish Gaelic bean s*'idhe, literally: woman of the fairies banshee 0. syl ban+shee pron <1b@nSE>, pos n. usage in Irish folklore def a female spirit whose wailing warns of impending death. Banstead 0. syl Ban+stead pron <1b@n2sted> pos n. def a town in S England, in NE Surrey: a dormitory town for London. Pop.: 44986 (1971). bant ety probably a dialect pronunciation of #7band %2 bant 0. syl bant pron pos n. qual Lancashire dialect. def string. bantam ety C18: after Bantam, village in Java, said to be the original home of this fowl bantam 1. syl ban+tam pron <1b@nt*m> pos n. def any of various very small breeds of domestic fowl. bantam 2. syl ban+tam pron <1b@nt*m> pos n. def a small but aggressive person. bantam 3. syl ban+tam pron <1b@nt*m> pos n. qual Boxing. def short for {bantamweight}. bantamweight 1.a. syl ban:tam+weight pron <1b@nt*m2wAt> pos n. def a professional boxer weighing 112-118 pounds (51-53.5 kg). bantamweight 1.b. syl ban:tam+weight pron <1b@nt*m2wAt> pos n. def an amateur boxer weighing 112-119 pounds (51-54 kg). bantamweight 1.c. syl ban:tam+weight pron <1b@nt*m2wAt> pos n. usage as modifier exam 1 the bantamweight champion. bantamweight 2. syl ban:tam+weight pron <1b@nt*m2wAt> pos n. def a wrestler in a similar weight category (usually 115-126 pounds (52-57 kg)). banter ety C17: of unknown origin banter 1. syl ban+ter pron <1b@nt*> pos vb. def to speak or tease lightly or jokingly. banter 2. syl ban+ter pron <1b@nt*> pos n. def light, teasing, or joking language or repartee. banterer sub head banter syl ban+ter+er pos n. Banting 0. syl Bant:ing pron <1b@ntiG> pos n. def Sir {Fred@.er@.ick Grant}. 1891-1941, Canadian physiologist: discovered the insulin treatment for diabetes with Best and Macleod (1922) and shared the Nobel prize for medicine with Macleod (1923). banting ety after William Banting (1797-1878), London undertaker who popularized this diet banting 0. syl bant+ing pron <1b@ntiG> pos n. qual Obsolete. def slimming by avoiding eating sugar, starch, and fat. bantling ety C16: perhaps from German B*"ankling illegitimate child, from Bank bench+-#7ling %1 bantling 0. syl bant+ling pron <1b@ntliG> pos n. qual Archaic, disparaging. def a young child; brat. Bantoid 0. syl Ban+toid pron <1ba:ntcid>, <1b@n-> pos adj. def denoting or relating to languages, esp. in Cameroon and Nigeria, that possess certain Bantu characteristics. See also {Semi-Bantu}. Bantu ety C19: from Bantu Ba-ntu people Bantu 1. syl Ban+tu pron <1ba:ntu>, <1b@ntu:>, pos n. def a group of languages of Africa, including most of the principal languages spoken from the equator to the Cape of Good Hope, but excluding the Khoisan family: now generally regarded as part of the Benue-Congo branch of the Niger-Congo family. Bantu infl or Bantus syl Ban+tu pos n. mod pl. Bantus infl head Bantu or Bantu syl Ban+tus pos n. mod pl. Bantu 2. syl Ban+tu pron <1ba:ntu>, <1b@ntu:>, pos n. def a member of any of the indigenous Negroid peoples who inhabit southern, eastern, and central Africa and speak any of these languages. Bantu 3. syl Ban+tu pron <1ba:ntu>, <1b@ntu:>, pos adj. def denoting, relating to, or belonging to this group of peoples or to any of their languages. Bantustan 0. syl Ban+tu+stan pron <1ba:ntu2sta:n>, <2b@ntu1sta:n> pos n. usage in South Africa def an area reserved for occupation by a Black African people, with limited self-government. Official name: {homeland}. Th'eodore de infl head Banville syl Th*'e:o:dore de pron pos n. Banville 0. syl Ban:ville pron French pos n. def 1823-91, French poet, who anticipated the Parnassian school in his perfection of form and command of rhythm. banyan ety C16: from Hindi baniy*_a, from Sanskrit v*_anija mer?!chant banian alt head banyan or banyan syl ban+ian pron <1b@nj*n> pos n. banyan 1. or banian syl ban+yan pron <1b@nj*n> pos n. def a moraceous tree, of tropical India and the East Indies, having aerial roots that grow down into the soil forming additional trunks. banyan 2. or banian syl ban+yan pron <1b@nj*n> pos n. def a member of the Hindu merchant caste of N and W India. banyan 3. or banian syl ban+yan pron <1b@nj*n> pos n. def a loose-fitting shirt, jacket, or robe, worn originally in India. banzai ety Japanese: literally, (may you live for) ten thousand years banzai 0. syl ban+zai pron <1ba:nzI>, pos interj. def a patriotic cheer, battle cry, or salutation. banzai attack 0. syl ban+zai at+tack pos n. def a mass attack of troops, without concern for casualties, as practised by the Japanese in World War II. baobab ety C17: probably from a native African word baobab 0. syl ba:o+bab pron <1bA*u2b@b> pos n. def a tropical African bombacaceous tree, that has a very thick trunk, large white flowers, and a gourdlike fruit with an edible pulp called monkey bread. Also called: {monkey bread tree}. BAOR 0. syl B.A.O.R. qual abbrev. for def British Army of the Rhine. bap ety of unknown origin bap 0. syl bap pron pos n. qual Brit. def a soft bread roll. bapt 1. syl bapt. qual abbrev. for: def baptism. bapt 2. syl bapt. qual abbrev. for: def baptized. Bapt 0. syl Bapt. qual abbrev. for def Baptist. baptism 1. syl bap+tism pron <1b@ptiz*m> pos n. def a Christian religious rite consisting of immersion in or sprinkling with water as a sign that the subject is cleansed from sin and constituted as a member of the Church. baptism 2. syl bap+tism pron <1b@ptiz*m> pos n. def the act of baptizing or of undergoing baptism. baptism 3. syl bap+tism pron <1b@ptiz*m> pos n. def any similar experience of initiation, regeneration, or dedication. baptismal sub head baptism syl bap+1tis+mal pos adj. baptismally sub head baptism syl bap+1tis+mal+ly pos adv. baptism of fire 1. syl bap+tism of fire pos n. def a soldier's first experience of battle. baptism of fire 2. syl bap+tism of fire pos n. def any initiating ordeal or experience. baptism of fire 3. syl bap+tism of fire pos n. qual Christianity. def the penetration of the Holy Ghost into the human spirit to purify, consecrate, and strengthen it, as was believed to have occurred initially at Pentecost. Baptist 1. syl Bap+tist pron <1b@ptist> pos n. def a member of any of various Christian sects that affirm the necessity of baptism (usually of adults and by immersion) following a personal profession of the Christian faith. the Baptist 2. head Baptist syl the Baptist. def See {John the Baptist}. Baptist 3. syl Bap+tist pron <1b@ptist> pos adj. def denoting, relating to, or characteristic of any Christian sect that affirms the necessity of baptism following a personal profession of the Christian faith. baptistery alt head baptistry or baptistry syl bap+tist+er:y pron <1b@ptistri> pos n. baptistries infl head baptistry or baptisteries syl bap+tist+ries pos n. mod pl. baptisteries infl head baptistry or baptistries syl bap+tist+er:ies. pos n. mod pl. baptistry 1. or baptistery syl bap+tist+ry pron <1b@ptistri> pos n. def a part of a Christian church in which baptisms are carried out. baptistry 2. or baptistery syl bap+tist+ry pron <1b@ptistri> pos n. def a tank in a Baptist church in which baptisms are carried out. baptize ety C13: from Late Latin bapt*_iz*_are, from Greek baptizein, from baptein to bathe, dip baptise alt head baptize or baptize syl bap+tise pron pos vb. baptize 1. or baptise syl bap+tize pron pos vb. qual Christianity. def to immerse (a person) in water or sprinkle water on (a person) as part of the rite of baptism. baptize 2. or baptise syl bap+tize pron pos vb. mod tr. def to give a name to; christen. baptize 3. or baptise syl bap+tize pron pos vb. mod tr. def to cleanse; purify. bar ety C12: from Old French barre, from Vulgar Latin barra (unattested) bar, rod, of unknown origin bar H1.1. syl bar pron pos n. def a rigid usually straight length of metal, wood, etc., that is longer than it is wide or thick, used esp. as a barrier or as a structural or mechanical part. exam 1 a bar of a gate. bar H1.2. syl bar pron pos n. def a solid usually rectangular block of any material. exam 1 a bar of soap. bar H1.3. syl bar pron pos n. def anything that obstructs or prevents. bar H1.4.a. syl bar pron pos n. def an offshore ridge of sand, mud, or shingle lying near the shore and parallel to it, across the mouth of a river, bay, or harbour, or linking an island to the mainland. bar H1.4.b. syl bar pron pos n. qual U.S. def an alluvial deposit in a stream, river, or lake. bar H1.5. syl bar pron pos n. def a counter or room where alcoholic drinks are served. bar H1.6. syl bar pron pos n. def a counter, room, or establishment where a particular range of goods, food, services, etc., are sold. exam 1 a coffee bar; exam 2 a heel bar. bar H1.7. syl bar pron pos n. def a narrow band or stripe, as of colour or light. bar H1.8. syl bar pron pos n. def a heating element in an electric fire. bar H1.9. syl bar pron pos n. usage in England def the area in a court of law separating the part reserved for the bench and Queen's Counsel from the area occupied by junior barristers, solicitors, and the general public. See also {Bar}. bar H1.10. syl bar pron pos n. def the place in a court of law where the accused stands during his trial. exam 1 the prisoner at the bar. bar H1.11. syl bar pron pos n. def a particular court of law. bar H1.12. syl bar pron pos n. usage Brit. in the House of Lords and House of Commons def the boundary where nonmembers wishing to address either House appear and where persons are arraigned. bar H1.13. syl bar pron pos n. def a plea showing that a plaintiff has no cause of action, as when the case has already been adjudicated upon or the time allowed for bringing the action has passed. bar H1.14. syl bar pron pos n. def anything referred to as an authority or tribunal. exam 1 the bar of decency. bar H1.15. syl bar pron pos n. def Also called: {measure}. bar H1.15.a. syl bar pron pos n. def a group of beats that is repeated with a consistent rhythm throughout a piece or passage of music. The number of beats in the bar is indicated by the time signature. bar H1.15.b. syl bar pron pos n. def another word for {bar line}. bar H1.16.a. syl bar pron pos n. qual Brit. def insignia added to a decoration indicating a second award. bar H1.16.b. syl bar pron pos n. qual U.S. def a strip of metal worn with uniform, esp. to signify rank or as an award for service. bar H1.17. syl bar pron pos n. def a variant spelling of {barre}. bar H1.18. syl bar pron pos n. qual Football, etc. def See {crossbar}. bar H1.19. syl bar pron pos n. qual Gymnastics. def See {horizontal bar}. bar H1.20.a. syl bar pron pos n. def part of the metal mouthpiece of a horse's bridle. bar H1.20.b. syl bar pron pos n. def the space between the horse's teeth in which such a part fits. bar H1.21. syl bar pron pos n. def either of two horny extensions that project forwards and inwards from the rear of the outer layer of a horse's hoof. bar H1.22. syl bar pron pos n. def See {crowbar} and {glazing-bar}. bar H1.23. syl bar pron pos n. qual Lacemaking, needlework. def another name for {{bride} %2}. bar H1.24. syl bar pron pos n. qual Heraldry. def an ordinary consisting of a horizontal line across a shield, typically narrower than a fesse, and usually appearing in twos or threes. behind bars 25. head bar syl behind bars. def in prison. won't 26. head bar or wouldn't have a bar of syl won't qual Austral. informal. def cannot tolerate; dislike. {~} {bars, bar+ring, barred}. bar H1.27. syl bar pron pos n. def to fasten or secure with a bar. exam 1 to bar the door. bar H1.28. syl bar pron pos n. def to shut in or out with or as if with barriers. exam 1 to bar the entrances. bar H1.29. syl bar pron pos n. def to obstruct; hinder. exam 1 the fallen tree barred the road. bar H1.30. syl bar pron pos n. usage usually foll. by from def to prohibit; forbid. exam 1 to bar a couple from meeting. bar H1.31. syl bar pron pos n. usage usually foll. by from def to keep out; exclude. exam 1 to bar a person from membership. bar H1.32. syl bar pron pos n. def to mark with a bar or bars. bar H1.33. syl bar pron pos n. qual Law. def to prevent or halt (an action) by showing that the plaintiff has no cause. bar H1.34. syl bar pron pos n. def to mark off (music) into bars with bar lines. bar H1.35. syl bar pron pos prep. def except for. exam 1 the best recital bar last night's. bar none 36. head bar syl bar none. def without exception. bar ety C20: from Greek baros weight bar H2.0. syl bar pron pos n. def a cgs unit of pressure equal to 10%6 dynes per square centimetre. 1 bar is equivalent to 10%5 newtons per square metre. bar ety variant of #7barley %2 bar H3.1. syl bar pron pos n. qual Southwest Brit. dialect. def immunity from being caught or otherwise penalized in a game. bar H3.2. syl bar pron pos interj. qual Southwest Brit. dialect. def a cry for such immunity. the infl head Bar syl the. pos n. Bar 1. syl Bar pron pos n. usage in England and elsewhere def barristers collectively. Bar 2. syl Bar pron pos n. qual U.S. def the legal profession collectively. be called to 3. head Bar or go to the Bar syl be called to qual Brit. def to become a barrister. be called within the Bar 4. head Bar syl be called within the Bar. qual Brit. def to be appointed as a Queen's Counsel. bar 1. syl bar. qual abbrev. for: def barometer. bar 2. syl bar. qual abbrev. for: def barometric. bar 3. syl bar. qual abbrev. for: def barrel (container or unit of measure). bar 4. syl bar. qual abbrev. for: def barrister. Barabbas 0. syl Bar:ab:bas pron pos n. qual New Testament. def a condemned robber who was released at the Passover instead of Jesus (Matthew 27:16). Baranof Island 0. syl Bar:a+nof Is+land pron <1b@r*n*f> pos n. def an island off SE Alaska, in the western part of the Alexander Archipelago. Area: 4162 sq. km (1607 sq. miles). barathea ety C19: of unknown origin barathea 0. syl bar:a+the:a pron <2b@r*1Ti*> pos n. def a fabric made of silk and wool or cotton and rayon, used esp. for coats. baraza ety C19: from Swahili baraza 1. syl ba+ra+za pron pos n. qual E. African. def a place where public meetings are held. baraza 2. syl ba+ra+za pron pos n. qual E. African. def a palaver or meeting. barb ety C14: from Old French barbe beard, point, from Latin barba beard barb H1.1. syl barb pron pos n. def a subsidiary point facing in the opposite direction to the main point of a fish-hook, harpoon, arrow, etc., intended to make extraction difficult. barb H1.2. syl barb pron pos n. def any of various pointed parts, as on barbed wire. barb H1.3. syl barb pron pos n. def a cutting remark; jibe. barb H1.4. syl barb pron pos n. def any of the numerous hairlike filaments that form the vane of a feather. barb H1.5. syl barb pron pos n. def a beardlike growth in certain animals. barb H1.6. syl barb pron pos n. def a hooked hair or projection on certain fruits. barb H1.7. syl barb pron pos n. def any small cyprinid fish of the genus (or and related genera, such as ({rosy barb}) . barb H1.8. syl barb pron pos n. mod usually; pl. def any of the small fleshy protuberances beneath the tongue in horses and cattle. barb H1.9. syl barb pron pos n. def a white linen cloth forming part of a headdress extending from the chin to the upper chest, originally worn by women in the Middle Ages, now worn by nuns of some orders. barb H1.10. syl barb pron pos n. qual Obsolete. def a beard. {~} barb H1.11. syl barb pron pos n. mod tr. def to provide with a barb or barbs. barbed sub head barb syl barbed pos adj. barb ety C17: from French barbe, from Italian barbero a Barbary (horse) barb H2.0. syl barb pron pos n. def a breed of horse of North African origin, similar to the Arab but less spirited. barb ety C19: named after one that was named Barb after a winning race?!horse barb H3.0. syl barb pron pos n. qual Austral. def a black kelpie (see {kelpie} %1). Barbados 0. syl Bar+ba+dos pron , <-d*uz>, <-dos> pos n. def an island in the West Indies, in the E Lesser Antilles: a British colony from 1628 to 1966, now an independent state within the Commonwealth. Language: English. Currency: East Caribbean dollar. Capital: Bridgetown. Pop.: 244000 (1974 UN est.). Area: 430 sq. km (166 sq. miles). Barbadian sub head Barbados syl Bar+1ba+di:an pos adj. n. barbarian ety C16: see #7barbarous barbarian 1. syl bar+bar+i:an pron pos n. def a member of a primitive or uncivilized people. barbarian 2. syl bar+bar+i:an pron pos n. def a coarse, insensitive, or uncultured person. barbarian 3. syl bar+bar+i:an pron pos n. def a vicious person. barbarian 4. syl bar+bar+i:an pron pos adj. def of an uncivilized culture. barbarian 5. syl bar+bar+i:an pron pos adj. def insensitive, uncultured, or brutal. barbarianism sub head barbarian syl bar+1bar+i:an+ism pos n. barbaric ety C15: from Latin barbaricus foreign, outlandish; see #7barbarous barbaric 1. syl bar+bar+ic pron pos adj. def of or characteristic of barbarians. barbaric 2. syl bar+bar+ic pron pos adj. def primitive or unsophisticated; unrestrained. barbaric 3. syl bar+bar+ic pron pos adj. def brutal. barbarically sub head barbaric syl bar+1bar:i+cal+ly pos adv. barbarism ety C16: from Latin barbarismus error of speech, from Greek barbarismos, from barbaros #7barbarous barbarism 1. syl bar+ba+rism pron <1ba:b*2riz*m> pos n. def a brutal, coarse, or ignorant act. barbarism 2. syl bar+ba+rism pron <1ba:b*2riz*m> pos n. def the condition of being backward, coarse, or ignorant. barbarism 3. syl bar+ba+rism pron <1ba:b*2riz*m> pos n. def a substandard or erroneously constructed or derived word or expression; solecism. barbarism 4. syl bar+ba+rism pron <1ba:b*2riz*m> pos n. def any act or object that offends against accepted taste. barbarities infl head barbarity syl bar+bar+i:ties. pos n. mod pl. barbarity 1. syl bar+bar+i:ty pron pos n. def the state or condition of being barbaric or barbarous. barbarity 2. syl bar+bar+i:ty pron pos n. def a brutal or vicious act. barbarity 3. syl bar+bar+i:ty pron pos n. def a crude or unsophisticated quality, style, expression, etc. barbarise alt head barbarize or barbarize syl bar+ba+rise pron <1ba:b*2rIz> pos vb. barbarize 1. or barbarise syl bar+ba+rize pron <1ba:b*2rIz> pos vb. def to make or become barbarous. barbarize 2. or barbarise syl bar+ba+rize pron <1ba:b*2rIz> pos vb. def to use barbarisms in (language). &- {@!bar+ba+ri+#!za+tion} {@!bar+ba+ri+#!sa+tion} Barbarossa 0. syl Bar:ba:ros:sa pron <2ba:b*1ros*> pos n. def the nickname of the Holy Roman Emperor {Frederick I}. See {Frederick Barbarossa}. barbarous ety C15: via Latin from Greek barbaros barbarian, non-Greek, in origin imitative of incomprehensible speech; compare Sanskrit barbara stammering, non-Aryan barbarous 1. syl bar+ba+rous pron <1ba:b*r*s> pos adj. def uncivilized; primitive. barbarous 2. syl bar+ba+rous pron <1ba:b*r*s> pos adj. def brutal or cruel. barbarous 3. syl bar+ba+rous pron <1ba:b*r*s> pos adj. def lacking refinement. barbarously sub head barbarous syl bar+ba+rous+ly pos adv. barbarousness sub head barbarous syl bar+ba+rous+ness pos n. Barbary 0. syl Bar+ba+ry pron <1ba:b*ri> pos n. def a region of N Africa, extending from W Egypt to the Atlantic and including the former {Barbary States} of Tripolitania, Tunisia, Algeria, and Morocco. Barbary ape 0. syl Bar+ba+ry ape pos n. def a tailless macaque, that inhabits rocky cliffs and forests in NW Africa and Gibraltar: family order Barbary Coasthe infl head Barbary Coast syl Bar+ba+ry Coasthe. pos n. Barbary Coast 0. syl Bar+ba+ry Coast pos n. def the Mediterranean coast of North Africa: a centre of piracy against European shipping from the 16th to the 19th century. barbate ety C19: from Latin barba a beard barbate 0. syl bar+bate pron <1ba:bAt> pos adj. qual Chiefly biology. def having tufts of long hairs; bearded. barbecue ety C17: from American Spanish barbacoa, probably from Taino: frame made of sticks barbecue 1. syl bar+be:cue pron <1ba:bi2kju:> pos n. def a meal cooked out of doors over an open fire. barbecue 2. syl bar+be:cue pron <1ba:bi2kju:> pos n. def a grill or fireplace used in barbecuing. barbecue 3. syl bar+be:cue pron <1ba:bi2kju:> pos n. def the food so cooked. {~} {@.cues, @.cu+ing, @.cued}. barbecue 4. syl bar+be:cue pron <1ba:bi2kju:> pos n. def to cook (meat, fish, etc.) on a grill, usually over charcoal and often with a highly seasoned sauce. barbecue 5. syl bar+be:cue pron <1ba:bi2kju:> pos n. qual Chiefly U.S. def to cook (meat, etc.) in a highly seasoned sauce. barbed wire 0. syl barbed wire pos n. def strong wire with sharply pointed barbs at close intervals. Also called (U.S.): {barbwire}. barbed-wire grass 0. syl barbed-wire grass pos n. qual Austral. def an aromatic grass, with groups of seed heads resembling barbed wire. barbel ety C14: from Old French, from Latin barbus, from barba beard barbel 1. syl bar+bel pron <1ba:bL> pos n. def any of several slender tactile spines or bristles that hang from the jaws of certain fishes, such as the catfish and carp. barbel 2. syl bar+bel pron <1ba:bL> pos n. def any of several European cyprinid fishes of the genus esp. that resemble the carp but have a longer body and pointed snout. barbell 0. syl bar+bell pron <1ba:2bel> pos n. def a metal rod to which heavy discs are attached at each end for weightlifting exercises. barbellate ety C19: from New Latin barbell*_atus, from barbella short stiff hair, from Latin barbula a little beard, from barba beard barbellate 1. syl bar+bel+late pron <1ba:bi2lAt> , <-At> pos adj. usage of plants or plant organs def covered with barbs, hooks, or bristles. barbellate 2. syl bar+bel+late pron <1ba:bi2lAt> , <-At> pos adj. usage of animals def possessing bristles or barbels. barber ety C13: from Old French barbeor, from barbe beard, from Latin barba barber 1. syl bar+ber pron <1ba:b*> pos n. def a person whose business is cutting men's hair and shaving or trimming beards. barber 2. syl bar+ber pron <1ba:b*> pos vb. mod tr. def to cut the hair of. barber 3. syl bar+ber pron <1ba:b*> pos vb. mod tr. def to shave or trim the beard of. Samuel infl head Barber syl Sam:u:el. pos n. Barber 0. syl Bar:ber pron <1ba:b*> pos n. def born 1910, U.S. composer: his works include an adapted from the second movement of his string quartet No. 1 (1936) and the opera (1958). barberry ety C15: from Old French berberis, from Arabic barb*_aris barberries infl head barberry syl bar+ber+ries. pos n. mod pl. barberry 1. syl bar+ber+ry pron <1ba:b*ri> pos n. def any spiny Asian berberidaceous shrub of the genus esp. having clusters of yellow flowers and orange or red berries: widely cultivated as hedge plants. barberry 2. syl bar+ber+ry pron <1ba:b*ri> pos n. def the fruit of any of these plants. barbershop 1. syl bar:ber+shop pron <1ba:b*2Sop> pos n. qual Now chiefly U.S. def the premises of a barber. barbershop 2. syl bar:ber+shop pron <1ba:b*2Sop> pos n. qual U.S. usage modifier def denoting or characterized by a type of close four-part harmony for male voices, popular in romantic and sentimental songs of the 1920s and 1930s. exam 1 a barbershop quartet. rash alt head barber's itch or barber's itch syl rash pos n. barber's itch 0. or rash syl bar+ber's itch pos n. def any of various fungal infections of the bearded portion of the neck and face. Technical name: {tinea barbae}. barbet ety C18: from French, ultimately from Latin barb*_atus bearded, #7barbate barbet 0. syl bar+bet pron <1ba:bit> pos n. def any small tropical brightly coloured bird of the family having short weak wings and a sharp stout bill with tuftlike feathers at its base: order (woodpeckers, etc.). barbette ety C18: from French, diminutive of barbe a nun's #7barb %1#7, from a fancied similarity between the earthwork around a cannon and this part of a nun's habit barbette 1. syl bar+bette pron pos n. usage formerly def an earthen platform inside a parapet, from which heavy guns could fire over the top. barbette 2. syl bar+bette pron pos n. def an armoured cylinder that protects a turret on a warship. barbican ety C13: from Old French barbacane, from Medieval Latin barbacana, of unknown origin barbican 1. syl bar+bi+can pron <1ba:bik*n> pos n. def the outwork of a fortified place, esp. to defend a drawbridge. barbican 2. syl bar+bi+can pron <1ba:bik*n> pos n. def a watchtower projecting from a fortification. barbicel ety C19: from New Latin barbicella, literally: a small beard, from Latin barba beard barbicel 0. syl bar+bi+cel pron <1ba:bi2sel> pos n. qual Ornithol. def any of the minute hooks on the barbules of feathers that interlock with those of adjacent barbules. bar billiards 0. syl bar bil+liards pos n. qual Brit. def a table game found in pubs, etc., in which short cues are used to pocket balls into holes scoring various points and guarded by wooden pegs that incur penalties if they are knocked over. Barbirolli 0. syl Bar:bi:rol:li pron <2ba:b*1roli> pos n. def Sir {John}. 1899-1970, British conductor of the Hall*'e Orchestra (1943-68); born in Italy. barbitone ety C20: from #7barbit (#7uric acid) #7+ -#7one barbital alt head barbitone or barbitone syl bar+bi+tal pron <1ba:bi2t@l> pos n. qual U.S. barbitone 0. or barbital syl bar+bi+tone pron <1ba:bi2t*un> pos n. def a long-acting barbiturate used medicinally, usually in the form of the sodium salt, as a sedative or hypnotic. barbiturate 0. syl bar+bi+tu+rate pron , <-2rAt> pos n. def a derivative of barbituric acid, such as barbitone or phenobarbitone, used in medicine as a sedative or hypnotic. barbituric acid ety C19: partial translation of German Barbiturs*"aure, perhaps from the name Barbara+#7uric+ S*"aure acid barbituric acid 0. syl bar+bi+tu+ric ac:id pron <2ba:bi1tju*rik> pos n. def a white crystalline solid used in the preparation of barbiturate drugs. Formula: C\5H\4N\2O\3.2H\2O. Also called: {malonylurea}. Barbizon School ety C19: from Barbizon a village near Paris and a favourite haunt of the painters Barbizon School 0. syl Bar+bi+zon School pron <1ba:bi2zon> pos n. def a group of French painters of landscapes of the 1840s, including Th*'eodore Rousseau, Daubigny, Diaz, Corot, and Millet. Barbuda 0. syl Bar+bu+da pron pos n. def a coral island in the E West Indies, in the Leeward Islands: a dependency of Antigua. Area: 160 sq. km (62 sq. miles). barbule ety C19: from Latin barbula a little beard, from barba beard barbule 1. syl bar+bule pron <1ba:bju:l> pos n. def a very small barb. barbule 2. syl bar+bule pron <1ba:bju:l> pos n. qual Ornithol. def any of the minute hairs that project from a barb and in some feathers interlock by hooks and grooves, forming a flat vane. Henri infl head Barbusse syl Hen:ri pron <*~a1ri> pos n. Barbusse 0. syl Bar:busse pron French pos n. def 1873-1935, French novelist and poet. His novels include (1908) and (1916), reflecting the horror of World War I. Barca 0. syl Bar:ca pron <1ba:k*> pos n. def the surname of several noted Carthaginian generals, including Hamilcar, Hasdrubal, and Hannibal. Barcan sub head Barca syl Bar+can pos adj. barcarole ety C18: from French, from Italian barcarola, from barcaruolo boatman, from barca boat; see #7barque barcarolle alt head barcarole or barcarole syl bar+ca+rolle pron <1ba:k*2r*ul>, <-2rol> <2ba:k*1r*ul> pos n. barcarole 1. or barcarolle syl bar+ca+role pron <1ba:k*2r*ul>, <-2rol> <2ba:k*1r*ul> pos n. def a Venetian boat song in a time of six or twelve quaver beats to the bar. barcarole 2. or barcarolle syl bar+ca+role pron <1ba:k*2r*ul>, <-2rol> <2ba:k*1r*ul> pos n. def an instrumental composition resembling this. Barca alt head Barce or Barce syl Bar+ca pron <1barka> pos n. Barce 0. or Barca syl Bar+ce pron <1barCA> pos n. def the Italian name for {Al Marj}. Barcelona 0. syl Bar+ce+lo+na pron <2ba:si1l*un*> pos n. def the chief port of Spain, on the NE Mediterranean coast: seat of the Republican government during the Civil War (1936-39); the commercial capital of Spain. Pop.: 1745142 (1970). Ancient name: {Barcino}. BArch 0. syl B.Arch. qual abbrev. for def Bachelor of Architecture. barkhan infl head barchan syl bar+khan pron pos n. barchane infl head barchan or barkan syl bar+chane pron pos n. barkan infl head barchan or barchane syl bar+kan pron pos n. barchan 0. syl bar+chan pron pos n. def a crescent-shaped shifting sand dune, convex on the windward side and steeper and concave on the leeward. Barclay de Tolly 0. syl Bar:clay de Tol:ly pron <1ba:kli> <1toli>, Russian <1tclj> pos n. def Prince {Mi@.kha@.il} (mixa#!il). 1761-1818, Russian field marshal: commander in chief against Napoleon in 1812. Barcoo River 0. syl Bar+coo Riv+er pron pos n. def another name for {Cooper's Creek}. Barcoo salute 0. syl Bar+coo sa+lute pos n. qual Austral. informal. def a movement of the hand to brush flies away from the face. bard ety C14: from Scottish Gaelic; related to Welsh bardd bard H1.1.a. syl bard pron pos n. usage formerly def one of an ancient Celtic order of poets who recited verses about the exploits, often legendary, of their tribes. bard H1.1.b. syl bard pron pos n. usage in modern times def a poet who wins a verse competition at a Welsh Eisteddfod. bard H1.2. syl bard pron pos n. qual Archaic or literary. def any poet, esp. one who writes lyric or heroic verse or is of national importance. bardic sub head bard syl bard+ic pos adj. bard ety C15: from Old French barde, from Old Italian barda, from Arabic barda`ah packsaddle barde alt head bard or bard syl barde pron pos n. bard H2.1. or barde syl bard pron pos n. def a piece of larding bacon or pork fat placed on game or lean meat during roasting to prevent drying out. bard H2.2. or barde syl bard pron pos n. def an ornamental caparison for a horse. bard H2.3. or barde syl bard pron pos vb. mod tr. def to place a bard on. the infl head Bard syl the. pos n. Bard 0. syl Bard pron pos n. def an epithet of (William) {Shakespeare}. bardolatry 0. syl bar+dol:a+try pron pos n. qual Facetious. def idolatry or excessive admiration of Shakespeare. Brigitte infl head Bardot syl Bri:gitte pron pos n. Bardot 0. syl Bar:dot pron French pos n. def born 1934, French film actress. bare ety Old English b@ar; compare Old Norse berr, Old High German bar naked, Old Slavonic bos*vu barefoot &- #!bare+ness n. bare H1.1. syl bare pron pos adj. def unclothed; exposed: used esp. of a part of the body. bare H1.2. syl bare pron pos adj. def without the natural, conventional, or usual covering or clothing. exam 1 a bare tree. bare H1.3. syl bare pron pos adj. def lacking appropriate fur?!nishings, etc.. exam 1 a bare room. bare H1.4. syl bare pron pos adj. def unembellished; simple. exam 1 the bare facts. bare H1.5. syl bare pron pos adj. usage prenominal def just sufficient; mere. exam 1 he earned the bare minimum. with one's bare hands 6. head bare syl with one's bare hands. def without a weapon or tool. bare H1.7. syl bare pron pos vb. mod tr. def to make bare; uncover; reveal. bare H2.0. syl bare pron pos vb. qual Archaic. def a past tense of {bear%1}. barebacked alt head bareback or bareback syl bare+backed pos adj. adv. bareback 0. or barebacked syl bare+back pron <1be*2b@k> pos adj. adv. usage of horse-riding def without a saddle. barefaced 1. syl bare+faced pron <1be*2fAst> pos adj. def unconcealed or shameless. exam 1 a barefaced lie. barefaced 2. syl bare+faced pron <1be*2fAst> pos adj. def with the face uncovered or shaven. barefacedly sub head barefaced syl bare+fac+ed+ly pron <1be*2fAsidli> pos adv. barefacedness sub head barefaced syl bare+2fac+ed+ness pos n. barefooted alt head barefoot or barefoot syl bare+foot:ed pos adj. adv. barefoot 0. or barefooted syl bare+foot pron <1be*2fut> pos adj. adv. def with the feet uncovered. barege ety C19: named after Bar*`eges, France, where it was originally made barege 1. syl ba+r*`ege pron French. pos n. def a light silky gauze fabric made of wool. {~} barege 2. syl ba+r*`ege pron French. pos n. def made of such a fabric. barehanded 1. syl bare+hand:ed pron <2be*1h@ndid> pos adv. adj. def without weapons, tools, etc. barehanded 2. syl bare+hand:ed pron <2be*1h@ndid> pos adv. adj. def with hands uncovered. bareheaded 0. syl bare+head:ed pron <2be*1hedid> pos adj. adv. def with head uncovered. Bareilly 0. syl Ba+reil+ly pron pos n. def a city in N India, in N central Uttar Pradesh. Pop.: 296093 (1971). barely 1. syl bare+ly pron <1be*li> pos adv. def only just; scarcely. exam 1 barely enough for their needs. barely 2. syl bare+ly pron <1be*li> pos adv. qual Informal. def not quite; nearly. exam 1 barely old enough. barely 3. syl bare+ly pron <1be*li> pos adv. def scantily; poorly. exam 1 barely furnished. barely 4. syl bare+ly pron <1be*li> pos adv. qual Archaic. def openly. #e {Usage}. See at {hardly}. Daniel infl head Barenboim syl Dan:iel. pos n. Barenboim 0. syl Bar:en:boim pron <1b@r*n2bcim> pos n. def born 1942, Israeli concert pianist and conductor, born in Argentina. Barents Sea ety named after Willem Barents (1550-97), Dutch navigator and explorer who discovered it in 1596 Barents Sea 0. syl Bar+ents Sea pron <1b@r*nts> pos n. def a part of the Arctic Ocean, bounded by Norway, the Soviet Union, and the islands of Novaya Zemlya, Spitsbergen, and Franz Josef Land. baresark 1. syl bare+sark pron <1be*2sa:k> pos n. def another word for {berserker}. baresark 2. syl bare+sark pron <1be*2sa:k> pos adv. qual Archaic. def without armour. bar fly 0. syl bar fly pos n. qual Informal, chiefly U.S. def a person who frequents bars. bargain ety C14: from Old French bargaigne, from bargaignier to trade, of Germanic origin; compare Medieval Latin barc*_ani*_are to trade, Old English borgian to borrow bargain 1. syl bar+gain pron <1ba:gin> pos n. def an agreement or contract establishing what each party will give, receive, or perform in a transaction between them. bargain 2. syl bar+gain pron <1ba:gin> pos n. def something acquired or received in such an agreement. bargain 3.a. syl bar+gain pron <1ba:gin> pos n. def something bought or offered at a low price. exam 1 a bargain at an auction. bargain 3.b. syl bar+gain pron <1ba:gin> pos n. usage as modifier exam 1 a bargain basement. bargainto 4. head bargain or in the bargain syl bar+gainto def in excess of what has been stipulated; besides. make 5. head bargain or strike a bargain syl make def to agree on terms. bargain 6. syl bar+gain pron <1ba:gin> pos vb. mod intr. def to negotiate the terms of an agreement, transaction, etc. bargain 7. syl bar+gain pron <1ba:gin> pos vb. mod tr. def to exchange, as in a bargain. bargain 8. syl bar+gain pron <1ba:gin> pos vb. def to arrive at (an agreement or settlement). bargainer sub head bargain syl bar+gain+er pos n. bargain away 0. syl bar+gain a:way pos vb. adv. mod tr. def to lose or renounce (freedom, rights, etc.) in return for something valueless or of little value. bargain for 0. syl bar+gain for pos vb. prep. mod intr. def to expect; anticipate (a style of behaviour, change in fortune, etc.). exam 1 he got more than he bargained for. bargain on 0. syl bar+gain on pos vb. prep. mod intr. def to rely or depend on (something). exam 1 he bargained on her support. barge ety C13: from Old French, from Medieval Latin barga, probably from Late Latin barca a small boat; see #7barque barge 1. syl barge pron pos n. def a vessel, usually flat-bottomed and with or without its own power, used for transporting freight, esp. on canals. barge 2. syl barge pron pos n. def a vessel, often decorated, used in pageants, for state occasions, etc. barge 3. syl barge pron pos n. qual Navy. def a boat allocated to a flag officer, used esp. for ceremonial occasions and often carried on board his flagship. barge 4. syl barge pron pos n. qual Informal and derogatory. def any vessel, esp. an old or clumsy one. barge 5. syl barge pron pos vb. mod intr. qual Informal. usage foll. by into def to bump (into). barge 6. syl barge pron pos vb. qual Informal. def to push (someone or one's way) violently. barge 7. syl barge pron pos vb. mod intr. qual Informal. usage foll. by into or in def to interrupt rudely or clumsily. exam 1 to barge into a conversation. barge 8. syl barge pron pos vb. qual Sailing. def to bear down on (another boat or boats) at the start of a race. barge 9. syl barge pron pos vb. mod tr. def to transport by barge. barge 10. syl barge pron pos vb. mod intr. qual Informal. def to move slowly or clumsily. bargeboard 0. syl barge+board pron <1ba:J2bc:d> pos n. def a board, often decorated with carved ornaments, placed along the gable end of a roof. Also called: {vergeboard}. barge couple 0. syl barge cou+ple pos n. def either of a pair of outside rafters along the gable end of a roof. barge course 1. syl barge course pos n. def the overhang of the gable end of a roof. barge course 2. syl barge course pos n. def a course of bricks laid on edge to form the coping of a wall. bargeman alt head bargee or bargee syl barge+man pron <1ba:Jm*n> pos n. qual U.S. bargees infl head bargee or bargemen syl bar+gees pos n. mod pl. bargemen infl head bargee or bargees syl barge+men. pos n. mod pl. bargee 0. or bargeman syl bar+gee pron pos n. def a person employed on or in charge of a barge. bargepole 1. syl barge+pole pron <1ba:J2p*ul> pos n. def a long pole used to propel a barge. not touch with a bargepole 2. head bargepole syl not touch with a bargepole. qual Informal. def to refuse to have anything to do with. bar girl 0. syl bar girl pos n. qual Chiefly U.S. def an attractive girl employed by the management of a bar to befriend male customers and encourage them to buy drinks. bar graph 0. syl bar graph pos n. def a graph consisting of vertical or horizontal bars whose lengths are proportional to amounts or quantities. Bari 0. syl Ba:ri pron <1ba:ri> pos n. def a port in SE Italy, capital of Apulia, on the Adriatic coast. Pop.: 376467 (1975 est.). baric H1.0. syl bar+ic pron <1be*rik>, <1b@rik> pos adj. def of or containing barium. baric H2.0. syl bar+ic pron <1b@rik> pos adj. def of or concerned with weight, esp. that of the atmosphere as indicated by barometric pressure. barilla ety C17: from Spanish barrilla, literally: a little bar, from barra #7bar %1 barilla 1. syl ba+ril+la pron pos n. def an impure mixture of sodium carbonate and sodium sulphate obtained from the ashes of certain plants, such as the saltworts. barilla 2. syl ba+ril+la pron pos n. def either of two chenopodiaceous plants, (or or formerly burned to obtain a form of sodium carbonate. See also {saltwort}. Evelyn infl head Baring syl Eve:lyn pos n. Baring 0. syl Bar:ing pron <1be*riG> pos n. def 1st Earl of Cromer. 1841-1917, English administrator. As consul general in Egypt with plenipotentiary powers, he controlled the Egyptian government from 1883 to 1907. barit 0. syl barit. qual abbrev. for def baritone. barite ety C18: from #7bar (#7ium) #7+ -#7ite %1 barite 0. syl bar+ite pron <1be*rIt> pos n. def the usual U.S. name for {barytes}. baritone ety C17: from Italian baritono a deep voice, from Greek barutonos deep-sounding, from barus heavy, low+ tonos #7tone baritone 1. syl bar:i+tone pron <1b@ri2t*un> pos n. def the second lowest adult male voice, having a range approximately from G an eleventh below middle C to F a fourth above it. baritone 2. syl bar:i+tone pron <1b@ri2t*un> pos n. def a singer with such a voice. baritone 3. syl bar:i+tone pron <1b@ri2t*un> pos n. def the second lowest instrument in the families of the saxophone, horn, oboe, etc. baritone 4. syl bar:i+tone pron <1b@ri2t*un> pos adj. def relating to or denoting a baritone. exam 1 a baritone part. baritone 5. syl bar:i+tone pron <1b@ri2t*un> pos adj. def denoting the second lowest instrument in a family. exam 1 the baritone horn. barium ety C19: from #7bar (#7yta) #7+ -#7ium barium 0. syl bar+i:um pron <1be*ri*m> pos n. def a soft silvery-white metallic element of the alkaline earth group. It is used in bearing alloys and compounds are used as pigments. Symbol: Ba; atomic no.: 56; atomic wt.: 137.34; valency: 2; relative density: 3.5; melting pt.: 725?%C; boiling pt.: 1140?%C. barium enema 0. syl bar+i:um en+e:ma pos n. def an injection into the rectum of a preparation of barium sulphate, which is opaque to x-rays, before x-raying the lower alimentary canal. barium hydroxide 0. syl bar+i:um hy+drox+ide pos n. def a white poisonous crystalline solid, used in the manufacture of organic compounds and in the preparation of beet sugar. Formula: Ba(OH)\2. Also called: {baryta}. barium meal 0. syl bar+i:um meal pos n. def a preparation of barium sulphate, which is opaque to x-rays, swallowed by a patient before x-ray examination of the upper part of his alimentary canal. barium oxide 0. syl bar+i:um ox+ide pos n. def a white or yellowish-white poisonous heavy powder used esp. as a dehydrating agent. Formula: BaO. Also called: {baryta}. barium sulphate 0. syl bar+i:um sul+phate pos n. def a white insoluble fine heavy powder, used as a pigment, as a filler for paper, rubber, etc., and in barium meals. Formula: BaSO\4. Also called: {blanc fixe}. bark ety Old English beorcan; related to Lithuanian burg*veti to quarrel, growl bark H1.1. syl bark pron pos n. def the loud abrupt usually harsh or gruff cry of a dog or any of certain other animals. bark H1.2. syl bark pron pos n. def a similar sound, such as one made by a person, gun, etc. his bark is worse than his bite 3. head bark syl his bark is worse than his bite. def he is bad-tempered but harmless. bark H1.4. syl bark pron pos vb. mod intr. usage of a dog or any of certain other animals def to make its typical loud abrupt cry. bark H1.5. syl bark pron pos vb. mod intr. usage of a person, gun, etc. def to make a similar loud harsh sound. bark H1.6. syl bark pron pos vb. def to say or shout in a brusque, peremptory, or angry tone. exam 1 he barked an order. bark H1.7. syl bark pron pos vb. qual Informal. def to advertise (a show, merchandise, etc.) by loudly addressing passers-by. bark up the wrong tree 8. head bark syl bark up the wrong tree. qual Informal. def to misdirect one's attention, efforts, etc.; be mistaken. bark ety C13: from Old Norse b*"orkr; related to Swedish, Danish bark, German Borke; compare Old Norse bj*"orkr #7birch bark H2.1. syl bark pron pos n. def a protective layer of dead corky cells on the outside of the stems of woody plants. bark H2.2. syl bark pron pos n. def any of several varieties of this substance that can be used in tanning, dyeing, or in medicine. bark H2.3. syl bark pron pos n. def an informal name for {cinchona}. bark H2.4. syl bark pron pos vb. mod tr. def to scrape or rub off skin, as in an injury. bark H2.5. syl bark pron pos vb. mod tr. def to remove the bark or a circle of bark from (a tree or log). bark H2.6. syl bark pron pos vb. mod tr. def to cover or enclose with bark. bark H2.7. syl bark pron pos vb. mod tr. def to tan (leather), principally by the tannins in barks. bark H3.0. syl bark pron pos n. def a variant spelling (esp. U.S.) of {barque}. bark beetle 0. syl bark bee+tle pos n. def any small beetle of the family which bore tunnels in the bark and wood of trees, causing great damage. They are closely related to the weevils. bark cloth 0. syl bark cloth pos n. def a papery fabric made from the fibrous inner bark of various trees, esp. of the moraceous genus and the leguminous genus barkantine alt head barkentine or barkentine syl bar+kan+tine pron <1ba:k*n2tEn> pos n. barkentine 0. or barkantine syl bar+ken+tine pron <1ba:k*n2tEn> pos n. def the usual U.S. spellings of {barquentine}. barker H1.1. syl bark+er pron <1ba:k*> pos n. def an animal or person that barks. barker H1.2. syl bark+er pron <1ba:k*> pos n. qual Informal. def a person who stands at a show, fair booth, etc., and loudly addresses passers-by to attract customers. barker H2.0. syl bark+er pron <1ba:k*> pos n. def a person or machine that removes bark from trees or logs or prepares it for tanning. barkan alt head barkhan or barkhan syl bar+kan pron pos n. barkhan 0. or barkan syl bar+khan pron pos n. def variant spellings of {barchan}. Barking 0. syl Bark+ing pron <1ba:kiG> pos n. def a borough of Greater London. Pop.: 153800 (1976 est.). barking deer 0. syl bark+ing deer pos n. def another name for {muntjac}. Barletta 0. syl Bar+let+ta pron Italian pos n. def a port in SE Italy, in Apulia. Pop.: 75728 (1971). barley ety Old English b@arl*_ic (adj.); related to bere barley, Old Norse barr barley, Gothic barizeins of barley, Latin far*_ina flour barley H1.1. syl bar+ley pron <1ba:li> pos n. def any of various erect annual temperate grasses of the genus esp. that have short leaves and dense bristly flower spikes and are widely cultivated for grain and forage. barley H1.2. syl bar+ley pron <1ba:li> pos n. def the grain of any of these grasses, used in making beer and whisky and for soups, puddings, etc. See also {pearl barley}. barley ety C19: probably changed from #7parley barley H2.0. syl bar+ley pron <1ba:li> pos interj. qual Brit. dialect. def a cry for truce or respite from the rules of a game. barleycorn 1. syl bar:ley+corn pron <1ba:li2kc:n> pos n. def a grain of barley, or barley itself. barleycorn 2. syl bar:ley+corn pron <1ba:li2kc:n> pos n. def an obsolete unit of length equal to one third of an inch. barley sugar 0. syl bar+ley sug+ar pos n. def a brittle clear amber-coloured sweet made by boiling sugar, originally with a barley extract. barley water 0. syl bar+ley wa+ter pos n. def a drink made from an infusion of barley, usually flavoured with lemon or orange. barley wine 0. syl bar+ley wine pos n. qual Brit. def an exceptionally strong beer. bar alt head bar line or bar line syl bar pos n. bar line 0. or bar syl bar line pos n. qual Music. def the vertical line marking the bounda?!ry between one bar and the next. barm ety Old English bearm; related to beran to #7bear, Old Norse barmr barm, Gothic barms, Old High German barm; see #7ferment barm 0. syl barm pron pos n. def an archaic or dialect word for {yeast}. barmaid 0. syl bar+maid pron <1ba:2mAd> pos n. def a woman who serves in a pub. barmen infl head barman syl bar+men. pos n. mod pl. barman 0. syl bar+man pron <1ba:m*n> pos n. def a man who serves in a pub. barm cake 0. syl barm cake pos n. qual Lancashire dialect. def a round flat soft bread roll. Barmecide ety C18: from the name of a prince in The Arabian Nights who served empty plates to a beggar, alleging that they held sumptuous food Barmecidal alt head Barmecide or Barmecide syl Bar+me:cid+al pos adj. Barmecide 0. or Barmecidal syl Bar+me:cide pron <1ba:mi2sId> pos adj. def lavish or plentiful in appearance only; illusory; sham. exam 1 a Barmecide feast. bar mitzvah ety Hebrew: son of the law bar mitzvah 1. syl bar mitz+vah pron <1mitsv*> pos n. qual Judaism. usage sometimes caps. def the ceremony and celebration marking the 13th birthday of a boy, who then assumes his full religious obligations. bar mitzvah 2. syl bar mitz+vah pron <1mitsv*> pos n. qual Judaism. usage sometimes caps. def the boy himself. barmy ety C16: originally, full of #7barm , hence frothing, excited, flighty, etc. barmier infl head barmy syl bar+mi+er pos adj. barmiest infl head barmy syl bar+mi+est. pos adj. barmy 0. syl bar+my pron <1ba:mi> pos adj. qual Slang. def insane. Also (U.S.): {balmy}. barn ety Old English beren, from bere barley+ @arn room; see #7barley %1 barn H1.1. syl barn pron pos n. def a large farm outbuilding, used chiefly for storing hay, grain, etc., but also for housing livestock. barn H1.2. syl barn pron pos n. qual U.S. def a large shed for sheltering railroad cars, trucks, etc. barn H1.3. syl barn pron pos n. def any large building, esp. an unattractive one. barn ety C20: from #7barn %1; so called because of the relatively large cross section barn H2.0. syl barn pron pos n. def a unit of nuclear cross section equal to 10%#-%2%8 square metre. Symbol: b Barnabas 0. syl Bar:na:bas pron <1ba:n*b*s> pos n. qual New Testament. def original name. exam 1 Joseph. barnacle 1. syl bar+na+cle pron <1ba:n*kL> pos n. def any of various marine crustaceans of the subclass that, as adults, live attached to rocks, ship bottoms, etc. They have feathery food-catching cirri protruding from a hard shell. See {acorn barnacle, goose barnacle}. barnacle 2. syl bar+na+cle pron <1ba:n*kL> pos n. def a person or thing that is difficult to get rid of. barnacled sub head barnacle syl bar+na+cled pos adj. barnacle goose 1. syl bar+na+cle goose pos n. def a N European goose, that has a black-and-white head and body and grey wings. barnacle goose 2. syl bar+na+cle goose pos n. def a former name for {brent}. Christiaan (Neethling) 1. head Barnard syl Chris:tiaan (Neethling) . def born 1923, South African surgeon, who performed the first human heart transplant (1967). Edward Emerson 2. head Barnard syl Ed:ward Em:er:son. def 1857-1923, U.S. astronomer: noted for his discovery of the fifth satellite of Jupiter and his discovery of comets, nebulae, and a red dwarf (1916). Barnardo 0. syl Bar:nar:do pron , pos n. def Dr. {Thom@.as John}. 1845-1905, British philanthropist, who founded homes for destitute children. Barnaul 0. syl Bar+na+ul pron Russian pos n. def a city in the S Soviet Union, in the RSFSR. Pop.: 502000 (1975 est.). barn-brack ety from Irish Gaelic b*'airin breac speckled bread barn-brack 0. syl barn-brack pron <1ba:n2br@k> pos n. qual Ulster dialect. def a large muffin with currants in it. barn dance 1. syl barn dance pos n. qual Brit. def a progressive round country dance. barn dance 2. syl barn dance pos n. qual U.S. def a party with hoedown music and square dancing. barn dance 3. syl barn dance pos n. qual U.S. def a party featuring country dancing. barn door 1. syl barn door pos n. def the door of a barn. barn door 2. syl barn door pos n. qual Informal. def a target so large that it cannot be missed. Barnet 0. syl Bar+net pron <1ba:nit> pos n. def a borough of Greater London: scene of a Yorkist victory (1471) in the Wars of the Roses. Pop.: 305200 (1976 est.). barney ety C19: of unknown origin infl head barney syl ~ pos n. qual Informal, Chiefly Austral. and N.Z. barney 1. syl bar+ney pron <1ba:ni> pos n. def a noisy argument. {~} barney 2. syl bar+ney pron <1ba:ni> pos n. def to argue or quarrel. barn owl 0. syl barn owl pos n. def any owl of the genus esp. having a pale brown and white plumage, long slender legs, and a heart-shaped face: family Barnsley 0. syl Barns+ley pron <1ba:nzli> pos n. def an industrial town in N England, in South Yorkshire. Pop.: 75330 (1971). barnstorm 1. syl barn+storm pron <1ba:n2stc:m> pos vb. mod intr. qual Chiefly U.S. def to tour rural districts putting on shows, esp. theatrical, athletic, or acrobatic shows. barnstorm 2. syl barn+storm pron <1ba:n2stc:m> pos vb. mod intr. qual Chiefly U.S. def to tour rural districts making speeches in a political campaign. barnstormer sub head barnstorm syl barn+2storm+er pos n. barn swallow 0. syl barn swal+low pos n. def the U.S. name for the common swallow, See {{swallow%2}}. P (hineas) T (aylor) infl head Barnum syl P (hineas) T (aylor) pos n. Barnum 0. syl Bar:num pron <1ba:n*m> pos n. def 1810-91, U.S. showman, who created The Greatest Show on Earth (1871) and, with J. A. Bailey, founded the Barnum and Bailey Circus (1881). barnyard 1. syl barn+yard pron <1ba:n2ja:d> pos n. def a yard adjoining a barn, in which farm animals are kept. barnyard 2. syl barn+yard pron <1ba:n2ja:d> pos n. usage modifier def belonging to or characteristic of a barnyard. barnyard 3. syl barn+yard pron <1ba:n2ja:d> pos n. usage modifier def crude or earthy. exam 1 barnyard humour. baro- ety from Greek baros weight; related to Latin gravis heavy baro- 0. syl bar:o- usage combining form. def indicating weight or pressure. exam 1 barom?!eter. Giacomo infl head Barocchio syl Gia:co:mo pron <1Ja:komo> pos n. Barocchio 0. syl Ba:roc:chio pron Italian pos n. def See (Giacomo da) {Vignola}. Baroda 1. syl Ba+ro+da pron pos n. def a former state of W India, part of Gujarat since 1960. Baroda 2. syl Ba+ro+da pron pos n. def the former name (until 1976) of {Vadodara}. barogram 0. syl bar:o+gram pron <1b@r*2gr@m> pos n. qual Meteorol. def the record of atmospheric pressure traced by a barograph or similar instrument. barograph 0. syl bar:o+graph pron <1b@r*2gra:f>, <-2gr@f> pos n. qual Meteorol. def a self-recording aneroid barometer. barographic sub head barograph syl bar:o+graph:ic pron <2b@r*1gr@fik> pos adj. Pio infl head Baroja syl Pi:o pron <1pio> pos n. Baroja 0. syl Ba:ro:ja pron Spanish pos n. def 1872-1956, Spanish Basque novelist, who wrote nearly 100 novels, including a series of twenty-two under the general title (1944-49). barometer 1. syl ba+rom+e:ter pron pos n. def an instrument for measuring atmospheric pressure, usually to determine altitude or weather changes. barometer 2. syl ba+rom+e:ter pron pos n. def anything that shows change or impending change. exam 1 the barometer of social change. barometric sub head barometer or barometrical syl bar:o+met+ric pron <2b@r*?!1metrik> pos adj. barometrical sub head barometer or barometric syl bar:o+1met+ri+cal pos adj. barometrically sub head barometer syl bar:o+1met+ri+cal+ly pos adv. barometric pressure 0. syl bar:o+met+ric pres+sure pos n. def atmospheric pressure as indicated by a barometer. baron ety C12: from Old French, of Germanic origin; compare Old High German baro freeman, Old Norse berjask to fight baron 1. syl bar+on pron <1b@r*n> pos n. def a member of a specific rank of nobility, esp. the lowest rank in the British Isles. baron 2. syl bar+on pron <1b@r*n> pos n. usage in Europe from the Middle Ages def originally any tenant-in-chief of a king or other overlord, who held land from his superior by honourable service; a land-holding nobleman. baron 3. syl bar+on pron <1b@r*n> pos n. def a powerful businessman or financier. exam 1 a press baron. baron 4. syl bar+on pron <1b@r*n> pos n. usage English law. formerly def the title held by judges of the Court of Exchequer. baron 5. syl bar+on pron <1b@r*n> pos n. def short for {baron of beef}. baronage 1. syl bar+on+age pron <1b@r*niJ> pos n. def barons collectively. baronage 2. syl bar+on+age pron <1b@r*niJ> pos n. def the rank or dignity of a baron. baroness 1. syl bar+on+ess pron <1b@r*nis> pos n. def the wife or widow of a baron. baroness 2. syl bar+on+ess pron <1b@r*nis> pos n. def a woman holding the rank of baron in her own right. baronet 0. syl bar+on+et pron <1b@r*nit>, <-2net> pos n. usage in Britain def a commoner who holds the lowest hereditary title of honour, ranking below a baron. Abbrev.: {Bart}. or {Bt}. baronetage 1. syl bar+on+et+age pron <1b@r*nitiJ> pos n. def the order of baronets; baronets collectively. baronetage 2. syl bar+on+et+age pron <1b@r*nitiJ> pos n. def the rank of a baronet; baronetcy. baronetcies infl head baronetcy syl bar+on+et+cies. pos n. mod pl. baronetcy 0. syl bar+on+et+cy pron <1b@r*nitsi>, <-2net-> pos n. def the rank, position, or patent of a baronet. barong ety from Moro; see #7parang barong 0. syl ba+rong pron pos n. def a broad-bladed cleaver-like knife used in the Philippines. baronial 0. syl ba+ro+ni:al pron pos adj. def of, relating to, or befitting a baron or barons. baron of beef 0. syl bar+on of beef pos n. def a cut of beef consisting of a double sirloin joined at the backbone. baronies infl head barony syl bar:o+nies. pos n. mod pl. barony 1.a. syl bar:o+ny pron <1b@r*ni> pos n. def the domain of a baron. barony 1.b. syl bar:o+ny pron <1b@r*ni> pos n. usage in Ireland def a division of a county. barony 1.c. syl bar:o+ny pron <1b@r*ni> pos n. usage in Scotland def a large estate or manor. barony 2. syl bar:o+ny pron <1b@r*ni> pos n. def the rank or dignity of a baron. barony 3. syl bar:o+ny pron <1b@r*ni> pos n. def a sphere of influence dominated by an industrial magnate or other powerful individual. baroque ety C18: from French, from Italian barroco, probably from the name of Federigo Barocci (1528-1612), Italian painter of this style baroque 1. syl ba+roque pron , pos n. usage often cap. def a style of architecture and decorative art that flourished throughout Europe from the late 16th to the early 18th century, characterized by extensive ornamentation. baroque 2. syl ba+roque pron , pos n. usage often cap. def a 17th-century style of music characterized by extensive use of the thorough bass and of ornamentation. baroque 3. syl ba+roque pron , pos n. usage often cap. def any ornate or heavily ornamented style. {~} baroque 4. syl ba+roque pron , pos n. usage often cap. def denoting, being in, or relating to the baroque. baroque 5. syl ba+roque pron , pos n. usage often cap.; of pearls def irregularly shaped. baroscope 0. syl bar:o+scope pron <1b@r*2sk*up> pos n. def any instrument for measuring atmospheric pressure, esp. a manometer with one side open to the atmosphere. baroscopic sub head baroscope syl bar:o+scop+ic pron <2b@r*1skopik> pos adj. barostat 0. syl bar:o+stat pron <1b@r*u2st@t> pos n. def a device for maintaining constant pressure, such as one used in an aircraft cabin. Barotse infl or Barotses syl Ba+rot+se pos n. mod pl. Barotses infl head Barotse or Barotse syl Ba+rot+ses pos n. mod pl. Barotse 1. syl Ba+rot+se pron pos n. def a member of a Negroid people of central Africa living chiefly in SW Zambia. Barotse 2. syl Ba+rot+se pron pos n. def the language spoken by this people; Lozi. barouche ety C19: from German (dialect) Barutsche, from Italian baroccio, from Vulgar Latin birotium (unattested) vehicle with two wheels, from Late Latin birotus two-wheeled, from #7bi -%1#7+ rota wheel barouche 0. syl ba+rouche pron pos n. def a four-wheeled horse-drawn carriage, popular in the 19th century, having a retractable hood over the rear half, seats inside for two couples facing each other, and a driver's seat outside at the front. Barozzi 0. syl Ba:roz:zi pron Italian pos n. def See (Giacomo da) {Vignola}. barque ety C15: from Old French, from Old Proven*,cal barca, from Late Latin, of unknown origin barque 1. syl barque usage esp. U.S. def a sailing ship of three or more masts having the foremasts rigged square and the aftermast rigged fore-and-aft. barque 2. syl barque qual Poetic. usage esp. U.S. def any boat, esp. a small sailing vessel. barquentine ety C17: from #7barque +(#7brig) #7antine barquantine alt head barquentine or barquentine syl bar+quan+tine pron <1ba:k*n2tEn> pos n. barquentine 0. or barquantine syl bar+quen+tine pron <1ba:k*n2tEn> pos n. def a sailing ship of three or more masts rigged square on the foremast and fore-and-aft on the others. Usual U.S. spelling: {barkentine}. Barquisimeto 0. syl Bar+qui+si+me+to pron Spanish <2barkisi1mAto> pos n. def a city in NW Venezuela. Pop.: 330815 (1971). barrack H1.0. syl bar+rack pron <1b@r*k> pos vb. def to house (soldiers, etc.) in barracks. barrack ety C19: from northern Irish: to boast barrack H2.1. syl bar+rack pron <1b@r*k> pos vb. qual Brit. and Austral. informal. def to criticize loudly or shout against (a player, team, speaker, etc.); jeer. barrack H2.2. syl bar+rack pron <1b@r*k> pos vb. mod intr. qual Brit. and Austral. informal. usage foll. by for def to shout support (for). barracks ety C17: from French baraque, from Old Catalan barraca hut, of uncertain origin barracks 1. syl bar+racks pron <1b@r*ks> pos n. mod pl. some?!times; sing. when; pl. some?!times functions as; sing. def a building or group of buildings used to accommodate military personnel. barracks 2. syl bar+racks pron <1b@r*ks> pos n. mod pl. some?!times; sing. when; pl. some?!times functions as; sing. def any large building used for housing people, esp. temporarily. barracks 3. syl bar+racks pron <1b@r*ks> pos n. mod pl. some?!times; sing. when; pl. some?!times functions as; sing. def a large and bleak building. barracoon ety C19: from Spanish barrac*'on, from barraca hut, from Catalan barracoon 0. syl bar+ra+coon pron <2b@r*1ku:n> pos n. usage formerly def a temporary place of confinement for slaves or convicts, esp. those awaiting trans?!portation. barracouta ety C17: variant of #7barracuda barracouta 0. syl bar+ra+cou+ta pron <2b@r*1ku:t*> pos n. def a large predatory Pacific fish, with a protruding lower jaw and strong teeth: family barracuda ety C17: from American Spanish, of unknown origin barracuda infl or barracudas syl bar+ra+cu+da pos n. mod pl. barracudas infl head barracuda or barracuda syl bar+ra+cu+das. pos n. mod pl. barracuda 0. syl bar+ra+cu+da pron <2b@r*1kju:d*> pos n. def any predatory marine teleost fish of the mostly tropical family esp. which attacks man. They have an elongated body, strong teeth, and a protruding lower jaw. barrage ety C19: from French, from barrer to obstruct; see #7bar %1 barrage 1. syl bar+rage pron <1b@ra:Z> pos n. qual Military. def the firing of artillery to saturate an area rather than hit a specific target. barrage 2. syl bar+rage pron <1b@ra:Z> pos n. def an overwhelming and continuous delivery of something, as words, questions, or punches. barrage 3. syl bar+rage pron <1b@ra:Z> pos n. def a construction across a watercourse, esp. one to increase the depth of water to assist navigation or irrigation. barrage 4. syl bar+rage pron <1b@ra:Z> pos n. qual Fencing. def a heat or series of bouts in a competition. barrage 5. syl bar+rage pron <1b@ra:Z> pos vb. mod tr. def to attack or confront with a barrage. exam 1 the speaker was barraged with abuse. barrage balloon 0. syl bar+rage bal+loon pos n. def one of a number of tethered balloons with cables or net suspended from them, used to deter low-flying air attack. barramunda ety from a native Australian language barramundi alt head barramunda or barramunda syl bar+ra+mun+di pron <2b@r*?!1m^ndi> pos n. barramundas infl head barramunda or barramundis syl bar+ra+mun+das pos n. mod pl. barramunda infl or barramundies syl bar+ra+mun+da pos n. mod pl. barramundis infl head barramunda or barramundas syl bar+ra+mun+dis pos n. mod pl. barramundies infl head barramunda or barramunda syl bar+ra+mun+dies pos n. mod pl. barramundi infl head barramunda syl bar+ra+mun+di. pos n. mod pl. barramunda 0. or barramundi syl bar+ra+mun+da pron <2b@r*1m^nd*> pos n. def an edible Australian lungfish, having paddle-like fins and a long body covered with large scales. barranca ety C19: from Spanish, of uncertain origin barranco alt head barranca or barranca syl bar+ran+co pron pos n. barrancas infl head barranca or barrancos syl bar+ran+cas pos n. mod pl. barrancos infl head barranca or barrancas syl bar+ran+cos. pos n. mod pl. barranca 0. or barranco syl bar+ran+ca pron pos n. qual Southwestern U.S. def a ravine or precipice. Barranquilla 0. syl Bar+ran+qui+lla pron Spanish <2barraG1ki$ya> pos n. def a port in N Colom?!bia, on the Magdalena River. Pop.: 661920 (1973). barrator ety C14: from Old French barateor, from barater to #7barter barrator 0. syl bar+ra+tor pron <1b@r*t*> pos n. def a person guilty of barratry. barratry ety C15: from Old French baraterie deception, from barater to #7barter barretry alt head barratry or barratry syl bar+re:try pron <1b@r*tri> pos n. barratry 1. or barretry syl bar+ra+try pron <1b@r*tri> pos n. qual Criminal law. def the vexatious stirring up of quarrels or bringing lawsuits. barratry 2. or barretry syl bar+ra+try pron <1b@r*tri> pos n. qual Maritime law. def a fraudulent practice committed by the master or crew of a ship to the prejudice of the owner or charterer. barratry 3. or barretry syl bar+ra+try pron <1b@r*tri> pos n. qual Scot. law. def the crime committed by a judge in accepting a bribe. barratry 4. or barretry syl bar+ra+try pron <1b@r*tri> pos n. def the purchase or sale of public or Church offices. barratrous sub head barratry or barretrous syl bar+ra+trous pos adj. barretrous sub head barratry or barratrous syl bar+re:trous pos adj. barratrously sub head barratry or barretrously syl bar+ra+trous+ly pos adv. barretrously sub head barratry or barratrously syl bar+re:trous+ly pos adv. Jean-Louis infl head Barrault syl Jean-Louis pron pos n. Barrault 0. syl Bar:rault pron French pos n. def born 1910, French actor and director, noted particularly as a mime. barre 0. syl barre pron French. pos n. def a rail at hip height used for ballet practice. barr'e ety from French, from barrer #7bar %1 barr'e 1. syl bar+r*'e pron <1b@rA> pos n. def the act of laying the index finger over some or all of the strings of a guitar, lute, or similar instrument, so that the pitch of each stopped string is simultaneously raised. Compare {capo}. barr'e 2. syl bar+r*'e pron <1b@rA> pos n. def the playing of chords in this manner. barr'e 3. syl bar+r*'e pron <1b@rA> pos vb. def to execute (chords, etc.) in this manner. barr'e 4. syl bar+r*'e pron <1b@rA> pos adv. def by using the barr*'e. barrel ety C14: from Old French baril, perhaps from barre #7bar %1 barrel 1. syl bar+rel pron <1b@r*l> pos n. def a cylindrical container usually bulging outwards in the middle and held together by metal hoops; cask. barrel 2. syl bar+rel pron <1b@r*l> pos n. def Also called: {bar+rel+ful}. the amount that a barrel can hold. barrel 3. syl bar+rel pron <1b@r*l> pos n. def a unit of capacity used in brewing, equal to 36 Imperial gallons. barrel 4. syl bar+rel pron <1b@r*l> pos n. def a unit of capacity used in the oil and other industries, normally equal to 42 U.S. gallons or 35 Imperial gallons. barrel 5. syl bar+rel pron <1b@r*l> pos n. def a thing or part shaped like a barrel, esp. a tubular part of a machine. barrel 6. syl bar+rel pron <1b@r*l> pos n. def the tube through which the projectile of a firearm is discharged. barrel 7. syl bar+rel pron <1b@r*l> pos n. qual Horology. def the cylindrical drum in a watch or clock that is rotated by the mainspring. barrel 8. syl bar+rel pron <1b@r*l> pos n. def the trunk of a four-legged animal. exam 1 the barrel of a horse. barrel 9. syl bar+rel pron <1b@r*l> pos n. def the quill of a feather. barrel 10. syl bar+rel pron <1b@r*l> pos n. qual Informal. def a large measure; a great deal (esp. in the phrases {barrel of fun, barrel of laughter) }. over a barrel 11. head barrel syl over a barrel. qual Informal. def powerless. scrape the barrel 12. head barrel syl scrape the barrel. qual Informal. def to be forced to use one's last and weakest resource. barrels infl head barrel or barrels syl bar+rels pos vb. qual U.S. barrelling infl head barrel or barreling syl bar+rel+ling pos vb. barrelled infl head barrel or barreled syl bar+relled pos vb. barreling infl head barrel or barrelling syl bar+rel+ing pos vb. qual U.S. barreled infl head barrel or barrelled syl bar+reled. pos vb. qual U.S. barrel 13. syl bar+rel pron <1b@r*l> pos vb. mod tr. def to put into a barrel or barrels. barrel 14. syl bar+rel pron <1b@r*l> pos vb. mod intr. qual U.S. informal. usage usually foll. by along def to travel or move very fast. barrel-chested 0. syl bar:rel-chest:ed pos adj. def having a large rounded chest. barrelhouse 1. syl bar:rel+house pron <1b@r*l2haus> pos n. qual U.S. informal. def a cheap and disreputable drinking establishment. barrelhouse 2.a. syl bar:rel+house pron <1b@r*l2haus> pos n. def a vigorous and unpolished style of jazz for piano, originating in the barrelhouses of New Orleans. barrelhouse 2.b. syl bar:rel+house pron <1b@r*l2haus> pos n. usage as modifier exam 1 barrelhouse blues. barrel organ 1. syl bar+rel or+gan pos n. def an instrument consisting of a cylinder turned by a handle and having pins on it that interrupt the air flow to certain pipes, thereby playing any of a number of tunes. See also {hurdy-gurdy}. barrel organ 2. syl bar+rel or+gan pos n. def a similar instrument in which the projections on a rotating barrel pluck a set of strings. barrel roll 1. syl bar+rel roll pos n. def a flight manoeuvre in which an aircraft rolls about its longitudinal axis while following a spiral course in line with the direction of flight. barrel-roll infl head barrel roll syl bar:rel-roll. pos vb. barrel roll 2. syl bar+rel roll pos vb. mod intr. usage of an aircraft def to perform a barrel roll. barrel vault 0. syl bar+rel vault pos n. qual Architect. def a vault in the form of a half cylinder. Also called: {wagon vault, tunnel vault}. barren ety C13: from Old French brahain, of uncertain origin barren 1. syl bar+ren pron <1b@r*n> pos adj. def incapable of producing offspring, seed, or fruit; sterile. exam 1 a barren tree. barren 2. syl bar+ren pron <1b@r*n> pos adj. def unable to support the growth of crops, etc.; unproductive; bare. exam 1 barren land. barren 3. syl bar+ren pron <1b@r*n> pos adj. def lacking in stimulation or ideas; dull. exam 1 a rather barren play. barren 4. syl bar+ren pron <1b@r*n> pos adj. def not producing worthwhile results; unprofitable. exam 1 a barren period in a writer's life. barren 5. syl bar+ren pron <1b@r*n> pos adj. usage foll. by of def totally lacking (in); devoid (of). exam 1 his speech was barren of wit. barrenly sub head barren syl bar+ren+ly pos adv. barrenness sub head barren syl bar+ren+ness pos n. The infl head Barren Lands syl The. pos n. Barren Lands 0. syl Bar+ren Lands pos n. mod pl. def a region of tundras in N Canada, extending westwards from Hudson Bay: sparsely inhabited, chiefly by Eskimos. Also called: {Barren Grounds}. barrens 0. syl bar+rens pron <1b@r*nz> pos n. mod pl. sometimes; sing. usage in North America def a stretch of usually level land that is sparsely vegetated or barren. barrenwort 0. syl bar:ren+wort pron <1b@r*n2w*:t> pos n. def a herbaceous European berberidaceous plant, having red-and-yellow star-shaped flowers. Maurice infl head Barres syl Mau:rice pron pos n. Barres 0. syl Bar:r*`es pron French pos n. def 1862-1923, French novelist, essayist, and politician: a fervent nationalist and individualist. barret ety C19: from French barrette, from Italian berretta #7biretta ; compare #7beret barret 0. syl bar+ret pron <1b@rit> pos n. def a small flat cap resembling a biretta. barrette ety from French: a little bar, from barre #7bar %1 barrette 0. syl bar+rette pron pos n. def a clasp or pin for holding women's hair in place. barricade ety C17: from Old French, from barriquer to barricade, from barrique a barrel, from Spanish barrica, from barril #7barrel barricade 1. syl bar+ri+cade pron <2b@ri1kAd>, <1b@ri2kAd> pos n. def a barrier for defence, esp. one erected hastily, as during street fighting. barricade 2. syl bar+ri+cade pron <2b@ri1kAd>, <1b@ri2kAd> pos vb. mod tr. def to erect a barricade across (an entrance, passageway, etc.) or at points of access to (a room, district of a town, etc.). exam 1 they barricaded the door. barricade 3. syl bar+ri+cade pron <2b@ri1kAd>, <1b@ri2kAd> pos vb. mod tr. usage usually passive def to obstruct; block. exam 1 his mind was barricaded against new ideas. barricader sub head barricade syl bar+ri+2cad+er pos n. Barrie 0. syl Bar:rie pron <1b@ri> pos n. def Sir {James Mat@.thew}. 1860-1937, Scottish dramatist and novelist, noted particularly for his popular children's play (1904). barrier ety C14: from Old French barriere, from barre #7bar %1 barrier 1. syl bar+ri+er pron <1b@ri*> pos n. def anything serving to obstruct passage or to maintain separation, such as a fence or gate. barrier 2. syl bar+ri+er pron <1b@ri*> pos n. def anything that prevents or obstructs passage, access, or progress. exam 1 a barrier of distrust. barrier 3. syl bar+ri+er pron <1b@ri*> pos n. def anything that separates or hinders union. exam 1 a language barrier. barrier 4.a. syl bar+ri+er pron <1b@ri*> pos n. def an exposed offshore sand bar separated from the shore by a lagoon. barrier 4.b. syl bar+ri+er pron <1b@ri*> pos n. usage as modifier exam 1 a barrier beach. barrier 5. syl bar+ri+er pron <1b@ri*> pos n. usage sometimes cap. def that part of the Antarctic icecap extending over the sea. barrier cream 0. syl bar+ri+er cream pos n. def a cream used to protect the skin, esp. the hands, from dirt and from the action of oils or solvents. barrier reef 0. syl bar+ri+er reef pos n. def a long narrow coral reef near and lying parallel to the shore, separated from it by deep water. See {Great Barrier Reef}. barring 0. syl bar+ring pron <1ba:riG> pos prep. def unless (something) occurs; except for. exam 1 barring rain, the match will be held tomorrow. barrio ety from Spanish, from Arabic barr*_i of open country, from barr open country barrios infl head barrio syl bar+rios pos n. mod pl. barrio 1. syl bar+rio pron Spanish. <1barrjo> pos n. usage -rjos). def a Spanish-speaking@T quarter @T in@T a@T town@T or@T city,@T esp.@T in@T the@T U.S. {$D.@T} a Spanish-speaking community. barrister ety C16: from #7bar %1 barrister 1. syl bar+ris+ter pron <1b@rist*> pos n. def Also called: {barrister-at-law}. (in England) a lawyer who has been called to the bar and is qualified to plead in the higher courts. Compare {solicitor}. See also {advocate, counsel}. barrister 2. syl bar+ris+ter pron <1b@rist*> pos n. qual U.S. def a less common word for {lawyer}. barroom 0. syl bar+room pron <1ba:2ru:m>, <-2rum> pos n. qual U.S. def a room or building where alcoholic drinks are served over a counter. Joao de infl head Barros syl Jo?~ao de pron <1Zw*~*u#800056>, <#800057> <1> pos n. Barros 0. syl Bar:ros pron Portuguese <1barruS>, <#800057> <1> pos n. def 1496-1570, Portuguese historian: noted for his history of the Portuguese in the East Indies, (1552-1615). barrow ety Old English bearwe; related to Old Norse barar #7bier, Old High German b*_ara barrow H1.1. syl bar+row pron <1b@r*u> pos n. def See {wheelbarrow, handbarrow}. barrow H1.2. syl bar+row pron <1b@r*u> pos n. def Also called: {bar+row+ful}. the amount contained in or on a barrow. barrow H1.3. syl bar+row pron <1b@r*u> pos n. qual Chiefly Brit. def a handcart, typically having two wheels and a canvas roof, used esp. by street vendors. barrow H1.4. syl bar+row pron <1b@r*u> pos n. qual Northern English dialect. def concern or business (esp. in the phrases {that's not my barrow, that's just my barrow}) . barrow ety Old English beorg; related to Old Norse bjarg, Gothic bairgahei hill, Old High German berg mountain barrow H2.0. syl bar+row pron <1b@r*u> pos n. def a heap of earth placed over one or more prehistoric tombs, often surrounded by ditches. {Long barrows} are elongated Neolithic mounds usually covering stone burial chambers; {round barrows} are Bronze Age, covering cremations in urns. barrow ety Old English bearg; related to Old Norse b*"orgr, Old High German barug barrow H3.0. syl bar+row pron <1b@r*u> pos n. def a castrated pig. Barrow 1. syl Bar+row pron <1b@r*u> pos n. def a river in SE Ireland, rising in the Slieve Bloom Mountains and flowing south to Waterford Harbour. Length: about 193 km (120 miles). Barrow 2. syl Bar+row pron <1b@r*u> pos n. def See {Barrow-in-Furness} and {Barrow Point}. barrow boy 0. syl bar+row boy pos n. qual Brit. def a man who sells his wares from a barrow; street vendor. Barrow-in-Furness 0. syl Bar:row-in-Fur:ness pos n. def an industrial town in NW England, in S Cumbria. Pop.: 63998 (1971). Barrow Point 0. syl Bar+row Point pos n. def the northernmost tip of Alaska, on the Arctic Ocean. Barry H1.0. syl Bar+ry pron <1b@ri> pos n. def a port in SE Wales, in South Glamorgan on the Bristol Channel. Pop.: 41578 (1971). Barry H2.1. syl Bar:ry pron <1b@ri> pos n. def Sir {Charles}. 1795-1860, English architect: designer of the Houses of Parliament in London. Comtesse du infl head Barry syl Com:tesse du. pos n. Barry H2.2. syl Bar:ry pron French pos n. def See {du Barry}. Barrymore 0. syl Bar:ry:more pron <1b@ri2mc:> pos n. def a U.S. family of actors, esp. {Eth@.el} (1879-1959), {John} (1882-1942), and {Li@.o@.nel} (1878-1954). Barry Mountains 0. syl Bar+ry Moun+tains pos n. mod pl. def a mountain range in SE Australia, in E Victoria: part of the Australian Alps. Barsac 0. syl Bar+sac pron <1ba:s@k>, French pos n. def a sweet French white wine produced around the town of Barsac in the Gironde. bar sinister 1. syl bar sin+is+ter pos n. usage not in heraldic usage def another name for {bend sinister}. bar sinister 2. syl bar sin+is+ter pos n. def the condition, implication, or stigma of being of illegitimate birth. Bart 0. syl Bart. qual abbrev. for def Baronet. bartender 0. syl bar+tend:er pron <1ba:2tend*> pos n. def another name (esp. U.S.) for {barman}. barter ety C15: from Old French barater to cheat; perhaps related to Greek prattein to do barter 1. syl bar+ter pron <1ba:t*> pos vb. def to trade (goods, services, etc.) in exchange for other goods, services, etc., rather than for money. exam 1 the refugees bartered for food. barter 2. syl bar+ter pron <1ba:t*> pos vb. mod intr. def to haggle over the terms of such an exchange; bargain. barter 3. syl bar+ter pron <1ba:t*> pos n. def trade by the exchange of goods. barterer sub head barter syl bar+ter+er pos n. Barth 0. syl Barth qual German def bart) {Karl} (karl). 1886-1968, Swiss Protestant theologian, who stressed man's dependence on divine grace and was a champion of tolerance and ecumenicalism. &- {Barth+i@.an} (#!b$a$:t$I$$n, -#Gg$I$$n) Bartholin's glands ety named by Caspar Bartholin (1655-1738), Danish anatomist, in honour of his father, Thomas Bartholin's glands 0. syl Bar+tho+lin's glands pron <1ba:T*linz> pos n. mod pl. qual Anatomy. def two small reddish-yellow glands, one on each side of the vaginal orifice, that secrete a mucous lubricating substance during sexual stimulation in females. Compare {Cowper's glands}. Bartholomew 0. syl Bar:thol:o:mew pron pos n. qual New Testament. def one of the twelve apostles (Matthew 10:3). bartizan ety C19: variant of bertisene, erroneously for bretising, from bretasce parapet; see #7brat?!tice bartizan 0. syl bar+ti+zan pron <1ba:tiz*n>, <2ba:ti1z@n> pos n. def a small turret projecting from a wall, parapet, or tower. bartizaned sub head bartizan syl bar+ti+zaned pron <1ba:tiz*nd>, <2ba:ti1z@nd> pos adj. Bartlett ety named after Enoch Bartlett of Dorchester, Mass., who cultivated it Bartlett pear alt head Bartlett or Bartlett syl Bart+lett pear pron <1ba:tlit> pos n. Bartlett 0. or Bartlett pear syl Bart+lett pron <1ba:tlit> pos n. def a variety of pear that has large juicy yellow fruit. B'ela infl head Bart'ok syl B*'e:la pron <1bA:lc> pos n. Bart'ok 0. syl Bar:t*'ok pron <1ba:tok>, Hungarian <1bcrto:k> pos n. def 1881-1945, Hungarian composer, pianist, and collector of folk songs, by which his music was deeply influenced. His works include six string quartets, several piano pieces including (1926-37), ballets (including 1919), and the opera (produced 1918). Fra infl head Bartolommeo syl Fra. pos n. Bartolommeo 0. syl Bar:to:lom:me:o pron Italian <2bartolom1me:o> pos n. def original name 1472-1517, Italian painter of the Florentine school, noted for his austere religious works. barton ety Old English beret*_un, from bere barley+ t*_un stockade; see #7town barton 0. syl bar+ton pron <1ba:tN> pos n. qual Archaic. def a farmyard. Barton 0. syl Bar:ton pron <1ba:tN> def Sir {Ed@.mund}. 1849-1920, Australian statesman; first prime minister of Australia (1901-03). Bernard Mannes infl head Baruch syl Ber:nard Man:nes pron <1m@n*s> pos n. Baruch 1. syl Ba:ruch pron pos n. def 1870-1965, U.S. financier and statesman; economic adviser to Presidents Wilson and Roosevelt. Baruch 2.a. syl Ba:ruch pos n. def a disciple of Jeremiah (Jeremiah 32-36). Baruch 2.b. syl Ba:ruch pos n. def the book of the Apocrypha said to have been written by him. barycentre ety C20: from Greek barus heavy+#7centre barycentre 0. syl bar:y+cen+tre pron <1b@ri2sent*> pos n. def a centre of mass, esp. of the earth-moon system. barye ety C19: from French, from Greek barus heavy barye 0. syl bar+ye pron <1b@ri> pos n. def a unit of pressure in the cgs system equal to one dyne per square centimetre. 1 barye is equivalent to 1 microbar. baryon ety C20: bary-, from Greek barus heavy+-#7on &- @!bar@.y+#!on+ic adj. baryon 0. syl bar:y+on pron <1b@ri2on> pos n. def any of a class of elementary particles that have a mass greater than or equal to that of the proton, participate in strong interactions, and have a spin of @2#800058 . Baryons are either nucleons or hyperons. The {baryon number} is the number of baryons in a system minus the number of antibaryons. barysphere ety C20: from Greek barus heavy+#7sphere barysphere 0. syl bar:y+sphere pron <1b@ri2sfi*> pos n. def the central portion of the earth, thought to consist chiefly of iron and nickel. baryta ety C19: New Latin, from Greek barut*_es weight, from barus heavy baryta 0. syl ba+ry+ta pron pos n. def another name for {barium oxide} or {barium hydroxide}. barytic sub head baryta syl ba+ryt+ic pron pos adj. barytes ety C18: from Greek barus heavy+ -it*_es -#7ite %1 barytes 0. syl ba+ry+tes pron pos n. def a colourless or white mineral consisting of barium sulphate in rhombic crystalline form, occurring in sedimentary rocks and with sulphide ores: a source of barium. Formula: BaSO\4. Also called: {barite} (esp. U.S.), {heavy spar}. baryton ety C18: from French: #7baritone baryton 0. syl bar:y+ton pron <1b@ri2t*un> pos n. def a bass viol with sympathetic strings as well as its six main strings. barytone H1.0. syl bar:y+tone pron <1b@ri2t*un> pos n. def a less common spelling of {baritone}. barytone ety C19: from Greek barutonos heavy-sounding, from barus heavy + tonos #7tone barytone H2.1. syl bar:y+tone pron <1b@ri2t*un> pos adj. usage in ancient Greek def having the last syllable unaccented. barytone H2.2. syl bar:y+tone pron <1b@ri2t*un> pos n. usage in ancient Greek def a word in which the last syllable is unaccented. barytone xref syl bar:y+tone pron <1b@ri2t*un> usage in ancient Greek def Compare {oxytone}. basal 1. syl ba+sal pron <1bAsL> pos adj. def at, of, or constituting a base. basal 2. syl ba+sal pron <1bAsL> pos adj. def of or constituting a foundation or basis; fundamental; essential. basally sub head basal syl ba+sal+ly pos adv. basal anaesthesia 0. syl ba+sal an+aes+the:si:a pos n. def preliminary and incomplete anaesthesia induced to prepare a surgical patient for total anaesthesia with another agent. basal ganglia 0. syl ba+sal gan+gli:a pos n. mod pl. def the thalamus together with other closely related masses of grey matter, situated near the base of the brain. basal metabolic rate 0. syl ba+sal met:a+bol+ic rate pos n. def the rate at which heat is produced by the body at rest, 12 to 14 hours after eating, measured in kilocalories per square metre of body surface per hour. Abbrev.: {BMR}. basal metabolism 0. syl ba+sal me+tab:o+lism pos n. def the amount of energy required by an individual in the resting state, for such functions as breathing and circulation of the blood. See {basal metabolic rate}. basalt ety C18: from Late Latin basalt*_es, variant of basan*_it*_es, from Greek basanit*_es touchstone, from basanos, of Egyptian origin &- ba+#!sal+tic adj. basalt 1. syl bas+alt pron <1b@sc:lt> pos n. def a fine-grained dark basic igneous rock consisting of plagioclase feldspar, a pyroxene, and olivine: the most common volcanic rock and usually extrusive. basalt 2. syl bas+alt pron <1b@sc:lt> pos n. def a form of black unglazed pottery resembling basalt. basaltware 0. syl ba:salt+ware pron <1b@sc:lt2we*>, <1bAsc:lt-> pos n. def hard fine-grained black stoneware, made in Europe, esp. in England, in the late 18th century. bas bleus infl head bas bleu syl bas bleus pron pos n. mod pl. bascinet 0. syl bas+ci+net pron <2b@si1net>, <1b@si2net> pos n. qual Armour. def a variant spelling of {basinet}. bascule ety C17: from French: seesaw, from bas low+ cul rump; see #7base %2#7, culet bascule 1. syl bas+cule pron <1b@skju:l> pos n. def a bridge with a movable section hinged about a horizontal axis and counterbalanced by a weight. Compare {drawbridge}. bascule 2. syl bas+cule pron <1b@skju:l> pos n. def a movable roadway forming part of such a bridge. exam 1 Tower Bridge has two bascules. base ety C14: from Old French, from Latin basis pedestal; see #7basis base H1.1. syl base pron pos n. def the bottom or supporting part of anything. base H1.2. syl base pron pos n. def the fundamental or underlying principle or part, as of an idea, system, or organization; basis. base H1.3.a. syl base pron pos n. def a centre of operations, organization, or supply. exam 1 the climbers made a base at 8000 feet. base H1.3.b. syl base pron pos n. usage as modifier exam 1 base camp. base H1.4. syl base pron pos n. def a centre from which military activities are coordinated. base H1.5. syl base pron pos n. def anything from which a process, as of measurement, action, or thought, is or may be begun; starting point. exam 1 the new discovery became the base for further research. base H1.6. syl base pron pos n. def the main ingredient of a mixture. exam 1 to use rice as a base in cookery. base H1.7. syl base pron pos n. def a chemical compound that combines with an acid to form a salt and water. A solution of a base in water turns litmus paper blue, produces hydroxyl ions, and has a pH greater than 7. Bases are metal oxides or hydroxides or amines. See also {Lewis base}. base H1.8. syl base pron pos n. def a medium such as oil or water in which the pigment is dispersed in paints, inks, etc.; vehicle. base H1.9. syl base pron pos n. def the inorganic material on which the dye is absorbed in lake pigments; carrier. base H1.10.a. syl base pron pos n. def the part of an organ nearest to its point of attachment. base H1.10.b. syl base pron pos n. def the point of attachment of an organ or part. base H1.11. syl base pron pos n. def the bottommost layer or part of anything. base H1.12.a. syl base pron pos n. def the lowest division of a building or structure. base H1.12.b. syl base pron pos n. def the lower part of a column or pier. base H1.13. syl base pron pos n. def another word for { {baseline} (sense 2)}. base H1.14. syl base pron pos n. def the lower side or face of a geometric construction. base H1.15. syl base pron pos n. qual Maths. def the number of units in a counting system that is equivalent to one in the next higher counting place. Any number can be expressed by adding together multiples of increasing integral powers of the base. exam 1 in the decimal system 7.6=6#M10%#-%1+7#M10?%, where 10 is the base. base H1.16. syl base pron pos n. qual Maths. def the number that when raised to a certain power has a logarithm (based on that number) equal to that power. exam 1 the logarithm to the base 10 of 1000 is 3. base H1.17.a. syl base pron pos n. def a root or stem. base H1.17.b. syl base pron pos n. def See {base component}. base H1.18. syl base pron pos n. qual Electronics. def the region in a transistor between the emitter and collector. base H1.19. syl base pron pos n. qual Photog. def the glass, paper, or cellulose-ester film that supports the sensitized emulsion with which it is coated. base H1.20. syl base pron pos n. qual Heraldry. def the lower part of the shield. base H1.21. syl base pron pos n. qual Jewellery. def the quality factor used in pricing natural pearls. base H1.22. syl base pron pos n. def a starting or finishing point in any of various games. base H1.23. syl base pron pos n. qual Baseball. def any of the four corners of the diamond, which runners have to reach in order to score. get to first base 24. head base syl get to first base. qual U.S. informal. def to accomplish the first stage in a project or a series of objectives. off base 25. head base syl off base. qual U.S. informal. def wrong or badly mistaken. base H1.26. syl base pron pos vb. mod tr. usage foll. by on or upon def to use as a basis (for); found (on). exam 1 your criticisms are based on ignorance. base H1.27. syl base pron pos vb. usage often foll. by at or in def to station, post, or place (a person or oneself). base ety C14: from Old French bas, from Late Latin bassus of low height, perhaps from Greek bass*_on deeper base H2.1. syl base pron pos adj. def devoid of honour or morality; ignoble; contemptible. base H2.2. syl base pron pos adj. def of inferior quality or value. base H2.3. syl base pron pos adj. def debased; alloyed; counterfeit. exam 1 base currency. base H2.4.a. syl base pron pos adj. usage of land tenure def held by villein or other ignoble service. base H2.4.b. syl base pron pos adj. def holding land by villein or other ignoble service. base H2.5. syl base pron pos adj. qual Archaic. def born of humble parents; plebeian. base H2.6. syl base pron pos adj. qual Archaic. def illegitimate. base H2.7. syl base pron pos adj. n. qual Music. def an obsolete spelling of {bass%1}. basely sub head base syl base+ly pos adv. baseness sub head base syl base+ness pos n. baseball 1. syl base+ball pron <1bAs2bc:l> pos n. def a team game with nine players on each side, played on a field with four bases connected to form a diamond. The object is to score runs by batting the ball and running round the bases. baseball 2. syl base+ball pron <1bAs2bc:l> pos n. def the hard rawhide-covered ball used in this game. baseboard 1. syl base+board pron <1bAs2bc:d> pos n. def a board functioning as the base of anything. baseboard 2. syl base+board pron <1bAs2bc:d> pos n. def the usual U.S. word for {skirting board}. baseborn 1. syl base+born pron <1bAs2bc:n> pos adj. qual Archaic. def born of humble parents. baseborn 2. syl base+born pron <1bAs2bc:n> pos adj. qual Archaic. def illegitimate. baseborn 3. syl base+born pron <1bAs2bc:n> pos adj. qual Archaic. def mean; contemptible. baseburner 0. syl base+burn:er pron <1bAs2bR:n*> pos n. qual U.S. def a stove into which coal is automatically fed from a hopper above the fire chamber. base component 0. syl base com+po+nent pos n. def the system of rules in a transformational grammar that specify the deep structure of the language. base hospital 0. syl base hos+pit+al pos n. qual Austral. def a hospital serving a large rural area. Basle alt head Basel or Basel syl Basle pron pos n. Basel 1. or Basle syl Ba+sel pron <1ba:zL> pos n. def a canton of NW Switzerland, divided into the demicantons of {Basel-Land} and {Basel-Stadt}. Pops.: 204889 and 234945 (1970). Areas: 427 sq. km (165 sq. miles) and 36 sq. km (14 sq. miles) respectively. Basel 2. or Basle syl Ba+sel pron <1ba:zL> pos n. def a city in NW Switzerland, capital of Basel canton, on the Rhine: oldest university in Switzerland. Pop.: 195700 (1975 est.). French name: {B*^ale}. baseless 0. syl base+less pron <1bAslis> pos adj. def not based on fact; unfounded. exam 1 a baseless supposition. baselessly sub head baseless syl base+less+ly pos adv. baselessness sub head baseless syl base+less+ness pos n. base level 0. syl base lev+el pos n. def the lowest level to which a land surface can be eroded by streams, which is, ultimately, sea level. baseline 1. syl base+line pron <1bAs2lIn> pos n. qual Surveying. def a measured line through a survey area from which triangulations are made. baseline 2. syl base+line pron <1bAs2lIn> pos n. def an imaginary line, standard of value, etc., by which things are measured or compared. baseline 3. syl base+line pron <1bAs2lIn> pos n. def a line at each end of a tennis court that marks the limit of play. base load 0. syl base load pos n. def the more or less constant part of the total load on an electrical power-supply system. Compare {peak load}. basemen infl head baseman syl base+men. pos n. mod pl. baseman 0. syl base+man pron <1bAsm*n> pos n. qual Baseball. def a fielder positioned near a base. basement 1.a. syl base+ment pron <1bAsm*nt> pos n. def a partly or wholly underground storey of a building, esp. the one immediately below the main floor. Compare {cellar}. basement 1.b. syl base+ment pron <1bAsm*nt> pos n. usage as modifier exam 1 a basement flat. basement 2. syl base+ment pron <1bAsm*nt> pos n. def the foundation or substructure of a wall or building. base metal 0. syl base met+al pos n. def any of certain common metals such as copper, lead, zinc, and tin, as distinct from the precious metals, gold, silver, and platinum. basenji ety from a Bantu language basenji 0. syl ba+sen+ji pron pos n. def a small smooth-haired breed of dog of African origin having a tightly curled tail and an inability to bark. base period 0. syl base pe+ri+od pos n. qual Statistics. def a neutral period used as a standard for comparison in constructing an index to express a variable factor: 100 is usually taken as the index number for the variable in the base period. base rate 0. syl base rate pos n. qual Brit. def the rate of interest used by individual clearing banks as a basis for their lending rates. bases H1.0. syl ba+ses pron <1bAsEz> pos n. def the plural of {basis}. bases H2.0. syl bas:es pron <1bAsiz> pos n. def the plural of {base}. bash ety C17: of uncertain origin bash 1. syl bash pron pos vb. mod tr. qual Informal. def to strike violently or crushingly. bash 2. syl bash pron pos vb. mod tr. qual Informal. usage often foll. by in, down, etc. def to smash, break, etc., with a crashing blow. exam 1 to bash a door down. bash 3. syl bash pron pos vb. mod intr. qual Informal. usage foll. by into def to crash (into); collide (with). exam 1 to bash into a lamppost. bash 4. syl bash pron pos n. qual Informal. def a heavy blow, as from a fist. bash 5. syl bash pron pos n. qual Informal. def a party. have a bash 6. head bash syl have a bash. qual Informal. def to make an attempt. Bashan 0. syl Ba+shan pron <1bAS@n> pos n. qual Old Testament. def a region to the east of the Jordan, renowned for its rich pasture (Deuteronomy 32:14). bashaw 1. syl ba+shaw pron pos n. def a rare spelling of {pasha}. bashaw 2. syl ba+shaw pron pos n. def an important or pompous person. bashful ety C16: from bash, short for #7abash+ -#7ful bashful 1. syl bash+ful pron <1b@Sful> pos adj. def disposed to attempt to avoid notice through shyness or modesty; diffident; timid. bashful 2. syl bash+ful pron <1b@Sful> pos adj. def indicating or characterized by shyness or modesty. bashfully sub head bashful syl bash+ful+ly pos adv. bashfulness sub head bashful syl bash+ful+ness pos n. bashibazouk ety C19: from Turkish ba*,s@ibozuk irregular soldier, from bas head+ bozuk corrupt bashibazouk 0. syl bash:i+ba+zouk pron <2b@Sib*1zu:k> pos n. usage in the 19th century def one of a group of irregular Turkish soldiers notorious for their brutality. -bashing 0. syl -bash+ing pos n. exam 1 and adj. combining form. Informal or slang. -bashing 0.a. syl -bash+ing pos n. def indicating a malicious attack on members of a group. exam 1 queer-bashing; exam 2 union-bashing. -bashing 0.b. syl -bash+ing pos n. def indicating any of various other activities. exam 1 Bible-bashing; exam 2 spud-bashing; exam 3 square-bashing. Bashkir infl syl Bash+kir pos n. mod pl. Bashkirs infl head Bashkir syl Bash+kirs pos n. mod pl. Bashkir 1. syl Bash+kir pron pos n. def a member of a Mongoloid people of the Soviet Union, living chiefly in the Bashkir ASSR. Bashkir 2. syl Bash+kir pron pos n. def the language of this people, belonging to the Turkic branch of the Altaic family and closely related to Tatar. Bashkir Autonomous Soviet Socialist Republic 0. syl Bash+kir Au:ton:o+mous So+vi+et So+cial+ist Re+pub+lic pos n. def an administrative division of the E central Soviet Union, in the S Urals: established as the first Soviet autonomous republic in 1919; rich mineral resources. Capital: Ufa. Pop.: 3818075 (1970). Area: 143600 sq. km (55430 sq. miles). Also called: {Bash+kir@.i@.a} (b@a#s#!k$I$$r$I$$). bash up 0. syl bash up pos vb. adv. mod tr. qual Brit. slang. def to thrash; beat violently. basic 1. syl ba+sic pron <1bAsik>, Austral. also <1b@sik> pos adj. def of, relating to, or forming a base or basis; fundamental; underlying. basic 2. syl ba+sic pron <1bAsik>, Austral. also <1b@sik> pos adj. def elementary or simple. exam 1 a few basic facts. basic 3. syl ba+sic pron <1bAsik>, Austral. also <1b@sik> pos adj. def without additions or extras. exam 1 basic pay. basic 4.a. syl ba+sic pron <1bAsik>, Austral. also <1b@sik> pos adj. def of, denoting, or containing a base; alkaline. basic 4.b. syl ba+sic pron <1bAsik>, Austral. also <1b@sik> pos adj. usage of a salt def containing hydroxyl or oxide groups not all of which have been replaced by an acid radical. exam 1 basic lead carbonate, 2PbCO\3.Pb (OH) \2. basic 5. syl ba+sic pron <1bAsik>, Austral. also <1b@sik> pos adj. qual Metallurgy. def of, concerned with, or made by a process in which the furnace or converter is made of a basic material, such as magnesium oxide. basic 6. syl ba+sic pron <1bAsik>, Austral. also <1b@sik> pos adj. usage of such igneous rocks as basalt def containing less than 50 per cent silica. basic 7. syl ba+sic pron <1bAsik>, Austral. also <1b@sik> pos adj. qual Military. def primary or initial. exam 1 basic training. basic 8. syl ba+sic pron <1bAsik>, Austral. also <1b@sik> pos n. mod usually; pl. def a fundamental principle, fact, etc. basically sub head basic syl ba+si+cal+ly pos adv. basic education 0. syl ba+sic ed:u+ca+tion pos n. usage in India def education in which all teaching is correlated with the learning of a craft. basic English 0. syl ba+sic Eng+lish pos n. def a simplified form of English containing a vocabulary of approximately 850 of the commonest English words, intended as an international language. basicity 0.a. syl ba+sic+i:ty pron pos n. qual Chem. def the state of being a base. basicity 0.b. syl ba+sic+i:ty pron pos n. qual Chem. def the extent to which a substance is basic. basic slag 0. syl ba+sic slag pos n. def a furnace slag produced in steel-making, containing large amounts of calcium phosphate: used as a fertilizer. basidiomycete ety C19: from #7basidi (#7um) #7+ -#7mycete &- ba+@!sid@.i@.o+my+#!cet+ous adj. basidiomycete 0. syl ba+sid:i:o+my+cete pron pos n. def any fungus of the class in which the spores are produced in basidia. The group includes puffballs, smuts, and rusts. basidiospore 0. syl ba+sid:i:o+spore pron pos n. def one of the spores, usually four in number, produced in a basidium. basidiosporous sub head basidiospore syl ba+2sid:i:o+1spor+ous pos adj. basidium ety C19: from New Latin; see #7basis, -#7idium basidiia infl head basidium syl ba+sid+i:i:a pron <-i*> pos n. mod pl. basidium 0. syl ba+sid+i:um pron pos n. def the structure, produced by basidiomycetous fungi after sexual reproduction, in which spores are formed at the tips of projecting slender stalks. basidial sub head basidium syl ba+1sid+i:al pos adj. William infl head Basie syl Wil:liam pos n. Basie 0. syl Ba:sie pron <1bAsi> pos n. def called born 1904, U.S. jazz pianist, bandleader, and composer: associated particularly with the polished phrasing and style of big-band jazz. basifixed 0. syl bas:i+fixed pron <1bAsi2fixt> pos adj. usage Botany. of an anther def attached to the filament by its base. basifies infl head basify syl bas:i+fies pos vb. mod tr. basifying infl head basify syl bas:i+fy+ing pos vb. mod tr. basified infl head basify syl bas:i+fied. pos vb. mod tr. basify 0. syl bas:i+fy pron <1bAsi2fI> pos vb. mod tr. def to make basic. basil ety C15: from Old French basile, from Late Latin basilicum, from Greek basilikon, from basilikos royal, from basileus king basil 1. syl bas+il pron <1b@zL> pos n. def Also called: {sweet basil}. a Eurasian plant, having spikes of small white flowers and aromatic leaves used as herbs for seasoning: family (labiates). basil 2. syl bas+il pron <1b@zL> pos n. def Also called: {wild basil}. a European plant, (or , with dense clusters of small pink or whitish flowers: family basil-thyme 3. head basil syl basil-thyme. def a European plant, having clusters of small violet-and-white flowers: family Saint infl head Basil syl Saint pos n. Basil 0. syl Bas:il pron <1b@zL> pos n. def called ??329-379 #7a.d., Greek patriarch: an opponent of Arianism and one of the founders of monasticism. Feast Day: June 14. Basilan 1. syl Ba+si+lan pron , pos n. def a group of islands in the Philippines, SW of Mindanao. Basilan 2. syl Ba+si+lan pron , pos n. def the main island of this group, separated from Mindanao by the {Basilan Strait}. Area: 1282 sq. km (495 sq. miles). Basilan 3. syl Ba+si+lan pron , pos n. def a city on Basilan Island. Pop.: 143829 (1970). basilar ety C16: from New Latin basilaris, from Latin basis #7base %1; compare Medieval Latin bassile pelvis basilar 0. syl bas:i+lar pron <1b@sil*> pos adj. qual Chiefly anatomy. def of or situated at a base. exam 1 basilar artery Basildon 0. syl Ba+sil+don pron <1b@zild*n> pos n. def a town in SE England, in S Essex: designated a new town in 1955. Pop.: 77154 (1971). Basilian 0. syl Ba+sil+i:an pron pos n. def a monk of the Eastern Christian order of St. Basil, founded in Cappadocia in the 4th century #7a.d. basilica ety C16: from Latin, from Greek basilik*_e hall, from basilik*_e oikia the king's house, from basileus king; see #7basil &- ba+#!sil@.i+can or ba+#!sil+ic adj. basilica 1. syl ba+sil:i+ca pron pos n. def a Roman building, used for public administration, having a large rectangular central nave with an aisle on each side and an apse at the end. basilica 2. syl ba+sil:i+ca pron pos n. def a rectangular early Christian or medieval church, usually having a nave with clerestories, two or four aisles, one or more vaulted apses, and a timber roof. basilica 3. syl ba+sil:i+ca pron pos n. def a Roman Catholic church having special ceremonial rights. Basilicata 0. syl Ba+si+li+ca+ta pron Italian pos n. def a region of S Italy, between the Tyrrhenian Sea and the Gulf of Taranto. Capital: Potenza. Pop.: 602389 (1971). Area: 9985 sq. km (3855 sq. miles). basilic vein ety C18: from Latin basilicus kingly; see #7basil basilic vein 0. syl ba+sil+ic vein pron pos n. def a large vein situated on the inner side of the arm. basilisk ety C14: from Latin basiliscus, from Greek basiliskos royal child, from basileus king basilisk 1. syl bas:i+lisk pron <1b@zi2lisk> pos n. usage in classical legend def a serpent that could kill by its breath or glance. basilisk 2. syl bas:i+lisk pron <1b@zi2lisk> pos n. def any small arboreal semiaquatic lizard of the genus of tropical America: family (iguanas). The males have an inflatable head crest, used in display. basilisk 3. syl bas:i+lisk pron <1b@zi2lisk> pos n. usage formerly def a large cannon, usually made of brass. basin ety C13: from Old French bacin, from Late Latin bacch*_inon, from Vulgar Latin bacca (unattested) container for water; related to Latin b*_aca berry basin 1. syl ba+sin pron <1bAsN> pos n. def a round container open and wide at the top with sides sloping inwards towards the bottom or base, esp. one in which liquids are mixed or stored. basin 2. syl ba+sin pron <1bAsN> pos n. def Also called: {ba+sin+ful}. the amount a basin will hold. basin 3. syl ba+sin pron <1bAsN> pos n. def a washbasin or sink. basin 4. syl ba+sin pron <1bAsN> pos n. def any partially enclosed or sheltered area where vessels may be moored or docked. basin 5. syl ba+sin pron <1bAsN> pos n. def the catchment area of a particular river and its tributaries or of a lake or sea. basin 6. syl ba+sin pron <1bAsN> pos n. def a depression in the earth's surface. basin 7. syl ba+sin pron <1bAsN> pos n. qual Geology. def a part of the earth's surface consisting of rock strata that slope down to a common centre. basinet ety C14: from Old French bacinet, a little basin, from bacin #7basin bascinet alt head basinet or basinet syl bas+ci+net pron <1b@sinit>, <-2net> pos n. basinet 0. or bascinet syl bas:i+net pron <1b@sinit>, <-2net> pos n. def a close-fitting medieval helmet of light steel. Basingstoke 0. syl Ba+sing+stoke pron <1bAziG2st*uk> pos n. def a town in S England, in N Hampshire. Pop.: 52502 (1971). basion ety C19: from New Latin, from Latin basis #7base basion 0. syl ba+si:on pron <1bAsi*n> pos n. qual Anatomy. def the midpoint on the forward border of the foramen magnum. basipetal 0. syl ba+sip+e:tal pron pos adj. usage of leaves and flowers def produced in order from the apex downwards so that the youngest are at the base. Compare {acropetal}. basis ety C14: via Latin from Greek: step, from bainein to step, go bases infl head basis syl ba+ses pron <-sEz> pos n. mod pl. basis 1. syl ba+sis pron <1bAsis> pos n. def something that underlies, supports, or is essential to something else, esp. an abstract idea. basis 2. syl ba+sis pron <1bAsis> pos n. def a principle on which something depends or from which something has issued. bask ety C14: from Old Norse bathask to #7bathe bask 1. syl bask pron pos vb. mod intr. usage usually foll. by in def to lie in or be exposed to pleasant warmth, esp. that of the sun. bask 2. syl bask pron pos vb. mod intr. usage usually foll. by in def to flourish or feel secure under some benevolent influence or favourable condition. Baskerville ety C18: named after John Baskerville (1706-1775), English printer Baskerville 0. syl Bas:ker:ville pron <1b@sk*2vil> pos n. def a style of type. basket ety C13: probably from Old Northern French baskot (unattested), from Latin bascauda basketwork holder, of Celtic origin basket 1. syl bas+ket pron <1ba:skit> pos n. def a container made of interwoven strips of pliable materials, such as cane, straw, thin wood, or plastic, and often carried by means of a handle or handles. basket 2. syl bas+ket pron <1ba:skit> pos n. def Also called: {bas+ket+ful}. the amount a basket will hold. basket 3. syl bas+ket pron <1ba:skit> pos n. def something resembling such a container in appearance or function, such as the structure suspended from a balloon. basket 4.a. syl bas+ket pron <1ba:skit> pos n. def an open horizontal metal hoop fixed to the backboard, through which a player must throw the ball to score points. basket 4.b. syl bas+ket pron <1ba:skit> pos n. def a point or points scored in this way. basket 5. syl bas+ket pron <1ba:skit> pos n. qual Informal. def a euphemism for { {bastard} (senses 2, 3)}. basketball 1. syl bas:ket+ball pron <1ba:skit2bc:l> pos n. def a game played by two opposing teams of five men (or six women) each, usually on an indoor court. Points are scored by throwing the ball through an elevated horizontal metal hoop. basketball 2. syl bas:ket+ball pron <1ba:skit2bc:l> pos n. def the inflated ball used in this game. basket chair 0. syl bas+ket chair pos n. def a chair made of wickerwork; a wicker chair. basket clause 0. syl bas+ket clause pos n. def an all-inclusive or comprehensive clause in a contract. basket hilt 0. syl bas+ket hilt pos n. def a hilt fitted to a sword, with a basket-shaped guard to protect the hand. basket-hilted sub head basket hilt syl bas:ket-2hilt:ed pos adj. Basket Maker 0. syl Bas+ket Mak+er pos n. def a member of an early American Indian people of the southwestern U.S., preceding the Pueblo people, known for skill in basket-making. basketry 1. syl bas+ket+ry pron <1ba:skitri> pos n. def the art or practice of making baskets. basketry 2. syl bas+ket+ry pron <1ba:skitri> pos n. def baskets collectively. basket-star 0. syl bas:ket-star pos n. def any of several echinoderms of the genus in which long slender arms radiate from a central disc: order (brittle-stars). basket weave 0. syl bas+ket weave pos n. def a weave of two or more yarns together, resembling that of a basket, esp. in wool or linen fabric. basketwork 0. syl bas:ket+work pron <1ba:skit2wR:k> pos n. def another word for {wickerwork}. basking shark 0. syl bask+ing shark pos n. def a very large plankton-eating shark, often floating at the sea surface: family Basle 0. syl Basle pron pos n. def a variant spelling of {Basel}. bas mitzvah ety Hebrew, literally: daughter of the commandment bas mitzvah 1. syl bas mitz+vah pron <1mitsv*> pos n. qual Judaism. usage sometimes caps.; in some congregations def a celebration of a girl's 12th birthday, equivalent to a boy's bar mitzvah. bas mitzvah 2. syl bas mitz+vah pron <1mitsv*> pos n. qual Judaism. usage sometimes caps. def a girl of this age. bas mitzvah xref syl bas mitz+vah pron <1mitsv*> pos n. qual Judaism. usage sometimes caps. def Also called: {bat mitz+vah} {bath mitz+vah}. basophile alt head basophil or basophil syl ba+so+phile pos adj. basophil 1. or basophile syl ba+so+phil pron <1bAs*fil> pos adj. usage also; of cells or cell contents def easily stained by basic dyes. basophil 2. or basophile syl ba+so+phil pron <1bAs*fil> pos n. usage also def a basophil cell, esp. a leucocyte. Basotho infl or Basothos syl Ba+so+tho pos n. mod pl. Basothos infl head Basotho or Basotho syl Ba+so+thos. pos n. mod pl. Basotho 0. syl Ba+so+tho pron , <-1s*ut*u> pos n. def a member of the subgroup of the Sotho people who chiefly inhabit Lesotho. Former name: {Basuto}. Basotho-Qwaqwa 0. syl Ba:so:tho-Qwa:qwa pron <1kwa:kw*>, <-1s*ut*u> pos n. def a Bantu?!stan in South Africa, in the Orange Free State; the only Bantustan without exclaves. Former name (until 1972): {Basotho-Ba-Borwa}. Basque ety C19: from French, from Latin Vasc*_o a Basque Basque 1. syl Basque pron , pos n. def a member of a people of unknown origin living around the W Pyrenees in France and Spain. Basque 2. syl Basque pron , pos n. def the language of this people, of no known relationship with any other language. Basque 3. syl Basque pron , pos adj. def relating to, denoting, or characteristic of this people or their language. Basque Provinces 0. syl Basque Prov+inc:es pos n. def a region of N Spain, comprising the provinces of *'Alava, Guip*'uzcoa, and Viscaya: inhabited mainly by Basques, who retained virtual autonomy from the 9th to the 19th century. Pop.: 1878636 (1970). Area: about 7250 sq. km (2800 sq. miles). Basrah infl head Basra syl Bas+rah pron <1b@zr*> pos n. Busra infl head Basra or Busrah syl Bus+ra pron <1b^sr*> pos n. Busrah infl head Basra or Busra syl Bus+rah pron <1b^sr*> pos n. Basra 0. syl Bas+ra pron <1b@zr*> pos n. def a port in SE Iraq, on the Shatt-al-Arab. Pop.: 310950 (1965). bas-relief ety C17: from French, from Italian basso rilievo low relief; see #7base %2#7, relief bas-relief 0. syl bas-re:lief pron <2ba:ri1lEf>, <2b@s-> <1ba:ri2lEf>, <1b@s-> pos n. def sculpture in low relief, in which the forms project slightly from the background but no part is completely detached from it. Also called (Italian): {basso rilievo}. Bas-Rhin 0. syl Bas-Rhin pron French <1r?~e> pos n. def a department of NE France in Alsace region. Capital: Strasbourg. Pop.: 896185 (1975). Area: 4793 sq. km (1869 sq. miles). bass ety C15 bas #7base %1; modern spelling influenced by #7basso bass H1.1. syl bass pron pos n. def the lowest adult male voice usually having a range from E a 13th below middle C to D a tone above it. bass H1.2. syl bass pron pos n. def a singer with such a voice. the bass 3. head bass syl the bass. def the lowest part in a piece of harmony. See also {thorough bass}. bass H1.4. syl bass pron pos n. qual Informal. def short for {bass guitar, double bass}. bass H1.5.a. syl bass pron pos n. def the low-frequency gain of an audio amplifier, esp. in a record player or tape recorder. bass H1.5.b. syl bass pron pos n. def the knob controlling this on such an instrument. {~} bass H1.6. syl bass pron pos n. def relating to or denoting the bass. exam 1 bass pitch; exam 2 the bass part. bass H1.7. syl bass pron pos n. def denoting the lowest and largest instrument in a family. exam 1 a bass clarinet. bass ety C15: changed from #7base %2#7, influ?!enced by Italian basso low bass H2.1. syl bass pron pos n. def any of various sea perches, esp. a popular game fish with one large spiny dorsal fin separate from a second smaller one. See also {sea bass, stone bass}. bass H2.2. syl bass pron pos n. def another name for the {European perch} (see { {perch%2} (sense 1)}). bass H2.3. syl bass pron pos n. def any of various predatory North American freshwater percoid fishes, such as ({large?!mouth bass}) : family (sunfishes, etc.). See also {black bass, rock bass}. bass H3.1. syl bass pron pos n. def another name for {bast}. bass H3.2. syl bass pron pos n. def short for {basswood}. bass clef 0. syl bass clef pron pos n. def the clef that establishes F a fifth below middle C on the fourth line of the staff. Symbol: #800059 Also called: {F clef}. bass drum 0. syl bass drum pron pos n. def a large shallow drum of low and indefinite pitch. Also called: {gran cassa}. Bassein 0. syl Bas+sein pron pos n. def a city in Burma, on the Irrawaddy delta: a port on the {Bassein River} (the westernmost distributary of the Irrawaddy). Pop.: 133000 (1969 est.). Basse-Normandie 0. syl Basse-Nor:man+die pron French pos n. def a region of NW France, on the English Channel: consists of the Cherbourg peninsula in the west rising to the Normandy hills in the east; mainly agricultural. Bassenthwaite 0. syl Bas+sen+thwaite pron <1b@sN2TwAt> pos n. def a lake in NW England, in Cumbria near Keswick. Length: 6 km (4 miles). Basses-Alpes 0. syl Basses-Alpes pron French <1alp> pos n. def the former name for {Alpes-de-Haute-Provence}. Basses-Pyr'en'ees 0. syl Basses-Py:r*'e:n*'ees pron French pos n. def the former name for {Pyr*'en*'ees (Atlantiques) }. basset ety C17: from French, from basset short, from bas low; see #7base %2 basset H1.0. syl bas+set pron <1b@sit> pos n. def a long low smooth-haired breed of hound with short strong legs and long ears. Also called: {basset hound}. basset ety C17: perhaps from French: low stool, see #7basset %1 bassets infl head basset syl bas+sets pos n. basseting infl head basset syl bas+set+ing pos n. basseted infl head basset syl bas+set+ed. pos n. basset H2.0. syl bas+set pron <1b@sit> pos vb. def a less common word for {outcrop}. Basse-Terre 1. syl Basse-Terre pron <1b@s> <1te*>, French <1te:r> pos n. def a mountainous island in the West Indies, in the Leeward Islands, comprising part of Guadeloupe. Basse-Terre 2. syl Basse-Terre pron <1b@s> <1te*>, French <1te:r> pos n. def a port in W Guadeloupe, on Basse-Terre Island: the capital of the French Overseas Region of Guadeloupe. Pop.: 5800 (1967). Basseterre 0. syl Basse+terre pron , French pos n. def a port in the West Indies, on St. Kitts in the Leeward Islands: the capital of St. Kitts and of the British Associated State of St. Kitts-Nevis-Anguilla. Pop.: 15833 (1967). basset horn ety C19: probably from German Bassetthorn, from Italian bassetto, diminutive of #7basso+horn basset horn 0. syl bas+set horn pos n. def an obsolete woodwind instrument of the clarinet family. bass guitar 0. syl bass gui+tar pron pos n. def an electrically amplified guitar that has the same pitch and tuning as a double bass. bassinet ety C19: from French: little basin, from bassin #7basin ; associated in folk etymology with French barcelonnette a little cradle, from berceau cradle bassinet 0. syl bas+si+net pron <2b@si1net> pos n. def a wickerwork or wooden cradle or pram, usually hooded. bassist 0. syl bass+ist pron <1bAsist> pos n. def a player of a double bass, esp. in a jazz band. basso ety C19: from Italian, from Late Latin bassus low; see #7base %2 bassos infl head basso or bassi syl bas+sos pron <-si> pos n. mod pl. bassi infl head basso or bassos syl bas+si pron <-si> pos n. mod pl. basso 0. syl bas+so pron <1b@s*u> pos n. usage esp. in operatic or solo singing def a singer with a bass voice. basso continuo ety Italian, literally: continuous bass basso continuo 0. syl bas+so con+tin:u:o pos n. def another term for {thorough bass}. Often shortened to {continuo}. bassoon ety C18: from French basson, from Italian bassone, from basso deep; see #7base %2 bassoon 1. syl bas+soon pron pos n. def a woodwind instrument, the tenor of the oboe family. Range: about three and a half octaves upwards from the B flat below the bass staff. bassoon 2. syl bas+soon pron pos n. def an orchestral musician who plays the bassoon. bassoonist sub head bassoon syl bas+1soon+ist pos n. basso profundo ety Italian, literally: deep bass basso profundo 0. syl bas+so pro+fun+do pron , Italian pos n. usage esp. in operatic solo singing def a singer with a very deep bass voice. basso rilievos infl head basso rilievo syl bas+so ri+lie:vos. pos n. mod pl. basso rilievo 0. syl bas+so ri+lie:vo pron Italian <1basso> pos n. def Italian name for {bas-relief}. Bass Strait 0. syl Bass Strait pron pos n. def a channel between mainland Australia and Tasmania, linking the Indian Ocean and the Tasman Sea. bass viol 1. syl bass vi:ol pron pos n. def another name for {viola da gamba}. bass viol 2. syl bass vi:ol pron pos n. qual U.S. def a less common name for { {double bass} (sense 1)}. basswood ety C19: from #7bass %3 basswood 1. syl bass+wood pron <1b@s2wud> pos n. def any of several North American linden trees, esp. Sometimes shortened to {bass}. basswood 2. syl bass+wood pron <1b@s2wud> pos n. def the soft light-coloured wood of any of these trees, used for furniture. bast ety Old English b@ast; related to Old Norse, Middle High German bast bast 1. syl bast pron pos n. qual Botany. def another name for {phloem}. bast 2. syl bast pron pos n. def fibrous material obtained from the phloem of jute, hemp, flax, lime, etc., used for making rope, matting, etc. bast xref syl bast pron pos n. def Also called: {bass}. bastard ety C13: from Old French bastart, perhaps from bast in the phrase fils de bast son of the packsaddle (that is, of an unlawful and not the marriage bed), from Medieval Latin bastum packsaddle, of uncertain origin bastard 1. syl bas+tard pron <1ba:st*d>, <1b@s-> pos n. def a person born of unmarried parents; an illegitimate baby, child, or adult. bastard 2. syl bas+tard pron <1ba:st*d>, <1b@s-> pos n. qual Informal, offensive. def an obnoxious or despicable person. bastard 3. syl bas+tard pron <1ba:st*d>, <1b@s-> pos n. qual Informal, often humorous or affectionate. def a person, esp. a man. exam 1 lucky bastard. bastard 4. syl bas+tard pron <1ba:st*d>, <1b@s-> pos n. qual Informal. def something extremely difficult or un?!pleasant. exam 1 that job is a real bastard. bastard 5. syl bas+tard pron <1ba:st*d>, <1b@s-> pos n. def something irregular, abnormal, or inferior. bastard 6. syl bas+tard pron <1ba:st*d>, <1b@s-> pos n. def a hybrid, esp. an accidental or inferior one. bastard 7. syl bas+tard pron <1ba:st*d>, <1b@s-> pos adj. usage prenominal def illegitimate by birth. bastard 8. syl bas+tard pron <1ba:st*d>, <1b@s-> pos adj. usage prenominal def irregular, abnormal, or inferior in shape, size, or appearance. bastard 9. syl bas+tard pron <1ba:st*d>, <1b@s-> pos adj. usage prenominal def resembling a specified thing, but not actually being such. exam 1 a bastard cedar. bastard 10. syl bas+tard pron <1ba:st*d>, <1b@s-> pos adj. usage prenominal def counterfeit; spurious. bastardly sub head bastard syl bas+tard+ly pos adj. bastardisation alt head bastardization or bastardization syl bas+tard:i+sa+tion pron <2ba:st*dI1zAS*n>, <2b@s-> pos n. bastardization 1. or bastardisation syl bas+tard:i+za+tion pron <2ba:st*dI1zAS*n>, <2b@s-> pos n. def the act of bastardizing. bastardization 2.a. or bastardisation syl bas+tard:i+za+tion pron <2ba:st*dI1zAS*n>, <2b@s-> pos n. def an initiation ceremony in a school or military unit, esp. one involving brutality. bastardization 2.b. or bastardisation syl bas+tard:i+za+tion pron <2ba:st*dI1zAS*n>, <2b@s-> pos n. def brutality or bullying. bastardise alt head bastardize or bastardize syl bas+tard+ise pron <1ba:st*2dIz>, <1b@s-> pos vb. mod tr. bastardize 1. or bastardise syl bas+tard+ize pron <1ba:st*2dIz>, <1b@s-> pos vb. mod tr. def to debase; corrupt. bastardize 2. or bastardise syl bas+tard+ize pron <1ba:st*2dIz>, <1b@s-> pos vb. mod tr. def to declare illegitimate. bastard measles 0. syl bas+tard mea+sles pos n. qual Pathol. def an informal name for {rubella}. bastardry 0. syl bas+tard+ry pron <1ba:st*dri>, <1b@s-> pos n. qual Chiefly Austral. def malicious or cruel behaviour. bastard title 0. syl bas+tard ti+tle pos n. def another name for {half-title} (of a book). bastard wing 0. syl bas+tard wing pos n. def a tuft of feathers attached to the first digit of a bird, distinct from the wing feathers attached to the other digits and the ulna. Also called: {alula}. bastardy 0. syl bas+tard:y pron <1ba:st*di>, <1b@s-> pos n. def the condition of being a bastard; illegitimacy. baste ety C14: from Old French bastir to build, of Germanic origin; compare Old High German besten to sew with #7bast baste H1.0. syl baste pron pos vb. mod tr. def to sew with loose temporary stitches. baste ety C15: of uncertain origin baste H2.0. syl baste pron pos vb. def to moisten (meat) during cooking with hot fat and the juices produced. baste ety C16: probably from Old Norse beysta baste H3.0. syl baste pron pos vb. mod tr. def to beat thoroughly; thrash. basti ety Urdu: settlement bustee infl head basti or busti syl bus+tee pron <1b^sti> pos n. busti infl head basti or bustee syl bus+ti pron <1b^sti> pos n. basti 0. syl bas+ti pron <1b^sti> pos n. usage in India def a slum inhabited by poor people. Bastia 0. syl Bas+tia pron <1ba:stj*> pos n. def a port in NE Corsica: the main commercial and industrial town of the island: capital of Haute-Corse department. Pop.: 49375 (1968). Bastille ety C14: from Old French bastile fortress, from Old Proven*,cal bastida, from bastir to build, of Germanic origin; see #7baste %1 Bastille 0. syl Bas+tille pron , French pos n. def a fortress in Paris, built in the 14th century: a prison until its destruction in 1789, at the beginning of the French Revolution. Bastille Day 0. syl Bas+tille Day pos n. usage in France def an annual holiday on July 14, commemorating the fall of the Bastille. bastinado ety C16: from Spanish bastonada, from baston stick, from Late Latin bastum; see #7baton bastinadoes infl head bastinado syl bas+ti+na+does. pos n. mod pl. bastinado 1. syl bas+ti+na+do pron <2b@sti1nAd*u> pos n. def punishment or torture in which the soles of the feet are beaten with a stick. bastinado 2. syl bas+ti+na+do pron <2b@sti1nAd*u> pos n. def a blow or beating with a stick. bastinado 3. syl bas+ti+na+do pron <2b@sti1nAd*u> pos n. def a stick; cudgel. bastinadoes infl head bastinado syl bas+ti+na+does pos vb. bastinadoing infl head bastinado syl bas+ti+na+do+ing pos vb. bastinadoed infl head bastinado syl bas+ti+na+doed. pos vb. bastinado 4. syl bas+ti+na+do pron <2b@sti1nAd*u> pos vb. mod tr. def to beat (a person) on the soles of the feet. basting 1. syl bast+ing pron <1bAstiG> pos n. def loose temporary stitches; tacking. basting 2. syl bast+ing pron <1bAstiG> pos n. def sewing with such stitches. bastion ety C16: from French, from earlier bastillon bastion, from bastille #7bastille bastion 1. syl bas+ti+on pron <1b@sti*n> pos n. def a projecting part of a rampart, connected by two flanks to the main fortification, esp. one at the angle of a wall. bastion 2. syl bas+ti+on pron <1b@sti*n> pos n. def any fortified place. bastion 3. syl bas+ti+on pron <1b@sti*n> pos n. def a thing or person regarded as upholding or defending an attitude, principle, etc.. exam 1 the last bastion of opposition. bastnaesite ety C19: from Swedish bastn*"asit, after Bastn*"as, Sweden, where it was found bastnasite alt head bastnaesite or bastnaesite syl bast+nas+ite pron <1b@stn*2sIt> pos n. bastnaesite 0. or bastnasite syl bast+naes+ite pron <1b@stn*2sIt> pos n. def a rare yellow to reddish-brown mineral consisting of a carbonate of fluorine and several lanthanide metals. It occurs in association with zinc and is a source of the lanthanides. Formula: LaFCO\3. Bastogne 0. syl Ba+stogne pron , French pos n. def a town in SE Belgium: of strategic importance to Allied defences during the Battle of the Bulge; besieged by the Germans during the winter of 1944-45. Pop.: 6816 (1970). Basutos infl head Basuto or Basuto syl Ba+su+tos pos n. mod pl. Basuto infl or Basutos syl Ba+su+to. pos n. mod pl. Basuto 0. syl Ba+su+to pron pos n. def a former name for { {Sotho} (senses 3, 4)}. Basutoland 0. syl Ba+su+to+land pron pos n. def the former name (until 1966) of {Lesotho}. bat ety Old English batt club, probably of Celtic origin; compare Gaelic bat, Russian bat bat H1.1.a. syl bat pron pos n. def any of various types of club with a handle, used to hit the ball in certain sports, such as cricket, baseball, or table tennis. bat H1.2. syl bat pron pos n. def a flat round club with a short handle, resembling a table-tennis bat, used by a man on the ground to guide the pilot of an aircraft when taxiing. bat H1.3. syl bat pron pos n. qual Cricket. def short for {batsman}. bat H1.4. syl bat pron pos n. def any stout stick, esp. a wooden one. bat H1.5. syl bat pron pos n. qual Informal. def a blow from such a stick. bat H1.6. syl bat pron pos n. qual Austral. def a small board used for tossing the coins in the game of two-up. bat H1.7. syl bat pron pos n. qual U.S. slang. def a drinking spree; binge. bat H1.8. syl bat pron pos n. qual Slang. def speed; rate; pace. exam 1 they went at a fair bat. bat H1.9. syl bat pron pos n. def another word for {batting} (sense 1). carry one's bat 10. head bat syl carry one's bat. usage Cricket. of a batsman def to reach the end of an innings without being dismissed. off one's own bat 11. head bat syl off one's own bat. def of one's own accord; without being prompted by someone else. (right) off the bat 12. head bat syl (right) off the bat. qual U.S. informal. def immediately; without hesitation. bats infl head bat syl bats pos vb. batting infl head bat syl bat+ting pos vb. batted infl head bat syl bat+ted. pos vb. bat H1.13. syl bat pron pos vb. mod tr. def to strike with or as if with a bat. bat H1.14. syl bat pron pos vb. mod intr. usage Cricket, etc. of a player or a team def to take a turn at batting. bat xref syl bat pron pos n. def See also {bat around}. bat ety C14 bakke, probably of Scandinavian origin; compare Old Norse ledhrblaka leather-flapper, Swedish dialect natt-batta night bat bat H2.1. syl bat pron pos n. def any placental mammal of the order any nocturnal mouselike animal flying with a pair of membranous wings (patagia). The group is divided into the ({fruit bats}) and ({insectivorous bats) }. blind as a bat 2. head bat syl blind as a bat. def having extremely poor eyesight. have bats in the 3. head bat or one's belfry syl have bats in the qual Informal. def to be mad or eccentric; have strange ideas. batlike sub head bat syl bat+like pos adj. bat ety C17: probably a variant of #7bate %2 bats infl head bat syl bats pos vb. batting infl head bat syl bat+ting pos vb. batted infl head bat syl bat+ted. pos vb. bat H3.1. syl bat pron pos vb. mod tr. def to wink or flutter (one's eyelids). not bat an eye 2. head bat or eyelid syl not bat an eye qual Informal. def to show no surprise or concern. Bataan 0. syl Ba+taan pron , <-1ta:n> pos n. def a peninsula in the Philippines, in W Luzon: scene of the surrender of U.S. and Philippine forces to the Japanese during World War II, later retaken by American forces. Batangas 0. syl Ba+tan+gas pron pos n. def a port in the Philippines, in SW Luzon. Pop.: 125304 (1975 est.). Batan Islands 0. syl Ba+tan Is+lands pron pos n. mod pl. def a group of islands in the Philippines, north of Luzon. Capital: Basco. Pop.: 11398 (1970). Area: 197 sq. km (76 sq. miles). bat around 1. syl bat a:round pos adv. mod tr. qual U.S. slang. def to discuss (an idea, proposition, etc.) informally. bat around 2. syl bat a:round pos vb. mod intr. def Also: {bat along}. to wander or move about. batata ety C16: from Spanish, from Taino batata 0. syl ba+ta+ta pron pos n. def another name for {sweet potato}. Batavia 1. syl Ba+ta+vi:a pron pos n. def an ancient district of the Netherlands, on an island at the mouth of the Rhine. Batavia 2. syl Ba+ta+vi:a pron pos n. def an archaic or literary name for {Holland}. Batavia 3. syl Ba+ta+vi:a pron pos n. def a former name for {Djakarta}. &- {Ba+#!ta+vi+an} batch ety C15 bache; related to Old English bacan to #7bake ; compare Old English geb@ac batch, German Geb*"ack batch H1.1. syl batch pron pos n. def a group or set of usually similar objects or people, esp. if sent off, handled, or arriving at the same time. batch H1.2. syl batch pron pos n. def the bread, cakes, etc., produced at one baking. batch H1.3. syl batch pron pos n. def the amount of a material needed for an operation. batch H1.4. syl batch pron pos n. def Also called: {batch loaf}. a tall loaf having a close texture and a thick crust on the top and bottom, baked as part of a batch: the sides of each loaf are greased so that they will pull apart after baking to have white crumby sides; made esp. in Scotland and Ireland. batch H2.0. syl batch pron pos vb. def a variant spelling of {bach}. batch processing 0. syl batch pro+cess+ing pos n. def a system by which the computer programs of a number of individual users are submitted to the computer as a single batch. Compare {time sharing}. bate H1.1. syl bate pron pos vb. def another word for {abate}. with bated breath 2. head bate syl with bated breath. def holding one's breath in suspense or fear. bate ety C13: from Old French batre to beat, from Latin battuere; related to #7bat %1 bate H2.0. syl bate pron pos vb. mod intr. usage of hawks def to jump violently from a perch or the falconer's fist, often hanging from the leash while struggling to escape. bate ety Old English b*_@atan to #7bait %1 bate H3.1. syl bate pron pos vb. mod tr. def to soak (skin or hides) in a special solution to soften them and remove chemicals used in previous treatments. bate H3.2. syl bate pron pos n. def the solution used. bate ety C19: from #7bait %1, alluding to the mood of a person who is being baited bate H4.0. syl bate pron pos n. qual Brit. informal. def a bad temper or rage. bateau ety C18: from French: boat, from Old French batel, from Old English b*_at; see #7boat bateaux infl head bateau syl ba+teaux pron <-t*uz>, French <-1to> pos n. mod pl. bateau 0. syl ba+teau pron , French , French <-1to> pos n. def a light flat-bottomed boat used on rivers in Canada and the northern U.S. bateleur eagle ety C19: from French bateleur juggler bateleur eagle 0. syl bat+e:leur ea+gle pron <2b@t*1lR:> pos n. def an African crested bird of prey, with a short tail and long wings: subfamily family (hawks, etc.). H(erbert) E(rnest) infl head Bates syl H(erbert) E(rnest). pos n. Bates 0. syl Bates pron pos n. def 1905-74, English writer of short stories and novels, which include (1958), (1964), and (1970). Batesian mimicry ety C19: named after H. W. Bates (1825-92), English naturalist who formulated the hypothesis Batesian mimicry 0. syl Bates+i:an mim+ic+ry pron <1bAtsi*n> pos n. qual Zoology. def mimicry in which a harmless species is protected from predators by means of its resemblance to a harmful or inedible species. batfish infl or batfishes syl bat+fish pos n. mod pl. batfishes infl head batfish or batfish syl bat+fish:es. pos n. mod pl. batfish 0. syl bat+fish pron <1b@t2fiS> pos n. def any angler of the family having a flattened scaleless body and moving on the sea floor by means of fleshy pectoral and pelvic fins. batfowl 0. syl bat+fowl pron <1b@t2faul> pos vb. mod intr. def to catch birds by temporarily blinding them with light. batfowler sub head batfowl syl bat+2fowl+er pos n. bath ety Old English b@ath; compare Old High German bad, Old Norse bath; related to Swedish basa to clean with warm water, Old High German b*_aen to warm baths infl head bath syl baths pron pos n. mod pl. bath H1.1. syl bath pron pos n. def a large container, esp. one made of enamelled iron or plastic, used for washing or medically treating the body. Related adj.: {balneal}. bath H1.2. syl bath pron pos n. def the act or an instance of washing in such a container. bath H1.3. syl bath pron pos n. def the amount of liquid contained in a bath. bath H1.4. syl bath pron pos n. mod usually; pl. def a place having baths or a swimming pool for public use. bath H1.5.a. syl bath pron pos n. def a vessel in which something is immersed to maintain it at a constant temperature, to process it photographically, electrolytically, etc., or to lubricate it. bath H1.5.b. syl bath pron pos n. def the liquid used in such a vessel. bath H1.6. syl bath pron pos vb. qual Brit. def to wash in a bath. bath ety Hebrew bath H2.0. syl bath pron pos n. def an ancient Hebrew unit of liquid measure equal to about 8.3 Imperial gallons or 10 U.S. gallons. Bath 0. syl Bath pron pos n. def a city in SW England, in Avon county on the River Avon: famous for its hot springs; a fashionable spa in the 18th century; Roman remains, notably the baths. Pop.: 84545 (1971). Latin name: {Aquae Sulis}. bath bun ety C19: from B#7ath, where it was originally made bath bun 0. syl bath bun pos n. qual Brit. def a sweet bun containing spices and dried fruit. Bath chair 0. syl Bath chair pos n. def a wheelchair for invalids, often with a hood. Bath chap 0. syl Bath chap pos n. def the lower part of the cheek of a pig, cooked and eaten, usually cold. bath cube 0. syl bath cube pos n. def a cube of soluble scented material for use in a bath. bathe ety Old English bathian; related to Old Norse batha, Old High German bad*_on bathe 1. syl bathe pron pos vb. mod intr. def to swim or paddle in a body of open water or a river, esp. for pleasure. bathe 2. syl bathe pron pos vb. mod tr. def to apply liquid to (skin, a wound, etc.) in order to cleanse or soothe. bathe 3. syl bathe pron pos vb. def to immerse or be immersed in a liquid. exam 1 to bathe machine parts in oil. bathe 4. syl bathe pron pos vb. qual Chiefly U.S. def to wash in a bath. bathe 5. syl bathe pron pos vb. mod tr. usage often passive def to suffuse. exam 1 her face was bathed with radiance. bathe 6. syl bathe pron pos vb. mod tr. usage of water, the sea, etc. def to lap; wash. exam 1 waves bathed the shore. bathe 7. syl bathe pron pos n. qual Brit. def a swim or paddle in a body of open water or a river. bather sub head bathe syl bath+er pos n. bathers 0. syl bath+ers pron <1bA@d*z> pos n. mod pl. qual Austral. def a swimming costume. bathetic 0. syl ba+thet+ic pron pos adj. def containing or displaying bathos. bathhouse 0. syl bath+house pron <1ba:T2haus> pos n. def a building containing baths, esp. for public use. bathing beauty 0. syl bath+ing beaut:y pron <1bADiG> pos n. def an attractive girl in a swimming costume. Also called (old-fashioned): {bath+ing belle}. bathing costume 0. syl bath+ing cos+tume pron <1bADiG> pos n. def a brief garment worn for swimming or sunbathing. bathing machine 0. syl bath+ing ma+chine pron <1bADiG> pos n. def a small hut, on wheels so that it could be pulled to the sea, used in the 18th and 19th centuries for bathers to change their clothes. bathing suit 1. syl bath+ing suit pron <1bADiG> pos n. def a garment worn for bathing, esp. an old-fashioned one that covers much of the body. bathing suit 2. syl bath+ing suit pron <1bADiG> pos n. def another name (esp. U.S.) for {swimming costume}. batho- 0. syl bath:o- usage combining form. def variant of {bathy-} . exam 1 bathometer. batholite alt head batholith or batholith syl bath:o+lite pron <1b@T*2lIt> pos n. batholith 0. or batholite syl bath:o+lith pron <1b@T*liT> pos n. def a very large irregular-shaped mass of igneous rock, esp. granite, formed from an intrusion of magma at great depth, esp. one exposed after erosion of less resistant overlying rocks. batholithic sub head batholith or batholitic syl bath:o+1lith+ic pos adj. batholitic sub head batholith or batholithic syl bath:o+1lit+ic pos adj. Bath Oliver ety named after William Oliver (1695-1764), a physician at Bath Bath Oliver 0. syl Bath Ol:i+ver pos n. qual Brit. def a kind of unsweetened biscuit. bathometer 0. syl ba+thom+e:ter pron pos n. def an instrument for measuring the depth of water. bathometric sub head bathometer syl bath:o+met+ric pron <2b@T*1metrik> pos adj. bathometrically sub head bathometer syl bath:o+1met+ri+cal+ly pos adv. bathometry sub head bathometer syl ba+thom+e:try pron pos n. Bathonian 1. syl Ba+tho+ni:an pron pos adj. def of or relating to Bath. Bathonian 2. syl Ba+tho+ni:an pron pos adj. qual Geology. def of or denoting a stage of the Jurassic system in NW Europe. bathos ety C18: from Greek: depth, from bathus deep bathos 1. syl ba+thos pron <1bATos> pos n. def a sudden ludicrous descent from exalted to ordinary matters or style in speech or writing. bathos 2. syl ba+thos pron <1bATos> pos n. def insincere or excessive pathos. bathos 3. syl ba+thos pron <1bATos> pos n. def triteness; flatness. bathos 4. syl ba+thos pron <1bATos> pos n. def the lowest point; nadir. bathrobe 1. syl bath+robe pron <1ba:T2r*ub> pos n. def a loose-fitting garment of towelling, for wear before or after a bath or swimming. bathrobe 2. syl bath+robe pron <1ba:T2r*ub> pos n. qual U.S. def a dressing gown. bathroom 1. syl bath+room pron <1ba:T2ru:m>, <-2rum> pos n. def a room containing a bath or shower and usually a washbasin and lavatory. bathroom 2. syl bath+room pron <1ba:T2ru:m>, <-2rum> pos n. qual U.S. def another name for {lavatory}. bath salts 0. syl bath salts pos n. mod pl. def soluble scented salts for use in a bath. Bathsheba 0. syl Bath:she:ba pron , <1b@TSib*> pos n. qual Old Testament. def the wife of Uriah, who committed adultery with David and later married him and became the mother of his son Solomon (II Samuel 11-12). Bath stone 0. syl Bath stone pos n. qual Brit. def a kind of limestone used as a building material, esp. at Bath in England. bathtub 0. syl bath+tub pron <1ba:T2t^b> pos n. def a bath, esp. one not permanently fixed. Bathurst 1. syl Bath+urst pron <1b@T*st> pos n. def a city in SE Australia, in E New South Wales: scene of a gold rush in 1851. Pop.: 17550 (1970). Bathurst 2. syl Bath+urst pron <1b@T*st> pos n. def a port in E Canada, in NE New Brunswick: rich mineral re?!sources discovered in 1953. Pop.: 16674 (1971). Bathurst 3. syl Bath+urst pron <1b@T*st> pos n. def the former name (until 1973) of {Banjul}. bathy- ety from Greek bathus deep batho- alt head bathy- or bathy- syl bath:o- bathy- 0. or batho- syl bath:y- usage combining form. def indicating depth. exam 1 bathy?!sphere; exam 2 bathometer. bathyal 0. syl bath:y+al pron <1b@Ti*l> pos adj. def denoting or relating to an ocean depth of between 200 and 2000 metres (about 100 and 1000 fathoms), corresponding to the continental slope. bathymetry 0. syl ba+thym+e:try pron pos n. def measurement of the depth of an ocean or other large body of water. bathymetric sub head bathymetry syl bath:y+met+ric pron <2b@Ti1metrik> pos adj. bathymetrically sub head bathymetry syl bath:y+1met+ri+cal+ly pos adv. bathyscaph ety C20: from #7bathy -#7+ -scaph, from Greek skaph*_e light boat bathyscaphe infl head bathyscaph or bathyscape syl bath:y+scaphe pron <1b@Ti2skAf>, <-2sk@f> pos n. bathyscape infl head bathyscaph or bathyscaphe syl bath:y+scape pos n. bathyscaph 0. syl bath:y+scaph pron <1b@Ti2sk@f> pos n. def a submersible vessel having a flotation compartment with an observation capsule underneath, capable of reaching ocean depths of over 10000 metres (about 5000 fathoms). bathysphere 0. syl bath:y+sphere pron <1b@Ti2sfi*> pos n. def a strong steel deep-sea diving sphere, lowered by cable. batik ety C19: via Malay from Javanese: painted battik alt head batik or batik syl bat+tik pron <1b@tik> pos n. batik 0.a. or battik syl ba+tik pron <1b@tik> pos n. def a process of printing fabric in which parts not to be dyed are covered by wax. batik 0.b. or battik syl ba+tik pron <1b@tik> pos n. def fabric printed in this way. batik 0.c. or battik syl ba+tik pron <1b@tik> pos n. usage as modifier exam 1 a batik shirt. Fulgencio infl head Batista syl Ful:gen:cio pron pos n. Batista 0. syl Ba:tis:ta pron Spanish pos n. def full name 1901-73, Cuban military leader and dictator: president of Cuba (1940-44, 1952-59); overthrown by Fidel Castro. batiste ety C17: from French, from Old French toile de baptiste, probably after Baptiste of Cambrai, 13th-century French weaver, its reputed inventor batiste 0. syl ba+tiste pron pos n. def a fine plain-weave cotton fabric: used esp. for shirts and dresses. Batley 0. syl Bat+ley pron <1b@tli> pos n. def a town in N England, in West Yorkshire. Pop.: 42004 (1971). batman ety C18: from Old French bat, bast, from Medieval Latin bastum packsaddle batmen infl head batman syl bat+men. pos n. mod pl. batman 0. syl bat+man pron <1b@tm*n> pos n. def an officer's personal servant in any of the armed forces. Batman 0. syl Bat+man pron <1b@t2m@n> pos n. def the secret identity of a civilian character in an American comic strip who assumes a batlike costume in order to fight crime. bat mitzvah 0. syl bat mitz+vah pron <1mitsv*> pos n. usage sometimes caps. def a variant spelling of {bas mitzvah}. baton ety C16: from French b*^aton, from Late Latin bastum rod, probably ultimately from Greek bastazein to lift up, carry baton 1. syl ba+ton pron <1b@ton>, French pos n. def a thin stick used by the conductor of an orchestra, choir, etc., to indicate rhythm or expression. baton 2.a. syl ba+ton pron <1b@ton>, French pos n. def a short bar carried by a competitor in a relay race and transferred to the next runner at the end of each stage. baton 2.b. syl ba+ton pron <1b@ton>, French pos n. usage as modifier exam 1 a baton change. baton 3. syl ba+ton pron <1b@ton>, French pos n. def a long stick with a knob on one end, carried, twirled, and thrown up and down by a drum major or drum majorette, esp. at the head of a parade. baton 4. syl ba+ton pron <1b@ton>, French pos n. def a staff or club carried by an official as a symbol of authority. baton 5. syl ba+ton pron <1b@ton>, French pos n. qual Heraldry. def a single narrow diagonal line superimposed on all other charges, esp. one curtailed at each end, signifying a bastard line. baton de commandement ety literally: baton of command, although the object was probably actually used in making shafts for arrows and spears baton de commandement 0. syl b*^a+ton de com+mande+ment pron French. pos n. def an antler object found in Upper Palaeolithic sites from the Aurignacian period onwards, consisting of a rod, often ornately decorated, with a hole through the thicker end. Baton Rouge 0. syl Bat+on Rouge pron <1b@tN> <1ru:Z> pos n. def the capital of Louisiana, in the SE part on the Mississippi River. Pop.: 289734 (1973 est.). batrachian ety C19: from New Latin Batrachia, from Greek batrakhos frog batrachian 1. syl ba+tra+chi+an pron pos n. def any amphibian, esp. a frog or toad. batrachian 2. syl ba+tra+chi+an pron pos adj. def of or relating to the frogs and toads. bats-in-the-belfry 1. syl bats-in-the-bel:fry pos n. mod functioning as; sing. def a hairy Eurasian campanulaceous plant, with bell-shaped blue-purple flowers. {~} bats-in-the-belfry 2. syl bats-in-the-bel:fry pos n. mod functioning as; sing. qual Slang. def mad; de?!mented. batsmen infl head batsman syl bats+men. pos n. mod pl. batsman 1.a. syl bats+man pron <1b@tsm*n> pos n. def a person who bats or whose turn it is to bat. batsman 1.b. syl bats+man pron <1b@tsm*n> pos n. def a player who specializes in batting. batsman 2. syl bats+man pron <1b@tsm*n> pos n. def a person on the ground who uses bats to guide the pilot of an aircraft when taxiing. &- {#!bats+man+@!ship} batt 0. syl batt pron pos n. qual Textiles. def another word for { {batting} (sense 1)}. battalion ety C16: from French bataillon, from Old Italian battaglione, from battaglia company of soldiers, #7battle battalion 1. syl bat+tal+ion pron pos n. def a military unit comprised of three or more companies or formations of similar size. battalion 2. syl bat+tal+ion pron pos n. mod usually; pl. def any large array. battels ety C16: perhaps from obsolete battle to feed, fatten, of uncertain origin battels 0. syl bat+tels pron <1b@tLz> pos n. mod pl. usage at Oxford University def the account of a member of a college for board, provisions, and other college expenses. battement 0. syl batte+ment pron French pos n. qual Ballet. def extension of one leg forwards, sideways, or backwards, either once or repeatedly. batten ety C15: from French b*^aton stick; see #7baton batten H1.1. syl bat+ten pron <1b@tN> pos n. def a sawn strip of wood used in building to cover joints, provide a fixing for tiles or slates, support lathing, etc. batten H1.2. syl bat+ten pron <1b@tN> pos n. def a long narrow board used for flooring. batten H1.3. syl bat+ten pron <1b@tN> pos n. def a narrow flat length of wood or plastic inserted in pockets of a sail to give it proper shape. batten H1.4. syl bat+ten pron <1b@tN> pos n. def a lath used for holding a tarpaulin along the side of a raised hatch on a ship. batten H1.5. syl bat+ten pron <1b@tN> pos vb. mod tr. def to furnish or strengthen with battens. batten H1.6.a. syl bat+ten pron <1b@tN> pos vb. def to use battens in nailing a tarpaulin over a hatch on a ship to make it secure. batten H1.6.b. syl bat+ten pron <1b@tN> pos vb. def to prepare for action, a crisis, etc. batten ety C16: probably from Old Norse batna to improve; related to Old Norse betr #7better, Old High German bazzen to get better batten H2.0. syl bat+ten pron <1b@tN> pos vb. mod intr. usage usually foll. by on def to thrive, esp. at the expense of someone else. exam 1 to batten on the needy. Battenburg ety perhaps named after Battenberg, a village in Prussia Battenburg 0. syl Bat+ten+burg pron <1b@tN2bR:g> pos n. def an oblong sponge cake divided longitudinally into four square sections, two coloured pink and two yellow, with an outer coating of marzipan. batter ety C14 bateren, probably from batten to #7bat %1 &- #!bat+ter+er n. batter H1.1. syl bat+ter pron <1b@t*> pos vb. def to hit (someone or something) repeatedly using heavy blows, as with a club or other heavy instrument; beat heavily. batter H1.2. syl bat+ter pron <1b@t*> pos vb. mod tr. usage often passive def to damage or injure, as by blows, heavy wear, etc. batter H1.3. syl bat+ter pron <1b@t*> pos vb. mod tr. def to subject (a person, opinion, or theory) to harsh criticism; attack. batter H1.4. syl bat+ter pron <1b@t*> pos n. def printing type or a printing plate that is damaged or worn. batter H1.5. syl bat+ter pron <1b@t*> pos n. def the defective impression produced by such type or such a plate. batter ety C15 bater, probably from bateren to #7batter %1 batter H2.0. syl bat+ter pron <1b@t*> pos n. def a mixture of flour, eggs, and milk, used to make cakes, pancakes, etc., and to coat certain foods before frying. batter H3.0. syl bat+ter pron <1b@t*> pos n. qual Baseball, etc. def a player who bats. batter ety C16 (vb.: to incline): of uncertain origin batter H4.1. syl bat+ter pron <1b@t*> pos n. def the slope of the face of a wall that recedes gradually backwards and upwards. {~} batter H4.2. syl bat+ter pron <1b@t*> pos n. mod intr. def to have such a slope. batter ety C19: of unknown origin batter H5.0. syl bat+ter pron <1b@t*> pos n. def a spree or debauch. battered baby 0.a. syl bat+tered ba:by pos n. def a young child who has sustained serious injuries through mistreatment or violence at the hands of a parent or other adult. battered baby 0.b. syl bat+tered ba:by pos n. usage as modifier exam 1 battered-baby syndrome. battering ram 0. syl bat+ter+ing ram pos n. usage esp. formerly def a large beam used to break down the walls or doors of fortifications. battery ety C16: from Old French batterie beating, from battre to beat, from Latin battuere batteries infl head battery syl bat+ter:ies. pos n. mod pl. battery 1.a. syl bat+ter:y pron <1b@t*ri> pos n. def two or more primary cells connected together, usually in series, to provide a source of electric current. battery 1.b. syl bat+ter:y pron <1b@t*ri> pos n. def short for {dry battery}. battery 2. syl bat+ter:y pron <1b@t*ri> pos n. def another name for { {accumulator} (sense 1)}. battery 3. syl bat+ter:y pron <1b@t*ri> pos n. def a number of similar things occurring together. exam 1 a battery of questions. battery 4. syl bat+ter:y pron <1b@t*ri> pos n. qual Criminal law. def unlawful beating or wounding of a person or mere touching in a hostile or offensive manner. See also {assault and battery}. battery 5. syl bat+ter:y pron <1b@t*ri> pos n. def a fortified structure on which artillery is mounted. battery 6. syl bat+ter:y pron <1b@t*ri> pos n. def a group of guns, missile launchers, searchlights, or torpedo tubes of similar type or size operated as a single entity. battery 7. syl bat+ter:y pron <1b@t*ri> pos n. def a small tactical unit of artillery. battery 8.a. syl bat+ter:y pron <1b@t*ri> pos n. def a large group of cages for intensive rearing of poultry. battery 8.b. syl bat+ter:y pron <1b@t*ri> pos n. usage as modifier exam 1 battery hens. battery 9. syl bat+ter:y pron <1b@t*ri> pos n. def the percussion section in an orchestra. battery 10. syl bat+ter:y pron <1b@t*ri> pos n. qual Baseball. def the pitcher and the catcher considered together. battik 0. syl bat+tik pron <1b@tik> pos n. def a variant spelling of {batik}. batting 1. syl bat+ting pron <1b@tiG> pos n. def cotton or woollen wadding used in quilts, mattresses, etc. batting 2. syl bat+ting pron <1b@tiG> pos n. def the action of a person or team that hits with a bat, esp. in cricket or baseball. battle ety C13: from Old French bataile, from Late Latin batt*_alia exercises performed by soldiers, from battuere to beat &- #!bat+tler n. battle 1. syl bat+tle pron <1b@tL> pos n. def a fight between large armed forces; military or naval engagement; combat. battle 2. syl bat+tle pron <1b@tL> pos n. def conflict; contention; struggle. exam 1 his battle for recognition. give infl head battle or join battle syl give join battle infl head battle or give syl join battle. do 3. head battle syl do def to start fighting. battle 4. syl bat+tle pron <1b@tL> pos vb. mod intr. usage often foll. by against, for, or with def to fight in or as if in military combat; contend. battle 5. syl bat+tle pron <1b@tL> pos vb. def to struggle in order to achieve something or arrive somewhere. exam 1 he battled through the crowd. battle 6. syl bat+tle pron <1b@tL> pos vb. mod intr. qual Austral. def to scrape a living, esp. by doing odd jobs. battle-axe 1. syl bat:tle-axe pos n. usage formerly def a large broad-headed axe. battle-axe 2. syl bat:tle-axe pos n. qual Informal. def an argumentative domineering woman. battle cruiser 0. syl bat+tle cruis+er pos n. def a heavily armed warship of battleship size but with light armour and capable of high speed. battle cry 1. syl bat+tle cry pos n. def a shout uttered by soldiers going into battle. battle cry 2. syl bat+tle cry pos n. def a slogan used to rally the supporters of a campaign, movement, etc. battledore ety C15 batyldoure, perhaps from Old Proven*,cal batedor a beater, from Old French battre to beat, #7batter battledore 1. syl bat+tle+dore pron <1b@tL2dc:> pos n. def Also called: {battledore and shuttlecock}. an ancient racket game. battledore 2. syl bat+tle+dore pron <1b@tL2dc:> pos n. def a light racket, smaller than a tennis racket, used for striking the shuttlecock in this game. battledore 3. syl bat+tle+dore pron <1b@tL2dc:> pos n. usage formerly def a wooden utensil used for beating clothes, in baking, etc. battledore 4. syl bat+tle+dore pron <1b@tL2dc:> pos vb. qual Rare. def to hurl or volley (something) back and forth. battle fatigue 0. syl bat+tle fa+tigue pos n. qual Psychol. def a type of mental disorder, characterized by anxiety, depression, and loss of motivation, caused by the stress of active warfare. Also called: {combat fatigue}. See also {shell shock}. battleground alt head battlefield or battlefield syl bat:tle+ground pos n. battlefield 0. or battleground syl bat:tle+field pron <1b@tL2fEld> pos n. def the place where a battle is fought; an area of conflict. battlement ety C14: from Old French batailles, plural of bataille #7battle &- #!bat+tle+@!ment+ed adj. battlement 0. syl bat+tle+ment pron <1b@tLm*nt> pos n. def a parapet or wall with indentations or embrasures, originally for shooting through. battlepiece 0. syl bat:tle+piece pron <1b@tL2pEs> pos n. def a painting, relief, mosaic, etc., depicting a battle, usually commemorating an actual event. battle royal 1. syl bat+tle roy+al pos n. def a fight, esp. with fists or cudgels, involving more than two combatants; melee. battle royal 2. syl bat+tle roy+al pos n. def a long violent argument. battleship 1. syl bat:tle+ship pron <1b@tL2Sip> pos n. def a heavily armoured warship of the largest type. battleship 2. syl bat:tle+ship pron <1b@tL2Sip> pos n. usage formerly def a warship of sufficient size and armament to take her place in the line of battle; ship of the line. battue ety C19: from French, feminine of battu beaten, from battre to beat, from Latin battuere battue 1. syl bat+tue pron , <-1tju:>, French pos n. def the beating of woodland or cover to force game to flee in the direction of hunters. battue 2.a. syl bat+tue pron , <-1tju:>, French pos n. def an organized shooting party using this method. battue 2.b. syl bat+tue pron , <-1tju:>, French pos n. def the game disturbed or shot by this method. battue 3. syl bat+tue pron , <-1tju:>, French pos n. def indiscriminate slaughter, as of a defenceless crowd. batty ety C20: from #7bat %2; compare the phrase have bats in the belfry battier infl head batty syl bat+ti+er pos adj. battiest infl head batty syl bat+ti+est. pos adj. batty 1. syl bat+ty pron <1b@ti> pos adj. qual Slang. def insane; crazy. batty 2. syl bat+ty pron <1b@ti> pos adj. qual Slang. def odd; eccentric. Batumi alt head Batum or Batum syl Ba+tu+mi pron pos n. Batum 0. or Batumi syl Ba+tum pron pos n. def a city in the S Soviet Union, in the Georgian SSR: capital of the Adzhar ASSR; a major Black Sea port. Pop.: 114000 (1975 est.). batwing 0. syl bat+wing pron <1b@t2wiG> pos adj. def shaped like the wings of a bat, as a black tie, collar, etc. batwing sleeve 0. syl bat+wing sleeve pos n. def a sleeve of a garment with a deep armhole and a tight wrist. batwomen infl head batwoman syl bat+wom:en. pos n. mod pl. batwoman 0. syl bat+wom:an pron <1b@twum*n> pos n. def a female servant in any of the armed forces. bauble ety C14: from Old French baubel plaything, of obscure origin bauble 1. syl bau+ble pron <1bc:bL> pos n. def a showy toy or trinket of little value; trifle. bauble 2. syl bau+ble pron <1bc:bL> pos n. usage formerly def a mock staff of office carried by a court jester. Bauchi 1. syl Bau+chi pron <1bauCi> pos n. def a state of N Nigeria: formed in 1976 from part of North-Eastern State; tin mining. Capital: Bauchi. Pop.: 3239717 (1976 est.). Area: 17926 sq. km (6920 sq. miles). Bauchi 2. syl Bau+chi pron <1bauCi> pos n. def a town in N central Nigeria, capital of Bauchi state. Pop.: 47200 (1973 est.). Baucis 0. syl Bau:cis pron <1bc:sis> pos n. qual Greek myth. def a poor peasant woman who, with her husband Philemon, was rewarded for hospitality to the disguised gods Zeus and Hermes. baud ety named after J. M. E. Baudot (died 1903), French inventor baud 0. syl baud pron pos n. def a unit used to measure the speed of telegraphic code transmissions, equal to one unit interval per second. baudikin alt head baudekin or baudekin syl bau+di+kin pron <1bc:dikin> pos n. baudekin 0. or baudikin syl bau+de+kin pron <1bc:dikin> pos n. qual Archaic. def another word for { {baldachin} (sense 1)}. Charles Pierre infl head Baudelaire syl Charles Pierre pron <1pje:r> pos n. Baudelaire 0. syl Bau:de:laire pron French pos n. def 1821-67, French poet, noted for his macabre imagery; author of (1857). Baudouin I 0. syl Bau:douin I pron French pos n. def born 1930, king of Belgium since 1951. Bauhaus ety German, literally: building house Bauhaus 0.a. syl Bau+haus pron <1bau2haus> pos n. def a German school of architecture and applied arts founded in 1919 by Walter Gropius on experimental principles of functionalism and truth to materials. After being closed by the Nazis in 1933, its ideas were widely disseminated by its students and staff, including Kandinsky, Klee, Feininger, Moholy-Nagy, and Mies van der Rohe. Bauhaus 0.b. syl Bau+haus pron <1bau2haus> pos n. usage as modifier exam 1 Bauhaus wallpaper. bauhinia ety C18: New Latin, named after Jean and Gaspard Bauhin, 16th-century French herbalists bauhinia 0. syl bau+hin:i:a pron , pos n. def any climbing leguminous plant of the genus of tropical and warm regions, widely cultivated for ornament. baulk 1. syl baulk pron pos n. def Also called (U.S.): {balk}. baulk 1.a. syl baulk pron pos n. usage in billiards def the space, usually 29 inches deep, between the baulk line and the bottom cushion. baulk 1.b. syl baulk pron pos n. usage in baulk-line games def one of the spaces between the cushions and the baulk lines. in baulk 1.c. head baulk syl in baulk. def inside one of these spaces. baulk 2. syl baulk pron pos n. qual Archaeol. def a strip of earth left between excavation trenches for the study of the complete stratigraphy of a site. baulk 3. syl baulk pron pos vb. n. def a variant spelling of {balk}. balk line alt head baulk line or baulk line syl balk line pos n. qual U.S. baulk line 1. or balk line syl baulk line pos n. qual Billiards. def Also called: {string line}. a straight line across a billiard table behind which the cue balls are placed at the start of a game. baulk line 2.a. or balk line syl baulk line pos n. qual Billiards. def one of four lines parallel to the cushions dividing the table into a central panel and eight smaller ones (the baulks). baulk line 2.b. or balk line syl baulk line pos n. qual Billiards. def a type of game using these lines as restrictions. Baum'e scale ety C19: named after Antoine Baum*'e (1728-1804), French chemist Baum'e scale 0. syl Bau:m*'e scale pron , <1b*umA> pos n. def a scale for calibrating hydrometers used for measuring the specific gravity of liquids. 1 degree Baum*'e is equal to 144.3( 1)/ where is specific gravity. Bautzen 0. syl Bau+tzen pron <1bauts*n> pos n. def a city in SE East Germany: site of an indecisive battle in 1813 between Napoleon's army and an allied army of Russians and Prussians. Pop.: 44202 (1972 est.). bauxite ety C19: from French, from (Les) Baux in southern France, where it was originally found bauxite 0. syl baux+ite pron <1bc:ksIt> pos n. def an amorphous claylike substance consist?!ing of hydrated alumina with iron and other impurities: the chief source of alumina and aluminium and also used as an abrasive and catalyst. Formula: Al\2O\3. H\2O. Bav 0. syl Bav. qual abbrev. for def Bavaria(n). Bavaria 0. syl Ba+var:i:a pron pos n. def a state of S West Germany: a former duchy and kingdom; mainly wooded highland, with the Alps in the south. Capital: Munich. Pop.: 10479386 (1970). Area: 70531 sq. km (27232 sq. miles). German name: {Bayern}. &- {Ba+#!var+i@.an} Bavarian cream 0. syl Ba+var+i:an cream pos n. def a cold dessert consisting of a rich custard set with gelatine and flavoured in various ways. Also called: {ba+va+rois} bava#!rwa). bawbee ety C16: named after Alexander Orok of Sillebawby, master of the mint from 1538 bawbee 1. syl baw+bee pron pos n. def a former Scottish silver coin. bawbee 2. syl baw+bee pron pos n. qual Scot. def an informal word for {halfpenny}. bawcock ety C16: from French beau coq, from beau handsome+ coq #7cock %1 bawcock 0. syl baw+cock pron <1bc:2kok> pos n. qual Archaic. def a fine fellow. bawd ety C14: from Old French baude, femi?!nine of baud merry, of Germanic origin; compare Old High German bald #7bold bawd 1. syl bawd pron pos n. qual Archaic. def a person who runs a brothel, esp. a woman. bawd 2. syl bawd pron pos n. qual Archaic. def a prostitute. bawdry 0. syl bawd+ry pron <1bc:dri> pos n. qual Archaic. def obscene talk or language. bawdier infl head bawdy syl bawd:i+er pos adj. bawdiest infl head bawdy syl bawd:i+est. pos adj. bawdy 1. syl bawd:y pron <1bc:di> pos adj. usage of language, plays, etc. def containing references to sex, esp. to be humorous. bawdy 2. syl bawd:y pron <1bc:di> pos n. def obscenity or eroticism, esp. in writing or drama. bawdily sub head bawdy syl bawd:i+ly pos adv. bawdiness sub head bawdy syl bawd:i+ness pos n. bawdyhouse 0. syl bawd:y+house pron <1bc:di2haus> pos n. def an archaic word for {brothel}. bawl ety C15: probably from Icelandic baula to low; related to Medieval Latin baul*_are to bark, Swedish b*"ola to low; all of imitative origin bawl 1. syl bawl pron pos vb. mod intr. def to utter long loud cries, as from pain or frustration; wail. bawl 2. syl bawl pron pos vb. def to shout loudly, as in anger. bawl 3. syl bawl pron pos n. def a loud shout or cry. bawler sub head bawl syl bawl+er pos n. bawl out 0. syl bawl out pos vb. adv. mod tr. qual Informal. def to scold loudly. Bax 0. syl Bax pron pos n. def Sir {Ar@.nold (Edward Trevor) }. 1883-1953, English composer of romantic works, often based on Celtic legends, including the tone poem (1917). bay ety C14: from Old French baie, perhaps from Old French baer to gape, from Medieval Latin bat*_are to yawn bay H1.1. syl bay pron pos n. def a wide semicircular indentation of a shoreline, esp. between two headlands or peninsulas. bay H1.2. syl bay pron pos n. def an extension of lowland into hills that partly surround it. bay H1.3. syl bay pron pos n. qual U.S. def an extension of prairie into woodland. bay ety C14: from Old French baee gap or recess in a wall, from baer to gape; see #7bay %1 bay H2.1. syl bay pron pos n. def an alcove or recess in a wall. bay H2.2. syl bay pron pos n. def any partly enclosed compartment, as one in which hay is stored in a barn. bay H2.3. syl bay pron pos n. def See {bay window}. bay H2.4. syl bay pron pos n. def an area off a road in which vehicles may park or unload, esp. one adjacent to a shop, factory, etc. bay H2.5. syl bay pron pos n. def a compartment in an aircraft, esp. one used for a specified purpose. exam 1 the bomb bay. bay H2.6. syl bay pron pos n. qual Nautical. def a compartment in the forward part of a ship between decks, often used as the ship's hospital. bay H2.7. syl bay pron pos n. qual Brit. def a tracked recess in the platform of a railway station, esp. one forming the terminus of a branch line. bay ety C13: from Old French abaiier to bark, of imitative origin bay H3.1. syl bay pron pos n. def a deep howl or growl, esp. of a hound on the scent. bay H3.2.a. syl bay pron pos n. usage of a person or animal def forced to turn and face attackers. exam 1 the dogs held the deer at bay. bay H3.2.b. syl bay pron pos n. def at a distance. exam 1 to keep a disease at bay. bring to bay 3. head bay syl bring to bay. def to force into a position from which retreat is impossible. bay H3.4. syl bay pron pos vb. mod intr. def to howl (at) in deep prolonged tones. bay H3.5. syl bay pron pos vb. mod tr. def to utter in a loud prolonged tone. bay H3.6. syl bay pron pos vb. mod tr. def to drive to or hold at bay. bay ety C14: from Old French baie laurel berry, from Latin b*_aca berry bay H4.1. syl bay pron pos n. def a Mediterranean laurel, See { {laurel} (sense 1)}. bay H4.2. syl bay pron pos n. def any of several magnolias. See { {sweet bay} (sense 1)}. bay H4.3. syl bay pron pos n. def any of certain other trees or shrubs, esp. bayberry. bay H4.4. syl bay pron pos n. mod pl. def a wreath of bay leaves. See { {laurel} (sense 6)}. bay ety C14: from Old French bai, from Latin badius bay H5.1.a. syl bay pron pos n. def a moderate reddish-brown colour. bay H5.1.b. syl bay pron pos as; adj. exam 1 a bay horse. bay H5.2. syl bay pron pos n. def an animal of this colour, esp. a horse. bayadere ety C18: via French from Portuguese bailadeira dancing girl, from bailar to dance, from Latin ball*_are; see #7ball %2 bayadere 1. syl ba+ya+dere pron <2bI*1di*>, <-1de*> pos n. def a dancing girl, esp. one serving in a Hindu temple. bayadere 2. syl ba+ya+dere pron <2bI*1di*>, <-1de*> pos n. def a fabric or design with horizontal stripes, esp. of a bright colour. bayadere 3. syl ba+ya+dere pron <2bI*1di*>, <-1de*> pos adj. usage of fabric, etc. def having horizontal stripes. Bayam'on 0. syl Ba+ya+m*'on pron Spanish pos n. def a city in NE central Puerto Rico, south of San Juan. Pop.: 147552 (1970). bayard 1. syl bay+ard pron <1bA*d> pos n. qual Archaic. def a bay horse. bayard 2. syl bay+ard pron <1bA*d> pos adj. qual Archaic. def bay-coloured. Bayard H1.0. syl Bay+ard pron <1bA*d> pos n. def a legendary horse that figures prominently in medieval romance. Chevalier de infl head Bayard syl Che:va:lier de pron pos n. Bayard H2.0. syl Ba:yard pron <1bA*d>, French , French pos n. def original name ??1473-1524, French soldier, known as (the fearless and irreproachable knight). bay alt head bayberry or bayberry syl bay pos n. bayberries infl head bayberry syl bay+ber:ries. pos n. mod pl. bayberry 1. or bay syl bay+ber:ry pron <1bAb*ri> pos n. def any of several North American aromatic shrubs or small trees of the genus that bear grey waxy berries: family See also {wax myrtle}. bayberry 2. or bay syl bay+ber:ry pron <1bAb*ri> pos n. def Also called: {bay rum tree}. a tropical American myrtaceous tree, that yields an oil used in making bay rum. bayberry 3. or bay syl bay+ber:ry pron <1bAb*ri> pos n. def the fruit of any of these plants. Bayern 0. syl Bay+ern pron <1bI*rn> pos n. def the German name for {Bavaria}. Bayeux tapestry 0. syl Ba+yeux tap+es:try pron French pos n. def an 11th- or 12th-century tapestry in Bayeux, in NW France, nearly 70.5 metres (231 feet) wide by 50 centimetres (20 inches) high, depicting the Norman conquest of England. Pierre infl head Bayle syl Pierre pron pos n. Bayle 0. syl Bayle pron French pos n. def 1647-1706, French philosopher and critic, noted for his (1697), which profoundly influenced Voltaire and the French Encyclopedists. bay lynx 0. syl bay lynx pos n. def another name for {bobcat}. Bay of Pigs 0. syl Bay of Pigs pos n. def a bay on the SW coast of Cuba: scene of an unsuccessful invasion of Cuba by U.S.-backed troops (April 17, 1961). Spanish name: {Bahia de los Cochinos}. bayonet ety C17: from French ba*"ionnette, from B#7ayonne where it originated bayonet 1. syl bay:o+net pron <1bA*nit> pos n. def a blade for stabbing that can be attached to the muzzle of a firearm. bayonet 2. syl bay:o+net pron <1bA*nit> pos n. def a type of fastening in which a cylindrical member is inserted into a socket against spring pressure and turned so that pins on its side engage in slots in the socket. {~} {+net, +net+ing, +net+ed}, {+nets, +net+ting, +net+ted}. bayonet 3. syl bay:o+net pron <1bA*nit> pos n. mod tr. def to stab or kill with a bayonet. Bayonne 0. syl Ba+yonne pron French pos n. def a port in SW France: a commercial centre for the Basque region. Pop.: 44706 (1975). bayou ety C18: from Louisiana French, from Choctaw bayuk bayou 0. syl bay:ou pron <1bIju:> pos n. usage in the southern U.S. def a sluggish marshy tributary of a lake or river. Bayreuth 0. syl Bay+reuth pron German pos n. def a city in SE West Germany, in NE Bavaria: home and burial place of Richard Wagner; annual festivals of his music. Pop.: 64200 (1970). bay rum 1. syl bay rum pos n. def an aromatic liquid, used in medicines and cosmetics, originally obtained by distilling the leaves of the bayberry tree with rum: now also synthesized from alcohol, water, and various oils. bay rum tree 2. head bay rum syl bay rum tree. def another name for { {bayberry} (sense 2)}. Bay Street 1. syl Bay Street pos n. qual Canadian. def the financial centre of Toronto, in which Canada's largest stock exchange is situated. Bay Street 2. syl Bay Street pos n. qual Canadian. def the financial interests and powers of Toronto. bay tree 0. syl bay tree pos n. def another name for { {bay%4} (sense 1)}. bay window 0. syl bay win+dow pos n. def a window projecting from the wall of a building and forming an alcove of a room. Sometimes short?!ened to {bay}. See also {bow window, oriel}. baywood 0. syl bay+wood pron <1bA2wud> pos n. def the light soft wood of a tropical American mahogany tree, of the bay region of SE Mexico. bazaar ety C16: from Persian b*_az*_ar, from Old Persian ab*_echarish bazar alt head bazaar or bazaar syl ba+zar pron pos n. bazaar 1. or bazar syl ba+zaar pron pos n. usage esp. in the Orient def a market area, esp. a street of small stalls. bazaar 2. or bazar syl ba+zaar pron pos n. def a sale in aid of charity, esp. of miscellaneous secondhand or handmade articles. bazaar 3. or bazar syl ba+zaar pron pos n. def a shop where a large variety of goods is sold. bazoo ety C19: of unknown origin bazoo 0. syl ba+zoo pron pos n. def a U.S. slang word for {mouth}. bazooka ety C20: named after a pipe instrument invented by Bob Burns (1896-1956), American comedian bazooka 0. syl ba+zoo+ka pron pos n. def a portable tubular rocket-launcher that fires a projectile capable of piercing armour: used by infantrymen as a short-range antitank weapon. B battery 0. syl B bat+ter:y pos n. qual U.S. def a battery for supplying a voltage to the anode of a thermionic valve. Compare {A battery, C battery}. BBC 0. syl B.B.C. qual abbrev. for def British Broadcasting Corporation. bbl 0. syl bbl. qual abbrev. for def barrel (container or unit of measure). BC 1. syl B.C. qual abbrev. for: usage indicating years numbered back from the supposed year of the birth of Christ def before Christ. exam 1 in 545 #7b.c. Caesar came. BC 2. syl B.C. qual abbrev. for: def British Columbia.#e {Usage}. See at {A.D}. BCD 0. syl BCD qual abbrev. for def binary-coded decimal. BCE 0. syl B.C.E. qual abbrev. for def Before Common Era (used, esp. by non-Christians, in numbering years #7B.C.) . BCh ety from Latin Baccalaureus Chirurgiae BCh 0. syl B.Ch. qual abbrev. for def Bachelor of Surgery. BCL 0. syl B.C.L. qual abbrev. for def Bachelor of Civil Law. BCom 0. syl B.Com. qual abbrev. for def Bachelor of Commerce. B complex 0. syl B com+plex pos n. def short for {vitamin B complex}. bd 1. syl bd. qual abbrev. for: def board. bd 2. syl bd. qual abbrev. for:; Insurance, finance, etc. def bond. bd 3. syl bd. qual abbrev. for:; Bookbinding. def bound. bd 4. syl bd. qual abbrev. for: def bundle. BD 1. syl B.D. qual abbrev. for: def Bachelor of Divinity. BD 2. syl B.D. qual abbrev. for:; Commerce. def bills discounted. BD 1. syl B/D qual abbrev. for: def bank draft. BD 2. syl B/D qual abbrev. for:; Commerce. def bills discount?!ed. BD 3. syl B/D qual abbrev. for: def Also: {b/d} brought down. BDA 0. syl B.D.A. qual abbrev. for def British Dental Association. Bde 0. syl Bde. qual abbrev. for def brigade. bdellium ety C16: from Latin, from Greek bdellion, perhaps from Hebrew b*vedh*_olah bdellium 1. syl bdel+li:um pron <1deli*m> pos n. def any of several African or W Asian trees of the burseraceous genus that yield a gum resin. bdellium 2. syl bdel+li:um pron <1deli*m> pos n. def the aromatic gum resin, similar to myrrh, produced by any of these trees. bdft 0. syl bd.ft. qual abbrev. for def board foot. bdl 0. syl bdl. qual abbrev. for def bundle. BDS 0. syl BDS usage international car registration for def Barbados. bds 1. syl bds. qual abbrev. for: usage Bookbinding. bound in def boards. bds 2. syl bds. qual abbrev. for: def bundles. BDS 0. syl B.D.S. qual abbrev. for def Bachelor of Dental Surgery. be ety Old English b*_eon; related to Old High German bim am, Latin fui I have been, Greek phuein to bring forth, Sanskrit bhavati he is be 1. syl be pron , pos vb. usage pres. sing. 1st pers. def to have presence in the realm of perceived reality; exist; live. exam 1 I think, therefore I am; exam 2 not all that is can be understood. be 2. syl be pron , pos vb. usage pres. sing. 1st pers.; past perfect tenses only def to pay a visit; go. exam 1 have you been to Spain??. be 3. syl be pron , pos vb. usage pres. sing. 1st pers. def to take place; occur. exam 1 my birthday was last Thursday. be 4. syl be pron , pos vb. usage pres. sing. 1st pers.; copula def used as a linking verb between the subject of a sentence and its noun or adjective complement or complementing phrase. has no intrinsic meaning of its own but rather expresses the relationship of either essential or incidental equivalence or identity or to specify an essential or incidental attribute It is also used with an adverbial complement to indicate a relationship of location in space or time be 5. syl be pron , pos vb. usage pres. sing. 1st pers.; takes a present participle def forms the progressive present tense. exam 1 the man is running. be 6. syl be pron , pos vb. usage pres. sing. 1st pers.; takes a past participle def forms the passive voice of all transitive verbs and (archaically) certain intransitive ones. exam 1 a good film is being shown on television tonight; exam 2 I am done. be 7. syl be pron , pos vb. usage pres. sing. 1st pers.; takes an infinitive def expresses intention, expectation, supposition, or obligation. exam 1 the president is to arrive at 9.30; exam 2 you are not to leave before I say so. be 8. syl be pron , pos vb. usage pres. sing. 1st pers.; takes a past participle def forms the perfect or past perfect tense of certain intransitive verbs of motion, such as {go} or {come}. exam 1 the last train is gone. be that as it may 9. head be syl be that as it may. usage pres. sing. 1st pers. def the facts concerning (something) are of no importance. Be 0. syl Be usage chemical symbol for def beryllium. B'e 0. syl B*'e qual abbrev. for def Baum*'e. be- ety Old English be-, bi-, unstressed variant of b*_i #7by be- 0. syl be- exam 1 prefix forming transitive verbs. be- 1. syl be- usage from nouns def to surround completely; cover on all sides. exam 1 befog. be- 2. syl be- usage from nouns def to affect completely or excessively. exam 1 bedazzle. be- 3. syl be- usage from nouns def to consider as or cause to be. exam 1 befool; exam 2 befriend. be- 4. syl be- usage from nouns def to provide or cover with. exam 1 bejewel. be- 5. syl be- usage from verbs def at, for, against, on, or over. exam 1 bewail; exam 2 berate. BE 1. syl B.E. qual abbrev. for: def bill of exchange. BE 2. syl B.E. qual abbrev. for: usage in the U.S. def Board of Education. BE 3. syl B.E. qual abbrev. for: def Bachelor of Education. BE 4. syl B.E. qual abbrev. for: def Bachelor of Engineering. BE infl or be syl B.E. be infl head BE or BE syl b.e. BE 0. syl B/E qual abbrev. for def bill of exchange. BEA 0. syl B.E.A. qual abbrev. for usage formerly def British European Airways. beach ety C16: perhaps related to Old English b@ace river, #7beck %2 beach 1. syl beach pron pos n. def an extensive area of sand or shingle sloping down to a sea or lake, esp. the area between the high and low water marks on a seacoast. Related adj.: {littoral}. beach 2. syl beach pron pos vb. def to run or haul (a boat) onto a beach. beach ball 0. syl beach ball pos n. def a large light brightly coloured ball for playing with on a beach. the infl head Beachboys syl the. pos n. Beachboys 0. syl Beach+boys pron <1bECbciz> pos n. mod pl. def U.S. singing group (formed 1961): consisting of Brian Wilson (born 1942), Dennis Wilson (born 1944), Carl Wilson (born 1946), Mike Love (born 1941), and Al Jardine (born 1942); noted for their characteristic close harmony. Their recordings include (1963), (1966), and (1967; released 1971). beach buggy 0. syl beach bug+gy pos n. def a low car, often open and with balloon tyres, for driving on sand. Also called: {dune buggy}. beachcomber 1. syl beach+comb:er pron <1bEC2k*um*> pos n. def a person who searches shore debris for anything of worth, esp. a vagrant living on a beach. beachcomber 2. syl beach+comb:er pron <1bEC2k*um*> pos n. def a long high wave rolling onto a beach. beach flea 0. syl beach flea pos n. def another name for the {sand hopper}. beachhead 0. syl beach+head pron <1bEC2hed> pos n. qual Military. def an area on a beach that has been captured from the enemy and on which troops and equipment are landed. beachie 1. syl beach:ie pron <1bECi> pos n. qual Austral. informal. def a beach fisherman. beachie 2. syl beach:ie pron <1bECi> pos n. qual Austral. informal. def a young unemployed vagrant who frequents beaches. Beach-la-Mar ety C19: quasi-French, from #7b*^eche -#7de -#7mer (trepang, this being a major trading commodity in the SW Pacific; hence the name was applied to the trading language) Beach-la-Mar 0. syl Beach-la-Mar pron <2bECl*1ma:> pos n. def the variety of Neo-Melanesian spoken in the New Hebrides and New Caledonia. Also called: {Bichelamar}. beach plum 1. syl beach plum pos n. def a rosaceous shrub, of coastal regions of E North America. beach plum 2. syl beach plum pos n. def its edible plumlike fruit. Beachy Head 0. syl Beach:y Head pos n. def a headland in East Sussex, on the English Channel, consisting of chalk cliffs 171 m (570 ft.) high. beacon ety Old English beacen sign; related to Old Frisian b*_aken, Old Saxon b*_ocan, Old High German bouhhan beacon 1. syl bea+con pron <1bEk*n> pos n. def a signal fire or light on a hill, tower, etc., esp. one used formerly as a warning of invasion. beacon 2. syl bea+con pron <1bEk*n> pos n. def a hill on which such fires were lit. beacon 3. syl bea+con pron <1bEk*n> pos n. def a lighthouse, signalling buoy, etc., used to warn or guide ships in dangerous waters. beacon 4. syl bea+con pron <1bEk*n> pos n. def short for {radio beacon}. beacon 5. syl bea+con pron <1bEk*n> pos n. def a radio or other signal marking a flight course in air navigation. beacon 6. syl bea+con pron <1bEk*n> pos n. def short for {Belisha beacon}. beacon 7. syl bea+con pron <1bEk*n> pos n. def a person or thing that serves as a guide, inspiration, or warning. beacon 8. syl bea+con pron <1bEk*n> pos vb. def to guide or warn. beacon 9. syl bea+con pron <1bEk*n> pos vb. mod intr. def to shine. Beaconst Earl of infl head Beaconsfield syl Bea:const Earl of. pos n. Beaconsfield 0. syl Bea:cons:field pron <1bEk*nz2fEld>, <1bek-> pos n. def title of (Benjamin) {Disraeli}. bead ety Old English bed prayer; related to Old High German gibet prayer bead 1. syl bead pron pos n. def a small usually spherical piece of glass, wood, plastic, etc., with a hole through it by means of which it may be strung with others to form a necklace, etc. bead 2. syl bead pron pos n. def a small drop of moisture. exam 1 a bead of sweat. bead 3. syl bead pron pos n. def a small bubble in or on a liquid. bead 4. syl bead pron pos n. def a small metallic knob acting as the sight of a firearm. bead 5. syl bead pron pos n. def Also called: {astragal}. a small convex moulding having a semicircular cross section. bead 6. syl bead pron pos n. qual Chem. def a small solid globule made by fusing a powdered sample with borax or a similar flux on a platinum wire. The colour of the globule serves as a test for the presence of certain metals ({bead test) }. bead 7. syl bead pron pos n. qual Metallurgy. def a deposit of welding metal on the surface of a metal workpiece, often used to examine the structure of the weld zone. bead 8. syl bead pron pos n. qual R.C. Church. def one of the beads of a rosary. say infl head bead or tell one's beads syl say tell one's beads infl head bead or say syl tell one's beads. count 9. head bead syl count def to pray with a rosary. bead 10. syl bead pron pos vb. mod tr. def to decorate with beads. bead 11. syl bead pron pos vb. def to form into beads or drops. beading 0. syl bead+ing pron <1bEdiG> pos n. def a narrow strip of some material used for edging or ornamentation. Also called: {bead+work} (#!bi$:d@!w$z$:k). beadle ety Old English bydel; related to Old High German butil bailiff &- #!bea+dle+ship n. beadle 1. syl bea+dle pron <1bEdL> pos n. usage Brit. formerly def a minor parish official who acted as an usher and kept order. beadle 2.a. syl bea+dle pron <1bEdL> pos n. def a synagogue attendant. beadle 2.b. syl bea+dle pron <1bEdL> pos n. def the candle used to kindle the Hanukkah lights. beadle 3. syl bea+dle pron <1bEdL> pos n. def an official in certain British universities and other institutions. George Wells infl head Beadle syl George Wells. pos n. Beadle 0. syl Bea:dle pron <1bEdL> pos n. def born 1903, U.S. biologist, who shared the Nobel prize for medicine in 1958 for his work in genetics. beadledom 0. syl bea+dle+dom pron <1bEdLd*m> pos n. def petty officialdom. beadroll 0. syl bead+roll pron <1bEd2r*ul> pos n. qual Archaic. def a list of persons for whom prayers are to be offered. bead-rubies infl head bead-ruby syl bead-ru:bies. pos n. mod pl. bead-ruby 0. syl bead-ru:by pos n. def a N temperate liliaceous plant, with small white bell-shaped flowers and small red berries. bedesman alt head beadsman or beadsman syl bedes+man pron <1bEdzm*n> pos n. beadsmen infl head beadsman syl beads+men. pos n. mod pl. beadsman 1. or bedesman syl beads+man pron <1bEdzm*n> pos n. qual Archaic. def a person who prays for another's soul, esp. one paid or fed for doing so. beadsman 2. or bedesman syl beads+man pron <1bEdzm*n> pos n. qual Archaic. def a person kept in an almshouse. beadier infl head beady syl bead:i+er pos adj. beadiest infl head beady syl bead:i+est. pos adj. beady 1. syl bead:y pron <1bEdi> pos adj. def small, round, and glittering (esp. in the phrase {beady eyes}) . beady 2. syl bead:y pron <1bEdi> pos adj. def resembling or covered with beads. beadily sub head beady syl bead:i+ly pos adv. beadiness sub head beady syl bead:i+ness pos n. beagle ety C15: of uncertain origin beagle 1. syl bea+gle pron <1bEgL> pos n. def a small breed of hound resembling a foxhound, often used for hunting hares. beagle 2. syl bea+gle pron <1bEgL> pos n. qual Archaic. def a person who spies on others. beagle 3. syl bea+gle pron <1bEgL> pos vb. mod intr. def to hunt with beagles, normally on foot. beak ety C13: from Old French bec, from Latin beccus, of Gaulish origin beak H1.1. syl beak pron pos n. def the projecting jaws of a bird, covered with a horny sheath; bill. beak H1.2. syl beak pron pos n. def any beaklike mouthpart in other animals, such as turtles. beak H1.3. syl beak pron pos n. qual Slang. def a person's nose, esp. one that is large, pointed, or hooked. beak H1.4. syl beak pron pos n. def any projecting part, such as the pouring lip of a bucket. beak H1.5. syl beak pron pos n. qual Architect. def the upper surface of a cornice, which slopes out to throw off water. beak H1.6. syl beak pron pos n. qual Chem. def the part of a still or retort through which vapour passes to the condenser. beak H1.7. syl beak pron pos n. qual Nautical. def another word for { {ram} (sense 5)}. beaked sub head beak syl beaked pron pos adj. beakless sub head beak syl beak+less pos adj. beaklike sub head beak syl beak+2like pos adj. beaky sub head beak syl beak:y pos adj. beak ety C19: originally thieves' jargon beak H2.0. syl beak pron pos n. def a Brit. slang word for {judge, magistrate}, or {headmaster}. beaker ety C14: from Old Norse bikarr; related to Old High German behh*_ari, Middle Dutch b*_eker beaker, Greek bikos earthenware jug beaker 1. syl beak+er pron <1bEk*> pos n. def a cup usually having a wide mouth. exam 1 a plastic beaker. beaker 2. syl beak+er pron <1bEk*> pos n. def a cylindrical flat-bottomed container used in laboratories, usually made of glass and having a pouring lip. beaker 3. syl beak+er pron <1bEk*> pos n. def the amount a beaker holds. Beaker folk ety named after the beakers found among their remains Beaker folk 0. syl Beak+er folk pos n. def a prehistoric people thought to have originated in the Iberian peninsula and spread to central Europe and Britain during the second millennium #7b.c. be-all and end-all 1. syl be-all and end-all pos n. qual Informal. def the ultimate aim or justification. exam 1 to provide help for others is the be-all and end-all of this group. be-all and end-all 2. syl be-all and end-all pos n. qual Informal.; Often humorous. def a person or thing considered to be beyond improvement. beam ety Old English beam; related to Gothic bagms tree, Old High German boum tree beam 1. syl beam pron pos n. def a long thick straight-sided piece of wood, metal, concrete, etc., esp. one used as a horizontal structural member. beam 2. syl beam pron pos n. def any rigid member or structure that is loaded transversely. beam 3. syl beam pron pos n. def the breadth of a ship or boat taken at its widest part, usually amidships. beam 4. syl beam pron pos n. def a ray or column of light, as from a beacon. beam 5. syl beam pron pos n. def a broad smile. beam 6. syl beam pron pos n. def one of the two cylindrical rollers on a loom, one of which holds the warp threads before weaving, the other the finished work. beam 7. syl beam pron pos n. def the main stem of a deer's antler from which the smaller branches grow. beam 8. syl beam pron pos n. def the central shaft of a plough to which all the main parts are attached. beam 9. syl beam pron pos n. def a narrow unidirectional flow of electromagnetic radiation or particles. exam 1 a beam of light; exam 2 an electron beam. beam 10. syl beam pron pos n. def the horizontal centrally pivoted bar in a balance. beam 11. syl beam pron pos n. qual Informal. def the width of the hips (esp. in the phrase {broad in the beam) }. a beam in one's eye 12. head beam syl a beam in one's eye. def a fault or grave error greater in oneself than in another person. beam 13.a. syl beam pron pos n. def not following a radio beam to maintain a course. beam 13.b. syl beam pron pos n. qual Informal. def wrong, mistaken, or irrel?!evant. beam 14.a. syl beam pron pos n. def following a radio beam to maintain a course. beam 14.b. syl beam pron pos n. qual Nautical. def opposite the beam of a vessel; abeam. beam 14.c. syl beam pron pos n. qual Informal. def correct, relevant, or appropriate. beam 15. syl beam pron pos vb. def to send out or radiate (rays of light). beam 16. syl beam pron pos vb. mod tr. def to divert or aim (a radio signal or broadcast, light, etc.) in a certain direction. exam 1 to beam a programme to Tokyo. beam 17. syl beam pron pos vb. mod intr. def to smile broadly with pleasure or satisfaction. beamless sub head beam syl beam+less pos adj. beamlike sub head beam syl beam+2like pos adj. beamy sub head beam syl beam:y pos adj. beam aerial 0. syl beam aer+i:al pos n. def an aerial system, such as a Yagi aerial, having directional properties. beam compass 0. syl beam com+pass pos n. def an instrument for drawing large circles or arcs, consisting of a horizontal beam along which two vertical legs slide. Also called: {trammel}. beam-ends 1. syl beam-ends pos n. mod pl. def the ends of a vessel's beams. on her beam-ends 2. head beam-ends syl on her beam-ends. usage of a vessel def heeled over through an angle of 90?%. beam-ends 3.a. syl beam-ends pos n. mod pl. def out of resources; destitute. beam-ends 3.b. syl beam-ends pos n. mod pl. def desperate. beam hole 0. syl beam hole pos n. def a hole in the shield of a nuclear reactor through which a beam of radiation, esp. of neutrons, is allowed to escape for experimental purposes. beam riding 0. syl beam rid+ing pos n. def a method of missile guidance in which the missile steers itself along the axis of a conically scanned microwave beam. beam rider sub head beam riding syl beam rid+er pos n. bean ety Old English b*_ean; related to Old Norse baun, Old Frisian b*_ane, Old High German b*_ona bean bean 1. syl bean pron pos n. def any of various papilionaceous plants of the widely cultivated genus producing edible seeds in pods. See {French bean, lima bean, scarlet runner, string bean}. bean 2. syl bean pron pos n. def any of several other papilionaceous plants that bear edible pods or seeds, such as the broad bean and soya bean. bean 3. syl bean pron pos n. def any of various other plants whose seeds are produced in pods or podlike fruits. bean 4. syl bean pron pos n. def the seed or pod of any of these plants. bean 5. syl bean pron pos n. qual U.S. slang def another word for {head}. not have a bean 6. head bean syl not have a bean. qual Slang. def to be without money. exam 1 I haven't got a bean. bean 7.a. syl bean pron pos n. def full of energy and vitality. bean 7.b. syl bean pron pos n. qual U.S. def mistaken; erroneous. spill the beans 8. head bean syl spill the beans. qual Informal. def to disclose something confidential. {~} bean 9. syl bean pron pos n. qual Chiefly U.S. slang. (tr. def to hit (a person) on the head. beanbag 0. syl bean+bag pron <1bEn2b@g> pos n. def a small cloth bag filled with dried beans and thrown in games. bean caper 0. syl bean ca+per pos n. def a shrub, of E Mediterranean regions, whose flower buds are eaten as a substitute for capers: family beaneries infl head beanery syl bean+er:ies. pos n. mod pl. beanery 0. syl bean+er:y pron <1bEn*ri> pos n. qual Informal. def a cheap restaurant. beanfeast 1. syl bean+feast pron <1bEn2fEst> pos n. qual Brit. informal. def an annual dinner given by employers to employees. beanfeast 2. syl bean+feast pron <1bEn2fEst> pos n. qual Brit. informal. def any festive or merry occasion. beany alt head beanie or beanie syl bean:y pron <1bEni> pos n. beanies infl head beanie syl bean:ies. pos n. mod pl. beanie 0. or beany syl bean:ie pron <1bEni> pos n. qual Chiefly U.S. def a round close-fitting hat resembling a skullcap. beanos infl head beano syl bean:os. pos n. mod pl. beano 0. syl bean:o pron <1bEn*u> pos n. qual Brit. slang. def a celebration, party, or other enjoyable time. beanpole 1. syl bean+pole pron <1bEn2p*ul> pos n. def a tall stick or pole used to support bean plants. beanpole 2. syl bean+pole pron <1bEn2p*ul> pos n. qual Slang. def a tall thin person. bean sprout 0. syl bean sprout pos n. def the sprout of newly germinated millet, eaten as a vegetable, esp. in Chinese dishes. bean tree 0. syl bean tree pos n. def any of various trees having beanlike pods, such as the catalpa and carob. bear ety Old English beran; related to Old Norse bera, Old High German beran to carry, Latin ferre, Greek pherein to bear, Sanskrit bharati he carries bears infl head bear syl bears pos vb. mod mainly; tr. bearing infl head bear syl bear+ing pos vb. mod mainly; tr. bore infl head bear syl bore pos vb. mod mainly; tr. borne infl head bear syl borne. pos vb. mod mainly; tr. bear H1.1. syl bear pron pos vb. mod mainly; tr. def to support or hold up; sustain. bear H1.2. syl bear pron pos vb. mod mainly; tr. def to bring or convey. exam 1 to bear gifts. bear H1.3. syl bear pron pos vb. mod mainly; tr. def to take, accept, or assume the responsibility of. exam 1 to bear an expense. born infl head bear syl born pos vb. bear H1.4. syl bear pron pos vb. mod mainly; tr. usage in passive use def to give birth to. exam 1 to bear children. bear H1.5. syl bear pron pos vb. mod also; intr. def to produce by or as if by natural growth. exam 1 to bear fruit. bear H1.6. syl bear pron pos vb. mod mainly; tr. def to tolerate or endure. exam 1 she couldn't bear him. bear H1.7. syl bear pron pos vb. mod mainly; tr. def to admit of; sustain. exam 1 his story does not bear scrutiny. bear H1.8. syl bear pron pos vb. mod mainly; tr. def to hold in the conscious mind or in one's feelings. exam 1 to bear a grudge; exam 2 I'll bear that idea in mind. bear H1.9. syl bear pron pos vb. mod mainly; tr. def to show or be marked with. exam 1 he still bears the scars. bear H1.10. syl bear pron pos vb. mod mainly; tr. def to transmit or spread. exam 1 to bear gossip. bear H1.11. syl bear pron pos vb. mod mainly; tr. def to render or supply (esp. in the phrase {bear witness}) . bear H1.12. syl bear pron pos vb. mod mainly; tr. def to conduct or manage (oneself, the body, etc.). exam 1 she bore her head high. bear H1.13. syl bear pron pos vb. mod mainly; tr. def to have, be, or stand in (relation or comparison). exam 1 his account bears no relation to the facts. bear H1.14. syl bear pron pos vb. mod intr. def to move, be located, or lie in a specified direction. exam 1 the way bears east. bear H1.15. syl bear pron pos vb. mod mainly; tr. def to have by right; be entitled to (esp. in the phrase {bear title}) . bear a hand 16. head bear syl bear a hand. def to give assistance. bring to bear 17. head bear syl bring to bear. def to bring into operation or effect. exam 1 he brought his knowledge to bear on the situation. bear xref syl bear pron pos vb. mod mainly; tr. def See also {bear down, bear off, bear on, bear out, bear up, bear with, born}. bear ety Old English bera; related to Old Norse bjorn, Old High German bero bears infl head bear or bear syl bears pos n. mod pl. bear infl or bears syl bear. pos n. mod pl. bear H2.1. syl bear pron pos n. def any plantigrade mammal of the family order (carnivores). Bears are typically massive omnivorous animals with a large head, a long shaggy coat, and strong claws. See also {black bear, brown bear, polar bear}. bear H2.2. syl bear pron pos n. def any of various bearlike animals, such as the koala and the ant bear. bear H2.3. syl bear pron pos n. def a clumsy, churlish, or ill-mannered person. bear H2.4. syl bear pron pos n. def a teddy bear. bear H2.5.a. syl bear pron pos n. def a speculator who sells in anticipation of falling prices to make a profit on repurchase. bear H2.5.b. syl bear pron pos n. usage as modifier; a bear market. def Compare { {bull%1} (sense 5)}. bears infl head bear syl bears pos vb. bearing infl head bear syl bear+ing pos vb. beared infl head bear syl beared. pos vb. bear H2.6. syl bear pron pos vb. mod tr. def to lower or attempt to lower the price or prices of (a stock market or a security) by speculative selling. the infl head Bear syl the. pos n. Bear 1. syl Bear pron pos n. def the English name for either {Ursa Major (Great Bear}) or {Ursa Minor (Little Bear}) . Bear 2. syl Bear pron pos n. def an informal name for {Russia}. bearable 0. syl bear+a:ble pron <1be*r*bL> pos adj. def endurable; tolerable. bearably sub head bearable syl bear+a:bly pos adv. bear-baiting 0. syl bear-bait:ing pos n. usage formerly def an entertainment in which dogs attacked and enraged a chained bear. bearberries infl head bearberry syl bear+ber:ries. pos n. mod pl. bearberry 1. syl bear+ber:ry pron <1be*b*ri> pos n. def a trailing evergreen ericaceous shrub, with small pinkish-white flowers, red berries, and astringent leaves. bealpine 2. head bearberry syl bealpine def or {black bearberry}. a related species, of European mountains, having black berries. bearcat 0. syl bear+cat pron <1be*2k@t> pos n. def another name for {lesser panda} {(see {panda} (sense 2))}. beard ety Old English beard; related to Old Norse barth, Old High German bart, Latin barba beard 1. syl beard pron pos n. def the hair growing on the lower parts of a man's face. beard 2. syl beard pron pos n. def any similar growth in animals. beard 3. syl beard pron pos n. def a tuft of long hairs in plants such as barley and wheat; awn. beard 4. syl beard pron pos n. def the gills of an oyster. beard 5. syl beard pron pos n. def a barb, as on an arrow or fish-hook. beard 6. syl beard pron pos n. qual Printing. def the part of a piece of type that connects the face with the shoulder. {~} beard 7. syl beard pron pos n. def to oppose boldly or impertinently. beard 8. syl beard pron pos n. def to pull or grasp the beard of. bearded sub head beard syl beard+ed pos adj. dragon alt head bearded lizard or bearded lizard syl drag+on pos n. bearded lizard 0. or dragon syl beard+ed liz+ard pos n. def a large Australian lizard, having a pouch beneath the jaw that is distended when the animal is threatened. Also called: {jaw lizard}. bearded tit 0. syl beard+ed tit pos n. def another name for {reedling}. bearded vulture 0. syl beard+ed vul+ture pos n. def another name for {lammergeier}. beardless 1. syl beard+less pron <1bi*dlis> pos adj. def without a beard. beardless 2. syl beard+less pron <1bi*dlis> pos adj. def too young to grow a beard; immature. beardlessness sub head beardless syl beard+less+ness pos n. bear down 1. syl bear down pos vb. adv. mod intr. usage often foll. by on or upon def to press or weigh down. bear down 2. syl bear down pos vb. adv. mod intr. usage often foll. by on or upon def to approach in a determined or threatening manner. bear down 3. syl bear down pos vb. adv. mod intr. usage often foll. by on or upon; of a vessel def to make an approach (to another vessel, obstacle, etc.) from windward. bear down 4. syl bear down pos vb. adv. mod intr. usage often foll. by on or upon; of a woman during childbirth def to exert a voluntary muscular pressure to assist delivery. Aubrey (Vincent) infl head Beardsley syl Au:brey (Vincent) . pos n. Beardsley 0. syl Beards:ley pron <1bi*dzli> pos n. def 1872-98, English illustrator: noted for his stylized black-and-white illustrations, esp. those for Oscar Wilde's and Pope's bearer 1. syl bear+er pron <1be*r*> pos n. def a person or thing that bears, presents, or upholds. bearer 2. syl bear+er pron <1be*r*> pos n. def a person who presents a note or bill for payment. bearer 3.a. syl bear+er pron <1be*r*> pos n. def a native carrier, esp. on an expedition. bearer 3.b. syl bear+er pron <1be*r*> pos n. def a native servant. bearer 4. syl bear+er pron <1be*r*> pos n. def See {pallbearer}. bearer 5. syl bear+er pron <1be*r*> pos n. def the holder of a rank, position, office, etc. bearer 6. syl bear+er pron <1be*r*> pos n. qual Finance. usage modifier def payable to the person in possession. exam 1 bearer bonds. bear garden 1. syl bear gar+den pos n. usage formerly def a place where bears were exhibited and where bear-baiting took place. bear garden 2. syl bear gar+den pos n. def a place or scene of tumult and disorder. bear hug 1. syl bear hug pos n. def a wrestling hold in which the arms are locked tightly round an opponent's chest and arms. bear hug 2. syl bear hug pos n. def any similar tight embrace. bearing 1. syl bear+ing pron <1be*riG> pos n. def a support, guide, or locating piece for a rotating or reciprocating mechanical part. bearing 2. syl bear+ing pron <1be*riG> pos n. usage foll. by on or upon def relevance (to). exam 1 it has no bearing on this problem. bearing 3. syl bear+ing pron <1be*riG> pos n. def a person's general social conduct, esp. in manners, dress, and behaviour. bearing 4.a. syl bear+ing pron <1be*riG> pos n. def the act, period, or capability of producing fruit or young. bearing 4.b. syl bear+ing pron <1be*riG> pos n. def an amount produced; yield. bearing 5. syl bear+ing pron <1be*riG> pos n. def the part of a beam or lintel that rests on a support. bearing 6. syl bear+ing pron <1be*riG> pos n. def anything that carries weight or acts as a support. bearing 7. syl bear+ing pron <1be*riG> pos n. def the angular direction of a line, point, or course measured from true north or south ({true bearing) }, magnetic north or south ({magnetic bearing) }, or one's own position. bearing 8. syl bear+ing pron <1be*riG> pos n. mod usually; pl. def the position or direction, as of a ship, fixed with reference to two or more known points. bearing 9. syl bear+ing pron <1be*riG> pos n. mod usually; pl. def a sense of one's relative position or situation; orientation (esp. in the phrases {lose, get}, {take one's bearings}) . bearing 10.a. syl bear+ing pron <1be*riG> pos n. def a device or emblem on a heraldic shield; charge. bearing 10.b. syl bear+ing pron <1be*riG> pos n. def another name for {coat of arms}. bearing rein 0. syl bear+ing rein pos n. qual Chiefly Brit. def a rein from the bit to the saddle, designed to keep the horse's head in the desired position. Usual U.S. word: {checkrein}. bearish 1. syl bear+ish pron <1be*riS> pos adj. def like a bear; rough; clumsy; churl?!ish. bearish 2. syl bear+ish pron <1be*riS> pos adj. qual Stock Exchange. def causing, expecting, or characterized by a fall in prices. exam 1 a bearish market. bearishly sub head bearish syl bear+ish+ly pos adv. bearishness sub head bearish syl bear+ish+ness pos n. B'earnaise ety French, from B*'earn in SW France B'earnaise 0. syl B*'e+ar+naise pron <2bA*1nAz> pos n. def a rich sauce made from egg yolks, lemon juice or wine vinegar, butter, shallots, herbs, and seasoning. bear off 0. syl bear off pos vb. adv. usage Nautical. of a vessel def to avoid hitting an obstacle, another vessel, etc., by swerving onto a different course. bear on 1. syl bear on pos vb. prep. mod intr. def to be relevant to; relate to. bear on 2. syl bear on pos vb. prep. mod intr. def to be burdensome to or afflict. exam 1 his misdeeds bore heavily on his conscience. bear out 0. syl bear out pos vb. adv. mod tr. def to show to be true or truthful; confirm. exam 1 the witness will bear me out. bear's-breeches alt head bear's-breech or bear's-breech syl bear's-breech:es pos n. bear's-breech 0. or bear's-breeches syl bear's-breech pos n. def a widely cultivated S European acanthus plant, having whitish purple-veined flowers. bear's-ear 0. syl bear's-ear pos n. def another name for { {auricula} (sense 1)}. bear's-foot 0. syl bear's-foot pos n. def either of two Eurasian hellebore plants, or having leaves shaped like the foot and claws of a bear. bearskin 1. syl bear+skin pron <1be*2skin> pos n. def the pelt of a bear, esp. when used as a rug. bearskin 2. syl bear+skin pron <1be*2skin> pos n. def a tall helmet of black fur worn by certain regiments in the British Army. bearskin 3. syl bear+skin pron <1be*2skin> pos n. def a rough shaggy woollen cloth, used for overcoats. bear up 0. syl bear up pos vb. adv. mod intr. def to endure cheerfully. bear with 0. syl bear with pos vb. prep. mod intr. def to be patient with. exam 1 bear with me while I tell you my story. bearwood 0. syl bear+wood pron <1be*2wud> pos n. def another name for { {cascara} (sense 2)}. beast ety C13: from Old French beste, from Latin bestia, of obscure origin beast 1. syl beast pron pos n. def any animal other than man, esp. a large wild quadruped. beast 2. syl beast pron pos n. def savage nature or characteristics. exam 1 the beast in man. beast 3. syl beast pron pos n. def a brutal, uncivilized, or filthy person. beastings 0. syl beast+ings pron <1bEstiGz> pos n. def a U.S. spelling of {beestings}. beastlier infl head beastly syl beast+li+er pos adj. beastliest infl head beastly syl beast+li+est. pos adj. beastly 1. syl beast+ly pron <1bEstli> pos adj. qual Informal. def unpleasant; disagreeable; nasty. exam 1 beastly weather. beastly 2. syl beast+ly pron <1bEstli> pos adj. qual Obsolete. def of or like a beast; bestial. {~} beastliness sub head beastly syl beast+li+ness pos n. beast of burden 0. syl beast of bur+den pos n. def an animal, such as a donkey or ox, used for carrying loads. beat ety Old English b*_eatan; related to Old Norse bauta, Old High German b*_ozan beats infl head beat syl beats pos vb. beating infl head beat syl beat+ing pos vb. beat beaten infl head beat or beat syl beat; beat+en pos vb. beat infl or beat beaten syl beat. pos vb. beat 1. syl beat pron pos vb. mod when; intr. usage often foll. by against, on, etc. def to strike with or as if with a series of violent blows; dash or pound repeatedly (against). beat 2. syl beat pron pos vb. mod tr. def to punish by striking; flog. beat 3. syl beat pron pos vb. def to move or cause to move up and down; flap. exam 1 the bird beat its wings heavily. beat 4. syl beat pron pos vb. mod intr. def to throb rhythmically; pulsate. exam 1 her heart beat fast. beat 5. syl beat pron pos vb. mod tr. def to make (one's way) by or as if by blows. exam 1 she beat her way out of the crowd. beat 6. syl beat pron pos vb. mod tr. qual Cookery. usage sometimes foll. by up def to stir or whisk (an ingredient or mixture) vigorously. beat 7. syl beat pron pos vb. mod tr. usage sometimes foll. by out def to shape, make thin, or flatten (a piece of metal) by repeated blows. beat 8. syl beat pron pos vb. mod tr. qual Music. def to indicate (pulse or time) by the motion of one's hand, baton, etc., or by the action of a metronome. beat 9. syl beat pron pos vb. mod when; tr. usage sometimes foll. by out def to produce (a sound or signal) by or as if by striking a drum. beat 10. syl beat pron pos vb. def to sound or cause to sound, by or as if by beating. exam 1 beat the drums&! beat 11. syl beat pron pos vb. def to overcome (an opponent) in a contest, battle, etc. beat 12. syl beat pron pos vb. mod tr. usage often foll. by back, down, off, etc. def to drive, push, or thrust. beat 13. syl beat pron pos vb. mod tr. def to counteract or overcome. exam 1 they set off early to beat the rush hour. beat 14. syl beat pron pos vb. def to scour (woodlands, coverts, or undergrowth) so as to rouse game for shooting. beat 15. syl beat pron pos vb. mod tr. qual Slang. def to puzzle or baffle. exam 1 it beats me how he can do that. beat 16. syl beat pron pos vb. mod intr. usage Physics. of sounds or electrical signals def to combine and produce a pulsating sound or signal. beat 17. syl beat pron pos vb. mod intr. qual Nautical. def to steer a sailing vessel as close as possible to the direction from which the wind is blowing. beat 18. syl beat pron pos vb. mod tr. qual U.S. slang. def to cheat or defraud. exam 1 he beat his brother out of the inheritance. beat about the bush 19. head beat syl beat about the bush. qual Informal. def to be divert?!ed or distracted from the point at issue; avoid the issue. beat a retreat 20. head beat syl beat a retreat. def to withdraw or depart in haste. beat it 21. head beat syl beat it. qual Slang. (often imperative def to go away. beat one's brains (out) 22. head beat syl beat one's brains (out). qual Slang. def to try to find ideas, a solution, etc. beat someone's brains out 23. head beat syl beat someone's brains out. qual Slang. def to kill by knocking severely about the head. beat someone to it 24. head beat syl beat someone to it. qual Informal. def to reach a place or achieve an objective before someone else. beat 25.a. syl beat pron pos vb. usage Brit. formerly def to define the boundaries of a parish by making a procession around them and hitting the ground with rods. beat 25.b. syl beat pron pos vb. def to define the scope or limit, as of a topic or discussion. can you beat it 26. head beat or beathat syl can you beat it qual Slang. def an expression of utter amazement or surprise. beat 27. syl beat pron pos n. def a stroke or blow. beat 28. syl beat pron pos n. def the sound made by a stroke or blow. beat 29. syl beat pron pos n. def a regular sound or stroke; throb. beat 30. syl beat pron pos n. def an assigned or habitual round or route, as of a policeman or sentry. beat 31. syl beat pron pos n. def the basic rhythmic unit in a piece of music, usually grouped in twos, threes, or fours. beat 32.a. syl beat pron pos n. def pop or rock music characterized by a heavy rhythmic beat. beat 32.b. syl beat pron pos n. usage as modifier exam 1 a beat group. beat 33. syl beat pron pos n. qual Physics. def one of the regular pulses produced by combining two sounds or electrical signals that have similar frequencies. beat 34. syl beat pron pos n. qual Horology. def the impulse given to the balance wheel by the action of the escapement. beat 35. syl beat pron pos n. qual Prosody. def the accent, stress, or ictus in a metrical foot. beat 36. syl beat pron pos n. qual Nautical. def a course that steers a sailing vessel as close as possible to the direction from which the wind is blowing. beat 37.a. syl beat pron pos n. def the act of scouring for game by beating. beat 37.b. syl beat pron pos n. def the organized scouring of a particular woodland so as to rouse the game in it. beat 37.c. syl beat pron pos n. def the woodland where game is so roused. beat 38. syl beat pron pos n. def short for {beatnik}. beat 39. syl beat pron pos n. qual Fencing. def a sharp tap with one's blade on an opponent's blade to deflect it. beat 40. syl beat pron pos n. usage modifier; often cap. def of, characterized by, or relating to the Beat Generation. exam 1 a beat poet; exam 2 beat philosophy. beat 41. syl beat pron pos adj. qual Slang. usage postpositive def totally exhausted. beat xref syl beat pron pos vb. def See also {beat down, beat up}. beatable sub head beat syl beat+a:ble pos adj. beat down 1. syl beat down pos vb. adv. mod tr. qual Informal. def to force or persuade (a seller) to accept a lower price. exam 1 I beat him down three pounds. beat down 2. syl beat down pos vb. adv. mod intr. usage of the sun def to shine intensely; be very hot. beaten 1. syl beat+en pron <1bEtN> pos adj. def defeated or baffled. beaten 2. syl beat+en pron <1bEtN> pos adj. def shaped or made thin by hammering. exam 1 a bowl of beaten gold. beaten 3. syl beat+en pron <1bEtN> pos adj. def much travelled; well trodden (esp. in the phrase {the beaten track) }. beaten 4.a. syl beat+en pron <1bEtN> pos adj. def in or into unfamiliar territory. beaten 4.b. syl beat+en pron <1bEtN> pos adj. def out of the ordinary; unusual. beaten 5. syl beat+en pron <1bEtN> pos adj. usage of food def mixed by beating; whipped. beaten 6. syl beat+en pron <1bEtN> pos adj. def tired out; exhausted. beaten 7. syl beat+en pron <1bEtN> pos adj. usage Hunting. of woods, undergrowth, etc. def scoured so as to rouse game. beater 1. syl beat+er pron <1bEt*> pos n. def a person who beats or hammers. exam 1 a panel beater. beater 2. syl beat+er pron <1bEt*> pos n. def an instrument or device used for beating. exam 1 a carpet beater. beater 3. syl beat+er pron <1bEt*> pos n. def a person who rouses wild game from woodland, undergrowth, etc. Beat Generation 0. syl Beat Gen+er:a+tion pos n. mod functioning as; sing. pl. def members of the generation that came to maturity in the 1950s, whose rejection of the social and political systems of the West was expressed through contempt for regular work, possessions, traditional dress, etc., and espousal of anarchism, communal living, drugs, etc. beatific ety C17: from Late Latin be*_atificus, from Latin be*_atus, from be*_are to bless + facere to make beatific 1. syl be:a+tif+ic pron <2bE*1tifik> pos adj. def displaying great happiness, calmness, etc.. exam 1 a beatific smile. beatific 2. syl be:a+tif+ic pron <2bE*1tifik> pos adj. def of, conferring, or relating to a state of celestial happiness. beatifically sub head beatific syl be:a+1tif:i+cal+ly pos adv. beatify ety C16: from Old French beatifier, from Late Latin be*_atific*_are to make blessed; see #7beatific &- be+at@.i+fi+ca+tion (b$I@!@at$If$I#!ke$I#s$$n) n. beatifies infl head beatify syl be+at:i+fies pos vb. beatifying infl head beatify syl be+at:i+fy+ing pos vb. beatified infl head beatify syl be+at:i+fied. pos vb. beatify 1. syl be+at:i+fy pron pos vb. mod tr. usage R.C. Church. of the pope def to declare formally that (a deceased person) showed a heroic degree of holiness in his or her life and therefore is worthy of public veneration: the first step towards canonization. beatify 2. syl be+at:i+fy pron pos vb. mod tr. def to make extremely happy. beating 1. syl beat+ing pron <1bEtiG> pos n. def a whipping or thrashing, as in punishment. beating 2. syl beat+ing pron <1bEtiG> pos n. def a defeat or setback. beatake some 3. head beating or a lot of beating syl beatake some def to be difficult to improve upon. beatitude ety C15: from Latin be*_atit*_ud*_o, from be*_atus blessed; see #7beatific beatitude 1. syl be+at:i+tude pron pos n. def supreme blessedness or happiness. beatitude 2. syl be+at:i+tude pron pos n. def an honorific title of the Eastern Christian Church, applied to those of patriarchal rank. Beatitude 0. syl Be+at:i+tude pron pos n. qual New Testament. def any of eight distinctive sayings of Jesus in the Sermon on the Mount (Matthew 5:1-8) in which he declares that the poor, the meek, those that mourn, the merciful, the peacemakers, the pure of heart, those that thirst for justice, and those that are persecuted will, in various ways, receive the blessings of heaven. Beathe infl head Beatles syl Beathe. pos n. Beatles 0. syl Beat+les pron <1bEtLz> pos n. mod pl. def English rock group (1962-70) from Liverpool: comprised John {Lennon}, Paul {McCartney}, George {Harrison}, and Ringo {Starr}. Their hit singles include (1963), (1964), (1964), (1967), and (1968); their many albums include (film soundtrack, 1964), (film soundtrack, 1965), (1966) (1967), (1969), and (1970). Much of their material was written by Lennon and McCartney. beatnik ety C20: from #7beat (n.)+ -#7nik, by analogy with #7sputnik beatnik 1. syl beat+nik pron <1bEtnik> pos n. def a member of the Beat Generation. beatnik 2. syl beat+nik pron <1bEtnik> pos n. qual Informal. def any person with long hair and shabby clothes. David infl head Beatty syl Da:vid pos n. Beatty 0. syl Beat:ty pron <1bEti> pos n. def 1st Earl Beatty. 1871-1936, British admiral of the fleet in World War I. beat up 1. syl beat up pos adv. mod tr. qual Informal. def to strike or kick (a person), usually repeatedly, so as to inflict severe physical damage. beat-up infl head beat up syl beat-up. pos adj. beat up 2. syl beat up pos adj. qual Informal.; Chiefly U.S. def worn-out; dilapidated. beau ety C17: from French, from Old French biau, from Latin bellus handsome, charming beaus infl head beau or beaux syl beaus pron pos n. mod pl. beaux infl head beau or beaus syl beaux pron , pos n. mod pl. beau 1. syl beau pron pos n. def a lover, sweetheart, or escort of a girl or woman. beau 2. syl beau pron pos n. def a man who is greatly concerned with his clothes and appearance; dandy. Beaufort scale ety C19: after Sir Francis Beaufort (1774-1857), English admiral who devised it Beaufort scale 0. syl Beau+fort scale pron <1b*uf*t> pos n. qual Meteorol. def an international scale of wind velocities ranging for practical purposes from 0 (calm) to 12 (hurricane force). Beaufort Sea 0. syl Beau+fort Sea pos n. def part of the Arctic Ocean off the N coast of North America. beau geste ety literally: beautiful gesture beaux gestes infl head beau geste syl beaux gestes pron pos n. mod pl. Hortense de Eugene de 1. head Beauharnais syl Hor:tense de Eu:g*`ene de pron <$o1Zen> def son of Jos*'ephine. 1781-1824, viceroy of Italy (1805-14) for his stepfather Napoleon I. Hortense de 2. head Beauharnais syl Hor:tense de def daughter of Jos*'ephine. 1783-1837, queen of Holland (1806-10) as wife of Louis Bonaparte. Jos'ephine de 3. head Beauharnais syl Jo:s*'e:phine de pron def See (Empress) {Josephine}. beaux ideals infl head beau ideal syl beaux i:de:als pron pos n. mod pl. beaujolais 0. syl beau+jo+lais pron <1b*uZ*2lA> pos n. usage sometimes cap. def a popular fresh-tasting red or white wine from southern Burgundy in France. Pierre Augustin Caron de infl head Beaumarchais syl Pierre Au:gus:tin Ca:ron de pron pos n. Beaumarchais 0. syl Beau:mar:chais pron French pos n. def 1732-99, French dramatist, noted for his comedies (1775) and (1784). beau monde ety C18: French, literally: fine world beau monde 0. syl beau monde pron <1b*u> <1mond>, French <1m?~c:d> pos n. def the world of fashion and society. Beaumont H1.0. syl Beau+mont pron <1b*umont> pos n. def a city in SE Texas. Pop.: 112620 (1973 est.). Francis 1. head Beaumont syl Fran:cis. def l584-1616, English dramatist, who collaborated with John Fletcher in plays including (l607) and (1611). William 2. head Beaumont syl Wil:liam. def l785-l853, U.S. surgeon, noted for his pioneering work on digestion. Beaune 1. syl Beaune pron pos n. def a city in E France, near Dijon: an important trading centre for Burgundy wines. Pop.: 19972 (1975). Beaune 2. syl Beaune pron pos n. def a wine produced in this district. infl head beaut syl ~ pos n. qual Slang, chiefly Austral. beaut 1. syl beaut pron pos n. def a person or thing that is outstanding or distinctive. beaut 2. syl beaut pron pos adj. interj. def good or excellent: an expression of approval. beauteous 0. syl beau+te+ous pron <1bju:ti*s> pos adj. def a poetic word for {beautiful}. beauteously sub head beauteous syl beau+te+ous+ly pos adv. beauteousness sub head beauteous syl beau+te+ous+ness pos n. beautician 0. syl beau+ti+cian pron pos n. def a person who works in or manages a beauty salon. beautiful 1. syl beau+ti+ful pron <1bju:tiful> pos adj. def possessing beauty; aesthetically pleasing. beautiful 2. syl beau+ti+ful pron <1bju:tiful> pos adj. def highly enjoyable; very pleasant. exam 1 the party was beautiful. beautifulness sub head beautiful syl beau+ti+ful+ness pos n. beautifully 1. syl beau+ti+ful+ly pron <1bju:tifli> pos adv. def in a beautiful manner. beautifies infl head beautify syl beau+ti+fies pos vb. beautifying infl head beautify syl beau+ti+fy+ing pos vb. beautified infl head beautify syl beau+ti+fied. pos vb. beautify 0. syl beau+ti+fy pron <1bju:ti2fI> pos vb. def to make or become beautiful. beautification sub head beautify syl beau+ti+fi+ca+tion pron <2bju:tifi1kAS*n> pos n. beauty ety C13: from Old French biaut*'e, from biau beautiful; see #7beau beauties infl head beauty syl beau+ties. pos n. mod pl. beauty 1. syl beau+ty pron <1bju:ti> pos n. def the combination of all the qualities of a person or thing that delight the senses and please the mind. beauty 2. syl beau+ty pron <1bju:ti> pos n. def a very attractive and well-formed girl or woman. beauty 3. syl beau+ty pron <1bju:ti> pos n. qual Informal. def an outstanding example of its kind. exam 1 the horse is a beauty. beauty 4. syl beau+ty pron <1bju:ti> pos n. qual Informal. def an advantageous feature. exam 1 one beauty of the job is the short hours. beauty 5. syl beau+ty pron <1bju:ti> pos n. qual Informal. def a light-hearted and affectionate term of address. exam 1 hello, my old beauty&! beauty 6. syl beau+ty pron <1bju:ti> pos n. qual Austral. slang. def an expression of approval or agreement. beauty queen 0. syl beau+ty queen pos n. def an attractive young woman, esp. one who has won a beauty contest. parlour alt head beauty salon or beauty salon syl par+lour pos n. beauty salon 0. or parlour syl beau+ty sal+on pos n. def an establishment providing women with services to improve their beauty, such as hairdressing, manicuring, facial treatment, and massage. beauty sleep 0. syl beau+ty sleep pos n. qual Informal. def sleep, esp. sleep before midnight. beauty spot 1. syl beau+ty spot pos n. def a small dark-coloured patch or spot worn on a lady's face as an adornment or as a foil to her complexion. beauty spot 2. syl beau+ty spot pos n. def a mole or other similar natural mark on the skin. beauty spot 3. syl beau+ty spot pos n. def a place of outstanding beauty. Beauvais 0. syl Beau+vais pron French pos n. def a market town in N France, 64 km (40 miles) northwest of Paris. Pop.: 56725 (1975). Simone de infl head Beauvoir syl Si:mone de pron pos n. Beauvoir 0. syl Beau:voir pron French pos n. def born 1908, French existentialist novelist and feminist, whose works include (1944), (1949), and (1954). beaux 0. syl beaux pron , pos n. def a plural of {beau}. beaux-arts ety French beaux-arts 1. syl beaux-arts pron pos n. mod pl. def another word for {fine art}. beaux-arts 2. syl beaux-arts pron pos n. mod pl. usage modifier def relating to the classical decorative style, esp. that of the *'Ecole des Beaux-Arts in Paris. exam 1 beaux-arts influences. beaver ety Old English beofor; compare Old Norse bi*_orr, Old High German bibar, Latin fiber, Sanskrit babhr*'u red-brown beaver H1.1. syl bea+ver pron <1bEv*> pos n. def a large amphibious rodent, of Europe, Asia, and North America: family It has soft brown fur, a broad flat hairless tail, and webbed hind feet, and constructs complex dams and houses (lodges) in rivers. beaver H1.2. syl bea+ver pron <1bEv*> pos n. def the fur of this animal. mountain beaver 3. head beaver syl mountain beaver. def a burrowing rodent, of W North America: family beaver H1.4. syl bea+ver pron <1bEv*> pos n. def a tall hat of beaver fur or a fabric resembling it, worn, esp. by men, during the 19th century. beaver H1.5. syl bea+ver pron <1bEv*> pos n. def a woollen napped cloth resembling beaver fur, formerly much used for overcoats, etc. beaver H1.6. syl bea+ver pron <1bEv*> pos n. def a greyish- or yellowish-brown. beaver H1.7. syl bea+ver pron <1bEv*> pos n. qual Obsolete. def a full beard. beaver H1.8. syl bea+ver pron <1bEv*> pos n. def a bearded man. beaver H1.9. syl bea+ver pron <1bEv*> pos n. usage modifier def having the colour of beaver or made of beaver fur or some similar material. exam 1 a beaver lamb coat; exam 2 a beaver stole. beaver H1.10. syl bea+ver pron <1bEv*> pos vb. mod intr. qual Brit. informal. usage usually foll. by away def to work industriously or steadily. beaver ety C15: from Old French baviere, from baver to dribble beaver H2.0. syl bea+ver pron <1bEv*> pos n. def a movable piece on a medieval helmet used to protect the lower part of the face. Beaverboard 0. syl Bea:ver+board pron <1bEv*2bc:d> pos n. qual Trademark. def a stiff light board of compressed wood fibre, used esp. to surface partitions. st Baron infl head Beaverbrook syl 1st Baron pos n. Beaverbrook 0. syl Bea:ver:brook pron <1bEv*2bruk> pos n. def title of 1879-1964, British newspaper proprietor and Conservative politician, born in Canada, whose newspapers included the minister of information (1918); minister of aircraft production (1940-41). bebeerine ety from German Bebeerin; see #7bebeeru, -#7ine %2 bebeerine 0. syl be+bee+rine pron , <-rin> pos n. def an alkaloid, resembling quinine, obtained from the bark of the greenheart and other plants. bebeeru ety C19: from Spanish bibir*'u, of Carib origin bebeeru 0. syl be+bee+ru pron pos n. def another name for { {greenheart} (sense 1)}. August infl head Bebel syl Au:gust pron <1august> pos n. Bebel 0. syl Be:bel pron German <1bA:bL> pos n. def 1840-1913, German socialist leader: one of the founders of the Social Democratic Party (1869). Bebington 0. syl Beb+ing+ton pron <1bebiGt*n> pos n. def a town in NW England, in Merseyside: docks and chemical works. Pop.: 61488 (1971). bebop ety C20: imitative of the rhythm of the music bebop 0. syl be+bop pron <1bEbop> pos n. def the full name for { {bop%1} (sense 1)}. bebopper sub head bebop syl be+bop+per pos n. becalmed 0. syl be+calmed pron pos adj. usage of a sailing boat or ship def motionless through lack of wind. became 0. syl be+came pron pos vb. def the past tense of {become}. because ety C14 bi cause, from bi #7by+cause #e Usage. See at reason. because 1. syl be+cause pron , <-1k*z> pos conj. usage subordinating def on account of the fact that; on account of being; since. exam 1 because it's so cold we'll go home. because of 2. head because syl because of. pos prep. def on account of; due to. exam 1 I lost my job because of her. beccafico ety C17: from Italian, from beccare to peck+ fico fig, from Latin f*_icus beccaficos infl head beccafico syl bec+ca+fi+cos. pos n. mod pl. beccafico 0. syl bec+ca+fi+co pron <2bek*1fEk*u> pos n. def any of various European songbirds, esp. warblers of the genus eaten as a delicacy in Italy and other countries. b'echamel sauce ety C18: named after the Marquis of B*'echamel, steward of Louis XIV of France and its inventor b'echamel sauce 0. syl b*'e+cha+mel sauce pron <2bAS*1mel> pos n. def a thick white sauce flavoured with onion and seasonings. bechance 0. syl be+chance pron pos vb. mod intr. qual Archaic. def to happen (to). B'echar 0. syl B*'e+char pron French pos n. def a city in NW Algeria: an oasis. Pop.: 27000 (1967). Former name: {Colomb-B*'echar}. beche-de-mer ety C19: quasi-French, from earlier English biche de mer, from Portuguese bicho do mar worm of the sea beches-de-mer infl head beche-de-mer or beche-de-mer syl b*^eches-de-mer pron <2beSd*1me*> pos n. mod pl. beche-de-mer infl or beches-de-mer syl b*^eche-de-mer. pos n. mod pl. beche-de-mer 1. syl b*^eche-de-mer pron <2beSd*1me*> pos n. def another name for {trepang}. beche-de-mer 2. syl b*^eche-de-mer pron <2beSd*1me*> pos n. def See {Beach-la-Mar}. Sidney infl head Bechet syl Sid:ney. pos n. Bechet 0. syl Bech:et pron <1beSA> pos n. def 1897-1959, U.S. jazz soprano sax?!ophonist and clarinettist. Bechuana infl or Bechuanas syl Bech:ua+na pos n. mod pl. Bechuanas infl head Bechuana or Bechuana syl Bech:ua+nas. pos n. mod pl. Bechuana 1. syl Bech:ua+na pron <2beCu1a:n*>, <2bekju-> pos n. def a former name for {Tswana}. Bechuana 2. syl Bech:ua+na pron <2beCu1a:n*>, <2bekju-> pos n. def a former name for a member of the Bantu people of Botswana. Bechuanaland 0. syl Bech:ua+na+land pron <2beCu1a:n*2l@nd>, <2bekju-> pos n. def the former name (until 1966) of {Botswana}. beck ety C14: short for becnen to #7beckon beck H1.1. syl beck pron pos n. def a nod, wave, or other gesture or signal. at (someone's) beck and call 2. head beck syl at (someone's) beck and call. def ready to obey (someone's) orders instantly; subject to (someone's) slightest whim. beck ety Old English becc, from Old Norse bekkr; related to Old English bece, Old Saxon beki, Old High German bah brook, Sanskrit bhanga wave beck H2.0. syl beck pron pos n. usage in N England def a stream, esp. a swiftly flowing one. becket ety C18: of unknown origin becket 1. syl beck+et pron <1bekit> pos n. qual Nautical. def a clevis forming part of one end of a sheave, used for securing standing lines by means of a thimble. becket 2. syl beck+et pron <1bekit> pos n. qual Nautical. def a short line with a grommet or eye at one end and a knot at the other, used for securing spars or other gear in place. Saint Thomas infl head Becket syl Saint Thom:as. pos n. Becket 0. syl Beck:et pron <1bekit> pos n. def 1118-70, English prelate; chancellor (1155-62) to Henry II; archbishop of Canterbury (1162-70): murdered following his opposition to Henry's attempts to control the clergy. becket bend 0. syl beck+et bend pos n. def another name for {sheet bend}. Samuel infl head Beckett syl Sam:u:el. pos n. Beckett 0. syl Beck:ett pron <1bekit> pos n. def born 1906, Irish dramatist and novelist writing in French and English, whose works portray the human condition as insignificant or absurd in a bleak universe. They include the plays 1952) and 1957) and the novel 1951): Nobel prize for literature 1969. William infl head Beckford syl Wil:liam. pos n. Beckford 0. syl Beck:ford pron <1bekf*d> pos n. def 1759-1844, English writer and dilettante; author of the oriental romance (1787). Max infl head Beckmann syl Max pos n. beckon ety Old English b*_iecnan, from b*_eacen sign; related to Old Saxon b*_oknian; see #7beacon beckon 1. syl beck+on pron <1bek*n> pos vb. def to summon with a gesture of the hand or head. beckon 2. syl beck+on pron <1bek*n> pos vb. def to entice or lure. beckon 3. syl beck+on pron <1bek*n> pos n. def a summoning gesture. beckoner sub head beckon syl beck+on+er pos n. becloud 1. syl be+cloud pron pos vb. mod tr. def to cover or obscure with a cloud. becloud 2. syl be+cloud pron pos vb. mod tr. def to confuse or muddle. exam 1 to becloud the issues. become ety Old English becuman to happen; related to Old High German biqueman to come to, Gothic biquiman to appear suddenly becomes infl head become syl be+comes pos vb. mod mainly; intr. becoming infl head become syl be+com+ing pos vb. mod mainly; intr. became infl head become syl be+came pos vb. mod mainly; intr. become infl syl be+come. pos vb. mod mainly; intr. become 1. syl be+come pron pos vb. mod mainly; intr. usage copula def to come to be; develop or grow into. exam 1 he became a monster. become 2. syl be+come pron pos vb. mod mainly; intr. usage foll. by of; usually used in a question def to fall to or be the lot (of); happen (to). exam 1 what became of him?? become 3. syl be+come pron pos vb. mod tr. usage of clothes, etc. def to enhance the appearance of (someone); suit. exam 1 that dress becomes you. becoming 1. syl be+com+ing pron pos adj. def suitable; appropriate. becoming 2. syl be+com+ing pron pos n. def any process of change. becoming 3. syl be+com+ing pron pos n. usage in the philosophy of Aristotle def any change from the lower level of potentiality to the higher level of actuality. becomingly sub head becoming syl be+1com+ing+ly pos adv. becomingness sub head becoming syl be+1com+ing+ness pos n. Antoine Henri infl head Becquerel syl An:toine Hen:ri pron pos n. bed ety Old English bedd; related to Old Norse bethr, Old High German betti, Gothic badi bed 1. syl bed pron pos n. def a piece of furniture on which to sleep. bed 2. syl bed pron pos n. def the mattress and bedclothes on such a piece of furniture. exam 1 an unmade bed. bed 3. syl bed pron pos n. def sleep or rest. exam 1 time for bed. bed 4. syl bed pron pos n. def any place in which a person or animal sleeps or rests. bed 5. syl bed pron pos n. qual Informal. def a place for sexual intercourse. bed 6. syl bed pron pos n. qual Informal. def sexual intercourse. bed 7. syl bed pron pos n. def a plot of ground in which plants are grown, esp. when considered together with the plants in it. exam 1 a flower bed. bed 8. syl bed pron pos n. def the bottom of a river, lake, or sea. bed 9. syl bed pron pos n. def a part of this used for cultivation of a plant or animal. exam 1 oyster beds. bed 10. syl bed pron pos n. def a layer of crushed rock, gravel, etc., used as a foundation for a road, railway, etc. bed 11. syl bed pron pos n. def a layer of mortar in a masonry wall. bed 12. syl bed pron pos n. def the underside of a brick, tile, slate, etc., when in position. Compare { {back} (sense 12)}. bed 13. syl bed pron pos n. def any underlying structure or part. bed 14. syl bed pron pos n. def a layer of rock, esp. sedimentary rock. bed 15. syl bed pron pos n. def the flat part of a letterpress printing press onto or against which the type forme is placed. a bed of roses 16. head bed syl a bed of roses. def a situation of comfort or ease. be brought to bed (of) 17. head bed syl be brought to bed (of) qual Archaic. def to give birth (to). get out of bed on the wrong side 18. head bed syl get out of bed on the wrong side. qual Informal. def to be ill-tempered from the start of the day. bed 19.a. syl bed pron pos n. usage often foll. by with def to have sexual intercourse (with). bed 19.b. syl bed pron pos n. usage Journalism, printing. of a newspaper, magazine, etc. def to go to press; start printing. bed 20.a. syl bed pron pos n. qual Journalism. def to finalize work on (a newspaper, magazine, etc.) so that it is ready to go to press. bed 20.b. syl bed pron pos n. qual Letterpress printing. def to lock up the type forme of (a publication) in the press before printing. take to one's bed 21. head bed syl take to one's bed. def to remain in bed, esp. because of illness. {~} {beds, bed+ding, bed+ded}. bed 22. syl bed pron pos n. usage usually foll. by down def to go to or put into a place to sleep or rest. bed 23. syl bed pron pos n. mod tr. def to have sexual intercourse with. bed 24. syl bed pron pos n. mod tr. def to place, fix, or sink firmly into position; embed. bed 25. syl bed pron pos n. qual Geology. def to form or be arranged in a distinct layer; stratify. bed 26. syl bed pron pos n. mod tr. usage often foll. by out def to plant in a bed of soil. BEd 0. syl B.Ed. qual abbrev. for def Bachelor of Education. bed and board 1. syl bed and board pos n. def sleeping accommodation and meals. divorce from bed and board 2. head bed and board syl divorce from bed and board. qual U.S. law. def a form of divorce whereby the parties are prohibited from living together but the marriage is not dissolved. bed and breakfast 1. syl bed and break+fast qual Chiefly Brit. n. usage in a hotel, boarding house, etc. def overnight accommodation and breakfast. {~} bed and breakfast 2. syl bed and break+fast qual Chiefly Brit. n. usage Informal. of a stock-exchange trans?!action def establishing a loss for tax purposes, shares being sold after hours one evening and bought back the next morning when the market opens. bedaub 1. syl be+daub pron pos vb. mod tr. def to smear all over with something thick, sticky, or dirty. bedaub 2. syl be+daub pron pos vb. mod tr. def to ornament in a gaudy or vulgar fashion. bedazzle 0. syl be+daz+zle pron pos vb. mod tr. def to dazzle or confuse, as with brilliance. bedazzlement sub head bedazzle syl be+1daz+zle+ment pos n. bedbug 0. syl bed+bug pron <1bed2b^g> pos n. def any of several bloodsucking insects of the heteropterous genus esp. of temperate regions, having an oval flattened wingless body and infesting dirty houses: family bedchamber 0. syl bed+cham:ber pron <1bed2CAmb*> pos n. def an archaic word for {bedroom}. bedclothes 0. syl bed+clothes pron <1bed2kl*u@dz> pos n. mod pl. def sheets, blankets, and other coverings of a bed. beddable 0. syl bed+da:ble pron <1bed*bL> pos adj. def sexually attractive. bedder 1. syl bed+der pron <1bed*> pos n. usage Brit. at Cambridge University def a college servant employed to keep students' rooms in order. bedder 2. syl bed+der pron <1bed*> pos n. def a plant that may be grown in a garden bed. bedding 1. syl bed+ding pron <1bediG> pos n. def bedclothes, sometimes considered together with a mattress. bedding 2. syl bed+ding pron <1bediG> pos n. def litter, such as straw, for animals. bedding 3. syl bed+ding pron <1bediG> pos n. def something acting as a foundation, such as mortar under a brick. bedding 4. syl bed+ding pron <1bediG> pos n. def the arrangement of a mass of rocks into distinct layers; stratification. bedding plant 0. syl bed+ding plant pos n. def a plant that may be grown in a garden bed. Saint infl head Bede syl Saint pos n. Bede 0. syl Bede pron pos n. def called ??673-735 #7a.d., English monk, scholar, historian, and theologian, noted for his Latin (731). Feast day: May 27. bedeck 0. syl be+deck pron pos vb. mod tr. def to cover with decorations; adorn. bedell alt head bedel or bedel syl be+dell pron <1bEdL> pos n. bedel 0. or bedell syl be+del pron <1bEdL> pos n. def archaic spellings of { {beadle} (sense 3)}. bedesmen infl head bedesman syl bedes+men. pos n. mod pl. bedesman 0. syl bedes+man pron <1bEdzm*n> pos n. def a variant spelling of {beadsman}. bedevils infl head bedevil or bedevils syl be+dev+ils pos vb. mod tr. qual U.S. bedevilling infl head bedevil or bedeviling syl be+dev+il+ling pos vb. mod tr. bedevilled infl head bedevil or bedeviled syl be+dev+illed pos vb. mod tr. bedeviling infl head bedevil or bedevilling syl be+dev+il+ing pos vb. mod tr. qual U.S. bedeviled infl head bedevil or bedevilled syl be+dev+iled. pos vb. mod tr. qual U.S. bedevil 1. syl be+dev+il pron pos vb. def to harass or torment. bedevil 2. syl be+dev+il pron pos vb. def to throw into confusion. bedevil 3. syl be+dev+il pron pos vb. def to possess, as with a devil. bedevilment sub head bedevil syl be+1dev+il+ment pos n. bedew 0. syl be+dew pron pos vb. mod tr. def to wet or cover with or as if with drops of dew. bedfast 0. syl bed+fast pron <1bed2fa:st> pos adj. def an archaic word for {bedridden}. bedfellow 1. syl bed+fel:low pron <1bed2fel*u> pos n. def a person with whom one shares a bed. bedfellow 2. syl bed+fel:low pron <1bed2fel*u> pos n. def a temporary ally or associate. Bedford H1.1. syl Bed+ford pron <1bedf*d> pos n. def a town in SE central England, administrative centre of Bedfordshire, on the River Ouse. Pop.: 73064 (1971). Bedford H1.2. syl Bed+ford pron <1bedf*d> pos n. def short for {Bedfordshire}. Duke of infl head Bedford syl Duke of pos n. Bedford H2.0. syl Bed:ford pron <1bedf*d> pos n. def title of 1389-1435, son of Henry IV of England: protector of England and regent of France (1422-35). Bedford cord ety named after B#7edford %1 Bedford cord 0. syl Bed+ford cord pos n. def a heavy corded cloth, similar to corduroy. Bedfordshire 0. syl Bed+ford+shire pron <1bedf*d2Si*>, <-S*> pos n. def a county of S central England: mainly low-lying, with the Chiltern Hills in the south. Administrative centre: Bedford. Pop.: 491700 (1976 est.). Area: 1232 sq. km (476 sq. miles). Abbrev.: {Beds}. bedight ety C14: from #7dight bedights infl head bedight syl be+dights pos vb. bedighting infl head bedight syl be+dight+ing pos vb. bedight infl or bedighted syl be+dight pos vb. bedighted infl head bedight or bedight syl be+dight+ed. pos vb. bedight 1. syl be+dight pron pos vb. mod tr. qual Archaic. def to array or adorn. bedight 2. syl be+dight pron pos adj. qual Archaic. usage past participle of the verb def adorned or bedecked. bedims infl head bedim syl be+dims pos vb. mod tr. bedimming infl head bedim syl be+dim+ming pos vb. mod tr. bedimmed infl head bedim syl be+dimmed. pos vb. mod tr. bedim 0. syl be+dim pron pos vb. mod tr. def to make dim or obscure. Sir infl head Bedivere syl Sir. pos n. Bedivere 0. syl Bed:i:vere pron <1bedi2vi*> pos n. usage in Arthurian legend def a knight who took the dying King Arthur to the barge in which he was carried to Avalon. bedizen ety C17: from #7be -+ obsolete dizen to dress up, of uncertain origin &- be+#!di+zen+ment n. bedizen 0. syl be+di+zen pron , <-1dizN> pos vb. mod tr. qual Archaic. def to dress or decorate gaudily or tastelessly. bedlam ety C13 bedlem, bethlem, after the Hospital of St. Mary of Bethlehem in London bedlam 1. syl bed+lam pron <1bedl*m> pos n. def a noisy confused place or situation; state of uproar. exam 1 his speech caused bedlam. bedlam 2. syl bed+lam pron <1bedl*m> pos n. qual Archaic. def a lunatic asylum; madhouse. bedlamite 0. syl bed+lam+ite pron <1bedl*2mIt> pos n. qual Archaic. def a lunatic; insane person. Bedlington terrier 0. syl Bed+ling+ton ter+ri+er pron <1bedliGt*n> pos n. def a large breed of terrier with a thick white fleecy coat. Often shortened to {Bedlington}. Bedloe Island alt head Bedloe's Island or Bedloe's Island syl Bed+loe Is+land pos n. Bedloe's Island 0. or Bedloe Island syl Bed+loe's Is+land pron <1bedl*uz> pos n. def the former name (until 1956) of {Liberty Island}. bed moulding 1. syl bed mould+ing pos n. qual Architect. def a moulding in an entablature between the corona and the frieze. bed moulding 2. syl bed mould+ing pos n. qual Architect. def any moulding below a projection. Bedouin ety C14: from Old French beduin, from Arabic bad*_awi, plural of badwi, from badw desert Beduin alt head Bedouin or Bedouin syl Bed:u+in pron <1beduin> pos n. Bedouins infl head Bedouin or Bedouin syl Bed:ou+ins pos n. mod pl. Bedouin infl or Bedouins syl Bed:ou+in pos n. mod pl. Bedouin 1. or Beduin syl Bed:ou+in pron <1beduin> pos n. def a member of any of the nomadic tribes of Arabs inhabiting the deserts of Arabia, Jordan, and Syria, as well as parts of the Sahara. Bedouin 2. or Beduin syl Bed:ou+in pron <1beduin> pos n. def a wanderer or rover. {~} Bedouin 3. or Beduin syl Bed:ou+in pron <1beduin> pos n. def of or relating to the Bedouins. Bedouin 4. or Beduin syl Bed:ou+in pron <1beduin> pos n. def wandering or roving. bedpan 1. syl bed+pan pron <1bed2p@n> pos n. def a shallow vessel placed under a bedridden patient to collect his faeces and urine. bedpan 2. syl bed+pan pron <1bed2p@n> pos n. def another name for {warming pan}. bedplate 0. syl bed+plate pron <1bed2plAt> pos n. def a heavy metal platform or frame to which an engine or machine is attached. bedpost 1. syl bed+post pron <1bed2p*ust> pos n. def any of the four vertical supports at the corners of a bedstead. between you and me and the bedpost 2. head bedpost syl between you and me and the bedpost. qual Informal. def confidentially; in secret. bedraggle 0. syl be+drag+gle pron pos vb. mod tr. def to make (hair, clothing, etc.) limp, untidy, or dirty, as with rain or mud. bedraggled sub head bedraggle syl be+1drag+gled pos adj. bedrail 0. syl bed+rail pron <1bed2rAl> pos n. def a rail or board along the side of a bed that connects the headboard with the footboard. bedridden ety Old English bedreda, from bedd #7bed+ -rida rider, from r*_idan to #7ride bedridden 0. syl bed+rid+den pron <1bed2ridN> pos adj. def confined to bed because of illness, esp. for a long or indefinite period. bedrock 1. syl bed+rock pron <1bed2rok> pos n. def the solid unweathered rock that lies beneath the loose surface deposits of soil, alluvium, etc. bedrock 2. syl bed+rock pron <1bed2rok> pos n. def basic principles or facts (esp. in the phrase {get down to bedrock) }. bedrock 3. syl bed+rock pron <1bed2rok> pos n. def the lowest point, level, or layer. bedroll 0. syl bed+roll pron <1bed2r*ul> pos n. def a portable roll of bedding, such as a sleeping bag, used esp. for sleeping in the open. bedroom 1. syl bed+room pron <1bed2ru:m>, <-2rum> pos n. def a room furnished with beds or used for sleeping. bedroom 2. syl bed+room pron <1bed2ru:m>, <-2rum> pos n. usage modifier def containing references to sex. exam 1 a bedroom comedy. Beds 0. syl Beds. qual abbrev. for def Bedfordshire. bedside 0.a. syl bed+side pron <1bed2sId> pos n. def the space by the side of a bed, esp. of a sick person. bedside 0.b. syl bed+side pron <1bed2sId> pos n. usage as modifier exam 1 a bedside lamp; exam 2 a doctor's bedside manner. bedsitter 0. syl bed+sit:ter pron <1bed1sit*> pos n. def a furnished sitting room containing sleeping accommodation and sometimes cooking and washing facilities. Also called: {bedsitting room, bedsit}. bedsore 0. syl bed+sore pron <1bed2sc:> pos n. def the nontechnical name for {decubitus ulcer}. bedspread 0. syl bed+spread pron <1bed2spred> pos n. def a top cover on a bed over other bedclothes. bedstead 0. syl bed+stead pron <1bed2sted>, <-stid> pos n. def the framework of a bed, usually including a headboard and springs but excluding the mattress and other coverings. bedstraw 0. syl bed+straw pron <1bed2strc:> pos n. def any of numerous rubiaceous plants of the genus which have small white or yellow flowers and prickly or hairy fruits: formerly used as straw for beds. See also {lady's bedstraw}. bed tea 0. syl bed tea pos n. usage in Pakistan def tea served to a guest in bed in the morning. bedtime 0.a. syl bed+time pron <1bed2tIm> pos n. def the time when one usually goes to bed. bedtime 0.b. syl bed+time pron <1bed2tIm> pos n. usage as modifier exam 1 a bedtime story. bedwarmer 0. syl bed+warm:er pron <1bed2wc:m*> pos n. def a metal pan containing hot coals, formerly used to warm a bed. Bedworth 0. syl Bed+worth pron <1bedw*T> pos n. def a coal-mining town in central England, in N Warwickshire. Pop.: 40535 (1971). bee ety Old English b*_io; related to Old Norse b*_y, Old High German b*_ia, Dutch bij, Swedish bi bee H1.1. syl bee pron pos n. def any hymenopterous insect of the superfamily which includes social forms such as the honeybee and solitary forms such as the carpenter bee. See also {bumblebee, mason bee}. busy bee 2. head bee syl busy bee. def a person who is industrious or has many things to do. have a bee in one's bonnet 3. head bee syl have a bee in one's bonnet. def to be preoccupied or obsessed with an idea. bee ety perhaps from dialect bean neighbourly help, from Old English b*_en boon bee H2.0. syl bee pron pos n. qual Chiefly U.S. def a social gathering for a specific purpose, as to carry out a communal task or hold competitions. exam 1 quilting bee; exam 2 spelling bee. bee ety Old English b*_eag related to Old High German boug ring, Old Norse bogi a bow bee H3.0. syl bee pron pos n. qual Nautical. def a small sheave with one cheek removed and the pulley and other cheek fastened flat to a boom or another spar, used for reeving outhauls or stays. the infl head Beeb syl the. pos n. Beeb 0. syl Beeb pron pos n. def an informal name for the {B.B.C}. bee beetle 0. syl bee bee+tle pos n. def a European beetle, that is often parasitic in beehives: family beebread 0. syl bee+bread pron <1bE2bred> pos n. def a mixture of pollen and nectar prepared by worker bees and fed to the larvae. Also called: {ambrosia}. beech ety Old English b*_ece; related to Old Norse b*'ok, Old High German buohha, Middle Dutch boeke, Latin f*_agus beech, Greek ph*_egos edible oak &- #!beech+en or #!beech@.y adj. beech 1. syl beech pron pos n. def any N temperate tree of the genus esp. of Europe, having smooth greyish bark: family beech 2. syl beech pron pos n. def any tree of the related genus of temperate Australasia and South America. beech 3. syl beech pron pos n. def the hard wood of any of these trees, used in making furniture, etc. copper beech 4. head beech syl copper beech. def a cultivated variety of European beech that has reddish leaves. Beecham 0. syl Bee:cham pron <1bEC*m> pos n. def Sir {Thom@.as}. 1879-1961, English conductor who did much to promote the works of Delius, Sibelius, and Richard Strauss. Henry Ward infl head Beecher syl Hen:ry Ward. pos n. Beecher 0. syl Bee:cher pron <1bEC*> pos n. def 1813-87, U.S. clergyman: a leader in the movement for the abolition of slavery. beech fern 0. syl beech fern pos n. def a fern, that grows in damp N temperate woods: family beechnut 0. syl beech+nut pron <1bEC2n^t> pos n. def the small brown triangular edible nut of the beech tree. Collectively, the nuts are often termed {beech mast}, esp. when lying on the ground. bee-eater 0. syl bee-eat:er pos n. def any insectivorous bird of the family of tropical and subtropical regions of the Old World, having a long downward-curving bill and long pointed wings and tail: order (kingfishers, etc.). beef ety C13: from Old French boef, from Latin b*_os ox; see #7cow %1 beef 1. syl beef pron pos n. def the flesh of various bovine animals, esp. the cow, when killed for eating. beeves infl head beef syl beeves pos n. mod pl. beef 2. syl beef pron pos n. usage bi:vz def an adult ox, bull, cow, etc., reared for its meat. beef 3. syl beef pron pos n. qual Informal. def human flesh, esp. when muscular. beefs infl head beef syl beefs pos n. mod pl. beef 4. syl beef pron pos n. qual Slang. def a complaint. beef 5. syl beef pron pos vb. mod intr. qual Slang. def to complain, esp. repeatedly. exam 1 he was beefing about his tax. beef 6. syl beef pron pos vb. mod tr. qual U.S. slang. usage often foll. by up def to strengthen; reinforce. beefburger 0. syl beef+bur+ger pron <1bEf2bR:g*> pos n. def a flat fried cake of minced beef; hamburger. beefcake 0. syl beef+cake pron <1bEf2kAk> pos n. qual Slang. def men displayed for their muscular bodies, esp. in photographs. Compare {cheesecake}. beefeater 0. syl beef+eat:er pron <1bEf2Et*> pos n. def a yeoman warder of the Tower of London. bee fly 0. syl bee fly pos n. def any hairy beelike nectar-eating dipterous fly of the family whose larvae are parasitic on those of bees and related insects. beef road 0. syl beef road pos n. qual Austral. def a road used for transporting cattle. beefsteak 0. syl beef+steak pron <1bEf2stAk> pos n. def a piece of beef that can be grilled, fried, etc., cut from any lean part of the animal. beef stroganoff ety C19: after Count Paul Stroganoff, 19th-century Russian diplomat beef stroganoff 0. syl beef strog:a+noff pos n. def a dish of slices of beef cooked with onions, mushrooms, and seasonings, served in a sour-cream sauce. beef tea 0. syl beef tea pos n. def a drink made by boiling pieces of lean beef: often given to invalids to stimulate the appetite. beefwood 1. syl beef+wood pron <1bEf2wud> pos n. def any of various trees that produce very hard wood, esp. the Australian tree (see {casuarina}) , widely planted in warm regions. beefwood 2. syl beef+wood pron <1bEf2wud> pos n. def the wood of any of these trees. beefier infl head beefy syl beef:i+er pos adj. beefiest infl head beefy syl beef:i+est. pos adj. beefy 1. syl beef:y pron <1bEfi> pos adj. def like beef. beefy 2. syl beef:y pron <1bEfi> pos adj. qual Informal. def muscular; brawny. beefy 3. syl beef:y pron <1bEfi> pos adj. qual Informal. def fleshy; obese. beefily sub head beefy syl beef:i+ly pos adv. beefiness sub head beefy syl beef:i+ness pos n. bee glue 0. syl bee glue pos n. def another name for {propolis}. beehive 1. syl bee+hive pron <1bE2hIv> pos n. def a man-made receptacle used to house a swarm of bees. beehive 2. syl bee+hive pron <1bE2hIv> pos n. def a dome-shaped hair style in which the hair is piled high on the head. beehive 3. syl bee+hive pron <1bE2hIv> pos n. def a place where busy people are assembled. beehive house 0. syl bee+hive house pos n. def a prehistoric circular building found in various parts of Europe, usually of stone and having a dome-shaped roof. beekeeper 0. syl bee+keep:er pron <1bE2kEp*> pos n. def a person who keeps bees for their honey; apiarist. bee killer 0. syl bee kil+ler pos n. def another name for {robber fly}. beeline 0. syl bee+line pron <1bE2lIn> pos n. def the most direct route between two places (esp. in the phrase {make a beeline for}) . Beelzebub ety Old English Belzebub, ultimately from Hebrew b*'a`al zeb*_ub, literally: lord of flies Beelzebub 1. syl Be:el:ze:bub pron pos n. qual Old Testament. def a god of the Philistines (2 Kings 1:2). Beelzebub 2. syl Be:el:ze:bub pron pos n. def Satan or any devil or demon. bee moth 0. syl bee moth pos n. def any of various pyralid moths, such as the wax moth, whose larvae live in the nests of bees or wasps, feeding on nest materials and host larvae. been 0. syl been pron , pos vb. def the past participle of {be}. beento ety C20: from #7been+to beentos infl head beento syl been+tos. pos n. mod pl. beento 1. syl been+to pron <1bEntu:>, <1bintu> pos n. qual W. African informal. def a person who has resided in Britain, esp. during part of his education. {~} beento 2. syl been+to pron <1bEntu:>, <1bintu> pos n. qual W. African informal. def of, relating to, or characteristic of such a person. bee orchid 0. syl bee or+chid pos n. def a European orchid, whose flower resembles a bumble bee in shape and colour. beep 1. syl beep pron pos n. def a short high-pitched sound, esp. one made by the horn of a car, bicycle, etc., or by electronic apparatus. beep 2. syl beep pron pos vb. def to make or cause to make such a noise. &- {#!beep+er} bee plant 0. syl bee plant pos n. def any of various plants much visited by bees for nectar and pollen. beer ety Old English beor; related to Old Norse bj*_orr, Old Frisian bi*_ar, Old High German bior beer 1. syl beer pron pos n. def an alcoholic drink brewed from malt, sugar, hops, and water and fermented with yeast. Compare {ale}. beer 2. syl beer pron pos n. def a slightly fermented drink made from the roots or leaves of certain plants. exam 1 ginger beer; exam 2 nettle beer. beer 3. syl beer pron pos n. usage modifier def relating to or used in the drinking of beer. exam 1 beer glass; exam 2 beer mat. beer 4. syl beer pron pos n. usage modifier def in which beer is drunk, esp. (of licensed premises) having a licence to sell beer but not spirits. exam 1 beer house; exam 2 beer cellar; exam 3 beer garden. beer and skittles 0. syl beer and skit+tles pos n. qual Informal. def enjoyment or pleasure. Beerbohm 0. syl Beer:bohm pron <1bi*b*um> pos n. def Sir {Max}. 1872-1956, English critic, wit, and caricaturist, whose works include (1911), a satire on Oxford undergraduates. Beersheba 0. syl Beer+she+ba pron pos n. def a town in S Israel: commercial centre of the Negev. In biblical times it marked the southern limit of Palestine. Pop.: 84100 (1972). beer-up 0. syl beer-up pos n. qual Austral. slang. def a drinking bout. beerier infl head beery syl beer:i+er pos adj. beeriest infl head beery syl beer:i+est. pos adj. beery 1. syl beer:y pron <1bi*ri> pos adj. def smelling or tasting of beer. beery 2. syl beer:y pron <1bi*ri> pos adj. def given to drinking beer. beerily sub head beery syl beer:i+ly pos adv. beeriness sub head beery syl beer:i+ness pos n. the infl head bee's knees syl the pos n. mod functioning as; sing. bee's knees 0. syl bee's knees pos n. mod functioning as; sing. qual Informal. def an excellent or ideally suitable person or thing. beestings ety Old English b*_ysting, from b*_eost beestings; related to Middle Dutch biest biestings infl head beestings or beastings syl biest+ings pron <1bEstiGz> pos n. mod functioning as; sing. beastings infl head beestings or biestings syl beast+ings pron <1bEstiGz> pos n. mod functioning as; sing. qual U.S. beestings 0. syl beest+ings pron <1bEstiGz> pos n. mod functioning as; sing. def the first milk secreted by the mammary glands of a cow or similar animal immediately after giving birth; colostrum. beeswax 1.a. syl bees+wax pron <1bEz2w@ks> pos n. def a yellowish or dark brown wax secreted by honeybees for constructing honeycombs. beeswax 1.b. syl bees+wax pron <1bEz2w@ks> pos n. def this wax after refining, purifying, etc., used in polishes, ointments, and for modelling. beeswax 2. syl bees+wax pron <1bEz2w@ks> pos vb. mod tr. def to polish with such wax. beeswing 1. syl bees+wing pron <1bEz2wiG> pos n. def a light filmy crust of tartar that forms in port and some other wines after long keeping in the bottle. beeswing 2. syl bees+wing pron <1bEz2wiG> pos n. def a port or other wine containing beeswing. beet ety Old English b*_ete, from Latin b*_eta beet 1. syl beet pron pos n. def any chenopodiaceous plant of the genus esp. the Eurasian species widely cultivated in such varieties as the sugar beet, mangel-wurzel, beetroot, and spinach beet. See also {chard}. beet 2. syl beet pron pos n. def the leaves of any of several varieties of this plant, which are cooked and eaten as a vegetable. red beet 3. head beet syl red beet. def the U.S. name for {beetroot}. beetflies infl head beetfly syl beet+flies. pos n. mod pl. beetfly 0. syl beet+fly pron <1bEt2flI> pos n. def a muscid fly, a common pest of beets and mangel-wurzels. Also called: {mangold fly}. Ludwig van infl head Beethoven syl Lud:wig van pron <1lu:tvi*,c>, pos n. Beethoven 0. syl Bee:tho:ven pron <1bAt*uvN>, pos n. def 1770-1827, German composer, who greatly extended the form and scope of symphonic and chamber music, bridging the classical and romantic traditions. His works include nine symphonies, 32 piano sonatas, 16 string quartets, five piano concertos, a violin concerto, two masses, the opera (1805), and choral music. beetle ety Old English bitela; related to bitol teeth, #7bit, b*_itan to #7bite beetle H1.1. syl bee+tle pron <1bEtL> pos n. def any insect of the order having biting mouthparts and forewings modified to form shell-like protective elytra. beetle H1.2. syl bee+tle pron <1bEtL> pos n. def a game played with dice in which the players draw or assemble a beetle-shaped form. {~} foll. by etc.) beetle H1.3. syl bee+tle pron <1bEtL> pos n. qual Informal. def to scuttle or scurry; hurry. beetle ety Old English b*_ietel, from b*_eatan to #7beat ; related to Middle Low German b*_etel chisel, Old Norse beytill penis beetle H2.1. syl bee+tle pron <1bEtL> pos n. def a heavy hand tool, usually made of wood, used for ramming, pounding, or beating. beetle H2.2. syl bee+tle pron <1bEtL> pos n. def a machine used to finish cloth by stamping it with wooden hammers. beetle H2.3. syl bee+tle pron <1bEtL> pos vb. mod tr. def to beat or pound with a beetle. beetle H2.4. syl bee+tle pron <1bEtL> pos vb. mod tr. def to finish (cloth) by means of a beetle. beetle ety C14: perhaps related to #7beetle %1 beetle H3.1. syl bee+tle pron <1bEtL> pos vb. mod intr. def to overhang; jut. beetle H3.2. syl bee+tle pron <1bEtL> pos adj. def overhanging; prominent. beetle-browed 1. syl bee:tle-browed pos adj. def having bushy or overhanging eyebrows. beetle-browed 2. syl bee:tle-browed pos adj. def sullen in appearance; scowling. beetroot 1. syl beet+root pron <1bEt2ru:t> pos n. def a variety of the beet plant, that has a bulbous dark red root that may be eaten as a vegetable, in salads, or pickled. beetroot 2. syl beet+root pron <1bEt2ru:t> pos n. def the root of this plant. beetroot xref syl beet+root pron <1bEt2ru:t> pos n. def U.S. name: {red beet}. beet sugar 0. syl beet sug+ar pos n. def the sucrose obtained from sugar beet, identical in composition to cane sugar. beeves 0. syl beeves pron pos n. def the plural of { {beef} (sense 2)}. beezer ety C20: of uncertain origin beezer 1. syl bee+zer pron <1bEz*> pos n. qual Brit. slang. def a person or chap. beezer 2. syl bee+zer pron <1bEz*> pos n. qual Brit. slang. def the nose. BEF 0. syl B.E.F. qual abbrev. for def British Expeditionary Force. befall ety Old English befeallan; related to Old High German bifallan, Dutch bevallen; see #7be -#7, fall befalls infl head befall syl be+falls pos vb. befalling infl head befall syl be+fal+ling pos vb. befell infl head befall syl be+fell pos vb. befallen infl head befall syl be+fall+en. pos vb. befall 1. syl be+fall pron pos vb. mod intr. qual Archaic or literary. def to take place; come to pass . befall 2. syl be+fall pron pos vb. mod tr. qual Archaic or literary. def to happen to. befall 3. syl be+fall pron pos vb. mod intr. qual Archaic or literary. usage usually foll. by to def to be due, as by right. befit ety C15: from #7be -#7+{fit %1} &- be+#!fit+ting adj. ?- be+#!fit+ting+ly adv. befits infl head befit syl be+fits pos vb. mod tr. befitting infl head befit syl be+fit+ting pos vb. mod tr. befitted infl head befit syl be+fit+ted. pos vb. mod tr. befit 0. syl be+fit pron pos vb. mod tr. def to be appropriate to or suitable for. befogs infl head befog syl be+fogs pos vb. mod tr. befogging infl head befog syl be+fog+ging pos vb. mod tr. befogged infl head befog syl be+fogged. pos vb. mod tr. befog 1. syl be+fog pron pos vb. mod tr. def to surround with fog. befog 2. syl be+fog pron pos vb. mod tr. def to make confused, vague, or less clear. befool 1. syl be+fool pron pos vb. mod tr. def to make a fool of. befool 2. syl be+fool pron pos vb. mod tr. qual Archaic. def to treat or regard as a fool. before ety Old English beforan; related to Old Frisian befara, Old High German bifora before 1. syl be+fore pron pos conj. usage subordinating def earlier than the time when. before 2. syl be+fore pron pos conj. usage subordinating def rather than. exam 1 he'll resign before he agrees to it. before 3. syl be+fore pron pos prep. usage subordinating def preceding in space or time; in front of; ahead of. exam 1 standing before the altar. before 4. syl be+fore pron pos prep. usage subordinating def when confronted by. exam 1 to withdraw before one's enemies. before 5. syl be+fore pron pos prep. usage subordinating def in the presence of. exam 1 to be brought before a judge. before 6. syl be+fore pron pos prep. usage subordinating def in preference to. exam 1 to put friendship before money. before 7. syl be+fore pron pos adv. usage subordinating def at an earlier time; previously; beforehand; in front. beforehand 0. syl be:fore+hand pron pos adj. postpositive; adv. def early; in advance; in anticipation. exam 1 she came an hour beforehand. beforetime 0. syl be:fore+time pron pos adv. qual Archaic. def formerly. befoul 0. syl be+foul pron pos vb. mod tr. def to make dirty or foul; soil; defile. befouler sub head befoul syl be+1foul+er pos n. befoulment sub head befoul syl be+1foul+ment pos n. befriend 0. syl be+friend pron pos vb. mod tr. def to be a friend to; assist; favour. befuddle 1. syl be+fud+dle pron pos vb. mod tr. def to confuse, muddle, or perplex. befuddle 2. syl be+fud+dle pron pos vb. mod tr. def to make stupid with drink. befuddlement sub head befuddle syl be+1fud+dle+ment pos n. beg ety C13: probably from Old English bedecian; related to Gothic bidagwa #7beggar begs infl head beg syl begs pos vb. begging infl head beg syl beg+ging pos vb. begged infl head beg syl begged. pos vb. beg H1.1. syl beg pron pos vb. mod when; intr. usage often foll. by for def to solicit (for money, food, etc.), esp. in the street. beg H1.2. syl beg pron pos vb. def to ask (someone) for (something or leave to do something) formally, humbly, or earnestly. exam 1 I beg forgiveness; exam 2 I beg to differ. beg H1.3. syl beg pron pos vb. mod intr. usage of a dog def to sit up with forepaws raised expectantly. beg H1.4. syl beg pron pos vb. def to leave unanswered or unresolved. exam 1 to beg a point. beg H1.5.a. syl beg pron pos vb. def to evade the issue. beg H1.5.b. syl beg pron pos vb. def to assume the thing under examination as proved. go begging 6. head beg syl go begging. def to be unwanted or unused. {~} See also {beg off}. beg H2.0. syl beg pron pos n. def a variant spelling of {bey}. begad ety C18: euphemistic alteration of by God&! begad 0. syl be+gad pron pos interj. qual Archaic slang. def an emphatic exclamation. began 0. syl be+gan pron pos vb. def the past tense of {begin}. begat 0. syl be+gat pron pos vb. qual Archaic. def a past tense of {beget}. beget ety Old English begietan; related to Old Saxon bigetan, Old High German pigezzan, Gothic bigitan to find; see #7be -#7, get begets infl head beget syl be+gets pos vb. mod tr. begetting infl head beget syl be+get+ting pos vb. mod tr. begot infl head beget or begat gotten syl be+got pos vb. mod tr. begat gotten infl head beget or begot syl be+gat; +got+ten pos vb. mod tr. begot infl head beget or begat gotten syl be+got. pos vb. mod tr. beget 1. syl be+get pron pos vb. mod tr. def to father. beget 2. syl be+get pron pos vb. mod tr. def to cause or create. begetter sub head beget syl be+1get+ter pos n. beggar 1. syl beg+gar pron <1beg*> pos n. def a person who begs, esp. one who lives by begging. beggar 2. syl beg+gar pron <1beg*> pos n. def a person who has no money or resources; pauper. beggar 3. syl beg+gar pron <1beg*> pos n. qual Ironic or jocular, chiefly Brit. def fellow. exam 1 lucky beggar&! beggar 4. syl beg+gar pron <1beg*> pos vb. mod tr. def to be beyond the resources of (esp. in the phrase {to beggar description) }. beggar 5. syl beg+gar pron <1beg*> pos vb. mod tr. def to impoverish; reduce to begging. beggarhood sub head beggar or beggardom syl beg+gar+2hood pos n. beggardom sub head beggar or beggarhood syl beg+gar+dom pos n. beggarly 0. syl beg+gar+ly pron <1beg*li> pos adj. def meanly inadequate; very poor. exam 1 beggarly living conditions. beggarliness sub head beggarly syl beg+gar+li+ness pos n. beggar-my-neighbour 1. syl beg:gar-my-neigh:bour pos n. def a card game in which one player tries to win all the cards of the other player. beggar-my-neighbour 2. syl beg:gar-my-neigh:bour pos n. usage modifier def relating to or denoting an advantage gained by one side at the expense of the other. exam 1 beggar-my-neighbour policies. beggar's-lice 1. syl beg:gar's-lice pos n. mod functioning as; sing. def any of several plants, esp. the stickseed, having small prickly fruits that adhere to clothing, fur, etc. beggar's-lice 2. syl beg:gar's-lice pos n. mod functioning as; sing. def the seed or fruit of any of these plants. beggar's-ticks alt head beggar-ticks or beggar-ticks syl beg:gar's-ticks pos n. mod functioning as; sing. beggar-ticks 1. or beggar's-ticks syl beg:gar-ticks pos n. mod functioning as; sing. def any of various plants, such as the bur marigold and tick trefoil, having fruits or seeds that cling to clothing, fur, etc. beggar-ticks 2. or beggar's-ticks syl beg:gar-ticks pos n. mod functioning as; sing. def the seed or fruit of any of these plants. beggarweed 0. syl beg:gar+weed pron <1beg*2wEd> pos n. def any of various leguminous plants of the genus esp. of the West Indies, grown in the southern U.S. as forage plants and to improve the soil. See also {tick trefoil}. beggary 0. syl beg+gar:y pron <1beg*ri> pos n. def extreme poverty or need; the condition of being a beggar. Beghard 0. syl Beg+hard pron <1beg*d>, pos n. def a member of a Christian brotherhood that was founded in Flanders in the 13th century and followed a life based on that of the Beguines. begin ety Old English beginnan; related to Old High German biginnan, Gothic duginnan begins infl head begin syl be+gins pos vb. beginning infl head begin syl be+gin+ning pos vb. began infl head begin syl be+gan pos vb. begun infl head begin syl be+gun. pos vb. begin 1. syl be+gin pron pos vb. def to start or cause to start (something or to do something). begin 2. syl be+gin pron pos vb. def to bring or come into being for the first time; arise or originate. begin 3. syl be+gin pron pos vb. def to start to say or speak. begin 4. syl be+gin pron pos vb. usage used with a negative def to have the least capacity (to do something). exam 1 he couldn't begin to compete with her. to begin with 5. head begin syl to begin with. def in the first place. Menachem infl head Begin syl Me:na:chem pron pos n. Begin 0. syl Beg:in pron <1begin> pos n. def born 1913, Israeli statesman, born in Poland. In Palestine after 1942, he became a leader of the militant Zionists; prime minister of Israel since 1977. beginner 0. syl be+gin+ner pron pos n. def a person who has just started to do or learn something; novice. beginning 1. syl be+gin+ning pron pos n. def a start; commencement. beginning 2. syl be+gin+ning pron pos n. mod often; pl. def a first or early part or stage. beginning 3. syl be+gin+ning pron pos n. def the place where or time when something starts. beginning 4. syl be+gin+ning pron pos n. def an origin; source. begird ety Old English begierdan; see #7be -#7, gird begirds infl head begird syl be+girds pos vb. mod tr. begirding infl head begird syl be+gird+ing pos vb. mod tr. begirt infl head begird or begirded syl be+girt pos vb. mod tr. begirded infl head begird or begirt syl be+gird+ed. pos vb. mod tr. begird 1. syl be+gird pron pos vb. mod tr. qual Poetic. def to surround; gird around. begird 2. syl be+gird pron pos vb. mod tr. qual Poetic. def to bind. beg off 0. syl beg off pos vb. adv. mod intr. def to ask to be released from an engagement, obligation, etc. begone ety C14: from #7be (imperative)+#7gone begone 0. syl be+gone pron pos interj. def go away&! begonia ety C18: New Latin, named after Michel B*'egon (1638-1710), French patron of science begonia 0. syl be+gon:ia pron pos n. def any plant of the genus of warm and tropical regions, widely cultivated for their ornamental leaves and waxy flowers: family begorra ety C19: euphemistic alteration of by God&! begorra 0. syl be+gor+ra pron pos interj. def an emphatic exclamation, regarded as a characteristic utterance of Irishmen. begot 0. syl be+got pron pos vb. def a past tense or past participle of {beget}. begotten 0. syl be+got+ten pron pos vb. def a past participle of {beget}. begrime 0. syl be+grime pron pos vb. mod tr. def to make dirty; soil. begrudge 1. syl be+grudge pron pos vb. mod tr. def to give, admit, or allow unwillingly or with a bad grace. begrudge 2. syl be+grudge pron pos vb. mod tr. def to envy (someone) the possession of (something). begrudgingly sub head begrudge syl be+1grudg+ing+ly pos adv. beguiles infl head beguile syl be+guiles pos vb. mod tr. beguiling infl head beguile syl be+guil+ing pos vb. mod tr. beguiled infl head beguile syl be+guiled. pos vb. mod tr. beguile 1. syl be+guile pron pos vb. mod tr. def to charm; fascinate. beguile 2. syl be+guile pron pos vb. mod tr. def to delude; influence by slyness. beguile 3. syl be+guile pron pos vb. mod tr. usage often foll. by of or out of def to deprive (someone) of something by trickery; cheat (someone) of. beguile 4. syl be+guile pron pos vb. mod tr. def to pass pleasantly; while away. beguilement sub head beguile syl be+1guile+ment pos n. beguiler sub head beguile syl be+1guil+er pos n. beguilingly sub head beguile syl be+1guil+ing+ly pos adv. Beguin 0. syl Be+guin pron <1begin>, French pos n. def another word for {Beghard}. beguine ety C20: from Louisiana French, from French b*'eguin flirtation beguine 1. syl be+guine pron pos n. def a dance of South American origin in bolero rhythm. beguine 2. syl be+guine pron pos n. def a piece of music in the rhythm of this dance. beguine 3. syl be+guine pron pos n. def a variant of {biggin}. Beguine ety C15: from Old French, perhaps after Lambert le B*`egue (the Stammerer), 12th-century priest of Li*`ege, who founded the sisterhood Beguine 0. syl Beg+uine pron <1begEn> pos n. def a member of a Christian sisterhood that was founded in Li*`ege in the 12th century, and, though not taking religious vows, followed an austere life. begum ety C18: from Urdu begam, from Turkish begim; see #7bey begum 0. syl be+gum pron <1bAg*m> pos n. usage esp. in India def a Muslim woman ruler, princess, or lady of high rank, esp. a widow. begun 0. syl be+gun pron pos vb. def the past participle of {begin}. behalf ety Old English be halfe from be by+ halfe side; compare Old Norse af halfu behalf 0. syl be+half pron pos n. def interest, part, benefit, or respect (only in the phrases {on (someone's) behalf, on} {in behalf of, in this} {that) behalf) }. Brendan infl head Behan syl Bren:dan. pos n. Behan 0. syl Beh:an pron <1bE*n> pos n. def 1923-64, Irish writer, noted esp. for his plays (1954) and (1958) and for an account of his detention as a member of the Irish Republican Army, (1958). behave ety C15: see #7be -#7, have behave 1. syl be+have pron pos vb. mod intr. def to act or function in a specified or usual way. behave 2. syl be+have pron pos vb. def to conduct (oneself) in a specified way. exam 1 he behaved badly towards her. behave 3. syl be+have pron pos vb. def to conduct (oneself) properly or as desired. exam 1 the child behaved himself all day. behaviour ety C15: from #7behave ; influenced in form by Middle English havior, from Old French havoir, from Latin hab*_ere to have &- be+#!hav+iour+al or U.S. be+#!hav+ior+al adj. behavior alt head behaviour or behaviour syl be+hav+ior pron pos n. qual U.S. behaviour 1. or behavior syl be+hav+iour pron pos n. def manner of behaving or conducting oneself. on one's best behaviour 2. head behaviour syl on one's best behaviour. def behaving with careful good manners. behaviour 3.a. or behavior syl be+hav+iour pron pos n. def the aggregate of all the responses made by an organism in any situation. behaviour 3.b. or behavior syl be+hav+iour pron pos n. def a specific response of a certain organism to a specific stimulus or group of stimuli. behaviour 4. or behavior syl be+hav+iour pron pos n. def the action, reaction, or functioning of a machine, chemical substance, etc., under normal or specified circumstances. behavioural science 0. syl be+hav+iour+al sci+ence pos n. def the application of scientific methods to the study of the behaviour of organisms. behaviorism alt head behaviourism or behaviourism syl be+hav+ior+ism pron pos n. qual U.S. behaviourism 0. or behaviorism syl be+hav+iour+ism pron pos n. def a school of psychology that regards objective observable aspects of the behaviour of organisms as the only valid subject for study. &- {be+#!hav+iour+ist} {be+#!hav+ior+ist} &- {be+@!hav+iour+#!is+tic} {be+@!hav+ior+#!is+tic} behaviour therapy 0. syl be+hav+iour ther:a+py pos n. def any of various means of treating psychological disorders, such as desensitization, aversion therapy, and instrumental conditioning, that depend on the patient systematically learning new modes of behaviour. behead ety Old English beh*_eafdian, from #7be -#7+ heafod #7head ; related to Middle High German behoubeten behead 0. syl be+head pron pos vb. mod tr. def to remove the head from; decapitate. beheld 0. syl be+held pron pos vb. def the past tense and past participle of {behold}. behemoth ety C14: from Hebrew b*veh*_em*_oth, plural of b*veh*_em*_ah beast behemoth 1. syl be+he+moth pron pos n. qual Old Testament. def a gigantic beast, probably a hippopotamus, described in Job 40:15. behemoth 2. syl be+he+moth pron pos n. def a huge or monstrous person or thing. behest ety Old English beh*_@as, from beh*_atan; see #7be -#7, hest behest 0. syl be+hest pron pos n. def an authoritative order or earnest request. behind ety Old English behindan behind 1. syl be+hind pron pos prep. def in or to a position further back than; at the rear of; at the back of. behind 2. syl be+hind pron pos prep. def in the past in relation to. exam 1 I've got the exams behind me now. behind 3. syl be+hind pron pos prep. def late according to; not keeping up with. exam 1 running behind schedule. behind 4. syl be+hind pron pos prep. def concerning the circumstances surrounding. exam 1 the reasons behind his departure. behind 5. syl be+hind pron pos prep. def backing or supporting. exam 1 I'm right behind you in your application. behind 6. syl be+hind pron pos adv. def in or to a position further back; following. behind 7. syl be+hind pron pos adv. def remaining after someone's departure. exam 1 he left his books behind. behind 8. syl be+hind pron pos adv. def in debt; in arrears. exam 1 to fall behind with payments. behind 9. syl be+hind pron pos adv. usage postpositive def in a position further back; retarded. exam 1 the man behind asked me to give you this. behind 10. syl be+hind pron pos n. qual Informal. def the buttocks. behind 11. syl be+hind pron pos n. qual Australian Rules football. def a score of one point made by kicking the ball over the {behind line} between a goalpost and one of the smaller outer posts ({behind posts}) . behindhand 1. syl be:hind+hand pron pos adj. postpositive; adv. def remiss in fulfilling an obligation. behindhand 2. syl be:hind+hand pron pos adj. postpositive; adv. def in debt; in arrears. behindhand 3. syl be:hind+hand pron pos adj. postpositive; adv. def delayed in development; backward. behindhand 4. syl be:hind+hand pron pos adj. postpositive; adv. def late; behind time. Bisitun infl head Behistun or Bisutun syl Bi+si+tun pos n. Bisutun infl head Behistun or Bisitun syl Bi+su+tun pos n. Behistun 0. syl Be+his+tun pron <2bAhi1stu:n> pos n. def a village in W Iran by the ancient road from Ecbatana to Babylon. On a nearby cliff is an inscription by Darius in Old Persian, Elamite, and Babylonian describing his enthronement. behold ety Old English bihealdan; related to Old High German bihaltan, Dutch behouden; see #7be -#7, hold &- be+#!hold+er n. beholds infl head behold syl be+holds pos vb. beholding infl head behold syl be+hold+ing pos vb. beheld infl head behold syl be+held. pos vb. behold 0. syl be+hold pron pos vb. qual Archaic or literary. usage often used in the imperative to draw attention to something def to look (at); observe. beholden ety Old English behealden, past participle of be?!healdan to #7behold beholden 0. syl be+hold+en pron pos adj. def indebted; obliged; under a moral obligation. behoof ety Old English beh*_of; related to Middle High German behuof something useful; see #7behove behooves infl head behoof syl be+hooves. pos n. mod pl. behoof 0. syl be+hoof pron pos n. qual Rare. def advantage or profit. behove ety Old English beh*_ofian; related to Middle Low German beh*_oven behoove alt head behove or behove syl be+hoove pron pos vb. mod tr. qual U.S. behove 0. or behoove syl be+hove pron pos vb. mod tr. qual Archaic. usage impersonal def to be necessary or fitting for. exam 1 it behoves me to arrest you. Emil von infl head Behring syl E:mil von pron <1A:mEl> pos n. Behring 1. syl Beh:ring pron German <1bA:riG> pos n. def 1854-1917, German bacteriologist, who discovered diphtheria and tetanus antitoxins: Nobel prize for medicine 1901. Behring 2. syl Beh:ring pron <1beriG>, <1be*r-> pos n. def See (Vitus) {Bering}. Leon Bismarcke infl head Beiderbecke syl Le:on Bis:marcke pos n. Beiderbecke 0. syl Bei:der:becke pron <1bId*2bek> pos n. def called 1903-1931, U.S. jazz cornettist, composer, and pianist. beige ety C19: from Old French, of obscure origin beige 1.a. syl beige pron pos n. def a very light brown, sometimes with a yellowish tinge, similar to the colour of undyed wool. beige 1.b. syl beige pron pos as; adj. exam 1 beige gloves. beige 2. syl beige pron pos n. def a fabric made of undyed or unbleached wool. beigel 0. syl bei+gel pron <1bAgL> pos n. def a variant spelling of {bagel}. being 1. syl be+ing pron <1bEiG> pos n. def the state or fact of existing; existence. being 2. syl be+ing pron <1bEiG> pos n. def essential nature; self. exam 1 she put her whole being into the part. being 3. syl be+ing pron <1bEiG> pos n. def something that exists or is thought to exist, esp. something that cannot be assigned to any category. exam 1 a being from outer space. being 4. syl be+ing pron <1bEiG> pos n. def a person; human being. Beira 0. syl Bei+ra pron <1bI*r*> pos n. def a port in E Mozambique: terminus of a transcontinental railway from Lobito, Angola, through Za*"ire, Zambia, and Rhodesia. Pop.: 113770 (1970). Beyrouth alt head Beirut or Beirut syl Bey+routh pron , <1bAru:t> pos n. Beirut 0. or Beyrouth syl Bei+rut pron , <1bAru:t> pos n. def the capital of Lebanon, a port on the Mediterranean: part of the Ottoman Empire from the 16th century until 1918; four universities (Lebanese, American, French, and Arab). Pop.: 600000 (1973 est.). bejabers ety C19: alteration of by Jesus&! bejabbers alt head bejabers or bejabers syl be+jab+bers pron pos interj. bejabers 0. or bejabbers syl be+ja+bers pron pos interj. def an exclamation of surprise, emphasis, etc., regarded as a characteristic utterance of Irishmen. Maurice infl head B'ejart syl Mau:rice. pron pos n. B'ejart 0. syl B*'e:jart pron French pos n. def born 1928, French dancer and choreographer. His choreography is characterized by a combination of classic and modern dance and acrobatics. bejewels infl head bejewel or bejewels syl be+jew+els pos vb. mod tr. qual U.S. bejewelling infl head bejewel or bejeweling syl be+jew+el+ling pos vb. mod tr. bejewelled infl head bejewel or bejeweled syl be+jew+elled pos vb. mod tr. bejeweling infl head bejewel or bejewelling syl be+jew+el+ing pos vb. mod tr. qual U.S. bejeweled infl head bejewel or bejewelled syl be+jew+eled. pos vb. mod tr. qual U.S. bejewel 0. syl be+jew+el pron pos vb. def to decorate with or as if with jewels. bel ety C20: named after A. G. B#7ell bel 0. syl bel pron pos n. def a unit for comparing two power levels, equal to the logarithm to the base ten of the ratio of the two powers. Abbrevs.: {B}, bel 0.b. syl bel pron pos n. def See also {decibel}. Bel 0. syl Bel pron pos n. usage in Babylonian and Assyrian mythology def the god of the earth. belabor alt head belabour or belabour syl be+la+bor pron pos vb. mod tr. qual U.S. belabour 1. or belabor syl be+la+bour pron pos vb. mod tr. def to beat severely; thrash. belabour 2. or belabor syl be+la+bour pron pos vb. mod tr. def to attack verbally; criticize harshly. belabour 3. or belabor syl be+la+bour pron pos vb. mod tr. def an obsolete word for {labour}. belar alt head belah or belah syl be+lar pron <1bEla:> pos n. belah 0. or belar syl be+lah pron <1bEla:> pos n. def an Australian yielding a useful timber. belated 0. syl be+lat+ed pron pos adj. def late or too late. exam 1 belated greetings. belatedly sub head belated syl be+1lat+ed+ly pos adv. belatedness sub head belated syl be+1lat+ed+ness pos n. belay ety Old English belecgan; related to Old High German bileggen, Dutch beleggen belays infl head belay syl be+lays pos vb. belaying infl head belay syl be+lay+ing pos vb. belayed infl head belay syl be+layed. pos vb. belay 1. syl be+lay pron pos vb. qual Nautical. def to make fast (a line) by securing to a pin, cleat, or bitt. belay 2. syl be+lay pron pos vb. qual Nautical. usage usually imperative def to stop; cease. belay 3. syl be+lay pron pos vb. qual Mountaineering. def to turn (a rope) round an object, piton, etc., to secure (a climber). belay 4. syl be+lay pron pos n. qual Mountaineering. def a turn of a rope round an object to secure it. belaying pin 0. syl be+lay+ing pin pos n. qual Nautical. def a cylindrical, sometimes tapered pin, usually of metal or wood, that fits into a hole in a pin or fife rail: used for belaying. bel canto ety Italian, literally: beautiful singing bel canto 0.a. syl bel can+to pron <1bel> <1k@nt*u> pos n. qual Music. def a style of singing characterized by beauty of tone rather than dramatic power. bel canto 0.b. syl bel can+to pron <1bel> <1k@nt*u> pos n. qual Music. usage as modifier exam 1 a bel canto aria. belch ety Old English bialcan; related to Middle Low German belken to shout, Dutch balken to bray belch 1. syl belch pron pos vb. mod usually; intr. def to expel wind from the stomach noisily through the mouth; eructate. belch 2. syl belch pron pos vb. def to expel or be expelled forcefully from inside. exam 1 smoke belching from factory chimneys. belch 3. syl belch pron pos vb. def to say (curses, insults, etc.) violently or bitterly. belch 4. syl belch pron pos n. def an act of belching; eructation. beldam ety C15: from bel- grand (as in grandmother) , from Old French bel beautiful, from Latin bellus + dam mother, variant of #7dame beldame alt head beldam or beldam syl bel+dame pron <1beld*m> pos n. beldam 1. or beldame syl bel+dam pron <1beld*m> pos n. qual Archaic. def an old woman, esp. an ugly or malicious one; hag. beldam 2. or beldame syl bel+dam pron <1beld*m> pos n. def an obsolete word for {grandmother}. beleaguer ety C16: from #7be -#7+{leaguer %1} beleaguer 1. syl be+lea+guer pron pos vb. mod tr. def to trouble persistently; harass. beleaguer 2. syl be+lea+guer pron pos vb. mod tr. def to lay siege to. Bel'em 0. syl Be+l*'em pron Portuguese pos n. def a port in N Brazil, the capital of Par*'a state, on the Par*'a River: major trading centre for the Amazon basin. Pop.: 565097 (1970). belemnite ety C17: from Greek belemnon dart belemnite 1. syl bel+em+nite pron <1bel*m2nIt> pos n. def any extinct marine cephalopod mollusc of the order related to the cuttlefish. belemnite 2. syl bel+em+nite pron <1bel*m2nIt> pos n. def the long pointed conical internal shell of any of these animals: a common Mesozoic fossil. bel esprit ety literally: fine wit beaux esprits infl head bel esprit syl beaux e:sprits pron pos n. mod pl. Belfast 0. syl Bel+fast pron <1belfa:st>, pos n. def the capital of Northern Ireland, a port on Belfast Lough: became the centre of Irish Protestant?!ism and of the linen industry in the 17th century. Pop.: 360150 (1971). Territoire de 1. head Belfort syl Territoire de. def a department of E France: the only part of Alsace remaining to France after 1871. Capital: Belfort. Pop.: 131359 (1975). Area: 608 sq. km (237 sq. miles). Belfort 2. syl Bel+fort pron French pos n. def a fortress town in E France: strategically situated in the {Belfort Gap} between the Vosges and the Jura mountains. Pop.: 57317 (1975). belfry ety C13: from Old French berfrei, of Germanic origin; compare Middle High German bercfrit fortified tower, Medieval Latin berfredus tower belfries infl head belfry syl bel+fries. pos n. mod pl. belfry 1. syl bel+fry pron <1belfri> pos n. def the part of a tower or steeple in which bells are hung. belfry 2. syl bel+fry pron <1belfri> pos n. def a tower or steeple. Compare {campanile}. belfry 3. syl bel+fry pron <1belfri> pos n. def the timber framework inside a tower or steeple on which bells are hung. belfry 4. syl bel+fry pron <1belfri> pos n. usage formerly def a movable tower for attacking fortifications. Bel alt head Belg or Belg syl Bel. Belg 1. or Bel syl Belg. qual abbrev. for: def Belgian. Belg 2. or Bel syl Belg. qual abbrev. for: def Belgium. belga 0. syl bel+ga pron <1belg*> pos n. def a former Belgian monetary unit worth five francs. Belgae 0. syl Bel+gae pron <1belJE>, <1belgI> pos n. def an ancient Celtic people who in Roman times inhabited present-day Belgium and N France. Belgic sub head Belgae syl Bel+gic pos adj. Belgian 1. syl Bel+gian pron <1belJ*n> pos n. def a native, citizen, or inhabitant of Belgium. See also {Fleming%1, Walloon}. Belgian 2. syl Bel+gian pron <1belJ*n> pos adj. def of, relating to, or characteristic of Belgium or the Belgians. Belgian 3. syl Bel+gian pron <1belJ*n> pos adj. def of or relating to the Walloon French or the Flemish languages. Belgian Congo 0. syl Bel+gian Con+go pos n. def a former name (1908-1960) of {Za*"ire}. Belgian hare 0. syl Bel+gian hare pos n. def a large red breed of domestic rabbit. Belgium 0. syl Bel+gium pron <1belJ*m> pos n. def a kingdom in NW Europe: at various times under the rulers of Burgundy, Spain, Austria, France, and the Netherlands before becoming an independent kingdom in 1830. It formed the Benelux customs union with the Netherlands and Luxembourg in 1947 and is now a member of the European Economic Community. It consists chiefly of a low-lying region of sand, woods, and heath (the Campine) in the north and west, and a fertile undulating central plain rising to the Ardennes Mountains in the southeast. Languages: French and Flemish. Religion: chiefly Roman Catholic. Currency: franc. Capital: Brussels. Pop.: 9813152 (1975 est.). Area: 30513 sq. km (11778 sq. miles). Belgorod-Dnestrovski 0. syl Bel:go:rod-Dnes:trov+ski pron Russian <1bjelg*r*t> pos n. def a variant spelling of {Byelgorod-Dnestrovski}. Belgrade 0. syl Bel+grade pron , <1belgrAd> pos n. def the capital of Yugoslavia, in the E part at the confluence of the Danube and Sava Rivers: became the capital of Serbia in 1878 and of Yugoslavia in 1929. Pop.: 746105 (1971). Serbo-Croatian name: {Beograd}. Belgravia 0. syl Bel+gra+vi:a pron pos n. def a fashionable residential district of W central London, around Belgrave Square. Belial ety C13: from Hebrew b$$l*_iyya`al, from b$$l*_iy without+ ya`al worth Belial 1. syl Be:li:al pron <1bEli*l> pos n. def a demon mentioned frequently in apocalyptic literature: indentified in the Christian tradition with the devil or Satan. Belial 2. syl Be:li:al pron <1bEli*l> pos n. usage in the Old Testament and rabbinical literature def worthlessness or wickedness. belie ety Old English bel*_eogan; related to Old Frisian biliuga, Old High German biliugan; see #7be -#7, {lie %1} belies infl head belie syl be+lies pos vb. mod tr. belying infl head belie syl be+ly+ing pos vb. mod tr. belied infl head belie syl be+lied. pos vb. mod tr. belie 1. syl be+lie pron pos vb. mod tr. def to show to be untrue; contradict. belie 2. syl be+lie pron pos vb. mod tr. def to misrepresent; disguise the nature of. exam 1 the report belied the real extent of the damage. belie 3. syl be+lie pron pos vb. mod tr. def to fail to justify; disappoint. belier sub head belie syl be+1li+er pos n. belief 1. syl be+lief pron pos n. def a principle, idea, etc., accepted as true or real, esp. without positive proof. belief 2. syl be+lief pron pos n. def opinion; conviction. belief 3. syl be+lief pron pos n. def religious faith. belief 4. syl be+lief pron pos n. def trust or confidence, as in a person or a person's abilities, probity, etc. believe ety Old English beliefan believe 1. syl be+lieve pron pos vb. mod tr. usage may take a clause as object def to accept (a statement, supposition, or opinion) as true or real. exam 1 I believe God exists. believe 2. syl be+lieve pron pos vb. mod tr. def to accept the statement or opinion of (a person) as true. believe 3. syl be+lieve pron pos vb. mod intr. usage foll. by in def to be convinced of the truth or existence (of). exam 1 to believe in fairies. believe 4. syl be+lieve pron pos vb. mod intr. def to have religious faith. believe 5. syl be+lieve pron pos vb. mod when; tr. usage takes a clause as object def to think, assume, or suppose. exam 1 I believe that he has left already. believe 6. syl be+lieve pron pos vb. mod tr. usage foll. by of; used with can, could, would, etc. def to think that someone is able to do (a particular action). exam 1 I wouldn't have believed it of him. believable sub head believe syl be+1liev+a:ble pos adj. believably sub head believe syl be+1liev+a:bly pos adv. believer sub head believe syl be+1liev+er pos n. belike 0. syl be+like pron pos adv. qual Archaic or dialect. def perhaps; maybe. Belisarius 0. syl Bel:i:sa:ri:us pron <2beli1sa:ri*s> pos n. def ??505-565 #7a.d., Byzantine general under Justinian I. He recovered North Africa from the Vandals and Italy from the Ostrogoths and led forces against the Persians. Belisha beacon ety C20: named after Leslie Hore- Belisha, British politician Belisha beacon 0. syl Be:li:sha bea+con pron pos n. def a flashing light in an orange globe mounted on a post, indicating a pedestrian crossing on a road. belittle 1. syl be+lit+tle pron pos vb. mod tr. def to consider or speak of (something) as less valuable or important than it really is; disparage. belittle 2. syl be+lit+tle pron pos vb. mod tr. def to cause to make small; dwarf. belittlement sub head belittle syl be+1lit+tle+ment pos n. belittler sub head belittle syl be+1lit+tler pos n. belittlingly sub head belittle syl be+1lit+tling+ly pos adv. Belitung 0. syl Be+li+tung pron pos n. def another name for {Billiton}. Belize 1. syl Be+lize pron pos n. def an internally self-governing British colony in Central America, on the Caribbean: site of a Mayan civilization until the 9th century #7a.d. ; colonized by the British from 1638; granted internal self-government in 1964. Official language: English; Carib and Spanish are also spoken. Currency: Belize dollar. Capital: Belmopan. Pop.: 122000 (1969 est.). Area: 22965 sq. km (8867 sq. miles). Former name (until 1973): {British Honduras}. Belize 2. syl Be+lize pron pos n. def a port and the largest city in Belize, on the Caribbean coast: capital until 1973, when it was abandoned as hurricane-prone. Pop.: 33482 (1966). bell ety Old English belle; related to Old Norse bjalla, Middle Low German bell; see #7bell %2 bell H1.1. syl bell pron pos n. def a hollow, usually metal, cup-shaped instrument that emits a musical ringing sound when struck, often by a clapper hanging inside it. bell H1.2. syl bell pron pos n. def the sound made by such an instrument or device, as for showing the hours or marking the beginning or end of a period of time. bell H1.3. syl bell pron pos n. def an electrical device that rings or buzzes as a signal. bell H1.4. syl bell pron pos n. def the bowl-shaped termination of the tube of certain musical wind instruments, such as the trumpet or oboe. bell H1.5. syl bell pron pos n. def any musical percussion instrument emitting a ringing tone, such as a glockenspiel, one of a set of hand bells, etc. Compare { {chime} %1 (sense 3)}. bell H1.6. syl bell pron pos n. qual Nautical. def a signal rung on a ship's bell to count the number of half-hour intervals during each of six four-hour watches reckoned from midnight. Thus, one bell may signify 12.30, 4.30, or 8.30 a.m. or p.m. bell H1.7. syl bell pron pos n. def See {diving bell}. bell H1.8. syl bell pron pos n. qual Biology. def a structure resembling a bell in shape, such as the corolla of certain flowers or the body of a jellyfish. ring a bell 9. head bell syl ring a bell. def to sound familiar; recall to the mind something previously experienced, esp. indistinctly. sound as a bell 10. head bell syl sound as a bell. def in perfect condition. book infl head bell syl book pos n. and candle infl head bell syl and candle. pos n. bell H1.11.a. syl bell pron pos n. def instruments used formerly in excommunications and other ecclesiastical acts. bell H1.11.b. syl bell pron pos n. qual Informal. def the solemn ritual ratification of such acts. bell H1.12. syl bell pron pos vb. def to be or cause to be shaped like a bell. bell H1.13. syl bell pron pos vb. mod tr. def to attach a bell or bells to. bell ety Old English bellan; related to Old Norse belja to bellow, Old High German bellan to roar, Sanskrit bh*_asate he talks; see #7bellow bell H2.1. syl bell pron pos n. def a bellowing or baying cry, esp. that of a hound or a male deer in rut. bell H2.2. syl bell pron pos vb. def to utter (such a cry). Currer infl head Bell syl Cur:rer pron <1k^r*> Acton 1. head Bell syl Ac:ton pron <1k^r*> def and {El@.lis}. pen names of the sisters Anne, Charlotte, and Emily {Bront*"e}. Alexander Graham 2. head Bell syl Al:ex:an:der Gra:ham. def 1847-1922, U.S. scientist, born in Scotland, who invented the telephone (1876). Bell 3. syl Bell pron pos n. def Sir {Fran@.cis Hen@.ry Dil@.lon}. 1851-1936, New Zealand statesman; prime minister of New Zealand (1925). belladonna ety C16: from Italian, literally: beautiful lady; supposed to refer to its use by women as a cosmetic belladonna 1. syl bel+la+don+na pron <2bel*1don*> pos n. def either of two alkaloid drugs, atropine or hyoscyamine, obtained from the leaves and roots of the deadly nightshade. belladonna 2. syl bel+la+don+na pron <2bel*1don*> pos n. def another name for {deadly nightshade}. belladonna lily 0. syl bel+la+don+na lil:y pos n. def another name for {amaryllis}. bellarmine ety C18: named after Roberto Bellarmino (1542-1621), Italian cardinal whom these jugs were intended to caricature bellarmine 0. syl bel+lar+mine pron <1bela:2mEn> pos n. def a large stoneware or earthenware jug for ale or spirits, bearing a bearded mask. Bellatrix 0. syl Bel+la+trix pron <1bel*triks> pos n. def the third brightest star in the constellation Orion. Joachim du infl head Bellay syl Jo:a:chim du pron , pos n. Bellay 0. syl Bel:lay pron French , pos n. def 1522-60, French poet, a member of the Pl*'eiade. bellbird 1. syl bell+bird pron <1bel2bR:d> pos n. def any of several tropical American passerine birds of the genus having a bell-like call: family (cotingas). bellbird 2. syl bell+bird pron <1bel2bR:d> pos n. def either of two other birds with a bell-like call: an Australian flycatcher, ({crested bellbird}) , or a New Zealand honeyeater, bell-bottoms 0. syl bell-bot:toms pos n. mod pl. def trousers that flare from the knee and have wide bottoms. &- {#!bell-@!bot@.tomed} bellboy 0. syl bell+boy pron <1bel2bci> pos n. qual Chiefly U.S. def a man or boy employed in a hotel, club, etc., to carry luggage and answer calls for service; page; porter. Also called (U.S.): {bellhop}. bell buoy 0. syl bell buoy pos n. def a navigational buoy fitted with a bell, the clapper of which strikes when the waves move the buoy. belle ety C17: from French, feminine of #7beau belle 1. syl belle pron pos n. def a beautiful girl or woman. belle 2. syl belle pron pos n. def the most attractive or admired girl or woman at a place, function, etc. (esp. in the phrase {the belle of the ball}) . Belleau Wood 0. syl Bel+leau Wood pron <1bel*u>, French pos n. def a forest in N France: site of a battle (1918) in which the U.S. Marines halted a German advance on Paris. Belleek ety after Belleek, a town in Northern Ireland where such porcelain is made Belleek 0.a. syl Bel+leek pron pos n. def a kind of thin fragile porcelain with a lustrous glaze. Belleek 0.b. syl Bel+leek pron pos n. usage as modifier exam 1 a Belleek vase. belle 'epoque ety literally: fine period belle 'epoque 0. syl belle *'e:poque pron French. pos n. def the period of comfortable well-established life before World War I. Belle Isle 0. syl Belle Isle pos n. def an island in the Atlantic, at the N entrance to the {Strait of Belle Isle}, between Labrador and Newfoundland. Area: about 39 sq. km (15 sq. miles). Bellerophon 0. syl Bel:ler:o:phon pron pos n. qual Greek myth. def a hero of Corinth who performed many deeds with the help of the winged horse Pegasus, notably the killing of the monster Chimera. belles-lettres ety C17: from French: fine letters belles-lettres 0. syl belles-let:tres pron French pos n. mod functioning as; sing. def literary works, esp. essays and poetry, valued for their aesthetic rather than their informative or moral content. belletrist 0. syl bel+let+rist pron pos n. def a writer of belles-lettres. &- {bel+#!let+rism} &- {bel+let+ris+tic} (@!b$el$I#!tr$Ist$Ik) bellflower 0. syl bell+flow:er pron <1bel2flau*> pos n. def another name for {campanula}. bell glass 0. syl bell glass pos n. def another name for {bell jar}. bell heather 0. syl bell hea+ther pos n. def an ericaceous shrub, See {heath} (sense 2). bellhop 0. syl bell+hop pron <1bel2hop> pos n. qual U.S. def another name for {bellboy}. bellicose ety C15: from Latin bellic*_osus, from bellum war &- #!bel+li+@!cose+ly adv. &- bel+li+cos+i@.ty (@!b$el$I#!k$As$It$I) n. bellicose 0. syl bel+li+cose pron <1beli2k*us>, <-2k*uz> pos adj. def warlike; aggressive; ready to fight. belligerence 0. syl bel+lig+er+ence pron pos n. def the act or quality of being belligerent or warlike; aggressiveness. belligerency 0. syl bel+lig+er+en+cy pron pos n. def the state of being at war. belligerent ety C16: from Latin belliger, from bellum war+ gerere to wage belligerent 1. syl bel+lig+er+ent pron pos adj. def marked by readiness to fight or argue; aggressive. exam 1 a belligerent tone. belligerent 2. syl bel+lig+er+ent pron pos adj. def relating to or engaged in a legally recognized war or warfare. belligerent 3. syl bel+lig+er+ent pron pos n. def a person or country engaged in fighting or war. Bellingshausen Sea 0. syl Bel+lings+hau+sen Sea pron <1beliGz2hauz*n> pos n. def an area of the S Pacific Ocean off the coast of Antarctica. Giovanni 1. head Bellini syl Gio:van:ni pron def ??1430-1516, Italian painter of the Venetian school, noted for his altarpieces, landscapes, and Madonnas. His father {Jacopo} (??1400-70) and his brother {Gentile} (??1429-1507) were also painters. Vincenzo 2. head Bellini syl Vin:cen:zo pron def 1801-35, Italian composer of operas, esp. (1831) and (1831). Bellinzona 0. syl Bel+lin+zo+na pron Italian <2bAllin1tso:na> pos n. def a town in SE central Switzerland, capital of Ticino canton. Pop.: 16979 (1970). bell jar 0. syl bell jar pos n. def a bell-shaped glass cover used to protect flower arrangements or fragile ornaments or to cover apparatus in experiments, esp. to prevent gases escaping. bell magpie 0. syl bell mag+pie pos n. def another name for {currawong}. bellmen infl head bellman syl bell+men. pos n. mod pl. bellman 0. syl bell+man pron <1belm*n> pos n. def a man who rings a bell, esp. (formerly) a town crier. bell metal 0. syl bell met+al pos n. def an alloy of copper and tin, with some zinc and lead, used in casting bells. Hilaire infl head Belloc syl Hi:laire pron <1hile*>, pos n. Belloc 0. syl Bel:loc pron <1belok> pos n. def 1870-1953, English poet, essayist, and historian, born in France, noted particularly for his verse for children in (1896) and (1907). Bellona 0. syl Bel:lo:na pron pos n. def the Roman goddess of war. bellow ety C14: probably from Old English bylgan; related to bellan to #7bell %2 bellow 1. syl bel+low pron <1bel*u> pos vb. mod intr. def to make a loud deep raucous cry like that of a bull; roar. bellow 2. syl bel+low pron <1bel*u> pos vb. def to shout (something) unrestrainedly, as in anger or pain; bawl. bellow 3. syl bel+low pron <1bel*u> pos n. def the characteristic noise of a bull. bellow 4. syl bel+low pron <1bel*u> pos n. def a loud deep sound, as of pain or anger. bellower sub head bellow syl bel+low+er pos n. Saul infl head Bellow syl Saul. pos n. Bellow 0. syl Bel:low pron <1bel*u> pos n. def born 1915, U.S. novelist, born in Canada. His works include (1944), (1953), (1964), and (1975): Nobel prize for literature 1976. bellows ety C16: from plural of Old English belig #7belly bellows 1. syl bel+lows pron <1bel*uz> pos n. mod functioning as; sing. pl. def Also called: {pair of bellows}. an instrument consisting of an air chamber with flexible sides, a means of compressing it, an inlet valve, and a constricted outlet that is used to create a stream of air, as for producing a draught for a fire or for sounding organ pipes. bellows 2. syl bel+lows pron <1bel*uz> pos n. mod functioning as; sing. pl. qual Photog. def a telescopic light-tight sleeve, connecting the lens system of some cameras to the body of the instrument. bellows 3. syl bel+lows pron <1bel*uz> pos n. mod functioning as; sing. pl. def a flexible corrugated element used as an expansion joint, pump, or means of transmitting axial motion. bellows fish 0. syl bel+lows fish pos n. def another name for {snipefish}. bell pull 0. syl bell pull pos n. def a handle, rope, or cord pulled to operate a doorbell or servant's bell. bell punch 0. syl bell punch pos n. def a machine that issues or stamps a ticket, etc., ringing a bell as it does so. bell push 0. syl bell push pos n. def a button pressed to operate an electric bell. bell-ringer 1. syl bell-ring:er pos n. def a person who rings church bells. bell-ringer 2. syl bell-ring:er pos n. def a person who plays musical handbells. bell-ringing sub head bell-ringer syl bell-2ring:ing pos n. bell sheep 0. syl bell sheep pos n. qual Austral. def a sheep that a shearer is just starting to shear (and which he is allowed to finish) as the bell rings for the end of a work period. Also called: {catch}. bells of Ireland 0. syl bells of Ire+land pos n. mod functioning as; sing. def an annual garden plant, whose flowers have a green cup-shaped calyx: family (labiates). bell tent 0. syl bell tent pos n. def a cone-shaped tent having a single central support?!ing pole. bellwether 1. syl bell+weth:er pron <1bel2we@d*> pos n. def a sheep that leads the herd, often bearing a bell. bellwether 2. syl bell+weth:er pron <1bel2we@d*> pos n. def a leader, esp. one followed blindly. bellwort 1. syl bell+wort pron <1bel2wR:t> pos n. qual U.S. def any plant of the North American liliaceous genus having slender bell-shaped yellow flowers. bellwort 2. syl bell+wort pron <1bel2wR:t> pos n. qual U.S. def another name for {campanula}. belly ety Old English belig; related to Old High German balg, Old Irish bolg sack, Sanskrit barhi chaff bellies infl head belly syl bel+lies. pos n. mod pl. belly 1. syl bel+ly pron <1beli> pos n. def the lower or front part of the body of a vertebrate, containing the intestines and other abdominal organs; abdomen. belly 2. syl bel+ly pron <1beli> pos n. def the stomach, esp. when regarded as the seat of gluttony. belly 3. syl bel+ly pron <1beli> pos n. def a part, line, or structure that bulges deeply. exam 1 the belly of a sail. belly 4. syl bel+ly pron <1beli> pos n. def the inside or interior cavity of something. exam 1 the belly of a ship. belly 5. syl bel+ly pron <1beli> pos n. def the front or inner part or underside of something. belly 6. syl bel+ly pron <1beli> pos n. def the surface of a stringed musical instrument over which the strings are stretched. belly 7. syl bel+ly pron <1beli> pos n. def the thick central part of certain muscles. belly 8. syl bel+ly pron <1beli> pos n. qual Tanning. def the portion of a hide or skin on the underpart of an animal. belly 9. syl bel+ly pron <1beli> pos n. qual Archery. def the surface of the bow next to the bowstring. belly 10. syl bel+ly pron <1beli> pos n. def an archaic word for {womb} {(sense 4)}. bellies infl head belly syl bel+lies pos vb. bellying infl head belly syl bel+ly+ing pos vb. bellied infl head belly syl bel+lied. pos vb. belly 11. syl bel+ly pron <1beli> pos vb. def to swell out or cause to swell out; bulge. belly ache 1. syl bel+ly ache pos n. def an informal term for {stomach ache}. bellyache infl head belly ache syl bel:ly+ache. pos vb. belly ache 2. syl bel+ly ache pos vb. mod intr. qual Slang. def to complain repeatedly. bellyacher sub head belly ache syl bel:ly+2ach:er pos n. bellyband 0. syl bel:ly+band pron <1beli2b@nd> pos n. def a strap around the belly of a draught animal, holding the shafts of a vehicle. bellybutton 0. syl bel:ly+but:ton pron <1beli2b^tN> pos n. def an informal name for the {navel}. belly dance 1. syl bel+ly dance pos n. def a sensuous and provocative dance of Middle Eastern origin, performed by women, with undulating movements of the hips and abdomen. belly-dance infl head belly dance syl bel:ly-dance. pos vb. belly dance 2. syl bel+ly dance pos vb. mod intr. def to perform such a dance. belly dancer sub head belly dance syl bel+ly danc+er pos n. belly flop 1. syl bel+ly flop pos n. def a dive into water in which the body lands horizontally. belly flop 2. syl bel+ly flop pos n. def another name for {belly landing}. belly-flop infl head belly flop syl bel:ly-flop pos vb. belly flops infl head belly flop syl bel+ly flops pos vb. belly flopping infl head belly flop syl bel+ly flop:ping pos vb. belly flopped infl head belly flop syl bel+ly flopped. pos vb. belly flop 3. syl bel+ly flop pos vb. mod intr. def to perform a belly flop. bellyful 1. syl bel+ly+ful pron <1beli2ful> pos n. def as much as one wants or can eat. bellyful 2. syl bel+ly+ful pron <1beli2ful> pos n. qual Slang. def more than one can tolerate. belly landing 0. syl bel+ly land+ing pos n. qual Informal. def the landing of an aircraft on its fuselage without use of its landing gear. belly laugh 0. syl bel+ly laugh pos n. qual Informal. def a loud deep hearty laugh. Jean-Paul infl head Belmondo syl Jean-Paul pron <1pcl> pos n. Belmondo 0. syl Bel:mon:do pron , French pos n. def born 1933, French film actor. Belmopan 0. syl Bel+mo+pan pron <2belm*1p@n> pos n. usage since 1973 def the capital of Belize, about 50 miles inland: founded in 1970. Pop.: 4000 (1974 est.). Belo Horizonte 0. syl Be:lo Ho+ri+zon+te pron Portuguese <1belori1zonti> pos n. def a city in SE Brazil, the capital of Minas Gerais state. Pop.: 1232708 (1970). belong ety C14 belongen, from #7be - (intensive)+ longen; related to Old High German bilang*_en to reach; see #7{long %3} belong 1. syl be+long pron pos vb. mod intr. usage foll. by to def to be the property or possession (of). belong 2. syl be+long pron pos vb. mod intr. usage foll. by to def to be a member (of a club, etc.). belong 3. syl be+long pron pos vb. mod intr. usage foll. by to, under, with, etc. def to be classified (with). exam 1 this plant belongs to the daisy family. belong 4. syl be+long pron pos vb. mod intr. usage foll. by to def to be a part or adjunct (of). exam 1 this top belongs to the smaller box. belong 5. syl be+long pron pos vb. mod intr. def to have a proper or usual place. exam 1 that plate belongs in the cupboard. belong 6. syl be+long pron pos vb. mod intr. qual Informal. def to be suitable or acceptable, esp. socially. exam 1 although they were rich, they just didn't belong. belonging 0. syl be+long+ing pron pos n. def secure relationship; affinity (esp. in the phrase {a sense of belonging}) . belongings 0. syl be+long+ings pron pos n. mod pl. sometimes; sing. def the things that a person owns or has with him; possessions; effects. Belorussia 0. syl Be+lo+rus+sia pron <2bjel*u1r^S*>, <2bel-> pos n. def a variant spelling of {Byelorussia}. Belorussian sub head Belorussia syl Be+lo+1rus+sian pos adj. n. Belostok 0. syl Be+los+tok pron pos n. def transliteration of the Russian name for {Bialystok}. beloved 1. syl be+lov+ed pron , <-1l^vd> pos adj. def dearly loved. beloved 2. syl be+lov+ed pron , <-1l^vd> pos n. def a person who is dearly loved, such as a wife or husband. Belovo 0. syl Be+lo+vo pron Russian <1bjel*v*> pos n. def a variant spelling of {Byelovo}. below ety C14: bilooghe, from bi #7by+ looghe #7{low %1} below 1. syl be+low pron pos prep. def at or to a position lower than; under. below 2. syl be+low pron pos prep. def less than in quantity or degree. below 3. syl be+low pron pos prep. def south of. below 4. syl be+low pron pos prep. def downstream of. below 5. syl be+low pron pos prep. def unworthy of; beneath. below 6. syl be+low pron pos adv. def at or to a lower position or place. below 7. syl be+low pron pos adv. def at a later place (in something written). exam 1 see below. below 8. syl be+low pron pos adv. qual Archaic. def beneath heaven; on earth or in hell. Bel Paese 0. syl Bel Pa+e:se pron <1bel> pos n. def a mild creamy Italian cheese. Belsen 0. syl Bel+sen pron <1bels*n>, German <1belzN> pos n. def a village in N West Germany: with Bergen, the site of a Nazi concentration camp (1943-45). Belshazzar 0. syl Bel:shaz:zar pron pos n. def the son of Nabonidus; coregent of Babylon with his father for eight years: referred to as king and son of Nebuchadnezzar in the Old Testament (Daniel 5:1, 17; 8:1); described as having received a divine message of doom written on a wall at a banquet ({Belshazzar's Feast}) . belt ety Old English, from Latin balteus belt 1. syl belt pron pos n. def a band of cloth, leather, etc., worn, usually around the waist, to support clothing, carry tools, weapons, or ammunition, or as decoration. belt 2. syl belt pron pos n. def a narrow band, circle, or stripe, as of colour. belt 3. syl belt pron pos n. def an area, esp. an elongated one, where a specific thing or specific conditions are found; zone. exam 1 a belt of high pressure. belt 4. syl belt pron pos n. def See {seat belt}. belt 5. syl belt pron pos n. def a band of flexible material between rotating shafts or pulleys to transfer motion or transmit goods. exam 1 a fan belt; exam 2 a conveyer belt. belt 6. syl belt pron pos n. def short for {beltcourse} (see { {cordon} (sense 4)}). belt 7. syl belt pron pos n. qual Informal. def a sharp blow, as with a bat or the fist. belt 8.a. syl belt pron pos n. qual Boxing. def below the waist, esp. in the groin. belt 8.b. syl belt pron pos n. qual Informal. def in an unscrupulous or cowardly way. tighten one's belt 9. head belt syl tighten one's belt. def to take measures to reduce expenditure. belt 10.a. syl belt pron pos n. usage of food or drink def in one's stomach. belt 10.b. syl belt pron pos n. def in one's possession. belt 10.c. syl belt pron pos n. def as part of one's experience. exam 1 he had a linguistics degree under his belt. belt 11. syl belt pron pos vb. mod tr. def to fasten or attach with or as if with a belt. belt 12. syl belt pron pos vb. mod tr. def to hit with a belt. belt 13. syl belt pron pos vb. mod tr. qual Slang. def to give a sharp blow; punch. belt 14. syl belt pron pos vb. mod intr. qual Slang. usage often foll. by along def to move very fast, esp. in a car. exam 1 belting down the motorway. belt 15. syl belt pron pos vb. mod tr. qual Rare. def to mark with belts, as of colour. belt 16. syl belt pron pos vb. mod tr. qual Rare. def to encircle; surround. Beltane ety C15: from Scottish Gaelic bealltainn Beltane 0. syl Bel+tane pron <1beltAn>, <-t*n> pos n. def an ancient Celtic festival with a sacrificial bonfire on May Day. beltcourse 0. syl belt+course pos n. def another name for { {cordon} (sense 4)}. belting 1. syl belt+ing pron <1beltiG> pos n. def the material used to make a belt or belts. belting 2. syl belt+ing pron <1beltiG> pos n. def belts collectively. belting 3. syl belt+ing pron <1beltiG> pos n. qual Informal. def a beating. belt man 0. syl belt man pos n. qual Austral. def the member of a beach lifesaving team who swims out with a line attached to his belt. belt out 0. syl belt out pos vb. adv. mod tr. qual Informal. def to sing loudly or emit (sound, esp. pop music) loudly. exam 1 a jukebox belting out the latest hits. belt up 1. syl belt up pos vb. adv. qual Slang. def to become or cause to become silent; stop talking: often used in the imperative. belt up 2. syl belt up pos vb. adv. def to fasten with or be a belt, esp. a seat belt. beltway 0. syl belt+way pron <1belt2wA> pos n. def the usual U.S. name for a {ring road}. beluga ety C18: from Russian byeluga, from byely white beluga 1. syl be+lu+ga pron pos n. def a large white sturgeon, (or of the Black and Caspian Seas: a source of caviar and isinglass. beluga 2. syl be+lu+ga pron pos n. def another name for {white whale}. belvedere ety C16: from Italian: beautiful sight belvedere 0. syl bel+ve:dere pron <1belvi2di*>, <2belvi1di*> pos n. def a building, such as a summerhouse or roofed gallery, sited to command a fine view. See also {gazebo}. BEM 0. syl B.E.M. qual abbrev. for def British Empire Medal. bema ety C17: via Late Latin, from Greek b*_ema, from bainein to go bimah infl head bema or bima syl bi+mah pron <1bEm*> pos n. bima infl head bema or bimah syl bi:ma pron <1bEm*> pos n. bema 1. syl be:ma pron <1bEm*> pos n. def the speaker's platform in the assembly in ancient Athens. bema 2. syl be:ma pron <1bEm*> pos n. qual Christian Orthodox Church. def a raised area surrounding the altar in a church; the sanctuary. bema 3. syl be:ma pron <1bEm*> pos n. qual Judaism. def a platform in a synagogue from which the Scriptures are read. Bemba infl or Bembas syl Bem+ba pos n. mod pl. Bembas infl head Bemba or Bemba syl Bem+bas pos n. mod pl. Bemba 1. syl Bem+ba pron <1bemb*> pos n. def a member of a Negroid people of Africa, living chiefly in Zambia on a high infertile plateau. Bemba 2. syl Bem+ba pron <1bemb*> pos n. def the language of this people, belonging to the Bantu group of the Niger-Congo family. bemean 0. syl be+mean pron pos vb. def a less common word for {{demean%1}}. bemire 1. syl be+mire pron pos vb. mod tr. def to soil with or as if with mire. bemire 2. syl be+mire pron pos vb. mod tr. usage usually passive def to stick fast in mud or mire. bemoan ety Old English bem*_@anan; see #7be -#7, moan bemoan 0. syl be+moan pron pos vb. def to grieve over (a loss, etc.); mourn; lament (esp. in the phrase {bemoan one's fate}) . bemuse 0. syl be+muse pron pos vb. mod tr. def to confuse; bewilder. bemused 0. syl be+mused pron pos adj. def preoccupied; lost in thought. ben ety Old English binnan, from #7be -#7+ innan inside ben H1.1. syl ben pron pos n. qual Scot. def an inner room in a house or cottage. ben H1.2. syl ben pron pos prep. adv. qual Scot. def in; within; inside. ben H1.3. syl ben pron pos adj. qual Scot. def inner. ben ety C15: from Arabic b*_an ben H2.1. syl ben pron pos n. def any of several Asiatic trees of the genus esp. of Arabia and India, whose seeds yield {oil of ben}, used in manufacturing perfumes and cosmetics, lubricating delicate machinery, etc.: family ben H2.2. syl ben pron pos n. def the seed of such a tree. ben ety C18: from Gaelic beann ben H3.0. syl ben pron pos n. qual Scot., Irish. def a high mountain peak (esp. in place names). exam 1 Ben Lomond. Benadryl 0. syl Ben:a+dryl pron <1ben*dril> pos n. qual Trademark. def an antihistamine drug used in sleeping pills; diphenhydramine. Formula: C\1\7H\2\1NO. bename ety Old English benemnan; see #7be -#7, name benames infl head bename syl be+names pos vb. mod tr. benaming infl head bename syl be+nam+ing pos vb. mod tr. benamed named infl head bename or benempt syl be+named; +named pos vb. mod tr. benempt infl head bename or benamed named syl be+nempt. pos vb. mod tr. bename 0. syl be+name pron pos vb. mod tr. def an archaic word for { {name} (sense 11)}. Banaras alt head Benares or Benares syl Ba+na+ras pos n. Benares 0. or Banaras syl Be+na+res pron pos n. def the former name of {Varanasi}. Ahmed infl head Ben Bella syl Ah:med pron <1a:mid> pos n. Ben Bella 0. syl Ben Bel:la pron <1ben> <1bel*> pos n. def born 1916, Algerian statesman: first prime minister (1962-65) and president (1963-65) of independent Algeria. bench ety Old English benc; related to Old Norse bekkr, Old High German bank, Danish, Swedish b*"ank; see #7{bank %3} bench 1. syl bench pron pos n. def a long seat for more than one person, usually lacking a back or arms. bench 2. syl bench pron pos n. def a plain stout work table. bench 3.a. syl bench pron pos n. def a judge or magistrate sitting in court in a judicial capacity. bench 3.b. syl bench pron pos n. def judges or magistrates collectively. bench 4. syl bench pron pos n. qual Sport. def the seat on which reserve players and officials sit during a game. bench 5. syl bench pron pos n. qual Geology. def a flat narrow platform of land, esp. one marking a former shoreline. bench 6. syl bench pron pos n. def a ledge in a mine or quarry from which work is carried out. bench 7. syl bench pron pos n. def a platform on which dogs or other domestic animals are exhibited at shows. bench 8. syl bench pron pos vb. mod tr. def to provide with benches. bench 9. syl bench pron pos vb. mod tr. def to exhibit (a dog, etc.) at a show. bencher 1. syl bench+er pron <1benC*> pos n. mod often; pl. qual Brit. def a member of the governing body of one of the Inns of Court, usually a judge or a Queen's Counsel. bencher 2. syl bench+er pron <1benC*> pos n. mod often; pl. qual Brit. def See {backbencher}. bench mark 1. syl bench mark pos n. def a mark on a stone post or other permanent feature, at a point whose exact elevation and position is known: used as a reference point in surveying. Abbrev.: {BM} bench mark 2. syl bench mark pos n. def a criterion by which to measure something; standard; reference point. bench warrant 0. syl bench war+rant pos n. def a warrant issued by a judge or court directing that an offender be apprehended. bend ety Old English bendan; related to Old Norse benda, Middle High German benden; see #7bind, {band %3} bends infl head bend syl bends pos vb. bending infl head bend syl bend+ing pos vb. bent infl head bend syl bent. pos vb. bend H1.1. syl bend pron pos vb. def to form or cause to form a curve, as by pushing or pulling. bend H1.2. syl bend pron pos vb. def to turn or cause to turn from a particular direction. exam 1 the road bends left past the church. bend H1.3. syl bend pron pos vb. mod intr. usage often foll. by down, etc. def to incline the body; stoop; bow. bend H1.4. syl bend pron pos vb. def to submit or cause to submit. exam 1 to bend before superior force. bend H1.5. syl bend pron pos vb. mod tr. def to turn or direct (one's eyes, steps, attention, etc.). bend H1.6. syl bend pron pos vb. mod tr. def to concentrate (the mind); apply oneself closely. bend H1.7. syl bend pron pos vb. mod tr. qual Nautical. def to attach or fasten, as a sail to a boom or a line to a cleat. bend over backwards 8. head bend syl bend over backwards. qual Informal. def to make great efforts; exert oneself to a great extent. exam 1 he bends over backwards to accommodate his customers. bend the rules 9. head bend syl bend the rules. qual Informal. def to ignore rules or change them to suit one's own convenience. bend H1.10. syl bend pron pos n. def a curved part, as in a road or river. bend H1.11. syl bend pron pos n. qual Nautical. def a knot or eye in a line for joining it to another or to an object. bend H1.12. syl bend pron pos n. def the act or state of bending. round the bend 13. head bend syl round the bend. qual Brit. slang. def mad; crazy; eccentric. bend ety Old English bend #7{band %2}; see #7bend %1 bend H2.0. syl bend pron pos n. qual Heraldry. def an ordinary consisting of a diagonal line traversing a shield. Ben Day process ety C20: named after Benjamin Day (died 1916), American printer Ben Day process 0. syl Ben Day pro+cess pos n. qual Printing. def a method of adding texture, shading, or detail to line drawings by overlaying a transparent sheet of dots or any other pattern during platemaking. Bendel 0. syl Ben+del pron <1bendel> pos n. def a state of S Nigeria, on the Gulf of Guinea: mainly tropical rain forest. Capital: Benin City. Pop.: 3535839 (1976 est.). Area: 39737 sq. km (15339 sq. miles). Former name (until 1976): {Mid-Western State}. bender 0. syl bend+er pron <1bend*> pos n. qual Informal. def a drinking bout. Bendigo 0. syl Ben+di+go pron <1bendi2g*u> pos n. def a city in SE Australia, in central Victoria: founded in 1851 after the discovery of gold. Pop.: 45860 (1971). the infl head bends syl the. pos n. bends 0. syl bends pron pos n. mod pl. def a nontechnical name for {decompression sickness}. bend sinister 0. syl bend sin+is+ter pos n. qual Heraldry. def a diagonal line bisecting a shield from the top right to the bottom left, typically indicating a bastard line. bendier infl head bendy syl bend:i+er pos adj. bendiest infl head bendy syl bend:i+est. pos adj. bendy H1.1. syl bend:y pron <1bendi> pos adj. def flexible or pliable. bendy H1.2. syl bend:y pron <1bendi> pos adj. def having many bends. exam 1 a bendy road. bendee alt head bendy or bendy syl ben+dee pron <1bendi> pos adj. bendy H2.0. or bendee syl bend:y pron <1bendi> pos adj. qual Herald?!ry. usage usually postpositive def striped diagonally. beneath ety Old English beneothan, from #7be -#7+ neothan low; see #7nether beneath 1. syl be+neath pron pos prep. def below, esp. if covered, protected, or obscured by. beneath 2. syl be+neath pron pos prep. def not as great or good as would be demanded by. exam 1 beneath his dignity. beneath 3. syl be+neath pron pos adv. def below; underneath. benedicite ety C13: from Latin, from bened*_icere, from bene well+ d*_icere to speak benedicite 1. syl ben+e:di+ci+te pron <2beni1dIsiti> pos n. usage esp. in Christian religious orders def a blessing or grace. benedicite 2. syl ben+e:di+ci+te pron <2beni1dIsiti> pos interj. qual Obsolete. def an expression of surprise. Benedicite 0. syl Ben+e:di+ci+te pron <2beni1dIsiti> pos n. qual Christianity. def a canticle that originated as part of the in the secondary addition to the Book of Daniel, beginning in Latin, and in English. Saint infl head Benedict syl Saint. pos n. Benedict 0. syl Ben:e:dict pron <1beni2dikt> pos n. def ??480-??547 #7a.d., Italian monk: founded the Benedictine order at Monte Cassino in Italy in about 540 #7a.d. His became the basis of the rule of all Western Christian monastic orders. Feast day: March 21. Benedict XV 0. syl Ben:e:dict XV pos n. def original name 1854-1922, pope (1914-22); noted for his repeated attempts to end World War I and for his organization of war relief. Benedictine 1.a. syl Ben+e:dic+tine pos n. def a monk or nun who is a member of a Christian religious community founded by or following the rule of Saint Benedict. Benedictine 1.b. syl Ben+e:dic+tine pos n. usage as modifier exam 1 the Benedictine rule. Benedictine 2. syl Ben+e:dic+tine pron <2beni1diktEn> pos n. def a greenish-yellow liqueur made from a secret formula developed at the Benedictine monastery at F*'ecamp in France in about 1510. benediction ety C15: from Latin benedictio, from bened*_icere to bless; see #7benedicite benediction 1. syl ben+e:dic+tion pron <2beni1dikS*n> pos n. def an invocation of divine blessing, esp. at the end of a Christian religious ceremony. benediction 2. syl ben+e:dic+tion pron <2beni1dikS*n> pos n. def a Roman Catholic service in which the congregation is blessed with the sacrament. benediction 3. syl ben+e:dic+tion pron <2beni1dikS*n> pos n. def the state of being blessed. benedictory sub head benediction syl ben+e:1dic+to:ry pos adj. Benedictus 1. syl Ben+e:dic+tus pron <2beni1dikt*s> pos n. qual Christianity. usage sometimes not cap. def a short canticle beginning in Latin and in English. Benedictus 2. syl Ben+e:dic+tus pron <2beni1dikt*s> pos n. qual Christianity. usage sometimes not cap. def a canticle beginning in Latin and in English. benefaction ety C17: from Late Latin benefacti*_o, from Latin bene well+ facere to do benefaction 1. syl ben+e:fac+tion pron <2beni1f@kS*n> pos n. def the act of doing good, esp. by giving a donation to charity. benefaction 2. syl ben+e:fac+tion pron <2beni1f@kS*n> pos n. def the donation or help given. benefactor 0. syl ben+e:fac+tor pron <1beni2f@kt*>, <2beni1f@k-> pos n. def a person who supports or helps a person, institution, etc., esp. by giving money; patron. benefactress sub head benefactor syl ben+e:2fac+tress pos n. mod fem. benefic 0. syl be+nef+ic pron pos adj. def a rare word for {beneficent}. benefice ety C14: from Old French, from Latin beneficium benefit, from beneficus, from bene well+ facere to do benefice 1. syl ben+e:fice pron <1benifis> pos n. qual Christianity. def an endowed Church office yielding an income to its holder; a Church living. benefice 2. syl ben+e:fice pron <1benifis> pos n. def the property or revenue attached to such an office. benefice 3. syl ben+e:fice pron <1benifis> pos n. usage in feudal society def a tenement (piece of land) held by a vassal from a landowner on easy terms or free, esp. in return for military support. See also {vassalage}. benefice 4. syl ben+e:fice pron <1benifis> pos vb. mod tr. def to provide with a benefice. beneficence 1. syl be+nef:i+cence pron pos n. def the act of doing good; kindness. beneficence 2. syl be+nef:i+cence pron pos n. def a charitable act or gift. beneficent ety C17: from Latin beneficent-, from beneficus; see #7benefice &- be+#!nef@.i+cent+ly adv. beneficent 0. syl be+nef:i+cent pron pos adj. def charitable; generous. beneficial ety C15: from Late Latin benefici*_alis, from Latin beneficium kindness beneficial 1. syl ben+e:fi+cial pron <2beni1fiS*l> pos adj. usage sometimes foll. by to def causing a good result; advantageous. beneficial 2. syl ben+e:fi+cial pron <2beni1fiS*l> pos adj. qual Law. def entitling a person to receive the profits or proceeds of property. exam 1 a beneficial interest in land. beneficially sub head beneficial syl ben+e:1fi+cial+ly pos adv. beneficiaries infl head beneficiary syl ben:e+fi+ciar:ies. pos n. mod pl. beneficiary 1. syl ben:e+fi+ciar:y pron <2beni1fiS*ri> pos n. def a person who gains or benefits in some way from something. beneficiary 2. syl ben:e+fi+ciar:y pron <2beni1fiS*ri> pos n. qual Law. def a person entitled to receive funds or other property under a trust, will, or insurance policy. beneficiary 3. syl ben:e+fi+ciar:y pron <2beni1fiS*ri> pos n. def the holder of an ecclesiastical or other benefice. beneficiary 4. syl ben:e+fi+ciar:y pron <2beni1fiS*ri> pos adj. def of or relating to a benefice or the holder of a benefice. benefit ety C14: from Anglo-French benfet, from Latin benefactum, from bene facere to do well benefit 1. syl ben+e:fit pron <1benifit> pos n. def something that improves or promotes. benefit 2. syl ben+e:fit pron <1benifit> pos n. def advantage or sake. exam 1 this is for your benefit. benefit 3. syl ben+e:fit pron <1benifit> pos n. mod sometimes; pl. def a payment or series of payments made by an institution, such as an insurance company or trade union, to a person who is ill, unemployed, etc. benefit 4. syl ben+e:fit pron <1benifit> pos n. def a theatrical performance, sports event, etc., to raise money for a charity. benefit 5. syl ben+e:fit pron <1benifit> pos n. def to do or receive good; profit. benefit association 0. syl ben+e:fit as+so+ci:a+tion pos n. def a U.S. term for {friendly society}. benefit of clergy 1. syl ben+e:fit of cler+gy pos n. qual Christianity. def sanction by the church. exam 1 marriage without benefit of clergy. benefit of clergy 2. syl ben+e:fit of cler+gy pos n. qual Christianity. usage in the Middle Ages def a privilege that placed the clergy outside the jurisdiction of secular courts and entitled them to trial in ecclesiastical courts. Benelux 1. syl Ben:e+lux pron <1beni2l^ks> pos n. def the customs union formed by Belgium, the Netherlands, and Luxembourg in 1948; became an economic union in 1960. Benelux 2. syl Ben:e+lux pron <1beni2l^ks> pos n. def these countries collectively. benempt 0. syl be+nempt pron pos vb. qual Archaic. def a past participle of {bename}. Eduard infl head Benevs syl Ed:u:ard pron <1Aduart> pos n. Benevs 0. syl Ben:e*vs pron Czech <1beneS> pos n. def 1884-1948, Czech statesman; president of Czechoslovakia (1935-38; 1946-48) and of its government in exile (1939-45). Stephen Vincent infl head Ben'et syl Ste:phen Vin:cent. pos n. Ben'et 0. syl Ben:*'et pron pos n. def 1898-1943, U.S. poet and novelist, best known for his poem on the American Civil War (1928). Benevento 0. syl Be+ne+ven+to pron <2ben*1vent*u> pos n. def a city in S Italy, in N Campania: at various times under Samnite, Roman, Lombard, Saracen, Norman, and papal rule. Pop.: 59016 (1971). Ancient name: {Beneventum}. benevolence 1. syl be+nev:o+lence pron pos n. def inclination or tendency to help or do good to others; charity. benevolence 2. syl be+nev:o+lence pron pos n. def an act of kindness. benevolence 3. syl be+nev:o+lence pron pos n. usage in the Middle Ages def a forced loan or contribution exacted by English kings from their nobility and subjects. benevolent ety C15: from Latin benevol*_ens, from bene well+ velle to wish benevolent 1. syl be+nev:o+lent pron pos adj. def intending or showing good will; kindly; friendly. exam 1 a benevolent smile; exam 2 a benevolent old man. benevolent 2. syl be+nev:o+lent pron pos adj. def doing good or giving aid to others, rather than making profit; charitable. exam 1 a benevolent organization. benevolently sub head benevolent syl be+1nev:o+lent+ly pos adv. Benfleet 0. syl Ben+fleet pron <1ben2flEt> pos n. def a town in SE England, in S Essex on an inlet of the Thames estuary. Pop.: 47924 (1971). Beng 0. syl Beng. qual abbrev. for def Bengal(i). BEng 0. syl B.Eng. qual abbrev. for def Bachelor of Engineering. Bengal 1. syl Ben+gal pron , pos n. def a former province of NE India, in the great deltas of the Ganges and Brahmaputra Rivers: in 1947 divided into West Bengal (belonging to India) and East Bengal (Bangladesh). Bay of 2. head Bengal syl Bay of. def a wide arm of the Indian Ocean, between India and Burma. Bengalese sub head Bengal syl Ben+ga+lese pron <2beng*1lEz>, <2beG-> pos adj. n. Bengali 1. syl Ben+ga+li pron , pos n. def a member of a people living chiefly in Bangladesh and in West Bengal. The West Bengalis are mainly Hindus; the East Bengalis of Bangladesh are mainly Muslims. Bengali 2. syl Ben+ga+li pron , pos n. def the language of this people: the official language of Bangladesh and the chief language of West Bengal; it belongs to the Indic branch of the Indo-European family. Bengali 3. syl Ben+ga+li pron , pos adj. def of or relating to Bengal, the Bengalis, or their language. bengaline ety C19: from French; see B#7engal, {-#7ine %1}; first produced in Bengal bengaline 0. syl ben+ga+line pron <1beGg*2li:n>, <2beGg*1li:n> pos n. def a heavy corded fabric, esp. silk with woollen or cotton cord. Bengal light 0. syl Ben+gal light pos n. def a firework or flare that burns with a steady bright blue light, formerly used as a signal. Bengasi alt head Benghazi or Benghazi syl Ben+ga+si pron pos n. Benghazi 0. or Bengasi syl Ben+gha+zi pron pos n. def a port in N Libya, on the Gulf of Sidra: centre of Italian colonization (1911-42); scene of much fighting in World War II. Ancient names: {Hesperides, Berenice}. Benguela 0. syl Ben+guel:a pron pos n. def a port in W Angola: founded in 1617; a terminus (with Lobito) of the railway that runs from Beira in Mozambique through the Copper Belt of Zambia and Rhodesia. Pop.: 40996 (1970). David infl head Ben-Gurion syl Da:vid. pos n. Ben-Gurion 0. syl Ben-Gur:i:on pron pos n. def 1886-1973, Israeli socialist statesman, born in Poland; first prime minister of Israel (1948-53, 1955-63). Beni 0. syl Be:ni pron Spanish <1bAni> pos n. def a river in N Bolivia, rising in the E Cordillera of the Andes and flowing north to the Marmor*'e River. Length: over 1600 km (1000 miles). benighted 1. syl be+night+ed pron pos adj. def lacking cultural, moral, or intellectual enlightenment; ignorant. benighted 2. syl be+night+ed pron pos adj. qual Archaic. def overtaken by night. benightedly sub head benighted syl be+1night+ed+ly pos adv. benightedness sub head benighted syl be+1night+ed+ness pos n. benign ety C14: from Old French benigne, from Latin benignus, from bene well+ gignere to produce benign 1. syl be+nign pron pos adj. def showing kindliness; genial. benign 2. syl be+nign pron pos adj. usage of soil, climate, etc. def mild; gentle. benign 3. syl be+nign pron pos adj. def favourable; propitious. benign 4. syl be+nign pron pos adj. usage Pathol. of a tumour, etc. def not threatening to life or health; not malignant. benignly sub head benign syl be+1nign+ly pos adv. benignant 1. syl be+nig+nant pron pos adj. def kind; gracious, as a king to his subjects. benignant 2. syl be+nig+nant pron pos adj. def a less common word for { {benign} (senses 3, 4)}. benignancy sub head benignant syl be+1nig+nan+cy pos n. benignantly sub head benignant syl be+1nig+nant+ly pos adv. benignities infl head benignity syl be+nig+ni:ties. pos n. mod pl. benignity 1. syl be+nig+ni:ty pron pos n. def the quality of being benign; favourable attitude. benignity 2. syl be+nig+ni:ty pron pos n. def a kind or gracious act. Beni Hasan 0. syl Be:ni Ha+san pron <1beni> pos n. def a village in central Egypt, on the Nile, with cliff-cut tombs dating from 2000 #7b.c. Benin 1. syl Be+nin pron pos n. def a republic in W Africa, on the {Bight of Benin}, a section of the Gulf of Guinea: in the early 19th century a powerful Negro kingdom, famed for its women warriors; became a French colony in 1893, gaining independence in 1960. It consists chiefly of coastal lagoons and swamps in the south, a fertile plain and marshes in the centre, and the Atakora Mountains in the northwest. Official language: French. Currency: franc. Capital: Porto Novo. Pop.: 2760000 (1971 UN est.). Official name: {People's Republic of Benin}. Former name (until 1975): {Dahomey}. Benin 2. syl Be+nin pron pos n. def a former kingdom of W Africa, powerful from the 14th to the 17th centuries: now a province of S Nigeria. Benin City 0. syl Be+nin Cit:y pos n. def a city in S Nigeria, capital of Bendel state: former capital of the kingdom of Benin. Pop.: 136000 (1975 est.). benison ety C13: from Old French beneison, from Latin benedicti*_o #7benediction benison 0. syl ben:i+son pron <1benizN>, <-sN> pos n. qual Archaic. def a blessing, esp. a spoken one. benjamin ety C16: variant of benzoin; influenced in form by the name Benjamin benjamin 1. syl ben+ja+min pron <1benJ*min> pos n. def another name for { {benzoin} (sense 1)}. benjamin bush 2. head benjamin syl benjamin bush. def another name for { {spicebush}}. Benjamin 1.a. syl Ben:ja:min pron <1benJ*min> pos n. def the youngest and best-loved son of Jacob and Rachel (Genesis 35:16-18; 42:4). Benjamin 1.b. syl Ben:ja:min pron <1benJ*min> pos n. def the tribe descended from this patriarch. Benjamin 1.c. syl Ben:ja:min pron <1benJ*min> pos n. def the territory of this tribe, northwest of the Dead Sea. Benjamin 2. syl Ben:ja:min pron <1benJ*min> pos n. qual Archaic. def a youngest and favourite son. Ben Lomond 1. syl Ben Lo+mond pron <1ben> <1l*um*nd> pos n. def a mountain in W central Scotland, on the E side of Loch Lomond. Height: 973 m (3192 ft.). Ben Lomond 2. syl Ben Lo+mond pron <1ben> <1l*um*nd> pos n. def a mountain in NE Tasmania. Height: 1527 m (5010 ft.). Ben Lomond 3. syl Ben Lo+mond pron <1ben> <1l*um*nd> pos n. def a mountain in SE Australia, in NE New South Wales. Height: 1520 m (4986 ft.). benne ety from Malay bene; compare Bambara bene benne 1. syl ben+ne pron <1beni> pos n. def another name for {sesame}. benne oil 2. head benne syl benne oil. def the edible oil obtained from sesame seeds. bennet 0. syl ben+net pron <1benit> pos n. def short for {herb bennet}. (Enoch) Arnold 1. head Bennett syl (Enoch) Ar:nold. def 1867-1931, English novelist, noted for (1908), (1910), and other works set in the Staffordshire Potteries. Richard Rodney 2. head Bennett syl Rich:ard Rod:ney. def born 1936, English composer, noted for his operas (1965) and (1970). Bennett 3. syl Ben:nett pron <1benit> pos n. def Sir {Wil@.liam Stern@.dale}. 1816-75, English composer. Ben Nevis 0. syl Ben Ne+vis pron <1ben> <1nevis> pos n. def a mountain in W Scotland, in the Grampian mountains: highest peak in Great Britain. Height: 1343 m (4406 ft.). Bennington 0. syl Ben+ning+ton pron <1beniGt*n> pos n. def a town in SW Vermont: the site of a British defeat (1777) in the War of American Independence. Pop.: 7950 (1970). benny ety C20: shortened from #7benzedrine bennies infl head benny syl ben+nies. pos n. mod pl. benny H1.0. syl ben+ny pron <1beni> pos n. qual Slang. def an amphetamine tablet, esp. benzedrine: a stimulant. benny ety C19: from Benjamin, perhaps from a tailor's name Benoit de Sainte-Maure 0. syl Be:no*^it de Sainte-Maure pron French <1mc:r> pos n. def 12th-century French trouv*`ere: author of the which contains the episode of Troilus and Cressida. Benoni 0. syl Be+no+ni pron pos n. def a city in NE South Africa, in S Transvaal: gold mines. Pop.: 149563 (1970). bent H1.1. syl bent pron pos adj. def not straight; curved. bent H1.2. syl bent pron pos adj. usage foll. by on def fixed (on a course of action); resolved (to); determined (to). bent H1.3.a. syl bent pron pos adj. def dishonest; corrupt. bent H1.3.b. syl bent pron pos adj. usage of goods def stolen. bent H1.3.c. syl bent pron pos adj. def crazy; mad. bent H1.3.d. syl bent pron pos adj. def sexually deviant, esp. homosexual. bent H1.4. syl bent pron pos n. def personal inclination, propensity, or aptitude. bent H1.5. syl bent pron pos n. def capacity of endurance (esp. in the phrase {to the top of one's bent}) . $D. a framework placed across a structure to stiffen it. bent ety Old English bionot; related to Old Saxon binet, Old High German binuz rush bent H2.1. syl bent pron pos n. def short for {bent grass}. bent H2.2. syl bent pron pos n. def a stalk of bent grass. bent H2.3. syl bent pron pos n. qual Archaic. def any stiff grass or sedge. bent H2.4. syl bent pron pos n. qual Archaic or Scot. and Northern Brit. dialect. def heath or moorland. bent grass 0. syl bent grass pos n. def any perennial grass of the genus esp. which has a spreading panicle of tiny flowers. Some species are planted for hay or in lawns. Sometimes shortened to {bent}. Jeremy infl head Bentham syl Jer:e:my. pos n. Bentham 0. syl Ben:tham pron <1benT*m> pos n. def 1748-1831, English philosopher and jurist: a founder of utilitarianism. His works include (1776) and (1789). Benthamism sub head Bentham syl Ben+tham+ism pos n. Benthamite sub head Bentham syl Ben+tham+ite pos n. adj. benthos ety C19: from Greek: depth; related to bathus deep benthon alt head benthos or benthos syl ben+thon pos n. benthos 1. or benthon syl ben+thos pron <1benTos> pos n. def the animals and plants living at the bottom of a sea or lake. benthos 2. or benthon syl ben+thos pron <1benTos> pos n. def the bottom of a sea or lake. benthic sub head benthos syl ben+thic pos adj. benthal sub head benthos or benthonic syl ben+thal pos adj. benthonic sub head benthos or benthal syl ben+1thon+ic pos adj. Bentinck 0. syl Ben:tinck pron <1bentiGk> pos n. def Lord {Wil@.liam Cav@.en@.dish}. 1774-1839, English statesman, first governor general of India (1828-35). Edmund Clerihew 1. head Bentley syl Ed:mund Cler:i:hew. def 1875-1956, English journalist, noted for his invention of the clerihew. Richard 2. head Bentley syl Rich:ard. def 1662-1742, English classical scholar, noted for his imaginative textual emendations. bentonite 0. syl ben+ton+ite pron <1bent*2nIt> pos n. def a valuable clay, formed by the decomposition of volcanic ash, that swells as it absorbs water: used as a filler in the building, paper, and pharmaceutical industries. bentwood 0.a. syl bent+wood pron <1bent2wud> pos n. def wood bent in moulds after being heated by steaming, used mainly for furniture. bentwood 0.b. syl bent+wood pron <1bent2wud> pos n. usage as modifier exam 1 a bentwood chair. Benue 1. syl Be+nu:e pron <1benu2A> pos n. def a state of SE Nigeria, formed in 1976 from part of Benue-Plateau state. Capital: Makurdi. Pop.: 2641496 (1976 est.). Area: 19200 sq. km (7412 sq. miles). Benue 2. syl Be+nu:e pron <1benu2A> pos n. def a river in W Africa, rising in N Cameroon and flowing west across Nigeria: chief tributary of the River Niger. Length: 1400 km (870 miles). Benue-Congo 1. syl Be:nu:e-Con:go pos n. def a branch of the Niger-Congo family of African languages, consisting of the Bantu languages together with certain other languages of W Africa. Benue-Congo 2. syl Be:nu:e-Con:go pos adj. def relating or belonging to this group of languages. benumb 1. syl be+numb pron pos vb. mod tr. def to make numb or powerless; deaden physical feeling in, as by cold. benumb 2. syl be+numb pron pos vb. mod tr. usage usually passive def to make inactive; stupefy (the mind, senses, will, etc.). benumbingly sub head benumb syl be+1numb+ing+ly pos adv. benzaldehyde 0. syl ben+zal+de+hyde pron pos n. def a yellowish fragrant volatile oil used in the manufacture of dyes, perfumes, and flavourings and as a solvent for oils and resins. Formula: C\6H\5CHO. Benzedrine 0. syl Ben+ze+drine pron <1benzi2drEn>, <-drin> pos n. def a trademark for {ampheta?!mine}. benzene 0. syl ben+zene pron <1benzEn>, pos n. def a colourless flammable poisonous aromatic liquid used in the manufacture of styrene, phenol, etc., as a solvent for fats, resins, etc., and as an insecticide. Formula: C\6H\6. See also {benzene ring}. benzene hexachloride 0. syl ben+zene hex:a+chlo+ride pos n. def See {hexachlorocyclohexane}. benzene ring 0. syl ben+zene ring pos n. def the hexagonal ring of bonded carbon atoms in the benzene molecule or its derivatives. Also called: {benzene nucleus}. See also {Kekul*'e formula}. benzidine 0. syl ben+zi+dine pron <1benzi2dEn>, <-din> pos n. def a grey or reddish poisonous crystalline powder used mainly in the manufacture of dyes, esp. Congo red. Formula: NH\2(C\6H\4)\2NH\2. benzin alt head benzine or benzine syl ben+zin pron <1benzin> pos n. benzine 1. or benzin syl ben+zine pron <1benzEn>, pos n. def a volatile mixture of the lighter aliphatic hydrocarbon constituents of petroleum. See {ligroin, petroleum ether}. benzine 2. or benzin syl ben+zine pron <1benzEn>, pos n. qual Austral. def a rare name for {petrol}. benzo- ety from #7benzoin benzo- 1. syl ben:zo- usage sometimes before a vowel def indicating a benzene ring fused to another ring in a polycyclic compound. exam 1 benzofuran. benzo- 2. syl ben:zo- usage sometimes before a vowel def indicating derivation from benzene or benzoic acid or the presence of phenyl groups. exam 1 benzophenone. benzoate 0. syl ben+zo+ate pron <1benz*u2At>, <-it> pos n. def any salt or ester of benzoic acid, containing the group C\6H\5COO- or the ion C\6H\5COO%-. benzoate of soda 0. syl ben+zo+ate of so:da pos n. def another name for {sodium benzoate}. benzocaine 0. syl ben+zo+caine pron <1benz*u2kAn> pos n. def a white crystalline ester used as a local anaesthetic; ethyl aminobenzoate. Formula: C\9H\1\1NO\2. benzofuran 0. syl ben+zo+fu+ran pron <2benz*u1fju*r@n> pos n. def a colourless insoluble aromatic liquid obtained from coal tar and used in the manufacture of synthetic resins. Formula: C\8H\6O. Also called: {coumarone, cumarone}. benzoic 0. syl ben+zo+ic pron pos adj. def of, containing, or derived from benzoic acid or benzoin. benzoic acid 0. syl ben+zo+ic ac:id pos n. def a white crystalline solid occurring in many natural resins, used in the manufacture of benzoates, plasticizers, and dyes and as a food preservative. Formula: C\6H\5COOH. benzoin ety C16: from French benjoin, from Old Catalan benjui, from Arabic lub*_an j*_aw*_i, literally: frankincense of Java benzoin 1. syl ben+zo+in pron <1benzcin>, <-z*uin> pos n. def Also called: {benjamin}. a gum resin containing benzoic acid, obtained from various trees of the genus esp. of Java and Sumatra, and used in ointments, perfume, etc. benzoin 2. syl ben+zo+in pron <1benzcin>, <-z*uin> pos n. def a white or yellowish crystalline compound with a camphor-like odour used as an antiseptic and flavouring; 2-hydroxy-2-phenylacetophenone. Formula: C\6H\5CHOHCOC\6H\5. benzoin 3. syl ben+zo+in pron <1benzcin>, <-z*uin> pos n. def any lauraceous aromatic shrub or tree of the genus esp. (spicebush). benzole alt head benzol or benzol syl ben+zole pron <1benzol> pos n. benzol 1. or benzole syl ben+zol pron <1benzol> pos n. def a crude form of benzene, containing toluene, xylene, and other hydrocarbons, obtained from coal tar or coal gas and used as a fuel. benzol 2. or benzole syl ben+zol pron <1benzol> pos n. def an obsolete name for {benzene}. benzophenone 0. syl ben+zo+phe+none pron <2benz*ufi1n*un> pos n. def a white sweet-smelling crystalline solid used mainly in the manufacture of organic compounds and in perfume. Formula: C\6H\5COC\6H\5. benzoquinone 0. syl ben+zo+qui+none pron <2benz*ukwi1n*un>, <-1kwin*un> pos n. def a yellow crystalline water-soluble unsaturated ketone manufactured from aniline and used in the production of dyestuffs. Formula: C\6H\4O\2. Also called: {quinone}. benzoyl 0. syl ben+zo+yl pron <1benz*uil> pos n. usage modifier def of, consisting of, or containing the monovalent group C\6H\5CO-. exam 1 benzoyl group or radical. Itzhak infl head Ben-Zvi syl Itz:hak pron <1jitsxak> pos n. Ben-Zvi 0. syl Ben-Zvi pron , Hebrew pos n. def 1884-1963, Israeli statesman; president (1952-63). benzyl 0. syl ben+zyl pron <1benzil> pos n. usage modifier def of, consisting of, or containing the monovalent group C\6H\5CH\2-. exam 1 benzyl alcohol. Beograd 0. syl Be:o+grad pron pos n. def the Serbo-Croatian name for {Belgrade}. Beowulf 0. syl Be:o+wulf pron <1bA*2wulf> pos n. def an anonymous Old English epic poem in alliterative verse, believed to have been composed in the 8th century #7a.d. bequeath ety Old English becwethan; related to Old Norse kvetha to speak, Gothic qithan, Old High German quethan bequeath 1. syl be+queath pron , <-1kwET> pos vb. mod tr. qual Law. def to dispose of (property, esp. personal property) by will. Compare { {devise} (sense 2)}. bequeath 2. syl be+queath pron , <-1kwET> pos vb. mod tr. def to hand down; pass on, as to following generations. bequeather sub head bequeath syl be+1queath+er pos n. bequest ety C14: #7be -#7+ Old English -cwiss degree; see #7bequeath bequest 1.a. syl be+quest pron pos n. def the act of bequeathing. bequest 1.b. syl be+quest pron pos n. def something that is bequeathed. bequest 2. syl be+quest pron pos n. qual Law. def a gift of property by will, esp. personal property. Compare { {devise} (senses 4, 5)}. Pierre Jean de infl head B'eranger syl Pierre Jean de pron <1Z?~a> pos n. B'eranger 0. syl B*'e:ran:ger pron French pos n. def 1780-1857, French lyric and satirical poet. Berar 0. syl Be+rar pron pos n. def a region of W central India: part of Madhya Pradesh state since 1950; important for cotton-growing. berate 0. syl be+rate pron pos vb. mod tr. def to scold harshly. Berber 1. syl Ber+ber pron <1bR:b*> pos n. def a member of a Caucasoid Muslim people of N Africa. Berber 2. syl Ber+ber pron <1bR:b*> pos n. def the language of this people, forming a subfamily of the Afro-Asiatic family of languages. There are extensive differences between dialects. Berber 3. syl Ber+ber pron <1bR:b*> pos adj. def of or relating to this people or their language. Berbera 0. syl Ber+ber:a pron <1bR:b*r*> pos n. def a port in N Somalia, on the Gulf of Aden. Pop.: 25000 (1972 est.). berberidaceous ety C19: from Medieval Latin berberis, from Arabic barb*_ar*_is #7barberry berberidaceous 0. syl ber+ber:i+da+ceous pron <2bR:b*ri1dAS*s> pos adj. def of, relating to, or belonging to the a mainly N temperate family of flowering plants (mostly shrubs), including barberry and barrenwort. berberine ety from German Berberin, from New Latin berberis #7barberry berberine 0. syl ber+ber+ine pron <1bR:b*2rEn> pos n. def a yellow bitter-tasting alkaloid obtained from barberry and other plants and used medicinally, esp in tonics. Formula: C\2\0H\1\9NO\5. berberis ety C19: from Medieval Latin, of unknown origin berberis 0. syl ber+ber+is pron <1bR:b*ris> pos n. def any shrub of the berberidaceous genus See {barberry}. berbice chair ety C20: named after Berbice, a river in Guyana berbice chair 0. syl ber+bice chair pron <1bR:bEs> pos n. def a large armchair with long arms that can be folded inwards to act as leg rests. berceuse ety C19: from French: lullaby, from bercer to rock berceuse 1. syl ber+ceuse pron French pos n. def a cradlesong or lullaby. berceuse 2. syl ber+ceuse pron French pos n. def an instrumental piece suggestive of this, in six-eight time. Berchtesgaden 0. syl Berch+tes+ga+den pron German <1ber*,ct*s2ga:dN> pos n. def a town in SE West Germany, in SE Bavaria: site of the fortified mountain retreat of Adolf Hitler. Pop.: 5752 (1958). Berdichev 0. syl Ber+di+chev pron Russian pos n. def an industrial city in the SW Soviet Union, in the central Ukrainian SSR. Pop.: 71475 (1970). Nikolai Aleksandrovich infl head Berdyayev syl Ni:ko:lai Al:eks:and:ro:vich pron pos n. Berdyayev 0. syl Ber:dya:yev pron Russian pos n. def 1874-1948, Russian philosopher. Although he was a Marxist, his Christian views led him to criticize Soviet communism and he was forced into exile (1922). bereave ety Old English bereafian; see #7{reave %1} bereave 1. syl be+reave pron pos vb. mod tr. usage usually foll. by of def to deprive (of) something or someone valued, esp. through death. bereave 2. syl be+reave pron pos vb. mod tr. qual Obsolete. def to remove by force. bereave xref syl be+reave pron pos vb. mod tr. def See also {bereft}. bereavement sub head bereave syl be+1reave+ment pos n. bereft 0. syl be+reft pron pos adj. usage usually foll. by of def deprived; parted (from). exam 1 bereft of hope. Bernard infl head Berenson syl Ber:nard. pos n. Berenson 0. syl Ber:en:son pron <1ber*ns*n> pos n. def 1865-1959, U.S. art historian, born in Lithuania: an authority on art of the Italian Renaissance. beret ety C19: from French b*'eret, from Old Proven*,cal berret, from Medieval Latin birrettum cap; see #7biretta beret 0. syl be+ret pron <1berA> pos n. def a round close-fitting brimless cap of soft wool material or felt. Berezina 0. syl Be+re+zi+na pron Russian pos n. def a river in the W Soviet Union, in the Byelorussian SSR, rising in the north and flowing south to the River Dnieper: linked with the River Dvina and the Baltic Sea by the {Berezina Canal}. Length: 563 km (350 miles). Berezniki 0. syl Be+rez+ni+ki pron Russian pos n. def a city in the E Soviet Union: chemical industries. Pop.: 167000 (1975 est.). berg H1.0. syl berg pron pos n. def short for {iceberg}. berg H2.0. syl berg pron pos n. def a South African word for {mountain}. Alban infl head Berg syl Al:ban pron <1alba:n> pos n. Berg 0. syl Berg pron , German pos n. def 1885-1935, Austrian composer: a pupil of Schoenberg. His works include the operas (1921) and (1935), chamber works, and songs. Bergama 0. syl Ber+ga+ma pron , <1bR:g*m*> pos n. def a town in W Turkey. Pop.: 26973 (1970). Ancient name: {Pergamum}. Bergamo 0. syl Ber+ga+mo pron Italian <1bergamo> pos n. def a walled city in N Italy, in Lombardy. Pop.: 129511 (1975 est.). bergamot ety C17: from French bergamote, from Italian bergamotta, of Turkic origin; related to Turkish bey-armudu prince's pear; see #7bey bergamot 1. syl ber+ga+mot pron <1bR:g*2mot> pos n. def Also called: {bergamot orange}. a small Asian spiny rutaceous tree, having sour pear-shaped fruit. essence of bergamot 2. head bergamot syl essence of bergamot. def a fragrant essential oil from the fruit rind of this plant, used in perfumery. bergamot 3. syl ber+ga+mot pron <1bR:g*2mot> pos n. def a Mediterranean mint, that yields an oil similar to essence of bergamot. wild bergamot 4. head bergamot syl wild bergamot. def a North American plant, with clusters of purple flowers: family (labiates). bergamot 5. syl ber+ga+mot pron <1bR:g*2mot> pos n. def a variety of pear. Bergdama 0. syl Berg+da+ma pron <2bR:g1da:m*> pos n. def another name for a {Damara}. Bergen 1. syl Ber+gen pron Norwegian <1b@rg*n> pos n. def a port in SW Norway: chief city in medieval times. Pop.: 214019 (1974 est.). Bergen 2. syl Ber+gen pron <1ber$x*n> pos n. def the Flemish name for {Mons}. Bergerac 0. syl Ber:ge:rac pron French pos n. def See {Cyrano de Bergerac}. Friedrich infl head Bergius syl Fried:rich pron <1frEdri*,c> pos n. Bergius 0. syl Ber:gius pron German <1bergjus> pos n. def 1884-1949, German chemist, who invented a process for producing oil by high-pressure hydrogenation of coal: Nobel prize for chemistry 1931. Ingmar 1. head Bergman syl Ing:mar pron <1iGmar> def born 1918, Swedish film director, whose films include (1956), (1957), the trilogy (1961), (1962), and (1963), and (1966). Ingrid 2. head Bergman syl Ing:rid. def born 1915. Swedish film actress, working in Hollywood 1938-48; noted for her leading roles in many films, including (1942), (1943), (1956), and (1958). bergschrund ety German: mountain crack bergschrund 0. syl berg+schrund pron German <1berkSrunt> pos n. def a crevasse at the head of a glacier. Henri Louis infl head Bergson syl Hen:ri Louis pron pos n. Bergson 0. syl Berg:son pron <1bR:gsN>, French pos n. usage Memory and Matter 1896, trans. 1911 def and (1907, trans. 1911): Nobel prize for literature 1927. &- {Berg+son+i@.an} (b$z$:g#!s$$$un$I$$n) Bergsonism 0. syl Berg+son+ism pron <1bR:gs*2niz*m> pos n. def the philosophy of Bergson, which emphasizes duration as the basic element of experience and asserts the existence of a life-giving force that permeates the entire natural order. Compare {*'elan vital}. berg wind 0. syl berg wind pos n. def a hot dry wind in South Africa blowing from the plateau down to the coast. Lavrenti Pavlovich infl head Beria syl La:vren:ti Pa:vlo:vich pron <1pavl*viC> pos n. Beria 0. syl Be:ri:a pron <1beri*>, Russian <1bjArij*> pos n. def 1899-1953, Soviet chief of secret police; killed by his associates shortly after Stalin's death. beriberi ety C19: from Sinhalese, by reduplication from beri weakness beriberi 0. syl ber:i+ber:i pron <2beri1beri> pos n. def a disease, endemic in E and S Asia, caused by dietary deficiency of thiamine (vitamin B\1). It affects the nerves to the limbs, producing pain, paralysis, and swelling. Behring alt head Bering or Bering syl Beh:ring pron <1beriG>, <1be*r->, Danish <1bA:rAG> pos n. Vitus infl head Bering syl Vi:tus pron <1vEtus> pos n. Bering 0. or Behring syl Ber:ing pron <1beriG>, <1be*r->, Danish <1bA:rAG> pos n. def 1681-1741, Danish navigator, who explored the N Pacific for the Russians and discovered Bering Island and the Bering Strait. Bering Sea 0. syl Ber:ing Sea pos n. def a part of the N Pacific Ocean, between NE Siberia and Alaska. Area: about 2275000 sq. km (878000 sq. miles). Bering Strait 0. syl Ber:ing Strait pos n. def a strait between Alaska and the Soviet Union, connecting the Bering Sea and the Arctic Ocean. Luciano infl head Berio syl Lu:cia:no pron pos n. Berio 0. syl Be:rio pron Italian <1be:rjo> pos n. def born 1925, Italian composer, noted esp. for works that exploit instrumental and vocal timbre and technique. Svetlana infl head Beriosova syl Svet:la:na pron pos n. Beriosova 0. syl Be:ri:o:so:va pron pos n. def born 1932, British ballet dancer, born in Russia. berk 0. syl berk pron pos n. qual Brit. slang. def a variant spelling of {burk}. Berkeleian 1. syl Berke+le+ian pron pos adj. def denoting or relating to the philosophy of George Berkeley. Berkeleian 2. syl Berke+le+ian pron pos n. def a follower of his teachings. Berkeleianism 0. syl Berke+le+ian+ism pron pos n. def the philosophical system of George Berkeley, holding that objects exist only when perceived, that God's perception sustains the universe, and that matter is only the substratum in which these perceptions inhere, not an independent thing or quality. Berkeley H1.0. syl Berke:ley pron <1bR:kli> pos n. def a city in W California, on San Francisco Bay: seat of the University of California. Pop.: 111637 (1973 est.). Busby infl head Berkeley syl Bus:by. pos n. Berkeley H2.1. syl Berke:ley pron <1bR:kli> pos n. def original name 1895-1976, U.S. dance director, noted esp. for his choreography of film musicals. George infl head Berkeley syl George. pos n. Berkeley H2.2. syl Berke:ley pron <1ba:kli> pos n. def 1685-1753, Irish philosopher and Anglican bishop, whose system of subjective idealism was expounded in his works (1710) and (1713). He also wrote (1709). Berkeley H2.3. syl Berke:ley pron <1ba:k?!li> pos n. def Sir {Len@.nox (Randal Francis}) . born 1903, English composer. berkelium ety C20: named after B#7erkeley %1, where it was discovered berkelium 0. syl ber+ke:li:um pron , <1bR:kli*m> pos n. def a metallic transuranic element produced by bombardment of americium. Symbol: Bk; atomic no.: 97; half-life of most stable isotope, %2%4%7Bk: 1400 years. Berks 0. syl Berks. pron qual abbrev. for def Berkshire. Berkshire 1. syl Berk+shire pron <1ba:kSi*>, <-S*> pos n. def a county of S England: the River Thames marks the N boundary and the {Berkshire Downs} occupy central parts. Administrative centre: Reading. Pop.: 659000 (1976 est.). Area: 1877 sq. km (725 sq. miles). Abbrev.: {Berks}. Berkshire 2. syl Berk+shire pron <1ba:kSi*>, <-S*> pos n. def a breed of pork and bacon pig having a black body and white points. berley 0. syl ber+ley pron <1bR:li> pos n. def an Austral. name for {ground bait}. Gotz von infl head Berlichingen syl G*"otz von pron pos n. berlin 1. syl ber+lin pron , <1bR:lin> pos n. usage sometimes cap. def Also called: {berlin wool}. a fine wool yarn used for tapestry work, etc. berlin 2. syl ber+lin pron , <1bR:lin> pos n. def a four-wheeled two-seated covered carriage, popular in the 18th century. berlin 3. syl ber+lin pron , <1bR:lin> pos n. def a limousine with a glass partition between the front and rear seats. {~} Also called (for senses 2, 3): {ber+line} (b$$#!li$:n, #!b$z$:li$:n). Berlin H1.0. syl Ber+lin pron , German , German pos n. def a city in N Germany, divided since 1945 into the eastern sector, capital of East Germany, and the western sectors, which form an exclave in East German territory closely affiliated politically and economically with West Germany: a wall dividing the sectors was built in 1961 by the East German authorities to stop the flow of refugees from east to west; formerly the capital of Brandenburg, Prussia, and Germany. Pop.: (East Berlin) 1094496 (1975 est.); (West Berlin) 2047948 (1974 est.). &- {Ber+#!lin+er} Irving infl head Berlin syl Ir:ving. pos n. Berlin H2.0. syl Ber:lin pron pos n. def original name born 1888, U.S. composer and writer of lyrics, born in Russia. His musical comedies include (1946); his most popular song is Enrico infl head Berlinguer syl En:ri:co pron pos n. Berlinguer 0. syl Ber:lin:guer pron Italian pos n. def born 1922, Italian politician; leader of the Italian Communist Party since 1972. Hector infl head Berlioz syl Hec:tor pron pos n. Berlioz 0. syl Ber:li:oz pron <1be*li2*uz>, French pos n. def 1803-69, French composer, regarded as a pioneer of modern orchestration. His works include the cantata (1846), the operas (1856-59) and (1860-62), the (1830), and the oratorio (1854). berm ety C18: from French berme, from Dutch berm, probably from Old Norse barmr #7brim berme alt head berm or berm syl berme pron pos n. berm 1. or berme syl berm pron pos n. def a narrow path or ledge at the edge of a slope, road, or canal. berm 2. or berme syl berm pron pos n. qual Fortifications. def a narrow path or ledge between a moat and a rampart. Bermejo 0. syl Ber+me:jo pron Spanish pos n. def a river in Argentina, rising in the northwest and flowing southeast to the Paraguay River. Length: about 1600 km (1000 miles). Bermuda 0. syl Ber+mu+da pron pos n. def a British colony consisting of a group of over 300 coral islands ({The Bermudas}) in the NW Atlantic: discovered in 1515, first colonized by the British in 1684. Capital: Hamilton. Pop.: 62330 (1970). Area: 53 sq. km (20 sq. miles). Bermudan sub head Bermuda or Bermudian syl Ber+1mu+dan pos n. adj. Bermudian sub head Bermuda or Bermudan syl Ber+1mu+di:an pos n. adj. Bermuda grass 0. syl Ber+mu+da grass pos n. def a widely distributed grass, with wiry creeping rootstocks and several purplish spikes of flowers arising from a single point: used for lawns, pasturage, binding sand dunes, etc. Also called: {scutch grass, wire grass}. Bermuda rig 0. syl Ber+mu+da rig pos n. def a fore-and-aft sailing boat rig characterized by a tall mainsail ({Bermudian mainsail}) that tapers to a point. &- {Ber@.#!mu@.da-#!rigged} Bermuda shorts 0. syl Ber+mu+da shorts pos n. mod pl. def close-fitting shorts that come down to the knees. Also called: {Bermudas}. Bern 1. syl Bern pron , German pos n. def the capital of Switzerland, in the W part, on the Aar River: entered the Swiss confederation in 1353 and became the capital in 1848. Pop.: 152800 (1975 est.). Bern 2. syl Bern pron , German pos n. def a canton of Switzerland, between the French frontier and the Bernese Alps. Capital: Bern. Pop.: 983296 (1970). Area: 6884 sq. km (2658 sq. miles). French name: {Berne} (b$ern). Saint infl head Bernadette syl Saint. pos n. Bernadette 0. syl Ber:na:dette pron <2bR:n*1det> pos n. def original name 1844-79, French peasant girl born in Lourdes, whose visions of the Virgin Mary led to the establishment of Lourdes as a centre of pilgrimage, esp. for the sick or crippled. Feast day: Feb. 18. Jean Baptiste Jules infl head Bernadotte syl Jean Bap:tiste Jules pron , <1Zyl> pos n. Bernadotte 0. syl Ber:na:dotte pron <1bR:n*2dot>, French , <1Zyl> pos n. def 1764-1844, French marshal under Napoleon; king of Norway and Sweden (1818-44) as Charles XIV. Claude infl head Bernard syl Claude pron pos n. Bernard 1. syl Ber:nard pron French pos n. def 1813-78, French physiologist, noted for his research on the action of secretions of the alimentary canal and the glycogenic function of the liver. Saint 2. head Bernard syl Saint pron <1b*:n*d> def known as and the 923-1008, French monk who founded hospices in the Alpine passes. Bernardine 1. syl Ber+nard+ine pron <1bR:n*din>, <-2dEn> pos n. def a monk of one of the reformed and stricter branches of the Cistercian order. Bernardine 2.a. syl Ber+nard+ine pron <1bR:n*din>, <-2dEn> pos adj. def of or relating to this branch of the Cistercians. Bernardine 2.b. syl Ber+nard+ine pron <1bR:n*din>, <-2dEn> pos adj. def of or relating to Saint Bernard of Clairvaux. Saint infl head Bernard of Clairvaux syl Saint. pos n. Bernard of Clairvaux 0. syl Ber:nard of Clair+vaux pos n. def ??1090-1153, French abbot and theologian, who founded the stricter branch of the Cistercians in 1115. ********************************************************************** ********************************************************************** 1115. ********************************************************************** ********************************************************************** about 7250 sq. km (2800 sq. miles). Basrah infl head Basra syl Bas+rah pron <1b@zr*> pos n. Busra infl head Basra or Busrah syl Bus+ra pron <1b^sr*> pos n. Busrah infl head Basra or Busra syl Bus+rah pron <1b^sr*> pos n. Basra 0. syl Bas+ra pron <1b@zr*> pos n. def a port in SE Iraq, on the Shatt-al-Arab. Pop.: 310950 (1965). bas-relief ety C17: from French, from Italian basso rilievo low relief; see #7base %2#7, relief bas-relief 0. syl bas-re:lief pron <2ba:ri1lEf>, <2b@s-> <1ba:ri2lEf>, <1b@s-> pos n. def sculpture in low relief, in which the forms project slightly from the background but no part is completely detached from it. Also called (Italian): {basso rilievo}. Bas-Rhin 0. syl Bas-Rhin pron French <1r?~e> pos n. def a department of NE France in Alsace region. Oberland alt head Bernese Alps or Bernese Alps syl O:ber+land pron <1b*:nEz> pos n. Bernese Alps 0. or Oberland syl Ber+nese Alps pron <1b*:nEz> pos n. def a mountain range in SW Switzerland, the N central part of the Alps. Highest peak: Finsteraarhorn, 4274 m (14024 ft.). Sarah infl head Bernhardt syl Sar:ah. pos n. Bernhardt 0. syl Bern:hardt pron <1bR:nha:t>, French pos n. def original name 1844-1923, French actress, regarded as one of the greatest tragic actresses of all time. bernicle goose 0. syl ber+ni+cle goose pron <1bR:nikL> pos n. def a former name for the {brent} or {barnacle goose}. Piz infl head Bernina syl Piz. pos n. Bernina 0. syl Ber+ni+na pron , Italian pos n. def a mountain in SE Switzerland, the highest peak of the {Bernina Alps}, in the S Rhaetian Alps. Height: 4049 m (13284 ft.). Bernina Pass 0. syl Ber+ni+na Pass pos n. def a pass in the Alps between SE Switzerland and N Italy, east of Piz Bernina. Height: 2323 m (7622 ft.). Giovanni Lorenzo infl head Bernini syl Gio:van:ni Lo:ren:zo pron pos n. Bernini 0. syl Ber:ni:ni pron Italian pos n. def 1598-1680, Italian painter, architect, and sculptor: the greatest exponent of the Italian baroque. Bernouilli alt head Bernoulli or Bernoulli syl Ber:nouil:li pron French , German pos n. Daniel 1. head Bernoulli syl Da:niel pron def son of Jean Bernoulli. 1700-82, Swiss mathematician and physicist, who developed an early form of the kinetic theory of gases and stated the principle of conserva?!tion of energy in fluid dynamics. Jacques 2. head Bernoulli or Jakob syl Jacques pron def 1654-1705, Swiss mathematician, noted for his work on calculus and the theory of probability. Bernoulli 3. or Bernouilli syl Ber:noul:li pron French , German pos n. def his brother, {Jean} (#f?~a) {Jo@.hann} (#!jo$:han). 1667-1748, Swiss mathematician who developed the calculus of variations. law alt head Bernoulli's principle or Bernoulli's principle syl law pos n. Bernoulli's principle 0. or law syl Ber:noul:li's prin+ci+ple pos n. qual Physics. def the principle that in a liquid flowing through a pipe the sum of the pressure energy, potential energy, and kinetic energy at any point is constant, provided no work is done on or by the liquid. Leonard infl head Bernstein syl Leon:ard. pos n. Bernstein 0. syl Bern:stein pron <1bR:nstIn>, <-stEn> pos n. def born 1918, U.S. conductor and composer, whose works include (1949), the score of the musical (1957), and (1971). berretta 0. syl ber+ret+ta pron pos n. def a variant spelling of {biretta}. berry ety Old English berie; related to Old High German beri, Dutch bezie berries infl head berry syl ber+ries. pos n. mod pl. berry 1. syl ber+ry pron <1beri> pos n. def any of various small edible fruits such as the blackberry and strawberry. berry 2. syl ber+ry pron <1beri> pos n. qual Botany. def an indehiscent fruit with two or more seeds and a fleshy pericarp, such as the grape or gooseberry. berry 3. syl ber+ry pron <1beri> pos n. def any of various seeds or dried kernels, such as a coffee bean. berry 4. syl ber+ry pron <1beri> pos n. def the egg of a lobster, crayfish, or similar animal. berries infl head berry syl ber+ries pos vb. mod intr. berrying infl head berry syl ber+ry+ing pos vb. mod intr. berried infl head berry syl ber+ried. pos vb. mod intr. berry 5. syl ber+ry pron <1beri> pos vb. mod intr. def to bear or produce berries. berry 6. syl ber+ry pron <1beri> pos vb. mod intr. def to gather or look for berries. Chuck infl head Berry syl Chuck. pos n. Berry 0. syl Ber:ry pron <1beri> pos n. def original name born 1931, U.S. rock-and-roll singer, guitarist, and songwriter. His many songs include (1956), (1958), (1958), and (recorded ??1958; released 1964). bersagliere ety C19: from Italian, from bersaglio target, from Old French bersail, from berser to fire at bersaglieri infl head bersagliere syl ber+sa+glie:ri pron <-rE> pos n. mod pl. bersagliere 0. syl ber+sa+glie:re pron <2be*sa:1lje*ri> pos n. def a member of a rifle regiment in the Italian Army. berseem ety from Arabic bars*_im, from Coptic bers*_im berseem 0. syl ber+seem pron pos n. def a Mediterranean clover, grown as a forage crop and to improve the soil in the southwestern U.S. Also called: {Egyptian clover}. berserk ety C19: Icelandic berserkr, from bj*"orn bear+ serkr shirt berserk 1. syl ber+serk pron , <-1sR:k> pos adj. def frenziedly violent or destructive (esp. in the phrase {go berserk}) . {~} berserk 2. syl ber+serk pron , <-1sR:k> pos adj. def Also called: {ber+serk+er}. a member of a class of ancient Norse warriors who worked themselves into a frenzy before battle and fought with insane fury and courage. berth ety C17: probably from #7bear %1#7+ {-#7th %1} berth 1. syl berth pron pos n. def a bed or bunk in a vessel or train, usually narrow and fixed to a wall. berth 2. syl berth pron pos n. qual Nautical. def a place assigned to a ship at a mooring. berth 3. syl berth pron pos n. qual Nautical. def sufficient distance from the shore or from other ships or objects for a ship to manoeuvre. give a wide berth to 4. head berth syl give a wide berth to. def to keep clear of; avoid. berth 5. syl berth pron pos n. qual Nautical. def accommodation on a ship. berth 6. syl berth pron pos n. qual Informal. def a job, esp. as a member of a ship's crew. berth 7. syl berth pron pos vb. mod tr. qual Nautical. def to assign a berth to (a vessel). berth 8. syl berth pron pos vb. qual Nautical. def to dock (a vessel). berth 9. syl berth pron pos vb. mod tr. def to provide with a sleeping place, as on a vessel or train. berth 10. syl berth pron pos vb. mod intr. qual Nautical. def to pick up a mooring in an anchorage. bertha ety C19: from French berthe, from Berthe, 8th-century Frankish queen, mother of Charle?!magne bertha 0. syl ber+tha pron <1bR:T*> pos n. def a wide deep capelike collar, often of lace, usually to cover up a low neckline. Bertillon system ety named after Alphonse Bertillon (1853-1914), French detective Bertillon system 0. syl Ber+til+lon sys+tem pron <1bR:ti2lon>, French pos n. def a system formerly in use for identifying persons, esp. criminals, by means of a detailed record of physical characteristics. Bernardo infl head Bertolucci syl Ber:nar:do pron pos n. Bertolucci 0. syl Ber:to:luc:ci pron Italian pos n. def born 1940, Italian film director: his films include (1969), (1970), and (1975). Berwick 1. syl Ber+wick pron <1berik> pos n. usage until 1975 def a county of SE Scotland, now part of the Borders region. Berwick-upon-Tweed 0. syl Ber:wick-up:on-Tweed pron <1berik> <*pon> <1twEd> pos n. def a town in N England, in N Northumberland at the mouth of the Tweed: much involved in border disputes between England and Scotland between the 12th and 16th centuries; neutral territory 1551-1885. Pop.: 11644 (1971). Also called: {Berwick}. beryl ety C13: from Old French, from Latin b*_eryllus, from Greek b*_erullos, of Indic origin beryl 0. syl ber+yl pron <1beril> pos n. def a green, blue, yellow, or white hard mineral consisting of beryllium aluminium silicate in hexagonal crystalline form. It occurs principally in coarse granite and is the chief ore of beryllium. Emerald and aquamarine are trans?!parent varieties. Formula: Be\3Al\2Si\6O\1\8. beryline sub head beryl syl ber+yl+ine pos adj. beryllium ety C19: from Latin b*_eryllus, from Greek b*_erullos beryllium 0. syl be+ryl+li:um pron pos n. def a corrosion-resistant toxic silvery-white metallic element that occurs chiefly in beryl and is used mainly in x-ray windows and in the manufacture of alloys. Symbol: Be; atomic no.: 4; atomic wt.: 9.012; valency: 2; relative density: 1.85; melting pt.: 1278?%C; boiling pt.: 2970?%C. Former name: {glucinum} or {glucinium}. Berzelius 0. syl Ber:ze:li:us pron , Swedish pos n. def Baron {J*"ons Ja@.kob} (#!j@ons #!j$a$:k@$b). 1779-1848, Swedish chemist, who invented the present system of chemical symbols and formulas, discovered several elements, and determined the atomic and molecular weight of many substances. Bes 0. syl Bes pron pos n. def an ancient Egyptian god represented as a grotesque hairy dwarf: the patron of music and pleasure. Besancon 0. syl Be+san+*,con pron French pos n. def a city in E France, on the Doubs River: university (1422). Pop.: 126187 (1975). Annie infl head Besant syl An:nie pos n. beseech ety C12: see #7be -#7, seek ; related to Old Frisian bes*_eka beseeches infl head beseech syl be+seech:es pos vb. mod tr. beseeching infl head beseech syl be+seech+ing pos vb. mod tr. besought infl head beseech or beseeched syl be+sought pos vb. mod tr. beseeched infl head beseech or besought syl be+seeched. pos vb. mod tr. beseech 0. syl be+seech pron pos vb. mod tr. def to ask (someone) earnestly (to do something for something); beg. beseecher sub head beseech syl be+1seech+er pos n. beseeching sub head beseech syl be+1seech+ing pos adj. beseechingly sub head beseech syl be+1seech+ing+ly pos adv. beseem 0. syl be+seem pron pos vb. qual Archaic. def to be suitable for; befit. besets infl head beset syl be+sets pos vb. mod tr. besetting infl head beset syl be+set+ting pos vb. mod tr. beset infl syl be+set. pos vb. mod tr. beset 1. syl be+set pron pos vb. mod tr. usage esp. of dangers, temptations, or difficulties def to trouble or harass constantly. beset 2. syl be+set pron pos vb. mod tr. def to surround or attack from all sides. beset 3. syl be+set pron pos vb. mod tr. qual Archaic. def to cover with, esp. with jewels. besetter sub head beset syl be+1set+ter pos n. besetting 0. syl be+set+ting pron pos adj. def tempting, harassing, or assailing (esp. in the phrase {besetting sin}). beshrew ety C14: see #7be -#7, {shrew %1} beshrew 0. syl be+shrew pron pos vb. mod tr. qual Archaic. def to wish evil on; curse (used in mild oaths such as {beshrew me}). beside ety Old English be s*_idan; see #7by, side beside 1. syl be+side pron pos prep. def next to; at, by, or to the side of. beside 2. syl be+side pron pos prep. def as compared with. beside 3. syl be+side pron pos prep. def away from; wide of. exam 1 beside the point. beside 4. syl be+side pron pos prep. qual Archaic. def besides. beside oneself 5. head beside syl beside oneself. usage postpositive; often foll. by with def overwhelmed; overwrought. exam 1 beside oneself with grief. beside 6. syl be+side pron pos adv. def at, by, to, or along the side of something or someone. besides 1. syl be+sides pron pos prep. def apart from; even considering. exam 1 besides costing too much, the scheme is impractical. besides 2. syl be+sides pron pos prep. usage sentence connector def anyway; moreover. besides 3. syl be+sides pron pos adv. def as well. besiege 1. syl be+siege pron pos vb. mod tr. def to surround (a fortified area, esp. a city) with military forces to bring about its surrender. besiege 2. syl be+siege pron pos vb. mod tr. def to crowd round; hem in. besiege 3. syl be+siege pron pos vb. mod tr. def to overwhelm, as with requests or queries. besieger sub head besiege syl be+1sieg+er pos n. besmear 1. syl be+smear pron pos vb. mod tr. def to smear over; daub. besmear 2. syl be+smear pron pos vb. mod tr. def to sully; defile (often in the phrase {besmear (a person's) reputation) }. besmirch 1. syl be+smirch pron pos vb. mod tr. def to make dirty; soil. besmirch 2. syl be+smirch pron pos vb. mod tr. def to reduce the brightness or lustre of. besmirch 3. syl be+smirch pron pos vb. mod tr. def to sully (often in the phrase {besmirch (a person's) name) }. besom ety Old English besma; related to Old High German besmo broom besom 1. syl be+som pron <1bEz*m> pos n. def a broom, esp. one made of a bundle of twigs tied to a handle. besom 2. syl be+som pron <1bEz*m> pos n. qual Curling. def a broom or brush used to sweep the ice in front of the stone to make it slide farther. besom 3. syl be+som pron <1bEz*m> pos n. qual Archaic. def a derogatory term (chiefly northern Brit. dialect) for a {woman. ~} besom 4. syl be+som pron <1bEz*m> pos n. def to sweep with a besom. besotted 1. syl be+sot+ted pron pos adj. def stupefied with drink; intoxicated. besotted 2. syl be+sot+ted pron pos adj. def infatuated; doting. besotted 3. syl be+sot+ted pron pos adj. def foolish; muddled. besought 0. syl be+sought pron pos vb. def the past tense or past participle of {beseech}. bespangle 0. syl be+span+gle pron pos vb. mod tr. def to cover or adorn with or as if with spangles. bespatter 1. syl be+spat+ter pron pos vb. mod tr. def to splash all over, as with dirty water. bespatter 2. syl be+spat+ter pron pos vb. mod tr. def to defile; slander; besmirch. bespeaks infl head bespeak syl be+speaks pos vb. mod tr. bespeaking infl head bespeak syl be+speak+ing pos vb. mod tr. bespoke spoken infl head bespeak or bespoke syl be+spoke; +spo+ken pos vb. mod tr. bespoke infl head bespeak or bespoke spoken syl be+spoke. pos vb. mod tr. bespeak 1. syl be+speak pron pos vb. mod tr. def to engage, request, or ask for in advance. bespeak 2. syl be+speak pron pos vb. mod tr. def to indicate or suggest. exam 1 this act bespeaks kindness. bespeak 3. syl be+speak pron pos vb. mod tr. qual Poetic. def to speak to; address. bespeak 4. syl be+speak pron pos vb. mod tr. qual Archaic. def to foretell. bespectacled 0. syl be+spec+ta+cled pron pos adj. def wearing spectacles. bespoke 1. syl be+spoke pron pos adj. qual Chiefly Brit. usage of a suit, jacket, etc. def made to the customer's specifications. bespoke 2. syl be+spoke pron pos adj. qual Chiefly Brit. def making or selling such suits, jackets, etc.. exam 1 a bespoke tailor. bespreads infl head bespread syl be+spreads pos vb. mod tr. bespreading infl head bespread syl be+spread+ing pos vb. mod tr. bespread infl syl be+spread. pos vb. mod tr. bespread 0. syl be+spread pron pos vb. mod tr. def to cover (a surface) with something. besprent ety C14: past participle of Old English besprengan to #7besprinkle besprent 0. syl be+sprent pron pos adj. qual Poetic. def sprinkled over. besprinkle 0. syl be+sprin+kle pron pos vb. mod tr. def to sprinkle all over with liquid, powder, etc. Bessarabia 0. syl Bes+sa+ra+bi:a pron <2bes*1rAbi*> pos n. def a region of the SW Soviet Union, mostly in the Moldavian SSR: long disputed by the Turks and Russians; a province of Rumania from 1918 until 1940. Area: about 44300 sq. km (17100 sq. miles). Friedrich Wilhelm infl head Bessel syl Frie:drich Wil:helm pron <1frEdri*,c> <1vilhelm> pos n. Bessel 0. syl Bes:sel pron <1besL> pos n. def 1784-1846, German astronomer and mathematician. He made the first authenticated measurement of a star's distance from the earth (1841) and systematized a series of mathematical functions used in physics. Bessemer converter 0. syl Bes+se+mer con+vert+er pron <1besim*> pos n. def a refractory-lined furnace used to convert pig iron into steel by the Bessemer process. Bessemer process ety C19: named after Sir Henry Bessemer (1813-98), English engineer Bessemer process 1. syl Bes+se+mer pro+cess pos n. def a process for producing steel by blowing air through molten pig iron at about 1250?%C in a Bessemer converter: silicon, manganese, and phosphorus impurities are removed and the carbon content is controlled. Bessemer process 2. syl Bes+se+mer pro+cess pos n. def a similar process for removing sulphur and iron from copper matte. best ety Old English betst; related to Gothic batista, Old High German bezzist best 1. syl best pron pos adj. def the superlative of {good}. best 2. syl best pron pos adj. def most excellent of a particular group, category, etc. best 3. syl best pron pos adj. def most suitable, advantageous, desirable, attractive, etc. the best part of 4. head best syl the best part of. def most of. exam 1 the best part of an hour. put one's best foot forward 5. head best syl put one's best foot forward. def to do one's utmost to make progress. best 6. syl best pron pos adv. def the superlative of {well}. best 7. syl best pron pos adv. def in a manner surpassing all others; most excellently, advantageously, attractively, etc. best 8. syl best pron pos adv. usage in combination def in or to the greatest degree or extent; most. exam 1 the best-loved hero. as best one can 9. head best or may syl as best one can def as effectively as possible within one's limitations. had best 10. head best syl had best. def would be wise, sensible, etc., to. exam 1 you had best go now. the best 11. head best syl the best. def the most outstanding or excellent person, thing, or group in a category. best 12. syl best pron pos n. usage often preceded by at def the most excellent, pleasing, or skilled quality or condition. exam 1 journalism at its best. best 13. syl best pron pos n. def the most effective effort of which a person or group is capable. exam 1 even their best was inadequate. best 14. syl best pron pos n. def a winning majority. exam 1 the best of three games. best 15. syl best pron pos n. def Also: {all the best}. best wishes. exam 1 she sent him her best. best 16. syl best pron pos n. def a person's smartest outfit of clothing. best 17.a. syl best pron pos n. def in the most favourable interpretation. best 17.b. syl best pron pos n. def under the most favourable conditions. best 18.a. syl best pron pos n. def for an ultimately good outcome. best 18.b. syl best pron pos n. def with good intentions. exam 1 he meant it for the best. get 19. head best or have the best of syl get def to surpass, defeat, or outwit; better. give (someone) the best 20. head best syl give (someone) the best. def to concede (someone's) superi?!ority. make the best of 21. head best syl make the best of. def to cope as well as possible in the unfavourable circumstances of (often in the phrases {make the best of a bad job, make the best of it}) . six of the best 22. head best syl six of the best. qual Informal. def six strokes with a cane on the buttocks or hand. {~} best 23. syl best pron pos n. mod tr. def to gain the advantage over or defeat. Charles Herbert infl head Best syl Charles Her:bert. pos n. Best 0. syl Best pron pos n. def 1899-1978, Canadian physiolo?!gist: associated with Banting and Macleod in their discovery of insulin in 1922. best-ball 0. syl best-ball pos adj. qual Golf. def of, relating to, or denoting a match in which one player competes against the best individual totals of two or more other players at each hole. bestead ety C13: see #7be -#7, stead besteads infl head bestead syl be+steads pos vb. besteading infl head bestead syl be+stead+ing pos vb. besteaded steaded infl head bestead or bestead syl be+stead+ed; +stead+ed pos vb. bestead infl or besteaded steaded syl be+stead. pos vb. bestead 1. syl be+stead pron pos vb. mod tr. qual Archaic. def to help; avail. bestead 2. syl be+stead pron pos adj. qual Archaic. usage also def placed; situated. best end 0. syl best end pos n. def the end of the neck of lamb, pork, etc., nearest to the ribs. best girl 0. syl best girl pos n. qual Archaic. def one's sweetheart. bestial ety C14: from Late Latin besti*_alis, from Latin bestia #7beast bestial 1. syl bes+ti:al pron <1besti*l> pos adj. def brutal or savage. bestial 2. syl bes+ti:al pron <1besti*l> pos adj. def sexually depraved; carnal. bestial 3. syl bes+ti:al pron <1besti*l> pos adj. def lacking in refinement; brutish. bestial 4. syl bes+ti:al pron <1besti*l> pos adj. def of or relating to a beast. bestially sub head bestial syl bes+ti:al+ly pos adv. bestialities infl head bestiality syl bes+ti+al+i:ties. pos n. mod pl. bestiality 1. syl bes+ti+al+i:ty pron <2besti1@liti> pos n. def bestial behaviour, character, or action. bestiality 2. syl bes+ti+al+i:ty pron <2besti1@liti> pos n. def sexual activity between a person and an animal. bestialise alt head bestialize or bestialize syl bes+ti+al+ise pron <1besti*2lIz> pos vb. mod tr. bestialize 0. or bestialise syl bes+ti+al+ize pron <1besti*2lIz> pos vb. mod tr. def to make bestial or brutal. bestiaries infl head bestiary syl bes+ti+ar:ies. pos n. mod pl. bestiary 0. syl bes+ti+ar:y pron <1besti*ri> pos n. def a moralizing medieval collection of descriptions of real and/or mythical animals. bestirs infl head bestir syl be+stirs pos vb. mod tr. bestirring infl head bestir syl be+stir+ring pos vb. mod tr. bestirred infl head bestir syl be+stirred. pos vb. mod tr. bestir 0. syl be+stir pron pos vb. mod tr. def to cause (oneself, or, rarely, another person) to become active; rouse. best man 0. syl best man pos n. def the (male) attendant of the bridegroom at a wedding. bestow 1. syl be+stow pron pos vb. mod tr. def to present (a gift) or confer (an award or honour). bestow 2. syl be+stow pron pos vb. mod tr. qual Archaic. def to apply (energy, resources, etc.). bestow 3. syl be+stow pron pos vb. mod tr. qual Archaic. def to house (a person) or store (goods, etc.). bestowal sub head bestow or bestowment syl be+1stow+al pos n. bestowment sub head bestow or bestowal syl be+1stow+ment pos n. bestower sub head bestow syl be+1stow+er pos n. bestrews infl head bestrew syl be+strews pos vb. mod tr. bestrewing infl head bestrew syl be+strew+ing pos vb. mod tr. bestrewed strewn infl head bestrew or bestrewed syl be+strewed; +strewn pos vb. mod tr. bestrewed infl head bestrew or bestrewed strewn syl be+strewed. pos vb. mod tr. bestrew 0. syl be+strew pron pos vb. mod tr. def to scatter or be scattered over (a surface). bestrides infl head bestride syl be+strides pos vb. bestriding infl head bestride syl be+strid+ing pos vb. bestrode infl head bestride syl be+strode pos vb. bestride 1. syl be+stride pron pos vb. usage + def to have or put a leg on either side of. bestride 2. syl be+stride pron pos vb. usage + def to extend across; span. bestride 3. syl be+stride pron pos vb. usage + def to stride over or across. best seller 1. syl best sell+er pos n. def a book, gramophone record, or other product that has sold in great numbers, esp. over a short period. best seller 2. syl best sell+er pos n. def the author of one or more such books, etc. bet ety C16: probably short for #7abet bet 1. syl bet pron pos n. def an agreement between two parties that a sum of money or other stake will be paid by the loser to the party who correctly predicts the outcome of an event. bet 2. syl bet pron pos n. def the money or stake risked. bet 3. syl bet pron pos n. def the predicted result in such an agreement. exam 1 his bet was that the horse would win. bet 4. syl bet pron pos n. def a person, event, etc., considered as likely to succeed or occur. exam 1 it's a good bet that they will succeed. bet 5. syl bet pron pos n. def a course of action (esp. in the phrase {one's best bet}) . bet 6. syl bet pron pos n. qual Informal. def an opinion; view. exam 1 my bet is that you've been up to no good. bet 7. syl bet pron pos n. mod when; intr. usage foll. by on or against def to make or place a bet with (a person or persons). bet 8. syl bet pron pos n. mod tr. def to stake (money, etc.) in a bet. bet 9. syl bet pron pos n. mod tr. qual Informal. usage may take a clause as object def to predict (a certain outcome). exam 1 I bet she fails. you bet 10. head bet syl you bet. qual Informal. def of course; naturally. bet 0. syl bet. qual abbrev. for def between. beta ety from Greek b*_eta, from Hebrew; see #7beth beta 1. syl be:ta pron <1bEt*> pos n. def the second letter in the Greek alphabet (#GB or #Gb), a consonant, transliterated as beta 2. syl be:ta pron <1bEt*> pos n. def the second highest grade or mark, as in an examination. beta 3.a. syl be:ta pron <1bEt*> pos n. def involving or relating to electrons. exam 1 beta emitter. beta 3.b. syl be:ta pron <1bEt*> pos n. def relating to one of two or more allotropes or crystal structures of a solid. exam 1 beta iron. beta 3.c. syl be:ta pron <1bEt*> pos n. def relating to one of two or more isomeric forms of a chemical compound. Beta 0. syl Be:ta pron <1bEt*> pos n. usage foll. by the genitive case of a specified constellation def the second brightest star in a constellation. exam 1 Beta Persei. beta decay 0. syl be:ta de+cay pos n. def the radioactive transformation of an atomic nucleus accompanying the emission of an electron. It involves unit change of atomic number but none in mass number. Also called: {beta transformation} {process}. beta globulin 0. syl be:ta glob:u+lin pos n. def another name for {transferrin}. betaine ety C19: from New Latin B*_eta beet+-#7ine %2 betaine 0. syl be+ta+ine pron <1bEt*2En>, <-in>, , <-in> pos n. def a sweet-tasting alkaloid that occurs in the sugar beet and other plants and in animals. Formula: C\5H\1\1NO\2. beta iron 0. syl be:ta i:ron pos n. def a nonmagnetic allotrope of pure iron stable between 770?%C and 910?%C. betakes infl head betake syl be+takes pos vb. mod tr. betaking infl head betake syl be+tak+ing pos vb. mod tr. betook infl head betake syl be+took pos vb. mod tr. betaken infl head betake syl be+tak+en. pos vb. mod tr. betake oneself 1. head betake syl betake oneself. def to go; move. betake 2. syl be+take pron pos vb. mod tr. qual Archaic. def to apply (oneself) to. beta particle 0. syl be:ta par+ti+cle pos n. def a high-speed electron or positron emitted by a nucleus during radioactive decay or nuclear fission. beta ray 0. syl be:ta ray pos n. def a stream of beta particles. wave alt head beta rhythm or beta rhythm syl wave pos n. beta rhythm 0. or wave syl be:ta rhythm pos n. qual Physiol. def the normal electrical activity of the cerebral cortex, occurring at a frequency of 13 to 30 hertz and detectable with an electroencephalograph. See also {brain wave}. betatron 0. syl be+ta+tron pron <1bEt*2tron> pos n. def a type of particle accelerator for producing high-energy beams of electrons, having an alternating magnetic field to keep the electrons in a circular orbit of fixed radius and accelerate them by magnetic induction. It produces energies of up to about 300 MeV. betel ety C16: from Portuguese, from Malayalam vettila betel 0. syl be+tel pron <1bEtL> pos n. def an Asian piperaceous climbing plant, the leaves of which are chewed, with the betel nut, by the peoples of SE Asia. Betelgeuse ety from French, from Arabic b*_it al-jauz*_a', literally: shoulder of the giant, that is, of Orion Betelgeux alt head Betelgeuse or Betelgeuse syl Be+tel+geux pron <2bEtL1JR:z>, <1bEtL2JR:z> pos n. Betelgeuse 0. or Betelgeux syl Be+tel+geuse pron <2bEtL1JR:z>, <1bEtL2JR:z> pos n. def a variable red supergiant, Alpha Orionis: the second brightest star in the constellation Orion. Distance: 260 light years; diameter: 330-460 times solar diameter. betel nut 0. syl be+tel nut pos n. def the seed of the betel palm, chewed with betel leaves and lime by people in S and SE Asia as a digestive stimulant and narcotic. betel palm 0. syl be+tel palm pos n. def a tropical Asian feather palm, with scarlet or orange fruits. See {betel nut}. bete noire ety literally: black beast betes noires infl head bete noire syl b*^etes noires pron <1nwa:r> pos n. mod pl. bete noire 0. syl b*^ete noire pron French. <1nwa:r> pos n. def a person or thing that one particularly dislikes or dreads. beth ety from Hebrew b*_eth-, bayith house beth 0. syl beth pron pos n. def the second letter of the Hebrew alphabet (###800060) transliterated as Bethany 0. syl Beth:a+ny pron <1beT*ni> pos n. def a village on the west bank of the River Jordan, near Jerusalem at the foot of the Mount of Olives: in the New Testament, the home of Lazarus and the lodging place of Jesus during Holy Week. Hans Albrecht infl head Bethe syl Hans Al:brecht pron pos n. Bethel ety C17: from Hebrew b*_eth '*_El house of God Bethel 1. syl Beth+el pron <1beT*l> pos n. def an ancient town on the west bank of the River Jordan, near Jerusalem: in the Old Testament, the place where the dream of Jacob occurred (Genesis 28:19). Bethel 2. syl Beth+el pron <1beT*l> pos n. def a chapel of any of certain Nonconformist Christian sects. Bethel 3. syl Beth+el pron <1beT*l> pos n. def a seamen's chapel. Bethesda 1. syl Be+thes+da pron pos n. qual New Testament. def a pool in Jerusalem reputed to have healing powers, where a paralytic was healed by Jesus (John 5:2). Bethesda 2. syl Be+thes+da pron pos n. def a chapel of any of certain Nonconformist Christian sects. bethinks infl head bethink syl be+thinks pos vb. bethinking infl head bethink syl be+think+ing pos vb. bethought infl head bethink syl be+thought. pos vb. bethink 1. syl be+think pron pos vb. qual Archaic or dialect. def to cause (oneself) to consider or meditate. bethink 2. syl be+think pron pos vb. mod tr. qual Archaic or dialect. usage often foll. by of def to remind (oneself). Bethlehem 0. syl Beth+le+hem pron <1beTli2hem>, <-li*m> pos n. def a town on the west bank of the River Jordan, near Jerusalem: birthplace of Jesus and early home of King David. Theobald von infl head Bethmann Hollweg syl The:o:bald von pron <1tA:obalt> pos n. Bethmann Hollweg 0. syl Beth:mann Holl:weg pron German <1bA:tman> <1hclvA:k> pos n. def 1856-1921, chancellor of Germany (1909-17). bethought 0. syl be+thought pron pos vb. def the past tense and past participle of {bethink}. Bethsaida 0. syl Beth+sai+da pron pos n. def a ruined town in N Israel, near the N shore of the Sea of Galilee. betide ety C13: see #7be -#7, {tide %2} betide 0. syl be+tide pron pos vb. def to happen or happen to; befall (often in the phrase {woe betide (someone}) ) {}. betimes ety C14 bitimes; see #7by, time betimes 1. syl be+times pron pos adv. qual Archaic. def in good time; early. betimes 2. syl be+times pron pos adv. qual Archaic. def in a short time; soon. betise ety French, from b*^ete foolish, from b*^ete (n.) stupid person, #7beast betise 0. syl b*^e+tise pron pos n. qual Rare. def folly or lack of perception. Betjeman 0. syl Bet:je:man pron <1beC*m*n> pos n. def Sir {John}. born 1906, English poet, noted for his nostalgic and humorous verse and essays and for his concern for the preservation of historic buildings, esp. of the Victorian era. Appointed poet laureate 1972. betoken 1. syl be+to+ken pron pos vb. mod tr. def to indicate; signify. exam 1 black clothes betoken mourning. betoken 2. syl be+to+ken pron pos vb. mod tr. def to portend; augur. betony ety C14: from Old French betoine, from Latin betonica, variant of vettonica, probably named after the Vettones, an ancient Iberian tribe betonies infl head betony syl bet:o+nies. pos n. mod pl. betony 1. syl bet:o+ny pron <1bet*ni> pos n. def a Eurasian plant, (or with a spike of reddish-purple flowers, formerly used in medicine and dyeing: family (labiates). betony 2. syl bet:o+ny pron <1bet*ni> pos n. def any of several related plants of the genus wood betony 3. head betony syl wood betony. def a North American scrophulariaceous plant, See also {lousewort}. betook 0. syl be+took pron pos vb. def the past tense of {betake}. betray ety C13: from #7be -#7+ trayen, from Old French trair, from Latin tr*_adere betray 1. syl be+tray pron pos vb. mod tr. def to aid an enemy of (one's nation, friend, etc.); be a traitor to. exam 1 to betray one's country. betray 2. syl be+tray pron pos vb. mod tr. def to hand over@T or @T expose@T (one's@T nation,@T friend,@T etc.)@T treacherously to an enemy. betray 3. syl be+tray pron pos vb. mod tr. def to disclose (a secret, confidence, etc.) treacherously. betray 4. syl be+tray pron pos vb. mod tr. def to break (a promise) or be disloyal to (a person's trust). betray 5. syl be+tray pron pos vb. mod tr. def to disappoint the expectations of; fail. exam 1 his tired legs betrayed him. betray 6. syl be+tray pron pos vb. mod tr. def to show signs of; indicate. exam 1 if one taps china, the sound betrays any faults. betray 7. syl be+tray pron pos vb. mod tr. def to reveal unintentionally. exam 1 his grin betrayed his satisfaction. betray oneself 8. head betray syl betray oneself. def to reveal one's true character, intentions, etc. betray 9. syl be+tray pron pos vb. mod tr. def to lead astray; deceive. betray 10. syl be+tray pron pos vb. mod tr. qual Euphemistic. def to seduce and then forsake (a woman). betrayal sub head betray syl be+1tray+al pos n. betrayer sub head betray syl be+1tray+er pos n. betroth ety C14 betreuthen, from #7be -#7+ treuthe #7troth, truth betroth 0. syl be+troth pron pos vb. mod tr. qual Archaic. def to promise to marry or to give in marriage. betrothal 1. syl be+troth+al pron pos n. def engagement to be married. betrothal 2. syl be+troth+al pron pos n. def a mutual promise to marry. betrothed 1. syl be+trothed pron pos adj. def engaged to be married. exam 1 he was betrothed to her. betrothed 2. syl be+trothed pron pos n. def the person to whom one is engaged; fianc*'e or fianc*'ee. betta ety C19: from New Latin, of unknown origin betta 0. syl bet+ta pron <1bet*> pos n. def another name for {fighting fish}. better ety Old English betera; related to Old Norse betri, Gothic batiza, Old High German beziro better H1.1. syl bet+ter pron <1bet*> pos adj. def the comparative of {good}. better H1.2. syl bet+ter pron <1bet*> pos adj. def more excellent than other members of a particular group, category, etc. better H1.3. syl bet+ter pron <1bet*> pos adj. def more suitable, advantageous, attractive, etc. better H1.4. syl bet+ter pron <1bet*> pos adj. def im?!proved in health. better H1.5. syl bet+ter pron <1bet*> pos adj. def fully recovered in health. better off 6. head better syl better off. def in more favourable circumstances, esp. financially. the better part of 7. head better syl the better part of. def a large part of. exam 1 the better part of a day. better H1.8. syl bet+ter pron <1bet*> pos adv. def the comparative of {well}. better H1.9. syl bet+ter pron <1bet*> pos adv. def in a more excellent manner; more advantageously, attractively, etc. better H1.10. syl bet+ter pron <1bet*> pos adv. def in or to a greater degree or extent; more. exam 1 she is better loved than her sister. go one better 11. head better syl go one better. qual Brit. intr.; U.S. tr. def to outdo (a person) or improve upon (someone else's effort). had better 12. head better syl had better. def would be wise, sensible, etc. to. exam 1 I had better be off. know better than to 13. head better syl know better than to. def not to be so stupid as to. better H1.14.a. syl bet+ter pron <1bet*> pos adv. def to change one's course of action after reconsideration. better H1.14.b. syl bet+ter pron <1bet*> pos adv. def to rate more highly. the better 15. head better syl the better. def something that is the more excellent, useful, etc., of two such things. better H1.16. syl bet+ter pron <1bet*> pos n. mod usually; pl. def a person who is superior, esp. in social standing or ability. all the better for 17. head better syl all the better for. def improved as a result of. all the better to 18. head better syl all the better to. def more suitable to. for better for worse 19. head better syl for better for worse. def whatever the subsequent events or changes may be. for the better 20. head better syl for the better. def by way of improvement. exam 1 a change for the better. get the better of 21. head better syl get the better of. def to defeat, outwit, or surpass. better H1.22. syl bet+ter pron <1bet*> pos vb. def to make or become better. better H1.23. syl bet+ter pron <1bet*> pos vb. mod tr. def to improve upon; surpass. better half 0. syl bet+ter half pos n. qual Humorous. def one's spouse. betterment 1. syl bet+ter+ment pron <1bet*m*nt> pos n. def a change for the better; improvement. betterment 2. syl bet+ter+ment pron <1bet*m*nt> pos n. qual Property law. def an improvement effected on real property that enhances the value of the property. Ugo infl head Betti syl U:go pron <1u:go> pos n. Betti 0. syl Bet:ti pron Italian <1bAtti> pos n. def 1892-1953, Italian writer, noted esp. for his plays, including (1927), (1949), and (1951). betting shop 0. syl bet+ting shop pos n. usage in Britain def a licensed bookmaker's premises not on a racecourse. betulaceous ety C19: from Latin betula birch betulaceous 0. syl bet:u+la+ceous pron <2betju1lAS*s> pos adj. def of, relating to, or belonging to the a family of mostly N temperate catkin-bearing trees and shrubs such as birch and alder, some species of which reach the northern limits of tree growth. between ety Old English betw*_eonum; related to Gothic tweihnai two together; see #7two, twain #e Usage. In careful usage, between is restricted to cases where only two objects, possibilities, etc., are concerned. Where three or more are involved, among is used. An exception to this rule is made in cases when not more than two of the things covered by between need be involved at any one time: treaties were drawn up between the nations. Grammatically, between is a preposition and for this reason, between you and I is incorrect, although the mistake is usually the result of an attempt to be correct. The proper construction is between you and me. And, not or, is the connector that should be used after between: she had to choose between staying and (not or) leaving immediately. between 1. syl be+tween pron pos prep. def at a point or in a region intermediate to two other points in space, times, degrees, etc. between 2. syl be+tween pron pos prep. def in combination; together. exam 1 between them, they saved enough money to buy a car. between 3. syl be+tween pron pos prep. def confined or restricted to. exam 1 between you and me. between 4. syl be+tween pron pos prep. def indicating a reciprocal relation or comparison. exam 1 an argument between a man and his wife. between 5. syl be+tween pron pos prep. def indicating two or more alternatives. exam 1 a choice between going now and staying all night. between 6. syl be+tween pron pos adv. usage also def between one specified thing and another. exam 1 two houses with a garage between. betweenwhiles alt head betweentimes or betweentimes syl be+tween+whiles pos adv. betweentimes 0. or betweenwhiles syl be+tween+times pron pos adv. def between other activities; during intervals. betwixt ety Old English betwix; related to Old High German zwiski two each betwixt 1. syl be+twixt pron pos prep. adv. qual Archaic. def another word for {between}. betwixt and between 2. head betwixt syl betwixt and between. def in an intermediate, indecisive, or middle position. Beulah ety Hebrew, literally: married woman Beulah 0. syl Beu+lah pron <1bju:l*> pos n. qual Old Testament. def the land of Israel (Isaiah 62:4). Beuthen 0. syl Beu+then pron <1bcitN> pos n. def the German name for {Bytom}. BeV ety C20: from b(illion) e(lectron) v(olts) BeV 0. syl BeV qual abbrev. for usage in the U.S. def gigaelectronvolts (GeV). Aneurin infl head Bevan syl A:neu:rin pron <*1nI%@rin> pos n. Bevan 0. syl Bev:an pron <1bev*n> pos n. def known as 1897-1960, British Labour statesman, born in Wales: noted for his oratory. As minister of health (1945-51) he introduced the National Health Service (1948). bevatron ety C20: from B#7e V#7+ -#7tron bevatron 0. syl bev:a+tron pron <1bev*2tron> pos n. def a proton synchrotron at the University of California. bevel ety C16: from Old French bevel (unattested), from ba*"if, from baer to gape; see {#7bay %1} bevel 1.a. syl bev+el pron <1bevL> pos n. def Also called: {cant}. a surface that meets another at an angle other than a right angle. Compare { {chamfer} (sense 1).} bevel 2. syl bev+el pron <1bevL> pos n. mod intr. def to be inclined; slope. bevel 3. syl bev+el pron <1bevL> pos n. mod tr. def to cut a bevel on (a piece of timber, etc.). bevel gear 0. syl bev+el gear pos n. def a gear having teeth cut into a conical surface. Two such gears mesh together to transmit power between two shafts at an angle to each other. bevel square 0. syl bev+el square pos n. def a woodworker's square with an adjustable arm that can be set to mark out an angle or to check the slope of a surface. beverage ety C13: from Old French bevrage, from beivre to drink, from Latin bibere beverage 0. syl bev+er+age pron <1bev*riJ>, <1bevriJ> pos n. def any drink, usually other than water. William Henry infl head Beveridge syl Wil:liam Hen:ry pos n. Beveridge 0. syl Bev:e:ridge pron <1bev*riJ> pos n. def 1st Baron Beveridge. 1879-1963, British economist, whose (1942) formed the basis of social-security legislation in Britain. Beverly Hills 0. syl Bev+er+ly Hills pron <1bev*li> pos n. def a city in SW California, near Los Angeles: famous as the home of film stars. Pop.: 33416 (1970). Ernest infl head Bevin syl Er:nest. pos n. Bevin 0. syl Bev:in pron <1bevin> pos n. def 1881-1951, British Labour statesman and trade unionist, who was largely responsible for the creation of the Transport and General Workers' Union (1922): minister of labour (1940-45); foreign secretary (1945-51). bevvy ety probably from Old French bevee, buvee drinking bevvies infl head bevvy syl bev+vies. pos n. mod pl. bevvy 1. syl bev+vy pron <1bevi> pos n. qual Liverpool dialect. def a drink, esp. an alcoholic one. exam 1 we had a few bevvies last night. bevvy 2. syl bev+vy pron <1bevi> pos n. qual Liverpool dialect. def a night of drinking. bevy ety C15: of uncertain origin bevies infl head bevy syl bev:ies. pos n. mod pl. bevy 1. syl bev:y pron <1bevi> pos n. def a flock of quails. bevy 2. syl bev:y pron <1bevi> pos n. def a group, esp. of girls. bevy 3. syl bev:y pron <1bevi> pos n. def a group of roedeer. bewail 0. syl be+wail pron pos vb. def to express great sorrow over (a person or thing); lament. bewailer sub head bewail syl be+1wail+er pos n. bewailingly sub head bewail syl be+1wail+ing+ly pos adv. beware ety C13 be war, from #7be (imperative)+ war #7wary beware 0. syl be+ware pron pos vb. usage infinitive, often foll. by of def to be cautious or wary (of); be on one's guard (against). Thomas infl head Bewick syl Thom:as. pos n. Bewick 0. syl Bew:ick pron <1bju:ik> pos n. def 1753-1828, English wood engraver; his best-known works are (1789), a large woodcut, (1818), and his (1797-1804). bewilder ety C17: see #7be -#7, {wilder } bewilder 1. syl be+wil+der pron pos vb. mod tr. def to confuse utterly; puzzle. bewilder 2. syl be+wil+der pron pos vb. mod tr. qual Archaic. def to cause to become lost. bewilderingly sub head bewilder syl be+1wil+der+ing+ly pos adv. bewilderment sub head bewilder syl be+1wil+der+ment pos n. bewitch ety C13 bewicchen; see #7be -#7, witch bewitch 1. syl be+witch pron pos vb. mod tr. def to attract and fascinate; enchant. bewitch 2. syl be+witch pron pos vb. mod tr. def to cast a spell over. bewitchingly sub head bewitch syl be+1witch+ing+ly pos adv. bewray ety C13: from #7be -#7+ Old English wr*_egan to accuse; related to Gothic wr*_ohjan bewray 0. syl be+wray pron pos vb. mod tr. def an obsolete word for {betray}. bewrayer sub head bewray syl be+1wray+er pos n. Bexhill(-on-Sea) 0. syl Bex:hill(-on-Sea) pron <2beks1hil> pos n. def a resort in S England, in East Sussex on the English Channel. Pop.: 32849 (1971). Bexley 0. syl Bex+ley pron <1beksli> pos n. def a borough of Greater London. Pop.: 213500 (1976 est.). bey ety C16: Turkish: lord bey 1. syl bey pron pos n. usage in the Ottoman Empire def a title given to senior officers, provincial governors, certain other officials or nobles, and (sometimes) Europeans. bey 2. syl bey pron pos n. usage in modern Turkey def a title of address, corresponding to bey xref syl bey pron pos n. def Also called: {beg}. Beyovglu 0. syl Bey+o*vg+lu pron <1bAc:lu:> pos n. def a district of Istanbul, north of the Golden Horn: the European quarter. Former name: {Pera}. beyond ety Old English begeondan; see #7by, yond beyond 1. syl be+yond pron pos prep. def at or to a point on the other side of; at or to the further side of. exam 1 beyond those hills there is a river. beyond 2. syl be+yond pron pos prep. def outside the limits or scope of. exam 1 beyond this country's jurisdiction. beyond 3. syl be+yond pron pos adv. def at or to the other or far side of something. beyond 4. syl be+yond pron pos adv. def outside the limits of something. {~} the beyond 5. head beyond syl the beyond. def the unknown; the world outside the range of man's perception, esp. life after death in certain religious beliefs. Beyrouth 0. syl Bey+routh pron , <1bAru:t> pos n. def a variant spelling of {Beirut}. bezant ety C13: from Old French besant, from Medieval Latin B*_yzantius Byzantine (coin) bezzant infl head bezant or byzant syl bez+zant pron <1bezNt>, pos n. byzant infl head bezant or bezzant syl byz+ant pos n. bezant 1. syl bez+ant pron <1bezNt>, pos n. def a medieval Byzantine gold coin. bezant 2. syl bez+ant pron <1bezNt>, pos n. qual Architect. def an ornament in the form of a flat disc. bezant 3. syl bez+ant pron <1bezNt>, pos n. qual Heraldry. def a small gold circle. bezel ety C17: probably from French biseau, perhaps from Latin bis twice bezel 1. syl bez+el pron <1bezL> pos n. def the sloping face adjacent to the working edge of a cutting tool. bezel 2. syl bez+el pron <1bezL> pos n. def the upper oblique faces of a cut gem. bezel 3. syl bez+el pron <1bezL> pos n. def a grooved ring or part holding a gem, watch crystal, etc. B'eziers 0. syl B*'e+ziers pron French pos n. def a city in S France: scene of a massacre (1209) during the Albigensian Crusade. It is a centre of the wine trade. Pop.: 85677 (1975). bezique ety C19: from French b*'esigue, of unknown origin bezique 1. syl be+zique pron pos n. def a card game for two or more players with tricks similar to whist but with additional points scored for honours and sequences: played with two packs with nothing below a seven. bezique 2. syl be+zique pron pos n. usage in this game def the queen of spades and jack of diamonds declared together. bezoar ety C15: from Old French b*'ezoard, from Arabic b*_azahr, from Persian b*_adzahr, from b*_ad against+ zahr poison bezoar 0. syl be+zoar pron <1bEzc:> pos n. def a hard mass, such as a stone or hairball, in the stomach and intestines of animals, esp. ruminants, and man: formerly thought to be an antidote to poisons. bezonian ety C16: from Italian bisogno ill-equipped raw recruit; literally, need bezonian 0. syl be+zo+ni:an pron pos n. qual Archaic. def a knave or rascal. Bezwada 0. syl Bez+wa+da pron <1bAz2wa:d*> pos n. def the former name of {Vijayawada}. bf 1. syl b.f. qual abbrev. for:; Brit. informal. def bloody fool. bf 2. syl b.f. qual abbrev. for:; Printing. def bold face. bf alt head BF or BF syl b/f BF 0. or bf syl B/F qual Book-keeping. abbrev. for def brought forward. BG 0. syl BG usage international car registration for def Bulgaria. BH 0. syl BH usage international car registration for def British Honduras. Bhagalpur 0. syl Bha+gal+pur pron <1ba:g*l2pu*> pos n. def a city in NE India, in E Bihar on the River Ganges. Pop.: 172202 (1971). Bhagavad-Gita ety from Sanskrit: song of the Blessed One, from bhaga blessing+ g*_it*_a a song Bhagavad-Gita 0. syl Bha+ga+vad-Gi:ta pron <1b^g*v*d> <1gEt*> pos n. def a sacred Hindu text composed about 200 #7b.c. and incorporated into the a Sanskrit epic. Bhai ety from Hindi bh*_a*_i, from Sanskrit bhr*_atr #7brother Bhai 0. syl Bhai pron pos n. def a title or form of address prefixed to the names of distinguished Sikhs. bhakti ety from Sanskrit: portion, from bhajati he allocates bhakti 0. syl bhak+ti pron <1b^kti> pos n. qual Hinduism. def loving devotion to God leading to nirvana. bhang ety C16: from Hindi bh*_ang bang alt head bhang or bhang syl bang pron pos n. bhang 0. or bang syl bhang pron pos n. def a preparation of the leaves and flower tops of Indian hemp, which has narcotic and intoxicating properties: much used in India. See also {cannabis}. bharal ety Hindi burhel alt head bharal or bharal syl bur+hel pron <1b^r*l> pos n. bharal 0. or burhel syl bhar+al pron <1b^r*l> pos n. def a wild Himalayan sheep, with a bluish-grey coat and round backward-curving horns. Bharat 0. syl Bha+rat pron <1b^r^t> pos n. def transliteration of the Hindi name for {India}. Bharatiya 0. syl Bha+ra+ti+ya pron <1ba:r*2tEj*> pos adj. def of or relating to India; Indian. Bharat Natyam ety from Sanskrit bharatan*_atya Bharata's dancing, from Bharata the sage supposed to have written of dramatic art and dancing+ n*_atya dancing Bharat Natyam 0. syl Bha+rat Nat+yam pron <1b^r*t> <1na:tj*m> pos n. def a form of Indian classical ballet. Bhatpara 0. syl Bhat+pa+ra pron pos n. def a city in NE India, in West Bengal on the Hooghly River: jute and cotton mills. Pop.: 204750 (1971). bhawan alt head bhavan or bhavan syl bha+wan pos n. bhavan 0. or bhawan syl bha+van pron <1b^v*n> pos n. usage in India def a large house or building. Bhavnagar 0. syl Bhav+na+gar pron <1ba:vn*g*> pos n. def a port in W India, in S Gujarat. Pop.: 225358 (1971). bhindi ety Hindi bhindi 0. syl bhin+di pron <1bindi> pos n. def the okra as used in Indian cooking: its green pods are eaten as vegetables. Also called: {lady's finger}. bhishti ety C18: from Hindi bh*_ist*_i, from Persian bihisht*_i heavenly one, from bihisht paradise bheesty alt head bhishti or bhishti syl bhees+ty pron <1bEsti> pos n. bhishties infl head bhishti syl bhish+ties. pos n. mod pl. bhishti 0. or bheesty syl bhish+ti pron <1bEsti> pos n. usage formerly in India def a water-carrier. Bhopal 0. syl Bho+pal pron pos n. def a city in central India, the capital of Madhya Pradesh state and of the former state of Bhopal. Pop.: 298022 (1971). B horizon 0. syl B ho+ri+zon pos n. def the layer of a soil profile immediately below the A horizon, containing deposits of leached material. bhp 0. syl b.h.p. qual abbrev. for def brake horsepower. Bhubaneswar 0. syl Bhu+ba+nes+war pron <2bub*1nASw*> pos n. def an ancient city in E India, the capital of Orissa state: many temples built between the 7th and 16th centuries. Pop.: 105491 (1971). Bhutan 0. syl Bhu+tan pron pos n. def a kingdom in central Asia: disputed by Tibet, China, India, and Britain since the 18th century, the conflict now being chiefly between China and India (which is responsible for Bhutan's external affairs); contains inaccessible stretches of the E Himalayas in the north. Official language: Dzongka; Nepali is also spoken. Religion: mostly Mahayana Buddhist. Currency: rupee. Capital: Thimbu. Pop.: 1146000 (1974 UN est.). Area: about 46600 sq. km (18000 sq. miles). Bhutanese sub head Bhutan syl Bhu+tan+1ese pos n. adj. Zulfikar Ali infl head Bhutto syl Zul:fi:kar A:li pron <1zulfika:> <1a:li> pos n. Bhutto 0. syl Bhut:to pron <1bu:t*u> pos n. def born 1928, Pakistani statesman; president (1971-73) and prime minister (1973-77) of Pakistan. Bi 0. syl Bi usage the chemical symbol for def bismuth. bi- ety from Latin, from bis #7twice bi- H1.1. syl bi- usage sometimes before a vowel def two; having two. exam 1 bifocal. bi- H1.2. syl bi- usage sometimes before a vowel def occurring every two; lasting for two. exam 1 biennial. bi- H1.3. syl bi- usage sometimes before a vowel def on both sides, surfaces, directions, etc.. exam 1 bilateral. bi- H1.4. syl bi- usage sometimes before a vowel def occurring twice during. exam 1 biweekly. bi- H1.5.a. syl bi- usage sometimes before a vowel def denoting an organic compound containing two identical cyclic hydrocarbon systems. exam 1 biphenyl. bi- H1.5.b. syl bi- usage sometimes before a vowel; rare in technical usage def indicating an acid salt of a dibasic acid. exam 1 sodium bicarbonate. bi- H1.5.c. syl bi- usage sometimes before a vowel; not in technical usage def equivalent of { {di-%1} (sense 2).} bi- H2.0. syl bi- usage combining form. def a variant of {bio-}. Biafra 1. syl Bi+a:fra pron pos n. def a region of E Nigeria: seceded as an independent republic (1967-70) during Civil War, but defeated by Nigerian government forces. Bight of 2. head Biafra syl Bight of. def former name (until 1975) of (the Bight of) {Bonny}. &- {Bi+#!a@.fran} Biak 0. syl Bi:ak pron pos n. def an island in Indonesia, north of West Irian: the largest of the Schouten Islands. Area: 2455 sq. km (948 sq. miles). Bialystok 0. syl Bia+ly+stok pron Polish pos n. def a city in E Poland: belonged to Prussia (1795-1807) and to Russia (1807-1919). Pop.: 187100 (1974 est.). biannual 0. syl bi+an+nu:al pron pos adj. def occurring twice a year. Compare {biennial}. biannually sub head biannual syl bi+1an+nu+al+ly pos adv. biannulate 0. syl bi+an+nu+late pron , <-2lAt> pos adj. qual Zoology. def having two bands, esp. of colour. Biarritz 0. syl Biar+ritz pron <1bi*rits>, , French pos n. def a town in SW France, on the Bay of Biscay: famous resort, patronized by Napoleon III and by Queen Victoria and Edward VII of England. Pop.: 27653 (1975). bias ety C16: from Old French biais, from Old Proven*,cal, perhaps ultimately from Greek epikarsios oblique bias 1. syl bi:as pron <1bI*s> pos n. def mental tendency or inclination, esp. an irrational preference or prejudice. bias 2. syl bi:as pron <1bI*s> pos n. def a diagonal line or cut across the weave of a fabric. bias 3. syl bi:as pron <1bI*s> pos n. qual Electronics. def the voltage applied to an electrode of a transistor or valve to establish suitable working conditions. bias 4.a. syl bi:as pron <1bI*s> pos n. def a bulge or weight inside one side of a bowl. bias 4.b. syl bi:as pron <1bI*s> pos n. def the curved course of such a bowl on the green. bias 5. syl bi:as pron <1bI*s> pos n. qual Statistics. def a latent influence that disturbs an analysis. bias 6. syl bi:as pron <1bI*s> pos adj. def slanting obliquely; diagonal. exam 1 a bias fold. bias 7. syl bi:as pron <1bI*s> pos adv. def obliquely; diagonally. biases infl head bias or biases syl bi:as:es pos vb. mod tr. biasing infl head bias or biassing syl bi:as+ing pos vb. mod tr. biased infl head bias or biassed syl bi:ased pos vb. mod tr. biassing infl head bias or biasing syl bi:as+sing pos vb. mod tr. biassed infl head bias or biased syl bi:assed. pos vb. mod tr. bias 8. syl bi:as pron <1bI*s> pos vb. usage usually passive def to cause to have a bias; prejudice; influence. bias binding 0. syl bi:as bind+ing pos n. def a strip of material cut on the bias for extra stretch and often doubled, used for binding hems, interfacings, etc., or for decoration. biathlon 0. syl bi+ath+lon pron , <-lon> pos n. qual Sport. def a contest in which skiers with rifles shoot at four targets along a 20-kilometre (12.5#800061 -mile) cross-country course. biauricular alt head biauriculate or biauriculate syl bi+au:ric:u+lar pos adj. biauriculate 0. or biauricular syl bi+au:ric:u+late pron <2bIc:1rikjulit>, <-2lAt> pos adj. def having two auricles or earlike parts. biaxial 0. syl bi+ax+i:al pron pos adj. usage esp. of a crystal def having two axes. bib ety C14 bibben to drink, probably from Latin bibere bib 1. syl bib pron pos n. def a piece of cloth or plastic worn, esp. by babies, to protect their clothes while eating. bib 2. syl bib pron pos n. def the upper part of some aprons, dungarees, etc., that covers the upper front part of the body. bib 3. syl bib pron pos n. def Also called: {pout, whiting pout}. a light-brown European marine gadoid food fish, (or with a barbel on its lower jaw. stick one's bib in 4. head bib syl stick one's bib in. qual Austral. informal. def to interfere. {~} {bibs, bib+bing, bibbed}. bib 5. syl bib pron pos n. qual Archaic. def to drink (something); tipple. Bib 1. syl Bib. qual abbrev. for: def Bible. Bib 2. syl Bib. qual abbrev. for: def Biblical. bib and brace 0. syl bib and brace pos n. def a work garment consisting of trousers and an upper front part supported by straps over the shoulders. bib and tucker 0. syl bib and tuck+er pos n. qual Informal. def an outfit of clothes (esp. in the phrase {best bib and tucker) }. bibb ety C18: variant of #7bib bibb 1. syl bibb pron pos n. qual Nautical. def a wooden support on a mast for the trestletrees. bibb 2. syl bibb pron pos n. def another name for {bibcock}. bibber 0. syl bib+ber pron <1bib*> pos n. def a drinker; tippler (esp. in the expression {wine-bibber) }. bibb alt head bibcock or bibcock syl bibb pos n. bibcock 0. or bibb syl bib+cock pron <1bib2kok> pos n. def a tap with a nozzle bent downwards. bibelot ety C19: from French, from Old French beubelet, perhaps from a reduplication of bel beautiful bibelot 1. syl bi+be:lot pron <1bibl*u>, French pos n. def an attractive or curious trinket. bibelot 2. syl bi+be:lot pron <1bibl*u>, French pos n. def a miniature book. bibl 1. syl bibl. qual abbrev. for: def bibliographical. bibl 2. syl bibl. qual abbrev. for: def bibliography. Bibl 0. syl Bibl. qual abbrev. for def Biblical. Bible ety C13: from Old French, from Medieval Latin biblia books, from Greek, plural of biblion book, diminutive of biblos papyrus, from Bublos Phoenician port from which Greece obtained Egyptian papyrus the 1.a. head Bible syl the. def the sacred writings of the Christian religion, comprising the Old and New Testaments and, in the Roman Catholic Church, the Apocrypha. Bible 1.b. syl Bi+ble pron <1bIbL> pos n. usage as modifier exam 1 a Bible reading. Bible 2. syl Bi+ble pron <1bIbL> pos n. usage often not cap. def any book containing the sacred writings of a religion. Bible 3. syl Bi+ble pron <1bIbL> pos n. usage usually not cap. def a book regarded as authoritative. exam 1 the angler's bible. Bible-basher 0. syl Bi:ble-bash+er pos n. qual Slang. def an enthusiastic or aggressive exponent of the Bible. &- {#!Bi@.ble-@!bash+ing} Bible Belthe infl head Bible Belt syl Bi+ble Belthe. pos n. Bible Belt 0. syl Bi+ble Belt pos n. def certain regions of the U.S., esp. in the South, where Protestant fundamentalism is dominant. Bible paper 1. syl Bi+ble pa+per pos n. def a thin tough opaque paper used for Bibles, prayer books, and reference books. Bible paper 2. syl Bi+ble pa+per pos n. usage not in technical usage def another name for {India paper}. biblical 1. syl bib+li+cal pron <1biblikL> pos adj. def of, occurring in, or referring to the Bible. biblical 2. syl bib+li+cal pron <1biblikL> pos adj. def resembling the Bible in written style. biblically sub head biblical syl bib+li+cal+ly pos adv. Biblical Aramaic 0. syl Bib+li+cal Ar:a+ma+ic pos n. def the form of Aramaic that was the common language of Palestine in New Testament times. It was widespread throughout the Persian Empire from the 5th century and is found in the later books of the Old Testament (esp. Daniel 2:4-7:28). Biblical Latin 0. syl Bib+li+cal Lat+in pos n. def the form of Latin used in versions of the Bible, esp. the form used in the Vulgate. See also {Late Latin}. Biblist alt head Biblicist or Biblicist syl Bib+list pos n. Biblicist 1. or Biblist syl Bib+li+cist pron <1biblisist> pos n. def a biblical scholar. Biblicist 2. or Biblist syl Bib+li+cist pron <1biblisist> pos n. def a person who takes the Bible literally. biblio- ety from Greek biblion book biblio- 0. syl bib:li:o- usage combining form. def indicating book or books. exam 1 bibliog?!raphy; exam 2 bibliomania. bibliog 1. syl bibliog. qual abbrev. for: def bibliographer. bibliog 2. syl bibliog. qual abbrev. for: def bibliography. bibliographies infl head bibliography syl bib+li+og+ra+phies. pos n. mod pl. bibliography 1. syl bib+li+og+ra+phy pron <2bibli1ogr*fi> pos n. def a list of books or other material on a subject. bibliography 2. syl bib+li+og+ra+phy pron <2bibli1ogr*fi> pos n. def a list of sources used in the preparation of a book, thesis, etc. bibliography 3. syl bib+li+og+ra+phy pron <2bibli1ogr*fi> pos n. def a list of the works of a particular author or publisher. bibliography 4.a. syl bib+li+og+ra+phy pron <2bibli1ogr*fi> pos n. def the study of the history, classification, etc., of literary material. bibliography 4.b. syl bib+li+og+ra+phy pron <2bibli1ogr*fi> pos n. def a work on this subject. &- {@!bib+li+#!og+ra+pher} &- {bib+li@.o+graph+ic} (@!b$Ibl$I$$$u#!gr@af$Ik) {@!bib+li@.o+#!graph@.i+cal} bibliographically sub head bibliography syl bib+li:o+1graph:i+cal+ly pos adv. bibliolatry 1. syl bib+li+ol:a+try pron <2bibli1ol*tri> pos n. def excessive devotion to or reliance on the Bible. bibliolatry 2. syl bib+li+ol:a+try pron <2bibli1ol*tri> pos n. def extreme fondness for books. bibliomancy 0. syl bib+li:o+man+cy pron <1bibli*u2m@nsi> pos n. def prediction of the future by interpreting a passage chosen at random from a book, esp. the Bible. bibliomania 0. syl bib+li:o+ma+ni:a pron <2bibli*u1mAni*> pos n. def extreme fondness for books. bibliomaniac sub head bibliomania syl bib+li:o+1ma+ni+ac pos n. adj. bibliophil alt head bibliophile or bibliophile syl bib+li:o+phil pron <1bibli*fil> pos n. bibliophile 0. or bibliophil syl bib+li:o+phile pron <1bibli*2fIl> pos n. def a person who collects or is fond of books. bibliophism sub head bibliophile syl bib+li+oph+ism pron <2bibli1ofiz*m> pos n. bibliophilistic sub head bibliophile syl bib+li+2oph:i+1lis+tic pos adj. bibliopole ety C18: from Latin bibliop*_ola, from Greek bibliop*_ol*_es bookseller, from #7biblio -#7+ p*_olein to sell bibliopolist alt head bibliopole or bibliopole syl bib+li+op:o+list pron <2bibli1op*list> pos n. bibliopole 0. or bibliopolist syl bib+li:o+pole pron <1bibli*u2p*ul> pos n. def a dealer in books, esp. rare or decorative ones. bibliopoly sub head bibliopole syl bib+li+1op:o+ly pos n. bibliotheca ety Latin: library, from Greek biblioth*_ek*_e, from #7biblio -#7+ th*_ek*_e receptacle bibliothecas infl head bibliotheca or bibliothecae syl bib+li:o+the+cas pron <-kE> pos n. mod pl. bibliothecae infl head bibliotheca or bibliothecas syl bib+li:o+the+cae pron <-kE> pos n. mod pl. bibliotheca 1. syl bib+li:o+the+ca pron <2bibli*u1TEk*> pos n. def a library or collection of books. bibliotheca 2. syl bib+li:o+the+ca pron <2bibli*u1TEk*> pos n. def a printed catalogue compiled by a bibliographer. bibulous ety C17: from Latin bibulus, from bibere to drink bibulous 0. syl bib:u+lous pron <1bibjul*s> pos adj. def addicted to alcohol. bibulously sub head bibulous syl bib:u+lous+ly pos adv. bibulousness sub head bibulous syl bib:u+lous+ness pos n. bicameral ety C19: from #7bi -%1#7+ Latin camera #7chamber bicameral 0. syl bi+cam+er+al pron pos adj. usage of a legislature def consisting of two chambers bicameralism sub head bicameral syl bi+1cam+er+al+ism pos n. bicameralist sub head bicameral syl bi+1cam+er+al+ist pos n. bicapsular 0. syl bi+cap+su+lar pron pos adj. usage of plants def having two capsules or one capsule with two chambers. bicarb 0. syl bicarb pron <1bIka:b> pos n. def short for {bicarbonate of soda}. See {sodium bicarbonate}. bicarbonate 1. syl bi+car+bo+nate pron , <-2nAt> pos n. def a salt of carbonic acid containing the ion HCO%#-@b\3#800062 ; an acid carbonate. bicarbonate 2. syl bi+car+bo+nate pron , <-2nAt> pos n. usage modifier def consisting of, containing, or concerned with the ion HCO%#-@b\3#800063 . exam 1 a bicarbonate compound. bicarbonate 3. syl bi+car+bo+nate pron , <-2nAt> pos n. def short for {bicarbonate of soda}. bicarbonate of soda 0. syl bi+car+bo+nate of so:da pos n. def sodium bicarbonate, esp. when used as a medicine or as a raising agent in baking. bice ety C14: from Old French bis dark grey, of uncertain origin bice 1. syl bice pron pos n. def Also called: {bice blue}. a medium blue colour; azurite. bice 2. syl bice pron pos n. def Also called: {bice green}. a yellowish-green colour; malachite. bicentennial alt head bicentenary or bicentenary syl bi+cen+ten+ni:al pron <2bIsen1teni*l> pos adj. qual U.S. bicentenary 1. or bicentennial syl bi+cen+te:nar:y pron <2bIsen1tEn*ri> pos adj. def marking a 200th anniversary. bicentenary 2. or bicentennial syl bi+cen+te:nar:y pron <2bIsen1tEn*ri> pos adj. def occurring every 200 years. bicentenary 3. or bicentennial syl bi+cen+te:nar:y pron <2bIsen1tEn*ri> pos adj. def lasting 200 years. bicentenaries infl head bicentenary syl bi+cen+te:nar:ies. pos n. mod pl. bicentenary 4. or bicentennial syl bi+cen+te:nar:y pron <2bIsen1tEn*ri> pos n. def a 200th anniversary. bicephalous 1. syl bi+ceph:a+lous pron pos adj. qual Biology. def having two heads. bicephalous 2. syl bi+ceph:a+lous pron pos adj. def crescent-shaped. biceps ety C17: from Latin: having two heads, from #7bi -%1 #7+ caput head biceps infl or bicepses syl bi+ceps pos n. mod pl. bicepses infl head biceps or biceps syl bi+ceps:es. pos n. mod pl. biceps 0. syl bi+ceps pron <1bIseps> pos n. qual Anatomy. def any muscle having two heads or origins, esp. the muscle that flexes the forearm. Biche-la-mar 0. syl Biche-la-mar pron <2bEC> <1ma:> pos n. def another name for {Beach-la-Mar}. bichloride 0. syl bi+chlo+ride pron pos n. def another name for {dichloride}. bichloride of mercury 0. syl bi+chlo+ride of mer+cu+ry pos n. def another name for {mercuric chloride}. bichromate 0. syl bi+chro+mate pron , <-mit> pos n. def another name for {dichromate}. bicipital ety C17: see #7biceps, { -#7al %1} bicipital 1. syl bi+cip+i+tal pron pos adj. def having two heads. bicipital 2. syl bi+cip+i+tal pron pos adj. def of or relating to a biceps muscle. bicker ety C13: of unknown origin bicker 1. syl bick+er pron <1bik*> pos vb. mod intr. def to argue over petty matters; squabble. bicker 2.a. syl bick+er pron <1bik*> pos vb. usage esp. of a stream def to run quickly. bicker 2.b. syl bick+er pron <1bik*> pos vb. def to flicker; glitter. bicker 3. syl bick+er pron <1bik*> pos n. def a petty squabble. bickerer sub head bicker syl bick+er+er pos n. bicollateral 0. syl bi+col+lat+er+al pron <2bIko1l@t*r*l> pos adj. usage Botany. of a vascular bundle def having two phloem groups to the inside and outside, respectively, of the xylem. bicoloured infl head bicolour or bicolor syl bi+col+oured pos adj. bicolor infl head bicolour or bicoloured syl bi+col+or pos adj. qual U.S. bicolored infl head bicolour syl bi+col+ored pos adj. qual U.S. bicolour 0. syl bi+col+our pron <1bI2k^l*> pos adj. def two-coloured. biconcave 0. syl bi+con+cave pron , <2bIkon1kAv> pos adj. usage of a lens def having concave faces on both sides; concavo-concave. biconcavity sub head biconcave syl bi+con+cav+i:ty pron <2bIkon1k@viti> pos n. biconditional 0. syl bi+con+di+tion+al pron <2bIk*n1diS*nL> pos n. def another name for { {equivalence} (senses 2, 3).} biconvex 0. syl bi+con+vex pron , <2bIkon1veks> pos adj. usage of a lens def having convex faces on both sides; convexo-convex. bicorn ety C19: from Latin bicornis, from #7bi -%1#7+ cornu horn bicornate infl head bicorn or bicornuate syl bi+cor+nate pron , <-nAt> pos adj. bicornuate infl head bicorn or bicornate syl bi+cor+nu+ate pron , <-2At> pos adj. bicorn 0. syl bi+corn pron <1bIkc:n> pos adj. def having two horns or hornlike parts. bicuspidate alt head bicuspid or bicuspid syl bi+cus+pi+date pron pos adj. bicuspid 1. or bicuspidate syl bi+cus+pid pron pos adj. def having or terminating in two cusps or points. bicuspid 2. or bicuspidate syl bi+cus+pid pron pos n. def a bicuspid tooth; premolar. bicuspid valve 0. syl bi+cus+pid valve pos n. def another name for {mitral valve}. bicycle 1. syl bi+cy+cle pron <1bIsikL> pos n. def a vehicle with a tubular metal frame mounted on two spoked wheels, one behind the other. The rider sits on a saddle, propels the vehicle by means of pedals that drive the rear wheels through a chain, and steers with handlebars on the front wheel. Often shortened to {bike} (informal), {cycle}. bicycle 2. syl bi+cy+cle pron <1bIsikL> pos vb. mod intr. def to ride a bicycle; cycle. bicyclist sub head bicycle or bicycler syl bi+cy+clist pos n. bicycler sub head bicycle or bicyclist syl bi+cy+cler pos n. bicycle clip 0. syl bi+cy+cle clip pos n. def one of a pair of clips worn around the ankles by cyclists to keep the trousers tight and out of the chain. bicycle pump 0. syl bi+cy+cle pump pos n. def a hand pump for pumping air into the tyres of a bicycle. bicyclical alt head bicyclic or bicyclic syl bi+cy+cli+cal pos adj. bicyclic 1. or bicyclical syl bi+cy+clic pron , <-1siklik> pos adj. def of, forming, or formed by two circles, cycles, etc. bicyclic 2. or bicyclical syl bi+cy+clic pron , <-1siklik> pos adj. usage of stamens, petals, etc. def arranged in two whorls. bicyclic 3. or bicyclical syl bi+cy+clic pron , <-1siklik> pos adj. usage of a chemical compound def having atoms arranged in two rings fused together with at least two atoms common to each ring. exam 1 naphthalene is bicyclic. bid ety Old English biddan; related to German bitten &- #!bid+der n. bids bidding bad infl head bid syl bids; bid+ding; bad pos vb. bade infl head bid or bid bidden syl bade pos vb. bid bidden infl head bid or bid syl bid; bid+den pos vb. bid infl or bid bidden syl bid. pos vb. bid 1. syl bid pron pos vb. usage often foll. by for or against def to offer (an amount) in attempting to buy something, esp. in competition with others as at an auction. bid 2. syl bid pron pos vb. mod tr. def to say (a greeting, blessing, etc.). exam 1 to bid farewell. bid 3. syl bid pron pos vb. def to order; command. exam 1 do as you are bid&! bid 4. syl bid pron pos vb. mod intr. usage usually foll. by for def to attempt to attain power, etc. bid 5. syl bid pron pos vb. mod tr. def to invite; ask kindly. exam 1 she bade him sit down. bid 6. syl bid pron pos vb. mod tr. def to utter; express in words. exam 1 to bid defiance. bid 7. syl bid pron pos vb. qual Bridge, etc. def to declare in the auction before play how many tricks one expects to make. bid fair 8. head bid syl bid fair. def to seem probable. bid 9.a. syl bid pron pos n. def an offer of a specified amount, as at an auction. bid 9.b. syl bid pron pos n. def the price offered. bid 10.a. syl bid pron pos n. def the quoting by a seller of a price. bid 10.b. syl bid pron pos n. def the price quoted. bid 11. syl bid pron pos n. def an attempt, esp. an attempt to attain power. bid 12.a. syl bid pron pos n. def the number of tricks a player undertakes to make. bid 12.b. syl bid pron pos n. def a player's turn to make a bid. bid 13. syl bid pron pos n. def short for {bid price. ~} See also {bid in, bid up}. bid ety Latin: twice a day bid 0. syl b.i.d. qual abbrev. for usage in prescriptions def bis in die. El Beda alt head Bida or Bida syl El Be:da pron <1bAda:> pos n. Bida 0. or El Beda syl Bi:da pron <1bIda:> pos n. def the former name of {Doha}. bidarka ety from Russian baidarka diminutive of baidara bidarkee alt head bidarka or bidarka syl bi+dar+kee pron pos n. bidarka 0. or bidarkee syl bi+dar+ka pron pos n. def a canoe covered in animal skins, esp. sealskin, used by the Eskimos of Alaska. biddable 1. syl bid+da:ble pron <1bid*bL> pos adj. def having sufficient value to be bid on, as a hand or suit at bridge. biddable 2. syl bid+da:ble pron <1bid*bL> pos adj. def docile; obedient. biddableness sub head biddable syl bid+da:ble+ness pos n. biddably sub head biddable syl bid+da+bly pos adv. bidden 0. syl bid+den pron <1bidN> pos vb. def the past participle of {bid}. bidding 1. syl bid+ding pron <1bidiG> pos n. def an order; command (often in the phrases {do} {follow the bidding of, at someone's bidding) }. bidding 2. syl bid+ding pron <1bidiG> pos n. def an invitation; summons. bidding 3. syl bid+ding pron <1bidiG> pos n. def the act of making bids, as at an auction or in bridge. bidding 4. syl bid+ding pron <1bidiG> pos n. qual Bridge, etc. def a group of bids considered collectively, esp. those made on a particular deal. John infl head Biddle syl John. pos n. Biddle 0. syl Bid:dle pron <1bidL> pos n. def 1615-62, English theologian; founder of Unitarianism in England. biddy ety C17: perhaps imitative of calling chickens biddies infl head biddy syl bid+dies. pos n. mod pl. biddy H1.0. syl bid+dy pron <1bidi> pos n. def a dialect word for {chicken} or {hen}. biddy ety from pet form of Bridget biddies infl head biddy syl bid+dies. pos n. mod pl. biddy H2.0. syl bid+dy pron <1bidi> pos n. qual Informal. def a woman, esp. an old gossipy or interfering one. biddy-biddies infl head biddy-biddy syl bid:dy-bid:dies. pos n. mod pl. biddy-biddy 1. syl bid:dy-bid:dy pos n. def a low-growing rosaceous plant, of New Zealand, having prickly burs. biddy-biddy 2. syl bid:dy-bid:dy pos n. def the burs of this plant. {~} Also called: {bid@.dy-bid, bidg@.ee-widg@.ee} (#!b$Id#f$I #!w$Id#f$I). bide ety Old English b*_idan; related to Old Norse b*_itha to wait, Gothic beidan, Old High German b*_itan bides infl head bide syl bides pos vb. biding infl head bide or bode syl bid+ing pos vb. bided infl head bide or bided syl bid+ed pos vb. bode infl head bide or biding syl bode pos vb. bided infl head bide or bided syl bid+ed. pos vb. bide 1. syl bide pron pos vb. mod intr. qual Archaic or dialect. def to continue in a certain place or state; stay. bide 2. syl bide pron pos vb. mod tr. qual Archaic or dialect. def to tolerate; endure. bide one's time 3. head bide syl bide one's time. def to wait patiently for an opportunity. bidentate 0. syl bi+den+tate pron pos adj. def having two teeth or toothlike parts or processes. bidet ety C17: from French: small horse, probably from Old French bider to trot bidet 0. syl bi+det pron <1bEdA> pos n. def a small low basin for washing the genitals and anal area. bid in 0. syl bid in pos vb. adv. usage in an auction def to outbid all previous offers for (one's own property) to retain ownership or increase the final selling price. bid price 0. syl bid price pos n. qual Stock Exchange. def the price at which a stockjobber is prepared to purchase a specific security. Compare {offer price}. bid up 0. syl bid up pos vb. adv. def to increase the market price of (a commodity) by making artificial bids. Biedermeier ety C19: after Gottlieb Biedermeier, a fictitious character portrayed as a conventional unimaginative bourgeois and the author of poems actually written by several satirical poets Biedermeier 1. syl Bie+der+mei+er pron <1bEd*2mI*> pos adj. def of or relating to a decorative and furnishing style in mid-19th-century Germany, characterized by solidity and conventionality. Biedermeier 2. syl Bie+der+mei+er pron <1bEd*2mI*> pos adj. def boringly conventional in outlook; bourgeois. Biel 1. syl Biel pron pos n. def a town in NW Switzerland, on Lake Biel. Pop.: 64333 (1970). French name: {Bienne}. Lake 2. head Biel syl Lake. def a lake in NW Switzerland: remains of lake dwellings were discovered here in the 19th century. Area: 39 sq. km (15 sq. miles). German name: {Biel+er+see} (#!bi$:l$$r@!ze$:). bield ety Old English bieldo, byldo boldness (hence: refuge); related to Gothic balthei, Old English beald #7bold bield 0. syl bield pron pos n. qual Northern Brit. dialect. def a shelter; home. Bielefeld 0. syl Bie+le:feld pron German <1bEl*2felt> pos n. def a city in West Germany, in NE North Rhine-Westphalia. Pop.: 321200 (1974 est.). Bielsko-Biala 0. syl Biel:sko-Bia:la pron Polish <1bjelskc1bjawa> pos n. def a town in S Poland: created in 1951 by the union of Bielsko and Biala Krakowska; a leading textile centre since the 16th century. Pop.: 116100 (1974 est.). Bien Hoa 0. syl Bien Ho:a pron <1bjen> <1h*u*> pos n. def a town in S Vietnam: a former capital of Cambodia. Pop.: 177513 (1971). Bienne 0. syl Bienne pron pos n. def the French name for {Biel}. biennial 1. syl bi+en+ni:al pron pos adj. def occurring every two years. biennial 2. syl bi+en+ni:al pron pos adj. def lasting two years. Compare {biannual}. biennial 3. syl bi+en+ni:al pron pos n. def a plant, such as the carrot, that completes its life cycle in two years, developing vegetative storage parts during the first year. Compare { {annual} (sense 3)}, { {perennial} (sense 3).} biennial 4. syl bi+en+ni:al pron pos n. def an event that takes place every two years. biennially sub head biennial syl bi+1en+ni+al+ly pos adv. bier ety Old English b*_@ar; related to beran to #7bear %1#7, Old High German b*_ara bier, Sanskrit bh*_ar*'a a burden bier 0. syl bier pron pos n. def a platform or stand on which a corpse or a coffin containing a corpse rests before burial. Ambrose (Gwinett) infl head Bierce syl Am:brose (Gwinett) pos n. Bierce 0. syl Bierce pron pos n. def 1842-??1914, U.S. journalist and author of humorous sketches, horror stories, and tales of the supernatural: he disappeared during a mission in Mexico (1913). bierkeller ety C20: German, literally: beer cellar bierkeller 0. syl bier+kel+ler pron <1bi*2kel*> pos n. qual Brit. def a public house decorated in German style, selling German beers. biestings 0. syl biest+ings pron <1bEstiGz> pos n. def a variant spelling of {beestings}. bifacial 1. syl bi+fa+cial pron pos adj. def having two faces or surfaces. bifacial 2. syl bi+fa+cial pron pos adj. usage Botany. of leaves, etc. def having upper and lower surfaces differing from each other. bifacial 3. syl bi+fa+cial pron pos adj. usage Archaeol. of flints def flaked by percussion from two sides along the chopping edge. bifarious ety C17: from Latin bif*_arius double bifarious 0. syl bi+far:i+ous pron pos adj. qual Botany. def having parts arranged in two rows on either side of a central axis. bifariously sub head bifarious syl bi+1far:i+ous+ly pos adv. biff ety C20: probably of imitative origin biff 1. syl biff pron pos n. qual Slang. def a blow with the fist. biff 2. syl biff pron pos vb. mod tr. qual Slang. def to give (someone) such a blow. biffin ety C18: from beefin ox for slaughter, from #7beef ; referring to the apple's colour biffin 0. syl bif+fin pron <1bifin> pos n. qual Brit. def a variety of red cooking apple. bifid ety C17: from Latin bifidus from #7bi -%1#7+ -fidus, from findere to split bifid 0. syl bi+fid pron <1bIfid> pos adj. def divided into two lobes by a median cleft. exam 1 bifid leaves. bifidity sub head bifid syl bi+1fid+i:ty pos n. bifidly sub head bifid syl bi+fid+ly pos adv. bifilar 1. syl bi+fi+lar pron pos adj. def having two parallel threads, as in the suspension of certain measuring instruments. bifilar 2. syl bi+fi+lar pron pos adj. def of or relating to a resistor in which the wire is wound in a loop around a coil, the two leads being parallel, to reduce the inductance. bifilarly sub head bifilar syl bi+1fi+lar+ly pos adv. biflagellate 0. syl bi+flag+el+late pron , <-lit> pos adj. qual Biology. def having two flagella. exam 1 biflagellate protozoans. bifocal 1. syl bi+fo+cal pron pos adj. qual Optics. def having two different focuses. bifocal 2. syl bi+fo+cal pron pos adj. def relating to a compound lens permitting near and distant vision. bifocals 0. syl bi+fo+cals pron pos n. mod pl. def a pair of spectacles with bifocal lenses. bifoliate 0. syl bi+fo+li+ate pron , <-it> pos adj. def having two leaves or leaflets. bifoliolate 0. syl bi+fo+li:o+late pron , <-lit> pos adj. usage of compound leaves def consisting of two leaflets. biforate ety C19: from New Latin bifor*_atus, from #7bi -%1#7+ for*_are to pierce biforate 0. syl bi+fo+rate pron <1bIf*2rAt> pos adj. qual Biology. def having two openings, pores, or perforations. biformed alt head biform or biform syl bi+formed pos adj. biform 0. or biformed syl bi+form pron <1bI2fc:m> pos adj. def having or combining the characteristics of two forms, as a centaur. Bifrost 0. syl Bif+rost pron <1bivrost>, <1bEfrost> pos n. qual Norse myth. def the rainbow bridge of the gods from their realm Asgard to earth. bifurcate ety C17: from Medieval Latin bifurc*_atus, from Latin bifurcus from #7bi -%1#7+ furca fork bifurcate 1. syl bi+fur+cate pron <1bIf*2kAt> pos vb. def to fork or divide into two parts or branches. bifurcate 2. syl bi+fur+cate pron <1bIf*2kAt>, <-kit> pos adj. def forked or divided into two sections or branches. bifurcation sub head bifurcate syl bi+fur+1ca+tion pos n. big ety C13: perhaps of Scandinavian origin; compare Norwegian dialect bugge big man bigger infl head big syl big+ger pos adj. biggest infl head big syl big+gest. pos adj. big 1. syl big pron pos adj. def of great or considerable size, height, weight, number, power, or capacity. big 2. syl big pron pos adj. def having great significance; important. exam 1 a big decision. big 3. syl big pron pos adj. def important through having power, influence, wealth, authority, etc.. exam 1 the big four banks. big 5. syl big pron pos adj. qual Informal. def considerable in extent or intensity (esp. in the phrase {in a big way}). big 6.a. syl big pron pos adj. def elder. exam 1 my big brother. big 6.b. syl big pron pos adj. def grown-up. exam 1 when you're big, you can stay up later. big 7.a. syl big pron pos adj. def generous; magnanimous. exam 1 that's very big of you. big 8. syl big pron pos adj. usage often foll. by with def brimming; full. exam 1 my heart is big with sadness. big 9. syl big pron pos adj. def extravagant; boastful. exam 1 he's full of big talk. too big for one's boots 10. head big or breeches syl too big for one's boots def conceited; unduly self-confident. big 11. syl big pron pos adj. def in an advanced stage of pregnancy (esp. in the phrase {big with child}) . big on 12. head big syl big on. qual Informal. def enthusiastic about. exam 1 that company is big on research. big 13. syl big pron pos adv. qual Informal. def boastfully; pretentiously (esp. in the phrase {talk big}) . big 14. syl big pron pos adv. qual Informal. def in an exceptional way; well. exam 1 his talk went over big with the audience. big 15. syl big pron pos adv. qual Informal. def on a grand scale (esp. in the phrase {think big}) . biggish sub head big syl big+gish pos adj. bigness sub head big syl big+ness pos n. bigamy ety C13: via French from Medieval Latin bigamus; see #7bi -%1#7, -#7gamy bigamies infl head bigamy syl big:a+mies. pos n. mod pl. bigamy 0. syl big:a+my pron <1big*mi> pos n. def the crime of marrying a person while one is still legally married to someone else. bigamist sub head bigamy syl big:a+mist pos n. bigarreau ety C17: from French, from bigarr*'e mottled bigarreau 0. syl big+ar+reau pron <1big*2r*u>, <2big*1r*u> pos n. def any of several heart-shaped varieties of sweet cherry that have firm flesh. big band 0. syl big band pos n. def a large jazz or dance band, popular esp. in the 1930s to the 1950s. big-bang theory 0. syl big-bang the:o+ry pos n. def a cosmological theory postulating that approximately 10000 million years ago all the matter of the universe, packed into a small superdense mass, was hurled in all directions by a cataclysmic explosion. As the fragments slowed down, the galaxies and stars evolved but the universe is still expanding. Compare {steady-state theory}. Big Ben 1. syl Big Ben pos n. def the bell in the clock tower of the Houses of Parliament, London. Big Ben 2. syl Big Ben pos n. def the clock in this tower. Big Ben 3. syl Big Ben pos n. def the tower. Big Bertha 0. syl Big Ber+tha pos n. def a large German gun of World War I. Big Board 1. syl Big Board pos n. qual U.S. informal. def the quotation board in the New York Stock Exchange. Big Board 2. syl Big Board pos n. qual U.S. informal. def the New York Stock Exchange. Big Brother ety C20: after a character in George Orwell's novel 1984 (1949) Big Brother 0. syl Big Broth+er pos n. def a person, organization, etc., that exercises total dictatorial control. big business 0. syl big busi+ness pos n. def large commercial organizations collectively, esp. when considered as exploitative or socially harmful. big cheese 0. syl big cheese pos n. qual Slang. def an important person. big Chief 0. syl big Chief pos n. qual Slang. def an important person, boss, or leader. Also called: {big White Chief, big Daddy}. big deal 0. syl big deal pos interj. qual Slang. def an exclamation of scorn, derision, etc., used esp. to belittle a claim or offer. big dipper 0. syl big dip+per pos n. usage in amusement parks def a narrow railway with open carriages that run swiftly over a route of sharp curves and steep inclines. Also called: {roller coaster}. Big Dipper 0. syl Big Dip+per pos n. def the U.S. name for the {Plough} (constellation). big end 1. syl big end pos n. qual Brit. def the larger end of a connecting rod in an internal-combustion engine. Compare {little end}. big end 2. syl big end pos n. qual Brit. def the bearing surface between the larger end of a connecting rod and the crankpin of the crankshaft. bigener ety C20: back formation from bigeneric; see #7bi -%1#7, genus bigener 0. syl bi+gen+er pron <1bIJin*> pos n. qual Biology. def a hybrid between individuals of different genera. bigeneric sub head bigener syl bi+ge:ner+ic pron <2bIJi1nerik> pos adj. bigeye infl or bigeyes syl big+eye pos n. mod pl. bigeyes infl head bigeye or bigeye syl big+eyes. pos n. mod pl. bigeye 0. syl big+eye pron <1big2I> pos n. def any tropical or sub?!tropical red marine percoid fish of the family having very large eyes and rough scales. the infl head Big Five syl the. pos n. Big Five 0. syl Big Five pos n. def the five countries considered to be the major world powers. In the period immediately following World War II, the U.S., Britain, the Soviet Union, China, and France were regarded as the Big Five. big game 1. syl big game pos n. def large animals that are hunted or fished for sport. big game 2. syl big game pos n. qual Informal. def the objective of an important or dangerous undertaking. biggin ety C16: from French b*'eguin; see #7beguine biggon alt head biggin or biggin syl big+gon pron <1bigin> pos n. biggin 0. or biggon syl big+gin pron <1bigin> pos n. def a plain close-fitting cap, often tying under the chin, worn in the Middle Ages and by children in the 17th century. big gun 0. syl big gun pos n. qual Slang. def an important person. bighead 1. syl big+head pron <1big2hed> pos n. qual Informal. def a conceited person. bighead 2. syl big+head pron <1big2hed> pos n. qual U.S. informal. def conceit; egotism. bighead 3.a. syl big+head pron <1big2hed> pos n. def an abnormal bulging or increase in the size of an animal's skull, as from osteomalacia. bighead 3.b. syl big+head pron <1big2hed> pos n. def any of various diseases of sheep characterized by swelling of the head, esp. any caused by infection with bacteria. bigheaded sub head bighead syl big+1head:ed pos adj. bigheadedly sub head bighead syl big+1head:ed+ly pos adv. bigheadedness sub head bighead syl big+1head:ed+ness pos n. bighorns infl head bighorn or bighorn syl big+horns pos n. mod pl. bighorn infl or bighorns syl big+horn. pos n. mod pl. bighorn 0. syl big+horn pron <1big2hc:n> pos n. def a large wild sheep, inhabiting mountainous regions in North America and NE Asia: family order The male has massive curved horns, and the species is well adapted for climbing and leaping. bight ety Old English byht; see {#7bow %2} bight 1. syl bight pron pos n. def a wide indentation of a shoreline, or the body of water bounded by such a curve. bight 2. syl bight pron pos n. def the slack middle part of an extended rope. bight 3. syl bight pron pos n. def a curve or loop in a rope. bight 4. syl bight pron pos vb. mod tr. def to fasten or bind with a bight. bigmouth 0. syl big+mouth pron <1big2mauT> pos n. qual Slang. def a noisy, indiscreet, or boastful person. &- {#!big-@!mouthed} big noise 0. syl big noise pos n. qual Brit. slang. def an important person. bignonia ety C19: from New Latin, named after the Abb*'e Jean-Paul Bignon (1662-1743) bignonia 0. syl big+no+ni:a pron pos n. def any tropical American bigno?!niaceous climbing shrub of the genus (or , cultivated for their trumpet-shaped yellow or reddish flowers. See also {cross vine}. bignoniaceous 0. syl big+no+ni:a+ceous pron pos adj. def of, relating to, or belonging to the a chiefly tropical family of trees, shrubs, and lianas, including jacaranda, bignonia, and catalpa. big-note 0. syl big-note pos vb. qual Austral. informal. def to boast about (oneself). bigot ety C16: from Old French: name applied contemptuously to the Normans by the French, of obscure origin &- #!big+ot+ed adj. bigot 0. syl big+ot pron <1big*t> pos n. def a person who is intolerant of any ideas other than his own, esp. on religion, politics, or race. bigotries infl head bigotry syl big+ot+ries. pos n. mod pl. bigotry 0. syl big+ot+ry pron <1big*tri> pos n. def the attitudes, behaviour, or way of thinking of a bigot; prejudice; intolerance. big screen 0. syl big screen pos n. def an informal name for the {cinema}. big shot 0. syl big shot pos n. qual Slang, chiefly U.S. def an important or influential person. the infl head big smoke syl the. pos n. big smoke 0. syl big smoke pos n. qual Informal. def a large city, esp. London. big stick 0. syl big stick pos n. qual Informal. def force or the threat of using force. big the 0.a. head big time syl big the. qual Slang. def the highest or most profitable level of an occupation or profession, esp. the entertainment business. big time 0.b. syl big time pos n. qual Slang. usage as modifier; a big-time comedian. def &- {#!big-#!tim@.er} big top 1. syl big top pos n. qual Informal. def the main tent of a circus. big top 2. syl big top pos n. qual Informal. def the circus itself. big tree 0. syl big tree pos n. def a giant Californian coniferous tree, with a wide tapering trunk and thick spongy bark: family It often reaches a height of 90 metres. Also called: {giant sequoia}. See also {sequoia}. biguanide ety C19: from #7bi -%1+#7guanidine +-#7ide biguanide 0. syl bi+gua+nide pron pos n. def any of a class of compounds some of which are used in the treatment of certain forms of diabetes. See also {phenformin}. big wheel 1. syl big wheel pos n. def another name for a {Ferris wheel}. big wheel 2. syl big wheel pos n. qual Slang. def an important person. bigwig 0. syl big+wig pron <1big2wig> pos n. qual Slang. def an important person. Bihar 0. syl Bi+har pron pos n. def a state of NE India: hilly in the south, with the Ganges plain in the north; important for rice and mineral resources, esp. coal. Capital: Patna. Pop.: 56353369 (1971). Area: 174038 sq. km (67875 sq. miles). Bihari 1. syl Bi+ha+ri pron pos n. def a member of an Indian people living chiefly in Bihar but also in Bangladesh and Pakistan. Bihari 2. syl Bi+ha+ri pron pos n. def the language of this people, comprising a number of highly differentiated dialects, belonging to the Indic branch of the Indo-European family. Bihari 3. syl Bi+ha+ri pron pos adj. def of or relating to this people, their language, or Bihar. Biisk 0. syl Biisk qual Russian def bijsk) a variant spelling of {Biysk}. Bijapur 0. syl Bi+ja+pur pron pos n. def an ancient city in W India, in N Mysore: capital of a former kingdom, which fell at the end of the 17th century. Pop.: 103931 (1971). bijection 0. syl bi+jec+tion pron pos n. def a mathematical function or mapping that is both an injection and a surjection and therefore has an inverse. bijective sub head bijection syl bi+1jec+tive pos adj. bijou ety C19: from French, from Breton bizou finger ring, from biz finger; compare Welsh bys finger, Cornish bis bijoux infl head bijou syl bi+joux pron <-Zu:z> pos n. mod pl. bijou 1. syl bi+jou pron <1bEZu:> pos n. def something small and delicately worked, such as a trinket. bijou 2. syl bi+jou pron <1bEZu:> pos n. qual Often ironic. usage modifier def small but elegant and tasteful. exam 1 a bijou residence. bijouterie 1. syl bi+jou+te:rie pron pos n. def jewellery esteemed for the delicacy of the work rather than the value of the materials. bijouterie 2. syl bi+jou+te:rie pron pos n. def a collection of such jewellery. bijugous alt head bijugate or bijugate syl bi+ju+gous pos adj. bijugate 0. or bijugous syl bi+ju+gate pron <1bIJu2gAt>, pos adj. usage of compound leaves def having two pairs of leaflets. Bikaner 0. syl Bi+ka+ner pron <1bEk*2ni*> pos n. def a walled city in NW India, in Rajasthan: capital of the former state of Bikaner, on the edge of the Thar Desert. Pop.: 188518 (1971). bike 0. syl bike pron pos n. vb. qual Informal. def short for {bicycle} or {motorcycle}. bikie 0. syl bik:ie pron <1bIki> pos n. qual Austral. slang. def a member of a motorcycle gang. Abebe infl head Bikila syl A:be:be pron <*1bAbA> pos n. Bikila 0. syl Bi:ki:la pron pos n. def 1932-73, Ethiopian long-distance runner: winner of the Marathon at the Olympic Games in Rome (1960) and Tokyo (1964). bikini ety C20: after Bikini atoll, from a comparison between the devastating effect of the atom-bomb test and the effect caused by women wearing bikinis bikini 0. syl bi+ki+ni pron pos n. def a woman's very brief two-piece swimming costume. Bikini 0. syl Bi+ki+ni pron pos n. def an atoll in the N Pacific; one of the Marshall Islands: site of a U.S. atom-bomb test in 1946. bilabial 1. syl bi+la+bi:al pron pos adj. def of, relating to, or denoting a speech sound articulated using both lips: (p) (w) bilabial 2. syl bi+la+bi:al pron pos n. def a bilabial speech sound. bilabiate 0. syl bi+la+bi+ate pron , <-it> pos adj. qual Botany. def divided into two lips. exam 1 the snapdragon has a bilabiate corolla. bilander ety C17: from Dutch, literally: by-lander, because used on canals bilander 0. syl bil+an+der pron <1bil*nd*> pos n. def a small two-masted cargo ship. bilateral 1. syl bi+lat+er+al pron pos adj. def having or involving two sides. bilateral 2. syl bi+lat+er+al pron pos adj. def affecting or undertaken by two parties; mutual. exam 1 a bilateral treaty. bilateral 3. syl bi+lat+er+al pron pos adj. def denoting or relating to bilateral symmetry. bilateral 4. syl bi+lat+er+al pron pos adj. def having identical sides or parts on each side of an axis; symmetrical. bilateral 5. syl bi+lat+er+al pron pos adj. qual Sociol. def relating to descent through both maternal and paternal lineage. Compare { {unilateral} (sense 5).} bilateral 6. syl bi+lat+er+al pron pos adj. qual Brit. def relating to an education that combines academic and technical courses. &- {bi+#!lat+er+al+ly} bilateral symmetry 0. syl bi+lat+er+al sym+met+ry pos n. def the property of an organism or part of an organism such that, if cut in only one plane, the two cut halves are mirror images of each other. See also {radial symmetry}. Bilbao 0. syl Bil+ba:o pron , Spanish pos n. def a port in N Spain, on the Bay of Biscay: famous since medieval times for the production of iron and steel goods, esp. swords; still contains the country's largest iron and steel works and exports iron ore. Pop.: 410490 (1970). bilberry ety C16: probably of Scandinavian origin; compare Danish b*"olleb@ar, from b*"olle bilberry+ b@ar #7berry bilberries infl head bilberry syl bil+ber:ries. pos n. mod pl. bilberry 1. syl bil+ber:ry pron <1bilb*ri> pos n. def any of several ericaceous shrubs of the genus such as the whortleberry, having edible blue or blackish berries. See also {blueberry}. bilberry 2.a. syl bil+ber:ry pron <1bilb*ri> pos n. def the fruit of any of these plants. bilberry 2.b. syl bil+ber:ry pron <1bilb*ri> pos n. usage as modifier exam 1 bilberry pie. bilbo ety C16: from Bilboa, variant (in English) of Bilbao, Spain, noted for its blades bilbos infl head bilbo or bilboes syl bil+bos pos n. mod pl. bilboes infl head bilbo or bilbos syl bil+boes. pos n. mod pl. bilbo 0. syl bil+bo pron <1bilb*u> pos n. usage formerly def a sword with a marked temper and elasticity. bilboes ety C16: perhaps changed from B#7ilbao bilboes 0. syl bil+boes pron <1bilb*uz> pos n. mod pl. def a long iron bar with two sliding shackles, formerly used to confine the ankles of a prisoner. Bildungsroman 0. syl Bild+ungs+ro+man pron German. <1bilduGzro2ma:n> pos n. def a novel concerned with a person's formative years and development. bile ety C17: from French, from Latin b*_ilis, probably of Celtic origin compare Welsh bustl bile bile 1. syl bile pron pos n. def a bitter greenish to golden brown alkaline fluid secreted by the liver and stored in the gall bladder. It is discharged during digestion into the duodenum, where it aids the emulsification and absorption of fats. bile 2. syl bile pron pos n. def irritability or peevishness. bile 3. syl bile pron pos n. qual Archaic. def either of two bodily humours, one of which ({black bile}) was thought to cause melancholy and the other ({yellow bile}) anger. bilection 0. syl bi+lec+tion pron pos n. def another word for {bolection}. bilestone 0. syl bile+stone pron <1bIl2st*un> pos n. def another name for {gallstone}. bilge ety C16: probably a variant of #7bulge bilge 1. syl bilge pron pos n. qual Nautical. def the parts of a vessel's hull where the vertical sides curve inwards to form the bottom. bilge 2. syl bilge pron pos n. mod often; pl. def the parts of a vessel between the lowermost floorboards and the bottom. bilge 3. syl bilge pron pos n. def Also called: {bilge wa+ter}. the dirty water that collects in a vessel's bilge. bilge 4. syl bilge pron pos n. qual Informal. def silly rubbish; nonsense. bilge 5. syl bilge pron pos n. def the widest part of the belly of a barrel or cask. bilge 6. syl bilge pron pos vb. mod intr. usage Nautical. of a vessel def to take in water at the bilge. bilge 7. syl bilge pron pos vb. mod tr. qual Nautical. def to damage (a vessel) in the bilge, causing it to leak. bilgy sub head bilge syl bilg:y pos adj. bilge keel 0. syl bilge keel pos n. def one of two keel-like projections along the bilges of some vessels to improve sideways stability. bilharzia ety C19: New Latin, named after Theodor Bilharz (1825-62), German parasitologist who discovered schistosomes bilharzia 1. syl bil+har+zi:a pron pos n. def another name for a {schistosome}. bilharzia 2. syl bil+har+zi:a pron pos n. def another name for {schistosomiasis}. bilharziosis alt head bilharziasis or bilharziasis syl bil+har+zi:o+sis pron pos n. bilharziasis 0. or bilharziosis syl bil+har+zi:a+sis pron <2bilha:1tsI*sis> pos n. def another name for {schistosomiasis}. biliary 0. syl bil:i+ar:y pron <1bili*ri> pos adj. def of or relating to bile, to the ducts that convey bile, or to the gall bladder. bilinear 1. syl bi+lin+e:ar pron pos adj. def of or referring to two lines. bilinear 2. syl bi+lin+e:ar pron pos adj. def consisting of two first-degree variables. bilingual 1. syl bi+lin+gual pron pos adj. def able to speak two languages, esp. with fluency. bilingual 2. syl bi+lin+gual pron pos adj. def written or expressed in two languages. bilingual 3. syl bi+lin+gual pron pos n. def a bilingual person. bilingualism sub head bilingual syl bi+1lin+gual+ism pos n. bilingually sub head bilingual syl bi+1lin+gual+ly pos adv. bilious ety C16: from Latin b*_ili*_osus full of #7bile &- #!bil+ious+ness n. bilious 1. syl bil:i+ous pron <1bili*s> pos adj. def of or relating to bile. bilious 2. syl bil:i+ous pron <1bili*s> pos adj. def affected with or denoting any disorder related to excess secretion of bile. bilious 3. syl bil:i+ous pron <1bili*s> pos adj. usage Informal. esp. of colours def extremely distasteful; nauseating. exam 1 a bilious green. bilious 4. syl bil:i+ous pron <1bili*s> pos adj. qual Informal. def bad-tempered; irritable. bilirubin ety C19: from #7bile+ Latin ruber red+-#7in bilirubin 0. syl bil:i+ru+bin pron <2bili1ru:bin>, <2bI-> pos n. def an orange-yellow pigment in the bile formed as a breakdown product of haemoglobin. Excess amounts in the blood produce the yellow appearance associated with jaundice. Formula: C\3\2H\3\6O\6N\4. biliverdin ety C19: coined in Swedish, from Latin b*_ilis bile+Old French verd green+-#7in biliverdin 0. syl bil:i+ver+din pron <2bili1vR:din> pos n. def a dark green pigment in the bile formed by the oxidation of bilirubin. Formula: C\3\3H\3\4O\6N\4. bilk ety C17: perhaps variant of #7balk bilk 1. syl bilk pron pos vb. mod tr. def to balk; thwart. bilk 2. syl bilk pron pos vb. mod tr. usage often foll. by of def to cheat or deceive, esp. to avoid making payment to. bilk 3. syl bilk pron pos vb. mod tr. def to escape from; elude. bilk 4. syl bilk pron pos vb. mod tr. qual Cribbage. def to play a card that hinders (one's opponent) from scoring in his crib. bilk 5. syl bilk pron pos n. mod tr. def a swindle or cheat. bilk 6. syl bilk pron pos n. mod tr. def a person who swindles or cheats. bilker sub head bilk syl bilk+er pos n. bill ety C14: from Anglo-Latin billa, alteration of Late Latin bulla document, {#7bull %3} bill H1.1. syl bill pron pos n. def money owed for goods or services supplied. exam 1 an electricity bill. bill H1.2. syl bill pron pos n. def a written or printed account or statement of money owed. bill H1.3. syl bill pron pos n. qual Chiefly Brit. def such an account for food and drink in a restaurant, hotel, etc. Usual U.S. word: {check}. bill H1.4. syl bill pron pos n. def any printed or written list of items, events, etc., such as a theatre programme. exam 1 who's on the bill tonight?? fill the bill 5. head bill syl fill the bill. qual Informal. def to be entirely satisfactory. bill H1.6. syl bill pron pos n. def a statute in draft, before it becomes law. bill H1.7. syl bill pron pos n. def a printed notice or advertisement; poster. bill H1.8. syl bill pron pos n. qual U.S. def a piece of paper money; note. bill H1.9. syl bill pron pos n. def an obsolete name for {promissory note}. bill H1.10. syl bill pron pos n. qual Law. def See {bill of indictment}. bill H1.11. syl bill pron pos n. def See {bill of exchange}. bill H1.12. syl bill pron pos n. def See {bill of fare}. bill H1.13. syl bill pron pos n. qual Archaic. def any document. bill H1.14. syl bill pron pos vb. mod tr. def to send or present an account for payment to (a person). bill H1.15. syl bill pron pos vb. mod tr. def to enter (items, goods, etc.) on an account or statement. bill H1.16. syl bill pron pos vb. mod tr. def to advertise by posters. bill H1.17. syl bill pron pos vb. mod tr. def to schedule as a future programme. exam 1 the play is billed for next week. bill ety Old English bile; related to bill #7bill %3 bill H2.1. syl bill pron pos n. def the mouthpart of a bird, consisting of projecting jaws covered with a horny sheath; beak. It varies in shape and size according to the type of food eaten and may also be used as a weapon. bill H2.2. syl bill pron pos n. def any beaklike mouthpart in other animals. bill H2.3. syl bill pron pos n. def a narrow promontary. exam 1 Portland Bill. bill H2.4. syl bill pron pos n. qual Nautical. def the pointed tip of the fluke of an anchor. bill and coo) infl head bill syl bill and coo) pos vb. mod intr. bill H2.5. syl bill pron pos vb. usage .; of birds, esp. doves def to touch bills together. bill H2.6. syl bill pron pos vb. usage .; of lovers def to kiss and whisper amorously. bill ety Old English bill sword, related to Old Norse b*_ildr instrument used in blood-letting, Old High German bil pickaxe bill H3.1. syl bill pron pos n. def a hooked weapon with a long handle, such as a halberd. bill H3.2. syl bill pron pos n. def short for {billhook}. bill ety C18: from dialect beel #7bell (vb.) bill H4.0. syl bill pron pos n. qual Ornithol. def another word for { {boom} (sense 5).} billabong ety C19: from a native Australian language, from billa river+ bong dead billabong 1. syl bil+la+bong pron <1bil*2boG> pos n. qual Austral. def a stagnant pool in the bed of an intermittent stream. billabong 2. syl bil+la+bong pron <1bil*2boG> pos n. qual Austral. def a branch of a river running to a dead end. billboard ety C19: from #7bill %1+#7board billboard H1.0. syl bill+board pron <1bil2bc:d> pos n. qual Chiefly U.S. def another name for {hoarding}. billboard ety C19: from #7bill %2+#7board billboard H2.0. syl bill+board pron <1bil2bc:d> pos n. def a fitting at the bow of a vessel for securing an anchor. billet ety C15: from Old French billette, from bulle a document; see {#7bull %3} &- @!bil+let@.#!ee n. &- #!bil+let+er n. billet H1.1. syl bil+let pron <1bilit> pos n. def accommodation, esp. for a soldier, in civilian lodgings. billet H1.2. syl bil+let pron <1bilit> pos n. def the official requisition for such lodgings. billet H1.3. syl bil+let pron <1bilit> pos n. def a space or berth allocated, esp. for slinging a hammock, in a ship. billet H1.4. syl bil+let pron <1bilit> pos n. qual Informal. def a job. $D. a brief letter or document. billet H1.5. syl bil+let pron <1bilit> pos vb. mod tr. def to assign a lodging to (a soldier). billet H1.6. syl bil+let pron <1bilit> pos vb. mod tr. qual Informal. def to assign to a post or job. billet H1.7. syl bil+let pron <1bilit> pos vb. def to lodge or be lodged. billet ety C15: from Old French billette a little log, from bille log, probably of Celtic origin billet H2.1. syl bil+let pron <1bilit> pos n. def a chunk of wood, esp. for fuel. billet H2.2.a. syl bil+let pron <1bilit> pos n. def a metal bar of square or circular cross section. billet H2.2.b. syl bil+let pron <1bilit> pos n. def an ingot cast into the shape of a prism. billet H2.3. syl bil+let pron <1bilit> pos n. qual Architect. def a carved ornament in a moulding, with short cylinders or blocks evenly spaced. billet-doux ety C17: from French, literally: a sweet letter, from billet (see #7billet %1)#7+ doux sweet, from Latin dulcis billets-doux infl head billet-doux syl bil:lets-doux pron <2bili1du:z>, French pos n. mod pl. billet-doux 0. syl bil:let-doux pron <2bili1du:>, French , French pos n. qual Old-fashioned or jocular. def a love letter. billfish infl or billfishes syl bill+fish pos n. mod pl. billfishes infl head billfish or billfish syl bill+fish:es. pos n. mod pl. billfish 0. syl bill+fish pron <1bil2fiS> pos n. qual U.S. def any of various fishes having elongated jaws, esp. any fish of the family such as the spearfish and marlin. billfold 0. syl bill+fold pron <1bil2f*uld> pos n. def a U.S. word for {wallet}. billhook 0. syl bill+hook pron <1bil2huk> pos n. def a cutting tool with a wooden handle and a curved blade terminating in a hook at its tip, used for pruning, chopping, etc. Also called: {bill}. billiard 0. syl bil+liard pron <1bilj*d> pos n. usage modifier def of or relating to billiards. exam 1 a billiard table; exam 2 a billiard cue; exam 3 a billiard ball. billiards ety C16: from Old French billard curved stick, from Old French bille log; see #7billet %2 billiards 1. syl bil+liards pron <1bilj*dz> pos n. def any of various games in which long cues are used to drive balls made of ivory or composition. It is played on a rectangular table covered with a smooth tight-fitting cloth and having raised cushioned edges. billiards 2. syl bil+liards pron <1bilj*dz> pos n. def a version of this, played on a rectangular table having six pockets let into the corners and the two longer sides. Points are scored by striking one of three balls with the cue to contact the other two or one of the two. Compare { {pool} %2 (sense 6)}. billing 1. syl bill+ing pron <1biliG> pos n. qual Theatre. def the relative importance of a performer or act as reflected in the prominence given in programmes, advertisements, etc. billing 2. syl bill+ing pron <1biliG> pos n. qual Chiefly U.S. def public notice or advertising (esp. in the phrase {advance billing) }. billingsgate ety C17: after B#7illingsgate, which was notorious for such language billingsgate 0. syl bil+lings+gate pron <1biliGz2gAt> pos n. def obscene or abusive language. Billingsgate 0. syl Bil+lings+gate pron <1biliGgz2gAt> pos n. def the largest fish market in London, on the N bank of the River Thames. billion ety C17: from French, from #7bi -%1#7+ -llion as in million billions infl head billion or billion syl bil+lions pos n. mod pl. billion infl or billions syl bil+lion. pos n. mod pl. billion 1. syl bil+lion pron <1bilj*n> pos n. usage in Britain def one million million: written as 1000000000000 or 10%1%2. U.S. word: {trillion}. billion 2. syl bil+lion pron <1bilj*n> pos n. usage in the U.S. def one thousand million: written as 1000000000 or 10%9. billion 3. syl bil+lion pron <1bilj*n> pos n. mod often; pl. def any exceptionally large number. billion 4.a. syl bil+lion pron <1bilj*n> pos determiner. def amounting to a billion. exam 1 it seems like a billion years ago. billion 4.b. syl bil+lion pron <1bilj*n> pos determiner. usage as pronoun exam 1 we have a billion here. billionth sub head billion syl bil+lionth pos adj. n. billionaire 0. syl bil+lion+aire pron <2bilj*1ne*> pos n. def a person whose assets are worth over a billion of the monetary units of his country. Billiton 0. syl Bil+li+ton pron <1biliton>, pos n. def an island of Indonesia, in the Java Sea between Borneo and Sumatra. Chief town: Tan?!djungpandan. Area: 4833 sq. km (1866 sq. miles). Also called: {Belitung}. bill of adventure 0. syl bill of ad+ven+ture pos n. def a certificate made out by a merchant to show that goods handled by him and his agents are the property of another party at whose risk the dealing is done. bill of attainder 0. syl bill of at+tain+der pos n. usage formerly def a legislative act finding a person guilty without trial of treason or felony and declaring him attainted. See also { {attainder} (sense 1).} bill of exchange 0. syl bill of ex+change pos n. usage now chiefly in foreign transactions def a document, usually negotiable, containing an instruction to a third party to pay a stated sum of money at a designated future date or on demand. bill of fare 0. syl bill of fare pos n. def another name for {menu}. bill of health 1. syl bill of health pos n. def a certificate, issued by a port officer, that attests to the health of a ship's company. bill of health 2.a. syl bill of health pos n. def a good report of one's physical condition. bill of health 2.b. syl bill of health pos n. def a favourable account of a person's or a company's financial position. bill of indictment 0. syl bill of in+dict+ment pos n. qual Criminal Law. def a formal document accusing a person or persons of crime, formerly presented to a grand jury for certification as a true bill but now signed by a court official. bill of lading 0. syl bill of lad+ing pos n. usage in foreign trade def a document containing full particulars of goods shipped or for shipment. Usual U.S. name: {waybill}. Bill of Rights 1. syl Bill of Rights pos n. def an English statute of 1689 guaranteeing the rights and liberty of the individual subject. Bill of Rights 2. syl Bill of Rights pos n. def the first ten amendments to the U.S. Constitution, added in 1791, which guarantee the liberty of the individual. Bill of Rights 3. syl Bill of Rights pos n. usage usually not caps. def any charter or summary of basic human rights. bill of sale 0. syl bill of sale pos n. qual Law. def a deed transferring personal property, either outright or as security for a loan or debt. billon ety C18: from Old French: ingot, from bille log; see #7billet %2 billon 1. syl bil+lon pron <1bil*n> pos n. def an alloy consisting of gold or silver and a base metal, usually copper, used esp. for coinage. billon 2. syl bil+lon pron <1bil*n> pos n. def any coin made of such an alloy. billow ety C16: from Old Norse bylgja; related to Swedish b*_olja, Danish b*"olg, Middle High German bulge; see #7bellow, belly billow 1. syl bil+low pron <1bil*u> pos n. def a large sea wave. billow 2. syl bil+low pron <1bil*u> pos n. def a swelling or surging mass, as of smoke or sound. billow 3. syl bil+low pron <1bil*u> pos n. mod pl. qual Poetic. def the sea itself. {~} billow 4. syl bil+low pron <1bil*u> pos n. def to rise up, swell out, or cause to rise up or swell out. billowy 0. syl bil+low:y pron <1bil*ui> pos adj. def full of or forming billows. exam 1 a billowy sea. billowiness sub head billowy syl bil+low:i+ness pos n. billsticker alt head billposter or billposter syl bill+stick:er pos n. billposter 0. or billsticker syl bill+post:er pron <1bil2p*ust*> pos n. def a person who is employed to stick advertising posters to walls, fences, etc. billposting sub head billposter or billsticking syl bill+2post:ing pos n. billsticking sub head billposter or billposting syl bill+2stick:ing pos n. billy ety C19: special use of the name Billy, pet form of William billies infl head billy syl bil+lies. pos n. mod pl. billy H1.0. syl bil+ly pron <1bili> pos n. qual U.S. def a wooden club esp. a police?!man's truncheon. billy ety C19: from Scot. English billypot, cooking vessel billycan alt head billy or billy syl bil+ly+can pron <1bili>, <1bili2k@n>, <1bili2k@n> pos n. billies infl head billy or billycans syl bil+lies pos n. mod pl. billycans infl head billy or billies syl bil+ly+cans. pos n. mod pl. billy H2.0. or billycan syl bil+ly pron <1bili>, <1bili2k@n>, <1bili2k@n> pos n. def a metal can or pot for boiling water, etc., over a camp fire. billycock ety C19: named after William Coke, Englishman for whom it was first made billycock 0. syl bil+ly+cock pron <1bilikok> pos n. qual Rare, chiefly Brit. def any of several round-crowned brimmed hats of felt, such as the bowler. billy goat 0. syl bil+ly goat pos n. def a male goat. Compare {nanny goat}. billyo ety C19: of unknown origin billyoh alt head billyo or billyo syl bill:y+oh pron <1bili2*u> pos n. like billyo infl head billyo syl like billyo. pos n. Billy the Kid 0. syl Bil:ly the Kid pos n. def nickname of 1859-81, U.S. outlaw. bilobed alt head bilobate or bilobate syl bi+lobed pron <1bI2l*ubd> pos adj. bilobate 0. or bilobed syl bi+lo+bate pron pos adj. def divided into or having two lobes. exam 1 a bilobate leaf. biloculate alt head bilocular or bilocular syl bi+loc:u+late pos adj. bilocular 0. or biloculate syl bi+loc:u+lar pron pos adj. qual Biology. def divided into two chambers or cavities. exam 1 some flowering plants have bilocular ovaries. biltong ety C19: Afrikaans, from Dutch bil buttock+ tong #7tongue biltong 0. syl bil+tong pron <1bil2toG> pos n. qual S. African. def strips of meat dried and cured in the sun. Bim ety C19: of unknown origin Bim 0. syl Bim pron pos n. qual Informal. def a native or inhabitant of Barbados. BIM 0. syl B.I.M. qual abbrev. for def British Institute of Management. bima alt head bimah or bimah syl bi:ma pron <1bEm*> pos n. bimah 0. or bima syl bi+mah pron <1bEm*> pos n. def variant spellings of {bema}. bimanous ety C19: from New Latin bimana two handed, from #7bi -%1#7+ Latin manus hand bimanous 0. syl bim:a+nous pron <1bim*n*s>, pos adj. usage of man and the higher primates def having two hands distinct in form and function from the feet. bimbo ety C20: from Italian: little child bimbos infl head bimbo or bimboes syl bim+bos pos n. mod pl. bimboes infl head bimbo or bimbos syl bim+boes. pos n. mod pl. bimbo 1. syl bim+bo pron <1bimb*u> pos n. qual Slang, usually deroga?!tory. def a fellow; person. bimbo 2. syl bim+bo pron <1bimb*u> pos n. qual Slang, usually deroga?!tory. def a whore. bimestrial ety C19: from Latin bim*_estris, from #7bi -%1#7+ m*_ensis month bimestrial 1. syl bi+mes+tri:al pron pos adj. def lasting for two months. bimestrial 2. syl bi+mes+tri:al pron pos adj. def a less common word for { {bimonthly} (sense 1).} bimestrially sub head bimestrial syl bi+1mes+tri+al+ly pos adv. bimetallic 1. syl bi+me+tal+lic pron <2bImi1t@lik> pos adj. def consisting of two metals. bimetallic 2. syl bi+me+tal+lic pron <2bImi1t@lik> pos adj. def of, relating to, or based on bimetallism. bimetallic strip 0. syl bi+me+tal+lic strip pos n. def a strip consisting of two metals of different coefficients of expansion welded together so that it buckles on heating: used in thermostats, etc. bimetallism 1. syl bi+met+al+lism pron pos n. def the use of two metals, esp. gold and silver, in fixed relative values as the standard of value and currency. bimetallism 2. syl bi+met+al+lism pron pos n. def the economic policies or doctrine supporting a bimetallic standard. &- {bi+#!met+al+list} bimillenary 0. syl bi+mil+le+nar:y pron <2bImi1lEn*ri>, pos adj. def marking a two-thousandth anniversary. {~} {nar@.ies}. a two-thousandth anniversary. bimolecular 0. syl bi+mo+lec+u+lar pron <2bIm*1lekjul*> pos adj. usage of a chemical complex, collision, etc. def having or involving two molecules. bimonthly 1. syl bi+month+ly pron pos adj. adv. def every two months. bimonthly 2. syl bi+month+ly pron pos adj. adv. usage often avoided because of confusion with sense 1 def twice a month; semimonthly. See {bi-%1}. bimonthlies infl head bimonthly syl bi+month+lies. pos n. mod pl. bimonthly 3. syl bi+month+ly pron pos n. def a periodical published every two months. bimorph cell alt head bimorph or bimorph syl bi+morph cell pos n. bimorph 0. or bimorph cell syl bi+morph pron <1bImc:f> pos n. qual Electronics. def an assembly of two piezoelectric crystals cemented together so that an applied voltage causes one to expand and the other to contract, converting electrical signals into mechanical energy. Conversely, bending can generate a voltage: used in loudspeakers, gramophone pickups, etc. bin ety Old English binne basket, probably of Celtic origin; related to bindan to #7bind bin 1. syl bin pron pos n. def a large container or enclosed space for storing something in bulk, such as coal, grain, or wool. bin 2. syl bin pron pos n. def Also called: {bread bin}. a small container for bread. bin 3. syl bin pron pos n. def Also called: {dustbin, rubbish bin}. a container for litter, rubbish, etc. bin 4.a. syl bin pron pos n. def a storage place for bottled wine. bin 4.b. syl bin pron pos n. def one particular bottling of wine. bins infl head bin syl bins pos vb. binning infl head bin syl bin+ning pos vb. binned infl head bin syl binned. pos vb. bin 5. syl bin pron pos vb. mod tr. def to store in a bin. bin- 0. syl bin- pos prefix. def variant, esp. before a vowel, of {bi-} %1. exam 1 binocular. binal ety C17: from New Latin b*_in*_alis; see #7bin - binal 0. syl bi+nal pron <1bInL> pos adj. def twofold; double. binary ety C16: from Late Latin b*_in*_arius; see #7bin - binary 1. syl bi+na+ry pron <1bIn*ri>, <-ne-> pos adj. def composed of, relating to, or involving two; dual. binary 2. syl bi+na+ry pron <1bIn*ri>, <-ne-> pos adj. qual Maths., computer technol. def of, relating to, or expressed in binary notation or binary code. binary 3. syl bi+na+ry pron <1bIn*ri>, <-ne-> pos adj. usage of a compound or molecule def containing atoms of two different elements. binary 4. syl bi+na+ry pron <1bIn*ri>, <-ne-> pos adj. usage Metallurgy. of an alloy def consisting of two components or phases. binary 5. syl bi+na+ry pron <1bIn*ri>, <-ne-> pos adj. usage of an educational system def consisting of two parallel forms of education such as the grammar school and the secondary modern in Britain. binaries infl head binary syl bi+na+ries. pos n. mod pl. binary 6. syl bi+na+ry pron <1bIn*ri>, <-ne-> pos n. def something composed of two parts or things. binary 7. syl bi+na+ry pron <1bIn*ri>, <-ne-> pos n. def Also called: {binary number}. a number expressed in binary notation. binary 8. syl bi+na+ry pron <1bIn*ri>, <-ne-> pos n. qual Astronomy. def See {binary star}. binary code 0. syl bi+na+ry code pos n. qual Computer technol. def the representation of each one of a set of numbers, letters, etc., in a unique group of bits, each having one of two possible values. binary-coded decimal 0. syl bi:na:ry-cod:ed dec:i+mal pos n. def a number in binary code written in groups of four bits, each group representing one digit of the corresponding decimal number, as for the decimal Abbrev.: {BCD} binary digit 0. syl bi+na+ry dig+it pos n. def either of the two digits 0 or 1, used in binary notation. Abbrev.: {bit}. binary fission 0. syl bi+na+ry fis+sion pos n. def asexual reproduction in unicellular organisms by division into two similar daughter cells. binary form 0. syl bi+na+ry form pos n. qual Music. def a structure consisting of two sections, each being played twice. system alt head binary notation or binary notation syl sys+tem pos n. binary notation 0. or system syl bi+na+ry no+ta+tion pos n. def a number system having a base of two, numbers being expressed by combinations of the digits 0 and 1: used in computing, as 0 and 1 can be represented electrically as and binary operation 0. syl bi+na+ry op+er:a+tion pos n. def a mathematical operation applied to two numbers, quantities, expressions, sets, etc. binary star 0. syl bi+na+ry star pos n. def a double star system containing two associated stars revolving around a common centre of gravity in different orbits. A {visual binary} can be seen through a telescope. A {spectroscopic binary} can only be observed by the spectroscopic Doppler shift as each star moves towards or away from the earth. Sometimes shortened to {binary}. See also {optical double star, eclipsing binary}. binate ety C19: from New Latin b*_in*_atus, probably from Latin comb*_in*_atus united binate 0. syl bi+nate pron <1bInAt> pos adj. qual Botany. def occurring in two parts or in pairs. exam 1 binate leaves. binately sub head binate syl bi+nate+ly pos adv. binaural 1. syl bin+au:ral pron , pos adj. def relating to, having, or hearing with both ears. binaural 2. syl bin+au:ral pron , pos adj. def employing two separate channels for recording or transmitting sound; so creating an impression of depth. exam 1 a binaural recording. binaurally sub head binaural syl bin+1au:ral+ly pos adv. bind ety Old English bindan; related to Old Norse binda, Old High German bintan, Latin offendix #7band %2#7, Sanskrit badhn*_ati he binds binds infl head bind syl binds pos vb. binding infl head bind syl bind+ing pos vb. bound infl head bind syl bound. pos vb. bind 1. syl bind pron pos vb. def to make or become fast or secure with or as if with a tie or band. bind 2. syl bind pron pos vb. mod tr. usage often foll. by up def to encircle or enclose with a band. exam 1 to bind the hair. bind 3. syl bind pron pos vb. mod tr. def to place (someone) under obligation; oblige. bind 4. syl bind pron pos vb. mod tr. def to impose legal obligations or duties upon (a person or party to an agreement). bind 5. syl bind pron pos vb. mod tr. def to make (a bargain, agreement, etc.) ir?!revocable; seal. bind 6. syl bind pron pos vb. mod tr. def to restrain or confine with or as if with ties, as of responsibility or loyalty. bind 7. syl bind pron pos vb. mod tr. def to place under certain constraints; govern. bind 8. syl bind pron pos vb. mod tr. usage often foll. by up def to bandage or swathe. exam 1 to bind a wound. bind 9. syl bind pron pos vb. def to cohere or stick or cause to cohere or stick. exam 1 egg binds fat and flour. bind 10. syl bind pron pos vb. def to make or become compact, stiff, or hard. exam 1 frost binds the earth. bind 11.a. syl bind pron pos vb. mod tr. def to enclose and fasten (the pages of a book) between covers. bind 11.b. syl bind pron pos vb. mod intr. usage of a book def to undergo this process. bind 12. syl bind pron pos vb. mod tr. def to provide (a garment, hem, etc.) with a border or edging, as for decoration or to prevent fraying. bind 13. syl bind pron pos vb. mod tr. usage sometimes foll. by out or over def to employ as an apprentice; indenture. bind 14. syl bind pron pos vb. mod intr. qual Slang. def to complain. bind 15. syl bind pron pos n. def something that binds. bind 16. syl bind pron pos n. def the act of binding or state of being bound. bind 17. syl bind pron pos n. qual Informal. def a difficult or annoying situation. bind 18. syl bind pron pos n. def another word for {bine}. bind 19. syl bind pron pos n. qual Music. def another word for { {tie} (sense 17).} bind 20. syl bind pron pos n. qual Mining. def clay between layers of coal. bind 21. syl bind pron pos n. qual Fencing. def a pushing movement with the blade made to force one's opponent's sword from one line into another. {~} See also {bind over}. binder 1. syl bind+er pron <1bInd*> pos n. def a firm cover or folder with rings or clasps for holding loose sheets of paper together. binder 2. syl bind+er pron <1bInd*> pos n. def a material used to bind separate particles together, give an appropriate consistency, or facilitate adhesion to a surface. binder 3. syl bind+er pron <1bInd*> pos n. def a person who binds books; bookbinder. binder 4. syl bind+er pron <1bInd*> pos n. def something used to fasten or tie, such as rope or twine. binder 5. syl bind+er pron <1bInd*> pos n. def Also called: {reaper binder}. a machine for cutting grain and binding it into bundles or sheaves. Compare {combine harvester}. binder 6. syl bind+er pron <1bInd*> pos n. def an informal agreement giving insurance coverage pending formal issue of a policy. binder 7. syl bind+er pron <1bInd*> pos n. def a tie, beam, or girder, used to support floor joists. binder 8. syl bind+er pron <1bInd*> pos n. def a stone for binding masonry; bondstone. binderies infl head bindery syl bind+er:ies. pos n. mod pl. bindery 0. syl bind+er:y pron <1bInd*ri> pos n. def a place in which books are bound. bindi-eye ety C20: perhaps from a native Australian language bindi-eye 0. syl bin:di-eye pron <1bindi2I> pos n. qual Austral. def any of various small weedy Australian herbaceous plants of the genus with burlike fruits: family (composites). binding 1. syl bind+ing pron <1bIndiG> pos n. def anything that binds or fastens. binding 2. syl bind+ing pron <1bIndiG> pos n. def the covering within which the pages of a book are bound. binding 3. syl bind+ing pron <1bIndiG> pos n. def the material or tape used for binding hems, etc. binding 4. syl bind+ing pron <1bIndiG> pos adj. def imposing an obligation or duty. exam 1 a binding promise. binding 5. syl bind+ing pron <1bIndiG> pos adj. def causing hindrance; restrictive. binding energy 1. syl bind+ing en+er+gy pos n. qual Physics. def the energy that must be supplied to a stable nucleus before it can undergo fission. It is equal to the mass defect. binding energy 2. syl bind+ing en+er+gy pos n. qual Physics. def the energy required to remove a particle from a system, esp. an electron from an atom. bind over 0. syl bind o:ver pos vb. adv. mod tr. def to place (a person) under a legal obligation, such as one to keep the peace. bindweed 1. syl bind+weed pron <1bInd2wEd> pos n. def any convolvulaceous plant of the genera and that twines around a support. See also bindweed 2. syl bind+weed pron <1bInd2wEd> pos n. def any of various other trailing or twining plants, such as black bindweed. bine ety C19: variant of #7bind bine 1. syl bine pron pos n. def the climbing or twining stem of any of various plants, such as the woodbine or bindweed. bine 2. syl bine pron pos n. def any plant with such a stem. Binet-Simon scale ety C20: named after Alfred Binet (1857-1911)+Th*'eodore Simon (1873-1961), French psychologists Binet-Simon scale 0. syl Bi:net-Si:mon scale pron <1bEnA1sIm*n> pos n. qual Psychol. def a test comprising questions and tasks, used to determine the mental age of subjects, usually children. Also called: {Binet scale} {test}. See also {Stanford-Binet test}. binge ety C19: probably Lincolnshire dialect binge to soak binge 1. syl binge pron pos n. qual Informal. def a bout of excessive eating or drinking. binge 2. syl binge pron pos n. qual Informal. def excessive indulgence in anything. exam 1 a shopping binge. Bingen 0. syl Bing+en pron <1biG*n> pos n. def a town in W West Germany on the Rhine: wine trade and tourist centre. Pop.: 23700 (1970). bingey ety C19: from a native Australian language bingy alt head bingey or bingey syl bin:gy pron <1binJi> pos n. bingeys infl head bingey or bingies syl bin:geys pos n. mod pl. bingies infl head bingey or bingeys syl bin:gies. pos n. mod pl. bingey 0. or bingy syl bin+gey pron <1binJi> pos n. qual Austral. informal. def the stomach; belly. binghi ety C19: from a native Australian language, literally: brother binghi 0. syl bin+ghi pron <1biGgI> pos n. qual Austral. slang, often derogatory. def an Aborigine. bingle ety C20: of uncertain origin bingle 0. syl bin+gle pron <1biGgL> pos n. qual Austral. informal. def a minor crash or upset, as in a car or on a surfboard. bingo ety C19: perhaps from bing, imitative of a bell ringing to mark the win bingo 1. syl bin+go pron <1biGg*u> pos n. def a gambling game, usually played with several people, in which numbers selected at random are called out and the players cover the numbers on their individual cards. The first to cover a given arrangement of numbers is the winner. Compare {lotto. ~} bingo 2. syl bin+go pron <1biGg*u> pos n. def a cry by the winner of a game of bingo. bingo 3. syl bin+go pron <1biGg*u> pos n. def an expression of surprise at a sudden occurrence or the successful completion of something. exam 1 and bingo&! exam 2 the lights went out. Binhdinh alt head Binh Dinh or Binh Dinh syl Binh+dinh pron <1bin1din> pos n. Binh Dinh 0. or Binhdinh syl Binh Dinh pron <1bin1din> pos n. def a city in SE Vietnam. Pop.: 147000 (1968 est.). Beni alt head Bini or Bini syl Be:ni pron pos n. Bini infl or Binis syl Bi:ni pos n. mod pl. Binis infl head Bini or Bini syl Bi:nis. pos n. mod pl. Bini 0. or Beni syl Bi:ni pron pos n. def another name for {Edo}. binnacle ety C17: changed from C15 bitakle, from Portuguese bit*'acula, from Late Latin habit*_aculum dwelling-place, from Latin habit*_are to inhabit; spelling influenced by #7bin binnacle 0. syl bin+na+cle pron <1bin*kL> pos n. def a housing for a ship's compass. binocular ety C18: from #7bi -%1#7+ Latin oculus eye binocular 0. syl bin+oc:u+lar pron , pos adj. def involving, relating to, seeing with or intended for both eyes. exam 1 binocular vision. binoculars 0. syl bin+oc:u+lars pron , pos n. mod pl. def an optical instrument for use with both eyes, consisting of two small telescopes joined together. Also called: {field glasses}. binomial ety C16: from Medieval Latin bin*_omius from #7bi -%1#7+ Latin n*_omen #7name binomial 1. syl bi+no+mi:al pron pos n. def a mathematical expression consisting of two terms, such as 3 +2 binomial 2. syl bi+no+mi:al pron pos n. def a two-part taxonomic name for an animal or plant. See {binomial nomenclature}. binomial 3. syl bi+no+mi:al pron pos adj. def referring to two names or terms. binomially sub head binomial syl bi+1no+mi+al+ly pos adv. binomial distribution 0. syl bi+no+mi:al dis+tri+bu+tion pos n. def a statistical distribution giving the probability of obtaining a specified number of successes in a specified number of trials of an experiment, with a constant probability of success in each trial. binominal nomenclature alt head binomial or binomial syl bi+nom:i+nal no+men+cla+ture pos n. binomial 0. or binominal nomenclature syl bi+no+mi:al pos n. def a system for naming plants and animals by means of two Latin names: the first indicating the genus and the second the species to which the organism belongs, as in (the lion). binomial theorem 0. syl bi+no+mi:al the:o+rem pos n. def a mathematical theorem that gives the expansion of any binomial raised to a positive integral power, It contains +1 terms. exam 1 (x infl head binominal syl ~ pos adj. qual Biology. binominal 1. syl bi+nom:i+nal pron pos adj. def of or denoting the binomial nomenclature. {~} binominal 2. syl bi+nom:i+nal pron pos adj. def a two-part taxonomic name; binomial. bint ety C19: from Arabic, literally: daughter bint 0. syl bint pron pos n. qual Slang. def a derogatory term for {girl} or {woman}. binturong ety from Malay binturong 0. syl bin+tu+rong pron <1bintju2roG>, pos n. def an arboreal SE Asian viverrine mammal, closely related to the palm civets but larger and having long shaggy black hair. binucleate 0. syl bi+nu+cle+ate pron , <-it> pos adj. qual Biology. def having two nuclei. exam 1 a binucleate cell. bio- ety from Greek bios life bio-assay 1. syl bi:o-as:say pron <2bI*u*1sA>, <-1@sA> pos n. def a method of determining the concentration, activity, or effect of a drug, hormone, or vitamin by testing its effect on a living organism and comparing this with the activity of an agreed standard. bio-assay 2. syl bi:o-as:say pron <2bI*u*?!1sA> pos vb. mod tr. def to subject to a bio-assay. bioastronautics 0. syl bi:o+as+tro+nau+tics pron <2bI*u2@str*1nc:tiks> pos n. mod functioning as; sing. def the study of the effects of space flight on living organisms. See {space medicine}. B'io-B'io 0. syl B*'i:o-B*'i:o pron Spanish <1bio> <1bio> pos n. def a river in central Chile, rising in the Andes and flowing northwest to the Pacific. Length: about 390 km (240 miles). biocatalyst 0. syl bi:o+cat:a+lyst pron <2bI*u1k@t*list> pos n. def a chemical, esp. an enzyme, that initiates or modifies the rate of a biochemical reaction. biocatalytic sub head biocatalyst syl bi:o+cat:a+lyt+ic pron <2bI*u2k@t*1litik> pos adj. biocellate 0. syl bi+oc+el+late pron , <2bI*u1selit> pos adj. usage of animals and plants def marked with two eyelike spots or ocelli. biocenology ety C20: from #7bio -#7+ ceno-, from Greek koinos common+-#7logy biocenology 0. syl bi:o+ce:nol+o:gy pron <2bI*usi1nol*Ji> pos n. def the branch of ecology concerned with the relationships and interactions between the members of a natural community. biochemical oxygen demand 0. syl bi:o+chem:i+cal ox:y+gen de+mand pos n. def a measure of the organic pollution of water: the amount of oxygen, in mg per litre of water, absorbed by a sample kept at 20?%C for five days. {B.O.D}. biochemistry 0. syl bi:o+chem+is+try pron <2bI*u1kemistri> pos n. def the study of the chemical compounds, reactions, etc., occurring in living organisms. &- {bi@.o+chem@.i+cal} (@!ba$I$$$u#!k$em$Ik%@l) &- {@!bi@.o+#!chem@.i+cal+ly} &- {@!bi@.o+#!chem+ist} biocide 0. syl bi:o+cide pron <1bI*2sId> pos n. def a chemical, such as a pesticide, capable of killing living organisms. biocidal sub head biocide syl bi:o+1cid+al pos adj. bioclimatology 0. syl bi:o+cli+ma+tol+o:gy pron <2bI*u2klIm*1tol*Ji> pos n. def the study of the effects of climatic conditions on living organisms. biocycle 0. syl bi:o+cy+cle pron <1bI*u2sIkL> pos n. qual Ecology. def any of the major regions of the biosphere, such as the land or sea, which are capable of supporting life. biodegradable 0. syl bi:o+de:grad+a:ble pron <2bI*udi1grAd*bL> pos adj. usage of sewage con?!stituents, packaging material, etc. def capable of being decomposed by bacteria or other biological means. &- {bi@.o+deg+ra+da+tion} (@!ba$I$$$u@!d$egr$$#!de$I#s$$n) biodynamics 0. syl bi:o+dy+nam+ics pron <2bI*udI1n@miks>, <-di-> pos n. mod functioning as; sing. def the branch of biology that deals with the energy production and activities of organisms. biodynamic sub head biodynamics or biodynamical syl bi:o+dy+1nam+ic pos adj. biodynamical sub head biodynamics or biodynamic syl bi:o+dy+1nam+ic+al pos adj. bioecology 0. syl bi:o+e:col+o:gy pron <2bI*ui1kol*Ji> pos n. def another word for {ecol?!ogy} (sense 1). bioecological sub head bioecology syl bi:o+e:co+log:i+cal pron <2bI*u2Ek*1loJikL> pos adj. bioecologically sub head bioecology syl bi:o+2e:co+1log:i+cal+ly pos adv. bioecologist sub head bioecology syl bi:o+e:1col:o+gist pos n. bioenergetics 0. syl bi:o+en+er+get+ics pron <2bI*u2en*1Jetiks> pos n. mod functioning as; sing. def the study of energy relationships in living organisms, esp. in natural communities. bioenergetic sub head bioenergetics syl bi:o+2en+er+1get+ic pos adj. bioengineering 1. syl bi:o+en+gi+neer+ing pron <2bI*u2enJi1ni*riG> pos n. def the design and manufacture of aids, such as artificial limbs, to rectify defective body functions. bioengineering 2. syl bi:o+en+gi+neer+ing pron <2bI*u2enJi1ni*riG> pos n. def the design, manufacture, and maintenance of engineering equipment used in biosynthetic processes, such as fermentation. bioengineer sub head bioengineering syl bi:o+2en+gi+1neer pos n. biofeedback 0. syl bi:o+feed+back pron <2bI*u1fEd2b@k> pos n. qual Physiol., psychol. def a tech?!nique for controlling autonomic functions, such as the rate of heartbeat or breathing, by concentrating on the desired effect. bioflavonoid 0. syl bi:o+fla+vo+noid pron <2bI*u1flAv*2ncid> pos n. def another name for {vitamin P}. biog 1. syl biog. qual abbrev. for: def biographical. biog 2. syl biog. qual abbrev. for: def biography. biogen 0. syl bi:o+gen pron <1bI*J*n> pos n. def a hypothetical protein assumed to be the basis of the formation and functioning of body cells and tissues. biogenesis 0. syl bi:o+gen+e:sis pron <2bI*u1Jenisis> pos n. def the principle that a living organism must originate from a parent organism similar to itself. Compare {abiogenesis}. biogenetic sub head biogenesis syl bi:o+ge:1net+ic pron pos adj. biogenetical sub head biogenesis or biogenous syl bi:o+ge:1net:i+cal pron pos adj. biogenous sub head biogenesis or biogenetical syl bi:og+e:nous pron pos adj. biogenetically sub head biogenesis syl bi:o+ge:1net:i+cal+ly pos adv. biogeography 0. syl bi:o+ge:og+ra+phy pron <2bI*uJi1ogr*fi> pos n. def the branch of biology concerned with the geographical distribution of plants and animals. biogeographical sub head biogeography syl bi:o+ge:o+graph:i+cal pron <2bI*u2Ji*1gr@fikL> pos adj. biogeographically sub head biogeography syl bi:o+2ge:o+1graph:i+cal+ly pos adv. biographies infl head biography syl bi+og+ra+phies. pos n. mod pl. biography 1. syl bi+og+ra+phy pron pos n. def an account of a person's life by another. biography 2. syl bi+og+ra+phy pron pos n. def such accounts collectively. &- {bi+#!og+raph+er} &- {bi@.o+graph@.i+cal} (@!ba$I$$#!gr@af$Ik%@l) {@!bi@.o+#!graph+ic} &- {@!bi@.o+#!graph@.i+cal+ly} bioherm ety C20: from #7bio -#7+ Greek herma submerged rock bioherm 0. syl bi:o+herm pron <1bI*u2hR:m> pos n. def a mass of organic material, esp. a coral reef, surrounded by rocks of different origin. biol 1. syl biol. qual abbrev. for: def biological. biol 2. syl biol. qual abbrev. for: def biology. biologic alt head biological or biological syl bi:o+log+ic pos adj. biological 1. or biologic syl bi:o+log:i+cal pron <2bI*1loJikL> pos adj. def of or relating to biology. biological 2. or biologic syl bi:o+log:i+cal pron <2bI*1loJikL> pos n. mod usually; pl. def a drug, such as a vaccine, that is derived from a living organism. biologically sub head biological syl bi:o+1log:i+cal+ly pos adv. biological clock 1. syl bi:o+log:i+cal clock pos n. def an inherent periodicity in the physiological processes of living organisms that is not depend?!ent on the periodicity of external factors. biological clock 2. syl bi:o+log:i+cal clock pos n. def the hypothetical mechanism responsible for this periodicity. biological clock xref syl bi:o+log:i+cal clock pos n. def See also {circadian}. biological warfare 0. syl bi:o+log:i+cal war+fare pos n. def the use of living organisms or their toxic products to induce death or incapacity in humans and animals and damage to plant crops, etc. biology 1. syl bi+ol+o:gy pron pos n. def the study of living organisms, including their structure, functioning, evolution, distribution, and interrelationships. biology 2. syl bi+ol+o:gy pron pos n. def the structure, functioning, etc., of a particular organism or group of organisms. biology 3. syl bi+ol+o:gy pron pos n. def the animal and plant life of a particular region. biologist sub head biology syl bi+1ol:o+gist pos n. bioluminescence 0. syl bi:o+lu+mi+nes+cence pron <2bI*u2lu:mi1nes*ns> pos n. def the production of light by living organisms as a result of the oxidation of a light-producing substance (luciferin) by the enzyme luciferase: occurs in many marine organisms, insects such as the firefly, etc. bioluminescent sub head bioluminescence syl bi:o+2lu+mi+1nes+cent pos adj. biolysis 1. syl bi+ol:y+sis pron pos n. def the death and dissolution of a living organism. biolysis 2. syl bi+ol:y+sis pron pos n. def the disintegration of organic matter by the action of bacteria etc. biolytic sub head biolysis syl bi:o+lyt+ic pron <2bI*1litik> pos adj. biomass 0. syl bi:o+mass pron <1bI*u2m@s> pos n. def the total amount of living organisms in a given area, expressed in terms of living or dry weight per unit area. biome ety C20: from #7bio- +#7-ome biome 0. syl bi+ome pron <1bI2*um> pos n. def a major ecological community, extending over a large area and usually characterized by a dominant vegetation. See { {formation} (sense 6)}. biometrics alt head biometry or biometry syl bi:o+met+rics pron <2bI*1metriks> pos n. biometry 1. or biometrics syl bi+om+e:try pron pos n. def the study of biological data by means of statistical analysis. biometry 2. or biometrics syl bi+om+e:try pron pos n. def the statistical calculation of the probable duration of human life. biometric sub head biometry syl bi:o+met+ric pron <2bI*1metrik> pos adj. biometrically sub head biometry syl bi:o+1met+ri+cal+ly pos adv. bionic 1. syl bi+on+ic pron pos adj. def of or relating to bionics. bionic 2. syl bi+on+ic pron pos adj. usage in science fiction def having certain physiological functions aug?!mented or replaced by electronic equipment. exam 1 the bionic man. bionics 0. syl bi+on+ics pron pos n. mod functioning as; sing. def the study of certain biological functions, esp. those relating to the brain, that are applicable to the development of electronic equipment, such as computer hardware, designed to operate in a similar manner. bionomics 0. syl bi:o+nom+ics pron <2bI*1nomiks> pos n. mod functioning as; sing. def a less common name for { {ecology} (senses 1, 2)}. bionomic sub head bionomics syl bi:o+1nom:ic pos adj. bionomically sub head bionomics syl bi:o+1nom:i+cal+ly pos adv. bionomist sub head bionomics syl bi+on:o+mist pron pos n. biophysics 0. syl bi:o+phys+ics pron <2bI*u1fiziks> pos n. mod functioning as; sing. def the physics of biological processes and the application of methods used in physics to biology. biophysical sub head biophysics syl bi:o+1phys:i+cal pos adj. biophysically sub head biophysics syl bi:o+1phys:i+cal+ly pos adv. biophysicist sub head biophysics syl bi:o+phys:i+cist pron <2bI*u1fizisist> pos n. bioplasm 0. syl bi:o+plasm pron <1bI*u2pl@z*m> pos n. def living matter; protoplasm. bioplasmic sub head bioplasm syl bi:o+1plas+mic pos adj. biopoiesis 0. syl bi:o+poi+e:sis pron <2bI*upci1Esis> pos n. def the synthesis of living matter from nonliving matter, esp. considered as an evolutionary process. biopsy ety C20: from #7bio -+Greek opsis sight biopsies infl head biopsy syl bi+op+sies. pos n. mod pl. biopsy 0. syl bi+op+sy pron <1bIopsi> pos n. def examination, esp. under a microscope, of tissue from a living body to determine the cause or extent of a disease. bioptic sub head biopsy syl bi+op+tic pron pos adj. bioscope 1. syl bi:o+scope pron <1bI*2sk*up> pos n. def a kind of early film projector. bioscope 2. syl bi:o+scope pron <1bI*2sk*up> pos n. def a South African word for {cinema}. bioscopies infl head bioscopy syl bi+os+co+pies. pos n. mod pl. bioscopy 0. syl bi+os+co+py pron pos n. def examination of a body to determine whether it is alive. -biosis ety New Latin,@T from Greek bi*_osis;@T see #7bio -#7,@T -#7osis -biosis 0. syl -bi:o:sis pos n. usage combining form. def indicating a specified mode of life. exam 1 symbiosis. @T -biotic sub head -biosis syl -bi:ot:ic pos adj. biosphere 0. syl bi:o+sphere pron <1bI*2sfi*> pos n. def the part of the earth's surface and atmosphere inhabited by living things. biostatics 0. syl bi:o+stat+ics pron <2bI*u1st@tiks> pos n. mod functioning as; sing. def the branch of biology that deals with the structure of organisms in relation to their function. biostatic sub head biostatics syl bi:o+1stat+ic pos adj. biostatically sub head biostatics syl bi:o+1stat:i+cal+ly pos adv. biostrome ety C20: from #7bio -#7+ Greek str*_oma biostrome 0. syl bi:o+strome pron <1bI*2str*um> pos n. def a thin rocky layer consisting of a deposit of organic material, such as fossils. biosynthesis 0. syl bi:o+syn+the+sis pron <2bI*u1sinTisis> pos n. def the formation of complex compounds from simple substances by living organisms. biosynthetic sub head biosynthesis syl bi:o+syn+thet+ic pron <2bI*u2sin1Tetik> pos adj. biosynthetically sub head biosynthesis syl bi:o+2syn+1thet:i+cal+ly pos adv. biota ety C20: from New Latin, from Greek biot*_e way of life, from bios life biota 0. syl bi:o+ta pron pos n. def the plant and animal life of a particular region or period. biotechnology 0. syl bi:o+tech+nol+o:gy pron <2bI*utek1nol*Ji> pos n. def the U.S. name for {ergonomics}. biotechnological sub head biotechnology syl bi:o+tech+no+log:i+cal pron <2bI*u2tekn*1loJikL> pos adj. biotechnologically sub head biotechnology syl bi:o+2tech+no+1log:i+cal+ly pos adv. biotechnologist sub head biotechnology syl bi:o+tech+1nol:o+?!gist pos n. biotic ety C17: from Greek biotikos, from bios life biotic 0. syl bi+ot+ic pron pos adj. def of or relating to living organisms. biotin ety C20: biot- from Greek biot*_e life, way of life+-#7in biotin 0. syl bi:o+tin pron <1bI*tin> pos n. def a vitamin of the B complex, abundant in egg yolk and liver, deficiency of which causes dermatitis and loss of hair. Formula: C\1\0H\1\6N\2O\3S. See also {avidin}. biotite 0. syl bi:o+tite pron <1bI*2tIt> pos n. def a dark brown to black mica. Formula: K(Mg,Fe)\3AlSi\3O\1\0(OH)\2. biotitic sub head biotite syl bi:o+tit+ic pron <2bI*1titik> pos adj. biotope ety C20: from #7bio- + Greek topos place biotope 0. syl bi:o+tope pron <1bI*2t*up> pos n. qual Ecology. def a small area, such as the bark of a tree, that supports its own distinctive community. biotype 0. syl bi:o+type pron <1bI*2tIp> pos n. def a group of plants or animals within a species that resemble, but differ physiologically from, other members of the species. biotypic sub head biotype syl bi:o+typ+ic pron <2bI*1tipik> pos adj. biparietal 0. syl bi+pa+ri+e:tal pron <2bIp*1rIitL> pos adj. qual Anatomy. def relating to or connected to both parietal bones. biparous 1. syl bip+ar+ous pron <1bip*r*s> pos adj. qual Zoology. def producing offspring in pairs. biparous 2. syl bip+ar+ous pron <1bip*r*s> pos adj. usage Botany. esp. of an inflorescence def producing two branches from one stem. bipartisan 0. syl bi+par+ti+san pron <2bIpa:ti1z@n>, pos adj. def consisting of or supported by two or more political parties. bipartisanship sub head bipartisan syl bi+par+ti+1san+ship pos n. bipartite 1. syl bi+par+tite pron pos adj. def consisting of or having two parts. bipartite 2. syl bi+par+tite pron pos adj. def affecting or made by two parties; bilateral. exam 1 a bipartite agreement. bipartite 3. syl bi+par+tite pron pos adj. usage Botany. esp. of some leaves def divided into two parts almost to the base. bipartitely sub head bipartite syl bi+1par+tite+ly pos adv. bipartition sub head bipartite syl bi+par+ti+tion pron <2bIpa:1tiS*n> pos n. biped 1. syl bi+ped pron <1bIped> pos n. def any animal with two feet. biped 2. syl bi+ped pron <1bIped> pos adj. usage also def having two feet. bipetalous 0. syl bi+pet+al+ous pron pos adj. def having two petals. biphenyl 1. syl bi+phen+yl pron , <-1fE-> pos n. def a white or colourless crystalline solid used as a heat-transfer agent, as a fungicide, and in the manufacture of dyes, etc. Formula: C\6H\5C\6H\5. biphenyl 2. syl bi+phen+yl pron , <-1fE-> pos n. def any substituted derivative of biphenyl. biphenyl xref syl bi+phen+yl pron , <-1fE-> pos n. def Also called: {diphenyl}. bipinnate 0. syl bi+pin+nate pron pos adj. usage of compound leaves def having both the leaflets and the stems bearing them arranged pinnately. bipinnately sub head bipinnate syl bi+1pin+nate+ly pos adv. biplane 0. syl bi+plane pron <1bI2plAn> pos n. def an early type of aeroplane having two sets of wings, one above the other. Compare {monoplane}. bipod 0. syl bi+pod pron <1bIpod> pos n. def a two-legged support or stand. bipolar 1. syl bi+po+lar pron pos adj. def having two poles. exam 1 a bipolar dynamo; exam 2 a bipolar neuron. bipolar 2. syl bi+po+lar pron pos adj. def relating to or found at the North and South Poles. bipolar 3. syl bi+po+lar pron pos adj. def having or characterized by two opposed opinions, natures, etc. bipolar 4. syl bi+po+lar pron pos adj. usage of a transistor def utilizing both majority and minority charge carriers. bipropellant 0. syl bi+pro+pel+lant pron <2bIpr*1pel*nt> pos n. def a rocket propellant consist?!ing of two substances, usually a fuel and an oxidizer. Also called: {dipropellant}. Compare {monopropellant}. biquadrate 0. syl bi+quad+rate pron , <-rit> pos n. qual Maths. def the fourth power. infl head biquadratic syl ~ pos adj. qual Maths. biquadratic 1. syl bi+quad+rat+ic pron <2bIkwo1dr@tik> pos adj. usage also def of or relating to the fourth power. biquadratic 2. syl bi+quad+rat+ic pron <2bIkwo1dr@tik> pos n. usage also def a biquadratic equation, such as %4+ +6=0. biquarterly 0. syl bi+quar+ter+ly pron pos adj. def occurring twice every three months. biracial 0. syl bi+ra+cial pron pos adj. def for, representing, or including members of two races, esp. White and Black. &- {bi+#!ra+cial+ism} &- {bi+#!ra+cial+ly} biradial 0. syl bi+ra+di:al pron pos adj. def showing both bilateral and radial symmetry, as certain sea anemones. biramous 0. syl bi+ra+mous pron <1bir*m*s> pos adj. def divided into two parts, as the appendages of crustaceans. birch ety Old English bierce; related to Old High German birihha, Sanskrit bh*_urja &- #!birch+en adj. birch 1. syl birch pron pos n. def any betulaceous tree or shrub of the genus having thin peeling bark. See also {silver birch}. birch 2. syl birch pron pos n. def the hard close-grained wood of any of these trees. the birch 3. head birch syl the birch. def a bundle of birch twigs or a birch rod used, esp. formerly, for flogging offenders. birch 4. syl birch pron pos adj. def of, relating to, or belonging to the birch. birch 5. syl birch pron pos adj. def consisting or made of birch. birch 6. syl birch pron pos vb. mod tr. def to flog with a birch. Birchist infl head Bircher or Birchite syl Birch+ist pos n. Birchite infl head Bircher or Birchist syl Birch+ite pos n. Bircher 0. syl Birch+er pron <1bR:C*> pos n. def a member or supporter of the John Birch Society. Birchism sub head Bircher syl Birch+ism pos n. bird ety Old English bridd, of unknown origin bird 1. syl bird pron pos n. def any warm-blooded egg-laying vertebrate of the class characterized by a body covering of feathers and forelimbs modified as wings. Birds vary in size between the ostrich and the humming bird. Related adj.: {avian}. bird 2. syl bird pron pos n. qual Informal. def a person (usually preceded by a qualifying adjective, as in the phrases {rare bird, odd bird, clever bird) }. bird 3. syl bird pron pos n. qual Slang, chiefly Brit. def a girl or young woman, esp. one's girlfriend. bird 4. syl bird pron pos n. qual Slang. def prison or a term in prison (esp. in the phrase {do bird}) . a bird in the hand 5. head bird syl a bird in the hand. def something definite or certain. the bird has flown 6. head bird syl the bird has flown. qual Informal. def the person in question has fled or escaped. birds of a feather 7. head bird syl birds of a feather. qual Often derogatory. def people with characteristics, ideas, interests, etc., in common. bird 8.a. syl bird pron pos n. def to be fired or dismissed. bird 8.b. syl bird pron pos n. usage esp. of a public performer def to be hissed at, booed, or derided. give (someone) the bird 9. head bird syl give (someone) the bird. qual Informal. def to tell (someone) rudely to depart; scoff at; hiss. kill two birds with one stone 10. head bird syl kill two birds with one stone. def to accomplish two things at the same time. like a bird 11. head bird syl like a bird. def without resistance or difficulty. a little bird 12. head bird syl a little bird. def a (supposedly) unknown informant. exam 1 a little bird told me it was your birthday. (strictly) for the birds 13. head bird syl (strictly) for the birds. qual Informal. def deserving of disdain or contempt; not important. birdlike sub head bird syl bird+like pos adj. Bird 0. syl Bird pron pos n. def nickname of (Charlie) {Parker}. birdbath 0. syl bird+bath pron <1bR:d2ba:T> pos n. def a small basin or trough for birds to bathe in, usually in a garden. bird-brained 0. syl bird-brained pos adj. qual Informal. def dull; stupid. birdcage 1. syl bird+cage pron <1bR:d2kAJ> pos n. def a wire or wicker cage in which captive birds are kept. birdcage 2. syl bird+cage pron <1bR:d2kAJ> pos n. def any object of a similar shape, construction, or purpose. bird call 1. syl bird call pos n. def the characteristic call or song of a bird. bird call 2. syl bird call pos n. def an imitation of this. bird call 3. syl bird call pos n. def an instrument imitating the call of a bird, used esp. by hunters or bird-catchers. bird cherry 0. syl bird cher+ry pos n. def a small Eurasian rosaceous tree, with clusters of white flowers and small black fruits. See also { {cherry} (sense 1).} bird dog 1. syl bird dog pos n. qual U.S.; Hunting. def a dog used or trained to retrieve game birds after they are shot. bird-dog infl head bird dog syl bird-dog pos vb. bird dogs infl head bird dog syl bird dogs pos vb. bird dogging infl head bird dog syl bird dog:ging pos vb. bird dogged infl head bird dog syl bird dogged. pos vb. bird dog 2. syl bird dog pos vb. qual U.S.; Informal. def to control closely with unceasing vigilance. birdhouse 1. syl bird+house pron <1bR:d2haus> pos n. def a small shelter or box for birds to nest in. birdhouse 2. syl bird+house pron <1bR:d2haus> pos n. def an enclosure or large cage for captive birds; aviary. birdie 1. syl bird:ie pron <1bR:di> pos n. qual Golf. def a score of one stroke under par for a hole. birdie 2. syl bird:ie pron <1bR:di> pos n. qual Informal. def a bird, esp. a small bird. birdlime 1. syl bird+lime pron <1bR:d2lIm> pos n. def a sticky substance, prepared from holly, mistletoe, or other plants, smeared on twigs to catch small birds. birdlime 2. syl bird+lime pron <1bR:d2lIm> pos vb. mod tr. def to smear (twigs) with birdlime to catch (small birds). birdmen infl head birdman syl bird+men. pos n. mod pl. birdman 1. syl bird+man pron <1bR:d2m@n>, <-m*n> pos n. def a man concerned with birds, such as a fowler or ornithologist. birdman 2. syl bird+man pron <1bR:d2m@n>, <-m*n> pos n. def a man who attempts to fly using his own muscle power. birdman 3. syl bird+man pron <1bR:d2m@n>, <-m*n> pos n. def an obsolete informal name for {airman}. birds'-nesting alt head bird-nesting or bird-nesting syl birds'-nest:ing pos n. bird-nesting 0. or birds'-nesting syl bird-nest:ing pos n. def searching for birds' nests as a hobby, often to steal the eggs. bird of paradise 1. syl bird of par:a+dise pos n. def any songbird of the family of New Guinea and neighbouring regions, the males of which have brilliantly coloured ornate plumage. bird-of-paradise flower 2. head bird of paradise syl bird-of-paradise flower. def any of various musaceous plants of the genus esp. that are native to tropical southern Africa and South America and have purple bracts and large orange or yellow flowers resembling birds' heads. bird of passage 1. syl bird of pas+sage pos n. def a bird that migrates seasonally. bird of passage 2. syl bird of pas+sage pos n. def a transient person or one who roams about. bird of peace 0. syl bird of peace pos n. def a figurative name for { {dove} %1 (sense 1).} bird of prey 0. syl bird of prey pos n. def a bird, such as a hawk, eagle, or owl, that hunts and kills other animals, esp. vertebrates, for food. It has strong talons and a sharp hooked bill. bird pepper 1. syl bird pep+per pos n. def a tropical solanaceous plant, thought to be the ancestor of the sweet pepper and many hot peppers. bird pepper 2. syl bird pep+per pos n. def the narrow podlike hot-tasting fruit of this plant. birdseed 0. syl bird+seed pron <1bR:d2sEd> pos n. def a mixture of various kinds of seeds for feeding cage birds. Also called: {canary seed}. bird's-eye 1.a. syl bird's-eye pos adj. def seen or photographed from high above. bird's-eye 1.b. syl bird's-eye pos adj. def summarizing the main points of a topic; summary (esp. in the phrase {bird's-eye view) }. bird's-eye 2. syl bird's-eye pos adj. def having markings resembling birds' eyes. bird's-eye primrose 3. head bird's-eye syl bird's-eye primrose. def a Eurasian primrose, having clusters of purplish flowers with yellow centres. bird's-eye speedwell 4. head bird's-eye syl bird's-eye speedwell. def the usual U.S. name for {germander speedwell}. bird's-eye 5. syl bird's-eye pos n. def any of several other plants having flowers of two contrasting colours. bird's-eye 6. syl bird's-eye pos n. def a pattern in linen and cotton fabrics, made up of small diamond shapes with a dot in the centre of each. bird's-eye 7. syl bird's-eye pos n. def a linen or cotton fabric with such a pattern. bird-foot alt head bird's-foot or bird's-foot syl bird-foot pos n. bird's-foots infl head bird's-foot syl bird's-foots. pos n. mod pl. bird's-foot 1. or bird-foot syl bird's-foot pos n. def a European papilionaceous plant, with red-veined white flowers and curved pods resembling a bird's claws. bird's-foot 2. or bird-foot syl bird's-foot pos n. def any of various other plants whose flowers, leaves, or pods resemble a bird's foot or claw. bird's-foot trefoil 0. syl bird's-foot tre+foil pos n. def a creeping papilionaceous Eurasian plant, with red-tipped yellow flowers and seed pods resembling the claws of a bird. Also called: {bacon-and-eggs}. bird's-nest 0. syl bird's-nest pos vb. mod intr. def to search for the nests of birds in order to collect the eggs. bird's-nest fungus 0. syl bird's-nest fun+gus pos n. def any fungus of the family having a nestlike spore-producing body containing egglike spore-filled structures. bird's-nest orchid 0. syl bird's-nest or+chid pos n. def a brown parasitic Eurasian orchid, whose thick fleshy roots resemble a bird's nest and contain a fungus on which the orchid feeds. bird's-nest soup 0. syl bird's-nest soup pos n. def a rich spicy Chinese soup made from the outer part of the nests of SE Asian swifts of the genus bird spider 0. syl bird spi+der pos n. def any large hairy predatory bird-eating spider of the family of tropical America. bird strike 0. syl bird strike pos n. def a collision of an aircraft with a bird. bird table 0. syl bird ta+ble pos n. def a table or platform in the open on which food for birds may be placed. bird-watcher 0. syl bird-watch:er pos n. def a person who studies wild birds in their natural surroundings. &- {bird-watch@.ing} birefringence 0. syl bi+re:frin+gence pron <2bIri1frinJ*ns> pos n. def another name for {double refraction}. birefringent sub head birefringence syl bi+re:1frin+gent pos adj. bireme ety C17: from Latin bir*_emus, from #7bi -%1+- r*_emus oar bireme 0. syl bi+reme pron <1bIrEm> pos n. def an ancient galley having two banks of oars. Birendra Bir Bikram Shah Dev 0. syl Bi:ren:dra Bir Bik:ram Shah Dev pron <1bikr@m> pos n. def born 1945, king of Nepal since 1972. biretta ety C16: from Italian berretta, from Old Proven*,cal berret, from Late Latin birrus hooded cape berretta alt head biretta or biretta syl ber+ret+ta pron pos n. biretta 0. or berretta syl bi+ret+ta pron pos n. qual R.C. Church. def a stiff clerical cap having either three or four upright pieces projecting outwards from the centre to the edge: coloured black for priests, purple for bishops, red for cardinals, and white for certain members of religious orders. Saint infl head Birgit syl Saint. pos n. Birgit 0. syl Bir+git pron <1bi*git> pos n. def See (Saint) {Bridget}. biriani ety from Urdu biriani 0. syl bi+ri:a+ni pron <2biri1a:ni> pos n. def any of a variety of Indian dishes made with rice, highly flavoured and coloured with saffron or turmeric, mixed with meat or fish. Birkenhead H1.0. syl Bir+ken+head pron <2bR:k*n1hed> pos n. def a port in NW England, in Merseyside: shipbuilding centre. Pop.: 137738 (1971). Frederick Edwin Smith infl head Birkenhead syl Fred:er:ick Ed:win Smith pos n. Birkenhead H2.0. syl Bir:ken:head pron <1bR:k*n2hed> pos n. def 1st Earl of, known as 1872-1930, English Conservative statesman, lawyer, and orator. birl ety C18: probably imitative and influ?!enced by #7whirl and #7hurl birl H1.1. syl birl pron pos vb. qual U.S. def to cause (a floating log) to spin using the feet, esp. as a sport among lumberjacks. birl H1.2. syl birl pron pos n. def a variant spelling of { {burl} %2}. birl ety Old English byrelian; related to byrele cup-bearer birl H2.0. syl birl pron pos vb. qual Archaic, dialect. def to ply (one's guests, etc.) with drink. Birmingham 1. syl Bir+ming+ham pron <1bR:miG*m> pos n. def an industrial city in central England, in West Midlands: the second largest city in Great Britain. Pop.: 1013366 (1971). Birmingham 2. syl Bir+ming+ham pron <1bR:miG2h@m> pos n. def an industrial city in N central Alabama: rich local deposits of coal, iron ore, and other minerals. Pop.: 295686 (1973 est.). Biros infl head Biro syl Bi:ros. pos n. mod pl. Biro 0. syl Bi:ro pron <1bIr*u> pos n. qual Trademark, Brit. def a kind of ballpoint. Birobidzhan 1. syl Bi+ro+bi+dzhan pron Russian pos n. def a city in the Soviet Union, in SE Siberia: capital of the Jewish Autonomous Region. Pop.: 55724 (1970). Birobidzhan 2. syl Bi+ro+bi+dzhan pron Russian pos n. def another name for the {Jewish Autonomous Region}. birr ety Old English byre storm, related to Old Norse byrr favourable wind birr H1.1. syl birr pron pos vb. qual Chiefly U.S. and Scot. def to make or cause to make a whirring sound. birr H1.2. syl birr pron pos n. qual Chiefly U.S. and Scot. def a whirring sound. birr H1.3. syl birr pron pos n. qual Chiefly U.S. and Scot. def force, as of wind. birr H1.4. syl birr pron pos n. qual Chiefly U.S. and Scot. def vigour; energy. birr ety C20: from Amharic birr H2.0. syl birr pron pos n. def the standard monetary unit of Ethiopia, divided into 100 cents. birth ety C12: from Old Norse byrth; related to Gothic gabaurths, Old Swedish byrdh Old High German berd child; see #7bear %1#7, bairn birth 1. syl birth pron pos n. def the process of bearing young; parturition; childbirth. Related adj.: {natal}. birth 2. syl birth pron pos n. def the act or fact of being born; nativity. birth 3. syl birth pron pos n. def the coming into existence of something; origin. birth 4. syl birth pron pos n. def ancestry; lineage. exam 1 of high birth. birth 5. syl birth pron pos n. def noble ancestry. exam 1 a man of birth. birth 6. syl birth pron pos n. def natural or inherited talent. exam 1 an artist by birth. birth 7. syl birth pron pos n. qual Archaic. def the offspring or young born at a particular time or of a particular mother. birth 8.a. syl birth pron pos n. def to bear or bring forth (offspring). birth 8.b. syl birth pron pos n. def to produce or create (an idea, plan, etc.). birth 9. syl birth pron pos vb. mod tr. qual Rare. def to bear or bring forth (a child). birth certificate 0. syl birth cer+tif:i+cate pos n. def an official form giving details of the time and place of a person's birth, and his name, sex, and parents. birth control 0. syl birth con+trol pos n. def limitation of childbearing by means of contraception. See also {family planning}. birthday 1.a. syl birth+day pron <1bR:T2dA> pos n. def an anniversary of the day of one's birth. birthday 1.b. syl birth+day pron <1bR:T2dA> pos n. usage as modifier exam 1 birthday present. birthday 2. syl birth+day pron <1bR:T2dA> pos n. def the day on which a person was born. birthday 3. syl birth+day pron <1bR:T2dA> pos n. def any anniversary. Birthday honours 0. syl Birth+day hon+ours pos n. usage in Britain def honorary titles conferred on the official birthday of the sovereign. birthday suit 0. syl birth+day suit pos n. qual Informal, humorous. def a state of total nakedness, as at birth. birthmark 0. syl birth+mark pron <1bR:T2ma:k> pos n. def a blemish or new growth on skin formed before birth, usually brown or dark red; nevus. birthplace 0. syl birth+place pron <1bR:T2plAs> pos n. def the place where someone was born or where something originated. birth rate 0. syl birth rate pos n. def the ratio of live births in a specified area, group, etc., to the population of that area, etc., usually expressed per 1000 population per year. birthright 1. syl birth+right pron <1bR:T2rIt> pos n. def privileges or possessions that a person has or is believed to be entitled to as soon as he is born. birthright 2. syl birth+right pron <1bR:T2rIt> pos n. def the privileges or possessions of a first-born son. birthright 3. syl birth+right pron <1bR:T2rIt> pos n. def inheritance; patrimony. birthroot 0. syl birth+root pron <1bR:T2ru:t> pos n. def any of several North American plants of the genus esp. whose tuber-like roots were formerly used by the American Indians as an aid in childbirth: family birthstone 0. syl birth+stone pron <1bR:T2st*un> pos n. def a precious or semiprecious stone associated with a month or sign of the zodiac and thought to bring luck if worn by a person born in that month. birthwort 0. syl birth+wort pron <1bR:T2wR:t> pos n. def any of several climbing plants of the genus esp. of Europe, once believed to ease childbirth: family Harrison infl head Birtwhistle syl Har:ri:son. pos n. Birtwhistle 0. syl Birt:whis:tle pron <1bR:t2wis*l> pos n. def born 1934, English composer, whose works include the opera (1967). bis ety via Italian from Latin, from Old Latin duis bis 1. syl bis pron pos adv. def twice; for a second time (used in musical scores to indicate a part to be repeated). bis 2. syl bis pron pos interj. def encore&! again&! Bisayas 0. syl Bi+sa+yas pron usage pl.n. def the Spanish name for the {Visayan Islands}. Bay of infl head Biscay syl Bay of. pos n. Biscay 0. syl Bis+cay pron <1biskA>, <-ki> pos n. def a large bay of the Atlantic Ocean between W France and N Spain: notorious for storms. biscuit ety C14: from Old French, from (pain) bescuit twice-cooked (bread), from bes #7bis+ cuire to cook, from Latin coquere biscuit 1. syl bis+cuit pron <1biskit> pos n. qual Brit. def a small flat dry sweet or plain cake of many varieties, baked from a dough. U.S. word: {cookie}. biscuit 2. syl bis+cuit pron <1biskit> pos n. qual U.S. def a kind of small roll similar to a muffin. biscuit 3.a. syl bis+cuit pron <1biskit> pos n. def a pale brown or yellowish-grey colour. biscuit 3.b. syl bis+cuit pron <1biskit> pos as; adj. exam 1 biscuit gloves. biscuit 4. syl bis+cuit pron <1biskit> pos n. def Also called: {bisque}. earthenware or porcelain that has been fired but not glazed. take the biscuit 5. head biscuit syl take the biscuit. qual Brit. def to be regarded (by the speaker) as the most surprising thing that could have occurred. bise ety C14: from Old French, of Germanic origin; compare Old Swedish b*_isa whirlwind bise 0. syl bise pron pos n. def a cold dry northerly wind in Switzerland and the neighbouring parts of France and Italy, usually in the spring. bisect ety C17: #7bi -%1#7+ -sect from Latin sec*_are to cut &- bi+sec+tion (ba$I#!s$ek#s$$n) n. bisect 1. syl bi+sect pron pos vb. mod tr. qual Maths. def to divide into two equal parts. bisect 2. syl bi+sect pron pos vb. def to cut or split into two. bisector 0. syl bi+sec+tor pron pos n. qual Maths. def a straight line or plane that bisects an angle. bisectrices infl head bisectrix syl bi+sec+tri+ces pron pos n. mod pl. bisectrix 1. syl bi+sec+trix pron pos n. def another name for {bisector}. bisectrix 2. syl bi+sec+trix pron pos n. def the bisector of the angle between the optic axes of a crystal. biserrate 1. syl bi+ser+rate pron , <-it> pos adj. usage Botany. of leaf margins, etc. def having serrations that are themselves serrated. biserrate 2. syl bi+ser+rate pron , <-it> pos adj. qual Zoology. def serrated on both sides, as the antennae of some insects. bisexual 1. syl bi+sex+u:al pron pos adj. def sexually attracted by both men and women. bisexual 2. syl bi+sex+u:al pron pos adj. def showing characteristics of both sexes. exam 1 a bisexual personality. bisexual 3. syl bi+sex+u:al pron pos adj. usage of some plants and animals def having both male and female reproductive organs. bisexual 4. syl bi+sex+u:al pron pos adj. def of or relating to both sexes. bisexual 5. syl bi+sex+u:al pron pos n. def a bisexual organism; a hermaphrodite. bisexual 6. syl bi+sex+u:al pron pos n. def a bisexual person. bisexualism sub head bisexual or bisexuality syl bi+1sex:u+al+ism pron pos n. bisexuality sub head bisexual or bisexualism syl bi+sex:u+al+i:ty pron pos n. bisexually sub head bisexual syl bi+1sex:u+al+ly pos adv. bish ety C20: of unknown origin bish 0. syl bish pron pos n. qual Brit. slang. def a mistake. bishop ety Old English biscop, from Late Latin ep*_iscopus, from Greek episkopos, from #7epi -#7+ skopos watcher bishop 1. syl bish+op pron <1biS*p> pos n. usage in the Roman Catholic, Anglican, and Greek Orthodox Churches def a clergyman having spiritual and administrative powers over a diocese or province of the Church. See also {suffragan}. Related adj.: {episcopal}. bishop 2. syl bish+op pron <1biS*p> pos n. usage in some Protestant Churches def a spiritual overseer of a local church or a number of churches. bishop 3. syl bish+op pron <1biS*p> pos n. def a chess piece, capable of moving diagonally over any number of unoccupied squares of the same colour. bishop 4. syl bish+op pron <1biS*p> pos n. def mulled wine, usually port, spiced with oranges, cloves, etc. Bishop Auckland 0. syl Bish+op Auck+land pos n. def a town in N England, in central Durham: seat of the bishops of Durham since the 12th century. Pop.: 33292 (1971). bishopbird 0. syl bish:op+bird pron <1biS*p2bR:d> pos n. def any African weaverbird of the genus (or , the males of which have black plumage marked with red or yellow. bishopric 0. syl bish+op+ric pron <1biS*prik> pos n. def the see, diocese, or office of a bishop. bishop's-cap 0. syl bish:op's-cap pos n. def another name for {mitrewort}. bishop sleeve 0. syl bish+op sleeve pos n. def a full sleeve gathered at the wrist. bishop's mitre 0. syl bish+op's mi+tre pos n. def a European heteropterous bug, whose larvae are a pest of cereal grasses: family bishop's weed 0. syl bish+op's weed pos n. def another name for {goutweed}. Bisitun 0. syl Bi+si+tun pron <2bEsi1tu:n> pos n. def another name for {Behistun}. bisk 0. syl bisk pron pos n. def a less common spelling of {bisque%1}. Bisk 0. syl Bisk qual Russian def bijsk) a variant spelling of {Biysk}. Biskra 0. syl Bis+kra pron <1biskra:> pos n. def a town and oasis in NE Algeria, in the Sahara. Pop.: 59052 (1966). Bismarck H1.0. syl Bis+marck pron <1bizma:k> pos n. def a city in North Dakota, on the Missouri River: the state capital. Pop.: 34703 (1970). Bismarck H2.0. syl Bis:marck pron German <1bismark> pos n. def Prince {Ot@.to (Eduard Leopold) von} (#!@$to f@$n), called 1815-98, German statesman; prime minister of Prussia (1862-90). Under his leadership Prussia defeated Austria and France, and Germany was united. In 1871 he became the first chancellor of the German Reich. Bismarck Archipelago 0. syl Bis+marck Ar+chi+pel:a+go pos n. def a group of over 200 islands in the SW Pacific, northeast of New Guinea: part of Papua New Guinea. Main islands: New Britain, New Ireland, Lavongai, and the Admiralty Islands. Chief town: Rabaul, on New Britain. Pop.: 218265 (1966). Area: 49658 sq. km (19173 sq. miles). Bismarck herring 0. syl Bis+marck her+ring pos n. def marinaded herring, served cold. bismuth ety C17: from New Latin bisem*_utum, from German Wismut, of unknown origin bismuth 0. syl bis+muth pron <1bizm*T> pos n. def a brittle pinkish-white crystalline metallic element having low thermal and electrical conductivity, which expands on cooling. It is widely used in alloys, esp. low-melting alloys in fire safety devices; its compounds are used in medicines. Symbol: Bi; atomic no.: 83; atomic wt.: 208.98; valency: 3 or 5; relative density: 9.75; melting pt.: 271.3?%C; boiling pt.: 1560?%C. bismuthal sub head bismuth syl bis+muth+al pron <1bizm*T*l> pos adj. bismuthic 0. syl bis+mu+thic pron , <-1m^Tik> pos adj. def of or containing bismuth in the pentavalent state. bismuth glance alt head bismuthinite or bismuthinite syl bis+muth glance pos n. bismuthinite 0. or bismuth glance syl bis+muth+in+ite pron pos n. def a grey mineral consisting of bismuth sulphide in orthorhombic crystalline form. It occurs in veins associated with tin, copper, silver, lead, etc., and is a source of bismuth. Formula: Bi\2S\3. bismuthous 0. syl bis+muth+ous pron <1bizm*T*s> pos adj. def of or containing bismuth in the trivalent state. bison ety C14: from Latin bis*_on, of Germanic origin; related to Old English wesand, Old Norse v*_isundr bison infl syl bi+son. pos n. mod pl. bison 1. syl bi+son pron <1bIsN> pos n. def Also called: {American bison, buffalo}. a member of the cattle tribe, formerly widely distributed over the prairies of W North America but now confined to reserves and parks, with a massive head, shaggy forequarters, and a humped back. bison 2. syl bi+son pron <1bIsN> pos n. def Also called: {wisent, European bison}. a closely related and similar animal, formerly widespread in Europe. bisque ety C17: from French bisque H1.0. syl bisque pron pos n. def a thick rich soup made from shellfish. bisque ety C20: shortened from #7biscuit bisque H2.1.a. syl bisque pron pos n. def a pink to yellowish tan colour. bisque H2.1.b. syl bisque pron pos as; adj. exam 1 a bisque tablecloth. bisque H2.2. syl bisque pron pos n. qual Ceramics. def another name for { {biscuit} (sense 4).} bisque ety from French, of obscure origin bisque H3.0. syl bisque pron pos n. qual Tennis, golf, croquet. def an extra point, stroke, or turn allowed to an inferior player, usually taken when desired. Bissao alt head Bissau or Bissau syl Bis+s?~ao pron Portuguese pos n. Bissau 0. or Bissao syl Bis+sau pron pos n. def a port in W Guinea-Bissau, on the Atlantic: until 1974 the capital of Portuguese Guinea. Pop.:71169 (1970). bissextile ety C16: from Late Latin bissextilis annus leap year, from Latin bissextus, from #7bi -%1#7+ sextus sixth; referring to February 24, the 6th day before the Calends of March bissextile 1. syl bis+sex+tile pron pos adj. usage of a month or year def containing the extra day of a leap year. bissextile 2. syl bis+sex+tile pron pos n. def a rare name for {leap year}. bist 0. syl bist pron pos vb. qual Southwest English dialect. def a form of the second person singular of {be}. bistable 0. syl bi+sta+ble pron pos adj. def having two stable states. exam 1 bistable circuit. bistort ety C16: from French bistorte, from Latin bis twice+ tortus from torqu*_ere to twist bistort 1. syl bis+tort pron <1bistc:t> pos n. def Also called: {snakeroot, snakeweed, Easter-ledges}. a Eurasian polygonaceous plant, having leaf stipules fused to form a tube around the stem and a spike of small pink flowers. bistort 2. syl bis+tort pron <1bistc:t> pos n. def Also called: {snakeroot}. a related plant, of W North America, with oval clusters of pink or white flowers. bistort 3. syl bis+tort pron <1bistc:t> pos n. def any of several other plants of the genus bistoury ety C15: from Old French bistorie dagger, of unknown origin bistouries infl head bistoury syl bis+tou+ries. pos n. mod pl. bistoury 0. syl bis+tou+ry pron <1bist*ri> pos n. def a long surgical knife with a narrow blade. bistre ety C18: from French, of unknown origin bister alt head bistre or bistre syl bis+ter pron <1bist*> pos n. qual U.S. bistre 1. or bister syl bis+tre pron <1bist*> pos n. def a transparent water-soluble brownish-yellow pigment made by boiling the soot of wood, used for pen and wash drawings. bistre 2.a. or bister syl bis+tre pron <1bist*> pos n. def a yellowish-brown to dark brown colour. bistre 2.b. or bister syl bis+tre pron <1bist*> pos as; adj. exam 1 bistre paint. bistro ety French: of obscure origin bistros infl head bistro syl bis+tros. pos n. mod pl. bistro 0. syl bis+tro pron <1bEstr*u> pos n. def a small restaurant. bisulcate 1. syl bi+sul+cate pron pos adj. def marked by two grooves. bisulcate 2.a. syl bi+sul+cate pron pos adj. def cleft or cloven, as a hoof. bisulcate 2.b. syl bi+sul+cate pron pos adj. def having cloven hoofs. bisulphate 1. syl bi+sul+phate pron pos n. def a salt or ester of sulphuric acid containing the monovalent group -HSO\4 or the ion HSO%#-@b\4#800073 . bisulphate 2. syl bi+sul+phate pron pos n. usage modifier def consisting of, containing, or concerned with the group -HSO\4 or the ion HSO%#-@b\4#800074 . exam 1 bisulphate ion. bisulphide 0. syl bi+sul+phide pron pos n. def another name for {disulphide}. bisulphite 1. syl bi+sul+phite pron pos n. def a salt or ester of sulphurous acid containing the monovalent group -HSO\3 or the ion HSO%#-@b\3. bisulphite 2. syl bi+sul+phite pron pos n. usage modifier def consisting of or containing the group -HSO\3 or the ion HSO%#-@b\3#800075 . exam 1 bisulphite ion. Bisutun 0. syl Bi+su+tun pron <2bEsu1tu:n> pos n. def another name for {Behistun}. bisymmetrical alt head bisymmetric or bisymmetric syl bi+sym+met+ri+cal pos adj. bisymmetric 1. or bisymmetrical syl bi+sym+met+ric pron <2bIsi1metrik> pos adj. qual Botany. def showing symmetry in two planes at right angles to each other. bisymmetric 2. or bisymmetrical syl bi+sym+met+ric pron <2bIsi1metrik> pos adj. usage of plants and animals def showing bilateral symmetry. bisymmetrically sub head bisymmetric syl bi+sym+1met+ri+cal+ly pos adv. bisymmetry sub head bisymmetric syl bi+sym+met+ry pron pos n. bit ety Old English bite action of biting; see #7bite bit H1.1. syl bit pron pos n. def a small piece, portion, or quantity. bit H1.2. syl bit pron pos n. def a short time or distance. bit H1.3. syl bit pron pos n. qual U.S. informal. def the value of an eighth of a dollar: spoken of only in units of two. exam 1 two bits. bit H1.4. syl bit pron pos n. def any small coin. bit H1.5. syl bit pron pos n. def short for {bit part}. bit H1.6. syl bit pron pos n. qual Informal. def way of behaving, esp. one intended to create a particular impression. exam 1 she's doing the prima donna bit. a bit 7. head bit syl a bit. def rather; somewhat. exam 1 a bit dreary. bit H1.8.a. syl bit pron pos n. def rather. exam 1 a bit of a dope. bit H1.8.b. syl bit pron pos n. def a considerable amount. exam 1 that must take quite a bit of courage. bit of crumpet infl head bit syl bit of crumpet bit of skirt infl head bit syl bit of skirt bit of stuff infl head bit or bit of tail syl bit of stuff bit of tail infl head bit or bit of stuff syl bit of tail. bit H1.9.a. syl bit pron pos n. def an attractive woman. bit H1.9.b. syl bit pron pos n. def sexual intercourse. bit by bit 10. head bit syl bit by bit. def gradually. do one's bit 11. head bit syl do one's bit. def to make one's expected contribution. every bit 12. head bit syl every bit. usage foll. by as def to the same degree. exam 1 she was every bit as clever as her brother. not a bit (of it) 13. head bit syl not a bit (of it) def not in the slightest; not at all. to bits 14. head bit syl to bits. def completely apart. exam 1 to fall to bits. bit ety Old English bita; related to Old English b*_itan to #7bite bit H2.1. syl bit pron pos n. def a metal mouthpiece, for controlling a horse on a bridle. bit H2.2. syl bit pron pos n. def anything that restrains or curbs. bit H2.3.a. syl bit pron pos n. def to undertake a task with determination. bit H2.3.b. syl bit pron pos n. def to rebel against control. bit H2.4. syl bit pron pos n. def a cutting or drilling tool, part, or head in a brace, drill, etc. bit H2.5. syl bit pron pos n. def the blade of a plane. bit H2.6. syl bit pron pos n. def the part of a pair of pincers designed to grasp an object. bit H2.7. syl bit pron pos n. def the copper end of a soldering iron. bit H2.8. syl bit pron pos n. def the part of a key that engages the levers of a lock. bits infl head bit syl bits pos vb. mod tr. bitting infl head bit syl bit+ting pos vb. mod tr. bitted infl head bit syl bit+ted. pos vb. mod tr. bit H2.9. syl bit pron pos vb. mod tr. def to put a bit in the mouth of (a horse). bit H2.10. syl bit pron pos vb. mod tr. def to restrain; curb. bit H3.0. syl bit pron pos vb. def the past tense of {bite}. bit ety C20: from #7b (#7inary+dig) #7it bit H4.1. syl bit pron pos n. def either of the two digits 0 or 1, used in binary notation. bit H4.2. syl bit pron pos n. def a unit of information representing the physical state of a system having one of two values, such as or bitartrate 0. syl bi+tar+trate pron pos n. usage not in technical usage def a salt or ester of tartaric acid containing the monovalent group -HC\4H\4O\6 or the ion HC\4H\4O%#-@b\6#800076 . Also called: {hydrogen tartrate}. bitch ety Old English bicce bitch 1. syl bitch pron pos n. def a female dog or other female canine animal, such as a wolf. bitch 2. syl bitch pron pos n. qual Slang, derogatory. def a malicious, spiteful, or coarse woman. bitch 3. syl bitch pron pos n. qual Slang. def a complaint. bitch 4. syl bitch pron pos n. qual Slang. def a difficult situation or problem. bitch 5. syl bitch pron pos vb. mod intr. qual Slang. def to complain; grumble. bitch 6. syl bitch pron pos vb. qual Slang. def to behave (towards) in a spiteful or malicious manner. bitch 7. syl bitch pron pos vb. mod tr. qual Slang. usage often foll. by up def to botch; bungle. bitchier infl head bitchy syl bitch:i+er pos adj. bitchiest infl head bitchy syl bitch:i+est. pos adj. bitchy 0. syl bitch:y pron <1biCi> pos adj. qual Slang. def characteristic of or behaving like a bitch; malicious; snide. bite ety Old English b*_itan; related to Latin findere to split, Sanskrit bhedati he splits &- #!bit+er n. bites infl head bite syl bites pos vb. biting infl head bite syl bit+ing pos vb. bit infl head bite syl bit pos vb. bitten infl head bite syl bit+ten. pos vb. bite 1. syl bite pron pos vb. def to grip, cut off, or tear with or as if with the teeth or jaws. bite 2. syl bite pron pos vb. usage of animals, insects, etc. def to injure by puncturing or tearing (the skin or flesh) with the teeth, fangs, etc., esp. as a natural characteristic. bite 3. syl bite pron pos vb. mod tr. def to cut or penetrate, as with a knife. bite 4. syl bite pron pos vb. usage of corrosive material such as acid def to eat away or into. bite 5. syl bite pron pos vb. def to smart or cause to smart; sting. exam 1 mustard bites the tongue. bite 6. syl bite pron pos vb. mod intr. usage Angling. of a fish def to take or attempt to take the bait or lure. bite 7. syl bite pron pos vb. def to take firm hold of or act effectively upon. bite 8. syl bite pron pos vb. def to grip or hold (a workpiece) with a tool or chuck. bite 9. syl bite pron pos vb. usage of a screw, thread, etc. def to cut into or grip (an object, material, etc.). bite 10. syl bite pron pos vb. mod tr. qual Slang. def to annoy or worry. exam 1 what's biting her?? bite 11. syl bite pron pos vb. qual Slang. usage often passive def to cheat. bite 12. syl bite pron pos vb. mod tr. qual Austral. slang. usage often foll. by for def to ask (for); scrounge from. bite off more than one can chew 13. head bite syl bite off more than one can chew. qual Informal. def to attempt a task beyond one's capability. bite someone's head off 14. head bite syl bite someone's head off. qual Informal. def to respond harshly and rudely (to). bite 15.a. syl bite pron pos vb. def to fall down dead. bite 15.b. syl bite pron pos vb. def to be rejected. exam 1 another good idea bites the dust. bite the hand that feeds one 16. head bite syl bite the hand that feeds one. def to repay kindness with injury or ingratitude. bitwice shy infl head bite syl bitwice shy. once bitten 17. head bite syl once bitten qual Informal. def after an unpleasant experience one is cautious in similar situations. bite 18. syl bite pron pos n. def the act of biting. bite 19. syl bite pron pos n. def a thing or amount bitten off. bite 20. syl bite pron pos n. def a wound, bruise, or sting inflicted by biting. bite 21. syl bite pron pos n. qual Angling. def an attempt by a fish to take the bait or lure. bite 22. syl bite pron pos n. qual Informal. def an incisive or penetrating effect or quality. exam 1 that's a question with a bite. bite 23. syl bite pron pos n. qual Informal. def a light meal; snack. bite 24. syl bite pron pos n. def a cutting, stinging, or smarting sensation. bite 25. syl bite pron pos n. def the depth of cut of a machine tool. bite 26. syl bite pron pos n. def the grip or hold applied by a tool or chuck to a workpiece. bite 27. syl bite pron pos n. qual Dentistry. def the angle or manner of contact between the upper and lower teeth when the mouth is closed naturally. bite 28. syl bite pron pos n. def the surface of a file or rasp with cutting teeth. bite 29. syl bite pron pos n. def the corrosive action of acid, as on a metal etching plate. bite back 0. syl bite back pos vb. adv. mod tr. def to restrain (a hurtful, embarrassing, or indiscreet remark); avoid saying. Bithynia 0. syl Bi+thyn:i:a pron pos n. def an ancient country on the Black Sea in NW Asia Minor. biting 1. syl bit+ing pron <1bItiG> pos adj. def piercing; keen. exam 1 a biting wind. biting 2. syl bit+ing pron <1bItiG> pos adj. def sarcastic; incisive. exam 1 a biting comment. bitingly sub head biting syl bit+ing+ly pos adv. biting midge 0. syl bit+ing midge pos n. def any small fragile dipterous fly of the family most of which suck the blood of mammals, birds, or other insects. Bitolj 0. syl Bi+tolj pron Serbo-Croatian <1bitolj> pos n. def a city in S Yugoslavia, in Macedonia: under Turkish rule from 1382 until 1913. Pop.: 65851 (1971). bit part 0. syl bit part pos n. def a very small acting role with few lines to speak. bitser ety C20: from bits o' bits of, as in his dog is bits o' this and bits o' that bitser 0. syl bit+ser pron <1bits*> pos n. qual Austral. informal. def a mongrel dog. bitstock 0. syl bit+stock pron <1bit2stok> pos n. def the handle or stock of a tool into which a drilling bit is fixed. bitt ety C14: probably of Scandinavian origin; compare Old Norse biti cross beam, Middle High German bizze wooden peg bitt 1. syl bitt pron pos n. qual Nautical. def one of a pair of strong posts on the deck of a ship for securing mooring and other lines. bitt 2. syl bitt pron pos n. qual Nautical. def another word for { {bollard} (sense 1).} bitt 3. syl bitt pron pos vb. mod tr. qual Nautical. def to secure (a line) by means of a bitt. bitten 0. syl bit+ten pron <1bitN> pos vb. def the past participle of {bite}. bitter ety Old English biter; related to b*_itan to #7bite &- #!bit+ter+ly adv. bitter 1. syl bit+ter pron <1bit*> pos adj. def having or denoting an unpalatable harsh taste, as the peel of an orange or coffee dregs. Compare { {sour} (sense 1).} bitter 2. syl bit+ter pron <1bit*> pos adj. def showing or caused by strong unrelenting hostility or resentment. exam 1 he was still bitter about the divorce. bitter 3. syl bit+ter pron <1bit*> pos adj. def difficult or unpleasant to accept or admit. exam 1 a bitter blow. bitter 4. syl bit+ter pron <1bit*> pos adj. def cutting; sarcastic. exam 1 bitter words. bitter 5. syl bit+ter pron <1bit*> pos adj. def bitingly cold. exam 1 a bitter night. bitter 6. syl bit+ter pron <1bit*> pos adv. def very; extremely (esp. in the phrase {bitter cold) }. bitter 7. syl bit+ter pron <1bit*> pos n. def a thing that is bitter. bitter 8. syl bit+ter pron <1bit*> pos n. qual Brit. def draught beer with a high hop content, with a slightly bitter taste. bitter 9. syl bit+ter pron <1bit*> pos vb. def to make or become bitter. bitterness sub head bitter syl bit+ter+ness pos n. bitter apple 0. syl bit+ter ap+ple pos n. def another name for {colocynth}. bitter end ety C19: in both senses perhaps from #7bitt bitter end 1. syl bit+ter end pos n. qual Nautical. def the end of a line, chain, or cable, esp. the end secured in the chain locker of a vessel. bitter end 2.a. syl bit+ter end pos n. def until the finish of a task, job, etc., however unpleasant or difficult. bitter end 2.b. syl bit+ter end pos n. def until final defeat or death. Bitter Lakes 0. syl Bit+ter Lakes pos n. mod pl. def two lakes, the {Great Bitter Lake} and {Little Bitter Lake}, in NE Egypt: part of the Suez Canal. bitterling 0. syl bit+ter+ling pron <1bit*liG> pos n. def a small brightly coloured European freshwater cyprinid fish, a popular aquarium fish. bittern ety C14: from Old French butor, perhaps from Latin b*_uti*_o bittern+ taurus bull; referring to its cry bittern H1.0. syl bit+tern pron <1bit*n> pos n. def any wading bird of the genera and related and similar to the herons but with shorter legs and neck, a stouter body, and a booming call: family order bittern ety C17: variant of bittering; see #7bitter bittern H2.0. syl bit+tern pron <1bit*n> pos n. def the bitter liquid remaining after common salt has been crystallized out of sea water: a source of magnesium, bromine, and iodine compounds. bitternut 1. syl bit:ter+nut pron <1bit*2n^t> pos n. def an E North American hickory tree, with thin-shelled nuts and bitter kernels. bitternut 2. syl bit:ter+nut pron <1bit*2n^t> pos n. def the nut of this plant. bitter orange 0. syl bit+ter or+ange pos n. def another name for {Seville orange}. bitter principle 0. syl bit+ter prin+ci+ple pos n. def any of various bitter-tasting substances, such as aloin, usually extracted from plants. bitters 1. syl bit+ters pron <1bit*z> pos n. mod pl. def bitter-tasting spirits of varying alcoholic content flavoured with plant extracts. bitters 2. syl bit+ters pron <1bit*z> pos n. mod pl. def a similar liquid containing a bitter-tasting substance, used as a tonic to stimulate the appetite or improve digestion. bittersweet 1. syl bit:ter+sweet pron <1bit*2swEt> pos n. def any of several North American woody climbing plants of the genus esp. having orange capsules that open to expose scarlet-coated seeds: family bittersweet 2. syl bit:ter+sweet pron <1bit*2swEt> pos n. def another name for {woody nightshade}. bittersweet 3. syl bit:ter+sweet pron <1bit*2swEt> pos adj. def tasting of or being a mixture of bitterness and sweetness. bittersweet 4. syl bit:ter+sweet pron <1bit*2swEt> pos adj. def pleasant but tinged with sadness. bitterweed 0. syl bit:ter+weed pron <1bit*2wEd> pos n. def any of various plants that contain a bitter-tasting substance. bitterwood 0. syl bit:ter+wood pron <1bit*2wud> pos n. def any of several simaroubaceous trees of the genus of S and SE Asia and the West Indies, whose bitter bark and wood are used in medicine as a substitute for quassia. bittier infl head bitty syl bit+ti+er pos adj. bittiest infl head bitty syl bit+ti+est. pos adj. bitty 1. syl bit+ty pron <1biti> pos adj. def lacking unity; disjointed. bitty 2. syl bit+ty pron <1biti> pos adj. def containing bits, sediment, etc. bitumen ety C15: from Latin bit*_umen, perhaps of Celtic origin &- bi+tu+mi+nous (b$I#!tju$:m$In$$s) adj. bitumen 1. syl bi+tu+men pron <1bitjumin> pos n. def any of various viscous or solid impure mixtures of hydrocarbons that occur naturally in asphalt, tar, mineral waxes, etc.: used as a road surfacing and roofing material. bitumen 2. syl bi+tu+men pron <1bitjumin> pos n. def the constituents of coal that can be extracted by an organic solvent. the bitumen 3. head bitumen syl the bitumen. qual Austral. informal. def any road with a bitumen surface, esp. the road in the Northern Territory between Darwin and Alice Springs. bitumen 4. syl bi+tu+men pron <1bitjumin> pos n. def a transparent brown pigment or glaze made from asphalt. bituminise alt head bituminize or bituminize syl bi+tu+mi+nise pron pos vb. mod tr. bituminize 0. or bituminise syl bi+tu+mi+nize pron pos vb. mod tr. def to treat with or convert into bitumen. bituminization sub head bituminize or bituminisation syl bi+2tu+mi+ni+1za+tion pos n. bituminisation sub head bituminize or bituminization syl bi+2tu+mi+ni+1sa+tion pos n. bituminous coal 0. syl bi+tu+mi+nous coal pos n. def a soft black coal, rich in volatile hydrocarbons, that burns with a smoky yellow flame. Fixed carbon content: 46-86 per cent; calorific value: 1.93#M10%7-3.63#M10%7J/kg. Also called: {soft coal}. bivalent 1. syl bi+va+lent pron , <1biv*-> pos adj. qual Chem. def another word for {divalent}. bivalent 2. syl bi+va+lent pron , <1biv*-> pos adj. usage of homologous chromosomes def associated together in pairs. bivalent 3. syl bi+va+lent pron , <1biv*-> pos n. def a structure formed during meiosis consisting of two homologous chromosomes associated together. bivalency sub head bivalent syl bi+1va+len+cy pos n. bivalve 1. syl bi+valve pron <1bI2v@lv> pos n. def Also called: {lamellibranch, pelecypod}. any marine or freshwater mollusc of the class (or , having a laterally compressed body, a shell consisting of two hinged valves, and gills for respiration. The group includes clams, cockles, oysters, and mussels. {~} bivalve 2. syl bi+valve pron <1bI2v@lv> pos n. def Also: {lamellibranch, pelecypod}. of, relating to, or belonging to the bivalve 3. syl bi+valve pron <1bI2v@lv> pos n. def Also: {bivalvate}. having or consisting of two valves or similar parts. exam 1 a bivalve seed capsule. bivalvular sub head bivalve syl bi+1val+vu+lar pos adj. bivouac ety C18: from French bivuac, probably from Swiss German Beiwacht, literally: #7by +#7watch bivouac 1. syl biv:ou+ac pron <1bivu2@k>, <1bivw@k> pos n. def a temporary encampment with few facilities, as used by soldiers, mountaineers, etc. bivouacs infl head bivouac syl biv:ou+acs pos vb. bivouacking infl head bivouac syl biv:ou+ack+ing pos vb. bivouacked infl head bivouac syl biv:ou+acked. pos vb. bivouac 2. syl biv:ou+ac pron <1bivu2@k>, <1bivw@k> pos vb. mod intr. def to make such an encampment. bivvy ety C20: shortened from #7bivouac bivvies infl head bivvy syl biv+vies. pos n. mod pl. bivvy 0. syl biv+vy pron <1bivi> pos n. qual Slang. def a small tent or shelter. biweekly 1. syl bi+week+ly pron pos adj. adv. def every two weeks. biweekly 2. syl bi+week+ly pron pos adj. adv. usage often avoided because of confusion with sense 1 def twice a week; semiweekly. See {bi-%1}. biweeklies infl head biweekly syl bi+week+lies. pos n. mod pl. biweekly 3. syl bi+week+ly pron pos n. def a periodical published every two weeks. biyearly 1. syl bi+year+ly pron pos adj. adv. def every two years; biennial or biennially. biyearly 2. syl bi+year+ly pron pos adj. adv. usage often avoided because of confusion with sense 1 def twice a year; biannual or biannually. See {bi-%1}. Biisk infl head Biysk or Bisk syl Biisk Bisk infl head Biysk or Biisk syl Bisk Biysk 0. syl Biysk qual Russian def bijsk) a city in the SW Soviet Union, at the foot of the Altai Mountains. Pop: 207000 (1975 est.). biz 0. syl biz pron pos n. qual Informal. def short for {business}. bizarre ety C17: from French: from Italian bizzarro capricious, of uncertain origin bizarre 0. syl bi+zarre pron pos adj. def odd or unusual, esp. in an interesting or amusing way. bizarrely sub head bizarre syl bi+1zarre+ly pos adv. bizarreness sub head bizarre syl bi+1zarre+ness pos n. Bizerta alt head Bizerte or Bizerte syl Bi+zer+ta pos n. Bizerte 0. or Bizerta syl Bi+zer+te pron , French pos n. def a port in N Tunisia, on the Mediterranean at the canalized outlet of {Lake Bizerte}. Pop.: 346445 (1975 est.). Georges infl head Bizet syl Georges pron pos n. Bizet 0. syl Bi:zet pron <1bEzA>, French pos n. def 1838-75, French composer, whose works include the opera (1875) and incidental music to Daudet's (1872). Bjorneborg 0. syl Bj*"or+ne+borg pron <2bj@orn*1bcrj> pos n. def the Swedish name for {Pori}. Bk 0. syl Bk usage the chemical symbol for def berkelium. bk 1. syl bk. qual abbrev. for: def bank. bk 2. syl bk. qual abbrev. for: def book. bkcy 0. syl bkcy. qual abbrev. for def bankruptcy. bkg 0. syl bkg. qual abbrev. for def banking. bkpt 0. syl bkpt. qual abbrev. for def bankrupt. bks 1. syl bks. qual abbrev. for: def barracks. bks 2. syl bks. qual abbrev. for: def books. bl 1. syl bl. qual abbrev. for: def bale. bl 2. syl bl. qual abbrev. for: def barrel. bl 3. syl bl. qual abbrev. for: def black. bl 4. syl bl. qual abbrev. for: def blue. BL 1. syl B.L. qual abbrev. for: def Bachelor of Laws. BL 2. syl B.L. qual abbrev. for: def Bachelor of Letters. BL 3. syl B.L. qual abbrev. for: def Barrister-at-Law. BL 4. syl B.L. qual abbrev. for: def British Library. bl infl head BL or bl syl b/l bl infl head BL or bl syl b.l. BsL infl head BL syl Bs/L mod pl. bsl infl head BL or bsl syl bs/l mod pl. bsl infl head BL or bsl syl bs.l. mod pl. BL 0. syl B/L qual abbrev. for def bill of lading. blab ety C14: of Germanic origin; compare Old High German blabbiz*_on, Ice?!landic blabbra blabs infl head blab syl blabs pos vb. blabbing infl head blab syl blab+bing pos vb. blabbed infl head blab syl blabbed. pos vb. blab 1. syl blab pron pos vb. def to divulge (secrets, etc.) indiscreetly. blab 2. syl blab pron pos vb. mod intr. def to chatter thoughtlessly; prattle. blab 3. syl blab pron pos n. def a less common word for { {blabber} (senses 1, 2).} blabber ety C15 blabberen, probably of imitative origin blabber 1. syl blab+ber pron <1bl@b*> pos n. def a person who blabs. blabber 2. syl blab+ber pron <1bl@b*> pos n. def idle chatter. blabber 3. syl blab+ber pron <1bl@b*> pos vb. mod intr. def to talk without thinking; chatter. blabbermouth 0. syl blab:ber+mouth pron <1bl@b*2mauT> pos n. qual Informal. def a person who talks too much or indiscreetly. black ety Old English bl@ac; related to Old Saxon blak ink, Old High German blakra to blink black 1. syl black pron pos adj. def of the colour of jet or carbon black, having no hue due to the absorption of all or nearly all incident light. Compare { {white} (sense 1).} black 2. syl black pron pos adj. def without light; completely dark. black 3. syl black pron pos adj. def without hope or alleviation; gloomy. exam 1 the future looked black. black 4. syl black pron pos adj. def very dirty or soiled. exam 1 black factory chimneys. black 5. syl black pron pos adj. def angry or resentful. exam 1 she gave him black looks. black 6. syl black pron pos adj. usage of a play or other work def dealing with the unpleasant realities of life, esp. in a pessimistic or macabre manner. exam 1 black comedy. black 7. syl black pron pos adj. usage of coffee or tea def without milk or cream. black 8. syl black pron pos adj. def causing, resulting from, or showing great misfortune. exam 1 black areas of unemployment. black 9.a. syl black pron pos adj. def wicked or harmful. exam 1 a black lie. black 9.b. syl black pron pos adj. usage in combination exam 1 black-hearted. black 10. syl black pron pos adj. def causing or deserving dishonour or censure. exam 1 a black crime. black 11. syl black pron pos adj. usage of the face def purple, as from suffocation. black 12. syl black pron pos adj. usage Brit. of goods, jobs, works, etc. def being subject to boycott by trade unionists, esp. in support of industrial action elsewhere. black 13. syl black pron pos n. def a black colour. black 14. syl black pron pos n. def a dye or pigment of or producing this colour. black 15. syl black pron pos n. def black clothing, worn esp. as a sign of mourning. black 16.a. syl black pron pos n. def a black or dark-coloured piece or square. black 16.b. syl black pron pos n. def the player playing with such pieces. black 17. syl black pron pos n. def complete darkness. exam 1 the black of the night. black 18. syl black pron pos n. def a black ball in snooker, etc. black 19. syl black pron pos n. usage in roulette and other gambling games def one of two colours on which players may place even bets, the other being red. in the black 20. head black syl in the black. def in credit or without debt. black 21. syl black pron pos n. qual Archery. def a black ring on a target, between the outer and the blue, scoring three points. black 22. syl black pron pos vb. def another word for {blacken}. black 23. syl black pron pos vb. mod tr. def to polish (shoes, etc.) with blacking. black 24. syl black pron pos vb. mod tr. def to bruise so as to make black. exam 1 he blacked her eye. black 25. syl black pron pos vb. mod tr. usage Brit. of trade unionists def to organize a boycott of (specified goods, jobs, work, etc.), esp. in support of industrial action elsewhere. {~} See also {blackout}. blackish sub head black syl black+ish pos adj. blackishly sub head black syl black+ish+ly pos adv. blackly sub head black syl black+ly pos adv. blackness sub head black syl black+ness pos n. Black 1. syl Black pron pos n. def a member of a dark-skinned race, esp. a Negro or an Australian Aborigine. Black 2. syl Black pron pos adj. def of or relating to a Black or Blacks. exam 1 a Black ghetto. blackamoor ety C16: see #7black, M#7oor blackamoor 0. syl black:a+moor pron <1bl@k*2mu*>, <-2mc:> pos n. qual Archaic. def a Negro or other person with dark skin. black-and-blue 1. syl black-and-blue pos adj. usage of the skin def discoloured, as from a bruise. black-and-blue 2. syl black-and-blue pos adj. def feeling pain or soreness, as from a beating. black and tan 0. syl black and tan pos n. def a mixture of stout or porter and ale. Black and Tan 0. syl Black and Tan pos n. def a member of the armed force sent to Ireland in 1921 by the British Government to combat Sinn Fein: named after the colour of their uniforms. black-and-tan terrier 0. syl black-and-tan ter+ri+er pos n. def a less common name for {Manchester terrier}. black-and-white 1.a. syl black-and-white pos n. def a photograph, picture, sketch, etc., in black, white, and shades of grey rather than in colour. black-and-white 1.b. syl black-and-white pos n. usage as modifier exam 1 black-and-white film. black-and-white 2. syl black-and-white pos n. def the neutral tones of black, white, and intermediate shades of grey. Compare { {colour} (sense 2).} black-and-white 3.a. syl black-and-white pos n. def in print or writing. black-and-white 3.b. syl black-and-white pos n. def in extremes. exam 1 he always saw things in black and white. black arthe infl head black art syl black arthe. pos n. black art 0. syl black art pos n. def another name for {black magic}. black-backed gull 0. syl black-backed gull pos n. def either of two common black-and-white European coastal gulls, ({lesser black-backed gull}) and ({great black-backed gull}) . blackball ety C18: see sense 2 blackball 1. syl black+ball pron <1bl@k2bc:l> pos n. def a negative vote or veto. blackball 2. syl black+ball pron <1bl@k2bc:l> pos n. def a black wooden ball used to indicate disapproval or veto in a vote. blackball 3. syl black+ball pron <1bl@k2bc:l> pos vb. mod tr. def to vote against in a ballot. blackball 4. syl black+ball pron <1bl@k2bc:l> pos vb. mod tr. def to exclude (someone) from a group, profession, etc.; ostracize. black bass 0. syl black bass pron pos n. def any of several predatory North American percoid freshwater game fishes of the genus family (sunfishes, etc.). black bean 0. syl black bean pos n. def an Australian leguminous tree, having thin smooth bark and yellow or reddish flowers: used in furniture manufacture. Also called: {Moreton Bay chestnut}. American black bear 1. head black bear syl American black bear. def a bear, (or inhabiting forests of North America. It is smaller and less ferocious than the brown bear. Asiatic black bear 2. head black bear syl Asiatic black bear. def a bear, of central and E Asia, whose coat is black with a pale V-shaped mark on the chest. Blackbeard 0. syl Black:beard pron <1bl@k2bi*d> pos n. def nickname of (Edward) {Teach}. black beetle 0. syl black bee+tle pos n. def another name for the {oriental cockroach} (see {cockroach) }. black belt 1.a. syl black belt pos n. def a black belt worn by an instructor or expert competitor in the dan grades, usually from first to fifth dan. black belt 1.b. syl black belt pos n. def a person entitled to wear this. black belthe 2. head black belt syl black belthe. def a region of the southern U.S. extending from Georgia across central Alabama and Mississippi, in which the population contains a large number of Blacks: also noted for its fertile black soil. blackberries infl head blackberry syl black+ber:ries. pos n. mod pl. blackberry 1. syl black+ber:ry pron <1bl@kb*ri> pos n. def Also called: {bramble}. any of several woody plants of the rosaceous genus esp. that have thorny stems and black or purple glossy edible berry-like fruits (drupelets). blackberry 2.a. syl black+ber:ry pron <1bl@kb*ri> pos n. def the fruit of any of these plants. blackberry 2.b. syl black+ber:ry pron <1bl@kb*ri> pos n. usage as modifier exam 1 blackberry jam. blackberry lily 3. head blackberry syl blackberry lily. def an ornamental Chinese iridaceous plant, that has red-spotted orange flowers and clusters of black seeds that resemble blackberries. {~} {@.ries, @.ry+ing, @.ried}. blackberry 4. syl black+ber:ry pron <1bl@kb*ri> pos n. mod intr. def to gather blackberries. black bile 0. syl black bile pos n. qual Archaic. def one of the four bodily humours; melancholy. See { {humour} (sense 8).} black bindweed 0. syl black bind+weed pos n. def a twining polygonaceous European plant, with heart-shaped leaves and triangular black seed pods. blackbird 1. syl black+bird pron <1bl@k2bR:d> pos n. def a common European thrush, in which the male has a black plumage and yellow bill and the female is brown. blackbird 2. syl black+bird pron <1bl@k2bR:d> pos n. def any of various American orioles having a dark plumage, esp. any of the genus blackbird 3. syl black+bird pron <1bl@k2bR:d> pos n. usage formerly def a person, esp. a South Sea islander, who was kidnapped and sold as a slave, esp. in Australia. blackbird 4. syl black+bird pron <1bl@k2bR:d> pos vb. mod tr. usage formerly def to kidnap and sell into slavery. blackboard 0. syl black+board pron <1bl@k2bc:d> pos n. def a sheet of slate, wood, or any of various other materials, used for writing or drawing on with chalk, esp. in teaching and esp. in a more or less upright position so that all students in a class can see it. black body 0. syl black bod:y pos n. qual Physics. def a hypothetical body that would be capable of absorbing all the electromagnetic radiation falling on it. Also called: {full radiator}. black book 1. syl black book pos n. def a book containing the names of people to be punished, blacklisted, etc. in someone's black books 2. head black book syl in someone's black books. qual Informal. def out of favour with someone. black bottom 0. syl black bot+tom pos n. def a dance of the late 1920s that originated in America, involving a sinuous rotation of the hips. black box 1. syl black box pos n. def a self-contained unit in an electronic or computer system whose circuitry need not be known to understand its function. black box 2. syl black box pos n. def an informal name for {flight recorder}. blackboy 0. syl black+boy pron <1bl@k2bci> pos n. def another name for { {grass tree} (sense 1).} black bread 0. syl black bread pos n. def a kind of very dark coarse rye bread. black bryony 0. syl black bry:o+ny pos n. def a climbing herbaceous Eurasian plant, having small greenish flowers and poisonous red berries: family blackbuck 0. syl black+buck pron <1bl@k2b^k> pos n. def an Indian antelope, the male of which has spiral horns, a dark back, and a white belly. Blackburn 1. syl Black+burn pron <1bl@kbR:n> pos n. def a city in NW England, in central Lancashire: textile industries. Pop: 101672 (1971). Mount 2. head Blackburn syl Mount. def a mountain in SE Alaska, the highest peak in the Wrangell Mountains. Height: 5037 m (16523 ft.). blackbutt 0. syl black+butt pron <1bl@k2b^t> pos n. def any of various Australian eucalyptus trees having rough fibrous bark and hard wood used as timber. blackcap 1. syl black+cap pron <1bl@k2k@p> pos n. def a brownish-grey Old World warbler, the male of which has a black crown. blackcap 2. syl black+cap pron <1bl@k2k@p> pos n. def any of various similar birds, such as the black-capped chickadee blackcap 3. syl black+cap pron <1bl@k2k@p> pos n. qual U.S. def a popular name for {raspberry} (sense 3).} blackcap 4. syl black+cap pron <1bl@k2k@p> pos n. usage Brit. formerly def the cap worn by a judge when passing a death sentence. black-coated 0. syl black-coat:ed pos adj. usage Brit. esp. formerly; Brit. of a worker def clerical or professional, as distinguished from commercial or industrial. blackcock 0. syl black+cock pron <1bl@k2kok> pos n. def the male of the black grouse. Also called: {heath cock}. Compare {greyhen}. Black Counthe infl head Black Country syl Black Coun+the. pos n. Black Country 0. syl Black Coun+try pos n. def the heavily industrialized region of the West Midlands of England. blackcurrant 1. syl black+cur+rant pron <2bl@k1k^r*nt> pos n. def a N temperate shrub, having red or white flowers and small edible black berries: family blackcurrant 2.a. syl black+cur+rant pron <2bl@k1k^r*nt> pos n. def the fruit of this shrub. blackcurrant 2.b. syl black+cur+rant pron <2bl@k1k^r*nt> pos n. usage as modifier exam 1 blackcurrant jelly. blackdamp 0. syl black+damp pron <1bl@k2d@mp> pos n. def air that is low in oxygen content and high in carbon dioxide as a result of an explosion in a mine. Also called: {chokedamp}. Black Deathe infl head Black Death syl Black Deathe. pos n. Black Death 0. syl Black Death pos n. def a form of bubonic plague pandemic in Europe and Asia during the 14th century, when it killed over 50 million people. See {bubonic plague}. black diamond 1. syl black di:a+mond pos n. def another name for {{carbonado%2}}. black diamond 2. syl black di:a+mond pos n. mod usually; pl. def a figurative expression for {coal}. black earth 0. syl black earth pos n. def another name for {chernozem}. blacken 1. syl black+en pron <1bl@k*n> pos vb. def to make or become black or dirty. blacken 2. syl black+en pron <1bl@k*n> pos vb. mod tr. def to defame; slander (esp. in the phrase {blacken someone's name) }. Patrick Maynard Stuart infl head Blackett syl Pat:rick May:nard Stu:art pos n. Blackett 0. syl Black:ett pron <1bl@kit> pos n. def Baron. 1897-1974, English physicist, noted for his work on cosmic radiation and his discovery of the positron. Nobel prize for physics 1948. black eye 0. syl black eye pos n. qual Informal. def bruising round the eye. black-eyed pea 0. syl black-eyed pea pos n. def another name for { {cowpea} (sense 2).} black-eyed Susan 1. syl black-eyed Su+san pos n. def any of several North American plants of the genus esp. having flower heads of orange-yellow rays and brown-black centres: family (composites). black-eyed Susan 2. syl black-eyed Su+san pos n. def a tropical African climbing plant, having yellow flowers with purple centres: family blackface 1.a. syl black+face pron <1bl@k2fAs> pos n. def a performer made up to imitate a Negro. blackface 1.b. syl black+face pron <1bl@k2fAs> pos n. def the make-up used by such a performer, usually consisting of burnt cork. blackface 2. syl black+face pron <1bl@k2fAs> pos n. qual Printing. def a less common name for { {Gothic} (sense 9).} blackfellow 0. syl black+fel:low pron <1bl@k2fel*u> pos n. def an archaic name for { {Aborigine} (sense 1).} blackfish infl or blackfishes syl black+fish pos n. mod pl. blackfishes infl head blackfish or blackfish syl black+fish:es. pos n. mod pl. blackfish 1. syl black+fish pron <1bl@k2fiS> pos n. def a minnow-like Alaskan freshwater fish, related to the pikes and thought to be able to survive prolonged freezing. blackfish 2. syl black+fish pron <1bl@k2fiS> pos n. def a female salmon that has recently spawned. Compare { {redfish} (sense 1).} blackfish 3. syl black+fish pron <1bl@k2fiS> pos n. def any of various other dark fishes, such as the tautog. blackfish 4. syl black+fish pron <1bl@k2fiS> pos n. def another name for {pilot whale}. black flag 0. syl black flag pos n. def another name for the {Jolly Roger}. blackflies infl head blackfly syl black+flies. pos n. mod pl. blackfly 0. syl black+fly pron <1bl@k2flI> pos n. def a black aphid, that infests beans, sugar beet, and other plants. Also called: {bean aphid}. black fly 0. syl black fly pos n. def any small blackish stout-bodied dipterous fly of the family which suck the blood of man, mammals, and birds. See also {buffalo gnat}. Blackfoot ety C19: translation of Blackfoot Siksika Blackfeet infl head Blackfoot or Blackfoot syl Black+feet pos n. mod pl. Blackfoot infl or Blackfeet syl Black+foot pos n. mod pl. Blackfoot 1. syl Black+foot pron <1bl@k2fut> pos n. def a member of a warlike group of North American Indian peoples formerly living in the northwestern Plains. Blackfoot 2. syl Black+foot pron <1bl@k2fut> pos n. def any of the languages of these peoples, belonging to the Algonquian family. Black Foresthe infl head Black Forest syl Black For+esthe. pos n. Black Forest 0. syl Black For+est pos n. def a hilly wooded region of SW West Germany, in Baden-W*"urttemberg: many resorts. German name: {Schwarzwald}. Black Friar 0. syl Black Fri+ar pos n. def a Dominican friar. black frost 0. syl black frost pos n. def a frost without snow or rime that is severe enough to blacken vegetation. black grouse 1. syl black grouse pos n. def a large N European grouse, the male of which has a bluish-black plumage and lyre-shaped tail. black grouse 2. syl black grouse pos n. def a related and similar species, of W Asia. blackguard ety C16: see #7black, guard &- #!black+guard+ism n. &- #!black+guard+ly adj. blackguard 1.a. syl black+guard pron <1bl@ga:d>, <-g*d> pos n. def an unprincipled contemptible person; scoundrel. blackguard 1.b. syl black+guard pron <1bl@ga:d>, <-g*d> pos n. usage as modifier exam 1 blackguard language. blackguard 2. syl black+guard pron <1bl@ga:d>, <-g*d> pos vb. mod tr. def to ridicule or denounce with abusive language. blackguard 3. syl black+guard pron <1bl@ga:d>, <-g*d> pos vb. mod intr. def to behave like a blackguard. black guillemot 0. syl black guil+le+mot pos n. def a common guillemot, its summer plumage is black with white wing patches and its winter plumage white with greyish wings. Black Hand 1. syl Black Hand pos n. def a group of Sicilian blackmailers and terrorists formed in the 1870s and operating in the U.S. in the early 20th century. Black Hand 2. syl Black Hand pos n. usage in 19th-century Spain def an organization of anarchists. blackhead 1. syl black+head pron <1bl@k2hed> pos n. def a black-tipped plug of fatty matter clogging a pore of the skin, esp. the duct of a sebaceous gland. Technical name: {comedo}. blackhead 2. syl black+head pron <1bl@k2hed> pos n. def an infectious and often fatal disease of turkeys and some other fowl caused by parasitic protozoa. Technical name: {infectious enterohepatitis}. blackhead 3. syl black+head pron <1bl@k2hed> pos n. def any of various birds, esp. gulls or ducks, with black plumage on the head. blackheart 1. syl black+heart pron <1bl@k2ha:t> pos n. def an abnormal darkening of the woody stems of some plants, thought to be caused by extreme cold. blackheart 2. syl black+heart pron <1bl@k2ha:t> pos n. def any of various diseases of plants, such as the potato, in which the central tissues are blackened. blackheart 3. syl black+heart pron <1bl@k2ha:t> pos n. def a variety of cherry that has large sweet fruit with purplish flesh and an almost black skin. Black Hills 0. syl Black Hills pos n. mod pl. def a group of mountains in W South Dakota and NE Wyoming: famous for the gigantic sculptures of U.S. presidents on the side of Mount Rushmore. Highest peak: Harney Peak, 2208 m (7242 ft.). black hole 0. syl black hole pos n. qual Astronomy. def a hypothetical region of space re?!sulting from the gravitational collapse of a star following the exhaustion of its nuclear fuel. The gravitational field around the region would be so high that neither matter nor radiation could escape from it. Black Hole of Calcutta 1. syl Black Hole of Cal+cut+ta pos n. def a small dungeon in which in 1756 the Nawab of Bengal reputedly confined 146 English prisoners, of whom only 23 survived. Black Hole of Calcutta 2. syl Black Hole of Cal+cut+ta pos n. qual Informal, chiefly Brit. def any uncomfortable or overcrowded place. black horehound 0. syl black hore+hound pos n. def a hairy unpleasant-smelling chiefly Mediterranean plant, having clusters of purple flowers: family (labiates). black ice 0. syl black ice pos n. def a thin transparent layer of new ice on a road or similar surface. blacking 0. syl black+ing pron <1bl@kiG> pos n. def any preparation, esp. one containing lampblack, for giving a black finish to shoes, metals, etc. blackjack ety C19: from #7black+jack %1 (implement) blackjack H1.1. syl black+jack pron <1bl@k2J@k> pos n. qual Chiefly U.S. def a truncheon of leather-covered lead with a flexible shaft. blackjack H1.2. syl black+jack pron <1bl@k2J@k> pos vb. mod tr. qual Chiefly U.S. def to hit with or as if with a blackjack. blackjack H1.3. syl black+jack pron <1bl@k2J@k> pos vb. mod tr. qual Chiefly U.S. def to compel (a person) by threats. blackjack ety C20: from #7black+jack %1 (the knave) blackjack H2.1. syl black+jack pron <1bl@k2J@k> pos n. qual Cards. def pontoon or any of various similar card games. blackjack H2.2. syl black+jack pron <1bl@k2J@k> pos n. qual Cards. def the ace of spades. blackjack ety C18: from #7black+jack %1 (originally a miner's name for this useless ore) blackjack H3.0. syl black+jack pron <1bl@k2J@k> pos n. def a dark iron-rich variety of the mineral sphalerite. blackjack ety C19: from #7black+jack %1 (from the proper name, popularly used in many plant names) blackjack H4.0. syl black+jack pron <1bl@k2J@k> pos n. def a small oak tree, of the southeastern U.S., with blackish bark and fan-shaped leaves. Also called: {blackjack oak}. blackjack ety C16: from #7black +#7jack %3 blackjack H5.0. syl black+jack pron <1bl@k2J@k> pos n. def a tarred leather tankard or jug. black knot 0. syl black knot pos n. def a fungal disease of plums and cherries caused by characterized by rough black knotlike swellings on the twigs and branches. black lead 0. syl black lead pron pos n. def another name for {graphite}. blackleg 1. syl black+leg pron <1bl@kleg> pos n. def Also called (esp. U.S.): {scab}. blackleg 1.a. syl black+leg pron <1bl@kleg> pos n. def a person who acts against the interests of a trade union, as by continuing to work during a strike or taking over a striker's job. blackleg 1.b. syl black+leg pron <1bl@kleg> pos n. usage as modifier exam 1 blackleg labour. blackleg 2. syl black+leg pron <1bl@kleg> pos n. def an acute infectious disease of cattle, sheep, and pigs, characterized by gas-filled swellings, esp. on the legs, caused by bacteria. blackleg 3.a. syl black+leg pron <1bl@kleg> pos n. def a fungal disease of cabbages and related plants caused by characterized by blackening and decay of the lower stems. blackleg 3.b. syl black+leg pron <1bl@kleg> pos n. def a similar disease of potatoes, caused by bacteria. blackleg 4. syl black+leg pron <1bl@kleg> pos n. def a person who cheats in gambling, esp. at cards or in racing. blacklegs infl head blackleg syl black+legs pos vb. blacklegging infl head blackleg syl black+leg+ging pos vb. blacklegged infl head blackleg syl black+legged. pos vb. blackleg 5. syl black+leg pron <1bl@kleg> pos vb. qual Brit. def to act against the interests of a trade union, esp. by refusing to join a strike. black letter 0. syl black let+ter pos n. qual Printing. def another name for { {Gothic} (sense 9).} black light 0. syl black light pos n. def the invisible electromagnetic radiation in the ultraviolet and infrared regions of the spectrum. blacklist 1. syl black+list pron <1bl@k2list> pos n. def a list of persons or organizations under suspicion, or considered untrustworthy, disloyal, etc., esp. one compiled by a government or an organization. blacklist 2. syl black+list pron <1bl@k2list> pos vb. mod tr. def to put on a blacklist. black magic 0. syl black mag+ic pos n. def magic used for evil purposes by invoking the power of the devil. blackmail ety C16: see #7black, {mail %3} &- #!black+mail+er n. blackmail 1. syl black+mail pron <1bl@k2mAl> pos n. def the act of attempting to obtain money by intimidation, as by threats to disclose discreditable information. blackmail 2. syl black+mail pron <1bl@k2mAl> pos n. def the exertion of pressure or threats, esp. unfairly, in an attempt to influence someone's actions. blackmail 3. syl black+mail pron <1bl@k2mAl> pos vb. mod tr. def to exact or attempt to exact (money or anything of value) from (a person) by threats or intimidation; extort. blackmail 4. syl black+mail pron <1bl@k2mAl> pos vb. mod tr. def to attempt to influence the actions of (a person), esp. by unfair pressure or threats. Black Maria 0. syl Black Ma+ri:a pron pos n. def a police van for transporting prisoners. black mark 0. syl black mark pos n. def an indication of disapproval, failure, etc. black market 1. syl black mar+ket pos n. def any system in which goods or currencies are sold and bought illegally, esp. in violation of controls or rationing. black market 2. syl black mar+ket pos n. def the place where such a system operates. black-market infl head black market syl black-mar:ket. pos vb. black market 3. syl black mar+ket pos vb. def to sell (goods) on the black market. black marketeer sub head black market syl black mar+ke+teer pos n. black mass 0. syl black mass pos n. usage sometimes cap. def a blasphemous travesty of the Christian Mass, performed by practitioners of black magic. black measles 0. syl black mea+sles pos n. mod pl. often functioning as; sing. def a severe form of measles characterized by dark eruptions caused by bleeding under the skin. black medick 0. syl black med+ick pos n. def a small European papilionaceous plant, with trifoliate leaves, small yellow flowers, and black pods. Also called: {nonesuch}. R(ichard) D(oddridge) infl head Blackmore syl R(ichard) D(oddridge). pos n. Blackmore 0. syl Black:more pron <1bl@kmc:> pos n. def 1825-1900, English novelist; author of (1869). black mould 0. syl black mould pos n. def another name for {bread mould}. Black Mountains 1. syl Black Moun+tains pos n. mod pl. def a mountain range in S Wales, in E Dyfed and W Powys. Highest peak: Carmarthen Van, 802 m (2632 ft.). Black Mountains 2. syl Black Moun+tains pos n. mod pl. def a mountain range in S Wales, in E Gwent. Highest peak: Waun Fach, 811 m (2660 ft.). Black Muslim 0. syl Black Mus+lim pos n. usage esp. in the U.S. def a political and religious movement of Black people who adapt the religious practices of Islam and seek to establish a new Black nation. Official name: {Nation of Islam}. black mustard 0. syl black mus+tard pos n. def a Eurasian cruciferous plant, (or with clusters of yellow flowers and pungent seeds from which the condiment mustard is made. black nightshade 0. syl black night+shade pos n. def a poisonous solanaceous plant, a common weed in cultivated land, having small white flowers with backward-curved petals and black berry-like fruits. blackout 1. syl black+out pron <1bl@kaut> pos n. def the extinguishing or hiding of all artificial light, esp. in a city visible to an enemy attack from the air. blackout 2. syl black+out pron <1bl@kaut> pos n. def a momentary loss of consciousness, vision, or memory. blackout 3. syl black+out pron <1bl@kaut> pos n. def a temporary electrical power failure or cut. blackout 4. syl black+out pron <1bl@kaut> pos n. qual Electronics. def a temporary loss of sensitivity in a valve following a short strong pulse. blackout 5. syl black+out pron <1bl@kaut> pos n. def a temporary loss of radio communications between a spacecraft and earth, esp. on re-entry into the earth's atmosphere. blackout 6. syl black+out pron <1bl@kaut> pos n. def the suspension of radio or television broadcasting, as by a strike or for political reasons. black out infl head blackout syl black out. pos adv. blackout 7. syl black+out pron <1bl@kaut> pos vb. mod tr. def to obliterate or extinguish (lights). blackout 8. syl black+out pron <1bl@kaut> pos vb. mod tr. def to create a blackout in (a city etc.). blackout 9. syl black+out pron <1bl@kaut> pos vb. mod intr. qual Informal. def to lose vision, consciousness, or memory temporarily. blackout 10. syl black+out pron <1bl@kaut> pos adv. mod tr. def to stop (news, a television programme) from being released or broadcast. Black Panther 0. syl Black Pan+ther pos n. usage in the U.S. def a member of a militant Black political party founded in 1965 to end the political dominance of Whites. black pepper 0. syl black pep+per pos n. def a pungent condiment made by grinding the dried unripe berries, together with their black husks, of the pepper plant blackpoll 0. syl black+poll pron <1bl@k2p*ul> pos n. def a North American warbler, the male of which has a black-and-white head. Blackpool 0. syl Black+pool pron <1bl@k2pu:l> pos n. def a town and resort in NW England, in Lancashire on the Irish Sea: famous for its tower, 158 m (520 ft.) high, and its illuminations. Pop.: 151311 (1971). black powder 0. syl black pow+der pos n. def a U.S. name for {gunpowder}. Black Power 0. syl Black Pow+er pos n. def a social, economic, and political movement of Black people, esp. in the U.S. and Australia, to obtain equality with Whites. the infl head Black Prince syl the. pos n. Black Prince 0. syl Black Prince pos n. def See {Edward} (Prince of Wales). black pudding 0. syl black pud+ding pos n. def a kind of black sausage made from minced pork fat, pig's blood, and other ingredients. Also called: {blood pudding}. Usual U.S. name: {blood sausage}. black rat 0. syl black rat pos n. def a common rat, a household pest that has spread from its native Asia to all countries. Black Rod 1. syl Black Rod pos n. usage in Britain def an officer of the House of Lords and of the Order of the Garter, whose main duty is summoning the Commons at the opening and proroguing of Parliament. Black Rod 2. syl Black Rod pos n. def a similar officer in any of certain other legislatures. black rot 0. syl black rot pos n. def any of various plant diseases of fruits and vegetables, producing blackening, rotting, and shrivelling and caused by bacteria (including and fungi (such as . black rust 0. syl black rust pos n. def a stage in any of several diseases of cereals and grasses caused by rust fungi in which black masses of spores appear on the stems or leaves. Black Sash 0. syl Black Sash pos n. usage in South Africa def an organization of women opposed to apartheid. Black Sea 0. syl Black Sea pos n. def an inland sea between SE Europe and Asia: connected to the Aegean Sea by the Bosporus, the Sea of Marmara, and the Dardanelles, and to the Sea of Azov by the Kerch Strait. Area: about 415000 sq. km (160000 sq. miles). Also called: {Euxine Sea}. Ancient name: {Pontus Euxinus}. black sheep 0. syl black sheep pos n. def a person who is regarded as a disgrace or failure by his family or peer group. Blackshirt 0. syl Black+shirt pron <1bl@k2SR:t> pos n. usage in Europe def a member of a fascist organization, esp. a member of the Italian Fascist party before and during World War II. blacksmith ety C15: see #7black, smith blacksmith 0. syl black+smith pron <1bl@k2smiT> pos n. def an artisan who works iron with a furnace, anvil, hammer, etc. blacksnake 1. syl black+snake pron <1bl@k2snAk> pos n. def any of several Old World black venomous elapid snakes, esp. ({Australian blacksnake}) . blacksnake 2. syl black+snake pron <1bl@k2snAk> pos n. def any of various dark nonvenomous snakes, such as (black racer). blacksnake 3. syl black+snake pron <1bl@k2snAk> pos n. def U.S. a long heavy pliant whip of braided leather or rawhide. black spot 1. syl black spot pos n. def a place on a road where accidents frequently occur. black spot 2. syl black spot pos n. def any dangerous or difficult place. black spruce 0. syl black spruce pos n. def a coniferous tree, of the northern regions of North America, growing mostly in cold bogs and having dark green needles. Also called: {spruce pine}. Blackstone 0. syl Black:stone pron <1bl@k2st*un>, <-st*n> pos n. def Sir {Wil@.liam}. 1723-80, English jurist noted particularly for his (1865-69), which had a profound influence on jurisprudence in the U.S. blackstrap molasses 0. syl black+strap mo+las+ses pron <1bl@k2str@p> pos n. mod pl. def the molasses remaining after the maximum quantity of sugar has been extracted from the raw material. black sthe infl head black stump syl black sthe. pos n. black stump 0. syl black stump pos n. qual Austral. def an imaginary marker of the extent of civilization (esp. in the phrase {beyond the black stump}) . black swan 0. syl black swan pos n. def a large Australian swan, that has a black plumage and red bill. blacktail 0. syl black+tail pron <1bl@k2tAl> pos n. def a variety of mule deer having a black tail. black tea 0. syl black tea pos n. def tea made from fermented tea leaves. blackthorn 0. syl black+thorn pron <1bl@k2Tc:n> pos n. def a thorny Eurasian rosaceous shrub, with black twigs, white flowers, and small sour plumlike fruits. Also called: {sloe}. black tie 1. syl black tie pos n. def a black bow tie worn with a dinner jacket. black tie 2. syl black tie pos n. usage modifier def denoting an occasion when a dinner jacket should be worn. black tie xref syl black tie pos n. def Compare {white tie}. blacktop 0. syl black+top pron <1bl@k2top> pos n. qual Chiefly U.S. def a bituminous mixture used for paving. black tracker 0. syl black track:er pos n. qual Austral. def an Aboriginal tracker working for the police. black treacle 0. syl black trea+cle pos n. qual Brit. def another term for { {treacle} (sense 1).} black velvet 1. syl black vel+vet pos n. def a mixture of stout and champagne in equal proportions. black velvet 2. syl black vel+vet pos n. qual Austral. slang. def Aboriginal women collectively. Black Volta 0. syl Black Vol+ta pos n. def a river in W Africa, rising in SW Upper Volta and flowing northeast, then south into Lake Volta: forms part of the border of Ghana with Upper Volta and with the Ivory Coast. Length: about 800 km (500 miles). black vomit 1. syl black vom+it pos n. def vomit containing blood, often a manifestation of disease, such as yellow fever. black vomit 2. syl black vom+it pos n. qual Informal. def yellow fever. Blackwall hitch ety after Blackwall, London Blackwall hitch 0. syl Black+wall hitch pron <1bl@k2wc:l> pos n. def a knot for hooking tackle to the end of a rope, holding fast when pulled but otherwise loose. black walnut 1. syl black wal+nut pos n. def a North American walnut tree, with hard dark wood and edible oily nuts. black walnut 2. syl black wal+nut pos n. def the valuable wood of this tree, used for cabinet work. black walnut 3. syl black wal+nut pos n. def the nut of this tree. black walnut xref syl black wal+nut pos n. def Compare { {butternut} (senses 1-4).} Black Wathe infl head Black Watch syl Black Wathe. pos n. Black Watch 0. syl Black Watch pos n. def the Royal Highland Regiment in the British army. blackwater fever 0. syl black+wa:ter fe+ver pron <1bl@k2wc:t*> pos n. def a rare and serious complication of chronic malaria caused by characterized by massive destruction of red blood cells, producing dark red or blackish urine. black whale 0. syl black whale pos n. def another name for {pilot whale}. black widow 0. syl black wid+ow pos n. def an American spider, the female of which is black with red markings, highly venomous, and commonly eats its mate. blackwood 0. syl black+wood pron <1bl@k2wud> pos n. def a tall Australian acacia tree, having small clusters of flowers and curved pods and yielding highly valued black timber. Also called: {Sally Wattle}. Blackwood ety C20: named after Easeley F. Blackwood, its American inventor Blackwood 0. syl Black+wood pron <1bl@k2wud> pos n. qual Bridge. def a conventional bidding sequence of four and five no-trumps, which are requests to the partner to show aces and kings respectively. bladder ety Old English bl*_@adre bladder 1. syl blad+der pron <1bl@d*> pos n. qual Anatomy. def a distensible membranous sac, usually containing liquid or gas, esp. the urinary bladder. Related adj.: {vesical}. bladder 2. syl blad+der pron <1bl@d*> pos n. def an inflatable part of something. bladder 3. syl blad+der pron <1bl@d*> pos n. def a blister, cyst, vesicle, etc., usually filled with fluid. bladder 4. syl blad+der pron <1bl@d*> pos n. def a hollow vesicular or saclike part or organ in certain plants, such as the bladderwrack. bladdery sub head bladder syl blad+der:y pos adj. bladder campion 0. syl blad+der cam+pi+on pos n. def a European caryophyllaceous plant, having white flowers with an inflated calyx. bladder ketmia 0. syl blad+der ket+mi:a pron <1ketmi*> pos n. def another name for {flower-of-an-hour}. bladdernose 0. syl blad:der+nose pron <1bl@d*2n*uz> pos n. def another name for {hooded seal}. bladdernut 1. syl blad:der+nut pron <1bl@d*2n^t> pos n. def any temperate shrub or small tree of the genus esp. of S Europe, that has bladder-like seed pods: family bladdernut 2. syl blad:der+nut pron <1bl@d*2n^t> pos n. def the pod of any such tree. bladder senna 0. syl blad+der sen+na pos n. def a Eurasian papilionaceous plant, with yellow and red flowers and membranous inflated pods. bladder worm 0. syl blad+der worm pos n. def an encysted saclike larva of the tapeworm. The main types are cysticercus, hydatid and coenurus. bladderwort 0. syl blad:der+wort pron <1bl@d*2wR:t> pos n. def any aquatic plant of the genus some of whose leaves are modified as small bladders to trap minute aquatic animals: family bladderwrack 0. syl blad:der+wrack pron <1bl@d*2r@k> pos n. def any of several seaweeds of the genera and esp. that grow in the intertidal regions of rocky shores and have branched brown fronds with air bladders. blade ety Old English bl@ad; related to Old Norse blath leaf, Old High German blat, Latin folium leaf &- #!blad+ed adj. blade 1. syl blade pron pos n. def the part of a sharp weapon, tool, etc., that forms the cutting edge. blade 2. syl blade pron pos n. mod pl. qual Austral. def hand shears used for shearing sheep. blade 3. syl blade pron pos n. def the thin flattish part of various tools, implements, etc., as of a propeller. blade 4. syl blade pron pos n. def the flattened expanded part of a leaf, sepal, or petal. blade 5. syl blade pron pos n. def the long narrow leaf of a grass or related plant. blade 6. syl blade pron pos n. def the striking surface of a bat, club, stick, or oar. blade 7. syl blade pron pos n. def the metal runner on an ice skate. blade 8. syl blade pron pos n. qual Archaeol. def a long thin flake of flint, possibly used as a tool. blade 9. syl blade pron pos n. def the upper part of the tongue lying directly behind the tip. blade 10. syl blade pron pos n. qual Archaic. def a dashing or swaggering young man. blade 11. syl blade pron pos n. def short for {shoulder blade}. blade 12. syl blade pron pos n. def a poetic word for a {sword} or {swordsman}. blade grader 0. syl blade grad+er pos n. def another name for { {grader} (sense 2).} blaeberry ety C15: from northern dialect bla bluish+#7berry blaeberries infl head blaeberry syl blae+ber:ries. pos n. mod pl. blaeberry 0. syl blae+ber:ry pron <1blAb*ri> pos n. qual Brit. def another name for { {whortleberry} (senses 1, 2).} Blagoveshchensk 0. syl Bla+go+vesh+chensk pron Russian pos n. def a city and port in the SE Soviet Union, in Siberia on the Amur River. Pop.: 165000 (1975 est.). blague 0. syl blague qual French def blag) pretentious but empty talk; nonsense. blah blah alt head blah or blah syl blah blah pron pos n. infl head blah syl ~ pos n. qual Slang. blah 1. or blah blah syl blah pron pos n. def worthless or silly talk; claptrap. blah 2. or blah blah syl blah pron pos adj. def uninteresting; insipid. blah 3. or blah blah syl blah pron pos vb. mod intr. def to talk nonsense or boringly. blain ety Old English blegen; related to Middle Low German bleine blain 0. syl blain pron pos n. def a blister, blotch, or sore on the skin. Robert 1. head Blake syl Rob:ert. def 1599-1657, English admiral, who commanded Cromwell's fleet against the Royalists, the Dutch, and the Spanish. William 2. head Blake syl Wil:liam. def 1757-1827, English poet, painter, engraver, and mystic. His literary works include (1789) and (1794), (1793), and (1820). His chief works in the visual arts include engravings of a visionary nature, such as the illustrations for (1826), for Dante's poems, and for his own (1783-1804). blame ety C12: from Old French blasmer, ultimately from Late Latin blasph*_em*_are to #7blaspheme blame 1. syl blame pron pos n. def responsibility for something that is wrong or deserving censure; culpability. blame 2. syl blame pron pos n. def an expression of condemnation; reproof. be to blame 3. head blame syl be to blame. def to be at fault or culpable. blame 4. syl blame pron pos vb. mod tr. usage usually foll. by for def to attribute responsibility to; accuse. exam 1 I blame him for the failure. blame 5. syl blame pron pos vb. mod tr. usage usually foll. by on def to ascribe responsibility for (something) to. exam 1 I blame the failure on him. blame 6. syl blame pron pos vb. mod tr. def to find fault with. blamable sub head blame or blameable syl blam+a:ble pos adj. blameable sub head blame or blamable syl blame+a:ble pos adj. blamably sub head blame or blameably syl blam+a:bly pos adv. blameably sub head blame or blamably syl blame+a:bly pos adv. blamed 0. syl blamed pron pos adj. adv. qual Chiefly U.S. def a euphemistic word for {damned} (senses 2, 3). blameful 0. syl blame+ful pron <1blAmful> pos adj. def deserving blame; guilty. blamefully sub head blameful syl blame+ful+ly pos adv. blamefulness sub head blameful syl blame+ful+ness pos n. blameless 0. syl blame+less pron <1blAmlis> pos adj. def free from blame; innocent. blamelessly sub head blameless syl blame+less+ly pos adv. blamelessness sub head blameless syl blame+less+ness pos n. blameworthy 0. syl blame+wor:thy pron <1blAm2wR:@di> pos adj. def deserving disapproval or censure. blameworthiness sub head blameworthy syl blame+2wor:thi+ness pos n. Blamey 0. syl Bla:mey pron <1blAmi> pos n. def Sir {Thom@.as Al@.bert}. 1884-1951, Australian soldier; the first Australian field marshal. He served in both World Wars and was commander in chief of the Allied Land Forces in the SW Pacific (1942-45). Blanc H1.0. syl Blanc qual French def bl?~a) Mont 1. head Blanc syl Mont. qual French def See {Mont Blanc}. Cape 2. head Blanc syl Cape. qual French def a headland in N Tunisia: the northernmost point of Africa. Cape 3. head Blanc syl Cape. qual French def Also called: {Cape Blan+co} (#!bl@a&nk$$$u). a peninsula in Mauritania, on the Atlantic coast. Blanc H2.0. syl Blanc qual French def bl?~a) ({Jean Joseph Charles) Louis} (lwi). 1811-82, French socialist and historian: author of (1840), in which he advocated the establishment of cooperative workshops subsidized by the state. blanc fixe ety literally: fixed white blanc fixe 0. syl blanc fixe pron French. pos n. def another name for {barium sulphate}. blanch ety C14: from Old French blanchir from blanc white; see #7blank blanch 1. syl blanch pron pos vb. mod mainly; tr. def to remove colour from; whiten. exam 1 the sun blanched the carpet. blanch 2. syl blanch pron pos vb. mod usually; intr. def to become or cause to become pale, as with sickness or fear. blanch 3. syl blanch pron pos vb. mod mainly; tr. def to plunge tomatoes, nuts, etc., into boiling water to loosen the skin. blanch 4. syl blanch pron pos vb. mod mainly; tr. def to plunge (meat, green vegetables, etc.) in boiling water or bring to the boil in water in order to whiten, preserve the natural colour, or reduce or remove a bitter or salty taste. blanch 5. syl blanch pron pos vb. mod mainly; tr. def to cause (celery, chicory, etc.) to grow free of chlorophyll by the exclusion of sunlight. blanch 6. syl blanch pron pos vb. mod mainly; tr. qual Metallurgy. def to whiten (a metal), usually by treating it with an acid or by coating it with tin. blanch 7. syl blanch pron pos vb. mod tr. usage usually foll. by over def to attempt to conceal something. blancmange ety C14: from Old French blanc manger, literally: white food blancmange 0. syl blanc+mange pron pos n. def a jelly-like dessert, stiffened usually with cornflour and set in a mould. bland ety C15: from Latin blandus flattering bland 1. syl bland pron pos adj. def devoid of any distinctive or stimulating characteristics; uninteresting; dull. exam 1 bland food. bland 2. syl bland pron pos adj. def gentle and agreeable; suave. bland 3. syl bland pron pos adj. usage of the weather def mild and soothing. bland 4. syl bland pron pos adj. def unemotional or unmoved. exam 1 a bland account of atrocities. blandly sub head bland syl bland+ly pos adv. blandness sub head bland syl bland+ness pos n. blandish ety C14: from Old French blandir from Latin bland*_ir*_i blandish 0. syl blan+dish pron <1bl@ndiS> pos vb. mod tr. def to seek to persuade or influence by mild flattery; coax. blandishments 0. syl blan+dish+ments pron <1bl@ndiSm*nts> pos n. mod pl. rarely; sing. def flattery intended to coax or cajole. blank ety C15: from Old French blanc white, of Germanic origin; related to Old English blanca a white horse blank 1. syl blank pron pos adj. usage of a writing surface def bearing no marks; not written on. blank 2. syl blank pron pos adj. usage of a form, etc. def with spaces left for details to be filled in. blank 3. syl blank pron pos adj. def without ornament or break; unrelieved. exam 1 a blank wall. blank 4. syl blank pron pos adj. def not filled in; empty; void. exam 1 a blank space. blank 5. syl blank pron pos adj. def exhibiting no interest or expression. exam 1 a blank look. blank 6. syl blank pron pos adj. def lacking understanding; confused. exam 1 he looked blank even after the explanations. blank 7. syl blank pron pos adj. def absolute; complete. exam 1 blank rejection. blank 8. syl blank pron pos adj. def devoid of ideas or inspiration. exam 1 his mind went blank in the exam. blank 9. syl blank pron pos adj. def unproductive; barren. blank 10. syl blank pron pos n. def an emptiness; void; blank space. blank 11. syl blank pron pos n. def an empty space for writing in, as on a printed form. blank 12. syl blank pron pos n. def a printed form containing such empty spaces. blank 13. syl blank pron pos n. def something characterized by incomprehension or mental confusion. exam 1 my mind went a complete blank. blank 14. syl blank pron pos n. def a mark, often a dash, in place of a word, esp. a taboo word. blank 15. syl blank pron pos n. def short for {blank cartridge}. blank 16. syl blank pron pos n. def a plate or plug used to seal an aperture. blank 17. syl blank pron pos n. def a piece of material prepared for stamping, punching, forging, or some other operation. blank 18. syl blank pron pos n. qual Archery. def the white spot in the centre of a target. blank 19.a. syl blank pron pos n. def to choose a lottery ticket that fails to win. blank 19.b. syl blank pron pos n. qual Informal. def to get no results from something. blank 20. syl blank pron pos vb. mod tr. usage usually foll. by out def to cross out, blot, or obscure. blank 21. syl blank pron pos vb. mod tr. def to forge, stamp, punch, or cut (a piece of material) in preparation for forging, die-stamping, or drawing operations. blank 22. syl blank pron pos vb. mod tr. usage often foll. by off def to seal (an aperture) with a plate or plug. blank 23. syl blank pron pos vb. mod tr. qual U.S. def to prevent (an opponent) from scoring in a game. blankly sub head blank syl blank+ly pos adv. blank cartridge 0. syl blank car+tridge pos n. def a gun cartridge containing powder but no bullet: used in battle practice or as a signal. blank cheque 1. syl blank cheque pos n. def a cheque that has been signed but on which the amount payable has not been specified. blank cheque 2. syl blank cheque pos n. def complete freedom of action. blank endorsement 0. syl blank en+dorse+ment pos n. def an endorsement on a bill of exchange, cheque, etc., naming no payee and thus making the endorsed sum payable to the bearer. Also called: {endorsement in blank}. blanket ety C13: from Old French blancquete, from blanc see #7blank blanket 1. syl blan+ket pron <1bl@Gkit> pos n. def a large piece of thick cloth for use as a bed covering, animal covering, etc., enabling a person or animal to retain much of his natural body heat. blanket 2. syl blan+ket pron <1bl@Gkit> pos n. def a concealing cover or layer, as of smoke, leaves, or snow. blanket 3. syl blan+ket pron <1bl@Gkit> pos n. def a rubber or plastic sheet wrapped round a cylinder, used in offset printing to transfer the image from the plate, stone, or forme to the paper. blanket 4. syl blan+ket pron <1bl@Gkit> pos n. qual Physics. def a layer of a fertile radioactive substance placed round the core of a nuclear reactor as a reflector and often to breed new fissionable fuel. blanket 5. syl blan+ket pron <1bl@Gkit> pos n. usage modifier def applying to or covering a wide group or variety of people, conditions, situations, etc.. exam 1 blanket insurance against loss, injury, and theft. blanket 6. syl blan+ket pron <1bl@Gkit> pos vb. mod tr. def to cover with or as if with a blanket; overlie. blanket 7. syl blan+ket pron <1bl@Gkit> pos vb. mod tr. usage usually foll. by out def to obscure or suppress. exam 1 the storm blanketed out the television picture. blanket 8. syl blan+ket pron <1bl@Gkit> pos vb. mod tr. qual Nautical. def to prevent wind from reaching the sails of (another sailing vessel) by passing close to windward of it. blanket stitch 0. syl blan+ket stitch pos n. def a strong reinforcing stitch for the edges of blankets and other thick material. blankety ety C20: from #7blank blankety 0. syl blank+e:ty pron <1bl@Gkiti> pos adj. adv. def a euphemism for any taboo word. blank verse 0. syl blank verse pos n. qual Prosody. def unrhymed verse, esp. in iambic pentameters. blanquette de veau ety French blanquette de veau 0. syl blan+quette de veau pron <1v*u> pos n. def a ragout or stew of veal in a white sauce. Blantyre-Limbe 0. syl Blan:tyre-Lim:be pron <1limbA> pos n. def a city in S Malawi: largest city in the country; formed in 1956 from the adjoining towns of Blantyre and Limbe. Pop.: 109461 (1966). blare ety C14: from Middle Dutch bleren; of imitative origin blare 1. syl blare pron pos vb. def to sound loudly and harshly. blare 2. syl blare pron pos vb. def to proclaim loudly and sensationally. blare 3. syl blare pron pos n. def a loud and usually harsh or grating noise. blarney ety C19: after the B#7larney S#7tone blarney 1. syl blar+ney pron <1bla:ni> pos n. def flattering talk. blarney 2. syl blar+ney pron <1bla:ni> pos vb. def to cajole with flattery; wheedle. Blarney Stone 0. syl Blar+ney Stone pos n. def a stone in {Blarney Castle}, in the SW Republic of Ireland, said to endow whoever kisses it with skill in flattery. Vicente infl head Blasco Ib'anez syl Vi:cen:te pron pos n. Blasco Ib'anez 0. syl Blas:co I:b*'a:?~nez pron Spanish <1blasko> pos n. def 1867-1928, Spanish novelist, whose books include (1909) and (1916). blas'e ety C19: from French, past participle of blaser to cloy blas'e 1. syl bla+s*'e pron <1bla:zA> pos adj. def indifferent to something because of familiarity or surfeit. blas'e 2. syl bla+s*'e pron <1bla:zA> pos adj. def lacking enthusiasm; bored. blaspheme ety C14: from Late Latin blasph*_em*_are, from Greek blasph*_emein from blasph*_emos #7blasphemous blaspheme 1. syl blas+pheme pron pos vb. mod tr. def to show contempt or disrespect for (God, a divine being, or sacred things), esp. in speech. blaspheme 2. syl blas+pheme pron pos vb. mod intr. def to utter profanities, curses, or impious expressions. blasphemer sub head blaspheme syl blas+1phem+er pos n. blasphemous ety C15: via Late Latin, from Greek blasph*_emos evil-speaking, from blapsis evil + ph*_em*_e speech blasphemous 0. syl blas+phe+mous pron <1bl@sfim*s> pos adj. def expressing or involving impiousness or gross irreverence towards God, a divine being, or something sacred. blasphemously sub head blasphemous syl blas+phe+mous+ly pos adv. blasphemies infl head blasphemy syl blas+phe+mies. pos n. mod pl. blasphemy 0. syl blas+phe+my pron <1bl@sfimi> pos n. def blasphemous behaviour or language. blast ety Old English bl*_@ast, related to Old Norse bl*_astr &- #!blast+er n. blast 1. syl blast pron pos n. def an explosion, as of dynamite. blast 2. syl blast pron pos n. def the rapid movement of air resulting from an explosion; shock wave. blast 3. syl blast pron pos n. def the charge of explosive used in a single explosion. blast 4. syl blast pron pos n. def a sudden strong gust of wind or air. blast 5. syl blast pron pos n. def a sudden loud sound, as of a trumpet. blast 6. syl blast pron pos n. def a violent verbal outburst, as of criticism. blast 7. syl blast pron pos n. def a forcible jet or stream of air, esp. one used to intensify the heating effect of a furnace, increase the draught in a steam engine, or break up coal at a coalface. blast 8. syl blast pron pos n. def any of several diseases of plants and animals, esp. one producing withering in plants. (at) full blast 9. head blast syl (at) full blast. def at maximum speed, volume etc. blast 10. syl blast pron pos interj. qual Slang. def an exclamation of annoyance (esp. in phrases such as {blast it&! blast him&!) }. blast 11. syl blast pron pos vb. def to destroy or blow up with explosives, shells, etc. blast 12. syl blast pron pos vb. def to make or cause to make a loud harsh noise. blast 13. syl blast pron pos vb. mod tr. def to remove, open, etc., by an explosion. exam 1 to blast a hole in a wall. blast 14. syl blast pron pos vb. mod tr. def to ruin; shatter. exam 1 the rain blasted our plans for a picnic. blast 15. syl blast pron pos vb. def to wither or cause to wither; blight or be blighted. blast 16. syl blast pron pos vb. def to criticize severely. blast 17. syl blast pron pos vb. qual Slang. def to shoot or shoot at. exam 1 he blasted the hat off her head; exam 2 he blasted away at the trees. -blast ety from Greek blastos bud -blast 0. syl -blast pos n. usage combining form. def (in biology) indicating an embryonic cell or formative layer. exam 1 mesoblast. blasted 1. syl blast+ed pron <1bla:stid> pos adj. def blighted or withered. {~} blastema ety C19: from New Latin, from Greek: offspring, from blastos bud blastemas infl head blastema or blastemata syl blas+te+mas pron <-m*t*> pos n. mod pl. blastemata infl head blastema or blastemas syl blas+te+ma+ta pron <-m*t*> pos n. mod pl. blastema 0. syl blas+te+ma pron pos n. def a mass of undifferentiated animal cells that will develop into an organ or tissue: present at the site of regeneration of a lost part. blastemic sub head blastema syl blas+te+mic pron , <-1stem-> pos adj. blast furnace 0. syl blast fur+nace pos n. def a vertical cylindrical furnace for smelting iron, copper, lead, and tin ores. The ore, scrap, solid fuel, and slag-forming materials are fed through the top and a blast of preheated air is forced through the charge from the bottom. Metal and slag are run off from the base. blasting 0. syl blast+ing pron <1bla:stiG> pos n. qual Informal. def a distortion of sound caused by overloading certain components of a radio system. blasto- ety from Greek blastos. See -#7blast blasto- 0. syl blas:to- usage combining form. def (in biology) indicating an embryo or bud or the process of budding. exam 1 blastoderm. blastocoele alt head blastocoel or blastocoel syl blas+to+coele pron <1bl@st*u2sEl> pos n. blastocoel 0. or blastocoele syl blas+to+coel pron <1bl@st*u2sEl> pos n. qual Embryol. def the cavity within a blastula. Also called: {segmentation cavity}. blastocyst 1. syl blas+to+cyst pron <1bl@st*u2sist> pos n. qual Embryol. def Also called: {blastosphere}. the blastula of mammals: a sphere of cells (trophoblast) enclosing an inner mass of cells and a fluid-filled cavity (blastocoel). blastocyst 2. syl blas+to+cyst pron <1bl@st*u2sist> pos n. qual Embryol. def another name for {germinal vesicle}. blastodisc alt head blastoderm or blastoderm syl blas+to+disc pos n. blastoderm 1. or blastodisc syl blas+to+derm pron <1bl@st*u2dR:m> pos n. qual Embryol. def a flat disc of cells formed after cleavage in a heavily yolked egg, such as a bird's egg. blastoderm 2. or blastodisc syl blas+to+derm pron <1bl@st*u2dR:m> pos n. qual Embryol. def a layer of cells on the inside of the blastula surrounding the blastocoel. blastoderm xref or blastodisc syl blas+to+derm pron <1bl@st*u2dR:m> pos n. qual Embryol. def Also called: {germinal disc}. blastodermic sub head blastoderm syl blas+to+1derm+ic pos adj. blastoff 1. syl blast+off pron <1bla:st2of> pos n. def the launching of a rocket under its own power. blastoff 2. syl blast+off pron <1bla:st2of> pos n. def the time at which this occurs. blast off infl head blastoff syl blast off. pos vb. blastoff 3. syl blast+off pron <1bla:st2of> pos adv. usage when tr., usually passive) def (of a rocket, spacemen, etc.) to be launched. blastogenesis 1. syl blas+to+gen+e:sis pron <2bl@st*u1Jenisis> pos n. def the theory that inherited characteristics are transmitted only by germ plasm. See also {pangenesis}. blastogenesis 2. syl blas+to+gen+e:sis pron <2bl@st*u1Jenisis> pos n. def asexual reproduction, esp. budding. blastogenic sub head blastogenesis or blastogenetic syl blas+to+1gen+ic pos adj. blastogenetic sub head blastogenesis or blastogenic syl blas+to+ge:1net+ic pos adj. blastomere 0. syl blas+to+mere pron <1bl@st*u2mi*> pos n. qual Embryol. def any of the cells formed by cleavage of a fertilized egg. blastomeric sub head blastomere syl blas+to+mer+ic pron <2bl@st*u?!1merik> pos adj. blastopore 0. syl blas+to+pore pron <1bl@st*u2pc:> pos n. qual Embryol. def the opening of the archenteron in the gastrula that develops into the anus of some animals. blastoporic sub head blastopore or blastoporal syl blas+to+1por+ic pos adj. blastoporal sub head blastopore or blastoporic syl blas+to+1por+al pos adj. blastosphere 1. syl blas+to+sphere pron <1bl@st*u2sfi*> pos n. def another name for {blastula}. blastosphere 2. syl blas+to+sphere pron <1bl@st*u2sfi*> pos n. def another name for { {blastocyst} (sense 1).} blastula ety C19: New Latin; see #7blasto - blastulas infl head blastula or blastulae syl blas+tu+las pron <-lE> pos n. mod pl. blastulae infl head blastula or blastulas syl blas+tu+lae pron <-lE> pos n. mod pl. blastula 0. syl blas+tu+la pron <1bl@stjul*> pos n. def an early form of an animal embryo that develops from a morula, consisting of a sphere of cells with a central cavity. Also called: {blastosphere}. blastular sub head blastula syl blas+tu+lar pos adj. blat ety C19: of imitative origin blats infl head blat syl blats pos vb. blatting infl head blat syl blat+ting pos vb. blatted infl head blat syl blat+ted. pos vb. blat 1. syl blat pron pos vb. mod intr. qual U.S. def to cry out or bleat like a sheep. blat 2. syl blat pron pos vb. mod tr. qual U.S.; Informal. def to utter indiscreetly in a loud voice. blatant ety C16: coined by Edmund Spenser; probably influ?!enced by Latin blat*_ire to babble; compare Middle Low German pladderen blatant 1. syl bla+tant pron <1blAtNt> pos adj. def glaringly conspicuous or obvious. exam 1 a blatant lie. blatant 2. syl bla+tant pron <1blAtNt> pos adj. def offensively noisy. blatant 3. syl bla+tant pron <1blAtNt> pos adj. usage Archaic. of animals def bleating. blatancy sub head blatant syl bla+tan+cy pos n. blatantly sub head blatant syl bla+tant+ly pos adv. blather ety C15: from Old Norse blathra from blathr nonsense blather 1. syl blath+er pron <1bl@@d*> pos vb. mod intr. def to speak foolishly. blather 2. syl blath+er pron <1bl@@d*> pos n. def foolish talk; nonsense. blatherskite ety C17: see #7blather, {skate %3} blatherskite 1. syl blath:er+skite pron <1bl@@d*2skIt> pos n. def a talkative silly person. blatherskite 2. syl blath:er+skite pron <1bl@@d*2skIt> pos n. def foolish talk; nonsense. blaubok ety C18: via Afrikaans from Dutch blauwbok blaubok infl or blauboks syl blau+bok pos n. mod pl. blauboks infl head blaubok or blaubok syl blau+boks. pos n. mod pl. blaubok 0. syl blau+bok pron <1blau2bok> pos n. def a large blue-haired antelope, of southern Africa: extinct since 1800. Also called: {blue buck}. Blaue Reiter ety C20: literally: blue rider, name adopted by Kandinsky and Marc because they liked the colour blue, horses, and riders der infl head Blaue Reiter syl der. pos n. Blaue Reiter 0. syl Blau:e Rei+ter pron German. <1blau*> <1rIt*r> pos n. def a group of German expressionist painters formed in Munich in 1911, including Kandinsky and Klee, who sought to express the spiritual side of man and nature, which they felt had been neglected by impressionism. Elena Petrovna infl head Blavatsky syl El:e:na Pe:trov:na pron < ji1ljen* pi?!1trcvn*), callAd> pos n. Blaydon 0. syl Blay+don pron <1blAdN> pos n. def an industrial town in NE England, in Tyneside. Pop: 32018 (1971). blaze ety Old English bl@ase blaze H1.1. syl blaze pron pos n. def a strong fire or flame. blaze H1.2. syl blaze pron pos n. def a very bright light or glare. blaze H1.3. syl blaze pron pos n. def an outburst (of passion, acclaim, patriotism, etc.). blaze H1.4. syl blaze pron pos n. def brilliance; brightness. blaze H1.5. syl blaze pron pos vb. mod intr. def to burn fierce?!ly. blaze H1.6. syl blaze pron pos vb. mod intr. def to shine brightly. blaze H1.7. syl blaze pron pos vb. mod intr. usage often foll. by up def to become stirred, as with anger or excitement. blaze H1.8. syl blaze pron pos vb. mod intr. usage usually foll. by away def to shoot continuously. blaze ety C17: probably from Middle Low German bles white marking; compare #7blemish blaze H2.1. syl blaze pron pos n. def a mark, usually indicating a path, made on a tree, esp. by chipping off the bark. blaze H2.2. syl blaze pron pos n. def a light-coloured marking on the face of a domestic animal, esp. a horse. blaze H2.3. syl blaze pron pos vb. mod tr. def to indicate or mark (a tree, path, etc.) with a blaze. blaze a trail 4. head blaze syl blaze a trail. def to explore new territories, areas of knowledge, etc., in such a way that others can follow. blaze ety C14: from Middle Dutch bl*_asen, from Old High German bl*_asan; related to Old Norse bl*_asa blaze H3.0. syl blaze pron pos vb. usage tr; often foll. by abroad def to make widely known; proclaim. blazer 0. syl blaz+er pron <1blAz*> pos n. def a fairly lightweight jacket, often striped or in the colours of a sports club, school, etc. blazes 1. syl blaz:es pron <1blAziz> pos n. mod pl. qual Slang. def a euphemistic word for {hell} (esp. in the phrase {go to blazes) }. blazing star 1. syl blaz+ing star pos n. qual U.S. def a North American plant, with a long spike of small white flowers: family (composites). blazing star 2. syl blaz+ing star pos n. qual U.S. def any North American plant of the related genus having clusters of small red or purple flowers. blazon ety C13: from Old French blason coat of arms blazon 1. syl bla+zon pron <1blAzN> pos vb. mod tr. usage often foll. by abroad def to proclaim loudly and publicly. blazon 2. syl bla+zon pron <1blAzN> pos vb. mod tr. qual Heraldry. def to describe (heraldic arms) in proper terms. blazon 3. syl bla+zon pron <1blAzN> pos vb. mod tr. def to draw and colour (heraldic arms) conventionally. blazon 4. syl bla+zon pron <1blAzN> pos n. mod tr. qual Heraldry. def a conventional description or depiction of heraldic arms. blazon 5. syl bla+zon pron <1blAzN> pos n. mod tr. def any description or recording, esp. of good qualities. blazoner sub head blazon syl bla+zon+er pos n. blazonries infl head blazonry syl bla+zon+ries. pos n. mod pl. blazonry 1. syl bla+zon+ry pron <1blAz*nri> pos n. def the art or process of describing heraldic arms in proper form. blazonry 2. syl bla+zon+ry pron <1blAz*nri> pos n. def heraldic arms collectively. blazonry 3. syl bla+zon+ry pron <1blAz*nri> pos n. def colourful or ostentatious display. bldg 0. syl bldg. qual abbrev. for def building. bleach ety Old English bl*_@acan; related to Old Norse bleikja, Old High German bleih pale bleach 1. syl bleach pron pos vb. def to make or become white or colourless, as by exposure to sunlight, by the action of chemical agents, etc. bleach 2. syl bleach pron pos n. def a bleaching agent. bleach 3. syl bleach pron pos n. def the degree of whiteness resulting from bleaching. bleach 4. syl bleach pron pos n. def the act of bleaching. bleachable sub head bleach syl bleach+a:ble pos adj. bleacher sub head bleach syl bleach+er pos n. bleachers 1. syl bleach+ers pron <1blEC*z> pos n. mod sometimes; sing. def a tier of seats in a sports stadium, etc., that are unroofed and inexpensive. bleachers 2. syl bleach+ers pron <1blEC*z> pos n. mod pl. def the people occupying such seats. bleaching powder 0. syl bleach+ing pow+der pos n. def a white powder with the odour of chlorine, consisting of chlorinated calcium hydroxide with an approximate formula CaCl(OCl).4H\2O. It is used in solution as a bleaching agent and disinfectant. Also called: {chloride of lime, chlorinated lime}. bleak ety Old English bl*_ac bright, pale; related to Old Norse bleikr white, Old High German bleih pale bleak H1.1. syl bleak pron pos adj. def exposed and barren; desolate. bleak H1.2. syl bleak pron pos adj. def cold and raw. bleak H1.3. syl bleak pron pos adj. def offering little hope or excitement; dismal. exam 1 a bleak future. bleakly sub head bleak syl bleak+ly pos adv. bleakness sub head bleak syl bleak+ness pos n. bleak ety C15: probably from Old Norse bleikja white colour; related to Old High German bleiche #7bleach bleak H2.0. syl bleak pron pos n. def any slender silvery European cyprinid fish of the genus esp. occurring in slow-flowing rivers. blear ety C13: blere to make dim; related to Middle High German blerre blurred vision infl head blear syl ~ pos vb. qual Archaic. blear 1. syl blear pron pos vb. mod tr. def to make (eyes or sight) dim with or as if with tears; blur. blear 2. syl blear pron pos adj. def a less common word for {bleary}. blearier infl head bleary syl blear:i+er pos adj. bleariest infl head bleary syl blear:i+est. pos adj. bleary 1. syl blear:y pron <1bli*ri> pos adj. usage of eyes or vision def dimmed or blurred, as by tears or tiredness. bleary 2. syl blear:y pron <1bli*ri> pos adj. def indistinct or unclear. bleary 3. syl blear:y pron <1bli*ri> pos adj. def exhausted; tired. blearily sub head bleary syl blear:i+ly pos adv. bleariness sub head bleary syl blear:i+ness pos n. blear-eyed alt head bleary-eyed or bleary-eyed syl blear-eyed pos adj. bleary-eyed 1. or blear-eyed syl blear:y-eyed pos adj. def with eyes blurred, as with old age or after waking. bleary-eyed 2. or blear-eyed syl blear:y-eyed pos adj. def physically or mentally unperceptive. bleat ety Old English bl*_@atan; related to Old High German bl*_azen, Dutch blaten, Latin fl*_ere to weep; see #7blare bleat 1. syl bleat pron pos vb. mod intr. usage of a sheep, goat, or calf def to utter its characteristic plaintive cry. bleat 2. syl bleat pron pos vb. mod intr. def to speak with any similar sound. bleat 3. syl bleat pron pos vb. def to whine; whimper. bleat 4. syl bleat pron pos n. def the characteristic cry of sheep, goats, and young calves. bleat 5. syl bleat pron pos n. def any sound similar to this. bleat 6. syl bleat pron pos n. def a weak complaint or whine. bleater sub head bleat syl bleat+er pos n. bleatingly sub head bleat syl bleat+ing+ly pos adv. bleb ety C17: variant of #7blob bleb 1. syl bleb pron pos n. def a fluid-filled blister on the skin. bleb 2. syl bleb pron pos n. def a small air bubble. blebby sub head bleb syl bleb+by pos adj. bleed ety Old English bl*_edan; see #7blood bleeds infl head bleed syl bleeds pos vb. bleeding infl head bleed syl bleed+ing pos vb. bled infl head bleed syl bled. pos vb. bleed 1. syl bleed pron pos vb. mod intr. def to lose or emit blood. bleed 2. syl bleed pron pos vb. mod tr. def to remove or draw blood from (a person or animal). bleed 3. syl bleed pron pos vb. mod intr. def to be injured or die, as for a cause or one's country. bleed 4. syl bleed pron pos vb. usage of plants def to exude (sap or resin), esp. from a cut. bleed 5. syl bleed pron pos vb. mod tr. qual Informal. def to obtain relatively large amounts of money, goods, etc., esp. by extortion. bleed 6. syl bleed pron pos vb. mod tr. def to draw liquid or gas from (a container or enclosed system). exam 1 to bleed the hydraulic brakes. bleed 7. syl bleed pron pos vb. mod intr. usage of dye or paint def to run or become mixed, as when wet. bleed 8. syl bleed pron pos vb. def to print or be printed so that text, illustrations, etc., run off the trimmed page. bleed 9. syl bleed pron pos vb. mod tr. def to trim (the edges of a printed sheet) so closely as to cut off some of the printed matter. one's heart bleeds 10. head bleed syl one's heart bleeds. def used to express sympathetic grief, but often used ironically. {~} bleed 11.a. syl bleed pron pos vb. def an illustration or sheet trimmed so that some matter is bled. bleed 11.b. syl bleed pron pos vb. usage as modifier exam 1 a bleed page. bleed 12. syl bleed pron pos vb. qual Printing. def the trimmings of a sheet that has been bled. bleeder 1.a. syl bleed+er pron <1blEd*> pos n. qual Derogatory. def a despicable person. exam 1 a rotten bleeder. bleeder 1.b. syl bleed+er pron <1blEd*> pos n. def any person; fellow. exam 1 where's the bleeder gone?? bleeder 2. syl bleed+er pron <1blEd*> pos n. qual Pathol. def a nontechnical name for a {haemophiliac}. bleeder resistor 0. syl bleed+er re+sis+tor pos n. def a resistor connected across the output terminals of a power supply in order to improve voltage regulation and to discharge filter capacitors. bleeder's disease 0. syl bleed+er's dis+ease pos n. def a nontechnical name for {haemophilia}. bleeding heart 0. syl bleed+ing heart pos n. def any of several plants of the genus esp. the widely cultivated Japanese species which has finely divided leaves and heart-shaped nodding pink flowers: family bleed valve 0. syl bleed valve pos n. def a valve for running off a liquid from a tank, tube, etc., or for allowing accumulations of gas in a liquid to blow off. Also called: {bleed nipple}. bleep ety C20: of imitative origin bleep 1. syl bleep pron pos n. def a single short high-pitched signal made by an electronic apparatus; beep. bleep 2. syl bleep pron pos n. def Also called: {bleeper}. a small portable radio receiver, worn esp. by doctors, that sounds a coded bleeping signal to call the wearer. bleep 3. syl bleep pron pos vb. mod intr. def to make such a noise. bleep 4. syl bleep pron pos vb. mod tr. qual Informal. def to call (someone) by triggering the bleep he is wearing. blemish ety C14: from Old French blemir to make pale, probably of Germanic origin blemish 1. syl blem+ish pron <1blemiS> pos n. def a defect; flaw; stain. blemish 2. syl blem+ish pron <1blemiS> pos vb. mod tr. def to flaw the perfection of; spoil; tarnish. blemisher sub head blemish syl blem+ish+er pos n. blench ety Old English blencan to deceive blench H1.0. syl blench pron pos vb. mod intr. def to shy away, as in fear; quail. blencher sub head blench syl blench+er pos n. blenchingly sub head blench syl blench+ing+ly pos adv. blench ety C19: variant of #7blanch blench H2.0. syl blench pron pos vb. def to make or become pale or white. blend ety Old English blandan; related to blendan to deceive, Old Norse blanda, Old High German blantan blend 1. syl blend pron pos vb. def to mix or mingle (components) together thoroughly. blend 2. syl blend pron pos vb. mod tr. def to mix (different grades or varieties of tea, whisky, tobacco, etc.) to produce a particular flavour, consistency, etc. blend 3. syl blend pron pos vb. mod intr. def to look good together; harmonize. blend 4. syl blend pron pos vb. mod intr. usage esp. of colours def to shade imperceptibly into each other. blend 5. syl blend pron pos n. def a mixture or type produced by blending. blend 6. syl blend pron pos n. def the act of blending. blend 7. syl blend pron pos n. def Also called: {portmanteau word}. a word formed by joining together the beginning and the end of two other words. exam 1 @6brunch@9 is a blend of @6breakfast@9 and @6lunch.@9 blende ety C17: German Blende, from blenden to deceive, #7blind ; so called because it is easily mistaken for galena blende 1. syl blende pron pos n. def another name for {sphalerite}. blende 2. syl blende pron pos n. def any of several sulphide ores, such as antimony sulphide. blender 1. syl blend+er pron <1blend*> pos n. def a person or thing that blends. blender 2. syl blend+er pron <1blend*> pos n. def Also called: {liquidizer}. a kitchen appliance with blades used for pure*'eing vegetables, blending liquids, etc. Blenheim 0. syl Blen+heim pron <1blenim> pos n. def a village in SW Germany, site of a victory of Anglo-Austrian forces under the Duke of Marlborough and Prince Eug*`ene of Savoy that saved Vienna from the French and Bavarians (1704) during the War of the Spanish Succession. Modern name: {Blindheim}. blennioid 1. syl blen+ni+oid pron <1bleni2cid> pos adj. def of, relating to, or belonging to the a large suborder of small mainly marine spiny-finned fishes having an elongated body with reduced pelvic fins. The group includes the blennies, butterfish, and gunnel. blennioid 2. syl blen+ni+oid pron <1bleni2cid> pos n. def any fish belonging to the blenny ety C18: from Latin blennius, from Greek blennos slime; from the mucus that coats its body blennies infl head blenny syl blen+nies. pos n. mod pl. blenny 1. syl blen+ny pron <1bleni> pos n. def any blennioid fish of the family of coastal waters, esp. of the genus having a tapering scaleless body, a long dorsal fin, and long raylike pelvic fins. blenny 2. syl blen+ny pron <1bleni> pos n. def any of various related fishes. blent 0. syl blent pron pos vb. qual Archaic or literary. def a past participle of {blend}. blepharitis ety C19: from Greek blephar (on) eyelid+-#7itis blepharitis 0. syl bleph:a+ri+tis pron <2blef*1rItis> pos n. def inflammation of the eyelids. blepharitic sub head blepharitis syl bleph:a+rit+ic pron <2blef*1ritik> pos adj. Louis infl head Bl'eriot syl Louis pos n. blesbok ety C19: Afrikaans, from Dutch bles {#7blaze %2}#7+ bok goat, {#7buck %1} blesbuck alt head blesbok or blesbok syl bles+buck pron <1bles2b^k> pos n. blesboks infl head blesbok or blesbucks syl bles+boks pos n. mod pl. blesbok infl or blesbuck syl bles+bok pos n. mod pl. blesbucks infl head blesbok or blesboks syl bles+bucks pos n. mod pl. blesbuck infl head blesbok or blesbok syl bles+buck. pos n. mod pl. blesbok 0. or blesbuck syl bles+bok pron <1bles2b^k> pos n. def an antelope, (or , of southern Africa. The coat is a deep reddish-brown with a white blaze between the eyes; the horns are lyre-shaped. bless ety Old English bl*_@adsian to sprinkle with sacrificial blood; related to bl*_od #7blood blesses infl head bless syl bless:es pos vb. mod tr. blessing infl head bless syl bless+ing pos vb. mod tr. blessed infl head bless or blest syl blessed pos vb. mod tr. blest infl head bless or blessed syl blest. pos vb. mod tr. bless 1. syl bless pron pos vb. mod tr. def to consecrate or render holy, beneficial, or prosperous by means of a religious rite. bless 2. syl bless pron pos vb. mod tr. def to give honour or glory to (a person or thing) as divine or holy. bless 3. syl bless pron pos vb. mod tr. def to call upon God to protect; give a benediction to. bless 4. syl bless pron pos vb. mod tr. def to worship or adore (God); call or hold holy. bless 5. syl bless pron pos vb. mod tr. usage often passive def to grant happiness, health, or prosperity to. exam 1 they were blessed with perfect peace. bless 6. syl bless pron pos vb. mod tr. usage usually passive def to endow with a talent, beauty, etc.. exam 1 she was blessed with an even temper. bless 7. syl bless pron pos vb. mod tr. qual Rare. def to protect against evil or harm. bless 8.a. syl bless pron pos vb. mod tr. def a traditional phrase said to a person who has just sneezed or coughed. bless 8.b. syl bless pron pos vb. mod tr. def an exclamation of well-wishing or surprise. bless me 9. head bless or (God) bless my soul syl bless me&! pos interj. def an exclamation of surprise. not have a penny to bless oneself with 10. head bless syl not have a penny to bless oneself with. def to be desperately poor. blessed 1. syl bless+ed pron <1blesid>, pos adj. def made holy by religious ceremony; consecrated. blessed 2. syl bless+ed pron <1blesid>, pos adj. def worthy of deep reverence or respect. blessed 3. syl bless+ed pron <1blesid>, pos adj. usage R.C. Church. of a person def beatified by the pope. blessed 4. syl bless+ed pron <1blesid>, pos adj. def characterized by happiness or good fortune. exam 1 a blessed time. blessed 5. syl bless+ed pron <1blesid>, pos adj. def bringing great happiness or good fortune. blessed 6. syl bless+ed pron <1blesid>, pos adj. def a euphemistic word for {damned}, used in mild oaths. exam 1 I'm blessed if I know. the blessed 7. head blessed syl the blessed. qual Christianity. def the dead who are already enjoying heavenly bliss. blessedly sub head blessed syl bless+ed+ly pos adv. blessedness sub head blessed syl bless+ed+ness pos n. Blessed Sacrament 0. syl Bless+ed Sac+ra+ment pos n. qual Chiefly R.C. Church. def the consecrated elements of the Eucharist. Blessed Virgin 0. syl Bless+ed Vir+gin pos n. qual Chiefly R.C. Church. def another name for the {Virgin Mary}. blessing 1. syl bless+ing pron <1blesiG> pos n. def the act of invoking divine protection or aid. blessing 2. syl bless+ing pron <1blesiG> pos n. def the words or ceremony used for this. blessing 3. syl bless+ing pron <1blesiG> pos n. def a short prayer of thanksgiving before or after a meal; grace. blessing 4. syl bless+ing pron <1blesiG> pos n. def approval; good wishes. exam 1 her father gave his blessing to the marriage. blessing 5. syl bless+ing pron <1blesiG> pos n. def the bestowal of a divine gift or favour. blessing 6. syl bless+ing pron <1blesiG> pos n. def a happy event or state of affairs. exam 1 a blessing in disguise. blest 0. syl blest pron pos vb. def a past participle of {bless}. blet ety C19: from French blettir to become overripe blet 0. syl blet pron pos n. def a state of softness or decay in certain fruits, such as the medlar, brought about by overripening. blether 0. syl bleth+er pron <1ble@d*> pos vb. def a variant spelling of {blather}. blew 0. syl blew pron pos vb. def the past tense of {blow}. blewits ety C19: probably based on #7blue blewits 0. syl blew+its pron <1blu:its> pos n. mod functioning as; sing. def an edible saprophytic agaricaceous fungus, having a pale brown cap and bluish stalk. Blida 0. syl Bli+da pron <1blEd*> pos n. def a city in N Algeria, on the edge of the Mitidja Plain. Pop: 93000 (1966 est.). William infl head Bligh syl Wil:liam. pos n. Bligh 0. syl Bligh pron pos n. def 1754-1817, British admiral: as a captain, commander of when the crew mutinied in 1789. blight ety C17: perhaps related to Old English bl*_@ace rash; compare #7bleach blight 1. syl blight pron pos n. def any plant disease characterized by withering and shrivelling without rotting. blight 2. syl blight pron pos n. def any factor, such as bacterial attack or air pollution, that causes the symptoms of blight in plants. blight 3. syl blight pron pos n. def a person or thing that mars or prevents growth, improvement, or prosperity. blight 4. syl blight pron pos n. def an ugly urban district. blight 5. syl blight pron pos n. def the state or condition of being blighted or spoilt. blight 6. syl blight pron pos vb. def to cause or suffer a blight. blight 7. syl blight pron pos vb. mod tr. def to frustrate or disappoint. blight 8. syl blight pron pos vb. mod tr. def to spoil; destroy. blighter 1. syl blight+er pron <1blIt*> pos n. qual Brit. informal. def a fellow. exam 1 where's the blighter gone?? blighter 2. syl blight+er pron <1blIt*> pos n. qual Brit. informal. def a despicable or irritating person or thing. Blighty ety C20: from bil*_ayat*_i foreign land, England, from Arabic wil*_ayat country, from waliya he rules Blighty 1. syl Blight:y pron <1blIti> pos n. usage sometimes not cap.; Brit. slang. used esp. by troops serving abroad def England; home. Blighty 2.a. syl Blight:y pron <1blIti> pos n. usage sometimes not cap.; Brit. slang. used esp. by troops serving abroad def Also called: {a blighty one}. a slight wound that causes the recipient to be sent home to England. Blighty 2.b. syl Blight:y pron <1blIti> pos n. usage sometimes not cap.; Brit. slang. used esp. by troops serving abroad def leave in England. blimey ety C19: short for gorblimey God blind me blimey 0. syl bli+mey pron <1blImi> pos interj. qual Brit. slang. def an exclamation of surprise or annoyance. blimp ety C20: probably from (type) B-limp blimp H1.1. syl blimp pron pos n. def a small nonrigid airship, esp. one used for observation or as a barrage balloon. blimp H1.2. syl blimp pron pos n. qual Films. def a soundproof cover fixed over a camera during shooting. blimp ety C20: after a character created by David Low (born 1891), British cartoonist blimp H2.0. syl blimp pron pos n. qual Chiefly Brit. usage often cap. def a person, esp. a military officer, who is stupidly complacent and reactionary. Also called: {Colonel Blimp}. blind ety Old English blind; related to Old Norse blindr, Old High German blint; Lettish blendu to see dimly; see #7blunder blind 1.a. syl blind pron pos adj. def unable to see; sightless. blind 1.b. syl blind pron pos as collective; n. usage preceded by the exam 1 the blind. blind 2. syl blind pron pos adj. usage usually foll. by to def unable or unwilling to understand or discern. blind 3. syl blind pron pos adj. def not based on evidence or determined by reason. exam 1 blind hatred. blind 4. syl blind pron pos adj. def acting or performed without control or preparation. blind 5. syl blind pron pos adj. def done without being able to see, relying on instruments for information. blind 6. syl blind pron pos adj. def hidden from sight. exam 1 a blind corner; exam 2 a blind stitch. blind 7. syl blind pron pos adj. def closed at one end. exam 1 a blind alley. blind 8. syl blind pron pos adj. def completely lacking awareness or consciousness. exam 1 a blind stupor. blind 9. syl blind pron pos adj. qual Informal. def very drunk. blind 10. syl blind pron pos adj. def having no openings or outlets. exam 1 a blind wall. blind 11. syl blind pron pos adj. def without having been seen beforehand. exam 1 a blind purchase. blind 12. syl blind pron pos adj. usage of cultivated plants def having failed to produce flowers or fruits. turn a blind eye (to) 14. head blind syl turn a blind eye (to) def to disregard or pretend not to notice (something, esp. a command with which one disagrees or an action of which one disapproves). {~} blind 15. syl blind pron pos adj. def without being able to see ahead or using only instruments. exam 1 to drive blind; exam 2 flying blind. blind 16. syl blind pron pos adj. def without adequate knowledge or information; carelessly. exam 1 to buy a house blind. blind drunk) infl head blind syl blind drunk) . pos adj. bake blind 18. head blind syl bake blind. def to bake (the empty crust of a pie, pastry, etc.) by half filling with dried peas, crusts of bread, etc., to keep it in shape. blind 19. syl blind pron pos vb. mod mainly; tr. def to deprive of sight permanently or temporarily. blind 20. syl blind pron pos vb. mod mainly; tr. def to deprive of good sense, reason, or judgment. blind 21. syl blind pron pos vb. mod mainly; tr. def to darken; conceal. blind 22. syl blind pron pos vb. mod mainly; tr. usage foll. by with def to overwhelm by showing detailed knowledge. exam 1 to blind somebody with science. blind 23. syl blind pron pos vb. mod intr. qual Brit. slang. def to drive very fast. blind 24. syl blind pron pos n. usage modifier def for or intended to help the blind. exam 1 a blind school. blind 25. syl blind pron pos n. def a shade for a window, usually on a roller. blind 26. syl blind pron pos n. def any obstruction or hindrance to sight, light, or air. blind 27. syl blind pron pos n. def a person, action, or thing that serves to deceive or conceal the truth. blind 28. syl blind pron pos n. def a person who acts on behalf of someone who does not wish his identity or actions to be known. blind 29. syl blind pron pos n. qual Brit. slang. def a drunken orgy; binge. blind 30. syl blind pron pos n. qual Poker. def a stake put up by a player before he examines his cards. blind 31. syl blind pron pos n. qual Hunting, chiefly U.S. def a screen of brush or undergrowth, in which hunters hide to shoot their quarry. Brit. name: {hide}. blindly sub head blind syl blind+ly pos adv. blindness sub head blind syl blind+ness pos n. blindage 0. syl blind+age pron <1blIndiJ> pos n. usage Military. esp. formerly def a protective screen or structure, as over a trench. blind alley 1. syl blind al+ley pos n. def an alley open at one end only; cul-de-sac. blind alley 2. syl blind al+ley pos n. qual Informal. def a situation in which no further progress can be made. blind date 1. syl blind date pos n. qual Informal. def a social meeting between a man and a woman who have not met before. blind date 2. syl blind date pos n. qual Informal. def either of the persons involved. blinders 0. syl blin+ders pron <1blInd*z> pos n. mod pl. def the usual U.S. word for {blinkers}. blindfish infl or blindfishes syl blind+fish pos n. mod pl. blindfishes infl head blindfish or blindfish syl blind+fish:es. pos n. mod pl. blindfish 0. syl blind+fish pron <1blInd2fiS> pos n. def any of various small fishes, esp. the cavefish, that have rudimentary or functionless eyes and occur in subterranean streams. blindfold ety changed (C16) through association with {#7fold %1} from Old English blindfellian to strike blind; see #7blind, {fell %2} blindfold 1. syl blind+fold pron <1blInd2f*uld> pos vb. mod tr. def to prevent (a person or animal) from seeing by covering (the eyes). blindfold 2. syl blind+fold pron <1blInd2f*uld> pos vb. mod tr. def to prevent from perceiving or understanding. blindfold 3. syl blind+fold pron <1blInd2f*uld> pos n. mod tr. def a piece of cloth, bandage, etc., used to cover the eyes. blindfold 4. syl blind+fold pron <1blInd2f*uld> pos n. mod tr. def any interference to sight. {~} blindfold 5. syl blind+fold pron <1blInd2f*uld> pos n. mod tr. def having the eyes covered with a cloth or bandage. blindfold 6. syl blind+fold pron <1blInd2f*uld> pos n. mod tr. qual Chess. def not seeing the board and pieces. blindfold 7. syl blind+fold pron <1blInd2f*uld> pos n. mod tr. def rash; inconsiderate. Blind Freddie 0. syl Blind Fred:die pos n. qual Austral. informal. def an imaginary person rep?!resenting the highest degree of incompetence (esp. in the phrase {Blind Freddie could see that&}!). blind gut 0. syl blind gut pos n. qual Informal. def another name for the {caecum}. Blindheim 0. syl Blind+heim pron <1blint2hIm> pos n. def the German name for {Blenheim}. blinding 1. syl blind+ing pron <1blIndiG> pos n. def sand or grit spread over a road surface to fill up cracks. blinding 2. syl blind+ing pron <1blIndiG> pos n. def the process of laying blinding. blinding 3. syl blind+ing pron <1blIndiG> pos n. def Also called: {mattress}. a layer of concrete spread over soft ground. blind man's buff ety C16: buff, perhaps from Old French buffe a blow; see #7buffet %1 blind man's buff 0. syl blind man's buff pos n. def a game in which a blindfolded person tries to catch and identify the other players. blind snake 0. syl blind snake pos n. def any burrowing snake of the family and related families of warm and tropical regions, having very small or vestigial eyes. blind spot 1. syl blind spot pos n. def a small oval-shaped area of the retina in which vision is not experienced. It marks the nonphotosensitive site of entrance into the eyeball of the optic nerve. See {optic disc}. blind spot 2. syl blind spot pos n. def a place or area, as in an auditorium or part of a road, where vision is completely or partially obscured or hearing is difficult or impossible. blind spot 3. syl blind spot pos n. def a subject about which a person is ignorant or prejudiced, or an occupation in which he is inefficient. blind spot 4. syl blind spot pos n. def a location within the normal range of a radio transmitter with weak reception. blind staggers 0. syl blind stag+gers pos n. qual Vet. science. def another name for {staggers}. blind stamping 0. syl blind stamp+ing pos n. qual Bookbinding. def an impression on a book cover without using colour or gold leaf. Also called: {book tooling}. blindstory alt head blindstorey or blindstorey syl blind+sto:ry pron <1blInd2stc:ri> pos n. blindstoreys infl head blindstorey or blindstories syl blind+sto:reys pos n. mod pl. blindstories infl head blindstorey or blindstoreys syl blind+sto:ries. pos n. mod pl. blindstorey 0. or blindstory syl blind+sto:rey pron <1blInd2stc:ri> pos n. def a storey without windows, such as a gallery in a Gothic church. Compare {clerestory}. blindworm 0. syl blind+worm pron <1blInd2wR:m> pos n. def another name for {slowworm}. blini ety from Russian: plural of blin, from Old Russian mlin*vu blinis alt head blini or blini syl blin+is pron <1bliniz> pos n. mod pl. blini 0. or blinis syl blin:i pron <1blini> pos n. mod pl. def a kind of Russian pancake of buckwheat flour and yeast. blink ety C14: variant of #7blench %1; related to Middle Dutch blinken to glitter, Danish blinke to wink, Swedish blinka blink 1. syl blink pron pos vb. def to close and immediately reopen (the eyes or an eye), usually involuntarily. blink 2. syl blink pron pos vb. mod intr. def to look with the eyes partially closed, as in strong sunlight. blink 3. syl blink pron pos vb. def to shine intermittently, as in signalling, or unsteadily. blink 4. syl blink pron pos vb. mod tr. usage foll. by away, from, etc. def to clear the eyes of (dust, tears, etc.). blink 5. syl blink pron pos vb. mod when; tr. usage usually foll. by at def to be surprised or amazed. exam 1 he blinked at the splendour of the ceremony. blink 6. syl blink pron pos vb. mod when; intr. usage foll. by at def to pretend not to know or see (a fault, injustice, etc.). blink 7. syl blink pron pos n. def the act or an instance of blinking. blink 8. syl blink pron pos n. def a glance; glimpse. blink 9. syl blink pron pos n. def short for { {iceblink} (sense 1).} on the blink 10. head blink syl on the blink. qual Slang. def not working properly. blinker 1. syl blink+er pron <1bliGk*> pos n. def a flashing light for sending messages, as a warning device, etc., such as a direction indicator on a road vehicle. blinker 2. syl blink+er pron <1bliGk*> pos n. mod often; pl. def a slang word for {eye}. blinkers 1. syl blink+ers pron <1bliGk*z> pos n. mod sometimes; sing. qual Chiefly Brit. def leather sidepieces attached to a horse's bridle to prevent sideways vision. Usual U.S. word: {blinders}. blinkers 2. syl blink+ers pron <1bliGk*z> pos n. mod pl. def a slang word for { {goggles} (sense 4).} blinks ety C19: from #7blink, because the flowers do not fully open and thus seem to blink at the light blinks 0. syl blinks pron pos n. mod functioning as; sing. def a small temperate portulacaceous plant, with small white flowers. blintz ety from Yiddish blintse, from Russian blinyets little pancakes; see #7blini blintze alt head blintz or blintz syl blintze pron pos n. blintz 0. or blintze syl blintz pron pos n. def a thin pancake folded over a filling usually of apple, cream cheese, or meat. blip ety C20: of imitative origin blip 1. syl blip pron pos n. def a repetitive sound, such as that produced by an electronic device, by dripping water, etc. blip 2. syl blip pron pos n. def Also called: {pip}. the spot of light or a sharply peaked pulse on a radar screen indicating the position of an object. blip sub syl blip pron pos vb. blips sub head blip syl blips pos vb. blipping sub head blip syl blip+ping pos vb. blipped sub head blip syl blipped. pos vb. blip 3. syl blip pron pos n. mod intr. def to produce such a noise. bliss ety Old English bl*_iths; related to bl*_ithe #7blithe, Old Saxon bl*_idsea bliss bliss 1. syl bliss pron pos n. def perfect happiness; serene joy. bliss 2. syl bliss pron pos n. def the ecstatic joy of heaven. blissless sub head bliss syl bliss+less pos adj. Bliss 0. syl Bliss pron pos n. def Sir {Ar@.thur}. 1891-1975, English composer; Master of the Queen's Musick (1953-75). His works include the (1922), film and ballet music, and a cello concerto (1970). blissful 1. syl bliss+ful pron <1blisf*l> pos adj. def serenely joyful or glad. blissful ignorance 2. head blissful syl blissful ignorance. def unawareness or inexperience of something un?!pleasant. &- {#!bliss+ful+ly} &- {#!bliss+ful+ness} blister ety C13: from Old French blestre, probably from Middle Dutch bluyster blister; see #7blast blister 1. syl blis+ter pron <1blist*> pos n. def a small bubble-like elevation of the skin filled with serum, produced as a reaction to a burn, mechanical irritation, etc. blister 2. syl blis+ter pron <1blist*> pos n. def a swelling containing air or liquid, as on a painted surface. blister 3. syl blis+ter pron <1blist*> pos n. def a transparent dome or any bulge on the fuselage of an aircraft, such as one used for observation. blister 4. syl blis+ter pron <1blist*> pos n. qual Slang. def an irritating person. blister 5. syl blis+ter pron <1blist*> pos vb. def to have or cause to have blisters. blister 6. syl blis+ter pron <1blist*> pos vb. mod tr. def to attack verbally with great scorn or sarcasm. blisteringly sub head blister syl blis+ter+ing+ly pos adv. blistery sub head blister syl blis+ter:y pos adj. blister beetle 0. syl blis+ter bee+tle pos n. def any beetle of the family many of which produce a secretion that blisters the skin. See also {Spanish fly}. blister copper 0. syl blis+ter cop+per pos n. def an impure form of copper having a blister-like surface due to the release of gas during cooling. blister rust 0. syl blis+ter rust pos n. def a disease of certain pines caused by rust fungi of the genus causing swellings on the bark from which orange masses of spores are released. blithe ety Old English bl*_ithe blithe 1. syl blithe pron pos adj. def very happy or cheerful; gay. blithe 2. syl blithe pron pos adj. def heedless; casual and indifferent. blithely sub head blithe syl blithe+ly pos adv. blitheness sub head blithe syl blithe+ness pos n. blithering ety C19: variant of #7blather+ {-#7ing %2} blithering 1. syl blith+er+ing pron <1bli@d*ring> pos adj. def talking foolishly; jabbering. blithering 2. syl blith+er+ing pron <1bli@d*ring> pos adj. qual Informal. def stupid; foolish. exam 1 you blithering idiot. blithesome 0. syl blithe+some pron <1blI@ds*m> pos adj. qual Literary. def cheery; merry. blithesomely sub head blithesome syl blithe+some+ly pos adv. blithesomeness sub head blithesome syl blithe+some+ness pos n. BLitt ety Latin Baccalaureus Litterarum BLit alt head BLitt or BLitt syl B.Lit. BLitt 1. or BLit syl B.Litt. qual abbrev. for: def Bachelor of Letters. BLitt 2. or BLit syl B.Litt. qual abbrev. for: def Bachelor of Literature. blitz ety C20: shortened from German Blitzkrieg lightning war blitz 1. syl blitz pron pos n. def a violent and sustained attack, esp. with intensive aerial bombardment. blitz 2. syl blitz pron pos n. def any sudden intensive attack or concerted effort. blitz 3. syl blitz pron pos vb. mod tr. def to attack suddenly and intensively. Blithe infl head Blitz syl Blithe. pos n. Blitz 0. syl Blitz pron pos n. def the systematic nighttime bombing of the British in 1940-41 by the German Luftwaffe. blitzkrieg ety C20: from German: lightning war blitzkrieg 0. syl blitz+krieg pron <1blits2krEg> pos n. def an intensive military attack de?!signed to defeat the opposition quickly. blizzard ety C19: of uncertain origin blizzard 0. syl bliz+zard pron <1bliz*d> pos n. def a strong bitterly cold wind accompanied by a widespread heavy snowfall. blk 1. syl blk. qual abbrev. for: def black. blk 2. syl blk. qual abbrev. for: def block. blk 3. syl blk. qual abbrev. for: def bulk. bloat ety C17: probably related to Old Norse blautr soaked, Old English bl*_at pale bloat 1. syl bloat pron pos vb. def to swell or cause to swell, as with a liquid, air, or wind. bloat 2. syl bloat pron pos vb. def to become or cause to be puffed up, as with conceit. bloat 3. syl bloat pron pos vb. mod tr. def to cure (fish, esp. herring) by half-drying in smoke. bloat 4. syl bloat pron pos n. qual Vet. science. def an abnormal distention of the abdomen in cattle, sheep, etc., caused by accumulation of gas in the stomach. bloater 0. syl bloat+er pron <1bl*ut*> pos n. def a herring, or sometimes a mackerel, that has been salted in brine, smoked, and cured. blob ety C15: perhaps of imitative origin; compare #7bubble blob 1. syl blob pron pos n. def a soft mass or drop, as of some viscous liquid. blob 2. syl blob pron pos n. def a spot, dab, or blotch of colour, ink, etc. blob 3. syl blob pron pos n. def an indistinct or shapeless form or object. blob 4. syl blob pron pos n. qual Cricket slang. def a score of nought; a duck. blobs infl head blob syl blobs pos vb. blobbing infl head blob syl blob+bing pos vb. blobbed infl head blob syl blobbed. pos vb. blob 5. syl blob pron pos vb. mod tr. def to put blobs, as of ink or paint, on. bloc ety from French: #7block bloc 0. syl bloc pron pos n. def a group of people or countries combined by a common interest or aim. exam 1 the Soviet bloc. Ernest 1. head Bloch syl Er:nest. def 1880-1959, U.S. composer, born in Switzerland, who found inspiration in Jewish liturgical and folk music: his works include the symphonies (1916) and (1926). Felix 2. head Bloch syl Fe:lix. def born 1905, U.S. physicist, born in Switzerland: Nobel prize for physics (1952) for his work on the magnetic moments of atomic particles. Konrad Emil 3. head Bloch syl Kon:rad E:mil. def born 1912, U.S. biochemist, born in Germany: shared the Nobel prize for medicine in 1964 for his work on fatty-acid metabolism. block ety C14: from Old French bloc, from Dutch blok; related to Old High German bloh block 1. syl block pron pos n. def a large solid piece of wood, stone, or other material with flat rectangular sides, as for use in building. block 2. syl block pron pos n. def any large solid piece of wood, stone, etc., usually having at least one face fairly flat. block 3. syl block pron pos n. def such a piece on which particular tasks may be done, as chopping, cutting, or beheading. block 4. syl block pron pos n. def Also called: {building block}. one of a set of wooden or plastic cubes as a child's toy. block 5. syl block pron pos n. def a form on which things are shaped or displayed. exam 1 a wig block. block 6. syl block pron pos n. qual Informal. def a person's head (esp. in the phrase {knock someone's block off}) . do one's block 7. head block syl do one's block. qual Austral. slang. def to become angry. block 8. syl block pron pos n. def a dull, unemotional, or hard-hearted person. block 9. syl block pron pos n. def a large building of offices, flats, etc. block 10.a. syl block pron pos n. def a group of buildings in a city bounded by intersecting streets on each side. block 10.b. syl block pron pos n. def the area or distance between such intersecting streets. block 11. syl block pron pos n. def an area of land, esp. one to be divided for building or settling. block 12. syl block pron pos n. def See {cylinder block}. block 13.a. syl block pron pos n. def a piece of wood, metal, or other material having an engraved, cast, or carved design in relief, used either for printing or for stamping book covers, etc. block 13.b. syl block pron pos n. qual Brit. def a letterpress printing plate, esp. one mount?!ed type-high on wood or metal. block 14. syl block pron pos n. def a casing housing one or more freely rotating pulleys. See also {block and tackle}. on the block 15. head block syl on the block. qual Chiefly U.S. def up for auction. block 16. syl block pron pos n. def the act of obstruct?!ing or condition of being obstructed, as in sports. block 17. syl block pron pos n. def an obstruction or hin?!drance. block 18.a. syl block pron pos n. def interference in the normal physiological functioning of an organ or part. block 18.b. syl block pron pos n. def See {heart block}. block 19. syl block pron pos n. qual Psychol. def a short interruption of perceptual or thought processes. block 20. syl block pron pos n. def obstruction of an opponent in a sport. block 21.a. syl block pron pos n. def a section or quantity, as of tickets or shares, handled or considered as a single unit. block 21.b. syl block pron pos n. usage as modifier exam 1 a block booking; exam 2 block voting. block 22.a. syl block pron pos n. def a stretch of railway in which only one train may travel at a time. block 22.b. syl block pron pos n. usage as modifier exam 1 a block signal. block 23. syl block pron pos n. def an unseparated group of four or more postage stamps. Compare { {strip%2} (sense 3).} block 24. syl block pron pos n. def a pad of paper. block 25. syl block pron pos n. qual Computer technol. def a group of words on magnetic tape treated as a unit of data. block 26. syl block pron pos n. qual Athletics. def short for {starting block}. block 27. syl block pron pos n. qual Cricket. def a mark made near the popping crease by a batsman to indicate his position in relation to the wicket. a chip off the old block 28. head block syl a chip off the old block. qual Informal. def a person who resembles one of his or her parents in behaviour. block 29. syl block pron pos vb. mod mainly; tr. def to shape or form (something) into a block. block 30. syl block pron pos vb. mod mainly; tr. def to fit with or mount on a block. block 31. syl block pron pos vb. mod mainly; tr. def to shape by use of a block. exam 1 to block a hat. block 32. syl block pron pos vb. mod mainly; tr. usage often foll. by up def to obstruct (a passage, channel, etc.) or prevent or impede the motion or flow of (something or someone) by introducing an obstacle. exam 1 to block the traffic; exam 2 to block up a pipe. block 33. syl block pron pos vb. mod mainly; tr. def to impede, retard, or prevent (an action, procedure, etc.). block 34. syl block pron pos vb. mod mainly; tr. def to stamp (a title, design, etc.) on (a book cover, etc.) by means of a block (see sense 13a.), esp. using gold leaf or other foil. block 35. syl block pron pos vb. mod mainly; tr. usage esp. of a government or central bank def to limit the use or conversion of assets or currency. block 36. syl block pron pos vb. mod also; intr. qual Sports. def to obstruct or impede movement by (an opponent). block 37. syl block pron pos vb. mod intr. def to suffer a psychological block. block 38. syl block pron pos vb. mod mainly; tr. def to interrupt a physiological function, as by use of an anaesthetic. block 39. syl block pron pos vb. mod also; intr. qual Cricket. def to play (a ball) defensively. {~} See also {block out}. blocker sub head block syl block+er pos n. blockade ety C17: from #7block+ -ade, as in #7ambuscade blockade 1. syl block+ade pron pos n. qual Military. def the interdiction of a nation's sea lines of communications, esp. of an individual port by the use of sea power. blockade 2. syl block+ade pron pos n. def something that prevents access or progress. blockade 3. syl block+ade pron pos vb. mod tr. def to impose a blockade on. blockade 4. syl block+ade pron pos vb. mod tr. def to obstruct the way to. blockader sub head blockade syl block+1ad+er pos n. blockage 1. syl block+age pron <1blokiJ> pos n. def the act of blocking or state of being blocked. blockage 2. syl block+age pron <1blokiJ> pos n. def an object causing an obstruction. block and tackle 0. syl block and tack+le pos n. def a hoisting device in which a rope or chain is passed around a pair of blocks containing one or more pulleys. The upper block is secured overhead and the lower block supports the load, the effort being applied to the free end of the rope or chain. blockboard 0. syl block+board pron <1blok2bc:d> pos n. def a type of plywood in which soft wood strips are bonded together and sandwiched between two layers of veneer. blockbuster 1. syl block+bust+er pron <1blok2b^st*> pos n. qual Informal. def a large bomb used to demolish extensive areas or strengthened targets. blockbuster 2. syl block+bust+er pron <1blok2b^st*> pos n. qual Informal. def a very forceful person, thing, etc. blockbusting 0. syl block+bust+ing pron <1blok2b^stiG> pos n. qual U.S. informal. def the act or practice of inducing the sale of property cheaply by exploiting the owners' fears of lower prices if racial minorities live in the area. block diagram 1. syl block di:a+gram pos n. def a diagram showing the interconnections between the parts of an industrial process or the components of an electronic or electrical system. block diagram 2. syl block di:a+gram pos n. def a three-dimensional drawing representing a block of the earth's crust, showing geological structure. blocked 0. syl blocked pron pos adj. qual Slang. def influenced by a narcotic drug. blocked shoe 0. syl blocked shoe pos n. def a dancing shoe with a stiffened toe that enables a ballet dancer to dance on the tips of the toes. blockhead 0. syl block+head pron <1blok2hed> pos n. qual Derogatory. def a stupid person. blockheaded sub head blockhead syl block+2head:ed pos adj. blockheadedly sub head blockhead syl block+2head:ed+ly pos adv. blockheadedness sub head blockhead syl block+2head:ed+ness pos n. blockheadedness sub head blockhead syl block+2head:ed+ness pos n. blockhouse 1. syl block+house pron <1blok2haus> pos n. usage formerly def a wooden fortification with ports or loopholes for defensive fire, observation, etc. blockhouse 2. syl block+house pron <1blok2haus> pos n. def a concrete structure strengthened to give protection against enemy fire, with apertures to allow defensive gunfire. blockhouse 3. syl block+house pron <1blok2haus> pos n. def a building constructed of logs or squared timber. blockhouse 4. syl block+house pron <1blok2haus> pos n. def a re?!inforced concrete building close to a rocket-launching site for protecting personnel and equipment during launching. blockish 0. syl block+ish pron <1blokiS> pos adj. def lacking vivacity or imagination; stupid. blockishly sub head blockish syl block+ish+ly pos adv. blockishness sub head blockish syl block+ish+ness pos n. block lava 0. syl block la:va pos n. def volcanic lava occurring as rough-surfaced jagged blocks. block letter 1. syl block let+ter pos n. qual Printing. def a less common name for {sans serif}. block letter 2. syl block let+ter pos n. def Also called: {block capital}. a plain capital letter. block out 1. syl block out pos vb. adv. mod tr. def to plan or describe (something) in a general fashion. block out 2. syl block out pos vb. adv. mod tr. def to prevent the entry or consideration of (something). block out 3. syl block out pos vb. adv. mod tr. qual Photography, printing. def to mask part of (a negative), in order that light may not pass through it. block plane 0. syl block plane pos n. def a carpenter's small plane used to cut across the end grain of wood. block printing 0. syl block print+ing pos n. def printing from hand engraved or carved blocks of wood or linoleum. block release 0. syl block re+lease pos n. qual Brit. def the release of industrial trainees from work for study at a college for several weeks. block tin 0. syl block tin pos n. def pure tin, esp. when cast into ingots. Bloemfontein 0. syl Bloem+fon+tein pron <1blu:mfon2tAn> pos n. def a city in central South Africa: capital of the Orange Free State and judicial capital of the Republic. Pop.: 148282 (1970). Blois 0. syl Blois qual French def blwa) a city in N central France, on the Loire: 13th-century castle. Pop.: 51950 (1975). Aleksandr Aleksandrovich infl head Blok syl A:le:ksan:dr A:le:ksan:dro:vich pron pos n. Blok 0. syl Blok pron pos n. def 1880-1921, Russian poet whose poems, which include (1901-2) and (1902-4), contain a mixture of symbolism, romanticism, tragedy, and irony. bloke ety C19: from Shelta bloke 0. syl bloke pron pos n. qual Brit. def an informal word for {man}. blond ety C15: from Old French blond, probably of Germanic origin; related to Late Latin blundus yellow, Italian biondo, Spanish blondo blond 1. syl blond pron pos adj. usage of hair def of a light colour; fair. blond 2. syl blond pron pos adj. usage of people or a race def having fair hair, a light complexion, and, typically, blue or grey eyes. blond 3. syl blond pron pos adj. usage of soft furnishings, wood, etc. def light in colour. blond 4. syl blond pron pos n. def a man or boy having light-coloured hair and skin. blondness sub head blond syl blond+ness pos n. blonde 1. syl blonde pron pos n. def a woman or girl having light-coloured hair. blonde 2. syl blonde pron pos n. def Also called: {blonde lace}. a French pillow lace, originally of unbleached cream-coloured Chinese silk, later of bleached or black-dyed silk. {~} blonde 3. syl blonde pron pos n. usage of a woman's or girl's hair def of a light colour; fair. blonde 4. syl blonde pron pos n. usage of a woman or girl def having light-coloured hair and skin. blondeness sub head blonde syl blonde+ness pos n. blood ety Old English bl*_od; related to Old Norse bl*_oth, Old High German bluot blood 1. syl blood pos bl^d; n. def a reddish fluid in vertebrates that is pumped by the heart through the arteries and veins, supplies tissues with nutrients, oxygen, etc., and removes waste products. It consists of a fluid (see {blood plasma}) containing cells (erythrocytes and leucocytes) and platelets. blood 2. syl blood pos bl^d; n. def a similar fluid in such invertebrates as annelids and arthropods. blood 3. syl blood pos bl^d; n. def bloodshed, esp. when resulting in murder. blood 4. syl blood pos bl^d; n. def the guilt or responsibility for killing or injuring (esp. in the phrase {to have blood on one's hands} {head) }. blood 5. syl blood pos bl^d; n. def life itself; lifeblood. blood 6. syl blood pos bl^d; n. def relationship through being of the same family, race, or kind; kinship. blood 7.a. syl blood pos bl^d; n. def near kindred or kinship, esp. that between a parent and child. blood 7.b. syl blood pos bl^d; n. def human nature (esp. in the phrase {it's more than flesh and blood can stand) }. blood 8. syl blood pos bl^d; n. def ethnic or national descent. exam 1 of Spanish blood. in one's blood 9. head blood syl in one's blood. def as a natural or inherited characteristic or talent. the blood 10. head blood syl the blood. def royal or noble descent. exam 1 a prince of the blood. blood 11. syl blood pos bl^d; n. def temperament; disposition; temper. blood 12.a. syl blood pos bl^d; n. def good or pure breeding; pedigree. blood 12.b. syl blood pos bl^d; n. usage as modifier exam 1 blood horses. blood 13. syl blood pos bl^d; n. def people viewed as members of a group, esp. as an invigorating force (in the phrases {new blood, young blood) }. blood 14. syl blood pos bl^d; n. qual Chiefly Brit., rare. def a dashing young man; dandy; rake. blood 15. syl blood pos bl^d; n. def the sensual or carnal nature of man. blood 16. syl blood pos bl^d; n. qual Obsolete. def one of the four bodily humours. See { {humour} (sense 8).} bad blood 17. head blood syl bad blood. def hatred; ill feeling. blood is thicker than water 18. head blood syl blood is thicker than water. def family duties and loyalty outweigh other ties. have 19. head blood or get one's blood up syl have def to be or cause to be angry or inflamed. blood 20.a. syl blood pos bl^d; n. def cruelly and ruthlessly. blood 20.b. syl blood pos bl^d; n. def deliberately and calmly. make one's blood boil 21. head blood syl make one's blood boil. def to cause to be angry or indignant. make one's blood run cold 22. head blood syl make one's blood run cold. def to fill with horror. blood 23. syl blood pos vb. mod tr. qual Hunting. def to cause (young hounds) to taste the blood of a freshly killed quarry and so become keen to hunt. blood 24. syl blood pos vb. mod tr. qual Hunting. def to smear the cheeks or forehead of (a person) with the blood of the kill as an initiation in hunting. blood 25. syl blood pos vb. mod tr. def to initiate (a person) to war. blood-and-thunder 0. syl blood-and-thun:der pos adj. def denoting or relating to a melodramatic adventure story. blood bank 0. syl blood bank pos n. def a place where whole blood or blood plasma is stored until required in transfusion. blood bath 0. syl blood bath pos n. def indiscriminate slaughter; a massacre. blood brother 1. syl blood broth+er pos n. def a brother by birth. blood brother 2. syl blood broth+er pos n. def a man or boy who has sworn to treat another as his brother, often in a ceremony in which their blood is mingled. blood count 0. syl blood count pos n. def determination of the number of red and white blood corpuscles in a specific sample of blood. See {haemocytometer}. bloodcurdling 0. syl blood+cur:dling pron <1bl^d2kR:dliG> pos adj. def terrifying; horrifying. bloodcurdlingly sub head bloodcurdling syl blood+2cur:dling+ly pos adv. blood donor 0. syl blood do+nor pos n. def a person who gives his blood to be used for transfusion. blood-drop emlets 0. syl blood-drop em+lets pron <1emlits> pos n. mod functioning as; sing. def a Chilean scrophulariaceous plant, naturalized in central Europe, having red-spotted yellow flowers. See also {monkey flower}, { {musk} (sense 3).} blooded 1. syl blood+ed pron <1bl^did> pos adj. usage of horses, cattle, etc. def of good breeding. blooded 2. syl blood+ed pron <1bl^did> pos adj. usage in combination def having blood or temperament as specified. exam 1 hot-blooded, cold-blooded, warm-blooded, red-blooded, blue-blooded. blood feud 0. syl blood feud pos n. def a feud in which the members of hostile families or clans murder each other. bloodfin 0. syl blood+fin pron <1bl^d2fin> pos n. def a silvery red-finned South American freshwater fish, a popular aquarium fish: family (characins). blood fluke 0. syl blood fluke pos n. def any parasitic flatworm, such as a schistosome, that lives in the blood vessels of man and other vertebrates: class See also {trematode}. blood group 0. syl blood group pos n. def any one of the various groups into which human blood is classified on the basis of its agglutinogens. Also called: {blood type}. blood guilt 0. syl blood guilt pos n. def guilt of murder or shedding blood. blood-guilty sub head blood guilt syl blood-2guilt:y pos adj. blood-guiltiness sub head blood guilt syl blood-2guilt:i+ness pos n. blood heat 0. syl blood heat pos n. def the normal temperature of the human body, 98.6?%F. or 37?%C. bloodhound 1. syl blood+hound pron <1bl^d2haund> pos n. def a large breed of hound with loose wrinkled skin on its head, much used in tracking and police work. bloodhound 2. syl blood+hound pron <1bl^d2haund> pos n. qual Informal. def a detective. bloodless 1. syl blood+less pron <1bl^dlis> pos adj. def without blood. bloodless 2. syl blood+less pron <1bl^dlis> pos adj. def conducted without violence (esp. in the phrase {bloodless revolution) }. bloodless 3. syl blood+less pron <1bl^dlis> pos adj. def anaemic-looking; pale. bloodless 4. syl blood+less pron <1bl^dlis> pos adj. def lacking vitality; lifeless. bloodless 5. syl blood+less pron <1bl^dlis> pos adj. def lacking in emotion; cold; unfeeling. bloodlessly sub head bloodless syl blood+less+ly pos adv. bloodlessness sub head bloodless syl blood+less+ness pos n. Bloodless Revoluthe infl head Bloodless Revolution syl Blood+less Rev:o+lu+the. pos n. Bloodless Revolution 0. syl Blood+less Rev:o+lu+tion pos n. def another name for the {Glorious Revolution}. blood-letting 1. syl blood-let:ting pron <1bl^d2letiG> pos n. def the therapeutic removal of blood, as in relieving congestive heart failure. See also {phlebotomy}. blood-letting 2. syl blood-let:ting pron <1bl^d2letiG> pos n. def bloodshed, esp. in a blood feud. bloodmobile 0. syl blood+mo:bile pron <1bl^dm*2bEl> pos n. qual U.S. def a motor vehicle equipped for collecting blood from donors. blood money 1. syl blood mon+ey pos n. def compensation paid to the relatives of a murdered person. blood money 2. syl blood mon+ey pos n. def money paid to a hired murderer. blood money 3. syl blood mon+ey pos n. def a reward for information about a criminal, esp. a murderer. blood orange 0. syl blood or+ange pos n. def a variety of orange all or part of the pulp of which is dark red when ripe. blood plasma 1. syl blood plas+ma pos n. def the pale yellow fluid portion of the blood; blood from which blood cells and platelets have been removed. blood plasma 2. syl blood plas+ma pos n. def a sterilized preparation of this fluid for use in transfusions. blood poisoning 0. syl blood poi+son+ing pos n. def a nontechnical term for {septicemia}. blood pressure 0. syl blood pres+sure pos n. def the pressure exerted by the blood on the inner walls of the arteries, being relative to the elasticity and diameter of the vessels and the force of the heart beat. blood pudding 0. syl blood pud+ding pos n. def another name for {black pudding}. blood red 0.a. syl blood red pos n. def a deep red colour. blood red 0.b. syl blood red pos as; adj. exam 1 blood-red roses. blood relative alt head blood relation or blood relation syl blood rel:a+tive pos n. blood relation 0. or blood relative syl blood re+la+tion pos n. def a person related to another by birth, as distinct from one related by marriage. bloodroot 1. syl blood+root pron <1bl^d2ru:t> pos n. def Also called: {red puccoon}. a North American papaveraceous plant, having a single whitish flower and a fleshy red root that yields a red dye. bloodroot 2. syl blood+root pron <1bl^d2ru:t> pos n. def another name for {tormentil}. blood sausage 0. syl blood sau+sage pos n. def another term (esp. U.S.) for {black pudding}. blood serum 0. syl blood se+rum pos n. def blood plasma from which the clotting factors have been removed. bloodshed 0. syl blood+shed pron <1bl^d2Sed> pos n. def slaughter; killing. bloodshot 0. syl blood+shot pron <1bl^d2Sot> pos adj. usage of an eye def inflamed. blood sport 0. syl blood sport pos n. def any sport involving the killing of an animal, esp. hunting. bloodstain 0. syl blood+stain pron <1bl^d2stAn> pos n. def a dark discoloration caused by blood, esp. dried blood. &- {#!blood+@!stained} bloodstock 0. syl blood+stock pron <1bl^d2stok> pos n. def thoroughbred horses, esp. those bred for racing. bloodstone 0. syl blood+stone pron <1bl^d2st*un> pos n. def a dark-green variety of chalcedony with red spots: used as a gemstone. Also called: {heliotrope}. blood stream 0. syl blood stream pos n. def the flow of blood through the vessels of a living body. bloodsucker 1. syl blood+suck:er pron <1bl^d2s^k*> pos n. def an animal that sucks blood, esp. a leech or mosquito. bloodsucker 2. syl blood+suck:er pron <1bl^d2s^k*> pos n. qual Informal. def a person or thing that preys upon another person, esp. by extorting money. blood test 0. syl blood test pos n. def analysis of a blood sample to determine blood group, alcohol level, etc. bloodthirstier infl head bloodthirsty syl blood+thirst:i+er pos adj. bloodthirstiest infl head bloodthirsty syl blood+thirst:i+est. pos adj. bloodthirsty 1. syl blood+thirst:y pron <1bl^d2TR:rsti> pos adj. def murderous; cruel. bloodthirsty 2. syl blood+thirst:y pron <1bl^d2TR:rsti> pos adj. def taking pleasure in bloodshed or violence. bloodthirsty 3. syl blood+thirst:y pron <1bl^d2TR:rsti> pos adj. def describing or depicting killing and vio?!lence; gruesome. exam 1 a bloodthirsty film. bloodthirstily sub head bloodthirsty syl blood+2thirst:i+ly pos adv. bloodthirstiness sub head bloodthirsty syl blood+2thirst:i+ness pos n. blood type 0. syl blood type pos n. def another name for {blood group}. blood vessel 0. syl blood ves+sel pos n. def an artery, capillary, or vein. bloodworm 1. syl blood+worm pron <1bl^d2wR:m> pos n. def the red wormlike aquatic larva of the midge which lives at the bottom of stagnant pools and ditches. bloodworm 2. syl blood+worm pron <1bl^d2wR:m> pos n. def any similar invertebrate. bloodier infl head bloody syl blood:i+er pos adj. bloodiest infl head bloody syl blood:i+est. pos adj. bloody 1. syl blood:y pron <1bl^di> pos adj. def covered or stained with blood. bloody 2. syl blood:y pron <1bl^di> pos adj. def resembling or composed of blood. bloody 3. syl blood:y pron <1bl^di> pos adj. def marked by much killing and bloodshed. exam 1 a bloody war. bloody 4. syl blood:y pron <1bl^di> pos adj. def cruel or murderous. exam 1 a bloody tyrant. bloody 5. syl blood:y pron <1bl^di> pos adj. def of a deep red colour; blood-red. bloodies infl head bloody syl blood+ies pos vb. bloodying infl head bloody syl blood:y+ing pos vb. bloodied infl head bloody syl blood+ied. pos vb. bloody 7. syl blood:y pron <1bl^di> pos vb. mod tr. def to stain with blood. bloodily sub head bloody syl blood:i+ly pos adv. bloodiness sub head bloody syl blood:i+ness pos n. Bloody Mary 0. syl Blood:y Mar:y pos n. def a drink consisting of tomato juice and vodka. bloody-minded 0. syl blood:y-mind:ed pos adj. qual Brit. informal. def deliberately obstructive and unhelpful. bloom ety C13: of Germanic origin; compare Old Norse bl*_om flower, Old High German bluomo, Middle Dutch bloeme; see {#7blow %3} bloom H1.1. syl bloom pron pos n. def a blossom on a flowering plant; a flower. bloom H1.2. syl bloom pron pos n. def the state, time, or period when flowers open (esp. in the phrases {in bloom, in full bloom) }. bloom H1.3. syl bloom pron pos n. def open flowers collectively. exam 1 a tree covered with bloom. bloom H1.4. syl bloom pron pos n. def a healthy, vigorous, or flourishing condition; prime (esp. in the phrase {the bloom of youth) }. bloom H1.5. syl bloom pron pos n. def youthful or healthy rosiness in the cheeks or face; glow. bloom H1.6. syl bloom pron pos n. def a fine whitish coating on the surface of fruits, leaves, etc., consisting of minute grains of a waxy substance. bloom H1.7. syl bloom pron pos n. def any coating similar in appearance, such as that on new coins. bloom H1.8. syl bloom pron pos n. def Also called: {chill}. a dull area on the surface of old gloss paint, lacquer, or varnish. {~} bloom H1.9. syl bloom pron pos n. usage of flowers def to open; come into flower. bloom H1.10. syl bloom pron pos n. def to bear flowers; blossom. bloom H1.11. syl bloom pron pos n. def to flourish or grow. bloom H1.12. syl bloom pron pos n. def to be in a healthy, glowing, or flourishing condition. bloomy sub head bloom syl bloom:y pos adj. bloom ety Old English bl*_oma lump of metal bloom H2.1. syl bloom pron pos n. def a rectangular mass of metal obtained by rolling or forging a cast ingot. See also { {billet%2} (sense 2).} bloom H2.2. syl bloom pron pos vb. mod tr. def to convert (an ingot) into a bloom by rolling or forging. bloomed 0. syl bloomed pron pos adj. usage Photog., optics. of a lens def coated with a thin film of magnesium fluoride or some other substance to reduce the amount of light lost by reflection. Also: {coated}. bloomer H1.1. syl bloom+er pron <1blu:m*> pos n. def a plant that flowers, esp. in a specified way. exam 1 a night bloomer. bloomer H1.2. syl bloom+er pron <1blu:m*> pos n. qual Brit. def a medium-sized loaf, baked on the sole of the oven, glazed and notched on top. bloomer ety C20: from #7blooming bloomer H2.0. syl bloom+er pron <1blu:m*> pos n. qual Brit. informal. def a stupid mistake; blunder. bloomers ety from bloomer, a similar garment introduced in about 1850 and publicized by Mrs. A. Bloomer (1818-94), U.S. social reformer bloomers 1. syl bloom+ers pron <1blu:m*z> pos n. mod pl. usage formerly def women's loose baggy knickers, usually gathered just above the knee. bloomers 2. syl bloom+ers pron <1blu:m*z> pos n. mod pl. def close-fitting knickers reaching to just above the knee. bloomeries infl head bloomery syl bloom+er:ies. pos n. mod pl. bloomery 0. syl bloom+er:y pron <1blu:m*ri> pos n. def a place in which malleable iron is produced directly from iron ore. Leonard infl head Bloomfield syl Leon:ard. pos n. Bloomfield 0. syl Bloom:field pron <1blu:m2fEld> pos n. def 1887-1949, U.S. linguist, influential for his strictly scientific and descriptive approach to comparative linguistics; author of (1933). blooming ety C19: euphemistic for #7bloody Bloomington 0. syl Bloom+ing+ton pron <1blu:miGt*n> pos n. def a city in central Indiana: seat of the University of Indiana (1820). Pop.: 42890 (1970). Bloomsbury 1. syl Blooms+bur:y pron <1blu:mzb*ri>, <-bri> pos n. def a district of central London in the borough of Camden: contains the British Museum, part of the University of London, and many publishers' offices. {~} Bloomsbury 2. syl Blooms+bur:y pron <1blu:mzb*ri>, <-bri> pos n. def relating to or characteristic of the Bloomsbury Group. Bloomsbury Group 0. syl Blooms+bur:y Group pos n. def a group of writers, artists, and intellectuals living and working in and around Bloomsbury in London from about 1907 to 1930. Influenced by the philosophy of G. E. Moore, they included Leonard and Virginia Woolf, Clive and Vanessa Bell, Roger Fry, E. M. Forster, Lytton Strachey, Duncan Grant, and John Maynard Keynes. blooper ety C20: from bloop (imitative of an embar?!rassing sound)+-#7er %1 blooper 0. syl bloop+er pron <1blu:p*> pos n. qual Informal, chiefly U.S. def a blunder; bloomer; stupid mistake. blossom ety Old English bl*_ostm; related to Middle Low German bl*_osem, Latin fl*_os flower blossom 1. syl blos+som pron <1blos*m> pos n. def the flower or flowers of a plant, esp. conspicuous flowers producing edible fruit. blossom 2. syl blos+som pron <1blos*m> pos n. def the time or period of flowering (esp. in the phrases {in blossom, in full blossom) }. blossom 3. syl blos+som pron <1blos*m> pos vb. mod intr. usage of plants def to come into flower. blossom 4. syl blos+som pron <1blos*m> pos vb. mod intr. def to develop or come to a promising stage. exam 1 youth had blossomed into maturity. blossomless sub head blossom syl blos+som+less pos adj. blossomy sub head blossom syl blos+som:y pos adj. blot ety C14: probably of Germanic origin; compare Middle Dutch bluyster #7blister blot H1.1. syl blot pron pos n. def a stain or spot of ink, paint, dirt, etc. blot H1.2. syl blot pron pos n. def something that spoils or detracts from the beauty or worth of something. blot H1.3. syl blot pron pos n. def a blemish or stain on one's character or reputation. blots infl head blot syl blots pos vb. blotting infl head blot syl blot+ting pos vb. blotted infl head blot syl blot+ted. pos vb. blot H1.4. syl blot pron pos vb. usage of ink, dye, etc. def to form spots or blobs on (a material) or (of a person) to cause such spots or blobs to form on (a material). blot one's copybook 5. head blot syl blot one's copybook. qual Informal. def to spoil one's reputation by making a mistake, offending against social customs, etc. blot H1.6. syl blot pron pos vb. mod intr. def to stain or become stained or spotted. blot H1.7. syl blot pron pos vb. mod tr. def to cause a blemish in or on; disgrace. blot H1.8. syl blot pron pos vb. def to soak up (excess ink, etc.) by using blotting paper or some other absorbent material. blot H1.9. syl blot pron pos vb. usage of blotting paper or some other absorbent material def to absorb (excess ink, etc.). blot H1.10.a. syl blot pron pos vb. def to darken or hide completely; obscure; obliterate. blot H1.10.b. syl blot pron pos vb. def to destroy; annihilate. blot ety C16: perhaps from Middle Dutch bloot poor blot H2.1. syl blot pron pos n. qual Backgammon. def a man exposed by being placed alone on a point and therefore able to be taken by the other player. blot H2.2. syl blot pron pos n. qual Archaic. def a weak spot. blotch ety C17: probably from #7botch , influenced by #7blot %1 blotch 1. syl blotch pron pos n. def an irregular spot or discoloration, esp. a dark and relatively large one such as an ink stain. blotch 2. syl blotch pron pos vb. def to become or cause to become marked by such discoloration. blotch 3. syl blotch pron pos vb. mod intr. usage of a pen or ink def to write or flow unevenly in blotches. blotchy sub head blotch syl blotch:y pos adj. blotchily sub head blotch syl blotch:i+ly pos adv. blotchiness sub head blotch syl blotch:i+ness pos n. blotter 1. syl blot+ter pron <1blot*> pos n. def something used to absorb excess ink or other liquid, esp. a sheet of blotting paper with a firm backing. blotter 2. syl blot+ter pron <1blot*> pos n. qual U.S. def a daily record of events, such as arrests, in a police station (esp. in the phrase {police blotter) }. blotting paper 0. syl blot+ting pa+per pos n. def a soft absorbent unsized paper, used esp. for soaking up surplus ink. blotto ety C20: from #7blot %1 (vb.); compare blot out blotto 0. syl blot+to pron <1blot*u> pos adj. qual Slang. def unconscious, esp. through drunkenness. blouse ety C19: from French, of unknown origin blouse 1. syl blouse pron pos n. def a woman's shirtlike garment made of cotton, nylon, etc. blouse 2. syl blouse pron pos n. def a loose-fitting smocklike garment, often knee length and belted, worn esp. by E European peasants. blouse 3. syl blouse pron pos n. def a loose-fitting waist-length jacket worn by soldiers. blouse 4. syl blouse pron pos vb. def to hang or make so as to hang in full loose folds. blouson 0. syl blou+son pron <1blu:zon> pos n. def a short jacket having the shape of a blouse. blow ety Old English bl*_awan, related to Old Norse bl*_@ar gust of wind, Old High German bl*_aen, Latin fl*_are blows infl head blow syl blows pos vb. blowing infl head blow syl blow+ing pos vb. blew infl head blow syl blew pos vb. blown infl head blow syl blown. pos vb. blow H1.1. syl blow pron pos vb. usage of a current of air, the wind, etc. def to be or cause to be in motion. blow H1.2. syl blow pron pos vb. mod intr. def to move or be carried by or as if by wind or air. exam 1 a feather blew in through the window. blow H1.3. syl blow pron pos vb. def to expel (air, cigarette smoke, etc.) through the mouth or nose. blow H1.4. syl blow pron pos vb. def to force or cause (air, dust, etc.) to move (into, in, over, etc.) by using an instrument or by expelling breath. blow H1.5. syl blow pron pos vb. mod intr. def to breathe hard; pant. blow H1.6. syl blow pron pos vb. usage sometimes foll. by up def to inflate with air or the breath. blow H1.7. syl blow pron pos vb. mod intr. usage of wind, a storm, etc. def to make a roaring or whistling sound. blow H1.8. syl blow pron pos vb. def to cause (a whistle, siren, etc.) to sound by forcing air into it, as a signal, or (of a whistle, etc.) to sound thus. blow H1.9. syl blow pron pos vb. mod tr. def to force air from the lungs through (the nose) to clear out mucus or obstructing matter. blow H1.10. syl blow pron pos vb. usage often foll. by up, down, in, etc. def to explode, break, or disintegrate completely. exam 1 the bridge blew down in the gale. blow H1.11. syl blow pron pos vb. qual Electronics. def to burn out (a fuse, valve, etc.) because of excessive current or (of a fuse, valve, etc.) to burn out. blow a fuse 12. head blow syl blow a fuse. qual Slang. def to lose one's temper. blow H1.13. syl blow pron pos vb. mod intr. usage of a whale def to spout water or air from the lungs. blow H1.14. syl blow pron pos vb. mod tr. def to wind (a horse) by making it run excessively. blow H1.15. syl blow pron pos vb. def to cause (a wind instrument) to sound by forcing one's breath into the mouthpiece, or (of such an instrument) to sound in this way. blow H1.16. syl blow pron pos vb. mod intr. usage of flies def to lay eggs (in). blow H1.17. syl blow pron pos vb. def to shape (glass, ornaments, etc.) by forcing air or gas through the material when molten. blow H1.18. syl blow pron pos vb. mod intr. qual Chiefly Austral. def to boast or brag. blow H1.19.a. syl blow pron pos vb. def to spend (money) freely. blow H1.19.b. syl blow pron pos vb. qual U.S. def to treat or entertain. blow H1.20. syl blow pron pos vb. mod tr. qual Slang. def to use (an opportunity) ineffectively. blow H1.21. syl blow pron pos vb. qual Slang. def to go suddenly away (from). blow H1.22. syl blow pron pos vb. mod tr. qual Slang. def to inhale (a narcotic drug). blow H1.23. syl blow pron pos vb. mod intr. qual Slang. def to masturbate. blowed infl head blow syl blowed . pos vb. blow H1.24. syl blow pron pos vb. qual Informal. def another word for {damn} (esp. in the phrases {I'll be blowed, blow it&! blow me&!) }. blow H1.25. syl blow pron pos vb. qual Draughts. def another word for { {huff} (sense 4).} blow hot and cold 26. head blow syl blow hot and cold. qual Informal. def to vacillate. blow a kiss 27. head blow or kisses syl blow a kiss def to kiss one's hand, then blow across it as if to carry the kiss through the air to another person. blow one's own trumpet 28. head blow syl blow one's own trumpet. def to boast of one's own skills or good qualities. blow H1.29.a. syl blow pron pos vb. usage of a drug, esp. LSD def to cause hallucinatory experiences in a person. blow H1.29.b. syl blow pron pos vb. def to produce a pleasant or shocking feeling in someone. stack infl head blow or blid syl stack. blow one's top 30. head blow or blid syl blow one's top qual Slang. def to lose one's temper. blow H1.31. syl blow pron pos n. def the act or an instance of blowing. blow H1.32. syl blow pron pos n. def the sound produced by blowing. blow H1.33. syl blow pron pos n. def a blast of air or wind. blow H1.34.a. syl blow pron pos n. def a stage in the Bessemer process in which air is blasted upwards through molten pig iron. blow H1.34.b. syl blow pron pos n. def the quantity of metal treated in a Bessemer converter. blow H1.35.a. syl blow pron pos n. def a rush of air into a mine. blow H1.35.b. syl blow pron pos n. def the collapse of a mine roof. blow xref syl blow pron pos vb. def See also {blow in, blow into, blow off, blow on, blow out, blow over, blow through, blow up}. blow ety C15: probably of Germanic origin; compare Old High German bliuwan to beat blow H2.1. syl blow pron pos n. def a powerful or heavy stroke with the fist, a weapon, etc. at one 2. head blow or a blow syl at one def by or with only one action; all at one time. blow H2.3. syl blow pron pos n. def a sudden setback; unfortunate event. exam 1 to come as a blow. blow H2.4.a. syl blow pron pos n. def to fight. blow H2.4.b. syl blow pron pos n. def to result in a fight. blow H2.5. syl blow pron pos n. def an attacking action. exam 1 a blow for freedom. blow H2.6. syl blow pron pos n. qual Austral. def a stroke of the shears in sheep-shearing. blow ety Old English bl*_owan; related to Old Frisian bl*_oia to bloom, Old High German bluoen, Latin fl*_os flower; see #7bloom %1 blows infl head blow syl blows pos vb. blowing infl head blow syl blow+ing pos vb. blew infl head blow syl blew pos vb. blown infl head blow syl blown. pos vb. blow H3.1. syl blow pron pos vb. mod intr. usage of a plant or flower def to blossom or open out. blow H3.2. syl blow pron pos vb. mod tr. def to produce (flowers). blow H3.3. syl blow pron pos n. def a mass of blossoms. blow H3.4. syl blow pron pos n. def the state or period of blossoming (esp. in the phrase {in full blow) }. blow-by-blow 0. syl blow-by-blow pos adj. usage prenominal def explained in great detail. exam 1 a blow-by-blow account of the argument. blower 1. syl blow+er pron <1bl*u*> pos n. def a mechanical device, such as a fan, that blows. blower 2. syl blow+er pron <1bl*u*> pos n. def a low-pressure compressor, esp. in a furnace or internal-combustion engine. See also {supercharger}. blower 3. syl blow+er pron <1bl*u*> pos n. def an informal name for {telephone}. blower 4. syl blow+er pron <1bl*u*> pos n. def an informal name for a {whale}. blower 5. syl blow+er pron <1bl*u*> pos n. qual Mining. def a discharge of firedamp from a crevice. blowfish infl or blowfishes syl blow+fish pos n. mod pl. blowfishes infl head blowfish or blowfish syl blow+fish:es. pos n. mod pl. blowfish 0. syl blow+fish pron <1bl*u2fiS> pos n. def a popular name for { {puffer} (sense 2).} blowflies infl head blowfly syl blow+flies. pos n. mod pl. blowfly 0. syl blow+fly pron <1bl*u2flI> pos n. def any of various dipterous flies of the genus and related genera that lay their eggs in rotting meat, dung, carrion, and open wounds: family Also called: {bluebottle}. blowgun 0. syl blow+gun pron <1bl*u2g^n> pos n. def the U.S. word for { {blowpipe} (sense 1).} infl head blowhard syl ~ pos n. qual Informal. blowhard 1. syl blow+hard pron <1bl*u2ha:d> pos n. def a boastful person. {~} blowhard 2. syl blow+hard pron <1bl*u2ha:d> pos n. def blustering or boastful. blowhole 1. syl blow+hole pron <1bl*u2h*ul> pos n. def the nostril, paired or single, of whales, situated far back on the skull. blowhole 2. syl blow+hole pron <1bl*u2h*ul> pos n. def a hole in ice through which whales, seals, etc., breathe. blowhole 3. syl blow+hole pron <1bl*u2h*ul> pos n. def a vent for air or gas, esp. to release fumes from a tunnel, passage, etc. blowhole 4. syl blow+hole pron <1bl*u2h*ul> pos n. def a bubble-like defect in an ingot resulting from gas being trapped during solidification. blowie 0. syl blow:ie pron <1bl*ui> pos n. qual Austral. informal. def a blowfly. blow in 0. syl blow in pos vb. adv. mod intr. qual Informal. def to arrive or enter suddenly. blow-in 0. syl blow-in pos n. qual Austral. informal. def an unwelcome newcomer or stranger. blow into 0. syl blow in:to pos vb. prep. mod intr. qual Informal. def to arrive in or enter (a room, etc.) suddenly. blow job 0. syl blow job pos n. qual Taboo. def a slang term for {fellatio}. blowlamp 0. syl blow+lamp pron <1bl*u2l@mp> pos n. def a small burner that produces a very hot flame, used to remove old paint, melt soft metal, etc. U.S. name: {blowtorch}. blow moulding 0. syl blow mould+ing pos n. def a process for moulding single-piece plastic objects in which a thermoplastic is extruded into a split mould and blown against its sides. blown 0. syl blown pron pos vb. def the past participle of {blow} %1 and {blow} %3. blow off 1. syl blow off pos vb. adv. def to permit (a gas under pressure, esp. steam) to be released. blow off 2. syl blow off pos vb. adv. mod intr. qual Brit. slang. def to emit wind noisily from the anus. blow off steam 3. head blow off syl blow off steam. def See { {let off} (sense 7).} blow-off infl head blow off syl blow-off. pos n. blow off 4. syl blow off pos n. def a discharge of a surplus fluid, such as steam, under pressure. blow off 5. syl blow off pos n. def a device through which such a discharge is made. blow on 0. syl blow on pos vb. prep. mod intr. def to defame or discredit (a person). blow out 1. syl blow out pos vb. adv. def to extinguish (a flame, candle, etc.) or (of a flame, etc.) to become extinguished. blow out 2. syl blow out pos vb. adv. mod intr. usage of a tyre def to puncture suddenly, esp. at high speed. blow out 3. syl blow out pos vb. adv. mod intr. usage of a fuse def to melt suddenly. blow out 4. syl blow out pos vb. adv. mod tr. usage often reflexive def to diminish or use up the energy of. exam 1 the storm blew itself out. blow out 5. syl blow out pos vb. adv. mod intr. usage of an oil or gas well def to lose oil or gas in an uncontrolled manner. blow one's brains out 6. head blow out syl blow one's brains out. def to kill oneself by shooting oneself in the head. {~} {blow+out}. blow out 7. syl blow out pos vb. adv. def the sudden melting of an electrical fuse. blow out 8. syl blow out pos vb. adv. def a sudden burst in a tyre. blow out 9. syl blow out pos vb. adv. def the uncontrolled escape of oil and gas from an oil or gas well. blow out 10. syl blow out pos vb. adv. def the failure of a jet engine, esp. when in flight. blow out 11. syl blow out pos vb. adv. qual Slang. def a large filling meal or lavish entertainment. blow over 1. syl blow o:ver pos vb. adv. mod intr. def to cease or be finished. exam 1 the storm blew over. blowpipe 1. syl blow+pipe pron <1bl*u2pIp> pos n. def a long tube from which pellets, poisoned darts, etc., are shot by blowing. U.S. word: {blowgun}. blowpipe 2. syl blow+pipe pron <1bl*u2pIp> pos n. def Also called: {blow tube}. a tube for blowing air or oxygen into a flame to intensify its heat and direct it onto a small area. blowpipe 3. syl blow+pipe pron <1bl*u2pIp> pos n. def a long narrow iron pipe used to gather molten glass and blow it into shape. blow through 0. syl blow through pos vb. adv. mod intr. qual Austral. informal. def to leave; make off. blowtorch 0. syl blow+torch pron <1bl*u2tc:C> pos n. def the U.S. name for {blowlamp}. blow up 1. syl blow up pos vb. adv. def to explode or cause to explode. blow up 2. syl blow up pos vb. adv. mod tr. def to increase the importance of (something). exam 1 they blew the whole affair up. blow up 3. syl blow up pos vb. adv. mod intr. qual Informal. def to come into consideration. exam 1 we lived well enough before this thing blew up. blow up 4. syl blow up pos vb. adv. mod intr. def to come into existence with sudden force. exam 1 a storm had blown up. blow up 5. syl blow up pos vb. adv. qual Informal. def to lose one's temper (with a person). blow up 6. syl blow up pos vb. adv. qual Informal. (tr. def to enlarge the size or detail of (a photograph). blow-up infl head blow up syl blow-up. pos n. blow up 7. syl blow up pos n. def an explosion. blow up 8. syl blow up pos n. qual Informal. def an enlarged photograph or part of a photograph. blow up 9. syl blow up pos n. qual Informal. def a fit of temper or argument. blow-wave 1. syl blow-wave pos vb. mod tr. def Also: {blow-dry}. to set (the hair) in a smooth casual style by combing or brushing sections of it while drying it with a hair dryer. blow-wave 2. syl blow-wave pos n. def this method or style of setting the hair. blowier infl head blowy syl blow:i+er pos adj. blowiest infl head blowy syl blow:i+est. pos adj. blowy 0. syl blow:y pron <1bl*ui> pos adj. def another word for { {windy} (sense 1).} blowzy ety C18: from dialect blowze beggar girl, of unknown origin blowsy alt head blowzy or blowzy syl blows:y pron <1blauzi> pos adj. blowzier infl head blowzy or blowsier syl blowz:i+er pos adj. blowziest infl head blowzy or blowsiest syl blowz:i+est pos adj. blowsier infl head blowzy or blowzier syl blows:i+er pos adj. blowsiest infl head blowzy or blowziest syl blows:i+est. pos adj. blowzy 1. or blowsy syl blowz:y pron <1blauzi> pos adj. usage esp. of a woman def untidy in appearance; slovenly or sluttish. blowzy 2. or blowsy syl blowz:y pron <1blauzi> pos adj. usage of a woman def ruddy in complexion; red-faced. blowzily sub head blowzy or blowsily syl blowz:i+ly pos adv. blowsily sub head blowzy or blowzily syl blows:i+ly pos adv. blowziness sub head blowzy or blowsiness syl blowz:i+ness pos n. blowsiness sub head blowzy or blowziness syl blows:i+ness pos n. blubs infl head blub syl blubs pos bl^b; vb. blubbing infl head blub syl blub+bing pos bl^b; vb. blubbed infl head blub syl blubbed. pos bl^b; vb. blub 0. syl blub pos bl^b; vb. qual Brit. def a slang word for {blubber} (senses 1-3). blubber ety C12: perhaps from Low German blubbern to #7bubble, of imitative origin blubber 1. syl blub+ber pron <1bl^b*> pos vb. def to sob without restraint. blubber 2. syl blub+ber pron <1bl^b*> pos vb. def to utter while sobbing. blubber 3. syl blub+ber pron <1bl^b*> pos vb. mod tr. def to make (the face) wet and swollen or disfigured by crying. blubber 4. syl blub+ber pron <1bl^b*> pos n. def a thick insulating layer of fatty tissue below the skin of aquatic mammals such as the whale: used by man as a source of oil. blubber 5. syl blub+ber pron <1bl^b*> pos n. qual Informal. def excessive and flabby body fat. blubber 6. syl blub+ber pron <1bl^b*> pos n. def the act or an instance of weeping without restraint. blubber 7. syl blub+ber pron <1bl^b*> pos adj. usage often in combination def swollen or fleshy. exam 1 blubber-faced; exam 2 blubber-lips. blubberer sub head blubber syl blub+ber+er pos n. blubbery sub head blubber syl blub+ber:y pos adj. blucher ety C19: named after Field Marshal B#7l*"ucher blucher 0. syl blu+cher pron <1blu:k*>, <-C*> pos n. qual Obsolete. def a high shoe with laces over the tongue. Gebhard Leberecht von infl head Blucher syl Geb:hard Le:be:recht von pron <1gephart> <1lA:b*2re*,ct> pos n. Blucher 0. syl Bl*"u:cher pron German <1bly*,c*r> pos n. def 1742-1819, Prussian field marshal, who commanded the Prussian army against Napoleon at Waterloo (1815). bludge ety C19: back formation from slang bludger pimp, from #7bludgeoner &- #!bludg+er n. infl head bludge syl ~ pos vb. qual Austral. informal. bludge 1. syl bludge pron pos vb. mod when; intr. usage often foll. by on def to scrounge from (someone). bludge 2. syl bludge pron pos vb. mod intr. def to skive. {~} bludge 3. syl bludge pron pos vb. def a very easy task; undemanding employment. bludgeon ety C18: of uncertain origin bludgeon 1. syl bludg+eon pron <1bl^J*n> pos n. def a stout heavy club, typically thicker at one end. bludgeon 2. syl bludg+eon pron <1bl^J*n> pos n. def a person, line of argument, etc., that is effective but unsubtle. bludgeon 3. syl bludg+eon pron <1bl^J*n> pos vb. mod tr. def to hit or knock down with or as with a bludgeon. bludgeon 4. syl bludg+eon pron <1bl^J*n> pos vb. mod tr. usage often foll. by into def to force; bully; coerce. exam 1 they bludgeoned him into accepting the job. bludgeoner sub head bludgeon syl bludg+eon+er pos n. blue ety C13: from Old French bleu, of Germanic origin; compare Old Norse bl*_ar, Old High German bl*_ao, Middle Dutch bl*_a; related to Latin fl*_avus yellow blue 1. syl blue pron pos n. def any of a group of colours, such as that of a clear unclouded sky, that have wavelengths in the range 490-445 nanometres. Blue is the complementary colour of yellow and with red and green forms a set of primary colours. blue 2. syl blue pron pos n. def a dye or pigment of any of these colours. blue 3. syl blue pron pos n. def blue cloth or clothing. exam 1 dressed in blue. blue 4. syl blue pron pos n. def a sportsman who represents or has repre?!sented Oxford or Cambridge University and has the right to wear the university colour (dark blue for Oxford, light blue for Cambridge). exam 1 an Oxford blue. blue 5. syl blue pron pos n. qual Brit. def an informal name for {Tory}. blue 6. syl blue pron pos n. def any of numerous small blue-winged butterflies of the genera etc.: family blue 7. syl blue pron pos n. qual Archaic. def short for {bluestocking}. blue 8. syl blue pron pos n. qual Slang. def a policeman. blue 9. syl blue pron pos n. qual Archery. def a blue ring on a target, between the red and the black, scoring five points. blue 10. syl blue pron pos n. def a blue ball in snooker, etc. blue 11. syl blue pron pos n. def another name for {blueing}. blue 12. syl blue pron pos n. qual Austral. slang. def an argument or fight. exam 1 he had a blue with a taxi driver. blue 13. syl blue pron pos n. def Also: {bluey}. a summons. blue 14. syl blue pron pos n. qual Austral. informal. def a mistake; error. out of the blue 15. head blue syl out of the blue. def apparently from nowhere; unexpectedly. exam 1 the opportunity came out of the blue. into the blue 16. head blue syl into the blue. def into the unknown or the far distance. bluer infl head blue syl blu+er pos adj. bluest infl head blue syl blu+est. pos adj. blue 17. syl blue pron pos adj. def of the colour blue. blue 18. syl blue pron pos adj. usage of the flesh def having a purple tinge, as from cold or contusion. blue 19. syl blue pron pos adj. def depressed, moody, or unhappy. blue 20. syl blue pron pos adj. def dismal or depressing. exam 1 a blue day. blue 21. syl blue pron pos adj. def indecent, titillating, or pornographic. exam 1 blue films. blue 22. syl blue pron pos adj. def bluish in colour or having parts or marks that are bluish. exam 1 a blue fox; exam 2 a blue whale. blue 23. syl blue pron pos adj. qual Rare. def aristocratic; noble; patrician. exam 1 a blue family. blues infl head blue or bluing syl blues pos vb. blueing infl head blue or blued syl blue+ing pos vb. bluing infl head blue or blues syl blu+ing pos vb. blued infl head blue or blueing syl blued. pos vb. blue 24. syl blue pron pos vb. def to make, dye, or become blue. blue 25. syl blue pron pos vb. mod tr. def to treat (laundry) with blueing. blue 26. syl blue pron pos vb. mod tr. qual Slang. def to spend extravagantly or wastefully; squander. bluely sub head blue syl blue+ly pos adv. blueness sub head blue syl blue+ness pos n. Blue 0. syl Blue pron pos n. qual Austral. informal. def a person with red hair. blue baby 0. syl blue ba:by pos n. def a baby born with a bluish tinge to the skin because of lack of oxygen in the blood, esp. caused by a congenital defect of the heart. blue bag 0. syl blue bag pos n. qual Brit. def a fabric bag for a barrister's robes. Bluebeard 1. syl Blue+beard pron <1blu:2bi*d> pos n. def a villain in European folk tales who marries several wives and murders them in turn. In many versions the seventh and last wife escapes the fate of the others. Bluebeard 2. syl Blue+beard pron <1blu:2bi*d> pos n. def a man who has had several wives. bluebell 1. syl blue+bell pron <1blu:2bel> pos n. def Also called: {wild} or {wood hyacinth}. a European liliaceous woodland plant, (or having a one-sided cluster of blue bell-shaped flowers. bluebell 2. syl blue+bell pron <1blu:2bel> pos n. def a Scot. name for {harebell}. bluebell 3. syl blue+bell pron <1blu:2bel> pos n. def any of various other plants with blue bell-shaped flowers. blueberries infl head blueberry syl blue+ber:ries. pos n. mod pl. blueberry 1. syl blue+ber:ry pron <1blu:b*ri>, <-bri> pos n. def Also called: {huckle?!berry}. any of several North American ericaceous shrubs of the genus such as that have blue-black edible berries with tiny seeds. See also {bilberry}. blueberry 2.a. syl blue+ber:ry pron <1blu:b*ri>, <-bri> pos n. def the fruit of any of these plants. blueberry 2.b. syl blue+ber:ry pron <1blu:b*ri>, <-bri> pos n. usage as modifier exam 1 blueberry pie. bluebill 0. syl blue+bill pron <1blu:2bil> pos n. qual U.S. def another name for {scaup}. bluebird 1. syl blue+bird pron <1blu:2bR:d> pos n. def any North American songbird of the genus having a blue or partly blue plumage: subfamily (thrushes). fairy bluebird 2. head bluebird syl fairy bluebird. def any songbird of the genus of S and SE Asia, having a blue-and-black plumage: family bluebird 3. syl blue+bird pron <1blu:2bR:d> pos n. def any of various other birds having a blue plumage. blue blood ety C19: translation of Spanish sangre azul blue blood 0. syl blue blood pos n. def royal or aristocratic descent. blue-blooded sub head blue blood syl blue-1blood:ed pos adj. bluecap alt head bluebonnet or bluebonnet syl blue+cap pron <1blu:2k@p> pos n. bluebonnet 0. or bluecap syl blue+bon:net pron <1blu:2bonit> pos n. def another name for { {Balmoral%1} (sense 3).} bluebook 1. syl blue+book pron <1blu:2buk> pos n. usage in Britain def a government publication bound in a stiff blue paper cover: usually the report of a royal commission or a committee. bluebook 2. syl blue+book pron <1blu:2buk> pos n. qual Informal, chiefly U.S. def a register of well-known people. bluebottle 1. syl blue+bot:tle pron <1blu:2botL> pos n. def another name for the {blowfly}. bluebottle 2. syl blue+bot:tle pron <1blu:2botL> pos n. def any of various blue-flowered plants, esp. the cornflower. bluebottle 3. syl blue+bot:tle pron <1blu:2botL> pos n. qual Brit. def an informal word for a {policeman}. bluebottle 4. syl blue+bot:tle pron <1blu:2botL> pos n. qual Austral. def an informal name for {Portuguese man-of-war}. blue buck 0. syl blue buck pos n. def another name for the {blaubok}. blue butcher 0. syl blue butch+er pos n. def a Eurasian orchid, with purplish-crimson flowers and stems marked with blackish-purple spots. Also called: {early purple orchid}. blue cheese 0. syl blue cheese pos n. def cheese containing a blue mould, esp. Stilton, Roquefort, or Danish Blue. blue chip 1. syl blue chip pos n. def a gambling chip with the highest value. blue chip 2.a. syl blue chip pos n. def a stock considered reliable with respect to both dividend income and capital value. blue chip 2.b. syl blue chip pos n. usage as modifier exam 1 a blue-chip stock. blue-collar 0. syl blue-col:lar pos adj. def of, relating to, or designating manual industrial workers. Compare {white-collar}. blue devils 1. syl blue dev+ils pos n. def a fit of depression or melancholy. blue devils 2. syl blue dev+ils pos n. def an attack of delirium tremens. blue-eyed boy 0. syl blue-eyed boy pos n. qual Informal, chiefly Brit. def the favourite or darling of a person or group. Usual U.S. equivalent: {fair-haired boy}. blue-eyed grass 0. syl blue-eyed grass pos n. def any of various mainly North American iridaceous marsh plants of the genus that have grasslike leaves and small flat starlike blue flowers. blue-eyed Mary 0. syl blue-eyed Mar:y pos n. def a blue-flowered boraginaceous plant, native to S Europe and cultivated in Britain. blue-eyed soul 0. syl blue-eyed soul pos n. qual Informal. def soul music written and performed by White singers in a style derived from the blues. bluefish infl or bluefishes syl blue+fish pos n. mod pl. bluefishes infl head bluefish or bluefish syl blue+fish:es. pos n. mod pl. bluefish 1. syl blue+fish pron <1blu:2fiS> pos n. def Also called: {snapper}. a bluish marine percoid food and game fish, related to the horse mackerel: family bluefish 2. syl blue+fish pron <1blu:2fiS> pos n. def any of various other bluish fishes. blue fox 1. syl blue fox pos n. def a variety of the arctic fox that has a pale grey winter coat and is bred for its fur. blue fox 2. syl blue fox pos n. def the fur of this animal. blue funk 0. syl blue funk pos n. qual Informal, chiefly Brit. def a state of great terror or loss of nerve. bluegill 0. syl blue+gill pron <1blu:2gil> pos n. def a common North American freshwater sunfish, an important food and game fish. bluegrass 1. syl blue+grass pron <1blu:2gra:s> pos n. def any of several North American bluish-green grasses of the genus esp. ({Kentucky bluegrass}) , grown for forage. bluegrass 2. syl blue+grass pron <1blu:2gra:s> pos n. def a type of folk music originating in Kentucky, characterized by a simple harmonized accompaniment. blue-green algae 0. syl blue-green al+gae pos n. mod pl. def the algae of the family (or including nostoc, which contain a blue pigment in addition to chlorophyll. blue ground 0. syl blue ground pos n. qual Mineralogy. def another name for {kimberlite}. blue grouse 0. syl blue grouse pos n. def a grouse, of W North America, having a bluish-grey plumage with a black tail. blue gum 1. syl blue gum pos n. def a tall fast-growing widely cultivated Australian myrtaceous tree, having aromatic leaves containing a medicinal oil, bark that peels off in shreds, and hard timber. The juvenile leaves are bluish in colour. blue gum 2. syl blue gum pos n. def any of several other eucalyptus trees. {~} See also {red gum} (sense 1). bluing alt head blueing or blueing syl blu+ing pron <1blu:iG> pos n. blueing 1. or bluing syl blue+ing pron <1blu:iG> pos n. def a blue material, such as indigo, used in laundering to counteract yellowing. blueing 2. or bluing syl blue+ing pron <1blu:iG> pos n. def a rinse for tinting grey hair a silvery-blue colour. blueing 3. or bluing syl blue+ing pron <1blu:iG> pos n. def the formation of a film of blue oxide on a steel surface. bluejacket 0. syl blue+jack:et pron <1blu:2J@kit> pos n. def a sailor in the Navy. blue jay 0. syl blue jay pos n. def a common North American jay, having bright blue plumage with greyish-white underparts. blue john 0. syl blue john pos n. def a blue or purple fibrous variety of fluorspar occurring only in Derbyshire: used for vases, etc. blue laws 0. syl blue laws pos n. qual U.S. history. def one of a number of repressive puritanical laws of the colonial period, forbidding any secular activity on Sundays. Blue Mantle 0. syl Blue Man+tle pos n. def one of the four pursuivants of the British College of Arms. once in a blue moon infl head blue moon syl once in a blue moon. pos n. blue moon 0. syl blue moon pos n. qual Informal. def very rarely; almost never. blue mould 1. syl blue mould pos n. def Also called: {green mould}. any fungus of the genus that forms a bluish mass on decaying food, leather, etc. blue mould 2. syl blue mould pos n. def any fungal disease of fruit trees characterized by necrosis and a bluish growth on the affected tissue: mostly caused by species. Blue Mountains 1. syl Blue Moun+tains pos n. mod pl. def a mountain range in NE Oregon and SE Washington. Highest peak: Rock Creek Butte, 2773 m (9097 ft.). Blue Mountains 2. syl Blue Moun+tains pos n. mod pl. def a mountain range in the West Indies, in E Jamaica: Blue Mountain coffee is grown on its slopes. Highest peak: Blue Mountain Peak, 2270 m (7445 ft.). Blue Mountains 3. syl Blue Moun+tains pos n. mod pl. def a plateau in SE Australia, in E New South Wales: part of the Great Dividing Range. Highest part: about 1360 m (4460 ft.). Blue Nile 0. syl Blue Nile pos n. def a river in E Africa, rising in central Ethiopia as the Abbai and flowing southeast, then northwest to join the White Nile. Length: about 1530 km (950 miles). bluenose 1. syl blue+nose pron <1blu:2n*uz> pos n. qual U.S. slang. def a puritanical or prudish person. bluenose 2. syl blue+nose pron <1blu:2n*uz> pos n. qual Informal. def a native or inhabitant of Nova Scotia. blue note 0. syl blue note pos n. qual Jazz. def a flattened third or seventh, used frequently in the blues. blue pencil 1. syl blue pen+cil pos n. def deletion, alteration, or censorship of the contents of a book or other work. blue-pencil infl head blue pencil syl blue-pen:cil pos vb. blue pencils infl head blue pencil or blue pencils syl blue pen+cils pos vb. qual U.S. blue pencilling infl head blue pencil or blue penciling syl blue pen+cil+ling pos vb. blue pencilled infl head blue pencil or blue penciled syl blue pen+cilled pos vb. blue penciling infl head blue pencil or blue pencilling syl blue pen+cil+ing pos vb. qual U.S. blue penciled infl head blue pencil or blue pencilled syl blue pen+ciled. pos vb. qual U.S. blue pencil 2. syl blue pen+cil pos vb. mod tr. def to alter or delete parts of (a book, film, etc.), esp. to censor. blue peter ety from the name Peter blue peter 0. syl blue pe+ter pos n. def a signal flag of blue with a white square at the centre, displayed by a vessel about to leave port. blue pointer 0. syl blue point+er pos n. def a large shark, of Australian coastal waters, having a blue back and pointed snout. blueprint 1. syl blue+print pron <1blu:2print> pos n. def Also called: {cyanotype}. a photographic print of plans, technical drawings, etc., consisting of white lines on a blue background. blueprint 2. syl blue+print pron <1blu:2print> pos n. def an original plan or prototype that influences subsequent design or practice. exam 1 the Montessori method was the blueprint for education in the 1940s. blueprint 3. syl blue+print pron <1blu:2print> pos vb. mod tr. def to make a blueprint of (a plan, etc.). blue racer 0. syl blue rac+er pos n. def a long slender blackish-blue fast-moving colubrid snake, of the U.S. blue ribband 1. syl blue rib+band pos n. usage sometimes caps. def Also (esp. U.S.): {blue ribbon}. (formerly) the record for the fastest trans-Atlantic passage by a passenger liner, esp. between New York and Southampton. blue ribband 2. syl blue rib+band pos n. def any event, victory in which is a coveted distinction. blue ribbon 1. syl blue rib+bon pos n. usage in Britain def a badge of blue silk worn by members of the Order of the Garter. blue ribbon 2. syl blue rib+bon pos n. def a badge awarded as the first prize in a competition. blue ribbon 3. syl blue rib+bon pos n. qual U.S. def a badge worn by a member of a temperance society. blue-ribbon jury 0. syl blue-rib:bon ju:ry pos n. def a U.S. name for a {special jury}. Blue Ridge Mountains 0. syl Blue Ridge Moun+tains pos n. mod pl. def a mountain range in the eastern U.S., extending from West Virginia into Georgia: part of the Appalachian mountains. Highest peak: Mount Mitchell, 2038 m (6684 ft.). Blue Rod 0. syl Blue Rod pos n. qual Brit. def officer of the Order of St. Michael and St. George. Full title: {Gentleman Usher of the Blue Rod}. the infl head blues syl the. pos n. mod sometimes functioning as; sing. blues 1. syl blues pron pos n. mod pl. def a feeling of depression or deep unhappiness. blues 2. syl blues pron pos n. mod pl. def a type of folk song originating among Black Americans at the beginning of the 20th century, usually employing a basic 12-bar chorus, the tonic, subdominant, and dominant chords, frequent minor intervals, and blue notes. blue shift 0. syl blue shift pos n. def a shift in the spectral lines of a stellar spectrum towards the blue end of the visible region relative to the wavelengths of these lines in the terrestrial spectrum: thought to be a result of the {Doppler effect} caused by stars approaching the solar system. Compare {red shift}. blue-sky law 0. syl blue-sky law pos n. qual U.S. def a state law regulating the trading of securities: intended to protect investors from fraud. blue spruce 0. syl blue spruce pos n. def a spruce tree, native to the Rocky Mountains of North America, having blue-green needle-like leaves. Also called: {balsam spruce}. bluestocking ety from the blue worsted stockings worn by members of a C18 literary society bluestocking 0. syl blue+stock:ing pron <1blu:2stokiG> pos n. qual Usually disparaging. def a scholarly or intellectual woman. bluestone 1. syl blue+stone pron <1blu:2st*un> pos n. def a blue-grey sandstone containing much clay, used for building and paving. bluestone 2. syl blue+stone pron <1blu:2st*un> pos n. def the blue crystalline form of copper sulphate. bluestone 3. syl blue+stone pron <1blu:2st*un> pos n. def a blue variety of basalt found in Australia and used as a building stone. bluet 0. syl bluet pron <1blu:it> pos n. def a North American rubiaceous plant, with small four-petalled blue flowers. bluethroat 0. syl blue+throat pron <1blu:2Tr*ut> pos n. def a small brownish European songbird, related to the thrushes, the male of which has a blue throat: family bluetit 0. syl blue+tit pron <1blu:2tit> pos n. def a common European tit, having a blue crown, wings, and tail, yellow underparts, and a black and grey head. bluetongue 0. syl blue+tongue pron <1blu:t^G> pos n. def an Australian lizard, having a cobalt-blue tongue. blue vitriol 0. syl blue vit+ri+ol pos n. def the fully hydrated blue crystalline form of copper sulphate. blueweed 0. syl blue+weed pron <1blu:2wEd> pos n. qual U.S. def another name for {viper's bugloss}. blue whale 0. syl blue whale pos n. def the largest mammal: a widely distributed bluish-grey whalebone whale, (or closely related and similar to the rorquals: family Also called: {sulphur-bottom}. bluey ety (for senses 1, 2, 4) C19: from #7blue (on account of their colour)+-#7y %2 bluey 1. syl blu+ey pron <1blu:i> pos n. qual Austral. informal. def a blanket. bluey 2. syl blu+ey pron <1blu:i> pos n. qual Austral. informal. def a swagman's bundle. hump (one's) bluey 3. head bluey syl hump (one's) bluey. qual Austral. informal. def to carry one's bundle; tramp. bluey 4. syl blu+ey pron <1blu:i> pos n. qual Austral. informal. def a variant of {blue} (sense 13). bluey 5. syl blu+ey pron <1blu:i> pos n. qual Austral. informal. def a cattle dog. Bluey 0. syl Blu+ey pron <1blu:i> pos n. def a variant of {Blue}. bluff ety C19: originally U.S. poker-playing term, from Dutch bluffen to boast bluff H1.1. syl bluff pos bl^f; vb. def to pretend to be confident about an uncertain issue or to have undisclosed resources, in order to influence or deter (someone). bluff H1.2. syl bluff pos n. def deliberate deception intended to create the impression of a stronger position or greater re?!sources than one actually has. call someone's bluff 3. head bluff syl call someone's bluff. def to challenge someone to give proof of his claims. bluffer sub head bluff syl bluff+er pos n. bluff ety C17 (in the sense: nearly perpendicular): perhaps from Middle Dutch blaf broad bluff H2.1. syl bluff pos bl^f; n. def a steep promontory, bank, or cliff, esp. one formed by river erosion on the outside bend of a meander. bluff H2.2. syl bluff pos bl^f; n. qual Canadian. def a clump of trees on the prairie; copse. bluff H2.3. syl bluff pos adj. def good-naturedly frank and hearty. bluff H2.4. syl bluff pos adj. usage of a bank, cliff, etc. def presenting a steep broad face. bluffly sub head bluff syl bluff+ly pos adv. bluffness sub head bluff syl bluff+ness pos n. blueish alt head bluish or bluish syl blue+ish pron <1blu:iS> pos adj. bluish 0. or blueish syl blu+ish pron <1blu:iS> pos adj. def somewhat blue. bluishness sub head bluish or blueishness syl blu+ish+ness pos n. blueishness sub head bluish or bluishness syl blue+ish+ness pos n. L'eon infl head Blum syl L*'e:on pron pos n. Blum 0. syl Blum pron pos n. def 1872-1950, French socialist statesman; premier of France (1936-37; 1938; 1946-47). blunder ety C14: of Scandinavian origin; compare Old Norse blunda to close one's eyes, Norwegian dialect blundra; see #7blind blunder 1. syl blun+der pron <1bl^nd*> pos n. def a stupid or clumsy mistake. blunder 2. syl blun+der pron <1bl^nd*> pos n. def a foolish tactless remark. {~} blunder 3. syl blun+der pron <1bl^nd*> pos n. def to make stupid or clumsy mistakes. blunder 4. syl blun+der pron <1bl^nd*> pos n. def to make foolish tactless remarks. blunder 5. syl blun+der pron <1bl^nd*> pos n. usage often foll. by about, into, etc. def to act clumsily; stumble. exam 1 he blundered into a situation he knew nothing about. blunder 6. syl blun+der pron <1bl^nd*> pos n. mod tr. def to mismanage; botch. blunderer sub head blunder syl blun+der+er pos n. blunderingly sub head blunder syl blun+der+ing+ly pos adv. blunderbuss ety C17: changed (through the influence of #7blunder) from Dutch donderbus; from donder #7thunder+ obsolete bus gun blunderbuss 1. syl blun+der+buss pron <1bl^nd*2b^s> pos n. def an obsolete short musket with large bore and flared muzzle, used to scatter shot at short range. blunderbuss 2. syl blun+der+buss pron <1bl^nd*2b^s> pos n. qual Informal. def a clumsy unsubtle person. blunge ety C19: probably from #7blend+plunge blunge 0. syl blunge pron pos vb. mod tr. def to mix (clay or a similar substance) with water in order to form a suspension for use in ceramics. blunger 0. syl blung+er pron <1bl^nJ*> pos n. def a large vat in which the contents, esp. clay and water, are mixed by rotating arms. blunt ety C12: probably of Scandinavian origin; compare Old Norse blundr dozing, blunda to close one's eyes; see #7blunder, blind blunt 1. syl blunt pos bl^nt; adj. usage esp. of a knife or blade def lacking sharpness or keenness; dull. blunt 2. syl blunt pos bl^nt; adj. def not having a sharp edge or point. exam 1 a blunt instrument. blunt 3. syl blunt pos bl^nt; adj. usage of people, manner of speaking, etc. def lacking refinement or subtlety; straightforward and uncomplicated. blunt 4. syl blunt pos bl^nt; adj. def outspoken; direct and to the point. exam 1 a blunt Yorkshireman. blunt 5. syl blunt pos vb. mod tr. def to make less sharp. blunt 6. syl blunt pos vb. mod tr. def to diminish the sensitivity or perception of; make dull. bluntly sub head blunt syl blunt+ly pos adv. bluntness sub head blunt syl blunt+ness pos n. blur ety C16: perhaps a variant of #7blear blurs infl head blur syl blurs pos vb. blurring infl head blur syl blur+ring pos vb. blurred infl head blur syl blurred. pos vb. blur 1. syl blur pron pos vb. def to make or become vague or less distinct. exam 1 heat haze blurs the hills; exam 2 education blurs class distinctions. blur 2. syl blur pron pos vb. def to smear or smudge. blur 3. syl blur pron pos vb. mod tr. def to make (the judgment, memory, or perception) less clear; dim. blur 4. syl blur pron pos n. def something vague, hazy, or indistinct. blur 5. syl blur pron pos n. def a smear or smudge. blurredly sub head blur syl blur+red+ly pron <1blR:ridli>, <1blR:d-> pos adv. blurredness sub head blur syl blur+red+ness pos n. blurry sub head blur syl blur+ry pos adj. blurb ety C20: coined by Gelett Burgess (1866-1951), U.S. humorist and illustrator blurb 0. syl blurb pron pos n. def a promotional description, as found on the jackets of books. blurt ety C16: probably of imitative origin blurt 0. syl blurt pron pos vb. mod tr. usage often foll. by out def to utter suddenly and involuntarily. blush ety Old English bl*_yscan; related to bl*_ysian to burn, Middle Low German bl*"usen to light a fire blush 1. syl blush pron pos vb. mod intr. def to become suddenly red in the face from embarrassment, shame, modesty, or guilt; redden. blush 2. syl blush pron pos vb. def to make or become reddish or rosy. blush 3. syl blush pron pos n. def a sudden reddening of the face from embarrassment, shame, modesty, or guilt. blush 4. syl blush pron pos n. def a rosy glow. exam 1 the blush of a peach. blush 5. syl blush pron pos n. def a reddish or pinkish tinge. at first blush 6. head blush syl at first blush. def when first seen; as a first impression. blusher sub head blush syl blush+er pos n. blushful sub head blush syl blush+ful pos adj. blushingly sub head blush syl blush+ing+ly pos adv. bluster ety C15: probably from Middle Low German bl*"usteren to storm, blow violently bluster 1. syl blus+ter pron <1bl^st*> pos vb. def to speak or say loudly or boastfully. bluster 2. syl blus+ter pron <1bl^st*> pos vb. def to act in a bullying way. bluster 3. syl blus+ter pron <1bl^st*> pos vb. mod tr. usage foll. by into def to force or attempt to force (a person) into doing something by behaving thus. bluster 4. syl blus+ter pron <1bl^st*> pos vb. mod intr. usage of the wind def to be noisy or gusty. bluster 5. syl blus+ter pron <1bl^st*> pos n. def boisterous talk or action; swagger. bluster 6. syl blus+ter pron <1bl^st*> pos n. def empty threats or protests. bluster 7. syl blus+ter pron <1bl^st*> pos n. def a strong wind; gale. blusterer sub head bluster syl blus+ter+er pos n. blusteringly sub head bluster or blusterously syl blus+ter+ing+ly pos adv. blusterously sub head bluster or blusteringly syl blus+ter+ous+ly pos adv. blustery sub head bluster or blusterous syl blus+ter:y pos adj. blusterous sub head bluster or blustery syl blus+ter+ous pos adj. Blvd 0. syl Blvd. qual abbrev. for def Boulevard. Blyth 0. syl Blyth pron pos n. def a port in N England, in SE Northumberland, on the North Sea. Pop.: 34617 (1971). bm 1. syl b.m. qual abbrev. for: def board measure. bm 2. syl b.m. qual abbrev. for: def bowel movement. BM 1. syl B.M. qual abbrev. for: def Bachelor of Medicine. BM 2. syl B.M. qual abbrev. for:; Surveying. def bench mark. BM 3. syl B.M. qual abbrev. for: def British Museum. BMA 0. syl B.M.A. qual abbrev. for def British Medical Association. BMJ 0. syl B.M.J. qual abbrev. for def British Medical Journal. BMR 0. syl BMR qual abbrev. for def basal metabolic rate. BMus 0. syl B.Mus. qual abbrev. for def Bachelor of Music. Bn 1. syl Bn. qual abbrev. for: def Baron. Bn 2. syl Bn. qual abbrev. for: def Battalion. B'nai B'rith ety from Hebrew ben*_e ber*_ith sons of the covenant B'nai B'rith 0. syl B'nai B'rith pron , pos n. def a Jewish fraternal organi?!zation of men founded in New York in 1843, having moral, philanthropic, social, educational, and political aims. boh alt head bo or bo syl boh pron pos interj. bo 0. or boh syl bo pron pos interj. def an exclamation uttered to startle or surprise someone, esp. a child in a game. bo 1. syl b.o. qual abbrev. for: def back order. bo 2. syl b.o. qual abbrev. for: def branch office. bo 3. syl b.o. qual abbrev. for: def broker's order. bo 4. syl b.o. qual abbrev. for: def buyer's option. BO 1. syl B.O. qual abbrev. for:; Informal. def body odour. BO 2. syl B.O. qual abbrev. for: def box office. BO 1. syl B/O qual abbrev. for:; Book-keeping. def brought over. BO 2. syl B/O qual abbrev. for: def buyer's option. boa ety C19: from New Latin, from Latin: a large Italian snake, water snake boa 1. syl bo:a pron <1b*u*> pos n. def any large nonvenomous snake of the family most of which occur in Central and South America and the West Indies. They have vestigial hind limbs and kill their prey by constriction. boa 2. syl bo:a pron <1b*u*> pos n. def a woman's long thin scarf, usually of feathers or fur. Boabdil 0. syl Bo:ab:dil pron Spanish <2boa$B1Dil> pos n. def original name called ruled as died ??1538, last Moorish king of Granada (1482-83; 1486-92). BOAC 0. syl B.O.A.C. qual abbrev. for usage formerly def British Overseas Airways Corporation. boa constrictor 0. syl bo:a con+stric+tor pos n. def a very large snake, of tropical America and the West Indies, that kills its prey by constriction: family (boas). Boadicea 0. syl Bo:a:di:ce:a pron <2b*u*di1sE*> pos n. def died 62 #7a.d., a queen of the Iceni, who led a revolt against Roman rule in Britain; after being defeated she poisoned herself. Latin name: {Boudicca}. Boanerges ety C17: from Hebrew ben*_e reghesh sons of thunder Boanerges 1. syl Bo:a:ner:ges pron <2b*u*1nR:JEz> pos n. qual New Testament. def a nickname applied by Jesus to James and John in Mark 3:17. Boanerges 2. syl Bo:a:ner:ges pron <2b*u*1nR:JEz> pos n. def a fiery preacher, esp. one with a powerful voice. boar ety Old English b*_ar; related to Old High German b*_er boar 1. syl boar pron pos n. def an uncastrated male pig. boar 2. syl boar pron pos n. def See {wild boar}. board ety Old English bord; related to Old Norse borth ship's side, table, Old High German bort ship's side, Sanskrit bardhaka a cutting off; compare #7brothel board 1. syl board pron pos n. def a long wide flat relatively thin piece of sawn timber. board 2.a. syl board pron pos n. def a smaller flat piece of rigid material for a specific purpose. exam 1 ironing board. board 2.b. syl board pron pos n. usage in combination exam 1 breadboard; exam 2 cheeseboard. board 3. syl board pron pos n. def a person's food or meals, provided regularly for money or sometimes as payment for work done (esp. in the phrases {full board, board and lodging) }. board 4. syl board pron pos n. qual Archaic. def a table, esp. one used for eating at, and esp. when laden with food. board 5.a. syl board pron pos n. mod sometimes functioning as; pl. def a group of people who officially administer a company, trust, etc.. exam 1 a board of directors. board 5.b. syl board pron pos n. usage as modifier exam 1 a board meeting. board 6. syl board pron pos n. def any other committee or council. exam 1 a board of interviewers. the boards 7. head board syl the boards. mod pl. def the acting profession; the stage. board 8. syl board pron pos n. def short for {blackboard, chessboard, notice board, skateboard}, or {springboard}. board 9. syl board pron pos n. def stiff cardboard or similar material covered with paper, cloth, etc., used for the outside covers of a book. board 10. syl board pron pos n. def a flat thin rectangular sheet of composite material, such as plasterboard or chipboard. board 11.a. syl board pron pos n. def a list on which stock-exchange securities and their prices are posted. board 11.b. syl board pron pos n. qual Informal. def the stock exchange itself. board 12.a. syl board pron pos n. def the side of a ship. board 12.b. syl board pron pos n. def the leg that a sailing vessel makes on a beat to windward. board 13. syl board pron pos n. qual Austral. def the part of the floor of a sheep-shearing shed, esp. a raised part, where the shearers work. board 14.a. syl board pron pos n. def any of various portable surfaces specially designed for indoor games such as chess, backgammon, etc. board 14.b. syl board pron pos n. usage as modifier exam 1 board games. board 15. syl board pron pos n. def Also called: {deck}. the flat top part of a skateboard, made of any of various substances, such as wood, fibreglass, or plastic. board 16. syl board pron pos n. def See {above board}. go by the board 17. head board syl go by the board. qual Informal. def to be in disuse, neglected, or lost. exam 1 in these days courtesy goes by the board. on board 18. head board syl on board. def on or in a ship, boat, aeroplane, or other vehicle. sweep the board 19. head board syl sweep the board. def to win every event or prize in a contest. board 20. syl board pron pos vb. def to go aboard (a vessel, train, aircraft, or other vehicle). board 21. syl board pron pos vb. qual Nautical. def to come alongside (a vessel) before attacking or going aboard. board 22. syl board pron pos vb. def to attack (a ship) by forcing one's way aboard. board 23. syl board pron pos vb. mod tr. usage often foll. by up, in, etc. def to cover or shut with boards. board 24. syl board pron pos vb. mod intr. def to give or receive meals or meals and lodging in return for money or work. board 25. syl board pron pos vb. usage sometimes foll. by out def to receive or arrange for (someone, esp. a child) to receive food and lodging away from home, usually in return for payment. boardable sub head board syl board+a:ble pos adj. board-and-shingle 0. syl board-and-shin:gle pos n. qual Caribbean. def a small peasant dwelling with wooden walls and a shingle roof. boarder 1. syl board+er pron <1bc:d*> pos n. qual Brit. def a pupil who lives at school during term time. boarder 2. syl board+er pron <1bc:d*> pos n. qual U.S. def a child who lives away from its parents and is cared for by a person or organization receiving payment. boarder 3. syl board+er pron <1bc:d*> pos n. def another word for {lodger}. boarder 4. syl board+er pron <1bc:d*> pos n. def a person who boards a ship, esp. one who forces his way aboard in an attack. exam 1 stand by to repel boarders. board foot 0. syl board foot pos n. def a unit of board measure: the cubic content of a piece of wood one foot square and one inch thick. boarding 1. syl board+ing pron <1bc:diG> pos n. def a structure of boards, such as a floor or fence. boarding 2. syl board+ing pron <1bc:diG> pos n. def timber boards collectively. boarding 3.a. syl board+ing pron <1bc:diG> pos n. def the act of embarking on an aircraft, train, ship, etc. boarding 3.b. syl board+ing pron <1bc:diG> pos n. usage as modifier exam 1 a boarding pass. boarding 4. syl board+ing pron <1bc:diG> pos n. def a process used in tanning to accentuate the natural grain of hides, in which the surface of a softened leather is lightly creased by folding grain to grain and the fold is worked to and fro across the leather. boarding house 1. syl board+ing house pos n. def a private house in which accommodation and meals are provided for paying guests. boarding house 2. syl board+ing house pos n. qual Austral. def a {house (see sense 10)} for boarders at a school. boarding school 0. syl board+ing school pos n. def a school providing living accommodation for some or all of its pupils. board measure 0. syl board meas+ure pos n. def a system of units for measuring wood based on the board foot. 1980 board feet equal one standard. board of trade 0. syl board of trade pos n. qual U.S. def another name for a {chamber of commerce}. Board of Trade 0. syl Board of Trade pos n. usage in the United Kingdom def a ministry within the Department of Trade: responsible for the supervision of commerce and the promotion of export trade. Board of Trade unit 0. syl Board of Trade u:nit pos n. def a unit of electrical energy equal to 1 kilowatt-hour. Abbrev.: {B.T.U}. boardroom 0.a. syl board+room pron <1bc:d2ru:m>, <-2rum> pos n. def a room where the board of directors of a company meets. boardroom 0.b. syl board+room pron <1bc:d2ru:m>, <-2rum> pos n. usage as modifier exam 1 a boardroom power struggle. board rule 0. syl board rule pos n. def a measuring device for estimating the number of board feet in a quantity of wood. boardwalk 0. syl board+walk pron <1bc:d2wc:k> pos n. qual U.S. def a promenade, esp. along a beach, usually made of planks. boarfish infl or boarfishes syl boar+fish pos n. mod pl. boarfishes infl head boarfish or boarfish syl boar+fish:es. pos n. mod pl. boarfish 0. syl boar+fish pron <1bc:2fiS> pos n. def any of various spiny-finned marine teleost fishes of the genera etc., related to the dories, having a deep compressed body, a long snout, and large eyes. boarhound 0. syl boar+hound pron <1bc:2haund> pos n. def any very large hound, esp. a Great Dane, used for hunting boars. boarish 0. syl boar+ish pron <1bc:riS> pos adj. def coarse, cruel, or sensual. boarishly sub head boarish syl boar+ish+ly pos adv. boarishness sub head boarish syl boar+ish+ness pos n. boart 0. syl boart pron pos n. def a variant spelling of {bort}. Franz infl head Boas syl Franz pos n. boast ety C13: of uncertain origin boast H1.1. syl boast pron pos vb. mod intr. usage sometimes foll. by of or about def to speak in exaggerated or excessively proud terms of one's possessions, skills, or superior qualities; brag. boast H1.2. syl boast pron pos vb. mod tr. def to possess (something to be proud of). exam 1 the city boasts a fine cathedral. boast H1.3. syl boast pron pos n. def a bragging statement. boast H1.4. syl boast pron pos n. def a possession, attribute, attainment, etc., that is or may be bragged about. boaster sub head boast syl boast+er pos n. boastingly sub head boast syl boast+ing+ly pos adv. boast ety C19: of unknown origin boast H2.0. syl boast pron pos vb. mod tr. def to shape or dress (stone) roughly with a broad chisel. boastful 0. syl boast+ful pron <1b*ustful> pos adj. def tending to boast; characterized by boasting. boastfully sub head boastful syl boast+ful+ly pos adv. boastfulness sub head boastful syl boast+ful+ness pos n. boat ety Old English b*_at; related to Old Norse beit boat boat 1. syl boat pron pos n. def a small vessel propelled by oars, paddle, sails, or motor for travelling, transporting goods, etc., esp. one that can be carried aboard a larger vessel. boat 2. syl boat pron pos n. usage not in technical use def another word for {ship}. boat 3. syl boat pron pos n. def a container for gravy, sauce, etc. boat 4. syl boat pron pos n. def a small boat-shaped container for incense, used in some Christian churches. in the same boat 5. head boat syl in the same boat. def sharing the same problems. burn one's boats 6. head boat syl burn one's boats. def See { {burn} %1 (sense 16).} miss the boat 7. head boat syl miss the boat. qual Informal. def to fail to do something at the right time. push the boat out 8. head boat syl push the boat out. qual Brit. informal. def to celebrate, esp. lavishly and expensive?!ly. rock the boat 9. head boat syl rock the boat. qual Informal. def to cause a disturbance in the existing situation. boat 10. syl boat pron pos vb. mod intr. def to travel or go in a boat, esp. as a form of recreation. boat 11. syl boat pron pos vb. mod tr. def to transport or carry in a boat. boat-billed heron alt head boatbill or boatbill syl boat-billed her+on pos n. boatbill 0. or boat-billed heron syl boat+bill pron <1b*ut2bil> pos n. def a nocturnal tropical American wading bird, similar to the night herons but with a broad flattened bill: family order boat deck 0. syl boat deck pos n. def the deck of a ship on which the lifeboats are kept. boat drill 0. syl boat drill pos n. def practice in launching the lifeboats and taking off the passengers and crew of a ship. boatel ety C20: from #7boat+ (#7hot) #7el botel alt head boatel or boatel syl bo+tel pron pos n. boatel 1. or botel syl boat+el pron pos n. def a waterside hotel catering for boating people. boatel 2. or botel syl boat+el pron pos n. def a ship that functions as a hotel. boater 0. syl boat+er pron <1b*ut*> pos n. def a stiff straw hat with a straight brim and flat crown. boathook 0. syl boat+hook pron <1b*ut2huk> pos n. def a pole with a hook at one end, used aboard a vessel for fending off other vessels or obstacles or for catching a line or mooring buoy. boathouse 0. syl boat+house pron <1b*ut2haus> pos n. def a shelter by the edge of a river, lake, etc., for housing boats. boating 0. syl boat+ing pron <1b*utiG> pos n. def the practice of rowing, sailing, or cruising in boats as a form of recreation. boatload 0. syl boat+load pron <1b*ut2l*ud> pos n. def the amount of cargo or number of people held by a boat or ship. boatmen infl head boatman syl boat+men. pos n. mod pl. boatman 1. syl boat+man pron <1b*utm*n> pos n. def a man who works on, hires out, repairs, or operates a boat or boats. boatman 2. syl boat+man pron <1b*utm*n> pos n. def short for {water boatman}. boat neck 0. syl boat neck pos n. def a high slitlike neckline of a garment that extends onto the shoulders. Also called: {bateau neckline}. boathe infl head boat race syl boathe. pos n. boat race 0. syl boat race pos n. qual Brit. def a rowing event held annually in the spring, in which an eight representing Oxford University rows against one representing Cambridge on the Thames between Putney and Mortlake. boatswain ety Old English b*_atswegen; see #7boat, swain bo's'n infl head boatswain or bosun syl bo':s'n pron <1b*usN> pos n. bosun infl head boatswain or bo's'n syl bo+sun pron <1b*usN> pos n. boatswain 0. syl boat+swain pron <1b*usN> pos n. def a petty officer on a merchant ship or a warrant officer on a warship who is responsible for the maintenance of the ship and its equipment. boatswain's chair 0. syl boat:swain's chair pos n. qual Nautical. def a seat consisting of a short flat board slung from ropes, used to support a man working on the side of a vessel or in its rigging. boat train 0. syl boat train pos n. def a train scheduled to take passengers to or from a particular ship. Boa Vista 0. syl Bo:a Vis+ta pron Portuguese <1boa> <1vista> pos n. def a town in N Brazil, capital of the federal territory of Roraima, on the Rio Branco. Pop.: 37062 (1970). Boaz 0. syl Bo:az pron <1b*u@z> pos n. qual Old Testament. def a kinsman of Naomi, who married her daughter-in-law Ruth (Ruth 2-4); one of David's ancestors. bob ety C14: of uncertain origin bobs infl head bob syl bobs pos vb. bobbing infl head bob syl bob+bing pos vb. bobbed infl head bob syl bobbed. pos vb. bob H1.1. syl bob pron pos vb. def to move or cause to move up and down repeatedly, as while floating in water. bob H1.2. syl bob pron pos vb. def to move or cause to move with a short abrupt movement, as of the head. bob H1.3. syl bob pron pos vb. def to make (a bow or curtsy). exam 1 the little girl bobbed before the visitor. bob H1.4. syl bob pron pos vb. mod intr. usage usually foll. by up def to appear or emerge suddenly. bob H1.5. syl bob pron pos vb. mod intr. usage foll. by under, below, etc. def to disappear suddenly, as beneath a surface. bob H1.6. syl bob pron pos vb. mod intr. usage usually foll. by for def to attempt to get hold (of a floating or hanging object, esp. an apple) in the teeth as a game. bob H1.7. syl bob pron pos n. def a short abrupt movement, as of the head. bob H1.8. syl bob pron pos n. def a quick curtsy or bow. bob H1.9. syl bob pron pos n. qual Changeringing. def a particular set of changes. bob H1.10. syl bob pron pos n. qual Angling. def short for {bobfloat}. bob ety C14 bobbe bunch of flowers, perhaps of Celtic origin bob H2.1. syl bob pron pos n. def a hair style for women and children in which the hair is cut short evenly all round the head. bob H2.2. syl bob pron pos n. def a dangling or hanging object, such as the weight on a pendulum or on a plumb line. bob H2.3. syl bob pron pos n. def a polishing disc on a rotating spindle. It is usually made of felt, leather, etc., impregnated with an abrasive material. bob H2.4. syl bob pron pos n. def short for {bob skate} or {bobsleigh}. bob H2.5. syl bob pron pos n. def a runner or pair of runners on a bobsled. bob H2.6. syl bob pron pos n. qual Angling. def a small knot of worms, maggots, etc., used as bait. bob H2.7. syl bob pron pos n. def a very short line of verse at the end of a stanza or preceding a rhyming quatrain (the wheel) at the end of a stanza. bob H2.8. syl bob pron pos n. def a refrain or burden with such a short line or lines. bob H2.9. syl bob pron pos n. def a docked tail, esp. of a horse. bob H2.10. syl bob pron pos n. qual Brit. dialect. def a hanging cluster, as of flowers or ribbons. bobs infl head bob syl bobs pos vb. bobbing infl head bob syl bob+bing pos vb. bobbed infl head bob syl bobbed. pos vb. bob H2.11. syl bob pron pos vb. mod tr. def to cut (the hair) in a bob. bob H2.12. syl bob pron pos vb. mod tr. def to cut short (something, esp. the tail of an animal); dock or crop. bob H2.13. syl bob pron pos vb. mod intr. def to ride on a bobsled. bob ety C13 bobben to rap, beat; see #7bop %2 bobs infl head bob syl bobs pos vb. bobbing infl head bob syl bob+bing pos vb. bobbed infl head bob syl bobbed. pos vb. bob H3.1. syl bob pron pos vb. def to tap or cause to tap or knock lightly (against). bob H3.2. syl bob pron pos n. def a light knock; tap. bob ety C19: of unknown origin bob infl syl bob. pos n. mod pl. bob H4.0. syl bob pron pos n. qual Brit. def an informal word for a {shilling} or 5p. bobbery ety C19: from Hindi b*_ap re, literally: oh father&! bobberies infl head bobbery syl bob+ber:ies. pos n. mod pl. bobbery 1. syl bob+ber:y pron <1bob*ri> pos n. def Also called: {bobbery pack}. a mixed pack of hunting dogs, often not belonging to any of the hound breeds. bobbery 2. syl bob+ber:y pron <1bob*ri> pos n. qual Informal. def a noisy commotion. bobbery 3. syl bob+ber:y pron <1bob*ri> pos adj. qual Informal. def noisy or excitable. bobbin ety C16: from Old French bobine, of unknown origin bobbin 1. syl bob+bin pron <1bobin> pos n. def a spool or reel on which thread or yarn is wound, being unwound as required; spool; reel. bobbin 2. syl bob+bin pron <1bobin> pos n. def narrow braid or cord used as binding or for trimming. bobbin 3. syl bob+bin pron <1bobin> pos n. def a device consisting of a short bar and a length of string, used to control a wooden door latch. bobbin 4.a. syl bob+bin pron <1bobin> pos n. def a spool on which insulated wire is wound to form the coil of a small electromagnetic device, such as a bell or buzzer. bobbin 4.b. syl bob+bin pron <1bobin> pos n. def the coil of such a spool. bobbinet ety C19: see #7bobbin, net %1 bobbinet 0. syl bob+bi+net pron <2bobi1net> pos n. def a netted fabric of hexagonal mesh, made on a lace machine. bobbin lace 0. syl bob+bin lace pos n. def lace made with bobbins rather than with needle and thread (needlepoint lace); pillow lace. bobble ety C19: from #7bob %1 (vb.) bobble 1. syl bob+ble pron <1bobL> pos n. def a short jerky motion, as of a cork floating on disturbed water; bobbing movement. bobble 2. syl bob+ble pron <1bobL> pos n. def a tufted ball, usually for ornament, as on a knitted hat. bobble 3. syl bob+ble pron <1bobL> pos n. def any small dangling ball or bundle. {~} bobble 4. syl bob+ble pron <1bobL> pos n. qual U.S. informal. def to handle (something) ineptly; muff; bungle. exam 1 he bobbled the ball and lost the game. bobby ety C19: from Bobby, after Robert P#7eel, who, as Home Secretary, set up the Metropolitan Police Force in 1828 bobbies infl head bobby syl bob+bies. pos n. mod pl. bobby 0. syl bob+by pron <1bobi> pos n. qual Informal. def a British policeman. bobby-dazzler ety C19: expanded form of dazzler something striking or attractive bobby-dazzler 0. syl bob:by-daz:zler pos n. qual Brit. dialect. def anything outstanding, striking, or showy, esp. an attractive girl. bobby pin 0. syl bob+by pin pos n. qual Chiefly U.S. def a metal hair pin bent in order to hold the hair in place. bobby socks 0. syl bob+by socks pos n. mod pl. def ankle-length socks worn by teenage girls, esp. in the U.S. in the 1940s. bobbysoxer 0. syl bob:by+sox:er pron <1bobi2soks*> pos n. qual Informal, chiefly U.S. def an adolescent girl wearing bobby socks, esp. in the 1940s. bobcat ety C19: from #7bob %2 (referring to its short tail)+#7cat bobcat 0. syl bob+cat pron <1bob2k@t> pos n. def a North American feline mammal, closely related to but smaller than the lynx, having reddish-brown fur with dark spots or stripes, tufted ears, and a short tail. Also called: {bay lynx}. bobfloat 0. syl bob+float pron <1bob2fl*ut> pos n. qual Angling. def a small buoyant float, usually consisting of a quill stuck through a piece of cork. boblet ety C20: from #7bob %2+-#7let boblet 0. syl bob+let pron <1boblit> pos n. def a two-man bobsleigh. Bobo-Dioulasso 0. syl Bo:bo-Diou:las+so pron <1b*ub*u> pos n. def a city in W Upper Volta. Pop.: 78478 (1970 est.). bobol ety C20: of uncertain origin bobol 1. syl bo+bol pron <1b^bc:l> pos n. qual Eastern Caribbean. def a fraud carried out by one or more persons with access to public funds in collusion with someone in a position of authority. bobol 2. syl bo+bol pron <1b^bc:l> pos vb. mod intr. qual Eastern Caribbean. def to commit a bobol. bobolink ety C18: of imitative origin bobolink 0. syl bob:o+link pron <1bob*2liGk> pos n. def an American songbird, the male of which has a white back and black underparts in the breeding season: family (American orioles). Also called (U.S.): {reedbird, ricebird}. bobotie ety C19: from Afrikaans, probably from Malay bobotie 0. syl bo+bo+tie pron pos n. def a South African dish consisting of curried mincemeat with a topping of beaten egg baked to a crust. bobowler ety of uncertain origin bobowler 0. syl bob+owl:er pron <1bob2aul*> pos n. qual Midland English dialect. def a large moth. bob skate ety C20: from bob (sled) +#7skate %1 bob skate 0. syl bob skate pos n. qual Chiefly U.S. def an ice skate with two parallel blades. bobsleigh ety C19: #7bob %2#7+sleigh bobsleigh 1. syl bob+sleigh pron <1bob2slA> pos n. def a racing sledge for two or more people, with a steering mechanism enabling the driver to direct it down a steeply banked ice-covered run. bobsleigh 2.a. syl bob+sleigh pron <1bob2slA> pos n. def a sleigh made of two short sledges joined one behind the other. bobsleigh 2.b. syl bob+sleigh pron <1bob2slA> pos n. def one of these two short sledges. bobsleigh 3. syl bob+sleigh pron <1bob2slA> pos vb. mod intr. def to ride on a bobsleigh. {~} Also called (esp. U.S.): {bob+sled} (#!b$Ab@!sl$ed). bobstay 0. syl bob+stay pron <1bob2stA> pos n. def a strong stay between a bowsprit and the stem of a vessel for holding down the bowsprit. bobsy-die ety from C19 bob's a-dying bobsy-die 0. syl bob:sy-die pron <1bobzi2dI> pos n. qual N.Z. informal. def fuss; confusion; pandemonium (esp. in the phrases {kick up bobsy-die, play bobsy-die}). bobtail 1. syl bob+tail pron <1bob2tAl> pos n. def a docked or diminutive tail. bobtail 2. syl bob+tail pron <1bob2tAl> pos n. def an animal with such a tail. bobtail 3. syl bob+tail pron <1bob2tAl> pos adj. usage also def having the tail cut short. {~} bobtail 4. syl bob+tail pron <1bob2tAl> pos adj. usage also def to dock the tail of. bobtail 5. syl bob+tail pron <1bob2tAl> pos adj. usage also def to cut short; curtail. bobwhite ety C19: of imitative origin bobwhite 0. syl bob+white pron <1bob2wIt> pos n. def a brown North American quail, the male of which has white markings on the head: a popular game bird. bocage ety C17: from French, from Old French bosc; see #7boscage bocage 1. syl bo+cage pron pos n. def the wooded countryside characteristic of northern France, with small irregular-shaped fields and many hedges and copses. bocage 2. syl bo+cage pron pos n. def woodland scenery represented in ceramics. Giovanni infl head Boccaccio syl Gio:van:ni pron pos n. Boccaccio 0. syl Boc:cac:cio pron Italian pos n. def 1313-75, Italian poet and writer, noted particularly for his (1353), a collection of 100 short stories. His other works include (??1338) and (1341). Luigi infl head Boccherini syl Lu:i:gi pron pos n. Boccherini 0. syl Boc:che:ri:ni pron Italian <2bokkA1rEni> pos n. def 1743-1805, Italian composer and cellist. boccie ety from Italian bocce bowls, plural of boccia ball; see #7boss %2 bocci infl head boccie syl boc+ci pron <1boCE> pos n. bocce infl head boccie or boccia syl boc+ce pron <1boCE> pos n. boccia infl head boccie or bocce syl boc+cia pron <1boC*> pos n. boccie 0. syl boc+cie pron <1boCE> pos n. def an Italian version of bowls played on a lawn shorter and narrower than a bowling green. Umberto infl head Boccioni syl Um:ber:to pron pos n. Boccioni 0. syl Boc:cio:ni pron Italian pos n. def 1882-1916, Italian painter and sculptor: principal theorist of the futurist movement. Boche ety C20: from French, probably short?!ened from alboche German, from allemand German+ caboche pate Boche 1. syl Boche pron pos n. usage Derogatory slang. esp. in World Wars I and II def a German, esp. a German soldier. the 2. head Boche syl the. mod usually functioning as; pl. usage Derogatory slang. esp. in World Wars I and II def Germans collectively, esp. German soldiers regarded as the enemy. Bochum 0. syl Bo+chum pron German <1bo:xum> pos n. def an industrial city in West Germany, in W North Rhine-Westphalia, in the Ruhr Valley. Pop.: 338022 (1974 est.). bock beer ety C19: from German Bock bier, literally: buck beer, name given through folk etymology to beer brewed in Einbeck, near Hanover bock alt head bock beer or bock beer syl bock pron pos n. bock beer 1. or bock syl bock beer pron pos n. qual U.S. def heavy dark strong beer. bock beer 2. or bock syl bock beer pron pos n. usage in France def a light beer. bod ety C18: short for #7body bod 0. syl bod pron pos n. qual Informal. def a fellow; chap. exam 1 he's a queer bod. BOD 0. syl B.O.D. qual abbrev. for def biochemical oxygen demand. bode ety Old English bodian; related to Old Norse botha to proclaim, Old Frisian bodia to invite bode H1.1. syl bode pron pos vb. def to be an omen of (good or ill, esp. of ill); portend; presage. bode H1.2. syl bode pron pos vb. mod tr. qual Archaic. def to predict; foretell. bodement sub head bode syl bode+ment pos n. bode H2.0. syl bode pron pos vb. def the past tense of { {bide} (senses 1-3).} bodega ety C19: from Spanish, ultimately from Greek apoth*_ek*_e storehouse, from apotithenai to store, put away bodega 0. syl bo+de:ga pron , Spanish pos n. def a shop selling wine and sometimes groceries, esp. in a Spanish-speaking country. Bodensee 0. syl Bo+den+see pron <1bo:dN2zA:> pos n. def the German name for (Lake) {Constance}. bodge ety C16: changed from #7botch bodge 0. syl bodge pron pos vb. qual Informal. def to make a mess of; botch. bodger ety C20: from #7bodge bodger 0. syl bodg+er pron <1boJ*> pos adj. qual Austral. informal. def worthless or second-rate. bodgie ety C20: from #7bodge bodgie 0. syl bodg:ie pron <1boJi> pos n. qual Austral. def an unruly or uncouth young man, esp. in the 1950s; teddy boy. Bodh Gaya 0. syl Bodh Ga:ya pron <1bod> pos n. def a variant spelling of {Buddh Gaya}. Bodhisattva ety Sanskrit, literally: one whose essence is enlightenment, from bodhi enlightenment + sattva essence Bodhisattva 0. syl Bo+dhi+satt+va pron <2b*udi1s@tv*>, <-w*>, <2bod-> <2b*udE1s^tv*> pos n. usage in Mahayana Buddhism def a divine being worthy of nirvana who remains on the human plane to help men to salvation. Compare {Arhat}. bodice ety C16: originally Scottish bodies, plural of #7body bodice 1. syl bod+ice pron <1bodis> pos n. def the upper part of a woman's dress, from the shoulder to the waist. bodice 2. syl bod+ice pron <1bodis> pos n. def a tight-fitting corset worn laced over a blouse, as in certain European national costumes, or (formerly) as a woman's undergarment. -bodied 0. syl -bod:ied pos adj. usage in combination def having a body or bodies as specified. exam 1 able-bodied; exam 2 long-bodied; exam 3 many-bodied. bodiless 0. syl bod:i+less pron <1bodilis> pos adj. def having no body or substance; incorporeal or insubstantial. bodily 1. syl bod:i+ly pron <1bodili> pos adj. def relating to or being a part of the human body. {~} bodily 2. syl bod:i+ly pron <1bodili> pos adj. def by taking hold of the body. exam 1 he threw him bodily from the platform. bodily 3. syl bod:i+ly pron <1bodili> pos adj. def in person; in the flesh. bodkin ety C14: probably of Celtic origin; compare Gaelic biodag dagger bodkin 1. syl bod+kin pron <1bodkin> pos n. def a blunt large-eyed needle used esp. for drawing tape through openwork. bodkin 2. syl bod+kin pron <1bodkin> pos n. qual Archaic. def a dagger. bodkin 3. syl bod+kin pron <1bodkin> pos n. qual Print?!ing. def a pointed steel tool used for extracting characters when correcting metal type. bodkin 4. syl bod+kin pron <1bodkin> pos n. qual Archaic. def a long ornamental hairpin. Bodleian ety C17: named after Sir Thomas Bodley (1545-1613), English scholar who founded it in 1602 Bodleian 0. syl Bod+lei+an pron , <1bodli-> pos n. def the principal library of Oxford University: a copyright deposit library. Bodmin 0. syl Bod+min pron <1bodmin> pos n. def a market town in SW England, administrative centre of Cornwall, near {Bodmin Moor}, a granite upland rising to 420 m (1375 ft.). Pop.: 9204 (1971). Bodoni 0. syl Bo+do+ni pron pos n. def a style of type designed by the Italian printer Giambattista {Bodoni} (1740-1813). body ety Old English bodig; related to Old Norse buthkr box, Old High German botah body bodies infl head body syl bod:ies. pos n. mod pl. body 1.a. syl bod:y pron <1bodi> pos n. def the entire physical structure of an animal or human being. Related adj.: {corporeal}. body 1.b. syl bod:y pron <1bodi> pos n. usage as modifier exam 1 body odour. body 2. syl bod:y pron <1bodi> pos n. def the trunk or torso, not including the limbs, head, or tail. body 3. syl bod:y pron <1bodi> pos n. def a dead human or animal; corpse. body 4. syl bod:y pron <1bodi> pos n. def the largest or main part of anything. exam 1 the body of a vehicle; exam 2 the body of a plant. body 5. syl bod:y pron <1bodi> pos n. def a separate or distinct mass of water or land. body 6. syl bod:y pron <1bodi> pos n. def the main part; majority. exam 1 the body of public opinion was against the plan. body 7. syl bod:y pron <1bodi> pos n. def the central part of a written work or document. exam 1 the body of a thesis as opposed to the footnotes. body 8. syl bod:y pron <1bodi> pos n. def a number of individuals regarded as a single entity; group. exam 1 the student body; exam 2 they marched in a body to London. body 9. syl bod:y pron <1bodi> pos n. qual Physics. def an object or substance that has three dimensions, a mass, and is distinguishable from surrounding objects. body 10. syl bod:y pron <1bodi> pos n. def the characteristic full quality of certain wines, determined by the density and the content of alcohol or tannin. exam 1 a Burgundy has a heavy body. body 11. syl bod:y pron <1bodi> pos n. def substance or firmness, esp. of cloth. body 12. syl bod:y pron <1bodi> pos n. def the sound box of a guitar, violin, or similar stringed instrument. body 13. syl bod:y pron <1bodi> pos n. def the part of a dress covering the body from the shoulders to the waist. body 14. syl bod:y pron <1bodi> pos n. def another name for { {shank} (sense 11)}. body 15.a. syl bod:y pron <1bodi> pos n. def the pigment contained in or added to paint, dye, etc. body 15.b. syl bod:y pron <1bodi> pos n. def the opacity of a paint in covering a surface. body 16.a. syl bod:y pron <1bodi> pos n. def a white filler mixed with pigments to make them opaque. body 16.b. syl bod:y pron <1bodi> pos n. usage as modifier; body colour. def See also {gouache}. body 17. syl bod:y pron <1bodi> pos n. def an informal or dialect word for a {person}. keep body and soul together 18. head body syl keep body and soul together. def to manage to keep alive; survive. body 19. syl bod:y pron <1bodi> pos n. usage modifier def of or relating to the main reading matter of a book as distinct from headings, illustrations, appendices, etc.. exam 1 the body text. bodies infl head body syl bod:ies pos vb. mod tr. bodying infl head body syl bod:y+ing pos vb. mod tr. bodied infl head body syl bod+ied. pos vb. mod tr. body 20. syl bod:y pron <1bodi> pos vb. mod tr. usage usually foll. by forth def to give a body or shape to. body blow 0. syl bod:y blow pos n. def a severe disappointment or setback. exam 1 un?!availability of funds was a body blow to the project. body building 0. syl bod:y build+ing pos n. def the practice of performing regular exercises designed to make the muscles of the body conspicuous. body cavity 0. syl bod:y cav+i:ty pos n. def the internal cavity of any multicellular animal that contains the digestive tract, heart, kidneys, etc. In vertebrates it develops from the coelom. body-centred 0. syl bod:y-cen:tred pos adj. usage of a crystal def having a lattice point at the centre of each unit cell as well as at the corners. Compare {face-centred}. bodycheck 1. syl bod:y+check pron <1bodi2Cek> pos n. qual Ice hockey. def obstruction of another player. bodycheck 2. syl bod:y+check pron <1bodi2Cek> pos n. qual Wrestling. def the act of blocking a charging opponent with the body. bodycheck 3. syl bod:y+check pron <1bodi2Cek> pos vb. mod tr. def to deliver a bodycheck to (an opponent). body corporate 0. syl bod:y cor+po+rate pos n. qual Law. def a group of persons incorporated to carry out a specific enterprise. See { {corporation} (sense 1).} bodyguard 0. syl bod:y+guard pron <1bodi2ga:d> pos n. def a man or group of men who escort and protect someone, esp. a political figure. body image 0. syl bod:y im+age pos n. qual Psychol. def an individual's concept of his own body. body language 0. syl bod:y lan+guage pos n. def the nonverbal imparting of information by means of conscious or subconscious bodily gestures, posture, etc. body-line 0. syl bod:y-line pos adj. qual Cricket. def denoting or relating to fast bowling aimed at the batsman's body. Body of Christ 0. syl Bod:y of Christ pos n. def the Christian Church. body polithe infl head body politic syl bod:y pol:i+the. pos n. body politic 0. syl bod:y pol:i+tic pos n. def the people of a nation or the nation itself considered as a political entity; the state. body snatcher 0. syl bod:y snatch+er pos n. usage formerly def a person who robbed graves and sold the corpses for dissection. &- {bod@.y snatch+ing} body stocking 0. syl bod:y stock+ing pos n. def a one-piece undergarment for women, usually of nylon, covering the torso. bodywork 0. syl bod:y+work pron <1bodi2wR:k> pos n. def the external shell of a motor vehicle. Boehmite ety C20: from German B*"ohmit, after J. B*"ohm, 20th-century German scientist Boehmite 0. syl Boehm+ite pron <1bR:mIt> pos n. def a grey, red, or brown mineral that consists of alumina in rhombic crystalline form and occurs in bauxite. Formula: AlO(OH). Boeotia 1. syl Boe:o+ti:a pron pos n. def a region of ancient Greece, northwest of Athens. It consisted of ten city-states, which formed the Boeotian League, led by Thebes: at its height in the 4th century #7b.c. Boeotia 2. syl Boe:o+ti:a pron pos n. def the ancient name for {Voiotia}. &- {Boe@.#!o+ti@.an} Boer ety C19: from Dutch #7boor Boer 1.a. syl Bo:er pron , <1b*u*>, pos n. def a descendant of any of the Dutch or Huguenot colonists who settled in South Africa, mainly in Cape Colony, the Orange Free State, and the Transvaal. Boer 1.b. syl Bo:er pron , <1b*u*>, pos n. usage as modifier exam 1 a Boer farmer. Boer War 0. syl Bo:er War pos n. def either of two conflicts between Britain and the South African Boers, the first in 1881 when the Boers sought to regain the independence given up for British aid against the Zulus, the second in 1899, when the Orange Free State and Transvaal declared war on Britain. Anicius Manlius Severinus infl head Boethius syl A:nic:i:us Man:li:us Sev:e:ri:nus pron <*1nisi*s> <1m@nli*s> <2sev*1rIn*s> pos n. Boethius 0. syl Bo:e:thi:us pron pos n. def ??480-??524 #7a.d., Roman philosopher and statesman, noted particularly for his work He was accused of treason and executed by Theodoric. boeuf bourguignon ety French: Burgundy beef boeuf bourguignon 0. syl boeuf bour+gui+gnon qual French def b$of burgi#!$j?~@$) a casserole of beef, vegetables, herbs, etc., cooked in red wine. Also called: {boeuf *`a la bourguignonne}. boffin ety C20: of uncertain origin boffin 0. syl bof+fin pron <1bofin> pos n. qual Brit. informal. def a scientist, esp. one carrying out military research. Bofors gun ety C20: named after Bofors, Sweden, where it was first made Bofors gun 0. syl Bo+fors gun pron <1b*uf*z> pos n. def an automatic double-barrelled anti?!aircraft gun with 40 millimetre bore. bog ety C13: from Gaelic bogach swamp, from bog soft bog 1. syl bog pron pos n. def wet spongy ground consisting of decomposing vegetation, which ultimately forms peat. bog 2. syl bog pron pos n. def an area of such ground. bog 3. syl bog pron pos n. def a place or thing that prevents or slows progress or improvement. bog 4. syl bog pron pos n. qual Brit., Austral. def a slang word for {lavatory} (sense 1). bog 5. syl bog pron pos n. qual Austral. slang. def the act or an instance of defecating. {~} See also {bog down, bog in}. boggy sub head bog syl bog+gy pos adj. bogginess sub head bog syl bog+gi+ness pos n. bogan ety of Algonquian origin bogan 0. syl bo+gan pron <1b*ug*n> pos n. usage Canadian. esp. in the Maritime Provinces def a sluggish side stream. Also called: {logan, pokelogan}. Dirk infl head Bogarde syl Dirk. pos n. Bogarde 0. syl Bo:garde pron <1b*uga:d> pos n. def born 1920, British film actor: his films include (1963), (1967), and (1971). Humphrey infl head Bogart syl Hum:phrey pos n. Bogart 0. syl Bo:gart pron <1b*uga:t> pos n. def nicknamed 1899-1957, U.S. film actor: his films include (1941), (1941), (1942), (1951), and (1954). bog asphodel 0. syl bog as+pho+del pos n. def either of two liliaceous plants, of Europe or of North America, that grow in boggy places and have small yellow flowers and grasslike leaves. Bo vgazkoy 0. syl Bo++800077 *vgaz+k*"oy pron Turkish pos n. def a village in central Asia Minor: site of the ancient Hittite capital. bogbean 0. syl bog+bean pron <1bog2bEn> pos n. def another name for {buckbean}. bogs infl head bog down syl bogs pos adv. bogging infl head bog down syl bog+ging pos adv. bogged infl head bog down syl bogged. pos adv. bog down 0. syl bog down pos vb. def when to impede or be impeded physically or mentally. bogey ety C19: probably related to {#7bug %2} and #7bogle ; compare #7bugaboo bogy alt head bogey or bogey syl bo:gy pron <1b*ugi> pos n. bogey H1.1. or bogy syl bo+gey pron <1b*ugi> pos n. def an evil or mischievous spirit. bogey H1.2. or bogy syl bo+gey pron <1b*ugi> pos n. def something that worries or annoys. bogey H1.3.a. or bogy syl bo+gey pron <1b*ugi> pos n. def a standard score for a hole or course, regarded as one that a good player should make. bogey H1.3.b. or bogy syl bo+gey pron <1b*ugi> pos n. def a score of one stroke over par on a hole. Compare { {par} (sense 5).} bogey H1.4. or bogy syl bo+gey pron <1b*ugi> pos n. qual Slang. def a piece of dried mucus discharged from the nose. bogey H1.5. or bogy syl bo+gey pron <1b*ugi> pos n. qual Military slang. def an unidentified or hostile aircraft. bogey H1.6. or bogy syl bo+gey pron <1b*ugi> pos n. qual Slang. def a detective; policeman. bogey ety C19: perhaps from a native Australian language bogie alt head bogey or bogey syl bo+gie pron <1b*ugi> pos vb. infl head bogey syl ~ pos vb. qual Austral. bogey H2.1. or bogie syl bo+gey pron <1b*ugi> pos vb. def to bathe or swim. {~} bogey H2.2. or bogie syl bo+gey pron <1b*ugi> pos vb. def a bathe or swim. bogey hole 0. syl bo+gey hole pos n. qual Austral. def a natural pool used for swimming. bogeymen infl head bogeyman syl bo:gey+men. pos n. mod pl. bogeyman 0. syl bo:gey+man pron <1b*ugi2m@n> pos n. def a person, real or imaginary, used as a threat, esp. to children. boggart ety perhaps from bog, variant of {#7bug %2}#7+ -#7ard boggart 0. syl bog+gart pron <1bog*t> pos n. qual Northern English dialect. def a ghost or poltergeist. boggle ety C16: probably variant of #7bogle boggle 1. syl bog+gle pron <1bogL> pos vb. mod intr. usage often foll. by at def to be surprised, confused, or alarmed (esp. in the phrase {the mind boggles) }. boggle 2. syl bog+gle pron <1bogL> pos vb. mod intr. usage often foll. by at def to hesitate or be evasive when confronted with a problem. bogie ety C19: of unknown origin bogy alt head bogie or bogie syl bo:gy pron <1b*ugi> pos n. bogie H1.1. or bogy syl bo+gie pron <1b*ugi> pos n. def an assembly o four or six wheels forming a pivoted support at either end of a railway coach. It provides flexibility on curves. bogie H1.2. or bogy syl bo+gie pron <1b*ugi> pos n. qual Chiefly Brit. def a small railway truck of short wheelbase, used for conveying coal, ores, etc. bogie H2.0. syl bo+gie pron <1b*ugi> pos n. def a variant spelling of {bogey} %2. bog in 1. syl bog in pos vb. adv. mod intr. qual Austral. informal. def to start energeti?!cally on a task. bog in 2. syl bog in pos vb. adv. mod intr. qual Austral. informal. def to start eating; tuck in. {~} Also (prep.) : {bog into}. bogle ety C16: from Scottish bogill, perhaps from Gaelic; compare Welsh bygel; see #7bug %2 bogle 0. syl bo+gle pron <1b*ugL>, <1bog-> pos n. def a dialect or archaic word for {bogey} %1 (sense 1). bog moss 0. syl bog moss pos n. def another name for {peat moss}. bog myrtle 0. syl bog myr+tle pos n. def another name for {sweet gale}. Bognor Regis 0. syl Bog+nor Re+gis pron <1bogn*> <1rEJis> pos n. def a resort in S England, in West Sussex on the English Channel. was added to the name after King George V's convalescence here in 1929. Pop.: 34389 (1971). bog oak 0. syl bog oak pos n. def oak or other wood preserved in peat bogs; bogwood. bugong alt head bogong or bogong syl bu+gong pron <1bu:2goG> pos n. bogong 0. or bugong syl bo+gong pron <1b*u2goG> pos n. def an edible dark-coloured Australian noctuid moth, Bogor 0. syl Bo+gor pron <1b*ugc:> pos n. def a city in Indonesia, in W Java: botanical gardens and research institutions. Pop.: 195882 (1971). Former name: {Buitenzorg}. bog orchid 0. syl bog or+chid pos n. def an orchid, (or growing in sphagnum bogs in the N hemisphere. It has greenish-yellow flowers and its leaves bear a fringe of tiny bul?!bils. Bogot'a 0. syl Bo+go+t*'a pron <2b*ug*1ta:>, Spanish <2bo$Go1ta> pos n. def the capital of Colombia, on a central plateau of the E Andes: originally the centre of Chibcha civilization; founded as a city in 1538 by the Spaniards. Pop.: 2855065 (1973). bog-rush 0. syl bog-rush pron <1bog2r^S> pos n. def a blackish tufted cyperaceous plant, growing on boggy ground. bogtrotter 0. syl bog+trot:ter pron <1bog2trot*> pos n. def a derogatory term for an Irishman, esp. an Irish peasant. bogus ety C19: from bogus apparatus for making counterfeit money; perhaps related to #7bogie %1 bogus 0. syl bo+gus pron <1b*ug*s> pos adj. def spurious or counterfeit; not genuine. exam 1 a bogus note. bogusly sub head bogus syl bo+gus+ly pos adv. bogusness sub head bogus syl bo+gus+ness pos n. bogwood 0. syl bog+wood pron <1bog2wud> pos n. def another name for {bog oak}. bogies infl head bogy syl bo:gies. pos n. mod pl. bogy 0. syl bo:gy pron <1b*ugi> pos n. def a variant spelling of {bogey} %1 or {bogie} %1. boh 0. syl boh pron pos interj. def a variant spelling of {bo}. bohea ety C18: from Chinese (Fukien dialect) bu-i, from Mandarin Chinese Wu-i Shan range of hills on which this tea was grown bohea 0. syl bo+hea pron pos n. def a black Chinese tea, once regarded as the choicest, but now as an inferior grade. Bohemia 1. syl Bo+he+mi:a pron pos n. def a former kingdom of central Europe, surrounded by mountains: independent from the 9th to the 13th century; belonged to the Hapsburgs from 1526 until 1918. Bohemia 2. syl Bo+he+mi:a pron pos n. def the Czech-speaking part of W Czechoslovakia, formerly a province (1918-49). From 1939 until 1945 it formed part of the German protectorate of {Bohemia-Moravia}. Czech name: {*vCechy}. German name: {B*"oh+men} (#!b$o$:m$$n). Bohemia 3. syl Bo+he+mi:a pron pos n. def a district frequented by unconventional people, esp. artists or writers. Bohemian 1. syl Bo+he+mi:an pron pos n. def a native or inhabitant of Bohemia, esp. of the old kingdom of Bohemia; a Czech. Bohemian 2. syl Bo+he+mi:an pron pos n. usage often not cap. def a person, esp. an artist or writer, who lives an unconventional life. Bohemian 3. syl Bo+he+mi:an pron pos n. def the Czech language. Bohemian 4. syl Bo+he+mi:an pron pos adj. def of, relating to, or characteristic of Bohemia, its people, or their language. Bohemian 5. syl Bo+he+mi:an pron pos adj. def unconventional in appearance, behaviour, etc. Bohemian Brethren 0. syl Bo+he+mi:an Breth+ren pos n. mod pl. def a Protestant Christian sect formed in the 15th century from various Hussite groups, which rejected oaths and military service and advocated a pure and disciplined spiritual life. It was reorganized in 1722 as the Moravian Church. Also called: {Unitas Fratrem}. Bohemian Forest 0. syl Bo+he+mi:an For+est pos n. def a mountain range between SW Czechoslovakia and SE West Germany. Highest peak: Arber, 1457 m (4780 ft.). Czech name: {*vCes+k*'y Les} (#!t#s$eski$: #!l$es). German name: {B*"oh+mer+wald} (#!b$o$:m$$r@!valt). Bohemianism 0. syl Bo+he+mi+an+ism pron pos n. def unconventional be?!haviour or appearance, esp. of an artist. Karl infl head Bohm syl Karl pos n. Boehme infl head Bohme or Bohm syl Boeh:me pron German <1b$o:m*> pos n. Bohm infl head Bohme or Boehme syl B*"ohm pron <1ja:kcp> pos n. Jakob infl head Bohme syl Ja:kob pron <1ja:kcp> pos n. Bohme 0. syl B*"oh:me pron German <1b$o:m*> pos n. def 1575-1624, German mystic. Bohm flute ety C19: named after Theobald B*"ohm (1793-1881), its inventor Bohm flute 0. syl B*"ohm flute pos n. def a type of flute in which the holes are covered with keys; the standard type of modern flute. Bohol 0. syl Bo+hol pron pos n. def an island of the central Philippines. Chief town: Tagbilaran. Pop.: 683297 (1970). Area: about 3900 sq. km (1500 sq. miles). Niels (Henrik David) infl head Bohr syl Niels (Henrik David) pron pos n. Bohr 0. syl Bohr pron , Danish pos n. def 1885-1962, Danish physicist, who applied the quantum theory to Rutherford's model of the atom to explain spectral lines: Nobel prize for physics 1922. Bohr theory ety C20: after N. B#7ohr Bohr theory 0. syl Bohr the:o+ry pos n. def a theory of atomic structure that explains the spectrum of hydrogen atoms. It assumes that the electron orbiting around the nucleus can exist only in certain energy states, a jump from one state to another being accompanied by the emission or absorption of a quantum of radiation. bohunk ety C20: blend of Bo (hemian) +Hung (arian) , with alteration of g to k bohunk 0. syl bo+hunk pron <1b*u2h^Gk> pos n. qual U.S. derogatory slang. def a labourer from east or central Europe. Matteo Maria infl head Boiardo syl Mat:te:o Ma:ri:a pron pos n. Boiardo 0. syl Bo:iar:do pron Italian pos n. def 1434-94, Italian poet; author of the historical epic (1487). boil ety C13: from Old French boillir, from Latin bull*_ire to bubble, from bulla a bubble boil H1.1. syl boil pron pos vb. def to change or cause to change from a liquid to a gas, esp. by the application of heat. boil H1.2. syl boil pron pos vb. def to reach or cause to reach boiling point. boil H1.3. syl boil pron pos vb. def to cook or be cooked by the process of boiling. boil H1.4. syl boil pron pos vb. mod intr. def to bubble and be agitated like something boiling; seethe. exam 1 the ocean was boiling. boil H1.5. syl boil pron pos vb. mod intr. def to be extremely angry or indignant (esp. in the phrase {make one's blood boil}) . exam 1 she was boiling at his dishonesty. boil H1.6. syl boil pron pos vb. mod intr. def to contain a boiling liquid. exam 1 the pot is boiling. boil H1.7. syl boil pron pos n. def the state or action of boiling (esp. in the phrases {on the boil, off the boil}) . {~} See also {boil away, boil down, boil off, boil over, boil up}. boilable sub head boil syl boil+a:ble pos adj. boilingly sub head boil syl boil+ing+ly pos adv. boil ety Old English b*_yle; related to Old Norse beyla swelling, Old High German b*_ulla bladder, Gothic ufbauljan to inflate boil H2.0. syl boil pron pos n. def a red painful swelling with a hard pus-filled core caused by bacterial infection of the skin and subcutaneous tissues, esp. at a hair follicle. Technical name: {furuncle}. boil away 0. syl boil a:way pos vb. adv. def to cause (liquid) to evaporate completely by boiling or (of liquid) to evaporate completely. boil down 1. syl boil down pos vb. adv. def to reduce or be reduced in quantity and usually altered in consistency by boiling. exam 1 to boil a liquid down to a thick glue. boil down 2.a. syl boil down pos vb. adv. mod intr. def to be the essential element in something. boil down 2.b. syl boil down pos vb. adv. mod tr. def to summarize; reduce to essentials. Nicolas infl head Boileau syl Ni:co:las pron pos n. Boileau 0. syl Boi:leau pron French pos n. def full name 1636-1711, French poet and critic; author of satires, epistles, and (1674), in which he laid down the basic principles of French classical literature. boiled shirt 0. syl boiled shirt pos n. def an informal term for {dress shirt}. boiled sweet 0. syl boiled sweet pos n. qual Brit. def a hard sticky sweet of boiled sugar with any of various flavourings. boiler 1. syl boil+er pron <1bcil*> pos n. def a closed vessel or arrangement of enclosed tubes in which water is heated to supply steam to drive an engine or turbine or provide heat. boiler 2. syl boil+er pron <1bcil*> pos n. def a domestic device burning solid fuel, gas, or oil, to provide hot water, esp. for central heating. boiler 3. syl boil+er pron <1bcil*> pos n. def a large tub for boiling laundry. boiler 4. syl boil+er pron <1bcil*> pos n. def a tough old chicken for cooking by boiling. boilermaker 1. syl boil:er+mak:er pron <1bcil*2mAk*> pos n. def a person who works with metal in heavy industry; plater or welder. boilermaker 2. syl boil:er+mak:er pron <1bcil*2mAk*> pos n. def a drink of whisky mixed with beer or whisky followed by a beer chaser. boilerplate 0. syl boil:er+plate pron <1bcil*2plAt> pos n. def a form of mild-steel plate used in the production of boiler shells. boiler suit 0. syl boil+er suit pos n. qual Brit. def a work garment covering the entire body except for the head, hands, and feet. boiling 0. syl boil+ing pron <1bciliG> pos adj. adv. def very warm. exam 1 a boiling hot day. boiling point 1. syl boil+ing point pos n. def the temperature at which a liquid boils at a given pressure, usually atmospheric pressure at sea level; the temperature at which the vapour pressure of a liquid equals the external pressure. boiling point 2. syl boil+ing point pos n. qual Informal. def the condition of being angered or highly excited. boiling-water reactor 0. syl boil:ing-wa:ter re+ac+tor pos n. def a nuclear reactor using water as coolant and moderator, steam being produced in the reactor itself. Abbrev.: {BWR}. boil off 0. syl boil off pos vb. def to remove or be removed (from) by boiling. exam 1 to boil off impurities. boilover 0. syl boil+o:ver pron <1bcil2*uv*> pos n. qual Austral. def a surprising result in a sport?!ing event, esp. in a horse race. boil over 1. syl boil o:ver pos vb. adv. def to overflow or cause to overflow while boiling. boil over 2. syl boil o:ver pos vb. adv. mod intr. def to burst out in anger or excitement. exam 1 she boiled over at the mention of his name. boil up 0. syl boil up pos vb. adv. mod intr. qual Austral. def to make tea. bois-brul'e ety French, literally: burnt wood bois-brul'e 0. syl bois-br*^u:l*'e pron <2bwa:bru:1lA> pos n. qual Canadian. usage sometimes cap. def a half-breed of Indian and White (usually French Canadian) ancestry; M*'etis. Also called: {Brule}. Bois de Boulogne 0. syl Bois de Bou+logne qual French def bwa d$$ bu#!l@$$j) a large park in W Paris, formerly a forest: includes the racecourses of Auteuil and Longchamp. Boise City alt head Boise or Boise syl Boi+se Cit:y pron <1bcizi>, <-si> pos n. Boise 0. or Boise City syl Boi+se pron <1bcizi>, <-si> pos n. def a city in SW Idaho: the state capital. Pop.: 74990 (1970). Bois-le-Duc 0. syl Bois-le-Duc pron pos n. def the French name for {'s Hertogenbosch}. boisterous ety C13 boistuous, of unknown origin boisterous 1. syl bois+ter+ous pron <1bcist*r*s>, <-str*s> pos adj. def noisy and lively; unrestrained or unruly. boisterous 2. syl bois+ter+ous pron <1bcist*r*s>, <-str*s> pos adj. usage of the wind, sea, etc. def turbulent or stormy. boisterously sub head boisterous syl bois+ter+ous+ly pos adv. boisterousness sub head boisterous syl bois+ter+ous+ness pos n. Arrigo infl head Boito syl Ar:ri:go pron pos n. Boito 0. syl Bo:i:to pron Italian <1bc:ito> pos n. def 1842-1918, Italian operatic composer and librettist, whose works include the opera (1868) and the librettos for Verdi's and Bokassa I 0. syl Bo:kas:sa I pron pos n. def original name born 1921, emperor of the Central African Empire since 1977; president for life since 1972. Bokhara 0. syl Bo+kha+ra pron pos n. def a variant spelling of {Bukhara}. bokmakierie ety C19: from Afrikaans, imitative of its call bokmakierie 0. syl bok+ma+kie+rie pron <2bokm*1ki*ri> pos n. qual S. African. def a large yellow shrike, of southern Africa, known for its melodious song. Bokmal ety Norwegian, literally: book language Bokmal 0. syl Bok+m*%al pron Norwegian <1bu:k2mo:l> pos n. def one of the two official forms of written Norwegian, closely related to Danish. Also called: {Dano-Norwegian}. Formerly called: {Riksm*%al}. Compare {Nynorsk}. Bol 0. syl Bol. qual abbrev. for def Bolivia(n). bola ety Spanish: ball, from Latin bulla knob bolas alt head bola or bola syl bo+las pron <1b*ul*s> pos n. bolas infl head bola or bolases syl bo:las pos n. mod pl. bolases infl head bola or bolas syl bo:las:es. pos n. mod pl. bola 0. or bolas syl bo:la pron <1b*ul*> pos n. def a missile used by gauchos and Indians of South America, consisting of two or more heavy balls on a cord. It is hurled at a running quarry, such as an ox or emu, so as to entangle its legs. Boland 0. syl Bo+land pron <1bu*lant> pos n. def an area of high altitude in the SW Cape Province of South Africa. Bolan Pass 0. syl Bo+lan Pass pron pos n. def a mountain pass in W central Pakistan through the Brahui Range, between Sibi and Quetta, rising to 1800 m (5900 ft.). bold ety Old English beald; related to Old Norse ballr dangerous, terrible, baldinn defiant, Old High German bald bold bold 1. syl bold pron pos adj. def courageous, confident, and fearless; ready to take risks. bold 2. syl bold pron pos adj. def showing or requiring courage. exam 1 a bold plan. bold 3. syl bold pron pos adj. def immodest or impudent. exam 1 she gave him a bold look. bold 4. syl bold pron pos adj. def standing out distinctly; conspicuous. exam 1 a figure carved in bold relief. bold 5. syl bold pron pos adj. def very steep. exam 1 the bold face of the cliff. bold 6. syl bold pron pos adj. def imaginative in thought or expression. exam 1 the novel's bold plot. bold 7. syl bold pron pos adj. qual Printing. def set in bold face. bold 8. syl bold pron pos n. qual Printing. def short for {bold face}. boldly sub head bold syl bold+ly pos adv. boldness sub head bold syl bold+ness pos n. bold face 1. syl bold face pos n. qual Printing. def a weight of type characterized by thick heavy lines, as the entry words in this dictionary. Compare {light face}. boldface infl head bold face syl bold+face. pos adj. bold face 2. syl bold face pos adj. usage of type def having this weight. bole ety C14: from Old Norse bolr; related to Middle High German bole plank bole H1.0. syl bole pron pos n. def the trunk of a tree. bole ety C13: from Late Latin b*_olus lump, from Greek b*_olos bolus alt head bole or bole syl bo+lus pron pos n. bole H2.1. or bolus syl bole pron pos n. def a reddish soft variety of clay used as a pigment. bole H2.2. or bolus syl bole pron pos n. def a moderate reddish-brown colour. bolection ety C18: of unknown origin bolection 0. syl bo+lec+tion pron pos n. qual Architect. def a stepped moulding covering and projecting beyond the joint between two members having surfaces at different levels. Also called: {bilection}. bolero ety C18: from Spanish; perhaps related to bola ball boleros infl head bolero syl bo+le:ros. pos n. mod pl. bolero 1. syl bo+le:ro pron pos n. def a Spanish dance, often accompanied by the guitar and castanets, usually in triple time. bolero 2. syl bo+le:ro pron pos n. def a piece of music composed for or in the rhythm of this dance. bolero 3. syl bo+le:ro pron pos n. def a kind of short jacket not reaching the waist, worn by women. boletus ety C17: from Latin: variety of mushroom, from Greek b*_olit*_es; perhaps related to Greek b*_olos lump boletuses infl head boletus or boleti syl bo+le:tus:es pron <-2tI> pos n. mod pl. boleti infl head boletus or boletuses syl bo+le:ti pron <-2tI> pos n. mod pl. boletus 0. syl bo+le:tus pron pos n. def any saprophytic basidiomycetous fungus of the genus having a brownish umbrella-shaped cap with spore-bearing tubes in the underside: family Many species are edible. Anne infl head Boleyn syl Anne. pos n. Boleyn 0. syl Bo:leyn pron , <1bulin> pos n. def 1507-36, second wife of Henry VIII of England; mother of Elizabeth I. She was executed on a charge of adultery. bolide ety C19: from French, from bolis missile; see #7ballista bolide 0. syl bo+lide pron <1b*ulId>, <-lid> pos n. def a large exceptionally bright meteor that often explodes. Also called: {fireball}. Bolingbroke 1. syl Bol:ing:broke pron <1boliG2bruk> pos n. def the surname of {Henry IV} of England. Henry St John 2. head Bolingbroke syl Hen:ry St. John def 1st Viscount Bolingbroke. 1678-1751, English politician; fled to France in 1714 and acted as secretary of state to the Old Pretender; returned to England in 1723. His writings include (1733-34) and (1738). bolivar ety named after Simon B#7olivar bolivars infl head bolivar or bolivares syl bol:i+vars pos n. mod pl. bolivares infl head bolivar or bolivars syl bol:i+var:es pos n. mod pl. bolivar 0. syl bol:i+var pron <1boli2va:>, Spanish pos n. usage -$Bares def the standard monetary unit of Venezuela, equal to 100 centimos. Simon infl head Bolivar syl Si:mon pron pos n. Bolivar 0. syl Bol:i:var pron <1boli2va:>, Spanish pos n. def 1783-1830, South American soldier and liberator. He drove the Spaniards from Venezuela, Colombia, Ecuador, and Peru and hoped to set up a republican confederation, but was prevented by separatist movements in Venezuela and Colombia (1829-30). Upper Peru became a separate state and was called Bolivia in his honour. Bolivia 0. syl Bo+liv:i:a pron pos n. def an inland republic in central S America: original Aymar*'a Indian population conquered by the Incas in the 13th century; colonized by Spain from 1538; became a republic in 1825; consists of low plains in the east, with ranges of the Andes rising to over 6400 m (21000 ft.) and the Altiplano, a plateau averaging 3900 m (13000 ft.) in the west; contains some of the world's highest inhabited regions; important producer of tin and other minerals. Official languages: Spanish, Quechua, and Aymara. Religion: Roman Catholic. Currency: peso. Capital: La Paz. Pop.: 5063000 (1971 est.). Area: 1098580 sq. km (424260 sq. miles). Bolivian sub head Bolivia syl Bo+1liv+i:an pos adj. n. bolivianos infl head boliviano syl bo+li+vi:a+nos. pos n. mod pl. boliviano 0. syl bo+li+vi:a+no pron , Spanish <2boli1$Bjano> pos n. def See {peso boliviano}. boll ety C13: from Dutch bolle; related to Old English bolla #7bowl %1 boll 0. syl boll pron pos n. def the fruit of such plants as flax and cotton, consisting of a rounded capsule containing the seeds. Boll 0. syl B*"oll qual German def b@ol) {Hein@.rich} (#!ha$Inr$I*,c). born 1917, German novelist and short-story writer; his novels include (1971): Nobel prize for literature (1972). bollard ety C14: perhaps from #7bole %1#7+ -#7ard bollard 1. syl bol+lard pron <1bola:d>, <1bol*d> pos n. def a strong wooden or metal post mounted on a wharf, quay, etc., used for securing mooring lines. bollard 2. syl bol+lard pron <1bola:d>, <1bol*d> pos n. qual Brit. def a small post or marker placed on a kerb or traffic island to make it conspicuous to motorists. bollard 3. syl bol+lard pron <1bola:d>, <1bol*d> pos n. qual Mountaineering. def an outcrop of rock or pillar of ice that may be used to belay a rope. bollocks ety Old English beallucas, diminutive (pl.) of beallu (unattested); see #7ball %1 ballocks infl head bollocks or bollix syl bal+locks pos n. mod pl. bollix infl head bollocks or ballocks syl bol+lix pos n. mod pl. qual U.S. infl head bollocks syl ~ pos n. mod pl. qual Taboo slang. bollocks 1. syl bol+locks pron <1bol*ks> pos n. mod pl. def another word for {testicles}. bollocks 2. syl bol+locks pron <1bol*ks> pos interj. mod pl. def an exclamation of annoyance, disbelief, etc. {~} (usually foll. by bollocks 3. syl bol+locks pron <1bol*ks> pos interj. mod pl. def to muddle or botch. boll weevil 0. syl boll wee+vil pos n. def a greyish weevil, of the southern U.S. and Mexico, whose larvae live in and destroy cotton bolls. See also { {weevil} (sense 1).} bollworm 0. syl boll+worm pron <1b*ul2wR:m> pos n. def any of various moth caterpillars, such as (or ({pink bollworm}) , that feed on and destroy cotton bolls. bolo ety Philippine Spanish, probably from a native word bolos infl head bolo syl bo:los. pos n. mod pl. bolo 0. syl bo:lo pron <1b*ul*u> pos n. def a large single-edged knife, originating in the Philippines. Bologna 0. syl Bo+lo+gna pron , Italian pos n. def a city in N Italy, at the foot of the Apennines: became a free city in the Middle Ages; university (1088). Pop.: 491330 (1975 est.). Ancient name: {Bononia}. &- {Bo+lo+gnese} (@!b$Al$$#!ni$:z, -#!ne$Iz) bologna sausage 0. syl bo+lo+gna sau+sage pos n. qual Chiefly U.S. def a large smoked sausage made of seasoned mixed meats. Also called: {baloney, boloney, polony}. bolometer ety C19: from bol-, from Greek bol*_e ray of light, stroke, from ballein to throw+-#7meter bolometer 0. syl bo+lom+e:ter pron pos n. def a sensitive instrument for measuring radiant energy by the increase in the resistance of an electrical conductor. bolometric sub head bolometer syl bo+lo+met+ric pron <2b*ul*1metrik> pos adj. bolometrically sub head bolometer syl bo+lo+1met+ri+cal+ly pos adv. boloney 0. syl bo+lo+ney pron pos n. def another name for {bologna sausage}. Bolshevik ety C20: from Russian Bol'shevik majority, from bol'shoi great; from the fact that this group formed a majority of the Russian Social Democratic Party in 1903 &- #!Bol+she+@!vism n. &- #!Bol+she+@!vist adj., n. &- @!Bol+she+#!vis+tic adj. Bolsheviks infl head Bolshevik or Bolsheviki syl Bol+she+viks pron <-1vEki> pos n. mod pl. Bolsheviki infl head Bolshevik or Bolsheviks syl Bol+she+vi+ki pron <-1vEki> pos n. mod pl. Bolshevik 1. syl Bol+she+vik pron <1bolSi2vik> pos n. usage formerly def a Russian Communist. Compare {Menshevik}. Bolshevik 2. syl Bol+she+vik pron <1bolSi2vik> pos n. def any Communist. Bolshevik 3. syl Bol+she+vik pron <1bolSi2vik> pos n. qual Informal and derogatory. usage often not cap. def any political radical, esp. a revolutionary. bolshie ety C20: shortened from B#7olshevik bolshy alt head bolshie or bolshie syl bol+shy pron <1bolSi> bolshie 1. or bolshy syl bol+shie pron <1bolSi> pos adj. qual Brit. informal. usage sometimes cap. def difficult to manage; rebellious. bolshie 2. or bolshy syl bol+shie pron <1bolSi> pos adj. qual Brit. informal. usage sometimes cap. def politically radical or left-wing. {~} {+shies}. bolshie 3. or bolshy syl bol+shie pron <1bolSi> pos adj. qual Brit. informal.; Derogatory. usage sometimes cap. def any political radical. bolson ety C19: from American Spanish bols*'on, from Spanish bolsa purse, from Late Latin bursa bag; see #7purse bolson 0. syl bol+son pron pos n. qual Southwestern U.S. def a desert valley surrounded by mountains, with a shallow lake at the centre. bolster ety Old English bolster; related to Old Norse bolstr, Old High German bolstar, Dutch bulster bolster 1. syl bol+ster pron <1b*ulst*> pos vb. mod tr. usage often foll. by up def to support or reinforce; strengthen. exam 1 to bolster morale. bolster 2. syl bol+ster pron <1b*ulst*> pos vb. mod tr. def to prop up with a pillow or cushion. bolster 3. syl bol+ster pron <1b*ulst*> pos vb. mod tr. def to add padding to. exam 1 to bolster a dress. bolster 4. syl bol+ster pron <1b*ulst*> pos n. mod tr. def a long narrow pillow or cushion. bolster 5. syl bol+ster pron <1b*ulst*> pos n. mod tr. def any pad or padded support. bolster 6. syl bol+ster pron <1b*ulst*> pos n. mod tr. qual Architect. def a short horizontal length of timber fixed to the top of a post to increase the bearing area and reduce the span of the supported beam. bolster 7. syl bol+ster pron <1b*ulst*> pos n. mod tr. def a cold chisel having a broad blade splayed towards the cutting edge, used for cutting stone slabs, etc. bolsterer sub head bolster syl bol+ster+er pos n. bolsteringly sub head bolster syl bol+ster+ing+ly pos adv. bolt ety Old English bolt arrow; related to Old High German bolz bolt for a crossbow &- #!bolt+er n. bolt H1.1. syl bolt pron pos n. def a bar that can be slid into a socket to lock a door, gate, etc. bolt H1.2. syl bolt pron pos n. def a bar or rod that forms part of a locking mechanism and is moved by a key or a knob. bolt H1.3. syl bolt pron pos n. def a metal rod or pin that has a head at one end and a screw thread at the other to take a nut. bolt H1.4. syl bolt pron pos n. def a sliding bar in a breech-loading firearm that ejects the empty cartridge, replaces it with a new one, and closes the breech. bolt H1.5. syl bolt pron pos n. def a flash of lightning. a bolt from the blue 6. head bolt syl a bolt from the blue. def a sudden, unexpected, and usually unwelcome event. bolt H1.7. syl bolt pron pos n. def a sudden start or movement, esp. in order to escape. exam 1 they made a bolt for the door. bolt H1.8. syl bolt pron pos n. def an unexpected or sudden happening. bolt H1.9. syl bolt pron pos n. qual U.S. def a sudden desertion, esp. from a political party. bolt H1.10. syl bolt pron pos n. def a roll of something, such as cloth, wallpaper, etc. bolt H1.11. syl bolt pron pos n. def an arrow, esp. for a crossbow. shoot one's bolt 12. head bolt syl shoot one's bolt. def to exhaust one's efforts. exam 1 the runner had shot his bolt. bolt H1.13. syl bolt pron pos vb. mod tr. def to secure or lock with or as with a bolt or bolts. exam 1 bolt your doors. bolt H1.14. syl bolt pron pos vb. mod tr. def to eat hurriedly. exam 1 don't bolt your food. bolt H1.15. syl bolt pron pos vb. mod intr. usage usually foll. by from or out def to move or jump suddenly. exam 1 he bolted from the chair. bolt H1.16. syl bolt pron pos vb. mod intr. usage esp. of a horse def to start hurriedly and run away without warning. bolt H1.17. syl bolt pron pos vb. mod tr. def to roll or make (cloth, wallpaper, etc.) into bolts. bolt H1.18. syl bolt pron pos vb. qual U.S. def to desert (a political party, etc.). bolt H1.19. syl bolt pron pos vb. mod intr. usage of cultivated plants def to produce flowers and seeds prematurely. bolt H1.20. syl bolt pron pos adv. def stiffly, firmly, or rigidly (archaic except in the phrase {bolt upright}) . bolt ety C13: from Old French bulter, probably of Germanic origin; compare Old High German b*_util bag boult alt head bolt or bolt syl boult pron pos vb. mod tr. bolt H2.1. or boult syl bolt pron pos vb. mod tr. def to pass (flour, a powder, etc.) through a sieve. bolt H2.2. or boult syl bolt pron pos vb. mod tr. def to examine and separate. bolter sub head bolt syl bolt+er pos n. bolter 1. syl bolt+er pron <1b*ult*> pos n. qual Austral. informal. def an outsider in a contest or race. bolter 2. syl bolt+er pron <1b*ult*> pos n. qual Austral. informal.; Archaic. def an escaped convict; bushranger. bolt hole 0. syl bolt hole pos n. def a way of escape from danger. Bolton 0. syl Bol+ton pron <1b*ult*n> pos n. def a city in NW England, in Greater Manchester: centre of the woollen trade since the 14th century; later important for cotton. Pop.: 153977 (1971). boltonia ety C18: New Latin, named after James Bolton, C18 English botanist boltonia 0. syl bol+to+ni:a pron pos n. def any North American plant of the genus having daisy-like flowers with white, violet, or pinkish rays: family (composites). boltrope 0. syl bolt+rope pron <1b*ult2r*up> pos n. qual Nautical. def a rope sewn to the foot or luff of a sail to strengthen it. Ludwig infl head Boltzmann syl Lud:wig pron <1lu:tvi*,c> pos n. Boltzmann 0. syl Boltz:mann pron German <1bcltsman> pos n. def 1844-1906, Austrian physicist. He established the principle of the equipartition of energy and developed the kinetic theory of gases with J. C. Maxwell. Boltzmann constant 0. syl Boltz:mann con+stant pos n. qual Physics. def the ratio of the gas constant to the Avogadro constant, equal to 1.380622#M10%#-%2%3 joule per kelvin. Symbol. exam 1 k bolus ety C17: from New Latin, from Greek b*_olos clod, lump boluses infl head bolus syl bo+lus:es. pos n. mod pl. bolus 1. syl bo+lus pron <1b*ul*s> pos n. def a small round soft mass, esp. of chewed food. bolus 2. syl bo+lus pron <1b*ul*s> pos n. def a large pill or tablet used in veterinary and clinical medicine. bolus 3. syl bo+lus pron <1b*ul*s> pos n. def another word for {bole%2}. Bolzano 0. syl Bol+za+no pron Italian pos n. def a city in NE Italy, in Trentino-Alto Adige: belonged to Austria until 1919. Pop.: 107277 (1975 est.). German name: {Bozen}. boma ety C19: from Swahili boma 1. syl bo:ma pron <1bcma> pos n. usage in central and E Africa def an enclosure, esp. a palisade or fence of thorn bush, set up to protect a camp, herd of animals, etc. boma 2.a. syl bo:ma pron <1bcma> pos n. usage in central and E Africa def a police post. boma 2.b. syl bo:ma pron <1bcma> pos n. usage in central and E Africa def a magistrate's office. bomb ety C17: from French bombe, from Italian bomba, probably from Latin bombus a booming sound, from Greek bombos, of imitative origin; compare Old Norse bumba drum bomb 1.a. syl bomb pron pos n. def a hollow projectile containing explosive, incendiary, or other destructive substance, esp. one carried by aircraft. bomb 1.b. syl bomb pron pos n. usage as modifier exam 1 bomb disposal; exam 2 a bomb bay. bomb 1.c. syl bomb pron pos n. usage in combination exam 1 a bombload; exam 2 bombproof. bomb 2. syl bomb pron pos n. def any container filled with explosive. exam 1 a car bomb; exam 2 a letter bomb. the bomb 3. head bomb syl the bomb. def a hydrogen or atom bomb considered as the ultimate destructive weapon. bomb 4. syl bomb pron pos n. def a round or pear-shaped mass of volcanic rock, solidified from molten lava that has been thrown into the air. bomb 5. syl bomb pron pos n. qual Med. def a container for radioactive material, applied therapeutically to any part of the body. exam 1 a cobalt bomb. bomb 6. syl bomb pron pos n. qual Brit. slang. def a large sum of money (esp. in the phrase {make a bomb}) . bomb 7. syl bomb pron pos n. qual U.S. slang. def a disastrous failure. exam 1 the new play was a total bomb. bomb 8. syl bomb pron pos n. qual Austral. slang. def an old or dilapidated motor car. like a bomb 9. head bomb syl like a bomb. qual Brit. informal. def with great speed or success; very well (esp. in the phrase {go like a bomb}) . bomb 10. syl bomb pron pos vb. def to attack with or as if with a bomb or bombs; drop bombs (on). bomb 11. syl bomb pron pos vb. mod intr. usage often foll. by off, along, etc. def to move or go very quickly. bomb 12. syl bomb pron pos vb. mod intr. qual U.S. slang. def to fail disastrously; be a flop. exam 1 the new play bombed. bombacaceous ety C19: from New Latin Bomb*_ac*_aceae, from Medieval Latin bomb*_ax cotton, from Latin bombyx silkworm, silk, from Greek bombux bombacaceous 0. syl bom+ba+ca+ceous pron <2bomb*1kAS*s> pos adj. def of, relating to, or belonging to the a family of tropical trees, including the kapok tree and baobab, that have very thick stems, often with water-storing tissue. bombard ety C15: from Old French bombarder to pelt, from bombarde stone-throwing cannon, probably from Latin bombus booming sound; see #7bomb bombard 1. syl bom+bard pron pos vb. mod tr. def to attack with concentrated artillery fire or bombs. bombard 2. syl bom+bard pron pos vb. mod tr. def to attack with vigour and persis?!tence. exam 1 the boxer bombarded his opponent with blows to the body. bombard 3. syl bom+bard pron pos vb. mod tr. def to attack verbally, esp. with questions. exam 1 the journalists bombarded her with questions. bombard 4. syl bom+bard pron pos vb. mod tr. qual Physics. def to direct high-energy particles or photons against (atoms, nuclei, etc.), esp. to produce ions or nuclear transformations. bombard 5. syl bom+bard pron <1bomba:d> pos n. mod tr. def an ancient type of cannon that threw stone balls. bombardment sub head bombard syl bom+1bard+ment pos n. bombardier ety C16: from Old French: one directing a bombard; see #7bombard bombardier 1. syl bom+bar+dier pron <2bomb*1di*> pos n. def the member of a bomber aircrew responsible for aiming and releasing the bombs. bombardier 2. syl bom+bar+dier pron <2bomb*1di*> pos n. qual Brit. def an ordinary soldier in the Royal Artillery. bombardier 3. syl bom+bar+dier pron <2bomb*1di*> pos n. def Also called: {bombardier beetle}. any of various small carabid beetles of the genus esp. of Europe, which defend themselves by ejecting a jet of volatile fluid. bombardier 4. syl bom+bar+dier pron <2bomb*1di*> pos n. qual Canadian. def a snow tractor, usually having caterpillar tracks at the rear and skis at the front. bombardon ety C19: from Italian bombardone; see #7bombard bombardon 1. syl bom+bar+don pron <1bomb*d*n>, pos n. def a brass instrument of the tuba type, similar to a sousaphone. bombardon 2. syl bom+bar+don pron <1bomb*d*n>, pos n. def a 16-foot bass reed stop on an organ. bombast ety C16: from Old French bombace, from Medieval Latin bomb*_ax cotton; see #7bombacaceous &- bom+#!bas+tic adj. &- bom+#!bas+ti+cal+ly adv. bombast 1. syl bom+bast pron <1bomb@st> pos n. def pompous and grandiloquent language. bombast 2. syl bom+bast pron <1bomb@st> pos n. qual Obsolete. def material used for padding. Bombay 0. syl Bom+bay pron pos n. def a port in W India, capital of Maharashtra state, on the Arabian Sea: India's largest city; ceded by Portugal to England in 1661 and of major importance in British India; commercial and industrial centre, esp. for cotton. Pop.: 5970575 (1971). Bombay duck ety C19: changed from bombil (see #7bummalo) through association with Bombay, from which it was exported Bombay duck 0. syl Bom+bay duck pos n. def a teleost fish, that resembles and is related to the lizard fishes: family It is eaten dried with curry dishes as a savoury. Also called: {bummalo}. bombazine ety C16: from Old French bombasin, from Latin bomb*_ycinus silken, from bombyx silkworm, silk; see #7bombacaceous bombasine alt head bombazine or bombazine syl bom+ba+sine pron <2bomb*1zEn>, <1bomb*2zEn> pos n. bombazine 0. or bombasine syl bom+ba+zine pron <2bomb*1zEn>, <1bomb*2zEn> pos n. def a twilled fabric, esp. one with a silk warp and worsted weft, formerly worn dyed black for mourning. bomb calorimeter 0. syl bomb cal:o+rim+e:ter pos n. qual Chem. def a device for determining heats of combustion by igniting a sample in a high pressure of oxygen in a sealed vessel and measuring the resulting rise in temperature: used for measuring the calorific value of foods. bombe ety French, literally: #7bomb ; from its rounded shape bombe 1. syl bombe pron pos n. def Also called: {bombe glac*'ee}. a dessert of ice cream lined or filled with custard, cake crumbs, etc. bombe 2. syl bombe pron pos n. def a mould shaped like a bomb in which this dessert is made. bomb'e ety French, literally: bomb-shaped, from bombe #7bomb bomb'e 0. syl bom+b*'e pron , French pos adj. usage of furniture def having a projecting swollen shape. bomber 1. syl bomb+er pron <1bom*> pos n. def a military aircraft designed to carry out bombing missions. bomber 2. syl bomb+er pron <1bom*> pos n. def a person who plants bombs. bomber 3. syl bomb+er pron <1bom*> pos n. qual Navy slang. def a Polaris submarine. bombing run 0. syl bomb+ing run pos n. def an approach by a bomber to a target. bombora ety from a native Australian language bombora 0.a. syl bom+bor:a pron pos n. qual Austral. def a submerged reef. bombora 0.b. syl bom+bor:a pron pos n. qual Austral. def a turbulent area of sea over such a reef. bomb out 0. syl bomb out pos vb. adv. mod tr. usage usually passive) def to make homeless by bombing. exam 1 24 families in this street have been bombed out. bombshell 1. syl bomb+shell pron <1bom2Sel> pos n. usage esp. formerly def a bomb or artillery shell. bombshell 2. syl bomb+shell pron <1bom2Sel> pos n. def a shocking or unwelcome surprise. exam 1 the news of his death was a bombshell. bombshell 3. syl bomb+shell pron <1bom2Sel> pos n. qual Informal. def an attractive girl or woman (esp. in the phrase {blonde bombshell}) . bombsight 0. syl bomb+sight pron <1bom2sIt> pos n. def a mechanical or electronic device in an aircraft for aiming bombs. bomb site 0. syl bomb site pos n. def an area where the buildings have been destroyed by bombs. bombycid ety C19: from Latin bombyx silkworm bombycid 1. syl bom+by+cid pron <1bombisid> pos n. def any moth, including the silkworm moth, of the family most of which occur in Africa and SE Asia. bombycid 2. syl bom+by+cid pron <1bombisid> pos adj. def of, relating to, or belonging to the Mbomu alt head Bomu or Bomu syl Mbo+mu pron pos n. Bomu 0. or Mbomu syl Bo:mu pron <1b*umu:> pos n. def a river in central Africa, rising in the SE Central African Empire and flowing west into the Uele River, forming the Ubangi River. Length: about 800 km (500 miles). Bon ety from Japanese bon bowl, lantern Bon H1.1. syl Bon pron pos n. def Also called: {Feast} {Festival) of Lanterns}. an annual festival celebrated by Japanese Buddhists. Bon H1.2.a. syl Bon pron pos n. def the pre-Buddhist priests of Tibet or one such priest. Bon H1.2.b. syl Bon pron pos n. def their religion. Cape infl head Bon syl Cape. pos n. Bon H2.0. syl Bon pron pos n. def a peninsula of NE Tunisia. Mount infl head Bona syl Mount. pos n. Bona 0. syl Bo:na pron <1b*un*> pos n. def a mountain in S Alaska, in the Wrangell Mountains. Height: 5005 m (16420 ft.). bona fide ety C16: from Latin bona fide 1. syl bo:na fi:de pron <1b*un*> <1fIdi> pos adj. def real or genuine. exam 1 a bona fide manuscript. bona fide 2. syl bo:na fi:de pron <1b*un*> <1fIdi> pos adj. def undertaken in good faith. exam 1 a bona fide agreement. bona fides ety Latin bona fides 0. syl bo:na fi+des pron <1b*un*> <1fIdEz> pos n. qual Law. def good faith; honest intention. Bonaire 0. syl Bon+aire pron pos n. def an island in the S West Indies, in the E Netherlands Antilles: one of the Windward Islands. Chief town: Kralendijk. Pop.: 8181 (1972 est.). Area: about 260 sq. km (100 sq. miles). bonanza ety C19: from Spanish, literally: calm sea, hence, good luck, from Medieval Latin bonacia, from Latin bonus good+ malacia dead calm, from Greek malakia softness bonanza 1. syl bo+nan+za pron pos n. def a source, usually sudden and unexpected, of luck or wealth. bonanza 2. syl bo+nan+za pron pos n. qual U.S. def a mine or vein rich in ore. Bonaparte 1. syl Bo:na:parte pron <1b*un*2pa:t>, French pos n. def See {Napoleon}. J'erome 2. head Bonaparte syl J*'e:r*^ome pron def brother of Napoleon I. 1784-1860, king of Westphalia (1807-13). Joseph 3. head Bonaparte syl Jo:seph pron def brother of Napoleon I. 1768-1844, king of Naples (1806-08) and of Spain (1808-13). Lucien 5. head Bonaparte syl Lu:cien pron def brother of Napoleon I. 1775-1840, prince of Canino. Bonapartism 1. syl Bo+na+part+ism pron <1b*un*2pa:tiz*m> pos n. def a political system resembling the rule of Napoleon I: centralized government by a military dictator, who enjoys popular support given expression in plebiscites. Bonapartism 2. syl Bo+na+part+ism pron <1b*un*2pa:tiz*m> pos n. usage esp. in France def support for the government or dynasty of Napoleon Bonaparte. Bonapartist sub head Bonapartism syl Bo+na+2part+ist pos n. bona vacantia 0. syl bo:na va+can+ti:a pron <1b*un*> pos n. mod pl. qual Law. def unclaimed goods. Bonaventure alt head Bonaventura or Bonaventura syl Bon:a:ven:ture pron <1bon*?!2venC*> pos n. Saint infl head Bonaventura syl Saint pos n. Bonaventura 0. or Bonaventure syl Bon:a:ven:tu:ra pron <2bon*?!ven1tju*r*> pos n. def called 1221-74, Italian Franciscan monk, mystic, theologian, and philosopher; author of a and Feast day: July 14. bonbon ety C19: from French, originally a children's word from bon good bonbon 0. syl bon+bon pron <1bonbon> pos n. def a sweet. bonce ety C19 (originally: a type of large playing marble): of unknown origin bonce 0. syl bonce pron pos n. qual Brit. slang. def the head. bond ety C13: from Old Norse band; see {#7band %2} bond 1. syl bond pron pos n. def something that binds, fastens, or holds together, such as a chain or rope. bond 2. syl bond pron pos n. mod often; pl. def something that brings or holds people together; tie. exam 1 a bond of friendship. bond 3. syl bond pron pos n. mod pl. def something that restrains or imprisons; captivity or imprisonment. bond 4. syl bond pron pos n. def something that governs behaviour; obligation; duty. bond 5. syl bond pron pos n. def a written or spoken agreement, esp. a promise. exam 1 marriage bond. bond 6. syl bond pron pos n. def adhesive quality or strength. bond 7. syl bond pron pos n. qual Finance. def a certificate of debt issued in order to raise funds. It carries a fixed rate of interest and is repayable with or without security at a specified future date. bond 8. syl bond pron pos n. qual Law. def a written acknowl?!edgment of an obligation to pay a sum or to perform a contract. bond 9. syl bond pron pos n. qual Insurance, U.S. def a policy guaranteeing payment of a stated sum to an employer in compensation for financial losses incurred through illegal or unauthorized acts of an employee. bond 10. syl bond pron pos n. def any of various arrangements of bricks or stones in a wall in which they overlap so as to provide strength. bond 11. syl bond pron pos n. def See {chemical bond}. bond 12. syl bond pron pos n. def See {bond paper}. in bond 13. head bond syl in bond. qual Commerce. def deposited in a bonded warehouse. bond 14. syl bond pron pos vb. mod also; intr. def to hold or be held together, as by a rope or an adhesive; bind; connect. bond 15. syl bond pron pos vb. mod mainly; tr. def to put or hold (goods) in bond. bond 16. syl bond pron pos vb. mod mainly; tr. qual Law. def to place under bond. bond 17. syl bond pron pos vb. mod mainly; tr. qual Finance. def to issue bonds on; mortgage. bond 18. syl bond pron pos vb. mod mainly; tr. def to arrange (bricks, etc.) in a bond. bondage 1. syl bond+age pron <1bondiJ> pos n. def slavery or serfdom; servitude. bondage 2. syl bond+age pron <1bondiJ> pos n. def Also called: {villeinage}. (in medieval Europe) the condition and status of unfree peasants who provided labour and other services for their lord in return for holdings of land. bonded 1. syl bond+ed pron <1bondid> pos adj. qual Finance. def consisting of, secured by, or operating under a bond or bonds. bonded 2. syl bond+ed pron <1bondid> pos adj. qual Commerce. def deposited in a bonded warehouse; placed or stored in bond. bonded warehouse 0. syl bond+ed ware+house pos n. def a warehouse in which imported goods are deposited until they are re-exported or duty is paid. bondholder 0. syl bond+hold:er pron <1bond2h*uld*> pos n. def an owner of one or more bonds issued by a company or other institution. bondmaid 0. syl bond+maid pron <1bond2mAd> pos n. def an unmarried female serf or slave. bond paper 0. syl bond pa+per pos n. def a superior quality of strong white paper, used esp. for writing and typing. bondservant 0. syl bond+ser:vant pron <1bond2sR:v*nt> pos n. def a serf or slave. bondsmen infl head bondsman syl bonds+men. pos n. mod pl. bondsman 1. syl bonds+man pron <1bondzm*n> pos n. qual Law. def a person bound by bond to act as surety for another. bondsman 2. syl bonds+man pron <1bondzm*n> pos n. def another word for {bondservant}. bondstone 0. syl bond+stone pron <1bond2st*un> pos n. def a long stone or brick laid in a wall as a header. Also called: {bonder}. bond washing 0. syl bond wash+ing pos n. def a series of illegal deals in bonds made with the intention of avoiding taxation. bone ety Old English b*_an; related to Old Norse b*'ein, Old Frisian b*_en, Old High German bein bone 1. syl bone pron pos n. def any of the various structures that make up the skeleton in most vertebrates. bone 2. syl bone pron pos n. def the porous rigid tissue of which these parts are made, consisting of a matrix of collagen and inorganic salts, esp. calcium phosphate, interspersed with canals and small holes. bone 3. syl bone pron pos n. def something consisting of bone or a bonelike substance. bone 4. syl bone pron pos n. mod pl. qual Informal. def the human skeleton or body. exam 1 they laid his bones to rest; exam 2 come and rest your bones. bone 5. syl bone pron pos n. def a thin strip of whalebone, light metal, plastic, etc., used to stiffen corsets and brassieres. bone 6. syl bone pron pos n. mod pl. def the essentials (esp. in the phrase {the bare bones}) . exam 1 to explain the bones of a situation. bone 7. syl bone pron pos n. mod pl. qual Informal. def dice. bone 8. syl bone pron pos n. mod pl. def an informal nickname for a {doctor}. feel in one's bones 9. head bone syl feel in one's bones. def to have an intuition of. have a bone to pick 10. head bone syl have a bone to pick. def to have grounds for a quarrel. bone 11.a. syl bone pron pos n. def to be direct and candid about. bone 11.b. syl bone pron pos n. def to have no objections to. bone 12.a. syl bone pron pos n. def risqu*'e or indecent. exam 1 his jokes are rather near the bone. bone 12.b. syl bone pron pos n. def in poverty; destitute. (never) make old bones 13. head bone syl (never) make old bones. usage not def live to a ripe old age. bone 14.a. syl bone pron pos n. def to wish bad luck (on) bone 14.b. syl bone pron pos n. def to threaten to bring about the downfall (of). bone 15. syl bone pron pos vb. mod mainly; tr. def to remove the bones from (meat for cooking, etc.). bone 16. syl bone pron pos vb. mod mainly; tr. def to stiffen (a corset, etc.) by inserting bones. bone 17. syl bone pron pos vb. mod mainly; tr. def to fertilize with bone meal. bone 18. syl bone pron pos vb. mod mainly; tr. qual Brit. def a slang word for {steal. ~} See also {bone up}. boneless sub head bone syl bone+less pos adj. Bone 0. syl B*^one pron French pos n. def a former name of {Annaba}. bone ash 0. syl bone ash pos n. def the residue obtained when bones are burned in air, consisting mainly of calcium phosphate. It is used as a fertilizer and in the manufacture of bone china. boneblack 0. syl bone+black pron <1b*un2bl@k> pos n. def a black residue from the destructive distillation of bones, containing about 10 per cent carbon and 80 per cent calcium phosphate, used as a decolourizing agent and pigment. bone china 0. syl bone chi+na pos n. def porcelain containing bone ash. bone-dry 0.a. syl bone-dry pos adj. qual Informal. def completely dry. exam 1 a bone-dry well. bone-dry 0.b. syl bone-dry pos adj. qual Informal. usage postpositive exam 1 the well was bone dry. bonefish infl or bonefishes syl bone+fish pos n. mod pl. bonefishes infl head bonefish or bonefish syl bone+fish:es. pos n. mod pl. bonefish 1. syl bone+fish pron <1b*un2fiS> pos n. def a silvery marine clupeoid game fish, occurring in warm shallow waters: family bonefish 2. syl bone+fish pron <1b*un2fiS> pos n. def a similar related fish, of the Pacific Ocean. bonehead 0. syl bone+head pron <1b*un2hed> pos n. qual Slang. def a stupid or obstinate person. boneheaded sub head bonehead syl bone+2head:ed pos adj. bone idle 0. syl bone i:dle pos adj. def very idle; extremely lazy. bone meal 0. syl bone meal pos n. def the product of dried and ground animal bones, used as a fertilizer or in stock feeds. bone of contention 0. syl bone of con+ten+tion pos n. def the grounds or subject of a dispute. bone oil 0. syl bone oil pos n. def a dark brown pungent oil, containing pyridine and hydrocarbons, obtained by the destructive distillation of bones. boner 0. syl bon+er pron <1b*un*> pos n. qual Slang. def a blunder. boneset 0. syl bone+set pron <1b*un2set> pos n. def any of various North American plants of the genus esp. which has flat clusters of small white flowers: family (composites). Also called: {agueweed, feverwort, thoroughwort}. bonesetter 0. syl bone+set+ter pron <1b*un2set*> pos n. def a person who sets broken or dislocated bones, esp. one who has no formal medical qualifications. boneshaker 1. syl bone+shak:er pron <1b*un2SAk*> pos n. def an early type of bicycle having solid tyres and no springs. boneshaker 2. syl bone+shak:er pron <1b*un2SAk*> pos n. qual Slang. def any decrepit or rickety vehicle. bone up 0. syl bone up pos adv. def when usually foll. by to study intensively. boneyard 0. syl bone+yard pron <1b*un2ja:d> pos n. def an informal name for a {cemetery}. bonfire ety C15: alteration (through influence of French bon good) of bone-fire; from the use of bones as fuel bonfire 0. syl bon+fire pron <1bon2fI*> pos n. def a large outdoor fire. bong ety C20: of imitative origin bong 1. syl bong pron pos n. def a deep reverberating sound, as of a large bell. bong 2. syl bong pron pos vb. def to make a deep reverberating sound. bongo ety of African origin bongo infl or bongos syl bon+go pos n. mod pl. bongos infl head bongo or bongo syl bon+gos. pos n. mod pl. bongo H1.0. syl bon+go pron <1boGg*u> pos n. def a rare spiral-horned antelope, (or inhabiting forests of central Africa. The coat is bright red-brown with narrow vertical stripes. bongo ety American Spanish, probably of imitative origin bongos infl head bongo or bongoes syl bon+gos pos n. mod pl. bongoes infl head bongo or bongos syl bon+goes. pos n. mod pl. bongo H2.0. syl bon+go pron <1boGg*u> pos n. def a small bucket-shaped drum, usually one of a pair, played by beating with the fingers. bongo ety C20: probably from #7bong +-#7o bongo H3.0. syl bon+go pron <1boGg*u> qual Slang. def a head injury. Albert Bernard infl head Bongo syl Al:bert Ber:nard. pos n. Bongo 0. syl Bon:go pron <1bong*u> pos n. def born 1935, Gabonese statesman; president of Gabon since 1967. Rosa infl head Bonheur syl Ro:sa pron pos n. Bonheur 0. syl Bon:heur pron French pos n. def 1822-99, French painter of animals. Dietrich infl head Bonhoeffer syl Die:trich pron <1dEtri*,c> pos n. Bonhoeffer 0. syl Bon:hoef:fer pron German <1bo:nh@of*r> pos n. def 1906-45, German Lutheran theologian: executed by the Nazis. bonhomie ety C18: from French, from bonhomme good-humoured fellow, from bon good +homme man bonhomie 0. syl bon+ho+mie pron <1bon*2mi>, French pos n. def exuberant friendli?!ness. Saint infl head Boniface syl Saint. pos n. Boniface 0. syl Bon:i:face pron <1boni2fAs> pos n. def original name ??680-??755 #7a.d. Anglo-saxon missionary: archbishop of Mainz (746-755). Feast day: June 5. Bonin Islands 0. syl Bo+nin Is+lands pron <1b*unin> pos n. mod pl. def a group of 27 volcanic islands in the W Pacific: occupied by the U.S. after World War II; re?!turned to Japan in 1968. Largest island: Chichijima. Area: 103 sq. km (40 sq. miles). bonism ety C19: from Latin bonus good+-#7ism &- #!bon+ist n., adj. bonism 0. syl bon+ism pron <1b*uniz*m> pos n. def the doctrine that the world is good, although not the best of all possible worlds. bonito ety C16: from Spanish bonito, from Latin bonus good bonitos infl head bonito or bonitoes syl bo+ni+tos pos n. mod pl. bonitoes infl head bonito or bonitos syl bo+ni+toes. pos n. mod pl. bonito 1. syl bo+ni+to pron pos n. def any of various small tunny-like marine food fishes of the genus of warm Atlantic and Pacific waters: family (tunnies and mackerels). bonito 2. syl bo+ni+to pron pos n. def any of various similar or related fishes, such as ({oceanic bonito}) , the flesh of which is dried and flaked and used in Japanese cookery. bonkers ety C20 (originally in the sense: slightly drunk, tipsy): of unknown origin bonkers 0. syl bonk+ers pron <1boGk*z> pos adj. qual Slang, chiefly Brit. def mad; crazy. bon mot ety French, literally: good word bons mots infl head bon mot syl bons mots pron <1mo> pos n. mod pl. bon mot 0. syl bon mot pron French <1mo> pos n. def a clever and fitting remark. Bonn 0. syl Bonn pron , German pos n. def the capital of West Germany, in North Rhine-Westphalia on the Rhine: became the capital in 1949; university (1786). Pop.: 283260 (1974 est.). Pierre infl head Bonnard syl Pierre pron pos n. Bonnard 0. syl Bon:nard pron French pos n. def 1867-1947, French painter and lithographer, noted for the effects of light and colour in his landscapes and sunlit interiors. bonne ety C18: feminine of bon good bonne 0. syl bonne pron French. < bcn> pos n. def a housemaid or female servant. bonne bouche ety literally: good mouth(ful) bonnes bouches infl head bonne bouche syl bonnes bouches pron <1buS> pos n. mod pl. bonne bouche 0. syl bonne bouche pron French. <1buS> pos n. def a tasty titbit or morsel. bonnet ety C14: from Old French bonet, from Medieval Latin abonnis, of unknown origin bonnet 1. syl bon+net pron <1bonit> pos n. def any of various hats worn, esp. formerly, by women and girls, usually framing the face and tied with ribbons under the chin. bonnet 2. syl bon+net pron <1bonit> pos n. usage in Scotland def a flat brimless cap worn by men. bonnet 3. syl bon+net pron <1bonit> pos n. def the hinged metal part of a motor vehicle body that provides access to the engine, or to the luggage space in a rear-engined vehicle. bonnet 4. syl bon+net pron <1bonit> pos n. def a cowl on a chimney. bonnet 5. syl bon+net pron <1bonit> pos n. qual Nautical. def a piece of sail laced to the foot of a foresail to give it greater area in light winds. bonnet 6. syl bon+net pron <1bonit> pos n. qual U.S. def a headdress of feathers worn by some tribes of American Indians, esp. formerly as a sign of war. bonnet monkey 0. syl bon+net mon+key pos n. def an Indian macaque, with a bonnet-like tuft of hair. bonnet rouge ety French, literally: red cap bonnet rouge 1. syl bon+net rouge pron French. <1ru:Z> pos n. def a red cap worn by ardent supporters of the French Revolution. bonnet rouge 2. syl bon+net rouge pron French. <1ru:Z> pos n. def an extremist or revolutionary. bonny ety C15: from Old French bon good, from Latin bonus bonnier infl head bonny syl bon+ni+er pos adj. bonniest infl head bonny syl bon+ni+est. pos adj. bonny 1. syl bon+ny pron <1boni> pos adj. qual Scot. and northern Brit. dialect. def beautiful or handsome. exam 1 a bonny lass. bonny 2. syl bon+ny pron <1boni> pos adj. def merry or lively. exam 1 a bonny family. bonny 3. syl bon+ny pron <1boni> pos adj. def good or fine. exam 1 a bonny house. bonny 4. syl bon+ny pron <1boni> pos adj. usage esp. of babies def plump. {~} bonny 5. syl bon+ny pron <1boni> pos adj. qual Informal. def agreeably or well. exam 1 to speak bonny. Bight of infl head Bonny syl Bight of. pos n. Bonny 0. syl Bon+ny pron <1boni> pos n. def a wide bay at the E end of the Gulf of Guinea off the coasts of Nigeria and Cameroon. Former name (until 1975): {Bight of Biafra}. bonsai ety Japanese: plant grown in a pot, from bon basin, bowl+ sai to plant bonsai infl syl bon+sai. pos n. mod pl. bonsai 1. syl bon+sai pron <1bonsI> pos n. def the art of growing dwarfed ornamental varieties of trees or shrubs in small shallow pots by selective pruning, etc. bonsai 2. syl bon+sai pron <1bonsI> pos n. def a tree or shrub grown by this method. bonsela ety from a Bantu language bonsela 0. syl bon+sel:a pron pos n. qual S. African. def a small gift to a Black African. Also called: {bansela, pasela}. bonspiel ety C16: probably from Low German; compare Flemish bonespel children's game; see #7spiel bonspiel 0. syl bon+spiel pron <1bon2spEl>, <-sp*l> pos n. def a curling match. bontebok ety C18: Afrikaans, from bont pied+ bok #7buck %1 bonteboks infl head bontebok or bontebok syl bon+te+boks pos n. mod pl. bontebok infl or bonteboks syl bon+te+bok. pos n. mod pl. bontebok 0. syl bon+te+bok pron <1bonti2b^k> pos n. def an antelope, (or of southern Africa, having a deep reddish-brown coat with a white blaze, tail, and rump patch. bon ton ety French, literally: good tone bon ton 1. syl bon ton pron French. <1t?~c> pos n. qual Literary. def sophisticated manners or breeding. bon ton 2. syl bon ton pron French. <1t?~c> pos n. qual Literary. def fashionable society. bonus ety C18: from Latin bonus (adj.) good bonus 1. syl bo+nus pron <1b*un*s> pos n. def something given, paid, or received above what is due or expected. exam 1 a Christmas bonus for all employees. bonus 2. syl bo+nus pron <1b*un*s> pos n. qual Chiefly Brit. def an extra dividend allotted to shareholders out of profits. bonus 3. syl bo+nus pron <1b*un*s> pos n. qual Insurance, Brit. def a dividend, esp. a percentage of net profits, distributed to policyholders either annually or when the policy matures. bonus 4. syl bo+nus pron <1b*un*s> pos n. qual Brit. def a slang word for a {bribe}. bonus issue 0. syl bo+nus is+sue pos n. qual Brit. def an issue of shares made by a company without charge and distributed pro rata among existing shareholders. Also called: {scrip issue}. bon vivant ety literally: good living (man) bons vivants infl head bon vivant syl bons vi+vants pron pos n. mod pl. bon vivant 0. syl bon vi+vant pron French. pos n. def a person who enjoys luxuries, esp. good food and drink. Also called (but not in French): {bon vi+veur} (@!b$An vi$:#!v$z$:). bon voyage ety French, literally: good journey bon voyage 0. syl bon vo+yage pron French pos interj. def a phrase used to wish a traveller a pleasant journey. bonier infl head bony syl bon:i+er pos adj. boniest infl head bony syl bon:i+est. pos adj. bony 1. syl bon:y pron <1b*uni> pos adj. def resembling or consist?!ing of bone or bones. bony 2. syl bon:y pron <1b*uni> pos adj. def having many bones. bony 3. syl bon:y pron <1b*uni> pos adj. def having prominent bones. exam 1 bony cheeks. bony 4. syl bon:y pron <1b*uni> pos adj. def thin or emaciated. exam 1 a bony old woman. bony 5. syl bon:y pron <1b*uni> pos adj. usage of fishes def having a skeleton of bone, rather than of cartilage. boniness sub head bony syl bon:i+ness pos n. bonze ety C16: from French, from Portuguese bonzo, from Japanese bons*_o, from Chinese fan s*^eng, from fan Buddhist (from Sanskrit br*_ahmanas B#7rahman) #7+ s*^eng #7monk bonze 0. syl bonze pron pos n. def a Chinese or Japanese Buddhist priest or monk. bonzer ety C20: of uncertain origin; perhaps from #7bonanza bonzer 0. syl bon+zer pron <1bonz*> pos adj. qual Austral. slang, archaic. def excellent; very good. boo 1. syl boo pron pos interj. def an exclamation uttered to startle or surprise someone, esp. a child. boo 2. syl boo pron pos interj. def a shout uttered to express disgust, dissatisfaction, or contempt, esp. at a theatrical production, political meeting, etc. would not say boo to a goose 3. head boo syl would not say boo to a goose. def is extremely timid or diffident. boos infl head boo syl boos pos vb. booing infl head boo syl boo+ing pos vb. booed infl head boo syl booed. pos vb. boo 4. syl boo pron pos vb. def to shout @6boo@9 at (someone or something), esp. as an expression of disgust, dissatisfaction, or disapproval. exam 1 to boo the actors. boob ety C20: back formation from #7booby boob 1. syl boob pron pos n. qual Slang. def an ignorant or foolish person; booby. boob 2. syl boob pron pos n. qual Slang.; Brit. def an embarrassing mistake; blunder. boob 3. syl boob pron pos n. qual Slang. def a female breast. boob 4. syl boob pron pos vb. mod intr. qual Slang.; Brit. def to make a blunder. boobialla 1. syl boo+bi+al+la pron <2bu:bi1@l*> pos n. qual Austral. def another name for {golden wattle} (sense 2). boobialla 2. syl boo+bi+al+la pron <2bu:bi1@l*> pos n. qual Austral. def any of various trees or shrubs of the genus esp. boo-boo ety C20: perhaps from nursery talk; compare #7boohoo boo-boos infl head boo-boo syl boo-boos. pos n. mod pl. boo-boo 0. syl boo-boo pos n. def an embarrassing mistake; blunder. boobook 0. syl boo+book pron <1bu:buk> pos n. def a small spotted brown Australian owl, boob tube 0. syl boob tube pos n. qual Slang, chiefly U.S. def a television receiver. booby ety C17: from Spanish bobo, from Latin balbus stammering boobies infl head booby syl boo+bies. pos n. mod pl. booby 1. syl boo+by pron <1bu:bi> pos n. def an ignorant or foolish person. booby 2. syl boo+by pron <1bu:bi> pos n. qual Brit. def the losing player in a game. booby 3. syl boo+by pron <1bu:bi> pos n. def any of several tropical marine birds of the genus family order (pelicans, cormorants, etc.). They have a straight stout bill and the plumage is white with darker markings. Compare {gannet}. booby hatch 1. syl boo+by hatch pos n. def a hoodlike covering for a hatchway on a ship. booby hatch 2. syl boo+by hatch pos n. qual U.S. slang. def a mental hospital. booby prize 0. syl boo+by prize pos n. def a mock prize given to the person having the lowest score or worst performance in a competition. booby trap 1. syl boo+by trap pos n. def a hidden explosive device primed in such a way as to be set off by an unsuspecting intruder. booby trap 2. syl boo+by trap pos n. def a trap for an unsuspecting person, esp. one intended as a practical joke, such as an object balanced above a door to fall on the person who opens it. booby-trap infl head booby trap syl boo:by-trap pos vb. booby traps infl head booby trap syl boo+by traps pos vb. booby trapping infl head booby trap syl boo+by trap+ping pos vb. booby trapped infl head booby trap syl boo+by trapped. pos vb. booby trap 3. syl boo+by trap pos vb. mod tr. def to set a booby trap in or on (a building or object) or for (a person). boodle ety C19: from Dutch boedel all one's possessions, from Old Frisian b*_odel movable goods, inheritance; see #7caboodle boodle 1. syl boo+dle pron <1bu:dL> pos n. qual Slang, chiefly U.S. def money or valuables, esp. when stolen, counterfeit, or used as a bribe. boodle 2. syl boo+dle pron <1bu:dL> pos n. qual Slang, chiefly U.S. def another word for {caboodle}. boodle 3. syl boo+dle pron <1bu:dL> pos vb. qual Slang, chiefly U.S. def to give or receive money corruptly or illegally. boogies infl head boogie syl boo+gies pos vb. boogieing infl head boogie syl boo+gie+ing pos vb. boogied infl head boogie syl boo+gied. pos vb. boogie 1. syl boo+gie pron <1bu:gi> pos vb. qual Slang. def to dance to pop music. {~} boogie 2. syl boo+gie pron <1bu:gi> pos vb. qual Slang. def a session of dancing to pop music. boogie-woogie 0. syl boo:gie-woo:gie pron <1bugi1wugi>, <1bu:gi1wu:gi> pos n. def a style of piano jazz using a dotted bass pattern, usually with eight notes in a bar and the harmonies of the 12-bar blues. boohoo ety C20: nursery talk boohoos infl head boohoo syl boo+hoos pos vb. boohooing infl head boohoo syl boo+hoo+ing pos vb. boohooed infl head boohoo syl boo+hooed. pos vb. boohoo 1. syl boo+hoo pron <2bu:1hu:> pos vb. def to sob or pretend to sob noisily. boohoos infl head boohoo syl boo+hoos. pos n. mod pl. boohoo 2. syl boo+hoo pron <2bu:1hu:> pos n. mod sometimes; pl. def distressed or pretended sobbing. book ety Old English b*_oc; related to Old Norse b*_ok, Old High German buoh book, Gothic b*_oka letter; see #7beech (the bark of which was used as a writing surface) book 1. syl book pron pos n. def a number of printed or written pages bound together along one edge and usually protected by thick paper or stiff pasteboard covers. See also {hardback, paperback}. book 2.a. syl book pron pos n. def a written work or composition, such as a novel, technical manual, or dictionary. book 2.b. syl book pron pos n. usage as modifier exam 1 the book trade; exam 2 book reviews. book 2.c. syl book pron pos n. usage in combination exam 1 bookseller; exam 2 bookshop; exam 3 bookshelf; exam 4 bookrack. book 3. syl book pron pos n. def a number of blank or ruled sheets of paper bound together, used to record lessons, keep accounts, etc. book 4. syl book pron pos n. def the script of a play or the libretto of an opera, musical, etc. book 5. syl book pron pos n. def a major division of a written composition, as of a long novel or of the Bible. book 6. syl book pron pos n. def a number of tickets, sheets, stamps, etc., fastened together along one edge. book 7. syl book pron pos n. usage in card games def the number of tricks that must be taken by a side or player before any trick has a scoring value. exam 1 in bridge, six of the 13 tricks form the book. book 8. syl book pron pos n. def strict or rigid regulations, rules, or standards (esp. in the phrases {according to the book, by the book}) . book 9. syl book pron pos n. def a source of knowledge or authority. exam 1 the book of life. book 10. syl book pron pos n. def a telephone directory (in the phrase {in the book}) . an open book 11. head book syl an open book. def a person or subject that is thoroughly understood. a closed book 12. head book syl a closed book. def a person or subject that is unknown or beyond comprehension. exam 1 chemistry is a closed book to him. bring to book 13. head book syl bring to book. def to reprimand or require (someone) to give an explanation of his conduct. close the books 14. head book syl close the books. qual Book-keeping. def to balance accounts in order to prepare a statement or report. cook the books 15. head book syl cook the books. qual Informal. def to make fraudulent alterations to business or other accounts. in someone's good 16. head book or bad books syl in someone's good qual Informal. def regarded by someone with favour (or disfavour). keep the books 17. head book syl keep the books. def to keep written records of the finances of a business or other enterprise. book 18.a. syl book pron pos n. def enrolled as a member. book 18.b. syl book pron pos n. def registered or recorded. read (someone) like a book 19. head book syl read (someone) like a book. def to understand (a person, his motives, character, etc.) thoroughly and clearly. suit one's book 20. head book syl suit one's book. def to be pleasing or acceptable to one. book 21.a. syl book pron pos n. def to charge with every relevant offence. book 21.b. syl book pron pos n. def to inflict the most severe punishment on. {~} book 22. syl book pron pos n. def to reserve (a place, passage, etc.) or engage the services of (a performer, driver, etc.) in advance. exam 1 to book a flight; exam 2 to book a band. book 23. syl book pron pos n. mod tr. def to take the name and address of (a person guilty of a minor offence) with a view to bringing a prosecution. exam 1 he was booked for ignoring a traffic signal. book 24. syl book pron pos n. mod tr. usage of a football referee def to take the name of (a player) who grossly infringes the rules while playing, three such acts resulting in the player's dismissal from the field. book 25. syl book pron pos n. mod tr. qual Archaic. def to record in a book. {~} See also {book in, book into, book out}. bookbinder 0. syl book+bind:er pron <1buk2bInd*> pos n. def a person whose business or craft is binding books. &- {#!book+@!bind+ing} bookbinderies infl head bookbindery syl book+bind:er:ies. pos n. mod pl. bookbindery 0. syl book+bind:er:y pron <1buk2bInd*ri> pos n. def a place in which books are bound. Often shortened to {bindery}. bookcase 0. syl book+case pron <1buk2kAs> pos n. def a piece of furniture containing shelves for books, often fitted with glass doors. book club 0. syl book club pos n. def a club that sells books at low prices to members, esp. on condition that they buy a minimum number. book end 0. syl book end pos n. def one of a pair of usually ornamental supports for holding a row of books upright. bookie 0. syl book:ie pron <1buki> pos n. qual Informal. def short for {bookmaker}. book in 1. syl book in pos vb. adv. def to reserve a room for (oneself or someone else) at a hotel. book in 2. syl book in pos vb. adv. qual Chiefly Brit. def to record something in a book or register, esp. one's arrival at a hotel. booking 1.a. syl book+ing pron <1bukiG> pos n. def a reservation, as of a table or room in a hotel, seat in a theatre, or seat on a train, aircraft, etc. booking 1.b. syl book+ing pron <1bukiG> pos n. usage as modifier exam 1 the booking office at a railway station. booking 2. syl book+ing pron <1bukiG> pos n. qual Theatre. def an engagement for the services of an actor or acting company. book into 0. syl book in:to pos vb. prep. def to reserve a room for (oneself or someone else) at (a hotel, etc.). bookish 1. syl book+ish pron <1bukiS> pos adj. def fond of reading; studious. bookish 2. syl book+ish pron <1bukiS> pos adj. def consist?!ing of or forming opinions or attitudes through reading rather than direct personal experience; academic. exam 1 a bookish view of life. bookish 3. syl book+ish pron <1bukiS> pos adj. def of or relating to books. exam 1 a bookish career in publishing. bookishly sub head bookish syl book+ish+ly pos adv. bookishness sub head bookish syl book+ish+ness pos n. book-keeping 0. syl book-keep:ing pos n. def the skill or occupation of systematically recording business transactions. book-keeper sub head book-keeping syl book-2keep:er pos n. book-learning 1. syl book-learn:ing pos n. def knowledge gained from books rather than from direct personal experience. book-learning 2. syl book-learn:ing pos n. def formal education. booklet 0. syl book+let pron <1buklit> pos n. def a thin book, esp. one having paper covers; pamphlet. booklice infl head booklouse syl book+lice. pos n. mod pl. booklouse 0. syl book+louse pron <1buk2laus> pos n. def any small insect of the order esp. ({common booklouse}) , a wingless species that feeds on bookbinding paste, etc. bookmaker 0. syl book+mak:er pron <1buk2mAk*> pos n. def a person who as an occupation accepts bets, esp. on horseraces, and pays out to winning betters. bookmarker alt head bookmark or bookmark syl book+mark:er pos n. bookmark 0. or bookmarker syl book+mark pron <1buk2ma:k> pos n. def a strip or band of some material, such as leather or ribbon, put between the pages of a book to mark a place. bookmobile 0. syl book+mo:bile pron <1bukm*2bEl> pos n. def the U.S. word for {mobile library}. book of account 0. syl book of ac+count pos n. def another name for { {journal} (sense 4a.).} Book of Changes 0. syl Book of Chang:es pos n. def another name for the {I Ching}. Book of Common Prayer 0. syl Book of Com+mon Prayer pos n. def the official book of church services of the Church of England, first published in 1549. The version now in most common use dates from 1662. Book of Mormon 0. syl Book of Mor+mon pos n. def a sacred book of the Mormon Church, believed by Mormons to be a history of certain ancient peoples in America, written on golden tablets (now lost) and revealed by the prophet Mormon to Joseph Smith. book of original entry 0. syl book of o:rig:i+nal en+try pos n. def another name for { {journal} (sense 4a.).} book out 1. syl book out pos vb. adv. mod usually; intr. def to leave or cause to leave a hotel. book out 2. syl book out pos vb. adv. mod tr. def to remove (a book or borrowed article) from a library or store and sign for it. bookplate 0. syl book+plate pron <1buk2plAt> pos n. def a label bearing the owner's name and an individual design or coat of arms, pasted into a book. book scorpion 0. syl book scor+pi+on pos n. def any of various small arachnids of the order (false scorpions), esp. which are sometimes found in old books, etc. bookstall 0. syl book+stall pron <1buk2stc:l> pos n. def a stall or stand where periodicals, newspapers, or books are sold. U.S. word: {newsstand}. book token 0. syl book to+ken pos n. qual Brit. def a gift token to be exchanged for books. book value 1. syl book val:ue pos n. def the value of an asset of a business according to its books. book value 2.a. syl book val:ue pos n. def the net capital value of an enterprise as shown by the excess of book assets over book liabilities. book value 2.b. syl book val:ue pos n. def the value of a share computed by dividing the net capital value of an enterprise by its issued shares. Compare {par value, market value}. bookworm 1. syl book+worm pron <1buk2wR:m> pos n. def any of various small insects that feed on the binding paste of books, esp. the book louse. bookworm 2. syl book+worm pron <1buk2wR:m> pos n. def a person excessively devoted to studying. George infl head Boole syl George. pos n. Boole 0. syl Boole pron pos n. def 1815-64, English mathematician. In (1847) and (1854), he applied mathematical formulae to logic, creating Boolean algebra. Boolean algebra 0. syl Bool+e:an al+ge+bra pron <1bu:li*n> pos n. def a system of symbolic logic devised by George Boole to codify nonmathematical logical operations. It is used in computers. boom ety C15: perhaps from Dutch bommen, of imitative origin boom H1.1. syl boom pron pos vb. def to make a deep prolonged resonant sound, as of thunder or artillery fire. boom H1.2. syl boom pron pos vb. def to prosper or cause to prosper vigorously and rapidly. exam 1 business boomed. boom H1.3. syl boom pron pos n. def a deep prolonged resonant sound. exam 1 the boom of the sea. boom H1.4. syl boom pron pos n. def the cry of certain animals, esp. the bittern. boom H1.5. syl boom pron pos n. def a period of high economic growth characterized by rising wages, profits, and prices, full employment, and high levels of investment, trade, and other economic activity. Compare { {depression} (sense 6).} boom ety C16: from Dutch boom tree, #7beam boom H2.1. syl boom pron pos n. qual Nautical. def a spar to which a sail is fastened to control its position relative to the wind. boom H2.2. syl boom pron pos n. def a beam or spar pivoting at the foot of the mast of a derrick, controlling the distance from the mast at which a load is lifted or lowered. boom H2.3. syl boom pron pos n. def a pole, usually extensible, carrying an overhead microphone and projected over a film or television set. boom H2.4.a. syl boom pron pos n. def a barrier across a waterway, usually consisting of a chain of connected floating logs, to confine free-floating logs, protect a harbour from attack, etc. boom H2.4.b. syl boom pron pos n. def the area so barred off. boomer 1. syl boom+er pron <1bu:m*> pos n. qual Austral. def a large male kangaroo. boomer 2. syl boom+er pron <1bu:m*> pos n. qual Austral.; Informal. def anything exceptionally large. boomerang ety C19: from a native Australian language boomerang 1. syl boom+er+ang pron <1bu:m*2r@G> pos n. def a curved flat wooden missile of Australian aborigines, which can be made to return to the thrower. boomerang 2. syl boom+er+ang pron <1bu:m*2r@G> pos n. def an action or statement that recoils on its originator. boomerang 3. syl boom+er+ang pron <1bu:m*2r@G> pos vb. mod intr. def to recoil or return unexpectedly, causing harm to its originator; backfire. boomkin ety C17: from Dutch boomken, from boom tree; see #7beam, -#7kin boomkin 0. syl boom+kin pron <1bu:mkin> pos n. qual Nautical. def a short boom projecting from the deck of a ship, used to secure the main-brace blocks or to extend the lower edge of the foresail. boomslang ety C18: from Afrikaans, from boom tree+ slang snake boomslang 0. syl boom+slang pron <1bu:m2sl@G> pos n. def a large greenish venomous arboreal colubrid snake, of southern Africa. boom town 0. syl boom town pos n. qual Chiefly U.S. def a town that is enjoying sudden prosperity or has grown rapidly. boon ety C12: from Old Norse b*_on request; related to Old English b*_en prayer boon H1.1. syl boon pron pos n. def something extremely useful, helpful, or beneficial; a blessing or benefit. exam 1 the car was a boon to him. boon H1.2. syl boon pron pos n. qual Archaic. def a favour; request. exam 1 he asked a boon of the king. boon ety C14: from Old French bon, from Latin bonus good boon H2.1. syl boon pron pos adj. def close, special, or intimate (in the phrase {boon companion}) . boon H2.2. syl boon pron pos adj. qual Archaic. def jolly or convivial. boondocks ety C20: from Tagalog bundok mountain the infl head boondocks syl the. pos n. boondocks 1. syl boon+docks pron <1bu:n2doks> pos n. mod pl. qual U.S. slang. def wild, desolate, or uninhabitable country. boondocks 2. syl boon+docks pron <1bu:n2doks> pos n. mod pl. qual U.S. slang. def a remote rural or provincial area. boondoggle ety C20: said to have been coined by R. H. Link, American scoutmaster boondoggle 1. syl boon+dog+gle pron <1bu:n2dogL> pos vb. mod intr. qual U.S. slang. def to do futile and unnecessary work. boondoggle 2. syl boon+dog+gle pron <1bu:n2dogL> pos n. qual U.S. slang. def futile and unnecessary work. boondoggler sub head boondoggle syl boon+2dog+gler pos n. Daniel infl head Boone syl Dan:iel. pos n. Boone 0. syl Boone pron pos n. def 1734-1820, American pioneer, explorer, and guide, esp. in Kentucky. boong ety C20: perhaps of native Australian origin boong 0. syl boong pron pos n. qual Austral. offensive. def a coloured person. boor ety Old English geb*_ur; related to Old High German gib*_ur farmer, dweller, Albanian b*_ur man; see #7neighbour boor 0. syl boor pron pos n. def an ill-mannered, clumsy, or insensitive person. boorish sub head boor syl boor+ish pos adj. boorishly sub head boor syl boor+ish+ly pos adv. boorishness sub head boor syl boor+ish+ness pos n. boost ety C19: of unknown origin boost 1. syl boost pron pos n. def encouragement, improvement, or help. exam 1 a boost to morale. boost 2. syl boost pron pos n. def an upward thrust or push. exam 1 he gave him a boost over the wall. boost 3. syl boost pron pos n. def an increase or rise. exam 1 a boost in salary. boost 4. syl boost pron pos n. def the amount by which the induction pressure of a supercharged internal-combustion engine exceeds that of the ambient pressure. boost 5. syl boost pron pos vb. mod tr. def to encourage, assist, or improve. exam 1 to boost morale. boost 6. syl boost pron pos vb. mod tr. def to lift by giving a push from below or behind. boost 7. syl boost pron pos vb. mod tr. def to increase or raise. exam 1 to boost the voltage in an electrical circuit. boost 8. syl boost pron pos vb. mod tr. def to cause to rise; increase. exam 1 to boost sales. boost 9. syl boost pron pos vb. mod tr. def to increase the induction pressure of (an internal-combustion engine) above that of the ambient pressure; supercharge. booster 1. syl boost+er pron <1bu:st*> pos n. def a person or thing that supports, assists, or increases power or effectiveness. booster 2. syl boost+er pron <1bu:st*> pos n. def Also called: {launching vehicle}. the first stage of a multistage rocket. booster 3.a. syl boost+er pron <1bu:st*> pos n. def a radio-frequency amplifier connected between an aerial and a receiver to amplify weak incoming signals. booster 3.b. syl boost+er pron <1bu:st*> pos n. def a radio-frequency amplifier that amplifies incoming signals, retransmitting them at higher power. booster 4. syl boost+er pron <1bu:st*> pos n. def another name for {supercharger}. booster 5. syl boost+er pron <1bu:st*> pos n. def short for {booster shot}. booster shot 0. syl boost+er shot pos n. qual Informal. def a supplementary injection of a vaccine given to maintain the immunization provided by an earlier dose. boot ety C14 bote, from Old French, of uncertain origin boot H1.1. syl boot pron pos n. def a strong outer covering for the foot; shoe that extends above the ankle, often to the knee. See also {chukka boot, top boot, Wellington boot, surgical boot}. boot H1.2. syl boot pron pos n. qual Brit. def an enclosed compartment of a car for holding luggage, etc., usually at the rear. U.S. name: {trunk}. boot H1.3. syl boot pron pos n. def a protective covering over a mechanical device, such as a rubber sheath protecting a coupling joining two shafts. boot H1.4. syl boot pron pos n. qual U.S. def a rubber patch used to repair a puncture in a tyre. boot H1.5. syl boot pron pos n. def an instrument of torture used to crush the foot and lower leg. boot H1.6. syl boot pron pos n. def a protective covering for the lower leg of a horse. boot H1.7. syl boot pron pos n. qual Informal. def a kick. exam 1 he gave the door a boot. boot H1.8. syl boot pron pos n. qual Brit. slang. def an ugly person. the boot 9. head boot syl the boot. qual Slang. def dismissal from employment; the sack. bet one's boots 10. head boot syl bet one's boots. def to be certain. exam 1 you can bet your boots he'll come. lick the boots of 11. head boot syl lick the boots of. def to be servile, obsequious, or flattering towards. boot H1.12.a. syl boot pron pos n. def to die while still active. boot H1.12.b. syl boot pron pos n. def to die in battle. boot H1.13.a. syl boot pron pos n. def to kick a person, esp. when he is already down. boot H1.13.b. syl boot pron pos n. def to harass someone or aggravate a problem. too big for one's boots 14. head boot syl too big for one's boots. def self-important or conceited. the boot is on the other foot 15. head boot or leg syl the boot is on the other foot def the situation is or has now reversed. boot H1.16. syl boot pron pos vb. mod tr. usage esp. in football def to kick. boot H1.17. syl boot pron pos vb. mod tr. def to equip with boots. boot H1.18.a. syl boot pron pos vb. mod tr. usage often foll. by out def to eject forcibly. boot H1.18.b. syl boot pron pos vb. mod tr. def to dismiss from employment. boot ety Old English b*_ot compensation; related to Old Norse b*_ot remedy, Gothic b*_ota, Old High German buoza improvement boot H2.1. syl boot pron pos vb. qual Archaic. usage usually impersonal def to be of advantage or use to (a person). exam 1 what boots it to complain?? boot H2.2. syl boot pron pos n. qual Obsolete. usage usually impersonal def an advantage. boot H2.3. syl boot pron pos n. qual Dialect. usage usually impersonal def something given in addition, esp. to equalize an exchange. exam 1 a ten pound boot to settle the bargain. to boot 4. head boot syl to boot. usage usually impersonal def as well; in addition. exam 1 it's cold and musty, and damp to boot. bootblack 0. syl boot+black pron <1bu:t2bl@k> pos n. usage esp. formerly def a person who shines boots and shoes. booted 1. syl boot+ed pron <1bu:tid> pos adj. def wearing boots. booted 2.a. syl boot+ed pron <1bu:tid> pos adj. usage of birds def having an undivided tarsus covered with a horny sheath. booted 2.b. syl boot+ed pron <1bu:tid> pos adj. usage of poultry def having a feathered tarsus. bootee 1. syl boot:ee pron <1bu:tE>, pos n. def a soft shoe for a baby, esp. a knitted one. bootee 2. syl boot:ee pron <1bu:tE>, pos n. def a boot for women and children, esp. an ankle-length one. Bootes ety C17: via Latin from Greek: ploughman, from bo*_otein to plough, from bous ox Bootis infl head Bootes syl Bo:*"o+tis pron pos n. qual Latin genitive Bootes 0. syl Bo:*"o+tes pron pos n. def a constellation in the N hemisphere lying near Ursa Major and containing the first magnitude star Arcturus. booth ety C12: of Scandinavian origin; compare Old Norse buth, Swedish, Danish bod shop, stall; see #7bower booths infl head booth syl booths pron pos n. mod pl. booth 1. syl booth pron , pos n. def a stall for the display or sale of goods, esp. a temporary one at a fair or market. booth 2. syl booth pron , pos n. def a small enclosed or partially enclosed room or cubicle, such as one containing a telephone ({telephone booth}) or one in which a person casts his vote at an election ({polling booth) }. booth 3. syl booth pron , pos n. qual Chiefly U.S. def two long high-backed benches with a long table between, used esp. in bars and inexpensive restaurants. booth 4. syl booth pron , pos n. usage formerly def a temporary structure for shelter, dwelling, storage, etc. Edwin Thomas 1. head Booth syl Ed:win Thom:as def son of Junius Brutus Booth. 1833-93, U.S. actor. John Wilkes 2. head Booth syl John Wilkes def son of Junius Brutus Booth. 1838-65, U.S. actor; assassin of Abraham Lincoln. Junius Brutus 3. head Booth syl Ju:ni:us Bru:tus pron <1Ju:ni*s> <1bru:t*s> def 1796-1852, U.S. actor, born in England. William 4. head Booth syl Wil:liam. def 1829-1912, English religious leader; founder and first general of the Salvation Army (1878). Boothia Peninsula 0. syl Boo+thi:a Pen+in+su+la pron <1bu:$Ti*> pos n. def a peninsula of N Canada: the northernmost part of the mainland of North America, lying west of the {Gulf of Boothia}, an arm of the Arctic Ocean. bootjack 0. syl boot+jack pron <1bu:t2J@k> pos n. def a device that grips the heel of a boot to enable the foot to be withdrawn easily. bootlace 0. syl boot+lace pron <1bu:t2lAs> pos n. def a strong lace for fastening a boot. Bootle 0. syl Boo+tle pron <1bu:tL> pos n. def a port in NW England, on the River Mersey adjoining Liverpool. Pop.: 74208 (1971). bootleg ety C17: see #7boot %1, #7leg ; from the practice of smugglers of carrying bottles of liquor concealed in their boots bootlegs infl head bootleg syl boot+legs pos vb. bootlegging infl head bootleg syl boot+leg+ging pos vb. bootlegged infl head bootleg syl boot+legged. pos vb. bootleg 1. syl boot+leg pron <1bu:t2leg> pos vb. def to make, carry, or sell (illicit goods, esp. alcohol). {~} bootleg 2. syl boot+leg pron <1bu:t2leg> pos vb. def something made or sold illicitly, such as alcohol during Prohibition in the U.S. {~} bootleg 3. syl boot+leg pron <1bu:t2leg> pos vb. def produced, distributed, or sold illicitly. exam 1 bootleg whisky; exam 2 a bootleg record. bootlegger sub head bootleg syl boot+2leg+ger pos n. bootless ety Old English b*_otl*_eas, from b*_ot compensation; Old Norse b*'otalauss bootless 0. syl boot+less pron <1bu:tlis> pos adj. def of little or no use; vain; fruitless. exam 1 a bootless search. bootlick 0. syl boot+lick pron <1bu:t2lik> pos vb. qual Informal. def to seek favour by servile or ingratiating behaviour towards (someone, esp. someone in authority); toady. bootlicker sub head bootlick syl boot+2lick+er pos n. bootloader 0. syl boot+load:er pron <1bu:t2l*ud*> pos n. qual Computer technol. def short for {bootstrap loader}. boots infl syl boots. pos n. mod pl. boots 0. syl boots pron pos n. usage Brit. formerly def a bootblack who cleans the guest's shoes in a hotel. infl head boots and all syl ~ pos adv. qual Austral. informal. boots and all 1. syl boots and all pos adv. def making every effort; with no holds barred. {~} ({boots-and-all} boots and all 2. syl boots and all pos adv. def behaving or conducted in such a manner. boots and saddles 0. syl boots and sad+dles pos n. def a bugle call formerly used in the U.S. Cavalry to summon soldiers to mount. bootstrap 1. syl boot+strap pron <1bu:t2str@p> pos n. def a leather or fabric loop on the back or side of a boot for pulling it on. by one's (own) bootstraps 2. head bootstrap syl by one's (own) bootstraps. def by one's own efforts; unaided. bootstrap 3. syl boot+strap pron <1bu:t2str@p> pos n. usage modifier def self-acting or self-sufficient, as an electronic amplifier that uses its output voltage to bias its input or a self-consistent theory of nuclear interactions. bootstrap 4.a. syl boot+strap pron <1bu:t2str@p> pos n. def a technique for loading the first few program instructions into a computer main store to enable the rest of the program to be introduced from an input device. bootstrap 4.b. syl boot+strap pron <1bu:t2str@p> pos n. usage as modifier exam 1 a bootstrap loader. boot tree 1. syl boot tree pos n. def a shoetree for a boot, often having supports to stretch the leg of the boot. boot tree 2. syl boot tree pos n. def a last for making boots. booty ety C15: from Old French butin, from Middle Low German buite exchange; related to Old Norse b*'yta to exchange, b*'yti barter booties infl head booty syl boo+ties. pos n. mod pl. booty 0. syl boo+ty pron <1bu:ti> pos n. def any valuable article or articles, esp. when obtained as plunder. booze ety C13: from Middle Dutch b*_usen booze 1. syl booze pron pos n. qual Informal. def alcoholic drink. booze 2. syl booze pron pos n. qual Informal. def a drinking bout or party. booze 3. syl booze pron pos vb. mod usually; intr. qual Informal. def to drink (alcohol), esp. in excess. boozer 1. syl booz+er pron <1bu:z*> pos n. qual Informal. def a person who is fond of drinking. boozer 2. syl booz+er pron <1bu:z*> pos n. qual Informal.; Chiefly Brit. and Austral. def a bar or pub. booze-up 0. syl booze-up pos n. qual Brit. and Austral. slang. def a drinking spree. boozier infl head boozy syl booz:i+er pos adj. booziest infl head boozy syl booz:i+est. pos adj. boozy 0. syl booz:y pron <1bu:zi> pos adj. qual Informal. def inclined to or involving excessive drinking of alcohol; drunken. exam 1 a boozy lecturer; exam 2 a boozy party. booziness sub head boozy syl booz:i+ness pos n. bop ety C20: shortened from #7bebop &- #!bop+per n. bop H1.1. syl bop pron pos n. def a form of jazz originating in the 1940s, characterized by rhythmic and harmonic complexity and instrumental virtuosity. Originally called: {bebop}. bop H1.2. syl bop pron pos n. qual Informal. def a session of dancing to pop music. bops infl head bop syl bops pos vb. bopping infl head bop syl bop+ping pos vb. bopped infl head bop syl bopped. pos vb. bop H1.3. syl bop pron pos vb. mod intr. qual Informal. def to dance to pop music, as in a discotheque. bop ety C19: of imitative origin bops infl head bop syl bops pos vb. bopping infl head bop syl bop+ping pos vb. bopped infl head bop syl bopped. pos vb. bop H2.1. syl bop pron pos vb. mod tr. qual Informal. def to strike; hit. bop H2.2. syl bop pron pos n. qual Informal. def a blow. bo-peep 1. syl bo-peep pron <2b*u1pEp> pos n. def a game for very young children, in which one hides (esp. hiding one's face in one's hands) and reappears suddenly. bo-peep 2. syl bo-peep pron <2b*u1pEp> pos n. qual Austral. informal. def a look (esp. in the phrase {have a bo-peep}) . Bophuthatswana 0. syl Bo+phu+that+swa+na pron <2b*upu:ta:t1swa:n*> pos n. def a Bantustan in N South Africa: consists of six separate areas, the smallest (in the Orange Free State) being about 201 km (125 miles) from the nearest other area in the Bantustan; became an autonomous state in 1977. Capital: Mmabatho. Pop.: 1200000 (1977 est.). Area: 40330 sq. km (15571 sq. miles). bor 0. syl bor. qual abbrev. for def borough. bora ety C19: from Italian (Venetian dialect), from Latin bor*_eas the north wind bora H1.0. syl bo:ra pron <1bc:r*> pos n. usage sometimes cap. def a violent cold north wind blowing from the mountains to the E coast of the Adriatic, usually in winter. bora ety from a native Australian language bora H2.0. syl bo:ra pron <1bc:r*> pos n. def an initiation ceremony of Australian Aborigines, introducing youths to manhood. Bora Bora 0. syl Bo:ra Bo:ra pron <1bc:r*> <1bc:r*> pos n. def an island in the S Pacific, in the Society Islands: one of the Leeward Islands. Area: 39 sq. km (15 sq. miles). boracic 0. syl bo+ra+cic pron pos adj. def another word for {boric}. boracite 0. syl bo+ra+cite pron <1bc:r*2sIt> pos n. def a white mineral that forms salt deposits of magnesium borate and chloride in cubic crystalline form. Formula: Mg\6Cl\2B\1\4O\2\6. borage ety C13: from Old French bourage, perhaps from Arabic ab*_u `*_araq literally: father of sweat, from its use as a diaphoretic borage 1. syl bor+age pron <1boriJ>, <1b^riJ> pos n. def a Mediterranean boraginaceous plant, with star-shaped blue flowers. The young leaves have a cucumber-like flavour and are sometimes used in salads or as seasoning. borage 2. syl bor+age pron <1boriJ>, <1b^riJ> pos n. def any of several related plants. boraginaceous ety C19: from New Latin Bor*_agin*_aceae, from Bor*_ag*_o genus name; see #7borage boraginaceous 0. syl bo+rag:i+na+ceous pron pos adj. def of, relating to, or belonging to the a family of temperate and tropical typically hairy-leaved flowering plants that includes forget-me-not, lungwort, borage, comfrey, and heliotrope. borak ety from a native Australian language borak 0. syl bo+rak pron <1bc:r*k> pos n. qual Austral. slang. def rubbish; nonsense. borane ety C20: from #7bor (#7on) #7+ -#7ane borane 0. syl bo+rane pron <1bc:rAn> pos n. def any compound of boron and hydrogen, used in the synthesis of other boron compounds and as high-energy fuels. Boras 0. syl Bo+r*%as pron Swedish pos n. def a city in SW Sweden, chiefly producing textiles. Pop.: 105559 (1974 est.). borate 1. syl bo+rate pron <1bc:rAt>, <-it> pos n. def a salt or ester of boric acid. Salts of boric acid consist of BO\3 and BO\4 units linked together. borate 2. syl bo+rate pron <1bc:rAt> pos vb. mod tr. def to treat with borax, boric acid, or borate. borax ety C14: from Old French boras, from Medieval Latin borax, from Arabic b*_uraq, from Persian b*_urah boraxes infl head borax or boraces syl bo+rax:es pron <-r*2sEz> pos n. mod pl. boraces infl head borax or boraxes syl bo+ra+ces pron <-r*2sEz> pos n. mod pl. borax 1. syl bo+rax pron <1bc:r@ks> pos n. def Also called: {tincal}. a soluble readily fusible white mineral consisting of impure hydrated disodium tetraborate in monoclinic crystalline form, occurring in alkaline soils and salt deposits. Formula: Na\2B\4O\7.10H\2O. borax 2. syl bo+rax pron <1bc:r@ks> pos n. def pure disodium tetraborate. borazon ety C20: from #7bor (#7on) #7+azo -#7+ -#7on borazon 0. syl bo+ra+zon pron <1bc:r*2zon>, <-zN> pos n. def an extremely hard form of boron nitride. borborygmus ety C18: from Greek &- @!bor+bo+#!ryg+mal or @!bor+bo+#!ryg+mic adj. borborygmi infl head borborygmus syl bor+bo+ryg+mi pron <-mI> pos n. mod pl. borborygmus 0. syl bor+bo+ryg+mus pron <2bc:b*1rigm*s> pos n. def rumbling of the stomach. Bordeaux 1. syl Bor+deaux pron , French pos n. def a port in SW France, on the River Garonne: a major centre of the wine trade. Pop.: 226281 (1975). Bordeaux 2. syl Bor+deaux pron , French pos n. def any of several red, white, or ros*'e wines produced around Bordeaux. Bordeaux mixture ety C19: loose translation of French bouillie bordelaise, from bouillir to boil+ bordelais of B#7ordeaux Bordeaux mixture 0. syl Bor+deaux mix+ture pos n. qual Horticulture. def a fungicide consisting of a solution of equal quantities of copper sulphate and quicklime. Bordelaise ety French: of B#7ordeaux Bordelaise 0. syl Bor+de:laise pron <2bc:d*1lAz>, French pos adj. qual Cookery. def denot?!ing a brown sauce flavoured with red wine and sometimes mushrooms. bordello ety C16: from Italian, from Old French borde hut, cabin bordellos infl head bordello syl bor+del+los. pos n. mod pl. bordello 0. syl bor+del+lo pron pos n. def a brothel. Also called (archaic): {bor+del} (#!b@$$:d%@l). border ety C14: from Old French bordure, from border to border, from bort side of a ship, of Germanic origin; see #7board border 1. syl bor+der pron <1bc:d*> pos n. def a band or margin around or along the edge of something. border 2. syl bor+der pron <1bc:d*> pos n. def the dividing line or frontier between political or geographic regions. border 3.a. syl bor+der pron <1bc:d*> pos n. def a region straddling such a boundary. border 3.b. syl bor+der pron <1bc:d*> pos n. usage as modifier exam 1 border country. border 4.a. syl bor+der pron <1bc:d*> pos n. def a design or ornamental strip around the edge or rim of something, such as a printed page or dinner plate. border 4.b. syl bor+der pron <1bc:d*> pos n. usage as modifier exam 1 a border illustration. border 5. syl bor+der pron <1bc:d*> pos n. def a long narrow strip of ground planted with flowers, shrubs, trees, etc., that skirts a path or wall or surrounds a lawn or other area. exam 1 a herbaceous border. border 6. syl bor+der pron <1bc:d*> pos vb. mod tr. def to decorate or provide with a border. border 7.a. syl bor+der pron <1bc:d*> pos vb. def to be adjacent (to); lie along the boundary (of). exam 1 his land borders on mine. border 7.b. syl bor+der pron <1bc:d*> pos vb. def to be nearly the same (as); verge (on). exam 1 his stupidity borders on madness. the infl head Border syl the. pos n. Border 1. syl Bor+der pron <1bc:d*> pos n. mod sometimes; pl. def the area straddling the border between England and Scotland. Border 2. syl Bor+der pron <1bc:d*> pos n. def the region in the Cape Province of South Africa around East London. bordereau ety C20: from French bordereaux infl head bordereau syl bor+de:reaux pron <-1r*u>, <-1r*uz>, French <-1ro> pos n. mod pl. bordereau 0. syl bor+de:reau pron <2bc:d*1r*u>, French , French <-1ro> pos n. def a memorandum or invoice prepared for a company by an underwriter, containing a list of reinsured risks. borderer 0. syl bor+der+er pron <1bc:d*r*> pos n. def a person who lives in a border area, esp. the border between England and Scotland. borderland 1. syl bor:der+land pron <1bc:d*2l@nd> pos n. def land located on or near a frontier or boundary. borderland 2. syl bor:der+land pron <1bc:d*2l@nd> pos n. def an indeterminate region. exam 1 the borderland between intellect and intelligence. borderline 1. syl bor:der+line pron <1bc:d*2lIn> pos n. def a border; dividing line; line of demarcation. borderline 2. syl bor:der+line pron <1bc:d*2lIn> pos n. def an indeterminate position between two conditions or qualities. exam 1 the borderline between friendship and love. borderline 3. syl bor:der+line pron <1bc:d*2lIn> pos adj. def on the edge of one category and verging on another. exam 1 a borderline failure in the exam. Borders Region 0. syl Bor+ders Re+gion pos n. def a local government region in S Scotland, formed in 1975 from Berwick, Peebles, Roxburgh, Selkirk, and part of Midlothian: generally hilly with the Merse (fertile lowlands) in the southeast. Administrative centre: Newton St. Boswells. Pop.: 99917 (1976 est.). Area: 4700 sq. km (1800 sq. miles). border terrier 0. syl bor+der ter+ri+er pos n. def a small rough-coated breed of terrier. bordure ety C15: from Old French; see #7border bordure 0. syl bor+dure pron <1bc:dju*> pos n. qual Heraldry. def the outer edge of a shield, esp. when decorated distinctively. bore ety Old English borian; related to Old Norse bora, Old High German bor*_on to bore, Latin for*_are to pierce, Greek pharos ploughing, ph*'arunx #7pharynx bore H1.1. syl bore pron pos vb. def to produce (a hole) in (a material) by use of a drill, auger, or rotary cutting tool. bore H1.2. syl bore pron pos vb. def to increase the diameter of (a hole), as by an internal turning operation on a lathe or similar machine. bore H1.3. syl bore pron pos vb. mod tr. def to produce (a hole in the ground, tunnel, mine shaft, etc.) by digging, drilling, cutting, etc. bore H1.4. syl bore pron pos vb. mod intr. usage Informal. of a horse or athlete in a race def to push other competitors, esp. in order to try to get them out of the way. bore H1.5. syl bore pron pos n. def a hole or tunnel in the ground, esp. one drilled in search of minerals, oil, etc. bore H1.6.a. syl bore pron pos n. def a circular hole in a material produced by drilling or turning. bore H1.6.b. syl bore pron pos n. def the diameter of such a hole. bore H1.7.a. syl bore pron pos n. def the hollow part of a tube or cylinder, esp. of a gun barrel. bore H1.7.b. syl bore pron pos n. def the diameter of such a hollow part; calibre. bore ety C18: of unknown origin bore H2.1. syl bore pron pos vb. mod tr. def to tire or make weary by being dull, repetitious, or uninteresting. bore H2.2. syl bore pron pos n. def a dull, repetitious, or uninteresting person, activity, or state. bore ety C17: from Old Norse b*_ara wave, billow bore H3.0. syl bore pron pos n. def a high steep-fronted wave moving up a narrow estuary, caused by the tide. bore H4.0. syl bore pron pos vb. def the past tense of { {bear} %1.} boreal ety C15: from Latin bore*_as the north wind boreal 0. syl bo+re:al pron <1bc:ri*l> pos adj. def of or relating to the north or the north wind. Boreal 1. syl Bo+re:al pron <1bc:ri*l> pos adj. def of or denoting the northern coniferous forests. Boreal 2. syl Bo+re:al pron <1bc:ri*l> pos adj. def designating a climatic zone having snowy winters and short summers. Boreal 3. syl Bo+re:al pron <1bc:ri*l> pos adj. def designating a dry climatic period from about 7500 to 5500 #7b.c., characterized by cold winters, warm summers, and a flora dominated by pines and hazels. Boreas ety C14: via Latin from Greek Boreas 0. syl Bo:re:as pron <1bc:ri*s> pos n. qual Greek myth. def the god personifying the north wind. borecole 0. syl bore+cole pron <1bc:k*ul> pos n. def another name for {kale}. boredom 0. syl bore+dom pron <1bc:d*m> pos n. def the state of being bored; tedium. boree ety from a native Australian language boree 0. syl bor:ee pron <1bc:rE> pos n. qual Austral. def another name for {myall}. borer 1. syl bor+er pron <1bc:r*> pos n. def a machine or hand tool for boring holes. borer 2. syl bor+er pron <1bc:r*> pos n. def any of various insects, insect larvae, or molluscs that bore into plant material, esp. wood. See also {woodborer, corn borer}. Bjorn infl head Borg syl Bj*"orn pos n. Borgerhout 0. syl Bor+ger+hout pron Flemish pos n. def a city in N Belgium, near Antwerp. Pop.: 49002 (1970). Jorge Luis infl head Borges syl Jor:ge Luis pron <1$xor$xA>, pos n. Borges 0. syl Bor:ges pron Spanish <1bor$xAs>, pos n. def born 1899, Argentinian poet, short-story writer, and literary scholar. The short stories collected in (1944) he described as @6games with infinity@9. Borghese 0. syl Bor:ghe:se pron Italian pos n. def a noble Italian family whose members were influential in Italian art and politics from the 16th to the 19th century. Borgholm 0. syl Borg+holm pron Swedish <1bcrjhclm> pos n. def a port and resort in SE Sweden, on the W coast of *"Oland Island, of which it is the chief town. Pop.: 6836 (1970). Cesare 1. head Borgia syl Ce:sa:re pron <1CA:zarA> def son of Rodrigo Borgia (Pope Alexander VI). 1475-1507, Italian cardinal, politician, and military leader; model for Machiavelli's Borgia 2. syl Bor:gia pron Italian <1bcrJa> pos n. def his sister, {Lu@.cre@.zia} (lu#!kr$ettsja), daughter of Rodrigo Borgia. 1480-1519, Italian noblewoman. Her first marriage (1493) was annulled; her second husband was murdered (1500); she was also said to have committed incest with her father and brother. Her third marriage (1501), to the Duke of Ferrara, was more normal, and she became a patron of the arts and science. Rodrigo 3. head Borgia syl Rod:ri:go pron def See {Alexander VI}. Gutzon infl head Borglum syl Gut:zon pron <1g^ts*n> pos n. Borglum 0. syl Bor:glum pron <1bc:gl*m> pos n. def 1867-1941, U.S. sculptor, noted for his monumental busts of U.S. presidents carved in the mountainside of Mount Rushmore. boric 0. syl bo+ric pron <1bc:rik> pos adj. def of or containing boron. Also: {boracic}. boric acid 1. syl bo+ric ac:id pos n. def Also called: {orthoboric acid}. a white soluble weakly acid crystalline solid used in the manufacture of heat-resistant glass and porcelain enamels, as a fireproofing material, and as a mild antiseptic. Formula: H\3BO\3. boric acid 2. syl bo+ric ac:id pos n. def any other acid containing boron. boride ety C19: from #7bor (#7on) #7+ -#7ide boride 0. syl bo+ride pron <1bc:rId> pos n. def a compound in which boron is the most electronegative element. boring H1.1.a. syl bor+ing pron <1bc:riG> pos n. def the act or process of making or enlarging a hole. boring H1.1.b. syl bor+ing pron <1bc:riG> pos n. def the hole made in this way. boring H1.2. syl bor+ing pron <1bc:riG> pos n. mod often; pl. def a fragment, particle, chip, etc., produced during boring. boring H2.0. syl bor+ing pron <1bc:riG> pos adj. def dull; repetitious; uninteresting. born 1. syl born pron pos vb. def the past participle (in passive usage) of { {bear} %1 (sense 4).} was not born yesterday 2. head born syl was not born yesterday. def is not gullible or foolish. {~} born 3. syl born pron pos vb. def possessing or appearing to have possessed certain qualities from birth. exam 1 a born musician. born 4.a. syl born pron pos vb. def being at birth in a particular social status or other condition as specified. exam 1 ignobly born. born 4.b. syl born pron pos vb. usage in combination exam 1 lowborn. in all one's born days 5. head born syl in all one's born days. qual Informal. def so far in one's life. Max infl head Born syl Max. pos n. Born 0. syl Born pron pos n. def 1882-1970, British nuclear physicist, born in Germany, noted for his fundamental contribution to quantum mechanics: Nobel prize for physics 1954. borne 1. syl borne pron pos vb. def the past participle of { {bear%1} (for all active uses of the verb; also for all passive uses except sense 5).} be borne in on 2. head borne or upon syl be borne in on usage of a fact, etc. def to be realized by (someone). exam 1 it was borne in on us how close we had been to disaster. Borneo 0. syl Bor+ne:o pron <1bc:ni2*u> pos n. def an island in the W Pacific, between the Sulu and Java Seas, part of the Malay Archipelago: divided into Kalimantan ({Indonesian Borneo}) , the Malaysian states of Sarawak and Sabah, and the British-protected sultanate of Brunei; mountainous and densely forested. Area: about 750000 sq. km (290000 sq. miles). borneol ety C19: from B#7orne (#7o) #7+ {-#7ol %1} borneol 0. syl bor+ne:ol pron <1bc:ni2ol> pos n. def a white solid terpene alcohol extracted from the Malaysian tree used in perfume and in the manufacture of organic esters. Formula: C\1\0H\1\7OH. Bornholm 0. syl Born+holm pron Danish <2bcrn1hclm> pos n. def an island in the Baltic Sea, south of Sweden: administratively part of Denmark. Chief town: Ro@b/nne. Pop.: 47121 (1971). Area: 588 sq. km (227 sq. miles). Bornholm disease 0. syl Born+holm dis+ease pron <1bc:n2holm> pos n. def an epidemic virus infection characterized by pain round the base of the chest. bornite ety C19: named after I. von Born (1742-91), Austrian mineralogist; see {-#7ite %1} bornite 0. syl born+ite pron <1bc:nIt> pos n. def a mineral consisting of a sulphide of copper and iron that tarnishes to purple or dark red. It occurs in copper deposits. Formula: Cu\5FeS\4. Also called: {peacock ore}. Bornu 0. syl Bor+nu pron <1bc:nu:> pos n. def a state of NE Nigeria, on Lake Chad: the second largest state, formed in 1976 from part of North-Eastern State. Capital: Maiduguri. Pop.: 2990526 (1976 est.). Area: 116589 sq. km (45006 sq. miles). Borodin 0. syl Bo:ro:din: pron <1bor*din>, Russian def 1834-87, Russian composer, whose works include the unfinished opera symphonies, songs, and chamber music. Borodino 0. syl Bo+ro+di+no pron <2bor*1dEn*u>, Russian pos n. def a village in the W Soviet Union, about 110 km (70 miles) west of Moscow: scene of a battle (1812) in which Napoleon defeated the Russians but irreparably weakened his army. boron ety C19: from #7bor (#7ax) #7+ (#7carb) #7on boron 0. syl bo+ron pron <1bc:ron> pos n. def a very hard almost colourless crystalline metalloid element that in impure form exists as a brown amorphous powder. It occurs principally in borax and is used in hardening steel. The naturally occurring isotope {boron-10} is used in nuclear control rods and neutron detection instruments. Symbol: B; atomic no.: 5; atomic wt.: 10.81; valency: 3; relative density: 2.34 (crystalline), 2.37 (amorphous); melting pt.: 2300?%C; boiling pt.: 2550?%C. boron carbide 0. syl bo+ron car+bide pos n. def a black extremely hard inert substance having a high capture cross section for thermal neutrons. It is used as an abrasive and refractory and in control rods in nuclear reactors. Formula: B\4C. boronia 0. syl bo+ro+ni:a pron pos n. def any aromatic rutaceous shrub of the Australian genus boron nitride 0. syl bo+ron ni+tride pos n. def a white inert crystalline solid existing both in a graphite-like form and in an extremely hard diamond-like form (borazon). It is used as a refractory, high temperature lubricant and insulator, and heat shield. Formula BN. borosilicate 0. syl bo+ro+sil:i+cate pron <2bc:r*u1silikit>, <-2kAt> pos n. def a salt of boric and silicic acids. borough ety Old English burg; related to beorgan to shelter, Old Norse borg wall, Gothic baurgs city, Old High German burg fortified castle borough 1. syl bor+ough pron <1b^r*> pos n. def a town, esp. (in Britain) one that forms the constituency of an M.P. or that was originally incorporated by royal charter. See also {burgh}. borough 2. syl bor+ough pron <1b^r*> pos n. def any of the 32 constituent divisions that together with the City of London make up Greater London. borough 3. syl bor+ough pron <1b^r*> pos n. def any of the five constituent divisions of New York City. borough 4. syl bor+ough pron <1b^r*> pos n. usage in the U.S. def a self-governing incorporated municipality. borough 5. syl bor+ough pron <1b^r*> pos n. usage in medieval England def a fortified town or village or a fort. borough 6. syl bor+ough pron <1b^r*> pos n. usage in New Zealand def a small municipality with a governing body. borough-English ety C14: from Anglo-French tenure en burgh Engloys tenure in an English borough; so called because the custom was unknown in France borough-English 0. syl bor:ough-Eng:lish pos n. usage English law. until 1925 def a custom in certain English boroughs whereby the youngest son inherited land to the exclusion of his older brothers. Compare {primogeniture, gavelkind}. borrow ety Old English borgian; related to Old High German borg*_en to take heed, give security borrow 1. syl bor+row pron <1bor*u> pos vb. def to obtain or receive (something, such as money) on loan for temporary use, intending to give it, or something equivalent or identical, back to the lender. borrow 2. syl bor+row pron <1bor*u> pos vb. def to adopt (ideas, words, etc.) from another source; appropriate. borrow 3. syl bor+row pron <1bor*u> pos vb. qual Not standard. def to lend. borrow 4. syl bor+row pron <1bor*u> pos vb. qual Golf. def to putt the ball uphill of the direct path to the hole. exam 1 make sure you borrow enough. borrow 5. syl bor+row pron <1bor*u> pos vb. mod intr. usage Golf. of a ball def to deviate from a straight path because of the slope of the ground. {~} borrow 6. syl bor+row pron <1bor*u> pos vb. qual Golf. def a deviation of a ball from a straight path because of the slope of the ground. exam 1 a left borrow. borrow 7.a. syl bor+row pron <1bor*u> pos vb. def living an unexpected extension of life. borrow 7.b. syl bor+row pron <1bor*u> pos vb. def close to death. borrower sub head borrow syl bor+row+er George infl head Borrow syl George. pos n. Borrow 0. syl Bor:row pron <1bor*u> pos n. def 1803-81, English traveller and writer. His best-known works are the semiautobiographical novels of Gypsy life and language, (1851) and its sequel (1857). Sir infl head Bors syl Sir. pos n. Bors 1. syl Bors pron pos n. usage in Arthurian legend def one the knights of the Round Table, nephew of Lancelot. Bors 2. syl Bors pron pos n. usage in Arthurian legend def an illegitimate son of King Arthur. borsch ety from Russian borshch borsh infl head borsch syl borsh pron pos n. borscht infl head borsch or borshch syl borscht pron pos n. borshch infl head borsch or borscht syl borshch pron pos n. borsch 0. syl borsch pron pos n. def a Russian and Polish soup based on beetroot. borstal ety C20: named after Borstal, village in Kent where the first institution was founded borstal 0. syl bor+stal pron <1bc:st*l> pos n. usage in England def an establishment in which offenders aged 15 to 21 may be detained for corrective training. bort ety Old English gebrot fragment; related to Old Norse brot piece, Old High German broz bud boart infl head bort or bortz syl boart pron pos n. bortz infl head bort or boart syl bortz pron pos n. bort 0. syl bort pron pos n. def an inferior grade of diamond used for cutting and drilling or, in powdered form, as an industrial abrasive. borty sub head bort syl bort:y pos adj. borzoi ety C19: from Russian borzoi, literally: swift; related to Old Slavonic br*vuz*vu swift borzois infl head borzoi syl bor+zois. pos n. mod pl. borzoi 0. syl bor+zoi pron <1bc:zci> pos n. def a tall fast-moving breed of dog with a long coat, originally used in Russia for hunting wolves. Also called: {Russian wolfhound}. boscage ety C14: from Old French bosc, probably of Germanic origin; see {#7bush %1}#7, -#7age boskage alt head boscage or boscage syl bos+kage pron <1boskiJ> pos n. boscage 0. or boskage syl bos+cage pron <1boskiJ> pos n. qual Literary. def a mass of trees and shrubs; thicket. Hieronymus infl head Bosch syl Hier:on:y:mus pron pos n. Bosch 0. syl Bosch pron pos n. def original name probably (or ??1450-1516, Dutch painter, noted for his macabre allegorical representations of biblical subjects in brilliant transparent colours, esp. the triptych boschbok ety Afrikaans boschboks infl head boschbok or boschbok syl bosch+boks pos n. mod pl. boschbok infl or boschboks syl bosch+bok. pos n. mod pl. boschbok 0. syl bosch+bok pron <1boS2b^k> pos n. qual S. African. def another name for {bushbuck}. Bosch process ety C20: named after Carl Bosch (1874-1940), German chemist Bosch process 0. syl Bosch pro+cess pos n. def an industrial process for manufacturing hydrogen by the catalytic reduction of steam with carbon monoxide. boschvark ety Afrikaans boschvark 0. syl bosch+vark pron <1boS2va:k> pos n. qual S. African. def another name for {bushpig}. Bose 1. syl Bose pron pos n. def Sir {Ja@.ga@.dis Chan@.dra} (d#f$$g$$#!di$:s #!t#s^ndr$$). 1858-1937,@T Indian@T physicist@T and@T plant@T physiologist.@T Satyendra Nath 2. head Bose syl Sa:tyen:dra Nath pron <1na:T> def 1894-1974, Indian physicist, who collaborated with Einstein in devising Bose-Einstein statistics. Bose-Einstein statistics 0. syl Bose-Ein:stein sta+tis+tics pos n. mod pl. functioning as; sing. qual Physics. def the branch of quantum statistics applied to systems of particles that do not obey the exclusion principle. Compare {Fermi-Dirac statistics}. bosh ety C19: from Turkish bo*,s empty bosh H1.0. syl bosh pron pos n. qual Informal. def empty or meaningless talk or opinions; nonsense. bosh ety C17: probably from German; compare b*"oschen to slope, B*"oschung slope bosh H2.1. syl bosh pron pos n. def the lower tapering portion of a blast furnace, situated immediately above the air-inlet tuy*`eres. bosh H2.2. syl bosh pron pos n. def the deposit of siliceous material that occurs on the surfaces of vessels in which copper is refined. bosh H2.3. syl bosh pron pos n. def a water tank for cooling glass-making tools, etc. bosh H2.4. syl bosh pron pos n. qual South Wales dialect. def a kitchen sink or wash basin. bosk ety C13: variant of busk #7bush %1 bosk 0. syl bosk pron pos n. qual Literary. def a small wood of bushes and small trees. bosket ety C18: from French bosquet, from Italian boschetto, from bosco wood, forest; see {#7bush %1} bosquet alt head bosket or bosket syl bos+quet pron <1boskit> pos n. bosket 0. or bosquet syl bos+ket pron <1boskit> pos n. def a clump of small trees or bushes; thicket. Boskop ety C20: named after Boskop, in the Transvaal, where remains of this race were first discovered Boskop 0.a. syl Bos+kop pron <1boskop> pos n. def a prehistoric race of the late Pleistocene period in sub-Saharan Africa. Boskop 0.b. syl Bos+kop pron <1boskop> pos n. usage as modifier exam 1 Boskop man. boskier infl head bosky syl bosk:i+er pos adj. boskiest infl head bosky syl bosk:i+est. pos adj. bosky 0. syl bosk:y pron <1boski> pos adj. qual Literary. def containing or consisting of bushes or thickets. exam 1 a bosky wood. bo's'n 0. syl bo's'n pron <1b*usN> pos n. qual Nautical. def a variant spelling of {boatswain}. Bosnia 0. syl Bos+ni:a pron <1bozni*> pos n. def a region of central Yugoslavia: belonged to Turkey (1463-1878), then to Austria-Hungary (1879-1918); now part of Bosnia and Herzegovina. Bosnian sub head Bosnia syl Bos+ni:an pos adj. Bosnia and Hercegovina alt head Bosnia and Herzegovina or Bosnia and Herzegovina syl Bos+ni:a and Her+ce:go+vi+na pos n. Bosnia and Herzegovina 0. or Bosnia and Hercegovina syl Bos+ni:a and Her+ze:go+vi+na pos n. def a constituent republic of Yugoslavia, in the W central part: mostly barren and mountainous, with forests in the east. Capital: Sarajevo. Pop.: 3746111 (1971). Area: about 51500 sq. km (19900 sq. miles). bosom ety Old English b*_osm; related to Old High German buosam bosom 1. syl bos+om pron <1buz*m> pos n. def the chest or breast of a person, esp. the female breasts. bosom 2. syl bos+om pron <1buz*m> pos n. def the part of a woman's dress, coat, etc., that covers the chest. bosom 3. syl bos+om pron <1buz*m> pos n. def a protective centre or part. exam 1 the bosom of the family. bosom 4. syl bos+om pron <1buz*m> pos n. def the breast considered as the seat of emotions. bosom 5. syl bos+om pron <1buz*m> pos n. usage modifier def very dear; intimate. exam 1 a bosom friend. bosom 6. syl bos+om pron <1buz*m> pos vb. mod tr. def to embrace. bosom 7. syl bos+om pron <1buz*m> pos vb. mod tr. def to conceal or carry in the bosom. bosomy 0. syl bos+om:y pron <1buz*mi> pos adj. usage of a woman def having large breasts. boson ety C20: named after Satyendra Nath B#7ose boson 0. syl bos+on pron <1b*uzon> pos n. def any of a group of elementary particles, such as a photon or pion, that has zero or integral spin and obeys the rules of Bose-Einstein statistics. Compare {fermion}. Bosphorus alt head Bosporus or Bosporus syl Bos+pho+rus pron <1bosf*r*s> pos n. the infl head Bosporus syl the. pos n. Bosporus 0. or Bosphorus syl Bos+po+rus pron <1bosp*r*s> pos n. def a strait between European and Asian Turkey, linking the Black Sea and the Sea of Marmara. bosquet 0. syl bos+quet pron <1boskit> pos n. def a variant spelling of {bosket}. boss ety C19: from Dutch baas master; probably related to Old High German basa aunt, Frisian baes master boss H1.1. syl boss pron pos n. qual Informal. def a person in charge of or employing others. boss H1.2. syl boss pron pos n. qual Informal.; Chiefly U.S. def a professional politician who controls a party machine or political organization, often using devious or illegal methods. boss H1.3. syl boss pron pos vb. qual Informal. def to employ, supervise, or be in charge of. boss H1.4. syl boss pron pos vb. qual Informal. usage usually foll. by around or about def to be domineering or overbearing towards (others). boss H1.5. syl boss pron pos adj. qual Informal.; Slang. def excellent; fine. exam 1 a boss hand at carpentry; exam 2 that's boss&! boss ety C13: from Old French boce, from Vulgar Latin bottia (unattested); related to Italian bozza metal knob, swelling boss H2.1. syl boss pron pos n. def a knob, stud, or other circular rounded protuberance, esp. an ornamental one on a vault, a ceiling, or a shield. boss H2.2. syl boss pron pos n. qual Biology. def any of various protuberances or swellings in plants and animals. boss H2.3.a. syl boss pron pos n. def an area of increased thickness, usually cylindrical, that strengthens or provides room for a locating device on a shaft, hub of a wheel, etc. boss H2.3.b. syl boss pron pos n. def a similar projection around a hole in a casting or fabricated component. boss H2.4. syl boss pron pos n. def a rounded mass of igneous rock, esp. the uppermost part of an underlying batholith. boss H2.5. syl boss pron pos vb. mod tr. def to ornament with bosses; emboss. boss ety from dialect buss calf, perhaps ultimately from Latin b*_os cow, ox bossy alt head boss or boss syl boss:y pron pos n. bosses infl head boss or bossies syl boss:es pos n. mod pl. bossies infl head boss or bosses syl boss:ies. pos n. mod pl. boss H3.0. or bossy syl boss pron pos n. qual U.S. def a calf or cow. BOSS 0. syl BOSS pron pos n. usage acronym for def Bureau of State Security; a branch of the South African security police. bossa nova ety Portuguese, literally: new voice bossa nova 1. syl bos+sa no:va pron <1bos*> <1n*uv*> pos n. def a dance similar to the samba, originating in Brazil. bossa nova 2. syl bos+sa no:va pron <1bos*> <1n*uv*> pos n. def a piece of music composed for or in the rhythm of this dance. bossboy 0. syl boss+boy pron <1bos2bci> pos n. qual S. African. def a Black African foreman of a gang of workers. boss cocky 0. syl boss cock:y pos n. qual Austral. informal. def a boss or person in power, esp. an overbearing one. boss-eyed ety C19: from boss to miss or bungle a shot at a target (dialect) boss-eyed 0. syl boss-eyed pos adj. qual Informal. def having a squint. bossism 0. syl boss+ism pron <1bosiz*m> pos n. qual U.S. def the domination or the system of domination of political organizations by bosses. Jacques B'enigne infl head Bossuet syl Jacques B*'e:nigne pron pos n. Bossuet 0. syl Bos:suet pron French pos n. def 1627-1704, French bishop: noted for his funeral orations. bossier infl head bossy syl boss:i+er pos adj. bossiest infl head bossy syl boss:i+est. pos adj. bossy H1.0. syl boss:y pron <1bosi> pos adj. qual Informal. def domineering, overbearing, or authoritarian. bossily sub head bossy syl boss:i+ly pos adv. bossiness sub head bossy syl boss:i+ness pos n. bossy H2.0. syl boss:y pron <1bosi> pos adj. usage of furniture def ornamented with bosses. boston 1. syl bos+ton pron <1bost*n> pos n. def a card game for four, played with two packs. boston 2. syl bos+ton pron <1bost*n> pos n. qual Chiefly U.S. def a slow gliding dance, a variation of the waltz. Boston 1. syl Bos+ton pron <1bost*n> pos n. def a port in E Massachusetts, the state capital. Pop.: 618275 (1973 est.). Boston 2. syl Bos+ton pron <1bost*n> pos n. def a port in E England, in SE Lincolnshire. Pop.: 25995 (1971). Boston crab 0. syl Bos+ton crab pos n. def a wrestling hold in which a wrestler seizes both or one of his opponent's legs, turns him face downwards, and exerts pressure over his back. Boston ivy 0. syl Bos+ton i:vy pos n. def the U.S. name for { {Virginia creeper} (sense 2).} Boston Tea Party 0. syl Bos+ton Tea Par+ty pos n. qual American history. def a raid in 1773 made by citizens of Boston (disguised as Indians) on three British ships in the harbour as a protest against taxes on tea and the monopoly given to the East India Company. The contents of several hundred chests of tea were dumped into the harbour. bull alt head Boston terrier or Boston terrier syl bull pos n. Boston terrier 0. or bull syl Bos+ton ter+ri+er pos n. def a short stocky smooth-haired breed of terrier, originally developed by crossing the French and English bulldogs with the English terrier. bosun 0. syl bo+sun pron <1b*usN> pos n. qual Nautical. def a variant spelling of {boatswain}. James infl head Boswell syl James. pos n. Boswell 0. syl Bos:well pron <1bozw*l> pos n. def 1740-95, Scottish author and lawyer, noted particularly for his (1791). Boswellian sub head Boswell syl Bos+wel+li:an pron pos adj. Bosworth Field 0. syl Bos+worth Field pron <1bozwR:T>, <-w*T> pos n. qual English history. def the site, two miles south of Market Bosworth in Leicestershire, of the battle that ended the Wars of the Roses. Richard III was killed and Henry Tudor was crowned king as Henry VII. bot ety C15: probably from Low German; related to Dutch bot, of obscure origin bott alt head bot or bot syl bott pron pos n. bot H1.1. or bott syl bot pron pos n. def the larva of a botfly, which typically develops inside the body of a horse, sheep, or man. bot H1.2. or bott syl bot pron pos n. def any similar larva. bot ety C20: perhaps from #7botfly , alluding to the creature's bite; see {#7bite (sense 12)} infl head bot syl ~ pos vb. qual Austral. informal. bot H2.1. syl bot pron pos vb. def to scrounge or borrow. bot H2.2. syl bot pron pos vb. mod intr. usage often foll. by on def to scrounge (from); impose (on). {~} bot H2.3. syl bot pron pos vb. def a scrounger. on the bot (for) 4. head bot syl on the bot (for) . def wanting to scrounge. exam 1 he's on the bot for a cigarette. bot 1. syl bot. qual abbrev. for: def botanical. bot 2. syl bot. qual abbrev. for: def botany. bot 3. syl bot. qual abbrev. for: def bottle. BoT 0. syl B.o.T. qual abbrev. for def Board of Trade. botanical ety C17: from Medieval Latin botanicus, from Greek botanikos relating to plants, from botan*_e plant, pasture, from boskein to feed; perhaps related to Latin b*_os ox, cow botanic alt head botanical or botanical syl bo+tan+ic pos adj. botanical 1. or botanic syl bo+tan:i+cal pron pos adj. def of or relating to botany or plants. botanical 2. or botanic syl bo+tan:i+cal pron pos n. def any drug that is made from parts of a plant. botanically sub head botanical syl bo+1tan:i+cal+ly pos adv. botanical garden 0. syl bo+tan:i+cal gar+den pos n. def a place in which plants are grown, studied, and exhibited. botanise alt head botanize or botanize syl bot:a+nise pron <1bot*2nIz> pos vb. botanize 1. or botanise syl bot:a+nize pron <1bot*2nIz> pos vb. mod intr. def to collect or study plants. botanize 2. or botanise syl bot:a+nize pron <1bot*2nIz> pos vb. mod tr. def to explore and study the plants in (an area or region). botany ety C17: from #7botanical ; compare #7astronomy, astronomical botanies infl head botany syl bot:a+nies. pos n. mod pl. botany 1. syl bot:a+ny pron <1bot*ni> pos n. def the study of plants, including their classification, structure, physiology, ecology, and econom?!ic importance. botany 2. syl bot:a+ny pron <1bot*ni> pos n. def the plant life of a particular region or time. botany 3. syl bot:a+ny pron <1bot*ni> pos n. def the biological characteristics of a particular group of plants. botanist sub head botany syl bot:a+nist pos n. Botany Bay 1. syl Bot:a+ny Bay pos n. def an inlet of the Tasman Sea, on the SE coast of Australia: surrounded by the suburbs of Sydney. Botany Bay 2. syl Bot:a+ny Bay pos n. usage in the 19th century def a British penal settlement that was in fact at Port Jackson, New South Wales. Botany wool 0. syl Bot:a+ny wool pos n. def a fine wool from the merino sheep. botargo ety C15: from obsolete Italian, from Arabic butarkhah botargoes infl head botargo syl bo+tar+goes. pos n. mod pl. botargo 0. syl bo+tar+go pron pos n. def a relish consisting of the roe of mullet or tunny, salted and pressed into rolls. botch ety C14: of unknown origin botch 1. syl botch pron pos vb. mod tr. usage often foll. by up def to spoil through clumsiness or ineptitude. botch 2. syl botch pron pos vb. mod tr. usage often foll. by up def to repair badly or clumsily. botch 3. syl botch pron pos n. mod tr. usage often foll. by up def a badly done piece of work or repair (esp. in the phrase {make a botch of (something}) ). botcher sub head botch syl botch+er pos n. botchier infl head botchy syl botch:i+er pos adj. botchiest infl head botchy syl botch:i+est. pos adj. botchy 0. syl botch:y pron <1boCi> pos adj. def clumsily done or made. botchily sub head botchy syl botch:i+ly pos adv. botchiness sub head botchy syl botch:i+ness pos n. botel 0. syl bo+tel pron pos n. def variant spelling of {boatel}. botflies infl head botfly syl bot+flies. pos n. mod pl. botfly 0. syl bot+fly pron <1bot2flI> pos n. def any of various stout-bodied hairy dipterous flies of the families and the larvae of which are parasites of man, sheep, and horses. both ety C12: from Old Norse b*_athir; related to Old High German b*_ede, Latin amb*_o, Greek amph*_o #e Usage. Both is used to refer to two objects, persons, etc., and should be avoided where a group of three or more is involved, as in both the preface and the two editions of the book were banned. Both is redundant when employed together with as well as, equal, equally, alike, or together. Sentences such as they are both alike, they are both equal, however, do occur frequently in informal English. both 1.a. syl both pron pos determiner. def the two; two considered together. exam 1 both dogs were dirty. both 1.b. syl both pron pos determiner. usage as pronoun exam 1 both are to blame. both 2. syl both pron pos conj. usage coordinating def used preceding words, phrases, or clauses joined by used to emphasize that not just one, but also the other of the joined elements is included. exam 1 both Ellen and Keith enjoyed the play; exam 2 both new and exciting. Louis infl head Botha syl Lou:is. pos n. Botha 0. syl Bo:tha pron <1b*ut*> pos n. def 1862-1919, South African statesman and general; first prime minister of the Union of South Africa (1910-19). bother ety C18: perhaps from Irish Gaelic bodhar deaf, vexed; compare Old Irish buadrim I vex bother 1. syl both+er pron <1boD*> pos vb. mod tr. def to give annoyance, pain, or trouble to; irritate. exam 1 his bad leg is bothering him again. bother 2. syl both+er pron <1boD*> pos vb. mod tr. def to trouble (a person) by repeatedly disturbing; pester. exam 1 stop bothering your father&! bother 3. syl both+er pron <1boD*> pos vb. mod intr. def to take the time or trouble; concern oneself. exam 1 don't bother to come with me. bother 4. syl both+er pron <1boD*> pos vb. mod tr. def to make (a person) alarmed or confused. exam 1 the thought of her husband's return clearly bothered her. bother 5. syl both+er pron <1boD*> pos n. def a state of worry, trouble, or confusion. bother 6. syl both+er pron <1boD*> pos n. def a person or thing that causes fuss, trouble, or annoyance. bother 7. syl both+er pron <1boD*> pos n. qual Informal. def a disturbance or fight; trouble (esp. in the phrase {a spot of bother}) . bother 8. syl both+er pron <1boD*> pos interj. qual Chiefly Brit. def an exclamation of slight annoyance. botheration 0. syl both+er:a+tion pron <2boD*1rAS*n> pos n. interj. qual Informal. def another word for { {bother} (senses 5, 8).} bothersome 0. syl both+er+some pron <1boD*s*m> pos adj. def causing bother; troublesome. Gulf of infl head Bothnia syl Gulf of. pos n. Bothnia 0. syl Both+ni:a pron <1boTni*> pos n. def an arm of the Baltic Sea, extend?!ing north between Sweden and Finland. Earl of infl head Bothwell syl Earl of pos n. Bothwell 0. syl Both:well pron <1boTw*l>, <1boD-> pos n. def title of 1535-78, Scottish nobleman; third husband of Mary Queen of Scots. He is generally considered to have instigated the murder of Darnley (1567). bothy ety C18: perhaps related to #7booth bothies infl head bothy syl both:ies. pos n. mod pl. bothy 0. syl both:y pron <1boTi> pos n. qual Chiefly Scot. def a small roughly built shelter or outhouse, esp. a hut on a mountain pasture. bo tree ety C19: from Sinhalese, from Pali bodhitaru tree of wisdom, from Sanskrit bodhi wisdom, awakening; see B#7odhisattva bo tree 0. syl bo tree pron pos n. def another name for the {peepul}. botryoidal ety C18: from Greek botruoeid*_es, from botrus cluster of grapes; see -#7oid botryose alt head botryoidal or botryoidal syl bot+ry+ose pron <1botri2*us>, <-2*uz> pos adj. botryoidal 0. or botryose syl bot+ry:oi+dal pron <2botri1cidL> pos adj. usage of minerals, parts of plants, etc. def shaped like a bunch of grapes. bots 0. syl bots pron pos n. mod functioning as; sing. def a digestive disease of horses and some other animals caused by the presence of botfly larvae in the stomach. Botswana 0. syl Bot+swa+na pron , pos n. def a republic in southern Africa: established as the British protectorate of Bechuanaland in 1885 as a defence against the Boers; became an independent state within the Commonwealth in 1966; consists mostly of a plateau averaging 1000 m (3300 ft.), with the extensive Okavango swamps in the northwest and the Kalahari Desert in the southwest. Languages: English and Tswana. Religion: mostly animist. Currency: pula. Capital: Gaborone. Pop.: 608656 (1971). Area: about 570000 sq. km (220000 sq. miles). bott 0. syl bott pron pos n. def a variant spelling of {bot}. botte 0. syl botte pron French. pos n. qual Fencing. def a thrust or hit. Sandro infl head Botticelli syl San:dro pron <1sandro> pos n. Botticelli 0. syl Bot:ti:cel:li pron Italian <2botti1Celli> pos n. def 1444-1510, Italian (Florentine) painter, illustrator, and engraver, noted for the graceful outlines and delicate details of his mythological and religious paintings. bottle ety C14: from Old French botaille, from Medieval Latin butticula, literally: a little cask, from Late Latin buttis cask, {#7butt %4} bottle H1.1.a. syl bot+tle pron <1botL> pos n. def a vessel, often of glass and typically cylindrical with a narrow neck that can be closed with a cap or cork, for containing liquids. bottle H1.1.b. syl bot+tle pron <1botL> pos n. usage as modifier exam 1 a bottle rack. bottle H1.2. syl bot+tle pron <1botL> pos n. def Also called: {bottleful}. the amount such a vessel will hold. bottle H1.3.a. syl bot+tle pron <1botL> pos n. def a container equipped with a teat that holds a baby's milk or other liquid; nursing bottle. bottle H1.3.b. syl bot+tle pron <1botL> pos n. def the contents of such a container. exam 1 the baby drank his bottle. bottle H1.4. syl bot+tle pron <1botL> pos n. def short for {magnetic bottle}. the bottle 5. head bottle syl the bottle. qual Informal. def drinking of alcohol, esp. to excess. bottle H1.6. syl bot+tle pron <1botL> pos vb. mod tr. def to put or place (wine, beer, jam, etc.) in a bottle or bottles. bottle H1.7. syl bot+tle pron <1botL> pos vb. mod tr. def to store (gas) in a portable container under pressure. bottle H1.8. syl bot+tle pron <1botL> pos vb. mod tr. qual Slang. def to injure by thrusting a broken bottle into (a person). {~} See also {bottle up}. bottle ety C14: from Old French botel, from botte bundle, of Germanic origin bottle H2.0. syl bot+tle pron <1botL> pos n. qual Brit. dialect. def a bundle, esp. of hay. bottlebrush 1. syl bot:tle+brush pron <1botL2br^S> pos n. def any of various Australian myrtaceous shrubs or trees of the genera and having dense spikes of large red flowers with protruding brushlike stamens. bottlebrush 2. syl bot:tle+brush pron <1botL2br^S> pos n. def any of various similar trees or shrubs. bottlebrush 3. syl bot:tle+brush pron <1botL2br^S> pos n. def a cylindrical brush on a thin shaft, used for cleaning bottles. bottle-feeds infl head bottle-feed syl bot:tle-feeds pos vb. bottle-feeding infl head bottle-feed syl bot:tle-feed:ing pos vb. bottle-fed infl head bottle-feed syl bot:tle-fed. pos vb. bottle-feed 0. syl bot:tle-feed pos vb. def to feed (a baby) with milk from a bottle instead of breast-feeding. bottle gourd 1. syl bot+tle gourd pos n. def an Old World cucurbitaceous climbing plant, having large hard-shelled gourds as fruits. bottle gourd 2. syl bot+tle gourd pos n. def the fruit of this plant. bottle gourd xref syl bot+tle gourd pos n. def Also called: {calabash}. bottle green 0.a. syl bot+tle green pos n. adj. def a dark green colour. bottle green 0.b. syl bot+tle green pos as; adj. exam 1 a bottle-green car. bottleneck 1.a. syl bot:tle+neck pron <1botL2nek> pos n. def a narrow stretch of road or a junction at which traffic is or may be held up. bottleneck 1.b. syl bot:tle+neck pron <1botL2nek> pos n. def the hold up. bottleneck 2. syl bot:tle+neck pron <1botL2nek> pos n. def something that holds up progress, esp. of a manufacturing process. bottleneck 3.a. syl bot:tle+neck pron <1botL2nek> pos n. def the broken-off neck of a bottle placed over a finger and used to produce a buzzing effect in a style of guitar-playing originally part of the American blues tradition. bottleneck 3.b. syl bot:tle+neck pron <1botL2nek> pos n. def the style of guitar playing using a bottleneck. bottleneck 4. syl bot:tle+neck pron <1botL2nek> pos vb. mod tr. qual U.S. def to be or cause an obstruction in. bottlenose dolphin 0. syl bot:tle+nose dol+phin pron <1botL2n*uz> pos n. def any dolphin of the genus esp. which has been kept in captivity and trained to perform tricks. bottle-oh alt head bottle-o or bottle-o syl bot:tle-oh pos n. bottle-o 0. or bottle-oh syl bot:tle-o pos n. qual Austral. informal. def a dealer in empty bottles. bottle party 0. syl bot+tle par+ty pos n. def a party to which guests bring drink. bottler 0. syl bot+tler pron <1botL*> pos n. qual Austral. informal. def an excellent or outstand?!ing person or thing. bottle tree 0. syl bot+tle tree pos n. def any of several Australian sterculiaceous trees of the genus (or that have a bottle-shaped swollen trunk. bottle up 1. syl bot+tle up pos vb. adv. mod tr. def to restrain (powerful emotion). bottle up 2. syl bot+tle up pos vb. adv. mod tr. qual Informal. def to keep (an army or other force) contained or trapped. exam 1 the French fleet was bottled up in Le Havre. bottle-washer 0. syl bot:tle-wash:er pos n. qual Informal. def a menial or factotum. bottom ety Old English botm; related to Old Norse botn, Old High German bodam, Latin fundus, Greek puthm*_en bottom 1. syl bot+tom pron <1bot*m> pos n. def the lowest, deepest, or farthest removed part of a thing. exam 1 the bottom of a hill. bottom 2. syl bot+tom pron <1bot*m> pos n. def the least important or successful position. exam 1 the bottom of a class. bottom 3. syl bot+tom pron <1bot*m> pos n. def the ground underneath a sea, lake, or river. touch bottom 4. head bottom syl touch bottom. def to run aground. bottom 5. syl bot+tom pron <1bot*m> pos n. def the inner depths of a person's true feelings (esp. in the phrase {from the bottom of one's heart}) . bottom 6. syl bot+tom pron <1bot*m> pos n. def the underneath part of a thing. bottom 7. syl bot+tom pron <1bot*m> pos n. qual Nautical. def the parts of a vessel's hull that are under water. bottom 8. syl bot+tom pron <1bot*m> pos n. usage in literary or commercial contexts def a boat or ship. bottom 9. syl bot+tom pron <1bot*m> pos n. qual Billiards, etc. def a strike in the centre of the cue ball. bottom 10. syl bot+tom pron <1bot*m> pos n. def a dry valley or hollow. bottom 11. syl bot+tom pron <1bot*m> pos n. def the lowest level worked in a mine. bottom 12. syl bot+tom pron <1bot*m> pos n. usage esp. of horses def staying power; stamina. bottom 13. syl bot+tom pron <1bot*m> pos n. qual Informal. def the buttocks. at bottom 14. head bottom syl at bottom. def in reality; basically or despite appearances to the contrary. exam 1 he's a kind man at bottom. be at the bottom of 15. head bottom syl be at the bottom of. def to be the ultimate cause of. get to the bottom of 16. head bottom syl get to the bottom of. def to discover the real truth about. bottom 17.a. syl bot+tom pron <1bot*m> pos n. def to destroy or eliminate. bottom 17.b. syl bot+tom pron <1bot*m> pos n. def to show to be of little or no value. bottom 18. syl bot+tom pron <1bot*m> pos adj. usage prenominal def lowest or last. exam 1 the bottom price. bet 19. head bottom or put one's bottom dollar on syl bet usage prenominal def to be absolutely sure of (one's opinion, a person, project, etc.). bottom 20. syl bot+tom pron <1bot*m> pos adj. usage prenominal def of, relating to, or situated at the bottom or a bottom. exam 1 the bottom shelf. bottom 21. syl bot+tom pron <1bot*m> pos adj. usage prenominal def fundamental; basic. bottom 22. syl bot+tom pron <1bot*m> pos vb. mod tr. def to provide (a chair, etc.) with a bottom or seat. bottom 23. syl bot+tom pron <1bot*m> pos vb. mod tr. def to discover the full facts or truth of; fathom. bottom 24. syl bot+tom pron <1bot*m> pos vb. usage usually foll. by on or upon def to base or be founded (on an idea, etc.). bottom 25. syl bot+tom pron <1bot*m> pos vb. mod intr. qual Nautical. def to strike the ground beneath the water with a vessel's bottom. bottom 26.a. syl bot+tom pron <1bot*m> pos vb. def to mine (a hole, claim, etc.) deep enough to reach any gold there is. bottom 26.b. syl bot+tom pron <1bot*m> pos vb. mod intr. usage foll. by on def to reach (gold, mud, etc.) on bottoming. bottom drawer 0. syl bot+tom drawer pos n. qual Brit. def a container in which a young woman collects linen, cutlery, etc., in anticipation of marriage. U.S. equivalent: {hope chest}. bottom house 1. syl bot+tom house pos n. qual Caribbean. def the open space beneath a house built upon high pillars. bottom house 2. syl bot+tom house pos n. qual Caribbean. def such a space partially enclosed and floored for use as servants' quarters. bottomless 1. syl bot+tom+less pron <1bot*mlis> pos adj. def having no bottom. bottomless 2. syl bot+tom+less pron <1bot*mlis> pos adj. def un?!limited; inexhaustible. bottomless 3. syl bot+tom+less pron <1bot*mlis> pos adj. def very deep. bottommost 0. syl bot:tom+most pron <1bot*m2m*ust> pos adj. def lowest or most fundamental. bottom out 0. syl bot+tom out pos vb. adv. mod intr. def to reach the lowest point. bottomry ety C16: from Dutch bodemerij, from bodem #7bottom (hull of a ship)+ -erij -#7ry bottomries infl head bottomry syl bot+tom+ries. pos n. mod pl. bottomry 0. syl bot+tom+ry pron <1bot*mri> pos n. qual Maritime law. def a contract whereby the owner of a ship borrows money to enable the vessel to complete the voyage and pledges the ship as security for the loan. bottoms up 0. syl bot+toms up&! pos interj. def an informal drinking toast. Bottrop 0. syl Bot+trop pron German <1bctrcp> pos n. def an industrial city in West Germany, in North Rhine-Westphalia in the Ruhr. Pop.: 103458 (1974 est.). botulin ety C19: from #7botulinus botulin 0. syl bot:u+lin pron <1botjulin> pos n. def a potent toxin produced by the bacterium in imperfectly preserved food, etc., causing botulism. botulinus ety C19: from New Latin, from Latin botulus sausage botulinuses infl head botulinus syl bot:u+li+nus:es. pos n. mod pl. botulinus 0. syl bot:u+li+nus pron <2botju1lIn*s> pos n. def an anaerobic bac?!terium, whose toxins (botulins) cause botulism: family botulism ety C19: first formed as German Botulismus literally: sausage poisoning, from Latin botulus sausage botulism 0. syl bot:u+lism pron <1botju2liz*m> pos n. def poisoning from ingestion of botulin, which affects the central nervous system producing difficulty in swallowing, visual disturbances, and respiratory paralysis. Mikhail Moiseivich infl head Botvinnik syl Mi:kha:il Moi:se:iv:ich pron pos n. Botvinnik 0. syl Bot:vin:nik pron <1botvinik> pos n. def born 1911, Soviet chess player; world champion (1948-57, 1958-60, 1961-63). Bouak'e 0. syl Boua+k*'e pron French pos n. def a market town in S central Ivory Coast. Pop.: about 100000 (1969 est.). bouch'ee ety French: mouthful bouch'ee 0. syl bou+ch*'ee pron pos n. def a small pastry case filled with a savoury mixture, served hot with cocktails or as an hors d'oeuvre. Francois infl head Boucher syl Fran:*,cois pron pos n. Boucher 0. syl Bou:cher pron French pos n. def 1703-70, French rococo artist, noted for his delicate ornamental paint?!ings of pastoral scenes and mythological subjects. Bouches-du-Rhone 0. syl Bouches-du-Rh*^one pron French , French <1ro:n> pos n. def a department of S central France, in Provence-C*^ote-d'Azur region. Capital: Marseille. Pop.: 1646679 (1975). Area: 5284 sq. km (2047 sq. miles). Dion infl head Boucicault syl Di:on pron <1dIon> pos n. Boucicault 0. syl Bou:ci:cault pron <1bu:si2k*u> pos n. def original name 1822-90, Irish dramatist and actor. His plays include (1841), (1852), and (1857). boucl'e ety French boucl*'e curly, from boucle a curl, #7buckle boucl'e 1. syl bou+cl*'e pron <1bu:klA> pos n. def a curled or looped yarn or fabric giving a thick knobbly effect. boucl'e 2. syl bou+cl*'e pron <1bu:klA> pos adj. def of or designating such a yarn or fabric. exam 1 a boucl*'e wool coat. boucl'ee ety from French, literally: curled boucl'ee 0. syl bou+cl*'ee pron <1bu:klA> pos n. def a support for a cue in billiards formed by doubling the first finger so that its tip is aligned with the thumb at its second joint, to form a loop through which the cue may slide. Boudicca 0. syl Bou:dic:ca pron pos n. def the Latin name of {Boadicea}. boudoir ety C18: from French, literally: room for sulking in, from bouder to sulk boudoir 0. syl bou+doir pron <1bu:dwa:>, <-dwc:> pos n. def a woman's bedroom or private sitting room. bouffant ety from French, from bouffer to puff up bouffant 1. syl bouf+fant pron <1bu:fc:G> pos adj. usage of a hair style def having extra height and width through back-combing; puffed out. bouffant 2. syl bouf+fant pron <1bu:fc:G> pos adj. usage of sleeves, skirts, etc. def puffed out. bouffant 3. syl bouf+fant pron <1bu:fc:G> pos n. def a bouffant hair style. bouffe 0. syl bouffe pron pos n. def See {op*'era bouffe}. Bougainville H1.0. syl Bou+gain+ville pron <1bu:g*n2vil> pos n. def an island in the W Pacific, the largest of the Solomon Islands: a province of Papua New Guinea. Chief town: Kieta. Pop.: 96363 (1971). Area: about 10360 sq. km (4000 sq. miles). Louis Antoine de infl head Bougainville syl Louis An:toine de pron pos n. bougainvillea ety C19: New Latin, named after L. A. de B#7ougainville bougainvillaea alt head bougainvillea or bougainvillea syl bou+gain+vil+lae:a pron <2bu:g*n1vili*> pos n. bougainvillea 0. or bougainvillaea syl bou+gain+vil+le:a pron <2bu:g*n1vili*> pos n. def any woody nyctaginaceous widely cultivated American vine of the genus having inconspicuous flowers surrounded by showy red or purple bracts. bough ety Old English b*_og arm, twig; related to Old Norse b*_ogr shoulder, ship's bow, Old High German buog shoulder, Greek p*_ekhus forearm, Sanskrit b*_ahu; see {#7bow %3#7, } #7elbow bough 0. syl bough pron pos n. def any of the main branches of a tree. bought 1. syl bought pron pos vb. def the past tense and past participle of {buy}. bought 2. syl bought pron pos adj. def purchased from a shop; not homemade. boughten 0. syl bought+en pron <1bc:tN> pos adj. def a dialect word for {bought} (sense 2). bougie ety C18: from French, originally a wax candle from Bougie, (Bujiya), Algeria bougie 0. syl bou+gie pron <1bu:ZE>, pos n. qual Med. def a long slender semiflexible cylindrical instrument for inserting into body passages such as the rectum or urethra to dilate structures, introduce medication, etc. bouillabaisse ety C19: from French, from Proven*,cal bouiabaisso, literally: boil down bouillabaisse 0. syl bouil+la+baisse pron <2bu:j*1bes> pos n. def a rich stew or soup of fish and vegetables flavoured with spices, esp. saffron. bouillon ety C18: from French, from bouillir to #7boil %1 bouillon 0. syl bouil+lon pron <1bu:jon> pos n. def a plain unclarified broth or stock. Georges 1. head Boulanger syl Georges pron def 1837-91, French general and minister of war (1886-87). Accused of attempting a coup d'*'etat, he fled to Belgium, where he committed suicide. Nadia 2. head Boulanger syl Na:dia pron <1nadja> def born 1887, French teacher of musical composition: her pupils include Elliott Carter, Aaron Copland, Darius Milhaud, and Virgil Thomson. She is noted also for her work in reviving the works of Monteverdi. boulder ety C13: probably of Scandinavian origin; compare Swedish dialect bullersten, from Old Swedish bulder rumbling+ sten #7stone boulder 0. syl boul+der pron <1b*uld*> pos n. def a smooth rounded mass of rock that has been shaped by erosion and transported by ice or water from its original position. boulder clay 0. syl boul+der clay pos n. def an unstratified glacial deposit consisting of fine clay, boulders, and pebbles. See also { {till%4.}} Boulder Dam 0. syl Boul+der Dam pos n. def the former name (1933-47) of {Hoover Dam}. boule ety C19: from French: ball boule 0. syl boule pron pos n. def a pear-shaped imitation ruby, sapphire, etc., made from synthetic corundum. boules ety plural of boule {#7ball %1} see {#7bowl %2} boules 0. syl boules pos n. mod French. bul; pl. construed as; sing. def a game similar to bowls, popular in France, played mainly with metal bowls on rough surfaces. boulevard ety C18: from French, from Middle Dutch bolwerc #7bulwark ; so called because originally often built on the ruins of an old rampart boulevard 1.a. syl boule+vard pron <1bu:lva:>, <-va:d> pos n. def a wide usually tree-lined road in a city, often used as a promenade. boulevard 1.b. syl boule+vard pron <1bu:lva:>, <-va:d> pos n. usage cap. as part of a street name exam 1 Sunset Boulevard. boulevard 2.a. syl boule+vard pron <1bu:lva:>, <-va:d> pos n. def a grass strip between the pavement and road. boulevard 2.b. syl boule+vard pron <1bu:lva:>, <-va:d> pos n. def the centre strip of a road dividing traffic travelling in different directions. boulevardier 0. syl boule+var+di+er pron pos n. usage originally in Paris def a fashionable man, esp. one who frequents public places. Pierre infl head Boulez syl Pierre pron pos n. Boulez 0. syl Bou:lez pron <1bu:lez>, French pos n. def born 1925, French composer and conductor, whose works employ total serialization. boulle ety C18: named after Andr*'e Charles Boulle (1642-1732), French cabinet-maker boule infl head boulle or buhl syl boule pron pos adj. buhl infl head boulle or boule syl buhl pron pos adj. boulle 1. syl boulle pron pos adj. def denoting or relating to a type of marquetry of patterned inlays of brass and tortoiseshell, occasionally with other metals such as pewter, much used on French furniture from the 17th century. boulle 2. syl boulle pron pos n. def Also called: {boulle+work}. something ornamented with such marquetry. Boulogne 0. syl Bou+logne: pron , French@T <@T> , <49284> <1975> def Official name: {Bou@.logne-sur-Mer} bul@$$jsyr#!m$e$:r). Boulogne-Billancourt 0. syl Bou:logne-Bil:lan+court pron French pos n. def an industrial suburb of SW Paris. Pop.: 103948 (1975). Also called: {Bou@.logne-sur-Seine} bul@$$jsyr#!s$en). boult 0. syl boult pron pos vb. def a variant spelling of {bolt} %2. Boult 0. syl Boult pron pos n. def Sir {A@.dri@.an (Cedric) }. born 1889, English conductor. Houari infl head Boum'edienne syl Hou:ar:i pron <1hau*ri> pos n. Boum'edienne 0. syl Bou:m*'e:di:enne pron pos n. def born 1927, Algerian statesman and soldier: prime minister of Algeria since overthrowing Ben Bella in a coup (1965). bounce ety C13: probably of imitative origin; compare Low German bunsen to beat, Dutch bonken to thump bounce 1. syl bounce pron pos vb. mod intr. usage of an elastic object, such as a ball def to rebound from an impact. bounce 2. syl bounce pron pos vb. mod tr. def to cause (such an object) to hit a solid surface and spring back. bounce 3. syl bounce pron pos vb. def to rebound or cause to rebound repeatedly. bounce 4. syl bounce pron pos vb. def to move or cause to move suddenly, excitedly, or violently; spring. exam 1 she bounced up from her chair. bounce 5. syl bounce pron pos vb. mod intr. usage Slang. of a cheque def to be sent back by a bank to a payee unredeemed because of lack of funds in the drawer's account. bounce 6. syl bounce pron pos vb. mod tr. qual Slang. def to cause (a cheque) to bounce. bounce 7. syl bounce pron pos vb. mod tr. qual Slang. def to force (a person) to leave (a place or job); throw out; eject. bounce 8. syl bounce pron pos vb. mod tr. qual Brit. def to hustle (a person) into believing or doing something. bounce 9. syl bounce pron pos n. def the action of rebounding from an impact. bounce 10. syl bounce pron pos n. def a leap; jump; bound. bounce 11. syl bounce pron pos n. def the quality of being able to rebound; springiness. bounce 12. syl bounce pron pos n. qual Informal. def vitality; vigour; resili?!ence. bounce 13. syl bounce pron pos n. qual Brit. def swagger or impudence. the bounce 14. head bounce syl the bounce. qual Australian Rules. def the start of play at the beginning of each quarter or after a goal. get 15. head bounce or give the bounce syl get qual U.S. informal. def to dismiss or be dismissed from a job. bounce back 0. syl bounce back pos vb. adv. mod intr. def to recover one's health, good spirits, confidence, etc., easily after a setback. bouncer 1. syl bounc+er pron <1bauns*> pos n. qual Slang. def a man employed at a club, restaurant, etc., to throw out drunks or troublemakers and stop fights. bouncer 2. syl bounc+er pron <1bauns*> pos n. qual Slang. def a dishonoured cheque. bouncer 3. syl bounc+er pron <1bauns*> pos n. qual Cricket. def another word for {bumper}. bouncer 4. syl bounc+er pron <1bauns*> pos n. def a person or thing that bounces. bouncing 0. syl bounc+ing pron <1baunsiG> pos adj. usage when postpositive, foll. by with def vigorous and robust (esp. in the phrase {a bouncing baby}) . bouncing Bet 0. syl bounc+ing Bet pron pos n. def another name for {soapwort}. bouncier infl head bouncy syl bounc:i+er pos adj. bounciest infl head bouncy syl bounc:i+est. pos adj. bouncy 1. syl bounc:y pron <1baunsi> pos adj. def lively, exuberant, or self-confident. bouncy 2. syl bounc:y pron <1baunsi> pos adj. def having the capability or quality of bouncing. exam 1 a bouncy ball. bouncy 3. syl bounc:y pron <1baunsi> pos adj. def responsive to bouncing; springy. exam 1 a bouncy bed. bouncily sub head bouncy syl bounc:i+ly pos adv. bounciness sub head bouncy syl bounc:i+ness pos n. bound H1.1. syl bound pron pos vb. def the past tense and past participle of {bind}. bound H1.2. syl bound pron pos adj. def in bonds or chains; tied with or as if with a rope. exam 1 a bound prisoner. bound H1.3. syl bound pron pos adj. usage postpositive, foll. by an infinitive def destined; sure; certain. exam 1 it's bound to happen. bound H1.4. syl bound pron pos adj. usage postpositive, foll. by on def resolved; determined. exam 1 bound on winning. bound H1.5. syl bound pron pos adj. usage postpositive, often foll. by by def compelled or obliged to act, behave, or think in a particular way, as by duty, circumstance, or convention. bound H1.6. syl bound pron pos adj. qual Rare. def constipated. bound H1.7. syl bound pron pos adj. usage of a book def secured within a cover or binding. exam 1 to deliver bound books. bound H1.8. syl bound pron pos adj. qual Linguistics. def denoting a morpheme, such as the prefix that occurs only as part of another word and not as a separate word in itself. Compare { {free} (sense 19).} bound H1.9. syl bound pron pos adj. qual Logic. def denoting an occurrence of a variable within the scope of a quantifier; constrained. Compare { {free} (sense 20).} bound up with 10. head bound syl bound up with. def closely or inextricably linked with. exam 1 his irritability is bound up with his work. bound ety C16: from Old French bond a leap, from bondir to jump, resound, from Vulgar Latin bombit*_ire (unattested) to buzz, hum, from Latin bombus booming sound bound H2.1. syl bound pron pos vb. def to move forwards or make (one's way) by leaps or jumps. bound H2.2. syl bound pron pos vb. def to bounce; spring away from an impact. bound H2.3. syl bound pron pos n. def a jump upwards or forwards. by leaps and bounds 4. head bound syl by leaps and bounds. def with sudden irregular rapidity. exam 1 her condition improved by leaps and bounds. bound H2.5. syl bound pron pos n. def a sudden pronounced sense of excitement. exam 1 his heart gave a sudden bound when he saw her. bound H2.6. syl bound pron pos n. def a bounce, as of a ball. bound ety C13: from Old French bonde, from Medieval Latin bodina, of Gaulish origin bound H3.1. syl bound pron pos vb. mod tr. def to place restrictions on; limit. bound H3.2. syl bound pron pos vb. mod when; intr. usage foll. by on def to form a boundary of (an area of land or sea, political or administrative region, etc.). bound H3.3. syl bound pron pos n. qual Maths. def a number that is greater than or equal to every member of a set of numbers ({upper bound}) , or less than or equal to every member of a set of numbers ({lower bound}) . bound H3.4. syl bound pron pos n. def See {bounds}. bound ety C13: from Old Norse buinn, past participle of b*_ua to prepare bound H4.0.a. syl bound pron pos adj. usage postpositive, often foll. by for def going or intending to go towards; on the way to. exam 1 a ship bound for Jamaica; exam 2 homeward bound. bound H4.0.b. syl bound pron pos adj. usage in combination exam 1 northbound traffic. boundaries infl head boundary syl bound:a+ries. pos n. mod pl. boundary 1. syl bound:a+ry pron <1baund*ri>, <-dri> pos n. def something that indicates the farthest limit, as of an area; border. boundary 2.a. syl bound:a+ry pron <1baund*ri>, <-dri> pos n. def the marked limit of the playing area. boundary 2.b. syl bound:a+ry pron <1baund*ri>, <-dri> pos n. def a stroke that hits the ball beyond this limit. boundary 2.c. syl bound:a+ry pron <1baund*ri>, <-dri> pos n. def the four runs scored with such a stroke, or the six runs if the ball crosses the boundary without touching the ground. boundary layer 0. syl bound:a+ry lay+er pos n. def the layer of fluid closest to the surface of a solid past which the fluid flows: it has a lower rate of flow than the bulk of the fluid because of its adhesion to the solid. boundary rider 0. syl bound:a+ry rid+er pos n. qual Austral. def an employee on a sheep or cattle station whose job is to maintain fences in good repair and to prevent stock from straying. bounden 0. syl bound+en pron <1baund*n> pos adj. def morally obligatory (archaic except in the phrase {bounden duty}) . bounder 1. syl bound+er pron <1baund*> pos n. qual Brit. informal, rare. def a morally reprehensible person; cad. bounder 2. syl bound+er pron <1baund*> pos n. def a person or animal that bounds. boundless 0. syl bound+less pron <1baundlis> pos adj. def unlimited; vast. exam 1 boundless energy. boundlessly sub head boundless syl bound+less+ly pos adv. boundlessness sub head boundless syl bound+less+ness pos n. bounds 1. syl bounds pron pos n. mod sometimes; sing. def a limit; boundary (esp. in the phrase {know no bounds}) . bounds 2. syl bounds pron pos n. mod pl. def something that restrains or confines, esp. the standards of a society. exam 1 within the bounds of modesty. bounds xref syl bounds pron pos n. mod pl. def See also {out of bounds}. bounteous 1. syl boun+te+ous pron <1baunti*s> pos adj. qual Literary. def giving freely; generous. exam 1 the bounteous goodness of God. bounteous 2. syl boun+te+ous pron <1baunti*s> pos adj. qual Literary. def plentiful; abundant. bounteously sub head bounteous syl boun+te+ous+ly pos adv. bounteousness sub head bounteous syl boun+te+ous+ness pos n. bountiful 1. syl boun+ti+ful pron <1bauntiful> pos adj. def plentiful; ample (esp. in the phrase {a bountiful supply}) . bountiful 2. syl boun+ti+ful pron <1bauntiful> pos adj. def giving freely; generous. bountifully sub head bountiful syl boun+ti+ful+ly pos adv. bountifulness sub head bountiful syl boun+ti+ful+ness pos n. bounty ety C13 (in the sense: goodness): from Old French bontet, from Latin bonit*_as goodness, from bonus good bounties infl head bounty syl boun+ties. pos n. mod pl. bounty 1. syl boun+ty pron <1baunti> pos n. def generosity in giving to others; liberality. bounty 2. syl boun+ty pron <1baunti> pos n. def a generous gift; something freely provided. bounty 3. syl boun+ty pron <1baunti> pos n. def a payment made by a government, as, formerly, to a sailor on enlisting or to a soldier after a campaign. bounty 4. syl boun+ty pron <1baunti> pos n. def any reward or premium. exam 1 a bounty of 20p for every rat killed. Bounty 0. syl Boun+ty pron <1baunti> pos n. def a British naval ship commanded by Captain William Bligh, which was on a scientific voyage in 1789 between Tahiti and the West Indies when her crew mutinied. bouquet ety C18: from French: thicket, from Old French bosc forest, wood, probably of Germanic origin; see #7bush %1 bouquet 1. syl bou+quet pron , pos n. def a bunch of flowers, esp. a large carefully arranged one. bouquet 2. syl bou+quet pron pos n. def the characteristic aroma or fragrance of a wine or liqueur. bouquet 3. syl bou+quet pos n. def a compliment or expression of praise. bouquet garni ety French, literally: garnished bouquet bouquets garnis infl head bouquet garni syl bou+quets gar+nis pron <1bu:kAz> pos n. mod pl. bouquet garni 0. syl bou+quet gar+ni pron <1bu:kA> pos n. def a bunch of herbs tied together and used for flavouring soups, stews, etc. bourbon ety C19: named after Bourbon county, Kentucky, where it was first made bourbon 0. syl bour+bon pron <1bR:bN> pos n. def a whiskey distilled, chiefly in the U.S., from maize, esp. one containing at least 51 per cent maize (the rest being malt and rye) and aged in charred white-oak barrels. Bourbon 1.a. syl Bour:bon pron <1bu*bN>, French pos n. def a member of the European royal line that ruled in France from 1589 to 1793 (when Louis XVI was executed by the revolutionaries) and was restored in 1815, continuing to rule in its Orleans branch from 1830 until 1848. Bourbon dynasties also ruled in Spain (1700-1808; 1813-1931) and Naples and Sicily (1734-1806; 1815-1860). Bourbon 1.b. syl Bour:bon pron <1bu*bN>, French pos n. usage as modifier exam 1 the Bourbon kings. Bourbon 2. syl Bour:bon pron <1bu*bN>, French pos n. qual U.S. def an extreme reactionary in political or social matters. Bourbonist sub head Bourbon syl Bour+bon+ist pos n. Bourbon biscuit 0. syl Bour+bon bis+cuit pos n. def a rich chocolate-flavoured biscuit with a chocolate-cream filling. Bourbonism 1. syl Bour+bon+ism pron <1bu*b*2niz*m> pos n. def support for Bourbon rule. Bourbonism 2. syl Bour+bon+ism pron <1bu*b*2niz*m> pos n. qual U.S. def extreme political and social conservatism. bourdon ety C14: from Old French: drone (of a musical instrument), of imitative origin bourdon 1. syl bour+don pron <1bu*dN>, <1bc:dN> pos n. def a 16-foot organ stop of the stopped diapason type. bourdon 2. syl bour+don pron <1bu*dN>, <1bc:dN> pos n. def the drone of a bagpipe. bourdon 3. syl bour+don pron <1bu*dN>, <1bc:dN> pos n. def a drone or pedal point in the bass of a harmonized melody. Bourdon gauge 0. syl Bour+don gauge pos n. def a type of pressure gauge consisting of a flattened curved tube attached to a pointer that moves around a dial. As the pressure in the tube increases the tube tends to straighten and the pointer indicates the applied pressure. bourg ety C15: French, from Old French borc, from Late Latin burgus castle, of Germanic origin; see #7borough bourg 0. syl bourg pron , French pos n. def a French market town, esp. one beside a castle. bourgeois ety C16: from Old French borjois, burgeis burgher, citizen, from bourg town; see #7burgess bourgeois infl syl bour+geois. pos n. mod pl. bourgeois H1.1. syl bour+geois pron <1bu*Zwa:>, pos n. qual Often disparaging. def a member of the middle class, esp. one regarded as being conservative and materialistic or (in Marxist thought) a capitalist exploiting the working class. bourgeois H1.2. syl bour+geois pron <1bu*Zwa:>, pos n. qual Often disparaging. def a mediocre, unimaginative, or materialistic person. bourgeois H1.3. syl bour+geois pron <1bu*Zwa:>, pos adj. qual Often disparaging. def characteristic of, relating to, or comprising the middle class. bourgeois H1.4. syl bour+geois pron <1bu*Zwa:>, pos adj. qual Often disparaging. def con?!servative or materialistic in outlook. exam 1 a bourgeois mentality. bourgeois H1.5. syl bour+geois pron <1bu*Zwa:>, pos adj. qual Often disparaging. usage in Marxist thought def dominated by capitalists or capitalist interests. bourgeoise sub head bourgeois syl bour+geoise pron <1bu*Zwa:z>, pos n. mod fem. bourgeois ety C19: perhaps from its size, midway between long primer and brevier bourgeois H2.0. syl bour+geois pron pos n. usage formerly def a size of printer's type approximately equal to 9 point. L'eon Victor Auguste infl head Bourgeois syl L*'e:on Vic:tor Au:guste pron pos n. Bourgeois 0. syl Bour:geois pron French pos n. def 1851-1925, French statesman; first chairman of the League of Nations: Nobel peace prize 1920. the infl head bourgeoisie syl the. pos n. bourgeoisie 1. syl bour+geoi+sie pron <2bu*Zwa:1zE> pos n. def the middle classes. bourgeoisie 2. syl bour+geoi+sie pron <2bu*Zwa:1zE> pos n. usage in Marxist thought def the ruling class of the two basic classes of capitalist society, consisting of capitalists, manufacturers, bankers, and other employers. The bourgeoisie owns the most important of the means of production, through which it exploits the working class. bourgeon 0. syl bour+geon pron <1bR:J*n> pos n. vb. def a variant spelling of {burgeon}. Bourges 0. syl Bourges pron French pos n. def a city in central France. Pop.: 80379 (1975). Bourgogne 0. syl Bour+gogne pron pos n. def the French name for {Burgundy}. Habib ben Ali infl head Bourguiba syl Ha:bib ben A:li pron <1a:li> pos n. Bourguiba 0. syl Bour:gui:ba pron pos n. def born 1903, Tunisian statesman: president of Tunisia since 1957; a moderate and an advocate of gradual social change. bourn ety C16: from Old French borne; see #7bound %3 bourne alt head bourn or bourn syl bourne pron pos n. bourn H1.1. or bourne syl bourn pron pos n. qual Archaic. def a destination; goal. bourn H1.2. or bourne syl bourn pron pos n. qual Archaic. def a boundary. bourn ety C16: from Old French bodne limit; see #7bound %3 bourn H2.0. syl bourn pron pos n. qual Chiefly southern Brit. def a stream, esp. an intermittent one in chalk areas. Compare {burn%2}. Bournemouth 0. syl Bourne+mouth pron <1bc:nm*T> pos n. def a resort in S England, in SE Dorset on the English Channel. Pop.: 153425 (1971). bourr'ee ety French, literally: bundle of sticks, from bourrer to stuff, from Late Latin burra shaggy garment bourr'ee 1. syl bour+r*'ee pron <1bu*rA>, French pos n. def a traditional French dance in fast duple time, resembling a gavotte. bourr'ee 2. syl bour+r*'ee pron <1bu*rA>, French pos n. def a piece of music composed in the rhythm of this dance. Bourse ety C19: from French, literally: purse, from Medieval Latin bursa, ultimately from Greek: leather Bourse 0. syl Bourse pron pos n. def a stock exchange of continental Europe, esp. Paris. bouse ety C16: of unknown origin bowse alt head bouse or bouse syl bowse pron pos vb. mod tr. bouse 0. or bowse syl bouse pron pos vb. mod tr. qual Nautical. def to raise or haul with a tackle. boustrophedon ety C17: from Greek, literally: turning as in ploughing with oxen, from bous ox+ -stroph*_edon from strephein to turn; see #7strophe boustrophedon 0. syl bou+stro+phe:don pron <2bu:str*1fEdN>, <2bau-> pos adj. def having alternate lines written from right to left and from left to right. bout ety C16: variant of obsolete bought turn; related to German Bucht #7bight ; see #7about bout 1.a. syl bout pron pos n. def a period of time spent doing something, such as drinking. bout 1.b. syl bout pron pos n. def a period of illness. bout 2. syl bout pron pos n. def a contest or fight, esp. a boxing or wrestling match. boutique ety C18: from French, probably from Old Proven*,cal botica, ultimately from Greek apoth*_ek*_e storehouse; see #7apothecary boutique 0. syl bou+tique pron pos n. def a shop, esp. a small one selling fashionable clothes and other items. boutonniere ety French: buttonhole, from bouton #7button boutonniere 0. syl bou+ton+ni+ere pron <2butoni1e*> pos n. def another name for { {buttonhole} (sense 2).} bouzouki ety from Modern Greek mpouzouki, perhaps from Turkish b*"uj*"uk large bouzouki 0. syl bou+zouk:i pron pos n. def a Greek long-necked stringed musical instrument related to the mandolin. bovid ety C19: from New Latin Bovidae, from Latin b*_os ox bovid 1. syl bo+vid pron <1b*uvid> pos adj. def of, relating to, or belonging to the a family of ruminant artiodactyl hollow-horned mammals including sheep, goats, cattle, antelopes, and buffalo. bovid 2. syl bo+vid pron <1b*uvid> pos n. def any bovid animal. bovine ety C19: from Late Latin bov*_inus concerning oxen or cows, from Latin b*_os ox, cow bovine 1. syl bo+vine pron <1b*uvIn> pos adj. def of, relating to, or belonging to the (cattle), a bovid tribe including domestic cattle. bovine 2. syl bo+vine pron <1b*uvIn> pos adj. usage of people def dull; sluggish; stolid. bovine 3. syl bo+vine pron <1b*uvIn> pos n. def any animal belonging to the bovinely sub head bovine syl bo+vine+ly pos adv. Bovril 0. syl Bov+ril pron <1bovril> pos n. qual Trademark. def a concentrated beef extract, used for flavouring, as a stock, etc. bovver ety C20: slang pronunciation of #7bother bovver 0.a. syl bov+ver pron <1bov*> pos n. qual Brit. slang. def rowdiness, esp. caused by gangs of teenage youths. bovver 0.b. syl bov+ver pron <1bov*> pos n. qual Brit. slang. usage as modifier exam 1 a bovver boy. bovver boots 0. syl bov+ver boots pos n. mod pl. qual Brit. slang. def heavy boots worn by some teenage youths in Britain, used in gang fights. bow ety Old English b*_ugan, related to Old Norse bj*_ugr bent, Old High German biogan to bend, Dutch buigen bow H1.1. syl bow pron pos vb. def to lower (one's head) or bend (one's knee or body) as a sign of respect, greeting, assent, or shame. bow H1.2. syl bow pron pos vb. def to bend or cause to bend; incline downwards. bow H1.3. syl bow pron pos vb. mod intr. usage usually foll. by to or before def to comply or accept. exam 1 bow to the inevitable. bow H1.4. syl bow pron pos vb. mod tr. usage foll. by in, out, to, etc. def to usher (someone) into or out of a place with bows and deference. exam 1 the manager bowed us to our car. bow H1.5. syl bow pron pos vb. mod tr. usage usually foll. by down def to bring (a person, nation, etc.) to a state of submission. bow and scrape 6. head bow syl bow and scrape. def to behave in an excessively deferential or obsequious way. bow H1.7. syl bow pron pos n. def a lowering or inclination of the head or body as a mark of respect, greeting, or assent. take a bow 8. head bow syl take a bow. def to acknowl?!edge or receive applause or praise. {~} See also {bow out}. bow ety Old English boga arch, bow; related to Old Norse bogi a bow, Old High German bogo, Old Irish bocc, and #7bow %1 bow H2.1. syl bow pron pos n. def a weapon for shooting arrows, consisting of an arch of elastic wood bent by a string ({bowstring}) fastened at each end. See also {crossbow}. bow H2.2.a. syl bow pron pos n. def a long slightly curved stick across which are stretched strands of horsehair, used for playing the strings of a violin, viola, cello, or related instrument. bow H2.2.b. syl bow pron pos n. def a stroke with such a stick. bow H2.3.a. syl bow pron pos n. def a decorative interlacing of ribbon or other fabrics, usually having two loops and two loose ends. bow H2.3.b. syl bow pron pos n. def the knot forming such an interlacing; bowknot. bow H2.4.a. syl bow pron pos n. def something that is curved, bent, or arched. bow H2.4.b. syl bow pron pos n. usage in combination exam 1 rainbow; exam 2 oxbow; exam 3 saddlebow. bow H2.5. syl bow pron pos n. def a person who uses a bow and arrow; archer. bow H2.6.a. syl bow pron pos n. def a frame of a pair of spectacles. bow H2.6.b. syl bow pron pos n. def a sidepiece of the frame of a pair of spectacles that curls round behind the ear. bow H2.7. syl bow pron pos n. def a metal ring forming the handle of a pair of scissors or of a large old-fashioned key. bow H2.8. syl bow pron pos n. qual Architect. def part of a building curved in the form of a bow. See also {bow window. ~} bow H2.9. syl bow pron pos n. def to form or cause to form a curve or curves. bow H2.10. syl bow pron pos n. def to make strokes of a bow across (violin strings). bow ety C15: probably from Low German boog; related to Dutch boeg, Danish bov ship's bow, shoulder; see #7bough bow H3.1.a. syl bow pron pos n. mod often; pl. def the forward end or part of a vessel. bow H3.1.b. syl bow pron pos n. usage as modifier exam 1 the bow mooring line. bow H3.2. syl bow pron pos n. qual Rowing. def short for {bowman} %2. bon the port 3. head bow or starboard bow syl bon the port qual Nautical. def within 45 degrees to the port (or starboard) of straight ahead. a shot across someone's bows 4. head bow syl a shot across someone's bows. qual Informal. def a warning. bow collector 0. syl bow col+lec+tor pron pos n. def a sliding current collector, consisting of a bow-shaped strip mounted on a hinged framework, used on trains, etc., to collect current from an overhead-wire. Compare { {skate} %1 (sense 4).} bow compass 0. syl bow com+pass pron pos n. qual Geom. def a compass in which the legs are joined by a flexible metal bow-shaped spring rather than a hinge, the angle being adjusted by a screw. Also called: {bow-spring compass}. bowdlerize ety C19: after Thomas Bowdler (1754-1825), English editor who published an expurgated edition of Shakespeare bowdlerise alt head bowdlerize or bowdlerize syl bowd+ler+ise pron <1baudl*2rIz> pos vb. mod tr. bowdlerize 0. or bowdlerise syl bowd+ler+ize pron <1baudl*2rIz> pos vb. mod tr. def to remove passages or words regarded as indecent from (a play, novel, etc.); expurgate. bowdlerization sub head bowdlerize or bowdlerisation syl bowd+ler:i+1za+tion pos n. bowdlerisation sub head bowdlerize or bowdlerization syl bowd+ler:i+1sa+tion pos n. bowdlerism sub head bowdlerize syl bowd+ler+ism pos n. bowel ety C13: from Old French bouel, from Latin botellus a little sausage, from botulus sausage bowel 1. syl bow+el pron <1bau*l> pos n. def an intestine, esp. the large intestine in man. bowel 2. syl bow+el pron <1bau*l> pos n. mod pl. def innards; entrails. bowel 3. syl bow+el pron <1bau*l> pos n. mod pl. def the deep or innermost part (esp. in the phrase {the bowels of the earth}) . bowel 4. syl bow+el pron <1bau*l> pos n. mod pl. qual Archaic. def the emotions, esp. of pity or sympathy. bowel movement 1. syl bow+el move+ment pos n. def the discharge of faeces; defecation. bowel movement 2. syl bow+el move+ment pos n. def the waste matter discharged; faeces. bower ety Old English b*_ur dwelling; related to Old Norse b*_ur pantry, Old High German b*_ur dwelling bower H1.1. syl bow+er pron <1bau*> pos n. def a shady leafy shelter or recess, as in a wood or garden; arbour. bower H1.2. syl bow+er pron <1bau*> pos n. qual Literary. def a lady's bedroom or apartments, esp. in a medieval castle; boudoir. bower H1.3. syl bow+er pron <1bau*> pos n. qual Literary. def a country cottage, esp. one regarded as charming or picturesque. bower ety C18: from #7bow %3+-#7er %1 bower H2.0. syl bow+er pron <1bau*> pos n. qual Nautical. def a vessel's bow anchor. bower ety C19: from German Bauer peasant, jack (in cards) bower H3.0. syl bow+er pron <1bau*> pos n. def a jack in euchre and similar card games. bowerbird 1. syl bow:er+bird pron <1bau*2bR:d> pos n. def any of various songbirds of the family of Australia and New Guinea. The males build bower-like display grounds in the breeding season to attract the females. bowerbird 2. syl bow:er+bird pron <1bau*2bR:d> pos n. qual Informal, chiefly Austral. def a collector of unconsidered trifles. Bowery ety C17: from Dutch bouwerij, from bouwen to farm+ erij -#7ery ; see #7boor , B#7oer the infl head Bowery syl the. pos n. Bowery 0. syl Bow+er:y pron <1bau*ri> pos n. def a street in New York City noted for its cheap hotels and bars, frequented by vagrants and drunks. bowfin 0. syl bow+fin pron <1b*u2fin> pos n. def a primitive North American freshwater bony fish, with an elongated body and a very long dorsal fin: family bowhead 0. syl bow+head pron <1b*u2hed> pos n. def a large-mouthed arctic whale, that has become rare through overfishing but is now a protected species. David infl head Bowie syl Da:vid. pos n. Bowie 0. syl Bow:ie pron <1baui> pos n. def original name born 1947, English rock singer and composer. His recordings include (1969), (1972), (1973), (1976), and (1977). bowie knife ety C19: named after Jim Bowie (1796-1836), Texan adventurer, who popularized it bowie knife 0. syl bow:ie knife pron <1b*ui> pos n. def a stout hunting knife with a short hilt and a guard for the hand. bowing 0. syl bow+ing pron <1b*uiG> pos n. def the technique of using the bow in playing a violin, viola, cello, or related instrument. bowknot 0. syl bow+knot pron <1b*u2not> pos n. def a decorative knot usually having two loops and two loose ends; bow. bowl ety Old English bolla; related to Old Norse bolli, Old Saxon bollo bowl H1.1. syl bowl pron pos n. def a round container open at the top, used for holding liquid, keeping fruit, serving food, etc. bowl H1.2. syl bowl pron pos n. def Also: {bowlful}. the amount a bowl will hold. bowl H1.3. syl bowl pron pos n. def the rounded or hollow part of an object, esp. of a spoon or tobacco pipe. bowl H1.4. syl bowl pron pos n. def any container shaped like a bowl, such as a sink or lavatory. bowl H1.5. syl bowl pron pos n. def a bowl-shaped building or other structure, such as a football stadium or amphitheatre. bowl H1.6. syl bowl pron pos n. def a bowl-shaped depression of the land surface. See also {dust bowl}. bowl H1.7.a. syl bowl pron pos n. def a drinking cup. bowl H1.7.b. syl bowl pron pos n. def intoxicating drink. bowl ety C15: from French boule, ultimately from Latin bulla bubble bowl H2.1. syl bowl pron pos n. def a wooden ball used in the game of bowls, having flattened sides, one side usually being flatter than the other in order to make it run on a curved course. bowl H2.2. syl bowl pron pos n. def a large heavy ball with holes for gripping with the fingers and thumb, used in tenpin bowling. bowl H2.3. syl bowl pron pos vb. def to roll smoothly or cause to roll smoothly, esp. by throwing underarm along the ground. bowl H2.4. syl bowl pron pos vb. mod intr. usage usually foll. by along def to move easily and rapidly, as in a car. bowl H2.5.a. syl bowl pron pos vb. def to send (a ball) down the pitch from one's hand towards the batsman, keeping the arm straight while doing so. bowl H2.5.b. syl bowl pron pos vb. def Also: {bowl out}. to dismiss (a batsman) by delivering a ball that breaks his wicket. bowl H2.6. syl bowl pron pos vb. mod intr. def to play bowls or tenpin bowling. bowl H2.7. syl bowl pron pos vb. mod tr. usage in tenpin bowling, etc. def to score (a specified amount). exam 1 he bowled 120. bowl xref syl bowl pron pos n. def See also {bowl over}. bow legs 0. syl bow legs pron pos n. mod pl. def a condition in which the legs curve outwards like a bow between the ankle and the thigh. Also called: {bandy legs}. bow-legged sub head bow legs syl bow-leg:ged pron , pos adj. bowler H1.1. syl bowl+er pron <1b*ul*> pos n. def one who bowls in cricket. bowler H1.2. syl bowl+er pron <1b*ul*> pos n. def a player at the game of bowls. bowler ety C19: named after John Bowler, 19th-century London hatter bowler H2.0. syl bowl+er pron <1b*ul*> pos n. def a stiff felt hat with a rounded crown and narrow curved brim. U.S. name: {derby}. bowler ety perhaps from #7b (#7ow -#7wow) #7+ (#7h) #7owler bowler H3.0. syl bow+ler pron <1baul*> pos n. qual Dublin dialect. def a dog. bowline ety C14: probably from Middle Low German b*_ol*_ine, equivalent to #7bow %3+{#7line %1} bowline 1. syl bow+line pron <1b*ulin> pos n. qual Nautical. def a line for controlling the weather leech of a square sail when a vessel is close-hauled. on a bowline 2. head bowline syl on a bowline. qual Nautical. def beating close to the wind. bowline 3. syl bow+line pron <1b*ulin> pos n. qual Nautical. def a knot used for securing a loop that will not slip at the end of a piece of rope. bowling 1. syl bowl+ing pron <1b*uliG> pos n. def any of various games in which a heavy ball is rolled down a special alley, usually made of wood, at a group of wooden pins, esp. the games of tenpin bowling (tenpins) and skittles (ninepins). bowling 2. syl bowl+ing pron <1b*uliG> pos n. def the game of bowls. bowling 3. syl bowl+ing pron <1b*uliG> pos n. qual Cricket. def the act of delivering the ball to the batsman. bowling 4. syl bowl+ing pron <1b*uliG> pos n. usage modifier def of or relating to bowls or bowling. exam 1 a bowling team. bowling alley 1.a. syl bowl+ing al+ley pos n. def a long narrow wooden lane down which the ball is rolled in tenpin bowling. bowling alley 1.b. syl bowl+ing al+ley pos n. def a similar lane or alley, usually with raised sides, for playing skittles (nine?!pins). bowling alley 2. syl bowl+ing al+ley pos n. def a building having several lanes for tenpin bowling. bowling crease 0. syl bowl+ing crease pos n. qual Cricket. def a line marked at the wicket, over which a bowler must not advance fully before delivering the ball. bowling green 0. syl bowl+ing green pos n. def an area of closely mown turf on which the game of bowls is played. bowl over 1. syl bowl o:ver pos vb. adv. mod tr. qual Informal. def to surprise (a person) greatly, esp. in a pleasant way; astound; amaze. exam 1 he was bowled over by our gift. bowl over 2. syl bowl o:ver pos vb. adv. mod tr. def to knock (a person or thing) down; cause to fall over. bowls 1.a. syl bowls pron pos n. mod pl. def a game played on a bowling green in which a small bowl (the jack) is pitched from a mark and two opponents or opposing teams take turns to roll biased wooden bowls towards it, the object being to finish as near the jack as possible. bowls 1.b. syl bowls pron pos n. mod pl. usage as modifier exam 1 a bowls tournament. bowls 2. syl bowls pron pos n. mod pl. def skittles or tenpin bowling. bowmen infl head bowman syl bow+men. pos n. mod pl. bowman H1.0. syl bow+man pron <1b*um*n> pos n. qual Archaic. def an archer. bowmen infl head bowman syl bow+men pos n. mod pl. bowman H2.0. syl bow+man pron <1baum*n> pos n. qual Nautical. def an oarsman at the bow of a boat. Also called: {bow oar}. bow out 0. syl bow out pron pos vb. adv. usage usually tr.; def often foll. by to retire or withdraw gracefully. bowsaw 0. syl bow+saw pron <1b*u2sc:> pos n. def a saw with a thin blade in a bow-shaped frame, used for cutting curves. bowse 0. syl bowse pron pos vb. def a variant spelling of {bouse}. bowser ety originally a U.S. proprietary name bowser 1. syl bow+ser pron <1bauz*> pos n. def a tanker containing fuel for aircraft, military vehicles, etc. bowser 2. syl bow+ser pron <1bauz*> pos n. qual Austral., N.Z. def a petrol pump at a filling station. bowshot 0. syl bow+shot pron <1b*u2Sot> pos n. def the distance an arrow travels from the bow (esp. in the phrases {within bowshot, out of bowshot}) . bowsprit ety C13: from Middle Low German b*_ochspr*_et, from b*_och #7bow %3#7+ spr*_et pole bowsprit 0. syl bow+sprit pron <1b*usprit> pos n. qual Nautical. def a spar projecting from the bow of a vessel, esp. a sailing vessel, used to carry the headstay as far forward as possible. Bow Street runner 0. syl Bow Street run+ner pron pos n. usage Brit. from 1749 to 1829 def an officer at Bow Street magistrates' court, London, whose duty was to pursue and arrest criminals. bowstring 0. syl bow+string pron <1b*u2striG> pos n. def the string of an archer's bow, usually consisting of three strands of hemp. bowstring hemp 1. syl bow+string hemp pos n. def a hemplike fibre obtained from the sansevieria. bowstring hemp 2. syl bow+string hemp pos n. def another name for {sansevieria}. bow tie 0. syl bow tie pron pos n. def a man's tie tied in a bow, now chiefly in plain black for formal evening wear. bow weight 0. syl bow weight pron pos n. qual Archery. def the poundage required to draw a bow to the full length of the arrow. bow window 0. syl bow win+dow pron pos n. def a bay window in the shape of a curve. bow-wow 1. syl bow-wow pron <1bau2wau>, <-1wau> pos n. def a child's word for {dog}. bow-wow 2. syl bow-wow pron <1bau2wau>, <-1wau> pos n. def an imitation of the bark of a dog. bow-wow 3. syl bow-wow pron <1bau2wau>, <-1wau> pos vb. mod intr. def to bark or imitate a dog's bark. bowyangs ety C19: from English dialect bowy-yanks leggings bowyangs 0. syl bow+yangs pron <1b*uj@Gz> pos n. mod pl. qual Austral., N.Z. def a pair of strings or straps secured round each trouser leg below the knee, worn esp. by sheep-shearers and other labourers. bowyer 0. syl bow+yer pron <1b*uj*> pos n. def a person who makes or sells archery bows. box ety Old English box, from Latin buxus, from Greek puxos #7box %3 box H1.1. syl box pron pos n. def a receptacle or container made of wood, cardboard, etc., usually rectangular and having a removable or hinged lid. box H1.2. syl box pron pos n. def Also called: {boxful}. the contents of such a receptacle or the amount it can contain. exam 1 he ate a whole box of chocolates. box H1.3. syl box pron pos n. def any of various containers for a specific purpose. exam 1 a money box; exam 2 letter box. box H1.4. syl box pron pos n. usage often in combination def any of various small cubicles, kiosks, or shelters. exam 1 a telephone box or callbox; exam 2 a sentry box; exam 3 a signal box on a railway. box H1.5. syl box pron pos n. def a separate compartment in a public place for a small group of people, as in a theatre or certain restaurants. box H1.6. syl box pron pos n. def an enclosure within a courtroom. See {jurybox, witness box}. box H1.7. syl box pron pos n. def a compartment for a horse in a stable or a vehicle. See {loose box, horse box}. box H1.8. syl box pron pos n. qual Brit. def a small country house occupied by sportsmen when following a field sport, esp. shooting. box H1.9.a. syl box pron pos n. def a protective housing for machinery or mechanical parts. box H1.9.b. syl box pron pos n. def the contents of such a box. box H1.9.c. syl box pron pos n. usage in combination exam 1 a gearbox. box H1.10. syl box pron pos n. def a shaped device of light tough material worn by sportsmen to protect the genitals, esp. in cricket. box H1.11. syl box pron pos n. def a section of printed matter on a page, enclosed by lines, a border, or white space. box H1.12. syl box pron pos n. def a central agency to which mail is addressed and by which it is re?!distributed. exam 1 a post-office box; exam 2 to reply to a box number in a newspaper advertisement. box H1.13. syl box pron pos n. def the penalty area of a soccer pitch. box H1.14. syl box pron pos n. qual Baseball. def either of the designated areas for the batter or the pitcher. box H1.15. syl box pron pos n. def the raised seat on which the driver sits in a horse-drawn coach. box H1.16. syl box pron pos n. qual Austral. def an accidental mixing of herds or flocks. box H1.17. syl box pron pos n. def a hole cut into the base of a tree to collect the sap. box H1.18. syl box pron pos n. usage Brit. esp. formerly def a present, esp. of money, given at Christmas to tradesmen, etc. box H1.19. syl box pron pos n. def a device for dividing water into two or more ditches in an irrigation system. box H1.20. syl box pron pos n. def an informal name for a {coffin}. box H1.21. syl box pron pos n. qual Austral. taboo slang. def the female genitals. the box 22. head box syl the box. qual Brit. informal. def television. out of the box 23. head box syl out of the box. qual Austral. informal. def outstanding or excellent. {~} box H1.24. syl box pron pos n. mod tr. def to put into a box. box H1.25. syl box pron pos n. mod tr. usage usually foll. by in or up def to prevent from moving freely; confine. box H1.26. syl box pron pos n. mod tr. def to make a cut in the base of (a tree) in order to collect the sap. box H1.27. syl box pron pos n. qual Austral. def to mix (flocks or herds) or (of flocks) to become mixed accidentally. box H1.28. syl box pron pos n. qual Nautical. def short for {boxhaul}. box the compass 29. head box syl box the compass. qual Nautical. def to name the compass points in order. boxlike sub head box syl box+2like pos adj. box ety C14: of uncertain origin; perhaps related to Dutch boken to shunt, push into position box H2.1. syl box pron pos vb. mod tr. def to fight (an opponent) in a boxing match. box H2.2. syl box pron pos vb. mod intr. def to engage in boxing. box H2.3. syl box pron pos vb. mod tr. def to hit (a person) with the fist; punch or cuff. box H2.4. syl box pron pos n. def a punch with the fist, esp. on the ear. box ety Old English, from Latin buxus box H3.1. syl box pron pos n. def any evergreen tree or shrub of the genus esp. which has small shiny leaves and is used for hedges, borders, and garden mazes: family box H3.2. syl box pron pos n. def the wood of this tree. See {boxwood} (sense 1). box H3.3. syl box pron pos n. def any of several trees the timber or foliage of which resembles this tree, esp. species of boxberries infl head boxberry syl box+ber:ries. pos n. mod pl. boxberry 1. syl box+ber:ry pron <1boksb*ri> pos n. def the fruit of the partridgeberry or wintergreen. boxberry 2. syl box+ber:ry pron <1boksb*ri> pos n. def another name for {partridge?!berry} and { {wintergreen} (sense 1)}. boxboard 0. syl box+board pron <1boks2bc:d> pos n. def a tough paperboard made from wood and wastepaper pulp: used for making boxes, etc. box calf ety C20: named after Joseph Box, London shoemaker box calf 0. syl box calf pos n. def black calfskin leather, tanned with chromium salts, having a pattern of fine creases formed by boarding. box camera 0. syl box cam+er:a pos n. def a simple box-shaped camera having an elementary lens, shutter, and viewfinder. box canyon 0. syl box can+yon pos n. qual Western U.S. def a canyon with vertical or almost vertical walls. boxcar 0. syl box+car pron <1boks2ka:> pos n. qual U.S. def a closed railway van. box coat 1. syl box coat pos n. def a plain short coat that hangs loosely from the shoulders. box coat 2. syl box coat pos n. def a heavy overcoat, worn formerly by coachmen. box elder 0. syl box el+der pos n. def a medium-sized fast-growing widely cultivated North American maple, which has compound leaves with lobed leaflets. Also called: {ash-leaved maple}. boxer 1. syl box+er pron <1boks*> pos n. def a man who boxes, either professionally or as a hobby; pugilist. boxer 2. syl box+er pron <1boks*> pos n. def a large smooth-haired breed of dog with a short nose and a docked tail. Boxer ety C18: rough translation of Chinese I Ho Ch'*"uan, literally: virtuous harmonious fist, altered from I Ho T'uan virtuous harmonious society Boxer 0.a. syl Box+er pron <1boks*> pos n. def a member of a nationalistic Chinese secret society that led an unsuccessful rebellion in 1900 against foreign interests in China. Boxer 0.b. syl Box+er pron <1boks*> pos n. usage as modifier exam 1 the Boxer Rebellion. boxfish infl or boxfishes syl box+fish pos n. mod pl. boxfishes infl head boxfish or boxfish syl box+fish:es. pos n. mod pl. boxfish 0. syl box+fish pron <1boks2fiS> pos n. def another name for {trunkfish}. box girder 0.a. syl box gird+er pos n. def a girder that is hollow and square or rectangular in shape. box girder 0.b. syl box gird+er pos n. usage as modifier exam 1 a box-girder bridge. boxhaul 0. syl box+haul pron <1boks2hc:l> pos vb. qual Nautical. def to bring (a square-rigger) onto a new tack by backwinding the foresails and steering hard round. boxing 0.a. syl box+ing pron <1boksiG> pos n. def the act, art, or profession of fighting with the fists, esp. the modern sport practised under Queensberry rules. boxing 0.b. syl box+ing pron <1boksiG> pos n. usage as modifier exam 1 a boxing enthusiast. Boxing Day ety C19: from the custom of giving Christmas boxes to tradesmen and staff on this day Boxing Day 0. syl Box+ing Day pos n. qual Brit. def the first weekday after Christmas, ob?!served as a holiday. boxing glove 0. syl box+ing glove pos n. def one of a pair of thickly padded mittens worn for boxing. box junction 0. syl box junc+tion pos n. usage in Britain def a road junction having yellow cross-hatching painted on the road surface. Vehicles may only enter the hatched area when their exit is clear. box kite 0. syl box kite pos n. def a kite with a boxlike frame open at both ends. box office 1. syl box of+fice pos n. def an office at a theatre, cinema, etc., where tickets are sold. box office 2. syl box of+fice pos n. def the receipts from a play, film, etc. box office 3.a. syl box of+fice pos n. def the public appeal of an actor or production. exam 1 the musical was bad box office. box office 3.b. syl box of+fice pos n. usage as modifier exam 1 a box-office success. box pleat 0. syl box pleat pos n. def a flat double pleat made by folding under the fabric on either side of it. boxroom 0. syl box+room pron <1boks2ru:m>, <-2rum> pos n. def a small room or large cupboard in which boxes, cases, etc., may be stored. box seat 1. syl box seat pos n. def a seat in a theatre box. in the box seat 2. head box seat syl in the box seat. qual Austral. informal. def in the best position. box spanner 0. syl box span+ner pos n. def a spanner consisting of a steel cylinder with a hexagonal end that fits over a nut of the appropriate size and shape. box spring 0. syl box spring pos n. def a coiled spring contained in a boxlike frame, used as base for mattresses, chairs, etc. boxthorn 0. syl box+thorn pron <1boks2Tc:n> pos n. def another name for {matrimony vine}. boxwood 1. syl box+wood pron <1boks2wud> pos n. def the hard close-grained yellow wood of the box tree, used to make tool handles, small turned or carved articles, etc. boxwood 2. syl box+wood pron <1boks2wud> pos n. def the box tree. boy ety C13 (in the sense: male servant; C14: young male): of uncertain origin; perhaps related to Old English B*_oia, man's name; from Old High German Buobo, man's name boy 1. syl boy pron pos n. def a male child; lad; youth. boy 2. syl boy pron pos n. def a man regarded as immature or inexperienced. exam 1 he's just a boy when it comes to dealing with women. boy 3. syl boy pron pos n. def See {old boy}. the boys 4. head boy syl the boys. qual Informal. def a group of men, esp. a group of friends. boy 5. syl boy pron pos n. usage esp. in former colonial territories def a native servant. boy 6. syl boy pron pos n. def short for {boyfriend}. boys will be boys 7. head boy syl boys will be boys. def youthful indiscretion or exuberance must be expected and tolerated. jobs for the boys 8. head boy syl jobs for the boys. qual Informal. def appointment of one's supporters to posts, without reference to their qualifications or ability. {~} boy 9. syl boy pron pos n. def an exclamation of surprise, pleasure, contempt, etc. boyar ety C16: from Old Russian boyarin, from Old Slavic boljarin*vu, probably from Old Turkic boila a title boyar 0. syl bo+yar pron <1b*uja:>, <1bci*> pos n. def a member of an old order of Russian nobility, ranking immediately below the princes: abolished by Peter the Great. William infl head Boyce syl Wil:liam. pos n. Boyce 0. syl Boyce pron pos n. def ??1710-79, English composer, noted esp. for his church music and symphonies. boycott ety C19: after Captain C. C. Boycott (1832-97), Irish land agent for the Earl of Erne, County Mayo, Ireland, who was a victim of such practices for refusing to reduce rents boycott 1. syl boy+cott pron <1bcikot> pos vb. mod tr. def to refuse to have dealings with (a person, organization, etc.) or refuse to buy (a product) as a protest or means of coercion. exam 1 to boycott foreign produce. boycott 2. syl boy+cott pron <1bcikot> pos n. def an instance or the use of boycotting. Arthur infl head Boyd syl Ar:thur. pos n. Boyd 0. syl Boyd pron pos n. def born 1920, Australian painter and sculptor, noted for his large ceramic sculptures and his series of engravings. John infl head Boyd Orr syl John pos n. Boyd Orr 0. syl Boyd Orr pron <1bcid> <1c:> pos n. def 1st Baron Boyd Orr. 1880-1971, Scottish biologist; director general of the United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization: Nobel peace prize 1949. Charles infl head Boyer syl Charles pron pos n. Boyer 0. syl Boy:er pron French pos n. def known as the 1899-1978, French film actor. boyfriend 0. syl boy+friend pron <1bci2frend> pos n. def a male friend with whom a person is romantically or sexually involved; sweetheart or lover. boyhood 0. syl boy+hood pron <1bcihud> pos n. def the state or time of being a boy. exam 1 his boyhood was happy. boyish 0. syl boy+ish pron <1bciiS> pos adj. def of or like a boy in looks, behaviour, or character, esp. when regarded as attractive or endearing. exam 1 a boyish smile. boyishly sub head boyish syl boy+ish+ly pos adv. boyishness sub head boyish syl boy+ish+ness pos n. boyla ety from a native Australian language boyla 0. syl boy+la pron <1bcil*> pos n. qual Austral. def an Aboriginal witch doctor. Robert infl head Boyle syl Rob:ert. pos n. Boyle 0. syl Boyle pron pos n. def 1627-91, Irish scientist who helped to dissociate chemistry from alchemy. He established that air has weight and studied the behaviour of gases; author of (1661). Boyle's law ety C18: named after Robert B#7oyle Boyle's law 0. syl Boyle's law pos n. def the principle that the pressure of a gas varies inversely with its volume at constant temperature. boy-meets-girl 0. syl boy-meets-girl pos adj. def conventionally or trivially romantic. exam 1 a boy-meets-girl story. Boyne 0. syl Boyne pron pos n. def a river in the E Republic of Ireland, rising in the Bog of Allen and flowing northeast to the Irish Sea: William III of England defeated the deposed James II in a battle ({Battle of the Boyne}) on its banks in 1690, completing the overthrow of the Stuart cause in Ireland. Length: about 112 km (70 miles). Boyoma Falls 0. syl Bo+yo+ma Falls pron pos n. mod pl. def a series of seven cataracts in NE Za*"ire, on the upper River Congo: forms an unnavigable stretch of 90 km (56 miles), which falls 60 m (200 ft.). Former name: {Stanley Falls}. Boys' Brigade 0. syl Boys' Bri+gade pos n. qual Brit. def an organization for boys, founded in 1883, with the aim of promoting discipline and self-respect. boy scout 0. syl boy scout pos n. def See { {Scout}}. boysenberry ety C20: named after Rudolph Boysen, American botanist who de?!veloped it boysenberries infl head boysenberry syl boy:sen+ber:ries. pos n. mod pl. boysenberry 1. syl boy:sen+ber:ry pron <1bcizNb*ri> pos n. def a type of bramble: a hybrid of the loganberry and various blackberries and raspberries. boysenberry 2. syl boy:sen+ber:ry pron <1bcizNb*ri> pos n. def the large red edible fruit of this plant. Boz 0. syl Boz pron pos n. def pen name of (Charles) {Dickens}. Bozcaada 0. syl Boz+ca:a+da pron < 2bczJaa1da> pos n. def the Turkish name for {Tenedos}. Bozen 0. syl Bo+zen pron <1bo:tsN> pos n. def the German name for {Bolzano}. bozo ety C20: of uncertain origin; perhaps based on #7beau bozos infl head bozo syl bo:zos. pos n. mod pl. bozo 0. syl bo:zo pron <1b*uz*u> pos n. qual U.S. slang. def a man, esp. a stupid one. bp 1. syl bp. qual abbrev. for: def baptized. bp 2. syl bp. qual abbrev. for: def birthplace. bp 3. syl bp. qual abbrev. for: def bishop. bp 1. syl b.p. qual abbrev. for: usage of alcoholic density def below proof. bp 2. syl b.p. qual abbrev. for: def boiling point. BP 0. syl B.P. qual abbrev. for def British Pharmacopoeia. bp alt head BP or BP syl b.p. BP 0. or bp syl B/P qual abbrev. for def bills payable. BPC 0. syl B.P.C. qual abbrev. for def British Pharmaceutical Codex. BPharm 0. syl B.Pharm qual abbrev. for def Bachelor of Pharmacy. BPhil 0. syl B.Phil. qual abbrev. for def Bachelor of Philosophy. bpi 0. syl b.p.i. qual abbrev. for def bits per inch (used of a computer tape). bpt 0. syl b.pt. qual abbrev. for def boiling point. Br 0. syl Br usage the chemical symbol for def bromine. BR 0. syl B.R. qual abbrev. for def British Rail (formerly British Railways). BR 0. syl BR usage international car registration for def Brazil. br 1. syl br. qual abbrev. for: def branch. br 2. syl br. qual abbrev. for: def bronze. br 3. syl br. qual abbrev. for: def brother. Br 1. syl Br. qual abbrev. for: def Breton. Br 2. syl Br. qual abbrev. for: def Britain. Br 3. syl Br. qual abbrev. for: def British. Br 4. syl Br. qual abbrev. for: usage in a religious order def Brother. br alt head BR or BR syl b.r. BR 0. or br syl B/R qual abbrev. for def bills receivable. bra 0. syl bra pron pos n. def short for {brassiere}. braata ety perhaps from Spanish barata a bargain braatas alt head braata or braata syl braa+tas pos n. braata 0. or braatas syl braa+ta pron <1bra:t*> pos n. qual Caribbean. def a small portion added to a purchase of food by a market vendor, to encourage the customer to return. Also called: {broughta} or {broughtas}. Brabant 1. syl Bra+bant pron pos n. def a former duchy of W Europe: divided when Belgium became independent (1830), the south forming the Belgian provinces of Antwerp and Brabant and the north forming the province of North Brabant in the Netherlands. Brabant 2. syl Bra+bant pron pos n. def a province of central Belgium: densely populated and intensively farmed, with large industrial centres. Capital: Brussels. Pop.: 2220088 (1975 est.). Area: 3284 sq. km (1268 sq. miles). brabble ety C16: from Middle Dutch brabbelen to jabber brabble 0. syl brab+ble pron <1br@bL> pos vb. n. def a rare word for {squabble}. brabbler sub head brabble syl brab+bler pos n. brace ety C14: from Old French: the two arms, from Latin bracchia arms brace 1. syl brace pron pos n. def a hand tool for drilling holes, with a socket to hold the drill at one end and a cranked handle by which the tool can be turned. See also {brace and bit}. brace 2. syl brace pron pos n. def something that steadies, binds, or holds up another thing. brace 3. syl brace pron pos n. def a structural member, such as a beam or prop, used to stiffen a framework. brace 4. syl brace pron pos n. def a sliding loop, usually of leather, attached to the cords of a drum: used to change its tension. brace 5. syl brace pron pos n. def a pair; two, esp. of game birds. exam 1 a brace of partridges. brace 6. syl brace pron pos n. def either of a pair of characters, ?{#800078 ?}#800079 , used for connecting lines of printing or writing or as a third sign of aggregation in complex mathematical or logical expressions that already contain parentheses and square brackets. brace 7. syl brace pron pos n. def Also called: {accolade}. a line or bracket connecting two or more staves of music. brace 8. syl brace pron pos n. mod often; pl. def an appliance of metal bands and wires that can be tightened to maintain steady pressure on the teeth for correcting uneven alignment. brace 9. syl brace pron pos n. qual Med. def any of various appliances for supporting the trunk or a limb. brace 10. syl brace pron pos n. def another word for {bracer%2}. brace 11. syl brace pron pos n. usage in square-rigged sailing ships def a rope that controls the movement of a yard and thus the position of a sail. brace 12. syl brace pron pos n. def See {braces. ~} brace 13. syl brace pron pos n. def to provide, strengthen, or fit with a brace. brace 14. syl brace pron pos n. def to steady or prepare (oneself or something) as before an impact. brace 15. syl brace pron pos n. mod also; intr. def to stimulate; freshen; invigorate. exam 1 sea air is bracing. brace 16. syl brace pron pos n. def to control the horizontal movement of (the yards of a square-rigged sailing ship). brace and bit 0. syl brace and bit pos n. def a hand tool for boring holes, consisting of a cranked handle into which a drilling bit is inserted. bracelet ety C15: from Old French, from bracel, literally: a little arm, from Latin bracchium arm; see #7brace bracelet 1. syl brace+let pron <1brAslit> pos n. def an ornamental chain worn around the arm or wrist. bracelet 2. syl brace+let pron <1brAslit> pos n. def an expanding metal band for a wristwatch. bracelets 0. syl brace+lets pron <1brAslits> pos n. mod pl. def a slang name for {handcuffs}. bracer H1.1. syl brac+er pron <1brAs*> pos n. def a person or thing that braces. bracer H1.2. syl brac+er pron <1brAs*> pos n. qual Informal. def a tonic, esp. an alcoholic drink taken as a tonic. bracer ety C14: from Old French braciere, from braz arm, from Latin #7bracchium bracer H2.0. syl brac+er pron <1brAs*> pos n. qual Archery, fencing. def a leather guard worn to protect the arm. braces 0. syl brac:es pron <1brAsiz> pos n. mod pl. qual Brit. def a pair of straps worn over the shoulders by men for holding up the trousers. U.S. word: {suspenders}. brach ety C14: back formation from brachez hunting dogs, from Old French, plural of brachet, of Germanic origin; compare Old High German braccho hound brachet alt head brach or brach syl brach+et pron <1br@Cit> pos n. brach 0. or brachet syl brach pron pos n. qual Archaic. def a bitch hound. brachial 0. syl bra+chi:al pron <1brAki*l>, <1br@k-> pos adj. def of or relating to the arm or to an armlike part or structure. brachiate ety C19: from Latin bracchi*_atus with armlike branches &- @!bra+chi@.#!a+tion n. brachiate 1. syl bra+chi+ate pron <1brAkiit>, <-2At>, <1br@k-> pos adj. qual Botany. def having widely divergent paired branches. brachiate 2. syl bra+chi+ate pron <1brAki2At>, <1br@k-> pos vb. mod intr. usage of some arboreal apes and monkeys def to swing by the arms from one hold to the next. brachiopod ety C19: from New Latin Brachiopoda; see #7brachium, -#7pod brachiopod 0. syl bra+chi:o+pod pron <1brAki*2pod>, <1br@k-> pos n. def any marine invertebrate animal of the phylum having a ciliated feeding organ (lophophore) and a shell consisting of dorsal and ventral valves. Also called: {lamp shell}. See also {bryozoan}. brachiosaurus 0. syl bra+chi:o+saur+us pron <2brAki*1sc:r*s>, <2br@k-> pos n. def a dinosaur of the genus up to 30 metres long: the largest land animal ever known. See also {sauropod}. brachium ety C18: New Latin, from Latin bracchium arm, from Greek brakhi*_on brachia infl head brachium syl bra+chi:a pron <-ki*> pos n. mod pl. brachium 1. syl bra+chi:um pron <1brAki*m>, <1br@k-> pos n. qual Anatomy. def the arm, esp. the upper part. brachium 2. syl bra+chi:um pron <1brAki*m>, <1br@k-> pos n. def a corresponding part, such as a wing, in an animal. brachium 3. syl bra+chi:um pron <1brAki*m>, <1br@k-> pos n. qual Biology. def a branching or armlike part. brachy- ety from Greek brakhus short brachy- 0. syl brach:y- usage combining form. def indicating something short. exam 1 brachycephalic. brachycephalic 1. syl brach:y+ce:phal+ic pron <2br@kisi1f@lik> pos adj. usage also def having a head nearly as broad from side to side as from front to back, esp. one with a cephalic index over 80. brachycephalic 2. syl brach:y+ce:phal+ic pron <2br@kisi1f@lik> pos n. usage also def an individual with such a head. brachycephalic xref syl brach:y+ce:phal+ic pron <2br@kisi1f@lik> pos adj. usage also def Compare {dolichocephalic, mesocephalic}. brachycephaly sub head brachycephalic or brachycephalism syl brach:y+1ceph:a+ly pos n. brachycephalism sub head brachycephalic or brachycephaly syl brach:y+1ceph:a+lism pos n. brachydactylic 0. syl brach:y+dac+tyl+ic pron <2br@kid@k1tilik> pos adj. def having abnormally short fingers or toes. brachydactylia sub head brachydactylic or brachydactylism syl brach:y+dac+1tyl:i:a pos n. brachydactylism sub head brachydactylic or brachydactylia syl brach:y+1dac+tyl+ism pos n. brachylogies infl head brachylogy syl bra+chyl+o:gies. pos n. mod pl. brachylogy 1. syl bra+chyl+o:gy pron pos n. def a concise style in speech or writing. brachylogy 2. syl bra+chyl+o:gy pron pos n. def a colloquial shortened form of expression that is not the result of a regular grammatical process. exam 1 the omission of @6good@9 in the expression @6Afternoon@9 is a brachylogy. brachylogous sub head brachylogy syl bra+1chyl:o+gous pos adj. brachypterous 0. syl bra+chyp+ter+ous pron pos adj. def having very short or incompletely developed wings. exam 1 brachypterous insects. brachyuran ety C19: from New Latin Brachyura (literally: short-tailed creatures), from #7brachy -#7+ Greek oura tail brachyuran 1. syl brach:y+ur+an pron <2br@ki1ju*r*n> pos n. def any decapod crustacean of the group (formerly suborder) which includes the crabs. brachyuran 2. syl brach:y+ur+an pron <2br@ki1ju*r*n> pos adj. def of, relating to, or belonging to the bracing 1. syl brac+ing pron <1brAsiG> pos adj. def refreshing; stimulating; invigorating. exam 1 the air here is bracing. bracing 2. syl brac+ing pron <1brAsiG> pos n. def a system of braces used to strengthen or support. exam 1 the bracing supporting the building is perfectly adequate. bracingly sub head bracing syl brac+ing+ly pos adv. bracken ety C14: of Scandinavian origin; compare Swedish br*"aken, Danish bregne bracken 1. syl brack+en pron <1br@k*n> pos n. def Also called: {brake}. any of various large coarse ferns, esp. having large fronds with spore cases along the undersides and extensive underground stems. bracken 2. syl brack+en pron <1br@k*n> pos n. def a clump of any of these ferns. bracket ety , used to enclose a section of writing or printing to separate it from the main text. bracket ety C16: from Old French braguette codpiece, diminutive of bragues breeches, from Old Proven*,cal braga, from Latin br*_aca breeches bracket 1. syl brack+et pron <1br@kit> pos n. def an L-shaped or other support fixed to a wall to hold a shelf, etc. bracket 2. syl brack+et pron <1br@kit> pos n. def one or more wall shelves carried on brackets. bracket 3. syl brack+et pron <1br@kit> pos n. qual Architect. def a support projecting from the side of a wall or other structure. See also {corbel, ancon}, { {console} %2}. bracket 4. syl brack+et pron <1br@kit> pos n. def Also called: {square bracket}. either of a pair of characters, bracket 5. syl brack+et pron <1br@kit> pos n. def a general name for {parenthesis, square bracket}, and {brace} (sense 6). bracket 6. syl brack+et pron <1br@kit> pos n. def a group or category falling within or between certain defined limits. exam 1 the lower income bracket. bracket 7. syl brack+et pron <1br@kit> pos n. def the distance between two preliminary shots of artillery fire in range-finding. bracket 8. syl brack+et pron <1br@kit> pos n. def a skating figure consisting of two arcs meeting at a point, tracing the shape ?{. {~} bracket 9. syl brack+et pron <1br@kit> pos n. def to fix or support by means of a bracket or brackets. bracket 10. syl brack+et pron <1br@kit> pos n. def to put (written or printed matter) in brackets, esp. as being irrelevant, spurious, or bearing a separate relationship of some kind to the rest of the text. bracket 11. syl brack+et pron <1br@kit> pos n. def to couple or join (two lines of text, etc.) with a brace. bracket 12. syl brack+et pron <1br@kit> pos n. usage often foll. by with def to group or class together. exam 1 to bracket Marx with the philosophers. bracket 13. syl brack+et pron <1br@kit> pos n. def to adjust (artillery fire) until the target is hit. bracket fungus 0. syl brack+et fun+gus pos n. def any saprophytic or parasitic fungus of the basidiomycetous family growing as a shelf?!like mass (bracket) from tree trunks and producing spores in vertical tubes in the bracket. bracketing 0. syl brack+et+ing pron <1br@kitiG> pos n. def a set of brackets. brackish ety C16: from Middle Dutch brac salty; see -#7ish brackish 0. syl brack+ish pron <1br@kiS> pos adj. usage of water def slightly briny or salty. brackishness sub head brackish syl brack+ish+ness pos n. Bracknell 0. syl Brack+nell pron <1br@kn*l> pos n. def a new town in E Berkshire, founded in 1949. Pop.: 33953 (1971). bract ety C18: from New Latin bractea, Latin: thin metal plate, goldleaf, variant of brattea, of obscure origin bract 0. syl bract pron pos n. def a specialized leaf with a single flower or inflorescence growing in its axil. bracteal sub head bract syl bract+e:al pos adj. bractless sub head bract syl bract+less pos adj. bracteate ety C19: from Latin bracte*_atus gold-plated; see #7bract bracteate 1. syl brac+te+ate pron <1br@ktiit>, <-2At> pos adj. usage of a plant def having bracts. bracteate 2. syl brac+te+ate pron <1br@ktiit>, <-2At> pos n. qual Archaeol. def a fine decorated dish or plate of precious metal. bracteole ety C19: from New Latin bracteola, from bractea thin metal plate; see #7bract bracteole 0. syl brac+te+ole pron <1br@kti2*ul> pos n. def a secondary or small bract. Also called: {bractlet}. bracteolate sub head bracteole syl brac+te:o+late pron <1br@kti*lit>, <-2lAt> pos adj. brad ety Old English brord point, prick; related to Old Norse broddr spike, sting, Old High German brort edge brad 0. syl brad pron pos n. def a small tapered nail having a small head that is either symmetrical or formed on one side only. bradawl 0. syl brad+awl pron <1br@d2c:l> pos n. def an awl used to pierce wood, leather, or other materials for the insertion of brads, screws, etc. Bradford 0. syl Brad+ford pron <1br@df*d> pos n. def an industrial city in N England, in West Yorkshire: a centre of the woollen industry since the 14th century and of the worsted trade since the 18th century. Pop.: 293756 (1971). Andrew Cecil 1. head Bradley syl An:drew Cec:il. def 1851-1935, English critic; author of (1904). Francis Herbert 2. head Bradley syl Fran:cis Her:bert. def 1846-1924, English idealist philosopher and meta?!physical thinker; author of (1876), (1883), and (1893). Henry 3. head Bradley syl Hen:ry. def 1845-1923, English lexicographer; one of the editors of the James 4. head Bradley syl James. def 1693-1762, English astronomer who discovered the aberration of light and the nutation of the earth's axis. Don(ald George) infl head Bradman syl Don(ald George). pos n. Bradman 0. syl Brad:man pron <1br@dm*n> pos n. def born 1908, Australian cricketer: an outstanding batsman. Bradshaw ety C19: named after its original publisher, George Bradshaw (1801-53) Bradshaw 0. syl Brad:shaw pron <1br@d2Sc:> pos n. def a British railway timetable, published annually from 1839 to 1961. brady- ety from Greek bradus slow ********************************************************************** ********************************************************************** bradycardia. brady- ety from Greek bradus slow ********************************************************************** ********************************************************************** brady- 0. syl brad:y- usage combining form. def indicating slowness. exam 1 bradycardia. bradycardia 0. syl brad:y+car+di:a pron <2br@di1ka:di*> pos n. qual Pathol. def an abnormally low rate of heartbeat. Compare {tachycardia}. bradycard sub head bradycardia syl brad:y+1car+d pos adj. bradykinin ety C20: from #7brady -#7+ Greek kin (*_esis) motion+-#7in bradykinin 0. syl brad:y+kin+in pron <2br@di1kInin>, <2brAdi-> pos n. def a protein in blood plasma that dilates blood vessels and causes contraction of smooth muscles. Formula: C\5\0H\7\3N\1\5O\1\1. brae ety Old English br*_@aw #7brow, eyelid; related to Old Norse br*_a eyelash, Old High German br*_awa eyelid, eyebrow brae 0. syl brae pron pos n. qual Scot. def a hill or hillside; slope. brag ety C13: of unknown origin brags infl head brag syl brags pos vb. bragging infl head brag syl brag+ging pos vb. bragged infl head brag syl bragged. pos vb. brag 1. syl brag pron pos vb. def to speak of (one's own achievements, possessions, etc.) arrogantly and boastfully. brag 2. syl brag pron pos n. def boastful talk or behaviour, or an instance of this. brag 3. syl brag pron pos n. def something boasted of. exam 1 his brag was his new car. brag 4. syl brag pron pos n. def a braggart; boaster. brag 5. syl brag pron pos n. def a card game: an old form of poker. bragger sub head brag syl brag+ger pos n. braggingly sub head brag syl brag+ging+ly pos adv. Braga 0. syl Bra+ga pron Portuguese <1bra$G*> pos n. def a city in N Portugal: capital of the Roman province of Lusitania; 12th-century cathedral, seat of the Primate of Portugal. Pop.: 101877 (1970). Ancient name: {Bracara Augusta}. Bragg 0. syl Bragg pron pos n. def Sir {Wil@.liam Hen@.ry}, 1862-1942, and his son, Sir ({William) Law@.rence}, 1890-1971, English physicists, who shared a Nobel prize for physics (1915) for their study of crystal structures by means of x-rays. braggadocio ety C16: from Braggadocchio, name of a boastful character in Spenser's Faerie Queen; probably from #7braggart+ Italian -occhio (augmentative suffix) braggadocios infl head braggadocio syl brag+ga+do+ci:os. pos n. mod pl. braggadocio 1. syl brag+ga+do+ci:o pron <2br@g*1d*uCi2*u> pos n. def vain empty boasting. braggadocio 2. syl brag+ga+do+ci:o pron <2br@g*1d*uCi2*u> pos n. def a person who boasts; braggart. braggart ety C16: see #7brag braggart 1. syl brag+gart pron <1br@g*t> pos n. def a person who boasts loudly or exaggeratedly; bragger. braggart 2. syl brag+gart pron <1br@g*t> pos adj. def boastful. Bragg's law 0. syl Bragg's law pos n. def the principle that when a beam of x-rays of wavelength #Gv enters a crystal, the maximum intensity of the reflected ray occurs when sin #Gg= #Gv/2 where #Gg is the complement of the angle of incidence, is a whole number, and is the distance between layers of atoms. Brage alt head Bragi or Bragi syl Bra:ge pron <1bra:g*> pos n. Bragi 0. or Brage syl Bra:gi pron <1bra:gi> pos n. qual Norse myth. def the god of poetry and music, son of Odin. Tycho infl head Brahe syl Ty:cho pron <1tygo> pos n. Brahe 0. syl Bra:he pron , <1bra:hi>, Danish <1bra:*> pos n. def 1546-1601, Danish astronomer who designed and constructed instruments that he used to plot accurately the positions of the planets, sun, moon, and stars. Brahma ety from Sanskrit, from brahman praise Brahma H1.1. syl Brah+ma pron <1bra:m*> pos n. def a Hindu god: in later Hindu tradition, the Creator who, with Vishnu, the Preserver, and Shiva, the Destroyer, constitutes the triad known as the Trimurti. Brahma H1.2. syl Brah+ma pron <1bra:m*> pos n. def another name for {Brahman} (sense 2). Brahma ety shortened from Brahmaputra (river); from its having been imported originally from Lakhimpur, a town on the Brahmaputra Brahma H2.0. syl Brah+ma pron <1bra:m*>, <1brA-> pos n. def a heavy breed of domestic fowl with profusely feathered legs and feet. Brahman ety C14: from Sanskrit br*_ahmana, from brahman prayer Brahmans infl head Brahman syl Brah+mans. pos n. mod pl. Brahman 1. syl Brah+man pron <1bra:m*n> pos n. usage sometimes not cap. def Also (esp. formerly): {Brahmin}. a member of the highest or priestly caste in the Hindu caste system. Brahman 2. syl Brah+man pron <1bra:m*n> pos n. qual Hinduism. def the ultimate and impersonal divine reality of the universe, from which all being originates and to which it returns. Brahman 3. syl Brah+man pron <1bra:m*n> pos n. def another name for {Brahma%1}. Brahmanic sub head Brahman or Brahmanical syl Brah+man+ic pron pos adj. Brahmanical sub head Brahman or Brahmanic syl Brah+1man:i+cal pos adj. Brahmana 0. syl Brah+ma+na pron <1bra:m*n*> pos n. qual Hinduism. def any of a number of sacred treatises added to each of the Vedas. Brahmanis infl head Brahmani syl Brah+ma+nis. pos n. mod pl. Brahmani 0. syl Brah+ma+ni pron <1bra:m*ni> pos n. usage some?!times not cap. def a woman of the Brahman caste. Brahminism alt head Brahmanism or Brahmanism syl Brah+min+ism Brahmanism 1. or Brahminism syl Brah+man+ism pron <1bra:m*2niz*m> pos n. usage some?!times not cap. def the religious and social system of orthodox Hinduism, characterized by diversified pantheism, the caste system, and the sacrifices and family ceremonies of Hindu tradition. Brahmanism 2. or Brahminism syl Brah+man+ism pron <1bra:m*2niz*m> pos n. usage some?!times not cap. def the form of Hinduism prescribed in the Vedas, Brahmanas, and Upanishads. Brahmanist sub head Brahmanism or Brahminist syl Brah+man+ist pos n. Brahminist sub head Brahmanism or Brahmanist syl Brah+min+ist pos n. Brahmaputra 0. syl Brah+ma+pu+tra pron <2bra:m*1pu:tr*> pos n. def a river in S Asia, rising in SW Tibet as the Tsangpo and flowing through the Himalayas and NE India to join the Ganges at its delta in Bangladesh. Length: about 2900 km (1800 miles). Brahmin infl or Brahmins syl Brah+min pos n. mod pl. Brahmins infl head Brahmin or Brahmin syl Brah+mins. pos n. mod pl. Brahmin 1. syl Brah+min pron <1bra:min> pos n. def the older spelling of {Brahman} (a Hindu priest). Brahmin 2. syl Brah+min pron <1bra:min> pos n. qual U.S. def a highly intelligent or socially exclusive person, esp. a member of one of the older New England families. Brahmin 3. syl Brah+min pron <1bra:min> pos n. def an intellectual or social snob. Brahminic sub head Brahmin or Brahminical syl Brah+1min+ic pos adj. Brahminical sub head Brahmin or Brahminic syl Brah+1min:i+cal pos adj. Johannes infl head Brahms syl Jo:han:nes pron pos n. Brahms 0. syl Brahms pron pos n. def 1833-97, German composer, whose music, though classical in form, exhibits a strong lyrical romanticism. His works include four symphonies, four concertos, chamber music, and (1868). Brahui 1. syl Bra+hu:i pron pos n. def a language spoken in Pakistan, forming an isolated branch of the Dravidian family. Brahui infl or Brahuis syl Bra+hu:i pos n. mod pl. Brahuis infl head Brahui or Brahui syl Bra+hu:is pos n. mod pl. Brahui 2. syl Bra+hu:i pron pos n. def a member of the people that speaks this language. braid ety Old English bregdan to move suddenly, weave together; compare Old Norse bregtha, Old High German brettan to draw a sword braid 1. syl braid pron pos vb. mod tr. def to interweave several strands of (hair, thread, etc.); plait. braid 2. syl braid pron pos vb. mod tr. def to make by such weaving. exam 1 to braid a rope. braid 3. syl braid pron pos vb. mod tr. def to dress or bind (the hair) with a ribbon, etc. braid 4. syl braid pron pos vb. mod tr. def to decorate with an ornamental trim or border. exam 1 to braid a skirt. braid 5. syl braid pron pos n. mod tr. def a length of hair, fabric, etc., that has been braided; plait. braid 6. syl braid pron pos n. mod tr. def narrow ornamental tape of woven silk, wool, etc. braider sub head braid syl braid+er pos n. braided 0. syl braid+ed pron <1brAdid> pos adj. usage of a river or stream def flowing in several shallow interconnected channels separated by banks of deposited material. braiding 1. syl braid+ing pron <1brAdiG> pos n. def braids collectively. braiding 2. syl braid+ing pron <1brAdiG> pos n. def work done in braid. braiding 3. syl braid+ing pron <1brAdiG> pos n. def a piece of braid. brail ety C15: from Old French braiel, from Medieval Latin br*_ac*_ale belt for breeches, from Latin br*_aca breeches brail 1. syl brail pron pos n. qual Nautical. def one of several lines fastened to the leech of a fore-and-aft sail to aid in furling it. brail 2. syl brail pron pos vb. mod tr. qual Nautical. usage sometimes foll. by up def to furl (a fore-and-aft sail) using brails. Brvaila 0. syl Br*va+i:la pron Rumanian pos n. def a port in E Rumania: belonged to Turkey (1544-1828). Pop.: 165803 (1974 est.). Braille H1.1. syl Braille pron pos n. def a system of writing for the blind consisting of raised dots that can be interpreted by touch, each dot or group of dots representing a letter, numeral, or punctuation mark. Braille H1.2. syl Braille pron pos n. def any writing produced by this method. Braille H1.3. syl Braille pron pos vb. mod tr. def to print or write using this method. Braille H2.0. syl Braille qual French def braj) {Louis} (lwi). 1809-52, French inventor, musician, and teacher of the blind, who himself was blind from the age of three and who devised the Braille system of raised writing. brain ety Old English br@agen; related to Old Frisian brein, Middle Low German bregen, Greek brekhmos forehead brain 1. syl brain pron pos n. def the soft convoluted mass of nervous tissue within the skull of vertebrates that is the controlling and coordinating centre of the nervous system and the seat of thought, memory, and emotion. It includes the cerebrum, brain stem, and cerebellum. Technical name: {encephalon}. Related adj.: {cerebral}. brain 2. syl brain pron pos n. def the main neural bundle or ganglion of certain invertebrates. brain 3. syl brain pron pos n. mod often; pl. qual Informal. def intellectual ability. exam 1 he's got brains. brain 4. syl brain pron pos n. qual Informal. def shrewdness or cunning. brain 5. syl brain pron pos n. qual Informal. def an intellectual or intelligent person. brain 6. syl brain pron pos n. mod usually; pl. qual Informal. def a person who plans and organizes an undertaking or is in overall control of an organization, etc. on the brain 7. head brain syl on the brain. qual Informal. def constantly in mind. exam 1 I had that song on the brain. pick someone's brains 8. head brain syl pick someone's brains. qual Informal. def to obtain information or ideas from someone. brain 9. syl brain pron pos vb. mod tr. def to smash the skull of. brain 10. syl brain pron pos vb. mod tr. qual Slang. def to hit hard on the head. brainchildren infl head brainchild syl brain+chil:dren. pos n. mod pl. brainchild 0. syl brain+child pron <1brAn2CIld> pos n. qual Informal. def an idea or plan produced by creative thought; invention. brain coral 0. syl brain cor+al pos n. def a stony coral of the genus in which the polyps lie in troughlike thecae resembling the convoluted surface of a human brain. brain death 0. syl brain death pos n. def irreversible cessation of respiration due to irreparable brain damage, even though the heart may continue beating with the aid of a mechanical ventilator: widely considered as the criterion of death. &- {brain dead} brain drain 0. syl brain drain pos n. qual Informal. def the emigration of scientists, technolo?!gists, academics, etc., for better pay, equipment, or conditions. brain fever 0. syl brain fe+ver pos n. def inflammation of the brain or its covering membranes. brain-fever bird 0. syl brain-fe:ver bird pos n. def an Indian cuckoo, that utters a repetitive call. brainless 0. syl brain+less pron <1brAnlis> pos adj. def stupid or foolish. brainlessly sub head brainless syl brain+less+ly pos adv. brainlessness sub head brainless syl brain+less+ness pos n. brainpan 0. syl brain+pan pron <1brAn2p@n> pos n. qual Informal. def the skull. brainsick 0. syl brain+sick pron <1brAn2sik> pos adj. def relating to or caused by insanity; crazy; mad. brainsickly sub head brainsick syl brain+2sick+ly pos adv. brainsickness sub head brainsick syl brain+2sick+ness pos n. brain stem 0. syl brain stem pos n. def the stalklike part of the brain consisting of the medulla oblongata, the midbrain, and the pons Varolii. brainstorm 1. syl brain+storm pron <1brAn2stc:m> pos n. def a severe outburst of excite?!ment, often as the result of a transitory disturbance of cerebral activity. brainstorm 2. syl brain+storm pron <1brAn2stc:m> pos n. qual Brit. informal. def a sudden mental aberration. brainstorm 3. syl brain+storm pron <1brAn2stc:m> pos n. qual U.S. informal. def another word for {brain wave} (sense 2). brainstormer sub head brainstorm syl brain+2storm+er pos n. brainstorming 0. syl brain+storm:ing pron <1brAn2stc:miG> pos n. def intensive discussion to solve problems or generate ideas. brains trust 1. syl brains trust pos n. def a group of knowledgeable people who discuss topics in public or on radio or television. brains trust 2. syl brains trust pos n. def Also: {brain trust}. a group of experts who advise the government. brain-twister alt head brain-teaser or brain-teaser syl brain-twist:er pos n. brain-teaser 0. or brain-twister syl brain-teas:er pos n. qual Informal. def a difficult problem. brainwash 0. syl brain+wash pron <1brAn2woS> pos vb. mod tr. def to effect a radical change in the ideas and beliefs of (a person), esp. by methods based on conditioning. brainwasher sub head brainwash syl brain+2wash+er pos n. brainwashing sub head brainwash syl brain+2wash+ing pos n. brain wave 1. syl brain wave pos n. def any of the fluctuations of electrical potential in the brain as represented on an electroencephalogram. They vary in frequency from 1 to 30 hertz. See also {alpha rhythm, beta rhythm, delta rhythm}. brain wave 2. syl brain wave pos n. qual Informal. def a sudden idea or inspiration. brainier infl head brainy syl brain:i+er pos adj. brainiest infl head brainy syl brain:i+est. pos adj. brainy 0. syl brain:y pron <1brAni> pos adj. qual Informal. def clever; intelligent. braininess sub head brainy syl brain:i+ness pos n. braise ety C18: from French braiser, from Old French brese live coals, probably of Germanic origin; compare Old English br*_@adan, Old High German b*_atan to roast braise 0. syl braise pron pos vb. def to cook (meat, vegetables, etc.) by lightly browning in fat and then cooking slowly in a closed pan with a small amount of liquid. brake ety C18: from Middle Dutch braeke; related to breken to #7break brake H1.1.a. syl brake pron pos n. mod often; pl. def a device for slowing or stopping a vehicle, wheel, shaft, etc., or for keeping it stationary, esp. by means of friction. See also {drum brake, disc brake, hydraulic brake, air brake, handbrake}. brake H1.1.b. syl brake pron pos n. usage as modifier exam 1 the brake pedal. brake H1.2. syl brake pron pos n. def a machine or tool for crushing or breaking flax or hemp to separate the fibres. brake H1.3. syl brake pron pos n. def Also called: {brake harrow}. a heavy harrow for breaking up clods. brake H1.4. syl brake pron pos n. def short for {brake van}. brake H1.5. syl brake pron pos n. def short for {shooting brake}. brake H1.6. syl brake pron pos n. def an obsolete word for the {rack} (an instrument of torture). brake H1.7. syl brake pron pos vb. def to slow down or cause to slow down, by or as if by using a brake. brake H1.8. syl brake pron pos vb. mod tr. def to crush or break up using a brake. brakeless sub head brake syl brake+less pos adj. brake ety Old English bracu; related to Middle Low German brake, Old French bracon branch brake H2.0. syl brake pron pos n. def an area of dense undergrowth, shrubs, brushwood, etc.; thicket. brake H3.0. syl brake pron pos n. def another name for {bracken}. See also {rock brake}. brake H4.0. syl brake pron pos vb. qual Archaic, chiefly biblical. def a past tense of {break}. brake band 0. syl brake band pos n. def a strip of fabric, leather, or metal tightened around a pulley or shaft to act as a brake. brake drum 0. syl brake drum pos n. def the cast-iron drum attached to the hub of a wheel of a motor vehicle fitted with drum brakes. See also {brake shoe}. brake fluid 0. syl brake flu+id pos n. def an oily liquid used to transmit pressure in a hydraulic brake or clutch system. brake horsepower 0. syl brake horse+pow:er pos n. def the rate at which an engine does work, expressed in horsepower. It is measured by the resist?!ance of an applied brake. Abbrev.: {b.h.p}. brake light 0. syl brake light pos n. def a red light attached to the rear of a motor vehicle that lights up when the brakes are applied, serving as a warning to following drivers. Also called: {stoplight}. brake lining 0. syl brake lin+ing pos n. def a curved thin strip of an asbestos composition riveted to a brake shoe to provide it with a renewable surface. brakemen infl head brakeman syl brake+men. pos n. mod pl. brakeman 0. syl brake+man pron <1brAkm*n> pos n. qual U.S. def a crew member of a goods or passenger train. His duties include controlling auxiliary braking power and inspecting the train. brake parachute 0. syl brake par:a+chute pos n. def a parachute attached to the rear of an aircraft and opened during landing to assist braking. Also called: {brake chute, parachute brake, parabrake}. brake shoe 0. syl brake shoe pos n. def the curved metal casting to which the brake lining is riveted in a drum brake. Sometimes shortened to {shoe}. brakesmen infl head brakesman syl brakes+men. pos n. mod pl. brakesman 0. syl brakes+man pron <1brAksm*n> pos n. def a pithead winch operator. brake van 0. syl brake van pos n. qual Railways, Brit. def the coach or vehicle from which the guard applies the brakes; guard's van. U.S. equivalent: {caboose}. Brakpan 0. syl Brak+pan pron <1br@k2p@n> pos n. def a city in E South Africa, in S Transvaal: gold-mining centre. Pop.: 72489 (1970). Donato infl head Bramante syl Do:na:to pron pos n. Bramante 0. syl Bra:man:te pron Italian pos n. def ??1444-1514, Italian architect and artist of the High Renaissance. He modelled his designs for domed centrally planned churches on classical Roman architecture. bramble ety Old English br*_@ambel; related to Old Saxon br*_amal, Old High German br*_amo bramble 1. syl bram+ble pron <1br@mbL> pos n. def any of various prickly herbaceous plants or shrubs of the rosaceous genus esp. the blackberry. See also {stone bramble}. bramble 2. syl bram+ble pron <1br@mbL> pos n. def any of several similar and related shrubs, such as the dog rose. bramble 3. syl bram+ble pron <1br@mbL> pos vb. mod intr. def to gather blackberries. brambly sub head bramble syl bram+bly pos adj. brambling 0. syl bram+bling pron <1br@mbliG> pos n. def a Eurasian finch, with a speckled head and back and, in the male, a reddish brown breast and darker wings and tail. Bramley ety C19: named after Matthew Bramley, 19th-century English butcher, said to have first grown it Bramley's seedling alt head Bramley or Bramley syl Bram:ley's seed+ling pos n. Bramley 0. or Bramley's seedling syl Bram+ley pron <1br@mli> pos n. def a variety of cooking apple having juicy firm flesh. bran ety C13: from Old French, probably of Gaulish origin bran 1. syl bran pron pos n. def husks of cereal grain separated from the flour by sifting. bran 2. syl bran pron pos n. def food prepared from these husks. branch ety C13: from Old French branche, from Late Latin branca paw, foot branch 1. syl branch pron pos n. def a secondary woody stem arising from the trunk or bough of a tree or the main stem of a shrub. branch 2. syl branch pron pos n. def a subdivision of the stem or root of any other plant. branch 3. syl branch pron pos n. def an offshoot or secondary part. exam 1 a branch of a deer's antlers. branch 4.a. syl branch pron pos n. def a subdivision or subsidiary section of something larger or more complex. exam 1 branches of learning; exam 2 branch of the family. branch 4.b. syl branch pron pos n. usage as modifier exam 1 a branch office. branch 5. syl branch pron pos n. qual U.S. def any small stream. branch 6. syl branch pron pos n. qual Maths. def a section of a curve separated from the rest of the curve by discontinuities or special points. branch 7. syl branch pron pos n. def Also called: {jump}. a departure from the normal sequence of programmed instructions into a subroutine. {~} branch 8. syl branch pron pos n. mod intr. usage of a tree or other plant def to produce or possess branches. branch 9. syl branch pron pos n. mod intr. usage usually foll. by from; of stems, roots, etc. def to grow and diverge (from another part). branch 10. syl branch pron pos n. def to divide or be divided into subsidiaries or offshoots. branch 11. syl branch pron pos n. mod intr. usage often foll. by off def to diverge from the main way, road, topic, etc. {~} See also {branch out}. branchless sub head branch syl branch+less pos adj. branchlike sub head branch syl branch+2like pos adj. branchy sub head branch syl branch:y pos adj. -branch ety from Latin: #7branchia -branch 0. syl -branch pos adj. usage and n. combining form. def (in zoology) indicating gills. exam 1 lamellibranch. branched chain 0. syl branched chain pos n. qual Chem. def an open chain of atoms with one or more side chains attached to it. Compare {straight chain}. branchiae infl head branchia syl bran+chi:ae pron <-ki2E> pos n. mod pl. branchia 0. syl bran+chi:a pron <1br@Gki*> pos n. def a gill in aquatic animals. branchial sub head branchia syl bran+chi:al pos adj. branchiate sub head branchia syl bran+chi+2ate pos adj. branching 0. syl branch+ing pron <1bra:nCiG> pos n. qual Physics. def the occurrence of several decay processes ({branches}) in the disintegration of a particular nuclide. The {branching fraction} is the proportion of the disintegrating nuclei that follow a particular branch to the total number of disintegrating nuclides. branchiopod 0. syl bran+chi:o+pod pron <1br@Gki*2pod> pos n. def any crustacean of the mainly freshwater subclass having flattened limblike appendages for swimming, feeding, and respiration. The group includes the water fleas. branch line 0. syl branch line pos n. qual Railways. def a secondary route to a place or places not served by a main line. branch officer 0. syl branch of+fic+er pos n. usage in the British navy since 1949 def any officer who holds warrant. branch out 0. syl branch out pos vb. adv. mod intr. qual Informal. usage often foll. by into def to expand or extend one's interests. exam 1 our business has branched out into computers now. Constantin infl head Brancusi syl Con:stan:tin pron pos n. Brancusi 0. syl Bran:cu:si pron , Rumanian pos n. def 1876-1957, Rumanian sculptor, noted for his streamlined abstractions of animal forms. brand ety Old English brand- related to Old Norse brandr, Old High German brant; see {#7burn %1} brand 1. syl brand pron pos n. def a trade name identifying a manufacturer or a product; trademark. brand 2. syl brand pron pos n. def a particular kind or variety. exam 1 he had his own brand of humour. brand 3. syl brand pron pos n. def an identifying mark made, usually by burning, on the skin of animals or (formerly) slaves or criminals, esp. as a proof of ownership. brand 4. syl brand pron pos n. def an iron heated and used for branding animals, etc. brand 5. syl brand pron pos n. def a mark of disgrace or infamy; stigma. exam 1 he bore the brand of a coward. brand 6. syl brand pron pos n. def a burning or burnt piece of wood, as in a fire. brand 7.a. syl brand pron pos n. def a flaming torch. brand 7.b. syl brand pron pos n. def a sword. brand 8. syl brand pron pos n. def a fungal disease of garden plants characterized by brown spots on the leaves, caused by the rust fungus brand 9. syl brand pron pos vb. mod tr. def to label, burn, or mark with or as with a brand. brand 10. syl brand pron pos vb. mod tr. def to place indelibly in the memory. exam 1 the scene of slaughter was branded in their minds. brand 11. syl brand pron pos vb. mod tr. def to denounce; stigmatize. exam 1 they branded him a traitor. brander sub head brand syl brand+er pos n. Brandenburg 1. syl Bran+den+burg pron <1br@nd*n2bR:g>, German <1brandN2burk> pos n. def a former electorate in NE Germany that expanded under the Hohenzollerns to become the kingdom of Prussia (1701). The district east of the Oder River became Polish in 1945, the remainder being part of East Germany. Brandenburg 2. syl Bran+den+burg pron <1br@nd*n2bR:g>, German <1brandN2burk> pos n. def a city in central East Germany: former capital of the Prussian province of Brandenburg. Pop.: 94341 (1972 est.). brandish ety C14: from Old French brandir, from brand sword, of Germanic origin; compare Old High German brant weapon brandish 1. syl bran+dish pron <1br@ndiS> pos vb. mod tr. def to wave or flourish (a weapon, etc.) in a triumphant, threatening, or ostentatious way. {~} brandish 2. syl bran+dish pron <1br@ndiS> pos vb. def a threatening or defiant flourish. brandisher sub head brandish syl bran+dish+er pos n. brandling 0. syl brand+ling pron <1br@ndliG> pos n. def a small red earthworm, (or found in manure and used as bait by anglers. brand-new ety C16: from #7brand (n.)+#7new, likened to newly forged iron brand-new 0. syl brand-new pos adj. def absolutely new. Marlon infl head Brando syl Mar:lon. pos n. Brando 0. syl Bran:do pron <1br@nd*u> pos n. def born 1924, U.S. actor; his films include (1952), (1954), for which he won an Oscar, (1972), and (1973). Brandt 0. syl Brandt qual German def brant) {Wil@.ly} (#!v$Ili). born 1913, German statesman; socialist chancellor of West Germany (1969-74). His policy of d*'etente and reconciliation with E Europe brought him international acclaim. Nobel prize for peace 1971. brandy ety C17: from earlier brandewine, from Dutch brandewijn, burnt wine, from bernen to burn or distil+ wijn #7wine ; compare German Branntwein brandies infl head brandy syl bran+dies. pos n. mod pl. brandy 1. syl bran+dy pron <1br@ndi> pos n. def an alcoholic drink consisting of spirit distilled from grape wine. brandy 2. syl bran+dy pron <1br@ndi> pos n. def a distillation of wines made from other fruits. exam 1 plum brandy. brandy bottle 0. syl bran+dy bot+tle pos n. def another name for a {yellow water lily}. brandy butter 0. syl bran+dy but+ter pos n. def another name for {hard sauce}. brandy snap 0. syl bran+dy snap pos n. def a crisp sweet biscuit, rolled into a cylinder before baking and often filled with whipped cream. branks ety C16: of unknown origin branks 0. syl branks pron pos n. mod pl. usage formerly def an iron bridle used to restrain scolding women. branle ety from Old French branler to shake, variant of brandir to #7brandish branle 0. syl bran+le pron <1br@nL> pos n. def an old French country dance performed in a linked circle. brants infl head brant or brant syl brants pos n. mod pl. brant infl or brants syl brant. pos n. mod pl. brant 0. syl brant pron pos n. def a variant spelling (esp. U.S.) of {brent} (the goose). Brantford 0. syl Brant+ford pron <1br@ntf*d> pos n. def a city in central Canada, in SW Ontario. Pop.: 64421 (1971). bran tub 0. syl bran tub pos n. qual Brit. def a tub containing bran in which small wrapped gifts are hidden, used at parties, fairs, etc. Braque 0. syl Braque qual French def brak) {Georges} (#f@$r#f). 1882-1963, French painter who developed cubism with Picasso (1908-14). brash ety C19: perhaps influenced by #7rash brash H1.1. syl brash pron pos adj. def tastelessly or offensively loud, showy, or bold. brash H1.2. syl brash pron pos adj. def hasty; rash. brash H1.3. syl brash pron pos adj. def impudent. brashly sub head brash syl brash+ly pos adv. brashness sub head brash syl brash+ness pos n. brash ety C18: of unknown origin brash H2.0. syl brash pron pos n. def loose rubbish, such as broken rock, hedge clippings, etc.; debris. brash ety C16: perhaps of imitative origin brash H3.0. syl brash pron pos n. qual Pathol. def another name for {heartburn}. brashier infl head brashy syl brash:i+er pos adj. brashiest infl head brashy syl brash:i+est. pos adj. brashy 1. syl brash:y pron <1br@Si> pos adj. def loosely fragmented; rubbishy. brashy 2. syl brash:y pron <1br@Si> pos adj. usage of timber def brittle. brashiness sub head brashy syl brash:i+ness pos n. brasier 0. syl bra+si+er pron <1brAzi*> pos n. def a less common spelling of {brazier}. Brasil 0. syl Bra+sil pron pos n. def the Portuguese spelling of {Brazil}. brasilein 0. syl bra+sil+e:in pron pos n. def a variant spelling of {brazilein}. Bras'ilia 0. syl Bra+s*'il:ia pron , Portuguese pos n. def the capital of Brazil (since 1960), on the central plateau: the former capital was Rio de Janeiro. Pop.: 272002 (1970). brasilin 0. syl bras:i+lin pron <1br@zilin> pos n. def a variant spelling of {brazilin}. Brasov 0. syl Bra+*,sov pron Rumanian pos n. def an industrial city in central Rumania: formerly a centre for expatriate Germans; ceded by Hungary to Rumania in 1920. Pop.: 198753 (1974 est.). Former name (1950-61): {Stalin}. German name: {Kronstadt}. Hungarian name: {Brass*'o}. brass ety Old English br@as; related to Old Frisian bres copper, Middle Low German bras metal brass 1. syl brass pron pos n. def an alloy of copper and zinc containing more than 50 per cent of copper. {Alpha brass} (containing less than 35 per cent of zinc) is used for most engineering materials requiring forging, pressing, etc. {Alpha-beta brass} (35-45 per cent zinc) is used for hot working and extrusion. {Beta brass} (45-50 per cent zinc) is used for castings. Compare {bronze} (sense 1). brass 2. syl brass pron pos n. def an object, ornament, or utensil made of brass. brass 3.a. syl brass pron pos n. def the large family of wind instruments including the trumpet, trombone, French horn, etc., each consisting of a brass tube blown directly by means of a cup- or funnel-shaped mouthpiece. brass 3.b. syl brass pron pos n. mod sometimes functioning as; pl. def instruments of this family forming a section in an orchestra. brass 3.c. syl brass pron pos n. usage as modifier def . exam 1 a brass ensemble. brass 4. syl brass pron pos n. def a renewable sleeve or bored semicylindrical shell made of brass or bronze, used as a liner for a bearing. brass 5. syl brass pron pos n. mod functioning as; pl. qual Informal. def important or high-ranking officials, esp. military officers. exam 1 the top brass. brass 6. syl brass pron pos n. qual Northern English dialect. def money. exam 1 where there's muck, there's brass&! brass 7. syl brass pron pos n. qual Brit. def an engraved brass memorial tablet or plaque, set in the wall or floor of a church. brass 8. syl brass pron pos n. qual Informal. def bold self-confidence; cheek; nerve. exam 1 he had the brass to ask for more time. brass 9. syl brass pron pos n. usage modifier def of, consisting of, or relating to brass or brass instruments. exam 1 a brass ornament; exam 2 a brass band. brassard ety C19: from French, from bras arm, from Latin #7brachium brassart alt head brassard or brassard syl bras+sart pron <1br@s*t> pos n. brassard 1. or brassart syl bras+sard pron <1br@sa:d> pos n. def an identifying armband or badge. brassard 2. or brassart syl bras+sard pron <1br@sa:d> pos n. def a piece of armour for the upper arm. brass band 0. syl brass band pos n. def See { {band%1} (sense 2)}. brassbound 0. syl brass+bound pron <1bra:s2baund> pos adj. def inflexibly en?!trenched. exam 1 brass?!bound traditions. brasserie ety C19: from French, from brasser to stir, brew brasserie 1. syl bras+se+rie pron <1br@s*ri> pos n. def a bar in which drinks and often food are served. brasserie 2. syl bras+se+rie pron <1br@s*ri> pos n. def a small and usually cheap restaurant. brass hat ety C20: from the gold leaf decoration on the peaks of caps worn by officers of high rank brass hat 0. syl brass hat pos n. qual Brit. informal. def a top-ranking official, esp. a military officer. brassica ety C19: from Latin: cabbage &- bras+si+ca+ceous (@!br@as$I#!ke$I#s$$s) adj. brassica 0. syl bras+si+ca pron <1br@sik*> pos n. def any cruciferous plant of the genus native to the Mediterranean region and grown widely as vegetables, such as cabbage, rape, swede, turnip, and mustard. brassy alt head brassie or brassie syl brass:y pron <1br@si>, <1bra:-> pos n. brassies infl head brassie syl brass:ies. pos n. mod pl. brassie 0. or brassy syl brass:ie pron <1br@si>, <1bra:-> pos n. qual Golf. def a club, a No. 2 wood, originally having a brass-plated sole and with a shallower face than a driver to give more loft. brassiere ety C20: from C17 French: bodice, from Old French braciere a protector for the arm, from braz arm brassiere 0. syl bras+siere pron <1br@si*>, <1br@z-> pos n. def a woman's undergarment for covering and supporting the breasts. Often shortened to {bra}. Brass'o 0. syl Bras+s*'o pron <1brcSSo:> pos n. def the Hungarian name for {Bra*,sov}. brass tacks 0. syl brass tacks pos n. mod pl. qual Informal. def basic realities; hard facts (esp. in the phrase {get down to brass tacks) }. brassier infl head brassy syl brass:i+er pos adj. brassiest infl head brassy syl brass:i+est. pos adj. brassy 1. syl brass:y pron <1bra:si> pos adj. qual Informal. def insolent; brazen. brassy 2. syl brass:y pron <1bra:si> pos adj. def flashy; showy. brassy 3. syl brass:y pron <1bra:si> pos adj. usage of sound def harsh, strident, or resembling the sound of a brass instrument. brassy 4. syl brass:y pron <1bra:si> pos adj. def like brass, esp. in colour. brassy 5. syl brass:y pron <1bra:si> pos adj. def decorated with or made of brass. brassily sub head brassy syl brass:i+ly pos adv. brassiness sub head brassy syl brass:i+ness pos n. brat ety C16: perhaps special use of earlier brat rag, from Old English bratt cloak, of Celtic origin; related to Old Irish bratt cloth, #7brat %2 brat H1.0. syl brat pron pos n. def a child, esp. one who is dirty or unruly: used contemptuously or playfully. brat ety from Old English brat cloak; related to Old Irish bratt cloth used to cover the body brat H2.0. syl brat pron pos n. qual Northern Brit. dialect. def an apron or overall. Bratislava 0. syl Bra+ti+sla+va pron <2br@ti1sla:v*> pos n. def a port in S Czechoslovakia on the River Danube: capital of Slovakia since 1918; capital of Hungary (1541-1784) and seat of the Hungarian parliament until 1848. Pop.: 328765 (1974 est.). German name: {Pressburg}. Hungarian name: {Pozsony}. brattice ety C13: from Old French bretesche wooden tower, from Medieval Latin breteschia, probably from Latin Brit*_o a Briton brattice 1. syl brat+tice pron <1br@tis> pos n. def a partition of wood or treated cloth used to control ventilation in a mine. brattice 2. syl brat+tice pron <1br@tis> pos n. qual Medieval fortifications. def a fixed wooden tower or parapet. brattice 3. syl brat+tice pron <1br@tis> pos vb. mod tr. qual Mining. def to fit with a brattice. brattishing ety C16: variant of bratticing; see #7brattice brattishing 0. syl brat+tish+ing pron <1br@tiSiG> pos n. qual Architect. def decorative work along the coping or on the cornice of a building. bratwurst ety German, from Old High German, from br*_ato meat+ wurst sausage; related to Old Saxon br*_ado ham bratwurst 0. syl brat+wurst pron <1bra:t2wR:st>, German <1bra:t2vurSt> pos n. def a type of small pork sausage. Eva 1. head Braun syl E:va pron <1A:fa> def 1910-45, Adolf Hitler's mistress. Braun 2. syl Braun pron German pos n. def See (Wernher) {von Braun}. braunite ety C19: named after A. E. Braun (1809-56), German official in the treasury at Gotha braunite 0. syl braun+ite pron <1braunIt> pos n. def a brown or black mineral that consists of manganese oxide and silicate and is a source of manganese. Formula: Mn\7SiO\1\2. Braunschweig 0. syl Braun+schweig pron <1braun2SvIk> pos n. def the German name for {Bruns?!wick}. bravado ety C16: from Spanish bravada (modern bravata) , from Old Italian bravare to challenge, provoke, from bravo wild, #7brave bravadoes infl head bravado or bravados syl bra+va+does pos n. mod pl. bravados infl head bravado or bravadoes syl bra+va+dos. pos n. mod pl. bravado 0. syl bra+va+do pron pos n. def vaunted display of courage or self-confidence; swagger. Bravais lattice ety named after Auguste Bravais, 19th-century French physicist Bravais lattice 0. syl Bra+vais lat+tice pron <1br@vA>, pos n. qual Crystallog. def any of 14 possible space lattices found in crystals. brave ety C15: from French, from Italian bravo courageous, wild, perhaps ultimately from Latin barbarus #7barbarous brave 1.a. syl brave pron pos adj. def having or displaying courage, resolution, or daring; not cowardly or timid. brave 1.b. syl brave pron pos as collective; n. usage preceded by the exam 1 the brave. brave 2. syl brave pron pos adj. def fine; splendid. exam 1 a brave sight; exam 2 a brave attempt. brave 3. syl brave pron pos adj. qual Archaic. def excellent or admirable. brave 4. syl brave pron pos n. def a warrior of a North American Indian tribe. brave 5. syl brave pron pos n. def an obsolete word for {bully}. brave 6. syl brave pron pos vb. mod tr. def to dare or defy. exam 1 to brave the odds. brave 7. syl brave pron pos vb. mod tr. def to confront with resolution or courage. exam 1 to brave the storm. brave 8. syl brave pron pos vb. mod tr. qual Obsolete. def to make splendid, esp. in dress. bravely sub head brave syl brave+ly pos adv. braveness sub head brave syl brave+ness pos n. bravissimo ety C18: from Italian, superlative of #7bravo bravissimo 0. syl bra+vis+si+mo pron pos interj. def very well done&! excellent&! bravo ety C18: from Italian: splendid&! see #7brave bravo 1. syl bra+vo pron pos interj. def well done&! bravos infl head bravo syl bra+vos. pos n. mod pl. bravo 2. syl bra+vo pron pos n. def a cry of @6bravo.@9 bravoes infl head bravo or bravos syl bra+voes pos n. mod pl. bravos infl head bravo or bravoes syl bra+vos. pos n. mod pl. bravo 3. syl bra+vo pron <1bra:v*u> pos n. def a hired killer or assassin. bravura ety C18: from Italian: spirit, courage, from bravare to show off, see #7bravado bravura 1. syl bra+vu+ra pron , <-1vu*r*> pos n. def a display of boldness or daring. bravura 2.a. syl bra+vu+ra pron , <-1vu*r*> pos n. def a passage or piece requiring great spirit and technical skill by the performer. bravura 2.b. syl bra+vu+ra pron , <-1vu*r*> pos n. usage as modifier exam 1 a bravura passage. braw ety C16: Scottish variant of #7brave braw 0. syl braw pron , pos adj. qual Chiefly Scot. def fine or excellent, esp. in appearance or dress. brawl ety C14: probably related to Dutch brallen to boast, behave aggressively brawl H1.1. syl brawl pron pos n. def a loud disagreement or fight. brawl H1.2. syl brawl pron pos n. qual U.S. slang. def an uproarious party. brawl H1.3. syl brawl pron pos vb. mod intr. def to quarrel or fight noisily; squabble. brawl H1.4. syl brawl pron pos vb. mod intr. usage esp. of water def to flow noisily. brawler sub head brawl syl brawl+er pos n. brawl H2.0. syl brawl pron pos n. def a dance: the English version of the branle. brawn ety C14: from Old French braon slice of meat, of Germanic origin; compare Old High German br*_ato, Old English br*_@ad flesh brawn 1. syl brawn pron pos n. def strong well-developed muscles. brawn 2. syl brawn pron pos n. def physical strength, esp. as opposed to intelligence. brawn 3. syl brawn pron pos n. qual Brit. def a seasoned jellied loaf made from the head and sometimes the feet of a pig or calf. brawnier infl head brawny syl brawn:i+er pos adj. brawniest infl head brawny syl brawn:i+est. pos adj. brawny 0. syl brawn:y pron <1brc:ni> pos adj. def muscular and strong. brawnily sub head brawny syl brawn:i+ly pos adv. brawniness sub head brawny syl brawn:i+ness pos n. braxy ety C18: of unknown origin braxy 0. syl brax:y pron <1br@ksi> pos n. def an acute and usually fatal bacterial disease of sheep characterized by high fever, coma, and inflammation of the fourth stomach, caused by infection with bray ety C13: from Old French braire, probably of Celtic origin bray H1.1. syl bray pron pos vb. mod intr. usage of a donkey def to utter its characteristic loud harsh sound; heehaw. bray H1.2. syl bray pron pos vb. mod intr. def to make a similar sound, as in laughing. exam 1 he brayed at the joke. bray H1.3. syl bray pron pos vb. mod tr. def to utter with a loud harsh sound. bray H1.4. syl bray pron pos n. def the loud harsh sound uttered by a donkey. bray H1.5. syl bray pron pos n. def a similar loud cry or uproar. exam 1 a bray of protest. brayer sub head bray syl bray+er pos n. bray ety C14: from Old French breier, of Germanic origin; see #7break &- #!bray+er n. bray H2.1. syl bray pron pos vb. mod tr. def to distribute (ink) over printing type or plates. bray H2.2. syl bray pron pos vb. mod tr. def to pound into a powder, as in a mortar. bray H2.3. syl bray pron pos vb. qual Northern English dialect. def to hit or beat (someone or something) hard; bang. Braz 0. syl Braz. qual abbrev. for def Brazil(ian). braze ety Old English br@asen, from br@as #7brass braze H1.1. syl braze pron pos vb. mod tr. def to decorate with or make of brass. braze H1.2. syl braze pron pos vb. mod tr. def to make like brass, as in hardness. braze ety C16: from Old French: to burn, of Germanic origin; see #7braise braze H2.0. syl braze pron pos vb. mod tr. def to make a joint between (two metal surfaces) by fusing a layer of brass or high-melting solder between them. brazer sub head braze syl braz+er pos n. brazen ety Old English br@asen, from br@as #7brass brazen 1. syl bra+zen pron <1brAzN> pos adj. def shameless and bold. brazen 2. syl bra+zen pron <1brAzN> pos adj. def made of or resembling brass. brazen 3. syl bra+zen pron <1brAzN> pos adj. def having a ringing metallic sound like that of a brass trumpet. brazen 4. syl bra+zen pron <1brAzN> pos vb. mod tr. usage usually foll. by out or through def to face and overcome boldly or shamelessly. exam 1 the witness brazened out the prosecutor's questions. brazen 5. syl bra+zen pron <1brAzN> pos vb. mod tr. def to make (oneself, etc.) bold or brash. brazenly sub head brazen syl bra+zen+ly pos adv. brazenness sub head brazen syl bra+zen+ness pos n. brazen-faced 0. syl bra:zen-faced pos adj. def shameless or impudent. brazier ety C14: from Old English br@asian to work in brass+-{#7er %1} &- #!bra+zi+er@.y n. brasier alt head brazier or brazier syl bra+si+er pron <1brAzi*> pos n. brazier H1.0. or brasier syl bra+zi+er pron <1brAzi*> pos n. def a person engaged in brass-working or brass-founding. brazier ety C17: from French brasier, from braise live coals; see #7braise brasier alt head brazier or brazier syl bra+si+er pron <1brAzi*> pos n. brazier H2.0. or brasier syl bra+zi+er pron <1brAzi*> pos n. def a portable metal receptacle for burning charcoal or coal, used for cooking, heating, etc. brazil ety C14: from Old Spanish brasil, from brasa glowing coals, of Germanic origin; referring to the redness of the wood; see #7braise brasil alt head brazil or brazil syl bra+sil pron pos n. brazil 1. or brasil syl bra+zil pron pos n. def Also called: {brazil wood}. the red wood obtained from various caesalpiniaceous tropical trees of the genus such as of America: used for cabinetwork. brazil 2. or brasil syl bra+zil pron pos n. def the red or purple dye extracted from any of these woods. See also {brazilin}. brazil 3. or brasil syl bra+zil pron pos n. def short for {brazil nut}. Brazil 0. syl Bra+zil pron pos n. def a republic in South America, comprising about half the area and half the population of South America: colonized by the Portuguese from 1500 onwards; became independent in 1822 and a republic in 1889; consists chiefly of the tropical Amazon basin in the north, semiarid scrub in the northeast, and a vast central tableland; an important producer of coffee and minerals, esp. iron ore. Official language: Portuguese. Religion: chiefly Roman Catholic. Currency: cruzeiro. Capital: Bras*'ilia. Pop.: 93215301 (1970). Area: 8511957 sq. km (3286470 sq. miles). Brazilian sub head Brazil syl Bra+1zil+i:an pos adj. n. brazilein ety C19: from German Brasilein, from #7brazilin brasilein alt head brazilein or brazilein syl bra+sil+e:in pron pos n. brazilein 0. or brasilein syl bra+zil+e:in pron pos n. def a red crystalline solid obtained by the oxidation of brazilin and used as a dye. Formula: C\1\6H\1\2O\5. brazilin ety C19: from French br*'esiline, from br*'esil brazil wood brasilin alt head brazilin or brazilin syl bras:i+lin pron <1br@zilin> pos n. brazilin 0. or brasilin syl braz:i+lin pron <1br@zilin> pos n. def a pale yellow soluble crystalline solid, turning red in alkaline solution, extracted from brazil wood and sappanwood and used in dyeing and as an indicator. Formula: C\1\6H\1\4O\5. brazil nut 1. syl bra+zil nut pos n. def a tropical South American tree, producing large globular capsules, each containing several closely packed triangular nuts: family brazil nut 2. syl bra+zil nut pos n. def the nut of this tree, having an edible oily kernel and a woody shell. brazil nut xref syl bra+zil nut pos n. def Often shortened to {brazil}. Brazzaville 0. syl Braz+za+ville pron French pos n. def the capital of the Congo Republic, in the south on the River Congo. Pop.: 250000 (1972 est.). BRCS 0. syl B.R.C.S. qual abbrev. for def British Red Cross Society. breach ety Old English br@ac; influenced by Old French br*`eche, from Old High German brecha, from brechan to #7break breach 1. syl breach pron pos n. def a crack, break, or rupture. breach 2. syl breach pron pos n. def a breaking, infringement, or violation of a promise, obligation, etc. breach 3. syl breach pron pos n. def any severance or separation. exam 1 there was a breach between the two factions of the party. breach 4. syl breach pron pos n. def the act of a whale in breaking clear of the water. breach 5. syl breach pron pos n. def the breaking of sea waves on a shore or rock. breach 6. syl breach pron pos n. def an obsolete word for {wound} %1. {~} breach 7. syl breach pron pos n. mod tr. def to break through or make an opening, hole, or incursion in. breach 8. syl breach pron pos n. mod tr. def to break a promise, law, etc. breach 9. syl breach pron pos n. mod intr. usage of a whale def to break clear of the water. breach of promise 0. syl breach of prom+ise pos n. usage Law. formerly def failure to carry out one's promise to marry. breach of the peace 0. syl breach of the peace pos n. qual Law. def an offence against public order causing an unnecessary disturbance of the peace. breach of trust 0. syl breach of trust pos n. qual Law. def a violation of duty by a trustee or any other person in a fiduciary position. bread ety Old English br*_ead; related to Old Norse braud, Old Frisian br*_ad, Old High German br*_ot bread 1. syl bread pron pos n. def a food made from a dough of flour or meal mixed with water or milk, usually raised with yeast or baking powder and then baked. bread 2. syl bread pron pos n. def necessary food; nourishment. exam 1 give us our daily bread. bread 3. syl bread pron pos n. def a slang word for {money}. bread 4. syl bread pron pos n. qual Christianity. def a small loaf, piece of bread, or wafer of unleavened bread used in the Eucharist. break bread 5. head bread syl break bread. def See { {break} (sense 44)}. cast one's bread upon the waters 6. head bread syl cast one's bread upon the waters. def to do good without expectation of advantage or return. know which side one's bread is buttered 7. head bread syl know which side one's bread is buttered. qual Informal. def to know what to do in order to keep one's advantages or privileges. take the bread out of (someone's) mouth 8. head bread syl take the bread out of (someone's) mouth. def to deprive of a livelihood. bread 9. syl bread pron pos vb. mod tr. def to cover with bread crumbs before cooking. bread and butter 1. syl bread and but+ter pos n. qual Informal. def a means of support or subsistence; livelihood. exam 1 the inheritance was their bread and butter. bread and butter xref syl bread and but+ter qual Informal. exam 1 modifier. bread and butter 2.a. syl bread and but+ter qual Informal. def providing a basic means of subsistence. exam 1 a bread-and-butter job. bread and butter 2.b. syl bread and but+ter qual Informal. def solid, reliable, or practical. exam 1 a bread-and-butter player. bread and butter 2.c. syl bread and but+ter qual Informal. def expressing gratitude, as for hospitality (esp. in the phrase {bread-and-butter letter) }. breadbasket 1. syl bread+bas:ket pron <1bred2ba:skit> pos n. def a basket for carrying bread or rolls. breadbasket 2. syl bread+bas:ket pron <1bred2ba:skit> pos n. def a slang word for {stomach}. breadboard 1. syl bread+board pron <1bred2bc:d> pos n. def a wooden board on which dough is kneaded or bread is sliced. breadboard 2. syl bread+board pron <1bred2bc:d> pos n. def an experimental arrangement of electronic circuits giving access to components so that modifications can be carried out easily. breadfruits infl head breadfruit or breadfruit syl bread+fruits pos n. mod pl. breadfruit infl or breadfruits syl bread+fruit. pos n. mod pl. breadfruit 1. syl bread+fruit pron <1bred2fru:t> pos n. def a moraceous tree, (or of the Pacific Islands, having edible round, usually seedless, fruit. breadfruit 2. syl bread+fruit pron <1bred2fru:t> pos n. def the fruit of this tree, which is eaten baked or roasted and has a texture like bread. breadline 1. syl bread+line pron <1bred2lIn> pos n. def a queue of people waiting for free food given out by a government agency or a charity organi?!zation. on the breadline 2. head breadline syl on the breadline. qual Informal. def impoverished; living at subsistence level. black mould alt head bread mould or bread mould syl black mould pos n. bread mould 0. or black mould syl bread mould pos n. def a black phycomycete fungus, occurring on decaying bread and vegetable matter. breadnut 1. syl bread+nut pron <1bred2n^t> pos n. def a moraceous tree, of Central America and the West Indies. breadnut 2. syl bread+nut pron <1bred2n^t> pos n. def the nutlike fruit of this tree, ground to produce a substitute for wheat flour, esp. in the West Indies. breadroot 0. syl bread+root pron <1bred2ru:t> pos n. def a papilionaceous plant, of central North America, having an edible starchy root. Also called: {prairie turnip}. bread sauce 0. syl bread sauce pos n. def a b*'echamel sauce thickened with breadcrumbs and served with roast poultry, esp. chicken. breadth ety C16: from obsolete br*_ede (from Old English br*_@adu, from br*_ad #7broad) #7+ {-#7th %1;} related to Gothic braidei, Old High German breit*_i breadth 1. syl breadth pron , pos n. def the linear extent or measurement of something from side to side; width. breadth 2. syl breadth pron , pos n. def a piece of fabric, etc., having a standard or definite width. breadth 3. syl breadth pron , pos n. def distance, extent, size, or dimension. breadth 4. syl breadth pron , pos n. def openness and lack of restriction, esp. of viewpoint or interest; liberality. breadwinner 0. syl bread+win:ner pron <1bred2win*> pos n. def a person supporting a family with his or her earnings. break ety Old English brecan; related to Old Frisian breka, Gothic brikan, Old High German brehhan, Latin frangere, Sanskrit bhr*'aj bursting forth breaks infl head break syl breaks pos vb. breaking infl head break syl break+ing pos vb. broke infl head break syl broke pos vb. broken infl head break syl bro+ken. pos vb. break 1. syl break pron pos vb. def to separate or become separated into two or more pieces. exam 1 this cup is broken. break 2. syl break pron pos vb. def to damage or become damaged so as to be inoperative. exam 1 my radio is broken. break 3. syl break pron pos vb. def to crack or become cracked without separating. break 4. syl break pron pos vb. def to burst or cut the surface of (skin, etc.). break 5. syl break pron pos vb. def to discontinue or become discontinued. exam 1 they broke for lunch; exam 2 to break a journey. break 6. syl break pron pos vb. def to disperse or become dispersed. exam 1 the clouds broke. break 7. syl break pron pos vb. mod tr. def to fail to observe (an agreement, promise, law, etc.). exam 1 to break one's word. break 8. syl break pron pos vb. usage foll. by with def to discontinue an association (with). break 9. syl break pron pos vb. def to disclose or be disclosed. exam 1 he broke the news gently. break 10. syl break pron pos vb. mod tr. def to fracture (a bone) in (a limb, etc.). break 11. syl break pron pos vb. mod tr. def to divide (something complete or perfect). exam 1 to break a set of books. break 12. syl break pron pos vb. def to bring or come to an end. exam 1 the summer weather broke at last. break 13. syl break pron pos vb. mod tr. def to bring to an end by or as if by force. exam 1 to break a strike. break 14. syl break pron pos vb. mod when; intr. usage often foll. by out def to escape (from). exam 1 he broke jail; exam 2 he broke out of jail. break 15. syl break pron pos vb. def to weaken or overwhelm or be weakened or overwhelmed, as in spirit. break 16. syl break pron pos vb. mod tr. def to cut through or penetrate. exam 1 a cry broke the silence. break 17. syl break pron pos vb. mod tr. def to improve on or surpass. exam 1 to break a record. break 18. syl break pron pos vb. mod tr. usage often foll. by in def to accustom (a horse) to the bridle and saddle, to being ridden, etc. break 19. syl break pron pos vb. mod tr. usage often foll. by of def to cause (a person) to give up (a habit). exam 1 this cure will break you of smoking. break 20. syl break pron pos vb. mod tr. def to weaken the impact or force of. exam 1 this net will break his fall. break 21. syl break pron pos vb. mod tr. def to decipher. exam 1 to break a code. break 22. syl break pron pos vb. mod tr. def to lose the order of. exam 1 to break ranks. break 23. syl break pron pos vb. mod tr. def to reduce to poverty or the state of bankruptcy. break 24. syl break pron pos vb. mod when; intr. usage foll. by into def to obtain, give, or receive smaller units in exchange for; change. exam 1 to break a pound note. break 25. syl break pron pos vb. mod tr. qual Chiefly military. def to demote to a lower rank. break 26. syl break pron pos vb. mod intr. usage often foll. by from or out of def to proceed suddenly. break 27. syl break pron pos vb. mod intr. def to come into being. exam 1 light broke over the mountains. break 28. syl break pron pos vb. mod intr. usage foll. by into or out into def to burst into song, laughter, etc. break 29. syl break pron pos vb. mod tr. def to open with explosives. exam 1 to break a safe. break 30.a. syl break pron pos vb. usage often foll. by against def to strike violently. break 30.b. syl break pron pos vb. def to collapse into foam or surf. break 31. syl break pron pos vb. mod intr. usage esp. of fish def to appear above the surface of the water. break 32. syl break pron pos vb. mod intr. qual Informal, chiefly U.S. def to turn out in a specified manner. exam 1 things are breaking well. break 33. syl break pron pos vb. mod intr. usage of prices, esp. stock exchange quotations def to fall sharply. break 34. syl break pron pos vb. mod intr. def to make a sudden effort, as in running, horse racing, etc. break 35. syl break pron pos vb. mod intr. usage Cricket. of a ball def to change direction on bouncing. break 36. syl break pron pos vb. mod tr. usage Cricket. of a player def to knock down at least one bail from (a wicket). break 37. syl break pron pos vb. mod intr. qual Billiards. def to scatter the balls at the start of a game. break 38. syl break pron pos vb. mod intr. qual Horse racing. def to commence running in a race. exam 1 they broke even. break 39. syl break pron pos vb. mod intr. usage Boxing, wrestling. of two fighters def to separate from a clinch. break 40.a. syl break pron pos vb. usage of the male voice def to undergo a change in register, quality, and range at puberty. break 40.b. syl break pron pos vb. usage of the voice or some instruments def to undergo a change in tone, quality, etc., when changing registers. break 41. syl break pron pos vb. mod intr. usage Phonetics. of a vowel def to turn into a diphthong, esp. as a development in the language. break 42. syl break pron pos vb. mod tr. def to open the breech of (certain firearms) by snapping the barrel away from the butt on its hinge. break 43. syl break pron pos vb. mod tr. def to interrupt the flow of current in (an electrical circuit). Compare { {make} %1 (sense 26)}. break 44.a. syl break pron pos vb. def to eat a meal, esp. with others. break 44.b. syl break pron pos vb. qual Christianity. def to administer or participate in Holy Communion. break camp 45. head break syl break camp. def to pack up equipment and leave a camp. break 46.a. syl break pron pos vb. def to begin an activity. break 46.b. syl break pron pos vb. def to make one or more discoveries or innovations. break one's back 47. head break syl break one's back. def to overwork or work very hard. break the back of 48. head break syl break the back of. def to complete the greatest or hardest part of (a task). break the bank 49. head break syl break the bank. def to ruin financially or deplete the resources of a bank (as in gambling). break 50.a. syl break pron pos vb. def to relieve shyness or reserve, esp. between strangers. break 50.b. syl break pron pos vb. def to be the first of a group to do something. break service 51. head break syl break service. qual Tennis. def to win a game in which an opponent is serving. break wind 52. head break syl break wind. def to emit wind from the anus or mouth. break 53. syl break pron pos n. def the act or result of breaking; fracture. break 54. syl break pron pos n. def a crack formed as the result of breaking. break 55. syl break pron pos n. def a brief respite. exam 1 a break from one's toil. break 56. syl break pron pos n. def a sudden rush, esp. to escape. exam 1 to make a break for freedom. break 57. syl break pron pos n. def a breach in a relationship. exam 1 she has made a break from her family. break 58. syl break pron pos n. def any sudden interruption in a continuous action. break 59. syl break pron pos n. qual Brit. def a short period between classes at school. U.S. equivalent: {recess}. break 60. syl break pron pos n. qual Informal. def a fortunate opportunity, esp. to prove oneself. break 61. syl break pron pos n. usage esp. in a stock exchange def a sudden and substantial decline in prices. break 62. syl break pron pos n. qual Prosody. def a pause in a line of verse; caesura. break 63.a. syl break pron pos n. def a series of successful shots during one turn. break 63.b. syl break pron pos n. def the points scored in such a series. break 64.a. syl break pron pos n. def the opening shot with the cue ball that scatters the placed balls. break 64.b. syl break pron pos n. def the right to take this first shot. break 65. syl break pron pos n. def Also called: {service break, break of serve}. the act or instance of breaking an opponent's service. break 66. syl break pron pos n. def one of the intervals in a sporting contest. break 67. syl break pron pos n. qual Horse racing. def the start of a race. exam 1 an even break. break 68. syl break pron pos n. usage in tenpin bowling def failure to knock down all the pins after the second attempt. break 69. syl break pron pos n. qual Jazz. def a short passage during which a soloist plays unaccompanied: it is usually improvised. break 70. syl break pron pos n. def a discontinuity in an electrical circuit. break 71. syl break pron pos n. def an open four-wheeled horse-drawn carriage. break 72. syl break pron pos interj. qual Boxing, wrestling. def a command by a referee for two opponents to separate. {~} See also {breakaway, break down, break even, break in, break into, break off, break out, break through, break up, break with}. breakable 1. syl break+a:ble pron <1brAk*bL> pos adj. def capable of being broken. breakable 2. syl break+a:ble pron <1brAk*bL> pos n. mod usually; pl. def a fragile easily broken article. breakage 1. syl break+age pron <1brAkiJ> pos n. def the act or result of breaking. breakage 2. syl break+age pron <1brAkiJ> pos n. def the quantity or amount broken. exam 1 the total breakage was enormous. breakage 3. syl break+age pron <1brAkiJ> pos n. def compensation or allowance for goods damaged while in use, transit, etc. breakaway 1.a. syl break+a:way pron <1brAk*2wA> pos n. def loss or withdrawal of a group of members from an association, club, etc. breakaway 1.b. syl break+a:way pron <1brAk*2wA> pos n. usage as modifier exam 1 a breakaway faction. breakaway 2.a. syl break+a:way pron <1brAk*2wA> pos n. def a sudden attack, esp. from a defensive position, in football, hockey, etc. breakaway 2.b. syl break+a:way pron <1brAk*2wA> pos n. def an attempt to get away from the rest of the field in a race. break away infl head breakaway syl break a:way. pos adv. mod intr. breakaway 3. syl break+a:way pron <1brAk*2wA> pos vb. mod intr. usage often foll. by from def to leave hastily or escape. breakaway 4. syl break+a:way pron <1brAk*2wA> pos vb. mod intr. def to withdraw or secede. breakaway 5. syl break+a:way pron <1brAk*2wA> pos vb. mod intr. qual Sport. def to make a breakaway. breakaway 6. syl break+a:way pron <1brAk*2wA> pos vb. mod intr. qual Horse racing. def to start prematurely. breakbone fever 0. syl break+bone fe+ver pron <1brAk2b*un> pos n. def another name for {dengue}. break down 1. syl break down pos vb. adv. mod intr. def to cease to function; become ineffective. exam 1 communications had broken down. break down 2. syl break down pos vb. adv. def to yield or cause to yield, esp. to strong emotion or tears. exam 1 she broke down in anguish. break down 3. syl break down pos vb. adv. mod tr. def to crush or destroy. break down 4. syl break down pos vb. adv. mod intr. def to have a nervous breakdown. break down 5. syl break down pos vb. adv. def to analyse or be subjected to analysis. break down 6.a. syl break down pos vb. adv. def stop it. break down 6.b. syl break down pos vb. adv. def don't expect me to believe that; come off it. breakdown infl head break down syl break+down. pos n. break down 7. syl break down pos n. def an act or instance of breaking down; collapse. break down 8. syl break down pos n. def short for {nervous breakdown}. break down 9. syl break down pos n. def an analysis or classification of something into its component parts. exam 1 he prepared a breakdown of the report. break down 10. syl break down pos n. def a desired electrical discharge between two elec?!trodes in a gas discharge tube, occurring at and above a particular voltage. break down 11. syl break down pos n. def a lively American country dance. truck alt head breakdown van or breakdown van syl truck pos n. breakdown van 0. or truck syl break+down van pos n. def a motor vehicle equipped for towing away wrecked or disabled cars. U.S. names: {wrecker, tow truck}. breaker H1.1. syl break+er pron <1brAk*> pos n. def a person or thing that breaks something, such as a person or firm that breaks up old cars, etc. breaker H1.2. syl break+er pron <1brAk*> pos n. def a large wave with a white crest on the open sea or one that breaks into foam on the shore. breaker H1.3. syl break+er pron <1brAk*> pos n. qual Electronics. def short for {circuit breaker}. breaker H1.4. syl break+er pron <1brAk*> pos n. def a machine or plant for crushing rocks or coal. breaker H1.5. syl break+er pron <1brAk*> pos n. def Also called: {breaking plough}. a plough with a long shallow mould board for turning virgin land or sod land. breaker H1.6. syl break+er pron <1brAk*> pos n. qual Textiles. def a machine for extracting fibre preparatory to carding. breaker ety C19: anglicized variant of Spanish barrica, from French (Gascon dialect) barrique breaker H2.0. syl break+er pron <1brAk*> pos n. def a small water cask for use in a boat. break even 1. syl break e:ven pos adv. mod intr. def to attain a level of activity, as in commerce, or a point of operation, as in gambling, at which there is neither profit nor loss. breakeven infl head break even syl break+e:ven. pos n. break even 2.a. syl break e:ven pos n. def the level of commercial activity at which the total cost and total revenue of a business enterprise are equal. break even 2.b. syl break e:ven pos n. usage as modifier exam 1 breakeven prices. breakeven chart 0. syl break+e:ven chart pos n. qual Accounting. def a graph measuring the value of an enterprise's revenue and costs against some index of its activity, such as percentage capacity. The intersection of the total revenue and total cost curves gives the breakeven point. breakfast ety C15: from #7break+{fast %2} breakfast 1.a. syl break+fast pron <1brekf*st> pos n. def the first meal of the day. breakfast 1.b. syl break+fast pron <1brekf*st> pos n. usage as modifier exam 1 breakfast cereal; exam 2 a breakfast room. breakfast 2. syl break+fast pron <1brekf*st> pos n. def the food at this meal. breakfast 3. syl break+fast pron <1brekf*st> pos vb. def to eat or supply with breakfast. breakfaster sub head breakfast syl break+fast+er pos n. breakfront 0. syl break+front pron <1brAk2fr^nt> pos adj. usage prenominal; of a bookcase, bureau, etc. def having a slightly projecting central section. break in 1. syl break in pos vb. adv. usage sometimes foll. by on def to interrupt. break in 2. syl break in pos vb. adv. mod intr. def to enter a house, etc., illegally, esp. by force. break in 3. syl break in pos vb. adv. mod tr. def to accustom (a person or animal) to normal duties or practice. break in 4. syl break in pos vb. adv. mod tr. def to use or wear (shoes, new equipment, etc.) until com?!fortable or running smoothly. break-in infl head break in syl break-in. pos n. break in 5.a. syl break in pos n. def the illegal entering of a building, esp. by thieves. break in 5.b. syl break in pos n. usage as modifier exam 1 the break-in plans. breaking ety C19: translation of German Brechung breaking 0. syl break+ing pron <1brAkiG> pos n. usage Linguistics. in Old English, Old Norse, etc. def the change of a vowel into a diphthong. breaking and entering 0. syl break+ing and en+ter+ing pos n. usage formerly def the gaining of unauthorized access to a building with intent to commit a crime or, having committed the crime, the breaking out of the building. break into 1. syl break in:to pos vb. prep. mod intr. def to enter (a house, etc.) illegally, esp. by force. break into 2. syl break in:to pos vb. prep. mod intr. def to change abruptly from a slower to a faster speed. exam 1 the horse broke into a gallop. break into 3. syl break in:to pos vb. prep. mod intr. def to consume (supplies held in reserve). exam 1 at the end of the exercise the soldiers had to break into their iron rations. breakneck 0. syl break+neck pron <1brAk2nek> pos adj. usage prenominal; of speed, pace, etc. def excessive and dangerous. break of day 0. syl break of day pos n. def another term for { {dawn} (sense 1)}. break off 1. syl break off pos vb. def to sever or detach or be severed or detached. exam 1 it broke off in my hands; exam 2 he broke a piece off the bar of chocolate. break off 2. syl break off pos adv. def to end (a relationship, association, etc.) or (of a relationship, etc.) to be ended. break off 3. syl break off pos adv. mod intr. def to stop abruptly; halt. exam 1 he broke off in the middle of his speech. breakoff infl head break off syl break+off. pos n. break off 4. syl break off pos n. def the act or an instance of breaking off or stopping. break out 1. syl break out pos vb. adv. mod intr. def to begin or arise suddenly. exam 1 panic broke out. break out 2. syl break out pos vb. adv. mod intr. def to make an escape, esp. from prison or confinement. break out 3. syl break out pos vb. adv. mod intr. usage foll. by in; of the skin def to erupt (in a rash, pimples, etc.). break-out infl head break out syl break-out. pos n. break out 4. syl break out pos n. mod intr. def an escape, esp. from prison or confinement. breakpoint 0.a. syl break+point pron <1brAk2pcint> pos n. qual Computer technol. def an instruction inserted by a debug program causing a return to the debug program. breakpoint 0.b. syl break+point pron <1brAk2pcint> pos n. qual Computer technol. def the point in a program at which such an instruction operates. break through 1. syl break through pos vb. mod intr. def to penetrate. break through 2. syl break through pos adv. mod intr. def to achieve success, make a discovery, etc., esp. after lengthy efforts. breakthrough infl head break through syl break+through. pos n. break through 3. syl break through pos n. def a significant development or discovery, esp. in science. break through 4. syl break through pos n. def the penetration of an enemy's defensive position or line in depth and strength. break up 1. syl break up pos vb. adv. def to separate or cause to separate. break up 2. syl break up pos vb. adv. def to put an end to (a relationship) or (of a relationship) to come to an end. break up 3. syl break up pos vb. adv. def to dissolve or cause to dissolve; disrupt or be disrupted. exam 1 the meeting broke up at noon. break up 4. syl break up pos vb. adv. qual Slang. def to lose or cause to lose control of the emotions. exam 1 the news of his death broke her up. break up 5. syl break up pos vb. adv. qual Slang. def to be or cause to be overcome with laughter. break-up infl head break up syl break-up. pos n. break up 6. syl break up pos n. def a separation or disintegration. breakwater 1. syl break+wa:ter pron <1brAk2wc:t*> pos n. def Also called: {mole}. a massive wall built out into the sea to protect a shore or harbour from the force of waves. breakwater 2. syl break+wa:ter pron <1brAk2wc:t*> pos n. def another name for {groyne}. break water infl head breakwater syl break water. pos vb. breakwater 3. syl break+wa:ter pron <1brAk2wc:t*> pos vb. usage of a woman in labour def to rupture the amniotic sac thus releasing amniotic fluid. break with 0. syl break with pos vb. prep. mod intr. def to end a relationship or association with (someone or an organization or social group). bream ety C14: from Old French bresme, of Germanic origin; compare Old High German brahsema; perhaps related to brehan to glitter brim alt head bream or bream syl brim. pron , Austral. pos n. mod pl. brim infl head bream or bream syl brim pron pos n. qual Austral. bream H1.1. or brim syl bream pron , Austral. pos n. mod pl. def any of several Eurasian freshwater cyprinid fishes of the genus esp. having a deep compressed body covered with silvery scales. white 2. head bream or silver bream syl white def a similar cyprinid, bream H1.3. or brim syl bream pron , Austral. pos n. mod pl. def short for {sea bream}. bream ety C15: probably from Middle Dutch bremme broom; from using burning broom as a source of heat bream H2.0. syl bream pron pos vb. usage Nautical. formerly def to clean debris from (the bottom of a vessel) by heating to soften the pitch. Julian infl head Bream syl Jul:ian. pos n. Bream 0. syl Bream pron pos n. def born 1933, English guitarist and lutenist. breast ety Old English br*_eost; related to Old Norse brj*_ost, Old High German brust, Dutch borst, Swedish br*"ass, Old Irish br*_u belly, body breast 1. syl breast pron pos n. def the front part of the body from the neck to the abdomen; chest. breast 2. syl breast pron pos n. def either of the two soft fleshy milk-secreting glands on the chest in sexually mature human females. breast 3. syl breast pron pos n. def a similar organ in certain other mammals. breast 4. syl breast pron pos n. def anything that resembles a breast in shape or position. exam 1 the breast of the hill. breast 5. syl breast pron pos n. def a source of nourishment. exam 1 the city took the victims to its breast. breast 6. syl breast pron pos n. def the source of human emotions. breast 7. syl breast pron pos n. def the part of a garment that covers the breast. breast 8. syl breast pron pos n. def a projection from the side of a wall, esp. that formed by a chimney. breast 9. syl breast pron pos n. qual Mining. def the face being worked at the end of a tunnel. breast 10.a. syl breast pron pos n. def to display guilt and remorse publicly or ostentatiously. breast 10.b. syl breast pron pos n. def to make a show of victory or success. make a clean breast of 11. head breast syl make a clean breast of. def to make a confession of. breast 12. syl breast pron pos vb. mod tr. def to confront boldly; face. exam 1 breast the storm. breast 13. syl breast pron pos vb. mod tr. def to oppose with the breast or meet at breast level. exam 1 breasting the waves. breast 14. syl breast pron pos vb. mod tr. def to come alongside of. exam 1 breast the ship. breast 15. syl breast pron pos vb. mod tr. def to reach the summit of. exam 1 breasting the mountain top. keep someone breasted of 16. head breast syl keep someone breasted of. def to keep someone informed of. breastbone 0. syl breast+bone pron <1brest2b*un> pos n. def the nontechnical name for {sternum}. breast-feeds infl head breast-feed syl breast-feeds pos vb. breast-feeding infl head breast-feed syl breast-feed:ing pos vb. breast-fed infl head breast-feed syl breast-fed. pos vb. breast-feed 1. syl breast-feed pos vb. def to feed (a baby) with milk from the breast; suckle. breast-feed 2. syl breast-feed pos vb. mod tr. qual Informal. def to pamper; coddle. breastpin 0. syl breast+pin pron <1brest2pin> pos n. def a brooch worn on the breast, esp. to close a garment. breastplate 1. syl breast+plate pron <1brest2plAt> pos n. def a piece of armour covering the chest. breastplate 2. syl breast+plate pron <1brest2plAt> pos n. def the strap of a harness covering a horse's breast. breastplate 3. syl breast+plate pron <1brest2plAt> pos n. qual Judaism. def a square vestment ornamented with 12 precious stones, representing the 12 tribes of Israel, worn by the high priest when praying before the holy of holies. breastplate 4. syl breast+plate pron <1brest2plAt> pos n. qual Zoology. def a nontechnical name for {plastron}. breaststroke 0. syl breast+stroke pron <1brest2str*uk> pos n. def a swimming stroke in which the arms are extended in front of the head and swept back on either side while the legs are drawn up beneath the body and thrust back together. breastwork 0. syl breast+work pron <1brest2wR:k> pos n. qual Fortifications. def a temporary defensive work, usually breast-high. Also called: {parapet}. breath ety Old English br*_@ath; related to br*_@adan to burn, Old High German br*_adam heat, breath breath 1. syl breath pron pos n. def the intake and expulsion of air during respiration. breath 2. syl breath pron pos n. def the air inhaled or exhaled during respiration. breath 3. syl breath pron pos n. def a single respiration or inhalation of air, etc. breath 4. syl breath pron pos n. def the vapour, heat, or odour of exhaled air. exam 1 his breath on the window melted the frost. breath 5. syl breath pron pos n. def a slight gust of air. breath 6. syl breath pron pos n. def a short pause or rest. exam 1 take a breath for five minutes. breath 7. syl breath pron pos n. def a brief time. exam 1 it was done in a breath. breath 8. syl breath pron pos n. def a suggestion or slight evidence; suspicion. exam 1 a breath of scandal. breath 9. syl breath pron pos n. def a whisper or soft sound. breath 10. syl breath pron pos n. def life, energy, or vitality. exam 1 the breath of new industry. breath 11. syl breath pron pos n. qual Phonetics. def the passage of air through the completely open glottis without vibration of the vocal cords, as in exhaling or pronouncing fricatives such as (f) or (h) or stops such as (p) or (k). Compare { {voice} (sense 11)}. catch one's breath 12. head breath syl catch one's breath. def to rest until breathing is normal, esp. after exertion. in the same breath 13. head breath syl in the same breath. def done or said at the same time. out of breath 14. head breath syl out of breath. def gasping for air after exertion. save one's breath 15. head breath syl save one's breath. def to refrain from useless talk. take one's breath away 16. head breath syl take one's breath away. def to overwhelm with surprise, etc. under 17. head breath or below one's breath syl under def in a quiet voice or whisper. breathalyze alt head breathalyse or breathalyse syl breath:a+lyze pron <1breT*2lIz> pos vb. mod tr. qual U.S. breathalyse 0. or breathalyze syl breath:a+lyse pron <1breT*2lIz> pos vb. mod tr. def to apply a Breathalyzer test to (someone). Breathalyser alt head Breathalyzer or Breathalyzer syl Breath:a+lys+er pron <1breT*2lIz*> pos n. Breathalyzer 0. or Breathalyser syl Breath:a+lyz+er pron <1breT*2lIz*> pos n. qual Brit., trademark. def a device for estimating the amount of alcohol in the breath: used in testing people suspected of driving under the influence of alcohol. U.S. equivalent: {drunkometer}. breathe ety C13: from #7breath breathe 1. syl breathe pron pos vb. def to take in oxygen from (the surrounding medium, esp. air) and give out carbon dioxide; respire. breathe 2. syl breathe pron pos vb. mod intr. def to exist; be alive. exam 1 every animal that breathes on earth. breathe 3. syl breathe pron pos vb. mod intr. def to rest to regain breath, composure, etc.. exam 1 stop your questions, and give me a chance to breathe. breathe 4. syl breathe pron pos vb. mod intr. usage esp. of air def to blow lightly. exam 1 the wind breathed through the trees. breathe 5.a. syl breathe pron pos vb. def to take in air, esp. for combustion. exam 1 the engine breathes through this air filter. breathe 5.b. syl breathe pron pos vb. def to equalize the pressure within a container, chamber, etc., with atmospheric pressure. exam 1 the crankcase breathes through this duct. breathe 6. syl breathe pron pos vb. mod tr. qual Phonetics. def to articulate (a speech sound) without vibration of the vocal cords. Compare { {voice} (sense 19)}. breathe 7. syl breathe pron pos vb. def to exhale or emit. exam 1 the dragon breathed fire. breathe 8. syl breathe pron pos vb. mod tr. def to impart; instill. exam 1 to breathe confidence into the actors. breathe 9. syl breathe pron pos vb. mod tr. def to speak softly; whisper. exam 1 to breathe words of love. breathe 10. syl breathe pron pos vb. mod tr. def to permit to rest. exam 1 to breathe a horse. freely infl head breathe or breasily syl freely breasily infl head breathe or freely syl breasily. breathe again 11. head breathe syl breathe again def to feel relief. exam 1 I could breathe again after passing the exam. breathe down (someone's) neck 12. head breathe syl breathe down (someone's) neck. def to stay close to (someone), esp. to oversee what they are doing. breathe one's last 13. head breathe syl breathe one's last. def to die or be finished or defeated. breathed 0. syl breathed pron , pos adj. qual Phonetics. def relating to or denoting a speech sound for whose articulation the vocal cords are not made to vibrate. Compare {voiced}. breather 1. syl breath+er pron <1brED*> pos n. qual Informal. def a short pause for rest. breather 2. syl breath+er pron <1brED*> pos n. def a person who breathes in a specified way. exam 1 a deep breather. breather 3. syl breath+er pron <1brED*> pos n. def a vent in a container to equalize internal and external pressure, such as the pipe in the crankcase of an internal-combustion engine. breather 4. syl breath+er pron <1brED*> pos n. def a small opening in a room, container, cover, etc., supplying air for ventilation. breathing 1. syl breath+ing pron <1brEDiG> pos n. def the passage of air into and out of the lungs to supply the body with oxygen. breathing 2. syl breath+ing pron <1brEDiG> pos n. def a single breath. exam 1 a breathing between words. breathing 3. syl breath+ing pron <1brEDiG> pos n. def an utterance. exam 1 a breathing of hate. breathing 4. syl breath+ing pron <1brEDiG> pos n. def a soft movement, esp. of air. breathing 5. syl breath+ing pron <1brEDiG> pos n. def a rest or pause. breathing 6.a. syl breath+ing pron <1brEDiG> pos n. def expulsion of breath ({rough breathing}) or absence of such expulsion ({smooth breathing}) preceding the pronunciation of an initial vowel or rho in ancient Greek. breathing 6.b. syl breath+ing pron <1brEDiG> pos n. def either of two symbols indicating this. breathing space 1. syl breath+ing space pos n. def enough area to permit for freedom of movement. exam 1 the country gives us some breathing space. breathing space 2. syl breath+ing space pos n. def a pause for rest, etc.. exam 1 a coffee break was their only breathing space. breathless 1. syl breath+less pron <1breTlis> pos adj. def out of breath; gasping, etc. breathless 2. syl breath+less pron <1breTlis> pos adj. def holding one's breath or having it taken away by excitement, etc.. exam 1 a breathless confrontation. breathless 3. syl breath+less pron <1breTlis> pos adj. usage esp. of the atmosphere def motionless and stifling. breathless 4. syl breath+less pron <1breTlis> pos adj. qual Rare. def lifeless; dead. breathlessly sub head breathless syl breath+less+ly pos adv. breathlessness sub head breathless syl breath+less+ness pos n. breathtaking 0. syl breath+tak:ing pron <1breT2tAkiG> pos adj. def causing awe or excitement. exam 1 a breathtaking view. breathtakingly sub head breathtaking syl breath+2tak:ing+ly pos adv. breath test 0. syl breath test pos n. qual Brit. def a chemical test of a driver's breath to determine the amount of alcohol he has consumed. breathier infl head breathy syl breath:i+er pos adj. breathiest infl head breathy syl breath:i+est. pos adj. breathy 1. syl breath:y pron <1breTi> pos adj. usage of the speaking voice def accompanied by an audible emission of breath. breathy 2. syl breath:y pron <1breTi> pos adj. usage of the singing voice def lacking resonance. breathily sub head breathy syl breath:i+ly pos adv. breathiness sub head breathy syl breath:i+ness pos n. breccia ety C18: from Italian, from Old High German brecha a fragment; see #7breach breccia 0. syl brec+ci:a pron <1breCi*> pos n. def a rock consisting of angular fragments embedded in a finer matrix, formed by erosion, volcanic activity, etc. brecciated sub head breccia syl brec+ci+2at+ed pos adj. Bertolt infl head Brecht syl Ber:tolt pron <1bertclt> pos n. Brecht 0. syl Brecht pron German pos n. def 1898-1956, German dramatist, theatrical producer, and poet, who developed a new style of @6epic@9 theatre and a new theory of theatrical alienation, notable also for his wit and compassion. His early works include (1928) and (1930) (both with music by Kurt Weill). His later plays are concerned with moral and political dilemmas and include (1941), (1943), and (1955). Brecknock alt head Brecon or Brecon syl Breck+nock pron <1breknok> pos n. Brecon 1. or Brecknock syl Brec+on pron <1brek*n> pos n. def a town in SE Wales: textile and leather industries. Pop.: 6283 (1971). Brecon 2. or Brecknock syl Brec+on pron <1brek*n> pos n. def short for {Breconshire}. Brecknockshire alt head Breconshire or Breconshire syl Breck+nock+shire pron <1brek?!nok2Si*>, <-S*> pos n. Breconshire 0. or Brecknockshire syl Brec+on+shire pron <1brek*n2Si*>, <-S*> pos n. usage until 1974 def a county of SE Wales, now part of Powys: over half its area forms the {Brecon Beacons National Park}. bred 0. syl bred pron pos vb. def the past tense or past participle of {breed}. Breda 0. syl Bre+da pron <1brEd*>, Dutch pos n. def a city in the S Netherlands, in North Brabant province: residence of Charles II of England during his exile. Pop.: 118594 (1974 est.). brede 0. syl brede pron pos n. vb. def an archaic spelling of {braid}. bree ety Old English br*_ig, variant of br*_iw pottage; related to Old High German br*_io soup, Old English br*_iwan to cook, Middle Irish br*_eo flame brie alt head bree or bree syl brie pron pos n. bree 0. or brie syl bree pron pos n. qual Scot. literary. def a thin soup or broth. breech ety Old English br*_ec, plural of br*_oc leg covering; related to Old Norse br*_ok, Old High German bruoh breech 1. syl breech pron pos n. def the lower dorsal part of the human trunk; buttocks; rump. breech 2. syl breech pron pos n. def the lower part or bottom of something. exam 1 the breech of the bridge. breech 3. syl breech pron pos n. def the lower portion of a pulley block, esp. the part to which the rope or chain is secured. breech 4. syl breech pron pos n. def the part of a firearm behind the barrel or bore. breech 5. syl breech pron pos n. qual Obstetrics. def short for {breech delivery}. breech 6. syl breech pron , pos vb. mod tr. def to fit (a gun) with a breech. breech 7. syl breech pron , pos vb. mod tr. qual Archaic. def to clothe in breeches or any other clothing. breechblock 0. syl breech+block pron <1brEC2blok> pos n. def a metal block in breech-loading firearms that is withdrawn to insert the cartridge and replaced to close the breech before firing. breechclout alt head breechcloth or breechcloth syl breech+clout pron <1brEC2klaut> pos n. breechcloth 0. or breechclout syl breech+cloth pron <1brEC2kloT> pos n. def other names for {loincloth}. breech delivery 0. syl breech de+liv+er:y pos n. def birth of a baby with the feet or buttocks appearing first. breeches 1. syl breech:es pron <1briCiz>, <1brE-> pos n. mod pl. def trousers extending to the knee or just below, worn for riding. breeches 2. syl breech:es pron <1briCiz>, <1brE-> pos n. mod pl. qual Informal or dialect. def any trousers or pants, esp. extending to the knee. breeches buoy 0. syl breech:es buoy pos n. def a ring-shaped life buoy with a support in the form of a pair of short breeches, in which a person is suspended for safe transfer from a ship. breeching 1. syl breech+ing pron <1briCiG>, <1brE-> pos n. def the strap of a harness that passes behind a horse's haunches. breeching 2. syl breech+ing pron <1briCiG>, <1brE-> pos n. usage Naval. formerly def the rope used to check the recoil run of a ship's guns or to secure them against rough weather. breeching 3. syl breech+ing pron <1briCiG>, <1brE-> pos n. def the parts comprising the breech of a gun. breechloader 0. syl breech+load:er pron <1brEC2l*ud*> pos n. def a firearm that is loaded at the breech. breech-loading sub head breechloader syl breech-2load:ing pos adj. breed ety Old English br*_edan, of Germanic origin; related to #7brood breeds infl head breed syl breeds pos vb. breeding infl head breed syl breed+ing pos vb. bred infl head breed syl bred. pos vb. breed 1. syl breed pron pos vb. def to bear (off?!spring). breed 2. syl breed pron pos vb. mod tr. def to bring up; raise. breed 3. syl breed pron pos vb. def to produce or cause to produce by mating; propagate. breed 4. syl breed pron pos vb. def to produce and maintain new or improved strains of (domestic animals and plants). breed 5. syl breed pron pos vb. def to produce or be produced; generate. exam 1 to breed trouble; exam 2 violence breeds in densely populated areas. breed 6. syl breed pron pos n. def a group of organisms within a species, esp. a group of domestic animals, originated and maintained by man and having a clearly defined set of characteristics. breed 7. syl breed pron pos n. def a lineage or race. exam 1 a breed of Europeans. breed 8. syl breed pron pos n. def a kind, sort, or group. exam 1 a special breed of hatred. breeder 1. syl breed+er pron <1brEd*> pos n. def a person who breeds plants or animals. breeder 2. syl breed+er pron <1brEd*> pos n. def something that reproduces, esp. to excess. exam 1 rabbits are persistent breeders. breeder 3. syl breed+er pron <1brEd*> pos n. def an animal kept for breeding purposes. breeder 4. syl breed+er pron <1brEd*> pos n. def a source or cause. exam 1 a breeder of discontent. breeder 5. syl breed+er pron <1brEd*> pos n. def short for {breeder reactor}. breeder reactor 0. syl breed+er re+ac+tor pos n. def a type of nuclear reactor that produces more fissionable material than it consumes. Compare {convert?!er reactor}. See also {fast-breeder reactor}. breeding 1. syl breed+ing pron <1brEdiG> pos n. def the process of bearing offspring; reproduction. breeding 2. syl breed+ing pron <1brEdiG> pos n. def the process of producing plants or animals by hybridization, inbreeding, or other methods of reproduction. breeding 3. syl breed+ing pron <1brEdiG> pos n. def the result of good training, esp. the knowledge of correct social behaviour; refinement. exam 1 a man of breeding. breeding 4. syl breed+ing pron <1brEdiG> pos n. def a person's line of descent. exam 1 his breeding was suspect. breeding 5. syl breed+ing pron <1brEdiG> pos n. qual Physics. def a process occurring in a nuclear reactor as a result of which more fissionable material is produced than is used up. Breed's Hill 0. syl Breed's Hill pron pos n. def a hill in E Massachusetts, adjoining Bunker Hill: site of the Battle of Bunker Hill (1775). breeks 0. syl breeks pron pos n. mod pl. def a Scot. name for {breeches}. breenger ety from Scots breenge a dash, of uncertain origin breenger 0. syl breeng+er pron <1brEnJ*> pos n. qual West central Scot. dialect. def an impetuous person. breeze ety C16: probably from Old Spanish briza northeast wind breeze H1.1. syl breeze pron pos n. def a gentle or light wind. breeze H1.2. syl breeze pron pos n. qual Meteorol. def a wind of force two to six inclusive on the Beaufort scale. breeze H1.3. syl breeze pron pos n. qual U.S. informal. def an easy task or state of ease. exam 1 being happy here is a breeze. breeze H1.4. syl breeze pron pos n. qual Informal, chiefly Brit. def a disturbance, esp. a lively quarrel. breeze H1.5. syl breeze pron pos vb. mod intr. def to move quickly or casually. exam 1 he breezed into the room. breeze H1.6. syl breeze pron pos vb. mod intr. usage of wind def to blow. exam 1 the south wind breezed over the fields. breeze ety Old English briosa, of unknown origin breeze H2.0. syl breeze pron pos n. def an archaic or dialect name for the {gadfly}. breeze ety C18: from French braise live coals; see #7braise breeze H3.0. syl breeze pron pos n. def ashes of coal, coke, or charcoal used to make breeze blocks. breeze block 0. syl breeze block pos n. def a light building brick made from the ashes of coal, coke, etc., bonded together by cement and used esp. for walls that bear relatively small loads. Usual U.S. names: {cinder block, clinker block}. breezeway 0. syl breeze+way pron <1brEz2wA> pos n. def a roofed passageway connecting two buildings, sometimes with the sides enclosed. breezier infl head breezy syl breez:i+er pos adj. breeziest infl head breezy syl breez:i+est. pos adj. breezy 1. syl breez:y pron <1brEzi> pos adj. def fresh; windy. exam 1 a breezy afternoon. breezy 2. syl breez:y pron <1brEzi> pos adj. def casual or carefree; lively; light-hearted. exam 1 her breezy nature. breezy 3. syl breez:y pron <1brEzi> pos adj. qual Informal. def lacking substance; light. exam 1 a breezy conversation. breezily sub head breezy syl breez:i+ly pos adv. breeziness sub head breezy syl breez:i+ness pos n. Bregenz 0. syl Bre+genz pron German <1brA:gents> pos n. def a resort in W Austria, the capital of Vorarlberg province. Pop.: 22839 (1971). bregma ety C16: New Latin from Greek: front part of the head bregmata infl head bregma syl breg+ma+ta pron <-m*t*> pos n. mod pl. bregma 0. syl breg+ma pron <1bregm*> pos n. def the point on the top of the skull where the coronal and sagittal sutures meet: in infants this corresponds to the anterior fontanelle. brei ety C20: from Afrikaans; compare #7bray %1 breis infl head brei syl breis pos vb. mod intr. breiing infl head brei syl brei+ing pos vb. mod intr. breid infl head brei syl breid. pos vb. mod intr. brei 0. syl brei pron pos vb. mod intr. qual S. African informal. def to speak with a uvular esp. in Afrikaans. Also: {brey}. Compare { {burr%2}}. brekky 0. syl brek+ky pron <1breki> pos n. qual Chiefly Austral. def a slang word for breakfast. Bremen 1. syl Bre+men pron <1brAm*n> pos n. def a state of N West Germany, centred on the city of Bremen and its outport Bremerhaven. Pop.: 722732 (1970). Area: 404 sq. km (156 sq. miles). Bremen 2. syl Bre+men pron <1brAm*n> pos n. def an industrial city and port in N West Germany, on the Weser estuary. Pop.: 584265 (1974 est.). Bremerhaven 0. syl Brem+er+ha+ven pron German <2brA:m*r1ha:f*n> pos n. def a port in N West Germany: an outport for Bremen. Pop.: 144578 (1974 est.). Former name (until 1947): {Weserm*"unde}. bremsstrahlung ety German: braking radiation bremsstrahlung 0. syl brems+strah+lung pron <1brem2Stra:l*G> pos n. def the x-radiation produced when an electrically charged particle, such as an electron, is slowed down by the electric field of an atomic nucleus. Alfred infl head Brendel syl Al:fred. pos n. Brendel 0. syl Bren:del pron German <1brendL> pos n. def born 1931, Austrian pianist. Bren gun ety C20: after Br (no) , Czechoslovakia, where it was first made and En (field) , England, where manufacture was continued Bren gun 0. syl Bren gun pron pos n. def an air-cooled gas-operated submachine gun taking .303 calibre ammunition: used by the British in World War II. Brenner Pass 0. syl Bren+ner Pass pron <1bren*> pos n. def a pass over the E Alps, between Austria and Italy. Highest point: 1372 m (4501 ft.). brent ety C16: perhaps of Scandinavian origin; compare Old Norse brandg*_as sheldrake Brent 0. syl Brent pron pos n. def a borough of Greater London, in the northwestern part. Pop.: 256500 (1976 est.). Clemens (Maria) infl head Brentano syl Cle:mens (Maria) pron <1klA?!:m*ns> pos n. Brentano 0. syl Bren:ta:no pron German pos n. def 1778-1842, German romantic poet and compiler of fairy stories and folk songs esp. (with Achim von Arnim) the collection (1805-08). Brentwood 0. syl Brent+wood pron <1brent2wud> pos n. def a residential town in SE England, in SW Essex near London. Pop.: 57976 (1971). br'er 0. syl br'er pron , pos n. qual Southern U.S. Negro dialect. def brother: usually prefixed to a name. exam 1 Br'er Jones. Brescia 0. syl Bre+scia pron Italian <1brASSa> pos n. def a city in N Italy, in Lombardy: at its height in the 16th century. Pop.: 215654 (1975 est.). Ancient name: {Brixia}. Breslau 0. syl Bres+lau pron <1breslau> pos n. def the German name for {Wroclaw}. Robert infl head Bresson syl Ro:bert pron pos n. Bresson 0. syl Bres:son pron French pos n. def born 1901, French film director: his films include (1951) and (1970). Brest 1. syl Brest pron pos n. def a port in NW France, in Brittany: chief naval station of the country, planned by Richelieu in 1631 and fortified by Vauban. Pop.: 172176 (1975). Brest 2. syl Brest pron pos n. def a city in the W Soviet Union, in SW Byelorussia: Polish until 1795 and from 1921 to 1945. Pop.: 122000 (1970). Former name (until 1921): {Brest Li+tovsk} (br$est lji#!t@$fsk). Polish name: {Brze*'s*'c nad Bu+giem} (#!b#f$e#st#s nad #!bugj$em). Bretagne 0. syl Bre+tagne pron pos n. def the French name for {Brittany}. brethren 0. syl breth+ren pron <1bre@drin> pos n. mod pl. qual Archaic except in religious contexts. def a plural of {brother}. Breton H1.1. syl Bret+on pron <1bretN>, French pos adj. def of, relating to, or characteristic of Brittany, its people, or their language. Breton H1.2. syl Bret+on pron <1bretN>, French pos n. def a native or inhabitant of Brittany, esp. one who speaks the Breton language. Andr'e infl head Breton syl An:dr*'e pron pos n. Breton H2.0. syl Bre:ton pron French pos n. def 1896-1966, French poet and art critic: founder and chief theorist of surrealism, publishing the first surrealist manifesto in 1924. Bretton Woods Conference 0. syl Bret+ton Woods Con+fer+ence pron <1bretN> pos n. def an international monetary conference held in 1944 at Bretton Woods in New Hampshire, which resulted in the establishment of the World Bank and the International Monetary Fund. Josef 1. head Breuer syl Jo:sef pron <1jo:zef> def 1842-1925, Austrian physician: treated the mentally ill by hypnosis. Marcel Lajos 2. head Breuer syl Mar:cel La:jos pron <1lcjoS> def born 1902, U.S. architect and furniture designer, born in Hungary. He developed bent plywood and tubular metal furniture and designed the UNESCO building in Paris (1953-58). Breughel 0. syl Breu:ghel pron <1brcigL> pos n. def a variant spelling of {Brueghel}. breve ety C13: from Medieval Latin breve, from Latin brevis short; see #7brief breve 1. syl breve pron pos n. def an accent, *u #800080 , placed over a vowel to indicate that it is of short duration or is pronounced in a specified way. breve 2. syl breve pron pos n. qual Music. def a note, now rarely used, equivalent in time value to two semibreves. breve 3. syl breve pron pos n. qual R.C. Church. def a less common word for {brief} (papal letter). brevet ety C14: from Old French brievet a little letter, from brief letter; see #7brief brevet 1. syl bre+vet pron <1brevit> pos n. def a document entitling a commissioned officer to hold temporarily a higher military rank without the appropriate pay and allowances. brevets infl head brevet or brevets syl bre+vets pos vb. brevetting infl head brevet or breveting syl bre+vet+ting pos vb. brevetted infl head brevet or breveted syl bre+vet+ted pos vb. breveting infl head brevet or brevetting syl bre+vet+ing pos vb. breveted infl head brevet or brevetted syl bre+vet+ed. pos vb. brevet 2. syl bre+vet pron <1brevit> pos vb. mod tr. def to promote by brevet. brevetcy sub head brevet syl brev+et+cy pos n. breviary ety C16: from Latin brevi*_arium an abridged version, from brevi*_are to shorten, from brevis short breviaries infl head breviary syl brev:ia+ries. pos n. mod pl. breviary 1. syl brev:ia+ry pron <1brevj*ri>, <1brE-> pos n. qual R.C. Church. def a book of psalms, hymns, prayers, etc., to be recited daily by clerics in major orders and certain members of religious orders as part of the divine office. breviary 2. syl brev:ia+ry pron <1brevj*ri>, <1brE-> pos n. def a similar book in the Orthodox Church. brevier ety C16: probably from Dutch, literally: #7breviary ; so called because this type size was used for breviaries brevier 0. syl bre+vier pron pos n. usage formerly def a size of printer's type approximately equal to 8 point. brevity ety C16: from Latin brevit*_as shortness, from brevis #7brief brevities infl head brevity syl brev+i:ties. pos n. mod pl. brevity 1. syl brev+i:ty pron <1breviti> pos n. def conciseness of expression; lack of verbosity. brevity 2. syl brev+i:ty pron <1breviti> pos n. def a short duration; brief time. brew ety Old English br*_eowan related to Old Norse brugga, Old Saxon breuwan, Old High German briuwan brew 1. syl brew pron pos vb. def to make (beer, ale, etc.) from malt and other ingredients by steeping, boiling, and fermentation. brew 2. syl brew pron pos vb. def to prepare (a drink, such as tea) by boiling or infusing. brew 3. syl brew pron pos vb. mod tr. def to devise or plan. exam 1 to brew a plot. brew 4. syl brew pron pos vb. mod intr. def to be in the process of being brewed. exam 1 the tea was brewing in the pot. brew 5. syl brew pron pos vb. mod intr. def to be impend?!ing or forming. exam 1 there's a storm brewing. brew 6. syl brew pron pos n. def a beverage produced by brewing. exam 1 a strong brew. brew 7. syl brew pron pos n. def an instance or time of brewing. exam 1 last year's brew. brewer sub head brew syl brew+er pos n. brewage 1. syl brew+age pron <1bru:iJ> pos n. def a product of brewing; brew. brewage 2. syl brew+age pron <1bru:iJ> pos n. def the process of brewing. brewer's yeast 1. syl brew+er's yeast pos n. def a yeast, used in brewing. See {yeast} (sense 2). brewer's yeast 2. syl brew+er's yeast pos n. def yeast obtained as a by-product of brewing. breweries infl head brewery syl brew+er:ies. pos n. mod pl. brewery 0. syl brew+er:y pron <1bru*ri> pos n. def a place where beer, ale, etc., is brewed. brewing 0. syl brew+ing pron <1bru:iG> pos n. def a quantity of a beverage brewed at one time. brewis ety C16: from Old French broez, from broet, diminutive of breu #7broth brevis alt head brewis or brewis syl brev+is pron <1brevis> pos n. brewis 1. or brevis syl brew+is pron <1bru:is> pos n. qual Dialect, chiefly northern Brit. or U.S. def bread soaked in broth, gravy, etc. brewis 2. or brevis syl brew+is pron <1bru:is> pos n. qual Dialect, chiefly northern Brit. or U.S. def thickened broth. Brewster 0. syl Brew:ster pron <1bru:st*> pos n. def Sir {Da@.vid}. 1781-1868, Scottish physicist, noted for his studies of the polarization of light. brey 0. syl brey pron pos vb. mod intr. qual S. African informal. def a variant spelling of {brei}. Leonid Ilyich infl head Brezhnev syl Le:o:nid I:lyich pron <1iljiC> pos n. Brezhnev 0. syl Brezh:nev pron <1breZnef>, Russian <1brjeZnif> pos n. def born 1906, Soviet statesman; president of the Soviet Union since 1977; general secretary of the Soviet Communist Party since 1964. BRG 0. syl BRG usage international car registration for def Guyana (formerly British Guiana). Havergal infl head Brian syl Ha:ver:gal pron <1h@v*g*l> pos n. Brian 0. syl Bri:an pron <1brI*n> pos n. def 1876-1972, English composer, who wrote 32 symphonies, including the large-scale (1919-27). Brian Boru 0. syl Bri:an Bo:ru pron <1brI*n> pos n. def ??941-1014, king of Ireland (1002-14): killed during the defeat of the Danes at the battle of Clontarf. Aristide infl head Briand syl A:ri:stide pron pos n. Briand 0. syl Bri:and pron French pos n. def 1862-1932, French socialist statesman: prime minister of France 11 times. He was responsible for the separation of Church and State (1905) and he advocated a United States of Europe. Nobel peace prize 1926. briar ety C19: from French bruy*`ere heath, from Late Latin br*_ucus, of Gaulish origin brier alt head briar or briar syl bri+er pron <1brI*> pos n. briar H1.1. or brier syl bri+ar pron <1brI*> pos n. def Also called: {tree heath}. an ericaceous shrub, of S Europe, having a hard woody root (briarroot). briar H1.2. or brier syl bri+ar pron <1brI*> pos n. def a tobacco pipe made from the root of this plant. briary sub head briar or briery syl bri+ar:y pos adj. briery sub head briar or briary syl bri+er:y pos adj. briar H2.0. syl bri+ar pron <1brI*> pos n. def a variant spelling of {brier%1}. Briareus 0. syl Bri:ar:e:us pron pos n. qual Greek myth. def a giant with a hundred arms and fifty heads who aided Zeus and the Olympians against the Titans. Briarean sub head Briareus syl Bri+1ar+e:an pos adj. brierroot alt head briarroot or briarroot syl bri:er+root pron <1brI*2ru:t> pos n. briarroot 1. or brierroot syl bri:ar+root pron <1brI*2ru:t> pos n. def the hard woody root of the briar, used for making tobacco pipes. briarroot 2. or brierroot syl bri:ar+root pron <1brI*2ru:t> pos n. def any of several other woods used to make tobacco pipes. briarroot xref or brierroot syl bri:ar+root pron <1brI*2ru:t> pos n. def Also called: {briarwood, brierwood}. bribe ety C14: from Old French briber to beg, of obscure origin bribe 1. syl bribe pron pos vb. def to promise, offer, or give something, esp. money, to (a person) to procure services or gain influence. bribe 2. syl bribe pron pos n. def a reward, such as money or favour, given or offered for this purpose. bribe 3. syl bribe pron pos n. def any persuasion or lure. bribe 4. syl bribe pron pos n. def a length of flawed or damaged cloth removed from the main piece. bribable sub head bribe or bribeable syl brib+a:ble pos adj. bribeable sub head bribe or bribable syl bribe+a:ble pos adj. briber sub head bribe syl brib+er pos n. briberies infl head bribery syl brib+er+ies. pos n. mod pl. bribery 0. syl brib+er:y pron <1brIb*ri> pos n. def the process of giving or taking bribes. bric-a-brac ety C19: from French; phrase based on bric piece bric-a-brac 0. syl bric-a-brac pron <1brik*2br@k> pos n. def miscellaneous small objects, esp. furniture and curios, kept because they are ornamental or rare. brick ety C15: from Old French brique, from Middle Dutch bricke; related to Middle Low German brike, Old English brecan to #7break brick 1.a. syl brick pron pos n. def a rectangular block of clay mixed with sand and fired in a kiln or baked by the sun, used in building construction. brick 1.b. syl brick pron pos n. usage as modifier exam 1 a brick house. brick 2. syl brick pron pos n. def the material used to make such blocks. brick 3. syl brick pron pos n. def any rectangular block. exam 1 a brick of ice. brick 4. syl brick pron pos n. def bricks collectively. brick 5. syl brick pron pos n. qual Informal. def a reliable, trustworthy, or helpful person. brick 6. syl brick pron pos n. qual Brit. def a child's building block. brick 7. syl brick pron pos n. def short for {brick red}. drop a brick 8. head brick syl drop a brick. qual Brit. informal. def to make a tactless or indiscreet remark. like a ton of bricks 9. head brick syl like a ton of bricks. qual Informal. def with great force; heavily. exam 1 the book landed like a ton of bricks. brick 10. syl brick pron pos vb. mod tr. usage usually foll. by in, up, or over def to construct, line, pave, fill, or wall up with bricks. exam 1 to brick up a window; exam 2 brick over a patio. bricky sub head brick syl brick:y pos adj. brickbat 1. syl brick+bat pron <1brik2b@t> pos n. def a piece of brick or similar material, esp. one used as a weapon. brickbat 2. syl brick+bat pron <1brik2b@t> pos n. qual Informal. def blunt criticism. exam 1 the critic threw several brickbats at the singer. bricklayer 0. syl brick+lay:er pron <1brik2lA*> pos n. def a person trained or skilled in laying bricks. bricklaying 0. syl brick+lay:ing pron <1brik2lAiG> pos n. def the technique or practice of laying bricks. brickle ety Old English brycel; related to brecan to #7break, Middle Low German br*"okel fragile brickle 0. syl brick+le pron <1brikL> pos adj. qual Northern Brit. dialect. def brittle; fragile; breakable. brickleness sub head brickle syl brick+le+ness pos n. brick red 0.a. syl brick red pos n. adj. def a reddish-brown colour. brick red 0.b. syl brick red pos as; adj. exam 1 a brick-red carpet. brickwork 1. syl brick+work pron <1brik2wR:k> pos n. def a structure, such as a wall, built of bricks. brickwork 2. syl brick+work pron <1brik2wR:k> pos n. def construction using bricks. brickyard 0. syl brick+yard pron <1brik2ja:d> pos n. def a place in which bricks are made, stored, or sold. bricole ety C16: from Old French: catapult, from Medieval Latin bricola, of uncertain origin bricole 1. syl bri+cole pron , <1brikL> pos n. qual Billiards. def a shot in which the cue ball touches a cushion after striking the object ball and before touching another ball. bricole 2. syl bri+cole pron , <1brikL> pos n. usage in ancient and medieval times def a military catapult for throwing stones, etc. bricole 3. syl bri+cole pron , <1brikL> pos n. usage esp. formerly def a harness worn by soldiers for dragging guns. bricole 4. syl bri+cole pron , <1brikL> pos n. def an indirect or unexpected stroke or action. bridal ety Old English br*_ydealu, literally: @6bride ale@9, that is, wedding feast bridal 1. syl brid+al pron <1brIdL> pos adj. def of or relating to a bride or a wedding; nuptial. bridal 2. syl brid+al pron <1brIdL> pos n. qual Obsolete. def a wedding or wedding feast. bridal wreath 0. syl brid+al wreath pos n. def any of several N temperate rosaceous shrubs of the genus esp. cultivated for their sprays of small white flowers. bride ety Old English br*_yd; related to Old Norse br*_uthr, Gothic br*_uths daughter-in-law, Old High German br*_ut bride H1.0. syl bride pron pos n. def a woman who has just been or is about to be married. bride ety C19: from French, literally: #7bridle, probably of Germanic origin bride H2.0. syl bride pron pos n. qual Lacemaking, needlework. def a thread or loop that joins parts of a pattern. Also called: {bar}. Bride 0. syl Bride pron pos n. def See (Saint) {Bridget}. bridegroom ety C14: changed (through influence of #7groom) from Old English br*_ydguma, from br*_yd #7bride %1#7+ guma man; related to Old Norse br*_uthgumi, Old High German br*_utigomo bridegroom 0. syl bride+groom pron <1brId2gru:m>, <-2grum> pos n. def a man who has just been or is about to be married. wealth alt head bride price or bride price syl wealth pos n. bride price 0. or wealth syl bride price pos n. usage in some societies def money, property, or services given by a bridegroom to the kinsmen of his bride in order to establish his rights over the woman. bridesmaid 0. syl brides+maid pron <1brIdz2mAd> pos n. def a girl or young unmarried woman who attends a bride at her wedding. Compare {matron of honour, maid of honour}. bridewell ety C16: after Bridewell (originally, St. Bride's Well) , a house of correction in London bridewell 0. syl bride+well pron <1brId2wel>, <-w*l> pos n. def a house of correction; jail, esp. for minor offences. bridge ety Old English brycg; related to Old Norse bryggja gangway, Old Frisian bregge, Old High German brucka, Danish, Swedish bro bridge H1.1. syl bridge pron pos n. def a structure that spans and provides a passage over a road, railway, river, or some other obstacle. bridge H1.2. syl bridge pron pos n. def something that resembles this in shape or function. exam 1 his letters provided a bridge across the centuries. bridge H1.3.a. syl bridge pron pos n. def the hard ridge at the upper part of the nose, formed by the underlying nasal bones. bridge H1.3.b. syl bridge pron pos n. def any anatomical ridge or connecting structure. Compare {pons}. bridge H1.4. syl bridge pron pos n. def the part of a pair of glasses that rests on the nose. bridge H1.5. syl bridge pron pos n. def Also called: {bridgework}. a dental plate containing one or more artificial teeth that is secured to the surrounding natural teeth. bridge H1.6. syl bridge pron pos n. def a platform athwartships and above the rail, from which a ship is piloted and navigated. bridge H1.7. syl bridge pron pos n. def a piece of wood, usually fixed, supporting the strings of a violin, guitar, etc., and transmitting their vibrations to the sounding board. bridge H1.8. syl bridge pron pos n. def Also called: {bridge passage}. a passage in a musical, literary, or dramatic work linking two or more important sections. bridge H1.9. syl bridge pron pos n. def Also called: {bridge circuit}. any of several networks, such as a Wheatstone bridge, consisting of two branches across which a measuring device is connected. The resistance, capacitance, etc., of one component can be determined from the known values of the others when the voltage in each branch is balanced. bridge H1.10.a. syl bridge pron pos n. def a support for a cue made by placing the fingers on the table and raising the thumb. bridge H1.10.b. syl bridge pron pos n. def a cue rest with a notched end for shots beyond normal reach. bridge H1.11.a. syl bridge pron pos n. def a platform of adjustable height above or beside the stage for the use of stagehands, light operators, etc. bridge H1.11.b. syl bridge pron pos n. qual Chiefly Brit. def a part of the stage floor that can be raised or lowered. bridge H1.12. syl bridge pron pos n. def a partition in a furnace or boiler to keep the fuel in place. burn one's bridges 13. head bridge syl burn one's bridges. def See { {burn} %1 (def. 16)}. cross a bridge when (one) comes to it 14. head bridge syl cross a bridge when (one) comes to it. def to deal with a problem only when it arises. bridge H1.15. syl bridge pron pos vb. mod tr. def to build or provide a bridge over something; span. exam 1 to bridge a river. bridge H1.16. syl bridge pron pos vb. mod tr. def to connect or reduce the distance between. exam 1 let us bridge our differences. bridgeable sub head bridge syl bridge+a:ble pos adj. bridgeless sub head bridge syl bridge+less pos adj. bridge ety C19: of uncertain origin, but compare Turkish bir-*"u*,c (unattested phrase) one-three (said perhaps to refer to the one exposed hand and the three players' hands bridge H2.0. syl bridge pron pos n. def a card game for four players, based on whist, in which one hand (the dummy) is exposed and the trump suit decided by bidding between the players. See also {contract bridge, duplicate bridge, auction bridge}. Frank infl head Bridge syl Frank. pos n. Bridge 0. syl Bridge pron pos n. def 1879-1941, English composer, esp. of chamber music. He taught Benjamin Britten. bridgeboard 0. syl bridge+board pron <1briJ2bc:d> pos n. def a board on both sides of a staircase that is cut to support the treads and risers. Also called: {cut string}. bridgehead 1. syl bridge+head pron <1briJ2hed> pos n. qual Military. def an area of ground secured or to be taken on the enemy's side of an obstacle. bridgehead 2. syl bridge+head pron <1briJ2hed> pos n. qual Military. def a fortified or defensive position at the end of a bridge nearest to the enemy. Bridge of Sighs 0. syl Bridge of Sighs pos n. def a covered 16th-century bridge in Venice, between the Doge's Palace and the prisons, through which prisoners were formerly led to trial or execution. Bridgeport 0. syl Bridge+port pron <1briJ2pc:t> pos n. def a port in SW Connecticut, on Long Island Sound. Pop.: 148337 (1973 est.). Robert (Seymour) infl head Bridges syl Rob:ert (Seymour) . pos n. Bridges 0. syl Bridg:es pron <1briJiz> pos n. def 1844-1930, English poet laureate (1913-30). Saint infl head Bridget syl Saint. pos n. Bridget 1. syl Brid:get pron <1briJit> pos n. def Also called: {Bride, Brigid}. 453-523 #7a.d., Irish abbess; a patron saint of Ireland. Feast day: Feb. 1. Bridget 2. syl Brid:get pron <1briJit> pos n. def Also called: {Birgit}. ??1303-73, Swedish nun and visionary; patron saint of Sweden. Feast day: Oct. 8. Bridgetown 0. syl Bridge+town pron <1briJ2taun> pos n. def the capital of Barbados, a port on the SW coast. Pop.: 8789 (1970). bridgework 1.a. syl bridge+work pron <1briJ2wR:k> pos n. def a partial denture attached to the surrounding teeth. See {bridge%1} (sense 5). bridgework 1.b. syl bridge+work pron <1briJ2wR:k> pos n. def the technique of making such appliances. bridgework 2. syl bridge+work pron <1briJ2wR:k> pos n. def the process or occupation of constructing bridges. bridging 0. syl bridg+ing pron <1briJiG> pos n. def one or more timber struts fixed between floor or roof joists to stiffen the construction and distribute the loads. Percy Williams infl head Bridgman syl Per:cy Wil:liams. pos n. Bridgman 0. syl Bridg:man pron <1briJm*n> pos n. def 1882-1961, U.S. physicist: Nobel prize for physics (1946) for his work on high-pressure physics and thermodynamics. Bridgwater 0. syl Bridg+wa+ter pron <1briJ2wc:t*> pos n. def a town in SW England, in central Somerset. Pop.: 26598 (1971). bridie ety of unknown origin bridie 0. syl bri+die pron <1brIdi> pos n. qual Scot. dialect. def a triangular pie containing meat and onions. bridle ety Old English brigdels; related to bregdan to #7braid, Old High German brittil, Middle Low German breidel bridle 1. syl bri+dle pron <1brIdL> pos n. def a headgear for a horse, etc., consisting of a series of buckled straps and a metal mouthpiece (bit) by which the animal is controlled through the reins. bridle 2. syl bri+dle pron <1brIdL> pos n. def something that curbs or restrains; check. bridle 3. syl bri+dle pron <1brIdL> pos n. def a Y-shaped cable, rope, or chain, used for holding, towing, etc. bridle 4. syl bri+dle pron <1brIdL> pos n. qual Machinery. def a device by which the motion of a component is limited, often in the form of a linkage or flange. bridle 5. syl bri+dle pron <1brIdL> pos vb. mod tr. def to put a bridle on (a horse, mule, etc.). bridle 6. syl bri+dle pron <1brIdL> pos vb. mod intr. usage of a horse def to respond correctly to the pull of the reins. bridle 7. syl bri+dle pron <1brIdL> pos vb. mod tr. def to restrain; curb. exam 1 he bridled his rage. bridle 8. syl bri+dle pron <1brIdL> pos vb. mod intr. usage often foll. by at def to show anger, scorn, or indignation. bridler sub head bridle syl bri+dler pos n. bridle path 0. syl bri+dle path pos n. def a path suitable for riding or leading horses. bridlewise 0. syl bri:dle+wise pron <1brIdL2wIz> pos adj. usage U.S. of a horse def obedient to the pressure of the reins on the neck rather than to the bit. bridoon ety C18: from French bridon, from bride bridle; compare Middle English bride bridoon 0. syl bri+doon pron pos n. def a horse's bit: a small snaffle used in double bridles. brie 0. syl brie pron pos n. def a variant spelling of {bree}. Brie ety French, named after Brie, region in N France where it originated Brie 0. syl Brie pron pos n. def a soft creamy white cheese, similar to Camembert but milder. brief ety C14: from Old French bref, from Latin brevis; related to Greek brakhus brief 1. syl brief pron pos adj. def short in duration. exam 1 a brief holiday. brief 2. syl brief pron pos adj. def short in length or extent; scanty. exam 1 a brief bikini. brief 3. syl brief pron pos adj. def abrupt in manner; brusque. exam 1 the professor was brief with me this morning. brief 4. syl brief pron pos adj. def terse or concise; containing few words. exam 1 he made a brief statement. brief 5. syl brief pron pos n. def a condensed or short statement or written synopsis; abstract. brief 6. syl brief pron pos n. qual Law. def a document containing all the facts and points of law of a case by which a solicitor instructs a barrister to represent a client. brief 7. syl brief pron pos n. qual R.C. Church. def a letter issuing from the Roman court written in modern characters, as contrasted with a papal bull; papal brief. brief 8. syl brief pron pos n. def short for {briefing}. brief 9. syl brief pron pos n. def a paper outlining the arguments and information on one side of a debate. hold a brief for 10. head brief syl hold a brief for. def to argue for; champion. in brief 11. head brief syl in brief. def in short; to sum up. brief 12. syl brief pron pos vb. mod tr. def to prepare or instruct by giving a summary of relevant facts. brief 13. syl brief pron pos vb. mod tr. def to make a summary or synopsis of. brief 14.a. syl brief pron pos vb. mod tr. def to instruct (a barrister) by brief. brief 14.b. syl brief pron pos vb. mod tr. def to retain (a barrister) as counsel. briefly sub head brief syl brief+ly pos adv. briefness sub head brief syl brief+ness pos n. briefcase 0. syl brief+case pron <1brEf2kAs> pos n. def a flat portable case, often of leather, for carrying papers, books, etc. briefing 1. syl brief+ing pron <1brEfiG> pos n. def a meeting at which detailed information or instructions are given, as for military operations, etc. briefing 2. syl brief+ing pron <1brEfiG> pos n. def the facts presented during such a meeting. briefless 0. syl brief+less pron <1brEflis> pos adj. usage said of a barrister def without clients. briefs 0. syl briefs pron pos n. mod pl. def men's underpants or women's pants without legs. brier ety Old English br*_er, br*_@ar, of obscure origin briar alt head brier or brier syl bri+ar pron <1brI*> pos n. brier H1.0. or briar syl bri+er pron <1brI*> pos n. def any of various thorny shrubs or other plants, such as the sweetbrier and greenbrier. briery sub head brier or briary syl bri+er:y pos adj. briary sub head brier or briery syl bri+ar:y pos adj. brier H2.0. syl bri+er pron <1brI*> pos n. def a variant spelling of {briar%1}. brierroot 0. syl bri:er+root pron <1brI*2ru:t> pos n. def a variant spelling of {briarroot}. Also called: {bri@.er+wood}. brig ety C18: shortened from #7brigantine brig H1.1. syl brig pron pos n. qual Nautical. def a two-masted square-rigger. brig H1.2. syl brig pron pos n. qual Chiefly U.S. def a prison, esp. in a navy ship. brig H2.0. syl brig pron pos n. def a northern Brit. word for a {bridge}. Brig 1. syl Brig. qual abbrev. for: def Brigade. Brig 2. syl Brig. qual abbrev. for: def Brigadier. brigade ety C17: from Old French, from Old Italian, from brigare to fight, perhaps of Celtic origin; see #7brigand brigade 1. syl bri+gade pron pos n. def a formation of fighting units, together with support arms and services, smaller than a division and usually commanded by a brigadier. brigade 2. syl bri+gade pron pos n. def a group of people organized for a certain task. exam 1 a rescue brigade. brigade 3. syl bri+gade pron pos vb. mod tr. def to organize into a brigade. brigade 4. syl bri+gade pron pos vb. mod tr. def to put or group together. brigadier ety C17: from French, from #7brigade brigadier 1. syl brig:a+dier pron <2brig*1di*> pos n. def an officer of the British Army or Royal Marines who holds a rank junior to a major general but senior to a colonel, usually commanding a brigade. brigadier 2. syl brig:a+dier pron <2brig*1di*> pos n. def an equivalent rank in other armed forces. brigadier 3. syl brig:a+dier pron <2brig*1di*> pos n. qual U.S. Army. def short for {brigadier general}. brigadier 4. syl brig:a+dier pron <2brig*1di*> pos n. qual History. def a noncommissioned rank in the armies of Napoleon I. brigadier generals infl head brigadier general syl brig:a+dier gen+er+als. pos n. mod pl. brigadier general 1. syl brig:a+dier gen+er+al pos n. def an of?!ficer of the U.S. Army, Air Force, or Marine Corps who holds a rank junior to a major general but senior to a colonel, usually commanding a brigade. brigadier general 2. syl brig:a+dier gen+er+al pos n. def the former name for a {brigadier} (sense 1). brigalow ety C19: from a native Australian language brigalow 0.a. syl brig:a+low pron <1brig*l*u> pos n. qual Austral. def any of various acacia trees. brigalow 0.b. syl brig:a+low pron <1brig*l*u> pos n. qual Austral. usage as modifier exam 1 brigalow country. brigand ety C14: from Old French, from Old Italian brigante fighter, from brigare to fight, from briga strife, of Celtic origin brigand 0. syl brig+and pron <1brig*nd> pos n. def a bandit or plunderer, esp. a member of a gang operating in mountainous areas. brigandage sub head brigand or brigandry syl brig+and+age pos n. brigandry sub head brigand or brigandage syl brig+and+ry pos n. brigandine ety C15: from Old French, from #7brigand+ -#7{ine %1} brigandine 0. syl brig+an+dine pron <1brig*n2dEn>, <-2dIn> pos n. def a coat of mail, invented in the Middle Ages to increase mobility, consisting of metal rings or sheets sewn on to cloth or leather. brigantine ety C16: from Old Italian brigantino pirate ship, from brigante #7brigand brigantine 0. syl brig+an+tine pron <1brig*n2tEn>, <-2tIn> pos n. def a two-masted sailing ship, rigged square on the foremast and fore-and-aft with square topsails on the mainmast. Brig Gen 0. syl Brig. Gen. qual abbrev. for def brigadier general. Henry infl head Briggs syl Hen:ry. pos n. Briggs 0. syl Briggs pron pos n. def 1561-1631, English mathematician: introduced common logarithms. Brighouse 0. syl Brig+house pron <1brig2haus> pos n. def a town in N England, in West Yorkshire. Pop.: 34111 (1971). bright ety Old English beorht; related to Old Norse bjartr, Gothic bairhts clear, Old High German beraht, Norwegian bjerk, Swedish brokig pied bright 1. syl bright pron pos adj. def emitting or reflecting much light; shining. bright 2. syl bright pron pos adj. usage of colours def intense or vivid. bright 3. syl bright pron pos adj. def full of promise. exam 1 a bright future. bright 4. syl bright pron pos adj. def full of animation; cheerful. exam 1 a bright face. bright 5. syl bright pron pos adj. qual Informal. def quick witted or clever. exam 1 a bright child. bright 6. syl bright pron pos adj. def magnificent; glorious. exam 1 a bright victory. bright 7. syl bright pron pos adj. def polished; glistening. exam 1 a bright finish. bright 8. syl bright pron pos adj. usage of the voice def distinct and clear. bright 9. syl bright pron pos adj. usage of a liquid def translucent and clear. exam 1 a circle of bright water. bright and early 10. head bright syl bright and early. def very early in the morning. bright 11. syl bright pron pos n. def a thin flat paintbrush with a straight sharp edge used for highlighting in oil painting. bright 12. syl bright pron pos n. qual Poetic. def brightness or splendour. exam 1 the bright of his armour. bright 13. syl bright pron pos adv. def brightly. exam 1 the fire was burning bright. brightly sub head bright syl bright+ly pos adv. John infl head Bright syl John. pos n. Bright 0. syl Bright pron pos n. def 1811-89, British liberal statesman, economist, and advocate of free trade: with Richard Cobden he led the Anti-Corn-Law League (1838-46). brighten 1. syl bright+en pron <1brItN> pos vb. def to make or become bright or brighter. brighten 2. syl bright+en pron <1brItN> pos vb. def to make or become cheerful. brightener sub head brighten syl bright+en+er pos n. the infl head bright lights syl the. pos n. bright lights 0. syl bright lights pos n. mod pl. qual Informal. def places of entertainment in a city. brightness 1. syl bright+ness pron <1brItnis> pos n. def the condition of being bright. brightness 2. syl bright+ness pron <1brItnis> pos n. qual Physics. def a former name for { {luminosity} (sense 4)}. Brighton 1. syl Bright+on pron <1brItN> pos n. def a resort in S England, in East Sussex: patronized by the Prince Regent, who had the Royal Pavilion built (1782); seat of the University of Sussex. Pop.: 166081 (1971). Brighton 2. syl Bright+on pron <1brItN> pos n. def a port and resort in SE Australia, in S Victoria. Pop.: 39109 (1971). brights 0. syl brights pron pos n. mod pl. qual U.S. slang. def the high beam of the headlights of a motor vehicle. Bright's disease ety C19: named after Richard Bright (1789-1858), British physician Bright's disease 0. syl Bright's dis+ease pos n. def chronic inflammation of the kidneys; chronic nephritis. brightwork 1. syl bright+work pron <1brIt2wR:k> pos n. def shiny metal trimmings or fittings on ships, cars, etc. brightwork 2. syl bright+work pron <1brIt2wR:k> pos n. def varnished or plain woodwork on a vessel. Brigid 0. syl Brig:id pron <1briJid> pos n. def See (Saint) {Bridget}. brill ety C15: probably from Cornish br*_ythel mackerel, from Old Cornish br*_yth speckled; related to Welsh brith spotted brills alt head brill or brill syl brills. pos n. mod pl. brill 0. or brills syl brill pron pos n. mod pl. def a European food fish, a flatfish similar to the turbot but lacking tubercles on the body: family Anthelme infl head Brillat-Savarin syl An:thelme pron <*~a1telm> pos n. Brillat-Savarin 0. syl Bril:lat-Sa:va:rin pron French pos n. def 1755-1826, French politician and gourmet; author of (1825). brilliancy alt head brilliance or brilliance syl bril+lian+cy pos n. brilliance 1. or brilliancy syl bril+liance pron <1brilj*ns> pos n. def great brightness; radiance. brilliance 2. or brilliancy syl bril+liance pron <1brilj*ns> pos n. def excellence or distinction in physical or mental ability; exceptional talent. brilliance 3. or brilliancy syl bril+liance pron <1brilj*ns> pos n. def splendour; magnificence. exam 1 the brilliance of the royal court. brilliance 4. or brilliancy syl bril+liance pron <1brilj*ns> pos n. qual Physics. def a former term for {luminance}. brilliant ety C17: from French brillant shining, from briller to shine, from Italian brillare, from brillo #7beryl brilliant 1. syl bril+liant pron <1brilj*nt> pos adj. def shining with light; sparkling. brilliant 2. syl bril+liant pron <1brilj*nt> pos adj. usage of a colour def having a high saturation and reflecting a considerable amount of light; vivid. brilliant 3. syl bril+liant pron <1brilj*nt> pos adj. def outstanding; exceptional. exam 1 a brilliant success. brilliant 4. syl bril+liant pron <1brilj*nt> pos adj. def splendid; magnificent. exam 1 a brilliant show. brilliant 5. syl bril+liant pron <1brilj*nt> pos adj. def of outstanding intelligence or intellect. exam 1 a brilliant mind; exam 2 a brilliant idea. brilliant 6.a. syl bril+liant pron <1brilj*nt> pos adj. usage of the tone of an instrument def having a large proportion of high harmonics above the fundamental. brilliant 6.b. syl bril+liant pron <1brilj*nt> pos adj. def Also: {bril+liant} bri#!j*~a), {bril+liante} bri#!j*~a$:t) . with spirit; lively. {~} brilliant 7. syl bril+liant pron <1brilj*nt> pos adj. def Also called: {brilliant cut}. brilliant 7.a. syl bril+liant pron <1brilj*nt> pos adj. def a popular circular cut for diamonds and other gemstones in the form of two many-faceted pyramids (the top one truncated) joined at their bases. brilliant 7.b. syl bril+liant pron <1brilj*nt> pos adj. def a diamond of this cut. brilliant 8. syl bril+liant pron <1brilj*nt> pos adj. usage formerly def a size of a printer's type approximately equal to 4 point. brilliantly sub head brilliant syl bril+liant+ly pos adv. brilliantine ety C19: from French, from brillant shining brilliantine 1. syl bril+lian+tine pron <1brilj*n2tEn> pos n. def a perfumed oil used to make the hair smooth and shiny. brilliantine 2. syl bril+lian+tine pron <1brilj*n2tEn> pos n. qual Chiefly U.S. def a glossy fabric made of mohair and cotton. brim ety C13: from Middle High German brem, probably from Old Norse barmr; see #7berm brim 1. syl brim pron pos n. def the upper rim of a vessel. exam 1 the brim of a cup. brim 2. syl brim pron pos n. def a projecting rim or edge. exam 1 the brim of a hat. brim 3. syl brim pron pos n. def the brink or edge of something. brims infl head brim syl brims pos vb. brimming infl head brim syl brim+ming pos vb. brimmed infl head brim syl brimmed. pos vb. brim 4. syl brim pron pos vb. def to fill or be full to the brim. exam 1 eyes brimming with tears. brimless sub head brim syl brim+less pos adj. brimfull alt head brimful or brimful syl brim+full pron <2brim1ful> pos adj. brimful 0. or brimfull syl brim+ful pron <2brim1ful> pos adj. usage postpositive, foll. by of def filled up to the brim (with). brimmer 0. syl brim+mer pron <1brim*> pos n. def a vessel, such as a glass or bowl, filled to the brim. brimstone ety Old English brynst*_an; related to Old Norse brennistein; see {#7burn %1}#7, stone brimstone 1. syl brim+stone pron <1brim2st*un> pos n. def an obsolete name for {sulphur}. brimstone 2. syl brim+stone pron <1brim2st*un> pos n. def a common yellow butterfly, of N temperate regions of the Old World: family brimstone 3. syl brim+stone pron <1brim2st*un> pos n. qual Archaic. def a scolding nagging woman; virago. Brindisi 0. syl Brin+di+si pron Italian <1brindizi> pos n. def a port in SE Italy, in SE Apulia: important naval base in Roman times and a centre of the Crusades in the Middle Ages. Pop.: 79784 (1971). Ancient name: {Brundisium}. brindle ety C17: back formation from #7brindled brindle 1. syl brin+dle pron <1brindL> pos n. def a brindled animal. brindle 2. syl brin+dle pron <1brindL> pos n. def a brindled colouring. brindled ety C17: changed from C15 brended, literally: branded, probably of Scandinavian origin; compare Old Norse br*"ondottr; see #7brand brindled 0. syl brin+dled pron <1brindLd> pos adj. def brown or grey streaked or patched with a darker colour. exam 1 a brindled dog. brine ety Old English br*_ine; related to Middle Dutch br*_ine, Old Slavonic brid*uu#800082 bitter, Sanskrit bibhr*_aya burnt brine 1. syl brine pron pos n. def a strong solution of salt and water, used for salting and pickling meats, etc. brine 2. syl brine pron pos n. def the sea or its water. brine 3. syl brine pron pos n. qual Chem. def any solution of a salt in water. exam 1 a potassium chloride brine. brine 4. syl brine pron pos vb. mod tr. def to soak in or treat with brine. brinish sub head brine syl brin+ish pos adj. Brinell number ety C19: named after Johann A. Brinell (1849-1925), Swedish engineer Brinell number 0. syl Bri+nell num+ber pron pos n. def a measure of the hardness of a material obtained by pressing a hard steel ball into its surface; it is expressed as the ratio of the load on the ball in kilograms to the area of the depression made by the ball in square millimetres. bring ety Old English bringan; related to Gothic briggan, Old High German bringan brings infl head bring syl brings pos vb. mod tr. bringing infl head bring syl bring+ing pos vb. mod tr. brought infl head bring syl brought. pos vb. mod tr. bring 1. syl bring pron pos vb. mod tr. def to carry, convey, or take (something or someone) to a designated place or person. exam 1 bring that book to me; exam 2 will you bring Jessica to Tom's party?? bring 2. syl bring pron pos vb. mod tr. def to cause to happen or occur to (oneself or another). exam 1 to bring disrespect on oneself. bring 3. syl bring pron pos vb. mod tr. def to cause to happen as a consequence. exam 1 responsibility brings maturity. bring 4. syl bring pron pos vb. mod tr. def to cause to come to mind. exam 1 it brought back memories. bring 5. syl bring pron pos vb. mod tr. def to cause to be in a certain state, position, etc.. exam 1 the punch brought him to his knees. bring 6. syl bring pron pos vb. mod tr. def to force, persuade, or make (oneself). exam 1 I couldn't bring myself to do it. bring 7. syl bring pron pos vb. mod tr. def to sell for; fetch. exam 1 the painting brought 20 pounds. bring 8.a. syl bring pron pos vb. mod tr. def to institute (proceedings, charges, etc.). bring 8.b. syl bring pron pos vb. mod tr. def to put (evidence, etc.) before a tribunal. bring forth 9. head bring syl bring forth. def to give birth to. bring home to 10. head bring syl bring home to. def to convince of. exam 1 his account brought home to us the gravity of the situation. bring to bear 11. head bring syl bring to bear. def See {bear} %1. {~} See also {bring about, bring down, bring forward, bring in, bring off, bring on, bring out, bring round, bring to, bring up}. bringer sub head bring syl bring+er pos n. bring about 1. syl bring a:bout pos vb. adv. mod tr. def to cause to happen. exam 1 to bring about a change in the law. bring about 2. syl bring a:bout pos vb. adv. mod tr. def to turn (a ship) around. bring-and-buy sale 0. syl bring-and-buy sale pos n. qual Brit. def an informal sale, often conducted for charity, to which people bring items for sale and buy those that others have brought. bring down 1. syl bring down pos vb. adv. mod tr. def to cause to fall. exam 1 the fighter aircraft brought the enemy down; exam 2 the ministers agreed to bring down the price of oil. bring down 2. syl bring down pos vb. adv. mod tr. qual Slang. usage usually passive def to cause to be elated and then suddenly depressed, as from using drugs. bring forward 1. syl bring for+ward pos vb. adv. mod tr. def to present or introduce (a subject) for discussion. bring forward 2. syl bring for+ward pos vb. adv. mod tr. qual Book-keeping. def to transfer (a figure representing the sum of the figures on a page or in a column) to the top of the next page or column. bring in 1. syl bring in pos vb. adv. mod tr. def to yield (income, profit, or cash). exam 1 his investments brought him in @P#800083 100. bring in 2. syl bring in pos vb. adv. mod tr. def to produce or return (a verdict). bring in 3. syl bring in pos vb. adv. mod tr. def to put forward or introduce (a legislative bill, etc.). bringing-up 0. syl bring:ing-up pos n. def another term for {upbringing}. bring off 1. syl bring off pos vb. adv. mod tr. def to succeed in achieving (something), esp. with difficulty or contrary to expectations. exam 1 he managed to bring off the deal. bring off 2. syl bring off pos vb. adv. mod tr. qual Taboo. def to cause to have an orgasm. bring on 1. syl bring on pos vb. adv. mod tr. def to induce or cause. exam 1 these pills will bring on labour. bring on 2. syl bring on pos vb. adv. mod tr. qual Taboo. def to cause sexual excitement in; stimulate. bring out 1. syl bring out pos vb. adv. mod tr. def to produce or publish or have published. exam 1 when are you bringing out a new dictionary?? bring out 2. syl bring out pos vb. adv. mod tr. def to expose, reveal, or cause to be seen. exam 1 she brought out the best in me. bring out 3. syl bring out pos vb. adv. mod tr. def to encourage (a shy person) to be less reserved (often in the phrase {bring (someone) out of himself} {herself) }. bring out 4. syl bring out pos vb. adv. mod tr. usage Brit. of a trade union, provocative action by management, mis?!understanding, etc. def to cause (workers) to strike. bring out 5. syl bring out pos vb. adv. mod tr. usage foll. by in def to cause (a person) to become covered (with spots, a rash, etc.). bring out 6. syl bring out pos vb. adv. mod tr. qual Brit. def to introduce (a girl) formally into society as a debutante. bring over 0. syl bring o:ver pos vb. adv. mod tr. def to cause (a person) to change allegiances. around alt head bring round or bring round syl a:round pos vb. adv. mod tr. bring round 1. or around syl bring round pos vb. adv. mod tr. def to restore (a person) to consciousness, esp. after a faint. bring round 2. or around syl bring round pos vb. adv. mod tr. qual Informal. def to convince (another person, usually an opponent) of an opinion or point of view. bring to 1. syl bring to pos adv. mod tr. def to restore (a person) to consciousness. bring to 2. syl bring to pos adv. mod tr. def to cause (a ship) to turn into the wind and reduce her headway. bring to 3. syl bring to pos prep. mod tr. def to make (something) equal to (an amount of money). exam 1 that brings your bill to @P17. bring up 1. syl bring up pos vb. adv. mod tr. def to care for and train (a child); rear. exam 1 we had been brought up to go to church. bring up 2. syl bring up pos vb. adv. mod tr. def to raise (a subject) for discussion; mention. bring up 3. syl bring up pos vb. adv. mod tr. def to vomit (food). bring up 4. syl bring up pos vb. adv. mod tr. usage foll. by against def to cause (a person) to face or confront. bring up 5. syl bring up pos vb. adv. mod tr. usage foll. by to def to cause (something) to be of a required standard. brinjal ety C17: from Portuguese berinjela, from Arabic; see #7aubergine brinjal 0. syl brin+jal pron <1brinJ*l> pos n. usage in India and Africa def another name for the {aubergine}. brink ety C13: from Middle Dutch brinc, of Germanic origin; compare Old Norse brekka slope, Middle Low German brink edge of a field brink 1. syl brink pron pos n. def the edge, border, or verge of a steep place. exam 1 the brink of the precipice. brink 2. syl brink pron pos n. def the highest point; top. exam 1 the sun fell below the brink of the hill. brink 3. syl brink pron pos n. def the land at the edge of a body of water. brink 4. syl brink pron pos n. def the verge of an event or state. exam 1 the brink of disaster. brinkmanship 0. syl brink+man+ship pron <1briGkm*n2Sip> pos n. def the art or practice of pressing a dangerous situation, esp. in international affairs, to the limit of safety and peace in order to win an advantage from a threatening or tenacious foe. brinny 0. syl brin+ny pron <1brini> pos n. qual Austral. children's slang. def a stone, esp. when thrown. brinier infl head briny syl brin:i+er pos adj. briniest infl head briny syl brin:i+est. pos adj. briny 1. syl brin:y pron <1brIni> pos adj. def of or resembling brine; salty. briny 2. syl brin:y pron <1brIni> pos n. usage preceded by the def an informal name for the {sea}. brininess sub head briny syl brin:i+ness pos n. brio ety C19: from Italian, of Celtic origin brio 0. syl bri:o pron <1brE*u> pos n. def liveliness or vigour; spirit. See also {con brio}. brioche ety Norman dialect, from brier to knead, of Germanic origin; compare French broyer to pound, #7break brioche 0. syl bri+oche pron <1brE*uS>, <-oS>, French pos n. def a soft roll or loaf made from a very light yeast dough, sometimes mixed with currants. briolette ety C19: from French, alteration of brillolette, from brignolette little dried plum, after Brignoles, France, where these plums are produced briolette 0. syl bri:o+lette pron <2brE*u1let> pos n. def a pear-shaped gem cut with long triangular facets. brionies infl head briony syl bri:o+nies. pos n. mod pl. briony 0. syl bri:o+ny pron <1brI*ni> pos n. def a variant spelling of {bryony}. briquette ety C19: from French: a little brick, from brique #7brick briquet alt head briquette or briquette syl bri+quet pron pos n. briquette 1. or briquet syl bri+quette pron pos n. def a small brick made of compressed coal dust, saw dust, charcoal, etc., used for fuel. briquette 2. or briquet syl bri+quette pron pos n. def a small brick of any substance. exam 1 an ice-cream briquette. briquette 3. or briquet syl bri+quette pron pos vb. mod tr. def to make into the form of a brick or bricks. exam 1 to briquette clay. brisance ety C20: from French, from briser to break, ultimately of Celtic origin; compare Old Irish brissim I break brisance 0. syl bri+sance pron <1brEz*ns>, French pos n. def the shattering effect or power of an explosion or explosive. Brisbane 0. syl Bris+bane pron <1brizb*n> pos n. def a port in E Australia, the capital of Queensland: founded in 1824 as a penal settlement; vast agricultural hinterland. Pop.: 958800 (1975 est.). brise-soleil ety French: break-sun, from briser to break+ soleil sun brise-soleil 0. syl brise-so:leil pron <2brEzs*u1lA> pos n. def a structure used in hot climates to protect a window from the sun, usually consisting of horizontal or vertical strips of wood, concrete, etc. brisk ety C16: probably variant of #7brusque brisk 1. syl brisk pron pos adj. def lively and quick; vigorous. exam 1 a brisk walk; exam 2 trade was brisk. brisk 2. syl brisk pron pos adj. def invigorating or sharp. exam 1 brisk weather. briskly sub head brisk syl brisk+ly pos adv. briskness sub head brisk syl brisk+ness pos n. brisket ety C14: probably of Scandinavian origin; related to Old Norse brj*_osk gristle, Norwegian and Danish brusk brisket 1. syl bris+ket pron <1briskit> pos n. def the breast of a four-legged animal. brisket 2. syl bris+ket pron <1briskit> pos n. def the meat from this part, esp. of beef. brisling ety C20: from Norwegian; related to obsolete Danish bretling, German Breitling brisling 0. syl bris+ling pron <1brisliG> pos n. def another name for a {sprat}, esp. a Norwegian sprat seasoned, smoked, and canned in oil. bristle ety C13 bristil, brustel, from earlier brust, from Old English byrst; related to Old Norse burst, Old High German borst bristle 1. syl bris+tle pron <1brisL> pos n. def any short stiff hair of an animal or plant, such as any of the hairs on a pig's back. bristle 2. syl bris+tle pron <1brisL> pos n. def something resembling these hairs. exam 1 toothbrush bristle. bristle 3. syl bris+tle pron <1brisL> pos vb. mod when; intr. usage often foll. by up def to stand up or cause to stand up like bristles. exam 1 the angry cat's fur bristled. bristle 4. syl bris+tle pron <1brisL> pos vb. mod intr. usage sometimes foll. by up def show anger, indignation, etc.. exam 1 she bristled at the suggestion. bristle 5. syl bris+tle pron <1brisL> pos vb. mod intr. def to be thickly covered or set. exam 1 the target bristled with arrows. bristle 6. syl bris+tle pron <1brisL> pos vb. mod intr. def to be in a state of agitation or movement. exam 1 the office was bristling with activity. bristle 7. syl bris+tle pron <1brisL> pos vb. mod tr. def to provide with a bristle or bristles. bristly sub head bristle syl bris+tly pos adj. bristle-grass 0. syl bris:tle-grass pos n. def any of various grasses of the genus such as having a bristly inflorescence. bristletail 0. syl bris:tle+tail pron <1brisL2tAl> pos n. def any primitive wingless insect of the orders and such as the silverfish and firebrat, having a flattened body and long tail appendages. bristle worm 0. syl bris+tle worm pos n. def a popular name for a {polychaete}. Bristol 0. syl Bris+tol pron <1bristL> pos n. def a port and industrial city in SW England, administrative centre of the county of Avon, on the River Avon seven miles from its mouth on the Bristol Channel: a major port, trading with America, in the 17th and 18th centuries; the modern port consists chiefly of docks at Avonmouth and Portishead; noted for the {Clifton Suspension Bridge} (designed by I. K. Brunel, 1834) over the Avon gorge; university (1909). Pop.: 425203 (1971). Bristol board 0. syl Bris+tol board pos n. def a heavy smooth cardboard of fine quality, used for printing and drawing. Bristol Channel 0. syl Bris+tol Chan+nel pos n. def an inlet of the Atlantic, between S Wales and SW England, merging into the Severn estuary. Length: about 137 km (85 miles). Bristol fashion 1. syl Bris+tol fash+ion pos adv. adj. qual Nautical. usage postpositive def clean and neat, with newly painted and scrubbed surfaces, brass polished, etc. shipshape and Bristol fashion 2. head Bristol fashion syl shipshape and Bristol fashion. usage postpositive def in good order; efficiently arranged. bristols ety C20: short for Bristol Cities, rhyming slang for titties bristols 0. syl bris+tols pron <1bristLz> pos n. mod pl. qual Brit. slang. def a woman's breasts. brit ety C17: perhaps from Cornish br*_ythel mackerel; see #7brill brit 1. syl brit pron pos n. mod functioning as; sing. pl. def the young of a herring, sprat, or similar fish. brit 2. syl brit pron pos n. mod functioning as; sing. pl. def minute marine crustaceans, esp. copepods, forming food for many fishes and whales. Brit 0. syl Brit pron pos n. qual Informal. def a British person. Brit 1. syl Brit. qual abbrev. for: def Britain. Brit 2. syl Brit. qual abbrev. for: def British. Britain 0. syl Brit+ain pron <1britN> pos n. def another name for {Great Britain}. Britannia 1. syl Bri+tan+ni:a pron pos n. def a female warrior carrying a trident and wearing a helmet, personifying Great Britain or the British Empire. Britannia 2. syl Bri+tan+ni:a pron pos n. usage in the ancient Roman Empire def the S part of Great Britain. Britannia metal 0. syl Bri+tan+ni:a met+al pos n. def an alloy of low melting point consisting of tin with 5-10 per cent antimony, 1-3 per cent copper, and sometimes small quantities of zinc, lead, or bismuth: used for decorative purposes and for bearings. Britannic 0. syl Bri+tan+nic pron pos adj. def of Britain; British (esp. in the phrases {His} {Her Britannic Majesty) }. britches 1. syl britch:es pron <1briCiz> pos n. mod pl. def a variant spelling of {breeches}. too big for one's britches 2. head britches syl too big for one's britches. qual Informal. def over-confident; arrogant. Briticism 0. syl Brit:i+cism pron <1briti2siz*m> pos n. def a custom, linguistic usage, or other feature peculiar to Britain or its people. British 1. syl Brit+ish pron <1britiS> pos adj. def relating to, denoting, or characteristic of Britain or its inhabitants. British 2. syl Brit+ish pron <1britiS> pos adj. def relating to or denoting the English language as spoken and written in Britain, esp. the S dialect generally regarded as standard. See also {Southern British English, Received Pronunciation}. British 3. syl Brit+ish pron <1britiS> pos adj. def relating to or denot?!ing the ancient Britons. British 4. syl Brit+ish pron <1britiS> pos adj. def of or relating to the Commonwealth. exam 1 British subjects. British 5. syl Brit+ish pron <1britiS> pos n. mod preceded by the; functioning as; pl. def the natives or inhabitants of Britain. British 6. syl Brit+ish pron <1britiS> pos n. def the extinct Celtic language of the ancient Britons. See also {Brythonic}. Britishness sub head British syl Brit+ish+ness pos n. British Antarctic Territory 0. syl Brit+ish Ant+arc+tic Ter+ri+to:ry pos n. def a British colony in the S Atlantic: created in 1962 and consisting of the South Shetland Islands, the South Orkney Islands, and Graham Land; formerly part of the Falkland Islands Dependencies. British Cameroons 0. syl Brit+ish Cam+e:roons pos n. def a former British trust territory of West Africa. See {Cameroon}. British Columbia 0. syl Brit+ish Co+lum+bi:a pos n. def a province of W Canada, on the Pacific coast: largely mountainous with extensive forests, rich mineral resources, and important fisheries. Capital: Victoria. Pop.: 2466608 (1976). Area: 930532 sq. km (359279 sq. miles). British Commonwealth of Nations 0. syl Brit+ish Com:mon+wealth of Na+tions pos n. def the former name of the {Commonwealth}. British East Africa 0. syl Brit+ish East Af+ri+ca pos n. def the former British possessions of Uganda, Kenya, Tanganyika, and Zanzibar, before their independence in the 1960s. British Empire 0. syl Brit+ish Em+pire pos n. usage formerly def the United Kingdom and the territories under its control, which reached its greatest extent at the end of World War I when it embraced over a quarter of the world's population and more than a quarter of the world's land surface. Britisher 1. syl Brit+ish+er pron <1britiS*> pos n. qual British usage not used by the def a native or inhabitant of Great Britain, esp. of England. Britisher 2. syl Brit+ish+er pron <1britiS*> pos n. qual British usage not used by the def any British subject. British Guiana 0. syl Brit+ish Gui+an:a pos n. def the former name (until 1966) of {Guyana}. British Honduras 0. syl Brit+ish Hon+du+ras pos n. def the former name of {Belize}. British India 0. syl Brit+ish In+di:a pos n. def the 17 provinces of India formerly governed by the British under the British sovereign: ceased to exist in 1947 when the independent states of India and Pakistan were created. British Indian Ocean Territory 0. syl Bri+tish In+di:an O:cean Ter+ri+to:ry pos n. def a colony in the Indian Ocean: consists of the Chagos Archipelago (formerly a dependency of Mauritius) and (until 1976) Aldabra, Farquhar, and Des Roches, now administratively part of the Seychelles. British Isles 0. syl Brit+ish Isles pos n. def a group of islands in W Europe, consisting of Great Britain, Ireland, the Isle of Man, Orkney, the Shetland Islands, the Channel Islands belonging to Great Britain, and the islands adjacent to these. Britishism 0. syl Brit+ish+ism pron <1briti2Siz*m> pos n. def a variant of {Briticism}. British Israelite 0. syl Brit+ish Is+ra+el+ite pos n. def a member of a religious movement claiming that the British people are descended from the lost tribes of Israel. British Legion 0. syl Brit+ish Le+gion pos n. qual Brit. def an organization founded in 1921 to provide services and assistance for former members of the armed forces. British Museum 0. syl Brit+ish Mu+se:um pos n. def a museum in London, founded in 1753: contains one of the world's richest collections of antiquities and the British national library. British North America 0. syl Brit+ish North A:mer:i+ca pos n. def Canada or its constituent regions or provinces that formed part of the British Empire. British Somaliland 0. syl Brit+ish So+ma+li+land pos n. def a former British protectorate (1884-1960) in E Africa, on the Gulf of Aden: united with Italian Somaliland in 1960 to form the Somali Republic. British Standards Institution 0. syl Brit+ish Stand+ards In+sti+tu+tion pos n. def an association, found?!ed in London in 1901, that establishes and maintains stand?!ards for units of measurements, clothes sizes, technical terminology, etc., as used in Britain. Abbrev.: {BSI} Compare {National Bureau of Standards, International Standards Organization}. British Standard Time 0. syl Brit+ish Stand+ard Time pos n. def the standard time used in Britain all the year round from 1968 to 1971, set one hour ahead of Greenwich Mean Time and equalling Central European Time. British Summer Time 0. syl Brit+ish Sum+mer Time pos n. def time set one hour ahead of Greenwich Mean Time: used in Britain from the end of March to the end of October, providing an extra hour of daylight in the evening. Abbrev.: {B.S.T}. Compare {daylight-saving time}. British thermal unit 0. syl Brit+ish ther+mal u:nit pos n. def a unit of heat in the fps system equal to the quantity of heat required to raise the temperature of 1 pound of water by 1?%F. 1 British thermal unit is equivalent to 1055.06 joules or 251.997 calories. Abbrevs.: {btu, B.Th.U}. British Union of Fascists 0. syl Brit+ish Un+ion of Fas+cists pos n. def the British fascist party founded by Sir Oswald Mosley (1932), which advocated a strong corporate state and promoted anti-Semitism. British Virgin Islands 0. syl Brit+ish Vir+gin Is+lands pos n. def a British colony in the West Indies, consisting of 36 islands in the E Virgin Islands: formerly part of the Federation of the Leeward Islands (1871-1956). Capital: Road Town, on Tortola. Pop.: 9672 (1970). Area: 153 sq. km (59 sq. miles). British West Africa 0. syl Brit+ish West Af+ri+ca pos n. def the former British possessions of Nigeria, Gambia, Sierra Leone, and the Gold Coast, and the former trust territories of Togoland and Cameroons. British West Indies 0. syl Brit+ish West In+dies pos n. def the states in the Caribbean that are members of the Commonwealth: the Bahamas, Barbados, Jamaica, Trinidad and Tobago, the Leeward Islands, and the Windward Islands. Briton ety C13: from Old French Breton, from Latin Britto, of Celtic origin Briton 1. syl Brit+on pron <1britN> pos n. def a native or inhabitant of Britain. Briton 2. syl Brit+on pron <1britN> pos n. def a citizen of the United Kingdom. Briton 3. syl Brit+on pron <1britN> pos n. qual History. def any of the early Celtic inhabitants of S Britain who were largely dispossessed by the Anglo-Saxon invaders after the 5th century #7a.d. Brittany 0. syl Brit+ta+ny pron <1brit*ni> pos n. def a region of NW France, the peninsula between the English Channel and the Bay of Biscay: settled by Celtic refugees from Wales and Cornwall during the Anglo-Saxon invasions; disputed between England and France until 1364. Breton name: {Breiz} (bra$Iz). French name: {Bretagne}. (Edward) Benjamin infl head Britten syl (Edward) Ben:ja:min pos n. Britten 0. syl Brit:ten pron <1britN> pos n. def Baron Britten. 1913-76, English composer, pianist, and conductor. His works include the operas (1945) and (1951), the choral works (1942) and (1962), and numerous orchestral pieces. brittle ety C14: from Old English brytel (unattested); related to brytsen fragment, br*_eotan to break brittle 1. syl brit+tle pron <1britL> pos adj. def easily cracked, snapped, or broken; fragile. brittle 2. syl brit+tle pron <1britL> pos adj. def curt or irritable. exam 1 a brittle reply. brittle 3. syl brit+tle pron <1britL> pos adj. def hard or sharp in quality. brittle 4. syl brit+tle pron <1britL> pos n. def a crunchy sweet made with treacle and nuts. exam 1 peanut brittle. brittleness sub head brittle syl brit+tle+ness pos n. brittle-star 0. syl brit:tle-star pos n. def any echinoderm of the class occurring on the sea bottom and having fine long slender arms radiating from a small central disc. See also {basket-star}. Brittonic 0. syl Brit+ton+ic pron pos n. adj. def another word for {Brythonic}. britzka ety C19: from German, variant of Britschka, from Polish bryczka a little cart, from bryka cart britska alt head britzka or britzka syl brits+ka pron <1britsk*> pos n. britzka 0. or britska syl britz+ka pron <1britsk*> pos n. def a long horse-drawn carriage with a folding top over the rear seat and a rear-facing front seat. Brix scale ety C19: named after A. F. W. Brix, 19th-century German inventor Brix scale 0. syl Brix scale pron pos n. def a scale for calibrating hydrometers used for measuring the concentration and density of sugar solutions at a given temperature. BRN 0. syl BRN usage international car registration for def Bahrain. Brno 0. syl Br:no pron <1bR:n*u>, Czech <1brnc> pos n. def a city in central Czechoslovakia, capital of Moravia: the country's second largest city. Pop.: 343860 (1974 est.). German name: {Br*"unn}. bro 0. syl bro. pron qual abbrev. for def brother. broach ety C14: from Old French broche, from Vulgar Latin brocca (unattested), from Latin brochus projecting broach 1. syl broach pron pos vb. mod tr. def to initiate (a topic) for discussion. exam 1 to broach a dangerous subject. broach 2. syl broach pron pos vb. mod tr. def to tap or pierce (a container) to draw off (a liquid). exam 1 to broach a cask; exam 2 to broach wine. broach 3. syl broach pron pos vb. mod tr. def to open in order to begin to use. exam 1 to broach a shipment. broach 4. syl broach pron pos vb. mod intr. def to break the surface of the water. exam 1 the trout broached after being hooked. broach 5. syl broach pron pos vb. mod intr. usage Nautical. of a sailing vessel def to swerve sharply and dangerously in a following sea so as to be broadside to the waves. broach 6. syl broach pron pos vb. mod tr. qual Machinery. def to enlarge and finish (a hole) by reaming. broach 7. syl broach pron pos n. def a long tapered toothed cutting tool for enlarging holes. broach 8. syl broach pron pos n. def a spit for roasting meat, etc. broach 9. syl broach pron pos n. def a roof covering the corner triangle on the top of a square tower having an octagonal spire. broach 10. syl broach pron pos n. def a pin, forming part of some types of lock, that registers in the hollow bore of a key. broach 11. syl broach pron pos n. def a tool used for tapping casks. broach 12. syl broach pron pos n. def a less common spelling of {brooch}. broacher sub head broach syl broach+er pos n. broad ety Old English br*_ad; related to Old Norse breithr, Old Frisian br*_ed, Old High German breit, Gothic braiths broad 1. syl broad pron pos adj. def having relatively great breadth or width. broad 2. syl broad pron pos adj. def of vast extent; spacious. exam 1 a broad plain. broad 3. syl broad pron pos adj. usage postpositive def from one side to the other. exam 1 four miles broad. broad 4. syl broad pron pos adj. def of great scope or potential. exam 1 that invention had broad applications. broad 5. syl broad pron pos adj. def not detailed; general. exam 1 broad plans. broad 6. syl broad pron pos adj. def clear and open; full (esp. in the phrase {broad daylight) }. broad 7. syl broad pron pos adj. def obvious or plain. exam 1 broad hints. broad 8. syl broad pron pos adj. def liberal; tolerant. exam 1 a broad political stance. broad 9. syl broad pron pos adj. def widely spread; extensive. exam 1 broad support. broad 10. syl broad pron pos adj. def outspoken or bold. exam 1 a broad manner. broad 11. syl broad pron pos adj. def vulgar; coarse; indecent. exam 1 a broad joke. broad 12. syl broad pron pos adj. def unrestrained; free. exam 1 broad laughter. broad 13. syl broad pron pos adj. usage of a dialect or pronunciation def consisting of a large number of speech sounds characteristic of a particular geographical area. exam 1 a broad Yorkshire accent. broad 14.a. syl broad pron pos adj. def of or relating to a type of pronunciation transcription in which symbols correspond approximately to phonemes without taking account of allophonic variations. broad 14.a. syl broad pron pos adj. def the long vowel in English words such as as represented in the received pronunciation of Southern British English. as broad as it is long 15. head broad syl as broad as it is long. qual Informal. def amounting to the same thing; without advantage either way. broad 16. syl broad pron pos n. def the broad part of something. broad 17. syl broad pron pos n. qual Slang, chiefly U.S. def a girl or woman. broad 18. syl broad pron pos n. qual Brit. dialect. def a river spreading over a lowland. See also {Broads}. broad 19. syl broad pron pos n. qual East Anglia dialect. def a shallow lake. broad 20. syl broad pron pos adv. def widely or fully. exam 1 broad awake. broadly sub head broad syl broad+ly pos adv. broad arrow 1. syl broad ar+row pos n. def a mark shaped like a broad arrowhead designating British government property and formerly used on prison clothing. broad arrow 2. syl broad ar+row pos n. def an arrow with a broad head. broad bean 1. syl broad bean pos n. def an erect annual Eurasian bean plant, cultivated for its large edible flattened seeds, used as a vegetable, and for its pods, used as animal fodder. broad bean 2. syl broad bean pos n. def the seed of this plant. broad bean xref syl broad bean pos n. def Also called: {horse bean}. broadbill 1. syl broad+bill pron <1brc:d2bil> pos n. def any passerine bird of the family of tropical Africa and Asia, having bright plumage and a short wide bill. broadbill 2. syl broad+bill pron <1brc:d2bil> pos n. qual U.S. def any of various wide-billed birds, such as the scaup and shoveler. broadbill 3. syl broad+bill pron <1brc:d2bil> pos n. qual U.S. def another name for {sword-fish}. broadbrim 0. syl broad+brim pron <1brc:d2brim> pos n. def a broad-brimmed hat, esp. one worn by the Quakers in the 17th century. broadcasts infl head broadcast syl broad+casts pos vb. broadcasting infl head broadcast syl broad+cast+ing pos vb. broadcast infl or broadcasted syl broad+cast pos vb. broadcasted infl head broadcast or broadcast syl broad+cast+ed. pos vb. broadcast 1. syl broad+cast pron <1brc:d2ka:st> pos vb. def to transmit (announcements or programmes) on radio or television. broadcast 2. syl broad+cast pron <1brc:d2ka:st> pos vb. mod intr. def to take part in a radio or television programme. broadcast 3. syl broad+cast pron <1brc:d2ka:st> pos vb. mod tr. def to make widely known throughout an area. exam 1 to broadcast news. broadcast 4. syl broad+cast pron <1brc:d2ka:st> pos vb. mod tr. def to scatter (seed, etc.) over an area, esp. by hand. broadcast 5.a. syl broad+cast pron <1brc:d2ka:st> pos n. def a transmission or programme on radio or television. broadcast 5.b. syl broad+cast pron <1brc:d2ka:st> pos n. usage as modifier exam 1 a broadcast signal. broadcast 6.a. syl broad+cast pron <1brc:d2ka:st> pos n. def the act of scattering seeds. broadcast 6.b. syl broad+cast pron <1brc:d2ka:st> pos n. usage as modifier exam 1 the broadcast method of sowing. broadcast 7. syl broad+cast pron <1brc:d2ka:st> pos adj. def dispersed over a wide area. exam 1 broadcast seeds. broadcast 8. syl broad+cast pron <1brc:d2ka:st> pos adv. def far and wide. exam 1 seeds to be sown broadcast. broadcaster sub head broadcast syl broad+2cast+er pos n. Broad Church 1. syl Broad Church pos n. def a party within the Church of England which favours a broad and liberal interpretation of Anglican formularies and rubrics and objects to positive definition in theology. Compare {High Church, Low Church}. Broad-Church infl head Broad Church syl Broad-Church. pos adj. Broad Church 2. syl Broad Church pos adj. def of or relating to this party. broadcloth 1. syl broad+cloth pron <1brc:d2kloT> pos n. def fabric woven on a wide loom. broadcloth 2. syl broad+cloth pron <1brc:d2kloT> pos n. def a closely woven fabric of wool, worsted, cotton, or rayon with lustrous finish, used for clothing. broaden 0. syl broad+en pron <1brc:dN> pos vb. def to make or become broad or broader; widen. broad gauge 1. syl broad gauge pos n. def a railway track with a greater distance between the lines than the standard gauge of 56@2#800084 inches: used now by most mainline railway systems. broad-gauge infl head broad gauge syl broad-gauge. pos adj. broad gauge 2. syl broad gauge pos adj. def of, relating to, or denoting a railway having this track. broad jump 0. syl broad jump pos n. def the usual U.S. term for {long jump}. broadleaves infl head broadleaf syl broad+leaves. pos n. mod pl. broadleaf 0. syl broad+leaf pron <1brc:d2lEf> pos n. def any tobacco plant having broad leaves, used esp. in making cigars. broad-leaved 0. syl broad-leaved pos adj. def denoting trees other than conifers; having broad rather than needleshaped leaves. broadloom 0. syl broad+loom pron <1brc:d2lu:m> pos n. usage modifier def of or designating carpets or carpeting woven on a wide loom to obviate the need for seams. broad-minded 1. syl broad-mind:ed pos adj. def tolerant of opposing viewpoints; not prejudiced; liberal. broad-minded 2. syl broad-mind:ed pos adj. def not easily shocked by permissive sexual habits, pornography, etc. broad-mindedly sub head broad-minded syl broad-1mind:ed+ly pos adv. broad-mindedness sub head broad-minded syl broad-1mind:ed+ness pos n. Broadmoor 0. syl Broad+moor pron <1brc:d2mc:> pos n. def an institution in Berkshire, England, for housing and treating mentally ill criminals. the infl head Broads syl the. pos n. Broads 1. syl Broads pron pos n. mod pl. def a group of shallow navigable lakes, connected by a network of rivers, in E England, in Norfolk and Suffolk. Broads 2. syl Broads pron pos n. mod pl. def the region around these lakes: a tourist centre; several bird sanctuaries. broad seal 0. syl broad seal pos n. def the official seal of a nation and its government. broadsheet 1. syl broad+sheet pron <1brc:d2SEt> pos n. def a newspaper having a large format, approximately 15 by 24 inches (38 by 61 centimetres). Compare {tabloid}. broadsheet 2. syl broad+sheet pron <1brc:d2SEt> pos n. def another word for {broadside} (sense 4). broadside 1. syl broad+side pron <1brc:d2sId> pos n. qual Nautical. def the entire side of a vessel, from stem to stern and from waterline to rail. broadside 2.a. syl broad+side pron <1brc:d2sId> pos n. def all the armament fired from one side of a warship. broadside 2.b. syl broad+side pron <1brc:d2sId> pos n. def the simultaneous discharge of such armament. broadside 3. syl broad+side pron <1brc:d2sId> pos n. def a strong or abusive verbal or written attack. broadside 4. syl broad+side pron <1brc:d2sId> pos n. def Also called: {broadside ballad}. a ballad or popular song printed on one side of a sheet of paper and sold by hawkers, esp. in 16th-century England. broadside 5. syl broad+side pron <1brc:d2sId> pos n. def any standard size of paper before cutting or folding. exam 1 demy broadside. broadside 6. syl broad+side pron <1brc:d2sId> pos n. def another name for {broadsheet} (sense 1). broadside 7. syl broad+side pron <1brc:d2sId> pos n. def a large flat surface. exam 1 the broadside of the barn. broadside 8. syl broad+side pron <1brc:d2sId> pos adv. def with a broader side facing an object; sideways. exam 1 the train hit the lorry broadside. broad-spectrum 0. syl broad-spec:trum pos n. qual Pharmacol. usage modifier def effective against a wide variety of diseases or microorganisms. exam 1 a broad-spectrum antibiotic. broadsword 0. syl broad+sword pron <1brc:d2sc:d> pos n. def a broad-bladed sword used for cutting rather than stabbing. Also called: {backsword}. broadtail 1. syl broad+tail pron <1brc:d2tAl> pos n. def the highly valued black wavy fur obtained from the skins of newly born karakul lambs; caracul. broadtail 2. syl broad+tail pron <1brc:d2tAl> pos n. def another name for {karakul}. Broadway 1. syl Broad+way pron <1brc:d2wA> pos n. def a thoroughfare in New York City, famous for its theatres: the centre of the commercial theatre in the U.S. Broadway 2. syl Broad+way pron <1brc:d2wA> pos adj. def of or relating to or suitable for the commercial theatre, esp. on Broadway. Paul infl head Broca syl Paul pron pos n. Broca 0. syl Bro:ca pron French pos n. def 1824-80, French surgeon and anthropologist who discovered the motor speech centre of the brain and did pioneering work in brain surgery. brocade ety C17: from Spanish brocado, from Italian broccato embossed fabric, from brocco spike, from Latin brochus projecting; see #7broach brocade 1.a. syl bro+cade pron pos n. def a rich fabric woven with a raised design, often using gold or silver threads. brocade 1.b. syl bro+cade pron pos n. usage as modifier exam 1 brocade curtains. brocade 2. syl bro+cade pron pos vb. mod tr. def to weave with such a design. brocatelle ety C17: from French, from Italian broccatello, diminutive of broccato #7brocade brocatel alt head brocatelle or brocatelle syl broc:a+tel pron <2brok*1tel> pos n. qual U.S. brocatelle 1. or brocatel syl broc:a+telle pron <2brok*1tel> pos n. def a heavy brocade with the design in deep relief, used chiefly in upholstery. brocatelle 2. or brocatel syl broc:a+telle pron <2brok*1tel> pos n. def a type of variegated marble from France and Italy. broccoli ety C17: from Italian, plural of broccolo a little sprout, from brocco sprout, spike; see #7brocade broccoli 1. syl broc+co+li pron <1brok*li> pos n. def a cultivated variety of cabbage, having branched greenish flower heads. broccoli 2. syl broc+co+li pron <1brok*li> pos n. def the flower head of this plant, eaten as a vegetable before the buds have opened. broccoli 3. syl broc+co+li pron <1brok*li> pos n. def a variety of this plant that does not form a head, whose stalks are eaten as a vegetable. broch ety C17: variant of Middle English (Scottish) brugh #7borough broch 0. syl broch pron ,, pos n. usage in Scotland def a circular dry-stone tower large enough to serve as a fortified home: characteristic of late sixth-century building. broch'e ety C19: from French brocher to brocade, stitch; see #7broach broch'e 0. syl bro+ch*'e pron , French pos adj. def woven with a raised design, as brocade. brochette ety C19: from Old French brochete small pointed tool; see #7broach brochette 0. syl bro+chette pron , French pos n. def a skewer or small spit, used for holding pieces of meat, etc., while roasting or grilling. brochure ety C18: from French, from brocher to stitch (a book) brochure 0. syl bro+chure pron <1br*uSju*>, <-S*> pos n. def a pamphlet or stitched booklet, esp. one containing summarized or introductory information or advertising. brock ety Old English broc, of Celtic origin; compare Welsh broch brock 0. syl brock pron pos n. def a Brit. name for {badger} (sense 1): used esp. as a form of address in stories, etc. Brocken 0. syl Brock+en pron German <1brckN> pos n. def a mountain in East Germany: the highest peak of the Harz Mountains; important in German folklore. Height: 1142 m (3747 ft.). The {Brocken Bow} or {Brocken Spectre} is an atmospheric phenomenon in which an observer, when the sun is low, may see his enlarged shadow against the clouds, often surrounded by coloured lights. brocket ety C15: from Anglo-French broquet, from broque horn, from Vulgar Latin brocca (unattested); see #7broach brocket 0. syl brock+et pron <1brokit> pos n. def any small deer of the genus of tropical America, having small unbranched antlers. broddle ety perhaps from #7bradawl broddle 0. syl brod+dle pron <1brodL> pos vb. mod tr. qual Yorkshire dialect. def to poke or pierce (something). broderie anglaise ety French: English embroidery broderie anglaise 0. syl bro+de+rie an+glaise pron <2br*ud*rE> pos n. def open embroidery on white cotton, fine linen, etc. Broederbond ety Afrikaans: band of brothers Broederbond 0. syl Broed:er+bond pron <1brud*2bc:nt>, <1bru:d*2bont> pos n. usage in South Africa def a secret society of Afrikaner Nationalists committed to securing and maintaining Afrikaner control over important areas of government. brogan ety C19: from Gaelic br*_ogan a little shoe, from br*_og shoe; see #7brogue %2 brogan 0. syl bro+gan pron <1br*ug*n> pos n. def a heavy laced usually ankle-high work boot. Broglie 1. syl Brog:lie pron <1br*ugli> pos n. def Prince {Louis Vic@.tor de} (lwi vik#!t@$$:r d$$). born 1892, French physicist, noted for his research in quantum mechanics and his development of wave mechanics: Nobel prize for physics 1929. Broglie 2. syl Brog:lie pron <1br*ugli> pos n. def his brother, {Mau@.rice} (m@$ris), Duc de Broglie. 1875-1960, French physicist, noted for his research into x-ray spectra. brogue ety C18: probably from #7brogue %2#7, alluding to the footwear of the peasantry brogue H1.0. syl brogue pron pos n. def a broad gentle-sounding dialectal accent, esp. that used by the Irish in speaking English. brogue ety C16: from Old Irish br*_oc shoe, probably from Old Norse br*_ok leg covering brogue H2.1. syl brogue pron pos n. def a sturdy walking shoe, often with ornamental perforations. brogue H2.2. syl brogue pron pos n. def an untanned shoe worn formerly in Ireland and Scotland. broider ety C15: from Old French brosder, of Germanic origin; see #7embroider broider 0. syl broi+der pron <1brcid*> pos vb. mod tr. def an archaic word for {embroider}. broil ety C14: from Old French bruillir to burn, of uncertain origin broil H1.1. syl broil pron pos vb. def the usual U.S. word for { {grill%1} (sense 1)}. broil H1.2. syl broil pron pos vb. def to become or cause to become extremely hot. broil H1.3. syl broil pron pos vb. mod intr. def to be furious. broil H1.4. syl broil pron pos n. def the process of broiling. broil H1.5. syl broil pron pos n. def something broiled. broil ety C16: from Old French brouiller to mix, from Old French breu broth; see #7brewis, brose broil H2.1. syl broil pron pos n. def a loud quarrel or disturbance; brawl. broil H2.2. syl broil pron pos vb. mod intr. def to brawl; quarrel. broiler 1. syl broil+er pron <1brcil*> pos n. def a young tender chicken suitable for roasting. broiler 2. syl broil+er pron <1brcil*> pos n. def a pan, grate, etc. for broiling food. broiler house 0. syl broil+er house pos n. def a building in which broiler chickens are reared in confined conditions. broke 1. syl broke pron pos vb. def the past tense of {break}. broke 2. syl broke pron pos adj. qual Informal. def having no money; bankrupt. go for broke 3. head broke syl go for broke. qual Informal. def to risk everything in a gambling or other venture. broken 1. syl bro+ken pron <1br*uk*n> pos vb. def the past participle of {break}. broken 2. syl bro+ken pron <1br*uk*n> pos adj. def fractured, smashed, or splintered. exam 1 a broken vase. broken 3. syl bro+ken pron <1br*uk*n> pos adj. def imperfect or incomplete; fragmentary. exam 1 a broken set of books. broken 4. syl bro+ken pron <1br*uk*n> pos adj. def inter?!rupted; disturbed; disconnected. exam 1 a broken telephone call; exam 2 broken sleep. broken 5. syl bro+ken pron <1br*uk*n> pos adj. def intermittent or discontinuous. exam 1 broken sunshine. broken 6. syl bro+ken pron <1br*uk*n> pos adj. def varying in direction or intensity, as of pitch. exam 1 a broken note; exam 2 a broken run. broken 7. syl bro+ken pron <1br*uk*n> pos adj. def not functioning. exam 1 a broken radio. broken 8. syl bro+ken pron <1br*uk*n> pos adj. def spoilt or ruined by divorce (esp. in the phrases {broken home, broken marriage) }. broken 9. syl bro+ken pron <1br*uk*n> pos adj. usage of a trust, promise, contract, etc. def violated; infringed. broken 10. syl bro+ken pron <1br*uk*n> pos adj. def overcome with grief or disappointment. exam 1 a broken heart. broken 11. syl bro+ken pron <1br*uk*n> pos adj. usage of the speech of a foreigner def imperfect in grammar, vocabulary, and pronunciation. exam 1 broken English. broken 12. syl bro+ken pron <1br*uk*n> pos adj. def Also: {broken-in}. made tame or disciplined by training. exam 1 a broken horse; exam 2 a broken recruit. broken 13. syl bro+ken pron <1br*uk*n> pos adj. def exhausted or weakened. as through ill-health or misfortune. broken 14. syl bro+ken pron <1br*uk*n> pos adj. def confused or disorganized. exam 1 broken ranks of soldiers. broken 15. syl bro+ken pron <1br*uk*n> pos adj. def breached or opened. exam 1 broken defensive lines. broken 16. syl bro+ken pron <1br*uk*n> pos adj. def irregular or rough; uneven. exam 1 broken ground. broken 17. syl bro+ken pron <1br*uk*n> pos adj. def bankrupt or out of money. exam 1 a broken industry. broken-down 1. syl bro:ken-down pos adj. def worn out, as by age or long use; dilapidated. exam 1 a broken-down fence. broken-down 2. syl bro:ken-down pos adj. def not in working order. exam 1 a broken-down tractor. broken-down 3. syl bro:ken-down pos adj. def physically or mentally ill. brokenhearted 0. syl bro:ken+heart:ed pron <2br*uk*n1ha:tid> pos adj. def overwhelmed by grief or disappointment. brokenheartedly sub head brokenhearted syl bro:ken+1heart:ed+ly pos adv. brokenheartedness sub head brokenhearted syl bro:ken+1heart:ed+ness pos n. Broken Hill 0. syl Bro+ken Hill pos n. def a city in SE Australia, in W New South Wales: mining centre for lead, silver, and zinc. Pop.: 28160 (1975 est.). broken wind 0. syl bro+ken wind pron pos n. qual Vet. science. def another name for { {heaves} (sense 1)}. broker ety C14: from Anglo-French brocour broacher (of casks, hence, one who sells, agent), from Old Northern French broquier to tap a cask, from broque tap of a cask; see #7broach broker 1. syl bro+ker pron <1br*uk*> pos n. def an agent who, acting on behalf of a principal, buys or sells goods, securities, etc., in return for a commission. exam 1 insurance broker. broker 2. syl bro+ker pron <1br*uk*> pos n. def short for {stockbroker}. brokerage 1. syl bro+ker+age pron <1br*uk*riJ> pos n. def commission charged by a broker to his clients. brokerage 2. syl bro+ker+age pron <1br*uk*riJ> pos n. def a broker's business or office. brolga ety C19: from a native Australian language brolga 0. syl brol+ga pron <1brolg*> pos n. def a large grey Australian crane, , having a red-and-green head and a trumpeting call. Also called: {Australian crane, native companion}. brollies infl head brolly syl brol+lies. pos n. mod pl. brolly 0. syl brol+ly pron <1broli> pos n. def an informal Brit. name for { {umbrella} (sense 1)}. bromal ety C19: from #7brom (#7ine) #7+al (#7cohol) bromal 0. syl bro+mal pron <1br*um*l> pos n. def a yellowish oily synthetic liquid used medicinally as a sedative and hypnotic; tribromoacetaldehyde. Formula: Br\3CCHO. bromate ety C19: probably from German Bromat; see #7bromo -#7, { -#7ate %1} bromate 1. syl bro+mate pron <1br*umAt> pos n. def any salt or ester of bromic acid, containing the monovalent group -BrO\3 or ion BrO%#-@b\3#800085 . bromate 2. syl bro+mate pron <1br*umAt> pos vb. def another word for {brominate}. Bromberg 0. syl Brom+berg pron <1brcmberk> pos n. def the German name for {Bydgoszcz}. brome grass ety C18: via Latin from Greek bromos oats, of obscure origin brome alt head brome grass or brome grass syl brome pron pos n. brome grass 0. or brome syl brome grass pron pos n. def any of various grasses of the genus having small flower spikes in loose drooping clusters. Some species are used for hay. bromeliad ety C19: from New Latin Bromelia type genus, after Olaf Bromelius (1639-1705), Swedish botanist &- bro+@!me@.li@.#!a+ceous adj. bromeliad 0. syl bro+me:li+ad pron pos n. def any plant of the tropical American family typically epiphytes with a rosette of fleshy leaves. The family includes the pineapple and Spanish moss. bromeosin ety C20: from #7bromo -#7+eosin bromeosin 0. syl brom+e:o+sin pron pos n. qual Chem. def another name for {eosin}. bromic 0. syl bro+mic pron <1br*umik> pos adj. def of or containing bromine in the trivalent or pentavalent state. bromic acid 0. syl bro+mic ac:id pos n. def a colourless unstable water-soluble liquid used as an oxidizing agent in the manufacture of dyes and pharmaceuticals. Formula: HBrO\3. bromide 1. syl bro+mide pron <1br*umId> pos n. def any salt of hydrobromic acid, containing the monovalent ion Br%#- ({bromide ion) }. bromide 2. syl bro+mide pron <1br*umId> pos n. def any compound containing a bromine atom, such as methyl bromide. bromide 3. syl bro+mide pron <1br*umId> pos n. def a dose of sodium or potassium bromide given as a sedative. bromide 4.a. syl bro+mide pron <1br*umId> pos n. def a trite saying; platitude. bromide 4.b. syl bro+mide pron <1br*umId> pos n. def a dull or boring person. bromide paper 0. syl bro+mide pa+per pos n. def a type of photographic paper coated with an emulsion of silver bromide usually containing a small quantity of silver iodide. bromidic 0. syl bro+mid+ic pron pos adj. qual Informal. def ordinary; dull. brominate 0. syl bro+min+ate pron <1br*umi2nAt> pos vb. def to treat or react with bromine. Also: {bromate}. bromination sub head brominate syl bro+min:1a+tion pos n. bromine ety C19: from French brome bromine, from Greek br*_omos bad smell, of uncertain origin bromine 0. syl bro+mine pron <1br*umEn>, <-min> pos n. def a pungent dark red volatile liquid element of the halogen series that occurs in brine and is used in the production of chemicals, esp. ethylene dibromide. Symbol: Br; atomic no.: 35; atomic wt.: 79.91; valency: 1,3,5, or 7; relative density 3.12; density (gas): 7.59 kg/m%3; melting pt.: -7.2?%C; boiling pt.: 58.78?%C. brominism alt head bromism or bromism syl bro+min+ism pos n. bromism 0. or brominism syl bro+mism pron <1br*umiz*m> pos n. def poisoning caused by the excessive intake of bromine or compounds containing bromine. Bromley 0. syl Brom+ley pron <1bromli> pos n. def a SE borough of Greater London. Pop.: 299100 (1976 est.). bromoform 0. syl bro+mo+form pron <1br*um*2fc:m> pos n. def a heavy colourless liquid substance with a sweetish taste and an odour resembling that of chloroform; tribromomethane. Formula: CHBr\3. Bromsgrove 0. syl Broms+grove pron <1bromz2gr*uv> pos n. def a town in W central England, in NE Hereford and Worcester. Pop.: 40669 (1971). bronchi 0. syl bron+chi pron <1broGkI> pos n. def the plural of {bronchus}. bronchia ety C17: from Late Latin, from Greek bronkhia, plural of bronkhion, diminutive of bronkhus windpipe, throat bronchia 0. syl bron+chi:a pron <1broGki*> pos n. mod pl. def another name for {bronchial tubes}. bronchial 0. syl bron+chi:al pron <1broGki*l> pos adj. def of or relating to the bronchi or the bronchial tubes. bronchially sub head bronchial syl bron+chi+al+ly pos adv. bronchial tubes 0. syl bron+chi:al tubes pos n. mod pl. def the bronchi or their smaller divisions. bronchiectasis ety C19: from #7broncho- #7+ Greek ektasis a stretching bronchiectasis 0. syl bron+chi+ec+ta+sis pron <2broGki1ekt*sis> pos n. def chronic dilation of the bronchi or bronchial tubes, which often become infected. bronchiole ety C19: from New Latin bronchiolum, diminutive of Late Latin bronchium, singular of #7bronchia bronchiole 0. syl bron+chi+ole pron <1broGki2*ul> pos n. def any of the smallest bronchial tubes, usually ending in alveoli. bronchiolar sub head bronchiole syl bron+chi:o+lar pron <2broGki1*ul*> pos adj. bronchitis 0. syl bron+chi+tis pron pos n. def inflammation of the bronchial tubes, characterized by coughing, difficulty in breathing, etc., caused by infection or irritation of the respiratory tract. bronchitic sub head bronchitis syl bron+chit+ic pron pos adj. n. broncho- ety from Greek: #7bronchus bronchopneumonia 0. syl bron+cho+pneu+mo+ni:a pron <2broGk*unju:1m*uni*> pos n. def inflammation of the lungs, originating in the bronchioles. bronchoscope 0. syl bron+cho+scope pron <1broGk*2sk*up> pos n. def an instrument for examining and providing access to the interior of the bronchial tubes. bronchoscopic sub head bronchoscope syl bron+cho+scop+ic pron <2broGk*1skopik> pos adj. bronchoscopist sub head bronchoscope syl bron+chos+co+pist pron pos n. bronchoscopy sub head bronchoscope syl bron+1chos+co+py pos n. bronchus ety C18: from New Latin, from Greek bronkhos windpipe bronchi infl head bronchus syl bron+chi pron <-kI> pos n. mod pl. bronchus 0. syl bron+chus pron <1broGk*s> pos n. def either of the two main branches of the trachea, which contain cartilage within their walls. bronco ety C19: from Mexican Spanish, short for Spanish potro bronco unbroken colt, probably from Latin broccus projecting (as knots on wood), hence, rough, wild broncho alt head bronco or bronco syl bron+cho pron <1broGk*u> pos n. broncos infl head bronco or bronchos syl bron+cos pos n. mod pl. bronchos infl head bronco or broncos syl bron+chos. pos n. mod pl. bronco 0. or broncho syl bron+co pron <1broGk*u> pos n. qual U.S. def a wild or partially tamed pony or mustang of the western plains. broncobuster 0. syl bron:co+bust:er pron <1broGk*u2b^st*> pos n. qual Western U.S. def a cowboy who breaks in broncos or wild horses. Anne 1. head Bronte syl Anne def pen name 1820-49, English novelist; author of (1847). Bronte 2. syl Bron:t*"e pron <1bronti> pos n. def her sister, {Char@.lotte}, pen name 1816-55, English novelist, author of (1847), (1853), and (1857). Bronte 3. syl Bron:t*"e pron <1bronti> pos n. def her sister, {Em@.i@.ly (Jane) }, pen name 1818-48, English novelist and poet; author of (1847). brontosaurus ety C19: from New Latin, from Greek bront*_e thunder+ sauros lizard brontosaur alt head brontosaurus or brontosaurus syl bron+to+saur pron <1bront*2sc:> pos n. brontosaurus 0. or brontosaur syl bron+to+sau+rus pron <2bront*1sc:r*s> pos n. def any very large herbivorous quadrupedal dinosaur of the genus common in the U.S. in late Jurassic times, having a long neck and long tail: suborder (sauropods). the infl head Bronx syl the. pos n. Bronx 0. syl Bronx pron pos n. def a borough of New York City, on the mainland, separated from Manhattan by the Harlem River. Pop.: 1471701 (1970). bronze ety C18: from French, from Italian bronzo, perhaps ultimately from Latin Brundisium Brindisi, famed for its bronze bronze 1.a. syl bronze pron pos n. def any hard water-resistant alloy consisting of copper and smaller proportions of tin and sometimes zinc and lead. bronze 1.b. syl bronze pron pos n. def any similar copper alloy containing other elements in place of tin, such as aluminium bronze, beryllium bronze, etc. See also {phosphor bronze, gunmetal}. Compare {brass} (sense 1). bronze 2. syl bronze pron pos n. def a yellowish-brown colour or pigment. bronze 3. syl bronze pron pos n. def a statue, medal, or other object made of bronze. bronze 4. syl bronze pron pos adj. def made of or resembling bronze. bronze 5. syl bronze pron pos adj. def of a yellowish-brown colour. exam 1 a bronze skin. bronze 6. syl bronze pron pos vb. usage esp. of the skin def to make or become brown; tan. bronze 7. syl bronze pron pos vb. mod tr. def to give the appearance of bronze to. bronzy sub head bronze syl bronz:y pos adj. bronze age 0. syl bronze age pos n. qual Classical myth. def a period of man's existence marked by war and violence, following the golden and silver ages and preceding the iron age. Bronze Age 0.a. syl Bronze Age pos n. qual Archaeol. def a technological stage between the Stone and Iron Ages, beginning in the Middle East about 4500 #7b.c. and lasting in Britain from about 2000 to 500 #7b.c., during which weapons and tools were made of bronze and there was intensive trading. Bronze Age 0.b. syl Bronze Age pos n. qual Archaeol. usage as modifier exam 1 a Bronze-Age tool. bronze medal 0. syl bronze med+al pos n. def a medal of bronze, awarded to a competitor who comes third in a contest or race. Compare {gold medal, silver medal}. brooch ety C13: from Old French broche; see #7broach brooch 0. syl brooch pron pos n. def an ornament with a hinged pin and catch, worn fastened to clothing. brood ety Old English br*_od; related to Middle High German bruot, Dutch broed; see #7breed brood 1. syl brood pron pos n. def a number of young animals, esp. birds, produced at one hatching. brood 2. syl brood pron pos n. def all the offspring in one family: often used jokingly or contemptuously. brood 3. syl brood pron pos n. def a group of a particu?!lar kind; breed. brood 4. syl brood pron pos n. usage as modifier def kept for breeding. exam 1 a brood mare. brood 5.a. syl brood pron pos vb. def to sit on or hatch (eggs). brood 5.b. syl brood pron pos vb. mod tr. def to cover (young birds) protectively with the wings. brood 6. syl brood pron pos vb. mod when; intr. usage often foll. by on, over, or upon def to ponder morbidly or persistently. brooder 1. syl brood+er pron <1bru:d*> pos n. def an enclosure or other structure, usually heated, used for rearing young chickens or other fowl. brooder 2. syl brood+er pron <1bru:d*> pos n. def a person or thing that broods. brood pouch 1. syl brood pouch pos n. def a pouch or cavity in certain animals, such as frogs and fishes, in which their eggs develop and hatch. brood pouch 2. syl brood pouch pos n. def another name for {marsupium}. broodier infl head broody syl brood:i+er pos adj. broodiest infl head broody syl brood:i+est. pos adj. broody 1. syl brood:y pron <1bru:di> pos adj. def moody; meditative; introspective. broody 2. syl brood:y pron <1bru:di> pos adj. usage of poultry def wishing to sit on or hatch eggs. broody 3. syl brood:y pron <1bru:di> pos adj. usage Informal. of a woman def wishing to have a baby of her own. &- {#!brood@.i+ness} brook ety Old English br*_oc; related to Old High German bruoh swamp, Dutch broek brook H1.0. syl brook pron pos n. def a natural freshwater stream smaller than a river. brook ety Old English br*_ucan; related to Gothic br*_ukjan to use, Old High German br*_uhhan, Latin fru*_i to enjoy brook H2.0. syl brook pron pos vb. mod tr. usage usually used with a negative def to bear; tolerate. brookable sub head brook syl brook+a:ble pos adj. Peter (Paul Stephen) infl head Brook syl Pe:ter (Paul Stephen). pos n. Brook 0. syl Brook pron pos n. def born 1925, British stage and film director, noted esp. for his experimental work in the theatre. Alan Francis 1. head Brooke syl Al:an Fran:cis. def See (1st Viscount) {Alanbrooke}. Brooke 2. syl Brooke pron pos n. def Sir {James}. 1803-68, English soldier; first rajah of Sarawak (1841-63). Rupert 3. head Brooke syl Ru:pert. def 1887-1915, English lyric poet, noted for his charm and his early death. Brook Farm 0. syl Brook Farm pos n. def an experimental communist community established by writers and scholars in West Roxbury, Massachusetts, from 1841 to 1847. brookite ety C19: named after Henry J. Brooke (died 1857), English mineralogist brookite 0. syl brook+ite pron <1brukIt> pos n. def a reddish-brown to black mineral consisting of titanium oxide in orthorhombic crystalline form: occurs in silica veins. Formula: TiO\2. brooklet 0. syl brook+let pron <1bruklit> pos n. def a small brook. brooklime ety C16: variant of C15 brokelemk speedwell, from #7brook %1#7+ -lemk, from Old English hleomoce; influenced by #7lime brooklime 0. syl brook+lime pron <1bruk2lIm> pos n. def either of two blue-flowered scrophu?!lariaceous trailing plants, of North America or of Europe and Asia, growing in moist places. See also {speedwell}. Brooklyn 0. syl Brook+lyn pron <1bruklin> pos n. def a borough of New York City, on the SW end of Long Island. Pop.: 2602012 (1970). Brooks Range 0. syl Brooks Range pos n. def a mountain range in N Alaska. Highest peak: Mount Isto, 2761 m (9058 ft.). brook trout 0. syl brook trout pos n. def a North American freshwater trout, introduced in Europe and valued as a food and game fish. Also called: {speckled trout}. brookweed 0. syl brook+weed pron <1bruk2wEd> pos n. def either of two white-flowered primulaceous plants, of Europe or of North America, growing in moist places. Also called: {water pimpernel}. See also {pimpernel}. broom ety Old English br*_om; related to Old High German br*_amo, Middle Dutch bremme broom 1. syl broom pron , pos n. def an implement for sweeping consist?!ing of a brush of straw, bristles, or twigs, bound together and attached to a long handle. broom 2. syl broom pron , pos n. def any of various yellow-flowered Eurasian papilionaceous shrubs of the genera and esp. broom 3. syl broom pron , pos n. def any of various similar Eurasian plants of the related genera and new broom 4. head broom syl new broom. def a newly appointed official, etc., eager to make radical changes. {~} broom 5. syl broom pron , pos n. mod tr. def to sweep with a broom. broomcorn 0. syl broom+corn pron <1bru:m2kc:n>, <1brum-> pos n. def a variety of sorghum, the long stiff flower stalks of which have been used for making brooms. David infl head Broome syl Da:vid. pos n. Broome 0. syl Broome pron pos n. def born 1940, English show-jumping rider. broomrape ety C16: adaptation and partial translation of Medieval Latin r*_apum genistae tuber (hence: root nodule) of Genista (a type of broom plant); compare P#7lantagenet broomrape 0. syl broom+rape pron <1bru:m2rAp>, <1brum-> pos n. def any orobanchaceous plant of the genus brownish small-flowered leafless parasites on the roots of other plants, esp. on broom. broomstick 0. syl broom+stick pron <1bru:m2stik>, <1brum-> pos n. def the long handle of a broom. William Lee Conley infl head Broonzy syl Wil:liam Lee Con:ley pos n. Broonzy 0. syl Broon:zy pron <1bru:nzi> pos n. def called 1893-1958, U.S. blues singer and guitarist. Bros alt head bros or bros syl Bros. bros 0. or Bros syl bros. qual abbrev. for def brothers. brose ety C13 broys, from Old French broez, from breu broth, of Germanic origin brose 0. syl brose pron pos n. qual Scot. def a porridge made by adding a boiling liquid to meal, esp. oatmeal. broth ety Old English broth; related to Old Norse broth, Old High German brod, German brodeln to boil; see #7brew broth 1. syl broth pron pos n. def a soup made by boiling meat, fish, vegetables, etc., in water. broth 2. syl broth pron pos n. def another name for { {stock} (sense 19)}. brothel ety C16: short for brothel-house, from C14 brothel useless person, from Old English br*_eothan to deteriorate; related to briethel worthless brothel 1. syl broth+el pron <1broT*l> pos n. def a house or other place where men pay to have sexual intercourse with prostitutes. brothel 2. syl broth+el pron <1broT*l> pos n. qual Austral. informal. def any untidy or messy place. brother ety Old English br*_othor; related to Old Norse br*_othir, Old High German bruoder, Latin fr*_ater, Greek phrat*_er, Sanskrit bhr*_atar brother 1. syl broth+er pron <1br^D*> pos n. def a male person having the same parents as another person. brother 2. syl broth+er pron <1br^D*> pos n. def short for {half-brother} or {stepbrother}. brother 3.a. syl broth+er pron <1br^D*> pos n. def a male person belonging to the same group, profession, nationality, trade union, etc., as another or others; fellow member. brother 3.b. syl broth+er pron <1br^D*> pos n. usage as modifier exam 1 brother workers. brother 4. syl broth+er pron <1br^D*> pos n. qual Informal. def comrade; friend: used as a form of address. brother 5.a. syl broth+er pron <1br^D*> pos n. def a member of a male religious order who undertakes work for the order without actually being in holy orders. brother 5.b. syl broth+er pron <1br^D*> pos n. def a lay member of a male religious order. brother xref syl broth+er pron <1br^D*> pos n. def Related adj.: {fraternal}. brother 6. syl broth+er pron <1br^D*> pos interj. qual Slang. def an exclamation of amazement, disgust, surprise, disappointment, etc. brotherhood 1. syl broth:er+hood pron <1br^D*2hud> pos n. def the state of being related as a brother or brothers. brotherhood 2. syl broth:er+hood pron <1br^D*2hud> pos n. def an association or fellowship, such as a trade union. brotherhood 3. syl broth:er+hood pron <1br^D*2hud> pos n. def all persons engaged in a particular profession, trade, etc. brotherhood 4. syl broth:er+hood pron <1br^D*2hud> pos n. def the belief, feeling, or hope that all men should regard and treat one another as brothers. brothers-in-law infl head brother-in-law syl broth:ers-in-law. pos n. mod pl. brother-in-law 1. syl broth:er-in-law pos n. def the brother of one's wife or husband. brother-in-law 2. syl broth:er-in-law pos n. def the husband of one's sister. brother-in-law 3. syl broth:er-in-law pos n. def the husband of the sister of one's husband or wife. Brother Jonathan ety C19: perhaps originally applied to a New Englander (perhaps alluding to the many Old Testament names among New England settlers) Brother Jonathan 0. syl Broth+er Jon:a+than pos n. qual Archaic. def the government or people of the United States. brotherly 1. syl broth+er+ly pron <1br^D*li> pos adj. def of, resembling, or suitable to a brother, esp. in showing loyalty and affection; fraternal. {~} brotherly 2. syl broth+er+ly pron <1br^D*li> pos adj. def in a brotherly way; fraternally. &- {#!broth+er+li+ness} brougham ety C19: named after Henry Peter, Lord Brougham (1778-1868) brougham 1. syl brough+am pron <1bru:*m>, pos n. def a four-wheeled horse-drawn closed carriage having a raised open driver's seat in front. brougham 2. syl brough+am pron <1bru:*m>, pos n. qual Obsolete. def a large car with an open compartment at the front for the driver. brougham 3. syl brough+am pron <1bru:*m>, pos n. qual Obsolete. def an early electric car. brought 0. syl brought pron pos vb. def the past tense or past participle of {bring}. broughtas alt head broughta or broughta syl brough+tas pron <1brc:t*s> pos n. broughta 0. or broughtas syl brough+ta pron <1brc:t*> pos n. def variants of {braata}. brouhaha ety French, of imitative origin brouhaha 0. syl brou+ha+ha pron pos n. def a loud confused noise; commotion; uproar. brow ety Old English br*_u; related to Old Norse br*_un eyebrow, Lithuanian bruvis, Greek ophrus, Sanskrit bhr*_us brow 1. syl brow pron pos n. def the part of the face from the eyes to the hairline; forehead. brow 2. syl brow pron pos n. def short for {eyebrow}. brow 3. syl brow pron pos n. def the expression of the face; countenance. exam 1 a troubled brow. brow 4. syl brow pron pos n. def the top of a mine shaft; pithead. brow 5. syl brow pron pos n. def the jutting top of a hill, etc. brow 6. syl brow pron pos n. qual Northern English dialect. def a steep slope on a road. browband 0. syl brow+band pron <1brau2b@nd> pos n. def the strap of a horse's bridle that goes across the forehead. browbeats infl head browbeat syl brow+beats pos vb. mod tr. browbeating infl head browbeat syl brow+beat+ing pos vb. mod tr. browbeat infl syl brow+beat pos vb. mod tr. browbeaten infl head browbeat syl brow+beat+en. pos vb. mod tr. browbeat 0. syl brow+beat pron <1brau2bEt> pos vb. mod tr. def to discourage or frighten with threats or a domineering manner; intimidate. browbeater sub head browbeat syl brow+2beat+er pos n. brown ety Old English br*_un; related to Old Norse br*_unn, Old High German br*_un, Greek phrunos toad, Sanskrit babhru reddish-brown brown 1. syl brown pron pos n. def any of various colours, such as those of wood or earth, that consist of approximately equal proportions of red and green and a small proportion of blue. brown 2. syl brown pron pos n. def a dye or pigment producing these colours. brown 3. syl brown pron pos n. def brown cloth or clothing. exam 1 dressed in brown. brown 4. syl brown pron pos n. def any of numerous reddish-brown butterflies of the genera etc., such as ({meadow brown}) : family brown 5. syl brown pron pos adj. def of the colour brown. brown 6. syl brown pron pos adj. usage of bread def made from a dark flour, such as wheatmeal or wholemeal flour. brown 7. syl brown pron pos adj. def deeply tanned or sunburnt. brown 8. syl brown pron pos vb. def to make (esp. food as a result of cooking) brown or (esp. of food) to become brown. brownish sub head brown or browny syl brown+ish pos adj. browny sub head brown or brownish syl brown:y pos adj. brownness sub head brown syl brown+ness pos n. Brown 1. syl Brown pron pos n. def Sir {Ar@.thur Whit@.ten} (#!w$It#N). 1886-1948, English aviator who with J. W. Alcock made the first flight across the Atlantic (1919). George (Alfred) 2. head Brown syl George (Alfred) def Lord George-Brown. born 1914, British Labour leader; vice-chairman and deputy leader of the Labour party (1960-70); foreign secretary 1966-68. John 3. head Brown syl John. def 1800-59, U.S. abolitionist leader, hanged after leading an unsuccessful rebellion of slaves at Harper's Ferry, Virginia. Lancelot 4. head Brown syl Lan:ce:lot def called 1716-83, English landscape gardener. Robert 5. head Brown syl Rob:ert. def 1773-1858, Scottish botanist who was the first to observe the Brownian movement in fluids. brown algae 0. syl brown al+gae pos n. mod pl. def any algae of the family such as the wracks and kelps, which contain a brown pigment in addition to chlorophyll. brown bear 1. syl brown bear pos n. def a large ferocious brownish bear, inhabiting temperate forests of North America, Europe, and Asia. See also {grizzly bear, Kodiak bear}. brown bear 2. syl brown bear pos n. def a brown variety of the American black bear brown coal 0. syl brown coal pos n. def another name for {lignite}. Browne 1. syl Browne pron pos n. def Sir {Thom@.as}. 1605-82, English physician and author, noted for his magniloquent prose style. His works include (1642) and (1658). browned-off 0. syl browned-off pos adj. qual Informal, chiefly Brit. def thoroughly discouraged or disheartened; fed-up. Brownian movement ety C19: named after Robert B#7rown Brownian movement 0. syl Brown+i:an move+ment pron <1brauni*n> pos n. def random movement of microscopic particles suspended in a fluid, caused by bombardment of the particles by molecules of the fluid. First observed in 1827, it provided strong evidence in support of the kinetic theory of molecules. brownie ety C16: diminutive of #7brown (that is, a small brown man) brownie 1. syl brown:ie pron <1brauni> pos n. qual Chiefly U.S. def a flat nutty chocolate cake. brownie 2. syl brown:ie pron <1brauni> pos n. usage in folklore def an elf said to do helpful work at night, esp. household chores. brownie 3. syl brown:ie pron <1brauni> pos n. qual Austral. def a bread made with currants. Brownie alt head Brownie Guide or Brownie Guide syl Brown:ie pron <1brauni> pos n. Brownie Guide 0. or Brownie syl Brown:ie Guide pron <1brauni> pos n. def a member of the junior branch of the Guides. browning 0. syl brown+ing pron <1brauniG> pos n. qual Brit. def a substance used to darken soups, gravies, etc. Elizabeth Barrett 1. head Browning syl E:liz:a:beth Bar:rett. def 1806-61, English poet and critic; author of the (1850). Browning H1.2. syl Brow:ning pron <1brauniG> pos n. def her husband, {Rob@.ert}. 1812-89, English poet, noted for his dramatic monologues and (1868-69). Browning ety C20: named after John M. Browning (1855-1926), American designer of firearms Browning H2.1. syl Brown:ing pron <1brauniG> pos n. def Also called: {Browning automatic rifle}. a portable gas-operated air-cooled automatic rifle using .30 calibre ammunition and capable of firing between 200 and 350 rounds per minute. Abbrev.: {BAR}. Browning H2.2. syl Brown:ing pron <1brauniG> pos n. def Also called: {Browning machine gun}. a water-cooled automatic machine gun using .30 or .50 calibre ammunition and capable of firing over 500 rounds per minute. brownout 1. syl brown+out pron <1braun2aut> pos n. qual Chiefly U.S. def a dimming or reduction in the use of electric lights in a city, esp. to conserve electric power or as a defensive precaution in wartime. brownout 2. syl brown+out pron <1braun2aut> pos n. qual Chiefly U.S. def a temporary reduction in electrical power. Compare { {blackout} (sense 3)}. brown rat 0. syl brown rat pos n. def a common brownish rat, a serious pest in all parts of the world. Also called: {Norway rat}. brown rice 0. syl brown rice pos n. def unpolished rice, in which the grains retain the outer yellowish-brown layer (bran). brown rot 0. syl brown rot pos n. def a disease of apples, peaches, etc., caused by fungi of the genus and characterized by yellowish-brown masses of spores on the plant surface. Brown Shirt 1. syl Brown Shirt pos n. usage in Nazi Germany def a storm trooper. Brown Shirt 2. syl Brown Shirt pos n. def a member of any fascist party or group. brown snake 0. syl brown snake pos n. qual Austral. def any of various common venomous snakes of the genus brown-state 0. syl brown-state pos adj. usage of linen and lace fabrics def undyed. brownstone 0. syl brown+stone pron <1braun2st*un> pos n. qual U.S. def a reddish-brown iron-rich sandstone used for building. brown study 0. syl brown stud:y pos n. def a mood of deep absorption or thoughtfulness; reverie. brown sugar 0. syl brown sug+ar pos n. def sugar that is unrefined or only partially refined. brown-tail moth 0. syl brown-tail moth pos n. def a small brown-and-white European moth, naturalized in the eastern U.S. where it causes damage to shade trees: family (or See also {tussock moth}. brown trout 0. syl brown trout pos n. def a common brownish variety of the trout that occurs in the rivers of N Europe and has been successfully introduced in North America. Compare { {sea trout} (sense 1)}. browse ety C15: from French broust, brost (modern French brout) bud, of Germanic origin; compare Old Saxon brustian to bud browse 1. syl browse pron pos vb. def to look through (a book, articles for sale in a shop, etc.) in a casual leisurely manner. browse 2. syl browse pron pos vb. usage of deer, goats, etc. def to feed upon (vegetation) by continual nibbling. browse 3. syl browse pron pos n. def the act or an instance of browsing. browse 4. syl browse pron pos n. def the young twigs, shoots, leaves, etc., on which certain animals feed. browser sub head browse syl brows+er pos n. Josip infl head Broz syl Jo:sip pron <1jcsip> pos n. Broz 0. syl Broz pron Serbo-Croatian pos n. def original name of (Marshal) {Tito}. BRS 0. syl BRS qual abbrev. for def British Road Services. Dave infl head Brubeck syl Dave. pos n. Brubeck 0. syl Bru:beck pron <1bru:bek> pos n. def born 1920, U.S. modern jazz pianist and composer. He studied composition with Darius Milhaud and Arnold Schoenberg; formed his own quartet in 1951. Lenny 1. head Bruce syl Len:ny. def 1925-66, U.S. comedian, whose satirical sketches, esp. of the sexual attitudes of his contemporaries, brought him prosecutions for obscenity, but are now regarded as full of insight as well as wit. Robert the 2. head Bruce syl Rob:ert the. def See {Robert I}. Stanley Melbourne 3. head Bruce syl Stan:ley Mel:bourne def 1st Viscount Bruce of Melbourne. 1883-1967, Australian statesman; prime minister, in coalition with Sir Earle Page's Country Party, of Australia (1923-29). brucellosis ety C20: from New Latin Brucella, named after Sir David Bruce (1855-1931), Australian bacteriologist and physician brucellosis 0. syl bru+cel+lo+sis pron <2bru:si1l*usis> pos n. def an infectious disease of cattle, goats, and pigs, caused by bacteria of the genus and transmittable to man (e.g. by drinking contaminated milk): symptoms include fever, chills, and severe headache. Also called: {undulant fever}. Max infl head Bruch syl Max pos n. brucine ety C19: named after James Bruce (1730-94), Scottish explorer of Africa brucine 0. syl bruc+ine pron <1bru:sEn>, <-sin> pos n. def a bitter poisonous alkaloid resembling strychnine and obtained from the tree used mainly in the denaturation of alcohol. Formula: C\2\3H\2\6N\2O\4. Brucke ety German: literally, the bridge die infl head Brucke syl die pron pos n. Brucke 0. syl Br*"uck:e pron German <1bryk*> pos n. def a group of German Expressionist painters (1905-13), including Karl Schmidt-Rottluff, Fritz Bleyl, Erich Heckel, and Ernst Ludwig Kirchner. In 1912 they exhibited with Anton infl head Bruckner syl An:ton pron <1anto:n> pos n. Bruckner 0. syl Bruck:ner pron German <1brukn*r> pos n. def 1824-96, Austrian composer and organist in the Romantic tradition. His works include nine symphonies, four masses, and a Te Deum. Bruegel infl head Brueghel or Breughel syl Brue:gel pron <1brcigL>, Flemish <1br$o:x*l> pos n. Breughel infl head Brueghel or Bruegel syl Breu:ghel pron <1brcigL>, Flemish <1br$o:x*l> pos n. Jan 1. head Brueghel syl Jan pron def 1568-1625, Flemish painter, noted for his detailed still lifes and landscapes. Brueghel 2. syl Brue:ghel pron <1brcigL>, Flemish <1br$o:x*l> pos n. def his father, {Pie@.ter} (#!pi$:t$$r), called ??1525-69, Flemish painter, noted for his landscapes, his satirical paintings of peasant life, and his allegorical biblical scenes. Brueghel 3. syl Brue:ghel pron <1brcigL>, Flemish <1br$o:x*l> pos n. def his son, {Pie@.ter}, called ??1564-1637, Flemish painter, noted for his gruesome pictures of hell. Bruges 0. syl Bruges pron , French pos n. def a city in NW Belgium, capital of West Flanders province: centre of the medieval European wool and cloth trade. Pop.: 118023 (1971 est.). Flemish name: {Brug+ge} (#!bryx$$). bruin ety C17: from Dutch bruin brown, the name of the bear in the epic Reynard the Fox bruin 0. syl bru+in pron <1bru:in> pos n. def a name for a bear, used in children's tales, fables, etc. bruise ety Old English br*_ysan, of Celtic origin; compare Irish br*_uigim I bruise bruise 1. syl bruise pron pos vb. mod also; intr. def to injure (tissues) without breaking the skin, usually with discoloration, or (of tissues) to be injured in this way. bruise 2. syl bruise pron pos vb. mod mainly; tr. def to offend or injure (someone's feelings) by an insult, unkindness, etc. bruise 3. syl bruise pron pos vb. mod mainly; tr. def to damage the surface of (something), as by a blow. bruise 4. syl bruise pron pos vb. mod mainly; tr. def to crush (food, etc.) by pounding or pressing. bruise 5. syl bruise pron pos n. mod mainly; tr. def a bodily injury without a break in the skin, usually with discoloration; contusion. bruiser 0. syl bruis+er pron <1bru:z*> pos n. qual Informal. def a strong tough person, esp. a boxer or a bully. bruit ety C15: via French from Medieval Latin br*_ug*_itus, probably from Vulgar Latin bragere (unattested) to yell+Latin rug*_ire to roar bruit 1. syl bruit pron pos vb. qual Archaic or U.S. (tr.; often passive def usually foll. by to report; rumour. exam 1 it was bruited about that the king was dead. bruit 2. syl bruit pron pos n. qual Med. def an abnormal sound heard within the body during auscultation, esp. a heart murmur. bruit 3.a. syl bruit pron pos n. def a rumour. bruit 3.b. syl bruit pron pos n. def a loud outcry; clamour. Brul'e alt head Brule or Brule syl Br*^u+l*'e pron pos n. Brule 0. or Brul'e syl Bru+le pron pos n. usage sometimes not cap. def short for {bois-br*^ul*'e}. Brumaire ety C19: from brume mist, from Latin br*_uma winter; see #7brume Brumaire 0. syl Bru+maire pron French. pos n. def the month of mist: the second month of the French revolutionary calendar, extending from Oct. 23 to Nov. 21. brumal 0. syl bru+mal pron <1bru:m*l> pos adj. def of, characteristic of, or relating to winter; wintry. brumby ety C19: of unknown origin brumbies infl head brumby syl brum+bies. pos n. mod pl. brumby 0. syl brum+by pron <1br^mbi> pos n. qual Austral. def a wild horse, esp. one descended from runaway stock. brume ety C19: from French: mist, winter, from Latin br*_uma, contracted from brevissima di*_es the shortest day brume 0. syl brume pron pos n. qual Rare. def heavy mist or fog. brumous sub head brume syl bru+mous pos adj. Brummagem ety C17: from earlier Bromecham, local variant of B#7irmingham Brummagem 1. syl Brum+ma+gem pron <1br^m*J*m> pos n. def an informal name for {Birmingham}. Often shortened to {Brum}. Brummagem 2. syl Brum+ma+gem pron <1br^m*J*m> pos n. usage sometimes not cap. def something that is cheap and flashy, esp. imitation jewellery. Brummagem 3. syl Brum+ma+gem pron <1br^m*J*m> pos adj. usage sometimes not cap. def cheap and gaudy; tawdry. George Bryan infl head Brummell syl George Bry:an pos n. Brummell 0. syl Brum:mell pron <1br^m*l> pos n. def called 1778-1840, English dandy: leader of fashion in the Regency period. Brummie ety C20: from B#7rummagem Brummie 0. syl Brum+mie pron <1br^mi> pos n. qual Informal. def a native or inhabitant of Birmingham. brunch ety C20: from #7br (#7eakfast) #7+ (#7l) #7unch brunch 0. syl brunch pron pos n. qual Chiefly U.S. def a meal eaten late in the morning, combining breakfast with lunch. Brundisium 0. syl Brun+dis+i:um pron pos n. def the ancient name for {Brindisi}. Brunei 1. syl Bru+nei pron , <1bru:nI> pos n. def a sultanate in NW Borneo, consisting of two separate areas on the South China Sea, otherwise bounded by Sarawak: controlled all of Borneo and parts of the Philippines and the Sulu Islands in the 16th century; under British protection since 1888; internally self-governing since 1971. The economy depends chiefly on oil and natural gas. Official language: Malay; English is also widely spoken. Religion: Muslim. Currency: Brunei dollar. Capital: Bandar Seri Begawan. Pop.: 136256 (1971). Area: 5767 sq. km (2226 sq. miles). Brunei 2. syl Bru+nei pron , <1bru:nI> pos n. def the former name of {Bandar Seri Begawan}. Isambard Kingdom 1. head Brunel syl Is:am:bard King:dom pron <1iz*m2ba:d> def 1806-59, English engineer: designer of the Clifton Suspension Bridge (1828), many railway lines, tunnels, bridges, etc., and the steamships (1838), (1845), and (1858). Brunel 2. syl Bru:nel pron pos n. def his father, Sir {Marc Is@.am@.bard}. 1769-1849, French engineer in England. Filippo infl head Brunelleschi syl Fi:lip:po pron pos n. Brunelleschi 0. syl Bru:nel:les:chi pron Italian <2brunAl1lAski> pos n. def 1377-1446, Italian architect, whose works in Florence include the dome of the cathedral, the Pazzi chapel of Santa Croce, and the church of San Lorenzo. brunette ety C17: from French, feminine of brunet dark, brownish, from brun brown, of Germanic origin; see #7brown brunette 1. syl bru+nette pron pos n. def a girl or woman with dark brown hair. brunette 2. syl bru+nette pron pos adj. usage also def dark brown. exam 1 brunette hair. Brunnhilde alt head Brunhild or Brunhild syl Br*"unn:hil:de pron German <2bryn?!1hild*> pos n. Brunhild 0. or Brunnhilde syl Brun:hild pron <1brunhild>, <-hilt> pos n. qual Nibelungenlied usage in the def a legendary queen won for King Gunther by the magic of Siegfried: corresponds to Brynhild in Norse mythology. Heinrich infl head Bruning syl Hein:rich pron <1hInri*,c> pos n. Bruning 0. syl Br*"un:ing pron German <1bry:niG> pos n. def 1885-1970, German statesman; chancellor (1930-32). He was forced to resign in 1932, making way for the Nazis. Brunn 0. syl Br*"unn pos bryn; n. def the German name for {Brno}. Giordano infl head Bruno syl Gior:da:no pron pos n. Bruno 0. syl Bru:no pron Italian <1bru:no> pos n. def 1548-1600, Italian philosopher, who developed a pantheistic monistic philosophy: he was burnt at the stake for heresy. Brunswick 1. syl Bruns+wick pron <1br^nzwik> pos n. def a former duchy (1635-1918) and state (1918-46) of central Germany: now part of Lower Saxony in West Germany. Brunswick 2. syl Bruns+wick pron <1br^nzwik> pos n. def a city in E West Germany: formerly capital of the duchy and state of Brunswick. Pop.: 218939 (1974 est.). German name: {Braunschweig}. brunt ety C14: of unknown origin brunt 1. syl brunt pos br^nt; n. def the main force or shock of a blow, attack, etc. (esp. in the phrase {bear the brunt of}) . brunt 2. syl brunt pos br^nt; n. qual Archaic. def a violent blow or attack. Brusa 0. syl Bru+sa pron Turkish <1bru:sa:> pos n. def the former name of {Bursa}. brush ety C14: from Old French broisse, perhaps from broce #7brush %2 brush H1.1. syl brush pron pos n. def a device made of bristles, hairs, wires, etc., set into a firm back or handle: used to apply paint, clean or polish surfaces, groom the hair, etc. brush H1.2. syl brush pron pos n. def the act or an instance of brushing. brush H1.3. syl brush pron pos n. def a light stroke made in passing; graze. brush H1.4. syl brush pron pos n. def a brief encounter or contact, esp. an unfriendly one; skirmish. brush H1.5. syl brush pron pos n. def the bushy tail of a fox, often kept as a trophy after a hunt. brush H1.6. syl brush pron pos n. def an electric conductor, esp. one made of carbon, that conveys current between stationary and rotating parts of a generator, motor, etc. brush H1.7. syl brush pron pos n. def a dark brush-shaped region observed when a biaxial crystal is viewed through a microscope, caused by interference between beams of polarized light. brush H1.8.a. syl brush pron pos n. def a woman. brush H1.8.b. syl brush pron pos n. def Also: {the brush}. women collectively. brush H1.9. syl brush pron pos vb. mod tr. def to clean, polish, scrub, paint, etc., with a brush. brush H1.10. syl brush pron pos vb. mod tr. def to apply or remove with a brush or brushing movement. exam 1 brush the crumbs off the table. brush H1.11. syl brush pron pos vb. mod tr. def to touch lightly and briefly. brush H1.12. syl brush pron pos vb. mod intr. def to move so as to graze or touch something lightly. {~} See also {brush aside, brush off, brush up}. brusher sub head brush syl brush+er pos n. brushlike sub head brush or brushy syl brush+2like pos adj. brushy sub head brush or brushlike syl brush:y pos adj. brush ety C16 (dense undergrowth), C14 (cuttings of trees): from Old French broce, from Vulgar Latin bruscia (unattested) brushwood brush H2.1. syl brush pron pos n. def a thick growth of shrubs and small trees; scrub. brush H2.2. syl brush pron pos n. def land covered with scrub. brush H2.3. syl brush pron pos n. def broken or cut branches or twigs; brushwood. brush H2.4. syl brush pron pos n. def wooded sparsely populated country; backwoods. brushy sub head brush syl brush:y pos adj. brush away alt head brush aside or brush aside syl brush a:way pos vb. adv. mod tr. brush aside 0. or brush away syl brush a:side pos vb. adv. mod tr. def to dismiss without consideration; disregard. brush discharge 0. syl brush dis+charge pos n. def a slightly luminous electrical discharge between points of high charge density when the charge density is insufficient to cause a spark or around sharp points on a highly charged conductor because of ionization of air molecules in their vicinity. brushed 0. syl brushed pron pos adj. qual Textiles. def treated with a brushing process to raise the nap and give a softer finish. exam 1 brushed nylon. infl head brush off syl ~ pos vb. adv. mod tr. qual Slang. brush off 1. syl brush off pos vb. adv. mod tr. def to dismiss and ignore (a person), esp. curtly. brushoff infl head brush off syl brush+off pron <1br^Sof> pos n. brush off 2. syl brush off pron <1br^Sof> pos n. mod tr. def an abrupt dismissal or rejection. brush turkey 0. syl brush tur+key pos n. def any of several gallinaceous birds, esp. of New Guinea and Australia, having a black plumage: family (megapodes). brush up 1. syl brush up pos vb. adv. mod tr. qual Informal. usage often foll. by on def to refresh one's knowledge, skill, or memory of (a subject). brush up 2. syl brush up pos vb. adv. qual Informal. def to make (a person or oneself) tidy, clean, or neat as after a journey. brush-up infl head brush up syl brush-up. pos n. brush up 3. syl brush up pos n. qual Informal.; Brit. def the act or an instance of tidying one's appearance (esp. in the phrase {wash and brush-up) }. brushwood 1. syl brush+wood pron <1br^S2wud> pos n. def cut or broken-off tree branches, twigs, etc. brushwood 2. syl brush+wood pron <1br^S2wud> pos n. def another word for {brush%2} (sense 1). brushwork 1. syl brush+work pron <1br^S2wR:k> pos n. def a characteristic manner of applying paint with a brush. exam 1 that is not Rembrandt's brushwork. brushwork 2. syl brush+work pron <1br^S2wR:k> pos n. def work done with a brush. brusque ety C17: from French, from Italian brusco sour, rough, from Medieval Latin bruscus butcher's broom brusque 0. syl brusque pron , pos adj. def blunt or curt in manner or speech. brusquely sub head brusque syl brusque+ly pos adv. brusqueness sub head brusque syl brusque+ness pos n. Brussels 0. syl Brus+sels pron <1br^sLz> pos n. def the capital of Belgium, in the central part: became capital of Belgium in 1830; seat of the Common Market Commission. Pop.: 1073111 (1970). Flemish name: {Brus+sel} (#!brys$$l). French name: {Bruxelles}. Brussels carpet 0. syl Brus+sels car+pet pos n. def a worsted carpet with a heavy pile formed by uncut loops of wool on a linen warp. Brussels lace 0. syl Brus+sels lace pos n. def a fine lace with a raised or appliqu*'e design. Brussels sprout 1. syl Brus+sels sprout pos n. def a variety of cabbage, having a stout stem studded with budlike heads of tightly folded leaves, resembling tiny cabbages. Brussels sprout 2. syl Brus+sels sprout pos n. def the head of this plant, eaten as a vegetable. brut ety from French raw, rough, from Latin br*_utus heavy; see #7brute brut 0. syl brut pron , French pos adj. usage of champagne def not sweet; dry. brutal 1. syl bru+tal pron <1bru:tL> pos adj. def cruel; vicious; savage. brutal 2. syl bru+tal pron <1bru:tL> pos adj. def extremely honest or coarse in speech or manner. brutal 3. syl bru+tal pron <1bru:tL> pos adj. def harsh; severe; ex?!treme. exam 1 brutal cold. brutality sub head brutal syl bru+1tal+i:ty pos n. brutally sub head brutal syl bru+tal+ly pos adv. brutalise alt head brutalize or brutalize syl bru+tal+ise pron <1bru:t*2lIz> pos vb. brutalize 1. or brutalise syl bru+tal+ize pron <1bru:t*2lIz> pos vb. def to make or become brutal. brutalize 2. or brutalise syl bru+tal+ize pron <1bru:t*2lIz> pos vb. mod tr. def to treat brutally. brutalization sub head brutalize or brutalisation syl bru+tal:i+1za+tion pos n. brutalisation sub head brutalize or brutalization syl bru+tal:i+1sa+tion pos n. brute ety C15: from Latin br*_utus heavy, irrational; related to gravis heavy brute 1.a. syl brute pron pos n. def any animal except man; beast; lower animal. brute 1.b. syl brute pron pos n. usage as modifier exam 1 brute nature. brute 2. syl brute pron pos n. def a brutal person. brute 3. syl brute pron pos adj. usage prenominal def wholly instinctive or physical (esp. in the phrases {brute strength, brute force) }. brute 4. syl brute pron pos adj. usage prenominal def without reason or intelligence. brute 5. syl brute pron pos adj. usage prenominal def coarse and grossly sensual. brutifies infl head brutify syl bru+ti+fies pos vb. brutifying infl head brutify syl bru+ti+fy+ing pos vb. brutified infl head brutify syl bru+ti+fied. pos vb. brutify 0. syl bru+ti+fy pron <1bru:ti2fI> pos vb. def a less common word for {brutalize} (sense 1). brutish 1. syl brut+ish pron <1bru:tiS> pos adj. def of, relating to, or resembling a brute or brutes; animal. brutish 2. syl brut+ish pron <1bru:tiS> pos adj. def coarse; cruel; stupid. brutishly sub head brutish syl brut+ish+ly pos adv. brutishness sub head brutish syl brut+ish+ness pos n. Lucius Junius 1. head Brutus syl Lu:ci:us Ju:ni:us pron <1lu:S*s> <1Ju:ni*s> def late 6th century #7b.c., Roman statesman who ousted the tyrant Tarquin (509) and helped found the Roman republic. Marcus Junius 2. head Brutus syl Mar:cus Ju:ni:us pron <1ma:k*s> <1Ju:ni*s> def ??85-42 #7b.c., Roman statesman who, with Cassius, led the conspiracy to assassinate Caesar (44): committed suicide after being defeated by Antony and Octavian (Augustus) at Philippi (42). Bruxelles 0. syl Brux+elles pron pos n. def the French name for {Brussels}. Bryansk 0. syl Bry+ansk pron , Russian pos n. def a city in the W Soviet Union. Pop.: 366000 (1975 est.). Brynhild 0. syl Bryn:hild pron <1brinhild> pos n. qual Norse myth. def a Valkyrie won as the wife of Gunnar by Sigurd who wakes her from an enchanted sleep: corresponds to Brunhild in the bryology 0. syl bry+ol+o:gy pron pos n. def the branch of botany concerned with the study of bryophytes. bryological sub head bryology syl bry:o+log:i+cal pron <2brI*1loJi?!kL> pos adj. bryologist sub head bryology syl bry+1ol:o+gist pos n. bryony ety Old English bry*_onia, from Latin, from Greek bru*_o?!nia briony alt head bryony or bryony syl bri:o+ny pron <1brI*ni> pos n. bryonies infl head bryony syl bry:o+nies. pos n. mod pl. bryony 0. or briony syl bry:o+ny pron <1brI*ni> pos n. def any of several herbaceous climbing plants of the cucurbitaceous genus of Europe and N Africa. See also {black bryony, white bryony}. bryophyte 0. syl bry:o+phyte pron <1brI*2fIt> pos n. def any plant of the division having stems and leaves but lacking true vascular tissue and roots and reproducing by spores: includes the mosses and liverworts. bryophytic sub head bryophyte syl bry:o+phyt+ic pron <2brI*1fitik> pos adj. bryozoan 1. syl bry:o+zo:an pron <2brI*1z*u*n> pos n. def any aquatic invertebrate animal of the phylum forming colonies of polyps each having a ciliated feeding organ (lophophore). Popular name: {sea mat}. bryozoan 2. syl bry:o+zo:an pron <2brI*1z*u*n> pos adj. def of, relating to, or belonging to the bryozoan xref syl bry:o+zo:an pron <2brI*1z*u*n> pos n. def Also: {polyzoan, ectoproct}. Brython ety C19: from Welsh; see B#7riton Brython 0. syl Bryth+on pron <1briT*n> pos n. def a Celt who speaks a Brythonic language. Compare {Goidel}. Brythonic 1. syl Bry+thon+ic pron pos n. def the S group of Celtic languages, consisting of Welsh, Cornish, and Breton. Brythonic 2. syl Bry+thon+ic pron pos adj. def of, relating to, or characteristic of this group of languages. Brythonic xref syl Bry+thon+ic pron pos n. def Also called: {Brittonic}. Brze's'c nad Bugiem 0. syl Brze*'s*'c nad Bu+giem pron <1bZeSC>, <1bugjem> pos n. def the Polish name for { {Brest} (sense 2)}. BS 1. syl BS qual abbrev. for usage indicating the catalogue or publication number of the British Standards Institution def British Standard(s). BS 2. syl BS usage international car registration for def Bahamas. bs 1. syl b.s. qual abbrev. for: def balance sheet. bs 2. syl b.s. qual abbrev. for: def bill of sale. BS 0. syl B.S. qual abbrev. for def Bachelor of Surgery. bs alt head BS or BS syl b/s BS 1. or bs syl B/S qual abbrev. for: def bags. BS 2. or bs syl B/S qual abbrev. for: def bales. BS 3. or bs syl B/S qual abbrev. for: def bill of sale. BSc 0. syl B.Sc. qual abbrev. for def Bachelor of Science. BSI 0. syl BSI qual abbrev. for def British Standards Institution. BsL 0. syl Bs/L qual abbrev. for def bills of lading. B Special 0. syl B Spe+cial pos n. def a member of a part-time largely Protestant police force formerly functioning in Northern Ireland. BSS 0. syl B.S.S. qual abbrev. for def British Standards Specification. BSocSc alt head BSSc or BSSc syl B.Soc.Sc. BSSc 0. or BSocSc syl B.S.Sc. qual abbrev. for def Bachelor of Social Science. BST 0. syl B.S.T. qual abbrev. for def British Summer Time. Bt 0. syl Bt. qual abbrev. for def Baronet. btl 0. syl btl. qual abbrev. for def bottle. btry 0. syl btry. qual Military. abbrev. for def battery. BThU alt head btu or btu syl B.Th.U. btu 0. or BThU syl btu qual abbrev. for def British thermal unit. U.S. abbrev.: {BTU} BTU 0. syl B.T.U. qual abbrev. for def Board of Trade Unit. bu 0. syl bu. qual abbrev. for def bushel. bub ety C20: perhaps from German Bube boy bub 1. syl bub pos b^b; n. qual U.S. informal. def fellow; youngster: used as a form of address. bub 2.a. syl bub pos b^b; n. def a baby. bubs grade 2.b. head bub syl bubs grade. def the first grade of schooling; nursery school. bubal ety C15: from Latin b*_ubalus African gazelle, from Greek boubalos, from Greek bous ox bubalis alt head bubal or bubal syl bu+ba+lis pron <1bju:b*lis> pos n. bubal 0. or bubalis syl bu+bal pron <1bju:bL> pos n. def any of various antelopes, esp. an extinct N African variety of hartebeest. bubaline 1. syl bu+ba+line pron <1bju:b*2lIn>, <-lin> pos adj. usage of antelopes def related to or resembling the bubal. bubaline 2. syl bu+ba+line pron <1bju:b*2lIn>, <-lin> pos adj. def resembling or relating to the buffalo. bubble ety C14: probably of Scandinavian origin; compare Swedish bubbla, Danish boble, Dutch bobbel, all of imitative origin bubble 1. syl bub+ble pron <1b^bL> pos n. def a thin film of liquid forming a hollow globule around air or a gas. exam 1 a soap bubble. bubble 2. syl bub+ble pron <1b^bL> pos n. def a small globule of air or a gas in a liquid or a solid, as in carbonated drinks, glass, etc. bubble 3. syl bub+ble pron <1b^bL> pos n. def the sound made by a bubbling liquid. bubble 4. syl bub+ble pron <1b^bL> pos n. def something lacking substance, stability, or seriousness. bubble 5. syl bub+ble pron <1b^bL> pos n. def a dome, esp. a transparent glass or plastic one. bubble 6. syl bub+ble pron <1b^bL> pos vb. def to form or cause to form bubbles. bubble 7. syl bub+ble pron <1b^bL> pos vb. mod intr. def to move or flow with a gurgling sound. bubble 8. syl bub+ble pron <1b^bL> pos vb. mod intr. usage often foll. by over def to overflow (with excitement, anger, etc.). bubble and squeak 0. syl bub+ble and squeak pos n. qual Brit. def a dish of leftover boiled cabbage, potatoes, and sometimes cooked meat fried together. bubble bath 1. syl bub+ble bath pos n. def a powder, liquid, or crystals used to scent, soften, and foam in bath water. bubble bath 2. syl bub+ble bath pos n. def a bath to which such a substance has been added. bubble car 0. syl bub+ble car pos n. qual Brit. def a small car, often having three wheels, with a transparent bubble-shaped top. bubble chamber 0. syl bub+ble cham+ber pos n. def a device that enables the tracks of ionizing particles to be photographed as a row of bubbles in a superheated liquid. Immediately before the particles enter the chamber the pressure is reduced so that the ionized particles act as centres for small vapour bubbles. bubble gum 0. syl bub+ble gum pos n. def a type of chewing gum that can be blown into large bubbles. bubbler 1. syl bub+bler pron <1b^bl*> pos n. def a drinking fountain in which the water is forced in a stream from a small vertical nozzle. bubbler 2. syl bub+bler pron <1b^bl*> pos n. qual Chem. def any device for bubbling gas through a liquid. bubblier infl head bubbly syl bub+bli+er pos adj. bubbliest infl head bubbly syl bub+bli+est. pos adj. bubbly 1. syl bub+bly pron <1b^bli> pos adj. def full of or resembling bubbles. bubbly 2. syl bub+bly pron <1b^bli> pos adj. def lively; animated; excited. exam 1 a bubbly personality. bubbly 3. syl bub+bly pron <1b^bli> pos n. def an informal name for {champagne}. Martin infl head Buber syl Mar:tin. pos n. Buber 0. syl Bu:ber pron <1bu:b*> pos n. def 1878-1965, Jewish theologian, existentialist philosopher, and scholar of Hasidism, born in Austria, whose works include (1923), (1946), and (1952). bubo ety C14: from Medieval Latin bub*_o swelling, from Greek boub*_on groin, glandular swelling &- bu+bon+ic (bju$:#!b$An$Ik) adj. buboes infl head bubo syl bu:boes. pos n. mod pl. bubo 0. syl bu:bo pron <1bju:b*u> pos n. qual Pathol. def inflammation and swelling of a lymph node, often with the formation of pus, esp. in the region of the armpit or groin. bubonic plague 0. syl bu+bon+ic plague pos n. def an acute infectious febrile disease characterized by chills, prostration, delirium, and formation of buboes: caused by the bite of a rat flea infected with the bacterium See also {plague}. bubonocele ety C17: from Greek boub*_on groin+ k*_el*_e tumour bubonocele 0. syl bu+bon:o+cele pron pos n. def an incomplete hernia in the groin; partial inguinal hernia. Bucaramanga 0. syl Bu+ca+ra+man+ga pron Spanish pos n. def a city in N central Colombia, in the Cordillera Oriental: centre of a district growing coffee, tobacco, and cotton. Pop.: 291661 (1973). buccal ety C19: from Latin bucca cheek buccal 1. syl buc+cal pron <1b^kL> pos adj. def of or relating to the cheek. buccal 2. syl buc+cal pron <1b^kL> pos adj. def of or relating to the mouth; oral. exam 1 buccal lesion. buccaneer ety C17: from French boucanier, from boucaner to smoke meat, from Old French boucan frame for smoking meat, of Tupian origin buccaneer 1. syl buc+ca+neer pron <2b^k*1ni*> pos n. def a pirate, esp. one who preyed on the Spanish colonies and shipping in America and the Caribbean in the 17th and 18th centuries. {~} buccaneer 2. syl buc+ca+neer pron <2b^k*1ni*> pos n. def to be or act like a buccaneer. buccinator ety C17: from Latin, from buccin*_are to sound the trumpet, from buccina trumpet buccinator 0. syl buc+ci+na+tor pron <1b^ksi2nAt*> pos n. def a thin muscle that compresses the cheeks and holds them against the teeth during chewing, etc. bucentaur ety C17: from Italian bucentoro, of uncertain origin bucentaur 0. syl bu+cen+taur pron pos n. def the state barge of Venice from which the doge and other officials dropped a ring into the sea on Ascension Day to symbolize the ceremonial marriage of the state with the Adriatic. Bucephalus ety C17: from Latin, from Greek Boukephalos, from bous ox+ kephal*_e head Bucephalus 0. syl Bu+ceph:a+lus pron pos n. def the favourite horse of Alex?!ander the Great. John infl head Buchan syl John pos n. Buchan 0. syl Buch:an pron <1b^k*n> pos n. def 1st Baron Tweedsmuir. 1875-1940, Scottish statesman, historian, and writer of adventure stories, esp. (1915) and (1916); governor general of Canada (1935-40). Buchanan H1.0. syl Bu+chan+an pron pos n. def a port in Liberia with an artificial harbour constructed esp. for loading iron ore. Pop.: 11909 (1962). James infl head Buchanan syl James. pos n. Buchanan H2.0. syl Bu:chan:an pron pos n. def 1791-1868, 15th presi?!dent of the U.S. (1857-61). Bucharest 0. syl Bu+cha+rest pron <2bu:k*1rest>, <2bju:-> pos n. def the capital of Rumania, in the southeast. Pop.: 1565872 (1974 est.). Rumanian name: {Bucure*,sti}. Buchenwald 0. syl Buch+en+wald pron German <1bu:xN2valt> pos n. def a village in SW East Germany, near Weimar: site of a Nazi concentration camp (1937-45). Buchmanism ety C20: named after Frank Buchman (1878-1961), U.S. evangelist who founded it Buchmanism 0. syl Buch+man+ism pron <1bukm*2niz*m> pos n. def another name for {Moral Rearmament}. Buchmanite sub head Buchmanism syl Buch+man+ite pos n. Eduard infl head Buchner syl E:du:ard pron <1A:duart> pos n. Buchner 0. syl Buch:ner pron German <1bu:xn*r> pos n. def 1860-1917, German chemist who demonstrated that alcoholic fermentation is due to the action of enzymes in the yeast: Nobel prize for chemistry 1907. Georg infl head Buchner syl Ge:org pron <1gA:crk> pos n. Buchner 0. syl B*"uch:ner pron German <1by:*,cn*r> pos n. def 1813-37, German dramatist regarded as a forerunner of the Expressionists: author of (1835) and (1837). Buchner funnel ety named after its inventor, E. B#7uchner Buchner funnel 0. syl Buch:ner fun+nel pron <1b^kn*> pos n. def a laboratory filter funnel used under reduced pressure. It consists of a shallow porcelain cylinder with a flat base perforated with small holes. buchu ety C18: from a South African Bantu name buchu 0. syl bu+chu pron <1bu:ku:> pos n. def any of several S. African rutaceous shrubs of the genus esp. whose leaves are used as an antiseptic and diuretic. buck ety Old English bucca he-goat; related to Old Norse bukkr, Old High German bock, Old Irish bocc buck H1.1.a. syl buck pos b^k; n. def the male of various animals including the goat, hare, kangaroo, rabbit, and reindeer. buck H1.1.b. syl buck pos b^k; n. usage as modifier exam 1 a buck antelope. buck H1.2. syl buck pos b^k; n. qual Informal. def a robust spirited young man. buck H1.3. syl buck pos b^k; n. qual U.S. slang, derogatory. def a young male Indian or Negro. buck H1.4. syl buck pos b^k; n. qual S. African. def an antelope or deer of either sex. buck H1.5. syl buck pos b^k; n. qual Archaic. def a dandy; fop. buck H1.6. syl buck pos b^k; n. def the act of bucking. buck H1.7. syl buck pos vb. mod intr. usage of a horse or other animal def to jump vertically, with legs stiff and back arched. buck H1.8. syl buck pos vb. mod tr. usage of a horse, etc. def to throw (its rider) by bucking. buck H1.9. syl buck pos vb. mod when; intr. qual Informal, chiefly U.S. usage often foll. by against def to resist or oppose obstinately. exam 1 to buck against change; exam 2 to buck change. buck H1.10. syl buck pos vb. mod tr. qual Informal. usage usually passive def to cheer or encourage. exam 1 I was very bucked at passing the exam. buck H1.11. syl buck pos vb. usage U.S. informal. esp. of a car def to move forward jerkily; jolt. buck H1.12. syl buck pos vb. qual U.S. def to charge against (something) with the head down; butt. {~} See also {buck up}. bucker sub head buck syl buck+er pos n. buck ety C19: of obscure origin buck H2.0. syl buck pos b^k; n. qual U.S. and Austral. slang. def a dollar. buck ety C19: short for #7sawbuck buck H3.1. syl buck pos b^k; n. qual Gymnastics. def a type of vaulting horse. buck H3.2. syl buck pos b^k; n. def a U.S. word for {sawhorse}. buck ety C19: probably from buckhorn knife, placed before a player in poker to indicate that he was the next dealer buck H4.1. syl buck pos b^k; n. qual Poker. def a marker in the jackpot to remind the winner of some obligation when his turn comes to deal. pass the buck 2. head buck syl pass the buck. qual Informal. def to shift blame or responsibility onto another. Pearl S (ydenstricker) infl head Buck syl Pearl S (ydenstricker) . pos b^k; n. Buck 0. syl Buck pos b^k; n. def 1892-1973, U.S. novelist, noted particularly for her novel of Chinese life (1931): Nobel prize for literature 1938. buck and wing 0. syl buck and wing pos n. qual U.S. def a boisterous tap dance, derived from Negro and Irish clog dances. buckaroo ety C19: variant of Spanish vaquero, from vaca cow, from Latin vacca buckaroo 0. syl buck:a+roo pron <1b^k*2ru:>, <2b^k*1ru:> pos n. qual Southwestern U.S. def a cowboy. buckbean 0. syl buck+bean pron <1b^k2bEn> pos n. def a marsh plant, with white or pink flowers: family Also called: {bogbean}. buckboard 0. syl buck+board pron <1b^k2bc:d> pos n. qual U.S. def an open four-wheeled horse-drawn carriage with the seat attached to a flexible board between the front and rear axles. buckeen ety C18: from #7buck %1#7+ -een, from Irish -*_in, diminutive suffix buckeen 0. syl buck+een pron pos n. usage in Ireland def a poor young man who aspires to the habits and dress of the wealthy. bucket ety C13: from Anglo-French buket, from Old English b*_uc; compare Old High German b*_uh belly, German Bauch belly bucket 1. syl buck+et pron <1b^kit> pos n. def an open-topped roughly cylindrical container; pail. bucket 2. syl buck+et pron <1b^kit> pos n. def Also called: {bucketful}. the amount a bucket will hold. bucket 3. syl buck+et pron <1b^kit> pos n. def any of various bucket-like parts of a machine, such as the scoop on a mechanical shovel. bucket 4. syl buck+et pron <1b^kit> pos n. def a cupped blade or bucket-like compartment on the outer circumference of a water wheel, paddle wheel, etc. bucket 5. syl buck+et pron <1b^kit> pos n. qual Computer technol. def a unit of storage on a direct-access device from which data can be retrieved. kick the bucket 6. head bucket syl kick the bucket. qual Informal. def to die. bucket 7. syl buck+et pron <1b^kit> pos vb. mod tr. def to carry in or put into a bucket. bucket 8. syl buck+et pron <1b^kit> pos vb. mod intr. qual Informal, chiefly Brit. usage often foll. by along def to travel or drive fast. bucket 9. syl buck+et pron <1b^kit> pos vb. mod tr. qual Chiefly Brit. def to ride (a horse) hard without consideration. bucket about 0. syl buck+et a:bout pos vb. mod intr. usage Brit. esp. of a boat in a storm def to toss or shake violently. bucket down 0. syl buck+et down pos vb. mod intr. usage of rain def to fall very heavily. bucket ladder 0.a. syl buck+et lad+der pos n. def a series of buckets that move in a continuous chain, used to dredge riverbeds, etc., or to excavate land. bucket ladder 0.b. syl buck+et lad+der pos n. usage as modifier exam 1 a bucket-ladder dredger. bucket out 0. syl buck+et out pos vb. mod tr. def to empty out with or as if with a bucket. bucket seat 0. syl buck+et seat pos n. def a seat in a car, aircraft, etc., having curved sides that partially enclose and support the body. bucket shop 1. syl buck+et shop pos n. qual Slang. def an unregistered firm of stockbrokers that engages in fraudulent speculation with the funds of its clients. bucket shop 2. syl buck+et shop pos n. qual Slang.; Chiefly Brit. def any small business that cannot be relied upon to fulfil its obligations. buckeye 0. syl buck+eye pron <1b^k2I> pos n. def any of several North American trees of the genus esp. (Ohio buckeye), having erect clusters of white or red flowers and prickly fruits: family See also {horse chestnut}. buck fever 0. syl buck fe+ver pos n. def nervous excitement felt by inexperienced hunters at the approach of game. buckhorn 1. syl buck+horn pron <1b^k2hc:n> pos n. def horn from a buck, used for knife handles, etc. buckhorn 2. syl buck+horn pron <1b^k2hc:n> pos n. def Also called: {buck's horn plantain}. a small Eurasian plant, having narrow leaves resembling a buck's horn: family buckhound 0. syl buck+hound pron <1b^k2haund> pos n. def a hound, smaller than a staghound, used for hunting the smaller breeds of deer, esp. fallow deer. Buckingham H1.0. syl Buck+ing+ham pron <1b^kiG*m> pos n. def a town in S central England, in Buckinghamshire. Pop.: 5075 (1971). st Duke of infl head Buckingham syl 1st Duke of. George Villiers 1. head Buckingham syl George Vil:li:ers def 1592-1628, English courtier and statesman; favourite of James I and Charles I: his arrogance, military incompetence, and greed increased the tensions between the King and Parliament that eventually led to the Civil War. Buckingham H2.2. syl Buck:ing:ham pron <1b^kiG*m> pos n. def his son, {George Vil@.li@.ers, 2nd Duke of}. 1628-87, English courtier and writer; chief minister of Charles II and member of the Cabal (1667-73). Buckingham Palace 0. syl Buck+ing+ham Pal+ace pos n. def the London residence of the British sovereign: built in 1703, rebuilt by John Nash in 1821-36 and partially redesigned in the early 20th century. Buckinghamshire 0. syl Buck+ing+ham+shire pron <1b^kiG*m2Si*>, <-S*> pos n. def a county in SE central England, containing the Vale of Aylesbury and parts of the Chiltern Hills. Administrative centre: Aylesbury. Pop.: 512000 (1976 est.). Area: 1883 sq. km (727 sq. miles). Abbrev.: {Bucks}. buckish 0. syl buck+ish pron <1b^kiS> pos adj. qual Archaic. def foppish; being a dandy. buckishly sub head buckish syl buck+ish+ly pos adv. buckishness sub head buckish syl buck+ish+ness pos n. buckjumper 0. syl buck+jump+er pron <1b^k2J^mp*> pos n. qual Austral. def an untamed horse. buckle ety C14: from Old French bocle, from Latin buccula a little cheek, hence, cheek strap of a helmet, from bucca cheek buckle 1. syl buck+le pron <1b^kL> pos n. def a clasp for fastening together two loose ends, esp. of a belt or strap, usually consisting of a frame with an attached movable prong. buckle 2. syl buck+le pron <1b^kL> pos n. def an ornamental representation of a buckle, as on a shoe. buckle 3. syl buck+le pron <1b^kL> pos n. def a kink, bulge, or other distortion. exam 1 a buckle in a railway track. buckle 4. syl buck+le pron <1b^kL> pos vb. def to fasten or be fastened with a buckle. buckle 5. syl buck+le pron <1b^kL> pos vb. def to bend or cause to bend out of shape, esp. as a result of pressure or heat. buckle down 0. syl buck+le down pos vb. adv. mod intr. qual Informal. def to apply oneself with determination. exam 1 to buckle down to a job. buckler ety C13: from Old French bocler, from bocle shield boss; see #7buckle, {boss %2} buckler 1. syl buck+ler pron <1b^kl*> pos n. def a small round shield worn on the forearm or held by a short handle. buckler 2. syl buck+ler pron <1b^kl*> pos n. def a means of protection; defence. buckler 3. syl buck+ler pron <1b^kl*> pos vb. mod tr. qual Archaic. def to defend. buckler-fern 0. syl buck:ler-fern pos n. def any of various ferns of the genus such as (broad buckler-fern): family Buckley's chance ety C19: of obscure origin Buckley's chance 0. syl Buck+ley's chance pron <1b^kliz> pos n. qual Austral. slang. def no chance at all. Often shortened to {Buckley's}. buckling ety C20: from German B*"uckling buckling 0. syl buck+ling pron <1b^kliG> pos n. def another name for a {bloater}. buckoes infl head bucko syl buck:oes. pos n. mod pl. bucko 0. syl buck:o pron <1b^k*u> pos n. qual Irish. def a young fellow: often a term of address. buckra ety C18: probably from Efik mba-ka-ra master buckra 0. syl buck+ra pron <1b^kr*> pos n. usage used contemptuously by Negroes, esp. in the southeastern U.S. def a white man. buck rarebit alt head buck rabbit or buck rabbit syl buck rare+bit pos n. buck rabbit 0. or buck rarebit syl buck rab+bit pos n. qual Brit. def Welsh rabbit with either an egg or a piece of toast on top. buckram ety C14: from Old French boquerant, from Old Proven*,cal bocaran, ultimately from B#7ukhara, once an important source of textiles buckram 1.a. syl buck+ram pron <1b^kr*m> pos n. def cotton or linen cloth stiffened with size, etc., used in lining or clothes, bookbinding, etc. buckram 1.b. syl buck+ram pron <1b^kr*m> pos n. usage as modifier exam 1 a buckram cover. buckram 2. syl buck+ram pron <1b^kr*m> pos n. qual Archaic. def stiffness of manner. buckrams infl head buckram syl buck+rams pos vb. buckraming infl head buckram syl buck+ram+ing pos vb. buckramed infl head buckram syl buck+ramed. pos vb. buckram 3. syl buck+ram pron <1b^kr*m> pos vb. mod tr. def to stiffen with buckram. Bucks 0. syl Bucks. qual abbrev. for usage b^ks def Buckinghamshire. bucksaw 0. syl buck+saw pron <1b^k2sc:> pos n. def a woodcutting saw having its blade set in a frame and tensioned by a turnbuckle across the back of the frame. buckshee ety C20: from #7baksheesh buckshee 0. syl buck+shee pron <2b^k1SE> pos adj. qual Brit. slang. def without charge; free. buckshot ety C15 (original sense: the distance at which a buck can be shot) buckshot 0. syl buck+shot pron <1b^k2Sot> pos n. def lead shot of large size used in shotgun shells, esp. for hunting game. buckskin 1. syl buck+skin pron <1b^k2skin> pos n. def the skin of a male deer. buckskin 2.a. syl buck+skin pron <1b^k2skin> pos n. def a strong greyish-yellow suede leather, originally made from deerskin but now usually made from sheepskin. buckskin 2.b. syl buck+skin pron <1b^k2skin> pos n. usage as modifier exam 1 buckskin boots. buckskin 3. syl buck+skin pron <1b^k2skin> pos n. qual U.S. (sometimes cap. def a person wearing buckskin clothes, esp. an American soldier of the Civil War. buckskin 4. syl buck+skin pron <1b^k2skin> pos n. def a stiffly starched cotton cloth. buckskin 5. syl buck+skin pron <1b^k2skin> pos n. def a strong and heavy satin-woven woollen fabric. buckskin 6. syl buck+skin pron <1b^k2skin> pos adj. def greyish-yellow. buckskins 0. syl buck+skins pron <1b^k2skinz> pos n. mod pl. usage in the U.S. def breeches, shoes, or a suit of buckskin. buck's turn 0. syl buck's turn pos n. def the Australian name for a {stag party}. buckthorn ety C16: from #7buck %1 (from the spiny branches, imagined as resembling antlers)+#7thorn buckthorn 1. syl buck+thorn pron <1b^k2Tc:n> pos n. def any of several thorny small-flowered shrubs of the genus esp. the Eurasian species whose berries were formerly used as a purgative: family sea buckthorn 2. head buckthorn syl sea buckthorn. def a thorny Eurasian shrub, growing on sea coasts and having silvery leaves and orange fruits: family bucktooth ety C18: from #7buck %1 (deer)+#7tooth buckteeth infl head bucktooth syl buck+teeth. pos n. mod pl. bucktooth 0. syl buck+tooth pron <1b^k2tu:T> pos n. qual Derogatory. def a projecting upper front tooth. buck up 1. syl buck up pos vb. adv. qual Informal. def to make or cause to make haste. buck up 2. syl buck up pos vb. adv. qual Informal. def to make or become more cheerful, confident, etc. buckwheat ety C16: from Middle Dutch boecweite, from boeke #7beech+ weite #7wheat, from the resemblance of their seeds to beech nuts buckwheat 1. syl buck+wheat pron <1b^k2wEt> pos n. def any of several polygonaceous plants of the genus esp. which has fragrant white flowers and is cultivated, esp. in the U.S., for its seeds. buckwheat 2. syl buck+wheat pron <1b^k2wEt> pos n. def the edible seeds of this plant, ground into flour or used as animal fodder. buckwheat 3. syl buck+wheat pron <1b^k2wEt> pos n. def the flour obtained from these seeds. bucolic ety C16: from Latin b*_ucolicus, from Greek boukolikos, from boukolos cowherd, from bous ox bucolic 1. syl bu+col+ic pron pos adj. usage also def of or characteristic of the countryside or country life; rustic. bucolic 2. syl bu+col+ic pron pos adj. usage also def of or relating to shepherds; pastoral. bucolic 3. syl bu+col+ic pron pos n. mod sometimes; pl. usage also def a pastoral poem, often in the form of a dialogue. bucolic 4. syl bu+col+ic pron pos n. usage also def a rustic; farmer or shepherd. bucolically sub head bucolic syl bu+1col:i+cal+ly pos adv. Bucovina 0. syl Bu+co+vi+na pron <2bu:k*1vEn*> pos n. def a variant spelling of {Bukovina}. Bucuresti 0. syl Bu+cu+re*,sti pron pos n. def the Rumanian name for {Bucharest}. bud ety C14 budde, of Germanic origin; compare Icelandic budda purse, Dutch buidel bud H1.1. syl bud pos b^d; n. def a swelling on a plant stem consisting of overlapping immature leaves or petals. bud H1.2.a. syl bud pos b^d; n. def a partially opened flower. bud H1.2.b. syl bud pos b^d; n. usage in combination exam 1 rosebud. bud H1.3. syl bud pos b^d; n. def any small budlike outgrowth. exam 1 taste buds. bud H1.4. syl bud pos b^d; n. def something small or immature. bud H1.5. syl bud pos b^d; n. def an asexually produced outgrowth in simple organisms such as yeasts and the hydra that develops into a new individual. in bud 6. head bud syl in bud. def at the stage of producing buds. nip in the bud 7. head bud syl nip in the bud. def to put an end to (an idea, movement, etc.) in its initial stages. buds infl head bud syl buds pos vb. budding infl head bud syl bud+ding pos vb. budded infl head bud syl bud+ded. pos vb. bud H1.8. syl bud pos vb. mod intr. usage of plants and some animals def to produce buds. bud H1.9. syl bud pos vb. mod intr. def to begin to develop or grow. exam 1 the project is budding. bud H1.10. syl bud pos vb. mod tr. qual Horticulture. def to graft (a bud) from one plant onto another, usually by insertion under the bark. bud H2.0. syl bud pos b^d; n. qual Informal, chiefly U.S. def short for {buddy} : used as a term of address. Budapest 0. syl Bu+da+pest pron <2bju:d*1pest>, Hungarian <1budcpeSt> pos n. def the capital of Hungary, in the central part, on the River Danube: formed in 1873 from the towns of Buda and Pest. Traditionally Buda, the old Magyar capital, was the administrative and Pest the trade centre: suffered severely in the Russian siege of 1945 and in the unsuccessful revolt against the Communist regime (1956). Pop.: 2051354 (1974 est.). buddha ety C17: from Sanskrit: awakened, from b*_odhati he awakes buddha 1. syl bud:dha pron <1bud*> pos n. qual Buddhism. (often cap. def a person who has achieved a state of perfect enlightenment. buddha 2. syl bud:dha pron <1bud*> pos n. def an image or picture of the Buddha. the infl head Buddha syl the. pos n. Buddha 0. syl Bud:dha pron <1bud*> pos n. def ??563-483 #7b.c., a title applied to Gautama Siddhartha, a nobleman and religious teacher of N India, regarded by his followers as the most recent rediscoverer of the path to enlightenment: the founder of Buddhism. Buddha Gaya infl head Buddh Gaya or Bodh Gaya syl Bud+dha Ga:ya pos n. Bodh Gaya infl head Buddh Gaya or Buddha Gaya syl Bodh Ga:ya pos n. Buddh Gaya 0. syl Buddh Ga:ya pron <1bud> pos n. def a village in NE India, in central Bihar: site of the sacred bo tree under which Gautama Siddhartha attained enlightenment and became the Buddha; pilgrimage centre. Pop.: 6299 (1961). Buddhism 0. syl Bud+dhism pron <1budiz*m> pos n. def a religious teaching propagated by the Buddha and his followers, which declares that by destroying greed, hatred, and delusion, which are the causes of all suffering, man can attain perfect enlightenment. See {nirvana}. &- {#!Bud+dhist} buddle ety C16: of unknown origin buddle 1. syl bud+dle pron <1b^dL> pos n. def a sloping trough in which ore is washed. buddle 2. syl bud+dle pron <1b^dL> pos vb. mod tr. def to wash (ore) in a buddle. buddleia ety C19: named after A. Buddle (died 1715), British botanist buddleia 0. syl bud+dle:ia pron <1b^dli*> pos n. def any ornamental shrub of the genus esp. which has long spikes of mauve flowers and is frequently visited by butterflies: family Also called: {butterfly bush}. buddy ety C19: probably a baby-talk variant (U.S.) of #7brother buddies infl head buddy syl bud+dies. pos n. mod pl. buddy 0. syl bud+dy pron <1b^di> pos n. qual Chiefly U.S. def an informal word for {friend}. Also (as a term of address): {bud}. budge ety C16: from Old French bouger, from Vulgar Latin bullic*_are (unattested) to bubble, from Latin bull*_ire to boil, from bulla bubble budge H1.1. syl budge pron pos vb. usage usually used with a negative def to move, however slightly. exam 1 the car won't budge. budge H1.2. syl budge pron pos vb. usage usually used with a negative def to change or cause to change opinions, etc. budge ety C14: from Anglo-French bogee, of obscure origin budge H2.0. syl budge pron pos n. def a lambskin dressed for the fur to be worn on the outer side. Don(ald) infl head Budge syl Don(ald). pos n. Budge 0. syl Budge pron pos n. def born 1915, U.S. tennis player, the first man to win the singles championships of Australia, France, and the U.S. in one year (1938). budgerigar ety C19: from a native Australian language, from budgeri good+ gar cockatoo budgerigar 0. syl budg+er:i+gar pron <1b^J*ri2ga:> pos n. def a small green Australian parrot, a popular cage bird that is bred in many different coloured varieties. Often shortened (informal) to {budgie}. budget ety C15 (meaning: leather pouch, wallet): from Old French bougette, diminutive of bouge, from Latin bulga, of Gaulish origin; compare Old English b@alg bag budget 1. syl budg+et pron <1b^Jit> pos n. def a summary of probable financial outlays and incomes over a specified period. budget 2. syl budg+et pron <1b^Jit> pos n. def the total amount of money allocated for a specific purpose during a specified period. budget 3. syl budg+et pron <1b^Jit> pos n. def a stock, quantity, or supply. budget 4. syl budg+et pron <1b^Jit> pos vb. mod tr. def to enter or provide for in a budget. budget 5. syl budg+et pron <1b^Jit> pos vb. def to plan the expenditure of (money, time, etc.). budget 6. syl budg+et pron <1b^Jit> pos vb. mod intr. def to make a budget. Budgethe infl head Budget syl Budg+ethe. pos n. Budget 0. syl Budg+et pron <1b^Jit> pos n. def an estimate of British government expenditures and revenues for the ensuing fiscal year presented annually to the House of Commons by the Chancellor of the Exchequer. budget account 1. syl bud+get ac+count pos n. def an account with a department store, etc., enabling a customer to make monthly payments to cover his past and future purchases. budget account 2. syl bud+get ac+count pos n. def a bank account for paying household bills, being credited with regular or equal monthly payments from the customer's current account. budgie 0. syl budg:ie pron <1b^Ji> pos n. qual Informal. def short for {budgerigar}. bud scale 0. syl bud scale pos n. def one of the hard protective sometimes hairy or resinous specialized leaves surrounding the buds of certain plants, such as the rhododendron. Budweis 0. syl Bud+weis pron <1butvIs> pos n. def the German name for {*vCesk*'e Bud*vejovice}. Buenaventura 0. syl Bue+na+ven+tu+ra pron Spanish <2bwAna$BAn1tura> pos n. def a major port in W Colombia, on the Pacific coast. Pop.: 115770 (1973). Buena Vista 0. syl Bue+na Vis+ta pron Spanish <1bwAna> <1vista> pos n. def a village in NE Mexico, near Saltillo: site of the defeat of the Mexicans by U.S. forces (1847). Maria infl head Bueno syl Ma:ri:a. pron pos n. Bueno 0. syl Bue:no pron Portuguese <1bwAnu> pos n. def born 1939, Brazilian tennis player. Buenos Aires 0. syl Bue+nos Ai:res pron <1bwAnos> <1Iriz>, Spanish <1bwAnos> <1IrAs> pos n. def the capital of Argentina, a major port and industrial city on the R*'io de la Plata estuary: became capital in 1880; university (1821). Pop.: 2976000 (1974 est.). BUF 0. syl B.U.F. qual abbrev. for def British Union of Fascists. buff ety C16: from Old French buffle, from Old Italian bufalo, from Late Latin b*_ufalus #7buffalo buff H1.1.a. syl buff pos b^f; n. def a soft thick flexible undyed leather made chiefly from the skins of buffalo, oxen, and elk. buff H1.1.b. syl buff pos b^f; n. usage as modifier exam 1 a buff coat. buff H1.2.a. syl buff pos b^f; n. def a dull yellow or yellowish-brown colour. buff H1.2.b. syl buff pos as; adj. exam 1 buff paint. buff H1.3. syl buff pos b^f; n. def Also called: {buffer}. buff H1.3.a. syl buff pos b^f; n. def a cloth or pad of material used for polishing an object. buff H1.3.b. syl buff pos b^f; n. def a flexible disc or wheel impregnated with a fine abrasive for polishing metals, etc., with a power tool. buff H1.4. syl buff pos b^f; n. qual Informal. def one's bare skin (esp. in the phrase {in the buff) }. buff H1.5. syl buff pos vb. def to clean or polish (a metal, floor, shoes, etc.) with a buff. buff H1.6. syl buff pos vb. def to remove the grain surface of (a leather). buff ety C15: back formation from #7buffet %2 buff H2.1. syl buff pos b^f; vb. mod tr. def to deaden the force of. buff H2.2. syl buff pos n. qual Archaic. def a blow or buffet (now only in the phrase {blind man's buff) }. buff ety C20: originally: an enthusiastic fire-watcher, from the buff-coloured uniforms worn by volunteer firemen in New York City buff H3.0. syl buff pos b^f; n. qual U.S. informal. def an expert on or devotee of a given subject. exam 1 a cheese buff. buffalo ety C16: from Italian bufalo, from Late Latin b*_ufalus, alteration of Latin b*_ubalus; see #7bubal buffaloes infl head buffalo syl buf+fa+loes pos n. mod pl. buffalos infl head buffalo or buffalo syl buf+fa+los pos n. mod pl. buffalo infl or buffalos syl buf+fa+lo. pos n. mod pl. buffalo 1. syl buf+fa+lo pron <1b^f*2l*u> pos n. def Also called: {Cape buffalo}. a member of the cattle tribe, mostly found in game reserves in southern and eastern Africa and having upward-curving horns. buffalo 2. syl buf+fa+lo pron <1b^f*2l*u> pos n. def short for {water buffalo}. buffalo 3. syl buf+fa+lo pron <1b^f*2l*u> pos n. def a U.S. name for { {bison} (sense 1)}. buffalo 4. syl buf+fa+lo pron <1b^f*2l*u> pos vb. mod tr. qual U.S. informal. usage often passive def to confuse. buffalo 5. syl buf+fa+lo pron <1b^f*2l*u> pos vb. mod tr. qual U.S. informal. def to intimidate or overawe. Buffalo 0. syl Buf+fa+lo pron <1b^f*2l*u> pos n. def a port in W New York State, at the E end of Lake Erie. Pop.: 425101 (1973 est.). Buffalo Bill 0. syl Buf:fa:lo Bill pos n. def nickname of 1846-1917, U.S. showman who toured Europe and the U.S. with his famous buffalo fish 0. syl buf+fa+lo fish pos n. def any of several freshwater North American hump-backed cyprinoid fishes of the genus family (suckers). buffalo gnat 0. syl buf+fa+lo gnat pos n. def any of various small North American blood-sucking dipterous insects of the genus and related genera: family Also called: {black fly}. buffalo grass 1. syl buf+fa+lo grass pos n. def a short grass, growing on the dry plains of the central U.S. buffalo grass 2. syl buf+fa+lo grass pos n. qual Austral. def a grass, introduced from North America. buffer ety C19: from #7buff %2 buffer H1.1. syl buff+er pron <1b^f*> pos n. def one of a pair of spring-loaded steel pads attached at both ends of railway vehicles and at the end of a railway track to reduce shock due to contact. buffer H1.2. syl buff+er pron <1b^f*> pos n. def a person or thing that lessens shock or protects from damaging impact, circumstances, etc. buffer H1.3.a. syl buff+er pron <1b^f*> pos n. def an ionic compound, usually a salt of a weak acid or base, added to a solution to resist changes in its acidity or alkalinity and thus stabilize its pH. buffer H1.3.b. syl buff+er pron <1b^f*> pos n. def Also called: {buffer solution}. a solution containing such a compound. buffer H1.4. syl buff+er pron <1b^f*> pos n. qual Computer technol. def a memory device for temporarily storing data. buffer H1.5. syl buff+er pron <1b^f*> pos n. qual Electronics. def an isolating circuit used to minimize the reaction between a driving and a driven circuit. buffer H1.6. syl buff+er pron <1b^f*> pos n. def short for {buffer state}. buffer H1.7. syl buff+er pron <1b^f*> pos vb. mod tr. qual Chem. def to add a buffer to (a solution). buffer H2.1. syl buff+er pron <1b^f*> pos n. def any device used to shine, polish, etc.; buff. buffer H2.2. syl buff+er pron <1b^f*> pos n. def a person who uses such a device. buffer ety C18: perhaps from Middle English buffer stammerer buffer H3.0. syl buff+er pron <1b^f*> pos n. qual Brit. informal. def a stupid or bumbling man (esp. in the phrase {old buffer}) . buffer state 0. syl buff+er state pos n. def a small and usually neutral state between two rival powers. buffet ety C18: from French, of unknown origin buffet H1.1. syl buf+fet pron <1bufA> pos n. def a counter where light refreshments are served. buffet H1.2.a. syl buf+fet pos n. def a meal at which guests help themselves from a number of dishes and often eat standing up. buffet H1.2.b. syl buf+fet pos n. usage as modifier def . exam 1 a buffet lunch. buffet H1.3. syl buf+fet pron <1b^fit>, <1bufA> pos n. def a sideboard, esp. of the 16th or 17th century. buffet H1.4. syl buf+fet pron <1b^fi> pos n. qual Northern Brit. dialect. def a kind of low stool, pouffe, or hassock. buffet ety C13: from Old French buffeter, from buffet a light blow, from buffe, of imitative origin buffets infl head buffet syl buf+fets pos vb. buffeting infl head buffet syl buf+fet+ing pos vb. buffeted infl head buffet syl buf+fet+ed. pos vb. buffet H2.1. syl buf+fet pron <1b^fit> pos vb. mod tr. def to knock against or about; batter. exam 1 the wind buffeted the boat. buffet H2.2. syl buf+fet pron <1b^fit> pos vb. mod tr. def to hit, esp. with the fist; cuff. buffet H2.3. syl buf+fet pron <1b^fit> pos vb. def to force (one's way), as through a crowd. buffet H2.4. syl buf+fet pron <1b^fit> pos vb. mod intr. def to struggle; battle. buffet H2.5. syl buf+fet pron <1b^fit> pos n. def a blow, esp. with a fist or hand. buffeter sub head buffet syl buf+fet+er pos n. Bernard infl head Buffet syl Ber:nard pron pos n. Buffet 0. syl Buf:fet pron French pos n. def born 1928, French painter and engraver. His works are characterized by sombre tones and thin angular forms. buffet car 0. syl buf+fet car pos n. qual Brit. def a railway coach where light refreshments are served. buffing wheel 0. syl buff+ing wheel pos n. def a wheel covered with a soft material, such as lamb's wool or leather, used for shining and polishing. Also called: {buff wheel}. bufflehead ety C17 buffle from obsolete buffle wild ox (see #7buff %1)#7, referring to the duck's head bufflehead 0. syl buf:fle+head pron <1b^fL2hed> pos n. def a small North American diving duck, (or the male has black-and-white plumage and a fluffy head. Also called: {butterball}. buffo ety C18: from Italian (adj.): comic, from buffo (n.) #7buffoon buffo 1. syl buf+fo pron <1buf*u>, Italian <1buffo> pos n. usage in Italian opera of the 18th century def a comic part, esp. one for a bass. buffo 2. syl buf+fo pron <1buf*u>, Italian <1buffo> pos n. def Also called: {buffo bass, bas+so buf+fo} #!basso #!buffo). a bass singer who performs such a part. Georges Louis Leclerc infl head Buffon syl Georges Louis Le:clerc pron , pos n. Comte de infl head Buffon syl Comte de. pos n. Buffon 0. syl Buf:fon pron French , pos n. def 1707-88, French encyclopedist of natural history; principal author of (36 vols., 1749-89), containing the (1777), which foreshadowed later theories of evolution. buffoon ety C16: from French bouffon, from Italian buffone, from Medieval Latin b*_uf*_o, from Latin: toad buffoon 1. syl buf+foon pron pos n. def a person who amuses others by ridicu?!lous or odd behaviour, jokes, etc. buffoon 2. syl buf+foon pron pos n. def a foolish person. bug ety C16: of uncertain origin; perhaps related to Old English budda beetle bug H1.1. syl bug pos b^g; n. def any insect of the order esp. any of the suborder having piercing and sucking mouthparts specialized as a beak (rostrum). See also {assassin bug, bedbug, chinch bug}. bug H1.2. syl bug pos b^g; n. qual Chiefly U.S. def any insect, such as the June bug or the Croton bug. bug H1.3.a. syl bug pos b^g; n. def a microorganism, esp. a bacterium, that produces disease. bug H1.3.b. syl bug pos b^g; n. def a disease, esp. a stomach infection, caused by a microorganism. bug H1.4. syl bug pos b^g; n. qual Informal. def an obsessive idea, hobby, etc.; craze. bug H1.5. syl bug pos b^g; n. mod often; pl. qual Informal. def an error or fault, as in a machine or system. bug H1.6. syl bug pos b^g; n. qual Informal. def a concealed microphone used for recording conversations, as in spying. bug H1.7. syl bug pos b^g; n. usage U.S. in poker def a joker used as an ace or wild card to complete a straight or flush. bugs infl head bug syl bugs pos vb. bugging infl head bug syl bug+ging pos vb. bugged infl head bug syl bugged. pos vb. bug H1.8. syl bug pos vb. mod tr. qual Informal. def to irritate; bother. bug H1.9. syl bug pos vb. mod tr. qual Informal. def to conceal a microphone in (a room, etc.). bug H1.10. syl bug pos vb. mod intr. qual Informal. usage U.S. of eyes def to protrude. bug ety C14 bugge, perhaps from Middle Welsh bwg ghost. See also #7bugbear, bugaboo bug H2.0. syl bug pos b^g; n. qual Obsolete. def an evil spirit or spectre; hobgoblin. Bug 0. syl Bug qual Russian def buk) Bug 1. syl Bug qual Russian def Also called: {Southern Bug}. a river in the SW Soviet Union, rising in the W Ukraine and flowing southeast to the Dnieper estuary and the Black Sea. Length: 853 km (530 miles). Bug 2. syl Bug qual Russian def Also called: {Western Bug}. a river in E central Europe, rising in the Soviet Union in the SW Ukraine and flowing northwest to the River Vistula in Poland, forming part of the border between Poland and the Soviet Union. Length: 724 km (450 miles). bugaboo ety C18: probably of Celtic origin; compare Cornish buccaboo the devil bugaboos infl head bugaboo syl bug:a+boos. pos n. mod pl. bugaboo 0. syl bug:a+boo pron <1b^g*2bu:> pos n. def an imaginary source of fear; bugbear; bogey. Buganda 0. syl Bu+gan+da pron pos n. def a federated state of Uganda: a powerful Bantu kingdom from the 17th century. Capital: Kampala. Pop.: 2667332 (1969). Area: about 66304 sq. km (25600 sq. miles). bugbane 0. syl bug+bane pron <1b^g2bAn> pos n. def any of several ranunculaceous plants of the genus esp. of Europe, whose flowers are reputed to repel insects. bugbear ety C16: from #7bug %2#7+{bear %2;} compare #7bugaboo bugbear 1. syl bug+bear pron <1b^g2be*> pos n. def a thing that causes obsessive fear or anxiety. bugbear 2. syl bug+bear pron <1b^g2be*> pos n. usage in English folklore def a goblin said to eat naughty children and thought to be in the form of a bear. bugger ety C16: from Old French bougre, from Medieval Latin Bulgarus Bulgarian; from the condemnation of the Eastern Orthodox Bulgarians as heretics bugger 1. syl bug+ger pron <1b^g*> pos n. def a person who practises buggery. bugger 2. syl bug+ger pron <1b^g*> pos n. qual Taboo slang. def a person or thing considered to be contemptible, unpleasant, or difficult. bugger 3. syl bug+ger pron <1b^g*> pos n. qual Slang. def a humorous or affectionate term for a man or child. exam 1 a silly old bugger; exam 2 a friendly little bugger. bugger all 4. head bugger syl bugger all. qual Slang. def nothing. bugger 5. syl bug+ger pron <1b^g*> pos vb. def to practise buggery (with). bugger 6. syl bug+ger pron <1b^g*> pos vb. mod tr. qual Slang, chiefly Brit. def to ruin, complicate, or frustrate. bugger 7. syl bug+ger pron <1b^g*> pos vb. qual Slang. def to tire; weary. exam 1 he was absolutely buggered. bugger 8. syl bug+ger pron <1b^g*> pos interj. qual Taboo slang. def an exclamation of annoyance or disappointment. bugger around alt head bugger about or bugger about syl bug+ger a:round pos vb. adv. bugger about 1. or bugger around syl bug+ger a:bout pos vb. adv. mod intr. qual Brit. slang. def to fool about and waste time. bugger about 2. or bugger around syl bug+ger a:bout pos vb. adv. mod tr. qual Brit. slang. def to create difficulties or complications for (a person). bugger off 0. syl bug+ger off pos vb. qual Brit. taboo slang. (intr., adv. def to go away; depart. buggery 0. syl bug+ger:y pron <1b^g*ri> pos n. def anal intercourse between a man and another man, a woman, or an animal. Compare {sodomy}. buggy ety C18: of unknown origin buggies infl head buggy syl bug+gies. pos n. mod pl. buggy H1.1. syl bug+gy pron <1b^gi> pos n. def a light horse-drawn carriage having either four wheels (esp. in the U.S.) or two wheels (esp. in Britain and India). buggy H1.2. syl bug+gy pron <1b^gi> pos n. def short for {beach buggy}. buggy H1.3. syl bug+gy pron <1b^gi> pos n. def short for {baby buggy}. buggier infl head buggy syl bug+gi+er pos adj. buggiest infl head buggy syl bug+gi+est. pos adj. buggy H2.1. syl bug+gy pron <1b^gi> pos adj. def infested with bugs. buggy H2.2. syl bug+gy pron <1b^gi> pos adj. qual U.S. slang. def insane. bugginess sub head buggy syl bug+gi+ness pos n. bughouse ety C20: from #7bug%1+ (#7mad) #7house bughouse 1. syl bug+house pron <1b^g2haus> pos n. qual Offensive slang, chiefly U.S. def a mental hospital or asylum. bughouse 2. syl bug+house pron <1b^g2haus> pos adj. qual Offensive slang, chiefly U.S. def insane; crazy. bugle ety C14: short for bugle horn ox horn (musical instrument), from Old French bugle, from Latin b*_uculus young bullock, from b*_os ox bugle H1.1. syl bu+gle pron <1bju:gL> pos n. qual Music. def a brass instrument similar to the cornet but usually without valves: used for military fanfares, signal calls, etc. bugle H1.2. syl bu+gle pron <1bju:gL> pos vb. mod intr. def to play or sound (on) a bugle. bugler sub head bugle syl bu+gler pos n. bugle ety C13: from Late Latin bugula, of un?!certain origin bugle H2.0. syl bu+gle pron <1bju:gL> pos n. def any of several Eurasian plants of the genus esp. having small blue or white flowers: family (labiates). Also called: {bugleweed}. See also {ground pine}. bugle ety C16: of unknown origin bugle H3.0. syl bu+gle pron <1bju:gL> pos n. def a tubular glass or plastic bead sewn onto clothes for decoration. bugleweed 1. syl bu:gle+weed pron <1bju:gL2wEd> pos n. def Also called: {water horehound}. any aromatic plant of the genus having small whitish or pale blue flowers: family (labiates). See also {gipsywort}. bugleweed 2. syl bu:gle+weed pron <1bju:gL2wEd> pos n. def another name for {bugle%2}. bugloss ety C15: from Latin b*_ugl*_ossa, from Greek bougl*_ossos ox-tongued, from b*_os ox+ gl*_ossa tongue bugloss 0. syl bu+gloss pron <1bju:glos> pos n. def any of various hairy Eurasian boraginaceous plants of the genera and esp. having clusters of blue flowers. See also {viper's bugloss}. bugong 0. syl bu+gong pron <1bu:goG> pos n. def another name for {bogong}. buhl 0. syl buhl pron pos adj. n. def the usual U.S. spelling of {boulle}. buhrstone ety C18 burr, perhaps identical to {#7burr %1} (alluding to roughness) burstone infl head buhrstone or burrstone syl bur+stone pron <1bR:2st*un> pos n. burrstone infl head buhrstone or burstone syl burr+stone pron <1bR:2st*un> pos n. buhrstone 1. syl buhr+stone pron <1bR:2st*un> pos n. def a hard tough rock containing silica, fossils, and cavities, formerly used as a grindstone. buhrstone 2. syl buhr+stone pron <1bR:2st*un> pos n. def a grindstone or millstone made of this rock. buibui ety from Swahili buibui 0. syl bu:i+bu:i pron <1bui1bui> pos n. def a piece of black cloth worn as a shawl by Muslim women, esp. on the E African coast. build ety Old English byldan; related to bylda farmer, bold building, Old Norse b*_ol farm, dwelling; see {#7bower %1} builds infl head build syl builds pos vb. building infl head build syl build+ing pos vb. built infl head build syl built. pos vb. build 1. syl build pron pos vb. def to make, construct, or form by joining parts or materials. exam 1 to build a house. build 2. syl build pron pos vb. mod intr. def to be a builder by profession. build 3. syl build pron pos vb. mod tr. def to order the building of. exam 1 the government builds most of our hospitals. build 4. syl build pron pos vb. usage foll. by on or upon def to base; found. exam 1 his theory was not built on facts. build 5. syl build pron pos vb. mod tr. def to establish and develop. exam 1 it took ten years to build a business. build 6. syl build pron pos vb. mod tr. def to make in a particular way or for a particular purpose. exam 1 the car was not built for speed. build 7. syl build pron pos vb. mod intr. usage often foll. by up def to increase in intensity. exam 1 the wind was building. build 8.a. syl build pron pos vb. def to add cards to each other to form (a sequence or set). build 8.b. syl build pron pos vb. mod intr. def to add to the layout of cards on the table from one's hand. build 9. syl build pron pos n. def physical form, figure, or proportions. exam 1 a man with an athletic build. builder 1. syl build+er pron <1bild*> pos n. def a person who builds, esp. one who contracts for and supervises the construction or repair of buildings. builder 2. syl build+er pron <1bild*> pos n. def a substance added to a soap or detergent as a filler or abrasive. build in 0. syl build in pos vb. adv. mod tr. def to incorporate or construct as an integral part. exam 1 to build in safety features. building 1. syl build+ing pron <1bildiG> pos n. def something built with a roof and walls, such as a house or factory. building 2. syl build+ing pron <1bildiG> pos n. def the act, business, occupation, or art of building houses, boats, etc. building and loan association 0. syl build+ing and loan as+so+ci:a+tion pos n. def a U.S. name for {building society}. building line 0. syl build+ing line pos n. def the boundary line along a street beyond which buildings must not project. building society 0. syl build+ing so+ci+e:ty pos n. def a cooperative banking enterprise financed by deposits on which interest is paid and from which mortgage loans are advanced on homes and real estate. U.S. equivalents: {savings and loan association, building and loan association, cooperative bank}. build into 0. syl build in:to pos vb. prep. mod tr. def to make (something) a definite part of (a contract, agreement, etc.). build up 1. syl build up pos vb. adv. mod tr. def to construct gradually, systematically, and in stages. build up 2. syl build up pos vb. adv. def to increase or strengthen, esp. by degrees. exam 1 the murmur built up to a roar. build up 3. syl build up pos vb. adv. mod tr. def to improve the health or physique of (a person). build up 4. syl build up pos vb. adv. mod tr. usage usually passive def to cover (an area) with buildings. build up 5. syl build up pos vb. adv. mod tr. def to cause (a person, enterprise, etc.) to become better known; publicize. exam 1 they built several actresses up into stars. build up 6. syl build up pos vb. adv. def progressive increase in number, size, etc.. exam 1 the build-up of industry. build up 7. syl build up pos vb. adv. def extravagant publicity or praise, esp. in the form of a campaign. build up 8. syl build up pos vb. adv. qual Military. def the process of attaining the required strength of forces and equipment, esp. prior to an operation. built 0. syl built pron pos vb. def the past tense or past participle of {build}. built-in 1. syl built-in pos adj. def made or incorporated as an integral part. exam 1 a built-in cupboard; exam 2 a built-in escape clause. built-in 2. syl built-in pos adj. def essential; inherent. {~} built-in 3. syl built-in pos adj. qual Austral. def a built-in cupboard. built-up 1. syl built-up pos adj. def having many buildings (esp. in the phrase {built-up area) }. built-up 2. syl built-up pos adj. def increased by the addition of parts. exam 1 built-up heels. Buitenzorg 0. syl Bui+ten+zorg pron Dutch <1b@ojt*n2zcrx> pos n. def the former name of {Bogor}. Bujumbura 0. syl Bu+jum+bu+ra pron <2bu:J*m1bu*r*> pos n. def the capital of Burundi, a port at the NE end of Lake Tanganyika. Pop.: 78810 (1970 est.). Former name: {Usumbura}. Bukavu 0. syl Bu+ka+vu pron pos n. def a port in E Za*"@ire, on Lake Kivu: commercial and industrial centre. Pop.: 181774 (1974 est.). Former name (until 1966): {Costermansville}. Bokhara alt head Bukhara or Bukhara syl Bo+kha+ra pron pos n. Bukhara 1. or Bokhara syl Bu+kha+ra pron pos n. def a city in the SW Soviet Union, in W Uzbekistan: capital of the former emirate of Bukhara. Pop.: 139000 (1975 est.). Bukhara 2. or Bokhara syl Bu+kha+ra pron pos n. def a former emirate of central Asia: a powerful kingdom and centre of Islam; became a territory of the Soviet Union (1920) and was divided between the Uzbek, Tadzhik, and Turkmen SSRs. Bokhara rug alt head Bukhara rug or Bukhara rug syl Bo+kha+ra rug pos n. Bukhara rug 0. or Bokhara rug syl Bu+kha+ra rug pos n. def a kind of rug, typically having a black-and-white geometrical pattern on a reddish ground. Nikolai Ivanovich infl head Bukharin syl Ni:ko:lai I:va:no:vich pron pos n. Bukharin 0. syl Bu:kha:rin pron Russian pos n. def 1888-1938, Soviet Bolshevik leader: executed in one of Stalin's purges. Bucovina alt head Bukovina or Bukovina syl Bu+co+vi+na pron <2bu:k*1vEn*> pos n. Bukovina 0. or Bucovina syl Bu+ko+vi+na pron <2bu:k*1vEn*> pos n. def a region of E central Europe, part of the NE Carpathians: the north was seized by the Soviet Union (1940) and later became part of the Ukrainian SSR; the south remained Rumanian. Bul ety from Hebrew b*_ul, of Canaanite origin Bul 0. syl Bul pron pos n. def the eighth month of the Old Hebrew calendar, corresponding to Heshvan of the Babylonian or post-exilic Jewish calendar: a period from mid-October to mid-November. bul 0. syl bul. qual abbrev. for def bulletin. Bulawayo 0. syl Bu+la+wa+yo pron <2bul*1wA*u> pos n. def a city in SW Rhodesia founded (1893) on the site of the kraal of Lobengula, the last Matabele king; the country's main industrial centre. Pop.: 307000 (1973 est.). bulb ety C16: from Latin bulbus, from Greek bolbos onion bulb 1. syl bulb pos b^lb; n. def a rounded organ of vegetative reproduction in plants such as the tulip and onion: a flattened stem bearing a central shoot surrounded by fleshy nutritive inner leaves and thin brown outer leaves. Compare {corm}. bulb 2. syl bulb pos b^lb; n. def a plant, such as a hyacinth or daffodil, that grows from a bulb. bulb 3. syl bulb pos b^lb; n. def See {light bulb}. bulb 4. syl bulb pos b^lb; n. def a rounded part of an instrument such as a syringe or thermometer. bulb 5. syl bulb pos b^lb; n. qual Anatomy. def a rounded expansion of a cylindrical organ or part, such as the medulla oblongata. bulb 6. syl bulb pos b^lb; n. def Also called: {bulbous bow}. a bulbous protuberance at the forefoot of a ship to reduce turbulence. bulbar 0. syl bulb+ar pron <1b^lb*> pos adj. qual Chiefly anatomy. def of or relating to a bulb, esp. the medulla oblongata. bulbiferous 0. syl bulb+if+er+ous pron pos adj. usage of plants def producing bulbs. bulbil ety C19: from New Latin bulbillus, from Latin bulbus #7bulb bulbel alt head bulbil or bulbil syl bul+bel pos n. bulbil 1. or bulbel syl bul+bil pron <1b^lbil> pos n. def a small bulblike organ of vegetative reproduction growing in leaf axils or on flower stalks of plants such as the onion and tiger lily. bulbil 2. or bulbel syl bul+bil pron <1b^lbil> pos n. def any small bulb of a plant. bulbaceous alt head bulbous or bulbous syl bul+ba+ceous pron pos adj. bulbous 1. or bulbaceous syl bulb+ous pron <1b^lb*s> pos adj. def shaped like a bulb; swollen; bulging. bulbous 2. or bulbaceous syl bulb+ous pron <1b^lb*s> pos adj. def growing from or bearing bulbs. bulbously sub head bulbous or bulbaceously syl bulb+ous+ly pos adv. bulbaceously sub head bulbous or bulbously syl bul+1ba+ceous+ly pos adv. bulbul ety C18: via Persian from Arabic bulbul 1. syl bul+bul pron <1bulbul> pos n. def any songbird of the family of tropical Africa and Asia, having brown plumage and, in many species, a distinct crest. bulbul 2. syl bul+bul pron <1bulbul> pos n. def a songbird, taken to be the nightingale, often mentioned in Persian poetry. Bulg 0. syl Bulg. qual abbrev. for def Bulgaria(n). Nikolai Aleksandrovich infl head Bulganin syl Ni:ko:lai A:le:ksan:dro:vich pron pos n. Bulganin 0. syl Bul:ga:nin pron Russian pos n. def 1895-1975, Soviet statesman and military leader; chairman of the council of ministers (1955-58). Bulgar 1. syl Bul+gar pron <1b^lga:>, <1bul-> pos n. def a member of a group of non-Indo-European peoples that settled in SE Europe in the late 7th century #7a.d. and adopted the language and culture of their Slavonic subjects. Bulgar 2. syl Bul+gar pron <1b^lga:>, <1bul-> pos n. def a rare name for a {Bulgarian}. Bulgaria 0. syl Bul+gar:i:a pron , pos n. def a republic in SE Europe, on the Balkan Peninsula on the Black Sea: under Turkish rule from 1395 until 1878; became an independent kingdom in 1908 and a republic in 1946; consists chiefly of the Danube valley in the north, the Balkan Mountains in the central part, separated from the Rhodope Mountains of the south by the valley of the Maritsa River. Language: Bulgarian. Currency: lev. Capital: Sofia. Pop.: 8678000 (1974 est.). Area: 110911 sq. km (42823 sq. miles). Bulgarian 1. syl Bul+gar+i:an pron , pos adj. def of, relating to, or characteristic of Bulgaria, its people, or their language. Bulgarian 2. syl Bul+gar+i:an pron , pos n. def the official language of Bulgaria, belonging to the S Slavonic branch of the Indo-European family. Bulgarian 3. syl Bul+gar+i:an pron , pos n. def a native, inhabitant, or citizen of Bulgaria. bulge ety C13: from Old French bouge, from Latin bulga bag, probably of Gaulish origin bulge 1. syl bulge pron pos n. def a swelling or an outward curve. bulge 2. syl bulge pron pos n. def a sudden increase in number or volume, esp. of population. bulge 3. syl bulge pron pos n. qual Brit. def the projecting part of an army's front line; salient. bulge 4. syl bulge pron pos vb. def to swell outwards. bulgingly sub head bulge syl bulg+ing+ly pos adv. bulgy sub head bulge syl bulg:y pos adj. bulginess sub head bulge syl bulg:i+ness pos n. Battle of the infl head Bulge syl Battle of the. pos n. Bulge 0. syl Bulge pron pos n. usage in World War II def the final major German counteroffensive in 1944 when the Allied forces were pushed back into NE Belgium: the Germans were repulsed by Jan. 1945. bulimia ety C17: from New Latin, from Greek boulimia, from bous ox+ limos hunger bulimia 0. syl bu+lim:i:a pron pos n. def pathologically insatiable hunger, esp. when caused by a brain lesion. bulk ety C15: from Old Norse bulki cargo bulk 1. syl bulk pos b^lk; n. def volume, size, or magnitude, esp. when great. bulk 2. syl bulk pos b^lk; n. def the main part. exam 1 the bulk of the work is repetitious. bulk 3. syl bulk pos b^lk; n. def a large body, esp. of a person. exam 1 he eased his bulk out of the chair. bulk 4. syl bulk pos b^lk; n. def unpackaged cargo or goods. bulk 5. syl bulk pos b^lk; n. def a ship's cargo or hold. bulk 6.a. syl bulk pos b^lk; n. def the thickness of a number of sheets of paper or cardboard. bulk 6.b. syl bulk pos b^lk; n. def the thickness of a book excluding its covers. bulk 7.a. syl bulk pos b^lk; n. def in large quantities. bulk 7.b. syl bulk pos b^lk; n. usage of a cargo, etc. def unpackaged. bulk 8. syl bulk pos vb. def to cohere or cause to cohere in a mass. bulk 9. syl bulk pos vb. def to place, hold, or transport (several cargoes of goods) in bulk. bulk large 10. head bulk syl bulk large. def to be or seem important or prominent. exam 1 the problem bulked large in his mind. bulkhead 0. syl bulk+head pron <1b^lk2hed> pos n. qual Nautical. def any upright wall-like partition in a vessel. bulk modulus 0. syl bulk mod:u+lus pos n. def a coefficient of elasticity of a substance equal to the ratio of the applied stress to the resulting fractional change in volume (d in a specified reference state (d is the {bulk strain) }. Symbol. exam 1 K bulk up 0. syl bulk up pos vb. adv. def to increase or cause to increase in size or importance. bulkier infl head bulky syl bulk:i+er pos adj. bulkiest infl head bulky syl bulk:i+est. pos adj. bulky 0. syl bulk:y pron <1b^lki> pos adj. def very large and massive, esp. so as to be unwieldy. bulkily sub head bulky syl bulk:i+ly pos adv. bulkiness sub head bulky syl bulk:i+ness pos n. bull ety Old English bula, from Old Norse boli; related to Middle Low German bulle, Middle Dutch bolle bull H1.1. syl bull pron pos n. def any male bovine animal, esp. one that is sexually mature. Related adj.: {taurine}. bull H1.2. syl bull pron pos n. def the uncastrated adult male of any breed of domestic cattle. bull H1.3. syl bull pron pos n. def the male of various other animals including the elephant and whale. bull H1.4. syl bull pron pos n. def a very large, strong, or aggressive person. bull H1.5.a. syl bull pron pos n. def a speculator who buys in anticipation of rising prices in order to make a profit on resale. bull H1.5.b. syl bull pron pos n. usage as modifier; a bull market. def Compare { {bear%2} (sense 5)}. bull H1.6. syl bull pron pos n. qual Chiefly Brit. def short for {bull's-eye} (senses 1, 2). bull H1.7. syl bull pron pos n. qual Slang. def short for {bullshit}. bull H1.8. syl bull pron pos n. def short for {bulldog, bull terrier}. a bull in a china shop 9. head bull syl a bull in a china shop. def a clumsy person. bull H1.10.a. syl bull pron pos n. def to pass time talking lightly. bull H1.10.b. syl bull pron pos n. def to boast or exaggerate. take the bull by the horns 11. head bull syl take the bull by the horns. def to face and tackle a difficulty without shirking. bull H1.12. syl bull pron pos adj. def male; masculine. exam 1 a bull elephant. bull H1.13. syl bull pron pos adj. def large; strong. bull H1.14. syl bull pron pos vb. mod tr. def to raise or attempt to raise the price or prices of (a stock market or a security) by speculative buying. bull H1.15. syl bull pron pos vb. mod intr. qual U.S. slang. def to talk lightly or foolishly. bull ety C17: of uncertain origin bull H2.0. syl bull pron pos n. def a ludicrously self-contradictory or inconsistent statement. Also called: {Irish bull}. bull ety C13: from Medieval Latin bulla seal attached to a bull, from Latin: round object bull H3.0. syl bull pron pos n. def a formal document issued by the pope, written in antiquated characters and often sealed with a leaden bulla. the infl head Bull syl the. pos n. Bull H1.0. syl Bull pron pos n. def the constellation Taurus, the second sign of the zodiac. John 1. head Bull syl John. def 1563-1628, English composer and organist. Bull H2.2. syl Bull pron pos n. def See {John Bull}. bull 0. syl bull. qual abbrev. for def bulletin. bulla ety C19: from Latin: round object, bubble bullae infl head bulla syl bul+lae pron <-lE> pos n. mod pl. bulla 1. syl bul+la pron <1bul*>, <1b^l*> pos n. def a leaden seal affixed to a papal bull, having a representation of Saints Peter and Paul on one side and the name of the reigning pope on the other. bulla 2. syl bul+la pron <1bul*>, <1b^l*> pos n. def an ancient Roman rounded metal or leather box containing an amulet, worn around the neck. bulla 3. syl bul+la pron <1bul*>, <1b^l*> pos n. qual Pathol. def another word for { {blister} (sense 1)}. bullace ety C14: from Old French beloce, from Medieval Latin bolluca, perhaps of Gaulish origin bullace 0. syl bul+lace pron <1bulis> pos n. def a small Eurasian rosaceous tree, (or of which the damson is the cultivated form. See also { {plum%1} (sense 1)}. bullate ety C19: from Medieval Latin bull*_atus inflated, from Latin bulla bubble bullate 0. syl bul+late pron <1b^lAt>, <-it>, <1bul-> pos adj. qual Botany, anatomy, etc. def puckered or blistered in appearance. exam 1 the bullate leaves of the primrose. bullbat 0. syl bull+bat pron <1bul2b@t> pos n. def another name for { {nighthawk} (sense 1)}. bulldog 1. syl bull+dog pron <1bul2dog> pos n. def a sturdy thickset breed of dog with an undershot jaw, broad head, and a muscular body. bulldog 2. syl bull+dog pron <1bul2dog> pos n. usage at Oxford University def an official who accompanies the proctors on ceremonial occasions. bulldog ant 0. syl bull+dog ant pos n. def any large Australian ant of the genus having a powerful sting: subfamily bulldog clip 0. syl bull+dog clip pos n. def a clip for holding papers together, consisting of two T-shaped metal clamps held in place by a cylindrical spring. bulldoze ety C19: probably from #7bull %1#7+dose bulldoze 1. syl bull+doze pron <1bul2d*uz> pos vb. mod tr. def to move, demolish, flatten, etc., with a bulldozer. bulldoze 2. syl bull+doze pron <1bul2d*uz> pos vb. mod tr. qual Informal. def to force; push. exam 1 he bulldozed his way through the crowd. bulldoze 3. syl bull+doze pron <1bul2d*uz> pos vb. mod tr. qual Informal. def to intimidate or coerce. bulldozer 1. syl bull+doz+er pron <1bul2d*uz*> pos n. def a powerful tractor fitted with caterpillar tracks and a blade at the front, used for moving earth, rocks, etc. bulldozer 2. syl bull+doz+er pron <1bul2d*uz*> pos n. qual Informal. def a person who bulldozes. bull dust 1. syl bull dust pos n. qual Austral. def fine dust. bull dust 2. syl bull dust pos n. qual Austral.; Slang. def nonsense. bullet ety C16: from French boulette, diminutive of boule ball; see {#7bowl %2} bullet 1.a. syl bul+let pron <1bulit> pos n. def a small metallic missile enclosed in a cartridge, used as the projectile of a gun, rifle, etc. bullet 1.b. syl bul+let pron <1bulit> pos n. def the entire cartridge. bullet 2. syl bul+let pron <1bulit> pos n. def something resembling a bullet, esp. in shape or effect. bullet 3. syl bul+let pron <1bulit> pos n. qual Skateboarding slang. def a position for racing downhill, having the body crouched, feet in the centre of the board, and often arms stretched out in front. bullet 4. syl bul+let pron <1bulit> pos n. def a capsule containing a drug. bullet-like sub head bullet syl bul:let-2like pos adj. bulletin ety C17: from French, from Italian bullettino, from bulletta, diminutive of bulla papal edict, #7bull %3 bulletin 1. syl bul+le:tin pron <1bulitin> pos n. def an official statement on a matter of public interest, such as the illness of a public figure. bulletin 2. syl bul+le:tin pron <1bulitin> pos n. def a broadcast summary of the news. bulletin 3. syl bul+le:tin pron <1bulitin> pos n. def a periodical publication of an association, etc. bulletin 4. syl bul+le:tin pron <1bulitin> pos vb. mod tr. def to make known by bulletin. bulletin board 0. syl bul+le:tin board pos n. def the U.S. name for {notice board}. bulletproof 1. syl bul:let+proof pron <1bulit2pru:f> pos adj. def not penetrable by bullets. exam 1 bulletproof glass. bulletproof 2. syl bul:let+proof pron <1bulit2pru:f> pos vb. mod tr. def to make bulletproof. bullfight 0. syl bull+fight pron <1bul2fIt> pos n. def a traditional Spanish, Portuguese, and Latin American spectacle in which a matador, assisted by banderilleros and mounted picadors, baits and usually kills a bull in an arena. bullfighter sub head bullfight syl bull+2fight:er pos n. bullfighting sub head bullfight syl bull+2fight:ing pos n. bullfinch ety C14: see #7bull %1#7, finch ; probably so called from its stocky shape and thick neck bullfinch H1.1. syl bull+finch pron <1bul2finC> pos n. def a common European finch, the male has a bright red throat and breast, black crown, wings, and tail, and a grey-and-white back. bullfinch H1.2. syl bull+finch pron <1bul2finC> pos n. def any of various similar finches. bullfinch ety C19: perhaps changed from the phrase bull fence bullfinch H2.0. syl bull+finch pron <1bul2finC> pos n. qual Brit. def a high thick hedge too difficult for a horse and rider to jump. bullfrog 0. syl bull+frog pron <1bul2frog> pos n. def any of various large frogs, such as ({American bullfrog}) , having a loud deep croak. bullhead 1. syl bull+head pron <1bul2hed> pos n. def any of various small northern mainly marine scorpaenoid fishes of the family that have a large head covered with bony plates and spines. bullhead 2. syl bull+head pron <1bul2hed> pos n. def any freshwater North American catfish of the genus (or , having a large head bearing several long barbels. bullhead 3. syl bull+head pron <1bul2hed> pos n. def a scorpion fish, of North American Pacific coastal waters. bullhead 4. syl bull+head pron <1bul2hed> pos n. qual Informal. def a stupidly stubborn or unintelligent person. bull-headed 0. syl bull-head:ed pos adj. def blindly obstinate; stubborn, headstrong, or stupid. bull-headedly sub head bull-headed syl bull-1head:ed+ly pos adv. bull-headedness sub head bull-headed syl bull-1head:ed+ness pos n. bullhorn 0. syl bull+horn pron <1bul2hc:n> pos n. def the U.S. name for {loud-hailer}. bullion ety C14 (in the sense: melted gold or silver): from Anglo-French: mint, probably from Old French bouillir to boil, from Latin bull*_ire bullion 1. syl bul+lion pron <1bulj*n> pos n. def gold or silver in mass. bullion 2. syl bul+lion pron <1bulj*n> pos n. def gold or silver in the form of bars and ingots, suitable for further processing. bullion 3. syl bul+lion pron <1bulj*n> pos n. def Also called: {bullion fringe}. a thick gold or silver wire or fringed cord used as a trimming, as on military uniforms. bullish 1. syl bull+ish pron <1buliS> pos adj. def like a bull. bullish 2. syl bull+ish pron <1buliS> pos adj. qual Stock Exchange. def causing, expecting, or characterized by a rise in prices. exam 1 a bullish market. bull mastiff 0. syl bull mas+tiff pos n. def a large powerful breed of dog with a short usually tan coat, developed by crossing the bulldog with the mastiff. bull-necked 0. syl bull-necked pos adj. def having a short thick neck. bull nose 1. syl bull nose pos n. def a disease of pigs caused by infection with the bacterium characterized by swell?!ing of the snout. bull nose 2. syl bull nose pos n. def a rounded edge of a brick, step, etc. bull nose 3. syl bull nose pos n. def a rounded exterior angle, as where two walls meet. bull-nosed 0. syl bull-nosed pos adj. def having a rounded end. bullock ety Old English bulluc; see #7bull %1#7, -#7ock bullock 1. syl bull+ock pron <1bul*k> pos n. def a gelded bull; steer. bullock 2. syl bull+ock pron <1bul*k> pos n. qual Archaic. def a bull calf. {~} bullock 3. syl bull+ock pron <1bul*k> pos n. mod intr. qual Austral. informal. def to work hard and long. bullock's heart 0. syl bull+ock's heart pos n. def another name for { {custard apple} (senses 1, 2)}. bullocky 0. syl bull+ock:y pron <1bul*ki> pos n. qual Austral. informal. def the driver of a team of bullocks. bullpen 0. syl bull+pen pron <1bul2pen> pos n. qual U.S. informal. def a large cell where prisoners are confined together temporarily. bullring 0. syl bull+ring pron <1bul2riG> pos n. def an arena for bullfighting. bullroarer 0. syl bull+roar:er pron <1bul2rc:r*> pos n. def a wooden slat attached to a thong that makes a roaring sound when the thong is whirled: used esp. by Australian aborigines in religious rites. Bull Run 0. syl Bull Run pos n. def the site of two battles during the American Civil War (July, 1861 and August, 1862), in both of which the Federal army was routed by the Confederates. bull session 0. syl bull ses+sion pos n. qual U.S. informal. def an informal discussion among men. bull's-eye 1. syl bull's-eye pos n. def the small central disc of a target, usually the highest valued area. bull's-eye 2. syl bull's-eye pos n. def a shot hitting this. bull's-eye 3. syl bull's-eye pos n. qual Informal. def something that exactly achieves its aim. bull's-eye 4. syl bull's-eye pos n. def a small circular or oval window or opening. bull's-eye 5. syl bull's-eye pos n. def a thick disc of glass set into a ship's deck, etc., to admit light. bull's-eye 6. syl bull's-eye pos n. def the glass boss at the centre of a sheet of blown glass. bull's-eye 7.a. syl bull's-eye pos n. def a small thick plano-convex lens used as a condenser. bull's-eye 7.b. syl bull's-eye pos n. def a lamp or lantern containing such a lens. bull's-eye 8. syl bull's-eye pos n. def a peppermint-flavoured, usually striped, boiled sweet. bull's-eye 9. syl bull's-eye pos n. qual Nautical. def a circular or oval wooden block with a groove around it for the strop of a shroud and a hole at its centre for a line. Compare {deadeye}. bull's-eye 10. syl bull's-eye pos n. qual Meteorol. def the eye or centre of a cyclone. bullshit 1. syl bull+shit pron <1bulSit> pos n. qual Taboo slang. def exaggerated or foolish talk; nonsense. bullshit 2. syl bull+shit pron <1bulSit> pos n. qual Taboo slang. usage in the British Army def exaggerated zeal, esp. for ceremonial drill, cleaning, polishing, etc. Usually shortened to {bull}. bullshits infl head bullshit syl bull+shits pos vb. bullshitting infl head bullshit syl bull+shit+ting pos vb. bullshitted infl head bullshit syl bull+shit+ted. pos vb. bullshit 3. syl bull+shit pron <1bulSit> pos vb. mod intr. qual Taboo slang. def to talk in an exaggerated or foolish manner. bullshitter sub head bullshit syl bull+shit+ter pos n. bull snake 0. syl bull snake pos n. def any burrowing North American nonvenomous colubrid snake of the genus typically having yellow and brown markings. Also called: {gopher snake}. bull terrier 0. syl bull ter+ri+er pos n. def a breed of terrier having a short smooth coat, developed by crossing a bulldog with the original English terrier. bull tongue 1. syl bull tongue pos n. qual Chiefly U.S. def a heavy plough used in growing cotton, having an almost vertical mouldboard. bull tongue 2. syl bull tongue pos n. qual Chiefly U.S. def a plough or cultivator with a single shovel. bull trout 0. syl bull trout pos n. def any large trout, esp. the salmon trout. bullwhip 1. syl bull+whip pron <1bul2wip> pos n. def a long tapering heavy whip, esp. one of plaited rawhide. bullwhips infl head bullwhip syl bull+whips pos vb. bullwhipping infl head bullwhip syl bull+whip+ping pos vb. bullwhipped infl head bullwhip syl bull+whipped. pos vb. bullwhip 2. syl bull+whip pron <1bul2wip> pos vb. mod tr. def to whip with a bullwhip. bully ety C16 (in the sense: sweet?!heart, hence fine fellow, hence swaggering coward): probably from Middle Dutch boele lover, from Middle High German buole, perhaps childish variant of bruoder #7brother bullies infl head bully syl bul+lies. pos n. mod pl. bully 1. syl bul+ly pron <1buli> pos n. def a person who hurts, persecutes, or intimidates weaker people. bully 2. syl bul+ly pron <1buli> pos n. qual Archaic. def a hired ruffian. bully 3. syl bul+ly pron <1buli> pos n. qual Obsolete. def a procurer; pimp. bully 4. syl bul+ly pron <1buli> pos n. qual Obsolete. def a fine fellow or friend. bully 5. syl bul+ly pron <1buli> pos n. qual Obsolete. def a sweetheart; darling. bullies infl head bully syl bul+lies pos vb. bullying infl head bully syl bul+ly+ing pos vb. bullied infl head bully syl bul+lied. pos vb. bully 6. syl bul+ly pron <1buli> pos vb. mod when; tr. usage often foll. by into def to hurt, intimidate, or persecute (a weaker or smaller person), esp. to make him do something. bully 7. syl bul+ly pron <1buli> pos adj. def dashing; jolly. exam 1 my bully boy. bully 8. syl bul+ly pron <1buli> pos adj. qual Informal. def very good; fine. bully 9. syl bul+ly pron <1buli> pos interj. def Also: {bully for you, him}, etc. well done&! bravo&! bully beef ety C19 bully, anglicized version of French bouilli, from boeuf bouilli boiled beef bully beef 0. syl bul+ly beef pos n. def canned corned beef. Often shortened to {bully}. bully-off 1. syl bul:ly-off pos n. qual Hockey. def the method by which a game is started. Two opposing players stand with the ball between them and alternately strike their sticks together and against the ground three times before trying to hit the ball. bully off infl head bully-off syl bul+ly off. pos vb. bully-off 2. syl bul:ly-off pos adv. mod intr. qual Hockey. def to start play with a bully-off. bully-off xref syl bul:ly-off qual Hockey. def Often shortened to {bully}. Compare {face-off}. bullyrags infl head bullyrag syl bul:ly+rags pos vb. mod tr. bullyragging infl head bullyrag syl bul:ly+rag+ging pos vb. mod tr. bullyragged infl head bullyrag syl bul:ly+ragged. pos vb. mod tr. bullyrag 0. syl bul:ly+rag pron <1buli2r@g> pos vb. mod tr. def to bully, esp. by means of cruel practical jokes. Also: {ballyrag}. bulnbuln ety C19: from a native Australian language bulnbuln 0. syl buln+buln pron <1buln1buln> pos n. qual Austral. def another name for {lyrebird}. Bulow 0. syl B*"u:low pron German <1by:lo> pos n. def Prince {Bern@.hard von} (#!b$ernhart f@$n). 1849-1929, chancellor of Germany (1900-09). bulrush ety C15 bulrish, bul- perhaps from #7bull %1#7+ rish {#7rush %2#7}, referring to the largeness of the plant bulrush 1. syl bul+rush pron <1bul2r^S> pos n. def Also called: {reed mace, cat's-tail}. any tall reedlike marsh plant of the genus having thick straplike leaves and flowers in long dense brown cylindrical spikes: family bulrush 2. syl bul+rush pron <1bul2r^S> pos n. def a grasslike cyperaceous marsh plant, used for making mats, chair seats, etc. bulrush 3. syl bul+rush pron <1bul2r^S> pos n. def a biblical word for {papyrus} (the plant). bulwark ety C15: via Dutch from Middle High German bolwerk, from bol plank, {#7bole %1}#7+ werk #7work bulwark 1. syl bul+wark pron <1bulw*k> pos n. def a wall or similar structure used as a fortification; rampart. bulwark 2. syl bul+wark pron <1bulw*k> pos n. def a person or thing acting as a defence against injury, annoyance, etc. bulwark 3. syl bul+wark pron <1bulw*k> pos n. mod often; pl. qual Nautical. def a solid vertical fencelike structure along the outward sides of a deck. bulwark 4. syl bul+wark pron <1bulw*k> pos n. def a breakwater or mole. bulwark 5. syl bul+wark pron <1bulw*k> pos vb. mod tr. def to defend or fortify with or as if with a bulwark. Bulwer-Lytton 0. syl Bul:wer-Lyt:ton pron <1bulw*1litN> pos n. def See (1st Baron) {Lytton}. bum ety C14: of uncertain origin bum H1.0. syl bum pos b^m; n. qual Brit. slang. def the buttocks or anus. bum ety C19: probably shortened from earlier bummer a loafer, probably from German bummeln to loaf bum H2.1. syl bum pos n. qual Informal, chiefly U.S. usage b^m def a disreputable loafer or idler. bum H2.2. syl bum pos n. qual Informal, chiefly U.S. usage b^m def a tramp; hobo. bum H2.3. syl bum pos n. qual Informal, chiefly U.S. usage b^m def an irresponsible, unpleasant, or mean person. bum H2.4. syl bum pos n. qual Informal, chiefly U.S. usage b^m def a person who spends a great deal of time on a specified sport. exam 1 baseball bum. bum H2.5.a. syl bum pos n. qual Informal, chiefly U.S. usage b^m def living as a loafer or vagrant. bum H2.5.b. syl bum pos n. qual Informal, chiefly U.S. usage b^m def out of repair; broken. bums infl head bum syl bums pos vb. bumming infl head bum syl bum+ming pos vb. bummed infl head bum syl bummed. pos vb. bum H2.6. syl bum pos vb. mod tr. qual Informal, chiefly U.S. usage b^m def to get by begging; cadge. exam 1 to bum a lift. bum H2.7. syl bum pos vb. mod intr. qual Informal, chiefly U.S. usage b^m; often foll. by around def to live by begging or as a vagrant or loafer. bum H2.8. syl bum pos vb. mod intr. qual Informal, chiefly U.S. usage b^m; usually foll. by around def to spend time to no good purpose; loaf; idle. bum H2.9. syl bum pos adj. qual Informal, chiefly U.S. usage b^m; pre?!nominal def of poor quality; useless. bumbailiff ety C17: from #7bum%1+bailiff, so called because he follows hard behind debtors bumbailiff 0. syl bum+bail:iff pron <2b^m1bAlif> pos n. usage Brit. derogatory. formerly def an officer employed to collect debts and arrest debtors for nonpayment. bumble ety C16: perhaps a blend of #7bungle+stumble bumble H1.1. syl bum+ble pron <1b^mbL> pos vb. def to speak or do in a clumsy, muddled, or inefficient way. exam 1 he bumbled his way through his speech. bumble H1.2. syl bum+ble pron <1b^mbL> pos vb. mod intr. def to proceed unsteadily; stumble. bumble H1.3. syl bum+ble pron <1b^mbL> pos n. def a blunder or botch. bumbler sub head bumble syl bum+bler pos n. bumble ety C14 bomblen to buzz, boom, of imitative origin bumble H2.0. syl bum+ble pron <1b^mbL> pos vb. mod intr. def to make a humming sound. bumblebee ety C16: from #7bumble %2#7+bee humblebee alt head bumblebee or bumblebee syl hum:ble+bee pos n. bumblebee 0. or humblebee syl bum:ble+bee pron <1b^mbL2bE> pos n. def any large hairy social bee of the genus and related genera, of temperate regions: family bumbledom ety C19: after Bumble, name of the beadle in Dickens' Oliver Twist (1837-38) bumbledom 0. syl bum+ble+dom pron <1b^mb*ld*m> pos n. def self-importance in a minor office. bumble-puppy 1. syl bum:ble-pup:py pos n. def a game in which a ball, attached by string to a post, is hit so that the string winds round the post. bumble-puppy 2. syl bum:ble-pup:py pos n. usage modifier; of whist or bridge def played unskilfully. bumboat ety C17 (in the sense: scavenger's boat): bum, from Dutch boomschip canoe (from bom tree)+#7boat bumboat 0. syl bum+boat pron <1b^m2b*ut> pos n. def any small boat used for ferrying supplies or goods for sale to a ship at anchor or at a mooring. bumf 0. syl bumf pos b^mf; n. def a variant spelling of {bumph}. bumkin 0. syl bum+kin pron <1b^mkin> pos n. def a variant spelling of { {boomkin.}} bummalo ety C17: from Marathi bomb*_ila bummalo infl syl bum+ma+lo. pos n. mod pl. bummalo 0. syl bum+ma+lo pron <1b^m*l*u> pos n. def another name for { {Bombay duck}}. bummaree ety C18: of unknown origin bummaree 1. syl bum+ma+ree pron <2b^m*1rE> pos n. usage Brit. formerly def a dealer at Billingsgate fish market. bummaree 2. syl bum+ma+ree pron <2b^m*1rE> pos n. usage Brit. formerly def a porter at Smithfield meat market. bummer 1. syl bum+mer pron <1b^m*> pos n. qual Slang. def a vagrant or idler. bummer 2. syl bum+mer pron <1b^m*> pos n. qual Slang. def person or thing considered inferior. bummer 3. syl bum+mer pron <1b^m*> pos n. qual Slang. def an adverse reaction to a drug, characterized by panic or fear. bump ety C16: probably of imitative origin bump 1. syl bump pos b^mp; vb. mod when; intr. usage usually foll. by against or into def to knock or strike with a jolt. bump 2. syl bump pos b^mp; vb. mod intr. usage often foll. by along def to travel or proceed in jerks and jolts. bump 3. syl bump pos b^mp; vb. mod tr. def to hurt by knocking. exam 1 he bumped his head on the ceiling. bump 4. syl bump pos b^mp; vb. mod tr. def to knock out of place; dislodge. exam 1 the crash bumped him from his chair. bump 5. syl bump pos b^mp; vb. mod tr. qual Brit. def to throw (a child) into the air, one other child holding each limb, and let him down again to touch the ground. bump 6. syl bump pos b^mp; vb. usage in rowing races, esp. at Oxford and Cambridge def to catch up with and touch (another boat that started a fixed distance ahead). bump 7. syl bump pos b^mp; vb. qual Cricket. def to bowl (a ball) so that it bounces high on pitching or (of a ball) to bounce high when bowled. bump 8. syl bump pos b^mp; vb. mod intr. qual Chiefly U.S. def to dance erotically by thrusting the pelvis forward (esp. in the phrase {bump and grind) }. bump 9. syl bump pos b^mp; vb. mod tr. qual Poker. def to raise (someone). bump 10. syl bump pos n. def an impact; knock; jolt; collision. bump 11. syl bump pos n. def a dull thud or other noise from an impact or collision. bump 12. syl bump pos n. def the shock of a blow or collision. bump 13. syl bump pos n. def a lump on the body caused by a blow. bump 14. syl bump pos n. def a protuberance, as on a road surface. bump 15. syl bump pos n. def any of the natural protuberances of the human skull, said by phrenologists to indicate underlying faculties and character. bump 16. syl bump pos n. def a rising current of air that gives an aircraft a severe upward jolt. bump 17. syl bump pos n. mod pl. def the act of bumping a child. See sense 5. bump 18. syl bump pos n. qual Rowing. def the act of bumping. See {bumping race}. bump ball 19. head bump syl bump ball. qual Cricket. def a ball that bounces into the air after being hit directly into the ground by the batsman. {~} See also {bump into, bump off, bump up}. bumper H1.1. syl bump+er pron <1b^mp*> pos n. def a horizontal metal bar attached to the front or rear end of a car, lorry, etc., to protect against damage from impact. bumper H1.2. syl bump+er pron <1b^mp*> pos n. def a person or machine that bumps. bumper H1.3. syl bump+er pron <1b^mp*> pos n. qual Cricket. def a ball bowled so that it bounces high on pitching; bouncer. bumper ety C17 (in the sense: a brimming glass): probably from bump (obsolete vb.) to bulge; see #7bump bumper H2.1. syl bump+er pron <1b^mp*> pos n. def a glass, tankard, etc., filled to the brim, esp. as a toast. bumper H2.2. syl bump+er pron <1b^mp*> pos n. def an unusually large or fine example of something. bumper H2.3. syl bump+er pron <1b^mp*> pos adj. def unusually large, fine, or abundant. exam 1 a bumper crop. bumper H2.4. syl bump+er pron <1b^mp*> pos vb. mod tr. def to toast with a bumper. bumper H2.5. syl bump+er pron <1b^mp*> pos vb. mod tr. def to fill to the brim. bumper H2.6. syl bump+er pron <1b^mp*> pos vb. mod intr. def to drink bumpers. bumper ety C19: perhaps from a blend of {#7butt %1} and #7stump bumper H3.0. syl bump+er pron <1b^mp*> pos n. qual Austral. informal. def a cigarette end. bumper car 0. syl bump+er car pos n. def a low-powered electrically propelled vehicle driven and bumped against similar cars in a special rink at a funfair. Also called: {Dodgem}. bumph ety C19: short for earlier bumfodder; see #7bum %1 bumf alt head bumph or bumph syl bumf pos b^mf; n. bumph 1. or bumf syl bumph pos b^mf; n. qual Brit.; Informal, derogatory. def offical documents, forms, etc. bumph 2. or bumf syl bumph pos b^mf; n. qual Brit.; Slang. def toilet paper. bumping race 0. syl bump+ing race pos n. usage esp. at Oxford and Cambridge def a race in which rowing eights start an equal distance one behind the other and each tries to bump the boat in front. bump into 0. syl bump in:to pos vb. prep. mod intr. def to meet by chance; encounter unexpectedly. bumpkin ety C16 (perhaps originally applied to Dutchmen): perhaps from Dutch boomken small tree, or from Middle Dutch boomekijn small barrel, alluding to a short or squat person bumpkin H1.0. syl bump+kin pron <1b^mpkin> pos n. def an awkward simple rustic person (esp. in the phrase {country bumpkin) }. bumkin alt head bumpkin or bumpkin syl bum+kin pron <1b^mpkin> pos n. bumpkin H2.0. or bumkin syl bump+kin pron <1b^mpkin> pos n. def variant spellings of { {boomkin}}. bump off 0. syl bump off pos vb. adv. mod tr. qual Slang. def to murder; kill. bump start 1. syl bump start pos n. qual Brit. def a method of starting a motor vehicle by engaging a low gear with the clutch depressed and pushing it or allowing it to run down a hill until sufficient momentum has been acquired to turn the engine by releasing the clutch. bump-start infl head bump start syl bump-start. pos vb. bump start 2. syl bump start pos vb. mod tr. qual Brit. def to start (a motor vehicle) using this method. bumptious ety C19: perhaps a blend of #7bump+fractious bumptious 0. syl bump+tious pron <1b^mpS*s> pos adj. def offensively self-assertive or conceited. bumptiously sub head bumptious syl bump+tious+ly pos adv. bumptiousness sub head bumptious syl bump+tious+ness pos n. bump up 0. syl bump up pos vb. adv. mod tr. qual Informal. def to raise or increase. exam 1 prices are being bumped up daily. bumpier infl head bumpy syl bump:i+er pos adj. bumpiest infl head bumpy syl bump:i+est. pos adj. bumpy 1. syl bump:y pron <1b^mpi> pos adj. def having an uneven surface. exam 1 a bumpy road. bumpy 2. syl bump:y pron <1b^mpi> pos adj. def full of jolts; rough. exam 1 a bumpy flight. bumpily sub head bumpy syl bump:i+ly pos adv. bumpiness sub head bumpy syl bump:i+ness pos n. bum's rush 1. syl bum's rush pos n. qual U.S. slang. def forcible ejection, as from a gathering. bum's rush 2. syl bum's rush pos n. qual U.S. slang. def rapid dismissal, as of an idea. bum steer 0. syl bum steer pos n. qual Slang, chiefly U.S. def false or misleading information or advice. bumsucking 0. syl bum+suck+ing pron <1b^m2s^kiG> pos n. qual Brit. taboo slang. def obsequious behaviour; toadying. &- {#!bum+@!suck+er} bun ety C14: of unknown origin bun 1. syl bun pos b^n; n. def a small roll, similar to bread but usually containing sweetening, currants, spices, etc. bun 2. syl bun pos b^n; n. def a hair style in which long hair is gathered into a bun shape at the back of the head. Buna 0. syl Bu:na pron <1bu:n*>, <1bju:-> pos n. qual Trademark. def a synthetic rubber formed by polymerizing butadiene or by copolymerizing it with such compounds as acrylonitride or styrene. bunch ety C14: of obscure origin bunch 1. syl bunch pron pos n. def a number of things growing, fastened, or grouped together: a bunch 2. syl bunch pron pos n. def a collection; group. exam 1 a bunch of queries. bunch 3. syl bunch pron pos n. qual Informal. def a group or company. exam 1 a bunch of boys. bunch 4. syl bunch pron pos n. qual Archaic. def a protuberance. bunch 5. syl bunch pron pos vb. usage sometimes foll. by up def to group or be grouped into a bunch. Ralph Johnson infl head Bunche syl Ralph John:son. pos n. Bunche 0. syl Bunche pron pos n. def 1904-71, U.S. diplomat and United Nations official: awarded the Nobel peace prize in 1950 for his work as UN mediator in Palestine (1948-49); UN undersecretary (1954-71). bunches 0. syl bunch:es pron <1b^nCiz> pos n. mod pl. qual Brit. def a hair style in which hair is tied into two sections on either side of the head at the back. bunchier infl head bunchy syl bunch:i+er pos adj. bunchiest infl head bunchy syl bunch:i+est. pos adj. bunchy 1. syl bunch:y pron <1b^nCi> pos adj. def composed of or resembling bunches. bunchy 2. syl bunch:y pron <1b^nCi> pos adj. def bulging. bunchiness sub head bunchy syl bunch:i+ness pos n. bunco ety C19: perhaps from Spanish banca bank (in gambling), from Italian banca {#7bank %1} bunko alt head bunco or bunco syl bun+ko pron <1buGk*u> buncos infl head bunco or bunkos syl bun+cos pos n. mod pl. bunkos infl head bunco or buncos syl bun+kos. pos n. mod pl. bunco 1. or bunko syl bun+co pron <1buGk*u> pos n. qual U.S. informal. def a swindle, esp. one by confidence tricksters. buncos infl head bunco or bunkos syl bun+cos pos vb. buncoing infl head bunco or bunkoing syl bun+co+ing pos vb. buncoed infl head bunco or bunkoed syl bun+coed pos vb. bunkos infl head bunco or buncos syl bun+kos pos vb. bunkoing infl head bunco or buncoing syl bun+ko+ing pos vb. bunkoed infl head bunco or buncoed syl bun+koed. pos vb. bunco 2. or bunko syl bun+co pron <1buGk*u> pos vb. mod tr. qual U.S. informal. def to swindle; cheat. buncombe 0. syl bun+combe pron <1b^Gk*m> pos n. def a variant spelling (esp. U.S.) of {bunkum}. bund ety from Hindi band, from Persian; related to Sanskrit bandha {#7band %1} bund 1. syl bund pos b^nd; n. usage in India and the Far East def an embankment; dyke. bund 2. syl bund pos b^nd; n. usage in India and the Far East def an embanked road or quay. Bunds infl head Bund or Bunde syl Bunds pron German <1bynd*> pos n. mod pl. Bunde infl head Bund or Bunds syl B*"un+de pron German <1bynd*> pos n. mod pl. Bund 1. syl Bund pron , German pos n. usage sometimes not cap. def a federation or league. Bund 2. syl Bund pron , German pos n. def short for {German American Bund}, an organization of U.S. Nazis and Nazi sympathizers in the 1930s and 1940s. Bund 3. syl Bund pron , German pos n. def an organization of socialist Jewish workers in Russia founded in 1897. Bund 4. syl Bund pron , German pos n. def the confederation of N German states, which existed from 1867-71. Bundaberg 0. syl Bun+da+berg pron <1bund*2bR:g> pos n. def a city in E Australia, near the E coast of Queensland: centre of a sugar-growing area, with a nearby deep-water port. Pop.: 29100 (1975 est.). Bundelkhand 0. syl Bun+del+khand pron <2b^ndL1k^nd>, <-1x^nd> pos n. def a region of central India: formerly native states, now mainly part of Madhya Pradesh. Bundesrat ety German, from Bund federation+ Rat council Bundesrat 1. syl Bun+des+rat pron <1bund*s2ra:t> pos n. usage in West Germany def the council of state ministers with certain legislative and administrative powers, representing the state governments at federal level. Bundesrat 2. syl Bun+des+rat pron <1bund*s2ra:t> pos n. usage in Austria def an assembly with some legislative power that represents state interests at the federal level. Bundesrat 3. syl Bun+des+rat pron <1bund*s2ra:t> pos n. usage in Switzerland def the executive council of the confederation. Bundesrat 4. syl Bun+des+rat pron <1bund*s2ra:t> pos n. usage in the German empire from 1871-1918 def the council representing the governments of the constituent states, with administrative, judicial, and legislative powers. Bundestag ety German, from Bund federation+ -tag, from tagen to meet Bundestag 0. syl Bun+des+tag pron <1bund*s2ta:g> pos n. usage in West Germany def the legislative assembly, which is elected by universal adult suffrage and elects the federal chancellor. bundh 0. syl bundh pos b^nd; n. def a variant spelling of {bandh}. bundle ety C14: probably from Middle Dutch bundel; related to Old English bindele bandage; see #7bind, bond bundle 1. syl bun+dle pron <1b^ndL> pos n. def a number of things or a quantity of material gathered or loosely bound together. exam 1 a bundle of sticks. bundle 2. syl bun+dle pron <1b^ndL> pos n. def something wrapped or tied for carrying; package. bundle 3. syl bun+dle pron <1b^ndL> pos n. qual Slang. def a large sum of money. go a bundle on 4. head bundle syl go a bundle on. qual Slang. def to be extremely fond of. bundle 5. syl bun+dle pron <1b^ndL> pos n. qual Biology. def a collection of strands of specialized tissue such as nerve fibres. bundle 6. syl bun+dle pron <1b^ndL> pos n. qual Botany. def short for {vascular bundle}. bundle 7. syl bun+dle pron <1b^ndL> pos n. qual Textiles. def a measure of yarn or cloth; 60000 yards of linen yarn; 5 or 10 pounds of cotton hanks. drop one's bundle 8. head bundle syl drop one's bundle. qual Austral. slang. def to panic or give up hope. bundle 9. syl bun+dle pron <1b^ndL> pos vb. mod tr. usage often foll. by up def to make into a bundle. bundle 10. syl bun+dle pron <1b^ndL> pos vb. usage foll. by out, off, into, etc. def to go or cause to go, esp. roughly or unceremoniously. exam 1 we bundled him out of the house. bundle 11. syl bun+dle pron <1b^ndL> pos vb. mod tr. usage usually foll. by into def to push or throw, esp. quickly and untidily. exam 1 to bundle shirts into a drawer. bundle 12. syl bun+dle pron <1b^ndL> pos vb. mod intr. def to sleep or lie in one's clothes on the same bed as one's betrothed: formerly a custom in New England, Wales, and elsewhere. bundler sub head bundle syl bun+dler pos n. bundle up 1. syl bun+dle up pos vb. adv. def to dress (somebody) warmly and snugly. bundle up 2. syl bun+dle up pos vb. adv. mod tr. def to make (something) into a bundle or bundles, esp. by tying. bundobust 0. syl bun+do+bust pron <1b^nd*b^st> pos n. def a variant spelling of {bandobust}. bundu ety C20: from a Bantu language bundu 0.a. syl bun+du pron <1bundu> pos n. qual S. African and Rhodesian slang. def a largely uninhabited wild region far from towns. bundu 0.b. syl bun+du pron <1bundu> pos n. qual S. African and Rhodesian slang. usage as modifier exam 1 a bundu hat. bundu bashing 0. syl bun+du bash+ing pos n. qual Rhodesian slang. def living temporarily or travelling in the bundu. bun fight 0. syl bun fight pos n. qual Brit. slang. def a tea party. bung ety C15: from Middle Dutch bonghe, from Late Latin puncta #7puncture bung H1.1. syl bung pron pos n. def a stopper, esp. of cork or rubber, for a cask, piece of laboratory glassware, etc. bung H1.2. syl bung pron pos n. def short for {bunghole}. bung H1.3. syl bung pron pos vb. mod tr. qual Informal. usage often foll. by up def to close or seal with or as with a bung. exam 1 the car's exhaust was bunged up with mud. bung H1.4. syl bung pron pos vb. mod tr. qual Brit. slang. def to throw; sling. bung ety C16 (originally in the sense: a purse): perhaps from Old English pung, changed through the influence of #7bung %1 bung H2.1. syl bung pron pos n. qual Midland English dialect. def a gratuity; tip. bung H2.2. syl bung pron pos vb. mod tr. qual Midland English dialect. def to give (someone a tip). bung ety C19: from a native Australian language bung H3.1. syl bung pron pos adj. qual Austral. slang. def dead. bung H3.2. syl bung pron pos adj. qual Austral. slang. def destroyed. bung H3.3. syl bung pron pos adj. qual Austral. slang. def useless. bung H3.4.a. syl bung pron pos adj. qual Austral. slang. def to die. bung H3.4.b. syl bung pron pos adj. qual Austral. slang. def to fail or collapse. bungalow ety C17: from Hindi bangl*_a (house) of the Bengal type bungalow 1. syl bun+ga+low pron <1b^Gg*2l*u> pos n. def a one-storey house, sometimes with an attic. bungalow 2. syl bun+ga+low pron <1b^Gg*2l*u> pos n. usage in India def a one-storey house, usually sur?!rounded by a veranda. bunger 0. syl bung+er pron <1b^G*> pos n. qual Austral. slang. def a firework. bunghole 0. syl bung+hole pron <1b^G2h*ul> pos n. def a hole in a cask, barrel, etc., through which liquid can be poured or drained. bungle ety C16: perhaps of Scandinavian origin; compare dialect Swedish bangla to work without results bungle 1. syl bun+gle pron <1b^GgL> pos vb. mod tr. def to spoil (an operation) through clumsiness, incompetence, etc.; botch. bungle 2. syl bun+gle pron <1b^GgL> pos n. def a clumsy or unsuccessful performance or piece of work; mistake; botch. bungler sub head bungle syl bun+gler pos n. bungling sub head bungle syl bun+gling pos adj. n. Ivan Alekseyevich infl head Bunin syl I:van A:le:kse:ye:vich pron pos n. Bunin 0. syl Bu:nin pron Russian <1bunin> pos n. def 1870-1953, Russian novelist and poet; author of (1922). bunion ety C18: perhaps from obsolete bunny a swelling, of uncertain origin bunion 0. syl bun+ion pron <1b^nj*n> pos n. def swelling of the first joint of the big toe, which is displaced to one side. An inflamed bursa forms over the joint. bunk ety C19: probably short for #7bunker bunk H1.1. syl bunk pron pos n. def a narrow shelflike bed fixed along a wall. bunk H1.2. syl bunk pron pos n. def short for {bunk bed}. bunk H1.3. syl bunk pron pos n. qual Informal. def any place where one sleeps. bunk H1.4. syl bunk pron pos vb. mod intr. usage often foll. by down def to prepare to sleep. exam 1 he bunked down on the floor. bunk H1.5. syl bunk pron pos vb. mod intr. def to occupy a bunk or bed. bunk H1.6. syl bunk pron pos vb. mod tr. def to provide with a bunk or bed. bunk H2.0. syl bunk pron pos n. qual Informal. def short for {bunkum} (sense 1). bunk ety C19: perhaps from #7bunk %1 (in the sense: to occupy a bunk, hence a hurried departure, as on a ship) bunk H3.1. syl bunk pron pos n. qual Brit. slang. def a hurried departure, usually under suspicious circumstances (esp. in the phrase {do a bunk) }. bunk H3.2. syl bunk pron pos vb. mod intr. qual Brit. slang. def to run away; scram. bunk bed 0. syl bunk bed pos n. def one of a pair of beds constructed one above the other to save space. bunker ety C16 (in the sense: chest, box): from Scottish bonkar, of unknown origin bunker 1. syl bun+ker pron <1b^Gk*> pos n. def a large storage container or tank, as for coal. bunker 2. syl bun+ker pron <1b^Gk*> pos n. def Also called (esp. U.S.): {sand trap}. an obstacle on a golf course, usually a sand-filled hollow bordered by a ridge. bunker 3. syl bun+ker pron <1b^Gk*> pos n. def an underground shelter with a bank and embrasures for guns above ground. bunker 4.a. syl bun+ker pron <1b^Gk*> pos vb. def to drive (the ball) into a bunker. bunker 4.b. syl bun+ker pron <1b^Gk*> pos vb. usage passive def to have one's ball trapped in a bunker. bunker 5.a. syl bun+ker pron <1b^Gk*> pos vb. def to fuel (a ship). bunker 5.b. syl bun+ker pron <1b^Gk*> pos vb. def to transfer (cargo) from a ship to a storehouse. Bunker Hill 0. syl Bun+ker Hill pos n. def the first major battle of the War of American Independence at which American colonial forces were defeated by British forces on June 17, 1775. bunkhouse 0. syl bunk+house pron <1b^Gk2haus> pos n. qual U.S. def a building containing the sleeping quarters of workers on a ranch, etc. bunkos infl head bunko syl bun+kos pos vb. mod pl. bunkoing infl head bunko syl bun+ko+ing pos n. bunkoed infl head bunko syl bun+koed. pos n. bunko 0. syl bun+ko pron <1b^Gk*u> pos n. def a variant spelling of {bunco}. bunkum ety C19: after Buncombe, a county in North Carolina, alluded to in an inane speech by its Congressional representative Felix Walker (about 1820) ********************************************************************** alluded to in an inane speech by its Congressional representative Felix Walker (about 1820) ********************************************************************** buncombe alt head bunkum or bunkum syl bun+combe pron <1b^Gk*m> pos n. bunkum 1. or buncombe syl bun+kum pron <1b^Gk*m> pos n. def empty talk; non?!sense. bunkum 2. or buncombe syl bun+kum pron <1b^Gk*m> pos n. qual Chiefly U.S. def empty or insincere speechmaking by a politician to please voters or gain publicity. bunny ety C17: from Scottish Gaelic bun scut of a rabbit bunnies infl head bunny syl bun+nies. pos n. mod pl. bunny 1. syl bun+ny pron <1b^ni> pos n. def Also called: {bunny rabbit}. a child's word for {rabbit} (sense 1). bunny 2. syl bun+ny pron <1b^ni> pos n. def Also called: {bunny girl}. a night-club hostess whose costume includes rabbit-like tail and ears. bunny 3. syl bun+ny pron <1b^ni> pos n. qual Austral. slang. def a mug; dupe. bunny hug 1. syl bun+ny hug pos n. def a ballroom dance with syncopated rhythm, popular in America in the early 20th century. bunny hug 2. syl bun+ny hug pos n. def a piece of music in the rhythm of this dance. bunraku 0. syl bun+rak:u pron pos n. def a Japanese form of puppet theatre in which each puppet is manipulated by three puppeteers. Robert Wilhelm infl head Bunsen syl Ro:bert Wil:helm pron <1ro:bert> <1vilhelm> pos n. Bunsen 0. syl Bun:sen pron <1b^nsN>, German <1bunzN> pos n. def 1811-99, German chemist who with Kirchhoff developed spectrum analysis and discovered the elements caesium and rubidium. He invented the Bunsen burner and the ice calorimeter. Bunsen burner ety C19: named after R. W. B#7unsen Bunsen burner 0. syl Bun+sen burn+er pos n. def a gas burner, widely used in scientific laboratories, consisting of a metal tube with an adjustable air valve at the base. bunt ety C19: perhaps nasalized variant of #7{butt %3} bunt H1.1. syl bunt pos b^nt; vb. usage of an animal def to butt (something) with the head or horns. bunt H1.2. syl bunt pos b^nt; vb. def to cause (an aircraft) to fly in part of an inverted loop or (of an aircraft) to fly in such a loop. bunt H1.3. syl bunt pos b^nt; vb. usage U.S. in baseball def to hit (a pitched ball) very gently. {~} bunt H1.4. syl bunt pos b^nt; vb. def the act or an instance of bunting. bunt ety C16: perhaps from Middle Low German bunt #7bundle bunt H2.0. syl bunt pos b^nt; n. qual Nautical. def the baggy centre of a fishing net or other piece of fabric, such as a square sail. bunt ety C17: of unknown origin bunt H3.0. syl bunt pos b^nt; n. def a disease of cereal plants caused by smut fungi (genus . buntal ety C20: from Tagalog buntal 0. syl bunt+al pron <1b^ntL> pos n. def straw obtained from leaves of the talipot palm. bunting ety C18: of unknown origin bunting H1.1. syl bunt+ing pron <1b^ntiG> pos n. def a coarse, loosely woven cotton fabric used for flags, etc. bunting H1.2. syl bunt+ing pron <1b^ntiG> pos n. def decorative flags, pennants, and streamers. bunting H1.3. syl bunt+ing pron <1b^ntiG> pos n. def flags collectively, esp. those of a boat. bunting ety C13: of unknown origin bunting H2.0. syl bunt+ing pron <1b^ntiG> pos n. def any of numerous seed-eating songbirds of the families (finches, etc.) or esp. those of the genera of the Old World and of North America. They all have short stout bills. buntline 0. syl bunt+line pron <1b^ntlin>, <-2lIn> pos n. qual Nautical. def one of several lines fastened to the foot of a square sail for hauling it up to the yard when furling. Luis infl head Bunuel syl Luis pos n. Bunuel 0. syl Bu*~n:uel pron Spanish pos n. usage lwis). born 1900, Spanish film director. He collaborated with Salvador Dali on the first surrealist films,; Un Chien andalou 1929 def and (1930). His later films include (1961), (1966), (1972), and (1977). bunya-bunya ety from a native Australian language bunya-bunya 0. syl bun:ya-bun:ya pron <1b^nj*1b^nj*> pos n. def a tall dome-shaped Australian coniferous tree, having edible seeds and thickish flattened needles. John infl head Bunyan syl John. pos n. Bunyan 0. syl Bun:yan pron <1b^nj*n> pos n. def 1628-88, English preacher and writer, noted particularly for his allegory (1678). bunyip ety C19: from a native Australian language bunyip 0. syl bun+yip pron <1b^njip> pos n. qual Austral. def a legendary monster said to inhabit swamps and lagoons of the Australian interior. Buonaparte 0. syl Buo:na:par:te pron <2bwona1partA> pos n. def the Italian spelling of {Bonaparte}. Buonarroti 0. syl Buo:nar:ro:ti pron Italian <2bwonar1rc:ti> pos n. def See {Michelangelo}. buoy ety C13: probably of Germanic origin; compare Middle Dutch boeie, boeye; see #7beacon buoy 1. syl buoy pron , U.S. <1bu:i> pos n. def a distinctively shaped and coloured float, anchored to the bottom, for designating moorings, navigable channels, or obstructions in a body of water. See also {life buoy}. buoy 2. syl buoy pron , U.S. <1bu:i> pos vb. mod tr. usage usually foll. by up def to prevent from sinking. exam 1 the life belt buoyed him up. buoy 3. syl buoy pron , U.S. <1bu:i> pos vb. mod tr. usage usually foll. by up def to raise the spirits of; hearten. buoy 4. syl buoy pron , U.S. <1bu:i> pos vb. mod tr. qual Nautical. def to mark (a channel or obstruction) with a buoy or buoys. buoy 5. syl buoy pron , U.S. <1bu:i> pos vb. mod intr. def to rise to the surface; float. buoyage 1. syl buoy+age pron <1bciiJ> pos n. def a system of buoys. buoyage 2. syl buoy+age pron <1bciiJ> pos n. def the buoys used in such a system. buoyage 3. syl buoy+age pron <1bciiJ> pos n. def the providing of buoys. buoyancy 1. syl buoy+an+cy pron <1bci*nsi> pos n. def the ability to float in a liquid or to rise in liquid, air, or other gas. buoyancy 2. syl buoy+an+cy pron <1bci*nsi> pos n. def the tendency of a fluid to exert a lifting effect on a body that is wholly or partly sub?!merged in it. buoyancy 3. syl buoy+an+cy pron <1bci*nsi> pos n. def the ability to recover quickly after setbacks; resilience. buoyancy 4. syl buoy+an+cy pron <1bci*nsi> pos n. def cheerfulness. buoyant ety C16: probably from Spanish boyante, from boyar to float, from boya buoy, ultimately of Germanic origin buoyant 1. syl buoy+ant pron <1bci*nt> pos adj. def able to float in or rise to the surface of a liquid. buoyant 2. syl buoy+ant pron <1bci*nt> pos adj. usage of a liquid or gas def able to keep a body afloat or cause it to rise. buoyant 3. syl buoy+ant pron <1bci*nt> pos adj. def cheerful or resilient. buprestid ety C19: from Latin buprestis poisonous beetle, causing the cattle who eat it to swell up, from Greek, from bous ox+ pr*_ethein to swell up buprestid 1. syl bu+pres+tid pron pos n. def any beetle of the mainly tropical family the adults of which are brilliantly coloured and the larvae of which bore into and cause damage to trees, roots, etc. buprestid 2. syl bu+pres+tid pron pos adj. def of, relating to, or belonging to the family bur ety C14: probably of Scandinavian origin; compare Danish burre bur, Swedish kardborre burdock bur 1. syl bur pron pos n. def a seed vessel or flower head, as of burdock, having hooks or prickles. bur 2. syl bur pron pos n. def any plant that produces burs. bur 3. syl bur pron pos n. def a person or thing that clings like a bur. bur 4. syl bur pron pos n. def a small surgical or dental drill. bur 5. syl bur pron pos n. def a variant spelling of {burr} %3, {burr} %4. burs infl head bur syl burs pos vb. burring infl head bur syl bur+ring pos vb. burred infl head bur syl burred. pos vb. bur 6. syl bur pron pos vb. mod tr. def to remove burs from. {~} Also (for senses 1-4, 6): {burr}. BUR 0. syl BUR usage international car registration for def Burma. Bur 0. syl Bur. qual abbrev. for def Burma. buran ety from Russian, of Turkic origin; related to Kazan Tatar buran bura alt head buran or buran syl bu:ra pron pos n. buran 1. or bura syl bu+ran pron pos n. usage in central Asia def a blizzard, with the wind blowing from the north and reaching gale force. buran 2. or bura syl bu+ran pron pos n. usage in central Asia def a summer wind from the north, causing dust storms. Buraida alt head Buraydah or Buraydah syl Bu+rai+da pron pos n. Buraydah 0. or Buraida syl Bu+ray+dah pron pos n. def a town and oasis in central Saudi Arabia. Pop.: 50000 (1961 est.). Richard infl head Burbage syl Rich:ard. pos n. Burbage 0. syl Bur:bage pron <1bR:biJ> pos n. def ??1567-1619, English actor, closely associated with Shakespeare. Burberries infl head Burberry syl Bur+ber+ries. pos n. mod pl. Burberry 0. syl Bur+ber+ry pron <1bR:b*ri> pos n. qual Trademark. def a light good-quality raincoat, esp. of gabardine. burble ety C14: probably of imitative origin; compare Spanish borbollar to bubble, gush, Italian borbugliare burble 1. syl bur+ble pron <1bR:bL> pos vb. def to make or utter with a bubbling sound; gurgle. burble 2. syl bur+ble pron <1bR:bL> pos vb. mod intr. usage often foll. by away or on def to talk quickly and excitedly. burble 3. syl bur+ble pron <1bR:bL> pos vb. mod intr. usage of the airflow around a body def to become turbulent. burble 4. syl bur+ble pron <1bR:bL> pos n. def a bubbling or gurgling sound. burble 5. syl bur+ble pron <1bR:bL> pos n. def a flow of excited speech. burble 6. syl bur+ble pron <1bR:bL> pos n. def turbulence in the airflow around a body. burbler sub head burble syl bur+bler pos n. burbot ety C14: from Old French bourbotte, from bourbeter to wallow in mud, from bourbe mud, probably of Celtic origin burbots infl head burbot or burbot syl bur+bots pos n. mod pl. burbot infl or burbots syl bur+bot. pos n. mod pl. burbot 0. syl bur+bot pron <1bR:b*t> pos n. def a freshwater gadoid food fish, that has barbels around its mouth and occurs in Europe, Asia, and North America. burden ety Old English byrthen; related to beran to #7bear, Old Frisian berthene burden, Old High German burdin burden H1.1. syl bur+den pron <1bR:dN> pos n. def something that is carried; load. burden H1.2. syl bur+den pron <1bR:dN> pos n. def something that is exacting, oppressive, or difficult to bear. exam 1 the burden of responsibility. burden H1.3.a. syl bur+den pron <1bR:dN> pos n. def the cargo capacity of a ship. burden H1.3.b. syl bur+den pron <1bR:dN> pos n. def the weight of a ship's cargo. burden H1.4. syl bur+den pron <1bR:dN> pos vb. mod tr. usage sometimes foll. by up def to put or impose a burden on; load. burden H1.5. syl bur+den pron <1bR:dN> pos vb. mod tr. def to weigh down; oppress. exam 1 the old woman was burdened with cares. burden ety C16: from Old French bourdon bass horn, droning sound, of imitative origin burden H2.1. syl bur+den pron <1bR:dN> pos n. def a line of words recurring at the end of each verse of a ballad or similar song; chorus or refrain. burden H2.2. syl bur+den pron <1bR:dN> pos n. def the principal or recurrent theme of a speech, book, etc. burden H2.3. syl bur+den pron <1bR:dN> pos n. def another word for {bourdon}. burden of proof 0. syl bur+den of proof pos n. qual Law. def the obligation, in criminal cases resting initially on the prosecution, to provide evidence that will convince the court or jury of the truth of one's contention. burdensome 0. syl bur+den+some pron <1bR:dNs*m> pos adj. def hard to bear; onerous. burdock ety C16: from #7bur+{dock %4} burdock 0. syl bur+dock pron <1bR:2dok> pos n. def a coarse weedy Eurasian plant of the genus having large heart-shaped leaves, tiny purple flowers surrounded by hooked bristles, and burlike fruits: family (composites). bureau ety C17: from French: desk, office, originally: type of cloth used for covering desks and tables, from Old French burel, from Late Latin burra shaggy cloth bureaus infl head bureau or bureaux syl bu+reaus pron <-r*uz> pos n. mod pl. bureaux infl head bureau or bureaus syl bu+reaux pron <-r*uz> pos n. mod pl. bureau 1. syl bu+reau pron <1bju*r*u> pos n. qual Chiefly Brit. def a writing desk with pigeonholes, drawers, etc., against which the writing surface can be closed when not in use. bureau 2. syl bu+reau pron <1bju*r*u> pos n. qual U.S. def a chest of drawers. bureau 3. syl bu+reau pron <1bju*r*u> pos n. def an office or agency, esp. one providing services for the public. bureau 4.a. syl bu+reau pron <1bju*r*u> pos n. def a government department. bureau 4.b. syl bu+reau pron <1bju*r*u> pos n. def a branch of a government department. cies infl head bureaucracy syl +cies. pos n. mod pl. bureaucracy 1. syl bu+reau+cra+cy pron pos n. def a system of administration based upon organization into bureaus, division of labour, a hierarchy of authority, etc.: designed to dispose of a large body of work in a routine manner. bureaucracy 2. syl bu+reau+cra+cy pron pos n. def government by such a system. bureaucracy 3. syl bu+reau+cra+cy pron pos n. def government or other officials collectively. bureaucracy 4. syl bu+reau+cra+cy pron pos n. def any administration in which action is impeded by unnecessary official procedures and red tape. bureaucrat 1. syl bu+reau+crat pron <1bju*r*2kr@t> pos n. def an official in a bureaucracy. bureaucrat 2. syl bu+reau+crat pron <1bju*r*2kr@t> pos n. def an official who adheres to bureaucracy, esp. rigidly. bureaucratic sub head bureaucrat syl bu+reau+1crat+ic pos adj. bureaucratically sub head bureaucrat syl bu+reau+1crat:i+cal+ly pos adv. bureaucratism sub head bureaucrat syl bu+reau+crat+ism pron pos n. bureaucratise alt head bureaucratize or bureaucratize syl bu+reau+cra+tise pron pos vb. mod tr. bureaucratize 0. or bureaucratise syl bu+reau+cra+tize pron pos vb. mod tr. def to administer by or transform into a bureaucracy. &- {bu+@!reau+crat@.i+#!za+tion} {bu+@!reau+crat@.i+#!sa+tion} burette ety C15: from French: cruet, oil can, from Old French buire ewer, of Germanic origin; compare Old English b*_uc pitcher, belly buret alt head burette or burette syl bu+ret pron pos n. burette 0. or buret syl bu+rette pron pos n. def a graduated glass tube with a stopcock on one end for dispensing and transferring known volumes of fluids, esp. liquids. burg ety C18 (in the sense: fortress): from Old High German burg fortified town; see #7borough burg 1. syl burg pron pos n. qual History. def a fortified town. burg 2. syl burg pron pos n. qual U.S. informal. def a town or city. burgage ety C14: from Medieval Latin burg*_agium, from burgus, from Old English burg; see #7borough burgage 1. syl burg+age pron <1bR:giJ> pos n. qual History. usage in England def tenure of land or tenement in a town or city, which originally involved a fixed money rent. burgage 2. syl burg+age pron <1bR:giJ> pos n. qual History. usage in Scotland def the tenure of land direct from the crown in Scottish royal burghs in return for watching and warding. Burgas 0. syl Bur+gas pron Bulgarian pos n. def a port in SE Bulgaria on an inlet of the Black Sea. Pop.: 106115 (1965). burgee ety C18: perhaps from French (Jersey dialect) bourgeais shipowner, from Old French borgeis; see #7bourgeois, burgess burgee 0. syl bur+gee pron <1bR:JE> pos n. qual Nautical. def a triangular or swallow-tailed flag flown from the mast of a merchant ship for identification and from the mast of a yacht to indicate its owner's membership of a particular yacht club. Burgenland 0. syl Bur+gen+land pron German <1burgN2lant> pos n. def a province of E Austria. Capital: Eisenstadt. Pop.: 272119 (1971). Area: 3965 sq. km (1531 sq. miles). burgeon ety C13: from Old French burjon, perhaps ultimately from Late Latin burra shaggy cloth; from the downi?!ness of certain buds bourgeon alt head burgeon or burgeon syl bour+geon pron <1bR:J*n> pos vb. burgeon 1. or bourgeon syl bur+geon pron <1bR:J*n> pos vb. usage often foll. by forth or out; of a plant def to sprout (buds). burgeon 2. or bourgeon syl bur+geon pron <1bR:J*n> pos vb. mod intr. usage often foll. by forth or out def to develop or grow rapidly; flourish. burgeon 3. or bourgeon syl bur+geon pron <1bR:J*n> pos n. def a bud of a plant. burger 1.a. syl burg+er pron <1bR:g*> pos n. def short for {ham?!burger}. burger 1.b. syl burg+er pron <1bR:g*> pos n. usage in combination exam 1 a cheeseburger. burger 2. syl burg+er pron <1bR:g*> pos n. qual Slang. def a graze. Gottfried August infl head Burger syl Gott:fried Au:gust pron <1gctfrEt> <1august> pos n. Burger 0. syl B*"ur:ger pron German <1byrg*r> pos n. def 1747-94, German lyric poet, noted particularly for his ballad (1773). burgess ety C13: from Old French burgeis, from borc town, from Late Latin burgus, of Germanic origin; see #7borough burgess 1.a. syl bur+gess pron <1bR:Jis> pos n. def a citizen or freeman of a borough. burgess 1.b. syl bur+gess pron <1bR:Jis> pos n. def any inhabitant of a borough. burgess 2. syl bur+gess pron <1bR:Jis> pos n. qual English history. def a Member of Parliament from a borough, corporate town, or university. burgess 3. syl bur+gess pron <1bR:Jis> pos n. def a member of the colonial assembly of Maryland or Virginia. Anthony 1. head Burgess syl An:tho:ny. def born 1917, English novelist and critic: author of satirical novels, such as (1962), (1966), and (1977). Guy 2. head Burgess syl Guy. def 1911-63, British spy, who fled to the Soviet Union (with Donald Maclean) in 1951. burgh ety C14: Scottish form of #7borough burgh 1. syl burgh pron <1b^r*> pos n. usage in Scotland def a town that enjoys a degree of self-government: incorporated by charter. See also {large burgh, small burgh}. burgh 2. syl burgh pron <1b^r*> pos n. def an archaic form of { {borough} (sense 1)}. burghal sub head burgh syl burgh+al pron <1bR:gL> pos adj. burgher ety C16: from German B*"urger, or Dutch burger freeman of a #7borough burgher 1. syl burgh+er pron <1bR:g*> pos n. def a member of the trading or mercantile class of a medieval city. burgher 2. syl burgh+er pron <1bR:g*> pos n. def a respectable citizen; bourgeois. burgher 3. syl burgh+er pron <1bR:g*> pos n. qual Archaic. def a citizen or inhabitant of a corporate town, esp. on the Continent. Burleigh alt head Burghley or Burghley syl Bur:leigh pron <1bR:li> pos n. William Cecil infl head Burghley syl Wil:liam Cec:il pos n. Burghley 0. or Burleigh syl Burgh:ley pron <1bR:li> pos n. def 1st Baron Burghley. 1520-98, English statesman: chief adviser to Elizabeth I; secretary of state (1558-72) and Lord High Treasurer (1572-98). burglar ety C15: from Anglo-French burgler, from Medi?!eval Latin burgl*_ator, probably from burg*_are to thieve, from Latin burgus castle, fortress, of Germanic origin burglar 0. syl bur+glar pron <1bR:gl*> pos n. def a person who commits burglary; housebreaker. burglarise alt head burglarize or burglarize syl bur+glar+ise pron <1bR:gl*2rIz> pos vb. mod tr. burglarize 0. or burglarise syl bur+glar+ize pron <1bR:gl*2rIz> pos vb. mod tr. qual U.S. def to break into (a place) and steal from (someone); burgle. burglaries infl head burglary syl bur+gla+ries. pos n. mod pl. burglary 0. syl bur+gla+ry pron <1bR:gl*ri> pos n. qual English criminal law. def the crime of either entering a building as a trespasser with the intention of committing theft, rape, grievous bodily harm, or damage, or, having entered as a trespasser, of committing one or more of these offences. &- {bur+glar@.i+ous} (b$z$:#!gl$e$$r$I$$s) burgle 0. syl bur+gle pron <1bR:gL> pos vb. def to commit burglary upon (a house, etc.). burgomaster ety C16: partial translation of Dutch burgemeester; see #7borough, master burgomaster 1. syl bur+go+mas+ter pron <1bR:g*2ma:st*> pos n. def the chief magistrate of a town in Austria, Belgium, Germany, or the Netherlands; mayor. burgomaster 2. syl bur+go+mas+ter pron <1bR:g*2ma:st*> pos n. def a popular name for the {glaucous gull}. burgonet ety C16: from French bourguignotte, from bourguignot of Burgundy, from Bourgogne Burgundy burgonet 0. syl bur+go+net pron <1bR:g*2net> pos n. def a light 16th-century helmet, usually made of steel, with hinged cheekpieces. burgoo ety C18: perhaps from Arabic burghul crushed grain burgoos infl head burgoo syl bur+goos. pos n. mod pl. burgoo 1. syl bur+goo pron <1bR:gu:>, pos n. qual Nautical slang. def porridge. burgoo 2.a. syl bur+goo pron <1bR:gu:>, pos n. def a thick highly seasoned soup or stew of meat and vegetables. burgoo 2.b. syl bur+goo pron <1bR:gu:>, pos n. def a picnic or gathering at which such soup is served. John infl head Burgoyne syl John. pos n. Burgoyne 0. syl Bur:goyne pron pos n. def 1722-92, British general in the War of American Independence who was forced to surrender at Saratoga (1777). burgrave ety C16: from German Burggraf, from Old High German burg #7borough+ gr*_ave count burgrave 1. syl bur+grave pron <1bR:grAv> pos n. def the military governor of a German town or castle, esp. in the 12th and 13th centuries. burgrave 2. syl bur+grave pron <1bR:grAv> pos n. def a nobleman ruling a German town or castle by hereditary right. Burgundies infl head Burgundy syl Bur+gun+dies. pos n. mod pl. Burgundy 1. syl Bur+gun+dy pron <1bR:g*ndi> pos n. def a region of E France famous for its wines, lying west of the Sa*^one: formerly a semi-independent duchy; annexed to France in 1482. French name: {Bourgogne}. Free County of 2. head Burgundy syl Free County of. def another name for {Franche-Comt*'e}. Burgundy 3. syl Bur+gun+dy pron <1bR:g*ndi> pos n. def a monarchy (1384-1477) of medieval Europe, at its height including the Low Countries, the duchy of Burgundy, and Franche-Comt*'e. Kingdom of 4. head Burgundy syl Kingdom of. def a kingdom in E France, established in the early 6th century #7a.d., eventually including the later duchy of Burgundy, Franche-Comt*'e, and the Kingdom of Provence: known as the Kingdom of Arles from the 13th century. Burgundy 5.a. syl Bur+gun+dy pron <1bR:g*ndi> pos n. def any red or white wine produced in the region of Burgundy, around Dijon. Burgundy 5.b. syl Bur+gun+dy pron <1bR:g*ndi> pos n. def any heavy red table wine. Burgundy 6. syl Bur+gun+dy pron <1bR:g*ndi> pos n. usage often not cap. def a blackish-purple to purplish-red colour. Burgundian sub head Burgundy syl Bur+gun+di:an pron pos adj. n. burhel 0. syl bur+hel pron <1b^r*l> pos n. def a variant spelling of {bharal}. burial ety Old English byrgels burial place, tomb; see #7bury, {-#7al %2} burial 0. syl bur+i:al pron <1beri*l> pos n. def the act of burying, esp. the interment of a dead body. burial ground 0. syl bur+i:al ground pos n. def a graveyard or cemetery. burier 0. syl bur:i+er pron <1beri*> pos n. def a person or thing that buries. burin ety C17: from French, perhaps from Italian burino, of Germanic origin: compare Old High German boro auger; see #7{bore %1} burin 1. syl bu+rin pron <1bju*rin> pos n. def a chisel of tempered steel with a sharp lozenge-shaped point, used for engraving furrows in metal, wood, or marble. burin 2. syl bu+rin pron <1bju*rin> pos n. def an engraver's individual style. burin 3. syl bu+rin pron <1bju*rin> pos n. qual Archaeol. def a prehistoric flint tool with a very small transverse edge. burk ety C20: shortened from Berkeley or Berkshire Hunt, rhyming slang for cunt berk alt head burk or burk syl berk pron pos n. burk 0. or berk syl burk pron pos n. qual Brit. slang. def a stupid person; fool. burka ety C19: from Arabic burka 0. syl bur+ka pron <1bR:k*> pos n. def a long enveloping garment worn by Muslim women in public. burke ety C19: named after W. Burke (1792-1829), Irishman executed in Edinburgh for a murder of this type burke 1. syl burke pron pos vb. mod tr. def to murder in such a way as to leave no marks on the body, usually by suffocation. burke 2. syl burke pron pos vb. mod tr. def to get rid of, silence, or suppress. Edmund 1. head Burke syl Ed:mund. def 1729-97, British Whig statesman, conservative political theorist, and orator: defended parliamentary government and campaigned for a more liberal treatment of the American colonies. Robert O'hara 2. head Burke syl Rob:ert O':ha:ra. def 1820-61, Irish explorer, who led the first expedition (1860-61) across Australia from South to North. He was accompanied by W. J. Wills, George Grey, and John King; King alone survived the return journey. burl ety C15: from Old French burle tuft of wool, probably ultimately from Late Latin burra shaggy cloth burl H1.1. syl burl pron pos n. def a small knot or lump in wool. burl H1.2. syl burl pron pos n. def a roundish warty outgrowth from the trunk, roots, or branches of certain trees. burl H1.3. syl burl pron pos vb. mod tr. def to remove the burls from (cloth). burler sub head burl syl burl+er pos n. burl ety C20: perhaps from #7birl in northern English dialect sense: a twist or turn birl alt head burl or burl syl birl pron pos n. burl H2.0. or birl syl burl pron pos n. qual Austral. informal. def an attempt; try (esp. in the phrase {give it a burl}) . burlap ety C17: from borel coarse cloth, from Old French burel (see #7bureau) #7+{lap %1} burlap 0. syl bur+lap pron <1bR:l@p> pos n. def a coarse fabric woven from jute, hemp, or the like. Burleigh 0. syl Bur:leigh pron <1bR:li> pos n. def a variant spelling of {Burghley}. burlesque ety C17: from French, from Italian burlesco, from burla a jest, piece of nonsense burlesk alt head burlesque or burlesque syl bur+lesk pron pos n. burlesque 1. or burlesk syl bur+lesque pron pos n. def an artistic work, esp. literary or dramatic, satirizing a subject by caricaturing it. burlesque 2. or burlesk syl bur+lesque pron pos n. def a ludicrous imitation or caricature. burlesque 3. or burlesk syl bur+lesque pron pos n. def a play of the 17th-19th centuries that parodied some contemporary dramatic fashion or event. burlesque 4. or burlesk syl bur+lesque pron pos n. qual U.S. theatre. def a bawdy comedy show of the late 19th and early 20th centuries: the striptease eventually became one of its chief elements. Slang name: {burleycue}. burlesque 5. or burlesk syl bur+lesque pron pos adj. def of, relating to, or characteristic of a burlesque. burlesques infl head burlesque or burlesks syl bur+lesques pos vb. burlesquing infl head burlesque or burlesking syl bur+lesqu+ing pos vb. burlesqued infl head burlesque or burlesked syl bur+lesqued pos vb. burlesks infl head burlesque or burlesques syl bur+lesks pos vb. burlesking infl head burlesque or burlesquing syl bur+lesk+ing pos vb. burlesked infl head burlesque or burlesqued syl bur+lesked. pos vb. burlesque 6. or burlesk syl bur+lesque pron pos vb. def to represent or imitate (a person or thing) in a ludicrous way; caricature. burlesquer sub head burlesque or burlesker syl bur+1les+quer pos n. burlesker sub head burlesque or burlesquer syl bur+1lesk+er pos n. burley ety C19: probably from the name Burley burley 0. syl bur+ley pron <1bR:li> pos n. def a light thin-leaved tobacco, grown esp. in Kentucky. Burlington 1. syl Bur+ling+ton pron <1bR:liGt*n> pos n. def a city in S Canada on Lake Ontario, northeast of Hamilton. Pop.: 87023 (1971). Burlington 2. syl Bur+ling+ton pron <1bR:liGt*n> pos n. def a city in NW Vermont on Lake Champlain: largest city in the state; University of Vermont (1791). Pop.: 38633 (1970). burly ety C13: of Germanic origin; compare Old High German burl*_ih lofty burlier infl head burly syl bur+li+er pos adj. burliest infl head burly syl bur+li+est. pos adj. burly 0. syl bur+ly pron <1bR:li> pos adj. def large and thick of build; sturdy; stout. burliness sub head burly syl bur+li+ness pos n. Burma 0. syl Bur+ma pron <1bR:m*> pos n. def a republic in SE Asia, on the Bay of Bengal and the Andaman Sea: unified from small states in 1752; annexed by Britain (1823-85) and made a province of India in 1886; became independent in 1948. It is generally mountainous, with the basins of the Chindwin and Irrawaddy Rivers in the central part and the Irrawaddy delta in the south. Language: Burmese. Religion: chiefly Buddhist. Currency: kyat. Capital: Rangoon. Pop.: 28885867 (1972). Area: 678000 sq. km (261789 sq. miles). Official name: {Socialist Republic of the Union of Burma}. bur marigold 0. syl bur mar:i+gold pos n. def any plant of the genus that has yellow flowers and pointed fruits that cling to fur and clothing: family (composites). Also called: {beggar-ticks, sticktight}. Burma Road 0. syl Bur+ma Road pos n. def the route extending from Lashio in Burma to Chungking in China, which was used by the Allies during World@T War@T II@T to@T supply@T military@T equipment@T to@T Chiang Kai-shek's forces in China. Burmese 1. syl Bur+mese pron pos adj. usage also def of, relating to, or characteristic of Burma, its people, or their language. Burmese infl syl Bur+mese. pos n. mod pl. Burmese 2. syl Bur+mese pron pos n. usage also def a native or inhabitant of Burma. Burmese 3. syl Bur+mese pron pos n. usage also def the official language of Burma, belonging to the Sino-Tibetan family. Burmese cat 0. syl Bur+mese cat pos n. def a breed of cat similar in shape to the Siamese but having a dark brown or blue-grey coat. burn ety Old English beornan (intr.), b@arnan (tr.); related to Old Norse brenna (tr. or intr.), Gothic brinnan (intr.), Latin ferv*_ere to boil, seethe burns infl head burn syl burns pos vb. burning infl head burn syl burn+ing pos vb. burnt infl head burn or burned syl burnt pos vb. burned infl head burn or burnt syl burned. pos vb. burn H1.1. syl burn pron pos vb. def to undergo or cause to undergo combustion. burn H1.2. syl burn pron pos vb. def to destroy or be destroyed by fire. burn H1.3. syl burn pron pos vb. mod tr. def to damage, injure, or mark by heat. exam 1 he burnt his hand; exam 2 she was burnt by the sun. burn H1.4. syl burn pron pos vb. def to die or put to death by fire. exam 1 to burn at the stake. burn H1.5. syl burn pron pos vb. mod intr. def to be or feel hot. exam 1 my forehead burns. burn H1.6. syl burn pron pos vb. def to smart or cause to smart. exam 1 brandy burns one's throat. burn H1.7. syl burn pron pos vb. mod intr. def to feel strong emotion, esp. anger or passion. burn H1.8. syl burn pron pos vb. mod tr. def to use for the purposes of light, heat, or power. exam 1 to burn coal. burn H1.9. syl burn pron pos vb. mod tr. def to form by or as if by fire. exam 1 to burn a hole. burn H1.10. syl burn pron pos vb. def to char or become charred. exam 1 the potatoes are burning in the saucepan. burn H1.11. syl burn pron pos vb. mod tr. def to brand or cauterize. burn H1.12. syl burn pron pos vb. def to produce by or subject to heat as part of a process. exam 1 to burn charcoal. burn H1.13. syl burn pron pos vb. qual Card games, chiefly Brit. def to discard or exchange (one or more useless cards). burn H1.14. syl burn pron pos vb. mod tr. qual Informal. usage usually passive def to cheat, esp. financially. burn H1.15. syl burn pron pos vb. qual Slang, chiefly U.S. def to electrocute or be electrocuted. burn one's boats 16. head burn or bridges syl burn one's boats qual Informal. def to proceed in such a way as to eliminate all alternative courses of action. burn the candle at both ends 17. head burn syl burn the candle at both ends. qual Informal. def to overwork or take on too much. burn one's fingers 18. head burn syl burn one's fingers. qual Informal. def to suffer from having meddled or interfered. burn H1.19. syl burn pron pos n. def an injury caused by exposure to heat, electrical, chemical, or radioactive agents. Burns are classified according to the depth of tissue affected: {first-degree burn}: skin surface painful and red; {second-degree burn}: blisters appear on the skin; {third-degree burn}: destruction of both epidermis and dermis. burn H1.20. syl burn pron pos n. def a mark, e.g. on wood, caused by burning. burn H1.21. syl burn pron pos n. def a controlled use of rocket propellant, esp. for a course correction. burn H1.22. syl burn pron pos n. qual Slang. def tobacco or a cigarette. {~} See also {burn in, burn off, burn out}. burn ety Old English burna; related to Old Norse brunnr spring, Old High German brunno, Lithuanian bri*'autis to burst forth burn H2.0. syl burn pron pos n. qual Northern Brit. def a small stream; brook. burned 1. syl burned pron pos adj. qual Slang. def having been cheated in a sale of drugs. burned 2.a. syl burned pron pos adj. qual Slang. def revealed as a drug-peddler by a police informer. burned 2.b. syl burned pron pos adj. qual Slang. def revealed to drug-users as a police informer. burned out 0. syl burned out pos adj. qual Slang. def recovered from dependence on drugs. Burne-Jones 0. syl Burne-Jones pron <1bR:n> <1J*unz> pos n. def Sir {Ed@.ward}. 1833-98, English Pre-Raphaelite painter and designer of stained-glass windows and tapestries. burner 1. syl burn+er pron <1bR:n*> pos n. def the part of a stove, lamp, etc., that produces flame or heat. burner 2. syl burn+er pron <1bR:n*> pos n. def an apparatus for burning something, as fuel or refuse. exam 1 an oil burner. burnet ety C14: from Old French burnete, variant of brunete dark brown (see #7brunette) ; so-called from the colour of the flowers of some of the plants burnet 1. syl bur+net pron <1bR:nit> pos n. def a plant of the rosaceous genus (or such as (or ({salad burnet}) , which has purple-tinged green flowers and leaves that are sometimes used for salads. burnet rose 2. head burnet syl burnet rose. def Also called: {Scotch rose}. a very prickly Eurasian rose, with white flowers and purplish-black fruits. burnet saxifrage 3. head burnet syl burnet saxifrage. def a Eurasian umbelliferous plant of the genus having umbrella-like clusters of white or pink flowers. burnet 4. syl bur+net pron <1bR:nit> pos n. def a moth of the genus having red-spotted dark green wings and antennae with enlarged tips: family Burnet 0. syl Bur:net pron , <1bR:nit> pos n. def Sir {Mac@.far@.lane} (m$$k#!f$a$:l$$n). born 1899, Australian physician and virologist, who shared a Nobel prize for medicine and physiology in 1960 with P. B. Medawar for their work in immunology. Frances Hodgson infl head Burnett syl Fran:ces Hodg:son pron <1hoJs*n> pos n. Burnett 0. syl Bur:nett pron pos n. def 1849-1924, U.S. novelist, born in England; author of (1886). Charles 1. head Burney syl Charles. def 1726-1814, English composer and music historian, whose books include (1776-89). Frances 2. head Burney syl Fran:ces. def called married name 1752-1840, English novelist and diarist: author of (1778). Her (1768-1840) are of historical interest. Burnham scale ety C20: named after Lord Burnham (1862-1933), chairman of the committee that originally set it up Burnham scale 0. syl Burn+ham scale pron <1bR:n*m> pos n. def the salary scale for teachers in English state schools, which is revised periodically. burn in 0. syl burn in pos vb. adv. mod tr. def to darken (areas on a photographic print) by exposing them to light while masking other regions. burning 1. syl burn+ing pron <1bR:niG> pos adj. def intense; passionate. burning 2. syl burn+ing pron <1bR:niG> pos adj. def urgent; crucial. exam 1 a burning problem. burning 3. syl burn+ing pron <1bR:niG> pos n. def a form of heat treatment used to harden and finish ceramic materials or to prepare certain ores for further treatment by calcination. burning 4. syl burn+ing pron <1bR:niG> pos n. def overheating of an alloy during heat treatment in which local fusion or excessive oxide formation and penetration occur, weakening the alloy. burningly sub head burning syl burn+ing+ly pos adv. burning bush 1. syl burn+ing bush pos n. def any of several shrubs or trees, esp. the wahoo, that have bright red fruits or seeds. burning bush 2. syl burn+ing bush pos n. def another name for {gas plant}. burning bush 3. syl burn+ing bush pos n. def any of several plants, esp. the summer cypress, with a bright red autumn foliage. burning bush 4. syl burn+ing bush pos n. qual Old Testament. def the bush that burned without being consumed, from which God spoke to Moses (Exodus 3:2-4). burning glass 0. syl burn+ing glass pos n. def a convex lens for concentrating the sun's rays into a small area to produce heat or fire. burnish ety C14 burnischen, from Old French brunir to make brown, from brun #7brown burnish 1. syl bur+nish pron <1bR:niS> pos vb. def to make or become shiny or smooth by friction; polish. burnish 2. syl bur+nish pron <1bR:niS> pos n. def a shiny finish; lustre. burnishable sub head burnish syl burn+ish+a:ble pos adj. burnisher sub head burnish syl burn+ish+er pos n. Burnley 0. syl Burn+ley pron <1bR:nli> pos n. def an industrial town in NW England, in E Lancashire. Pop.: 76483 (1971). burn off 1. syl burn off pos vb. adv. mod tr. def to clear (land) of vegetation by burning. {~} {burn-off}. burn off 2. syl burn off pos vb. adv. mod tr. def an act or the process of burning land off. burnoose ety C20: via French burnous from Arabic burnus, from Greek birros cloak burnous infl head burnoose or burnouse syl bur+nous pron , <-1nu:z> pos n. burnouse infl head burnoose or burnous syl bur+nouse pron , <-1nu:z> pos n. burnoose 0. syl bur+noose pron , <-1nu:z> pos n. def a long circular cloak with a hood attached, worn esp. by Arabs. burnoosed sub head burnoose or burnoused syl bur+1noosed pos adj. burnoused sub head burnoose or burnoosed syl bur+1noused pos adj. burn out 1. syl burn out pos vb. adv. def to become or cause to become worn out or inoperative as a result of heat or friction. exam 1 the clutch burnt out. burn out 2. syl burn out pos vb. adv. mod intr. usage of a rocket, jet engine, etc. def to cease functioning as a result of exhaustion of the fuel supply. burn out 3. syl burn out pos vb. adv. mod tr. usage usually passive def to destroy by fire. burn out 4. syl burn out pos vb. adv. def to become or cause to become exhausted through overwork or dissipation. burnout infl head burn out syl burn+out. pos n. burn out 5. syl burn out pos n. def the failure of a mechanical device from excessive heating. Robert infl head Burns syl Rob:ert. pos n. Burns 0. syl Burns pron pos n. def 1759-96, Scottish lyric poet. His verse, written mostly in dialect, includes love songs, nature poetry, and satires, of which and are among the best known. burnsides ety C19: named after General A. E. Burnside (1824-81), Union general in the U.S. Civil War burnsides 0. syl burn+sides pron <1bR:n2sIdz> pos n. mod pl. qual U.S. def thick side whiskers worn with a moustache and clean-shaven chin. burnt 1. syl burnt pron pos vb. def a past tense or past participle of {burn} %1. burnt 2. syl burnt pron pos adj. def affected by or as if by burning; charred. burnt 3. syl burnt pron pos adj. usage of various pigments, such as ochre and orange def calcined, with a resultant darkening of colour. burnt almond 0. syl burnt al+mond pos n. def a sweet consisting of an almond enclosed in burnt sugar. burnt offering 0. syl burnt of+fer+ing pos n. def a sacrificial offering burnt, usually on an altar, to honour, propitiate, or supplicate a deity. burnt sienna 1. syl burnt si+en+na pos n. def a reddish-brown dye or pigment obtained by roasting raw sienna in a furnace. burnt sienna 2. syl burnt si+en+na pos n. def a dark reddish-orange to reddish-brown colour. burnt umber 1. syl burnt um+ber pos n. def a brown pigment obtained by heating umber. burnt umber 2. syl burnt um+ber pos n. def a dark brown colour. burn-up 0. syl burn-up pos n. qual Slang. def a period of fast driving. bur oak 0. syl bur oak pos n. def an E North American oak, having fringed acorn cups and durable timber. buroo ety C20: from #7bureau buroos infl head buroo syl bu+roos. pos n. mod pl. buroo 1. syl bu+roo pron pos n. qual Scot. and Irish dialect. def the government office from which unemployment benefit is distrib?!uted. buroo 2. syl bu+roo pron pos n. qual Scot. and Irish dialect. def the unemployment benefit itself (esp. in the phrase {on the buroo) }. burp ety C20: of imitative origin burp 1. syl burp pron pos n. qual Informal. def a belch. burp 2. syl burp pron pos vb. mod intr. qual Informal. def to belch. burp 3. syl burp pron pos vb. mod tr. def to cause (a baby) to burp to relieve flatulence after feeding. burp gun 0. syl burp gun pos n. qual U.S. slang. def an automatic pistol or submachine gun. burr ety C14: variant of #7bur burr H1.1. syl burr pron pos n. def a small power-driven hand-operated rotary file, esp. for removing burrs or for machining recesses. burr H1.2. syl burr pron pos n. def a rough edge left on a workpiece after cutting, drilling, etc. burr H1.3. syl burr pron pos n. def a rough or irregular protuberance, such as a burl on a tree. burr H1.4.a. syl burr pron pos n. def a burl on the trunk or root of a tree, sliced across for use as decorative veneer. burr H1.5. syl burr pron pos n. def a variant spelling of {bur}. burr H1.6. syl burr pron pos vb. mod tr. def to form a rough edge on (a workpiece). burr H1.7. syl burr pron pos vb. mod tr. def to remove burrs from (a workpiece); deburr. burr ety C18: either special use of #7bur (in the sense: rough sound) or of imitative origin burr H2.1. syl burr pron pos n. qual Phonetics. def an articulation of (r) characteristic of certain English dialects, esp. the uvular fricative trill of Northumberland or the retroflex of the West of England. burr H2.2. syl burr pron pos n. def a whirring sound. burr H2.3. syl burr pron pos vb. def to pronounce (words) with a burr. burr H2.4. syl burr pron pos vb. def to make a whirring sound. burr ety C16 (in the sense: broad ring on a spear): variant of burrow (in obsolete sense: #7borough) bur alt head burr or burr syl bur pron pos n. burr H3.1. or bur syl burr pron pos n. def a washer fitting around the end of a rivet. burr H3.2. or bur syl burr pron pos n. def a blank punched out of sheet metal. burr ety C18: probably from #7bur, from its qualities of roughness buhr infl head burr or bur syl buhr pron pos n. bur infl head burr or buhr syl bur pron pos n. burr H4.1. syl burr pron pos n. def short for {buhrstone}. burr H4.2. syl burr pron pos n. def a mass of hard siliceous rock surrounded by softer rock. burrawang ety C19: from Mount Budawang, New South Wales burrawang 0. syl bur+ra+wang pron <1b^r*w@G> pos n. def any of several Australian cycads of the genus having an edible nut. bur reed 0. syl bur reed pos n. def a marsh plant of the genus having narrow leaves, round clusters of small green flowers, and round prickly fruit: family burro ety Spanish, from Portuguese, from burrico donkey, ultimately from Latin burr*_icus small horse burros infl head burro syl bur+ros. pos n. mod pl. burro 0. syl bur+ro pron <1bur*u> pos n. def a donkey, esp. one used as a pack animal. Edgar Rice 1. head Burroughs syl Ed:gar Rice. def 1875-1950, U.S. novelist, author of the stories. William 2. head Burroughs syl Wil:liam. def born 1914, U.S. novelist, noted for his works portraying the life of drug addicts, esp. (1959), and his science fiction, including (1962) and (1964). burrow ety C13: probably a variant of #7borough burrow 1. syl bur+row pron <1b^r*u> pos n. def a hole or tunnel dug in the ground by a rabbit, fox, or other small animal, for habitation or shelter. burrow 2. syl bur+row pron <1b^r*u> pos n. def a small snug place affording shelter or retreat. burrow 3. syl bur+row pron <1b^r*u> pos vb. def to dig (a burrow) in, through, or under (ground). burrow 4. syl bur+row pron <1b^r*u> pos vb. mod intr. usage often foll. by through def to move through by or as by digging. exam 1 to burrow through the forest. burrow 5. syl bur+row pron <1b^r*u> pos vb. mod intr. def to hide or live in a burrow. burrow 6. syl bur+row pron <1b^r*u> pos vb. mod intr. def to delve deeply. exam 1 he burrowed into his pockets. burrow 7. syl bur+row pron <1b^r*u> pos vb. def to hide (oneself). burrower sub head burrow syl bur+row+er pos n. burrstone 0. syl burr+stone pron <1bR:2st*un> pos n. def a variant spelling of {buhrstone}. burrier infl head burry syl bur+ri+er pos adj. burriest infl head burry syl bur+ri+est. pos adj. burry 1. syl bur+ry pron <1bR:ri> pos adj. def full of or covered in burs. burry 2. syl bur+ry pron <1bR:ri> pos adj. def resembling burs; prickly. bursa ety C19: from Medieval Latin: bag, pouch, from Greek: skin, hide; see #7purse bursae infl head bursa or bursas syl bur+sae pron <-sE> pos n. mod pl. bursas infl head bursa or bursae syl bur+sas. pos n. mod pl. bursa 0. syl bur+sa pron <1bR:s*> pos n. def a small fluid-filled sac that reduces friction between movable parts of the body, esp. at joints. bursal sub head bursa syl bur+sal pos adj. Bursa 0. syl Bur+sa pron <1bR:s*> pos n. def a city in NW Turkey: founded in the 2nd century #7b.c.; seat of Bithynian kings. Pop.: 346103 (1975). Former name: {Brusa}. bursar ety C13: from Medieval Latin burs*_arius keeper of the purse, from bursa purse bursar 1. syl bur+sar pron <1bR:s*> pos n. def an official in charge of the financial management of a school, college, or university. bursar 2. syl bur+sar pron <1bR:s*> pos n. qual Scot. def a student holding a bursary. bursarial 0. syl bur+sar+i:al pron pos adj. def of, relating to, or paid by a bursar or bursary. bursaries infl head bursary syl bur+sa+ries. pos n. mod pl. bursary 1. syl bur+sa+ry pron <1bR:s*ri> pos n. def Also called: {#!bur+sar+@!ship}. a scholarship or grant awarded in Scottish schools and universities. bursary 2. syl bur+sa+ry pron <1bR:s*ri> pos n. qual Brit. def the treasury of a college, etc. bursary 3. syl bur+sa+ry pron <1bR:s*ri> pos n. qual Brit. def the bursar's room in a college. Burschenschaft ety literally: youth association Burschenschaft 0. syl Bur+schen+schaft pron German. <1burSN2Saft> pos n. def a students' frater?!nity, originally one concerned with Christian ideals, patriotism, etc. burse ety C19: from Medieval Latin bursa purse burse 1. syl burse pron pos n. qual Chiefly R.C. Church. def a flat case used at Mass as a container for the corporal. burse 2.a. syl burse pron pos n. def a fund providing allowances for students. burse 2.b. syl burse pron pos n. def the allowance provided. burseraceous ety C19: from New Latin Bursera type genus, named after J. Burser (1593-1649), German botanist burseraceous 0. syl bur+ser+a:ceous pron <2bR:s*1rAS*s> pos adj. def of, relating to, or belonging to the a tropical family of trees and shrubs having compound leaves and resin or balsam in their stems. The family includes bdellium and some balsams. bursiform ety C19: from Latin bursa bag+-#7form bursiform 0. syl bur+si+form pron <1bR:si2fc:m> pos adj. def shaped like a pouch or sac. bursitis 0. syl bur+si+tis pron pos n. def inflammation of a bursa, esp. one in the shoulder joint. burst ety Old English berstan; related to Old Norse bresta, Old Frisian bersta, Old High German brestan; compare #7break bursts infl head burst syl bursts pos vb. bursting infl head burst syl burst+ing pos vb. burst infl syl burst. pos vb. burst 1. syl burst pron pos vb. def to break or cause to break open or apart suddenly and noisily, esp. from internal pressure; explode. burst 2. syl burst pron pos vb. mod intr. def to come, go, etc., suddenly and forcibly. exam 1 he burst into the room. burst 3. syl burst pron pos vb. mod intr. def to be full to the point of breaking open. burst 4. syl burst pron pos vb. mod intr. def to give vent (to) suddenly or loudly. exam 1 to burst into song. burst 5. syl burst pron pos vb. def to cause or suffer the rupture of. exam 1 to burst a blood vessel. burst 6. syl burst pron pos n. def a sudden breaking open or apart; explosion. burst 7. syl burst pron pos n. def a break; breach; rupture. burst 8. syl burst pron pos n. def a sudden display or increase of effort or action; spurt. exam 1 a burst of speed. burst 9. syl burst pron pos n. def a sudden and violent emission, occurrence, or outbreak. exam 1 a burst of heavy rain; exam 2 a burst of applause. burst 10. syl burst pron pos n. def a volley of fire from a weapon or weapons. burster sub head burst syl burst+er pos n. burstone 0. syl bur+stone pron <1bR:2st*un> pos n. def a variant spelling of {buhrstone}. burthen 0. syl bur+then pron <1bR:D*n> pos n. vb. def an archaic word for {burden%1}. burthensome sub head burthen syl bur+then+some pos adj. burton ety C15: of uncertain origin burton 1. syl bur+ton pron <1bR:tN> pos n. qual Nautical. def a kind of light hoisting tackle. burton 2.a. syl bur+ton pron <1bR:tN> pos n. def to be broken, useless, or lost. burton 2.b. syl bur+ton pron <1bR:tN> pos n. def to die. Burton 1. syl Bur:ton pron <1bR:tN> pos n. def Sir {Rich@.ard Fran@.cis}. 1821-90, English explorer, Orientalist, and writer who discovered Lake Tanganyika with John Speke (1858); produced the first unabridged translation of (1885-88). Richard (Jenkins) 2. head Burton syl Rich:ard (Jenkins). def born 1925, British stage and film actor: films include (1964), (1966), and (1977). Robert 3. head Burton syl Rob:ert def pen name 1577-1640, English clergyman, scholar, and writer, noted for his (1621). Burton-upon-Trent 0. syl Bur:ton-up:on-Trent pos n. def a town in W central England, in E Staffordshire: famous for brewing. Pop.: 50175 (1971). Burundi 0. syl Bu+run+di pron pos n. def a republic in E central Africa: inhabited chiefly by the Bahutu, Watutsi, and Batwa; made part of German East Africa in 1899; part of the Belgian territory of Ruanda-Urundi from 1923 until it became independent in 1962; consists mainly of high plateaus along the main Nile-Congo dividing range, dropping rapidly to the Great Rift Valley in the west. Languages: Kirundi and French. Currency: Burundi franc. Capital: Bujumbura. Pop.: 3350000 (1971). Area: 27731 sq. km (10707 sq. miles). Former name (until 1962): {Urundi}. burweed 0. syl bur+weed pron <1bR:2wEd> pos n. def any of various plants that bear burs, such as the burdock. bury ety Old English byrgan to bury, hide; related to Old Norse bjarga to save, preserve, Old English beorgan to defend buries infl head bury syl bur:ies pos vb. mod tr. burying infl head bury syl bur:y+ing pos vb. mod tr. buried infl head bury syl bur+ied. pos vb. mod tr. bury 1. syl bur:y pron <1beri> pos vb. mod tr. def to place (a corpse) in a grave, usually with funeral rites; inter. bury 2. syl bur:y pron <1beri> pos vb. mod tr. def to place in the earth and cover with soil. bury 3. syl bur:y pron <1beri> pos vb. mod tr. def to lose through death. bury 4. syl bur:y pron <1beri> pos vb. mod tr. def to cover from sight; hide. bury 5. syl bur:y pron <1beri> pos vb. mod tr. def to embed; sink. exam 1 to bury a nail in plaster. bury 6. syl bur:y pron <1beri> pos vb. mod tr. def to occupy (oneself) with deep concentration; engross. exam 1 to be buried in a book. bury 7. syl bur:y pron <1beri> pos vb. mod tr. def to dismiss from the mind; abandon. exam 1 to bury old hatreds. bury the hatchet 8. head bury syl bury the hatchet. def to cease hostilities and become reconciled. bury one's head in the sand 9. head bury syl bury one's head in the sand. def to refuse to face a problem. burier sub head bury syl bur:i+er pos n. Bury 0. syl Bur:y pron <1beri> pos n. def a town in NW England, part of Greater Manchester: an early textile centre. Pop.: 67776 (1971). Buriat alt head Buryat or Buryat syl Bur+iat pron , pos n. Buryat 1. or Buriat syl Bur+yat pron , pos n. def a member of a Mongoloid people living chiefly in the Buryat ASSR. Buryat 2. or Buriat syl Bur+yat pron , pos n. def the language of this people, belonging to the Mongolic branch of the Altaic family. Buryat Autonomous Soviet Socialist Republic 0. syl Bur+yat Au:ton:o+mous So+vi+et So+cial+ist Re+pub+lic pos n. def an administrative division of the SE central Soviet Union, in the RSFSR, on Lake Baikal: mountainous, with forests covering over half the total area. Capital: Ulan-Ude. Pop.: 812251 (1970). Area: 350300 sq. km (135650 sq. miles). burying beetle 0. syl bur:y+ing bee+tle pos n. def a beetle of the genus which buries the dead bodies of small animals by excavating beneath them, using the corpses as food for themselves and their larvae: family Also called: {sexton}. Bury St Edmunds 0. syl Bur:y St. Ed+munds pron <1beri> <1edm*ndz> pos n. def a market town in E England, in Suffolk. Pop.: 25629 (1971). buses infl head bus or busses syl bus:es pos b^s; n. mod pl. busses infl head bus or buses syl bus+ses. pos b^s; n. mod pl. bus 1. syl bus pos b^s; n. def a large motor vehicle designed to carry passengers between stopping places along a regular route. More formal name: {omnibus}. Sometimes called: {motorbus}. bus 2. syl bus pos b^s; n. def short for {trolley bus}. bus 3. syl bus pos b^s; n. usage modifier def of or relating to a bus or buses. exam 1 a bus driver; exam 2 a bus station. bus 4. syl bus pos b^s; n. qual Informal. def a car or aircraft, esp. one that is old and shaky. bus 5. syl bus pos b^s; n. qual Electronics, computer technol. def short for {busbar}. miss the bus 6. head bus syl miss the bus. def to miss an opportunity; be too late. buses infl head bus or busses syl bus:es pos vb. busing infl head bus or bussing syl bus+ing pos vb. bused infl head bus or bussed syl bused pos vb. busses infl head bus or buses syl bus:ses pos vb. bussing infl head bus or busing syl bus+sing pos vb. bussed infl head bus or bused syl bussed. pos vb. bus 7. syl bus pos vb. def to travel or transport by bus. bus 8. syl bus pos vb. qual Chiefly U.S. def to transport (children) by bus from one area to a school in another in order to create racially integrated classes. bus 0. syl bus. qual abbrev. for def business. busbar 1. syl bus+bar pron <1b^z2ba:> pos n. def an electrical conductor, maintained at a specific voltage and capable of carrying a high current, usually used to make a common connection between several circuits in a system. busbar 2. syl bus+bar pron <1b^z2ba:> pos n. def a group of such electrical conductors maintained at a low voltage, used for carrying data in binary form between the various parts of a computer or its peripherals. {~} Some?!times shortened to {bus}. bus boy 0. syl bus boy pos n. qual U.S. def a waiter's assistant. busby ety C18 (in the sense: large bushy wig): perhaps from a proper name busbies infl head busby syl bus+bies. pos n. mod pl. busby 1. syl bus+by pron <1b^zbi> pos n. def a tall fur helmet with a bag hanging from the top to the right side, worn by certain soldiers, usually hussars, as in the British Army. busby 2. syl bus+by pron <1b^zbi> pos n. def another name for {bearskin} (the hat). busera ety from Rukiga, a language of SW Uganda busera 1. syl bu+se:ra pron pos n. def an alcoholic drink of Uganda made from millet: sometimes mixed with honey. busera 2. syl bu+se:ra pron pos n. def a porridge made out of millet. bush ety C13: of Germanic origin; compare Old Norse buski, Old High German busc, Middle Dutch bosch; related to Old French bosc wood, Italian bosco bush H1.1. syl bush pron pos n. def a dense woody plant, smaller than a tree, with many branches arising from the lower part of the stem; shrub. bush H1.2. syl bush pron pos n. def a dense cluster of such shrubs; thicket. bush H1.3. syl bush pron pos n. def something resembling a bush, esp. in density. exam 1 a bush of hair. bush H1.4.a. syl bush pron pos n. usage often preceded by the def an uncultivated or sparsely settled area, esp. in Africa, Australia, New Zealand, or Canada: usually covered with trees or shrubs. bush H1.4.b. syl bush pron pos n. usage as modifier def . exam 1 a bush fire. bush H1.5. syl bush pron pos n. def a forested area; woodland. bush H1.6. syl bush pron pos n. qual Informal. usage often preceded by the def the country?!side, as opposed to the city. exam 1 out in the bush. bush H1.7. syl bush pron pos n. def a fox's tail; brush. bush H1.8.a. syl bush pron pos n. def a bunch of ivy hung as a vintner's sign in front of a tavern. bush H1.8.b. syl bush pron pos n. def any tavern sign. beat about the bush 9. head bush syl beat about the bush. def to avoid the point at issue; prevaricate. bush H1.10. syl bush pron pos adj. qual West African informal. def ignorant or stupid, esp. as considered typical of unwesternized rustic life. bush H1.11.a. syl bush pron pos adj. def to go off into the bush. bush H1.11.b. syl bush pron pos adj. def to run wild. bush H1.12. syl bush pron pos vb. mod intr. def to grow thick and bushy. bush H1.13. syl bush pron pos vb. mod tr. def to cover, decorate, support, etc., with bushes. bush ety C15: from Middle Dutch busse box, bush; related to German B*"uchse tin, Swedish hjulb*_ossa wheel-box, Late Latin buxis #7{box %1} bush H2.1. syl bush pron pos n. def Also called (esp. U.S.): {bushing}. a thin metal sleeve or tubular lining serving as a bearing or guide. {~} bush H2.2. syl bush pron pos n. def to fit a bush to (a casing, bearing, etc.). bushbabies infl head bushbaby syl bush+ba:bies. pos n. mod pl. bushbaby 0. syl bush+ba:by pron <1buS2bAbi> pos n. def any agile nocturnal arboreal prosimian primate of the genera and occurring in Africa south of the Sahara: family (lorises). They have large eyes and ears and a long tail. Also called: {galago}. bushbashing 0. syl bush+bash+ing pos n. qual Austral. slang. def the process of forcing a path through the bush. boschbok alt head bushbuck or bushbuck syl bosch+bok pos n. bushbucks infl head bushbuck or bushboks syl bush+bucks pos n. mod pl. bushbuck infl or bushbok syl bush+buck pos n. mod pl. bushboks infl head bushbuck or bushbucks syl bush+boks pos n. mod pl. bushbok infl head bushbuck or bushbuck syl bush+bok. pos n. mod pl. bushbuck 0. or boschbok syl bush+buck pron <1buS2b^k> pos n. def a small nocturnal spiral-horned antelope, of the bush and tropical forest of Africa. Its coat is reddish-brown with a few white markings. bushcraft 0. syl bush+craft pron <1buS2kra:ft> pos n. qual Chiefly Austral. def ability and experience in matters concerned with living in the bush. bushed 1. syl bushed pron pos adj. qual Informal.; U.S. and Canadian. usage postpositive def extremely tired; exhausted. bushed 2. syl bushed pron pos adj. qual Informal.; Canadian. def mentally disturbed from living in isolation, esp. in the north. bushed 3. syl bushed pron pos adj. qual Informal.; Austral. def lost or bewildered, as in the bush. bushel ety C14: from Old French boissel, from boisse one sixth of a bushel, of Gaulish origin bushel H1.1. syl bush+el pron <1buS*l> pos n. def a Brit. unit of dry or liquid measure equal to 8 Imperial gallons. 1 Imperial bushel is equivalent to 0.03637 cubic metres. bushel H1.2. syl bush+el pron <1buS*l> pos n. def a U.S. unit of dry measure equal to 64 U.S. pints. 1 U.S. bushel is equivalent to 0.03524 cubic metres. bushel H1.3. syl bush+el pron <1buS*l> pos n. def a container with a capacity equal to either of these quantities. bushel H1.4. syl bush+el pron <1buS*l> pos n. qual Informal. def a large amount; great deal. hide one's light under a bushel 5. head bushel syl hide one's light under a bushel. def to conceal one's abilities or good qualities. bushel ety C19: probably from German bosseln to do inferior work, patch, from Middle High German b*_ozeln to beat, from Old High German b*_ozan bushels infl head bushel or bushels syl bush+els pos vb. mod tr. qual U.S. bushelling infl head bushel or busheling syl bush+el+ling pos vb. mod tr. bushelled infl head bushel or busheled syl bush+elled pos vb. mod tr. busheling infl head bushel or bushelling syl bush+el+ing pos vb. mod tr. qual U.S. busheled infl head bushel or bushelled syl bush+eled. pos vb. mod tr. qual U.S. bushel H2.0. syl bush+el pron <1buS*l> pos vb. qual U.S. def to alter or mend (a garment). busheller sub head bushel or bushelman syl bush+el+ler pos n. bushelman sub head bushel or busheller syl bush+el+man pos n. bushhammer ety C19: from German Bosshammer, from bossen to beat+#7hammer bushhammer 0. syl bush+ham:mer pron <1buS2h@m*> pos n. def a hammer with small pyramids projecting from its working face, used for dressing stone. bush house 0. syl bush house pos n. qual Chiefly Austral. def a shed or hut in the bush or a garden. Bushido ety C19: from Japanese bushi warrior (from Chinese wushih) +d*_o way (from Chinese tao) Bushido 0. syl Bu+shi+do pron <2bu:Si1d*u> pos n. usage sometimes not cap. def the feudal code of the Japanese samurai, stressing self-discipline, courage and loyalty. bushie 0. syl bush:ie pron <1buSi> pos n. def a variant spelling of {bushy} %2. bushing 1. syl bush+ing pron <1buSiG> pos n. def another word for {bush%2} (sense 1). bushing 2. syl bush+ing pron <1buSiG> pos n. def an adapter having ends of unequal diameters, often with internal screw threads, used to connect pipes of different sizes. bushing 3. syl bush+ing pron <1buSiG> pos n. def a layer of electrical insulation enabling a live conductor to pass through an earthed wall, etc. Bushire 0. syl Bu+shire pron pos n. def a port in SW Iran, on the Persian Gulf. Pop.: 23547 (1966). Persian name: {Bu+shehr} (bu$:#!#s$er). bushirt alt head bush jacket or bush jacket syl bushirt pos n. bush jacket 0. or bushirt syl bush jack+et pos n. def a casual jacket or shirt having four patch pockets and a belt. bush lawyer 0. syl bush law+yer pos n. qual Austral. informal. def a person who gives legal opinions but is not qualified to do so. bushmen infl head bushman syl bush+men. pos n. mod pl. bushman 0. syl bush+man pron <1buSm*n> pos n. qual Austral. def a person who lives or travels in the bush, esp. one versed in bush lore. Bushman ety C18: from Afrikaans boschjesman Bushman infl or Bushmen syl Bush+man pos n. mod pl. Bushmen infl head Bushman or Bushman syl Bush+men. pos n. mod pl. Bushman 1. syl Bush+man pron <1buSm*n> pos n. def a member of a hunting and gathering people of southern Africa, esp. the Kalahari region, typically having leathery yellowish skin, short stature, and prominent buttocks. Bushman 2. syl Bush+man pron <1buSm*n> pos n. def any language of this people, belonging to the Khoisan family. bushmaster 0. syl bush+mas:ter pron <1buS2ma:st*> pos n. def a large greyish-brown highly venomous snake, inhabiting wooded regions of tropical America: family (pit vipers). bush oyster 0. syl bush oys+ter pos n. qual Austral., euphemistic. def a bull's testicle when cooked and eaten. bushpig 0. syl bush+pig pron <1buS2pig> pos n. def a wild pig, inhabiting forests in tropical Africa and Madagascar. It is brown or black, with pale markings on the face. Also called: {boschvark}. bushranger 1. syl bush+rang:er pron <1buS2rAnJ*> pos n. qual Austral. def an escaped convict or robber living in the bush. bushranger 2. syl bush+rang:er pron <1buS2rAnJ*> pos n. qual U.S. def a person who lives away from civilization; backwoodsman. bush shrike 1. syl bush shrike pos n. def any shrike of the African subfamily such@T as@T ({black-fronted bush shrike}) . bush shrike 2. syl bush shrike pos n. def another name for {ant bird}. bush tea 1. syl bush tea pos n. def a leguminous shrub of the genus of southern Africa. bush tea 2. syl bush tea pos n. def a beverage prepared from the dried leaves of any of these plants. bush telegraph 1. syl bush tel:e+graph pos n. def a means of communication between primitive peoples over large areas, as by drum beats. bush telegraph 2. syl bush tel:e+graph pos n. qual Informal. def a means of spreading rumour, gossip, etc. bushtit 0. syl bush+tit pron <1buS2tit> pos n. def any small grey active North American songbird of the genus such as ({common bushtit}) : family (titmice). the infl head Bushveld syl the. pos n. Bushveld 0. syl Bush+veld pron <1buS2felt>, <-2velt> pos n. def an area of low altitude in the NE Transvaal, South Africa, having scrub vegetation. Also called: {Lowveld}. bushwalking 0. syl bush+walk+ing pos n. qual Austral. def an expedition on foot in the bush. bushwhack 1. syl bush+whack pron <1buS2w@k> pos vb. mod tr. qual U.S. def to ambush. bushwhack 2. syl bush+whack pron <1buS2w@k> pos vb. mod intr. qual U.S. def to cut or beat one's way through thick woods. bushwhack 3. syl bush+whack pron <1buS2w@k> pos vb. mod intr. qual U.S.; Also Austral. def to range or move around in woods or the bush. bushwhack 4. syl bush+whack pron <1buS2w@k> pos vb. mod intr. qual U.S. def to fight as a guerrilla in wild or uncivilized regions. bushwhacker 1. syl bush+whack:er pron <1buS2w@k*> pos n. qual U.S., Austral. def a person who travels around or lives in thinly populated woodlands. bushwhacker 2. syl bush+whack:er pron <1buS2w@k*> pos n. qual Austral. slang. def an unsophisticated person; boor. bushwhacker 3. syl bush+whack:er pron <1buS2w@k*> pos n. def a Confederate guerrilla during the American Civil War. bushwhacker 4. syl bush+whack:er pron <1buS2w@k*> pos n. qual U.S. def any guerrilla. bush wren 0. syl bush wren pos n. def a wren, occurring in New Zealand: family See also {{rifleman} (sense 2)}. bushier infl head bushy syl bush:i+er pos adj. bushiest infl head bushy syl bush:i+est. pos adj. bushy H1.1. syl bush:y pron <1buSi> pos adj. def covered or overgrown with bushes. bushy H1.2. syl bush:y pron <1buSi> pos adj. def thick and shaggy. exam 1 bushy eyebrows. bushily sub head bushy syl bush:i+ly pos adv. bushiness sub head bushy syl bush:i+ness pos n. bushie alt head bushy or bushy syl bush:ie pron <1buSi> pos n. bushies infl head bushy syl bush:ies. pos n. mod pl. bushy H2.1. or bushie syl bush:y pron <1buSi> pos n. qual Austral. informal. def a person who lives in the bush. bushy H2.2. or bushie syl bush:y pron <1buSi> pos n. qual Austral. informal. def an unsophisticated uncouth person. busily 0. syl bus:i+ly pron <1bizili> pos adv. def in a busy manner; industriously. business ety Old English bisignis solicitude, attentiveness, from bisig #7busy+ -nis -#7ness business 1. syl busi+ness pron <1biznis> pos n. def a trade or profession. business 2. syl busi+ness pron <1biznis> pos n. def an industrial, commercial, or professional operation; purchase and sale of goods and services. exam 1 the tailoring business. business 3. syl busi+ness pron <1biznis> pos n. def a commercial or industrial establishment, such as a firm or factory. business 4. syl busi+ness pron <1biznis> pos n. def volume or quantity of commercial activity. exam 1 business is poor today. business 5. syl busi+ness pron <1biznis> pos n. def commercial policy or procedure. exam 1 overcharging is bad busi?!ness. business 6. syl busi+ness pron <1biznis> pos n. def proper or rightful concern or responsibility (often in the phrase {mind one's own business) }. business 7. syl busi+ness pron <1biznis> pos n. def a special task; assignment. business 8. syl busi+ness pron <1biznis> pos n. def an affair; matter. business 9. syl busi+ness pron <1biznis> pos n. def serious work or activity. exam 1 get down to business. business 10. syl busi+ness pron <1biznis> pos n. qual Informal. def a vaguely defined collection or area. exam 1 jets, fast cars, and all that business. business 11. syl busi+ness pron <1biznis> pos n. def Also called: {stage business}. an incidental action, such as lighting a pipe, performed by an actor for dramatic effect. mean business 12. head business syl mean business. def to be in earnest. business 13. syl busi+ness pron <1biznis> pos n. def a euphemistic word for {defecation} (esp. in the phrase {do one's business) }. business 14. syl busi+ness pron <1biznis> pos n. def a slang word for {{prostitution} (sense 1)}. business college 0. syl busi+ness col+lege pos n. def a college providing courses in secretarial studies, business management, accounting, commerce, etc. business cycle 0. syl busi+ness cy+cle pos n. def another name (esp. U.S.) for {trade cycle}. business end 0. syl busi+ness end pos n. qual Informal. def the part of a tool or weapon that does the work, as contrasted with the handle. businesslike 1. syl busi:ness+like pron <1biznis2lIk> pos adj. def efficient and methodical. businesslike 2. syl busi:ness+like pron <1biznis2lIk> pos adj. def earnest or severe. businesswoman alt head businessman or businessman syl busi:ness+wom:an pos n. mod fem. businessmen infl head businessman or businesswomen syl busi:ness+men pos n. mod pl. businesswomen infl head businessman or businessmen syl busi:ness+wom:en. pos n. mod pl. businessman 0. or businesswoman syl busi:ness+man pron <1biznis2m@n>, <-m*n> pos n. def a person engaged in commercial or industrial business, esp. as an owner or executive. busk ety C16: from Old French busc, probably from Old Italian busco splinter, stick, of Germanic origin busk H1.1. syl busk pos b^sk; n. def a strip of whalebone, wood, steel, etc., inserted into the front of a corset to stiffen it. busk H1.2. syl busk pos b^sk; n. qual Archaic or dialect. def the corset itself. busk ety C20: of unknown origin busk H2.0. syl busk pos b^sk; vb. mod intr. qual Brit. def to make money by singing, dancing, acting, etc., in public places, as in front of theatre queues. busker sub head busk syl busk+er pos n. busk ety C14: from Old Norse b*_uask, from b*_ua to make ready, dwell; see #7bower busk H3.1. syl busk pos b^sk; vb. mod tr. qual Archaic. def to make ready; prepare. busk H3.2. syl busk pos b^sk; vb. mod tr. qual Archaic. def to dress or adorn. buskin ety C16: perhaps from Spanish borzegu*'i; related to Old French bouzequin, Italian borzacchino, of obscure origin buskin 1. syl bus+kin pron <1b^skin> pos n. usage formerly def a sandal-like covering for the foot and leg, reaching the calf and usually laced. buskin 2. syl bus+kin pron <1b^skin> pos n. def Also called: {cothurnus}. a thick-soled laced half boot resembling this, worn esp. by actors of ancient Greece. buskin 3. syl bus+kin pron <1b^skin> pos n. qual Chiefly literary. usage usually preceded by the def tragic drama. busman's holiday ety C20: alluding to a bus driver having a driving holiday busman's holiday 0. syl bus+man's hol:i+day pron <1b^sm*nz> pos n. qual Informal. def a holiday spent doing the same sort of thing as one does at work. Ferruccio Benvenuto infl head Busoni syl Fer:ru:ccio Ben:ve:nu:to pron pos n. Busoni 0. syl Bu:so:ni pron Italian pos n. def 1866-1924, Italian pianist and composer, esp. of works for piano. Busrah alt head Busra or Busra syl Bus+rah pron <1b^sr*> pos n. Busra 0. or Busrah syl Bus+ra pron <1b^sr*> pos n. def variant spellings of {Basra}. buss ety C16: probably of imitative origin; compare French baiser, German dialect Bussi little kiss buss 0. syl buss pos b^s; n. b^s; vb. def an archaic or dialect word for {kiss}. bus shelter 0. syl bus shel+ter pos n. def a covered structure at a bus stop providing protection against the weather for people waiting for a bus. bus stop 0. syl bus stop pos n. def a place on a bus route, usually marked by a sign, at which buses stop for passengers to alight and board. bust ety C17: from French buste, from Italian busto a sculpture, of unknown origin bust H1.1. syl bust pos b^st; n. def the chest of a human being, esp. a woman's bosom. bust H1.2. syl bust pos b^st; n. def a sculpture of the head, shoulders, and upper chest of a person. busts infl head bust syl busts pos vb. busting infl head bust syl bust+ing pos vb. busted infl head bust or bust syl bust+ed pos vb. bust infl or busted syl bust. pos vb. bust H2.1. syl bust pos vb. qual Informal. usage b^st def to burst or break. bust H2.2. syl bust pos vb. qual Informal. usage b^st def to make or become bankrupt. bust H2.3. syl bust pos vb. mod tr. qual Informal. usage b^st; of the police def to raid, search, or arrest. exam 1 the girl was busted for drugs. bust H2.4. syl bust pos vb. mod tr. qual Informal.; U.S. usage b^st def to demote, esp. in military rank. bust H2.5. syl bust pos vb. mod tr. qual Informal.; U.S. usage b^st def to break or tame (a horse, etc.). bust H2.6. syl bust pos vb. mod tr. qual Informal.; Chiefly U.S. usage b^st def to punch; hit. bust H2.7. syl bust pos n. qual Informal. usage b^st def a raid, search, or arrest by the police. bust H2.8. syl bust pos n. qual Informal.; Chiefly U.S. usage b^st def a punch; hit. bust H2.9. syl bust pos n. qual Informal.; U.S. usage b^st def a failure, esp. a financial one; bankruptcy. bust H2.10. syl bust pos n. qual Informal. usage b^st def a drunken party. {~} bust H2.11. syl bust pos n. qual Informal. usage b^st def broken. bust H2.12. syl bust pos n. qual Informal. usage b^st def bankrupt. go bust 13. head bust syl go bust. qual Informal. usage b^st def to become bankrupt. bustard ety C15: from Old French bistarde, influenced by Old French oustarde, both from Latin avis tarda slow bird bustard 0. syl bus+tard pron <1b^st*d> pos n. def any terrestrial bird of the family inhabiting open regions of the Old World: order (cranes, rails, etc.). They have long strong legs, a heavy body, a long neck, and speckled plumage. busti alt head bustee or bustee syl bus+ti pron <1b^stE> pos n. bustee 0. or busti syl bus+tee pron <1b^stE> pos n. def variant spellings of {basti}. buster 1. syl bust+er pron <1b^st*> pos n. qual Slang. usage in combination def a person or thing destroying something as specified. exam 1 dambuster. buster 2. syl bust+er pron <1b^st*> pos n. qual Slang.; U.S. def a term of address for a boy or man. buster 3. syl bust+er pron <1b^st*> pos n. qual Slang.; U.S. def a person who breaks horses. buster 4. syl bust+er pron <1b^st*> pos n. qual Slang.; U.S. def a spree, esp. a drinking bout. buster 5. syl bust+er pron <1b^st*> pos n. qual Slang.; Austral. def short for {southerly buster}. bustle ety C16: probably from obsolete buskle to make energetic preparation, from dialect busk, from Old Norse b*_uask to prepare bustle H1.1. syl bus+tle pron <1b^sL> pos vb. mod when; intr. usage often foll. by about def to hurry or cause to hurry with a great show of energy or activity. bustle H1.2. syl bus+tle pron <1b^sL> pos n. def energetic and noisy activity. bustler sub head bustle syl bus+tler pos n. bustle ety C18: of unknown origin bustle H2.0. syl bus+tle pron <1b^sL> pos n. def a cushion or a metal or whalebone framework worn by women in the late 19th century at the back below the waist in order to expand the skirt. bust-up 1. syl bust-up qual Informal. n. def a quarrel, esp. a serious one ending a friendship, etc. bust-up 2. syl bust-up qual Informal. n.; Brit. def a disturbance or brawl. bust up infl head bust-up syl bust up pos adv. bust-up 3. syl bust-up pos vb. mod intr. qual Informal. n. def to quarrel and part. bust-up 4. syl bust-up pos vb. mod tr. qual Informal. n. def to disrupt (a meeting), esp. violently. bustier infl head busty syl bust:i+er pos adj. bustiest infl head busty syl bust:i+est. pos adj. busty 0. syl bust:y pron <1b^sti> pos adj. usage of a woman def having a prominent bust. busuuti ety C20: from Luganda busuuti 0. syl bu+suu+ti pron pos n. def a long garment with short sleeves and a square neckline, worn by Ugandan women, esp. in S Uganda. busy ety Old English bisig; related to Middle Dutch besich, perhaps to Latin fest*_in*_are to hurry busier infl head busy syl bus:i+er pos adj. busiest infl head busy syl bus:i+est. pos adj. busy 1. syl bus:y pron <1bizi> pos adj. def actively or fully engaged; occupied. busy 2. syl bus:y pron <1bizi> pos adj. def crowded with or characterized by activity. exam 1 a busy day. busy 3. syl bus:y pron <1bizi> pos adj. usage Chiefly U.S. of a room, telephone line, etc. def in use; engaged. busy 4. syl bus:y pron <1bizi> pos adj. def overcrowded with detail. exam 1 a busy painting. busy 5. syl bus:y pron <1bizi> pos adj. def meddlesome; inquisitive; prying. busies infl head busy syl bus:ies pos vb. busying infl head busy syl bus:y+ing pos vb. busied infl head busy syl bus+ied. pos vb. busy 6. syl bus:y pron <1bizi> pos vb. mod tr. def to make or keep (someone, esp. oneself) busy; occupy. busily sub head busy syl bus:i+ly pos adv. busyness sub head busy syl bus:y+ness pos n. busybodies infl head busybody syl bus:y+bod:ies. pos n. mod pl. busybody 0. syl bus:y+bod:y pron <1bizi2bodi> pos n. def a meddlesome, prying, or officious person. busy Lizzie 0. syl bus:y Liz+zie pron <1lizi> pos n. def a balsaminaceous plant, that has fast-growing drooping stems and is often grown as a pot plant. busy signal 0. syl bus:y sig+nal pos n. def U.S. equivalent of {engaged tone}. but ety Old English b*_utan without, outside, except, from be #7by+ *_utan #7out ; related to Old Saxon bi*_utan, Old High German bi*_uzan but H1.1. syl but pron pos conj. usage coordinating def contrary to expectation. exam 1 he cut his knee but didn't cry. but H1.2. syl but pron pos conj. usage coordinating def in contrast; on the contrary. exam 1 I like opera but my husband doesn't. but H1.3. syl but pron pos conj. usage coordinating; usually used after a negative def other than. exam 1 we can't do anything but wait. but H1.4. syl but pron pos conj. usage coordinating def only. exam 1 I can but try. but H1.5. syl but pron pos conj. usage coordinating; usually used after a negative def without it happening or being the case that. exam 1 we never go out but it rains. but H1.6. syl but pron pos conj. usage coordinating; foll. by that def except that. exam 1 nothing is impossible but that we live forever. but H1.7. syl but pron pos conj. qual Archaic. usage coordinating def if not; unless. but xref syl but pron pos conj. usage coordinating exam 1 sentence connector. but H1.8. syl but pron pos conj. qual Informal. usage coordinating def used to introduce an exclamation. exam 1 my, but you're nice. but H1.9. syl but pron pos prep. usage coordinating def except; save. exam 1 they saved all but one of the pigs. but for 10. head but syl but for. usage coordinating def were it not for. exam 1 but for you, we couldn't have managed. but H1.11. syl but pron pos adv. usage coordinating def just; merely. exam 1 he was but a child. but H1.12. syl but pron pos adv. qual Austral. usage coordinating def though; however. exam 1 it's a rainy day; exam 2 warm, but. all but 13. head but syl all but. usage coordinating def almost; practically. exam 1 he was all but dead when we found him. but H1.14. syl but pron pos adv. usage coordinating def an objection (esp. in the phrase {ifs and buts}) . but ety C18 from but (adv.) outside, hence, outer room; see #7but %1 but H2.0. syl but pos b^t; n. qual Scot. def the outer room of a two-roomed cottage: usually the kitchen. Compare { {ben%1} (sense 1)}. butadiene ety C20: from #7buta (#7ne) #7+{di -%1}#7+ -#7ene butadiene 0. syl bu+ta+di+ene pron <2bju:t*1dIEn> pos n. def a colourless easily liquefiable flammable gas that polymerizes readily and is used mainly in the manufacture of synthetic rubbers. Formula: CH\2:CHCH:CH\2. butane ety C20: from #7but (#7yl) #7+ -#7ane butane 0. syl bu+tane pron <1bju:tAn>, pos n. def a colourless flammable gaseous alkane that exists in two isomeric forms, both of which occur in natural gas. The stable isomer, butane, is used mainly in the manufacture of rubber and fuels (such as Calor gas). Formula: C\4H\1\0. butanol 0. syl bu+ta+nol pron <1bju:t*2nol> pos n. def a colourless substance existing in four isomeric forms. The three liquid isomers are used as solvents for resins, lacquers, etc., and in the manufacture of organic compounds. Formula: C\4H\9OH. Also called: {butyl alcohol}. butanone 0. syl bu+ta+none pron <1bju:t*2n*un> pos n. def a colourless soluble flammable liquid used mainly as a solvent for resins, as a paint remover, and in lacquers, cements, and adhesives. Formula: CH\3COC\2?!H\5. Also called: {methyl ethyl ketone}. butat 0. syl bu+tat pron pos n. def a Gambian monetary unit worth one hundredth of a dalasi. butch ety C18: back formation from #7butcher butch 1. syl butch pron pos adj. qual Slang. usage of a woman or man def markedly or aggressively masculine. butch 2. syl butch pron pos n. qual Slang. def a lesbian who is noticeably masculine. butch 3. syl butch pron pos n. qual Slang. def a strong rugged man. butcher ety C16: from Old French bouchier, from bouc he-goat, probably of Celtic origin; see #7{buck %1}; compare Welsh bwch he-goat butcher 1. syl butch+er pron <1buC*> pos n. def a retailer of meat. butcher 2. syl butch+er pron <1buC*> pos n. def a person who slaughters or dresses meat for market. butcher 3. syl butch+er pron <1buC*> pos n. def an indiscriminate or brutal murderer. butcher 4. syl butch+er pron <1buC*> pos n. def a person who destroys, ruins, or bungles something. butcher 5. syl butch+er pron <1buC*> pos vb. mod tr. def to slaughter or dress (animals) for meat. butcher 6. syl butch+er pron <1buC*> pos vb. mod tr. def to kill indiscriminately or brutally. butcher 7. syl butch+er pron <1buC*> pos vb. mod tr. def to make a mess of; botch; ruin. butcherbird 1. syl butch:er+bird pron <1buC*2bR:d> pos n. def a shrike, esp. one of the genus butcherbird 2. syl butch:er+bird pron <1buC*2bR:d> pos n. def any of several Australian magpies of the genus that impale their prey on thorns. butcher's ety C19: rhyming slang butcher's hook alt head butcher's or butcher's syl butch+er's hook pos n. butcher's 0. or butcher's hook syl butch+er's pron <1buC*z> pos n. qual Brit. slang. def a look. butcher's-broom 0. syl butch:er's-broom pos n. def a liliaceous evergreen shrub, that has stiff prickle-tipped flattened green stems, which resemble and function as true leaves. The plant was formerly used for making brooms. butcheries infl head butchery syl butch+er:ies. pos n. mod pl. butchery 1. syl butch+er:y pron <1buC*ri> pos n. def the business or work of a butcher. butchery 2. syl butch+er:y pron <1buC*ri> pos n. def wanton and indiscriminate slaughter; carnage. butchery 3. syl butch+er:y pron <1buC*ri> pos n. def a less common word for {slaughterhouse}. Bute H1.1. syl Bute pron pos n. usage until 1975 def a county of SW Scotland, now part of Strathclyde region, consisting of islands in the Firth of Clyde and Kilbrannan Sound. Bute H1.2. syl Bute pron pos n. def an island off the coast of SW Scotland, in the Firth of Clyde, separated from the Cowal peninsula by the {Kyles of Bute}. Chief town: Rothesay. Pop.: 8455 (1971). Area: 121 sq. km (47 sq. miles). John Stuart infl head Bute syl John Stu:art pos n. Bute H2.0. syl Bute pron pos n. def 3rd Earl of Bute. 1713-92, British Tory statesman; prime minister (1762-63). butene ety C20: from #7but (#7yl) +-#7ene butene 0. syl bu+tene pron <1bju:tEn> pos n. def a pungent colourless gas existing in four isomeric forms, all of which are used in the manufacture of organic compounds. Formula: C\4H\8. Also called: {butylene}. butenedioic acid 0. syl bu+tene+di:o+ic ac:id pron <2bju:tEndI1*uik> pos n. def either of two geometrical isomers with the formula HOOCCH:CHCOOH. See {fumaric acid, maleic acid}. butler ety C13: from Old French bouteillier, from bouteille #7bottle butler 0. syl but+ler pron <1b^tl*> pos n. def the male servant of a household in charge of the wines, table, etc.: usually the head servant. Joseph 1. head Butler syl Jo:seph. def 1692-1752, English theologian and author. Samuel 2. head Butler syl Sam:u:el. def 1612-80, English poet and satirist; author of (1663-78). Samuel 3. head Butler syl Sam:u:el. def 1835-1902, English novelist, noted for his satirical work (1872) and his autobiographical novel (1903). butleries infl head butlery syl but+ler:ies. pos n. mod pl. butlery 1. syl but+ler:y pron <1b^tl*ri> pos n. def a butler's room. butlery 2. syl but+ler:y pron <1b^tl*ri> pos n. def another name for { {buttery} %2 (sense 1)}. butt ety C15 (in the sense: thick end of something, buttock): related to Old English buttuc end, ridge, Middle Dutch bot stumpy butt H1.1. syl butt pos b^t; n. def the thicker or blunt end of something, such as the end of the stock of a rifle. butt H1.2. syl butt pos b^t; n. def the unused end of something, esp. of a cigarette; stub. butt H1.3. syl butt pos b^t; n. qual Tanning. def the portion of a hide covering the lower backside of the animal. butt H1.4. syl butt pos b^t; n. qual U.S. informal. def the buttocks. butt H1.5. syl butt pos b^t; n. qual U.S. def a slang word for {cigarette}. butt H1.6. syl butt pos b^t; n. qual Building. def short for {butt joint} or {butt hinge}. butt ety C14 (in the sense: mark for archery practice): from Old French but; related to French butte knoll, target butt H2.1. syl butt pos b^t; n. def a person or thing that is the target of ridicule, wit, etc. butt H2.2.a. syl butt pos b^t; n. def a mound of earth behind the target on a target range that stops bullets or wide shots. butt H2.2.b. syl butt pos b^t; n. def the target itself. butt H2.2.c. syl butt pos b^t; n. mod pl. def the target range. butt H2.3. syl butt pos b^t; n. def a low barrier, usually of sods or peat, behind which sportsmen shoot game birds, esp. grouse. butt H2.4. syl butt pos b^t; n. qual Archaic. def goal; aim. butt H2.5. syl butt pos vb. usage usually foll. by on or against def to lie or be placed end on to; abut. exam 1 to butt a beam against a wall. butt ety C12: from Old French boter, of Germanic origin; compare Middle Dutch botten to strike; see #7beat, button butt H3.1. syl butt pos b^t; vb. def to strike or push (something) with the head or horns. butt H3.2. syl butt pos b^t; vb. mod intr. def to project; jut. butt H3.3. syl butt pos b^t; vb. mod intr. usage foll. by in or into def to intrude, esp. into a conversation; interfere; meddle. butt H3.4. syl butt pos n. def a blow with the head or horns. butter sub head butt syl butt+er pos n. butt ety C14: from Old French botte, from Old Proven*,cal bota, from Late Latin buttis cask, perhaps from Greek butin*_e chamber pot butt H4.1. syl butt pos b^t; n. def a large cask, esp. one with a capacity of two hogsheads, for storing wine or beer. butt H4.2. syl butt pos b^t; n. def a U.S. unit of liquid measure equal to 126 U.S. gallons. Butt 0. syl Butt pos b^t; n. def Dame {Cla@.ra}. 1872-1936, English contralto. butte ety C19: from French, from Old French bute mound behind a target, from but target; see #7butt %2 butte 0. syl butte pron pos n. qual Western U.S. and Canadian. def an isolated steep-sided flat-topped hill. butter ety Old English butere, from Latin b*_utyrum, from Greek bouturon, from bous cow+ turos cheese butter 1.a. syl but+ter pron <1b^t*> pos n. def an edible fatty whitish-yellow solid made from cream by churning, for cooking and table use. butter 1.b. syl but+ter pron <1b^t*> pos n. usage as modifier exam 1 butter icing. butter 2. syl but+ter pron <1b^t*> pos n. def any substance with a butter-like consistency, such as peanut butter or vegetable butter. look as if butter wouldn't melt in one's mouth 3. head butter syl look as if butter wouldn't melt in one's mouth. def to look innocent, although probably not so. butter 4. syl but+ter pron <1b^t*> pos vb. mod tr. def to put butter on or in. butter 5. syl but+ter pron <1b^t*> pos vb. mod tr. def to flatter. {~} See also {butter up}. butter-and-eggs 0. syl but:ter-and-eggs pos n. mod functioning as; sing. def any of various plants, such as toadflax, the flowers of which are of two shades of yellow. butterball 1. syl but:ter+ball pron <1b^t*2bc:l> pos n. def another name for {bufflehead}. butterball 2. syl but:ter+ball pron <1b^t*2bc:l> pos n. qual Informal. def a chubby or fat person. butter bean 0. syl but+ter bean pos n. def a variety of lima bean that has large pale flat edible seeds and is grown in the southern U.S. butterbur 0. syl but+ter+bur pron <1b^t*2bR:> pos n. def a plant of the Eurasian genus with fragrant whitish or purple flowers, woolly stems, and leaves formerly used to wrap butter: family (composites). buttercup 0. syl but:ter+cup pron <1b^t*2k^p> pos n. def any of various yellow-flowered ranunculaceous plants of the genus such as (meadow buttercup), which is native to Europe but common throughout North America. See also {crowfoot, {goldilocks} (sense 2)}, {spearwort, lesser celandine}. butterfat 0. syl but:ter+fat pron <1b^t*2f@t> pos n. def the fatty substance of milk from which butter is made, consisting of a mixture of glycerides, mainly butyrin, olein, and palmitin. butterfingers 0. syl but:ter+fin:gers pron <1b^t*2fiGg*z> pos n. qual Informal. def a person who drops things inadvertently or fails to catch things. butterfingered sub head butterfingers syl but:ter+2fin:gered pos adj. butterfish infl or butterfishes syl but:ter+fish pos n. mod pl. butterfishes infl head butterfish or butterfish syl but:ter+fish:es. pos n. mod pl. butterfish 0. syl but:ter+fish pron <1b^t*2fiS> pos n. def an eel-like blennioid food fish, occurring in North Atlantic coastal regions: family (gunnels). It has a slippery scaleless golden brown skin with a row of black spots along the base of the long dorsal fin. butterflies 0. syl but:ter+flies pron <1b^t*2flIz> pos n. mod pl. qual Informal. def tremors in the stomach region due to nervousness. butterfly ety Old English buttorfl*_eoge; the name perhaps is based on a belief that butterflies stole milk and butter butterflies infl head butterfly syl but:ter+flies. pos n. mod pl. butterfly 1. syl but:ter+fly pron <1b^t*2flI> pos n. def any diurnal insect of the order that has a slender body with clubbed antennae and typically rests with the wings (which are often brightly coloured) closed over the back. Compare {moth}. butterfly 2. syl but:ter+fly pron <1b^t*2flI> pos n. def a person who never settles with one group, interest, or occupation for long. butterfly 3. syl but:ter+fly pron <1b^t*2flI> pos n. def a swimming stroke in which the arms are plunged forward together in large circular movements. butterfly bush 0. syl but:ter+fly bush pos n. def another name for {buddleia}. butterfly fish 0. syl but:ter+fly fish pos n. def any small tropical marine percoid fish of the genera etc., that has a deep flattened brightly coloured body and brush-like teeth: family See also { {angelfish} (sense 1)}. butterfly nut 0. syl but:ter+fly nut pos n. def another name for {wing nut}. butterfly valve 1. syl but:ter+fly valve pos n. def a disc that acts as a valve by turning about a diameter, esp. one used as the throttle valve in a carburettor. butterfly valve 2. syl but:ter+fly valve pos n. def a non-return valve consisting of two semi?!circular plates hinged about a common central spindle. butterfly weed 0. syl but:ter+fly weed pos n. def a North American asclepiadaceous plant, (or having flat-topped clusters of bright orange flowers. Also called: {orange milkweed, pleurisy root}. butterine 0. syl but+ter+ine pron <1b^t*2rEn>, <-rin> pos n. def an artificial butter made partly from milk. Buttermere 0. syl But+ter+mere pron <1b^t*2mi*> pos n. def a lake in NW England, in Cumbria, in the Lake District, southwest of Keswick. Length: 2 km (1.25 miles). buttermilk 0. syl but:ter+milk pron <1b^t*2milk> pos n. def the sourish liquid remaining after the butter has been separated from milk, often used for making scones and soda bread. butter muslin 0. syl but+ter mus+lin pos n. def a fine loosely woven cotton material originally used for wrapping butter. butternut 1. syl but:ter+nut pron <1b^t*2n^t> pos n. def a walnut tree, of E North America. Compare {black walnut}. butternut 2. syl but:ter+nut pron <1b^t*2n^t> pos n. def the oily edible egg-shaped nut of this tree. butternut 3. syl but:ter+nut pron <1b^t*2n^t> pos n. def the hard brownish-grey wood of this tree. butternut 4. syl but:ter+nut pron <1b^t*2n^t> pos n. def the bark of this tree or an extract from it, formerly used as a laxative. butternut 5. syl but:ter+nut pron <1b^t*2n^t> pos n. def a brownish colour or dye. butternut xref syl but:ter+nut pron <1b^t*2n^t> pos n. def Also called: {white walnut}. butterscotch ety C19: perhaps first made in Scotland butterscotch 1. syl but:ter+scotch pron <1b^t*2skoC> pos n. def a kind of hard brittle toffee made with butter, brown sugar, etc. butterscotch 2.a. syl but:ter+scotch pron <1b^t*2skoC> pos n. def a flavouring made from these ingredients. butterscotch 2.b. syl but:ter+scotch pron <1b^t*2skoC> pos n. usage as modifier exam 1 butterscotch icing. butter up 0. syl but+ter up pos vb. adv. mod tr. def to flatter. butterwort 0. syl but:ter+wort pron <1b^t*2wR:t> pos n. def a plant of the genus esp. that grows in wet places and has violet-blue spurred flowers and fleshy greasy glandular leaves on which insects are trapped and digested: family buttery H1.1. syl but+ter:y pron <1b^t*ri> pos adj. def containing, like, or coated with butter. buttery H1.2. syl but+ter:y pron <1b^t*ri> pos adj. qual Informal. def grossly or insincerely flattering; obsequi?!ous. &- {#!but+ter@.i+ness} buttery ety C14: from Anglo-French boterie, from Anglo-Latin buteria, probably from butta cask, #7butt %4 butteries infl head buttery syl but+ter:ies. pos n. mod pl. buttery H2.1. syl but+ter:y pron <1b^t*ri> pos n. def a room for storing foods or wines. buttery H2.2. syl but+ter:y pron <1b^t*ri> pos n. usage Brit. in some universities def a room in which food is supplied or sold to students. butt hinge 0. syl butt hinge pos n. def a hinge made of two matching leaves, one recessed into a door and the other into the jamb so that they are in contact when the door is shut. Sometimes shortened to {butt}. butt joint 0. syl butt joint pos n. def a joint between two plates, planks, bars, sections, etc., when they are fastened end to end without overlapping. Sometimes shortened to {butt}. buttock ety C13: perhaps from Old English buttuc round slope, diminutive of butt (unattested) strip of land; see #7butt %1, -#7ock buttock 1. syl but+tock pron <1b^t*k> pos n. def either of the two large fleshy masses of thick muscular tissue that form the human rump. See also {gluteus}. Related adj.: {gluteal}. buttock 2. syl but+tock pron <1b^t*k> pos n. def the analogous part in some mammals. button ety C14: from Old French boton, from boter to thrust, butt, of Germanic origin; see #7butt %3 button 1. syl but+ton pron <1b^tN> pos n. def a disc or knob of plastic, wood, etc., attached to a garment, etc., usually for fastening two surfaces together by passing it through a buttonhole or loop. button 2. syl but+ton pron <1b^tN> pos n. def a small round object, such as any of various sweets, decorations, or badges. button 3. syl but+ton pron <1b^tN> pos n. def a small disc that completes an electric circuit when pushed, as one that operates a doorbell or machine. button 4. syl but+ton pron <1b^tN> pos n. qual Biology. def any rounded knoblike part or organ, such as an unripe mushroom. button 5. syl but+ton pron <1b^tN> pos n. qual Fencing. def the protective knob fixed to the point of a foil. button 6. syl but+ton pron <1b^tN> pos n. def a small amount of metal, usually lead, with which gold or silver is fused, thus concentrating it during assaying. button 7. syl but+ton pron <1b^tN> pos n. def the piece of a weld that pulls out during the destructive testing of spot welds. button 8. syl but+ton pron <1b^tN> pos n. qual Rowing. def a projection around the loom of an oar that prevents it slipping through the rowlock. button 9. syl but+ton pron <1b^tN> pos n. qual Brit. def an object of no value (esp. in the phrase {not worth a button) }. button 10. syl but+ton pron <1b^tN> pos n. qual Slang. def intellect; mental capacity (in such phrases as {a button short, to have all one's buttons on}, etc.). {~} button 11. syl but+ton pron <1b^tN> pos n. def to fasten with a button or buttons. button 12. syl but+ton pron <1b^tN> pos n. mod tr. def to provide with buttons. button 13. syl but+ton pron <1b^tN> pos n. mod tr. qual Fencing. def to hit (an opponent) with the button of one's foil. {~} See also {buttons, button up}. buttoner sub head button syl but+ton+er pos n. buttonless sub head button syl but+ton+less pos adj. buttony sub head button syl but+ton:y pos adj. buttonball 0. syl but:ton+ball pron <1b^tN2bc:l> pos n. qual U.S. def an American plane tree, See {plane tree}. button day 0. syl but+ton day pos n. qual Austral. def the usual name for {flag day}. buttonhole 1. syl but:ton+hole pron <1b^tN2h*ul> pos n. def a slit in a garment, etc., through which a button is passed to fasten two surfaces together. buttonhole 2. syl but:ton+hole pron <1b^tN2h*ul> pos n. def a flower or small bunch of flowers worn pinned to the lapel or in the buttonhole, esp. at weddings, formal dances, etc. U.S. name: {boutonniere}. buttonhole 3. syl but:ton+hole pron <1b^tN2h*ul> pos vb. mod tr. def to detain (a person) in conversation. buttonhole 4. syl but:ton+hole pron <1b^tN2h*ul> pos vb. mod tr. def to make buttonholes in. buttonhole 5. syl but:ton+hole pron <1b^tN2h*ul> pos vb. mod tr. def to sew with buttonhole stitch. buttonhole stitch 0. syl but:ton+hole stitch pos n. def a reinforcing looped stitch for the edge of material, such as around a buttonhole. buttonhook 0. syl but:ton+hook pron <1b^tN2huk> pos n. def a thin tapering hooked instrument formerly used for pulling buttons through the buttonholes of gloves, shoes, etc. buttonmould 0. syl but:ton+mould pron <1b^tN2m*uld> pos n. def the small core of plastic, wood, or metal that is the base for buttons covered with fabric, leather, etc. button quail 0. syl but+ton quail pos n. def any small quail-like terrestrial bird of the genus such as (striped button quail), occurring in tropical and subtropical regions of the Old World: family order (cranes, rails, etc.). Also called: {hemipode}. buttons 0. syl but+tons pron <1b^tNz> pos n. qual Brit. informal. def a page boy. buttonwood alt head button tree or button tree syl but:ton+wood pos n. button tree 0. or buttonwood syl but+ton tree pos n. def a small West Indian tree, with button-like fruits and heavy hard compact wood: family button up 1. syl but+ton up pos vb. adv. mod tr. def to fasten (a garment) with a button or buttons. button up 2. syl but+ton up pos vb. adv. mod tr. qual Informal. def to conclude (business) satisfactorily. button up one's lip 3. head button up or mouth syl button up one's lip qual Slang. def to be silent. button tree alt head buttonwood or buttonwood syl but+ton tree pos n. buttonwood 0. or button tree syl but+ton+wood pron <1b^tN2wud> pos n. def an American plane tree, See {plane tree}. butt plate 0. syl butt plate pos n. def a plate made usually of metal and attached to the butt end of a gunstock. buttress ety C13: from Old French bouterez, short for ars bouterez thrusting arch, from bouter to thrust, #7butt %3 buttress 1. syl but+tress pron <1b^tris> pos n. def Also called: {pier}. a construction, usually of brick or stone, built to support a wall. See also {flying buttress}. buttress 2. syl but+tress pron <1b^tris> pos n. def any support or prop. buttress 3. syl but+tress pron <1b^tris> pos n. def something shaped like a buttress, such as a projection from a mountainside. buttress 4. syl but+tress pron <1b^tris> pos n. def either of the two pointed rear parts of a horse's hoof. buttress 5. syl but+tress pron <1b^tris> pos vb. mod tr. def to support (a wall) with a buttress. buttress 6. syl but+tress pron <1b^tris> pos vb. mod tr. def to support or sustain. buttress root 0. syl but+tress root pos n. def a root that supports the trunk of a tree, usually growing from the stem, as in the mangrove. butt shaft 0. syl butt shaft pos n. def a blunt-headed unbarbed arrow. butt weld 0. syl butt weld pos n. def a butt joint that is welded. butty ety C19: from buttered bread butties infl head butty syl but+ties. pos n. mod pl. butty H1.0. syl but+ty pron <1b^ti> pos n. qual Chiefly northern English dialect. def a sandwich. exam 1 a jam butty. butty ety C19: perhaps from obsolete booty sharing, from #7{boot %2}#7, later applied to a middleman in a mine butties infl head butty syl but+ties. pos n. mod pl. butty H2.0. syl but+ty pron <1b^ti> pos n. usage English dialect. esp. in mining parlance def a friend or workmate. Butung 0. syl Bu+tung pron <1bu:tuG> pos n. def an island of Indonesia, southeast of Cel?!ebes: hilly and forested. Chief town: Baubau. Area: 4555 sq. km (1759 sq. miles). butyl ety C19: from #7but (#7yric #7acid) #7+ -#7yl butyl 0. syl bu+tyl pron <1bju:2tIl>, <-til> pos n. usage modifier def of, consisting of, or containing any of four isomeric forms of the group C\4H\9-. exam 1 butyl rubber. butyl alcohol 0. syl bu+tyl al+co+hol pos n. def another name for {butanol}. butylene 0. syl bu+tyl+ene pron <1bju:ti2lEn> pos n. def another name for {butene}. butyraceous ety C17: butyr-, from Latin b*_utyrum #7butter+ -#7aceous butyraceous 0. syl bu+tyr:a+ceous pron <2bju:ti1rAS*s> pos adj. def of, containing, or resembling butter. butyraldehyde ety C20: from #7butyr (#7ic #7acid) #7+aldehyde butyraldehyde 0. syl bu+tyr+al+de+hyde pron <2bju:ti1r@ldi2hId> pos n. def a colourless flammable pungent liquid used in the manufacture of resins. Formula: CH\3(CH\2)\2CHO. butyrate 0. syl bu+tyr+ate pron <1bju:ti2rAt> pos n. def any salt or ester of butyric acid, containing the monovalent group C\3H\7COO- or ion C\3H\7COO%-. butyric acid ety C19 butyric, from Latin b*_utyrum #7butter butyric acid 0. syl bu+tyr+ic ac:id pron pos n. def a carboxylic acid existing in two isomeric forms, one of which produces the smell in rancid butter. Its esters are used in flavouring. Formula: CH\3(CH\2)\2COOH. butyrin ety C20: from #7butyr (#7ic+glycer) #7in butyrin 0. syl bu+tyr+in pron <1bju:tirin> pos n. def a colourless liquid ester or oil found in butter. It is formed from butyric acid and glycerin. buxom ety C12: buhsum compliant, pliant, from Old English b*_ugan to bend, #7{bow %1}; related to Middle Dutch b*_uchsam pliant, German biegsam buxom 1. syl bux+om pron <1b^ks*m> pos adj. usage esp. of a woman def healthily plump, attractive, and vigorous. buxom 2. syl bux+om pron <1b^ks*m> pos adj. usage of a woman def full-bosomed. buxomly sub head buxom syl bux+om+ly pos adv. buxomness sub head buxom syl bux+om+ness pos n. Dietrich infl head Buxtehude syl Die:trich pron <1dEtri*,c> pos n. Buxtehude 0. syl Bux:te:hu:de pron German <2bukst*1hu:d*> pos n. def 1637-1707, Danish composer and organist, resident in Germany from 1668, who influenced Bach and Handel. Buxton 0. syl Bux+ton pron <1b^kst*n> pos n. def a town in N England, in NW Derbyshire in the Peak District: thermal springs. buy ety Old English bycgan; related to Old Norse byggja to let out, lend, Gothic bugjan to buy buys infl head buy syl buys pos vb. mod mainly; tr. buying infl head buy syl buy+ing pos vb. mod mainly; tr. bought infl head buy syl bought. pos vb. mod mainly; tr. buy 1. syl buy pron pos vb. mod mainly; tr. def to acquire by paying or promising to pay a sum of money or the equivalent; purchase. buy 2. syl buy pron pos vb. mod mainly; tr. def to be capable of purchasing. exam 1 money can't buy love. buy 3. syl buy pron pos vb. mod mainly; tr. def to acquire by any exchange or sacrifice. exam 1 to buy time by equivocation. buy 4. syl buy pron pos vb. mod intr. def to act as a buyer. buy 5. syl buy pron pos vb. mod mainly; tr. def to bribe or corrupt; hire by or as by bribery. buy 6. syl buy pron pos vb. mod mainly; tr. qual Informal, chiefly U.S. def to accept as true, practical, etc. buy 7. syl buy pron pos vb. mod intr. usage foll. by into def to purchase shares of (a company). exam 1 we bought into General Motors. buy 8. syl buy pron pos vb. mod tr. usage Theol. esp. of Christ def to ransom or redeem (a Christian or the soul of a Christian). have bought it 9. head buy syl have bought it. qual Slang. def to be killed. buy 10. syl buy pron pos n. mod mainly; tr. qual Informal. def a purchase (often in the phrases {good} or {bad buy}) . {~} See also {buy in, buy into, buy off, buy out, buy up}. buyer 1. syl buy+er pron <1bI*> pos n. def a person who buys; purchaser; customer. buyer 2. syl buy+er pron <1bI*> pos n. def a person employed to buy merchandise, materials, etc., as for a shop or factory. buyers' market 0. syl buy+ers' mar+ket pos n. def a market in which supply exceeds demand and buyers can influence prices. buy in 1. syl buy in pos vb. adv. mod tr. def to buy back for the owner (an item in an auction) at or below the reserve price. buy in 2. syl buy in pos vb. adv. mod intr. def to purchase shares in a company. buy in 3. syl buy in pos vb. adv. mod intr. def to buy goods or securities on the open market against a defaulting seller, charging this seller with any market differences. buy in 4. syl buy in pos vb. adv. mod tr. def Also: {buy into}. to pay money to secure a position or place for (someone, esp. oneself) in some organization, esp. a business or club. buy in 5. syl buy in pos vb. adv. def to purchase (goods, etc.) in large quantities. exam 1 to buy in for the winter. buy into 0. syl buy in:to pos vb. prep. mod intr. qual Austral. def to get involved in (an argument, fight, etc.). buy off 0. syl buy off pos vb. adv. mod tr. def to pay (a person or group) to drop a charge, end opposition, relinquish a claim, etc. buy out 1. syl buy out pos vb. adv. mod tr. def to purchase the ownership, controlling interest, shares, etc., of (a company, etc.). buy out 2. syl buy out pos vb. adv. mod tr. def to gain the release of (a person) from the armed forces by payment of money. Buys Ballot's Law ety named after C. H. D. Buys Ballot, 19th-century Dutch meteorologist Buys Ballot's Law 0. syl Buys Bal+lot's Law pron <1bIs> , <1bcis> pos n. def a law stating that if an observer stands with his back to the wind in the N hemi?!sphere, atmospheric pressure is lower on his left, and vice versa in the S hemisphere. buy up 1. syl buy up pos vb. adv. mod tr. def to purchase all, or all that is available, of (something). buy up 2. syl buy up pos vb. adv. mod tr. qual Commerce. def to purchase a controlling interest in (a company, etc.), as by the acquisition of shares. buzz ety C16: of imitative origin buzz 1. syl buzz pos b^z; n. def a rapidly vibrating humming sound, as that of a prolonged or of a bee in flight. buzz 2. syl buzz pos b^z; n. def a low sound, as of many voices in conversation. buzz 3. syl buzz pos b^z; n. def a rumour; report; gossip. buzz 4. syl buzz pos b^z; n. qual Informal. def a telephone call. exam 1 I'll give you a buzz. buzz 5. syl buzz pos b^z; n. qual U.S. slang. def a pleasant sensation, as from a drug such as cannabis. buzz 6. syl buzz pos vb. mod intr. def to make a vibrating sound like that of a prolonged . buzz 7. syl buzz pos vb. mod intr. def to talk or gossip with an air of excitement or urgency. exam 1 the town buzzed with the news. buzz 8. syl buzz pos vb. mod tr. def to utter or spread (a rumour). buzz 9. syl buzz pos vb. mod intr. usage often foll. by about def to move around quickly and busily; bustle. buzz 10. syl buzz pos vb. mod tr. def to signal or summon with a buzzer. buzz 11. syl buzz pos vb. mod tr. qual Informal. def to call by telephone. buzz 12.a. syl buzz pos vb. def to fly an aircraft very low over (an object). exam 1 to buzz a ship. buzz 12.b. syl buzz pos vb. def to fly an aircraft very close to or across the path of (another aircraft), esp. to warn or intimidate. buzz 13. syl buzz pos vb. mod tr. usage esp. of insects def to make a buzzing sound with (wings, etc.). buzzard ety C13: from Old French buisard, variant of buison buzzard, from Latin b*_ute*_o hawk, falcon buzzard 1. syl buz+zard pron <1b^z*d> pos n. def any diurnal bird of prey of the genus typically having broad wings and tail and a soaring flight: family (hawks, etc.). Compare {turkey buzzard}. honey buzzard 2. head buzzard syl honey buzzard. def any of various similar related birds, esp. the Eurasian which feeds on grubs and honey from bees' nests. buzzard 3. syl buz+zard pron <1b^z*d> pos n. def a mean or cantankerous person. buzz bomb 0. syl buzz bomb pos n. def another name for the {V-1}. buzzer 1. syl buzz+er pron <1b^z*> pos n. def a person or thing that buzzes. buzzer 2. syl buzz+er pron <1b^z*> pos n. def a device that produces a buzzing sound, esp. one similar to an electric bell without a hammer or gong. buzz off 0. syl buzz off pos vb. adv. mod intr. qual Informal, chiefly Brit. usage often imperative def to go away; leave; depart. buzz saw 0. syl buzz saw pos n. qual U.S. def a power-operated circular saw. BV ety Latin: Blessed Virgin BV ety Latin: farewell BV 1. syl B.V. qual abbrev. for: def Beata Virgo. BV 2. syl B.V. qual abbrev. for: def bene vale. BVM ety Latin: Blessed Virgin Mary BVM 0. syl B.V.M. qual abbrev. for def Beata Virgo Maria. BW 0. syl B/W qual Photog. abbrev. for def black and white. bwana ety Swahili, from Arabic ab*_una our father bwana 0. syl bwa+na pron <1bwa:n*> pos n. usage in E Africa def a master, often used as a respectful form of address corresponding to BWG 0. syl B.W.G. qual abbrev. for def Birmingham Wire Gauge: a notation for the diameters of metal rods, ranging from 0 (0.340 inch) to 36 (0.004 inch). BWR 0. syl BWR qual abbrev. for def boiling-water reactor. BWV 0. syl BWV qual Music. abbrev. for usage preceding a number def Bach Werke-Verzeichnis: indicating the serial number in the catalogue of the works of J. S. Bach made by Wolfgang Schmieder (born 1901), published in 1950. bx 0. syl bx. qual abbrev. for def box. by ety Old English b*_i; related to Gothic bi, Old High German b*_i, Sanskrit abhi to, towards by 1. syl by pron pos prep. def used to indicate the agent after a passive verb. exam 1 seeds eaten by the birds. by 2. syl by pron pos prep. def used to indicate the person responsible for a creative work. exam 1 this song is by Schubert. by 3. syl by pron pos prep. def via; through. exam 1 enter by the back door. by 4. syl by pron pos prep. def foll. by a gerund to indicate a means used. exam 1 he frightened her by hiding behind the door. by 5. syl by pron pos prep. def beside; next to; near. exam 1 a tree by the house. by 6. syl by pron pos prep. def passing the position of; past. exam 1 he drove by the old cottage. by 7. syl by pron pos prep. def not later than; before. exam 1 return the books by Tuesday. by 8. syl by pron pos prep. def used to indicate extent, after a comparative. exam 1 it is hotter by five degrees than it was yesterday. by 9. syl by pron pos prep. usage esp. in oaths def invoking the name of. exam 1 I swear by all the gods. by 10. syl by pron pos prep. def multiplied or divided by. exam 1 four by three equals twelve. by 11. syl by pron pos prep. usage in habitual sentences def during the passing of (esp. in the phrases {by day, by night) }. by 12. syl by pron pos prep. def placed between measurements of the various dimensions of something. exam 1 a plank fourteen inches by seven. by 13. syl by pron pos prep. def near. exam 1 the house is close by. by 14. syl by pron pos prep. def away; aside. exam 1 he put some money by each week for savings. by 15. syl by pron pos prep. def passing a point near something; past. exam 1 he drove by. by 16. syl by pron pos prep. def a variant spelling of {bye}. by- ety from #7by bye- alt head by- or by- syl bye- pos prefix. by- 1. or bye- syl by- pos prefix. def near. exam 1 bystander. by- 2. or bye- syl by- pos prefix. def secondary or incidental. exam 1 by-effect; exam 2 by-election; exam 3 by-path; exam 4 by-product. by and by 1. syl by and by pos adv. def presently or eventually. by-and-by infl head by and by syl by-and-by. pos n. by and by 2. syl by and by pos n. qual U.S. def a future time or occasion. by and large ety C17: originally nautical (meaning: to the wind and off it) by and large 0. syl by and large pos adv. def in general; on the whole. by-bidder 0. syl by-bid:der pos n. def a bidder at an auction who bids up the price of an item for the benefit of a seller. by-blow 1. syl by-blow pos n. def a passing or incidental blow. by-blow 2. syl by-blow pos n. def an archaic word for a {bastard}. Bydgoszcz 0. syl Byd+goszcz pron Polish <1bidgcSC> pos n. def an industrial city and port in N Poland: under Prussian rule from 1772 to 1919. Pop.: 310600 (1974 est.). German name: {Bromberg}. bye ety C16: variant of #7by bye 1. syl bye pron pos n. qual Sport. def the situation in which a player or team in an eliminatory contest wins a preliminary round by virtue of having no opponent. bye 2. syl bye pron pos n. qual Golf. def one or more holes of a stipulated course that are left unplayed after the match has been decided. bye 3. syl bye pron pos n. qual Cricket. def a run scored off a ball not struck by the batsman: allotted to the team as an extra and not to the individual batsman. See also {leg bye}. bye 4. syl bye pron pos n. def something incidental or secondary. by the bye 5. head bye syl by the bye. def incidentally; by the way: used as a sentence connector. bye-bye 0. syl bye-bye pos interj. qual Brit informal. def goodbye. bye-byes 0. syl bye-byes pos n. def an informal word for {sleep}, used esp. in addressing children (as in the phrase {go to bye-byes}) . bye-election alt head by-election or by-election syl bye-e:lec:tion pos n. by-election 1. or bye-election syl by-e:lec:tion pos n. usage in Great Britain and other countries of the Commonwealth def an election held during the life of a parliament to fill a vacant seat in the lower chamber. by-election 2. or bye-election syl by-e:lec:tion pos n. usage in the U.S. def a special election to fill a vacant elective position with an unexpired term. Belgorod-Dnestrovski alt head Byelgorod-Dnestrovski or Byelgorod-Dnestrovski syl Bel:go:rod-Dnes:trov+ski pron Russian <1bjelg*r*t> pos n. Byelgorod-Dnestrovski 0. or Belgorod-Dnestrovski syl Byel:go:rod-Dnes:trov+ski pron Russian <1bjelg*r*t> pos n. def a port in the SW Soviet Union, in the SW Ukrainian SSR, on the Dniester estuary: belonged to Rumania from 1918 until 1940; ceded to the Soviet Union in 1944. Rumanian name: {Cetatea Alba}. Former name (until 1946): {Akkerman}. Belorussian alt head Byelorussian or Byelorussian syl Be+lo+rus+sian pron <2bjel*u1r^S*n>, <2bel-> pos adj. Byelorussian 1. or Belorussian syl Bye+lo+rus+sian pron <2bjel*u1r^S*n>, <2bel-> pos adj. def of, relating to, or characteristic of Byelorussia, its people, or their language. Byelorussian 2. or Belorussian syl Bye+lo+rus+sian pron <2bjel*u1r^S*n>, <2bel-> pos n. def the official language of the Byelo?!russian SSR: an East Slavonic language closely related to Russian. Byelorussian 3. or Belorussian syl Bye+lo+rus+sian pron <2bjel*u1r^S*n>, <2bel-> pos n. def a native or inhabitant of Byelorussia. Byelorussian xref or Belorussian syl Bye+lo+rus+sian pron <2bjel*u1r^S*n>, <2bel-> pos adj. def Also called: {White Russian}. Byelorussian Soviet Socialist Republic 0. syl Bye+lo+rus+sian So+vi+et So+cial+ist Re+pub+lic pos n. def an administrative division of the W Soviet Union: mainly low-lying and forested. Capital: Minsk. Pop.: 9002338 (1970). Area: 207600 sq. km (80134 sq. miles). Also: {Be+lo+rus+sian So+vi+et So+cial+ist Re+pub+lic}, or {Bye+lo+rus+sia, Be+lo+rus+sia} (@!bj$el$$$u#!r^#s$$, @!b$el-). Also called: {White Russia}. Byelostok 0. syl Bye+lo+stok pron pos n. def a Russian name for {Bialystok}. Belovo alt head Byelovo or Byelovo syl Be+lo+vo pron Russian <1bjel*v*> pos n. Byelovo 0. or Belovo syl Bye+lo+vo pron Russian <1bjel*v*> pos n. def a city in the S Soviet Union, in the southwestern RSFSR. Pop.: 108209 (1970). bygone 1. syl by+gone pron <1bI2gon> pos adj. usage usually prenominal def past; former. bygone 2. syl by+gone pron <1bI2gon> pos n. mod often; pl. def a past occurrence. let bygones be bygones 3. head bygone syl let bygones be bygones. def to agree to forget past quarrels. bylaw ety C13: probably of Scandinavian origin; compare Old Norse b*_yr dwelling, town; see #7{bower %1}#7, law bye-law alt head bylaw or bylaw syl bye-law pron <1bI2lc:> pos n. bylaw 1. or bye-law syl by+law pron <1bI2lc:> pos n. def a rule made by a local authority for the regulation of its affairs or management of the area it governs. bylaw 2. or bye-law syl by+law pron <1bI2lc:> pos n. def a regulation of a company, society, etc. bylaw 3. or bye-law syl by+law pron <1bI2lc:> pos n. def a subsidiary law. by-line 1. syl by-line pos n. qual Journalism. def a line under the title of a newspaper or magazine article giving the author's name. by-line 2. syl by-line pos n. qual Soccer. def another word for {touchline}. John 1. head Byng syl John. def 1704-57, English admiral: executed after failing to relieve Minorca. Julian Hedworth George 2. head Byng syl Ju:li:an Hed:worth George def 1st Viscount Byng of Vimy. 1862-1935, British general in World War I; governor general of Canada (1921-26). BYO ety C20: from the phrase bring your own BYO 0. syl B.Y.O. pos n. qual Austral. def an unlicensed restaurant at which diners may drink their own wine, etc. bypass 1. syl by+pass pron <1bI2pa:s> pos n. def a main road built to avoid a city or other congested area. bypass 2. syl by+pass pron <1bI2pa:s> pos n. def a means of redirecting the flow of a substance around an appliance through which it would otherwise pass. bypass 3.a. syl by+pass pron <1bI2pa:s> pos n. def an electrical circuit, esp. one containing a capacitor, connected in parallel around one or more components, providing an alternative path for certain frequencies. bypass 3.b. syl by+pass pron <1bI2pa:s> pos n. usage as modifier exam 1 a bypass capacitor. bypasses infl head bypass syl by+pass:es pos vb. mod tr. bypassing infl head bypass syl by+pass+ing pos vb. mod tr. bypassed infl head bypass or bypast syl by+passed pos vb. mod tr. bypast infl head bypass or bypassed syl by+past. pos vb. mod tr. bypass 4. syl by+pass pron <1bI2pa:s> pos vb. mod tr. def to go around or avoid (a city, obstruction, problem, etc.). bypass 5. syl by+pass pron <1bI2pa:s> pos vb. mod tr. def to cause (traffic, fluid, etc.) to go through a bypass. bypass 6. syl by+pass pron <1bI2pa:s> pos vb. mod tr. def to proceed without reference to (regulations, a superior, etc.); get round; avoid. bypass engine 0. syl by+pass en+gine pos n. def a gas turbine in which a part of the compressor delivery bypasses the combustion zone, flowing directly into or around the main exhaust gas flow to provide additional thrust. Compare {turbofan}. bypass ratio 0. syl by+pass ra+ti:o pos n. qual Aeronautics. def the ratio of the amount of air that bypasses the combustion chambers of an aircraft gas turbine to that passing through them. bypath 0. syl by+path pron <1bI2pa:T> pos n. def a little-used path or track, esp. in the country. by-play 0. syl by-play pos n. qual Chiefly U.S. def secondary action or talking carried on apart while the main action proceeds, esp. in a play. by-product 1. syl by-prod:uct pos n. def a secondary or incidental product of a manufacturing process. by-product 2. syl by-prod:uct pos n. def a side effect. Richard Evelyn 1. head Byrd syl Rich:ard Eve:lyn. def 1888-1957, U.S. rear admiral, aviator, and polar explorer. William 2. head Byrd syl Wil:liam. def 1543-1623, English composer and organist, noted for his madrigals, masses, and music for virginals. Byrd Land 0. syl Byrd Land pos n. def a part of Antarctica, east of the Ross Ice Shelf and the Ross Sea: claimed for the U.S. by Richard E. Byrd in 1929. Former name: {Marie Byrd Land}. byre ety Old English b*_yre; related to b*_ur hut, cottage; see #7bower %1 byre 0. syl byre pron pos n. qual Brit. def another word for {cowshed}. byrnie ety Old English byrne; related to Old Norse brynja, Gothic brunj*_o, Old High German brunnia coat of mail, Old Irish bruinne breast byrnie 0. syl byr+nie pron <1bR:ni> pos n. def an archaic word for {coat of mail}. bylane alt head byroad or byroad syl by+lane pos n. byroad 0. or bylane syl by+road pron <1bI2r*ud> pos n. def a secondary or side road. George Gordon infl head Byron syl George Gor:don pos n. Byron 0. syl By:ron pron <1bI*r*n> pos n. def 6th Baron. 1788-1824, English Romantic poet, noted also for his passionate and disastrous love affairs. His major works include (1812-18), and (1819-24). He spent much of his life abroad and died while fighting for Greek independence. &- {By+ron+ic} (ba$I#!r$An$Ik) &- {By+#!ron@.i+cal+ly} &- {#!By+ron+ism} byssinosis ety C19: from New Latin, from Greek bussinos of linen (see #7byssus) #7+ -#7osis byssinosis 0. syl bys+si+no+sis pron <2bisi1n*usis> pos n. def a lung disease caused by pro?!longed inhalation of fibre dust in textile factories. byssus ety C17: from Latin, from Greek bussos linen, flax, ultimately of Egyptian origin byssuses infl head byssus or byssi syl bys+sus:es pron <1bisI> pos n. mod pl. byssi infl head byssus or byssuses syl bys+si pron <1bisI> pos n. mod pl. byssus 0. syl bys+sus pron <1bis*s> pos n. def a mass of strong threads secreted by a sea mussel or similar mollusc that attaches the animal to a hard fixed surface. bystander 0. syl by+stand:er pron <1bI2st@nd*> pos n. def a person present but not involved; onlooker; spectator. bystreet 0. syl by+street pron <1bI2strEt> pos n. def an obscure or secondary street. byte ety C20: probably a blend of #7bit %4#7+#7bite byte 1. syl byte pron pos n. qual Computer technol. def a sequence of bits, usually six or eight, processed as a single unit of information. byte 2. syl byte pron pos n. qual Computer technol. def the storage space in a memory or other storage device that is allocated to one character. byte 3. syl byte pron pos n. qual Computer technol. def a subdivision of a word. Bytom 0. syl By+tom pron Polish <1bitcm> pos n. def an industrial city in SW Poland, in Upper Silesia: under Prussian and German rule from 1742 to 1945. Pop.: 193400 (1974 est.). German name: {Beuthen}. byway 1. syl by+way pron <1bI2wA> pos n. def a secondary or side road, esp. in the country. byway 2. syl by+way pron <1bI2wA> pos n. def an area, field of study, etc., that is very obscure or of secondary importance. byword ety Old English b*_iwyrde; see #7by, word ; compare Old High German p*_iwurti, from Latin pr*_overbium proverb byword 1. syl by+word pron <1bI2wR:d> pos n. def a person, place, or thing regarded as a perfect or proverbial example of something. exam 1 their name is a byword for good service. byword 2. syl by+word pron <1bI2wR:d> pos n. def an object of scorn or derision. byword 3. syl by+word pron <1bI2wR:d> pos n. def a common saying; proverb. by-your-leave 0. syl by-your-leave pos n. def a request for permission (esp. in the phrase {without so much as a by-your-leave) }. Byz 0. syl Byz. qual abbrev. for def Byzantine. Byzantine 1. syl Byz+an+tine pron , <-2tEn>, <1biz*n2tEn>, <-2tIn> pos adj. def of, characteristic of, or relating to Byzantium or the Byzantine Empire. Byzantine 2. syl Byz+an+tine pron , <-2tEn>, <1biz*n2tEn>, <-2tIn> pos adj. def of, relating to, or characterizing the Orthodox Church or its rites and liturgy. Byzantine 3. syl Byz+an+tine pron , <-2tEn>, <1biz*n2tEn>, <-2tIn> pos adj. def of or relating to the highly coloured stylized form of religious art developed in the Byzantine Empire. Byzantine 4. syl Byz+an+tine pron , <-2tEn>, <1biz*n2tEn>, <-2tIn> pos adj. def of or relating to the style of architecture developed in the Byzantine Empire, characterized by massive domes with square bases, rounded arches, spires and minarets, and the extensive use of mosaics. Byzantine 5. syl Byz+an+tine pron , <-2tEn>, <1biz*n2tEn>, <-2tIn> pos adj. def denoting the Medieval Greek spoken in the Byzantine Empire. Byzantine 6. syl Byz+an+tine pron , <-2tEn>, <1biz*n2tEn>, <-2tIn> pos adj. usage of attitudes, etc. def inflexible or complicated. {~} Byzantine 7. syl Byz+an+tine pron , <-2tEn>, <1biz*n2tEn>, <-2tIn> pos adj. def an inhabitant of Byzantium. &- {Byz+an+tin+ism} (b$I#!z@anta$I@!n$Iz$$m, -ti$:-, ba$I-; #!b$Iz$$nti$:@!n$Iz$$m, -ta$I-) Byzantine Church 0. syl Byz+an+tine Church pos n. def another name for the {Orthodox Church}. Byzantine Empire 0. syl Byz+an+tine Em+pire pos n. def the continuation of the Roman Empire in the East, esp. after the deposition of the last emperor in Rome (476 #7a.d.) #7. It was finally extinguished by the fall of Constantinople, its capital, in 1453. See also {Eastern Roman Empire}. Byzantium 0. syl By+zan+ti:um pron , pos n. def an ancient Greek city on the Bosphorus: founded about 660 #7b.c. ; rebuilt by Constantine I in 330 #7a.d. and called Constantinople; present-day Istanbul. bz alt or bz syl bz bz 0. or bz syl bz. qual abbrev. for def benzene. ********************************************************************** present-day Istanbul. bz alt or bz syl bz bz 0. or bz syl bz. qual abbrev. for def benzene. ********************************************************************** C alt head c or c syl C pron pos n. c's infl head c syl c's pos n. mod pl. C's infl head c or Cs syl C's pos n. mod pl. Cs infl head c or C's syl Cs. pos n. mod pl. c 1. or C syl c pron pos n. def the third letter and second consonant of the modern English alphabet. c 2. or C syl c pron pos n. def a speech sound represented by this letter, in English usually either a voiceless alveolar fricative, as in or a voiceless velar stop, as in c 3. or C syl c pron pos n. def the third in a series, esp. the third highest grade in an examination. c 4.a. or C syl c pron pos n. def something shaped like a C. c 4.b. or C syl c pron pos n. usage in combination exam 1 a C-spring. c 1. syl c qual symbol for: def centi-. c 2. syl c qual symbol for: def cubic. c 3. syl c qual symbol for: def cycle. c 4. syl c qual symbol for:; Maths. def constant. c 5. syl c qual symbol for: def specific heat capacity. c 6. syl c qual symbol for: def the velocity of electromagnetic radiation. C 1.a. syl C qual symbol for: def a note having a frequency of 261.63 hertz ({middle C}) or this value multiplied or divided by any power of 2; the first degree of a major scale containing no sharps or flats ({C major}) . C 1.b. syl C qual symbol for: def a key, string, or pipe producing this note. C 1.c. syl C qual symbol for: def the major or minor key having this note as its tonic. C 1.d. syl C qual symbol for: def a time signature denoting four crotchet beats to the bar. See also { {alla breve} (sense 2),} {common time}. C 2. syl C qual symbol for:; Chem. def carbon. C 3. syl C qual symbol for: def capacitance. C 4. syl C qual symbol for: def heat capacity. C 5. syl C qual symbol for: def cold (water). C 6. syl C qual symbol for:; Physics. def compliance. C 7. syl C qual symbol for: def Celsius. C 8. syl C qual symbol for: def centigrade. C 9. syl C qual symbol for: def century. exam 1 C20. C 10. syl C qual symbol for: usage the Roman numeral for def 100. See {Roman numerals. ~} C 11. syl C qual symbol for: usage international car registration for def Cuba. c ety Latin: about. c 1. syl c. qual abbrev. for: def carat. c 2. syl c. qual abbrev. for: def carbon (paper). c 3. syl c. qual abbrev. for:; Cricket. def caught. c 4. syl c. qual abbrev. for: def cent(s). c 5. syl c. qual abbrev. for: def century or centuries. cc infl head c syl cc. mod pl. c 6. syl c. qual abbrev. for: def chapter. c 7. syl c. qual abbrev. for: usage used esp. preceding a date def circa. exam 1 c. 1800. c 8. syl c. qual abbrev. for: def colt. c 9. syl c. qual abbrev. for: def contralto. c 10. syl c. qual abbrev. for: def copyright. c 11. syl c. qual abbrev. for: def coulomb. C 1. syl C. qual abbrev. for: usage on maps as part of name def Cape. C 2. syl C. qual abbrev. for: def Catholic. C 3. syl C. qual abbrev. for: def Celtic. C 4. syl C. qual abbrev. for: def Conservative. C 5. syl C. qual abbrev. for: def Corps. c- 0. syl c/- qual abbrev. for usage Austral., N.Z. in addresses def care of. C- 0. syl C- qual abbrev. for usage of U.S. military aircraft def cargo transport. exam 1 C-5. 0. syl +800087 +800088 qual symbol for def copyright. C- alt head C or C syl C-3 pron <1sE1TrE> pos adj. C 1. or C- syl C3 pron <1sE1TrE> pos adj. def in poor health or having a poor physique. C 2. or C- syl C3 pron <1sE1TrE> pos adj. qual Informal. def inferior; worthless. Compare {A1}. Ca 0. syl Ca usage the chemical symbol for def calcium. ca ety Latin: about ca 0. syl ca. qual abbrev. for def circa. CA 1. syl C.A. qual abbrev. for: def Central America. CA 2. syl C.A. qual abbrev. for: def chartered account?!ant. CA 3. syl C.A. qual abbrev. for: def chief account?!ant. CA 4. syl C.A. qual abbrev. for: def consular agent. CA 5. syl C.A. qual abbrev. for: usage in Britain def Consumers' Association. CA 1. syl C/A qual abbrev. for: def capital account. CA 2. syl C/A qual abbrev. for: def credit account. CA 3. syl C/A qual abbrev. for: def current account. CAA 0. syl C.A.A. qual abbrev. for usage in Britain def Civil Aviation Authority. Caaba 0. syl Caa+ba pron <1ka:b*> pos n. def a variant spelling of {Kaaba}. cab ety C19: shortened from #7taxicab cab H1.1.a. syl cab pron pos n. def a taxi. cab H1.1.b. syl cab pron pos n. usage as modifier exam 1 a cab rank. cab H1.2. syl cab pron pos n. def the enclosed compartment of a lorry, locomotive, crane, etc., from which it is driven or operated. cab H1.3. syl cab pron pos n. usage formerly def a light horse-drawn vehicle used for public hire. first cab off the rank 4. head cab syl first cab off the rank. qual Austral. informal. def the first person, etc., to do or take advantage of something. cab ety C16: from Hebrew qabh container, something hollowed out kab alt head cab or cab syl kab pron pos n. cab H2.0. or kab syl cab pron pos n. def an ancient Hebrew measure equal to about 2.3 litres (4 pints). CAB 1. syl C.A.B. qual abbrev. for: usage in Britain def Citizens' Advice Bureau. CAB 2. syl C.A.B. qual abbrev. for: usage in the U.S. def Civil Aeronautics Board. cabal ety C17: from French cabale, from Medieval Latin cabala; see #7cabbala cabal 1. syl ca+bal pron pos n. def a small group of intriguers, esp. one formed for political purposes. cabal 2. syl ca+bal pron pos n. def a secret plot, esp. a political one; conspiracy; intrigue. cabal 3. syl ca+bal pron pos n. def a secret or exclusive set of people; clique. cabals infl head cabal syl ca+bals pos vb. caballing infl head cabal syl ca+bal+ling pos vb. caballed infl head cabal syl ca+balled. pos vb. cabal 4. syl ca+bal pron pos vb. mod intr. def to form a cabal; conspire; plot. Cabal ety see #7cabbala ; by a coincidence, the initials of Charles II's ministers can be arranged to form this word the infl head Cabal syl the. pos n. Cabal 0. syl Ca+bal pron pos n. qual English history. def a group of ministers of Charles II that governed from 1667-73: consisting of Clifford, Ashley, Buckingham, Arlington, and Lauderdale. cabala 0. syl ca+ba+la pron pos n. def a variant spelling of {cabbala}. cabalism sub head cabala syl cab:a+lism pron <1k@b*2liz*m> pos n. cabalist sub head cabala syl cab:a+list pos n. cabalistic sub head cabala syl cab:a+1lis+tic pos adj. Montserrat infl head Caball'e syl Mont:ser:rat pron <2monsAr1rat> pos n. Caball'e 0. syl Ca:ba:ll*'e pron Spanish <2ka$Ba1$yA> pos n. def born 1933, Spanish operatic soprano. caballero ety C19: from Spanish: gentleman, horseman, from Late Latin caball*_arius rider, groom, from caballus horse; compare #7cavalier caballeros infl head caballero syl ca+bal+le+ros pron <-r*uz>, Spanish <-ros> pos n. mod pl. caballero 1. syl ca+bal+le+ro pron <2k@b*1lje*r*u>, Spanish <2ka$Ba1$yAro>, Spanish <-ros> pos n. def a Spanish gentleman. caballero 2. syl ca+bal+le+ro pron <2k@b*1lje*r*u>, Spanish <2ka$Ba1$yAro>, Spanish <-ros> pos n. def a southwestern U.S. word for {horseman}. cabana ety from Spanish caba*~na: #7cabin cabana 0. syl ca+ba+na pron pos n. qual Chiefly U.S. def a tent used as a dressing room by the sea. Cabanatuan 0. syl Ca+ba+na+tuan pron <2ka:b*n*1twa:n> pos n. def a city in the Philippines, in S central Luzon. Pop.: 117995 (1975 est.). cabaret ety C17: from Norman French: tavern, probably from Late Latin camera an arched roof, #7chamber cabaret 1. syl cab:a+ret pron <1k@b*2rA> pos n. def a floor show of dancing, singing, or other light entertainment at a nightclub or restaurant. cabaret 2. syl cab:a+ret pron <1k@b*2rA> pos n. qual Chiefly U.S. def a nightclub or restaurant providing such entertainment. cabbage ety C14: from Norman French caboche head; perhaps related to Old French boce hump, bump, Latin caput head cabbage H1.1. syl cab+bage pron <1k@biJ> pos n. def Also called: {cole}. any of various cultivated varieties of the cruciferous plant typically having a short thick stalk and a large head of green or reddish edible leaves. See also {brassica, savoy}. Compare {skunk cabbage, Chinese cabbage}. wild cabbage 2. head cabbage syl wild cabbage. def a Mediterranean cruciferous plant, with broad leaves and a long spike of yellow flowers: the plant from which the cabbages, cauliflower, broccoli, and Brussels sprout have been bred. cabbage H1.3.a. syl cab+bage pron <1k@biJ> pos n. def the head of a cabbage. cabbage H1.3.b. syl cab+bage pron <1k@biJ> pos n. def the edible leaf bud of the cabbage palm. cabbage H1.4. syl cab+bage pron <1k@biJ> pos n. qual Informal. def a dull or unimaginative person. cabbage H1.5. syl cab+bage pron <1k@biJ> pos n. qual Informal. def a person who has no mental faculties and is dependent on others for his subsistence. cabbage ety C17: of uncertain origin; perhaps related to Old French cabas theft cabbage H2.1. syl cab+bage pron <1k@biJ> pos n. qual Brit. archaic. def snippets of cloth appropriated by a tailor from a customer's material. cabbage H2.2. syl cab+bage pron <1k@biJ> pos vb. qual Brit. archaic. def to steal; pilfer. cabbage bug 0. syl cab+bage bug pos n. def another name for the {harlequin bug}. cabbage lettuce 0. syl cab+bage let+tuce pos n. def any of several varieties of lettuce that have roundish flattened heads resembling cabbages. tree alt head cabbage palm or cabbage palm syl tree pos n. cabbage palm 1. or tree syl cab+bage palm pos n. def a West Indian palm, (or whose leaf buds are eaten like cabbage. cabbage palm 2. or tree syl cab+bage palm pos n. def a similar Brazilian palm, cabbage palm 3. or tree syl cab+bage palm pos n. def an Australian palm tree, cabbage palmetto 0. syl cab+bage pal+met+to pos n. def a tropical American fan palm, with edible leaf buds and leaves used in thatching. cabbage root fly 0. syl cab+bage root fly pos n. def a dipterous fly, whose larvae feed on the roots and stems of cabbages and other brassicas: family (houseflies, etc.). cabbagetown 0. syl cab:bage+town pron <1k@biJ2taun> pos n. qual Canadian. def a city slum. cabbage white 0. syl cab+bage white pos n. def any large white butterfly of the genus esp. the Eurasian species and the larvae of which feed on the leaves of cabbages and related vegetables: family cabbageworm 0. syl cab:bage+worm pron <1k@biJ2wR:m> pos n. qual U.S. def any caterpillar that feeds on cabbages, esp. that of the cabbage white. cabbala ety C16: from Medieval Latin, from Hebrew qabb*_al*_ah tradition, what is received, from q*_abal to receive cabala infl head cabbala syl ca+ba+la pron pos n. kabbala infl head cabbala or kabala syl kab+ba+la pron pos n. kabala infl head cabbala or kabbala syl ka+ba+la pron pos n. cabbala 1. syl cab+ba+la pron pos n. def an ancient Jewish mystical tradition based on an esoteric interpretation of the Old Testament. cabbala 2. syl cab+ba+la pron pos n. def any secret or occult doctrine or science. cabbalism sub head cabbala syl cab+ba+lism pron <1k@b*?!2liz*m> pos n. cabalism sub head cabbala syl cab:a+lism pron <1k@b*?!2liz*m> pos n. kabbalism sub head cabbala or kabalism syl kab+ba+lism pron <1k@b*?!2liz*m> pos n. kabalism sub head cabbala or kabbalism syl kab:a+lism pron <1k@b*?!2liz*m> pos n. cabbalist sub head cabbala syl cab+ba+list pos n. cabalist sub head cabbala syl cab:a+list pos n. kabbalist sub head cabbala or kabalist syl 1kab+ba+list pos n. kabalist sub head cabbala or kabbalist syl 1kab:a+list pos n. cabbalistic sub head cabbala syl cab+ba+1lis+tic pos adj. cabalistic sub head cabbala syl cab:a+1lis+tic pos adj. kabbalistic sub head cabbala or kabalistic syl 2kab+ba+1lis+tic pos adj. kabalistic sub head cabbala or kabbalistic syl 2kab:a+1lis+tic pos adj. cabbie alt head cabby or cabby syl cab+bie pron <1k@bi> pos n. cabbies infl head cabby syl cab+bies. pos n. mod pl. cabby 0. or cabbie syl cab+by pron <1k@bi> pos n. qual Informal. def a cab driver. caber ety C16: from Gaelic cabar pole caber 0. syl ca+ber pron <1kAb*> pos n. qual Scot. def a heavy wooden pole or beam, esp. one thrown in the air as a trial of strength in the Highland sport of {tossing the caber}. cabezon ety Spanish, from cabeza head, ultimately from Latin caput cabezone alt head cabezon or cabezon syl cab+e:zone pron <1k@bi2z*un> pos n. cabezon 0. or cabezone syl cab+e:zon pron <1k@bizon> pos n. def a large food fish, of North American Pacific coastal waters, having greenish flesh: family (bullheads and sea scorpions). Cabimas 0. syl Ca+bi+mas pron Spanish pos n. def a town in NW Venezuela, on the NE shore of Lake Maracaibo. Pop.: 122239 (1971). cabin ety C14: from Old French cabane, from Old Proven*,cal cabana, from Late Latin capanna hut cabin 1. syl cab+in pron <1k@bin> pos n. def a small simple dwelling; hut. cabin 2. syl cab+in pron <1k@bin> pos n. def a simple house providing accommodation for travellers or holiday-makers at a motel or holiday camp. cabin 3. syl cab+in pron <1k@bin> pos n. def a room used as an office or living quarters in a ship. cabin 4. syl cab+in pron <1k@bin> pos n. def a covered compartment used for shelter or living quarters in a small boat. cabin 5. syl cab+in pron <1k@bin> pos n. usage in a warship def the compartment or room reserved for the commanding officer. cabin 6. syl cab+in pron <1k@bin> pos n. qual Brit. def another name for {signal box}. cabin 7.a. syl cab+in pron <1k@bin> pos n. def the enclosed part of a light aircraft in which the pilot and passengers sit. cabin 7.b. syl cab+in pron <1k@bin> pos n. def the part of an airliner in which the passengers are carried. cabin 7.c. syl cab+in pron <1k@bin> pos n. def the section of an aircraft used for cargo. {~} cabin 8. syl cab+in pron <1k@bin> pos n. def to confine in a small space. cabin boy 0. syl cab+in boy pos n. def a boy who waits on the officers and passengers of a ship. cabin class 0. syl cab+in class pos n. def a class of accommodation on a passenger ship between first class and tourist class. cabin cruiser 0. syl cab+in cruis+er pos n. def a power boat fitted with a cabin and comforts for pleasure cruising or racing. Cabinda 0. syl Ca+bin+da pron pos n. def an exclave of Angola, separated from the rest of the country by part of Za*"ire. Pop.: 58547 (1960). Area: 7270 sq. km (2807 sq. miles). cabinet ety C16: from Old French, diminutive of cabine, of uncertain origin cabinet 1.a. syl cab:i+net pron <1k@binit> pos n. def a piece of furniture containing shelves, cupboards, or drawers for storage or display. cabinet 1.b. syl cab:i+net pron <1k@binit> pos n. usage as modifier exam 1 cabinet teak. cabinet 2. syl cab:i+net pron <1k@binit> pos n. def the outer case of a television, radio, etc. cabinet 3.a. syl cab:i+net pron <1k@binit> pos n. usage often cap. def the executive and policy-making body of a country, consisting of all government ministers or just the senior ministers. cabinet 3.b. syl cab:i+net pron <1k@binit> pos n. usage sometimes cap. def an advisory council to a president, sovereign, governor, etc. cabinet 3.c. syl cab:i+net pron <1k@binit> pos n. usage as modifier exam 1 a cabinet reshuffle; exam 2 a cabinet minister. cabinet 4.a. syl cab:i+net pron <1k@binit> pos n. def a standard size of paper, 6#M4 inches (15#M10 cm) or 6@2#800089 #M4@1#800090 inches (16.5#M10.5 cm), for mounted photographs. cabinet 4.b. syl cab:i+net pron <1k@binit> pos n. usage as modifier exam 1 a cabinet photograph. cabinet 5. syl cab:i+net pron <1k@binit> pos n. qual Printing. def an enclosed rack for holding cases of type, etc. cabinet 6. syl cab:i+net pron <1k@binit> pos n. qual Archaic. def a private room. cabinet 7. syl cab:i+net pron <1k@binit> pos n. usage modifier def suitable in size, value, decoration, etc., for a display cabinet. exam 1 a cabinet edition of Shakespeare. cabinet 8. syl cab:i+net pron <1k@binit> pos n. usage modifier; of a drawing or projection of a three-dimensional object def constructed with true horizontal and vertical representation of scale but with oblique distances reduced to about half scale to avoid the appearance of distortion. cabinet 9. syl cab:i+net pron <1k@binit> pos n. usage modifier; of a wine def specially selected and usually rare. cabinet-maker 0. syl cab:i:net-mak:er pos n. def a craftsman specializing in the making of fine furniture. cabinet-making sub head cabinet-maker syl cab:i:net-2mak:ing pos n. cabinet pudding 0. syl cab:i+net pud+ding pos n. def a steamed suet pudding enriched with dried fruit. cabinetwork 1. syl cab:i:net+work pron <1k@binit2wR:k> pos n. def the making of furniture, esp. of fine quality. cabinetwork 2. syl cab:i:net+work pron <1k@binit2wR:k> pos n. def an article made by a cabinet-maker. cable ety C13: from Old Norman French, from Late Latin capulum halter cable 1. syl ca+ble pron <1kAbL> pos n. def a strong thick rope, usually of twisted hemp or steel wire. cable 2. syl ca+ble pron <1kAbL> pos n. qual Nautical. def an anchor chain or rope. cable 3. syl ca+ble pron <1kAbL> pos n. def Also called: {cable length, cable's length}. a unit of length in nautical use that has various values. It is most commonly taken as 120 fathoms (720 feet) in the U.S. and one tenth of a nautical mile (608 feet) in Britain. It is also sometimes taken as 100 fathoms (600 feet). cable 4. syl ca+ble pron <1kAbL> pos n. def a wire or bundle of wires that conducts electricity. exam 1 a submarine cable. cable 5. syl ca+ble pron <1kAbL> pos n. def Also called: {overseas telegram, cablegram}. a telegram sent abroad by submarine cable, radio, communications satellite, or by telephone line. cable 6. syl ca+ble pron <1kAbL> pos n. def See {cable stitch}. cable 7. syl ca+ble pron <1kAbL> pos vb. def to send (a message) to (someone) by cable. cable 8. syl ca+ble pron <1kAbL> pos vb. mod tr. def to fasten or provide with a cable or cables. cable car 0. syl ca+ble car pos n. def the passenger car on a cable railway. cablegram 0. syl ca+ble+gram pron <1kAbL2gr@m> pos n. def a more formal name for { {cable} (sense 5).} cable-laid 0. syl ca:ble-laid pos adj. usage of a rope def made of three plain-laid ropes twisted together in a left-handed direction. cable railway 0. syl ca+ble rail+way pos n. def a railway on which individual cars are drawn along by a strong cable or metal chain operated by a stationary motor. cable release 0. syl ca+ble re+lease pos n. def a short length of flexible cable, used to operate the shutter of a camera without shaking it. cable stitch 0.a. syl ca+ble stitch pos n. def a pattern or series of knitting stitches producing a design like a twisted rope. cable stitch 0.b. syl ca+ble stitch pos n. usage as modifier; a cable-stitch sweater. def Sometimes shortened to {cable}. cablet 0. syl ca+blet pron <1kAblit> pos n. def a small cable, esp. a cable-laid rope that has a circumference of less than 25 centimetres (ten inches). cableway 0. syl ca:ble+way pron <1kAbL2wA> pos n. def a system for moving bulk materials in which suspended cars, buckets, etc., run on cables that extend between terminal towers. cabmen infl head cabman syl cab+men. pos n. mod pl. cabman 0. syl cab+man pron <1k@bm*n> pos n. def the driver of a cab. cabob 0. syl ca+bob pron pos n. def a variant spelling of {kebab}. cabochon ety C16: from Old French, from Old Norman French caboche head; see #7cabbage %1 cabochon 0. syl cab:o+chon pron <1k@b*2Son>, French pos n. def a smooth domed gem, polished but unfaceted. caboodle ety C19: probably contraction of #7kit and #7boodle caboodle 0. syl ca+boo+dle pron pos n. qual Informal. def a lot, bunch, or group (esp. in the phrases {the whole caboodle, the whole kit and caboodle) }. caboose ety C18: from Dutch cab*_use, of unknown origin caboose 1. syl ca+boose pron pos n. qual U.S. informal. def short for {calaboose}. caboose 2. syl ca+boose pron pos n. qual Railways. U.S. def a guard's van, esp. one with sleeping and eating facilities for the train crew. caboose 3.a. syl ca+boose pron pos n. def a deckhouse for a galley aboard ship. caboose 3.b. syl ca+boose pron pos n. qual Chiefly Brit. def the galley itself. caboose 4.a. syl ca+boose pron pos n. def a mobile bunkhouse used by lumbermen, etc. caboose 4.b. syl ca+boose pron pos n. def an insulated cabin on runners, equipped with a stove. Cabora Bassa 0. syl Ca+bo+ra Bas+sa pron <1b@s*> pos n. def the site on the Zambezi River in N Mozambique of the largest dam in southern Africa. John 1. head Cabot syl John def Italian name 1450-98, Italian explorer, who landed in North America in 1497, under patent from Henry VII of England, and explored the coast from Nova Scotia to Newfoundland. Cabot 2. syl Cab:ot pron <1k@b*t> pos n. def his son, {Se@.bas@.ti@.an}. ??1476-1557, English navigator and cartographer who explored the La Plata region of Brazil (1526-30). cabotage ety C19: from French, from caboter to sail near the coast, apparently from Spanish cabo #7cape %2 cabotage 1. syl cab:o+tage pron <1k@b*2ta:Z> pos n. qual Nautical. def coastal navigation or shipping, esp. within the borders of one country. cabotage 2. syl cab:o+tage pron <1k@b*2ta:Z> pos n. def reservation to a country's carriers of its internal traffic, esp. air traffic. Pedro 'Alvarez infl head Cabral syl Pe:dro *'Al:va:rez pron <1pAdru> <1alv*r*S> pos n. Cabral 0. syl Ca:bral pron Portuguese pos n. def ??1460-??1526, Portuguese navigator: discovered and took possession of Brazil for Portugal in 1500. cabretta ety from Spanish cabra she-goat cabretta 0. syl ca+bret+ta pron pos n. qual Chiefly U.S. def a soft leather obtained from the skins of certain South American or African sheep. cabrilla ety Spanish, literally: little goat cabrilla 0. syl ca+bril+la pron pos n. def any of various serranid food fishes, esp. occurring in warm seas around Florida and the West Indies. cabriole ety C18: from French, from cabrioler to caper; from its being based on the leg of a capering animal; see #7cabriolet cabriole 1. syl cab+ri+ole pron <1k@bri2*ul> pos n. def Also called: {cabriole leg}. a type of furniture leg, popular in the first half of the 18th century, in which an upper convex curve descends tapering to a concave curve. cabriole 2. syl cab+ri+ole pron <1k@bri2*ul> pos n. qual Ballet. def a leap in the air with one leg outstretched and the other beating against it. cabriolet ety C18: from French, literally: a little skip, from cabriole, from Latin capreolus wild goat, from caper goat; referring to the lightness of movement cabriolet 1. syl cab+ri:o+let pron <2k@bri*u1lA> pos n. def a small two-wheeled horse-drawn carriage with two seats and a folding hood. cabriolet 2. syl cab+ri:o+let pron <2k@bri*u1lA> pos n. def a former name for a {drophead coup*'e}. ca'canny ety C19: literally, call canny to drive gently ca'canny 1. syl ca'can+ny pron pos n. qual Scot. def moderation or wariness. ca'canny 2.a. syl ca'can+ny pron pos n. qual Scot. def a policy of restricting the output of work; a go-slow. ca'canny 2.b. syl ca'can+ny pron pos n. qual Scot. usage as modifier exam 1 a ca'canny policy. cacao ety C16: from Spanish, from Nahuatl cacauatl cacao beans cacao 1. syl ca+ca:o pron , <-1kA*u> pos n. def a small tropical American evergreen tree, having yellowish flowers and reddish-brown seed pods from which cocoa and chocolate are prepared: family cacao bean 2. head cacao syl cacao bean. def another name for {cocoa bean}. cacao butter 3. head cacao syl cacao butter. def another name for {cocoa butter}. cacciatore ety Italian, literally: hunter cacciatora alt head cacciatore or cacciatore syl cac+cia+to+ra pos adj. cacciatore 0. or cacciatora syl cac+cia+to+re pron <2ka:C*1tc:ri>, <2k@C-> pos adj. usage immediately postpositive def prepared with tomatoes, mushrooms, herbs, and other seasonings. C'aceres 0. syl C*'a+ce:res pron Spanish <1kaTArAs> pos n. def a city in W Spain: held by the Moors (1142-1229). Pop.: 56064 (1970). cachalot ety C18: from French, from Portuguese, cachalote, of unknown origin cachalot 0. syl cach:a+lot pron <1k@S*2lot> pos n. def another name for {sperm whale}. cache ety C19: from French, from cacher to hide cache 1. syl cache pron pos n. def a hidden store of provisions, weapons, treasure, etc. cache 2. syl cache pron pos n. def the place where such a store is hidden. {~} cache 3. syl cache pron pos n. mod tr. def to store in a cache. cachepot ety French: pot-hider cachepot 0. syl cache+pot pron <1k@S2pot>, pos n. def an ornamental container for a flowerpot. cachet ety C17: from Old French, from cacher to hide cachet 1. syl ca+chet pron <1k@SA> pos n. def an official seal on a document, letter, etc. cachet 2. syl ca+chet pron <1k@SA> pos n. def a distinguishing mark; stamp. cachet 3. syl ca+chet pron <1k@SA> pos n. def prestige; distinction. cachet 4.a. syl ca+chet pron <1k@SA> pos n. def a mark stamped by hand on mail for commemorative purposes. cachet 4.b. syl ca+chet pron <1k@SA> pos n. def a small mark made by dealers and experts on the back of postage stamps. Compare { {overprint} (sense 3),} { {surcharge} (sense 5).} cachet 5. syl ca+chet pron <1k@SA> pos n. def a hollow wafer, formerly used for enclosing an unpleasant-tasting medicine. cachexia ety C16: from Late Latin from Greek kakhexia, from kakos bad+ hexis condition, habit cachexy alt head cachexia or cachexia syl ca+chex:y pos n. cachexia 0. or cachexy syl ca+chex:i:a pron pos n. def a generally weakened condition of body or mind resulting from any debilitating chronic disease. cachectic sub head cachexia syl ca+chec+tic pron pos adj. cachinnate ety C19: from Latin cacchin*_are, probably of imitative origin cachinnate 0. syl cach+in+nate pron <1k@ki2nAt> pos vb. mod intr. def to laugh loudly. cachinnation sub head cachinnate syl cach+in+1na+tion pos n. cachou ety C18: via French from Portuguese, from Malay k*_achu cachou 1. syl ca+chou pron <1k@Su:>, pos n. def a lozenge eaten to sweeten the breath. cachou 2. syl ca+chou pron <1k@Su:>, pos n. def another name for {catechu}. cachucha ety C19: from Spanish cachucha 1. syl ca+chu+cha pron pos n. def a graceful Spanish solo dance in triple time. cachucha 2. syl ca+chu+cha pron pos n. def music composed for this dance. cacique ety C16: from Spanish, of Arawak origin; compare Taino cacique chief cazique alt head cacique or cacique syl ca+zique pron pos n. cacique 1. or cazique syl ca+cique pron pos n. def an American Indian chief in a Spanish-speaking region. cacique 2. or cazique syl ca+cique pron pos n. usage esp. in Spanish America def a local political boss. cacique 3. or cazique syl ca+cique pron pos n. def any of various tropical American songbirds of the genus and related genera: family (American orioles). caciquism 0. syl ca+ciqu+ism pron pos n. usage esp. in Spanish America def government by local political bosses. cack-handed ety from cack excrement, from the fact that clumsy people usually make a mess cack-handed 1. syl cack-hand:ed pron <2k@k1h@ndid> pos adj. qual Informal. def left-handed. cack-handed 2. syl cack-hand:ed pron <2k@k1h@ndid> pos adj. qual Informal. def clumsy. cackle ety C13: probably from Middle Low German k*_akelen, of imitative origin cackle 1. syl cack+le pron <1k@kL> pos vb. mod intr. usage esp. of a hen that has just laid an egg def to squawk with shrill broken notes. cackle 2. syl cack+le pron <1k@kL> pos vb. mod intr. def to laugh or chatter raucously and noisily. cackle 3. syl cack+le pron <1k@kL> pos vb. mod tr. def to utter in a cackling manner. cackle 4. syl cack+le pron <1k@kL> pos n. def the noise or act of cackling. cackle 5. syl cack+le pron <1k@kL> pos n. def noisy chatter. cut the cackle 6. head cackle syl cut the cackle. qual Informal. def to stop chattering or giggling; be quiet. cackler sub head cackle syl cack+ler pos n. caco- ety from Greek kakos bad caco- 0. syl cac:o- usage combining form. def bad, unpleasant, or incorrect. exam 1 cacophony. cacodemon ety C16: from Greek kakodaim*_on evil genius cacodaemon alt head cacodemon or cacodemon syl cac:o+dae:mon pron <2k@k*1dEm*n> pos n. cacodemon 0. or cacodaemon syl cac:o+de:mon pron <2k@k*1dEm*n> pos n. def an evil spirit or devil. cacodyl ety C19: from Greek kak*_od*_es evil-smelling (from kakos #7caco -#7+ ozein to smell)+-#7yl &- cac@.o+dyl+ic (@!k@ak$$#!d$Il$Ik) adj. cacodyl 0. syl cac:o+dyl pron <1k@k*dIl> pos n. def another name for {tetramethyldiarsine}. cacoepy ety C19: from Greek kakoepeia &- cac@.o+e@.pis+tic (k$$@!k$$$u$I#!p$Ist$Ik) adj. cacoepy 0. syl cac:o+ep:y pron pos n. def bad or mistaken pronunciation. cacoethes ety C16: from Latin caco*_ethes malignant disease, from Greek kako*_eth*_es of an evil disposition, from kakos #7caco -#7+ *_ethos character cacoethes 0. syl cac:o+e:thes pron <2k@k*u1ETEz> pos n. def an uncontrollable urge or desire, esp. for something harmful; mania. exam 1 a cacoethes for smoking. cacoethic sub head cacoethes syl cac:o+eth+ic pron <2k@k*u1eTik> pos adj. cacogenics ety C20: from #7caco -#7+eugenics cacogenics 0. syl cac:o+gen+ics pron <2k@k*u1Jeniks> pos n. def another name for {dysgenics}. cacogenic sub head cacogenics syl cac:o+1gen+ic pos adj. cacography 1. syl ca+cog+ra+phy pron pos n. def bad handwriting. Compare {calligraphy}. cacography 2. syl ca+cog+ra+phy pron pos n. def incorrect spelling. Compare {orthography}. cacographer sub head cacography syl ca+1cog+ra+pher pos n. cacographic sub head cacography or cacographical syl cac:o+graph+ic pron <2k@k*?!1gr@fik> pos adj. cacographical sub head cacography or cacographic syl cac:o+1graph:i+cal pos adj. cacology ety C17 (in the sense: ill report): from Greek kakologia cacology 0. syl ca+col+o:gy pron pos n. def a bad choice of words; faulty speech. cacomistle ety C19: from Mexican Spanish, from Nahuatl tlacomiztli, from tlaco half+ miztli cougar cacomixle alt head cacomistle or cacomistle syl cac:o+mix+le pron <1k@k*2miks*l> pos n. cacomistle 1. or cacomixle syl cac:o+mis+tle pron <1k@k*2misL> pos n. def a catlike omnivorous mammal, of S North America, related to but smaller than the raccoons: family order (carnivores). It has yellowish-grey fur and a long bushy tail banded in black and white. cacomistle 2. or cacomixle syl cac:o+mis+tle pron <1k@k*2misL> pos n. def a related smaller animal, (or of Central America. cacophonic alt head cacophonous or cacophonous syl cac:o+phon+ic pron <2k@k*1fonik> pos adj. cacophonous 0. or cacophonic syl ca+coph:o+nous pron pos adj. def jarring in sound; discordant; harsh. cacophonously sub head cacophonous or cacophonically syl ca+1coph:o+nous+ly pos adv. cacophonically sub head cacophonous or cacophonously syl cac:o+1phon:i+cal+ly pos adv. cacophonies infl head cacophony syl ca+coph:o+nies. pos n. mod pl. cacophony 1. syl ca+coph:o+ny pron pos n. def harsh discordant sound; dissonance. cacophony 2. syl ca+coph:o+ny pron pos n. def the use of unharmonious or dissonant speech sounds in language. Compare {euphony}. cactus ety C17: from Latin: prickly plant, from Greek kaktos cardoon &- cac+ta+ceous (k@ak#!te$I#s$$s) adj. cactuses infl head cactus or cacti syl cac+tus:es pron <-tI> pos n. mod pl. cacti infl head cactus or cactuses syl cac+ti pron <-tI> pos n. mod pl. cactus 1. syl cac+tus pron <1k@kt*s> pos n. def any spiny succulent plant of the family of the arid regions of America. Cactuses have swollen tough stems, leaves reduced to spines or scales, and large brightly coloured flowers. cactus dahlia 2. head cactus syl cactus dahlia. def a double-flowered variety of dahlia. cacuminal ety C19: from Latin cac*_umen point, top cacuminal 1. syl ca+cu+mi+nal pron pos adj. qual Phonetics. def Also called: {cerebral}. relating to or denoting a consonant articulated with the tip of the tongue turned back towards the hard palate. {~} cacuminal 2. syl ca+cu+mi+nal pron pos adj. qual Phonetics. def a consonant articulated in this manner. cad ety C18: short?!ened from #7caddie &- #!cad+dish adj. cad 0. syl cad pron pos n. qual Brit. informal; old-fashioned. def a man who does not behave in a gentlemanly manner towards others. cadaster ety C19: from French, from Proven*,cal cadastro, from Italian catastro, from Late Greek katastikhon register, from kata stikhon line by line, from kata (see #7cata -)#7+ stikhos line, #7stich &- ca+#!das+tral adj. cadastre alt head cadaster or cadaster syl ca+das+tre pron pos n. cadaster 0. or cadastre syl ca+das+ter pron pos n. def an official register showing details of ownership, boundaries, and value of real property in a district, made for taxation purposes. cadaver ety C16: from Latin, from cadere to fall &- ca+#!dav+er+ic adj. cadaver 0. syl ca+dav+er pron , <-1d@v-> pos n. qual Med. def a corpse. cadaverine 0. syl ca+dav+er+ine pron pos n. def a toxic diamine with an unpleasant smell, produced by protein hydrolysis during putrefaction of animal tissue. Formula: NH\2(CH\2)\5NH\2. cadaverous 1. syl ca+dav+er+ous pron pos adj. def of or like a corpse, esp. in being deathly pale; ghastly. cadaverous 2. syl ca+dav+er+ous pron pos adj. def thin and haggard; gaunt. cadaverously sub head cadaverous syl ca+1dav+er+ous+ly pos adv. cadaverousness sub head cadaverous syl ca+1dav+er+ous+ness pos n. caddie ety C17 (originally: a gentleman learning the military profession by serving in the army without a commission, hence C18 (Scottish): a person looking for employment, an errand-boy): from French #7cadet caddy alt head caddie or caddie syl cad+dy pron <1k@di> pos n. caddies infl head caddie syl cad+dies. pos n. mod pl. caddie 1. or caddy syl cad+die pron <1k@di> pos n. qual Golf. def an attendant who carries clubs, etc., for a player. caddies infl head caddie syl cad+dies pos vb. caddying infl head caddie syl cad+dy+ing pos vb. caddied infl head caddie syl cad+died. pos vb. caddie 2. or caddy syl cad+die pron <1k@di> pos vb. mod intr. def to act as a caddie. caddie cart alt head caddie car or caddie car syl cad+die cart pos n. caddie car 0. or caddie cart syl cad+die car pos n. qual Golf. def a small light two-wheeled trolley for carrying clubs. caddice alt head caddis or caddis syl cad+dice pron <1k@dis> pos n. caddis 0. or caddice syl cad+dis pron <1k@dis> pos n. def a type of coarse woollen yarn, braid, or fabric. caddis fly ety C17: of unknown origin caddis fly 0. syl cad+dis fly pos n. def any small mothlike insect of the order having two pairs of hairy wings and aquatic larvae (caddis worms). caddis alt head caddis worm or caddis worm syl cad+dis pron <1k@dis> pos n. caddis worm 0. or caddis syl cad+dis worm pron <1k@dis> pos n. def the aquatic larva of a caddis fly, which constructs a protective case around itself made of silk, sand, stones, etc. Also called: {caseworm, strawworm}. Caddoan 0. syl Cad+do+an pron <1k@d*u*n> pos n. def a family of North American Indian languages, including Pawnee, formerly spoken in a wide area of the Middle West. caddy ety C18: from Malay kati; { see #7catty %2} caddies infl head caddy syl cad+dies. pos n. mod pl. caddy H1.0. syl cad+dy pron <1k@di> pos n. qual Chiefly Brit. def a small container, esp. for tea. caddies infl head caddy syl cad+dies pos vb. mod pl. caddying infl head caddy syl cad+dy+ing pos n. caddied infl head caddy syl cad+died. pos n. caddy H2.0. syl cad+dy pron <1k@di> pos n. def a variant spelling of {caddie}. cade ety C16: via Old French from Old Proven*,cal, from Medieval Latin catanus cade H1.0. syl cade pron pos n. def a juniper tree, of the Mediterranean region, the wood of which yields an oily brown liquid ({oil of cade}) used to treat skin ailments. cade ety C15: of unknown origin cade H2.0. syl cade pron pos adj. usage of a young animal def left by its mother and reared by humans, usually as a pet. Jack infl head Cade syl Jack. pos n. Cade 0. syl Cade pron pos n. def died 1450, English leader of the Kentish rebellion against the misgovernment of Henry VI (1450). -cade ety abstracted from #7cavalcade -cade 0. syl -cade pos n. usage combining form. def indicating a procession of a specified kind. exam 1 motorcade. cadelle ety French, from Proven*,cal cadello, from Latin catellus a little dog cadelle 0. syl ca+delle pron pos n. def a widely distributed beetle, that feeds on flour, grain, and other stored foods: family cadence ety C14: from Old French, from Old Italian cadenza, literally: a falling, from cadere to fall, from Latin cadency alt head cadence or cadence syl ca+den+cy pos n. cadences infl head cadence or cadencies syl ca+denc:es pos n. mod pl. cadencies infl head cadence or cadences syl ca+den+cies. pos n. mod pl. cadence 1. or cadency syl ca+dence pron <1kAdNs> pos n. def the beat or measure of something rhythmic. cadence 2. or cadency syl ca+dence pron <1kAdNs> pos n. def a fall in the pitch of the voice, as at the end of a sentence. cadence 3. or cadency syl ca+dence pron <1kAdNs> pos n. def modulation of the voice; intonation. cadence 4. or cadency syl ca+dence pron <1kAdNs> pos n. def a rhythm or rhythmical construction in verse or prose; measure. cadence 5. or cadency syl ca+dence pron <1kAdNs> pos n. def the close of a musical phrase or section. cadencies infl head cadency syl ca+den+cies. pos n. mod pl. cadency 1. syl ca+den+cy pron <1kAdNsi> pos n. qual Heraldry. def the line of descent from a younger member of a family. cadency 2. syl ca+den+cy pron <1kAdNsi> pos n. def another word for {cadence}. cadent ety C16: from Latin cad*_ens falling, from cadere to fall cadent 1. syl ca+dent pron <1kAdNt> pos adj. def having cadence; rhythmic. cadent 2. syl ca+dent pron <1kAdNt> pos adj. qual Archaic. def falling; descending. cadenza ety C19: from Italian; see #7cadence cadenza 0. syl ca+den+za pron pos n. def a virtuoso solo passage occurring near the end of a piece of music, formerly improvised by the soloist but now usually specially composed. cadet ety C17: from French, from dialect (Gascon) capdet captain, ultimately from Latin caput head &- ca+#!det+ship n. cadet 1. syl ca+det pron pos n. def a young person undergoing preliminary training, usually before full entry to the uniformed services, police, etc., esp. for officer status. cadet 2. syl ca+det pron pos n. usage in England and in France before 1789 def a gentleman, usually a younger son, who entered the army to prepare for a commission. cadet 3. syl ca+det pron pos n. def a younger son or brother. cadet branch 4. head cadet syl cadet branch. def the family or family branch of a younger son. cadet 5. syl ca+det pron pos n. usage in New Zealand def a person learning sheep farming on a sheep station. cadge ety C17: of unknown origin cadge 1. syl cadge pron pos vb. def to get (food, money, etc.) by sponging or begging. cadge 2. syl cadge pron pos n. qual Brit. def a person who cadges. on the cadge 3. head cadge syl on the cadge. qual Brit. informal. def engaged in cadging. cadger sub head cadge syl cadg+er pos n. cadi ety C16: from Arabic q*_ad*_i judge kadi alt head cadi or cadi syl ka:di pron <1ka:di>, <1kAdi> pos n. cadis infl head cadi syl ca:dis. pos n. mod pl. cadi 0. or kadi syl ca:di pron <1ka:di>, <1kAdi> pos n. def a judge in a Muslim community. C'adiz 1. syl C*'a+diz pron , Spanish <1kaDiT> pos n. def a port in SW Spain, on a narrow peninsula that forms the {Bay of C*'adiz} at the E end of the {Gulf of C*'adiz}: founded about 1100 #7b.c. as a Phoenician trading colony; centre of trade with America from the 16th to 18th centuries. Pop.: 135743 (1970). Cadmean victory 0. syl Cad+me:an vic+to+ry pos n. def another name for {Pyrrhic victory}. cadmium ety C19: from New Latin, from Latin cadm*_ia zinc ore, #7calamine, referring to the fact that both calamine and cadmium are found in the ore cadmium 0. syl cad+mi:um pron <1k@dmi*m> pos n. def a malleable ductile toxic bluish-white metallic element that occurs in association with zinc ores. It is used in electroplating, alloys, and as a neutron absorber in the control of nuclear fission. Symbol: Cd; atomic no.: 48; atomic wt.: 112.4; valency: 2; relative density: 8.65; melting pt.: 320.9?%C; boiling pt.: 765?%C. cadmium cell 1. syl cad+mi:um cell pos n. def a photocell with a cadmium electrode that is especially sensitive to ultraviolet radiation. cadmium cell 2. syl cad+mi:um cell pos n. def a former name for {Weston standard cell}. cadmium sulphide 0. syl cad+mi:um sul+phide pos n. def an orange or yellow insoluble solid used as a pigment in paints, etc. ({cadmium yellow}) . Formula: CdS. Cadmus 0. syl Cad:mus pron <1k@dm*s> pos n. qual Greek myth. def a Phoenician prince who killed a dragon and planted its teeth, from which sprang a multitude of warriors who fought among themselves until only five remained, who joined Cadmus to found Thebes. Cadmean sub head Cadmus syl Cad+me:an pos adj. cadre ety C19: from French, from Italian quadro, from Latin quadrum square cadre 1. syl ca+dre pron <1ka:d*> pos n. def the nucleus of trained professional servicemen forming the basis for the training of new units or other military expansion. cadre 2. syl ca+dre pron <1ka:d*> pos n. def a basic unit or structure, esp. of personnel; nucleus; core. cadre 3. syl ca+dre pron <1ka:d*> pos n. def a member of a cadre. caduceus ety C16: from Latin, from Doric Greek karukeion, from karux herald caducei infl head caduceus syl ca+du+ce:i pron <-si2I> pos n. mod pl. caduceus 1. syl ca+du+ce:us pron pos n. qual Classical myth. def a staff entwined with two serpents and bearing a pair of wings at the top, carried by Hermes (Mercury) as messenger of the gods. caduceus 2. syl ca+du+ce:us pron pos n. def an insignia resembling this staff used as an emblem of the medical profession. Compare {staff of Aesculapius}. caducity ety C18: from French, from Latin cad*_ucus #7caducous caducity 1. syl ca+du+ci:ty pron pos n. def perishableness. caducity 2. syl ca+du+ci:ty pron pos n. def senility. caducous ety C17: from Latin cad*_ucus falling, from cadere to fall caducous 0. syl ca+du+cous pron pos adj. usage Biology. of parts of a plant or animal def shed during the life of the organism. caecilian ety C19: from Latin caecilia a kind of lizard, from caecus blind caecilian 0. syl cae+cil+i:an pron pos n. def any tropical limbless cylindrical amphibian of the order (or resembling earthworms and inhabiting moist soil. caecum ety C18: short for Latin intestinum caecum blind intestine, translation of Greek tuphlon enteron &- #!cae+cal or U.S. #!ce+cal adj. cecum alt head caecum or caecum syl ce+cum pron <1sEk*m> pos n. qual U.S. caeca infl head caecum syl cae+ca pron <-k*> pos n. mod pl. caecum 0. or cecum syl cae+cum pron <1sEk*m> pos n. qual Anatomy. def any structure or part that ends in a blind sac or pouch, esp. the pouch that marks the beginning of the large intestine. Cdmon 0. syl C:d:mon pron <1k@dm*n> pos n. def 7th-century #7a.d. Anglo-Saxon poet and monk, the earliest English poet whose name survives. Caelian 0. syl Cae+li:an pron <1sEli*n> pos n. def the southeasternmost of the Seven Hills of Rome. Caelum ety Latin: the sky, heaven Caeli infl head Caelum syl Cae+li pron <1sElI> pos n. qual Latin genitive Caelum 0. syl Cae+lum pron <1sEl*m> pos n. def a small faint constellation in the S hemisphere close to Eridanus. Caen 0. syl Caen pron , French pos n. def an industrial city in NW France. Pop.: 122794 (1975). cainogenesis infl head caenogenesis or cenogenesis syl cai+no+gen+e:sis pos n. kainogenesis infl head caenogenesis or kenogenesis syl kai+no+gen+e:sis pos n. cenogenesis infl head caenogenesis or cainogenesis syl ce+no+gen+e:sis pos n. qual U.S. kenogenesis infl head caenogenesis or kainogenesis syl ke+no+gen+e:sis pos n. qual U.S. caenogenesis 0. syl cae+no+gen+e:sis pron <2sEn*u1Jenisis> pos n. def the development of structures and organs in an embryo or larva that are adaptations to its way of life and are not retained in the adult form. Compare { {recapitulation} (sense 2).} caenogenetic sub head caenogenesis syl cae+no+ge:net+ic pron <2sEn*uJ*1netik> pos adj. cainogenetic sub head caenogenesis or cenogenetic syl cai+no+ge:1net+ic pos adj. kainogenetic sub head caenogenesis or kenogenetic syl 2kai+no+ge:1net+ic pos adj. cenogenetic sub head caenogenesis or cainogenetic syl ce+no+ge:1net+ic pos adj. qual U.S. kenogenetic sub head caenogenesis or kainogenetic syl 2ke+no+ge:1net+ic pos adj. qual U.S. caenogenetically sub head caenogenesis syl cae+no+ge:1net:i+cal+ly pos adv. cainogenetically sub head caenogenesis or cenogenetically syl cai+no+ge:1net:i+cal+ly pos adv. kainogenetically sub head caenogenesis or kenogenetically syl 2kai+no+ge:1net:i+cal+ly pos adv. cenogenetically sub head caenogenesis or cainogenetically syl ce+no+ge:1net:i+cal+ly pos adv. qual U.S. kenogenetically sub head caenogenesis or kainogenetically syl 2ke+no+ge:1net:i+cal+ly pos adv. qual U.S. Caenozoic 0. syl Cae+no+zo+ic pron <2sEn*1z*uik> pos adj. def a variant spelling of {Cenozoic}. caeoma ety New Latin, from Greek kaiein to burn; referring to its glowing colour caeoma 0. syl cae:o+ma pron pos n. def an aecium in some rust fungi that has no surrounding membrane. Caerleon 0. syl Caer+le:on pron pos n. def a town in SE Wales, in Gwent on the River Usk: traditionally the seat of King Arthur's court. Pop.: 6235 (1971). Caernarvon alt head Caernarfon or Caernarfon syl Caer+nar+von pron pos n. Caernarfon 0. or Caernarvon syl Caer+nar+fon pron pos n. def a port and resort in NW Wales, in Gwynedd on the Menai Strait: 13th-century castle. Pop.: 9253 (1971). Caernarvonshire 0. syl Caer+nar+von+shire pron , <-S*> pos n. usage until 1974 def a county of NW Wales, now part of Gwynedd. Caerphilly 1. syl Caer+phil+ly pron pos n. def a market town in SE Wales, in SE Mid Glamorgan: site of the largest castle in Wales (13th-14th centuries). Pop.: 40689 (1971). Caerphilly 2. syl Caer+phil+ly pron pos n. def a creamy white mild-flavoured cheese. caesalpiniaceous ety from New Latin Caesalpinia type genus, named after Andreas Caesalpino (1519-1603), Italian botanist caesalpiniaceous 0. syl caes+al+pin:i:a+ceous pron <2sez@l2pini1AS*s> pos adj. def of, relating to, or belonging to the a mainly tropical family of leguminous plants that have irregular flowers: includes carob, senna, brazil, cassia, and poinciana. Gaius Julius 1. head Caesar syl Gai:us Ju:li:us pron <1gI*s> <1Ju:li*s> def 100-44 #7b.c., Roman general, statesman, and historian. He formed the first triumvirate with Pompey and Crassus (60), conquered Gaul (58-50), invaded Britain (55-54), mastered Italy (49), and defeated Pompey (46). As dictator of the Roman Empire (49-44) he destroyed the power of the corrupt Roman nobility. He also introduced the Julian calendar and planned further reforms, but fear of his sovereign power led to his assassination (44) by conspirators led by Marcus Brutus and Cassius Longinus. Caesar 2. syl Cae:sar pron <1sEz*> pos n. def any Roman emperor. Caesar 3. syl Cae:sar pron <1sEz*> pos n. usage sometimes not cap. def any emperor, autocrat, dictator, or other powerful ruler. Caesar 4. syl Cae:sar pron <1sEz*> pos n. def a title of the Roman emperors from Augustus to Hadrian. Caesar 5.a. syl Cae:sar pron <1sEz*> pos n. def a title borne by the imperial heir from the reign of Hadrian. Caesar 5.b. syl Cae:sar pron <1sEz*> pos n. def the heir, deputy, and subordinate ruler to either of the two emperors under Diocletian's system of government. Caesaraugusta 0. syl Cae+sar+au:gus+ta pron <2sEz*rc:1g^st*> pos n. def the Latin name for {Zaragoza}. Caesarea 0. syl Caes:a+re:a pron <2sEz*1ri*> pos n. def an ancient port in NW Israel, capital of Roman Palestine: founded by Herod the Great. Caesarea Mazaca 0. syl Caes:a+re:a Maz:a+ca pron <1m@z*k*> pos n. def the ancient name of {Kayseri}. Caesarian alt head Caesarean or Cesarian syl Cae+sar+i:an pron pos adj. Cesarean infl head Caesarean or Caesarean syl Ce+sar+e:an pron pos adj. qual U.S. Cesarian infl head Caesarean or Caesarian syl Ce+sar+i:an pron pos adj. qual U.S. Caesarean 1. or Cesarean syl Cae+sar+e:an pron pos adj. def of or relating to any of the Caesars, esp. Julius Caesar. Caesarean 2.a. or Cesarean syl Cae+sar+e:an pron pos n. def short for {Caesarean section}. Caesarean 2.b. or Cesarean syl Cae+sar+e:an pron pos n. usage as modifier exam 1 Caesar?!ean birth; exam 2 Caesar?!ean operation. Caesarean section ety C17: from the belief that Julius Caesar was so delivered, the name allegedly being derived from caesus, past participle of caedere to cut Caesarean section 0. syl Cae+sar+e:an sec+tion pos n. def surgical incision through the abdominal and uterine walls in order to deliver a baby. Caesarism 0. syl Cae+sar+ism pron <1sEz*2riz*m> pos n. def an autocratic system of government. See also {Bonapartism}. Caesarist sub head Caesarism syl Cae+sar+ist pos n. Caesaristic sub head Caesarism syl Cae+sar+1is+tic pos adj. cesium alt head caesium or caesium syl ce+si:um pron <1sEzi*m> pos n. qual U.S. caesium 0. or cesium syl cae+si:um pron <1sEzi*m> pos n. def a ductile silvery-white element of the alkali metal group that is the most electropositive metal. It occurs in pollucite and lepidolite and is used in photocells. The radioisotope {caesium-137}, with a half-life of 30.2 years, is used in radiotherapy. Symbol: Cs; atomic no.: 55; atomic wt.: 132.905; valency: 1; relative density: 1.87; melting pt.: 28.5?%C; boiling pt.: 690?%C. caesium clock 0. syl cae+si:um clock pos n. def a type of atomic clock that uses the frequency of radiation absorbed in changing the spin of electrons in caesium atoms. See also {second}. cespitose alt head caespitose or caespitose syl ces+pi+tose pron <1sespi2t*us> pos adj. qual U.S. caespitose 0. or cespitose syl caes+pi+tose pron <1sespi2t*us> pos adj. qual Botany. def growing in dense tufts. caespitosely sub head caespitose or cespitosely syl caes+pi+2tose+ly pos adv. cespitosely sub head caespitose or caespitosely syl ces+pi+2tose+ly pos adv. qual U.S. caesura ety C16: from Latin, literally: a cutting, from caedere to cut &- cae+#!su+ral adj. caesuras infl head caesura or caesurae syl cae+su+ras pron <-rE> pos n. mod pl. caesurae infl head caesura or caesuras syl cae+su+rae pron <-rE> pos n. mod pl. caesura 1. syl cae+su+ra pron pos n. usage in modern prosody def a pause, esp. for sense, usually near the middle of a verse line. Usual symbol: ###800091 ###800092 caesura 2. syl cae+su+ra pron pos n. usage in classical prosody def a break between words within a metrical foot, usually in the third or fourth foot of the line. Marcello infl head Caetano syl Mar:cel:lo pron pos n. Caetano 0. syl Cae:ta:no pron , Portuguese <2kaj1t*nu> pos n. def born 1906, prime minister of Portugal from 1968 until he was replaced by an army coup in 1974. CAF 0. syl C.A.F. qual abbrev. for def cost and freight. cafard ety C20: from French, literally: cockroach, hypocrite cafard 0. syl ca+fard pron French pos n. def a feeling of severe depression. caf'e ety C19: from French: #7coffee caf'e 0. syl ca:f*'e pron <1k@fA>, <1k@fi> pos n. def a small or inexpensive restaurant or coffee bar, serving light meals and refreshments. caf'e au lait 1. syl ca:f*'e au lait pron French. pos n. def coffee with milk. caf'e au lait 2. syl ca:f*'e au lait pron French. pos n. def a light brown colour. caf'e noir 0. syl ca:f*'e noir pron French. pos n. def black coffee. cafeteria ety C20: from American Spanish: coffee shop cafeteria 0. syl caf+e:te:ri:a pron <2k@fi1ti*ri*> pos n. def a self-service restaurant. caff 0. syl caff pron pos n. def a slang word for {caf*'e}. caffeine ety C19: from German Kaffein, from Kaffee #7coffee caffein alt head caffeine or caffeine syl caf+fein pron <1k@fEn>, <1k@fi2En> pos n. caffeine 0. or caffein syl caf+feine pron <1k@fEn>, <1k@fi2En> pos n. def a white crystalline bitter alkaloid responsible for the stimulant action of tea, coffee, and cocoa: a constituent of many tonics and analgesics. Formula: C\8H\1\0N\4O\2. See also { {xanthine} (sense 2).} caftan 0. syl caf+tan pron <1k@f2t@n>, <-2ta:n> pos n. def a variant spelling of {kaftan}. cage ety C13: from Old French, from Latin cavea enclosure, from cavus hollow cage 1.a. syl cage pron pos n. def an enclosure, usually made with bars or wire, for keeping birds, monkeys, mice, etc. cage 1.b. syl cage pron pos n. usage as modifier exam 1 cagebird. cage 2. syl cage pron pos n. def a thing or place that confines or imprisons. cage 3. syl cage pron pos n. def something resembling a cage in function or structure. exam 1 the rib cage. cage 4. syl cage pron pos n. def the enclosed platform of a lift, esp. as used in a mine. cage 5. syl cage pron pos n. qual Informal. def the basket used in basketball. cage 6. syl cage pron pos n. qual Informal. def the goal in ice hockey. cage 7. syl cage pron pos n. qual U.S. def a steel framework on which guns are supported. cage 8. syl cage pron pos vb. mod tr. def to confine in or as in a cage. John infl head Cage syl John. pos n. Cage 0. syl Cage pron pos n. def born 1912, U.S. composer of experi?!mental music for a variety of conventional, modified, or invented instruments. He evolved a type of music apparently undetermined by the composer, such as in (1951) for 12 radio sets. cageling 0. syl cage+ling pron <1kAJliG> pos n. def a bird kept in a cage. cagey ety C20: of unknown origin cagy alt head cagey or cagey syl cag:y pron <1kAJi> pos adj. cagier infl head cagey syl cag:i+er pos adj. cagiest infl head cagey syl cag:i+est. pos adj. cagey 0. or cagy syl cag+ey pron <1kAJi> pos adj. qual Informal. def not open or frank; cautious; wary. cagily sub head cagey syl cag:i+ly pos adv. caginess sub head cagey syl cag:i+ness pos n. cag-handed 0. syl cag-hand:ed pron <2k@g1h@ndid> pos adj. qual Brit. dialect. def a variant of {cack-handed}. Cagliari H1.0. syl Ca+glia+ri pron , Italian <1ka$y$yari>, Italian <1ka$y$yari> pos n. def a port in and the capital of Sardinia, on the S coast. Pop.: 236931 (1975 est.). Paolo infl head Cagliari syl Pa:o:lo pron <1pa:olo> pos n. Cagliari H2.0. syl Ca:glia:ri pron Italian <1ka$y$yari> pos n. def original name of (Paolo) {Veronese}. Cagliostro 0. syl Ca:glio:stro pron Italian pos n. def Count {A@.les@.san@.dro di} (@!ales#!sandro di$:), original name 1743-95, Italian adventurer and magician, who was imprisoned for life by the Inquisition for his association with freemasonry. cagmag ety C18: of uncertain origin cagmag 1. syl cag+mag pron <1k@g2m@g> pos adj. qual Midland English dialect. def done shoddily; left incomplete. cagmag 2. syl cag+mag pron <1k@g2m@g> pos vb. qual Midland English dialect. def to chat idly; gossip. James infl head Cagney syl James. pos n. Cagney 0. syl Cag:ney pron <1k@gni> pos n. def born 1904, U.S. film actor, esp. of gangster roles; his films include (1931), (1935), (1938), and (1942). cagoule ety C20: from French cagoule 0. syl ca+goule pron pos n. def a lightweight usually knee-length type of anorak. cahier 1. syl ca+hier pron French. pos n. def a notebook. cahier 2. syl ca+hier pron French. pos n. def a written or printed report, esp. of the proceedings of a meeting. Cahokia Mounds 0. syl Ca+ho+ki:a Mounds pron pos n. mod pl. def the largest group of prehistoric Indian earthworks in the U.S., located northeast of East St. Louis. cahoots ety C19: of uncertain origin cahoots 1. syl ca+hoots pron pos n. mod pl. sometimes; sing. qual Informal.; U.S. def partnership; league (esp. in the phrases {go in cahoots with, go cahoot}) . in cahoots 2. head cahoots syl in cahoots. qual Informal. def in collusion. Caiaphas 0. syl Cai:a:phas pron <1kI*2f@s> pos n. qual New Testament. def the high priest at the beginning of John the Baptist's preaching and during the trial of Jesus (Luke 3:2; Matthew 26). Caicos Islands 0. syl Cai+cos Is+lands pron <1kAk*s> pos n. mod pl. def a group of islands in the West Indies: part of the British colony of the {Turks and Caicos Islands}. caimans infl head caiman syl cai+mans. pos n. mod pl. caiman 0. syl cai+man pron <1kAm*n> pos n. def a variant spelling of {cayman}. cain ety C12: from Scottish Gaelic c*_ain rent, perhaps ultimately from Late Latin can*_on tribute (see #7canon) ; compare Middle Irish c*_ain law kain alt head cain or cain syl kain pron pos n. cain 0. or kain syl cain pron pos n. usage History. in Scotland and Ireland def payment in kind, usually farm produce paid as rent. Cain 1. syl Cain pron pos n. def the first son of Adam and Eve, who killed his brother Abel (Genesis 4:1-16). raise Cain 2. head Cain syl raise Cain. qual Slang. def to cause a commotion; cause trouble. cainogenesis 0. syl cai+no+gen+e:sis pron <2kIn*u1Jenisis> pos n. def a variant spelling of {caenogenesis}. cainogenetic sub head cainogenesis syl cai+no+ge:net+ic pron <2kIn*uJ*1netik> pos adj. cainogenetically sub head cainogenesis syl cai+no+ge:1net:i+cal+ly pos adv. Cainozoic 0. syl Cai+no+zo+ic pron <2kIn*u1z*uik>, <2kA-> pos adj. def a variant spelling of {Cenozoic}. caique ety C17: from French, from Italian caicco, from Turkish kayik caique 1. syl ca:*"ique pron pos n. def a long narrow light rowing skiff used on the Bosporus. caique 2. syl ca:*"ique pron pos n. def a sailing vessel of the E Mediterranean with a sprit mainsail, square topsail, and two or more jibs or other sails. caird ety C17: from Scottish Gaelic; related to Welsh cerdd craft caird 0. syl caird pron pos n. qual Scot. obsolete. def a travelling tinker; vagrant. Caird Coast 0. syl Caird Coast pron pos n. def a region of Antarctica: a part of Coats Land on the SE coast of the Weddell Sea; now included in the British Antarctic Territory. cairn ety C15: from Gaelic karn cairn 1. syl cairn pron pos n. def a mound of stones erected as a memorial or marker. cairn 2. syl cairn pron pos n. def Also called: {cairn terrier}. a small rough-haired breed of terrier originally from Scotland. cairngorm ety C18: from Cairn Gorm (literally: blue cairn), mountain in Scotland where it is found cairngorm 0. syl cairn+gorm pron <1ke*n2gc:m> pos n. def a smoky yellow, grey, or brown variety of quartz, used as a gemstone. Also called: {smoky quartz}. Cairngorm Mountains 0. syl Cairn+gorm Moun+tains pos n. mod pl. def a mountain range of NE Scotland: part of the Grampians. Highest peak: Ben Macdhui, 1309 m (4296 ft.). Also called: {The Cairngorms}. Cairns 0. syl Cairns pron pos n. def a port in NE Australia, in Queensland. Pop.: 35200 (1975 est.). Cairo 0. syl Cai+ro pron <1kIr*u> pos n. def the capital of Egypt, on the Nile: the largest city in Africa and in the Middle East; industrial centre; site of the university and mosque of Al Azhar (founded in 972). Pop.: 4219853 (1966). Arabic name: {El Qa+hi+ra} ($el #!kahi$:r@$). caisson ety C18: from French, assimilated to caisse #7case %2 caisson 1. syl cais+son pron , <1kAsN> pos n. def a watertight chamber open at the bottom and containing air under pressure, used to carry out construction work under water. caisson 2. syl cais+son pron , <1kAsN> pos n. def a watertight float filled with air, used to raise sunken ships. See also { {camel} (sense 2).} caisson 3. syl cais+son pron , <1kAsN> pos n. def a watertight structure placed across the entrance of a basin, dry dock, etc., to exclude water from it. caisson 4.a. syl cais+son pron , <1kAsN> pos n. def a box containing explosives formerly used as a mine. caisson 4.b. syl cais+son pron , <1kAsN> pos n. def an ammunition chest. caisson 4.c. syl cais+son pron , <1kAsN> pos n. def a two-wheeled vehicle carrying an ammunition chest. caisson 5. syl cais+son pron , <1kAsN> pos n. def another name for { {coffer} (sense 3).} caisson disease 0. syl cais+son dis+ease pos n. def another name for {decompression sickness}. Caithness 0. syl Caith+ness pron pos n. usage until 1975 def a county of NE Scotland, now part of the Highland region. caitiff ety C13: from Old French caitif prisoner, from Latin capt*_ivus #7captive caitiff 1. syl cai+tiff pron <1kAtif> pos n. qual Archaic or poetic. def a cowardly or base person. caitiff 2. syl cai+tiff pron <1kAtif> pos adj. qual Archaic or poetic. def cowardly; base. Caius 0. syl Cai:us pron <1kI*s> pos n. def a variant of {Gaius}. cajeput 0. syl caj+e:put pron <1k@J*2put> pos n. def a variant spelling of {cajuput}. cajole ety C17: from French cajoler to coax, of uncertain origin &- ca+#!jole+ment n. &- ca+#!jol+er n. cajole 0. syl ca+jole pron pos vb. def to persuade (someone) by flattery or pleasing talk to do what one wants; wheedle; coax. cajolery sub head cajole syl ca+1jol+er:y pos n. cajolingly sub head cajole syl ca+1jol+ing+ly pos adv. Cajun ety C19: alteration of A#7cadian ; compare Injun for Indian Cajun 1. syl Ca+jun pron <1kAJ*n> pos n. def a native of Louisiana descended from 18th-century Acadian immigrants. Cajun 2. syl Ca+jun pron <1kAJ*n> pos n. def the dialect of French spoken by such people. Cajun 3. syl Ca+jun pron <1kAJ*n> pos adj. def denoting or relating to such people or their language. cajuput ety C18: from Malay kayu puteh, from kayu tree+ puteh white cajeput alt head cajuput or cajuput syl caj+e:put pron <1k@J*2put> pos n. cajuput 1. or cajeput syl caj:u+put pron <1k@J*2put> pos n. def a small Australian myrtaceous tree or shrub, with whitish flowers and leaves. cajuput 2. or cajeput syl caj:u+put pron <1k@J*2put> pos n. def a green aromatic oil derived from this tree, used to treat skin diseases. cajuput 3. or cajeput syl caj:u+put pron <1k@J*2put> pos n. def a lauraceous tree, whose aromatic leaves are used in medicine. cake ety C13: from Old Norse kaka; related to Danish kage, German Kuchen cake 1. syl cake pron pos n. def a baked food, usually in loaf or layer form, typically made from a mixture of flour, sugar, and eggs. cake 2. syl cake pron pos n. def a flat thin mass of bread, esp. unleavened bread. cake 3. syl cake pron pos n. def a shaped mass of dough or other food of similar consistency. exam 1 a fish cake. cake 4. syl cake pron pos n. def a mass, slab, or crust of a solidified or compressed substance, as of soap or ice. have one's cake and eat it 5. head cake syl have one's cake and eat it. def to enjoy both of two desirable but incompatible alternatives. go 6. head cake or sell like hot cakes syl go qual Informal. def to be sold very quickly or in large quantities. piece of cake 7. head cake syl piece of cake. qual Informal. def something that is easily achieved or obtained. take the cake 8. head cake syl take the cake. qual Informal. def to surpass all others, esp. in stupidity, folly, etc. cake 9. syl cake pron pos n. qual Informal. def the whole or total of something that is to be shared or divided. exam 1 the miners are demanding a larger slice of the cake; exam 2 that is a fair method of sharing the cake. cake 10. syl cake pron pos vb. mod tr. def to cover with a hard layer; encrust. exam 1 the hull was caked with salt. cake 11. syl cake pron pos vb. def to form or be formed into a hardened mass. cakewalk 1. syl cake+walk pron <1kAk2wc:k> pos n. def a dance based on a march with intricate steps, originally performed by American Negroes with the prize of a cake for the best performers. cakewalk 2. syl cake+walk pron <1kAk2wc:k> pos n. def a piece of music composed for this dance. {~} cakewalk 3. syl cake+walk pron <1kAk2wc:k> pos n. mod intr. def to perform the cakewalk. cakewalker sub head cakewalk syl cake+2walk:er pos n. cal 1. syl cal. qual abbrev. for: def calibre. cal 2. syl cal. qual abbrev. for: def calorie (small). Cal 1. syl Cal. qual abbrev. for: def Calorie (large). Cal 2. syl Cal. qual abbrev. for: def California. Calabar 0. syl Cal:a+bar pron <1k@l*2ba:> pos n. def a port in SE Nigeria, capital of Cross River state. Pop.: 103000 (1975 est.). Calabar bean 0. syl Cal:a+bar bean pron <2k@l*1ba:>, <1k@l*2ba:> pos n. def the dark brown very poisonous seed of a leguminous woody climbing plant, of tropical Africa, used as a source of the drug physostigmine. calabash ety C17: from obsolete French calabasse, from Spanish calabaza, perhaps from Arabic qar`ah y*_abisah dry gourd, from qar`ah gourd+ y*_abisah dry calabash 1. syl cal:a+bash pron <1k@l*2b@S> pos n. def Also called: {calabash tree}. a tropical American evergreen tree, that produces large round gourds: family calabash 2. syl cal:a+bash pron <1k@l*2b@S> pos n. def another name for the {bottle gourd}. calabash 3. syl cal:a+bash pron <1k@l*2b@S> pos n. def the gourd of either of these plants. calabash 4. syl cal:a+bash pron <1k@l*2b@S> pos n. def the dried hollow shell of a gourd used as the bowl of a tobacco pipe, a bottle, rattle, etc. calabash nutmeg 5. head calabash syl calabash nutmeg. def a tropical African shrub, whose oily aromatic seeds can be used as nutmegs: family calaboose ety C18: from Creole French, from Spanish calabozo dungeon, of unknown origin calaboose 0. syl cal:a+boose pron <1k@l*2bu:s> pos n. qual U.S. informal. def a prison; jail. Calabria 1. syl Ca+lab+ri:a pron pos n. def a region of SW Italy: mostly mountainous and subject to earthquakes. Chief town: Reggio di Calabria. Pop.: 1962899 (1971). Area: 15080 sq. km. (5822 sq. miles). Calabria 2. syl Ca+lab+ri:a pron pos n. def an ancient region of extreme SE Italy (3rd century #7b.c. to about 668 #7a.d.) ; now part of Apulia. caladium ety C19: from New Latin, from Malay k*veladi araceous plant caladium 0. syl ca+la+di:um pron pos n. def any of various tropical plants of the aroid genus which are widely cultivated as potted plants for their colourful variegated foliage. Calais 0. syl Cal+ais pron <1k@lA>, <1k@li>, French pos n. def a port in N France, on the Strait of Dover: the nearest French port to England; belonged to England 1347-1558. Pop.: 79369 (1975). calalu ety probably of African origin calaloo alt head calalu or calalu syl cal:a+loo pron <1k@l*lu:> pos n. calalu 0. or calaloo syl cal:a+lu pron <1k@l*lu:> pos n. qual Caribbean. def the edible leaves of various plants, used as greens or in making thick soups. calamanco ety C16: of unknown origin calamanco 0. syl cal:a+man+co pron <2k@l*1m@Gk*u> pos n. def a glossy woollen fabric woven with a checked design that shows on one side only. calamander ety C19: metathetic variant of #7coromandel calamander 0. syl cal:a+man+der pron <1k@l*2m@nd*> pos n. def the hard black-and-brown striped wood of several trees of the genus esp. of India and Ceylon, used in making furniture: family See also { {ebony} (sense 2).} calamine ety C17: from Old French, from Medieval Latin calam*_ina, from Latin cadm*_ia; see #7cadmium calamine 1. syl cal:a+mine pron <1k@l*2mIn> pos n. def a pink powder consisting of zinc oxide and ferric oxide, used medicinally in the form of soothing lotions or ointments. calamine 2. syl cal:a+mine pron <1k@l*2mIn> pos n. def the former Brit. name for {smithsonite}. calamine 3. syl cal:a+mine pron <1k@l*2mIn> pos n. def the former U.S. name for {hemimorphite}. calamint ety C14: from Old French calament (but influenced by English #7mint %1), from Medieval Latin calamentum, from Greek kalaminth*_e calamint 0. syl cal:a+mint pron <1k@l*mint> pos n. def any aromatic Eurasian plant of the genus (or having clusters of purple or pink flowers: family (labiates). calamite ety C19: from New Latin Calam*_ites type genus, from Greek kalamit*_es reedlike, from kalamos reed calamite 0. syl cal:a+mite pron <1k@l*2mIt> pos n. def any extinct treelike pteridophyte plant of the genus of Carboniferous times, related to the horsetails. calamitous 0. syl ca+lam:i+tous pron pos adj. def causing, involving, or resulting in a calamity; disastrous. calamitously sub head calamitous syl ca+1lam:i+tous+ly pos adv. calamitousness sub head calamitous syl ca+1lam:i+tous+ness pos n. calamity ety C15: from French calamit*'e, from Latin calamit*_as; related to Latin incolumis uninjured calamities infl head calamity syl ca+lam+i:ties. pos n. mod pl. calamity 1. syl ca+lam+i:ty pron pos n. def a disaster or misfortune, esp. one causing extreme havoc, distress, or misery. calamity 2. syl ca+lam+i:ty pron pos n. def a state or feeling of deep distress or misery. calamondin ety from Tagalog kalamunding calamondin orange alt head calamondin or calamondin syl cal:a+mon+din or+ange pos n. calamondin 1. or calamondin orange syl cal:a+mon+din pron <1k@l*2m^ndin> pos n. def a small citrus tree, of the Philippines. calamondin 2. or calamondin orange syl cal:a+mon+din pron <1k@l*2m^ndin> pos n. def the acid-tasting fruit of this tree, resembling a small orange. calamus ety C14: from Latin, from Greek kalamos reed, cane, stem calami infl head calamus syl cal:a+mi pron <-2mI> pos n. mod pl. calamus 1. syl cal:a+mus pron <1k@l*m*s> pos n. def any tropical Asian palm of the genus some species of which are a source of rattan and canes. calamus 2. syl cal:a+mus pron <1k@l*m*s> pos n. def another name for {sweet flag}. calamus 3. syl cal:a+mus pron <1k@l*m*s> pos n. def the aromatic root of the sweet flag. calamus 4. syl cal:a+mus pron <1k@l*m*s> pos n. qual Ornithol. def the basal hollow shaft of a feather; quill. calandria ety C20: arbitrarily named, from Spanish, literally: lark calandria 0. syl cal+an+dri:a pron pos n. def a cylindrical vessel through which vertical tubes pass, esp. one forming part of an evaporator, heat exchanger, or nuclear reactor. calash ety C17: from French cal*`eche, from German Kalesche, from Czech kolesa wheels caleche alt head calash or calash syl ca+l*`eche pos n. calash 1. or caleche syl ca+lash pron pos n. def a horse-drawn carriage with low wheels and a folding top. calash 2. or caleche syl ca+lash pron pos n. def the folding top of such a carriage. calash 3. or caleche syl ca+lash pron pos n. def a woman's folding hooped hood worn in the 18th century. calathus ety C18: from Latin, from Greek kalathos calathi infl head calathus syl cal:a+thi pron <-2TI> pos n. mod pl. calathus 0. syl cal:a+thus pron <1k@l*T*s> pos n. def a vase-shaped basket represented in ancient Greek art, used as a symbol of fruitfulness. calaverite ety C19: named after Calaveras, county in California where it was discovered calaverite 0. syl ca+lav+er+ite pron pos n. def a metallic pale yellow mineral consisting of a telluride of gold in the form of elongated striated crystals. It is a source of gold in Australia and North America. Formula: AuTe\2. calc- 0. syl calc- usage combining form. def variant of {calci-} before a vowel. calcaneus ety C19: from Late Latin: heel, from Latin calx heel calcaneum alt head calcaneus or calcaneus syl cal+ca+ne:um pron <-niI> pos n. calcanei infl head calcaneus syl cal+ca+ne:i pron <-niI> pos n. mod pl. calcaneus 1. or calcaneum syl cal+ca+ne:us pron pos n. def the largest tarsal bone, forming the heel in man. Nontechnical name: {heel bone}. calcaneus 2. or calcaneum syl cal+ca+ne:us pron pos n. def the corresponding bone in other vertebrates. calcaneal sub head calcaneus or calcanean syl cal+1ca+ne:al pos adj. calcanean sub head calcaneus or calcaneal syl cal+1ca+ne:an pos adj. calcar ety C19: from Latin, from calx heel calcaria infl head calcar syl cal+car:i:a pron pos n. mod pl. calcar 0. syl cal+car pron <1k@l2ka:> pos n. def a spur or spurlike process, as on the leg of a bird or the corolla of a flower. calcareous ety C17: from Latin calc*_arius, from calx lime calcareous 0. syl cal+car+e:ous pron pos adj. def of, containing, or resembling calcium carbonate; chalky. calcariferous 0. syl cal+ca+rif+er+ous pron <2k@lk*1rif*r*s> pos adj. qual Biology. def having a spur or spurs. calceiform ety C19: from Latin calceus shoe calceolate alt head calceiform or calceiform syl cal+ce:o+late pron <1k@lsi*?!2lAt> pos adj. calceiform 0. or calceolate syl cal+ce:i+form pron <1k@lsii2fc:m>, pos adj. qual Botany. def shaped like a shoe or slipper. calceolaria ety C18: from Latin calceolus small shoe, from calceus calceolaria 0. syl cal+ce:o+lar+i:a pron <2k@lsi*1le*ri*> pos n. def any tropical American scrophulariaceous plant of the genus cultivated for its speckled slipper-shaped flowers. Also called: {slipper?!wort}. calces 0. syl cal+ces pron <1k@lsEz> pos n. def a plural of {calx}. Calchas 0. syl Cal:chas pron <1k@lk@s> pos n. qual Greek myth. def a soothsayer who assisted the Greeks in the Trojan War. calci- ety from Latin calx, calc- limestone calcic ety C19: from Latin calx lime calcic 0. syl cal+cic pron <1k@lsik> pos adj. def of, containing, or concerned with lime or calcium. calcicole ety C20: from #7calci -#7+ -cole, from Latin colere to dwell calcicole 0. syl cal+ci+cole pron <1k@lsi2k*ul> pos n. def any plant that thrives in lime-rich soils. calcicolous sub head calcicole syl cal+cic:o+lous pron pos adj. calciferol ety C20: from #7calcif (#7erous+ergost) #7erol calciferol 0. syl cal+cif+er+ol pron pos n. def a fat-soluble steroid, found esp. in fish-liver oils, produced by the action of ultraviolet radiation on ergosterol. It increases the absorption of calcium from the intestine and is used in the treatment of rickets. Formula: C\2\8H\4\3OH. Also called: {vitamin D\2}. calciferous 0. syl cal+cif+er+ous pron pos adj. def forming or producing salts of calcium, esp. calcium carbonate. calcific 0. syl cal+cif+ic pron pos adj. def forming or causing to form lime or chalk. calcification 1. syl cal+ci+fi+ca+tion pron <2k@lsifi1kAS*n> pos n. def the process of calcifying or becoming calcified. calcification 2. syl cal+ci+fi+ca+tion pron <2k@lsifi1kAS*n> pos n. qual Pathol. def a tissue hardened by deposition of lime salts. calcification 3. syl cal+ci+fi+ca+tion pron <2k@lsifi1kAS*n> pos n. def any calcified object or formation. calcifuge 0. syl cal+ci+fuge pron <1k@lsi2fju:J> pos n. def any plant that thrives in acid soils. &- {cal+ci+fu+gal} (@!k@als$I#!fju$:g%@l) calcifugous sub head calcifuge syl cal+cif:u+gous pron pos adj. calcifies infl head calcify syl cal+ci+fies pos vb. calcifying infl head calcify syl cal+ci+fy+ing pos vb. calcified infl head calcify syl cal+ci+fied. pos vb. calcify 1. syl cal+ci+fy pron <1k@lsi2fI> pos vb. def to convert or be converted into lime. calcify 2. syl cal+ci+fy pron <1k@lsi2fI> pos vb. def to harden or become hardened by impregnation with calcium salts. calcimine ety C19: changed from Kalsomine, a trademark kalsomine alt head calcimine or calcimine syl kal+so+mine pos n. calcimine 1. or kalsomine syl cal+ci+mine pron <1k@lsi2mIn>, <-min> pos n. def a white or pale tinted wash for walls. calcimine 2. or kalsomine syl cal+ci+mine pron <1k@lsi2mIn>, <-min> pos vb. mod tr. def to cover with calcimine. calcine ety C14: from Medieval Latin calcin*_are to heat, from Latin calx lime calcine 1. syl cal+cine pron <1k@lsIn>, <-sin> pos vb. mod tr. def to heat (a substance) so that it is oxidized, reduced, or loses water. calcine 2. syl cal+cine pron <1k@lsIn>, <-sin> pos vb. mod intr. def to oxidize as a result of heating. calcination sub head calcine syl cal+ci+na+tion pron <2k@lsi1nAS*n> pos n. calcite 0. syl cal+cite pron <1k@lsIt> pos n. def a common colourless or white mineral consisting of calcium carbonate in rhombohedral crystalline form: the transparent variety is Iceland spar. Formula: CaCO\3. calcitic sub head calcite syl cal+cit+ic pron pos adj. calcitonin ety C20: from #7calci -#7+ton (#7ic) + -#7in calcitonin 0. syl cal+ci+ton+in pron <2k@lsi1t*unin> pos n. def a hormone secreted by the thyroid that inhibits the release of calcium from the skeleton and prevents a build-up of calcium in the blood. Also called: {thyrocalcitonin}. Compare {parathyroid hormone}. calcium ety C19: from New Latin, from Latin calx lime calcium 0. syl cal+ci:um pron <1k@lsi*m> pos n. def a malleable silvery-white metallic element of the alkaline earth group; the fifth most abundant element in the earth's crust (3.6 per cent), occurring esp. as forms of calcium carbonate. It is an essential constituent of bones and teeth and is used as a deoxidizer in steel. Symbol: Ca; atomic no.: 20; atomic wt.: 40.08; valency: 2; relative density: 1.55; melting pt.: 842-8?%C; boiling pt.: 1487?%C. calcium carbide 0. syl cal+ci:um car+bide pos n. def a grey salt of calcium used in the production of acetylene (by its reaction with water) and calcium cyanamide. Formula: CaC\2. Sometimes shortened to {carbide}. calcium carbonate 0. syl cal+ci:um car+bon+ate pos n. def a white crystalline salt occurring in limestone, chalk, marble, calcite, coral, and pearl: used in the production of lime and cement. Formula: CaCO\3. calcium chloride 0. syl cal+ci:um chlo+ride pos n. def a white deliquescent salt occurring naturally in seawater and used in the de-icing of roads and as a drying agent. Formula: CaCl\2. calcium cyanamide 0. syl cal+ci:um cy+an:a+mide pos n. def a white crystalline compound formed by heating calcium carbide with nitrogen. It is important in the fixation of nitrogen and can be hydrolysed to ammonia or used as a fertilizer. Formula: CaCN\2. calcium hydroxide 0. syl cal+ci:um hy+drox+ide pos n. def a white crystalline slightly soluble alkali with many uses, esp. in cement, water softening, and the neutralization of acid soils. Formula: Ca(OH)\2. Also called: {lime, slaked lime, hydrated lime, calcium hydrate, caustic lime, lime hydrate}. calcium light 0. syl cal+ci:um light pos n. def another name for {limelight}. calcium oxide 0. syl cal+ci:um ox+ide pos n. def a white crystalline base used in the production of calcium hydroxide and bleaching powder and in the manufacture of glass, paper, and steel. Formula: CaO. Also called: {lime, quicklime, calx, burnt lime, calcined lime, fluxing lime}. calcium phosphate 1. syl cal+ci:um phos+phate pos n. def the insoluble nonacid calcium salt of orthophosphoric acid: occurs in bones and is the main constituent of bone ash. Formula: Ca\3(PO\4)\2. calcium phosphate 2. syl cal+ci:um phos+phate pos n. def any calcium salt of a phosphoric acid. Calcium phosphates are found in many rocks and used esp. in fertilizers. calcsinter ety C19: from German Kalksinter, from Kalk lime+ sinter dross; see #7chalk, sinter calcsinter 0. syl calc+sin:ter pron <1k@lk2sint*> pos n. def another name for {travertine}. calcspar ety C19: partial translation of Swedish kalkspat, from kalk lime (ultimately from Latin calx) +spat {#7spar %3} calcspar 0. syl calc+spar pron <1k@lk2spa:> pos n. def another name for {calcite}. calc-tuff alt head calc-tufa or calc-tufa syl calc-tuff pron <1k@lk2t^f> pos n. calc-tufa 0. or calc-tuff syl calc-tu:fa pron <1k@lk2tu:f*> pos n. def another name for {tufa}. calculable 1. syl cal+cu+la:ble pron <1k@lkjul*bL> pos adj. def that may be computed or estimated. calculable 2. syl cal+cu+la:ble pron <1k@lkjul*bL> pos adj. def predictable; dependable. calculability sub head calculable syl cal+cu+la:1bil+i:ty pos n. calculably sub head calculable syl cal+cu+la:bly pos adv. calculate ety C16: from Late Latin calcul*_are, from calculus pebble used as a counter; see #7calculus &- cal+cu+la+tive (#!k@alkj$ul$$t$Iv) adj. calculate 1. syl cal+cu+late pron <1k@lkju2lAt> pos vb. def to solve (one or more problems) by a mathematical procedure; compute. calculate 2. syl cal+cu+late pron <1k@lkju2lAt> pos vb. mod tr. usage may take a clause as object def to determine beforehand by judgment, reasoning, etc.; estimate. calculate 3. syl cal+cu+late pron <1k@lkju2lAt> pos vb. mod tr. usage usually passive def to design specifically; aim. exam 1 the car was calculated to appeal to women. calculate 4. syl cal+cu+late pron <1k@lkju2lAt> pos vb. mod intr. usage foll. by on or upon def to depend; rely. calculate 5.a. syl cal+cu+late pron <1k@lkju2lAt> pos vb. def to suppose; think. calculate 5.b. syl cal+cu+late pron <1k@lkju2lAt> pos vb. def to intend (to do something). calculated 1. syl cal+cu+lat+ed pron <1k@lkju2lAtid> pos adj. usage usually prenominal def undertaken after considering the likelihood of success or failure. exam 1 a calculated risk. calculated 2. syl cal+cu+lat+ed pron <1k@lkju2lAtid> pos adj. usage usually prenominal def deliberately planned; premeditated. exam 1 a calculated insult. calculating 1. syl cal+cu+lat+ing pron <1k@lkju2lAtiG> pos adj. def selfishly scheming. calculating 2. syl cal+cu+lat+ing pron <1k@lkju2lAtiG> pos adj. def shrewd; cautious. calculatingly sub head calculating syl cal+cu+2lat+ing+ly pos adv. calculating machine 0. syl cal+cu+lat+ing ma+chine pos n. def an electronic or mechanical device for performing arithmetical operations. Also called: {calculator}. Compare {adding machine}. calculation 1. syl cal+cu+la+tion pron <2k@lkju1lAS*n> pos n. def the act, process, or result of calculating. calculation 2. syl cal+cu+la+tion pron <2k@lkju1lAS*n> pos n. def an estimation of probability; forecast. calculation 3. syl cal+cu+la+tion pron <2k@lkju1lAS*n> pos n. def careful planning or forethought, esp. for selfish motives. calculator 1. syl cal+cu+la+tor pron <1k@lkju2lAt*> pos n. def another name for {calculating machine}. calculator 2. syl cal+cu+la+tor pron <1k@lkju2lAt*> pos n. def a person or thing that calculates. calculator 3. syl cal+cu+la+tor pron <1k@lkju2lAt*> pos n. def a set of tables used as an aid to calculations. calculous 0. syl cal+cu+lous pron <1k@lkjul*s> pos adj. qual Pathol. def of or suffering from a calculus. calculus ety C17: from Latin: pebble, stone used in reckoning, from calx small stone, counter calculuses infl head calculus syl cal+cu+lus:es. pos n. mod pl. calculus 1. syl cal+cu+lus pron <1k@lkjul*s> pos n. def a branch of mathemat?!ics, developed independently by Newton and Leibnitz. Both {differential calculus} and {integral calculus} are concerned with the effect on a function of an infinitesimal change in the independent variable as it tends to zero. calculi infl head calculus syl cal+cu+li pron <-2lI> pos n. mod pl. calculus 2. syl cal+cu+lus pron <-2lI> pos n. qual Pathol. def a stonelike concretion of minerals and salts found in ducts or hollow organs of the body. calculus 3. syl cal+cu+lus pron <1k@lkjul*s> pos n. def any mathematical system of calculation involving the use of symbols. calculus of variations 0. syl cal+cu+lus of var:i+a:tions pos n. def a branch of calculus concerned with maxima and minima of definite integrals. Calcutta 0. syl Cal+cut+ta pron pos n. def a port in E India, capital of West Bengal state, on the Hooghly River: former capital of the country (1833-1912); major commercial and industrial centre; two universities. Pop.: 3148746 (1971). caldarium ety C18: from Latin, from calidus warm, from cal*_ere to be warm caldaria infl head caldarium syl cal+dar:i:a pron <-1de*ri*> pos n. mod pl. caldarium 0. syl cal+dar+i:um pron pos n. usage in ancient Rome def a room for taking hot baths. Alexander infl head Calder syl Al:ex:an:der. pos n. Calder 0. syl Cal:der pron <1kc:ld*> pos n. def born 1898, U.S. sculptor, who originated mobiles and stabiles (moving or static abstract sculptures, generally suspended from wire). caldera ety C19: from Spanish Caldera (literally: #7cauldron) , name of a crater in the Canary Islands caldera 0. syl cal+de+ra pron , <1kc:ld*r*> pos n. def any enlarged volcanic crater formed by the explosion or collapse of the cone. Pedro infl head Calder'on de la Barca syl Pe:dro pron <1pA@dro> pos n. Calder'on de la Barca 0. syl Cal:de:r*'on de la Bar:ca pron Spanish <2kaldA1ron> , Spanish <1barka> pos n. def 1600-81, Spanish dramatist, whose best-known work is He also wrote outdoor plays for the feast of Corpus Christi, 76 of which survive. caldron 0. syl cal+dron pron <1kc:ldr*n> pos n. def a variant spelling of {cauldron}. Erskine infl head Caldwell syl Er:skine pron <1R:skin> pos n. Caldwell 0. syl Cald:well pron <1kc:ldwel>, <-w*l> pos n. def born 1903, U.S. novelist whose works include (1932). caleche 0. syl ca+l*`eche pron French pos n. def a variant spelling of {calash}. Caledonia 0. syl Cal+e:do+ni:a pron <2k@li1d*uni*> pos n. def the Roman name for {Scotland}. Caledonian 1. syl Cal+e:do+ni:an pron <2k@li1d*uni*n> pos adj. def of or relating to Scotland. Caledonian 2. syl Cal+e:do+ni:an pron <2k@li1d*uni*n> pos adj. def of or denoting a period of mountain building in NW Europe in the Palaeozoic era. {~} Caledonian 3. syl Cal+e:do+ni:an pron <2k@li1d*uni*n> pos adj. qual Literary. def a native or inhabitant of Scotland. Caledonian Canal 0. syl Cal+e:do+ni:an Ca+nal pos n. def a canal in N Scotland, linking the Atlantic with the North Sea through the Great Glen: built 1803-47; now little used. calefacient ety C17: from Latin calefaci*_ens, from calefacere to heat calefacient 1. syl cal+e:fa+cient pron <2k@li1fAS*nt> pos adj. def causing warmth. {~} calefacient 2. syl cal+e:fa+cient pron <2k@li1fAS*nt> pos adj. qual Med. def an agent that warms, such as a mustard plaster. calefaction sub head calefacient syl cal+e:fac+tion pron <2k@li1f@kS*n> pos n. calefactory ety C16: from Latin calefact*_orius, from calefactus made warm; see #7calefacient calefactory 1. syl cal+e:fac+to:ry pron <2k@li1f@kt*ri> pos adj. def giving warmth. calefactories infl head calefactory syl cal+e:fac+to:ries. pos n. mod pl. calefactory 2. syl cal+e:fac+to:ry pron <2k@li1f@kt*ri> pos n. def a heated room in a monastery. calendar ety C13: via Norman French from Medieval Latin kalend*_arium account book, from Kalendae the #7calends, when interest on debts became due calendar 1. syl cal+en+dar pron <1k@lind*> pos n. def a system for determining the beginning, length, and order of years and their divisions. See also {Gregorian calendar, Jewish calendar, Julian calendar, Revolutionary calendar, Roman calendar}. calendar 2. syl cal+en+dar pron <1k@lind*> pos n. def a table showing any such arrangement, esp. as applied to one or more successive years. calendar 3. syl cal+en+dar pron <1k@lind*> pos n. def a list, register, or schedule of social events, pending court cases, appointments, etc. calendar 4. syl cal+en+dar pron <1k@lind*> pos vb. mod tr. def to enter in a calendar; schedule; register. calendrical sub head calendar or calendric syl ca+len+dri+cal pron pos adj. calendric sub head calendar or calendrical syl ca+1len+dric pos adj. calendar day 0. syl cal+en+dar day pos n. def See { {day} (sense 1).} calendar month 0. syl cal+en+dar month pos n. def See { {month} (sense 1).} calendar year 0. syl cal+en+dar year pos n. def See { {year} (sense 1).} calender ety C17: from French calandre, of unknown origin calender H1.1. syl cal+en+der pron <1k@lind*> pos n. def a machine in which paper or cloth is glazed or smoothed by passing between rollers. calender H1.2. syl cal+en+der pron <1k@lind*> pos vb. mod tr. def to subject (material) to such a process. calender ety from Persian kalandar calender H2.0. syl cal+en+der pron <1k@lind*> pos n. def a member of a mendicant order of dervishes in Turkey, Iran, and India. calends ety C14 from Latin kal?!endae; related to Latin cal*_are to proclaim kalends alt head calends or calends syl kal+ends pron <1k@lindz> pos n. mod pl. calends 0. or kalends syl cal+ends pron <1k@lindz> pos n. mod pl. def the first day of each month in the ancient Roman calendar. calendula ety C19: from Medieval Latin, from Latin kalendae #7calends ; perhaps from its supposed efficacy in curing menstrual disorders calendula 1. syl ca+len+du+la pron pos n. def any Eurasian plant of the genus esp. the pot marigold, having orange-and-yellow rayed flowers: family (composites). calendula 2. syl ca+len+du+la pron pos n. def the dried flowers of the pot marigold, formerly used medicinally and for seasoning. calenture ety C16: from Spanish calentura fever, ultimately from Latin cal*_ere to be warm calenture 0. syl cal+en+ture pron <1k@l*n2tju*> pos n. def a mild fever of tropical climates, similar in its symptoms to sunstroke. calf ety Old English cealf; related to Old Norse k*_alfr, Gothic kalb*_o, Old High German kalba calves infl head calf syl calves. pos n. mod pl. calf H1.1. syl calf pron pos n. def the young of cattle, esp. domestic cattle. calf H1.2. syl calf pron pos n. def the young of certain other mammals, such as the buffalo, elephant, giraffe, and whale. calf H1.3. syl calf pron pos n. def a large piece of ice detached from an iceberg, etc. kill the fatted calf 4. head calf syl kill the fatted calf. def to cel?!ebrate lavishly, esp. as a welcome. calf H1.5. syl calf pron pos n. def another name for {calfskin}. calf ety C14: from Old Norse kalfi calves infl head calf syl calves. pos n. mod pl. calf H2.0. syl calf pron pos n. def the thick fleshy part of the back of the leg between the ankle and the knee. calf love 0. syl calf love pos n. def temporary infatuation or love of an adolescent for a member of the opposite sex. Also called: {puppy love}. calf's-foot jelly 0. syl calf's-foot jel+ly pos n. def a jelly made from the stock of boiled calves' feet and flavourings, formerly often served to invalids. calfskin 1. syl calf+skin pron <1ka:f2skin> pos n. def the skin or hide of a calf. calfskin 2. syl calf+skin pron <1ka:f2skin> pos n. def Also called: {calf}. calfskin 2.a. syl calf+skin pron <1ka:f2skin> pos n. def fine leather made from this skin. calfskin 2.b. syl calf+skin pron <1ka:f2skin> pos n. usage as modifier def : {calfskin boots}. Calgary 0. syl Cal+ga+ry pron <1k@lg*ri> pos n. def a city in Canada, in S Alberta: centre of a large agricultural region; oilfields. Pop.: 403319 (1971). Cali 0. syl Ca:li pron Spanish <1kali> pos n. def a city in SW Colombia: commercial centre in a rich agricultural region. Pop.: 898253 (1973). Caliban ety C19: after a character in Shakespeare's The Tempest (1610) Caliban 0. syl Cal:i+ban pron <1k@li2b@n> pos n. def a brutish or brutalized man. calibrate 1. syl cal:i+brate pron <1k@li2brAt> pos vb. mod tr. def to measure the calibre of (a gun, mortar, etc.). calibrate 2. syl cal:i+brate pron <1k@li2brAt> pos vb. mod tr. def to mark (the scale of a measuring instrument) so that readings can be made in appropriate units. calibrate 3. syl cal:i+brate pron <1k@li2brAt> pos vb. mod tr. def to determine the accuracy of (a measuring instrument, etc.). calibrate 4. syl cal:i+brate pron <1k@li2brAt> pos vb. mod tr. def to determine or check the range of (a piece of artillery). calibration sub head calibrate syl cal:i+1bra+tion pos n. calibrator sub head calibrate or calibrater syl cal:i+2bra+tor pos n. calibrater sub head calibrate or calibrator syl cal:i+2brat+er pos n. calibre ety C16: from Old French, from Italian calibro, from Arabic q*_alib shoemaker's last, mould &- #!cal@.i+bred or U.S. #!cal@.i+bered adj. caliber alt head calibre or calibre syl cal:i+ber pron <1k@lib*> pos n. qual U.S. calibre 1. or caliber syl cal:i+bre pron <1k@lib*> pos n. def the diameter of a cylindrical body, esp. the internal diameter of a tube or the bore of a firearm. calibre 2. or caliber syl cal:i+bre pron <1k@lib*> pos n. def the diameter of a shell or bullet. calibre 3. or caliber syl cal:i+bre pron <1k@lib*> pos n. def ability; distinction. exam 1 a musician of high calibre. calibre 4. or caliber syl cal:i+bre pron <1k@lib*> pos n. def personal character. exam 1 a man of high calibre. calices 0. syl cal:i+ces pron <1k@li2sEz> pos n. def the plural of {calix}. caliche ety C20: from American Spanish, from Latin calx lime caliche 1. syl ca+li+che pron pos n. def a bed of sand or clay in arid regions that contains Chile saltpetre, sodium chloride, and other soluble minerals. caliche 2. syl ca+li+che pron pos n. def a surface layer of soil encrusted with calcium carbonate, occurring in arid regions. calicle 0. syl cal:i+cle pron <1k@likL> pos n. def a variant spelling of {calycle}. &- {ca+lic@.u+lar} (k$$#!l$Ikj$ul$$) calico ety C16: based on Calicut, town in India calicoes infl head calico or calicos syl cal:i+coes pos n. mod pl. calicos infl head calico or calicoes syl cal:i+cos. pos n. mod pl. calico 1. syl cal:i+co pron <1k@li2k*u> pos n. def a white or unbleached cotton fabric with no printed design. calico 2. syl cal:i+co pron <1k@li2k*u> pos n. qual Chiefly U.S. def a coarse printed cotton fabric. calico 3. syl cal:i+co pron <1k@li2k*u> pos n. usage modifier def made of calico. calico bush 0. syl cal:i+co bush pos n. def another name for {mountain laurel}. Calicut 0. syl Cal:i+cut pron <1k@li2k^t> pos n. def the former name for {Kozhikode}. calif 0. syl ca+lif pron <1kAlif>, <1k@l-> pos n. def a variant spelling of {caliph}. Calif 0. syl Calif. qual abbrev. for def California. califate 0. syl cal+if+ate pron <1k@li2fAt>, <-fit> pos n. def a variant spelling of {caliphate}. California 1. syl Cal:i+for+ni:a pron <2k@li1fc:ni*> pos n. def a state on the W coast of the U.S.: the third largest state in area and the largest in population; consists of a narrow, warm coastal plain rising to the Coast Range, deserts in the south, the fertile central valleys of the Sacramento and San Joaquin Rivers, and the mountains of the Sierra Nevada in the east; major industries include the growing of citrus fruits and grapes, fishing, oil production, and films. Capital: Sacramento. Pop.: 19953134 (1970). Area: 411015 sq. km (158693 sq. miles). Abbrevs.: {Cal., Calif}. or (with zip code) {CA} Gulf of 2. head California syl Gulf of. def an arm of the Pacific Ocean, between Sonora and Lower California. California poppy 0. syl Cal:i+for+ni:a pop+py pos n. def a papaveraceous plant, of the Pacific coast of North America, having yellow or orange flowers and finely divided bluish-green leaves. californium ety C20: New Latin; discovered at the University of California californium 0. syl cal:i+for+ni:um pron <2k@li1fc:ni*m> pos n. def a metallic transuranic element artificially produced from curium. Symbol: Cf; atomic no.: 98; half-life of most stable isotope, %2%5%1Cf: 800 years (approx.). caliginous ety C16: from Latin c*_al*_igin*_osus from c*_al*_ig*_o darkness caliginous 0. syl ca+lig:i+nous pron pos adj. qual Archaic. def dark; dim. caliginosity sub head caliginous syl ca+lig:i+nos+i:ty pron pos n. Caligula 0. syl Ca:lig:u:la pron pos n. def original name son of Germanicus. 12-41 #7a.d., Roman emperor (37-41), noted for his cruelty and tyranny; assassinated. Point infl head Calimere syl Point. pos n. Calimere 0. syl Cal:i+mere pron <1k@limi*> pos n. def a cape on the SE coast of India, on the Palk Strait. calipash ety C17: perhaps changed from Spanish carapacho #7carapace callipash alt head calipash or calipash syl cal+li+pash pron <1k@li2p@S> pos n. calipash 0. or callipash syl cal:i+pash pron <1k@li2p@S> pos n. def the greenish glutinous edible part of the turtle found next to the upper shell, considered a delicacy. calipee ety C17: perhaps a variant of #7calipash calipee 0. syl cal:i+pee pron <1k@li2pE> pos n. def the yellow glutinous edible part of the turtle found next to the lower shell, considered a delicacy. caliper 0. syl cal:i+per pron <1k@lip*> pos n. def the usual U.S. spelling of {calliper}. caliph ety C14: from Old French, from Arabic khal*_ifa successor calif infl head caliph syl ca+lif pron <1kAlif>, <1k@l-> pos n. kalif infl head caliph or khalif syl ka+lif pron <1kAlif>, <1k@l-> pos n. khalif infl head caliph or kalif syl kha+lif pron <1kAlif>, <1k@l-> pos n. caliph 0. syl ca+liph pron <1kAlif>, <1k@l-> pos n. qual Islam. def the title of the successors of Mohammed as rulers of the Islamic world, later assumed by the Sultans of Turkey. califate infl head caliphate or kalifate syl ca+li+fate pron <1kAli2fAt>, <-fit>, <1k@l-> pos n. kalifate infl head caliphate or califate syl ka+li+fate pron <1kAli2fAt>, <-fit>, <1k@l-> pos n. caliphate 0. syl ca+li+phate pron <1kAli2fAt>, <-fit>, <1k@l-> pos n. def the office, jurisdiction, or reign of a caliph. calisaya ety C19: from Spanish, from the name of a Bolivian Indian who taught the uses of quinine to the Spanish calisaya 0. syl cal:i+sa+ya pron <2k@li1sA*> pos n. def the bark of any of several tropical trees of the rubiaceous genus esp. from which quinine is extracted. Also called: {calisaya bark, yellowbark, cinchona}. calisthenics 0. syl cal+is+then+ics pron <2k@lis1Teniks> pos n. def a variant spelling (esp. U.S.) of {callisthenics}. calisthenic sub head calisthenics syl cal+is+1then+ic pos adj. calix ety C18: from Latin: #7chalice calices infl head calix syl cal:i+ces pron <1k@li2sEz> pos n. mod pl. calix 0. syl ca+lix pron <1kAliks>, <1k@-> pos n. def a cup; chalice. calk H1.0. syl calk pron pos vb. def a variant spelling of { {caulk.}} calk ety C17: from Latin calx heel calkin alt head calk or calk syl cal+kin pron , <1kc:kin>, <1k@l->, <1kc:kin>, <1k@l-> pos n. calk H2.1. or calkin syl calk pron pos n. def a metal projection on a horse's shoe to prevent slipping. calk H2.2. or calkin syl calk pron pos n. qual Chiefly U.S. def a spiked plate attached to the sole of a shoe to prevent slipping. calk H2.3. or calkin syl calk pron pos vb. mod tr. def to provide with calks. calk H2.4. or calkin syl calk pron pos vb. mod tr. def to wound with a calk. calk ety C17: from French calquer to trace; see #7calque calk H3.0. syl calk pron pos vb. mod tr. def to transfer (a design) by tracing it with a blunt point from one sheet backed with loosely fixed colouring matter onto another placed underneath. call ety Old English ceallian; related to Old Norse kalla, Old High German kall*_on, Old Slavonic glas*vu voice call 1. syl call pron pos vb. usage often foll. by out def to speak or utter (words, sounds, etc.) loudly so as to attract attention. exam 1 he called out her name. call 2. syl call pron pos vb. mod tr. def to ask or order to come. exam 1 to call a policeman. call 3. syl call pron pos vb. mod intr. usage sometimes foll. by on def to make a visit (to). exam 1 she called on him. call 4. syl call pron pos vb. usage often foll. by up def to telephone (a person). exam 1 he called back at nine. call 5. syl call pron pos vb. mod tr. def to summon to a specific office, profession, etc.. exam 1 they called out the army. call 6. syl call pron pos vb. usage of animals or birds def to utter (a characteristic sound or cry). call 7. syl call pron pos vb. mod tr. def to summon (a bird or animal) by imitating its cry. call 8. syl call pron pos vb. mod tr. def to name or style. exam 1 they called the dog Rover. call 9. syl call pron pos vb. mod tr. def to designate. exam 1 they called him a coward. call 10. syl call pron pos vb. mod tr. qual Brit. dialect. def to speak ill of or scold. call 11. syl call pron pos vb. mod tr. def to regard in a specific way. exam 1 I call it a foolish waste of time. call 12. syl call pron pos vb. mod tr. def to attract (attention). call 13. syl call pron pos vb. mod tr. def to read (a list, register, etc.) aloud to check for omissions or absentees. call 14. syl call pron pos vb. mod when; tr. usage usually foll. by for def to give an order (for). exam 1 to call a strike. call 15. syl call pron pos vb. mod intr. def to try to predict the result of tossing a coin. call 16. syl call pron pos vb. mod tr. def to awaken. exam 1 I was called early this morning. call 17. syl call pron pos vb. mod tr. def to cause to assemble. exam 1 to call a meeting. call 18. syl call pron pos vb. mod tr. usage Sport. of an umpire, referee, etc. def to pass judgment upon (a shot, player, etc.) with a call. call 19. syl call pron pos vb. qual Austral. def to broadcast a commentary on a race, esp. a horse race. call 20. syl call pron pos vb. mod tr. def to demand repayment of (a loan, redeemable bond, security, etc.). call 21. syl call pron pos vb. mod tr. qual Company accounting. usage often foll. by up def to demand payment of (a portion of a share issue not yet paid by subscribers). call 22. syl call pron pos vb. qual Brit. def to award (a student at an Inn of Court) the degree of barrister (esp. in the phrase {call to the bar) }. call 23. syl call pron pos vb. mod tr. qual Poker. def to demand that (a player) expose his hand, after equalling his bet. call 24. syl call pron pos vb. mod intr. qual Bridge. def to make a bid. call 25. syl call pron pos vb. mod tr. def to expose (a person's misleading statements, boasts, etc.). exam 1 I called his bluff. call 26. syl call pron pos vb. usage in square dancing def to call out (instructions) to the dancers. call 27. syl call pron pos vb. qual Billiards. def to ask (a player) to say what kind of shot he will play or (of a player) to name his shot. call 28.a. syl call pron pos vb. def to require. exam 1 this problem calls for study. call 28.b. syl call pron pos vb. def to come or go (for) in order to fetch. exam 1 I will call for my book later. call 29. syl call pron pos vb. mod intr. usage foll. by on or upon def to make an appeal or request (to). exam 1 they called upon him to reply. call into being 30. head call syl call into being. def to create. call into play 31. head call syl call into play. def to begin to operate. call into question 32. head call syl call into question. def See { {question} (sense 12).} call it a day 33. head call syl call it a day. def to bring an activity to an end. call to mind 34. head call syl call to mind. def to cause to be remembered. call 35. syl call pron pos n. def a cry or shout. call 36. syl call pron pos n. def the characteristic cry of a bird or animal. call 37. syl call pron pos n. def a device, such as a whistle, intended to imitate the cry of a bird or animal. call 38. syl call pron pos n. def a summons or invitation. call 39. syl call pron pos n. def a summons or signal sounded on a horn, bugle, etc. call 40. syl call pron pos n. qual Hunting. def any of several notes or patterns of notes, blown on a hunting horn as a signal call 41.a. syl call pron pos n. def an imitation of the characteristic cry of a wild animal or bird to lure it to the hunter. call 41.b. syl call pron pos n. def an instrument for producing such an imitation. call 42. syl call pron pos n. def a short visit. exam 1 the doctor made six calls this morning. call 43. syl call pron pos n. def an inner urge to some task or profession; vocation. call 44. syl call pron pos n. def allure or fascination, esp. of a place. exam 1 the call of the forest. call 45. syl call pron pos n. qual Brit. def the summons to the bar of a student member of an Inn of Court. call 46. syl call pron pos n. def need, demand, or occasion. exam 1 there is no call to shout; exam 2 we don't get much call for stockings these days. call 47. syl call pron pos n. def demand or claim (esp. in the phrase {the call of duty) }. call 48. syl call pron pos n. qual Theatre. def a notice to actors informing them of times of rehearsals. call 49. syl call pron pos n. usage in square dancing def an instruction to execute new figures. call 50. syl call pron pos n. def a conversation or a request for a connection by telephone. call 51.a. syl call pron pos n. def a demand for repayment of a loan. call 51.b. syl call pron pos n. usage as modifier exam 1 call money. call 52.a. syl call pron pos n. def a demand for redeemable bonds or shares to be presented for repayment. call 52.b. syl call pron pos n. def a demand for an instalment payment on the issue price of bonds or shares. call 53. syl call pron pos n. qual Billiards. def a demand to an opponent to say what kind of shot he will play. call 54. syl call pron pos n. qual Poker. def a demand for a hand or hands to be exposed. call 55. syl call pron pos n. qual Bridge. def a bid, or a player's turn to bid. call 56. syl call pron pos n. qual Sport. def a decision of an umpire or referee regarding a shot, pitch, etc. call 57. syl call pron pos n. qual Austral. def a broadcast commentary on a race, esp. a horse race. call 58. syl call pron pos n. def Also called: {call option}. an option to buy a stated amount of securities at a specified price during a specified period. Compare { {put} (sense 20).} call 59. syl call pron pos n. def See {roll call}. call for margin 60. head call syl call for margin. qual Stock Exchange. def a demand made by a stockbroker for partial payment of a client's debt due to decreasing value of the collateral. call of nature 61. head call syl call of nature. def See { {nature} (sense 15).} call 62.a. syl call pron pos n. usage of a loan, etc. def repayable on demand. call 62.b. syl call pron pos n. usage of a doctor, etc. def available when summoned; on duty. within call 63. head call syl within call. def within range; accessible. {~} See also {call down, call forth, call in, call off, call out, call up}. calla ety C19: from New Latin, probably from Greek kalleia wattles on a cock, probably from kallos beauty calla 1. syl cal+la pron <1k@l*> pos n. def Also called: {calla lily, arum lily}. any southern African plant of the aroid genus esp. which has a white funnel-shaped spathe enclosing a yellow spadix. calla 2. syl cal+la pron <1k@l*> pos n. def an aroid plant, that grows in wet places and has a white spathe enclosing a greenish spadix, and red berries. callable 1. syl call+a:ble pron <1kc:l*bL> pos adj. usage of a security def subject to redemption before maturity. callable 2. syl call+a:ble pron <1kc:l*bL> pos adj. usage of money loaned def repayable on demand. (Leonard) James infl head Callaghan syl (Leonard) James. pos n. Callaghan 0. syl Cal:la:ghan pron <1k@l*2h@n> pos n. def born 1912, English Labour statesman; prime minister of Great Britain and Northern Ireland since 1976. callais ety C19: from Greek kallais callais 0. syl cal+lais pron <1k@lA> pos n. def a green stone found as beads and ornaments in the late Neolithic and early Bronze Age of W Europe. callant ety C16: from Flemish kalant customer, fellow callan alt head callant or callant syl cal+lan pron <1ka:l*n> pos n. callant 0. or callan syl cal+lant pron <1ka:l*nt> pos n. def a youth; lad. Callao 0. syl Ca+lla:o pron Spanish pos n. def a port in W Peru, near Lima, on {Callao Bay}: chief import centre of Peru. Pop.: 296721 (1972). Maria infl head Callas syl Ma:ri:a. pos n. Callas 0. syl Cal:las pron <1k@l*s> pos n. def 1923-77, Greek operatic soprano, born in the U.S. call box 0. syl call box pos n. def a soundproof enclosure for a public telephone. Also called: {telephone box, telephone kiosk}. callboy 0. syl call+boy pron <1kc:l2bci> pos n. def a person who notifies actors when it is time to go on stage. call down 0. syl call down pos vb. adv. mod tr. def to request or invoke. exam 1 to call down God's anger. caller H1.0. syl call+er pron <1kc:l*> pos n. def a person or thing that calls, esp. a person who makes a brief visit. caller ety C14: Scottish variant of calver, probably from Old English calwer curds caller H2.1. syl cal+ler pron <1k@l*> pos adj. qual Scot. usage of food, esp. fish def fresh. caller H2.2. syl cal+ler pron <1k@l*> pos adj. qual Scot. def cool. exam 1 a caller breeze. call forth 0. syl call forth pos vb. adv. mod tr. def to cause (something) to come into action or existence. exam 1 she called forth all her courage. call girl 0. syl call girl pos n. def a prostitute with whom appointments are made by telephone. calli- ety from Greek kalli-, from kallos beauty calli- 0. syl cal:li- usage combining form. def beautiful. exam 1 calligraphy. Callicrates 0. syl Cal:lic:ra:tes pron pos n. def 5th century #7b.c., Greek architect: with Ictinus, designed the Parthenon. calligraphy 0. syl cal+lig+ra+phy pron pos n. def handwriting, esp. beautiful handwriting considered as an art. Also called: {chirography}. calligrapher sub head calligraphy or calligraphist syl cal+1lig+ra+pher pos n. calligraphist sub head calligraphy or calligrapher syl cal+1lig+ra+phist pos n. calligraphic sub head calligraphy syl cal+li+graph+ic pron <2k@li?!1gr@fik> pos adj. calligraphically sub head calligraphy syl cal+li+1graph:i+cal+ly pos adv. Callimachus 0. syl Cal:lim:a:chus pron pos n. def ??305-??240 #7b.c., Greek poet of the Alexandrian School; author of hymns and epigrams. call in 1. syl call in pos vb. adv. mod intr. usage often foll. by on def to pay a visit, esp. a brief or informal one. exam 1 call in if you are in the neighbourhood. call in 2. syl call in pos vb. adv. mod tr. def to demand payment of. exam 1 to call in a loan. call in 3. syl call in pos vb. adv. mod tr. def to take (something) out of circulation, because it is defective or no longer useful. calling 1. syl call+ing pron <1kc:liG> pos n. def a strong inner urge to follow an occupation, etc.; vocation. calling 2. syl call+ing pron <1kc:liG> pos n. def an occupation, profession, or trade. calling card 0. syl call+ing card pos n. def the usual U.S. term for {visiting card}. calliope ety C19: after C#7alliope (literally: beautiful-voiced) calliope 0. syl cal+li:o+pe pron pos n. def the U.S. name for {steam organ}. Calliope 0. syl Cal+li:o+pe pron pos n. qual Greek myth. def the Muse of epic poetry. calliopsis 0. syl cal+li+op+sis pron <2k@li1opsis> pos n. def another name for {coreopsis}. callipash 0. syl cal+li+pash pron <1k@li2p@S> pos n. def a variant spelling of {calipash}. caliper alt head calliper or calliper syl cal:i+per pron <1k@lip*> pos n. qual U.S. calliper 1. or caliper syl cal+li+per pron <1k@lip*> pos n. mod often; pl. def Also called: {calliper compasses}. an instrument for measuring internal or external dimensions, consisting of two steel legs hinged together. calliper 2. or caliper syl cal+li+per pron <1k@lip*> pos n. def Also called: {calliper splint}. a splint consisting of two metal rods with straps attached, for supporting or exerting tension on the leg. calliper 3. or caliper syl cal+li+per pron <1k@lip*> pos vb. mod tr. def to measure the dimensions of (an object) with callipers. calliper rule 0. syl cal+li+per rule pos n. def a measuring instrument having two parallel jaws, one fixed at right angles to the end of a calibrated scale and the other sliding along it. callipygian ety C19: from Greek kallipugos, epithet of a statue of Aphrodite, from #7calli -#7+ pug*_e buttocks callipygous alt head callipygian or callipygian syl cal+li+py+gous pron <2k@li?!1pIg*s> pos adj. callipygian 0. or callipygous syl cal+li+pyg+i:an pron <2k@li1piJi*n> pos adj. def having beautifully shaped buttocks. callisthenics ety C19: from #7calli -#7+ Greek sthenos strength calisthenics alt head callisthenics or callisthenics syl cal+is+then+ics pron <2k@lis1Teniks> pos n. callisthenics 1. or calisthenics syl cal+lis+then+ics pron <2k@lis1Teniks> pos n. mod functioning as; pl. def light exercises designed to promote general fitness, develop muscle tone, etc. callisthenics 2. or calisthenics syl cal+lis+then+ics pron <2k@lis1Teniks> pos n. mod functioning as; sing. def the practice of callisthenic exercises. callisthenic sub head callisthenics or calisthenic syl cal+lis+1then+ic pos adj. calisthenic sub head callisthenics or callisthenic syl cal+is+1then+ic pos adj. Callisto H1.0. syl Cal+lis+to pron pos n. def the second largest of the 12 satellites of Jupiter and the fifth nearest to the planet. Approximate diameter: 4500 km. Callisto H2.0. syl Cal:lis:to pron pos n. qual Greek myth. def a nymph who attracted the love of Zeus and was changed into a bear by Hera. Zeus then set her in the sky as the constellation Ursa Major. call letters 0. syl call let+ters pos n. qual Chiefly U.S. and Canadian. def another name for {call sign}. call loan 0. syl call loan pos n. def a loan that is repayable on demand. Also called: {demand loan}. Compare {time loan}. call money 0. syl call mon+ey pos n. def money loaned by banks and recallable on demand. call number 0. syl call num+ber pos n. def the number given to a book in a library, indicating its shelf location. Also called: {call mark}. call off 1. syl call off pos vb. adv. mod tr. def to cancel or abandon. exam 1 the game was called off because of rain. call off 2. syl call off pos vb. adv. mod tr. def to order (an animal or person) to desist or summon away. exam 1 the man called off his dog. call off 3. syl call off pos vb. adv. mod tr. def to stop (something) or give the order to stop. callosities infl head callosity syl cal+los+i:ties. pos n. mod pl. callosity 1. syl cal+los+i:ty pron pos n. def hard-heartedness. callosity 2. syl cal+los+i:ty pron pos n. def another name for { {callus} (sense 1).} callous ety C16: from Latin call*_osus; see #7callus &- #!cal+lous+ly adv. callous 1. syl cal+lous pron <1k@l*s> pos adj. def unfeeling; insensitive. callous 2. syl cal+lous pron <1k@l*s> pos adj. usage of skin def hardened and thickened. callous 3. syl cal+lous pron <1k@l*s> pos vb. qual Pathol. def to make or become callous. callousness sub head callous syl cal+lous+ness pos n. call out 1. syl call out pos vb. adv. def to utter aloud, esp. loudly. call out 2. syl call out pos vb. adv. mod tr. def to summon. call out 3. syl call out pos vb. adv. mod tr. def to order (workers) to strike. callow ety Old English calu; related to Old High German kalo, Old Slavonic gol*'u bare, naked, Lithuanian galva head, Latin calvus bald callow 1. syl cal+low pron <1k@l*u> pos adj. def lacking experience of life; immature. callow 2. syl cal+low pron <1k@l*u> pos adj. usage Rare. of a young bird def unfledged and usually lacking feathers. callowness sub head callow syl cal+low+ness pos n. call rate 0. syl call rate pos n. def the interest rate on call loans. call signal alt head call sign or call sign syl call sig+nal pos n. call sign 0. or call signal syl call sign pos n. def a group of letters and numbers identi?!fying a radio transmitting station. Also called: {call letters}. call slip 0. syl call slip pos n. def a form for requesting a library book by title and call number. Also called: {call card, requisition form}. call up 1. syl call up pos vb. adv. def to summon to report for active military service, as in time of war. call up 2. syl call up pos vb. adv. mod tr. def to recall (something); evoke. exam 1 his words called up old memories. call up 3. syl call up pos vb. adv. mod tr. def to bring or summon (people, etc.) into action. exam 1 to call up reinforcements. call up 4.a. syl call up pos vb. adv. def a general order to report for military service. call up 4.b. syl call up pos vb. adv. def the number of men so summoned. callus ety C16: from Latin, variant of callum hardened skin calluses infl head callus syl cal+lus:es. pos n. mod pl. callus 1. syl cal+lus pron <1k@l*s> pos n. def Also called: {callosity}. an area of skin that is hard or thick, esp. on the palm of the hand or sole of the foot, as from continual friction or pressure. callus 2. syl cal+lus pron <1k@l*s> pos n. def an area of bony tissue formed during the healing of a fractured bone. callus 3. syl cal+lus pron <1k@l*s> pos n. qual Botany. def a mass of hard protective tissue produced in woody plants at the site of an injury. callus 4. syl cal+lus pron <1k@l*s> pos vb. def to produce or cause to produce a callus. calm ety C14: from Old French calme, from Old Italian calma, from Late Latin cauma heat, hence a rest during the heat of the day, from Greek kauma heat, from kaiein to burn calm 1. syl calm pron pos adj. def almost without motion; still. exam 1 a calm sea. calm 2. syl calm pron pos adj. qual Meteorol. def of force 0 on the Beaufort scale; without wind. calm 3. syl calm pron pos adj. def not disturbed, agitated, or excited; under control. exam 1 he stayed calm throughout the confusion. calm 4. syl calm pron pos adj. def tranquil; serene. exam 1 a calm voice. calm 5. syl calm pron pos n. def an absence of disturbance or rough motion; stillness. calm 6. syl calm pron pos n. def absence of wind. calm 7. syl calm pron pos n. def tranquillity. calm 8. syl calm pron pos vb. usage often foll. by down def to make or become calm. calmly sub head calm syl calm+ly pos adv. calmness sub head calm syl calm+ness pos n. calmative 1. syl cal+ma+tive pron <1k@lm*tiv>, <1ka:m*-> pos adj. usage of a remedy or agent def sedative. calmative 2. syl cal+ma+tive pron <1k@lm*tiv>, <1ka:m*-> pos n. def a sedative remedy or drug. calomel ety C17: perhaps from New Latin calomelas (unattested), literally: beautiful black (perhaps so named because it was originally sublimed from a black mixture of mercury and mercuric chloride), from Greek kalos beautiful+ melas black calomel 0. syl cal:o+mel pron <1k@l*2mel>, <-m*l> pos n. def a colourless tasteless powder consisting chiefly of mercurous chloride, used medicinally, esp. as a cathartic. Formula: Hg\2Cl\2. Calor gas 0. syl Cal+or gas pron <1k@l*> pos n. qual Trademark. def butane gas liquefied under pressure in portable containers for domestic use. caloric 1. syl ca+lor+ic pron , <1k@l*rik> pos adj. def of or concerned with heat or calories. caloric 2. syl ca+lor+ic pron , <1k@l*rik> pos n. qual Obsolete. def a hypothetical elastic fluid formerly postulated as the embodiment of heat. caloricity sub head caloric syl cal:o+ric+i:ty pron <2k@l*1risiti> pos n. calorie ety C19: from French, from Latin calor heat calory alt head calorie or calorie syl cal:o+ry pron <1k@l*ri> pos n. calories infl head calorie syl cal:o+ries. pos n. mod pl. calorie 0. or calory syl cal:o+rie pron <1k@l*ri> pos n. def a unit of heat, equal to 4.1868 joules ({International Table calorie}) : formerly defined as the quantity of heat required to raise the temperature of 1 gram of water by 1?%C under standard conditions. It has now largely been replaced by the joule for scientific purposes. Abbrev.: {cal}. Also called: {gram calorie, small calorie}. Compare {Calorie}. Calorie 1. syl Cal:o+rie pron <1k@l*ri> pos n. def Also called: {kilogram calorie, kilocalorie, large calorie}. a unit of heat, equal to one thousand calories, often used to express the heat output of an organism or the energy value of food. Abbrev.: {Cal}. Calorie 2. syl Cal:o+rie pron <1k@l*ri> pos n. def the amount of a specific food capable of producing one thousand calories of energy. calorific 0. syl cal:o+rif+ic pron <2k@l*1rifik> pos adj. def of, concerning, or generating heat. calorifically sub head calorific syl cal:o+1rif:i+cal+ly pos adv. calorific value 0. syl cal:o+rif+ic val:ue pos n. def the quantity of heat produced by the complete combustion of a given mass of a fuel, usually expressed in joules per kilogram. calorimeter 0. syl cal:o+rim+e:ter pron <2k@l*1rimit*> pos n. def an apparatus for measuring amounts of heat, esp. to find specific heat capacities, calorific values, etc. calorimetric sub head calorimeter or calorimetrical syl cal:o+ri+met+ric pron <2k@l*ri1metrik> pos adj. calorimetrical sub head calorimeter or calorimetric syl cal:o+ri+1met+ri+cal pos adj. calorimetrically sub head calorimeter syl cal:o+ri+1met+ri+cal+ly pos adv. calorimetry sub head calorimeter syl cal:o+1rim+e:try pos n. calotte ety C17: from French, from Proven*,cal calota, perhaps from Greek kaluptra hood calotte 1. syl ca+lotte pron pos n. def a skullcap worn by Roman Catholic clergy. calotte 2. syl ca+lotte pron pos n. qual Architect. def a concavity in the form of a niche or cup, serving to reduce the apparent height of an alcove or chapel. caloyer ety C17: from French, from Medieval Greek kalog*_eros venerable, from Greek kalos beautiful+ g*_eras old age caloyer 0. syl cal:o+yer pron <1k@lci*> pos n. def a monk of the Greek Orthodox Church, esp. of the Basilian Order. calpac ety C16: from Turkish kalp*_ak calpack infl head calpac or kalpak syl cal+pack pron <1k@lp@k> pos n. kalpak infl head calpac or calpack syl kal+pak pron <1k@lp@k> pos n. calpac 0. syl cal+pac pron <1k@lp@k> pos n. def a large black brimless hat made of sheepskin or felt, worn by men in parts of the Near East. Calpe 0. syl Cal+pe pron <1k@lpi> pos n. def the ancient name for the (Rock of) {Gibraltar}. calque ety C20: from French: a tracing, from calquer, from Latin calc*_are to tread calque 1. syl calque pron pos n. def another word for {loan translation}. calques infl head calque syl calques pos vb. calquing infl head calque syl calqu+ing pos vb. calqued infl head calque syl calqued. pos vb. calque 2. syl calque pron pos vb. mod tr. def another word for {calk%3}. Caltanissetta 0. syl Cal+ta+nis+set+ta pron Italian <2kaltanis1sAtta> pos n. def a city in central Sicily: sulphur mines. Pop.: 60072 (1971). Caltech 0. syl Cal+tech pron <1k@l1tek> pos n. def the California Institute of Technology. caltrop ety Old English calcatrippe (the plant), from Medieval Latin calcatrippa, probably from Latin calx heel+ trippa #7trap %1 caltrap infl head caltrop or calthrop syl cal+trap pron <1k@ltr*p> pos n. calthrop infl head caltrop or caltrap syl cal+throp pron <1k@lTr*p> pos n. caltrop 1. syl cal+trop pron <1k@ltr*p> pos n. def any tropical or subtropical plant of the zygophyllaceous genera and that have spiny burs or bracts. water caltrop 2. head caltrop syl water caltrop. def another name for { {water chestnut} (sense 1).} caltrop 3. syl cal+trop pron <1k@ltr*p> pos n. def another name for the {star thistle}. caltrop 4. syl cal+trop pron <1k@ltr*p> pos n. qual Military. def a metal ball with protruding spikes laid upon the ground as a device to lame cavalry horses, puncture tyres, etc. calumet ety C18: from Canadian French, from French (Normandy dialect): straw, from Late Latin calamellus a little reed, from Latin: #7calamus calumet 0. syl cal:u+met pron <1k@lju2met> pos n. def a less common name for {peace pipe}. calumniate 0. syl ca+lum+ni+ate pron pos vb. mod tr. def to slander. calumniable sub head calumniate syl ca+1lum+ni+a:ble pos adj. calumniation sub head calumniate syl ca+2lum+ni:1a+tion pos n. calumniatory alt head calumnious or calumnious syl ca+lum+ni:a+to:ry pron , <-tri> pos adj. calumnious 1. or calumniatory syl ca+lum+ni+ous pron pos adj. def of or using calumny. calumnious 2. or calumniatory syl ca+lum+ni+ous pron pos adj. usage of a person def given to calumny. calumny ety C15: from Latin calumnia deception, slander calumnies infl head calumny syl cal+um+nies. pos n. mod pl. calumny 1. syl cal+um+ny pron <1k@l*mni> pos n. def the malicious utterance of false charges or misrepresentation; slander; defamation. calumny 2. syl cal+um+ny pron <1k@l*mni> pos n. def such a false charge or misrepresentation. calutron ety C20: from Cal(ifornia) U(niversity)+-#7tron calutron 0. syl cal:u+tron pron <1k@lju2tron> pos n. def a large mass spectrometer used for the separation of isotopes. Calvados 1. syl Cal+va+dos pron <1k@lv*2dos> pos n. def a department of N France in the Basse-Normandie region. Capital: Caen. Pop.: 572421 (1975). Area: 5693 sq. km (2198 sq. miles). Calvados 2. syl Cal+va+dos pron <1k@lv*2dos> pos n. def an apple brandy distilled from cider in this region. calvaria ety C14: from Late Latin: (human) skull, from Latin calvus bald calvaria 0. syl cal+var:i:a pron pos n. def the top part of the skull of vertebrates. Nontechnical name: {skullcap}. calvaries infl head calvary syl cal+va+ries. pos n. mod pl. calvary 1. syl cal+va+ry pron <1k@lv*ri> pos n. usage often cap. def a representation of Christ's crucifixion, usually sculptured and in the open air. calvary 2. syl cal+va+ry pron <1k@lv*ri> pos n. def any experience involving great suffering. Calvary ety from Late Latin Calv*_aria, translation of Greek kranion skull, translation of Aramaic gulgulta Golgotha Calvary 0. syl Cal+va+ry pron <1k@lv*ri> pos n. def the place just outside the walls of Jerusalem where Jesus was crucified. Also called: {Golgotha}. Calvary cross 0. syl Cal+va+ry cross pos n. def a Latin cross with a representation of three steps beneath it. calve 1. syl calve pron pos vb. def to give birth to (a calf). calve 2. syl calve pron pos vb. usage of a glacier or iceberg def to release (masses of ice) in breaking up. Calvert 1. syl Cal:vert pron <1k@lv*t> pos n. def Sir {George}, 1st Baron Baltimore. ??1580-1632, English statesman; founder of the colony of Maryland. Calvert 2. syl Cal:vert pron <1k@lv*t> pos n. def his son, {Leon@.ard}. 1606-47, English statesman; first colonial governor of Maryland (1634-47). calves 0. syl calves pron pos n. def the plural of {calf}. John 1. head Calvin syl John def original name or 1509-64, French theologian: a leader of the Protestant Reformation in France and Switzerland, establishing the first presbyterian government in Geneva. His theological system is described in his (1536). Melvin 2. head Calvin syl Mel:vin. def born 1911, U.S. chemist, noted particularly for his research on photosynthesis: Nobel prize for chemistry 1961. Calvinism 1. syl Cal+vin+ism pron <1k@lvi2niz*m> pos n. def the theological system of Calvin and his followers, characterized by emphasis on the doctrines of predestination, the irresistibility of grace, and justification by faith. &- {#!Cal+vin+ist} &- {@!Cal+vin+#!is+tic} {@!Cal+vin+#!is+tic@.al} calvities ety C17: from Late Latin, from Latin calvus bald calvities 0. syl cal+vi+ti+es pron pos n. def baldness. calx ety C15: from Latin: lime, from Greek khalix pebble calxes infl head calx or calces syl calx:es pron <1k@lsEz> pos n. mod pl. calces infl head calx or calxes syl cal+ces pron <1k@lsEz> pos n. mod pl. calx 1. syl calx pron pos n. def the powdery metallic oxide formed when an ore or mineral is roasted. calx 2. syl calx pron pos n. def another name for {calcium oxide}. calyces 0. syl cal:y+ces pron <1k@li2sEz>, <1kAli-> pos n. def plural of {calyx}. calycinal alt head calycine or calycine syl ca+lyc:i+nal pron pos adj. calycine 0. or calycinal syl cal:y+cine pron <1k@li2sIn> pos adj. def relating to, belonging to, or resembling a calyx. calycle ety C18: from Latin, diminutive of #7calyx &- ca+lyc@.u+lar (k$$#!l$Ikj$ul$$) adj. calyculus alt head calycle or calycle syl ca+lyc:u+lus pron pos n. calycle 1. or calyculus syl cal:y+cle pron <1k@likL> pos n. qual Zoology. def a cup-shaped structure, as in the coral skeleton. calycle 2. or calyculus syl cal:y+cle pron <1k@likL> pos n. qual Botany. def another name for {epicalyx}. Calydonian boar 0. syl Cal:y+do+ni:an boar pron <2k@li1d*uni*n> pos n. qual Greek myth. def a savage boar sent by Artemis to destroy Calydon, a city in Aetolia, because its king had neglected to sacrifice to her. It was killed by Meleager, the king's son. calypso ety C20: probably from C#7alypso calypsos infl head calypso syl ca+lyp+sos. pos n. mod pl. calypso H1.1. syl ca+lyp+so pron pos n. def a popular type of satirical, usually topical, West Indian ballad, esp. from Trinidad, usually extemporized to a percussive syncopated accompaniment. calypso H1.2. syl ca+lyp+so pron pos n. def a dance done to the rhythm of this song. calypso ety C19: named after C#7alypso calypsos infl head calypso syl ca+lyp+sos. pos n. mod pl. calypso H2.0. syl ca+lyp+so pron pos n. def a rare N temperate orchid, (or whose flower is pink or white with purple and yellow markings. Calypso 0. syl Ca:lyp:so pron pos n. qual Odyssey usage Greek myth. in Homer's def a sea nymph who detained Odysseus on the island of Ogygia for seven years. calyptra ety C18: from New Latin, from Greek kaluptra hood, from kaluptein to cover calyptra 1. syl ca+lyp+tra pron pos n. qual Botany. def a membranous hood covering the spore-bearing capsule of mosses and liverworts. calyptra 2. syl ca+lyp+tra pron pos n. qual Botany. def any hoodlike structure, such as a root cap. calyptrate sub head calyptra syl ca+lyp+trate pron pos adj. calyptrogen ety C19: from #7calyptra+ -#7gen calyptrogen 0. syl ca+lyp+tro+gen pron pos n. def a layer of rapidly dividing cells at the tip of a plant root, from which the root cap is formed. It occurs in grasses and many other plants. calyx ety C17: from Latin, from Greek kalux shell, from kaluptein to cover, hide calyxes infl head calyx or calyces syl ca+lyx:es pron <1k@li2sEz>, <1kAli-> pos n. mod pl. calyces infl head calyx or calyxes syl cal:y+ces pron <1k@li2sEz>, <1kAli-> pos n. mod pl. calyx 1. syl ca+lyx pron <1kAliks>, <1k@liks> pos n. def the sepals of a flower collectively, forming the outer floral envelope that protects the developing flower bud. Compare {corolla}. calyx 2. syl ca+lyx pron <1kAliks>, <1k@liks> pos n. def any cup-shaped cavity or structure, esp. any of the divisions of the human kidney ({renal calyx}) that form the renal pelvis. calycate sub head calyx syl cal:y+cate pron <1k@li?!2kAt> pos adj. cam 0. syl cam pron pos n. def a rotating cylinder with an irregular profile, attached to a revolving shaft to give a reciprocating motion to a part in contact with it. Cam 0. syl Cam pron pos n. def a river in E England, in Cambridgeshire, flowing through Cambridge to the River Ouse. Length: about 64 km (40 miles). Camaguey 0. syl Ca+ma+g*"uey pron <1k@m*2gwA>, Spanish <2kama1$GwAj> pos n. def a city in E central Cuba. Pop.: 197720 (1970). camail 0. syl ca+mail pron <1k@mAl> pos n. qual Armour. def a head, cheek, chin, and neck covering of mail worn with and laced to the basinet. camaraderie ety C19: from French, from camarade #7comrade camaraderie 0. syl ca+ma+ra+de:rie pron <2k@m*1ra:d*ri> pos n. def a spirit of familiarity and trust existing between friends. camarilla ety C19: from Spanish: literally: a little room camarilla 0. syl cam:a+ril+la pron <2k@m*1ril*>, Spanish <2kama1ri$ya> pos n. def a group of confidential advisers, esp. formerly, to the Spanish kings; cabal. camass ety C19: from Chinook Jargon kamass, from Nootka chamas sweet camas alt head camass or camass syl cam+as pron <1k@m@s> pos n. camass 1. or camas syl cam+ass pron <1k@m@s> pos n. def Also called: {quamash}. any of several North American plants of the liliaceous genus esp. which has a cluster of blue or white flowers and a sweet edible bulb. death camass 2. head camass syl death camass. def any liliaceous plant of the genus (or , of the western U.S., that is poisonous to livestock, esp. sheep. Camb 0. syl Camb. qual abbrev. for def Cambridge. Gulf of infl head Cambay syl Gulf of. pos n. Cambay 0. syl Cam+bay pron pos n. def an inlet of the Arabian Sea on the W coast of India, southeast of the Kathiawar Peninsula. camber ety C17: from Old French (northern dialect) cambre curved, from Latin camurus; related to camera #7chamber camber 1. syl cam+ber pron <1k@mb*> pos n. def a slight upward curve to the centre of the surface of a road, ship's deck, etc. camber 2. syl cam+ber pron <1k@mb*> pos n. def another name for { {bank} %2 (sense 7).} camber 3. syl cam+ber pron <1k@mb*> pos n. def an outward inclination of the front wheels of a road vehicle so that they are slightly closer together at the bottom than at the top. camber 4. syl cam+ber pron <1k@mb*> pos n. def Also called: {hog}. a small arching curve of a beam or girder provided to lessen deflection and improve appearance. camber 5. syl cam+ber pron <1k@mb*> pos n. def the curvature of an aerofoil section from the leading edge to the trailing edge. camber 6. syl cam+ber pron <1k@mb*> pos vb. def to form or be formed with a surface that curves upwards to its centre. Camberwell beauty 0. syl Cam+ber+well beau+ty pron <1k@mb*2wel>, <-w*l> pos n. def a nymphalid butterfly, of temperate regions, having dark purple wings with cream-yellow borders. U.S. name: {mourning cloak}. cambist ety C19: from French cambiste, from Italian cambista, from cambio (money) ex?!change cambist 1. syl cam+bist pron <1k@mbist> pos n. qual Finance. def a dealer or expert in foreign exchange. cambist 2. syl cam+bist pron <1k@mbist> pos n. qual Finance. def a manual of currency exchange rates and similar equivalents of weights and measures. cambistry sub head cambist syl cam+bist+ry pos n. cambium ety C17: from Medieval Latin: exchange, from Late Latin cambi*_are to exchange, barter cambiums infl head cambium or cambia syl cam+bi:ums pron <-bi*> pos n. mod pl. cambia infl head cambium or cambiums syl cam+bi:a pron <-bi*> pos n. mod pl. cambium 0. syl cam+bi:um pron <1k@mbi*m> pos n. qual Botany. def a meristem that increases the girth of stems and roots by producing additional xylem and phloem. See also {cork cambium}. cambial sub head cambium syl cam+bi:al pos adj. Cambodia 0. syl Cam+bo+di:a pron pos n. def a state in SE Asia: became part of French Indochina in 1887; declared independence in 1949; was a republic from 1970 until 1975, when five years of civil war ended with the victory of the Khmers Rouges; contains the central plains of the Mekong River, with the Cardamom Mountains in the southwest. Language: Khmer. Currency: riel. Capital: Phnom Penh. Pop.: 8110000 (1975 UN est.). Area: 181035 sq. km (69898 sq. miles). Official name (since 1976): {Kampuchea}. &- {Cam+#!bo+di@.an} camboose 0. syl cam+boose pron pos n. usage formerly in Canada def a cabin used by lumbermen. Camborne-Redruth 0. syl Cam:borne-Red:ruth pron <1k@mbc:n> <1red2ru:T> pos n. def a town in SW England, in Cornwall: formed in 1934 by the amalgamation of neighbouring towns. Pop.: 42029 (1971). Cambrai 0. syl Cam+brai pron French pos n. def a town in NE France: textile industry. Pop.: 41109 (1975). cambrel 0. syl cam+brel pron <1k@mbr*l> pos n. def a variant of {gambrel}. Cambria 0. syl Cam+bri:a pron <1k@mbri*> pos n. def the Medieval Latin name for {Wales}. Cambrian 1. syl Cam+bri:an pron <1k@mbri*n> pos adj. def of, denoting, or formed in the first 100 million years of the Palaeozoic era, during which marine invertebrates, esp. trilobites, flourished. Cambrian 2. syl Cam+bri:an pron <1k@mbri*n> pos adj. def of or relating to Wales. {~} the 3. head Cambrian syl the. def the Cambrian period or rock system. Cambrian 4. syl Cam+bri:an pron <1k@mbri*n> pos adj. def a Welshman. Cambrian Mountains 0. syl Cam+bri:an Moun+tains pos n. mod pl. def a mountain range in Wales, extending from S Dyfed to Clwyd. Highest peak: Aran Fawddwy 891 m (2970 ft.). cambric ety C16: from Flemish Kamerijk, C#7ambrai cambric 0. syl cam+bric pron <1kAmbrik> pos n. def a fine white linen or cotton fabric. Cambridge 1. syl Cam+bridge pron <1kAmbriJ> pos n. def a city in E England, adminis?!trative centre of Cambridgeshire, on the River Cam: centred around the university, founded in the 12th century. Pop.: 98519 (1971). Medieval Latin name: {Cantabrigia}. Cambridge 2. syl Cam+bridge pron <1kAmbriJ> pos n. def short for {Cambridgeshire}. Cambridge 3. syl Cam+bridge pron <1kAmbriJ> pos n. def a city in E Massachusetts: educational centre, with Harvard University (1636) and the Massachusetts Institute of Technology. Pop.: 100361 (1970). Cambridge blue 1.a. syl Cam+bridge blue pos n. def a lightish blue colour. Cambridge blue 1.b. syl Cam+bridge blue pos as; adj. exam 1 a Cambridge-blue scarf. Cambridge blue 2. syl Cam+bridge blue pos n. def a person who has been awarded a blue from Cambridge University. Cambridgeshire 0. syl Cam+bridge+shire pron <1kAmbriJ2Si*>, <-S*> pos n. def a county of E England, in East Anglia: includes the former counties of the Isle of Ely and Huntingdon and lies largely in the Fens. Adminis?!trative centre: Cambridge. Pop.: 563000 (1976 est.). Area: 3496 sq. km (1350 sq. miles). Cambs 0. syl Cambs. qual abbrev. for def Cambridgeshire. Cambyses 0. syl Cam:by:ses pron pos n. def died ??522 #7b.c., king of Persia (529-522 #7b.c.) , who conquered Egypt (525); son of Cyrus the Great. Camden H1.1. syl Cam+den pron <1k@md*n> pos n. def a borough of N Greater London. Pop.: 185800 (1976 est.). Camden H1.2. syl Cam+den pron <1k@md*n> pos n. def a city in SW New Jersey, on the Delaware River opposite Philadelphia. Pop.: 100171 (1973 est.). William infl head Camden syl Wil:liam. pos n. Camden H2.0. syl Cam:den pron <1k@md*n> pos n. def 1551-1623, English antiquary and historian; author of (1586). came H1.0. syl came pron pos vb. def the past tense of {come}. came ety C17: of unknown origin came H2.0. syl came pron pos n. def a grooved strip of lead used to join pieces of glass in a stained-glass window or a leaded light. camel ety Old English, from Latin cam*_elus, from Greek kam*_elos, of Semitic origin; related to Arabic jamal camel 1. syl cam+el pron <1k@m*l> pos n. def either of two cud-chewing artiodactyl mammals of the genus (see {Arabian camel, Bactrian camel}) : family They are adapted for surviving long periods without food or water in desert regions, esp. by using humps on the back for storing fat. camel 2. syl cam+el pron <1k@m*l> pos n. def a float attached to a vessel to increase its buoyancy. See also { {caisson} (sense 2).} camel 3. syl cam+el pron <1k@m*l> pos n. def a raft or float used as a fender between a vessel and a wharf. camel 4.a. syl cam+el pron <1k@m*l> pos n. def a fawn colour. camel 4.b. syl cam+el pron <1k@m*l> pos as; adj. exam 1 a camel dress. cameleer 0. syl cam+el+eer pron <2k@mi1li*> pos n. def a camel-driver. camellia ety C18: New Latin, named after Georg Josef Kamel (1661-1706), Moravian Jesuit missionary, who introduced it to Europe camellia 0. syl ca+mel+li:a pron pos n. def any ornamental shrub of the Asian genus esp. having glossy evergreen leaves and showy roselike flowers, usually white, pink or red in colour: family Also called: {japonica}. camelopard ety C14: from Medieval Latin cam*_elopardus, from Greek kam*_elopardalis, from kam*_elos #7camel+ pardalis #7leopard, because the giraffe was thought to have a head like a camel's and spots like a leopard's camelopard 0. syl ca+mel:o+pard pron <1k@mil*2pa:d>, pos n. def an obsolete word for {giraffe}. Camelopardalis alt head Camelopardus or Camelopardus syl Ca+mel:o+par+da+lis pron pos n. Camelopardi infl head Camelopardus syl Ca+mel:o+par+di pron pos n. qual Latin genitive Camelopardus 0. or Camelopardalis syl Ca+mel:o+par+dus pron pos n. def or {Ca+mel@.o+par+da+lis} (k$$@!m$el$$#!p$a$:d$$l$Is). a faint extensive constellation in the N hemisphere close to Ursa Major and Cassiopeia. Camelot 0. syl Cam+e:lot pron <1k@mi2lot> pos n. usage in Arthurian legend def the English town where King Arthur's palace and court were situated. camelhair alt head camel's hair or camel's hair syl cam:el+hair pos n. camel's hair 1. or camelhair syl cam+el's hair pos n. def the hair of a camel, used in rugs, etc., or woven into cloth. camel's hair 2.a. or camelhair syl cam+el's hair pos n. def soft cloth made of this hair or a mixture containing it, usually tan in colour. camel's hair 2.b. or camelhair syl cam+el's hair pos n. usage as modifier def . exam 1 a camelhair coat. camel's hair 3. or camelhair syl cam+el's hair pos n. usage modifier; of a painter's brush def made from the tail hairs of squirrels. Camembert ety French, from Camembert, a village in Normandy where it originated Camembert 0. syl Cam+em+bert pron <1k@m*m2be*>, French pos n. def a rich soft creamy cheese. Camenae 0. syl Ca+me:nae pron pos n. mod pl. qual Roman myth. def a group of nymphs originally associated with a sacred spring in Rome, later identified with the Greek Muses. cameo ety C15: from Italian cammeo, of uncertain origin cameos infl head cameo syl cam:e:os. pos n. mod pl. cameo 1.a. syl cam:e:o pron <1k@mi2*u> pos n. def a medallion, as on a brooch or ring, with a profile head carved in relief. cameo 1.b. syl cam:e:o pron <1k@mi2*u> pos n. usage as modifier exam 1 a cameo necklace. cameo 2. syl cam:e:o pron <1k@mi2*u> pos n. def an engraving upon a gem or other stone of at least two differently coloured layers, such as sardonyx, so carved that the background is of a different colour from the raised design. cameo 3. syl cam:e:o pron <1k@mi2*u> pos n. def a stone with such an engraving. cameo 4.a. syl cam:e:o pron <1k@mi2*u> pos n. def a single and often brief dramatic scene played by a well-known actor or actress in a film or television play. cameo 4.b. syl cam:e:o pron <1k@mi2*u> pos n. usage as modifier exam 1 a cameo performance. cameo 5.a. syl cam:e:o pron <1k@mi2*u> pos n. def a short literary work or dramatic sketch. cameo 5.b. syl cam:e:o pron <1k@mi2*u> pos n. usage as modifier exam 1 a cameo sketch. cameo ware 0. syl cam:e:o ware pos n. def jasper ware with applied decoration of classical motifs, resembling a cameo. camera ety C18: from Latin: vault, from Greek kamara camera 1. syl cam+er:a pron <1k@m*r*>, <1k@mr*> pos n. def an optical device consisting of a lens system set in a light-proof construction inside which a light-sensitive film or plate can be positioned. See also {cine camera}. camera 2. syl cam+er:a pron <1k@m*r*>, <1k@mr*> pos n. qual Television. def the equipment used to convert the optical image of a scene being televised into the corresponding electrical signals. camera 3. syl cam+er:a pron <1k@m*r*>, <1k@mr*> pos n. def See {camera obscura}. camerae infl head camera syl cam+er:ae pron <-*2ri:> pos n. mod pl. camera 4. syl cam+er:a pron <-*2ri:> pos n. def a judge's private room. camera 5.a. syl cam+er:a pron <1k@m*r*>, <1k@mr*> pos n. qual Law. def relating to a hearing from which members of the public are excluded. camera 5.b. syl cam+er:a pron <1k@m*r*>, <1k@mr*> pos n. def in private. on camera 6. head camera syl on camera. usage esp. of an actor def being filmed. cameral ety C18: from Medieval Latin camer*_alis; see #7camera cameral 0. syl cam+er+al pron <1k@m*r*l> pos adj. def of or relating to a judicial or legislative chamber. camera lucida ety New Latin: light chamber camera lucida 0. syl cam+er:a lu+ci+da pron <1lu:sid*> pos n. def an instrument attached to a microscope, etc. to enable an observer to view simultaneously the image and a drawing surface to facilitate the sketching of the image. cameramen infl head cameraman syl cam:er:a+men. pos n. mod pl. cameraman 0. syl cam:er:a+man pron <1k@m*r*2m@n>, <1k@mr*-> pos n. def a person who operates a film or television camera. camera obscura ety New Latin: dark chamber camera obscura 0. syl cam+er:a ob+scu+ra pron pos n. def a darkened chamber or small building in which images of outside objects are projected onto a flat surface by a convex lens in an aperture. Sometimes shortened to {camera}. camera-ready copy 0. syl cam:er:a-read:y cop:y pos n. qual Printing. def type matter ready to be photographed for plate-making without further alteration. Also called (in the U.S.): {mechanical}. camera-shy 0. syl cam:er:a-shy pos adj. def having an aversion to being photographed or filmed. cam'era stylo ety French, literally: camera stylograph cam'era stylo 0. syl ca+m*'e+ra sty+lo qual French def kamera sti#!lo) the use of the camera as a means of personal expression, especially as practised by some directors of the New Wave. camera tube 0. syl cam+er:a tube pos n. def the part of a television camera that converts an optical image into electrical signals of video frequency. See also {image orthicon, vidicon, plumbicon, iconoscope}. camerlengo ety C17: from Italian camerlingo, of Germanic origin; compare #7chamberlain camerlingo alt head camerlengo or camerlengo syl cam+er+lin+go pron <2k@m*1liGg*u> pos n. camerlengos infl head camerlengo syl cam+er+len+gos. pos n. mod pl. camerlengo 0. or camerlingo syl cam+er+len+go pron <2k@m*1leGg*u> pos n. qual R.C. Church. def a cardinal who acts as the pope's financial secretary and the papal treasurer. Cameroon 1. syl Cam+e:roon pron <2k@m*1ru:n>, <1k@m*2ru:n> pos n. def a republic in West Africa, on the Gulf of Guinea: became a German colony in 1884; divided in 1919 into the {Cameroons} (administered by Britain) and {Cameroun} (administered by France); Cameroun and the S part of the Cameroons formed a republic in 1961 (the N part joined Nigeria). Official languages: French and English. Religions: Christian, Muslim, and animist. Currency: franc. Capital: Yaound*'e. Pop.: 6398000 (1975 UN est.). Area: 475500 sq. km (183591 sq. miles). French name: {Cameroun}. Cameroon 2. syl Cam+e:roon pron <2k@m*1ru:n>, <1k@m*2ru:n> pos n. def an active volcano in W Cameroon: the highest peak on the West African coast. Height: 4070 m (13352 ft.). Cameroun 0. syl Came+roun pron pos n. def the French name for {Cameroon}. camiknickers 0. syl cam:i+knick+ers pron <1k@mi2nik*z> pos n. mod pl. usage formerly def women's knickers attached to a camisole top. Short form: {camiknicks}. camion ety C19: from French, of obscure origin camion 0. syl cam:i+on pron <1k@mi*n>, French pos n. def a lorry, or, esp. formerly, a large dray. camisado ety C16: from obsolete Spanish camisada, literally: an attack in one's shirt (worn over the armour as identification), from camisa shirt camisade alt head camisado or camisado syl cam:i+sade pron <2k@mi1sAd> pos n. camisados infl head camisado or camisades syl cam:i+sa+dos pos n. mod pl. camisades infl head camisado or camisados syl cam:i+sades. pos n. mod pl. camisado 0. or camisade syl cam:i+sa+do pron <2k@mi1sa:d*u> pos n. usage formerly def an attack made under cover of darkness. camise ety C19: from Arabic qam*_is, from Late Latin cam*_isia camise 0. syl ca+mise pron pos n. def a loose light shirt, smock, or tunic originally worn in the Middle Ages. camisole ety C19: from French, from Proven*,cal camisola, from camisa shirt, from Late Latin cam*_isia camisole 1. syl cam:i+sole pron <1k@mi2s*ul> pos n. def a woman's underbodice with shoulder straps, originally designed as a cover for a corset. camisole 2. syl cam:i+sole pron <1k@mi2s*ul> pos n. def a woman's dressing jacket or short neglig*'ee. camisole 3. syl cam:i+sole pron <1k@mi2s*ul> pos n. usage modifier def resembling a camisole (the underbodice), as in fitting snugly around the bust and having a straight neckline. exam 1 a camisole slip; exam 2 a camisole top. camlet ety C14: from Old French camelot, perhaps from Arabic hamlat plush fabric camlet 1. syl cam+let pron <1k@mlit> pos n. def a tough waterproof cloth. camlet 2. syl cam+let pron <1k@mlit> pos n. def a garment or garments made from such cloth. camlet 3. syl cam+let pron <1k@mlit> pos n. def a soft woollen fabric used in medieval Asia. Camoes alt head Camoens or Camoens syl Ca:m*~oes pron Portuguese pos n. Luis Vaz de infl head Camoens syl Luis Vaz de pron pos n. Camoens 0. or Camoes syl Cam:o:*"ens pron <1k@m*u2ens> pos n. def 1524-80, Portuguese epic poet; author of (1572). camomile ety C14: from Old French camomille, from Medieval Latin chamomilla, from Greek khamaim*_elon, literally, earth-apple (referring to the apple-like scent of the flowers) chamomile alt head camomile or camomile syl cham:o+mile pron <1k@m*2mIl> pos n. camomile 1. or chamomile syl cam:o+mile pron <1k@m*2mIl> pos n. def any aromatic plant of the Eurasian genus esp. whose finely dissected leaves and daisy-like flowers are used medici?!nally: family (composites). camomile 2. or chamomile syl cam:o+mile pron <1k@m*2mIl> pos n. def any plant of the related genus esp. ({German} or {wild camomile}) . camomile tea 3. head camomile syl camomile tea. def a medicinal beverage made from the fragrant leaves and flowers of any of these plants. camoodi ety C19: from an American Indian language of Guyana camoodi 0. syl ca+moo+di pron pos n. def a Caribbean name for {anaconda}. Camorra ety C19: from Italian, probably from Spanish: quarrel Camorra 1. syl Ca+mor+ra pron pos n. def a secret society organized in about 1820 in Naples, which thrived on blackmail and extortion. Camorra 2. syl Ca+mor+ra pron pos n. def any similar clandestine group. camouflage ety C20: from French, from camoufler, from Italian camuffare to disguise, deceive, of uncertain origin camouflage 1. syl cam:ou+flage pron <1k@m*2fla:Z> pos n. def the exploitation of natural surroundings or artificial aids to conceal or disguise the presence of military units, equipment, etc. camouflage 2. syl cam:ou+flage pron <1k@m*2fla:Z> pos n. def the means by which animals escape the notice of predators, usually because of a resemblance to their surroundings: includes cryptic and apatetic coloration. camouflage 3. syl cam:ou+flage pron <1k@m*2fla:Z> pos n. def a device or expedient designed to conceal or deceive. camouflage 4. syl cam:ou+flage pron <1k@m*2fla:Z> pos vb. mod tr. def to conceal by camouflage. camp ety C16: from Old French, ultimately from Latin campus field camp H1.1.a. syl camp pron pos n. def a place where tents, cabins, or other temporary structures are erected for the use of military troops, for training soldiers, etc. camp H1.1.b. syl camp pron pos n. usage as modifier exam 1 a camp fire. camp H1.2. syl camp pron pos n. def the military life. camp H1.3. syl camp pron pos n. def tents, cabins, etc., used as temporary lodgings by a group of travellers, holidaymakers, Scouts, gipsies, etc. camp H1.4. syl camp pron pos n. def the group of people living in such lodgings. camp H1.5. syl camp pron pos n. def a group support?!ing a given doctrine or theory. exam 1 the socialist camp. camp H1.6. syl camp pron pos n. usage modifier def suitable for use in temporary quarters, on holiday, etc., esp. by being portable and easy to set up. exam 1 a camp bed; exam 2 a camp chair. camp H1.7. syl camp pron pos n. mod intr. usage often foll. by down def to establish or set up a camp. camp H1.8. syl camp pron pos n. mod intr. usage often foll. by out def to live temporarily in or as if in a tent. camp H1.9. syl camp pron pos n. mod tr. def to put in a camp. camping sub head camp syl camp+ing pos n. camp ety C20: of uncertain origin camp H2.1. syl camp pron pos adj. qual Informal. def effeminate; affected in mannerisms, dress, etc. camp H2.2. syl camp pron pos adj. qual Informal. def homosexual. camp H2.3. syl camp pron pos adj. qual Informal. def consciously artificial, exaggerated, vulgar, or mannered; self-parodying, esp. when in dubious taste. {~} camp H2.4. syl camp pron pos adj. mod tr. qual Informal. def to perform or invest with a camp quality. camp H2.5.a. syl camp pron pos adj. qual Informal. def to seek to focus attention on oneself by making an ostentatious display, overacting, etc. camp H2.5.b. syl camp pron pos adj. qual Informal. def to flaunt one's homosexuality. camp H2.6. syl camp pron pos n. qual Informal. def a camp quality, style, etc. campagna 0. syl cam+pa+gna pron pos n. def another word for { {champaign} (sense 1).} Campagna 0. syl Cam+pa+gna pron pos n. def a low-lying plain surrounding Rome, Italy: once fertile, it deteriorated to malarial marshes; recently reclaimed. Area: about 2000 sq. km (800 sq. miles). Also called: {Cam+pa+gna di Ro@.ma}. campaign ety C17: from French campagne open country, from Italian campagna, from Late Latin camp*_ania, from Latin campus field campaign 1. syl cam+paign pron pos n. def a series of coordinated activities, such as public speaking and demonstrating, designed to achieve a social, political, or commercial goal. exam 1 a presidential campaign; exam 2 an advertising campaign. campaign 2. syl cam+paign pron pos n. qual Military. def a number of complementary operations aimed at achieving a single objective, usually constrained by time or geographic area. campaign 3. syl cam+paign pron pos vb. mod intr. usage often foll. by for def to conduct, serve in, or go on a campaign. campaigner sub head campaign syl cam+1paign+er pos n. Campania 0. syl Cam+pa+ni:a pron , Italian pos n. def a region of SW Italy: includes the islands of Capri and Ischia. Chief town: Naples. Pop.: 5054822 (1971). Area: 13595 sq. km (5248 sq. miles). campanile ety C17: from Italian, from campana bell campanile 0. syl cam+pa+ni+le pron <2k@mp*1nEli> pos n. usage esp. in Italy def a bell tower, not usually attached to another building. Compare {belfry}. campanology ety C19: from New Latin camp*_anologia, from Late Latin camp*_ana bell &- cam+pa+no+log@.i+cal (@!k@amp$$n$$?!#!l$Ad#f$Ik%@l) adj. ?- @!cam+pa+#!nol@.o+gist or @!cam+pa+#!nol@.o+ger n. campanology 0. syl cam+pa+nol+o:gy pron <2k@mp*1nol*Ji> pos n. def the art or skill of ringing bells musically. campanula ety C17: from New Latin: a little bell, from Late Latin camp*_ana bell; see #7campanile campanula 0. syl cam+pan:u+la pron pos n. def any N temperate plant of the campanulaceous genus typically having blue or white bell-shaped flowers. Also called: {bellflower. See also Canterbury bell, harebell}. campanulaceous 0. syl cam+pan:u+la+ceous pron pos adj. def of, relating to, or belonging to the a family of temperate and subtropical plants, including the campanulas, having bell-shaped nodding flowers. campanulate ety C17: from New Latin campanul*_atus; see #7campanula campanulate 0. syl cam+pan:u+late pron , <-2lAt> pos adj. usage esp. of flower corollas def shaped like a bell. Campbell 1. syl Camp:bell pron <1k@mbL> pos n. def Sir {Col@.in}, Baron Clyde. 1792-1863, British field marshal, who led the relief of Lucknow (1857) and suppressed the Indian Mutiny (1857-58). Donald 2. head Campbell syl Don:ald. def 1921-67, English water speed record-holder. Campbell 3. syl Camp:bell pron <1k@mbL> pos n. def his father, Sir {Mal@.colm}. 1885-1948, English racing driver and land speed record-holder. Campbell 4. syl Camp:bell pron <1k@mbL> pos n. def Mrs. {Pat@.rick}. original name 1865-1940, English actress. Roy 5. head Campbell syl Roy. def 1901-57, South African poet. His poetry is often satirical and includes (1924). Thomas 6. head Campbell syl Thom:as. def 1777-1844, Scottish poet and critic, noted particularly for his war poems and Campbell-Bannerman 0. syl Camp:bell-Ban:ner:man pron <1k@mbL> <1b@n*m*n> pos n. def Sir {Hen@.ry}. 1836-1908, British statesman and leader of the Liberal Party (1899-1908); prime minister (1905-8), who granted self-government to the Transvaal and the Orange River Colony. Campbell-Stokes recorder 0. syl Camp:bell-Stokes re+cord+er pos n. def an instrument for recording hours of sunshine per day, consisting of a solid glass sphere that focuses rays of sunlight onto a light-sensitive card on which a line is traced. Campeche 1. syl Cam+pe:che pron Spanish pos n. def a state of SE Mexico, on the SW of the Yucat*'an peninsula: forestry and fishing. Capital: Campeche. Pop.: 251556 (1970). Area: 56114 sq. km (21666 sq. miles). Campeche 2. syl Cam+pe:che pron Spanish pos n. def a port in SE Mexico, capital of Campeche state. Pop.: 81147 (1970). Bay of 3. head Campeche syl Bay of. def the SW part of the Gulf of Mexico. Also called: {Gulf of Cam+pe@.che}. camper 1. syl camp+er pron <1k@mp*> pos n. def a person who lives or temporarily stays in a tent, cabin, etc. camper 2. syl camp+er pron <1k@mp*> pos n. qual U.S. def a vehicle equipped for camping out. campestral ety C18: from Latin campester, from campus field campestral 0. syl cam+pes+tral pron pos adj. def of or relating to open fields or country. camp follower 1. syl camp fol+low+er pos n. def any civilian, esp. a prostitute, who unofficially provides services to military personnel. camp follower 2. syl camp fol+low+er pos n. def a nonmember who is sympathetic to a particular group, theory, etc. camphene ety C19: from #7camph (#7or) + -#7ene camphene 0. syl cam+phene pron <1k@mfEn> pos n. def a colourless crystalline insoluble optically active terpene derived from pinene and present in many essential oils. Formula: C\1\0H\1\6. camphire 0. syl cam+phire pron <1k@mfI*> pos n. def an archaic name for { {henna} (senses 1, 2)}. camphor ety C15: from Old French camphre, from Medieval Latin camphora, from Arabic k*_af*_ur, from Malay k*_ap*_ur chalk; related to Khmer k*_ap*_or camphor camphor 0. syl cam+phor pron <1k@mf*> pos n. def a whitish crystalline aromatic terpene ketone obtained from the wood of the camphor tree or made from pinene: used in the manufacture of celluloid and in medicine as a liniment and treatment for colds. Formula: C\1\0H\1\6O. camphoric sub head camphor syl cam+phor+ic pron pos adj. camphorate 0. syl cam+pho+rate pron <1k@mf*2rAt> pos vb. mod tr. def to apply, treat with, or impregnate with camphor. camphorated oil 0. syl cam+pho+rat+ed oil pos n. def a liniment consisting of camphor and peanut oil, used as a counterirritant. camphor ball 0. syl cam+phor ball pos n. def another name for { {mothball} (sense 1).} camphor ice 0. syl cam+phor ice pos n. def an ointment consisting of camphor, white wax, spermaceti, and castor oil, used to treat skin ailments, esp. chapped skin. camphor tree 1. syl cam+phor tree pos n. def a lauraceous evergreen E Asian tree, whose aromatic wood yields camphor. camphor tree 2. syl cam+phor tree pos n. def any similar tree, such as the dipterocarpaceous tree of Borneo. Campina Grande 0. syl Cam+pi+na Gran+de pron Portuguese <1gr*ndi> pos n. def a city in NE Brazil, in E Para*'iba state. Pop.: 163206 (1970). Campinas 0. syl Cam+pi+nas pron , Portuguese pos n. def a city in SE Brazil, in S?~ao Paulo state: centre of a rich agricultural region, producing esp. coffee. Pop.: 328629 (1970). camping ground 0. syl camp+ing ground pos n. def another word for {camp site}. campion ety C16: probably from campion, obsolete variant of #7champion, perhaps so called because originally applied to Lychnis coronaria, the leaves of which were used to crown athletic champions campion 0. syl cam+pi+on pron <1k@mpi*n> pos n. def any of various caryophyllaceous plants of the genera and having red, pink, or white flowers. See also {bladder campion}. Edmund 1. head Campion syl Ed:mund. def 1540-81, English Jesuit martyr. He joined the Jesuits in 1573 and returned to England (1580) as a missionary. He was charged with treason and hanged. Thomas 2. head Campion syl Thom:as. def 1567-1620, English poet and musician, noted particularly for his songs for the lute. camp meeting 0. syl camp meet+ing pos n. qual Chiefly U.S. def a religious meeting held in a large tent or outdoors, often lasting several days. campo ety American Spanish, from Latin campus campos infl head campo syl cam+pos. pos n. mod pl. often; pl. campo 0. syl cam+po pron <1k@mp*u> pos n. mod often; pl. def level or undulating savanna country, esp. in the uplands of Brazil. Campobello 0. syl Cam+po+bel+lo pron <2k@mp*1bel*u> pos n. def an island in the Bay of Fundy, off the coast of SE Canada: part of New Brunswick province. Area: about 52 sq. km (20 sq. miles). Pop.: 1971 (1971). Campo Formio 0. syl Cam+po For+mio pron Italian <1kampo> <1fcrmjo> pos n. def a village in NE Italy, in Friuli-Venezia Giulia: scene of the signing of a treaty in 1797 that ended the war between revolutionary France and Austria. Modern name: {Cam+po+for+mi+do} (@!kampo#!f@$rmido). Campo Grande 0. syl Cam+po Gran+de pron Portuguese <1k*mpu> <1gr*ndi> pos n. def a city in SW Brazil, capital of Mato Grosso do Sul state on the S*~ao Paulo-Corumb*'a railway: market town. Pop.: 130792 (1970). camporee ety C20: from #7camp %1#7+ (#7jamb) #7oree camporee 0. syl camp:o+ree pron <2k@mp*1rE> pos n. def a local meeting or assembly of Scouts. Campos 0. syl Cam+pos pron Portuguese <1k*mpuS> pos n. def a city in E Brazil, in E Rio de Janeiro state on the Para*'iba River. Pop.: 153310 (1970). camp site 0. syl camp site pos n. def an area on which holiday-makers may pitch a tent, etc. Also called: {camping site}. campus ety C18: from Latin: field campuses infl head campus syl cam+pus:es. pos n. mod pl. campus 1. syl cam+pus pron <1k@mp*s> pos n. def the grounds and buildings of a university. campus 2. syl cam+pus pron <1k@mp*s> pos n. qual Chiefly U.S. def the outside area of a college, university, etc. campus university 0. syl cam+pus u:ni+ver+si:ty pos n. qual Brit. def a university in which the buildings, often including shops and caf*'es, are all on one site. Compare {redbrick}. Cam Ranh 0. syl Cam Ranh pron <1k@m> <1r@n> pos n. def a port in SE Vietnam: large natural harbour, in recent years used as a naval base by French, Japanese, and U.S. forces successively. Pop.: 104666 (1971). camshaft 0. syl cam+shaft pron <1k@m2Sa:ft> pos n. def a shaft having one or more cams attached to it, esp. one used to operate the valves of an internal-combustion engine. Albert infl head Camus syl Al:bert pron pos n. Camus 0. syl Ca:mus pron French pos n. def 1913-60, French novelist, dramatist, and essayist, noted for his pessimistic portrayal of man's condition of isolation in an absurd world: author of the novels (1942) and (1947), the plays (1945) and (1946), and the essays (1942) and (1951): Nobel prize for literature 1957. camwood ety C20: perhaps from Temne camwood 1. syl cam+wood pron <1k@m2wud> pos n. def a W African leguminous tree, whose hard wood was formerly used in making a red dye. camwood 2. syl cam+wood pron <1k@m2wud> pos n. def the wood of this tree. can ety Old English cunnan; related to Old Norse kunna, Old High German kunnan, Latin cogn*_oscere to know, Sanskrit j*_an*_ati he knows; see #7ken, uncouth #e Usage. See at may. can H1.1. syl can pron , pos vb. usage past def to indicate ability, skill, or fitness to perform a task. exam 1 I can run a mile in under four minutes. can H1.2. syl can pron , pos vb. usage past def to indicate permission or the right to something. exam 1 can I have a drink?? can H1.3. syl can pron , pos vb. usage past def to indicate knowl?!edge of how to do something. exam 1 he can speak three languages fluently. can H1.4. syl can pron , pos vb. usage past def to indicate the possibility, opportunity, or likelihood. exam 1 my trainer says I can win the race if I really work hard. can ety Old English canne; related to Old Norse, Old High German kanna, Irish gann, Swedish kana sled can H2.1. syl can pron pos n. def a container, esp. for liquids, usually of thin sheet metal. exam 1 a petrol can; exam 2 milk can. can H2.2. syl can pron pos n. def another name (esp. U.S.) for {tin} (metal container). can H2.3. syl can pron pos n. def Also {canful}. the contents of a can or the amount a can will hold. can H2.4. syl can pron pos n. def a slang word for {prison}. can H2.5. syl can pron pos n. qual U.S. def a slang word for {toilet} or {buttocks}. can H2.6. syl can pron pos n. qual U.S. Navy. def a slang word for {destroyer}. can H2.7. syl can pron pos n. qual Naval slang. def a depth charge. can H2.8. syl can pron pos n. def a shallow cylindrical metal container of varying size used for storing and handling film. can of worms 9. head can syl can of worms. qual Informal. def a complicated problem. can H2.10.a. syl can pron pos n. usage of a film, piece of music, etc. def having been recorded, processed, edited, etc. can H2.10.b. syl can pron pos n. qual Informal. def arranged or agreed. exam 1 the contract is almost in the can. carry the can 11. head can syl carry the can. def See { {carry} (sense 36).} {~} {cans, can+ning, canned}. can H2.12. syl can pron pos n. def to put (food, etc.) into a can or cans; preserve in a can. can H2.13. syl can pron pos n. mod tr. qual U.S. slang. def to dismiss from a job. can H2.14. syl can pron pos n. mod tr. qual U.S. informal. def to stop (doing something annoying or making an annoying noise) (esp. in the phrase {can it&}!) . can 1. syl can. qual abbrev. for:; Music. def canon. can 2. syl can. qual abbrev. for: def canto. Can 1. syl Can. qual abbrev. for: def Canada. Can 2. syl Can. qual abbrev. for: def Canadian. Cana 0. syl Ca:na pron <1kAn*> pos n. qual New Testament. def the town in Galilee, north of Nazareth, where Jesus performed his first miracle by changing water into wine (John 2:1, 11). Canaan 0. syl Ca+naan pron <1kAn*n> pos n. def an ancient region between the River Jordan and the Mediterranean, corresponding roughly to Palestine: the Promised Land of the Israelites. Canaanite 1. syl Ca+naan+ite pron <1kAn*2nIt> pos n. def a member of an ancient Semitic people who occupied the land of Canaan before the Israelite conquest. Canaanite 2. syl Ca+naan+ite pron <1kAn*2nIt> pos n. def the extinct language of this people, belonging to the Canaanitic branch of the Semitic subfamily of the Afro-Asiatic family. Canaanite 3. syl Ca+naan+ite pron <1kAn*2nIt> pos n. usage in later books of the Old Testament def a merchant or trader (Job 40:30; Proverbs 31:24). Canaanitic 1. syl Ca+naan+it+ic pron <2kAn*1nitik> pos n. def a group of ancient languages belonging to the Semitic subfamily of the Afro-Asiatic family and including Canaanite, Phoenician, Ugaritic, and Hebrew. Canaanitic 2. syl Ca+naan+it+ic pron <2kAn*1nitik> pos adj. def denoting, relating to, or belonging to this group of languages. Canad 0. syl Canad. qual abbrev. for def Canadian. Canada 0. syl Can:a+da pron <1k@n*d*> pos n. def a country in North America: the second largest country in the world; first permanent settlement made by the French at Quebec; ceded to Britain in 1763 after a series of colonial wars; established as the Dominion of Canada in 1867; member of the Commonwealth. It consists generally of sparsely inhabited tundra regions, rich in natural resources, in the north, the Rocky Mountains in the west, the Canadian Shield in the east, and vast central prairies; the bulk of the population is concentrated along the U.S. border and the Great Lakes in the south. Languages: English and French. Currency: Canadian dollar. Capital: Ottawa. Pop.: 22992604 (1976). Area: 9976185 sq. km (3851809 sq. miles). Canada balsam 1. syl Can:a+da bal+sam pos n. def a yellow transparent resin obtained from the balsam fir. Because its refractive index is similar to that of glass, it is used as an adhesive in optical devices and as a mounting medium for microscope specimens. Canada balsam 2. syl Can:a+da bal+sam pos n. def another name for {balsam fir}. Canada goose 0. syl Can:a+da goose pos n. def a large common greyish-brown North American goose, with a black neck and head and a white throat patch. Canada lily 0. syl Can:a+da lil:y pos n. def a lily, of NE North America, with small orange funnel-shaped nodding flowers. Also called: {meadow lily}. Canada thistle 0. syl Can:a+da this+tle pos n. def the U.S. name for {creeping thistle}. Canadian 1. syl Ca+na+di:an pron pos adj. def of or relating to Canada or its people. Canadian 2. syl Ca+na+di:an pron pos n. def a native, citizen, or inhabitant of Canada. Canadian football 0. syl Ca+na+di:an foot+ball pos n. def a game resembling American football, played on a grass pitch between two teams of 12 players. Canadian French 1. syl Ca+na+di:an French pos n. def the French language as spoken in Canada, esp. in Quebec. {~} Canadian French 2. syl Ca+na+di:an French pos n. def denoting this language or a French-speaking Canadian. Canadianism 1. syl Ca+na+di+an+ism pron pos n. def the Canadian national character or spirit. Canadianism 2. syl Ca+na+di+an+ism pron pos n. def loyalty to Canada, its political independ?!ence, culture, etc. Canadianism 3. syl Ca+na+di+an+ism pron pos n. def a linguistic usage, custom, or other feature peculiar to or characteristic of Canada, its people, or their culture. Canadian pondweed 0. syl Ca+na+di:an pond+weed pos n. def a North American aquatic plant, (or naturalized in Europe, having crowded dark green leaves: family It is used in aquariums. Canadian River 0. syl Ca+na+di:an Riv+er pos n. def a river in the southern U.S., rising in NE New Mexico and flowing east to the Arkansas River in E Oklahoma. Length: 1458 km (906 miles). Canadian Shield 0. syl Ca+na+di:an Shield pos n. usage in Canada def the wide area of Precambrian rock extending west from the Labrador coast to the basin of the Mackenzie and north from the Great Lakes to Hudson Bay and the Arctic: rich in minerals. Also called: {Laurentian Shield, Laurentian Plateau}. See { {shield} (sense 7).} canaigre ety C19: from Mexican Spanish canaigre 0. syl ca+nai+gre pron pos n. def a dock, of the southern U.S., the root of which yields a substance used in tanning. canaille ety C17: from French, from Italian canaglia pack of dogs canaille 0. syl ca+naille pron French. pos n. def the masses; mob; rabble. canakin 0. syl can:a+kin pron <1k@nikin> pos n. def a variant spelling of {cannikin}. canal ety C15 (in the sense: pipe, tube): from Latin can*_alis channel, waterpipe, from canna reed, #7cane canal 1. syl ca+nal pron pos n. def an artificial waterway constructed for navigation, irrigation, water power, etc. canal 2. syl ca+nal pron pos n. def any of various tubular passages or ducts. exam 1 the alimentary canal. canal 3. syl ca+nal pron pos n. def any of various elongated intercellular spaces in plants. canal 4. syl ca+nal pron pos n. qual Astronomy. def any of the indistinct surface features of Mars originally thought to be a network of channels but not seen on close-range photographs. They are caused by an optical illusion in which faint geological features appear to have a geometric structure. canals infl head canal or canals syl ca+nals pos vb. mod tr. qual U.S. canalling infl head canal or canaling syl ca+nal+ling pos vb. mod tr. canalled infl head canal or canaled syl ca+nalled pos vb. mod tr. canaling infl head canal or canalling syl ca+nal+ing pos vb. mod tr. qual U.S. canaled infl head canal or canalled syl ca+naled. pos vb. mod tr. qual U.S. canal 5. syl ca+nal pron pos vb. def to dig a canal through. canal 6. syl ca+nal pron pos vb. def to provide with a canal or canals. canal boat 0. syl ca+nal boat pos n. def a long narrow boat used on canals, esp. for carrying freight. Canaletto 0. syl Can:a:let:to pron Italian <2kana1lAtto> pos n. def original name 1697-1768, Italian painter and etcher, noted particularly for his highly detailed paintings of cities, esp. Venice, which are marked by strong contrasts of light and shade. canaliculus ety C16: from Latin: a little channel, from can*_alis #7canal canali infl head canaliculus syl can:a+li pron <-2lI> pos n. mod pl. canaliculus 0. syl can:a+lic:u+lus pron <2k@n*1likjul*s> pos n. def a small channel, furrow, or groove, as in some bones and parts of plants. canalicular sub head canaliculus syl can:a+1lic:u+lar pron <2k@n*1likjulit>, <-2lAt> pos adj. canaliculate sub head canaliculus or canaliculated syl can:a+lic:u+late pron <2k@n*1likjulit>, <-2lAt> pos adj. canaliculated sub head canaliculus or canaliculate syl can:a+1lic:u+2lat+ed pos adj. canalise alt head canalize or canalize syl can:a+lise pron <1k@n*2lIz> pos vb. mod tr. canalize 1. or canalise syl can:a+lize pron <1k@n*2lIz> pos vb. mod tr. def to provide with or convert into a canal or canals. canalize 2. or canalise syl can:a+lize pron <1k@n*2lIz> pos vb. mod tr. def to give a particular direction to or provide an outlet for; channel. canalization sub head canalize or canalisation syl can:a+li+1za+tion pos n. canalisation sub head canalize or canalization syl can:a+li+1sa+tion pos n. canal ray 0. syl ca+nal ray pos n. qual Physics. def a stream of positive ions produced in a discharge tube by boring small holes in the cathode. Canal Zone 0. syl Ca+nal Zone pos n. def an administrative region of the U.S., on the Isthmus of Panama around the Panama Canal: bordered on each side by the Republic of Panama which, under an agreement with the U.S. (1977), expects to gain full control of the Canal Zone by the year 2000. Area: 963 sq. km (372 sq. miles). Pop.: 44198 (1970). Also called: {Panama Canal Zone}. canap'e ety C19: from French: sofa canap'e 1. syl can:a+p*'e pron <1k@n*pi>, <-2pA>, French pos n. def a small piece of bread, toast, etc., spread with a savoury topping. canap'e 2. syl can:a+p*'e pron <1k@n*pi>, <-2pA>, French pos n. usage in French cabinetwork def a sofa. Canara 0. syl Ca+na+ra pron pos n. def a variant spelling of {Kanara}. canard ety C19: from French: a duck, hoax, from Old French caner to quack, of imitative origin canard 1. syl ca+nard pron , French pos n. def a false report; rumour or hoax. canard 2. syl ca+nard pron , French pos n. def an aircraft in which the tailplane is mounted in front of the wing. Canarese infl syl Ca+na+rese pos adj. mod pl. Canarese 0. syl Ca+na+rese pron <2k@n*1rEz> pos n. def a variant spelling of {Kanarese}. canary ety C16: from Old Spanish canario of or from the Canary Islands canaries infl head canary syl ca+nar:ies. pos n. mod pl. canary 1. syl ca+nar:y pron pos n. def a small finch, of the Canary Islands and Azores: a popular cage bird noted for its singing. Wild canaries are streaked yellow and brown, but most domestic breeds are pure yellow. canary 2. syl ca+nar:y pron pos n. def See {canary yellow}. canary creeper 0. syl ca+nar:y creep+er pos n. def a climbing plant, similar to the nasturtium but with smaller yellow flowers and lobed leaves. canary grass 1. syl ca+nar:y grass pos n. def any of various grasses of the genus esp. that is native to Europe and N Africa and has straw-coloured seeds used as birdseed. reed canary grass 2. head canary grass syl reed canary grass. def a related plant, used as fodder throughout the N hemisphere. Canaries alt head Canary Islands or Canary Islands syl Ca+nar:ies pos n. mod pl. Canary Islands 0. or Canaries syl Ca+nar:y Is+lands pos n. mod pl. def a group of mountain?!ous islands in the Atlantic off the NW coast of Africa, forming the Spanish provinces of Las Palmas and Santa Cruz de Tenerife. Pop.: 1170224 (1970). canary seed 0. syl ca+nar:y seed pos n. def another name for {birdseed}. canary yellow 0.a. syl ca+nar:y yel+low pos n. def a moderate yellow colour, sometimes with a greenish tinge. canary yellow 0.b. syl ca+nar:y yel+low pos as; adj. usage a canary-yellow car. def Sometimes shortened to {canary}. canasta ety C20: from Spanish: basket (because two packs, or a basketful, of cards are required), variant of canastro, from Latin canistrum; see #7canister canasta 1. syl ca+nas+ta pron pos n. def a card game for two to six players who seek to amass points by declaring sets of cards. canasta 2. syl ca+nas+ta pron pos n. def Also called: {meld}. a declared set in this game, containing seven or more like cards, worth 500 points if the canasta is pure or 300 if wild (containing up to three jokers). canaster ety C19: (meaning: rush basket in which tobacco was packed): from Spanish canastro; see #7canister canaster 0. syl can+as+ter pron <1k@n*st*> pos n. def coarsely broken dried tobacco leaves. Cape infl head Canaveral syl Cape. pos n. Canaveral 0. syl Ca+nav+er+al pron pos n. def a cape on the E coast of Florida: site of the U.S. Air Force Missile Test Centre, from which the majority of U.S. space missions have been launched. Former name (1963-73): Cape {Kennedy}. Canberra 0. syl Can+ber+ra pron <1k@nb*r*>, <-br*> pos n. def the capital of Australia, in Australian Capital Territory: founded in 1913 as a planned capital. Pop.: 189400 (1975 est.). can buoy 0. syl can buoy pos n. def a cylindrical unlighted buoy, painted black. Compare {nun buoy}. canc 1. syl canc. qual abbrev. for: def cancelled. canc 2. syl canc. qual abbrev. for: def cancellation. cancan ety C19: from French, of uncertain origin cancan 0. syl can+can pron <1k@n2k@n> pos n. def a high-kicking dance performed by a female chorus, originating in the music halls of 19th-century Paris. cancel ety C14: from Old French canceller, from Medieval Latin cancell*_are, from Late Latin: to strike out, make like a lattice, from Latin cancell*_i lattice, grating cancels infl head cancel or cancels syl can+cels pos vb. mod mainly; tr. qual U.S. cancelling infl head cancel or canceling syl can+cel+ling pos vb. mod mainly; tr. cancelled infl head cancel or canceled syl can+celled pos vb. mod mainly; tr. canceling infl head cancel or cancelling syl can+cel+ing pos vb. mod mainly; tr. qual U.S. canceled infl head cancel or cancelled syl can+celed. pos vb. mod mainly; tr. qual U.S. cancel 1. syl can+cel pron <1k@nsL> pos vb. def to order (something already arranged, such as a meeting or event) to be postponed indefi?!nitely; call off. cancel 2. syl can+cel pron <1k@nsL> pos vb. def to revoke or annul. exam 1 the order for the new television set was cancelled. cancel 3. syl can+cel pron <1k@nsL> pos vb. def to delete (writing, numbers, etc.); cross out. exam 1 he cancelled his name and substituted hers. cancel 4. syl can+cel pron <1k@nsL> pos vb. def to mark (a cheque, postage stamp, ticket, etc.) with an official stamp or by a perforation to prevent further use. cancel 5. syl can+cel pron <1k@nsL> pos vb. mod also; intr. usage usually foll. by out def to counterbalance; make up for (a deficiency, etc.). exam 1 his generosity cancelled out his past unkindness. cancel 6.a. syl can+cel pron <1k@nsL> pos vb. def to close (an account) by discharging any outstanding debts. cancel 6.b. syl can+cel pron <1k@nsL> pos vb. qual Accounting. usage sometimes foll. by out def to eliminate (a debit or credit) by making an offsetting entry on the opposite side of the account. cancel 7.a. syl can+cel pron <1k@nsL> pos vb. def to eliminate (numbers, quantities, or terms) as common factors from both the numerator and denominator of a fraction or as equal terms from opposite sides of an equation. cancel 7.b. syl can+cel pron <1k@nsL> pos vb. mod intr. def to be able to be eliminated in this way. cancel 8. syl can+cel pron <1k@nsL> pos n. def a new leaf or section of a book replacing a defective one, one containing errors, or one that has been omitted. cancel 9. syl can+cel pron <1k@nsL> pos n. def a less common word for {cancellation}. cancel 10. syl can+cel pron <1k@nsL> pos n. qual Music. def a U.S. word for { {natural} (sense 19a.).} canceller sub head cancel or canceler syl can+cel+ler pos n. canceler sub head cancel or canceller syl can+cel+er pos n. qual U.S. cancellate ety C17: from Latin cancell*_are to make like a lattice; see #7cancel cancellous infl head cancellate or cancellated syl can+cel+lous pron <1k@nsil*s> pos adj. cancellated infl head cancellate or cancellous syl can+cel+lat+ed pos adj. cancellate 1. syl can+cel+late pron <1k@nsi2lAt> pos adj. qual Anatomy. def having a spongy or porous internal structure. exam 1 cancellate bones. cancellate 2. syl can+cel+late pron <1k@nsi2lAt> pos adj. qual Botany. def forming a network; reticulate. exam 1 a cancellate venation. cancellation 1. syl can+cel+la+tion pron <2k@nsi1lAS*n> pos n. def the fact or an instance of cancelling. cancellation 2. syl can+cel+la+tion pron <2k@nsi1lAS*n> pos n. def something that has been cancelled, such as a theatre ticket, esp. when it is available for another person to take. exam 1 we have a cancellation in the balcony. cancellation 3. syl can+cel+la+tion pron <2k@nsi1lAS*n> pos n. def the marks or perforation made by cancelling. cancer ety C14: from Latin: crab, a creeping tumour; related to Greek karkinos crab, Sanskrit karkata cancer 1. syl can+cer pron <1k@ns*> pos n. def any type of malignant growth or tumour, caused by abnormal and uncontrolled cell division: it may spread through the lymphatic system or blood stream to other parts of the body. cancer 2. syl can+cer pron <1k@ns*> pos n. def the condition resulting from this. cancer 3. syl can+cer pron <1k@ns*> pos n. def an evil influence that spreads dangerously. cancerous sub head cancer syl can+cer+ous pos adj. cancerously sub head cancer syl can+cer+ous+ly pos adv. Cancri infl head Cancer syl Can+cri pron <1k@GkrE> pos n. qual Latin genitive Cancer 1. syl Can+cer pron <1k@ns*> pos n. qual Astronomy. def a small faint zodiacal constellation in the N hemi?!sphere, lying between Leo and Gemini on the ecliptic and containing the star cluster Praesepe. Cancer 2.a. syl Can+cer pron <1k@ns*> pos n. def Also called: the {Crab}. the fourth sign of the zodiac, symbol ###800093 , having a cardinal water classification and ruled by the moon. The sun is in this sign between about June 21 and July 22. Cancer 2.b. syl Can+cer pron <1k@ns*> pos n. def a person born during a period when the sun is in this sign. Cancer 3. syl Can+cer pron <1k@ns*> pos n. def See {tropic of Cancer}. See { {tropic} (sense 1).} Cancer 4. syl Can+cer pron <1k@ns*> pos adj. qual Astrology. def born under or characteristic of Cancer. Cancer 5. syl Can+cer pron <1k@ns*> pos n. def Also (for senses 2b., 4): {Can+cer+i@.an} (k@an#!s$I$$r$I$$n). cancer stick 0. syl can+cer stick pos n. def a slang name for {cigarette}. cancroid 1. syl can+croid pron <1k@Gkrcid> pos adj. def resembling a cancerous growth. cancroid 2. syl can+croid pron <1k@Gkrcid> pos adj. def resembling a crab. cancroid 3. syl can+croid pron <1k@Gkrcid> pos n. def a skin cancer, esp. one of only moderate malignancy. c b 0. syl c ?& b qual Cricket. abbrev. for def caught and bowled (by). candela ety C20: from Latin: #7candle candela 0. syl can+de+la pron , <-1dAl*> pos n. def the basic SI unit of luminous intensity; the intensity, in a perpendicular direction, of a surface of 1/600000 square metre of a black body at the temperature of freezing platinum under a pressure of 101325 newtons per square metre. Symbol: cd Also called: {candle, standard candle}. candelabrum ety C19: from Latin, from cand*_ela #7candle candelabra alt head candelabrum or candelabrum syl can+de+la+bra pron <-br*> pos n. candelabra infl head candelabrum syl can+de+la+bra pron <-br*> pos n. mod pl. candelabrums infl head candelabrum or candelabras syl can+de+la+brums pos n. mod pl. candelabras infl head candelabrum or candelabrums syl can+de+la+bras. pos n. mod pl. candelabrum 0. or candelabra syl can+de+la+brum pron <2k@ndi1la:br*m> pos n. def a large, branched table candle holder. candent ety C16: from Latin cand*_ere to shine candent 0. syl can+dent pron <1k@nd*nt> pos adj. def an archaic word for {incandescent}. candescent ety C19: from Latin candescere, from cand*_ere to be white, shine candescent 0. syl can+des+cent pron pos adj. qual Rare. def glowing or starting to glow with heat. candescence sub head candescent syl can+1des+cence pos n. C G 0. syl C ?& G qual abbrev. for def City and Guilds. Candia 0. syl Can+dia pron <1kandja> pos n. def the Italian name for {Ir*'aklion}. candid ety C17: from Latin candidus white, from cand*_ere to be white candid 1. syl can+did pron <1k@ndid> pos adj. def frank and outspoken. exam 1 he was candid about his dislike of our friends. candid 2. syl can+did pron <1k@ndid> pos adj. def without partiality; unbiased. candid 3. syl can+did pron <1k@ndid> pos adj. def unposed or informal. exam 1 a candid photograph. candid 4.a. syl can+did pron <1k@ndid> pos adj. def white. candid 4.b. syl can+did pron <1k@ndid> pos adj. def clear or pure. candidly sub head candid syl can+did+ly pos adv. candidness sub head candid syl can+did+ness pos n. candidate ety C17: from Latin candid*_atus clothed in white (because the candidate wore a white toga), from candidus white candidate 1. syl can+di+date pron <1k@ndi2dAt>, <-dit> pos n. def a person seeking or nominated for election to a position of authority or honour or selection for a job, promotion, etc. candidate 2. syl can+di+date pron <1k@ndi2dAt>, <-dit> pos n. def a person taking an examination or test. candidate 3. syl can+di+date pron <1k@ndi2dAt>, <-dit> pos n. def a person or thing regarded as suitable or likely for a particular fate or position. exam 1 this wine is a candidate for his cellar. candidacy sub head candidate or candidature syl can+di+da+cy pron <1k@ndid*si> pos n. candidature sub head candidate or candidacy syl can+di+da+ture pron <1k@ndid*C*> pos n. candid camera 0. syl can+did cam+er:a pos n. def a small camera that may be used to take informal photographs of people, usually without their knowl?!edge. candied 1. syl can+died pron <1k@ndid> pos adj. def impregnated or encrusted with or as if with sugar or syrup. exam 1 candied peel. candied 2. syl can+died pron <1k@ndid> pos adj. usage of sugar, honey, etc. def crystallized. Candiote alt head Candiot or Candiot syl Can+di+ote pron <1k@ndi2*ut> pos adj. Candiot 1. or Candiote syl Can+di+ot pron <1k@ndi2ot> pos adj. def of or relating to Candia (Ir*'aklion) or Crete; Cretan. Candiot 2. or Candiote syl Can+di+ot pron <1k@ndi2ot> pos n. def a native or inhabitant of Crete; a Cretan. candle ety Old English candel, from Latin cand*_ela, from cand*_ere to be white, glitter candle 1. syl can+dle pron <1k@ndL> pos n. def a cylindrical piece of wax, tallow, or other fatty substance surrounding a wick, which is burned to produce light. candle 2.a. syl can+dle pron <1k@ndL> pos n. def see {international candle}. candle 2.b. syl can+dle pron <1k@ndL> pos n. def another name for {candela}. burn the candle at both ends 3. head candle syl burn the candle at both ends. qual Informal. def to exhaust oneself, esp. by being up late enjoying oneself and getting up early to work. not hold a candle to 4. head candle syl not hold a candle to. qual Informal. def to be inferior or contemptible in comparison with. exam 1 your dog doesn't hold a candle to mine. not worth the candle 5. head candle syl not worth the candle. qual Informal. def not worth the price or trouble entailed (esp. in the phrase {the game's not worth the candle}) . candle 6. syl can+dle pron <1k@ndL> pos vb. mod tr. def to examine (eggs) for freshness or the likelihood of being hatched by viewing them against a bright light. candler sub head candle syl can+dler pos n. candleberries infl head candleberry syl can:dle+ber:ries. pos n. mod pl. candleberry 0. syl can:dle+ber:ry pron <1k@ndLb*ri> pos n. def another name for {wax myrtle}. candlefish infl or candlefishes syl can:dle+fish pos n. mod pl. candlefishes infl head candlefish or candlefish syl can:dle+fish:es. pos n. mod pl. candlefish 0. syl can:dle+fish pron <1k@ndL2fiS> pos n. def a salmonoid food fish, that occurs in the N Pacific and has oily flesh. Also called: {eulachon}. candlelight 1.a. syl can:dle+light pron <1k@ndL2lIt> pos n. def the light from a candle or candles. exam 1 they ate by candlelight. candlelight 1.b. syl can:dle+light pron <1k@ndL2lIt> pos n. usage as modifier exam 1 a candlelight dinner. candlelight 2. syl can:dle+light pron <1k@ndL2lIt> pos n. def dusk; evening. Candlemas 0. syl Can:dle+mas pron <1k@ndLm*s> pos n. qual Christianity. def Feb. 2, the Feast of the Purification of the Virgin Mary and the presentation of Christ in the Temple: the day on which the church candles are blessed. In Scotland it is one of the four quarter days. candlenut 1. syl can:dle+nut pron <1k@ndL2n^t> pos n. def a euphorbiaceous tree, of tropical Asia and Polynesia. candlenut 2. syl can:dle+nut pron <1k@ndL2n^t> pos n. def the nut of this tree, which yields an oil used in paints and varnishes. In their native regions the nuts are strung together and burned as candles. candlepin 0. syl can:dle+pin pron <1k@ndL2pin> pos n. def a bowling pin, as used in skittles, tenpin bowling, candlepins, etc. candlepins 0. syl can:dle+pins pron <1k@ndL2pinz> pos n. mod functioning as; sing. def a type of bowling game, employing a smaller ball than tenpins, in which three balls are allowed to a frame and fallen pins are not removed from the alley. candlepower 0. syl can:dle+pow:er pron <1k@ndL2pau*> pos n. def the luminous intensity of a source of light in a given direction: now expressed in candelas but formerly in terms of the international candle. candleholder alt head candlestick or candlestick syl can:dle+hold:er pron <1k@ndL?!2h*uld*> pos n. candlestick 0. or candleholder syl can:dle+stick pron <1k@ndL2stik> pos n. def a holder, usually ornamental, with a spike or socket for a candle. candle-tree 0. syl can:dle-tree pos n. def another name for {wax myrtle}. candlewick 1. syl can:dle+wick pron <1k@ndL2wik> pos n. def unbleached cotton or muslin into which loops of yarn are hooked and then cut to give a tufted pattern. It is used for bedspreads, dressing gowns, etc. candlewick 2. syl can:dle+wick pron <1k@ndL2wik> pos n. def the wick of a candle. candlewick 3. syl can:dle+wick pron <1k@ndL2wik> pos n. usage modifier def being or made of candlewick fabric. candlewood 1. syl can:dle+wood pron <1k@ndL2wud> pos n. def the resinous wood of any of several trees, used for torches and candle substitutes. candlewood 2. syl can:dle+wood pron <1k@ndL2wud> pos n. def any tree or shrub, such as ocotillo, that produces this wood. candour ety C17: from Latin candor from cand*_ere to be white, shine candor alt head candour or candour syl can+dor pron <1k@nd*> pos n. qual U.S. candour 1. or candor syl can+dour pron <1k@nd*> pos n. def the quality of being open and honest; frankness. candour 2. or candor syl can+dour pron <1k@nd*> pos n. def fairness; impartiality. candour 3. or candor syl can+dour pron <1k@nd*> pos n. qual Obsolete. def purity or brightness. C W 0. syl C ?&+800100 W qual abbrev. for def country and western. candy ety C18: from Old French sucre candi candied sugar, from Arabic qandi candied, from qand cane sugar, of Dravidian origin candies infl head candy syl can+dies. pos n. mod pl. candy 1. syl can+dy pron <1k@ndi> pos n. qual Chiefly U.S. def confectionery in general; sweets, chocolate, etc. candies infl head candy syl can+dies pos vb. candying infl head candy syl can+dy+ing pos vb. candied infl head candy syl can+died. pos vb. candy 2. syl can+dy pron <1k@ndi> pos vb. def to cause (sugar, etc.) to become crystalline, esp. by boiling or (of sugar) to become crystalline through boiling. candy 3. syl can+dy pron <1k@ndi> pos vb. def to preserve (fruit peel, ginger, etc.) by boiling in sugar. candy 4. syl can+dy pron <1k@ndi> pos vb. def to cover with any crystalline substance, such as ice or sugar. candyfloss 0. syl can:dy+floss pron <1k@ndi2flos> pos n. qual Brit. def a very light fluffy confection made from coloured spun sugar, usually held on a stick. U.S. name: {cotton candy}. candy store 0. syl can+dy store pos n. def a U.S. term for {sweet shop}. candy-striped 0. syl can:dy-striped pos adj. usage esp. of clothing fabric def having narrow coloured stripes on a white background. candy stripe sub head candy-striped syl can+dy stripe pos n. candytuft ety C17: Candy, obsolete variant of C#7andia (Crete)+#7tuft candytuft 0. syl can:dy+tuft pron <1k@ndi2t^ft> pos n. def any of various widely cultivated Mediterranean cruciferous plants of the genus having clusters of white, red, or purplish flowers. cane ety C14: from Old French, from Latin canna, from Greek kanna, of Semitic origin; related to Arabic qan*_ah reed cane 1.a. syl cane pron pos n. def the long jointed pithy or hollow flexible stem of the bamboo, rattan, or any similar plant. cane 1.b. syl cane pron pos n. def any plant having such a stem. cane 2.a. syl cane pron pos n. def strips of such stems, woven or interlaced to make wickerwork, the seats and backs of chairs, etc. cane 2.b. syl cane pron pos n. usage as modifier exam 1 a cane chair. cane 3. syl cane pron pos n. def the woody stem of a reed, young grapevine, blackberry, raspberry, or loganberry. cane 4. syl cane pron pos n. def any of several grasses with long stiff stems, esp. of the southeastern U.S. cane 5. syl cane pron pos n. def a flexible rod with which to administer a beating as a punishment, as to schoolboys. cane 6. syl cane pron pos n. def a slender rod, usually wooden and often ornamental, used for support when walking; walking-stick. cane 7. syl cane pron pos n. def see {sugar cane}. cane 8. syl cane pron pos n. def a slender rod or cylinder, as of glass. cane 9. syl cane pron pos vb. mod tr. def to whip or beat with or as if with a cane. cane 10. syl cane pron pos vb. mod tr. def to make or repair with cane. caner sub head cane syl can+er pos n. Canea 0. syl Ca+ne:a pron pos n. def the capital and chief port of Crete, on the NW coast. Pop.: 40564 (1971). Greek name: {Khani*'a}. canebrake 0. syl cane+brake pron <1kAn2brAk> pos n. qual U.S. def a thicket of canes. cane grass 0. syl cane grass pos n. qual Austral. def any of several tall perennial hard-stemmed grasses, esp. of inland swamps. canella ety C17: from Medieval Latin: cinnamon, from Latin canna cane, reed canella 0. syl ca+nel+la pron pos n. def the fragrant cinnamon-like inner bark of a West Indian tree, (family used as a spice and in medicine. cane piece 0. syl cane piece pos n. usage in the Caribbean def a field of sugar cane, esp. a peasant's isolated field. cane rat 1. syl cane rat pos n. def Also called (in W Africa): {cutting grass}. a tropical African cavy-like hystricomorph rodent, that lives in swampy regions: family cane rat 2. syl cane rat pos n. def a similar but smaller species, canescent ety C19: from Latin c*_anescere to grow white, become hoary, from c*_an*_ere to be white canescent 1. syl ca+nes+cent pron pos adj. qual Biology. def white or greyish due to the presence of numerous short white hairs. canescent 2. syl ca+nes+cent pron pos adj. def becoming hoary, white, or greyish. canescence sub head canescent syl ca+1nes+cence pos n. cane sugar 1. syl cane sug+ar pos n. def the sucrose obtained from sugar cane, which is identical to that obtained from sugar beet. See also {beet sugar}. cane sugar 2. syl cane sug+ar pos n. def another name for {sucrose}. Canes Venatici ety Latin: hunting dogs Canum Venaticorum infl head Canes Venatici syl Ca+num Ve+nat:i+co+rum pron <1ka:n*m> pos n. qual Latin genitive Canes Venatici 0. syl Ca+nes Ve+nat:i+ci pron <1ka:nEz> pos n. def a small faint constellation in the N hemisphere near Ursa Major that contains the globular cluster M3 and the spiral galaxy M51. canfield 0. syl can+field pron <1k@n2fEld> pos n. qual Cards. def a gambling game adapted from a type of patience. cangue ety C18: from French, from Portuguese canga yoke cang alt head cangue or cangue syl cang pron pos n. cangue 0. or cang syl cangue pron pos n. usage formerly in China def a large wooden collar worn by petty criminals as a punishment. Canicula ety Latin, literally: little dog, from canis dog Canicula 0. syl Ca+nic:u+la pron pos n. def another name for {Sirius}. canicular 0. syl ca+nic:u+lar pron pos adj. def of or relating to the star Sirius or its rising. canikin 0. syl can:i+kin pron <1k@nikin> pos n. def a variant spelling of {cannikin}. canine ety C17: from Latin can*_inus, from canis dog canine 1. syl ca+nine pron <1kAnIn>, <1k@n-> pos adj. def of or resembling a dog; doglike. canine 2. syl ca+nine pron <1kAnIn>, <1k@n-> pos adj. def of, relating to, or belonging to the a family of mammals, including dogs, jackals, wolves, and foxes, typically having a bushy tail, erect ears, and a long muzzle: order (carnivores). canine 3. syl ca+nine pron <1kAnIn>, <1k@n-> pos adj. def of or relating to any of the four teeth, two in each jaw, situated between the incisors and the premolars. canine 4. syl ca+nine pron <1kAnIn>, <1k@n-> pos n. def any animal of the family canine 5. syl ca+nine pron <1kAnIn>, <1k@n-> pos n. def a canine tooth. Canis Major ety Latin: the greater dog Canis Majoris infl head Canis Major syl Ca+nis Ma+jo+ris pron pos n. qual Latin genitive Canis Major 0. syl Ca+nis Ma+jor pron <1kAnis> pos n. def a constellation in the S hemisphere close to Orion, containing Sirius, the brightest star in the sky. Also called: the {Great Dog}. Canis Minor ety Latin: the lesser dog Canis Minoris infl head Canis Minor syl Ca+nis Mi+no+ris pron pos n. qual Latin genitive Canis Minor 0. syl Ca+nis Mi+nor pron pos n. def a small constellation in the N hemisphere close to Orion, containing the first magnitude star Procyon. Also called: the {Little Dog}. canister ety C17: from Latin canistrum basket woven from reeds, from Greek kanastron, from kanna reed, #7cane canister 1. syl can+is+ter pron <1k@nist*> pos n. def a container, usually made of metal, in which dry food, such as tea or coffee, is stored. canister 2.a. syl can+is+ter pron <1k@nist*> pos n. def a type of shrapnel shell for firing from a cannon. canister 2.b. syl can+is+ter pron <1k@nist*> pos n. def Also called: {canister shot, case shot}. the shot or shrapnel packed inside this. canker ety Old English cancer, from Latin cancer crab, cancerous sore canker 1. syl can+ker pron <1k@Gk*> pos n. def an ulceration, esp. of the lips or lining of the oral cavity. canker 2.a. syl can+ker pron <1k@Gk*> pos n. def a disease of horses in which the horn of the hoofs becomes soft and spongy. canker 2.b. syl can+ker pron <1k@Gk*> pos n. def an ulcerative disease of the lining of the external ear, esp. in dogs and cats. canker 3. syl can+ker pron <1k@Gk*> pos n. def an open wound in the stem of a tree or shrub, caused by injury or parasites. canker 4. syl can+ker pron <1k@Gk*> pos n. def something evil that spreads and corrupts. canker 5. syl can+ker pron <1k@Gk*> pos vb. def to infect or become infected with or as if with canker. cankerous 1. syl can+ker+ous pron <1k@Gk*r*s> pos adj. def having cankers. cankerous 2. syl can+ker+ous pron <1k@Gk*r*s> pos adj. def infectious; corrupting. cankerworm 0. syl can:ker+worm pron <1k@Gk*2wR:m> pos n. def the larva of either of two geometrid moths, or which feed on and destroy fruit and shade trees in North America. canna ety C17: from New Latin #7cane canna 0. syl can+na pron <1k@n*> pos n. def any of various tropical plants constituting the genus having broad leaves and red or yellow showy flowers for which they are cultivated: family cannabin 0. syl can+na+bin pron <1k@n*bin> pos n. def a greenish-black poisonous resin obtained from the hemp plant and thought to be the active narcotic principle. Also called: {cannabis resin}. cannabis ety C18: from Latin, from Greek kannabis; see #7hemp cannabis 1. syl can+na+bis pron <1k@n*bis> pos n. def another name for {hemp} (the plant), esp. Indian hemp cannabis 2. syl can+na+bis pron <1k@n*bis> pos n. def the dried tops of the female flowers of the hemp plant, which are chewed or smoked for their euphoric effect. See also {cannabin, hashish, marijuana, bhang}. cannabic sub head cannabis syl can+na+bic pos adj. Cannae 0. syl Can+nae pron <1k@nE> pos n. def an ancient city in SE Italy: scene of a victory by Hannibal over the Romans (216 #7b.c.) . canned 1. syl canned pron pos adj. def preserved and stored in airtight cans or tins. exam 1 canned meat. canned 2. syl canned pron pos adj. qual Informal. def prepared or recorded in advance; artificial; not spontaneous. exam 1 canned music. canned 3. syl canned pron pos adj. def a slang word for { {drunk} (sense 1).} cannel coal ety C16: from northern English dialect cannel candle: so called from its bright flame cannel alt head cannel coal or cannel coal syl can+nel pron <1k@nL> pos n. cannel coal 0. or cannel syl can+nel coal pron <1k@nL> pos n. def a dull coal having a high volatile content and burning with a smoky luminous flame. cannelloni ety Italian, plural of cannellone, from cannello stalk, from canna #7cane canneloni alt head cannelloni or cannelloni syl can+ne+lo+ni pron <2k@ni1l*uni> pos n. mod pl. cannelloni 0. or canneloni syl can+nel+lo+ni pron <2k@ni1l*uni> pos n. mod pl. def tubular pieces of pasta filled with meat or cheese. cannelure ety C18: from French, ultimately from Latin can*_alis #7canal cannelure 0. syl can+ne+lure pron <1k@n*2lu*> pos n. def a groove or fluting, esp. one around the cylindrical part of a bullet. canner 0. syl can+ner pron <1k@n*> pos n. def a person or organization whose job is to can foods. canneries infl head cannery syl can+ner:ies. pos n. mod pl. cannery 0. syl can+ner:y pron <1k@n*ri> pos n. def a place where foods are canned. Cannes 0. syl Cannes pron , , French pos n. def a port and resort in SE France: developed in the 19th century from a fishing village; annual film festival. Pop.: 71080 (1975). cannibal ety C16: from Spanish Canibales, the name used by Columbus to designate the Caribs of Cuba and Haiti, from Arawak caniba, variant of C#7arib cannibal 1.a. syl can+ni+bal pron <1k@nibL> pos n. def a person who eats the flesh of other human beings. cannibal 1.b. syl can+ni+bal pron <1k@nibL> pos n. usage as modifier exam 1 cannibal tribes. cannibal 2. syl can+ni+bal pron <1k@nibL> pos n. def an animal that feeds on the flesh of others of its kind. cannibalism 1. syl can+ni+bal+ism pron <1k@nib*2liz*m> pos n. def the act of eating human flesh or the flesh of one's own kind. cannibalism 2. syl can+ni+bal+ism pron <1k@nib*2liz*m> pos n. def savage and inhuman cruelty. cannibalistic sub head cannibalism syl can+ni+bal+1is+tic pos adj. cannibalistically sub head cannibalism syl can+ni+bal+1is+ti+cal+ly pos adv. cannibalise alt head cannibalize or cannibalize syl can+ni+bal+ise pron <1k@nib*2lIz> pos vb. mod tr. cannibalize 0. or cannibalise syl can+ni+bal+ize pron <1k@nib*2lIz> pos vb. mod tr. def to use (serviceable parts from one machine or vehicle) to repair another, esp. as an alternative to using new parts. cannibalization sub head cannibalize or cannibalisation syl can+ni+bal:i+1za+tion pos n. cannibalisation sub head cannibalize or cannibalization syl can+ni+bal:i+1sa+tion pos n. cannikin ety C16: from Middle Dutch kanneken; see #7can %2#7, -#7kin canakin infl head cannikin or canikin syl can:a+kin pron <1k@nikin> pos n. canikin infl head cannikin or canakin syl can:i+kin pron <1k@nikin> pos n. cannikin 0. syl can+ni+kin pron <1k@nikin> pos n. def a small can, esp. one used as a drinking vessel. canning 0. syl can+ning pron <1k@niG> pos n. def the process or business of sealing food in cans or tins to preserve it. Charles John 1. head Canning syl Charles John def 1st Earl Canning. 1812-62, British statesman; governor general of India (1856-58) and first viceroy (1858-62). Canning 2. syl Can:ning pron <1k@niG> pos n. def his father, {George}. 1770-1827, British Tory statesman; foreign secretary (1822-27) and prime minister (1827). Canning Basin 0. syl Can+ning Ba+sin pos n. def an arid basin in NW Western Australia, largely unexplored. Area: about 400000 sq. km (150000 sq. miles). Cannock 0. syl Can+nock pron <1k@n*k> pos n. def a town in W central England, in S Staffordshire: {Cannock Chase} (a public area of heathland, once a royal preserve) is just to the E. Pop.: 55873 (1971). cannon ety C16: from Old French canon, from Italian cannone cannon, large tube, from canna tube, #7cane cannons infl head cannon or cannon syl can+nons pos n. mod pl. cannon infl or cannons syl can+non. pos n. mod pl. cannon 1. syl can+non pron <1k@n*n> pos n. def a heavy artillery piece consisting of a metal tube mounted on a carriage. cannon 2. syl can+non pron <1k@n*n> pos n. def an automatic aircraft gun of large calibre. cannon 3. syl can+non pron <1k@n*n> pos n. def a heavy tube or drum, esp. one that can rotate freely on the shaft by which it is supported. cannon 4. syl can+non pron <1k@n*n> pos n. def the metal loop at the top of a bell, from which it is suspended. cannon 5. syl can+non pron <1k@n*n> pos n. def See {cannon bone}. cannon 6.a. syl can+non pron <1k@n*n> pos n. def a shot in which the cue ball is caused to contact one object ball after another. cannon 6.b. syl can+non pron <1k@n*n> pos n. def the points scored by this. Usual U.S. word: {carom}. cannon 7. syl can+non pron <1k@n*n> pos n. def a rebound or bouncing back, as of a ball off a wall. cannon 8. syl can+non pron <1k@n*n> pos n. def either of the two parts of a vambrace. cannon 9. syl can+non pron <1k@n*n> pos vb. def short for {cannonade}. cannon 10. syl can+non pron <1k@n*n> pos vb. mod intr. qual Billiards. def to make a cannon. cannonade 1. syl can+non+ade pron <2k@n*1nAd> pos n. def an intense and continuous gunnery bombardment. cannonade 2. syl can+non+ade pron <2k@n*1nAd> pos vb. def to attack (a target) with cannon. cannonball 1. syl can:non+ball pron <1k@n*n2bc:l> pos n. def a projectile fired from a cannon: usually a solid round metal shot. cannonball 2.a. syl can:non+ball pron <1k@n*n2bc:l> pos n. def a very fast low serve. cannonball 2.b. syl can:non+ball pron <1k@n*n2bc:l> pos n. usage as modifier exam 1 a cannonball serve. cannonball 3. syl can:non+ball pron <1k@n*n2bc:l> pos n. def a jump into water by a person who has his arms tucked into the body to form a ball. cannonball 4. syl can:non+ball pron <1k@n*n2bc:l> pos vb. mod intr. usage often foll. by along, etc. def to rush along, like a cannonball. cannonball 5. syl can:non+ball pron <1k@n*n2bc:l> pos vb. mod intr. def to execute a cannonball jump. cannonball 6. syl can:non+ball pron <1k@n*n2bc:l> pos adj. def very fast or powerful. cannon bone 0. syl can+non bone pos n. def a bone in the legs of horses and other hoofed animals consisting of greatly elongated fused metatarsals or metacarpals. cannoneer 0. syl can+non+eer pron <2k@n*1ni*> pos n. usage formerly def a soldier who served and fired a cannon; artilleryman. cannon fodder 0. syl can+non fod+der pos n. def men regarded as expendable because they are part of a huge army. cannonries infl head cannonry syl can+non+ries. pos n. mod pl. cannonry 1. syl can+non+ry pron <1k@n*nri> pos n. def a volley of artillery fire. cannonry 2. syl can+non+ry pron <1k@n*nri> pos n. def artillery in general. ********************************************************************** cannonries infl head cannonry syl can+non+ries. pos n. mod pl. cannonry 1. syl can+non+ry pron <1k@n*nri> pos n. def a volley of artillery fire. cannonry 2. syl can+non+ry pron <1k@n*nri> pos n. def artillery in general. ********************************************************************** cannot 0. syl can+not pron <1k@not>, pos vb. def an auxiliary verb expressing incapacity, inability, withholding permission, etc.; can not. cannula ety C17: from Latin: a small reed, from canna canula alt head cannula or cannula syl can:u+la pron <1k@njul*> pos n. cannulas infl head cannula or cannulae syl can+nu+las pron <-2lE> pos n. mod pl. cannulae infl head cannula or cannulas syl can+nu+lae pron <-2lE> pos n. mod pl. cannula 0. or canula syl can+nu+la pron <1k@njul*> pos n. qual Surgery. def a small tube for insertion into a bodily cavity, as for draining off fluid, introducing medication, etc. canulate alt head cannulate or cannulate syl can:u+late pron <1k@nju2lAt> pos vb. cannulate 1. or canulate syl can+nu+late pron <1k@nju2lAt> pos vb. def to insert a cannula into. cannulate 2. or canulate syl can+nu+late pron <1k@nju2lAt>, <-2lit> pos adj. usage also def shaped like a cannula. cannulation sub head cannulate or canulation syl can+nu+1la+tion pos n. canulation sub head cannulate or cannulation syl can:u+1la+tion pos n. canny ety C16: from #7can %1 (in the sense: to know how)+-#7{y %1} cannier infl head canny syl can+ni+er pos adj. canniest infl head canny syl can+ni+est. pos adj. canny 1. syl can+ny pron <1k@ni> pos adj. def shrewd, esp. in business; astute or wary; knowing. canny 2. syl can+ny pron <1k@ni> pos adj. qual Scot. and northeast English dialect. def good or nice: used as a general term of approval. canny 3. syl can+ny pron <1k@ni> pos adj. qual Scot. def lucky or fortunate. {~} canny 4. syl can+ny pron <1k@ni> pos adj. qual Scot. and northeast English dialect. def quite; rather. exam 1 a canny long while. cannily sub head canny syl can+ni+ly pos adv. canniness sub head canny syl can+ni+ness pos n. canoe ety C16: from Spanish canoa, of Carib origin canoe 1. syl ca+noe pron pos n. def a light narrow open boat, propelled by one or more paddles. canoes infl head canoe syl ca+noes pos vb. canoeing infl head canoe syl ca+noe+ing pos vb. canoed infl head canoe syl ca+noed. pos vb. canoe 2. syl ca+noe pron pos vb. def to go in or transport by canoe. canoeist sub head canoe syl ca+1noe+ist pos n. canoewood 0. syl ca:noe+wood pron pos n. def another name for the {tulip tree}. canon ety Old English, from Latin, from Greek kan*_on rule, rod for measuring, standard; related to kanna reed, #7cane canon H1.1. syl can+on pron <1k@n*n> pos n. qual Christianity. def a Church decree enacted to regulate morals or religious practices. canon H1.2. syl can+on pron <1k@n*n> pos n. mod often; pl. def a general rule or standard, as of judgment, morals, etc. canon H1.3. syl can+on pron <1k@n*n> pos n. mod often; pl. def a principle or accepted criterion applied in a branch of learning or art. canon H1.4. syl can+on pron <1k@n*n> pos n. qual R.C. Church. def the complete list of the canonized saints. canon H1.5. syl can+on pron <1k@n*n> pos n. qual R.C. Church. def the prayer in the Mass in which the Host is consecrated. canon H1.6. syl can+on pron <1k@n*n> pos n. qual Ecclesiast. def a list of sacred books, etc., officially recognized as genuine. canon H1.7. syl can+on pron <1k@n*n> pos n. def a piece of music in which an extended melody in one part is imitated successively in one or more other parts. See also { {round} (sense 30)}, { {catch} (sense 32)}. canon H1.8. syl can+on pron <1k@n*n> pos n. def a list of the works of an author that are accepted as authentic. canon H1.9. syl can+on pron <1k@n*n> pos n. usage formerly def a size of printer's type equal to 48 point. canon ety C13: from Anglo-French canunie, from Late Latin canonicus one living under a rule, from #7canon %1 canon H2.1. syl can+on pron <1k@n*n> pos n. def a priest who is a member of a cathedral chapter. canon H2.2. syl can+on pron <1k@n*n> pos n. qual R.C. Church. def a member of any of several religious orders ({canons regular) }. canoness 0. syl can+on+ess pron <1k@n*nis> pos n. qual R.C. Church. def a woman belonging to any one of several religious orders and living under a rule but not under a vow. canonic alt head canonical or canonical syl ca+non+ic pos adj. canonical 1. or canonic syl ca+non:i+cal pron pos adj. def belonging to or included in the canon of Scripture. canonical 2. or canonic syl ca+non:i+cal pron pos adj. def belonging to or in con?!formity with canon law. canonical 3. or canonic syl ca+non:i+cal pron pos adj. def according to recognized law; accepted. canonical 4. or canonic syl ca+non:i+cal pron pos adj. qual Music. def in the form of a canon. canonical 5. or canonic syl ca+non:i+cal pron pos adj. def of or relating to a cathedral chapter. canonically sub head canonical syl ca+1non:i+cal+ly pos adv. canonical hour 1.a. syl ca+non:i+cal hour pos n. def one of the seven prayer times appointed for each day by canon law. canonical hour 1.b. syl ca+non:i+cal hour pos n. def the services prescribed for these times, namely matins, prime, terce, sext, nones, vespers, and compline. canonical hour 2. syl ca+non:i+cal hour pos n. qual Church of England. def any time between 8:00 a.m. and 6:00 p.m. at which marriages may lawfully be celebrated. canonicals 0. syl ca+non:i+cals pron pos n. mod pl. def the vestments worn by clergy when officiating. canonicate 0. syl ca+non:i+cate pron , <-kit> pos n. def the office or rank of a canon; canonry. canonicity 0. syl can+on+ic+i:ty pron <2k@n*1nisiti> pos n. def the fact or quality of being canonical. canonist 0. syl can+on+ist pron <1k@n*nist> pos n. def a specialist in canon law. canonise alt head canonize or canonize syl can+on+ise pron <1k@n*2nIz> pos vb. mod tr. canonize 1. or canonise syl can+on+ize pron <1k@n*2nIz> pos vb. mod tr. qual R.C. Church. def to declare (a person) to be a saint and thus admit to the canon of saints. canonize 2. or canonise syl can+on+ize pron <1k@n*2nIz> pos vb. mod tr. def to regard as holy or as a saint. canonize 3. or canonise syl can+on+ize pron <1k@n*2nIz> pos vb. mod tr. def to sanction by canon law; pronounce valid. canonization sub head canonize or canonisation syl can+on:i+1za+tion pos n. canonisation sub head canonize or canonization syl can+on:i+1sa+tion pos n. canon law 0. syl can+on law pos n. def the codified body of laws enacted by the supreme authorities of a Christian Church, esp. those based on papal and conciliar decisions, governing the affairs of a Christian Church. canonry ety C15: from #7canon %2+-#7ry canonries infl head canonry syl can+on+ries. pos n. mod pl. canonry 1. syl can+on+ry pron <1k@n*nri> pos n. def the office, benefice, or status of a canon. canonry 2. syl can+on+ry pron <1k@n*nri> pos n. def canons collectively. canoodle ety C19: of unknown origin canoodle 0. syl ca+noo+dle pron pos vb. mod intr. qual Slang. usage often foll. by with def to kiss and cuddle; pet; fondle. canoodler sub head canoodle syl ca+1noo+dler pos n. can-opener 0. syl can-o:pen:er pos n. def another name for {tin-opener}. urn infl head Canopic jar or vase syl urn pron pos n. vase infl head Canopic jar or urn syl vase pron pos n. Canopic jar 0. syl Ca+no+pic jar pron pos n. usage in ancient Egypt def one of four containers with tops in the form of animal heads of the gods, for holding the entrails of a mummy. Canopus H1.0. syl Ca+no+pus pron pos n. def the brightest star in the constellation Carina and the second brightest star in the sky. Visual magnitude: -0.7; spectral type: F0; distance: 110 light years. Canopus H2.0. syl Ca+no+pus pron pos n. def a port in ancient Egypt east of Alexandria where granite monuments have been found inscribed with the name of Rameses II and written in languages similar to those of the Rosetta stone. Canopic sub head Canopus syl Ca+1no+pic pos adj. canopy ety C14: from Medieval Latin can*_opeum mosquito net, from Latin c*_on*_opeum gauze net, from Greek k*_on*_opeion bed with protective net, from k*_on*_ops mosquito canopies infl head canopy syl can:o+pies. pos n. mod pl. canopy 1. syl can:o+py pron <1k@n*pi> pos n. def an ornamental awning above a throne or bed or held over a person of importance on ceremonial occasions. canopy 2. syl can:o+py pron <1k@n*pi> pos n. def a rooflike covering over an altar, niche, etc. canopy 3. syl can:o+py pron <1k@n*pi> pos n. def a roofed structure serving as a sheltered passageway or area. canopy 4. syl can:o+py pron <1k@n*pi> pos n. def a large or wide covering, esp. one high above. exam 1 the sky was a grey canopy. canopy 5. syl can:o+py pron <1k@n*pi> pos n. def the nylon or silk hemi?!sphere that forms the supporting surface of a parachute. canopy 6. syl can:o+py pron <1k@n*pi> pos n. def the transparent cover of an aircraft cockpit. canopies infl head canopy syl can:o+pies pos vb. canopying infl head canopy syl can:o+py+ing pos vb. canopied infl head canopy syl can:o+pied. pos vb. canopy 7. syl can:o+py pron <1k@n*pi> pos vb. mod tr. def to cover with or as if with a canopy. canorous ety C17: from Latin can*_orus, from canere to sing canorous 0. syl ca+no+rous pron pos adj. qual Rare. def tuneful; melodious. canorously sub head canorous syl ca+1no+rous+ly pos adv. canorousness sub head canorous syl ca+1no+rous+ness pos n. Canossa 0. syl Ca+nos+sa pron , Italian pos n. def a ruined castle in N Italy, in Emilia near Reggio nell'Emilia: scene of the penance done by the Holy Roman Emperor Henry IV before Pope Gregory VII. Antonio infl head Canova syl An:to:nio pron pos n. Canova 0. syl Ca:no:va pron Italian pos n. def 1757-1822, Italian neoclassical sculptor. cans 0. syl cans pron pos n. mod pl. def an informal name for {headphones}. Cape 1. head Canso syl Cape. def a cape in Canada, at the NE tip of Nova Scotia. Strait of 2. head Canso syl Strait of. def Also called: {Gut of Canso}. a channel in Canada, between the Nova Scotia mainland and S Cape Breton Island. canst 0. syl canst pron pos vb. qual Archaic. def the form of {can%1} used with the pronoun or its relative form. can't 0. syl can't pron pos vb. usage a contraction of def cannot. cant ety C16: probably via Norman French canter to sing, from Latin cant*_are; used disparagingly, from the 12th century, of chanting in religious services cant H1.1. syl cant pron pos n. def insincere talk, esp. concerning religion or morals; pious platitudes. cant H1.2. syl cant pron pos n. def stock phrases that have become meaningless through repetition. cant H1.3. syl cant pron pos n. def specialized vocabulary of a particular group, such as thieves, journalists, or lawyers; jargon. cant H1.4. syl cant pron pos n. def singsong whining speech, as used by beggars. cant H1.5. syl cant pron pos vb. mod intr. def to speak in or use cant. canter sub head cant syl cant+er pos n. cantingly sub head cant syl cant+ing+ly pos adv. cant ety C14 (in the sense: edge, corner): perhaps from Latin canthus iron hoop round a wheel, of obscure origin cant H2.1. syl cant pron pos n. def inclination from a vertical or horizontal plane; slope; slant. cant H2.2. syl cant pron pos n. def a sudden movement that tilts or turns something. cant H2.3. syl cant pron pos n. def the angle or tilt thus caused. cant H2.4. syl cant pron pos n. def a corner or outer angle, esp. of a building. cant H2.5. syl cant pron pos n. def an oblique or slanting surface, edge, or line. cant H2.6. syl cant pron pos vb. mod tr. def to tip, tilt, or overturn, esp. with a sudden jerk. cant H2.7. syl cant pron pos vb. mod tr. def to set in an oblique position. cant H2.8. syl cant pron pos vb. mod tr. def another word for { {bevel} (sense 1)}. cant H2.9. syl cant pron pos adj. def oblique; slanting. cant H2.10. syl cant pron pos adj. def having flat surfaces and without curves. cantic sub head cant syl cant+ic pos adj. cant ety C14: related to Low German kant bold, merry cant H3.0. syl cant pron pos adj. qual Northern Brit. dialect. def lusty; merry; hearty. Cant 1. syl Cant. qual abbrev. for: def Canterbury. Cant 2. syl Cant. qual abbrev. for: def Canticles. Cantab ety Latin: of Cambridge Cantab 0. syl Cantab. pron qual abbrev. for def Cantabrigiensis. cantabile ety Italian, from Late Latin cant*_abilis, from Latin cant*_are to sing infl head cantabile syl ~ pos adj. adv. qual Music. cantabile 1. syl can+ta+bi+le pron pos adj. adv. def singing; as if sung. {~} cantabile 2. syl can+ta+bi+le pron pos adj. adv. def a piece or passage performed in this way. Cantabrian Mountains 0. syl Can+ta+bri:an Moun+tains pron pos n. mod pl. def a mountain chain along the N coast of Spain, consisting of a series of high ridges that rise over 2400m (8000 ft.): rich in minerals (esp. coal and iron). Cantabrigian ety C17: from Medieval Latin Cantabrigia Cantabrigian 1. syl Can+ta+brig+i:an pron <2k@nt*1briJi*n> pos adj. def of, relating to, or characteristic of Cambridge or Cambridge University, or of Cambridge, Massachusetts, or Harvard University. Cantabrigian 2. syl Can+ta+brig+i:an pron <2k@nt*1briJi*n> pos n. def a member or graduate of Cambridge University or Harvard University. Cantabrigian 3. syl Can+ta+brig+i:an pron <2k@nt*1briJi*n> pos n. def an inhabitant or native of Cambridge. Cantal 1. syl Can+tal pron French pos n. def a department of S central France, in the Auvergne region. Capital: Aurillac. Pop.: 173578 (1975). Area: 5779 sq. km (2254 sq. miles). Cantal 2. syl Can+tal pron French pos n. def a hard strong cheese made in this area. cantala ety of unknown origin cantala 1. syl can+ta+la pron pos n. def a tropical American plant, similar to the century plant: family (agaves). cantala 2. syl can+ta+la pron pos n. def the coarse tough fibre of this plant, used in making twine. cantaloupe ety C18: from French, from Cantaluppi, former papal villa near Rome, where it was first cultivated in Europe cantaloup alt head cantaloupe or cantaloupe syl can+ta+loup pron <1k@nt*2lu:p> pos n. cantaloupe 1. or cantaloup syl can+ta+loupe pron <1k@nt*2lu:p> pos n. def a cultivated variety of muskmelon, with ribbed warty rind and orange flesh. cantaloupe 2. or cantaloup syl can+ta+loupe pron <1k@nt*2lu:p> pos n. def any of several other muskmelons. cantankerous ety C18: perhaps from C14 (obsolete) conteckour a contentious person, from conteck strife, from Anglo-French contek, of obscure origin cantankerous 0. syl can+tan+ker+ous pron pos adj. def quarrelsome; irascible. cantankerously sub head cantankerous syl can+1tan+ker+ous+ly pos adv. cantankerousness sub head cantankerous syl can+1tan+ker+ous+ness pos n. cantata ety C18: from Italian, from cantare to sing, from Latin cantata 0. syl can+ta+ta pron pos n. def a musical setting of a text, esp. a religious text, consisting of arias, duets, and choruses interspersed with recitatives. cantatrice 0. syl can+ta+trice pron French pos n. def a female singer, esp. a professional soloist. canteen ety C18: from French cantine, from Italian cantina wine cellar, from canto corner, from Latin canthus iron hoop encircling chariot wheel; see #7cant %2 canteen 1. syl can+teen pron pos n. def a restaurant attached to a factory, school, etc., providing meals for large numbers of people. canteen 2.a. syl can+teen pron pos n. def a small shop that provides a limited range of items, such as toilet requisites, to a military unit. canteen 2.b. syl can+teen pron pos n. def a recreation centre for military personnel. canteen 3. syl can+teen pron pos n. def a soldier's eating and drinking utensils. canteen 4. syl can+teen pron pos n. def a temporary or mobile stand at which food is provided. canteen 5.a. syl can+teen pron pos n. def a box in which a set of cutlery is laid out. canteen 5.b. syl can+teen pron pos n. def the cutlery itself. canteen 6. syl can+teen pron pos n. def a flask or canister for carrying water or other liquids, as used by soldiers or travellers. canter ety C18: short for Canterbury trot, the supposed pace at which pilgrims rode to Canterbury canter 1. syl can+ter pron <1k@nt*> pos n. def an easy three-beat gait of horses, etc., between a trot and a gallop in speed. at a canter 2. head canter syl at a canter. def easily; without effort. exam 1 he won at a canter. canter 3. syl can+ter pron <1k@nt*> pos vb. def to move or cause to move at a canter. Canterbury 1. syl Can+ter+bur:y pron <1k@nt*b*ri>, <-bri> pos n. def a city in SE England, in E Kent: St. Augustine's starting point for the conversion of England (597 #7a.d.) to Christianity; cathedral where St. Thomas *`a Becket was martyred (1170); seat of the archbishop and primate of England; seat of the University of Kent. Pop.: 33157 (1971). Latin name: {Durovernum}. Canterbury 2. syl Can+ter+bur:y pron <1k@nt*b*ri>, <-bri> pos n. def a provincial district of New Zealand, on E central South Island on {Canterbury Bight}: mountainous with coastal lowlands; agricultural. Chief town: Christchurch. Pop.: 182825 (1971). Area: 36440 sq. km (14070 sq. miles). Canterbury 3. syl Can+ter+bur:y pron <1k@nt*b*ri>, <-bri> pos n. def a city in SE Australia, in E New South Wales: a suburb of Sydney. Pop.: 113334 (1971). Canterbury bell 0. syl Can+ter+bur:y bell pos n. def a campanulaceous biennial European plant, widely cultivated for its blue, violet, or white flowers. cantharides ety C15: from Latin, plural of cantharis, from Greek kantharis Spanish fly cantharis infl head cantharides syl can+tha+ris pron <1k@nT*ris> pos n. mod sing. cantharides 0. syl can+thar:i+des pron pos n. mod pl. def a diuretic and urogenital stimulant or irritant prepared from the dried bodies of Spanish fly, once thought to be an aphrodisiac. Also called: {Spanish fly}. Can Tho 0. syl Can Tho pron <1k^n> <1t*u>, <1k@n> pos n. def a town in S Vietnam, on the River Mekong. Pop.: 153769 (1971). dog alt head cant hook or cant hook syl dog pos n. cant hook 0. or dog syl cant hook pos n. qual Forestry. def a wooden pole with an adjustable hook at one end, used for handling logs. canthus ety C17: from New Latin, from Latin: iron tyre canthi infl head canthus syl can+thi pron <-2TI> pos n. mod pl. canthus 0. syl can+thus pron <1k@nT*s> pos n. def the inner or outer corner or angle of the eye, formed by the natural junction of the eyelids. canthal sub head canthus syl can+thal pos adj. canticle ety C13: from Latin canticulum, diminutive of canticus a song, from canere to sing canticle 1. syl can+ti+cle pron <1k@ntikL> pos n. def a nonmetrical hymn, derived from the@T Bible@T and @T used@T in@T the@T liturgy@T of@T certain@T Christian churches. canticle 2. syl can+ti+cle pron <1k@ntikL> pos n. def a song, poem, or hymn, esp. one that is religious in character. Canticle of Canticles 0. syl Can+ti+cle of Can+ti+cles pos n. def another name for the {Song of Solomon}, used in the Douay Bible. cantilena 0. syl can+ti+le:na pron <2k@nti1lAn*> pos n. def a smooth flowing style in the writing of vocal music. cantilever ety C17: perhaps from #7cant %2#7+lever cantilever 1.a. syl can+ti+le:ver pron <1k@nti2lEv*> pos n. def a beam, girder, or structural framework that is fixed at one end only. cantilever 1.b. syl can+ti+le:ver pron <1k@nti2lEv*> pos n. usage as modifier exam 1 a cantilever wing. cantilever 2. syl can+ti+le:ver pron <1k@nti2lEv*> pos n. def a wing or tailplane of an aircraft that has no external bracing or support. cantilever 3. syl can+ti+le:ver pron <1k@nti2lEv*> pos n. def a part of a beam or a structure projecting outwards beyond its support. cantilever 4. syl can+ti+le:ver pron <1k@nti2lEv*> pos vb. mod tr. def to construct (a building member, beam, etc.) so that it is fixed at one end only. cantilever 5. syl can+ti+le:ver pron <1k@nti2lEv*> pos vb. mod intr. def to project like a cantilever. cantilever bridge 0. syl can+ti+le:ver bridge pos n. def a bridge having spans that are constructed as cantilevers. cantillate ety C19: from Late Latin cantill*_are to sing softly, from Latin cant*_are to sing cantillate 1. syl can+til+late pron <1k@nti2lAt> pos vb. def to chant (passages from Scripture) according to the traditional Jewish musical notations provided in the Hebrew Bible. cantillate 2. syl can+til+late pron <1k@nti2lAt> pos vb. def to intone or chant. cantillation sub head cantillate syl can+til+1la+tion pos n. cantina ety from Spanish cantina 0. syl can+ti+na pron pos n. def a bar or wine shop, esp. in a Spanish-speaking country. canting arms 0. syl cant+ing arms pos n. mod pl. qual Heraldry. def a coat of arms making visual reference to the surname of its owner. cantle ety C14: from Old Northern French cantel, from cant corner; see #7cant %2 cantle 1. syl can+tle pron <1k@ntL> pos n. def the back part of a saddle that slopes upwards. cantle 2. syl can+tle pron <1k@ntL> pos n. def a slice; a broken-off piece. canto ety C16: from Italian: song, from Latin cantus, from canere to sing cantos infl head canto syl can+tos. pos n. mod pl. canto 1.a. syl can+to pron <1k@nt*u> pos n. qual Archaic. def a melody or song. canto 1.b. syl can+to pron <1k@nt*u> pos n. def another word for { {cantus} (sense 2)}. canto 2. syl can+to pron <1k@nt*u> pos n. def a main division of a long poem. canton ety C16: from Old French: corner, division, from Italian cantone, from canto corner, from Latin canthus iron rim; see #7cant %2 canton 1. syl can+ton pron <1k@nton>, pos n. def any of the 22 political divisions of Switzerland. canton 2. syl can+ton pron <1k@nton>, pos n. def a subdivision of a French arrondissement. canton 3. syl can+ton pron <1k@nt*n> pos n. qual Heraldry. def a small square or oblong charge on a shield, usually in the top left corner. canton 4. syl can+ton pron pos vb. mod tr. def to divide into cantons. canton 5. syl can+ton pron pos vb. usage esp. formerly def to allocate accommodation to (military personnel, etc.). cantonal sub head canton syl can+ton+al pos adj. Canton 1. syl Can+ton pron pos n. def a port in SE China, capital of Kwangtung province, on the Pearl River: the first Chinese port open to European trade. Pop.: 3000000 (1965 Western est.). Chinese name: {Kwangchow}. Canton 2. syl Can+ton pron <1k@nt*n> pos n. def a city in NE Ohio. Pop.: 106897 (1973 est.). Canton crepe ety C19: named after Canton, China, where it was originally made Canton crepe 0. syl Can+ton crepe pron <1k@nton>, <-t*n> pos n. def a fine crinkled silk or rayon crepe fabric, slightly heavier than crepe de Chine. Cantonese 1. syl Can+ton+ese pron <2k@nt*1nEz> pos n. def the Chinese language spoken in Canton, Kwangtung and Kwangsi provinces, Hong Kong, and elsewhere outside China. Cantonese infl syl Can+ton+ese pos n. mod pl. Cantonese 2. syl Can+ton+ese pron <2k@nt*1nEz> pos n. def a native or inhabitant of Canton or Kwangtung province. {~} Cantonese 3. syl Can+ton+ese pron <2k@nt*1nEz> pos n. def of or relating to Canton, Kwangtung province, or the Chinese language spoken there. Canton flannel ety C19: named after Canton, China Canton flannel 0. syl Can+ton flan+nel pron <1k@nton>, <-t*n> pos n. def another name for {cotton flannel}. cantonment 1. syl can+ton+ment pron pos n. usage Military. esp. formerly def a large training camp. cantonment 2. syl can+ton+ment pron pos n. usage Military. esp. formerly def living accommodation, esp. the winter quarters of a campaigning army. Canton River 0. syl Can+ton Ri+ver pron pos n. def another name for the {Chu Chiang}. cantor ety C16: from Latin: singer, from canere to sing cantor 1. syl can+tor pron <1k@ntc:> pos n. qual Judaism. def the leading singer in the synagogue liturgy. cantor 2. syl can+tor pron <1k@ntc:> pos n. qual Christianity. def the leader of the singing in a church choir. cantorial 1. syl can+to+ri+al pron pos adj. def of or relating to a precentor. cantorial 2. syl can+to+ri+al pron pos adj. usage of part of a choir def on the same side of a cathedral, etc., as the precentor; on the N side of the choir. Compare {decanal}. cantoris ety Latin: genitive of cantor precentor cantoris 0. syl can+tor+is pron pos adj. usage in antiphonal music def to be sung by the cantorial side of a choir. Compare {decani}. cantrip ety C18: Scottish, of unknown origin cantrip 1. syl can+trip pron <1k@ntrip> pos n. qual Scot. def a magic spell. cantrip 2. syl can+trip pron <1k@ntrip> pos n. qual Scot. def a mischievous trick. Cantuar ety Latin: (Arch?!bishop) of Canterbury Cantuar 0. syl Cantuar. pron <1k@ntju2a:> qual abbrev. for def Cantuarensis. cantus ety Latin: song, from canere to sing cantus infl syl can+tus. pos n. mod pl. cantus 1. syl can+tus pron <1k@nt*s> pos n. def a medieval form of church singing; chant. cantus 2. syl can+tus pron <1k@nt*s> pos n. def Also called: {canto}. the highest part in a piece of choral music. cantus 3. syl can+tus pron <1k@nt*s> pos n. usage in 15th- or 16th-century music def a piece of choral music, usually secular, in polyphonic style. cantus firmus ety Medieval Latin, literally: fixed song cantus firmi infl head cantus firmus syl can+tus fir+mi pron <1fR:mE> pos n. mod pl. cantus firmus 0. syl can+tus fir+mus pron <1fR:m*s> pos n. def a melody used as the basis of and usually forming an independ?!ent part in a polyphonic composition. Also called: {can+to fer+mo} (#!k@ant$$$u #!f$z:m$$$u). canty ety C18: see #7cant %3 cantier infl head canty syl cant:i+er pos adj. cantiest infl head canty syl cant:i+est. pos adj. canty 0. syl cant:y pron <1k@nti>, <1ka:n-> pos adj. qual Northern Brit. dialect. def lively; brisk. cantily sub head canty syl cant:i+ly pos adv. cantiness sub head canty syl cant:i+ness pos n. Canuck ety C19: from Canadian+-uck, of uncertain origin Canuck 0. syl Ca+nuck pron pos n. qual Slang, chiefly U.S. def a Canadian, esp. a French Canadian. canulas infl head canula or canulae syl ca+nu+las pron <-2lE> pos n. mod pl. canulae infl head canula or canulas syl ca+nu+lae pron <-2lE> pos n. mod pl. canula 0. syl ca+nu+la pron <1k@njul*> pos n. qual Surgery. def a variant spelling of {cannula}. Cnut infl head Canute or Knut syl Cnut pron pos n. Knut infl head Canute or Cnut syl Knut pron pos n. Canute 0. syl Ca:nute pron pos n. def d. 1035, Danish king of England (1016-35), Denmark (1018-35), and Norway (1028-35). He defeated Edmund II of England (1016), but divided the kingdom with him until Edmund's death. An able ruler, he invaded Scotland (1027) and drove Olaf II from Norway (1028). canvas ety C14: from Norman French canevas, ultimately from Latin cannabis hemp canvas 1.a. syl can+vas pron <1k@nv*s> pos n. def a heavy durable cloth made of cotton, hemp, or jute, used for sails, tents, etc. canvas 1.b. syl can+vas pron <1k@nv*s> pos n. usage as modifier exam 1 a canvas bag. canvas 2.a. syl can+vas pron <1k@nv*s> pos n. def a piece of canvas or a similar material on which a painting is done, usually in oils. canvas 2.b. syl can+vas pron <1k@nv*s> pos n. def a painting on this material, esp. in oils. canvas 3. syl can+vas pron <1k@nv*s> pos n. def a tent or tents collectively. canvas 4. syl can+vas pron <1k@nv*s> pos n. qual Nautical. def any cloth of which sails are made. canvas 5. syl can+vas pron <1k@nv*s> pos n. qual Nautical. def the sails of a vessel collectively. canvas 6. syl can+vas pron <1k@nv*s> pos n. def any coarse loosely woven cloth on which embroidery, tapestry, etc., is done. canvas 7. syl can+vas pron <1k@nv*s> pos n. usage preceded by the def the floor of a boxing or wrestling ring. canvas 8. syl can+vas pron <1k@nv*s> pos n. qual Rowing. def the tapering covered part at either end of a racing boat, sometimes referred to as a unit of length. exam 1 to win by a canvas. canvas 9.a. syl can+vas pron <1k@nv*s> pos n. def in tents. canvas 9.b. syl can+vas pron <1k@nv*s> pos n. qual Nautical. def with sails unfurled. canvasbacks infl head canvasback or canvasback syl can:vas+backs pos n. mod pl. canvasback infl or canvasbacks syl can:vas+back. pos n. mod pl. canvasback 0. syl can:vas+back pron <1k@nv*s2b@k> pos n. def a North American diving duck, the male of which has a white body and reddish-brown head. canvass ety C16: probably from obsolete sense of #7canvas (to toss someone in a canvas sheet, hence, to harass, criticize); the development of current senses is unexplained canvass 1. syl can+vass pron <1k@nv*s> pos vb. def to solicit votes, orders, advertising, etc., from. canvass 2. syl can+vass pron <1k@nv*s> pos vb. def to determine the feelings and opinions of (voters before an election, etc.), esp. by conducting a survey. canvass 3. syl can+vass pron <1k@nv*s> pos vb. def to investigate (something) thoroughly, esp. by discussion or debate. canvass 4. syl can+vass pron <1k@nv*s> pos vb. qual Chiefly U.S. def to inspect (votes) officially to determine their validity. {~} canvass 5. syl can+vass pron <1k@nv*s> pos vb. def a solicitation of opinions, votes, sales orders, etc. canvass 6. syl can+vass pron <1k@nv*s> pos vb. def close inspection; scrutiny. canvasser sub head canvass syl can+vass+er pos n. canyon ety C19: from Spanish ca?~non, from ca?~na tube, from Latin canna cane canon alt head canyon or canyon syl ca+?~non pron <1k@nj*n> pos n. canyon 0. or canon syl can+yon pron <1k@nj*n> pos n. def a gorge or ravine, esp. in North America, usually formed by the down-cutting of a river in a dry area where there is insufficient rainfall to erode the sides of the valley. canzona ety C19: from Italian, from Latin canti*_o song, from canere to sing canzona 0. syl can+zo+na pron pos n. def a type of 16th- or 17th-century contrapuntal music, usually for keyboard, lute, or instrumental ensemble. canzone ety C16: from Italian: song, from Latin canti*_o, from canere to sing canzoni infl head canzone syl can+zo+ni pron <-ni> pos n. mod pl. canzone 1. syl can+zo+ne pron pos n. def a Proven*,cal or Italian lyric, often in praise of love or beauty. canzone 2.a. syl can+zo+ne pron pos n. def a song, usually of a lyrical nature. canzone 2.b. syl can+zo+ne pron pos n. usage in 16th-century choral music def a polyphonic song from which the madrigal developed. canzonet ety C16: Italian canzonetta, diminutive of #7canzone canzonetta alt head canzonet or canzonet syl can+zo+net+ta pron <2k@nz*1net*> pos n. canzonet 0. or canzonetta syl can+zo+net pron <2k@nz*1net> pos n. def a short cheerful or lively song of the 16th to 18th centuries. caoutchouc ety C18: from French, from obsolete Spanish cauchuc, from Quechua caoutchouc 0. syl caou+tchouc pron <1kauCu:k>, <-Cuk> , <-1Cuk> pos n. def another name for { {rubber} %1 (sense 1)}. cap ety Old English c@appe, from Late Latin cappa hood, perhaps from Latin caput head cap 1. syl cap pron pos n. def a covering for the head, esp. a small close-fitting one made of cloth or knitted. cap 2. syl cap pron pos n. def such a covering serving to identify the wearer's rank, occupation, etc.. exam 1 a nurse's cap. cap 3. syl cap pron pos n. def something that protects or covers, esp. a small lid or cover. exam 1 lens cap. cap 4. syl cap pron pos n. def an uppermost surface or part. exam 1 the cap of a wave. cap 5.a. syl cap pron pos n. def See {percussion cap}. cap 5.b. syl cap pron pos n. def a small amount of explosive enclosed in paper and used in a toy gun. cap 6.a. syl cap pron pos n. def an emblematic hat or beret given to someone chosen for a representative team. exam 1 he has won three England caps. cap 6.b. syl cap pron pos n. def a player chosen for such a team. cap 7. syl cap pron pos n. def the upper part of a pedestal in a classical order. cap 8. syl cap pron pos n. def the roof of a windmill, sometimes in the form of a dome. cap 9. syl cap pron pos n. qual Botany. def the pileus of a mushroom or toadstool. cap 10.a. syl cap pron pos n. def money contributed to the funds of a hunt by a follower who is neither a subscriber nor a farmer, in return for a day's hunting. cap 10.b. syl cap pron pos n. def a collection taken at a meet of hounds, esp. for a charity. cap 11.a. syl cap pron pos n. def the natural enamel covering a tooth. cap 11.b. syl cap pron pos n. def an artificial protective covering for a tooth. cap 12. syl cap pron pos n. def See {{Dutch cap} (sense 2)}. cap 13. syl cap pron pos n. def a mortarboard when worn with a gown at an academic ceremony (esp. in the phrase {cap and gown) }. set one's cap for 14. head cap or cat syl set one's cap for usage of a woman def to be determined to win as a husband or lover. cap in hand 15. head cap syl cap in hand. def humbly, as when asking a favour. caps infl head cap syl caps pos vb. mod tr. capping infl head cap syl cap+ping pos vb. mod tr. capped infl head cap syl capped. pos vb. mod tr. cap 16. syl cap pron pos vb. mod tr. def to cover, as with a cap. exam 1 snow capped the mountain tops. cap 17. syl cap pron pos vb. mod tr. qual Informal. def to outdo; excel. exam 1 your story caps them all; exam 2 to cap an anecdote. cap it all 18. head cap syl cap it all. def to provide the finishing touch. exam 1 we had sun, surf, cheap wine, and to cap it all a free car. cap 19. syl cap pron pos vb. mod tr. qual Sport, Brit. def to select (a player) for a representative team. exam 1 he was capped 30 times by Scotland. cap 20. syl cap pron pos vb. mod tr. qual Hunting. def to ask (hunt followers) for a cap. cap 21. syl cap pron pos vb. mod tr. qual Chiefly Scot. def to award a degree to. capper sub head cap syl cap+per pos n. cap ety Latin: chapter cap 1. syl cap. qual abbrev. for: def capacity. cap 2. syl cap. qual abbrev. for: def capital. cap 3. syl cap. qual abbrev. for: def capitalize. cap 4. syl cap. qual abbrev. for: def capital letter. cap 5. syl cap. qual abbrev. for: def caput. capabilities infl head capability syl ca+pa+bil+i:ties. pos n. mod pl. capability 1. syl ca+pa+bil+i:ty pron <2kAp*1biliti> pos n. def the quality of being capable; ability. capability 2. syl ca+pa+bil+i:ty pron <2kAp*1biliti> pos n. def the quality of being susceptible to the use or treatment indicated. exam 1 the capability of a metal to be fused. capability 3. syl ca+pa+bil+i:ty pron <2kAp*1biliti> pos n. mod usually; pl. def a characteristic that may be developed; potential aptitude. Jos'e Ra'ul infl head Capablanca syl Jo:s*'e Ra:*'ul pron pos n. Capablanca 0. syl Ca:pa:blan:ca pron Spanish <2kapa1blaGka> pos n. def called or 1888-1942, Cuban chess player; world champion 1921-27. capable ety C16: from French, from Late Latin cap*_abilis able to take in, from Latin capere to take capable 1. syl ca+pa:ble pron <1kAp*bL> pos adj. def having ability, esp. in many different fields; competent. capable 2. syl ca+pa:ble pron <1kAp*bL> pos adj. usage postpositive; foll. by of def able or having the skill (to do something). exam 1 she is capable of hard work. capable 3. syl ca+pa:ble pron <1kAp*bL> pos adj. usage postpositive; foll. by of def having the temperament or inclination (to do something). exam 1 he seemed capable of murder. capableness sub head capable syl ca+pa:ble+ness pos n. capably sub head capable syl ca+pa:bly pos adv. capacious ety C17: from Latin cap*_ax, from Latin capere to take capacious 0. syl ca+pa+cious pron pos adj. def capable of holding much; roomy; spacious. capaciously sub head capacious syl ca+1pa+cious+ly pos adv. capaciousness sub head capacious syl ca+1pa+cious+ness pos n. capacitance ety C20: from #7capacit (#7y) #7+ -#7ance capacitance 1. syl ca+pac:i+tance pron pos n. def the property of a system that enables it to store electric charge. capacitance 2. syl ca+pac:i+tance pron pos n. def a measure of this, equal to the charge that must be added to such a system to raise its electrical potential by one unit. Symbol. exam 1 C capacitive sub head capacitance syl ca+1pac:i+tive pos adj. capacitively sub head capacitance syl ca+1pac:i+tive+ly pos adv. capacitate 1. syl ca+pac:i+tate pron pos vb. mod tr. def to make legally competent. capacitate 2. syl ca+pac:i+tate pron pos vb. mod tr. qual Rare. def to make capable. capacitation sub head capacitate syl ca+2pac:i+1ta+tion pos n. capacitor 0. syl ca+pac:i+tor pron pos n. def a device for accumulating electric charge, usually consisting of two conducting surfaces separated by a dielectric. Former name: {condenser}. capacity ety C15: from Old French capacite, from Latin cap*_acit*_as, from cap*_ax spacious, from capere to take capacities infl head capacity syl ca+pac+i:ties. pos n. mod pl. capacity 1. syl ca+pac+i:ty pron pos n. def the ability or power to contain, absorb, or hold. capacity 2. syl ca+pac+i:ty pron pos n. def the amount that can be contained; volume. exam 1 a capacity of six gallons. capacity 3.a. syl ca+pac+i:ty pron pos n. def the maximum amount something can contain or absorb (esp. in the phrase {filled to capacity) }. capacity 3.b. syl ca+pac+i:ty pron pos n. usage as modifier exam 1 a capacity crowd. capacity 4. syl ca+pac+i:ty pron pos n. def the ability to understand or learn; aptitude; capability. exam 1 he has a great capacity for Greek. capacity 5. syl ca+pac+i:ty pron pos n. def the ability to do or produce (often in the phrase {at capacity}) . exam 1 the factory's output was not at capacity. capacity 6. syl ca+pac+i:ty pron pos n. def a specified position or function. exam 1 he was employed in the capacity of manager. capacity 7. syl ca+pac+i:ty pron pos n. def a measure of the electrical output of a piece of apparatus such as a motor, generator, or accumulator. capacity 8. syl ca+pac+i:ty pron pos n. qual Electronics. def a former name for {capacitance}. capacity 9.a. syl ca+pac+i:ty pron pos n. def the number of words or characters that can be stored in a particular storage device. capacity 9.b. syl ca+pac+i:ty pron pos n. def the range of numbers that can be processed in a register. capacity 10. syl ca+pac+i:ty pron pos n. def legal compe?!tence. exam 1 the capacity to make a will. cap and bells 0. syl cap and bells pos n. def the traditional garb of a court jester, including a cap with bells attached to it. cap-a-pie ety C16: from Old French cap-a-pie 0. syl cap-a-pie pron <2k@p*1pE> pos adv. usage dressed, armed, etc. def from head to foot. caparison ety C16: via obsolete French from Old Spanish caparaz*'on saddle cloth, probably from capa #7cape %1 caparison 1. syl ca+par:i+son pron pos n. def a decorated covering for a horse or other animal, esp. (formerly) for a warhorse. caparison 2. syl ca+par:i+son pron pos n. def rich or elaborate clothing and ornaments. caparison 3. syl ca+par:i+son pron pos vb. mod tr. def to put a caparison on. cape ety C16: from French, from Proven*,cal capa, from Late Latin cappa; see #7cap cape H1.1. syl cape pron pos n. def a sleeveless garment like a cloak but usually shorter. cape H1.2. syl cape pron pos n. def a strip of material attached to a coat or other garment so as to fall freely, usually from the shoulders. cape ety C14: from Old French cap, from Old Proven*,cal, from Latin caput head cape H2.0. syl cape pron pos n. def a headland or promontory. the infl head Cape syl the. pos n. Cape 1. syl Cape pron pos n. def the SW region of the Cape Province of South Africa. Cape 2. syl Cape pron pos n. def See {Cape of Good Hope}. Cape Breton Island 0. syl Cape Bret+on Is+land pos n. def an island off SE Canada, in NE Nova Scotia, separated from the mainland by the Strait of Canso: its easternmost point is {Cape Breton}. Pop.: 170007 (1971). Area: 10280 sq. km (3970 sq. miles). Cape buffalo 0. syl Cape buf+fa+lo pos n. def another name for { {buffalo} (sense 1)}. Cape Cod 1. syl Cape Cod pos n. def a long sandy peninsula in SE Massachusetts, between {Cape Cod Bay} and the Atlantic. Cape Cod 2. syl Cape Cod pos n. def a one-storey cottage of timber construction with a simple gable roof and a large central chimney: originated on Cape Cod in the 18th century. Also called: {Cape Cod cottage}. Cape Colony 0. syl Cape Col:o+ny pos n. def the former name (until 1910) of the {Cape Province} of South Africa. Cape Coloured 0. syl Cape Col+oured pos n. usage in South Africa def another name for a { {Coloured} (sense 2)}. Cape doctor 0. syl Cape doc+tor pos n. qual S. African informal. def a strong fresh SE wind blowing in the vicinity of Cape Town, esp. in the summer. Cape Dutch 0. syl Cape Dutch pos n. def an obsolete name for {Afrikaans}. Cape Flats 0. syl Cape Flats pos n. mod pl. def the strip of low-lying land in South Africa joining the Cape Peninsula proper to the African mainland. cape gooseberry 0. syl cape goose+ber:ry pos n. def another name for {strawberry tomato}. Cape Horn 0. syl Cape Horn pos n. def a rocky headland on an island at the extreme S tip of South America, belonging to Chile. It is notorious for gales and heavy seas; until the building of the Panama Canal it lay on the only sea route between the Atlantic and the Pacific. Also called: {the Horn}. Cape jasmine 0. syl Cape jas+mine pos n. def a widely cultivated gardenia shrub, See {gardenia}. Karel infl head vCapek syl Ka:rel pron <1karel> pos n. vCapek 0. syl *vCa:pek pron Czech <1Capek> pos n. def 1890-1938, Czech dramatist and novelist; author of (1921), which introduced the word @6robot@9, and (with his brother {Josef}) (1921). capelin ety C17: from French capelan, from Old Proven*,cal, literally: #7chaplain caplin alt head capelin or capelin syl cap+lin pron <1k@plin> pos n. capelin 0. or caplin syl cap+e:lin pron <1k@p*lin> pos n. def a small marine food fish, occurring in northern and Arctic seas: family (smelts). Capella ety C17: New Latin, from Latin, diminutive of capra she-goat, from caper goat Capella 0. syl Ca+pel+la pron pos n. def the brightest star in the constellation Auriga; it is a yellow giant and a spectroscopic binary. Visual magnitude: 0.1; spectral type: G8; distance: 46 light years. Cape of Good Hope 0. syl Cape of Good Hope pos n. def a cape in SW South Africa south of Cape Town. Cape Peninsula 0. syl Cape Pen+in+su+la pos n. usage in South Africa def the peninsula and the part of the mainland on which Cape Town and most of its suburbs are located. Cape Province 0. syl Cape Prov+ince pos n. def a province occupying the southern tip of South Africa: mainly a high plateau, rising over 2700 m (9000 ft.). Capital: Cape Town. Pop.: 4224150 (1970). Area: 720000 sq. km (278380 sq. miles). Former name (until 1910): {Cape Colony}. caper ety C16: probably from #7capriole caper H1.1. syl ca+per pron <1kAp*> pos n. def a playful skip or leap. caper H1.2. syl ca+per pron <1kAp*> pos n. def a high-spirited escapade. cut a caper 3. head caper syl cut a caper. def to leap or dance about. caper H1.4. syl ca+per pron <1kAp*> pos n. qual U.S. slang. def a crime, esp. an organized robbery. caper H1.5. syl ca+per pron <1kAp*> pos vb. mod intr. def to leap or dance about in a light-hearted manner. caperer sub head caper syl ca+per+er pos n. caperingly sub head caper syl ca+per+ing+ly pos adv. caper ety C15: from earlier capers, capres (assumed to be plural), from Latin capparis, from Greek kapparis caper H2.1. syl ca+per pron <1kAp*> pos n. def a spiny trailing Mediterranean cappari?!daceous shrub, with edible flower buds. caper H2.2. syl ca+per pron <1kAp*> pos n. def any of various similar plants or their edible parts. See also {bean caper}. capercaillie ety C16: from Scottish Gaelic capull coille horse of the woods capercailzie alt head capercaillie or capercaillie syl cap+er+cail+zie pron <2k@p*1kAlji>, <-1kAlzi> pos n. capercaillie 0. or capercailzie syl cap+er+cail+lie pron <2k@p*1kAlji> pos n. def a large European woodland grouse, having a black plumage and fan-shaped tail in the male. Capernaum 0. syl Ca+per+na+um pron pos n. def a ruined town in N Israel, on the NW shore of the Sea of Galilee: closely associated with Jesus Christ during his ministry. capers 0. syl ca+pers pron <1kAp*z> pos n. mod pl. def the flower buds of the caper plant, which are pickled and used as a condiment. capeskin ety C19: named after the Cape of Good Hope capeskin 1. syl cape+skin pron <1kAp2skin> pos n. def a soft leather obtained from the skins of a type of lamb or sheep having hairlike wool. capeskin 2. syl cape+skin pron <1kAp2skin> pos adj. def made of this leather. Cape sparrow 0. syl Cape spar+row pos n. def a sparrow, very common in southern Africa: family Also called (esp. in South Africa): {mossie}. Hugh infl head Capet or Hugues syl Hugh pos n. Hugues infl head Capet or Hugh syl Hugues pos n. Capetian 1. syl Ca+pe:tian pron pos n. def a member of the dynasty founded by Hugh Capet, which ruled France from 987-1328 #7a.d. {~} Capetian 2. syl Ca+pe:tian pron pos n. def of or relating to the Capetian kings or their rule. Cape Town 0. syl Cape Town pos n. def the legislative capital of South Africa and capital of Cape Province, situated in the southwest on Table Bay: founded in 1652, the first White settlement in southern Africa; important port. Pop.: 691296 (1970). Cape Verde Islands 0. syl Cape Verde Is+lands pron pos n. mod pl. def a group of volcanic islands in the Atlantic, west of Cape Verde, Senegal: an overseas territory of Portugal until 1975, when the islands became independent; eventual union with Guinea-Bissau is planned. Capital: Praia. Pop.: 272071 (1970). Area: 4033 sq. km (1557 sq. miles). Cape Wrath 0. syl Cape Wrath pron pos n. def a promontory at the NW extremity of the Scottish mainland. Cape York 0. syl Cape York pos n. def the northernmost point of the Australian mainland, in N Queensland on the Torres Strait at the tip of {Cape York Peninsula} (a peninsula between the Coral Sea and the Gulf of Carpentaria). Cap-Haitien 0. syl Cap-Ha:i:tien pron French , <-1tj?~e> pos n. def a port in N Haiti: capital during the French colonial period. Pop.: 30000 (1971 est.). Also called: {Le Cap} (l$$ #!kap). capias ety C15: from Latin, literally: you must take, from capere capias 0. syl ca+pi+as pron <1kApi2@s>, <1k@p-> pos n. qual Law. def a writ directing a sheriff or other officer to arrest a named person. capillaceous ety C18: from Latin capill*_aceus hairy, from capillus hair capillaceous 1. syl cap+il+la+ceous pron <2k@pi1lAS*s> pos adj. def having numerous filaments resembling hairs or threads. capillaceous 2. syl cap+il+la+ceous pron <2k@pi1lAS*s> pos adj. def resembling a hair; capillary. capillarity 0. syl cap+il+lar+i:ty pron <2k@pi1l@riti> pos n. def a phenomenon caused by surface tension and resulting in the distortion, elevation, or depression of the surface of a liquid in contact with a solid. Also called: {capillary action}. capillary ety C17: from Latin capill*_aris, from capillus hair capillary 1. syl ca+pil+lar:y pron pos adj. def resembling a hair; slender. capillary 2. syl ca+pil+lar:y pron pos adj. usage of tubes def having a fine bore. capillary 3. syl ca+pil+lar:y pron pos adj. qual Anatomy. def of or relating to any of the delicate thin-walled blood vessels that form an interconnecting network between the arterioles and the venules. capillary 4. syl ca+pil+lar:y pron pos adj. qual Physics. def of or relating to capillarity. capillaries infl head capillary syl ca+pil+lar:ies. pos n. mod pl. capillary 5. syl ca+pil+lar:y pron pos n. qual Anatomy. def any of the capillary blood vessels. capillary 6. syl ca+pil+lar:y pron pos n. def a fine hole or narrow passage in any substance. capillary tube 0. syl ca+pil+lar:y tube pos n. def a glass tube with a fine bore and thick walls, used in thermometers, etc. capita 1. syl cap:i+ta pron <1k@pit*> pos n. def See {per capita}. capita 2. syl cap:i+ta pron <1k@pit*> pos n. qual Anatomy. def the plural of {caput}. capital ety C13: from Latin capit*_alis (adj.) concerning the head, chief, from caput head; compare Medieval Latin capit*_ale (n.) wealth, from capit*_alis (adj.) capital H1.1.a. syl cap:i+tal pron <1k@pitL> pos n. def the seat of government of a country or other political unit. capital H1.1.b. syl cap:i+tal pron <1k@pitL> pos n. usage as modifier exam 1 a capital city. capital H1.2. syl cap:i+tal pron <1k@pitL> pos n. def material wealth owned by an individual or business enterprise. capital H1.3. syl cap:i+tal pron <1k@pitL> pos n. def wealth available for or capable of use in the production of further wealth, as by industrial investment. make capital (out) of 4. head capital syl make capital (out) of. def to get advantage from. capital H1.5. syl cap:i+tal pron <1k@pitL> pos n. usage sometimes cap. def the capitalist class or their interests. exam 1 capital versus labour. capital H1.6.a. syl cap:i+tal pron <1k@pitL> pos n. def the ownership interests of a business as represented by the excess of assets over liabilities. capital H1.6.b. syl cap:i+tal pron <1k@pitL> pos n. def the nominal value of the authorized or issued shares. capital H1.6.c. syl cap:i+tal pron <1k@pitL> pos n. usage as modifier exam 1 capital issues. capital H1.7. syl cap:i+tal pron <1k@pitL> pos n. def any assets or resources, esp. when used to gain profit or advantage. capital H1.8.a. syl cap:i+tal pron <1k@pitL> pos n. def a capital letter. Abbrev.: {cap} {cap}. capital H1.8.b. syl cap:i+tal pron <1k@pitL> pos n. usage as modifier exam 1 capital B. B infl head capital syl B pos adj. etc infl head capital syl etc. pos adj. infl head capital syl ~ pos adj. qual M. capital H1.10. syl cap:i+tal pron <1k@pitL> pos n. qual Law. usage prenominal def involving or punish?!able by death. exam 1 a capital offence. capital H1.11. syl cap:i+tal pron <1k@pitL> pos n. def very serious; fatal. exam 1 a capital error. capital H1.12. syl cap:i+tal pron <1k@pitL> pos n. def primary, chief, or principal. exam 1 our capital concern is that everyone be fed. capital H1.13. syl cap:i+tal pron <1k@pitL> pos n. def of, relating to, or designat?!ing the large modern majuscule letter used chiefly as the initial letter in personal names and place names and other uniquely specificatory nouns, and often for abbreviations and acronyms. Compare { {small} (sense 8)}. See also {upper case}. capital H1.14. syl cap:i+tal pron <1k@pitL> pos n. qual Chiefly Brit. def excellent; first-rate. exam 1 a capital idea. capital ety C14: from Old French capitel, from Late Latin capitellum, diminutive of caput head capital H2.0. syl cap:i+tal pron <1k@pitL> pos n. def the upper part of a column or pier that supports the entablature. Also called: {chapiter, cap}. capital account 1. syl cap:i+tal ac+count pos n. qual Economics. def that portion of the balance of payments composed of capital movements and international loans and grants. Compare { {current account} (sense 2)}. capital account 2. syl cap:i+tal ac+count pos n. qual Accounting. def a statement of the net value of a business at a specified date. It is defined as total assets minus total liabilities and represents ownership interests. capital account 3. syl cap:i+tal ac+count pos n. qual U.S. def an account of fixed assets. capital assets 0. syl cap:i+tal as+sets pos n. mod pl. def another name for {fixed assets}. capital expenditure 0. syl cap:i+tal ex+pen+di+ture pos n. def expenditure on acquisitions of or improvements to fixed assets. capital gain 0. syl cap:i+tal gain pos n. def the amount by which the selling price of a financial asset exceeds its cost. capital gains tax 0. syl cap:i+tal gains tax pos n. def a tax on the profit made from sale of an asset. capital goods 0. syl cap:i+tal goods pos n. mod pl. qual Economics. def goods that are themselves utilized in the production of other goods rather than being sold to consumers. Also called: {producer goods}. Compare {consumer goods}. capitalism 0. syl cap:i+tal+ism pron <1k@pit*2liz*m> pos n. def an economic system based on the private ownership of the means of production, distribution, and exchange, characterized by the freedom of capitalists to operate or manage their property for profit in competitive conditions. Also called: {free enterprise, private enterprise}. Compare { {socialism} (sense 1)}. capitalist 1. syl cap:i+tal+ist pron <1k@pit*2list> pos n. def a person who owns capital, esp. capital invested in a business. capitalist 2. syl cap:i+tal+ist pron <1k@pit*2list> pos n. qual Politics. def a supporter of capitalism. capitalist 3. syl cap:i+tal+ist pron <1k@pit*2list> pos n. qual Informal, usually derogatory. def a rich person. capitalist 4. syl cap:i+tal+ist pron <1k@pit*2list> pos adj. def of or relating to capital, capitalists, or capitalism. capitalistic sub head capitalist syl cap:i+tal+1ist+ic pos adj. capitalisation alt head capitalization or capitalization syl cap:i+tal:i+sa+tion pron <2k@pit*lI1zAS*n> pos n. capitalization 1.a. or capitalisation syl cap:i+tal:i+za+tion pron <2k@pit*lI1zAS*n> pos n. def the act of capitalizing. capitalization 1.b. or capitalisation syl cap:i+tal:i+za+tion pron <2k@pit*lI1zAS*n> pos n. def the sum so derived. capitalization 2. or capitalisation syl cap:i+tal:i+za+tion pron <2k@pit*lI1zAS*n> pos n. qual Accounting. def the par value of the total share capital issued by a company, sometimes including the loan capital and re?!serves. capitalization 3. or capitalisation syl cap:i+tal:i+za+tion pron <2k@pit*lI1zAS*n> pos n. def the act of estimating the present value of future payments, earnings, etc. capitalization 4. or capitalisation syl cap:i+tal:i+za+tion pron <2k@pit*lI1zAS*n> pos n. def the act of writing or printing in capital letters. capitalization issue 0. syl cap:i+tal:i+za+tion is+sue pos n. def another name for {rights issue}. capitalise alt head capitalize or capitalize syl cap:i+tal+ise pron <1k@pit*2lIz> pos vb. mod mainly; tr. capitalize 1. or capitalise syl cap:i+tal+ize pron <1k@pit*2lIz> pos vb. mod intr. usage foll. by on def to take advantage (of); profit (by). capitalize 2. or capitalise syl cap:i+tal+ize pron <1k@pit*2lIz> pos vb. mod mainly; tr. def to write or print (text) in capital letters or with the first letter of (a word or words) in capital letters. capitalize 3. or capitalise syl cap:i+tal+ize pron <1k@pit*2lIz> pos vb. mod mainly; tr. def to convert (debt or retained earnings) into capital stock. capitalize 4. or capitalise syl cap:i+tal+ize pron <1k@pit*2lIz> pos vb. mod mainly; tr. def to authorize (a business enterprise) to issue a specified amount of capital stock. capitalize 5. or capitalise syl cap:i+tal+ize pron <1k@pit*2lIz> pos vb. mod mainly; tr. qual Account?!ing. def to treat (expenditures) as assets. capitalize 6.a. or capitalise syl cap:i+tal+ize pron <1k@pit*2lIz> pos vb. mod mainly; tr. def to estimate the present value of (a periodical income). capitalize 6.b. or capitalise syl cap:i+tal+ize pron <1k@pit*2lIz> pos vb. mod mainly; tr. def to compute the present value of (a business) from actual or potential earnings. capital levy 0. syl cap:i+tal lev:y pos n. def a tax on capital or property as contrasted with a tax on income. capitally 0. syl cap:i+tal+ly pron <1k@pit*li> pos adv. qual Chiefly Brit. def in an excellent manner; admirably. capital market 0. syl cap:i+tal mar+ket pos n. def the financial institutions collectively that deal with medium-term and long-term capital and loans. Compare {money market}. capital punishment 0. syl cap:i+tal pun+ish+ment pos n. def the punishment of death for a crime; death penalty. capital ship 0. syl cap:i+tal ship pos n. def one of the largest and most heavily armed ships in a naval fleet. capital stock 1. syl cap:i+tal stock pos n. def the par value of the total share capital that a company is authorized to issue. capital stock 2. syl cap:i+tal stock pos n. def the total physical capital existing in an economy at any moment of time. capital surplus 0. syl cap:i+tal sur+plus pos n. def another name (esp. U.S.) for {share premium}. capital transfer tax 0. syl cap:i+tal trans+fer tax pos n. usage in Britain def a tax payable at progressive rates on the cumulative total of gifts of money or property made during the donor's lifetime or after his death. Also called: {gift tax}. capitate ety C17: from Latin capit*_atus having a (large) head, from caput head capitate 1. syl cap:i+tate pron <1k@pi2tAt> pos adj. qual Botany. def shaped like a head, as certain flowers or inflorescences. capitate 2. syl cap:i+tate pron <1k@pi2tAt> pos adj. qual Zoology. def having an en?!larged headlike end. exam 1 a capitate bone. capitation ety C17: from Late Latin capit*_ati*_o, from Latin caput head capitation 1. syl cap:i+ta+tion pron <2k@pi1tAS*n> pos n. def a tax levied on the basis of a fixed amount per head. capitation grant 2. head capitation syl capitation grant. def a grant of money given to every person who qualifies under certain conditions. capitation 3. syl cap:i+ta+tion pron <2k@pi1tAS*n> pos n. def the process of assessing or numbering by counting heads. capitative sub head capitation syl cap:i+ta+tive pos adj. Capitol ety C14: from Latin Capit*_olium, from caput head Capitol 1.a. syl Cap:i+tol pron <1k@pitL> pos n. def another name for the {Capitoline}. Capitol 1.b. syl Cap:i+tol pron <1k@pitL> pos n. def the temple on the Capitoline. Capithe 2. head Capitol syl Cap:i+the. def the main building of the U.S. Congress. Capitol 3. syl Cap:i+tol pron <1k@pitL> pos n. usage sometimes not cap. def Also called: {statehouse}. (in the U.S.) the building housing any state legislature. Capithe 1. head Capitoline syl Cap:i+the. def the most important of the Seven Hills of Rome. The temple of Jupiter was on the southern summit and the ancient citadel on the northern summit. {~} Capitoline 2. syl Cap:i+to+line pron <1k@pit%*!lIn>, pos n. def of or relating to the Capitoline or the temple of Jupiter. capitular ety C17: from Medieval Latin capitul*_aris, from capitulum #7chapter capitular 1. syl ca+pit:u+lar pron pos adj. def of or associated with a cathedral chapter. capitular 2. syl ca+pit:u+lar pron pos adj. def of or relating to a capitulum. capitularly sub head capitular syl ca+1pit:u+lar+ly pos adv. capitulary ety C17: from Medieval Latin capitul*_aris; see #7capitu?!lar capitularies infl head capitulary syl ca+pit:u+lar+ies. pos n. mod pl. capitulary 0. syl ca+pit:u+lar:y pron pos n. def any of the collections of ordinances promulgated by the Frankish kings (8th-10th centuries #7a.d.) . capitulate ety C16 (meaning: to arrange under heads, draw up in order; hence, to make terms of surrender): from Medieval Latin capitulare to draw up under heads, from capitulum #7chapter capitulate 0. syl ca+pit:u+late pron pos vb. mod intr. def to surrender, esp. under agreed conditions. capitulator sub head capitulate syl ca+1pit:u+2la+tor pos n. capitulation 1. syl ca+pit:u+la+tion pron pos n. def the act of capitulating. capitulation 2. syl ca+pit:u+la+tion pron pos n. def a document containing terms of surrender. capitulation 3. syl ca+pit:u+la+tion pron pos n. def a statement summarizing the main divisions of a subject. capitulatory sub head capitulation syl ca+1pit:u+la+to:ry pos adj. capitulum ety C18: from Latin, literally: a little head, from caput head capitula infl head capitulum syl ca+pit:u+la pron <-l*> pos n. mod pl. capitulum 1. syl ca+pit:u+lum pron pos n. def a racemose inflorescence in the form of a disc of sessile flowers, the youngest at the centre. It occurs in the daisy and related plants. capitulum 2. syl ca+pit:u+lum pron pos n. qual Anatomy, zoology. def a headlike part, esp. the enlarged knoblike terminal part of a long bone, antenna, etc. caplin 0. syl cap+lin pron <1k@plin> pos n. def a variant spelling of {capelin}. capo ety from Italian capo tasto head stop capos infl head capo syl ca:pos. pos n. mod pl. capo H1.0. syl ca:po pron <1kAp*u>, <1k@p*u> pos n. def a device fitted across all the strings of a guitar, lute, etc., so as to raise the pitch of each string simultaneously. Compare {barr*'e}. Also called: {ca@.po tas+to} (#!k@ap$$$u #!t@ast$$$u). capo ety Italian: head capos infl head capo syl ca:pos. pos n. mod pl. capo H2.0. syl ca:po pron <1k@p*u>, Italian <1kapo>, Italian <1kapo> pos n. def the presumed title of a leader in the Mafia. cap of maintenance 0. syl cap of main+te+nance pos n. def a ceremonial cap or hat worn or carried as a symbol of office, rank, etc. capon ety Old English capun, from Latin c*_ap*_o capon; related to Greek koptein to cut off capon 0. syl ca+pon pron <1kAp*n> pos n. def a castrated cock fowl fattened for eating. Alphonse infl head Capone syl Al:phonse pos n. Capone 0. syl Ca:pone pron pos n. def called 1899-1947, U.S. gangster in Chicago during Prohibition. caponise alt head caponize or caponize syl ca+pon+ise pron <1kAp*2nIz> pos vb. mod tr. caponize 0. or caponise syl ca+pon+ize pron <1kAp*2nIz> pos vb. mod tr. def to make (a cock) into a capon. caporal ety C19: from French tabac du caporal corporal's tobacco, denoting its superiority to tabac du soldat soldier's tobacco caporal 0. syl cap:o+ral pron <2k@p*1ra:l> pos n. def a strong coarse dark tobacco. Caporetto 0. syl Cap:o+ret+to pron <2kapo1rAtto> pos n. def the Italian name for {Kobarid}. capote ety C19: from French: cloak, from cape; see #7cape %1 capote 0. syl ca+pote pron , French pos n. def a long cloak or soldier's coat, usually with a hood. Cappadocia 0. syl Cap+pa+do+ci:a pron <2k@p*1d*usi*> pos n. def an ancient region of E Asia Minor famous for its horses. Cappadocian sub head Cappadocia syl Cap+pa+1do+ci:an pos adj. n. capparidaceous ety C19: from New Latin Capparidaceae, from Latin capparis caper capparidaceous 0. syl cap+pa+ri+da+ceous pron <2k@p*ri1dAS*s> pos adj. def of, relating to, or belonging to the a family of plants, mostly shrubs including the caper, of warm and tropical regions. cappie ety C19: diminutive of C18 cap wooden drinking vessel, from Old English copp or Old Norse koppr cappie 0. syl cap+pie pron <1k@pi> pos n. qual Central Scot. dialect. def an ice-cream cone. cappuccino ety Italian: #7capuchin cappuccinos infl head cappuccino syl cap+puc+ci+nos. pos n. mod pl. cappuccino 0. syl cap+puc+ci+no pron <2k@pu1CEn*u> pos n. def coffee with steamed milk, sometimes served with whipped cream. capreolate ety C18: from Latin capreolus tendril capreolate 0. syl cap+re:o+late pron <1k@pri*2lAt>, pos adj. qual Biology. def possessing or resembling tendrils. Capri 0. syl Ca+pri pron , Italian <1ka:pri> pos n. def an island off W Italy, in the Bay of Naples: resort since Roman times. Pop.: 7723 (1971). Area: about 13 sq. km (5 sq. miles). capric acid ety C19: from Latin caper goat, so named from its smell capric acid 0. syl cap+ric ac:id pron <1k@prik> pos n. def another name for {decanoic acid}. capriccio ety C17: from Italian: #7caprice caprice alt head capriccio or capriccio syl ca+price pron <-1prECi> pos n. capriccios infl head capriccio syl ca+pric+ci:os pron <-1prECi> pos n. mod pl. capricci infl head capriccio or caprices syl ca+pric+ci pron <-1prECi> pos n. mod pl. caprices infl head capriccio or capricci syl ca+pric:es. pos n. mod pl. capriccio 0. or caprice syl ca+pric+ci:o pron pos n. qual Music. def a lively piece composed free?!ly and without adhering to the rules for any specific musical form. capriccioso ety Italian: from capriccio #7caprice capriccioso 0. syl ca+pric+ci:o+so pron pos adv. qual Music. def to be played in a free and lively style. caprice ety C17: from French, from Italian capriccio a shiver, caprice, from capo head +riccio hedgehog, suggesting a convulsive shudder in which the hair stood on end like a hedgehog's spines; meaning also influ?!enced by Italian capra goat, by folk etymology caprice 1. syl ca+price pron pos n. def a sudden or unpredictable change of attitude,@T behaviour,@T etc.; @T whim. {$D.@T} a@T tendency@T to@T such changes. caprice 2. syl ca+price pron pos n. def another word for {capriccio}. capricious 0. syl ca+pri+cious pron pos adj. def characterized by or liable to sudden unpredictable changes in attitude or behaviour; impulsive; fickle. capriciously sub head capricious syl ca+1pri+cious+ly pos adv. capriciousness sub head capricious syl ca+1pri+cious+ness pos n. Capricorn ety C14: from Latin Capricornus (translating Greek aigoker*_os goat-horned) from caper goat+ corn*_u horn Capricorn 1.a. syl Cap+ri+corn pron <1k@pri2kc:n> pos n. def Also called: the {Goat, Capricornus}. the tenth sign of the zodiac, symbol ###800101 , having a cardinal earth classification and ruled by the planet Saturn. The sun is in this sign between about Dec. 22 and Jan. 19. Capricorn 1.b. syl Cap+ri+corn pron <1k@pri2kc:n> pos n. def a person born during the period when the sun is in this sign. Capricorn 2. syl Cap+ri+corn pron <1k@pri2kc:n> pos n. qual Astronomy. def another name for {Capricornus}. Capricorn 3. syl Cap+ri+corn pron <1k@pri2kc:n> pos n. def See {tropic of Capricorn}. See { {tropic} (sense 1)}. Capricorn 4. syl Cap+ri+corn pron <1k@pri2kc:n> pos adj. qual Astrology. def born under or characteristic of Capricorn. Capricorn xref syl Cap+ri+corn pron <1k@pri2kc:n> pos n. def Also (for senses 1b., 4): {Cap+ri+cor+ne@.an} (@!k@apr$I#!k@$$:n$I$$n). Capricorni infl head Capricornus syl Cap+ri+cor+ni pron <-nI> pos n. qual Latin genitive Capricornus 0. syl Cap+ri+cor+nus pron <2k@pri1kc:n*s> pos n. def a faint zodiacal constellation in the S hemisphere, lying between Sagittarius and Aquarius. caprification ety C17: from Latin caprif*_ic*_ati*_o, from caprif*_ic*_are to pollinate figs by this method, from caprif*_icus #7caprifig caprification 0. syl cap+ri+fi+ca+tion pron <2k@prifi1kAS*n> pos n. def a method of pollinating the edible fig by hanging branches of caprifig flowers in edible fig trees. Parasitic wasps in the caprifig flowers transfer pollen to the edible fig flowers. caprifig ety C15: from Latin caprif*_icus literally: goat fig, from caper goat+ f*_icus #7fig %1 caprifig 0. syl cap+ri+fig pron <1k@pri2fig> pos n. def a wild variety of fig, of S Europe and SW Asia, used in the caprification of the edible fig. caprifoliaceous ety C19: from New Latin caprifoli*_aceae, from caprifolium type genus, from Medieval Latin: honeysuckle, from Latin caper goat+ folium leaf caprifoliaceous 0. syl cap+ri+fo+li:a+ceous pron <2k@pri2f*uli1AS*s> pos adj. def of, relating to, or belonging to the a family of N temperate shrubs or small trees including honeysuckle, elder, and guelder-rose. caprine ety C17: from Latin capr*_inus, from caper goat caprine 0. syl cap+rine pron <1k@prIn> pos adj. def of or resembling a goat. capriole ety C16: from French, from Old Italian capriola, from capriolo roebuck, from Latin capreolus, caper goat capriole 1. syl cap+ri+ole pron <1k@pri2*ul> pos n. qual Dressage. def a high upward but not forward leap made by a horse with all four feet off the ground. capriole 2. syl cap+ri+ole pron <1k@pri2*ul> pos n. qual Dancing. def a leap from bent knees. capriole 3. syl cap+ri+ole pron <1k@pri2*ul> pos vb. mod intr. def to perform a capriole. Capris alt head Capri pants or Capri pants syl Ca+pris pos n. mod pl. Capri pants 0. or Capris syl Ca+pri pants pos n. mod pl. def women's tight-fitting trousers. cap rock 1. syl cap rock pos n. def a layer of rock that overlies a salt dome and consists of limestone, gypsum, etc. cap rock 2. syl cap rock pos n. def a layer of relatively impervious rock overlying an oil- or gas-bearing rock. caproic acid ety C19: caproic, from Latin caper goat, alluding to its smell caproic acid 0. syl ca+pro+ic ac:id pron pos n. def another name for {hexanoic acid}. caps 1. syl caps. qual abbrev. for: def capital letters. caps 2. syl caps. qual abbrev. for: def capsule. capsaicin ety C19 capsicine, from #7capsicum+ -#7ine %2; modern form refashioned from Latin capsa box, case+-#7in capsaicin 0. syl cap+sa:i+cin pron pos n. def a colourless crystalline bitter alkaloid found in capsicums and used as a flavouring in vinegar and pickles. Formula: C\1\8H\2\7O\3N. cap screw 0. syl cap screw pos n. def a screwed bolt with a cylindrical head having a hexagonal recess. The bolt is turned using a wrench of hexagonal cross section. Capsian ety C20: from French capsien, from Capsa, Latinized form of Gafsa, Tunisia Capsian 1. syl Cap+si:an pron <1k@psi*n> pos n. def a late Palaeolithic culture, dating from about 12000 #7b.c., found mainly around the salt lakes of Tunisia. The culture is characterized by the presence of microliths, backed blades, and engraved limestone slabs. Capsian 2. syl Cap+si:an pron <1k@psi*n> pos adj. def of or relating to this culture. capsicum ety C18: from New Latin, from Latin capsa box, #7case %2 capsicum 1. syl cap+si+cum pron <1k@psik*m> pos n. def any tropical American plant of the solanaceous genus such as having mild or pungent seeds enclosed in a pod-shaped or bell-shaped fruit. capsicum 2. syl cap+si+cum pron <1k@psik*m> pos n. def the fruit of any of these plants, used as a vegetable or ground to produce a condiment. {~} See also { {pepper} (sense 4)}. capsid ety C19: from New Latin Capsus (genus) capsid H1.0. syl cap+sid pron <1k@psid> pos n. def any heteropterous bug of the family (formerly most of which feed on plant tissues, causing damage to crops. capsid ety C20: from French capside, from Latin capsa box capsid H2.0. syl cap+sid pron <1k@psid> pos n. def the outer protein coat of a mature virus. capsize ety C18: of uncertain origin &- cap+#!siz+al n. capsize 0. syl cap+size pron pos vb. def to overturn accidentally; upset. capstan ety C14: from Old Proven*,cal cabestan, from Latin capistrum a halter, from capere to seize capstan 1. syl cap+stan pron <1k@pst*n> pos n. def a windlass with a vertical drum turned by a lever or motor and equipped with a ratchet, used on ships for hauling in ropes, etc. capstan 2. syl cap+stan pron <1k@pst*n> pos n. def any similar device, such as the rotating shaft in a tape recorder that pulls the tape past the head. capstan bar 0. syl cap+stan bar pos n. def a lever, often wooden, for turning a capstan. capstan lathe 0. syl cap+stan lathe pos n. def a lathe for repetitive work, having a rotatable turret resembling a capstan to hold tools for successive operations. Also called: {turret lathe}. copestone alt head capstone or capstone syl cope+stone pron <1k*up2st*un> pos n. capstone 0. or copestone syl cap+stone pron <1k@p2st*un> pos n. def one of a set of slabs on the top of a wall, building, etc. capsulated alt head capsulate or capsulate syl cap+su+lat+ed pos adj. capsulate 0. or capsulated syl cap+su+late pron <1k@psju2lAt>, <-lit> pos adj. def within or formed into a capsule. capsulation sub head capsulate syl cap+su+1la+tion pos n. capsule ety C17: from French, from Latin capsula, diminutive of capsa box capsule 1. syl cap+sule pron <1k@psjul> pos n. def a soluble case of gelatin enclosing a dose of medicine. capsule 2. syl cap+sule pron <1k@psjul> pos n. def a thin metal cap, seal, or cover, such as the foil covering the cork of a wine bottle. capsule 3.a. syl cap+sule pron <1k@psjul> pos n. def a dry fruit that liberates its seeds by splitting, as in the violet, or through pores, as in the poppy. capsule 3.b. syl cap+sule pron <1k@psjul> pos n. def the spore-producing organ of mosses and liverworts. capsule 4. syl cap+sule pron <1k@psjul> pos n. qual Bacteriol. def a gelatinous layer of polysaccharide or protein surrounding the cell wall of some bacteria: thought to be responsible for the virulence in pathogens. capsule 5.a. syl cap+sule pron <1k@psjul> pos n. def a cartilaginous, fibrous, or membranous envelope surrounding any of certain organs or parts. capsule 5.b. syl cap+sule pron <1k@psjul> pos n. def a broad band of white fibres ({internal capsule}) near the thalamus in each cerebral hemisphere. capsule 6. syl cap+sule pron <1k@psjul> pos n. def See {space capsule}. capsule 7. syl cap+sule pron <1k@psjul> pos n. def an aeroplane cockpit that can be ejected in a flight emergency, complete with crew, instruments, etc. capsule 8. syl cap+sule pron <1k@psjul> pos n. usage modifier def in a highly concise form. exam 1 a capsule summary. capsulise alt head capsulize or capsulize syl cap+sul+ise pron <1k@psju2lIz> pos vb. mod tr. capsulize 1. or capsulise syl cap+sul+ize pron <1k@psju2lIz> pos vb. mod tr. def to state (information, etc.) in a highly condensed form. capsulize 2. or capsulise syl cap+sul+ize pron <1k@psju2lIz> pos vb. mod tr. def to enclose in a capsule. Capt 0. syl Capt. qual abbrev. for def Captain. captain ety C14: from Old French capitaine, from Late Latin capit*_aneus chief, from Latin caput head captain 1. syl cap+tain pron <1k@ptin> pos n. def the person in charge of and responsible for a vessel. captain 2. syl cap+tain pron <1k@ptin> pos n. def an officer of the navy who holds a rank junior to a rear admiral but senior to a commander. captain 3. syl cap+tain pron <1k@ptin> pos n. def an officer of the army, certain air forces, and the marine corps who holds a rank junior to a major but senior to a lieutenant. captain 4. syl cap+tain pron <1k@ptin> pos n. def the officer in command of a civil aircraft, usually the senior pilot. captain 5. syl cap+tain pron <1k@ptin> pos n. def the leader of a team in games. captain 6. syl cap+tain pron <1k@ptin> pos n. def a person in command over a group, organization, etc.; leader. exam 1 a captain of industry. captain 7. syl cap+tain pron <1k@ptin> pos n. qual U.S. def a policeman in charge of a precinct. captain 8. syl cap+tain pron <1k@ptin> pos n. qual U.S. def a head waiter. captain 9. syl cap+tain pron <1k@ptin> pos n. qual U.S. def a supervisor of bell boys in a hotel. captain 10. syl cap+tain pron <1k@ptin> pos vb. mod tr. def to be captain of. captaincy sub head captain or captainship syl cap+tain+cy pos n. captainship sub head captain or captaincy syl cap+tain+2ship pos n. captain's biscuit 0. syl cap+tain's bis+cuit pos n. def a type of hard fancy biscuit. caption ety C14 (meaning: seizure, an arrest; later, heading of a legal document): from Latin capti*_o a seizing, from capere to take caption 1. syl cap+tion pron <1k@pS*n> pos n. def a title, brief explanation, or comment accompanying an illustration; legend. caption 2. syl cap+tion pron <1k@pS*n> pos n. def a heading, title, or headline of a chapter, article, etc. caption 3. syl cap+tion pron <1k@pS*n> pos n. def graphic material, usually containing lettering, used in television presentation. caption 4. syl cap+tion pron <1k@pS*n> pos n. def another name for { {subtitle} (sense 2)}. caption 5. syl cap+tion pron <1k@pS*n> pos n. def the formal heading of a legal document stating when, where, and on what authority it was taken or made. caption 6. syl cap+tion pron <1k@pS*n> pos vb. def to provide with a caption or captions. captious ety C14 (meaning: catching in error): from Latin capti*_osus, from capti*_o a seizing; see #7caption captious 0. syl cap+tious pron <1k@pS*s> pos adj. def apt to make trivial criticisms; fault-finding; carping. captiously sub head captious syl cap+tious+ly pos adv. captiousness sub head captious syl cap+tious+ness pos n. captivate ety C16: from Late Latin captiv*_are, from capt*_ivus #7captive captivate 1. syl cap+ti+vate pron <1k@pti2vAt> pos vb. mod tr. def to hold the attention of by fascinating; enchant. captivate 2. syl cap+ti+vate pron <1k@pti2vAt> pos vb. mod tr. def an obsolete word for {capture}. captivatingly sub head captivate syl cap+ti+vat+ing+ly pos adv. captivation sub head captivate syl cap+ti+1va+tion pos n. captivator sub head captivate syl cap+ti+2va+tor pos n. captive ety C14: from Latin capt*_ivus, from capere to take captive 1. syl cap+tive pron <1k@ptiv> pos n. def a person or animal that is confined or restrained, esp. a prisoner of war. captive 2. syl cap+tive pron <1k@ptiv> pos n. def a person whose behaviour is dominated by some emotion. exam 1 a captive of love. captive 3. syl cap+tive pron <1k@ptiv> pos adj. def held as prisoner. captive 4. syl cap+tive pron <1k@ptiv> pos adj. def held under restriction or control; confined. exam 1 captive water held behind a dam. captive 5. syl cap+tive pron <1k@ptiv> pos adj. def captivated; enraptured. captive 6. syl cap+tive pron <1k@ptiv> pos adj. def unable by circumstances to avoid speeches, advertisements, etc. (esp. in the phrase {captive audience) }. captivities infl head captivity syl cap+tiv+i:ties. pos n. mod pl. captivity 1. syl cap+tiv+i:ty pron pos n. def the condition of being captive; imprisonment. captivity 2. syl cap+tiv+i:ty pron pos n. def the period of imprisonment. captor ety C17: from Latin, from capere to take captor 0. syl cap+tor pron <1k@pt*> pos n. def a person or animal that holds another captive. capture ety C16: from Latin capt*_ura a catching, that which is caught, from capere to take capture 1. syl cap+ture pron <1k@pC*> pos vb. mod tr. def to take prisoner or gain control over. exam 1 to capture an enemy; exam 2 to capture a town. capture 2. syl cap+ture pron <1k@pC*> pos vb. mod tr. usage in a game or contest def to win control or possession of. exam 1 to capture a pawn in chess. capture 3. syl cap+ture pron <1k@pC*> pos vb. mod tr. def to succeed in representing or describing (something elusive). exam 1 the artist captured her likeness. capture 4. syl cap+ture pron <1k@pC*> pos vb. mod tr. usage Physics. of an atom, molecule, ion, or nucleus def to acquire (an additional particle). capture 5. syl cap+ture pron <1k@pC*> pos n. mod tr. def the act of taking by force; seizure. capture 6. syl cap+ture pron <1k@pC*> pos n. mod tr. def the person or thing captured; booty. capture 7. syl cap+ture pron <1k@pC*> pos n. mod tr. qual Physics. def a process by which an atom, molecule, ion, or nucleus acquires an additional particle. capture 8. syl cap+ture pron <1k@pC*> pos n. mod tr. def Also called: {piracy}. the process by which the headwaters of one river are diverted into another through erosion caused by the second river's tributaries. capturer sub head capture syl cap+tur+er pos n. Capua 0. syl Cap:u:a pron <1k@pju*>, Italian <1ka:pua> pos n. def a town in S Italy, in NW Campania: strategically important in ancient times, situated on the Appian Way. Pop.: 17582 (1971). capuche ety C17: from French, from Italian cappuccio, hood, from Late Latin cappa cloak capouch alt head capuche or capuche syl ca+pouch pron pos n. capuche 0. or capouch syl ca+puche pron pos n. def a large hood or cowl, esp. that worn by Capuchin friars. capuchin ety C16: from French, from Italian cappuccino, from cappuccio hood; see #7capuche capuchin 1. syl cap:u+chin pron <1k@pjuCin>, <-Sin> pos n. def any agile intelligent New World monkey of the genus inhabiting forests in South America, typically having a cowl of thick hair on the top of the head. capuchin 2. syl cap:u+chin pron <1k@pjuCin>, <-Sin> pos n. def a woman's hooded cloak. capuchin 3. syl cap:u+chin pron <1k@pjuCin>, <-Sin> pos n. usage sometimes cap. def a rare variety of domestic fancy pigeon. Capuchin ety C16: from French; see #7capuche Capuchin 0. syl Cap:u+chin pron <1k@pjuCin>, <-Sin> pos n. def a friar belonging to a strict and autonomous branch of the Franciscan Order founded in 1528. caput ety C18: from Latin capita infl head caput syl cap:i+ta pron <1k@pit*> pos n. mod pl. caput 1. syl ca+put pron <1kAp*t>, <1k@p-> pos n. qual Anatomy. def a technical name for the {head}. caput 2. syl ca+put pron <1kAp*t>, <1k@p-> pos n. def the main or most prominent part of an organ or structure. capybara ety C18: from Portu?!guese capibara, from Tupi capybara 0. syl cap:y+ba+ra pron <2k@pi1ba:r*> pos n. def the largest rodent: a pig-sized amphibious hystricomorph, re?!sembling a guinea pig and inhabiting river banks in Central and South America: family Caquet'a 0. syl Ca+que+t*'a pron Spanish pos n. def the Japur*'a River from its source in Colombia to the border with Brazil. car ety C14: from Anglo-French carre, ultimately related to Latin carra, carrum two-wheeled wagon, probably of Celtic origin; compare Old Irish carr car 1.a. syl car pron pos n. def Also called: {motorcar, automobile}. a self-propelled road vehicle designed to carry passengers, esp. one with four wheels that is powered by an internal-combustion engine. car 1.b. syl car pron pos n. usage as modifier exam 1 car coat. car 2. syl car pron pos n. def a conveyance for passengers, freight, etc., such as a cable car or the carrier of an airship or balloon. car 3. syl car pron pos n. qual Brit. def a railway vehicle for passengers only, such as a sleeping car or buffet car. car 4. syl car pron pos n. qual Chiefly U.S. def a railway carriage or van. car 5. syl car pron pos n. def a poetic word for {chariot}. carabao ety from Visayan karab*'aw; compare Malay karbaw carabaos infl head carabao syl car:a+ba:os. pos n. mod pl. carabao 0. syl car:a+ba:o pron <2k@r*1bA*u> pos n. def another name for {water buffalo}. carabid ety C19: from New Latin, from Latin c*_arabus a kind of crab (name applied to these beetles) carabid 1. syl car:a+bid pron <1k@r*bid> pos n. def any typically dark-coloured beetle of the family including the bombardier and other ground beetles. carabid 2. syl car:a+bid pron <1k@r*bid> pos adj. def of, relating to, or belonging to the carabine alt head carabin or carabin syl car:a+bine pron <1k@r*2bIn> pos n. carabin 0. or carabine syl car:a+bin pron <1k@r*bin> pos n. def variants of { {carbine} (sense 2)}. carabinier alt head carabineer or carabineer syl car:a+bi+nier pron <2k@r*bi1ni*> pos n. carabineer 0. or carabinier syl car:a+bi+neer pron <2k@r*bi1ni*> pos n. def variants of {carbineer}. ri infl head carabiniere syl +ri pos n. mod pl. caracal ety C18: from French, from Turkish kara k*_ul*_ak, literally: black ear caracal 1. syl car:a+cal pron <1k@r*2k@l> pos n. def Also called: {desert lynx}. a lynxlike feline mammal, inhabiting deserts of N Africa and S Asia, having long legs, a smooth coat of reddish fur, and black-tufted ears. caracal 2. syl car:a+cal pron <1k@r*2k@l> pos n. def the fur of this animal. Caracalla 0. syl Car:a:cal:la pron <2k@r*1k@l*> pos n. def real name original name 188-217 #7a.d., Roman emperor (211-17): ruled with cruelty and extravagance; assassinated. caracara ety C19: from Spanish or Portuguese, from Tupi; of imitative origin caracara 0. syl ca+ra+ca+ra pron <2ka:r*1ka:r*> pos n. def any of various large carrion-eating diurnal birds of prey of the genera etc., of S North, Central, and South America, having long legs and naked faces: family (falcons). Caracas 0. syl Ca+ra+cas pron , <-1ra:->, Spanish pos n. def the capital of Venezuela, in the north: founded in 1567; major industrial and commercial centre, notably for oil companies. Pop.: 1662627 (1971). caracole ety C17: from French, from Spanish caracol snail, spiral staircase, turn caracol alt head caracole or caracole syl car:a+col pron <1k@r*2kol> pos n. caracole 1. or caracol syl car:a+cole pron <1k@r*2k*ul> pos n. qual Dressage. def a half turn to the right or left. caracole 2. or caracol syl car:a+cole pron <1k@r*2k*ul> pos n. def a spiral staircase. {~} caracole 3. or caracol syl car:a+cole pron <1k@r*2k*ul> pos n. qual Dressage. def to execute a half turn to the right or left. caracul 1. syl car:a+cul pron <1k@r*2k^l> pos n. def Also called: {Persian lamb}. the black loosely curled fur obtained from the skins of newly born lambs of the karakul sheep. caracul 2. syl car:a+cul pron <1k@r*2k^l> pos n. def a variant spelling of {karakul}. carafe ety C18: from French, from Italian caraffa, from Spanish garrafa, from Arabic gharr*_afah vessel carafe 0.a. syl ca+rafe pron , <-1ra:f> pos n. def a glass bottle for table use, for water or wine. carafe 0.b. syl ca+rafe pron , <-1ra:f> pos n. usage as modifier exam 1 a carafe wine. carageen 0. syl car:a+geen pron <1k@r*2gEn> pos n. def a variant spelling of {carrageen}. carambola alt head caramba or caramba syl ca+ram+bo+la pron <2k@r*m1b*ul*> pos n. caramba 1. or carambola syl ca+ram+ba pron pos n. def a cultivated tree, of SE Asia: family caramba 2. or carambola syl ca+ram+ba pron pos n. def the smooth-skinned yellow edible fruit of this tree, which is borne on the older stems. caramel ety C18: from French, from Spanish caramelo, of uncertain origin caramel 1. syl car:a+mel pron <1k@r*m*l>, <-2mel> pos n. def burnt sugar, used for colouring and flavouring food. caramel 2. syl car:a+mel pron <1k@r*m*l>, <-2mel> pos n. def a chewy sweet made from sugar, butter, milk, etc. caramel xref syl car:a+mel pron <1k@r*m*l>, <-2mel> pos n. def See also {cr*`eme caramel}. caramelise alt head caramelize or caramelize syl car:a+mel+ise pron <1k@r*m*2lIz> pos vb. caramelize 0. or caramelise syl car:a+mel+ize pron <1k@r*m*2lIz> pos vb. def to convert or be converted into caramel. carangid ety C19: from New Latin Carangidae, from Caranx type genus, from French carangue shad, from Spanish caranga, of obscure origin carangoid alt head carangid or carangid syl ca+ran+goid pron pos n. carangid 1. or carangoid syl ca+ran+gid pron , <-1r@Ggid> pos n. def any marine percoid fish of the family having a compressed body and deeply forked tail. The group includes the jacks, horse mackerel, pompano, and pilot fish. carangid 2. or carangoid syl ca+ran+gid pron , <-1r@Ggid> pos adj. def of, relating to, or belonging to the carapace ety C19: from French, from Spanish carapacho, of unknown origin carapace 0. syl car:a+pace pron <1k@r*2pAs> pos n. def the thick hard shield, made of chitin or bone, that covers part of the body of crabs, lobsters, tortoises, etc. carat ety C16: from Old French, from Medieval Latin carratus, from Arabic q*_ir*_at weight of four grains, carat, from Greek keration a little horn, from keras horn carat 1. syl car+at pron <1k@r*t> pos n. def a measure of the weight of precious stones, esp. diamonds. It was formerly defined as 3.17 grains, but the international carat is now standardized as 0.20 grams. carat 2. syl car+at pron <1k@r*t> pos n. def Usual U.S. spelling: {karat}. a measure of the proportion of gold in an alloy, expressed as the number of parts of gold in 24 parts of the alloy. Caractacus infl head Caratacus syl Ca:rac:ta:cus Caratacus 0. syl Ca:rat:a:cus pron def or (k$$#!r@ad$$k) died ??54 #7a.d., British chieftain: led an unsuccessful resistance against the Romans (43-50). Michelangelo Merisi da infl head Caravaggio syl Mi:chel:an:ge:lo Me:ri:si da pron <2mikA1lanJAlo> , pos n. Caravaggio 0. syl Ca:ra:vag:gio pron Italian <2kara1vadJo>, pos n. def 1573-1610, Italian painter, noted for his realistic depiction of religious subjects and for his dramatic use of chiaroscuro. caravan ety C16: from Italian caravana, from Persian k*_arw*_an caravan 1.a. syl car:a+van pron <1k@r*2v@n> pos n. def a large enclosed vehicle capable of being pulled by a car or lorry and equipped to be lived in. U.S. name: {trailer}. caravan 1.b. syl car:a+van pron <1k@r*2v@n> pos n. usage as modifier exam 1 a caravan site. caravan 2. syl car:a+van pron <1k@r*2v@n> pos n. usage esp. in some parts of Asia and Africa def a company of traders or other travellers journeying together, often with a train of camels, through the desert. caravan 3. syl car:a+van pron <1k@r*2v@n> pos n. def a group of wagons, pack mules, camels, etc., esp. travelling in single file. caravan 4. syl car:a+van pron <1k@r*2v@n> pos n. def a large covered vehicle, esp. a gaily coloured one used by Gypsies, circuses, etc. caravans infl head caravan syl car:a+vans pos vb. caravanning infl head caravan syl car:a+van+ning pos vb. caravanned infl head caravan syl car:a+vanned. pos vb. caravan 5. syl car:a+van pron <1k@r*2v@n> pos vb. mod intr. qual Brit. def to travel or have a holiday in a caravan. caravanserai ety C16: from Persian k*_arw*_ansar*_a*_i caravan inn caravansary alt head caravanserai or caravanserai syl car:a+van+sa+ry pron <2k@r*1v@ns*ri> pos n. caravanserais infl head caravanserai or caravanseries syl car:a+van+se+rais pos n. mod pl. caravanseries infl head caravanserai or caravanserais syl car:a+van+se+ries. pos n. mod pl. caravanserai 0. or caravansary syl car:a+van+se+rai pron <2k@r*1v@ns*2rI>, <-2rA> pos n. usage in some Eastern countries, esp. formerly def a large inn enclosing a courtyard, providing accommodation for caravans. caravel ety C16: from Portuguese caravela, diminutive of caravo ship, ultimately from Greek karabos crab, horned beetle carvel alt head caravel or caravel syl car+vel pos n. caravel 0. or carvel syl car:a+vel pron <1k@r*2vel> pos n. def a two- or three-masted sailing ship, esp. one with a broad beam, high poopdeck, and lateen rig that was used by the Spanish and Portuguese in the 15th and 16th centuries. caraway ety C14: probably from Medieval Latin carvi, from Arabic karawy*_a, from Greek karon caraway 1. syl car:a+way pron <1k@r*2wA> pos n. def an umbelliferous Eurasian plant, having finely divided leaves and clusters of small whitish flowers. caraway seed 2. head caraway syl caraway seed. def the pungent aromatic one-seeded fruit of this plant, used in cooking and in medicine. carbamate 0. syl car+ba+mate pron <1ka:b*2mAt> pos n. def a salt or ester of carbamic acid. The salts contain the monovalent ion NH\2COO%-, and the esters contain the group NH\2COO-. carbamic acid 0. syl car+bam+ic ac:id pron pos n. def a hypothetical compound known only in the form of carbamate salts and esters. Formula: NH\2COOH. carbamidine 0. syl car+bam:i+dine pron pos n. def another name for {guanidine}. carbanion 0. syl car+ban+i:on pron pos n. qual Chem. def a negatively charged organic ion, such as H\3C%-, derived from a free radical by addition of one electron. Compare {carbonium ion}. carbazole 0. syl car+ba+zole pron <1ka:b*2z*ul> pos n. def a colourless insoluble solid obtained from coal tar and used in the production of some dyes. Formula: C\1\2H\9N. Also called: {diphenylenimine}. carbene 0. syl car+bene pron <1ka:bEn> pos n. qual Chem. def a neutral divalent free radical, such as methylene, :CH\2. carbide 1. syl car+bide pron <1ka:bId> pos n. def an inorganic compound of carbon with a more electropositive element. See also {acetylide}. carbide 2. syl car+bide pron <1ka:bId> pos n. def See {calcium carbide}. carbine ety C17: from French carabine, from Old French carabin carabineer, perhaps variant of escarrabin one who prepares corpses for burial, from scarab*'ee, from Latin scarabaeus #7scarab carbine 1. syl car+bine pron <1ka:bIn> pos n. def a light automatic or semiautomatic rifle of limited range. carbine 2. syl car+bine pron <1ka:bIn> pos n. def Also called: {carabin, carabine}. a light short-barrelled shoulder rifle formerly used by cavalry. carabineer infl head carbineer or carabinier syl car:a+bi+neer pron <2k@r*bi1ni*> pos n. carabinier infl head carbineer or carabineer syl car:a+bi:nier pron <2k@r*bi1ni*> pos n. carbineer 0. syl car+bi+neer pron <2ka:bi1ni*> pos n. usage formerly def a soldier equipped with a carbine. carbohydrate 0. syl car+bo+hy+drate pron <2ka:b*u1hIdrAt> pos n. def any of a large group of organic compounds, including sugars, such as sucrose, and polysaccharides, such as cellulose, glycogen, and starch, that contain carbon, hydrogen, and oxygen, with the general formula C (H\2O) an important source of food and energy for animals. carbolated 0. syl car+bo+lat+ed pron <1ka:b*2lAtid> pos adj. def containing carbolic acid. carbolic acid ety C19: carbolic, from #7carbo -#7+ -#7ol %1#7+ -#7ic carbolic acid 0. syl car+bol+ic ac:id pron pos n. def another name for {phenol}, esp. when it is used as an antiseptic or disinfectant. carbolise alt head carbolize or carbolize syl car+bo+lise pron <1ka:b*2lIz> pos vb. mod tr. carbolize 0. or carbolise syl car+bo+lize pron <1ka:b*2lIz> pos vb. mod tr. def another word for {phenolate}. carbon ety C18: from French carbone, from Latin carb*_o charcoal, dead or glowing coal carbon 1.a. syl car+bon pron <1ka:bN> pos n. def a nonmetallic element existing in the three allotropic forms: amorphous carbon, graphite, and diamond: occurring in carbon dioxide, coal, oil, and all organic compounds. The isotope {carbon-12} has been adopted as the standard for atomic wt.; {carbon-14}, a radioisotope with a half-life of 5700 years, is used in radiocarbon dating and as a tracer. Symbol: C; atomic no.: 6; atomic wt.: 12.01115; valency: 2, 3, or 4; relative density: 1.8-2.1 (amorphous), 1.9-2.3 (graphite), 3.1-3.5 (diamond); sublimes above 3500?%C; boiling pt.: 4827?%C. carbon 1.b. syl car+bon pron <1ka:bN> pos n. usage as modifier exam 1 a carbon compound. carbon 2. syl car+bon pron <1ka:bN> pos n. def short for {carbon paper} or {carbon copy}. carbon 3. syl car+bon pron <1ka:bN> pos n. def a carbon electrode used in a carbon-arc light or in carbon-arc welding. carbon 4. syl car+bon pron <1ka:bN> pos n. def a rod or plate, made of carbon, used in some types of battery. carbonous sub head carbon syl car+bon+ous pos adj. carbonaceous 0. syl car+bo+na+ceous pron <2ka:b*1nAS*s> pos adj. def of, resembling, or containing carbon. carbonade ety C20: from French carbonade 0. syl car+bo+nade pron <2ka:b*1nAd>, <-1na:d> pos n. def a stew of beef and onions cooked in beer. carbonado ety C16: from Spanish carbonada, from carb*'on charcoal; see #7carbon carbonadoes infl head carbonado or carbonados syl car+bo+na+does pos n. mod pl. carbonados infl head carbonado or carbonadoes syl car+bo+na+dos. pos n. mod pl. carbonado H1.1. syl car+bo+na+do pron <2ka:b*1nAd*u>, <-1na:d*u> pos n. def a piece of meat, fish, etc., scored and grilled. carbonados infl head carbonado syl car+bo+na+dos pos vb. mod tr. carbonadoing infl head carbonado syl car+bo+na+do+ing pos vb. mod tr. carbonadoed infl head carbonado syl car+bo+na+doed. pos vb. mod tr. carbonado H1.2. syl car+bo+na+do pron <2ka:b*1nAd*u>, <-1na:d*u> pos vb. mod tr. def to score and grill (meat, fish, etc.). carbonado H1.3. syl car+bo+na+do pron <2ka:b*1nAd*u>, <-1na:d*u> pos vb. mod tr. qual Archaic. def to hack or slash. carbonado ety Portu?!guese, literally: carbonated carbonados infl head carbonado or carbonadoes syl car+bo+na+dos pos n. mod pl. carbonadoes infl head carbonado or carbonados syl car+bo+na+does. pos n. mod pl. carbonado H2.0. syl car+bo+na+do pron <2ka:b*1nAd*u>, <-1na:d*u> pos n. def an inferior dark massive variety of diamond used in industry for polishing and drilling. Also called: {black diamond}. carbon arc 1.a. syl car+bon arc pos n. def an electric arc produced between two carbon electrodes, formerly used as a light source. carbon arc 1.b. syl car+bon arc pos n. usage as modifier exam 1 carbon-arc light. carbon arc 2.a. syl car+bon arc pos n. def an electric arc produced between a carbon electrode and material to be welded. carbon arc 2.b. syl car+bon arc pos n. usage as modifier exam 1 carbon-arc welding. Carbonari ety C19: from Italian, plural of carbonaro seller or burner of charcoal, name adopted by the society Carbonaro infl head Carbonari syl Car+bo+na+ro pron <-1na:r*u> pos n. mod sing. Carbonari 0. syl Car+bo+na+ri pron <2ka:b*1na:ri> pos n. mod pl. def members of a secret political society with liberal republican aims, originating in S Italy about 1811 and particularly engaged in the struggle for Italian unification. carbonate ety C18: from French, from carbone #7carbon carbonate 1. syl car+bon+ate pron <1ka:b*2nAt>, <-nit> pos n. def a salt or ester of carbonic acid. Carbonate salts contain the divalent ion CO%2@b\3%-#800103 . carbonate 2. syl car+bon+ate pron <1ka:b*2nAt> pos vb. def to form or turn into a carbonate. carbonate 3. syl car+bon+ate pron <1ka:b*2nAt> pos vb. mod tr. def to treat with carbon dioxide or carbonic acid, as in the manu?!facture of soft drinks. carbonation 1. syl car+bon:a+tion pron <2ka:b*1nAS*n> pos n. def absorption of or reaction with carbon dioxide. carbonation 2. syl car+bon:a+tion pron <2ka:b*1nAS*n> pos n. def another word for {carbonization}. carbon bisulphide 0. syl car+bon bi+sul+phide pos n. usage not in technical usage def another name for {carbon disulphide}. carbon black 0. syl car+bon black pos n. def a black finely divided form of amorphous carbon produced by incomplete combustion of natural gas or petroleum: used to reinforce rubber and in the manufacture of pigments and ink. carbon copy 1. syl car+bon cop:y pos n. def a duplicate copy of writing, typewriting, or drawing obtained by using carbon paper. Often shortened to {carbon}. carbon copy 2. syl car+bon cop:y pos n. qual Informal. def a person or thing that is identical or very similar to another. carbon cycle 1. syl car+bon cy+cle pos n. def the circulation of carbon between living organisms and their surroundings. Carbon dioxide from the atmosphere is synthesized by plants into plant tissue, which is ingested and metabolized by animals and reduced to carbon dioxide again during respiration and decay. carbon cycle 2. syl car+bon cy+cle pos n. def four thermo?!nuclear reactions believed to be the source of energy in many stars. Carbon nuclei function as catalysts in the fusion of protons to form helium nuclei. carbon dating 0. syl car+bon dat+ing pos n. def short for {radiocarbon dating}. carbon dioxide 0. syl car+bon di+ox+ide pos n. def a colourless odourless incombustible gas present in the atmosphere and formed during respiration, the decomposition and combustion of organic compounds, and in the reaction of acids with carbonates: used in carbonated drinks, fire extinguishers, and as dry ice for refrigeration. Formula: CO\2. Also called: {carbonic-acid gas}. carbon dioxide snow 0. syl car+bon di+ox+ide snow pos n. def solid carbon dioxide, used as a refrigerant. carbon disulphide 0. syl car+bon di+sul+phide pos n. def a colourless slightly soluble volatile flammable poisonous liquid commonly having a disagreeable odour due to the presence of impurities: used as an organic solvent and in the manufacture of rayon and carbon tetrachloride. Formula: CS\2. Also called (not in technical usage): {carbon bisulphide}. carbon fibre 0. syl car+bon fi+bre pos n. def a black silky thread of pure carbon made by heating and stretching textile fibres and used because of its lightness and strength at high temperatures for reinforcing resins, ceramics, and metals, esp. in turbine blades. carbon- dating 0. syl car:bon-14 dat+ing pos n. def another name for {radiocarbon dating}. carbonic 0. syl car+bon+ic pron pos adj. usage of a compound def containing carbon, esp. tetravalent carbon. carbonic acid 0. syl car+bon+ic ac:id pos n. def a weak acid formed when carbon dioxide combines with water: obtained only in aqueous solutions, never in the pure state. Formula: H\2CO\3. carbonic-acid gas 0. syl car:bon:ic-ac:id gas pos n. def another name for {carbon dioxide}. carboniferous 0. syl car+bon+if+er+ous pron <2ka:b*1nif*r*s> pos adj. def yielding coal or carbon. Carboniferous 1. syl Car+bon+if+er+ous pron <2ka:b*1nif*r*s> pos adj. def of, denoting, or formed in the fifth period of the Palaeozoic era, between the Devonian and Permian periods, lasting for 80 million years during which coal measures were formed. {~} the 2. head Carboniferous syl the. def the Carboniferous period or rock system. carbonium ion 0. syl car+bon+i:um i:on pron pos n. qual Chem. def a positively charged organic ion, such as H\3C%+, derived from a free radical by removal of one electron. Compare {carbanion}. carbonise alt head carbonize or carbonize syl car+bon+ise pron <1ka:b*2nIz> pos vb. carbonize 1. or carbonise syl car+bon+ize pron <1ka:b*2nIz> pos vb. def to turn into carbon as a result of heating. carbonize 2. or carbonise syl car+bon+ize pron <1ka:b*2nIz> pos vb. mod tr. def to enrich or coat (a substance) with carbon. carbonize 3. or carbonise syl car+bon+ize pron <1ka:b*2nIz> pos vb. mod intr. def to react or unite with carbon. {~} Also (for senses 2, 3): {carburize}. &- {@!car+bon@.i+#!za+tion} {@!car+bon@.i+#!sa+tion} carbonizer sub head carbonize or carboniser syl car+bon+2iz+er pos n. carboniser sub head carbonize or carbonizer syl car+bon+2is+er pos n. carbon microphone 0. syl car+bon mi:cro+phone pos n. def a microphone in which a diaphragm, vibrated by sound waves, applies a varying pressure to a container packed with carbon granules, altering the resistance of the carbon. A current flowing through the carbon is thus modulated at the frequency of the sound waves. carbon monoxide 0. syl car+bon mon+ox+ide pos n. def a colourless odourless poisonous flammable gas formed when carbon compounds burn in insufficient air and produced by the action of steam on hot carbon: used as a reducing agent in metallurgy and as a fuel. Formula: CO. carbon paper 1. syl car+bon pa+per pos n. def a thin sheet of paper coated on one side with a dark waxy pigment, often containing carbon, that is transferred by the pressure of writing or of typewriter keys onto the copying surface below. Often shortened to {carbon}. carbon paper 2. syl car+bon pa+per pos n. def another name for {carbon tissue}. carbon printing alt head carbon process or carbon process syl car+bon print+ing pos n. carbon process 0. or carbon printing syl car+bon pro+cess pos n. def a photographic process for producing positive prints by exposing sensitized carbon tissue to light passing through a negative. Washing removes the unexposed gelatin leaving the pigmented image in the exposed insoluble gelatin. carbon steel 0. syl car+bon steel pos n. def steel whose characteristics are determined by the amount of carbon it contains. carbon tetrachloride 0. syl car+bon tet+ra+chlo+ride pos n. def a colourless volatile nonflammable sparingly soluble liquid made from chlorine and carbon disulphide; tetrachloromethane. It is used as a solvent, cleaning fluid, and insecticide. Formula: CCl\4. carbon tissue 0. syl car+bon tis+sue pos n. def a sheet of paper coated with pigmented gelatin, used in the carbon process. Also called: {carbon paper}. carbonyl 1. syl car+bon+yl pron <1ka:b*2nIl>, <-nil> pos n. qual Chem. usage modifier def of, consist?!ing of, or containing the divalent group =CO. exam 1 a carbonyl group or radical. carbonyl 2. syl car+bon+yl pron <1ka:b*2nIl>, <-nil> pos n. qual Chem. def any one of a class of inorganic complexes in which carbonyl groups are bound directly to metal atoms. carbonylic sub head carbonyl syl car+bon+yl+ic pron <2ka:b*1nilik> pos adj. carbonyl chloride 0. syl car+bon+yl chlo+ride pos n. usage not in technical usage def another name for {phosgene}. Carborundum 0.a. syl Car+bo+run+dum pron <2ka:b*1r^nd*m> pos n. qual Trademark. def any of various abrasive materials, esp. one consisting of silicon carbide. Carborundum 0.b. syl Car+bo+run+dum pron <2ka:b*1r^nd*m> pos n. qual Trademark. usage as modifier exam 1 a Carborundum wheel. carboxylase 0. syl car+box+yl+ase pron pos n. def any enzyme that catalyses the release of carbon dioxide from certain acids. carboxylate 0. syl car+box+yl+ate pron pos n. def any salt or ester of a carboxylic acid having a formula of the type M(RCOO) where M is a metal and R an organic group, or R\1COOR\2, where R\1 and R\2 are organic groups. carboxyl group ety C19 carboxyl, from #7carbo -#7+oxy -#7+ -#7yl radical alt head carboxyl group or carboxyl group syl rad:i+cal pron , <-sil> pos n. carboxyl group 0. or radical syl car+box+yl group pron , <-sil> pos n. def the monovalent group -COOH, consisting of a carbonyl group bound to a hydroxyl group: the functional group in organic acids. carboxylic acid 0. syl car+box+yl+ic ac:id pron <2ka:bok1silik> pos n. def any of a class of organic acids containing the carboxyl group. See also {fatty acid}. carboy ety C18: from Persian qar*_aba carboy 0. syl car+boy pron <1ka:2bci> pos n. def a large glass or plastic bottle, usually protected by a basket or box, used for containing corrosive liquids such as acids. carbuncle ety C13: from Latin carbunculus diminutive of carb*_o coal carbuncle 1. syl car+bun+cle pron <1ka:2b^GkL> pos n. def an extensive skin eruption, similar to but larger than a boil, with several openings: caused by staphylococcal infection. carbuncle 2. syl car+bun+cle pron <1ka:2b^GkL> pos n. def a rounded gemstone, esp. a garnet cut without facets. carbuncle 3. syl car+bun+cle pron <1ka:2b^GkL> pos n. def a dark reddish-greyish-brown colour. carbuncled sub head carbuncle syl car+2bun+cled pos adj. carbuncular sub head carbuncle syl car+bun+cu+lar pron pos adj. carburation 0. syl car+bu+ra+tion pron <2ka:bju1rAS*n> pos n. def the process of mixing a hydrocarbon fuel with a correct amount of air to make an explosive mixture for an internal-combustion engine. carburet ety C18: from #7carb (#7on) #7+ -#7uret carburets infl head carburet or carburets syl car+bu+rets pos vb. mod tr. qual U.S. carburetting infl head carburet or carbureting syl car+bu+ret+ting pos vb. mod tr. carburetted infl head carburet or carbureted syl car+bu+ret+ted pos vb. mod tr. carbureting infl head carburet or carburetting syl car+bu+ret+ing pos vb. mod tr. qual U.S. carbureted infl head carburet or carburetted syl car+bu+ret+ed. pos vb. mod tr. qual U.S. carburet 0. syl car+bu+ret pron <1ka:bju2ret>, <2ka:bju1ret>, <-b*-> pos vb. def to combine or mix (a gas, etc.) with carbon or carbon compounds. carburetter infl head carburettor or carburetor syl car+bu+ret+ter pron <2ka:bju1ret*>, <1ka:bju2ret*>, <-b*-> pos n. carburetor infl head carburettor or carburetter syl car+bu+re:tor pron <1ka:bju2rAt*>, <-b*-> pos n. qual U.S. carburettor 0. syl car+bu+ret+tor pron <2ka:bju1ret*>, <1ka:bju2ret*>, <-b*-> pos n. def a device used in petrol engines for atomizing the petrol, controlling its mixture with air, and regulating the intake of the air-petrol mixture into the engine. Compare {fuel injection}. carburise alt head carburize or carburize syl car+bu+rise pron <1ka:bju2rIz>, <-b*-> pos vb. carburize 0. or carburise syl car+bu+rize pron <1ka:bju2rIz>, <-b*-> pos vb. def another word for {carbonize}. carburization sub head carburize or carburisation syl car+bu+ri+1za+tion pos n. carburisation sub head carburize or carburization syl car+bu+ri+1sa+tion pos n. carbies infl head carby syl car+bies. pos n. mod pl. carby 0. syl car+by pron <1ka:bi> pos n. qual Austral. informal. def short for {carburettor}. carbylamine 0. syl car+byl:a+mine pron <2ka:bil*1mEn>, <-1@min> pos n. def another name for {isocyanide}. carcajou ety C18: from Canadian French, from Algonquian karkajou carcajou 0. syl car+ca+jou pron <1ka:k*2Ju:>, <-2Zu:> pos n. def a North American name for {wolverine}. carcanet ety C16: from French carcan, of Germanic origin; compare Old Norse kverkband chin-strap carcanet 0. syl car+ca+net pron <1ka:k*2net>, <-nit> pos n. qual Archaic. def a jewelled collar or necklace. carcass ety C14: from Old French carcasse, of obscure origin carcase alt head carcass or carcass syl car+case pron <1ka:k*s> pos n. carcass 1. or carcase syl car+cass pron <1ka:k*s> pos n. def the dead body of an animal, esp. one that has been slaughtered for food, with the head, limbs, and entrails removed. carcass 2. or carcase syl car+cass pron <1ka:k*s> pos n. qual Informal, usually facetious or derogatory. def a person's body. carcass 3. or carcase syl car+cass pron <1ka:k*s> pos n. def the skeleton or framework of a structure. exam 1 the carcass of an old tyre. carcass 4. or carcase syl car+cass pron <1ka:k*s> pos n. def the remains of anything when its life or vitality is gone; shell. Carcassonne 0. syl Car+cas+sonne pron French pos n. def a city in SW France: extensive remains of medieval fortifications. Pop.: 44623 (1975). Carchemish 0. syl Car+chem+ish pron <1ka:k*miS>, pos n. def an ancient city in Syria on the Euphrates, lying on major trade routes; site of a victory of the Babylonians over the Egyptians (605 #7b.c.) #7. carcinogen ety C20: from Greek karkinos #7cancer+ -#7gen carcinogen 0. syl car+cin:o+gen pron , <1ka:sin*2Jen> pos n. qual Pathol. def any substance that produces cancer. carcinogenic sub head carcinogen syl car+cin:o+1gen+ic pos adj. carcinoma ety C18: from Latin, from Greek karkin*_oma, from karkinos #7cancer carcinomas infl head carcinoma or carcinomata syl car+ci+no+mas pron <-m*t*> pos n. mod pl. carcinomata infl head carcinoma or carcinomas syl car+ci+no+ma+ta pron <-m*t*> pos n. mod pl. carcinoma 1. syl car+ci+no+ma pron <2ka:si1n*um*> pos n. qual Pathol. def any malignant tumour derived from epithelial tissue. carcinoma 2. syl car+ci+no+ma pron <2ka:si1n*um*> pos n. qual Pathol. def another name for { {cancer} (sense 1)}. carcinomatoid sub head carcinoma or carcinomatous syl car+ci+1no+ma+2toid pos adj. carcinomatous sub head carcinoma or carcinomatoid syl car+ci+1no+ma+tous pos adj. carcinomatosis 0. syl car+ci+no+ma+to+sis pron <2ka:si2n*um*1t*usis> pos n. qual Pathol. def a condition characterized by widespread dissemination of carcinomas or by a carcinoma that affects a large area. card ety C15: from Old French carte, from Latin charta leaf of papyrus, from Greek khart*_es, probably of Egyptian origin card H1.1. syl card pron pos n. def a piece of stiff paper or thin cardboard, usually rectangular, with varied uses, as for filing information in an index, bearing a written notice for display, entering scores in a game, etc. card H1.2. syl card pron pos n. def such a card used for identification, reference, proof of membership, etc.. exam 1 library card; exam 2 identity card; exam 3 visiting card. card H1.3. syl card pron pos n. def such a card used for sending greetings, messages, or invi?!tations, often bearing an illustration, prin?!ted greetings, etc.. exam 1 Christmas card; exam 2 birthday card. card H1.4. syl card pron pos n. def one of a set of small pieces of cardboard, variously marked with signifi?!cant figures, symbols, etc., used for playing games or for fortune-telling. card H1.5.a. syl card pron pos n. def short for {playing card}. card H1.5.b. syl card pron pos n. usage as modifier exam 1 a card game. card H1.5.c. syl card pron pos n. usage in combination exam 1 cardsharp. card H1.6. syl card pron pos n. qual Informal. def a witty, entertaining, or eccentric person. card H1.7. syl card pron pos n. def See {compass card}. card H1.8. syl card pron pos n. def Also called: {race card}. a daily programme of all the races at a meeting, listing the runners, riders, weights to be carried, distances to be run, and conditions of each race. card H1.9. syl card pron pos n. def a thing or action used in order to gain an advantage, esp. one that is concealed and kept in reserve until needed (esp. in the phrase {a card up one's sleeve}) . card H1.10. syl card pron pos n. qual Computer technol. def See {punched card. ~} See also: {cards}. card ety C15: from Old French carde card, teasel, from Latin carduus thistle card H2.1. syl card pron pos n. def Also called: {carding machine}. a machine for combing fibres of cotton, wool, etc., to remove small unwanted fibres before spinning. card H2.2. syl card pron pos n. def a comblike tool for raising the nap on cloth. card H2.3. syl card pron pos vb. mod tr. def to process with such a machine or tool. carder sub head card syl card+er pos n. Card 0. syl Card. qual abbrev. for def Cardinal. cardamom ety C15: from Latin carda?!m*_omum, from Greek kardam*_omon, from kardamon cress+ am*_omon an Indian spice cardamum infl head cardamom or cardamon syl car+da+mum pron <1ka:d*m*m> pos n. cardamon infl head cardamom or cardamum syl car+da+mon pos n. cardamom 1. syl car+da+mom pron <1ka:d*m*m> pos n. def a tropical Asian zingiberaceous plant, that has large hairy leaves. cardamom 2. syl car+da+mom pron <1ka:d*m*m> pos n. def the seeds of this plant, used esp. as a spice or condiment. cardamom 3. syl car+da+mom pron <1ka:d*m*m> pos n. def a related East Indian plant, whose seeds are used as a substitute for cardamom seeds. cardboard 1.a. syl card+board pron <1ka:d2bc:d> pos n. def a thin stiff board made from paper pulp and used esp. for making cartons. cardboard 1.b. syl card+board pron <1ka:d2bc:d> pos n. usage as modifier exam 1 cardboard boxes. cardboard 2. syl card+board pron <1ka:d2bc:d> pos adj. usage prenominal def without substance. exam 1 a cardboard smile; exam 2 a cardboard general. card-carrying 0. syl card-car:ry:ing pos adj. def being an official member of a specified organization or set. exam 1 a card-?!carrying union member; exam 2 a card-carrying Communist. card catalogue 0. syl card cat:a+logue pos n. def a catalogue of books, papers, etc., filed on cards. C'ardenas H1.0. syl C*'ar+de+nas pron Spanish <1karDA2nas> pos n. def a port in NW Cuba. Pop.: 55200 (1970). L'azaro infl head C'ardenas syl L*'a:za:ro pron <1laTaro> pos n. card file 0. syl card file pos n. def another term for {card index}. cardiac ety C17: from Latin cardiacus, from Greek, from kardia heart cardiac 1. syl car+di+ac pron <1ka:di2@k> pos adj. def of or relating to the heart. cardiac 2. syl car+di+ac pron <1ka:di2@k> pos adj. def of or relating to the portion of the stomach connected to the oesophagus. cardiac 3. syl car+di+ac pron <1ka:di2@k> pos n. def a person with a heart disorder. cardiac 4. syl car+di+ac pron <1ka:di2@k> pos n. def a drug that stimulates the heart muscle. cardialgia 1. syl car+di+al+gi:a pron <2ka:di1@lJi*>, <-J*> pos n. def pain in or near the heart. cardialgia 2. syl car+di+al+gi:a pron <2ka:di1@lJi*>, <-J*> pos n. def a technical name for {heartburn}. cardialgic sub head cardialgia syl car+di+1al+gic pos adj. Cardiff 0. syl Car+diff pron <1ka:dif> pos n. def the capital of Wales, situated in the southeast: administrative centre of Glamorgan: an important port. Pop.: 278221 (1971). cardigan ety C19: named after J.T. Brudenell (1797-1868), 7th Earl of Cardigan cardigan 0. syl car+di+gan pron <1ka:dig*n> pos n. def a knitted jacket or sweater with buttons up the front. Cardigan 0. syl Car+di+gan pron <1ka:dig*n> pos n. def the larger variety of corgi, having a long tail. Cardigan Bay 0. syl Car+di+gan Bay pos n. def an inlet of St. George's Channel, on the W coast of Wales. Cardiganshire 0. syl Car+di+gan+shire pron <1ka:dig*n2Si*>, <-S*> pos n. usage until 1974 def a county of W Wales, now part of Dyfed. Pierre infl head Cardin syl Pierre pron pos n. Cardin 0. syl Car:din pron French pos n. def born 1922, French couturier, noted esp. for his collections for men. cardinal ety C13: from Latin cardin*_alis, literally: relating to a hinge, hence, that on which something depends, principal, from card*_o hinge cardinal 1. syl car+di+nal pron <1ka:dinL> pos n. qual R.C. Church. def any of the members of the Sacred College, ranking next after the pope, who elect the pope and act as his chief counsellors. cardinal 2. syl car+di+nal pron <1ka:dinL> pos n. def Also called: {cardinal red}. a deep vivid red colour. cardinal 3. syl car+di+nal pron <1ka:dinL> pos n. def See {cardinal number}. cardinal 4. syl car+di+nal pron <1ka:dinL> pos n. def Also called: {cardinal grosbeak}, (U.S.) {redbird}. a crested North American bunting, (or the male of which has a bright red plumage and the female a brown one. cardinal 5. syl car+di+nal pron <1ka:dinL> pos n. def a woman's hooded shoulder cape worn in the 17th and 18th centuries. cardinal 6. syl car+di+nal pron <1ka:dinL> pos adj. usage usually prenominal def fundamentally important; principal. cardinal 7. syl car+di+nal pron <1ka:dinL> pos adj. def of a deep vivid red colour. cardinal 8. syl car+di+nal pron <1ka:dinL> pos adj. qual Astrology. def of or relating to the signs Aries, Cancer, Libra, and Capricorn. Compare { {mutable} (sense 2)}, { {fixed} (sense 10)}. cardinally sub head cardinal syl car+di+nal+ly pos adv. cardinalship alt head cardinalate or cardinalate syl car+di+nal+ship pos n. cardinalate 1. or cardinalship syl car+di+nal+ate pron <1ka:din%*!lAt> pos n. def the rank, office, or term of office of a cardinal. cardinalate 2. or cardinalship syl car+di+nal+ate pron <1ka:din%*!lAt> pos n. def the cardinals collectively. cardinal beetle 0. syl car+di+nal bee+tle pos n. def any of various large N temperate beetles of the family such as typically scarlet or partly scarlet in colour. cardinal flower 0. syl car+di+nal flow+er pos n. def a campanulaceous plant, of E North America, that has brilliant scarlet, pink, or white flowers. cardinal numeral alt head cardinal number or cardinal number syl car+di+nal nu+mer+al pos n. cardinal number 1. or cardinal numeral syl car+di+nal num+ber pos n. def a number denoting quantity but not order in a group. Sometimes shortened to {cardinal}. cardinal number 2. or cardinal numeral syl car+di+nal num+ber pos n. def the number of elements in a mathematical set. {~} Compare {ordinal number}. cardinal points 0. syl car+di+nal points pos n. mod pl. def the four main points of the compass: north, south, east, and west. cardinal virtues 0. syl car+di+nal vir+tues pos n. mod pl. def the most important moral qualities, traditionally justice, prudence, temperance, and fortitude. file alt head card index or card index syl file pos n. card index 1. or file syl card in+dex pos n. def an index in which each item is separately listed on systematically arranged cards. {~} {card-index}. card index 2. or file syl card in+dex pos n. def to make such an index of (a book, etc.). carding 0. syl card+ing pron <1kardiG> pos n. def the process of preparing the fibres of cotton, wool, etc., for spinning. cardio- ety from Greek kardia heart cardiogram 0. syl car+di:o+gram pron <1ka:di*u2gr@m> pos n. def short for {electrocardiogram}. cardiograph 1. syl car+di:o+graph pron <1ka:di*u2gra:f>, <-2gr@f> pos n. def an instrument for recording the mechanical force and form of heart movements. cardiograph 2. syl car+di:o+graph pron <1ka:di*u2gra:f>, <-2gr@f> pos n. def short for {electrocardiograph}. cardiographer sub head cardiograph syl car+di+og+ra+pher pron <2ka:di1ogr*f*> pos n. cardiographic sub head cardiograph or cardiographical syl car+di:o+graph+ic pron <2ka:di*u1gr@fik> pos adj. cardiographical sub head cardiograph or cardiographic syl car+di:o+1graph:i+cal pos adj. cardiographically sub head cardiograph syl car+di:o+1graph:i+cal+ly pos adv. cardiography sub head cardiograph syl car+di+1og+ra+phy pos n. cardioid 0. syl car+di+oid pron <1ka:di2cid> pos n. def a heart-shaped curve generated by a fixed point on a circle as it rolls around another fixed circle of equal radius, Equation. exam 1 r cardiology 0. syl car+di+ol+o:gy pron <2ka:di1ol*Ji> pos n. def the branch of medical science concerned with the heart and its diseases. cardiological sub head cardiology syl car+di:o+log:i+cal pron <2ka:di*1loJikL> pos adj. cardiologist sub head cardiology syl car+di+1ol:o+gist pos n. cardiomegaly 0. syl car+di:o+meg:a+ly pron <2ka:di*u1meg*li> pos n. qual Pathol. def another name for {megalocardia}. cardiovascular 0. syl car+di:o+vas+cu+lar pron <2ka:di*u1v@skjul*> pos adj. def of or relating to the heart and the blood vessels. carditis 0. syl car+di+tis pron pos n. def inflammation of the heart. cardoon ety C17: from French cardon, ultimately from Latin carduus thistle, artichoke cardoon 0. syl car+doon pron pos n. def a S European plant, closely related to the artichoke, with spiny leaves, purple flowers, and a leafstalk that is blanched and eaten as celery: family (composites). card punch 1. syl card punch pos n. def a device, controlled by a computer, for transferring information from the central processing unit onto punched cards. Compare {card reader}. card punch 2. syl card punch pos n. def another name for {key punch}. card reader 0. syl card read+er pos n. def a device for reading information on a punched card and transferring it to a computer or storage device. Compare {card punch}. cards 1.a. syl cards pron pos n. def any game or games played with cards, esp. playing cards. cards 1.b. syl cards pron pos n. def the playing of such a game. cards 2. syl cards pron pos n. def an employee's national insurance and other documents held by the employer. cask for 3. head cards or get one's cards syl cask for def to ask or be told to terminate one's employment. on the cards 4. head cards syl on the cards. def possible or likely. U.S. equivalent: {in the cards}. play one's cards 5. head cards syl play one's cards. def to carry out one's plans (esp. in the phrase {play one's cards right) }. put 6. head cards or lay one's cards on the table syl put def Also: {show one's cards}. to declare one's intentions, resources, etc. cardsharper alt head cardsharp or cardsharp syl card+sharp:er pos n. cardsharp 0. or cardsharper syl card+sharp pron <1ka:d2Sa:p> pos n. def a professional card player who cheats. cardsharping sub head cardsharp syl card+2sharp:ing pos n. carduaceous ety C19: from New Latin Cardu*_aceae, from Carduus type genus, from Latin: thistle carduaceous 0. syl car+du:a+ceous pron <2ka:dju1AS*s> pos adj. def of, relating to, or belonging to the a subfamily of composite plants that includes the thistle. Giosue infl head Carducci syl Gio:su:*`e pron <2Jozu1e> pos n. Carducci 0. syl Car:duc:ci pron Italian pos n. def 1835-1907, Italian poet: Nobel prize for literature 1906. card vote 0. syl card vote pos n. qual Brit. def a vote by delegates, esp. at a trade-union conference, in which each delegate's vote counts as a vote by all his constituents. care ety Old English cearu (n.), cearian (vb.), of Germanic origin; compare Old High German chara lament, Latin garr*_ire to gossip care 1. syl care pron pos vb. mod when; tr. usage may take a clause as object def to be troubled or concerned; be affected emotionally. exam 1 he is dying, and she doesn't care. care 2. syl care pron pos vb. mod intr. usage foll. by for or about def to have regard, affection, or consideration (for). exam 1 he cares more for his hobby than his job. care 3. syl care pron pos vb. mod intr. usage foll. by for def to have a desire or taste (for). exam 1 would you care for some tea?? care 4. syl care pron pos vb. mod intr. usage foll. by for def to provide physical needs, help, or comfort (for). exam 1 the nurse cared for her patients. care 5. syl care pron pos vb. mod tr. def to agree or like (to do something). exam 1 would you care to sit down, please?? for all I care 6. head care or I couldn't care less syl for all I care def I am completely indifferent. {~} care 7. syl care pron pos vb. def careful or serious attention. exam 1 under her care the plant flourished; exam 2 he does his work with care. care 8. syl care pron pos vb. def protective or supervisory control. exam 1 in the care of a doctor. care 9. syl care pron pos vb. mod often; pl. def trouble; anxiety; worry. care 10. syl care pron pos vb. def an object of or cause for concern. exam 1 the baby's illness was her only care. care 11. syl care pron pos vb. def caution. exam 1 handle with care. care of 12. head care syl care of. def at the address of: written on envelopes. Usual abbrev.: {c/o}. CARE 0. syl CARE pron pos n. usage acronym for def Cooperative for American Relief Everywhere, Inc.: a federation of U.S. charities, giving financial and technical assistance to many regions of the world. careen ety C17: from French car*`ene keel, from Italian carena, from Latin car*_ina keel careen 1. syl ca+reen pron pos vb. def to sway or cause to sway dangerously over to one side. careen 2. syl ca+reen pron pos vb. mod tr. qual Nautical. def to cause (a vessel) to keel over to one side, esp. in order to clean or repair its bottom. careen 3. syl ca+reen pron pos vb. mod intr. usage Nautical. of a vessel def to keel over to one side. careenage sub head careen syl ca+1reen+age pos n. careener sub head careen syl ca+1reen+er pos n. career ety C16: from French carri*`ere, from Late Latin carr*_aria carriage road, from Latin carrus two-wheeled wagon, #7car career 1. syl ca+reer pron pos n. def a path or progress through life or history. career 2. syl ca+reer pron pos n. def a profession or occupation chosen as one's life's work. career 3. syl ca+reer pron pos n. usage modifier def having or following a career as specified. exam 1 a career diplomat. career 4. syl ca+reer pron pos n. def a course or path, esp. a swift or headlong one. career 5. syl ca+reer pron pos vb. mod intr. def to move swiftly along; rush in an uncontrolled way. woman alt head career girl or career girl syl wom+an pos n. career girl 0. or woman syl ca+reer girl pos n. def a girl or woman, often unmarried, who follows a career or profession. careerist 0. syl ca+reer+ist pron pos n. def a person who values success in his career above all else and seeks to advance it by any possible means. careerism sub head careerist syl ca+1reer+ism pos n. careers mistress alt head careers master or careers master syl ca+reers mis+tress pos n. mod fem. careers master 0. or careers mistress syl ca+reers mas+ter pos n. def a teacher who gives advice and information about careers to his pupils. Careers Officer 0. syl Ca+reers Of+fic+er pos n. def a person trained in giving vocational advice, esp. to school leavers. carefree 0. syl care+free pron <1ke*2frE> pos adj. def without worry or responsibility. carefreeness sub head carefree syl care+2free+ness pos n. careful 1. syl care+ful pron <1ke*ful> pos adj. def cautious in attitude or action; prudent; wary. careful 2. syl care+ful pron <1ke*ful> pos adj. def painstaking in one's work; exact and thorough. exam 1 he wrote very careful script. careful 3. syl care+ful pron <1ke*ful> pos adj. usage usually postpositive; foll. by of, in, or about def solicitous; protective. exam 1 careful of one's reputation. careful 4. syl care+ful pron <1ke*ful> pos adj. qual Archaic. def full of care; anxious. careful 5. syl care+ful pron <1ke*ful> pos adj. qual Brit. def mean or miserly. carefully sub head careful syl care+ful+ly pos adv. carefulness sub head careful syl care+ful+ness pos n. careless 1. syl care+less pron <1ke*lis> pos adj. def done with or acting with insufficient attention; negligent. careless 2. syl care+less pron <1ke*lis> pos adj. usage often foll. by in, of, or about def unconcerned in attitude or action; heedless; indifferent (to). exam 1 she's very careless about her clothes. careless 3. syl care+less pron <1ke*lis> pos adj. usage usually prenominal def carefree. careless 4. syl care+less pron <1ke*lis> pos adj. usage usually prenominal def unstudied; artless. exam 1 an impression of careless elegance. carelessly sub head careless syl care+less+ly pos adv. carelessness sub head careless syl care+less+?!ness pos n. caress ety C17: from French caresse, from Italian carezza, from Latin c*_arus dear caress 1. syl ca+ress pron pos n. def a gentle touch or embrace, esp. one given to show affection. caress 2. syl ca+ress pron pos vb. mod tr. def to touch or stroke gently with affection or as with affection. exam 1 the wind caressed her face. caresser sub head caress syl ca+1ress+er pos n. caressingly sub head caress syl ca+1ress+ing+ly pos adv. caret ety C17: from Latin, literally: there is missing, from car*_ere to lack caret 0. syl car+et pron <1k@rit> pos n. def a symbol (###800104) used to indicate the place in written or printed matter at which something is to be inserted. caretaker 1. syl care+tak:er pron <1ke*2tAk*> pos n. def a person who is in charge of a place or thing, esp. in the owner's absence. exam 1 the caretaker of a school. caretaker 2. syl care+tak:er pron <1ke*2tAk*> pos n. usage modifier def holding office temporarily; interim. exam 1 a caretaker government. caretaking sub head caretaker syl care+2tak:ing pos n. Thomas infl head Carew syl Thom:as. pos n. Carew 0. syl Ca:rew pron pos n. def ??1595-??1639, English Cavalier poet. careworn 0. syl care+worn pron <1ke*2wc:n> pos adj. def showing signs of care, stress, worry, etc.. exam 1 a careworn face. William infl head Carey syl Wil:liam. pos n. Carey 0. syl Car:ey pron <1ke*ri> pos n. def 1761-1834, English orientalist and pioneer Baptist missionary in India. Carey Street 1. syl Car+ey Street pos n. usage formerly def the street in which the London bankruptcy court was situated. Carey Street 2. syl Car+ey Street pos n. def the state of bankruptcy. carfare 0. syl car+fare pron <1ka:2fe*> pos n. qual U.S. def the fare that a passenger is charged for a ride on a bus, etc. carfax ety C14: from Anglo-French carfuks, from Old French carrefures, from Latin quadrifurcus four-forked carfax 0. syl car+fax pron <1ka:f@ks> pos n. def a place where principal roads or streets intersect, esp. a place in a town where four roads meet. carfuffle ety C20: of unknown origin carfuffle 0. syl car+fuf+fle pron pos n. qual Informal, chiefly Brit. def a variant spelling of {kerfuffle}. cargo ety C17: from Spanish: from cargar to load, from Late Latin carric*_are to load a vehicle, from carrus #7car cargoes infl head cargo or cargos syl car+goes pos n. mod pl. cargos infl head cargo or cargoes syl car+gos. pos n. mod pl. cargo 1.a. syl car+go pron <1ka:g*u> pos n. def goods carried by a ship, aircraft, or other vehicle; freight. cargo 1.b. syl car+go pron <1ka:g*u> pos n. usage as modifier exam 1 a cargo vessel. cargo 2. syl car+go pron <1ka:g*u> pos n. def any load. exam 1 the train pulled in with its cargo of new arrivals. cargo cult 0. syl car+go cult pos n. def a religious movement of the SW Pacific, characterized by expectation of the return of spirits in ships or aircraft carrying goods that will provide for the needs of the followers. carhop 0. syl car+hop pron <1ka:2hop> pos n. qual U.S. informal. def a waiter or waitress at a drive-in restaurant. Caria 0. syl Car:i:a pron <1ke*ri*> pos n. def an ancient region of SW Asia Minor, on the Aegean Sea: chief cities were Halicarnassus and Cnidus: corresponds to the present-day Turkish districts of S Aydin and W Mu*vgla. Carib ety C16: from Spanish Caribe, from Arawak Caribs infl head Carib or Carib syl Car+ibs pos n. mod pl. Carib infl or Caribs syl Car+ib pos n. mod pl. Carib 1. syl Car+ib pron <1k@rib> pos n. def a member of a group of American Indian peoples of NE South America and the Lesser Antilles. Carib 2. syl Car+ib pron <1k@rib> pos n. def the family of languages spoken by these peoples. Caribbean 1. syl Car+ib+be:an pron <2k@ri1bi*n> pos adj. def of or relating to the Caribbean Sea and its islands. Caribbean 2. syl Car+ib+be:an pron <2k@ri1bi*n> pos adj. def of or relating to the Carib or any of their languages. the 3. head Caribbean syl the. def short for the {Caribbean Sea}. Caribbean 4. syl Car+ib+be:an pron <2k@ri1bi*n> pos n. def a member of any of the peoples inhabiting the islands of the Caribbean Sea, such as a West Indian or a Carib. Caribbean Sea 0. syl Car+ib+be:an Sea pos n. def an almost landlocked sea, part of the Atlantic Ocean, bounded by the West Indies, Central America, and the N coast of South America. Area: 2718200 sq. km (1049500 sq. miles). Caribbee bark 0. syl Car+ib+bee bark pron <1k@ri2bE> pos n. def the bark of any of various tropical American and West Indian rubiaceous trees of the genus used as a substitute for cinchona bark. the infl head Caribbees syl the. pos n. Caribbees 0. syl Car+ib+bees pron <1k@ri2bEz> pos n. mod pl. def another name for the {Lesser Antilles}. Cariboo Mountains 0. syl Car:i+boo Moun+tains pron <1k@ri2bu:> pos n. mod pl. def a mountain range in SW Canada, in SE British Columbia. Highest peak: Mount Sir Wilfrid Laurier, 3582 m (11750 ft.). caribou ety C18: from Canadian French, of Algonquian origin; compare Micmac khalibu literally: scratcher caribous infl head caribou or caribou syl car:i+bous pos n. mod pl. caribou infl or caribous syl car:i+bou. pos n. mod pl. caribou 0. syl car:i+bou pron <1k@ri2bu:> pos n. def a large deer, of Arctic regions of North America, having large branched antlers in the male and female: also occurs in Europe and Asia, where it is called a reindeer. Caribou Eskimo 0. syl Car:i+bou Es+ki+mo pos n. def a member of any of the Eskimo peoples who inhabit the Barren Lands of N Canada. caricature ety C18: from Italian caricatura a distortion, exaggeration, from caricare to load, exaggerate; see #7cargo &- #!car@.i+ca+@!tur+al adj. &- #!car@.i+ca+@!tur+ist n. caricature 1. syl car:i+ca+ture pron <1k@rik*2tju*> pos n. def a pictorial, written, or acted representation of a person, which exaggerates his characteristic traits for comic effect. caricature 2. syl car:i+ca+ture pron <1k@rik*2tju*> pos n. def a ludicrously inadequate or inaccurate imitation. exam 1 he is a caricature of a statesman. caricature 3. syl car:i+ca+ture pron <1k@rik*2tju*> pos n. mod tr. def to represent in or produce a caricature of. caries ety C17: from Latin: decay; related to Greek k*_er death caries infl syl car:i+es. pos n. mod pl. caries 0. syl car:i+es pron <1ke*riEz> pos n. def progressive decay of a bone or a tooth. CARIFTA 0. syl CARIFTA pron pos n. usage acronym for def Caribbean Free Trade Area. carillon ety C18: from French: set of bells, from Old French quarregnon, ultimately from Latin quattuor four carillon 1. syl ca+ril+lon pron pos n. qual Music. def a set of bells usually hung in a tower and played either from a set of keys and pedals or mechanically. carillon 2. syl ca+ril+lon pron pos n. qual Music. def a tune played on such bells. carillon 3. syl ca+ril+lon pron pos n. qual Music. def a mixture stop on an organ giving the effect of a bell. carillon 4. syl ca+ril+lon pron pos n. qual Music. def a form of celesta or keyboard glockenspiel. carillons infl head carillon syl ca+ril+lons pos vb. carillonning infl head carillon syl ca+ril+lon+ning pos vb. carillonned infl head carillon syl ca+ril+lonned. pos vb. carillon 5. syl ca+ril+lon pron pos vb. mod intr. qual Music. def to play a carillon. carillonneur 0. syl ca+ril+lon+neur pron pos n. def a person who plays a carillon. carina ety C18: from Latin: keel carinae infl head carina or carinas syl ca+ri+nae pron <-nE> pos n. mod pl. carinas infl head carina or carinae syl ca+ri+nas. pos n. mod pl. carina 0. syl ca+ri+na pron , <-1rI-> pos n. def a keel-like part or ridge, as in the breastbone of birds. Carinae infl head Carina syl Ca+ri+nae pron , <-1rI-> pos n. qual Latin genitive Carina 0. syl Ca+ri+na pron , <-1rI-> pos n. def a large conspicuous constellation in the S hemisphere close to the Southern Cross that contains Canopus, the second brightest star in the sky. It was originally considered part of the more extensive constellation of Argo. carinate ety C17: from Latin car*_in*_are to furnish with a keel or shell, from car*_ina keel carinated alt head carinate or carinate syl car:i+nat+ed pos adj. carinate 0. or carinated syl car:i+nate pron <1k@ri2nAt> pos adj. qual Biology. def having a keel or ridge; shaped like a keel. Carinthia 0. syl Ca+rin+thi:a pron pos n. def a province of S Austria: an independ?!ent duchy from 976 to 1276; mainly mountainous, with many lakes and resorts. Capital: Klagenfurt. Pop.: 525728 (1971). Area: 9533 sq. km (3681 sq. miles). German name: {K*"arnten}. carioca ety C19: from Brazilian Portuguese carioca 1. syl car:i:o+ca pron <2k@ri1*uk*> pos n. def a Brazilian dance similar to the samba. carioca 2. syl car:i:o+ca pron <2k@ri1*uk*> pos n. def a piece of music composed for this dance. Carioca alt head Cariocan or Cariocan syl Car:i:o+ca pos n. Cariocan 0. or Carioca syl Car:i:o+can pron <2k@ri1*uk*n> pos n. def a native of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. cariogenic 0. syl car:i:o+gen+ic pron <2ke*ri*u1Jenik> pos adj. usage of a substance def producing caries, esp. in the teeth. cariole ety C19: from French carriole, ultimately from Latin carrus; see #7car carriole alt head cariole or cariole syl car+ri+ole pron <1k@ri2*ul> pos n. cariole 1. or carriole syl car:i+ole pron <1k@ri2*ul> pos n. def a small open two-wheeled horse-drawn vehicle. cariole 2. or carriole syl car:i+ole pron <1k@ri2*ul> pos n. def a covered cart. carious 0. syl car:i+ous pron <1ke*ri*s> pos adj. usage of teeth or bone def affected with caries; decayed. cariosity sub head carious or cariousness syl car:i+os+i:ty pron <2k@ri1ositi>, <2ke*ri-> pos n. cariousness sub head carious or cariosity syl car:i+ous+ness pos n. cark ety C13 carken to burden, from Old Northern French carquier, from Late Latin carric*_are to load cark 0. syl cark pron pos n. vb. def an archaic word for { {worry} (senses 1, 2, 11, 13)}. carl ety Old English, from Old Norse karl carle alt head carl or carl syl carle pron pos n. carl 0. or carle syl carl pron pos n. qual Archaic or Scot. def another word for {churl}. Carl XVI Gustaf 0. syl Carl XVI Gus:taf pron Swedish <1gustav> pos n. def born 1946, king of Sweden since 1973. carline ety C16: from French, probably from Latin card*_o thistle carline H1.0. syl car+line pron <1ka:lin> pos n. def a Eurasian thistle-like plant, having spiny leaves and flower heads surrounded by raylike whitish bracts: family (composites). Also called: {carline thistle}. carline ety C14: from Old Norse kerling old woman, diminutive of karl man, #7churl carlin alt head carline or carline syl car+lin pron <1ka:lin> pos n. carline H2.1. or carlin syl car+line pron <1ka:lin> pos n. qual Chiefly Scot. def an old woman, hag, or witch. carline H2.2. or carlin syl car+line pron <1ka:lin> pos n. def variant spellings of {carling}. carling ety C14: from Old Norse kerling old woman, #7carline %2 carline alt head carling or carling syl car+line pos n. carling 0. or carline syl car+ling pron <1ka:liG> pos n. def a fore-and-aft beam in a vessel, used for supporting the deck, esp. around a hatchway or other opening. Carlisle 0. syl Car+lisle pron pos n. def a city in NW England, administrative centre of Cumbria: railway and industrial centre. Pop.: 71497 (1971). Latin name: {Luguvallum}. Carlist 1. syl Car+list pron <1ka:list> pos n. usage in Spain def a supporter of Don Carlos or his descendants as the rightful kings of Spain. Carlist 2. syl Car+list pron <1ka:list> pos n. usage in France def a supporter of Charles X or his descendants. Carlism sub head Carlist syl Car+lism pos n. Don infl head Carlos syl Don. pos n. Carlos 0. syl Car:los pron <1ka:los> pos n. def full name 1788-1855, second son of Charles IV: pretender to the Spanish throne and leader of the Carlists. Carlota 0. syl Car:lo:ta pron Spanish pos n. def original name 1840-1927, wife of Maximilian; empress of Mexico (1864-67). Carlovingian 0. syl Car+lo+vin+gi:an pron <2ka:l*u1vinJi*n> pos adj. n. qual History. def a variant of {Carolingian}. Carlow 1. syl Car+low pron <1ka:l*u> pos n. def a county of SE Ireland, in Leinster: mostly flat, with barren mountains in the southeast. County town: Carlow. Pop.: 34237 (1971). Area: 896 sq. km (346 sq. miles). Carlow 2. syl Car+low pron <1ka:l*u> pos n. def a town in SE Ireland, county town of Co. Carlow. Pop.: 10399 (1971). Carlsbad 0. syl Carls+bad pron German <1karls2ba:t> pos n. def a variant spelling of {Karlsbad}. Carlton 0. syl Carl+ton pron <1ka:lt*n> pos n. def a town in N central England, in S Nottinghamshire. Pop.: 45211 (1971). Thomas infl head Carlyle syl Thom:as. pos n. Carlyle 0. syl Car:lyle pron pos n. def 1795-1881, Scottish essayist and historian. His works include (1833-34), a spiritual autobiography, (1837), and lectures (1841). carmagnole ety C18: from French, probably named after Carmagnola, Italy, taken by French Revolutionaries in 1792 carmagnole 1. syl car+ma+gnole pron <2ka:m*n1j*ul>, French pos n. def a dance and song popular during the French Revolution. carmagnole 2. syl car+ma+gnole pron <2ka:m*n1j*ul>, French pos n. def the costume worn by many French Revolutionaries, consisting of a short jacket with wide lapels, black trousers, a red liberty cap, and a tricoloured sash. carmen infl head carman syl car+men. pos n. mod pl. carman 1. syl car+man pron <1ka:m*n> pos n. def a man who drives a car or cart; carter. carman 2. syl car+man pron <1ka:m*n> pos n. def a man whose business is the transport of goods; haulier. carman 3. syl car+man pron <1ka:m*n> pos n. qual U.S. def a tram driver. Carmarthen 1. syl Car+mar+then pron pos n. def a market town in S Wales, in S Dyfed: Norman castle. Pop.: 13072 (1971). Carmarthenshire 0. syl Car+mar+then+shire pron , <-S*> pos n. usage until 1974 def a county of S Wales, now part of Dyfed. Mount infl head Carmel syl Mount. pos n. Carmel 0. syl Car+mel pron <1ka:m*l> pos n. def a mountain ridge in NW Israel, extending from the Samarian Hills to the Mediterranean. Highest point: about 540 m (1800 ft.). Carmelite ety C14: from French; named after Mount Carmel, where the order was founded Carmelite 1. syl Car+mel+ite pron <1ka:m*2lIt> pos n. qual R.C. Church. def a member of an order of mendicant friars founded about 1154; a White Friar. Carmelite 2. syl Car+mel+ite pron <1ka:m*2lIt> pos n. qual R.C. Church. def a member of a corresponding order of nuns founded in 1452, noted for its austere rule. carminative ety C15: from French carminatif, from Latin carmin*_are to card wool, remove impurities, from c*_arere to card carminative 1. syl car+min:a+tive pron <1ka:min*tiv> pos adj. def able to relieve flatulence. {~} carminative 2. syl car+min:a+tive pron <1ka:min*tiv> pos adj. def a carminative drug. carmine ety C18: from Medieval Latin carm*_inus, from Arabic qirmiz #7kermes carmine 1.a. syl car+mine pron <1ka:mIn> pos n. def a vivid red colour, sometimes with a purplish tinge. carmine 1.b. syl car+mine pron <1ka:mIn> pos as; adj. exam 1 carmine paint. carmine 2. syl car+mine pron <1ka:mIn> pos n. def a pigment of this colour obtained from cochineal. carnage ety C16: from French, from Italian carnaggio, from Medieval Latin carn*_aticum, from Latin car*_o flesh carnage 0. syl car+nage pron <1ka:niJ> pos n. def extensive slaughter, esp. of human beings in battle. carnal ety C15: from Late Latin: relating to flesh, from Latin car*_o flesh carnal 0. syl car+nal pron <1ka:nL> pos adj. def relating to the appetites and passions of the body; sensual; fleshly. carnalist sub head carnal syl car+nal+ist pos n. carnality sub head carnal syl car+1nal+i:ty pos n. carnally sub head carnal syl car+nal+ly pos adv. carnal knowledge 1. syl car+nal knowl+edge pos n. qual Chiefly law. def sexual intercourse. have carnal knowledge of 2. head carnal knowledge syl have carnal knowledge of. qual Chiefly law. def to have sexual intercourse with. carnallite ety C19: named after Rudolf von Carnall (1804-74), German mining engineer; see -#7ite %1 carnallite 0. syl car+nall+ite pron <1ka:n*2lIt> pos n. def a white or sometimes coloured mineral consisting of a hydrated chloride of potassium and magnesium in rhombic crystalline form: a source of potassium and also used as a fertilizer. Formula: KCl.MgCl\2.6H\2O. Carnarvon 0. syl Car+nar+von pron pos n. def a variant spelling of {Caernarfon}. carnassial ety C19: from French carnassier meat-eating, from Proven*,cal, from carnasso abundance of meat, from carn meat, flesh, from Latin car*_o carnassial 1. syl car+nas+si:al pron pos adj. qual Zoology. def of, relating to, or designating the last upper premolar and first lower molar teeth of carnivores, which have sharp edges for tearing flesh. {~} carnassial 2. syl car+nas+si:al pron pos adj. def a carnassial tooth. Carnatic 0. syl Car+nat+ic pron pos n. def a region of S India, between the Eastern Ghats and the Coromandel Coast: originally the country of the Kanarese; historically important as a rich and powerful trading centre; now part of Madras state. carnation ety C16: from French: flesh colour, from Late Latin carn*_ati*_o fleshiness, from Latin car*_o flesh carnation 1. syl car+na+tion pron pos n. def Also called: {clove pink}. a Eurasian caryophyllaceous plant, cultivated in many varieties for its white, pink, or red flowers, which have a fragrant scent of cloves. carnation 2. syl car+na+tion pron pos n. def the flower of this plant. carnation 3.a. syl car+na+tion pron pos n. def a pink or reddish-pink colour. carnation 3.b. syl car+na+tion pron pos as; adj. exam 1 a carnation dress. carnation 4. syl car+na+tion pron pos n. mod often; pl. def a flesh tint in painting. carnauba ety from Brazilian Portuguese, probably of Tupi origin carnauba 1. syl car+nau+ba pron pos n. def Also called: {wax palm}. a Brazilian fan palm, carnauba 2. syl car+nau+ba pron pos n. def Also called: {carnauba wax}. the wax obtained from the young leaves of this tree, used esp. as a polish. Andrew infl head Carnegie syl An:drew. pos n. Carnegie 0. syl Car:ne:gie pron <1ka:n*gE>, pos n. def 1835-1919, U.S. steel manufacturer and philanthropist, born in Scotland: endowed public libraries, education, and research trusts. carnelian ety C17: variant of cornelian, from Old French corneline, of uncertain origin; car - spelling influenced by Latin carneus flesh-coloured carnelian 0. syl car+nel+ian pron pos n. def a red or reddish-yellow translucent variety of chalcedony, used as a gemstone. carnet ety French: notebook, from Old French quernet, ultimately from Latin quatern*_i four at a time; see #7quire %1 carnet 1.a. syl car+net pron <1ka:nA> pos n. def a customs licence authorizing the temporary importation of a motor vehicle. carnet 1.b. syl car+net pron <1ka:nA> pos n. def an official document permitting motorists to cross certain frontiers. carnet 2. syl car+net pron <1ka:nA> pos n. def a book of tickets, travel coupons, etc. carnify ety C17: from Latin car*_o flesh+ facere to make carnifies infl head carnify syl car+ni+fies pos vb. mod intr. carnifying infl head carnify syl car+ni+fy+ing pos vb. mod intr. carnified infl head carnify syl car+ni+fied. pos vb. mod intr. carnify 0. syl car+ni+fy pron <1ka:ni2fI> pos vb. mod intr. usage Pathol. esp. of lung tissue, as the result of pneumonia def to be altered so as to resemble skeletal muscle. carnification sub head carnify syl car+ni+fi+ca+tion pron <2ka:nifi1kAS*n> pos n. Carniola 0. syl Car+ni:o+la pron <2ka:ni1*ul*> pos n. def a region of NW Yugoslavia: a former duchy and crownland of Austria (1335-1919); divided between Yugoslavia and Italy in 1919; became part of Yugoslavia in 1947. German name: {Krain} (kra$In). Slovene name: {Kranj}. carnival ety C16: from Italian carnevale, from Old Italian carnelevare a removing of meat (referring to the Lenten fast) carnival 1.a. syl car+ni+val pron <1ka:nivL> pos n. def a festive occasion or period marked by merrymaking, processions, etc.: esp. in some Roman Catholic countries, the period just before Lent. carnival 1.b. syl car+ni+val pron <1ka:nivL> pos n. usage as modifier exam 1 a carnival atmosphere. carnival 2. syl car+ni+val pron <1ka:nivL> pos n. def a travelling fair having side shows, merry-go-rounds, etc. carnival 3. syl car+ni+val pron <1ka:nivL> pos n. def a show or display arranged as an amusement. carnival 4. syl car+ni+val pron <1ka:nivL> pos n. qual Austral. def a sports meeting. carnivore ety C19: probably back formation from #7carnivorous carnivore 1. syl car+ni+vore pron <1ka:ni2vc:> pos n. def any placental mammal of the order typically having large pointed canine teeth and sharp molars and premolars, specialized for eating flesh. The order includes cats, dogs, bears, raccoons, hyenas, civets, and weasels. carnivore 2. syl car+ni+vore pron <1ka:ni2vc:> pos n. def any other animal or any plant that feeds on animals. carnivorous ety C17: from Latin carnivorus, from car*_o flesh+ vor*_are to consume carnivorous 1. syl car+niv:o+rous pron pos adj. usage esp. of animals def feeding on flesh. carnivorous 2. syl car+niv:o+rous pron pos adj. usage of plants such as the pitcher plant and sundew def able to trap and digest insects and other small animals. carnivorous 3. syl car+niv:o+rous pron pos adj. def of or relating to the carnivorously sub head carnivorous syl car+1niv:o+rous+ly pos adv. carnivorousness sub head carnivorous syl car+1niv:o+rous+ness pos n. Nicolas L'eonard Sadi infl head Carnot syl Ni:co:las L*'e:o:nard Sa:di pron pos n. Carnot 0. syl Car:not pron <1ka:n*u>, French pos n. def 1796-1832, French physicist, whose work on a cycle for an ideal heat engine formed the basis for the second law of thermodynamics, enunciated in 1850; author of (1824). Carnot cycle 0. syl Car:not cy+cle pos n. def an idealized reversible heat-engine cycle giving maximum efficiency and consisting of an isothermal expansion, an adiabatic expansion, an isothermal compression, and an adiabatic compression back to the initial state. carnotite ety C20: named after A. Carnot (died 1920), French inspector general of mines carnotite 0. syl car+no+tite pron <1ka:n*2tIt> pos n. def a radioactive yellow mineral consist?!ing of hydrated uranium potassium vanadate: occurs in sedimentary rocks and is a source of uranium, radium, and vanadium. Formula: K\2(UO\2)\2(V\2O\4)\2.3H\2O. Carnot principle 0. syl Car:not prin+ci+ple pos n. def the principle that the efficiency of a reversible heat engine depends on the maximum and minimum temperatures of the working fluid during the operating cycle and not on the properties of the fluid. carny ety C19: of unknown origin carney alt head carny or carny syl car+ney pron <1ka:ni> pos vb. carnies infl head carny or carneys syl car+nies pos vb. carnying infl head carny or carneying syl car+ny+ing pos vb. carnied infl head carny or carneyed syl car+nied pos vb. carneys infl head carny or carnies syl car+neys pos vb. carneying infl head carny or carnying syl car+ney+ing pos vb. carneyed infl head carny or carnied syl car+neyed. pos vb. carny 0. or carney syl car+ny pron <1ka:ni> pos vb. qual Brit. Informal. def to coax or cajole or act in a wheedling manner. carob ety C16: from Old French carobe, from Medieval Latin carr*_ubium, from Arabic al kharr*_ubah carob 1. syl car+ob pron <1k@r*b> pos n. def Also called: {algarroba}. an evergreen caesalpiniaceous Mediterranean tree, with compound leaves and edible pods. carob 2. syl car+ob pron <1k@r*b> pos n. def Also called: {algarroba, Saint John's bread}. the long blackish sugary pod of this tree, used for animal fodder and sometimes for human food. caroche ety C16: from French, ultimately from Latin carrus #7car caroche 0. syl ca+roche pron pos n. def a stately ceremonial carriage used in the 16th and 17th centuries. carol ety C13: from Old French, of uncertain origin &- #!car+ol+er n. carol 1. syl car+ol pron <1k@r*l> pos n. def a joyful hymn or religious song, esp. one (a {Christmas carol}) celebrating the birth of Christ. carol 2. syl car+ol pron <1k@r*l> pos n. qual Archaic. def an old English circular dance. carols infl head carol or carols syl car+ols pos vb. qual U.S. carolling infl head carol or caroling syl car+ol+ling pos vb. carolled infl head carol or caroled syl car+olled pos vb. caroling infl head carol or carolling syl car+ol+ing pos vb. qual U.S. caroled infl head carol or carolled syl car+oled. pos vb. qual U.S. carol 3. syl car+ol pron <1k@r*l> pos vb. mod intr. def to sing carols at Christmas. carol 4. syl car+ol pron <1k@r*l> pos vb. def to sing (something) in a joyful manner. Carol II 0. syl Car:ol II pron <1k@r*l> pos n. def 1893-1953, king of Rumania (1930-40), who was deposed by the Iron Guard. Carolina 0. syl Car:o+li+na pron <2k@r*1lIn*> pos n. def a former English colony on the E coast of North America, first established in 1663: divided in 1729 into North and South Carolina, which are often referred to as {the Carolinas}. Carolean alt head Caroline or Caroline syl Car:o+le:an pron <2k@r*1lE*n> pos adj. Caroline 1. or Carolean syl Car:o+line pron <1k@r*2lIn> pos adj. def Also called: {Carolinian}. characteristic of or relating to Charles I or Charles II of England, the society over which they ruled, or their government. Caroline 2. or Carolean syl Car:o+line pron <1k@r*2lIn> pos adj. def of or relating to any other king called Charles. Caroline Islands 0. syl Car:o+line Is+lands pos n. mod pl. def an archipelago of over 500 islands and islets in Micronesia, in the W Pacific Ocean east of the Philippines: part of the U.S. Trust Territory of the Pacific Islands; centre of a typhoon zone. Pop.: 70815 (1971). Area: (land) 1183 sq. km (457 sq. miles). Carolingian 1. syl Car:o+lin+gi:an pron <2k@r*1linJi*n> pos adj. def of or relating to the Frankish dynasty founded by Pepin the Short, son of Charles Martel, which ruled in France from 751-987 #7a.d. and in Germany until 911 #7a.d. Carolingian 2. syl Car:o+lin+gi:an pron <2k@r*1linJi*n> pos n. def a member of the dynasty of the Carolingian Franks. Carolingian xref syl Car:o+lin+gi:an pron <2k@r*1linJi*n> pos adj. def Also: {Carlovingian, Carolinian}. Carolinian H1.0. syl Car:o+lin+i:an pron <2k@r*1lini*n> pos adj. def a variant of {Caroline} or {Carolingian}. Carolinian H2.1. syl Car:o+lin+i:an pron <2k@r*1lini*n> pos adj. def of or relating to North or South Carolina. Carolinian H2.2. syl Car:o+lin+i:an pron <2k@r*1lini*n> pos n. def a native or inhabitant of North or South Carolina. caroluses infl head carolus or caroli syl car:o+lus:es pron <-2lI> pos n. mod pl. caroli infl head carolus or caroluses syl car:o+li pron <-2lI> pos n. mod pl. carolus 0. syl car:o+lus pron <1k@r*l*s> pos n. def any of several coins struck in the reign of a king called Charles, esp. an English gold coin from the reign of Charles I. carom ety C18: from earlier carambole (taken as carom ball) , from Spanish carambola a sour greenish fruit, from Portuguese, from Marathi karambal carom 0. syl car+om pron <1k@r*m> pos n. qual Billiards. def another word (esp. U.S.) for { {cannon} (sense 6)}. Caro's acid ety C19: named after Heinrich Caro (died 1910), German chemist Caro's acid 0. syl Car:o's ac:id pron <1k@r*uz>, <1ka:-> pos n. def another name for peroxy?!sulphuric acid. carotene ety C19: carotin, from Latin car*_ota #7carrot ; see -#7ene carotin alt head carotene or carotene syl car:o+tin pron <1k@r*tin> pos n. carotene 0. or carotin syl car:o+tene pron <1k@r*2tEn> pos n. def any of four orange-red isomers of an unsaturated hydrocarbon present in many plants (#Gb-carotene is the orange pigment of carrots) and converted to vitamin A in the liver. Formula: C\4\0H\5\6. carotinoid alt head carotenoid or carotenoid syl ca+rot:i+noid pron pos n. carotenoid 1. or carotinoid syl ca+rot+e:noid pron pos n. def any of a group of red or yellow pigments, including carotenes, found in plants and certain animal tissues. {~} carotenoid 2. or carotinoid syl ca+rot+e:noid pron pos n. def of or resembling carotene or a carotenoid. carotid ety C17: from French, from Greek kar*_otides, from karoun to stupefy; so named by Galen, because pressure on them produced unconsciousness carotid 1. syl ca+rot+id pron pos n. def either one of the two principal arteries that supply blood to the head and neck. carotid 2. syl ca+rot+id pron pos adj. def of or relating to either of these arteries. carotidal sub head carotid syl ca+1rot+id+al pos adj. carousal 0. syl ca+rous+al pron pos n. def a merry drinking party. carouse ety C16: via French carrousser from German (trinken) gar aus (to drink) right out carouse 1. syl ca+rouse pron pos vb. mod intr. def to have a merry drinking spree; drink freely. carouse 2. syl ca+rouse pron pos n. def another word for {carousal}. carouser sub head carouse syl ca+1rous+er pos n. carousel ety C17: from French carrousel, from Italian carosello, of uncertain origin carousel 1. syl car:ou+sel pron <2k@r*1sel>, <-1zel> pos n. qual U.S. def another name for {merry-go-round}. carousel 2. syl car:ou+sel pron <2k@r*1sel>, <-1zel> pos n. qual History. def a tournament in which horsemen took part in races and various manoeuvres in formation. carp ety C14: from Old French carpe, of Germanic origin; compare Old High German karpfo, Old Norse karfi carps alt head carp or carp syl carps. pron pos n. mod pl. carp H1.1. or carps syl carp pron pos n. mod pl. def a freshwater teleost food fish, having a body covered with cycloid scales, a naked head, one long dorsal fin, and two barbels on each side of the mouth: family carp H1.2. or carps syl carp pron pos n. mod pl. def any other fish of the family a cyprinid. carp ety C13: from Old Norse karpa to boast; related to Latin carpere to pluck &- #!carp+er n. carp H2.0. syl carp pron pos vb. mod intr. def to complain or find fault; nag pettily. carpingly sub head carp syl carp+ing+ly pos adv. -carp ety from New Latin -carpium, from Greek -karpion, from karpos fruit -carp 0. syl -carp pos n. usage combining form. def (in botany) fruit or a reproductive structure that develops into a particular part of the fruit. exam 1 epicarp. carpal ety C18: from New Latin carp*_alis, from Greek karpos wrist carpal 0.a. syl car+pal pron <1ka:pL> pos n. def any bone of the wrist. carpal 0.b. syl car+pal pron <1ka:pL> pos n. usage as modifier; carpal bones. def Also: {car+pa+le} (k$a$:#!pe$Il$I). car park 0. syl car park pos n. def an area or building reserved for parking cars. Usual U.S. term: {parking lot}. Carpathians alt head Carpathian Mountains or Carpathian Mountains syl Car+pa+thi:ans pos n. mod pl. Carpathian Mountains 0. or Carpathians syl Car+pa+thi:an Moun+tains pron pos n. mod pl. def a mountain system of central and E Europe, extending from N Czechoslovakia to central Rumania: mainly forested, with rich iron ore resources. Highest peak: Gerlachovka, 2663 m (8788 ft.). Carpatho-Ukraine 0. syl Car:pa:tho-U:kraine pron pos n. def another name for {Ruthenia}. carpe diem ety literally: seize the day&! carpe diem 0. syl car+pe di:em pron Latin. <1ka:pi> <1dEem> pos interj. def enjoy the pleasures of the moment, without concern for the future. carpel ety C19: from New Latin carpellum, from Greek karpos fruit carpel 0. syl car+pel pron <1ka:pL> pos n. def the female reproductive organ of flowering plants, consisting of an ovary, style, and stigma. The carpels are separate or fused to form a single pistil. carpellary sub head carpel syl car+pel+lar:y pos adj. carpellate sub head carpel syl car+pel+late pron <1ka:pi2lAt> pos adj. Gulf of infl head Carpentaria syl Gulf of. pos n. Carpentaria 0. syl Car+pen+ta+ri:a pron <2ka:p*n1te*ri*> pos n. def a shallow inlet of the Arafura Sea, in N Australia between Arnhem Land and Cape York Peninsula. carpenter ety C14: from Anglo-French, from Latin carpent*_arius wagon-maker, from carpentum wagon; of Celtic origin carpenter 1. syl car+pen+ter pron <1ka:pint*> pos n. def a person skilled in woodwork, esp. in buildings, ships, etc. carpenter 2. syl car+pen+ter pron <1ka:pint*> pos vb. mod intr. def to do the work of a carpenter. carpenter 3. syl car+pen+ter pron <1ka:pint*> pos vb. mod tr. def to make or fit together by or as if by carpentry. John Alden infl head Carpenter syl John Al:den. pos n. Carpenter 0. syl Car:pen:ter pron <1ka:pint*> pos n. def 1876-1951, U.S. composer, who used jazz rhythms in orchestral music: his works include the ballet (1926) and the orchestral suite (1915). carpenter bee 0. syl car+pen+ter bee pos n. def any large solitary bee of the genus and related genera that lays its eggs in tunnels bored into wood or in plant stems: family carpenter moth 0. syl car+pen+ter moth pos n. def any of various large moths of the family the larvae of which bore beneath and cause damage to tree bark. Georges infl head Carpentier syl Georges pron pos n. Carpentier 0. syl Car:pen:tier pron French pos n. def known as 1894-1975, French boxer: world light-heavyweight champion (1920-22). carpentry 1. syl car+pen+try pron <1ka:pintri> pos n. def the art or technique of working wood. carpentry 2. syl car+pen+try pron <1ka:pintri> pos n. def the work produced by a carpenter; woodwork. carpet ety C14: from Old French carpite, from Old Italian carpita, from Late Latin carpeta, literally: (wool) that has been carded, from Latin carpere to pluck, card carpet 1.a. syl car+pet pron <1ka:pit> pos n. def a heavy fabric for covering floors. carpet 1.b. syl car+pet pron <1ka:pit> pos n. usage as modifier exam 1 a carpet sale. carpet 2. syl car+pet pron <1ka:pit> pos n. def a covering like a carpet. exam 1 a carpet of leaves. carpet 3.a. syl car+pet pron <1ka:pit> pos n. def before authority to be reproved for misconduct or error. carpet 3.b. syl car+pet pron <1ka:pit> pos n. def under consideration. carpet 4. syl car+pet pron <1ka:pit> pos vb. mod tr. def to cover with or as if with a carpet. carpet 5. syl car+pet pron <1ka:pit> pos vb. mod tr. qual Informal. def to reprimand. carpetbag 0. syl car:pet+bag pron <1ka:pit2b@g> pos n. def a travelling bag originally made of carpeting. carpetbagger 1. syl car:pet+bag+ger pron <1ka:pit2b@g*> pos n. qual U.S. def a politician who seeks public office in a locality where he has no real connections. carpetbagger 2. syl car:pet+bag+ger pron <1ka:pit2b@g*> pos n. qual U.S. def a Northern White who went to the South after the Civil War to profit from Reconstruction. carpet bug alt head carpet beetle or carpet beetle syl car+pet bug pos n. qual U.S. carpet beetle 0. or carpet bug syl car+pet bee+tle pos n. def any of various beetles of the genus the larvae of which feed on carpets, furnishing fabrics, etc.: family carpeting 0. syl car+pet+ing pron <1ka:pitiG> pos n. def carpet material or carpets in general. carpet knight 0. syl car+pet knight pos n. qual Disparaging. def a soldier who spends his life away from battle; idler. carpet shark 0. syl car+pet shark pos n. def any of various sharks of the family having two dorsal fins and a patterned back, typically marked with white and brown. carpet slipper 0. syl car+pet slip+per pos n. def one of a pair of slippers, originally one made with woollen uppers resembling carpeting. carpython alt head carpet snake or carpet snake syl car+py+thon pos n. carpet snake 0. or carpython syl car+pet snake pos n. def a large nonvenomous Australian snake, having a carpetlike pattern on its back. carpet-sweeper 0. syl car:pet-sweep:er pos n. def a household device with a revolving brush for sweeping carpets. carpi 0. syl car+pi pron <1ka:pI> pos n. def the plural of {carpus}. -carpic 0. syl -car:pic pos adj. usage combining form. def variant of {-carpous}. carpo- ety from Greek karpos fruit carpo- H1.0. syl car:po- usage combining form. def (in botany) indicating fruit or a reproductive structure that develops into part of the fruit. exam 1 carpophore; exam 2 carpogonium. carpo- H2.0. syl car:po- usage combining form. def carpus or carpal bones. exam 1 carpo?!metacarpus. carpogonia infl head carpogonium syl car+po+go+ni:a pron <-ni*> pos n. mod pl. carpogonium 0. syl car+po+go+ni:um pron <2ka:p*1g*uni*m> pos n. def the female sex organ of red algae, consisting of a swollen base containing the ovum and a long neck down which the male gametes pass. carpogonial sub head carpogonium syl car+po+1go+ni:al pos adj. carpology 0. syl car+pol+o:gy pron pos n. def the branch of botany concerned with the study of fruits and seeds. carpological sub head carpology syl car+po+log:i+cal pron <2ka:p*1loJikL> pos adj. carpologist sub head carpology syl car+1pol:o+gist pos n. carpometacarpus 0. syl car+po+met:a+car+pus pron <2ka:p*u2met*1ka:p*s> pos n. def a bone in the wing of a bird that consists of the metacarpal bones and some of the carpal bones fused together. carpophagous 0. syl car+poph:a+gous pron pos adj. qual Zoology. def feeding on fruit. exam 1 carpophagous bats. carpophore 1. syl car+po+phore pron <1ka:p*2fc:> pos n. def an elongated part of the receptacle in flowers such as the geranium that bears the carpels and stamens. carpophore 2. syl car+po+phore pron <1ka:p*2fc:> pos n. def a spore-bearing structure in some of the higher fungi. carport 0. syl car+port pron <1ka:2pc:t> pos n. def a shelter for a car usually consisting of a roof built out from the side of a building and supported by posts. carpospore 0. syl car+po+spore pron <1ka:p*u2spc:> pos n. def a sexual spore produced by red algae after fertilization of the carpogonium. -carpous ety from New Latin -carpus, from Greek karpos fruit -carpic alt head -carpous or -carpous syl -car:pic pos adj. -carpous 0. or -carpic syl -car:pous pos adj. usage combining form. def (in botany) indicating a certain kind or number of fruit. exam 1 apocarpous. carpus ety C17: New Latin, from Greek karpos carpi infl head carpus syl car+pi pron <-pI> pos n. mod pl. carpus 1. syl car+pus pron <1ka:p*s> pos n. def the technical name for {wrist}. carpus 2. syl car+pus pron <1ka:p*s> pos n. def the eight small bones of the human wrist that form the joint between the arm and the hand. carpus 3. syl car+pus pron <1ka:p*s> pos n. def the corresponding joint in other tetrapod vertebrates. carrack ety C14: from Old French caraque, from Old Spanish carraca, from Arabic qar*_aq*_ir merchant ships carrack 0. syl car+rack pron <1k@r*k> pos n. def a galleon sailed in the Mediterranean as a merchantman in the 15th and 16th centuries. carrageen ety C19: from Carragheen, near Waterford, Ireland, where it is very plentiful carragheen infl head carrageen or carageen syl car+ra+gheen pron <1k@r*2gEn> pos n. carageen infl head carrageen or carragheen syl car:a+geen pron <1k@r*2gEn> pos n. carrageen 1. syl car+ra+geen pron <1k@r*2gEn> pos n. def an edible red seaweed, of rocky shores of North America and N Europe, used to make a beverage, medicine, and jelly. carrageen 2. syl car+ra+geen pron <1k@r*2gEn> pos n. def any product of this seaweed. carrageen xref syl car+ra+geen pron <1k@r*2gEn> pos n. def Also called: {Irish moss}. Carrara 0. syl Car+ra+ra pron , Italian pos n. def a town in NW Italy, in NW Tuscany: famous for its marble. Pop.: 67758 (1971). carrefour ety C15: from Old French quarrefour, ultimately from Latin quadrifurcus having four forks carrefour 1. syl car+re+four pron <1k@r*2fc:> pos n. def a rare word for {crossroads}. carrefour 2. syl car+re+four pron <1k@r*2fc:> pos n. def a public square, esp. one at the intersection of several roads. carrell alt head carrel or carrel syl car+rell pron <1k@r*l> pos n. carrel 0. or carrell syl car+rel pron <1k@r*l> pos n. def a small individual study room, often in a library, in which a student or researcher can work undisturbed. Alexis infl head Carrel syl A:lex:is pron <*1leksis>, French pos n. Carrel 0. syl Car:rel pron , <1k@r*l>, French , French pos n. def 1873-1944, French surgeon and biologist, active in the U.S. (1905-39): developed a method of suturing blood vessels, making the transplantation of arteries and organs possible: Nobel prize for physiology or medicine 1912. carriage ety C14: from Old Northern French cariage, from carier to #7carry carriage 1. syl car+riage pron <1k@riJ> pos n. qual Brit. def a railway coach for passengers. carriage 2. syl car+riage pron <1k@riJ> pos n. def the manner in which a person holds and moves his head and body; bearing. carriage 3. syl car+riage pron <1k@riJ> pos n. def a four-wheeled horse-drawn vehicle for persons. carriage 4. syl car+riage pron <1k@riJ> pos n. def the moving part of a machine that bears another part. exam 1 a typewriter carriage; exam 2 a lathe carriage. carriage 5.a. syl car+riage pron <1k@riJ> pos n. def the act of conveying; carrying. carriage 5.b. syl car+riage pron <1k@riJ> pos n. def the charge made for conveying (esp. in the phrases {carriage forward}, when the change is to be paid by the receiver, and {carriage paid}) . carriage dog 0. syl car+riage dog pos n. def a former name for {dalmatian}. carriage trade 0. syl car+riage trade pos n. def wealthy patrons, as of a theatre, shop, restaurant, etc. carriageway 0. syl car:riage+way pron <1k@riJ2wA> pos n. qual Brit. def the part of a road along which traffic passes in a single line moving in one direction only. exam 1 a dual carriageway. carrick bend ety C19: perhaps variant of #7carrack carrick bend 0. syl car+rick bend pron <1k@rik> pos n. def a knot used for joining two ropes or cables together. carrick bitt 0. syl car+rick bitt pos n. qual Nautical. def either of a pair of strong posts used for supporting a windlass. carrier 1. syl car+ri+er pron <1k@ri*> pos n. def a person, thing, or organization employed to carry goods, passengers, etc. carrier 2. syl car+ri+er pron <1k@ri*> pos n. def a mechanism by which something is carried or moved, such as a device for transmitting rotation from the faceplate of a lathe to the workpiece. carrier 3. syl car+ri+er pron <1k@ri*> pos n. qual Pathol. def another name for { {vector} (sense 2)}. carrier 4. syl car+ri+er pron <1k@ri*> pos n. qual Pathol. def a person or animal that, without having any symptoms of a disease, is capable of transmitting it to others. carrier 5. syl car+ri+er pron <1k@ri*> pos n. def Also called: {charge carrier}. an electron or hole that carries the charge in a conductor or semiconductor. carrier 6. syl car+ri+er pron <1k@ri*> pos n. def Also called: {carrier wave}. a wave of fixed amplitude and frequency that is modulated in amplitude, frequency, or phase in order to carry a signal in radio transmission, etc. carrier 7.a. syl car+ri+er pron <1k@ri*> pos n. def the inert solid on which a dyestuff is adsorbed in forming a lake. carrier 7.b. syl car+ri+er pron <1k@ri*> pos n. def a substance, such as kieselguhr or asbestos, used to support a catalyst. carrier 7.c. syl car+ri+er pron <1k@ri*> pos n. def an inactive substance containing a radioisotope used in radioactive tracing. carrier 7.d. syl car+ri+er pron <1k@ri*> pos n. def an inert gas used to transport the sample through a gas chromatography column. carrier 7.e. syl car+ri+er pron <1k@ri*> pos n. def a catalyst that effects the transfer of an atom or group from one molecule to another. carrier 8. syl car+ri+er pron <1k@ri*> pos n. def See {aircraft carrier}. carrier 9. syl car+ri+er pron <1k@ri*> pos n. def a breed of domestic fancy pigeon having a large walnut-shaped wattle over the beak; a distinct variety of pigeon from the homing or carrier pigeon. See also {carrier pigeon}. carrier 10. syl car+ri+er pron <1k@ri*> pos n. def a U.S. name for {roof rack}. carrier bag 0. syl car+ri+er bag pos n. qual Brit. def a large paper or plastic bag for carrying shopping, etc. carrier pigeon 0. syl car+ri+er pig+eon pos n. def any homing pigeon, esp. one used for carrying messages. carriole 0. syl car+ri+ole pron <1k@ri2*ul> pos n. def a variant spelling of {cariole}. carrion ety C13: from Anglo-French caroine, ultimately from Latin car*_o flesh carrion 1. syl car+ri+on pron <1k@ri*n> pos n. def dead and rotting flesh. carrion 2. syl car+ri+on pron <1k@ri*n> pos n. usage modifier def eating carrion. exam 1 carrion beetles. carrion 3. syl car+ri+on pron <1k@ri*n> pos n. def something rotten or repulsive. carrion crow 0. syl car+ri+on crow pos n. def a common predatory and scavenging European crow, similar to the rook but having a pure black bill. See also {hooded crow}. carrion flower 1. syl car+ri+on flow+er pos n. def a liliaceous climbing plant, of E North America, whose small green flowers smell like decaying flesh. carrion flower 2. syl car+ri+on flow+er pos n. def any of several other plants, esp. any of the genus whose flowers have an unpleasant odour. Lewis infl head Carroll syl Lew:is. pos n. Carroll 0. syl Car:roll pron <1k@r*l> pos n. def pen name of 1832-98, English writer; an Oxford mathematics don who wrote (1865) and (1872) and the nonsense poem (1876). carronade ety C18: named after Carron, Scotland, where it was first cast; see -#7ade carronade 0. syl car+ron+ade pron <2k@r*1nAd> pos n. def an obsolete light cannon of short barrel and large bore. carron oil ety C19: named after Carron, Scotland, where it was used among the ironworkers carron oil 0. syl car+ron oil pron <1k@r*n> pos n. def an ointment of limewater and linseed oil, formerly used to treat burns. carrot ety C16: from Old French carotte, from Late Latin car*_ota, from Greek kar*_oton; perhaps related to Greek kar*_e head carrot 1. syl car+rot pron <1k@r*t> pos n. def an umbelliferous plant, with finely divided leaves and flat clusters of small white flowers. See also {wild carrot}. carrot 2. syl car+rot pron <1k@r*t> pos n. def the long tapering orange root of this plant, eaten as a vegetable. carrot 3. syl car+rot pron <1k@r*t> pos n. def something offered as a lure or incentive. carroty 1. syl car+rot:y pron <1k@r*ti> pos adj. def of a reddish or yellowish-orange colour. carroty 2. syl car+rot:y pron <1k@r*ti> pos adj. def having red hair. carrousel 0. syl car+rou+sel pron <2k@r*1sel>, <-1zel> pos n. def a variant spelling of {carousel}. carry ety C14 carien, from Old Northern French carier to move by vehicle, from car, from Latin carrum transport wagon; see #7car carries infl head carry syl car+ries pos vb. mod mainly; tr. carrying infl head carry syl car+ry+ing pos vb. mod mainly; tr. carried infl head carry syl car+ried. pos vb. mod mainly; tr. carry 1. syl car+ry pron <1k@ri> pos vb. mod also; intr. def to take or bear (something) from one place to another. exam 1 to carry a baby in one's arms. carry 2. syl car+ry pron <1k@ri> pos vb. mod mainly; tr. def to transfer for consideration; take. exam 1 he carried his complaints to her superior. carry 3. syl car+ry pron <1k@ri> pos vb. mod mainly; tr. def to have on one's person. exam 1 he always carries a watch. carry 4. syl car+ry pron <1k@ri> pos vb. mod also; intr. def to be transmitted or serve as a medium for transmitting. exam 1 sound carries best over water. carry 5. syl car+ry pron <1k@ri> pos vb. mod mainly; tr. def to contain or be capable of containing. exam 1 the jug carries water. carry 6. syl car+ry pron <1k@ri> pos vb. mod mainly; tr. def to bear or be able to bear the weight, pressure, or responsibility of. exam 1 her efforts carry the whole production. carry 7. syl car+ry pron <1k@ri> pos vb. mod mainly; tr. def to have as an attribute or result. exam 1 this crime carries a heavy penalty. carry 8. syl car+ry pron <1k@ri> pos vb. mod mainly; tr. def to bring or communicate. exam 1 to carry news. carry 9. syl car+ry pron <1k@ri> pos vb. mod also; intr. def to be pregnant with (young). exam 1 she is carrying her third child. carry 10. syl car+ry pron <1k@ri> pos vb. mod mainly; tr. def to bear (the head, body, etc.) in a specified manner. exam 1 she carried her head high. carry 11. syl car+ry pron <1k@ri> pos vb. mod mainly; tr. def to conduct or bear (oneself) in a specified manner. exam 1 she carried herself well in a difficult situation. carry 12. syl car+ry pron <1k@ri> pos vb. mod mainly; tr. def to continue or extend. exam 1 the war was carried into enemy territory. carry 13. syl car+ry pron <1k@ri> pos vb. mod mainly; tr. def to cause to move or go. exam 1 desire for riches carried him to the city. carry 14. syl car+ry pron <1k@ri> pos vb. mod mainly; tr. def to influence, esp. by emotional appeal. exam 1 his words carried the crowd. carry 15. syl car+ry pron <1k@ri> pos vb. mod mainly; tr. def to secure the passage of (a bill, motion, etc.). carry 16. syl car+ry pron <1k@ri> pos vb. mod mainly; tr. def to win (an election). carry 17. syl car+ry pron <1k@ri> pos vb. mod mainly; tr. def to obtain victory for (a candidate or measure) in an election. carry 18. syl car+ry pron <1k@ri> pos vb. mod mainly; tr. qual Chiefly U.S. def to win a plurality or majority of votes in (a district, legislative body, etc.). exam 1 the candidate carried 40 states. carry 19. syl car+ry pron <1k@ri> pos vb. mod mainly; tr. def to capture. exam 1 our troops carried the town. carry 20. syl car+ry pron <1k@ri> pos vb. mod mainly; tr. usage of communications media def to include as the content. exam 1 this newspaper carries no book reviews. carry 21. syl car+ry pron <1k@ri> pos vb. mod mainly; tr. def Also (esp. U.S.): {carry over}. to transfer (an item) to another account, esp. to transfer to the following year's account instead of writing off against profit and loss. exam 1 to carry a loss. carry 22. syl car+ry pron <1k@ri> pos vb. mod mainly; tr. qual Maths. def to transfer (a number) from one column of figures to the next, as from units to tens in multiplication and addition. carry 23. syl car+ry pron <1k@ri> pos vb. mod mainly; tr. usage of a shop, trader, etc. def to keep in stock. exam 1 to carry confectionery. carry 24. syl car+ry pron <1k@ri> pos vb. mod mainly; tr. def to support (a musical part or melody) against the other parts. carry 25. syl car+ry pron <1k@ri> pos vb. mod mainly; tr. def to sustain (livestock). exam 1 this land will carry twelve ewes to the acre. carry 26. syl car+ry pron <1k@ri> pos vb. mod mainly; tr. def to maintain (livestock) in good health but without increasing their weight or obtaining any products from them. carry 27. syl car+ry pron <1k@ri> pos vb. mod intr. usage of a ball, projectile, etc. def to travel through the air or reach a specified point. exam 1 his first drive carried to the green. carry 28. syl car+ry pron <1k@ri> pos vb. mod mainly; tr. usage Sport, esp. golf. of a ball, etc. def to travel beyond. exam 1 the drive carried the trees. carry 29. syl car+ry pron <1k@ri> pos vb. mod intr. usage of a gun def to have a range as specified. exam 1 this rifle carries for 1200 yards. carry 30. syl car+ry pron <1k@ri> pos vb. mod mainly; tr. def to retain contact with and pursue (a line of scent). carry 31. syl car+ry pron <1k@ri> pos vb. mod intr. usage of ground def to be in such a condition that scent lies well upon it. carry 32. syl car+ry pron <1k@ri> pos vb. mod mainly; tr. qual Ice hockey. def to dribble. carry 33. syl car+ry pron <1k@ri> pos vb. mod mainly; tr. qual Informal. def to imbibe (alcoholic drink) without showing ill effects. carry all before (one) 34. head carry syl carry all before (one) . def to win unanimous support or approval for (oneself). carry a tune 35. head carry syl carry a tune. def to be able to sing in tune. carry the can 36. head carry syl carry the can. qual Informal. def to take the responsibility for some misdemeanour, etc. carry the day 37. head carry syl carry the day. def to win a contest or competition; succeed. carries infl head carry syl car+ries. pos n. mod pl. carry 38. syl car+ry pron <1k@ri> pos n. mod mainly; tr. def the act of carrying. carry 39. syl car+ry pron <1k@ri> pos n. mod mainly; tr. qual U.S. def a portion of land over which a boat must be portaged. carry 40. syl car+ry pron <1k@ri> pos n. mod mainly; tr. def the range of a firearm or its projectile. carry 41. syl car+ry pron <1k@ri> pos n. mod mainly; tr. def the distance travelled by a ball, etc., esp. (in golf) the distance from where the ball is struck to where it first touches the ground. carryall H1.0. syl car:ry+all pron <1k@ri2c:l> pos n. def a light four-wheeled horse-drawn carriage usually designed to carry four passengers. carryall H2.0. syl car:ry+all pron <1k@ri2c:l> pos n. def the usual U.S. name for a {holdall}. carry away 1. syl car+ry a:way pos vb. adv. mod tr. def to remove forcefully. carry away 2. syl car+ry a:way pos vb. adv. mod tr. usage usually passive def to cause (a person) to lose self control. carry away 3. syl car+ry a:way pos vb. adv. mod tr. usage usually passive def to delight or enrapture. exam 1 he was carried away by the music. carry back 1. syl car+ry back pos adv. mod tr. qual Tax accounting. def to apply (a legally permitted credit, esp. an operating loss) to the taxable income of previous years in order to ease the overall tax burden. carry-back infl head carry back syl car:ry-back. pos n. carry back 2. syl car+ry back pos n. qual Tax accounting. def an amount carried back. carrycot 0. syl car:ry+cot pron <1k@ri2kot> pos n. def a light cot with handles, similar to but smaller than the body of a pram and often attachable to an unsprung wheeled frame. carry forward 1. syl car+ry for+ward pos vb. adv. mod tr. qual Book-keeping. def to transfer (a balance) to the next page, column, etc. carry forward 2. syl car+ry for+ward pos vb. adv. mod tr. qual Tax accounting. def to apply (a legally permitted credit, esp. an operating loss) to the taxable income of following years to ease the overall tax burden. {~} Also: {carry over. ~} {car@.ry-for@.ward}. carry forward 3. syl car+ry for+ward pos vb. adv. mod tr. def Also called: {carry-over}. an amount carried forward. carrying charge 0. syl car+ry+ing charge pos n. def the opportunity cost of unproductive assets, such as goods stored in a warehouse. carryings-on infl head carrying-on syl car:ry:ings-on. pos n. mod pl. carrying-on 1. syl car:ry:ing-on pos n. qual Informal. def unconventional or questionable behaviour. carrying-on 2. syl car:ry:ing-on pos n. qual Informal. def excited or flirtatious behaviour, esp. when regarded as foolish. carrying place 0. syl car+ry+ing place pos n. qual Canadian. def another name for {portage}. carry off 1. syl car+ry off pos vb. adv. mod tr. def to remove forcefully. carry off 2. syl car+ry off pos vb. adv. mod tr. def to win. exam 1 he carried off all the prizes. carry off 3. syl car+ry off pos vb. adv. mod tr. def to manage or handle (a situation) successfully. exam 1 he carried off the introductions well. carry off 4. syl car+ry off pos vb. adv. mod tr. def to cause to die. exam 1 he was carried off by pneumonia. carry on 1. syl car+ry on pos vb. adv. mod intr. def to continue or persevere. exam 1 we must carry on in spite of our difficulties. carry on 2. syl car+ry on pos vb. adv. mod tr. def to manage or conduct. exam 1 to carry on a business. carry on 3. syl car+ry on pos vb. adv. mod intr. qual Informal. usage often foll. by with def to have an affair. carry on 4. syl car+ry on pos vb. adv. mod intr. qual Informal. def to cause a fuss or commotion. carry-on infl head carry on syl car:ry-on. pos n. carry on 5. syl car+ry on pos n. qual Informal, chiefly Brit. def a fuss or commotion. carry out 1. syl car+ry out pos vb. adv. mod tr. def to perform or cause to be implemented. exam 1 I wish he could afford to carry out his plan. carry out 2. syl car+ry out pos vb. adv. mod tr. def to bring to completion; accomplish. carry over 1. syl car+ry o:ver pos vb. adv. mod tr. def to postpone or defer. carry over 2. syl car+ry o:ver pos vb. adv. mod tr. qual Book-keeping, tax accounting. def another word for {carry forward}. carry over 3. syl car+ry o:ver pos vb. adv. mod tr. usage on the London Stock Exchange def to postpone (payment or settlement) until the next account day. carry-over infl head carry over syl car:ry-o:ver. pos n. carry over 4. syl car+ry o:ver pos n. mod tr. def something left over for future use, esp. goods to be sold. carry over 5. syl car+ry o:ver pos n. mod tr. qual Book-keeping. def a sum or balance carried forward. carry over 6. syl car+ry o:ver pos n. mod tr. def another name for {contango}. carry over 7. syl car+ry o:ver pos n. mod tr. qual Tax accounting. def another name for {carry-forward}. carry through 1. syl car+ry through pos vb. adv. mod tr. def to bring to completion. carry through 2. syl car+ry through pos vb. adv. mod tr. def to enable to endure (hardship, trouble, etc.); support. carse ety C14: of uncertain origin carse 0. syl carse pron pos n. qual Scot. def an area of low-lying land beside a river. carsick 0. syl car+sick pron <1ka:2sik> pos adj. def nauseated from riding in a car or other vehicle. carsickness sub head carsick syl car+2sick+ness pos n. Christopher 1. head Carson syl Chris:to:pher def called 1809-68, U.S. frontiersman, trapper, scout, and Indian agent. Rachel (Louise) 2. head Carson syl Ra:chel (Louise) . def 1907-64, U.S. marine biologist and science writer; author of (1962). Carson City 0. syl Car+son Cit:y pos n. def a city in W Nevada, capital of the state. Pop.: 15468 (1970). Mount infl head Carstensz syl Mount. pos n. Carstensz 0. syl Car+stensz pron <1ka:st*nz> pos n. def a former name of (Mount) {Djaja}. cart ety C13: from Old Norse kartr; related to Old English cr@at carriage, Old French carete; see #7car cart 1. syl cart pron pos n. def a heavy open vehicle, usually having two wheels and drawn by horses, used in farming and to transport goods. cart 2. syl cart pron pos n. def a light open horse-drawn vehicle having two wheels and springs, for business or pleasure. cart 3. syl cart pron pos n. def any small vehicle drawn or pushed by hand, such as a trolley. cart 4.a. syl cart pron pos n. def in an unpleasant or awkward situation. cart 4.b. syl cart pron pos n. def in the lurch. put the cart before the horse 5. head cart syl put the cart before the horse. def to reverse the usual or natural order of things. cart 6. syl cart pron pos vb. mod usually; tr. def to use or draw a cart to convey (goods, etc.). exam 1 to cart groceries. cart 7. syl cart pron pos vb. mod tr. def to carry with effort; haul. exam 1 to cart wood home. cartable sub head cart syl cart+a:ble pos adj. carter sub head cart syl cart+er pos n. cartage 0. syl cart+age pron <1ka:tiJ> pos n. def the process or cost of carting. Cartagena 1. syl Car+ta+ge:na pron <2ka:t*1JEn*>, Spanish <2karta1$xAna> pos n. def a port in NW Colombia, on the Caribbean: centre for the Inquisition and the slave trade in the 16th century; chief oil port of Colombia. Pop.: 292512 (1973). Cartagena 2. syl Car+ta+ge:na pron <2ka:t*1JEn*>, Spanish <2karta1$xAna> pos n. def a port in SE Spain, on the Medi?!terranean: important since Carthaginian and Roman times for its minerals. Pop.: 146904 (1970). carte 0. syl carte pron pos n. def a variant spelling of {quarte} (in fencing). Carte 0. syl Carte pron pos n. def See (Richard) {D'Oyly Carte}. carte blanche ety C18: from French: blank paper cartes blanches infl head carte blanche syl cartes blanches pron <1ka:ts> <1bla:nC>, French <1bl?~a:S> pos n. mod pl. carte blanche 1. syl carte blanche pron <1ka:t> <1bla:nC>, French <1bl?~a:S>, French <1bl?~a:S> pos n. def complete discretion or authority. exam 1 the government gave their negotiator carte blanche. carte blanche 2. syl carte blanche pron <1ka:t> <1bla:nC>, French <1bl?~a:S>, French <1bl?~a:S> pos n. qual Cards. def a piquet hand containing no court cards: scoring ten points. carte du jour ety French, literally: card of the day cartes du jour infl head carte du jour syl cartes du jour pron <1ka:ts> <1Zu*>, , French <1Zu:r> pos n. mod pl. carte du jour 0. syl carte du jour pron <1ka:t> <1Zu*>, , French <1Zu:r>, French <1Zu:r> pos n. def a menu listing dishes available on a particular day. cartel ety C20: from German Kartell, from French, from Italian cartello a written challenge, public notice, diminutive of carta #7card %1 cartel 1. syl car+tel pron pos n. def Also called: {trust}. a collusive international association of independent enterprises formed to monopolize production and distribution of a product or service, control prices, etc. cartel 2. syl car+tel pron pos n. qual Politics. def an alliance of parties or interests to further common aims. cartelize 0. syl car+tel+ize pron <1ka:t*lIz> pos vb. def to form or be formed into a cartel. &- {@!car+tel@.i+#!za+tion} Elliot (Cook) 1. head Carter syl El:li:ot (Cook) . def born 1908, U.S. composer. His works include the (1945-46), three string quartets, and orchestral pieces: Pulitzer Prize 1960. Howard 2. head Carter syl How:ard. def 1873-1939, English Egyptologist: discovered and excavated the tomb of the Pharaoh Tutankhamen. James Earl 3. head Carter syl James Earl def known as born 1924, U.S. Democratic statesman; president of the U.S. since 1977. John infl head Carteret syl John pos n. Carteret 0. syl Car:te:ret pron <1ka:t*rit> pos n. def 1st Earl Granville. 1690-1763, British statesman, diplomat, and orator who led the opposition to Walpole (1730-42), after whose fall he became a leading minister as secretary of state (1742-44). Cartesian 1. syl Car+te:si:an pron pos adj. def of or relating to the works of Descartes. Cartesian 2. syl Car+te:si:an pron pos adj. def of, relating to, or used in Descartes' mathematical system. exam 1 Cartesian coordinates. Cartesian 3. syl Car+te:si:an pron pos n. def a follower of the teachings and methods of Descartes. Cartesianism sub head Cartesian syl Car+1te:si+an+ism pos n. Cartesian coordinates 0. syl Car+te:si:an co+or+di+nates pos n. mod pl. def a system of coordinates that defines the location of a point in space in terms of its perpendicular distance from each of a set of mutually perpen?!dicular axes. Written with reference to three axes. cartful 0. syl cart+ful pron <1ka:t2ful> pos n. def the amount a cart can hold. Carthage 0. syl Car+thage pron <1ka:TiJ> pos n. def an ancient city state, on the N African coast near present-day Tunis. Founded about 800 #7b.c. by Phoenician traders, it grew into an empire dominating N Africa and the Mediterranean. Destroyed and then rebuilt by Rome, it was finally razed by the Arabs in 697 #7a.d. See also {Punic Wars}. &- {Car+tha+gin+i@.an} (@!k$a$:#Gg$$#!d#f$In$I$$n) carthorse 0. syl cart+horse pron <1ka:t2hc:s> pos n. def a large heavily built horse kept for pulling carts or carriages. Carthusian ety C14: from Medieval Latin Carthusianus, from Latin Carthusia Chartreuse, near Grenoble Carthusian 0. syl Car+thu+si:an pron pos n. qual R.C. Church. def a member of an austere monastic order founded by Saint Bruno in 1084 near Grenoble, France. Jacques infl head Cartier syl Jacques pron pos n. Cartier 0. syl Car:tier pron French pos n. def 1491-1557, French navigator and explorer in Canada, who discovered the St. Lawrence River (1535). Henri infl head Cartier-Bresson syl Hen:ri pron pos n. Cartier-Bresson 0. syl Car:tier-Bres:son pron French pos n. def born 1908, French photographer. cartilage ety C16: from Latin cartil*_ag*_o &- car+ti+lag@.i+nous (@!k$a$:t$I#!l@ad#f$I?!n$$s) adj. cartilage 0. syl car+ti+lage pron <1ka:tiliJ>, <1ka:tliJ> pos n. def a tough elastic tissue composing most of the embryonic skeleton of vertebrates. In the adults of higher vertebrates it is mostly converted into bone, remaining only on the articulating ends of bones, in the thorax, trachea, nose, and ears. Nontechnical name: {gristle}. cartilage bone 0. syl car+ti+lage bone pos n. def any bone that develops within cartilage rather than in a fibrous tissue membrane. Compare {membrane bone}. cartilaginous fish 0. syl car+ti+lag:i+nous fish pos n. def any fish of the class including the sharks, skates, and rays, having a skeleton composed entirely of cartilage. cartload 1. syl cart+load pron <1ka:t2l*ud> pos n. def the amount a cart can hold. cartload 2. syl cart+load pron <1ka:t2l*ud> pos n. def a quantity of rubble, ballast, etc., of between one quarter and one half of a cubic yard. caway infl head cart off or cart out syl ca:way pos vb. adv. mod tr. cart out infl head cart off or caway syl cart out pos vb. adv. mod tr. cart off 0. syl cart off pos vb. adv. mod tr. qual Slang. def to carry or remove brusquely or by force. cartogram ety C20: from French cartogramme, from carte map, #7chart ; see -#7gram cartogram 0. syl car+to+gram pron <1ka:t*2gr@m> pos n. def a map showing statistical information in diagrammatic form. cartography ety C19: from French cartographie, from carte map, #7chart chartography alt head cartography or cartography syl char+tog+ra+phy pron pos n. cartography 0. or chartography syl car+tog+ra+phy pron pos n. def the art, technique, or practice of compiling or drawing maps or charts. cartographer sub head cartography or chartographer syl car+1tog+ra+pher pos n. chartographer sub head cartography or cartographer syl char+1tog+ra+pher pos n. cartographic sub head cartography syl car+to+graph+ic pron <2ka:t*1gr@fik> pos adj. cartographical sub head cartography or chartographic syl car+to+1graph:i+cal pos adj. chartographic sub head cartography or cartographical syl char+to+1graph+ic pos adj. chartographical sub head cartography syl char+to+1graph:i+cal pos adj. cartographically sub head cartography or chartographically syl car+to+1graph:i+cal+ly pos adv. chartographically sub head cartography or cartographically syl char+to?!+1graph:i+cal+ly pos adv. cartomancy ety C19: from French carte card+-#7mancy cartomancy 0. syl cart:o+man+cy pron <1ka:t*2m@nsi> pos n. def the telling of fortunes with playing cards. carton ety C19: from French, from Italian cartone pasteboard, from carta #7card %1 carton 1. syl car+ton pron <1ka:tN> pos n. def a cardboard box for containing goods. carton 2. syl car+ton pron <1ka:tN> pos n. def a container of waxed paper or plastic in which liquids, such as milk, are sold. carton 3.a. syl car+ton pron <1ka:tN> pos n. def a white disc at the centre of a target. carton 3.b. syl car+ton pron <1ka:tN> pos n. def a shot that hits this disc. cartoon ety C17: from Italian cartone pasteboard, sketch on stiff paper; see #7carton cartoon 1. syl car+toon pron pos n. def a humorous or satirical drawing, esp. one in a newspaper or magazine, concerning a topical event. cartoon 2. syl car+toon pron pos n. def a sequence of drawings in a newspaper, magazine, etc., relating a comic or adventurous situation. U.S. name: {comic strip}. cartoon 3. syl car+toon pron pos n. def See {animated cartoon}. cartoon 4. syl car+toon pron pos n. def a full-size preparatory sketch for a fresco, tapestry, mosaic, etc., from which the final work is traced or copied. cartoonist sub head cartoon syl car+1toon+ist pos n. cartouche ety C17: from French: scroll, cartridge, from Italian cartoccio, from carta paper; see #7card %1 cartouch alt head cartouche or cartouche syl car+touch pron pos n. cartouche 1. or cartouch syl car+touche pron pos n. def a carved or cast ornamental tablet or panel in the form of a scroll, sometimes having an inscription. cartouche 2. or cartouch syl car+touche pron pos n. def an oblong figure enclosing characters expressing royal or divine names in Egyptian hieroglyphics. cartouche 3. or cartouch syl car+touche pron pos n. def the paper case holding combustible materials in certain fireworks. cartouche 4. or cartouch syl car+touche pron pos n. qual Now rare. def a cartridge or a box for cartridges. cartridge ety C16: from earlier cartage, variant of #7cartouche (cartridge) cartridge 1. syl car+tridge pron <1ka:triJ> pos n. def a cylindrical, usually metal casing containing an explosive charge and often a bullet, for a rifle or other small arms. cartridge 2. syl car+tridge pron <1ka:triJ> pos n. def a case for an explosive, such as a blasting charge. cartridge 3. syl car+tridge pron <1ka:triJ> pos n. def an electromechanical transducer in the pickup of a gramophone, usually either containing a piezoelectric crystal ({crystal cartridge}) or an electromagnet ({magnetic cartridge) }. cartridge 4. syl car+tridge pron <1ka:triJ> pos n. def a container for magnetic tape that is inserted into a tape deck. It is about four times the size of a cassette. cartridge 5. syl car+tridge pron <1ka:triJ> pos n. qual Photog. def a light-tight film container that enables a camera to be loaded and unloaded in normal light. Also called: {cassette, magazine}. cartridge belt 0. syl car+tridge belt pos n. def a belt with pockets for cartridge clips or loops for cartridges. cartridge clip 0. syl car+tridge clip pos n. def a metallic container holding cartridges for an automatic firearm. cartridge paper 1. syl car+tridge pa+per pos n. def an uncoated type of drawing or print?!ing paper, usually made from bleached sulphate wood pulp with an addition of esparto grass. cartridge paper 2. syl car+tridge pa+per pos n. def a heavy paper used in making cartridges or as drawing or printing paper. cartridge pen 0. syl car+tridge pen pos n. def a pen having a removable ink reservoir that is replaced when empty. cart track 0. syl cart track pos n. def a rough track or road in a rural area. Also called: {cart road}. cartulary ety C16: from Medieval Latin cartul*_arium, from Latin chartula a little paper, from charta paper; see #7card %1 chartulary alt head cartulary or cartulary syl char+tu+lar:y pron <1Ca:tjul*ri> pos n. cartularies infl head cartulary syl car+tu+lar:ies. pos n. mod pl. cartulary 0.a. or chartulary syl car+tu+lar:y pron <1ka:tjul*ri> pos n. qual Law. def a collection of charters or records, esp. relating to the title to an estate or monastery. cartulary 0.b. or chartulary syl car+tu+lar:y pron <1ka:tjul*ri> pos n. qual Law. def any place where records are kept. cartwheel 1. syl cart+wheel pron <1ka:t2wEl> pos n. def the wheel of a cart, usually having wooden spokes and metal tyres. cartwheel 2. syl cart+wheel pron <1ka:t2wEl> pos n. def an acrobatic movement in which the body makes a sideways revolution supported on the hands with arms and legs outstretched. cartwheel 3. syl cart+wheel pron <1ka:t2wEl> pos n. qual U.S. slang. def a large coin, esp. the silver dollar. cartwright 0. syl cart+wright pron <1ka:t2rIt> pos n. def a person who makes carts. caruncle ety C17: from obsolete French caruncule, from Latin caruncula a small piece of flesh, from car*_o flesh caruncle 1. syl car+un+cle pron <1k@r*GkL>, pos n. def a fleshy outgrowth on the heads of certain birds, such as a cock's comb. caruncle 2. syl car+un+cle pron <1k@r*GkL>, pos n. def an outgrowth near the hilum on the seeds of some plants. caruncle 3. syl car+un+cle pron <1k@r*GkL>, pos n. def any small fleshy mass in or on the body, either natural or abnormal. caruncular sub head caruncle or carunculous syl ca+run+cu+lar pron pos adj. carunculous sub head caruncle or caruncular syl ca+1run+cu+lous pos adj. carunculate sub head caruncle or carunculated syl ca+run+cu+late pron , <-2lAt> pos adj. carunculated sub head caruncle or carunculate syl ca+1run+cu+2lat+ed pos adj. Enrico infl head Caruso syl En:ri:co pron pos n. Caruso 0. syl Ca:ru:so pron Italian pos n. def 1873-1921, an outstanding Italian operatic tenor; one of the first to make gramophone records. carve ety Old English ceorfan; related to Old Frisian kerva, Middle High German kerben to notch carve 1. syl carve pron pos vb. mod tr. def to cut or chip in order to form something. exam 1 to carve wood. carve 2. syl carve pron pos vb. def to decorate or form (something) by cutting or chipping. exam 1 to carve statues. carve 3. syl carve pron pos vb. def to slice (meat) into pieces. exam 1 to carve a turkey. carver sub head carve syl carv+er pos n. carvel 0. syl car+vel pron <1ka:vL> pos n. def another word for {caravel}. carvel-built 0. syl car:vel-built pos adj. usage of a vessel def having a hull with planks made flush at the seams. Compare {clinker-built}. carven 0. syl carv+en pron <1ka:vN> pos vb. def an archaic or literary past participle of {carve}. carve out 0. syl carve out pos vb. adv. mod tr. qual Informal. def to make or create (a career). exam 1 he carved out his own future. George Washington infl head Carver syl George Wash:ing:ton. pos n. Carver 0. syl Car:ver pron <1ka:v*> pos n. def ??1864-1943, U.S. agricultural chemist and botanist. carve up 1. syl carve up pos vb. adv. mod tr. def to cut (something) into pieces. carve up 2. syl carve up pos vb. adv. mod tr. def to divide or dismember (a country, land, etc.). {~} {carve-up}. carve up 3. syl carve up pos vb. adv. mod tr. qual Slang. def the distribution of something, as of booty. carving 0. syl carv+ing pron <1ka:viG> pos n. def a figure or design produced by carving stone, wood, etc. carving knife 0. syl carv+ing knife pos n. def a long-bladed knife for carving cooked meat for serving. (Arthur) Joyce (Lunel) infl head Cary syl (Arthur) Joyce (Lunel) . pos n. Cary 0. syl Car:y pron <1ke*ri>, <1k@ri> pos n. def 1888-1957, English novelist; author of (1939), (1941), and (1944). caryatid ety C16: from Latin Cary*_atides, from Greek Karuatides priestesses of Artemis at Karuai (Caryae), village in Laconia caryatids infl head caryatid or carides syl car:y+at+ids pron <-i2dEz> pos n. mod pl. carides infl head caryatid or caryatids syl car:i+des pron <-i2dEz> pos n. mod pl. caryatid 0. syl car:y+at+id pron <2k@ri1@tid> pos n. def a column, used to support an entablature, in the form of a draped female figure. Compare {telamon}. caryatidal sub head caryatid syl car:y+1at:i+dal pron <2k@ri*1tidik> pos adj. caryatidean sub head caryatid syl car:y+2at:i+1de:an pron <2k@ri*1tidik> pos adj. caryatic sub head caryatid or caryatidic syl car:y+1at+ic pron <2k@ri*1tidik> pos adj. caryatidic sub head caryatid or caryatic syl car:y+a:tid+ic pron <2k@ri*1tidik> pos adj. caryo- 0. syl car:y:o- usage combining form. def variant of {karyo-}. caryophyllaceous ety C19: from New Latin Caryophyll*_aceae, from Caryophyllus former type genus, from Greek karuophullon clove tree, from karuon nut+ phullon leaf caryophyllaceous 0. syl car:y:o+phyl+la+ceous pron <2k@ri*ufi1lAS*s> pos adj. def of, relating to, or belonging to the a family of flowering plants including the pink, carnation, sweet william, and chickweed. caryopsis ety C19: New Latin; see #7karyo -#7, -#7opsis caryopses infl head caryopsis or caryopsides syl car:y+op+ses pron <-sEz> pos n. mod pl. caryopsides infl head caryopsis or caryopses syl car:y+op+si+des pron <-si2dEz> pos n. mod pl. caryopsis 0. syl car:y+op+sis pron <2k@ri1opsis> pos n. def a dry seedlike fruit having the pericarp fused to the seed coat of the single seed: produced by the grasses. carzey ety C19: from casa, case a brothel, from Italian casa a house carsey alt head carzey or carzey syl car+sey pron <1ka:zi> pos n. carzey 0. or carsey syl car+zey pron <1ka:zi> pos n. qual Cockney slang. def a lavatory; toilet. casaba ety from Kassaba, former name of Turgutlu, Turkey cassaba alt head casaba or casaba syl cas+sa+ba pron pos n. casaba 0. or cassaba syl ca+sa+ba pron pos n. def a kind of winter muskmelon having a yellow rind and sweet juicy flesh. Casablanca 0. syl Cas:a+blan+ca pron <2k@s*1bl@Gk*> pos n. def a port in NW Morocco, on the Atlantic: largest city in the country; industrial centre. Pop.: 1506373 (1971). Pablo infl head Casals syl Pab:lo pron <1pa$Blo> pos n. Casals 0. syl Ca:sals pron Spanish pos n. def 1876-1973, Spanish cellist and composer, noted for his interpretation of J. S. Bach's cello suites. Giovanni Jacopo 1. head Casanova syl Gio:van:ni Ja:co:po pron <1ja:kopo> def 1725-98, Italian adventurer noted for his a vivid account of his sexual adventures and of contemporary society. Casanova 2. syl Cas:a:no:va pron <2k@s*1n*uv*> pos n. def any man noted for his amorous adventures; a rake. Isaac infl head Casaubon syl I:sa:ac pron pos n. Casaubon 0. syl Ca:sau:bon pron , French pos n. def 1559-1614, French Protestant theologian and classical scholar. casbah 0. syl cas+bah pron <1k@zba:> pos n. usage sometimes cap. def a variant spelling of {kasbah}. cascabel ety C17: from Spanish: small bell, rattle, of uncertain origin cascabel 1. syl cas+ca+bel pron <1k@sk*2bel> pos n. def a knoblike protrusion on the rear part of the breech of an obsolete muzzle-loading cannon. cascabel 2. syl cas+ca+bel pron <1k@sk*2bel> pos n. def the rear part itself. cascade ety C17: from French, from Italian cascata, from cascare to fall, ultimately from Latin cadere to fall cascade 1. syl cas+cade pron pos n. def a waterfall or series of waterfalls over rocks. cascade 2. syl cas+cade pron pos n. def something resembling this, such as folds of lace. cascade 3.a. syl cas+cade pron pos n. def a consecutive sequence of chemical or physical processes. cascade 3.b. syl cas+cade pron pos n. usage as modifier exam 1 cascade liquefaction. cascade 4.a. syl cas+cade pron pos n. def a set of electrical components connected in series. cascade 4.b. syl cas+cade pron pos n. usage as modifier exam 1 a cascade amplifier. cascade 5. syl cas+cade pron pos n. def the cumulative process responsible for the formation of an electrical discharge, cosmic-ray shower, or Geiger counter avalanche in a gas. {~} cascade 6. syl cas+cade pron pos n. mod intr. def to flow or fall in or like a cascade. Cascade Range 0. syl Cas+cade Range pos n. def a chain of mountains in the U.S.: a continuation of the Sierra Nevada range from N California through Oregon and Washington to British Columbia. Highest peak: Mount Rainier, 4392 m (14408 ft.). cascara ety C19: from Spanish: bark, from cascar to break, from Vulgar Latin quassic*_are (unattested) to shake violently, shatter, from Latin quass*_are to dash to pieces cascara 1. syl cas+ca+ra pron pos n. def See {cascara sagrada}. cascara 2. syl cas+ca+ra pron pos n. def Also called: {cascara buckthorn, bearwood}. a shrub or small tree, of NW North America, whose bark is a source of cascara sagrada: family cascara sagrada ety Spanish, literally: sacred bark cascara sagrada 0. syl cas+ca+ra sa+gra+da pron pos n. def the dried bark of the cascara buckthorn, used as a laxative and stimulant. Often shortened to {cascara}. cascarilla ety C17: from Spanish, diminutive of c*'ascara bark; see #7cascara cascarilla 1. syl cas+ca+ril+la pron <2k@sk*1ril*> pos n. def a West Indian euphorbiaceous shrub, whose bitter aromatic bark is used as a tonic. cascarilla 2. syl cas+ca+ril+la pron <2k@sk*1ril*> pos n. def the bark of this shrub. case ety Old English casus (grammatical) case, associated also with Old French cas a happening; both from Latin c*_asus, a befalling, occurrence, from cadere to fall case H1.1. syl case pron pos n. def a single instance, occurrence, or example of something. case H1.2. syl case pron pos n. def an instance of disease, injury, hardship, etc. case H1.3. syl case pron pos n. def a question or matter for discussion. exam 1 the case before the committee. case H1.4. syl case pron pos n. def a specific condition or state of affairs; situation. case H1.5. syl case pron pos n. def a set of arguments supporting a particular action, cause, etc. case H1.6.a. syl case pron pos n. def a person attended or served by a doctor, social worker, solicitor, etc.; patient or client. case H1.6.b. syl case pron pos n. usage as modifier exam 1 a case study. case H1.7.a. syl case pron pos n. def an action or suit at law or something that forms sufficient grounds for bringing an action. exam 1 he has a good case. case H1.7.b. syl case pron pos n. def the evidence offered in court to support a claim. case H1.8.a. syl case pron pos n. def a set of grammatical categories of nouns, pronouns, and adjectives, marked by inflection in some languages, indicating the relation of the noun, adjective, or pronoun to other words in the sentence. case H1.8.b. syl case pron pos n. def any one of these categories. exam 1 the nominative case. case H1.9. syl case pron pos n. qual Informal. def an odd person; eccentric. case H1.10. syl case pron pos n. qual U.S. informal. def love or infatuation. as the case may be 11. head case syl as the case may be. def according to the circumstances. in any case 12. head case syl in any case. pos adv. def no matter what; anyhow. exam 1 we will go in any case. case H1.13.a. syl case pron pos n. def in order to allow for eventualities. case H1.13.b. syl case pron pos as; conj. def in order to allow for the possibility that. exam 1 take your coat in case it rains. in case of 14. head case syl in case of. pos prep. def in the event of. in no case 15. head case syl in no case. pos adv. def under no circumstances. exam 1 in no case should you fight back. case ety C13: from Old French casse, from Latin capsa, from capere to take, hold case H2.1.a. syl case pron pos n. def a container, such as a box or chest. case H2.1.b. syl case pron pos n. usage in combination exam 1 suitcase; exam 2 briefcase. case H2.2. syl case pron pos n. def an outer cover or sheath, esp. for a watch. case H2.3. syl case pron pos n. def a receptacle and its contents. exam 1 a case of ammunition. case H2.4. syl case pron pos n. def a pair or brace, esp. of pistols. case H2.5. syl case pron pos n. qual Architect. def another word for { {casing} (sense 3)}. case H2.6. syl case pron pos n. def a completed cover ready to be fastened to a book to form its binding. case H2.7. syl case pron pos n. qual Printing. def a tray divided into many compartments in which a compositor keeps individual metal types of a particular size and style. Cases were originally used in pairs, one (the {upper case}) for capitals, the other (the {lower case}) for small letters. case H2.8. syl case pron pos n. qual Metallurgy. def the surface of a piece of steel that has been case-hardened. {~} case H2.9. syl case pron pos n. def to put into or cover with a case. exam 1 to case the machinery. case H2.10. syl case pron pos n. qual U.S. slang. def to inspect carefully (esp. a place to be robbed). casease ety C20: from #7case (#7in) #7+ -#7ase casease 0. syl ca+se:ase pron <1kAsi2Az> pos n. def a proteolytic enzyme formed by certain bacteria that activates the solution of albumin and casein in milk and cheese. caseate ety C19: from Latin c*_aseus #7cheese caseate 0. syl ca+se:ate pron <1kAsi2At> pos vb. mod intr. qual Pathol. def to undergo caseation. caseation 1. syl ca+se:a+tion pron <2kAsi1AS*n> pos n. def the formation of cheese from casein during the coagulation of milk. caseation 2. syl ca+se:a+tion pron <2kAsi1AS*n> pos n. qual Pathol. def the degeneration of dead tissue into a soft cheeselike mass. casebound 0. syl case+bound pron <1kAs2baund> pos adj. def another word for {hardback}. casefy ety C20: from Latin c*_aseus #7cheese+ -#7fy casefies infl head casefy syl ca+se:fies pos vb. casefying infl head casefy syl ca+se:fy+ing pos vb. casefied infl head casefy syl ca+se:fied. pos vb. casefy 0. syl ca+se:fy pron <1kAsi2fI> pos vb. def to make or become similar to cheese. case-harden 1. syl case-hard:en pos vb. mod tr. qual Metallurgy. def to form a hard surface layer of high carbon content on (a steel component) by heating in a carburizing environment with subsequent quenching or heat treatment. case-harden 2. syl case-hard:en pos vb. mod tr. def to harden the spirit or disposition of; make callous. exam 1 experience had case-hardened the judge. case history 0. syl case his+to+ry pos n. def a record of a person's background, medical history, etc., esp. one used for determining medical treatment. casein ety C19: from Latin c*_aseus cheese+-#7in casein 0. syl ca+sein pron <1kAsiin>, <-sEn> pos n. def a phosphoprotein, precipitated from milk by the action of rennin, forming the basis of cheese: used in the manufacture of plastics and adhesives. Also called (U.S.): {paracasein}. caseinogen 0. syl ca+se:in:o+gen pron <2kAsi1in*J*n>, pos n. def the principal protein of milk, converted to casein by rennin. Sometimes called (U.S.): {casein}. case knife 0. syl case knife pos n. def another name for {sheath knife}. case law 0. syl case law pos n. def law established by following judicial decisions given in earlier cases. Compare {statute law}. See also { {precedent} (sense 1)}. casemate ety C16: from French, from Italian casamatta, perhaps from Greek khasmata apertures, plural of khasma #7chasm casemate 0. syl case+mate pron <1kAs2mAt> pos n. def an armoured compartment in a ship or fortification in which guns are mounted. casemated sub head casemate syl case+2mat+ed pos adj. casement ety C15: probably from Old Northern French encassement frame, from encasser to frame, encase, from casse framework, crate, #7case %2 casement 1. syl case+ment pron <1kAsm*nt> pos n. def a window frame that is hinged on one side. casement 2. syl case+ment pron <1kAsm*nt> pos n. def a window containing frames hinged at the side or at the top or bottom. casement 3. syl case+ment pron <1kAsm*nt> pos n. def a poetic word for {window}. Casement 0. syl Case:ment pron <1kAsm*nt> pos n. def Sir {Rog@.er (David) }. 1864-1916, British diplomat and Irish nationalist: hanged by the British for treason in attempting to gain German support for Irish independence. caseose ety C20: from Latin c*_aseus cheese+-#7ose %2 caseose 0. syl ca+se:ose pron <1kAsi2*uz>, <-2*us> pos n. def a peptide produced by the peptic digestion of casein. caseous ety C17: from Latin c*_aseus #7cheese caseous 0. syl ca+se:ous pron <1kAsi*s> pos adj. def of or like cheese. casern ety C17: from French caserne, from Old Proven*,cal cazerna group of four men, ultimately from Latin quattuor four caserne alt head casern or casern syl ca+serne pron pos n. casern 0. or caserne syl ca+sern pron pos n. usage formerly def a billet or accommodation for soldiers in a town. Caserta 0. syl Ca+ser+ta pron Italian pos n. def a town in S Italy, in Campania: centre of Garibaldi's campaigns for the unification of Italy (1860); Allied headquarters in World War II. Pop.: 62928 (1971). case shot 0. syl case shot pos n. def another name for { {canister} (sense 2)}. casework 0. syl case+work pron <1kAs2wR:k> pos n. def social work based on close study of the personal histories and circumstances of individuals and families. caseworker sub head casework syl case+2work:er pos n. caseworm 0. syl case+worm pron <1kAs2wR:m> pos n. def another name for a {caddis worm}. cash ety C16: from Old Italian cassa money box, from Latin capsa #7case %2 cash H1.1. syl cash pron pos n. def banknotes and coins, esp. in hand or readily available; money or ready money. cash H1.2. syl cash pron pos n. def immediate payment, in full or part, for goods or services (esp. in the phrase {cash down}) . cash H1.3. syl cash pron pos n. usage modifier def of, for, or paid by cash. exam 1 a cash trans?!action. cash H1.4. syl cash pron pos vb. mod tr. def to obtain or pay ready money for. exam 1 to cash a cheque. cashable sub head cash syl cash+a:ble pos adj. cash ety C16: from Portuguese caixa, from Tamil k*_asu, from Sanskrit karsa weight of gold or silver cash infl syl cash. pos n. mod pl. cash H2.0. syl cash pron pos n. def any of various Chinese, Indonesian, or Indian coins of low value. Johnny infl head Cash syl John:ny. pos n. Cash 0. syl Cash pron pos n. def born 1932, U.S. country-and-western singer, guitarist, and songwriter. His hits include (1956), (1957), and (1969). cash-and-carry 0. syl cash-and-car:ry pos adj. adv. def sold or operated on a basis of cash payment for merchandise that is not delivered but removed by the purchaser. cash-book 0. syl cash-book pos n. qual Book-keeping. def a journal in which all cash or cheque receipts and disbursements are recorded. cash crop 0. syl cash crop pos n. def a crop grown for sale rather than for subsistence. cash desk 0. syl cash desk pos n. def a counter or till in a shop where purchases are paid for. cash discount 0. syl cash dis+count pos n. def a discount granted to a purchaser who pays before a stipulated date. cashed up 0. syl cashed up pos adj. qual Austral. informal. def having plenty of money. cashew ety C18: from Portuguese caj*'u, from Tupi acaj*'u cashew 1. syl cash+ew pron <1k@Su:>, pos n. def a tropical American anacardiaceous evergreen tree, bearing kidney-shaped nuts that protrude from a fleshy receptacle. cashew 2. syl cash+ew pron <1k@Su:>, pos n. def Also called: {cashew nut}. the nut of this tree, edible only when roasted. cash flow 1. syl cash flow pos n. def the movement of money into and out of a business. cash flow 2. syl cash flow pos n. def a prediction of such movement over a given period. cashier ety C16: from Dutch cassier or French caissier, from casse money chest; see #7case %2 cashier H1.1. syl cash+ier pron pos n. def a person responsible for receiving payments for goods, services, etc., as in a shop. cashier H1.2. syl cash+ier pron pos n. def an employee of a bank responsible for receiving deposits, cashing cheques, and other financial transactions; bank clerk. cashier H1.3. syl cash+ier pron pos n. def any person responsible for handling cash or maintaining records of its receipt and disbursement. cashier ety C16: from Middle Dutch kasseren, from Old French casser, from Latin quass*_are to #7quash cashier H2.1. syl cash+ier pron pos vb. mod tr. def to dismiss with dishonour, esp. from the armed forces. cashier H2.2. syl cash+ier pron pos vb. mod tr. qual Rare. def to put away or discard; reject. cash in 1. syl cash in pos vb. adv. mod tr. def to give (something) in exchange, esp. for money. cash in 2.a. syl cash in pos vb. adv. def to profit (from). cash in 2.b. syl cash in pos vb. adv. def to take advantage (of). cash in 3. syl cash in pos vb. adv. mod intr. qual U.S. def a slang expression for {die%1}. cashmere 1.a. syl cash+mere pron <1k@Smi*> pos n. def a fine soft wool from goats of the Kashmir area. cashmere 1.b. syl cash+mere pron <1k@Smi*> pos n. def cloth or knitted material made from this or similar wool. cashmere 1.c. syl cash+mere pron <1k@Smi*> pos n. usage as modifier exam 1 a cashmere sweater. cashmere 2. syl cash+mere pron <1k@Smi*> pos n. def a variant spelling of {kashmir}. Cashmere 0. syl Cash+mere pron pos n. def a variant spelling of {Kashmir}. cash on delivery 0. syl cash on de+liv+er:y pos n. def a service entailing cash payment to the carrier on delivery of merchandise. cash ratio 0. syl cash ra+ti:o pos n. def the ratio of cash on hand to total deposits that by law or custom commercial banks must maintain. cash register 0. syl cash reg+is+ter pos n. def a till with a keyboard that operates a mechanism for displaying and adding the amounts of cash received in individual sales. cash up 0. syl cash up pos vb. adv. mod intr. usage Brit. of cashiers, shopkeepers, etc. def to add up the money taken, esp. at the end of a working day. casimere 0. syl cas:i+mere pron <1k@si2mi*> pos n. def a variant spelling of {cassimere}. casing 1. syl cas+ing pron <1kAsiG> pos n. def a protective case or cover. casing 2. syl cas+ing pron <1kAsiG> pos n. def material for a case or cover. casing 3. syl cas+ing pron <1kAsiG> pos n. def Also called: {case}. a frame containing a door, window, or staircase. casing 4. syl cas+ing pron <1kAsiG> pos n. def the intestines of cattle, pigs, etc., or a synthetic substitute, used as a container for sausage meat. casing 5. syl cas+ing pron <1kAsiG> pos n. def the outer cover of a pneumatic tyre. casing 6. syl cas+ing pron <1kAsiG> pos n. def a pipe or tube used to line a hole or shaft. casino ety C18: from Italian, diminutive of casa house, from Latin casinos infl head casino syl ca+si+nos. pos n. mod pl. casino 1. syl ca+si+no pron pos n. def a public building or room in which gaming takes place, esp. roulette and card games such as baccarat and chemin de fer. casino 2. syl ca+si+no pron pos n. def a variant spelling of {cassino}. cask ety C15: from Spanish casco helmet, perhaps from cascar to break cask 1. syl cask pron pos n. def a strong wooden barrel used mainly to hold alcoholic drink. exam 1 a wine cask. cask 2. syl cask pron pos n. def any barrel. cask 3. syl cask pron pos n. def the quantity contained in a cask. casket ety C15: probably from Old French cassette little box; see #7case %2 casket 1. syl cas+ket pron <1ka:skit> pos n. def a small box or chest for valuables, esp. jewels. casket 2. syl cas+ket pron <1ka:skit> pos n. def a U.S. name for { {coffin} (sense 1)}. Caslon 0. syl Cas+lon pron <1k@zl*n> pos n. def a style of type designed by William Caslon, English type-founder (1692-1766). Caspar 0. syl Cas+par pron <1k@sp*>, <1k@spa:> pos n. usage in Christian tradition def one of the Magi, the other two being Melchior and Balthazar. Casparian strip ety C20: named after Robert Caspary, 19th-century German botanist Casparian strip 0. syl Cas+par+i:an strip pron pos n. qual Botany. def a band of suberized material around the radial walls of endodermal cells: impervious to gases and liquids. Caspian Sea 0. syl Cas+pi:an Sea pron <1k@spi*n> pos n. def a salt lake between SE Europe and Asia: the largest inland sea in the world; fed mainly by the River Volga. Area: 394299 sq. km (152239 sq. miles). casque ety C17: from French, from Spanish casco; see #7cask casque 0. syl casque pron pos n. qual Zoology. def a helmet or a helmet-like process or structure, as on the bill of most hornbills. casqued sub head casque syl casqued pos adj. cassaba 0. syl cas+sa+ba pron pos n. def a variant spelling of {casaba}. Cassandra 1. syl Cas:san:dra pron pos n. qual Greek myth. def a daughter of Priam and Hecuba, endowed with the gift of prophecy but fated never to be believed. Cassandra 2. syl Cas:san:dra pron pos n. def anyone whose prophecies of doom are unheeded. cassareep ety C19: of Carib origin cassareep 0. syl cas+sa+reep pron <1k@s*2rEp> pos n. def the juice of the bitter cassava root, boiled down to a syrup and used as a flavouring, esp. in West Indian cookery. cassata ety from Italian cassata 0. syl cas+sa+ta pron pos n. def an ice cream, originating in Italy, usually containing nuts and candied fruit. cassation ety C15: from Old French, from Medieval Latin cass*_ati*_o, from Late Latin cass*_are to cancel, from Latin quass*_are to #7quash cassation 0. syl cas+sa+tion pron pos n. usage Chiefly law. esp. in France def annulment, as of a judicial decision by a higher court. Mary infl head Cassatt syl Mar:y. pos n. Cassatt 0. syl Cas:satt pron pos n. def 1845-1926, U.S. impressionist painter. cassava ety C16: from Spanish cazabe cassava bread, from Taino ca*,c*'abi cassava 1. syl cas+sa+va pron pos n. def Also called: {manioc}. any tropical euphorbiaceous plant of the genus esp. the widely cultivated American species (or ({bitter cassava}) and ({sweet cassava}) . cassava 2. syl cas+sa+va pron pos n. def a starch derived from the root of this plant: an important food in the tropics and a source of tapioca. Cassegrainian telescope ety C19: named after N. Cassegrain, 17th-century French scientist who invented it Cassegrainian telescope 0. syl Cas+se+grain+i:an tel+e:scope pron <2k@si1grAni*n> pos n. def an astro?!nomical reflecting telescope in which incident light is reflected from a large concave mirror onto a smaller convex mirror and then back through a hole in the concave mirror to form the image. Cassel 0. syl Cas+sel pron German <1kasL> pos n. def a variant spelling of {Kassel}. casserole ety C18: from French, from Old French casse ladle, pan for dripping, from Old Proven*,cal cassa, from Late Latin cattia dipper, from Greek kuathion, diminutive of kuathos cup casserole 1. syl cas+se+role pron <1k@s*2r*ul> pos n. def a covered dish of earthenware, glass, etc., in which food is cooked and served. casserole 2. syl cas+se+role pron <1k@s*2r*ul> pos n. def any food cooked and served in such a dish. exam 1 chicken casserole. casserole 3. syl cas+se+role pron <1k@s*2r*ul> pos vb. def to cook or be cooked in a casserole. cassette ety C18: from French: little box; see #7case %2 cassette 1.a. syl cas+sette pron pos n. def a plastic container for magnetic tape, inserted into a tape deck to be played or used. cassette 1.b. syl cas+sette pron pos n. usage as modifier exam 1 a cassette recorder. cassette 2. syl cas+sette pron pos n. qual Photog. def another term for { {cartridge} (sense 5)}. cassette 3. syl cas+sette pron pos n. qual Films. def a container for film used to facilitate the loading of a camera or projector, esp. when the film is used in the form of a loop. cassia ety Old English, from Latin casia, from Greek kasia, of Semitic origin; related to Hebrew qes*_i `*_ah cassia cassia 1. syl cas+si:a pron <1k@si*> pos n. def any plant of the mainly tropical caesalpiniaceous genus esp. whose pods yield {cassia pulp}, a mild laxative. See also {senna}. cassia 2. syl cas+si:a pron <1k@si*> pos n. def a lauraceous tree, of tropical Asia. cassia bark 3. head cassia syl cassia bark. def the cinnamon-like bark of this tree, used as a spice. cassimere ety C18: variant of cashmere, from K#7ashmir casimere alt head cassimere or cassimere syl cas:i+mere pron <1k@si2mi*> pos n. cassimere 0. or casimere syl cas+si+mere pron <1k@si2mi*> pos n. def a woollen suiting cloth of plain or twill weave. casino alt head cassino or cassino syl ca+si+no pron pos n. cassino 0. or casino syl cas+si+no pron pos n. def a card game for two to four players in which players pair cards from their hands with others exposed on the table. Cassino 0. syl Cas+si+no pron Italian pos n. def a town in central Italy, in Latium at the foot of Monte Cassino: an ancient Volscian (and later Roman) town and citadel. Pop.: 24796 (1971). Latin name: {Casinum}. Flavius Magnus Aurelius infl head Cassiodorus syl Fla:vi:us Mag:nus Au:re:li:us pron <1flAvi*s> <1m@gn*s> pos n. Cassiodorus 0. syl Cas:si:o:do:rus pron <2k@si*u1dc:r*s> pos n. def ??490-??585 #7a.d., Roman statesman, writer, and monk; author of a collection of official documents written for the Ostrogoths. Cassiopeia H1.0. syl Cas:si:o:pe:ia pron <2k@si*1pE*> pos n. qual Greek myth. def the wife of Cepheus and mother of Andromeda. Cassiopeiae infl head Cassiopeia syl Cas+si:o+pe:iae pron <2k@si*1pEE> pos n. qual Latin genitive Cassiopeia H2.0. syl Cas+si:o+pe:ia pron <2k@si*1pE*> pos n. def a very conspicuous W-shaped constellation near the Pole star. {Cassiopeia A} is a very strong radio and x-ray source, identified as faint nebulous filaments that are the remains of the supernova observed in 1572. Cassiopeian sub head Cassiopeia syl Cas+si:o+1pe:ian pos adj. Ernst infl head Cassirer syl Ernst pron pos n. Cassirer 0. syl Cas:si:rer pron German pos n. def 1874-1945, German neo-Kantian philosopher. (1923-29) analyses the symbols that underlie all manifestations, including myths and language, of human culture. cassis ety C19:@T from French cassiterite ety C19: from Greek kassiteros tin cassiterite 0. syl cas+sit+er+ite pron pos n. def a hard heavy brownish-black mineral consisting of a tin oxide in tetragonal crystalline form. It occurs in veins and alluvial deposits, esp. in Malaysia, and is the chief ore of tin. Formula: SnO\2. Also called: {tinstone}. Gaius infl head Cassius Longinus syl Gai:us pron <1gI*s> pos n. Cassius Longinus 0. syl Cas:si:us Lon:gi:nus pron <1k@si*s> pos n. def died 42 #7b.c., Roman general: led the conspiracy against Julius Caesar (44); defeated at Philippi by Anthony (42). cassock ety C16: from Old French casaque, from Italian casacca a long coat, of uncertain origin cassock 0. syl cas+sock pron <1k@s*k> pos n. qual Ecclesiast. def an ankle-length garment, usually black, worn by priests and choristers. cassocked sub head cassock syl cas+socked pos adj. cassoulet ety French, related to casse saucepan, bowl cassoulet 0. syl cas+sou+let pron <2k@s*1lA> pos n. def a stew originating from France, made from haricot beans and goose, duck, pork, etc. cassowary ety C17: from Malay k*vesuari cassowaries infl head cassowary syl cas+so+war:ies. pos n. mod pl. cassowary 0. syl cas+so+war:y pron <1k@s*2we*ri> pos n. def any large flightless bird of the genus inhabiting forests in NE Australia, New Guinea, and adjacent islands, having a horny head crest, black plumage, and brightly coloured neck and wattles: order (see {ratite) }. cast ety C13: from Old Norse kasta casts infl head cast syl casts pos vb. mod mainly; tr. casting infl head cast syl cast+ing pos vb. mod mainly; tr. cast infl syl cast. pos vb. mod mainly; tr. cast 1. syl cast pron pos vb. mod mainly; tr. def to throw or expel with violence or force. cast 2. syl cast pron pos vb. mod mainly; tr. def to throw off or away. exam 1 she cast her clothes to the ground. cast 3. syl cast pron pos vb. mod mainly; tr. def to reject or dismiss. exam 1 he cast the idea from his mind. cast 4. syl cast pron pos vb. mod mainly; tr. def to shed or drop. exam 1 the snake cast its skin; exam 2 the horse cast a shoe; exam 3 the ship cast anchor. cast 5. syl cast pron pos vb. mod mainly; tr. def to cause to appear. exam 1 to cast a shadow. cast 6. syl cast pron pos vb. mod mainly; tr. def to express (doubts, suspicions, etc.) or cause (them) to be felt. cast 7. syl cast pron pos vb. mod mainly; tr. def to direct (a glance, attention, etc.). exam 1 cast your eye over this. cast 8. syl cast pron pos vb. mod mainly; tr. def to place, esp. in a violent manner. exam 1 he was cast into prison. cast 9. syl cast pron pos vb. mod also; intr. qual Angling. def to throw (a baited line) into the water. cast 10. syl cast pron pos vb. mod mainly; tr. def to draw or choose (lots). cast 11. syl cast pron pos vb. mod mainly; tr. def to give or deposit (a vote). cast 12. syl cast pron pos vb. mod mainly; tr. def to select (actors) to play parts in (a play, film, etc.). cast 13.a. syl cast pron pos vb. mod mainly; tr. def to shape (molten metal, glass, etc.) by pouring or pressing it into a mould. cast 13.b. syl cast pron pos vb. mod mainly; tr. def to make (an object) by such a process. cast 14. syl cast pron pos vb. mod also; intr. usage often foll. by up def to compute (figures or a total). cast 15. syl cast pron pos vb. mod mainly; tr. def to predict. exam 1 the old woman cast my fortune. cast 16. syl cast pron pos vb. mod mainly; tr. qual Astrology. def to draw on (a horoscope) details concerning the positions of the planets in the signs of the zodiac at a particular time for interpretation in terms of human characteristics, behaviour, etc. cast 17. syl cast pron pos vb. mod mainly; tr. def to contrive (esp. in the phrase {cast a spell}) . cast 18. syl cast pron pos vb. mod mainly; tr. def to formulate. exam 1 he cast his work in the form of a chart. cast 19. syl cast pron pos vb. mod also; intr. def to twist or cause to twist. cast 20. syl cast pron pos vb. mod also; intr. qual Nautical. def to turn the head of (a sailing vessel) or (of a sailing vessel) to be turned away from the wind in getting under way. cast 21. syl cast pron pos vb. mod mainly; tr. qual Hunting. def to direct (a pack of hounds) over (ground) where their quarry may recently have passed. cast 22. syl cast pron pos vb. mod intr. usage of birds of prey def to eject from the crop and bill a pellet consisting of the indigestible parts of birds or animals previously eaten. cast 23. syl cast pron pos vb. mod mainly; tr. qual Falconry. def to hold the body of a hawk between the hands so as to perform some operation upon it. cast 24. syl cast pron pos vb. mod mainly; tr. qual Printing. def to stereotype or electrotype. cast in one's lot with 25. head cast syl cast in one's lot with. def to share in the activities or fortunes of (someone else). cast 26. syl cast pron pos n. mod mainly; tr. def the act of casting or throwing. cast 27.a. syl cast pron pos n. mod mainly; tr. def Also called: {casting}. something that is shed, dropped, or egested, such as the coil of earth left by an earthworm. cast 27.b. syl cast pron pos n. mod mainly; tr. def another name for { {pellet} (sense 4)}. cast 28. syl cast pron pos n. mod mainly; tr. def an object that is thrown. cast 29. syl cast pron pos n. mod mainly; tr. def the distance an object is or may be thrown. cast 30.a. syl cast pron pos n. mod mainly; tr. def a throw at dice. cast 30.b. syl cast pron pos n. mod mainly; tr. def the resulting number shown. cast 31.a. syl cast pron pos n. mod mainly; tr. def the act or an instance of casting a line. cast 31.b. syl cast pron pos n. mod mainly; tr. def another name for { {trace%2} (sense 2)}. cast 32.a. syl cast pron pos n. mod mainly; tr. def the actors in a play collectively. cast 32.b. syl cast pron pos n. mod mainly; tr. usage as modifier exam 1 a cast list. cast 33.a. syl cast pron pos n. mod mainly; tr. def an object made of metal, glass, etc., that has been shaped in a molten state by being poured or pressed into a mould. cast 33.b. syl cast pron pos n. mod mainly; tr. def the mould used to shape such an object. cast 34. syl cast pron pos n. mod mainly; tr. def form or appear?!ance. cast 35. syl cast pron pos n. mod mainly; tr. def sort, kind, or style. cast 36. syl cast pron pos n. mod mainly; tr. def a fixed twist or defect, esp. in the eye. cast 37. syl cast pron pos n. mod mainly; tr. def a distortion of shape. cast 38. syl cast pron pos n. mod mainly; tr. qual Surgery. def a rigid en?!circling casing, often made of plaster of Paris, for immobilizing broken bones while they heal. cast 39. syl cast pron pos n. mod mainly; tr. qual Pathol. def a mass of fatty, waxy, cellular, or other material formed in a diseased body cavity, passage, etc. cast 40. syl cast pron pos n. mod mainly; tr. def the act of casting a pack of hounds. cast 41. syl cast pron pos n. mod mainly; tr. qual Falconry. def a pair of falcons working in combination to pursue the same quarry. cast 42. syl cast pron pos n. mod mainly; tr. qual Archery. def the speed imparted to an arrow by a particular bow. cast 43. syl cast pron pos n. mod mainly; tr. def a slight tinge or trace, as of colour. cast 44. syl cast pron pos n. mod mainly; tr. def a computation or calculation. cast 45. syl cast pron pos n. mod mainly; tr. def a forecast or conjecture. cast 46. syl cast pron pos n. mod mainly; tr. def fortune or stroke of fate. cast 47. syl cast pron pos n. mod mainly; tr. qual Palaeontol. def a mineral representation of an organic object, esp. a lump of mineral that indicates the shape and internal structure of a shell. {~} See also {cast about, castaway, cast back, cast down, cast-off, cast on}. cast about 0. syl cast a:bout pos vb. adv. mod intr. def to make a mental or visual search. exam 1 to cast about for an idea for a book. Castalia 0. syl Cas+ta+li:a pron pos n. def a spring on Mount Parnassus: in ancient Greece sacred to Apollo and the Muses and believed to be a source of inspiration. Castalian sub head Castalia syl Cas+1ta+li:an pos adj. castanets ety C17 castanet, from Spanish casta?~neta, diminutive of casta?~na #7chestnut castanets 0. syl cas+ta+nets pron <2k@st*1nets> pos n. mod pl. def curved pieces of hollow wood, usually held between the fingers and thumb and made to click together: used esp. by Spanish dancers. castaway 1. syl cast+a:way pron <1ka:st*2wA> pos n. def a person who has been shipwrecked. castaway 2. syl cast+a:way pron <1ka:st*2wA> pos n. def something thrown off or away; castoff. castaway 3. syl cast+a:way pron <1ka:st*2wA> pos adj. usage prenominal def shipwrecked or put adrift. castaway 4. syl cast+a:way pron <1ka:st*2wA> pos adj. usage prenominal def thrown away or rejected. {~} {cast a@.way}. castaway 5. syl cast+a:way pron <1ka:st*2wA> pos adv. mod tr. usage prenominal; often passive def to cause (a ship, person, etc.) to be shipwrecked or abandoned. cast back 0. syl cast back pos vb. adv. def to turn (the mind) to the past. cast down 0. syl cast down pos vb. adv. mod tr. def to make (a person) discouraged or dejected. caste ety C16: from Portuguese casta race, breed, ancestry, from casto pure, chaste, from Latin castus caste 1.a. syl caste pron pos n. def any of the four major hereditary classes, namely the {Brahman, Kshatriya, Vaisya}, and {Sudra}, into which Hindu society is divided. caste 1.b. syl caste pron pos n. def Also called: {caste system}. the system or basis of such classes. caste 1.c. syl caste pron pos n. def the social position or rank conferred by this system. caste 2. syl caste pron pos n. def any social class or system based on such distinctions as heredity, rank, wealth, profession, etc. caste 3. syl caste pron pos n. def the position conferred by such a system. lose caste 4. head caste syl lose caste. qual Informal. def to lose one's social position. caste 5. syl caste pron pos n. qual Entomol. def any of various types of specialized individual, such as the worker, in social insects (hive bees, ants, etc.). Castellammare di Stabia 0. syl Cas+tel+lam+ma+re di Sta+bia pron Italian <2kastAllam1ma:rA> <1stabja> pos n. def a port and resort in SW Italy, in Campania on the Bay of Naples: site of the Roman resort of Stabiae, which was destroyed by the eruption of Vesuvius in 79 #7a.d. Pop.: 68629 (1971). castellan ety C14: from Latin castell*_anus, from castellum #7castle castellan 0. syl cas+tel+lan pron <1k@stil*n> pos n. qual Rare. def a keeper or governor of a castle. Also called: {chatelain}. castellanies infl head castellany syl cas+tel+la+nies. pos n. mod pl. castellany 1. syl cas+tel+la+ny pron <1k@sti2lAni> pos n. qual Rare. def the office, rank, or jurisdiction of a castellan. castellany 2. syl cas+tel+la+ny pron <1k@sti2lAni> pos n. qual Rare. def land belonging to a castle. castellated ety C17: from Medieval Latin castell*_atus, from castell*_are to fortify as a #7castle castellated 1. syl cas+tel+lat+ed pron <1k@sti2lAtid> pos adj. def having turrets and battlements, like a castle. castellated 2. syl cas+tel+lat+ed pron <1k@sti2lAtid> pos adj. def having indentations similar to battlements. exam 1 a castellated nut; exam 2 a castellated filament. castellation sub head castellated syl cas+tel+1la+tion pos n. Castell'on de la Plana 0. syl Cas+tel+l*'on de la Pla+na pron Spanish <2kastA1$yon> , Spanish <1plana> pos n. def a port in E Spain. Pop.: 93968 (1970). caster 1. syl cast+er pron <1ka:st*> pos n. def a person or thing that casts. caster 2. syl cast+er pron <1ka:st*> pos n. def a bottle with a perforated top for sprinkling sugar, etc., or a stand containing such bottles. caster 3. syl cast+er pron <1ka:st*> pos n. def a small swivelling wheel attached to each leg of a piece of furniture to facilitate movement. Also called (for senses 2, 3): {castor}. caster sugar 0. syl cas+ter sug+ar pron <1ka:st*> pos n. def finely ground white sugar. castigate ety C17: from Latin cast*_ig*_are to correct, punish, from castum pure+ agere to compel (to be) castigate 0. syl cas+ti+gate pron <1k@sti2gAt> pos vb. mod tr. def to rebuke or criticize in a severe manner; chastise. castigation sub head castigate syl cas+ti+1ga+tion pos n. castigator sub head castigate syl cas+ti+2ga+tor pos n. Castiglione 0. syl Cas:ti:glio:ne pron <2k@stil1j*uni> pos n. def Count {Bal@.das@.sa@.re} (@!baldas#!sa$:re). 1478-1529, Italian diplomat and writer, noted par?!ticularly for his dialogue on ideal courtly life, (The Courtier) (1528). Castilla alt head Castile or Castile syl Cas+ti+lla pron Spanish pos n. Castile 0. or Castilla syl Cas+tile pron pos n. def a former kingdom comprising most of modern Spain: originally part of Le*'on, it became an independent kingdom in the 10th century and united with Aragon (1469), the first step in the formation of the Spanish state. Castile soap 0. syl Cas+tile soap pos n. def a hard soap made from olive oil and sodium hydroxide. Castilian 1. syl Cas+til+ian pron pos n. def the Spanish dialect of Castile; the standard form of European Spanish. Castilian 2. syl Cas+til+ian pron pos n. def a native or inhabitant of Castile. Castilian 3. syl Cas+til+ian pron pos adj. def denoting, relating to, or characteristic of Castile, its inhabitants, or the standard form of European Spanish. Castilla la Vieja 0. syl Cas+ti+lla la Vie+ja pron , <1bjA$xa> pos n. def the Spanish name for {Old Castile}. casting 1. syl cast+ing pron <1ka:stiG> pos n. def an object or figure that has been cast, esp. in metal from a mould. casting 2. syl cast+ing pron <1ka:stiG> pos n. def the process of transferring molten steel to a mould. casting 3. syl cast+ing pron <1ka:stiG> pos n. def the choosing of actors for a pro?!duction. casting 4. syl cast+ing pron <1ka:stiG> pos n. qual Hunting. def the act of directing a pack of hounds over ground where their quarry may recently have passed so that they can quest for, discover, or recapture its scent. casting 5. syl cast+ing pron <1ka:stiG> pos n. qual Zoology. def another word for { {cast} (sense 27)} or { {pellet} (sense 4)}. casting vote 0. syl cast+ing vote pos n. def the deciding vote used by the presiding officer of an assembly when votes cast on both sides are equal in number. cast iron 1. syl cast i:ron pos n. def iron containing so much carbon (1.7 to 4.5 per cent) that it cannot be wrought and must be cast into shape. cast-iron infl head cast iron syl cast-i:ron. pos adj. cast iron 2. syl cast i:ron pos adj. def made of cast iron. cast iron 3. syl cast i:ron pos adj. def rigid, strong, or unyielding. exam 1 a cast-iron decision. castle ety C11: from Latin castellum, diminutive of castrum fort castle 1. syl cas+tle pron <1ka:sL> pos n. def a fortified building or set of buildings, usually permanently garrisoned, as in medieval Europe. castle 2. syl cas+tle pron <1ka:sL> pos n. def any fortified place or structure. castle 3. syl cas+tle pron <1ka:sL> pos n. def a large magnificent house, esp. when the present or former home of a nobleman or prince. castle 4. syl cas+tle pron <1ka:sL> pos n. def the citadel and strongest part of the fortifications of a medieval town. castle 5. syl cas+tle pron <1ka:sL> pos n. qual Chess. def another name for { {rook%2}}. castle 6. syl cas+tle pron <1ka:sL> pos vb. qual Chess. def to move (the king) two squares laterally on the first rank and place the nearest rook on the square passed over by the king. castled 1. syl cas+tled pron <1ka:sLd> pos adj. def like a castle in construction; castellated. exam 1 a castled mansion. castled 2. syl cas+tled pron <1ka:sLd> pos adj. usage of an area def having many castles. Castleford 0. syl Cas+tle+ford pron <1ka:sLf*d> pos n. def a town in N England, in West Yorkshire on the River Aire. Pop.: 38220 (1971). castle in Spain alt head castle in the air or castle in the air syl cas+tle in Spain pos n. castle in the air 0. or castle in Spain syl cas+tle in the air pos n. def a hope or desire unlikely to be realized; daydream. castle nut 0. syl cas+tle nut pos n. def a hexagonal nut with six slots in the head, two of which take a locking pin to hold it firmly in position. Viscount infl head Castlereagh syl Vis:count. pos n. Castlereagh 0. syl Cas:tle:reagh pron <1ka:sL2rA> pos n. def title of Marquis of Londonderry. 1769-1822, British statesman: as foreign secretary (1812-22) led the Grand Alliance against Napoleon and attended the Congress of Vienna (1815). cast-off 1. syl cast-off pos adj. usage prenominal def thrown away; abandoned. exam 1 cast-off shoes. castoff infl head cast-off syl cast+off. pos n. cast-off 2. syl cast-off pos n. def a person or thing that has been discarded or abandoned. cast-off 3. syl cast-off pos n. qual Printing. def an estimate of the amount of space that a piece of copy will occupy when printed in a particular size and style of type. cast off infl head cast-off syl cast off. pos adv. cast-off 4. syl cast-off pos vb. def to remove (mooring lines) that hold (a vessel) to a dock. cast-off 5. syl cast-off pos vb. def to knot (a row of stitches, esp. the final row) in finishing off knitted or woven material. cast-off 6. syl cast-off pos vb. qual Printing. def to estimate the amount of space that will be taken up by (a book, piece of copy, etc.) when it is printed in a particular size and style of type. cast on 0. syl cast on pos vb. adv. def to form (the first row of stitches) in knitting and weaving. castor ety C14: from Latin, from Greek kast*_or beaver castor H1.1. syl cas+tor pron <1ka:st*> pos n. def the brownish aromatic secretion of the anal glands of a beaver, used in perfumery and medicine. castor H1.2. syl cas+tor pron <1ka:st*> pos n. def the fur of the beaver. castor H1.3. syl cas+tor pron <1ka:st*> pos n. def a hat made of beaver or similar fur. castor H1.4. syl cas+tor pron <1ka:st*> pos n. def a less common name for { {beaver} %1 (sense 1)}. castor H2.1. syl cas+tor pron <1ka:st*> pos n. def a variant spelling of {{caster} (senses 2, 3)}. {~} castor H2.2. syl cas+tor pron <1ka:st*> pos n. qual Austral. slang. def good; fine. Castor 1. syl Cas+tor pron <1ka:st*> pos n. def the second brightest star, Alpha Geminorum, in the constellation Gemini: a multiple star consisting of six components lying close to the star Pollux. Distance: 46 light years. Castor 2. syl Cas+tor pron <1ka:st*> pos n. qual Classical myth. def See {Castor and Pollux}. Castor and Pollux 0. syl Cas:tor and Pol:lux pos n. qual Classical myth. def the twin sons of Leda: Pollux was fathered by Zeus, Castor by the mortal Tyndareus. After Castor's death, Pollux spent half his days with his half-brother in Hades and half with the gods in Olympus. castor bean 1. syl cas+tor bean pos n. qual U.S. def another name for {castor-oil plant}. castor bean 2. syl cas+tor bean pos n. qual U.S. def the seed of this plant. castor oil 0. syl cas+tor oil pos n. def a colourless or yellow glutinous oil obtained from the seeds of the castor-oil plant and used as a fine lubricant and as a cathartic. castor-oil plant 0. syl cas:tor-oil plant pos n. def a tall euphorbiaceous Indian plant, cultivated in tropical regions for ornament and for its poisonous seeds, from which castor oil is extracted. Also called (U.S.): {castor bean}. castrate ety C17: from Latin castr*_are to emasculate, geld castrate 1. syl cas+trate pron pos vb. mod tr. def to remove the testicles of; emasculate; geld. castrate 2. syl cas+trate pron pos vb. mod tr. def to deprive of vigour, masculinity, etc. castrate 3. syl cas+trate pron pos vb. mod tr. def to remove the ovaries of; spay. castrate 4. syl cas+trate pron pos vb. mod tr. def to expurgate or censor a book, play, etc. castration sub head castrate syl cas+1tra+tion pos n. castrator sub head castrate syl cas+1tra+tor pos n. castration complex 0. syl cas+tra+tion com+plex pos n. qual Psychoanal. def an unconscious fear of having one's genitals removed. It is an integral part of the Oedipus complex. castrato ety C18: from Italian, from Latin castr*_atus castrated ti infl head castrato or castratos syl +ti pron <-ti> pos n. mod pl. castratos infl head castrato or ti syl cas+tra+tos. pos n. mod pl. castrato 0. syl cas+tra+to pron pos n. usage in 17th- and 18th-century opera, etc. def a male singer whose testicles were removed before puberty, allowing the retention of a soprano or alto voice. Castries 0. syl Cas+tries pron pos n. def a port in the West Indies, in the Windward Islands: capital of the British Associated State of St. Lucia. Pop.: 45000 (1970). Fidel infl head Castro syl Fi:del pron pos n. Castro 0. syl Cas:tro pron <1k@str*u> pos n. def full name born 1927, Cuban statesman: prime minister since 1959, when he led the Communist overthrow of Batista. &- {#!Cas+tro+ism} &- {#!Cas+tro+ist} Kastrop-Rauxel alt head Castrop-Rauxel or Castrop-Rauxel syl Ka:strop-Rau:xel pron German <1kastrcp> <1rauksL> pos n. Castrop-Rauxel 0. or Kastrop-Rauxel syl Ca:strop-Rau:xel pron German <1kastrcp> <1rauksL> pos n. def an industrial city in W West Germany, in North Rhine-Westphalia. Pop.: 83900 (1970). cast steel 0. syl cast steel pos n. def steel containing varying amounts of carbon, manganese, phosphorus, silicon, and sulphur that is cast into shape rather than wrought. casual ety C14: from Late Latin c*_asu*_alis happening by chance, from Latin c*_asus event, from cadere to fall; see #7case %1 casual 1. syl cas+u:al pron <1k@Zju*l> pos adj. def happening by accident or chance. exam 1 a casual meeting. casual 2. syl cas+u:al pron <1k@Zju*l> pos adj. def offhand; not premeditated. exam 1 a casual remark. casual 3. syl cas+u:al pron <1k@Zju*l> pos adj. def shallow or superficial. exam 1 a casual affair. casual 4. syl cas+u:al pron <1k@Zju*l> pos adj. def being or seeming unconcerned or apathetic. exam 1 he assumed a casual attitude. casual 5. syl cas+u:al pron <1k@Zju*l> pos adj. usage esp. of dress def for informal wear. exam 1 a casual coat. casual 6. syl cas+u:al pron <1k@Zju*l> pos adj. def occasional or irregular; part-time. exam 1 casual visits; exam 2 a casual labourer. casual 7. syl cas+u:al pron <1k@Zju*l> pos n. mod usually; pl. def an informal article of clothing or footwear. casual 8. syl cas+u:al pron <1k@Zju*l> pos n. def a part-time or occasional worker. casually sub head casual syl cas:u+al+ly pos adv. casualness sub head casual syl cas:u+al+ness pos n. casualties infl head casualty syl cas:u+al+ties. pos n. mod pl. casualty 1. syl cas:u+al+ty pron <1k@Zju*lti> pos n. def a serviceman who is killed, wounded, captured, or missing as a result of enemy action. casualty 2. syl cas:u+al+ty pron <1k@Zju*lti> pos n. def a person who is injured or killed in an accident. casualty 3. syl cas:u+al+ty pron <1k@Zju*lti> pos n. def anything that is lost, damaged, or destroyed as the result of an accident, etc. casuarina ety C19: from New Latin, from Malay k*vesuari #7casso?!wary, referring to the resemblance of the branches to the feathers of the cassowary casuarina 0. syl cas:u:a+ri+na pron <2k@sju*1rIn*> pos n. def any tree of the genus of@T Australia @T and@T the@T East@T Indies,@T having@T jointed@T leafless branches: family See also {beefwood, she-oak}. casuist ety C17: from French casuiste, from Spanish casuista, from Latin c*_asus #7case %1 &- @!cas@.u+#!is+tic or @!cas@.u+#!is+ti+cal adj. &- @!cas@.u+#!is+ti+cal+ly adv. casuist 1. syl cas:u+ist pron <1k@zjuist> pos n. def a person, esp. a theologian, who attempts to resolve moral dilemmas by the application of general rules. casuist 2. syl cas:u+ist pron <1k@zjuist> pos n. def a person who is oversubtle in his analysis of fine distinctions; sophist. casuistries infl head casuistry syl cas:u+ist+ries. pos n. mod pl. casuistry 1. syl cas:u+ist+ry pron <1k@zjuistri> pos n. qual Philosophy. def the application of general ethical principles to particular moral problems, esp. where conflicting obligations arise. casuistry 2. syl cas:u+ist+ry pron <1k@zjuistri> pos n. def reasoning that is specious, misleading, or oversubtle. casus belli ety literally: occasion of war casus belli 1. syl ca+sus bel+li pron Latin. <1ka:sus> <1belE>, <1ka:sus> <1belE>, <1ka:sus> <1belE> pos n. mod pl. def an event or act used to justify a war. casus belli 2. syl ca+sus bel+li pron Latin. <1ka:sus> <1belE>, <1ka:sus> <1belE>, <1ka:sus> <1belE> pos n. mod pl. def the immediate cause of a quarrel. cat ety Old English catte, from Latin cattus; related to Old Norse k*"ottr, Old High German kazza, Old French chat, Russian kot cat H1.1. syl cat pron pos n. def Also called: {domestic cat}. a small domesticated feline mammal, (or having thick soft fur and occurring in many breeds in which the colour of the fur varies greatly: kept as a pet or to catch rats and mice. cat H1.2. syl cat pron pos n. def Also called: {big cat}. any of the larger felines, such as a lion or tiger. $D. any wild feline mammal of the genus such as the lynx or serval, resembling the domestic cat. cat H1.3. syl cat pron pos n. qual Informal. def a woman who gossips maliciously. cat H1.4. syl cat pron pos n. qual Slang. def a man; guy. cat H1.5. syl cat pron pos n. qual Nautical. def a heavy tackle for hoisting an anchor to the cathead. cat H1.6. syl cat pron pos n. def a short sharp-ended piece of wood used in the game of tipcat. cat H1.7. syl cat pron pos n. def short for {catboat}. cat H1.8. syl cat pron pos n. qual Informal. def short for {caterpillar} (the vehicle). cat H1.9. syl cat pron pos n. def short for {cat-o'-nine-tails}. fight like Kilkenny cats 10. head cat syl fight like Kilkenny cats. def to fight until both parties are destroyed. let the cat out of the bag 11. head cat syl let the cat out of the bag. def to disclose a secret, often by mistake. like a cat on a hot tin roof 12. head cat or on hot bricks syl like a cat on a hot tin roof def in an uneasy or agitated state. like cat and dog 13. head cat syl like cat and dog. def quarrelling savagely. look like something the cat brought in 14. head cat syl look like something the cat brought in. def to appear dishevelled or bedraggled. not a cat in hell's chance 15. head cat syl not a cat in hell's chance. def no chance at all. not have room to swing a cat 16. head cat syl not have room to swing a cat. def to have very little space. set infl head cat syl set etc infl head cat syl etc. the cat among the pigeons infl head cat syl the cat among the pigeons. put 17. head cat syl put def to introduce some violently disturbing new element. play cat and mouse 18. head cat syl play cat and mouse. def to play with a person or animal in a cruel or teasing way, esp. before a final act of cruelty or unkindness. rain cats and dogs 19. head cat syl rain cats and dogs. def to rain very heavily. cats infl head cat syl cats pos vb. catting infl head cat syl cat+ting pos vb. catted infl head cat syl cat+ted. pos vb. cat H1.20. syl cat pron pos vb. mod tr. def to flog with a cat-o'-nine-tails. cat H1.21. syl cat pron pos vb. mod tr. qual Nautical. def to hoist (an anchor) to the cathead. cat H1.22. syl cat pron pos vb. mod intr. def a slang word for {vomit}. catlike sub head cat syl cat+2like pos adj. cattish sub head cat syl cat+tish pos adj. cat H2.0. syl cat pron pos n. qual Informal. def short for { {catamaran} (sense 1)}. CAT 0. syl C.A.T. qual abbrev. for usage in Britain def College of Advanced Tech?!nology. cat 1. syl cat. qual abbrev. for: def catalogue. cat 2. syl cat. qual abbrev. for: def catamaran. cat 3. syl cat. qual abbrev. for:; Ecclesiast. def catechism. cata- ety from Greek kata-, from kata. In compound words borrowed from Greek, kata- means: down (catabolism) , away, off (catalectic) , against (category) , accord?!ing to (catholic) , and thoroughly (catalogue) kata- infl head cata- syl kat:a- cata- 1. syl cat:a- usage before an aspirate def down; downwards; lower in position. exam 1 catadromous; exam 2 cataphyll. cata- 2. syl cat:a- usage before an aspirate def indicating reversal, opposition, degeneration, etc.. exam 1 cataplasia; exam 2 catatonia. catabases infl head catabasis syl ca+tab:a+ses pron <-2sEz> pos n. mod pl. catabasis 1. syl ca+tab:a+sis pron pos n. def a descent or downward movement. catabasis 2. syl ca+tab:a+sis pron pos n. def the decline of a disease. catabatic sub head catabasis syl cat:a+bat+ic pron <2k@ti1b@tik> pos adj. catabolism ety C19 katabolism, from Greek katabol*_e a throwing down, from kataballein, from kata- down+ ballein to throw katabolism alt head catabolism or catabolism syl ka+tab:o+lism pron pos n. catabolism 0. or katabolism syl ca+tab:o+lism pron pos n. def a metabolic process in which complex molecules are broken down into simple ones with the release of energy; destructive metabolism. Compare {anabolism}. catabolic sub head catabolism or katabolic syl cat:a+bol+ic pron <2k@t*1bolik> pos adj. katabolic sub head catabolism or catabolic syl kat:a+bol+ic pron <2k@t*1bolik> pos adj. catabolically sub head catabolism or katabolically syl cat:a+1bol:i+cal+ly pos adv. katabolically sub head catabolism or catabolically syl kat:a+1bol:i+cal+ly pos adv. catabolite 0. syl ca+tab:o+lite pron pos n. def a substance produced as a result of catabolism. catacaustic 1. syl cat:a+caus+tic pron <2k@t*1kc:stik>, <-1kos-> pos adj. qual Physics. usage of a caustic curve or surface def formed by reflected light rays. Compare {diacaustic}. catacaustic 2. syl cat:a+caus+tic pron <2k@t*1kc:stik>, <-1kos-> pos n. qual Physics. def a catacaustic curve or surface. catachresis ety C16: from Latin, from Greek kata?!khr*_esis a misusing, from katakhr*_esthai, from khr*_esthai to use catachresis 0. syl cat:a+chre+sis pron <2k@t*1krEsis> pos n. def the incorrect use of words, as for catachrestic sub head catachresis or catachrestical syl cat:a+chres+tic pron <2k@t*1krestik> pos adj. catachrestical sub head catachresis or catachrestic syl cat:a+1chres+ti+cal pos adj. catachrestically sub head catachresis syl cat:a+1chres+ti+cal+ly pos adv. cataclasis ety C19: New Latin, from Greek, from #7cata+ klasis a breaking &- cat@.a+clas+tic (@!k@at$$#!kl@ast$Ik) adj. cataclases infl head cataclasis syl cat:a+cla+ses pron <-sEz> pos n. mod pl. cataclasis 0. syl cat:a+cla+sis pron <2k@t*1klAsis> pos n. qual Geology. def the deformation of rocks by crushing and shearing. cataclinal 0. syl cat:a+cli+nal pron <2k@t*1klInL> pos adj. usage of streams, valleys, etc. def running in the direction of the dip of the surrounding rock strata. cataclysm ety C17: via French from Latin, from Greek kataklusmos deluge, from katakluzein to flood, from kluzein to wash cataclysm 1. syl cat:a+clysm pron <1k@t*2kliz*m> pos n. def a violent upheaval, esp. of a political, military, or social nature. cataclysm 2. syl cat:a+clysm pron <1k@t*2kliz*m> pos n. def a disastrous flood; deluge. cataclysm 3. syl cat:a+clysm pron <1k@t*2kliz*m> pos n. qual Geology. def another name for { {catastrophe} (sense 4)}. cataclysmic sub head cataclysm or cataclysmal syl cat:a+1clys+mic pos adj. cataclysmal sub head cataclysm or cataclysmic syl cat:a+1clys+mal pos adj. cataclysmically sub head cataclysm syl cat:a+1clys+mi+cal+ly pos adv. catacomb ety Old English catacumbe, from Late Latin catacumbas (singular), name of the cemetery under the Basilica of St. Sebastian, near Rome; origin unknown catacomb 1. syl cat:a+comb pron <1k@t*2k*um>, <-2ku:m> pos n. mod usually; pl. def an underground burial place, esp. the galleries at Rome, consisting of tunnels with vaults or niches leading off them for tombs. catacomb 2. syl cat:a+comb pron <1k@t*2k*um>, <-2ku:m> pos n. def a series of underground tunnels or caves. catadromous ety C19: from Greek katadromos, from kata- down+ dromos, from dremein to run catadromous 0. syl ca+tad+ro+mous pron pos adj. usage of fishes such as the eel def migrating down rivers to the sea in order to breed. Compare {anadromous}. catafalque ety C17: from French, from Italian catafalco, of uncertain origin; compare #7scaffold catafalque 0. syl cat:a+falque pron <1k@t*2f@lk> pos n. def a temporary raised platform on which a body lies in state before or during a funeral. Catalan 1. syl Cat:a+lan pron <1k@t*2l@n>, <-l*n> pos n. def a language of Catalonia, quite closely related to Spanish and Proven*,cal, belonging to the Romance group of the Indo-European family. Catalan 2. syl Cat:a+lan pron <1k@t*2l@n>, <-l*n> pos n. def a native or inhabitant of Catalonia. Catalan 3. syl Cat:a+lan pron <1k@t*2l@n>, <-l*n> pos adj. def denoting, relating to, or characteristic of Catalonia, its inhabitants, or their language. catalase ety C20: from #7catalysis+ -#7ase catalase 0. syl cat:a+lase pron <1k@t*2lAz> pos n. def an iron-containing enzyme that catalyses the decomposition of peroxides, esp. hydrogen peroxide, to oxygen and water. catalectic ety C16: via Late Latin from Greek katal*_ektikos incomplete, from katal*_egein, from kata- off+ l*_egein to stop catalectic 0. syl cat:a+lec+tic pron <2k@t*1lektik> pos adj. usage Prosody. of a line of verse def having an incomplete final foot. catalepsy ety C16: from Medieval Latin catal*_epsia, variant of Late Latin catal*_epsis, from Greek katal*_epsis, literally: a seizing, from katalambanein to hold down, from kata- down+ lambanein to grasp catalepsy 0. syl cat:a+lep+sy pron <1k@t*2lepsi> pos n. def a disturbance of consciousness, occurring esp. in schizophrenia, characterized by prolonged maintenance of rigid postures. cataleptic sub head catalepsy syl cat:a+1lep+tic pos adj. Catalina Island 0. syl Cat:a+li+na Is+land pron <2k@t*1lEn*> pos n. def another name for {Santa Catalina}. cataloes infl head catalo or catalos syl cat:a+loes pos n. mod pl. catalos infl head catalo or cataloes syl cat:a+los. pos n. mod pl. catalo 0. syl cat:a+lo pron <1k@t*2l*u> pos n. def a variant spelling of {cattalo}. catalogue ety C15: from Late Latin catalogus, from Greek katalogos, from katalegein to list, from kata- completely+ legein to collect catalog alt head catalogue or catalogue syl cat:a+log pron <1k@t*2log> pos n. qual U.S. catalogue 1. or catalog syl cat:a+logue pron <1k@t*2log> pos n. def a complete, usually alphabetical list of items, often with notes giving details. catalogue 2. or catalog syl cat:a+logue pron <1k@t*2log> pos n. def a list of all the books or resources of a library. catalogue 3. or catalog syl cat:a+logue pron <1k@t*2log> pos n. qual U.S. def a list of courses offered by a university, etc. {~} catalogue 4. or catalog syl cat:a+logue pron <1k@t*2log> pos n. def to compile a catalogue of (a library, etc.). catalogue 5. or catalog syl cat:a+logue pron <1k@t*2log> pos n. def to add (books, items, etc.) to an existing catalogue. cataloguer sub head catalogue or cataloguist syl cat:a+2logu+er pos n. cataloguist sub head catalogue or cataloguer syl cat:a+2logu+ist pos n. catalogue raisonn'e 0. syl cat:a+logue rai+son:n*'e pron French pos n. def a descriptive catalogue, esp. one covering works of art in an exhibition or collection. Catalonia 0. syl Cat:a+lo+ni:a pron <2k@t*1l*uni*> pos n. def a region of NE Spain, with a strong separatist tradition: an important agricultural and industrial region, with many resorts. Pop.: 5122567 (1970). Area: 31929 sq. km (12328 sq. miles). Catalan name: {Ca+ta+lu+ny@.a} (@!kat$$#!lu$:n$I$$). Spanish name: {Ca+ta+lu+?~na} (@!kata?!#!lu$ja). catalpa ety C18: New Latin, from Carolina Creek kutuhlpa, literally: winged head, referring to the appearance of the flowers catalpa 0. syl ca+tal+pa pron pos n. def any bignoniaceous tree of the genus of North America and Asia, having large leaves, bell-shaped whitish flowers, and long slender pods. catalyze alt head catalyse or catalyse syl cat:a+lyze pron <1k@t*2lIz> pos vb. mod tr. qual U.S. catalyse 0. or catalyze syl cat:a+lyse pron <1k@t*2lIz> pos vb. mod tr. def to influence (a chemical reaction) by catalysis. catalyser sub head catalyse or catalyzer syl cat:a+2lys+er pos n. catalyzer sub head catalyse or catalyser syl cat:a+2lyz+er pos n. qual U.S. catalysis ety C17: from New Latin, from Greek katalusis, from kataluein to dissolve &- cat@.a+lyt+ic (@!k@at$$#!l$It$Ik) adj. catalyses infl head catalysis syl ca+tal:y+ses pron <-2sEz> pos n. mod pl. catalysis 0. syl ca+tal:y+sis pron pos n. def acceleration of a chemical reaction by the action of a catalyst. catalytically sub head catalysis syl cat:a+1lyt:i+cal+ly pos adv. catalyst 1. syl cat:a+lyst pron <1k@t*2list> pos n. def a substance that increases the rate of a chemical reaction without itself suffering any permanent chemical change. Compare { {inhibitor} (sense 1)}. catalyst 2. syl cat:a+lyst pron <1k@t*2list> pos n. def a person or thing that causes a change. catalytic cracker 0. syl cat:a+lyt+ic crack+er pos n. def a unit in an oil refinery in which mineral oils with high boiling points are converted to fuels with lower boiling points by a catalytic process. Often shortened to {cat cracker}. catamaran ety C17: from Tamil kattumaram tied timber catamaran 1. syl cat:a+ma+ran pron <2k@t*m*1r@n> pos n. def a sailing vessel with twin hulls held parallel by a rigid framework. catamaran 2. syl cat:a+ma+ran pron <2k@t*m*1r@n> pos n. def a primitive raft made of logs lashed together. catamaran 3. syl cat:a+ma+ran pron <2k@t*m*1r@n> pos n. qual Informal. def a quarrelsome woman. catamenia ety C18: from New Latin, from Greek katam*_enia menses catamenia 0. syl cat:a+me:ni:a pron <2k@t*1mEni*> pos n. mod pl. qual Physiol. def another word for {menses}. catamenial sub head catamenia syl cat:a+1me:ni:al pos adj. catamite ety C16: from Latin Catam*_itus, variant of Ganym*_ed*_es G#7anymede catamite 0. syl cat:a+mite pron <1k@t*2mIt> pos n. def a boy kept for homosexual purposes. catamount ety C17: short for cat of the mountain catamountain alt head catamount or catamount syl cat:a+moun+tain pos n. catamount 0. or catamountain syl cat:a+mount pron <1k@t*2maunt> pos n. def any of various medium-sized felines, such as the puma or lynx. Catania 0. syl Ca+ta+nia pron Italian pos n. def a port in E Sicily, near Mount Etna. Pop.: 398642 (1975 est.). Catanzaro 0. syl Ca+tan+za+ro pron Italian <2katan1dza:ro> pos n. def a city in S Italy, in Calabria. Pop.: 85316 (1971). cataphoresis 0. syl cat:a+pho+re:sis pron <2k@t*f*1rEsis> pos n. def another name for {electrophoresis}. cataphoretic sub head cataphoresis syl cat:a+pho+ret+ic pron <2k@t*f*1retik> pos adj. cataphoretically sub head cataphoresis syl cat:a+pho+1ret:i+cal+ly pos adv. cataphyll 0. syl cat:a+phyll pron <1k@t*2fil> pos n. def a simplified form of plant leaf, such as a scale leaf or cotyledon. cataplasia 0. syl cat:a+pla+si:a pron <2k@t*1plAzi*> pos n. def the degeneration of cells and tissues to a less highly developed form. cataplastic sub head cataplasia syl cat:a+plas+tic pron <2k@t*1pl@stik> pos adj. cataplasm ety C16: from Latin cataplasma, from Greek, from kataplassein to cover with a plaster, from plassein to shape cataplasm 0. syl cat:a+plasm pron <1k@t*2pl@z*m> pos n. qual Med. def another name for {poultice}. cataplexy ety C19: from Greek katapl*_exis amazement, from kata?!pl*_essein to strike down (with amazement), confound, from kata- down+ pl*_essein to strike #!cat@.a+@!plec+tic adj. cataplexy 1. syl cat:a+plex:y pron <1k@t*2pleksi> pos n. def sudden temporary paralysis, brought on by intense emotion, etc. cataplexy 2. syl cat:a+plex:y pron <1k@t*2pleksi> pos n. def a state of complete absence of movement assumed by animals while shamming death. catapult ety C16: from Latin catapulta, from Greek katapelt*_es, from kata- down+ pallein to hurl catapult 1. syl cat:a+pult pron <1k@t*2p^lt> pos n. def a Y-shaped implement with a loop of elastic fastened to the ends of the two prongs, used mainly by children for shooting small stones, etc. U.S. name: {slingshot}. catapult 2. syl cat:a+pult pron <1k@t*2p^lt> pos n. def a heavy war engine used formerly for hurling stones, etc. catapult 3. syl cat:a+pult pron <1k@t*2p^lt> pos n. def a device installed in warships to launch aircraft. catapult 4. syl cat:a+pult pron <1k@t*2p^lt> pos vb. mod tr. def to shoot forth from or as if from a catapult. catapult 5. syl cat:a+pult pron <1k@t*2p^lt> pos vb. usage foll. by over, into, etc. def to move precipitately. exam 1 she was catapulted to stardom overnight. cataract ety C15: from Latin catarracta, from Greek katarrhakt*_es, from katarassein to dash down, from arassein to strike cataract 1. syl cat:a+ract pron <1k@t*2r@kt> pos n. def a large waterfall or rapids. cataract 2. syl cat:a+ract pron <1k@t*2r@kt> pos n. def a deluge; downpour. cataract 3.a. syl cat:a+ract pron <1k@t*2r@kt> pos n. def partial or total opacity of the crystalline lens of the eye. cataract 3.b. syl cat:a+ract pron <1k@t*2r@kt> pos n. def the opaque area. catarrh ety C16: via French from Late Latin catarrhus, from Greek katarrous, from katarrhein to flow down, from kata- down+ rhein to flow catarrh 0. syl ca+tarrh pron pos n. def inflammation of a mucous membrane with increased production of mucus, esp. affecting the nose and throat in the common cold. catarrhal sub head catarrh or catarrhous syl ca+1tarrh+al pos adj. catarrhous sub head catarrh or catarrhal syl ca+1tarrh+ous pos adj. catarrhine ety C19: from New Latin Catarrhina (for sense 1), all ultimately from Greek katarrhin having a hooked nose, from kata- down+ rhis nose catarrhine 1. syl cat+arrh+ine pron <1k@t*2rIn> pos adj. usage of apes and Old World monkeys def having the nostrils set close together and opening to the front of the face. catarrhine 2. syl cat+arrh+ine pron <1k@t*2rIn> pos adj. def Also: {leptorrhine}. (of humans) having a thin or narrow nose. catarrhine 3. syl cat+arrh+ine pron <1k@t*2rIn> pos n. def an animal or person with this characteristic. catarrhine xref syl cat+arrh+ine pron <1k@t*2rIn> pos adj. def Compare {platyrrhine}. catastrophe ety C16: from Greek katastroph*_e,@T from katastrephein to overturn,@T from strephein to turn catastrophe 1. syl ca+tas+tro+phe pron pos n. def a sudden, extensive, or notable disaster or misfortune. catastrophe 2. syl ca+tas+tro+phe pron pos n. def the d*'enouement of a play, esp. a classical tragedy. catastrophe 3. syl ca+tas+tro+phe pron pos n. def a final decisive event, usually causing a disastrous end. catastrophe 4. syl ca+tas+tro+phe pron pos n. def any sudden and violent change in the earth's surface caused by flooding, earthquake, or some other process. Also called: {cataclysm}. catastrophic sub head catastrophe syl cat:a+stroph+ic pron <2k@t*1strofik> pos adj. catastrophically sub head catastrophe syl cat:a+1stroph:i+cal+ly pos adv. catastrophism 0. syl ca+tas+tro+phism pron pos n. def the doctrine that explains major changes in fossils, rock strata, etc., in terms of sudden violent catastrophes rather than gradual evolutionary processes. catastrophist sub head catastrophism syl ca+1tas+tro+phist pos n. catatonia ety C20: New Latin, from German Katatonie, from #7cata -#7+ -#7tonia catatonia 0. syl cat:a+to+ni:a pron <2k@t*1t*uni*> pos n. def a form of schizophrenia characterized by muscular rigidity and stupor, with outbreaks of excitement. catatonic sub head catatonia syl cat:a+ton+ic pron <2k@t*1tonik> pos adj. n. Catawba infl or Catawbas syl Ca+taw+ba pos n. mod pl. Catawbas infl head Catawba or Catawba syl Ca+taw+bas pos n. mod pl. Catawba 1. syl Ca+taw+ba pron pos n. def a member of a North American Indian people, formerly of South Carolina, now almost extinct. Catawba 2. syl Ca+taw+ba pron pos n. def their language, belonging to the Siouan family. Catawba 3. syl Ca+taw+ba pron pos n. def a cultivated variety of red North American grape, widely grown in the eastern U.S. Catawba 4. syl Ca+taw+ba pron pos n. def the wine made from these grapes. catbird 1. syl cat+bird pron <1k@t2bR:d> pos n. def any of several North American songbirds of the family (mockingbirds), esp. whose call resembles the mewing of a cat. catbird 2. syl cat+bird pron <1k@t2bR:d> pos n. def any of several Australian bowerbirds of the genera and having a catlike call. catboat 0. syl cat+boat pron <1k@t2b*ut> pos n. def a sailing vessel with a single mast, set well forward and often unstayed, and a large sail, usually rigged with a gaff. Shortened form: {cat}. cat brier 0. syl cat bri+er pos n. def another name for {greenbrier}. cat burglar 0. syl cat bur+glar pos n. def a burglar who enters buildings by climbing through upper windows, skylights, etc. catcall 1. syl cat+call pron <1k@t2kc:l> pos n. def a shrill whistle or cry expressing disapproval, as at a public meeting, etc. catcall 2. syl cat+call pron <1k@t2kc:l> pos vb. def to utter such a call (at); deride with catcalls. catcaller sub head catcall syl cat+2call+er pos n. catch ety C13 cacchen to pursue, from Old Northern French cachier, from Latin capt*_are to snatch, from capere to seize catches infl head catch syl catch:es pos vb. catching infl head catch syl catch+ing pos vb. caught infl head catch syl caught. pos vb. catch 1. syl catch pron pos vb. mod tr. def to take hold of so as to retain or restrain. exam 1 he caught the ball. catch 2. syl catch pron pos vb. mod tr. def to take, seize, or capture, esp. after pursuit. catch 3. syl catch pron pos vb. mod tr. def to ensnare or deceive, as by trickery. catch 4. syl catch pron pos vb. mod tr. def to surprise or detect in an act. exam 1 he caught the dog rifling the larder. catch 5. syl catch pron pos vb. mod tr. def to reach with a blow. exam 1 the stone caught him on the side of the head. catch 6. syl catch pron pos vb. mod tr. def to overtake or reach in time to board. exam 1 if we hurry we should catch the next bus. catch 7. syl catch pron pos vb. mod tr. def to see or hear; attend. exam 1 I didn't catch the Ibsen play. catch 8. syl catch pron pos vb. mod tr. def to be infected with. exam 1 to catch a cold. catch 9. syl catch pron pos vb. def to hook or entangle or become hooked or entangled. exam 1 her dress caught on a nail. catch 10. syl catch pron pos vb. def to fasten or be fastened with or as if with a latch or other device. catch 11. syl catch pron pos vb. mod tr. def to attract or arrest. exam 1 she tried to catch his eye. catch 12. syl catch pron pos vb. mod tr. def to comprehend. exam 1 I didn't catch his meaning. catch 13. syl catch pron pos vb. mod tr. def to hear accurately. exam 1 I didn't catch what you said. catch 14. syl catch pron pos vb. mod tr. def to captivate or charm. catch 15. syl catch pron pos vb. mod tr. def to perceive and reproduce accurately. exam 1 the painter managed to catch his model's beauty. catch 16. syl catch pron pos vb. mod tr. def to hold back or restrain. exam 1 he caught his breath in surprise. catch 17. syl catch pron pos vb. mod intr. def to become alight. exam 1 the fire won't catch. catch 18. syl catch pron pos vb. mod tr. qual Cricket. def to dismiss (a batsman) by intercepting and holding a ball struck by him before it touches the ground. catch 19.a. syl catch pron pos vb. def to grasp or attempt to grasp. catch 19.b. syl catch pron pos vb. def to take advantage (of), esp. eagerly. exam 1 he caught at the chance. catch 20. syl catch pron pos vb. mod intr. qual Informal. usage used passively def to make pregnant. catch it 21. head catch syl catch it. qual Informal. def to be scolded or reprimanded. catch 22. syl catch pron pos n. def the act of catching or grasping. catch 23. syl catch pron pos n. def a device that catches and fastens, such as a latch. catch 24. syl catch pron pos n. def anything that is caught, esp. something worth catching. catch 25. syl catch pron pos n. def the amount or number caught. catch 26. syl catch pron pos n. qual Informal. def a person regarded as an eligible matrimonial prospect. catch 27. syl catch pron pos n. def a check or break in the voice. catch 28. syl catch pron pos n. def a break in a mechanism. catch 29.a. syl catch pron pos n. def a concealed, unexpected, or unforeseen drawback or handicap. catch 29.b. syl catch pron pos n. usage as modifier exam 1 a catch question. catch 30. syl catch pron pos n. def a game in which a ball is thrown from one player to another. catch 31. syl catch pron pos n. qual Cricket. def the catching of a ball struck by a batsman before it touches the ground, resulting in him being out. catch 32. syl catch pron pos n. qual Music. def a type of round popular in the 17th, 18th, and 19th centuries, having a humorous text that is often indecent or bawdy and hard to articulate. See { {round} (sense 30)}, { {canon%1} (sense 7)}. catch 33. syl catch pron pos n. qual Austral. def another name for {bell sheep}. catch 34. syl catch pron pos n. qual Rare. def a fragment. {~} See also {catch on, catch out, catch up}. catchable sub head catch syl catch+a:ble pos adj. catch-all 0.a. syl catch-all pos n. qual Chiefly U.S. def something designed to cover a variety of situations or possibilities. catch-all 0.b. syl catch-all pos n. qual Chiefly U.S. usage as modifier exam 1 a catchall clause. catch-as-catch-can 1. syl catch-as-catch-can pos n. def a style of wrestling in which trips, holds below the waist, etc., are allowed. catch-as-catch-can 2. syl catch-as-catch-can pos adj. adv. qual Chiefly U.S. def using any method or opportunity that comes to hand. catch basin 0. syl catch ba+sin pos n. def the U.S. name for {catch pit}. catch crop 0. syl catch crop pos n. def a quick-growing crop planted between two regular crops grown in consecutive seasons, or between two rows of regular crops in the same season. catcher 1. syl catch+er pron <1k@C*> pos n. def a person or thing that catches, esp. in a game or sport. catcher 2. syl catch+er pron <1k@C*> pos n. qual Baseball. def a fielder who stands behind home plate and catches pitched balls not hit by the batter. catchflies infl head catchfly syl catch+flies. pos n. mod pl. catchfly 0. syl catch+fly pron <1k@C2flI> pos n. def any of several caryophyllaceous plants of the genus that have sticky calyxes and stems on which insects are sometimes trapped. catching 1. syl catch+ing pron <1k@CiG> pos adj. def infectious. catching 2. syl catch+ing pron <1k@CiG> pos adj. def attractive; captivating. catchment 1. syl catch+ment pron <1k@Cm*nt> pos n. def the act of catching or collecting water. catchment 2. syl catch+ment pron <1k@Cm*nt> pos n. def a structure in which water is collected. catchment 3. syl catch+ment pron <1k@Cm*nt> pos n. def the water so collected. catchment 4. syl catch+ment pron <1k@Cm*nt> pos n. qual Brit. def the intake of a school from one catchment area. catchment area 1. syl catch+ment ar:e:a pos n. def the area of land bounded by watersheds draining into a river, basin, or reservoir. Also called: {catchment basin, drainage area, drainage basin}. catchment area 2. syl catch+ment ar:e:a pos n. def the area from which people are allocated to a particular school, hospital, etc. catch on 1. syl catch on pos vb. adv. mod intr. qual Informal. def to become popular or fashionable. catch on 2. syl catch on pos vb. adv. mod intr. qual Informal. def to grasp mentally; understand. catch out 0. syl catch out pos vb. adv. mod tr. qual Informal, chiefly Brit. def to trap (a person), esp. in an error or doing something reprehensible. catchpenny 1. syl catch+pen:ny pron <1k@C2peni> pos adj. usage prenominal def designed to have instant appeal, esp. in order to sell quickly and easily without regard for quality. exam 1 catchpenny ornaments. catchpennies infl head catchpenny syl catch+pen:nies. pos n. mod pl. catchpenny 2. syl catch+pen:ny pron <1k@C2peni> pos n. def an item or commodity that is cheap and showy. catch phrase 0. syl catch phrase pos n. def a well-known frequently used phrase, esp. one associated with a particular group, etc. catch pit 0. syl catch pit pos n. def a pit in a drainage system in which matter is collected that might otherwise block a sewer. U.S. name: {catch basin}. catch points 0. syl catch points pos n. mod pl. def railway points designed to derail a train in order to prevent its running onto a main line accidentally. catchpole ety Old English c@acepol, from Medieval Latin cacepollus tax-gatherer, literally: chicken-chaser, from cace- #7catch+ pollus (from Latin pullus chick) catchpoll alt head catchpole or catchpole syl catch+poll pron <1k@C2p*ul> pos n. catchpole 0. or catchpoll syl catch+pole pron <1k@C2p*ul> pos n. usage in medieval England def a sheriff's officer who arrested debtors. catch- ety C20: from the title of a novel (1961) by J. Heller catch- 0. syl catch-22 pos n. def a situation characterized by obstacles that defeat all attempts of the victim to escape from it. catch up 1. syl catch up pos vb. adv. mod tr. def to seize and take up (something) quickly. catch up 2. syl catch up pos vb. adv. mod when; intr. usage often foll. by with def to reach or pass (someone or something), after following. exam 1 he soon caught him up. catch up 3. syl catch up pos vb. adv. mod intr. usage usually foll. by on or with def to make up for lost ground or deal with a backlog (in some specified task or activity). catch up 4. syl catch up pos vb. adv. mod tr. usage often passive def to absorb or involve. exam 1 she was caught up in her reading. catch up 5. syl catch up pos vb. adv. mod tr. def to raise by or as if by fastening. exam 1 the hem of her dress was caught up with ribbons. catchup 0. syl catch+up pron <1k@C*p>, <1keC-> pos n. def a variant spelling (esp. U.S.) of {ketchup}. catchweight 0. syl catch+weight pron <1k@C2wAt> pos adj. qual Wrestling. def of or relating to a contest in which normal weight categories have been waived by agreement. catchword 1. syl catch+word pron <1k@C2wR:d> pos n. def a word or phrase made temporarily popular, esp. by a political campaign; slogan. catchword 2. syl catch+word pron <1k@C2wR:d> pos n. def a word printed as a running head in a reference book. catchword 3. syl catch+word pron <1k@C2wR:d> pos n. qual Theatre. def an actor's cue to speak or enter. catchword 4. syl catch+word pron <1k@C2wR:d> pos n. def the first word of a printed or typewritten page repeated at the bottom of the page preceding. catchier infl head catchy syl catch:i+er pos adj. catchiest infl head catchy syl catch:i+est. pos adj. catchy 1. syl catch:y pron <1k@Ci> pos adj. usage of a tune, etc. def pleasant and easily remembered or imitated. catchy 2. syl catch:y pron <1k@Ci> pos adj. def tricky or deceptive. exam 1 a catchy question. catchy 3. syl catch:y pron <1k@Ci> pos adj. def irregular. exam 1 a catchy breeze. catchiness sub head catchy syl catch:i+ness pos n. cat cracker 0. syl cat crack+er pos n. def an informal name for {catalytic cracker}. catechetic alt head catechetical or catechetical syl cat+e:chet+ic pos adj. catechetical 0. or catechetic syl cat:e+chet:i+cal pron <2k@ti1ketikL> pos adj. def of or relating to teaching by question and answer. catechetically sub head catechetical syl cat+e:1chet:i+cal+ly pos adv. catechin ety C19: from #7catechu+ -#7in catechin 0. syl cat+e:chin pron <1k@t*kin> pos n. def a soluble yellow solid substance found in catechu and mahogany wood and used in tanning and dyeing. Formula: C\1\5H\1\4O\6. catechism ety C16: from Late Latin cat*_echismus, ultimately from Greek kat*_ekhizein to #7catechize catechism 1. syl cat+e:chism pron <1k@ti2kiz*m> pos n. def instruction by a series of questions and answers, esp. a book containing such instruction on the religious doctrine of a Christian Church. catechism 2. syl cat+e:chism pron <1k@ti2kiz*m> pos n. def rigorous and persistent questioning, as in a test or interview. catechismal sub head catechism syl cat+e:1chis+mal pos adj. catechize ety C15: from Late Latin cat*_echiz*_are, from Greek kat*_ekhizein, from kat*_ekhein to instruct orally, literally: to shout down, from kata- down+ *_ekhein to sound &- #!cat+e@.chist, #!cat@.e+@!chiz+er or #!cat@.e+@!chis+er n. &- @!cat+e@.#!chis+tic or @!cat+e@.#!chis+ti+cal adj. &- @!cat+e@.#!chis+ti+cal+ly adv. &- @!cat+e@.chi+#!za+tion or @!cat+e@.chi+#!sa+tion n. catechise alt head catechize or catechize syl cat+e:chise pron <1k@ti2kIz> pos vb. mod tr. catechize 1. or catechise syl cat+e:chize pron <1k@ti2kIz> pos vb. mod tr. def to teach or examine by means of questions and answers. catechize 2. or catechise syl cat+e:chize pron <1k@ti2kIz> pos vb. mod tr. qual Ecclesiast. def to give oral instruction in Christianity, esp. by using a catechism. catechize 3. or catechise syl cat+e:chize pron <1k@ti2kIz> pos vb. mod tr. def to put questions to (someone). catechol ety C20: from #7catechu+ -#7ol %1 catechol 0. syl cat+e:chol pron <1k@ti2Col>, <-2kol> pos n. def a colourless crystalline phenol found in resins and lignins; 1, 2-dihydroxybenzene. It is used as a photographic developer. Formula: C\6H\4(OH)\2. Also called: {pyrocatechol}. catecholamine ety C20: from #7catechu+ -#7ol %1#7+amine catecholamine 0. syl cat+e:chol:a+mine pron <2k@t*1kol*2mEn> pos n. def any of a group of catechol derivatives, esp. adrenaline and noradrenaline. catechu ety C17: probably from Malay kachu, of Dravidian origin cachou infl head catechu or cutch syl ca+chou pos n. cutch infl head catechu or cachou syl cutch pos n. catechu 0. syl cat+e:chu pron <1k@ti2Cu:> pos n. def a water-soluble astringent resinous substance obtained from any of certain tropical plants, esp. the leguminous tree of S Asia, and used in medicine, tanning, and dyeing. See also {gambier}. catechumen ety C15: via Old French, from Late Latin, from Greek kat?!*_ekhoumenos one being instructed verbally, from kat*_ekhein; see #7catechize catechumen 0. syl cat+e:chu+men pron <2k@ti1kju:men> pos n. qual Christianity. def a person, esp. in the early Church, undergoing instruction prior to baptism. catechumenal sub head catechumen or catechumenical syl cat+e:1chu+me:nal pron <2k@?!t*kju1menikL> pos adj. catechumenical sub head catechumen or catechumenal syl cat+e:chu+men:i+cal pron <2k@?!t*kju1menikL> pos adj. categoric alt head categorical or categorical syl cat+e:gor+ic pos adj. categorical 1. or categoric syl cat+e:gor:i+cal pron <2k@ti1gorikL> pos adj. def unqualified; positive; unconditional. exam 1 a categorical statement. categorical 2. or categoric syl cat+e:gor:i+cal pron <2k@ti1gorikL> pos adj. def relating to or included in a category. categorical 3. or categoric syl cat+e:gor:i+cal pron <2k@ti1gorikL> pos adj. usage of a statement in logic def consisting of a subject (X in the following examples) and an attribute (Y) linked by a copula and having one of the following forms. exam 1 all categorically sub head categorical syl cat+e:1gor:i+cal+ly pos adv. categoricalness sub head categorical syl cat+e:1gor:i+cal+ness pos n. categorical imperative 0. syl cat+e:gor:i+cal im+per:a+tive pos n. usage in the ethics of Kant def the unconditional moral principle prescribing that one's behaviour should be governed by duty, not the prospect of reward. Compare {hypothetical imperative}. categorise alt head categorize or categorize syl cat+e:go+rise pron <1k@tig*2rIz> pos vb. mod tr. categorize 0. or categorise syl cat+e:go+rize pron <1k@tig*2rIz> pos vb. mod tr. def to place in a category; classify. categorization sub head categorize or categorisation syl cat+e:go+ri+1za+tion pos n. categorisation sub head categorize or categorization syl cat+e:go+ri+1sa+tion pos n. category ety C15: from Late Latin cat*_egoria, from Greek kat*_egoria, from kategorein to accuse, assert &- cat+e@.go+ri@.al (@!k@at$I#!g@$$:r$I$$l) adj. categories infl head category syl cat+e:go+ries. pos n. mod pl. category 1. syl cat+e:go+ry pron <1k@tig*ri> pos n. def a class or group of things, people, etc., possessing some quality or qualities in common; a division in a system of classification. category 2. syl cat+e:go+ry pron <1k@tig*ri> pos n. qual Meta?!physics. def the most basic class into which objects and concepts can be analysed. category 3.a. syl cat+e:go+ry pron <1k@tig*ri> pos n. usage in the philosophy of Aristotle def one of ten fundamental modes of being, such as quantity, quality, and substance. category 3.b. syl cat+e:go+ry pron <1k@tig*ri> pos n. usage in the philosophy of Kant def one of twelve concepts required by human beings to interpret the empirical world. catena ety C17: from Latin: chain catenae infl head catena syl ca+te:nae pron <-nE> pos n. mod pl. catena 0. syl ca+te:na pron pos n. def a connected series, esp. of patristic comments on the Bible. catenane ety C20: from Latin catena chain+-#7ane catenane 0. syl cat+e:nane pron <1k@ti2nAn> pos n. def a type of chemical compound in which the molecules have two or more rings that are interlocked like the links of a chain. catenary ety C18: from Latin cat*_en*_arius relating to a chain catenaries infl head catenary syl ca+te:na+ries. pos n. mod pl. catenary 1. syl ca+te:na+ry pron pos n. def the curve assumed by a heavy uniform flexible cord hanging freely from two points. When symmetrical about the axis and intersecting it at = the equation is = cosh / . catenary 2. syl ca+te:na+ry pron pos n. def the hanging cable between pylons along a railway track, from which the trolley wire is suspended. {~} {cat+e@.nar+i@.an} (@!k@at$I#!n$e$$r$I$$n). catenary 3. syl ca+te:na+ry pron pos n. def of, resembling, relating to, or constructed using a catenary or suspended chain. catenate ety C17: from Latin cat*_en*_are to bind with chains catenate 1. syl cat+e:nate pron <1k@ti2nAt> pos vb. qual Biology. def to arrange or be arranged in a series of chains or rings. catenate 2. syl cat+e:nate pron <1k@ti2nAt> pos adj. def another word for {catenulate}. catenation sub head catenate syl cat+e:1na+tion pos n. catenoid 0. syl cat+e:noid pron <1k@t*2ncid> pos n. def the geometrical surface generated by rotating a catenary about its axis. catenulate ety C19: from Latin cat*_enula, diminutive of cat*_ena chain catenulate 0. syl ca+ten:u+late pron , <-lit> pos adj. usage of certain spores, etc. def formed in a row or chain. cater ety C16: from earlier catour purchaser, variant of acatour, from Anglo-Norman acater to buy, ultimately related to Latin accept*_are to #7accept cater 1. syl ca+ter pron <1kAt*> pos vb. mod intr. usage foll. by for or to def to provide what is required or desired (for). exam 1 to cater for a need; exam 2 cater to your tastes. cater 2. syl ca+ter pron <1kAt*> pos vb. mod when; intr. usage foll. by for def to provide food, services, etc. (for). exam 1 we cater for parties; exam 2 to cater a banquet. cateran ety C14: probably from Scottish Gaelic ceathairneach robber, plunderer cateran 0. syl cat+er+an pron <1k@t*r*n> pos n. usage formerly def a member of a band of brigands and marauders in the Scottish highlands. cater-cornered ety C16: cater, from dialect cater (adv.) diagonally, from obsolete cater (n.) four-spot of dice, from Old French quatre four, from Latin quattuor cater-cornered 0. syl cat:er-cor:nered pron <1k@t*2kc:n*d> pos adj. adv. qual U.S. informal. def diagonally placed; diagonal. Also: {cat@.ty-cor@.nered}. cater-cousin ety C16: perhaps from obsolete cater caterer; for sense, compare #7foster, as in foster brother, etc. cater-cousin 0. syl ca:ter-cous:in pron <1kAt*2k^zN> pos n. qual Archaic. def a close friend. caterer 0. syl ca+ter+er pron <1kAt*r*> pos n. def a person who caters, esp. one who as a profession provides food for large social events, etc. catering 1. syl ca+ter+ing pron <1kAt*riG> pos n. def the trade of a professional caterer. catering 2. syl ca+ter+ing pron <1kAt*riG> pos n. def the food, etc., provided at a function by a caterer. caterpillar ety C15 catyrpel, probably from Old Northern French catepelose, literally: hairy cat caterpillar 1. syl cat+er+pil+lar pron <1k@t*2pil*> pos n. def the wormlike larva of butterflies and moths, having numerous pairs of legs and powerful biting jaws. It may be brightly coloured, hairy, or spiny. caterpillar 2. syl cat+er+pil+lar pron <1k@t*2pil*> pos n. def an endless track, driven by sprockets or wheels, used to propel a heavy vehicle and enable it to cross soft or uneven ground. caterpillar 3. syl cat+er+pil+lar pron <1k@t*2pil*> pos n. def a vehicle, such as a tractor, tank, bulldozer, etc., driven by such tracks. caterpillar hunter 0. syl cat+er+pil+lar hun+ter pos n. def any of various carabid beetles of the genus of Europe and North America, which prey on the larvae of moths and butterflies. caterwaul ety C14: of imitative origin caterwaul 1. syl cat+er+waul pron <1k@t*2wc:l> pos vb. mod intr. def to make a yowling noise, as a cat on heat. {~} caterwaul 2. syl cat+er+waul pron <1k@t*2wc:l> pos vb. mod intr. def a shriek or yell made by or sounding like a cat on heat. caterwauler sub head caterwaul syl cat+er+2waul+er pos n. cates ety C15: variant of acates purchases, from Old Northern French acater to buy, from Vulgar Latin accapt*_are (unattested); ultimately related to Latin accept*_are to #7accept cates 0. syl cates pron pos n. mod pl. sometimes; sing. qual Archaic. def choice dainty food; delicacies. catfall 0. syl cat+fall pron <1k@t2fc:l> pos n. qual Nautical. def the line used in a cat. catfish infl or catfishes syl cat+fish pos n. mod pl. catfishes infl head catfish or catfish syl cat+fish:es. pos n. mod pl. catfish 1. syl cat+fish pron <1k@t2fiS> pos n. def any of numerous mainly freshwater teleost fishes having whisker-like barbels around the mouth, esp. the silurids of Europe and Asia and the horned pouts of North America. catfish 2. syl cat+fish pron <1k@t2fiS> pos n. def another name for {wolffish}. catgut 0. syl cat+gut pron <1k@t2g^t> pos n. def a strong cord made from the dried intestines of sheep and other animals that is used for stringing certain musical instruments and sports rackets, and, when sterilized, as surgical ligatures. Often shortened to {gut}. Cath 1. syl Cath. qual abbrev. for def Cathedral. Cath 2. syl Cath. qual abbrev. for def Catholic. cath- 0. syl cath- pos prefix. def variant of {cata-} before an aspirate. exam 1 cathode. Cathar ety from Medieval Latin Cathari, from Greek katharoi the pure &- #!Cath+ar+@!ism n. Catharist alt head Cathar or Cathar syl Cath+ar+ist pron <1k@T*2rist> pos n. Cathars infl head Cathar syl Cath+ars pron <-*ri> pos n. mod pl. Cathari infl head Cathar or Catharists syl Cath+ar:i pron <-*ri> pos n. mod pl. Catharists infl head Cathar or Cathari syl Cath+ar+ists. pos n. mod pl. Cathar 0. or Catharist syl Cath+ar pron <1k@T*> pos n. def a member of a Christian sect in Provence in the 12th and 13th centuries who believed the material world was evil and only the spiritual was good. catharsis ety C19: New Latin, from Greek katharsis, from kathairein to purge, purify katharsis alt head catharsis or catharsis syl ka+thar+sis pron pos n. catharsis 1. or katharsis syl ca+thar+sis pron pos n. usage in Aristotelian literary criticism def the purging or purification of the emotions through the evocation of pity and fear, as in tragedy. catharsis 2. or katharsis syl ca+thar+sis pron pos n. qual Psychoanal. def a method of bringing repressed ideas or experi?!ences to consciousness, by means of free association, etc., so that underlying tensions may be relieved. See also {abreaction}. catharsis 3. or katharsis syl ca+thar+sis pron pos n. def purgation, esp. of the bowels. cathartic 1. syl ca+thar+tic pron pos adj. def purgative. cathartic 2. syl ca+thar+tic pron pos adj. def effecting catharsis. cathartic 3. syl ca+thar+tic pron pos n. def a purgative drug or agent. cathartically sub head cathartic syl ca+1thar+ti+cal+ly pos adv. Cathay ety C14: from Medieval Latin Cataya, of Turkic origin Cathay 0. syl Ca+thay pron pos n. def a literary or archaic name for {China}. cathead 0. syl cat+head pron <1k@t2hed> pos n. def a fitting at the bow of a vessel for securing the anchor when raised. cathectic 0. syl ca+thec+tic pron pos adj. def of or relating to cathexis. cathedral ety C13: from Late Latin (ecclesia) cathedr*_alis cathedral (church), from cathedra bishop's throne, from Greek kathedra seat cathedral 0.a. syl ca+the:dral pron pos n. def the principal church of a diocese, containing the bishop's official throne. cathedral 0.b. syl ca+the:dral pron pos n. usage as modifier exam 1 a cathedral city; exam 2 cathedral clergy. cathepsin ety C20: from Greek kathepsein to boil down, soften cathepsin 0. syl ca+thep+sin pron pos n. def a proteolytic enzyme responsible for the autolysis of cells after death. Saint infl head Catherine syl Saint. pos n. Catherine 0. syl Cath:e:rine pron <1k@Trin> pos n. def died 307 #7a.d., legendary Christian martyr of Alexandria, who was tortured on a spiked wheel and beheaded. Feast day: Nov. 25. Catherine I 0. syl Cath:e:rine I pos n. def ??1684-1727, second wife of Peter the Great, whom she succeeded as empress of Russia (1725-27). Catherine II 0. syl Cath:e:rine II pos n. def called 1729-96, empress of Russia (1762-96), during whose reign Russia extended her boundaries at the expense of Turkey, Sweden, and Poland: she was a patron of literature and the arts. Catherine de M'edicis alt head Catherine de' Medici or Catherine de' Medici syl Cath:e:rine de M*'e:di:cis pos n. Catherine de' Medici 0. or Catherine de M'edicis syl Cath:e:rine de' Med:i:ci pos n. def 1519-89, queen of Henry II of France; mother of Francis II, Charles IX, and Henry III@T of@T France;@T regent @T of@T France@T (1560-74). She@T was largely responsible for the massacre of Protestants on Saint Bartholomew's Day (1572). Catherine of Aragon 0. syl Cath:e:rine of Ar:a+gon pos n. def 1485-1536, first wife of Henry VIII of England and mother of Mary I. Henry's divorce from her (1533) against papal authority marked an initial stage in the English Reformation. Catherine of Saint infl head Catherine of Siena syl Cath:e:rine of Saint. pos n. Catherine of Siena 0. syl Cath:e:rine of Si+en:a pos n. def 1347-80, Italian mystic and ascetic; patron saint of the Dominican order. Feast day: April 30. catherine wheel ety C16: named after St. C#7atherine of Alexandria catherine wheel 1. syl cath+e:rine wheel pos n. def a type of firework consisting of a powder-filled spiral tube, mounted with a pin through its centre. When lit it rotates quickly, producing a display of sparks and coloured flame. Also called: {pinwheel}. catherine wheel 2. syl cath+e:rine wheel pos n. def a circular window having ribs radiating from the centre. catheter ety C17: from Late Latin, from Greek kathet*_er, from kathienai to send down, insert catheter 0. syl cath+e:ter pron <1k@Tit*> pos n. qual Med. def a long slender flexible tube for inserting into a natural bodily cavity or passage for introducing or withdrawing fluid. catheterise alt head catheterize or catheterize syl cath+e:ter+ise pron <1k@Tit*2rIz> pos vb. mod tr. catheterize 0. or catheterise syl cath+e:ter+ize pron <1k@Tit*2rIz> pos vb. mod tr. def to insert a catheter into. catheterization sub head catheterize or catheterisation syl cath+e:ter:i+1za+tion pos n. catheterisation sub head catheterize or catheterization syl cath+e:ter:i+1sa+tion pos n. cathexis ety C20: from New Latin, from Greek kathexis, from katekhein to hold fast, intended to render German Besetzung a taking possession of cathexes infl head cathexis syl ca+thex:es pron <-1TeksEz> pos n. mod pl. cathexis 0. syl ca+thex+is pron pos n. qual Psychoanal. def concentration of psychic energy on a specific object, person, or idea. cathode ety C19: from Greek kathodos a descent, from kata- down+ hodos way &- ca+thod+al (k@a#!#Gg$$$ud%@l), ca+thod+ic (k@a#!#Gg$Ad$Ik, -#!#Gg$$$u-), or ca+#!thod@.i+cal adj. cathode 1. syl cath+ode pron <1k@T*ud> pos n. def the negative electrode in an electro?!lytic cell; the electrode by which electrons enter a device from an external circuit. cathode 2. syl cath+ode pron <1k@T*ud> pos n. def the negatively charged electron source in an electronic valve. cathode 3. syl cath+ode pron <1k@T*ud> pos n. def the positive terminal of a primary cell. {~} Compare {anode}. cathode rays 0. syl cath+ode rays pos n. mod pl. def a stream of electrons emitted from the surface of a cathode in a vacuum tube. cathode-ray tube 0. syl cath:ode-ray tube pos n. def a vacuum tube in which a beam of high-energy electrons is focused onto a fluorescent screen to give a visible spot of light. The device, with appropriate deflection equipment, is used in television tubes, oscilloscopes, etc. cathodic protection 0. syl ca+thod+ic pro+tec+tion pos n. qual Metallurgy. def a technique for pro?!tecting metal structures, such as steel ships and pipelines, from electrolytic corrosion by making the structure the cathode in a cell, either by applying an electromotive force directly or by putting it into contact with a more electropositive metal. See also {sacrificial anode}. cat hole 0. syl cat hole pos n. def one of a pair of holes in the after part of a ship through which hawsers are passed for steadying the ship or heaving astern. catholic ety C14: from Latin catholicus, from Greek katholikos universal, from katholou in general, from kata- according to+ holos whole catholic 1. syl cath:o+lic pron <1k@T*lik>, <1k@Tlik> pos adj. def universal; relating to all men; all-inclusive. catholic 2. syl cath:o+lic pron <1k@T*lik>, <1k@Tlik> pos adj. def comprehensive in interests, tastes, etc.; broad-minded; liberal. catholically sub head catholic or catholicly syl ca+thol:i+cal+ly pron pos adv. catholicly sub head catholic or catholically syl ca+thol+ic+ly pron pos adv. Catholic 1. syl Cath:o+lic pron <1k@T*lik>, <1k@Tlik> pos adj. qual Christianity. def denoting or relating to the entire body of Christians, esp. to the Church before separation into the Greek or Eastern and Latin or Western Churches. Catholic 2. syl Cath:o+lic pron <1k@T*lik>, <1k@Tlik> pos adj. qual Christianity. def denoting or relating to the Latin or Western Church after this separation. Catholic 3. syl Cath:o+lic pron <1k@T*lik>, <1k@Tlik> pos adj. qual Christianity. def denoting or relating to the Roman Catholic Church. Catholic 4. syl Cath:o+lic pron <1k@T*lik>, <1k@Tlik> pos adj. qual Christianity. def denoting or relating to any church, belief, etc., that claims continuity with or originates in the ancient undivided Church. {~} Catholic 5. syl Cath:o+lic pron <1k@T*lik>, <1k@Tlik> pos adj. qual Christianity. def a member of any of the Churches regarded as Catholic, esp. the Roman Catholic Church. Catholic Church 1. syl Cath:o+lic Church pos n. def short for {Roman Catholic Church}. Catholic Church 2. syl Cath:o+lic Church pos n. def any of several Churches claiming to have maintained continuity with the ancient and undivided Church. Catholic Epistles 0. syl Cath:o+lic E:pis+tles pos n. mod pl. qual New Testament. def the epistles of James, I and II Peter, I John, and Jude, which were addressed to the universal Church rather than to an individual or a particular church. Catholicism 1. syl Ca+thol:i+cism pron pos n. def short for {Roman Catholicism}. Catholicism 2. syl Ca+thol:i+cism pron pos n. def the beliefs, practices, etc., of any Catholic Church. catholicity 1. syl cath:o+lic+i:ty pron <2k@T*1lisiti> pos n. def a wide range of interests, tastes, etc.; liberality. catholicity 2. syl cath:o+lic+i:ty pron <2k@T*1lisiti> pos n. def universality; comprehensiveness. Catholicity 0. syl Cath:o+lic+i:ty pron <2k@T*1lisiti> pos n. def the beliefs, etc., of the Catholic Church. catholicise alt head catholicize or catholicize syl ca+thol:i+cise pron pos vb. catholicize 1. or catholicise syl ca+thol:i+cize pron pos vb. def to make or become catholic. catholicize 2. or catholicise syl ca+thol:i+cize pron pos vb. usage often cap. def to convert to or become converted to Catholicism. catholicization sub head catholicize or catholicisation syl ca+2thol:i+ci+1za+tion pos n. catholicisation sub head catholicize or catholicization syl ca+2thol:i+ci+1sa+tion pos n. catholicon ety C15: from Medieval Latin; see #7catholic catholicon 0. syl ca+thol:i+con pron pos n. def a remedy for all ills; panacea. cathouse 0. syl cat+house pron <1k@t2haus> pos n. qual U.S. def a slang word for {brothel}. Catiline 0. syl Cat:i:line pron <1k@ti2lIn> pos n. def Latin name ??108-62 #7b.c., Roman politician: organized an unsuccessful conspiracy against Cicero (63-62). Catilinarian sub head Catiline syl Cat:i+li+nar+i:an pron <2k@tili?!1ne*ri*n> pos adj. cation ety C19: from #7cata -#7+ion &- cat@.i+on+ic (@!k@ata$I#!$An$Ik) adj. cation 0. syl cat:i+on pron <1k@tI*n> pos n. def a positively charged ion; an ion that is attracted to the cathode during electrolysis. Compare {anion}. catkin ety C16: from obsolete Dutch katteken kitten, identical in meaning with French chaton, German K*"atzchen catkin 0. syl cat+kin pron <1k@tkin> pos n. def an inflorescence consisting of a hanging spike of much reduced flowers of either sex: occurs in birch, hazel, etc. Also called: {ament}. catling ety C17: from #7cat+ -#7ling catling 1. syl cat+ling pron <1k@tliG> pos n. def a long double-edged surgical knife for amputations. catling 2. syl cat+ling pron <1k@tliG> pos n. qual Rare. def catgut or a string made from it. catling 3. syl cat+ling pron <1k@tliG> pos n. def an archaic word for {kitten}. catmint 0. syl cat+mint pron <1k@t2mint> pos n. def a Eurasian plant, having spikes of purple-spotted white flowers and scented leaves of which cats are fond: family (labiates). Also called: {catnip}. catnap 1. syl cat+nap pron <1k@t2n@p> pos n. def a short sleep or doze. catnaps infl head catnap syl cat+naps pos vb. catnapping infl head catnap syl cat+nap+ping pos vb. catnapped infl head catnap syl cat+napped. pos vb. catnap 2. syl cat+nap pron <1k@t2n@p> pos vb. mod intr. def to sleep or doze for a short time or intermittently. catnip 0. syl cat+nip pron <1k@t2nip> pos n. def another name for {catmint}. Marcus Porcius 1. head Cato syl Mar:cus Por:ci:us pron <1ma:k*s> <1pc:Si*s> def called or 234-149 #7b.c., Roman statesman and writer, noted for his relentless opposition to Carthage. Cato 2. syl Ca:to pron <1kAt*u> pos n. def his great-grandson, {Mar@.cus Por@.ci@.us}, called or 95-46 #7b.c., Roman statesman, general, and Stoic philosopher; opponent of Catiline and Caesar. cat-o'-mountain 0. syl cat-o'-moun:tain pos n. def another name for {catamount}. cat-o'-nine-tails infl syl cat-o'-nine-tails. pos n. mod pl. cat-o'-nine-tails 0. syl cat-o'-nine-tails pos n. def a rope whip consisting of nine knotted thongs, used formerly to flog prisoners. Often short?!ened to {cat}. catoptrics ety C18: from Greek katoptrikos, from katoptron mirror catoptrics 0. syl ca+top+trics pron pos n. mod functioning as; sing. def the branch of optics concerned with reflection, esp. the formation of images by mirrors. catoptric sub head catoptrics or catoptrical syl ca+1top+tric pos adj. catoptrical sub head catoptrics or catoptric syl ca+1top+tri+cal pos adj. cat rig 0. syl cat rig pos n. def the rig of a catboat. catrigged sub head cat rig syl cat+2rigged pos adj. cat's cradle 0. syl cat's cra+dle pos n. def a game played by making intricate patterns with a loop of string between the fingers. cat's-ear 0. syl cat's-ear pos n. def any of various European plants of the genus esp. having dandelion-like heads of yellow flowers: family (composites). cat's-eye 1. syl cat's-eye pos n. qual Brit. def a glass reflector set into a small fixture, placed at intervals along roads to indicate traffic lanes at night. cat's-eye 2. syl cat's-eye pos n. def any of a group of gemstones, esp. a greenish-yellow variety of chrysoberyl, that reflect a streak of light when cut in a rounded unfaceted shape. cat's-feet infl head cat's-foot syl cat's-feet. pos n. mod pl. cat's-foot 0. syl cat's-foot pos n. def a European plant, with whitish woolly leaves and heads of typically white flowers: family (composites). Catskill Mountains 0. syl Cats+kill Moun+tains pron <1k@tskil> pos n. mod pl. def a mountain range in SE New York State: resort. Highest peak: Slide Mountain, 1261 m (4204 ft.). Also called: {Catskills}. cat's-paw ety (sense 1) C18: so called from the tale of the monkey who used a cat's paw to draw chestnuts out of a fire cat's-paw 1. syl cat's-paw pos n. def a person used by another as a tool; dupe. cat's-paw 2. syl cat's-paw pos n. qual Nautical. def a hitch in the form of two loops, or eyes, in the bight of a line, used for attaching it to a hook. cat's-paw 3. syl cat's-paw pos n. def a pattern of ripples on the surface of water caused by a light wind. cat's-tail 1. syl cat's-tail pos n. def another name for { {reed mace} (sense 1)}. cat's-tail 2. syl cat's-tail pos n. def another name for {catkin}. cat suit 0. syl cat suit pos n. def a one-piece usually close-fitting trouser suit. catsup 0. syl cat+sup pron <1k@ts*p> pos n. def a variant spelling (esp. U.S.) of {ketchup}. cat's whisker 1. syl cat's whisk+er pos n. def a pointed wire formerly used to make contact with the crystal in a crystal radio receiver. cat's whisker 2. syl cat's whisk+er pos n. def any wire used to make contact with a semiconductor. cat's pyjamas alt head cat's whiskers or cat's whiskers syl cat's py+ja+mas pos n. cathe infl head cat's whiskers syl cathe. pos n. cat's whiskers 0. or cat's pyjamas syl cat's whisk+ers pos n. qual Slang. def a person or thing that is excellent or superior. cattalo ety C20: from #7catt (#7le+buff) #7alo catalo alt head cattalo or cattalo syl cat:a+lo pron <1k@t*2l*u> pos n. cattaloes infl head cattalo or cattalos syl cat+ta+loes pos n. mod pl. cattalos infl head cattalo or cattaloes syl cat+ta+los. pos n. mod pl. cattalo 0. or catalo syl cat+ta+lo pron <1k@t*2l*u> pos n. def a hardy breed of cattle developed by crossing the American bison with domestic cattle. Cattegat 0. syl Cat+te+gat pron <1k@ti2g@t> pos n. def a variant spelling of {Kattegat}. catteries infl head cattery syl cat+ter:ies. pos n. mod pl. cattery 0. syl cat+ter:y pron <1k@t*ri> pos n. def a place where cats are bred or looked after. cattle ety C13: from Old Northern French catel, Old French chatel #7chattel cattle 1. syl cat+tle pron <1k@tL> pos n. mod functioning as; pl. def bovid mammals of the tribe (bovines), esp. those of the genus cattle 2. syl cat+tle pron <1k@tL> pos n. mod functioning as; pl. def Also called: {domestic cattle}. any domesticated bovine mammals, esp. those of the species (domestic ox). cattle-grid 0. syl cat:tle-grid pos n. def a ditch in a roadway covered by a grid, intended to prevent the passage of livestock while allowing vehicles, etc., to pass unhindered. cattlemen infl head cattleman syl cat:tle+men. pos n. mod pl. cattleman 1. syl cat:tle+man pron <1k@tLm*n> pos n. def a person who breeds, rears, or tends cattle. cattleman 2. syl cat:tle+man pron <1k@tLm*n> pos n. qual Chiefly U.S. def a person who owns or rears cattle on a large scale, usually for beef, esp. the owner of a cattle ranch. cattle plague 0. syl cat+tle plague pos n. def another name for {rinderpest}. cattle truck 0. syl cat+tle truck pos n. def a railway wagon designed for carrying livestock. U.S. equivalent: {stock car}. cattleya ety C19: New Latin, named after William Cattley (died 1832), English botanist cattleya 0. syl catt+le:ya pron <1k@tli*> pos n. def any tropical American orchid of the genus cultivated for their purplish-pink or white showy flowers. cat-swing alt head cat-train or cat-train syl cat-swing pos n. cat-train 0. or cat-swing syl cat-train pos n. qual Canadian. def a train of sleds, cabooses, etc., pulled by a caterpillar tractor, used chiefly in the north during winter to transport freight. cattish alt head catty or catty syl cat+tish pron <1k@ti> pos adj. cattier infl head catty syl cat+ti+er pos adj. cattiest infl head catty syl cat+ti+est. pos adj. catty H1.1. or cattish syl cat+ty pron <1k@ti> pos adj. qual Informal. def spiteful. exam 1 a catty remark. catty H1.2. or cattish syl cat+ty pron <1k@ti> pos adj. def of or resembling a cat. cattily sub head catty or cattishly syl cat+ti+ly pos adv. cattishly sub head catty or cattily syl cat+tish+ly pos adv. cattiness sub head catty or cattishness syl cat+ti+ness pos n. cattishness sub head catty or cattiness syl cat+tish+ness pos n. catty ety C16: from Malay kati cattie alt head catty or catty syl cat+tie pron <1k@ti> pos n. catties infl head catty syl cat+ties. pos n. mod pl. catty H2.0. or cattie syl cat+ty pron <1k@ti> pos n. def a unit of weight, used esp. in China, equal to about one and a half pounds or about 0.67 kilogram. catty-cornered 0. syl cat:ty-cor:nered pos adj. def a variant of {cater-cornered}. Gaius Valerius infl head Catullus syl Ga:ius Va:le:ri:us pron <1gI*s> pos n. Catullus 0. syl Ca:tul:lus pron pos n. def ??84-??54 #7b.c., Roman lyric poet, noted particularly for his love poems. Catullan sub head Catullus syl Ca+tul+lan pron pos adj. catwalk 0. syl cat+walk pron <1k@t2wc:k> pos n. def a narrow pathway over the stage of a theatre, along a bridge, etc. Cauca 0. syl Cau+ca pron Spanish <1kauka> pos n. def a river in W Colombia, rising in the northwest and flowing north to the Magdalena River. Length: about 1350 km (840 miles). Caucasia 0. syl Cau+ca+si:a pron , <-Z*> pos n. def a region of the SW Soviet Union, between the Caspian Sea and the Black Sea: contains the Caucasus Mountains, dividing it into Ciscaucasia in the north and Transcaucasia in the south; one of the most complex ethnic areas in the world, with over 50 different peoples. Also called: the {Caucasus}. Caucasic alt head Caucasian or Caucasian syl Cau+ca+sic pron pos adj. Caucasian 1. or Caucasic syl Cau+ca+si:an pron , <-Z*n> pos adj. def another word for {Caucasoid}. Caucasian 2. or Caucasic syl Cau+ca+si:an pron , <-Z*n> pos adj. def of or relating to the Caucasus. Caucasian 3. or Caucasic syl Cau+ca+si:an pron , <-Z*n> pos n. def a member of the Caucasoid race; a white man. Caucasian 4. or Caucasic syl Cau+ca+si:an pron , <-Z*n> pos n. def a native or inhabitant of Caucasia. Caucasian 5. or Caucasic syl Cau+ca+si:an pron , <-Z*n> pos n. def either of two distinct families of languages spoken in the area between the Black Sea and the Caspian: {North Caucasian}, including Circassian and Abkhaz, and {South Caucasian}, including Georgian. Caucasoid 1. syl Cau+ca+soid pron <1kc:k*2zcid> pos adj. def denoting, relating to, or belonging to the light-complexioned racial group of mankind, which includes the peoples indigenous to Europe, N Africa, SW Asia, and the Indian subcontinent and their descendants in other parts of the world. Caucasoid 2. syl Cau+ca+soid pron <1kc:k*2zcid> pos n. def a member of this racial group. the 1. head Caucasus syl the. def a mountain range in the SW Soviet Union, in Caucasia between the Black Sea and the Caspian Sea: mostly over 2700 m (9000 ft.). Highest peak: Mount Elbrus, 5633 m (18588 ft.). Also called: {Caucasus Mountains}. Caucasus 2. syl Cau+ca+sus pron <1kc:k*s*s> pos n. def another name for {Caucasia}. Augustin Louis infl head Cauchy syl Au:gus:tin Louis pron <1lwi> pos n. Cauchy 0. syl Cau:chy pron <1kauSi>, French pos n. def Baron Cauchy. 1789-1857, French mathematician, noted for his work on the theory of functions and the wave theory of light. caucus ety C18: probably of Algonquian origin; related to caucauasu adviser caucuses infl head caucus syl cau+cus:es. pos n. mod pl. caucus 1.a. syl cau+cus pron <1kc:k*s> pos n. def a closed meeting of the members of one party in a legislative chamber, etc., to coordinate policy, choose candidates, etc. caucus 1.b. syl cau+cus pron <1kc:k*s> pos n. def such a bloc of politicians. exam 1 the Democratic caucus in Congress. caucus 2.a. syl cau+cus pron <1kc:k*s> pos n. def a group of leading politicians of one party. caucus 2.b. syl cau+cus pron <1kc:k*s> pos n. def a meeting of such a group. caucus 3. syl cau+cus pron <1kc:k*s> pos n. qual Chiefly U.S. def a local meeting of party members. caucus 4. syl cau+cus pron <1kc:k*s> pos n. qual Brit. def a party organization, esp. on a local level. caucus 5. syl cau+cus pron <1kc:k*s> pos vb. mod intr. def to hold a caucus. caudad ety C19: from Latin cauda tail+-#7ad caudad 0. syl cau+dad pron <1kc:d@d> pos adv. qual Anatomy. def towards the tail or posterior part. Compare {cephalad}. caudal ety C17: from New Latin caud*_alis, from Latin cauda tail caudal 1. syl cau+dal pron <1kc:dL> pos adj. qual Anatomy. def of or towards the posterior part of the body. caudal 2. syl cau+dal pron <1kc:dL> pos adj. qual Zoology. def relating to, resembling, or in the position of the tail. caudally sub head caudal syl cau+dal+ly pos adv. caudal fin 0. syl cau+dal fin pos n. def the tail fin of fishes and some other aquatic vertebrates, used for propulsion during locomotion. caudate ety C17: from New Latin caud*_atus, from Latin cauda tail caudated alt head caudate or caudate syl cau+dat+ed pos adj. caudate 0. or caudated syl cau+date pron <1kc:dAt> pos adj. def having a tail or a tail-like appendage. caudation sub head caudate syl cau+1da+tion pos n. caudex ety C19: from Latin caudices infl head caudex or caudexes syl cau+di+ces pron <-di2sEz> pos n. mod pl. caudexes infl head caudex or caudices syl cau+dex:es. pos n. mod pl. caudex 1. syl cau+dex pron <1kc:deks> pos n. def the thickened persistent stem base of some herbaceous perennial plants. caudex 2. syl cau+dex pron <1kc:deks> pos n. def the woody stem of palms and tree ferns. caudillo ety Spanish, from Late Latin capitellum, diminutive of Latin caput head caudillos infl head caudillo syl cau+dil+los pron <-j*uz>, Spanish <-$yos> pos n. mod pl. caudillo 0. syl cau+dil+lo pron , Spanish , Spanish <-$yos> pos n. usage in Spanish-speaking countries def a military or political leader. Caudine Forks 0. syl Cau+dine Forks pron <1kc:dIn> pos n. def a narrow pass in the Apennines, in S Italy, between Capua and Benevento: scene of the defeat of the Romans by the Samnites (321 #7b.c.) #7. caudle ety C13: from Old Northern French caudel, from Medieval Latin caldellum, from Latin calidus warm caudle 0. syl cau+dle pron <1kc:dL> pos n. def a hot spiced wine drink made with gruel, formerly used medicinally. caught 0. syl caught pron pos vb. def the past tense and past participle of {catch}. caul ety C13: from Old French cale, back formation from calotte close-fitting cap, of Germanic origin caul 1. syl caul pron pos n. qual Anatomy. def a portion of the amniotic sac sometimes covering a child's head at birth. caul 2. syl caul pron pos n. qual Anatomy. def a large fold of peritoneum hanging from the stomach across the intestines; the large omentum. cauldron ety C13: from earlier cauderon, from Anglo-French, from Latin cald*_arium hot bath, from calidus warm caldron alt head cauldron or cauldron syl cal+dron pron <1kc:ldr*n> pos n. cauldron 0. or caldron syl caul+dron pron <1kc:ldr*n> pos n. def a large pot used for boiling, esp. one with handles. caulescent ety C18: from Latin caulis stalk caulescent 0. syl cau+les+cent pron pos adj. def having a stem clearly visible above the ground. caulicle ety C17: from Latin cauliculus, from caulis stem caulicle 0. syl cau+li+cle pron <1kc:likL> pos n. qual Botany. def a small stalk or stem. cauliflower ety C16: from Italian caoli fiori, literally: cabbage flowers, from cavolo cabbage (from Latin caulis) +fiore flower (from Latin fl*_os) cauliflower 1. syl cau+li+flow+er pron <1koli2flau*> pos n. def a variety of cabbage, having a large edible head of crowded white flowers on a very short thick stem. cauliflower 2. syl cau+li+flow+er pron <1koli2flau*> pos n. def the flower head of this plant, used as a vegetable. cauliflower cheese 0. syl cau+li+flow+er cheese pos n. def a dish of cauliflower with a cheese sauce, eaten hot. cauliflower ear 0. syl cau+li+flow+er ear pos n. def permanent swelling and distortion of the external ear as the result of ruptures of the blood vessels: usually caused by blows received in boxing. Also called: {boxer's ear}. Technical name: {aural haematoma}. cauline ety C18: from New Latin caul*_inus, from Latin caulis stem cauline 0. syl cau+line pron <1kc:lin>, <-lIn> pos adj. def relating to or growing from a plant stem. caulis ety C16: from Latin caules infl head caulis syl cau+les pron <-lEz> pos n. mod pl. caulis 0. syl cau+lis pron <1kc:lis> pos n. qual Rare. def the main stem of a plant. caulk ety C15: from Old Northern French cauquer to press down, from Latin calc*_are to trample, from calx heel &- #!caulk+er or #!calk+er n. calk alt head caulk or caulk syl calk pron pos vb. caulk 1. or calk syl caulk pron pos vb. def to stop up (cracks, crevices, etc.) with a filler. caulk 2. or calk syl caulk pron pos vb. qual Nautical. def to pack (the seams) between the planks of the bottom of (a vessel) with waterproof material to prevent leakage. caus 0. syl caus. qual abbrev. for def causative. causal 1. syl caus+al pron <1kc:zL> pos adj. def acting as or being a cause. causal 2. syl caus+al pron <1kc:zL> pos adj. def stating, involving, or implying a cause. exam 1 the causal part of the argument. causal 3. syl caus+al pron <1kc:zL> pos adj. usage Grammar. of a word, phrase, or clause def indicating cause or reason: @6 @9 causally sub head causal syl caus+al+ly pos adv. causalgia ety C19: from New Latin, from Greek kausos fever+-#7algia causalgia 0. syl cau+sal+gi:a pron pos n. qual Pathol. def a burning sensation along the course of a peripheral nerve together with local changes in the appearance of the skin. causalities infl head causality syl cau+sal+i:ties. pos n. mod pl. causality 1.a. syl cau+sal+i:ty pron pos n. def the relationship of cause and effect. causality 1.b. syl cau+sal+i:ty pron pos n. def the principle that nothing can happen without being caused. causality 2. syl cau+sal+i:ty pron pos n. def causal agency or quality. causation 1. syl cau+sa+tion pron pos n. def the act or fact of causing; the production of an effect by a cause. causation 2. syl cau+sa+tion pron pos n. def the relationship of cause and effect. causational sub head causation syl cau+1sa+tion+al pos adj. causative 1. syl caus:a+tive pron <1kc:z*tiv> pos adj. qual Grammar. def relating to a form or class of verbs that express causation. causative 2. syl caus:a+tive pron <1kc:z*tiv> pos adj. usage often postpositive and foll. by of def producing an effect. {~} causative 3. syl caus:a+tive pron <1kc:z*tiv> pos adj. def the causative form or class of verbs. causatively sub head causative syl caus:a+tive+ly pos adv. causativeness sub head causative syl caus:a+tive+ness pos n. cause ety C13: from Latin causa cause, reason, motive cause 1. syl cause pron pos n. def a person, thing, event, state, or action that produces an effect. cause 2. syl cause pron pos n. def a basis or the grounds for action; motive; reason. exam 1 her rudeness was a cause for complaint. cause 3. syl cause pron pos n. def justification; reason. exam 1 she had good cause to shout like that. cause 4. syl cause pron pos n. def the ideals, etc., of a group or movement. exam 1 the Communist cause. cause 5. syl cause pron pos n. def the welfare or interests of a person or group in a dispute. exam 1 they fought for the miners' cause. cause 6. syl cause pron pos n. def a matter of widespread concern or importance. exam 1 the cause of public health. cause 7.a. syl cause pron pos n. def a ground for legal action; matter giving rise to a lawsuit. cause 7.b. syl cause pron pos n. def the lawsuit itself. cause 8. syl cause pron pos n. usage in the philosophy of Aristotle def any of four requirements for a thing's coming to be, namely material (material cause), its nature (formal cause), an agent (efficient cause), and a purpose (final cause). cause 9. syl cause pron pos n. qual Archaic. def a subject of debate or discussion. make common cause with 10. head cause syl make common cause with. def to join with (a person, group, etc.) for a common objective. cause 11. syl cause pron pos vb. mod tr. def to be the cause of; bring about; precipitate; be the reason for. causable sub head cause syl caus+a:ble pos adj. causability sub head cause syl caus+a:1bil+i:ty pos n. causeless sub head cause syl cause+less pos adj. causer sub head cause syl caus+er pos n. cause c'elebre ety C19: from French: famous case causes c'elebres infl head cause c'elebre syl caus:es c*'e+l*`e+bres pron <1kc:z> , <-1leb> <1kc:ziz> , <-1lebz>, French pos n. mod pl. cause c'elebre 0. syl cause c*'e+l*`e+bre pron <1kc:z> , <-1leb>, French , French pos n. def a famous lawsuit, trial, or controversy. cause list 0. syl cause list pos n. qual Brit. def a list of cases awaiting trial. causerie ety C19: from French, from causer to chat causerie 0. syl cau+se:rie pron <1k*uz*ri>, French pos n. def an informal talk or conversational piece of writing. causeway ety C15 cauciwey (from cauci +#7way) ; cauci paved road, from Medieval Latin (via) calci*_ata, calci*_atus paved with limestone, from Latin calx limestone causeway 1. syl cause+way pron <1kc:z2wA> pos n. def a raised path or road crossing water, marshland, sand, etc. causeway 2. syl cause+way pron <1kc:z2wA> pos n. def a paved footpath. {~} Archaic or dialect word: {cau+sey} (#!k@$$:z$I). caustic ety C14: from Latin causticus, from Greek kaustikos, from kaiein to burn caustic 1. syl caus+tic pron <1kc:stik> pos adj. def capable of burning or corroding by chemical action. exam 1 caustic soda. caustic 2. syl caus+tic pron <1kc:stik> pos adj. def sarcastic; cutting. exam 1 a caustic reply. caustic 3. syl caus+tic pron <1kc:stik> pos adj. def of, relating to, or denoting light that is reflected or refracted by a curved surface. caustic 4. syl caus+tic pron <1kc:stik> pos n. def Also called: {caustic surface}. a surface that envelopes the light rays reflected or refracted by a curved surface. caustic 5. syl caus+tic pron <1kc:stik> pos n. def Also called: {caustic curve}. a curve formed by the intersection of a caustic surface with a plane. caustic 6. syl caus+tic pron <1kc:stik> pos n. qual Chem. def a caustic substance, esp. an alkali. caustical sub head caustic syl caus+ti+cal pos adj. caustically sub head caustic syl caus+ti+cal+ly pos adv. causticness sub head caustic or causticity syl caus+tic+ness pron pos n. causticity sub head caustic or causticness syl caus+tic+i:ty pron pos n. caustic potash 0. syl caus+tic pot+ash pos n. def another name for {potassium hydroxide}. caustic soda 0. syl caus+tic so:da pos n. def another name for {sodium hydroxide}. cauterant 1. syl cau+ter+ant pron <1kc:t*r*nt> pos adj. def caustic; cauterizing. cauterant 2. syl cau+ter+ant pron <1kc:t*r*nt> pos n. def another name for {cautery} (sense 2). cauterize ety C14: from Old French cauteriser, from Late Latin caut*_eriz*_are, from caut*_erium branding iron, from Greek kaut*_erion, from kaiein to burn cauterise alt head cauterize or cauterize syl cau+ter+ise pron <1kc:t*2rIz> pos vb. mod tr. cauterize 0. or cauterise syl cau+ter+ize pron <1kc:t*2rIz> pos vb. mod tr. usage esp. in the treatment of a wound def to burn or sear (body tissue) with a hot iron or caustic agent. cauterization sub head cauterize or cauterisation syl cau+ter:i+1za+tion pos n. cauterisation sub head cauterize or cauterization syl cau+ter:i+1sa+tion pos n. cautery ety C14: from Old French caut*`ere, from Latin caut*_erium; see #7cauterize cauteries infl head cautery syl cau+ter:ies. pos n. mod pl. cautery 1. syl cau+ter:y pron <1kc:t*ri> pos n. def the coagulation of blood or destruction of body tissue by cauterizing. cautery 2. syl cau+ter:y pron <1kc:t*ri> pos n. def Also called: {cauterant}. an instrument or chemical agent for cauterizing. caution ety C13: from Old French, from Latin cauti*_o, from cav*_ere to beware caution 1. syl cau+tion pron <1kc:S*n> pos n. def care, forethought, or prudence, esp. in the face of danger; wariness. caution 2. syl cau+tion pron <1kc:S*n> pos n. def something intended or serving as a warning; admonition. caution 3. syl cau+tion pron <1kc:S*n> pos n. qual Law, chiefly Brit. def a formal warning given to a person suspected or accused of an offence that his words will be taken down and may be used in evi?!dence. caution 4. syl cau+tion pron <1kc:S*n> pos n. qual Informal. def an amusing or surprising person or thing. exam 1 she's a real caution. caution 5. syl cau+tion pron <1kc:S*n> pos vb. mod tr. def to urge or warn (a person) to be careful. caution 6. syl cau+tion pron <1kc:S*n> pos vb. mod tr. qual Law, chiefly Brit. def to give a caution to (a person). caution 7. syl cau+tion pron <1kc:S*n> pos vb. mod intr. def to warn, urge, or advise. exam 1 he cautioned against optimism. cautioner sub head caution syl cau+tion+er pos n. cautionary 0. syl cau+tion+ar:y pron <1kc:S*n*ri> pos adj. def serving as a warning; intended to warn. exam 1 a cautionary tale. caution money 0. syl cau+tion mon+ey pos n. qual Chiefly Brit. def a sum of money deposited as security for good conduct, against possible debts, etc. cautious 0. syl cau+tious pron <1kc:S*s> pos adj. def showing or having caution; wary; prudent. cautiously sub head cautious syl cau+tious+ly pos adv. cautiousness sub head cautious syl cau+tious+ness pos n. Kaveri alt head Cauvery or Cauvery syl Ka+ver:i pron <1kc:v*ri> pos n. Cauvery 0. or Kaveri syl Cau+ver:y pron <1kc:v*ri> pos n. def a river in S India, rising in the Western Ghats and flowing southeast to the Bay of Bengal. Length: 765 km (475 miles). cav alt head Cav or Cav syl cav. Cav 0. or cav syl Cav. qual abbrev. for def cavalry. Constantine infl head Cavafy syl Con:stan:tine. pos n. Cavafy 0. syl Ca:va:fy pron pos n. def Greek name 1863-1933, Greek poet of Alexandria in Egypt. cavalcade ety C16: from French, from Italian cavalcata, from cavalcare to ride on horseback, from Late Latin caballic*_are, from caballus horse cavalcade 1. syl cav+al+cade pron <2k@v*l1kAd> pos n. def a procession of people on horseback, in cars, etc. cavalcade 2. syl cav+al+cade pron <2k@v*l1kAd> pos n. def any procession. exam 1 a cavalcade of guests. cavalier ety C16: from Italian cavaliere, from Old Proven*,cal cavalier, from Late Latin caball*_arius rider, from caballus horse, of obscure origin cavalier 1. syl cav:a+lier pron <2k@v*1li*> pos adj. def showing haughty disregard; offhand. {~} cavalier 2. syl cav:a+lier pron <2k@v*1li*> pos adj. def a gallant or courtly gentleman, esp. one acting as a lady's escort. cavalier 3. syl cav:a+lier pron <2k@v*1li*> pos adj. qual Archaic. def a horseman, esp. one who is armed. cavalierly sub head cavalier syl cav:a+1lier+ly pos adv. Cavalier 0. syl Cav:a+lier pron <2k@v*1li*> pos n. def a supporter of Charles I during the English Civil War. Compare {Roundhead}. Cavalier poets 0. syl Cav:a+lier po:ets pos n. mod pl. def a group of mid-17th century English lyric poets, mostly courtiers of Charles I. Chief among them were Robert Herrick, Thomas Carew, Sir John Suckling, and Richard Lovelace. cavalla ety C19: from Spanish caballa, from Late Latin, feminine of caballus horse cavally alt head cavalla or cavalla syl ca+val+ly pos n. cavalla infl syl ca+val+la pos n. mod pl. cavallas infl head cavalla or cavallies syl ca+val+las pos n. mod pl. cavallies infl head cavalla or cavallas syl ca+val+lies. pos n. mod pl. cavalla 0. or cavally syl ca+val+la pron pos n. def any of various tropical carangid fishes, such as (golden cavalla). cavalry ety C16: from French cavallerie, from Italian cavalleria, from cavaliere horseman; see #7cavalier cavalries infl head cavalry syl cav+al+ries. pos n. mod pl. cavalry 1. syl cav+al+ry pron <1k@v*lri> pos n. usage esp. formerly def the part of an army composed of mounted troops. cavalry 2. syl cav+al+ry pron <1k@v*lri> pos n. def the motorized armoured element of a modern army. cavalry 3. syl cav+al+ry pron <1k@v*lri> pos n. usage as modifier exam 1 a cavalry unit; exam 2 a cavalry charge. cavalryman sub head cavalry syl cav+al+ry+man pos n. cavalry twill 0. syl cav+al+ry twill pos n. def a strong woollen twill fabric used for trousers, etc. Cavan 1. syl Cav+an pron <1k@vN> pos n. def a county of N Ireland: hilly, with many small lakes and bogs. County town: Cavan. Pop.: 52618 (1971). Area: 1890 sq. km (730 sq. miles). Cavan 2. syl Cav+an pron <1k@vN> pos n. def a market town in N Ireland, county town of Co. Cavan. Pop.: 3273 (1971). cavatina ety C19: from Italian cavatine infl head cavatina syl cav:a+ti+ne pron <-ni> pos n. mod pl. cavatina 1. syl cav:a+ti+na pron <2k@v*1tEn*> pos n. def a solo song resembling a simple aria. cavatina 2. syl cav:a+ti+na pron <2k@v*1tEn*> pos n. def an instrumental composition reminiscent of this. cave ety C13: from Old French, from Latin cava, plural of cavum cavity, from cavus hollow cave H1.1. syl cave pron pos n. def an underground hollow with access from the ground surface or from the sea, often found in limestone areas and on rocky coastlines. cave H1.2. syl cave pron pos n. qual British history. def a secession or a group seceding from a political party on some issue. cave H1.3. syl cave pron pos n. usage modifier def living in caves. cave H1.4. syl cave pron pos vb. mod tr. def to hollow out. {~} See also {caving}. cave ety from Latin cav*_e beware&! cave H2.1. syl ca:ve pron <1kAvi> pos n. qual Brit. school slang. def guard or lookout (esp. in the phrase {keep cave) }. cave H2.2. syl ca:ve pron <1kAvi> pos interj. qual Brit. school slang. def watch out&! caveat ety C16: from Latin, literally: let him beware caveat 1. syl ca+ve:at pron <1kAvi2@t>, <1k@v-> pos n. qual Law. def a formal notice requesting the court or officer to refrain from taking some specified action without giving prior notice to the person lodging the caveat. caveat 2. syl ca+ve:at pron <1kAvi2@t>, <1k@v-> pos n. def a warning; caution. caveat emptor ety Latin: let the buyer beware caveat emptor 0. syl ca+ve:at emp+tor pron <1emptc:> pos n. def the principle that the buyer must bear the risk for the quality of goods purchased unless they are covered by the seller's warranty. caveator 0. syl ca+ve:a+tor pron <1kAvi2At*>, <1k@v-> pos n. qual Law. def a person who enters a caveat. cavefish infl or cavefishes syl cave+fish pos n. mod pl. cavefishes infl head cavefish or cavefish syl cave+fish:es. pos n. mod pl. cavefish 0. syl cave+fish pron <1kAv2fiS> pos n. def any of various small freshwater cyprinodont fishes of the genera etc., living in subterranean and other waters in S North America. See also {blindfish}. cave in 1. syl cave in pos vb. adv. mod intr. def to collapse; subside. cave in 2. syl cave in pos vb. adv. mod intr. qual Informal. def to yield completely, esp. under pressure. cave-in infl head cave in syl cave-in. pos n. cave in 3. syl cave in pos n. mod intr. def the sudden collapse of a roof, piece of ground, etc., into a hollow beneath it; subsidence. cave in 4. syl cave in pos n. mod intr. def the site of such a collapse, as at a mine or tunnel. Edith Louisa infl head Cavell syl E:dith Lou:i:sa. pos n. Cavell 0. syl Cav:ell pron <1k@vL> pos n. def 1865-1915, English nurse: executed by the Germans in World War I for helping Allied prisoners to escape. cavemen infl head caveman syl cave+men. pos n. mod pl. caveman 1. syl cave+man pron <1kAv2m@n> pos n. def a man of the Palaeolithic age; cave dweller. caveman 2. syl cave+man pron <1kAv2m@n> pos n. qual Informal and facetious. def a man who is primitive or brutal in behaviour, etc. cavendish ety C19: perhaps from the name of the first maker cavendish 0. syl cav+en+dish pron <1k@v*ndiS> pos n. def tobacco that has been sweetened and pressed into moulds to form bars. Henry infl head Cavendish syl Hen:ry. pos n. Cavendish 0. syl Cav:en:dish pron <1k@v*ndiS> pos n. def 1731-1810, English physicist and chemist: recognized hydrogen, determined the composition of water, and calculated the density of the earth by an experiment named after him. cavern ety C14: from Old French caverne, from Latin caverna, from cavus hollow; see #7cave %1 cavern 1. syl cav+ern pron <1k@vN> pos n. def a cave, esp. when large and formed by underground water, or a large chamber in a cave. cavern 2. syl cav+ern pron <1k@vN> pos vb. mod tr. def to shut in or as if in a cavern. cavern 3. syl cav+ern pron <1k@vN> pos vb. mod tr. def to hollow out. cavernous 1. syl cav+ern+ous pron <1k@v*n*s> pos adj. def suggestive of a cavern in vastness, darkness, etc.. exam 1 cavernous hungry eyes. cavernous 2. syl cav+ern+ous pron <1k@v*n*s> pos adj. def filled with small cavities; porous. cavernous 3. syl cav+ern+ous pron <1k@v*n*s> pos adj. usage of rocks def containing caverns or cavities. cavernously sub head cavernous syl cav+ern+ous+ly pos adv. cavesson ety C16: via French from Italian cavezzone, from cavezza halter, ultimately related to Latin caput head cavesson 0. syl cav+es+son pron <1k@vis*n> pos n. def a kind of hard noseband, used (esp. formerly) in breaking a horse in. cavetto ety C17: from Italian, from cavo hollow, from Latin cavus cavetti infl head cavetto syl ca+vet+ti pron <-ti>, Italian <-tE> pos n. mod pl. cavetto 0. syl ca+vet+to pron , Italian , Italian <-tE> pos n. qual Architect. def a concave moulding, shaped to a quarter circle in cross section. caviar ety C16: from earlier cavery, from Old Italian caviari, plural of caviaro caviar, from Turkish havy*_ar caviare alt head caviar or caviar syl cav:i+are pron <1k@vi2a:>, <2k@vi1a:> pos n. caviar 1. or caviare syl cav:i+ar pron <1k@vi2a:>, <2k@vi1a:> pos n. def the salted roe of sturgeon, esp. the beluga, usually served as an hors d'oeuvre. caviar to the general 2. head caviar syl caviar to the general. def something too good to appeal to popular taste. cavicorn ety C19: from Latin cavus hollow+ corn*_u horn cavicorn 0. syl cav:i+corn pron <1k@vi2kc:n> pos adj. usage of sheep, goats, etc. def having hollow horns as distinct from the solid antlers of deer. cavie ety C18: via Dutch or Flemish kavie, from Latin cavea cavity cavie 0. syl ca+vie pron <1kAvi> pos n. qual Scot. def a hen coop. cavil ety C16: from Old French caviller, from Latin cavill*_ar*_i to jeer, from cavilla raillery cavils infl head cavil or cavils syl cav+ils pos vb. qual U.S. cavilling infl head cavil or caviling syl cav+il+ling pos vb. cavilled infl head cavil or caviled syl cav+illed pos vb. caviling infl head cavil or cavilling syl cav+il+ing pos vb. qual U.S. caviled infl head cavil or cavilled syl cav+iled. pos vb. qual U.S. cavil 1. syl cav+il pron <1k@vil> pos vb. mod intr. usage foll. by at or about def to raise annoying petty objections; quibble; carp. cavil 2. syl cav+il pron <1k@vil> pos n. def a captious trifling objection. caviller sub head cavil syl cav+il+ler pos n. cavillingly sub head cavil syl cav+il+ling+ly pos adv. caving 0. syl cav+ing pron <1kAviG> pos n. def the sport of climbing in and exploring caves. &- {#!cav+er} cavitation 0. syl cav:i+ta+tion pron <2k@vi1tAS*n> pos n. def the formation and collapse of regions of low pressure in a flowing liquid. Cavite 0. syl Ca+vi+te pron , <-tA> pos n. def a port in the N Philippines, in S Luzon on Manila Bay: U.S. naval base. Pop.: 75739 (1970). cavity ety C16: from French cavit*'e, from Late Latin cavit*_as, from Latin cavus hollow cavities infl head cavity syl cav+i:ties. pos n. mod pl. cavity 1. syl cav+i:ty pron <1k@viti> pos n. def a hollow space; hole. cavity 2. syl cav+i:ty pron <1k@viti> pos n. qual Dentistry. def a soft decayed area on a tooth. See {caries}. cavity 3. syl cav+i:ty pron <1k@viti> pos n. def any empty or hollow space within the body. exam 1 the oral cavity. cavity 4. syl cav+i:ty pron <1k@viti> pos n. qual Electronics. def See {cavity resonator}. cavity block 0. syl cav+i:ty block pos n. def a precast concrete block that contains a cavity or cavities. cavity resonator 0. syl cav+i:ty res:o+na+tor pos n. qual Electronics. def a conducting surface enclosing a space in which an oscillating electromagnetic field can be maintained, the dimensions of the cavity determining the resonant frequency of the oscillations. It is used in microwave devices, such as the klystron, for frequencies exceeding 300 megahertz. Also called: {resonant cavity, rhumbatron}. cavity wall 0. syl cav+i:ty wall pos n. def a wall that consists of two separate walls, joined by wall-ties, with an air-space between them. cavo-relievo ety Italian, literally: hollow relief cavo-rilievo alt head cavo-relievo or cavo-relievo syl ca:vo-ri:lie:vo pron <2ka:v*uri1lEv*u>, <2kA-> pos n. vos infl head cavo-relievo or vi syl :vos pron <-vi> pos n. mod pl. vi infl head cavo-relievo or vos syl :vi pron <-vi> pos n. mod pl. cavo-relievo 0. or cavo-rilievo syl ca:vo-re:lie:vo pron <2ka:v*uri1lEv*u>, <2kA-> pos n. def a relief sculpture in which the highest point in the carving is below the level of the original surface. cavort ety C19: perhaps from #7curvet cavort 0. syl ca+vort pron pos vb. mod intr. def to prance; caper. cavorter sub head cavort syl ca+1vort+er pos n. Cavour 0. syl Ca:vour pron Italian pos n. def Conte {Ca@.mil@.lo Ben@.so di} (ka#!millo #!b$enzo di$:).@T 1810-61,@T Italian statesman and premier of Piedmont-Sardinia (1852-59; 1860-61): a leader of the movement for the unification of Italy. cavy ety C18: from New Latin Cavia, from Galibi cabiai cavies infl head cavy syl ca:vies. pos n. mod pl. cavy 0. syl ca:vy pron <1kAvi> pos n. def any small South American hystrico?!morph rodent of the family esp. any of the genus having a thickset body and very small tail. See also {guinea pig}. caw 1. syl caw pron pos n. def the cry of a crow, rook, or raven. {~} caw 2. syl caw pron pos n. mod intr. def to make this cry. Robert infl head Cawdrey syl Rob:ert. pos n. Cawdrey 0. syl Caw:drey pron <1kc:dri> pos n. def 16th-17th-century English schoolmaster and lexicographer: compiled the first English dictionary in 1604. Evonne infl head Cawley syl E:vonne pos n. Cawley 0. syl Caw:ley pron <1kc:li> pos n. qual Goolagong usage n*'ee def born 1951, Australian tennis player: Wimbledon champion 1971; Austral?!ian champion 1974-76. Cawnpur alt head Cawnpore or Cawnpore syl Cawn+pur pron <2kc:n1pu*> pos n. Cawnpore 0. or Cawnpur syl Cawn+pore pron <2kc:n1pc:> pos n. def the former name of {Kanpur}. Caxton H1.1. syl Cax+ton pron <1k@kst*n> pos n. def a book printed by William Caxton. Caxton H1.2. syl Cax+ton pron <1k@kst*n> pos n. def a style of type, imitating the Gothic, that Caxton used in his books. William infl head Caxton syl Wil:liam. pos n. Caxton H2.0. syl Cax:ton pron <1k@kst*n> pos n. def ??1422-91, English printer and translator: published, in Bruges, the first book printed in English (1475) and established the first printing press in England (1477). cay ety C18: from Spanish cayo, probably from Old French quai #7quay cay 0. syl cay pron , pos n. def a small low island or bank composed of sand and coral fragments, esp. in the Caribbean area. Also called: {key}. Cayenne 0. syl Cay+enne pron pos n. def the capital of French Guiana, on an island at the mouth of the Cayenne River: French penal settlement from 1854 to 1938. Pop.: 24581 (1971 est.). cayenne pepper ety C18: ultimately from Tupi quiynha cayenne pepper 0. syl cay+enne pep+per pron pos n. def a very hot condiment, bright red in colour, made from the dried seeds and pods of various capsicums. Often shortened to {cayenne}. Also called: {red pepper}. Cayes 0. syl Cayes pron , French pos n. def short for {Les Cayes. ********************************************************************** **********************************************************************} Cayes 0. syl Cayes pron , French pos n. def short for {Les Cayes. ********************************************************************** **********************************************************************} cayman ety C16: from Spanish caim*'an, from Carib cayman, probably of African origin caiman alt head cayman or cayman syl cai+man pron <1kAm*n> pos n. caymans infl head cayman syl cay+mans. pos n. mod pl. cayman 0. or caiman syl cay+man pron <1kAm*n> pos n. def any tropical American crocodilian of the genus and related genera, similar to alligators but with a more heavily armoured belly: family (alligators, etc.). Cayman Islands 0. syl Cay+man Is+lands pron <1kAm*n> pos n. mod pl. def three coral islands in the Caribbean Sea northwest of Jamaica: a dependency of Jamaica until 1962, now a British colony. Capital: Georgetown. Pop.: 10249 (1970). Area: about 260 sq. km (100 sq. miles). Cayugas infl head Cayuga or Cayuga syl Ca+yu+gas pos n. mod pl. Cayuga infl or Cayugas syl Ca+yu+ga pos n. mod pl. Cayuga 1. syl Ca+yu+ga pron , pos n. def a member of a North American Indian people (one of the Iroquois peoples) formerly living around Cayuga Lake. Cayuga 2. syl Ca+yu+ga pron , pos n. def the language of this people, belonging to the Iroquoian family. cayuse ety C19: from a Chinookan language cayuse 0. syl cay+use pron <1kIu:s> pos n. qual Western U.S. def a small American Indian pony used by cowboys. Cb 0. syl Cb usage the chemical symbol for def columbium. CB 0. syl CB qual abbrev. for def Citizens' Band. cb 0. syl c.b. qual abbrev. for def centre of buoyancy (of a boat, etc.). CB 1. syl C.B. qual abbrev. for: def Companion of the (Order of the) Bath (a Brit. title). CB 2. syl C.B. qual abbrev. for: def County Borough. C battery 0. syl C bat+ter:y pos n. qual U.S. def a battery for supplying a voltage to the grid of a thermionic valve. Also called: {grid-bias battery}. Compare {A battery, B battery}. CBC 0. syl CBC qual abbrev. for def Canadian Broadcasting Corporation. cbd alt head CBD or CBD syl c.b.d. CBD 1. or cbd syl C.B.D. qual abbrev. for: def cash before delivery. CBD 2. or cbd syl C.B.D. qual abbrev. for: def central business district. CBE 0. syl C.B.E. qual abbrev. for def Commander of the (Order of the) British Empire. CBI 0. syl C.B.I. qual abbrev. for def Confederation of British Industry. CBS 0. syl CBS qual abbrev. for def Columbia Broadcasting System. cc alt or cc syl c.c. cc 1. or cc syl cc qual abbrev. for: def carbon copy copies. cc 2. or cc syl cc qual abbrev. for: def cubic centimetre(s). cc 0. syl cc. qual abbrev. for def chapters. CC 1. syl C.C. qual abbrev. for: def City Council. CC 2. syl C.C. qual abbrev. for: def County Council. CC 3. syl C.C. qual abbrev. for: def Cricket Club. CCF 0. syl C.C.F. usage in Britain def Combined Cadet Force. C clef 0. syl C clef pos n. qual Music. def a symbol (###800106 ) , now rarely used, placed at the beginning of the staff, establishing middle C as being on its centre line. See {alto clef, soprano clef, tenor clef}. cd 0. syl cd qual abbrev. for def candela. Cd 0. syl Cd usage the chemical symbol for def cadmium. Cd 0. syl Cd. qual abbrev. for usage in Britain def command (paper). cd 0. syl c.d. qual abbrev. for def cash discount. CD 1. syl C.D. qual abbrev. for: def Civil Defence (Corps). CD 2. syl C.D. qual abbrev. for: def Corps Diplo?!matique (Diplomatic Corps). cd 0. syl c/d qual Book-keeping. abbrev. for def carried down. CDN 0. syl CDN usage international car registration for def Canada. Cdn 0. syl Cdn. qual abbrev. for def Canadian. Cdr 0. syl Cdr. qual Military. abbrev. for def Commander. Cdre 0. syl Cdre. qual abbrev. for def Commodore. CDT 0. syl CDT qual U.S. abbrev. for def Central Daylight Time. Ce 0. syl Ce usage the chemical symbol for def cerium. CE 1. syl C.E. qual abbrev. for: def chief engineer. CE 2. syl C.E. qual abbrev. for: def Church of England. CE 3. syl C.E. qual abbrev. for: def civil engineer. CE 4. syl C.E. qual abbrev. for: def Common Entrance. CE 5. syl C.E. qual abbrev. for: def Common Era. ceanothus ety C19: New Latin, from Greek kean*_othos a kind of thistle ceanothus 0. syl ce:a+no+thus pron <2sE*1n*uT*s> pos n. def any shrub of the North American rhamnaceous genus grown for their ornamental, often blue, flower clusters. Cear'a 1. syl Cea+r*'a pron Portuguese <2sja1ra> pos n. def a state of NE Brazil: sandy coastal plain, rising to a high plateau. Capital: Fortaleza. Pop.: 4361603 (1970). Area: 150630 sq. km (58746 sq. miles). Cear'a 2. syl Cea+r*'a pron Portuguese <2sja1ra> pos n. def another name for {Fortaleza}. cease ety C14: from Old French cesser, from Latin cess*_are, frequentative of c*_edere to yield, #7cede cease 1. syl cease pron pos vb. mod when; tr. usage may take a gerund or an infinitive as object def to bring or come to an end; desist from; stop. without cease 2. head cease syl without cease. def without stopping; incessantly. cease-fire 1. syl cease-fire pos n. qual Chiefly military. def a period of truce, esp. one that is temporary and a preliminary step to establishing a more permanent peace on agreed terms. cease-fire 2. syl cease-fire pos interj. n. qual Chiefly military. def the order to stop firing. ceaseless 0. syl cease+less pron <1sEslis> pos adj. def without stop or pause; incessant. ceaselessly sub head ceaseless syl cease+less+ly pos adv. Nicolae infl head Ceausescu syl Nic:o:lae pron <2niko1lI> pos n. Ceausescu 0. syl Ceau:*,ses:cu pron pos n. def born 1918, Rumanian statesman; chairman of the state council since 1967 and president of Rumania since 1974. Ceb'u 1. syl Ce:b*'u pron pos n. def an island in the central Philippines. Pop.: 1634182 (1970). Area: 5086 sq. km (1964 sq. miles). Ceb'u 2. syl Ce:b*'u pron pos n. def a port in the Philippines, on E Ceb*'u island. Pop.: 418517 (1975 est.). vCechy 0. syl *vCech:y pron <1Cexi> pos n. def the Czech name for {Bohemia}. Cecil 1. syl Cec:il pron <1sesL>, <1sis-> pos n. def Lord {Da@.vid}. born 1902, English literary critic and biographer. William 2. head Cecil syl Wil:liam. def See (William Cecil) {Burghley}. Robert 3. head Cecil syl Rob:ert. def See (3rd Marquess of) {Salisbury}. Saint infl head Cecilia syl Saint. pos n. Cecilia 0. syl Ce+cil:ia pron pos n. def died ??230 #7a.d., Roman martyr; patron saint of music. Feast day: Nov. 22. cecity ety C16: from Latin caecit*_as, from caecus blind cecity 0. syl ce+ci+ty pron <1sEsiti> pos n. def a rare word for {blindness}. cecropia moth ety C19: New Latin, from Latin Cecropius belonging to C#7ecrops cecropia moth 0. syl ce+cro+pi:a moth pron pos n. def a large North American saturniid moth, (or with brightly coloured wings and feathery antennae. Cecrops 0. syl Ce:crops pron <1sEkrops> pos n. usage in ancient Greek tradition def the first king of Attica, represented as half-human, half-dragon. ceca infl head cecum syl ce+ca pron <-k*> pos n. mod pl. cecum 0. syl ce+cum pron <1sEk*m> pos n. qual U.S. def a variant spelling of {caecum}. cecal sub head cecum syl ce+cal pos adj. cedar ety C13: from Old French cedre, from Latin cedrus, from Greek kedros cedar 1. syl ce+dar pron <1sEd*> pos n. def any Old World coniferous tree of the genus having spreading branches, needle-like evergreen leaves, and erect barrel-shaped cones: family See also {cedar of Lebanon, deodar}. cedar 2. syl ce+dar pron <1sEd*> pos n. def any of various other conifers, such as the red cedars and white cedars. cedar 3. syl ce+dar pron <1sEd*> pos n. def the wood of any of these trees. cedar 4. syl ce+dar pron <1sEd*> pos n. def any of certain other plants, such as the Spanish cedar. cedar 5. syl ce+dar pron <1sEd*> pos adj. def made of the wood of a cedar tree. cedar of Lebanon 0. syl ce+dar of Leb:a+non pos n. def a cedar, of SW Asia with level spreading branches and fragrant wood. Cedar Rapids 0. syl Ce+dar Rap+ids pos n. def a city in E Iowa. Pop.: 109897 (1973 est.). cede ety C17: from Latin c*_edere to yield, give way cede 1. syl cede pron pos vb. mod when; intr. usage often foll. by to def to transfer, make over, or surrender (something, esp. territory or legal rights). exam 1 the lands were ceded by treaty. cede 2. syl cede pron pos vb. mod tr. def to allow or concede (a point in an argument, etc.). ceder sub head cede syl ced+er pos n. cedi infl syl ce:di. pos n. mod pl. cedi 0. syl ce:di pron <1sAdi> pos n. def the standard monetary unit of Ghana, divided into 100 pesewa. cedilla ety C16: from Spanish: little z, from ceda zed, from Late Latin zeta; a small z was originally written after c in Spanish, to indicate a sibilant cedilla 0. syl ce+dil+la pron pos n. def a character (*, ) placed underneath a before or esp. in French, Spanish, or Portuguese, denoting that it is to be pronounced (s), not (k). The same character is used in the scripts of other languages, as in Turkish under CEGB 0. syl C.E.G.B. qual Brit. abbrev. for def Central Electricity Generating Board. ceiba ety C19: from New Latin, from Spanish, of Arawak origin ceiba 1. syl cei+ba pron <1sAb*> pos n. def any bombacaceous tropical tree of the genus such as the silk-cotton tree. ceiba 2. syl cei+ba pron <1sAb*> pos n. def silk cotton; kapok. ceil ety C15 celen, perhaps back formation from #7ceiling ceil 1. syl ceil pron pos vb. mod tr. def to line (a ceiling) with plaster, boarding, etc. ceil 2. syl ceil pron pos vb. mod tr. def to provide with a ceiling. ceilidh ety C19: from Gaelic ceilidh 0. syl cei+lidh pron <1kAli> pos n. usage esp. in Scotland and Ireland def an informal social gathering with folk music, singing, dancing, and storytelling. ceiling ety C14: of uncertain origin ceiling 1. syl ceil+ing pron <1sEliG> pos n. def the inner upper surface of a room. ceiling 2. syl ceil+ing pron <1sEliG> pos n. def an upper limit, such as one set by regulation on prices or wages. ceiling 3. syl ceil+ing pron <1sEliG> pos n. def the upper altitude to which an aircraft can climb measured under specified conditions. See also {service ceiling, absolute ceiling}. ceiling 4. syl ceil+ing pron <1sEliG> pos n. qual Meteorol. def the highest level in the atmosphere from which the earth's surface is visible at a particular time, usually the base of a cloud layer. ceiling 5. syl ceil+ing pron <1sEliG> pos n. def a wooden or metal surface fixed to the interior frames of a vessel for rigidity. ceilometer ety C20: from #7ceiling+ -#7meter ceilometer 0. syl ceil+om+e:ter pron pos n. def a device for determining the cloud ceiling, esp. by means of a reflected light beam. celadon ety C18: from French, from the name of the shepherd hero of L'Astr*'ee (1610), a romance by Honor*'e d'Urf*'e celadon 1. syl cel:a+don pron <1sel*2don> pos n. def a type of Chinese porcelain having a greyish-green glaze. celadon 2. syl cel:a+don pron <1sel*2don> pos n. def a pale greyish-green colour, sometimes somewhat yellow. Celaeno 0. syl Ce:lae:no pron pos n. qual Greek myth. def one of the Pleiades. celandine ety C13: earlier celydon, from Latin chel*_idonia (the plant), from chel*_idonius of the swallow, from Greek khelid*_on swallow; the plant's season was believed to parallel the migration of swallows celandine 0. syl cel+an+dine pron <1sel*n2dIn> pos n. def either of two unrelated plants, (see {greater celandine}) or (see {lesser celandine) }. Celaya 0. syl Ce+la+ya pron Spanish pos n. def a city in central Mexico, in Guanajuato state: market town, famous for its sweetmeats; textile-manufacturing. Pop.: 143703 (1970). -cele ety from Greek k*_el*_e tumour -cele 0. syl -cele pos n. usage combining form. def tumour or hernia. exam 1 hydrocele. Celebes 0. syl Cel+e:bes pron <1selibEz>, pos n. def an island in E Indonesia: mountainous and forested, with volcanoes and hot springs. Pop.: 8535164 (1971). Area: (including adjacent islands) 189033 sq. km (72986 sq. miles). Indonesian name: {Sulawesi}. Celebes Sea 0. syl Cel+e:bes Sea pos n. def the part of the Pacific Ocean between Cel?!ebes, Borneo, and Mindanao. celebrant 1. syl cel+e:brant pron <1selibr*nt> pos n. def a person participating in a religious ceremony. celebrant 2. syl cel+e:brant pron <1selibr*nt> pos n. qual Christianity. def an officiating priest, esp. at the Eucharist. celebrate ety C15: from Latin celebr*_are, from celeber numerous, thronged, renowned celebrate 1. syl cel+e:brate pron <1seli2brAt> pos vb. def to rejoice in or have special festivities to mark (a happy day, event, etc.). celebrate 2. syl cel+e:brate pron <1seli2brAt> pos vb. mod tr. def to observe (a birthday, anniversary, etc.). exam 1 she celebrates her ninetieth birthday next month. celebrate 3. syl cel+e:brate pron <1seli2brAt> pos vb. mod tr. def to perform (a solemn or religious ceremony), esp. to officiate at (Mass). celebrate 4. syl cel+e:brate pron <1seli2brAt> pos vb. mod tr. def to praise public?!ly; proclaim. celebration sub head celebrate syl cel+e:1bra+tion pos n. celebrative sub head celebrate syl cel+e:bra+tive pos adj. celebrator sub head celebrate syl cel+e:2bra+tor pos n. celebrated 0. syl cel+e:brat+ed pron <1seli2brAtid> pos adj. usage usually prenominal def famous. exam 1 a celebrated pianist; exam 2 a celebrated trial. celebrities infl head celebrity syl ce+leb+ri:ties. pos n. mod pl. celebrity 1. syl ce+leb+ri:ty pron pos n. def a famous person. exam 1 a show-business celebrity. celebrity 2. syl ce+leb+ri:ty pron pos n. def fame or notoriety. celeriac ety C18: from #7celery+ -ac, of unexplained origin celeriac 0. syl ce+ler:i+ac pron pos n. def a variety of celery, with a large turnip-like root, used as a vegetable. celerity ety C15: from Old French celerite, from Latin celerit*_as, from celer swift celerity 0. syl ce+ler+i:ty pron pos n. def rapidity; swiftness; speed. celery ety C17: from French c*'eleri, from Italian (Lombardy) dialect selleri (plural), from Greek selinon parsley celery 1. syl cel+er:y pron <1sel*ri> pos n. def an umbelliferous Eurasian plant, whose blanched leafstalks are used in salads or cooked as a vegetable. See also {celeriac}. wild celery 2. head celery syl wild celery. def a related and similar plant, celery pine 0. syl cel+er:y pine pos n. def a New Zealand gymnosperm tree, with celerylike shoots and useful wood: family celesta ety C19: from French, Latinized variant of c*'eleste heavenly celeste alt head celesta or celesta syl ce+leste pron pos n. celesta 0. or celeste syl ce+les+ta pron pos n. qual Music. def a keyboard percussion instrument consisting of a set of steel plates of graduated length that are struck with key-operated hammers. The tone is an ethereal tinkling sound. Range: four octaves upwards from middle C. celestial ety C14: from Medieval Latin c*_elesti*_alis, from Latin caelestis, from caelum heaven celestial 1. syl ce+les+ti:al pron pos adj. def heavenly; divine; spiritual. exam 1 celestial peace. celestial 2. syl ce+les+ti:al pron pos adj. def of or relating to the sky. exam 1 celestial bodies. celestially sub head celestial syl ce+1les+ti+al+ly pos adv. Celestial Empire 0. syl Ce+les+ti:al Em+pire pos n. def an archaic or literary name for the {Chinese Empire}. celestial equator 0. syl ce+les+ti:al e:qua+tor pos n. def the great circle lying on the celestial sphere the plane of which is perpendicular to the line joining the north and south celestial poles. Also called: {equinoctial, equinoctial circle}. celestial globe 0. syl ce+les+ti:al globe pos n. def a spherical model of the celestial sphere showing the relative positions of stars, constellations, etc. celestial guidance 0. syl ce+les+ti:al guid+ance pos n. def the guidance of a spacecraft or missile by reference to the positions of one or more celestial bodies. celestial horizon 0. syl ce+les+ti:al ho+ri+zon pos n. def See { {horizon} (sense 2b).} celestial latitude 0. syl ce+les+ti:al lat:i+tude pos n. def the angular distance of a celestial body north or south from the ecliptic. Sometimes shortened to {latitude}. celestial longitude 0. syl ce+les+ti:al lon+gi+tude pos n. def the angular distance measured eastwards from the vernal equinox to the intersection of the ecliptic with the great circle passing through a celestial body and the poles of the ecliptic. Sometimes shortened to {longitude}. celestial navigation 0. syl ce+les+ti:al nav:i+ga+tion pos n. def navigation by observation of the positions of the stars. Also called: {astronavigation}. celestial pole 0. syl ce+les+ti:al pole pos n. def either of the two points at which the earth's axis, extended to infinity, would intersect the celestial sphere. Sometimes shortened to {pole}. celestial sphere 0. syl ce+les+ti:al sphere pos n. def an imaginary sphere of infinitely large radius enclosing the universe so that all celestial bodies appear to be projected onto its surface. celestite ety C19: from German Z*"olestin, from Latin caelestis #7celestial (referring to the blue colour)+-#7ite %1 celestine alt head celestite or celestite syl cel+es+tine pron <1selistin>, <-2stIn> pos n. celestite 0. or celestine syl cel+es+tite pron <1seli2stIt> pos n. def a white, red, or blue mineral consisting of strontium sulphate in orthorhombic crystalline form: a source of strontium compounds. Formula: SrSO\4. celiac 0. syl ce+li+ac pron <1sEli2@k> pos adj. qual Anatomy. def the usual U.S. spelling of {coeliac}. celibate ety C17: from caelib*_atus, from caelebs unmarried, of obscure origin &- #!cel@.i+ba+cy n. celibate 1. syl cel:i+bate pron <1selibit> pos n. def a person who is unmarried, esp. one who has taken a religious vow of chastity. {~} celibate 2. syl cel:i+bate pron <1selibit> pos n. def unmarried, esp. by vow. cell ety C12: from Medieval Latin cella monk's cell, from Latin: room, storeroom; related to Latin c*_el*_are to hide cell 1. syl cell pron pos n. def a small simple room, as in a prison, convent, monastery, or asylum; cubicle. cell 2. syl cell pron pos n. def any small compartment. exam 1 the cells of a honeycomb. cell 3. syl cell pron pos n. qual Biology. def the smallest unit of an organism that is able to function independently. It consists of a nucleus, containing the genetic material, surrounded by the cytoplasm in which are mitochondria, lysosomes, ribosomes, and other organelles. All cells are bounded by a cell membrane; plant cells have an outer cell wall in addition. cell 4. syl cell pron pos n. qual Biology. def any small cavity or area, such as the cavity containing pollen in an anther. cell 5. syl cell pron pos n. def a device for converting chemical energy into electrical energy, usually consisting of a container with two electrodes immersed in an electrolyte. See also {primary cell, secondary cell, dry cell, wet cell, fuel cell}. cell 6. syl cell pron pos n. def short for {electrolytic cell}. cell 7. syl cell pron pos n. def a small religious house dependent upon a larger one. cell 8. syl cell pron pos n. def a small group of persons operating as a nucleus of a larger political, religious, or other organization. exam 1 Communist cell. cell-like sub head cell syl cell-2like pos adj. cella ety C17: from Latin: room, shrine; see #7cell cellae infl head cella syl cel+lae pron <-lE> pos n. mod pl. cella 0. syl cel+la pron <1sel*> pos n. def the inner room of a classical temple, esp. the room housing the statue of a deity. Also called: {naos}. cellar ety C13: from Anglo-French, from Latin cell*_arium foodstore, from cella #7cella cellar 1. syl cel+lar pron <1sel*> pos n. def an underground room, rooms, or storey of a building, usually used for storage. Compare {basement}. cellar 2. syl cel+lar pron <1sel*> pos n. def a place where wine is stored. cellar 3. syl cel+lar pron <1sel*> pos n. def a stock of bottled wines. cellar 4. syl cel+lar pron <1sel*> pos vb. mod tr. def to store in a cellar. cellarage 1. syl cel+lar+age pron <1sel*riJ> pos n. def an area of a cellar. cellarage 2. syl cel+lar+age pron <1sel*riJ> pos n. def a charge for storing goods in a cellar, etc. cellarer 0. syl cel+lar+er pron <1sel*r*> pos n. def a monastic official responsible for food, drink, etc. cellaret 0. syl cel+lar+et pron <2sel*1ret> pos n. def a case, cabinet, or sideboard with compartments for holding wine bottles. cell division 0. syl cell di+vi+sion pos n. qual Cytology. def the division of a cell into two new cells during growth or reproduction. See {amitosis, meiosis, mitosis}. Celle 0. syl Cel+le pron German <1tsel*> pos n. def a city in NE West Germany, on the Aller River in Lower Saxony: from 1378 to 1705 the residence of the Dukes of Brunswick-L*"uneburg. Pop.: 57100 (1970). Benvenuto infl head Cellini syl Ben:ve:nu:to pron <2bAnvA1nu:to> pos n. Cellini 0. syl Cel:li:ni pron pos n. def 1500-71, Italian sculptor, goldsmith, and engraver, noted also for his autobiography. cell membrane 0. syl cell mem+brane pos n. def a very thin membrane, composed of lipids and protein, that surrounds the cytoplasm of a cell and controls the passage of substances into and out of the cell. Also called: {plasma membrane}. cellos infl head cello syl cel+los. pos n. mod pl. cello 0. syl cel+lo pron <1Cel*u> pos n. qual Music. def a bowed stringed instrument of the violin family. Range: more than four octaves upwards from C below the bass staff. It has four strings, is held between the knees, and has an extendible metal spike at the lower end, which acts as a support. Full name: {violoncello}. cellist sub head cello syl cel+list pos n. cellobiose ety C20: from #7cell #7ulose #7+biose cellose alt head cellobiose or cellobiose syl cel+lose pron <1sel*uz> pos n. cellobiose 0. or cellose syl cel+lo+bi+ose pron <2sel*u1bI*uz> pos n. def a disaccharide obtained by the hydrolysis of cellulose by cellulase. Formula: C\1\2H\2\2O\1\1. celloidin ety C20: from #7cellulose+ -#7oid+ -#7in celloidin 0. syl cel+loi+din pron pos n. def a nitrocellulose compound derived from pyroxylin, used in a solution of alcohol and ether for embedding specimens before cutting sections for microscopy. cellophane ety C20: originally a trademark, from #7cellulose+ -#7phane cellophane 0. syl cel+lo+phane pron <1sel*2fAn> pos n. def a flexible thin transparent sheeting made from wood pulp and used as a moisture-proof wrapping. cellular 1. syl cel+lu+lar pron <1seljul*> pos adj. def of, relating to, or resembling a cell. cellular 2. syl cel+lu+lar pron <1seljul*> pos adj. def consisting of or having cells or small cavities; porous. cellular 3. syl cel+lu+lar pron <1seljul*> pos adj. qual Textiles. def woven with an open texture. exam 1 a cellular blanket. cellulase ety C20: from #7cellulose+ -#7ase cellulase 0. syl cel+lu+lase pron <1selju2lAz> pos n. def any enzyme that converts cellulose to the disaccharide cellobiose. cellule ety C17: from Latin cellula, diminutive of cella #7cell cellule 0. syl cel+lule pron <1selju:l> pos n. def a very small cell. cellulitis ety C19: from cellula #7cellule+ -#7itis cellulitis 0. syl cel+lu+li+tis pron <2selju1lItis> pos n. def inflammation of any of the tissues of the body, characterized by fever, pain, swelling, and redness of the affected area. Celluloid 1. syl Cel+lu+loid pron <1selju2lcid> pos n. qual Trademark. def a flammable thermo?!plastic material consisting of cellulose nitrate mixed with a plasticizer, usually camphor: used in sheets, rods, and tubes for making a wide range of articles. Celluloid 2.a. syl Cel+lu+loid pron <1selju2lcid> pos n. def a cellulose derivative used for coating film. Celluloid 2.b. syl Cel+lu+loid pron <1selju2lcid> pos n. def one of the trans?!parent sheets on which the constituent drawings of an animated film are prepared. Celluloid 2.c. syl Cel+lu+loid pron <1selju2lcid> pos n. def cinema film. cellulose ety C18: from French cellule cell (see #7cellule) #7+ -#7ose %2 cellulose 0. syl cel+lu+lose pron <1selju2l*uz>, <-2l*us> pos n. def a polysaccharide consisting of long unbranched chains of linked glucose units: the main constituent of plant cell walls and used in making paper, rayon, and film. cellulosic sub head cellulose syl cel+lu+1lo+sic pos adj. n. cellulose acetate 0. syl cel+lu+lose ac+e:tate pos n. def nonflammable material made by acetylating cellulose: used in the manufacture of film, dopes, lacquers, and artificial fibres. cellulose nitrate 0. syl cel+lu+lose ni+trate pos n. def a compound made by treating cellulose with nitric and sulphuric acids, used in plastics, lacquers, and explosives: a nitrogen-containing ester of cellulose. Also called (not in chemical usage) : {nitrocellulose}. See also {guncotton}. cellulous 0. syl cel+lu+lous pron <1seljul*s> pos adj. qual Rare. def consisting of cells; cellular. cell wall 0. syl cell wall pos n. def the outer layer of a cell, esp. the structure in plant cells that consists of cellulose, lignin, etc., and gives mechanical support to the cell. celom 0. syl ce+lom pron <1sEl*m> pos n. def a less frequent U.S. spelling of {coelom}. Celsius ety C18: named after Anders Celsius (1701-44), Swedish astronomer who invented it Celsius 0. syl Cel:si:us pron <1selsi*s> pos adj. def denoting a measurement on the Celsius scale. Symbol: C Celsius scale 0. syl Cel:si:us scale pos n. def a scale of temperature in which 0?% represents the melting point of ice and 100?% represents the boiling point of water. Also called: {centigrade scale}. Compare {Fahrenheit scale}. celt ety C18: from Late Latin celtes chisel, of obscure origin celt 0. syl celt pron pos n. qual Archaeol. def a stone or metal axelike instrument with a bevelled edge. Kelt alt head Celt or Celt syl Kelt pos n. Celt 1. or Kelt syl Celt pron , pos n. def a person who speaks a Celtic language. Celt 2. or Kelt syl Celt pron , pos n. def a member of an Indo-European people who in pre-Roman times inhabited Britain, Gaul, Spain, and other parts of W and central Europe. Celt 0. syl Celt. qual abbrev. for def Celtic. Celtiberian 1. syl Celt:i+be:ri:an pron <2kelti1bi*ri*n>, <-tI->, <2sel-> pos n. def a member of a Celtic people ({Celtiberi}) who inhabited the Iberian peninsula during classical times. Celtiberian 2. syl Celt:i+be:ri:an pron <2kelti1bi*ri*n>, <-tI->, <2sel-> pos n. def the extinct language of this people, belonging to the Celtic branch of the Indo-European family, recorded in a number of inscriptions. Keltic alt head Celtic or Celtic syl Kelt+ic pos n. Celtic 1. or Keltic syl Celt+ic pron <1keltik>, <1sel-> pos n. def a branch of the Indo-European family of languages that includes Gaelic, Welsh, and Breton, still spoken in parts of Scotland, Ireland, Wales, and Brittany. Modern Celtic is divided into the Brythonic (southern) and Goidelic (northern) groups. Celtic 2. or Keltic syl Celt+ic pron <1keltik>, <1sel-> pos adj. def of, relating to, or characteristic of the Celts or the Celtic languages. Celtically sub head Celtic or Keltically syl Cel+ti+cal+ly pos adv. Keltically sub head Celtic or Celtically syl Kel+ti+cal+ly pos adv. Celticism sub head Celtic or Kelticism syl Celt:i+cism pron <1kelti?!2siz*m>, <1sel-> pos n. Kelticism sub head Celtic or Celticism syl Kelt:i+cism pos n. Celticist sub head Celtic or Kelticist syl Celt:i+cist pos n. Celtist sub head Celtic or Keltist syl Celt+ist pos n. Kelticist sub head Celtic or Celticist syl Kelt:i+cist pos n. Keltist sub head Celtic or Celtist syl Kelt+ist pos n. Celtic cross 0. syl Celt+ic cross pos n. def a Latin cross with a broad ring surrounding the point of intersection. cembalo ety C19: shortened from #7clavicembalo cembali infl head cembalo or cembalos syl cem+ba+li pron <-2li> pos n. mod pl. cembalos infl head cembalo or cembali syl cem+ba+los. pos n. mod pl. cembalo 0. syl cem+ba+lo pron <1Cemb*l*u> pos n. def another word for {harpsichord}. cembalist sub head cembalo syl cem+ba+list pos n. cement ety C13: from Old French ciment, from Latin caementum stone from the quarry, from caedere to hew cement 1. syl ce+ment pron pos n. def a fine grey powder made of a mixture of calcined limestone and clay, used with water and sand to make mortar, or with water, sand, and aggregate, to make concrete. cement 2. syl ce+ment pron pos n. def a binder, glue, or adhesive. cement 3. syl ce+ment pron pos n. def something that unites or joins; bond. cement 4. syl ce+ment pron pos n. qual Dentistry. def any of various materials used in filling teeth. cement 5. syl ce+ment pron pos n. def mineral matter, such as silica and calcite, that binds together particles of rock, bones, etc., to form a solid mass of sedimentary rock. cement 6. syl ce+ment pron pos n. def another word for {cementum}. cement 7. syl ce+ment pron pos vb. mod tr. def to join, bind, or glue together with or as if with cement. cement 8. syl ce+ment pron pos vb. mod tr. def to coat or cover with cement. cementer sub head cement syl ce+1ment+er pos n. cementation 1. syl ce+men+ta+tion pron <2sEmen1tAS*n> pos n. def the process of heating a solid with a powdered material to modify the properties of the solid, esp. the heating of wrought iron, surrounded with charcoal, to 750-900?%C to produce steel. cementation 2. syl ce+men+ta+tion pron <2sEmen1tAS*n> pos n. def the process of ce?!menting or being cemented. cementite 0. syl ce+ment+ite pron pos n. def the hard brittle compound of iron and carbon that forms in carbon steels and some cast irons. Formula: Fe\3C. cementum ety C19: New Latin, from Latin: #7cement cementum 0. syl ce+men+tum pron pos n. def a thin bonelike tissue that covers the dentine in the root of a tooth. cemetery ety C14: from Late Latin coem*_et*_erium, from Greek koim*_et*_erion room for sleeping, from koiman to put to sleep cemeteries infl head cemetery syl cem+e:ter:ies. pos n. mod pl. cemetery 0. syl cem+e:ter:y pron <1semitri> pos n. def a place where the dead are buried, esp. one not attached to a church. cen 0. syl cen. qual abbrev. for def central. cenacle ety C14: from Old French, from Late Latin c*_en*_aculum, from c*_ena supper coenacle alt head cenacle or cenacle syl coen:a+cle pron <1sen*kL> pos n. cenacle 1. or coenacle syl cen:a+cle pron <1sen*kL> pos n. def a supper room, esp. one on an upper floor. cenacle 2. or coenacle syl cen:a+cle pron <1sen*kL> pos n. usage cap. def the room in which the Last Supper took place. -cene ety from Greek kainos new -cene 0. syl -cene pos n. usage and adj. combining form. def denoting a recent geological period. exam 1 Miocene. cenesthesia 0. syl ce+nes+the+si:a pron <2sEnis1TEzi*> pos n. qual Psychol. def a variant spelling (esp. U.S.) of {coenaesthesia}. C Eng 0. syl C. Eng. qual abbrev. for def chartered engineer. Mont infl head Cenis syl Mont. pos n. Cenis 0. syl Ce+nis pron French pos n. def a pass over the Graian Alps in SE France, between Lanslebourg (France) and Susa (Italy): nearby tunnel, opened in 1871. Highest point: 2049 m (6831 ft.). Italian name: {Mon+te Ce+ni+sio} (#!monte t#se#!ni$:zjo). cenobite 0. syl ce+no+bite pron <1sEn*u2bIt> pos n. def a variant spelling of {coenobite}. cenogenesis 0. syl ce+no+gen+e:sis pron <2sEn*u1Jenisis> pos n. def a U.S. spelling of {caenogenesis}. cenospecies ety C20: from Greek koinos common+#7species cenospecies infl syl ce+no+spe+cies. pos n. mod pl. cenospecies 0. syl ce+no+spe+cies pron <1sEn*2spESEz> pos n. def a species related to another by the ability to interbreed. exam 1 dogs and wolves are cenospecies. cenotaph ety C17: from Latin cenotaphium, from Greek kenotaphion, from kenos empty+ taphos tomb cenotaph 0. syl cen:o+taph pron <1sen*2ta:f> pos n. def a monument honouring a dead person or persons buried elsewhere. cenotaphic sub head cenotaph syl cen:o+1taph+ic pos adj. cenote ety C19: via Mexican Spanish from Maya conot cenote 0. syl ce+no+te pron pos n. usage esp. in the Yucatan peninsula def a natural well formed by the collapse of an overlying limestone crust: often used as a sacrificial site by the Mayas. Cenozoic ety C19: from Greek kainos new, recent+ z*_oikos, from z*_oion animal Cainozoic alt head Cenozoic or Cenozoic syl Cai+no+zo+ic pos adj. Cenozoic 1. or Cainozoic syl Ce+no+zo+ic pron <2sEn*u1z*uik> pos adj. def of, denot?!ing, or relating to the most recent geological era, which began 70000000 years ago: characterized by the development and increase of the mammals. the 2. head Cenozoic syl the. def the Cenozoic era. cense ety C14: from Old French encenser; see #7incense %1 cense 0. syl cense pron pos vb. mod tr. def to burn incense near or before (an altar, shrine, etc.). censer 0. syl cen+ser pron <1sens*> pos n. def a container for burning incense, esp. one swung at religious ceremonies. Also called: {thurible}. censor ety C16: from Latin, from c*_ens*_ere to consider, assess censor 1. syl cen+sor pron <1sens*> pos n. def a person authorized to examine publications, theatrical presentations, films, letters, etc., in order to suppress in whole or part those considered obscene, politically unacceptable, etc. censor 2. syl cen+sor pron <1sens*> pos n. def any person who controls or suppresses the behaviour of others, usually on moral grounds. censor 3. syl cen+sor pron <1sens*> pos n. usage in republican Rome def either of two senior magistrates elected to keep the list of citizens up to date, control aspects of public finance, and supervise public morals. censor 4. syl cen+sor pron <1sens*> pos n. qual Psychoanal. def the postulated factor responsible for regulating the translation of ideas and desires from the unconscious to the conscious mind. See also {superego}. censor 5. syl cen+sor pron <1sens*> pos vb. mod tr. def to ban or cut portions of (a publication, film, letter, etc.). censor 6. syl cen+sor pron <1sens*> pos vb. mod tr. def to act as a censor of (behaviour, etc.). censorable sub head censor syl cen+sor+a:ble pos adj. censorial sub head censor syl cen+so+ri:al pron pos adj. censorious 0. syl cen+so+ri+ous pron pos adj. def harshly critical; fault-finding. censoriously sub head censorious syl cen+1so+ri+ous+ly pos adv. censoriousness sub head censorious syl cen+1so+ri+ous+ness pos n. censorship 1. syl cen+sor+ship pron <1sens*2Sip> pos n. def a policy or programme of censoring. censorship 2. syl cen+sor+ship pron <1sens*2Sip> pos n. def the act or system of censoring. censorship 3. syl cen+sor+ship pron <1sens*2Sip> pos n. qual Psychoanal. def the activity of the mind in regulating impulses, etc., from the unconscious so that they are modified before reaching the conscious mind. censurable 0. syl cen+sur+a:ble pron <1senS*r*bL> pos adj. def deserving censure, condemnation, or blame. censurableness sub head censurable or censurability syl cen+sur+a:ble+ness pos n. censurability sub head censurable or censurableness syl cen+sur+a:1bil+i:ty pos n. censurably sub head censurable syl cen+sur+a:bly pos adv. censure 1. syl cen+sure pron <1senS*> pos n. def severe disapproval; harsh criticism. censure 2. syl cen+sure pron <1senS*> pos vb. def to criticize (someone or something) severely; condemn. censurer sub head censure syl cen+sur+er pos n. census ety C17: from Latin, from c*_ens*_ere to assess censuses infl head census syl cen+sus:es. pos n. mod pl. census 1. syl cen+sus pron <1sens*s> pos n. def an official periodic count of a population including such information as sex, age, occupation, etc. census 2. syl cen+sus pron <1sens*s> pos n. usage in ancient Rome def a registration of the population and a property evaluation for purposes of taxation. censual sub head census syl cen+su:al pos adj. cent ety C16: from Latin cent*_esimus hundredth, from centum hundred cent 1. syl cent pron pos n. def a monetary unit of Australia, Barbados, Botswana, Canada, Sri Lanka, Ethiopia, Guyana, Hong Kong, Kenya, Lesotho, Liberia, Malaysia, Mauritius, the Netherlands, New Zealand, the Republic of China, Sierra Leone, Singapore, the Somali Republic, South Africa, South Vietnam, Swaziland, Tanzania, Trinidad and Tobago, Uganda, the United States, and Western Samoa. It is worth one hundredth of their respective standard units. cent 2. syl cent pron pos n. def an interval of pitch between two frequencies \2 and \1 equal to 3986.31 log \2/ \1); one twelve-hundredth of the interval between two frequencies having the ratio 1:2 (an octave). cent 1. syl cent. qual abbrev. for: def centigrade. cent 2. syl cent. qual abbrev. for: def central. cent 3. syl cent. qual abbrev. for: def century. cental ety C19: from Latin centum hundred cental 0. syl cen+tal pron <1sentL> pos n. def a unit of weight equal to 100 pounds (45.3 kilograms). centaur ety C14: from Latin, from Greek kentauros, of unknown origin centaur 0. syl cen+taur pron <1sentc:> pos n. qual Greek myth. def one of a race of creatures with the head, arms, and torso of a man, and the lower body and legs of a horse. Centauri infl head Centaurus syl Cen+tau+ri pron pos n. qual Latin genitive Centaurus 0. syl Cen+tau+rus pron pos n. def a conspicuous extensive constellation in the S hemi?!sphere, close to the Southern Cross, that contains two first magnitude stars, Alpha Centauri and Beta Centauri, and the globular cluster Omega Centauri. Also called: {The Centaur}. centaury ety C14: ultimately from Greek Kentauros the Centaur; from the legend that Chiron the Centaur was responsible for divulging its healing properties centauries infl head centaury syl cen+tau+ries. pos n. mod pl. centaury 1. syl cen+tau+ry pron <1sentc:ri> pos n. def any Eurasian plant of the genus esp. having purplish-pink flowers and formerly believed to have medicinal properties: family centaury 2. syl cen+tau+ry pron <1sentc:ri> pos n. def any plant of the genus which includes the cornflower and knapweed: family (composites). centavo ety Spanish: one hundredth part centavos infl head centavo syl cen+ta+vos. pos n. mod pl. centavo 0. syl cen+ta+vo pron pos n. def a monetary unit of Argentina, Bolivia, Brazil, Colombia, Cuba, the Dominican Republic, Ecuador, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, Mexico, Nicaragua, Peru, the Philippines, and Portugal. It is worth one hundredth of their respective standard units. centenarian 1. syl cen+te+nar+i:an pron <2senti1ne*ri*n> pos n. def a person who is at least 100 years old. centenarian 2. syl cen+te+nar+i:an pron <2senti1ne*ri*n> pos adj. def being at least 100 years old. centenarian 3. syl cen+te+nar+i:an pron <2senti1ne*ri*n> pos adj. def of or relating to a centenarian. centenary ety C17: from Latin cent*_en*_arius of a hundred, from cent*_en*_i a hundred each, from centum hundred centenary 1. syl cen+te+nar:y pron pos adj. def of or relating to a period of 100 years. centenary 2. syl cen+te+nar:y pron pos adj. def occurring once every 100 years. exam 1 centenary cel?!ebrations. centenaries infl head centenary syl cen+te+nar:ies. pos n. mod pl. centenary 3. syl cen+te+nar:y pron pos n. def a 100th anniversary or its cel?!ebration. centennial ety C18: from Latin centum hundred, on the model of #7biennial centennial 1. syl cen+ten+ni:al pron pos adj. def relating to, lasting for, or completing a period of 100 years. centennial 2. syl cen+ten+ni:al pron pos adj. def occurring every 100 years. centennial 3. syl cen+ten+ni:al pron pos n. qual U.S. def another name for {centenary}. centennially sub head centennial syl cen+1ten+ni+al+ly pos adv. center 0. syl cen+ter pron <1sent*> pos n. vb. def the U.S. spelling of {centre}. centering 0. syl cen+ter+ing pron <1sent*riG> pos n. def a U.S. spelling of {centring}. centesimal ety C17: from Latin cent*_esimus, from centum hundred centesimal 1. syl cen+tes:i+mal pron pos n. def hundredth. {~} centesimal 2. syl cen+tes:i+mal pron pos n. def relating to division into hundredths. centesimally sub head centesimal syl cen+1tes:i+mal+ly pos adv. centesimo ety C19: from Spanish and Italian, from Latin cent*_esimus hundredth, from centum hundred centesimos infl head centesimo syl cen+tes:i+mos. pos n. mod pl. centesimo 0. syl cen+tes:i+mo pron pos n. def a fractional monetary unit of Chile, Italy, Panama, and Uruguay. It is worth one hundredth of their respective standard units. centi- ety from French, from Latin centum hundred centi- 1. syl cen:ti- usage before a vowel def denoting one hundredth. exam 1 centimetre. centi- 2. syl cen:ti- qual Rare. usage before a vowel def denoting a hundred. exam 1 centipede. centiare ety French, from #7centi -#7+ are from Latin *_area; see #7are %2#7, area centare alt head centiare or centiare syl cen+tare pron <1sente*>, French pos n. centiare 0. or centare syl cen+ti+are pron <1senti2e*>, French , French pos n. def a unit of area equal to one square metre. centigrade 1. syl cen+ti+grade pron <1senti2grAd> pos adj. def another name for {Celsius. ~} centigrade 2. syl cen+ti+grade pron <1senti2grAd> pos adj. def a unit of angle equal to one hundredth of a grade.#e {Usage}. Although still used in meteorology, when indicating the Celsius scale of temperature, is now usually avoided in other scientific contexts because of its possible confusion with the hundredth part of a grade. centigramme alt head centigram or centigram syl cen+ti+gramme pron <1senti2gr@m> pos n. centigram 0. or centigramme syl cen+ti+gram pron <1senti2gr@m> pos n. def one hundredth of a gram. centiliter alt head centilitre or centilitre syl cen+ti+li+ter pron <1senti2lEt*> pos n. qual U.S. centilitre 0. or centiliter syl cen+ti+li+tre pron <1senti2lEt*> pos n. def one hundredth of a litre. centillions infl head centillion or centillion syl cen+til+lions pos n. mod pl. centillion infl or centillions syl cen+til+lion. pos n. mod pl. centillion 1. syl cen+til+lion pron pos n. usage in Britain and Germany def the number represented as one followed by 600 zeros (10%6%0%0). centillion 2. syl cen+til+lion pron pos n. usage in the U.S. and France def the number repre?!sented as one followed by 303 zeros (10%3%0%3). centime ety C18: from French, from Old French centiesme from Latin cent*_esimus hundredth, from centum hundred centime 0. syl cen+time pron <1son2tEm>, French pos n. def a monetary unit of Algeria, Belgium, Burundi, Cameroun, the Central African Republic, Chad, the Congo Republic, Dahomey, France, Gabon, Guinea, Haiti, the Ivory Coast, Liechtenstein, Luxembourg, the Malagasy Republic, Mali, Mauritania, Niger, Rwanda, Senegal, Switzerland, Tahiti, Togo, and Upper Volta. It is worth one hundredth of their respective standard units. centimeter alt head centimetre or centimetre syl cen+ti+me+ter pron <1senti2mEt*> pos n. qual U.S. centimetre 0. or centimeter syl cen+ti+me+tre pron <1senti2mEt*> pos n. def one hundredth of a metre. centimetre-gram-second 0. syl cen+ti:me:tre-gram-sec:ond pos n. def See {cgs units}. c'entimo ety from Spanish; see #7centime c'entimos infl head c'entimo syl c*'en+ti+mos. pos n. mod pl. c'entimo 0. syl c*'en+ti+mo pron <1senti2m*u> pos n. def a monetary unit of Costa Rica, Paraguay, Spain, and Venezuela. It is worth one hundredth of their respective standard currency units. centipede 0. syl cen+ti+pede pron <1senti2pEd> pos n. def any carnivorous arthropod of the genera etc., having a body of between 15 and 190 segments, each bearing one pair of legs: class See also {myriapod}. centipoise 0. syl cen:ti+poise pron <1senti2pciz> pos n. def one hundredth of a poise. 1 centipoise is equal to 0.001 newton second per square metre. centner ety C17: from German Zentner, ultimately from Latin cent*_en*_arius of a hundred; see #7centenary centner 1. syl cent+ner pron <1sentn*> pos n. def Also called (esp. U.S.): {short hundredweight}. a unit of weight equivalent to 100 pounds (45.3 kilograms). centner 2. syl cent+ner pron <1sentn*> pos n. usage in some European countries def a unit of weight equivalent to 50 kilograms (110.23 pounds). centner 3. syl cent+ner pron <1sentn*> pos n. def a unit of weight equivalent to 100 kilograms. cento ety C17: from Latin, literally: patchwork garment centos infl head cento syl cen+tos. pos n. mod pl. cento 0. syl cen+to pron <1sent*u> pos n. def a piece of writing, esp. a poem, composed of quotations from other authors. CENTO 0. syl CENTO pron <1sent*u> pos n. usage acronym for def Central Treaty Organization; an organization for military and economic cooperation formed in 1959 by the U.K., Iran, Pakistan, and Turkey as a successor to the Baghdad Pact. centra 0. syl cen+tra pron <1sentr*> pos n. def the plural of {centrum}. central 1. syl cen+tral pron <1sentr*l> pos adj. def in, at, of, from, containing, or forming the centre of something. exam 1 the central street in a city; exam 2 the central material of a golf ball. central 2. syl cen+tral pron <1sentr*l> pos adj. def main, principal, or chief; most important. exam 1 the central cause of a problem. central 3.a. syl cen+tral pron <1sentr*l> pos adj. def of or relating to the central nervous system. central 3.b. syl cen+tral pron <1sentr*l> pos adj. def of or relating to the centrum of a vertebra. central 4. syl cen+tral pron <1sentr*l> pos adj. def of, relating to, or denoting a vowel articulated with the tongue held in an intermediate position halfway between the positions for back and front vowels, as for the of English central 5. syl cen+tral pron <1sentr*l> pos adj. usage of a force def directed from or towards a point. centrally sub head central syl cen+tral+ly pos adv. Central African Empire 0. syl Cen+tral Af+ri+can Em+pire pos n. def a landlocked country of central Africa: joined with Chad as a territory of French Equatorial Africa in 1910; became an independent republic in 1960; became a parliamentary monarchy in 1976; consists of a huge plateau, mostly savanna, with dense forests in the south; drained chiefly by the Shari and Ubangi Rivers. Languages: French and Sangho. Religion: chiefly animist. Currency: franc. Capital: Bangui. Pop.: 1637000 (1971 est.). Area: 622577 sq. km (240376 sq. miles). Former names: (until 1958) {Ubangi-Shari}; (1960-76) {Central African Republic}. French name: {R*'epublique Centrafricaine}. Central African Federation 0. syl Cen+tral Af+ri+can Fed+er:a+tion pos n. def another name for the {Federation of Rhodesia and Nyasaland} or the {Rhodesia and Nyasaland Federation}. Central America 0. syl Cen+tral A:mer:i+ca pos n. def an isthmus joining the continents of North and South America, extending from the S border of Mexico to the NW border of Colombia and consisting of Belize, Guatemala, Honduras, El Salvador, Nicaragua, Costa Rica, Panama, and the Canal Zone. Area: about 518000 sq. km (200000 sq. miles). Central American sub head Central America syl Cen+tral A:mer:i+can pos adj. central angle 0. syl cen+tral an+gle pos n. def an angle whose vertex is at the centre of a circle. central bank 0. syl cen+tral bank pos n. def a national bank that does business mainly with a government and with other banks: it regulates the volume and cost of credit. Central Committee 0. syl Cen+tral Com+mit+tee pos n. usage in Communist parties def the body responsible for party policy between meetings of the party congress: in practice, it is in charge of day-to-day operations of the party bureaucracy. Central European Time 0. syl Cen+tral Eur:o+pe:an Time pos n. def the standard time adopted by Western European countries one hour ahead of Greenwich Mean Time, corresponding to British Summer Time. Abbrev.: {C.E.T}. central heating 0. syl cen+tral heat+ing pos n. def a system for heating the rooms of a building by means of radiators or air vents connected by pipes or ducts to a central source of heat. Centralia 0. syl Cen+tra+li:a pron pos n. def an archaic name for {Centre} (sense 1). Central India Agency 0. syl Cen+tral In+di:a A:gen+cy pos n. def a former group of 89 states in India, under the supervision of a British political agent until 1947: most important were Indore, Bhopal, and Rewa. Central Intelligence Agency 0. syl Cen+tral In+tel+li+gence A:gen+cy pos n. def See {C.I.A}. centralism 0. syl cen+tral+ism pron <1sentr*2liz*m> pos n. def the principle or act of bringing something under central control; centralization. centralist sub head centralism syl cen+tral+ist pos n. adj. centralistic sub head centralism syl cen+tral+1is+tic pos adj. centralities infl head centrality syl cen+tral+i:ties. pos n. mod pl. centrality 0. syl cen+tral+i:ty pron pos n. def the state or condition of being central. centralise alt head centralize or centralize syl cen+tral+ise pron <1sentr*2lIz> pos vb. centralize 1. or centralise syl cen+tral+ize pron <1sentr*2lIz> pos vb. def to draw or move (something) to or towards a centre. centralize 2. or centralise syl cen+tral+ize pron <1sentr*2lIz> pos vb. def to bring or come under central control, esp. governmental control. centralization sub head centralize or centralisation syl cen+tral:i+1za+tion pos n. centralisation sub head centralize or centralization syl cen+tral:i+1sa+tion pos n. centralizer sub head centralize or centraliser syl cen+tral+2iz+er pos n. centraliser sub head centralize or centralizer syl cen+tral+2is+er pos n. central limit theorem 0. syl cen+tral lim+it the:o+rem pos n. qual Statistics. def a theorem stating that under certain general conditions the sum of a group of inde?!pendent random variables tends to a normal distribution as the number of variables increases. central nervous system 0. syl cen+tral nerv+ous sys+tem pos n. def the mass of nerve tissue that controls and coordinates the activities of an animal. In vertebrates it consists of the brain and spinal cord. Abbrev.: {CNS}. Compare {autonomic nervous system}. Central Powers 0.a. syl Cen+tral Pow+ers pos n. mod pl. qual European history usage before World War I def Germany, Italy, and Austria-Hungary after they were linked by the Triple Alliance in 1882. Central Powers 0.b. syl Cen+tral Pow+ers pos n. mod pl. qual European history usage during World War I def Germany and Austria-Hungary, together with their allies Turkey and Bulgaria. central processing unit 0. syl cen+tral pro+ces+sing u:nit pos n. def the part of a computer that performs logical and arithmetical operations on the data as specified in the instructions. Abbrev.: {CPU} Central Provinces and Berar 0. syl Cen+tral Prov+inc:es and Be+rar pron pos n. def a former province of central India: reorganized and renamed Madhya Pradesh in 1950. Central Region 0. syl Cen+tral Re+gion pos n. def a local government region in central Scotland, formed in 1975 from Clackmannan, most of Stirling, and parts of Perth, West Lothian, Fife, and Kinross. Pop.: 270056 (1976 est.). Area: 2590 sq. km (1000 sq. miles). central reservation alt head central reserve or central reserve syl cen+tral res+er+va+tion pos n. central reserve 0. or central reservation syl cen+tral re+serve pos n. qual Brit. def the strip, often covered with grass, that separates the two sides of a motorway or dual carriageway. U.S. name: {median strip}. Central Standard Time 0. syl Cen+tral Stand+ard Time pos n. def one of the standard times used in North America, based on the local time of the 90?% meridian, six hours behind Greenwich Mean Time. Abbrev.: {C.S.T}. central sulcus 0. syl cen+tral sul+cus pos n. def a deep cleft in each hemisphere of the brain separating the frontal lobe from the parietal lobe. central tendency 0. syl cen+tral ten+den+cy pos n. qual Statistics. def the tendency of the values of a random variable to cluster around the mean median and mode. centre ety C14: from Latin centrum the stationary point of a compass, from Greek kentron needle, from kentein to prick #e Usage. To centre round is considered illogical by many writers and speakers, who prefer the more precise phrase to centre on. center alt head centre or centre syl cen+ter pron <1sent*> pos n. qual U.S. centre 1.a. or center syl cen+tre pron <1sent*> pos n. def the midpoint of any line or figure, esp. the point within a circle or sphere that is equidistant from any point on the circumference or surface. centre 1.b. or center syl cen+tre pron <1sent*> pos n. def the point within a body through which a specified force may be considered to act, such as the centre of gravity. centre 2. or center syl cen+tre pron <1sent*> pos n. def the point, axis, or pivot about which a body rotates. centre 3. or center syl cen+tre pron <1sent*> pos n. def a point, area, or part that is approximately in the middle of a larger area or volume. centre 4. or center syl cen+tre pron <1sent*> pos n. def a place at which some specified activity is concentrated. exam 1 a shopping centre. centre 5. or center syl cen+tre pron <1sent*> pos n. def a person or thing that is a focus of interest. centre 6. or center syl cen+tre pron <1sent*> pos n. def a place of activity or influence. exam 1 a centre of power. centre 7. or center syl cen+tre pron <1sent*> pos n. def a person, group, policy, or thing in the middle. centre 8.a. or center syl cen+tre pron <1sent*> pos n. def a political party or group favouring moderation, esp. the moderate members of a legislative assembly. centre 8.b. or center syl cen+tre pron <1sent*> pos n. usage as modifier exam 1 a Centre-Left alliance. centre 9. or center syl cen+tre pron <1sent*> pos n. qual Physiol. def any part of the central nervous system that regulates a specific function. exam 1 respiratory centre. centre 10. or center syl cen+tre pron <1sent*> pos n. def a bar with a conical point upon which a workpiece or part may be turned or ground. centre 11. or center syl cen+tre pron <1sent*> pos n. def a punch mark or small conical hole in a part to be drilled, which enables the point of the drill to be located accurately. centre 12.a. or center syl cen+tre pron <1sent*> pos n. def a player who plays in the middle of the forward line. centre 12.b. or center syl cen+tre pron <1sent*> pos n. def the act or an instance of passing the ball from a wing to the middle of the field, court, etc. centre 13.a. or center syl cen+tre pron <1sent*> pos n. def the position of a player who jumps for the ball at the start of play. centre 13.b. or center syl cen+tre pron <1sent*> pos n. def the player in this position. centre 14.a. or center syl cen+tre pron <1sent*> pos n. def the ring around the bull's eye. centre 14.b. or center syl cen+tre pron <1sent*> pos n. def a shot that hits this ring. centre 15. or center syl cen+tre pron <1sent*> pos vb. def to move towards, mark, put, or be at a centre. centre 16. or center syl cen+tre pron <1sent*> pos vb. mod tr. def to focus or bring together. exam 1 to centre one's thoughts. centre 17. or center syl cen+tre pron <1sent*> pos vb. mod intr. usage often foll. by on def to have as a main point of view or theme. exam 1 the novel centred on crime. centre 18. or center syl cen+tre pron <1sent*> pos vb. mod tr. def to adjust or locate (a workpiece or part) using a centre. centre 19. or center syl cen+tre pron <1sent*> pos vb. mod intr. usage foll. by on or round def to have as a centre. centre 20. or center syl cen+tre pron <1sent*> pos vb. mod tr. qual Football, hockey, etc. def to pass (the ball) into the middle of the field or court. Centhe infl head Centre syl Cen+the. pos n. Centre 1. syl Cen+tre pron <1sent*> pos n. def Also called (archaic): {Centralia}. the sparsely inhabited central region of Australia. Centre 2. syl Cen+tre pron French <1s*~a:tr> pos n. def a region of central France: generally low-lying; drained chiefly by the Rivers Loire, Loir, and Cher. centre bit 0. syl cen+tre bit pos n. def a drilling bit with a central projecting point and two side cutters. centreboard 0. syl cen:tre+board pron <1sent*2bc:d> pos n. def a supplementary keel for a sailing vessel, which may be adjusted by raising and lowering. Compare {daggerboard}. centred dot 1. syl cen+tred dot pos n. qual Printing. def Also called (esp. U.S.) : {bullet}. a heavy dot ({@.#800107}) used to draw attention to a particular paragraph. centred dot 2. syl cen+tred dot pos n. qual Printing. def a dot placed at a central level in a line of type or writing. centre-fire 1. syl cen:tre-fire pos adj. usage of a cartridge def having the primer in the centre of the base. centre-fire 2. syl cen:tre-fire pos adj. usage of a firearm def adapted for such cartridges. centre-fire xref syl cen:tre-fire pos adj. def Compare {rim-fire}. centerfold alt head centrefold or centrefold syl cen:ter+fold pron <1sent*2f*uld> pos n. qual U.S. centrefold 0. or centerfold syl cen:tre+fold pron <1sent*2f*uld> pos n. def a large coloured illustration folded so that it forms the central spread of a magazine. centre forward 0. syl cen+tre for+ward pos n. qual Soccer, hockey, etc. def the central forward in the attack. centre half 0. syl cen+tre half pos n. qual Soccer. def a defender who plays in the middle of the defence. centre of curvature 0. syl cen+tre of cur+va+ture pos n. def the centre of a circle whose radius, the {radius of curvature}, is normal to the concave side of a curve at a given point. centre of gravity 0. syl cen+tre of grav+i:ty pos n. def the point through which the resultant of the gravitational forces on a body always acts. centre of mass 0. syl cen+tre of mass pos n. def the point at which the mass of a system could be concentrated without affecting the behaviour of the system under the action of external forces. centre of pressure 1. syl cen+tre of pres+sure pos n. qual Physics. def the point in a body at which the resultant pressure acts when the body is immersed in a fluid. centre of pressure 2. syl cen+tre of pres+sure pos n. qual Aeronautics. def the point at which the resultant aerodynamic forces intersect the chord line of the aerofoil. centrepiece 0. syl cen:tre+piece pron <1sent*2pEs> pos n. def an object used as the centre of something, esp. for decoration. centre punch 0. syl cen+tre punch pos n. def a small steel tool with a conical tip used to punch a small indentation at the location of the centre of a hole to be drilled. centre spread 0. syl cen+tre spread pos n. def the pair of two facing pages in the middle of a magazine, newspaper, etc., often illustrated. centre three-quarter 0. syl cen+tre three-quar:ter pos n. qual Rugby. def either of two middle players on the three-quarter line. centri- 0. syl cen:tri- usage combining form. def variant of {centro-}. centrical alt head centric or centric syl cen+tri+cal pos adj. centric 1. or centrical syl cen+tric pron <1sentrik> pos adj. def being central or having a centre. centric 2. or centrical syl cen+tric pron <1sentrik> pos adj. def relating to or originating at a nerve centre. &- {#!cen+tri+cal+ly} &- {cen+tric+#;i@.ty} (s$en#!tr$Is$It$I) -centric ety abstracted from #7eccentric, concentric, etc. -centric 0. syl -cen:tric usage suffix forming adjectives. def having a centre as specified. exam 1 heliocentric. centrifugal ety C18: from New Latin centrifugus, from #7centri -#7+ Latin fugere to flee centrifugal 1. syl cen+trif:u+gal pron , <1sentri2fju:gL> pos adj. def acting, moving, or tending to move away from a centre. Compare {centripetal}. centrifugal 2. syl cen+trif:u+gal pron , <1sentri2fju:gL> pos adj. def of, concerned with, or operated by centrifugal force. exam 1 centrifugal pump. centrifugal 3. syl cen+trif:u+gal pron , <1sentri2fju:gL> pos adj. usage Botany. esp. of certain inflores?!cences def developing outwards from a centre. centrifugal 4. syl cen+trif:u+gal pron , <1sentri2fju:gL> pos adj. qual Physiol. def another word for {efferent}. centrifugal 5. syl cen+trif:u+gal pron , <1sentri2fju:gL> pos n. def any device that uses centrifugal force for its action. centrifugal 6. syl cen+trif:u+gal pron , <1sentri2fju:gL> pos n. def the rotating perforated drum in a centrifuge. centrifugally sub head centrifugal syl cen+1trif:u+gal+ly pos adv. centrifugal force 0. syl cen+trif:u+gal force pos n. def a force that acts outwards on any body that rotates or moves along a curved path and is directed away from the axis of rotation or the centre of curvature of the path. Compare {centripetal force}. centrifuge 1. syl cen+tri+fuge pron <1sentri2fju:J> pos n. def any of various rotating machines that separate liquids from solids or dispersions of one liquid in another, by the action of centrifugal force. centrifuge 2. syl cen+tri+fuge pron <1sentri2fju:J> pos n. def any of various rotating devices for subjecting human beings or animals to varying accelerations for experimental purposes. centrifuge 3. syl cen+tri+fuge pron <1sentri2fju:J> pos vb. mod tr. def to subject to the action of a centrifuge. centrifugation sub head centrifuge syl cen+trif:u+ga+tion pron <2sentrifju1gAS*n> pos n. centering alt head centring or centring syl cen+ter+ing pron <1sent*riG> pos n. qual U.S. centring 1. or centering syl cen+tring pron <1sentriG> pos n. def a temporary structure, esp. one made of timber, used to support an arch during construction. centring 2. or centering syl cen+tring pron <1sentriG> pos n. def the process of coming to or putting into a centre. exam 1 centring a target. centriole ety C19: from New Latin centriolum, diminutive of Latin centrum #7centre centriole 0. syl cen+tri+ole pron <1sentri2*ul> pos n. def either of two rodlike bodies in most animal cells that form the poles of the spindle during mitosis. centripetal ety C17: from New Latin centripetus seeking the centre; see #7centri-, -petal centripetal 1. syl cen+trip+e:tal pron , <1sentri2pEtL> pos adj. def acting, moving, or tending to move towards a centre. Compare {centrifugal}. centripetal 2. syl cen+trip+e:tal pron , <1sentri2pEtL> pos adj. def of, concerned with, or operated by centripetal force. centripetal 3. syl cen+trip+e:tal pron , <1sentri2pEtL> pos adj. usage Botany. esp. of certain inflorescences def developing from the outside towards the centre. centripetal 4. syl cen+trip+e:tal pron , <1sentri2pEtL> pos adj. qual Physiol. def another word for {afferent}. centripetally sub head centripetal syl cen+1trip+e:tal+ly pos adv. centripetal force 0. syl cen+trip+e:tal force pos n. def a force that acts inwards on any body that rotates or moves along a curved path and is directed towards the centre of curvature of the path or the axis of rotation. Compare {centrifugal force}. centrist 0. syl cen+trist pron <1sentrist> pos n. def a person holding moderate political views. &- {#!cen+trism} centro- ety from Greek kentron #7centre centri- infl head centro- syl cen:tri- centrobaric ety C18: from Late Greek kentrobarikos, from Greek kentron bareos centre of gravity centrobaric 0. syl cen+tro+bar+ic pron <2sentr*u1b@rik> pos adj. def of or concerned with a centre of gravity. centroclinal 0. syl cen+tro+cli+nal pron <2sentr*u1klInL> pos adj. qual Geology. def of, relating to, or designating a rock formation in which the strata slope down and in towards a central point or area. centroid 0.a. syl cen+troid pron <1sentrcid> pos n. def the centre of mass of an object of uniform density, esp. of a geometric figure. centroid 0.b. syl cen+troid pron <1sentrcid> pos n. def the point in a set whose coordinates are the mean values of the coordinates of the other points in the set. centromere 0. syl cen+tro+mere pron <1sentr*2mi*> pos n. def the dense nonstaining region of a chromosome that attaches it to the spindle during mitosis. centromeric sub head centromere syl cen+tro+mer+ic pron <2sentr*1merik>, <-1mi*rik> pos adj. centrosome 0. syl cen+tro+some pron <1sentr*2s*um> pos n. def a small protoplasmic body that surrounds the centrides. Also called: {centrosphere, astrosphere}. centrosomic sub head centrosome syl cen+tro+som+ic pron <2sentr*1somik> pos adj. centrosphere 1. syl cen+tro+sphere pron <1sentr*2sfi*> pos n. def the central part of the earth, below the crust. centrosphere 2. syl cen+tro+sphere pron <1sentr*2sfi*> pos n. def another name for {centrosome}. centrum ety C19: from Latin: #7centre centrums infl head centrum or centra syl cen+trums pron <-tr*> pos n. mod pl. centra infl head centrum or centrums syl cen+tra pron <-tr*> pos n. mod pl. centrum 0. syl cen+trum pron <1sentr*m> pos n. def the main part or body of a vertebra. centum ety Latin: #7hundred, chosen because the c represents the Indo-European k centum 0. syl cen+tum pron <1sent*m> pos adj. def denoting or belonging to the Indo-European languages in which original velar stops were not palatalized, namely languages of the Hellenic, Italic, Celtic, Germanic, Anatolian, and Tocharian branches. Compare {satem}. centuplicate ety C17: from Late Latin centuplic*_are, from centuplex hundredfold, from Latin centum hundred+ -plex -fold centuplicate 1. syl cen+tu+pli+cate pron pos vb. mod tr. def to increase 100 times. centuplicate 2. syl cen+tu+pli+cate pron , <-2kAt> pos adj. def increased a hundredfold. centuplicate 3. syl cen+tu+pli+cate pron , <-2kAt> pos n. def one hundredfold. centuplicate xref syl cen+tu+pli+cate pron pos vb. def Also {cen+tu+ple} (#!s$entj$up%@l). centuplication sub head centuplicate syl cen+2tu+pli+1ca+tion pos n. centurial 1. syl cen+tu+ri:al pron pos adj. def of or relating to a Roman century. centurial 2. syl cen+tu+ri:al pron pos adj. qual Rare. def involving a period of 100 years. centurion ety C14: from Latin centuri*_o, from centuria #7century centurion 0. syl cen+tu+ri+on pron pos n. def the officer commanding a Roman century. century ety C16: from Latin centuria, from centum hundred centuries infl head century syl cen+tu+ries. pos n. mod pl. century 1. syl cen+tu+ry pron <1senC*ri> pos n. def a period of 100 years. century 2. syl cen+tu+ry pron <1senC*ri> pos n. def one of the successive periods of 100 years dated before or after an epoch or event, esp. the birth of Christ. century 3.a. syl cen+tu+ry pron <1senC*ri> pos n. def a score or grouping of 100. exam 1 to score a century in cricket. century 4. syl cen+tu+ry pron <1senC*ri> pos n. usage in ancient Rome def a unit of foot soldiers, originally consisting of 100 men. See also {maniple}. century 5. syl cen+tu+ry pron <1senC*ri> pos n. usage in ancient Rome def a division of the people for purposes of voting. century 6. syl cen+tu+ry pron <1senC*ri> pos n. usage often cap. def a style of type. century plant 0. syl cen+tu+ry plant pos n. def a tropical American agave, having large greyish leaves and greenish flowers on a tall fleshy stalk. It blooms only once in 10 to 30 years and was formerly thought to flower once in a century. Also called: {American aloe}. ceorl ety Old English; see #7churl ceorl 0. syl ceorl pron pos n. def a freeman of the lowest class in Anglo-Saxon England. ceorlish sub head ceorl syl ceorl+ish pos adj. cep ety C19: from French c*`epe, from Gascon dialect cep, from Latin cippus stake cep 0. syl cep pron pos n. def an edible saprophytic basidiomycetous woodland fungus, with a brown shining cap covering white spore-bearing tubes and having a rich nutty flavour: family cephalad 0. syl ceph:a+lad pron <1sef*2l@d> pos adv. qual Anatomy. def towards the head or anterior part. Compare {caudad}. cephalalgia 0. syl ceph:a+lal+gi:a pron <2sef*1l@lJi*>, <-J*> pos n. def a technical name for {headache}. cephalic 1. syl ce+phal+ic pron pos adj. def of or relating to the head. cephalic 2. syl ce+phal+ic pron pos adj. def situated in, on, or near the head. -cephalic ety from Greek -kephalos; see -#7cephalous -cephalous alt head -cephalic or -cephalic syl -ceph:a:lous pos adj. -cephalic 0. or -cephalous syl -ce:phal:ic pos adj. usage combining form. def indicating skull or head; -headed. exam 1 brachycephalic. -cephaly sub head -cephalic or -cephalism syl -ceph:a:ly pos n. -cephalism sub head -cephalic or -cephaly syl -ceph:a:lism pos n. cephalic index 0. syl ce+phal+ic in+dex pos n. def the ratio of the greatest width of the human head to its greatest length, multiplied by 100. kephalin alt head cephalin or cephalin syl keph:a+lin pron <1kef*lin> pos n. cephalin 0. or kephalin syl ceph:a+lin pron <1sef*lin>, <1kef-> pos n. def a phosphatide, similar to lecithin, that occurs in the nerve tissue and brain. cephalisation alt head cephalization or cephalization syl ceph:a+li+sa+tion pron <2sef*lI1zAS*n> pos n. cephalization 0. or cephalisation syl ceph:a+li+za+tion pron <2sef*lI1zAS*n> pos n. usage in the evolution of animals def development of a head by the concentration of feeding and sensory organs and nervous tissue at the anterior end. cephalo- ety via Latin from Greek kephalo-, from kephate head cephalochordate 1. syl ceph:a+lo+chor+date pron <2sef*l*u1kc:dAt> pos n. def any chordate animal of the subphylum having a fishlike body and no vertebral column; a lancelet. cephalochordate 2. syl ceph:a+lo+chor+date pron <2sef*l*u1kc:dAt> pos adj. def of, relating to, or belonging to the cephalometer 0. syl ceph:a+lom+e:ter pron <2sef*1lomit*> pos n. def an instrument for measuring the dimensions of the human head. cephalometric sub head cephalometer syl ceph:a+lo+met+ric pron <2sef*l*u1metrik> pos adj. cephalometry sub head cephalometer syl ceph:a+1lom+e:try pos n. Cephalonia 0. syl Ceph:a+lo+ni:a pron <2sef*1l*uni*> pos n. def a mountainous island in the Ionian Sea, the largest of the Ionian Islands, off the W coast of Greece. Pop.: 36742 (1971). Area: 935 sq. km (365 sq. miles). Modern Greek name: {Kephallin*'ia}. cephalopod 1. syl ceph:a+lo+pod pron <1sef*l*2pod> pos n. def any marine mollusc of the class characterized by well-developed head and eyes and a ring of sucker-bearing tentacles. The group includes the octopuses, squids, cuttlefish, and pearly nautilus. cephalopod 2. syl ceph:a+lo+pod pron <1sef*l*2pod> pos adj. usage also def of, relating to, or belonging to the cephalopodan sub head cephalopod syl ceph:a+1lop:o+dan pos adj. n. cephalothoraxes infl head cephalothorax or cephalothoraces syl ceph:a+lo+tho+rax:es pron <-r*2sEz> pos n. mod pl. cephalothoraces infl head cephalothorax or cephalothoraxes syl ceph:a+lo+tho+ra:ces pron <-r*2sEz> pos n. mod pl. cephalothorax 0. syl ceph:a+lo+tho+rax pron <2sef*l*u1Tc:r@ks> pos n. def the anterior part of many crustaceans and some other arthropods consisting of a united head and thorax. cephalothoracic sub head cephalothorax syl ceph:a+lo+tho+rac+ic pron <2sef*l*uT*1r@sik> pos adj. -cephalus ety New Latin -cephalus; see -#7cephalic -cephalus 0. syl -ceph:a:lus pos n. usage combining form. def denoting a cephalic abnormality. exam 1 hydrocephalus. Cepheid variable 0. syl Ce+phe:id var:i+a:ble pron <1sEfiid> pos n. qual Astronomy. def any of a class of variable stars with regular cycles of variations in luminosity (ranging from a few hours up to several years). There is a relationship between the periods of variation and the absolute magnitudes, which is used for measuring the distance of such stars. Cepheus ety from Latin C*_epheus named after the mythical king Cephei infl head Cepheus syl Ce+phe:i pron <1sEfi2I> pos n. qual Latin genitive Cepheus H1.0. syl Ce+pheus pron <1sEfju:s> pos n. def a faint constellation in the N hemisphere near Cassiopeia and the Pole Star. See also {Cepheid variable}. Cepheus H2.0. syl Ce:pheus pron <1sEfju:s> pos n. qual Greek myth. def a king of Ethiopia, father of Andromeda and husband of Cassiopeia. ceraceous ety C18: from Latin c*_era wax ceraceous 0. syl ce+ra+ceous pron pos adj. def waxlike or waxy. Ceram 0. syl Ce+ram pron pos n. def an island in Indonesia, in the Moluccas, separated from New Guinea by the {Ceram Sea} : mountainous and densely forested. Area: 17150 sq. km (6622 sq. miles). Also called: {Seram, Serang}. ceramal ety C20: from #7ceram (#7ic) #7+al (#7loy) ceramal 0. syl ce+ram+al pron pos n. def another name for {cermet}. ceramic ety C19: from Greek keramikos, from keramos potter's clay, pottery ceramic 1. syl ce+ram+ic pron pos n. def a hard brittle material made by firing clay and similar substances. ceramic 2. syl ce+ram+ic pron pos n. def an object made from such a material. {~} ceramic 3. syl ce+ram+ic pron pos n. def of, relating to, or made from a ceramic. exam 1 this vase is ceramic. ceramic 4. syl ce+ram+ic pron pos n. def of or relating to ceramics. exam 1 ceramic arts and crafts. ceramics 0. syl ce+ram+ics pron pos n. mod functioning as; sing. def the art and techniques of producing articles of clay, porcelain, etc. ceramist sub head ceramics or ceramicist syl cer:a+mist pron <1ser*mist> pos n. ceramicist sub head ceramics or ceramist syl ce+1ram:i+cist pos n. cerargyrite ety C19: from Greek keras horn+ arguros silver+-#7ite %1 cerargyrite 0. syl ce+rar+gy+rite pron pos n. def a greyish-yellow or colourless soft secondary mineral consisting of silver chloride in cubic crystalline form: a source of silver. Formula: AgCl. Also called: {horn silver}. cerastes ety C16: from Latin: horned serpent, from Greek kerast*_es horned, from keras horn cerastes infl syl ce+ras+tes. pos n. mod pl. cerastes 0. syl ce+ras+tes pron pos n. def any venomous snake of the genus esp. the horned viper. cerate ety C16: from Latin c*_er*_atum, from c*_era wax cerate 0. syl ce+rate pron <1si*rit>, <-rAt> pos n. def a hard ointment or medicated paste consisting of lard or oil mixed with wax or resin. cerated 1. syl ce+rat+ed pron <1si*rAtid> pos adj. usage of certain birds, such as the falcon def having a cere. cerated 2. syl ce+rat+ed pron <1si*rAtid> pos adj. qual Rare. def covered with wax. cerato- ety from Greek kerat-, keras horn cerato- 1. syl cer:a:to- usage before a vowel def denot?!ing horn or a hornlike part. exam 1 ceratodus. cerato- 2. syl cer:a:to- qual Anatomy. usage before a vowel def denoting the cornea. {~} Also: {kerato-}. ceratodus ety C19: New Latin, from #7cerato-+ Greek odous tooth ceratoduses infl head ceratodus syl ce+rat:o+dus:es. pos n. mod pl. ceratodus 0. syl ce+rat:o+dus pron , <2ser*1t*ud*s> pos n. def any of various extinct lungfish constituting the genus common in Cretaceous and Triassic times. Compare {barramunda}. ceratoid 0. syl cer:a+toid pron <1ser*2tcid> pos adj. def having the shape or texture of animal horn. Cerberus 0. syl Cer:ber:us pron <1sR:b*r*s> pos n. qual Greek myth. def a dog, usually represented as having three heads, that guarded the entrance to Hades. Cerberean sub head Cerberus syl Cer+be:re:an pron pos adj. cercaria ety C19: New Latin, literally: tailed creature, from Greek kerkos tail cercariae infl head cercaria syl cer+car:i:ae pron <-i2E> pos n. mod pl. cercaria 0. syl cer+car:i:a pron pos n. def one of the larval forms of trematode worms. It has a short forked tail and resembles an immature adult. cercarial sub head cercaria syl cer+1car+i:al pos adj. cercarian sub head cercaria syl cer+1car+i:an pos adj. n. cercis ety C19: New Latin, from Greek kerkis weaver's shuttle, Judas tree cercis 0. syl cer+cis pron <1sR:sis> pos n. def any tree or shrub of the leguminous genus which includes the redbud and Judas tree. cercopithecoid ety C19: from Latin cercopith*_ecus monkey with a tail (from Greek kerkopith*_ekos, from kerkos tail+ pith*_ekos ape)+-#7oid cercopithecoid 1. syl cer+co+pi+the:coid pron <2sR:k*upi1TEkcid> pos adj. def of, relating to, or belonging to the primate superfamily (Old World monkeys). cercopithecoid 2. syl cer+co+pi+the:coid pron <2sR:k*upi1TEkcid> pos n. usage also def an Old World monkey. cercus ety C19: from New Latin, from Greek kerkos tail cerci infl head cercus syl cer+ci pron <-sE> pos n. mod pl. cercus 0. syl cer+cus pron <1sR:k*s> pos n. def one of a pair of sensory appendages at the tip of the abdomen of some insects and other arthropods. cercal sub head cercus syl cer+cal pos adj. cere ety C15: from Old French cire wax, from Latin c*_era cere H1.0. syl cere pron pos n. def a soft waxy swelling, containing the nostrils, at the base of the upper beak in such birds as the parrot. cere ety C15: from Latin c*_er*_are, from c*_era wax cere H2.0. syl cere pron pos vb. mod tr. def to wrap (a corpse, etc.) in a cerecloth. cereal ety C19: from Latin cere*_alis concerning agriculture, of #7ceres cereal 1. syl ce+re:al pron <1si*ri*l> pos n. def any grass that produces an edible grain, such as oat, rye, wheat, rice, maize, sorghum, and millet. cereal 2. syl ce+re:al pron <1si*ri*l> pos n. def the grain produced by such a plant. cereal 3. syl ce+re:al pron <1si*ri*l> pos n. def any food made from this grain, esp. breakfast food. cereal 4. syl ce+re:al pron <1si*ri*l> pos n. usage modifier def of or relating to any of these plants or their products. exam 1 cereal farming. cerebellum ety C16: from Latin, diminutive of #7cerebrum cerebellums infl head cerebellum or cerebella syl cer+e:bel+lums pron <-l*> pos n. mod pl. cerebella infl head cerebellum or cerebellums syl cer+e:bel+la pron <-l*> pos n. mod pl. cerebellum 0. syl cer+e:bel+lum pron <2seri1bel*m> pos n. def one of the major divisions of the vertebrate brain, situated in man above the medulla oblongata and beneath the cerebrum, whose function is coordination of voluntary movements and maintenance of bodily equilibrium. cerebellar sub head cerebellum syl cer+e:1bel+lar pos adj. cerebral 1. syl cer+e:bral pron <1seribr*l>, U.S. also pos adj. def of or relating to the cerebrum or to the entire brain. cerebral 2. syl cer+e:bral pron <1seribr*l>, U.S. also pos adj. def involving intelligence rather than emotions or instinct. cerebral 3. syl cer+e:bral pron <1seribr*l>, U.S. also pos adj. qual Phonetics. def another word for {cacuminal}. cerebral 4. syl cer+e:bral pron <1seribr*l>, U.S. also pos n. qual Phonetics. def a consonant articulated in the manner of a cacuminal consonant. cerebrally sub head cerebral syl cer+e:bral+ly pos adv. cerebral dominance 0. syl cer+e:bral dom:i+nance pos n. def the normal tendency for one half of the brain, usually the left cerebral hemisphere in right-handed people, to be more highly developed in certain functions than the other half. cerebral hemisphere 0. syl cer+e:bral hem:i+sphere pos n. def either half of the cerebrum. cerebral palsy 0. syl cer+e:bral pal+sy pos n. def a nonprogressive impairment of muscular function and weakness of the limbs, caused by damage to the brain before or during birth. cerebrate 0. syl cer+e:brate pron <1seri2brAt> pos vb. mod intr. qual Usually facetious. def to use the mind; think; ponder; consider. cerebration ety C19: from Latin cerebrum brain cerebration 0. syl cer+e:bra+tion pron <2seri1brAS*n> pos n. def the act of thinking; consideration; thought. cerebro- ety from #7cerebrum cerebroside ety C20: from #7cerebro -#7+ -#7ose %2#7+ -#7ide cerebroside 0. syl cer+e:bro+side pron <2seri1br*usId> pos n. def any of a group of lipids occurring in large amounts in the myelin sheath of nerves and containing fatty acids, sphingosine, and galactose. cerebrospinal 0. syl cer+e:bro+spi+nal pron <2seribr*u1spInL> pos adj. def of or relating to the brain and spinal cord. cerebrospinal fluid 0. syl cer+e:bro+spi+nal flu+id pos n. def the clear colourless fluid in the spaces inside and around the spinal cord and brain. fever alt head cerebrospinal meningitis or cerebrospinal meningitis syl fe+ver pos n. cerebrospinal meningitis 0. or fever syl cer+e:bro+spi+nal men+in+gi+tis pos n. def an acute infectious form of meningitis caused by the bacterium characterized by high fever, skin rash, delirium, stupor, and sometimes coma. Also called: {epidemic meningitis}. cerebrovascular 0. syl cer+e:bro+vas+cu+lar pron <2seribr*u1v@skjul*> pos adj. def of or relating to the blood vessels and the blood supply of the brain. cerebral vascular accident alt head cerebrovascular accident or cerebrovascular accident syl cer+e:bral vas+cu+lar ac+ci+dent pos n. cerebrovascular accident 0. or cerebral vascular accident syl cer+e:bro+vas+cu+lar ac+ci+dent pos n. def a sudden interruption of the blood supply to the brain caused by rupture of an artery in the brain ({cerebral haemorrhage}) or the blocking of a blood vessel, as by a clot of blood ({cerebral occlusion) }. See {apoplexy, {stroke} (sense 4).} cerebrum ety C17: from Latin: the brain cerebrums infl head cerebrum or cerebra syl cer+e:brums pron <-br*> pos n. mod pl. cerebra infl head cerebrum or cerebrums syl cer+e:bra pron <-br*> pos n. mod pl. cerebrum 1. syl cer+e:brum pron <1seribr*m> pos n. def the anterior portion of the brain of vertebrates, consisting of two lateral hemispheres joined by a thick band of fibres: the dominant part of the brain in man, associated with intellectual function, emotion, and personality. See {telencephalon}. cerebrum 2. syl cer+e:brum pron <1seribr*m> pos n. def the brain considered as a whole. cerebrum 3. syl cer+e:brum pron <1seribr*m> pos n. def the main neural bundle or ganglion of certain invertebrates. cerebroid sub head cerebrum syl cer+e:2broid pos adj. cerebric sub head cerebrum syl cer+e:bric pron <1seribrik> pos adj. cerecloth ety C15: from earlier cered cloth, from Latin c*_er*_are to wax; see #7cere %2 cerecloth 0. syl cere+cloth pron <1si*2kloT> pos n. def waxed waterproof cloth of a kind formerly used as a shroud. cerement ety C17: from French cirement, from cirer to wax; see #7cere %2 cerement 1. syl cere+ment pron <1si*m*nt> pos n. def another name for {cerecloth}. cerement 2. syl cere+ment pron <1si*m*nt> pos n. def any burial clothes. ceremonial 1. syl cer+e:mo+ni:al pron <2seri1m*uni*l> pos adj. def involving or relating to ceremony or ritual. ceremonial 2. syl cer+e:mo+ni:al pron <2seri1m*uni*l> pos n. def the observance of formality, esp. in etiquette. ceremonial 3. syl cer+e:mo+ni:al pron <2seri1m*uni*l> pos n. def a plan for formal observances on a particular occasion; ritual. ceremonial 4.a. syl cer+e:mo+ni:al pron <2seri1m*uni*l> pos n. def the prescribed order of rites and ceremonies. ceremonial 4.b. syl cer+e:mo+ni:al pron <2seri1m*uni*l> pos n. def a book containing this. ceremonialism sub head ceremonial syl cer+e:1mo+ni+al+ism pos n. ceremonialist sub head ceremonial syl cer+e:1mo+ni+al+ist pos n. ceremonially sub head ceremonial syl cer+e:1mo+ni+al+ly pos adv. ceremonious 1. syl cer+e:mo+ni+ous pron <2seri1m*uni*s> pos adj. def especially or excessively polite or formal. ceremonious 2. syl cer+e:mo+ni+ous pron <2seri1m*uni*s> pos adj. def observing ceremony; involving formalities. ceremoniously sub head ceremonious syl cer+e:1mo+ni+ous+ly pos adv. ceremoniousness sub head ceremonious syl cer+e:1mo+ni+ous+ness pos n. ceremony ety C14: from Medieval Latin c*_erem*_onia, from Latin caerim*_onia what is sacred, a religious rite ceremonies infl head ceremony syl cer+e:mo+nies. pos n. mod pl. ceremony 1. syl cer+e:mo+ny pron <1serim*ni> pos n. def a formal act or ritual, often set by custom or tradition, performed in observation of an event or anniversary. exam 1 a ceremony commemorating Shakespeare's birth. ceremony 2. syl cer+e:mo+ny pron <1serim*ni> pos n. def a religious rite or series of rites. ceremony 3. syl cer+e:mo+ny pron <1serim*ni> pos n. def a courteous gesture or act. exam 1 the ceremony of toasting the Queen. ceremony 4. syl cer+e:mo+ny pron <1serim*ni> pos n. def ceremonial observances or gestures collectively. exam 1 the ceremony of a monarchy. stand on ceremony 5. head ceremony syl stand on ceremony. def to insist on or act with excessive formality. without ceremony 6. head ceremony syl without ceremony. def in a casual or informal manner. Cerenkov 0. syl Ce:ren:kov pron Russian pos n. def See (Pavel Alekseyevich) {Cherenkov}. Ceres H1.0. syl Ce:res pron <1si*rEz> pos n. def the Roman goddess of agriculture. Greek counterpart: {Demeter}. Ceres H2.0. syl Ce+res pron <1si*rEz> pos n. def the largest asteroid and the first to be discovered. It has a diameter of 670 kilometres. ceresin ety C19: irregularly from Latin c*_era wax ceresin 0. syl cer+e:sin pron <1serisin> pos n. def a white wax extracted from ozocerite. cereus ety C18: from New Latin, from Latin c*_ereus a wax taper, from c*_era wax cereus 1. syl ce+re:us pron <1si*ri*s> pos n. def any tropical American cactus of the genus esp. of N Brazil, which grows to a height of 13 metres (40 feet). cereus 2. syl ce+re:us pron <1si*ri*s> pos n. def any of several similar and related cacti, such as the night-blooming cereus. ceria ety New Latin, from #7cerium ceria 0. syl ce+ri:a pron <1si*ri*> pos n. def another name (not in technical usage) for {ceric oxide}. ceric 0. syl ce+ric pron <1si*rik> pos adj. def of or containing cerium in the tetravalent state. ceric oxide 0. syl ce+ric ox+ide pos n. def a white or yellow solid used in ceramics, enamels, and radiation shields. Formula: CeO\2. Also called: {cerium dioxide, ceria}. cerise ety C19: from French: #7cherry cerise 0.a. syl ce+rise pron , <-1rEs> pos n. def a moderate to dark red colour. cerise 0.b. syl ce+rise pron , <-1rEs> pos as; adj. exam 1 a cerise scarf. cerium ety C19: New Latin, from #7ceres (the asteroid)+-#7ium cerium 0. syl ce+ri:um pron <1si*ri*m> pos n. def a malleable ductile steel-grey element of the lanthanide series of metals, used in lighter flints and as a reducing agent in metallurgy. Symbol: Ce; atomic no.: 58; atomic wt.: 140.12; valency: 3 or 4; relative density: 6.77; melting pt.: 795?%C; boiling pt.: 3468?%C. cerium metals 0. syl ce+ri:um met+als pos n. mod pl. def the metals lanthanum, cerium, praseodymium, neodymium, promethium, and samarium, forming a sub-group of the lanthanides. cermet ety C20: from #7cer (#7amic) #7 +#7met (#7al) cermet 0. syl cer+met pron <1sR:mit> pos n. def any of several materials consisting of a metal matrix with ceramic particles disseminated through it. They are hard and resistant to high temperatures. Also called: {ceramal}. CERN 0. syl CERN pron pos n. usage acronym for def Conseil Europ*'een pour la Re?!cherche Nucl*'eaire; an organization of European states with a centre in Geneva for research in high-energy particle physics. Cernvauti 0. syl Cer+n*va+u*,ti pron pos n. def the Rumanian name for {Chernovtsy}. cernuous ety C17: from Latin cernuus leaning forwards, of obscure origin cernuous 0. syl cer+nu+ous pron <1sR:nju*s> pos adj. usage Botany. of some flowers or buds def drooping. cero ety C19: from Spanish: saw, sawfish, altered spelling of #7sierra cero infl or ceros syl ce:ro pos n. mod pl. ceros infl head cero or cero syl ce:ros. pos n. mod pl. cero 1. syl ce:ro pron <1si*r*u>, <1sir*u> pos n. def a large spiny-finned food fish, of warm American coastal regions of the Atlantic: family (mackerels, tunnies, etc.). cero 2. syl ce:ro pron <1si*r*u>, <1sir*u> pos n. def any similar or related fish. cerography 0. syl ce+rog+ra+phy pron pos n. def the art of engraving on a waxed plate on which a printing surface is created by electrotyping. cerographic sub head cerography or cerographical syl ce+ro+graph+ic pron <2si*r*u1gr@fik> pos adj. cerographical sub head cerography or cerographic syl ce+ro+1graph:i+cal pos adj. cerographist sub head cerography syl ce+1rog+ra+phist pos n. ceroplastic 1. syl ce+ro+plas+tic pron <2si*r*u1pl@stik> pos adj. def relating to wax modelling. ceroplastic 2. syl ce+ro+plas+tic pron <2si*r*u1pl@stik> pos adj. def modelled in wax. ceroplastics 0. syl ce+ro+plas+tics pron <2si*r*u1pl@stiks> pos n. def the art of wax modelling. cerotic acid 0. syl ce+rot+ic ac:id pron pos n. def another name (not in technical usage) for {hexacosanoic acid}. cerotype 0. syl ce+ro+type pron <1si*r*2tIp> pos n. def a process for preparing a printing plate by engraving a wax-coated copper plate and then using this as a mould for an electrotype. cerous ety C19: from #7cerium+ -#7ous cerous 0. syl ce+rous pron <1si*r*s> pos adj. def of or containing cerium in the trivalent state. Cerro de Pasco 0. syl Cer+ro de Pas+co pron Spanish <1sArro>, Spanish <1pasko> pos n. def a town in central Peru, in the Andes: one of the highest towns in the world, 4400 m (14436 ft.) above sea level; mining centre. Pop.: 47000 (1973 est.). Cerro Gordo 0. syl Cer+ro Gor+do pron Spanish <1sArro> <1gordo> pos n. def a mountain pass in E Mexico, between Veracruz and Jalapa: site of a battle in the Mexican War (1847) in which American forces under General Scott decisively defeated the Mexicans. cert 0. syl cert pron pos n. qual Informal. def something that is a certainty, esp. a horse that is certain to win a race (esp. in the phrase {a dead cert}) . cert 1. syl cert. qual abbrev. for: def certificate. cert 2. syl cert. qual abbrev. for: def certification. cert 3. syl cert. qual abbrev. for: def certified. certain ety C13: from Old French, from Latin certus sure, fixed, from cernere to discern, decide certain 1. syl cer+tain pron <1sR:tN> pos adj. usage postpositive def positive and confident about the truth of something; convinced. exam 1 I am certain that he wrote a book. certain 2. syl cer+tain pron <1sR:tN> pos adj. usage usually postpositive def definitely known. exam 1 it is certain that they were on the bus. certain 3. syl cer+tain pron <1sR:tN> pos adj. usage usually postpositive def sure; bound; destined. exam 1 he was certain to fail. certain 4. syl cer+tain pron <1sR:tN> pos adj. def decided or settled upon; fixed. exam 1 the date is already certain for the invasion. certain 5. syl cer+tain pron <1sR:tN> pos adj. def unfailing; reliable. exam 1 his judgment is certain. certain 6. syl cer+tain pron <1sR:tN> pos adj. def moderate or minimum. exam 1 to a certain extent. make certain of 7. head certain syl make certain of. def to ensure (that one will get something); confirm. for certain 8. head certain syl for certain. def definitely; without a doubt. exam 1 he will win for certain. certain 9.a. syl cer+tain pron <1sR:tN> pos determiner. def known but not specified or named. exam 1 certain people may doubt this. certain 9.b. syl cer+tain pron <1sR:tN> pos determiner. mod as pronoun; functioning as; pl. exam 1 certain of the members have not paid their subscriptions. certain 10. syl cer+tain pron <1sR:tN> pos determiner. def named but not known. exam 1 he had written to a certain Mrs. Smith. certainly 1. syl cer+tain+ly pron <1sR:tNli> pos adv. def with certainty; without doubt. exam 1 he certainly rides very well. certainly 2. syl cer+tain+ly pron <1sR:tNli> pos adv. usage sentence substitute. def by all means; definitely: used in answer to questions. ties infl head certainty syl +ties. pos n. mod pl. certainty 1. syl cer+tain+ty pron <1sR:tNti> pos n. def the condition of being certain. certainty 2. syl cer+tain+ty pron <1sR:tNti> pos n. def something established as certain or inevitable. for a certainty 3. head certainty syl for a certainty. def without doubt. Cert Ed 0. syl Cert. Ed. qual abbrev. for usage in Britain def Certificate in Education. certes ety C13: from Old French, ultimately from Latin certus #7certain certes 0. syl cer+tes pron <1sR:tiz> pos adv. qual Archaic. def with certainty; truly. certifiable 1. syl cer+ti+fi+a:ble pron <1sR:ti2fI*bL> pos adj. def capable of being certified. certifiable 2. syl cer+ti+fi+a:ble pron <1sR:ti2fI*bL> pos adj. def fit to be certified as insane. certificate ety C15: from Old French certificat, from certifier #7certify certificate 1. syl cer+tif:i+cate pron pos n. def an official document attesting the truth of the facts stated, as of birth, marital status, death, health, completion of an academic course, ability to practise a profession, etc. certificate 2. syl cer+tif:i+cate pron pos n. def short for {share certificate}. certificate 3. syl cer+tif:i+cate pron pos vb. mod tr. def to authorize by or present with an official document. certificatory sub head certificate syl cer+2tif:i+1ca+to:ry pos adj. certificate of incorporation 0. syl cer+tif:i+cate of in+cor+po+ra+tion pos n. qual Company law. def a signed statement that a company is duly incorporated. certificate of origin 0. syl cer+tif:i+cate of or:i+gin pos n. def a document stating the name of the country that produced a specified shipment of goods: often required before importation of goods. certification 1. syl cer+ti+fi+ca+tion pron <2sR:tifi1kAS*n> pos n. def the act of certifying or state of being certified. certification 2. syl cer+ti+fi+ca+tion pron <2sR:tifi1kAS*n> pos n. qual Law. def a document attesting the truth of a fact or statement. certified 1. syl cer+ti+fied pron <1sR:ti2fId> pos adj. def holding or guaranteed by a cer?!tificate. certified 2. syl cer+ti+fied pron <1sR:ti2fId> pos adj. def endorsed or guaranteed. exam 1 a certified cheque. certified 3. syl cer+ti+fied pron <1sR:ti2fId> pos adj. usage of a person def declared legally insane. certified public accountant 0. syl cer+ti+fied pub+lic ac+count+ant pos n. qual U.S. def a public accountant certified to have met state legal requirements. certify ety C14: from Old French certifier, from Medieval Latin certific*_are to make certain, from Latin certus #7certain+ facere to make certifies infl head certify syl cer+ti+fies pos vb. certifying infl head certify syl cer+ti+fy+ing pos vb. certified infl head certify syl cer+ti+fied. pos vb. certify 1. syl cer+ti+fy pron <1sR:ti2fI> pos vb. def to confirm or attest (to), usually in writing. exam 1 the letter certified her age. certify 2. syl cer+ti+fy pron <1sR:ti2fI> pos vb. mod tr. def to endorse or guarantee that certain required standards have been met. certify 3. syl cer+ti+fy pron <1sR:ti2fI> pos vb. def to give reliable information or assurances. exam 1 he certified that it was Walter's handwriting. certify 4. syl cer+ti+fy pron <1sR:ti2fI> pos vb. mod tr. def to declare legally insane. certify 5. syl cer+ti+fy pron <1sR:ti2fI> pos vb. mod tr. usage U.S. of a bank def to state in writing on (a cheque) that payment is guaranteed. certifiably sub head certify syl cer+ti+2fi+a:bly pos adv. certifier sub head certify syl cer+ti+2fi+er pos n. certiorari ety C15: from legal Latin: to be informed certiorari 0. syl cer+ti:o+ra+ri pron <2sR:tic:1re*rI> pos n. qual Law. def a writ from a superior court directing that a record of proceedings in a lower court be sent up for review. See also {mandamus, prohibition}. certitude ety C15: from Church Latin certit*_ud*_o, from Latin certus #7certain certitude 0. syl cer+ti+tude pron <1sR:ti2tju:d> pos n. def confidence; certainty. cerulean ety C17: from Latin caeruleus, probably from caelum sky cerulean 0.a. syl ce+ru+le:an pron pos n. def a deep blue colour; azure. cerulean 0.b. syl ce+ru+le:an pron pos as; adj. exam 1 a cerulean sea. cerumen ety C18: from New Latin, from Latin c*_era wax+#7albumen cerumen 0. syl ce+ru+men pron pos n. def the soft brownish-yellow wax secreted by glands in the auditory canal of the external ear. Nontechnical name: {earwax}. ceruminous sub head cerumen syl ce+1ru+mi+nous pos adj. ceruse ety C14: from Old French c*'eruse, from Latin c*_erussa, perhaps ultimately from Greek k*_eros wax ceruse 0. syl ce+ruse pron pos n. def another name for { {white lead} (sense 1).} cerussite ety C19: from Latin c*_erussa (see #7ceruse) #7+ -#7ite %1 cerusite alt head cerussite or cerussite syl ce+ru+site pron <1si*r*2sIt> pos n. cerussite 0. or cerusite syl ce+rus+site pron <1si*r*2sIt> pos n. def a colourless white or grey secondary mineral consisting of lead carbonate in orthorhombic crystalline form: a source of lead. Formula: PbCO\3. Also called: {white lead ore}. Miguel de infl head Cervantes syl Mi:guel de pron pos n. Cervantes 0. syl Cer:van:tes pron , Spanish pos n. def full surname 1547-1616, Spanish dramatist, poet, and prose writer, most famous for (1605), which satirizes the chivalric romances and greatly influenced the development of the novel. cervelat ety C17: via obsolete French from Italian cervellata cervelat 0. syl cer+ve+lat pron <1sR:v*2l@t>, <-2la:> pos n. def a smoked sausage made from pork and beef. cervical ety C17: from New Latin cerv*_ic*_alis, from Latin cerv*_ix neck cervical 0. syl cer+vi+cal pron <1sR:vikL>, pos adj. def of or relating to the neck or cervix. cervical smear 0. syl cer+vi+cal smear pos n. qual Med. def a smear of secretions and cellular material taken from the neck (cervix) of the uterus for detection of cancer. See also {Pap test}. cervicitis 0. syl cer+vi+ci+tis pron <2sR:vi1sItis> pos n. def inflammation of the neck of the uterus. cervid ety C19: from New Latin Cervidae, from Latin cervus deer cervid 1. syl cer+vid pron <1sR:vid> pos n. def any ruminant mammal of the family including the deer, characterized by the presence of antlers. cervid 2. syl cer+vid pron <1sR:vid> pos adj. def of, relating to, or belonging to the Mont infl head Cervin syl Mont. pos n. Cervin 0. syl Cer+vin pron < ser1v?~e> pos n. def the French name for the {Matterhorn}. cervine ety C19: from Latin cerv*_inus, from cervus a deer cervine 1. syl cer+vine pron <1sR:vIn> pos adj. def resembling or relating to a deer. cervine 2. syl cer+vine pron <1sR:vIn> pos adj. def of a dark yellowish-brown colour. cervix ety C18: from Latin cervixes infl head cervix or cervices syl cer+vix:es pron pos n. mod pl. cervices infl head cervix or cervixes syl cer+vi+ces pron pos n. mod pl. cervix 1. syl cer+vix pron <1sR:viks> pos n. def the technical name for {neck}. cervix 2. syl cer+vix pron <1sR:viks> pos n. def any necklike part of an organ, esp. the lower part of the uterus that extends into the vagina. Cesarian alt head Cesarean or Cesarean syl Ce+sar+i:an pron pos adj. Cesarean 0. or Cesarian syl Ce+sar+e:an pron pos adj. qual U.S. def variant spellings of {Caesarean}. Cesena 0. syl Ce+se:na pron Italian pos n. def a city in N Italy, in Emilia-Romagna. Pop.: 86584 (1971). cesium 0. syl ce+si:um pron <1sEzi*m> pos n. def the usual U.S. spelling of {caesium}. vCesk'e Budvejovice 0. syl *vCes+k*'e Bu+d*ve+jo+vi+ce pron Czech <1Ceske:> <1budejcvitse> pos n. def a city in SW Czechoslovakia, on the Vltava (Moldau) River. Pop.: 76945 (1968 est.). German name: {Budweis}. vCeskoslovensko 0. syl *vCes+ko+slo+ven+sko pron <1Ceskc2slcvenskc> pos n. def the Czech name for {Czechoslovakia}. cespitose 0. syl ces+pi+tose pron <1sespi2t*us> pos adj. def a variant spelling (esp. U.S.) of {caespitose}. cespitosely sub head cespitose syl ces+pi+2tose+ly pos adv. cess ety C16: short for #7assessment cess H1.1. syl cess pron pos n. qual Brit. def any of several special taxes, such as a land tax in Scotland. cess H1.2.a. syl cess pron pos n. def the obligation to provide the soldiers and household of the lord deputy with supplies at fixed prices. cess H1.2.b. syl cess pron pos n. def any military exaction. cess H1.3. syl cess pron pos vb. mod tr. qual Brit. def to tax or assess for taxation. cess H1.4. syl cess pron pos vb. mod tr. usage formerly in Ireland def to impose (soldiers) upon a population, to be supported by them. cess ety C19: probably short for #7success cess H2.0. syl cess pron pos n. def an Irish slang word for {luck} (esp. in the phrase {bad cess to you&}!) cess H3.0. syl cess pron pos n. def short for {cesspool}. cessation ety C14: from Latin cess*_ati*_o a delaying, inactivity, from cess*_are to be idle, desist from, from c*_edere to yield, #7cede cessation 0. syl ces+sa+tion pron pos n. def a ceasing or stopping; discontinuance; pause. exam 1 temporary cessation of hostilities. cesser 0. syl ces+ser pron <1ses*> pos n. qual Law. def the coming to an end of a term interest or annuity. cession ety C14: from Latin cessi*_o, from c*_edere to yield cession 1. syl ces+sion pron <1seS*n> pos n. def the act of ceding, esp. of ceding rights, property, or territory. cession 2. syl ces+sion pron <1seS*n> pos n. def something that is ceded, esp. land or territory. cessionaries infl head cessionary syl ces+sion+ar:ies. pos n. mod pl. cessionary 0. syl ces+sion+ar:y pron <1seS*n*ri> pos n. qual Law. def a person to whom something is transferred; assignee; grantee. cesspool ety C17: changed (through influence of #7pool) from earlier cesperalle, from Old French souspirail vent, air, from soupirer to sigh; see #7suspire cesspool 1. syl cess+pool pron <1ses2pu:l> pos n. def Also called: {cesspit, sink, sump}. a covered cistern, etc., for collecting and storing sewage or waste water. cesspool 2. syl cess+pool pron <1ses2pu:l> pos n. def a filthy or corrupt place. exam 1 a cesspool of iniquity. c'est la vie 0. syl c'est la vie pron French. , French. <1vi> def that's life. cestode ety C19: from New Latin Cestoidea ribbon-shaped creatures, from Latin cestus belt, girdle; see #7cestus %1 cestode 0. syl ces+tode pron <1sest*ud> pos n. def any parasitic flatworm of the class which includes the tapeworms. cestoid 0. syl ces+toid pron <1sestcid> pos adj. usage esp. of tapeworms and similar animals def ribbon-like in form. cestus ety C16: from Latin, from Greek kestos belt, from kentein to stitch cestos alt head cestus or cestus syl ces+tos pron <1sest*s>, <1sestos>, <1sestos> pos n. cestus H1.0. or cestos syl ces+tus pron <1sest*s>, <1sestos>, <1sestos> pos n. qual Classical myth. def the girdle of Aphrodite (Venus) decorated to cause amorousness. cestus ety C18: from Latin caestus, probably from caedere to strike, slay caestus alt head cestus or cestus syl caes+tus pron <1sest*s> pos n. cestus infl or cestuses syl ces+tus pos n. mod pl. cestuses infl head cestus or cestus syl ces+tus:es. pos n. mod pl. cestus H2.0. or caestus syl ces+tus pron <1sest*s> pos n. usage in classical Roman boxing def a pugilist's gauntlet of bull's hide loaded or studded with metal. cesuras infl head cesura or cesurae syl ce+su+ras pron <-rE> pos n. mod pl. cesurae infl head cesura or cesuras syl ce+su+rae pron <-rE> pos n. mod pl. cesura 0. syl ce+su+ra pron pos n. qual Prosody. def a variant spelling of {caesura}. cesural sub head cesura syl ce+1su+ral pos adj. CET 0. syl C.E.T. qual abbrev. for def Central European Time. cetacean ety C19: from New Latin C*_et*_acea, ultimately from Latin c*_etus whale, from Greek k*_etos cetacean 1. syl ce+ta+cean pron pos adj. usage also def of, relating to, or belonging to the an order of aquatic placental mammals having no hind limbs and a blowhole for breathing: includes toothed whales (dolphins, porpoises, etc.) and whalebone whales (rorquals, right whales, etc.). cetacean 2. syl ce+ta+cean pron pos n. usage also def a whale. cetane ety C19: from Latin c*_etus whale+-#7ane, so called because related compounds are found in sperm whale oil cetane 0. syl ce+tane pron <1sEtAn> pos n. def a colourless insoluble liquid alkane hydrocarbon used in the determination of the cetane number of diesel fuel. Formula: C\1\6H\3\4. Also called: {hexadecane}. cetane number 0. syl ce+tane num+ber pos n. def a measure of the quality of a diesel fuel expressed as the percentage of cetane in a mixture of cetane and 1-methylnapthalene of the same quality as the given fuel. Also called: {cetane rating}. Compare {octane number}. Cetatea Albua 0. syl Ce+ta+tea Al:b*ua pron <1alb*> pos n. def the Rumanian name for {Byelgorod-Dnestrovski}. cete ety C15: perhaps from Latin coetus assembly, from co*_ire to come together cete 0. syl cete pron pos n. def a group of badgers. ceteris paribus ety C17: Latin ceteris paribus 0. syl ce+te:ris pa+ri+bus pron <1ket*ris> <1pa:ribus> def other things being equal. Cetinje 0. syl Ce+ti+nje pron Serbo-Croatian <1tsetinje> pos n. def a city in S Yugoslavia, in SW Montenegro: former capital of Montenegro (until 1945); palace and fortified monastery, residences of Montenegrin prince-bishops. Pop.: 11800 (1971 est.). cetology ety C19: from Latin c*_etus whale cetology 0. syl ce+tol+o:gy pron pos n. def the branch of zoology concerned with the study of whales (cetaceans). cetological sub head cetology syl ce+to+log:i+cal pron <2sEt*1loJikL> pos adj. cetologist sub head cetology syl ce+1tol:o+gist pos n. Cetus ety Latin: whale Ceti infl head Cetus syl Ce:ti pron <1sEtI> pos n. qual Latin genitive Cetus 0. syl Ce+tus pron <1sEt*s> pos n. def a large constellation on the celestial equator near Pisces and Aquarius. It contains the variable star Mira Ceti. Ceuta 0. syl Ce:u+ta pron Spanish <1TAuta> pos n. def an enclave in Morocco on the Strait of Gibraltar, consisting of a port and military station: held by Spain since 1580. Pop.: 73182 (1970). C'evennes 0. syl C*'e+vennes pron French pos n. def a mountain range in S central France, on the SE edge of the Massif Central. Highest peak: 1754 m (5755 ft.). Ceylon 1. syl Cey+lon pron pos n. def the former name (until 1972) of {Sri Lanka}. Ceylon 2. syl Cey+lon pron pos n. def an island in the Indian Ocean, off the SE coast of India: consists politically of the republic of Sri Lanka. Area: 64644 sq. km (24959 sq. miles). Ceylonese sub head Ceylon syl Cey+lo+nese pron <2sel*1nEz>, <2sEl*-> pos adj. Ceylon moss 0. syl Cey+lon moss pos n. def a red East Indian seaweed, from which agar is made. Ceyx 0. syl Ce:yx pron <1sEiks> pos n. qual Greek myth. def a king of Trachis in Thessaly and the husband of Alcyone. He died in a shipwreck and his wife drowned herself in grief. Compare { {Alcyone} %1 (sense 1).} Paul infl head C'ezanne syl Paul pron pos n. C'ezanne 0. syl C*'e:zanne pron French pos n. def 1839-1906, French postimpressionist painter, who was a major influence on modern art, esp. cubism, in stressing the structural elements latent in nature, such as the sphere and the cone. Cf 0. syl Cf usage the chemical symbol for def californium. cf ety Latin: compare cf 1. syl cf. qual abbrev. for: usage in bookbinding, etc. def calfskin. cf 2. syl cf. qual abbrev. for: def confer. CF alt head cf or cf syl C.F. cf 0. or CF syl c.f. qual abbrev. for def cost and freight. Also: {c ?󃕬} CF 0. syl C.F. qual Chiefly Brit. abbrev. for def Chaplain to the Forces. cf 0. syl c/f qual Book-keeping. abbrev. for def carried forward. CFE 0. syl C.F.E. qual abbrev. for def College of Further Education. CFI alt head cfi or cfi syl C.F.I. cfi 0. or CFI syl c.f.i. qual abbrev. for def cost, freight, and insurance (included in the price quoted). Also: {c.i.f}. cg 0. syl cg qual abbrev. for def centigram. cg 0. syl c.g. qual abbrev. for def centre of gravity. CG 1. syl C.G. qual abbrev. for: def captain general. CG 2. syl C.G. qual abbrev. for: def coastguard. CG 3. syl C.G. qual abbrev. for: def Coldstream Guards. CG 4. syl C.G. qual abbrev. for: def consul general. CGM 0. syl C.G.M. qual Chiefly Brit. abbrev. for def Conspicuous Gallantry Medal. CGS 0. syl C.G.S. usage abbrev. for in Britain def Chief of General Staff. cgs units 0. syl cgs u:nits pos n. mod pl. def a metric system of units based on the centimetre, gram, and second. For scientific and technical purposes these units have been replaced by SI units. CH ety from French Conf*'ed*'eration Helv*'etique CH 0. syl CH usage international car registration for def Switzerland. ch 1. syl ch. qual abbrev. for: def chain (unit of measure). ch 2. syl ch. qual abbrev. for: def chapter. ch 3. syl ch. qual abbrev. for:; Chess. def check. ch 4. syl ch. qual abbrev. for: def chief. ch 5. syl ch. qual abbrev. for: def church. ch 0. syl c.h. qual abbrev. for def custom house. CH 0. syl C.H. qual abbrev. for def Companion of Honour (a Brit. title). chabazite ety C19: from French chabazie from Late Greek khabazios, erroneous for khalazios stone similar to a hailstone, from Greek khalazios of hail, from khalaza hailstone+-#7ite %1 chabazite 0. syl chab:a+zite pron <1k@b*2zIt> pos n. def a pink, white, or colourless zeolite mineral consisting of a hydrated silicate of calcium, sodium, potassium, and aluminium in hexagonal crystalline form. Formula: (Ca,Na,K)Al\2Si\4O\1\2.6H\2O. chablis 0. syl chab+lis pron <1S@bli>, French pos n. usage sometimes cap. def a dry white burgundy wine made around Chablis, France. Claude infl head Chabrol syl Claude pron pos n. Chabrol 0. syl Cha:brol pron French pos n. def born 1930, French film director, whose films, such as (1968), show a penchant for the bizarre. cha-cha-cha ety C20: from American (Cuban) Spanish cha-cha alt head cha-cha-cha or cha-cha-cha syl cha-cha pos n. cha-cha-cha 1. or cha-cha syl cha-cha-cha pron <2Ca:Ca:1Ca:> pos n. def a modern ballroom dance from Latin America with small steps and swaying hip movements. cha-cha-cha 2. or cha-cha syl cha-cha-cha pron <2Ca:Ca:1Ca:> pos n. def a piece of music composed for this dance. {~} cha-cha-cha 3. or cha-cha syl cha-cha-cha pron <2Ca:Ca:1Ca:> pos n. def to perform this dance. chacma ety C19: from Hottentot chacma 0. syl chac+ma pron <1C@km*> pos n. def a baboon, (or having coarse greyish hair and occurring in southern and eastern Africa. Chaco 0. syl Cha+co pron Spanish <1Cako> pos n. def See {Gran Chaco}. chaconne ety C17: from French, from Spanish chacona, probably imitative of the castanet accompaniment chaconne 1. syl cha+conne pron , French pos n. def a musical form consisting of a set of continuous variations upon a ground bass. See also {passacaglia}. chaconne 2. syl cha+conne pron , French pos n. qual Archaic. def a dance in slow triple time probably originating in Spain. chacun a son gout 0. syl cha+cun *`a son go*^ut pron French. , French. <1gu> def each to his own taste. chad ety C20: perhaps based on #7chaff chad 0. syl chad pron pos n. def the small pieces of cardboard or paper removed during the punching of holes in computer cards or paper tape. Chad 1. syl Chad pron pos n. def a republic in N central Africa: made a territory of French Equatorial Africa in 1910; became inde?!pendent in 1960; contains much desert and the Tibesti Mountains, with Lake Chad in the west; produces chiefly cotton and livestock. Official language: French. Religion: chiefly Muslim, also animist. Currency: franc. Capital: Ndjamena. Pop.: 3800000 (1971 UN est.). Area: 1284000 sq. km (495750 sq. miles). French name: {Tchad}. Lake 2. head Chad syl Lake. def a lake in N central Africa: fed chiefly by the Shari River, it has no apparent outlet. Area: 10000 to 26000 sq. km (4000 to 10000 sq. miles), varying seasonally. Chadderton 0. syl Chad+der+ton pron <1C@d*tN> pos n. def a town in NW England, in Greater Manchester. Pop.: 32406 (1971). Chadic 1. syl Chad+ic pron <1C@dik> pos n. def a subfamily of the Afro-Asiatic family of languages, spoken in an area west and south of Lake Chad, the chief member of which is Hausa. Chadic 2. syl Chad+ic pron <1C@dik> pos adj. def denoting, relating to, or belonging to this group of languages. Chadwick 0. syl Chad:wick pron <1C@dwik> pos n. def Sir {James}. 1891-1974, English physicist: discovered the neutron (1932): Nobel prize for physics 1935. Chaeronea 0. syl Chaer:o+ne:a pron <2ker*1nE*> pos n. def an ancient Greek town in W Boeotia: site of the victory of Philip of Macedon over the Athenians and Thebans (338 #7b.c.) and of Sulla over Mithridates (86 #7b.c.) #7. chaeta ety C19: New Latin, from Greek khait*_e long hair chaetae infl head chaeta syl chae+tae pron <-tE> pos n. mod pl. chaeta 0. syl chae+ta pron <1kEt*> pos n. def any of the chitinous bristles on the body of such annelids as the earthworm and the lugworm: used in locomotion; a seta. chaetognath ety C19: New Latin Chaetognatha, literally: hair-jaw, from #7chaeta+ Greek gnathos jaw chaetognath 0. syl chae+tog+nath pron <1kEtog2n@T> pos n. def any small wormlike marine invertebrate of the phylum including the arrowworms, having a coelom and a ring of bristles around the mouth. chaetopod ety C19: from New Latin Chaetopoda; see #7chaeta, -#7pod chaetopod 0. syl chae+to+pod pron <1kEt*2pod> pos n. def any annelid worm of the classes or See {oligochaete, polychaete}. chafe ety C14: from Old French chaufer to warm, ultimately from Latin calefacere, from cal*_ere to be warm+ facere to make chafe 1. syl chafe pron pos vb. def to make or become sore or worn by rubbing. chafe 2. syl chafe pron pos vb. mod tr. def to warm (the hands, etc.) by rubbing. chafe 3. syl chafe pron pos vb. def to irritate or be irritated or impatient. exam 1 he was chafed because he was not allowed out. chafe 4. syl chafe pron pos vb. mod intr. usage often foll. by on, against, etc. def to cause friction; rub. chafe at the bit 5. head chafe syl chafe at the bit. def See { {champ} %1 (sense 3).} chafe 6. syl chafe pron pos n. def a soreness or irritation caused by friction. chafer ety Old English ceafor; related to Old Saxon kevera, Old High German chevar chafer 0. syl chaf+er pron <1CAf*> pos n. def any of various scarabaeid beetles, such as the cockchafer and rose chafer. chaff ety Old English ceaf; related to Old High German keva husk chaff H1.1. syl chaff pron pos n. def the mass of husks, etc., separated from the seeds during threshing. chaff H1.2. syl chaff pron pos n. def finely cut straw and hay used to feed cattle. chaff H1.3. syl chaff pron pos n. def something of little worth; rubbish (esp. in the phrase {separate the wheat from the chaff) }. chaff H1.4. syl chaff pron pos n. def the dry membranous bracts enclosing the flowers of certain composite plants. chaff H1.5. syl chaff pron pos n. def thin strips of metallic foil released into the earth's atmosphere to deflect radar signals and prevent detection. chaffy sub head chaff syl chaff:y pos adj. chaff ety C19: probably a slang variant of #7chafe, perhaps influenced by #7chaff %1 chaff H2.1. syl chaff pron pos n. def light-hearted teasing or joking; banter. chaff H2.2. syl chaff pron pos vb. def to tease good-naturedly; banter. chaffer sub head chaff syl chaff+er pos n. chaffer ety C13 chaffare, from chep bargain+ fare journey; see #7cheap, fare chaffer 1. syl chaf+fer pron <1C@f*> pos vb. mod intr. def to haggle or bargain. chaffer 2. syl chaf+fer pron <1C@f*> pos vb. def to chatter, talk, or say idly; bandy (words). chaffer 3. syl chaf+fer pron <1C@f*> pos vb. mod tr. qual Obsolete. def to deal in; barter. chaffer 4. syl chaf+fer pron <1C@f*> pos n. def haggling or bargaining. chafferer sub head chaffer syl chaf+fer+er pos n. chaffinch 0. syl chaf+finch pron <1C@finC> pos n. def a common European finch, with black and white wings and, in the male, a reddish body and blue-grey head. chafing dish 0. syl chaf+ing dish pron <1CAfiG> pos n. def a vessel with a heating apparatus beneath it, for cooking or keeping food warm at the table. Marc infl head Chagall syl Marc pos n. Chagall 0. syl Cha:gall pron French pos n. usage mark). born 1887, French painter and illustrator, born in Russia, noted for his richly coloured pictures of men, animals, and objects in fantastic combinations and often suspended in space: his work includes 12 stained glass windows for a synagogue in Jerusalem (1961 def and the decorations for the ceiling of the Paris Opera House (1964). Chagas' disease ety C20: named after Carlos Chagas (1879-1934), Brazilian physician who first described it Chagas' disease 0. syl Cha+gas' dis+ease pron <1Sa:g*s> pos n. def a form of trypanosomiasis found in South America, caused by the protozoan characterized by fever and, often, inflammation of the heart muscles. Also called: ({South) American trypanosomiasis}. Compare {sleeping sickness}. Chagres 0. syl Cha+gres pron Spanish <1Ca$GrAs> pos n. def a river in Panama and the Canal Zone, flowing southwest through Gat*'un Lake, then northwest to the Caribbean Sea. chagrin ety C17: from French chagrin, chagriner, of unknown origin chagrin 1. syl cha+grin pron <1S@grin> pos n. def a feeling of annoyance or mortification. chagrin 2. syl cha+grin pron <1S@grin> pos vb. def to embarrass and annoy; mortify. chain ety C13: from Old French chaine, ultimately from Latin; see #7catena chain 1. syl chain pron pos n. def a flexible length of metal links, used for confining, connecting, pulling, etc., or in jewellery. chain 2. syl chain pron pos n. mod usually; pl. def anything that confines, fetters, or restrains. exam 1 the chains of poverty. chain 3. syl chain pron pos n. mod usually; pl. def Also called: {snow chains}. a set of metal links that fit over the tyre of a motor vehicle to increase traction and reduce skidding on an icy surface. chain 4. syl chain pron pos n. def a series of related or connected facts, events, etc. chain 5.a. syl chain pron pos n. def a number of establishments such as hotels, shops, etc., having the same owner or management. chain 5.b. syl chain pron pos n. usage as modifier exam 1 a chain store. chain 6. syl chain pron pos n. def Also called: {Gunter's chain}. a unit of length equal to 22 yards. chain 7. syl chain pron pos n. def Also called: {engineer's chain}. a unit of length equal to 100 feet. chain 8. syl chain pron pos n. def Also called: {nautical chain}. a unit of length equal to 15 feet. chain 9. syl chain pron pos n. qual Chem. def two or more atoms or groups bonded together so that the configuration of the resulting molecule, ion, or radical resembles a chain. See also {open chain, { ring%1} (sense 18).} chain 10. syl chain pron pos n. qual Geography. def a series of natural features, esp. approximately parallel mountain ranges. chain 11. syl chain pron pos vb. qual Surveying. def to measure with a chain or tape. chain 12. syl chain pron pos vb. mod tr. usage often foll. by up def to confine, tie, or make fast with or as if with a chain. chain 13. syl chain pron pos vb. def short for {chain-stitch}. Ernst Boris infl head Chain syl Ernst Bor:is. pos n. Chain 0. syl Chain pron pos n. def born 1906, English biochemist, born in Germany: purified and adapted penicillin for clinical use; with Fleming and Florey shared the Nobel prize for medicine (1945). chain gang 0. syl chain gang pos n. qual U.S. def a group of convicted prisoners chained together, usually while doing hard labour. chain grate 0. syl chain grate pos n. def a type of mechanical stoker for a furnace, in which the grate consists of an endless chain that draws the solid fuel into the furnace as it rotates. chain letter 0. syl chain let+ter pos n. def a letter, often with a request for and promise of money, that is sent to many people who add to or recopy it and send it on to others: illegal in many countries. chain lightning 0. syl chain light+ning pos n. def another name for {forked lightning}. chain mail 0. syl chain mail pos n. def another term for { {mail%2} (sense 1).} chainmen infl head chainman syl chain+men. pos n. mod pl. chainman 0. syl chain+man pron <1CAnm*n> pos n. qual Surveying. def a person who does the chaining in a survey. chainplate 0. syl chain+plate pron <1CAn2plAt> pos n. def a metal plate on the side of a vessel, to which the shrouds are attached. chain printer 0. syl chain print+er pos n. def a line printer in which the type is on a continuous chain, used to print computer output. chain-react 0. syl chain-re:act pos vb. mod intr. def to undergo a chain reaction. chain reaction 1. syl chain re+ac+tion pos n. def a process in which a neutron colliding with an atomic nucleus causes fission and the ejection of one or more other neutrons, which induce other nuclei to split. chain reaction 2. syl chain re+ac+tion pos n. def a chemical reaction in which the product of one step is a reactant in the following step. chain reaction 3. syl chain re+ac+tion pos n. def a series of rapidly occurring events, each of which precipitates the next. chain rule 0. syl chain rule pos n. qual Maths. def a theorem that may be used in the differentiation of the function of a function. It states that d /d =(d /d (d /d , where is a function of and a function of chain saw 0. syl chain saw pos n. def a motor-driven saw, usually portable, in which the cutting teeth form links in a continuous chain. chain shot 0. syl chain shot pos n. def cannon shot comprising two balls or half balls joined by a chain, much used formerly, esp. in naval warfare. chain-smoke 0. syl chain-smoke pos vb. def to smoke (cigarettes, etc.) continually, esp. lighting one from the preceding one. chain smoker sub head chain-smoke syl chain smok+er pos n. chain stitch 1. syl chain stitch pos n. def an ornamental looped embroidery stitch resembling the links of a chain. chain-stitch infl head chain stitch syl chain-stitch. pos vb. chain stitch 2. syl chain stitch pos vb. def to sew (something) with this stitch. chair ety C13: from Old French chaiere, from Latin cathedra, from Greek kathedra, from kata- down+ hedra seat; compare #7cathedral chair 1. syl chair pron pos n. def a seat with a back on which one person sits, typically having four legs and often having arms. chair 2. syl chair pron pos n. def an official position of authority. exam 1 a chair on the board of directors. chair 3. syl chair pron pos n. def a person holding an office of authority, esp. the chairman of a debate or meeting. exam 1 all questions are to be addressed to the chair. chair 4. syl chair pron pos n. def a professorship. exam 1 the chair of German. chair 5. syl chair pron pos n. qual Railways. def an iron or steel socket with a deep groove designed to take the rail and secure it to the sleeper. chair 6. syl chair pron pos n. def short for {sedan chair}. in the chair 7. head chair syl in the chair. def chairing a debate or meeting. take the chair 8. head chair syl take the chair. def to preside as chairman for a meeting, etc. the chair 9. head chair syl the chair. def an informal name for {electric chair. ~} chair 10. syl chair pron pos n. def to preside over (a meet?!ing). chair 11. syl chair pron pos n. qual Brit. def to carry aloft in a sitting position after a triumph or great achievement. chair 12. syl chair pron pos n. def to provide with a chair of office. chair 13. syl chair pron pos n. def to install in a chair. chairborne 0. syl chair+borne pron <1Ce*2bc:n> pos adj. qual Informal. def having an administrative or desk job rather than a more active one. chair lift 0. syl chair lift pos n. def a series of chairs suspended from a power-driven cable for conveying people, esp. skiers, up a mountain. chairmen infl head chairman syl chair+men. pos n. mod pl. chairman 1. syl chair+man pron <1Ce*m*n> pos n. def Also. exam 1 (fem.) chairman 2. syl chair+man pron <1Ce*m*n> pos n. def someone who wheels or carries people in a chair. &- {#!chair+man+@!ship} chaise ety C18: from French, variant of Old French chaiere #7chair chaise 1. syl chaise pron pos n. def a light open horse-drawn carriage, esp. one with two wheels designed for two passengers. chaise 2. syl chaise pron pos n. def short for {post chaise} and {chaise longue}. chaise 3. syl chaise pron pos n. def a gold coin first issued in France in the 14th century, depicting the king seated on a throne. chaise longue ety C19: from French: long chair chaise longues infl head chaise longue or chaises longues syl chaise longues pron <1SAz> <1loG>, French <1l?~cg> pos n. mod pl. chaises longues infl head chaise longue or chaise longues syl chaises longues pron <1SAz> <1loG>, French <1l?~cg> pos n. mod pl. chaise longue 0. syl chaise longue pron <1SAz> <1loG>, French <1l?~cg>, French <1l?~cg> pos n. def a long low chair for reclining, with a back and single armrest. chalaza ety C18: New Latin, from Greek: hailstone chalazas infl head chalaza or chalazae syl cha+la+zas pron <-zE> pos n. mod pl. chalazae infl head chalaza or chalazas syl cha+la+zae pron <-zE> pos n. mod pl. chalaza 1. syl cha+la+za pron pos n. def one of a pair of spiral threads of albumen holding the yolk of a bird's egg in position. chalaza 2. syl cha+la+za pron pos n. def the basal part of a plant ovule, where the integuments and nucellus are joined. chalazal sub head chalaza syl cha+1la+zal pos adj. chalcanthite ety C19: via German from Latin chalcanthum copper sulphate solution, from Greek khalkanthon, from khalkos copper+ anthos flower; see -#7ite %1 chalcanthite 0. syl chal+can+thite pron pos n. def a blue secondary mineral consisting of hydrated copper sulphate in triclinic crystalline form. Formula: CuSO\4.5H\2O. chalcedony ety C15: from Late Latin chalc*_ed*_onius, from Greek khalk*_ed*_on a precious stone (Revelation 21:19), perhaps named after Khalk*_ed*_on Chalcedon, town in Asia Minor chalcedonies infl head chalcedony syl chal+ced:o+nies. pos n. mod pl. chalcedony 0. syl chal+ced:o+ny pron pos n. def a microcrystalline often greyish form of quartz with crystals arranged in parallel fibres: a gemstone. Formula: SiO\2. chalcedonic sub head chalcedony syl chal+ce:don+ic pron <2k@lsi1donik> pos adj. chalcid ety C19: from New Latin Chalcis type genus, from Greek khalkos copper, referring to its metallic sheen chalcid fly alt head chalcid or chalcid syl chal+cid fly pron <1k@lsid> pos n. chalcid 0. or chalcid fly syl chal+cid pron <1k@lsid> pos n. def any tiny hymenopterous insect of the family and related families, whose larvae are parasites of other insects. Chalcidice 0. syl Chal+cid:i+ce pron pos n. def a peninsula of N central Greece, in Macedonia, ending in the three promontories of Kassandra, Sithonia, and Akti. Area: 2945 sq. km (1149 sq. miles). Modern Greek name: {Khalkidhik*'i}. Chalcis 0. syl Chal+cis pron <1k@lsis> pos n. def a city in SE Greece, at the narrowest point of the Euripus strait: important since the 7th century #7b.c., founding many colonies in ancient times. Pop.: 36300 (1971). Modern Greek name: {Khalk*'is}. Medieval English name: {Negropont}. chalco- ety from Greek khalkos copper chalcocite ety C19: changed from earlier chalcosine, from Greek khalkos copper+-#7ite %1 chalcocite 0. syl chal+co+cite pron <1k@lk*2sIt> pos n. def a heavy grey mineral consisting of cuprous sulphide in orthorhombic crystalline form: an ore of copper. Formula: Cu\2S. chalcography 0. syl chal+cog+ra+phy pron pos n. def the art of engraving on copper or brass. chalcographer sub head chalcography or chalcographist syl chal+1cog+ra+pher pos n. chalcographist sub head chalcography or chalcographer syl chal+1cog+ra+phist pos n. chalcographic sub head chalcography or chalcographical syl chal+co+graph+ic pron <2k@lk*1gr@fik> pos adj. chalcographical sub head chalcography or chalcographic syl chal+co+1graph:i+cal pos adj. chalcolithic 0. syl chal+co+lith+ic pron <2k@lk*1liTik> pos adj. qual Archaeol. def of or relating to a period characterized by the use of both stone and bronze implements. chalcopyrite 0. syl chal+co+py+rite pron <2k@lk*1pIrIt>, <-1pI*-> pos n. def a widely distributed yellow mineral consisting of a sulphide of copper and iron in tetragonal crystalline form: the principal ore of copper. Formula: CuFeS\2. Also called: {copper pyrites}. Chaldaea alt head Chaldea or Chaldea syl Chal+dae:a pron pos n. Chaldea 1. or Chaldaea syl Chal+de:a pron pos n. def an ancient region of Babylonia; the land lying between the Euphrates delta, the Persian Gulf, and the Arabian desert. Chaldea 2. or Chaldaea syl Chal+de:a pron pos n. def another name for {Babylonia}. Chaldaean alt head Chaldean or Chaldean syl Chal+dae:an pron pos n. Chaldean 1. or Chaldaean syl Chal+de:an pron pos n. def a member of an ancient Semitic people who controlled S Babylonia from the late 8th to the late 7th century #7b.c. Chaldean 2. or Chaldaean syl Chal+de:an pron pos n. def the dialect of Babylonian spoken by this people. Chaldean 3. or Chaldaean syl Chal+de:an pron pos n. qual Rare. def an astrologer or soothsayer. Chaldean 4. or Chaldaean syl Chal+de:an pron pos adj. def of or relating to the ancient Chaldeans or their language. Chaldee 1. syl Chal+dee pron pos n. def a nontechnical term for {Biblical Aramaic}, once believed to be the language of the ancient Chaldeans. Chaldee 2. syl Chal+dee pron pos n. def the actual language of the ancient Chaldeans. See also {Chaldean} (sense 2). Chaldee 3. syl Chal+dee pron pos n. def an inhabitant of ancient Chaldea; a Chaldean. Chaldee xref syl Chal+dee pron pos n. def Also (for senses 1, 2): {Chal+da+ic} (k@al#!de$I$Ik). chaldron ety C17: from Old French chauderon #7cauldron chaldron 0. syl chal+dron pron <1Cc:ldr*n> pos n. def a unit of capacity equal to 36 bushels. Formerly used in the U.S. for the measurement of solids, being equivalent to 1.268 cubic metres. Used in Britain for both solids and liquids, it is equivalent to 1.309 cubic metres. chalet ety C19: from French (Swiss dialect) chalet 1. syl cha+let pron <1S@lA>, French pos n. def a type of wooden house of Swiss origin, typically low, with wide projecting eaves. chalet 2. syl cha+let pron <1S@lA>, French pos n. def a similar house used esp. as a ski lodge, garden house, etc. Fyodor Ivanovich infl head Chaliapin syl Fyo:dor I:va:no:vich pron <1fjcd*r> pos n. Chaliapin 0. syl Cha:li:a:pin pron Russian pos n. def 1873-1938, Russian operatic bass singer. chalice ety C13: from Old French, from Latin calix cup; related to Greek kalux calyx chalice 1. syl chal+ice pron <1C@lis> pos n. qual Poetic. def a drinking cup; goblet. chalice 2. syl chal+ice pron <1C@lis> pos n. qual Christianity. def a gold or silver cup containing the wine at Mass. chalice 3. syl chal+ice pron <1C@lis> pos n. def a cup-shaped flower. chaliced 0. syl chal+iced pron <1C@list> pos adj. usage of plants def having cup-shaped flowers. chalicothere ety C19: from New Latin Chalicotherium type genus, from Greek khalix gravel+Greek th*_erion a little beast, from th*_er wild animal chalicothere 0. syl chal:i+co+there pron <1k@lik*u2Ti*> pos n. def any of various very large extinct Tertiary horselike perissodactyl mammals that had clawed feet but otherwise resembled titanotheres. chalk ety Old English cealc, from Latin calx limestone, from Greek khalix pebble chalk 1. syl chalk pron pos n. def a soft fine-grained white sedimentary rock consisting of nearly pure calcium carbonate, containing minute fossil fragments of marine organisms, usually without a ce?!menting material. chalk 2. syl chalk pron pos n. def a line, mark, etc. made with chalk. chalk 3. syl chalk pron pos n. qual Billiards. def a small cube of prepared chalk or similar substance for rubbing the tip of a cue. chalk 4. syl chalk pron pos n. qual Brit. def a score, tally, or record. chas alike 5. head chalk or different as chalk and cheese syl chas alike qual Informal. def totally different in essentials. by a long chalk 6. head chalk syl by a long chalk. qual Brit. informal. def by far. not by a long chalk 8. head chalk syl not by a long chalk. qual Brit. informal. def by no means; not possibly. chalk 9. syl chalk pron pos n. usage modifier def made of chalk. chalk 10. syl chalk pron pos vb. def to draw or mark (something) with chalk. chalk 11. syl chalk pron pos vb. mod tr. def to mark, rub, or whiten with or as if with chalk. chalk 12. syl chalk pron pos vb. mod intr. usage of paint def to become chalky; powder. chalk 13. syl chalk pron pos vb. mod tr. def to spread chalk on (land) as a fertilizer. chalklike sub head chalk syl chalk+2like pos adj. chalky sub head chalk syl chalk:y pos adj. chalkiness sub head chalk syl chalk:i+ness pos n. chalk and talk 0. syl chalk and talk pos n. qual Sometimes derogatory. def a formal method of teaching, in which the focal points are the blackboard and the teacher's voice, as contrasted with more informal child-centred activities. chalkboard 0. syl chalk+board pron <1Cc:k2bc:d> pos n. def a U.S. word for {blackboard}. chalk out 0. syl chalk out pos vb. adv. mod tr. def to outline (a plan, scheme, etc.); sketch. chalkpit 0. syl chalk+pit pron <1Cc:k2pit> pos n. def a quarry for chalk. chalkstone 0. syl chalk+stone pron <1Cc:k2st*un> pos n. qual Pathol. def another name for {tophus}. chalk talk 0. syl chalk talk pos n. qual U.S. def an informal lecture with pertinent points, explanatory diagrams, etc., shown on a blackboard. chalk up 1. syl chalk up pos vb. adv. mod tr. qual Informal. def to score or register (something). exam 1 we chalked up 100 in the game. chalk up 2. syl chalk up pos vb. adv. mod tr. qual Informal. def to credit (money) to an account etc. (esp. in the phrase {chalk it up}) . challah ety from Hebrew hall*_ah challah alt or challah syl chal+lah pron <1ha:l*>, Hebrew pos n. challahs infl head challah or challoth syl chal+lahs pron Hebrew <-1lct> pos n. mod pl. challoth infl head challah or challahs syl chal+loth pron Hebrew <-1lct> pos n. mod pl. challah 0. or challah syl chal+lah pron <1ha:l*>, Hebrew pos n. def bread, usually in the form of a plaited loaf, traditionally eaten by Jews to celebrate the Sabbath. challenge ety C13: from Old French chalenge, from Latin calumnia #7calumny challenge 1. syl chal+lenge pron <1C@linJ> pos vb. mod mainly; tr. def to invite or summon (someone to do something, esp. to take part in a contest). challenge 2. syl chal+lenge pron <1C@linJ> pos vb. mod also; intr. def to call (something) into question; dispute. challenge 3. syl chal+lenge pron <1C@linJ> pos vb. mod mainly; tr. def to make demands on; stimulate. exam 1 the job challenges his in?!genuity. challenge 4. syl chal+lenge pron <1C@linJ> pos vb. mod mainly; tr. def to order (a person) to halt and be identified or to give a password. challenge 5. syl chal+lenge pron <1C@linJ> pos vb. mod mainly; tr. qual Law. def to make formal objection to (a juror or jury). challenge 6. syl chal+lenge pron <1C@linJ> pos vb. mod mainly; tr. def to lay claim to (attention, etc.). challenge 7. syl chal+lenge pron <1C@linJ> pos vb. mod intr. usage Hunting. of a hound def to cry out on first encountering the scent of a quarry. challenge 8. syl chal+lenge pron <1C@linJ> pos vb. mod mainly; tr. def to inject (an experimental animal immunized with a test substance) with disease microorganisms to test for immunity to the disease. {~} challenge 9. syl chal+lenge pron <1C@linJ> pos vb. mod mainly; tr. def a call to engage in a fight, argument, or contest. challenge 10. syl chal+lenge pron <1C@linJ> pos vb. mod mainly; tr. def a questioning of a statement or fact; a demand for justification or explanation. challenge 11. syl chal+lenge pron <1C@linJ> pos vb. mod mainly; tr. def a demanding or stimulating situation, career, object, etc. challenge 12. syl chal+lenge pron <1C@linJ> pos vb. mod mainly; tr. def a demand by a sentry, watchman, etc., for identification or a password. challenge 13. syl chal+lenge pron <1C@linJ> pos vb. mod mainly; tr. qual U.S. def an assertion that a person is not entitled to vote or that a vote is invalid. challenge 14. syl chal+lenge pron <1C@linJ> pos vb. mod mainly; tr. qual Law. def a formal objection to a person selected to serve on a jury ({challenge to the polls}) or to the whole body of jurors ({challenge to the array) }. challengeable sub head challenge syl chal+lenge+a:ble pos adj. challenger sub head challenge syl chal+leng+er pos n. challis ety C19: probably from a surname challie alt head challis or challis syl chal+lie pron <1S@li> pos n. challis 0. or challie syl chal+lis pron <1S@li>, <-lis> pos n. def a lightweight plain-weave fabric of wool, cotton, etc., usually with a printed design. chalone ety C20: from Greek khal*_on, from khalan to slacken chalone 0. syl chal+one pron <1k@l*un> pos n. def any internal secretion that inhibits a physiological process or function. Chalons-sur-Marne 0. syl Ch*^a:lons-sur-Marne pron French , French <1marn> pos n. def a city in NE France, on the River Marne: scene of Attila's defeat by the Romans (451 #7a.d.) . Pop.: 55709 (1975). Shortened form: {Ch*^alons}. Chalon-sur-Saone 0. syl Cha:lon-sur-Sa*^one pron French , French <1so:n> pos n. def an industrial city in E central France, on the Sa*^one River. Pop.: 60451 (1975). Shortened form: {Chalon}. chalutzim infl head chalutz syl cha+lu+tzim pron <-lu:1tsEm>, English <-1lu:tsim> pos n. mod pl. chalutz 0. syl cha+lutz pron Hebrew. , English , English <-1lu:tsim> pos n. def a variant spelling of {halutz}. chalybeate ety C17: from New Latin chalyb*_e*_atus, ultimately from khalups iron chalybeate 1. syl cha+lyb+e:ate pron pos adj. def containing or impregnated with iron salts. chalybeate 2. syl cha+lyb+e:ate pron pos n. def any drug, etc., containing or tasting of iron. chalybite 0. syl chal:y+bite pron <1k@li2bIt> pos n. def another name for { {siderite} (sense 1).} cham ety C16: from French, from Persian kh*_an; see #7khan cham 0. syl cham pron pos n. def an archaic word for { {khan%1} (sense 1).} Cham 1. or Chams syl Cham pron pos n. mod pl. def a member of a people of Indonesian stock living in Cambodia and central Vietnam. Cham 2. syl Cham pron pos n. def the language of this people, belonging to the Malayo-Polynesian family. chamade ety C17: from French, from Portuguese chamada, from chamar to call, from Latin clam*_are chamade 0. syl cha+made pron pos n. usage Military. formerly def a signal by drum or trumpet inviting an enemy to a parley. Chamaeleontis infl head Chamaeleon syl Cha+mae+le+on+tis pron pos n. qual Latin genitive Chamaeleon 0. syl Cha+mae+le+on pron pos n. def a faint constellation lying between Volans and the South celestial pole. chamaephyte ety C20: from Greek khamai on the ground+-#7phyte chamaephyte 0. syl cham:ae+phyte pron <1k@m*2fIt> pos n. def a plant whose buds are close to the ground. chamber ety C13: from Old French chambre, from Late Latin camera room, Latin: vault, from Greek kamara chamber 1. syl cham+ber pron <1CAmb*> pos n. def a meeting hall, esp. one used for a legislative or judicial assembly. chamber 2. syl cham+ber pron <1CAmb*> pos n. def a reception room or audience room in an official residence, palace, etc. chamber 3. syl cham+ber pron <1CAmb*> pos n. qual Archaic or poetic. def a room in a private house, esp. a bedroom. chamber 4.a. syl cham+ber pron <1CAmb*> pos n. def a legislative, deliberative, judicial, or administrative assembly. chamber 4.b. syl cham+ber pron <1CAmb*> pos n. def any of the houses of a legislature. chamber 5. syl cham+ber pron <1CAmb*> pos n. def an enclosed space; compartment; cavity. exam 1 the smallest chamber in the caves. chamber 6. syl cham+ber pron <1CAmb*> pos n. def the space between two gates of the locks of a canal, dry dock, etc. chamber 7. syl cham+ber pron <1CAmb*> pos n. def an enclosure for a cartridge in the cylinder of a revolver or for a shell in the breech of a cannon. chamber 8. syl cham+ber pron <1CAmb*> pos n. qual Obsolete. def a place where the money of a government, corporation, etc., was stored; treasury. chamber 9. syl cham+ber pron <1CAmb*> pos n. def short for {chamber pot}. chamber 10. syl cham+ber pron <1CAmb*> pos n. usage modifier def of, relating to, or suitable for chamber music. exam 1 a chamber concert. chamber 11. syl cham+ber pron <1CAmb*> pos vb. mod tr. def to put in or provide with a chamber. chamber counsellor alt head chamber counsel or chamber counsel syl cham+ber coun+sel+lor pos n. chamber counsel 0. or chamber counsellor syl cham+ber coun+sel pos n. def a counsel who advises in private and does not plead in court. chambered nautilus 0. syl cham+bered nau+ti+lus pos n. def another name for the {pearly nautilus}. chamberlain ety C13: from Old French chamberlayn, of Frankish origin; related to Old High German chamarling chamberlain, Latin camera #7chamber chamberlain 1. syl cham+ber+lain pron <1CAmb*lin> pos n. def an officer who manages the household of a king. chamberlain 2. syl cham+ber+lain pron <1CAmb*lin> pos n. def the steward of a nobleman or land owner. chamberlain 3. syl cham+ber+lain pron <1CAmb*lin> pos n. def the treasurer of a municipal corporation. chamberlainship sub head chamberlain syl cham+ber+lain+2ship pos n. (Arthur) Neville 1. head Chamberlain syl (Arthur) Nev:ille. def 1869-1940, British statesman; Conservative prime minister (1937-40): pursued a policy of appeasement towards Germany. Chamberlain 2. syl Cham:ber:lain pron <1CAmb*lin> pos n. def his father, {Jo@.seph}. 1836-1914, British statesman; originally a Liberal, he resigned in 1886 over Home Rule for Ireland and became leader of the Liberal Unionists; a leading advocate of preferential trading agreements with members of the British Empire. Chamberlain 3. syl Cham:ber:lain pron <1CAmb*lin> pos n. def his son, Sir {Jo@.seph Aus@.ten}. 1863-1937, British Conservative statesman; foreign secretary (1924-29); award?!ed a Nobel peace prize for his negotiation of the Locarno Pact (1925). chambermaid 0. syl cham:ber+maid pron <1CAmb*2mAd> pos n. def a woman or girl employed to clean and tidy bedrooms, now chiefly in hotels. chamber music 0. syl cham+ber mu+sic pos n. def music for performance by a small group of instrumentalists. chamber of commerce 0. syl cham+ber of com+merce pos n. usage sometimes cap. def an organization composed mainly of local businessmen to promote, regulate, and protect their interests. chamber orchestra 0. syl cham+ber or+ches+tra pos n. def a small orchestra of about 25 players, used for the authentic performance of baroque and early classical music as well as modern music written specifi?!cally for a small orchestra. chamber organ 0. syl cham+ber or+gan pos n. qual Music. def a small compact organ used esp. for the authentic performance of pre-classical music. chamber pot 0. syl cham+ber pot pos n. def a vessel for urine, used in bedrooms. chambers 1. syl cham+bers pron <1CAmb*z> pos n. mod pl. def a judge's room for hearing private cases not taken in open court. chambers 2. syl cham+bers pron <1CAmb*z> pos n. mod pl. usage in England def the set of rooms occupied by barristers where clients are interviewed (in London, mostly in the Inns of Court). chambers 3. syl cham+bers pron <1CAmb*z> pos n. mod pl. qual Brit. archaic. def a suite of rooms; apartments. chambers 4. syl cham+bers pron <1CAmb*z> pos n. mod pl. usage in the U.S. def the private office of a judge. Chambertin 0. syl Cham+ber+tin pron French pos n. def a dry red burgundy wine produced in Gevrey-Chambertin in E France. Chamb'ery 0. syl Cham+b*'e+ry pron French pos n. def a city in SE France, in the Alps: skiing centre; former capital of the duchy of Savoy. Pop.: 56788 (1975). Chambord 0. syl Cham+bord pron French pos n. def a village in N central France: site of a famous Renaissance ch*^ateau. chambray ety C19: after Cambrai; see #7cambric chambray 0. syl cham+bray pron <1S@mbrA> pos n. def a smooth light fabric of cotton, linen, etc., with white weft and a coloured warp. chameleon ety C14: from Latin chamaeleon, from Greek khamaile*_on, from khamai on the ground+ le*_on #7lion chameleon 1. syl cha+me+le+on pron pos n. def any lizard of the family of Africa and Madagascar, having long slender legs, a prehensile tail and tongue, and the ability to change colour. chameleon 2. syl cha+me+le+on pron pos n. def a changeable or fickle person. chameleonic sub head chameleon syl cha+me:le:on+ic pron pos adj. chameleon-like sub head chameleon syl cha+1me:le:on-2like pos adj. chamfer ety C16: back formation from chamfering, from Old French chamfrein, from chant edge (see #7cant %2)+ fraindre to break, from Latin frangere chamfer 1. syl cham+fer pron <1C@mf*> pos n. def a narrow flat surface at the corner of a beam, post, etc., esp. one at an angle of 45?%. Compare { {bevel} (sense 1).} chamfer 2. syl cham+fer pron <1C@mf*> pos vb. mod tr. def to cut such a surface on (a beam, etc.). chamfer 3. syl cham+fer pron <1C@mf*> pos vb. mod tr. def another word for { {chase%2} (sense 4).} chamferer sub head chamfer syl cham+fer+er pos n. chamfron ety C14: from Old French chanfrein, from chafresner to harness, from chief head+ frener to bridle chamfrain infl head chamfron or chanfron syl cham+frain pron <1C@mfr*n> pos n. chanfron infl head chamfron or chamfrain syl chan+fron pos n. chamfron 0. syl cham+fron pron <1C@mfr*n> pos n. def a piece of armour for a horse's head. chamois ety C16: from Old French, from Late Latin camox of uncertain origin chamois infl syl cham+ois. pos n. mod pl. chamois 1. syl cham+ois pron <1S@mwa:> pos n. def a sure-footed goat antelope, inhabiting mountains of Europe and SW Asia, having vertical horns with backward-pointing tips. chamois 2. syl cham+ois pron <1S@mi>, French pos n. def a soft suede leather formerly made from the hide of this animal, now obtained from the skins of sheep and goats. chamois 3. syl cham+ois pron <1S@mi>, French pos n. def Also called: {chamois leather, shammy (leather}) , {chammy (leather}) . a piece of such leather or similar material used for polishing, etc. chamois 4. syl cham+ois pron <1S@mwa:> pos n. def a yellow to greyish-yellow colour. chamois 5. syl cham+ois pron <1S@mi>, French pos vb. mod tr. def to dress (leather or skin) like chamois. chamois 6. syl cham+ois pron <1S@mi>, French pos vb. mod tr. def to polish with a chamois. chamomile 0. syl cham:o+mile pron <1k@m*2mIl> pos n. def a variant spelling of {camomile}. Chamonix 0. syl Cha+mo+nix pron <1S@m*ni>, French pos n. def a town in SE France, in the Alps at the foot of Mont Blanc: skiing and tourist centre. Pop.: 8403 (1968). champ ety C16: probably of imitative origin champ H1.1. syl champ pron pos vb. def to munch (food) noisily like a horse. champ H1.2. syl champ pron pos vb. mod when; intr. usage often foll. by on, at, etc. def to bite (something) nervously or impatiently; gnaw. champ H1.3. or chafe at the bit syl champ pron pos vb. qual Informal. def to be impatient to start work, a journey, etc. champ H1.4. syl champ pron pos n. def the act or noise of champing. champ H1.5. syl champ pron pos n. qual Ulster dialect. def a dish of mashed potatoes and spring onions or leeks. champer sub head champ syl champ+er pos n. champ H2.0. syl champ pron pos n. qual Informal. def short for { {champion} (sense 1).} champac ety C18: from Hindi campak, from Sanskrit campaka, of Dravidian origin champak alt head champac or champac syl cham+pak pron <1C@mp@k>, <1C^mp^k> pos n. champac 0. or champak syl cham+pac pron <1C@mp@k>, <1C^mp^k> pos n. def a magnoliaceous tree, of India and the East Indies. Its fragrant yellow flowers yield an oil used in perfumes and its wood is used for furniture. champagne 1. syl cham+pagne pron pos n. usage sometimes cap. def a white sparkling wine produced around Reims and Epernay, France. champagne 2. syl cham+pagne pron pos n. def any effervescent white wine. champagne 3.a. syl cham+pagne pron pos n. def a colour varying from a pale orange-yellow to a greyish-yellow. champagne 3.b. syl cham+pagne pron pos as; adj. exam 1 a champagne carpet. Champagne-Ardenne 0. syl Cham:pagne-Ar:denne pron , French pos n. def a region of NE France: a countship and commercial centre in medieval times; it consists of a great plain, with sheep and dairy farms and many vineyards. champaign ety C14: from Old French champaigne, from Late Latin camp*_ania; see #7campaign champaign 1. syl cham+paign pron pos n. def Also called: {campagna}. an expanse of open level or gently undulating country. champaign 2. syl cham+paign pron pos n. def an obsolete word for {battlefield}. champers 0. syl cham+pers pron <1S@mp*z> pos n. def a slang name for {champagne}. champerty ety C14: from Anglo-French champartie, from Old French champart share of produce, from champ field+ part share (a feudal lord's) champerties infl head champerty syl cham+per+ties. pos n. mod pl. champerty 0. syl cham+per+ty pron <1C@mp*ti> pos n. qual Law. def an illegal bargain between a party to litigation and an outsider whereby the latter agrees to pay for the action and thereby share in any proceeds recovered. See also {maintenance}. champertous sub head champerty syl cham+per+tous pos adj. champignon ety C16: from French, perhaps from Vulgar Latin camp*_inus (unattested) of the field, from Latin campus plain, field champignon 0. syl cham+pi+gnon pron pos n. def any of various agaricaceous edible mushrooms, esp. ({fairy ring champignon}) and the meadow mushroom. Champigny-sur-Marne 0. syl Cham:pi:gny-sur-Marne pron French , French <1marn> pos n. def a suburb of Paris, on the River Marne. Pop.: 80482 (1975). champion ety C13: from Old French, from Late Latin campi*_o, from Latin campus field, battlefield champion 1.a. syl cham+pi+on pron <1C@mpi*n> pos n. def a person who has defeated all others in a competition. exam 1 a chess champion. champion 1.b. syl cham+pi+on pron <1C@mpi*n> pos n. usage as modifier exam 1 a champion team. champion 2.a. syl cham+pi+on pron <1C@mpi*n> pos n. def a plant or animal that wins first place in a show, etc. champion 2.b. syl cham+pi+on pron <1C@mpi*n> pos n. usage as modifier exam 1 a champion marrow. champion 3. syl cham+pi+on pron <1C@mpi*n> pos n. def a person who defends a person or cause. exam 1 champion of the underprivileged. champion 4. syl cham+pi+on pron <1C@mpi*n> pos n. usage formerly def a warrior or knight who did battle for another, esp. a king or queen, to defend their rights or honour. champion 5. syl cham+pi+on pron <1C@mpi*n> pos adj. qual Northern Brit. dialect. def first rate; excellent. champion 6. syl cham+pi+on pron <1C@mpi*n> pos adv. qual Northern Brit. dialect. def very well; excellently. champion 7. syl cham+pi+on pron <1C@mpi*n> pos vb. mod tr. def to support; defend. exam 1 we champion the cause of liberty. championship 1. syl cham+pi+on+ship pron <1C@mpi*n2Sip> pos n. mod sometimes; pl. def any of various contests held to determine a champion. championship 2. syl cham+pi+on+ship pron <1C@mpi*n2Sip> pos n. def the title or status of being a champion. championship 3. syl cham+pi+on+ship pron <1C@mpi*n2Sip> pos n. def support for or defence of a cause, person, etc. Lake infl head Champlain syl Lake. pos n. Champlain H1.0. syl Cham+plain pron pos n. def a lake in the northeastern U.S., between the Green Mountains and the Adirondack Mountains: linked by the {Champlain Canal} to the Hudson River and by the Richelieu River to the St. Lawrence; a major communications route in colonial times. Samuel de infl head Champlain syl Sam:u:el de pron pos n. Champlain H2.0. syl Cham:plain pron , French , French pos n. def ??1567-1635, French explorer; founder of Quebec (1608) and governor of New France (1633-35). champlev'e ety C19: from champ field (level surface)+ lev*'e raised champlev'e 1. syl champ+le+v*'e pron French. , English <2S@mpl*1vA> pos adj. def of or relating to a process of enamelling by which grooves are cut into a metal base and filled with enamel colours. champlev'e 2. syl champ+le+v*'e pron French. , English <2S@mpl*1vA> pos n. def an object enamelled by this process. Jean Francois infl head Champollion syl Jean Fran:*,cois pron pos n. Champollion 0. syl Cham:pol:lion pron French pos n. def 1790-1832, French Egyptologist, who deciphered the hiero?!glyphics on the Rosetta stone. Champs 'Elys'ees 0. syl Champs *'E:ly+s*'ees pron French pos n. def a major boulevard in Paris, leading from the Arc de Triomphe: site of the *'Elys*'ees Palace and government offices. Chanc 1. syl Chanc. qual abbrev. for: def chancellor. Chanc 2. syl Chanc. qual abbrev. for: def chancery. chance ety C13: from Old French cheance, from cheoir to fall, occur, from Latin cadere chance 1.a. syl chance pron pos n. def the unknown and unpredictable element that causes an event to result in a certain way rather than another, spoken of as a real force. chance 1.b. syl chance pron pos n. usage as modifier; a chance meeting. def Related adj.: {fortuitous}. chance 2. syl chance pron pos n. def fortune; luck; fate. chance 3. syl chance pron pos n. def an opportunity or occasion. chance 4. syl chance pron pos n. def a risk; gamble. exam 1 you take a chance with his driving. chance 5. syl chance pron pos n. def the extent to which an event is likely to occur; probability. chance 6. syl chance pron pos n. def an unpredicted event, esp. a fortunate one. exam 1 that was quite a chance, finding him here. chance 7. syl chance pron pos n. qual Archaic. def an unlucky event; mishap. chance 8.a. syl chance pron pos n. def accidentally. exam 1 he slipped by chance. chance 8.b. syl chance pron pos n. def perhaps. exam 1 do you by chance have a room?? on the chance 9. head chance syl on the chance. def acting on the possibility; in case. the main chance 10. head chance syl the main chance. def the opportunity for personal gain (esp. in the phrase {an eye to the main chance) }. chance 11. syl chance pron pos vb. mod tr. def to risk; hazard. exam 1 I'll chance the worst happening. chance 12. syl chance pron pos vb. def to happen by chance; be the case by chance. exam 1 I chanced to catch sight of her as she passed. chance on 13. head chance or upon syl chance on def to come upon by accident. exam 1 he chanced on the solution to his problem. chance one's arm 14. head chance syl chance one's arm. def to attempt to do something although the chance of success may be slight. chanceful sub head chance syl chance+ful pos adj. chanceless sub head chance syl chance+less pos adj. chancel ety C14: from Old French, from Latin cancell*_i (plural) lattice chancel 0. syl chan+cel pron <1Ca:ns*l> pos n. def the part of a church containing the altar, sanctuary, and choir, usually separated from the nave and transepts by a screen. chancellery ety C14: from Anglo-French chancellerie, from Old French chancelier #7chancellor chancellory alt head chancellery or chancellery syl chan+cel+lo+ry pron <1Ca:ns*l*ri>, <-sl*ri> pos n. chancelleries infl head chancellery or chancellories syl chan+cel+ler:ies pos n. mod pl. chancellories infl head chancellery or chancelleries syl chan+cel+lo+ries. pos n. mod pl. chancellery 1. or chancellory syl chan+cel+ler:y pron <1Ca:ns*l*ri>, <-sl*ri> pos n. def the building or room occupied by a chancellor's office. chancellery 2. or chancellory syl chan+cel+ler:y pron <1Ca:ns*l*ri>, <-sl*ri> pos n. def the position, rank, or office of a chancellor. chancellery 3.a. or chancellory syl chan+cel+ler:y pron <1Ca:ns*l*ri>, <-sl*ri> pos n. def the residence or office of an embassy or legation. chancellery 3.b. or chancellory syl chan+cel+ler:y pron <1Ca:ns*l*ri>, <-sl*ri> pos n. def the office of a consulate. chancellery 4. or chancellory syl chan+cel+ler:y pron <1Ca:ns*l*ri>, <-sl*ri> pos n. qual Brit. def another name for a diplomatic {chancery}. chancellor ety C11: from Anglo-French chanceler, from Late Latin cancell*_arius porter, secretary, from Latin cancell*_i lattice; see #7chancel chancellor 1. syl chan+cel+lor pron <1Ca:ns*l*>, <-sl*> pos n. def the head of the government in several European countries. chancellor 2. syl chan+cel+lor pron <1Ca:ns*l*>, <-sl*> pos n. qual U.S. def the president of a university or, in some colleges, the chief administrative officer. chancellor 3. syl chan+cel+lor pron <1Ca:ns*l*>, <-sl*> pos n. qual Brit. def the honorary head of a university. Compare { {vice chancellor} (sense 1).} chancellor 4. syl chan+cel+lor pron <1Ca:ns*l*>, <-sl*> pos n. usage U.S. in some states def the presiding judge of a court of chancery or equity. chancellor 5. syl chan+cel+lor pron <1Ca:ns*l*>, <-sl*> pos n. qual Brit. def the chief secretary of an embassy. chancellor 6. syl chan+cel+lor pron <1Ca:ns*l*>, <-sl*> pos n. qual Christianity. def a clergyman acting as the law officer of a bishop. chancellor 7. syl chan+cel+lor pron <1Ca:ns*l*>, <-sl*> pos n. qual Archaic. def the chief secretary of a prince, nobleman, etc. chancellorship sub head chancellor syl chan+cel+lor+2ship pos n. Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster 0. syl Chan+cel+lor of the Duch:y of Lan+cas+ter pos n. qual Brit. def a minister of the crown, nominally appointed as representative of the Queen as Duchess of Lancaster, but in practice chiefly employed on parliamentary work determined by the prime minister. Chancellor of the Exchequer 0. syl Chan+cel+lor of the Ex+cheq+uer pos n. qual Brit. def the cabinet minister responsible for finance. chance-medley ety C15: from Anglo-French chance medlee mixed chance chance-medley 0. syl chance-med:ley pos n. qual Law. def a sudden quarrel in which one party kills another; unintentional but not blameless killing. chancery ety C14: shortened from #7chancellery chanceries infl head chancery syl chan+cer:ies. pos n. mod pl. chancery 1. syl chan+cer:y pron <1Ca:ns*ri> pos n. def Also called: {Chancery Division}. (in England) the Lord Chancellor's court, now a division of the High Court of Jus?!tice. chancery 2. syl chan+cer:y pron <1Ca:ns*ri> pos n. def Also called: {court of chancery}. (in the U.S.) a court of equity. chancery 3. syl chan+cer:y pron <1Ca:ns*ri> pos n. qual Brit. def the political section or offices of an embassy or legation. chancery 4. syl chan+cer:y pron <1Ca:ns*ri> pos n. def another name for {chancellery}. chancery 5. syl chan+cer:y pron <1Ca:ns*ri> pos n. def a court of public records; archives. chancery 6. syl chan+cer:y pron <1Ca:ns*ri> pos n. qual Christianity. def a diocesan office under the supervision of a bishop's chancellor, having custody of archives, issuing official enactments, etc. chancery 7.a. syl chan+cer:y pron <1Ca:ns*ri> pos n. usage Law. of a suit def pending in a court of equity. chancery 7.b. syl chan+cer:y pron <1Ca:ns*ri> pos n. usage Wrestling. of a competitor's head def locked under an opponent's arm. chancery 7.c. syl chan+cer:y pron <1Ca:ns*ri> pos n. def in an awkward or helpless situation. chancre ety C16: from French, from Latin: #7cancer chancre 0. syl chan+cre pron <1S@Gk*> pos n. qual Pathol. def a small hard nodular growth, which is the first diagnostic sign of acquired syphilis. chancrous sub head chancre syl chan+crous pos adj. chancroid 1. syl chan+croid pron <1S@Gkrcid> pos n. def a soft venereal ulcer, esp. of the male genitals, caused by infection with the bacillus chancroid 2. syl chan+croid pron <1S@Gkrcid> pos adj. def relating to or resembling a chancroid or chancre. chancroidal sub head chancroid syl chan+1croi+dal pos adj. chancey alt head chancy or chancy syl chanc:ey pron <1Ca:nsi> pos adj. chancier infl head chancy syl chanc:i+er pos adj. chanciest infl head chancy syl chanc:i+est. pos adj. chancy 0. or chancey syl chanc:y pron <1Ca:nsi> pos adj. qual Informal. def of uncertain outcome or temperament; risky. chancily sub head chancy syl chanc:i+ly pos adv. chanciness sub head chancy syl chanc:i+ness pos n. chandelier ety C17: from French: candleholder, from Latin #7candelabrum chandelier 0. syl chan+de+lier pron <2S@ndi1li*> pos n. def an ornamental hanging light with branches and holders for several candles or bulbs. chandelle ety French, literally: #7candle chandelle 1. syl chan+delle pron , French pos n. qual Aeronautics. def an abrupt climbing turn almost to the point of stalling, in which an aircraft's momentum is used to increase its rate of climb. chandelle 2. syl chan+delle pron , French pos vb. mod intr. def to carry out a chandelle. Chandernagore 0. syl Chan+der+na+gore pron <2C^nd*n*1gc:> pos n. def a port in E India, in S West Bengal on the Hooghly River: a former French settlement (1686-1950). Pop.: 67105 (1961). Chandigarh 0. syl Chan+di+garh pron <2C^ndi1ga:> pos n. def a city and Union Territory of N India, joint capital of the Punjab and Haryana: modern city planned in the 1950s by Le Corbusier. Pop.: 218743 (1971). chandler ety C14: from Old French chandelier one who makes or deals in candles, from chandelle #7candle chandler 1. syl chan+dler pron <1Ca:ndl*> pos n. def a dealer in a specified trade or merchandise. exam 1 corn chandler; exam 2 ship's chandler. chandler 2. syl chan+dler pron <1Ca:ndl*> pos n. def a person who makes or sells candles. chandler 3. syl chan+dler pron <1Ca:ndl*> pos n. qual Brit. obsolete. def a retailer of grocery provisions; shopkeeper. Raymond infl head Chandler syl Ray:mond. pos n. Chandler 0. syl Chan:dler pron <1Ca:ndl*> pos n. def 1888-1959, U.S. thriller writer: created Philip Marlowe, one of the first detective heroes in fiction. chandleries infl head chandlery syl chan+dler:ies. pos n. mod pl. chandlery 1. syl chan+dler:y pron <1Ca:ndl*ri> pos n. def the business, warehouse, or merchandise of a chandler. chandlery 2. syl chan+dler:y pron <1Ca:ndl*ri> pos n. def a place where candles are kept. Chandragupta 0. syl Chan:dra:gup:ta pron <2C^ndr*1gupt*> pos n. def Greek name died ??297 #7b.c., ruler of N India, who founded the Maurya dynasty (325) and defeated Seleucus (??305). Gabrielle infl head Chanel syl Gab:ri:elle pron pos n. Chanel 0. syl Cha:nel pron French pos n. def known as 1883-1970, French couturier, who created the little black dress and the perfume Chanel No. 5. Chang 0. syl Chang pron pos n. def another name for the {Yangtze}. Changan 0. syl Chang+an pron <1C@G1a:n> pos n. def a former name of {Sian}. Changchiak'ou alt head Changchiakow or Changchiakow syl Chang+chia+k'ou pron <1C@G1Cja:1k*u> pos n. Changchiakow 0. or Changchiak'ou syl Chang+chia+kow pron <1C@G1Cja:1k*u> pos n. def a city in NE China, in NW Hopei province: a military centre, controlling the route to Mongolia, under the Ming and Manchu dynasties. Pop.: 480000 (1958 est.). Former names: {Wanch*"uan, Kalgan}. Ch'ang-chou alt head Changchow or Changchow syl Ch'ang-chou pron <1C@G1Cau> pos n. Changchow 1. or Ch'ang-chou syl Chang+chow pron <1C@G1Cau> pos n. def a city in E China, in S Kiangsu province, on the Grand Canal: also known as {Wutsin} until 1949, when the 7th-century name was officially readopted. Pop.: 300000 (1958 est.). Changchow 2. or Ch'ang-chou syl Chang+chow pron <1C@G1Cau> pos n. def the former name of {Lungki}. Ch'ang Ch'un alt head Changchun or Changchun syl Ch'ang Ch'un pron <1C@G1Cun> pos n. Changchun 0. or Ch'ang Ch'un syl Chang+chun pron <1C@G1Cun> pos n. def a city in NE China, capital of Kirin province: as {Hsinking}, capital of the Japanese state of Manchukuo (1932-45). Pop.: 1800000 (1965 Western est.). change ety C13: from Old French changier, from Latin camb*_ire to exchange, barter change 1. syl change pron pos vb. def to make or become different; alter. change 2. syl change pron pos vb. mod tr. def to replace with or exchange for another. exam 1 to change one's name. change 3. syl change pron pos vb. usage sometimes foll. by to or into def to transform or convert or be transformed or converted. change 4. syl change pron pos vb. def to give and receive (something) in return; interchange. exam 1 to change places with someone. change 5. syl change pron pos vb. mod tr. def to give or receive (money) in exchange for the equivalent sum in a smaller denomination or different currency. change 6. syl change pron pos vb. mod tr. def to remove or replace the coverings of. exam 1 to change a baby. change 7. syl change pron pos vb. mod when; intr. usage may be foll. by into or out of def to put on other clothes. change 8. syl change pron pos vb. mod intr. usage of the moon def to pass from one phase to the following one. change 9. syl change pron pos vb. def to operate (the gear lever of a motor vehicle) in order to change the gear ratio. exam 1 to change gear. change 10. syl change pron pos vb. def to alight from (one bus, train, etc.) and board another. change face 11. head change syl change face. def to rotate the telescope of a surveying instrument through 180?% horizontally and vertically, taking a second sighting of the same object in order to reduce error. change feet 12. head change syl change feet. qual Informal. def to put on different shoes, boots, etc. change 13.a. syl change pron pos vb. usage of a military force def to turn in another direction. change 13.b. syl change pron pos vb. def to alter one's attitude, opinion, etc. change hands 14. head change syl change hands. def to pass from one owner to another. change one's mind 15. head change syl change one's mind. def to alter one's decision or opinion. change one's tune 16. head change syl change one's tune. def to alter one's attitude or tone of speech. {~} change 17. syl change pron pos vb. def the act or fact of changing or being changed. change 18. syl change pron pos vb. def a variation, deviation, or modification. change 19. syl change pron pos vb. def the substitution of one thing for another; exchange. change 20. syl change pron pos vb. def anything that is or may be substituted for something else. change 21. syl change pron pos vb. def variety or novelty (esp. in the phrase {for a change}) . exam 1 I want to go to France for a change. change 22. syl change pron pos vb. def a different or fresh set, esp. of clothes. change 23. syl change pron pos vb. def money given or received in return for its equivalent in a larger denomination or in a different currency. change 24. syl change pron pos vb. def the balance of money given or received when the amount tendered is larger than the amount due. change 25. syl change pron pos vb. def coins of a small denomination regarded collectively. change 26. syl change pron pos vb. qual Archaic. usage often cap. def a place where merchants meet to transact business; an exchange. change 27. syl change pron pos vb. def the act of passing from one state or phase to another. change 28. syl change pron pos vb. def the transition from one phase of the moon to the next. change 29. syl change pron pos vb. def the order in which a peal of bells may be rung. change 30. syl change pron pos vb. qual Sport. def short for { {changeover} (sense 3).} change 31. syl change pron pos vb. qual Slang. def desirable or useful information. change 32. syl change pron pos vb. qual Obsolete. def fickleness or caprice. change of heart 33. head change syl change of heart. def a profound change of outlook, opinion, etc. get no change out of (someone) 34. head change syl get no change out of (someone). qual Slang. def not to be successful in attempts to exploit or extract information from (someone). ring the changes 35. head change syl ring the changes. def to vary the manner or performance of an action that is often repeated. {~} See also {change down, changeover, change round, change up}. changeless sub head change syl change+less pos adj. changelessly sub head change syl change+less+ly pos adv. changelessness sub head change syl change+less+ness pos n. changer sub head change syl chang+er pos n. changeable 1. syl change+a:ble pron <1CAnJ*bL> pos adj. def able to change or be changed; fickle. exam 1 changeable weather. changeable 2. syl change+a:ble pron <1CAnJ*bL> pos adj. def varying in colour when viewed from different angles or in different lights. changeability sub head changeable or changeableness syl change+a:1bil+i:ty pos n. changeableness sub head changeable or changeability syl change+a:ble+ness pos n. changeably sub head changeable syl change+a:bly pos adv. change down 0. syl change down pos vb. adv. mod intr. def to select a lower gear when driving. changeful 0. syl change+ful pron <1CAnJful> pos adj. def often changing; inconstant; variable. changefully sub head changeful syl change+ful+ly pos adv. changefulness sub head changeful syl change+ful+ness pos n. changeling 1. syl change+ling pron <1CAnJliG> pos n. def a child believed to have been exchanged by fairies for the parents' true child. changeling 2.a. syl change+ling pron <1CAnJliG> pos n. def an idiot. changeling 2.b. syl change+ling pron <1CAnJliG> pos n. def a fickle or changeable person. change of life 0. syl change of life pos n. def a nontechnical name for {menopause}. change of venue 0. syl change of ven:ue pos n. qual Law. def the removal of a trial out of one jurisdiction into another. changeover 1. syl change+o:ver pron <1CAnJ2*uv*> pos n. def an alteration or complete reversal from one method, system, or product to another. exam 1 a changeover to decimal currency. changeover 2. syl change+o:ver pron <1CAnJ2*uv*> pos n. def a reversal of a situation, attitude, etc. changeover 3.a. syl change+o:ver pron <1CAnJ2*uv*> pos n. def the act of transferring to or being relieved by a teammate in a relay race, as by handing over a baton, etc. changeover 3.b. syl change+o:ver pron <1CAnJ2*uv*> pos n. def Also called: {change, takeover}. the point in a relay race at which the transfer is made. changeover 4. syl change+o:ver pron <1CAnJ2*uv*> pos n. qual Sport, chiefly Brit. def the exchange of ends by two teams, esp. at half time. change over infl head changeover syl change o:ver. pos adv. changeover 5. syl change+o:ver pron <1CAnJ2*uv*> pos vb. def to adopt (a completely different position or attitude). exam 1 the driver and navigator changed over after four hours. changeover 6. syl change+o:ver pron <1CAnJ2*uv*> pos vb. mod intr. usage Sport, chiefly Brit. of two teams def to exchange ends of a playing field, etc., as after half time. change point 0. syl change point pos n. qual Surveying. def a point to which a foresight and backsight are taken in levelling; turning point. change-ringing 1. syl change-ring:ing pos n. def the art of bell-ringing in which a set of bells is rung in an established order which is then changed. change-ringing 2. syl change-ring:ing pos n. def variations on a topic or theme. change round 1. syl change round pos vb. adv. def to place in or adopt a different or opposite position. {~} {change+round}. change round 2. syl change round pos vb. adv. def the act of changing to a different position. change up 0. syl change up pos vb. adv. mod intr. def to select a higher gear when driving. Ch'ang-sha alt head Changsha or Changsha syl Ch'ang-sha pron <1C@G1Sa:> pos n. Changsha 0. or Ch'ang-sha syl Chang+sha pron <1C@G1Sa:> pos n. def a port in SE China, capital of Hunan province, on the Hsiang River. Pop.: 825000 (1970 est.). Ch'ang-te alt head Changteh or Changteh syl Ch'ang-te pron <1C@G1tA> pos n. Changteh 0. or Ch'ang-te syl Chang+teh pron <1C@G1tA> pos n. def a port in SE central China, in N Hunan province, near the mouth of the Yuan River: severely damaged by the Japanese in World War II. Pop.: 94800 (1953). channel ety C13: from Old French chanel, from Latin can*_alis pipe, groove, conduit; see #7canal channel H1.1. syl chan+nel pron <1C@nL> pos n. def a broad strait connecting two areas of sea. channel H1.2. syl chan+nel pron <1C@nL> pos n. def the bed or course of a river, stream, or canal. channel H1.3. syl chan+nel pron <1C@nL> pos n. def a navigable course through a body of water. channel H1.4. syl chan+nel pron <1C@nL> pos n. mod often; pl. def a means or agency of access, communication, etc.. exam 1 to go through official channels. channel H1.5. syl chan+nel pron <1C@nL> pos n. def a course into which something can be directed or moved. exam 1 a new channel of thought. channel H1.6.a. syl chan+nel pron <1C@nL> pos n. def a band of radio frequencies assigned for a particular purpose, esp. the broadcasting of a television signal. channel H1.6.b. syl chan+nel pron <1C@nL> pos n. def a path for an electrical signal. exam 1 a stereo set has two channels. channel H1.6.c. syl chan+nel pron <1C@nL> pos n. def a thin semiconductor layer between the source and drain of a field-effect transistor, the conductance of which is controlled by the gate voltage. channel H1.7. syl chan+nel pron <1C@nL> pos n. def a tubular or trough-shaped passage for fluids. channel H1.8. syl chan+nel pron <1C@nL> pos n. def a groove or flute, as in the shaft of a column. channel H1.9.a. syl chan+nel pron <1C@nL> pos n. def a path along which data can be transmitted between a central processing unit and one or more peripheral devices. channel H1.9.b. syl chan+nel pron <1C@nL> pos n. def one of the lines along the length of a paper tape on which information can be stored in the form of punched holes. channel H1.10. syl chan+nel pron <1C@nL> pos n. def short for {channel iron}. channels infl head channel or channels syl chan+nels pos vb. qual U.S. channelling infl head channel or channeling syl chan+nel+ling pos vb. channelled infl head channel or channeled syl chan+nelled pos vb. channeling infl head channel or channelling syl chan+nel+ing pos vb. qual U.S. channeled infl head channel or channelled syl chan+neled. pos vb. qual U.S. channel H1.11. syl chan+nel pron <1C@nL> pos vb. def to provide or be provided with a channel or channels; make or cut channels in (something). channel H1.12. syl chan+nel pron <1C@nL> pos vb. mod tr. def to guide into or convey through a channel or channels. exam 1 information was channelled through to them. channel H1.13. syl chan+nel pron <1C@nL> pos vb. mod tr. def to form a groove or flute in (a column, etc.). channeller sub head channel syl chan+nel+ler pos n. channel ety C18: variant of earlier chainwale; see #7chain, {wale %1} (planking) channel H2.0. syl chan+nel pron <1C@nL> pos n. qual Nautical. def a flat timber or metal ledge projecting from the hull of a vessel above the chainplates to increase the angle of the shrouds. the infl head Channel syl the. pos n. Channel 0. syl Chan+nel pron <1C@nL> pos n. def short for {English Channel}. Channel Counthe infl head Channel Country syl Chan+nel Counthe. pos n. Channel Country 0. syl Chan+nel Count+ry pos n. def an area of E central Australia, in SW Queensland: crossed by intermittent rivers and subject to both flooding and long periods of drought. bar alt head channel iron or channel iron syl bar pos n. channel iron 0. or bar syl chan+nel i:ron pos n. def a rolled-steel bar with a U-shaped cross section. Sometimes shortened to {channel}. Channel Islands 0. syl Chan+nel Is+lands pos n. mod pl. def a group of islands in the English Channel, off the NW coast of France, consisting of Jersey, Guernsey, Alderney, Brechou, Great Sark, Little Sark, Herm, Jethou, and Lihou (British crown dependencies), and the Roches Douvres and the *^Iles Chausey (which belong to France): the only part of the duchy of Normandy remaining to Britain. Pop.: 128000 (1975 UN est.). Area: 194 sq. km (75 sq. miles). channelise alt head channelize or channelize syl chan+nel+ise pron <1C@n*lIz> pos vb. mod tr. channelize 0. or channelise syl chan+nel+ize pron <1C@n*lIz> pos vb. mod tr. def to guide through or as if through a channel; provide a channel for. chanson de geste ety literally: song of exploits chanson de geste 0. syl chan+son de geste pron French. <1Zest> pos n. def one of a genre of Old French epic poems celebrating heroic deeds, the most famous of which is the chant ety C14: from Old French chanter to sing, from Latin cant*_are, frequentative of canere to sing chant 1. syl chant pron pos n. def a simple song or melody. chant 2. syl chant pron pos n. def a short simple melody in which several words or syllables are assigned to one note, as in the recitation of psalms. chant 3. syl chant pron pos n. def a psalm or canticle performed by using such a melody. chant 4. syl chant pron pos n. def a rhythmic or repetitious slogan, usually spoken or sung, as by sports supporters, etc. chant 5. syl chant pron pos n. def monotonous or singsong intonation in speech. chant 6. syl chant pron pos vb. def to sing or recite (a psalm, prayer, etc.) as a chant. chant 7. syl chant pron pos vb. def to intone (a slogan) rhythmically or repetitiously. chant 8. syl chant pron pos vb. def to speak or say mo?!notonously as if intoning a chant. chantingly sub head chant syl chant+ing+ly pos adv. chanter 1. syl chant+er pron <1Ca:nt*> pos n. def a person who chants. chanter 2. syl chant+er pron <1Ca:nt*> pos n. def the pipe on a set of bagpipes that is provided with finger holes and on which the melody is played. chanterelle ety C18: from French, from New Latin cantharella, diminutive of Latin cantharus drinking vessel, from Greek kantharos chanterelle 0. syl chan+te+relle pron <2C@nt*1rel> pos n. def any saprophytic basidiomycetous fungus of the genus esp. having an edible yellow funnel-shaped mushroom: family chanteuse ety French: singer chanteuse 0. syl chan+teuse pron French pos n. def a female singer, esp. in a nightclub or cabaret. chanteys infl head chantey syl chan+teys. pos n. mod pl. chantey 0. syl chan+tey pron <1S@nti>, <1C@n-> pos n. def the usual U.S. spelling of {shanty%2}. chanticleer ety C13: from Old French Chantecler, from chanter cler to sing clearly chantecler alt head chanticleer or chanticleer syl chan+te+cler pron <2C@nti1kle*> pos n. chanticleer 0. or chantecler syl chan+ti+cleer pron <2C@nti1kli*> pos n. def a name for a cock, used esp. in fables. Chantilly 1. syl Chan+til+ly pron , French pos n. def a town in N France, near the {Forest of Chantilly}: formerly famous for lace and porcelain. Pop.: 10684 (1975). Chantilly 2. syl Chan+til+ly pron , French pos adj. usage of cream def lightly sweetened and whipped. Chantilly lace 0. syl Chan+til+ly lace pos n. usage sometimes not cap. def a delicate ornamental lace. chantry ety C14: from Old French chanterie, from chanter to sing; see #7chant chantries infl head chantry syl chan+tries. pos n. mod pl. chantry 1. syl chan+try pron <1Ca:ntri> pos n. qual Christianity. def an endowment for the singing of Masses for the soul of the founder or others designated by him. chantry 2. syl chan+try pron <1Ca:ntri> pos n. qual Christianity. def a chapel or altar so endowed. chantry 3. syl chan+try pron <1Ca:ntri> pos n. qual Christianity. usage as modifier exam 1 a chantry priest. chanties infl head chanty syl chan+ties. pos n. mod pl. chanty 0. syl chan+ty pron <1S@nti>, <1C@n-> pos n. def a variant spelling of {shanty%2}. Chanukkah alt head Chanukah or Chanukah syl Cha+nuk+kah pron <1ha:n*k*>, <-nu2ka:>, Hebrew pos n. Chanukah 0. or Chanukkah syl Cha+nu+kah pron <1ha:n*k*>, <-nu2ka:>, Hebrew pos n. def a variant spelling of {Hanukkah}. Chaoan 0. syl Chao+an pron <1Cau1a:n> pos n. def a city in SE China, in E Kwantung province, on the Han River: river port. Pop.: 101300 (1953 est.). Former name: {Chaochow}. Chaochow 0. syl Chao+chow pron <1Cau1C*u> pos n. def the former name of {Chaoan}. Chao Phraya 0. syl Chao Phra+ya pron <1Cau> pos n. def a river in N Thailand, rising in the N highlands and flowing south to the Gulf of Siam. Length: (including the headstreams Nan and Ping) 1200 km (750 miles). Also called: {Menam}. chaos ety C15: from Latin, from Greek khaos; compare #7chasm, yawn chaos 1. syl cha+os pron <1kAos> pos n. usage usually cap. def the disordered formless matter supposed to have existed before the ordered universe. chaos 2. syl cha+os pron <1kAos> pos n. def complete disorder; utter confusion. chaos 3. syl cha+os pron <1kAos> pos n. def an obsolete word for {abyss}. chaotic sub head chaos syl cha+ot+ic pron pos adj. chaotically sub head chaos syl cha+1ot:i+cal+ly pos adv. chap ety C14: probably of Germanic origin; compare Middle Dutch, German kappen to chop off chaps infl head chap syl chaps pos vb. chapping infl head chap syl chap+ping pos vb. chapped infl head chap syl chapped. pos vb. chap H1.1. syl chap pron pos vb. usage of the skin def to make or become raw and cracked, esp. by exposure to cold. {~} chap H1.2. syl chap pron pos vb. mod usually; pl. def a cracked or sore patch on the skin caused by chapping. chap ety C16 (in the sense: buyer): shortened from #7chapman chap H2.0. syl chap pron pos n. qual Informal. def a man or boy; fellow. chap H3.0. syl chap pron , pos n. def a less common word for {chop%3}. chap 1. syl chap. qual abbrev. for: def chaplain. chap 2. syl chap. qual abbrev. for: def chapter. chaparejos ety from Mexican Spanish chaparajos alt head chaparejos or chaparejos syl chap:a+ra+jos pron <2S@p*1rA*us>, Spanish <2Capa1ra$xos> pos n. mod pl. chaparejos 0. or chaparajos syl chap:a+re:jos pron <2S@p*1rA*us>, Spanish <2Capa1rA$xos>, Spanish <2Capa1ra$xos> pos n. mod pl. def another name for {chaps}. chaparral ety C19: from Spanish, from chaparra evergreen oak chaparral 0. syl chap+ar+ral pron <2C@p*1r@l>, <2S@p-> pos n. usage in the southwestern U.S. def a dense growth of shrubs and trees, esp. evergreen oaks. chaparral cock 0. syl chap+ar+ral cock pos n. def another name for {roadrunner}. chaparral pea 0. syl chap+ar+ral pea pos n. def a thorny leguminous Californian shrub, with reddish-purple showy flowers. chapatti ety from Hindi chapati alt head chapatti or chapatti syl cha+pa+ti pron , <-1p^ti>, <-1pa:ti> pos n. chapatti infl syl cha+pat+ti pos n. mod pl. chapattis infl head chapatti or chapatties syl cha+pat+tis pos n. mod pl. chapatties infl head chapatti or chapattis syl cha+pat+ties. pos n. mod pl. chapatti 0. or chapati syl cha+pat+ti pron , <-1p^ti>, <-1pa:ti> pos n. usage in Indian cookery def a flat coarse unleavened bread resembling a pancake. chapbook 0. syl chap+book pron <1C@p2buk> pos n. def a book of popular ballads, stories, etc., formerly sold by chapmen or pedlars. chape ety C14: from Old French: hood, metal cover, from Late Latin cappa #7cap chape 1. syl chape pron pos n. def a metal tip or trimming for a scabbard. chape 2. syl chape pron pos n. def the metal tongue of a buckle. chapeless sub head chape syl chape+less pos adj. chapeau ety C16: from French, from Late Latin cappellus hood, from cappa #7cap chapeaux infl head chapeau or chapeaus syl cha+peaux pron <-p*u>, <-p*uz>, French <-1po> pos n. mod pl. chapeaus infl head chapeau or chapeaux syl cha+peaus. pos n. mod pl. chapeau 0. syl cha+peau pron <1S@p*u>, French , French <-1po> pos n. def a hat. chapel ety C13: from Old French chapele, from Late Latin cappella, diminutive of cappa cloak (see #7cap) ; originally denot?!ing the sanctuary where the cloak of St. Martin of Tours was kept as a relic chapel 1. syl chap+el pron <1C@pL> pos n. def a place of Christian worship in a larger building, esp. a place set apart, with a separate altar, in a church or cathedral. chapel 2. syl chap+el pron <1C@pL> pos n. def a similar place of worship in or attached to a large house or institution, such as a college, hospital or prison. chapel 3. syl chap+el pron <1C@pL> pos n. def a church subordinate to a parish church. chapel 4.a. syl chap+el pron <1C@pL> pos n. def a Nonconformist place of worship. chapel 4.b. syl chap+el pron <1C@pL> pos n. def Nonconformist religious practices or doctrine. chapel 4.c. syl chap+el pron <1C@pL> pos as; adj. usage he is chapel, but his wife is church. def Compare { {church} (sense 5).} chapel 5.a. syl chap+el pron <1C@pL> pos n. def the members of a trade union in a particular newspaper office, printing house, etc. chapel 5.b. syl chap+el pron <1C@pL> pos n. def a meeting of these members. chapel 6. syl chap+el pron <1C@pL> pos n. def a print?!ing office. chapel of ease 0. syl chap+el of ease pos n. def a church built to accommodate those living at a distance from the parish church. chaperon ety C14: from Old French, from chape hood, protective covering; see #7cap chaperone alt head chaperon or chaperon syl chap+er+one pron <1S@p*2r*un> pos n. chaperon 1. or chaperone syl chap+er+on pron <1S@p*2r*un> pos n. usage esp. formerly def an older or married woman who accompanies or supervises a young unmarried woman on social occasions. chaperon 2. or chaperone syl chap+er+on pron <1S@p*2r*un> pos n. def someone who accompanies and supervises a group, esp. of young people, usually when in public places. chaperon 3. or chaperone syl chap+er+on pron <1S@p*2r*un> pos vb. def to act as a chaperon to. chaperonage sub head chaperon syl chap+er+on+age pron <1S@p*r*niJ> pos n. chapfallen ety C16: from #7chops +#7fallen chopfallen alt head chapfallen or chapfallen syl chop+fall:en pos adj. chapfallen 0. or chopfallen syl chap+fall:en pron <1C@p2fc:l*n> pos adj. def dejected; downhearted; crestfallen. chapiter ety C15: from Old French chapitre, from Latin capitellum {#7capital %2} chapiter 0. syl chap:i+ter pron <1C@pit*> pos n. qual Architect. def another name for {capital%2}. chaplain ety C12: from Old French chapelain, from Late Latin cappell*_anus, from cappella #7chapel chaplain 0. syl chap+lain pron <1C@plin> pos n. def a Christian clergyman attached to a private chapel of a prominent person or institution or minis?!tering to a military body, professional group, etc. exam 1 a military chaplain; exam 2 a prison chaplain. chaplaincy sub head chaplain syl chap+lain+cy pos n. chaplainship sub head chaplain or chaplainry syl chap+lain+2ship pos n. chaplainry sub head chaplain or chaplainship syl chap+lain+ry pos n. chaplet ety C14: from Old French chapelet garland of roses, from chapel hat; see #7chapeau chaplet 1. syl chap+let pron <1C@plit> pos n. def an ornamental wreath of flowers, beads, etc., worn on the head. chaplet 2. syl chap+let pron <1C@plit> pos n. def a string of beads or something similar. chaplet 3.a. syl chap+let pron <1C@plit> pos n. def a string of prayer beads constituting one third of the rosary. chaplet 3.b. syl chap+let pron <1C@plit> pos n. def the prayers counted on this string. chaplet 4. syl chap+let pron <1C@plit> pos n. def a narrow convex moulding in the form of a string of beads; astragal. chaplet 5. syl chap+let pron <1C@plit> pos n. def a metal support for the core in a casting mould, esp. for the core of a cylindrical pipe. chapleted sub head chaplet syl chap+let+ed pos adj. Chaplin 0. syl Chap:lin pron <1C@plin> pos n. def Sir {Charles Spen@.cer}, known as 1889-1977, English comedian, film actor and director. He is renowned for his portrayal of a downtrodden little man with baggy trousers, bowler hat, and cane. His films include (1925), (1936), and (1940). chapman ety Old English c*_eapman, from c*_eap buying and selling (see #7cheap) chapmen infl head chapman syl chap+men. pos n. mod pl. chapman 1. syl chap+man pron <1C@pm*n> pos n. qual Archaic. def a trader, esp. an itinerant pedlar. chapmanship sub head chapman syl chap+man+2ship pos n. George infl head Chapman syl George. pos n. Chapman 0. syl Chap:man pron <1C@pm*n> pos n. def 1559-1634, English dramatist and poet, noted for his translation of Homer. chappal ety from Hindi chappal 0. syl chap+pal pron <1C^pL> pos n. def one of a pair of sandals, usually of leather, worn in India. chappie 0. syl chap+pie pron <1C@pi> pos n. qual Informal. def another word for {chap} %2. chaps ety C19: shortened from #7chaparejos chaps 0. syl chaps pron , pos n. mod pl. def leather overalls without a seat, worn by cowboys. Also called: {chaparajos, chaparejos}. chapstick ety C20: from a trademark chapstick 0. syl chap+stick pron <1C@p2stik> pos n. qual Chiefly U.S. def a cylinder of a substance for preventing or soothing chapped lips. chapter ety C13: from Old French chapitre, from Latin capitulum, literally: little head, hence, section of writing, from caput head; in Medieval Latin: chapter of scripture or of a religious rule, a gathering for the reading of this, hence, assemblage of clergy chapter 1. syl chap+ter pron <1C@pt*> pos n. def a division of a written work, esp. a narrative, usually titled or numbered. chapter 2. syl chap+ter pron <1C@pt*> pos n. def a sequence of events having a common attribute. exam 1 a chapter of disasters. chapter 3. syl chap+ter pron <1C@pt*> pos n. def an episode or period in a life, history, etc. chapter 4. syl chap+ter pron <1C@pt*> pos n. def a numbered reference to that part of a Parliamentary session which relates to a specified Act of Parliament. chapter 5. syl chap+ter pron <1C@pt*> pos n. def a branch of some societies, clubs, etc., esp. of a secret society. chapter 6. syl chap+ter pron <1C@pt*> pos n. def the collective body or a meeting of the canons of a cathedral or collegiate church or of the members of a monastic or knightly order. chapter 7. syl chap+ter pron <1C@pt*> pos n. def a general assembly of some organization. chapter and verse 8. head chapter syl chapter and verse. def exact authority for an action or statement. chapter 9. syl chap+ter pron <1C@pt*> pos vb. mod tr. def to divide into chapters. chapterhouse 1. syl chap+ter+house pron <1C@pt*2haus> pos n. def the building attached to a cathedral, collegiate church, or religious house in which the chapter meets. chapterhouse 2. syl chap+ter+house pron <1C@pt*2haus> pos n. def the meeting place of a society, club, etc. char ety C17: short for #7charcoal chars infl head char syl chars pos vb. charring infl head char syl char+ring pos vb. charred infl head char syl charred. pos vb. char H1.1. syl char pron pos vb. def to burn or be burned partially, esp. so as to blacken the surface; scorch. char H1.2. syl char pron pos vb. mod tr. def to reduce (wood) to charcoal by partial combustion. char ety C17: of unknown origin charr alt head char or char syl charr pron pos n. mod pl. chars infl head char or charrs syl chars pos n. mod pl. charrs infl head char or chars syl charrs. pos n. mod pl. char H2.0. or charr syl char pron pos n. mod pl. def any of various troutlike fishes of the genus esp. occurring in cold lakes and northern seas: family (salmon). char H3.1. syl char pron pos n. qual Informal. def short for {charwoman}. chars infl head char syl chars pos vb. charring infl head char syl char+ring pos vb. charred infl head char syl charred. pos vb. char H3.2. syl char pron pos vb. qual Brit. informal. def to do housework, cleaning, etc., as a job. char ety from Chinese ch'a char H4.0. syl char pron pos n. qual Brit. def a slang word for {tea}. charabanc ety C19: from French char-*`a-bancs, wagon with seats charabanc 0. syl char:a+banc pron <1S@r*2b@G>, French pos n. qual Brit. def a motor coach, esp. one used for sightseeing tours. characin ety C19: from New Latin Chara?!cinidae, from characinus, from Greek kharax a fish, probably the sea bream characid alt head characin or characin syl char:a+cid pos n. characin 0. or characid syl char:a+cin pron <1k@r*sin> pos n. def any small carnivorous freshwater cyprinoid fish of the family of Central and South America and Africa. They are similar to the carps but more brightly coloured. character ety C14: from Latin: distinguishing mark, from Greek kharakt*_er engraver's tool, from kharassein to engrave, stamp character 1. syl char+ac+ter pron <1k@rikt*> pos n. def the combination of traits and qualities distinguishing the individual nature of a person or thing. character 2. syl char+ac+ter pron <1k@rikt*> pos n. def one such distinguishing quality; characteristic. character 3. syl char+ac+ter pron <1k@rikt*> pos n. def moral force; integrity. exam 1 a man of character. character 4.a. syl char+ac+ter pron <1k@rikt*> pos n. def reputation, esp. a good reputation. character 4.b. syl char+ac+ter pron <1k@rikt*> pos n. usage as modifier exam 1 character assassination. character 5. syl char+ac+ter pron <1k@rikt*> pos n. def a summary or account of a person's qualities and achievements; testimonial. exam 1 my last employer gave me a good character. character 6. syl char+ac+ter pron <1k@rikt*> pos n. def capacity, position, or status. exam 1 he spoke in the character of a friend rather than a father. character 7. syl char+ac+ter pron <1k@rikt*> pos n. def a person represented in a play, film, story, etc.; role. character 8. syl char+ac+ter pron <1k@rikt*> pos n. def an outstanding person. exam 1 one of the great characters of the century. character 9. syl char+ac+ter pron <1k@rikt*> pos n. qual Informal. def an odd, eccentric, or unusual person. exam 1 he's quite a character. character 10. syl char+ac+ter pron <1k@rikt*> pos n. def an informal word for {person}. exam 1 a shady character. character 11. syl char+ac+ter pron <1k@rikt*> pos n. def a symbol used in a writing system, such as a letter of the alphabet. character 12. syl char+ac+ter pron <1k@rikt*> pos n. def Also called: {sort}. any single letter, numeral, punctuation mark, or symbol cast as a type. character 13. syl char+ac+ter pron <1k@rikt*> pos n. qual Computer technol. def any such letter, numeral, etc., each of which is a unit of information and can be represented uniquely by binary code. character 14. syl char+ac+ter pron <1k@rikt*> pos n. def a style of writing or printing. character 15. syl char+ac+ter pron <1k@rikt*> pos n. qual Genetics. def any structure, function, attribute, etc., in an organism that is determined by a gene or group of genes. character 16. syl char+ac+ter pron <1k@rikt*> pos n. def a short prose sketch of a distinctive type of person, usually representing a vice or virtue. in 17. head character or out of) character syl in usage typical (or not typical def of the apparent character of a person or thing. character 18. syl char+ac+ter pron <1k@rikt*> pos vb. mod tr. def to write, print, inscribe, or engrave. character 19. syl char+ac+ter pron <1k@rikt*> pos vb. mod tr. qual Rare. def to portray or represent. characterful sub head character syl char+ac+ter+ful pos adj. characterless sub head character syl char+ac+ter+less pos adj. character actor 0. syl char+ac+ter ac+tor pos n. def an actor who specializes in playing odd or eccentric characters. characteristic 1. syl char+ac+ter+is+tic pron <2k@rikt*1ristik> pos n. def a distinguishing quality, attribute, or trait. characteristic 2.a. syl char+ac+ter+is+tic pron <2k@rikt*1ristik> pos n. def the integral part of a common logarithm, indicating the order of magnitude of the associated number. exam 1 the characteristic of 2.4771 is 2. characteristic 2.b. syl char+ac+ter+is+tic pron <2k@rikt*1ristik> pos n. def another name for { {exponent} (sense 4),} esp. in number representation in computing. {~} characteristic 3. syl char+ac+ter+is+tic pron <2k@rikt*1ristik> pos n. def indicative of a distinctive quality, etc.; typical. characteristically sub head characteristic syl char+ac+ter+1is+ti+cal+ly pos adv. characteristic curve 0. syl char+ac+ter+is+tic curve pos n. qual Photog. def a graph of the density of a particular photographic material plotted against the logarithm of the exposure producing this density. characterisation alt head characterization or characterization syl char+ac+ter:i+sa+tion pron <2k@rikt*rI?!1zAS*n> pos n. characterization 1. or characterisation syl char+ac+ter:i+za+tion pron <2k@rikt*rI?!1zAS*n> pos n. def description of character, traits, etc. characterization 2. or characterisation syl char+ac+ter:i+za+tion pron <2k@rikt*rI?!1zAS*n> pos n. def the act of characterizing. characterise alt head characterize or characterize syl char+ac+ter+ise pron <1k@rikt*2rIz> pos vb. mod tr. characterize 1. or characterise syl char+ac+ter+ize pron <1k@rikt*2rIz> pos vb. mod tr. def to be a characteristic of. exam 1 loneliness characterized the place. characterize 2. or characterise syl char+ac+ter+ize pron <1k@rikt*2rIz> pos vb. mod tr. def to distinguish or mark as a characteristic. characterize 3. or characterise syl char+ac+ter+ize pron <1k@rikt*2rIz> pos vb. mod tr. def to describe or portray the character of. characterizable sub head characterize or characterisable syl char+ac+ter+2iz+a:ble pos adj. characterisable sub head characterize or characterizable syl char+ac+ter+2is+a:ble pos adj. characterizer sub head characterize or characteriser syl char+ac+ter+2iz+er pos n. characteriser sub head characterize or characterizer syl char+ac+ter+2is+er pos n. character sketch 0. syl char+ac+ter sketch pos n. def a brief description or portrayal of a person's character, qualities, etc. character type 0. syl char+ac+ter type pos n. qual Psychol. def a cluster of personality traits commonly occurring together in an individual. characteries infl head charactery syl char+ac+ter:ies. pos n. mod pl. charactery 1. syl char+ac+ter:y pron <1k@rikt*ri>, <-tri> pos n. qual Archaic. def the use of symbols to express thoughts. charactery 2. syl char+ac+ter:y pron <1k@rikt*ri>, <-tri> pos n. qual Archaic. def the group of symbols so used. charade 1. syl cha+rade pron pos n. def an episode or act in the game of charades. charade 2. syl cha+rade pron pos n. qual Chiefly Brit. def an absurd act; travesty. charades ety C18: from French charade entertainment, from Proven*,cal charrado chat, from charra chatter, of imitative origin charades 0. syl cha+rades pron pos n. def a parlour game in which one team acts out each syllable of a word, the other team having to guess the word. charas ety C19: from Hindi charas 0. syl char+as pron <1Ca:r*s> pos n. def another name for {hashish}. charcoal ety C14: from char (origin obscure)+#7coal charcoal 1. syl char+coal pron <1Ca:2k*ul> pos n. def a black amorphous form of carbon made by heating wood or other organic matter in the absence of air: used as a fuel, in smelting metal ores, in explosives, and as an absorbent. See {activated carbon}. charcoal 2. syl char+coal pron <1Ca:2k*ul> pos n. def a stick or pencil of this for drawing. charcoal 3. syl char+coal pron <1Ca:2k*ul> pos n. def a drawing done in charcoal. charcoal 4. syl char+coal pron <1Ca:2k*ul> pos vb. mod tr. def to write, draw, or blacken with charcoal. charcoal-burner 0. syl char:coal-burn:er pos n. def a person who makes charcoal. charcoal grey 0.a. syl char+coal grey pos n. def a very dark grey colour. charcoal grey 0.b. syl char+coal grey pos as; adj. exam 1 charcoal-grey trousers. Jean Martin infl head Charcot syl Jean Mar:tin pron pos n. Charcot 0. syl Char:cot pron French pos n. def 1825-93, French neurologist, noted for his attempt using hypnotism to find an organic cause for hysteria, which influenced Freud. chard ety C17: probably from French carde edible leafstalk of the artichoke, but associated also with French chardon thistle, both ultimately from Latin carduus thistle; see #7cardoon chard 0. syl chard pron pos n. def a variety of beet, with large succulent leaves and thick stalks, used as a vegetable. Also called: {Swiss chard, leaf beet, seakale beet}. Jean-Baptiste Sim'eon infl head Chardin syl Jean-Bap:tiste Si:m*'e:on pron , pos n. Chardin 0. syl Char:din pron French , pos n. def 1699-1779, French still-life and genre painter, noted for his subtle use of scumbled colour. Charente 1. syl Cha+rente pron French pos n. def a department of W central France, in Poitou-Charentes region. Capital: Angoul*^eme. Pop.: 345445 (1975). Area: 5972 sq. km (2329 sq. miles). Charente 2. syl Cha+rente pron French pos n. def a river in W France, flowing west to the Bay of Biscay. Length: 362 km (225 miles). Charente-Maritime 0. syl Cha:rente-Ma:ri:time pron French pos n. def a department of W France, in Poitou-Charentes region. Capital: La Rochelle. Pop.: 513478 (1975). Area: 7232 sq. km (2820 sq. miles). charge ety C13: from Old French chargier to load, from Late Latin carric*_are; see #7carry charge 1. syl charge pron pos vb. def to set or demand (a price). exam 1 he charges too much for his services. charge 2. syl charge pron pos vb. mod tr. def to hold financially liable; enter a debit against. charge 3. syl charge pron pos vb. mod tr. def to enter or record as an obligation against a person or his account. charge 4. syl charge pron pos vb. mod tr. def to accuse or impute a fault to (a person, etc.), as formally in a court of law. charge 5. syl charge pron pos vb. mod tr. def to command; place a burden upon or assign responsibility to. exam 1 I was charged to take the message to headquarters. charge 6. syl charge pron pos vb. def to make a rush at or sudden attack upon (a person or thing). charge 7. syl charge pron pos vb. mod tr. def to fill (a receptacle) with the proper or appropriate quantity. charge 8. syl charge pron pos vb. usage often foll. by up def to cause (an accumulator, capacitor, etc.) to take or store electricity or (of an accumulator) to have elec?!tricity fed into it. charge 9. syl charge pron pos vb. def to fill or suffuse or to be filled or suffused with matter by dispersion, solution, or absorption. exam 1 to charge water with carbon dioxide. charge 10. syl charge pron pos vb. mod tr. def to fill or suffuse with feeling, emotion, etc.. exam 1 the atmosphere was charged with excitement. charge 11. syl charge pron pos vb. mod tr. usage Law. of a judge def to address (a jury) authoritatively. charge 12. syl charge pron pos vb. mod tr. def to load (a firearm). charge 13. syl charge pron pos vb. mod tr. def to aim (a weapon) in position ready for use. charge 14. syl charge pron pos vb. mod tr. qual Heraldry. def to paint (a shield, banner, etc.) with a charge. charge 15. syl charge pron pos vb. mod intr. usage of hunting dogs def to lie down at command. charge 16. syl charge pron pos n. def a price charged for some article or service; cost. charge 17. syl charge pron pos n. def a financial liability, such as a tax. charge 18. syl charge pron pos n. def a debt or a book entry recording it. charge 19. syl charge pron pos n. def an accusation or allegation, such as a formal accusation of a crime in law. charge 20.a. syl charge pron pos n. def an onrush, attack, or assault. charge 20.b. syl charge pron pos n. def the call to such an attack in battle. charge 21. syl charge pron pos n. def custody or guardianship. charge 22. syl charge pron pos n. def a person or thing committed to someone's care. charge 23.a. syl charge pron pos n. def a cartridge or shell. charge 23.b. syl charge pron pos n. def the explosive required to discharge a firearm or other weapon. charge 23.c. syl charge pron pos n. def an amount of explosive material to be detonated at any one time. charge 24. syl charge pron pos n. def the quantity of anything that a receptacle is intended to hold. charge 25.a. syl charge pron pos n. def the attribute of matter responsible for all electrical phenomena, existing in two forms to which the signs negative and positive are arbitrarily assigned. charge 25.b. syl charge pron pos n. def a similar property of a body or system determined by the extent to which it contains an excess or deficiency of electrons. charge 25.c. syl charge pron pos n. def a quantity of electricity determined by the product of an electric current and the time for which it flows, measured in coulombs. charge 25.d. syl charge pron pos n. def the total amount of electricity stored in a capacitor, equal to the charge on the positive plate. charge 25.e. syl charge pron pos n. def the total amount of elec?!tricity held in an accumulator, usually measured in ampere-hours. Symbol. exam 1 q charge 26. syl charge pron pos n. def a load or burden. charge 27. syl charge pron pos n. def a duty or responsibility; control. charge 28. syl charge pron pos n. def a command, injunction, or or?!der. charge 29. syl charge pron pos n. qual Slang. def a thrill. charge 30. syl charge pron pos n. qual Law. def the address made by a judge to the jury at the conclusion of the evidence. charge 31. syl charge pron pos n. qual Heraldry. def a design, device, or image depicted on heraldic arms. exam 1 a charge of three lions. charge 32. syl charge pron pos n. def the solid propellant used in rockets, sometimes including the inhibitor. in charge 33. head charge syl in charge. def in command. charge 34.a. syl charge pron pos n. def having responsibility for. charge 34.b. syl charge pron pos n. qual U.S. def under the care of. chargeable 1. syl charge+a:ble pron <1Ca:J*bL> pos adj. def charged or liable to be charged. chargeable 2. syl charge+a:ble pron <1Ca:J*bL> pos adj. def liable to result in a legal charge. chargeableness sub head chargeable or chargeability syl charge+a:ble+ness pos n. chargeability sub head chargeable or chargeableness syl charge+a:1bil+i:ty pos n. chargeably sub head chargeable syl charge+a:bly pos adv. charge account 0. syl charge ac+count pos n. def another term for {credit account}. charg'e d'affaires ety C18: from French: (one) charged with affairs charg'es d'affaires infl head charg'e d'affaires syl char+g*'es d'af+faires pron <1Sa:ZA>, <-ZAz>, French pos n. mod pl. charg'e d'affaires 1. syl char+g*'e d'af+faires pron <1Sa:ZA> , French , French pos n. def the temporary head of a diplomatic mission in the absence of the ambassador or minister. charg'e d'affaires 2. syl char+g*'e d'af+faires pron <1Sa:ZA> , French , French pos n. def the head of a diplomatic mission of the lowest level. charge density 0. syl charge den+si:ty pos n. def the electric charge per unit volume of a medium or body or per unit area of a surface. charge hand 0. syl charge hand pos n. qual Brit. def a workman whose grade of responsibility is just below that of a foreman. charge nurse 0. syl charge nurse pos n. qual Brit. def a nurse in charge of a ward in a hospital, esp. when a man. Fem. equivalent: {sister}. charge of quarters 0. syl charge of quar+ters pos n. qual U.S. def a member of the armed forces who handles administration in his unit, esp. after duty hours. charger H1.1. syl charg+er pron <1Ca:J*> pos n. def a person or thing that charges. charger H1.2. syl charg+er pron <1Ca:J*> pos n. def a large strong horse formerly ridden into battle. charger H1.3. syl charg+er pron <1Ca:J*> pos n. def a device for charging or recharging an accumulator. charger ety C14 chargeour something to bear a load, from chargen to #7charge charger H2.0. syl charg+er pron <1Ca:J*> pos n. qual Antiques. def a large dish for serving at table or for display. charge sheet 0. syl charge sheet pos n. qual Brit. def a document on which a police officer enters details of the charge against a prisoner and the court in which he will appear. Shari alt head Chari or Chari syl Sha+ri pos n. Chari 0. or Shari syl Cha+ri pron <1Ca:ri> pos n. def a river in N central Africa, rising in the N Central African Empire and flowing north to Lake Chad. Length: about 2250 km (1400 miles). charily 1. syl char:i+ly pron <1Ce*rili> pos adv. def cautiously; carefully. charily 2. syl char:i+ly pron <1Ce*rili> pos adv. def sparingly. chariness 0. syl char:i+ness pron <1Ce*rinis> pos n. def the state of being chary. Charing Cross 0. syl Char+ing Cross pron <1C@riG> pos n. def a district of London, in the city of Westminster: the modern cross (1863) in front of Charing Cross railway station replaces the one erected by Edward I (1290), the last of twelve marking the route of the funeral procession of his queen, Eleanor. Chari-Nile 1. syl Cha:ri-Nile pron <1Ca:ri> <1nIl> pos n. def a group of languages of E Africa, now generally regarded as a branch of the Nilo-Saharan family, spoken in parts of the Sudan, Za*"ire, Uganda, Kenya, Tanzania, and adjacent countries. Chari-Nile 2. syl Cha:ri-Nile pron <1Ca:ri> <1nIl> pos adj. def relating to or belonging to this group of languages. chariot ety C14: from Old French, augmentative of char #7car chariot 1. syl char:i+ot pron <1C@ri*t> pos n. def a two-wheeled horse-drawn vehicle used in ancient Egypt, Greece, Rome, etc., in war, races, and processions. chariot 2. syl char:i+ot pron <1C@ri*t> pos n. def a light four-wheeled horse-drawn ceremonial carriage. chariot 3. syl char:i+ot pron <1C@ri*t> pos n. qual Poetic. def any stately vehicle. charioteer 0. syl char:i+ot+eer pron <2C@ri*1ti*> pos n. def the driver of a chariot. charisma ety C17: from Church Latin, from Greek kharisma, from kharis grace, favour charism alt head charisma or charisma syl char+ism pron <1k@riz*m> pos n. charisma 1. or charism syl cha+ris+ma pron pos n. def a special personal quality or power of an individual making him capable of influencing or inspiring large numbers of people. charisma 2. or charism syl cha+ris+ma pron pos n. qual Theol. def a divinely bestowed power or talent. charismatic sub head charisma syl char+is+mat+ic pron <2k@riz1m@tik> pos adj. charitable 1. syl char:i+ta:ble pron <1C@rit*bL> pos adj. def generous in giving to the needy. charitable 2. syl char:i+ta:ble pron <1C@rit*bL> pos adj. def kind or lenient in one's attitude towards others. charitable 3. syl char:i+ta:ble pron <1C@rit*bL> pos adj. def concerned with or involving charity. charitableness sub head charitable syl char:i+ta:ble+ness pos n. charitably sub head charitable syl char:i+ta:bly pos adv. charity ety C13: from Old French charite, from Latin c*_arit*_as affection, love, from c*_arus dear charities infl head charity syl char+i:ties. pos n. mod pl. charity 1.a. syl char+i:ty pron <1C@riti> pos n. def the giving of help, money, food, etc., to those in need. charity 1.b. syl char+i:ty pron <1C@riti> pos n. usage as modifier exam 1 a charity show. charity 2.a. syl char+i:ty pron <1C@riti> pos n. def an institution or organization set up to provide help, money, etc., to those in need. charity 2.b. syl char+i:ty pron <1C@riti> pos n. usage as modifier exam 1 charity funds. charity 3. syl char+i:ty pron <1C@riti> pos n. def the help, money, etc., given to the needy; alms. charity 4. syl char+i:ty pron <1C@riti> pos n. def a kindly and lenient attitude towards people. charity 5. syl char+i:ty pron <1C@riti> pos n. def love of one's fellow men. Charity Commissioners 0. syl Char+i:ty Com+mis+sion+ers pos n. mod pl. usage in Britian def members of a commission constituted to keep a register of charities and control charitable trusts. charivari ety C17: from French, from Late Latin caribaria headache, from Greek kar*_ebaria, from kar*_e head+ barus heavy shivaree infl head charivari syl shiv:a+ree charivari 1. syl cha+ri+va+ri pron <2Sa:ri1va:ri> usage esp. U.S. def a discordant mock serenade to newlyweds, made with pans, kettles, etc. charivari 2. syl cha+ri+va+ri pron <2Sa:ri1va:ri> usage esp. U.S. def a confused noise; din. charkha ety from Hindi charka alt head charkha or charkha syl char+ka pron <1Ca:k*> pos n. charkha 0. or charka syl char+kha pron <1Ca:k*> pos n. usage in India, etc. def a spinning wheel, esp. for cotton. charladies infl head charlady syl char+la:dies. pos n. mod pl. charlady 0. syl char+la:dy pron <1Ca:2lAdi> pos n. def another name for {charwoman}. charlatan ety C17: from French, from Italian ciarlatano, from ciarlare to chatter charlatan 0. syl char+la+tan pron <1Sa:l*tN> pos n. def someone who professes knowledge or expertise, esp. in medicine, that he does not have; quack. charlatanism sub head charlatan or charlatanry syl char+la+tan+ism pos n. charlatanry sub head charlatan or charlatanism syl char+la+tan+ry pos n. charlatanistic sub head charlatan syl char+la+tan+1is+tic pos adj. Charlemagne 0. syl Char:le:magne pron <1Sa:l*2mAn> pos n. def ??742-814 #7a.d., king of the Franks (768-814) and, as Charles I, Holy Roman Emperor (800-814). He conquered the Lombards (774), the Saxons (772-804), and the Avars (791-799). He instituted many judicial and ecclesiastical reforms, and promoted commerce and agriculture throughout his empire, which extended from the Ebro to the Elbe. Under Alcuin his court at Aachen became the centre of a revival of learning. Charleroi 0. syl Char+le+roi pron French pos n. def a town in SW Belgium, in Hainaut province: centre of an industrial region. Pop.: 23296 (1971 est.). Charles 1. syl Charles pron pos n. qual Prince of Wales. def born 1948, son of Elizabeth II; heir apparent to the throne of Great Britain and Northern Ireland. Ray 2. head Charles syl Ray. def born 1930, U.S. rock singer, pianist, and songwriter, whose style draws on both blues and gospel music. His hit singles include (1959). Charles I 1. syl Charles I pos n. def title as Holy Roman Emperor of {Charlemagne}. Charles I 2. syl Charles I pos n. def title as king of France of {Charles II} (Holy Roman Emperor). Charles I 3. syl Charles I pos n. def title as king of Spain of {Charles V} (Holy Roman Emperor). Charles I 4. syl Charles I pos n. def title of {Charles Stuart}. 1600-49, king of England, Scotland, and Ireland (1625-49); son of James I. He ruled for 11 years (1629-40) without parliament, advised by his minister Strafford, until rebellion broke out in Scotland. Conflict with the Long Parliament led to the Civil War and after his defeat at Naseby (1645) he sought refuge with the Scots (1646). He was handed over to the English army under Cromwell (1647) and executed. Charles I 5. syl Charles I pos n. def 1887-1922, emperor of Austria, and, as Charles IV, king of Hungary (1916-18). The last ruler of the Austro-Hungarian monarchy, he was forced to abdicate at the end of World War I. Charles II 1. syl Charles II pos n. def called 823-877 #7a.d., Holy Roman Emperor (875-877) and, as Charles I, king of France (843-877). Charles II 2. syl Charles II pos n. def 1630-85, king of England, Scotland, and Ireland (1660-85) following the Restoration (1660); son of Charles I. He did much to promote commerce, science, and the Navy, but his Roman Catholic sympathies caused widespread distrust. Charles IV 0. syl Charles IV pos n. def title as king of Hungary of { {Charles I} (sense 5).} Charles V 0. syl Charles V pos n. def 1500-58, Holy Roman Emperor (1519-56), king of Burgundy and the Netherlands (1506-55), and, as Charles I, king of Spain (1516-56): his reign saw the empire threatened by Francis I of France, the Turks, and the spread of Protestantism; abdicated. Charles VI 0. syl Charles VI pos n. def called or 1368-1422, king of France (1380-1422): defeated by Henry V of England at Agincourt (1415), he was forced by the Treaty of Troyes (1420) to recognize Henry as his successor. Charles VII 0. syl Charles VII pos n. def 1403-61, king of France (1422-61), son of Charles VI. He was excluded from the French throne by the Treaty of Troyes, but following Joan of Arc's victory over the English at Orl*'eans (1429), was crowned. Charles IX 0. syl Charles IX pos n. def 1550-74, king of France (1560-74), son of Catherine de' Medici and Henry II: his reign was marked by war between Huguenots and Catholics. Charles X 0. syl Charles X pos n. def 1757-1836, king of France (1824-30): his attempt to restore absolutism led to his enforced exile. Charles XIV 0. syl Charles XIV pos n. def the title as king of Sweden and Norway of (Jean Baptiste Jules) {Bernadotte}. Charles Edward Stuart 0. syl Charles Ed:ward Stu:art pos n. def See (Charles Edward) {Stuart}. Charles' law ety C18: named after Jacques A. C. Charles (1746-1823), French physicist who first formulated it Charles' law 0. syl Charles' law pos n. def the principle that if a gas is held at constant pressure its volume is directly proportional to its absolute temperature. At constant volume the pressure of a gas also is directly proportional to its absolute temperature. Also called: {Gay-Lussac's law}. Charles Martel 0. syl Charles Mar:tel pron pos n. def grandfather of Charlemagne. ??688-741 #7a.d., Frankish ruler of Austrasia (715-41), who checked the Moslem invasion of Europe by defeating the Moors at Poitiers (732). Charles's Wain ety Old English Carles w@agn, from Carl C#7harlemagne+ w@agn #7wain Charles's Wain 0. syl Charles's Wain pron pos n. def another name for the {Plough}. Charles the Great 0. syl Charles the Great pos n. def another name for {Charlemagne}. charleston 0. syl charles+ton pron <1Ca:lst*n> pos n. def a fast rhythmic dance of the 1920s, characterized by kicking and by twisting of the legs from the knee down. Charleston 1. syl Charles+ton pron <1Ca:lst*n> pos n. def a city in central West Virginia: the state capital. Pop.: 71505 (1970). Charleston 2. syl Charles+ton pron <1Ca:lst*n> pos n. def a port in SE South Carolina, on the Atlantic: scene of the first action in the Civil War. Pop.: 66945 (1970). Charleville-M'ezieres 0. syl Charle:ville-M*'e:zi*`eres pron French pos n. def twin towns on opposite sides of the River Meuse in NE France. Pop.: 63347 (1975). See {M*'ezi*`eres}. charley horse ety C19: of uncertain origin charley horse 0. syl char+ley horse pron <1Ca:li> pos n. qual U.S. informal. def muscle stiffness or cramp following strenuous athletic exercise. charlie 1. syl char+lie pron <1Ca:li> pos n. qual Informal.; Brit. def a silly person; fool. charlie 2. syl char+lie pron <1Ca:li> pos n. qual Informal.; Austral. def a girl. charlock ety Old English cerlic, of obscure origin charlock 1. syl char+lock pron <1Ca:lok> pos n. def Also called: {wild mustard}. a weedy cruciferous Eurasian plant, (or with hairy stems and foliage and yellow flowers. white charlock 2. head charlock syl white charlock. def Also called: {wild radish, runch}. a cruciferous plant, with yellow, mauve, or white flowers and podlike fruits. charlotte ety C19: from French, from the name Charlotte charlotte 1. syl char+lotte pron <1Sa:l*t> pos n. def a baked dessert served hot or cold, commonly made with fruit and layers or a casing of bread or cake crumbs, sponge cake, etc.. exam 1 apple charlotte. charlotte 2. syl char+lotte pron <1Sa:l*t> pos n. def short for {charlotte russe}. Charlotte 0. syl Char+lotte pron <1Sa:l*t> pos n. def a city in S North Carolina: the largest city in the state. Pop.: 284738 (1973 est.). Charlotte Amalie 0. syl Char+lotte A:ma+li:e pron <1Sa:l*t> <*1ma:li*> pos n. def the capital of the Virgin Islands of the United States, a port on St. Thomas Island. Pop.: 12220 (1970). Former name (1921-37): {Saint Thomas}. Charlottenburg 0. syl Char+lot+ten+burg pron German pos n. def a district of West Berlin, formerly an independent city. charlotte russe ety French, Russian charlotte charlotte russe 0. syl char+lotte russe pron pos n. def a cold dessert made in a mould with sponge fingers enclosing a mixture of whipped cream, custard, etc. Charlottetown 0. syl Char+lotte+town pron <1Sa:l*t2taun> pos n. def a port in SE Canada, capital of the province of Prince Edward Island. Pop.: 19133 (1971). Bobby infl head Charlton syl Bob:by. pos n. Charlton 0. syl Charl:ton pron <1Ca:ltN> pos n. def born 1937, English footballer, played for England over 100 times. charm ety C13: from Old French charme, from Latin carmen song, incantation, from canere to sing charm H1.1. syl charm pron pos n. def the quality of pleasing, fascinating, or attracting people. charm H1.2. syl charm pron pos n. def a pleasing or attractive feature. charm H1.3. syl charm pron pos n. def a small object worn or kept for supposed magical powers of protection; amulet; talisman. charm H1.4. syl charm pron pos n. def a trinket worn on a bracelet. charm H1.5. syl charm pron pos n. def a magic spell; enchantment. charm H1.6. syl charm pron pos n. def a formula or action used in casting such a spell. charm H1.7. syl charm pron pos n. qual Physics. def a property of certain elementary particles, used to explain some scattering experiments. like a charm 8. head charm syl like a charm. def perfectly; successfully. charm H1.9. syl charm pron pos vb. def to attract or fascinate; delight greatly. charm H1.10. syl charm pron pos vb. def to cast a magic spell on. charm H1.11. syl charm pron pos vb. def to protect, influence, or heal, supposedly by magic. charm H1.12. syl charm pron pos vb. mod tr. def to influence or obtain by personal charm. exam 1 he charmed them into believing him. charmedly sub head charm syl charm+ed+ly pron <1Ca:midli> pos adv. charm ety C16: variant of #7chirm charm H2.0. syl charm pron pos n. qual Southwest Brit. dialect. def a loud noise, as of a number of people chattering or of birds singing. charmer 1. syl charm+er pron <1Ca:m*> pos n. def an attractive person. charmer 2. syl charm+er pron <1Ca:m*> pos n. def a person claiming or seeming to have magical powers. Charmeuse 0. syl Char+meuse pron , French pos n. qual Trademark. def a lightweight fabric with a satin-like finish. Charminar 0. syl Char+mi+nar pron <2Ca:mi1na:> pos n. def a 16th-century monument with four minarets at Hyderabad, India. charming 0. syl charm+ing pron <1Ca:miG> pos adj. def delightful; pleasant; attractive. charmingly sub head charming syl charm+ing+ly pos adv. charnel ety C14: from Old French: burial place, from Latin carn*_alis fleshly, #7carnal charnel 1. syl char+nel pron <1Ca:nL> pos n. def short for {charnel house}. charnel 2. syl char+nel pron <1Ca:nL> pos adj. def ghastly; sepulchral; deathly. charnel house 0. syl char+nel house pos n. usage esp. formerly def a building or vault where corpses or bones are deposited. Charollais ety C19: from French: named after Monts du Charollais, E France Charolais alt head Charollais or Charollais syl Char:o+lais pron <1S@r*2lA> pos n. Charollais 0. or Charolais syl Char+ol+lais pron <1S@r*2lA> pos n. def a breed of large white beef cattle. Charon 0. syl Char:on pron <1ke*r*n> pos n. qual Greek myth. def the ferryman who brought the dead across the rivers Styx or Acheron to Hades. Gustave infl head Charpentier syl Gus:tave pron pos n. Charpentier 0. syl Char:pen:tier pron French pos n. def 1860-1956, French composer, whose best-known work is the opera (1900). charpoy ety C19: from Urdu c*_arp*_a*_i charpai alt head charpoy or charpoy syl char+pai pron <1Ca:pI> pos n. charpoy 0. or charpai syl char+poy pron <1Ca:pci> pos n. def a bedstead of woven webbing or hemp stretched on a wooden frame on four legs, common in India. charqui ety C18: from Spanish, from Quechuan charqui 0. syl char+qui pron <1Ca:ki> pos n. def meat, esp. beef, cut into strips and dried. charquid sub head charqui syl char+quid pron <1Ca:?!kid> pos adj. charrs alt head charr or charr syl charrs. pos n. mod pl. charr 0. or charrs syl charr pron pos n. mod pl. def a variant spelling of {char} (the fish). chart ety C16: from Latin, from Greek khart*_es papyrus, literally: something on which to make marks; related to Greek kharattein to engrave chart 1. syl chart pron pos n. def a map designed to aid navigation by sea or air. chart 2. syl chart pron pos n. def an outline map, esp. one on which weather information is plotted. chart 3. syl chart pron pos n. def a sheet giving graphical, tabular, or diagrammatical information. chart 4. syl chart pron pos n. def another name for { {graph} (sense 1).} chart 5. syl chart pron pos n. qual Astrology. def another word for { {horoscope} (sense 3).} the charts 6. head chart syl the charts. qual Informal. def the lists produced weekly from various sources of the best-selling pop singles and albums. {~} chart 7. syl chart pron pos n. def to make a chart of. chart 8. syl chart pron pos n. def to make a detailed plan of. chart 9. syl chart pron pos n. def to plot or outline the course of. chartable sub head chart syl chart+a:ble pos adj. charter ety C13: from Old French chartre, from Latin chartula a little paper, from charta leaf of papyrus; see #7chart charter 1. syl char+ter pron <1Ca:t*> pos n. def a formal document from the sovereign or state incorporating a city, bank, college, etc., and specifying its purposes and rights. charter 2. syl char+ter pron <1Ca:t*> pos n. usage sometimes cap. def a formal document granting or demanding from the sovereign power of a state certain rights or liberties. charter 3. syl char+ter pron <1Ca:t*> pos n. def a document issued by a society or organization authorizing the establishment of a local branch or chapter. charter 4. syl char+ter pron <1Ca:t*> pos n. def a special privilege or exemption. charter 5. syl char+ter pron <1Ca:t*> pos n. usage often cap. def the fundamental principles of an organization; constitution. exam 1 the Charter of the United Nations. charter 6.a. syl char+ter pron <1Ca:t*> pos n. def the hire or lease of trans?!portation. charter 6.b. syl char+ter pron <1Ca:t*> pos n. def the agreement or contract regulating this. charter 6.c. syl char+ter pron <1Ca:t*> pos n. usage as modifier exam 1 a charter flight. charter 7. syl char+ter pron <1Ca:t*> pos n. qual Maritime law. def another word for {charter party}. charter 8. syl char+ter pron <1Ca:t*> pos vb. mod tr. def to lease or hire by charter party. charter 9. syl char+ter pron <1Ca:t*> pos vb. mod tr. def to hire (a vehicle, etc.). charter 10. syl char+ter pron <1Ca:t*> pos vb. mod tr. def to grant a charter of incorporation or liberties to (a group or person). charterer sub head charter syl char+ter+er pos n. charterage 1. syl char+ter+age pron <1Ca:t*riJ> pos n. qual Rare. def the act or practice of chartering, esp. ships. charterage 2. syl char+ter+age pron <1Ca:t*riJ> pos n. qual Rare. def a shipbroker's fee. charter colony 0. syl char+ter col:o+ny pos n. qual American history. def a colony, such as Virginia or Massachusetts, created by royal charter under the control of an individual, trading company, etc., and exempt from interference by the Crown. chartered accountant 0. syl char+tered ac+count+ant pos n. qual Brit. def an accountant who has passed the professional examinations of the Institute of Chartered Accountants. Charterhouse ety C16: changed by folk etymology from Anglo-French chartrouse, after Chartosse (now Saint-Pierre-de-Chartreuse), village near Grenoble, France, the original home of the Carthusian order Charterhouse 0. syl Char+ter+house pron <1Ca:t*2haus> pos n. def a Carthusian monastery. charter member 0. syl char+ter mem+ber pos n. def an original or founder member of a society or organization. charter party 1. syl char+ter par+ty pos n. qual Maritime law. def an agreement for the hire of all or part of a ship for a specified voyage or period of time. charter party 2. syl char+ter par+ty pos n. def an individual or group that charters a ship, etc. Chartism 0. syl Chart+ism pron <1Ca:tiz*m> pos n. qual English history. def the principles of the reform movement in England from 1838 to 1848, which included manhood suffrage, payment of Members of Parliament, equal electoral districts, annual parliaments, voting by ballot, and the abolition of property qualifications for MPs. Chartist sub head Chartism syl Chart+ist pos n. adj. chartist 0. syl chart+ist pron <1Ca:tist> pos n. qual U.S. def a stock market specialist who analyses and predicts market trends from graphs of recent price and volume movements of selected securities. chartless 0. syl chart+less pron <1Ca:tlis> pos adj. def not mapped; uncharted. chartography 0. syl char+tog+ra+phy pron pos n. def a rare word for {cartography}. chartographer sub head chartography syl char+1tog+ra+pher pos n. chartographic sub head chartography or chartographical syl char+to+graph+ic pron <2ka:t*1gr@fik> pos adj. chartographical sub head chartography or chartographic syl char+to+1graph:i+cal pos adj. chartographically sub head chartography syl char+to+1graph:i+cal+ly pos adv. Chartres 0. syl Char+tres pron <1Sa:tr*>, , French <1Sartr> pos n. def a city in NW France: Gothic cathedral; market town. Pop.: 41251 (1975). chartreuse ety C19: from French, after La Grande Chartreuse, monastery near Grenoble, where the liqueur is produced chartreuse 1. syl char+treuse pron , French pos n. def either of two liqueurs, green or yellow, made from herbs and flowers. chartreuse 2.a. syl char+treuse pron , French pos n. def a colour varying from a clear yellowish-green to a strong greenish-yellow. chartreuse 2.b. syl char+treuse pron , French pos as; adj. exam 1 a chartreuse dress. chartularies infl head chartulary syl char+tu+lar:ies. pos n. mod pl. chartulary 0. syl char+tu+lar:y pron <1Ca:tjul*ri> pos n. def a variant of {cartulary}. charwomen infl head charwoman syl char+wom:en. pos n. mod pl. charwoman 0. syl char+wom:an pron <1Ca:2wum*n> pos n. qual Brit. def a woman who is hired to clean, tidy, etc., in a house or office. chary ety Old English cearig; related to caru #7care, Old High German charag sorrowful charier infl head chary syl char:i+er pos adj. chariest infl head chary syl char:i+est. pos adj. chary 1. syl char:y pron <1Ce*ri> pos adj. def wary; careful. chary 2. syl char:y pron <1Ce*ri> pos adj. def choosy; finicky. chary 3. syl char:y pron <1Ce*ri> pos adj. def shy. chary 4. syl char:y pron <1Ce*ri> pos adj. def sparing; mean. Charybdis 0. syl Cha+ryb+dis pron pos n. def a ship-devouring monster in classical mythology, identified with a whirlpool off the north coast of Sicily, lying opposite Scylla on the Italian coast. Compare {Scylla}. Charybdian sub head Charybdis syl Cha+1ryb+di:an pos adj. chase ety C13: from Old French chacier, from Vulgar Latin capti*_are (unattested), from Latin capt*_are to pursue eagerly, from capere to take; see #7catch chase H1.1. syl chase pron pos vb. def to follow or run after (a person, animal, or goal) persistently or quickly. chase H1.2. syl chase pron pos vb. mod tr. usage often foll. by out, away, or off def to force to run (away); drive (out). chase H1.3. syl chase pron pos vb. mod tr. qual Informal. def to court (a member of the opposite sex) in an unsubtle manner. chase H1.4. syl chase pron pos vb. mod tr. qual Informal. usage often foll. by up def to pursue persistently and energetically in order to obtain results, information, etc.. exam 1 chase up the builders and get a delivery date. chase H1.5. syl chase pron pos vb. mod intr. qual Informal. def to hurry; rush. chase H1.6. syl chase pron pos n. def the act of chasing; pursuit. chase H1.7. syl chase pron pos n. def any quarry that is pursued. chase H1.8. syl chase pron pos n. qual Brit. def an unenclosed area of land where wild animals are preserved to be hunted. chase H1.9. syl chase pron pos n. qual Brit. def the right to hunt a particular quarry over the land of others. the chase 10. head chase syl the chase. def the act or sport of hunting. chase H1.11. syl chase pron pos n. def short for {steeplechase}. chase H1.12. syl chase pron pos n. qual Real tennis. def a ball that bounces twice, requiring the point to be played again. give chase 13. head chase syl give chase. def to pursue (a person, animal, or thing) actively. chaseable sub head chase syl chase+a:ble pos adj. chase ety C17 (in the sense: frame for letterpress matter): probably from French ch*^asse frame (in the sense: bore of a cannon, etc.): from Old French chas enclosure, from Late Latin capsus pen for animals; both from Latin capsa {#7case %2} chase H2.1. syl chase pron pos n. qual Letterpress printing. def a rectangular steel or cast-iron frame into which metal type and blocks making up a page are locked for printing or plate-making. chase H2.2. syl chase pron pos n. def the part of a cannon or mounted gun enclosing the bore. chase H2.3. syl chase pron pos n. def a groove or channel, esp. one that is cut in a wall to take a pipe, cable, etc. chase H2.4. syl chase pron pos vb. mod tr. def Also: {chamfer}. to cut a groove, furrow, or flute in (a surface, column, etc.). chase ety C14: from Old French enchasser #7enchase chase H3.1. syl chase pron pos vb. mod tr. def Also: {enchase}. to ornament (metal) by engraving or embossing. chase H3.2. syl chase pron pos vb. mod tr. def to form or finish (a screw thread) with a chaser. chaser H1.1. syl chas+er pron <1CAs*> pos n. def a person or thing that chases. chaser H1.2. syl chas+er pron <1CAs*> pos n. def a drink drunk after another of a different kind, as beer after spirits. chaser H1.3. syl chas+er pron <1CAs*> pos n. def a cannon on a vessel situated either at the bow ({bow chaser}) or the stern ({stern chaser}) and used during pursuit by or of another vessel. chaser H2.1. syl chas+er pron <1CAs*> pos n. def a person who engraves. chaser H2.2. syl chas+er pron <1CAs*> pos n. def a lathe cutting tool for accurately finishing a screw thread, having a cutting edge consisting of several repetitions of the thread form. Chassidim alt head Chasidim or Chasidim syl Chas+si+dim pron <1h@si2dEm>, <-dim>, Hebrew , Hebrew pos n. mod pl. Chasid infl head Chasidim or Chassid syl Chas+id pron <1h@sid>, Hebrew pos n. mod sing. Chassid infl head Chasidim or Chasid syl Chas+sid pron <1h@sid>, Hebrew pos n. mod sing. Chasidim 0. or Chassidim syl Chas:i+dim pron <1h@si2dEm>, <-dim>, Hebrew , Hebrew pos n. mod pl. def variant spellings of {Hasidim}. Chasidic sub head Chasidim or Chassidic syl Cha+sid+ic pron pos adj. Chassidic sub head Chasidim or Chasidic syl Chas+sid+ic pron pos adj. Chasidism sub head Chasidim or Chassidism syl Chas+id+ism pos n. Chassidism sub head Chasidim or Chasidism syl Chas+sid+ism pos n. chasm ety C17: from Latin chasma, from Greek khasma; related to Greek khainein to gape chasm 1. syl chasm pron <1k@z*m> pos n. def a deep cleft in the ground; abyss. chasm 2. syl chasm pron <1k@z*m> pos n. def a break in continuity; gap. chasm 3. syl chasm pron <1k@z*m> pos n. def a wide difference in interests, feelings, etc. chasmal sub head chasm or chasmic syl chas+mal pron <1k@zm*l> pos adj. chasmic sub head chasm or chasmal syl chas+mic pos adj. chass'e ety C19: from French: a chasing chass'e 1. syl chas+s*'e pron <1S@sA> pos n. def one of a series of gliding steps in ballet in which the same foot always leads. chass'e 2. syl chas+s*'e pron <1S@sA> pos n. def three consecutive dance steps, two fast and one slow, to four beats of music. chass'es infl head chass'e syl chas+s*'es pos vb. chass'eing infl head chass'e syl chas+s*'e+ing pos vb. chass'ed infl head chass'e syl chas+s*'ed. pos vb. chass'e 3. syl chas+s*'e pron <1S@sA> pos vb. mod intr. def to perform either of these steps. chassepot ety C19: named after A. A. Chassepot (1833-1905), French gunsmith who invented it chassepot 0. syl chasse+pot pron <1S@sp*u>, French pos n. def a breechloading bolt-action rifle formerly used by the French Army. chasseur ety C18: from French: huntsman chasseur 1. syl chas+seur pron , French pos n. qual French Army. def a member of a unit specially trained and equipped for swift deployment. chasseur 2. syl chas+seur pron , French pos n. usage in some parts of Europe, esp. formerly def a uniformed attendant, esp. one in the livery of a huntsman. chasseur 3. syl chas+seur pron , French pos adj. usage often postpositive def designating or cooked in a sauce consisting of white wine and mushrooms. chassis ety C17 (meaning: windowframe): from French ch*^assis frame, from Vulgar Latin capsicum (unattested), ultimately from Latin capsa {#7case %2} chassis infl syl chas+sis pron <-siz> pos n. mod pl. chassis 1. syl chas+sis pron <1S@si> pos n. def the steel frame, wheels, engine, and mechanical parts of a motor vehicle, to which the body is attached. chassis 2. syl chas+sis pron <1S@si> pos n. qual Electronics. def a mounting for the circuit components of an electrical or electronic device, such as a radio or television. chassis 3. syl chas+sis pron <1S@si> pos n. def the landing gear of an aircraft. chassis 4. syl chas+sis pron <1S@si> pos n. qual Obsolete. def a wooden framework for a window, screen, etc. chassis 5. syl chas+sis pron <1S@si> pos n. def the frame on which a cannon carriage moves backwards and forwards. chassis 6. syl chas+sis pron <1S@si> pos n. qual Slang. def the body of a person, esp. a woman. chaste ety C13: from Old French, from Latin castus pure; compare #7caste chaste 1. syl chaste pron pos adj. def not having experienced sexual intercourse; virginal. chaste 2. syl chaste pron pos adj. def abstaining from unlawful or immoral sexual intercourse. chaste 3. syl chaste pron pos adj. usage of conduct, speech, etc. def pure; decent; modest. chaste 4. syl chaste pron pos adj. usage of style or taste def free from embellishment; simple; restrained. chastely sub head chaste syl chaste+ly pos adv. chasteness sub head chaste syl chaste+ness pos n. chasten ety C16: from Old French chastier, from Latin castig*_are; see #7castigate chasten 1. syl chas+ten pron <1CAsN> pos vb. mod tr. def to bring to a state of submission; subdue; tame. chasten 2. syl chas+ten pron <1CAsN> pos vb. mod tr. def to discipline or correct by punishment. chasten 3. syl chas+ten pron <1CAsN> pos vb. mod tr. def to moderate; restrain; temper. chastener sub head chasten syl chas+ten+er pos n. chasteningly sub head chasten syl chas+ten+ing+ly pos adv. chaste tree 0. syl chaste tree pos n. def a small ornamental verbenaceous tree, of S Europe and SW Asia, with spikes of pale blue flowers. chastise ety C14 chastisen, irregularly from chastien to #7chasten chastise 1. syl chas+tise pron pos vb. mod tr. def to discipline or punish, esp. by beating. chastise 2. syl chas+tise pron pos vb. mod tr. def to scold severely. chastisable sub head chastise syl chas+1tis+a:ble pos adj. chastisement sub head chastise syl chas+tise+ment pron , <1C@stiz-> pos n. chastity ety C13: from Old French chastet*'e, from Latin castit*_as, from castus #7chaste chastity 1. syl chas+ti:ty pron <1C@stiti> pos n. def the state of being chaste; purity. chastity 2. syl chas+ti:ty pron <1C@stiti> pos n. def abstention from sexual intercourse; virginity or celibacy. exam 1 a vow of chastity. chastity belt 0. syl chas+ti:ty belt pos n. def a locking beltlike device with a loop de?!signed to go between a woman's legs in order to prevent her from having sexual intercourse. chasuble ety C13: from French, from Late Latin casubla garment with a hood, apparently from casula cloak, literally: little house, from Latin casa cottage chasuble 0. syl chas:u+ble pron <1C@zjubL> pos n. qual Christianity. def a long sleeveless outer vestment worn by a priest when celebrating Mass. chat ety C16: short for #7chatter chat H1.1. syl chat pron pos n. def informal conversation or talk conducted in an easy familiar manner. chat H1.2. syl chat pron pos n. def any Old World songbird of the subfamily (thrushes, etc.) having a harsh chattering cry. See also {stonechat, whinchat}. chat H1.3. syl chat pron pos n. def any of various North American warblers, such as ({yellow-breasted chat}) . chat H1.4. syl chat pron pos n. def any of various Australian wrens (family of the genus and other genera. chats infl head chat syl chats pos vb. chatting infl head chat syl chat+ting pos vb. chatted infl head chat syl chat+ted. pos vb. chat H1.5. syl chat pron pos vb. mod intr. def to talk in an easy familiar way. {~} See also {chat up}. chat ety C15: from French chat cat, referring to the furry appearance chat H2.1. syl chat pron pos n. def the catkin of the willow. chat H2.2. syl chat pron pos n. def the flower of the plantain. chateau ety C18: from French, from Old French chastel, from Latin castellum fortress, #7castle chateau alt or chateau syl ch*^a+teau pron <1S@t*u>, French , French <-1to> pos n. chateaux infl head chateau or chateaus syl cha+teaux pron <-t*u>, <-t*uz>, French <-1to> pos n. mod pl. chateaus infl head chateau or chateaux syl cha+teaus. pos n. mod pl. chateau 1. or chateau syl cha+teau pron <1S@t*u>, French , French <-1to> pos n. def a country house, castle, or manor house, esp. in France. chateau 2. or chateau syl cha+teau pron <1S@t*u>, French , French <-1to> pos n. usage in Quebec def the residence of a seigneur or (formerly) a governor. chateau 3. or chateau syl cha+teau pron <1S@t*u>, French , French <-1to> pos n. usage in the name of a wine def estate or vineyard. chateau bottled 4. head chateau syl ch*^ateau bottled. usage of wine def bottled on the estate where it was made. Francois Ren'e 1. head Chateaubriand syl Fran:*,cois Re:n*'e pron usage Le G*'enie du Christianisme 1802 def and (1849-50). Chateaubriand 2. syl Cha:teau:bri:and pron French pos n. def a thick steak cut from the fillet of beef. Chateauroux 0. syl Ch*^a+teau+roux pron French pos n. def a city in central France: tenth-century castle ({Ch*^ateau-Raoul) }. Pop.: 55629 (1975). Chateau-Thierry 0. syl Ch*^a:teau-Thier:ry pron <1S@t*u> <1ti*ri>, French pos n. def a town in N central France, on the River Marne. Pop.: 13856 (1975). chateau wine 0. syl cha+teau wine pos n. def a wine produced from any of certain vineyards in the Bordeaux region of France. chatelain ety C16: from French, from Latin castell*_anus occupant of a #7castle chatelain 0. syl chat+e:lain pron <1S@t%*!lAn>, French pos n. def the keeper or governor of a castle. chatelaine 1. syl chat+e:laine pron <1S@t*2lAn>, French pos n. usage esp. formerly def the mistress of a castle or fashionable household. chatelaine 2. syl chat+e:laine pron <1S@t*2lAn>, French pos n. def a chain or clasp worn at the waist by women in the 16th to the 19th centuries, with handkerchief, keys, etc., attached. chatelaine 3. syl chat+e:laine pron <1S@t*2lAn>, French pos n. def a decorative pendant worn on the lapel. Chatham H1.1. syl Chat+ham pron <1C@t*m> pos n. def a town in SE England, in N Kent on the River Medway: royal naval dockyard. Pop.: 56921 (1971). Chatham H1.2. syl Chat+ham pron <1C@t*m> pos n. def a city in SE Canada, in SE Ontario on the Thames River. Pop.: 32098 (1966). st Earl of infl head Chatham syl 1st Earl of. pos n. Chatham H2.0. syl Chat:ham pron <1C@t*m> pos n. def title of the elder (William) {Pitt}. Chatham Island 0. syl Chat+ham Is+land pos n. def another name for {San Crist*'obal} (sense 1). Chatham Islands 0. syl Chat+ham Is+lands pos n. mod pl. def a group of islands in the S Pacific Ocean, forming a county of South Island, New Zealand: consists of the main islands of Chatham, Pitt, and several rocky islets. Chief settlement: Waitangi. Pop.: 716 (1971). Area: 963 sq. km (372 sq. miles). chatoyant ety C18: from French, from chatoyer to gleam like a cat's eyes, from chat #7cat chatoyant 1. syl cha+toy+ant pron pos adj. def having changeable lustre; twinkling. chatoyant 2. syl cha+toy+ant pron pos adj. usage of a gem, esp. a cabochon def displaying a band of light reflected off inclusions of other minerals. chatoyant 3. syl cha+toy+ant pron pos n. def a gemstone with a changeable lustre, such as a {cat's eye}. chatoyancy sub head chatoyant syl cha+1toy+an+cy pos n. chat show 0. syl chat show pos n. qual Brit. def television or radio show in which guests are interviewed informally. Also called: {talk show}. Chattanooga 0. syl Chat+ta+noo+ga pron <2C@t%@1nu:g*> pos n. def a city in SE Tennessee, on the Tennessee River: scene of several battles during the Civil War. Pop.: 137957 (1973 est.). chattel ety C13: from Old French chatel personal property, from Medieval Latin capit*_ale wealth; see #7capital %1 chattel personal 1.a. head chattel syl chattel personal. def an item of movable personal property, such as furniture, domestic animals, etc. chattel real 1.b. head chattel syl chattel real. def an interest in land less than a freehold, such as a lease. goods and chattels 2. head chattel syl goods and chattels. def personal property. chattel house 0. syl chat+tel house pos n. usage esp. in Barbados def a movable wooden dwelling, usually set on a foundation of loose stones on rented land. chattel mortgage 0. syl chat+tel mort+gage pos n. qual U.S. def a mortgage on movable personal property. chatter ety C13: of imitative origin chatter 1. syl chat+ter pron <1C@t*> pos vb. def to speak (about unimportant matters) rapidly and incessantly; prattle. chatter 2. syl chat+ter pron <1C@t*> pos vb. mod intr. usage of birds, monkeys, etc. def to make rapid repetitive high-pitched noises resembling human speech. chatter 3. syl chat+ter pron <1C@t*> pos vb. mod intr. usage of the teeth def to click together rapidly through cold or fear. chatter 4. syl chat+ter pron <1C@t*> pos vb. mod intr. def to make rapid intermittent contact with a component, as in machining, causing irregular cutting. chatter 5. syl chat+ter pron <1C@t*> pos n. def idle or foolish talk; gossip. chatter 6. syl chat+ter pron <1C@t*> pos n. def the high-pitched repetitive noise made by a bird, monkey, etc. chatter 7. syl chat+ter pron <1C@t*> pos n. def the rattling of objects, such as parts of a machine. chatter 8. syl chat+ter pron <1C@t*> pos n. def the undulating pattern of marks in a machined surface from the vibration of the tool or workpiece. chattery sub head chatter syl chat+ter:y pos adj. chatterbox 0. syl chat:ter+box pron <1C@t*2boks> pos n. qual Informal. def a person who talks constantly, esp. about trivial matters. chatterer 1. syl chat+ter+er pron <1C@t*r*> pos n. def someone or something that chatters. chatterer 2. syl chat+ter+er pron <1C@t*r*> pos n. def another name for {cotinga}. chatter mark 1. syl chat+ter mark pos n. def any of a series of grooves, pits, and scratches on the surface of a rock, usually made by the movement of a glacier. chatter mark 2. syl chat+ter mark pos n. def a mark or series of marks on a workpiece. Thomas infl head Chatterton syl Thom:as. pos n. Chatterton 0. syl Chat:ter:ton pron <1C@t*t*n> pos n. def 1752-70, English poet; author of spurious medieval verse and prose: he committed suicide at the age of 17. chattier infl head chatty syl chat+ti+er pos adj. chattiest infl head chatty syl chat+ti+est. pos adj. chatty 1. syl chat+ty pron <1C@ti> pos adj. def full of trivial conversation; talkative. chatty 2. syl chat+ty pron <1C@ti> pos adj. def informal and friendly; gossipy. exam 1 a chatty letter. chattily sub head chatty syl chat+ti+ly pos adv. chattiness sub head chatty syl chat+ti+ness pos n. chat up 1. syl chat up pos vb. adv. mod tr. qual Brit. informal. def to talk persuasively to (a person), esp. with an ulterior motive. chat up 2. syl chat up pos vb. adv. mod tr. qual Brit. informal. def to talk flirtatiously to (a person of the opposite sex), esp. with the intention of seducing him or her. Geoffrey infl head Chaucer syl Geof:frey. pos n. Chaucer 0. syl Chau:cer pron <1Cc:s*> pos n. def ??1340-1400, English poet, noted for his narrative skill, humour, and insight, particularly in his most famous work, He also introduced the continental tradition of rhyming verse into English poetry. His other works include and Chaucerian 1. syl Chau+ce:ri:an pron pos adj. def of, relating to, or characteristic of the writings of Chaucer. Chaucerian 2. syl Chau+ce:ri:an pron pos n. def an imitator of Chaucer, esp. one of a group of 15th-century Scottish writers who took him as a model. Chaucerian 3.a. syl Chau+ce:ri:an pron pos n. def an admirer of Chaucer's works. Chaucerian 3.b. syl Chau+ce:ri:an pron pos n. def a specialist in the study or teaching of Chaucer. chaudfroid ety literally: hot-cold (because prepared as hot dish, but served cold) chaudfroid 0. syl chaud+froid pron French. pos n. def a sweet or savoury jellied sauce used to coat cold meat, chicken, etc. chauffer ety C19: from French chauffoir, from chauffer to heat chaufer alt head chauffer or chauffer syl chau+fer pron <1Cc:f*> pos n. chauffer 0. or chaufer syl chauf+fer pron <1Cc:f*> pos n. def a small portable heater or stove. chauffeur ety C20: from French, literally: stoker, from chauffer to heat &- chauf+feuse (#s$$$u#!f$z$:z) fem. n. chauffeur 1. syl chauf+feur pron <1S*uf*>, pos n. def a person employed to drive a car. chauffeur 2. syl chauf+feur pron <1S*uf*>, pos vb. def to act as driver for (a person, etc.). exam 1 he chauffeured me to the stadium; exam 2 he chauffeurs for the Duke. chaulmoogra ety from Bengali c*_aulmugr*_a, from c*_aul rice+ mugr*_a hemp chaulmoogra 1. syl chaul+moo+gra pron pos n. def a tropical Asian tree, (or family chaulmoogra 2. syl chaul+moo+gra pron pos n. def oil from the seed of this tree, used in treating leprosy. chaulmoogra 3. syl chaul+moo+gra pron pos n. def any of several similar or related trees. chaunt 0. syl chaunt pron pos n. def a less common spelling of {chant}. chaunter sub head chaunt syl chaunt+er pos n. chausses ety C15: from Old French chauces, plural of chauce leg-covering, from Medieval Latin calcea, from Latin calceus shoe, from calx heel chausses 0. syl chausses pron pos n. mod pl. functioning as; sing. def a tight-fitting medieval garment covering the feet and legs, usually made of chain mail. chautauqua ety C19: named after Chautauqua, a lake in New York near which such schools were first held chautauqua 0. syl chau+tau+qua pron pos n. qual U.S. def a summer school or educational meeting held in the summer. chauvinism ety C19: from French chau?!vinisme, after Nicolas Chauvin, legendary French soldier under Napoleon, noted for his vociferous and unthinking patriot?!ism chauvinism 1. syl chau+vin+ism pron <1S*uvi2niz*m> pos n. def aggressive or fanatical patriotism; jingoism. chauvinism 2. syl chau+vin+ism pron <1S*uvi2niz*m> pos n. def enthusiastic devotion to a cause. chauvinism 3. syl chau+vin+ism pron <1S*uvi2niz*m> pos n. def smug irrational belief in the superiority of one's own race, party, sex, etc.. exam 1 male chauvinism. chauvinist sub head chauvinism syl chau+vin+ist pos n. chauvinistically sub head chauvinism syl chau+vin+1is+ti+cal+ly pos adv. Puvis de infl head Chavannes syl Pu:vis de. pos n. Chavannes 0. syl Cha:vannes pron French pos n. def See (Pierre C*'ecile) {Puvis de Chavannes}. chaw 1. syl chaw pron pos vb. qual Dialect. def to chew (tobacco), esp. without swallowing it. chaw 2. syl chaw pron pos n. qual Dialect. def something chewed, esp. a plug of tobacco. chawer sub head chaw syl chaw+er pos n. chayote ety from Spanish, from Nahuatl chayotli chayote 1. syl cha+yo+te pron , pos n. def a tropical American cucurbitaceous climbing plant, that has edible pear-shaped fruit enclosing a single enormous seed. chayote 2. syl cha+yo+te pron , pos n. def the fruit of this plant, which is cooked and eaten as a vegetable. chazanim infl head chazan syl cha+za+nim pron <-za1nEm> pos n. mod pl. chazan 0. syl cha+zan pron Hebrew. , English <1ha:zN> pos n. def a variant spelling of {hazan}. ChB ety Latin: Chirurgiae Baccalaureus ChB alt or ChB syl ChB ChB 0. or ChB syl Ch.B. qual abbrev. for def Bachelor of Surgery. ChE 0. syl Ch.E. qual abbrev. for def Chemical Engineer. cheap ety Old English ceap barter, bargain, price, property; related to Old Norse kaup bargain, Old High German kouf trade, Latin caup*_o innkeeper &- #!cheap+ish adj. &- #!cheap+ly adv. cheap 1. syl cheap pron pos adj. def costing relatively little; inexpensive; good value. cheap 2. syl cheap pron pos adj. def charging low prices. exam 1 a cheap hairdresser. cheap 3. syl cheap pron pos adj. def of poor quality; shoddy. exam 1 cheap furniture; exam 2 cheap and nasty. cheap 4. syl cheap pron pos adj. def worth relatively little. exam 1 promises are cheap. cheap 5. syl cheap pron pos adj. def not worthy of respect; vulgar. cheap 6. syl cheap pron pos adj. def ashamed; embarrassed. exam 1 to feel cheap. cheap 7. syl cheap pron pos adj. def stingy; miserly. cheap 8. syl cheap pron pos adj. qual Informal. def mean; despicable. exam 1 a cheap liar. dirt cheap 9. head cheap syl dirt cheap. qual Informal. def extremely inexpensive. on the cheap 10. head cheap syl on the cheap. qual Brit. informal. def at a low cost. cheap 11. syl cheap pron pos adv. def at very little cost. cheapness sub head cheap syl cheap+ness pos n. cheapen 1. syl cheap+en pron <1CEpN> pos vb. def to make or become lower in reputation, quality, etc.; degrade or be degraded. cheapen 2. syl cheap+en pron <1CEpN> pos vb. def to make or become cheap or cheaper. cheapener sub head cheapen syl cheap+en+er pos n. cheap-jack ety C19: from #7cheap+ Jack (name used to typify a person) cheap-jack 1. syl cheap-jack pos n. qual Informal. def a person who sells cheap and shoddy goods. {~} cheap-jack 2. syl cheap-jack pos n. qual Informal. def shoddy or inferior. cheapskate 0. syl cheap+skate pron <1CEp2skAt> pos n. qual Informal. def a miserly person. cheat ety C14: short for #7escheat cheat 1. syl cheat pron pos vb. def to deceive or practise deceit, esp. for one's own gain; trick or swindle (someone). cheat 2. syl cheat pron pos vb. mod intr. def to obtain unfair advantage by trickery, as in a game of cards. cheat 3. syl cheat pron pos vb. mod tr. def to escape or avoid (something unpleasant) by luck or cunning. exam 1 to cheat death. cheat 4. syl cheat pron pos vb. mod when; intr. qual Informal. usage usually foll. by on def to be sexually unfaithful to (one's wife, husband, or lover). cheat 5. syl cheat pron pos n. def a person who cheats. cheat 6. syl cheat pron pos n. def a deliberately dishonest transaction, esp. for gain; fraud. cheat 7. syl cheat pron pos n. qual Informal. def sham. cheat 8. syl cheat pron pos n. qual Law. def the obtaining of another's property by fraudulent means. cheat 9. syl cheat pron pos n. def the usual U.S. name for {rye-brome}. cheatable sub head cheat syl cheat+a:ble pos adj. cheater sub head cheat syl cheat+er pos n. cheatingly sub head cheat syl cheat+ing+ly pos adv. Cheb 0. syl Cheb pron Czech pos n. def a town in W Czechoslovakia, in W Bohemia on the Oh*vre River: 12th-century castle where Wallenstein was murdered (1634); a centre of the Sudeten-German movement after World War I. Pop.: 26098 (1968 est.). German name: {Eger}. Cheboksary 0. syl Che+bo+ksa+ry pron Russian pos n. def a port in the central Soviet Union on the River Volga: capital of the Chuvash ASSR. Pop.: 264000 (1975 est.). Chechens infl head Chechen or Chechen syl Che+chens pos n. mod pl. Chechen infl or Chechens syl Che+chen. pos n. mod pl. Chechen 0. syl Che+chen pron pos n. def a member of a people of the Soviet Union, speaking a Circassian language and chiefly inhabiting the Checheno-Ingush ASSR. Checheno-Ingush Autonomous Soviet Socialist Republic 0. syl Che:che:no-In:gush Au:ton:o+mous So+vi+et So+cial+ist Re+pub+lic pron pos n. def an administrative division of the S Soviet Union, in the RSFSR on the N slopes of the Caucasus Mountains: major oil and natural gas resources. Capital: Grozny. Pop.: 1064471 (1970). Area: 19300 sq. km (7350 sq. miles). check ety C14: from Old French eschec a check at chess, hence, a pause (to verify something), via Arabic from Persian sh*_ah the king&! (in chess) check 1. syl check pron pos vb. def to pause or cause to pause, esp. abruptly. check 2. syl check pron pos vb. mod tr. def to restrain or control. exam 1 to check one's tears. check 3. syl check pron pos vb. mod tr. def to slow the growth or progress of; retard. check 4. syl check pron pos vb. mod tr. def to rebuke or rebuff. check 5. syl check pron pos vb. mod when; intr. usage often foll. by on or up on def to examine, investigate, or make an inquiry into (facts, a product, etc.) for accuracy, quality, or progress, esp. rapidly or informally. check 6. syl check pron pos vb. mod tr. qual Chiefly U.S. def to mark off so as to indicate approval, correctness, or preference. Usual Brit. word: {tick}. check 7. syl check pron pos vb. mod intr. qual Chiefly U.S. usage often foll. by with def to correspond or agree. exam 1 this report checks with the other. check 8. syl check pron pos vb. mod tr. qual Chiefly U.S. def to leave in or accept for temporary custody. check 9. syl check pron pos vb. qual Chess. def to place (an opponent's king) in check. check 10. syl check pron pos vb. mod tr. def to mark with a pattern of squares or crossed lines. check 11. syl check pron pos vb. def to crack or cause to crack. check 12. syl check pron pos vb. qual Agriculture. def short for {checkrow}. check 13. syl check pron pos vb. mod tr. qual Ice hockey. def to impede (an opponent). check 14. syl check pron pos vb. mod intr. usage Hunting. of hounds def to pause in the pursuit of quarry while relocating a lost scent. check 15. syl check pron pos vb. mod intr. qual Falconry. usage foll. by at def to change from one quarry to another while in flight. check 16. syl check pron pos vb. mod intr. def to decline the option of opening the betting in a round of poker. check the helm 17. head check syl check the helm. qual Nautical. def to swing back the helm of a vessel to prevent it from turning too quickly or too far. check 18. syl check pron pos n. def a break in progress; stoppage. check 19. syl check pron pos n. def a restraint or rebuff. check 20.a. syl check pron pos n. def a person or thing that restrains, halts, etc. check 20.b. syl check pron pos n. usage as modifier def . exam 1 a check line. check 21.a. syl check pron pos n. def a control, esp. a rapid or informal one, designed to ensure accuracy, progress, etc. check 21.b. syl check pron pos n. usage as modifier exam 1 a check list. check 22. syl check pron pos n. def a means or standard to ensure against fraud or error. check 23. syl check pron pos n. def the U.S. word for {tick}. check 24. syl check pron pos n. def the U.S. spelling of {cheque}. check 25. syl check pron pos n. qual U.S. def the bill in a restaurant. check 26. syl check pron pos n. qual Chiefly U.S. def a ticket or tag used to identify clothing or property deposited for custody. check 27. syl check pron pos n. def a pattern of squares or crossed lines. check 28. syl check pron pos n. def a single square in such a pattern. check 29.a. syl check pron pos n. def fabric with a pattern of squares or crossed lines. check 29.b. syl check pron pos n. usage as modifier exam 1 a check suit. check 30. syl check pron pos n. qual Chess. def the state or position of a king under direct attack, from which it must be moved or protected by another piece. check 31. syl check pron pos n. def a small crack, as one in veneer or one that occurs in timber during seasoning. check 32. syl check pron pos n. def part of the action of a piano that arrests the backward motion of a hammer after it has struck a string and holds it until the key is released. check 33. syl check pron pos n. def a chip or counter used in some card and gambling games. check 34. syl check pron pos n. qual Hunting. def a pause by the hounds in the pursuit of their quarry owing to loss of its scent. check 35. syl check pron pos n. qual Angling. def a ratchet fitted to a fishing reel to check the free running of the line. check 36. syl check pron pos n. qual Ice hockey. def the act of impeding an opponent with one's body or stick. in check 37. head check syl in check. def under control or restraint. check 38. syl check pron pos interj. qual Chess. def a call made to an opponent indicating that his king is in check. check 39. syl check pron pos interj. qual Chiefly U.S. def an expression of agreement. {~} See also {check in, check out, check up}. checkable sub head check syl check+a:ble pos adj. checked 1. syl checked pron pos adj. def having a pattern of small squares. checked 2. syl checked pron pos adj. usage Phonetics. of a syllable def ending in a consonant. checker H1.1. syl check+er pron <1Cek*> pos n. vb. def the usual U.S. spelling of {chequer}. checker H1.2. syl check+er pron <1Cek*> pos n. qual Textiles. def a variant spelling of { {chequer} (sense 2).} checker H1.3. syl check+er pron <1Cek*> pos n. def the U.S. name for { {draughtsman} (sense 3).} checker H2.1. syl check+er pron <1Cek*> pos n. qual Chiefly U.S. def a cashier, esp. in a supermarket. checker H2.2. syl check+er pron <1Cek*> pos n. qual Chiefly U.S. def an attendant in a cloakroom, left-luggage office, etc. checkerberries infl head checkerberry syl check:er+ber:ries. pos n. mod pl. checkerberry 1. syl check:er+ber:ry pron <1Cek*b*ri>, <-bri> pos n. def the fruit of any of various plants, esp. the wintergreen checkerberry 2. syl check:er+ber:ry pron <1Cek*b*ri>, <-bri> pos n. def any plant bearing this fruit. checkerbloom 0. syl check:er+bloom pron <1Cek*2blu:m> pos n. def a Californian malvaceous plant, with pink or purple flowers. checkerboard 0. syl check:er+board pron <1Cek*2bc:d> pos n. def the U.S. name for a {draughtboard}. checkers 0. syl check+ers pron <1Cek*z> pos n. mod functioning as; sing. def the U.S. name for {draughts}. check in 1. syl check in pos vb. adv. mod intr. def to record one's arrival, as at a hotel or for work; sign in or report. check in 2. syl check in pos vb. adv. mod tr. def to register the arrival of (passengers, etc.). check-in infl head check in syl check-in. pos n. check in 3.a. syl check in pos n. def the formal registration of arrival, as at an airport or hotel. check in 3.b. syl check in pos n. usage as modifier exam 1 check-in time. check in 4. syl check in pos n. def the place where one registers arrival at an airport, etc. checking account 0. syl check+ing ac+count pos n. def the U.S. name for {current account}. check list 0. syl check list pos n. def a list of items, facts, names, etc., to be checked or referred to for comparison, identification, or verification. checkmate ety C14: from Old French eschec mat, from Arabic sh*_ah m*_at, the king is dead; see #7check checkmate 1.a. syl check+mate pron <1Cek2mAt> pos n. def the winning position in which an opponent's king is under attack and unable to escape. checkmate 1.b. syl check+mate pron <1Cek2mAt> pos n. def the move by which this position is achieved. checkmate 2. syl check+mate pron <1Cek2mAt> pos n. def utter defeat. checkmate 3. syl check+mate pron <1Cek2mAt> pos vb. mod tr. qual Chess. def to place (an opponent's king) in checkmate. checkmate 4. syl check+mate pron <1Cek2mAt> pos vb. mod tr. def to thwart or render powerless. checkmate 5. syl check+mate pron <1Cek2mAt> pos interj. qual Chess. def a call made when placing an opponent's king in checkmate. check out 1. syl check out pos vb. adv. mod intr. def to pay the bill and depart, esp. from a hotel. check out 2. syl check out pos vb. adv. mod intr. def to depart from a place; record one's departure from work. check out 3. syl check out pos vb. adv. def to investigate or prove to be in order after investigation. exam 1 the police checked out all the statements; exam 2 their credentials checked out. checkout infl head check out syl check+out. pos n. check out 4.a. syl check out pos n. def the latest time for vacating a room in a hotel, etc. check out 4.b. syl check out pos n. usage as modifier exam 1 checkout time. check out 5. syl check out pos n. def a counter, esp. in a supermarket, where customers pay. checkpoint 0. syl check+point pron <1Cek2pcint> pos n. def a place, as at a frontier or in a motor rally, where vehicles or travellers are stopped for official identification, inspection, etc. checkrail 0. syl check+rail pron <1Cek2rAl> pos n. qual Brit. def another word for { {guardrail} (sense 2).} checkrein 0. syl check+rein pos n. def the usual U.S. word for {bearing rein}. checkroom 0. syl check+room pron <1Cek2ru:m>, <-2rum> pos n. def the U.S. name for {left-luggage office}. checkrow 1. syl check+row pron <1Cek2r*u> pos n. qual U.S. agriculture. def a row of plants, esp. corn, in which the spaces between adjacent plants are equal to those between adjacent rows to facilitate cultivation. checkrow 2. syl check+row pron <1Cek2r*u> pos vb. mod tr. qual U.S. agriculture. def to plant in checkrows. checks and balances 0. syl checks and bal+anc:es pos n. mod pl. qual Government, chiefly U.S. def competition and mutual restraint among the various branches of government. checkup 1. syl check+up pron <1Cek2^p> pos n. def an examination to see if something is in order. checkup 2. syl check+up pron <1Cek2^p> pos n. qual Med. def a medical examination, esp. one taken at regular intervals to verify a normal state of health or discover a disease in its early stages. check up infl head checkup syl check up. pos vb. checkup 3. syl check+up pron <1Cek2^p> pos adv. mod intr. usage sometimes foll. by on def to investigate or make an inquiry into (a person's character, evidence, etc.), esp. when suspicions have been aroused. check valve 0. syl check valve pos n. def a nonreturn valve that closes by fluid pressure to prevent return flow. checky 0. syl check:y pron <1Ceki> pos adj. qual Heraldry. usage usually postpositive def having squares of alternating tinctures or furs; checked. Cheddar 1. syl Ched+dar pron <1Ced*> pos n. usage sometimes not cap. def any of several types of smooth hard yellow or whitish cheese. Cheddar 2. syl Ched+dar pron <1Ced*> pos n. def a village in SW England, in N Somerset: situated near {Cheddar Gorge}, a pass through the Mendip Hills renowned for its stalactitic caverns and rare limestone flora. cheddite ety C20: from Chedde town in Savoy, France, where it was first made cheddite 0. syl chedd+ite pron <1CedIt>, <1Sed-> pos n. def an explosive made by mixing a powdered chlorate or perchlorate with a fatty substance, such as castor oil. chedarim infl head cheder syl che+da+rim pron <-da1rEm> pos n. mod pl. cheder 0. syl che+der pron Hebrew. <1xeder>, English <1hAd*> pos n. def a variant spelling of {heder}. cheek ety Old English ceace; related to Middle Low German k*_ake, Dutch kaak cheek 1.a. syl cheek pron pos n. def either side of the face, esp. that part below the eye. cheek 1.b. syl cheek pron pos n. def either side of the oral cavity; side of the mouth. cheek 2. syl cheek pron pos n. qual Informal. def impudence; effrontery. cheek 3. syl cheek pron pos n. mod often; pl. qual Informal. def either side of the buttocks. cheek 4. syl cheek pron pos n. mod often; pl. def a side of a door jamb. cheek 5. syl cheek pron pos n. qual Nautical. def one of the two fore-and-aft supports for the trestletrees on a mast of a sailing vessel, forming part of the hounds. cheek 6. syl cheek pron pos n. def one of the jaws of a vice. cheek by jowl 7. head cheek syl cheek by jowl. def close together; intimately linked. turn the other cheek 8. head cheek syl turn the other cheek. def to be submissive and refuse to retaliate even when provoked or treated badly. with one's tongue in one's cheek 9. head cheek syl with one's tongue in one's cheek. def See { {tongue} (sense 19).} cheek 10. syl cheek pron pos vb. mod tr. qual Informal. def to speak or behave disrespectfully to; act impudently towards. cheekless sub head cheek syl cheek+less pos adj. cheekbone 0. syl cheek+bone pron <1CEk2b*un> pos n. def the nontechnical name for {zygomatic bone}. cheekpiece 0. syl cheek+piece pron <1CEk2pEs> pos n. def either of the two straps of a bridle that join the bit to the crownpiece. cheek pouch 0. syl cheek pouch pos n. def a membranous pouch inside the mouth of many rodents and some other mammals: used for holding food. cheekier infl head cheeky syl cheek:i+er pos adj. cheekiest infl head cheeky syl cheek:i+est. pos adj. cheeky 0. syl cheek:y pron <1CEki> pos adj. def disrespectful in speech or behaviour; impudent. exam 1 a cheeky child. cheekily sub head cheeky syl cheek:i+ly pos adv. cheekiness sub head cheeky syl cheek:i+ness pos n. cheep 1. syl cheep pron pos n. def the short weak high-pitched cry of a young bird; chirp. cheep 2. syl cheep pron pos vb. mod intr. usage of young birds def to utter characteristic shrill sounds. cheeper sub head cheep syl cheep+er pos n. cheer ety C13 (in the sense: face, welcoming aspect): from Old French chere, from Late Latin cara face, from Greek kara head cheer 1. syl cheer pron pos vb. usage usually foll. by up def to make or become happy or hopeful; comfort or be comforted. cheer 2. syl cheer pron pos vb. def to applaud with shouts. cheer 3. syl cheer pron pos vb. mod when; tr. usage sometimes foll. by on def to encourage (a team, person, etc.) with shouts, esp. in contests. cheer 4. syl cheer pron pos n. def a shout or cry of approval, encouragement, etc., often using such words as {hurrah&}! or {rah&! rah&! rah&}! cheer 5. syl cheer pron pos n. def happiness; good spirits. cheer 6. syl cheer pron pos n. def state of mind; spirits (archaic, except in the phrases {be of good cheer, with good cheer) }. cheer 7. syl cheer pron pos n. qual Archaic. def provisions for a feast; fare. cheerer sub head cheer syl cheer+er pos n. cheeringly sub head cheer syl cheer+ing+ly pos adv. cheerful 1. syl cheer+ful pron <1Ci*ful> pos adj. def having a happy disposition; in good spirits. cheerful 2. syl cheer+ful pron <1Ci*ful> pos adj. def pleasantly bright; gladdening. exam 1 a cheerful room. cheerful 3. syl cheer+ful pron <1Ci*ful> pos adj. def hearty; ungrudging; enthusiastic. exam 1 cheerful help. cheerfully sub head cheerful syl cheer+ful+ly pos adv. cheerfulness sub head cheerful syl cheer+ful+ness pos n. cheerio 1. syl cheer:i:o pron <2Ci*ri1*u> pos interj. qual Informal, chiefly Brit. def a farewell greeting. cheerio 2. syl cheer:i:o pron <2Ci*ri1*u> pos interj. qual Informal, chiefly Brit. def a drinking toast. cheerleader 0. syl cheer+lead:er pron <1Ci*2lEd*> pos n. qual U.S. def a person who leads a crowd in formal cheers, esp. at sports events. cheerless 0. syl cheer+less pron <1Ci*lis> pos adj. def dreary, gloomy, or pessimistic. cheerlessly sub head cheerless syl cheer+less+ly pos adv. cheerlessness sub head cheerless syl cheer+less+ness pos n. cheerly 0. syl cheer+ly pron <1Ci*li> pos adj. adv. qual Archaic or nautical. def cheerful or cheerfully. cheers 1. syl cheers pron pos interj. qual Informal, chiefly Brit. def a drinking toast. cheers 2. syl cheers pron pos interj. qual Informal, chiefly Brit. def goodbye&! cheerio&! cheers 3. syl cheers pron pos interj. qual Informal, chiefly Brit. def thanks&! three cheers 4. head cheers syl three cheers. qual Informal, chiefly Brit. def three shouts of hurrah given in unison by a group to honour someone or celebrate something. cheerier infl head cheery syl cheer:i+er pos adj. cheeriest infl head cheery syl cheer:i+est. pos adj. cheery 0. syl cheer:y pron <1Ci*ri> pos adj. def showing or inspiring cheerfulness; gay. cheerily sub head cheery syl cheer:i+ly pos adv. cheeriness sub head cheery syl cheer:i+ness pos n. cheese ety Old English c*_ese, from Latin c*_aseus cheese; related to Old Saxon k*_asi cheese H1.1. syl cheese pron pos n. def the curd of milk separated from the whey and variously prepared as a food. cheese H1.2. syl cheese pron pos n. def a mass or complete cake of this substance. cheese H1.3. syl cheese pron pos n. def any of various substances of similar consistency, etc.. exam 1 lemon cheese. cheese H1.4. syl cheese pron pos n. qual Slang. def an important person (esp. in the phrase {big cheese}) . as alike infl head cheese or different as chalk and cheese syl as alike pos n. qual Brit. different as chalk and cheese infl head cheese or as alike syl different as chalk and cheese. pos n. cheese H1.5. syl cheese pron pos n. def See { {chalk} (sense 5).} cheese ety C19: of unknown origin cheese H2.1. syl cheese pron pos vb. mod tr. qual Slang. def to stop; desist. cheese H2.2.a. syl cheese pron pos vb. qual Slang. def get away quick. cheese H2.2.b. syl cheese pron pos vb. qual Slang. def be quiet&! stop what you're doing&! cheese H2.3. syl cheese pron pos vb. mod intr. qual Slang.; Prison slang. def to act in a grovelling manner. cheeseboard 0. syl cheese+board pron <1CEz2bc:d> pos n. def a board from which cheese is served at a meal. cheeseburger 0. syl cheese+burg+er pron <1CEz2bR:g*> pos n. def a hamburger cooked with a slice of cheese on top of it. cheesecake 1. syl cheese+cake pron <1CEz2kAk> pos n. def a rich tart with a biscuit base, filled with a mixture of cream cheese, cream, sugar, and often sultanas, sometimes having a fruit topping. cheesecake 2. syl cheese+cake pron <1CEz2kAk> pos n. qual Slang. def women displayed for their sex appeal, as in photographs in magazines, newspapers, or films. Compare {beefcake}. cheesecloth 0. syl cheese+cloth pron <1CEz2kloT> pos n. def a loosely woven cotton cloth formerly used only for wrapping cheese. cheese cutter 1. syl cheese cut+ter pos n. def a board with a wire attached for cutting cheese. cheese cutter 2. syl cheese cut+ter pos n. qual Nautical. def a keel that may be drawn up into the boat when not in use. cheese cutter 3. syl cheese cut+ter pos n. def a nautical peaked cap worn without a badge. cheesed off ety C20: from #7cheese %2 cheesed off 0. syl cheesed off pos adj. qual Brit. slang. usage usually postpositive def bored, disgusted, or angry. cheese-head 0. syl cheese-head pos adj. def denoting or relating to a screw or bolt with a cylindrical slotted head. cheese mite 0. syl cheese mite pos n. def a white soft-bodied free-living mite, (or sometimes found in decaying cheese. cheesemonger 0. syl cheese+mon+ger pron <1CEz2m^Gg*> pos n. def a person dealing in cheese, butter, etc. cheeseparing 1. syl cheese+par:ing pron <1CEz2pe*riG> pos adj. def penny-pinching; stingy. cheeseparing 2.a. syl cheese+par:ing pron <1CEz2pe*riG> pos n. def a paring of cheese rind. cheeseparing 2.b. syl cheese+par:ing pron <1CEz2pe*riG> pos n. def anything similarly worthless. cheeseparing 3. syl cheese+par:ing pron <1CEz2pe*riG> pos n. def stinginess. cheese skipper 0. syl cheese skip+per pos n. def a dipterous fly, whose larvae feed on cheese and move by jumping: family cheese straw 0. syl cheese straw pos n. def a long thin cheese-flavoured strip of pastry. cheesewood 0. syl cheese+wood pron <1CEz2wud> pos n. qual Austral. def the tough yellowish wood of Australian trees of the genus family cheesier infl head cheesy syl chees:i+er pos adj. cheesiest infl head cheesy syl chees:i+est. pos adj. cheesy 0. syl chees:y pron <1CEzi> pos adj. def like cheese in flavour, smell, or consistency. cheesiness sub head cheesy syl chees:i+ness pos n. cheetah ety C18: from Hindi c*_it*_a, from Sanskrit citrak*_aya tiger, from citra bright, speckled+ k*_aya body chetah alt head cheetah or cheetah syl che+tah pron <1CEt*> pos n. cheetah 0. or chetah syl chee+tah pron <1CEt*> pos n. def a large feline mammal, of Africa and SW Asia: the swiftest mammal, having very long legs, nonretractile claws, and a black-spotted light-brown coat. chef ety C19: from French, from Old French chief head, #7chief chef 0. syl chef pron pos n. def a cook, esp. the principal cook in a restaurant. chefs-d'uvre infl head chef-d'uvre syl chefs-d':uvre pron pos n. mod pl. chef-d'uvre 0. syl chef-d':uvre pron French. pos n. def a masterpiece. Chefoo 0. syl Che+foo pron <1CE1fu:> pos n. def another name for {Yentai}. Che Guevara 0. syl Che Gue+va+ra pron , Spanish pos n. def See {Guevara}. cheiro- 0. syl chei:ro- usage combining form. def variant of {chiro-}. Cheiron 0. syl Chei:ron pron <1kIron>, <-r*n> pos n. def a variant spelling of {Chiron}. Cheju 0. syl Che+ju pron <1Ce1Ju:> pos n. def a volcanic island in the N East China Sea, southwest of Korea: constitutes a province of South Korea. Capital: Cheju. Pop.: 336694 (1966). Area: 1792 sq. km (692 sq. miles). Also called: {Quelpart}. Cheka ety C20: from Russian, acronym of Chrezvychainaya Komissiya Extraordinary Commission (to combat Counter-Revolution) Cheka 0. syl Che+ka pron Russian. <1Cek*> pos n. qual Russian history. def the secret police set up in 1917 by the Bolshevik government: reorganized in the Soviet Union in Dec. 1922 as the G.P.U. Chekov alt head Chekhov or Chekhov syl Che:kov pron <1Cekof>, Russian <1Cex*f> pos n. Anton Pavlovich infl head Chekhov syl An:ton Pav:lo:vich pron <1pavl*viC> pos n. Chekhov 0. or Chekov syl Che:khov pron <1Cekof>, Russian <1Cex*f> pos n. def 1860-1904, Russian dramatist and short-story writer. His plays include (1896), (1900), (1901), and (1904). Chekhovian sub head Chekhov or Chekovian syl Che+khov+i:an pron pos adj. Chekovian sub head Chekhov or Chekhovian syl Che+kov+i:an pron pos adj. Chekiang 0. syl Che+kiang pron <1Ce1kj@G>, <-kI1@G> pos n. def a province of E China: mountainous and densely populated. Capital: Hangchow. Pop.: 31000000 (1967-71 est.). Area: 102000 sq. km (39780 sq. miles). chela ety C17: New Latin, from Greek kh*_el*_e claw chelae infl head chela syl che+lae pron <-lE> pos n. mod pl. chela H1.0. syl che+la pron <1kEl*> pos n. def a large pincer-like claw of such arthropods as the crab and scorpion. cheliferous sub head chela syl che+lif+er+ous pron pos adj. chela ety C19: from Hindi cel*_a, from Sanskrit ceta servant, slave chela H2.0. syl che+la pron <1CAl*> pos n. qual Hinduism. def a disciple of a religious teacher. chelaship sub head chela syl che+la+2ship pos n. chelate ety C20: from #7chela %1 chelate 1. syl che+late pron <1kElAt> pos n. qual Chem. def a chemical compound whose molecules contain a closed ring of atoms of which one is a metal atom. chelate 2. syl che+late pron <1kElAt> pos adj. qual Zoology. def of or possessing chelae. chelate 3. syl che+late pron <1kElAt> pos adj. qual Chem. def of or denoting a chelate. chelate 4. syl che+late pron <1kElAt> pos vb. mod intr. qual Chem. def to form a chelate. chelation sub head chelate syl che+1la+tion pos n. chelicera ety C19: from New Latin, from French ch*'elic*`ere, from ch*'el- (see #7chela %1)#7+ -c*`ere from Greek keras horn chelicerae infl head chelicera syl che+lic+er:ae pron <-*2rE> pos n. mod pl. chelicera 0. syl che+lic+er:a pron pos n. def one of a pair of appendages on the head of spiders and other arachnids: often modified as food-catching claws. cheliceral sub head chelicera syl che+1lic+er+al pos adj. chelicerate 1. syl che+lic+er+ate pron pos adj. def of, relating to, or belonging to the a subphylum of arthropods, including arachnids and the horseshoe crab, in which the first pair of limbs are modified as chelicerae. chelicerate 2. syl che+lic+er+ate pron pos n. def any arthropod belonging to the cheliform 0. syl che+li+form pron <1kEli2fc:m> pos adj. def shaped like a chela; pincer-like. Chellean ety C19: from French chell*'een, from Chelles, France, where various items were found Chellean 0. syl Chel+le:an pron <1Seli*n> pos n. adj. qual Archaeol. (no longer in technical usage def another word for {Abbevillian}. Chelmsford 0. syl Chelms+ford pron <1Celmzf*d> pos n. def a city in SE England, administrative centre of Essex: market town. Pop.: 58125 (1971). cheloid 0. syl che+loid pron <1kElcid> pos n. qual Pathol. def a variant spelling of {keloid}. cheloidal sub head cheloid syl che+1loi+dal pos adj. chelonian ety C19: from New Latin Chel*_onia, from Greek khel*_on*_e tortoise chelonian 1. syl che+lo+ni:an pron pos n. def any reptile of the order including the tortoises and turtles, in which most of the body is enclosed in a protective bony capsule. chelonian 2. syl che+lo+ni:an pron pos adj. def of, relating to, or belonging to the chelp ety C19: perhaps from ch (irp) + (y) elp chelp 1. syl chelp pron pos vb. mod intr. qual Northern and Midland English dialect. usage esp. of women or children def to chatter or speak out of turn. exam 1 she's always chelping at the teacher. chelp 2. syl chelp pron pos vb. mod intr. qual Northern and Midland English dialect. usage of birds, etc. def to squeak or chirp. Chelsea 0. syl Chel+sea pron <1Celsi> pos n. def a residential district of SW London, in the Royal Borough of Kensington and Chelsea: site of the Chelsea Royal Hospital for old and invalid soldiers ({Chelsea Pension?!ers) }. Chelsea bun 0. syl Chel+sea bun pos n. def a rolled yeast currant bun decorated with sugar. Cheltenham 1. syl Chel+ten+ham pron <1CeltN*m> pos n. def a town in W England, in central Gloucestershire: famous for its schools, racecourse, and saline springs (discovered in 1716). Pop.: 69734 (1971). Cheltenham 2. syl Chel+ten+ham pron <1CeltN*m> pos n. def a style of type. Chelyabinsk 0. syl Chel+ya+binsk pron Russian pos n. def an industrial city in the W central Soviet Union, in the southern RSFSR. Pop.: 969000 (1975 est.). Cape infl head Chelyuskin syl Cape. pos n. Chelyuskin 0. syl Che+lyus+kin pron Russian pos n. def a cape in the NW Soviet Union, in N Siberia at the end of the Taimyr Peninsula: the northernmost point of Asia. chem 1. syl chem. qual abbrev. for: def chemical. chem 2. syl chem. qual abbrev. for: def chemist. chem 3. syl chem. qual abbrev. for: def chemistry. chem- 0. syl chem- usage combining form. def variant of {chemo-} before a vowel. chemical 1. syl chem:i+cal pron <1kemikL> pos n. def any substance used in or resulting from a reaction involving changes to atoms or molecules. chemical 2. syl chem:i+cal pron <1kemikL> pos adj. def of or used in chemistry. exam 1 chemical balance. chemical 3. syl chem:i+cal pron <1kemikL> pos adj. def of, made from, or using chemicals. exam 1 chemical fertilizer. chemically sub head chemical syl chem:i+cal+ly pos adv. chemical bond 0. syl chem:i+cal bond pos n. def a mutual attraction between two atoms resulting from a redistribution of their outer electrons. See also {covalent bond, electrovalent bond, coordinate bond}. chemical engineering 0. syl chem:i+cal en+gi+neer+ing pos n. def the branch of engineering concerned with the design, operation, maintenance, and manufacture of the plant and machinery used in industrial chemical processes. chemical engineer sub head chemical engineering syl chem:i+cal en+gi+neer pos n. chemical equation 0. syl chem:i+cal e:qua+tion pos n. def a representation of a chemical reaction using symbols of the elements to indicate the amount of substance, usually in moles, of each reactant and product. chemical potential 0. syl chem:i+cal po+ten+tial pos n. def a thermodynamic function of a substance in a system that is the partial differential of the Gibbs function of the system with respect to the number of moles of the substance. Symbol: #Gm chemical reaction 0. syl chem:i+cal re+ac+tion pos n. def a process that involves changes in the structure and energy content of atoms, molecules, or ions but not their nuclei. Compare {nuclear reaction}. chemical warfare 0. syl chem:i+cal war+fare pos n. def warfare in which chemicals other than explosives are used as weapons, esp. warfare using asphyxiating gases, poisons, defoliants, incendiaries, etc. chemico- 0. syl chem:i:co- usage combining form. def chemical. exam 1 chemicophysical. chemiluminescence 0. syl chem:i+lu+mi+nes+cence pron <2kemi2lu:mi1nes*ns> pos n. def the phenomenon in which a chemical reaction leads to the emission of light without incandescence. chemiluminescent sub head chemiluminescence syl chem:i+2lu+mi+1nes+cent pos adj. chemin de fer ety French: railway, referring to the fast tempo of the game chemin de fer 0. syl che+min de fer pron <1fe*>, French <1fe:r> pos n. def a gambling game, a variation of baccarat. chemise ety C14: from Old French: shirt, from Late Latin camisa, perhaps of Celtic origin chemise 1. syl che+mise pron pos n. def Also called: {shift}. chemise 1.a. syl che+mise pron pos n. def an unwaisted loose-fitting dress hanging straight from the shoulders. chemise 1.b. syl che+mise pron pos n. def a loose shirtlike undergarment. chemisette ety C19: from French, diminutive of #7chemise chemisette 0. syl chem:i+sette pron <2Semi1zet> pos n. def an underbodice of lawn, lace, etc., worn to fill in a low-cut dress. chemism 0. syl chem+ism pron <1kemiz*m> pos n. qual Obsolete. def chemical action. chemosorb alt head chemisorb or chemisorb syl chem:o+sorb pos vb. mod tr. chemisorb 0. or chemosorb syl chem:i+sorb pron <2kemi1sc:b> pos vb. mod tr. def to take up (a substance) by chemisorption. chemisorption 0. syl chem:i+sorp+tion pron <2kemi1sc:pS*n> pos n. def an adsorption process in which an adsorbate is held on the surface of an adsorbent by chemical bonds. chemist ety C16: from earlier chimist, from New Latin chimista, shortened from Medieval Latin alchimista #7alchemist chemist 1. syl chem+ist pron <1kemist> pos n. qual Brit. def a shop selling medicines, cosmetics, etc. chemist 2. syl chem+ist pron <1kemist> pos n. qual Brit. def a qualified dispenser of prescribed medicines. chemist 3. syl chem+ist pron <1kemist> pos n. def a person studying, trained in, or engaged in chemistry. chemist 4. syl chem+ist pron <1kemist> pos n. def an obsolete word for {alchemist}. chemistry ety C17: from earlier chimistrie, from chimist #7chemist chemistries infl head chemistry syl chem+is+tries. pos n. mod pl. chemistry 1. syl chem+is+try pron <1kemistri> pos n. def the branch of physical science concerned with the composition, properties, and reactions of substances. See also {inorganic chemistry, organic chemistry, physical chemistry}. chemistry 2. syl chem+is+try pron <1kemistri> pos n. def the composition, properties, and reactions of a particular substance. chemistry 3. syl chem+is+try pron <1kemistri> pos n. def the nature and effects of any complex phenomenon. exam 1 the chemistry of humour. chemistry 4. syl chem+is+try pron <1kemistri> pos n. qual Informal. def a reaction, taken to be instinctual, between two persons (usually qualified by etc.). chemmy 0. syl chem+my pron <1Semi> pos n. qual Cards. def short for {chemin de fer}. Chemnitz 0. syl Chem+nitz pron German <1kemnits> pos n. def the former name (until 1953) of {Karl-Marx-Stadt}. chemo- ety New Latin, from Late Greek kh*_emeia; see #7alchemy chemi- infl head chemo- syl chem:i- chemoprophylaxis 0. syl chem:o+pro+phy+lax+is pron <2kem*u2pr*uf*1l@ksis>, <-2prof*-> pos n. def the prevention of disease using chemical drugs. chemoprophylactic sub head chemoprophylaxis syl chem:o+2pro+phy+1lac+tic pos adj. chemoceptor alt head chemoreceptor or chemoreceptor syl chem:o+cep+tor pos n. chemoreceptor 0. or chemoceptor syl chem:o+re:cep+tor pron <2kem*uri1sept*> pos n. qual Anatomy. def an end organ, such as a taste bud, able to respond to a chemical stimulus. chemosmosis 0. syl chem+os+mo+sis pron <2kemoz1m*usis> pos n. def a chemical reaction between two compounds after osmosis through an intervening semipermeable membrane. chemosmotic sub head chemosmosis syl chem+os+mot+ic pron <2kemoz1mot?!ik> pos adj. chemosphere 0. syl chem:o+sphere pron <1kem*2sfi*> pos n. qual Meteorol. def another name for {thermosphere}. chemospheric sub head chemosphere syl chem:o+spher+ic pron <2kem*1sferik> pos adj. chemostat 0. syl che+mo+stat pron <1kEm*u2st@t>, <1kem-> pos n. def an apparatus for growing bacterial cultures at a constant rate by controlling the supply of nutrient medium. chemosynthesis 0. syl chem:o+syn+the:sis pron <2kem*u1sinTisis> pos n. def the formation of organic material by certain bacteria using energy derived from simple chemical reactions. chemosynthetic sub head chemosynthesis syl chem:o+syn+thet+ic pron <2kem*usin?!1Tetik> pos adj. chemosynthetically sub head chemosynthesis syl chem:o+syn+1thet:i+cal+ly pos adv. chemotaxis 0. syl chem:o+tax+is pron <2kem*u1t@ksis> pos n. def the movement of a micro?!organism or cell in response to a chemical stimulus. chemotactic sub head chemotaxis syl chem:o+1tac+tic pos adj. chemotactically sub head chemotaxis syl chem:o+1tac+ti+cal+ly pos adv. chemotherapy 0. syl chem:o+ther:a+py pron <2kem*u1Ter*pi> pos n. def treatment of disease by means of chemical agents. chemotherapist sub head chemotherapy syl chem:o+1ther:a+pist pos n. chemotropism 0. syl chem:o+tro+pism pron <2kem*u1tr*upiz*m> pos n. def the growth response of an organism, esp. a plant, to a chemical stimulus. chemotropic sub head chemotropism syl chem:o+trop+ic pron <2kem*1tropik> pos adj. chemotropically sub head chemotropism syl chem:o+1trop:i+cal+ly pos adv. chempaduk ety from Malay chempaduk 1. syl chem+pa+duk pron <1Cemp*2d^k> pos n. def an evergreen moraceous tree, (or of Malaysia, similar to the jackfruit. chempaduk 2. syl chem+pa+duk pron <1Cemp*2d^k> pos n. def the fruit of this tree, edible when cooked, having yellow starchy flesh and a leathery rind. Chemulpo 0. syl Che+mul+po pron <2Cemul1p*u> pos n. def a former name of {Inchon}. chemurgy 0. syl chem+ur+gy pron <1kemR:Ji> pos n. def the branch of chemistry concerned with the industrial use of organic raw materials, esp. materials of agricultural origin. chemurgic sub head chemurgy or chemurgical syl chem+1ur+gic pos adj. chemurgical sub head chemurgy or chemurgic syl chem+1ur+gi+cal pos adj. Chenab 0. syl Che+nab pron pos n. def a river rising in the Himalayas and flowing southwest to the Sutlej River in Pakistan. Length: 1087 km (675 miles). Cheng-chou alt head Chengchow or Chengchow syl Cheng-chou pron <1CeG1Cau> pos n. Chengchow 0. or Cheng-chou syl Cheng+chow pron <1CeG1Cau> pos n. def a city in E central China, capital of Honan province. Pop.: 1050000 (1970 est.). Ch'eng-te alt head Chengteh or Chengteh syl Ch'eng-te pron <1CeG1tA> pos n. Chengteh 0. or Ch'eng-te syl Cheng+teh pron <1CeG1tA> pos n. def a city in NE China, in Hopeh on the Luan River: summer residence of the Manchu emperors. Pop.: 92900 (1953). Ch'eng-tu alt head Chengtu or Chengtu syl Ch'eng-tu pron <1CeG1tu:> pos n. Chengtu 0. or Ch'eng-tu syl Cheng+tu pron <1CeG1tu:> pos n. def a city in S central China, capital of Szechwan province. Pop.: 1250000 (1970 est.). Andr'e (Marie de) infl head Ch'enier syl An:dr*'e (Marie de) pron pos n. Ch'enier 0. syl Ch*'e:nier pron French pos n. def 1762-94, French poet; his work was influenced by the ancient Greek elegiac poets. He was guillotined during the French Revolution. chenille ety C18: from French, literally: hairy caterpillar, from Latin canicula, diminutive of canis dog chenille 1. syl che+nille pron pos n. def a thick soft tufty silk or worsted velvet cord or yarn used in embroidery and for trimmings, etc. chenille 2. syl che+nille pron pos n. def a fabric of such yarn. chenille 3. syl che+nille pron pos n. def a rich and hard-wearing carpet of such fabric. chenopod ety C16: from Greek kh*_en goose+ pous foot &- che+no+po+di@.a+ceous (@!ki$:n$$@!p$$$ud$I?!#!e$I#s$$s, @!k$en-) adj. chenopod 0. syl che+no+pod pron <1kEn*2pod>, <1ken-> pos n. def any flowering plant of the family which includes the beet, mangel-wurzel, spinach, and goosefoot. cheongsam ety from Chinese (Cantonese), variant of Mandarin ch'ang shan long jacket cheongsam 0. syl cheong+sam pron <1Cc:G1s@m> pos n. def a straight dress, usually of silk or cotton, with a stand-up collar and a slit in one side of the skirt, worn by Chinese women. Cheops 0. syl Che:ops pron <1kEops> pos n. def original name Egyptian king of the fourth dynasty (??2613-??2494 #7b.c.) #7, who built the largest pyramid at Giza. check alt head cheque or cheque syl check pron pos n. qual U.S. cheque 1. or check syl cheque pron pos n. def a bill of exchange drawn on a bank by the holder of a current account; payable on demand, if uncrossed, or into a bank account, if crossed. cheque 2. or check syl cheque pron pos n. qual Austral. def the total sum of money received for contract work or a crop. checkbook alt head chequebook or chequebook syl check+book pron <1Cek2buk> pos n. qual U.S. chequebook 0. or checkbook syl cheque+book pron <1Cek2buk> pos n. def a book containing detachable blank cheques and issued by a bank to holders of current accounts. cheque card 0. syl cheque card pos n. def another name for {banker's card}. chequer ety C13: chessboard, from Anglo-French escheker, from eschec #7check checker alt head chequer or chequer syl check+er pron <1Cek*> pos n. qual U.S. chequer 1. or checker syl cheq+uer pron <1Cek*> pos n. def any of the marbles, pegs, or other pieces used in the game of Chinese chequers. chequer 2.a. or checker syl cheq+uer pron <1Cek*> pos n. def a pattern consisting of squares of different colours, textures, or materials. chequer 2.b. or checker syl cheq+uer pron <1Cek*> pos n. def one of the squares in such a pattern. chequer 3. or checker syl cheq+uer pron <1Cek*> pos vb. mod tr. def to make irregular in colour or character; variegate. chequer 4. or checker syl cheq+uer pron <1Cek*> pos vb. mod tr. def to mark off with alternating squares of colour. chequerboard 0. syl cheq:uer+board pron <1Cek*2bc:d> pos n. def another name for a {draughtboard}. chequered flag 0. syl cheq+uered flag pos n. def the black-and-white checked flag traditionally shown to the winner and all finishers at the end of a motor race by a senior race official. chequers 0. syl cheq+uers pron <1Cek*z> pos n. def another name for {draughts}. Chequers 0. syl Cheq+uers pron <1Cek*z> pos n. def an estate and country house in S England, in central Buckinghamshire: the official country residence of the Prime Minister. Cher 1. syl Cher pron French pos n. def a department of central France, in E Centre region. Capital: Bourges. Pop.: 322924 (1975). Area: 7304 sq. km (2849 sq. miles). Cher 2. syl Cher pron French pos n. def a river in central France, rising in the Massif Central and flowing northwest to the Loire. Length: 354 km (220 miles). Cherbourg 0. syl Cher+bourg pron <1Se*bu*g>, French pos n. def a port in NW France, on the English Channel. Pop.: 34637 (1975). Cheremis alt head Cheremiss or Cheremiss syl Cher+e:mis pron <2Ce*r*1mis>, <-1mEs> <1Ce*r*2mis>, <-2mEs> pos n. Cheremiss infl or Cheremis syl Cher+e:miss pos n. mod pl. Cheremis infl head Cheremiss or Cheremiss syl Cher+e:mis pos n. mod pl. Cheremiss 1. or Cheremis syl Cher+e:miss pron <2Ce*r*1mis>, <-1mEs> <1Ce*r*2mis>, <-2mEs> pos n. def a member of an Ugrian people of the Volga region, esp. of the Mari ASSR. Cheremiss 2. or Cheremis syl Cher+e:miss pron <2Ce*r*1mis>, <-1mEs> <1Ce*r*2mis>, <-2mEs> pos n. def the language of this people, belonging to the Finno-Ugric family. Cheremkhovo 0. syl Che+rem+kho+vo pron Russian pos n. def an industrial city in the S Soviet Union, in the southeastern RSFSR on the Trans-Siberian railway. Pop.: 104000 (1969 est.). Pavel Alekseyevich infl head Cherenkov syl Pa:vel A:le:kse:ye:vich pron <1pavil> pos n. Cherenkov 0. syl Che:ren:kov pron , Russian pos n. def born 1904, Soviet physicist: noted for work on the effects produced by high-energy par?!ticles: shared Nobel Prize for physics 1958. Cherenkov radiation ety C20: named after P. A. C#7herenkov Cherenkov radiation 0. syl Che+ren+kov ra+di:a+tion pos n. def the electromagnetic radiation produced when a charged particle moves through a medium at a greater velocity than the velocity of light in that medium. Cheribon 0. syl Che+ri+bon pron <1Ci*r*2bon> pos n. def a variant spelling of {Tjirebon}. cherish ety C14: from Old French cherir, from cher dear, from Latin c*_arus cherish 1. syl cher+ish pron <1CeriS> pos vb. mod tr. def to feel or show great tenderness or care for; treasure. cherish 2. syl cher+ish pron <1CeriS> pos vb. mod tr. def to cling fondly to (a hope, idea, etc.); nurse. exam 1 to cherish ambitions. cherishable sub head cherish syl cher+ish+a:ble pos adj. cherisher sub head cherish syl cher+ish+er pos n. cherishingly sub head cherish syl cher+ish+ing+ly pos adv. Chernovtsy 0. syl Cher+nov+tsy pron Russian pos n. def a city in the SW Soviet Union, in the W Ukrainian SSR on the Prut River: formerly under Polish, Austro-Hungarian, and Rumanian rule; ceded to the Soviet Union in 1947. Pop.: 203000 (1975 est.). German name: {Czernowitz}. Rumanian name: {Cern*ua#800116 u*,ti}. chernozem ety from Russian, con?!traction of chernaya zemlya black earth tschernosem alt head chernozem or chernozem syl tscher+no+sem pron <1CR:n*u2zem> pos n. chernozem 0. or tschernosem syl cher+no+zem pron <1CR:n*u2zem> pos n. def a black soil, rich in humus and carbonates, in cool or temperate semiarid regions, as the grasslands of Russia. Cherokees infl head Cherokee or Cherokee syl Cher:o+kees pos n. mod pl. Cherokee infl or Cherokees syl Cher:o+kee pos n. mod pl. Cherokee 1. syl Cher:o+kee pron <1Cer*2kE>, <2Cer*1kE> pos n. def a member of a North American Indian people formerly living in and around the Appalachian Mountains, now chiefly in Oklahoma; one of the Iroquois peoples. Cherokee 2. syl Cher:o+kee pron <1Cer*2kE>, <2Cer*1kE> pos n. def the language of this people, belonging to the Iroquoian family. Cherokee rose 0. syl Cher:o+kee rose pos n. def an evergreen climbing Chinese rose, that now grows wild in the southern U.S., having large white fragrant flowers. cheroot ety C17: from Tamil curuttu curl, roll cheroot 0. syl che+root pron pos n. def a cigar with both ends cut off squarely. cherry ety C14: back formation from Old English ciris (mistakenly thought to be plural), ultimately from Late Latin ceresia, perhaps from Latin cerasus cherry tree, from Greek kerasios cherries infl head cherry syl cher+ries. pos n. mod pl. cherry 1. syl cher+ry pron <1Ceri> pos n. def any of several trees of the rosaceous genus such as ({sweet cherry}) , having a small fleshy rounded fruit containing a hard stone. See also {bird cherry}. cherry 2. syl cher+ry pron <1Ceri> pos n. def the fruit or wood of any of these trees. cherry 3. syl cher+ry pron <1Ceri> pos n. def any of various unrelated plants, such as the ground cherry and Jerusalem cherry. cherry 4.a. syl cher+ry pron <1Ceri> pos n. def a bright red colour; cerise. cherry 4.b. syl cher+ry pron <1Ceri> pos as; adj. exam 1 a cherry coat. cherry 5. syl cher+ry pron <1Ceri> pos n. qual Taboo slang. def virginity or the hymen as its symbol. cherry 6. syl cher+ry pron <1Ceri> pos n. usage modifier def of or relating to the cherry fruit or wood. exam 1 cherry tart. cherry-like sub head cherry syl cher:ry-2like pos adj. cherry brandy 0. syl cher+ry bran+dy pos n. def a red liqueur made of brandy flavoured with cherries. cherry laurel 0. syl cher+ry lau+rel pos n. def a Eurasian rosaceous evergreen shrub, having glossy aromatic leaves, white flowers, and purplish-black fruits. cherry picker 0. syl cher+ry pick+er pos n. def a hydraulic crane, esp. one mounted on a lorry, that has an elbow joint or telescopic arm supporting a basket-like platform enabling a person to service high power lines or to carry out similar operations above the ground. cherry-pie 0. syl cher:ry-pie pos n. def a widely planted garden heliotrope, cherry plum 0. syl cher+ry plum pos n. def a small widely planted Asian rosaceous tree, with white flowers and red or yellow cherry-like fruit. Also called: {myrobalan}. chersonese ety C17: from Latin, from Greek kherson*_esos, from khersos dry (land)+ n*_esos island chersonese 0.a. syl cher+so+nese pron <1kR:s*2nEs> pos n. def a poetic or rhetorical word for {peninsula}. chersonese 0.b. syl cher+so+nese pron <1kR:s*2nEs> pos n. usage cap. when part of a name exam 1 Thracian Chersonese. chert ety C17: of obscure origin chert 0. syl chert pron pos n. def an impure black or grey microcrystalline variety of quartz that resembles flint. Formula: SiO\2. Also called: {hornstone}. cherty sub head chert syl chert:y pos adj. Chertsey 0. syl Chert+sey pron <1CR:tsi> pos n. def a town in S England, in N Surrey on the River Thames. Pop.: 44886 (1971). cherub ety Old English, from Hebrew k*ver*_ubh cherubs infl head cherub or cherubim syl cher+ubs pron <1Cer*bim>, <-ubim> pos n. mod pl. cherubim infl head cherub or cherubs syl cher:u+bim pron <1Cer*bim>, <-ubim> pos n. mod pl. cherub 1. syl cher+ub pron <1Cer*b> pos n. qual Theol. def a member of the second order of angels, whose distinctive gift is knowledge, often represented as a winged child or winged head of a child. cherub 2. syl cher+ub pron <1Cer*b> pos n. def an innocent or sweet child. cherubic sub head cherub or cherubical syl che+ru+bic pron pos adj. cherubical sub head cherub or cherubic syl che+1ru+bi+cal pos adj. cherubically sub head cherub syl che+1ru+bi+cal+ly pos adv. (Maria) Luigi (Carlo Zenobio Salvatore) infl head Cherubini syl (Maria) Lu:i:gi (Carlo Zenobio Salvatore) pron pos n. Cherubini 0. syl Che:ru:bi:ni pron <2keru1bEni> pos n. def 1760-1842, Italian composer, noted particularly for his church music and his operas. chervil ety Old English cerfelle, from Latin caerephylla, plural of caerephyllum chervil, from Greek khairephullon, from khairein to enjoy+ phullon leaf chervil 1. syl cher+vil pron <1CR:vil> pos n. def an aromatic umbelliferous Eurasian plant, with small white flowers and aniseed-flavoured leaves used as herbs in soups and salads. bur chervil 2. head chervil syl bur chervil. def a similar and related plant, chervil 3. syl cher+vil pron <1CR:vil> pos n. def a related plant, having a hairy purple-spotted stem. chervonets ety from Old Russian *vcervonyi, from Old Polish czerwony golden, purple chervonets 0. syl cher+vo+nets pron pos n. usage formerly def a Soviet monetary unit and gold coin worth ten roubles. Ches 0. syl Ches. qual abbrev. for def Cheshire. Chesapeake Bay 0. syl Ches:a+peake Bay pron <1Ces*2pEk> pos n. def the largest inlet of the Atlantic in the coast of the U.S.: bordered by Maryland and Virginia. Cheshire 0. syl Chesh+ire pron <1CeS*>, <1CeSi*> pos n. def a county of NW England: low-lying and undulating, bordering on the Pennines in the east; mainly agricultural. County town: Chester. Pop.: 916400 (1976 est.). Area: 1262 sq. km (917 sq. miles). Abbrev.: {Ches}. Cheshire cheese 0. syl Chesh+ire cheese pos n. def a mild-flavoured cheese with a crumbly texture, originally made in Cheshire. Cheshunt 0. syl Chesh+unt pron <1CeS*nt> pos n. def a town in SE England, in SE Hertford?!shire: a dormitory town of London. Pop.: 44947 (1971). Cheshvan 0. syl Chesh+van pron Hebrew. pos n. qual Judaism. def a variant spelling of {Heshvan}. chess ety C13: from Old French esches, plural of eschec check (at chess); see #7check chess H1.0. syl chess pron pos n. def a game of skill for two players using a chessboard on which chessmen are moved. Initially each player has one king, one queen, two rooks, two bishops, two knights, and eight pawns, which have different types of moves according to kind. The object is to checkmate the opponent's king. chess ety C18: of unknown origin chess H2.0. syl chess pron pos n. qual U.S. def a less common name for {rye-brome}. chess ety C15 (in the sense: layer, tier): from Old French chasse frame, from Latin capsa box chesses alt head chess or chess syl chess:es. pron pos n. mod pl. chess H3.0. or chesses syl chess pron pos n. mod pl. def a floorboard of the deck of a pontoon bridge. chessboard 0. syl chess+board pron <1Ces2bc:d> pos n. def a square board divided into 64 squares of two alternating colours, used for playing chess or draughts. chessel ety C18: probably from #7cheese %1+#7well %2 chessel 0. syl ches+sel pron <1CesL> pos n. def a mould used in cheese-making. chess piece alt head chessman or chessman syl chess piece pos n. chessmen infl head chessman or chess pieces syl chess+men pos n. mod pl. chess pieces infl head chessman or chessmen syl chess piec:es. pos n. mod pl. chessman 0. or chess piece syl chess+man pron <1Ces2m@n>, <-m*n> pos n. def any of the eight major pieces and eight pawns used by each player in a game of chess. chest ety Old English cest, from Latin cista wooden box, basket, from Greek kist*_e box chest 1.a. syl chest pron pos n. def the front part of the trunk from the neck to the belly. Related adj.: {pectoral}. chest 1.b. syl chest pron pos n. usage as modifier exam 1 a chest cold. get (something) off one's chest 2. head chest syl get (something) off one's chest. qual Informal. def to unburden oneself of troubles, worries, etc., by talking about them. chest 3. syl chest pron pos n. def a box, usually large and sturdy, used for storage or shipping. exam 1 a tea chest. chest 4. syl chest pron pos n. def Also: {chestful}. the quantity a chest holds. chest 5.a. syl chest pron pos n. def the place in which a public or charitable institution deposits its funds. chest 5.b. syl chest pron pos n. def the funds so deposited. chest 6. syl chest pron pos n. def a sealed container or reservoir for a gas. exam 1 a wind chest; exam 2 a steam chest. chested sub head chest syl chest+ed pos adj. Chester 0. syl Ches+ter pron <1Cest*> pos n. def a city in NW England, administrative centre of Cheshire, on the River Dee: intact surrounding walls; 16th- and 17th-century double tier shops. Pop.: 62696 (1971). Latin name: {Deva}. chesterfield ety C19: named after a 19th-century Earl of Chesterfield chesterfield 1. syl ches+ter+field pron <1Cest*2fEld> pos n. def a man's knee-length overcoat, usually with a fly front to conceal the buttons and having a velvet collar. chesterfield 2. syl ches+ter+field pron <1Cest*2fEld> pos n. def a large tightly stuffed sofa, often upholstered in leather, with straight upholstered arms of the same height as the back. Chesterfield H1.0. syl Ches+ter+field pron <1Cest*2fEld> pos n. def an industrial town in N central England, in Derbyshire: famous 14th-century church with twisted spire. Pop.: 70153 (1971). Chesterfield H2.0. syl Ches:ter:field pron <1Cest*2fEld> pos n. qual Philip Dormer Stanhope def 4th Earl of Chesterfield. 1694-1773, English statesman and writer, noted for his elegance, suavity, and wit; author of (1774). Chesterfieldian 0. syl Ches+ter+field+i:an pron <2Cest*1fEldi*n> pos adj. def of or like Lord Chesterfield; suave; elegant; polished. G (ilbert) K (eith) infl head Chesterton syl G (ilbert) K (eith) . pos n. Chesterton 0. syl Ches:ter:ton pron <1Cest*tN> pos n. def 1874-1936, English essayist, novelist, poet, and critic. chestnut ety C16: from earlier chesten nut: chesten, from Old French chastaigne, from Latin castanea, from Greek kastanea chestnut 1. syl chest+nut pron <1Ces2n^t> pos n. def any N temperate fagaceous tree of the genus such as ({sweet} or {Spanish chestnut}) , which produce flowers in long catkins and nuts in a prickly bur. Compare {horse chestnut, water chestnut, dwarf chestnut}. chestnut 2. syl chest+nut pron <1Ces2n^t> pos n. def the edible nut of any of these trees. chestnut 3. syl chest+nut pron <1Ces2n^t> pos n. def the hard wood of any of these trees, used in making furniture, etc. chestnut 4.a. syl chest+nut pron <1Ces2n^t> pos n. def a reddish-brown to brown colour. chestnut 4.b. syl chest+nut pron <1Ces2n^t> pos as; adj. exam 1 chestnut hair. chestnut 5. syl chest+nut pron <1Ces2n^t> pos n. def a horse of a yellow-brown or golden-brown colour. chestnut 6. syl chest+nut pron <1Ces2n^t> pos n. def a small horny callus on the inner surface of a horse's leg. chestnut 7. syl chest+nut pron <1Ces2n^t> pos n. qual Informal. def an old or stale joke. chest of drawers 0. syl chest of drawers pos n. def a piece of furniture consisting of a frame, often on short legs, containing a set of drawers. chest of viols 0. syl chest of vi:ols pos n. def a set of viols of different sizes, usually six in number, used in consorts. chest-on-chest 0. syl chest-on-chest pos n. def another term for {tallboy}. register alt head chest voice or chest voice syl reg+is+ter pos n. chest voice 0. or register syl chest voice pos n. def a voice of the lowest speaking or singing register. Compare {head voice}. chestier infl head chesty syl chest:i+er pos adj. chestiest infl head chesty syl chest:i+est. pos adj. chesty 1. syl chest:y pron <1Cesti> pos adj. qual Informal.; Brit. def suffering from or symptomatic of chest disease. exam 1 a chesty cough. chesty 2. syl chest:y pron <1Cesti> pos adj. qual Informal. def having a large well-developed chest or bosom. chestiness sub head chesty syl chest:i+ness pos n. chetah 0. syl che+tah pron <1CEt*> pos n. def a variant spelling of {cheetah}. Chetnik ety from Serbian *vcetnik, from *vceta troop Chetnik 0. syl Chet+nik pron <1Cetnik>, pos n. def a Serbian nationalist belonging to a group that fought against the Turks before World War I and engaged in guerrilla warfare during both World Wars. cheval-de-frise ety C17: from French, literally: horse from Friesland (where it was first used) chevaux-de-frise infl head cheval-de-frise syl che:vaux-de-frise pron pos n. mod pl. cheval-de-frise 1. syl che:val-de-frise pron pos n. def a portable barrier of spikes, etc., used to obstruct the passage of cavalry. cheval-de-frise 2. syl che:val-de-frise pron pos n. def a row of spikes or broken glass set as an obstacle on top of a wall. cheval glass ety C19: from French cheval support (literally: horse) cheval glass 0. syl che+val glass pron pos n. def a full-length mirror mounted so as to swivel within a frame. chevalier ety C14: from Old French, from Medieval Latin caball*_arius horseman, #7cavalier chevalier 1. syl chev:a+lier pron <2Sev*1li*> pos n. def a member of certain orders of merit, such as the French Legion of Honour. chevalier 2.a. syl chev:a+lier pron <2Sev*1li*> pos n. def a mounted soldier or knight, esp. a military cadet. chevalier 2.b. syl chev:a+lier pron <2Sev*1li*> pos n. def the lowest title of rank in the old French nobility. chevalier 3. syl chev:a+lier pron <2Sev*1li*> pos n. def an archaic word for {knight}. chevalier 4. syl chev:a+lier pron <2Sev*1li*> pos n. def a chivalrous man; gallant. Maurice infl head Chevalier syl Mau:rice pron pos n. Chevalier 0. syl Che:va:lier pron French pos n. def 1888-1972, French singer and film actor. chevet ety C19: from French: pillow, from Latin capitium, from caput head chevet 0. syl che+vet pron pos n. def a semicircular or polygonal east end of a church, esp. a French Gothic church, often with a number of attached apses. Cheviot 1. syl Che+vi+ot pron <1CEvi*t>, <1Cev-> pos n. def a large British breed of sheep reared for its wool. Cheviot 2. syl Che+vi+ot pron <1CEvi*t>, <1Cev-> pos n. usage often not cap. def a rough twill-weave woollen suiting fabric. Cheviot Hills 0. syl Che+vi+ot Hills pos n. mod pl. def a range of hills on the border between England and Scotland, mainly in Northumberland. chevrette ety C18: from French: kid, from ch*`evre goat, from Latin capra chevrette 1. syl chev+rette pron pos n. def the skin of a young goat. chevrette 2. syl chev+rette pron pos n. def the leather made from this skin. chevron ety C14: from Old French, ultimately from Latin caper goat; compare Latin capreoli two pieces of wood forming rafters (literally: little goats) chevron 1. syl chev+ron pron <1Sevr*n> pos n. qual Military. def a badge or insignia consisting of one or more V-shaped stripes to indicate a noncommissioned rank or length of service. chevron 2. syl chev+ron pron <1Sevr*n> pos n. qual Heraldry. def an inverted V-shaped charge on a shield, one of the earliest ordinaries found in English arms. chevron 3. syl chev+ron pron <1Sevr*n> pos n. def any V-shaped pattern or device. chevron 4. syl chev+ron pron <1Sevr*n> pos n. def Also called: {dancette}. an ornamental moulding having a zigzag pattern. chevrotain ety C18: from French, from Old French chevrot kid, from ch*`evre goat, from Latin capra, feminine of caper goat chevrotain 0. syl chev+ro+tain pron <1Sevr*2tAn>, <-tin> pos n. def any small timid ruminant artiodactyl mammal of the genera and of S and SE Asia: family They resemble rodents, and the males have long tusklike upper canines. Also called: {mouse deer}. chevy 0. syl chev:y pron <1Cevi> pos n. vb. def a variant spelling of {chivy}. chew ety Old English ceowan; related to Old High German kiuwan, Dutch kauwen, Latin ging*_iva a gum chew 1. syl chew pron pos vb. def to work the jaws and teeth in order to grind (food); masticate. chew 2. syl chew pron pos vb. def to bite repeatedly. exam 1 she chewed her nails anxiously. chew 3. syl chew pron pos vb. mod intr. def to use chewing tobacco. chew 4.a. syl chew pron pos vb. def to argue over a point. chew 4.b. syl chew pron pos vb. def to talk idly; gossip. chew 5. syl chew pron pos n. def the act of chewing. chew 6. syl chew pron pos n. def something that is chewed. exam 1 a chew of tobacco. chewable sub head chew syl chew+a:ble pos adj. chewer sub head chew syl chew+er pos n. Chewas infl head Chewa or Chewa syl Che+was pos n. mod pl. Chewa infl or Chewas syl Che+wa pos n. mod pl. Chewa 1. syl Che+wa pron <1CAw*> pos n. def a member of a Negro people of Malawi, E Zambia, and N Rhodesia, related to the Bemba. Chewa 2. syl Che+wa pron <1CAw*> pos n. def their language. See {Chichewa}. chewie 0. syl chew:ie pron <1Cu:i> pos n. qual Austral. informal. def chewing gum. chewing gum 0. syl chew+ing gum pos n. def a preparation for chewing, usually made of flavoured and sweetened chicle. chew out 0. syl chew out pos vb. adv. mod tr. qual U.S. informal. def to reprimand. chew over 0. syl chew o:ver pos vb. adv. mod tr. def to consider carefully; ruminate on. chew up 1. syl chew up pos vb. adv. mod tr. def to damage or destroy (something) by or as by chewing or grinding. chew up 2. syl chew up pos vb. adv. mod tr. qual Slang. usage usually passive def to cause (a person) to be nervous or worried. exam 1 he was all chewed up about the interview. chewier infl head chewy syl chew:i+er pos adj. chewiest infl head chewy syl chew:i+est. pos adj. chewy 0. syl chew:y pron <1Cu:i> pos adj. def of a consistency requiring chewing; somewhat firm and sticky. Cheyenne ety via Canadian French from Dakota Shaiyena, from shaia to speak incoherent?!ly, from sha red+ ya to speak Cheyenne infl or Cheyennes syl Chey+enne pos n. mod pl. Cheyennes infl head Cheyenne or Cheyenne syl Chey+ennes pos n. mod pl. Cheyenne H1.1. syl Chey+enne pron pos n. def a member of a North American Indian people of the western Plains, now living chiefly in Montana and Oklahoma. Cheyenne H1.2. syl Chey+enne pron pos n. def the language of this people, belonging to the Algonquian family. Cheyenne H2.0. syl Chey+enne pron , <-1en> pos n. def a city in SE Wyoming, capital of the state. Pop.: 40914 (1970). Cheyne-Stokes breathing ety C19: named after John Cheyne (1777-1836), Scottish physician, and William Stokes (1804-78), Irish physician Cheyne-Stokes breathing 0. syl Cheyne-Stokes breath+ing pron <1CAn1st*uks> pos n. qual Pathol. def alternating, as shallow and deep breathing in comatose patients. chez 1. syl chez pron French. pos prep. def at the home of. chez 2. syl chez pron French. pos prep. def with, among, or in the manner of. chg 0. syl chg. qual Commerce, finance, etc. abbrev. for def charge. chi 0. syl chi pron pos n. def the 22nd letter of the Greek alphabet (#Gx, #GX), a consonant, transliterated as or rarely chiack ety C19: from chi-hike, a shout or greeting chyack alt head chiack or chiack syl chy+ack pron <1CI@k> pos vb. mod tr. chiack 0. or chyack syl chi+ack pron <1CI@k> pos vb. mod tr. qual Austral. informal. def to tease or banter. Chian 1. syl Chi:an pron <1kI*n> pos adj. def of or relating to Chios. Chian 2. syl Chi:an pron <1kI*n> pos n. def a native or inhabitant of Chios. Chiang Ch'ing 0. syl Chiang Ch'ing pron <1C@G> <1CiG> pos n. def born 1913, Chinese Communist actress and politician; widow of Mao Tse-tung. She was a leading member of the Gang of Four. Chiang Ching-kuo 0. syl Chiang Ching-kuo pron <1C@G> pos n. def born 1910, Chinese statesman; the son of Chiang Kai-shek. He was prime minister of Taiwan (1971-78); president since 1978. Chiang Kai-shek 0. syl Chiang Kai-shek pron <1C@G> pos n. def original name 1897-1975, Chinese general: president of China (1928-31; 1943-49) and of the Republic of China (Taiwan) (1950-75). As chairman of the Kuomintang, he allied with the Communists against the Japanese (1937-45), but in the Civil War that followed was forced to withdraw to Taiwan after his defeat by the Communists (1949). chianti 0. syl chi+an+ti pron pos n. usage sometimes cap. def a dry red or white wine produced in the Chianti region of Italy. Chianti 0. syl Chi+an+ti pron Italian <1kjanti> pos n. mod pl. def a mountain range in central Italy, in Tuscany, rising over 870 m (2900 ft.): part of the Apennines. Chiapas 0. syl Chia+pas pron Spanish <1Caapas> pos n. def a state of S Mexico: mountainous and forested; Maya ruins in the northeast; rich mineral resources. Capital: Tuxtla Guti*'errez. Pop.: 1569053 (1970). Area: 73887 sq. km (28816 sq. miles). chiaroscuro ety C17: from Italian, from chiaro #7clear+ oscuro #7obscure ros infl head chiaroscuro syl +ros. pos n. mod pl. chiaroscuro 1. syl chi:a+ro+scu+ro pron pos n. def the artistic distribution of light and dark masses in a picture. chiaroscuro 2. syl chi:a+ro+scu+ro pron pos n. def monochrome painting using light and dark only, as in grisaille. chiaroscurist sub head chiaroscuro syl chi:2a+ro+1scu+rist pos n. chiaroscurism sub head chiaroscuro syl chi:2a+ro+1scur+ism pos n. chiasma ety C19: from Greek khiasma wooden crosspiece, from khiazein to mark with an X, from khi #7chi chiasm alt head chiasma or chiasma syl chi+asm pron <1kI@z*m> pos n. chiasmas infl head chiasma syl chi+as+mas pron <-m*t*> pos n. mod pl. chiasmata infl head chiasma or chiasms syl chi+as+ma+ta pron <-m*t*> pos n. mod pl. chiasms infl head chiasma or chiasmata syl chi+asms. pos n. mod pl. chiasma 1. or chiasm syl chi+as+ma pron pos n. qual Anatomy. def the crossing over of two parts or structures, such as the fibres of the optic nerves in the brain. chiasma 2. or chiasm syl chi+as+ma pron pos n. qual Cytology. def the connection between pairing homologous chromosomes in meiosis, produced by crossing over. chiasmal sub head chiasma or chiasmic syl chi+1as+mal pos adj. chiasmic sub head chiasma or chiasmal syl chi+1as+mic pos adj. chiasmus ety C19: from New Latin, from Greek khiasmos crisscross arrangement; see #7chiasma chiasmi infl head chiasmus syl chi+as+mi pron <-mI> pos n. mod pl. chiasmus 0. syl chi+as+mus pron pos n. qual Rhetoric. def reversal of the order of words in the second of two parallel phrases. exam 1 he went out and in came she. chiastic sub head chiasmus syl chi+as+tic pron pos adj. chiastolite ety C19: from German Chiastolith, from Greek khiastos crossed, marked with a chi+ lithos stone chiastolite 0. syl chi+as+to+lite pron pos n. def a variety of andalusite containing carbon impurities. Also called: {macle}. Chiba 0. syl Chi+ba pron < 1CEba> pos n. def an industrial city in central Japan, in SE Honshu on Tokyo Bay. Pop.: 613787 (1974 est.). Chibchan 1. syl Chib+chan pron <1CibC*n> pos n. def a family of Indian languages found in Colombia and elsewhere in South America. {~} Chibchan 2. syl Chib+chan pron <1CibC*n> pos n. def belonging or relating to this family of languages. chibouk ety C19: from French chibouque, from *,cubuk pipe chibouque alt head chibouk or chibouk syl chi+bouque pron pos n. chibouk 0. or chibouque syl chi+bouk pron pos n. def a Turkish tobacco pipe with an extremely long stem. chic 1. syl chic pron , pos adj. usage esp. of fashionable clothes, women, etc. def stylish or elegant. chic 2. syl chic pron , pos n. def stylishness, esp. in dress; modishness; fashionable good taste.[C19: from French, of uncertain origin] chicly sub head chic syl chic+ly pos adv. Chicago 0. syl Chi+ca+go pron pos n. def a port in NE Illinois, on Lake Michigan: the second largest city in the U.S.; the largest railway and air traffic centre in the world. Pop.: 3172929 (1973 est.). chicalote ety from Spanish, from Nahuatl chicalotl chicalote 0. syl chi+ca+lo+te pron <2CEka:1l*utA> pos n. def a poppy, of the southwestern U.S. and Mexico with prickly leaves and white or yellow flowers. chicane ety C17: from French chicaner to quibble, of obscure origin &- chi+#!can+er n. chicane 1. syl chi+cane pron pos n. def a bridge or whist hand without trumps. chicane 2. syl chi+cane pron pos n. qual Motor racing. def a movable barrier sometimes placed before a dangerous corner to reduce speeds by allowing drivers through in single file only. chicane 3. syl chi+cane pron pos n. def a less common word for {chicanery}. chicane 4. syl chi+cane pron pos vb. mod tr. def to deceive or trick by chicanery. chicane 5. syl chi+cane pron pos vb. mod tr. def to quibble about; cavil over. chicane 6. syl chi+cane pron pos vb. mod intr. def to use tricks or chicanery. chicaneries infl head chicanery syl chi+can+er:ies. pos n. mod pl. chicanery 1. syl chi+can+er:y pron pos n. def verbal deception or trickery, esp. in legal quibbling; dishonest or sharp practice. chicanery 2. syl chi+can+er:y pron pos n. def a trick, deception, or quibble. chicano ety C20: from Spanish mejicano Mexican chicanos infl head chicano syl chi+ca+nos. pos n. mod pl. chicano 0. syl chi+ca+no pron pos n. qual U.S. def an American citizen of Mexican origin. chiccories infl head chiccory syl chic+co+ries. pos n. mod pl. chiccory 0. syl chic+co+ry pron <1Cik*ri> pos n. def a variant spelling of {chicory}. Chichagof Island 0. syl Chich:a+gof Is+land pron <1CiC*2gc:f> pos n. def an island of Alaska, in the Alexander Archipelago. Area: 5439 sq. km (2100 sq. miles). Chichen Itz'a 0. syl Chi+chen It:z*'a pron Spanish pos n. def a village in Yucat*'an state in Mexico: site of important Mayan ruins. Chichester H1.0. syl Chich+es+ter pron <1CiCist*> pos n. def a town in S England, administrative centre of West Sussex: Roman ruins; 11th-century cathedral. Pop.: 20547 (1971). Chichester H2.0. syl Chich:es:ter pron <1CiCist*> pos n. def Sir {Fran@.cis}. 1901-72, English yachtsman, who sailed alone round the world in (1966-67). Chichewa 0. syl Chi+che+wa pron pos n. def the language of the Chewa people of central Africa, widely used as a lingua franca in Malawi. It belongs to the Bantu group of the Niger-Congo family. chichi ety C20: from French chichi 1. syl chi+chi pron <1SE2SE> pos adj. def affectedly pretty or stylish. chichi 2. syl chi+chi pron <1SE2SE> pos n. def the quality of being affectedly pretty or stylish. Ch'i-ch'i-haerh alt head Chichihaerh or Chichihaerh syl Ch'i-ch'i-haerh pron <1CE2CE1ha:> pos n. Chichihaerh 0. or Ch'i-ch'i-haerh syl Chi+chi+haerh pron <1CE2CE1ha:> pos n. def a city in NE China, in Heilungkiang province on the Nonni River. Pop.: 760000 (1970 est.). chick ety C14: short for #7chicken chick 1. syl chick pron pos n. def the young of a bird, esp. of a domestic fowl. chick 2. syl chick pron pos n. qual Slang. def a girl or young woman, esp. an attractive one. chick 3. syl chick pron pos n. def a young child: used as a term of endearment. chickabiddy ety C18: from #7chick +#7biddy %1 chickabiddies infl head chickabiddy syl chick:a+bid+dies. pos n. mod pl. chickabiddy 0. syl chick:a+bid+dy pron <1Cik*2bidi> pos n. def a term of endearment, esp. for a child. chickadee ety C19: imitative of its note chickadee 0. syl chick:a+dee pron <1Cik*2dE> pos n. def any of various small North American songbirds of the genus such as ({black-capped chickadee}) , typically having grey-and-black plumage: family (titmice). chickaree 0. syl chick:a+ree pron <1Cik*2rE> pos n. def another name for {American red squirrel} (see { {squirrel} (sense 1)).} Chickasaws infl head Chickasaw or Chickasaw syl Chick:a+saws pos n. mod pl. Chickasaw infl or Chickasaws syl Chick:a+saw pos n. mod pl. Chickasaw 1. syl Chick:a+saw pron <1Cik*2sc:> pos n. def a member of a North American Indian people of N Mississippi. Chickasaw 2. syl Chick:a+saw pron <1Cik*2sc:> pos n. def the language of this people, belonging to the Muskhogean family. chicken ety Old English ciecen; related to Old Norse kj*_uklingr gosling, Middle Low German k*"uken chicken chicken 1. syl chick+en pron <1Cikin> pos n. def a domestic fowl bred for its flesh or eggs. chicken 2. syl chick+en pron <1Cikin> pos n. def the flesh of such a bird used for food. chicken 3. syl chick+en pron <1Cikin> pos n. def any of various similar birds, such as a prairie chicken. chicken 4. syl chick+en pron <1Cikin> pos n. qual Slang. def a cowardly person. chicken 5. syl chick+en pron <1Cikin> pos n. qual Slang. def a young inexperienced person. count one's chickens before they are hatched 6. head chicken syl count one's chickens before they are hatched. def to be over-optimistic in acting on expectations which are not yet fulfilled. {~} chicken 7. syl chick+en pron <1Cikin> pos n. qual Slang. def easily scared; cowardly; timid. chicken breast 0. syl chick+en breast pos n. qual Pathol. def another name for {pigeon breast}. chicken-breasted sub head chicken breast syl chick:en-1breast:ed pos adj. chicken breast 0. syl chick+en breast pos n. qual Pathol. def another name for {pigeon breast}. chicken-breasted sub head chicken breast syl chick:en-1breast:ed pos adj. chicken feed 0. syl chick+en feed pos n. qual Slang. def a trifling amount of money. chicken-livered alt head chicken-hearted or chicken-hearted syl chick:en-liv:ered pos adj. chicken-hearted 0. or chicken-livered syl chick:en-heart:ed pos adj. def easily fright?!ened; cowardly. chicken-heartedly sub head chicken-hearted syl chick:en-1heart:ed+ly pos adv. chicken-heartedness sub head chicken-hearted syl chick:en-1heart:ed+ness pos n. chicken louse 0. syl chick+en louse pos n. def a louse, (or a parasite of poultry: order (bird lice). chicken out 0. syl chick+en out pos vb. adv. mod intr. qual Informal. def to fail to do something through fear or lack of conviction. chickenpox 0. syl chick:en+pox pron <1Cikin2poks> pos n. def a highly communicable viral disease most commonly affecting children, characterized by slight fever and the eruption of a rash. chicken wire 0. syl chick+en wire pos n. def wire netting with a hexagonal mesh. chickpea ety C16 ciche peasen, from ciche (from French chiche, from Latin cicer chickpea)+ peasen; see #7pea chickpea 1. syl chick+pea pron <1Cik2pE> pos n. def a bushy leguminous plant, cultivated for its edible pealike seeds in the Mediterranean region, central Asia, and Africa. chickpea 2. syl chick+pea pron <1Cik2pE> pos n. def the seed of this plant. chickpea xref syl chick+pea pron <1Cik2pE> pos n. def Also called: {garbanzo}. chickweed 1. syl chick+weed pron <1Cik2wEd> pos n. def any of various caryophyllaceous plants of the genus esp. a common garden weed with small white flowers. mouse-ear chickweed 2. head chickweed syl mouse-ear chickweed. def any of various similar and related plants of the genus Chiclayo 0. syl Chi+cla+yo pron Spanish pos n. def a city in NW Peru. Pop.: 187809 (1972). chicle ety from Spanish, from Nahuatl chictli chicle 0. syl chic+le pron <1CikL> pos n. def a gumlike substance obtained from the sapodilla; the main ingredient of chewing gum. Also called: {chicle gum}. chicos infl head chico syl chi+cos. pos n. mod pl. chico 0. syl chi+co pron <1CEk*u> pos n. def another name for {{greasewood} (sense 1)}. chicory ety C15: from Old French chicor*'ee, from Latin cichorium, from Greek kikh*_orion chicories infl head chicory syl chic:o+ries. pos n. mod pl. chicory 1. syl chic:o+ry pron <1Cik*ri> pos n. def Also called: {succory}. a blue-flowered plant, cultivated for its leaves, which are used in salads, and for its roots: family (composites). chicory 2. syl chic:o+ry pron <1Cik*ri> pos n. def the root of this plant, roasted, dried, and used as a coffee substitute. chicory xref syl chic:o+ry pron <1Cik*ri> pos n. def Compare {endive}. chide ety Old English c*_idan chides infl head chide syl chides pos vb. chiding infl head chide or chid chided syl chid+ing pos vb. chided infl head chide or chid syl chid+ed pos vb. chid chided infl head chide or chiding syl chid; chid+ed pos vb. chid infl head chide or chidden syl chid pos vb. chidden infl head chide or chid syl chid+den. pos vb. chide 1. syl chide pron pos vb. def to rebuke or scold. chide 2. syl chide pron pos vb. mod tr. def to goad into action. chider sub head chide syl chid+er pos n. chidingly sub head chide syl chid+ing+ly pos adv. chief ety C13: from Old French, from Latin caput head chief 1. syl chief pron pos n. def the head, leader, or most important individual in a group or body of people. chief 2. syl chief pron pos n. def another word for {{chieftain} (sense 1)}. chief 3. syl chief pron pos n. qual Heraldry. def the upper third of a shield. chief 4.a. syl chief pron pos adj. def most important; principal. chief 4.b. syl chief pron pos adj. def highest in rank or authority. in chief 5. head chief syl in chief. def primarily; especially. chief 6. syl chief pron pos adv. qual Archaic. def principally. Chief Education Officer 0. syl Chief Ed:u+ca+tion Of+fic+er pos n. def the official name for {{director} (sense 3)}. chief justice 1. syl chief jus+tice pos n. usage in any of several Commonwealth countries def the judge presiding over a supreme court. chief justice 2. syl chief jus+tice pos n. usage in the U.S. def the presiding judge of a court composed of a number of members. chief justice xref syl chief jus+tice pos n. def See also {Lord Chief Justice}. chief justiceship sub head chief justice syl chief jus+tice+ship pos n. chiefly 1. syl chief+ly pron <1CEfli> pos adv. def especially or essentially; above all. chiefly 2. syl chief+ly pron <1CEfli> pos adv. def in general; mainly; mostly. chiefly 3. syl chief+ly pron <1CEfli> pos adj. def of or relating to a chief or chieftain. Chief of Staff 1. syl Chief of Staff pos n. def the senior staff officer under the commander of a major military formation or organization. Chief of Staff 2. syl Chief of Staff pos n. def the senior officer of each service of the armed forces. chief petty officer 0. syl chief pet+ty of+fic+er pos n. def the senior naval rank for personnel without commissioned or warrant rank. Chief Rabbi 0. syl Chief Rab+bi pos n. def the chief religious minister of a national Jewish community. chieftain ety C14: from Old French chevetaine, from Late Latin capit*_aneus commander; see #7captain chieftain 1. syl chief+tain pron <1CEft*n>, <-tin> pos n. def the head or leader of a tribe or clan. chieftain 2. syl chief+tain pron <1CEft*n>, <-tin> pos n. def the chief of a group of people. chieftaincy sub head chieftain or chieftainship syl chief+tain+cy pos n. chieftainship sub head chieftain or chieftaincy syl chief+tain+2ship pos n. chiffchaff 0. syl chiff+chaff pron <1Cif2C@f> pos n. def a common European warbler, with a yellowish-brown plumage. chiffon ety C18: from French, from chiffe rag; probably related to #7chip chiffon 1. syl chif+fon pron , <1Sifon> pos n. def a fine transparent or almost transparent plain-weave fabric of silk, nylon, etc. chiffon 2. syl chif+fon pron , <1Sifon> pos n. mod often; pl. qual Now rare. def feminine finery. chiffon 3. syl chif+fon pron , <1Sifon> pos adj. def made of chiffon. chiffon 4. syl chif+fon pron , <1Sifon> pos adj. usage of souffl*'es, pies, cakes, etc. def having a very light fluffy texture. chiffonier ety C19: from French, from chiffon rag; see #7chiffon chiffonnier alt head chiffonier or chiffonier syl chif+fon+nier pron <2Sif*1ni*> pos n. chiffonier 1. or chiffonnier syl chif+fo+nier pron <2Sif*1ni*> pos n. def a tall, elegant chest of drawers, originally intended for holding needlework. chiffonier 2. or chiffonnier syl chif+fo+nier pron <2Sif*1ni*> pos n. def a wide low open-fronted cabinet, sometimes fitted with two grille doors and shelves. Joseph Benedict infl head Chifley syl Jo:seph Ben:e:dict. pos n. Chifley 0. syl Chif:ley pron <1Cifli> pos n. def 1866-1951, Australian statesman; prime minister of Australia (1945-49). chigetai ety from Mongolian tchikhitei long-eared, from tchikhi ear chigetai 0. syl chig+e:tai pron <2Cigi1tI> pos n. def a variety of the Asiatic wild ass, of Mongolia. Also spelled: {dziggetai}. chigger 1. syl chig+ger pron <1Cig*> pos n. def Also called: {chigoe, redbug}. the parasitic larva of any of various free-living mites of the family which causes intense itching of human skin. chigger 2. syl chig+ger pron <1Cig*> pos n. def another name for the {{chigoe} (sense 1)}. chignon ety C18: from French, from Old French chaignon link, from chaine #7chain ; influenced also by Old French tignon coil of hair, from tigne, moth, from Latin tinea moth chignon 0. syl chi+gnon pron <1SEnjon>, French pos n. def an arrangement of long hair in a roll or knot at the back of the head. chignoned sub head chignon syl chi+gnoned pos adj. chigoe ety C17: from Carib chigo chigoe 1. syl chig:oe pron <1Cig*u> pos n. def Also called: {chigger, jigger, sand flea}. a tropical flea, the female of which lives on or burrows into the skin of its host, which includes man. chigoe 2. syl chig:oe pron <1Cig*u> pos n. def another name for { {chigger} (sense 1)}. Chigwell 0. syl Chig+well pron <1Cigw*l> pos n. def a town in S England, in W Essex. Pop.: 53620 (1971). Gulf of infl head Chihli syl Gulf of. pos n. Chihli 0. syl Chih+li pron <1CElE> pos n. def another name for the {Po Hai}. Chihuahua 1. syl Chi+hua+hua pron , <-w*> pos n. def a state of N Mexico: mostly high plateau; important mineral resources, with many silver mines. Capital: Chihuahua. Pop.: 1612525 (1970). Area: 247087 sq. km (153194 sq. miles). Chihuahua 2. syl Chi+hua+hua pron , <-w*> pos n. def a city in N Mexico, capital of Chihuahua state. Pop.: 346003 (1975 est.). Chihuahua 3. syl Chi+hua+hua pron , <-w*> pos n. def a breed of tiny dog originally from Mexico, having short hair and protruding eyes. chilblain ety C16: from #7chill (n.)+#7blain chilblain 0. syl chil+blain pron <1Cil2blAn> pos n. qual Pathol. (usually pl. def an inflammation of the fingers, toes, or ears, caused by prolonged exposure to moisture and cold. chilblained sub head chilblain syl chil+2blained pos adj. child ety Old English cild; related to Gothic kilthei womb, Sanskrit jathara belly, jartu womb children infl head child syl chil+dren. pos n. mod pl. child 1.a. syl child pron pos n. def a boy or girl between birth and puberty. child 1.b. syl child pron pos n. usage as modifier exam 1 child labour. child 2. syl child pron pos n. def a baby or infant. child 3. syl child pron pos n. def an unborn baby. with child 4. head child syl with child. def another term for {pregnant}. child 5. syl child pron pos n. def a human offspring; a son or daughter. Related adj.: {filial}. child 6. syl child pron pos n. def a childish or immature person. child 7. syl child pron pos n. def a member of a family or tribe; descendant. exam 1 a child of Israel. child 8. syl child pron pos n. def a person or thing regarded as the product of an influence or environment. exam 1 a child of nature. child 9. syl child pron pos n. qual Midland and western Brit. dialect. def a female infant. childless sub head child syl child+less pos adj. childlessness sub head child syl child+less+ness pos n. childly sub head child syl child+ly pos adj. child-bearing 0.a. syl child-bear:ing pos n. def the act or process of carrying and giving birth to a child. child-bearing 0.b. syl child-bear:ing pos n. usage as modifier exam 1 of childbearing age. childbed 0.a. syl child+bed pron <1CIld2bed> pos n. usage often preceded by in def the condition of giving birth to a child. childbed 0.b. syl child+bed pron <1CIld2bed> pos n. usage as modifier exam 1 childbed fever. child benefit 0. syl child ben+e:fit pos n. usage in Britain def a regular government payment to the parents of children up to a certain age. Austral. equivalent: {child endowment}. childbirth 0. syl child+birth pron <1CIld2bR:T> pos n. def the act of giving birth to a child. child care 0. syl child care pos n. qual Brit. def care provided for children without homes (or with a seriously disturbed home life) by a local authority. childe ety C13: variant of #7child childe 0. syl childe pron pos n. qual Archaic. def a young man of noble birth. childermas ety Old English cylda-m@asse, from cidra, genitive plural of #7child,+ m@asse M#7ass childermas 0. syl chil+der+mas pron <1Cild*2m@s> pos n. qual Archaic. def Holy Innocents Day, Dec. 28. child guidance 0. syl child guid+ance pos n. def the counselling of emotionally disturbed children. childhood 0. syl child+hood pron <1CIldhud> pos n. def the condition of being a child; the period of life before puberty. childish 1. syl child+ish pron <1CIldiS> pos adj. def in the manner of, belonging to, or suitable to a child. childish 2. syl child+ish pron <1CIldiS> pos adj. def foolish or petty; puerile. exam 1 childish fears. childishly sub head childish syl child+ish+ly pos adv. childishness sub head childish syl child+ish+ness pos n. child labour 0. syl child la+bour pos n. def the full-time employment of children below a minimum age laid down by statute. childlike 0. syl child+like pron <1CIld2lIk> pos adj. def like or befitting a child, as in being innocent, trustful, etc. Compare {{childish} (sense 2)}. child minder 0. syl child mind+er pos n. def a person who looks after children, esp. those whose parents are working. children 0. syl chil+dren pron <1Cildr*n> pos n. def the plural of {child}. child's play 0. syl child's play pos n. qual Informal. def something that is easy to do. chile 0. syl chil:e pron <1Cili> pos n. def a variant spelling of {chilli}. Chile 0. syl Chil:e pron <1Cili> pos n. def a republic in South America, on the Pacific, with a total length of about 4090 km (2650 miles) and an average width of only 177 km (110 miles): gained independ?!ence from Spain in 1818; the government of President Allende (elected 1970) attempted the implementation of Marxist policies within a democratic system until overthrown by a military coup (1973). Chile consists chiefly of the Andes in the east, the Atacama Desert in the north, a central fertile region, and a huge S region of almost uninhabitable mountains, glaciers, fjords, and islands; an important producer of copper, iron ore, nitrates, etc. Language: Spanish. Religion: Roman Catholic. Currency: peso. Capital: Santiago. Pop.: 10076000 (1974 est.). Area: 756945 sq. km (292256 sq. miles). Chilean sub head Chile syl Chil+e:an pos adj. n. Chile pine 0. syl Chil:e pine pos n. def another name for the {monkey puzzle}. nitre alt head Chile saltpetre or Chile saltpetre syl ni+tre pos n. Chile saltpetre 0. or nitre syl Chil:e salt+pe+tre pos n. def a naturally occurring form of sodium nitrate: a soluble white or colourless mineral occurring in arid regions, esp. in Chile and Peru. Also called: {soda nitre}. chiliad ety C16: from Greek khilias, from khilioi a thousand chiliad 1. syl chil:i+ad pron <1kili2@d> pos n. def a group of one thousand. chiliad 2. syl chil:i+ad pron <1kili2@d> pos n. def one thousand years. chiliadal sub head chiliad or chiliadic syl chil:i+1ad+al pos adj. chiliadic sub head chiliad or chiliadal syl chil:i+1ad+ic pos adj. chiliasm ety C17: from Greek khiliasmos, from khilioi a thousand chiliasm 0. syl chil:i+asm pron <1kili2@z*m> pos n. qual Christian theol. def another term for {millenarianism} or the {millennium}. chiliast sub head chiliasm syl chil:i+2ast pos n. chiliastic sub head chiliasm syl chil:i+1as+tic pos adj. Chilkoot Pass 0. syl Chil+koot Pass pron <1Cilku:t> pos n. def a mountain pass in North America between SE Alaska and NW British Columbia, over the Coast Range. chill ety Old English ciele; related to calan to #7cool, Latin gelidus icy chill 1. syl chill pron pos n. def a moderate coldness. chill 2. syl chill pron pos n. def a sensation of coldness resulting from a cold or damp environment, or from a sudden emotional reaction. chill 3. syl chill pron pos n. def a feverish cold. chill 4. syl chill pron pos n. def a check on enthusiasm or joy. chill 5. syl chill pron pos n. def a metal plate placed in a sand mould to accelerate cooling and control local grain growth. chill 6. syl chill pron pos n. def another name for {{bloom} (sense 8)}. chill 7. syl chill pron pos adj. def another word for {chilly}. chill 8. syl chill pron pos vb. mod tr. def to make or become cold. chill 9. syl chill pron pos vb. mod tr. def to cool or freeze (food, drinks, etc.). chill 10.a. syl chill pron pos vb. def to depress (enthusiasm, etc.). chill 10.b. syl chill pron pos vb. def to discourage. chill 11. syl chill pron pos vb. mod tr. def to cool (a casting or metal object) rapidly in order to prevent the formation of large grains in the metal. chiller sub head chill syl chill+er pos n. chillingly sub head chill syl chill+ing+ly pos adv. chillness sub head chill syl chill+ness pos n. Chill'an 0. syl Chi+ll*'an pron Spanish pos n. def a city in central Chile. Pop.: 102210 (1975 est.). chilli ety C17: from Spanish chile, from Nahuatl chilli chillies infl head chilli syl chil+lies. pos n. mod pl. chilli 0. syl chil+li pron <1Cili> pos n. def the small red hot-tasting pod of a type of capsicum used for flavouring sauces, pickles, etc. chilli con carne ety from Spanish chile con carne chilli with meat chilli con carne 0. syl chil+li con car+ne pron <1Cili> <1ka:ni> pos n. def a highly seasoned Mexican dish of meat, onions, beans, and chilli powder. chilli powder 0. syl chil+li pow+der pos n. def ground chilli blended with other spices. chilli sauce 0. syl chil+li sauce pos n. def a highly seasoned sauce made of tomatoes cooked with chilli and other spices and seasonings. Chillon 0. syl Chil+lon pron , French pos n. def a castle in W Switzerland, in Vaud at the E end of Lake Geneva. chillum ety C18: from Hindi cilam, from Persian chilam chillum 0. syl chil+lum pron <1Cil*m> pos n. def a short pipe, usually of clay, used esp. for smoking cannabis. chillier infl head chilly syl chil+li+er pos adj. chilliest infl head chilly syl chil+li+est. pos adj. chilly 1. syl chil+ly pron <1Cili> pos adj. def causing or feeling cool or moderately cold. chilly 2. syl chil+ly pron <1Cili> pos adj. def without warmth; unfriendly. chilly 3. syl chil+ly pron <1Cili> pos adj. usage of people def sensitive to cold. chilliness sub head chilly syl chil+li+ness pos n. chilopod ety C19: from New Latin Chilopoda, from Greek kheilos lip+ pous foot; referring to the modification of the first pair of legs into jawlike claws chilopod 0. syl chi+lo+pod pron <1kIl*2pod> pos n. def any arthropod of the class which includes the centipedes. See also {myriapod}. chilopodan sub head chilopod syl chi+lop:o+dan pron pos n. adj. chilopodous sub head chilopod syl chi+1lop:o+dous pos adj. Chilpancingo 0. syl Chil+pan+cin+go pron Spanish <2Cilpan1siGgo> pos n. def a town in S Mexico, capital of Guerrero state, in the Sierra Madre del Sur. Pop.: 56904 (1970). Chiltern Hills 0. syl Chil+tern Hills pron <1Cilt*n> pos n. mod pl. def a range of low chalk hills in SE England extending northwards from the Thames valley. Highest point: 255 m (852 ft.). Chiltern Hundreds 0. syl Chil+tern Hun+dreds pos n. qual Brit. def short for {Stewardship of the Chiltern Hundreds}; a nominal office that an MP applies for in order to resign his seat. Chi-lung alt head Chilung or Chilung syl Chi-lung pron <1CE1luG> pos n. Chilung 0. or Chi-lung syl Chi+lung pron <1CE1luG> pos n. def a port in N Taiwan: fishing and industrial centre. Pop.: 317780 (1969 est.). Also called: {Keelung, Kilung}. chimaera 1. syl chi+mae:ra pron , pos n. def any tapering smooth-skinned cartilaginous deep-sea fish of the subclass (or esp. any of the genus They have a skull in which the upper jaw is fused to the cranium. See also {{rabbitfish} (sense 1)}. chimaera 2. syl chi+mae:ra pron , pos n. qual Greek myth. def a variant spelling of {{chimera} (sense 1)}. chimb 0. syl chimb pron pos n. def a variant spelling of {chime%2}. Chimborazo 0. syl Chim+bo+ra+zo pron <2Cimb*1ra:z*u>, <-1rA->, Spanish <2Cimbo1ra$To> pos n. def an extinct volcano in central Ecuador, in the Andes: the highest peak in Ecuador. Height: 6267 m (20681 ft.). Chimbote 0. syl Chim+bo+te pron Spanish pos n. def a port in N central Peru: contains Peru's first steelworks (1958), using hydroelectric power from the Santa River. Pop.: 159045 (1972). chime ety C13: probably shortened from earlier chymbe bell, ultimately from Latin cymbalum #7cymbal chime H1.1. syl chime pron pos n. def an individual bell or the sound it makes when struck. chime H1.2. syl chime pron pos n. mod often; pl. def the machinery employed to sound a bell in this way. chime H1.3. syl chime pron pos n. def Also called: {bell}. a percussion instrument consisting of a set of vertical metal tubes of graduated length, suspended in a frame and struck with a hammer. chime H1.4. syl chime pron pos n. def a harmonious or ringing sound. exam 1 the chimes of children's laughter. chime H1.5. syl chime pron pos n. def agreement; concord. chime H1.6.a. syl chime pron pos vb. def to sound (a bell) or (of a bell) to be sounded by a clapper or hammer. chime H1.6.b. syl chime pron pos vb. def to produce (music or sounds) by chiming. chime H1.7. syl chime pron pos vb. mod tr. def to indicate or show (time or the hours) by chiming. chime H1.8. syl chime pron pos vb. mod tr. def to summon, announce, or welcome by ringing bells. chime H1.9. syl chime pron pos vb. mod intr. usage foll. by with def to agree or harmonize. chime H1.10. syl chime pron pos vb. def to speak or recite in a musical or rhythmic manner. chimer sub head chime syl chim+er pos n. chime ety Old English cimb-; related to Middle Low German kimme outer edge, Swedish kimb chimb infl head chime or chine syl chimb pron pos n. chine infl head chime or chimb syl chine pos n. chime H2.0. syl chime pron pos n. def the projecting edge or rim of a cask or barrel. chime in 1. syl chime in pos vb. adv. mod intr. qual Informal. def to join in or interrupt (a conversation), esp. repeatedly and unwelcomely. chime in 2. syl chime in pos vb. adv. mod intr. qual Informal. def to voice agreement. chimera ety C16: from Latin chimaera, from Greek khimaira she-goat, from khimaros he-goat chimaera alt head chimera or chimera syl chi+mae:ra pron , pos n. chimera 1. or chimaera syl chi+me:ra pron , pos n. qual Greek myth. usage often cap. def a fire-breathing monster with the head of a lion, body of a goat, and tail of a serpent. chimera 2. or chimaera syl chi+me:ra pron , pos n. def a fabulous beast made up of parts taken from various animals. chimera 3. or chimaera syl chi+me:ra pron , pos n. def a grotesque product of the imagination. chimera 4. or chimaera syl chi+me:ra pron , pos n. qual Biology. def an organism, esp. a cultivated plant, consisting of at least two genetically different kinds of tissue as a result of mutation, grafting, etc. chimere ety C14: perhaps from Medieval Latin chim*_era (see #7chimera) and related to Spanish zamarra sheepskin coat chimer infl head chimere or chimar syl chim+er pron <1Cim*>, <1Sim-> pos n. chimar infl head chimere or chimer syl chim+ar pron <1Cim*>, <1Sim-> pos n. chimere 0. syl chi+mere pron , pos n. qual Anglican Church. def a sleeveless red or black gown, part of a bishop's formal dress though not a vestment. chimeric alt head chimerical or chimerical syl chi+mer+ic pos adj. chimerical 1. or chimeric syl chi+mer:i+cal pron , pos adj. def wildly fanciful; imaginary. chimerical 2. or chimeric syl chi+mer:i+cal pron , pos adj. def given to or indulging in fantasies. chimerically sub head chimerical syl chi+1mer:i+cal+ly pos adv. chimericalness sub head chimerical syl chi+1mer:i+cal+ness pos n. Chimkent 0. syl Chim+kent pron pos n. def a city in the SW Soviet Union, in the S Kazakh SSR. Pop.: 288000 (1975 est.). chimney ety C14: from Old French chemin*'ee, from Late Latin cam*_in*_ata, from Latin cam*_inus furnace, from Greek kaminos fireplace, oven chimney 1. syl chim+ney pron <1Cimni> pos n. def a vertical structure of brick, masonry, or steel that carries smoke or steam away from a fire, engine, etc. chimney 2. syl chim+ney pron <1Cimni> pos n. def another name for {{flue%1} (sense 1)}. chimney 3. syl chim+ney pron <1Cimni> pos n. def short for {chimney stack}. chimney 4. syl chim+ney pron <1Cimni> pos n. def an open-ended glass tube fitting around the flame of an oil or gas lamp in order to exclude draughts. chimney 5. syl chim+ney pron <1Cimni> pos n. qual Brit. def a fireplace, esp. an old and large one. chimney 6.a. syl chim+ney pron <1Cimni> pos n. def the part of a mineral deposit that consists of the most valuable ore. chimney 6.b. syl chim+ney pron <1Cimni> pos n. def the vent of a volcano. chimney 7. syl chim+ney pron <1Cimni> pos n. qual Mountaineering. def a fissure large enough for a person's body to enter. chimney 8. syl chim+ney pron <1Cimni> pos n. def anything resembling a chimney in shape or function. chimney breast 0. syl chim+ney breast pos n. def the wall or walls that surround the base of a chimney or fireplace. chimney corner 0. syl chim+ney cor+ner pos n. def a recess that contains a seat in a large open fireplace; inglenook. chimneypiece 0. syl chim:ney+piece pron <1Cimni2pEs> pos n. def another name (esp. Brit.) for {{mantelpiece} (sense 1)}. chimneypot 0. syl chim:ney+pot pron <1Cimni2pot> pos n. def a short pipe on the top of a chimney, which increases the draught and directs the smoke upwards. chimney stack 0. syl chim+ney stack pos n. def the part of a chimney that rises above the roof of a building. chimney swallow 1. syl chim+ney swal+low pos n. def another name for {common swallow} (see {swallow%2) }. chimney swallow 2. syl chim+ney swal+low pos n. def a less common name for {chimney swift}. chimney sweeper alt head chimney sweep or chimney sweep syl chim+ney sweep+er pos n. chimney sweep 0. or chimney sweeper syl chim+ney sweep pos n. def a person whose job is the cleaning out of soot from chimneys. chimney swift 0. syl chim+ney swift pos n. def a North American swift, that nests in chimneys and similar hollows. chimp 0. syl chimp pron pos n. qual Informal. def short for {chimpanzee}. chimpanzee ety C18: from Kongo dialect chimpanzee 0. syl chim+pan+zee pron <2Cimp@n1zE> pos n. def a gregarious and intelligent anthropoid ape, inhabiting forests in central W Africa. chin ety Old English cinn; related to Old Norse kinn, Old High German kinni, Latin gena cheek, Old Irish gin mouth, Sanskrit hanu chin 1. syl chin pron pos n. def the protruding part of the lower jaw. chin 2. syl chin pron pos n. def the front part of the face below the lips. keep one's chin up 3. head chin syl keep one's chin up. qual Informal. def to keep cheerful under difficult circumstances. Sometimes shortened to {chin up&}! take it on the chin 4. head chin syl take it on the chin. qual Informal. def to face squarely up to a defeat, adversity, etc. chins infl head chin syl chins pos vb. chinning infl head chin syl chin+ning pos vb. chinned infl head chin syl chinned. pos vb. chin 5. syl chin pron pos vb. qual Gymnastics. def to raise one's chin to (a horizontal bar, etc.) when hanging by the arms. Chin 1. syl Chin. qual abbrev. for: def China. Chin 2. syl Chin. qual abbrev. for: def Chinese. china ety C16 chiny, from Persian ch*_in*_i china H1.1. syl chi+na pron <1CIn*> pos n. def ceramic ware of a type originally from China. china H1.2. syl chi+na pron <1CIn*> pos n. def any porcelain or similar ware. china H1.3. syl chi+na pron <1CIn*> pos n. def cups, saucers, etc., collectively. china H1.4. syl chi+na pron <1CIn*> pos n. usage modifier def made of china. china ety C19: originally Cockney rhyming slang: china plate, mate china H2.0. syl chi+na pron <1CIn*> pos n. qual Brit. slang. def mate; pal (esp. in the phrase {my old china) }. People's Republic of 1. head China syl Peo+ple's Re+pub+lic of. def Also called: {Communist China, Red China}. a republic in E Asia: the third largest and the most populous country in the world; the oldest continuing civilization (beginning over 2000 years #7b.c.) ; republic established in 1911 after the overthrow of the Manchu dynasty by Sun Yat-sen; People's Republic formed in 1949; contains vast deserts, steppes, great mountain ranges (Himalayas, Kunlun, Tien Shan, and Nan Shan), a central rugged plateau, and intensively cultivated E plains. Language: Chinese in various dialects, the chief of which is Mandarin. Currency: yuan. Capital: Peking. Pop.: 824961000 (1974 UN est.). Area: 9560990 sq. km (3691502 sq. miles). Republic of 2. head China syl Re+pub+lic of. def Also called: {Nationalist China, Taiwan}. a republic in E Asia occupying the island of Taiwan, 13 nearby islands, and 64 islands of the Penghu (Pescadores) group: established in 1949 by the Nationalist government of China under Chiang Kai-shek after its expulsion by the Communists from the mainland; under U.S. protection since 1954. Language: Mandarin Chinese. Religion: predominantly Buddhist and Taoist. Currency: New Taiwan dollar. Capital: Taipei. Pop.: 14035000 (1970 UN est.). Area: 35981 sq. km (13892 sq. miles). Former name: {Formosa}. China xref syl Chi+na pron <1CIn*> pos n. def Related adj.: {Sinitic}. China aster 0. syl Chi+na as+ter pos n. def a Chinese plant, widely cultivated for its aster-like flowers: family (composites). china bark 0. syl chi+na bark pos n. def another name for { {cinchona} (sense 2)}. chinaberries infl head chinaberry syl chi:na+ber:ries. pos n. mod pl. chinaberry 1. syl chi:na+ber:ry pron <1CIn*b*ri> pos n. def Also called: {China tree, azedarach}. a spreading Asian meliaceous tree, widely grown in the U.S. for its ornamental white or purple flowers and beadlike yellow fruits. chinaberry 2. syl chi:na+ber:ry pron <1CIn*b*ri> pos n. def another name for {soapberry}. chinaberry 3. syl chi:na+ber:ry pron <1CIn*b*ri> pos n. def the fruit of any of these trees. stone alt head china clay or china clay syl stone pos n. china clay 0. or stone syl chi+na clay pos n. def another name for {kaolin}. Chinagraph 0.a. syl Chi:na+graph pron <1CIn*2gra:f>, <-2gr@f> pos n. qual Trademark. def a coloured pencil used for writing on china, glass, etc. Chinagraph 0.b. syl Chi:na+graph pron <1CIn*2gra:f>, <-2gr@f> pos n. qual Trademark. usage as modifier def . exam 1 a Chinagraph pencil. Chinamen infl head Chinaman syl Chi:na+men. pos n. mod pl. Chinaman 1. syl Chi:na+man pron <1CIn*m*n> pos n. def a native or inhabitant of China. Chinaman 2. syl Chi:na+man pron <1CIn*m*n> pos n. qual Cricket. def a ball bowled by a left-handed bowler to a right-handed batsman that spins from off to leg. Chinan 0. syl Chi+nan pron <1CE1n@n> pos n. def a variant spelling of {Tsinan}. China rose 1. syl Chi+na rose pos n. def a rosaceous shrub, (or with red, pink, or white fragrant flowers: the ancestor of many cultivated roses. China rose 2. syl Chi+na rose pos n. def a related dwarf plant, having crimson flowers. China rose 3. syl Chi+na rose pos n. def another name for {hibiscus}. China Sea 0. syl Chi+na Sea pos n. def part of the Pacific Ocean off the coast of China: divided by Taiwan into the East China Sea in the north and the South China Sea in the south. Chinatown 0. syl Chi:na+town pron <1CIn*2taun> pos n. def a quarter of any city or town outside China with a predominantly Chinese population. China tree 0. syl Chi+na tree pos n. def another name for {{chinaberry} (sense 1)}. chinaware 1. syl chi:na+ware pron <1CIn*2we*> pos n. def articles made of china, esp. those made for domestic use. chinaware 2. syl chi:na+ware pron <1CIn*2we*> pos n. usage modifier def made of china. chincapin 0. syl chin+ca+pin pron <1CiGk*pin> pos n. def a variant spelling of {chinquapin}. chinch ety C17: from Spanish chinche, from Latin c*_imex bug chinch 0. syl chinch pron pos n. qual Southern U.S. def another name for a {bedbug}. chinch bug 1. syl chinch bug pos n. def a black-and-white tropical American heteropterous insect, that is very destructive to grasses and cereals in the U.S.: family chinch bug 2. syl chinch bug pos n. def a related and similar European insect, chincherinchee ety of unknown origin chincherinchee 0. syl chin+che+rin+chee pron <2CinC*rin1CE>, <-1rinCi> pos n. def a bulbous South African liliaceous plant, having long spikes of white or yellow long-lasting flowers. chinchilla ety C17: from Spanish, perhaps from Aymara chinchilla 1. syl chin+chil+la pron pos n. def a small gregarious hystricomorph rodent, inhabiting mountainous regions of South America: family It has a stocky body and is bred in captivity for its soft silvery grey fur. chinchilla 2. syl chin+chil+la pron pos n. def the highly valued fur of this animal. mountain chinchilla 3. head chinchilla syl mountain chinchilla. def Also called: {mountain viscacha}. any of several long-tailed rodents of the genus having coarse poor quality fur. chinchilla 4. syl chin+chil+la pron pos n. def a thick napped woollen cloth used for coats. chin-chin ety C18: from Chinese (Peking) ch'ing-ch'ing, please-please chin-chin 0. syl chin-chin pos interj. qual Informal. def a greeting, farewell, or toast. Chinchow alt head Chin-Chou or Chin-Chou syl Chin+chow pron <1Cin1Cau> pos n. Chin-Chou 0. or Chinchow syl Chin-Chou pron <1Cin1Cau> pos n. def a city in NE China, in SW Liaoning province. Pop.: 352200 (1953). Former name (1913-47): {Chin-hsien}. chin cough ety C16: changed (through influence from #7chine and #7chin) from earlier chink-cough, from #7chink %2#7+cough chin cough 0. syl chin cough pos n. def another name for {whooping cough}. Chindit ety C20: from Burmese chinth*'e a fabulous lion; adoption of title perhaps influenced by C#7hindwin Chindit 0. syl Chin+dit pron <1Cindit> pos n. def a member of the Allied forces fighting against the Japanese in Burma (1943-45). Chindwin 0. syl Chin+dwin pron <1Cin1dwin> pos n. def a river in N Burma, rising in the Kum*^on Range and flowing northwest then south to the Irrawaddy, of which it is the main tributary. Length: about 966 km (600 miles). chine ety C14: from Old French eschine, of Germanic origin; compare Old High German scina needle, shinbone; see #7shin chine H1.1. syl chine pron pos n. def the backbone. chine H1.2. syl chine pron pos n. def the backbone of an animal with adjoining meat, cut for cooking. chine H1.3. syl chine pron pos n. def a ridge or crest of land. chine H1.4. syl chine pron pos n. usage in some boats def a corner-like intersection where the bottom meets the side. chine H1.5. syl chine pron pos vb. mod tr. def to cut (meat) along or across the backbone. chine H2.0. syl chine pron pos n. def another word for {chime%2}. chine ety Old English c*_inan to crack chine H3.0. syl chine pron pos n. qual Southern Brit. dialect. def a deep fissure in the wall of a cliff. chin'e ety C19: from French chiner to make in the Chinese fashion, from Chine China chin'e 0. syl chi+n*'e pron <1SEnA> pos adj. qual Textiles. def having a mottled pattern. Chinee 0. syl Chi+nee pron pos n. qual Informal. def a Chinaman. Chinese 1. syl Chi+nese pron pos adj. def of, relating to, or characteristic of China, its people, or their languages. Chinese infl syl Chi+nese pos n. mod pl. Chinese 2. syl Chi+nese pron pos n. def a native or inhabitant of China or a descendant of one. Chinese 3. syl Chi+nese pron pos n. def any of the languages of China belonging to the Sino-Tibetan family, sometimes regarded as dialects of one language. They share a single writing system that is not phonetic but ideographic. A phonetic system using the Roman alphabet was officially adopted by the Chinese government in 1966. See also {Mandarin Chinese, Pekingese, Cantonese}. Chinese block 0. syl Chi+nese block pos n. def a percussion instrument consisting of a hollow wooden block played with a drumstick. Chinese cabbage 1. syl Chi+nese cab+bage pos n. def Also called: {pe-tsai cabbage}. a Chinese plant, that is related to the cabbage and has crisp edible leaves growing in a loose cylin?!drical head. Chinese cabbage 2. syl Chi+nese cab+bage pos n. def Also called: {pak-choi cabbage}. a similar and related plant, Chinese chequers 0. syl Chi+nese cheq+uers pos n. def a board game played with marbles or pegs. Chinese Chippendale 0.a. syl Chi+nese Chip+pen+dale pos n. def a branch of Chippendale style in which Chinese styles and motifs are used. Chinese Chippendale 0.b. syl Chi+nese Chip+pen+dale pos n. usage as modifier exam 1 a Chinese Chippendale cabinet. Chinese copy 0. syl Chi+nese cop:y pos n. def an exact copy of an original. Chinese eddo 0. syl Chi+nese ed:do pos n. def another name for {taro}. Chinese Empire 0. syl Chi+nese Em+pire pos n. def China as ruled by the emperors until the establishment of the republic in 1911-12. Chinese lantern 1. syl Chi+nese lan+tern pos n. def a collapsible lantern made of thin coloured paper. Chinese lantern 2. syl Chi+nese lan+tern pos n. def an Asian solanaceous plant, cultivated for its attractive orange-red inflated calyx. See also {winter cherry}. Chinese puzzle 1. syl Chi+nese puz+zle pos n. def an intricate puzzle, esp. one consisting of boxes within boxes. Chinese puzzle 2. syl Chi+nese puz+zle pos n. def a complicated problem. Chinese red 0.a. syl Chi+nese red pos n. def a bright red colour. Chinese red 0.b. syl Chi+nese red pos as; adj. exam 1 a Chinese-red bag. Chinese Revolution 1. syl Chi+nese Rev:o+lu+tion pos n. def the overthrow of the last Manchu emperor and the establishment of a republic in China (1911-1912). Chinese Revolution 2. syl Chi+nese Rev:o+lu+tion pos n. def the transformation of China (esp. in the 1940s and 1950s) under the Chinese Communist Party. Chinese sacred lily 0. syl Chi+nese sa+cred lil:y pos n. def a Chinese amaryllidaceous plant, widely grown as a house plant for its fragrant yellow and white flowers. See also {{polyanthus} (sense 2)}. Chinese Turkestan 0. syl Chi+nese Tur+ke:stan pos n. def the E part of the central Asian region of Turkestan: corresponds generally to the present-day Sinkiang-Uighur Autonomous Region of China. Chinese wall 0. syl Chi+nese wall pos n. def an insurmountable obstacle. Chinese water torture 0. syl Chi+nese wa+ter tor+ture pos n. def a form of torture in which water is made to drip onto a victim's forehead to drive him insane. treewax alt head Chinese wax or Chinese wax syl tree+wax pos n. Chinese wax 0. or treewax syl Chi+nese wax pos n. def a yellowish wax secreted by an oriental scale insect, and used commercially. Chinese white 0. syl Chi+nese white pos n. def white zinc oxide, formerly used in paints. Also called: {zinc white}. Chinese windlass 0. syl Chi+nese wind+lass pos n. def another name for {differential windlass}. Chinese wood oil 0. syl Chi+nese wood oil pos n. def another name for {tung oil}. Ch'ing alt head Ching or Ching syl Ch'ing pron pos adj. Ching 0. or Ch'ing syl Ching pron pos adj. def of, relating to, or designating the Manchu dynasty (1644-1912) of China. Ch'ing-hai alt head Chinghai or Chinghai syl Ch'ing-hai pron <1CiG1hI> pos n. Chinghai 0. or Ch'ing-hai syl Ching+hai pron <1CiG1hI> pos n. def variant spellings of {Tsinghai}. Ch'ing-tao alt head Chingtao or Chingtao syl Ch'ing-tao pron <1CiG1tau> pos n. Chingtao 0. or Ch'ing-tao syl Ching+tao pron <1CiG1tau> pos n. def variant spellings of {Tsingtao}. Ch'ing-yuan 0. syl Ch'ing-y*"u:an pron <1CiG1ju:a:n> pos n. def a variant spelling of {Tsingyuan}. Chin Hills 0. syl Chin Hills pron pos n. mod pl. def a mountainous region of W Burma: part of the Arakan Yoma system. Highest peak: Mount Victoria, 3053 m (10075 ft.). Chin-Hsien 0. syl Chin-Hsien pron <1Cin1Sjen> pos n. def the former name (1913-47) of {Chin-Chou}. chink ety C16: perhaps variant of earlier chine, from Old English cine crack; related to Middle Dutch kene, Danish kin chink H1.1. syl chink pron pos n. def a small narrow opening, such as a fissure or crack. chink in one's armour 2. head chink syl chink in one's armour. def a small but fatal weakness. chink H1.3. syl chink pron pos vb. mod tr. qual Chiefly U.S. def to fill up or make cracks in. chinky sub head chink syl chink:y pos adj. chink ety C16: of imitative origin chink H2.1. syl chink pron pos vb. def to make or cause to make a light ringing sound, as by the striking of glasses or coins. chink H2.2. syl chink pron pos n. def such a sound. Chink ety C20: probably from Chinese, influenced by #7chink %1 (referring to the characteristic shape of the Chinese eye) Chink 0. syl Chink pron pos n. adj. def a derogatory term for {Chinese}. chinkapin 0. syl chin+ka+pin pron <1CiGk*pin> pos n. def a variant spelling of {chinquapin}. Cheng-chiang alt head Chinkiang or Chinkiang syl Cheng-chiang pron <1CeG1C@G> pos n. Chinkiang 0. or Cheng-chiang syl Chin+kiang pron <1Cin1kj@G>, <-kI1@G> pos n. def a port in E China, in S Kiangsu at the confluence of the Yangtze River and the Grand Canal. Pop.: 201400 (1953). chinless 0. syl chin+less pron <1Cinlis> pos adj. def weak or ineffectual. chinless wonder 0. syl chin+less won+der pos n. qual Brit. informal. def a person, esp. an upper-class one, lacking strength of character. chino ety C20: from American Spanish, of obscure origin chinos infl head chino syl chi+nos. pos n. mod pl. chino 0. syl chi+no pron <1CEn*u> pos n. qual U.S. def a durable cotton twill cloth. Chino- 0. syl Chi:no- usage combining form. def of or relating to China. See also {Sino-}. chinoiserie ety French, from chinois C#7hinese ; see -#7ery chinoiserie 1. syl chi+noi+se:rie pron , <-1wa:z*ri> pos n. def a style of decorative or fine art based on imitations of Chinese motifs. chinoiserie 2. syl chi+noi+se:rie pron , <-1wa:z*ri> pos n. def an object or objects in this style. chinook ety C19: from Salish c`inuk chinook 1. syl chi+nook pron , <-1nuk> pos n. def Also called: {snow eater}. a warm dry southwesterly wind blowing down the eastern slopes of the Rocky Mountains. chinook 2. syl chi+nook pron , <-1nuk> pos n. def Also called: {wet chinook}. a warm moist wind blowing onto the Washington and Oregon coasts from the sea. Chinook infl or Chinooks syl Chi+nook pos n. mod pl. Chinooks infl head Chinook or Chinook syl Chi+nooks pos n. mod pl. Chinook 1. syl Chi+nook pron , <-1nuk> pos n. def a North American Indian people of the Pacific coast near the Columbia River. Chinook 2. syl Chi+nook pron , <-1nuk> pos n. def the Chinookan language of this people. Chinookan 0. syl Chi+nook+an pron , <-1nuk-> pos n. def a family of North American Indian languages of the northwestern U.S. Chinook Jargon 0. syl Chi+nook Jar+gon pos n. def a pidgin language containing elements of North American Indian languages, English, and French: formerly used among fur traders and Indians on the NW coast of North America. Chinook salmon 0. syl Chi+nook sal+mon pos n. def a Pacific salmon, valued as a food fish. Also called: {quinnat salmon, king salmon}. chinquapin ety C17: of Algonquian origin; compare Algonquian chechinkamin chestnut chincapin infl head chinquapin or chinkapin syl chin+ca+pin pron <1CiGk*pin> pos n. chinkapin infl head chinquapin or chincapin syl chin+ka+pin pron <1CiGk*pin> pos n. chinquapin 1. syl chin+qua+pin pron <1CiGk*pin> pos n. def a dwarf chestnut tree, of the eastern U.S., yielding edible nuts. chinquapin 2. syl chin+qua+pin pron <1CiGk*pin> pos n. def Also called: {giant chinquapin}. a large evergreen fagaceous tree, of W North America. chinquapin 3. syl chin+qua+pin pron <1CiGk*pin> pos n. def the nut of either of these trees. chinquapin xref syl chin+qua+pin pron <1CiGk*pin> pos n. def Compare {water chinquapin}. chintz ety C17: from Hindi ch*_int, from Sanskrit citra gaily-coloured chintz 1. syl chintz pron pos n. def a printed, patterned cotton fabric, with glazed finish. chintz 2. syl chintz pron pos n. def a painted or stained Indian calico. chintzier infl head chintzy syl chintz:i+er pos adj. chintziest infl head chintzy syl chintz:i+est. pos adj. chintzy 1. syl chintz:y pron <1Cintsi> pos adj. def of, resembling, or covered with chintz. chintzy 2. syl chintz:y pron <1Cintsi> pos adj. qual Brit. informal. def typical of the decor associated with the use of chintz soft furnishings, as in a country cottage. chinwag 0. syl chin+wag pron <1Cin2w@g> pos n. qual Brit. informal. def a chat or gossipy conversation. chionodoxa ety C19: New Latin, from Greek khi*_on snow+ doxa glory chionodoxa 0. syl chi+on:o+dox:a pron pos n. def any plant of the liliaceous genus of S Europe and W Asia. See {glory-of-the-snow}. Chios 1. syl Chi:os pron <1kIos>, <-*us>, <1kE-> pos n. def an island in the Aegean Sea, off the coast of Turkey: belongs to Greece. Capital: Chios. Pop.: 53948 (1971). Area: 904 sq. km (353 sq. miles). Chios 2. syl Chi:os pron <1kIos>, <-*us>, <1kE-> pos n. def a port on the island of Chios: in ancient times, one of the 12 Ionian city states. Pop.: 24084 (1971). Modern Greek name: {Kh*'@ios}. chip ety Old English cipp (n.), cippian (vb.), of obscure origin chip 1. syl chip pron pos n. def a small piece removed by chopping, cutting, or breaking. chip 2. syl chip pron pos n. def a mark left after a small piece has been chopped, cut, or broken off something. chip 3. syl chip pron pos n. usage in some games def a counter used to represent money. chip 4. syl chip pron pos n. def a thin strip of potato fried in deep fat. chip 5. syl chip pron pos n. def the U.S. name for { {crisp} (sense 10)}. chip 6. syl chip pron pos n. def a small piece or thin slice of food. chip 7. syl chip pron pos n. qual Sport. def a shot, kick, etc., lofted into the air, esp. over an obstacle or an opposing player's head, and travelling only a short distance. chip 8. syl chip pron pos n. qual Electronics. def a tiny wafer of semi?!conductor material, such as silicon, processed to form a type of integrated circuit or component such as a transistor. chip 9. syl chip pron pos n. def a thin strip of wood or straw used for making woven hats, baskets, etc. chip off the old block 10. head chip syl chip off the old block. qual Informal. def a person who resembles one of his or her parents in behaviour. have a chip on one's shoulder 11. head chip syl have a chip on one's shoulder. qual Informal. def to be aggressively sensitive about a particular thing or bear a grudge. have had one's chips 12. head chip syl have had one's chips. qual Brit. informal. def to be defeated, condemned to die, killed, etc. when the chips are down 13. head chip syl when the chips are down. qual Informal. def at a time of crisis or testing. chips infl head chip syl chips pos vb. chipping infl head chip syl chip+ping pos vb. chipped infl head chip syl chipped. pos vb. chip 14. syl chip pron pos vb. def to break small pieces from or become broken off in small pieces. exam 1 will the paint chip?? chip 15. syl chip pron pos vb. mod tr. def to break or cut into small pieces. exam 1 to chip ice. chip 16. syl chip pron pos vb. mod tr. def to shape by chipping. chip 17. syl chip pron pos vb. qual Sport. def to strike or kick (a ball) in a high arc. chipper sub head chip syl chip+per pos n. chip basket 1. syl chip bas+ket pos n. def a wire basket for holding potato chips, etc., while frying in deep fat. chip basket 2. syl chip bas+ket pos n. def a basket made of thin strips of wood, used esp. for packing fruit. chipboard 0. syl chip+board pron <1Cip2bc:d> pos n. def a thin rigid sheet made of compressed wood particles bound with a synthetic resin. chip in 1. syl chip in pos vb. adv. qual Informal. def to contribute (money, time, etc.) to a cause or fund. chip in 2. syl chip in pos vb. adv. mod intr. qual Informal. def interpose a remark or interrupt with a remark. chip log 0. syl chip log pos n. qual Nautical. def a log for determining a vessel's speed, consisting of a wooden chip tossed overboard at the end of a line that is marked off in lengths of 47 feet 3 inches; the speed is calculated by counting the number of such intervals that pass overboard in a 28-second interval. chipmunk ety C19: of Algonquian origin; compare Ojibwa atchitamon squirrel, literally: head first, referring to its method of descent from trees chipmunk 0. syl chip+munk pron <1Cip2m^Gk> pos n. def any burrowing sciurine rodent of the genera of E North America and of W North America and Asia, typically having black-striped yellowish fur and cheek pouches for storing food. chipolata ety via French from Italian cipollata an onion-flavoured dish, from cipolla onion chipolata 0. syl chip:o+la+ta pron <2Cip*1la:t*> pos n. qual Chiefly Brit. def a small sausage in a narrow casing. chip pan 0. syl chip pan pos n. def a deep pan for frying potato chips, etc. Thomas 1. head Chippendale syl Thom:as. def ??1718-79, English cabinet-maker and furniture designer. {~} Chippendale 2. syl Chip:pen:dale pron <1CipN2dAl> pos n. usage of furniture def designed, made by, or in the style of Thomas Chippendale, characterized by the use of Chinese and Gothic motifs, cabriole legs, and massive carving. chipper 1. syl chip+per pron <1Cip*> pos adj. qual Informal, chiefly U.S. def cheerful; lively. chipper 2. syl chip+per pron <1Cip*> pos adj. qual Informal, chiefly U.S. def smartly dressed. Chippeway alt head Chippewa or Chippewa syl Chip+pe+way pos n. Chippewas infl head Chippewa or Chippeways syl Chip+pe+was pos n. mod pl. Chippewa infl or Chippeway syl Chip+pe+wa pos n. mod pl. Chippeways infl head Chippewa or Chippewas syl Chip+pe+ways pos n. mod pl. Chippeway infl head Chippewa or Chippewa syl Chip+pe+way. pos n. mod pl. Chippewa 0. or Chippeway syl Chip+pe+wa pron <1Cipi2wa:> pos n. def another name for {Ojibwa}. chipping 0. syl chip+ping pron <1CipiG> pos n. def another name for { {chip} (sense 1)}. chipping sparrow 0. syl chip+ping spar+row pos n. def a common North American sparrow, having brown-and-grey plumage and a white eye stripe. chippy ety C19: from #7chip (n.) chippies infl head chippy syl chip+pies. pos n. mod pl. chippy H1.1. syl chip+py pron <1Cipi> pos n. qual Brit. def a slang word for {carpenter}. chippy H1.2. syl chip+py pron <1Cipi> pos n. qual Brit.; Informal. def a fish-and-chip shop. chippie alt head chippy or chippy syl chip+pie pron <1Cipi> pos n. chippies infl head chippy syl chip+pies. pos n. mod pl. chippy H2.0. or chippie syl chip+py pron <1Cipi> pos n. def an informal name for {chipmunk} or {chipping sparrow}. chippy ety C19: perhaps from #7chip (n.) chippie alt head chippy or chippy syl chip+pie pron <1Cipi> pos n. chippies infl head chippy syl chip+pies. pos n. mod pl. chippy H3.0. or chippie syl chip+py pron <1Cipi> pos n. qual Informal, chiefly U.S. def a promiscuous woman. chippy ety C19: from #7chip (n.), sense probably developing from: as dry as a chip of wood, hence irritable, touchy chippier infl head chippy syl chip+pi+er pos adj. chippiest infl head chippy syl chip+pi+est. pos adj. chippy H4.0. syl chip+py pron <1Cipi> pos adj. qual Canadian. def belligerent or touchy. chip shot 0. syl chip shot pos n. qual Golf. def a short approach shot to the green, esp. one that is lofted. Jacques (Ren'e) infl head Chirac syl Jacques (Ren*'e) pron pos n. Chirac 0. syl Chi:rac pron French pos n. def born 1932, French Gaullist politician: prime minister of France (1974-76); mayor of Paris since 1977. Chirau 0. syl Chi:rau pron pos n. def Chief {Je@.re@.mi@.ah}. born ??1926, Rhodesian politician; leader of the Zimbabwe United People's Organi?!zation. He was one of the negotiators of the internal settlement (1978) to pave the way for black majority rule in Rhodesia. Giorgio de infl head Chirico syl Gior:gio de pron <1JorJo>, pos n. Chirico 0. syl Chi:ri:co pron Italian <1kEriko>, pos n. def 1888-1978, Italian artist born in Greece: profoundly influenced the surrealist movement. chirm ety Old English cierm noise; related to Old Saxon karm chirm 1. syl chirm pron pos n. def the chirping of birds. chirm 2. syl chirm pron pos vb. mod intr. usage esp. of a bird def to chirp. chiro- ety via Latin from Greek kheir hand cheiro- alt head chiro- or chiro- syl chei:ro- chiro- 0. or cheiro- syl chi:ro- usage combining form. def indicating the hand; of or by means of the hand. exam 1 chiromancy; exam 2 chiropractic. chirography 0. syl chi+rog+ra+phy pron pos n. def another name for {calligraphy}. chirographer sub head chirography syl chi+1rog+ra+pher pos n. chirographic sub head chirography or chirographical syl chi+ro+graph+ic pron <2kIr*1gr@fik> pos adj. chirographical sub head chirography or chirographic syl chi+ro+1graph:i+cal pos adj. chiromancy 0. syl chi+ro+man+cy pron <1kIr*2m@nsi> pos n. def another word for {palmistry}. chiromancer sub head chiromancy syl chi+ro+2man+cer pos n. Cheiron alt head Chiron or Chiron syl Chei:ron pron <1kIron>, <-r*n> pos n. Chiron 1. or Cheiron syl Chi:ron pron <1kIron>, <-r*n> pos n. qual Greek myth. def a wise and kind centaur who taught many great heroes in their youth, including Achilles, Actaeon, and Jason. Chiron 2. or Cheiron syl Chi:ron pron <1kIron>, <-r*n> pos n. def a minor planet, discovered by Charles Kowal in 1977, revolving round the sun between the orbits of Saturn and Uranus. chiropody 0. syl chi+rop:o+dy pron pos n. def the treatment of the feet, esp. the treatment of corns, verrucas, etc. chiropodist sub head chiropody syl chi+1rop:o+dist pos n. chiropractic ety C20: from #7chiro -#7+ -practic, from Greek praktikos effective, #7practical chiropractic 0. syl chi+ro+prac+tic pron <2kIr*1pr@ktik> pos n. def a system of treating bodily disorders by manipulation of the spine and other parts, based on the belief that the cause is the abnormal functioning of a nerve. chiropractor sub head chiropractic syl chi+ro+2prac+tor pos n. chiropteran 1. syl chi+rop+ter+an pron pos adj. def of, relating to, or belong?!ing to the an order of placental mammals comprising the bats. chiropteran 2. syl chi+rop+ter+an pron pos n. def Also called: {chi+rop+ter} (ka$I?!#!r$Apt$$) a bat. chirp ety C15 (as chirpinge, gerund): of imitative origin chirp 1. syl chirp pron pos vb. mod intr. usage esp. of some birds and insects def to make a short high-pitched sound. chirp 2. syl chirp pron pos vb. def to speak in a lively fashion. chirp 3. syl chirp pron pos n. def a chirping sound, esp. that made by a bird. chirper sub head chirp syl chirp+er pos n. chirpy sub head chirp syl chirp:y pos adj. chirpily sub head chirp syl chirp:i+ly pos adv. chirpiness sub head chirp syl chirp:i+ness pos n. chirr ety C17: of imitative origin chirre infl head chirr or churr syl chirre pron pos vb. churr infl head chirr or chirre syl churr pron pos vb. chirr 1. syl chirr pron pos vb. mod intr. usage esp. of certain insects, such as crickets def to make a shrill trilled sound. chirr 2. syl chirr pron pos n. def the sound of chirring. chirrup ety C16: variant of #7chirp chirrup 1. syl chir+rup pron <1Cir*p> pos vb. mod intr. usage esp. of some birds def to chirp repeatedly. chirrup 2. syl chir+rup pron <1Cir*p> pos vb. def to make clucking sounds with the lips. chirrup 3. syl chir+rup pron <1Cir*p> pos n. def such a sound. chirruper sub head chirrup syl chir+rup+er pos n. chirrupy sub head chirrup syl chir+rup:y pos adj. chirurgeon ety C13: from Old French cirurgeon chirurgeon 0. syl chi+rur+geon pron pos n. def an archaic word for {surgeon}. chirurgery sub head chirurgeon syl chi+1rur+ger:y pos n. chisel ety C14: via Old French, from Vulgar Latin c*_isellus (unattested), from Latin caesus cut, from caedere to cut chisel 1.a. syl chis+el pron <1CizL> pos n. def a hand tool for working wood, consisting of a flat steel blade with a cutting edge attached to a handle of wood, plastic, etc. It is either struck with a mallet or used by hand. chisel 1.b. syl chis+el pron <1CizL> pos n. def a similar tool without a handle for working stone or metal. chisels infl head chisel or chisels syl chis+els pos vb. qual U.S. chiselling infl head chisel or chiseling syl chis+el+ling pos vb. chiselled infl head chisel or chiseled syl chis+elled pos vb. chiseling infl head chisel or chiselling syl chis+el+ing pos vb. qual U.S. chiseled infl head chisel or chiselled syl chis+eled. pos vb. qual U.S. chisel 2. syl chis+el pron <1CizL> pos vb. def to carve (wood, stone, metal, etc.) or form (an engraving, statue, etc.) with or as with a chisel. chisel 3. syl chis+el pron <1CizL> pos vb. qual Slang. def to cheat or obtain by cheating. chiseller sub head chisel syl chis+el+ler pos n. chiseled alt head chiselled or chiselled syl chis+eled pron <1Ciz*ld> pos adj. qual U.S. chiselled 1. or chiseled syl chis+elled pron <1Ciz*ld> pos adj. def carved or formed with or as if with a chisel. chiselled 2. or chiseled syl chis+elled pron <1Ciz*ld> pos adj. def clear-cut. exam 1 finely chiselled features. Chishima 0. syl Chi+shi+ma pron <2CESE1ma> pos n. def the Japanese name for the {Kuril Islands}. Chisimaio 0. syl Chi+si+ma:io pron <2kEzi1ma:j*u> pos n. def a port in S Somalia, on the Indian Ocean. Pop.: 30000 (1972 est.). Also called: {Kismayu}. Chisinvau 0. syl Chi+*,si+n*vau pron pos n. def the Rumanian name for {Kishinev}. chi-square distribution 0. syl chi-square dis+tri+bu+tion pron <1kI2skwe*> pos n. qual Statistics. def a continuous single-parameter distribution derived as a special case of the gamma distribution and used esp. to measure goodness of fit and to test hypotheses and obtain confidence intervals for the variance of a normally distributed variable. chi-square test 0. syl chi-square test pos n. qual Statistics. def a test derived from the chi-square distribution to compare the goodness of fit of theoretical and observed frequency distributions. chit ety C18: from earlier chitty, from Hindi cittha note, from Sanskrit citra brightly-coloured chit H1.1. syl chit pron pos n. def a voucher for a sum of money owed, esp. for food or drink. chit H1.2. syl chit pron pos n. def Also called: {chitty}. chit H1.2.a. syl chit pron pos n. def a note or memorandum. chit H1.2.b. syl chit pron pos n. def a requisition or receipt. chit ety C14 (in the sense: young of an animal, kitten): of obscure origin chit H2.0. syl chit pron pos n. qual Facetious or derogatory. def a pert, impudent, or self-confident girl or child. Chita 0. syl Chi+ta pron Russian pos n. def an industrial city in the SE central Soviet Union, on the Trans-Siberian railway. Pop.: 242000 (1971). chital ety from Hindi chital 0. syl chi+tal pron <1CEtL> pos n. def another name for {axis} %2 (the deer). chitarrone ety Italian, from chitarra, from Greek kithara lyre chitarroni infl head chitarrone syl chi+tar+ro+ni pron <-ni> pos n. mod pl. chitarrone 0. syl chi+tar+ro+ne pron <2kita:1r*uni>, <2Cit-> pos n. def a large lute with a double neck in common use during the baroque period, esp. in Italy. chitchat 1. syl chit+chat pron <1Cit2C@t> pos n. def talk of a gossipy nature. chitchats infl head chitchat syl chit+chats pos vb. chitchatting infl head chitchat syl chit+chat+ting pos vb. chitchatted infl head chitchat syl chit+chat+ted. pos vb. chitchat 2. syl chit+chat pron <1Cit2C@t> pos vb. mod intr. def to gossip. chitin ety C19: from French chitine, from Greek khit*_on #7chiton+ -#7in chitin 0. syl chi+tin pron <1kItin> pos n. def a polysaccharide that is the principal component of the exoskeletons of arthropods and of the bodies of fungi. chitinous sub head chitin syl chi+tin+ous pos adj. chitinoid sub head chitin syl chi+tin+2oid pos adj. chiton ety C19: from Greek khit*_on coat of mail, of Semitic origin; related to Hebrew keth*_onet chiton 1. syl chi+ton pron <1kItN>, <-ton> pos n. usage in ancient Greece and Rome def a loose woollen tunic worn knee length by men and full length by women. chiton 2. syl chi+ton pron <1kItN>, <-ton> pos n. def Also called: {coat-of-mail shell}. any small primitive marine mollusc of the genus and related genera, having an elongated body covered with eight overlapping shell plates: class Chittagong 0. syl Chit+ta+gong pron <1Cit*2goG> pos n. def a port in E Bangladesh, on the Bay of Bengal: industrial centre. Pop.: 889760 (1974). chitter ety C14: of imitative origin chitter 1. syl chit+ter pron <1Cit*> pos vb. mod intr. qual Chiefly U.S. def to twitter or chirp. chitter 2. syl chit+ter pron <1Cit*> pos vb. mod intr. def a dialect word for {shiver} or (of the teeth) {chatter}. chitterlings ety C13: of uncertain origin; perhaps related to Middle High German kutel chitlins infl head chitterlings or chitlings syl chit+lins pron <1Citlinz> pos n. mod pl. sometimes; sing. chitlings infl head chitterlings or chitlins syl chit+lings pron <1CitliGz> pos n. mod pl. sometimes; sing. chitterlings 0. syl chit+ter+lings pron <1Cit*liGz> pos n. mod pl. sometimes; sing. def the intestines of a pig or other animal prepared as a dish. chiv ety C17: of unknown origin chiv 1. syl chiv pron pos n. qual Slang. def a knife. {~} {chivs, chiv+ving, chivved}. chiv 2. syl chiv pron pos n. qual Slang. def to stab (someone). chivalrous ety C14: from Old French chevalerous, from #7chevalier chivalrous 1. syl chiv+al+rous pron <1Siv*lr*s> pos adj. def gallant; courteous. chivalrous 2. syl chiv+al+rous pron <1Siv*lr*s> pos adj. def involving chivalry. chivalrously sub head chivalrous syl chiv+al+rous+ly pos adv. chivalrousness sub head chivalrous syl chiv+al+rous+ness pos n. chivalry ety C13: from Old French chevalerie, from #7chevalier chivalries infl head chivalry syl chiv+al+ries. pos n. mod pl. chivalry 1. syl chiv+al+ry pron <1Siv*lri> pos n. def the combination of qualities expected of an ideal knight, esp. courage, honour, justice, and a readiness to help the weak. chivalry 2. syl chiv+al+ry pron <1Siv*lri> pos n. def courteous behaviour, esp. towards women. chivalry 3. syl chiv+al+ry pron <1Siv*lri> pos n. def the medieval system and principles of knighthood. chivalry 4. syl chiv+al+ry pron <1Siv*lri> pos n. def knights, noblemen, etc., collectively. chivalric sub head chivalry syl chiv+al+ric pos adj. chivaree 0. syl chiv:a+ree pron <2Siv*1rE>, <1Siv*2rE> pos n. def a U.S. spelling of {charivari}. chive ety C14: from Old French cive, ultimately from Latin caepa onion chive 0. syl chive pron pos n. def a small Eurasian purple-flowered alliaceous plant, whose long slender hollow leaves are used in cooking to flavour soups, stews, etc. Also called: {chives}. chivy ety C19: variant of chevy, probably from Chevy Chase, title of a Scottish border ballad chivvy infl head chivy or chevy syl chiv+vy pron <1Civi> pos vb. chevy infl head chivy or chivvy syl chev:y pos vb. chivies infl head chivy syl chiv:ies pos vb. chivying infl head chivy syl chiv:y+ing pos vb. chivied infl head chivy syl chiv+ied pos vb. chivvies infl head chivy or chevies syl chiv+vies pos vb. chivvying infl head chivy or chevying syl chiv+vy+ing pos vb. chivvied infl head chivy or chevied syl chiv+vied pos vb. chevies infl head chivy or chivvies syl chev:ies pos vb. chevying infl head chivy or chivvying syl chev:y+ing pos vb. chevied infl head chivy or chivvied syl chev+ied. pos vb. chivy 1. syl chiv:y pron <1Civi> pos vb. mod tr. qual Brit. def to harass or nag. chivy 2. syl chiv:y pron <1Civi> pos vb. mod tr. qual Brit. def to hunt. chivy 3. syl chiv:y pron <1Civi> pos vb. mod intr. qual Brit. def to run about. chivies infl head chivy syl chiv:ies pos n. mod pl. chivvies infl head chivy or chevies syl chiv+vies pos n. mod pl. chevies infl head chivy or chivvies syl chev:ies. pos n. mod pl. chivy 4. syl chiv:y pron <1Civi> pos n. qual Brit. def a hunt. chivy 5. syl chiv:y pron <1Civi> pos n. qual Brit.; Brit. obsolete. def a hunting cry. Chkalov 0. syl Chka+lov pron Russian <1Ckal*f> pos n. def the former name (1938-58) of {Orenburg}. chlamydate ety C19: from Latin chlamyd*_atus wearing a mantle, from Greek khlamus mantle chlamydate 0. syl chlam:y+date pron <1kl@mi2dAt> pos adj. usage of some molluscs def possessing a mantle. chlamydeous 0. syl chla+myd+e:ous pron pos adj. usage of plants def relating to or possessing sepals and petals. chlamydospore 0. syl chla+myd:o+spore pron pos n. def a thick-walled asexual spore of many fungi: capable of surviving adverse conditions. Chlodwig 0. syl Chlod:wig pron <1klo:tvi*,c> pos n. def the German name for {Clovis I}. Chloe 0. syl Chlo:e pron <1kl*ui> pos n. def See {Daphnis and Chloe}. chlor- 0. syl chlor- usage combining form. def variant of {chloro-} before a vowel. chloracne ety C20: from #7chloro -+#7acne chloracne 0. syl chlor+ac:ne pron pos n. def a disfiguring skin disease that results from contact with or ingestion or inhalation of certain chlorinated aromatic hydrocarbons. chloral 1. syl chlo+ral pron <1klc:r*l> pos n. def a colourless oily liquid with a pungent odour, made from chlorine and acetaldehyde and used in preparing chloral hydrate and DDT; trichloroacetaldehyde. chloral 2. syl chlo+ral pron <1klc:r*l> pos n. def short for {chloral hydrate}. chloral hydrate 0. syl chlo+ral hy+drate pos n. def a colourless crystalline soluble solid produced by the reaction of chloral with water and used as a sedative and hypnotic; 2,2,2-trichloro-1,1-ethanediol. Formula: CCl\3CH(OH)\2. chlorambucil 0. syl chlo+ram+bu+cil pron pos n. def a drug derived from nitrogen mustard, administered orally in the treatment of leukaemia and other malignant diseases. Formula: C\1\4H\1\9Cl\2NO\2. chloramine 1. syl chlo+ra+mine pron <1klc:r*2mEn> pos n. def an unstable colourless liquid with a pungent odour, made by the reaction of sodium hypochlorite and ammonia. Formula: NH\2Cl. chloramine 2. syl chlo+ra+mine pron <1klc:r*2mEn> pos n. def any compound produced by replacing hydrogen atoms in an azo or amine group with chlorine atoms. chloramphenicol ety C20: from #7chloro -#7+am (#7ido) -#7+phe (#7no) -#7+ ni (#7tro) -#7+ (#7gly) ?!#7col chloramphenicol 0. syl chlo+ram+phen:i+col pron <2klc:r@m1feni2kol> pos n. def a broad-spectrum antibiotic used esp. in treating typhoid fever and rickettsial infections: obtained from the bacterium or synthesized. Formula: C\1\1H\1\2N\2O\5Cl\2. chlorate 0. syl chlo+rate pron <1klc:rAt>, <-rit> pos n. def any salt of chloric acid, containing the monovalent ion ClO\3@b%#-. chlordane ety C20: from #7chloro -#7+ (#7in) #7d (#7ene) #7+ -#7ane chlordan alt head chlordane or chlordane syl chlor+dan pos n. chlordane 0. or chlordan syl chlor+dane pron <1klc:dAn> pos n. def a white insoluble toxic solid existing in several isomeric forms and usually used, as an insecticide, in the form of a brown impure liquid. Formula: C\1\0H\6Cl\8. chlorella ety C19: from New Latin, from #7chloro -#7+ Latin -ella diminutive suffix chlorella 0. syl chlo+rel+la pron , pos n. def any microscopic unicellular green alga of the genus some species are used in the preparation of human food. chlorenchyma ety C19: from #7chlor (#7ophyll) #7+ -#7enchyma chlorenchyma 0. syl chlo+ren+chy+ma pron pos n. def plant tissue consisting of parenchyma cells that contain chlorophyll. chloric 0. syl chlo+ric pron <1klc:rik> pos adj. def of or containing chlorine in the pentavalent state. chloric acid 0. syl chlo+ric ac:id pos n. def a strong acid with a pungent smell, known only in solution and in the form of chlorate salts. Formula: HClO\3. chloride 1. syl chlo+ride pron <1klc:rId> pos n. def any salt of hydrochloric acid, containing the chloride ion Cl%#-. chloride 2. syl chlo+ride pron <1klc:rId> pos n. def any compound containing a chlorine atom, such as methyl chloride, CH\3Cl. chloridic sub head chloride syl chlo+rid+ic pron pos adj. chlorinated lime alt head chloride of lime or chloride of lime syl chlo+rin+at+ed lime pos n. chloride of lime 0. or chlorinated lime syl chlo+ride of lime pos n. def another name for {bleaching powder}. chlorinate 1. syl chlo+rin+ate pron <1klc:ri2nAt> pos vb. mod tr. def to combine or treat (a substance) with chlorine. chlorinate 2. syl chlo+rin+ate pron <1klc:ri2nAt> pos vb. mod tr. def to disinfect (water) with chlorine. chlorination sub head chlorinate syl chlo+rin:1a+tion pos n. chlorinator sub head chlorinate syl chlo+rin:2a+tor pos n. chlorine ety C19 (coined by Sir Humphrey Davy): from #7chloro -#7+ -#7ine %2#7, referring to its colour chlorin alt head chlorine or chlorine syl chlo+rin pron <1klc:rin> pos n. chlorine 0. or chlorin syl chlo+rine pron <1klc:rEn> pos n. def a toxic pungent greenish-yellow gas of the halogen group; the 15th most abundant element in the earth's crust, occurring only in the combined state, mainly in common salt: used in the manu?!facture of many organic chemicals, in water purification, and as a disinfectant and bleaching agent. Symbol: Cl; atomic no.: 17; atomic wt.: 35.453; valency: 1, 3, 5, or 7; density: 3.214 kg/m%3; melting pt.: -100.98?%C; boiling pt.: -34.6?%C. chlorite ety C18: from Latin chl*_or*_itis precious stone of a green colour, from Greek khl*_oritis, from khl*_oros greenish yellow chlorite H1.0. syl chlo+rite pron <1klc:rIt> pos n. def any of a group of green soft secondary minerals consisting of the hydrated silicates of aluminium, iron, and magnesium in monoclinic crystalline form: common in metamorphic rocks. chloritic sub head chlorite syl chlo+1rit+ic pron pos adj. chlorite H2.0. syl chlo+rite pron <1klc:rIt> pos n. def any salt of chlorous acid, containing the monovalent ion ClO\2@b%#-. chloro- 1. syl chlo:ro- usage before a vowel def indicating the colour green. exam 1 chlorophyll. chloro- 2. syl chlo:ro- usage before a vowel def chlorine. exam 1 chloroform. chloracetic acid alt head chloroacetic acid or chloroacetic acid syl chlor:a+ce:tic ac:id pron <2klc:r*1sEtik> pos n. chloroacetic acid 1. or chloracetic acid syl chlo+ro:a+ce:tic ac:id pron <2klc:r*u*1sEtik> pos n. def a colourless crystalline soluble strong acid prepared by chlorinating acetic acid and used as an intermediate in the manufacture of many chemicals; monochloracetic acid. Formula: CH\2ClCOOH. chloroacetic acid 2. or chloracetic acid syl chlo+ro:a+ce:tic ac:id pron <2klc:r*u*1sEtik> pos n. def either of two related compounds: {dichloracetic acid}, CHCl\2COOH, or {trichloracetic acid}, CCl\3COOH. chlorobenzene 0. syl chlo+ro+ben+zene pron <1klc:r*u1benzEn> pos n. def a colourless volatile flammable insoluble liquid with an almond-like odour, made from chlorine and benzene and used as a solvent and in the preparation of many organic compounds, esp. phenol and DDT. Formula: C\6H\5Cl. chloroform ety C19: from #7chloro -#7+form (#7yl) (in an obsolete sense that applied to a CH radical) chloroform 0. syl chlo+ro+form pron <1klc:r*2fc:m> pos n. def a heavy volatile liquid with a sweet taste and odour, used as a solvent and cleansing agent and in refrigerants: formerly used as an inhalation anaesthetic. Formula: CHCl\3. chlorohydrin ety C20: from #7chloro -#7+hydro -#7+ -#7in chlorohydrin 1. syl chlo+ro+hy+drin pron <2klc:r*u1hIdrin> pos n. def any of a class of organic compounds containing a hydroxyl group and a chlorine atom. chlorohydrin 2. syl chlo+ro+hy+drin pron <2klc:r*u1hIdrin> pos n. def a colourless unstable hygroscopic liquid that is used mainly as a solvent; 3-chloropropane-1,2-diol. Formula: CH\2OHCHOHCH\2Cl. Chloromycetin 0. syl Chlo+ro+my+ce+tin pron <2klc:r*umI1sEtin> pos n. qual Trademark. def a brand of {chloramphenicol}. chlorophyl alt head chlorophyll or chlorophyll syl chlo+ro+phyl pron <1klc:r*fil> pos n. qual U.S. chlorophyll 0. or chlorophyl syl chlo+ro+phyll pron <1klc:r*fil> pos n. def the green pigment of plants, occurring in chloroplasts, that traps the energy of sunlight for photosynthesis and exists in several forms, the most abundant being {chlorophyll a} (C\5\5H\7\2O\5N\4Mg): used as a colouring agent. chlorophylloid sub head chlorophyll syl chlo+ro+2phyl+loid pos adj. chlorophyllous sub head chlorophyll syl chlo+ro+phyl+lous pron <2klc:r*u1fil*s> pos adj. chloropicrin ety C20: from #7chloro -#7+picro -#7+ -#7in chlorpicrin alt head chloropicrin or chloropicrin syl chlor+pic+rin pos n. chloropicrin 0. or chlorpicrin syl chlo+ro+pic+rin pron <2klc:r*u1pikrin> pos n. def a colourless insoluble toxic lachrymatory liquid used as a pesticide and a tear gas; nitrotrichloromethane. Formula: CCl\3NO\2. chloroplast 0. syl chlo+ro+plast pron <1klc:r*u2pl@st> pos n. def a plastid containing chlorophyll and other pigments, occurring in plants that carry out photosynthesis. chloroplastic sub head chloroplast syl chlo+ro+1plast+ic pos adj. chloroprene ety C20: from #7chloro -#7+ (#7iso) #7prene chloroprene 0. syl chlo+ro+prene pron <1klc:r*u2prEn> pos n. def a colourless liquid derivative of butadiene that is used in making neoprene rubbers; 2-chloro-1,2-butadiene. Formula: CH\2:CHCCl:CH\2. chloroquine ety C20: from #7chloro -#7+quin (#7oline) chloroquine 0. syl chlo+ro+quine pron <1klc:r*u2kwEn> pos n. def a synthetic drug administered orally to treat malaria. Formula: C\1\8H\2\6ClN\3. chlorosis ety C17: from #7chloro -#7+ -#7osis chlorosis 0. syl chlo+ro+sis pron pos n. def a disorder, formerly common in adolescent girls, characterized by pale greenish-yellow skin, weakness, and palpitation and caused by insufficient iron in the body. Also called: {greensickness}. chlorotic sub head chlorosis syl chlo+rot+ic pron pos adj. chlorothiazide ety C20: from #7chloro -#7+thi (#7o) -#7+ (#7di) #7az (#7ine+ diox) #7ide chlorothiazide 0. syl chlo+ro+thi:a+zide pron <2klc:r*1TI*2zId> pos n. def a diuretic drug administered orally in the treatment of chronic heart and kidney disease and hypertension. Formula: C\7H\6ClN\3O\4S\2. chlorous 1. syl chlo+rous pron <1klc:r*s> pos adj. def of or containing chlorine in the trivalent state. chlorous 2. syl chlo+rous pron <1klc:r*s> pos adj. def of or containing chlorous acid. chlorpromazine ety C20: from #7chloro -#7+pro (#7pyl+a) #7m (#7ine) #7+azine chlorpromazine 0. syl chlor+prom:a+zine pron pos n. def a drug derived from phenothiazine, used as a sedative and tranquillizer, esp. in psychotic disorders. Formula: C\1\7H\1\9ClN\2S. chlorpropamide 0. syl chlor+pro+pa+mide pron pos n. def a drug that reduces blood glucose and is administered orally in the treatment of diabetes. Formula: C\1\0H\1\3ClN\2O\3S. chlortetracycline 0. syl chlor+tet+ra+cy+cline pron pos n. def an antibiotic used in treating many bacterial and rickettsial infections and some viral infections: obtained from the bacterium Formula: C\2\2H\2\3ClN\2O\8. chm 1. syl chm. qual abbrev. for: def Also: {chmn}. chairman. chm 2. syl chm. qual abbrev. for: def checkmate. ChM ety Latin: Chirurgiae Magister ChM alt or ChM syl ChM ChM 0. or ChM syl Ch.M. qual abbrev. for def Master of Surgery. choanocyte ety C19: from Greek khoan*_e funnel (from khein to pour)+-#7cyte choanocyte 0. syl cho+an:o+cyte pron <1k*u*n*2sIt> pos n. def any of the flagellated cells in sponges that maintain a flow of water through the body. A collar of protoplasm surrounds the base of the flagellum. Also called: {collar cell}. chocho ety C18: from a Brazilian Indian name chochos infl head chocho syl cho+chos. pos n. mod pl. chocho 0. syl cho+cho pron <1C*u2C*u> pos n. def the cucumber-like fruit of a tropical American cucurbitaceous vine, eaten in the West Indies, Australia, and New Zealand. choc-ice 0. syl choc-ice pron <1Cok2Is> pos n. def an ice-cream covered with a thin layer of chocolate. chock ety C17: of uncertain origin; perhaps related to Old French *,coche log; compare Proven*,cal soca tree stump chock 1. syl chock pron pos n. def a block or wedge of wood used to prevent the sliding or rolling of a heavy object. chock 2.a. syl chock pron pos n. def a fairlead consisting of a ringlike device with an opening at the top through which a rope is placed. chock 2.b. syl chock pron pos n. def a cradle-like support for a boat, barrel, etc. chock 3. syl chock pron pos vb. mod tr. qual Brit. usage usually foll. by up def to cram full. exam 1 chocked up with newspapers. chock 4. syl chock pron pos vb. mod tr. def to fit with or secure by a chock. chock 5. syl chock pron pos vb. mod tr. def to support (a boat, barrel, etc.) on chocks. chock 6. syl chock pron pos adv. def as closely or tightly as possible. exam 1 chock against the wall. chock-a-block 1. syl chock-a-block pos adj. adv. def filled to capacity; in a crammed state. chock-a-block 2. syl chock-a-block pos adj. adv. qual Nautical. def with the blocks brought close together, as when a tackle is pulled as tight as possible. chocker ety C20: from #7chock -#7a -#7block chocker 1. syl chock+er pron <1Cok*> pos adj. qual Austral. informal. def full up; packed. chocker 2. syl chock+er pron <1Cok*> pos adj. qual Brit. slang. def irritated; fed up. chock-full ety C17 choke-full; see #7choke, full choke-full infl head chock-full or chuck-full syl choke-full pos adj. chuck-full infl head chock-full or choke-full syl chuck-full pos adj. chock-full 0. syl chock-full pos adj. usage postpositive def completely full. choco ety C20: shortened from chocolate soldier chocos infl head choco syl choc:os. pos n. mod pl. choco 1. syl choc:o pron <1Cok*u> pos n. qual Slang.; Brit., derogatory. def a coloured person. choco 2.a. syl choc:o pron <1Cok*u> pos n. qual Slang. def a member of the citizen army; militiaman. choco 2.b. syl choc:o pron <1Cok*u> pos n. qual Slang. def a conscript. chocolate ety C17: from Spanish, from Aztec xocolatl, from xococ sour, bitter+ atl water chocolate 1. syl choc:o+late pron <1Cok*lit>, <1Coklit>, <-l*t> pos n. def a food preparation made from roasted ground cacao seeds, usually sweetened and flavoured. chocolate 2. syl choc:o+late pron <1Cok*lit>, <1Coklit>, <-l*t> pos n. def a drink or sweet-meat made from this. chocolate 3.a. syl choc:o+late pron <1Cok*lit>, <1Coklit>, <-l*t> pos n. def a moderate to deep brown colour. chocolate 3.b. syl choc:o+late pron <1Cok*lit>, <1Coklit>, <-l*t> pos as; adj. exam 1 a chocolate carpet. chocolaty sub head chocolate syl choc:o+lat:y pos adj. chocolate-box 0. syl choc:o:late-box pos n. qual Informal. usage modifier def sentimentally pretty or appealing. choctaw ety C19: after C#7hoctaw choctaw 0. syl choc+taw pron <1Coktc:> pos n. qual Ice skating. def a turn from the inside edge of one skate to the outside edge of the other or vice versa. Choctaw ety C18: from Choctaw Chahta Choctaws infl head Choctaw or Choctaw syl Choc+taws pos n. mod pl. Choctaw infl or Choctaws syl Choc+taw pos n. mod pl. Choctaw 1. syl Choc+taw pron <1Coktc:> pos n. def a member of a North American Indian people of Alabama. Choctaw 2. syl Choc+taw pron <1Coktc:> pos n. def the language of this people, belonging to the Muskhogean family. Chogyal 0. syl Chog+yal pron <1Cogja:l> pos n. def the title of the ruler of Sikkim. choice ety C13: from Old French chois, from choisir to #7choose choice 1. syl choice pron pos n. def the act or an instance of choosing or selecting. choice 2. syl choice pron pos n. def the opportunity or power of choosing. choice 3. syl choice pron pos n. def a person or thing chosen or that may be chosen. exam 1 he was a possible choice. choice 4. syl choice pron pos n. def an alternative action or possibility. exam 1 what choice did I have?? choice 5. syl choice pron pos n. def a supply from which to select. exam 1 a poor choice of shoes. choice 6. syl choice pron pos n. def of superior quality; excellent. exam 1 choice wine. choicely sub head choice syl choice+ly pos adv. choiceness sub head choice syl choice+ness pos n. choir ety C13 quer, from Old French cuer, from Latin #7chorus choir 1. syl choir pron pos n. def an organized group of singers, esp. for singing in church services. choir 2.a. syl choir pron pos n. def the part of a cathedral, abbey, or church in front of the altar, lined on both sides with benches, and used by the choir and clergy. Compare {chancel}. choir 2.b. syl choir pron pos n. usage as modifier def . exam 1 choir stalls. choir 3. syl choir pron pos n. def a number of instruments of the same family playing together. exam 1 a brass choir. choir 4. syl choir pron pos n. def Also called: {choir organ}. one of the manuals on an organ controlling a set of soft sweet-toned pipes. Compare {{great} (sense 20)}, {{swell} (sense 16)}. choir 5. syl choir pron pos n. def any of the nine orders of angels in medieval angelology. Archaic spelling: {quire}. choirlike sub head choir syl choir+2like pos adj. choirboy 0. syl choir+boy pron <1kwI*2bci> pos n. def one of a number of young boys who sing the treble part in a church choir. choir loft 0. syl choir loft pos n. def a gallery in a cathedral, abbey, or church used by the choir. choirmaster 0. syl choir+mas:ter pron <1kwI*2ma:st*> pos n. def a person who trains, leads, or conducts a choir. choir school 0. syl choir school pos n. qual Brit. def a school, esp. a preparatory school attached to a cathedral, college, etc., offering general education to boys whose singing ability is good. Choiseul 0. syl Choi+seul pron French pos n. def an island in the SW Pacific Ocean, in the Solomon Islands: hilly and densely forested. Area: 3885 sq. km (1500 sq. miles). choke ety Old English *_ac*_eocian, of Germanic origin; related to #7cheek choke 1. syl choke pron pos vb. mod tr. def to hinder or stop the breathing of (a person or animal), esp. by constricting the windpipe or by asphyxiation. choke 2. syl choke pron pos vb. mod intr. def to have trouble or fail in breathing, swallowing, or speaking. choke 3. syl choke pron pos vb. mod tr. def to block or clog up (a passage, pipe, street, etc.). choke 4. syl choke pron pos vb. mod tr. def to retard the growth or action of. exam 1 the weeds are choking my plants. choke 5. syl choke pron pos vb. mod tr. def to suppress emotion. exam 1 she choked her anger. choke 6. syl choke pron pos vb. mod intr. qual Slang. def to die. choke 7. syl choke pron pos vb. mod tr. def to enrich the petrol-air mixture by reducing the air supply to (a carburettor, petrol engine, etc.) choke 8. syl choke pron pos n. def the act or sound of choking. choke 9. syl choke pron pos n. def a device in the carburettor of a petrol engine that enriches the petrol-air mixture by reducing the air supply. choke 10. syl choke pron pos n. def any constriction or mechanism for reducing the flow of a fluid in a pipe, tube, etc. choke 11. syl choke pron pos n. def Also called: {choke coil}. an inductor having a relatively high impedance, used to prevent the passage of high frequencies or to smooth the output of a rectifier. choke 12. syl choke pron pos n. def the inedible centre of the head of an artichoke. chokeable sub head choke syl choke+a:ble pos adj. choky sub head choke or chokey syl chok:y pos adj. chokey sub head choke or choky syl chok+ey pos adj. down alt head choke back or choke back syl down pos vb. adv. mod tr. choke back 0. or down syl choke back pos vb. adv. mod tr. def to suppress (anger, tears, etc.). chokeberries infl head chokeberry syl choke+ber:ries. pos n. mod pl. chokeberry 1. syl choke+ber:ry pron <1C*ukb*ri>, <-bri> pos n. def any of various North American rosaceous shrubs of the genus chokeberry 2. syl choke+ber:ry pron <1C*ukb*ri>, <-bri> pos n. def the red or purple bitter fruit of any of these shrubs. chokebore 1. syl choke+bore pron <1C*uk2bc:> pos n. def a shotgun bore that becomes narrower towards the muzzle so that the shot is not scattered. chokebore 2. syl choke+bore pron <1C*uk2bc:> pos n. def a shotgun having such a bore. chokecherries infl head chokecherry syl choke+cher:ries. pos n. mod pl. chokecherry 1. syl choke+cher:ry pron <1C*uk2Ceri> pos n. def any of several North American species of cherry, esp. having very astringent dark red or black fruit. chokecherry 2. syl choke+cher:ry pron <1C*uk2Ceri> pos n. def the fruit of any of these trees. choke coil 0. syl choke coil pos n. def another name for {{choke} (sense 11)}. chokedamp 0. syl choke+damp pron <1C*uk2d@mp> pos n. def another word for {blackdamp}. choke-full 0. syl choke-full pos adj. def a less common spelling of {chock-full}. choker 1. syl chok+er pron <1C*uk*> pos n. def a woman's high collar, popular esp. in the late 19th century. choker 2. syl chok+er pron <1C*uk*> pos n. def any neckband or necklace worn tightly around the throat. choker 3. syl chok+er pron <1C*uk*> pos n. def a high clerical collar; stock. choker 4. syl chok+er pron <1C*uk*> pos n. def a person or thing that chokes or strangles someone or something. choke up 1. syl choke up pos vb. adv. mod tr. def to block (a drain, pipe, etc.) completely. choke up 2. syl choke up pos vb. adv. mod tr. qual Informal. (usually passive def to overcome (a person) with emotion, esp. without due cause. chokos infl head choko syl cho+kos. pos n. mod pl. choko 0. syl cho+ko pron <1C*uk*u> pos n. qual Austral., N.Z. def a variant of {chocho}. chole- ety from Greek khol*_e cholecalciferol 0. syl cho+le:cal+cif+er+ol pron <2k*ulik@l1sif*2rol> pos n. def a compound occur?!ring naturally in fish-liver oils, used to treat rickets. Formula: C\2\7H\4\4O. Also called: {vitamin D\3}. See also {calciferol}. cholecyst 0. syl chol+e:cyst pron <1kolisist> pos n. qual Rare. def another name for {gall bladder}. cholecystectomies infl head cholecystectomy syl chol+e:cys+tec+to+mies. pos n. mod pl. cholecystectomy 0. syl chol+e:cys+tec+to+my pron <2kolisi1stekt*mi> pos n. def surgical removal of the gall bladder. choler ety C14: from Old French col*`ere, from Medieval Latin cholera, from Latin: jaundice, #7cholera choler 1. syl chol+er pron <1kol*> pos n. def anger or ill humour. choler 2. syl chol+er pron <1kol*> pos n. qual Archaic. def one of the four bodily humours; yellow bile. See {{humour} (sense 8)}. choler 3. syl chol+er pron <1kol*> pos n. qual Obsolete. def biliousness. cholera ety C14: from Latin, from Greek kholera jaundice, from khol*_e bile cholera 0. syl chol+er:a pron <1kol*r*> pos n. def an acute intestinal infection characterized by severe diarrhoea, cramp, etc.: caused by ingestion of water or food contaminated with the bacterium Also called: {Asiatic cholera, epidemic cholera, Indian cholera}. choleroid sub head cholera syl chol+e:2roid pos adj. choleric 1. syl chol+er+ic pron <1kol*rik> pos adj. def bad-tempered. choleric 2. syl chol+er+ic pron <1kol*rik> pos adj. def bilious or causing biliousness. cholerically sub head choleric or cholericly syl chol+er:i+cal+ly pos adv. cholericly sub head choleric or cholerically syl chol+er+ic+ly pos adv. cholesterol ety C19: from #7chole -#7+ Greek stereos hard, solid, so called because first observed in gallstones cholesterin alt head cholesterol or cholesterol syl cho+les+ter+in pron pos n. cholesterol 0. or cholesterin syl cho+les+ter+ol pron pos n. def a white or pale yellow almost insoluble sterol found in all animal tissues, blood, bile, and animal fats: a precursor of other body steroids. Evidence exists to implicate a high blood level of cholesterol with certain forms of arterial and heart disease. Formula: C\2\7H\4\5OH. choli ety from Hindi choli 0. syl cho+li pron <1k*uli> pos n. def a short-sleeved bodice, as worn by Indian women. cholic acid ety C19: from Greek kholikos; see #7chole - cholic acid 0. syl cho+lic ac:id pron <1k*ulik> pos n. def a crystalline insoluble acid present in bile: used as an emulsifying agent and an intermediate in the synthesis of organic compounds. Formula: C\2\4H\4\0O\5. choline ety (CH\3)\3NCH\2CH\2OH%/+OH%#-. choline ety C19: from #7chole -#7+ -#7ine %2#7, so called because of its action in the liver choline 0. syl cho+line pron <1k*ulEn>, <-in>, <1kol-> pos n. def a colourless viscous soluble alkaline substance present in animal tissues, esp. as a constituent of lecithin: used as a supplement to the diet of poultry and in medicine for preventing the accumulation of fat in the liver. Formula. cholinergic ety C20: from (#7acetyl) #7cholin (#7e) #7+ Greek ergon work cholinergic 1. syl cho+lin+er+gic pron <2k*uli1nR:Jik> pos adj. def denoting nerve fibres that release acetylcholine when stimulated. cholinergic 2. syl cho+lin+er+gic pron <2k*uli1nR:Jik> pos adj. def of or relating to the type of chemical activity associated with acetylcholine and similar substances. cholinesterase 0. syl cho+lin+es+ter+ase pron <2k*uli1nest*2rAs>, <2kol-> pos n. def an enzyme that hydrolyses acetylcholine to choline and acetic acid. cholla ety Mexican Spanish, from Spanish: head, perhaps from Old French (dialect) cholle ball, of Germanic origin cholla 0. syl chol+la pron <1C*ulja:>, Spanish <1Coja> pos n. def any of several spiny cacti of the genus that grow in the southwestern U.S. and Mexico and have cylindrical stem segments. See also {prickly pear}. chollers ety C18: perhaps from Old English ceolur throat. See #7jowl %2 chollers 0. syl chol+lers pron <1Col*z> pos n. mod pl. qual Northeast English dialect. def the jowls or cheeks. Cholon 0. syl Cho+lon pron , French pos n. def a city in S Vietnam: a suburb of Ho Chi Minh City. Cholula 0. syl Cho+lu+la pron Spanish pos n. def a town in S Mexico, in Puebla state: ancient ruins, notably a pyramid, 53 m (177 ft.) high. Pop.: 12820 (1969 est.). chump alt head chomp or chomp syl chump pos vb. chomp 1. or chump syl chomp pron pos vb. def to chew (food) noisily; champ. chomp 2. or chump syl chomp pron pos n. def the act or sound of chewing in this manner. Noam infl head Chomsky syl No:am. pos n. Chomsky 0. syl Chom:sky pron <1Comski> pos n. def born 1928, U.S. linguist and political critic. His theory of language structure, based on generative grammar, supersedes the behaviourist view of Bloomfield. Chomskyan sub head Chomsky or Chomskyite syl Chom+sky+an pos n. adj. Chomskyite sub head Chomsky or Chomskyan syl Chom+sky+2ite pos n. adj. chon infl syl chon. pos n. mod pl. chon 0. syl chon pron pos n. def a Korean monetary unit worth one hundredth of a won. chondrifies infl head chondrify syl chon+dri+fies pos vb. chondrifying infl head chondrify syl chon+dri+fy+ing pos vb. chondrified infl head chondrify syl chon+dri+fied. pos vb. chondrify 0. syl chon+dri+fy pron <1kondri2fI> pos vb. def to become or convert into cartilage. chondrification sub head chondrify syl chon+dri+fi+1ca+tion pos n. chondriosome 0. syl chon+dri:o+some pron <1kondri*2s*um> pos n. def another name for {mitochondrion}. chondriosomal sub head chondriosome syl chon+dri:o+1so+mal pos adj. chondrite 0. syl chon+drite pron <1kondrIt> pos n. def a stony meteorite consisting mainly of silicate minerals in the form of chondrules. Compare {achondrite}. chondritic sub head chondrite syl chon+drit+ic pron pos adj. chondro- ety from Greek khondros grain, cartilage chondri- infl head chondro- syl chon:dri- chondro- 1. syl chon:dro- usage before a vowel def indicating cartilage. exam 1 chondroma. chondro- 2. syl chon:dro- usage before a vowel def grain or granular. exam 1 chondrule. chondromas infl head chondroma or chondromata syl chon+dro+mas pron <-m*t*> pos n. mod pl. chondromata infl head chondroma or chondromas syl chon+dro+ma+ta pron <-m*t*> pos n. mod pl. chondroma 0. syl chon+dro+ma pron pos n. qual Pathol. def a benign cartilaginous growth or neoplasm. chondromatous sub head chondroma syl chon+1dro+ma+tous pos adj. chondrule 0. syl chon+drule pron <1kondru:l> pos n. def one of the small spherical masses of mainly silicate minerals present in chondrites. Chungjin alt head Chvongjin or Chvongjin syl Chung+jin pron <1C^G1Jin> pos n. Chvongjin 0. or Chungjin syl Ch*vong+jin pron <1C^G1Jin> pos n. def a port in W North Korea, on the Sea of Japan. Pop.: 200000 (1970). Chvonju 0. syl Ch*von+ju pron <1C^n1Ju:> pos n. def a city in SW South Korea: centre of large rice-growing region. Pop.: 262816 (1970). choo-choo 0. syl choo-choo pron <1Cu:2Cu:> pos n. qual Brit. def a child's name for a railway train. choof off 0. syl choof off pron pos vb. adv. mod intr. qual Austral. slang. def to go away; make off. chook 1. syl chook pron pos vb. def See {jook}. chook 2. syl chook pron pos n. def Also called: {chookie}. a hen or chicken. choom 0. syl choom pron pos n. qual Austral. slang. usage often cap. def an Englishman. choose ety Old English ceosan; related to Old Norse kj*_osa, Old High German kiosan chooses infl head choose syl choos:es pos vb. choosing infl head choose syl choos+ing pos vb. chose infl head choose syl chose pos vb. chosen infl head choose syl cho+sen. pos vb. choose 1. syl choose pron pos vb. def to select (a person, thing, course of action, etc.) from a number of alternatives. choose 2. syl choose pron pos vb. mod tr. usage an infinitive def to consider it desirable or proper. exam 1 I don't choose to read that book. choose 3. syl choose pron pos vb. mod intr. def to like; please. exam 1 you may stand if you choose. cannot choose but 4. head choose syl cannot choose but. def to be obliged to. exam 1 we cannot choose but vote for him. nothing 5. head choose or little to choose between syl nothing usage of two people or objects def almost equal. chooser sub head choose syl choos+er pos n. choosier infl head choosy syl choos:i+er pos adj. choosiest infl head choosy syl choos:i+est. pos adj. choosy 0. syl choos:y pron <1Cu:zi> pos adj. qual Informal. def par?!ticular in making a choice; difficult to please. chop ety C16: variant of #7chap %1 chops infl head chop syl chops pos vb. chopping infl head chop syl chop+ping pos vb. chopped infl head chop syl chopped. pos vb. chop H1.1. syl chop pron pos vb. usage often foll. by down or off def to cut (something) with a blow from an axe or other sharp tool. chop H1.2. syl chop pron pos vb. mod tr. def to produce or make in this manner. exam 1 to chop firewood. chop H1.3. syl chop pron pos vb. mod tr. usage often foll. by up def to cut into pieces. chop H1.4. syl chop pron pos vb. mod tr. qual Brit. informal. def to dispense with or reduce. chop H1.5. syl chop pron pos vb. mod intr. def to move quickly or violently. chop H1.6. syl chop pron pos vb. qual Tennis, cricket, etc. def to hit (a ball) sharply downwards. chop H1.7. syl chop pron pos vb. qual Boxing, karate, etc. def to punch or strike (an opponent) with a short sharp blow. chop H1.8. syl chop pron pos vb. qual West African. def an informal word for {eat}. chop H1.9. syl chop pron pos n. def a cutting blow. chop H1.10. syl chop pron pos n. def the act or an instance of chopping. chop H1.11. syl chop pron pos n. def a piece chopped off. chop H1.12. syl chop pron pos n. def a slice of mutton, lamb, or pork, generally including a rib. chop H1.13. syl chop pron pos n. qual Austral. slang. def a share (esp. in the phrase {get} {hop in for one's chop}) . chop H1.14. syl chop pron pos n. qual West African. def an informal word for {food}. chop H1.15. syl chop pron pos n. qual Sport. def a sharp downward blow or stroke. not much chop 16. head chop syl not much chop. qual Austral. informal. def not much good; poor. the chop 17. head chop syl the chop. qual Slang, chiefly Brit. def dismissal from employment. chop ety Old English ceapian to barter; see #7cheap, chapman chops infl head chop syl chops pos vb. chopping infl head chop syl chop+ping pos vb. chopped infl head chop syl chopped. pos vb. chop H2.1. syl chop pron pos vb. mod intr. def to change direction suddenly; vacillate (esp. in the phrase {chop and change) }. chop H2.2. syl chop pron pos vb. qual Obsolete. def to barter. chop logic 3. head chop syl chop logic. def to argue over small points. chop ety C17: from Hindi chh*_ap chop H3.0. syl chop pron pos n. def a design stamped on goods as a trademark, esp. in the Far East. chop chop ety C19: from Chinese dialect; related to Cantonese kap kap chop chop 0. syl chop chop pos adv. def pidgin English for {quickly}. chopfallen 0. syl chop+fall:en pron <1Cop2fc:l*n> pos adj. def a variant spelling of {chapfallen}. chophouse H1.0. syl chop+house pron <1Cop2haus> pos n. def a restaurant specializing in steaks, grills, chops, etc. chophouse H2.0. syl chop+house pron <1Cop2haus> pos n. usage formerly def a customs house in China. Fr'ed'eric Francois infl head Chopin syl Fr*'e:d*'e:ric Fran:*,cois pron pos n. chopine ety C16: from Old Spanish chap*'in, probably imitative of the sound made by the shoe when walking chopin alt head chopine or chopine syl chop+in pron <1Copin> pos n. chopine 0. or chopin syl cho+pine pron pos n. def a sandal-like shoe on tall wooden or cork bases popular in the 18th century. choplogic ety C16: from #7chop %2 +#7logic choplogic 0.a. syl chop+log:ic pron <1Cop2loJik> pos n. def fallacious reasoning. choplogic 0.b. syl chop+log:ic pron <1Cop2loJik> pos n. usage as modifier exam 1 a choplogic speech. chopper 1. syl chop+per pron <1Cop*> pos n. qual Chiefly Brit. def a small hand axe. chopper 2. syl chop+per pron <1Cop*> pos n. def a butcher's cleaver. chopper 3. syl chop+per pron <1Cop*> pos n. def a person or thing that cuts or chops. chopper 4. syl chop+per pron <1Cop*> pos n. def an informal name for a {helicopter}. chopper 5. syl chop+per pron <1Cop*> pos n. qual Chiefly Brit. def a slang name for {penis}. chopper 6. syl chop+per pron <1Cop*> pos n. def a device for periodically interrupting an electric current or beam of radiation to produce a pulsed current or beam. See also {{vibrator} (sense 3)}. chopper 7. syl chop+per pron <1Cop*> pos n. def a type of bicycle or motorcycle with very high handlebars and an elongated saddle. chopper 8. syl chop+per pron <1Cop*> pos n. qual Slang, chiefly U.S. def a sub-machine-gun. choppers 0. syl chop+pers pron <1Cop*z> pos n. mod pl. qual Slang. def teeth, esp. false ones. chopper tool 0. syl chop+per tool pos n. def a core tool of flint or stone, with a transverse cutting edge, characteristic of cultures in Asia and parts of the Middle East and Europe. choppier infl head choppy syl chop+pi+er pos adj. choppiest infl head choppy syl chop+pi+est. pos adj. choppy 0. syl chop+py pron <1Copi> pos adj. usage of the sea, weather, etc. def fairly rough. choppily sub head choppy syl chop+pi+ly pos adv. choppiness sub head choppy syl chop+pi+ness pos n. chops ety C16: of uncertain origin chops 1. syl chops pron pos n. mod pl. def the jaws or cheeks; jowls. chops 2. syl chops pron pos n. mod pl. def the mouth. lick one's chops 3. head chops syl lick one's chops. qual Informal. def to anticipate with pleasure. chopsticks ety C17: from pidgin English, from chop quick, of Chinese dialect origin+#7stick %1 chopsticks 0. syl chop+sticks pron <1Copstiks> pos n. mod pl. def a pair of thin sticks, of ivory, wood, etc., used as eating utensils by the Chinese, Japanese, etc. chop suey ety C19: from Chinese (Cantonese) tsap sui odds and ends chop suey 0. syl chop su:ey pron <1su:i> pos n. def a Chinese-style dish originating in the U.S., consisting of meat or chicken, bean sprouts, etc., stewed and served with rice. choragus ety C17: from Latin, from Greek khoragos, from khoros #7chorus+ agein to lead choragi infl head choragus or choraguses syl cho+ra+gi pron <-JI> pos n. mod pl. choraguses infl head choragus or choragi syl cho+ra+gus:es. pos n. mod pl. choragus 1.a. syl cho+ra+gus pron pos n. def the leader of a chorus. choragus 1.b. syl cho+ra+gus pron pos n. def a sponsor of a chorus. choragus 2. syl cho+ra+gus pron pos n. def a conductor of a festival. choragic sub head choragus syl cho+rag+ic pron , <-1rA-> pos adj. choral 1. syl cho+ral pron <1kc:r*l> pos adj. def relating to, sung by, or designed for a chorus or choir. {~} (k$A#!r$a$:l) choral 2. syl cho+ral pron <1kc:r*l> pos adj. def a variant spelling of {chorale}. chorally sub head choral syl cho+ral+ly pos adv. chorale ety C19: from German Choralgesang, translation of Latin cantus chor*_alis choral song choral alt head chorale or chorale syl cho+ral pron pos n. chorale 1. or choral syl cho+rale pron pos n. def a slow stately hymn tune, esp. of the Lutheran Church. chorale 2. or choral syl cho+rale pron pos n. qual Chiefly U.S. def a choir or chorus. chorale prelude 0. syl cho+rale prel+ude pos n. def a composition for organ using a chorale as a cantus firmus or as the basis for variations. chord ety C16: from Latin chorde, from Greek khord*_e gut, string; see #7cord chord H1.1. syl chord pron pos n. def an emotional response, esp. one of sympathy. exam 1 the story struck the right chord. chord H1.2.a. syl chord pron pos n. def a straight line connecting two points on a curve or curved surface. chord H1.2.b. syl chord pron pos n. def the line segment lying between two points of intersection of a straight line and a curve or curved surface. chord H1.3. syl chord pron pos n. qual Engineering. def one of the principal members of a truss, esp. one that lies along the top or the bottom. chord H1.4. syl chord pron pos n. qual Anatomy. def a variant spelling of {cord}. chord H1.5. syl chord pron pos n. def an imaginary straight line joining the leading edge and the trailing edge of an aerofoil. chord H1.6. syl chord pron pos n. qual Archaic. def the string of a musical instrument. chorded sub head chord syl chord+ed pos adj. chord ety C15: short for #7accord ; spelling influenced by #7chord %1 chord H2.1. syl chord pron pos n. def the simultaneous sounding of a group of musical notes, usually three or more in number. See {{concord} (sense 4)}, {{discord} (sense 3)}. chord H2.2. syl chord pron pos vb. mod tr. def to provide (a melodic line) with chords. chordal sub head chord syl chord+al pos adj. chordate 1. syl chor+date pron <1kc:dAt> pos n. def any animal of the phylum including the vertebrates and protochordates, characterized by a notochord, dorsal tubular nerve cord, and pharyngeal gill slits. chordate 2. syl chor+date pron <1kc:dAt> pos adj. def of, relating to, or belonging to the chording 1. syl chord+ing pron <1kc:diG> pos n. qual Music. def the distribution of chords throughout a piece of harmony. chording 2. syl chord+ing pron <1kc:diG> pos n. qual Music. def the intonation of a group of instruments or voices. chordophone 0. syl chord:o+phone pron <1kc:d*2f*un> pos n. def any musical instrument producing sounds through the vibration of strings, such as the piano, harp, violin, or guitar. chord symbol 0. syl chord sym+bol pos n. qual Music. def any of a series of letters and numerals, used as a shorthand indication of chords, esp. in jazz, folk, or pop music. exam 1 B7 indicates the dominant seventh chord in the key of E. chore ety C19: variant of #7chare chore 1. syl chore pron pos n. def a small routine task, esp. a domestic one. chore 2. syl chore pron pos n. def an unpleasant task. -chore ety from Greek kh*_orein to move -chore 0. syl -chore pos n. usage combining form. def (in botany) indicating a plant that is distributed by a certain means or agency. exam 1 anemochore. -chorous sub head -chore or -choric syl -cho:rous pos adj. -choric sub head -chore or -chorous syl -cho:ric pos adj. chorea ety C19: from New Latin, from Latin: dance, from Greek khoreia, from khoros dance; see #7chorus chorea 0. syl cho+re:a pron pos n. def a disorder of the central nervous system characterized by uncontrollable irregular brief jerky movements. Nontechnical name: {Saint Vitus's dance}. choreal sub head chorea or choreic syl cho+1re:al pos adj. choreic sub head chorea or choreal syl cho+1re:ic pos adj. choreo- ety from Greek khoreios, from khoros dance choreo- 0. syl cho:re:o- usage combining form. def indicating the art of dancing or ballet. exam 1 choreodrama; exam 2 choreography. choreodrama 0. syl cho+re:o+dra+ma pron <2kc:ri*u1dra:m*> pos n. qual Dancing. def dance drama performed by a group. choreograph 0. syl cho+re:o+graph pron <1kori*2gr@f> pos vb. mod tr. def to compose the steps and dances for a piece of music or ballet. choreography ety C18: from Greek khoreia dance+-#7graphy choregraphy alt head choreography or choreography syl cho+reg+ra+phy pron pos n. choreography 1. or choregraphy syl cho+re:og+ra+phy pron <2kori1ogr*fi> pos n. def the composition of dance steps and sequences for ballet and stage dancing. choreography 2. or choregraphy syl cho+re:og+ra+phy pron <2kori1ogr*fi> pos n. def the steps and sequences of a ballet or dance. choreography 3. or choregraphy syl cho+re:og+ra+phy pron <2kori1ogr*fi> pos n. def the notation representing such steps. choreography 4. or choregraphy syl cho+re:og+ra+phy pron <2kori1ogr*fi> pos n. def the art of dancing. choreographer sub head choreography or choregrapher syl cho+re:1og+ra+pher pos n. choregrapher sub head choreography or choreographer syl cho+1reg+ra+pher pos n. choreographic sub head choreography or choregraphic syl cho+re:o+graph+ic pron <2kori*1gr@fik> pos adj. choregraphic sub head choreography or choreographic syl cho+re:graph+ic pron <2kor*1gr@fik> pos adj. choreographically sub head choreography or choregraphically syl cho+re:o+1graph:i+cal+ly pos adv. choregraphically sub head choreography or choreographically syl cho+re:1graph:i+cal+ly pos adv. choriamb ety C19: from Late Latin choriambus, from Greek khoriambos, from khoreios trochee, of a chorus, from khoros #7chorus choriambus alt head choriamb or choriamb syl cho+ri+am+bus pron <2kori1@mb*s> pos n. choriambs infl head choriamb or choriambi syl cho+ri+ambs pron <-1@mbI> pos n. mod pl. choriambi infl head choriamb or choriambs syl cho+ri+am+bi pron <-1@mbI> pos n. mod pl. choriamb 0. or choriambus syl cho+ri+amb pron <1kori2@mb> pos n. qual Prosody. def a metrical foot used in classical verse consisting of four syllables, two short ones between two long ones (*_ *_ *v *v *_ *_ ). choriambic sub head choriamb syl cho+ri+1am+bic pos adj. choric 0. syl cho+ric pron <1korik> pos adj. def of, like, for, or in the manner of a chorus, esp. of singing, dancing, or the speaking of verse. chorion ety C16: from Greek khorion afterbirth chorion 0. syl cho+ri+on pron <1kc:ri*n> pos n. def the outer of two membranes (see also {amnion}) that form a sac around the embryonic reptile, bird, or mammal: contributes to the placenta in mammals. chorionic sub head chorion or chorial syl cho+ri+1on+ic pos adj. chorial sub head chorion or chorionic syl cho+ri:al pos adj. chorister ety C14: from Medieval Latin chorista chorister 0. syl chor+is+ter pron <1korist*> pos n. def a singer in a choir, esp. a choirboy. chorizo ety C19: Spanish chorizos infl head chorizo syl chor:i+zos. pos n. mod pl. chorizo 0. syl chor:i+zo pron pos n. def a kind of highly seasoned pork sausage of Spain or Mexico. C horizon 0. syl C ho+ri+zon pos n. def the layer of a soil profile immediately below the B horizon and above the bedrock, composed of weathered rock little affected by soil-forming processes. Chorley 0. syl Chor+ley pron <1Cc:li> pos n. def a town in NW England, in S Lancashire: cotton textiles. Pop.: 31609 (1971). chorography ety C16: via Latin from Greek kh*_orographia, from kh*_oros place, country+-#7graphy chorography 1. syl cho+rog+ra+phy pron pos n. qual Geography. def the technique of mapping regions. chorography 2. syl cho+rog+ra+phy pron pos n. qual Geography. def a description or map of a region, as opposed to a small area. chorographer sub head chorography syl cho+1rog+ra+pher pos n. chorographic sub head chorography or chorographical syl cho+ro+graph+ic pron <2kor*1gr@fik> pos adj. chorographical sub head chorography or chorographic syl cho+ro+1graph:i+cal pos adj. chorographically sub head chorography syl cho+ro+1graph:i+cal+ly pos adv. choroid ety C18: from Greek khoroeid*_es, erroneously for khori?!oeid*_es, from #7chorion chorioid alt head choroid or choroid syl cho+ri+oid pron <1kc:ri2cid> pos adj. choroid 1. or chorioid syl cho+roid pron <1kc:rcid> pos adj. def resembling the chorion, esp. in being vascular. choroid 2. or chorioid syl cho+roid pron <1kc:rcid> pos n. def the brownish vascular membrane of the eyeball between the sclera and the retina. choroid plexus 0. syl cho+roid plex+us pos n. def a multilobed vascular membrane, projecting into the cerebral ventricles, that secretes cerebrospinal fluid. chorology ety C20: from German Chorologie, from Greek choros place+-#7logy chorology 1. syl cho+rol+o:gy pron pos n. def the study of the causal relations between geographical phenomena occurring within a particular region. chorology 2. syl cho+rol+o:gy pron pos n. def the study of the spatial distribution of organisms. chortle ety C19: coined (1871) by Lewis Carroll in @6Through the Looking-glass@9; probably a blend of #7chuckle+snort chortle 1. syl chor+tle pron <1Cc:tL> pos vb. mod intr. qual Informal. def to chuckle gleefully. chortle 2. syl chor+tle pron <1Cc:tL> pos n. qual Informal. def a gleeful chuckle. chortler sub head chortle syl chor+tler pos n. chorus ety C16: from Latin, from Greek khoros choruses infl head chorus syl cho+rus:es. pos n. mod pl. chorus 1. syl cho+rus pron <1kc:r*s> pos n. def a large choir of singers or a piece of music composed for such a choir. chorus 2. syl cho+rus pron <1kc:r*s> pos n. def a body of singers or dancers who perform together, in contrast to principals or soloists. chorus 3. syl cho+rus pron <1kc:r*s> pos n. def a section of a song in which a soloist is joined by a group of singers, esp. in a recurring refrain. chorus 4. syl cho+rus pron <1kc:r*s> pos n. def an intermediate section of a pop song, blues, etc., as distinct from the verse. chorus 5. syl cho+rus pron <1kc:r*s> pos n. qual Jazz. def any of a series of variations on a theme. chorus 6.a. syl cho+rus pron <1kc:r*s> pos n. def a lyric poem sung by a group of dancers, originally as a religious rite. chorus 6.b. syl cho+rus pron <1kc:r*s> pos n. def an ode or series of odes sung by a group of actors. chorus 7.a. syl cho+rus pron <1kc:r*s> pos n. usage in classical Greek drama def the actors who sang the chorus and commented on the action of the play. chorus 7.b. syl cho+rus pron <1kc:r*s> pos n. def actors playing a similar role in any drama. chorus 8.a. syl cho+rus pron <1kc:r*s> pos n. usage esp. in Elizabethan drama def the actor who spoke the prologue, etc. chorus 8.b. syl cho+rus pron <1kc:r*s> pos n. def the part of the play spoken by this actor. chorus 9. syl cho+rus pron <1kc:r*s> pos n. def a group of people or animals producing words or sounds simultaneously. chorus 10. syl cho+rus pron <1kc:r*s> pos n. def any speech, song, or other form of utterance produced by a group of people or animals simultaneously. exam 1 a chorus of sighs; exam 2 the dawn chorus. in chorus 11. head chorus syl in chorus. def in unison. chorus 12. syl cho+rus pron <1kc:r*s> pos vb. def to speak, sing, or utter (words, sounds, etc.) in unison. chorus girl 0. syl cho+rus girl pos n. def a girl who dances or sings in the chorus of a musical comedy, revue, etc. chorusmaster 0. syl cho:rus+mas:ter pron <1kc:r*s2ma:st*> pos n. def the conductor of a choir. Chorz'ow 0. syl Chor+z*'ow pron Polish <1xcZuf> pos n. def an industrial city in SW Poland: under German administration from 1794 to 1921. Pop.: 154500 (1974 est.). German name: {K*"onigsh*"utte}. chose H1.0. syl chose pron pos vb. def the past tense of {choose}. chose ety C17: from French: thing, from Latin causa cause, case, reason chose H2.0. syl chose pron pos n. qual Law. def an article of personal property. chosen 1. syl cho+sen pron <1C*uzN> pos vb. def the past participle of {choose}. chosen 2. syl cho+sen pron <1C*uzN> pos adj. def selected or picked out, esp. for some special quality. Chosen 0. syl Cho+sen pron <1C*u1sen> pos n. def the official name for {Korea} as a Japanese province (1910-45). chosen people 0. syl cho+sen peo+ple pos n. mod pl. def any of various peoples believing themselves to be chosen by God, esp. the Jews. Chosvo n 0. syl Cho+s*vo+800118 n pron <1C*u1son> pos n. def the Korean name for {Korea}. Chota Nagpur 0. syl Cho+ta Nag+pur pron <1C*ut*> <1na:gpu*> pos n. def a plateau in E India, in Bihar state: forested, with rich mineral resources and much heavy industry; produces chiefly lac (world's leading supplier), coal (half India's total output), and mica. chott 0. syl chott pron pos n. def a variant spelling of {shott}. chou ety C18 (a bun): from French, from Latin caulis cabbage choux infl head chou syl choux pron pos n. mod pl. chou 1. syl chou pron pos n. def a type of cabbage. chou 2. syl chou pron pos n. def a rosette. chou 3. syl chou pron pos n. def a round cream bun. Chou 0. syl Chou pron pos n. def the imperial dynasty of China from about 1126 to 255 #7b.c. Chou En-lai 0. syl Chou En-lai pron <1C*u> pos n. def 1898-1976, Chinese Communist statesman; foreign minister of the People's Republic of China (1949-58) and premier (1949-76). chough ety C14: of uncertain origin; probably related to Old French cauwe, Old English c*_eo chough 1. syl chough pron pos n. def a large black passerine bird, of parts of Europe, Asia, and Africa, with a long downward-curving red bill: family (crows). alpine chough 2. head chough syl alpine chough. def a smaller related bird, with a shorter yellow bill. choux pastry ety partial translation of French p*^ate choux cabbage dough (from its round shape) choux pastry 0. syl choux pas+try pron pos n. def a very light pastry made with eggs, used for eclairs, etc. chow 1. syl chow pron pos n. qual Informal. def food. chow 2. syl chow pron pos n. def short for {{chow-chow} (sense 1)}. chow 3. syl chow pron pos n. qual Chiefly Austral. def a derogatory term for {Chinese}. chow-chow ety C19: from pidgin English, probably based on Mandarin Chinese cha miscellaneous chow-chow 1. syl chow-chow pos n. def a thick-coated breed of dog with a curled tail, originally from China. Often shortened to {chow}. chow-chow 2. syl chow-chow pos n. def a Chinese preserve of ginger, orange peel, etc. in syrup. chow-chow 3. syl chow-chow pos n. def a mixed vegetable pickle. chowder ety C18: from French chaudi*`ere kettle, from Late Latin cald*_aria; see #7cauldron chowder 0. syl chow+der pron <1Caud*> pos n. qual Chiefly U.S. def a thick soup or stew containing clams or fish. chow mein ety from Chinese (Cantonese), variant of Mandarin ch'ao mien fried noodles chow mein 0. syl chow mein pron pos n. def a Chinese-American dish, consisting of mushrooms, meat, shrimps, etc., served with fried noodles. Chr 1. syl Chr. qual abbrev. for: def Christ. Chr 2. syl Chr. qual abbrev. for: def Christian. chrematistic ety C18: from Greek, from khr*_ematizein to make money, from khr*_ema money &- @!chre+ma+#!tis+tics n. chrematistic 0. syl chre+ma+tis+tic pron <2krEm*1tistik> pos adj. def of, denoting, or relating to money-making. chresard ety C20: from Greek khr*_esis use (from khr*_esthai to use)+ ardein to water chresard 0. syl chres+ard pron <1kres*d> pos n. def the amount of water present in the soil that is available to plants. chrestomathy ety C19: from Greek khr*_estomatheia, from khr*_estos useful+ mathein to learn chrestomathies infl head chrestomathy syl chres+tom:a+thies. pos n. mod pl. chrestomathy 0. syl chres+tom:a+thy pron pos n. qual Rare. def a collection of literary passages, used in the study of language. chrestomathic sub head chrestomathy syl chres+to+math+ic pron <2krest*u1m@Tik> pos adj. Chr'etien de Troyes 0. syl Chr*'e:tien de Troyes pron French <1trwa> pos n. def 12th-century French poet, who wrote the five Arthurian romances and (??1155-??1190), the first courtly romances. chrism ety Old English crisma, from Medieval Latin, from Greek khrisma unction, from khriein to anoint chrisom alt head chrism or chrism syl chris+om pron <1kriz*m> pos n. chrism 0. or chrisom syl chrism pron <1kriz*m> pos n. def a mixture of olive oil and balsam used for sacramental anointing in the Greek Orthodox and Roman Catholic Churches. chrismal sub head chrism syl chris+mal pron <1krizm*l> pos adj. chrismatories infl head chrismatory syl chris+ma+to:ries. pos n. mod pl. chrismatory 0. syl chris+ma+to:ry pron <1krizm*t*ri>, <-tri> pos n. qual R.C. Church. def a small receptacle containing the three kinds of consecrated oil used in the sacraments. chrisom 1. syl chris+om pron <1kriz*m> pos n. qual Christianity. def a white robe put on an infant at baptism and formerly used as a burial shroud if the infant died soon afterwards. chrisom 2. syl chris+om pron <1kriz*m> pos n. qual Archaic. def an infant wearing such a robe. chrisom 3. syl chris+om pron <1kriz*m> pos n. def a variant spelling of {chrism}. Chrissie 0. syl Chris+sie pron <1krisi> pos n. qual Chiefly Austral. def a slang name for {Christmas}. Christ ety Old English Cr*_ist, from Latin Chr*_istus, from Greek khristos anointed one (from khriein to anoint), translating Hebrew m*_ash*_iah M#7essiah Christ 1. syl Christ pron pos n. def Jesus of Nazareth (Jesus Christ), regarded by Christians as fulfilling Old Testament prophecies of the Messiah. Christ 2. syl Christ pron pos n. def the Messiah or anointed one of God as the subject of Old Testament prophecies. Christ 3. syl Christ pron pos n. def an image or picture of Christ. Christ 4. syl Christ pron pos interj. qual Taboo slang. def an oath expressing annoyance, surprise, etc. Christ xref syl Christ pron pos n. def See also {Jesus}. Christly sub head Christ syl Christ+ly pos adj. Christadelphian 1. syl Chris+ta+del+phi:an pron <2krist*1delfi*n> pos n. def a member of a Christian millenarian sect founded in the U.S. about 1848, holding that only the just will enter eternal life, that the wicked will be annihilated, and that the ignorant, the unconverted, and infants will not be raised from the dead. Christadelphian 2. syl Chris+ta+del+phi:an pron <2krist*1delfi*n> pos adj. def of or relating to this body or its beliefs and practices. Christchurch 1. syl Christ+church pron <1krIst2CR:C> pos n. def the second largest city in New Zealand, on E South Island: manufacturing centre of a rich agricultural region. Pop.: 170600 (1974 est.). Christchurch 2. syl Christ+church pron <1krIst2CR:C> pos n. def a town and resort in S England, in SW Hampshire. Pop.: 31373 (1971). christcross 1.a. syl christ+cross pron <1kris2kros> pos n. def the mark of a cross formerly placed in front of the alphabet in hornbooks. christcross 1.b. syl christ+cross pron <1kris2kros> pos n. def the alphabet itself. christcross 2. syl christ+cross pron <1kris2kros> pos n. qual Archaic. def a cross used in place of a signature by someone unable to sign his name. christen ety Old English cristnian, from Cr*_ist C#7hrist christen 1. syl chris+ten pron <1krisN> pos vb. mod tr. def to give a Christian name to in baptism as a sign of incorporation into a Christian Church. christen 2. syl chris+ten pron <1krisN> pos vb. mod tr. def another word for {baptize}. christen 3. syl chris+ten pron <1krisN> pos vb. mod tr. def to give a name to anything, esp. with some ceremony. christen 4. syl chris+ten pron <1krisN> pos vb. mod tr. qual Informal. def to use for the first time. christener sub head christen syl chris+ten+er pos n. Christendom 1. syl Chris+ten+dom pron <1krisNd*m> pos n. def the collective body of Christians throughout the world or throughout history. Christendom 2. syl Chris+ten+dom pron <1krisNd*m> pos n. def an obsolete word for {Christianity}. christening 0. syl chris+ten+ing pron <1krisNiG> pos n. def the Christian sacrament of baptism or the ceremony in which this is conferred. Christhood 0. syl Christ+hood pron <1krIsthud> pos n. def the state of being the Christ, the anointed one of God. Christian H1.1.a. syl Chris+tian pron <1krisC*n> pos n. def a person who believes in and follows Jesus Christ. Christian H1.1.b. syl Chris+tian pron <1krisC*n> pos n. def a member of a Christian Church or denomination. Christian H1.2. syl Chris+tian pron <1krisC*n> pos n. qual Informal. def a person who possesses Christian virtues, esp. practical ones. Christian H1.3. syl Chris+tian pron <1krisC*n> pos adj. def of, relating to, or derived from Jesus Christ, his teachings, example, or his followers. Christian H1.4. syl Chris+tian pron <1krisC*n> pos adj. usage sometimes not cap. def exhibiting kindness or goodness. christianly sub head Christian syl 1chris+tian+ly pos adj. adv. Charlie infl head Christian syl Char:lie. pos n. Christian H2.0. syl Chris:tian pron <1krisC*n> pos n. def 1919-1942, U.S. modern-jazz guitarist. Christian X 0. syl Chris:tian X pron <1krisC*n>, Danish <1krAsdjan> pos n. def 1890-1947, king of Denmark (1912-47) and Iceland (1918-44). Christian Action 0. syl Chris+tian Ac+tion pos n. def an inter-Church movement formed in 1946 to promote Christian ideals in society at large. Christian Brothers 0. syl Chris+tian Broth+ers pos n. mod pl. qual R.C. Church. def a religious congregation of laymen founded in France in 1684 for the education of the poor. Also called: {Brothers of the Christian Schools}. Christian Era 0. syl Chris+tian E:ra pos n. def the period beginning with the year of Christ's birth. Dates in this era are labelled #7a.d., those previous to it #7b.c. Also called: {Common Era}. Christiania 1. syl Chris+ti:a+ni:a pron <2kristi1a:ni*> pos n. def a former name (1624-1877) of {Oslo}. Christiania 2.a. syl Chris+ti:a+ni:a pron <2kristi1a:ni*> pos n. def Also called: {Christy, Christie}. a turn in which the body is swung sharply round with the skis parallel, originating in Norway and used for stopping, slowing down, or changing direction quickly. Christiania 2.b. syl Chris+ti:a+ni:a pron <2kristi1a:ni*> pos n. qual Skateboarding. def a manoeuvre in which the rider crouches down, puts one leg out at right angles, and puts his arms out on either side. Christianity 1. syl Chris+ti+an+i:ty pron <2kristi1@niti> pos n. def the Christian religion. Christianity 2. syl Chris+ti+an+i:ty pron <2kristi1@niti> pos n. def Christian beliefs, practices or attitudes. Christianity 3. syl Chris+ti+an+i:ty pron <2kristi1@niti> pos n. def a less common word for {Christendom}. Christianise alt head Christianize or Christianize syl Chris+tian+ise pron <1krisC*2nIz> pos vb. Christianize 1. or Christianise syl Chris+tian+ize pron <1krisC*2nIz> pos vb. mod tr. def to make Christian or convert to Christianity. Christianize 2. or Christianise syl Chris+tian+ize pron <1krisC*2nIz> pos vb. mod tr. def to imbue with Christian principles, spirit, or outlook. Christianize 3. or Christianise syl Chris+tian+ize pron <1krisC*2nIz> pos vb. mod intr. qual Rare. def to become Christian. Christianization sub head Christianize or Christianisation syl Chris+tian:i+1za+tion pos n. Christianisation sub head Christianize or Christianization syl Chris+tian:i+1sa+tion pos n. Christianizer sub head Christianize or Christianiser syl Chris+tian+2iz+er pos n. Christianiser sub head Christianize or Christianizer syl Chris+tian+1is+er pos n. Christian name 0. syl Chris+tian name pos n. qual Brit. def a personal or given name. It is formally given to Christians at christening. Compare {surname}. Christiansand 0. syl Chris+tian+sand pron <1krisC*n2s@nd>, Norwegian <2kristjan1san> pos n. def a variant spelling of {Kristiansand}. Christian Science 0. syl Chris+tian Sci+ence pos n. def the religious system and teaching of the Church of Christ, Scientist. It was founded by Mary Baker Eddy (1866) and emphasizes spiritual healing and the unreality of matter. &- {#!Chris+tian #!Sci+en+tist} Agatha (Mary Clarissa) 1. head Christie syl Ag:a:tha (Mary Clarissa) . def 1891-1976, English author of detective stories, many featuring Hercule Poirot: also several plays, including (1952). John Reginald Halliday 2. head Christie syl John Reg:i:nald Hal:li:day. def 1898-1953, English murderer. His trial influenced legislation regarding the death penalty after he was found guilty of a murder for which Timothy Evans had been hanged. Christina 0. syl Chris:ti:na pron pos n. def 1626-89, queen of Sweden (1632-54), daughter of Gustavus Adolphus, noted particularly for her patronage of literature. Christlike 0. syl Christ+like pron <1krIst2lIk> pos adj. def resembling or showing the spirit of Jesus Christ. Christlikeness sub head Christlike syl Christ+2like:ness pos n. Christmas ety Old English Cr*_istes m@asse M#7ass of C#7hrist Christmas 1.a. syl Christ+mas pron <1krism*s> pos n. def the annual commemoration by Christians of the birth of Jesus Christ on Dec. 25. Christmas 1.b. syl Christ+mas pron <1krism*s> pos n. def Also called: {Christmas Day}. Dec. 25, observed as a day of secular celebrations when gifts and greetings are exchanged. Christmas 1.c. syl Christ+mas pron <1krism*s> pos n. usage as modifier def . exam 1 Christmas celebrations. Christmas 2. syl Christ+mas pron <1krism*s> pos n. def Also called: {Christmas Day}. (in England, Wales and Ireland) Dec. 25, one of the four quarter days. Compare {Lady Day, Midsummer Day, Michaelmas}. Christmas 3. syl Christ+mas pron <1krism*s> pos n. def Also called: {Christ@.mas+tide}. the period of celebrations extending from Dec. 24 to the feast of the Epiphany on Jan. 6. Christmas beetle 0. syl Christ+mas bee+tle pos n. def any of various greenish-gold Australian scarab beetles of the genus which are common in summer. Christmas box 0. syl Christ+mas box pos n. def a tip or present given at Christmas, esp. to postmen, tradesmen, etc. Christmas cactus 0. syl Christ+mas cac+tus pos n. def a Brazilian cactus, widely cultivated as an ornamental for its showy red flowers. Also called: {crab cactus}. Christmas card 0. syl Christ+mas card pos n. def a greeting card sent at Christmas. Christmas Eve 0. syl Christ+mas Eve pos n. def the evening or the whole day before Christmas Day. Christmas Island 1. syl Christ+mas Is+land pos n. def an island in the central Pacific, in the Line Islands: the largest atoll in the world. Pop.: 367 (1968). Area: 359 sq. km (139 sq. miles). Christmas Island 2. syl Christ+mas Is+land pos n. def an island in the Indian Ocean, south of Java: administered by Singapore (1900-58), now by Australia; phosphate-mining. Pop.: 2691 (1971). Area: 135 sq. km (52 sq. miles). Christmas pudding 0. syl Christ+mas pud+ding pos n. qual Brit. def a rich steamed pudding containing suet, dried fruit, spices, brandy, etc., served at Christmas. Also called: {plum pudding}. Christmas rose 0. syl Christ+mas rose pos n. def an evergreen ranunculaceous plant, of S Europe and W Asia, with white or pinkish winter-blooming flowers. Also called: {hellebore, winter rose}. Christmas stocking 0. syl Christ+mas stock+ing pos n. def a stocking hung up by children on Christmas Eve for Santa Claus to fill with presents. Christmastide 0. syl Christ:mas+tide pron <1krism*s2tId> pos n. def the season of Christmas, extending from Dec. 24 (Christmas Eve) to Jan. 6 (the festival of the Epiphany or Twelfth Night). Christmas tree 1. syl Christ+mas tree pos n. def an evergreen tree or an imitation of one, decorated as part of Christmas celebrations. Christmas tree 2. syl Christ+mas tree pos n. def Also called (Austral.): {Christmas bush}. any of various trees or shrubs flowering at Christmas and used for decoration. Christo- 0. syl Christ:o- usage combining form. def indicating or relating to Christ. exam 1 Christology. Boris infl head Christoff syl Bo:ris. pos n. Christoff 0. syl Chris:toff pron <1kristof> pos n. def born 1919, Bulgarian bass-baritone, noted esp. for his performance in the title role of Mussorgsky's Christology 0. syl Chris+tol+o:gy pron , pos n. def the branch of theology concerned with the person, attributes, and deeds of Christ. Christological sub head Christology syl Chris+to+log:i+cal pron <2krist*1loJikL> pos adj. Christologist sub head Christology syl Chris+1tol+o:gist pos n. Henri infl head Christophe syl Hen:ri pron pos n. Christophe 0. syl Chris:tophe pron French pos n. def 1767-1820, Haitian revolutionary leader; king of Haiti (1811-20). Saint infl head Christopher syl Saint. pos n. Christopher 0. syl Chris:to:pher pron <1krist*f*> pos n. def 3rd century #7a.d., Christian martyr; patron saint of travellers. Feast day: July 25. Christ's-thorn 0. syl Christ's-thorn pos n. def any of several plants of SW Asia, such as and the jujube, that have thorny stems and are popularly believed to have been used for Christ's Crown of Thorns. Christies infl head Christy syl Chris+ties. pos n. mod pl. Christy 0. syl Chris+ty pron <1kristi> pos n. def short for {{Christiania} (sense 2)}. chroma ety C19: from Greek khr*_oma colour chroma 0. syl chro+ma pron <1kr*um*> pos n. def the attribute of a colour that enables an observer to judge how much chromatic colour it contains irrespective of achromatic colour present. See also {{saturation} (sense 4)}. chromate 0. syl chro+mate pron <1kr*umAt> pos n. def any salt or ester of chromic acid. Simple chromate salts contain the divalent ion, CrO%2@b\4%#-#800119 , and are orange. chromatic ety C17: from Greek khr*_omatikos, from khr*_oma colour chromatic 1. syl chro+mat+ic pron pos adj. def of, relating to, or characterized by a colour or colours. chromatic 2.a. syl chro+mat+ic pron pos adj. def involving the sharpening or flattening of notes or the use of such notes in chords and harmonic progressions. chromatic 2.b. syl chro+mat+ic pron pos adj. def of or relating to the chromatic scale or an instrument capable of producing it. exam 1 a chromatic harmonica. chromatic 2.c. syl chro+mat+ic pron pos adj. def of or relating to chromaticism. Compare {diatonic}. chromatically sub head chromatic syl chro+1mat:i+cal+ly pos adv. chromatic aberration 0. syl chro+mat+ic ab+er+ra+tion pos n. def a defect in a lens system characterized by the formation of images with coloured fringes and caused by the variation of the refractive index with the wavelength of light. chromatic colour 0. syl chro+mat+ic col+our pos n. qual Physics. def a more formal term for { {colour} (sense 2)}. chromaticity 0. syl chro+ma+tic+i:ty pron <2kr*um*1tisiti> pos n. def the quality of a colour or light with reference to its purity and its dominant wavelength. chromaticity coordinates 0. syl chro+ma+tic+i:ty co+or+di+nates pos n. mod pl. qual Physics. def three numbers used to specify a colour, each of which is equal to one of the three tristimulus values divided by the sum of these values. Symbols. exam 1 x, y, z chromaticity diagram 0. syl chro+ma+tic+i:ty di:a+gram pos n. qual Physics. def a diagram in which values of two chromaticity coordinates are marked on a pair of rectangular axes, a point in the plane of these axes representing the chromaticity of any colour. chromaticness 0. syl chro+mat+ic+ness pron pos n. qual Physics. def the attribute of colour that involves both hue and saturation. chromatology alt head chromatics or chromatics syl chro+ma+tol+o:gy pron <2kr*um*?!1tol*Ji> pos n. mod functioning as; sing. chromatics 0. or chromatology syl chro+mat+ics pron pos n. mod functioning as; sing. def the science of colour. chromatist sub head chromatics or chromatologist syl chro+ma+tist pron <1kr*um*tist> pos n. chromatologist sub head chromatics or chromatist syl chro+ma+1tol:o+gist pos n. chromatic scale 0. syl chro+mat+ic scale pos n. def a twelve-note scale including all the semitones of the octave. chromatid 0. syl chro+ma+tid pron <1kr*um*tid> pos n. def either of the two strands into which a chromosome divides during mitosis. They separate to form daughter chromosomes at anaphase. chromatin 0. syl chro+ma+tin pron <1kr*um*tin> pos n. qual Cytology. def the part of the nucleus that consists of DNA, RNA, and proteins, forms the chromosomes, and stains with basic dyes. See also {euchromatin, heterochromatin}. chromatinic sub head chromatin syl chro+ma+1tin+ic pos adj. chromatoid sub head chromatin syl chro+ma+2toid pos adj. chromato- ety from Greek khr*_oma, khr*_omat- colour chromato- 1. syl chro:ma:to- usage before a vowel def indicating colour or coloured. exam 1 chromatophore. chromato- 2. syl chro:ma:to- usage before a vowel def indicating chromatin. exam 1 chromatolysis. chromatogram 1. syl chro+ma+to+gram pron <1kr*um*t*2gr@m>, pos n. def a column or strip of material containing constituents of a mixture separated by chromatography. chromatogram 2. syl chro+ma+to+gram pron <1kr*um*t*2gr@m>, pos n. def a graph showing the quantity of a substance leaving a chromatography column as a function of time. chromatography 0. syl chro+ma+tog+ra+phy pron <2kr*um*1togr*fi> pos n. def the technique of separating and analysing the components of a mixture of liquids or gases by selective adsorption in a column of powder ({column chromatography}) or on a strip of paper ({paper chromatography) }. See also {gas chromatography}. chromatographer sub head chromatography syl chro+ma+1tog+ra+pher pos n. chromatographic sub head chromatography syl chro+ma+to+graph+ic pron <2kr*um*t*1gr@fik> pos adj. chromatographically sub head chromatography syl chro+ma+to+1graph:i+cal+ly pos adv. chromatology 0. syl chro+ma+tol+o:gy pron <2kr*um*1tol*Ji> pos n. def another name for {chromatics}. chromatolysis 0. syl chro+ma+tol:y+sis pron <2kr*um*1tolisis> pos n. qual Cytology. def the dissolution of chromatin in injured cells. chromatophore 1. syl chro+ma+to+phore pron <1kr*um*t*2fc:> pos n. def a cell in the skin of frogs, chameleons, etc., in which pigment is concentrated or dispersed, causing the animal to change colour. chromatophore 2. syl chro+ma+to+phore pron <1kr*um*t*2fc:> pos n. def another name for {chromoplast}. chromatophoric sub head chromatophore or chromatophorous syl chro+ma+to+1phor+ic pron <2kr*um*1tof*r*s> pos adj. chromatophorous sub head chromatophore or chromatophoric syl chro+ma+toph+or+ous pron <2kr*um*1tof*r*s> pos adj. chrome ety C19: via French from Greek khr*_oma colour chrome 1.a. syl chrome pron pos n. def another word for {chromium}, esp. when present in a pigment or dye. chrome 1.b. syl chrome pron pos n. usage as modifier exam 1 a chrome dye. chrome 2. syl chrome pron pos n. def anything plated with chromium, such as fittings on a car body. chrome 3. syl chrome pron pos n. def a pigment or dye that contains chromium. chrome 4. syl chrome pron pos vb. def to plate or be plated with chromium, usually by electroplating. chrome 5. syl chrome pron pos vb. def to treat or be treated with a chromium compound, as in dyeing or tanning. -chrome ety from Greek khr*_oma colour -chrome 0. syl -chrome pos n. usage and adj. combining form. def colour, coloured, or pigment. exam 1 monochrome. chrome alum 0. syl chrome al:um pos n. def a violet-red crystalline substance, used as a mordant in dyeing. Formula: KCr(SO\4)\2.12H\2O. chrome green 1. syl chrome green pos n. def any green pigment made by mixing lead chromate with Prussian blue. chrome green 2. syl chrome green pos n. def any green pigment containing chromic oxide. chrome red 0. syl chrome red pos n. def any red pigment used in paints, consisting of a mixture of lead chromate and lead oxide; basic lead chromate. chrome steel 0. syl chrome steel pos n. def any of various hard rust-resistant steels containing chromium. Also called: {chromium steel}. chrome yellow 0. syl chrome yel+low pos n. def any yellow pigment consisting of lead chromate mixed with lead sulphate. chromic 1. syl chro+mic pron <1kr*umik> pos adj. def of or containing chromium in the trivalent state. chromic 2. syl chro+mic pron <1kr*umik> pos adj. def of or derived from chromic acid. chromic acid 0. syl chro+mic ac:id pos n. def an unstable dibasic oxidizing acid known only in solution and in the form of chromate salts. Formula: H\2CrO\4. chrominance ety C20: from #7chromo -#7+luminance chrominance 0. syl chro+mi+nance pron <1kr*umin*ns> pos n. def the quality of light that causes the sensation of colour. It is determined by comparison with a reference source of the same brightness and of known chroma?!ticity. chromite 1. syl chro+mite pron <1kr*umIt> pos n. def a brownish-black mineral consisting of a ferrous chromic oxide in cubic crystalline form, occurring principally in basic igneous rocks: the only commercial source of chromium and its compounds. Formula: FeCr\2O\4. chromite 2. syl chro+mite pron <1kr*umIt> pos n. def a salt of chromous acid. chromium ety C19: from New Latin, from French: #7chrome chromium 0. syl chro+mi:um pron <1kr*umi*m> pos n. def a hard grey metallic element that takes a high polish, occurring principally in chromite: used in steel alloys and electroplating to increase hardness and corrosion-resistance. Symbol: Cr; atomic no.: 24; atomic wt.: 51.996; valency: 2, 3, or 6; relative density: 7.19; melting pt.: 1890?%C; boiling pt.: 2482?%C. chromium steel 0. syl chro+mi:um steel pos n. def another name for {chrome steel}. chromos infl head chromo syl chro+mos. pos n. mod pl. chromo 0. syl chro+mo pron <1kr*um*u> pos n. def short for {chromolithograph}. chromo- ety from Greek khr*_oma colour chromo- 1. syl chro:mo- usage before a vowel def indicating colour, coloured, or pigment. exam 1 chromogen. chromo- 2. syl chro:mo- usage before a vowel def indicating chromium. exam 1 chromyl. chromogen 1. syl chro+mo+gen pron <1kr*um*J*n> pos n. def a compound that forms coloured compounds on oxidation. chromogen 2. syl chro+mo+gen pron <1kr*um*J*n> pos n. def a substance that can be converted to a dye. chromogen 3. syl chro+mo+gen pron <1kr*um*J*n> pos n. def a bacterium that produces a pigment. chromogenic 1. syl chro+mo+gen+ic pron <2kr*um*1Jenik> pos adj. def producing colour. chromogenic 2. syl chro+mo+gen+ic pron <2kr*um*1Jenik> pos adj. def of or relating to a chromogen. chromolithograph 0. syl chro+mo+lith:o+graph pron <2kr*um*u1liT*2gra:f> pos n. def a picture produced by chromolithography. chromolithography 0. syl chro+mo+li+thog+ra+phy pron <2kr*um*uli1Togr*fi> pos n. def the process of making coloured prints by lithography. chromolithographer sub head chromolithography syl chro+mo+li+1thog+ra+pher pos n. chromolithographic sub head chromolithography syl chro+mo+lith:o+graph+ic pron <2kr*um*u2liT*1gr@fik> pos adj. chromomere 0. syl chro+mo+mere pron <1kr*um*2mi*> pos n. qual Cytology. def any of the dense areas of chromatin along the length of a chromosome during the early stages of cell division. chromonema ety C20: from #7chromo -#7+ Greek n*_ema thread, yarn chromonemata infl head chromonema syl chro+mo+ne:ma+ta pron <-m*t*> pos n. mod pl. chromonema 1. syl chro+mo+ne:ma pron <2kr*um*1nEm*> pos n. qual Cytol?!ogy. def the coiled mass of threads within a nucleus at cell division. chromonema 2. syl chro+mo+ne:ma pron <2kr*um*1nEm*> pos n. qual Cytol?!ogy. def a coiled chromatin thread within a single chromo?!some. chromonemal sub head chromonema syl chro+mo+1ne:mal pron <2kr*um*uni1m@tik> pos adj. chromonematic sub head chromonema or chromonemic syl chro+mo+ne:mat+ic pron <2kr*um*uni1m@tik> pos adj. chromonemic sub head chromonema or chromonematic syl chro+mo+1ne:mic pos adj. chromophore 0. syl chro+mo+phore pron <1kr*um*2fc:> pos n. def a group of atoms in a chemical compound that are responsible for the colour of the compound. chromophoric sub head chromophore or chromophorous syl chro+mo+1phor+ic pos adj. chromophorous sub head chromophore or chromophoric syl chro+mo+1phor+ous pos adj. chromoplast 0. syl chro+mo+plast pron <1kr*um*2pl@st> pos n. def a coloured plastid in a plant cell, esp. one containing carotenoids. chromoprotein 0. syl chro+mo+pro+tein pron <2kr*um*u1pr*utEn> pos n. def any of a group of conjugated proteins, such as haemoglobin, in which the protein is joined to a coloured group, usually a metallic porphyrin. chromosome 0. syl chro+mo+some pron <1kr*um*2s*um> pos n. def any of the microscopic rod-shaped structures that appear in a cell nucleus during cell division, consisting of nucleoprotein arranged into units (genes) that are responsible for the transmission of hereditary characteristics. See also {homologous chromosomes}. chromosomal sub head chromosome syl chro+mo+1so+mal pos adj. chromosomally sub head chromosome syl chro+mo+1so+mal+ly pos adv. chromosome number 0. syl chro+mo+some num+ber pos n. def the number of chromosomes present in each somatic cell, which is constant for any one species of plant or animal. In the reproductive cells this number is halved. See also {{diploid} (sense 1)}, {haploid}. chromosphere 0. syl chro+mo+sphere pron <1kr*um*2sfi*> pos n. def a gaseous layer of the sun's atmosphere extending from the photosphere to the corona and visible during a total eclipse of the sun. chromospheric sub head chromosphere syl chro+mo+spher+ic pron <2kr*um*1sferik> pos adj. chromous 0. syl chro+mous pron <1kr*um*s> pos adj. def of or containing chromium in the divalent state. chromyl 0. syl chro+myl pron <1kr*um*l> pos n. usage modifier def of, consisting of, or containing the divalent radical CrO\2. chronol alt head chron or chron syl chronol. chron 1. or chronol syl chron. qual abbrev. for: def chronological. chron 2. or chronol syl chron. qual abbrev. for: def chronol?!ogy. Chron 0. syl Chron. qual Bible. abbrev. for def Chronicles. chronaxie ety C20: from French, from #7chrono -#7+ Greek axia worth, from axios worthy, of equal weight chronaxy alt head chronaxie or chronaxie syl chro+nax:y pron <1kr*un@ksi> pos n. chronaxie 0. or chronaxy syl chro+nax:ie pron <1kr*un@ksi> pos n. qual Physiol. def the minimum time required for excitation of a nerve or muscle when the stimulus is double the minimum (threshold) necessary to elicit a basic response. Compare {rheobase}. chronic ety C15: from Latin chronicus relating to time, from Greek khronikos, from khronos time chronic 1. syl chron+ic pron <1kronik> pos adj. def continuing for a long time; constantly recurring. chronic 2. syl chron+ic pron <1kronik> pos adj. usage of a disease def developing slowly, or of long duration. Compare {{acute} (sense 7)}. chronic 3. syl chron+ic pron <1kronik> pos adj. def inveterate; habitual. exam 1 a chronic smoker. chronic 4.a. syl chron+ic pron <1kronik> pos adj. def very bad. exam 1 the play was chronic. chronic 4.b. syl chron+ic pron <1kronik> pos adj. def very serious. exam 1 he left her in a chronic condition. chronically sub head chronic syl chron:i+cal+ly pos adv. chronicity sub head chronic syl chro+nic+i:ty pron pos n. chronicle ety C14: from Anglo-French cronicle, via Latin chronica (pl.), from Greek khronika annals, from khronikos relating to time; see #7chronic chronicle 1. syl chron:i+cle pron <1kronikL> pos n. def a record or register of events in chronological order. chronicle 2. syl chron:i+cle pron <1kronikL> pos vb. mod tr. def to record in or as if in a chronicle. chronicler sub head chronicle syl chron:i+cler pos n. chronicle play 0. syl chron:i+cle play pos n. def a drama based on a historical subject. Chronicles 0. syl Chron:i+cles pron <1kronikLz> pos n. def either of two historical books ({I} and {II Chronicles}) of the Old Testament. chrono- ety from Greek khronos time chronobiology 0. syl chron:o+bi+ol+o:gy pron <2kron*bI1ol*Ji>, <2kr*un*-> pos n. def the branch of biology concerned with the periodicity occurring in living organisms. See also {biological clock, circadian}. chronogram 1. syl chron:o+gram pron <1kron*2gr@m>, <1kr*un*-> pos n. def a phrase or inscription in which letters such as M, C, X, L and V can be read as Roman@T numerals@T giving@T a@T date. chron 2. head chronogram syl chron: def a@T record @T kept@T by@T a chronograph. chronogrammatic sub head chronogram or chronogrammatical syl chron:o+gram+mat+ic pron <2kron*ugr*1m@tik> pos adj. chronogrammatical sub head chronogram or chronogrammatic syl chron:o+gram+1mat:i+cal pos adj. chronogrammatically sub head chronogram syl chron:o+gram+1mat:i+cal+ly pos adv. chronograph 0. syl chron:o+graph pron <1kron*2gra:f>, <-2gr@f>, <1kr*un*-> pos n. def an accurate instrument for recording small intervals of time. chronographer sub head chronograph syl chro+nog+ra+pher pron pos n. chronographic sub head chronograph syl chron:o+graph+ic pron <2kron*1gr@fik> pos adj. chronographically sub head chronograph syl chron:o+1graph:i+cal+ly pos adv. chronologic alt head chronological or chronological syl chron:o+log+ic pos adj. chronological 1. or chronologic syl chron:o+log:i+cal pron <2kron*1loJikL>, <2kr*u-> pos adj. usage esp. of a sequence of events def arranged in order of occurrence. chronological 2. or chronologic syl chron:o+log:i+cal pron <2kron*1loJikL>, <2kr*u-> pos adj. def relating to or in accordance with chronology. chronologically sub head chronological syl chron:o+1log:i+cal+ly pos adv. chronologies infl head chronology syl chro+nol+o:gies. pos n. mod pl. chronology 1. syl chro+nol+o:gy pron pos n. def the determination of the proper sequence of past events. chronology 2. syl chro+nol+o:gy pron pos n. def the arrangement of dates, events, etc., in order of occurrence. chronology 3. syl chro+nol+o:gy pron pos n. def a table or list of events arranged in order of occurrence. chronologist sub head chronology syl chro+1nol:o+gist pos n. chronometer 0. syl chro+nom+e:ter pron pos n. def a timepiece designed to be accurate in all conditions of temperature, pressure, etc., used esp. at sea. chronometric sub head chronometer or chronometrical syl chron:o+met+ric pron <2kron*1metrik> pos adj. chronometrical sub head chronometer or chronometric syl chron:o+1met+ri+cal pos adj. chronometrically sub head chronometer syl chron:o+1met+ri+cal+ly pos adv. chronometry 0. syl chro+nom+e:try pron pos n. def the science or technique of measuring time with extreme accuracy. chronon 0. syl chro+non pron <1kr*unon> pos n. def a unit of time equal to the time that a photon would take to traverse the diameter of an electron: about 10%#-%2%4 seconds. chronoscope 0. syl chron:o+scope pron <1kron*2sk*up>, <1kr*un*-> pos n. def an instrument that registers@T small@T intervals@T of@T time @T on@T a@T dial, @T cathode-ray tube, etc. chronoscopic sub head chronoscope syl chron:o+scop+ic pron <2kron*1skopik>, <2kr*un*-> pos adj. chronoscopically sub head chronoscope syl chron:o+1scop:i+cal+ly pos adv. -chroous ety from Greek khr*_os skin, complexion, colour -chroic alt head -chroous or -chroous syl -chro:ic pos adj. -chroous 0. or -chroic syl -chro:ous pos adj. usage combining form. def coloured in a specified way. exam 1 isochroous. chrysalid 1. syl chrys:a+lid pron <1kris*lid> pos n. def another name for {chrysalis}. chrysalid 2. syl chrys:a+lid pron <1kris*lid> pos adj. usage also def of or relating to a chrysalis. chrysalis ety C17: from Latin chr*_ysallis, from Greek khrusallis, from khrusos gold, of Semitic origin; compare Hebrew har*_uz gold chrysalises infl head chrysalis or chrysalides syl chrys:a+lis:es pron pos n. mod pl. chrysalides infl head chrysalis or chrysalises syl chry+sal:i+des pron pos n. mod pl. chrysalis 1. syl chrys:a+lis pron <1kris*lis> pos n. def the obtect pupa of a moth or butterfly. chrysalis 2. syl chrys:a+lis pron <1kris*lis> pos n. def anything in the process of developing. chrysanthemum ety C16: from Latin: marigold, from Greek khrusanthemon, from khrusos gold+ anthemon flower chrysanthemum 1. syl chry+san+the:mum pron pos n. def any widely cultivated plant of the genus esp. of China, having brightly coloured showy flower heads: family (composites). chrysanthemum 2. syl chry+san+the:mum pron pos n. def any other plant of the genus such as oxeye daisy. chrysarobin ety C20: from #7chryso - (referring to its golden colour)+#7araroba+ -#7in chrysarobin 0. syl chrys:a+ro+bin pron <2kris*1r*ubin> pos n. def a tasteless odourless powder containing anthraquinone derivatives of araroba, formerly used medicinally to treat chronic skin conditions. chryselephantine ety C19: from Greek khruselephantinos, from khrusos gold+ elephas ivory; see #7elephant chryselephantine 0. syl chrys+el+e:phan+tine pron <2kriseli1f@ntin> pos adj. usage of ancient Greek statues, etc. def made or overlaid with gold and ivory. chryso- ety from Greek khrusos gold chrysoberyl 0. syl chrys:o+ber+yl pron <1kris*2beril> pos n. def a rare very hard greenish-yellow mineral consisting of beryllium aluminate in orthorhombic crystalline form and occurring in coarse granite: used as a gemstone in the form of cat's eye and alexandrite. Formula: BeAl\2O\4. chrysolite 0. syl chrys:o+lite pron <1kris*2lIt> pos n. def a brown or yellowish-green olivine consisting of magnesium iron silicate: used as a gemstone (see {peridot}) . Formula: (Mg,Fe)\2SiO\4. chrysolitic sub head chrysolite syl chrys:o+lit+ic pron <2kris*1lit?!ik> pos adj. chrysoprase ety C13 crisopace, from Old French, from Latin chr*_ysoprasus, from Greek khrusoprasos, from #7chryso -#7+ prason leek chrysoprase 0. syl chrys:o+prase pron <1kris*2prAz> pos n. def an apple-green variety of chalcedony: a gemstone. Chrysostom 0. syl Chrys:os:tom pron <1kris*st*m> pos n. def Saint {John}. ??345-407 #7a.d., Greek patriarch; archbishop of Constantinople (398-404). Feast day: Jan. 27. chrysotile ety C20: from #7chryso -#7+ Greek tilos something plucked, shred, thread, from tillein to pluck chrysotile 0. syl chrys:o+tile pron <1kris*til> pos n. def a green, grey, or white fibrous mineral, a variety of serpentine, that is an important source of commercial asbestos. Formula: Mg\3Si\2O\5(OH)\4. chs 0. syl chs. qual abbrev. for def chapters. chthonian ety C19: from Greek khthonios in or under the earth, from khth*_on earth chthonic alt head chthonian or chthonian syl chtho+nic pron <1Tonik> pos adj. chthonian 0. or chthonic syl chtho+ni:an pron <1T*uni*n> pos adj. def of or relating to the underworld. chub ety C15: of unknown origin chubs alt head chub or chub syl chubs. pos n. mod pl. chub 1. or chubs syl chub pron pos n. mod pl. def a common European freshwater cyprinid game fish, (or having a cylindrical dark-greenish body. chub 2. or chubs syl chub pron pos n. mod pl. def any of various North American fishes, esp. certain whitefishes and minnows. Chubb 0. syl Chubb pron pos n. qual Trademark. def a type of patent lock containing a device that sets the bolt immovably if the lock is picked. chubby ety C17: perhaps from #7chub, with reference to the plump shape of the fish chubbier infl head chubby syl chub+bi+er pos adj. chubbiest infl head chubby syl chub+bi+est. pos adj. chubby 0. syl chub+by pron <1C^bi> pos adj. usage esp. of the human form def plump and round. chubbiness sub head chubby syl chub+bi+ness pos n. Chu Kiang alt head Chu Chiang or Chu Chiang syl Chu Kiang pron <1Cu:> <1kj@G>, pos n. Chu Chiang 0. or Chu Kiang syl Chu Chiang pron <1Cu:> <1kj@G>, pos n. def a river in SE China, in S Kwantung, flowing southeast from Kwangchow to the South China Sea. Length: about 177 km (110 miles). Also called: {Canton River, Pearl River}. chuck ety C16: of unknown origin chuck H1.1. syl chuck pron pos vb. mod mainly; tr. qual Informal. def to throw. chuck H1.2. syl chuck pron pos vb. mod mainly; tr. def to pat affection?!ately, esp. under the chin. chuck H1.3. syl chuck pron pos vb. mod mainly; tr. usage Informal. sometimes foll. by in or up def to give up; reject. exam 1 he chucked up his job; exam 2 she chucked her boyfriend. chuck H1.4. syl chuck pron pos vb. mod intr. usage Slang, chiefly U.S. usually foll. by up def to vomit. chuck H1.5. syl chuck pron pos n. mod mainly; tr. def a throw or toss. chuck H1.6. syl chuck pron pos n. mod mainly; tr. def a playful pat under the chin. the chuck 7. head chuck syl the chuck. qual Informal. def dismissal. {~} See also {chuck in, chuck out}. chuck ety C17: variant of #7chock chuck H2.1. syl chuck pron pos n. def Also called: {chuck steak}. a cut of beef extending from the neck to the shoulder blade. chuck H2.2. syl chuck pron pos n. def a device that holds a workpiece in a lathe or tool in a drill, having a number of adjustable jaws geared to move in unison to centralize the workpiece or tool. chuck ety C14 chukken to cluck, of imitative origin chuck H3.1. syl chuck pron pos vb. mod intr. def a less common word for {{cluck} (sense 2)}. chuck H3.2. syl chuck pron pos n. def a clucking sound. chuck H3.3. syl chuck pron pos n. qual Archaic. def a term of endearment. chuck ety C19: from Chinook Jargon, from Nootka chauk chuck H4.1. syl chuck pron pos n. qual Canadian W coast. def a large body of water. chuck H4.2. syl chuck pron pos n. qual Canadian W coast. def short for {saltchuck} (the sea). chuck-full 0. syl chuck-full pos adj. def a less common spelling of {chock-full}. infl head chuck in syl ~ pos vb. adv. mod intr. qual Austral. informal. chuck in 1. syl chuck in pos vb. adv. mod intr. def to contribute to the cost of something. {~} chuck in 2. syl chuck in pos vb. adv. mod intr. def such a contribution. chuckle ety C16: probably from #7chuck %3 chuckle 1. syl chuck+le pron <1C^kL> pos vb. mod intr. def to laugh softly or to oneself. chuckle 2. syl chuck+le pron <1C^kL> pos vb. mod intr. usage of animals, esp. hens def to make a clucking sound. chuckle 3. syl chuck+le pron <1C^kL> pos n. mod intr. def a partly suppressed laugh. chuckler sub head chuckle syl chuck+ler pos n. chucklingly sub head chuckle syl chuck+ling+ly pos adv. chucklehead 0. syl chuck:le+head pron <1C^kL2hed> pos n. qual Informal. def a stupid person; blockhead; dolt. chuckleheaded sub head chucklehead syl chuck:le+2head:ed pos adj. chuckleheadedness sub head chucklehead syl chuck:le+2head:ed+ness pos n. chuck out 0. syl chuck out pos vb. adv. mod tr. qual Informal. usage often foll. by of def to eject forcibly (from); throw out (of). exam 1 he was chucked out of the lobby. chuck wagon ety C19: perhaps from #7chuck %2 (beef, food) chuck wagon 0. syl chuck wag+on pos n. def a wagon carrying provisions and cooking utensils for men, such as cowboys, who work in the open. chuckwalla ety from Mexican Spanish chacahuala, from Shoshonean tcaxxwal chuckwalla 0. syl chuck+wal+la pron <1C^k2wol*> pos n. def a lizard, that has an inflatable body and inhabits desert regions of the southwestern U.S.: family (iguanas). chuck-will's-widow 0. syl chuck-will's-wid:ow pos n. def a large North American nightjar, similar to the whippoorwill. chuddar ety from Hindi caddar, from Persian chaddar chudder infl head chuddar or chuddah syl chud+der pron <1C^d*> pos n. chuddah infl head chuddar or chudder syl chud+dah pos n. chuddar 0. syl chud+dar pron <1C^d*> pos n. def a large Indian shawl. Chudskoye Ozero 0. syl Chud+sko+ye O:ze:ro pron Russian <1Cutsk*ji> <1czir*> pos n. def the Russian name for Lake {Peipus}. chufa ety C19: from Old Spanish: a morsel, joke, from chufar to joke, from chuflar to deride, ultimately from Latin s*_ibil*_are to whistle chufa 0. syl chu+fa pron <1Cu:f*> pos n. def a sedge, of warm regions of the Old World, with nutlike edible tubers. chuff ety C15: of unknown origin chuff H1.1. syl chuff pron pos n. def a puffing sound of or as if of a steam engine. chuff H1.2. syl chuff pron pos vb. mod intr. def to move while emitting such sounds. exam 1 the train chuffed on its way. chuff ety C17: from obsolete chuff (n.) fat cheek, of obscure origin chuff H2.0. syl chuff pron pos n. qual Brit. dialect. def a boor; churl; sullen fellow. chuff ety probably from chuff (adj.) pleased, happy (earlier: chubby), from C16 chuff (obsolete n.) a fat cheek, of unknown origin chuff H3.0. syl chuff pron pos vb. mod tr. qual Brit. slang. usage usually passive def to please or delight. exam 1 he was chuffed by his pay rise. chuffie alt head chuffy or chuffy syl chuf+fie pron <1C^fi> pos adj. chuffier infl head chuffy syl chuf+fi+er pos adj. chuffiest infl head chuffy syl chuf+fi+est. pos adj. chuffy 1. or chuffie syl chuf+fy pron <1C^fi> pos adj. qual Scot. or Brit. dialect. def plump or chubby. chuffy 2. or chuffie syl chuf+fy pron <1C^fi> pos adj. qual Brit. dialect. def surly. chug ety C19: of imitative origin chug 1. syl chug pron pos n. def a short dull sound, esp. one that is rapidly repeated, such as that made by an engine. chugs infl head chug syl chugs pos vb. chugging infl head chug syl chug+ging pos vb. chugged infl head chug syl chugged. pos vb. chug 2. syl chug pron pos vb. mod intr. usage of an engine, etc. def to operate while making such sounds. chukar ety from Hindi cakor, from Sanskrit cakora, probably of imitative origin chukar 0. syl chu+kar pron pos n. def a common partridge, (or having red legs and bill and a black-barred sandy plumage. Chukchi Peninsula 0. syl Chuk+chi Pen+in+su+la pron <1CukCi> pos n. def a peninsula in the extreme NE Soviet Union, in NE Siberia: mainly tundra. Also called: {Chu+kots Peninsula} (#!t#s$uk$Ats). Chukchi Sea 0. syl Chuk+chi Sea pron <1CukCi> pos n. def part of the Arctic Ocean, north of the Bering Strait between Asia and North America. Russian name: {Chu+kot+sko+ye Mo@.re} (t#su#!k@$tsk$$ji #!m@$rji). Also called: {Chu+kots Sea} (#!t#s$uk$Ats). Chu Kiang 0. syl Chu Kiang pron <1Cu:> <1kj@G>, pos n. def a variant spelling of {Chu Chiang}. chukka boot ety C19: from #7chukker chukka alt head chukka boot or chukka boot syl chuk+ka pos n. chukka boot 0. or chukka syl chuk+ka boot pron <1C^k*> pos n. def an ankle-high boot made of suede or rubber and worn for playing polo. chukker ety C20: from Hindi cakkar, from Sanskrit cakra wheel, circle chukka alt head chukker or chukker syl chuk+ka pron <1C^k*> pos n. chukker 0. or chukka syl chuk+ker pron <1C^k*> pos n. qual Polo. def a period of continuous play, generally lasting 7@2#800120 minutes. chum ety C17 (meaning: a person sharing rooms with another): probably shortened from chamber fellow, originally student slang (Oxford); compare #7crony chum H1.1. syl chum pron pos n. qual Informal. def a close friend. chums infl head chum syl chums pos vb. chumming infl head chum syl chum+ming pos vb. chummed infl head chum syl chummed. pos vb. chum H1.2. syl chum pron pos vb. mod intr. usage usually foll. by up with def to be or become an intimate friend (of). chum H1.3. syl chum pron pos vb. mod tr. qual Edinburgh dialect. def to accompany. exam 1 I'll chum you home. chum ety C19: origin uncertain chum H2.0. syl chum pron pos n. qual Angling, chiefly U.S. def chopped fish, meal, etc., used as groundbait. chum ety from Chinook Jargon tsum spots, marks, from Chinook chum H3.0. syl chum pron pos n. def a Pacific salmon, chummier infl head chummy syl chum+mi+er pos adj. chummiest infl head chummy syl chum+mi+est. pos adj. chummy 0. syl chum+my pron <1C^mi> pos adj. qual Informal. def friendly. chummily sub head chummy syl chum+mi+ly pos adv. chumminess sub head chummy syl chum+mi+ness pos n. chump ety C18: perhaps a blend of #7chunk and #7lump chump H1.1. syl chump pron pos n. qual Informal. def a stupid person. chump H1.2. syl chump pron pos n. def a thick heavy block of wood. chump H1.3.a. syl chump pron pos n. def the thick blunt end of anything, esp. of a piece of meat. chump H1.3.b. syl chump pron pos n. usage as modifier exam 1 a chump chop. chump H1.4. syl chump pron pos n. qual Brit. slang. def the head (esp. in the phrase {off one's chump) }. chump H2.0. syl chump pron pos vb. def a less common word for {chomp}. chumping ety from #7chump %1 (sense 2) chumping 0. syl chump+ing pron <1C^mpiG> pos n. qual Yorkshire dialect. def collecting wood for bonfires on Guy Fawkes Day. chunder ety C20: of uncertain origin infl head chunder syl ~ pos vb. mod intr. qual Slang, chiefly Austral. chunder 1. syl chun+der pron <1C^nd*> pos vb. mod intr. def to vomit. {~} chunder 2. syl chun+der pron <1C^nd*> pos vb. mod intr. def vomit. chunderous 0. syl chun+der+ous pron <1C^nd*r*s> pos adj. qual Austral. slang. def nauseating. Ch'ung-ch'ing alt head Chungking or Chungking syl Ch'ung-ch'ing pron <1CuG1CiG>, <1C^G-> pos n. Chungking 0. or Ch'ung-ch'ing syl Chung+king pron <1CuG1kiG>, <1C^G-> pos n. def a port in SW China, in Szechwan province at the confluence of the Yangtze and Chialing rivers: site of a city since the 3rd millennium #7b.c. ; wartime capital of China (1938-45); major trade centre for W China. Pop.: 2400000 (1970 est.). Also called: {Pahsien}. chunk ety C17: variant of #7chuck %2 chunk 1. syl chunk pron pos n. def a thick solid piece, as of meat, wood, etc. chunk 2. syl chunk pron pos n. def a considerable amount. chunkier infl head chunky syl chunk:i+er pos adj. chunkiest infl head chunky syl chunk:i+est. pos adj. chunky 1. syl chunk:y pron <1C^Gki> pos adj. def thick and short. chunky 2. syl chunk:y pron <1C^Gki> pos adj. def consisting of or containing thick pieces. exam 1 chunky dog food. chunky 3. syl chunk:y pron <1C^Gki> pos adj. usage Chiefly Brit. of clothes, esp. knitwear def made of thick bulky material. chunkily sub head chunky syl chunk:i+ly pos adv. chunkiness sub head chunky syl chunk:i+ness pos n. Chunnel ety C20: from #7ch (#7annel) #7+ (#7t) #7unnel Chunnel 0. syl Chun+nel pron <1C^nL> pos n. qual Informal. def a proposed tunnel to be built under the English Channel, linking England and France. chunter ety C16: probably of imitative origin chunter 0. syl chun+ter pron <1C^nt*> pos vb. mod intr. qual Brit. informal. def to mutter or grumble. chupatty alt head chupatti or chupatti syl chu+patt:y pron , <-1p^ti>, <-1pa:ti> pos n. chupatti 0. or chupatty syl chu+patt:i pron , <-1p^ti>, <-1pa:ti> pos n. def variant spellings of {chapatti}. chuppah 0. syl chup+pah pron <1xup*> pos n. def a variant spelling of {huppah}. Chur 0. syl Chur pron German pos n. def a city in E Switzerland, capital of Grisons canton. Pop.: 31193 (1970). Ancient name: {Curia Rhaetorum}. French name: {Coire}. church ety Old English cirice, from Late Greek kurikon, from Greek kuriakon (d*_oma) the Lord's (house), from kuriakos of the master, from kurios master, from kuros power church 1. syl church pron pos n. def a building designed for public forms of worship, esp. Christian worship. church 2. syl church pron pos n. def an occasion of public worship. church 3. syl church pron pos n. def the clergy as distinguished from the laity. church 4. syl church pron pos n. usage usually cap. def institutionalized forms of religion as a political or social force. exam 1 conflict between Church and State. church 5. syl church pron pos n. usage usually cap. def the collective body of all Christians. church 6. syl church pron pos n. usage often cap. def a particular Christian denomination or group of Christian believers. church 7. syl church pron pos n. usage often cap. def the Christian religion. church 8. syl church pron pos n. usage in Britain def the practices or doctrines of the Church of England and similar denominations. Compare {{chapel} (sense 4b)}. Related adj.: {ecclesiastical}. church 9. syl church pron pos vb. mod tr. qual Church of England. def to bring (someone, esp. a woman after childbirth) to church for special ceremonies. church 10. syl church pron pos vb. mod tr. qual U.S. def to impose church discipline upon. Church Army 0. syl Church Ar:my pos n. def a voluntary Anglican organization founded in 1882 to assist the parish clergy. Church Commissioners 0. syl Church Com+mis+sion+ers pos n. mod pl. qual Brit. def a group of representatives of Church and State that administers the endowments and property of the Church of England. churchgoer 1. syl church+go:er pron <1CR:C2g*u*> pos n. def a person who attends church regularly. churchgoer 2. syl church+go:er pron <1CR:C2g*u*> pos n. def an adherent of an established Church in contrast to a Nonconformist. churchgoing sub head churchgoer syl church+2go:ing pos n. Churchill H1.1. syl Church+ill pron <1CR:Cil> pos n. def a river in E Canada, rising in SE Labrador and flowing north and southeast over Churchill Falls, then east to the Atlantic. Length: about 1000 km (600 miles). Former name: {Hamilton River}. Churchill H1.2. syl Church+ill pron <1CR:Cil> pos n. def a river in central Canada, rising in NW Saskatchewan and flowing east through several lakes to Hudson Bay at the town of Churchill. Length: about 1600 km (1000 miles). Churchill H1.3. syl Church+ill pron <1CR:Cil> pos n. def a town in Canada, in N Manitoba on Hudson Bay: an important port for shipping grain from the Prairies. Pop.: 1604 (1971). John 1. head Churchill syl John. def See (1st Duke of) {Marlborough}. Churchill H2.2. syl Church:ill pron <1CR:Cil> pos n. def Lord {Ran@.dolph}. 1849-95, British Conservative politician: secretary of state for India (1885-86) and chancellor of the Exchequer and leader of the House of Commons (1886). Churchill H2.3. syl Church:ill pron <1CR:Cil> pos n. def his son, Sir {Win@.ston (Leonard Spencer) }. 1874-1965, British Conservative statesman, orator, and writer, noted for his leadership during World War II. He held various posts under both Conservative and Liberal governments, including 1st Lord of the Admiralty (1911-15), before becoming prime minister (1940-45; 1951-55). His writings include (1923-29), (1933-38), (1948-54), and (1956-58): Nobel prize for literature 1953. Churchill Falls 0. syl Church+ill Falls pos n. mod pl. def a waterfall in E Canada, in SW Labrador on the Churchill River: site of one of the largest hydroelectric power projects in the world. Height: 73 m (245 ft.). Former name: {Grand Falls}. church key 0. syl church key pos n. qual U.S. def a device with a triangular point at one end for making holes in the tops of cans. churchly 0. syl church+ly pron <1CR:Cli> pos adj. def appropriate to, associated with, or suggestive of church life and customs. churchliness sub head churchly syl church+li+ness pos n. churchmen infl head churchman syl church+men. pos n. mod pl. churchman 1. syl church+man pron <1CR:Cm*n> pos n. def a clergyman. churchman 2. syl church+man pron <1CR:Cm*n> pos n. def a male practising member of a church. churchmanly sub head churchman syl church+man+ly pos adj. churchmanship sub head churchman syl church+man+2ship pos n. Scientist infl head Church of Christ syl Sci+en+tist pos n. Church of Christ 0. syl Church of Christ pos n. def the official name for the {Christian Scientists}. Church of England 0. syl Church of Eng+land pos n. def the reformed established state Church in England, Catholic in order and basic doctrine, with the Sovereign as its temporal head. Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints 0. syl Church of Je:sus Christ of Lat:ter-Day Saints pos n. def the official name for the {Mormon Church}. Church of Rome 0. syl Church of Rome pos n. def another name for the {Roman Catholic Church }. Church of Scotland 0. syl Church of Scot+land pos n. def the established church in Scotland, Calvinist in doctrine and Presbyterian in constitution. Church Slavic alt head Church Slavonic or Church Slavonic syl Church Slav+ic pos n. Church Slavonic 0. or Church Slavic syl Church Sla+von+ic pos n. def Old Church Slavonic, esp. as preserved in the liturgical use of the Orthodox church. church text 0. syl church text pos n. def a heavy typeface in Gothic style. churchwarden 1. syl church+ward:en pron <2CR:C1wc:dN> pos n. qual Church of England, Episcopal Church. def one of two assistants of a parish priest who administer the secular affairs of the church. churchwarden 2. syl church+ward:en pron <2CR:C1wc:dN> pos n. def a long-stemmed tobacco pipe made of clay. churchwomen infl head churchwoman syl church+wom:en. pos n. mod pl. churchwoman 0. syl church+wom:an pron <1CR:C2wum*n> pos n. def a female practising member of a church. churchier infl head churchy syl church:i+er pos adj. churchiest infl head churchy syl church:i+est. pos adj. churchy 1. syl church:y pron <1CR:Ci> pos adj. def like a church, church service, etc. churchy 2. syl church:y pron <1CR:Ci> pos adj. def excessively religious. churchyard 0. syl church+yard pron <1CR:C2ja:d> pos n. def the grounds surrounding a church, usually used as a graveyard. churidars ety from Hindi churidars 0. syl chu+ri+dars pron <1Cu:ri2da:z> pos n. mod pl. def long tight-fitting trousers, worn by Indian men and women. Also called: {churidar pyjamas}. churinga ety from a native Australian language churinga infl or churingas syl chu+rin+ga pos n. mod pl. churingas infl head churinga or churinga syl chu+rin+gas. pos n. mod pl. churinga 0. syl chu+rin+ga pron pos n. def a sacred amulet of the Australian Aborigines. churl ety Old English ceorl; related to Old Norse karl, Middle Low German kerle, Greek ger*_on old man churl 1. syl churl pron pos n. def a surly ill-bred person. churl 2. syl churl pron pos n. def a farm labourer. churl 3. syl churl pron pos n. def a variant spelling of {ceorl}. churl 4. syl churl pron pos n. def a miserly person. churlish 1. syl churl+ish pron <1CR:liS> pos adj. def rude or surly. churlish 2. syl churl+ish pron <1CR:liS> pos adj. def of or relating to peasants. churlish 3. syl churl+ish pron <1CR:liS> pos adj. def miserly. churlish 4. syl churl+ish pron <1CR:liS> pos adj. qual Rare. def difficult to work or manage. churlishly sub head churlish syl churl+ish+ly pos adv. churlishness sub head churlish syl churl+ish+ness pos n. churn ety Old English ciern; related to Old Norse kjarni, Middle Low German kerne churn, German dialect Kern cream churn 1. syl churn pron pos n. qual Brit. def a large container for milk. churn 2. syl churn pron pos n. def a vessel or machine in which cream or whole milk is vigorously agitated to produce butter. churn 3. syl churn pron pos n. def any similar device. churn 4.a. syl churn pron pos vb. def to stir or agitate (milk or cream) in order to make butter. churn 4.b. syl churn pron pos vb. def to make (butter) by this process. churn 5. syl churn pron pos vb. usage sometimes foll. by up def to move or cause to move with agitation. exam 1 ideas churned in his head. churner sub head churn syl churn+er pos n. churning 1. syl churn+ing pron <1CR:niG> pos n. def the quantity of butter churned at any one time. churning 2.a. syl churn+ing pron <1CR:niG> pos n. def the act, process, or effect of someone or something that churns. churning 2.b. syl churn+ing pron <1CR:niG> pos n. usage as modifier exam 1 a churning stomach. churn out 1. syl churn out pos vb. adv. mod tr. qual Informal. def to produce (something) at a rapid rate. exam 1 to churn out ideas. churn out 2. syl churn out pos vb. adv. mod tr. qual Informal. def to perform (something) mechanically. exam 1 to churn out a song. churr 0. syl churr pron pos vb. n. def a variant spelling of {chirr}. churrigueresque ety C19: from Spanish churrigueresco in the style of Jos*'e Churriguera (1650-1725), Spanish architect and sculptor churrigueresco alt head churrigueresque or churrigueresque syl chur+ri+gue:res+co pos adj. churrigueresque 0. or churrigueresco syl chur+ri+gue:resque pron <2Cu*rig*1resk> pos adj. def of or relating to a style of baroque architecture of Spain in the late 17th and early 18th centuries. chute ety C19: from Old French cheoite, feminine past participle of cheoir to fall, from Latin cadere; in some senses, a variant spelling of #7shoot chute H1.1. syl chute pron pos n. def an inclined channel or vertical passage down which water, parcels, coal, etc., may be dropped. chute H1.2. syl chute pron pos n. def a steep slope, used as a slide as for toboggans. chute H1.3. syl chute pron pos n. def a slide into a swimming pool. chute H1.4. syl chute pron pos n. def a narrow passageway through which animals file for branding, spraying, etc. chute H1.5. syl chute pron pos n. def a rapid or waterfall. chute H2.0. syl chute pron pos n. vb. vb. qual Informal. def short for {parachute}. chutist sub head chute syl chut+ist pos n. Chu Teh 0. syl Chu Teh pron <1Cu:> <1tA> pos n. def 1886-1976, Chinese military leader and politician; he became commander in chief of the Red Army (1931) and was chairman of the Standing Committee of the National People's Congress of the People's Republic of China (1959-76). chutney ety C19: from Hindi catni, of uncertain origin chutney 0. syl chut+ney pron <1C^tni> pos n. def a pickle of Indian origin, made from fruit, vinegar, spices, sugar, etc.. exam 1 mango chutney. chuttie ety C20: perhaps from the phrase chew it chutty alt head chuttie or chuttie syl chut+ty pron <1C^ti> pos n. chutties infl head chuttie syl chut+ties. pos n. mod pl. chuttie 0. or chutty syl chut+tie pron <1C^ti> pos n. qual Austral. informal. def chewing gum. chutzpah ety C20: from Yiddish chutzpah alt or chutzpah syl chutz+pah pron <1xutsp*> pos n. chutzpah 0. or chutzpah syl chutz+pah pron <1xutsp*> pos n. qual U.S. informal. def shameless audacity; impudence. Chuvash infl or Chuvashes syl Chu+vash pos n. mod pl. Chuvashes infl head Chuvash or Chuvash syl Chu+vash:es pos n. mod pl. Chuvash 1. syl Chu+vash pron pos n. def a member of a Mongoloid people of the Soviet Union, living chiefly in the middle Volga region. Chuvash 2. syl Chu+vash pron pos n. def the language of this people, belonging to the Turkic branch of the Altaic family. Chuvash Autonomous Soviet Socialist Republic 0. syl Chu+vash Au:ton:o+mous So+vi+et So+cial+ist Re+pub+lic pos n. def an administrative division of the W central Soviet Union, in the middle Volga valley: generally low and undulating, with large areas of forest. Capital: Cheboksary. Pop.: 1223675 (1970). Area: 18300 sq. km (7064 sq. miles). chyack 0. syl chy+ack pron <1CI@k> pos vb. def a variant spelling of {chiack}. chyle ety C17: from Late Latin ch*_ylus, from Greek khulos juice pressed from a plant; related to Greek khein to pour chyle 0. syl chyle pron pos n. def a milky fluid composed of lymph and emulsified fat globules, formed in the small intestine during digestion. chylaceous sub head chyle or chylous syl chy+la+ceous pron pos adj. chylous sub head chyle or chylaceous syl chy+lous pos adj. chyme ety C17: from Late Latin ch*_ymus, from Greek khumos juice; compare #7chyle chyme 0. syl chyme pron pos n. def the thick fluid mass of partially digested food that leaves the stomach. chymous sub head chyme syl chy+mous pos adj. chymosin ety C20: from #7chyme+ -#7ose %2#7+ -#7in chymosin 0. syl chy+mo+sin pron <1kIm*sin> pos n. def another name for {rennin}. chymotrypsin ety C20: from #7chyme+tripsyn chymotrypsin 0. syl chy+mo+tryp+sin pron <2kIm*u1tripsin> pos n. def a powerful proteolytic enzyme secreted from the pancreas in the form of chymo?!trypsinogen, being converted to the active form by trypsin. chymotrypsinogen ety C20: from #7chymotrypsin+ -#7gen chymotrypsinogen 0. syl chy+mo+tryp+sin:o+gen pron <2kIm*utrip1sin*Jin> pos n. def the inactive precursor of chymotrypsin. chypre ety literally: Cyprus, where it perhaps originated chypre 0. syl chypre pron French. <1Sipr> pos n. def a perfume made from sandalwood. Ci 0. syl Ci qual abbrev. for def curie. CI 0. syl CI usage international car registration for def Ivory Coast. CI 0. syl C.I. qual abbrev. for def Channel Islands. CIA 0. syl C.I.A. qual abbrev. for def Central Intelligence Agency; a federal U.S. bureau created in 1947 to coordinate and conduct espionage and intelligence activities. ciao 0. syl ciao pron Italian. pos interj. def an informal word for {hello} or {goodbye}. Colley infl head Cibber syl Col:ley pron <1koli> pos n. Cibber 0. syl Cib:ber pron <1sib*> pos n. def 1671-1757, English actor and dramatist; poet laureate (1730-57). ciborium ety C17: from Medieval Latin, from Latin: drinking cup, from Greek kib*_orion cup-shaped seed vessel of the Egyptian lotus, hence, a cup ciboria infl head ciborium syl ci+bo+ri:a pron <-ri*> pos n. mod pl. ciborium 1. syl ci+bo+ri:um pron pos n. qual Christianity. def a goblet-shaped lidded vessel used to hold consecrated wafers in Holy Communion. ciborium 2. syl ci+bo+ri:um pron pos n. qual Christianity. def a freestanding canopy fixed over an altar and supported by four pillars. cicada ety C19: from Latin cicala alt head cicada or cicada syl ci+ca+la pron <-dE> pos n. cicadas infl head cicada or cicalas syl ci+ca+das pron <-dE> pos n. mod pl. cicadae infl head cicada or cicale syl ci+ca+dae pron <-dE> pos n. mod pl. cicalas infl head cicada or cicadas syl ci+ca+las pron <-le> pos n. mod pl. cicale infl head cicada or cicadae syl ci+ca+le pron <-le> pos n. mod pl. cicada 0. or cicala syl ci+ca+da pron pos n. def any large broad insect of the homopterous family most common in warm regions. Cicadas have membranous wings and the males produce a high-pitched drone by vibration of a pair of drumlike abdominal organs. cicala ety C19: from Italian, from Latin: #7cicada cicalas infl head cicala or cicale syl ci+ca+las pron <-le> pos n. mod pl. cicale infl head cicala or cicalas syl ci+ca+le pron <-le> pos n. mod pl. cicala 0. syl ci+ca+la pron , Italian pos n. def another name for {cicada}. cicatricle ety C17: from Latin cic*_atr*_icula a little scar, from #7cicatrix cicatricle 1. syl cic:a+tric+le pron <1sik*2trikL> pos n. qual Zoology. def the blastoderm in the egg of a bird. cicatricle 2. syl cic:a+tric+le pron <1sik*2trikL> pos n. qual Biology. def any small scar or mark. cicatrix ety C17: from Latin: scar, of obscure origin cicatrices infl head cicatrix syl cic:a+tri+ces pron <2sik*1trIsEz> pos n. mod pl. cicatrix 1. syl cic:a+trix pron <1sik*triks> pos n. def the tissue that forms in a wound during healing; scar. cicatrix 2. syl cic:a+trix pron <1sik*triks> pos n. def a scar on a plant indicating the former point of attachment of a part, esp. a leaf. cicatricial sub head cicatrix syl cic:a+tri+cial pron <2sik*1triS*l> pos adj. cicatricose sub head cicatrix syl ci+cat+ri+cose pron , <1sik*-> pos adj. cicatrise alt head cicatrize or cicatrize syl cic:a+trise pron <1sik*2trIz> pos vb. cicatrize 0. or cicatrise syl cic:a+trize pron <1sik*2trIz> pos vb. usage of a wound or defect in tissue def to be closed by scar formation; heal. cicatrizant sub head cicatrize or cicatrisant syl cic:a+1tri+zant pos adj. cicatrisant sub head cicatrize or cicatrizant syl cic:a+1tri+sant pos adj. cicatrization sub head cicatrize or cicatrisation syl cic:a+tri+1za+tion pos n. cicatrisation sub head cicatrize or cicatrization syl cic:a+tri+1sa+tion pos n. cicatrizer sub head cicatrize or cicatriser syl cic:a+2triz+er pos n. cicatriser sub head cicatrize or cicatrizer syl cic:a+2tris+er pos n. cicely ety C16: from Latin seselis, from Greek, of obscure origin; influenced in spelling by the English proper name Cicely cicelies infl head cicely syl cic+e:lies. pos n. mod pl. cicely 0. syl cic+e:ly pron <1sis*li> pos n. def short for {sweet cicely}. cicero ety C19: from its first being used in a 15th-century edition of C#7icero ciceros infl head cicero syl cic+e:ros. pos n. mod pl. cicero 0. syl cic+e:ro pron <1sis*2r*u> pos n. def a measure for type that is somewhat larger than the pica. Marcus Tullius infl head Cicero syl Mar:cus Tul:li:us pron <1ma:k*s> <1t^li*s> pos n. Cicero 0. syl Cic:e:ro pron <1sis*2r*u> pos n. def 106-43 #7b.c., Roman consul, orator, and writer. He foiled Catiline's conspiracy (63) and was killed by Mark Antony's agents after he denounced Antony in the His writings are regarded as a model of Latin prose. Formerly known in English as {Tully}. cicerone ety C18: from Italian: antiquarian scholar, guide, after C#7icero, alluding to the eloquence and erudition of these men cicerones infl head cicerone or ciceroni syl cic+e:ro+nes pron <-ni> pos n. mod pl. ciceroni infl head cicerone or cicerones syl cic+e:ro+ni pron <-ni> pos n. mod pl. cicerone 0. syl cic+e:ro+ne pron <2sis*1r*uni>, <2CiC-> pos n. def a person who conducts and informs sightseers. Ciceronian 1. syl Cic+e:ro+ni:an pron <2sis*1r*uni*n> pos adj. def of or resembling Cicero or his rhetorical style; eloquent. Ciceronian 2. syl Cic+e:ro+ni:an pron <2sis*1r*uni*n> pos adj. usage of literary style def characterized by the use of antithesis and long periods. cichlid ety C19: from New Latin Cichlidae, ultimately from Greek kikhl*_e a sea fish cichlid 1. syl cich+lid pron <1siklid> pos n. def any tropical freshwater percoid fish of the family which includes the mouthbrooders. Cichlids are popular aquarium fishes. cichlid 2. syl cich+lid pron <1siklid> pos adj. def of, relating to, or belonging to the cichloid sub head cichlid syl cich+loid pos adj. cicisbei infl head cicisbeo syl ci+cis+be:i pron <-1be:i> pos n. mod pl. cicisbeo 0. syl ci+cis+be:o pron Italian. <2CiCiz1be:o> pos n. def the escort or lover of a married woman, esp. in 18th-century Italy. El infl head Cid or the syl El pos n. the infl head Cid or El syl the. pos n. Cid 0. syl Cid pron , Spanish pos n. def original name ??1043-99, Spanish soldier and hero of the wars against the Moors. CID 0. syl C.I.D. pos n. qual abbrev. for usage in Britain def Criminal Investigation Department; the detective division of a police force. -cide ety from Latin -c*_ida (agent), -c*_idium (act), from caedere to kill -cide 0. syl -cide pos n. exam 1 combining form. -cide 1. syl -cide pos n. def indicating a person or thing that kills. exam 1 insecticide. -cide 2. syl -cide pos n. def indicating a killing; murder. exam 1 homicide. -cidal sub head -cide syl -ci:dal pos adj. cider ety C14: from Old French cisdre, via Medieval Latin, from Late Greek sikera strong drink, from Hebrew sh*_ekh*_ar cyder alt head cider or cider syl cy+der pron <1sId*> pos n. cider 1. or cyder syl ci+der pron <1sId*> pos n. def Also called (U.S.): {hard cider}. an alcoholic drink made from the fermented juice of apples. cider 2. or cyder syl ci+der pron <1sId*> pos n. def Also called: {sweet cider}. an unfermented drink made from apple juice. ci-devant ety literally: heretofore ci-devant 0. syl ci-de:vant pron French. pos adj. usage esp. of an officeholder def former; recent. CIE 0. syl C.I.E. qual abbrev. for usage formerly def Companion of the Indian Empire. Cienfuegos 0. syl Cien+fue+gos pron Spanish pos n. def a port in S Cuba, on {Cienfuegos Bay}. Pop.: 85200 (1970). CIF alt head cif or cif syl C.I.F. cif 0. or CIF syl c.i.f. qual abbrev. for def cost, insurance, and freight (included in the price quoted). ciggy alt head cig or cig syl cig+gy pron <1sigi> pos n. cigs infl head cig or ciggies syl cigs pos n. mod pl. ciggies infl head cig or cigs syl cig+gies. pos n. mod pl. cig 0. or ciggy syl cig pron pos n. qual Informal. def a cigarette. cigar ety C18: from Spanish cigarro, perhaps from Mayan sicar to smoke cigar 0. syl ci+gar pron pos n. def a cylindrical roll of cured tobacco leaves, for smoking. cigarette ety C19: from French, literally: a little #7cigar cigaret alt head cigarette or cigarette syl cig:a+ret pron <2sig*1ret> pos n. qual U.S. (sometimes cigarette 0. or cigaret syl cig:a+rette pron <2sig*1ret> pos n. def a short tightly rolled cylinder of tobacco, wrapped in thin paper and often having a filter tip, for smoking. Shortened forms: {cig, ciggy}. cigarette card 0. syl cig:a+rette card pos n. def a small picture card, formerly given away with cigarettes, now collected as a hobby. cigarette end 0. syl cig:a+rette end pos n. def the part of a cigarette that is held in the mouth and that remains unsmoked after it is finished. cigarette holder 0. syl cig:a+rette hold+er pos n. def a mouthpiece of wood, ivory, etc., used for holding a cigarette while it is smoked. cigarette lighter 0. syl cig:a+rette light+er pos n. def See {lighter} %1. cigarette paper 0. syl cig:a+rette pa+per pos n. def a piece of thin paper rolled around tobacco to form a cigarette. cigarillos infl head cigarillo syl cig:a+ril+los. pos n. mod pl. cigarillo 0. syl cig:a+ril+lo pron <2sig*1ril*u> pos n. def a small cigar, often only slightly larger than a cigarette. CIGS 0. syl C.I.G.S. qual abbrev. for usage in Britain, formerly def Chief of the Imperial General Staff. cilia 0. syl cil:i:a pron <1sili*> pos n. def the plural of {cilium}. ciliary 1. syl cil:i+ar:y pron <1sili*ri> pos adj. def of or relating to cilia. ciliary 2. syl cil:i+ar:y pron <1sili*ri> pos adj. def of or relating to the ciliary body. ciliary body 0. syl cil:i+ar:y bod:y pos n. def the part of the vascular tunic of the eye that connects the choroid with the iris. ciliate 1. syl cil:i+ate pron <1siliit>, <-At> pos adj. def Also: {cil@.i+at+ed}. possessing or relating to cilia. exam 1 a ciliate epithelium. ciliate 2. syl cil:i+ate pron <1siliit>, <-At> pos adj. def of or relating to protozoans of the subclass which have an outer layer of cilia. ciliate 3. syl cil:i+ate pron <1siliit>, <-At> pos n. def a protozoan of the subclass ciliation sub head ciliate syl cil:i+1a:tion pos n. cilice ety Old English cilic, from Latin cilicium shirt made of Cilician goats' hair, from Greek kilikion, from Kilikia C#7ilicia cilice 0. syl cil+ice pron <1silis> pos n. def a haircloth fabric or garment. Cilicia 0. syl Ci+li+ci:a pron pos n. def an ancient region and former kingdom of SE Asia Minor, between the Taurus Mountains and the Mediterranean: corresponds to the region around present-day Adana. Cilician sub head Cilicia syl Ci+1li+ci:an pos adj. n. Cilician Gates 0. syl Ci+li+ci:an Gates pos n. mod pl. def a pass in S Turkey, over the Taurus Mountains. Turkish name: {G*"ulek Bogaz}. ciliolate ety C19: from New Latin ciliolum, diminutive of #7cilium ciliolate 0. syl cil:i:o+late pron <1sili*lit>, <-2lAt> pos adj. def covered with minute hairs, as some plants. cilium ety C18: New Latin, from Latin: (lower) eyelid, eyelash cilia infl head cilium syl cil:i:a pron <1sili*> pos n. mod pl. cilium 1. syl cil+i:um pron <1sili*m> pos n. def any of the short threads projecting from the surface of a cell, organism, etc., whose rhythmic beating causes movement of the organism or of the surrounding fluid. cilium 2. syl cil+i:um pron <1sili*m> pos n. def the technical name for {eyelash}. Giovanni infl head Cimabue syl Gio:van:ni pron pos n. Cimabue 0. syl Ci:ma:bu:e pron Italian <2Cima1bu:A> pos n. def ??1240-??1302, Italian painter of the Florentine school, who anticipated the movement, led by Giotto, away from the Byzantine tradition in art towards a greater naturalism. cimbalom ety C19: Hungarian, from Italian cembalo; see #7cembalo cymbalom alt head cimbalom or cimbalom syl cym+ba+lom pron <1tsimb*l*m> pos n. cimbalom 0. or cymbalom syl cim+ba+lom pron <1tsimb*l*m> pos n. def a type of dulcimer, esp. of Hungary. See {{dulcimer} (sense 1)}. Cimbri 0. syl Cim+bri pron <1simbrE>, <1kim-> pos n. mod pl. def a Germanic people from N Jutland who migrated southwards in the 2nd century #7b.c. : annihilated by Marius in the Po valley (101 #7b.c.) #7. Cimbrian sub head Cimbri syl Cim+bri:an pron <1simbri*n> pos n. adj. Cimbric sub head Cimbri syl Cim+bric pos adj. cimex ety C16: from Latin: bug cimices infl head cimex syl cim:i+ces pron <1simi2sEz> pos n. mod pl. cimex 0. syl ci+mex pron <1sImeks> pos n. def any of the heteropterous insects of the genus esp. the bedbug. Cimmerian 1. syl Cim+me+ri:an pron pos adj. usage sometimes not cap. def very dark; gloomy. Cimmerian 2. syl Cim+me+ri:an pron pos n. qual Greek myth. def one of a people who lived in a land of darkness at the edge of the world. Cimon 0. syl Ci:mon pron <1sIm*n> pos n. def died 449 #7b.c., Athenian military and naval commander: defeated the Persians at Eurymedon (??466). C in C-in-C alt head C in C or C in C syl C in C.-in-C. C in C 0. or C in C-in-C syl C in C qual Military. abbrev. for def Commander in Chief. cinch ety C19: from Spanish cincha saddle girth, from Latin cingula girdle, from cingere to encircle cinch H1.1. syl cinch pron pos n. qual Slang. def an easy task. cinch H1.2. syl cinch pron pos n. qual Slang. def a certainty. cinch H1.3. syl cinch pron pos n. def a U.S. name for {{girth} (sense 3)}. cinch H1.4. syl cinch pron pos n. qual U.S. informal. def a firm grip. cinch H1.5. syl cinch pron pos vb. qual U.S. usage often foll. by up def to fasten a girth around (a horse). cinch H1.6. syl cinch pron pos vb. mod tr. qual Informal. def to make sure of. cinch H1.7. syl cinch pron pos vb. mod tr. qual Informal, chiefly U.S. def to get a firm grip on. cinch ety C19: probably from #7cinch %1 cinch H2.0. syl cinch pron pos n. def a card game in which the five of trumps ranks highest. cinchona ety C18: New Latin, named after the Countess of Chinch*'on (1576-1639), vicereine of Peru cinchona 1. syl cin+cho+na pron pos n. def any tree or shrub of the South American rubiaceous genus esp. having medicinal bark. cinchona 2. syl cin+cho+na pron pos n. def Also called: {cinchona bark, Peruvian bark, calisaya, china bark}. the dried bark of any of these trees, which yields quinine and other medicinal alkaloids. cinchona 3. syl cin+cho+na pron pos n. def any of the drugs derived from cinchona bark. cinchonic sub head cinchona syl cin+chon+ic pron pos adj. cinchonidine 0. syl cin+chon:i+dine pron pos n. def an alkaloid that is a stereoisomer of cinchonine, with similar properties and uses. cinchonine 0. syl cin+cho+nine pron <1siGk*2nEn> pos n. def an insoluble crystalline alkaloid isolated from cinchona bark and used as a substitute for quinine. Formula: C\1\9H\2\2N\2O. cinchonism 0. syl cin+chon+ism pron <1siGk*2niz*m> pos n. def a condition resulting from an excessive dose of cinchona bark or its alkaloids, characterized chiefly by headache, ringing in the ears, and vomiting. cinchonise alt head cinchonize or cinchonize syl cin+cho+nise pron <1siGk*2nIz> pos vb. mod tr. cinchonize 0. or cinchonise syl cin+cho+nize pron <1siGk*2nIz> pos vb. mod tr. def to treat (a patient) with cinchona or one of its alkaloids, esp. quinine. cinchonization sub head cinchonize or cinchonisation syl cin+cho+ni+1za+tion pos n. cinchonisation sub head cinchonize or cinchonization syl cin+cho+ni+1sa+tion pos n. Cincinnati 0. syl Cin+cin+nat:i pron <2sinsi1n@ti> pos n. def a city in SW Ohio, on the Ohio River. Pop.: 426245 (1973 est.). Lucius Quinctius infl head Cincinnatus syl Lu:ci:us Quinc:ti:us pron <1lu:si*s> <1kwiGkti*s> pos n. Cincinnatus 0. syl Cin:cin:na:tus pron <2sinsi1na:t*s> pos n. def ??519-438 #7b.c., Roman general and statesman, regarded as a model of simple virtue; dictator of Rome during two crises (458; 439), retiring to his farm after each one. cincture ety C16: from Latin cinct*_ura, from cingere to gird cincture 0. syl cinc+ture pron <1siGkC*> pos n. def something that encircles or surrounds, esp. a belt, girdle, or border. cinder ety Old English sinder; related to Old Norse sindr, Old High German sintar, Old Slavonic sedra stalactite cinder 1. syl cin+der pron <1sind*> pos n. def a piece of incombustible material left after the combustion of coal, coke, etc.; clinker. cinder 2. syl cin+der pron <1sind*> pos n. def a piece of charred material that burns without flames; ember. cinder 3. syl cin+der pron <1sind*> pos n. def Also called: {sinter}. any solid waste from smelting or refining. cinder 4. syl cin+der pron <1sind*> pos n. mod pl. def fragments of volcanic lava; scoriae. cinder 5. syl cin+der pron <1sind*> pos vb. mod tr. qual Rare. def to burn to cinders. cindery sub head cinder syl cin+der:y pos adj. cinder block 0. syl cin+der block pos n. def the usual U.S. name for {breeze block}. Cinderella ety C19: after Cinderella, the heroine of a fairy tale who is aided by a fairy godmother Cinderella 1. syl Cin:der:el:la pron <2sind*1rel*> pos n. def a girl who achieves fame after being obscure. Cinderella 2. syl Cin:der:el:la pron <2sind*1rel*> pos n. def a poor, neglected, or unsuccessful person or thing. Cinderella 3. syl Cin:der:el:la pron <2sind*1rel*> pos n. qual Chiefly U.S. usage modifier def relating to dramatic success. exam 1 a Cinderella story. cinder track 0. syl cin+der track pos n. def a race track covered with fine cinders. cine- 0. syl cin:e- usage combining form. def indicating motion picture or cinema. exam 1 cinecamera; exam 2 cinephotography. cineaste ety C20: French, from #7cinema+ -aste, as -ast in enthusiast cineaste 0. syl cin+e:aste pron <1sini2@st> pos n. def an enthusiast for films. cine camera 0. syl cin:e cam+er:a pron <1sini> pos n. qual Brit. def a camera in which a strip of film moves past the lens, usually to give 16 or 25 exposures per second, thus enabling moving pictures to be taken. U.S. term: {movie camera}. cine film 0. syl cin:e film pos n. qual Brit. def photographic film, wound on a spool, usually 8 or 16 millimetres wide, up to several hundred metres long, and having one or two lines of sprocket holes along its length enabling it to be used in a cine camera. U.S. term: {movie film}. cinema ety C19 (earlier spelling: kinema) : shortened from #7cinematograph cinema 1.a. syl cin+e:ma pron <1sinim*> pos n. def a place designed for the exhibition of films. cinema 1.b. syl cin+e:ma pron <1sinim*> pos n. usage as modifier exam 1 a cinema seat. cinema 2.a. syl cin+e:ma pron <1sinim*> pos n. def the art or business of making films. cinema 2.b. syl cin+e:ma pron <1sinim*> pos n. def films collectively. cinematic sub head cinema syl cin+e:mat+ic pron <2sini1m@tik> pos adj. cinematically sub head cinema syl cin+e:1mat:i+cal+ly pos adv. Cinemascope 0. syl Cin+e:ma+scope pron <1sinim*2sk*up> pos n. qual Trademark. def an anamorphic process of wide-screen film projection in which an image of approximately twice the usual width is squeezed into a 35mm frame and then screened by a projector having complementary lenses. cinematheque ety C20: from French cin*'emath*`eque film library, from #7cinema+ (biblio)th*`eque library cinematheque 0. syl cin+e:ma+theque pron <2sinim*1tek> pos n. def a small intimate cinema. cinematograph ety C19 (earlier spelling: kinematograph) : from Greek kin*_emat-, kin*_ema motion+-#7graph cinematograph 1. syl cin+e:mat:o+graph pron <2sini1m@t*2gra:f>, <-2gr@f> pos n. qual Chiefly Brit. def a combined camera, printer, and projector. cinematograph 2. syl cin+e:mat:o+graph pron <2sini1m@t*2gra:f>, <-2gr@f> pos vb. qual Chiefly Brit. def to take (pictures) with a film camera. cinematographer sub head cinematograph syl cin+e:ma+tog+ra+pher pron <2sinim*1togr*f*> pos n. cinematographic sub head cinematograph syl cin+e:mat:o+graph+ic pron <2sini2m@t*1gr@fik> pos adj. cinematographically sub head cinematograph syl cin+e:2mat:o?!+1graph:i+cal+ly pos adv. cinematography sub head cinematograph syl cin+e:ma+1tog+ra+phy pos n. cin'ema v'erit'e ety French, literally: cinema truth cin'ema v'erit'e 0. syl ci+n*'e+ma v*'e+ri+t*'e qual French def sinema veri#!te) films characterized by subjects, actions, etc., that have the appearance of real life. cineol ety C19: changed from New Latin oleum cinae, literally: oil of wormseed cineole alt head cineol or cineol syl cin+e:ole pron <1sini2*ul> pos n. cineol 0. or cineole syl cin+e:ol pron <1sini2ol> pos n. def another name for {eucalyptol}. Cinerama 0. syl Cin+e:ra+ma pron <2sin*1ra:m*> pos n. qual Trademark. def wide-screen presentation of films using either three separate 35mm projectors or one 70mm projector to produce an image on a large deeply curved screen. cineraria ety C16: from New Latin, from Latin ciner*_arius of ashes, from cinis ashes; from its downy leaves cineraria 0. syl cin+e:rar:i:a pron <2sin*1re*ri*> pos n. def a plant, of the Canary Islands, widely cultivated for its blue, purple, red, or variegated daisy-like flowers: family (composites). cinerarium ety C19: from Latin, from ciner*_arius relating to ashes; see #7cineraria cineraria infl head cinerarium syl cin+e:rar:i:a pron <-1re*ri*> pos n. mod pl. cinerarium 0. syl cin+e:rar+i:um pron <2sin*1re*ri*m> pos n. def a place for keeping the ashes of the dead after cremation. cinerary sub head cinerarium syl cin+e:rar:y pron <1sin*r*ri> pos adj. cinerator 0. syl cin+er:a+tor pron <1sin*2rAt*> pos n. def another name (esp. U.S.) for {{cremator} (sense 1)}. cineration sub head cinerator syl cin+e:1ra+tion pos n. cinereous ety C17: from Latin cinereus, from cinis ashes cineritious alt head cinereous or cinereous syl cin+er:i+tious pron <2sin*1riS*s> pos adj. cinereous 1. or cineritious syl ci+ner+e:ous pron pos adj. def of a greyish colour. cinereous 2. or cineritious syl ci+ner+e:ous pron pos adj. def resembling or consisting of ashes. cinerin ety C20: from Latin ciner-, cinis ashes+-#7in cinerin 0. syl cin+e:rin pron <1sin*rin> pos n. def either of two similar organic compounds found in pyrethrum and used as insecticides. Formulas: C\2\0H\2\8O\3 ({cinerin I) }, C\2\1H\2\8O\5 ({cinerin II}) . cingulum ety C19: from Latin: belt, from cingere to gird cingula infl head cingulum syl cin+gu+la pron <-l*> pos n. mod pl. cingulum 0. syl cin+gu+lum pron <1siGgjul*m> pos n. qual Anatomy. def a girdle-like part, such as the ridge round the base of a tooth or the band of fibres connecting parts of the cerebrum. cingulate sub head cingulum or cingulated syl cin+gu+late pron <1siGgjulit>, <-2lAt> pos adj. cingulated sub head cingulum or cingulate syl cin+gu+2lat+ed pos adj. Lucius Cornelius infl head Cinna syl Lu:ci:us Cor:ne:li:us pron <1lu:si*s> pos n. Cinna 0. syl Cin:na pron <1sin*> pos n. def died 84 #7b.c., Roman patrician; an opponent of Sulla. cinnabar ety C15: from Old French cenobre, from Latin cinn*_abaris, from Greek kinnabari, of Oriental origin cinnabar 1. syl cin+na+bar pron <1sin*2ba:> pos n. def a heavy red mineral consisting of mercuric sulphide in hexagonal crystalline form: the chief ore of mercury. Formula: HgS. cinnabar 2. syl cin+na+bar pron <1sin*2ba:> pos n. def the red form of mercuric sulphide, esp. when used as a pigment. cinnabar 3. syl cin+na+bar pron <1sin*2ba:> pos n. def a bright red to reddish-orange; vermilion. cinnabar 4. syl cin+na+bar pron <1sin*2ba:> pos n. def a large red-and-black European moth, family (tiger moths, etc.). cinnamic acid ety C19: from #7cinnam (#7on) #7+ -#7ic ; from its being found in cinnamon oil cinnamic acid 0. syl cin+nam+ic ac:id pron pos n. def a white crystalline water-insoluble weak organic acid existing in two isomeric forms; 3-phenylpropenoic acid. The form occurs naturally and its esters are used in perfumery. Formula: C\6H\5CH:CHCOOH. cinnamon ety C15: from Old French cinnamome, via Latin and Greek, from Hebrew qinnamown cinnamon 1. syl cin+na+mon pron <1sin*m*n> pos n. def a tropical Asian lauraceous tree, having aromatic yellowish-brown bark. cinnamon 2. syl cin+na+mon pron <1sin*m*n> pos n. def the spice obtained from the bark of this tree, used for flavouring food and drink. Saigon cinnamon 3. head cinnamon syl Saigon cinnamon. def an E Asian lauraceous tree, the bark of which is used as a cordial and to relieve flatulence. cinnamon 4. syl cin+na+mon pron <1sin*m*n> pos n. def any of several similar or related trees or their bark. See {{cassia} (sense 2)}. cinnamon 5. syl cin+na+mon pron <1sin*m*n> pos n. def a light yellowish-brown. cinnamic sub head cinnamon or cinnamonic syl cin+1nam+ic pron <2sin*1monik> pos adj. cinnamonic sub head cinnamon or cinnamic syl cin+na+mon+ic pron <2sin*1monik> pos adj. cinnamon bear 0. syl cin+na+mon bear pos n. def a reddish-brown variety of the American black bear. See {{black bear} (sense 1)}. cinnamon stone 0. syl cin+na+mon stone pos n. def another name for {hessonite}. cinquain ety C18 (in the sense: a military company of five): from French cinq five, from Latin quinque; compare #7quatrain cinquain 0. syl cin+quain pron , <1siGkAn> pos n. def a stanza of five lines. cinque ety C14: from Old French cinq five cinque 0. syl cinque pron pos n. def the number five in cards, dice, etc. cinquecento ety C18: Italian, shortened from milcinquecento 1500 &- @!cin+que@.#!cen+tist n. cinquecento 0. syl cin+que:cen+to pron <2CiGkwi1Cent*u> pos n. def the 16th century in Italian art, architecture, or literature. cinquefoil ety C13 sink foil, from Old French cincfoille, from Latin quinquefolium plant with five leaves, translating Greek pentaphullon from pente five+ phullon leaf cinquefoil 1. syl cinque+foil pron <1siGk2fcil> pos n. def any plant of the N temperate rosaceous genus typically having five-lobed compound leaves. cinquefoil 2. syl cinque+foil pron <1siGk2fcil> pos n. def an ornamental carving in the form of five arcs arranged in a circle and separated by cusps. cinquefoil 3. syl cinque+foil pron <1siGk2fcil> pos n. qual Heraldry. def a charge representing a five-petalled flower. Cinque Ports 0. syl Cinque Ports pron pos n. mod pl. def an association of ports on the SE coast of England, originally consisting of Hastings, Romney, Hythe, Dover, and Sandwich, which from late Anglo-Saxon times provided ships for the king's service in return for the profits of justice in their courts. The Cinque Ports declined with the growth of other ports and surrendered their charters in 1685. Cinzano 0. syl Cin+za+no pron pos n. qual Trademark. def an Italian vermouth. CIO 0. syl C.I.O. qual U.S. abbrev. for def Congress of Industrial Organizations. Cipango 0. syl Ci+pan+go pron pos n. usage in medieval legend def an island E of Asia: called Zipangu by Marco Polo and sought by Columbus; identified with Japan. cipher ety C14: from Old French cifre zero, from Medieval Latin cifra, from Arabic sifr zero, empty cypher alt head cipher or cipher syl cy+pher pron <1sIf*> pos n. cipher 1. or cypher syl ci+pher pron <1sIf*> pos n. def a method of secret writing using substitution or transposition of letters according to a key. cipher 2. or cypher syl ci+pher pron <1sIf*> pos n. def a secret message. cipher 3. or cypher syl ci+pher pron <1sIf*> pos n. def the key to a secret message. cipher 4. or cypher syl ci+pher pron <1sIf*> pos n. def an obsolete name for {{zero} (sense 1)}. cipher 5. or cypher syl ci+pher pron <1sIf*> pos n. def any of the Arabic numerals (0, 1, 2, 3, etc., to 9) or the Arabic system of numbering as a whole. cipher 6. or cypher syl ci+pher pron <1sIf*> pos n. def a person or thing of no importance; nonentity. cipher 7. or cypher syl ci+pher pron <1sIf*> pos n. def a design consisting of interwoven letters; monogram. cipher 8. or cypher syl ci+pher pron <1sIf*> pos n. qual Music. def a defect in an organ resulting in the continuous sounding of a pipe, the key of which has not been depressed. cipher 9. or cypher syl ci+pher pron <1sIf*> pos vb. def to put (a message) into secret writing. cipher 10. or cypher syl ci+pher pron <1sIf*> pos vb. mod intr. usage of an organ pipe def to sound without having the appropriate key depressed. cipher 11. or cypher syl ci+pher pron <1sIf*> pos vb. qual Rare. def to perform (a calculation) arithmetically. cipolin ety C18: from French, from Italian cipollino a little onion, from cipolla onion, from Late Latin c*_epulla, diminutive of Latin c*_epa onion; from its likeness to the layers of an onion cipolin 0. syl cip:o+lin pron <1sip*lin> pos n. def an Italian marble with alternating white and green streaks. circ alt head cir or cir syl circ. cir 1. or circ syl cir. qual abbrev. for: usage preceding a date def circa. cir 2. or circ syl cir. qual abbrev. for: def circular. cir 3. or circ syl cir. qual abbrev. for: def circulation. cir 4. or circ syl cir. qual abbrev. for: def circumference. circa ety Latin: about; related to Latin circus circle, #7circus circa 0. syl cir+ca pron <1sR:k*> pos prep. usage used with a date def at the approximate time of. exam 1 circa 1182 #7b.c. circadian ety C20: from Latin circa about+ di*_es day circadian 0. syl cir+ca+di:an pron pos adj. def of or relating to biological processes that occur regularly at 24-hour intervals, even in the absence of periodicity in the environment. See also {biological clock}. Circassia 0. syl Cir+cas+si:a pron pos n. def a region of the S Soviet Union, on the Black Sea north of the Caucasus Mountains. Circassian 1. syl Cir+cas+si:an pron pos n. def a native of Circassia. Circassian 2. syl Cir+cas+si:an pron pos n. def Also called: {Adygei}. a language spoken in Circassia, belonging to the North Caucasian family. Circassian 3. syl Cir+cas+si:an pron pos adj. usage also def relating to Circassia, its people, or language. Circe 0. syl Cir:ce pron <1sR:si> pos n. qual Greek myth. def an enchantress who detained Odysseus on her island and turned his men into swine. Circean sub head Circe syl Cir+1ce:an pos adj. circinate ety C19: from Latin circin*_are to make round, from circinus pair of compasses, from circus, see #7circus circinate 0. syl cir+ci+nate pron <1sR:si2nAt> pos adj. usage of part of a plant, such as a young fern def coiled so that the tip is at the centre. circinately sub head circinate syl cir+ci+2nate+ly pos adv. Circinus ety C19: from Latin, a pair of com?!passes Circini infl head Circinus syl Cir+ci+ni pron <1sR:si2nI> pos n. qual Latin genitive Circinus 0. syl Cir+ci+nus pron <1sR:sin*s> pos n. def a small faint constellation in the S hemisphere close to Centaurus and the Southern Cross. circle ety C14: from Latin circulus a circular figure, from circus ring, circle circle 1. syl cir+cle pron <1sR:kL> pos n. def a closed plane curve every point of which is equidistant from a given fixed point, the centre. Equation. exam 1 (x - h) circle 2. syl cir+cle pron <1sR:kL> pos n. def the figure enclosed by such a curve. circle 3. syl cir+cle pron <1sR:kL> pos n. qual Theatre. def the section of seats above the main level of the auditorium, usually comprising the dress circle and the upper circle. circle 4. syl cir+cle pron <1sR:kL> pos n. def something formed or arranged in the shape of a circle. circle 5. syl cir+cle pron <1sR:kL> pos n. def a group of people sharing an interest, activity, upbringing, etc.; set. exam 1 golf circles; exam 2 a family circle. circle 6. syl cir+cle pron <1sR:kL> pos n. def a domain or area of activity, interest, or influence. circle 7. syl cir+cle pron <1sR:kL> pos n. def a circuit. circle 8. syl cir+cle pron <1sR:kL> pos n. def a process or chain of events or parts that forms a connected whole; cycle. circle 9. syl cir+cle pron <1sR:kL> pos n. def a parallel of latitude. See also {great circle, small circle}. circle 10. syl cir+cle pron <1sR:kL> pos n. def the ring of a circus. circle 11. syl cir+cle pron <1sR:kL> pos n. def one of a number of Neolithic or Bronze Age rings of standing stones, such as Stonehenge, found in Europe and thought to be associated with some form of ritual or astronomical measurement. circle 12. syl cir+cle pron <1sR:kL> pos n. qual Hockey. def See {striking circle}. go 13. head circle or run round in circles syl go def to engage in energetic but fruitless activity. come full circle 14. head circle syl come full circle. def to arrive back at one's starting point. See also {vicious circle. ~} circle 15. syl cir+cle pron <1sR:kL> pos n. def to move in a circle (around). exam 1 we circled the city by car. circle 16. syl cir+cle pron <1sR:kL> pos n. def to enclose in a circle; encircle. circler sub head circle syl cir+cler pos n. circlet ety C15: from Old French cerclet a little #7circle circlet 0. syl cir+clet pron <1sR:klit> pos n. def a small circle or ring, esp. a circular ornament worn on the head. Circlorama 0. syl Cir+clo+ra+ma pron <2sR:kl*1ra:m*> pos n. qual Trademark. def a system of film projection in which a number of projectors and screens are employed to produce a picture that surrounds the viewer. circuit ety C14: from Latin circuitus a going around, from circum*_ire, from circum around+ *_ire to go circuit 1.a. syl cir+cuit pron <1sR:kit> pos n. def a complete route or course, esp. one that is curved or circular or that lies around an object. circuit 1.b. syl cir+cuit pron <1sR:kit> pos n. def the area enclosed within such a route. circuit 2. syl cir+cuit pron <1sR:kit> pos n. def the act of following such a route. exam 1 we made three circuits of the course. circuit 3.a. syl cir+cuit pron <1sR:kit> pos n. def a complete path through which an electric current can flow. circuit 3.b. syl cir+cuit pron <1sR:kit> pos n. usage as modifier exam 1 a circuit diagram. circuit 4.a. syl cir+cuit pron <1sR:kit> pos n. def a periodical journey around an area, as made by judges, salesmen, etc. circuit 4.b. syl cir+cuit pron <1sR:kit> pos n. def the route traversed or places visited on such a journey. circuit 4.c. syl cir+cuit pron <1sR:kit> pos n. def the persons making such a journey. circuit 5. syl cir+cuit pron <1sR:kit> pos n. qual English law. def one of six areas into which England is divided for the administration of justice. circuit 6. syl cir+cuit pron <1sR:kit> pos n. def a number of theatres, cinemas, etc., under one management or in which the same film is shown or in which a company of performers plays in turn. circuit 7.a. syl cir+cuit pron <1sR:kit> pos n. def a series of tournaments in which the same players regularly take part. exam 1 the international tennis circuit. circuit 7.b. syl cir+cuit pron <1sR:kit> pos n. usage usually preceded by the def the contestants who take part in such a series. circuit 8. syl cir+cuit pron <1sR:kit> pos n. qual Chiefly Brit. def a motor racing track, usually of irregular shape. circuit 9. syl cir+cuit pron <1sR:kit> pos vb. def to make or travel in a circuit around (something). circuital sub head circuit syl cir+cuit+al pos adj. circuit binding 0. syl cir+cuit bind+ing pos n. def a style of limp-leather binding, used esp. for Bibles and prayer books, in which the edges of the cover bend over to protect the edges of the pages. circuit breaker 0. syl cir+cuit break+er pos n. def a device that under abnormal conditions, such as a short circuit, stops the flow of current in an electrical circuit. Sometimes shortened to {breaker}. Compare { {fuse%2} (sense 6)}. circuit judge 0. syl cir+cuit judge pos n. qual Brit. def a judge presiding over a county court or crown court. circuitous 0. syl cir+cu:i+tous pron pos adj. def indirect and lengthy; roundabout. exam 1 a circuitous route. circuitously sub head circuitous syl cir+1cu:i+tous+ly pos adv. circuitousness sub head circuitous syl cir+1cu:i+tous+ness pos n. circuit rider 0. syl cir+cuit rid+er pos n. usage U.S. formerly def a minister of religion who preached from place to place along an established circuit. circuitry 1. syl cir+cuit+ry pron <1sR:kitri> pos n. def the design of an electrical circuit. circuitry 2. syl cir+cuit+ry pron <1sR:kitri> pos n. def the system of circuits used in an electronic device. circuit training 0. syl cir+cuit train+ing pos n. def a form of athletic training in which a number of exercises are performed in turn. circuities infl head circuity syl cir+cu+i:ties. pos n. mod pl. circuity 0. syl cir+cu+i:ty pron pos n. usage of speech, reasoning, etc. def a roundabout or devious quality. circular 1. syl cir+cu+lar pron <1sR:kjul*> pos adj. def of, involving, resembling, or shaped like a circle. circular 2. syl cir+cu+lar pron <1sR:kjul*> pos adj. def circuitous. circular 3. syl cir+cu+lar pron <1sR:kjul*> pos adj. usage of arguments, etc. def futile because of an inevitable return to the starting point. circular 4. syl cir+cu+lar pron <1sR:kjul*> pos adj. def travelling or occurring in a cycle. circular 5. syl cir+cu+lar pron <1sR:kjul*> pos adj. usage of letters, announcements, etc. def in?!tended for general distribution. circular 6. syl cir+cu+lar pron <1sR:kjul*> pos n. def a printed or duplicated advertisement or notice for mass distribution. circularity sub head circular or circularness syl cir+cu+lar+i:ty pron <2sR:kju1l@riti> pos n. circularness sub head circular or circularity syl cir+cu+lar+ness pos n. circularly sub head circular syl cir+cu+lar+ly pos adv. circular function 0. syl cir+cu+lar func+tion pos n. def another name for {{trigonometric function} (sense 1)}. circularise alt head circularize or circularize syl cir+cu+lar+ise pron <1sR:kjul*2rIz> pos vb. mod tr. circularize 1. or circularise syl cir+cu+lar+ize pron <1sR:kjul*2rIz> pos vb. mod tr. def to distribute circulars to. circularize 2. or circularise syl cir+cu+lar+ize pron <1sR:kjul*2rIz> pos vb. mod tr. def to canvass or petition (people), as for support, votes, etc., by distributing letters, etc. circularize 3. or circularise syl cir+cu+lar+ize pron <1sR:kjul*2rIz> pos vb. mod tr. def to make circular. circularization sub head circularize or circularisation syl cir+cu+lar:i+1za+tion pos n. circularisation sub head circularize or circularization syl cir+cu+lar:i+1sa+tion pos n. circularizer sub head circularize or circulariser syl cir+cu+lar+2iz+er pos n. circulariser sub head circularize or circularizer syl cir+cu+lar+2is+er pos n. circular measure 0. syl cir+cu+lar meas+ure pos n. def the measurement of an angle in radians. circular mil 0. syl cir+cu+lar mil pos n. def a unit of area of cross section of wire, equal to the area of a circle whose diameter is one thousandth of an inch. 1 circular mil is equal to 0.785#M10%#-%6 square inch or 0.2#M10%#-%9 square metre. circular polarization 0. syl cir+cu+lar po+lar:i+za+tion pos n. def a transformation of electro?!magnetic radiation (esp. light) to a form in which the vector representing the instantaneous intensity of the electric field describes a circle about the direction of propagation at any point in the path of the radiation. circular saw 0. syl cir+cu+lar saw pos n. def a power-driven saw in which a circular disc with a toothed edge is rotated at high speed. circular triangle 0. syl cir+cu+lar tri+an+gle pos n. def a triangle in which each side is the arc of a circle. circulate ety C15: from Latin circul*_ar*_i to assemble in a circle, from circulus #7circle circulate 1. syl cir+cu+late pron <1sR:kju2lAt> pos vb. def to send, go, or pass from place to place or person to person. exam 1 don't circulate the news. circulate 2. syl cir+cu+late pron <1sR:kju2lAt> pos vb. def to distribute or be distributed over a wide area. circulate 3. syl cir+cu+late pron <1sR:kju2lAt> pos vb. def to move or cause to move through a circuit, system, etc., returning to the starting point. exam 1 blood circulates through the body. circulate 4. syl cir+cu+late pron <1sR:kju2lAt> pos vb. def to move in a circle. exam 1 the earth circulates around the sun. circulative sub head circulate syl cir+cu+2la+tive pos adj. circulator sub head circulate syl cir+cu+2la+tor pos n. circulatory sub head circulate syl cir+cu+la+to:ry pos adj. circulating decimal 0. syl cir+cu+lat+ing dec:i+mal pos n. def another name for {recurring decimal}. circulating library 1. syl cir+cu+lat+ing li+brar:y pos n. def another word (esp. U.S.) for {lending library}. circulating library 2. syl cir+cu+lat+ing li+brar:y pos n. def a small library circulated in turn to a group of schools or other institutions. circulating library 3. syl cir+cu+lat+ing li+brar:y pos n. def a rare word for {subscription library}. circulating medium 0. syl cir+cu+lat+ing me+di:um pos n. qual Finance. def currency serving as a medium of exchange. circulation 1. syl cir+cu+la+tion pron <2sR:kju1lAS*n> pos n. def the transport of oxygenated blood through the arteries to the capillaries, where it nourishes the tissues, and the return of oxygen-depleted blood through the veins to the heart, where the cycle is renewed. circulation 2. syl cir+cu+la+tion pron <2sR:kju1lAS*n> pos n. def the flow of sap through a plant. circulation 3. syl cir+cu+la+tion pron <2sR:kju1lAS*n> pos n. def any movement through a closed circuit. circulation 4. syl cir+cu+la+tion pron <2sR:kju1lAS*n> pos n. def the spreading or transmission of something to a wider group of people or area. circulation 5. syl cir+cu+la+tion pron <2sR:kju1lAS*n> pos n. usage of air and water def free movement within an area or volume. circulation 6.a. syl cir+cu+la+tion pron <2sR:kju1lAS*n> pos n. def the distribution of newspapers, magazines, etc. circulation 6.b. syl cir+cu+la+tion pron <2sR:kju1lAS*n> pos n. def the number of copies of an issue of such a publication that are distributed. circulation 7.a. syl cir+cu+la+tion pron <2sR:kju1lAS*n> pos n. def a book loan, as from a library lending department. circulation 7.b. syl cir+cu+la+tion pron <2sR:kju1lAS*n> pos n. def each loan transaction of a particular book. circulation 7.c. syl cir+cu+la+tion pron <2sR:kju1lAS*n> pos n. def the total issue of library books over a specified period. circulation 8. syl cir+cu+la+tion pron <2sR:kju1lAS*n> pos n. def a rare term for {circulating medium}. circulation 9.a. syl cir+cu+la+tion pron <2sR:kju1lAS*n> pos n. usage of currency def serving as a medium of exchange. circulation 9.b. syl cir+cu+la+tion pron <2sR:kju1lAS*n> pos n. usage of people def active in a social or business context. circum- ety from Latin circum around, from circus circle circum- 0. syl cir:cum- pos prefix. def around; surrounding; on all sides. exam 1 circumlocution; exam 2 circumrotate. circumambient ety C17: from Late Latin circumamb*_ire, from #7circum -#7+ amb*_ire to go round circumambient 0. syl cir+cum+am+bi+ent pron <2sR:k*m1@mbi*nt> pos adj. def surrounding. circumambience sub head circumambient or circumambiency syl cir+cum+1am+bi+ence pos n. circumambiency sub head circumambient or circumambience syl cir+cum+1am+bi+en+cy pos n. circumambulate ety C17: from Late Latin #7circum -#7+ ambul*_are to walk circumambulate 1. syl cir+cum+am+bu+late pron <2sR:k*m1@mbju2lAt> pos vb. def to walk around (something). circumambulate 2. syl cir+cum+am+bu+late pron <2sR:k*m1@mbju2lAt> pos vb. mod intr. def to avoid the point. circumambulation sub head circumambulate syl cir+cum+2am+bu+1la+tion pos n. circumambulator sub head circumambulate syl cir+cum+1am+bu+2la+tor pos n. circumambulatory sub head circumambulate syl cir+cum+1am+bu+la+to:ry pos adj. circumbendibus ety C17: coined from #7circum -#7+bend, with a pseudo-Latin ending circumbendibus 0. syl cir+cum+ben+di+bus pron <2sR:k*m1bendib*s> pos n. qual Humorous. def a circumlocution. circumcise ety C13: from Latin circumc*_idere, from #7circum -#7+ caedere to cut circumcise 1. syl cir+cum+cise pron <1sR:k*m2sIz> pos vb. mod tr. def to remove the foreskin of (a male). circumcise 2. syl cir+cum+cise pron <1sR:k*m2sIz> pos vb. mod tr. def to incise surgically the skin over the clitoris of (a female). circumcise 3. syl cir+cum+cise pron <1sR:k*m2sIz> pos vb. mod tr. def to perform the religious rite of circumcision on (someone). circumciser sub head circumcise syl cir+cum+2cis+er pos n. circumcision 1.a. syl cir+cum+ci+sion pron <2sR:k*m1siZ*n> pos n. def surgical removal of the foreskin of males. circumcision 1.b. syl cir+cum+ci+sion pron <2sR:k*m1siZ*n> pos n. qual Rare. def surgical incision into the skin covering the clitoris in females. circumcision 2. syl cir+cum+ci+sion pron <2sR:k*m1siZ*n> pos n. def the act of circumcision, performed as a religious rite by Jews and Muslims. circumcision 3. syl cir+cum+ci+sion pron <2sR:k*m1siZ*n> pos n. qual R.C. Church. def the festival celebrated on Jan. 1 in commemoration of the circumcision of Jesus. circumference ety C14: from Old French circonference, from Latin circumferre to carry around, from #7circum -#7+ ferre to bear circumference 1. syl cir+cum+fer+ence pron pos n. def the boundary of a specific area or geometric figure, esp. of a circle. circumference 2. syl cir+cum+fer+ence pron pos n. def the length of a closed geometric curve, esp. of a circle. The circumference of a circle is equal to the diameter multiplied by #Gr. circumferential sub head circumference syl cir+cum+fer+en+tial pron pos adj. circumferentially sub head circumference syl cir+2cum+fer+1en+tial+ly pos adv. circumflex ety C16: from Latin circumflexus, from circumflectere to bend around, from #7circum -#7+ flectere to bend circumflex 1. syl cir+cum+flex pron <1sR:k*m2fleks> pos n. def a mark (*^ ) placed over a vowel to show that it is pronounced with rising and falling pitch, as in ancient Greek, as a long vowel rather than a short one, as in French, or with some other different quality. circumflex 2. syl cir+cum+flex pron <1sR:k*m2fleks> pos adj. usage of certain nerves, arteries, or veins def bending or curving around. circumflexion sub head circumflex syl cir+cum+1flex+ion pos n. circumfluous ety C17: from Latin circumfluere to flow around, from #7circum -#7+ fluere to flow &- cir+#!cum+flu+ence n. circumfluous 1. syl cir+cum+flu+ous pron pos adj. def Also: {cir+cum+flu+ent} (s$$#!k^mfl$u$$nt). flowing all around. circumfluous 2. syl cir+cum+flu+ous pron pos adj. def surrounded by or as if by water. circumfuse ety C16: from Latin circumf*_usus, from circumfundere to pour around, from #7circum -#7+ fundere to pour circumfuse 1. syl cir+cum+fuse pron <2sR:k*m1fju:z> pos vb. mod tr. def to pour or spread (a liquid, powder, etc.) around. circumfuse 2. syl cir+cum+fuse pron <2sR:k*m1fju:z> pos vb. mod tr. def to surround with a substance, such as a liquid. circumfusion sub head circumfuse syl cir+cum+fu+sion pron <2sR:k*m1fju:Z*n> pos n. circumlocution 1. syl cir+cum+lo+cu+tion pron <2sR:k*ml*1kju:S*n> pos n. def an indirect way of expressing something. circumlocution 2. syl cir+cum+lo+cu+tion pron <2sR:k*ml*1kju:S*n> pos n. def an indirect expression. circumlocutory sub head circumlocution syl cir+cum+loc:u+to:ry pron <2sR:k*m1lokj*t*ri>, <-tri> pos adj. circumlunar 0. syl cir+cum+lu+nar pron <2sR:k*m1lu:n*> pos adj. def around or revolving around the moon. exam 1 a circumlunar orbit. circumnavigate 0. syl cir+cum+nav:i+gate pron <2sR:k*m1n@vi2gAt> pos vb. mod tr. def to sail or fly completely around. circumnavigable sub head circumnavigate syl cir+cum+1nav:i+ga:ble pos adj. circumnavigation sub head circumnavigate syl cir+cum+2nav:i+1ga+tion pos n. circumnavigator sub head circumnavigate syl cir+cum+1nav:i+2ga+tor pos n. circumnutate ety C19: from #7circum -#7+ -nutate, from Latin n*_ut*_are to nod repeatedly, sway circumnutate 0. syl cir+cum+nu+tate pron <2sR:k*m1nju:tAt> pos vb. mod intr. usage of the tip of a plant stem def to grow in an irregular curve, ellipse, or spiral. circumnutation sub head circumnutate syl cir+cum+nu+1ta+tion pos n. circumpolar 1. syl cir+cum+po+lar pron <2sR:k*m1p*ul*> pos adj. usage of a star or constellation def visible above the horizon at all times at a specified locality on the earth's surface. circumpolar 2. syl cir+cum+po+lar pron <2sR:k*m1p*ul*> pos adj. def surrounding or located at or near either of the earth's poles. circumscissile ety C19: from #7circum -#7+ Latin scissilis capable of splitting, from scindere to split circumscissile 0. syl cir+cum+scis+sile pron <2sR:k*m1sisIl> pos adj. usage of the dry dehiscent fruits of certain plants def opening completely by a transverse split. circumscribe ety C15: from Latin circumscr*_ibere, from #7circum -#7+ scr*_ibere to write circumscribe 1. syl cir+cum+scribe pron <2sR:k*m1skrIb>, <1sR:k*m2skrIb> pos vb. mod tr. def to restrict within limits. circumscribe 2. syl cir+cum+scribe pron <2sR:k*m1skrIb>, <1sR:k*m2skrIb> pos vb. mod tr. def to mark or set the bounds of. circumscribe 3. syl cir+cum+scribe pron <2sR:k*m1skrIb>, <1sR:k*m2skrIb> pos vb. mod tr. def to draw a geometric construction around (another construction) so that the two are in contact but do not intersect. Compare {{inscribe} (sense 4)}. circumscribe 4. syl cir+cum+scribe pron <2sR:k*m1skrIb>, <1sR:k*m2skrIb> pos vb. mod tr. def to draw a line round. circumscribable sub head circumscribe syl cir+cum+1scrib+a:ble pos adj. circumscriber sub head circumscribe syl cir+cum+1scrib+er pos n. circumscription 1. syl cir+cum+scrip+tion pron <2sR:k*m1skripS*n> pos n. def the act of circumscribing or the state of being circumscribed. circumscription 2. syl cir+cum+scrip+tion pron <2sR:k*m1skripS*n> pos n. def something that limits or encloses. circumscription 3. syl cir+cum+scrip+tion pron <2sR:k*m1skripS*n> pos n. def a circumscribed space. circumscription 4. syl cir+cum+scrip+tion pron <2sR:k*m1skripS*n> pos n. def an inscription around a coin or medal. circumscriptive sub head circumscription syl cir+cum+1scrip+tive pos adj. circumscriptively sub head circumscription syl cir+cum+1scrip+tive+ly pos adv. circumsolar 0. syl cir+cum+so+lar pron <2sR:k*m1s*ul*> pos adj. def surrounding or rotating around the sun. circumspect ety C15: from Latin circumspectus, from #7circum -#7+ specere to look circumspect 0. syl cir+cum+spect pron <1sR:k*m2spekt> pos adj. def cautious, prudent, or discreet. circumspection sub head circumspect syl cir+cum+1spec+tion pos n. circumspective sub head circumspect syl cir+cum+1spec+tive pos adj. circumspectly sub head circumspect syl cir+cum+2spect+ly pos adv. circumstance ety C13: from Old French circonstance, from Latin circumstantia, from circumst*_are to stand around, from #7circum -#7+ st*_are to stand circumstance 1. syl cir+cum+stance pron <1sR:k*mst*ns> pos n. mod usually; pl. def a condition of time, place, etc., that accompanies or influences an event or condition. circumstance 2. syl cir+cum+stance pron <1sR:k*mst*ns> pos n. def an incident or occurrence, esp. a chance one. circumstance 3. syl cir+cum+stance pron <1sR:k*mst*ns> pos n. def accessory information or detail. circumstance 4. syl cir+cum+stance pron <1sR:k*mst*ns> pos n. def formal display or ceremony (archaic except in the phrase {pomp and circumstance) }. circunder 5. head circumstance or in no circumstances syl cir+cunder def in no case; never. under the circumstances 6. head circumstance syl under the circumstances. def because of conditions; this being the case. cin good 7. head circumstance or bad circumstances syl cin good usage of a person def in a good (or bad) financial situation. {~} circumstance 8. syl cir+cum+stance pron <1sR:k*mst*ns> pos n. def to place in a particular condition or situation. circumstance 9. syl cir+cum+stance pron <1sR:k*mst*ns> pos n. qual Obsolete. def to give in detail. circumstantial 1. syl cir+cum+stan+tial pron <2sR:k*m1st@nS*l> pos adj. def of or dependent on circumstances. circumstantial 2. syl cir+cum+stan+tial pron <2sR:k*m1st@nS*l> pos adj. def fully detailed. circumstantial 3. syl cir+cum+stan+tial pron <2sR:k*m1st@nS*l> pos adj. def incidental. &- {cir+cum+stan+ti+al+i@.ty} (@!s$z$:k$$m@!st@an#s$I#!@al$It$I) circumstantially sub head circumstantial syl cir+cum+1stan+tial+ly pos adv. circumstantial evidence 0. syl cir+cum+stan+tial ev:i+dence pos n. def indirect evidence that tends to establish a conclusion by inference. Compare {direct evidence}. circumstantiate 0. syl cir+cum+stan+ti+ate pron <2sR:k*m1st@nSi2At> pos vb. mod tr. def to support by giving particulars. circumstantiation sub head circumstantiate syl cir+cum+2stan+ti:1a+tion pos n. circumvallate ety C19: from Latin circumvall*_are, from #7circum -#7+ vallum rampart circumvallate 0. syl cir+cum+val+late pron <2sR:k*m1v@lAt> pos vb. mod tr. def to surround with a defensive fortification. circumvallation sub head circumvallate syl cir+cum+val+1la+tion pos n. circumvent ety C15: from Latin circumven*_ire, from #7circum -#7+ ven*_ire to come circumvent 1. syl cir+cum+vent pron <2sR:k*m1vent> pos vb. mod tr. def to evade or go around. circumvent 2. syl cir+cum+vent pron <2sR:k*m1vent> pos vb. mod tr. def to outwit. circumvent 3. syl cir+cum+vent pron <2sR:k*m1vent> pos vb. mod tr. def to encircle (an enemy) so as to intercept or capture. circumventer sub head circumvent or circumventor syl cir+cum+1vent+er pos n. circumventor sub head circumvent or circumventer syl cir+cum+1ven+tor pos n. circumvention sub head circumvent syl cir+cum+1ven+tion pos n. circumventive sub head circumvent syl cir+cum+1ven+tive pos adj. circumvolution ety C15: from Medieval Latin circumvol*_uti*_o, from Latin circumvolvere, from #7circum -#7+ volvere to roll circumvolution 1. syl cir+cum+vo+lu+tion pron <2sR:k*mv*1lu:S*n> pos n. def the act of turning, winding, or folding around a central axis. circumvolution 2. syl cir+cum+vo+lu+tion pron <2sR:k*mv*1lu:S*n> pos n. def a single complete turn, cycle, or fold. circumvolution 3. syl cir+cum+vo+lu+tion pron <2sR:k*mv*1lu:S*n> pos n. def anything winding or sinuous. circumvolution 4. syl cir+cum+vo+lu+tion pron <2sR:k*mv*1lu:S*n> pos n. def a round?!about course or procedure. circumvolutory sub head circumvolution syl cir+cum+vo+1lu+to:ry pos adj. circus ety C16: from Latin, from Greek kirkos ring circuses infl head circus syl cir+cus:es. pos n. mod pl. circus 1. syl cir+cus pron <1sR:k*s> pos n. def a travelling company of entertainers such as acrobats, clowns, trapeze artists, and trained animals. circus 2. syl cir+cus pron <1sR:k*s> pos n. def a public performance given by such a company. circus 3. syl cir+cus pron <1sR:k*s> pos n. def an oval or circular arena, usually tented and surrounded by tiers of seats, in which such a performance is held. circus 4.a. syl cir+cus pron <1sR:k*s> pos n. def an open-air stadium, usually oval or oblong, for chariot races or public games. circus 4.b. syl cir+cus pron <1sR:k*s> pos n. def the games themselves. circus 5.a. syl cir+cus pron <1sR:k*s> pos n. def an open place, usually circular, in a town, where several streets converge. circus 5.b. syl cir+cus pron <1sR:k*s> pos n. usage cap. when part of a name exam 1 Piccadilly Circus. circus 6. syl cir+cus pron <1sR:k*s> pos n. qual Informal. def noisy or rowdy behaviour. circus 7. syl cir+cus pron <1sR:k*s> pos n. qual Informal. def a person or group of people whose behaviour is wild, disorganized, or (esp. unintentionally) comic. Circus Maximus 0. syl Cir+cus Max:i+mus pron <1m@ksim*s> pos n. def an amphitheatre in Rome, used in ancient times for chariot races, public games, etc. cir'e ety C20: French, from cirer to wax, from cire, from Latin c*_era wax cir'e 1. syl ci:r*'e pron <1si*rA> pos adj. usage of fabric def treated with a heat or wax process to make it smooth. cir'e 2. syl ci:r*'e pron <1si*rA> pos n. def such a surface on a fabric. cir'e 3. syl ci:r*'e pron <1si*rA> pos n. def a fabric having such a surface. Cirenaica 0. syl Cir+e:na:i+ca pron <2sIr*1nAik*>, <2sir*-> pos n. def a variant spelling of {Cyrenaica}. Cirencester 0. syl Ci+ren+ces+ter pron <1sIr*n2sest*> pos n. def a market town in S England, in Gloucestershire: Roman amphitheatre. Pop.: 13022 (1971). Latin name: {Corinium}. cire perdue ety literally: lost wax cire perdue 0. syl cire per+due pron French. pos n. def a method of casting bronze, in which a mould is formed around a wax pattern, which is subsequently melted and drained away. cirque ety C17: from French, from Latin circus ring, circle, #7circus cirque 1. syl cirque pron pos n. def Also called: {corrie, cwm}. a steep-sided semicircular depression found in mountainous regions, often containing a lake. cirque 2. syl cirque pron pos n. qual Archaeol. def an obsolete term for {{circle} (sense 11)}. cirque 3. syl cirque pron pos n. qual Poetic. def a circle, circlet, or ring. cirrate ety C19: from Latin cirr*_atus curled, from #7cirrus cirrose infl head cirrate or cirrous syl cir+rose pos adj. cirrous infl head cirrate or cirrose syl cir+rous pos adj. cirrate 0. syl cir+rate pron <1sirAt> pos adj. qual Biology. def bearing or resembling cirri. cirrhosis ety C19: New Latin, from Greek kirrhos orange-coloured+-#7osis ; referring to the appearance of the diseased liver cirrhosis 0. syl cir+rho+sis pron pos n. def any of various chronic progressive diseases of the liver, characterized by death of liver cells, irreversible fibrosis, etc.: caused by inadequate diet, excessive alcohol, chronic infection, etc. Also called: {cirrhosis of the liver}. cirrhosed sub head cirrhosis syl cir+1rhosed pos adj. cirrhotic sub head cirrhosis syl cir+rhot+ic pron pos adj. cirri 0. syl cir+ri pron <1sirI> pos n. def the plural of {cirrus}. cirriped alt head cirripede or cirripede syl cir+ri+ped pron <1siri2ped> pos n. cirripede 1. or cirriped syl cir+ri+pede pron <1siri2pEd> pos n. def any marine crustacean of the subclass including the barnacles, the adults of which are sessile or parasitic. cirripede 2. or cirriped syl cir+ri+pede pron <1siri2pEd> pos adj. def of, relating to, or belonging to the cirri- alt head cirro- or cirro- syl cir:ri- cirro- 0. or cirri- syl cir:ro- usage combining form. def indicating cirrus or cirri. exam 1 cirrocumulus; exam 2 cirriped. cirrocumuli infl head cirrocumulus syl cir+ro+cu+mu+li pron <-2lI> pos n. mod pl. cirrocumulus 0. syl cir+ro+cu+mu+lus pron <2sir*u1kju:mjul*s> pos n. qual Meteorol. def a high cloud of ice crystals grouped into small separate globular masses, usually occurring above 6000 metres (20000 feet). See also {mackerel sky}. cirrous alt head cirrose or cirrose syl cir+rous pron <1sir*s> pos adj. cirrose 1. or cirrous syl cir+rose pron <1sir*us>, pos adj. qual Biology. def another word for {cirrate}. cirrose 2. or cirrous syl cir+rose pron <1sir*us>, pos adj. def characteristic of cirrus clouds. cirrostrati infl head cirrostratus syl cir+ro+stra+ti pron <-tI> pos n. mod pl. cirrostratus 0. syl cir+ro+stra+tus pron <2sir*u1stra:t*s> pos n. def a uniform layer of cloud above about 6000 metres (20000 feet). cirrostrative sub head cirrostratus syl cir+ro+1stra+tive pos adj. cirrus ety C18: from Latin: curl, tuft, fringe cirri infl head cirrus syl cir+ri pron <-rI> pos n. mod pl. cirrus 1. syl cir+rus pron <1sir*s> pos n. qual Meteorol. def a thin wispy fibrous cloud at high altitudes, composed of ice particles. cirrus 2. syl cir+rus pron <1sir*s> pos n. def a plant tendril or similar part. cirrus 3. syl cir+rus pron <1sir*s> pos n. def a slender tentacle or filament in barnacles and other marine invertebrates. cirsoid ety C19: from Greek kirsoeid*_es, from kirsos swollen vein+-#7oid cirsoid 0. syl cir+soid pron <1sR:scid> pos adj. qual Pathol. def resembling a varix. Also: {varicoid}. cis- ety from Latin cis- 1. syl cis- pos prefix. def on this or the near side of. exam 1 cisalpine. cis- 2. syl cis- pos prefix. usage often in italics def indicating that two groups of atoms in an unsaturated compound lie on the same side of a double bond. exam 1 cis- cisalpine 1. syl cis+al+pine pron pos adj. def on this (the southern) side of the Alps, as viewed from Rome. cisalpine 2. syl cis+al+pine pron pos adj. def relating to a movement in the Roman Catholic Church to minimize the authority of the pope and to emphasize the independence of branches of the Church. Compare {{ultramontane} (sense 2)}. Cisalpine Gaul 0. syl Cis+al+pine Gaul pos n. usage in the ancient world def that part of Gaul between the Alps and the Apennines. Ciscaucasia 0. syl Cis+cau+ca+si:a pron <2siskc:1kAzi*>, <-Z*> pos n. def the part of Caucasia north of the Caucasus Mountains. cisco ety C19: short for Canadian French ciscoette, from Ojibwa pemitewiskawet fish with oily flesh ciscoes infl head cisco or ciscos syl cis+coes pos n. mod pl. ciscos infl head cisco or ciscoes syl cis+cos. pos n. mod pl. cisco 0. syl cis+co pron <1sisk*u> pos n. def any of various whitefish, esp. (also called {lake herring) }, of cold deep lakes of North America. Ciskei 0. syl Cis+kei pron <1siskI> pos n. def a Bantu state in South Africa for Xhosa-speaking peoples, consisting of 17 closely grouped areas of the E Cape Province. Pop.: 527159 (1970). cislunar 0. syl cis+lu+nar pron pos adj. def of or relating to the space between the earth and the moon. Compare {translunar}. cismontane ety C18: from Latin #7cis -#7+ mont*_anus of the mountains, from m*_ons mountain cismontane 0. syl cis+mon+tane pron pos adj. def on this (the writer's or speaker's) side of the mountains, esp. the Alps. Compare {{ultramontane} (sense 1)}. cispadane ety from Latin #7cis -#7+ Pad*_anus of the Po cispadane 0. syl cis+pa+dane pron <1sisp*2dAn>, pos adj. def on this (the southern) side of the River Po, as viewed from Rome. Compare {transpadane}. cissoid ety C17: from Greek kissoeid*_es, literally: ivy-shaped, from kissos ivy cissoid 1. syl cis+soid pron <1siscid> pos n. def a geometric curve whose two branches meet in a cusp at the origin and are asymptotic to a line parallel to the -axis. Its equation is %2(2a - %3 where 2a is the distance between the -axis and this line. cissoid 2. syl cis+soid pron <1siscid> pos adj. def contained between the concave sides of two intersecting curves. Compare {sistroid}. cist ety C19: from Latin cista box, chest, basket, from Greek kist*_e cist H1.0. syl cist pron pos n. def a wooden box for holding ritual objects used in ancient Rome and Greece. cist ety C19: from Welsh: chest, from Latin cista box; see #7cist %1 kist alt head cist or cist syl kist pron pos n. cist H2.0. or kist syl cist pron pos n. qual Archaeol. def a box-shaped burial chamber made from stone slabs or a hollowed tree-trunk. cistaceous ety C19: from New Latin Cistaceae, from Greek kistos rockrose cistaceous 0. syl cis+ta+ceous pron pos adj. def of, relating to, or belonging to the a family of shrubby or herbaceous plants that includes the rockroses. Cistercian ety C17: from French Cistercien, from Medieval Latin Cisterci*_anus, from Cistercium (modern C*^iteaux) , original home of the order Cistercian 0. syl Cis+ter+cian pron pos n. def a member of a Christian order of monks and nuns founded in 1098, which follows an especially strict form of the Benedictine rule. Also called: {White Monk}. cistern ety C13: from Old French cisterne, from Latin cisterna underground tank, from cista box cistern 1. syl cis+tern pron <1sist*n> pos n. def a tank for the storage of water, esp. on or within the roof of a house or connected to a W.C. cistern 2. syl cis+tern pron <1sist*n> pos n. def an underground reservoir for the storage of a liquid, esp. rainwater. cistern 3. syl cis+tern pron <1sist*n> pos n. qual Anatomy. def another name for {cisterna}. cisternal sub head cistern syl cis+ter+nal pron pos adj. cisterna ety New Latin, from Latin; see #7cistern cisternae infl head cisterna syl cis+ter+nae pron <-nE> pos n. mod pl. cisterna 0. syl cis+ter+na pron pos n. def a sac or partially closed space containing body fluid, esp. lymph or cerebrospinal fluid. cis-trans test ety C20: see #7cis -#7, trans - cis-trans test 0. syl cis-trans test pron <1sis1tra:nz> pos n. qual Genetics. def a test to define the unit of genetic function, based on whether two mutations of the same character occur in a single chromosome (the cis position) or in different cistrons in each chromosome of a homologous pair (the trans position). cistron ety C20: from cis-trans; see #7cis -#7trans test cistron 0. syl cis+tron pron <1sistr*n> pos n. qual Genetics. def the section of a chromosome that controls a single function; a functional gene. cistus ety C16: New Latin, from Greek kistos cistus 0. syl cis+tus pron <1sist*s> pos n. def any plant of the genus See {rockrose}. cit 1. syl cit. qual abbrev. for: def citation. cit 2. syl cit. qual abbrev. for: def cited. cit 3. syl cit. qual abbrev. for: def citizen. citadel ety C16: from Old French citadelle, from Old Italian cittadella, a little city, from cittade city, from Latin c*_ivit*_as citadel 1. syl cit:a+del pron <1sit*dL>, <-2del> pos n. def a stronghold within or close to a city. citadel 2. syl cit:a+del pron <1sit*dL>, <-2del> pos n. def any strongly fortified building or place of safety; refuge. citadel 3. syl cit:a+del pron <1sit*dL>, <-2del> pos n. def a specially strengthened part of the hull of a warship. citation 1. syl ci+ta+tion pron pos n. def the quoting of a book or author in support of a fact. citation 2. syl ci+ta+tion pron pos n. def a passage or source cited for this purpose. citation 3. syl ci+ta+tion pron pos n. def a listing or recounting, as of facts. citation 4. syl ci+ta+tion pron pos n. def an official commendation or award, esp. for bravery or outstanding service, work, etc., usually in the form of a formal statement made in public. citation 5.a. syl ci+ta+tion pron pos n. def an official summons to appear in court. citation 5.b. syl ci+ta+tion pron pos n. def the document containing such a summons. citation 6. syl ci+ta+tion pron pos n. qual Law. def the quoting of decided cases to serve as guidance to a court. citatory sub head citation syl ci+ta+to:ry pron <1sIt*t*ri>, <-tri> pos adj. cite ety C15: from Old French citer to summon, from Latin cit*_are to rouse, from citus quick, from ci*_ere to excite cite 1. syl cite pron pos vb. mod tr. def to quote or refer to (a passage, book, or author) in substantiation as an authority, proof, or example. cite 2. syl cite pron pos vb. mod tr. def to mention or commend (a soldier, etc.) for outstanding bravery or meritorious action. cite 3. syl cite pron pos vb. mod tr. def to summon to appear before a court of law. cite 4. syl cite pron pos vb. mod tr. def to enumerate. exam 1 he cited the king's virtues. cite 5. syl cite pron pos vb. mod tr. qual Archaic. def to excite. citable sub head cite or citeable syl cit+a:ble pos adj. citeable sub head cite or citable syl cite+a:ble pos adj. citer sub head cite syl cit+er pos n. cithara ety C18: from Greek kithara kithara alt head cithara or cithara syl kith:a+ra pos n. cithara 0. or kithara syl cith:a+ra pron <1siT*r*> pos n. def a stringed musical instrument of ancient Greece and elsewhere, similar to the lyre and played with a plectrum. cither ety C17: from Latin cithara, from Greek kithara lyre cithern alt head cither or cither syl cith+ern pron <1siT*n> pos n. cither 0. or cithern syl cith+er pron <1siT*> pos n. def a variant spelling of {cittern}. cityfied alt head citified or citified syl cit:y+fied pron <1siti2fId> pos adj. citified 0. or cityfied syl cit:i+fied pron <1siti2fId> pos adj. qual Often derogatory. def having the customs, manners, or dress of city people. cityfy alt head citify or citify syl cit:y+fy pron <1siti2fI> pos vb. mod tr. citifies infl head citify syl cit:i+fies pos vb. mod tr. citifying infl head citify syl cit:i+fy+ing pos vb. mod tr. citified infl head citify syl cit:i+fied. pos vb. mod tr. citify 1. or cityfy syl cit:i+fy pron <1siti2fI> pos vb. mod tr. def to cause to conform to or adopt the customs, habits, or dress of city people. citify 2. or cityfy syl cit:i+fy pron <1siti2fI> pos vb. mod tr. def to make urban. citification sub head citify or cityfication syl cit:i+fi+1ca+tion pos n. cityfication sub head citify or citification syl cit:y+fi+1ca+tion pos n. citizen ety C14: from Anglo-French citesein, from Old French citeien, from cit*'e #7city citizen 1. syl cit:i+zen pron <1sitizN> pos n. def a native or naturalized member of a state, nation, or other political community. Compare {alien}. citizen 2. syl cit:i+zen pron <1sitizN> pos n. def an inhabitant of a city or town. citizen 3. syl cit:i+zen pron <1sitizN> pos n. def a native or inhabitant of any place. citizen 4. syl cit:i+zen pron <1sitizN> pos n. def a civilian, as opposed to a soldier, public official, etc. citizeness sub head citizen syl cit:i+zen+ess pron <1sitiz*nis>, <-2nes> pos n. mod fem. citizenly sub head citizen syl cit:i+zen+ly pos adj. citizenries infl head citizenry syl cit:i+zen+ries. pos n. mod pl. citizenry 0. syl cit:i+zen+ry pron <1sitiz*nri> pos n. def citizens collectively. Citizens' Band 0. syl Cit:i+zens' Band pos n. qual Chiefly U.S. def a range of radio frequencies assigned officially for use by the public for private communication. citizenship 1. syl cit:i+zen+ship pron <1sitiz*n2Sip> pos n. def the condition or status of a citizen, with its rights and duties. citizenship 2. syl cit:i+zen+ship pron <1sitiz*n2Sip> pos n. def a person's conduct as a citizen. exam 1 an award for good citizenship. Citlalt'epetl 0. syl Ci+tlal+t*'e+petl pron <2sEtla:l1tApetL> pos n. def a volcano in SE Mexico, in central Veracruz state: the highest peak in the country. Height: 5699 m (18692 ft.). Spanish name: {Pico de Orizaba}. citole ety C14: from Old French, probably from Latin cithara #7cither citole 0. syl cit+ole pron <1sit*ul>, pos n. def a rare word for {cittern}. citral ety C19: from #7citr (#7us) #7+ -#7al %3 citral 0. syl cit+ral pron <1sitr*l> pos n. def a yellow volatile liquid with a lemon-like odour, found in oils of lemon grass, orange, and lemon and used in perfumery: a terpene aldehyde consisting of the isomer ({citral-a} or {geranial}) and the isomer ({citral-b} or {neral) }. Formula: (CH\3)\2C:CH(CH\2)\2C(CH\3):CHCHO. citrate ety C18: from #7citr (#7us) #7+ -#7ate %1 citrate 0. syl cit+rate pron <1sitrAt>, <-rit> <1sItrAt> pos n. def any salt or ester of citric acid. Salts of citric acid are used in beverages and pharmaceuticals. citreous 0. syl cit+re+ous pron <1sitri*s> pos adj. def of a greenish-yellow colour; citron. citric 0. syl cit+ric pron <1sitrik> pos adj. def of or derived from citrus fruits or citric acid. citric acid 0. syl cit+ric ac:id pos n. def a water-soluble weak tribasic acid found in many fruits, esp. citrus fruits, and used in pharmaceuticals and as a flavouring. It is extracted from citrus fruits or made by fermenting molasses and is an intermediate in carbohydrate metabolism. Formula: CH\2(COOH)C(OH)(COOH)CH\2COOH. citric acid cycle 0. syl cit+ric ac:id cy+cle pos n. def another name for {Krebs cycle}. citriculture 0. syl cit+ri+cul+ture pron <1sitri2k^lC*> pos n. def the cultivation of citrus fruits. citriculturist sub head citriculture syl cit+ri+1cul+tur+ist pos n. citrin 0. syl cit+rin pron <1sitrin> pos n. def another name for {vitamin P}. citrine 1. syl cit+rine pron <1sitrin> pos n. def a brownish-yellow variety of quartz: a gemstone; false topaz. citrine 2. syl cit+rine pron <1sitrin> pos n. def the yellow colour of a lemon. citron ety C16: from Old French, from Old Proven*,cal, from Latin citrus citrus tree citron 1. syl cit+ron pron <1sitr*n> pos n. def a small Asian rutaceous tree, having lemon-like fruit with a thick aromatic rind. See also {citron wood}. citron 2. syl cit+ron pron <1sitr*n> pos n. def the fruit of this tree. citron 3. syl cit+ron pron <1sitr*n> pos n. def Also called: {citron melon}. a variety of watermelon, that has an inedible fruit with a hard rind. citron 4. syl cit+ron pron <1sitr*n> pos n. def the rind of either of these fruits, candied and used for decoration and flavouring of foods. citron 5. syl cit+ron pron <1sitr*n> pos n. def a greenish-yellow colour. citronella ety C19: New Latin, from French citronnelle lemon balm, from citron lemon citronella 1. syl cit+ron+el+la pron <2sitr*1nel*> pos n. def Also called: {citronella grass}. a tropical Asian grass, (or with bluish-green lemon-scented leaves. citronella 2. syl cit+ron+el+la pron <2sitr*1nel*> pos n. def Also called: {citronella oil}. the yellow aromatic oil obtained from this grass, used in insect repellents, soaps, perfumes, etc. citronellal 0. syl cit+ron+el+lal pron <2sitr*1nel@l> pos n. def a colourless slightly water-soluble liquid with a lemon-like odour, a terpene aldehyde found esp. in citronella and certain eucalyptus oils: used as a flavouring and in soaps and perfumes. Formula: (CH\3)\2C:CH(CH\2)\2CH(CH\3)CH\2CHO. Also called: {rhodinal}. citron wood 1. syl cit+ron wood pos n. def the wood of the citron tree. citron wood 2. syl cit+ron wood pos n. def the wood of the sandarac. citrulline ety C20: from Medieval Latin citrullus a kind of watermelon, from Latin citron, referring to its colour citrulline 0. syl cit+rul+line pron <1sitr*2lEn> pos n. def an amino acid that occurs in watermelons and is an intermediate in the formation of urea. Formula: NH\2CONH(CH\2)\3CHNH\2COOH. citrus ety C19: from Latin: citrus tree, sandarac tree; related to Greek kedros cedar citruses infl head citrus syl cit+rus:es. pos n. mod pl. citrus 1. syl cit+rus pron <1sitr*s> pos n. def any tree or shrub of the tropical and subtropical rutaceous genus which includes the orange, lemon, lime, grapefruit, citron, and calamondin. citrus 2. syl cit+rus pron <1sitr*s> pos adj. usage also def of, relating to, or belonging to the genus or to the fruits of plants of this genus. Citta del Vaticano 0. syl Cit+t*`a del Va+ti+ca+no pron , pos n. def the Italian name for {Vatican City}. cittern ety C16: perhaps a blend of #7cither+gittern cither infl head cittern or cithern syl cith+er pos n. cithern infl head cittern or cither syl cith+ern pos n. cittern 0. syl cit+tern pron <1sitR:n> pos n. def a medieval stringed instrument resembling a lute but having wire strings and a flat back. Compare {gittern}. city ety C13: from Old French cit*'e, from Latin c*_ivit*_as citizenship, state, from c*_ivis citizen cities infl head city syl cit:ies. pos n. mod pl. city 1. syl cit:y pron <1siti> pos n. def any large town or populous place. city 2. syl cit:y pron <1siti> pos n. usage in Britain def a large town that has received this title from the Crown: usually the seat of a bishop. city 3. syl cit:y pron <1siti> pos n. usage in the U.S. def an in?!corporated urban centre with its own government and administration established by state charter. city 4. syl cit:y pron <1siti> pos n. def an ancient Greek city-state; polis. city 5. syl cit:y pron <1siti> pos n. def the people of a city collectively. city 6. syl cit:y pron <1siti> pos n. usage modifier def in or characteristic of a city. exam 1 a city girl; exam 2 city habits. Cithe infl head City syl Cithe. pos n. City 1. syl Cit:y pron <1siti> pos n. def short for {City of London}: the original settlement of London on the N bank of the Thames; a municipality governed by the Lord Mayor and Corporation. Resident pop.: 4234 (1971). City 2. syl Cit:y pron <1siti> pos n. def the area in central London in which the United Kingdom's major financial business is transacted. City 3. syl Cit:y pron <1siti> pos n. def the various financial institutions located in this area. City and Guilds Institute 0. syl Cit:y and Guilds In+sti+tute pos n. qual Brit. def an examining body for technical and craft skills, many of the examinations being at a lower standard than for a degree. city blues 0. syl cit:y blues pos n. qual Jazz. def another name for {urban blues}. City Company 0. syl Cit:y Com+pa+ny pos n. qual Brit. def a corporation that represents one of the historic trade guilds of London. city desk 1. syl cit:y desk pos n. qual Brit. def the department of a newspaper office dealing with financial and commercial news. city desk 2. syl cit:y desk pos n. qual U.S. def the department of a newspaper office dealing with local news. city editor 1. syl cit:y ed:i+tor pos n. qual Brit. usage on a newspaper def the editor in charge of financial and commercial news. city editor 2. syl cit:y ed:i+tor pos n. qual U.S. usage on a newspaper def the editor in charge of local news. city father 0. syl cit:y fa+ther pos n. def a person who is active or prominent in the public affairs of a city, such as an alderman. city hall 1. syl cit:y hall pos n. def the building housing the administrative offices of a city or municipal government. city hall 2.a. syl cit:y hall pos n. def municipal government. city hall 2.b. syl cit:y hall pos n. def the officials of a municipality collectively. city hall 3. syl cit:y hall pos n. qual U.S. informal. def bureaucracy. city manager 0. syl cit:y man:a+ger pos n. usage in the U.S. def an administrator hired by a municipal council to manage its affairs. See also {council-manager plan}. City of God 1. syl Cit:y of God pos n. qual Christianity. def heaven conceived of as the New Jerusalem. City of God 2. syl Cit:y of God pos n. def the Church in contrast to the world, as described by St. Augustine. city planning 0. syl cit:y plan+ning pos n. def the U.S. term for {town planning}. city planner sub head city planning syl cit:y plan+ner pos n. cityscape 0. syl cit:y+scape pron <1sitiskAp> pos n. def an urban landscape; view of a city. city slicker 1. syl cit:y slick+er pos n. qual Informal. def a person with the sophistication often attributed to city people. city slicker 2. syl cit:y slick+er pos n. qual Informal. def a smooth tricky untrust?!worthy person. city-state 0. syl cit:y-state pos n. def a state consisting of a sovereign city and its dependencies. Among the most famous are the great independ?!ent cities of the ancient world, such as Athens, Sparta, Carthage, and Rome. Ciudad Bol'ivar 0. syl Ciu+dad Bo+l*'i+var pron Spanish pos n. def a port in E Venezuela, on the Orinoco River: accessible to ocean-going vessels. Pop.: 103728 (1971). Former name (1764-1846): {Angostura}. Ciudad Ju'arez 0. syl Ciu+dad Ju*'a+rez pron Spanish <1$xwarAs> pos n. def a city in N Mexico, in Chihuahua state on the R*'io Grande, opposite El Paso, Texas. Pop.: 520539 (1975 est.). Former name (until 1888): {El Pa@.so del Nor@.te} (el #!paso del #!norte). Ciudad Real 0. syl Ciu+dad Re:al pron Spanish pos n. def a market town in S central Spain. Pop.: 41708 (1970). Ciudad Trujillo 0. syl Ciu+dad Tru+jil+lo pron Spanish pos n. def the former name (1936-61) of {Santo Domingo}. Ciudad Victoria 0. syl Ciu+dad Vic+to+ria pron Spanish pos n. def a city in E central Mexico, capital of Tamaulipas state. Pop.: 95000 (1970). civ 1. syl civ. qual abbrev. for: def civil. civ 2. syl civ. qual abbrev. for: def civilian. civet ety C16: from Old French civette, from Italian zibetto, from Arabic zab*_ad civet perfume civet 1. syl civ+et pron <1sivit> pos n. def any catlike viverrine mammal of the genus and related genera, of Africa and S Asia, typically having blotched or spotted fur and secreting a powerfully smelling fluid from anal glands. civet 2. syl civ+et pron <1sivit> pos n. def the yellowish fatty secretion of such an animal, used as a fixative in the manufacture of perfumes. civet 3. syl civ+et pron <1sivit> pos n. def the fur of such an animal. civet 4. syl civ+et pron <1sivit> pos n. def short for {palm civet}. civic ety C16: from Latin c*_ivicus, from c*_ivis citizen civic 0. syl civ+ic pron <1sivik> pos adj. def of or relating to a city, citizens, or citizenship. exam 1 civic duties. civically sub head civic syl civ:i+cal+ly pos adv. civic centre 0. syl civ+ic cen+tre pos n. qual Brit. def the public buildings of a town, including recreational facilities and offices of local administration. civics 1. syl civ+ics pron <1siviks> pos n. mod functioning as; sing. def the study of the rights and responsibilities of citizenship. civics 2. syl civ+ics pron <1siviks> pos n. mod functioning as; sing. qual U.S. def the study of government and its workings. civies 0. syl civ:ies pron <1siviz> pos n. mod pl. qual Informal. def a variant spelling of {civvies}. civil ety C14: from Old French, from Latin c*_iv*_ilis, from c*_ivis citizen &- #!civ+il+ly adv. civil 1. syl civ+il pron <1sivL> pos adj. def of the ordinary life of citizens as distinguished from military, legal, or ecclesiastical affairs. civil 2. syl civ+il pron <1sivL> pos adj. def of or relating to the citizen as an individual. exam 1 civil rights. civil 3. syl civ+il pron <1sivL> pos adj. def of or occurring within the state or between citizens. exam 1 civil strife. civil 4. syl civ+il pron <1sivL> pos adj. def polite or courteous. exam 1 a civil manner. civil 5. syl civ+il pron <1sivL> pos adj. def a less common word for {civic}. civil 6. syl civ+il pron <1sivL> pos adj. def of or in accordance with Roman law. civil 7. syl civ+il pron <1sivL> pos adj. def relating to the private rights of citizens. civilness sub head civil syl civ+il+ness pos n. civil day 0. syl civ+il day pos n. def another name for {calendar day}. See {{day} (sense 1)}. civil death 0. syl civ+il death pos n. usage Law. formerly def the loss of all civil rights because of a serious conviction. See also {attainder}. civil defence 0. syl civ+il de+fence pos n. def the organizing of civilians to deal with enemy attacks. civil disobedience 0. syl civ+il dis+o:be:di+ence pos n. def a refusal to obey laws, pay taxes, etc.: a nonviolent means of protesting or of attempting to achieve political goals. civil engineer 0. syl civ+il en+gi+neer pos n. def a person qualified to design, construct, and maintain public works, such as roads, bridges, harbours, etc. civil engineering sub head civil engineer syl civ+il en+gi+neer+ing pos n. civilian ety C14 (originally: a practitioner of civil law): from civile (from the Latin phrase j*_us c*_iv*_ile civil law)+-#7ian civilian 0.a. syl ci+vil+ian pron pos n. def a person whose primary occupation is civil or nonmilitary. civilian 0.b. syl ci+vil+ian pron pos n. usage as modifier exam 1 civilian life. civilities infl head civility syl ci+vil+i:ties. pos n. mod pl. civility 1. syl ci+vil+i:ty pron pos n. def politeness or courtesy, esp. when formal. civility 2. syl ci+vil+i:ty pron pos n. mod often; pl. def an act of politeness. civilisation alt head civilization or civilization syl civ:i+li+sa+tion pron <2sivilI1zAS*n> pos n. civilization 1. or civilisation syl civ:i+li+za+tion pron <2sivilI1zAS*n> pos n. def a human society that has highly developed material and spiritual resources and a complex cultural, political, and legal organiza?!tion; an advanced state in social development. civilization 2. or civilisation syl civ:i+li+za+tion pron <2sivilI1zAS*n> pos n. def the peoples or nations collectively who have achieved such a state. civilization 3. or civilisation syl civ:i+li+za+tion pron <2sivilI1zAS*n> pos n. def the total culture and way of life of a particular people, nation, region, or period. exam 1 classical civilization. civilization 4. or civilisation syl civ:i+li+za+tion pron <2sivilI1zAS*n> pos n. def the process of bringing or achieving civilization. civilization 5. or civilisation syl civ:i+li+za+tion pron <2sivilI1zAS*n> pos n. def intellectual, cultural, and moral refinement. civilization 6. or civilisation syl civ:i+li+za+tion pron <2sivilI1zAS*n> pos n. def cities or populated areas, as contrasted with sparsely inhabited areas, deserts, etc. civilise alt head civilize or civilize syl civ:i+lise pron <1sivi2lIz> pos vb. mod tr. civilize 1. or civilise syl civ:i+lize pron <1sivi2lIz> pos vb. mod tr. def to bring out of savagery or barbarism into a state characteristic of civilization. civilize 2. or civilise syl civ:i+lize pron <1sivi2lIz> pos vb. mod tr. def to refine, educate, or enlighten. civilizable sub head civilize or civilisable syl civ:i+2liz+a:ble pos adj. civilisable sub head civilize or civilizable syl civ:i+2lis+a:ble pos adj. civilizer sub head civilize or civiliser syl civ:i+2liz+er pos n. civiliser sub head civilize or civilizer syl civ:i+2lis+er pos n. civilised alt head civilized or civilized syl civ:i+lised pron <1sivi2lIzd> pos adj. civilized 1. or civilised syl civ:i+lized pron <1sivi2lIzd> pos adj. def having a high state of culture and social development. civilized 2. or civilised syl civ:i+lized pron <1sivi2lIzd> pos adj. def cultured; polite. civil law 1. syl civ+il law pos n. def the law of a state relating to private and civilian affairs. civil law 2. syl civ+il law pos n. def the body of law in force in ancient Rome, esp. the law applicable to private citizens. civil law 3. syl civ+il law pos n. def any system of law based on the Roman system as distinguished from the common law and canon law. civil law 4. syl civ+il law pos n. def the law of a state as distinguished from international law. civil liberty 0. syl civ+il lib+er+ty pos n. def the right of an individual to certain freedoms of speech and action. civil list 0. syl civ+il list pos n. usage in Britain def the annuities voted by Parliament for the support of the royal household and the royal family. civil marriage 0. syl civ+il mar+riage pos n. qual Law. def a marriage performed by some official other than a clergyman. civil rights 1. syl civ+il rights pos n. mod pl. def the personal rights of the individual citizen, in most countries upheld by law, as in the U.S. civil rights 2. syl civ+il rights pos n. mod pl. usage modifier def of, relating to, or promoting equality in social, economic, and political rights. civil servant 0. syl civ+il serv+ant pos n. def a member of the civil service. civil service 1. syl civ+il serv+ice pos n. def the service responsible for the public administration of the government of a country. It excludes the legislative, judicial, and military branches. Members of the civil service have no official political allegiance and are not generally affected by changes of governments. civil service 2. syl civ+il serv+ice pos n. def the members of the civil service collectively. civil war 0. syl civ+il war pos n. def war between parties, factions, or inhabitants of different regions within the same nation. Civil War 1. syl Civ+il War pos n. qual English history. def the conflict between Charles I and the Parliamentarians resulting from disputes over their respective prerogatives. Parliament gained decisive victories at Marston Moor in 1644 and Naseby in 1645, and Charles was executed in 1649. Civil War 2. syl Civ+il War pos n. qual U.S. history. def the war fought from 1861 to 1865 between the North and the South, sparked off by Lincoln's election as president but with deep-rooted political and economic causes, exacerbated by the slavery issue. The advantages of the North in terms of population, finance, and communications brought about the South's eventual surrender at Appomattox. civil year 0. syl civ+il year pos n. def another name for {calendar year}. See {{year} (sense 1)}. civism ety C18: from French civisme, from Latin c*_ivis citizen civism 0. syl civ+ism pron <1siviz*m> pos n. qual Rare. def good citizenship. civvies infl head civvy or civies syl civ+vies pos n. mod pl. civies infl head civvy or civvies syl civ:ies. pos n. mod pl. civvy 1. syl civ+vy pron <1sivi> pos n. qual Slang. def a civilian. civvy 2. syl civ+vy pron <1sivi> pos n. mod pl. qual Slang. def civilian dress as opposed to uniform. civvy street 3. head civvy syl civvy street. qual Slang. def civilian life. CJ 0. syl C.J. qual abbrev. for def Chief Justice. Cl 0. syl Cl usage the chemical symbol for def chlorine. CL 0. syl CL usage international car registration for def Ceylon. cl 1. syl cl. qual abbrev. for: def class. cl 2. syl cl. qual abbrev. for: def classification. cl 3. syl cl. qual abbrev. for: def clerk. cl 4. syl cl. qual abbrev. for: def cloth. cl 5. syl cl. qual abbrev. for: def clergyman. cl 6. syl cl. qual abbrev. for: def centilitre. clachan ety C15: from Scottish Gaelic: probably from clach stone clachan 0. syl cla+chan pron Gaelic <1klax*n>, <1kl@-> pos n. qual Scot. and Irish dialect. def a small village; hamlet. clack ety C13: probably from Old Norse klaka to twitter, of imitative origin clack 1. syl clack pron pos vb. def to make or cause to make a sound like that of two pieces of wood hitting each other. clack 2. syl clack pron pos vb. def to jabber. clack 3. syl clack pron pos vb. def a less common word for {cluck}. clack 4. syl clack pron pos n. def a short sharp sound. clack 5. syl clack pron pos n. def a person or thing that produces this sound. clack 6. syl clack pron pos n. def chatter. clack 7. syl clack pron pos n. def Also called: {clack valve}. a simple nonreturn valve using either a hinged flap or a ball. clacker sub head clack syl clack+er pos n. Clackmannan 0. syl Clack+man+nan pron pos n. usage until 1975 def a county of central Scotland, now part of the Central region. Clacton-on-Sea alt head Clacton or Clacton syl Clac:ton-on-Sea pron <1kl@kt*n> pos n. Clacton 0. or Clacton-on-Sea syl Clac+ton pron <1kl@kt*n> pos n. def a town and resort in SE England, in E Essex. Pop.: 37942 (1971). Clactonian ety after Clacton-on-Sea, Essex, where the tools of this culture were first found Clactonian 1. syl Clac+to+ni:an pron pos n. def one of the Lower Palaeolithic cultures found in England, characterized by the use of chopper tools. Clactonian 2. syl Clac+to+ni:an pron pos adj. def of, designating, or relating to this culture. clad ety Old English cl*_athode clothed, from cl*_athian to #7clothe clad H1.0. syl clad pron pos vb. def a past participle of {clothe}. clad ety C14 (in the obsolete sense: to clothe): special use of #7clad %1 clads infl head clad syl clads pos vb. mod tr. cladding infl head clad syl clad+ding pos vb. mod tr. clad infl syl clad. pos vb. mod tr. clad H2.0. syl clad pron pos vb. mod tr. def to bond a metal to (another metal), esp. to form a protective coating. cladding 1. syl clad+ding pron <1kl@diG> pos n. def the process of protecting one metal by bonding a second metal to its surface. cladding 2. syl clad+ding pron <1kl@diG> pos n. def the protective coating so bonded to metal. cladding 3. syl clad+ding pron <1kl@diG> pos n. def the material used for the outside facing of a building, etc. cladoceran ety C19: from New Latin Cladocera, from Greek klados shoot+ keras horn cladoceran 1. syl cla+doc+er+an pron pos n. def any minute freshwater crustacean of the order which includes the water fleas. cladoceran 2. syl cla+doc+er+an pron pos adj. def of, relating to, or belonging to the cladode ety C19: from New Latin clad*_odium, from Late Greek klad*_od*_es having many shoots cladode 0. syl clad+ode pron <1kl@d*ud> pos n. qual Botany. def a flattened stem resembling and functioning as a leaf, as in butcher's broom. Also called: {cladophyll, phylloclade}. cladophyll ety C19: from Greek klados branch+ phullon leaf cladophyll 0. syl clad:o+phyll pron <1kl@d*fil> pos n. def another name for {cladode}. claim ety C13: from Old French claimer to call, appeal, from Latin cl*_am*_are to shout claim 1. syl claim pron pos vb. mod mainly; tr. def to demand as being due or as one's property; assert one's title or right to. exam 1 he claimed the record. claim 2. syl claim pron pos vb. mod mainly; tr. usage an infinitive def to assert as a fact; maintain against denial. exam 1 he claimed to be telling the truth. claim 3. syl claim pron pos vb. mod mainly; tr. def to call for or need; deserve. exam 1 this problem claims our attention. claim 4. syl claim pron pos vb. mod mainly; tr. def to take. exam 1 the accident claimed four lives. claim 5. syl claim pron pos vb. mod mainly; tr. def an assertion of a right; a demand for something as due. claim 6. syl claim pron pos vb. mod mainly; tr. def an assertion of something as true, real, or factual. exam 1 he made claims for his innocence. claim 7. syl claim pron pos vb. mod mainly; tr. def a right or just title to something; basis for demand. exam 1 a claim to fame. lay claim to 8. head claim or stake a claim to syl lay claim to def to assert one's possession of or right to. claim 9. syl claim pron pos vb. mod mainly; tr. def anything that is claimed, esp. in a formal or legal manner, such as a piece of land staked out by a miner. claim 10.a. syl claim pron pos vb. mod mainly; tr. def a demand for payment in connection with an insurance policy, etc. claim 10.b. syl claim pron pos vb. mod mainly; tr. def the sum of money demanded. claimable sub head claim syl claim+a:ble pos adj. claiming race 0. syl claim+ing race pos n. qual U.S. horse racing. def a race in which each owner declares beforehand the price at which his horse will be offered for sale after the race. clairaudience ety C19: from French clair clear+#7audience, after #7clairvoyance clairaudience 0. syl clair+au:di+ence pron <2kle*r1c:di*ns> pos n. qual Psychol. def the postulated ability to hear sounds beyond the range of normal hearing. Compare {clairvoyance}. clair-obscure ety C18: from French, literally: clear-obscure clair-obscure 0. syl clair-ob:scure pron <2kle*r*b1skju*> pos n. def another word for {chiaroscuro}. clairvoyance ety C19: from French: clear-seeing, from clair clear, from Latin cl*_arus+voyance, from voir to see, from Latin vid*_ere clairvoyance 1. syl clair+voy+ance pron pos n. def the alleged power of perceiving things beyond the natural range of the senses. See also {extrasensory perception}. clairvoyance 2. syl clair+voy+ance pron pos n. def keen intuitive understanding. clairvoyant 1. syl clair+voy+ant pron pos adj. def of, possessing, or relating to clairvoyance. clairvoyant 2. syl clair+voy+ant pron pos adj. def having great insight or second sight. clairvoyant 3. syl clair+voy+ant pron pos n. def a person claiming to have the power to foretell future events. clairvoyantly sub head clairvoyant syl clair+1voy+ant+ly pos adv. clam ety C16: from earlier clamshell, that is, shell that clamps; related to Old English clamm fetter, Old High German klamma constriction; see #7clamp %1 clam H1.1. syl clam pron pos n. def any of various burrowing bivalve molluscs of the genera etc. Many species, such as the quahog and soft-shell clam, are edible and is the largest known bivalve, nearly 1.5 metres long. clam H1.2. syl clam pron pos n. def the edible flesh of such a mollusc. clam H1.3. syl clam pron pos n. qual Informal. def a reticent person. clams infl head clam syl clams pos vb. clamming infl head clam syl clam+ming pos vb. clammed infl head clam syl clammed. pos vb. clam H1.4. syl clam pron pos vb. mod intr. qual Chiefly U.S. def to gather clams. {~} See also {clam up}. clams infl head clam syl clams pos vb. clamming infl head clam syl clam+ming pos vb. clammed infl head clam syl clammed. pos vb. clam H2.0. syl clam pron pos vb. def a variant spelling of {clem}. clamant ety C17: from Latin cl*_am*_ans, from cl*_am*_are to shout clamant 1. syl cla+mant pron <1klAm*nt> pos adj. def noisy. clamant 2. syl cla+mant pron <1klAm*nt> pos adj. def calling urgently. clamatorial ety C19: from New Latin cl*_am*_at*_ores, plural of Latin cl*_am*_ator one who shouts; see #7clamant clamatorial 0. syl clam:a+to+ri:al pron <2kl@m*1tc:ri*l> pos adj. def of or relating to the American flycatchers (family See {{flycatcher} (sense 2)}. clambake 1. syl clam+bake pron <1kl@m2bAk> pos n. qual U.S. def a picnic, often by the sea, at which clams, etc., are baked. clambake 2. syl clam+bake pron <1kl@m2bAk> pos n. qual U.S. def an informal party. clamber ety C15: probably a variant of #7climb clamber 1. syl clam+ber pron <1kl@mb*> pos vb. usage usually foll. by up, over, etc. def to climb (something) awkwardly, esp. by using both hands and feet. clamber 2. syl clam+ber pron <1kl@mb*> pos n. def a climb performed in this manner. clamberer sub head clamber syl clam+ber+er pos n. clammy ety C14: from Old English cl*_@aman to smear; related to Old Norse kleima, Old High German kleimen clammier infl head clammy syl clam+mi+er pos adj. clammiest infl head clammy syl clam+mi+est. pos adj. clammy 1. syl clam+my pron <1kl@mi> pos adj. def unpleasantly sticky; moist. exam 1 clammy hands. clammy 2. syl clam+my pron <1kl@mi> pos adj. usage of the weather, atmosphere, etc. def close; humid. clammily sub head clammy syl clam+mi+ly pos adv. clamminess sub head clammy syl clam+mi+ness pos n. clamour ety C14: from Old French clamour, from Latin cl*_amor, from cl*_am*_are to cry out clamor alt head clamour or clamour syl clam+or pron <1kl@m*> pos n. qual U.S. clamour 1. or clamor syl clam+our pron <1kl@m*> pos n. def a loud persistent outcry, as from a large number of people. clamour 2. or clamor syl clam+our pron <1kl@m*> pos n. def a vehement expression of collective feeling or outrage. exam 1 a clamour against higher prices. clamour 3. or clamor syl clam+our pron <1kl@m*> pos n. def a loud and persistent noise. exam 1 the clamour of traffic. clamour 4. or clamor syl clam+our pron <1kl@m*> pos vb. mod intr. usage often foll. by for or against def to make a loud noise or outcry; make a public demand. clamour 5. or clamor syl clam+our pron <1kl@m*> pos vb. mod tr. def to move, influence, or force by outcry. exam 1 the people clamoured him out of office. clamourer sub head clamour or clamorer syl clam+our+er pos n. clamorer sub head clamour or clamourer syl clam+or+er pos n. qual U.S. clamp ety C14: from Dutch or Low German klamp; related to Old English clamm bond, fetter, Old Norse kleppr lump clamp H1.1. syl clamp pron pos n. def a mechanical device with movable jaws with which an object can be secured to a bench or with which two objects may be secured together. clamp H1.2. syl clamp pron pos n. def a means by which a fixed joint may be strengthened. clamp H1.3. syl clamp pron pos n. qual Nautical. def a horizontal beam fastened to the ribs for supporting the deck beams in a wooden vessel. clamp H1.4. syl clamp pron pos vb. mod tr. def to fix or fasten with or as if with a clamp. clamp H1.5. syl clamp pron pos vb. mod tr. def to inflict or impose forcefully. exam 1 they clamped a curfew on the town. clamp ety C16: from Middle Dutch klamp heap; related to #7clump clamp H2.1. syl clamp pron pos n. qual Brit. agriculture. def a mound formed out of a harvested root crop, covered with straw and earth to protect it from winter weather. clamp H2.2. syl clamp pron pos n. qual Brit. agriculture. def a pile of bricks ready for processing in a furnace. {~} clamp H2.3. syl clamp pron pos n. mod tr. qual Brit. agriculture. def to enclose (a harvested root crop) in a mound. clamp down 1. syl clamp down pos vb. adv. mod intr. usage often foll. by on def to behave repressively; attempt to suppress something regarded as undesirable. clampdown infl head clamp down syl clamp+down. pos n. clamp down 2. syl clamp down pos n. mod intr. usage often foll. by on def a sudden restrictive measure. clamper 0. syl clamp+er pron <1kl@mp*> pos n. def a spiked metal frame fastened to the sole of a shoe to prevent slipping on ice. clamshell 1. syl clam+shell pron <1kl@m2Sel> pos n. qual U.S. def a dredging bucket that is hinged like the shell of a clam. clamshell 2. syl clam+shell pron <1kl@m2Sel> pos n. qual Aeronautics. def another name for {{eyelid} (sense 2)}. clam up 0. syl clam up pos vb. adv. mod intr. qual Informal. def to keep or become silent or withhold information. clamworm 0. syl clam+worm pron <1kl@m2wR:m> pos n. def the U.S. name for the {ragworm}. clan ety C14: from Scottish Gaelic clann family, descendants, from Latin planta sprout, #7plant clan 1. syl clan pron pos n. def a group of people interrelated by ancestry or marriage. clan 2. syl clan pron pos n. def a group of families with a common surname and a common ancestor, acknowledging the same leader, esp. among the Scots and the Irish. clan 3. syl clan pron pos n. def a group of people united by common characteristics, aims, or interests. clandestine ety C16: from Latin clandest*_inus, from clam secretly; related to Latin cel*_are to hide clandestine 0. syl clan+des+tine pron pos adj. def secret and concealed, often for illicit reasons; furtive. clandestinely sub head clandestine syl clan+1des+tine+ly pos adv. clandestineness sub head clandestine syl clan+1des+tine+ness pos n. clang ety C16: from Latin clangere clang 1. syl clang pron pos vb. def to make or cause to make a loud resounding noise, as metal when struck. clang 2. syl clang pron pos vb. mod intr. def to move or operate making such a sound. exam 1 the engine clanged on its way. clang 3. syl clang pron pos n. def a resounding metallic noise. clang 4. syl clang pron pos n. def the harsh cry of certain birds. clanger ety C20: from #7clang, referring to a mistake whose effects seem to clang clanger 1. syl clang+er pron <1kl@G*> pos n. qual Informal. def a conspicuous mistake (esp. in the phrase {drop a clanger) }. clanger 2. syl clang+er pron <1kl@G*> pos n. def something that clangs or causes a clang. clangour alt head clangor or clangor syl clang+our pron <1kl@Gg*>, <1kl@G*> pos n. clangor 1. or clangour syl clang+or pron <1kl@Gg*>, <1kl@G*> pos n. def a loud resonant often-repeated noise. clangor 2. or clangour syl clang+or pron <1kl@Gg*>, <1kl@G*> pos n. def an uproar. clangor 3. or clangour syl clang+or pron <1kl@Gg*>, <1kl@G*> pos vb. mod intr. def to make or produce a loud resonant noise. clangorous sub head clangor or clangourous syl clang+or+ous pos adj. clangourous sub head clangor or clangorous syl clang+our+ous pos adj. clangorously sub head clangor or clangourously syl clang+or+ous+ly pos adv. clangourously sub head clangor or clangorously syl clang+our+ous+ly pos adv. clank ety C17: of imitative origin clank 1. syl clank pron pos n. def an abrupt harsh metallic sound. clank 2. syl clank pron pos vb. def to make or cause to make such a sound. clank 3. syl clank pron pos vb. mod intr. def to move or operate making such a sound. clankingly sub head clank syl clank+ing+ly pos adv. clannish 1. syl clan+nish pron <1kl@niS> pos adj. def of or characteristic of a clan. clannish 2. syl clan+nish pron <1kl@niS> pos adj. def tending to associate closely within a limited group to the exclusion of outsiders; cliquish. clannishly sub head clannish syl clan+nish+ly pos adv. clannishness sub head clannish syl clan+nish+ness pos n. clanswoman alt head clansman or clansman syl clans+wom:an pos n. mod fem. clansmen infl head clansman or clanswomen syl clans+men pos n. mod pl. clanswomen infl head clansman or clansmen syl clans+wom:en. pos n. mod pl. clansman 0. or clanswoman syl clans+man pron <1kl@nzm*n> pos n. def a person belonging to a clan. clap ety Old English cl@appan; related to Old High German klepfen, Middle Dutch klape rattle, Dutch klepel clapper; all of imitative origin claps infl head clap syl claps pos vb. clapping infl head clap syl clap+ping pos vb. clapped infl head clap syl clapped. pos vb. clap H1.1. syl clap pron pos vb. def to make or cause to make a sharp abrupt sound, as of two nonmetallic objects struck together. clap H1.2. syl clap pron pos vb. def to applaud (someone or something) by striking the palms of the hands together sharply. clap H1.3. syl clap pron pos vb. mod tr. def to strike (a person) lightly with an open hand, in greeting, encouragement, etc. clap H1.4. syl clap pron pos vb. mod tr. def to place or put quickly or forcibly. exam 1 they clapped him into jail. clap H1.5. syl clap pron pos vb. usage of certain birds def to flap (the wings) noisily. clap H1.6. syl clap pron pos vb. mod intr. usage foll. by up or together def to contrive or put together hastily. exam 1 they soon clapped up a shed. clap eyes on 7. head clap syl clap eyes on. qual Informal. def to catch sight of. clap hold of 8. head clap syl clap hold of. qual Informal. def to grasp suddenly or forcibly. clap H1.9. syl clap pron pos n. def the sharp abrupt sound produced by striking the hands together. clap H1.10. syl clap pron pos n. def the act of clapping, esp. in applause. exam 1 he deserves a good clap. clap H1.11. syl clap pron pos n. def a sudden sharp sound, esp. of thunder. clap H1.12. syl clap pron pos n. def a light blow. clap H1.13. syl clap pron pos n. qual Archaic. def a sudden action or mishap. clap ety C16: from Old French clapoir venereal sore, from clapier brothel, from Old Proven*,cal, from clap heap of stones, of obscure origin clap H2.0. syl clap pron pos n. usage usually preceded by the def a slang word for {gonorrhoea}. clapboard ety C16: partial translation of Low German klappholt, from klappen to crack+ holt wood; related to Dutch claphout; see #7board clapboard 1.a. syl clap+board pron <1kl@p2bc:d>, <1kl@b*d> pos n. def a long thin timber board with one edge thicker than the other, used esp. in the U.S. in wood-frame construction by lapping each board over the one below. clapboard 1.b. syl clap+board pron <1kl@p2bc:d>, <1kl@b*d> pos n. usage as modifier exam 1 a clapboard house. clapboard 2. syl clap+board pron <1kl@p2bc:d>, <1kl@b*d> pos vb. mod tr. def to cover with such boards. Clapham Sect ety C19: named after Clapham, a district of London Clapham Sect 0. syl Clap+ham Sect pron <1kl@p*m> pos n. def an informal group of early 19th-century Church-of-England evangelicals advocating personal piety, missionary zeal, the abolition of slavery, etc. clap-net 0. syl clap-net pos n. def a net, used esp. by entomologists, that can be closed instantly by pulling a string. clap on 0. syl clap on pos vb. mod tr. def to don hastily. exam 1 they clapped on their armour. (clapped-out infl head clapped out syl (clapped-out pos adj. clapped out 0. syl clapped out pos adj. usage when prenominal) . Brit. informal. def (esp. of machinery) worn out; dilapidated. clapper 1. syl clap+per pron <1kl@p*> pos n. def a person or thing that claps. clapper 2. syl clap+per pron <1kl@p*> pos n. def a contrivance for producing a sound of clapping, as for scaring birds. clapper 3. syl clap+per pron <1kl@p*> pos n. def Also called: {tongue}. a small piece of metal suspended within a bell that causes it to sound when made to strike against its side. clapper 4. syl clap+per pron <1kl@p*> pos n. def a slang word for {{tongue} (sense 1)}. move) like the clappers infl head clapper syl move) like the clappers. go (run 5. head clapper syl go (run qual Brit. informal. def to move ex?!tremely fast. clapperboard 0. syl clap:per+board pron <1kl@p*2bc:d> pos n. def a pair of hinged boards clapped together during film shooting in order to aid in synchronizing sound and picture prints. clapper bridge 0. syl clap+per bridge pos n. def a primitive type of bridge in which planks or slabs of stone rest on piles of stones. clapperclaw ety C16: perhaps from #7clapper+claw clapperclaw 1. syl clap:per+claw pron <1kl@p*2klc:> pos vb. mod tr. qual Archaic. def to claw or scratch with the hands and nails. clapperclaw 2. syl clap:per+claw pron <1kl@p*2klc:> pos vb. mod tr. qual Archaic. def to revile; abuse. clapperclawer sub head clapperclaw syl 1clap:per+2claw:er pos n. Eric infl head Clapton syl Er:ic. pos n. Clapton 0. syl Clap:ton pron <1kl@pt*n> pos n. def born 1945, English rock guitarist; a member of the groups Cream (1966-68), Blind Faith (1968), and Derek and the Dominos (1970 onwards). His albums include (1970). claptrap ety C18 (in the sense: something contrived to elicit applause): from #7clap %1#7+trap claptrap 1. syl clap+trap pron <1kl@p2tr@p> pos n. qual Informal. def contrived but foolish talk. claptrap 2. syl clap+trap pron <1kl@p2tr@p> pos n. qual Informal. def insincere and pretentious talk. exam 1 politicians' claptrap. claque ety C19: from French, from claquer to clap, of imitative origin claque 1. syl claque pron pos n. def a group of people hired to applaud. claque 2. syl claque pron pos n. def a group of fawning admirers. clarabella ety C19: from Latin cl*_ara, feminine of cl*_arus clear+ bella, feminine of bellus beautiful claribella alt head clarabella or clarabella syl clar:i+bel+la pron <2kl@r*1bel*> pos n. clarabella 0. or claribella syl clar:a+bel+la pron <2kl@r*1bel*> pos n. def an eight-foot flute stop on an organ. Clare H1.0. syl Clare pron pos n. def a county of W Ireland, in Munster between Galway Bay and the Shannon estuary. County town: Ennis. Pop.: 75008 (1971). Area: 3188 sq. km (1231 sq. miles). John infl head Clare syl John. pos n. Clare H2.0. syl Clare pron pos n. def 1793-1864, English poet, noted for his descriptions of country life, particularly in (1827) and (1835). He was confined in a lunatic asylum from 1837. clarence ety C19: named after the Duke of Clarence (1765-1837) clarence 0. syl clar+ence pron <1kl@r*ns> pos n. def a closed four-wheeled horse-drawn carriage, having a glass front. Clarenceux 0. syl Clar+en+ceux pron <1kl@r*nsu:> pos n. qual Heraldry. def the second King-of-Arms in England. clarendon ety C20: named after the Clarendon Press at Oxford University clarendon 0. syl clar+en+don pron <1kl@r*nd*n> pos n. qual Printing. def a style of boldface roman type. Clarendon H1.0. syl Clar+en+don pron <1kl@r*nd*n> pos n. def a village near Salisbury in S England: site of a council held by Henry II in 1164 that produced a code of laws (the {Constitutions of Clarendon}) defining relations between church and state. st Earl of infl head Clarendon syl 1st Earl of pos n. Clarendon H2.0. syl Clar:en:don pron <1kl@r*nd*n> pos n. def title of 1609-74, English statesman and historian; chief adviser to Charles II (1660-67); author of (1704-07). Clarendon Code ety C17: named after Edward Hyde, first Earl of C#7larendon, who was not, however, a supporter of the code Clarendon Code 0. syl Clar+en+don Code pos n. qual English history. def four acts passed by the Cavalier Parliament between 1661 and 1665 to deal with the religious problems of the Restoration. Saint infl head Clare of Assisi syl Saint. pos n. Clare of Assisi 0. syl Clare of As+si+si pos n. def 1194-1253, Italian nun; founder of the Franciscan Order of Poor Clares. Feast day: Aug. 12. claret ety C14: from Old French (vin) claret clear (wine), from Medieval Latin cl*_ar*_atum, from cl*_ar*_are to make clear, from Latin cl*_arus #7clear claret 1. syl clar+et pron <1kl@r*t> pos n. qual Chiefly Brit. def a red wine, esp. one from the Bordeaux district of France. claret 2.a. syl clar+et pron <1kl@r*t> pos n. def a purplish-red colour. claret 2.b. syl clar+et pron <1kl@r*t> pos as; adj. exam 1 a claret carpet. claret cup 0. syl clar+et cup pos n. def an iced drink made of claret, brandy, lemon, sugar, and sometimes sherry, cura*,cao, etc. clarify ety C14: from Old French clarifier, from Late Latin cl*_arific*_are, from Latin cl*_arus clear+ facere to make clarifies infl head clarify syl clar:i+fies pos vb. clarifying infl head clarify syl clar:i+fy+ing pos vb. clarified infl head clarify syl clar:i+fied. pos vb. clarify 1. syl clar:i+fy pron <1kl@ri2fI> pos vb. def to make or become clear or easy to understand. clarify 2. syl clar:i+fy pron <1kl@ri2fI> pos vb. def to make or become free of impurities. clarify 3. syl clar:i+fy pron <1kl@ri2fI> pos vb. def to make (fat, butter, etc.) clear by heating, etc., or (of fat, etc.) to become clear as a result of such a process. clarification sub head clarify syl clar:i+fi+1ca+tion pos n. clarifier sub head clarify syl clar:i+2fi+er pos n. clarinet ety C18: from French clari?!nette, probably from Italian clarinetto, from clarino trumpet clarinet 1. syl clar:i+net pron <2kl@ri1net> pos n. qual Music. def a keyed woodwind instrument with a cylindrical bore and a single reed. It is a transposing instrument, most commonly pitched in A or B flat. Obsolete spelling: {clar@.i@.o+net} (@!kl@ar$I$$#!n$et). clarinet 2. syl clar:i+net pron <2kl@ri1net> pos n. qual Music. def an orches?!tral musician who plays the clarinet. clarinetist sub head clarinet or clarinettist syl clar:i+1net+ist pos n. clarinettist sub head clarinet or clarinetist syl clar:i+1net+tist pos n. clarino 1. syl cla+rin:o pron pos adj. qual Music. def of or relating to a high passage for the trumpet in 18th-century music. clanos infl head clarino or clani syl cla+nos pron <-ni> pos n. mod pl. clani infl head clarino or clanos syl cla+ni pron <-ni> pos n. mod pl. clarino 2. syl cla+rin:o pron <-ni> pos n. qual Music. def the high register of the trumpet. clarino 3. syl cla+rin:o pron <-ni> pos n. qual Music. def an organ stop similar to the high register of the trumpet. clarino 4. syl cla+rin:o pron <-ni> pos n. qual Music. def a trumpet or clarion. clarion ety C14: from Medieval Latin cl*_ari*_o trumpet, from Latin cl*_arus clear clarion 1. syl clar:i+on pron <1kl@ri*n> pos n. def a four-foot reed stop of trumpet quality on an organ. clarion 2. syl clar:i+on pron <1kl@ri*n> pos n. def an obsolete, high-pitched, small-bore trumpet. clarion 3. syl clar:i+on pron <1kl@ri*n> pos n. def the sound of such an instrument or any similar sound. clarion 4. syl clar:i+on pron <1kl@ri*n> pos adj. usage prenominal def clear and ringing; inspiring. exam 1 a clarion call to action. clarion 5. syl clar:i+on pron <1kl@ri*n> pos vb. def to proclaim loudly. clarity ety C16: from Latin cl*_arit*_as, from cl*_arus #7clear clarity 1. syl clar+i:ty pron <1kl@riti> pos n. def clearness, as of expression. clarity 2. syl clar+i:ty pron <1kl@riti> pos n. def clearness, as of water. James 1. head Clark syl James def called 1936-68, Scottish racing driver; World Champion (1963, 1965). Clark 2. syl Clark pron pos n. def Lord {Ken@.neth}. born 1903, English art historian: his books include (1969), which he first presented as a television series. Clark cell ety C19: named after Hosiah Clark (died 1898), English scientist Clark cell 0. syl Clark cell pos n. qual Physics. def a cell having a mercury anode sur?!rounded by a paste of mercuric sulphate and a zinc cathode in a saturated solution of zinc sulphate. Formerly used as a stand?!ard, its emf is 1.4345 volts. clarkia ety C19: New Latin, named after William Clark (1770-1838), American explorer who discovered it clarkia 0. syl clark:i:a pron <1kla:ki*> pos n. def any North American onagraceous plant of the genus cultivated for their red, purple, or pink flowers. claro ety from Spanish: #7clear claros infl head claro or claroes syl cla+ros pos n. mod pl. claroes infl head claro or claros syl cla+roes. pos n. mod pl. claro 0. syl cla+ro pron <1kla:r*u> pos n. def a mild light-coloured cigar. clarts ety of unknown origin clarts 0. syl clarts pron pos n. mod pl. qual Northern English dialect. def lumps of mud, esp. on shoes. clarty sub head clarts syl clart:y pos adj. clary ety C14: from earlier sclarreye, from Medieval Latin sclareia, of obscure origin claries infl head clary syl clar:ies. pos n. mod pl. clary 0. syl clar:y pron <1kle*ri> pos n. def any of several European plants of the genus having aromatic leaves and blue flowers: family (labiates). -clase ety via French from Greek klasis a breaking, from klan to break -clase 0. syl -clase pos n. usage combining form. def (in mineralogy) indicating a particular type of cleavage. exam 1 plagioclase. clash ety C16: of imitative origin clash 1. syl clash pron pos vb. def to make or cause to make a loud harsh sound, esp. by striking together. clash 2. syl clash pron pos vb. mod intr. def to be incompatible; conflict. clash 3. syl clash pron pos vb. mod intr. def to engage together in conflict or contest. clash 4. syl clash pron pos vb. mod intr. usage of dates or events def to coincide. clash 5. syl clash pron pos vb. usage of colours def to look ugly or inharmonious together. clash 6. syl clash pron pos n. def a loud harsh noise. clash 7. syl clash pron pos n. def a collision or conflict. clash 8. syl clash pron pos n. qual Scot. def gossip; tattle. clasher sub head clash syl clash+er pos n. clashingly sub head clash syl clash+ing+ly pos adv. clasp ety C14: of uncertain origin; compare Old English clyppan to embrace clasp 1. syl clasp pron pos n. def a fastening, such as a catch or hook, used for holding things together. clasp 2. syl clasp pron pos n. def a firm grasp, hold, or embrace. clasp 3. syl clasp pron pos n. qual Military. def a bar or insignia on a medal ribbon, to indicate either a second award or the battle, campaign, or reason for its award. clasp 4. syl clasp pron pos vb. mod tr. def to hold in a firm grasp. clasp 5. syl clasp pron pos vb. mod tr. def to grasp firmly with the hand. clasp 6. syl clasp pron pos vb. mod tr. def to fasten together with or as if with a clasp. clasper sub head clasp syl clasp+er pos n. clasp knife 0. syl clasp knife pos n. def a large knife with one or more blades or other devices folding into the handle. class ety C17: from Latin classis class, rank, fleet; related to Latin cal*_are to summon class 1. syl class pron pos n. def a collection or division of people or things sharing a common characteristic, attribute, quality, or pro?!perty. class 2. syl class pron pos n. def a group of persons sharing a similar social position and certain economic, political, and cultural characteristics. class 3. syl class pron pos n. usage in Marxist theory def a group of persons sharing the same relationship to the means of production. class 4.a. syl class pron pos n. def the pattern of divisions that exist within a society on the basis of rank, economic status, etc. class 4.b. syl class pron pos n. usage as modifier exam 1 the class struggle; exam 2 class distinctions. class 5.a. syl class pron pos n. def a group of pupils or students who are taught and study together. class 5.b. syl class pron pos n. def a meeting of a group of students for tuition. class 6. syl class pron pos n. qual U.S. def a group of students who graduated in a specified year. exam 1 the class of '53. class 7. syl class pron pos n. qual Brit. usage in combination and as modifier def a grade of attainment in a university honours degree. exam 1 second-class honours. class 8. syl class pron pos n. def one of several standards of accommodation in public transport. See also {first class, second class, third class}. class 9. syl class pron pos n. qual Informal. def excellence or elegance, esp. in dress, design, or behaviour. exam 1 that girl's got class. class 10.a. syl class pron pos n. def outstanding speed and stamina in a racehorse. class 10.b. syl class pron pos n. usage as modifier exam 1 the class horse in the race. class 11. syl class pron pos n. qual Biology. def any of the taxonomic groups into which a phylum is divided and which contains one or more orders. and are three classes of phylum class 12. syl class pron pos n. qual Maths. def another name for {{set%2} (sense 3)}. in a class by oneself 13. head class or in a class of its own syl in a class by oneself def unequalled; unparalleled. class 14. syl class pron pos vb. def to have or assign a place within a group, grade, or class. classable sub head class syl class+a:ble pos adj. classer sub head class syl class+er pos n. class 1. syl class. qual abbrev. for: def classic(al). class 2. syl class. qual abbrev. for: def classification. class 3. syl class. qual abbrev. for: def classified. class-conscious 0. syl class-con:scious pos adj. def aware of belonging to a particular social rank or grade, esp. in being hostile or proud because of class distinctions. class-consciousness sub head class-conscious syl class-1con:scious+ness pos n. classic ety C17: from Latin classicus of the first rank, from classis division, rank, #7class #e Usage. The adjectives classic and classical can often be treated as synonyms, but there are two contexts in which they should be carefully distinguished. Classic is applied to that which is of the first rank, esp. in art and literature, as in: Lewis Carroll's classic works for children. Classical is used to refer to Greek and Roman culture. classic 1. syl clas+sic pron <1kl@sik> pos adj. def of the highest class, esp. in art or literature. classic 2. syl clas+sic pron <1kl@sik> pos adj. def serving as a standard or model of its kind; definitive. classic 3. syl clas+sic pron <1kl@sik> pos adj. def adhering to an established set of rules or principles in the arts or sciences. exam 1 a classic proof. classic 4. syl clas+sic pron <1kl@sik> pos adj. def characterized by simplicity, balance, regularity, and purity of form; clas?!sical. classic 5. syl clas+sic pron <1kl@sik> pos adj. def of lasting interest or significance. classic 6. syl clas+sic pron <1kl@sik> pos adj. def continuously in fashion because of its simple and basic style. exam 1 a classic day dress. classic 7. syl clas+sic pron <1kl@sik> pos n. def an author, artist, or work of art of the highest excellence. classic 8. syl clas+sic pron <1kl@sik> pos n. def a creation or work considered as definitive. classic 9.a. syl clas+sic pron <1kl@sik> pos n. def any of the five principal races for three-year-old horses in Britain, namely the One Thousand Guineas, Two Thousand Guineas, Derby, Oaks, and Saint Leger. classic 9.b. syl clas+sic pron <1kl@sik> pos n. def a race equivalent to any of these in other countries. classical 1. syl clas+si+cal pron <1kl@sikL> pos adj. def of, relating to, or characteristic of the ancient Greeks and Romans or their civilization, esp. in the period of their ascendancy. classical 2. syl clas+si+cal pron <1kl@sikL> pos adj. def designating, following, or influenced by the art or culture of ancient Greece or Rome. exam 1 classical architecture. classical 3.a. syl clas+si+cal pron <1kl@sikL> pos adj. def of, relating to, or denoting any music or its period of composition marked by stability of form, intellectualism, and restraint. Compare {romantic} (sense 5). classical 3.b. syl clas+si+cal pron <1kl@sikL> pos adj. def accepted as a standard. exam 1 the classical suite. classical 3.c. syl clas+si+cal pron <1kl@sikL> pos adj. def denoting serious art music in general. Compare {pop%2}. classical 4. syl clas+si+cal pron <1kl@sikL> pos adj. qual Music. def of or relating to a style of music composed, esp. at Vienna, during the late 18th and early 19th centuries. This period is marked by the establishment, esp. by Haydn and Mozart, of sonata form. classical 5. syl clas+si+cal pron <1kl@sikL> pos adj. def denoting or relating to a style in any of the arts characterized by emotional restraint and conservatism. exam 1 a classical style of painting. classical 6. syl clas+si+cal pron <1kl@sikL> pos adj. def well versed in the art and literature of ancient Greece and Rome. classical 7. syl clas+si+cal pron <1kl@sikL> pos adj. usage of an education def based on the humanities and the study of Latin and Greek. classical 8.a. syl clas+si+cal pron <1kl@sikL> pos adj. def not involving the quantum theory or the theory of relativity. exam 1 classical mechanics. classical 8.b. syl clas+si+cal pron <1kl@sikL> pos adj. def obeying the laws of Newtonian mechanics or 19th-century physics. exam 1 a classical gas. classical 9. syl clas+si+cal pron <1kl@sikL> pos adj. def another word for {{classic} (sense 4)}. classicality sub head classical or classicalness syl clas+si+1cal+i:ty pos n. classicalness sub head classical or classicality syl clas+si+cal+ness pos n. classically sub head classical syl clas+si+cal+ly classical college 0. syl clas+si+cal col+lege pos n. usage in Quebec def a college offering a programme that emphasizes the classics and leads to university entrance. classical conditioning 0. syl clas+si+cal con+di+tion+ing pos n. qual Psychol. def the process of altering behaviour by pairing two stimuli so that the second stimulus alone eventually will elicit a response that could originally be produced only by the first stimulus. classic blues 0. syl clas+sic blues pos n. mod functioning as; sing. pl. qual Jazz. def a type of city blues performed by a female singer accompanied by a small group. classicalism alt head classicism or classicism syl clas+si+cal+ism pron <1kl@sik*?!2liz*m> pos n. classicism 1. or classicalism syl clas+si+cism pron <1kl@si2siz*m> pos n. def a style based on the study of Greek and Roman models, characterized by emotional restraint and regularity of form, associated esp. with the 18th century in Europe; the antithesis of romanticism. Compare {neoclassicism}. classicism 2. or classicalism syl clas+si+cism pron <1kl@si2siz*m> pos n. def knowl?!edge or study of the culture of ancient Greece and Rome. classicism 3.a. or classicalism syl clas+si+cism pron <1kl@si2siz*m> pos n. def a Greek or Latin form or expression. classicism 3.b. or classicalism syl clas+si+cism pron <1kl@si2siz*m> pos n. def an expression in a modern language, such as English, that is modelled on a Greek or Latin form. classicalist alt head classicist or classicist syl clas+si+cal+ist pron <1kl@sik*list> pos n. classicist 1.a. or classicalist syl clas+si+cist pron <1kl@sisist> pos n. def a student of ancient Latin and Greek. classicist 1.b. or classicalist syl clas+si+cist pron <1kl@sisist> pos n. def a person who advocates the study of ancient Latin and Greek. classicist 2. or classicalist syl clas+si+cist pron <1kl@sisist> pos n. def an adherent of classicism in literature or art. classicistic sub head classicist syl clas+si+1cis+tic pos adj. classicise alt head classicize or classicize syl clas+si+cise pron <1kl@si2sIz> pos vb. classicize 1. or classicise syl clas+si+cize pron <1kl@si2sIz> pos vb. mod tr. def to make classic. classicize 2. or classicise syl clas+si+cize pron <1kl@si2sIz> pos vb. mod intr. def to imitate classical style. the infl head classics syl the. pos n. classics 1. syl clas+sics pron <1kl@siks> pos n. def a body of literature regarded as great or lasting, esp. that of ancient Greece or Rome. classics 2. syl clas+sics pron <1kl@siks> pos n. def the ancient Greek and Latin languages. classification ety C18: from French; see #7class, -#7ify, -#7ation &- @!clas+si+fi+#!ca+tion+al adj. &- @!clas+si+fi+#!ca+to@.ry adj. classification 1. syl clas+si+fi+ca+tion pron <2kl@sifi1kAS*n> pos n. def systematic placement in categories. classification 2. syl clas+si+fi+ca+tion pron <2kl@sifi1kAS*n> pos n. def one of the divisions in a system of classifying. classification 3.a. syl clas+si+fi+ca+tion pron <2kl@sifi1kAS*n> pos n. def the placing of animals and plants in a series of increasingly specialized groups because of similarities in structure, origin, etc., that indicate a common relationship. The major groups are kingdom, phylum (in animals) or division (in plants), class, order, family, genus, and species. classification 3.b. syl clas+si+fi+ca+tion pron <2kl@sifi1kAS*n> pos n. def the study of the principles and practice of this process; taxonomy. classification 4. syl clas+si+fi+ca+tion pron <2kl@sifi1kAS*n> pos n. qual Government. def the designation of an item of information as being secret and not available to people outside a restricted group. classification schedule 0. syl clas+si+fi+ca+tion sched+ule pos n. qual Library science. def the printed scheme of a system of classification. classified 1. syl clas+si+fied pron <1kl@si2fId> pos adj. def arranged according to some system of classification. classified 2. syl clas+si+fied pron <1kl@si2fId> pos adj. usage Government. of information def not available to people outside a restricted group, esp. for reasons of national security. classified 3. syl clas+si+fied pron <1kl@si2fId> pos adj. usage U.S. informal. of information def closely concealed or secret. classified 4. syl clas+si+fied pron <1kl@si2fId> pos adj. usage of advertisements in newspapers, etc. def arranged according to type. classified 5. syl clas+si+fied pron <1kl@si2fId> pos adj. usage Brit. of newspapers def containing sports results, esp. football results. classified 6. syl clas+si+fied pron <1kl@si2fId> pos adj. usage of British roads def having a number in the national road system. If the number is preceded by an M the road is a motorway, if by an A it is a first-class road, and if by a B it is a secondary road. classify ety C18: back formation from #7classification classifies infl head classify syl clas+si+fies pos vb. mod tr. classifying infl head classify syl clas+si+fy+ing pos vb. mod tr. classified infl head classify syl clas+si+fied. pos vb. mod tr. classify 1. syl clas+si+fy pron <1kl@si2fI> pos vb. mod tr. def to arrange or order by classes; categorize. classify 2. syl clas+si+fy pron <1kl@si2fI> pos vb. mod tr. qual Government. def to declare (information, documents, etc.) of possible aid to an enemy and therefore not available to people outside a restricted group. classifiable sub head classify syl clas+si+2fi+a:ble pos adj. classifier sub head classify syl clas+si+2fi+er pos n. classis ety C16: from Latin; see #7class classes infl head classis syl clas+ses pron <1kl@sEz> pos n. mod pl. classis 1. syl clas+sis pron <1kl@sis> pos n. usage in some Reformed Churches def a governing body of elders or pastors. classis 2. syl clas+sis pron <1kl@sis> pos n. usage in some Reformed Churches def the district or group of local churches directed by such a body. classless 1. syl class+less pron <1kla:slis> pos adj. def not belonging to or forming a class. classless 2. syl class+less pron <1kla:slis> pos adj. def characterized by the absence of economic and social distinctions. classlessness sub head classless syl class+less+ness pos n. class list 0. syl class list pos n. qual Brit. def a list categorizing students according to the class of honours they have obtained in their degree examination. class mark 1. syl class mark pos n. qual Statistics. def a value within a frequency class interval for the purposes of quantitative analysis and computational convenience. class mark 2. syl class mark pos n. def Also called: {class number}. a symbol on a book or other publication indicating its subject field, shelf position, etc. classmate 0. syl class+mate pron <1kla:s2mAt> pos n. def a friend or contemporary of the same class in a school, college, etc. classroom 0. syl class+room pron <1kla:s2ru:m>, <-2rum> pos n. def a room in which classes are conducted, esp. in a school or college. class sthe infl head class struggle syl class sthe. pos n. class struggle 0. syl class strug+gle pos n. qual Marxism. def the continual conflict between the capitalist and working classes for economic and political power. Also called: {class war}. classier infl head classy syl class:i+er pos adj. classiest infl head classy syl class:i+est. pos adj. classy 0. syl class:y pron <1kla:si> pos adj. qual Slang. def elegant; stylish. classily sub head classy syl class:i+ly pos adv. classiness sub head classy syl class:i+ness pos n. clastic ety C19: from Greek klastos shattered, from klan to break clastic 1. syl clas+tic pron <1kl@stik> pos adj. usage of sediments, rocks, etc. def composed of fragments of pre-existing rocks. clastic 2. syl clas+tic pron <1kl@stik> pos adj. qual Biology. def dividing into parts. exam 1 a clastic cell. clastic 3. syl clas+tic pron <1kl@stik> pos adj. def able to be dismantled for study or observation. exam 1 a clastic model of the brain. clathrate ety C17: from Latin cl*_athr*_are to provide with a lattice, from Greek kl*_ethra, from klaithron a bar clathrate 1. syl clath+rate pron <1kl@TrAt> pos adj. qual Botany. def resembling a net or lattice. clathrate 2. syl clath+rate pron <1kl@TrAt> pos n. qual Chem. def a solid compound in which molecules of one substance are physically trapped in the crystal lattice of another. clatter ety Old English clatrung clattering (gerund); related to Dutch klateren to rattle, German klatschen to smack, Norwegian klattra to knock clatter 1. syl clat+ter pron <1kl@t*> pos vb. def to make or cause to make a rattling noise, esp. as a result of movement. clatter 2. syl clat+ter pron <1kl@t*> pos vb. mod intr. def to chatter. clatter 3. syl clat+ter pron <1kl@t*> pos vb. mod tr. qual Northern English dialect. def to box the ears of. clatter 4. syl clat+ter pron <1kl@t*> pos n. def a rattling sound or noise. clatter 5. syl clat+ter pron <1kl@t*> pos n. def a noisy commotion, such as one caused by loud chatter. clatterer sub head clatter syl clat+ter+er pos n. clatteringly sub head clatter syl clat+ter+ing+ly pos adv. clattery sub head clatter syl clat+ter:y pos adj. Paul (Louis Charles) infl head Claudel syl Paul (Louis Charles) pron pos n. Claudel 0. syl Clau:del pron French pos n. def 1868-1955, French dramatist, poet, and diplomat, whose works testify to his commitment to the Roman Catholic faith. His plays include (1912) and (1919-24). Claude Lorrain 0. syl Claude Lor:rain qual French def klod l@$#!r*~$e) pseudonym of 1600-82, French painter, esp. of idealized landscapes, noted for his subtle depiction of light. claudication ety C18: from Latin claudic*_ati*_o, from claudic*_are, from claudus lame claudication 1. syl clau+di+ca+tion pron <2klc:di1kAS*n> pos n. def limping; lameness. claudication 2. syl clau+di+ca+tion pron <2klc:di1kAS*n> pos n. qual Pathol. def short for {intermittent claudication}. Claudius 0. syl Clau:di:us pron <1klc:di*s> pos n. def full name 10 #7b.c. -54 #7a.d., Roman emperor (41-54); invaded Britain (43); poisoned by his fourth wife, Agrippina. Claudius II 0. syl Clau:di:us II pos n. def full name called 214-270 #7a.d., Roman emperor (268-270). clause ety C13: from Old French, from Medieval Latin clausa a closing (of a rhetorical period), back formation from Latin clausula, from claudere to close clause 1. syl clause pron pos n. qual Grammar. def a group of words, consisting of a subject and a predicate including a finite verb, that does not necessarily constitute a sentence. See also {main clause, sub?!ordinate clause, coordinate clause}. clause 2. syl clause pron pos n. def a section of a legal document such as a contract, will, or statute. clausal sub head clause syl claus+al pos adj. Karl von infl head Clausewitz syl Karl von pron <1karl> pos n. Clausewitz 0. syl Clau:se:witz pron German <1klauz*2vits> pos n. def 1780-1831, Prussian general, noted for his works on military strategy, esp. (1833). Rudolf Julius infl head Clausius syl Ru:dolf Ju:li:us pron <1ru:dclf> <1ju:lius> pos n. Clausius 0. syl Clau:si:us pron German <1klauzius> pos n. def 1822-88, German physicist and mathematician. He enunciated the second law of thermodynamics (1850) and developed the kinetic theory of gases. claustral 0. syl claus+tral pron <1klc:str*l> pos adj. def a less common spelling of {cloistral}. claustrophobia 0. syl claus+tro+pho+bi:a pron <2klc:str*1f*ubi*>, <2klos-> pos n. def an abnormal fear of being closed in or of being in a confined space. claustrophobe sub head claustrophobia syl claus+tro+2phobe pos n. claustrophobic sub head claustrophobia syl claus+tro+1pho+bic pos adj. clavate ety C19: from Latin cl*_ava club claviform alt head clavate or clavate syl clav:i+form pos adj. clavate 0. or claviform syl cla+vate pron <1klAvAt>, <-vit> pos adj. def shaped like a club with the thicker end uppermost. clavately sub head clavate syl cla+vate+ly pos adv. clave ety C20: from American Spanish, from Latin clavis key clave H1.0. syl clave pron , pos n. qual Music. def one of a pair of hardwood sticks struck together to make a hollow sound. clave H2.0. syl clave pron pos vb. qual Archaic. def a past tense of {cleave}. claver ety C13: of uncertain origin claver 0. syl clav+er pron <1klAv*> pos vb. mod intr. qual Scot. def to talk idly; gossip. clavicembalo ety C18: from Italian, from Medieval Latin cl*_avis key+ cymbalum #7cymbal clavicembalos infl head clavicembalo syl clav:i+cem+ba+los. pos n. mod pl. clavicembalo 0. syl clav:i+cem+ba+lo pron <2kl@vi1Cemb*l*u> pos n. def another name for {harpsichord}. clavichord ety C15: from Medieval Latin cl*_avichordium, from Latin cl*_avis key+ chorda string, #7chord %2 clavichord 0. syl clav:i+chord pron <1kl@vi2kc:d> pos n. def a keyboard instrument consisting of a number of thin wire strings struck from below by brass tangents. The instrument is noted for its delicate tones, since the tangents do not rebound from the string until the key is released. clavichordist sub head clavichord syl clav:i+2chord+ist pos n. clavicle ety C17: from Medieval Latin cl*_avicula, from Latin cl*_avis key clavicle 1. syl clav:i+cle pron <1kl@vikL> pos n. def either of the two bones connecting the shoulder blades with the upper part of the breastbone. Nontechnical name: {collarbone}. clavicle 2. syl clav:i+cle pron <1kl@vikL> pos n. def the corresponding structure in other vertebrates. clavicular sub head clavicle syl cla+vic:u+lar pron pos adj. claviculate sub head clavicle syl cla+vic:u+late pron pos adj. clavicorn ety C19: from New Latin Clavicornia, from Latin cl*_ava club+ corn*_u horn clavicorn 1. syl clav:i+corn pron <1kl@vi2kc:n> pos n. def any beetle of the group including the ladybirds, characterized by club-shaped antennae. clavicorn 2. syl clav:i+corn pron <1kl@vi2kc:n> pos adj. def of, relating to, or belonging to the clavier ety C18: from French: keyboard, from Old French (in the sense: key bearer), from Latin cl*_avis key clavier 0.a. syl cla+vier pron , <1kl@vi*> pos n. def any keyboard instrument. clavier 0.b. syl cla+vier pron , <1kl@vi*> pos n. def the keyboard itself. claviform ety C19: from Latin cl*_ava club claviform 0. syl clav:i+form pron <1kl@vi2fc:m> pos adj. def another word for {clavate}. Clavius 0. syl Cla+vi+us pron <1klAvi*s> pos n. def one of the largest of the craters on the moon, about 230 kilometres (145 miles) in diameter, whose walls have peaks up to 5700 metres (19000 feet) above the floor. It lies in the SE quadrant. claw ety Old English clawu; related to Old High German kluwi, Sanskrit glau- ball, sphere claw 1. syl claw pron pos n. def a curved pointed horny process on the end of each digit in birds, some reptiles, and certain mammals. claw 2. syl claw pron pos n. def a corresponding structure in some invertebrates, such as the pincer of a crab. claw 3. syl claw pron pos n. def a part or member like a claw in function or appearance. claw 4. syl claw pron pos n. qual Botany. def the narrow basal part of certain petals and sepals. claw 5. syl claw pron pos vb. def to scrape, tear, or dig (something or someone) with claws, etc. claw 6. syl claw pron pos vb. mod tr. def to create by scratching as with claws. exam 1 to claw an opening. clawer sub head claw syl claw+er pos n. clawless sub head claw syl claw+less pos adj. claw back 1. syl claw back pos vb. adv. mod tr. def to get back (something) with difficulty. claw back 2. syl claw back pos vb. adv. mod tr. def to recover (a part of a tax, duty, etc.) in the form of an allowance. {~} {claw+back}. claw back 3. syl claw back pos vb. adv. mod tr. def the recovery of part of a tax, etc., in the form of an allowance. claw back 4. syl claw back pos vb. adv. mod tr. def the sum so recovered. claw hammer 0. syl claw ham+mer pos n. def a hammer with a cleft at one end of the head for extracting nails. Also called: {carpenter's hammer}. claw hatchet 0. syl claw hatch+et pos n. def a hatchet with a claw at one end of its head for extracting nails. claw off 0. syl claw off pos vb. adv. usage usually tr.) Nautical. def to avoid the dangers of (a lee shore or other hazard) by beating. claw setting 0. syl claw set+ting pos n. qual Brit. def a jewellery setting with clawlike prongs. U.S. equivalent: {Tiffany setting}. clay ety Old English cl*_@ag; related to Old High German kl*_ia, Norwegian kli, Latin gl*_us glue, Greek gloios sticky oil clay 1. syl clay pron pos n. def a very fine-grained material that consists of hydrated aluminium silicate, quartz, and organic fragments and occurs as sedimentary rocks, soils, and other deposits. It becomes plastic when moist but hardens on heating and is used in the manufacture of bricks, cement, ceramics, etc. clay 2. syl clay pron pos n. def earth or mud in general. clay 3. syl clay pron pos n. qual Poetic. def the material of the human body. clay 4. syl clay pron pos vb. mod tr. def to cover or mix with clay. clayey sub head clay syl clay+ey pos adj. clayish sub head clay or claylike syl clay+ish pos adj. claylike sub head clay or clayish syl clay+2like pos adj. Clay 1. syl Clay pron pos n. def See {Muhammad Ali}. Henry 2. head Clay syl Hen:ry. def 1777-1852, U.S. statesman and orator; secretary of state (1825-29). claybank 0.a. syl clay+bank pron <1klA2b@Gk> pos n. qual U.S. def a dull brownish-orange colour. claybank 0.b. syl clay+bank pron <1klA2b@Gk> pos as; adj. qual U.S. exam 1 a claybank horse. clay mineral 0. syl clay min+er+al pos n. def any of a group of minerals consisting of hydrated aluminium silicates: the major constituents of clays. claymore ety C18: from Gaelic claidheamh m*_or great sword claymore 0. syl clay+more pron <1klA2mc:> pos n. def a large two-edged broadsword used formerly by Scottish Highlanders. claypan 0. syl clay+pan pron <1klA2p@n> pos n. def a layer of stiff impervious clay situated just below the surface of the ground, which holds water after heavy rain. clay pigeon 1. syl clay pig+eon pos n. def a disc of baked clay hurled into the air from a machine as a target to be shot at. clay pigeon 2. syl clay pig+eon pos n. qual U.S. slang. def a person in a defenceless position; sitting duck. claystone 0. syl clay+stone pron <1klA2st*un> pos n. def a compact very fine-grained rock consisting of consolidated clay particles. claytonia ety C18: named after John Clayton (1693-1773), American botanist claytonia 0. syl clay+to+ni:a pron pos n. def any low-growing North American succulent portulacaceous plant of the genus -cle ety via Old French from Latin -culus. See -#7cule -cle 0. syl -cle usage suffix forming nouns. def indicating smallness. exam 1 cubicle; exam 2 particle. clean ety Old English cl*_@ane; related to Old Frisian kl*_ene small, neat, Old High German kleini clean 1. syl clean pron pos adj. def without dirt or other impurities; unsoiled. clean 2. syl clean pron pos adj. def without anything in it or on it. exam 1 a clean page. clean 3. syl clean pron pos adj. def without extraneous or foreign materials. clean 4. syl clean pron pos adj. def without defect, difficulties, or problems. exam 1 a clean test flight. clean 5.a. syl clean pron pos adj. usage of a nuclear weapon def producing little or no radioactive fall-out or contamination. clean 5.b. syl clean pron pos adj. def uncontaminated. Compare {{dirty} (sense 11)}. clean 6. syl clean pron pos adj. usage of a wound, etc. def having no pus or other sign of infection. clean 7. syl clean pron pos adj. def pure; morally sound. clean 8. syl clean pron pos adj. def without objectionable language or obscenity. exam 1 a clean joke. clean 9. syl clean pron pos adj. usage of printer's proofs, etc. def relatively free from errors; easily readable. exam 1 clean copy. clean 10. syl clean pron pos adj. def thorough or complete. exam 1 a clean break. clean 11. syl clean pron pos adj. def dexterous or adroit. exam 1 a clean throw. clean 12. syl clean pron pos adj. qual Sport. def played fairly and without fouls. clean 13. syl clean pron pos adj. def simple in design. exam 1 a ship's clean lines. clean 14. syl clean pron pos adj. qual Aeronautics. def causing little turbulence; streamlined. clean 15. syl clean pron pos adj. usage of an aircraft def having no projections, such as rockets, flaps, etc., into the airstream. clean 16. syl clean pron pos adj. def honourable or respectable. clean 17. syl clean pron pos adj. def habitually neat. clean 18. syl clean pron pos adj. usage esp. of a driving licence def showing or having no record of offences. clean 19.a. syl clean pron pos adj. def innocent; not guilty. clean 19.b. syl clean pron pos adj. def not carrying illegal drugs, weapons, etc. clean 20.a. syl clean pron pos adj. def having its bottom clean. clean 20.b. syl clean pron pos adj. def having a satisfactory bill of health. clean 21.a. syl clean pron pos adj. usage of persons def free from ceremonial defilement. clean 21.b. syl clean pron pos adj. usage of animals, birds, and fish def lawful to eat. clean 22. syl clean pron pos adj. qual New Testament. def morally and spiritually pure. clean 23. syl clean pron pos vb. def to make or become free of dirt, filth, etc.. exam 1 the stove cleans easily. clean 24. syl clean pron pos vb. def to remove in making clean. exam 1 to clean marks off the wall. clean 25. syl clean pron pos vb. mod tr. def to prepare (fish, poultry, etc.) for cooking. exam 1 to clean a chicken. clean 26. syl clean pron pos adv. def in a clean way; cleanly. clean bowled 28. head clean syl clean bowled. qual Cricket. def bowled by a ball that breaks the wicket without hitting the batsman or his bat. come clean 29. head clean syl come clean. qual Informal. def to make a revelation or confession. clean 30. syl clean pron pos n. def the act or an instance of cleaning. exam 1 he gave his shoes a clean. cleanable sub head clean syl clean+a:ble pos adj. cleanness sub head clean syl clean+ness pos n. clean-cut 1. syl clean-cut pos adj. def clearly outlined; neat. exam 1 clean-cut lines of a ship. clean-cut 2. syl clean-cut pos adj. def definite. exam 1 a clean-cut decision in boxing. cleaner 1. syl clean+er pron <1klEn*> pos n. def a person, device, chemical agent, etc., that removes dirt, as from clothes or carpets. cleaner 2. syl clean+er pron <1klEn*> pos n. mod usually; pl. def a shop, etc. that provides a dry-cleaning service. clean-limbed 0. syl clean-limbed pos adj. def having well-proportioned limbs. cleanly 1. syl clean+ly pron <1klEnli> pos adv. def in a fair manner. cleanly 2. syl clean+ly pron <1klEnli> pos adv. def easily or smoothly. exam 1 the screw went into the wood cleanly. cleanlier infl head cleanly syl clean+li+er pos adj. cleanliest infl head cleanly syl clean+li+est. pos adj. cleanly 3. syl clean+ly pron <1klen?!li> pos adj. def habitually clean or neat. cleanlily sub head cleanly syl clean+li+ly pron <1klenlili> pos adv. cleanliness sub head cleanly syl clean+li+ness pron <1klenlinis> pos n. cleanliness sub head cleanly syl clean+li+ness pron <1klenlinis> pos n. clean out 1. syl clean out pos vb. adv. mod tr. qual Slang. usage foll. by of or from def to remove (something) (from or away from). clean out 2. syl clean out pos vb. adv. mod tr. qual Slang. def to leave (someone) with no money. exam 1 gambling had cleaned him out. clean out 3. syl clean out pos vb. adv. mod tr. qual Slang. def to exhaust (stocks, goods, etc.) completely. cleanse ety Old English cl*_@ansian; related to Middle Low German kl*_ensen; see #7clean cleanse 1. syl cleanse pron pos vb. mod tr. def to remove dirt, filth, etc., from. cleanse 2. syl cleanse pron pos vb. mod tr. def to remove guilt from. cleanse 3. syl cleanse pron pos vb. mod tr. qual Archaic. def to cure. cleansable sub head cleanse syl cleans+a:ble pos adj. cleanser 0. syl cleans+er pron <1klenz*> pos n. def a cleansing agent, such as a detergent. clean-shaven 0. syl clean-shav:en pos adj. usage of men def having the facial hair shaved off. cleanskin 1. syl clean+skin pron <1klEn2skin> pos n. qual Austral. def an unbranded animal. cleanskin 2. syl clean+skin pron <1klEn2skin> pos n. qual Austral.; Slang. def a person without a criminal record. Cleanthes 0. syl Cle:an:thes pron pos n. def ??300-??232 #7b.c., Greek philosopher: succeeded Zeno as head of the Stoic school. clean up 1. syl clean up pos vb. adv. def to rid (something) of dirt, filth, or other impurities. clean up 2. syl clean up pos vb. adv. def to make (someone or something) orderly or presentable. clean up 3. syl clean up pos vb. adv. mod tr. def to rid (a place) of undesirable people or conditions. exam 1 the campaign against vice had cleaned up the city. clean up 4. syl clean up pos vb. adv. qual Informal, chiefly U.S. def to make (a great profit). cleanup infl head clean up syl clean+up. pos n. clean up 5.a. syl clean up pos n. def the process of cleaning up or eliminating something. clean up 5.b. syl clean up pos n. usage as modifier exam 1 a cleanup campaign. clean up 6. syl clean up pos n. qual Informal, chiefly U.S. def a great profit. clear ety C13: clere, from Old French cler, from Latin cl*_arus clear, bright, brilliant, illustrious clear 1. syl clear pron pos adj. def free from darkness or obscurity; bright. clear 2. syl clear pron pos adj. usage of weather def free from dullness or clouds. clear 3. syl clear pron pos adj. def transparent. exam 1 clear water. clear 4. syl clear pron pos adj. def even and pure in tone or colour. exam 1 clear blue. clear 5. syl clear pron pos adj. def without discoloration, blemish, or defect. exam 1 a clear skin. clear 6. syl clear pron pos adj. def easy to see or hear; distinct. clear 7. syl clear pron pos adj. def free from doubt or confusion. exam 1 his instructions are not clear. clear 8. syl clear pron pos adj. usage postpositive def certain in the mind; sure. exam 1 are you clear?? clear 9. syl clear pron pos adj. def evident or obvious. exam 1 it is clear that he won't come now. clear 10. syl clear pron pos adj. usage of sounds or the voice def not harsh or hoarse. clear 11. syl clear pron pos adj. def serene; calm. clear 12. syl clear pron pos adj. def without qualification or limitation; complete. exam 1 a clear victory. clear 13. syl clear pron pos adj. def free of suspicion, guilt, or blame. exam 1 a clear conscience. clear 14. syl clear pron pos adj. def free of obstruction; open. exam 1 a clear passage. clear 15. syl clear pron pos adj. def free from debt or obligation. clear 16. syl clear pron pos adj. usage of money, profits, etc. def without deduction; net. clear 17. syl clear pron pos adj. def emptied of freight or cargo. clear 18. syl clear pron pos adj. usage of timber def having a smooth, unblemished surface. clear 19. syl clear pron pos adj. usage of a message, etc. def not in code. clear 20. syl clear pron pos adj. def Also: {light}. denoting an (l) in whose articulation the main part of the tongue is brought forward giving the sound of a front-vowel timbre. clear 21. syl clear pron pos adj. usage Showjumping. of a round def ridden without any fences being knocked down or any points being lost. clear 22. syl clear pron pos adv. def in a clear or distinct manner. clear 23. syl clear pron pos adv. def completely or utterly. clear 24. syl clear pron pos adv. usage postpositive; often foll. by of def not in contact (with); free. exam 1 stand clear of the gates. clear 25. syl clear pron pos adv. def a clear space. clear 26. syl clear pron pos adv. def another word for {clear?!ance}. clear 27.a. syl clear pron pos adv. def free of suspicion, guilt, or blame. clear 27.b. syl clear pron pos adv. qual Sport. def able to receive a pass without being tackled. clear 28. syl clear pron pos vb. def to make or become free from darkness, obscurity, etc. clear 29.a. syl clear pron pos vb. usage of the weather def to become free from dullness, fog, rain, etc. clear 29.b. syl clear pron pos vb. usage of mist, fog, etc. def to disappear. clear 30. syl clear pron pos vb. mod tr. def to free from impurity or blemish. clear 31. syl clear pron pos vb. mod tr. def to free from doubt or confusion. exam 1 to clear one's mind. clear 32. syl clear pron pos vb. mod tr. def to rid of objects, obstructions, etc. clear 33. syl clear pron pos vb. mod tr. def to make or form (a path, way, etc.) by removing obstructions. clear 34. syl clear pron pos vb. mod tr. def to free or remove (a person or thing) from something, as of suspicion, blame, or guilt. clear 35. syl clear pron pos vb. mod tr. def to move or pass by or over without contact or involvement. exam 1 he cleared the wall easily. clear 36. syl clear pron pos vb. mod tr. def to rid (the throat) of phlegm or obstruction. clear 37. syl clear pron pos vb. mod tr. def to make or gain (money) as profit. clear 38. syl clear pron pos vb. mod tr. usage often foll. by off def to discharge or settle (a debt). clear 39. syl clear pron pos vb. mod tr. def to free (a debtor) from obligation. clear 40. syl clear pron pos vb. mod intr. usage of a cheque def to pass through one's bank and be charged against one's account. clear 41. syl clear pron pos vb. qual Banking. def to settle accounts by exchanging (commercial documents) in a clearing house. clear 42. syl clear pron pos vb. def to permit (ships, aircraft, cargo, passengers, etc.) to unload, disembark, depart, etc., after fulfilling the customs and other requirements, or (of ships, etc.) to be permitted to unload, etc. clear 43. syl clear pron pos vb. def to obtain or give (clearance). clear 44. syl clear pron pos vb. mod tr. def to obtain clearance from. clear 45. syl clear pron pos vb. mod tr. def to make microscope specimens transparent by immersion in a fluid such as xylene. clear 46. syl clear pron pos vb. mod tr. def to permit (a person, company, etc.) to see or handle classified information. clear 47.a. syl clear pron pos vb. def to achieve transmission of (a signalled message) and acknowledgment of its receipt at its destination. clear 47.b. syl clear pron pos vb. def to decode (a message, etc.). clear 48. syl clear pron pos vb. mod tr. qual Sport. def to hit, kick, carry, or throw (the ball) out of the defence area. clear 49. syl clear pron pos vb. mod tr. qual Computer technol. def to remove data from a storage device and replace it with particular characters that usually indicate zero. clear the air 50. head clear syl clear the air. def to dispel tension, confusion, etc. clear the decks 51. head clear syl clear the decks. def to make ready so as to take action, fight, etc. {~} See also {clear away, clear off, clear out, clear up}. clearable sub head clear syl clear+a:ble pos adj. clearer sub head clear syl clear+er pos n. clearly sub head clear syl clear+ly pos adv. clearness sub head clear syl clear+ness pos n. clearance 1.a. syl clear+ance pron <1kli*r*ns> pos n. def the process or an instance of clearing. exam 1 slum clearance. clearance 1.b. syl clear+ance pron <1kli*r*ns> pos n. usage as modifier def . exam 1 a clearance order. clearance 2. syl clear+ance pron <1kli*r*ns> pos n. def space between two parts in motion or in relative motion. clearance 3. syl clear+ance pron <1kli*r*ns> pos n. def permission for an aircraft, ship, passengers, etc., to proceed. clearance 4. syl clear+ance pron <1kli*r*ns> pos n. qual Banking. def the exchange of commercial documents drawn on the members of a clearing house. clearance 5.a. syl clear+ance pron <1kli*r*ns> pos n. def the disposal of merchandise at reduced prices. clearance 5.b. syl clear+ance pron <1kli*r*ns> pos n. usage as modifier exam 1 a clearance sale. clearance 6.a. syl clear+ance pron <1kli*r*ns> pos n. def the act of hitting or kicking a ball out of the defensive area, as in football. clearance 6.b. syl clear+ance pron <1kli*r*ns> pos n. def an instance of this. clearance 7. syl clear+ance pron <1kli*r*ns> pos n. def a less common word for {clearing}. clear away 0. syl clear a:way pos vb. adv. def to remove (objects) from (the table) after a meal. clearcole ety C19: from French claire colle clear size clearcole 1. syl clear+cole pron <1kli*k*ul> pos n. def a type of size containing whiting. {~} clearcole 2. syl clear+cole pron <1kli*k*ul> pos n. mod tr. def to paint (a wall, etc.) with this size. (clear cut infl head clear-cut syl (clear cut pos adj. clear-cut 0. syl clear-cut pos adj. exam 1 when postpositive) . clear-cut 1. syl clear-cut pos adj. def definite; not vague. exam 1 a clear-cut proposal. clear-cut 2. syl clear-cut pos adj. def clearly outlined. clear-eyed 1. syl clear-eyed pos adj. def discerning; perceptive. clear-eyed 2. syl clear-eyed pos adj. def having clear eyes or sharp vision. clear-headed 0. syl clear-head:ed pos adj. def mentally alert; sensible; judicious. clear-headedly sub head clear-headed syl clear-1head:ed+ly pos adv. clear-headedness sub head clear-headed syl clear-1head:ed+ness pos n. clearing 0. syl clear+ing pron <1kli*riG> pos n. def an area with few or no trees or shrubs in wooded or overgrown land. clearing bank 0. syl clear+ing bank pos n. qual Brit. def any bank that makes use of the central clearing house in London for the transfer of credits and cheques between banks. clearing house 1. syl clear+ing house pos n. qual Banking. def an institution where cheques and other commercial papers drawn on member banks are cancelled against each other so that only net balances are payable. clearing house 2. syl clear+ing house pos n. def a central agency for the collection and distribution of information or materials. clear off 0. syl clear off pos vb. adv. mod intr. qual Informal. def to go away: often used imperatively. clear out 1. syl clear out pos vb. adv. mod intr. qual Informal. def to go away: often used imperatively. clear out 2. syl clear out pos vb. adv. mod tr. def to remove and sort the contents of (a room, container, etc.). clear out 3. syl clear out pos vb. adv. mod tr. qual Slang. def to leave (someone) with no money. clear out 4. syl clear out pos vb. adv. mod tr. qual Slang. def to exhaust (stocks, goods, etc.) completely. clear-sighted 1. syl clear-sight:ed pos adj. def involving accurate perception or judgment. exam 1 a clear-sighted compromise. clear-sighted 2. syl clear-sight:ed pos adj. def having clear vision. clear-sightedly sub head clear-sighted syl clear-1sight:ed+ly pos adv. clear-sightedness sub head clear-sighted syl clear-1sight:ed+ness pos n. clearstory 0. syl clear+sto:ry pron <1kli*2stc:ri> pos n. def a variant spelling of {clerestory}. clearstoried sub head clearstory syl clear+2sto:ried pos adj. clear up 1. syl clear up pos vb. adv. mod tr. def to explain or solve (a mystery, misunderstanding, etc.). clear up 2. syl clear up pos vb. adv. def to put (a place or thing that is disordered) in order. clear up 3. syl clear up pos vb. adv. mod intr. usage of the weather def to become brighter. clearway 0. syl clear+way pron <1kli*2wA> pos n. qual Brit. def a stretch of road on which motorists may stop only in an emergency. clearwing moth alt head clearwing or clearwing syl clear+wing moth pron <1kli*2wiG> pos n. clearwing 0. or clearwing moth syl clear+wing pron <1kli*2wiG> pos n. def any moth of the family (or characterized by the absence of scales from the greater part of the wings. cleat ety C14: of Germanic origin, compare Old High German chl*_oz clod, lump, Dutch kloot ball cleat 1. syl cleat pron pos n. def a wedge-shaped block, usually of wood, attached to a structure to act as a support. cleat 2. syl cleat pron pos n. def a device consisting of two hornlike prongs projecting horizontally in opposite directions from a central base, used for securing lines on vessels, wharves, etc. cleat 3. syl cleat pron pos n. def a short length of angle iron used as a bracket. cleat 4. syl cleat pron pos n. def a piece of metal, leather, etc., attached to the sole of a shoe to prevent wear or slipping. cleat 5. syl cleat pron pos n. def a small triangular-shaped nail used in glazing. cleat 6. syl cleat pron pos n. def any of the main cleavage planes in a coal seam. cleat 7. syl cleat pron pos vb. mod tr. def to supply or support with a cleat or cleats. cleat 8. syl cleat pron pos vb. mod tr. def to secure (a line) on a cleat. cleavage 1. syl cleav+age pron <1klEviJ> pos n. qual Informal. def the separation between a woman's breasts, esp. as revealed by a low-cut dress. cleavage 2. syl cleav+age pron <1klEviJ> pos n. def a division or split. cleavage 3. syl cleav+age pron <1klEviJ> pos n. usage of crystals def the act of splitting or the tendency to split along definite planes so as to yield smooth surfaces. cleavage 4. syl cleav+age pron <1klEviJ> pos n. def Also called: {segmentation}. (in animals) the repeated division of a fertilized ovum into a solid ball of cells (a morula), which later becomes hollow (a blastula). cleavage 5. syl cleav+age pron <1klEviJ> pos n. def the breaking of a chemical bond in a molecule to give smaller molecules or radicals. cleave ety Old English cl*_eofan; related to Old Norse klj*_ufa, Old High German klioban, Latin gl*_ubere to peel cleaves infl head cleave or clove cleft syl cleaves pos vb. cleaving cleft infl head cleave or cleaved syl cleav+ing; cleft pos vb. cleaved infl head cleave or cloven syl cleaved pos vb. clove cleft infl head cleave or cleaves syl clove; cleft pos vb. cloven infl head cleave or cleaved syl clo+ven. pos vb. cleave H1.1. syl cleave pron pos vb. def to split or cause to split, esp. along a natural weakness. cleave H1.2. syl cleave pron pos vb. mod tr. def to make by or as if by cutting. exam 1 to cleave a path. cleave H1.3. syl cleave pron pos vb. mod when; intr. usage foll. by through def to penetrate or traverse. cleavable sub head cleave syl cleav+a:ble pos adj. cleavability sub head cleave syl cleav+a:1bil+i:ty pos n. cleave ety Old English cleofian; related to Old High German kleb*_en to stick cleave H2.0. syl cleave pron pos vb. mod intr. usage foll. by to def to cling or adhere. cleaver 0. syl cleav+er pron <1klEv*> pos n. def a heavy knife or long-bladed hatchet, esp. one used by butchers. cleavers ety Old English cl*_ife; related to cl*_ifan to #7cleave %2 cleavers 0. syl cleav+ers pron <1klEv*z> pos n. mod functioning as; sing. def a Eurasian rubiaceous plant, having small white flowers and prickly stems and fruits. Also called: {goosegrass, hairif}. cleck ety C15: from Old Norse klekja cleck H1.1. syl cleck pron pos vb. mod tr. qual Scot. usage of birds def to hatch. cleck H1.2. syl cleck pron pos vb. mod tr. qual Scot. def to lay or hatch (a plot or scheme). cleck ety from Welsh, from clecan to gossip, and clec gossip cleck H2.1. syl cleck pron pos vb. mod intr. qual South Wales dialect. usage often foll. by on def to gossip (about); tell (on). cleck H2.2. syl cleck pron pos n. mod often; pl. qual South Wales dialect. def a piece of gossip. clecky sub head cleck syl cleck:y pos adj. cleek ety C15: of uncertain origin cleek 1. syl cleek pron pos n. qual Golf. def a club, a long-shafted iron (No. 1) used for long low shots. cleek 2. syl cleek pron pos n. qual Chiefly Scot. def a large hook, such as one used to land fish. Cleethorpes 0. syl Clee+thorpes pron <1klETc:ps> pos n. def a resort in E England, in SE Humberside. Pop.: 35785 (1971). clef ety C16: from French: key, clef, from Latin cl*_avis; related to Latin claudere to close clef 0. syl clef pron pos n. def one of several symbols placed on the left-hand side beginning of each stave indicating the pitch of the music written after it. See also {alto clef, C clef, soprano clef, tenor clef, bass clef}. cleft ety Old English geclyft (n.); related to Old High German kluft tongs, German Kluft gap, fissure; see #7cleave %1 cleft 1. syl cleft pron pos vb. def the past tense or a past participle of {cleave}. cleft 2. syl cleft pron pos n. def a fissure or crevice. cleft 3. syl cleft pron pos n. def an indentation or split in something, such as the chin, palate, etc. cleft 4. syl cleft pron pos adj. def split; divided. cleft 5. syl cleft pron pos adj. usage of leaves def having one or more incisions reaching nearly to the midrib. cleft palate 0. syl cleft pal+ate pos n. def a congenital crack or fissure in the midline of the hard palate, often associated with a harelip. cleg 0. syl cleg pron pos n. def another name for a {horsefly}, esp. one of the genus cleidoic egg ety C20: from Greek kleidoun to lock up, from kleid-, kleis key cleidoic egg 0. syl clei+do+ic egg pron pos n. def the egg of birds and insects, which is enclosed in a protective shell limiting the exchange of water, gases, etc. Cleisthenes 0. syl Cleis:the:nes pron <1klIsT*2nEz> pos n. def 6th century #7b.c., Athenian statesman: democratized the political structure of Athens. cleistogamy 0. syl cleis+tog:a+:my pron pos n. def self-pollination and fertilization of an unopened flower, as in the violet. cleistogamous sub head cleistogamy or cleistogamic syl cleis+1tog:a+mous pron <2klIst*1g@mik> pos adj. cleistogamic sub head cleistogamy or cleistogamous syl cleis+to+gam+ic pron <2klIst*1g@mik> pos adj. clem ety C16: of Germanic origin; related to Dutch, German klemmen to pinch, cramp; compare Old English beclemman to shut in clam alt head clem or clem syl clam pos vb. mod English dialect. when; tr. clems infl head clem or clams syl clems pos vb. mod English dialect. when; tr. clemming infl head clem or clamming syl clem+ming pos vb. mod English dialect. when; tr. clemmed infl head clem or clammed syl clemmed pos vb. mod English dialect. when; tr. clams infl head clem or clems syl clams pos vb. mod English dialect. when; tr. clamming infl head clem or clemming syl clam+ming pos vb. mod English dialect. when; tr. clammed infl head clem or clemmed syl clammed. pos vb. mod English dialect. when; tr. clem 0. or clam syl clem pron pos vb. mod English dialect. when; tr. usage usually passive def to be hungry or cause to be hungry. clematis ety C16: from Latin, from Greek kl*_ematis climbing plant, brushwood, from kl*_ema twig clematis 0. syl clem:a+tis pron <1klem*tis> pos n. def any N temperate ranunculaceous climbing plant or erect shrub of the genus having plumelike fruits. Many species are cultivated for their large colourful flowers. See also {traveller's joy}. Georges Eugene Benjamin infl head Clemenceau syl Georges Eu:g*`ene Ben:ja:min pron <@oZen> pos n. Clemenceau 0. syl Cle:men:ceau pron French pos n. def 1841-1929, French statesman; prime minister of France (1906-09; 1917-20); negotiated the Treaty of Versailles (1919). clemency ety C15: from Latin cl*_ementia, from cl*_em*_ens gentle clemencies infl head clemency syl clem+en+cies. pos n. mod pl. clemency 1. syl clem+en+cy pron <1klem*nsi> pos n. def mercy or leniency. clemency 2. syl clem+en+cy pron <1klem*nsi> pos n. def mildness, esp. of the weather. Samuel Langhorne infl head Clemens syl Sam:u:el Lang:horne pron <1l@G2hc:n> pos n. Clemens 0. syl Clem:ens pron <1klem*nz> pos n. def See (Mark) {Twain}. clement ety C15: from Latin cl*_em*_ens mild; probably related to Greek klinein to lean clement 1. syl clem+ent pron <1klem*nt> pos adj. def merciful. clement 2. syl clem+ent pron <1klem*nt> pos adj. usage of the weather def mild. clemently sub head clement syl clem+ent+ly pos adv. Saint infl head Clement I syl Saint pos n. Clement I 0. syl Clem:ent I pron <1klem*nt> pos n. def called pope (??88-??97 #7a.d.) . Feast day: Nov. 23. Clement V 0. syl Clem:ent V pos n. def original name ??1264-1314, pope (1305-14): removed the papal seat from Rome to Avignon in France (1309). Clement VII 0. syl Clem:ent VII pos n. def original name 1478-1534, pope (1523-34): refused to sanction the divorce of Henry VIII of England from Catherine of Aragon (1533). clementine ety C20: from French cl*'ementine, perhaps from the female Christian name clementine 0. syl clem+en+tine pron <1klem*n2tEn>, <-2tIn> pos n. def a citrus fruit thought to be either a variety of tangerine or a hybrid between a tangerine and sweet orange. Clement of Alexandria 0. syl Clem:ent of Al+ex+an+dri:a pos n. def original name ??150-??215 #7a.d., Greek Christian theologian: head of the catechetical school at Alexandria; teacher of Origen. clench ety Old English beclencan, related to Old High German klenken to tie, Middle High German klank noose, Dutch klinken rivet clench 1. syl clench pron pos vb. mod tr. def to close or squeeze together (the teeth, a fist, etc.) tightly. clench 2. syl clench pron pos vb. mod tr. def to grasp or grip firmly. clench 3. syl clench pron pos n. mod tr. def a firm grasp or grip. clench 4. syl clench pron pos n. mod tr. def a device that grasps or grips, such as a clamp. clench 5. syl clench pron pos n. vb. mod tr. def another word for {clinch}. cleome ety C19: New Latin, of obscure origin cleome 0. syl cle:o+me pron pos n. def any herbaceous or shrubby plant of the mostly tropical capparidaceous genus esp. cultivated for their clusters of white or purplish flowers with long stamens. Cleon 0. syl Cle:on pron <1klEon> pos n. def died 422 #7b.c., Athenian demagogue and military leader. Cleopatra 0. syl Cle:o:pat:ra pron <2klE*1p@tr*>, <-1pa:-> pos n. def ??69-30 #7b.c., queen of Egypt (51-30), renowned for her beauty: the mistress of Julius Caesar and later of Mark Antony. She killed herself with an asp to avoid capture by Octavian (Augustus). Cleopatra's Needle 0. syl Cle:o:pat:ra's Nee+dle pos n. def either of two Egyptian obelisks, originally set up at Heliopolis about 1500 #7b.c. : one was moved to the Thames Embankment, London, in 1878, the other to Central Park, New York, in 1880. clepe ety Old English cleopian; related to Middle Low German kleperen to rattle clepes infl head clepe syl clepes pron , pos vb. mod tr. cleping cleped infl head clepe syl clep+ing; cleped pron , pos vb. mod tr. clept infl head clepe syl clept pos vb. mod tr. ycleped infl head clepe or yclept syl y:cleped pos vb. mod tr. yclept infl head clepe or ycleped syl y:clept. pos vb. mod tr. clepe 0. syl clepe pron pos vb. mod tr. qual Archaic. def to call by the name of. clepsydra ety C17: from Latin, from Greek klepsudra, from kleptein to steal+ hud*_or water clepsydras infl head clepsydra or clepsydrae syl clep+sy+dras pron <-2drE> pos n. mod pl. clepsydrae infl head clepsydra or clepsydras syl clep+sy+drae pron <-2drE> pos n. mod pl. clepsydra 0. syl clep+sy+dra pron <1klepsidr*> pos n. def an ancient device for measuring time by the flow of water or mercury through a small aperture. Also called: {water clock}. cleptomania 0. syl clep+to+ma+ni:a pron <2klept*u1mAni*>, <-1mAnj*> pos n. def a variant spelling of {kleptomania}. cleptomaniac sub head cleptomania syl clep+to+1ma+ni+2ac pos n. clerestory ety C15: from #7clear+storey clearstory alt head clerestory or clerestory syl clear+sto:ry pron <1kli*2stc:ri> pos n. clerestories infl head clerestory syl clere+sto:ries. pos n. mod pl. clerestory 1. or clearstory syl clere+sto:ry pron <1kli*2stc:ri> pos n. def a row of windows in the upper part of the wall of a church that divides the nave from the aisle, set above the aisle roof. clerestory 2. or clearstory syl clere+sto:ry pron <1kli*2stc:ri> pos n. def the part of the wall in which these windows are set. Compare {blindstorey}. clerestoried sub head clerestory or clearstoried syl clere+2sto:ried pos adj. clearstoried sub head clerestory or clerestoried syl clear+2sto:ried pos adj. clergy ety C13: from Old French clergie, from clerc ecclesiastic, #7clerk clergies infl head clergy syl cler+gies. pos n. mod pl. clergy 0. syl cler+gy pron <1klR:Ji> pos n. def the collective body of men and women ordained as ministers of the Christian Church. clergymen infl head clergyman syl cler:gy+men. pos n. mod pl. clergyman 0. syl cler:gy+man pron <1klR:Jim*n> pos n. def a member of the clergy. cleric ety C17: from Church Latin cl*_ericus priest, #7clerk cleric 0. syl cler+ic pron <1klerik> pos n. def a member of the clergy. clerical 1. syl cler:i+cal pron <1klerikL> pos adj. def relating to or associated with the clergy. exam 1 clerical dress. clerical 2. syl cler:i+cal pron <1klerikL> pos adj. def of or relating to office clerks or their work. exam 1 a clerical error. clerical 3. syl cler:i+cal pron <1klerikL> pos adj. def supporting or advocating clericalism. clerically sub head clerical syl cler:i+cal+ly pos adv. clerical collar 0. syl cler:i+cal col+lar pos n. def a stiff white collar with no opening at the front that buttons at the back of the neck; the distinctive mark of the clergy in certain Churches. Informal name: {dog collar}. clericalism 1. syl cler:i+cal+ism pron <1klerik%*!liz*m> pos n. def a policy of upholding the power of the clergy. clericalism 2. syl cler:i+cal+ism pron <1klerik%*!liz*m> pos n. def the power of the clergy esp. when excessively strong. clericalist sub head clericalism syl cler:i+cal+ist pos n. clericals 0. syl cler:i+cals pron <1klerikLz> pos n. mod pl. def the distinctive dress of a clergy?!man. clerihew ety C20: named after Edmund Clerihew Bentley (1875-1956), English writer who invented it clerihew 0. syl cler:i+hew pron <1kleri2hju:> pos n. def a form of comic or satiric verse, consisting of two couplets of metrically irregular lines, containing the name of a well-known person. clerk ety Old English clerc, from Church Latin cl*_ericus, from Greek kl*_erikos cleric, relating to the heritage (alluding to the Biblical Levites, whose in?!heritance was the Lord), from kl*_eros heritage clerk 1. syl clerk pron , U.S. pos n. def a worker, esp. in an office, who keeps records, files, etc. clerk to the justices 2. head clerk syl clerk to the justices. usage in England def a legally qualified person who sits in court with lay justices to advise them on points of law. clerk 3. syl clerk pron , U.S. pos n. def an employee of a court, legislature, board, corporation, etc., who keeps records and accounts, etc.. exam 1 a town clerk. clerk 4. syl clerk pron , U.S. pos n. def Also called: {clerk of the House}. a senior official of the House of Commons. clerk 5. syl clerk pron , U.S. pos n. def Also called: {clerk in holy orders}. a cleric. clerk 6. syl clerk pron , U.S. pos n. qual U.S. def short for {salesclerk}. clerk 7. syl clerk pron , U.S. pos n. def Also called: {desk clerk}. a hotel receptionist. clerk 8. syl clerk pron , U.S. pos n. qual Archaic. def a scholar. clerk 9. syl clerk pron , U.S. pos vb. mod intr. def to serve as a clerk. clerkdom sub head clerk syl clerk+dom pos n. clerkish sub head clerk syl clerk+ish pos adj. clerkship sub head clerk syl clerk+ship pos n. clerkess 0. syl clerk+ess pron pos n. qual Chiefly Scot. def a female office clerk. clerklier infl head clerkly syl clerk+li+er pos adj. clerkliest infl head clerkly syl clerk+li+est. pos adj. clerkly 1. syl clerk+ly pron <1kla:kli> pos adj. def of or like a clerk. clerkly 2. syl clerk+ly pron <1kla:kli> pos adj. qual Obsolete. def learned. clerkly 3. syl clerk+ly pron <1kla:kli> pos adv. qual Obsolete. def in the manner of a clerk. clerkliness sub head clerkly syl clerk+li+ness pos n. clerk of the works 0. syl clerk of the works pos n. def an employee who supervises building work in progress or the upkeep of existing buildings. Clermont-Ferrand 0. syl Cler:mont-Fer:rand pron French pos n. def a city in S central France: capital of Puy-de-D*^ome department; industrial centre. Pop.: 161203 (1975). cleruchies infl head cleruchy syl cle+ru+chies. pos n. mod pl. cleruchy 0. syl cle+ru+chy pron <1kle*2ruki> pos n. usage in the ancient world def a special type of Athenian colony, in which settlers ({cleruchs}) retained their Athenian citizenship and the community remained a political dependency of Athens. cleruchial sub head cleruchy syl cle+ru+chi:al pron pos adj. cleveite ety C19: named after P. T. Cleve (1840-1905), Swedish chemist and geologist; see -#7ite %1 cleveite 0. syl cleve+ite pron <1klEvIt> pos n. def a crystalline variety of the mineral uranitite. Cleveland H1.1. syl Cleve+land pron <1klEvl*nd> pos n. def a county of NE England formed in 1974 from parts of E Durham and N Yorkshire. Administrative centre: Middlesbrough. Pop.: 567900 (1976 est.). Area: 595 sq. km (230 sq. miles). Cleveland H1.2. syl Cleve+land pron <1klEvl*nd> pos n. def a port in NE Ohio, on Lake Erie: major heavy industries. Pop.: 678615 (1973 est.). Cleveland H1.3. syl Cleve+land pron <1klEvl*nd> pos n. def a hilly region of NE England, extending from the {Cleveland Hills} to the River Tees. Stephen Grover infl head Cleveland syl Ste:phen Gro:ver. pos n. Cleveland H2.0. syl Cleve:land pron <1klEvl*nd> pos n. def 1837-1908, U.S. Democratic politician; the 22nd and 24th president of the U.S. (1885-89; 1893-97). clever ety C13 cliver (in the sense: quick to seize, adroit), of uncertain origin clever 1. syl clev+er pron <1klev*> pos adj. def displaying sharp intelligence or mental alertness. clever 2. syl clev+er pron <1klev*> pos adj. def adroit or dexterous, esp. with the hands. clever 3. syl clev+er pron <1klev*> pos adj. def smart in a superficial way. clever 4. syl clev+er pron <1klev*> pos adj. qual Brit. informal. def sly; cunning. clever 5. syl clev+er pron <1klev*> pos adj. qual Brit. dialect. usage predicative; used with a negative def healthy; fit. cleverish sub head clever syl clev+er+ish pos adj. cleverly sub head clever syl clev+er+ly pos adv. cleverness sub head clever syl clev+er+ness pos n. clever-clever 0. syl clev:er-clev:er pos adj. qual Informal. def clever in a showy manner; artful; over-clever. cleverdick alt head clever Dick or clever Dick syl clev:er+dick pron <1klev*2dik> pos n. clever Dick 0. or cleverdick syl clev+er Dick pron <1klev*2dik> pos n. qual Informal. def a person considered to have an unwarrantably high opinion of his own ability or knowledge. clevis ety C16: related to #7cleave %1 clevis 0. syl clev+is pron <1klevis> pos n. def a coupling device for attaching a drawbar to a plough or similar implement. clew ety Old English cliewen (vb.); related to Old High German kliu ball clew 1. syl clew pron pos n. def a ball of thread, yarn, or twine. clew 2. syl clew pron pos n. qual Nautical. def either of the lower corners of a square sail or the after lower corner of a fore-and-aft sail. clew 3. syl clew pron pos n. mod usually; pl. def the rigging of a hammock. clew 4. syl clew pron pos n. def a rare variant of {clue}. clew 5. syl clew pron pos vb. mod tr. def to coil or roll into a ball. clew line 0. syl clew line pos n. qual Nautical. def any of several lines fastened to the clews of a square sail and used for furling it. clew up 0. syl clew up pos vb. adv. qual Nautical. def to furl (a square sail) by gathering its clews up to the yard by means of clew lines. clianthus ety C19: New Latin, probably from Greek klei-, kleos glory+ anthos flower clianthus 0. syl cli+an+thus pron pos n. def any Australian plant of the leguminous genus with ornamental clusters of slender scarlet flowers. clich'e ety C19: from French, from clicher to stereotype; imitative of the sound made by the matrix when it is dropped into molten metal &- #!cli+ch*'e'd or #!cli+ch*'ed adj. clich'e 1. syl cli+ch*'e pron <1klESA> pos n. def a word or expression that has lost much of its force through overexposure, as for example the phrase. exam 1 it's got to get worse before it gets better. clich'e 2. syl cli+ch*'e pron <1klESA> pos n. def an idea, action, or habit that has become trite from overuse. clich'e 3. syl cli+ch*'e pron <1klESA> pos n. qual Printing, chiefly Brit. def a stereotype or electrotype plate. Clichy 0. syl Cli+chy pron pos n. def an industrial suburb of NW Paris: residence of the Merovingian kings (7th century). Pop.: 47956 (1975). Official name: {Cli@.chy-la-Ga@.renne} kli#si la ga#!r$en). click ety C17: of imitative origin click 1. syl click pron pos n. def a short light often metallic sound. click 2.a. syl click pron pos n. def the locking member of a rachet mechanism, such as a pawl or detent. click 2.b. syl click pron pos n. def the movement of such a mechanism between successive locking positions. click 3. syl click pron pos n. qual Phonetics. def any of various stop consonants, found in Khoisan and as borrowings in southern Bantu languages, that are produced by the suction of air into the mouth. click 4. syl click pron pos vb. def to make or cause to make a clicking sound. exam 1 to click one's heels. click 5. syl click pron pos vb. mod intr. qual Slang. def to be a great success. exam 1 that idea really clicked. click 6. syl click pron pos vb. mod intr. qual Informal. def to become suddenly clear. exam 1 it finally clicked when her name was mentioned. click 7. syl click pron pos vb. mod intr. qual Slang. def to go or fit together with ease. exam 1 they clicked from their first meeting. clicker sub head click syl click+er pos n. click beetle 0. syl click bee+tle pos n. def any beetles of the family having the ability to right themselves with a snapping movement when placed on their backs. Also called: {snapping beetle, skipjack}. See also {wireworm}. clicker 1. syl click+er pron <1klik*> pos n. def a person or thing that clicks. clicker 2. syl click+er pron <1klik*> pos n. qual Informal. def a foreman in a shoe factory or printing works. client ety C14: from Latin cli*_ens retainer, dependent; related to Latin cl*_in*_are to lean client 1. syl cli+ent pron <1klI*nt> pos n. def a person, company, etc., that seeks the advice of a professional man or woman. client 2. syl cli+ent pron <1klI*nt> pos n. def a customer. client 3. syl cli+ent pron <1klI*nt> pos n. usage in the U.S. def a person who is receiving aid from a welfare agency. client 4. syl cli+ent pron <1klI*nt> pos n. def a person depending on another's patronage. cliental sub head client syl cli+en+tal pron pos adj. clientele ety C16: from Latin client*_ela, from cli*_ens #7client clientage alt head clientele or clientele syl cli+en+tage pron <1klI*ntiJ> pos n. clientele 0. or clientage syl cli+en+tele pron <2klEon1tel> pos n. def customers or clients collectively. cliff ety Old English clif; related to Old Norse kleif, Middle Low German kl*_ef, Dutch klif; see #7cleave %2 cliff 0. syl cliff pron pos n. def a steep high rock face, esp. one that runs along the seashore and has the strata exposed. cliffy sub head cliff syl cliff:y pos adj. cliffhanger 1.a. syl cliff+hang:er pron <1klif2h@G*> pos n. def a situation of imminent disaster usually occurring at the end of each episode of a serialized film. cliffhanger 1.b. syl cliff+hang:er pron <1klif2h@G*> pos n. def the serialized film itself. cliffhanger 2. syl cliff+hang:er pron <1klif2h@G*> pos n. def a situation that is dramatic or uncertain. cliffhanging sub head cliffhanger syl cliff+2hang:ing pos adj. cliff swallow 0. syl cliff swal+low pos n. def an American swallow, that has a square-tipped tail and builds nests of mud on cliffs, walls, etc. climacteric ety C16: from Latin cl*_imact*_ericus, from Greek klimakt*_eri?!kos, from klimakter, rung of a ladder from klimax ladder; see #7climax climacteric 1. syl cli+mac+ter+ic pron , <2klIm@k1terik> pos n. def a critical event or period. climacteric 2. syl cli+mac+ter+ic pron , <2klIm@k1terik> pos n. def another name for {menopause}. climacteric 3. syl cli+mac+ter+ic pron , <2klIm@k1terik> pos n. def the period in the life of a man corresponding to the menopause, chiefly characterized by diminished sexual activity. {~} {cli+mac+ter@.i+cal} (@!kla$Im@ak#!t$er$Ik%@l). climacteric 4. syl cli+mac+ter+ic pron , <2klIm@k1terik> pos n. def involving a crucial event or period. climacterically sub head climacteric syl cli+mac+1ter:i+cal+ly pos adv. climactical alt head climactic or climactic syl cli+mac+ti+cal pos adj. climactic 0. or climactical syl cli+mac+tic pron pos adj. def consisting of, involving, or causing a climax. climactically sub head climactic syl cli+1mac+ti+cal+ly pos adv. climate ety C14: from Late Latin clima, from Greek klima inclination, region; related to Greek klinein to lean climate 1. syl cli+mate pron <1klImit> pos n. def the long-term prevalent weather conditions of an area, determined by latitude, position relative to oceans or continents, altitude, etc. climate 2. syl cli+mate pron <1klImit> pos n. def an area having a particular kind of climate. climate 3. syl cli+mate pron <1klImit> pos n. def a prevailing trend or current of feeling. exam 1 the political climate. climatic sub head climate syl cli+mat+ic pron pos adj. climatical sub head climate or climatal syl cli+1mat:i+cal pos adj. climatal sub head climate or climatical syl cli+mat+al pos adj. climatically sub head climate syl cli+1mat:i+cal+ly pos adv. climatology 0. syl cli+ma+tol+o:gy pron <2klIm*1tol*Ji> pos n. def the study of climates. climatologic sub head climatology or climatological syl cli+ma+to+log+ic pron <2klIm*t*1loJik> pos adj. climatological sub head climatology or climatologic syl cli+ma+to+1log:i+cal pos adj. climatologically sub head climatology syl cli+ma+to+1log:i+cal+ly pos adv. climatologist sub head climatology syl cli+ma+1tol:o+gist pos n. climax ety C16: from Late Latin, from Greek klimax ladder#e Usage. In formal English careful writers avoid the use of climax as a verb. The phrase reach a climax is preferred. climax 1. syl cli+max pron <1klIm@ks> pos n. def the most intense or highest point of an experience or of a series of events. exam 1 the party was the climax of the week. climax 2. syl cli+max pron <1klIm@ks> pos n. def a decisive moment in a dramatic or other work. climax 3. syl cli+max pron <1klIm@ks> pos n. def a rhetorical device by which a series of sentences, clauses, or phrases are arranged in order of increasing intensity. climax 4. syl cli+max pron <1klIm@ks> pos n. qual Ecology. def the stage in the development of a community during which it remains stable under the prevailing environmental conditions. climax 5. syl cli+max pron <1klIm@ks> pos n. def Also called: {sexual climax}. (esp. in referring to women) another word for {orgasm}. climax 6. syl cli+max pron <1klIm@ks> pos vb. def to reach or bring to a climax. climb ety Old English climban; related to Old Norse klembra to squeeze, Old High German climban to clamber climb 1. syl climb pron pos vb. mod also; tr. usage often foll. by up def to go up or ascend (stairs, a mountain, etc.). climb 2. syl climb pron pos vb. mod mainly; intr. usage often foll. by along def to progress with difficulty. exam 1 to climb along a ledge. climb 3. syl climb pron pos vb. mod mainly; intr. def to rise to a higher point or intensity. exam 1 the temperature climbed. climb 4. syl climb pron pos vb. mod mainly; intr. def to incline or slope upwards. exam 1 the road began to climb. climb 5. syl climb pron pos vb. mod mainly; intr. def to ascend in social position. climb 6. syl climb pron pos vb. mod mainly; intr. usage of plants def to grow upwards by twining, using tendrils or suckers, etc. climb 7. syl climb pron pos vb. mod mainly; intr. usage Informal. foll. by into def to put (on) or get (into). climb 8. syl climb pron pos vb. mod mainly; intr. def to be a climber or mountaineer. climb 9. syl climb pron pos n. mod mainly; intr. def the act of climbing. climb 10. syl climb pron pos n. mod mainly; intr. def a place or thing to be climbed, esp. a route in mountaineering. climbable sub head climb syl climb+a:ble pos adj. climb down 1. syl climb down pos vb. adv. mod intr. def to descend. climb down 2. syl climb down pos vb. adv. mod intr. usage often foll. by from def to retreat (from an opinion, position, etc.). climb-down infl head climb down syl climb-down. pos n. climb down 3. syl climb down pos n. mod intr. def a retreat from an opinion, etc. climber 1. syl climb+er pron <1klIm*> pos n. def a person or thing that climbs. climber 2. syl climb+er pron <1klIm*> pos n. def a plant that lacks rigidity and grows upwards by twining, scrambling, or clinging with tendrils and suckers. climber 3. syl climb+er pron <1klIm*> pos n. qual Chiefly Brit. def short for {social climber}. perch alt head climbing fish or climbing fish syl perch pos n. climbing fish 0. or perch syl climb+ing fish pos n. def an Asian labyrinth fish, that resembles a perch and can travel over land on its spiny gill covers and pectoral fins. climbing frame 0. syl climb+ing frame pos n. def a structure of wood or metal tubing used by children for climbing. climbing irons 0. syl climb+ing i:rons pos n. mod pl. def spiked steel frames worn on the feet to assist in climbing trees, ice-slopes, etc. clime ety C16: from Late Latin clima; see #7climate clime 0. syl clime pron pos n. qual Poetic. def a region or its climate. clinandrium ety C19: from New Latin, literally: bed for stamen, from Greek klin*_e couch+ an*_er man+-#7ium clinandria infl head clinandrium syl cli+nan+dri:a pron <-dri*> pos n. mod pl. clinandrium 0. syl cli+nan+dri:um pron pos n. qual Botany. def a cavity in the upper part of the column of an orchid flower that contains the anthers. Also called: {androclinium}. clinch ety C16: variant of #7clench clinch 1. syl clinch pron pos vb. mod tr. def to secure a driven nail, by bending the protruding point over. clinch 2. syl clinch pron pos vb. mod tr. def to hold together in such a manner. exam 1 to clinch the corners of the frame. clinch 3. syl clinch pron pos vb. mod tr. def to settle something, such as an argument, bargain, etc., in a definite way. clinch 4. syl clinch pron pos vb. mod tr. qual Nautical. def to fasten by means of a clinch. clinch 5. syl clinch pron pos vb. mod intr. def to engage in a clinch, as in boxing or wrestling. clinch 6. syl clinch pron pos n. def the act of clinching. clinch 7.a. syl clinch pron pos n. def a nail with its point bent over. clinch 7.b. syl clinch pron pos n. def the part of such a nail, etc., that has been bent over. clinch 8. syl clinch pron pos n. qual Boxing, wrestling, etc. def an act or an instance in which one or both competitors hold on to the other to avoid punches, regain wind, etc. clinch 9. syl clinch pron pos n. qual Slang. def a lovers' embrace. clinch 10. syl clinch pron pos n. qual Nautical. def a loop or eye formed in a line by seizing the end to the standing part. clinch xref syl clinch pron pos vb. def Also (for senses 1, 2, 4, 7, 8, 10): {{clench}}. clincher 1. syl clinch+er pron <1klinC*> pos n. qual Informal. def something decisive, such as fact, score, etc. clincher 2. syl clinch+er pron <1klinC*> pos n. def a person or thing that clinches. cline ety C20: from Greek klinein to lean cline 0. syl cline pron pos n. def a continuous variation in form between members of a species having a wide variable geographical or ecological range. clinal sub head cline syl clin+al pos adj. clinally sub head cline syl clin+al+ly pos adv. -cline ety back formation from -#7clinal -cline 0. syl -cline pos n. usage combining form. def indicating a slope. exam 1 anticline. -clinal sub head -cline syl -cli:nal cling ety Old English clingan; related to #7clench clings infl head cling syl clings pos vb. mod intr. clinging infl head cling syl cling+ing pos vb. mod intr. clung infl head cling syl clung. pos vb. mod intr. cling 1. syl cling pron pos vb. mod intr. usage often foll. by to def to hold fast or adhere closely (to something), as by gripping or sticking. cling 2. syl cling pron pos vb. mod intr. usage foll. by together def to remain in contact (with each other). cling 3. syl cling pron pos vb. mod intr. def to be or remain physically or emotionally close. exam 1 to cling to outmoded beliefs. cling 4. syl cling pron pos n. mod intr. qual Agriculture, chiefly U.S. def the tendency of cotton fibres in a sample to stick to each other. cling 5. syl cling pron pos n. mod intr. qual Agriculture. def diarrhoea or scouring in animals. cling 6. syl cling pron pos n. mod intr. def short for {clingstone}. clinger sub head cling syl cling+er pos n. clingingly sub head cling syl cling+ing+ly pos adv. clingy sub head cling syl cling:y pos adj. clinginess sub head cling or clingingness syl cling:i+ness pos n. clingingness sub head cling or clinginess syl cling+ing+ness pos n. clingfish infl or clingfishes syl cling+fish pos n. mod pl. clingfishes infl head clingfish or clingfish syl cling+fish:es. pos n. mod pl. clingfish 0. syl cling+fish pron <1kliG2fiS> pos n. def any small marine teleost fish of the family having a flattened elongated body with a sucking disc beneath the head for clinging to rocks, etc. clinging vine 0. syl cling+ing vine pos n. qual U.S. informal. def a woman who displays excessive emotional dependence on a man. clingstone 0.a. syl cling+stone pron <1kliG2st*un> pos n. def a fruit, such as certain peaches, in which the flesh tends to adhere to the stone. clingstone 0.b. syl cling+stone pron <1kliG2st*un> pos n. usage as modifier; a clingstone peach. def Compare {{freestone} (sense 2)}. clinic ety C17: from Latin cl*_inicus one on a sickbed, from Greek, from klin*_e bed clinic 1. syl clin+ic pron <1klinik> pos n. def a place in which outpatients are given medical treatment or advice, often connected to a hospital. clinic 2. syl clin+ic pron <1klinik> pos n. def a similar place staffed by physicians or surgeons specializing in one or more specific areas. exam 1 eye clinic. clinic 3. syl clin+ic pron <1klinik> pos n. qual Brit. def a private hospital or nursing home. clinic 4. syl clin+ic pron <1klinik> pos n. def the teaching of medicine to students at the bedside. clinic 5. syl clin+ic pron <1klinik> pos n. qual U.S. def a place where medical lectures are given. clinic 6. syl clin+ic pron <1klinik> pos n. qual U.S. def a clinical lecture. clinic 7. syl clin+ic pron <1klinik> pos n. qual Chiefly U.S. def a group or centre that offers advice or instruction. exam 1 a vocational clinic. clinical 1. syl clin:i+cal pron <1klinikL> pos adj. def of or relating to a clinic. clinical 2. syl clin:i+cal pron <1klinikL> pos adj. def of or relating to the bedside of a patient, the course of his disease, or the observation and treatment of patients directly. exam 1 a clinical lecture; exam 2 clinical medicine. clinical 3. syl clin:i+cal pron <1klinikL> pos adj. def scientifically detached; strictly objective. exam 1 a clinical attitude to life. clinical 4. syl clin:i+cal pron <1klinikL> pos adj. def plain, simple, and usually unattractive. exam 1 clinical furniture. clinically sub head clinical syl clin:i+cal+ly pos adv. clinicalness sub head clinical syl clin:i+cal+ness pos n. clinical thermometer 0. syl clin:i+cal ther+mom+e:ter pos n. def a finely calibrated thermometer for determining the temperature of the body, usually placed under the tongue or in the rectum. clinician 0. syl cli+ni+cian pron pos n. def a physician, psychiatrist, etc., who specializes in clinical work as opposed to one engaged in laboratory or experimental studies. clink ety C14: perhaps from Middle Dutch klinken; related to Old Low German chlanch, German Klang sound clink H1.1. syl clink pron pos vb. def to make or cause to make a light and sharply ringing sound. clink H1.2. syl clink pron pos vb. mod intr. qual Rare. def to rhyme. clink H1.3. syl clink pron pos n. def a light and sharply ringing sound. clink H1.4. syl clink pron pos n. qual Rare. def a rhyme. clink H1.5. syl clink pron pos n. qual Brit. def a pointed steel tool used for breaking up the surface of a road before it is repaired. clink ety C16: after Clink, name of a prison in Southwark, London clink H2.0. syl clink pron pos n. def a slang word for {prison}. clinker ety C17: from Dutch klinker a type of brick, from obsolete klinckaerd, literally: something that clinks (referring to the sound produced when one was struck), from klinken to #7clink %1 clinker 1. syl clink+er pron <1kliGk*> pos n. def the ash and partially fused residues from a coal-fired furnace or fire. clinker 2. syl clink+er pron <1kliGk*> pos n. def Also called: {clinker brick}. a hard brick used as a paving stone. clinker 3. syl clink+er pron <1kliGk*> pos n. def a partially vitrified brick or mass of brick. clinker 4. syl clink+er pron <1kliGk*> pos n. qual U.S. slang. def a mistake or fault, esp. a wrong note in music. clinker 5. syl clink+er pron <1kliGk*> pos vb. mod intr. def to form clinker during burning. clinker-built ety C18 clinker a nailing together, probably from #7clinch clincher-built alt head clinker-built or clinker-built syl clinch:er-built pos adj. clinker-built 0. or clincher-built syl clink:er-built pos adj. usage of a boat or ship def having a hull constructed with each plank overlapping that below. Also called: {lapstrake}. Compare {carvel-built}. clinkstone 0. syl clink+stone pron <1kliGk2st*un> pos n. def a variety of phonolite that makes a metallic sound when struck. clino- ety from New Latin, from Greek klinein to slant, lean clinometer 0. syl cli+nom+e:ter pron pos n. def an instrument used in surveying for measuring an angle of inclination. clinometric sub head clinometer or clinometrical syl cli+no+met+ric pron <2klI?!n*1metrik> pos adj. clinometrical sub head clinometer or clinometric syl cli+no+1met+ri+cal pos adj. clinometry sub head clinometer syl cli+1nom+e:try pos n. clinostat 0. syl cli+no+stat pron <1klIn*u2st@t> pos n. def an apparatus for studying tropisms in plants, usually a rotating disc to which the plant is attached so that it receives an equal stimulus on all sides. clinquant ety C16: from French, from clinquer to clink, from Dutch klinken, of imitative origin clinquant 1. syl clin+quant pron <1kliGk*nt> pos adj. def glittering, esp. with tinsel. {~} clinquant 2. syl clin+quant pron <1kliGk*nt> pos adj. def tinsel or imitation gold leaf. clintonia ety C19: named after De Witt C#7linton clintonia 0. syl clin+to+ni:a pron pos n. def any temperate liliaceous plant of the genus having white, greenish-yellow, or purplish flowers, broad ribbed leaves, and blue berries. Clio ety C19: from Latin, from Greek Klei*_o, from kleein to celebrate Clio 0. syl Cli:o pron <1klI*u> pos n. qual Greek myth. def the Muse of history. clip ety C12: from Old Norse klippa to cut; related to Low German klippen clips infl head clip syl clips pos vb. mod mainly; tr. clipping infl head clip syl clip+ping pos vb. mod mainly; tr. clipped infl head clip syl clipped. pos vb. mod mainly; tr. clip H1.1. syl clip pron pos vb. mod also; intr. def to cut, snip, or trim with or as if with scissors or shears, esp. in order to shorten or remove a part. clip H1.2. syl clip pron pos vb. mod mainly; tr. qual Brit. def to punch (a hole) in something, esp. a ticket. clip H1.3. syl clip pron pos vb. mod mainly; tr. def to curtail or cut short. clip H1.4. syl clip pron pos vb. mod mainly; tr. def to move a short section from (a film, etc.). clip H1.5. syl clip pron pos vb. mod mainly; tr. def to shorten (a word). clip H1.6. syl clip pron pos vb. mod intr. def to trot or move rapidly, esp. over a long distance. exam 1 a horse clipping along the road. clip H1.7. syl clip pron pos vb. mod mainly; tr. qual Informal. def to strike with a sharp, often slanting, blow. clip H1.8. syl clip pron pos vb. mod mainly; tr. qual Slang. def to defraud or swindle, esp. by overcharging. clip (someone's) wings 9. head clip syl clip (someone's) wings. def to restrict (someone's) freedom. clip H1.10. syl clip pron pos n. mod mainly; tr. def the act or process of clipping. clip H1.11. syl clip pron pos n. mod mainly; tr. def something clipped off. clip H1.12. syl clip pron pos n. mod mainly; tr. def a short extract from a film, newspaper, etc. clip H1.13. syl clip pron pos n. mod mainly; tr. qual Informal. def a sharp, often slanting, blow. clip H1.14. syl clip pron pos n. mod mainly; tr. qual Informal. def speed. exam 1 a rapid clip. clip H1.15. syl clip pron pos n. mod mainly; tr. qual Austral. def the total quantity of wool shorn, as in one place, season, etc. clip H1.16. syl clip pron pos n. mod mainly; tr. def another word for {clipped form}. clippable sub head clip syl clip+pa:ble pos adj. clip ety Old English clyppan to embrace; related to Old Frisian kleppa, Lithuanian glebiu clip H2.1. syl clip pron pos n. def any of various small implements used to hold loose articles together or to attach one article to another. clip H2.2. syl clip pron pos n. def an article of jewellery that can be clipped onto a dress, hat, etc. clip H2.3. syl clip pron pos n. def short for {paperclip} or {cartridge clip}. clip H2.4. syl clip pron pos n. def the pointed flange on a horseshoe that secures it to the front part of the hoof. clip H2.5. syl clip pron pos n. qual Archaic or dialect. def an embrace or hug. clips infl head clip syl clips pos vb. mod tr. clipping infl head clip syl clip+ping pos vb. mod tr. clipped infl head clip syl clipped. pos vb. mod tr. clip H2.6. syl clip pron pos vb. mod tr. def to hold together tightly, as with a clip. clip H2.7. syl clip pron pos vb. mod tr. qual Archaic or dialect. def to embrace. clipboard 0. syl clip+board pron <1klip2bc:d> pos n. def a portable writing board with a spring clip at the top for holding paper. clip-clop 0. syl clip-clop pos n. def the sound made by a horse's hooves. clip-fed 0. syl clip-fed pos adj. usage of an automatic firearm def loaded from a cartridge clip. clip joint 0. syl clip joint pos n. qual Slang. def a place, such as a nightclub or restaurant, in which customers are overcharged. clipped form 0. syl clipped form pos n. def a shortened form of a word, as for example for clipper 1. syl clip+per pron <1klip*> pos n. def any fast sailing ship. clipper 2. syl clip+per pron <1klip*> pos n. def a person or thing that cuts or clips. clipper 3. syl clip+per pron <1klip*> pos n. def something, such as a horse or sled, that moves quickly. clipper 4. syl clip+per pron <1klip*> pos n. qual Electronics. def another word for {limiter}. clips alt head clippers or clippers syl clips pos n. mod pl. clippers 1. or clips syl clip+pers pron <1klip*z> pos n. mod pl. def a hand tool with two cutting blades for clipping fingernails, veneers, etc. clippers 2. or clips syl clip+pers pron <1klip*z> pos n. mod pl. def a hairdresser's tool, operated either by hand or electrically, with one fixed and one reciprocating set of teeth for cutting short hair. clippie 0. syl clip+pie pron <1klipi> pos n. qual Brit. informal. def a bus conductress. clipping 1. syl clip+ping pron <1klipiG> pos n. def something cut out or trimmed off, esp. an article from a newspaper; cutting. clipping 2. syl clip+ping pron <1klipiG> pos adj. qual Informal. usage prenominal def fast. exam 1 a clipping pace. clique ety C18: from French, perhaps from Old French: latch, from cliquer to click; suggestive of the necessity to exclude nonmembers &- #!cli+quey or #!cli+quy adj. ?- #!cli+quish adj. clique 0. syl clique pron , pos n. def a small, exclusive group of friends or associates. cliquishly sub head clique syl cli+quish+ly pos adv. cliquishness sub head clique syl cli+quish+ness pos n. clishmaclaver ety C16: from clish-clash, reduplication of #7clash +#7claver clishmaclaver 0. syl clish+ma+clav+er pron <2kliSm*1klAv*> pos n. qual Scot. def idle talk; gossip. Clisthenes 0. syl Clis:the:nes pron <1klIsT*2nEz> pos n. def a variant spelling of {Cleisthenes}. clitellum ety C19: from New Latin, from Latin cl*_itellae (plural) pack-saddle clitella infl head clitellum syl cli+tel+la pron <-l*> pos n. mod pl. clitellum 0. syl cli+tel+lum pron pos n. def a thickened saddle-like region of epidermis in earthworms and leeches whose secretions bind copulating worms together and later form a cocoon around the eggs. clitic ety C20: back formation from #7enclitic and #7proclitic clitic 1. syl clit+ic pron <1klitik> pos adj. usage of a word def incapable of being stressed, usually pronounced as if part of the word that follows or precedes it: for example, in French, and are clitic pronouns. See also {proclitic, enclitic}. clitic 2. syl clit+ic pron <1klitik> pos n. def a clitic word. clitoris ety C17: from New Latin, from Greek kleitoris; related to Greek kleiein to close clitoris 0. syl clit:o+ris pron <1klit*ris>, <1klI-> pos n. def a part of the female genitalia consisting of a small elongated highly sensitive erectile organ at the front of the vulva: homologous with the penis. clitoral sub head clitoris syl clit:o+ral pos adj. Robert infl head Clive syl Rob:ert pos n. Clive 0. syl Clive pron pos n. def Baron Clive of Plassey. 1725-74, British general and statesman, whose victory at Plassey (1757) strengthened British control in India. Cllr 0. syl Cllr. qual abbrev. for def Councillor. cloaca ety C18: from Latin: sewer; related to Greek kluzein to wash out cloacae infl head cloaca syl clo:a+cae pron <-kE> pos n. mod pl. cloaca 1. syl clo:a+ca pron pos n. def a cavity in the pelvic region of most vertebrates, except higher mammals, and certain invertebrates, into which the alimentary canal and the genital and urinary ducts open. cloaca 2. syl clo:a+ca pron pos n. def a sewer. cloacal sub head cloaca syl clo:1a+cal pos adj. cloak ety C13: from Old French cloque, from Medieval Latin clocca cloak, bell; referring to the bell-like shape cloak 1. syl cloak pron pos n. def a wraplike outer garment fastened at the throat and falling straight from the shoulders. cloak 2. syl cloak pron pos n. def something that covers or conceals. cloak 3. syl cloak pron pos vb. mod tr. def to cover with or as if with a cloak. cloak 4. syl cloak pron pos vb. mod tr. def to hide or disguise. cloak-and-dagger 0. syl cloak-and-dag:ger pos n. usage modifier def characteristic of or con?!cerned with intrigue and espionage. cloakroom 1. syl cloak+room pron <1kl*uk2ru:m>, <-2rum> pos n. def a room in which hats, coats, luggage, etc., may be temporarily deposited. cloakroom 2. syl cloak+room pron <1kl*uk2ru:m>, <-2rum> pos n. qual Brit. def a euphemistic word for {lavatory}. clobber ety C20: of unknown origin clobber H1.1. syl clob+ber pron <1klob*> pos vb. mod tr. qual Slang. def to beat or batter. clobber H1.2. syl clob+ber pron <1klob*> pos vb. mod tr. qual Slang. def to defeat utterly. clobber H1.3. syl clob+ber pron <1klob*> pos vb. mod tr. qual Slang. def to criticize severely. clobber ety C19: of unknown origin clobber H2.0. syl clob+ber pron <1klob*> pos n. qual Brit. slang. def personal belongings, such as clothes and accessories. clobber ety C19 (originally in the sense: to patch up): of uncertain origin; perhaps related to #7clobber %2 clobber H3.0. syl clob+ber pron <1klob*> pos vb. mod tr. def to paint over existing decoration on (pottery, etc.). cloche ety C19: from French bell, from Medieval Latin clocca cloche 1. syl cloche pron pos n. def a bell-shaped cover used to protect young plants. cloche 2. syl cloche pron pos n. def a woman's almost brimless close-fitting hat, typical of the 1920s and 1930s. clock ety C14: from Middle Dutch clocke clock, from Medieval Latin clocca bell, ultimately of Celtic origin clock H1.1. syl clock pron pos n. def a timepiece, usually free-standing, hanging, or built into a tower, having mechanically or electrically driven pointers that move constantly over a dial showing the numbers of the hours. Compare {{digital clock}, {watch} (sense 7)}. clock H1.2. syl clock pron pos n. def any clocklike device for recording or measuring, such as a taximeter or pressure gauge. clock H1.3. syl clock pron pos n. def the downy head of a dandelion that has gone to seed. clock H1.4. syl clock pron pos n. def an electrical circuit which generates pulses at a predetermined rate and interval. clock H1.5. syl clock pron pos n. def short for {time clock}. around 6. head clock or round the clock syl around def all day and all night. clock H1.7. syl clock pron pos n. usage usually preceded by the def an informal word for {speedometer} or {mile?!ometer}. clock H1.8. syl clock pron pos n. qual Brit. def a slang word for {face}. clock H1.9.a. syl clock pron pos n. def under pressure, as to meet a deadline. clock H1.9.b. syl clock pron pos n. usage in certain sports, such as show jumping def timed by a stop clock. exam 1 the last round will be against the clock. put the clock back 10. head clock syl put the clock back. def to regress. clock H1.11. syl clock pron pos vb. mod tr. qual Brit. and Austral. slang. def to strike, esp. on the face or head. clock H1.12. syl clock pron pos vb. mod tr. def to record time as with a stopwatch, esp. in the calculation of speed. clock xref syl clock pron pos n. def See also {atomic clock, biological clock}. clocker sub head clock syl clock+er pos n. clocklike sub head clock syl clock+2like pos adj. clock ety C16: from Middle Dutch clocke, from Medieval Latin clocca bell clock H2.0. syl clock pron pos n. def an ornamental design either woven in or embroidered on the side of a stocking. clock golf 0. syl clock golf pos n. def a putting game played on a circular area on a lawn. clockmaker 0. syl clock+mak:er pron <1klok2mAk*> pos n. def a person who makes or mends clocks, watches, etc. out alt head clock off or clock off syl out pos vb. adv. mod intr. clock off 0. or out syl clock off pos vb. adv. mod intr. def to depart from work, esp. when it involves registering the time of departure on a card. in alt head clock on or clock on syl in pos vb. adv. mod intr. clock on 0. or in syl clock on pos vb. adv. mod intr. def to arrive at work, esp. when it involves registering the time of arrival on a card. clock up 0. syl clock up pos vb. adv. mod tr. def to record or register. exam 1 this car has clocked up 80000 miles. clock-watcher 0. syl clock-watch:er pos n. def an employee who checks the time in antici?!pation of a break or of the end of the working day. clockwise 0. syl clock+wise pron <1klok2wIz> pos adv. adj. def in the direction that the hands of a clock rotate; from top to bottom towards the right when seen from the front. clockwork 1. syl clock+work pron <1klok2wR:k> pos n. def the mechanism of a clock. clockwork 2. syl clock+work pron <1klok2wR:k> pos n. def any similar mechanism, as in a wind-up toy. like clockwork 3. head clockwork syl like clockwork. def with complete regularity and precision. clod ety Old English clod- (occurring in compound words) lump; related to #7cloud clod 1. syl clod pron pos n. def a lump of earth or clay. clod 2. syl clod pron pos n. def earth, esp. when heavy or in hard lumps. clod 3. syl clod pron pos n. def Also called: {clodpole, clod poll, clodpate}. a dull or stupid person. clod 4. syl clod pron pos n. def a cut of beef taken from the shoulder. cloddy sub head clod syl clod+dy pos adj. cloddish sub head clod syl clod+dish pos adj. cloddishly sub head clod syl clod+dish+ly pos adv. cloddishness sub head clod syl clod+dish+ness pos n. clodhopper 1. syl clod+hop+per pron <1klod2hop*> pos n. qual Informal. def a clumsy person; lout. clodhopper 2. syl clod+hop+per pron <1klod2hop*> pos n. mod usually; pl. qual Informal. def a large heavy shoe or boot. &- {#!clod+@!hop+ping} clog ety C14 (in the sense: block of wood): of unknown origin clogs infl head clog syl clogs pos vb. clogging infl head clog syl clog+ging pos vb. clogged infl head clog syl clogged. pos vb. clog 1. syl clog pron pos vb. def to obstruct or become obstructed with thick or sticky matter. clog 2. syl clog pron pos vb. mod tr. def to encumber; hinder; impede. clog 3. syl clog pron pos vb. mod tr. def to fasten a clog or impediment to (an animal, such as a horse). clog 4. syl clog pron pos vb. mod intr. def to adhere or stick in a mass. clog 5. syl clog pron pos vb. usage Slang. in soccer def to foul (an opponent). clog 6.a. syl clog pron pos n. def any of various wooden or wooden-soled shoes. clog 6.b. syl clog pron pos n. usage as modifier def . exam 1 clog dance. clog 7. syl clog pron pos n. def a heavy block, esp. of wood, fastened to the leg of a person or animal to impede motion. clog 8. syl clog pron pos n. def something that impedes motion or action; hindrance. cloggy sub head clog syl clog+gy pos adj. clogginess sub head clog syl clog+gi+ness pos n. cloisonn'e ety C19: from French, from cloisonner to divide into compartments, from cloison partition, ultimately from Latin claudere to #7close cloisonn'e 1.a. syl cloi+son+n*'e pron , French pos n. def a design made by filling in with coloured enamel an outline of flattened wire put on edge. cloisonn'e 1.b. syl cloi+son+n*'e pron , French pos n. def the method of doing this. cloisonn'e 2. syl cloi+son+n*'e pron , French pos adj. def of, relating to, or made by cloisonn*'e. cloister ety C13: from Old French cloistre, from Medieval Latin claustrum monastic cell, from Latin: bolt, barrier, from claudere to close; influenced in form by Old French cloison partition cloister 1. syl clois+ter pron <1klcist*> pos n. def a covered walk, usually around a quadrangle in a religious institution, having an open arcade or colonnade on the inside and a wall on the outside. cloister 2. syl clois+ter pron <1klcist*> pos n. mod some?!times; pl. def a place of religious seclusion, such as a monastery. cloister 3. syl clois+ter pron <1klcist*> pos n. def life in a monastery or convent. cloister 4. syl clois+ter pron <1klcist*> pos vb. mod tr. def to confine or seclude in or as if in a monastery. cloister-like sub head cloister syl clois:ter-2like pos adj. cloistered 1. syl clois+tered pron <1klcist*d> pos adj. def secluded or shut up from the world. cloistered 2. syl clois+tered pron <1klcist*d> pos adj. def living in a monastery or nunnery. cloistered 3. syl clois+tered pron <1klcist*d> pos adj. usage of a building, courtyard, etc. def having or provided with a cloister. claustral alt head cloistral or cloistral syl claus+tral pos adj. cloistral 0. or claustral syl clois+tral pron <1klcistr*l> pos adj. def of, like, or characteristic of a cloister. clomb 0. syl clomb pron pos vb. qual Archaic. def a past tense or past participle of {climb}. clomp 0. syl clomp pron pos n. vb. def a less common word for {{clump} (senses 2, 7)}. clone ety C20: from Greek kl*_on twig, shoot; related to klan to break clone 1. syl clone pron pos n. usage also def a group of organisms or cells of the same genetic constitution that are descended from a common ancestor by asexual reproduction, as by cuttings, grafting, etc., in plants. {~} clone 2. syl clone pron pos n. usage also def to produce or cause to produce a clone. clonal sub head clone syl clon+al pos adj. clonally sub head clone syl clon+al+ly pos adv. clonk 1. syl clonk pron pos vb. mod intr. def to make a loud dull thud. clonk 2. syl clonk pron pos vb. mod tr. qual Informal. def to hit. {~} clonk 3. syl clonk pron pos vb. mod intr. def a loud thudding sound. clonus ety C19: from New Latin, from Greek klonos turmoil clonus 0. syl clo+nus pron <1kl*un*s> pos n. def a type of convulsion characterized by rapid contraction and relaxation of a muscle. clonic sub head clonus syl clon+ic pron <1klonik> pos adj. clonicity sub head clonus syl clo+nic+i:ty pron pos n. clop ety C20: of imitative origin clops infl head clop syl clops pos vb. clopping infl head clop syl clop+ping pos vb. clopped infl head clop syl clopped. pos vb. clop 1. syl clop pron pos vb. mod intr. def to make or move along with a sound as of a horse's hooves striking the ground. clop 2. syl clop pron pos n. def a sound of this nature. close ety C13: from Old French clos close, enclosed, from Latin clausus shut up, from claudere to close close 1. syl close pron pos vb. def to put or be put in such a position as to cover an opening; shut. exam 1 the door closed behind him. close 2. syl close pron pos vb. mod tr. def to bar, obstruct, or fill up (an entrance, a hole, etc.). exam 1 to close a road. close 3. syl close pron pos vb. def to bring the parts or edges of (a wound, etc.) together or (of a wound, etc.) to be brought together. exam 1 to close ranks. close 4. syl close pron pos vb. mod intr. usage foll. by on, over, etc. def to take hold. exam 1 his hand closed over the money. close 5. syl close pron pos vb. def to bring or be brought to an end; terminate. close 6. syl close pron pos vb. usage of agreements, deals, etc. def to complete or be completed successfully. close 7. syl close pron pos vb. def to cease or cause to cease to render service. exam 1 the shop closed at six. close 8. syl close pron pos vb. mod intr. qual Stock Exchange. def to have a value at the end of a day's trading, as specified. exam 1 steels closed two points down. close 9. syl close pron pos vb. def to complete an electrical circuit. close 10. syl close pron pos vb. mod tr. qual Nautical. def to pass near. close 11. syl close pron pos vb. mod tr. qual Archaic. def to enclose or shut in. close 12.a. syl close pron pos vb. qual Euphemistic. def to die. close 12.b. syl close pron pos vb. usage often foll. by to def to ignore. close 13. syl close pron pos adj. def near in space or time; in prox?!imity. close 14. syl close pron pos adj. def having the parts near together; dense. exam 1 a close formation. close 15. syl close pron pos adj. def down or near to the surface; short. exam 1 a close hair-cut. close 16. syl close pron pos adj. def near in relationship. exam 1 a close relative. close 17. syl close pron pos adj. def intimate or confidential. exam 1 a close friend. close 18. syl close pron pos adj. def almost equal or even. exam 1 a close contest. close 19. syl close pron pos adj. def not deviating or varying greatly from a model or standard. exam 1 a close resemblance; exam 2 a close translation. close 20. syl close pron pos adj. def careful, strict, or searching. exam 1 a close study. close 21. syl close pron pos adj. usage of a style of play in football, hockey, etc. def characterized by short passes. close 22. syl close pron pos adj. def confined or enclosed. close 23. syl close pron pos adj. def shut or shut tight. close 24. syl close pron pos adj. def oppressive, heavy, or airless. exam 1 a close atmosphere. close 25. syl close pron pos adj. def strictly guarded. exam 1 a close prisoner. close 26. syl close pron pos adj. def neat or tight in fit. exam 1 a close cap. close 27. syl close pron pos adj. def secretive or reticent. close 28. syl close pron pos adj. def miserly; not generous, esp. with money. close 29. syl close pron pos adj. usage of money or credit def hard to obtain; scarce. close 30. syl close pron pos adj. def restricted as to public admission or membership. close 31. syl close pron pos adj. def hidden or secluded. close 32. syl close pron pos adj. def Also: {closed}. restricted or prohibited as to the type of game or fish able to be taken. close 33. syl close pron pos adj. def Also: {closed}. denoting a vowel pronounced with the lips relatively close together. close to the wind 34. head close syl close to the wind. qual Nautical. def sailing as nearly as possible towards the direction from which the wind is blowing. close 35. syl close pron pos adv. def closely; tightly. close 36. syl close pron pos adv. def near or in proximity. close 37. syl close pron pos n. def the act of closing. close 38. syl close pron pos n. def the end or conclusion. exam 1 the close of the day. close 39. syl close pron pos n. def a place of joining or meeting. close 40. syl close pron pos n. qual Law. def private property, usually enclosed by a fence, hedge, or wall. close 41. syl close pron pos n. qual Brit. def a courtyard or quadrangle enclosed by buildings or an entry leading to such a courtyard. close 42. syl close pron pos n. qual Brit. (cap. when part of a street name def a small quiet residential road. exam 1 Hillside Close. close 43. syl close pron pos n. qual Brit. def a field. close 44. syl close pron pos n. def the precincts of a cathedral or similar building. close 45. syl close pron pos n. qual Music. def another word for {cadence}. A perfect cadence is called a {full close}, an imperfect one a {half close}. close 46. syl close pron pos n. qual Archaic or rare. def an encounter in battle; grapple. close xref syl close pron pos vb. def See also {close down, close in, close out, close-up, close with}. closely sub head close syl close+ly pron <1kl*usli> pos adv. closeness sub head close syl close+ness pron <1kl*usnis> pos n. closer sub head close syl clos+er pron <1kl*uz*> pos n. close call 0. syl close call pron pos n. qual U.S. def another expression for {close shave}. close company 0. syl close com+pa+ny pron pos n. qual Brit. def a company under the control of its directors or less than five independant participants. Also: {closed company}. closed 1. syl closed pron pos adj. def blocked against entry; shut. closed 2. syl closed pron pos adj. def restricted; exclusive. closed 3. syl closed pron pos adj. def not open to question or debate. closed 4. syl closed pron pos adj. usage of a hunting season, etc. def close. closed 5.a. syl closed pron pos adj. usage of a curve or surface def completely enclosing an area or volume. closed 5.b. syl closed pron pos adj. usage of a set def having members that can be produced by a specific operation on other members of the same set. exam 1 the integers are a closed set under multiplication. closed 6. syl closed pron pos adj. def Also: {checked}. closed 6.a. syl closed pron pos adj. def denoting a syllable that ends in a consonant. closed 6.b. syl closed pron pos adj. def another word for {{close} (sense 33)}. closed 7. syl closed pron pos adj. def not open to public entry or membership. exam 1 a closed society. closed book 1. syl closed book pos n. qual Informal. def something deemed unknown or incapable of being understood. closed book 2. syl closed book pos n. qual Informal. def a matter that has been finally concluded and admits of no further consideration. closed chain 0. syl closed chain pos n. qual Chem. def another name for {{ring%1} (sense 18)}. closed circuit 0. syl closed cir+cuit pos n. def a complete electrical circuit through which current can flow when a voltage is applied. Compare {open circuit}. closed-circuit television 0. syl closed-cir:cuit tel:e+vi+sion pos n. def a television system in which signals are transmitted from the television camera to the receivers by cables or telephone links forming a closed circuit, as used in shops, hospitals, etc. closed corporation 0. syl closed cor+por:a+tion pos n. qual U.S. def a corporation the stock of which is owned by a small number of persons and is rarely traded on the open market. Also: {close corporation}. closed game 0. syl closed game pos n. qual Chess. def a relatively complex game involving closed ranks and files and permitting only nontactical positional manoeuvring. Compare {open game}. close down 1. syl close down pron pos vb. adv. def to cease or cause to cease operations. exam 1 the shop closed down. close-down infl head close down syl close-down pron <1kl*uz?!2daun> pos n. close down 2. syl close down pron <1kl*uz?!2daun> pos n. def a closure or stoppage of operations, esp. in a factory. close down 3. syl close down pron <1kl*uz?!2daun> pos n. qual Brit. radio, television. def the end of a period of broadcasting, esp. late at night. closed primary 0. syl closed pri+ma+ry pos n. qual U.S. government. def a primary in which only members of a particular party may vote. Compare {open primary}. closed scholarship 0. syl closed schol+ar+ship pos n. def a scholarship for which only certain people, such as those from a particular school or with a particular surname, are eligible. closed sentence 0. syl closed sen+tence pos n. qual Logic. def a formula that contains no free occurrence of any variable. Compare {open sentence}. closed shop 0. syl closed shop pos n. def an industrial establishment in which there exists a contract between a trade union and the employer permitting the employment of the union's members only. Compare {{open shop} (sense 1)}, {union shop}. close-fisted 0. syl close-fist:ed pron <2kl*us1fistid> pos adj. def very careful with money; mean. close-fistedness sub head close-fisted syl close-1fist:ed+ness pos n. close-grained 0. syl close-grained pron <2kl*us1grAnd> pos adj. usage of wood def dense or compact in texture. close harmony 0. syl close har+mo+ny pron pos n. def a type of singing in which all the parts except the bass lie close together and are confined to the compass of a tenth. close-hauled 0. syl close-hauled pron <2kl*us1hc:ld> pos adj. qual Nautical. def with the sails flat, so as to sail as close to the wind as possible. close in 1. syl close in pron pos vb. adv. mod intr. usage of days def to become shorter with the approach of winter. close in 2. syl close in pron pos vb. adv. mod intr. usage foll. by on or upon def to advance (on) so as to encircle or surround. close-knit 0. syl close-knit pron <2kl*us1nit> pos adj. def closely united, esp. by social ties. close-mouthed alt head close-lipped or close-lipped syl close-mouthed pron <2kl*us1mauDd>, <-1mauTt> pos adj. close-lipped 0. or close-mouthed syl close-lipped pron <2kl*us1lipt> pos adj. def not talking or revealing much. close out 0. syl close out pron pos vb. adv. def to terminate (a client's or other account) on which the margin is inadequate or exhausted, usually by sale of securities to realize cash. close quarters 1. syl close quar+ters pron pos n. mod pl. def a narrow cramped space or position. close quarters 2.a. syl close quar+ters pron pos n. mod pl. def engaged in hand-to-hand combat. close quarters 2.b. syl close quar+ters pron pos n. mod pl. def in close proximity; very near together. closed season alt head close season or close season syl closed sea+son pos n. close season 0. or closed season syl close sea+son pron pos n. def the period of the year when it is prohibited to kill certain game or fish. close shave 0. syl close shave pron pos n. qual Informal. def a narrow escape. close-stool 0. syl close-stool pron <1kl*us> <2stu:l> pos n. def a wooden stool containing a covered chamber pot. closet ety C14: from Old French, from clos enclosure; see #7close closet 1. syl clos+et pron <1klozit> pos n. def a small cupboard or recess. closet 2. syl clos+et pron <1klozit> pos n. def a small private room. closet 3. syl clos+et pron <1klozit> pos n. def short for {water closet}. closet 4. syl clos+et pron <1klozit> pos n. qual U.S. usage modifier def private or secret. closet 5. syl clos+et pron <1klozit> pos n. qual U.S. usage modifier def suited or appropriate for use in private. exam 1 closet meditations. closet 6. syl clos+et pron <1klozit> pos n. qual U.S. usage modifier def based on or devoted to theory; speculative. exam 1 a closet strategist. closet 7. syl clos+et pron <1klozit> pos vb. mod tr. def to shut up or confine in a small private room, esp. for conference or meditation. closet drama 0.a. syl clos+et dra+ma pos n. qual Chiefly U.S. def drama suitable for reading rather than performing. closet drama 0.b. syl clos+et dra+ma pos n. qual Chiefly U.S. def a play of this kind. closet queen 0. syl clos+et queen pos n. qual Informal. def a man who is homosexual but does not admit the fact. close-up 1. syl close-up pron <1kl*us2^p> pos n. def a photograph taken at close range. close-up 2. syl close-up pron <1kl*us2^p> pos n. def a detailed or intimate view or examination. exam 1 a close-up of modern society. close up infl head close-up syl close up pron pos adv. close-up 3. syl close-up pron pos vb. def to shut entirely. close-up 4. syl close-up pron pos vb. mod intr. def to draw together. exam 1 the ranks closed up. close-up 5. syl close-up pron pos vb. mod intr. usage of wounds def to heal completely. close-up 6. syl close-up pron pos vb. mod intr. usage in filming def to move close to the subject of the action. close with 0. syl close with pron pos vb. prep. mod intr. def to engage in battle with (an enemy). closing time 0. syl clos+ing time pron <1kl*uziG> pos n. def the time at which pubs must legally stop selling alcoholic drinks. clostridium ety C20: from New Latin, literally: small spindle, from Greek kl*_ost*_er spindle, from kl*_othein to spin; see -#7idium clostridiums infl head clostridium or clostridiia syl clos+trid+i:ums pron <-i*> pos n. mod pl. clostridiia infl head clostridium or clostridiums syl clos+trid+i:i:a pron <-i*> pos n. mod pl. clostridium 0. syl clos+trid+i:um pron pos n. def any anaerobic typically rod-shaped bacterium of the genus occurring in soil and the intestines of man and animals: family The genus includes the species causing botulism and tetanus. clostridial sub head clostridium or clostridian syl clos+1trid+i:al pos adj. clostridian sub head clostridium or clostridial syl clos+1trid+i:an pos adj. closure ety C14: from Old French, from Late Latin claus*_ura bar, from Latin claudere to close closure 1. syl clo+sure pron <1kl*uZ*> pos n. def the act of closing or the state of being closed. closure 2. syl clo+sure pron <1kl*uZ*> pos n. def an end or conclusion. closure 3. syl clo+sure pron <1kl*uZ*> pos n. def something that closes or shuts, such as a cap or seal for a container. closure 4. syl clo+sure pron <1kl*uZ*> pos n. usage in a deliberative body def a procedure by which debate may be halted and an immediate vote taken. See also {cloture, guillotine, gag rule}. closure 5. syl clo+sure pron <1kl*uZ*> pos n. qual Geology. def the vertical distance between the crest of an anticline and the lowest contour that surrounds it. closure 6. syl clo+sure pron <1kl*uZ*> pos n. qual Phonetics. def the obstruction of the breath stream at some point along the vocal tract, such as the complete occlusion preliminary to the articu?!lation of a stop. closure 7. syl clo+sure pron <1kl*uZ*> pos vb. mod tr. usage in a deliberative body def to end (debate) by closure. clot ety Old English clott, of Germanic origin; compare Middle Dutch klotte block, lump clot 1. syl clot pron pos n. def a soft thick lump or mass. exam 1 a clot of blood. clot 2. syl clot pron pos n. qual Brit. slang. def a stupid person; fool. clots infl head clot syl clots pos vb. clotting infl head clot syl clot+ting pos vb. clotted infl head clot syl clot+ted. pos vb. clot 3. syl clot pron pos vb. def to form or cause to form into a soft thick lump or lumps. cloth ety Old English cl*_ath; related to Old Frisian kl*_eth, Middle High German kleit cloth, clothing cloths infl head cloth syl cloths pron , pos n. mod pl. cloth 1.a. syl cloth pron pos n. def a fabric formed by weaving, felting or knitting wool, cotton, etc. cloth 1.b. syl cloth pron pos n. usage as modifier exam 1 a cloth bag. cloth 2. syl cloth pron pos n. def a piece of such fabric used for a particular purpose, as for a dishcloth. cloth 3.a. syl cloth pron pos n. def the clothes worn by a clergyman. cloth 3.b. syl cloth pron pos n. def the clergy. cloth 4. syl cloth pron pos n. qual Obsolete. def clothing. cloth 5. syl cloth pron pos n. qual Nautical. def any of the panels of a sail. cloth 6. syl cloth pron pos n. qual Chiefly Brit. def a piece of coloured fabric, used on the stage as scenery. cloth 7. syl cloth pron pos n. qual West African. def a garment in a traditional non-European style. clothbound 0. syl cloth+bound pron <1kloT2baund> pos adj. usage of a book def bound in stiff boards covered in cloth. cloth cap 1. syl cloth cap pos n. qual Brit. def Also called: {flat cap}. a flat woollen cap with a stiff peak. cloth cap 2.a. syl cloth cap pos n. qual Brit. def a symbol of working-class ethos or origin. cloth cap 2.b. syl cloth cap pos n. qual Brit. usage as modifier exam 1 cloth-cap attitudes. clothe ety Old English cl*_athian, from cl*_ath #7cloth ; related to Old Norse kl@atha clothes infl head clothe syl clothes pos vb. mod tr. clothing infl head clothe syl cloth+ing pos vb. mod tr. clothed infl head clothe or clad syl clothed pos vb. mod tr. clad infl head clothe or clothed syl clad. pos vb. mod tr. clothe 1. syl clothe pron pos vb. mod tr. def to dress or attire (a person). clothe 2. syl clothe pron pos vb. mod tr. def to provide with clothing or covering. clothe 3. syl clothe pron pos vb. mod tr. def to conceal or disguise. clothe 4. syl clothe pron pos vb. mod tr. def to endow or invest. cloth-eared 0. syl cloth-eared pos adj. qual Informal. def deaf or insensitive. clothes ety Old English cl*_athas, plural of cl*_ath #7cloth clothes 1.a. syl clothes pron pos n. mod pl. def articles of dress. clothes 1.b. syl clothes pron pos n. mod pl. usage as modifier exam 1 clothes brush. clothes 2. syl clothes pron pos n. mod pl. qual Chiefly Brit. def short for {bedclothes}. clotheshorse 1. syl clothes+horse pron <1kl*uDz2hc:s> pos n. def a frame on which to hang laundry for drying or airing. clotheshorse 2. syl clothes+horse pron <1kl*uDz2hc:s> pos n. qual Informal. def a dandy. clothesline 0. syl clothes+line pron <1kl*uDz2lIn> pos n. def a piece of rope, cord, or wire on which clean washing is hung to dry or air. clothes moth 0. syl clothes moth pos n. def any of various tineid moths, esp. the larvae of which feed on wool or fur. clothes peg 0. syl clothes peg pos n. def a small wooden or plastic clip for attaching washing to a clothesline. clothes-press 0. syl clothes-press pos n. def a piece of furniture for storing clothes, usually containing wide drawers and a cabinet. clothier 0. syl clo+thi+er pron <1kl*uDi*> pos n. def a person who makes, sells, or deals in clothes or cloth. clothing 1. syl cloth+ing pron <1kl*uDiG> pos n. def garments collectively. clothing 2. syl cloth+ing pron <1kl*uDiG> pos n. def something that covers or clothes. Clotho ety Latin, from Greek Kl*_otho, one who spins, from kl*_othein to spin Clotho 0. syl Clo:tho pron <1kl*uT*u> pos n. qual Greek myth. def one of the three Fates, spinner of the thread of life. cloth of gold 0. syl cloth of gold pos n. def cloth woven from silk threads interspersed with gold. clotted cream 0. syl clot+ted cream pos n. qual Brit. def a thick cream made from scalded milk, esp. in SW England. Also called: {Devonshire cream}. cloture ety C19: from French cl*^oture, from Old French #7closure cloture 1. syl clo+ture pron <1kl*uC*> pos n. def closure in the U.S. Senate. cloture 2. syl clo+ture pron <1kl*uC*> pos vb. mod tr. def to end (debate) in the U.S. Senate by cloture. cloud ety C13 (in the sense: a mass of vapour): from Old English cl*_ud rock, hill; probably related to #7clod cloud 1. syl cloud pron pos n. def a mass of water or ice particles visible in the sky, usually white or grey, from which rain or snow falls when the particles coagulate. See also {cirrus, cumulonimbus, cumulus, stratus}. cloud 2. syl cloud pron pos n. def any collection of particles visible in the air, esp. of smoke or dust. cloud 3. syl cloud pron pos n. def a large number of insects or other small animals in flight. cloud 4. syl cloud pron pos n. def something that darkens, threatens, or carries gloom. cloud 5. syl cloud pron pos n. qual Jewellery. def a cloudlike blemish in a trans?!parent stone. in the clouds 6. head cloud syl in the clouds. def not in contact with reality. cloud 7.a. syl cloud pron pos n. def under reproach or suspicion. cloud 7.b. syl cloud pron pos n. def in a state of gloom or bad temper. on cloud nine 8. head cloud syl on cloud nine. qual Informal. def elated; very happy. cloud 9. syl cloud pron pos vb. mod when; intr. usage often foll. by over or up def to make or become cloudy, overcast, or indistinct. cloud 10. syl cloud pron pos vb. mod tr. def to make obscure; darken. cloud 11. syl cloud pron pos vb. def to make or become gloomy or de?!pressed. cloud 12. syl cloud pron pos vb. mod tr. def to place under or render liable to suspicion or disgrace. cloud 13. syl cloud pron pos vb. def to render (liquids) milky or dull or (of liquids) to become milky or dull. cloud 14. syl cloud pron pos vb. def to become or render mottled or variegated. cloudless sub head cloud syl cloud+less pos adj. cloudlessly sub head cloud syl cloud+less+ly pos adv. cloudlessness sub head cloud syl cloud+less+ness pos n. cloudlike sub head cloud syl cloud+2like pos adj. cloudberries infl head cloudberry syl cloud+ber:ries. pos n. mod pl. cloudberry 0. syl cloud+ber:ry pron <1klaudb*ri>, <-bri> pos n. def a creeping Eurasian herbaceous rosaceous plant, with white flowers and orange berry-like fruits (drupelets). cloudburst 0. syl cloud+burst pron <1klaud2bR:st> pos n. def a heavy downpour. cloud chamber 0. syl cloud cham+ber pos n. qual Physics. def an apparatus for detecting high-energy particles by observing their tracks through a chamber containing a supersaturated vapour. Each particle ionizes molecules along its path and small droplets condense on them to produce a visible track. Also called: {Wilson cloud chamber}. cloudland alt head cloud-cuckoo-land or cloud-cuckoo-land syl cloud+land pron <1klaud2l@nd> pos n. cloud-cuckoo-land 0. or cloudland syl cloud-cuck:oo-land pron <1klaud2l@nd> pos n. def a realm of fantasy, dreams, or impractical notions. cloudlet 0. syl cloud+let pron <1klaudlit> pos n. def a small cloud. cloud rack 0. syl cloud rack pos n. def a group of moving clouds. cloudscape 1. syl cloud+scape pron <1klaudskAp> pos n. def a picturesque formation of clouds. cloudscape 2. syl cloud+scape pron <1klaudskAp> pos n. def a picture or photograph of such a formation. cloudier infl head cloudy syl cloud:i+er pos adj. cloudiest infl head cloudy syl cloud:i+est. pos adj. cloudy 1. syl cloud:y pron <1klaudi> pos adj. def covered with cloud or clouds. cloudy 2. syl cloud:y pron <1klaudi> pos adj. def of or like a cloud or clouds. cloudy 3. syl cloud:y pron <1klaudi> pos adj. def streaked or mottled like a cloud. cloudy 4. syl cloud:y pron <1klaudi> pos adj. def opaque or muddy. cloudy 5. syl cloud:y pron <1klaudi> pos adj. def obscure or unclear. cloudy 6. syl cloud:y pron <1klaudi> pos adj. def troubled by gloom or depression. exam 1 his face had a cloudy expression. cloudily sub head cloudy syl cloud:i+ly pos adv. cloudiness sub head cloudy syl cloud:i+ness pos n. Francois infl head Clouet syl Fran:*,cois pron pos n. Clouet 0. syl Clou:et pron French pos n. def ??1515-72, and his father, {Jean} (#f*~a), ??1485-??1540, French portrait painters. clough 0. syl clough pos kl^f; n. qual Brit. dialect. def a gorge or narrow ravine. Arthur Hugh infl head Clough syl Ar:thur Hugh. pos kl^f; n. Clough 0. syl Clough pos kl^f; n. def 1819-61, English poet. clout ety Old English cl*_ut piece of metal or cloth, cl*_utian to patch (C14: to strike with the hand); related to Dutch kluit a lump, and to #7clod clout 1. syl clout pron pos n. qual Informal. def a blow with the hand or a hard object. clout 2.a. syl clout pron pos n. def the target used in long-distance shooting. clout 2.b. syl clout pron pos n. def the centre of this target. clout 2.c. syl clout pron pos n. def a shot that hits the centre. clout 3. syl clout pron pos n. def Also called: {clout nail}. a short, flat-headed nail used esp. for attaching sheet metal to wood. clout 4.a. syl clout pron pos n. def a piece of cloth. exam 1 a dish clout. clout 4.b. syl clout pron pos n. def a garment. clout 5. syl clout pron pos vb. mod tr. qual Informal. def to give a hard blow to, esp. with the hand. clout 6. syl clout pron pos vb. mod tr. def to patch with a piece of cloth or leather. clouter sub head clout syl clout+er pos n. clove ety C14: from Old French clou de girofle, literally: nail of clove, clou from Latin cl*_avus nail+ girofle clove tree clove H1.1. syl clove pron pos n. def a tropical evergreen myrtaceous tree, native to the East Indies but cultivated elsewhere, esp. Zanzibar. clove H1.2. syl clove pron pos n. def the dried unopened flower buds of this tree, used as a pungent fragrant spice. clove ety Old English clufu bulb; related to Old High German klovolouh garlic; see #7cleave %1 clove H2.0. syl clove pron pos n. def any of the small bulbs that arise from the axils of the scales of a large bulb. clove H3.0. syl clove pron pos vb. def a past tense of {cleave%1}. clove hitch 0. syl clove hitch pos n. def a knot or hitch used for securing a rope to a spar, post, or larger rope. cloven 1. syl clo+ven pron <1kl*uvN> pos vb. def a past participle of {cleave%1}. cloven 2. syl clo+ven pron <1kl*uvN> pos adj. def split; cleft; divided. cloven hoofoot alt head cloven hoof or cloven hoof syl clo+ven hoofoot pos n. cloven hoof 1. or cloven hoofoot syl clo+ven hoof pos n. def the divided hoof of a pig, goat, cow, deer, or related animal, which consists of the two middle digits of the foot. cloven hoof 2. or cloven hoofoot syl clo+ven hoof pos n. def the mark or symbol of Satan. cloven-hoofed sub head cloven hoof or cloven-footed syl clo:ven-1hoofed pos adj. cloven-footed sub head cloven hoof or cloven-hoofed syl clo:ven-1foot:ed pos adj. clove pink 0. syl clove pink pos n. def another name for {{carnation} (sense 1)}. clover ety Old English cl*_afre; related to Old High German kl*_eo, Middle Low German kl*_ever, Dutch kl*_aver clover 1. syl clo+ver pron <1kl*uv*> pos n. def any plant of the papilionaceous genus having trifoliate leaves and dense flower heads. Many species, such as red clover, white clover, and alsike, are grown as forage plants. clover 2. syl clo+ver pron <1kl*uv*> pos n. def any of various similar or related plants. sweet clover 3. head clover syl sweet clover. def another name for {melilot}. pin clover 4. head clover syl pin clover. def another name for {alfilaria}. in clover 5. head clover syl in clover. qual Informal. def in a state of ease or luxury. cloverleaves infl head cloverleaf syl clo:ver+leaves. pos n. mod pl. cloverleaf 1. syl clo:ver+leaf pron <1kl*uv*2lEf> pos n. def an arrangement of connecting roads, resembling a four-leaf clover in form, that joins two intersecting main roads. cloverleaf 2. syl clo:ver+leaf pron <1kl*uv*2lEf> pos n. usage modifier def in the shape or pattern of a leaf of clover. cloverleaf aerial 0. syl clo:ver+leaf aer+i:al pos n. def a type of aerial, having three or four similar coplanar loops arranged symmetrically around an axis, to which in-phase signals are fed. Clovis I 0. syl Clo:vis I pron <1kl*uvis> pos n. def German name ??466-511 #7a.d., king of the Franks (481-511), who extended the Merovingian kingdom to include most of Gaul and SW Germany. clovis point 0. syl clo+vis point pron <1kl*uvis> pos n. def a concave-based flint projectile dating from the 10th millennium #7b.c., found throughout most of Central and North America. clown ety C16: perhaps of Low German origin; compare Frisian kl*"onne, Icelandic klunni clumsy fellow clown 1. syl clown pron pos n. def a comic entertainer, usually grotesquely costumed and made up, appearing in the circus. clown 2. syl clown pron pos n. def any per?!former who elicits an amused response. clown 3. syl clown pron pos n. def someone who plays jokes or tricks. clown 4. syl clown pron pos n. def a person who acts in a comic or buffoon-like manner. clown 5. syl clown pron pos n. def a coarse clumsy rude person; boor. clown 6. syl clown pron pos n. qual Archaic. def a countryman or rustic. clown 7. syl clown pron pos vb. mod intr. def to perform as a clown. clown 8. syl clown pron pos vb. mod intr. def to play jokes or tricks. clown 9. syl clown pron pos vb. mod intr. def to act foolishly. clownery sub head clown syl clown+er:y pos n. clownish sub head clown syl clown+ish pos adj. clownishly sub head clown syl clown+ish+ly pos adv. clownishness sub head clown syl clown+ish+ness pos n. cloy ety C14 (originally: to nail, hence, to obstruct): from earlier acloyen, from Old French encloer, from Medieval Latin inclav*_are, from Latin cl*_av*_are to nail, from cl*_avus a nail cloy 0. syl cloy pron pos vb. def to make weary or cause weariness through an excess of something initially pleasurable or sweet. cloyedness sub head cloy syl cloy+ed+ness pron <1klciidnis> pos n. cloyingly sub head cloy syl cloy+ing+ly pos adv. cloyingness sub head cloy syl cloy+ing+ness pos n. club ety C13: from Old Norse klubba, related to Middle High German klumpe group of trees, #7clump, Old English clympre lump of metal club 1. syl club pos kl^b; n. def a stout stick, usually with one end thicker than the other, esp. one used as a weapon. club 2. syl club pos kl^b; n. def a stick or bat used to strike the ball in various sports, esp. golf. See {golf club}. club 3. syl club pos kl^b; n. def short for {Indian club}. club 4. syl club pos kl^b; n. def a group or association of people with common aims or interests. exam 1 a wine club. club 5.a. syl club pos kl^b; n. def the room, building, or facilities used by such a group. club 5.b. syl club pos kl^b; n. usage in combination exam 1 clubhouse. club 6. syl club pos kl^b; n. def a building in which elected, fee-paying members go to meet, dine, read, etc. club 7. syl club pos kl^b; n. def a commercial establishment providing drinks, food, etc. See also {nightclub}. club 8. syl club pos kl^b; n. qual Chiefly Brit. def an organization, esp. in a shop, set up as a means of saving. club 9. syl club pos kl^b; n. qual Brit. def an informal word for {friendly society}. club 10.a. syl club pos kl^b; n. def the black trefoil symbol on a playing card. club 10.b. syl club pos kl^b; n. def a card with one or more of these symbols or the suit of cards so marked. club 11.a. syl club pos kl^b; n. def a spar used for extending the clew of a gaff topsail beyond the peak of the gaff. club 11.b. syl club pos kl^b; n. def short for {{club foot} (sense 3)}. in the club 12. head club syl in the club. qual Brit. slang. def pregnant. on the club 13. head club syl on the club. qual Brit. slang. def away from work due to sickness, esp. when receiving sickness benefit. clubs infl head club syl clubs pos vb. clubbing infl head club syl club+bing pos vb. clubbed infl head club syl clubbed. pos vb. club 14. syl club pos vb. mod tr. def to beat with or as if with a club. club 15. syl club pos vb. usage often foll. by together def to gather or become gathered into a group. club 16. syl club pos vb. usage often foll. by together def to unite or combine (resources, efforts, etc.) for a common purpose. club 17. syl club pos vb. mod tr. def to use (a rifle or similar firearm) as a weapon by holding the barrel and hitting with the butt. club 18. syl club pos vb. mod intr. qual Nautical. def to drift in a current, reducing speed by dragging anchor. clubber sub head club syl club+ber pos n. clubable alt head clubbable or clubbable syl club+a:ble pron <1kl^b*bL> pos adj. clubbable 0. or clubable syl club+ba:ble pron <1kl^b*bL> pos adj. qual Rare. def suitable to be a member of a club; sociable. clubbability sub head clubbable or clubability syl club+ba:1bil+i:ty pos n. clubability sub head clubbable or clubbability syl club+a:1bil+i:ty pos n. clubbier infl head clubby syl club+bi+er pos adj. clubbiest infl head clubby syl club+bi+est. pos adj. clubby 1. syl club+by pron <1kl^bi> pos adj. def sociable, esp. effusively so. clubby 2. syl club+by pron <1kl^bi> pos adj. def exclusive or cliquish. clubbily sub head clubby syl club+bi+ly pos adv. club foot 1. syl club foot pos n. def a congenital deformity of the foot, esp. one in which the foot is twisted so that most of the weight rests on the heel. Technical name: {talipes}. club foot 2. syl club foot pos n. def a foot so deformed. club foot 3. syl club foot pos n. qual Nautical. def a boom attached to the foot of a jib. club-footed sub head club foot syl club-1foot:ed pos adj. club hand 1. syl club hand pos n. def a deformity of the hand, analogous to club foot. club hand 2. syl club hand pos n. def a hand so deformed. club-handed sub head club hand syl club-1hand:ed pos adj. clubhaul 0. syl club+haul pron <1kl^b2hc:l> pos vb. qual Nautical. def to force (a sailing vessel) onto a new tack, esp. in an emergency, by fastening a lee anchor to the lee quarter, dropping the anchor as the vessel comes about, and hauling in the anchor cable to swing the stern to windward. clubhouse 0. syl club+house pron <1kl^b2haus> pos n. def the premises of a sports or other club, esp. a golf club. clubland 0. syl club+land pron <1klubl*nd> pos n. qual Brit. def the area of London around St. James's, which contains most of the famous London clubs. clubwoman alt head clubman or clubman syl club+wom:an pos n. mod fem. clubmen infl head clubman or clubwomen syl club+men pos n. mod pl. clubwomen infl head clubman or clubmen syl club+wom:en. pos n. mod pl. clubman 0. or clubwoman syl club+man pron <1kl^bm*n> pos n. def a person who is an enthusiastic member of a club or clubs. club moss 0. syl club moss pos n. def any mosslike pteridophyte plant of the order having erect or creeping stems covered with tiny overlapping leaves. club root 0. syl club root pos n. def a disease of cabbages and related plants, caused by the fungus in which the roots become thickened and distorted. club sandwich 0. syl club sand+wich pos n. qual Chiefly U.S. def a sandwich consisting of three or more slices of toast or bread with a filling. cluck ety C17: of imitative origin cluck 1. syl cluck pos kl^k; n. def the low clicking sound made by a hen or any similar sound. cluck 2. syl cluck pos vb. mod intr. usage of a hen def to make a clicking sound. cluck 3. syl cluck pos vb. mod tr. def to call or express (a feeling) by making a similar sound. clucky 0. syl cluck:y pron <1kl^ki> pos adj. qual Austral. slang. def pregnant. clue ety C15: variant of #7clew clue 1. syl clue pron pos n. def something that helps to solve a problem or unravel a mystery. clue 2.a. syl clue pron pos n. def to be completely baffled. clue 2.b. syl clue pron pos n. def to be completely ignorant or incompetent. clues infl head clue syl clues pos vb. cluing infl head clue syl clu+ing pos vb. clued infl head clue syl clued. pos vb. clue 3. syl clue pron pos vb. mod tr. usage usually foll. by in or up def to provide with helpful information. clue 4. syl clue pron pos n. vb. def a variant spelling of {clew}. clueless 0. syl clue+less pron <1klu:lis> pos adj. qual Slang. def helpless; stupid. Cluj 0. syl Cluj pron , pos n. def an industrial city in NW Rumania, on the Some*,sul-Mic River: former capital of Transylvania. Pop.: 218703 (1974 est.). German name: {Klausenburg}. Hungarian name: {Kolozsv*'ar}. clumber spaniel ety C19: named after Clumber, stately home of the Dukes of Newcastle clumber spaniel 0. syl clum+ber span+iel pron <1kl^mb*> pos n. def a type of thickset spaniel with longish silky hair. Often shortened to {clumber}. clump ety Old English clympe; related to Middle Dutch klampe heap of hay, Middle Low German klampe #7clamp, Swedish klimp small lump clump 1. syl clump pos kl^mp; n. def a cluster, as of trees or plants. clump 2. syl clump pos kl^mp; n. def a dull heavy tread or any similar sound. clump 3. syl clump pos kl^mp; n. def an irregular mass. exam 1 a clump of hair or earth. clump 4. syl clump pos kl^mp; n. def an inactive mass of microorganisms, esp. a mass of bacteria produced as a result of agglutination. clump 5. syl clump pos kl^mp; n. def an extra sole on a shoe. clump 6. syl clump pos kl^mp; n. qual Slang. def a blow. clump 7. syl clump pos vb. mod intr. def to walk or tread heavily. clump 8. syl clump pos vb. def to gather or be gathered into clumps, clusters, clots, etc. clump 9. syl clump pos vb. def to cause (bacteria, blood cells, etc.) to collect together or (of bacteria, etc.) to collect together. See also {{agglutination} (sense 3)}. clump 10. syl clump pos vb. mod tr. qual Slang. def to punch (someone). clumpy sub head clump syl clump:y pos adj. clumpish sub head clump or clumplike syl clump+ish pos adj. clumplike sub head clump or clumpish syl clump+2like pos adj. clumsy ety C16 (in obsolete sense: benumbed with cold; hence, awkward): perhaps from C13 dialect clumse to benumb, probably from Scandinavian; compare Swedish dialect klumsig numb clumsier infl head clumsy syl clum+si+er pos adj. clumsiest infl head clumsy syl clum+si+est. pos adj. clumsy 1. syl clum+sy pron <1kl^mzi> pos adj. def lacking in skill or physical coordination. clumsy 2. syl clum+sy pron <1kl^mzi> pos adj. def awkwardly constructed or contrived. clumsily sub head clumsy syl clum+si+ly pos adv. clumsiness sub head clumsy syl clum+si+ness pos n. clung 0. syl clung pron pos vb. def the past tense or past participle of {cling}. clunk ety C19: of imitative origin clunk 1. syl clunk pron pos n. def a blow or the sound of a blow. clunk 2. syl clunk pron pos n. def a dull metallic sound. clunk 3. syl clunk pron pos n. def a dull or stupid person. clunk 4.a. syl clunk pron pos n. def the gurgling sound of a liquid. clunk 4.b. syl clunk pron pos n. def the sound of a cork being removed from a bottle. clunk 5. syl clunk pron pos vb. def to make or cause to make such a sound. Cluny 0. syl Clu+ny pron <1klu:ni>, French pos n. def a town in E central France: reformed Benedictine order founded here in 910; important religious and cultural centre in the Middle Ages. Pop.: 4268 (1968). Cluniac sub head Cluny syl Clu+ni+ac pos adj. Cluny lace 0. syl Clu+ny lace pos n. def a strong heavy silk and cotton bobbin lace made at Cluny or elsewhere. clupeid ety C19: from New Latin Clupeidae, from Latin clupea small river fish clupeid 1. syl clu+pe:id pron <1klu:piid> pos n. def any widely distributed soft-finned teleost fish of the family typically having oily flesh, and including the herrings, sardines, shad, etc. clupeid 2. syl clu+pe:id pron <1klu:piid> pos adj. def of, relating to, or belonging to the family clupeoid ety C19: from Latin clupea small fish+-#7oid clupeoid 1. syl clu+pe:oid pron <1klu:pi2cid> pos adj. def of, relating to, or belonging to the (or a large order of soft-finned fishes, including the herrings, salmon, and tarpon. clupeoid 2. syl clu+pe:oid pron <1klu:pi2cid> pos n. def any fish belonging to the order cluster ety Old English clyster; related to Low German Kluster; see #7clod, clot cluster 1. syl clus+ter pron <1kl^st*> pos n. def a number of things growing, fastened, or occurring close together. cluster 2. syl clus+ter pron <1kl^st*> pos n. def a number of persons or things grouped together. cluster 3. syl clus+ter pron <1kl^st*> pos n. qual Military. def a metal insignia worn on a medal ribbon to indicate a second award or a higher class of a decoration or order. cluster 4.a. syl clus+ter pron <1kl^st*> pos n. def a group of bombs dropped in one stick, esp. fragmentation and incendiary bombs. cluster 4.b. syl clus+ter pron <1kl^st*> pos n. def the basic unit of mines used in laying a minefield. cluster 5. syl clus+ter pron <1kl^st*> pos n. qual Astronomy. def an aggregation of stars or galaxies moving together through space. cluster 6. syl clus+ter pron <1kl^st*> pos vb. def to gather or be gathered in clusters. clustered sub head cluster syl clus+tered pos adj. clusteringly sub head cluster syl clus+ter+ing+ly pos adv. clustery sub head cluster syl clus+ter:y pos adj. cluster fly 0. syl clus+ter fly pos n. def a dipterous fly, that tends to gather in large numbers in attics in the autumn: family The larvae are parasitic in earthworms. clutch ety Old English clyccan; related to Old Frisian kletsie spear, Swedish klyka clasp, fork clutch H1.1. syl clutch pron pos vb. mod tr. def to seize with or as if with hands or claws. clutch H1.2. syl clutch pron pos vb. mod tr. def to grasp or hold firmly. clutch H1.3. syl clutch pron pos vb. mod intr. usage usually foll. by at def to attempt to get hold or possession (of). clutch H1.4. syl clutch pron pos n. def a device that enables two revolving shafts to be joined or disconnected as required, esp. one that transmits the drive from the engine to the gearbox in a vehicle. clutch H1.5. syl clutch pron pos n. def a device for holding fast. clutch H1.6. syl clutch pron pos n. def a firm grasp. clutch H1.7. syl clutch pron pos n. def a hand, claw, or talon in the act of clutching. exam 1 in the clutches of a bear. clutch H1.8. syl clutch pron pos n. mod often; pl. def power or control. exam 1 in the clutches of the Mafia. clutch H1.9. syl clutch pron pos n. def Also called: {clutch bag}. a handbag without handles. clutch ety C17 (Northern English dialect) cletch, from Old Norse klekja to hatch clutch H2.1. syl clutch pron pos n. def a hatch of eggs laid by a particular bird or laid in a single nest. clutch H2.2. syl clutch pron pos n. def a brood of chickens. clutch H2.3. syl clutch pron pos n. qual Informal. def a group, bunch, or cluster. clutch H2.4. syl clutch pron pos vb. mod tr. def to hatch (chickens). clutter ety C15 clotter, from clotteren to #7clot clutter 1. syl clut+ter pron <1kl^t*> pos vb. mod usually; tr. usage often foll. by up def to strew or amass (objects) in a disorderly manner. clutter 2. syl clut+ter pron <1kl^t*> pos vb. mod intr. def to move about in a bustling manner. clutter 3. syl clut+ter pron <1kl^t*> pos vb. mod intr. def to chatter or babble. clutter 4. syl clut+ter pron <1kl^t*> pos n. def a disordered heap or mass of objects. clutter 5. syl clut+ter pron <1kl^t*> pos n. def a state of disorder. clutter 6. syl clut+ter pron <1kl^t*> pos n. def unwanted echoes that confuse the observation of signals on a radar screen. Clwyd 0. syl Clw+yd pron <1klu:id> pos n. def a county in NE Wales, formed in 1974 from Flintshire, most of Denbighshire, and part of Merionethshire: generally hilly or mountainous. Administrative centre: Mold. Pop.: 376000 (1976 est.). Area: 2425 sq. km (936 sq. miles). Firth of 1. head Clyde syl Firth of. def an inlet of the Atlantic in SW Scotland. Length: 103 km (64 miles). Clyde 2. syl Clyde pron pos n. def a river in S Scotland, rising in SE Strathclyde and flowing northwest to the Firth of Clyde: extensive shipyards. Length: 170 km (106 miles). Clydebank 0. syl Clyde+bank pron <1klId2b@Gk> pos n. def a town in SW Scotland, in Strathclyde region on the River Clyde: shipyards. Pop.: 48296 (1971). Clydesdale 0. syl Clydes+dale pron <1klIdz2dAl> pos n. def a heavy powerful breed of carthorse, originally from Scotland. clype ety C15: from Old English clipian, cleopian; see #7clepe clype 0. syl clype pron pos vb. mod intr. qual Scot. def to tell tales; be an informer. clypeus ety C19: from New Latin, from Latin clipeus round shield clypei infl head clypeus syl clyp:e:i pron <1klipi2I> pos n. mod pl. clypeus 0. syl clyp+e:us pron <1klipi*s> pos n. def a cuticular plate on the head of some insects between the labrum and the frons. clypeal sub head clypeus syl clyp+e:al pos adj. clypeate sub head clypeus syl clyp+e:ate pron <1klipi2At> pos adj. clyster ety C14: from Greek klust*_er, from kluzein to rinse clyster 0. syl clys+ter pron <1klist*> pos n. qual Med. def a former name for {enema}. Clytaemnestra alt head Clytemnestra or Clytemnestra syl Cly:taem:nes:tra pron <2klItim1nestr*> pos n. Clytemnestra 0. or Clytaemnestra syl Cly:tem:nes:tra pron <2klItim1nestr*> pos n. qual Greek myth. def the wife of Agamemnon, whom she killed on his return from the Trojan War. cm alt or cm syl cm. cm 0. or cm syl cm qual abbrev. for def centimetre. Cm 0. syl Cm usage the chemical symbol for def curium. cm 0. syl c.m. qual abbrev. for def court-martial. Cmdr 0. syl Cmdr. qual Military. abbrev. for def Commander. CMF 0. syl C.M.F. qual Austral. abbrev. for def Citizen Military Forces. CMG 0. syl C.M.G. qual abbrev. for def Companion of St. Michael and St. George (a Brit. title). cml 0. syl cml. qual abbrev. for def commercial. cn infl head CN or cn syl c/n cn infl head CN or cn syl c.n. CN 0. syl C/N qual Commerce. abbrev. for def credit note. CNAA 0. syl CNAA qual abbrev. for def the Council for National Academic Awards: a degree-awarding body separate from the universities. CND 0. syl C.N.D. qual abbrev. for usage in Britain def Campaign for Nuclear Dis?!armament. cnidarian ety C20: from New Latin Cnidaria, from Greek knid*_e nettle cnidarian 1. syl cni+dar+i:an pron , pos n. def any coelenterate of the subphylum which includes all coelenterates except the ctenophores. cnidarian 2. syl cni+dar+i:an pron , pos adj. def of, relating to, or belonging to the cnidoblast ety C19: from New Latin cnida, from Greek knid*_e nettle+-#7blast cnidoblast 0. syl cnid:o+blast pron <1nId*u2bla:st>, <1knI-> pos n. qual Zoology. def any of the cells of a coelenterate that contain nematocysts. Cnidus 0. syl Cni+dus pron <1nId*s>, <1knI-> pos n. def an ancient Greek city in SW Asia Minor: famous for its school of medicine. Cnossus 0. syl Cnos+sus pron <1nos*s>, <1knos-> pos n. def a variant spelling of {Knossos}. CNS alt or CNS syl C.N.S. CNS 0. or CNS syl CNS qual abbrev. for def central nervous system. Cnut 0. syl Cnut pron pos n. def a variant of {Canute}. Co 0. syl Co usage the chemical symbol for def cobalt. CO 0. syl CO usage international car registration for def Colombia. co alt head Co or Co syl co. Co 1. or co syl Co. qual abbrev. for: usage esp. in names of business organiza?!tions def Company. and co 2. head Co syl and co. pron qual abbrev. for:; Informal. def and the rest of them. exam 1 Harold and co. Co 0. syl Co. qual abbrev. for def County. CO 1. syl C.O. qual abbrev. for: def Commanding Officer. CO 2. syl C.O. qual abbrev. for: def conscientious objector. co- ety from Latin, reduced form of #7com - co- 1. syl co- pos prefix. def together; joint or jointly; mutual or mutually. exam 1 coproduction. co- 2. syl co- pos prefix. def indicating partnership or equality. exam 1 costar; exam 2 copilot. co- 3. syl co- pos prefix. def to the same or a similar degree. exam 1 coextend. co- 4. syl co- pos prefix. usage in mathematics and astronomy def of the complement of an angle. exam 1 cosecant; exam 2 codeclination. co 1. syl c/o qual abbrev. for: def care of. co 2. syl c/o qual abbrev. for:; Book-keeping. def carried over. coacervate ety C17: from Latin coacerv*_are to heap up, from acervus a heap coacervate 0. syl co+ac+er+vate pron , <-2vAt> pos n. def either of two liquid phases that may separate from a hydrophilic sol, each containing a different concentration of a dispersed solid. coacervation sub head coacervate syl co+2ac+er+1va+tion pos n. coach ety C16: from French coche, from Hungarian kocsi szek*'er wagon of Kocs, village in Hungary where coaches were first made; in the sense: to teach, probably from the idea that the instructor carried his pupils &- #!coach+er n. coach 1. syl coach pron pos n. def a vehicle for several passengers, used for transport over long distances, sightseeing, etc. coach 2. syl coach pron pos n. def a large four-wheeled enclosed carriage, usually horse-drawn. coach 3. syl coach pron pos n. def a railway carriage carrying passengers. coach 4. syl coach pron pos n. def a trainer or instructor. exam 1 a drama coach. coach 5. syl coach pron pos n. def a tutor who prepares students for examinations. coach 6. syl coach pron pos n. qual Austral. def a tame bullock used as a decoy to attract wild cattle. {~} coach 7. syl coach pron pos n. def to give tuition or instruction to (a pupil). coach 8. syl coach pron pos n. mod tr. def to transport in a bus or coach. coach box 0. syl coach box pos n. def the seat of a coachman on a horse-drawn carriage. coach-built 0. syl coach-built pos adj. usage of a vehicle def having specially built body?!work. &- {#!coach-@!build@.er} coach dog 0. syl coach dog pos n. def a former name for {dalmatian}. coach house 1. syl coach house pos n. def a building in which a coach is kept. coach house 2. syl coach house pos n. def Also called: {coaching house, coaching inn}. an inn along a coaching route at which horses were changed. coachmen infl head coachman syl coach+men. pos n. mod pl. coachman 1. syl coach+man pron <1k*uCm*n> pos n. def the driver of a coach or carriage. coachman 2. syl coach+man pron <1k*uCm*n> pos n. def a fishing fly with white wings and a brown hackle. coach screw 0. syl coach screw pos n. def a large screw with a square head used in timber work in buildings, etc. coachwood 0. syl coach+wood pron <1k*uC2wud> pos n. def an Australian tree, yielding light aromatic wood used for furniture, turnery, etc. coachwork 1. syl coach+work pron <1k*uC2wR:k> pos n. def the design and manufacture of car bodies. coachwork 2. syl coach+work pron <1k*uC2wR:k> pos n. def the body of a car. coaction ety C17: #7co -+#7action coaction H1.1. syl co+ac+tion pron pos n. def any relationship between organisms within a community. coaction H1.2. syl co+ac+tion pron pos n. def joint action. coactive sub head coaction syl co+1ac+tive pos adj. coactively sub head coaction syl co+1ac+tive+ly pos adv. coactivity sub head coaction syl co+ac+1tiv+i:ty pos n. coaction ety C14: from Late Latin co*_acti*_o, from Latin c*_ogere to constrain, compel coaction H2.0. syl co+ac+tion pron pos n. qual Obsolete. def a force or compulsion, either to compel or restrain. coadjutant 1. syl co+ad+ju+tant pron pos adj. def cooperating. coadjutant 2. syl co+ad+ju+tant pron pos n. def a helper. coadjutor ety C15: via Old French from Latin co- together+ adj*_utor helper, from adj*_ut*_are to assist, from juv*_are to help coadjutor 1. syl co+ad+ju+tor pron pos n. def a bishop appointed as assistant to a diocesan bishop. coadjutor 2. syl co+ad+ju+tor pron pos n. qual Rare. def an assistant. coadjutress sub head coadjutor or coadjutrix syl co+1ad+ju+tress pos n. mod fem. coadjutrix sub head coadjutor or coadjutress syl co+1ad+ju+trix pos n. mod fem. coadunate ety C19: from Late Latin coad*_un*_are to join together, from Latin ad*_un*_are to join to, from *_unus one coadunate 0. syl co+ad:u+nate pron , <-2nAt> pos adj. qual Biology. def another word for {{connate} (sense 3)}. coadunation sub head coadunate syl co+2ad:u+1na+tion pos n. coadunative sub head coadunate syl co+1ad:u+2na+tive pos adj. coagulator alt head coagulant or coagulant syl co+ag:u+la+tor pron pos n. coagulant 0. or coagulator syl co+ag:u+lant pron pos n. def a substance that aids or produces coagulation. coagulase 0. syl co+ag:u+lase pron pos n. def any enzyme that causes coagulation of blood. coagulate ety C16: from Latin co*_agul*_are to make (a liquid) curdle, from co*_agulum rennet, from c*_ogere to drive together coagulate 1. syl co+ag:u+late pron pos vb. def to cause (a fluid, such as blood) to change into a soft semisolid mass or (of such a fluid) to change into such a mass; clot; curdle. coagulate 2. syl co+ag:u+late pron pos vb. qual Chem. def to separate or cause to separate into distinct constituent phases. coagulate 3. syl co+ag:u+late pron , <-2lAt> pos n. def the solid or semisolid substance produced by coagulation. coagulable sub head coagulate syl co+1ag:u+la:ble pos adj. coagulability sub head coagulate syl co+2ag:u+la:1bil+i:ty pos n. coagulation sub head coagulate syl co+2ag:u+1la+tion pos n. coagulative sub head coagulate syl co+ag:u+la+tive pron pos adj. coagulum ety C17: from Latin: curdling agent; see #7coagulate coagula infl head coagulum syl co+ag:u+la pron <-l*> pos n. mod pl. coagulum 0. syl co+ag:u+lum pron pos n. def any coagulated mass; clot; curd. Coahuila 0. syl Co:a+hui+la pron Spanish <2koa1wila> pos n. def a state of N Mexico: mainly plateau, crossed by several mountain ranges that contain rich mineral resources. Capital: Saltillo. Pop.: 1114956 (1970). Area: 151571 sq. km (59112 sq. miles). coal ety Old English col; related to Old Norse kol, Old High German kolo, Old Irish g*_ual coal 1.a. syl coal pron pos n. def a compact black or dark-brown carbonaceous rock consisting of layers of partially decomposed vegetation deposited in the Carboniferous period: a fuel and a source of coke, coal gas, and coal tar. See also {anthracite, bituminous coal, lignite, peat}. coal 1.b. syl coal pron pos n. usage as modifier exam 1 coal cellar; exam 2 coal merchant; exam 3 coal mine; exam 4 coal dust. coal 2. syl coal pron pos n. def one or more lumps of coal. coal 3. syl coal pron pos n. def short for {charcoal}. coals to Newcastle 4. head coal syl coals to Newcastle. def something supplied where it already exists. coal 5. syl coal pron pos vb. def to take in, provide with, or turn into coal. coaly sub head coal syl coal:y pos adj. coaler 1. syl coal+er pron <1k*ul*> pos n. def a ship, train, etc., used to carry or supply coal. coaler 2. syl coal+er pron <1k*ul*> pos n. def a person who sells or supplies coal. coalesce ety C16: from Latin coal*_escere from #7co - + al*_escere to increase, from alere to nourish coalesce 0. syl co:a+lesce pron <2k*u*1les> pos vb. mod intr. def to unite or come together in one body or mass; merge; fuse; blend. coalescence sub head coalesce syl co:a+1les+cence pos n. coalescent sub head coalesce syl co:a+1les+cent pos adj. coalface 0. syl coal+face pron <1k*ul2fAs> pos n. def the exposed seam of coal in a mine. coalfield 0. syl coal+field pron <1k*ul2fEld> pos n. def an area rich in deposits of coal. coalfish infl or coalfishes syl coal+fish pos n. mod pl. coalfishes infl head coalfish or coalfish syl coal+fish:es. pos n. mod pl. coalfish 0. syl coal+fish pron <1k*ul2fiS> pos n. def a dark-coloured gadoid food fish, occurring in northern seas. Also called (Brit.): {saithe, coley}. coal gas 0. syl coal gas pos n. def a mixture of gases produced by the distillation of bituminous coal and used for heating and lighting: consists mainly of hydrogen, methane, and carbon monoxide. coal heaver 0. syl coal heav+er pos n. def a workman who moves coal. coal hole 0. syl coal hole pos n. qual Brit. informal. def a small coal cellar. coalition ety C17: from Medieval Latin coaliti*_o, from Latin coal*_escere to #7coalesce coalition 1.a. syl co:a+li+tion pron <2k*u*1liS*n> pos n. def an alliance or union between groups, factions, or parties, esp. for some temporary and specific reason. coalition 1.b. syl co:a+li+tion pron <2k*u*1liS*n> pos n. usage as modifier exam 1 a coalition government. coalition 2. syl co:a+li+tion pron <2k*u*1liS*n> pos n. def a fusion or merging into one body or mass. coalitional sub head coalition syl co:a+1li+tion+al pos adj. coalitionist sub head coalition or coalitioner syl co:a+1li+tion+ist pos n. coalitioner sub head coalition or coalitionist syl co:a+1li+tion+er pos n. the infl head Coal Measures syl the. pos n. Coal Measures 0. syl Coal Meas+ures pos n. mod pl. def a series of coal-bearing rocks formed in the upper Carboniferous period; the uppermost series of the Carboniferous system. coal oil 1. syl coal oil pos n. qual U.S. def petroleum or a refined product from petroleum, esp. kerosene. coal oil 2. syl coal oil pos n. def a crude oil produced, together with coal gas, during the distillation of bituminous coal. Coalport 0. syl Coal+port pron <1k*ul2pc:t> pos n. qual Antiques. def a white translucent bone china having richly coloured moulded patterns, made in the 19th century at Coalport near Shrewsbury. coal pot 0. syl coal pot pos n. def a cooking device using charcoal, consisting of a raised iron bowl and a central grid. Coal Sack 0. syl Coal Sack pos n. def a dark nebula in the Milky Way close to the Southern Cross. coal scuttle 0. syl coal scut+tle pos n. def a domestic metal container for coal. coal tar 0. syl coal tar pos n. def a black tar, produced by the distillation of bituminous coal, that can be further distilled to yield benzene, toluene, xylene, anthracene, phenol, etc. coal-tar pitch 0. syl coal-tar pitch pos n. def a residue left by the distillation of coal tar: a mixture of hydrocarbons and finely divided carbon used as a binder for fuel briquettes, road surfaces, and carbon electrodes. coal tit 0. syl coal tit pos n. def a small European songbird, having a black head with a white patch on the nape: family (tits). coaming ety C17: of unknown origin coaming 0. syl coam+ing pron <1k*umiG> pos n. def a raised frame around the cockpit or hatchway of a vessel for keeping out water. coaptation ety C16: from Late Latin coapt*_ati*_o a meticulous joining together, from Latin co- together+ apt*_are to fit coaptation 0. syl co+ap+ta+tion pron <2k*u@p1tAS*n> pos n. def the joining or reuniting of two surfaces, esp. the ends of a broken bone or the edges of a wound. coarctate ety C15: from Latin coarct*_are, to press together, from artus tight coarctate 1. syl co+arc+tate pron pos adj. usage of a pupa def enclosed in a hard barrel-shaped case (puparium), as in the housefly. coarctate 2. syl co+arc+tate pron pos adj. def crowded or pressed together; constricted. coarctation sub head coarctate syl co+arc+1ta+tion pos n. coarse ety C14: of unknown origin coarse 1. syl coarse pron pos adj. def rough in texture, structure, etc.; not fine. exam 1 coarse sand. coarse 2. syl coarse pron pos adj. def lacking refinement or taste; indelicate; vulgar. exam 1 coarse jokes. coarse 3. syl coarse pron pos adj. def of inferior quality; not pure or choice. coarse 4. syl coarse pron pos adj. usage of a metal def not refined. coarse 5. syl coarse pron pos adj. usage of a screw def having widely spaced threads. coarsely sub head coarse syl coarse+ly pos adv. coarseness sub head coarse syl coarse+ness pos n. coarse fish 0. syl coarse fish pos n. def a freshwater fish that is not a member of the salmon family. Compare {game fish}. coarse fishing sub head coarse fish syl coarse fish+ing pos n. coarsen 0. syl coars+en pron <1kc:sN> pos vb. def to make or become coarse. coast ety C13: from Old French coste coast, slope, from Latin costa side, rib &- #!coast+al adj. &- #!coast+al+ly adv. coast 1.a. syl coast pron pos n. def the line or zone where the land meets the sea or some other large expanse of water. coast 1.b. syl coast pron pos n. usage in combination; coastland. def Related adj.: {littoral}. coast 2. syl coast pron pos n. qual Brit. def the seaside. coast 3.a. syl coast pron pos n. def a slope down which a sledge may slide. coast 3.b. syl coast pron pos n. def the act or an instance of sliding down a slope. coast 4. syl coast pron pos n. qual Obsolete. def borderland or frontier. the coast is clear 5. head coast syl the coast is clear. qual Informal. def the obstacles or dangers are gone. coast 6. syl coast pron pos vb. def to move or cause to move by momentum or force of gravity. coast 7. syl coast pron pos vb. mod intr. def to proceed without great effort. exam 1 to coast to victory. coast 8. syl coast pron pos vb. def to sail along (a coast). coaster 1. syl coast+er pron <1k*ust*> pos n. qual Brit. def a vessel or trader engaged in coastal commerce. coaster 2. syl coast+er pron <1k*ust*> pos n. def a small tray, sometimes on wheels, for holding a decanter, wine bottle, etc. coaster 3. syl coast+er pron <1k*ust*> pos n. def a person or thing that coasts. coaster 4. syl coast+er pron <1k*ust*> pos n. qual Chiefly U.S. def a protective disc or mat for glasses or bottles. coaster 5. syl coast+er pron <1k*ust*> pos n. qual U.S. def short for {roller coaster}. coaster 6. syl coast+er pron <1k*ust*> pos n. qual West African. def a European resident on the coast. coastguard 1. syl coast+guard pron <1k*ust2ga:d> pos n. def a maritime force which aids shipping, saves lives at sea, prevents smuggling, etc. coastguard 2. syl coast+guard pron <1k*ust2ga:d> pos n. def Also called: {coast+guards+man}. a member of such a force. coastline 0. syl coast+line pron <1k*ust2lIn> pos n. def the outline of a coast, esp. when seen from the sea, or the land adjacent to it. Coast Mountains 0. syl Coast Moun+tains pos n. mod pl. def a mountain range in Canada, on the Pacific coast of British Columbia. Highest peak: Mount Waddington, 3978 m (13260 ft.). coat ety C16: from Old French cote of Germanic origin; compare Old Saxon kotta, Old High German kozzo coat 1. syl coat pron pos n. def an outdoor garment with sleeves, covering the body from the shoulders to waist, knee, or foot. coat 2. syl coat pron pos n. def any similar garment, esp. one forming the top to a suit. coat 3. syl coat pron pos n. def a layer that covers or conceals a surface. exam 1 a coat of dust. coat 4. syl coat pron pos n. def the hair, wool, or fur of an animal. coat 5. syl coat pron pos n. qual Rare. def the garb worn by members of a profession or group. coat 6. syl coat pron pos n. def short for {coat of arms}. coat 7. syl coat pron pos vb. mod tr. usage often foll. by with def to cover (with) a layer or covering. coat 8. syl coat pron pos vb. mod tr. def to provide with a coat. coat armour 1. syl coat ar+mour pos n. qual Heraldry. def coat of arms. coat armour 2. syl coat ar+mour pos n. qual Heraldry. def an emblazoned surcoat. Coatbridge 0. syl Coat+bridge pron <1k*ut2briJ> pos n. def an industrial town in central Scotland, in Strathclyde region. Pop.: 52131 (1971). coated 1. syl coat+ed pron <1k*utid> pos adj. def covered with an outer layer, film, etc. coated 2. syl coat+ed pron <1k*utid> pos adj. usage of paper def having a coating of a mineral, esp. china clay, to provide a very smooth surface. coated 3. syl coat+ed pron <1k*utid> pos adj. usage of textiles def having been given a plastic or other surface. coated 4. syl coat+ed pron <1k*utid> pos adj. qual Photog., optics. def another word for {bloomed}. coatee 0. syl coat:ee pron , <1k*utE> pos n. qual Chiefly Brit. def a short coat, esp. for a baby. Joseph Gordon infl head Coates syl Jo:seph Gor:don. pos n. Coates 0. syl Coates pron pos n. def 1878-1943, New Zealand statesman; prime minister of New Zealand (1925-28). coat hanger 0. syl coat hang+er pos n. def a curved piece of wood, wire, plastic, etc., fitted with a hook and used to hang up clothes. coati ety C17: from Portuguese coat*'i, from Tupi, literally: belt-nosed, from cua belt+ tim nose coati-mondi infl head coati or coati-mundi syl co:a:ti-mon:di pron pos n. coati-mundi infl head coati or coati-mondi syl co:a:ti-mun:di pron pos n. coatis infl head coati or codis syl co:a+tis pos n. mod pl. codis infl head coati or coatis syl co:dis. pos n. mod pl. coati 0. syl co:a+ti pron pos n. def any omnivorous mammal of the genera and of Central and South America: family order (carnivores). They are related to but larger than the raccoons, having a long flexible snout and a brindled coat. coating 1. syl coat+ing pron <1k*utiG> pos n. def a layer or film spread over a surface for protection or decoration. coating 2. syl coat+ing pron <1k*utiG> pos n. def a heavy fabric suitable for coats. coat of arms 1. syl coat of arms pos n. def the heraldic bearings of a person or family. coat of arms 2. syl coat of arms pos n. def a surcoat decorated with family or personal bearings. coat of mail 0. syl coat of mail pos n. def a protective garment made of linked metal rings (mail) or of overlapping metal plates; hauberk. coat-of-mail shell 0. syl coat-of-mail shell pos n. def another name for {{chiton} (sense 2)}. coat-tail 0. syl coat-tail pos n. def the long tapering tails at the back of a man's tailed coat. coauthor 1. syl co+au:thor pron pos n. def a person who shares the writing of a book, article, etc., with another. coauthor 2. syl co+au:thor pron pos vb. mod tr. def to be the joint author of (a book, article, etc.). coax ety C16: verb formed from obsolete noun cokes fool, of unknown origin coax H1.1. syl coax pron pos vb. def to seek to manipulate or persuade (someone) by tenderness, flattery, pleading, etc. coax H1.2. syl coax pron pos vb. mod tr. def to obtain by persistent coaxing. coax H1.3. syl coax pron pos vb. mod tr. qual Obsolete. def to caress. coax H1.4. syl coax pron pos vb. mod tr. qual Obsolete. def to deceive. coaxer sub head coax syl coax+er pos n. coaxingly sub head coax syl coax+ing+ly pos adv. coax H2.0. syl co:ax pron <1k*u@ks> pos n. def short for {coaxial cable}. coaxal alt head coaxial or coaxial syl co+ax+al pron pos adj. coaxial 1. or coaxal syl co+ax+i:al pron pos adj. def having or mounted on a common axis. coaxial 2. or coaxal syl co+ax+i:al pron pos adj. usage Geom. of a set of circles def having the same radical axis. coaxial 3. or coaxal syl co+ax+i:al pron pos adj. qual Electronics. def formed from, using, or connected to a coaxial cable. coaxial cable 0. syl co+ax+i:al ca+ble pos n. def a cable consisting of an inner insulated core of stranded or solid wire surrounded by an outer insulated flexible wire braid, used esp. as a transmission line for radio-frequency signals. Often shortened to {coax}. cob ety C15: of uncertain origin; probably related to Icelandic kobbi seal; see #7cub cob H1.1. syl cob pron pos n. def a male swan. cob H1.2. syl cob pron pos n. def a thickset type of riding and draught horse. cob H1.3. syl cob pron pos n. def short for {corncob, corncob pipe}, or {cobnut}. cob H1.4. syl cob pron pos n. qual Brit. def another name for {{hazel} (sense 1)}. cob H1.5. syl cob pron pos n. def a small rounded lump or heap of coal, ore, etc. cob H1.6. syl cob pron pos n. qual Brit. def a building material consisting of a mixture of clay and chopped straw. cob H1.7. syl cob pron pos n. def Also called: {cob loaf}. a round loaf of bread. cobs infl head cob syl cobs pos vb. cobbing infl head cob syl cob+bing pos vb. cobbed infl head cob syl cobbed. pos vb. cob H1.8. syl cob pron pos vb. mod tr. qual Brit. informal. def to beat, esp. on the buttocks. cob ety C16: of Germanic origin; related to Dutch kob, kobbe cobb alt head cob or cob syl cobb pron pos n. cob H2.0. or cobb syl cob pron pos n. def an archaic or dialect name for a {gull} esp. the greater black-backed gull cobalt ety C17: German Kobalt, from Middle High German kobolt goblin; from the miners' belief that malicious goblins placed it in the silver ore cobalt 0. syl co+balt pron <1k*ubc:lt> pos n. def a brittle hard silvery-white element that is a ferromagnetic metal: occurs principally in cobaltite and smaltite and is widely used in alloys. The radioisotope {cobalt-60}, with a half-life of 5.3 years, is used in radiotherapy and as a tracer. Symbol: Co; atomic no.: 27; atomic wt.: 58.933; valency: 2 or 3; relative density: 8.9; melting pt.: 1495?%C; boiling pt.: 2870?%C. cobalt bloom 0. syl co+balt bloom pos n. def another name for {{erythrite} (sense 1)}. cobalt blue 1. syl co+balt blue pos n. def Also called: {Th*'enard's blue}. any greenish-blue pigment containing cobalt aluminate, usually made by heating cobaltous sulphate, aluminium oxide, and phosphoric acid together. cobalt blue 2.a. syl co+balt blue pos n. def a deep blue to greenish-blue colour. cobalt blue 2.b. syl co+balt blue pos as; adj. exam 1 a cobalt-blue car. cobalt bomb 0. syl co+balt bomb pos n. def a nuclear weapon consisting of a hydrogen bomb encased in cobalt, which releases large quantities of radioactive cobalt-60 into the atmosphere. cobaltic 0. syl co+bal+tic pron pos adj. def of or containing cobalt, esp. in the trivalent state. cobaltine alt head cobaltite or cobaltite syl co+bal+tine pron <1k*ubc:l?!2tEn>, <-tin> pos n. cobaltite 0. or cobaltine syl co+bal+tite pron , <1k*ubc:l2tIt> pos n. def a rare silvery-white mineral consisting of cobalt arsenic sulphide in cubic crystalline form: a major ore of cobalt, used in ceramics. Formula: CoAsS. cobaltous 0. syl co+bal+tous pron pos adj. def of or containing cobalt in the divalent state. cobber ety C19: from dialect cob to take a liking to someone cobber 0. syl cob+ber pron <1kob*> pos n. qual Austral., archaic. def a friend; mate: used as a term of address to males. William infl head Cobbett syl Wil:liam. pos n. Cobbett 0. syl Cob:bett pron <1kobit> pos n. def 1763-1835, English journalist and social reformer; founded (1802); author of (1830). cobble ety C15 (in cobblestone) : from #7cob %1 cobble H1.1. syl cob+ble pron <1kobL> pos n. def short for {cobblestone}. cobble H1.2. syl cob+ble pron <1kobL> pos vb. mod tr. def to pave (a road, etc.) with cobblestones. cobble ety C15: back formation from #7cobbler %1 cobble H2.1. syl cob+ble pron <1kobL> pos vb. mod tr. def to make or mend shoes. cobble H2.2. syl cob+ble pron <1kobL> pos vb. mod tr. def to put together clumsily. cobbler ety C13 (as surname): of unknown origin cobbler H1.1. syl cob+bler pron <1kobl*> pos n. def a person who makes or mends shoes. cobbler H1.2. syl cob+bler pron <1kobl*> pos n. qual Austral. slang. def the last sheep to be shorn. cobbler ety C19: (for sense 1) perhaps shortened from cobbler's punch; (for both senses) compare cobble (vb.) cobbler H2.1. syl cob+bler pron <1kobl*> pos n. def a sweetened iced drink, usually made from fruit and wine or liqueur. cobbler H2.2. syl cob+bler pron <1kobl*> pos n. qual Chiefly U.S. def a hot dessert made of fruit covered with a rich cakelike crust. infl head cobblers syl ~ pos n. mod pl. qual Brit. taboo slang. cobblers 1. syl cob+blers pron <1kobl*z> pos n. mod pl. def another word for {testicles. ~} cobblers 2. syl cob+blers pron <1kobl*z> pos n. mod pl. def rubbish; nonsense. cobbler's wax 0. syl cob+bler's wax pos n. def a resin used for waxing thread. cobbles 1. syl cob+bles pron <1kobLz> pos n. mod pl. def coal in small rounded lumps. cobbles 2. syl cob+bles pron <1kobLz> pos n. mod pl. def cobblestones. cobblestone 0. syl cob:ble+stone pron <1kobL2st*un> pos n. def a rounded stone used for paving. Sometimes shortened to {cobble}. Compare {sett}. Richard infl head Cobden syl Rich:ard. pos n. Cobden 0. syl Cob:den pron <1kobd*n> pos n. def 1804-65, English economist and statesman: a leader of the successful campaign to abolish the Corn Laws (1846). cobelligerent 0. syl co+bel+lig+er+ent pron <2k*ubi1liJ*r*nt> pos n. def a country fighting in a war on the side of another country. C'obh 0. syl C*'obh pron pos n. def a port in S Ireland, in SE Co. Cork: port of call for Atlantic liners. Pop.: 7141 (1971). Former name (1849-1922): {Queenstown}. Lord infl head Cobham syl Lord pos n. Cobham 0. syl Cob:ham pron <1kob*m> pos n. def title of (Sir John) {Oldcastle}. cobia ety of unknown origin cobia 0. syl co+bi:a pron <1k*ubi*> pos n. def a large dark-striped percoid game fish, of tropical and subtropical seas: family coble ety C13: probably of Celtic origin; compare Welsh ceubal skiff coble 0. syl co+ble pron <1k*ubL>, <1kobL> pos n. qual Northern Brit. def a small single-masted flat-bottomed fishing boat. Coblenz 0. syl Co+blenz pron German <1ko:blents> pos n. def a variant spelling of {Koblenz}. cob money 0. syl cob mon+ey pos n. def crude silver coins issued in the Spanish colonies of the New World from about 1600 until 1820. cobnut ety C16: from earlier cobylle nut; see #7cobble %1#7, nut cob alt head cobnut or cobnut syl cob pos n. cobnut 0. or cob syl cob+nut pron <1kob2n^t> pos n. def other names for a {hazelnut}. COBOL ety C20: co (mmon) b (usiness) o (riented) l (anguage) COBOL 0. syl COBOL pron <1k*u2bol> pos n. def a high-level computer programming language designed for general commercial use. cobra ety C19: from Portuguese cobra (de capello) snake (with a hood), from Latin colubra snake cobra 1. syl co+bra pron <1k*ubr*> pos n. def any highly venomous elapid snake of the genus such as ({Indian cobra}) , of tropical Africa and Asia. When alarmed they spread the skin of the neck region into a hood. cobra 2. syl co+bra pron <1k*ubr*> pos n. def any related snake, such as the king cobra. cobras de capello infl head cobra de capello syl co+bras de ca+pel+lo. pos n. mod pl. cobra de capello 0. syl co+bra de ca+pel+lo pron pos n. def a cobra, that has ringlike markings on the body and exists in many varieties in S and SE Asia. coburg ety C19: appar?!ently named in honour of Prince Albert (of S#7axe -C#7oburg -G#7otha) coburg 0. syl co+burg pron <1k*u2bR:g> pos n. usage sometimes cap. def a rounded loaf with a cross cut on the top. Also called: {coburg loaf}. Coburg 0. syl Co+burg pron <1k*ubR:g>, German <1ko:burk> pos n. def a city in E West Germany, in N Bavaria. Pop.: 42200 (1970). cobweb ety C14: cob, from coppe, from Old English (*_ator) coppe spider; related to Middle Dutch koppe spider, Swedish (dialect) etterkoppa cobweb 1. syl cob+web pron <1kob2web> pos n. def a web spun by certain spiders, esp. those of the family often found in the corners of disused rooms. cobweb 2. syl cob+web pron <1kob2web> pos n. def a single thread of such a web. cobweb 3. syl cob+web pron <1kob2web> pos n. def something like a cobweb, as in its flimsiness or ability to trap. cobwebbed sub head cobweb syl cob+2webbed pos adj. cobwebby sub head cobweb syl cob+2web+by pos adj. cobwebs 1. syl cob+webs pron <1kob2webz> pos n. mod pl. def mustiness, confusion, or obscurity. cobwebs 2. syl cob+webs pron <1kob2webz> pos n. mod pl. qual Informal. def stickiness of the eyelids experienced upon first awakening. coca ety C17: from Spanish, from Quechuan k*'uka coca 1. syl co:ca pron <1k*uk*> pos n. def either of two shrubs, or native to the Andes: family coca 2. syl co:ca pron <1k*uk*> pos n. def the dried leaves of these shrubs and related plants, which contain cocaine and are chewed by the peoples of the Andes for their stimulating effects. Coca-Cola 0. syl Co:ca-Co:la pron <2k*uk*1k*ul*> pos n. qual Trademark. def a carbonated soft drink flavoured with coca leaves, cola nuts, caramel, etc. cocaine ety C19: from #7coca+ -#7ine %1 cocain alt head cocaine or cocaine syl co+cain pron pos n. cocaine 0. or cocain syl co+caine pron pos n. def an addictive narcotic drug derived from coca leaves or synthesized, used medicinally as a topical anaesthetic. Formula: C\1\7H\2\1NO\4. cocainism 0. syl co+cain+ism pron , <1k*uk*-> pos n. def habitual or excessive use of cocaine, resulting in impaired physical or mental abilities. cocainise alt head cocainize or cocainize syl co+cain+ise pron , <1k*uk*2nIz> pos vb. mod tr. cocainize 0. or cocainise syl co+cain+ize pron , <1k*uk*2nIz> pos vb. mod tr. def to anaesthetize with cocaine. cocainization sub head cocainize or cocainisation syl co+cain:i+1za+tion pos n. cocainisation sub head cocainize or cocainization syl co+2cain:i+1sa+tion pos n. cocci 0. syl coc+ci pron <1koksI> pos n. def the plural of {coccus}. coccid ety C19: from New Latin Coccidae; see #7coccus coccid 0. syl coc+cid pron <1koksid> pos n. def any homopterous insect of the superfamily esp. any of the family which includes the scale insects. coccidioidomycosis ety C20: from New Latin Coccidioides +-#7o -#7+mycosis coccidioidomycosis 0. syl coc+cid:i+oi+do+my+co+sis pron pos n. def a disease of the skin or viscera, esp. the lungs, caused by infection with the fungus coccidiosis ety C19: from New Latin; see #7coccus, -#7osis coccidiosis 0. syl coc+cid:i:o+sis pron pos n. def any disease of domestic and other animals caused by parasitic protozoa of the order One species, occasionally infects humans. cocciferous 1. syl coc+cif+er+ous pron pos adj. usage of plants def supporting the cochineal insect. cocciferous 2. syl coc+cif+er+ous pron pos adj. qual Obsolete. usage of plants def bearing berries. coccolith ety C19: New Latin, from Greek kokkos berry+ lithos stone coccolith 0. syl coc+co+lith pron <1kok*liT> pos n. def any of the round calcareous plates in chalk formations: formed the outer layer of extinct unicellular plankton. coccus ety C18: from New Latin, from Greek kokkos berry, grain cocci infl head coccus syl coc+ci pron <-sI> pos n. mod pl. coccus 1. syl coc+cus pron <1kok*s> pos n. def any spherical or nearly spherical bacterium, such as a staphylococcus. Compare {{bacillus} (sense 1)}, {{spirillum} (sense 1)}. coccus 2. syl coc+cus pron <1kok*s> pos n. def the part of a fruit that contains one seed and separates from the whole fruit at maturity. coccus 3. syl coc+cus pron <1kok*s> pos n. def any of the scale insects of the genus coccoid sub head coccus syl coc+coid pron <1koksik> pos adj. coccal sub head coccus or coccic syl coc+cal pron <1koksik> pos adj. coccic sub head coccus or coccal syl coc+cic pron <1koksik> pos adj. coccous sub head coccus syl coc+cous pos adj. coccyx ety C17: from New Latin, from Greek kokkux cuckoo, of imitative origin; from the likeness of the bone to a cuckoo's beak coccyges infl head coccyx syl coc+cy+ges pron pos n. mod pl. coccyx 0. syl coc+cyx pron <1koksiks> pos n. def a small triangular bone at the end of the spinal column in man and some apes, representing a vestigial tail. coccygeal sub head coccyx syl coc+cyg+e:al pron pos adj. Cochabamba 0. syl Co+cha+bam+ba pron Spanish <2koCa1$Bamba> pos n. def a city in central Bolivia. Pop.: 184340 (1975 est.). Cochin 1. syl Co+chin pron <1k*uCin>, <1koC-> pos n. def a region and former state of SW India: part of Kerala state since 1956. Cochin 2. syl Co+chin pron <1k*uCin>, <1koC-> pos n. def a port in SW India, on the Malabar Coast: the first European settlement in India, founded by Vasco da Gama in 1502. Pop.: 438420 (1971). Cochin 3. syl Co+chin pron <1k*uCin>, <1koC-> pos n. def a large breed of domestic fowl with dense plumage and feathered legs. Cochin China 0. syl Co+chin Chi+na pos n. def a former French colony of Indochina (1862-1948): now the part of Vietnam that lies south of Phan Thiet. cochineal ety C16: from Old Spanish cochinilla, from Latin coccineus scarlet-coloured, from coccum cochineal kermes, from Greek kokkos kermes berry cochineal 1. syl coch:i+neal pron <2koCi1nEl>, <1koCi2nEl> pos n. def Also called: {cochineal insect}. a Mexican homopterous insect, that feeds on cacti. $D. a crimson substance obtained from the crushed bodies of these insects, used for colouring food and for dyeing. cochineal 2.a. syl coch:i+neal pron <2koCi1nEl>, <1koCi2nEl> pos n. def the colour of this dye. cochineal 2.b. syl coch:i+neal pron <2koCi1nEl>, <1koCi2nEl> pos as; adj. exam 1 cochineal shoes. Cochise 0. syl Co:chise pron , <-1CEz> pos n. def died 1874, Apache Indian chief. cochlea ety C16: from Latin: snail, spiral, from Greek kokhlias; probably related to Greek konkh*_e #7conch cochleae infl head cochlea syl coch+le:ae pron <-li2E> pos n. mod pl. cochlea 0. syl coch+le:a pron <1kokli*> pos n. def the spiral tube, shaped like a snail's shell, that forms part of the internal ear, convert?!ing sound vibrations into nerve impulses. cochlear sub head cochlea syl coch+le:ar pos adj. cochleated alt head cochleate or cochleate syl coch+le:at+ed pos adj. cochleate 0. or cochleated syl coch+le:ate pron <1kokli2At>, <-liit> pos adj. qual Biology. def shaped like a snail's shell; spirally twisted. cock ety Old English cocc (referring to the male fowl; the development of C15 sense spout, tap, and other transferred senses is not clear), ultimately of imitative origin; related to Old Norse kokkr, French coq, Late Latin coccus cock H1.1. syl cock pron pos n. def the male of the domestic fowl. cock H1.2.a. syl cock pron pos n. def any other male bird. cock H1.2.b. syl cock pron pos n. def the male of certain other animals, such as the lobster. cock H1.2.c. syl cock pron pos n. usage as modifier exam 1 a cock sparrow. cock H1.3. syl cock pron pos n. def short for {stopcock} or {weathercock}. cock H1.4. syl cock pron pos n. def a taboo slang word for {penis}. cock H1.5.a. syl cock pron pos n. def the hammer of a firearm. cock H1.5.b. syl cock pron pos n. def its position when the firearm is ready to be discharged. cock H1.6. syl cock pron pos n. qual Brit. informal. def a friend, mate, or fellow. cock H1.7. syl cock pron pos n. def a jaunty or significant tilting or turning upwards. exam 1 a cock of the head. cock H1.8. syl cock pron pos n. qual Brit. informal. def nonsense. cock H1.9. syl cock pron pos vb. mod tr. def to set or pull the hammer of (a firearm) into firing position. cock H1.10. syl cock pron pos vb. mod tr. usage sometimes foll. by up def to raise in an alert or jaunty manner. cock H1.11. syl cock pron pos vb. mod intr. def to stick or stand up conspicuously. {~} See also {cockup}. cock ety C14 (in Old English, cocc is attested in place names): perhaps of Scandinavian origin; compare Norwegian kok, Danish dialect kok cock H2.1. syl cock pron pos n. def a small, cone-shaped heap of hay, straw, etc. {~} cock H2.2. syl cock pron pos n. mod tr. def to stack (hay, etc.) in such heaps. cockade ety C18: changed from earlier cockard, from French cocarde, feminine of cocard arrogant, strutting, from coq #7cock %1 cockade 0. syl cock+ade pron pos n. def a feather or ribbon worn on military headwear. cockaded sub head cockade syl cock+1ad+ed pos adj. cock-a-doodle-doo 0. syl cock-a-doo:dle-doo pron <2kok*2du:dL1du:> pos interj. def an imitation or representation of a cock crowing. cock-a-hoop ety C16: perhaps from the phrase to set the cock a hoop to live prodigally, literally: to put a cock on a hoop, a full measure of grain cock-a-hoop 1. syl cock-a-hoop pos adj. usage usually postpositive def in very high spirits. cock-a-hoop 2. syl cock-a-hoop pos adj. usage usually postpositive def boastful. cock-a-hoop 3. syl cock-a-hoop pos adj. usage usually postpositive def askew; confused. Cockaigne ety C14: from Old French cocaigne, from Middle Low German k*_okenje small #7cake (of which the houses in the imaginary land are built); related to Spanish cuca*~na, Italian cuccagna Cockayne alt head Cockaigne or Cockaigne syl Cock+ayne pron pos n. Cockaigne 0. or Cockayne syl Cock+aigne pron pos n. qual Medieval legend. def an imaginary land of luxury and idleness. cocky-leeky alt head cock-a-leekie or cock-a-leekie syl cock:y-leek:y pron <2kok*1lEki> pos n. cock-a-leekie 0. or cocky-leeky syl cock-a-leek:ie pron <2kok*1lEki> pos n. def a soup made from a fowl boiled with leeks, etc. cockalorum ety C18: from #7cock %1#7+ -alorum, variant of Latin genitive plural ending -orum; perhaps intended to suggest: the cock of all cocks cockalorum 1. syl cock:a+lo+rum pron <2kok*1lc:r*m> pos n. def a self-important little man. cockalorum 2. syl cock:a+lo+rum pron <2kok*1lc:r*m> pos n. def bragging talk; crowing. cock-and-bull story 0. syl cock-and-bull sto+ry pos n. qual Informal. def an obviously improbable story, esp. a boastful one or one used as an excuse. cockatiel ety C19: from Dutch kaketielje, from Portu?!guese cacatilha a little cockatoo, from cacatua #7cockatoo cockateel alt head cockatiel or cockatiel syl cock:a+teel pron <2kok*1tEl> pos n. cockatiel 0. or cockateel syl cock:a+tiel pron <2kok*1tEl> pos n. def a crested Australian parrot, having a greyish-brown and yellow plumage. cockatoo ety C17: from Dutch kaketoe, from Malay kakatua cockatoos infl head cockatoo syl cock:a+toos. pos n. mod pl. cockatoo 1. syl cock:a+too pron <2kok*1tu:>, <1kok*2tu:> pos n. def any of various parrots of the genus and related genera, such as ({sulphur-crested cockatoo}) , of Australia and New Guinea. They have an erectile crest and most of them are light-coloured. cockatoo 2. syl cock:a+too pron <2kok*1tu:>, <1kok*2tu:> pos n. qual Austral. def a small farmer or settler. cockatoo 3. syl cock:a+too pron <2kok*1tu:>, <1kok*2tu:> pos n. qual Austral. informal. def a lookout during some illegal activity. cockatrice ety C14: from Old French cocatris, from Medieval Latin cocatrix, from Late Latin calc*_atrix trampler, tracker (translating Greek ikhneumon #7ichneumon) #7, from Latin calc*_are to tread, from calx heel cockatrice 1. syl cock:a+trice pron <1kok*tris>, <-2trIs> pos n. def a legendary monster, part snake and part cock, that could kill with a glance. cockatrice 2. syl cock:a+trice pron <1kok*tris>, <-2trIs> pos n. def another name for {basilisk}. Cockayne 0. syl Cock+ayne pron pos n. def a variant spelling of {Cockaigne}. cockboat ety C15 cokbote, perhaps ultimately from Late Latin caudica dug-out canoe, from Latin caudex tree trunk cockleboat alt head cockboat or cockboat syl cock:le+boat pos n. cockboat 0. or cockleboat syl cock+boat pron <1kok2b*ut> pos n. def any small boat. cockchafer ety C18: from #7cock %1#7+chafer cockchafer 0. syl cock+chaf:er pron <1kok2CAf*> pos n. def any of various Old World scarabaeid beetles, esp. of Europe, whose larvae feed on crops and grasses. Also called: {May beetle, May bug}. Cockcroft 0. syl Cock:croft pron <1kok2kroft> pos n. def Sir {John Doug@.las}. 1897-1967, English nuclear physicist. With E. T. S. Walton, he produced the first artificial transmutation of an atomic nucleus (1932) and shared the Nobel prize for physics 1951. cockcrowing alt head cockcrow or cockcrow syl cock+crow+ing pos n. cockcrow 0. or cockcrowing syl cock+crow pron <1kok2kr*u> pos n. def daybreak. cocked hat 1. syl cocked hat pos n. def a hat with opposing brims turned up and caught together in order to give two points (bicorn) or three points (tricorn). knock into a cocked hat 2. head cocked hat syl knock into a cocked hat. qual Slang. def to outdo or defeat someone. cocker H1.1. syl cock+er pron <1kok*> pos n. def a devotee of cockfighting. cocker H1.2. syl cock+er pron <1kok*> pos n. def short for {cocker spaniel}. cocker ety C15: perhaps from #7cock %1 with the sense: to make a cock (i.e. pet) of cocker H2.1. syl cock+er pron <1kok*> pos vb. mod tr. qual Rare. def to pamper or spoil by indulgence. cocker H2.2. syl cock+er pron <1kok*> pos n. qual Brit. informal. def a mate (esp. in the phrase {old cocker) }. cockerel ety C15: diminutive of #7cock %1 cockerel 0. syl cock+er+el pron <1kok*r*l>, <1kokr*l> pos n. def a young domestic cock, usually less than a year old. cocker spaniel ety C19 cocker, from cocking hunting woodcocks cocker spaniel 0. syl cock+er span+iel pos n. def a breed of spaniel having wavy silky hair with white and brown or yellow patches. cockeye 0. syl cock+eye pron <1kok2I> pos n. qual Informal. def an eye affected with strabismus or one that squints. cockeyed bob alt head cockeye bob or cockeye bob syl cock+eyed bob pos n. cockeye bob 0. or cockeyed bob syl cock+eye bob pos n. qual Austral. slang. def a sudden storm or cyclone. cockeyed 1. syl cock+eyed pron <1kok2Id> pos adj. qual Informal. def afflicted with crosseye, squint, or any other visible abnormality of the eyes. cockeyed 2. syl cock+eyed pron <1kok2Id> pos adj. qual Informal. def appearing to be physically or logically abnormal, absurd, etc.; askew. exam 1 cockeyed ideas. cockeyed 3. syl cock+eyed pron <1kok2Id> pos adj. qual Informal. def drunk. cock feather 0. syl cock feath+er pos n. qual Archery. def the odd-coloured feather set on the shaft of an arrow at right angles to the nock. Compare {shaft feather}. cockfight 0. syl cock+fight pron <1kok2fIt> pos n. def a fight between two gamecocks fitted with sharp metal spurs. cockfighting sub head cockfight syl cock+2fight:ing pos n. cockhorse 0. syl cock+horse pron <2kok1hc:s> pos n. def another name for {rocking horse} or {hobbyhorse}. cockiness 0. syl cock:i+ness pron <1kokinis> pos n. def conceited self-assurance. cockle ety C14: from Old French coquille shell, from Latin conch*_ylium shellfish, from Greek konkhulion, diminutive of konkhule mussel; see #7conch cockle H1.1. syl cock+le pron <1kokL> pos n. def any sand-burrowing bivalve mollusc of the family esp. ({edible cockle}) of Europe, typically having a rounded shell with radiating ribs. cockle H1.2. syl cock+le pron <1kokL> pos n. def any of certain similar or related molluscs. cockle H1.3. syl cock+le pron <1kokL> pos n. def short for {{cockle?!shell} (sense 1)}. cockle H1.4. syl cock+le pron <1kokL> pos n. def a wrinkle or puckering, as in cloth or paper. cockle H1.5. syl cock+le pron <1kokL> pos n. def a small furnace or stove. cockles of one's heart 6. head cockle syl cockles of one's heart. def one's deepest feelings (esp. in the phrase {warm the cockles of one's heart) }. cockle H1.7. syl cock+le pron <1kokL> pos vb. def to contract or cause to contract into wrinkles. cockle H2.0. syl cock+le pron <1kokL> pos n. def any of several plants, esp. the corn cockle, that grow as weeds in cornfields. cockleboat 0. syl cock:le+boat pron <1kokL2b*ut> pos n. def another word for {cockboat}. cocklebur 1. syl cock:le+bur pron <1kokL2bR:> pos n. def any coarse weed of the genus having spiny burs: family (composites). cocklebur 2. syl cock:le+bur pron <1kokL2bR:> pos n. def the bur of any of these plants. cockleshell 1. syl cock:le+shell pron <1kokL2Sel> pos n. def the shell of the cockle. cockleshell 2. syl cock:le+shell pron <1kokL2Sel> pos n. def any of the valves of the shells of certain other bivalve molluscs, such as the scallop. cockleshell 3. syl cock:le+shell pron <1kokL2Sel> pos n. def any small light boat. cockleshell 4. syl cock:le+shell pron <1kokL2Sel> pos n. def a badge worn by pilgrims. cockloft 0. syl cock+loft pron <1kok2loft> pos n. def a small loft, garret, or attic. cockney ety C14: from cokeney, literally: cock's egg, later applied contemptuously to townsmen, from cokene, genitive plural of cok #7cock %1#7+ ey #7egg cockney 1. syl cock+ney pron <1kokni> pos n. usage often cap. def a native of London, esp. of the working class born in the East End, speaking a characteristic dialect of English. Traditionally defined as someone born within the sound of the bells of St. Mary-le-Bow church. cockney 2. syl cock+ney pron <1kokni> pos n. def the urban dialect of London or its East End. cockney 3. syl cock+ney pron <1kokni> pos n. qual Austral. def a young snapper fish. cockney 4. syl cock+ney pron <1kokni> pos adj. def characteristic of cockneys or their dialect of English. cockneyish sub head cockney syl cock+ney+ish pos adj. cocknify alt head cockneyfy or cockneyfy syl cock+ni+fy pron <1kokni2fI> pos vb. mod tr. cockneyfies infl head cockneyfy syl cock+ney+fies pos vb. mod tr. cockneyfying infl head cockneyfy syl cock+ney+fy+ing pos vb. mod tr. cockneyfied infl head cockneyfy syl cock+ney+fied. pos vb. mod tr. cockneyfy 0. or cocknify syl cock+ney+fy pron <1kokni2fI> pos vb. mod tr. def to cause (one's speech, manners, etc.) to fit the stereotyped idea of a cockney. cockneyfication sub head cockneyfy or cocknification syl cock+ney+fi+1ca+tion pos n. cocknification sub head cockneyfy or cockneyfication syl cock+ni+fi+1ca+tion pos n. cockneyism 0. syl cock+ney+ism pron <1kokni2iz*m> pos n. def a characteristic of speech or custom peculiar to cockneys. cock-of-the-rock 0. syl cock-of-the-rock pos n. def either of two tropical South American birds, or having an erectile crest and (in the male) a brilliant red or orange plumage: family (cotingas). cock of the walk 0. syl cock of the walk pos n. qual Informal. def a person who asserts himself in a strutting pompous way. cockpit 1. syl cock+pit pron <1kok2pit> pos n. def the compartment in a small aircraft in which the pilot, crew, and sometimes the passengers sit. Compare {{flight deck} (sense 1)}. cockpit 2. syl cock+pit pron <1kok2pit> pos n. def the driver's compartment in a racing car. cockpit 3.a. syl cock+pit pron <1kok2pit> pos n. def an enclosed area towards the stern of a small vessel containing the wheel and tiller. cockpit 3.b. syl cock+pit pron <1kok2pit> pos n. usage formerly def an apartment in a warship used as quarters for junior officers and as a first-aid station during combat. cockpit 4. syl cock+pit pron <1kok2pit> pos n. def the site of numerous battles or campaigns. cockpit 5. syl cock+pit pron <1kok2pit> pos n. def an enclosure used for cockfights. cockroach ety C17: from Spanish cucaracha, of obscure origin cockroach 0. syl cock+roach pron <1kok2r*uC> pos n. def any insect of the suborder (or such as ({oriental cockroach} or {black beetle}) : order They have an oval flattened body with long antennae and biting mouthparts and are common household pests. See also {German cockroach, mantis}. coxcomb alt head cockscomb or cockscomb syl cox+comb pron <1koks2k*um> pos n. cockscomb 1. or coxcomb syl cocks+comb pron <1koks2k*um> pos n. def the comb of a domestic cock. cockscomb 2. or coxcomb syl cocks+comb pron <1koks2k*um> pos n. def an amaranthaceous garden plant, with yellow, crimson, or purple flowers in a broad spike resembling the comb of a cock. cockscomb 3. or coxcomb syl cocks+comb pron <1koks2k*um> pos n. def any similar species of cockscomb 4. or coxcomb syl cocks+comb pron <1koks2k*um> pos n. qual Informal. def a conceited dandy. cocksfoots infl head cocksfoot syl cocks+foots. pos n. mod pl. cocksfoot 0. syl cocks+foot pron <1koks2fut> pos n. def a perennial Eurasian grass, cultivated as a pasture grass in North America and South Africa. cockshy ety C18: from shying (throwing objects at) a cock, which was given as a prize to the person who hit it cockshies infl head cockshy syl cock+shies. pos n. mod pl. cockshy 1. syl cock+shy pron <1kok2SI> pos n. qual Brit. def a target aimed at in throwing games. cockshy 2. syl cock+shy pron <1kok2SI> pos n. qual Brit. def the throw itself. cockshy xref syl cock+shy pron <1kok2SI> pos n. qual Brit. def Often shortened to {shy}. cockspur 1. syl cock+spur pron <1kok2spR:> pos n. def a spur on the leg of a cock. cockspur 2. syl cock+spur pron <1kok2spR:> pos n. def an annual grass, widely distributed in tropical and warm temperate regions. cockspur 3. syl cock+spur pron <1kok2spR:> pos n. def a small thorny North American hawthorn tree, cocksure ety C16: of uncertain origin cocksure 0. syl cock+sure pron <2kok1Su*>, <-1Sc:> pos adj. def over-confident; arrogant. cocksurely sub head cocksure syl cock+1sure+ly pos adv. cocksureness sub head cocksure syl cock+1sure+ness pos n. cockswain 0. syl cock+swain pron <1koks*n>, <-2swAn> pos n. def a variant spelling of {coxswain}. cocktail ety C19: of unknown origin cocktail H1.1.a. syl cock+tail pron <1kok2tAl> pos n. def any mixed drink with a spirit base, usually drunk before meals. cocktail H1.1.b. syl cock+tail pron <1kok2tAl> pos n. usage as modifier exam 1 the cocktail hour. cocktail H1.2. syl cock+tail pron <1kok2tAl> pos n. def an appetizer of seafood, mixed fruits, etc. cocktail H1.3. syl cock+tail pron <1kok2tAl> pos n. usage modifier def appropriate for formal occasions. exam 1 a cocktail dress. cocktail ety C19: originally cocktailed (adj.) having a tail like a cock's cocktail H2.1. syl cock+tail pron <1kok2tAl> pos n. def a horse with a docked tail. cocktail H2.2. syl cock+tail pron <1kok2tAl> pos n. def an animal of unknown or mixed breeding. cocktail H2.3. syl cock+tail pron <1kok2tAl> pos n. qual Archaic. def a person of little breeding pretending to be a gentleman. cocktail lounge 0. syl cock+tail lounge pos n. def a room in a hotel, restaurant, etc., where cocktails or other alcoholic drinks are served. cocktail stick 0. syl cock+tail stick pos n. def a small pointed stick used for holding cherries, olives, etc., in cocktails, and for serving snacks, such as small sausages. cockup 1. syl cock+up pron <1kok2^p> pos n. qual Brit. slang. def something done badly. cockup 2. syl cock+up pron <1kok2^p> pos n. qual Printing. def a letter rising above other letters in the line, esp. one of a large type size. {~} {cock up}. . cockup 3. syl cock+up pron <1kok2^p> pos n. usage of an animal def to raise (a leg, ears, etc.), esp. in an alert manner. cockup 4. syl cock+up pron <1kok2^p> pos n. mod tr. qual Brit. slang. def to botch. cockier infl head cocky syl cock:i+er pos adj. cockiest infl head cocky syl cock:i+est. pos adj. cocky H1.0. syl cock:y pron <1koki> pos adj. def excessively proud of oneself. cockily sub head cocky syl cock:i+ly pos adv. cockiness sub head cocky syl cock:i+ness pos n. cocky H2.0. syl cock:y pron <1koki> pos n. qual Austral. informal. def short for {cockatoo} (sense 2). coco ety C16: from Portuguese coco grimace; from the likeness of the three holes of the nut to a face cocos infl head coco syl co:cos. pos n. mod pl. coco 0. syl co:co pron <1k*uk*u> pos n. def short for {coconut} or {coconut palm}. cacao alt head cocoa or cocoa syl ca+ca:o pos n. cocoa 1. or cacao syl co+coa pron <1k*uk*u> pos n. def a powder made from cocoa beans after they have been roasted, ground, and freed from most of their fatty oil. cocoa 2. or cacao syl co+coa pron <1k*uk*u> pos n. def a hot or cold drink made from cocoa and milk or water. cocoa 3.a. or cacao syl co+coa pron <1k*uk*u> pos n. def a light to moderate brown colour. cocoa 3.b. or cacao syl co+coa pron <1k*uk*u> pos as; adj. exam 1 cocoa paint. cocoa bean 0. syl co+coa bean pos n. def the seed of the cacao. cocoa butter 0. syl co+coa but+ter pos n. def a yellowish-white waxy solid that is obtained from cocoa beans and used for confectionery, soap, etc. coco de mer ety French: coconut of the sea coco de mer 1. syl co:co de mer pron <1me*> pos n. def a palm tree, of the Seychelles, producing a large fruit containing a two-lobed edible nut. coco de mer 2. syl co:co de mer pron <1me*> pos n. def the nut of this palm. coco de mer xref syl co:co de mer pron <1me*> pos n. def Also called: {double coconut}. coconut ety C18: see #7coco cocoanut alt head coconut or coconut syl co:coa+nut pron <1k*uk*2n^t> pos n. coconut 1. or cocoanut syl co:co+nut pron <1k*uk*2n^t> pos n. def the fruit of the coconut palm, consisting of a thick fibrous oval husk inside which is a thin hard shell enclosing edible white meat. The hollow centre is filled with a milky fluid ({coconut milk) }. coconut 2. or cocoanut syl co:co+nut pron <1k*uk*2n^t> pos n. def the meat of the coconut, often shredded and used in cakes, curries, etc. coconut 3. or cocoanut syl co:co+nut pron <1k*uk*2n^t> pos adj. qual Brit. def made of the outer fibres of coconut husks. exam 1 coconut matting. coconut butter 0. syl co:co+nut but+ter pos n. def a solid form of coconut oil. coconut ice 0. syl co:co+nut ice pos n. def a sweetmeat made from dessicated coconut and sugar. coconut matting 0. syl co:co+nut mat+ting pos n. def a form of coarse matting made from the fibrous husk of the coconut. coconut milk 1. syl co:co+nut milk pos n. def See {{coconut} (sense 1)}. coconut milk 2. syl co:co+nut milk pos n. usage in Malaysia def the liquid pressed from the white meat of the coconut. coconut oil 0. syl co:co+nut oil pos n. def the fatty oil obtained from the meat of the coconut and used for making soap, cosmetics, etc. coconut palm 0. syl co:co+nut palm pos n. def a tall palm tree, widely planted throughout the tropics, having coconuts as fruits. Also called: {coco palm, coconut tree}. coconut shy 0. syl co:co+nut shy pos n. def a fairground stall in which balls are thrown to knock coconuts off stands. cocoon ety C17: from French cocon, from Proven*,cal coucoun eggshell, from coco shell, from Latin coccum kermes berry, from Greek kokkos grain, seed, berry; compare #7coccus cocoon 1.a. syl co+coon pron pos n. def a silky protective envelope secreted by silkworms and certain other insect larvae, in which the pupae develop. cocoon 1.b. syl co+coon pron pos n. def a similar covering for the eggs of the spider, earthworm, etc. cocoon 2. syl co+coon pron pos n. def a protective spray covering used as a seal on machinery. cocoon 3. syl co+coon pron pos n. def a cosy warm covering. cocoon 4. syl co+coon pron pos vb. mod tr. def to wrap in a cocoon. cocopan ety C20: from Zulu 'ngkumbana short truck cocopan 0. syl co+co+pan pron <1k*uk*u2p@n> pos n. usage in South Africa def a small wagon running on narrow-gauge railway lines used in mines. Also called: {hopper}. Cocos Islands 0. syl Co+cos Is+lands pron <1k*ukos>, <1k*uk*s> pos n. mod pl. def a group of 27 coral islands in the Indian Ocean, southwest of Java: a Territory of Australia since 1955. Pop.: 611 (1970). Area: 13 sq. km (5 sq. miles). Also called: {Keeling Islands}. cocotte ety C19: from French, from nursery word for a hen, feminine of coq #7cock %1 cocotte 0. syl co+cotte pron , , French pos n. def a prostitute or promiscuous woman. cocoyam ety C20: from #7cocoa+yam cocoyam 1. syl co+co+yam pron <1k*uk*u2j@m> pos n. def either of two food plants of West Africa, the taro or the yantia, both of which have edible underground stems. cocoyam 2. syl co+co+yam pron <1k*uk*u2j@m> pos n. def the underground stem of either of these plants. Jean infl head Cocteau syl Jean pron pos n. Cocteau 0. syl Coc:teau pron French pos n. def 1889-1963, French dramatist, novelist, poet, critic, designer, and film director. His works include the novel (1929) and the play (1934). cod ety C13: probably of Germanic origin; compare Old High German cutte cods alt head cod or cod syl cods. pron pos n. mod pl. cod H1.1. or cods syl cod pron pos n. mod pl. def any of the gadoid food fishes of the genus esp. (or which occurs in the North Atlantic and has a long body with three rounded dorsal fins: family They are also a source of cod-liver oil. cod H1.2. or cods syl cod pron pos n. mod pl. def any other fish of the family (see {gadid) }. cod ety Old English codd husk, bag; related to Old Norse koddi, Danish kodde cod H2.1. syl cod pron pos n. qual Brit. and U.S. dialect. def a pod or husk. cod H2.2. syl cod pron pos n. qual Taboo. def an obsolete word for {scrotum}. cod H2.3. syl cod pron pos n. qual Obsolete. def a bag or envelope. cod ety C19: perhaps from earlier cod a fool, perhaps shortened from #7codger cods infl head cod syl cods pos vb. mod tr. codding infl head cod syl cod+ding pos vb. mod tr. codded infl head cod syl cod+ded. pos vb. mod tr. cod H3.1. syl cod pron pos vb. mod tr. qual Brit. slang. def to make fun of; tease. cod H3.2. syl cod pron pos vb. mod tr. qual Brit. slang. def to play a trick on; befool. cod H3.3. syl cod pron pos n. qual Brit. slang. def a hoax or trick. cod ety of unknown origin cod H4.0. syl cod pron pos n. qual Northern Brit. dialect. def a fellow; chap. exam 1 he's a nice old cod. Cape infl head Cod syl Cape. pos n. Cod 0. syl Cod pos n. def See {Cape Cod}. cod alt head Cod or Cod syl cod. Cod 0. or cod syl Cod. qual abbrev. for def codex. COD 1. syl C.O.D. qual abbrev. for: def cash on delivery. COD 2. syl C.O.D. qual abbrev. for: usage in the U.S. def collect on delivery. coda ety C18: from Italian tail, from Latin cauda coda 0. syl co:da pron <1k*ud*> pos n. qual Music. def the final, sometimes inessential, part of a musical structure. codder H1.0. syl cod+der pron <1kod*> pos n. def a cod fisherman or his boat. codder ety perhaps from #7cod %4 codder H2.0. syl cod+der pron <1kod*> pos n. qual Yorkshire dialect. def the leader of a team of workers on a press at a steelworks. coddle ety C16: of obscure origin; perhaps related to #7caudle coddle 1. syl cod+dle pron <1kodL> pos vb. mod tr. def to treat with indulgence. coddle 2. syl cod+dle pron <1kodL> pos vb. mod tr. def to cook (something, esp. eggs) in water just below the boiling point. coddle 3. syl cod+dle pron <1kodL> pos n. mod tr. qual Irish dialect. def stew made from ham and bacon scraps. coddler sub head coddle syl cod+dler pos n. code ety C14: from French, from Latin c*_odex book, #7codex code 1. syl code pron pos n. def a system of letters or symbols, and rules for their association by means of which information can be represented or communicated for reasons of secrecy, brevity, etc.. exam 1 binary code; exam 2 Morse code. code 2. syl code pron pos n. def a message in code. code 3. syl code pron pos n. def a symbol used in a code. code 4. syl code pron pos n. def a conventionalized set of principles, rules, or expectations. exam 1 a code of behaviour. code 5. syl code pron pos n. def a system of letters or digits used for identification or selection purposes. code 6. syl code pron pos vb. mod tr. def to translate, transmit, or arrange into a code. coder sub head code syl cod+er pos n. codeclination 0. syl co+dec+li+na+tion pron <2k*udekli1nAS*n> pos n. def another name for {polar distance}. codeine ety C19: from Greek k*_odeia head of a poppy, from k*_oos hollow place+-#7ine %2 codeine 0. syl co+deine pron <1k*udEn> pos n. def a white crystalline alkaloid prepared mainly from morphine and having a similar but milder action. It is used as an analgesic, a sedative, and to relieve coughing. Formula: C\1\8H\2\1NO\3. Code Napol'eon 0. syl Code Na:po:l*'e:on pron French. pos n. def the civil code of France, promulgated between 1804 and 1810, comprising the main body of French civil law. English name: {Napoleonic Code}. codex ety C16: from Latin: tree trunk, wooden block, book codices infl head codex syl co+di+ces pron <1k*udi2sEz>, <1kodi-> pos n. mod pl. codex 1. syl co+dex pron <1k*udeks> pos n. def a volume of manuscripts of an ancient text. codex 2. syl co+dex pron <1k*udeks> pos n. qual Obsolete. def a legal code. Codex Juris Canonici ety Latin: book of canon law Codex Juris Canonici 0. syl Co+dex Ju+ris Ca+non:i+ci pron <1k*udeks> <1Ju*ris> pos n. def the official code of canon law in force in the Roman Catholic Church. codfish infl or codfishes syl cod+fish pos n. mod pl. codfishes infl head codfish or codfish syl cod+fish:es. pos n. mod pl. codfish 0. syl cod+fish pron <1kod2fiS> pos n. def a cod, esp. codger ety C18: probably variant of #7cadger codger 0. syl codg+er pron <1koJ*> pos n. qual Informal. def a man, esp. an old or eccentric one: a term of affection or mild derision (often in the phrase {old codger) }. codices 0. syl co+di+ces pron <1k*udi2sEz>, <1kodi-> pos n. def the plural of {codex}. codicil ety C15: from Late Latin c*_odicillus, literally: a little book, diminutive of #7codex codicil 1. syl cod:i+cil pron <1kodisil> pos n. qual Law. def a supplement modifying a will or revoking some provision of it. codicil 2. syl cod:i+cil pron <1kodisil> pos n. def an additional provision; appendix. codicillary sub head codicil syl cod:i+cil+la+ry pron <2kodi1sil*ri> pos adj. codicology ety C20: via French from Latin codic-, #7codex +-#7logy &- co+di+co+log+i@.cal (@!k$$$ud$Ik$$#!l$Ad#f$Ik%@l) adj. codicology 0. syl co+di+col+o:gy pron <2k*udi1kol*Ji> pos n. def the study of manuscripts. codification 1. syl cod:i+fi+ca+tion pron <2k*udifi1kAS*n>, <2ko-> pos n. def systematic organization of methods, rules, etc. codification 2. syl cod:i+fi+ca+tion pron <2k*udifi1kAS*n>, <2ko-> pos n. qual Law. def the collection into one body of the principles of a system of law. codifies infl head codify syl cod:i+fies pos vb. mod tr. codifying infl head codify syl cod:i+fy+ing pos vb. mod tr. codified infl head codify syl cod:i+fied. pos vb. mod tr. codify 0. syl cod:i+fy pron <1k*udi2fI>, <1ko-> pos vb. mod tr. def to organize or collect together (laws, rules, procedures, etc.) into a system or code. codifier sub head codify syl cod:i+2fi+er pos n. codling ety C15 querdlyng, of uncertain origin codlin alt head codling or codling syl cod+lin pron <1kodliG>, <1kodlin>, <1kodlin> pos n. codling H1.1. or codlin syl cod+ling pron <1kodliG> pos n. def any of several varieties of long tapering apples used for cooking. codling H1.2. or codlin syl cod+ling pron <1kodliG> pos n. def any unripe apple. codling H2.0. syl cod+ling pron <1kodliG> pos n. def a codfish, esp. a young one. codlin moth alt head codling moth or codling moth syl cod+lin moth pos n. codling moth 0. or codlin moth syl cod+ling moth pos n. def a tortricid moth, the larvae of which are a pest of apples. codlins-and-cream 0. syl cod:lins-and-cream pos n. def an onagraceous plant, native to Europe and Asia and introduced into North America, having purplish-red flowers and hairy stems and leaves. Also called: {hairy willowherb}. cod-liver oil 0. syl cod-liv:er oil pos n. def an oil extracted from the livers of cod and related fish, rich in vitamins A and D and used to treat deficiency of these vitamins. codomain 0. syl co+do+main pron <2k*ud*u1mAn> pos n. qual Maths. def another name for {{range} (sense 7)}. codon ety C20: from #7code+ -#7on codon 0. syl co+don pron <1k*udon> pos n. qual Genetics, biochem. def a unit that consists of three adjacent bases on a DNA molecule and that determines the position of a specific amino acid in a protein molecule during protein synthesis. codpiece ety C15: from #7cod %2#7+piece codpiece 0. syl cod+piece pron <1kod2pEs> pos n. def a bag covering the male genitals, attached to hose or breeches by laces, etc., worn in the 15th and 16th centuries. co-driver 0. syl co-driv:er pron <1k*u2drIv*> pos n. def one of two drivers who take turns to drive a car, esp. in a rally. codswallop ety C20: of unknown origin codswallop 0. syl cods+wal:lop pron <1kodz2wol*p> pos n. qual Brit. slang. def nonsense. cod war 0. syl cod war pos n. def any of three disputes that occurred in 1958, 1972-73, and 1975-76 between Britain and Iceland, concerning Iceland's unilateral extension of her fishing limits. William Frederick infl head Cody syl Wil:liam Fred:er:ick. pos n. Cody 0. syl Co:dy pron <1k*udi> pos n. def the original name of {Buffalo Bill}. co-ed 1. syl co-ed pron <2k*u1ed> pos adj. def coeducational. co-ed 2. syl co-ed pron <2k*u1ed> pos n. qual U.S. def a female student in a coeducational college or university. co-ed 3. syl co-ed pron <2k*u1ed> pos n. qual Brit. def a school or college providing coeducation. coedit 0. syl co+ed:it pron pos vb. mod tr. def to edit (a book, newspaper, etc.) jointly. coeditor sub head coedit syl co+1ed:i+tor pos n. coeducation 0. syl co+ed:u+ca+tion pron <2k*uedju1kAS*n> pos n. def instruction in schools, colleges, etc., attended by both sexes. coeducational sub head coeducation syl co+ed:u+1ca+tion+al pos adj. coeducationally sub head coeducation syl co+ed:u+1ca+tion+al+ly pos adv. coefficient ety C17: from New Latin coeffici*_ens, from Latin co- together+ efficere to #7effect coefficient 1.a. syl co+ef+fi+cient pron <2k*ui1fiS*nt> pos n. def a numerical or constant factor in an algebraic term. exam 1 the coefficient of the term 3xyz is 3. coefficient 1.b. syl co+ef+fi+cient pron <2k*ui1fiS*nt> pos n. def the product of all the factors of a term excluding one or more specified variables. exam 1 the coefficient of x in 3axyz is 3ayz. coefficient 2. syl co+ef+fi+cient pron <2k*ui1fiS*nt> pos n. qual Physics. def a number that is the value of a given substance under specified conditions. coel- ety New Latin, from Greek koilos hollow coel- 0. syl coel- pos prefix. def indicating a cavity within a body or a hollow organ or part. exam 1 coelacanth; exam 2 coelenterate; exam 3 coelenteron. coelacanth ety C19: from New Latin coelacanthus, literally: hollow spine, from #7coel -#7+ Greek akanthos spine coelacanth 0. syl coe+la+canth pron <1sEl*2k@nT> pos n. def a primitive marine bony fish of the genus (subclass , having fleshy limblike pectoral fins and occurring off the coast of E Africa: thought to be extinct until a living specimen was discovered in 1938. coelenterate ety C19: from New Latin Coelenterata, hollow-intestined (creatures); see #7coel -#7, enteron coelenterate 1. syl coe+len+ter+ate pron , <-rit> pos n. def any invertebrates of the phylum having a saclike body with a single opening (mouth), which occurs in polyp and medusa forms. The group includes the hydra, jellyfishes, sea anemones, and corals. coelenterate 2. syl coe+len+ter+ate pron , <-rit> pos adj. def of, relating to, or belonging to the coelenteric sub head coelenterate syl coe+len+ter+ic pron <2sElen?!1terik> pos adj. coelentera infl head coelenteron syl coe+len+ter:a pron <-t*r*> pos n. mod pl. coelenteron 0. syl coe+len+ter+on pron pos n. def the simple saclike body cavity of a coelenterate. coeliac ety C17: from Latin coeliacus, from Greek koiliakos, from koilia belly celiac alt head coeliac or coeliac syl ce+li+ac pron <1sEli2@k> pos adj. qual U.S. coeliac 0. or celiac syl coe+li+ac pron <1sEli2@k> pos adj. def of or relating to the abdomen. coeliac disease 0. syl coe+li+ac dis+ease pos n. def a chronic intestinal disorder of young children of unknown cause, characterized by distention of the abdomen and frothy and pale foul-smelling stools as the result of inadequate absorption of fat. coelom ety C19: from Greek koil*_oma cavity, from koilos hollow; see #7coel - coelostat ety C19: coelo-, from Latin caelum heaven, sky+-#7stat coelostat 0. syl coe+lo+stat pron <1sEl*2st@t> pos n. def an astronomical instrument consist?!ing of a plane mirror mounted parallel to the earth's axis and rotated about this axis once every two days so that light from a celestial body, esp. the sun, is reflected onto a second mirror, which reflects the beam into a telescope. Compare {siderostat}. coenacle 0. syl coen:a+cle pron <1sen*kL> pos n. def a variant spelling of {cenacle}. cenesthesia alt head coenesthesia or cenesthesis syl ce+nes+the+si:a pron <2sEnis1TEzi*> pos n. coenesthesis infl head coenesthesia or coenesthesia syl coe+nes+the+sis pron <2sEnis1TEsis> pos n. cenesthesis infl head coenesthesia or cenesthesia syl ce+nes+the+sis pron <2sEnis1TEsis> pos n. coenesthesia 0. or coenesthesis syl coe+nes+the+si:a pron <2sEnis1TEzi*> pos n. qual Psychol. def general awareness of one's own body. coenesthetic sub head coenesthesia or cenesthetic syl coe+nes+thet+ic pron <2sEnis1Tetik> pos adj. cenesthetic sub head coenesthesia or coenesthetic syl ce+nes+thet+ic pron <2sEnis1Tetik> pos adj. coeno- ety New Latin, from Greek koinos common coen- alt head coeno- or coeno- syl coen- coeno- 0. or coen- syl coe:no- usage combining form. def common. exam 1 coenocyte. coenobite ety C17: from Old French or ecclesiastical Latin, from Greek koinobion convent, from koinos common+ bios life cenobite alt head coenobite or coenobite syl ce+no+bite pron <1sEn*u2bIt> pos n. coenobite 0. or cenobite syl coe+no+bite pron <1sEn*u2bIt> pos n. def a member of a religious order following a communal rule of life. Compare {eremite}. coenobitic sub head coenobite syl coe+no+bit+ic pron <2sEn*u1bitik> pos adj. coenobitical sub head coenobite or cenobitic syl coe+no+1bit:i+cal pos adj. cenobitic sub head coenobite or coenobitical syl ce+no+1bit+ic pos adj. cenobitical sub head coenobite syl ce+no+1bit:i+cal pos adj. coenocyte 0. syl coe+no+cyte pron <1sEn*u2sIt> pos n. qual Botany. def a mass of protoplasm containing many nuclei and enclosed by a cell wall: occurs in many fungi and some algae. coenocytic sub head coenocyte syl coe+no+cyt+ic pron <2sEn*1sitik> pos adj. coenosarc ety C19: from #7coeno -#7+ Greek sarx flesh coenurus ety C19: from New Latin, from #7coeno -#7+ Greek oura tail, literally: common tail, referring to the single body with its many heads coenuri infl head coenurus syl coe+nu+ri pron <-rI> pos n. mod pl. coenurus 0. syl coe+nu+rus pron pos n. def an encysted larval form of the tapeworm containing many encapsulated heads. In sheep it can cause the gid, and when eaten by dogs it develops into several adult forms. coenzyme 0. syl co+en+zyme pron pos n. qual Biochem. def a nonprotein organic molecule that forms a complex with certain enzymes and is essential for their activity. See also {apoenzyme}. coequal 1. syl co+e:qual pron pos adj. def of the same size, rank, etc. coequal 2. syl co+e:qual pron pos n. def a person or thing equal with another. coequality sub head coequal or coequalness syl co+e:qual:i+ty pron <2k*ui1kwoliti> pos n. coequalness sub head coequal or coequality syl co+1e:qual+ness pos n. coequally sub head coequal syl co+1e:qual+ly pos adv. coerce ety C17: from Latin coerc*_ere to confine, restrain, from co- together+ arc*_ere to enclose coerce 0. syl co+erce pron pos vb. mod tr. def to compel or restrain by force or authority without regard to individual wishes or desires. coercer sub head coerce syl co+1erc+er pos n. coercible sub head coerce syl co+1er+ci:ble pos adj. coercion 1. syl co+er+cion pron pos n. def the act or power of coercing. coercion 2. syl co+er+cion pron pos n. def government by force. coercionist sub head coercion syl co+1er+cion+ist pos n. coercively sub head coercion syl co+1er+cive+ly pos adv. coerciveness sub head coercion syl co+1er+cive+ness pos n. coercive force 0. syl co+er+cive force pos n. def a measure of the magnetization of a ferromagnetic material as expressed by the external magnetic field strength necessary to demagnetize it. Measured in amperes per metre. Compare {coercivity}. coercivity 0. syl co+er+civ+i:ty pron <2k*uR:1siviti> pos n. def the magnetic-field strength necessary to demagnetize a ferromagnetic material that is magnetized to saturation. It is measured in amperes per metre. Compare {coercive force}. coessential 0. syl co+es+sen+tial pron <2k*ui1senS*l> pos adj. qual Theol. def being one in essence or nature: a term applied to the three persons of the Trinity. coessentiality sub head coessential or coessentialness syl co+es+sen+ti+al+i:ty pron <2k*ui2senSi1@liti> pos n. coessentialness sub head coessential or coessentiality syl co+es+1sen+tial+ness pos n. coessentially sub head coessential syl co+es+1sen+tial+ly pos adv. coetaneous ety C17: from Latin coaet*_aneus, from co- same+ aet*_as age coetaneous 0. syl co+e:ta+ne:ous pron <2k*ui1tAni*s> pos adj. qual Rare. def of the same age or period. coetaneously sub head coetaneous syl co+e:1ta+ne:ous+ly pos adv. coetaneousness sub head coetaneous syl co+e:1ta+ne:ous+ness pos n. coeternal 0. syl co+e:ter+nal pron <2k*ui1tR:nL> pos adj. def existing together eternally. coeternally sub head coeternal syl co+e:1ter+nal+ly pos adv. coeternity 0. syl co+e:ter+ni:ty pron <2k*ui1tR:niti> pos n. def existence for, from, or in eternity with another being. Coeur de Lion 0. syl Coeur de Lion pron <1kR:> <1lE*n>, French pos n. def Lion Heart: an epithet applied to Richard I of England. coeval ety C17: from Late Latin coaevus from Latin co-+aevum age coeval 1. syl co+e:val pron pos adj. def of or belonging to the same age or generation. coeval 2. syl co+e:val pron pos n. def a contemporary. coevality sub head coeval syl co+e:val+i:ty pron <2k*ui?!1v@liti> pos n. coevally sub head coeval syl co+1e:val+ly pos adv. coexecutor 0. syl co+ex+ec:u+tor pron <2k*uig1zekjut*> pos n. qual Law. def a person acting jointly with another or others as executor. coexecutrix sub head coexecutor syl co+ex+1ec:u+trix pos n. mod fem. coexist 1. syl co+ex+ist pron <2k*uig1zist> pos vb. mod intr. def to exist together at the same time or in the same place. coexist 2. syl co+ex+ist pron <2k*uig1zist> pos vb. mod intr. def to exist together in peace. coexistence sub head coexist syl co+ex+1ist+ence pos n. coexistent sub head coexist syl co+ex+1ist+ent pos adj. coextend 0. syl co+ex+tend pron <2k*uik1stend> pos vb. def to extend or cause to extend equally in space or time. coextension sub head coextend syl co+ex+1ten+sion pos n. coextensive 0. syl co+ex+ten+sive pron <2k*uik1stensiv> pos adj. def of the same limits or extent. coextensively sub head coextensive syl co+ex+1ten+sive+ly pos adv. C of C 0. syl C. of C. qual abbrev. for def Chamber of Commerce. C of E 0. syl C. of E. qual abbrev. for def Church of England. coff ety C15: from the past participle of obsolete copen to buy, of Low German origin; compare German kaufen to buy coffs infl head coff syl coffs pos vb. coffing infl head coff syl cof+fing pos vb. coffed infl head coff or coft syl coffed pos vb. coft infl head coff or coffed syl coft. pos vb. coff 0. syl coff pron pos vb. qual Scot. def to buy; purchase. coffee ety C16: from Italian caff*`e, from Turkish kahve, from Arabic qahwah coffee, wine coffee 1.a. syl cof+fee pron <1kofi> pos n. def a drink consisting of an infusion of the roasted and ground or crushed seeds of the coffee tree. coffee 1.b. syl cof+fee pron <1kofi> pos n. usage as modifier exam 1 coffee grounds. coffee 2. syl cof+fee pron <1kofi> pos n. def Also called: {coffee beans}. the beanlike seeds of the coffee tree, used to make this beverage. coffee 3. syl cof+fee pron <1kofi> pos n. def short for {coffee tree}. coffee 4.a. syl cof+fee pron <1kofi> pos n. def a medium to dark-brown colour. coffee 4.b. syl cof+fee pron <1kofi> pos as; adj. exam 1 a coffee carpet. coffee bag 0. syl cof+fee bag pos n. def a small bag containing ground coffee beans, infused to make coffee. coffee bar 0. syl cof+fee bar pos n. def a caf*'e; snack bar. coffee cup 0. syl cof+fee cup pos n. def a cup from which coffee may be drunk, usually smaller than a teacup. coffee house 0. syl cof+fee house pos n. def a place where coffee is served, esp. one that was a fashionable meeting place in 18th-century London. coffee mill 0. syl cof+fee mill pos n. def a machine for grinding roasted coffee beans. coffee morning 0. syl cof+fee morn+ing pos n. def a social event (often held in order to raise money) at which coffee is served. coffee nut 1. syl cof+fee nut pos n. def the fruit of the Kentucky coffee tree. coffee nut 2. syl cof+fee nut pos n. def another name for {Kentucky coffee tree}. coffeepot 0. syl cof:fee+pot pron <1kofi2pot> pos n. def a pot in which coffee is brewed or served. coffee shop 0. syl cof+fee shop pos n. def a shop where coffee is sold or drunk. coffee table 0. syl cof+fee ta+ble pos n. def a low table, on which newspapers, etc., may be placed and coffee served. coffee-table book 0. syl cof:fee-ta:ble book pos n. def a book designed to be looked at rather than read. coffee tree 1. syl cof+fee tree pos n. def any of several rubiaceous trees of the genus esp. the seeds of which are used in the preparation of the beverage coffee. coffee tree 2. syl cof+fee tree pos n. def short for {Kentucky coffee tree}. coffer ety C13: from Old French coffre, from Latin cophinus basket, from Greek kophinos coffer 1. syl cof+fer pron <1kof*> pos n. def a chest, esp. for storing valuables. coffer 2. syl cof+fer pron <1kof*> pos n. mod usually; pl. def a store of money. coffer 3. syl cof+fer pron <1kof*> pos n. def Also called: {caisson, lacuna}. an ornamental sunken panel in a ceiling, dome, etc. coffer 4. syl cof+fer pron <1kof*> pos n. def a watertight box or chamber. coffer 5. syl cof+fer pron <1kof*> pos n. def short for {cofferdam}. coffer 6. syl cof+fer pron <1kof*> pos vb. mod tr. def to store, as in a coffer. coffer 7. syl cof+fer pron <1kof*> pos vb. mod tr. def to decorate (a ceiling, dome, etc.) with coffers. cofferdam 0. syl cof:fer+dam pron <1kof*2d@m> pos n. def a watertight structure that encloses an area under water, pumped dry to enable construction work to be carried out. Often shortened to {coffer}. coffin ety C14: from Old French cofin, from Latin cophinus basket; see #7coffer coffin 1. syl cof+fin pron <1kofin> pos n. def a box in which a corpse is buried or cremated. coffin 2. syl cof+fin pron <1kofin> pos n. def the part of a horse's foot that contains the coffin bone. coffin 3. syl cof+fin pron <1kofin> pos n. def Also called: {coffin block}. a frame for holding electrotype or stereotype printing plates. {~} coffin 4. syl cof+fin pron <1kofin> pos n. mod tr. def to place in or as in a coffin. coffin bone 0. syl cof+fin bone pos n. def the terminal phalangeal bone inside the hoof of the horse and similar animals. coffin nail 0. syl cof+fin nail pos n. qual Chiefly U.S. def a slang word for {cigarette}. coffle ety C18: from Arabic q*_afilah caravan coffle 0. syl cof+fle pron <1kofL> pos n. usage esp. formerly def a line of slaves, beasts, etc., fastened together. C of S 0. syl C. of S. qual abbrev. for def Church of Scotland. cog ety C13: of Scandinavian origin; compare Danish kogge, Swedish kugge, Norwegian kug cog H1.1. syl cog pron pos n. def any of the teeth or projections on the rim of a gearwheel. cog H1.2. syl cog pron pos n. def a gearwheel, esp. a small one. cog H1.3. syl cog pron pos n. def a person or thing playing a small part in a large organization or process. cogs infl head cog syl cogs pos vb. cogging infl head cog syl cog+ging pos vb. cogged infl head cog syl cogged. pos vb. cog H1.4. syl cog pron pos vb. mod tr. qual Metallurgy. def to roll (cast steel ingots) to convert them into blooms. cog ety C16: originally a dice-playing term, of unknown origin cogs infl head cog syl cogs pos vb. cogging infl head cog syl cog+ging pos vb. cogged infl head cog syl cogged. pos vb. cog H2.0. syl cog pron pos vb. qual Slang. def to cheat in (a game, esp. dice), as by loading a dice. cog ety C19: of uncertain origin cog H3.1. syl cog pron pos n. def a tenon that projects from the end of a timber beam for fitting into a mortise. cogs infl head cog syl cogs pos vb. cogging infl head cog syl cog+ging pos vb. cogged infl head cog syl cogged. pos vb. cog H3.2. syl cog pron pos vb. mod tr. def to join (pieces of wood) with cogs. cog 0. syl cog. qual abbrev. for def cognate. cogent ety C17: from Latin c*_ogent-, c*_og*_ens, driving together, from c*_ogere, from co- together+ agere to drive cogent 0. syl co+gent pron <1k*uJ*nt> pos adj. def compelling belief or assent; forcefully convincing. cogency sub head cogent syl co+gen+cy pos n. cogently sub head cogent syl co+gent+ly pos adv. Frederick Donald infl head Coggan syl Fred:er:ick Don:ald. pos n. Coggan 0. syl Cog:gan pron <1kog*n> pos n. def born 1909, Archbishop of York (1961-74); Archbishop of Canterbury from 1974. cogitable 0. syl cog:i+ta:ble pron <1koJit*bL> pos adj. qual Rare. def conceivable. cogitate ety C16: from Latin c*_ogit*_are, from co- (intensive)+ agit*_are to turn over, #7agitate cogitate 0. syl cog:i+tate pron <1koJi2tAt> pos vb. def to think deeply about (a problem, possibility, etc.); ponder. cogitatingly sub head cogitate syl cog:i+2tat+ing+ly pos adv. cogitation sub head cogitate syl cog:i+1ta+tion pos n. cogitator sub head cogitate syl cog:i+2ta+tor pos n. cogitative 1. syl cog:i+ta+tive pron <1koJit*tiv> pos adj. def capable of thinking. cogitative 2. syl cog:i+ta+tive pron <1koJit*tiv> pos adj. def thoughtful. cogitatively sub head cogitative syl cog:i+ta+tive+ly pos adv. cogitativeness sub head cogitative syl cog:i+ta+tive+ness pos n. ergo sum infl head cogito syl er:go sum pron Latin. <1kogi2t*u> <1R:g*u> <1sum> cogito 0. syl co+gi+to pron Latin. <1kogi2t*u> <1R:g*u> <1sum> def I think, therefore I am; the basis of Descartes' philosophy. Cognac 1. syl Cog+nac pron <1konj@k>, French pos n. def a town in SW France: centre of the district famed for its brandy. Pop.: 22612 (1975). Cognac 2. syl Cog+nac pron <1konj@k>, French pos n. usage sometimes not cap. def a high-quality grape brandy. cognate ety C17: from Latin cogn*_atus, from co- same+ gn*_atus born, variant of n*_atus, past participle of n*_asc*_i to be born &- #!cog+nate+ly adv. &- #!cog+nate+ness n. ?- cog+#!na+tion n. cognate 1. syl cog+nate pron <1kognAt> pos adj. def akin; related. exam 1 cognate languages. cognate 2. syl cog+nate pron <1kognAt> pos adj. def related by blood or descended from a common maternal ancestor. Compare {agnate}. cognate object 3. head cognate syl cognate object. qual Grammar. def a noun functioning as the object of a verb to which it is etymologically related, as in or {~} cognate 4. syl cog+nate pron <1kognAt> pos adj. def something that is cognate with something else. cognition ety C15: from Latin cogniti*_o, from cogn*_oscere from co- (intensive)+ n*_oscere to learn; see #7know cognition 1. syl cog+ni+tion pron pos n. def the mental act or process by which knowledge is acquired, including perception, intuition, and reasoning. cognition 2. syl cog+ni+tion pron pos n. def the knowledge that results from such an act or process. cognitional sub head cognition syl cog+1ni+tion+al pos adj. cognitive sub head cognition syl cog+ni+tive pron <1kognitiv> pos adj. cognitive dissonance 0. syl cog+ni+tive dis+so+nance pos n. qual Psychol. def an uncomfortable state resulting from conflicting cognitions of an object. cognisable alt head cognizable or cognizable syl cog+ni+sa:ble pron <1kogniz*bL>, <1koni-> pos adj. cognizable 1. or cognisable syl cog+ni+za:ble pron <1kogniz*bL>, <1koni-> pos adj. def perceptible. cognizable 2. or cognisable syl cog+ni+za:ble pron <1kogniz*bL>, <1koni-> pos adj. qual Law. def susceptible to the jurisdiction of a court. cognizably sub head cognizable or cognisably syl cog+ni+za:bly pos adv. cognisably sub head cognizable or cognizably syl cog+ni+sa:bly pos adv. cognizance ety C14: from Old French conoissance, from conoistre to know, from Latin cogn*_oscere to learn; see #7cognition cognisance alt head cognizance or cognizance syl cog+ni+sance pron <1kogniz*ns>, <1koni-> pos n. cognizance 1. or cognisance syl cog+ni+zance pron <1kogniz*ns>, <1koni-> pos n. def knowledge; acknowledgment. take cognizance of 2. head cognizance syl take cognizance of. def to take notice of; acknowledge, esp. officially. cognizance 3. or cognisance syl cog+ni+zance pron <1kogniz*ns>, <1koni-> pos n. def the range or scope of knowledge or perception. cognizance 4.a. or cognisance syl cog+ni+zance pron <1kogniz*ns>, <1koni-> pos n. def the right of a court to hear and determine a cause or matter. cognizance 4.b. or cognisance syl cog+ni+zance pron <1kogniz*ns>, <1koni-> pos n. def knowledge of certain facts upon which the court must act without requiring proof. cognizance 4.d. or cognisance syl cog+ni+zance pron <1kogniz*ns>, <1koni-> pos n. qual Chiefly U.S. def confession. cognizance 5. or cognisance syl cog+ni+zance pron <1kogniz*ns>, <1koni-> pos n. qual Heraldry. def a distinguishing badge or bearing. cognisant alt head cognizant or cognizant syl cog+ni+sant pron <1kogniz*nt>, <1koni-> pos adj. cognizant 0. or cognisant syl cog+ni+zant pron <1kogniz*nt>, <1koni-> pos adj. usage usually foll. by of def aware; having knowledge. cognise alt head cognize or cognize syl cog+nise pron <1kognIz>, pos vb. mod tr. cognize 0. or cognise syl cog+nize pron <1kognIz>, pos vb. mod tr. def to perceive, become aware of, or know. cognomen ety C19: from Latin: additional name, from co- together+ n*_omen name; influenced in form by cogn*_oscere to learn cognomens infl head cognomen or cognomina syl cog+no+mens pron <-1nomin*>, <-1n*u-> pos n. mod pl. cognomina infl head cognomen or cognomens syl cog+nom:i+na pron <-1nomin*>, <-1n*u-> pos n. mod pl. cognomen 0. syl cog+no+men pron pos n. usage originally def an ancient Roman's third name or nickname, which later became his family name. See also {agnomen, nomen, praenomen}. cognominal sub head cognomen syl cog+nom:i+nal pron , <-1n*u-> pos adj. cognominally sub head cognomen syl cog+1nom:i+nal+ly pos adv. cognoscenti ety C18: from obsolete Italian (modern conoscente) , from Latin cogn*_oscere to know, learn about conoscenti alt head cognoscenti or cognoscenti syl con:o+scen+ti pron <-tE> pos n. mod pl. sometimes; sing. cognoscente infl head cognoscenti syl co+gno+scen+te pron <-tE> pos n. mod sing. sometimes; sing. cognoscenti 0. or conoscenti syl co+gno+scen+ti pron <2konj*u1Senti>, <2kogn*-> pos n. mod pl. sometimes; sing. def people with informed ap?!preciation of a particular field, esp. in the fine arts; connoisseurs. cogon ety from Spanish cog*'on, from Tagalog kugon cogon 0. syl co+gon pron <1k*ug*un> pos n. def any of the coarse tropical grasses of the genus esp. and of the Philippines, which are used for thatching. cogway alt head cog railway or cog railway syl cog+way pron <1kog2wA> pos n. cog railway 0. or cogway syl cog rail+way pron <1kog2wA> pos n. qual Chiefly U.S. def other terms {rack railway}. cogwheel 0. syl cog+wheel pron <1kog2wEl> pos n. def another name for {gearwheel}. cohabit ety C16: via Late Latin, from Latin co- together+ habit*_are to live cohabit 0. syl co+hab+it pron pos vb. mod intr. def to live together as husband and wife, esp. without being married. cohabitant sub head cohabit or cohabiter syl co+1hab+it+ant pos n. cohabiter sub head cohabit or cohabitant syl co+1hab+it+er pos n. cohabitation sub head cohabit syl co+2hab:i+1ta+tion pos n. coheir 0. syl co+heir pron pos n. def a person who inherits jointly with others. coheiress sub head coheir syl co+1heir+ess pos n. mod fem. cohere ety C16: from Latin cohaer*_ere from co- together+ haer*_ere to cling, adhere cohere 1. syl co+here pron pos vb. mod intr. def to hold or stick firmly together. cohere 2. syl co+here pron pos vb. mod intr. def to connect or be connected logically; be consistent. cohere 3. syl co+here pron pos vb. mod intr. qual Physics. def to be held together by the action of molecular forces. coherency alt head coherence or coherence syl co+her+en+cy pos n. coherence 1. or coherency syl co+her+ence pron pos n. def logical or natural connection or consistency. coherence 2. or coherency syl co+her+ence pron pos n. def another word for {{cohesion} (sense 1)}. coherent 1. syl co+her+ent pron pos adj. def capable of logical and consistent speech, thought, etc. coherent 2. syl co+her+ent pron pos adj. def logical; consistent and orderly. coherent 3. syl co+her+ent pron pos adj. def cohering or sticking together. coherent 4. syl co+her+ent pron pos adj. usage Physics. of two or more waves def having the same frequency and the same phase or a fixed phase difference. exam 1 coherent light. coherent 5. syl co+her+ent pron pos adj. usage of a system of units def consisting only of units the quotient or product of any two of which yield the unit of the resultant quantity. coherently sub head coherent syl co+1her+ent+ly pos adv. cohesion ety C17: from Latin cohaesus stuck together, past participle of cohaer*_ere to #7cohere cohesion 1. syl co+he+sion pron pos n. def the act or state of cohering; tendency to unite. cohesion 2. syl co+he+sion pron pos n. qual Physics. def the force that holds together the atoms or molecules in a solid or liquid, as distinguished from adhesion. cohesion 3. syl co+he+sion pron pos n. qual Botany. def the fusion in some plants of flower parts, such as petals, that are usually separate. cohesive 1. syl co+he+sive pron pos adj. def characterized by or causing cohesion. cohesive 2. syl co+he+sive pron pos adj. def tending to cohere or stick together. cohesively sub head cohesive syl co+1he+sive+ly pos adv. cohesiveness sub head cohesive syl co+1he+sive+ness pos n. coho ety origin unknown; probably from an American Indian language coho infl or cohos syl co:ho pos n. mod pl. cohos infl head coho or coho syl co:hos. pos n. mod pl. coho 0. syl co:ho pron <1k*uh*u> pos n. def a Pacific salmon, Also called: {silver salmon}. cohobate ety C17: from New Latin cohob*_are, perhaps from Arabic ka`aba to repeat an action cohobate 0. syl co+ho+bate pron <1k*uh*u2bAt> pos vb. mod tr. qual Pharmacol. def to redistil (a distillate), esp. by allowing it to mingle with the remaining matter. cohort ety C15: from Latin cohors yard, company of soldiers; related to hortus garden cohort 1. syl co+hort pron <1k*uhc:t> pos n. def one of the ten units of between 300 and 600 men in an ancient Roman Legion. cohort 2. syl co+hort pron <1k*uhc:t> pos n. def any band of warriors or associates. exam 1 the cohorts of Satan. cohort 3. syl co+hort pron <1k*uhc:t> pos n. qual Biology. def a taxonomic group that is a subdivision of a subclass (usually of mammals) or subfamily (of plants). cohosh ety C18: probably of Algonquian origin cohosh 0. syl co+hosh pron <1k*uhoS>, pos n. def any of several North American plants, such as the {blue cohosh} family and {black cohosh} family . cohune ety C19: from American Spanish, from South American Indian *'okh*'un cohune 0. syl co+hune pron pos n. def a tropical American feather palm, (or whose large oily nuts yield an oil similar to coconut oil. Also called: {cohune palm}. See also {coquilla nut}. COI 0. syl C.O.I. qual abbrev. for usage in Britain def Central Office of Information. coif ety C14: from Old French coiffe, from Late Latin cofea helmet, cap, of obscure origin coif 1. syl coif pron pos n. def a close-fitting cap worn under a veil, worn in the Middle Ages by many women but now only by nuns. coif 2. syl coif pron pos n. def any similar cap, such as a leather cap worn under a chainmail hood. coif 3. syl coif pron pos n. usage Brit. formerly def the white cap worn by a sergeant at law. coif 4. syl coif pron pos n. def a base for the elaborate women's headdresses of the 16th century. coif 5. syl coif pron pos n. def a less common word for {{coiffure} (sense 1)}. coifs infl head coif syl coifs pos vb. mod tr. coiffing infl head coif syl coif+fing pos vb. mod tr. coiffed infl head coif syl coiffed. pos vb. mod tr. coif 6. syl coif pron pos vb. mod tr. def to cover with or as if with a coif. coif 7. syl coif pron pos vb. mod tr. def to arrange (the hair). coiffeur 0. syl coif+feur pron , French pos n. def a hairdresser. &- {coif+feuse} (kw$a$:#!f$z$:z; kwa#!f$o$:z) coiffure 1. syl coif+fure pron , French pos n. def a hairstyle. coiffure 2. syl coif+fure pron , French pos n. def an obsolete word for {headdress}. coiffure 3. syl coif+fure pron , French pos vb. mod tr. def to dress or arrange (the hair). coigne alt head coign or coign syl coigne pron pos n. coign 0. or coigne syl coign pron pos n. def variant spellings of {quoin}. coign of vantage 0. syl coign of van+tage pos n. def an advantageous position or stance for observation or action. coil ety C16: from Old French coillir to collect together; see #7cull coil H1.1. syl coil pron pos vb. def to wind or gather (ropes, hair, etc.) into loops or (of rope, hair, etc.) to be formed in such loops. coil H1.2. syl coil pron pos vb. mod intr. def to move in a winding course. coil H1.3. syl coil pron pos n. def something wound in a connected series of loops. coil H1.4. syl coil pron pos n. def a single loop of such a series. coil H1.5. syl coil pron pos n. def an arrangement of pipes in a spiral or loop, as in a con?!denser. coil H1.6. syl coil pron pos n. def an electrical conductor wound into the form of a spiral, sometimes with a soft iron core, to provide inductance or a magnetic field. See also {induction coil}. coil H1.7. syl coil pron pos n. def an intrauterine contraceptive device in the shape of a coil. coil H1.8. syl coil pron pos n. def the transformer in a petrol engine that supplies the high voltage to the sparking plugs. coiler sub head coil syl coil+er pos n. coil ety C16: of unknown origin coil H2.0. syl coil pron pos n. def the troubles and activities of the world (in the Shakespearian phrase {this mortal coil) }. coil spring 0. syl coil spring pos n. def a helical spring formed from wire. Coimbatore 0. syl Co+im+ba+tore pron <2kc:imb*1tc:> pos n. def an industrial city in SW India, in W Tamil Nadu. Pop.: 356368 (1971). Coimbra 0. syl Coim+bra pron Portuguese <1kwimbr*> pos n. def a city in central Portugal: capital of Portugal from 1190 to 1260; seat of the country's oldest university. Pop.: 108046 (1970). coin ety C14: from Old French: stamping die, from Latin cuneus wedge coin 1. syl coin pron pos n. def a metal disc or piece used as money. coin 2. syl coin pron pos n. def metal currency, as opposed to securities, paper currency, etc. coin 3. syl coin pron pos n. qual Architect. def a variant spelling of {quoin}. pay (a person) back in (his) own coin 4. head coin syl pay (a person) back in (his) own coin. def to treat (a person) in the way that he has treated others. coin 5. syl coin pron pos vb. mod tr. def to make or stamp (coins). coin 6. syl coin pron pos vb. mod tr. def to make into a coin. coin 7. syl coin pron pos vb. mod tr. def to fabricate or invent (words, etc.). coin 8. syl coin pron pos vb. mod tr. qual Informal. def to make (money) rapidly (esp. in the phrase {coin it in}) . to coin a phrase 9. head coin syl to coin a phrase. def said ironically after one uses a clich*'e. the other side of the coin 10. head coin syl the other side of the coin. def the opposite view of a matter. coinable sub head coin syl coin+a:ble pos adj. coiner sub head coin syl coin+er pos n. coinage 1. syl coin+age pron <1kciniJ> pos n. def coins collectively. coinage 2. syl coin+age pron <1kciniJ> pos n. def the act of striking coins. coinage 3. syl coin+age pron <1kciniJ> pos n. def the currency of a country. coinage 4. syl coin+age pron <1kciniJ> pos n. def the act of inventing something, esp. a word or phrase. coinage 5. syl coin+age pron <1kciniJ> pos n. def a newly invented word, phrase, usage, etc. coin box 0. syl coin box pos n. def the part of a coin-operated machine into which coins are placed. coincide ety C18: from Medieval Latin coincidere, from Latin co- together+ incidere to occur, befall, from cadere to fall coincide 1. syl co+in+cide pron <2k*uin1sId> pos vb. mod intr. def to occur or exist simultaneously. coincide 2. syl co+in+cide pron <2k*uin1sId> pos vb. mod intr. def to be identical in nature, character, etc. coincide 3. syl co+in+cide pron <2k*uin1sId> pos vb. mod intr. def to agree. coincidence 1. syl co+in+ci+dence pron pos n. def a chance occurrence of events remarkable either for being simultaneous or for apparently being connected. coincidence 2. syl co+in+ci+dence pron pos n. def the fact, condition, or state of coinciding. coincidence 3. syl co+in+ci+dence pron pos n. qual Electronics. usage modifier def of or relating to a circuit that produces an output pulse only when both its input terminals receive pulses within a specified interval. exam 1 coincidence gate. coincident 1. syl co+in+ci+dent pron pos adj. def having the same position in space or time. coincident 2. syl co+in+ci+dent pron pos adj. usage usually postpositive and foll. by with def in exact agreement; consonant. coincidental sub head coincident syl co+2in+ci+1dent+al pos adj. coincidentally sub head coincident syl co+2in+ci+1dent+al+ly pos adv. coin-op 0. syl coin-op pron <1kcin2op> pos n. def a launderette or other service installation in which the machines are operated by insertion of a coin. coinsurance 1. syl co+in+sur+ance pron <2k*uin1Su*r*ns>, <-1Sc:-> pos n. def a method of insurance by which property is insured for a certain percentage of its value by a commercial insurance policy while the owner assumes liability for the remainder. coinsurance 2. syl co+in+sur+ance pron <2k*uin1Su*r*ns>, <-1Sc:-> pos n. def joint insurance held by two or more persons. coinsure 1. syl co+in+sure pron <2k*uin1Su*>, <-1Sc:> pos vb. def to take out coinsurance. coinsure 2. syl co+in+sure pron <2k*uin1Su*>, <-1Sc:> pos vb. def to insure (property) jointly with another. coinsurer sub head coinsure syl co+in+1sur+er pos n. Cointreau 0. syl Coin+treau pron <1kwa:ntr*u> pos n. qual Trademark. def a colourless liqueur with orange flavouring. coir ety C16: from Malayalam k*_ayar rope, from k*_ayaru to be twisted coir 0. syl coir pron <1kci*> pos n. def the fibre prepared from the husk of the coconut, used in making rope and matting. Coire 0. syl Coire pron pos n. def the French name for {Chur}. coit ety C20: perhaps a variant and special use of #7quoit, referring to roundness coit 0. syl coit pron pos n. qual Austral. slang. def buttocks; backside. Also called: {quoit}. coitus ety C18 coitus: from Latin: a uniting, from co*_ire to meet, from *_ire to go coition alt head coitus or coitus syl co:i+tion pron pos n. coitus 0. or coition syl co:i+tus pron <1k*uit*s> pos n. def a technical term for {sexual intercourse}. coital sub head coitus syl co:i+tal pos adj. coitus interruptus 0. syl co:i+tus in:ter+rup+tus pron <2int*1r^pt*s> pos n. def the deliberate withdrawal of the penis from the vagina before ejaculation. coitus reservatus 0. syl co:i+tus res+er+va+tus pron <2rez*1va:t*s> pos n. def the deliberate delaying or avoidance of orgasm during intercourse. cojones 1. syl co+jo+nes pron Spanish. def testicles. cojones 2. syl co+jo+nes pron Spanish. def manly courage. coke ety C17: probably a variant of C14 northern English dialect colk core, of obscure origin coke H1.1. syl coke pron pos n. def a solid-fuel product containing about 80 per cent of carbon produced by distillation of coal to drive off its volatile constituents: used as a fuel and in metallurgy as a reducing agent for converting metal oxides into metals. coke H1.2. syl coke pron pos n. def any similar material, such as the layer formed in the cylinders of a car engine by incomplete combustion of the fuel. coke H1.3. syl coke pron pos vb. def to become or convert into coke. coke H2.0. syl coke pron pos n. qual Slang. def short for {cocaine}. Coke H1.0. syl Coke pron pos n. qual Trademark. def short for {Coca-Cola}. Coke H2.0. syl Coke pron , pos n. def Sir {Ed@.ward}. 1552-1634, English jurist, noted for his defence of the common law against encroachment from the Crown: the Petition of Right (1628) was largely his work. cokuloris ety C20: of unknown origin cokuloris 0. syl cok:u+lo+ris pron <2kok*1lc:ris> pos n. qual Films. def a palette with irregular holes, placed between lighting and camera to prevent glare. col ety C19: from French: neck, col, from Latin collum neck col 1. syl col pron , French pos n. def a strip of land or a ridge connecting two outlying features, such as mountain peaks. col 2. syl col pron , French pos n. qual Meteorol. def a pressure region between two anticyclones and two depressions, associated with variable weather. col 1. syl col. qual abbrev. for: def colour(ed). col 2. syl col. qual abbrev. for: def column. Col 1. syl Col. qual abbrev. for: def Colombia(n). Col 2. syl Col. qual abbrev. for: def Colonel. Col 3. syl Col. qual abbrev. for:; Bible. def Colossians. col- H1.0. syl col- pos prefix. def variant of {com-} before col- H2.0. syl col- pos prefix. def variant of {colo-} before a vowel. exam 1 colectomy. cola ety C18: from kola, probably variant of Mandingo kolo nut kola alt head cola or cola syl ko:la pron <1k*ul*> pos n. cola H1.1. or kola syl co:la pron <1k*ul*> pos n. def either of two tropical sterculiaceous trees, or widely cultivated in tropical regions for their seeds (see {cola nut) }. cola H1.2. or kola syl co:la pron <1k*ul*> pos n. def a sweet carbonated drink flavoured with cola nuts. cola H2.0. syl co:la pron <1k*ul*> pos n. def the plural of {{colon%1} (sense 3)} or {colon%2}. colander ety C14 colyndore, probably from Old Proven*,cal colador, via Medieval Latin, from Late Latin c*_ol*_are to filter, from Latin c*_olum sieve cullender alt head colander or colander syl cul+len+der pos n. colander 0. or cullender syl col+an+der pron <1kol*nd*>, <1k^l-> pos n. def a pan with a perforated bottom for straining or rinsing foods. cola nut 0. syl co:la nut pos n. def any of the seeds of the cola tree, which contain caffeine and theobromine and are used medicinally and in the manufacture of soft drinks. colatitude 0. syl co+lat:i+tude pron pos n. qual Astronomy, navigation. def the complement of the celestial latitude. Claudette 1. head Colbert syl Clau:dette pron def original name born 1905, U.S. film actress, born in France. Her films include (1934), (1934), (1942), (1947), and (1950). Jean Baptiste 2. head Colbert syl Jean Bap:tiste pron def 1619-83, French statesman; chief minister to Louis XIV: reformed the taille and pursued a mercantalist policy, creating a powerful navy and merchant fleet and building roads and canals. colcannon ety C18: from Irish Gaelic c*_al ceannan, literally: white-headed cabbage colcannon 0. syl col+can+non pron , <1kol2k@n*n> pos n. def a dish, originating in Ireland, of potatoes and cabbage or other greens boiled and mashed together. Colchester 0. syl Col+ches+ter pron <1k*ulCist*> pos n. def a town in E England, in NE Essex. Pop.: 76145 (1971). Latin name: {Camulodunum}. colchicine ety C19: from #7colchicum+ -#7ine %2 colchicine 0. syl col+chi+cine pron <1kolCi2sEn>, <-sin>, <1kolki-> pos n. def a pale-yellow crystalline alkaloid extracted from seeds or corms of the autumn crocus and used in the treatment of gout. Formula: C\2\2H\2\5NO\6. colchicum ety C16: from Latin, from Greek kolkhikon, from kolkhikos of C#7olchis colchicum 1. syl col+chi+cum pron <1kolCik*m>, <1kolki-> pos n. def any Eurasian liliaceous plant of the genus such as the autumn crocus. colchicum 2. syl col+chi+cum pron <1kolCik*m>, <1kolki-> pos n. def the dried seeds or corms of the autumn crocus: a source of colchicine. Colchis 0. syl Col+chis pron <1kolkis> pos n. def an ancient country on the Black Sea south of the Caucasus; the land of Medea and the Golden Fleece in Greek mythology. colcothar ety C17: from French colcotar, from Spanish colc*'otar, from Arabic dialect qulqut*_ar colcothar 0. syl col+co+thar pron <1kolk*2Ta:> pos n. def a finely powdered form of ferric oxide produced by heating ferric sulphate and used as a pigment and as jewellers' rouge. Also called: {crocus}. cold ety Old English ceald; related to Old Norse kaldr, Gothic kalds, Old High German kalt; see #7cool cold 1. syl cold pron pos adj. def having relatively little warmth; of a rather low temperature. exam 1 cold weather; exam 2 cold hands. cold 2. syl cold pron pos adj. def without sufficient or proper warmth. exam 1 this meal is cold. cold 3. syl cold pron pos adj. def lacking in affection, enthusiasm, or warmth of feeling. exam 1 a cold manner. cold 4. syl cold pron pos adj. def not affected by emotion; objective. exam 1 cold logic. cold 5. syl cold pron pos adj. def dead. cold 6. syl cold pron pos adj. def sexually unresponsive or frigid. cold 7. syl cold pron pos adj. def lacking in freshness. exam 1 a cold scent; exam 2 cold news. cold 8. syl cold pron pos adj. def chilling to the spirit; depressing. cold 9. syl cold pron pos adj. usage of a colour def having violet, blue, or green predominating; giving no sensation of warmth. cold 10. syl cold pron pos adj. qual Metallurgy. def denoting or relating to a process in which work-hardening occurs as a result of the plastic de?!formation of a metal at too low a temperature for annealing to take place. cold 11. syl cold pron pos adj. usage Informal. of a seeker def far from the object of a search. cold comfort 12. head cold syl cold comfort. def little or no comfort. cold steel 13. head cold syl cold steel. def the use of bayonets, knives, etc., in combat. in cold blood 14. head cold syl in cold blood. def without feeling pity or remorse; ruthlessly. leave (someone) cold 15. head cold syl leave (someone) cold. qual Informal. def to fail to excite. exam 1 the performance left me cold. throw cold water on 16. head cold syl throw cold water on. qual Informal. def to be unenthusiastic about or discourage. cold 17. syl cold pron pos n. def the absence of heat regarded as a positive force. exam 1 the cold took away our breath. cold 18. syl cold pron pos n. def the sensation caused by loss or lack of heat. (out) in the cold 19. head cold syl (out) in the cold. qual Informal. def neglected; ignored. cold 20. syl cold pron pos n. def an acute viral infection of the upper respiratory passages characterized by discharge of watery mucus from the nose, sneezing, etc. cold 21. syl cold pron pos adv. qual Informal. def without preparation. exam 1 he played his part cold. cold 22. syl cold pron pos adv. qual Informal, chiefly U.S. def thoroughly. exam 1 he learnt his lesson cold. coldish sub head cold syl cold+ish pos adj. coldly sub head cold syl cold+ly pos adv. coldness sub head cold syl cold+ness pos n. cold-blooded 1. syl cold-blood:ed pos adj. def having or showing a lack of feeling or pity. exam 1 a cold-blooded killing. cold-blooded 2. syl cold-blood:ed pos adj. qual Informal. def particularly sensitive to cold. cold-blooded 3. syl cold-blood:ed pos adj. usage of all animals except birds and mammals def having a body temperature that varies with that of the surroundings. Technical term: {poikilothermic}. cold-bloodedly sub head cold-blooded syl cold-1blood:ed+ly pos adv. cold-bloodedness sub head cold-blooded syl cold-1blood:ed+ness pos n. cold cathode 0. syl cold cath+ode pos n. qual Electronics. def a cathode from which electrons are emitted at an ambient temperature, due to a high potential gradient at the surface. cold chisel 0. syl cold chis+el pos n. def a toughened steel chisel. cold cream 0. syl cold cream pos n. def an emulsion of water and fat used cosmetically for softening and cleansing the skin. cold cuts 0. syl cold cuts pos n. mod pl. def cooked meats sliced and served cold. cold-drawn 0. syl cold-drawn pos adj. usage of metal wire, bars, etc. def having been drawn unheated through a die to reduce dimensions, toughen, and improve surface finish. cold duck 0. syl cold duck pos n. def an alcoholic beverage made from equal parts of burgundy and champagne. cold feet 0. syl cold feet pos n. qual Informal. def loss or lack of courage or confidence. cold frame 0. syl cold frame pos n. def an unheated wooden frame with a glass top, used to protect young plants from the cold. cold front 1. syl cold front pos n. qual Meteorology. def the boundary line between a warm air mass and the cold air pushing it from beneath and behind as it moves. cold front 2. syl cold front pos n. qual Meteorology. def the line on the earth's surface where the cold front meets it. cold front xref syl cold front pos n. qual Meteorology. def Compare {warm front}. cold-hearted 0. syl cold-heart:ed pos adj. def lacking in feeling or warmth; unkind. cold-heartedly sub head cold-hearted syl cold-1heart:ed+ly pos adv. cold-heartedness sub head cold-hearted syl cold-1heart:ed+ness pos n. cold light 0. syl cold light pos n. def light emitted at low temperatures from a source that is not incandescent, as in fluorescence, phosphorescence, bioluminescence, or triboluminescence. cold pack 1.a. syl cold pack pos n. def a method of lowering the body temperature by wrapping a person in a sheet soaked in cold water. cold pack 1.b. syl cold pack pos n. def the sheet so used. cold pack 2. syl cold pack pos n. def a tinning process in which raw food is packed in cans or jars and then heated. cold rubber 0. syl cold rub+ber pos n. def synthetic rubber made at low temperatures (about 5?%C). It is stronger than that made at higher temperatures and is used for car tyres. cold shoulder 1. syl cold shoul+der pos n. qual Informal. usage often preceded by the def a show of indifference; a slight. cold-shoulder infl head cold shoulder syl cold-shoul:der. pos vb. mod tr. cold shoulder 2. syl cold shoul+der pos vb. mod tr. qual Informal. def to treat with indifference. cold snap 0. syl cold snap pos n. def a sudden short spell of cold weather. cold sore 0. syl cold sore pos n. def a cluster of blisters at the margin of the lips that sometimes accompanies the common cold, caused by a viral infection. Technical name: {herpes labialis}. cold storage 1. syl cold stor+age pos n. def the storage of things in an artificially cooled place for preservation. cold storage 2. syl cold stor+age pos n. qual Informal. def a state of temporary suspension. exam 1 to put an idea into cold storage. cold sweat 0. syl cold sweat pos n. qual Informal. def a bodily reaction to fear or nervousness, characterized by chill and moist skin. cold turkey 0. syl cold tur+key pos n. qual U.S. slang. def a method of curing drug addiction by abrupt withdrawal of all doses. cold war 0. syl cold war pos n. def a state of political hostility and military tension between two countries or power blocs, involving propaganda, subversion, threats, etc., esp. that between the American and Soviet blocs after World War II (the {Cold War) }. cold warrior 0. syl cold war+ri+or pos n. def a person who engages in or promotes a cold war. cold wave 1. syl cold wave pos n. qual Meteorol. def a sudden spell of low temperatures over a wide area, often following the passage of a cold front. cold wave 2. syl cold wave pos n. qual Hairdressing. def a permanent wave made by chemical agents applied at normal temperatures. cold-weld 0. syl cold-weld pos vb. mod tr. def to join (two metal surfaces) without heat by forcing them together so that the oxide films are broken and adhesion occurs. cold welding sub head cold-weld syl cold weld+ing pos n. cold work 1. syl cold work pos n. def the craft of shaping metal without heat. {~} {cold-work}. cold work 2. syl cold work pos n. def to shape metal in this way. cole ety Old English c*_al, from Latin caulis plant stalk, cabbage cole 0. syl cole pron pos n. def any of various plants of the genus such as the cabbage and rape. Also called: {colewort}. colectomies infl head colectomy syl co+lec+to+mies. pos n. mod pl. colectomy 0. syl co+lec+to+my pron pos n. def surgical removal of part or all of the colon. colemanite ety C19: named after William T. Coleman (1824-93), American pioneer, owner of the mine in which it was discovered colemanite 0. syl cole+man+ite pron <1k*ulm*2nIt> pos n. def a colourless or white glassy mineral consisting of hydrated calcium borate in monoclinic crystalline form. It occurs with and is a source of borax. Formula: Ca\2B\6O\1\1.5H\2O. coleopteran ety C18: from New Latin Coleoptera, from Greek koleoptera, from koleopteros sheath-winged, from koleon sheath+ pteron wing coleopteran 1. syl col+e:op+ter+an pron <2koli1opt*r*n> pos n. usage also def any of the insects of the cosmopolitan order in which the forewings are modified to form shell-like protective elytra. The order includes the beetles and weevils. coleopteran 2. syl col+e:op+ter+an pron <2koli1opt*r*n> pos adj. usage also def of, relating to, or belonging to the order coleoptile ety C19: from New Latin coleoptilum, from Greek koleon sheath+ ptilon down, soft plumage coleoptile 0. syl col+e:op+tile pron <2koli1optIl> pos n. def a protective sheath around the plumule in grasses. coleorhiza ety C19: from New Latin, from Greek koleon sheath+ rhiza root coleorhizae infl head coleorhiza syl col+e:o+rhi+zae pron <-zE> pos n. mod pl. coleorhiza 0. syl col+e:o+rhi+za pron <2koli*1rIz*> pos n. def a protective sheath around the radicle in grasses. Samuel Taylor infl head Coleridge syl Sam:u:el Tay:lor. pos n. Coleridge 0. syl Co:le:ridge pron <1k*ul*riJ> pos n. def 1772-1834, English Romantic poet and critic, noted for poems such as (1798), (1816), and (1816), and for his critical work (1817). coleslaw ety C19: from Dutch koolsla, from koolsalade, literally: cabbage salad coleslaw 0. syl cole+slaw pron <1k*ul2slc:> pos n. def a salad of shredded cabbage, mayonnaise, carrots, onions, etc. John infl head Colet syl John. pos n. Colet 0. syl Col:et pron <1kolit> pos n. def ??1467-1519, English humanist and theologian; founder of St. Paul's School, London (1509). Colette 0. syl Co:lette pron pos n. def pen name of 1873-1954, French novelist; her works include (1920), (1944), and the series of books. coleus ety C19: from New Latin, from Greek koleos, variant of koleon sheath; from the way in which the stamens are joined couses infl head coleus syl co+us:es. pos n. mod pl. coleus 0. syl co+le:us pron <1k*uli*s> pos n. def any plant of the Old World genus cultivated for their variegated leaves, typically marked with red, yellow, or white: family (labiates). colewort 0. syl cole+wort pron <1k*ul2wR:t> pos n. def another name for {cole}. coley 0. syl col+ey pron <1k*uli>, <1koli> pos n. qual Brit. def any of various edible fishes, esp. the coalfish. colic ety C15: from Old French colique, from Late Latin c*_olicus ill with colic, from Greek k*_olon, variant of kolon #7colon %2 colic 0. syl col+ic pron <1kolik> pos n. def a condition characterized by acute spasmodic abdominal pain, esp. that caused by inflammation, distention, etc., of the gastrointestinal tract. colicky sub head colic syl col+ick:y pos adj. colicroot 1. syl col:ic+root pron <1kolik2ru:t> pos n. def either of two North American liliaceous plants, or having tubular white or yellow flowers and a bitter root formerly used to relieve colic. colicroot 2. syl col:ic+root pron <1kolik2ru:t> pos n. def any of various other plants formerly used to relieve colic. colicweed 0. syl col:ic+weed pron <1kolik2wEd> pos n. def any of several plants of the genera or@T such@T as@T the @T squirrel@T corn and Dutchman's-breeches: family coliform bacteria 0. syl col:i+form bac+te+ri:a pron <1kolifc:m> pos n. def a large group of bacteria that inhabit the intestinal tract of man and animals and may cause disease. Coligni alt head Coligny or Coligny syl Co:lig:ni pron French pos n. Gaspard de infl head Coligny syl Gas:pard de pron pos n. Coligny 0. or Coligni syl Co:lig:ny pron French pos n. def 1519-72, French Huguenot leader. Colima 1. syl Co+li+ma pron Spanish pos n. def a state of SW Mexico, on the Pacific coast: mainly a coastal plain, rising to the foothills of the Sierra Madre, with important mineral resources. Capital: Colima. Pop.: 241153 (1970). Area: 5455 sq. km ( 2106 sq. miles). Colima 2. syl Co+li+ma pron Spanish pos n. def a city in SW Mexico, capital of Colima state, on the Colima River. Pop.: 72074 (1970). Nevado de 3. head Colima syl Ne+va+do de. def a volcano in SW Mexico, in Jalisco state. Height: 4339 m (14235 ft.). coliseum ety C18: from Medieval Latin Colisseum, variant of C#7olosseum colosseum alt head coliseum or coliseum syl col+os+se:um pron <2kol*1si*m> pos n. coliseum 0. or colosseum syl col:i+se:um pron <2koli1si*m> pos n. def a large building, such as a stadium or theatre, used for entertainments, sports, etc. colonitis alt head colitis or colitis syl col:o+ni+tis pron <2kol*1nItis> pos n. colitis 0. or colonitis syl co+li+tis pron , pos n. def inflammation of the colon. colitic sub head colitis syl co+lit+ic pron pos adj. coll 1. syl coll. qual abbrev. for: def colleague. coll 2. syl coll. qual abbrev. for: def collection. coll 3. syl coll. qual abbrev. for: def collector. coll 4. syl coll. qual abbrev. for: def college. coll 5. syl coll. qual abbrev. for: def collegiate. coll 6. syl coll. qual abbrev. for: def colloquial. collaborate ety C19: from Late Latin collab*_or*_are, from Latin com- together+ lab*_or*_are to work collaborate 1. syl col+lab:o+rate pron pos vb. mod intr. usage often foll. by on, with, etc. def to work with another or others on a joint project. collaborate 2. syl col+lab:o+rate pron pos vb. mod intr. def to cooperate as a traitor, esp. with an enemy occupying one's own country. collaboration sub head collaborate syl col+2lab:o+1ra+tion pos n. collaborative sub head collaborate syl col+1lab:o+ra+tive pos adj. collaborator sub head collaborate or collaborationist syl col+1lab:o+2ra+tor pos n. collaborationist sub head collaborate or collaborator syl col+2lab:o+1ra+tion+ist pos n. collage ety C20: French, from coller to stick, from colle glue, from Greek kolla collage 1. syl col+lage pron , , French pos n. def an art form in which compositions are made out of pieces of paper, cloth, photographs, and other miscellaneous objects, juxtaposed and pasted on a dry ground. collage 2. syl col+lage pron , , French pos n. def a composition made in this way. collage 3. syl col+lage pron , , French pos n. def any collection of unrelated things. collagist sub head collage syl col+1lag+ist pos n. collagen ety C19: from Greek kolla glue+-#7gen collagen 0. syl col+la+gen pron <1kol*J*n> pos n. def a fibrous scleroprotein of connective tissue and bones that is rich in glycine and proline and yields gelatin on boiling. collagenic sub head collagen or collagenous syl col+la+gen+ic pron <2kol*1Jenik> pos adj. collagenous sub head collagen or collagenic syl col+la+gen+ous pron pos adj. collapsar 0. syl col+lap+sar pron pos n. qual Astronomy. def another name for {black hole}. collapse ety C18: from Latin coll*_apsus, from coll*_ab*_i to fall in ruins, from l*_ab*_i to fall collapse 1. syl col+lapse pron pos vb. mod intr. def to fall down or cave in suddenly. exam 1 the whole building collapsed. collapse 2. syl col+lapse pron pos vb. mod intr. def to fail completely. exam 1 his story collapsed on investigation. collapse 3. syl col+lapse pron pos vb. mod intr. def to break down or fall down from lack of strength. collapse 4. syl col+lapse pron pos vb. def to fold (furniture, etc.) compactly or (of furniture, etc.) to be designed to fold compactly. collapse 5. syl col+lapse pron pos n. def the act or instance of suddenly falling down, caving in, or crumbling. collapse 6. syl col+lapse pron pos n. def a sudden failure or breakdown. collapsible sub head collapse or collapsable syl col+1laps+i:ble pos adj. collapsable sub head collapse or collapsible syl col+1laps+a:ble pos adj. collapsibility sub head collapse syl col+2laps+i:1bil+i:ty pos n. collar ety C13: from Latin coll*_are neckband, neck chain, collar, from collum neck collar 1. syl col+lar pron <1kol*> pos n. def the part of a garment around the neck and shoulders, often detachable or folded over. collar 2. syl col+lar pron <1kol*> pos n. def any band, necklace, garland, etc., encircling the neck. exam 1 a collar of flowers. collar 3. syl col+lar pron <1kol*> pos n. def a band or chain of leather, rope, or metal placed around an animal's neck to restrain, harness, or identify it. collar 4. syl col+lar pron <1kol*> pos n. qual Biology. def a marking or structure resembling a collar, such as that found around the necks of some birds or at the junction of a stem and a root. collar 5. syl col+lar pron <1kol*> pos n. def a section of a shaft or rod having a locally increased diameter to provide a bearing seat or a locating ring. collar 6. syl col+lar pron <1kol*> pos n. def a cut of meat, esp. bacon, taken from around the neck of an animal. hot under the collar 7. head collar syl hot under the collar. qual Informal. def angry; excited. collar 8. syl col+lar pron <1kol*> pos vb. mod tr. def to put a collar on; furnish with a collar. collar 9. syl col+lar pron <1kol*> pos vb. mod tr. def to seize by the collar. collar 10. syl col+lar pron <1kol*> pos vb. mod tr. qual Informal. def to seize; arrest; detain. collarbone 0. syl col:lar+bone pron <1kol*2b*un> pos n. def the nontechnical name for {clavicle}. collar cell 0. syl col+lar cell pos n. def another name for {choanocyte}. collard ety C18: variant of #7colewort collard 1. syl col+lard pron <1kol*d> pos n. def a variety of the cabbage, having a crown of edible leaves. See also {kale}. collard 2. syl col+lard pron <1kol*d> pos n. def the leaves of this plant, eaten as a vegetable. collared dove 0. syl col+lared dove pos n. def a European dove, having a brownish-grey plumage with a black band on the back of the neck. collarette 0. syl col+lar+ette pron <2kol*1ret> pos n. def a woman's fur or lace collar. collat 0. syl collat. qual abbrev. for def collateral. collate ety C16: from Latin coll*_atus brought together (past participle of conferre to gather) from com- together+ l*_atus, past participle of ferre to bring collate 1. syl col+late pron , pos vb. mod tr. def to examine and compare (texts, statements, etc.) in order to note points of agreement and disagreement. collate 2. syl col+late pron , pos vb. mod tr. usage in library work def to check the number and order of (the pages of a book). collate 3.a. syl col+late pron , pos vb. mod tr. def to check the sequence of (the sections of a book) after gathering. collate 3.b. syl col+late pron , pos vb. mod tr. def a nontechnical word for { {gather} (sense 9)}. collate 4. syl col+late pron , pos vb. mod tr. qual Christianity. usage often foll. by to def to appoint (an incumbent) to a benefice. collateral ety C14: from Medieval Latin collater*_alis, from Latin com- together+ later*_alis of the side, from latus side collateral 1.a. syl col+lat+er+al pron , pos n. def security pledged for the repayment of a loan. collateral 1.b. syl col+lat+er+al pron , pos n. usage as modifier exam 1 a collateral loan. collateral 2. syl col+lat+er+al pron , pos n. def a person, animal, or plant descended from the same ancestor as another but through a different line. collateral 3. syl col+lat+er+al pron , pos adj. def situated or running side by side. collateral 4. syl col+lat+er+al pron , pos adj. def descended from a common ancestor but through different lines. collateral 5. syl col+lat+er+al pron , pos adj. def serving to support or corrobo?!rate. collateral 6. syl col+lat+er+al pron , pos adj. def aside from the main issue. collateral 7. syl col+lat+er+al pron , pos adj. def uniting in tendency. collaterally sub head collateral syl col+1lat+er+al+ly pos adv. collation 1. syl col+la+tion pron , pos n. def the act or process of collating. collation 2. syl col+la+tion pron , pos n. def a description of the technical features of a book. collation 3. syl col+la+tion pron , pos n. qual R.C. Church. def a light meal permitted on fast days. collation 4. syl col+la+tion pron , pos n. def any light informal meal. collation 5. syl col+la+tion pron , pos n. def the appointment of a clergyman to a benefice. collative 1. syl col+la+tive pron , <1kol*-> pos adj. def involving collation. collative 2. syl col+la+tive pron , <1kol*-> pos adj. usage of benefices def presented or held by collation. collator 1. syl col+la+tor pron , <1kolAt*>, <1k*u-> pos n. def a person or machine that collates texts or manuscripts. collator 2. syl col+la+tor pron , <1kolAt*>, <1k*u-> pos n. qual Computer technol. def a device for matching or checking punched cards in separate files and for merging two or more files sorted into the same ordered sequence. colleague ety C16: from French coll*`egue, from Latin coll*_ega one selected at the same time as another, from com- together+ l*_eg*_are to choose colleague 0. syl col+league pron <1kolEg> pos n. def a fellow worker or member of a staff, department, etc. collect ety C16: from Latin coll*_ectus collected, from colligere to gather together, from com- together+ legere to gather collect H1.1. syl col+lect pron pos vb. def to gather together or be gathered together. collect H1.2. syl col+lect pron pos vb. def to accumulate (stamps, books, etc.) as a hobby or for study. collect H1.3. syl col+lect pron pos vb. mod tr. def to call for or receive payment of (taxes, dues, etc.). collect H1.4. syl col+lect pron pos vb. mod tr. def to regain control of (oneself, one's emotions, etc.) as after a shock or surprise. exam 1 he collected his wits. collect H1.5. syl col+lect pron pos vb. mod tr. def to fetch. exam 1 collect your own post. collect H1.6. syl col+lect pron pos vb. mod intr. qual Slang. usage sometimes foll. by on def to receive large sums of money, as from an investment, etc.. exam 1 he really collected when the will was read. collect H1.7. syl col+lect pron pos vb. qual Austral. informal. def to collide with; be hit by. collect on delivery 8. head collect syl collect on delivery. def the U.S. term for {cash on delivery. ~} collect H1.9. syl col+lect pron pos vb. usage U.S. of telephone calls, etc. def on a transferred-charge basis. {~} a winning bet. collectable sub head collect or collectible syl col+1lect+a:ble pos adj. collectible sub head collect or collectable syl col+1lect+i:ble pos adj. collect ety C13: from Medieval Latin collecta (from the phrase *_or*_ati*_o ad coll*_ectam prayer at the (people's) assembly), from Latin colligere to #7collect %1 collect H2.0. syl col+lect pron <1kolekt> pos n. qual Christianity. def a short Church prayer generally preceding the lesson or epistle in Communion and other services. collectanea ety C18: from Latin, from collect*_aneus assembled, from colligere to #7collect %1 collectanea 0. syl col+lec+ta+ne:a pron <2kolek1tAni*> pos n. mod pl. def a collection of excerpts from one or more authors; miscellany; anthology. collected 1. syl col+lect+ed pron pos adj. def in full control of one's faculties; composed. collected 2. syl col+lect+ed pron pos adj. def assembled in totality or brought together into one volume or a set of volumes. exam 1 the collected works of Dickens. collected 3. syl col+lect+ed pron pos adj. usage of a horse or a horse's pace def controlled so that movement is in short restricted steps. exam 1 a collected canter. collectedly sub head collected syl col+1lect+ed+ly pos adv. collectedness sub head collected syl col+1lect+ed+ness pos n. collection 1. syl col+lec+tion pron pos n. def the act or process of collecting. collection 2. syl col+lec+tion pron pos n. def a number of things collected or assembled together. collection 3. syl col+lec+tion pron pos n. def something gathered into a mass or pile; accumulation. exam 1 a collection of rubbish. collection 4. syl col+lec+tion pron pos n. def a sum of money collected or solicited, as in church. collection 5. syl col+lec+tion pron pos n. def removal, esp. regular removal of letters from a postbox. collection 6. syl col+lec+tion pron pos n. mod often; pl. usage at Oxford University def a college examination or an oral report by a tutor. collective 1. syl col+lec+tive pron pos adj. def formed or assembled by collection. collective 2. syl col+lec+tive pron pos adj. def forming a whole or aggregate. collective 3. syl col+lec+tive pron pos adj. def of, done by, or characteristic of individuals acting in cooperation. collective 4.a. syl col+lec+tive pron pos n. def a cooperative enterprise or unit, such as a collective farm. collective 4.b. syl col+lec+tive pron pos n. def the members of such a cooperative. collective 5. syl col+lec+tive pron pos n. def short for {collective noun}. collectively sub head collective syl col+1lec+tive+ly pos adv. collectiveness sub head collective syl col+1lec+tive+ness pos n. collective bargaining 0. syl col+lec+tive bar+gain+ing pos n. def negotiation between a trade union and an employer or an employers' organization on the incomes and working conditions of the employees. collective farm 0. syl col+lec+tive farm pos n. usage chiefly in Communist countries def a farm or group of farms managed and owned, through the state, by the community. Russian name: {kolkhoz}. collective fruit 0. syl col+lec+tive fruit pos n. def another name for {multiple fruit}. collective noun 0. syl col+lec+tive noun pos n. def a noun that is singular in form but that refers to a group of people or things. #e {Usage}. Collective nouns are usually used with singular verbs. exam 1 the family is on holiday; exam 2 General Motors is mounting a big sales campaign. collective ownership 0. syl col+lec+tive own+er+ship pos n. def ownership by a group for the benefit of members of that group. collective pitch lever 0. syl col+lec+tive pitch lev+er pos n. def a lever in a helicopter to change the angle of attack of all the rotor blades simultaneously, causing it to rise or descend. Compare {cyclic pitch lever}. collective security 0. syl col+lec+tive se+cu+ri:ty pos n. def a system of maintaining world peace and security by concerted action on the part of the nations of the world. collective unconscious 0. syl col+lec+tive un+con+scious pos n. usage Psychol. in Jungian psycho?!logical theory def a part of the unconscious mind incorporating patterns of memories, instincts, and experiences common to all mankind. These patterns are inherited, may be arranged into archetypes, and are observable through their effects on dreams, behaviour, etc. collectivism 1. syl col+lec+tiv+ism pron pos n. def the principle of ownership of the means of production, by the state or the people. collectivism 2. syl col+lec+tiv+ism pron pos n. def a social system based upon such a principle. collectivist sub head collectivism syl col+1lec+tiv+ist pos n. collectivistic sub head collectivism syl col+2lec+tiv+1is+tic pos adj. collectivities infl head collectivity syl col+lec+tiv+i:ties. pos n. mod pl. collectivity 1. syl col+lec+tiv+i:ty pron <2kolek1tiviti> pos n. def the quality or state of being collective. collectivity 2. syl col+lec+tiv+i:ty pron <2kolek1tiviti> pos n. def a collective whole or aggregate. collectivity 3. syl col+lec+tiv+i:ty pron <2kolek1tiviti> pos n. def people regarded as a whole. collectivise alt head collectivize or collectivize syl col+lec+ti+vise pron pos vb. mod tr. collectivize 0. or collectivise syl col+lec+ti+vize pron pos vb. mod tr. def to organize according to the principles of collectivism. collectivization sub head collectivize or collectivisation syl col+2lec+tiv:i+1za+tion pos n. collectivisation sub head collectivize or collectivization syl col+2lec+tiv:i+1sa+tion pos n. collector 1. syl col+lec+tor pron pos n. def a person or thing that collects. collector 2. syl col+lec+tor pron pos n. def a person employed to collect debts, rents, etc. collector 3. syl col+lec+tor pron pos n. def the head of a district administration in India. collector 4. syl col+lec+tor pron pos n. def a person who collects or amasses objects as a hobby. collector 5. syl col+lec+tor pron pos n. qual Electronics. def the region in a transistor into which charge carriers flow from the base. collectorship sub head collector syl col+1lec+tor+2ship pos n. collectorate 0. syl col+lec+to+rate pron pos n. def the office of a collector in India. colleen ety C19: from Irish cail*_in a little girl, from caile girl colleen 1. syl col+leen pron <1kolEn>, pos n. def an Irish word for {girl}. colleen 2. syl col+leen pron <1kolEn>, pos n. def an Irish girl. college ety C14: from Latin coll*_egium company, society, band of associates, from coll*_ega; see #7colleague college 1. syl col+lege pron <1koliJ> pos n. def an institution of higher education; part of a university. college 2. syl col+lege pron <1koliJ> pos n. def a school or an institution providing specialized courses or teaching. exam 1 a college of music. college 3. syl col+lege pron <1koliJ> pos n. def the building or buildings in which a college is housed. college 4. syl col+lege pron <1koliJ> pos n. def the staff and students of a college. college 5. syl col+lege pron <1koliJ> pos n. def an organized body of persons with specific rights and duties. exam 1 an electoral college. college 6. syl col+lege pron <1koliJ> pos n. def a body of clerics living in community and supported by endowment. college 7. syl col+lege pron <1koliJ> pos n. qual Chiefly Brit. def an obsolete slang word for {prison}. college of advanced technology 0. syl col+lege of ad+vanced tech+nol+o:gy pos n. qual Brit. def a college offering degree or equivalent courses in technology, with research facilities. Abbrev.: {CAT} college of arms 0. syl col+lege of arms pos n. def any of several institutions in Great Britain having a royal charter to deal with matters of heraldry, grant armorial bearings, record and trace genealogies, etc. Also called: {herald's college}. College of Cardinals 0. syl Col+lege of Car+di+nals pos n. qual R.C. Church. def the collective body of cardinals having the function of electing and advising the pope. college of education 0. syl col+lege of ed:u+ca+tion pos n. qual Brit. def a professional training college for teachers. College of Justice 0. syl Col+lege of Jus+tice pos n. def the official name for the Scottish Court of Session; the supreme court of Scotland. college pudding 0. syl col+lege pud+ding pos n. qual Brit. def a baked or steamed suet pudding containing dried fruit and spice. collegian 0. syl col+le:gi:an pron pos n. def a current member of a college; student. collegiate 1. syl col+le:gi+ate pron pos adj. def Also: {col+le+gi@.al} (k$$#!li$:d#f$I$$l). of or relating to a college or college students. collegiate 2. syl col+le:gi+ate pron pos adj. usage of a university def composed of various colleges of equal standing. collegiate 3. syl col+le:gi+ate pron pos n. usage in various Canadian provinces def a high school offering a purely academic education. collegiate church 1. syl col+le:gi+ate church pos n. qual R.C. Church, Church of England. def a church that has an endowed chapter of canons and prebendaries attached to it but that is not a cathedral. collegiate church 2. syl col+le:gi+ate church pos n. qual U.S. Protestant. def one of a group of churches presided over by a body of pastors. collegiate church 3. syl col+le:gi+ate church pos n. qual Scot. Protestant. def a church served by two or more ministers. collegiate church 4. syl col+le:gi+ate church pos n. def a large church endowed in the Middle Ages to become a school. collegiate church 5. syl col+le:gi+ate church pos n. def a chapel either endowed by or connected with a college. collegiate institute 0. syl col+le:gi+ate in+sti+tute pos n. qual Canadian. def a high school concentrating on an academic education. collegium ety Latin: #7college collegiums infl head collegium or collegia syl col+le:gi:ums pron <-Ji*> pos n. mod pl. collegia infl head collegium or collegiums syl col+le:gi:a pron <-Ji*> pos n. mod pl. collegium 1. syl col+le:gi:um pron pos n. usage in the Soviet Union def a board in charge of a department, etc. collegium 2. syl col+le:gi:um pron pos n. def another term for {College of Cardinals} or {Sacred College}. collembolan ety C19: from New Latin Collembola, from Greek kolla glue+ embolon peg, wedge collembolan 1. syl col+lem+bo+lan pron pos n. def any small primitive wingless insect of the order which comprises the springtails. collembolan 2. syl col+lem+bo+lan pron pos adj. def of, relating to, or belonging to the collenchyma ety C19: New Latin, from Greek kolla glue+ enkhuma infusion collenchyma 0. syl col+len+chy+ma pron pos n. def a strengthening and support?!ing tissue in plants, consisting of elongated living cells whose walls are thickened with cellulose and pectins. collenchymatous sub head collenchyma syl col+len+chym:a+tous pron <2kol*n1kim*t*s> pos adj. Colles' fracture ety C19: named after Abraham Colles (died 1843), Irish surgeon Colles' fracture 0. syl Col:les' frac+ture pron <1kolis> pos n. def a fracture of the radius just above the wrist, resulting in the hand being displaced backwards and outwards. collet ety C16: from Old French: a little collar, from col neckband, neck, from Latin collum neck collet 1. syl col+let pron <1kolit> pos n. usage in a jewellery setting def a band or coronet-shaped claw that holds an individual stone. collet 2. syl col+let pron <1kolit> pos n. qual Mechanical engineering. def an externally tapered sleeve made in two or more segments and used to grip a shaft passed through its centre when the sleeve is compressed by being inserted in a similarly tapered hole. collet 3. syl col+let pron <1kolit> pos n. qual Horology. def a small metal collar that supports the inner end of the hairspring. collet 4. syl col+let pron <1kolit> pos vb. mod tr. qual Jewellery. def to mount in a collet. collide ety C17: from Latin coll*_idere to clash together, from com- together+ laedere to strike, wound collide 1. syl col+lide pron pos vb. mod intr. def to crash together with a violent impact. collide 2. syl col+lide pron pos vb. mod intr. def to conflict in attitude, opinion, or desire; clash; disagree. collie ety C17: Scottish, probably from earlier colie black with coal dust, from cole #7coal collie 0. syl col+lie pron <1koli> pos n. def a silky-coated breed of sheepdog with a long ruff and a long narrow head. collier ety C14: from #7coal+ -#7ier collier 1. syl col+li+er pron <1koli*> pos n. qual Chiefly Brit. def a coal miner. collier 2.a. syl col+li+er pron <1koli*> pos n. qual Chiefly Brit. def a ship designed to transport coal. collier 2.b. syl col+li+er pron <1koli*> pos n. qual Chiefly Brit. def a member of its crew. collieries infl head colliery syl col+lier:ies. pos n. mod pl. colliery 0. syl col+lier:y pron <1kolj*ri> pos n. qual Chiefly Brit. def a coal mine. colligate ety C16: from Latin collig*_are to fasten together, from com- together+ lig*_are to bind colligate 1. syl col+li+gate pron <1koli2gAt> pos vb. mod tr. def to connect or link together; tie; join. colligate 2. syl col+li+gate pron <1koli2gAt> pos vb. mod tr. def to relate (isolated facts, observations, etc.) by a general hypothesis. colligation sub head colligate syl col+li+1ga+tion pos n. colligative 0. syl col+li+ga+tive pron pos adj. usage of a physical property of a substance def depending on the concentrations of atoms, ions, and molecules that are present rather than on their nature. collimate ety C17: from New Latin collim*_are, erroneously for Latin coll*_ine*_are to aim, from com- (intensive)+ l*_ine*_are, from l*_inea line collimate 1. syl col+li+mate pron <1koli2mAt> pos vb. mod tr. def to adjust the line of sight of (an optical instrument). collimate 2. syl col+li+mate pron <1koli2mAt> pos vb. mod tr. def to use a collimator on (a beam of radiation or particles). collimate 3. syl col+li+mate pron <1koli2mAt> pos vb. mod tr. def to make parallel or bring into line. collimation sub head collimate syl col+li+1ma+tion pos n. collimator 1. syl col+li+ma+tor pron <1koli2mAt*> pos n. def a small telescope attached to a larger optical instrument as an aid in fixing its line of sight. collimator 2. syl col+li+ma+tor pron <1koli2mAt*> pos n. def an optical system of lenses and slits producing a nondivergent beam of light, usually for use in spectroscopes. collimator 3. syl col+li+ma+tor pron <1koli2mAt*> pos n. def any device for limiting the size and angle of spread of a beam of radiation or particles. collinear 1. syl col+lin+e:ar pron pos adj. def lying on the same straight line. collinear 2. syl col+lin+e:ar pron pos adj. def having a common line. collinearly sub head collinear syl col+1lin+e:ar+ly pos adv. collins ety C20: probably after the proper name Collins collins 0. syl col:lins pron <1kolinz> pos n. def a tall fizzy iced drink made with gin, vodka, rum, etc., mixed with fruit juice, soda water, and sugar. Michael 1. head Collins syl Mi:chael. def 1890-1922, Irish nationalist: a leader of Sinn Fein; negotiated the treaty with Great Britain (1921) that established the Irish Free State. William 2. head Collins syl Wil:liam. def 1721-59, English poet, a precursor of romanticism, noted for his odes. (William) Wilkie 3. head Collins syl (William) Wil:kie. def 1824-89, English author, noted particularly for his crime novel (1868). collinsia ety C19: New Latin, named after Zaccheus Collins (1764-1831), American botanist collinsia 0. syl col+lin+si:a pron , <-zi*> pos n. def a North American plant of the scrophulariaceous genus having blue, white, or purple flowers. Collins Street Farmer ety C20: after a principal business street in Melbourne Collins Street Farmer 0. syl Col+lins Street Farm+er pos n. qual Austral. slang. def a businessman who invests in farms, land, etc. Also called: {Pitt Street Farmer}. collision ety C15: from Late Latin coll*_isi*_o from Latin coll*_idere #7collide collision 1. syl col+li+sion pron pos n. def a violent impact of moving objects; crash. collision 2. syl col+li+sion pron pos n. def the conflict of opposed ideas, wishes, attitudes, etc.. exam 1 a collision of interests. collision 3. syl col+li+sion pron pos n. qual Physics. def an event in which two or more bodies or particles come together with a resulting exchange of energy and change of direction. collocate ety C16: from Latin colloc*_are, from com- together+ loc*_are to place, from locus place collocate 0. syl col+lo+cate pron <1kol*2kAt> pos vb. mod tr. def to group or place together in some system or order. collocation 0. syl col+lo+ca+tion pron <2kol*1kAS*n> pos n. def a grouping together of things in a certain order, as of the words in a sentence. collocutor 0. syl col+lo+cu+tor pron <1kol*2kju:t*> pos n. def a person who talks or engages in conversation with another. collodion ety C19: from New Latin coll*_odium, from Greek koll*_od*_es glutinous, from kolla glue collodium alt head collodion or collodion syl col+lo+di:um pron pos n. collodion 0. or collodium syl col+lo+di+on pron pos n. def a colourless or yellow syrupy liquid that consists of a solution of pyroxylin in ether and alcohol: used in medicine and in the manufacture of photographic plates, lacquers, etc. collogue ety C16: perhaps from obsolete colleague (vb.) to be or act as a colleague, conspire, influenced by Latin colloqu*_i to talk with; see #7colleague collogues infl head collogue syl col+logues pos vb. mod intr. colloguing infl head collogue syl col+lo+guing pos vb. mod intr. collogued infl head collogue syl col+logued. pos vb. mod intr. collogue 0. syl col+logue pron pos vb. mod intr. usage usually foll. by with def to confer confidentially; intrigue or conspire. colloid ety C19: from Greek kolla glue+-#7oid colloid 1. syl col+loid pron <1kolcid> pos n. def Also called: {colloidal solution} {suspension}. a mixture having particles of one component, with diameters between 10%#-%7 and 10%#-%9 metre, suspended in a continuous phase of another component. The mixture has properties between those of a solution and a fine suspension. colloid 2. syl col+loid pron <1kolcid> pos n. def the solid suspended phase in such a mixture. colloid 3. syl col+loid pron <1kolcid> pos n. qual Obsolete. def a substance that in solution does not penetrate a semipermeable membrane. Compare {{crystalloid} (sense 2)}. colloid 4. syl col+loid pron <1kolcid> pos n. qual Physiol. def a gelatinous substance of the thyroid follicles that holds the hormonal secretions of the thyroid gland. colloid 5. syl col+loid pron <1kolcid> pos adj. qual Pathol. def of or relating to the gluelike translucent material found in certain degenerating tissues. colloid 6. syl col+loid pron <1kolcid> pos adj. def of, denoting, or having the character of a colloid. colloidal sub head colloid syl col+1loi+dal pos adj. colloidality sub head colloid syl col+loi+dal+i:ty pron <2kolci1d@liti> pos n. collop ety C14: of Scandinavian origin; compare Swedish kalops meat stew collop 1. syl col+lop pron <1kol*p> pos n. qual Dialect, chiefly northern Brit. def a slice of meat. collop 2. syl col+lop pron <1kol*p> pos n. qual Dialect, chiefly northern Brit. def a small piece of anything. colloq 0. syl colloq. qual abbrev. for def colloquial(ly). colloquial 1. syl col+lo+qui:al pron pos adj. def of or relating to conversa?!tion. colloquial 2. syl col+lo+qui:al pron pos adj. def denoting or characterized by informal or conversa?!tional idiom or vocabulary. Compare {informal}. colloquially sub head colloquial syl col+1lo+qui+al+ly pos adv. colloquialness sub head colloquial syl col+1lo+qui+al+ness pos n. colloquialism 1. syl col+lo+qui+al+ism pron pos n. def a word or phrase appropriate to conversation and other informal situations. colloquialism 2. syl col+lo+qui+al+ism pron pos n. def the use of colloquial words and phrases. colloquium ety C17: from Latin: conversation, conference, #7colloquy colloquiums infl head colloquium or colloquia syl col+lo+qui:ums pron <-kwi*> pos n. mod pl. colloquia infl head colloquium or colloquiums syl col+lo+qui:a pron <-kwi*> pos n. mod pl. colloquium 1. syl col+lo+qui:um pron pos n. def an informal gathering for discussion. colloquium 2. syl col+lo+qui:um pron pos n. def an aca?!demic seminar. colloquy ety C16: from Latin colloquium from colloqu*_i to talk with, from com- together+ loqu*_i to speak colloquies infl head colloquy syl col+lo+quies. pos n. mod pl. colloquy 1. syl col+lo+quy pron <1kol*kwi> pos n. def a formal conversation or conference. colloquy 2. syl col+lo+quy pron <1kol*kwi> pos n. def a literary work in dialogue form. colloquy 3. syl col+lo+quy pron <1kol*kwi> pos n. def an informal conference on religious or theological matters. colloquist sub head colloquy syl col+lo+quist pos n. collotype ety C19: from Greek kolla glue+-#7type collotype 1. syl col+lo+type pron <1kol*u2tIp> pos n. def Also called: {photogelatin process}. a method of printing from a flat surface of hardened gelatin: used mainly for fine-detail reproduction in monochrome or colour. collotype 2. syl col+lo+type pron <1kol*u2tIp> pos n. def a print made using this process. collotypic sub head collotype syl col+lo+typ+ic pron <2kol*1tipik> pos adj. collude ety C16: from Latin coll*_udere, literally: to play together, hence, conspire together, from com- together+ l*_udere to play collude 0. syl col+lude pron pos vb. mod intr. def to conspire together, esp. in planning a fraud; connive. colluder sub head collude syl col+1lud+er pos n. collusion ety C14: from Latin coll*_usi*_o, from coll*_udere to #7collude &- col+#!lu+sive adj. collusion 1. syl col+lu+sion pron pos n. def secret agreement for a fraudulent purpose; connivance; conspiracy. collusion 2. syl col+lu+sion pron pos n. def a secret agreement between opponents at law in order to obtain a judicial decision for some wrongful or improper purpose. colluvium ety Latin: collection of filth, from colluere to wash thoroughly, from com- (intensive)+ luere to wash colluvia infl head colluvium or colluviums syl col+lu+vi:a pron <-vi*> pos n. mod pl. colluviums infl head colluvium or colluvia syl col+lu+vi:ums. pos n. mod pl. colluvium 0. syl col+lu+vi:um pron pos n. def a mixture of rock fragments from the bases of cliffs. colluvial sub head colluvium syl col+1lu+vi:al pos adj. colly ety C16: ultimately from Old English col #7coal collies infl head colly syl col+lies. pos n. mod pl. colly 1. syl col+ly pron <1koli> pos n. qual Archaic or dialect. def soot or grime, such as coal dust. collier infl head colly syl col+li+er pos adj. colliest infl head colly syl col+li+est. pos adj. colly 2. syl col+ly pron <1koli> pos adj. qual Archaic or dialect. def dirty; sooty. collies infl head colly syl col+lies pos vb. collying infl head colly syl col+ly+ing pos vb. collied infl head colly syl col+lied. pos vb. colly 3. syl col+ly pron <1koli> pos vb. mod tr. qual Archaic or dialect. def to begrime; besmirch. collyrium ety C16: from Latin, from Greek kollurion poultice, eye salve collyria infl head collyrium or collyriums syl col+lyr:i:a pron <-1li*ri*> pos n. mod pl. collyriums infl head collyrium or collyria syl col+lyr+i:ums. pos n. mod pl. collyrium 0. syl col+lyr+i:um pron pos n. def a technical name for {{eyewash} (sense 1)}. collywobbles ety C19: probably from New Latin cholera morbus the disease cholera, influenced through folk etymology by #7colic and #7wobble collywobbles 1. syl col+ly+wob+bles pron <1koli2wobLz> pos n. mod pl. qual Slang. usage usually preceded by the def an upset stomach. collywobbles 2. syl col+ly+wob+bles pron <1koli2wobLz> pos n. mod pl. qual Slang. usage usually preceded by the def acute diarrhoea. collywobbles 3. syl col+ly+wob+bles pron <1koli2wobLz> pos n. mod pl. qual Slang. usage usually preceded by the def an intense feeling of nervousness. Colmar 0. syl Col+mar pron French pos n. def a city in NE France: annexed to Germany 1871-1919 and 1940-45; textile industry. Pop.: 62410 (1975). German name: {Kolmar}. Colo 0. syl Colo. qual abbrev. for def Colorado. colobus ety C19: New Latin, from Greek kolobos cut short; referring to its thumb colobus 0. syl col:o+bus pron <1kol*b*s> pos n. def any leaf-eating arboreal Old World monkey of the genus of W and central Africa, having a slender body, long silky fur, long tail, and reduced or absent thumbs. colocynth ety C17: from Latin colocynthis, from Greek kolokunthis, from kolo?!kunth*_e gourd, of obscure origin colocynth 1. syl col:o+cynth pron <1kol*sinT> pos n. def a cucurbitaceous climbing plant, of the Mediterranean region and Asia, having bitter-tasting fruit. colocynth 2. syl col:o+cynth pron <1kol*sinT> pos n. def the dried fruit pulp of this plant, used as a strong purgative. colocynth xref syl col:o+cynth pron <1kol*sinT> pos n. def Also called: {bitter apple}. cologarithm 0. syl co+log:a+rithm pron pos n. def the logarithm of the reciprocal of a number; the negative value of the logarithm. exam 1 the cologarithm of 4 is log @1#800121 . cologne ety C18 Cologne water, from C#7ologne, where it was first manufactured (1709) cologne 0. syl co+logne pron pos n. def a perfumed liquid or solid made of fragrant essential oils and alcohol. Also called: {Cologne water, eau de cologne}. Cologne 0. syl Co+logne pron pos n. def an industrial city and river port in West Germany, in North Rhine-Westphalia on the Rhine: important commercially since ancient times; university (1388). Pop.: 832396 (1974 est.). German name: {K*"oln}. Colomb-B'echar 0. syl Co:lomb-B*'e:char pron French pos n. def the former name of {B*'echar}. Colombes 0. syl Co+lombes pron French pos n. def an industrial and residential suburb of NW Paris. Pop.: 83518 (1975). Colombia 0. syl Co+lom+bi:a pron pos n. def a republic in NW South America: inhabited by Chibchas and other Indians before Spanish coloni?!zation in the 16th century; independence won by Bol*'ivar in 1819; became the Republic of Colombia in 1886. It consists chiefly of a hot swampy coastal plain, separated by ranges of the Andes from the pampas and the equatorial forests of the Amazon basin in the east. Language: Spanish. Religion: Roman Catholic. Currency: peso. Capital: Bogot*'a. Pop.: 21070115 (1973). Area: 1138908 sq. km (439735 sq. miles). Colombian sub head Colombia syl Co+1lom+bi:an pos adj. n. Colombo 0. syl Co+lom+bo pron pos n. def the capital and chief port of Sri Lanka, on the W coast, with one of the largest artificial harbours in the world. Pop.: 562000 (1971). colon ety C16: from Latin, from Greek k*_olon limb, hence part of a strophe, clause of a sentence colons infl head colon syl co+lons pos n. mod pl. colon H1.1. syl co+lon pron <1k*ul*n> pos n. def the punctuation mark {}: , usually preceding an explanation or an example of what has gone before, a list, or an extended quotation. colons infl head colon syl co+lons pos n. mod pl. colon H1.2. syl co+lon pron <1k*ul*n> pos n. def this mark used for certain other purposes, such as expressions of time, as in or when a ratio is given in figures, as in cola infl head colon syl co+la pron <-l*> pos n. mod pl. colon H1.3. syl co+lon pron <-l*> pos n. usage in classical prosody def a part of a rhythmical period with two to six feet and one principal accent or ictus. colon ety C16: from Latin: large intestine, from Greek kolon colons infl head colon or cola syl co+lons pron <-l*> pos n. mod pl. cola infl head colon or colons syl co+la pron <-l*> pos n. mod pl. colon H2.0. syl co+lon pron <1k*ul*n> pos n. def the part of the large intestine between the caecum and the rectum. colon ety C19: American Spanish, from Spanish, after Crist*'obal Col*'on Christopher Columbus colons infl head colon or colones syl co+lons pron Spanish <-1lonAs> pos n. mod pl. colones infl head colon or colons syl co+lo+nes pron Spanish <-1lonAs> pos n. mod pl. colon H3.1. syl co+lon pron , Spanish pos n. def the standard monetary unit of Costa Rica, divided into 100 centimos. colon H3.2. syl co+lon pron , Spanish pos n. def the standard monetary unit of El Salvador, divided into 100 centavos. colon ety French: colonist, from Latin col*_onus, from colere to till, inhabit colon H4.0. syl co+lon pron , French , French pos n. def a colonial farmer or plantation owner, esp. in a French colony. Col'on 1. syl Co+l*'on pron , Spanish pos n. def a port in Panama, at the Caribbean entrance to the Panama Canal. Chief Caribbean port. Pop.: 1340286 (1970). Former name: {Aspinwall}. Archipi'elago de 2. head Col'on syl Ar+chi+pi*'e+la+go de pron <2arCi1pjAla$Go> def the official name of the {Gal*'apagos Islands}. colonel ety C16: via Old French, from Old Italian colonnello column of soldiers, from colonna #7column colonel 0. syl colo+nel pron <1kR:nL> pos n. def an officer of land or air forces junior to a brigadier but senior to a lieutenant colonel. colonelcy sub head colonel or colonelship syl colo+nel+cy pos n. colonelship sub head colonel or colonelcy syl colo+nel+2ship pos n. Colonel Blimp 0. syl Colo+nel Blimp pos n. def See {blimp%2}. colonial 1. syl co+lo+ni:al pron pos adj. def of, characteristic of, relating to, possessing, or inhabiting a colony or colonies. colonial 2. syl co+lo+ni:al pron pos adj. usage often cap. def characteristic of or relating to the 13 British colonies that became the United States of America (1776). colonial 3. syl co+lo+ni:al pron pos adj. usage often cap. def of or relating to the colonies of the British Empire. colonial 4. syl co+lo+ni:al pron pos adj. def denoting, relating to, or having the style of Neoclassical architecture used in the British colonies in America in the 17th and 18th centuries. colonial 5. syl co+lo+ni:al pron pos adj. usage of organisms such as corals and bryozoans def existing as a colony of polyps. colonial 6. syl co+lo+ni:al pron pos adj. usage of animals and plants def having become established in a community in a new environment. {~} colonial 7. syl co+lo+ni:al pron pos adj. def a native of a colony. colonially sub head colonial syl co+1lo+ni+al+ly pos adv. colonial experience 0. syl co+lo+ni:al ex+pe:ri+ence pos n. qual Austral. def experience of farming, etc., gained by a young Englishman in colonial Australia. &- {co+#!lo+ni@.al ex+#!pe@.ri+enc+er} colonialism 0. syl co+lo+ni+al+ism pron pos n. def the policy and practice of a power in extending control over weaker peoples or areas. Also called: {imperialism}. colonialist sub head colonialism syl co+1lo+ni+al+ist pos n. adj. colonic 1.a. syl co+lon+ic pron pos adj. def of or relating to the colon. colonic 1.b. syl co+lon+ic pron pos adj. qual Med. def relating to irrigation of the colon for cleansing purposes. colonic 2. syl co+lon+ic pron pos n. qual Med. def irrigation of the colon by injecting large amounts of fluid high into the colon. exam 1 a high colonic. the infl head Colonies syl the. pos n. Colonies 1. syl Col:o+nies pron <1kol*niz> pos n. mod pl. qual Brit. def the subject territories formerly in the British Empire. Colonies 2. syl Col:o+nies pron <1kol*niz> pos n. mod pl. qual U.S. history. def the 13 states forming the original United States of America when they declared their independence (1776). These were Connecticut, North and South Carolina, Delaware, Georgia, New Hampshire, New York, Maryland, Massachusetts, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Virginia, and New Jersey. colonist 1. syl col:o+nist pron <1kol*nist> pos n. def a person who settles or colonizes an area. colonist 2. syl col:o+nist pron <1kol*nist> pos n. def an inhabitant or member of a colony. colonitis 0. syl col:o+ni+tis pron <2kol*1nItis> pos n. qual Pathol. def another word for {colitis}. colonise alt head colonize or colonize syl col:o+nise pron <1kol*2nIz> pos vb. colonize 1. or colonise syl col:o+nize pron <1kol*2nIz> pos vb. def to send colonists to or establish a colony in (an area). colonize 2. or colonise syl col:o+nize pron <1kol*2nIz> pos vb. def to settle in (an area) as colonists. colonize 3. or colonise syl col:o+nize pron <1kol*2nIz> pos vb. mod tr. def to transform (a community, etc.) into a colony. colonize 4. or colonise syl col:o+nize pron <1kol*2nIz> pos vb. usage of plants and animals def to become established in (a new environment). colonizable sub head colonize or colonisable syl col:o+2niz+a:ble pos adj. colonisable sub head colonize or colonizable syl col:o+2nis+a:ble pos adj. colonnade ety C18: from French, from colonne #7column ; on the model of Italian colonnato, from colonna column colonnade 1. syl col+on+nade pron <2kol*1nAd> pos n. def a set of evenly-spaced col?!umns. colonnade 2. syl col+on+nade pron <2kol*1nAd> pos n. def a row of regularly spaced trees. colonnaded sub head colonnade syl col+on+1nad+ed pos adj. Colonsay 0. syl Col+on+say pron <1kol*nsA>, <-zA> pos n. def an island in W Scotland, in the Inner Hebrides. Area: about 41 sq. km (16 sq. miles). colony ety C16: from Latin col*_onia, from colere to cultivate, inhabit colonies infl head colony syl col:o+nies. pos n. mod pl. colony 1. syl col:o+ny pron <1kol*ni> pos n. def a body of people who settle in a country distant from their homeland but maintain ties with it. colony 2. syl col:o+ny pron <1kol*ni> pos n. def the community formed by such settlers. colony 3. syl col:o+ny pron <1kol*ni> pos n. def a subject territory occupied by a settlement from the ruling state. colony 4.a. syl col:o+ny pron <1kol*ni> pos n. def a community of people who form a national, racial, or cultural minority. exam 1 an artist's colony; exam 2 the American colony in London. colony 4.b. syl col:o+ny pron <1kol*ni> pos n. def the area itself. colony 5.a. syl col:o+ny pron <1kol*ni> pos n. def a group of the same type of animal or plant living or growing together. colony 5.b. syl col:o+ny pron <1kol*ni> pos n. def an interconnected group of polyps of a colonial organism. colony 6. syl col:o+ny pron <1kol*ni> pos n. qual Bacteriol. def a group of bacteria, fungi, etc., derived from one or a few spores, esp. when grown on a culture medium. colophon ety C17: via Late Latin, from Greek koloph*_on a finishing stroke colophon 1. syl col:o+phon pron <1kol*2fon>, <-f*n> pos n. def a publisher's emblem on a book. colophon 2. syl col:o+phon pron <1kol*2fon>, <-f*n> pos n. usage formerly def an inscription at the end of a book showing the title, printer, date, etc. colophony ety C14: from Latin Coloph*_onia r*_esina resin from Colophon colophony 0. syl co+loph:o+ny pron pos n. def another name for {{rosin} (sense 1)}. coloquintida ety C14: from Medieval Latin, from colocynthid- #7colocynth coloquintida 0. syl col:o+quin+ti+da pron <2kol*1kwintid*> pos n. def another name for {colocynth}. color 0. syl col+or pron <1k^l*> pos n. def the U.S. spelling of {colour}. colorable sub head color syl col+or+a:ble pos adj. colorer sub head color syl col+or+er pos n. colorful sub head color syl col+or+ful pos adj. coloring sub head color syl col+or+ing pos n. colorist sub head color syl col+or+ist pos n. colorless sub head color syl col+or+less pos adj. Colorado ety Spanish, literally: red, from Latin col*_or*_atus coloured, tinted red; see #7colour Colorado 1. syl Col:o+ra+do pron <2kol*1ra:d*u> pos n. def a state of the central U.S.: consists of the Great Plains in the east and the Rockies in the west; drained chiefly by the Colorado, Arkansas, South Platte, and Rio Grande Rivers. Capital: Denver. Pop.: 2209528 (1970). Area: 269998 sq. km (104247sq. miles). Abbrevs.: {Colo}. or (with zip code) {CO} Colorado 2. syl Col:o+ra+do pron <2kol*1ra:d*u> pos n. def a river in SW North America, rising in the Rocky Mountains and flowing southwest to the Gulf of California: famous for the 1600 km (1000 miles) of canyons along its course. Length: about 2320 km (1440 miles). Colorado 3. syl Col:o+ra+do pron <2kol*1ra:d*u> pos n. def a river in central Texas, flowing southeast to the Gulf of Mexico. Length: about 1450 km (900 miles). Colorado 4. syl Col:o+ra+do pron <2kol*1ra:d*u> pos n. def a river in central Argentina, flowing southeast to the Atlantic. Length: about 850 km (530 miles). Colorado beetle 0. syl Col:o+ra+do bee+tle pos n. def a black-and-yellow beetle, that is a serious pest of potatoes, feeding on the leaves: family Also called: {potato beetle}. Colorado Desert 0. syl Col:o+ra+do Des+ert pos n. def an arid region of SE California and NW Mexico, West of the Colorado River. Area: over 5000 sq. km (2000 sq. miles). Colorado Springs 0. syl Col:o+ra+do Springs pos n. def a city and resort in central Colorado. Pop.: 175745 (1973 est.). colorant 0. syl col+or+ant pron <1k^l*r*nt> pos n. def any substance that imparts colour, such as a pigment, dye, or ink; colouring matter. coloration 1. syl col+or:a+tion pron <2k^l*1rAS*n> pos n. def arrangement of colour and tones; colouring. coloration 2. syl col+or:a+tion pron <2k^l*1rAS*n> pos n. def the colouring or markings of insects, birds, etc. See also {apatetic, aposematic, cryptic}. coloratura ety C19: from obsolete Italian, literally: colouring, from Latin col*_or*_are to #7colour colorature alt head coloratura or coloratura syl col+or:a+ture pron <1kol*r*2tju*> pos n. coloratura 1.a. or colorature syl col:o+ra+tu+ra pron <2kol*r*1tu*r*> pos n. qual Music. usage in 18th- and 19th-century arias def a florid virtuoso passage. coloratura 1.b. or colorature syl col:o+ra+tu+ra pron <2kol*r*1tu*r*> pos n. qual Music. usage as modifier exam 1 a coloratura aria. coloratura 2. or colorature syl col:o+ra+tu+ra pron <2kol*r*1tu*r*> pos n. qual Music. def Also called: {coloratura soprano}. a lyric soprano who specializes in such music. colorific 0. syl col+or+if+ic pron <2k^l*1rifik> pos adj. def producing, imparting, or relating to colour. colorimeter 1. syl col+or+im+e:ter pron <2k^l*1rimit*> pos n. def Also called: {tintometer}. an apparatus for determining the concentration of a solution of a coloured substance by comparing the intensity of its colour with that of a standard solution or with standard colour slides. colorimeter 2. syl col+or+im+e:ter pron <2k^l*1rimit*> pos n. def any apparatus for measuring the quality of a colour by comparison with standard colours or combinations of colours. colorimetric sub head colorimeter or colorimetrical syl col+or:i+met+ric pron <2k^l*ri1metrik> pos adj. colorimetrical sub head colorimeter or colorimetric syl col+or:i+1met+ri+cal pos adj. colorimetrically sub head colorimeter syl col+or:i+1met+ri+cal+ly pos adv. colorimetry sub head colorimeter syl col+or+1im+e:try pos n. Colossae 0. syl Co+los+sae pron pos n. def an ancient city in SW Phrygia in Asia Minor: seat of an early Christian Church. colossal 1. syl co+los+sal pron pos adj. def of immense size; huge; gigantic. colossal 2. syl co+los+sal pron pos adj. usage in figure sculpture def approximately twice life-size. Compare {{heroic} (sense 7)}. colossal 3. syl co+los+sal pron pos adj. def Also: {giant}. of or relating to the order of columns and pilasters that extend more than one storey in a facade. colossally sub head colossal syl co+1los+sal+ly pos adv. colosseum 0. syl col+os+se:um pron <2kol*1si*m> pos n. def a variant spelling of {coliseum}. Colosseum 0. syl Col+os+se:um pron <2kol*1si*m> pos n. def an amphitheatre in Rome built about 75-80 #7a.d. Colossian 1. syl Co+los+sian pron pos n. def a native or inhabitant of Colossae. Colossian 2. syl Co+los+sian pron pos n. qual New Testament. def any of the Christians of Colossae to whom St. Paul's Epistle was addressed. Colossians 0. syl Co+los+sians pron pos n. mod functioning as; sing. def a book of the New Testament (in full {The Epistle of Paul the Apostle to the Colossians}). colossus ety C14: from Latin, from Greek kolossos colossi infl head colossus or colossuses syl co+los+si pron <-sI> pos n. mod pl. colossuses infl head colossus or colossi syl co+los+sus:es. pos n. mod pl. colossus 0. syl co+los+sus pron pos n. def something very large, esp. a statue. Colossus of Rhodes 0. syl Co+los+sus of Rhodes pos n. def a giant bronze statue of Apollo built on Rhodes in about 292-280 #7b.c.; destroyed by an earthquake in 225 #7b.c. ; one of the Seven Wonders of the World. colostomies infl head colostomy syl co+los+to+mies. pos n. mod pl. colostomy 0. syl co+los+to+my pron pos n. def the surgical formation of an opening from the colon onto the surface of the body, which functions as an anus. colostrum ety C16: from Latin, of obscure origin colostrum 0. syl co+los+trum pron pos n. def the thin milky secretion from the nipples that precedes and follows true lactation. It consists largely of serum and white blood cells. colostral sub head colostrum syl co+1los+tral pos adj. colotomies infl head colotomy syl co+lot:o+mies. pos n. mod pl. colotomy 0. syl co+lot:o+my pron pos n. def a colonic incision. colour ety C13 from Old French colour from Latin color tint, hue color alt head colour or colour syl col+or pron <1k^l*> pos n. qual U.S. colour 1.a. or color syl col+our pron <1k^l*> pos n. def an attribute of things that results from the light they reflect, transmit, or emit in so far as this light causes a visual sensation that depends on its wavelengths. colour 1.b. or color syl col+our pron <1k^l*> pos n. def the aspect of visual perception by which an observer recognizes this attribute. colour 1.c. or color syl col+our pron <1k^l*> pos n. def the quality of the light producing this aspect of visual perception. colour 1.d. or color syl col+our pron <1k^l*> pos n. usage as modifier exam 1 colour vision. colour 2. or color syl col+our pron <1k^l*> pos n. def Also called: {chromatic colour}. colour 2.a. or color syl col+our pron <1k^l*> pos n. def a colour, such as red or green, that possesses hue, as opposed to achromatic colours such as white or black. colour 2.b. or color syl col+our pron <1k^l*> pos n. usage as modifier; a colour television; def Compare {{black-and-white} (sense 2)}. colour 3. or color syl col+our pron <1k^l*> pos n. def a substance, such as a dye, pigment, or paint, that imparts colour to something. colour 4.a. or color syl col+our pron <1k^l*> pos n. def the skin complexion of a person, esp. as determined by his race. colour 4.b. or color syl col+our pron <1k^l*> pos n. usage as modifier exam 1 colour prejudice; exam 2 colour problem. colour 5. or color syl col+our pron <1k^l*> pos n. def the use of all the hues in painting as distinct from composition, form, and light and shade. colour 6. or color syl col+our pron <1k^l*> pos n. def the quantity and quality of ink used in a printing process. colour 7. or color syl col+our pron <1k^l*> pos n. def the distinctive tone of a musical sound; timbre. colour 8. or color syl col+our pron <1k^l*> pos n. def vividness, authenticity, or individuality. exam 1 period colour. colour 9. or color syl col+our pron <1k^l*> pos n. def semblance or pretext (esp. in the phrases {take on a different colour, under colour of) }. colour 10. or color syl col+our pron <1k^l*> pos n. qual U.S. def a precious mineral particle, esp. gold, found in auriferous gravel. colour 11.a. or color syl col+our pron <1k^l*> pos n. def not well; ill. colour 11.b. or color syl col+our pron <1k^l*> pos n. def in bad taste. colour 12. or color syl col+our pron <1k^l*> pos vb. def to give or apply colour to (something). colour 13. or color syl col+our pron <1k^l*> pos vb. mod tr. def to give a convincing or plausible appearance to (something, esp. to that which is spoken or recounted). exam 1 to colour an alibi. colour 14. or color syl col+our pron <1k^l*> pos vb. mod tr. def to influence or distort (something, esp. a report or opinion). exam 1 anger coloured her judgment. colour 15. or color syl col+our pron <1k^l*> pos vb. mod intr. usage often foll. by up def to become red in the face, esp. when embarrassed or annoyed. colour 16. or color syl col+our pron <1k^l*> pos vb. mod intr. usage esp. of ripening fruit def to change hue. colour xref or color syl col+our pron <1k^l*> pos n. def See also {colours}. colourable 1. syl col+our+a:ble pron <1k^l*r*bL> pos adj. def capable of being coloured. colourable 2. syl col+our+a:ble pron <1k^l*r*bL> pos adj. def appearing to be true; plausible. exam 1 a colourable excuse. colourable 3. syl col+our+a:ble pron <1k^l*r*bL> pos adj. def pre?!tended; feigned. exam 1 colourable affection. colourability sub head colourable or colourableness syl col+our+a:1bil+i:ty pos n. colourableness sub head colourable or colourability syl col+our+a:ble+ness pos n. colourably sub head colourable syl col+our+a:bly pos adv. colour bar 0. syl col+our bar pos n. def discrimination against people of a different race, esp. as practised by Whites against Blacks. colour-blind 0. syl col:our-blind pos adj. def of or relating to any defect in the normal ability to distinguish certain colours. See {deuteranopia, protanopia, tritanopia}. colour blindness sub head colour-blind syl col+our blind+ness pos n. colour code 0. syl col+our code pos n. def a system of easily distinguishable colours, as for the identification of electrical wires or resistors. coloured 1. syl col+oured pron <1k^l*d> pos adj. def possessing colour. coloured 2. syl col+oured pron <1k^l*d> pos adj. def having a strong element of fiction or fantasy; distorted (esp. in the phrase {highly coloured) }. Coloureds infl head Coloured or Coloured syl Col+oureds pos n. mod pl. Coloured infl or Coloureds syl Col+oured. pos n. mod pl. Coloured 1. syl Col+oured pron <1k^l*d> pos n. def an individual who is not a White, esp. a Negro. Coloured 2. syl Col+oured pron <1k^l*d> pos n. def Also called: {Cape Coloured}. (in South Africa) a person of racially mixed parentage or descent. {~} Coloured 3. syl Col+oured pron <1k^l*d> pos n. def designating or relating to a Coloured or Coloureds. exam 1 a Coloured gentleman. colourfast 0. syl col:our+fast pron <1k^l*2fa:st> pos adj. usage of a fabric def having a colour that does not run or change when washed or worn. colourfastness sub head colourfast syl col:our+2fast:ness pos n. colour filter 0. syl col+our fil+ter pos n. qual Photog. def a thin layer of coloured gelatin, glass, etc., that transmits light of its own colour but considerably reduces the transmission of other colours. colourful 1. syl col+our+ful pron <1k^l*ful> pos adj. def having intense colour or richly varied colours. colourful 2. syl col+our+ful pron <1k^l*ful> pos adj. def vivid, rich, or distinctive in character. colourfully sub head colourful syl col+our+ful+ly pos adv. colourfulness sub head colourful syl col+our+ful+ness pos n. colour guard 0. syl col+our guard pos n. def a military guard in a parade, ceremony, etc., that carries and escorts the flag or regimental colours. colour index 1. syl col+our in+dex pos n. qual Astronomy. def the difference between the photographic magnitude and the visual magnitude of a star, indicating its colour and temperature. colour index 2. syl col+our in+dex pos n. qual Geology. def the sum of the dark or coloured minerals of a rock, expressed as a percent?!age of the total minerals. colouring 1. syl col+our+ing pron <1k^l*riG> pos n. def the process or art of applying colour. colouring 2. syl col+our+ing pron <1k^l*riG> pos n. def anything used to give colour, such as dye, paint, etc. colouring 3. syl col+our+ing pron <1k^l*riG> pos n. def appearance with regard to shade and colour. colouring 4. syl col+our+ing pron <1k^l*riG> pos n. def arrange?!ments of colours and tones, as in the markings of birds and animals. colouring 5. syl col+our+ing pron <1k^l*riG> pos n. def the colour of a person's features or complexion. colouring 6. syl col+our+ing pron <1k^l*riG> pos n. def a false or misleading appearance. colourist 1. syl col+our+ist pron <1k^l*rist> pos n. def a person who uses colour, esp. an artist. colourist 2. syl col+our+ist pron <1k^l*rist> pos n. def a person who colours photographs, esp. black-and-white ones. colouristic sub head colourist syl col+our+1is+tic pos adj. colourless 1. syl col+our+less pron <1k^l*lis> pos adj. def without colour. colourless 2. syl col+our+less pron <1k^l*lis> pos adj. def lacking in interest. exam 1 a colourless individual. colourless 3. syl col+our+less pron <1k^l*lis> pos adj. def grey or pallid in tone or hue. colourless 4. syl col+our+less pron <1k^l*lis> pos adj. def without prejudice; neutral. colourlessly sub head colourless syl col+our+less+ly pos adv. colourlessness sub head colourless syl col+our+less+ness pos n. colour line 0. syl col+our line pos n. def the social separation of racial groups within a community (esp. in the phrase {to cross the colour line}) . colourmen infl head colourman syl col:our+men. pos n. mod pl. colourman 0. syl col:our+man pron <1k^l*m*n> pos n. def a person who deals in paints. colour phase 1. syl col+our phase pos n. def a seasonal change in the coloration of some animals. colour phase 2. syl col+our phase pos n. def an abnormal variation in the coloration shown by a group of animals within a species. colours 1.a. syl col+ours pron <1k^l*z> pos n. mod pl. def the flag that indicates nationality. colours 1.b. syl col+ours pron <1k^l*z> pos n. mod pl. qual Military. def the ceremony of hoisting or lowering the colours. colours 2. syl col+ours pron <1k^l*z> pos n. mod pl. def true nature or character (esp. in the phrase {show one's colours}) . colours 3. syl col+ours pron <1k^l*z> pos n. mod pl. def a distinguishing badge or flag, as of an academic institution. colours 4. syl col+ours pron <1k^l*z> pos n. mod pl. qual Sport., Brit. def a badge or other symbol denoting membership of a team, esp. at a school or college. nail one's colours to the mast 5. head colours syl nail one's colours to the mast. def to refuse to admit defeat. with flying colours 6. head colours syl with flying colours. def with great credit; very successfully. colour scheme 0. syl col+our scheme pos n. def a planned combination or juxtaposition of colours, as in interior decorating. colour sergeant 0. syl col+our ser+geant pos n. def a sergeant who carries the regimental, battalion, or national colours, as in a colour guard. colour supplement 0. syl col+our sup+ple+ment pos n. qual Brit. def an illustrated magazine ac?!companying a newspaper, esp. a Sunday newspaper. colory alt head coloury or coloury syl col+or:y pron <1k^l*ri> pos adj. coloury 0. or colory syl col+our:y pron <1k^l*ri> pos adj. def possessing colour. -colous ety from Latin -cola inhabitant+-#7ous ; related to colere to inhabit -colous 0. syl -co:lous pos adj. usage combining form. def inhabiting or living on. exam 1 arenicolous. colpitis ety C19: from Greek kolpos bosom, womb, vagina+-#7itis colpitis 0. syl col+pi+tis pron pos n. qual Pathol. def another name for {vaginitis}. colpo- ety from Greek kolpos womb colporteur ety C18: from French, from colporter, probably from Old French comporter to carry (see #7comport) ; influenced through folk etymology by porter *`a col to carry on one's neck colporteur 0. syl col+por+teur pron <1kol2pc:t*>, French pos n. def a hawker of books, esp. bibles. colportage sub head colporteur syl col+2por+tage pos n. colt ety Old English colt young ass, of obscure origin; compare Swedish dialect kult young animal, boy colt 1. syl colt pron pos n. def a male horse or pony under the age of four. colt 2. syl colt pron pos n. def an awkward or inexperienced young person. colt 3.a. syl colt pron pos n. def a young and inexperienced player. colt 3.b. syl colt pron pos n. def a member of a junior team. Colt ety C19: named after Samuel Colt (1814-62), American inventor Colt 0. syl Colt pron pos n. qual Trademark. def a type of revolver. colter ety Old English culter, from Latin: ploughshare, knife colter 0. syl col+ter pron <1k*ult*> pos n. def a variant spelling (esp. U.S.) of {coulter}. coltish 1. syl colt+ish pron <1k*ultiS> pos adj. def inexperienced; unruly. coltish 2. syl colt+ish pron <1k*ultiS> pos adj. def playful and lively. coltishly sub head coltish syl colt+ish+ly pos adv. coltishness sub head coltish syl colt+ish+ness pos n. John infl head Coltrane syl John. pos n. Coltrane 0. syl Col:trane pron pos n. def 1926-1967, U.S. jazz tenor and soprano saxophonist. coltsfoots infl head coltsfoot syl colts+foots. pos n. mod pl. coltsfoot 0. syl colts+foot pron <1k*ults2fut> pos n. def a European plant, with yellow daisy-like flowers and heart-shaped leaves: a common weed: family (composites). colubrid ety C19: from New Latin Colubridae, from Latin coluber snake colubrid 1. syl col:u+brid pron <1koljubrid> pos n. def any snake of the family including many harmless snakes, such as the grass snake and whip snakes, and some venomous types. colubrid 2. syl col:u+brid pron <1koljubrid> pos adj. def of, relating to, or belonging to the colubrine ety C16: from Latin colubr*_inus, from coluber snake colubrine 1. syl col:u+brine pron <1kolju2brIn>, <-brin> pos adj. def of or resembling a snake. colubrine 2. syl col:u+brine pron <1kolju2brIn>, <-brin> pos adj. def of, relating to, or belonging to the a subfamily of harmless colubrid snakes. colugo ety from a native word in Malaya colugos infl head colugo syl co+lu+gos. pos n. mod pl. colugo 0. syl co+lu+go pron pos n. def another name for {flying lemur}. Padraic infl head Colum syl Pa:draic pron <1pa:drik> pos n. Colum 0. syl Col:um pron <1kol*m> pos n. def 1881-1972, Irish lyric poet, resident in the U.S. (1914-72). Columba ety Latin, literally: dove Columbae infl head Columba syl Co+lum+bae pron pos n. qual Latin genitive Columba H1.0. syl Co+lum+ba pron pos n. def as in a small constellation in the S hemisphere south of Orion. Saint infl head Columba syl Saint. pos n. Columba H2.0. syl Co:lum:ba pron pos n. def ??521-597 #7a.d., Irish missionary: founded the monastery at Iona (563) from which the Picts were converted to Christianity. Feast day: June 9. columbarium ety C18: from Latin, from columba dove columbariia infl head columbarium syl col+um+bar+i:i:a pron <-i*> pos n. mod pl. columbarium 1. syl col+um+bar+i:um pron <2kol*m1be*ri*m> pos n. def another name for a {dovecote}. columbarium 2. syl col+um+bar+i:um pron <2kol*m1be*ri*m> pos n. def a vault having niches for funeral urns. columbarium 3. syl col+um+bar+i:um pron <2kol*m1be*ri*m> pos n. def a hole in a wall into which a beam is inserted. Columbia 1. syl Co+lum+bi:a pron pos n. def a river in NW North America, rising in the Rocky Mountains and flowing through British Columbia, then west to the Pacific. Length: about 1930 km (1200 miles). Columbia 2. syl Co+lum+bi:a pron pos n. def a city in central South Carolina, on the Congaree River: the state capital. Pop.: 112164 (1973 est.). Columbian 1. syl Co+lum+bi:an pron pos adj. def of or relating to the United States. Columbian 2. syl Co+lum+bi:an pron pos adj. def relating to Christopher Columbus. Columbian 3. syl Co+lum+bi:an pron pos n. def a size of printers type, approximately equal to 16 point; two-line Brevier. columbic 0. syl co+lum+bic pron pos adj. def another word for {niobic}. Columbine 1. syl Col+um+bine pron <1kol*m2bIn> pos n. usage originally def the character of a servant girl in commedia dell'arte. Columbine 2. syl Col+um+bine pron <1kol*m2bIn> pos n. usage later def the sweetheart of Harlequin in English pantomime. columbine ety C13: from Medieval Latin columb*_ina herba dovelike plant, from Latin columb*_inus dovelike, from the resemblance of the flower to a group of doves columbine H1.0. syl col+um+bine pron <1kol*m2bIn> pos n. def any plant of the ranuncu?!laceous genus having purple, blue, yellow, or red flowers with five spurred petals. Also called: {aquilegia}. columbine ety C14: from Old French colombin, from Latin columb*_inus dovelike, from columba dove columbine H2.0. syl col+um+bine pron <1kol*m2bIn> pos adj. def of, relating to, or resembling a dove. columbite ety C19: from #7columbium+ -#7ite %1 columbite 0. syl co+lum+bite pron pos n. def a black mineral consisting of a mixed niobium and tantalum oxide of iron and manganese in orthorhombic crystalline form: occurs in coarse granite, often with tantalite, and is an ore of niobium and tantalum. Formula: (Fe, Mn)(Nb,Ta)\2O\6. Also called: {niobite}. columbium ety C19: from New Latin, from Columbia, the United States of America columbium 0. syl co+lum+bi:um pron pos n. def former name of {niobium}. columbous 0. syl co+lum+bous pron pos adj. def another word for {niobous}. Columbus H1.1. syl Co+lum+bus pron pos n. def a city in central Ohio: the state capital. Pop.: 540933 (1973 est.). Columbus H1.2. syl Co+lum+bus pron pos n. def a city in W Georgia, on the Chattahoochee River. Pop.: 161209 (1973 est.). Columbus 0. syl Co:lum:bus def %2@T (k$$#!l^mb$$s)@T {Chris@.to@.pher. @T} Spanish @T name Italian name 1451-1506, Italian navigator and explorer in the service of Spain, who discovered the New World (1492). Columbus Day 0. syl Co:lum:bus Day pos n. def Oct. 12, a legal holiday in most states of the U.S.: the date of Columbus' landing in the West Indies in 1492. columella ety C16: from Latin: diminutive of columna #7column columellae infl head columella syl col:u+mel+lae pron <-lE> pos n. mod pl. columella 1. syl col:u+mel+la pron <2kolju1mel*> pos n. def the central part of plant or animal organs, as of the spore-producing body of some fungi and mosses. columella 2. syl col:u+mel+la pron <2kolju1mel*> pos n. def Also called: {columella auris}. a small rodlike bone in the middle ear of frogs, reptiles, and birds that transmits sound to the inner ear: homologous to the mammalian stapes. columellar sub head columella syl col:u+1mel+lar pos adj. column ety C15: from Latin columna, from columen top, peak; related to Latin collis hill column 1. syl col+umn pron <1kol*m> pos n. def an upright post or pillar usually having a cylindrical shaft, a base, and a capital. column 2.a. syl col+umn pron <1kol*m> pos n. def a form or structure in the shape of a column. exam 1 a column of air. column 2.b. syl col+umn pron <1kol*m> pos n. def a monument. column 3. syl col+umn pron <1kol*m> pos n. def a row, line, or file, as of people in a queue. column 4. syl col+umn pron <1kol*m> pos n. qual Military. def a formation in which individual units follow one behind the other. column 5.a. syl col+umn pron <1kol*m> pos n. def a single row of type on a newspaper. column 5.b. syl col+umn pron <1kol*m> pos n. def a regular article or feature in a paper. exam 1 the fashion column. column 6. syl col+umn pron <1kol*m> pos n. def a vertical array of numbers or mathematical terms. column 7. syl col+umn pron <1kol*m> pos n. qual Botany. def a long structure in the flower of an orchid, consisting of the united stamens and style. columnar sub head column syl co+lum+nar pron pos n. columned sub head column or columnated syl col+umned pron <1kol*m2nAtid> pos adj. columnated sub head column or columned syl col+um+nat+ed pron <1kol*m2nAtid> pos adj. columniation 0. syl co+lum+ni:a+tion pron pos n. def the arrangement of architectural columns. column inch 0. syl col+umn inch pos n. def a unit of measurement for advertising space, one inch deep and one column wide. columnist 0. syl col+umn+ist pron <1kol*mist>, <-*mnist> pos n. def a journalist who writes a regular feature in a newspaper. exam 1 a gossip columnist. colure ety C16: from Late Latin col*_ur*_i (plural), from Greek kolourai cut short, dock-tailed, from kolos docked+ oura tail; so called because the view of the lower part is curtailed colure 0. syl co+lure pron , <1k*ulu*> pos n. def either of the two great circles on the celestial sphere, one of which passes through the celestial poles and the equinoxes and the other through the poles and the solstices. Colwyn Bay 0. syl Col+wyn Bay pron <1kolwin> pos n. def a town and resort in N Wales, in NW Clwyd. Pop.: 25535 (1971). coly ety C19: from New Latin colius, probably from Greek kolios woodpecker colies infl head coly syl co:lies. pos n. mod pl. coly 0. syl co:ly pron <1k*uli> pos n. def any of the arboreal birds of the genus family and order of southern Africa. They have a soft hairlike plumage, crested head, and very long tail. Also called: {mousebird}. colza ety C18: via French (Walloon) kolzat from Dutch koolzaad, from kool cabbage, #7cole+ zaad #7seed colza 0. syl col+za pron <1kolz*> pos n. def another name for {rape%2}. colza oil 0. syl col+za oil pos n. def the oil obtained from the seeds of the rape plant and used in making lubricants and synthetic rubber. COM 0.a. syl COM pron pos n. def computer output on microfilm; a process in which a computer output is converted direct to microfiche or film, esp. 35 or 16 millimetre film. COM 0.b. syl COM pron pos n. usage as modifier exam 1 a COM machine. com 1. syl com. qual abbrev. for: def comedy. com 2. syl com. qual abbrev. for: def comic. com 3. syl com. qual abbrev. for: def commerce. com 4. syl com. qual abbrev. for: def commercial. com 5. syl com. qual abbrev. for: def committee. Com 1. syl Com. qual abbrev. for: def Commander. Com 2. syl Com. qual abbrev. for: def committee. Com 3. syl Com. qual abbrev. for: def Commodore. Com 4. syl Com. qual abbrev. for: def Communist. com- ety from Latin com-; related to cum with. In compound words of Latin origin, com- becomes col- and cor- before l and r, co- before gn, h, and most vowels, and con- before consonants other than b, p, and m. Although its sense in compounds of Latin derivation is often obscured, it means: together, with, etc. (combine, compile) ; similar (conform) ; extremely, completely (consecrate) con- alt head com- or com- syl con- pos prefix. com- 0. or con- syl com- pos prefix. def together; with; jointly. exam 1 commingle. coma ety C17: from medical Latin, from Greek k*_oma heavy sleep; related to Greek koit*_e bed, perhaps to Middle Irish cuma grief comas infl head coma syl co:mas. pos n. mod pl. coma H1.0. syl co:ma pron <1k*um*> pos n. def a state of unconsciousness from which a person cannot be aroused, caused by injury to the head, rupture of cerebral blood vessels, narcotics, poisons, etc. coma ety C17: from Latin: hair of the head, from Greek kom*_e comae infl head coma syl co:mae pron <-mE> pos n. mod pl. coma H2.1. syl co:ma pron <1k*um*> pos n. qual Astronomy. def the luminous cloud surrounding the frozen solid nucleus in the head of a comet, formed by vaporization of part of the nucleus when the comet is close to the sun. coma H2.2.a. syl co:ma pron <1k*um*> pos n. def a tuft of hairs attached to the seed coat of some seeds. coma H2.2.b. syl co:ma pron <1k*um*> pos n. def the terminal crown of leaves of palms and moss stems. coma H2.3. syl co:ma pron <1k*um*> pos n. qual Optics. def a type of lens defect characterized by the formation of a diffuse pear-shaped image from a point object. comal sub head coma syl co+mal pos adj. Coma Berenices ety from Latin, literally: Berenice's hair, named after Berenice (died 221 #7b.c.) #7, consort of Ptolemy III Comae Berenices infl head Coma Berenices syl Co:mae Ber+e:ni+ces pron <1k*umE> pos n. qual Latin genitive Coma Berenices 0. syl Co:ma Ber+e:ni+ces pron <1k*um*> <2beri1nIsEz> pos n. def a faint constellation in the N hemisphere between Ursa Major and Bo*"otes containing the {Coma Cluster}, a cluster of approximately 10000 galaxies, at a mean distance of 220 million light years. Comanches infl head Comanche or Comanche syl Co+man+ches pos n. mod pl. Comanche infl or Comanches syl Co+man+che pos n. mod pl. Comanche 1. syl Co+man+che pron pos n. def a member of a North American Indian people, formerly ranging from the River Platte to the Mexican border, now living in Oklahoma. Comanche 2. syl Co+man+che pron pos n. def the language of this people, belonging to the Shoshonean subfamily of the Uto-Aztecan family. Comanchean 1. syl Co+man+che:an pron pos adj. usage in North America def of or relating to the early part of the Cretaceous system and period. Comanchean 2. syl Co+man+che:an pron pos n. usage in North America def the strata and time corresponding to the early Cretaceous. Nadia infl head Comaneci syl Na:dia pron <1nadja> pos n. Comaneci 0. syl Co:man:eci pron Rumanian <1kom*neC> pos n. def born 1961, Rumanian gymnast. She became world champion at the 1976 Olympic Games. comate ety C17: from Latin com*_atus, from coma hair comate 1. syl co+mate pron <1k*umAt> pos adj. qual Botany. def having tufts of hair; hairy. comate 2. syl co+mate pron <1k*umAt> pos adj. qual Botany. def having or relating to a coma. comatose 1. syl co+ma+tose pron <1k*um*2t*us>, <-2t*uz> pos adj. def in a state of coma. comatose 2. syl co+ma+tose pron <1k*um*2t*us>, <-2t*uz> pos adj. def torpid; lethargic. comatosely sub head comatose syl co+ma+tose+ly pos adv. comatulid ety C19: from New Latin Comatulidae, from Comatula type genus, from Latin com*_atus hairy comatula alt head comatulid or comatulid syl co+mat:u+la pron <-lE> pos n. comatulids infl head comatulid or comatulae syl co+mat:u+lids pron <-lE> pos n. mod pl. comatulae infl head comatulid or comatulids syl co+mat:u+lae pron <-lE> pos n. mod pl. comatulid 0. or comatula syl co+mat:u+lid pron pos n. def any of a group of crinoid echinoderms, including the feather stars, in which the adults are free-swimming. comb ety Old English camb; related to Old Norse kambr, Old High German camb comb 1. syl comb pron pos n. def a toothed device of metal, plastic, wood, etc., used for disentangling or arranging hair. comb 2. syl comb pron pos n. def a tool or machine that separates, cleans, and straightens wool, cotton, etc. comb 3. syl comb pron pos n. qual Austral. def the fixed cutter on a sheep-shearing machine. comb 4. syl comb pron pos n. def anything resembling a toothed comb in form or function. comb 5. syl comb pron pos n. def the fleshy deeply serrated outgrowth on the top of the heads of certain birds, esp. the domestic fowl. comb 6. syl comb pron pos n. def anything resembling the comb of a bird. comb 7. syl comb pron pos n. def a currycomb. comb 8. syl comb pron pos n. def a honeycomb. go over with a fine-tooth comb 9. head comb syl go over with a fine-tooth comb. def to search for or revise thoroughly. comb 10. syl comb pron pos vb. def to use a comb on. comb 11. syl comb pron pos vb. mod when; tr. usage often foll. by through def to search or inspect with great care. exam 1 the police combed the woods. comb 0. syl comb. qual abbrev. for def combining. combat ety C16: from French, from Old French combattre, from Vulgar Latin combattere (unattested), from Latin com- with+ battuere to beat, hit combat 1. syl com+bat pron <1komb@t>, <-b*t>, <1k^m-> pos n. def a fight, conflict, or struggle. combat 2.a. syl com+bat pron <1komb@t>, <-b*t>, <1k^m-> pos n. def an action fought between two military forces. combat 2.b. syl com+bat pron <1komb@t>, <-b*t>, <1k^m-> pos n. usage as modifier exam 1 a combat jacket. single combat 3. head combat syl single combat. def a fight between two individuals; duel. close 4. head combat or hand-to-hand combat syl close def fighting at close quarters. combat 5. syl com+bat pron <1komb@t>, <1k^m-> pos vb. mod tr. def to fight or defy. combat 6. syl com+bat pron <1komb@t>, <1k^m-> pos vb. mod intr. usage often foll. by with or against def to struggle or strive (against); be in conflict (with). exam 1 to combat against disease. combatable sub head combat syl com+1bat+a:ble pos adj. combater sub head combat syl com+1bat+er pos n. combatant 1. syl com+bat+ant pron <1komb*tNt>, <1k^m-> pos n. def a person or group engaged in or prepared for a fight, struggle, or dispute. combatant 2. syl com+bat+ant pron <1komb*tNt>, <1k^m-> pos adj. def engaged in or ready for combat. combat fatigue 0. syl com+bat fa+tigue pos n. def another term for {battle fatigue}. combative 0. syl com+bat+ive pron <1komb*tiv>, <1k^m-> pos adj. def eager or ready to fight, argue, etc.; aggressive. combatively sub head combative syl com+bat+ive+ly pos adv. combativeness sub head combative syl com+bat+ive+ness pos n. comb alt head combe or combe syl comb pron pos n. combe 0. or comb syl combe pron pos n. def variant spellings of {coomb}. comber 1. syl comb+er pron <1k*um*> pos n. def a person, tool, or machine that combs wool, flax, etc. comber 2. syl comb+er pron <1k*um*> pos n. def a long curling wave; roller. combination 1. syl com+bi+na+tion pron <2kombi1nAS*n> pos n. def the act of combining or state of being combined. combination 2. syl com+bi+na+tion pron <2kombi1nAS*n> pos n. def a union of separate parts, qualities, etc. combination 3. syl com+bi+na+tion pron <2kombi1nAS*n> pos n. def an alliance of people or parties; group having a common purpose. combination 4.a. syl com+bi+na+tion pron <2kombi1nAS*n> pos n. def the set of numbers that opens a combination lock. combination 4.b. syl com+bi+na+tion pron <2kombi1nAS*n> pos n. def the mechanism of this type of lock. combination 5. syl com+bi+na+tion pron <2kombi1nAS*n> pos n. qual Brit. def a motorcycle with a sidecar attached. combination 6.a. syl com+bi+na+tion pron <2kombi1nAS*n> pos n. def an arrangement of the numbers, terms, etc., of a set into specified groups without regard to order in the group. exam 1 the combinations of a, b, and c, taken two at a time, are ab, bc, ac. combination 6.b. syl com+bi+na+tion pron <2kombi1nAS*n> pos n. def a group formed in this way. The number of combinations of objects taken at a time is &!/[ - &! &!] Symbol. exam 1 \n combination 7. syl com+bi+na+tion pron <2kombi1nAS*n> pos n. def the chemical reaction of two or more compounds, usually to form one other compound. combination 8. syl com+bi+na+tion pron <2kombi1nAS*n> pos n. def a coordinated sequence of chess moves. combinational sub head combination syl com+bi+1na+tion+al pos adj. combination lock 0. syl com+bi+na+tion lock pos n. def a type of lock that can only be opened when a set of dials releasing the tumblers of the lock are turned to show a specific sequence of numbers. combination room 0. syl com+bi+na+tion room pos n. usage Brit. at Cambridge University def a common room. combinations 0. syl com+bi+na+tions pron <2kombi1nAS*nz> pos n. mod pl. qual Brit. def a one-piece woollen undergarment with long sleeves and legs. Often shortened to {combs}. U.S. term: {union suit}. combination tone 0. syl com+bi+na+tion tone pos n. def another term for {resultant tone}. combinatorial infl head combinative or combinatory syl com+bi+na+to+ri:al pos adj. combinatory infl head combinative or combinatorial syl com+bi+na+to:ry pos adj. combinative 1. syl com+bi+na+tive pron <1kombi2nAtiv>, <-n*tiv> pos adj. def resulting from being, tending to be, or able to be joined or mixed together. combinative 2. syl com+bi+na+tive pron <1kombi2nAtiv>, <-n*tiv> pos adj. usage Linguistics. of a sound change def occurring only in specific contexts or as a result of some other factor, such as change of stress within a word. Compare {isolative} (sense 1). combinatorial analysis 0. syl com+bi+na+to+ri:al a:nal:y+sis pos n. def the branch of mathematics concerned with combinations and permutations. combine ety C15: from Late Latin comb*_in*_are, from Latin com- together+ b*_in*_i two by two combine 1. syl com+bine pron pos vb. def to integrate or cause to be integrated; join together. combine 2. syl com+bine pron pos vb. def to unite or cause to unite to form a chemical compound. combine 3. syl com+bine pron pos vb. qual Agriculture. def to harvest (crops) with a combine. combine 4. syl com+bine pron <1kombIn> pos n. qual Agriculture. def short for {combine harvester}. combine 5. syl com+bine pron <1kombIn> pos n. def an association of enterprises, esp. in order to gain a monopoly of a market. combine 6. syl com+bine pron <1kombIn> pos n. qual U.S. informal. def an association for the promotion of commercial or other interests, esp. by doubtful means. combinable sub head combine syl com+1bin+a:ble pos adj. combinability sub head combine syl com+2bin+a:1bil+i:ty pos n. combiner sub head combine syl com+1bin+er pos n. combine harvester 0. syl com+bine har+ves+ter pron <1kombIn> pos n. def a machine that simultaneously cuts, threshes, and cleans a standing crop of grain. combings 1. syl comb+ings pron <1k*umiGz> pos n. mod pl. def the loose hair, wool, etc., removed by combing, esp. that of animals. combings 2. syl comb+ings pron <1k*umiGz> pos n. mod pl. def the unwanted loose short fibres removed in combing cotton, etc. combining form 0. syl com+bin+ing form pos n. def a linguistic element that occurs only as part of a compound word, such as in and comb jelly 0. syl comb jel+ly pos n. def another name for a {ctenophore}. combos infl head combo syl com+bos. pos n. mod pl. combo 1. syl com+bo pron <1komb*u> pos n. def a small group of musicians, esp. of jazz musicians. combo 2. syl com+bo pron <1komb*u> pos n. qual Informal. def any combination. combo 3. syl com+bo pron <1komb*u> pos n. qual Austral. slang. def a white man who lives with an Aboriginal woman. comb out 1. syl comb out pos vb. adv. mod tr. def to remove (tangles or knots) from (the hair) with a comb. comb out 2. syl comb out pos vb. adv. mod tr. def to isolate and remove for a purpose. comb out 3. syl comb out pos vb. adv. mod tr. def to survey carefully; examine systematically. {~} {comb-out}. comb out 4. syl comb out pos vb. adv. mod tr. def an act of combing out. combust 1. syl com+bust pron pos adj. usage Astrology. of a star or planet def invisible for a period between 24 and 30 days each year due to its proximity to the sun. combust 2. syl com+bust pron pos vb. qual Chem. def to burn. combustible 1. syl com+bus+ti:ble pron pos adj. def capable of igniting and burning. combustible 2. syl com+bus+ti:ble pron pos adj. def easily annoyed; excitable. combustible 3. syl com+bus+ti:ble pron pos n. def a combustible substance. combustibility sub head combustible or combustibleness syl com+2bus+ti:1bil+i:ty pos n. combustibleness sub head combustible or combustibility syl com+1bus+ti:ble+ness pos n. combustibly sub head combustible syl com+1bus+ti:bly pos adv. combustion ety C15: from Old French, from Latin comb*_urere to burn up, from com- (intensive)+ *_urere to burn combustion 1. syl com+bus+tion pron pos n. def the process of burning. combustion 2. syl com+bus+tion pron pos n. def any process in which a substance reacts with oxygen to produce a significant rise in temperature and the emission of light. combustion 3. syl com+bus+tion pron pos n. def a chemical process in which two compounds, such as sodium and chlorine, react together to produce heat and light. combustion 4. syl com+bus+tion pron pos n. def a process in which a compound reacts slowly with oxygen to produce little heat and no light. combustive sub head combustion syl com+1bus+tive pos n. adj. combustion chamber 0. syl com+bus+tion cham+ber pos n. def an enclosed space in which combustion takes place, such as the space above the piston in the cylinder head of an internal-combustion engine or the chambers in a gas turbine or rocket engine in which fuel and oxidant burn. combustor 0. syl com+bus+tor pron pos n. def the combustion system of a jet engine or ramjet, comprising the combustion chamber, the fuel injection apparatus, and the igniter. comdg 0. syl comdg. qual Military. abbrev. for def commanding. Comdr 0. syl Comdr. qual Military. abbrev. for def Commander. Comdt 0. syl Comdt. qual Military. abbrev. for def Commandant. come ety Old English cuman; related to Old Norse koma, Gothic qiman, Old High German queman to come, Sanskrit g*'amati he goes comes infl head come syl comes pos k^m; vb. mod mainly; intr. coming infl head come syl com+ing pos k^m; vb. mod mainly; intr. came infl head come syl came pos k^m; vb. mod mainly; intr. come infl syl come. pos k^m; vb. mod mainly; intr. come 1. syl come pos k^m; vb. mod mainly; intr. def to move towards a specified person or place. exam 1 come to my desk. come 2. syl come pos k^m; vb. mod mainly; intr. def to arrive by movement or by making progress. come 3. syl come pos k^m; vb. mod mainly; intr. def to become perceptible. exam 1 light came into the sky. come 4. syl come pos k^m; vb. mod mainly; intr. def to occur in the course of time. exam 1 Christmas comes but once a year. come 5. syl come pos k^m; vb. mod mainly; intr. def to exist or occur at a specific point in a series. exam 1 your turn comes next. come 6. syl come pos k^m; vb. mod mainly; intr. def to happen as a result. exam 1 no good will come of this. come 7. syl come pos k^m; vb. mod mainly; intr. def to originate or be derived. exam 1 good may come of evil. come 8. syl come pos k^m; vb. mod mainly; intr. def to occur to the mind. exam 1 the truth suddenly came to me. come 9. syl come pos k^m; vb. mod mainly; intr. def to extend or reach. exam 1 she comes up to my shoulder. come 10. syl come pos k^m; vb. mod mainly; intr. def to be produced or offered. exam 1 that dress comes in red only. come 11. syl come pos k^m; vb. mod mainly; intr. def to arrive at or be brought into a particular state or condition. exam 1 you will soon come to grief; exam 2 the new timetable comes into effect on Monday. come 12. syl come pos k^m; vb. mod mainly; intr. usage foll. by from def to be or have been a resident or native (of). exam 1 I come from London. come 13. syl come pos k^m; vb. mod mainly; intr. def to become. exam 1 your wishes will come true. come 14. syl come pos k^m; vb. mod tr. usage takes an infinitive def to be given awareness. exam 1 I came to realize its enormous value. come 15. syl come pos k^m; vb. mod mainly; intr. usage of grain def to germinate. come 16. syl come pos k^m; vb. mod mainly; intr. qual Taboo slang. def to have an orgasm. come 17. syl come pos k^m; vb. mod tr. qual Brit. informal. def to play the part of. exam 1 don't come the fine gentleman with me. come 18. syl come pos k^m; vb. mod tr. qual Brit. informal. def to cause or produce. exam 1 don't come that nonsense again. aseas they come 19. head come syl as&eas they come. def the most characteristic example of a class or type. come again 20. head come syl come again?? qual Informal. def what did you say?? come and 21. head come syl come and. usage dependent imperative def to move towards a particular person or thing or accompany a person with some specified purpose. exam 1 come and see what I've found. come clean 22. head come syl come clean. qual Informal. def to make a revelation or confession. come good 23. head come syl come good. qual Austral. informal. def to recover after a setback; succeed. come to light 24. head come syl come to light. def to be revealed. come to light with 25. head come syl come to light with. qual Austral. informal. def to find or produce. come to pass 26. head come syl come to pass. def to take place. how come 27. head come syl how come?? qual Informal. def how did that happen?? {~} come 28. syl come pos k^m; vb. mod mainly; intr. def an exclamation expressing annoyance, irritation, etc.. exam 1 come now&! exam 2 come come&! come about 1. syl come a:bout pos vb. adv. mod intr. def to take place; happen. come about 2. syl come a:bout pos vb. adv. mod intr. qual Nautical. def to change tacks. come across 1. syl come a:cross pos prep. mod intr. def to meet or find by accident. come across 2. syl come a:cross pos adv. mod intr. usage of a person or his words def to communicate the intended meaning or impression. come across 3. syl come a:cross pos vb. mod intr. usage often foll. by with def to provide what is expected. come along 1. syl come a:long pos adv. mod intr. def to progress. exam 1 how's your French coming along?? come along 2.a. syl come a:long pos vb. def hurry up&! come along 2.b. syl come a:long pos vb. def make an effort&! come at 1. syl come at pos vb. prep. mod intr. def to discover or reach (facts, the truth, etc.). come at 2. syl come at pos vb. prep. mod intr. def to attack (a person). exam 1 he came at me with an axe. come at 3. syl come at pos vb. prep. mod intr. qual Austral. slang. usage usually used with a negative def to agree to do (something). come-at-able 0. syl come-at-a:ble pos adj. def an informal expression for {accessible}. come away 1. syl come a:way pos vb. adv. mod intr. def to become detached. come away 2. syl come a:way pos vb. adv. mod intr. usage foll. by with def to leave (with). comeback 1. syl come+back pron <1k^m2b@k> pos n. qual Informal. def a return to a former position, status, etc. comeback 2. syl come+back pron <1k^m2b@k> pos n. qual Informal. def a return or response, esp. recrimina?!tory. comeback 3. syl come+back pron <1k^m2b@k> pos n. qual Informal. def a quick reply; retort. come back infl head comeback syl come back. pos adv. mod intr. comeback 4. syl come+back pron <1k^m2b@k> pos vb. mod intr. qual Informal. def to return, esp. to the memory. comeback 5. syl come+back pron <1k^m2b@k> pos vb. mod intr. qual Informal. def to become fashionable again. comeback 6. syl come+back pron <1k^m2b@k> pos vb. mod intr. qual Informal.; U.S. def to argue back; retort. come between 0. syl come be+tween pos vb. prep. mod intr. def to cause the estrangement or separation of (two people). exam 1 nothing could come between the two lovers. come by 0. syl come by pos vb. prep. mod intr. def to find or obtain (a thing) esp. accidentally. exam 1 do you ever come by any old books?? Comecon ety C20: Co (uncil for) M (utual) Econ (omic Aid) Comecon 0. syl Com+e:con pron <1komi2kon> pos n. def an association of Soviet-oriented Communist nations, founded in 1949 to coordinate economic development, etc. comedian 1. syl co+me:di:an pron pos n. def an entertainer who specializes in jokes, comic skits, etc. comedian 2. syl co+me:di:an pron pos n. def an actor in comedy. comedic 0. syl co+me:dic pron pos adj. def of or relating to comedy. Com'edie Francaise 0. syl Co+m*'e:die Fran+*,caise pron French. pos n. def the French national theatre, founded in Paris in 1680. comedienne 0. syl co+me:di+enne pron pos n. def a female comedian. comedo ety C19: from New Latin, from Latin: glutton, from comedere to eat up, from com- (intensive)+ edere to eat comedos infl head comedo or comedones syl com+e:dos pron <2komi1d*unEz> pos n. mod pl. comedones infl head comedo or comedos syl com+e:do+nes pron <2komi1d*unEz> pos n. mod pl. comedo 0. syl com+e:do pron <1komi2d*u> pos n. qual Pathol. def the technical name for {blackhead}. comedown 1. syl come+down pron <1k^m2daun> pos n. def a decline in position, status, or prosperity. comedown 2. syl come+down pron <1k^m2daun> pos n. qual Informal. def a disappointment. comedown 3. syl come+down pron <1k^m2daun> pos n. qual Slang. def a de?!pressed or unexcited state. {~} {come down}. comedown 4. syl come+down pron <1k^m2daun> pos n. def to come to a place regarded as lower. comedown 5. syl come+down pron <1k^m2daun> pos n. def to lose status, wealth, etc. (esp. in the phrase {to come down in the world}) . comedown 6. syl come+down pron <1k^m2daun> pos n. def to reach a decision. exam 1 the report came down in favour of a pay increase. comedown 7. syl come+down pron <1k^m2daun> pos n. usage often foll. by to def to be handed down or acquired by tradition or inheritance. comedown 8. syl come+down pron <1k^m2daun> pos n. qual Brit. def to leave college or university. comedown 9. syl come+down pron <1k^m2daun> pos n. usage foll. by with def to succumb (to illness or disease). comedown 10. syl come+down pron <1k^m2daun> pos n. usage foll. by on def to rebuke or criticize harshly. comedown 11. syl come+down pron <1k^m2daun> pos n. usage foll. by to def to amount in essence (to). exam 1 it comes down to two choices. comedown 12. syl come+down pron <1k^m2daun> pos n. qual Slang. def to lose the effects of a drug and return to a normal or more normal state. comedy ety C14: from Old French com*'edie, from Latin c*_omoedia, from Greek k*_om*_oidia, from k*_omos village festival + aeidein to sing comedies infl head comedy syl com+e:dies. pos n. mod pl. comedy 1. syl com+e:dy pron <1komidi> pos n. def a dramatic or other work of light and amusing character. comedy 2. syl com+e:dy pron <1komidi> pos n. def the genre of drama represented by works of this type. comedy 3. syl com+e:dy pron <1komidi> pos n. usage in classical literature def a play in which the main characters and motive triumph over adversity. comedy 4. syl com+e:dy pron <1komidi> pos n. def the humorous aspect of life or of events. comedy 5. syl com+e:dy pron <1komidi> pos n. def an amusing event or sequence of events. comedy 6. syl com+e:dy pron <1komidi> pos n. def humour or comic style. exam 1 the comedy of Chaplin. comedy of manners 1. syl com+e:dy of man+ners pos n. def a comedy dealing with the way of life and foibles of a social group. comedy of manners 2. syl com+e:dy of man+ners pos n. def the genre represented by works of this type. come forward 1. syl come for+ward pos vb. adv. mod intr. def to offer one's services; volunteer. come forward 2. syl come for+ward pos vb. adv. mod intr. def to present oneself. come-hither 0. syl come-hith:er pos adj. qual Informal. usage usually prenominal def alluring; seductive. exam 1 a come-hither look. come in 1. syl come in pos vb. mainly; adv. mod intr. def to enter, used in the imperative when admitting a person. come in 2. syl come in pos vb. mainly; adv. mod intr. def to prove to be. exam 1 it came in useful. come in 3. syl come in pos vb. mainly; adv. mod intr. def to become fashionable or seasonable. come in 4. syl come in pos vb. mainly; adv. mod intr. qual Cricket. def to begin an innings. come in 5. syl come in pos vb. mainly; adv. mod intr. qual Athletics, horse racing, etc. def to finish a race (in a certain position). come in 6. syl come in pos vb. mainly; adv. mod intr. usage of a politician or political party def to win an election. come in 7. syl come in pos vb. mainly; adv. mod intr. qual Radio, television. def to be received. exam 1 news is coming in of a big fire in Glasgow. come in 8. syl come in pos vb. mainly; adv. mod intr. usage of money def to be received as income. come in 9. syl come in pos vb. mainly; adv. mod intr. def to play a role; advance one's interests. exam 1 where do I come in?? come in 10. syl come in pos vb. mainly; adv. mod intr. usage foll. by for def to be the object of. exam 1 the Chancellor came in for a lot of criticism in the Commons. this is where we came in 11. head come in syl this is where we came in. def we are at the same point now as when we began. come into 1. syl come in:to pos vb. prep. mod intr. def to enter. come into 2. syl come in:to pos vb. prep. mod intr. def to inherit. come into one's own 3. head come into syl come into one's own. def to become fulfilled. exam 1 she really came into her own when she got divorced. comely ety Old English c*_yml*_ic beautiful; related to Old High German c*_umi frail, Middle High German koml*_iche suitably comelier infl head comely syl come+li+er pos adj. comeliest infl head comely syl come+li+est. pos adj. comely 1. syl come+ly pron <1k^mli> pos adj. def good-looking; attractive. comely 2. syl come+ly pron <1k^mli> pos adj. qual Archaic. def suitable; fitting. comeliness sub head comely syl come+li+ness pos n. John Amos infl head Comenius syl John A:mos pos n. Comenius 0. syl Co:me:ni:us pron pos n. def Czech name 1592-1670, Czech educational reformer. come of 1. syl come of pos vb. prep. mod intr. def to be descended from. come of 2. syl come of pos vb. prep. mod intr. def to result from. exam 1 nothing came of his experiments. come off 1. syl come off pos also; prep. mod intr. def to fall (from), losing one's balance. come off 2. syl come off pos vb. mainly; adv. mod intr. def to become detached or be capable of being detached. come off 3. syl come off pos prep. mod intr. def to be removed from (a price, tax, etc.). exam 1 will anything come off income tax in the budget?? come off 4. syl come off pos vb. mainly; adv. mod intr. usage copula def to emerge from or as if from a trial or contest. exam 1 he came off the winner. come off 5. syl come off pos vb. mainly; adv. mod intr. qual Informal. def to take place or happen. come off 6. syl come off pos vb. mainly; adv. mod intr. qual Informal. def to have the intended effect; succeed. exam 1 his jokes did not come off. come off 7. syl come off pos vb. mainly; adv. mod intr. qual Taboo slang. def to have an orgasm. come off it 8. head come off syl come off it&! qual Informal. def stop trying to fool me&! come-on 1. syl come-on pos n. qual Informal. def anything that serves as a lure or enticement. {~} {come on} come-on 2. syl come-on pos n. qual Informal. usage of power, a water supply, etc. def to become available; start running or functioning. come-on 3. syl come-on pos n. qual Informal. def to make or show progress; develop. exam 1 my plants are coming on nicely. come-on 4. syl come-on pos n. qual Informal. def to advance, esp. in battle. come-on 5. syl come-on pos n. qual Informal. def to begin. exam 1 she felt a cold coming on; exam 2 a new bowler has come on. come-on 6. syl come-on pos n. qual Informal.; Theatre. def to make an entrance on stage. come-on 7. syl come-on pos n. qual Informal. def to be considered, esp. in a court of law. come-on 8. syl come-on pos prep. qual Informal. def See {come upon}. come-on 9.a. syl come-on pos n. qual Informal. def hurry up&! come-on 9.b. syl come-on pos n. qual Informal. def cheer up&! pull yourself together&! come-on 9.c. syl come-on pos n. qual Informal. def make an effort&! come on strong 10. head come-on syl come on strong. qual Informal. def to make a forceful or exaggerated impression. come out 1. syl come out pos vb. adv. mod intr. def to be made public or revealed. exam 1 the news of her death came out last week. come out 2. syl come out pos vb. adv. mod intr. def to make a debut in society or on stage. come out 3. syl come out pos vb. adv. mod intr. def to declare openly that one is a homosexual. come out 4. syl come out pos vb. adv. mod intr. qual Chiefly Brit. def to go on strike. come out 5. syl come out pos vb. adv. mod intr. def to declare oneself. exam 1 the government came out in favour of scrapping the project. come out 6. syl come out pos vb. adv. mod intr. def to be shown visibly or clearly. exam 1 you came out very well in the photos. come out 7. syl come out pos vb. adv. mod intr. def to yield a satisfactory solution. exam 1 these sums just won't come out. come out 8. syl come out pos vb. adv. mod intr. def to be published. exam 1 the paper comes out on Fridays. come out 9. syl come out pos vb. adv. mod intr. usage foll. by in def to become covered with. exam 1 you're coming out in spots. come out 10. syl come out pos vb. adv. mod intr. usage foll. by with def to speak or declare openly. exam 1 you can rely on him to come out with the facts. come over 1. syl come o:ver pos adv. mod intr. usage of a person or his words def to communicate the intended meaning or impression. exam 1 he came over very well. come over 2. syl come o:ver pos adv. mod intr. def to change allegiances. exam 1 some people came over to our side in the war. come over 3. syl come o:ver pos vb. mod intr. qual Informal. def to undergo or feel a particular sensation. exam 1 I came over funny. comer 1. syl com+er pron <1k^m*> pos n. usage in combination def a person who comes. exam 1 all-comers; exam 2 newcomers. comer 2. syl com+er pron <1k^m*> pos n. qual Informal. def a potential success. around alt head come round or come round syl a:round pos vb. adv. mod intr. come round 1. or around syl come round pos vb. adv. mod intr. def to be restored to life or consciousness. come round 2. or around syl come round pos vb. adv. mod intr. def to change or modify one's mind or opinion. comestible ety C15: from Late Latin comestibilis, from comedere to eat up; see #7comedo comestible 1. syl co+mes+ti:ble pron pos n. mod usually; pl. def food. comestible 2. syl co+mes+ti:ble pron pos adj. def a rare word for {edible}. comet ety C13: from Old French com*`ete, from Latin com*_eta, from Greek kom*_et*_es long-haired, from kom*_e hair comet 0. syl com+et pron <1komit> pos n. def a celestial body that travels around the sun, usually in a highly elliptical orbit: thought to consist of a solid frozen nucleus part of which vaporizes on approaching the sun to form a gaseous luminous coma and a long luminous tail. cometary sub head comet or cometic syl com+e:tar:y pron pos adj. cometic sub head comet or cometary syl co+met+ic pron pos adj. come through 1. syl come through pos adv. mod intr. def to emerge successfully. come through 2. syl come through pos prep. mod intr. def to survive (an illness, setback, etc.). come to 1. syl come to pos when; prep. mod intr. usage used reflexively def to regain consciousness or return to one's normal state. come to 2. syl come to pos adv. mod intr. qual Nautical. def to slow a vessel or bring her to a stop. come to 3. syl come to pos prep. mod intr. def to amount to (a sum of money). exam 1 your bill comes to four pounds. come to 4. syl come to pos prep. mod intr. def to arrive at (a certain state). exam 1 what is the world coming to?? come up 1. syl come up pos vb. adv. mod intr. def to come to a place regarded as higher. come up 2. syl come up pos vb. adv. mod intr. usage of the sun def to rise. come up 3. syl come up pos vb. adv. mod intr. def to begin. exam 1 a wind came up. come up 4. syl come up pos vb. adv. mod intr. def to be regurgitated or vomited. come up 5. syl come up pos vb. adv. mod intr. def to present itself or be dis?!cussed. exam 1 that question will come up again. come up 6. syl come up pos vb. adv. mod intr. qual Brit. def to begin a term, esp. one's first term, at a college or university. come up 7. syl come up pos vb. adv. mod intr. def to appear from out of the ground. exam 1 my beans have come up early this year. come up 8. syl come up pos vb. adv. mod intr. qual Informal. def to win. exam 1 have your premium bonds ever come up?? come up against 9. head come up syl come up against. def to be faced with; come into conflict or competition with. come up to 10. head come up syl come up to. def to equal or meet a standard. exam 1 that just doesn't come up to scratch. come up with 11. head come up syl come up with. def to produce or find. exam 1 she always comes up with the right answer. come upon 0. syl come up:on pos vb. prep. mod intr. def to meet or encounter unexpected?!ly. exam 1 I came upon an old friend in the street today. comeuppance 0. syl come+up+pance pron <2k^m1^p*ns> pos n. qual Slang. def just retribution. comfit ety C15: from Old French, from Latin confectum something prepared, from conficere to produce; see #7confect comfit 0. syl com+fit pron <1k^mfit>, <1kom-> pos n. def a sugar-coated sweet containing a nut or seed. comfort ety C13: from Old French confort, from Late Latin confort*_are to strengthen very much, from Latin con- (intensive)+ fortis strong comfort 1. syl com+fort pron <1k^mf*t> pos n. def a state of ease or well-being. comfort 2. syl com+fort pron <1k^mf*t> pos n. def relief from affliction, grief, etc. comfort 3. syl com+fort pron <1k^mf*t> pos n. def a person, thing, or event that brings solace or ease. comfort 4. syl com+fort pron <1k^mf*t> pos n. qual Obsolete. def support. comfort 5. syl com+fort pron <1k^mf*t> pos n. mod usually; pl. def something that affords physical ease and relaxation. comfort 6. syl com+fort pron <1k^mf*t> pos vb. mod tr. def to ease the pain of; soothe; cheer. comfort 7. syl com+fort pron <1k^mf*t> pos vb. mod tr. def to bring physical ease to. comforting sub head comfort syl com+fort+ing pos adj. comfortingly sub head comfort syl com+fort+ing+ly pos adv. comfortless sub head comfort syl com+fort+less pos adj. comfortlessly sub head comfort syl com+fort+less+ly pos adv. comfortlessness sub head comfort syl com+fort+less+ness pos n. comfortable 1. syl com+fort+a:ble pron <1k^mft*bL>, <1k^mf*t*bL> pos adj. def giving comfort or physical relief. comfortable 2. syl com+fort+a:ble pron <1k^mft*bL>, <1k^mf*t*bL> pos adj. def at ease. comfortable 3. syl com+fort+a:ble pron <1k^mft*bL>, <1k^mf*t*bL> pos adj. def free from affliction or pain. comfortable 4. syl com+fort+a:ble pron <1k^mft*bL>, <1k^mf*t*bL> pos adj. usage of a person or situation def relaxing. comfortable 5. syl com+fort+a:ble pron <1k^mft*bL>, <1k^mf*t*bL> pos adj. qual Informal. def having adequate income. comfortable 6. syl com+fort+a:ble pron <1k^mft*bL>, <1k^mf*t*bL> pos adj. usage Informal. of income, etc. def adequate to provide comfort. comfortableness sub head comfortable syl com+fort+a:ble+ness pos n. comfortably sub head comfortable syl com+fort?!+a:bly pos adv. comforter 1. syl com+fort+er pron <1k^mf*t*> pos n. def a person or thing that comforts. comforter 2. syl com+fort+er pron <1k^mf*t*> pos n. qual Chiefly Brit. def a woollen scarf. comforter 3. syl com+fort+er pron <1k^mf*t*> pos n. def a baby's dummy. Comforter ety C14: translation of Latin consol*_ator, representing Greek parakl*_etos; see #7paraclete Comforter 0. syl Com+fort+er pron <1k^mf*t*> pos n. qual Christianity. def an epithet of the Holy Spirit. comfort station 0. syl com+fort sta+tion pos n. qual U.S. def a public lavatory and rest room. comfrey ety C15: from Old French cunfirie, from Latin conferva water plant; see #7conferva comfrey 0. syl com+frey pron <1k^mfri> pos n. def any hairy Eurasian boraginaceous plant of the genus having blue, purplish-pink, or white flowers. comfier infl head comfy syl com+fi+er pos adj. comfiest infl head comfy syl com+fi+est. pos adj. comfy 0. syl com+fy pron <1k^mfi> pos adj. qual Informal. def short for {comfort?!able}. comic ety C16: from Latin c*_omicus, from Greek k*_omikos relating to #7comedy comic 1. syl com+ic pron <1komik> pos adj. def of, relating to, characterized by, or characteristic of comedy. comic 2. syl com+ic pron <1komik> pos adj. usage prenominal def acting in, writing, or composing comedy. exam 1 a comic writer. comic 3. syl com+ic pron <1komik> pos adj. def humorous; funny. comic 4. syl com+ic pron <1komik> pos n. def a person who is comic, esp. a comic actor; comedian. comic 5. syl com+ic pron <1komik> pos n. def a book or magazine containing comic strips. comic 6. syl com+ic pron <1komik> pos n. mod usually; pl. qual Chiefly U.S. def comic strips in newspapers, etc. comical 1. syl com:i+cal pron <1komikL> pos adj. def causing laughter. comical 2. syl com:i+cal pron <1komikL> pos adj. def ludicrous; laughable. &- {#!com@.i+cal+ly} &- {#!com@.i+cal+ness} comic opera 0. syl com+ic op+er:a pos n. def a play largely set to music, employing comic effects or situations. See also {op*'era bouffe, opera buffa}. comic strip 0. syl com+ic strip pos n. def a sequence of drawings in a newspaper, magazine, etc., relating a comic or adventurous situation. Commines alt head Comines or Comines syl Com:mines pron French pos n. Philippe de infl head Comines syl Phi:lippe de pron pos n. Comines 0. or Commines syl Co:mines pron French pos n. def ??1447-??1511, French diplomat and historian, noted for his (1489-98). Cominform 0. syl Com+in+form pron <1komin2fc:m> pos n. def short for {Communist Information Bureau}: established 1947 to exchange information among nine European Communist parties and coordinate their activities; dissolved in 1956. coming 1. syl com+ing pron <1k^miG> pos adj. usage prenominal; of time, events, etc. def approaching or next. exam 1 this coming Thursday. coming 2. syl com+ing pron <1k^miG> pos adj. def promising (esp. in the phrase {up and coming}) . coming up 3. head coming syl coming up&! qual Informal. def an expression used to announce that a meal is about to be served. have it coming to one 4. head coming syl have it coming to one. qual Informal. def to deserve what one is about to suffer. not know whether one is coming or going 5. head coming syl not know whether one is coming or going. def to be totally confused. {~} coming 6. syl com+ing pron <1k^miG> pos adj. def arrival or approach. coming 7. syl com+ing pron <1k^miG> pos adj. usage often cap. def the return of Christ in glory. See also {Second Coming}. Komintern alt head Comintern or Comintern syl Kom+in+tern pron <1komin2tR:n> pos n. Comintern 0. or Komintern syl Com+in+tern pron <1komin2tR:n> pos n. def short for {Communist International}; an international Communist organi?!zation founded by Lenin in Moscow in 1919 and dissolved in 1943; it degenerated under Stalin into an instrument of Soviet politics. Also called: {Third International}. comitia ety C17: from Latin comitium assembly, from com- together+ *_ire to go comitia 0. syl co+mi+ti:a pron pos n. def an ancient Roman assembly that elected officials and exercised judicial and legislative authority. comitial sub head comitia syl co+mi+tial pron pos adj. comity ety C16: from Latin c*_omit*_as, from c*_omis affable, obliging, of uncertain origin comities infl head comity syl com+i:ties. pos n. mod pl. comity 1. syl com+i:ty pron <1komiti> pos n. def mutual civility; courtesy. comity 2. syl com+i:ty pron <1komiti> pos n. def short for {comity of nations}. comity 3. syl com+i:ty pron <1komiti> pos n. def the policy whereby one religious denomination refrains from proselytizing the members of another. comity of nations 0. syl com+i:ty of na+tions pos n. def the friendly recognition accorded by one nation to the laws and usages of another. comm 1. syl comm. qual abbrev. for: def commerce. comm 2. syl comm. qual abbrev. for: def commercial. comm 3. syl comm. qual abbrev. for: def committee. comm 4. syl comm. qual abbrev. for: def commonwealth. comma ety C16: from Latin, from Greek komma clause, from koptein to cut comma 1. syl com+ma pron <1kom*> pos n. def the punctuation mark {}, indicating a slight pause in the spoken sentence and used where there is a listing of items or to separate a nonrestrictive clause or phrase from a main clause. comma 2. syl com+ma pron <1kom*> pos n. qual Music. def a minute interval. comma bacillus 0. syl com+ma ba+cil+lus pos n. def a comma-shaped bacterium, that causes cholera in man: family comma butterfly 0. syl com+ma but:ter+fly pos n. def an orange-brown European nymphalid butterfly, with a white comma-shaped mark on the underside of each hind wing. command ety C13: from Old French commander, from Latin com- (intensive)+ mand*_are to entrust, enjoin, command command 1. syl com+mand pron pos vb. mod when; tr. usage an infinitive def to order, require, or compel. command 2. syl com+mand pron pos vb. def to have or be in control or authority over (a person, situation, etc.). command 3. syl com+mand pron pos vb. mod tr. def to have knowledge or use of. exam 1 he commands the language. command 4. syl com+mand pron pos vb. mod tr. def to receive as due or because of merit. exam 1 his nature commands respect. command 5. syl com+mand pron pos vb. def to dominate (a view, etc.) as from a height. command 6. syl com+mand pron pos n. def an order; mandate. command 7. syl com+mand pron pos n. def the act of commanding. command 8. syl com+mand pron pos n. def the power or right to command. command 9. syl com+mand pron pos n. def the exercise of the power to command. command 10. syl com+mand pron pos n. def ability or knowledge; control. exam 1 a command of French. command 11. syl com+mand pron pos n. qual Chiefly military. def the jurisdiction of a commander. command 12. syl com+mand pron pos n. def a military unit or units commanding a specific area or function, as in the R.A.F. command 13.a. syl com+mand pron pos n. def an invitation from the monarch. command 13.b. syl com+mand pron pos n. usage as modifier exam 1 a command performance. command 14. syl com+mand pron pos n. qual Computer technol. def another name for {{instruction} (sense 3)}. commandingly sub head command syl com+1mand+ing+ly pos adv. commandant 0. syl com+man+dant pron <1kom*n2d@nt>, <-2da:nt> pos n. def an officer command?!ing a place, group, or establishment. commandeer ety C19: from Afrikaans kommandeer, from French commander to #7command commandeer 1. syl com+man+deer pron <2kom*n1di*> pos vb. mod tr. def to seize for public or military use. commandeer 2. syl com+man+deer pron <2kom*n1di*> pos vb. mod tr. def to seize arbitrarily. commander 1. syl com+mand+er pron pos n. def an officer in command of a military formation or operation. commander 2. syl com+mand+er pron pos n. def a naval commissioned rank junior to captain but senior to lieutenant commander. commander 3. syl com+mand+er pron pos n. def the second in command of larger British warships. commander 4. syl com+mand+er pron pos n. def someone who holds authority. commander 5. syl com+mand+er pron pos n. def a high-ranking member of some knightly or fraternal orders. commander 6. syl com+mand+er pron pos n. def an officer responsible for a district of the Metropolitan Police in London. commander 7. syl com+mand+er pron pos n. qual History. def the administrator of a commandery of a medieval religious order. commandership sub head commander syl com+1mand+er+2ship pos n. commanders in chief infl head commander in chief syl com+mand+ers in chief. pos n. mod pl. commander in chief 1. syl com+mand+er in chief pos n. def the officer holding supreme command of the forces in an area or operation. commander in chief 2. syl com+mand+er in chief pos n. def the officer holding command of a major subdivision of one military service. command guidance 0. syl com+mand guid+ance pos n. def a method of controlling a missile during flight by transmitting information to it. commanding 1. syl com+mand+ing pron pos adj. usage usually prenominal def being in command. commanding 2. syl com+mand+ing pron pos adj. usage usually prenominal def having the air of authority. exam 1 a command?!ing voice. commanding 3. syl com+mand+ing pron pos adj. usage usually prenominal; of a position, situation, etc. def exerting control. commanding 4. syl com+mand+ing pron pos adj. usage usually prenominal; of a height, viewpoint, etc. def overlooking; advantageous. commandingly sub head commanding syl com+1mand+ing+ly pos adv. commanding officer 0. syl com+mand+ing of+fic+er pos n. def an officer in command of a military unit. commandment 1. syl com+mand+ment pron pos n. def a divine command, esp. one of the Ten Commandments of the Old Testament. commandment 2. syl com+mand+ment pron pos n. qual Literary. def any command. command module 0. syl com+mand mod+ule pos n. def the cone-shaped module used as the living quarters in an Apollo spacecraft and functioning as the splashdown vehicle. commando ety C19: from Afrikaans kommando, from Dutch commando command, from French commander to #7command commandos infl head commando or commandoes syl com+man+dos pos n. mod pl. commandoes infl head commando or commandos syl com+man+does. pos n. mod pl. commando 1.a. syl com+man+do pron pos n. def an amphibious military unit trained for raiding. commando 1.b. syl com+man+do pron pos n. def a member of such a unit. commando 2. syl com+man+do pron pos n. def the basic unit of the Royal Marine Corps. commando 3. syl com+man+do pron pos n. usage originally def an armed force raised by Boers during the Boer War. commando 4. syl com+man+do pron pos n. usage modifier def denoting or relating to a commando or force of commandos. exam 1 a commando raid; exam 2 a commando unit. command paper 0. syl com+mand pa+per pos n. usage in Britain def a government document that is presented to Parliament, in theory by royal command. See also {green paper, white paper}. command performance 0. syl com+mand per+form+ance pos n. def a performance of a play, opera, etc., at the request of a ruler or of royalty. ********************************************************************** ********************************************************************** etc., at the request of a ruler or of royalty. ********************************************************************** ********************************************************************** command post 0. syl com+mand post pos n. qual Military. def the position from which a unit commander and his staff exercise command. commeasure 0. syl com+mea+sure pron pos vb. mod tr. def to coincide with in degree, extent, quality, etc. commeasurable sub head commeasure syl com+1meas+ur+a:ble pos adj. commedia dell'arte ety Italian, literally: comedy of art commedia dell'arte 0. syl com+me:di:a dell'ar+te pron Italian pos n. def a form of popular comedy developed in Italy during the 16th to 18th centuries, with stock characters such as Punchinello, Har?!lequin, and Columbine, in situations improvised from a plot outline. comme il faut 0. syl comme il faut pron French. , French. <1fo> def as it should be; correctly. commemorate ety C16: from Latin commemor*_are be mindful of, from com- (intensive)+ memor*_are to remind, from memor mindful &- com+#!mem@.o+ra+tive or com+#!mem@.o+ra+to@.ry adj. &- com+#!mem@.o+ra+tive+ly adv. ?- com+#!mem@.o+@!ra+tor n. commemorate 0. syl com+mem:o+rate pron pos vb. mod tr. def to honour or keep alive the memory of. commemoration 1. syl com+mem:o+ra+tion pron pos n. def the act or an instance of commemorating. commemoration 2. syl com+mem:o+ra+tion pron pos n. def a ceremony or service in memory of a person or event. commemorational sub head commemoration syl com+2mem:o+1ra+tion+al pos adj. commence ety C14: from Old French co?!mencer, from Vulgar Latin cominiti*_are (unattested), from Latin com- (intensive)+ initi*_are to begin, from initium a beginning commence 0. syl com+mence pron pos vb. def to start or begin; come or cause to come into being, operation, etc. commencer sub head commence syl com+1menc+er pos n. commencement 1. syl com+mence+ment pron pos n. def the beginning; start. commencement 2. syl com+mence+ment pron pos n. qual U.S. def a ceremony for the conferment of academic degrees. commend ety C14: from Latin commend*_are to commit to someone's care, from com- (intensive)+ mand*_are to entrust commend 1. syl com+mend pron pos vb. def to present or represent as being worthy of regard, confidence, kindness, etc.; recommend. commend 2. syl com+mend pron pos vb. def to give in charge; entrust. commend 3. syl com+mend pron pos vb. def to express a good opinion of; praise. commend 4. syl com+mend pron pos vb. def to give the regards of. exam 1 commend me to your aunt. commendable sub head commend syl com+1mend+a:ble pos adj. commendableness sub head commend syl com+1mend+a:ble+ness pos n. commendably sub head commend syl com+1mend+a:bly pos adv. commendam ety C16: from Medieval Latin phrase dare in commendam to give in trust, from commenda trust, back formation from Latin commend*_are to entrust, #7commend commendam 1. syl com+men+dam pron pos n. def the temporary holding of an ecclesiastical benefice. commendam 2. syl com+men+dam pron pos n. def a benefice so held. commendation 1. syl com+men+da+tion pron <2komen1dAS*n> pos n. def the act or an instance of commending; praise. commendation 2. syl com+men+da+tion pron <2komen1dAS*n> pos n. qual U.S. def an award. commendation 3. syl com+men+da+tion pron <2komen1dAS*n> pos n. mod often; pl. qual Archaic. def a greeting. commensal ety C14: from Medieval Latin commens*_alis, from Latin com- together+ mensa table commensal 1. syl com+men+sal pron pos adj. usage of two different species of plant or animal def living in close association without being interdependent. commensal 2. syl com+men+sal pron pos adj. qual Rare. def of or relating to eating together, esp. at the same table. exam 1 commensal pleasures. commensal 3. syl com+men+sal pron pos adj. def a commensal plant or animal. commensal 4. syl com+men+sal pron pos adj. qual Rare. def a companion at table. commensalism sub head commensal syl com+1men+sal+ism pos n. commensality sub head commensal syl com+men+sal+i:ty pron <2komen1s@liti> pos n. commensally sub head commensal syl com+1men+sal+ly pos adv. commensurable 1.a. syl com+men+su+ra:ble pron , <-S*-> pos adj. def having a common factor. commensurable 1.b. syl com+men+su+ra:ble pron , <-S*-> pos adj. def having units of the same dimensions and being related by whole numbers. exam 1 hours and minutes are commensurable. commensurable 2. syl com+men+su+ra:ble pron , <-S*-> pos adj. def well-proportioned; proportionate. commensurability sub head commensurable syl com+2men+su+ra:1bil+i:ty pos n. commensurably sub head commensurable syl com+1men+su+ra:bly pos adv. commensurate ety C17: from Late Latin comm*_ens*_u?!r*_atus, from Latin com- same+ m*_ensur*_are to #7measure commensurate 1. syl com+men+su+rate pron , <-S*-> pos adj. def having the same extent or duration. commensurate 2. syl com+men+su+rate pron , <-S*-> pos adj. def corresponding in degree, amount, or size; proportionate. commensurate 3. syl com+men+su+rate pron , <-S*-> pos adj. def able to be measured by a common standard; commensurable. commensurately sub head commensurate syl com+1men+su+rate+ly pos adv. commensurateness sub head commensurate syl com+1men+su+rate+ness pos n. commensuration sub head commensurate syl com+men+su+ra+tion pron , <-S*-?!> pos n. comment ety C15: from Latin commentum invention, from comminisc*_i to contrive, related to mens mind comment 1. syl com+ment pron <1koment> pos n. def a remark, criticism, or observa?!tion. comment 2. syl com+ment pron <1koment> pos n. def talk or gossip. comment 3. syl com+ment pron <1koment> pos n. def a note explaining or criticizing a passage in a text. comment 4. syl com+ment pron <1koment> pos n. def explanatory or critical matter added to a text. comment 5. syl com+ment pron <1koment> pos vb. mod when; intr. often foll. by on; when; tr. usage takes a clause as object def to remark or express an opinion. comment 6. syl com+ment pron <1koment> pos vb. mod intr. def to write notes explaining or criticizing a text. commenter sub head comment syl com+ment+er pos n. commentaries infl head commentary syl com+men+tar:ies. pos n. mod pl. commentary 1. syl com+men+tar:y pron <1kom*nt*ri>, <-tri> pos n. def an explanatory series of notes or comments. commentary 2. syl com+men+tar:y pron <1kom*nt*ri>, <-tri> pos n. def a spoken accompaniment to a broadcast, film, etc., esp. of a sporting event. commentary 3. syl com+men+tar:y pron <1kom*nt*ri>, <-tri> pos n. def an explanatory essay or treatise on a text. commentary 4. syl com+men+tar:y pron <1kom*nt*ri>, <-tri> pos n. mod usually; pl. def a personal record of events or facts. exam 1 the commentaries of Caesar. commentarial sub head commentary syl com+men+tar+i:al pron <2kom*n1te*ri*l> pos adj. commentate 1. syl com+men+tate pron <1kom*n2tAt> pos vb. def to serve as a commenta?!tor. commentate 2. syl com+men+tate pron <1kom*n2tAt> pos vb. mod tr. def to make a commentary on (a text, event, etc.).#e {Usage}. The verb derived from is sometimes used as a synonym for or It is not yet fully accepted as standard, though widespread in sports reporting and journalism. commentator 1. syl com+men+ta+tor pron <1kom*n2tAt*> pos n. def a person who provides a spoken commentary for a broadcast, film, etc., esp. of a sport?!ing event. commentator 2. syl com+men+ta+tor pron <1kom*n2tAt*> pos n. def a person who writes notes on a text, etc. commerce ety C16: from Latin commercium trade, from commerc*_ar*_i, from merc*_ar*_i to trade, from merx merchandise commerce 1. syl com+merce pron <1komR:s> pos n. def the activity embracing all forms of the purchase and sale of goods and services. commerce 2. syl com+merce pron <1komR:s> pos n. def social relations and exchange, esp. of opinions, attitudes, etc. commerce 3. syl com+merce pron <1komR:s> pos n. qual Archaic. def sexual intercourse. commercial 1. syl com+mer+cial pron pos adj. def of, connected with, or engaged in commerce; mercantile. commercial 2. syl com+mer+cial pron pos adj. def sponsored or paid for by an advertiser. exam 1 commercial television. commercial 3. syl com+mer+cial pron pos adj. def having profit as the main aim. exam 1 commercial music. commercial 4. syl com+mer+cial pron pos adj. usage of goods, chemicals, etc. def of unrefined quality or presentation and produced in bulk for use in industry. commercial 5. syl com+mer+cial pron pos n. def a commercially sponsored advertisement on radio or television. commerciality sub head commercial syl com+mer+ci+al+i:ty pron pos n. commercially sub head commercial syl com+1mer+cial+ly pos adv. commercial art 0. syl com+mer+cial art pos n. def graphic art for commercial uses such as advertising, packaging, etc. commercial artist sub head commercial art syl com+mer+cial art+ist pos n. commercial bank 0. syl com+mer+cial bank pos n. def a bank primarily engaged in making short-term loans from funds deposited in current accounts. commercial college 0. syl com+mer+cial col+lege pos n. def a college providing tuition in commercial skills, such as shorthand and book-keeping. commercialism 1. syl com+mer+cial+ism pron pos n. def the spirit, principles, or procedure of commerce. commercialism 2. syl com+mer+cial+ism pron pos n. def exclusive or inappropriate emphasis on profit. commercialist sub head commercialism syl com+1mer+cial+ist pos n. commercialistic sub head commercialism syl com+2mer+cial+1is+tic pos adj. commercialise alt head commercialize or commercialize syl com+mer+cial+ise pron pos vb. mod tr. commercialize 1. or commercialise syl com+mer+cial+ize pron pos vb. mod tr. def to make commercial in aim, methods, or character. commercialize 2. or commercialise syl com+mer+cial+ize pron pos vb. mod tr. def to exploit for profit, esp. at the expense of quality. commercialization sub head commercialize or commercialisation syl com+2mer+cial:i+1za+tion pos n. commercialisation sub head commercialize or commercialization syl com+2mer+cial:i+1sa+tion pos n. commercial paper 0. syl com+mer+cial pa+per pos n. qual Chiefly U.S. def a short-term negotiable document, such as a bill of exchange, promissory note, etc., calling for the transference of a specified sum of money at a designated date. commercial traveller 0. syl com+mer+cial trav+el+ler pos n. def another name for a {travelling salesman}. commercial vehicle 0. syl com+mer+cial ve+hi+cle pos n. def a vehicle for carrying goods or (less commonly) passengers. commere ety French: literally, godmother, from #7com -+ m*`ere mother; see #7compere commere 0. syl com+m*`ere pron <1kome*>, French pos n. def a female compere. commy alt head commie or commie syl com+my pron <1komi> pos n. commies infl head commie syl com+mies. pos adj. mod pl. commie 0. or commy syl com+mie pron <1komi> pos n. qual Informal and derogatory, chiefly U.S. def short for {communist}. commination ety C15: from Latin commin*_ati*_o, from commin*_ar*_i to menace, from com- (intensive)+ min*_ar*_i to threaten commination 1. syl com+mi+na+tion pron <2komi1nAS*n> pos n. def the act or an instance of threatening punishment or vengeance. commination 2. syl com+mi+na+tion pron <2komi1nAS*n> pos n. qual Church of England. def a recital of prayers, including a list of God's judgments against sinners, in the office for Ash Wednesday. comminatory sub head commination syl com+min:a+to:ry pron <1komin*t*ri>, <-tri> pos adj. Commines 0. syl Com:mines pron French pos n. def a variant spelling of (Philippe de) {Comines}. commingle 0. syl com+min+gle pron pos vb. def to mix or be mixed; blend. comminute ety C17: from Latin comminuere, from com- (intensive)+ minuere to reduce; related to #7minor comminute 1. syl com+mi+nute pron <1komi2nju:t> pos vb. def to break (a bone) into several small fragments. comminute 2. syl com+mi+nute pron <1komi2nju:t> pos vb. def to divide property into small lots. comminute 3. syl com+mi+nute pron <1komi2nju:t> pos vb. def to pulverize. comminution sub head comminute syl com+mi+1nu+tion pos n. comminuted fracture 0. syl com+mi+nut+ed frac+ture pos n. def a fracture in which the bone is splintered or fragmented. commis ety C16 (meaning: deputy): from French, from commettre to employ, #7commit commis infl syl com+mis. pos n. mod pl. commis 1. syl com+mis pron <1komis>, <1komi> pos n. def an agent or deputy. commis 2. syl com+mis pron <1komis>, <1komi> pos n. def an apprentice waiter or chef. commiserate ety C17: from Latin commiser*_ar*_i, from com- together+ miser*_ar*_i to bewail, pity, from miser wretched commiserate 0. syl com+mis+er+ate pron pos vb. mod when; intr. usage usually foll. by with def to feel or express sympathy or compassion (for). commiserable sub head commiserate syl com+1mis+er+a:ble pos adj. commiseration sub head commiserate syl com+2mis+er:1a+tion pos n. commiserative sub head commiserate syl com+1mis+er:a+tive pos adj. commiseratively sub head commiserate syl com+1mis+er:a+tive+ly pos adv. commiserator sub head commiserate syl com+1mis+er:2a+tor pos n. commissar ety C20: from Russian kommissar, from German, from Medieval Latin commiss*_arius #7commissary commissar 1. syl com+mis+sar pron <1komi2sa:>, <2komi1sa:> pos n. usage in the Soviet Union def Also called: {political commissar}. an official of the Communist Party responsible for political education, esp. in a military unit. commissar 2. syl com+mis+sar pron <1komi2sa:>, <2komi1sa:> pos n. usage in the Soviet Union def Also called: {People's Commissar}. (before 1946) the head of a government department. Now called: {minister}. commissariat ety C17: from New Latin commiss*_ari*_atus, from Medieval Latin commiss*_arius #7commissary commissariat 1. syl com+mis+sar:i+at pron <2komi1se*ri*t> pos n. usage in the Soviet Union def a government department before 1946. Now called: {ministry}. commissariat 2.a. syl com+mis+sar:i+at pron <2komi1se*ri*t> pos n. def a military department in charge of food supplies, etc. commissariat 2.b. syl com+mis+sar:i+at pron <2komi1se*ri*t> pos n. def the offices of such a department. commissariat 3. syl com+mis+sar:i+at pron <2komi1se*ri*t> pos n. def food supplies. commissary ety C14: from Medieval Latin commiss*_arius official in charge, from Latin committere to entrust, #7commit commissaries infl head commissary syl com+mis+sar:ies. pos n. mod pl. commissary 1. syl com+mis+sar:y pron <1komis*ri> pos n. qual U.S. def a shop supplying food or equipment, as in a military camp. commissary 2. syl com+mis+sar:y pron <1komis*ri> pos n. qual U.S. army. def an officer responsible for supplies and food. commissary 3. syl com+mis+sar:y pron <1komis*ri> pos n. qual U.S. def a snack bar or restaurant in a film studio. commissary 4. syl com+mis+sar:y pron <1komis*ri> pos n. def a representative or deputy, esp. an official representative of a bishop. commissarial sub head commissary syl com+mis+sar+i:al pron <2komi?!1se*ri*l> pos adj. commissaryship sub head commissary syl com+mis+sar:y+2ship pos n. commission ety C14: from Old French, from Latin commissi*_o a bringing together, from committere to #7commit commission 1. syl com+mis+sion pron pos n. def a duty or task committed to a person or group to perform. commission 2. syl com+mis+sion pron pos n. def authority to undertake or perform certain duties or functions. commission 3. syl com+mis+sion pron pos n. def a document granting such authority. commission 4.a. syl com+mis+sion pron pos n. def a document conferring a rank on an officer. commission 4.b. syl com+mis+sion pron pos n. def the rank or authority thereby granted. commission 5. syl com+mis+sion pron pos n. def a group of people charged with certain duties. exam 1 a commission of inquiry. commission 6. syl com+mis+sion pron pos n. def a government agency or board empowered to exercise administrative, judicial, or legislative authority. See also {Royal Commission}. commission 7.a. syl com+mis+sion pron pos n. def the authority given to a person or organization to act as an agent to a principal in commercial transactions. commission 7.b. syl com+mis+sion pron pos n. def the fee allotted to an agent for services rendered. commission 8. syl com+mis+sion pron pos n. def the state of being charged with specific duties or responsibilities. commission 9. syl com+mis+sion pron pos n. def the act of committing a sin, crime, etc. commission 10. syl com+mis+sion pron pos n. def something, esp. a sin, crime, etc., that is committed. commission 11. syl com+mis+sion pron pos n. def good working condition or (esp. of a ship) active service (esp. in the phrases {in} {into commission, out of commission) }. commission 12. syl com+mis+sion pron pos n. qual U.S. def the head of a department of municipal government. {~} commission 13. syl com+mis+sion pron pos n. def to grant authority to; charge with a duty or task. commission 14. syl com+mis+sion pron pos n. qual Military. def to confer a rank or authorize an action. commission 15. syl com+mis+sion pron pos n. def to equip and test (a ship) for active service. commission 16. syl com+mis+sion pron pos n. def to place an order for (something). exam 1 to commission a portrait. commissional sub head commission or commissionary syl com+1mis+sion+al pos adj. commissionary sub head commission or commissional syl com+1mis+sion+ar:y pos adj. commissionaire ety C18: from French, from #7commission commissionaire 0. syl com+mis+sion+aire pron pos n. qual Chiefly Brit. def a uniformed doorman at a hotel, theatre, etc. commissioned officer 0. syl com+mis+sioned of+fic+er pos n. def a military officer holding a commission, such as Second Lieutenant in the British Army, Acting Sub-Lieutenant in the Royal Navy, Pilot Officer in the Royal Air Force, and officers of all ranks senior to these. commissioner 1. syl com+mis+sion+er pron pos n. def a person authorized to perform certain tasks or endowed with certain powers. commissioner 2. syl com+mis+sion+er pron pos n. qual Government. def any of several types of civil servant. See also {Parliamentary Commissioner}. commissioner 3. syl com+mis+sion+er pron pos n. def a member of a commission. commissionership sub head commissioner syl com+1mis+sion+er+2ship pos n. commissioner for oaths 0. syl com+mis+sion+er for oaths pos n. def a solicitor authorized to authenticate oaths on sworn statements. commission plan 0. syl com+mis+sion plan pos n. usage in the U.S. def a system of municipal government that combines legislative and executive authority in a commission of five or six elected members. commissure ety C15: from Latin commiss*_ura a joining together, from committere #7commit commissure 1. syl com+mis+sure pron <1komi2sju*> pos n. def a band of tissue linking two parts or organs, such as the nervous tissue connecting the right and left sides of the brain in vertebrates. commissure 2. syl com+mis+sure pron <1komi2sju*> pos n. def any of various joints between parts, as between the carpels, leaf lobes, etc., of a plant. commissural sub head commissure syl com+mis+su+ral pron , <2komi1sju*r*l> pos adj. commit ety C14: from Latin committere to join, from com- together+ mittere to put, send commits infl head commit syl com+mits pos vb. mod tr. committing infl head commit syl com+mit+ting pos vb. mod tr. committed infl head commit syl com+mit+ted. pos vb. mod tr. commit 1. syl com+mit pron pos vb. mod tr. def to hand over, as for safekeeping; charge; entrust. exam 1 to commit a child to the care of its aunt. commit to memory 2. head commit syl commit to memory. def to learn by heart; memorize. commit 3. syl com+mit pron pos vb. mod tr. def to confine officially or take into custody. exam 1 to commit someone to prison. commit 4. syl com+mit pron pos vb. mod tr. usage usually passive def to pledge or align (oneself), as to a particular cause, action, or attitude. exam 1 a committed radical. commit 5. syl com+mit pron pos vb. mod tr. def to order (forces) into action. commit 6. syl com+mit pron pos vb. mod tr. def to perform (a crime, error, etc.); do; perpetrate. commit 7. syl com+mit pron pos vb. mod tr. def to surrender, esp. for destruction. exam 1 she committed the letter to the fire. commit 8. syl com+mit pron pos vb. mod tr. def to refer (a bill, etc.) to a committee of a legislature. committable sub head commit syl com+1mit+ta:ble pos adj. committer sub head commit syl com+1mit+ter pos n. commitment 1. syl com+mit+ment pron pos n. def the act of committing or pledging. commitment 2. syl com+mit+ment pron pos n. def the state of being committed or pledged. commitment 3. syl com+mit+ment pron pos n. def the referral of a bill to a committee or legislature. commitment 4. syl com+mit+ment pron pos n. def Also called (esp. formerly): {mittimus}. a written order of a court directing that a person be imprisoned. commitment 5. syl com+mit+ment pron pos n. def the official consignment of a person to a mental hospital or prison. commitment 6. syl com+mit+ment pron pos n. def commission or perpetration, esp. of a crime. commitment 7. syl com+mit+ment pron pos n. def a future financial obligation or contingent liability. {~} Also called (esp. for senses 4 and 5): {com+mit+tal} (k$$#!m$It%@l). committee ety C15: from committen to entrust+-#7ee committee 1. syl com+mit+tee pron pos n. def a group of people chosen or appointed to perform a specified service or function. committee 2. syl com+mit+tee pron <2komi1tE> pos n. usage formerly def a person to whom the care of a mentally incompetent person or his property was entrusted by a court. See also { {receiver} (sense 2).} committeemen infl head committeeman syl com:mit:tee+men. pos n. mod pl. committeeman 0. syl com:mit:tee+man pron , <-2m@n> pos n. qual Chiefly U.S. def a member of one or more committees. committeewoman sub head committeeman syl com:1mit:tee+2wom:an pos n. mod fem. Committee of the Whole House 0. syl Com+mit+tee of the Whole House pos n. qual Brit. def an informal sitting of the House of Commons to discuss and amend a bill. commix ety C15: back formation from commixt mixed together; see #7mix commix 0. syl com+mix pron pos vb. def a rare word for {mix}. commixture sub head commix syl com+1mix+ture pos n. commos infl head commo syl com+mos. pos adj. mod pl. commo 0. syl com+mo pron <1kom*u> pos n. qual Austral. slang. def short for {communist}. commode ety C17: from French, from Latin commodus #7commodious commode 1. syl com+mode pron pos n. def a piece of furniture, usually highly ornamented, containing drawers or shelves. commode 2. syl com+mode pron pos n. def a bedside table with a cabinet below for a chamber pot or washbasin. commode 3. syl com+mode pron pos n. usage formerly def a movable piece of furniture, sometimes in the form of a chair, with a hinged flap concealing a chamber pot. commode 4. syl com+mode pron pos n. def a woman's high-tiered headdress of lace, worn in the late 17th century. commodious ety C15: from Medieval Latin commodi*_osus, from Latin commodus convenient, from com- with+ modus measure commodious 1. syl com+mo+di+ous pron pos adj. usage of buildings, rooms, etc. def large and roomy; spacious. commodious 2. syl com+mo+di+ous pron pos adj. qual Archaic. def suitable; convenient. commodiously sub head commodious syl com+1mo+di+ous+ly pos adv. commodiousness sub head commodious syl com+1mo+di+ous+ness pos n. commodity ety C14: from Old French commodit*'e, from Latin commodit*_as suitability, benefit; see #7commodious commodities infl head commodity syl com+mod+i:ties. pos n. mod pl. commodity 1. syl com+mod+i:ty pron pos n. def an article of com?!merce. commodity 2. syl com+mod+i:ty pron pos n. def something of use, advantage, or profit. commodity 3. syl com+mod+i:ty pron pos n. qual Economics. def an exchangeable unit of economic wealth, such as a consumers' article, producers' article, primary product, or service. commodity 4.a. syl com+mod+i:ty pron pos n. def a quantity of goods. commodity 4.b. syl com+mod+i:ty pron pos n. def convenience or expediency. commodore ety C17: probably from Dutch commandeur, from French, from Old French commander to #7command commodore 1. syl com+mo+dore pron <1kom*2dc:> pos n. qual Brit. def a naval rank junior to rear admiral and senior to captain. commodore 2. syl com+mo+dore pron <1kom*2dc:> pos n. def the senior captain of a shipping line. commodore 3. syl com+mo+dore pron <1kom*2dc:> pos n. def the officer in command of a convoy of merchant ships. commodore 4. syl com+mo+dore pron <1kom*2dc:> pos n. def the titular head of a yacht or boat club. Lucius Aelius Aurelius infl head Commodus syl Lu:ci:us Ae:li:us Au:re:li:us pron <1lu:si*s> <1Eli*s> pos n. Commodus 0. syl Com:mo:dus pron , <1kom*d*s> pos n. def son of Marcus Aurelius. 161-192 #7a.d., Roman emperor (180-192), noted for his tyrannical reign. common ety C13: from Old French commun, from Latin comm*_unis general, universal common 1. syl com+mon pron <1kom*n> pos adj. def belonging to or shared by two or more people. exam 1 common property. common 2. syl com+mon pron <1kom*n> pos adj. def belonging to or shared by members of one or more nations or communities; public. exam 1 a common culture. common 3. syl com+mon pron <1kom*n> pos adj. def of ordinary standard; average. exam 1 common decency. common 4. syl com+mon pron <1kom*n> pos adj. def prevailing; widespread. exam 1 common opinion. common 5. syl com+mon pron <1kom*n> pos adj. def widely known or frequently encountered; ordinary. exam 1 a common brand of soap. common 6. syl com+mon pron <1kom*n> pos adj. def widely known and notorious. exam 1 a common nuis?!ance. common 7. syl com+mon pron <1kom*n> pos adj. qual Derogatory. def considered by the speaker to be low-class, vulgar, or coarse. exam 1 a common accent. common 8. syl com+mon pron <1kom*n> pos adj. usage prenominal def having no special distinction, rank, or status. exam 1 the common man. common 9.a. syl com+mon pron <1kom*n> pos adj. def having a specified relationship with a group of numbers or quantities. exam 1 common denominator. common 9.b. syl com+mon pron <1kom*n> pos adj. usage of a tangent def tangential to two or more circles. common 10. syl com+mon pron <1kom*n> pos adj. usage Prosody. of a syllable def able to be long or short, or (in nonquantitative verse) stressed or unstressed. common 11. syl com+mon pron <1kom*n> pos adj. usage Grammar. in certain languages def denoting or belonging to a gender of nouns, esp. one that includes both masculine and feminine referents. exam 1 Latin common 12.a. syl com+mon pron <1kom*n> pos adj. def having branches. exam 1 the common carotid artery. common 12.b. syl com+mon pron <1kom*n> pos adj. def serving more than one function. exam 1 the common bile duct. common 13. syl com+mon pron <1kom*n> pos adj. qual Christianity. def of or relating to the common of the Mass or divine office. common or garden 14. head common syl common or garden. qual Informal. def ordinary; unexceptional. common 15. syl com+mon pron <1kom*n> pos n. mod sometimes; pl. def a tract of open public land, esp. one now used as a recreation area. common 16. syl com+mon pron <1kom*n> pos n. qual Law. def the right to go onto someone else's property and remove natural products, as by pasturing cattle or fishing (esp. in the phrase {right of common}) . common 17.a. syl com+mon pron <1kom*n> pos n. def a form of the proper of the Mass used on festivals that have no special proper of their own. common 17.b. syl com+mon pron <1kom*n> pos n. def the ordinary of the Mass. common 18. syl com+mon pron <1kom*n> pos n. qual Archaic. def the ordinary people; the public, esp. those undistinguished by rank or title. in common 19. head common syl in common. def mutually held or used with another or others. commonness sub head common syl com+mon+ness pos n. commonable 1. syl com+mon+a:ble pron <1kom*n*bL> pos adj. usage of land def held in common. commonable 2. syl com+mon+a:ble pron <1kom*n*bL> pos adj. usage English history. esp. of sheep and cattle def entitled to be pastured on common land. commonage 1.a. syl com+mon+age pron <1kom*niJ> pos n. def the use of something, esp. a pasture, in common with others. commonage 1.b. syl com+mon+age pron <1kom*niJ> pos n. def the right to such use. commonage 2. syl com+mon+age pron <1kom*niJ> pos n. def the state of being held in common. commonage 3. syl com+mon+age pron <1kom*niJ> pos n. def something held in common, such as land. commonage 4. syl com+mon+age pron <1kom*niJ> pos n. def another word for { {commonalty} (sense 1).} commonalities infl head commonality syl com+mon+al+i:ties. pos n. mod pl. commonality 1. syl com+mon+al+i:ty pron <2kom*1n@liti> pos n. def the fact of being common to more than one individual; commonness. commonality 2. syl com+mon+al+i:ty pron <2kom*1n@liti> pos n. def another word for {{commonalty} (sense 1).} commonalty ety C13: from Old French comunalte, from comunal communal commonalties infl head commonalty syl com+mon+al+ties. pos n. mod pl. commonalty 1. syl com+mon+al+ty pron <1kom*n*lti> pos n. def the ordinary people as distinct from those with authority, rank, or title, esp. when considered as a political and social unit or estate of the realm. Compare {third estate}. commonalty 2. syl com+mon+al+ty pron <1kom*n*lti> pos n. def the members of an incorporated society. common carrier 0. syl com+mon car+ri+er pos n. def a person or firm engaged in the business of transporting goods or passengers. common chord 0. syl com+mon chord pos n. qual Music. def a major or minor triad, based on the keynote, in which the fifth is perfect. exam 1 the notes G, B, and D form the common chord of G major. common cold 0. syl com+mon cold pos n. def a mild viral infection of the upper respiratory tract, characterized by sneezing, coughing, watery eyes, nasal congestion, etc. common denominator 1. syl com+mon de+nom:i+na+tor pos n. def an integer exactly divisible by each denominator of a group of fractions: 1/3, 1/4, and 1/6 common denominator 2. syl com+mon de+nom:i+na+tor pos n. def a belief, attribute, etc., held in common by members of a class or group. common divisor 0. syl com+mon di+vi+sor pos n. def another name for {common factor}. Common Entrance 0. syl Com+mon En+trance pos n. qual Brit. def an entrance examination for a public school, usually taken at the age of 13. commoner 1. syl com+mon+er pron <1kom*n*> pos n. def a person who does not belong to the nobility. commoner 2. syl com+mon+er pron <1kom*n*> pos n. def a person who has a right in or over common land jointly with another or others. commoner 3. syl com+mon+er pron <1kom*n*> pos n. qual Brit. def a student at a university or other institution who is not on a scholarship. Common Era 0. syl Com+mon E:ra pos n. def another name for {Christian Era}. common factor 0. syl com+mon fac+tor pos n. def a number or quantity that is a factor of each member of a group of numbers or quantities. exam 1 5 is a common factor of 15 and 20. common fee 0. syl com+mon fee pos n. usage in Australia def the agreed usual charge for any medical service, which determines the amount of reimburse?!ment under the federal health scheme. common fraction 0. syl com+mon frac+tion pos n. def another name for {simple fraction}. common good 0. syl com+mon good pos n. def the part of the property of a Scottish burgh, in the form of land or funds, that is at the disposal of the community. common ground 0. syl com+mon ground pos n. def an agreed basis, accepted by both or all parties, for identifying issues in an argument. common knowledge 0. syl com+mon know+ledge pos n. def something widely or generally known. common law 1. syl com+mon law pos n. def the body of law based on judicial decisions and custom, as distinct from statute law. common law 2. syl com+mon law pos n. def the law of a state that is of general application, as distinct from regional customs. common-law marriage 0. syl com:mon-law mar+riage pos n. def a state of marriage deemed to exist between a man and a woman after a number of years of cohabitation as man and wife. common logarithm 0. syl com+mon log:a+rithm pos n. def a logarithm to the base ten. Usually written log\1\0 or log Compare {natural logarithm}. See also { {base%1} (sense 16).} commonly 1. syl com+mon+ly pron <1kom*nli> pos adv. def usually; ordinarily. exam 1 he was commonly known as Joe. commonly 2. syl com+mon+ly pron <1kom*nli> pos adv. qual Derogatory. def in a coarse or vulgar way. exam 1 she dresses commonly. Common Markethe infl head Common Market syl Com+mon Mar+kethe. pos n. Common Market 0. syl Com+mon Mar+ket pos n. def a Western European economic association, originally composed by the Treaty of Rome (1958) of Belgium, France, West Germany, Italy, Luxembourg, and the Netherlands, joined in 1973 by the United Kingdom, the Irish Republic, and Denmark. Officially called: {European Economic Community}. common measure 1. syl com+mon meas+ure pos n. def another term for {common time}. common measure 2. syl com+mon meas+ure pos n. def the usual stanza form of a ballad, consisting of four iambic lines rhyming a b c b or a b a b. common metre 0. syl com+mon me+tre pos n. def a stanza form, used esp. for hymns, consisting of four lines, two of eight syllables alternating with two of six. common multiple 0. syl com+mon mul+ti+ple pos n. def an integer or polynomial that is a multiple of each integer or polynomial in a group. exam 1 20 is a common multiple of 2, 4, 5, 10. common noun 0. syl com+mon noun pos n. qual Grammar. def a noun that refers to each member of a whole class sharing the features connoted by the noun, as for example and Compare {proper noun}. commonplace ety C16: translation of Latin locus comm*_unis argument of wide application, translation of Greek koinos topos commonplace 1. syl com:mon+place pron <1kom*n2plAs> pos adj. def ordinary; everyday. exam 1 commonplace duties. commonplace 2. syl com:mon+place pron <1kom*n2plAs> pos adj. def dull and obvious; trite. exam 1 commonplace prose. commonplace 3. syl com:mon+place pron <1kom*n2plAs> pos n. def something dull and trite, esp. a remark; platitude; truism. commonplace 4. syl com:mon+place pron <1kom*n2plAs> pos n. def a passage in a book marked for inclusion in a commonplace book, etc. commonplace 5. syl com:mon+place pron <1kom*n2plAs> pos n. def an ordinary or common thing. commonplaceness sub head commonplace syl com:mon+2place:ness pos n. commonplace book 0. syl com:mon+place book pos n. def a notebook in which quotations, poems, remarks, etc., that catch the owner's attention are entered. common pleas 0. syl com+mon pleas pos n. def short for {Court of Common Pleas}. common prayer 0. syl com+mon prayer pos n. def the liturgy of public services of the Church of England, esp. Morning and Evening Prayer. common room 0. syl com+mon room pos n. qual Chiefly Brit. def a sitting room in schools, colleges, etc., for the relaxation of students or staff. commons 1. syl com+mons pron <1kom*nz> pos n. mod functioning as; pl. def people not of noble birth viewed as forming a political order. commons 2. syl com+mons pron <1kom*nz> pos n. mod functioning as; pl. def the lower classes as contrasted to the ruling classes of society; the commonalty. commons 3. syl com+mons pron <1kom*nz> pos n. mod functioning as; sing. qual Brit. def a building or hall for dining, recreational purposes, etc., usually attached to a college, etc. commons 4. syl com+mons pron <1kom*nz> pos n. mod usually functioning as; pl. qual Brit. def food or rations (esp. in the phrase {short commons) }. the infl head Commons syl the. pos n. Commons 0. syl Com+mons pron <1kom*nz> pos n. def See {House of Commons}. common seal 0. syl com+mon seal pos n. def the official seal of a corporate body. common sense 1. syl com+mon sense pos n. def plain ordinary good judgment; sound practical sense. {~} {com@.mon-sense}; {com@.mon-sen@.si@.cal}. common sense 2. syl com+mon sense pos n. def inspired by or displaying sound practical sense. common stock 0. syl com+mon stock pos n. def the U.S. name for {ordinary shares}. common time 0. syl com+mon time pos n. qual Music. def a time signature indicating four crotchet beats to the bar; four-four time. Symbol: {C} commonweal 1. syl com:mon+weal pron <1kom*n2wEl> pos n. qual Archaic. def the goods of the community. commonweal 2. syl com:mon+weal pron <1kom*n2wEl> pos n. qual Archaic. def another name for {commonwealth}. commonwealth 1. syl com:mon+wealth pron <1kom*n2welT> pos n. def the people of a state or nation viewed politically; body politic. commonwealth 2. syl com:mon+wealth pron <1kom*n2welT> pos n. def a state or nation in which the people possess sovereignty; republic. commonwealth 3. syl com:mon+wealth pron <1kom*n2welT> pos n. def the body politic organized for the general good. commonwealth 4. syl com:mon+wealth pron <1kom*n2welT> pos n. def a group of persons united by some common interest. commonwealth 5. syl com:mon+wealth pron <1kom*n2welT> pos n. qual Obsolete. def the general good; public welfare. Commonwealthe infl head Commonwealth syl Com:mon+wealthe. pos n. Commonwealth 1. syl Com:mon+wealth pron <1kom*n2welT> pos n. def Official name: {the Commonwealth of Nations}. an association of sovereign states that are or at some time have been ruled by Britain. All member states recognize the reigning British sovereign as {Head of the Commonwealth}. Commonwealth 2.a. syl Com:mon+wealth pron <1kom*n2welT> pos n. def the republic that existed in Britain from 1649 to 1660. Commonwealth 2.b. syl Com:mon+wealth pron <1kom*n2welT> pos n. def the part of this period up to 1653, when Cromwell became Protector. Commonwealth 3. syl Com:mon+wealth pron <1kom*n2welT> pos n. def the official designation of Australia, four states of the U.S. (Kentucky, Massachusetts, Pennsylvania, and Virginia), and Puerto Rico. Commonwealth Day 0. syl Com:mon+wealth Day pos n. def the anniversary of Queen Victoria's birth, May 24, celebrated as a holiday in many parts of the Commonwealth. Former name: {Empire Day}. commotion ety C15: from Latin comm*_oti*_o, from commov*_ere to throw into disorder, from com- (intensive)+ mov*_ere to #7move commotion 1. syl com+mo+tion pron pos n. def violent and turbulent disturb?!ance; upheaval. commotion 2. syl com+mo+tion pron pos n. def political insurrection; disorder. commotion 3. syl com+mo+tion pron pos n. def a confused noise; din. commotional sub head commotion syl com+1mo+tion+al pos adj. commove 1. syl com+move pron pos vb. mod tr. qual Rare. def to disturb; stir up. commove 2. syl com+move pron pos vb. mod tr. qual Rare. def to agitate or excite emotionally. communal 1. syl com+mu+nal pron <1komjunL> pos adj. def belonging or relating to a community as a whole. communal 2. syl com+mu+nal pron <1komjunL> pos adj. def relating to different groups within a society. exam 1 communal strife. communal 3. syl com+mu+nal pron <1komjunL> pos adj. def of or relating to a commune or a religious community. communality sub head communal syl com+mu+nal+i:ty pron <2komju1n@liti> pos n. communally sub head communal syl com+mu+nal+ly pos adv. communalism 1. syl com+mu+nal+ism pron <1komjun*2liz*m> pos n. def a system or theory of government in which the state is seen as a loose federation of self-governing communities. communalism 2. syl com+mu+nal+ism pron <1komjun*2liz*m> pos n. def an electoral system in which ethnic groups vote separately for their own representatives. communalism 3. syl com+mu+nal+ism pron <1komjun*2liz*m> pos n. def loyalty to the interests of one's own ethnic group rather than to society as a whole. communalism 4. syl com+mu+nal+ism pron <1komjun*2liz*m> pos n. def the practice or advocacy of communal living or ownership. communalist sub head communalism syl com+mu+nal+ist pos n. communalistic sub head communalism syl com+mu+nal+1is+tic pos adj. communalise alt head communalize or communalize syl com+mu+nal+ise pron <1komjun*2lIz> pos vb. mod tr. communalize 0. or communalise syl com+mu+nal+ize pron <1komjun*2lIz> pos vb. mod tr. def to render (something) the property of a commune or com?!munity. communalization sub head communalize or communalisation syl com+mu+nal:i+1za+tion pos n. communalisation sub head communalize or communalization syl com+mu+nal:i+1sa+tion pos n. communalizer sub head communalize or communaliser syl com+mu+nal+2iz+er pos n. communaliser sub head communalize or communalizer syl com+mu+nal+2is+er pos n. communard 0. syl com+mu+nard pron <1komju2na:d> pos n. def a member of a commune. Communard ety C19: from French Communard 0. syl Com+mu+nard pron <1komju2na:d> pos n. def any person who participated in or supported the Paris Commune formed after the Franco-Prussian War in 1871. commune ety C13: from Old French comuner to hold in common, from comun #7common commune H1.1. syl com+mune pron pos vb. mod intr. usage usually foll. by with def to talk or converse intimately. commune H1.2. syl com+mune pron pos vb. mod intr. usage usually foll. by with def to experience strong emotion or spiritual feelings (for). exam 1 to commune with nature. commune H1.3. syl com+mune pron <1komju:n> pos n. mod intr. usage usually foll. by with def intimate conversation; exchange of thoughts; communion. commune ety C16: back formation from #7communion commune H2.0. syl com+mune pron pos vb. mod intr. qual Christianity, chiefly U.S. def to partake of Communion. commune ety C18: from French, from Medieval Latin comm*_unia, from Latin: things held in common, from comm*_unis #7common commune H3.1. syl com+mune pron <1komju:n> pos n. def a group of families or individuals living together and sharing possessions and responsibilities. commune H3.2. syl com+mune pron <1komju:n> pos n. def any small group of people having common interests or responsibilities. commune H3.3. syl com+mune pron <1komju:n> pos n. def the smallest administrative unit in Belgium, France, Italy, and Switzerland, governed by a mayor and council. commune H3.4. syl com+mune pron <1komju:n> pos n. def the government or inhabitants of a commune. commune H3.5. syl com+mune pron <1komju:n> pos n. def a medieval town enjoying a large degree of autonomy. Commune 1. syl Com+mune pron <1komju:n> pos n. qual French history. def See {Paris Commune}. Commune 2. syl Com+mune pron <1komju:n> pos n. qual French history. def a committee that governed Paris during the French Revolution and played a leading role in the Reign of Terror: suppressed 1794. communicable 1. syl com+mu+ni+ca:ble pron pos adj. def capable of being communicated. communicable 2. syl com+mu+ni+ca:ble pron pos adj. usage of a disease or its causative agent def capable of being passed on readily. communicability sub head communicable or communicableness syl com+2mu+ni+ca:1bil+i:ty pos n. communicableness sub head communicable or communicability syl com+1mu+ni+ca:ble+ness pos n. communicably sub head communicable syl com+1mu+ni+ca:bly pos adv. communicant 1. syl com+mu+ni+cant pron pos n. qual Christianity. def a person who receives Communion. communicant 2. syl com+mu+ni+cant pron pos n. def a person who communicates or informs. communicant 3. syl com+mu+ni+cant pron pos adj. def communicating. communicate ety C16: from Latin comm*_unic*_are to share, from comm*_unis #7common communicate 1. syl com+mu+ni+cate pron pos vb. def to impart (knowledge) or exchange (thoughts, feelings, or ideas) by speech, writing, gestures, etc. communicate 2. syl com+mu+ni+cate pron pos vb. mod tr. usage usually foll. by to def to allow (a feeling, emotion, etc.) to be sensed (by), willingly or unwillingly; transmit (to). exam 1 the dog communicated his fear to the other animals. communicate 3. syl com+mu+ni+cate pron pos vb. mod intr. def to have a sympathetic mutual understand?!ing. communicate 4. syl com+mu+ni+cate pron pos vb. mod intr. usage usually foll. by with def to make or have a connecting passage or route; connect. exam 1 the kitchen communicates with the dining room. communicate 5. syl com+mu+ni+cate pron pos vb. mod tr. def to transmit (a disease); infect. communicate 6. syl com+mu+ni+cate pron pos vb. qual Christianity. def to receive or administer Communion. communicator sub head communicate syl com+1mu+ni+2ca+tor pos n. communicatory sub head communicate syl com+1mu+ni+ca+to:ry pos adj. communication 1. syl com+mu+ni+ca+tion pron pos n. def the act or an instance of communicating; the imparting or exchange of information, ideas, or feelings. communication 2. syl com+mu+ni+ca+tion pron pos n. def something communicated, such as a message, letter, or telephone call. communication 3.a. syl com+mu+ni+ca+tion pron pos n. mod usually; pl. sometimes functioning as; sing. def the study of ways in which human beings communicate, including speech, gesture, telecommunication systems, publishing and broadcasting media, etc. communication 3.b. syl com+mu+ni+ca+tion pron pos n. usage as modifier exam 1 communication theory. communication 4. syl com+mu+ni+ca+tion pron pos n. def a connecting route, passage, or link. communication 5. syl com+mu+ni+ca+tion pron pos n. mod pl. qual Military. def the system by which forces, supplies, etc., are moved up to or within an area of operations. communication cord 0. syl com+mu+ni+ca+tion cord pos n. qual Brit. def a cord or chain in a train which may be pulled by a passenger to stop the train in an emergency. communications satellite 0. syl com+mu+ni+ca+tions sat+el+lite pos n. def an artificial satellite used to relay radio, television, and telephone signals around the earth's surface. A {passive satellite} merely reflects transmissions from its surface. An {active satellite} receives and retransmits signals. See also {syncom}. communicative 1. syl com+mu+ni+ca+tive pron pos adj. def inclined or able to communicate readily; talkative. communicative 2. syl com+mu+ni+ca+tive pron pos adj. def of or relating to communication. communicatively sub head communicative syl com+1mu+ni+ca+tive+ly pos adv. communicativeness sub head communicative syl com+1mu+ni+ca+tive+?!ness pos n. communion ety C14: from Latin comm*_uni*_o general participation, from comm*_unis #7common communion 1. syl com+mun+ion pron pos n. def an exchange of thoughts, emotions, etc. communion 2. syl com+mun+ion pron pos n. def possession or sharing in common; participation. communion 3. syl com+mun+ion pron pos n. usage foll. by with def strong emotional or spiritual feelings (for). exam 1 communion with nature. communion 4. syl com+mun+ion pron pos n. def a religious group or de?!nomination having a common body of beliefs, doctrines, and practices. communion 5. syl com+mun+ion pron pos n. def the spiritual union held by Christians to exist between individual Christians and Christ, their Church, or their fellow Christians. communional sub head communion syl com+1mun+ion+al pos adj. communionally sub head communion syl com+1mun+ion+al+ly pos adv. Communion 1. syl Com+mun+ion pron pos n. qual Christianity. def the act of participating in the Eucharist. Communion 2. syl Com+mun+ion pron pos n. qual Christianity. def the celebration of the Eucharist, esp. the part of the service during which the consecrated elements are received. Communion 3.a. syl Com+mun+ion pron pos n. qual Christianity. def the consecrated elements of the Eucharist. communion of saints 0. syl com+mun+ion of saints pos n. qual Christianity. def the spiritual fellowship of all true Christians, living and dead. communiqu'e ety C19: from French, from communiquer to #7communicate communiqu'e 0. syl com+mu+ni+qu*'e pron pos n. def an official communication or announcement, esp. to the press or public. communism ety C19: from French communisme, from commun #7common communism 1. syl com+mun+ism pron <1komju2niz*m> pos n. def advocacy of a classless society in which private ownership has been abolished and the means of production and subsistence belong to the commu?!nity. communism 2. syl com+mun+ism pron <1komju2niz*m> pos n. def any social, economic, or political movement or doctrine aimed at achieving such a society. communism 3. syl com+mun+ism pron <1komju2niz*m> pos n. usage usually cap. def a political movement based upon the writings of Marx that considers history in terms of class conflict and revolutionary struggle, resulting eventually in the victory of the proletariat and the establishment of a socialist order based on public ownership of the means of production. See also {Marxism, Marxism-Leninism, socialism}. communism 4. syl com+mun+ism pron <1komju2niz*m> pos n. usage usually cap. def a social order or system of government established by a ruling Communist Party, esp. in the Soviet Union. communism 5. syl com+mun+ism pron <1komju2niz*m> pos n. qual Chiefly U.S. usage often cap. def any leftist political activity or thought, esp. when considered to be subversive. communism 6. syl com+mun+ism pron <1komju2niz*m> pos n. def communal living; communalism. communist 1. syl com+mun+ist pron <1komjunist> pos n. def a supporter of any form of communism. communist 2. syl com+mun+ist pron <1komjunist> pos n. usage often cap. def a supporter of Communism or a Communist movement or state. communist 3. syl com+mun+ist pron <1komjunist> pos n. usage often cap. def a member of a Communist party. communist 4. syl com+mun+ist pron <1komjunist> pos n. def a person who practises communal living; communalist. communist 5. syl com+mun+ist pron <1komjunist> pos n. def another name for {Communard}. communist 6. syl com+mun+ist pron <1komjunist> pos adj. def of, characterized by, favouring, or relating to communism; communistic. Communist China 0. syl Com+mu+nist Chi+na pos n. def another name for (the People's Republic of) {China}. communistic 0. syl com+mu+nis+tic pron <2komju1nistik> pos adj. def of, characteristic of, or relating to communism. communistically sub head communistic syl com+mu+1nis+ti+cal+ly pos adv. Communist Manifesto 0. syl Com+mun+ist Man:i+fes+to pos n. def a political pamphlet written by Marx and Engels in 1848: a fundamental statement of Marxist principles. Communist Party 1. syl Com+mun+ist Par+ty pos n. usage in non-Communist countries def a political party advocating Communism. Communist Party 2. syl Com+mun+ist Par+ty pos n. usage in Communist countries def the single official party of the state, composed of those who officially espouse Communism. communitarian 1. syl com+mu+ni+tar+i:an pron pos n. def a member of a communist community. communitarian 2. syl com+mu+ni+tar+i:an pron pos n. def an advocate of communalism. community ety C14: from Latin comm*_unit*_as, from comm*_unis #7common communities infl head community syl com+mu+ni:ties. pos n. mod pl. community 1.a. syl com+mu+ni:ty pron pos n. def the people living in one locality. community 1.b. syl com+mu+ni:ty pron pos n. def the locality in which they live. community 1.c. syl com+mu+ni:ty pron pos n. usage as modifier exam 1 community spirit. community 2. syl com+mu+ni:ty pron pos n. def a group of people having cultural, religious, ethnic, or other characteristics in common. exam 1 the Protestant community. community 3. syl com+mu+ni:ty pron pos n. def a group of nations having certain interests in common. community 4. syl com+mu+ni:ty pron pos n. def the public in general; society. community 5. syl com+mu+ni:ty pron pos n. def common ownership or participation. community 6. syl com+mu+ni:ty pron pos n. def similarity or agreement. exam 1 community of interests. community 7. syl com+mu+ni:ty pron pos n. usage in Wales since 1974 and Scotland since 1975 def the smallest unit of local government; a subdivision of a district. community 8. syl com+mu+ni:ty pron pos n. qual Ecology. def a group of interdependent plants and animals inhabiting the same region and interacting with each other through food and other relationships. community centre 0. syl com+mu+ni:ty cen+tre pos n. def a building used by members of a community for social gatherings, etc. community chest 0. syl com+mu+ni:ty chest pos n. qual U.S. def a fund raised by voluntary contribution for local welfare activities. community college 1. syl com+mu+ni:ty col+lege pos n. qual Brit. def another term for {village college}. community college 2. syl com+mu+ni:ty col+lege pos n. qual Chiefly U.S. def a nonresidential college offering two-year courses of study. community home 0. syl com+mu+ni:ty home pos n. usage in Britain def a boarding school for the instruction and rehabilitation of young offenders. community school 0. syl com+mu+ni:ty school pos n. qual Brit. def a school offering some nonacademic activities related to life in a particular community and often serving as a community centre. community singing 0. syl com+mu+ni:ty sing+ing pos n. def singing, esp. of hymns, by a large gathering of people. communise alt head communize or communize syl com+mu+nise pron <1komju2nIz> pos vb. mod tr. communize 1. or communise syl com+mu+nize pron <1komju2nIz> pos vb. mod tr. usage some?!times cap. def to make (property) public; nationalize. communize 2. or communise syl com+mu+nize pron <1komju2nIz> pos vb. mod tr. usage some?!times cap. def to make (a person or country) communist. communization sub head communize or communisation syl com+mu+ni+1za+tion pos n. communisation sub head communize or communization syl com+mu+ni+1sa+tion pos n. commutable 1. syl com+mut+a:ble pron pos adj. usage Law. of a punishment, etc. def capable of being reduced in severity. commutable 2. syl com+mut+a:ble pron pos adj. def able to be exchanged. commutability sub head commutable or commutableness syl com+2mut+a:1bil+i:ty pos n. commutableness sub head commutable or commutability syl com+1mut+a:ble+ness pos n. commutate 1. syl com+mu+tate pron <1komju2tAt> pos vb. mod tr. def to reverse the direction of (an electric current). commutate 2. syl com+mu+tate pron <1komju2tAt> pos vb. mod tr. def to convert (an alternating current) into a direct current. commutation 1. syl com+mu+ta+tion pron <2komju1tAS*n> pos n. def a substitution or ex?!change. commutation 2.a. syl com+mu+ta+tion pron <2komju1tAS*n> pos n. def the replacement of one method of payment by another. commutation 2.b. syl com+mu+ta+tion pron <2komju1tAS*n> pos n. def the payment substituted. commutation 3. syl com+mu+ta+tion pron <2komju1tAS*n> pos n. def the reduction in severity of a penalty imposed by law. commutation 4. syl com+mu+ta+tion pron <2komju1tAS*n> pos n. def the process of commutating an electric current. commutation 5. syl com+mu+ta+tion pron <2komju1tAS*n> pos n. qual U.S. def the travelling done by a commuter. commutation ticket 0. syl com+mu+ta+tion tick+et pos n. def a U.S. name for {season ticket}. commutative 0. syl com+mu+ta+tive pron , <1komju2tAtiv> pos adj. def relating to or involving substitution. commutatively sub head commutative syl com+1mu+ta+tive+ly pos adv. commutative law 0. syl com+mu+ta+tive law pos n. def a law of mathematics and logic that states that certain operations, such as addition, multiplication, conjunction, and alternation, are independent of the order in which the numbers, symbols, or statements are considered, as in commutator 1. syl com+mu+ta+tor pron <1komju2tAt*> pos n. def a device used to reverse the direction of flow of an electric current. commutator 2. syl com+mu+ta+tor pron <1komju2tAt*> pos n. def the segmented metal cylinder or disc mounted on the armature shaft of an electric motor, generator, etc., used to make electrical contact with the rotating coils. commute ety C17: from Latin commut*_are to replace, from com- mutually+ mut*_are to change commute 1. syl com+mute pron pos vb. mod intr. def to travel some distance regularly between one's home and one's place of work. commute 2. syl com+mute pron pos vb. mod tr. def to substitute; exchange. commute 3. syl com+mute pron pos vb. mod tr. qual Law. def to reduce (a sentence) to one less severe. commute 4. syl com+mute pron pos vb. def to pay (an annuity, etc.) at one time, esp. with a discount, instead of in instalments. commute 5. syl com+mute pron pos vb. mod tr. def to transform; change. exam 1 to commute base metal into gold. commute 6. syl com+mute pron pos vb. mod intr. def to act as or be a substitute. commute 7. syl com+mute pron pos vb. mod intr. def to make a substitution; change. commutable sub head commute syl com+1mut+a:ble pos adj. commutableness sub head commute or commutability syl com+1mut+a:ble+ness pos n. commutability sub head commute or commutableness syl com+2mut+a:1bil+i:ty pos n. commuter 0.a. syl com+mut+er pron pos n. def a person who travels to work over an appreciable distance, usually from the suburbs to the centre of a city. commuter 0.b. syl com+mut+er pron pos n. usage as modifier exam 1 the commuter belt. Comnenus 0. syl Com+ne+nus pron pos n. def an important Byzantine family from which the imperial dynasties of Constantinople (1057-59; 1081-1185) and Trebizond (1204-1461) derived. Como 1. syl Co:mo pron <1k*um*u>, Italian <1kc:mo> pos n. def a city in N Italy, in Lombardy at the SW end of {Lake Como} : tourist centre. Pop.: 97395 (1971). Latin name: {Comum}. Cape infl head Comorin syl Cape. pos n. Comorin 0. syl Com:o+rin pron <1kom*rin> pos n. def a headland at the southernmost point of India, in Tamil Nadu state. Comoro Islands 0. syl Com:o+ro Is+lands pron <1kom*2r*u> pos n. mod pl. def a group of volcanic islands in the Indian Ocean, off the NW coast of Madagascar: a French territory from 1947 until 1976, when the islands became an independent republic (except for Mayotte which chose to remain French). Pop.: 290000 (1973 est.). Area: 2170 sq. km (838 sq. miles). French names: {Ter+ri+toire des Co+mores} (t$eritwa$:r de k@$#!m@$$:r), {*^Iles Comores}. comose ety C18: from Latin com*_osus hairy, from coma long hair; see {#7coma %2} comose 0. syl co+mose pron <1k*um*us>, pos adj. qual Botany. def another word for {comate}. infl head comp syl ~ pos n. qual Informal. comp 1. syl comp pron pos n. def a compositor. comp 2. syl comp pron pos n. def an accompanist. comp 3. syl comp pron pos n. def an accompaniment. comp 4. syl comp pron pos n. def a competition. {~} comp 5. syl comp pron pos n. mod intr. def to work as a compositor in the printing industry. comp 6. syl comp pron pos n. def to play an accompaniment (to). comp 1. syl comp. qual abbrev. for: def companion. comp 2. syl comp. qual abbrev. for: def comparative. comp 3. syl comp. qual abbrev. for: def compare. comp 4. syl comp. qual abbrev. for: def compiled. comp 5. syl comp. qual abbrev. for: def compiler. comp 6. syl comp. qual abbrev. for: def complete. comp 7. syl comp. qual abbrev. for: def composer. comp 8. syl comp. qual abbrev. for: def composition. comp 9. syl comp. qual abbrev. for: def compositor. comp 10. syl comp. qual abbrev. for: def compound. comp 11. syl comp. qual abbrev. for: def comprising. compact ety C16: from Latin compactus, from compingere to put together, from com- together+ pangere to fasten &- com+#!pact+er n. compact H1.1. syl com+pact pron pos adj. def closely packed together; dense. compact H1.2. syl com+pact pron pos adj. def neatly fitted into a restricted space. compact H1.3. syl com+pact pron pos adj. def concise; brief. compact H1.4. syl com+pact pron pos adj. def well constructed; solid; firm. compact H1.5. syl com+pact pron pos adj. usage foll. by of def composed or made up (of). compact H1.6. syl com+pact pron pos adj. usage U.S. of a car def small and economical. compact H1.7. syl com+pact pron pos vb. mod tr. def to pack or join closely together; compress; condense. compact H1.8. syl com+pact pron pos vb. mod tr. usage foll. by of def to create or form by pressing together. exam 1 sediment compacted of three types of clay. compact H1.9. syl com+pact pron pos vb. mod tr. qual Metallurgy. def to compress (a metal powder) to form a stable product suitable for sintering. compact H1.10. syl com+pact pron <1komp@kt> pos n. def a small flat case containing a mirror, face powder, etc., designed to be carried in a woman's handbag. compact H1.11. syl com+pact pron <1komp@kt> pos n. qual U.S. def a small and economical car. compact H1.12. syl com+pact pron <1komp@kt> pos n. qual Metallurgy. def a mass of metal prepared for sintering by cold-pressing a metal powder. compactly sub head compact syl com+1pact+ly pos adv. compactness sub head compact syl com+1pact+ness pos n. compact ety C16: from Latin compactum, from compacisc*_i to agree, from com- together+ pacisc*_i to contract; see #7pact compact H2.0. syl com+pact pron <1komp@kt> pos n. def an official contract or agreement. compadre ety from Spanish: godfather, from Medieval Latin compater, from Latin com- with+ pater father compadre 0. syl com+pa+dre pron , pos n. qual Southwestern U.S. def a masculine friend. compander ety C20: from #7com (#7pressor) #7+ (#7ex) #7pander compander 0. syl com+pan+der pron pos n. def a system for improving the signal-to-noise ratio of a signal at a transmitter or recorder by first compressing the volume range of the signal and then restoring it to its original amplitude level at the receiving or reproducing apparatus. companion ety C13: from Late Latin comp*_ani*_o, literally: one who eats bread with another, from Latin com- with+ p*_anis bread companion H1.1. syl com+pan+ion pron pos n. def a person who is an associate of another or others; comrade. companion H1.2. syl com+pan+ion pron pos n. usage esp. formerly def an employee, usually a woman, who provides company for an employer, esp. an elderly woman. companion H1.3.a. syl com+pan+ion pron pos n. def one of a pair; match. companion H1.3.b. syl com+pan+ion pron pos n. usage as modifier exam 1 a companion volume. companion H1.4. syl com+pan+ion pron pos n. def a guidebook or handbook. companion H1.5. syl com+pan+ion pron pos n. def a member of the lowest rank of any of certain orders of knighthood. companion H1.6. syl com+pan+ion pron pos n. qual Astronomy. def the fainter of the two components of a double star. companion H1.7. syl com+pan+ion pron pos vb. mod tr. def to accompany or be a companion to. companionless sub head companion syl com+1pan+ion+less pos adj. companion ety C18: from Dutch kompanje quarterdeck, from Old French compagne, from Old Italian compagna pantry, perhaps ultimately from Latin p*_anis bread companion H2.0.a. syl com+pan+ion pron pos n. qual Nautical. def a raised frame on an upper deck with windows to give light to the deck below. companion H2.0.b. syl com+pan+ion pron pos n. qual Nautical. usage as modifier exam 1 a companion ladder. companionable 0. syl com+pan+ion+a:ble pron pos adj. def suited to be a companion; sociable. companionableness sub head companionable or companionability syl com+1pan+ion+a:ble+ness pos n. companionability sub head companionable or companionableness syl com+2pan+ion+a:1bil+i:ty pos n. companionably sub head companionable syl com+1pan+ion+a:bly pos adv. companionate 1. syl com+pan+ion+ate pron pos adj. def resembling, appropriate to, or acting as a companion. companionate 2. syl com+pan+ion+ate pron pos adj. def harmoniously suited. companion set 0. syl com+pan+ion set pos n. def a set of fire irons on a stand. companionship 0. syl com+pan+ion+ship pron pos n. def the relationship of friends or companions; fellowship. companionway 0. syl com+pan+ion+way pron pos n. def a stairway or ladder leading from one deck to another in a boat or ship. company ety C13: from Old French compaignie, from compain companion, fellow, from Late Latin comp*_ani*_o; see #7companion companies infl head company syl com+pa+nies. pos n. mod pl. company 1. syl com+pa+ny pron <1k^mp*ni> pos n. def a number of people gathered together; assembly. company 2. syl com+pa+ny pron <1k^mp*ni> pos n. def the fact of being with someone; companionship. exam 1 I enjoy her company. company 3. syl com+pa+ny pron <1k^mp*ni> pos n. def a social visitor or visitors; guest or guests. company 4. syl com+pa+ny pron <1k^mp*ni> pos n. def a business enterprise. company 5. syl com+pa+ny pron <1k^mp*ni> pos n. def the members of an enterprise not specifically mentioned in the enterprise's title. Abbrev.: {Co., co}. company 6. syl com+pa+ny pron <1k^mp*ni> pos n. def a group of actors, usually including business and technical personnel. company 7. syl com+pa+ny pron <1k^mp*ni> pos n. def a small unit of troops, usually comprising two or more platoons. company 8. syl com+pa+ny pron <1k^mp*ni> pos n. def the offic?!ers and crew of a ship. company 9. syl com+pa+ny pron <1k^mp*ni> pos n. qual English history. def a medieval guild. company 10.a. syl com+pa+ny pron <1k^mp*ni> pos n. def to accompany (someone). company 10.b. syl com+pa+ny pron <1k^mp*ni> pos n. usage esp. of lovers def to associate with each other; spend time together. company 11.a. syl com+pa+ny pron <1k^mp*ni> pos n. def to end a friendship, esp. as a result of a quarrel. company 11.b. syl com+pa+ny pron <1k^mp*ni> pos n. def to separate. companies infl head company syl com+pa+nies pos vb. companying infl head company syl com+pa+ny+ing pos vb. companied infl head company syl com+pa+nied. pos vb. company 12. syl com+pa+ny pron <1k^mp*ni> pos vb. qual Archaic. def to keep company or associate (with someone). company secretary 0. syl com+pa+ny sec+re+tar:y pos n. qual Brit. def an officer of an incorporated company who has certain legal obligations. company sergeant-major 0. syl com+pa+ny ser:geant-ma:jor pos n. qual Military. def the senior noncommissioned officer in a company. company union 0. syl com+pa+ny un+ion pos n. qual Chiefly U.S. def an unaffiliated union of workers in a single business enterprise. compar 0. syl compar. qual abbrev. for def comparative. comparable 1. syl com+pa+ra:ble pron <1komp*r*bL> pos adj. def worthy of comparison. comparable 2. syl com+pa+ra:ble pron <1komp*r*bL> pos adj. def able to be compared (with). comparability sub head comparable or comparableness syl com+pa+ra:1bil+i:ty pos n. comparableness sub head comparable or comparability syl com+pa+ra:ble+ness pos n. comparably sub head comparable syl com+pa+ra:bly pos adv. comparative 1. syl com+par:a+tive pron pos adj. def denoting or involving comparison. exam 1 comparative literature. comparative 2. syl com+par:a+tive pron pos adj. def judged by comparison; relative. exam 1 a comparative loss of prestige. comparative 3. syl com+par:a+tive pron pos adj. qual Grammar. def denoting the form of an adjective that indicates that the quality denoted is possessed to a greater extent. In English the comparative form of an adjective is usually marked by the suffix or the word Compare { {positive} (sense 10), {superlative} (sense 2).} comparative 4. syl com+par:a+tive pron pos n. def the comparative form of an adjective. comparatively sub head comparative syl com+1par:a+tive+ly pos adv. comparativeness sub head comparative syl com+1par:a+tive+ness pos n. comparator 1. syl com+par:a+tor pron pos n. def any instrument used to measure a property of a system by comparing it with a stand?!ard system. comparator 2. syl com+par:a+tor pron pos n. def an electric circuit that compares two signals and gives an indication of the extent of their similarity. compare ety C15: from Old French comparer, from Latin compar*_are to couple together, match, from compar equal to one another, from com- together+ par equal; see #7par compare 1. syl com+pare pron pos vb. mod tr. usage foll. by to def to regard or represent as analogous or similar; liken. exam 1 the general has been compared to Napoleon. compare 2. syl com+pare pron pos vb. mod tr. def to examine in order to observe resem?!blances or differences. exam 1 to compare rum and gin. compare 3. syl com+pare pron pos vb. mod intr. usage usually foll. by with def to be of the same or similar quality or value. exam 1 gin compares with rum in alcoholic content. compare 4. syl com+pare pron pos vb. mod intr. def to bear a specified relation of quality or value when examined. exam 1 this car compares badly with the other. compare 5. syl com+pare pron pos vb. mod tr. qual Grammar. def to give the positive, comparative, and superlative forms of (an adjective). compare 6. syl com+pare pron pos vb. mod intr. qual Archaic. def to compete or vie. compare notes 7. head compare syl compare notes. def to exchange opinions. compare 8. syl com+pare pron pos n. def comparison or analogy (esp. in the phrase {beyond compare) }. comparer sub head compare syl com+1par+er pos n. comparison 1. syl com+par:i+son pron pos n. def the act or process of comparing. comparison 2. syl com+par:i+son pron pos n. def the state of being compared. comparison 3. syl com+par:i+son pron pos n. def comparable quality or qualities; likeness. exam 1 there was no comparison between them. comparison 4. syl com+par:i+son pron pos n. def a rhetorical device involving comparison, such as a simile. comparison 5. syl com+par:i+son pron pos n. def Also called: {degrees of comparison}. the listing of the positive, comparative, and superlative forms of an adjective or adverb. bear 6. head comparison or stand comparison (with) syl bear def to be sufficiently similar in class or range to be compared with (something else), esp. favourably. compartment ety C16: from French compartiment, ultimately from Late Latin compart*_ir*_i to share, from Latin com- with+ part*_ir*_i to apportion, from pars #7part compartment 1. syl com+part+ment pron pos n. def one of the sections into which an area, esp. an enclosed space, is divided or partitioned. compartment 2. syl com+part+ment pron pos n. def any separate part or section. exam 1 a compartment of the mind. compartment 3. syl com+part+ment pron pos n. def a small storage space; locker. compartmental sub head compartment syl com+part+men+tal pron <2kompa:t1mentL> pos adj. compartmentally sub head compartment syl com+part+1men+tal+ly pos adv. compartmentalise alt head compartmentalize or compartmentalize syl com+part+men+tal+ise pron <2kompa:t?!1ment%*!lIz> pos vb. mod usually; tr. compartmentalize 0. or compartmentalise syl com+part+men+tal+ize pron <2kompa:t?!1ment%*!lIz> pos vb. mod usually; tr. def to put or divide into (compartments, categories, etc.), esp. to an excessive degree. compartmentalization sub head compartmentalize or compartmentalisation syl com+part+2men+tal:i+1za+tion pos n. compartmentalisation sub head compartmentalize or compartmentalization syl com+part+2men+tal:i+1sa+tion pos n. compass ety C13: from Old French compas, from compasser to measure, from Vulgar Latin compass*_are (unattested) to pace out, ultimately from Latin passus step compass 1. syl com+pass pron <1k^mp*s> pos n. def an instrument for finding direction, usually having a magnetized needle swinging freely on a pivot, which points to magnetic north. compass 2. syl com+pass pron <1k^mp*s> pos n. mod often; pl. def Also called: {pair of compasses}. an instrument used for drawing circles, measuring distances, etc., that consists of two arms, joined at one end, one arm of which serves as a pivot or stationary reference point, while the other is extended or describes a circle. compass 3. syl com+pass pron <1k^mp*s> pos n. def limits or range. exam 1 within the compass of education. compass 4. syl com+pass pron <1k^mp*s> pos n. qual Music. def the interval between the lowest and highest note attainable by a voice or musical instrument. compass 5. syl com+pass pron <1k^mp*s> pos n. qual Archaic. def a circular course. compass 6. syl com+pass pron <1k^mp*s> pos vb. mod tr. def to encircle or surround; hem in. compass 7. syl com+pass pron <1k^mp*s> pos vb. mod tr. def to comprehend or grasp mentally. compass 8. syl com+pass pron <1k^mp*s> pos vb. mod tr. def to achieve; attain; accomplish. compass 9. syl com+pass pron <1k^mp*s> pos vb. mod tr. qual Obsolete. def to plot. compassable sub head compass syl com+pass+a:ble pos adj. compass card 0. syl com+pass card pos n. def a compass in the form of a card that rotates so that @60?%@9 or @6North@9 points to magnetic north. compassion ety C14: from Old French, from Late Latin compassi*_o fellow-feeling, from compat*_i to suffer with, from Latin com- with+ pat*_i to bear, suffer compassion 0. syl com+pas+sion pron pos n. def a feeling of distress and pity for the suffering or misfortune of another, often including the desire to alleviate it. compassionate 1. syl com+pas+sion+ate pron pos adj. def showing or having compassion. compassionate leave 2. head compassionate syl compassionate leave. def leave granted, esp. to a serviceman, on the grounds of bereavement, family illness, etc. &- {com+#!pas+sion+ate+ly} &- {com+#!pas+sion+ate+ness} compass plant 1. syl com+pass plant pos n. def Also called: {rosinweed}. a tall plant, of central North America, that has yellow flowers and lower leaves that tend to align themselves at right angles to the strongest light, esp. in a north-south plane: family (composites). compass plant 2. syl com+pass plant pos n. def any of several similar plants. compass rose 0. syl com+pass rose pos n. def a circle or decorative device printed on a map or chart showing the points of the compass measured from true north and usually magnetic north. compass saw 0. syl com+pass saw pos n. def a hand saw with a narrow tapered blade for making a curved cut. compass window 0. syl com+pass win+dow pos n. qual Architect. def a bay window having a semicircular shape. compatible ety C15: from Medieval Latin compatibilis, from Late Latin compat*_i to be in sympathy with; see #7compassion compatible 1. syl com+pat+i:ble pron pos adj. usage usually foll. by with def able to exist together harmoniously. compatible 2. syl com+pat+i:ble pron pos adj. usage usually foll. by with def consistent or congruous. exam 1 her deeds were not compatible with her ideology. compatible 3.a. syl com+pat+i:ble pron pos adj. def capable of forming successful grafts. compatible 3.b. syl com+pat+i:ble pron pos adj. def capable of self-fertilization. compatible 4. syl com+pat+i:ble pron pos adj. usage of pieces of machinery, computer equipment, etc. def capable of being used together without special modification or adaptation. compatibility sub head compatible or compatibleness syl com+2pat+i:1bil+i:ty pos n. compatibleness sub head compatible or compatibility syl com+1pat+i:ble+ness pos n. compatibly sub head compatible syl com+1pat+i:bly pos adv. compatriot ety C17: from French compatriote, from Late Latin compatri*_ota; see #7patriot compatriot 0. syl com+pat+ri+ot pron pos n. def a fellow countryman. compatriotic sub head compatriot syl com+2pat+ri+1ot+ic pos adj. compatriotism sub head compatriot syl com+1pat+ri+ot+ism pos n. compeer ety C13: from Old French comper, from Medieval Latin compater godfather; see #7compadre compeer 1. syl com+peer pron <1kompi*> pos n. def a person of equal rank, status, or ability; peer. compeer 2. syl com+peer pron <1kompi*> pos n. def a companion or comrade. compel ety C14: from Latin compellere to drive together, from com- together+ pellere to drive compels infl head compel syl com+pels pos vb. mod tr. compelling infl head compel syl com+pel+ling pos vb. mod tr. compelled infl head compel syl com+pelled. pos vb. mod tr. compel 1. syl com+pel pron pos vb. mod tr. def to cause (someone) by force (to be or do something). compel 2. syl com+pel pron pos vb. mod tr. def to obtain by force; exact. exam 1 to compel obedience. compel 3. syl com+pel pron pos vb. mod tr. def to overpower or subdue. compel 4. syl com+pel pron pos vb. mod tr. qual Archaic. def to herd or drive together. compellable sub head compel syl com+1pel+la:ble pos adj. compellably sub head compel syl com+1pel+la:bly pos adv. compeller sub head compel syl com+1pel+ler pos n. compellation ety C17: from Latin compell*_ati*_o, from compell*_are to accost, from appell*_are to call compellation 0. syl com+pel+la+tion pron <2kompe1lAS*n> pos n. def a rare word for {appellation}. compelling 0. syl com+pel+ling pron pos n. def arousing or denoting strong interest, esp. admiring interest. compendious 0. syl com+pen+di+ous pron pos adj. def containing or stating the essentials of a subject in a concise form; succinct. compendiously sub head compendious syl com+1pen+di+ous+ly pos adv. compendiousness sub head compendious syl com+1pen+di+ous+ness pos n. compendium ety C16: from Latin: a saving, literally: something weighed, from pendere to weigh compendiums infl head compendium or compendia syl com+pen+di:ums pron <-di*> pos n. mod pl. compendia infl head compendium or compendiums syl com+pen+di:a pron <-di*> pos n. mod pl. compendium 1. syl com+pen+di:um pron pos n. qual Brit. def a book containing a collection of useful hints. compendium 2. syl com+pen+di:um pron pos n. qual Brit. def a selection, esp. of different games or other objects in one container. compendium 3. syl com+pen+di:um pron pos n. def a concise but comprehensive summary of a larger work. compensable 0. syl com+pen+sa:ble pron pos adj. qual Chiefly U.S. def entitled to compensation or capable of being compensated. compensate ety C17: from Latin comp*_ens*_are, from pens*_are, from pendere to weigh compensate 1. syl com+pen+sate pron <1kompen2sAt> pos vb. def to make amends to (someone), esp. for loss or injury. compensate 2. syl com+pen+sate pron <1kompen2sAt> pos vb. mod tr. def to serve as compensation or damages for (injury, loss, etc.). compensate 3. syl com+pen+sate pron <1kompen2sAt> pos vb. def to offset or counter?!balance the effects of (a force, weight, movement, etc.) so as to nullify the effects of an undesirable influence and produce equilibrium. compensate 4. syl com+pen+sate pron <1kompen2sAt> pos vb. mod intr. def to attempt to conceal or offset one's shortcomings by the exaggerated exhibition of qualities regard?!ed as desirable. compensative sub head compensate or compensatory syl com+pen+sa+tive pron <1komp*n2sAtiv>, pos adj. compensatory sub head compensate or compensative syl com+pen+sa+to:ry pron <1kompen2sAt*ri> , <-tri> pos adj. compensator sub head compensate syl com+pen+2sa+tor pos n. compensation 1. syl com+pen+sa+tion pron <2kompen1sAS*n> pos n. def the act or process of making amends for something. compensation 2. syl com+pen+sa+tion pron <2kompen1sAS*n> pos n. def something given as reparation for loss, injury, etc.; indemnity. compensation 3. syl com+pen+sa+tion pron <2kompen1sAS*n> pos n. def the automatic movements made by the body to maintain balance. compensation 4. syl com+pen+sa+tion pron <2kompen1sAS*n> pos n. def the attempt to conceal or offset one's shortcomings by the exaggerated exhibition of qualities regarded as desirable. compensation 5. syl com+pen+sa+tion pron <2kompen1sAS*n> pos n. qual Biology. def abnormal growth and increase in size in one organ in response to the removal or inactivation of another. compensational sub head compensation syl com+pen+1sa+tion+al pos adj. compensatory spending 0. syl com+pen+sa+to:ry spend+ing pos n. def another name for {deficit spending}. compere ety C20: from French, literally: godfather; see #7compeer, compadre compere 1. syl com+pere pron <1kompe*> pos n. qual Brit. def a master of ceremonies who introduces cabaret, television acts, etc. compere 2. syl com+pere pron <1kompe*> pos vb. qual Brit. def to act as a compere (for). compete ety C17: from Late Latin competere to strive together, from Latin: to meet, come together, agree, from com- together+ petere to seek compete 0. syl com+pete pron pos vb. mod intr. usage often foll. by with def to contend (against) for profit, an award, athletic supremacy, etc.; engage in a contest (with). competence 1. syl com+pe+tence pron <1kompit*ns> pos n. def the condition of being capable; ability. competence 2. syl com+pe+tence pron <1kompit*ns> pos n. def a sufficient income to live on. competence 3. syl com+pe+tence pron <1kompit*ns> pos n. def the state of being legally competent or qualified. competence 4. syl com+pe+tence pron <1kompit*ns> pos n. qual Embryol. def the ability of embryonic tissues to react to external conditions in a way that influences subsequent development. competencies infl head competency syl com+pe+ten+cies. pos n. mod pl. competency 1. syl com+pe+ten+cy pron <1kompit*nsi> pos n. qual Law. def capacity to testify in a court of law; eligibility to be sworn. competency 2. syl com+pe+ten+cy pron <1kompit*nsi> pos n. def a less common word for { {competence} (senses 1, 2).} competent ety C14: from Latin compet*_ens, from competere to be competent; see #7compete competent 1. syl com+pe+tent pron <1kompit*nt> pos adj. def having sufficient skill, knowl?!edge, etc.; capable. competent 2. syl com+pe+tent pron <1kompit*nt> pos adj. def suitable or sufficient for the purpose. exam 1 a competent answer. competent 3. syl com+pe+tent pron <1kompit*nt> pos adj. usage Law. of a witness, etc. def having legal capacity; qualified to testify, etc. competent 4. syl com+pe+tent pron <1kompit*nt> pos adj. usage postpositive; foll. by to def belonging as a right; appropriate. competently sub head competent syl com+pe+tent+ly pos adv. competentness sub head competent syl com+pe+tent+ness pos n. competition 1. syl com+pe+ti+tion pron <2kompi1tiS*n> pos n. def the act of competing; rivalry. competition 2. syl com+pe+ti+tion pron <2kompi1tiS*n> pos n. def a contest in which a winner is selected from among two or more entrants. competition 3. syl com+pe+ti+tion pron <2kompi1tiS*n> pos n. def a series of games, sports events, etc. competition 4. syl com+pe+ti+tion pron <2kompi1tiS*n> pos n. def the opposition offered by a competitor or competitors. competition 5. syl com+pe+ti+tion pron <2kompi1tiS*n> pos n. def a competitor or competitors offering opposition. competition 6. syl com+pe+ti+tion pron <2kompi1tiS*n> pos n. qual Ecology. def the struggle between individuals of the same or different species for food, space, light, etc., when these are inadequate to supply the needs of all. competitory alt head competitive or competitive syl com+pet:i+to:ry pos adj. competitive 1. or competitory syl com+pet:i+tive pron pos adj. def involving or determined by rivalry. exam 1 competitive sports. competitive 2. or competitory syl com+pet:i+tive pron pos adj. def sufficiently low in price or high in quality to be successful against commercial rivals. competitive 3. or competitory syl com+pet:i+tive pron pos adj. def relating to or characterized by an urge to compete. exam 1 a competitive personality. competitively sub head competitive syl com+1pet:i+tive+ly pos adv. competitiveness sub head competitive syl com+1pet:i+tive+ness pos n. competitor 0. syl com+pet:i+tor pron pos n. def a person, group, team, firm, etc., that vies or competes; rival. Compiegne 0. syl Com+pi*`egne pron French pos n. def a city in N France, on the Oise River: scene of the armistices of both World Wars. Pop.: 40720 (1975). compilation 1. syl com+pi+la+tion pron <2kompi1lAS*n> pos n. def something collected or compiled, such as a list, report, etc. compilation 2. syl com+pi+la+tion pron <2kompi1lAS*n> pos n. def the act or process of collecting or compiling. compilation film 0. syl com+pi+la+tion film pos n. def film from an archive used in a film or documentary to give a feeling of the relevant period. compile ety C14: from Latin comp*_il*_are to pile together, plunder, from com- together+ p*_il*_are to thrust down, pack compile 1. syl com+pile pron pos vb. mod tr. def to make or compose from other materials or sources. exam 1 to compile a list of names. compile 2. syl com+pile pron pos vb. mod tr. def to collect or gather for a book, hobby, etc. compile 3. syl com+pile pron pos vb. mod tr. qual Computer technol. def to create (a set of machine instructions) from a high-level programming language, using a compiler. compiler 1. syl com+pil+er pron pos n. def a person who collects or compiles something. compiler 2. syl com+pil+er pron pos n. def a computer program by which a high-level programming language, such as COBOL or FORTRAN, is converted into machine language that can be acted upon by a computer. Compare {assembler}. complacence alt head complacency or complacency syl com+pla+cence pos n. complacencies infl head complacency or complacences syl com+pla+cen+cies pos n. mod pl. complacences infl head complacency or complacencies syl com+pla+cenc:es. pos n. mod pl. complacency 1. or complacence syl com+pla+cen+cy pron pos n. def a feeling of satisfaction, esp. extreme self-satisfaction; smugness. complacency 2. or complacence syl com+pla+cen+cy pron pos n. def an obsolete word for {complaisance}. complacent ety C17: from Latin complac*_ens very pleasing, from complac*_ere to be most agreeable to, from com- (intensive)+ plac*_ere to please complacent 1. syl com+pla+cent pron pos adj. def pleased or satisfied, esp. extremely self-satisfied. complacent 2. syl com+pla+cent pron pos adj. def an obsolete word for {complaisant}. complacently sub head complacent syl com+1pla+cent+ly pos adv. complain ety C14: from Old French complaindre, from Vulgar Latin complangere (un?!attested), from Latin com- (intensive)+ plangere to bewail complain 1. syl com+plain pron pos vb. mod intr. def to express resentment, displeasure, etc., esp. habitually; grumble. complain 2. syl com+plain pron pos vb. mod intr. usage foll. by of def to state the presence of pain, illness, etc., esp. in the hope of sympathy. exam 1 she complained of a headache. complainer sub head complain syl com+1plain+er pos n. complainingly sub head complain syl com+1plain+ing+ly pos adv. complainant 0. syl com+plain+ant pron pos n. qual Law. def a person who makes a complaint, usually before justices; plaintiff. complaint 1. syl com+plaint pron pos n. def the act of complaining; an expression of grievance. complaint 2. syl com+plaint pron pos n. def a cause for complaining; griev?!ance. complaint 3. syl com+plaint pron pos n. def a mild ailment. complaint 4. syl com+plaint pron pos n. qual English law. def a statement by which a civil proceeding in a magistrates' court is commenced. complaisance 1. syl com+plai+sance pron pos n. def deference to the wishes of others; willing compliance. complaisance 2. syl com+plai+sance pron pos n. def an act of willing compliance. complaisant ety C17: from French complaire, from Latin complac*_ere to please greatly; compare #7complacent complaisant 0. syl com+plai+sant pron pos adj. def showing a desire to comply or oblige; polite. complaisantly sub head complaisant syl com+1plai+sant+ly pos adv. complect ety C16: from Latin complect*_i; see #7complex complect 0. syl com+plect pron pos vb. mod tr. qual Archaic. def to interweave or entwine. complected 0. syl com+plect+ed pron pos adj. usage in combination def a U.S. dialect word for {complexioned}. complement ety C14: from Latin compl*_ementum, from compl*_ere to fill up, from com- (intensive)+ pl*_ere to fill complement 1. syl com+ple+ment pron <1komplim*nt> pos n. def a person or thing that completes something. complement 2. syl com+ple+ment pron <1komplim*nt> pos n. def one of two parts that make up a whole or complete each other. complement 3. syl com+ple+ment pron <1komplim*nt> pos n. def a complete amount, number, etc. (often in the phrase {full complement) }. complement 4. syl com+ple+ment pron <1komplim*nt> pos n. def the officers and crew needed to man a ship. complement 5.a. syl com+ple+ment pron <1komplim*nt> pos n. def a noun phrase that follows a copula or similar verb, as for example in the sentence complement 5.b. syl com+ple+ment pron <1komplim*nt> pos n. def a clause that serves as the subject or direct object of a verb or the direct object of a preposition, as for example in the sentence complement 6. syl com+ple+ment pron <1komplim*nt> pos n. qual Maths. def the angle that when added to a specified angle produces a right angle. complement 7. syl com+ple+ment pron <1komplim*nt> pos n. qual Logic. def the class of all the things that are not members of a given class. complement 8. syl com+ple+ment pron <1komplim*nt> pos n. qual Music. def the inverted form of an interval that, when added to the interval, completes the octave. exam 1 the sixth is the complement of the third. complement 9. syl com+ple+ment pron <1komplim*nt> pos n. qual Immunol. def a heat-sensitive component of blood serum that destroys pathogenic substances, esp. bacteria. complement 10. syl com+ple+ment pron <1kompli2ment> pos vb. mod tr. def to add to, make complete, or form a complement to. complemental alt head complementary or complementary syl com+ple+men+tal pos adj. complementary 1. or complemental syl com+ple+men+ta:ry pron <2kompli1ment*ri>, <-tri> pos adj. def acting as or forming a complement; completing. complementary 2. or complemental syl com+ple+men+ta:ry pron <2kompli1ment*ri>, <-tri> pos adj. def forming a satisfactory or balanced whole. complementary 3. or complemental syl com+ple+men+ta:ry pron <2kompli1ment*ri>, <-tri> pos adj. def forming a mathematical complement. exam 1 sine and cosine are complementary functions. complementary 4. or complemental syl com+ple+men+ta:ry pron <2kompli1ment*ri>, <-tri> pos adj. usage of genes def producing an effect in association with other genes. complementarily sub head complementary or complementally syl com+ple+1men+ta+ri+ly pos adv. complementally sub head complementary or complementarily syl com+ple+1men+tal+ly pos adv. complementariness sub head complementary syl com+ple+1men+ta+ri+ness pos n. complementarity sub head complementary syl com+ple+men+ta+ri:ty pron <2komplimen1t@riti> pos n. complementary angle 0. syl com+ple+men+ta:ry an+gle pos n. def either of two angles whose sum is 90?%. complementary colour 0. syl com+ple+men+ta:ry col+our pos n. def one of any pair of colours, such as yellow and blue, that give white or grey when mixed in the correct proportions. complementary wavelength 0. syl com+ple+men+ta:ry wave+length pos n. qual Physics. def the wavelength of monochromatic light that could be mixed in suitable proportions with a given coloured light so as to produce some specified achromatic light. complement fixation test 0. syl com+ple+ment fix:a+tion test pos n. qual Med. def a serological test for detecting the presence of a specific antibody or antigen, used in the diagnosis of syphilis, etc. complementizer 0. syl com+ple+men+tiz+er pron <1komplim*n2tIz*> pos n. qual Generative grammar. def a word or morpheme that serves to introduce a complement clause or a reduced form of such a clause, as in complete ety C14: from Latin compl*_etus, past participle of compl*_ere to fill up; see #7complement complete 1. syl com+plete pron pos adj. def having every necessary part or element; entire. complete 2. syl com+plete pron pos adj. def ended; finished. complete 3. syl com+plete pron pos adj. usage prenominal def thorough; absolute. exam 1 he is a complete rogue. complete 4. syl com+plete pron pos adj. def perfect in quality or kind. exam 1 he is a complete scholar. complete 5. syl com+plete pron pos adj. usage of a logical system def constituted such that a contradiction arises on the addition of any proposition that cannot be deduced from the axioms of the system. Compare { {consistent} (sense 4).} complete 6. syl com+plete pron pos adj. usage of flowers def having sepals, petals, stamens, and carpels. complete 7. syl com+plete pron pos adj. qual Archaic. def expert or skilled; accomplished. complete 8. syl com+plete pron pos vb. mod tr. def to make whole or perfect. complete 9. syl com+plete pron pos vb. mod tr. def to end; finish. completely sub head complete syl com+1plete+ly pos adv. completeness sub head complete syl com+1plete+ness pos n. completer sub head complete syl com+1plet+er pos n. completive sub head complete syl com+1ple+tive pos adj. complex ety C17: from Latin complexus, from complect*_i to entwine, from com- together+ plectere to braid complex 1. syl com+plex pron <1kompleks> pos adj. def made up of various interconnected parts; composite. complex 2. syl com+plex pron <1kompleks> pos adj. usage of thoughts, writing, etc. def intricate or involved. complex 3.a. syl com+plex pron <1kompleks> pos adj. usage of a word def containing at least one bound form. complex 3.b. syl com+plex pron <1kompleks> pos adj. usage of a noun phrase def containing both a lexical noun and an embedded clause, as for example the italicized parts of the following sentence: I didn't know complex 4.a. syl com+plex pron <1kompleks> pos adj. def of or involving one or more complex numbers. complex 4.b. syl com+plex pron <1kompleks> pos adj. def consisting of a real and an imaginary part, either of which can be zero. complex 5. syl com+plex pron <1kompleks> pos n. def a whole made up of interconnected or related parts. exam 1 a building complex. complex 6. syl com+plex pron <1kompleks> pos n. qual Psychoanal. def a group of emotional ideas or impulses that have been banished from the conscious mind but that continue to influence a person's behaviour. complex 7. syl com+plex pron <1kompleks> pos n. qual Informal. def an obsession or excessive fear. exam 1 he's got a complex about cats. complex 8. syl com+plex pron <1kompleks> pos n. def Also called: {coordination compound}. a chemical compound in which molecules, groups, or ions are attached to a central metal atom, esp. a transition metal atom, by coordinate bonds. complex 9. syl com+plex pron <1kompleks> pos n. def any chemical compound in which one molecule is linked to another by a coordinate bond. complexly sub head complex syl com+plex+ly pos adv. complexness sub head complex syl com+plex+ness pos n. complex conjugate 0. syl com+plex con+ju+gate pos n. qual Maths. def the complex number whose imaginary part is the negation of that of a given complex number, the real parts of both numbers being equal. exam 1 a-ib is the complex conjugate of a+ib. complex fraction 0. syl com+plex frac+tion pos n. qual Maths. def a fraction in which the numerator or denominator or both contain fractions. Also called: {compound fraction}. complexion ety C14: from medical Latin complexi*_o one's bodily characteristics, from Latin: a combination, from complect*_i to embrace; see #7complex complexion 1. syl com+plex+ion pron pos n. def the colour and general appearance of a person's skin, esp. of the face. complexion 2. syl com+plex+ion pron pos n. def aspect, character, or nature. exam 1 the general complexion of a nation's finances. complexion 3.a. syl com+plex+ion pron pos n. def the temperament of a person. complexion 3.b. syl com+plex+ion pron pos n. def the temperature and general appearance of the body. complexional sub head complexion syl com+1plex+ion+al pos adj. complexioned 0. syl com+plex+ioned pron pos adj. usage in combination def of a specified complexion. exam 1 light-complexioned. complexities infl head complexity syl com+plex+i:ties. pos n. mod pl. complexity 1. syl com+plex+i:ty pron pos n. def the state or quality of being intricate or complex. complexity 2. syl com+plex+i:ty pron pos n. def something intricate or complex; complication. complex number 0. syl com+plex num+ber pos n. def any number of the form + i, where and are real numbers and i=$/#800133 -1. Complex numbers include real and imaginary numbers. complex salt 0. syl com+plex salt pos n. def a salt that contains one or more complex ions. Compare {double salt}. complex sentence 0. syl com+plex sen+tence pos n. qual Grammar. def a sentence containing at least one main clause and one subordinate clause. compliancy alt head compliance or compliance syl com+pli+an+cy pos n. compliance 1. or compliancy syl com+pli+ance pron pos n. def the act of complying; acquiescence. compliance 2. or compliancy syl com+pli+ance pron pos n. def a disposition to yield to or comply with others. compliance 3. or compliancy syl com+pli+ance pron pos n. def a measure of the ability of a mechanical system to respond to an applied vibrating force, expressed as the reciprocal of the system's stiffness. Symbol. exam 1 C. compliable alt head compliant or compliant syl com+pli+a:ble pos adj. compliant 0. or compliable syl com+pli+ant pron pos adj. def complying, obliging, or yielding. compliantly sub head compliant or compliably syl com+1pli+ant+ly pos adv. compliably sub head compliant or compliantly syl com+1pli+a:bly pos adv. compliantness sub head compliant or compliableness syl com+1pli+ant+ness pos n. compliableness sub head compliant or compliantness syl com+1pli+a:ble+ness pos n. cies infl head complicacy syl +cies. pos n. mod pl. complicacy 0. syl com+pli+ca+cy pron <1komplik*si> pos n. def a less common word for {complexity}. complicate ety C17: from Latin complic*_are to fold together, from plic*_are to fold complicate 1. syl com+pli+cate pron <1kompli2kAt> pos vb. def to make or become complex, etc. complicate 2. syl com+pli+cate pron <1komplikit> pos adj. qual Biology. def folded on itself. exam 1 a complicate leaf. complicate 3. syl com+pli+cate pron <1komplikit> pos adj. def a less common word for {complicated}. complicated 0. syl com+pli+cat+ed pron <1kompli2kAtid> pos adj. def made up of intricate parts or aspects that are difficult to understand or analyse. complicatedly sub head complicated syl com+pli+2cat+ed+ly pos adv. complicatedness sub head complicated syl com+pli+2cat+ed+ness pos n. complication 1. syl com+pli+ca+tion pron <2kompli1kAS*n> pos n. def a condition, event, etc., that is complex or confused. complication 2. syl com+pli+ca+tion pron <2kompli1kAS*n> pos n. def the act or process of complicating. complication 3. syl com+pli+ca+tion pron <2kompli1kAS*n> pos n. def a situation, event, or condition that complicates or frustrates. exam 1 her coming was a serious complication. complication 4. syl com+pli+ca+tion pron <2kompli1kAS*n> pos n. def a disease or disorder arising as a consequence of another disease. complice ety C15: from Old French, from Late Latin complex partner, associate, from Latin complic*_are to fold together; see #7complicate complice 0. syl com+plice pron <1komplis>, <1k^m-> pos n. qual Obsolete. def an associate or accomplice. complicities infl head complicity syl com+plic+i:ties. pos n. mod pl. complicity 1. syl com+plic+i:ty pron pos n. def the fact or condition of being an accomplice, esp. in a criminal act. complicity 2. syl com+plic+i:ty pron pos n. def a less common word for {complexity}. compliment ety C17: from French, from Italian complimento, from Spanish cumplimiento, from cumplir to complete, do what is fitting, be polite compliment 1. syl com+pli+ment pron <1komplim*nt> pos n. def a remark or act expressing respect, admiration, etc. compliment 2. syl com+pli+ment pron <1komplim*nt> pos n. mod usually; pl. def a greeting of respect or regard. compliment 3. syl com+pli+ment pron <1komplim*nt> pos n. qual Archaic. def a gift or gratuity; tip. compliment 4. syl com+pli+ment pron <1kompli2ment> pos vb. mod tr. def to express admiration of; congratulate or commend. compliment 5. syl com+pli+ment pron <1kompli2ment> pos vb. mod tr. def to express or show respect or regard for, esp. by a gift. {~} Compare {complement}. complimentary 1. syl com+pli+men+ta:ry pron <2kompli1ment*ri>, <-tri> pos adj. def conveying, containing, or resembling a compliment. complimentary 2. syl com+pli+men+ta:ry pron <2kompli1ment*ri>, <-tri> pos adj. def expressing praise; flattering. complimentary 3. syl com+pli+men+ta:ry pron <2kompli1ment*ri>, <-tri> pos adj. def given free, esp. as a courtesy or for publicity purposes. complimentarily sub head complimentary syl com+pli+1men+ta+ri+ly pos adv. compline ety C13: from Old French complie, from Medieval Latin h*_ora compl*_eta, literally: the completed hour, from Latin compl*_ere to fill up, #7complete complin alt head compline or compline syl com+plin pron <1komplin> pos n. compline 0. or complin syl com+pline pron <1komplin>, <-plIn> pos n. qual R.C. Church. def the last of the seven canonical hours of the divine office. complot ety C16: from Old French, of unknown origin complot 1. syl com+plot pron <1komplot> pos n. qual Archaic. def a plot or conspiracy. complots infl head complot syl com+plots pos vb. complotting infl head complot syl com+plot+ting pos vb. complotted infl head complot syl com+plot+ted. pos vb. complot 2. syl com+plot pron pos vb. qual Archaic. def to plot together; conspire. complotter sub head complot syl com+1plot+ter pos n. comply ety C17: from Italian complire, from Spanish cumplir to complete; see #7compliment complies infl head comply syl com+plies pos vb. mod intr. complying infl head comply syl com+ply+ing pos vb. mod intr. complied infl head comply syl com+plied. pos vb. mod intr. comply 1. syl com+ply pron pos vb. mod intr. usage usually foll. by with def to act in accordance with rules, wishes, etc.; be obedient (to). comply 2. syl com+ply pron pos vb. mod intr. qual Obsolete. def to be obedient or complaisant. complier sub head comply syl com+1pli+er pos n. compos infl head compo syl com+pos. pos n. mod pl. compo 1. syl com+po pron <1komp*u> pos n. def a mixture of materials, such as mortar, plaster, etc. compo 2. syl com+po pron <1komp*u> pos n. qual Austral. informal. def compensation, esp. for injury or loss of work. {~} compo 3. syl com+po pron <1komp*u> pos n. def intended to last for several days. exam 1 compo rations; exam 2 a compo pack. component ety C17: from Latin comp*_onere to put together, from p*_onere to place, put component 1. syl com+po+nent pron pos n. def a constituent part or aspect of something more complex. exam 1 a component of a car. component 2. syl com+po+nent pron pos n. def Also called: {element}. any electrical device, such as a resistor, that has distinct electrical characteristics and that may be connected to other electrical devices to form a circuit. component 3.a. syl com+po+nent pron pos n. def one of a set of two or more vectors whose resultant is a given vector. component 3.b. syl com+po+nent pron pos n. def the projection of this given vector onto a specified line. component 4. syl com+po+nent pron pos n. def one of the minimum number of chemically distinct constituents necessary to describe fully the composition of each phase in a system. See { {phase rule.}} component 5. syl com+po+nent pron pos adj. def forming or functioning as a part or aspect; constituent. componential sub head component syl com+po+nen+tial pron <2komp*1nenS*l> pos adj. compony ety C16: from Old French compon*'e, from copon piece, #7coupon compon'e alt head compony or compony syl com+po+n*'e pron pos adj. compony 0. or compon'e syl com+po+ny pron pos adj. qual Heraldry. usage usually postpositive def made up of alternating metal and colour, colour and fur, or fur and metal. comport ety C16: from Latin comport*_are to bear, collect, from com- together+ port*_are to carry comport 1. syl com+port pron pos vb. mod tr. def to conduct or bear (oneself) in a specified way. comport 2. syl com+port pron pos vb. mod intr. usage foll. by with def to agree (with); correspond (to). comportment 0. syl com+port+ment pron pos n. def conduct; bearing. compose ety C15: from Old French composer, from Latin comp*_onere to put in place; see #7component compose 1. syl com+pose pron pos vb. mod mainly; tr. def to put together or make up by combining; put in proper order. compose 2. syl com+pose pron pos vb. mod mainly; tr. def to be the component elements of. compose 3. syl com+pose pron pos vb. mod mainly; tr. def to produce or create (a musical or literary work). compose 4. syl com+pose pron pos vb. mod intr. def to write music. compose 5. syl com+pose pron pos vb. mod mainly; tr. def to calm (someone, esp. oneself); make quiet. compose 6. syl com+pose pron pos vb. mod mainly; tr. def to adjust or settle (a quarrel, etc.). compose 7. syl com+pose pron pos vb. mod mainly; tr. def to order the elements of (a painting, sculpture, etc.); design. compose 8. syl com+pose pron pos vb. mod mainly; tr. qual Printing. def to set up (type). composed 0. syl com+posed pron pos adj. usage of people def calm; tranquil; serene. composedly sub head composed syl com+pos+ed+ly pron pos adv. composedness sub head composed syl com+1pos+ed+ness pos n. composer 1. syl com+pos+er pron pos n. def a person who composes music. composer 2. syl com+pos+er pron pos n. def a person or machine that composes anything, esp. type for printing. composing room 0. syl com+pos+ing room pos n. def the room in a printing establishment in which type is set. composite ety C16: from Latin compositus well arranged, from comp*_onere to collect, arrange; see #7component composite 1. syl com+po+site pron <1komp*zit> pos adj. def composed of separate parts; compound. composite 2. syl com+po+site pron <1komp*zit> pos adj. def of, relating to, or belonging to the plant family composite 3. syl com+po+site pron <1komp*zit> pos adj. qual Maths. def capable of being factorized. exam 1 a composite function. composite 4. syl com+po+site pron <1komp*zit> pos adj. usage sometimes cap. def denoting or relating to one of the five classical orders of architecture: characterized by a combination of the Ionic and Corinthian styles. See also {Doric, Tuscan}. composite 5. syl com+po+site pron <1komp*zit> pos n. def something composed of separate parts; compound. composite 6. syl com+po+site pron <1komp*zit> pos n. def any plant of the family typically having flower heads composed of ray flowers (e.g. dandelion), disc flowers (e.g. thistle), or both (e.g. daisy). composite 7. syl com+po+site pron <1komp*zit> pos n. def a material, such as reinforced concrete, made of two or more distinct materials. compositely sub head composite syl com+pos+ite+ly pos adv. compositeness sub head composite syl com+pos+ite+ness pos n. composite number 0. syl com+po+site num+ber pos n. def an integer that can be factorized into two or more other integers. Compare {prime number}. composite photograph 0. syl com+po+site pho:to+graph pos n. def a photograph formed by superimposing two or more separate photographs. composite school 0. syl com+po+site school pos n. qual Canadian. def a secondary school offering both academic and nonacademic courses. composition ety C14: from Old French, from Latin compositus; see #7composite , #7-ion composition 1. syl com+po+si+tion pron <2komp*1ziS*n> pos n. def the act of putting together or making up by combining parts or ingredients. composition 2. syl com+po+si+tion pron <2komp*1ziS*n> pos n. def something formed in this manner or the resulting state or quality; a mixture. composition 3. syl com+po+si+tion pron <2komp*1ziS*n> pos n. def the parts of which something is composed or made up; constitution. composition 4. syl com+po+si+tion pron <2komp*1ziS*n> pos n. def a work of music, art, or literature. composition 5. syl com+po+si+tion pron <2komp*1ziS*n> pos n. def the harmonious arrangement of the parts of a work of art in relation to each other and to the whole. composition 6. syl com+po+si+tion pron <2komp*1ziS*n> pos n. def a piece of writing undertaken as an academic exercise in grammatically acceptable writing; an essay. composition 7. syl com+po+si+tion pron <2komp*1ziS*n> pos n. qual Printing. def the act or technique of setting up type. composition 8. syl com+po+si+tion pron <2komp*1ziS*n> pos n. qual Linguistics. def the formation of compound words. composition 9.a. syl com+po+si+tion pron <2komp*1ziS*n> pos n. def a settlement by mutual consent, esp. a legal agreement whereby the creditors agree to accept partial payment of a debt in full settlement. composition 9.b. syl com+po+si+tion pron <2komp*1ziS*n> pos n. def the sum so agreed. compositional sub head composition syl com+po+1si+tion+al pos adj. composition of forces 0. syl com+po+si+tion of forc:es pos n. def the combination of two or more forces into a single equivalent force (the resultant). compositor 0. syl com+pos:i+tor pron pos n. qual Printing. def a person who sets and corrects type and generally assembles plating and other matter. Sometimes shortened to {comp}. compositorial sub head compositor syl com+pos:i+to+ri:al pron pos adj. compos mentis 0. syl com+pos men+tis pron Latin. <1komp*s> <1mentis> pos adj. usage postpositive def of sound mind; sane. compossible 0. syl com+pos+si:ble pron pos adj. qual Rare. def possible in coexistence with something else. compost ety C14: from Old French compost, from Latin compositus put together; see #7composite compost 1. syl com+post pron <1kompost> pos n. def a mixture of organic residues such as decomposed vegetation, manure, etc., used as a fertilizer. compost 2. syl com+post pron <1kompost> pos n. qual Rare. def a compound or mixture. compost 3. syl com+post pron <1kompost> pos vb. mod tr. def to make (vegetable matter) into compost. compost 4. syl com+post pron <1kompost> pos vb. mod tr. def to fertilize with compost. Compostela 0. syl Com+po+ste+la pron Spanish <2kompos1tAla> pos n. def See {Santiago de Compostela}. composure 0. syl com+po+sure pron pos n. def calmness, esp. of the mind; tranquillity; serenity. compotation ety C16: from Latin comp*_ot*_ati*_o, translation of Greek #7symposium compotation 0. syl com+po+ta+tion pron <2komp*1tAS*n> pos n. qual Rare. def the act of drinking together in a company. compotator sub head compotation syl com+po+2ta+tor pos n. compote ety C17: from French composte, from Latin composita, feminine of compositus put in place; see #7composite compote 0. syl com+pote pron <1komp*ut>, French pos n. def a dish of fruit stewed with sugar or in a syrup and served hot or cold. compound ety C14: from earlier compounen, from Old French compondre to collect, set in order, from Latin comp*_onere compound H1.1. syl com+pound pron <1kompaund> pos n. def a substance that contains atoms of two or more chemical elements held together by chemical bonds. compound H1.2. syl com+pound pron <1kompaund> pos n. def any combination of two or more parts, aspects, etc. compound H1.3. syl com+pound pron <1kompaund> pos n. def a word formed from two existing words or combining forms. compound H1.4. syl com+pound pron pos vb. mod mainly; tr. def to mix or combine so as to create a compound or other product. compound H1.5. syl com+pound pron pos vb. mod mainly; tr. def to make by combining parts, elements, aspects, etc.. exam 1 to compound a new plastic. compound H1.6. syl com+pound pron pos vb. mod mainly; tr. def to intensify by an added element. exam 1 his anxiety was compounded by her crying. compound H1.7. syl com+pound pron pos vb. mod mainly; tr. qual Finance. def to calculate or pay (interest) on both the principal and its accrued interest. compound H1.8. syl com+pound pron pos vb. mod also; intr. def to come to an agreement in (a quarrel, dispute, etc.). compound H1.9. syl com+pound pron pos vb. mod also; intr. def to settle (a debt, promise, etc.) for less than what is owed; compromise. compound H1.10. syl com+pound pron pos vb. mod mainly; tr. qual Law. def to agree not to prosecute in return for a consideration. exam 1 to compound a crime. compound H1.11. syl com+pound pron pos vb. mod mainly; tr. qual Electrical engineering. def to place duplex windings on the field coil of (a motor or generator), one acting as a shunt, the other being in series with the main circuit, thus making the machine self-regulating. compound H1.12. syl com+pound pron <1kompaund> pos adj. def composed of or created by the combination of two or more parts, elements, etc. compound H1.13. syl com+pound pron <1kompaund> pos adj. usage of a word def consisting of elements that are also words or productive combining forms. compound H1.14. syl com+pound pron <1kompaund> pos adj. usage of a verb or the tense, mood, etc., of a verb def formed by using an auxiliary verb in addition to the main verb. exam 1 the future in English is a compound tense involving the use of such auxiliary verbs as compound H1.15.a. syl com+pound pron <1kompaund> pos adj. def denoting a time in which the number of beats per bar is a multiple of three. exam 1 six-four is an example of compound time. compound H1.15.b. syl com+pound pron <1kompaund> pos adj. usage of an interval def greater than an octave. compound H1.16. syl com+pound pron <1kompaund> pos adj. qual Zoology. def another word for { {colonial} (sense 6).} compound H1.17. syl com+pound pron <1kompaund> pos adj. usage of a steam engine, turbine, etc. def having multiple stages in which the steam or working fluid from one stage is used in a subsequent stage. compound H1.18. syl com+pound pron <1kompaund> pos adj. usage of a piston engine def having a supercharger powered by a turbine in the exhaust stream. compoundable sub head compound syl com+1pound+a:ble pos adj. compounder sub head compound syl com+1pound+er pos n. compound ety C17: by folk etymology (influenced by #7compound %1) from Malay kampong village compound H2.1. syl com+pound pron <1kompaund> pos n. usage esp. in South Africa def an enclosure in which native workers are housed. compound H2.2. syl com+pound pron <1kompaund> pos n. def any similar enclosure, such as a camp for prisoners of war. compound H2.3. syl com+pound pron <1kompaund> pos n. def another name for {kampong}. compound engine 1. syl com+pound en+gine pos n. def a steam engine in which the steam is expanded in more than one stage, first in a high-pressure cylinder and then in one or more low-pressure cylinders. compound engine 2. syl com+pound en+gine pos n. def a reciprocating engine in which the exhaust gases are expanded in a turbine to drive a supercharger. compound eye 0. syl com+pound eye pos n. def the convex eye of insects and some crustaceans, consisting of numerous separate light-sensitive units (ommatidia). compound flower 0. syl com+pound flow+er pos n. def a flower head made up of many small flowers appearing as a single bloom, as in the daisy. compound fraction 0. syl com+pound frac+tion pos n. def another name for {complex fraction}. compound fracture 0. syl com+pound frac+ture pos n. def a fracture in which the broken bone either pierces the skin or communicates with an open wound. compound interest 0. syl com+pound in+ter+est pos n. def interest calculated on both the principal and its accrued interest. Compare {simple interest}. compound leaf 0. syl com+pound leaf pos n. def a leaf consisting of two or more leaflets borne on the same leafstalk. compound lens 0. syl com+pound lens pos n. def another term for { {lens} (sense 2).} compound microscope 0. syl com+pound mi:cro+scope pos n. def an instrument for magnifying small objects, consisting of a lens of short focal length for forming an image that is further magnified by a second lens of longer focal length. Compare {simple microscope}. compound number 0. syl com+pound num+ber pos n. def a quantity expressed in two or more different but related units. exam 1 3 hours 10 seconds is a compound number. compound sentence 0. syl com+pound sen+tence pos n. def a sentence containing at least two coordinate clauses. comprador ety C17: from Portuguese: buyer, from Late Latin compar*_ator, from Latin compar*_are to purchase, from par*_are to prepare compradore alt head comprador or comprador syl com+pra+dore pron <2kompr*1dc:> pos n. comprador 0. or compradore syl com+pra+dor pron <2kompr*1dc:> pos n. usage formerly in China and some other Asian countries def a native agent of a foreign enterprise. comprehend ety C14: from Latin comprehendere, from prehendere to seize comprehend 1. syl com+pre+hend pron <2kompri1hend> pos vb. def to perceive or understand. comprehend 2. syl com+pre+hend pron <2kompri1hend> pos vb. mod tr. def to comprise or embrace; include. comprehensible 0. syl com+pre+hen+si:ble pron <2kompri1hens*bL> pos adj. def capable of being comprehended. comprehensibility sub head comprehensible or comprehensibleness syl com+pre+2hen+si:1bil+i:ty pos n. comprehensibleness sub head comprehensible or comprehensibility syl com+pre+1hen+si:ble+ness pos n. comprehensibly sub head comprehensible syl com+pre+1hen+si:bly pos adv. comprehension 1. syl com+pre+hen+sion pron <2kompri1henS*n> pos n. def the act or capacity of understanding. comprehension 2. syl com+pre+hen+sion pron <2kompri1henS*n> pos n. def the state of including or comprising something; comprehensiveness. comprehension 3. syl com+pre+hen+sion pron <2kompri1henS*n> pos n. qual Logic. def the attributes implied by a given concept or term; connotation. comprehensive 1. syl com+pre+hen+sive pron <2kompri1hensiv> pos adj. def of broad scope or content; including all or much. comprehensive 2. syl com+pre+hen+sive pron <2kompri1hensiv> pos adj. usage of a car insurance policy def providing protection against most risks, including third-party liability, fire, theft, and damage. comprehensive 3. syl com+pre+hen+sive pron <2kompri1hensiv> pos adj. def having the ability to understand. comprehensive 4. syl com+pre+hen+sive pron <2kompri1hensiv> pos adj. def of, relating to, or being a comprehensive school. comprehensive 5. syl com+pre+hen+sive pron <2kompri1hensiv> pos n. def short for {comprehensive school}. comprehensively sub head comprehensive syl com+pre+1hen+sive+ly pos adv. comprehensiveness sub head comprehensive syl com+pre+1hen+sive+ness pos n. comprehensive school 1. syl com+pre+hen+sive school pos n. qual Chiefly Brit. def a large second?!ary school for children of all abilities from the same district. comprehensive school 2. syl com+pre+hen+sive school pos n. qual Canadian. def another name for {composite school}. compress ety C14: from Late Latin compress*_are, from Latin comprimere, from premere to press compress 1. syl com+press pron pos vb. mod tr. def to squeeze together or compact into less space; condense. compress 2. syl com+press pron <1kompres> pos n. def a wet or dry cloth or gauze pad with or without medication, applied firmly to some part of the body to relieve discomfort, reduce fever, drain a wound, etc. compress 3. syl com+press pron <1kompres> pos n. def a machine for packing material, esp. cotton, under pressure. compressible sub head compress syl com+1press+i:ble pos adj. compressibility sub head compress or compressibleness syl com+2press+i:1bil+i:ty pos n. compressibleness sub head compress or compressibility syl com+1press:i+ble+ness pos n. compressibly sub head compress syl com+1press+i:bly pos adv. compressed 1. syl com+pressed pron pos adj. def squeezed together or con?!densed. compressed 2. syl com+pressed pron pos adj. usage of the form of flatfishes, certain plant parts, etc. def flattened laterally along the whole length. compressed air 0. syl com+pressed air pos n. def air at a higher pressure than atmospheric pressure: used esp. as a source of power for machines. compression 1. syl com+pres+sion pron pos n. def Also called: {com+pres+sure} (k$$m#!pr$e#s$$). the act of compressing or the condition of being compressed. compression 2. syl com+pres+sion pron pos n. def an increase in pressure of the charge in an engine or compressor obtained by reducing its volume. compression ratio 0. syl com+pres+sion ra+ti:o pos n. def the ratio of the volume enclosed by the cylinder of an internal-combustion engine at the beginning of the compression stroke to the volume enclosed at the end of it. compressive 0. syl com+pres+sive pron pos adj. def compressing or having the power or capacity to compress. compressively sub head compressive syl com+1pres+sive+ly pos adv. compressor 1. syl com+pres+sor pron pos n. def any reciprocating or rotating device that compresses a gas. compressor 2. syl com+pres+sor pron pos n. def the part of a gas turbine that compresses the air before it enters the combustion chambers. compressor 3. syl com+pres+sor pron pos n. def any muscle that causes compression of any part or structure. compressor 4. syl com+pres+sor pron pos n. def a medical instrument for holding down a part of the body. compressor 5. syl com+pres+sor pron pos n. def an electronic device for reducing the variation in signal amplitude in a transmission system. Compare {expander, compander}. comprise ety C15: from French compris included, understood, from comprendre to #7comprehend comprise 1. syl com+prise pron pos vb. mod tr. def to include; contain. comprise 2. syl com+prise pron pos vb. mod tr. def to constitute the whole of; consist of. exam 1 her singing comprised the entertainment. comprisable sub head comprise syl com+1pris+a:ble pos adj. comprisal sub head comprise syl com+1pris+al pos n. compromise ety C15: from Old French compromis, from Latin compr*_omissum mutual agreement to accept the decision of an arbiter, from compr*_omittere, from pr*_omittere to promise compromise 1. syl com+pro+mise pron <1kompr*2mIz> pos n. def settlement of a dispute by concessions on both or all sides. compromise 2. syl com+pro+mise pron <1kompr*2mIz> pos n. def the terms of such a settlement. compromise 3. syl com+pro+mise pron <1kompr*2mIz> pos n. def something midway between two or more different things. compromise 4. syl com+pro+mise pron <1kompr*2mIz> pos n. def an exposure of one's good name, reputation, etc., to injury. compromise 5. syl com+pro+mise pron <1kompr*2mIz> pos vb. def to settle (a dispute) by making concessions. compromise 6. syl com+pro+mise pron <1kompr*2mIz> pos vb. mod tr. def to expose (a person or persons) to dis?!repute. compromise 7. syl com+pro+mise pron <1kompr*2mIz> pos vb. mod tr. def to prejudice unfavourably; weaken. exam 1 his behaviour prejudiced his chances. compromise 8. syl com+pro+mise pron <1kompr*2mIz> pos vb. mod tr. qual Obsolete. def to pledge mutually. compromiser sub head compromise syl com+pro+2mis+er pos n. compromisingly sub head compromise syl com+pro+2mis+ing+ly pos adv. compte rendu ety literally: account rendered comptes rendus infl head compte rendu syl comptes ren+dus pron pos n. mod pl. compte rendu 1. syl compte ren+du pron French. pos n. def a short review or notice, esp. of a book. compte rendu 2. syl compte ren+du pron French. pos n. def a statement of account. Comptometer 0. syl Comp+tom+e:ter pron pos n. qual Trademark. def a high-speed calculating machine. Arthur Holly infl head Compton syl Ar:thur Hol:ly. pos n. Compton 0. syl Comp:ton pron <1kompt*n> pos n. def 1892-1962, U.S. physicist, noted for his research on x-rays, gamma rays, and nuclear energy: Nobel prize for physics 1927. Ivy infl head Compton-Burnett syl I:vy. pos n. Compton-Burnett 0. syl Comp:ton-Bur:nett pron <1kompt*n> , <1bR:nit> pos n. def 1892-1969, English novelist. Her novels include (1931) and (1955). Compton effect ety C20: named after A. H. C#7ompton Compton effect 0. syl Comp:ton ef+fect pos n. def a phenomenon in which a collision between a photon and a particle results in an increase in the kinetic energy of the particle and a corresponding increase in the wavelength of the photon. comptroller 0. syl comp+trol+ler pron pos n. def a variant spelling of { {controller} (sense 2)}, esp. as a title of any of various financial executives. comptrollership sub head comptroller syl comp+1trol+ler+2ship pos n. compulsion ety C15: from Old French, from Latin compellere to #7compel compulsion 1. syl com+pul+sion pron pos n. def the act of compelling or the state of being compelled. compulsion 2. syl com+pul+sion pron pos n. def something that compels. compulsion 3. syl com+pul+sion pron pos n. qual Psychiatry. def an inner drive that causes a person to perform actions, often of a trivial and repetitive nature, against his will. See also {obsession}. compulsive 1. syl com+pul+sive pron pos adj. def relating to or involving compulsion. compulsive 2. syl com+pul+sive pron pos n. qual Psychiatry. def an individual who is subject to a psychological compulsion. compulsively sub head compulsive syl com+1pul+sive+ly pos adv. compulsiveness sub head compulsive syl com+1pul+sive+ness pos n. compulsory 1. syl com+pul+so+ry pron pos adj. def required by regulations or laws; obligatory. exam 1 compulsory education. compulsory 2. syl com+pul+so+ry pron pos adj. def involving or employing compulsion; compelling; necessary; essential. compulsorily sub head compulsory syl com+1pul+so+ri+ly pos adv. compulsoriness sub head compulsory syl com+1pul+so+ri+ness pos n. compulsory purchase 0. syl com+pul+so+ry pur+chase pos n. def purchase of a house or other property by a local authority or government department for public use or to make way for development, regardless of whether or not the owner wishes to sell. compunction ety C14: from Church Latin compuncti*_o, from Latin compungere to sting, from com- (intensive)+ pungere to puncture; see #7point compunction 0. syl com+punc+tion pron pos n. def a feeling of remorse, guilt, or regret. compunctious sub head compunction syl com+1punc+tious pos adj. compunctiously sub head compunction syl com+1punc+tious+ly pos adv. compurgation ety C17: from Medieval Latin compurg*_ati*_o, from Latin compurg*_are to purify entirely, from com- (intensive)+ purg*_are to #7purge compurgation 0. syl com+pur+ga+tion pron <2kompR:1gAS*n> pos n. usage Law. formerly def a method of trial whereby a defendant might be acquitted if a sufficient number of persons swore to his innocence. compurgator sub head compurgation syl com+pur+2ga+tor pos n. compurgatory sub head compurgation or compurgatorial syl com+1pur+ga+to:ry pos adj. compurgatorial sub head compurgation or compurgatory syl com+2pur+ga+1to+ri:al pos adj. computation 0. syl com+pu+ta+tion pron <2kompju1tAS*n> pos n. def a calculation involving numbers or quantities. computational sub head computation syl com+pu+1ta+tion+al pos adj. compute ety C17: from Latin comput*_are, from put*_are to think compute 1. syl com+pute pron pos vb. def to calculate (an answer, result, etc.), often with the aid of a computer. compute 2. syl com+pute pron pos n. def calculation; computation (esp. in the phrase {beyond compute) }. computable sub head compute syl com+1put+a:ble pos adj. computability sub head compute syl com+2put+a:1bil+i:ty pos n. computer 1.a. syl com+put+er pron pos n. def a device, usually electronic, that processes data according to a set of instructions. The {digital computer} stores data in discrete units and performs arithmetical and logical operations at very high speed. The {analog computer} has no memory and is slower than the digital computer but has a continuous rather than a discrete input. The {hybrid computer} combines some of the advantages of digital and analog computers. computer 1.b. syl com+put+er pron pos n. usage as modifier exam 1 computer technology. computer 2. syl com+put+er pron pos n. def a person who computes or calculates. computerise alt head computerize or computerize syl com+put+er+ise pron pos vb. computerize 1. or computerise syl com+put+er+ize pron pos vb. mod tr. def to cause (certain operations) to be performed by a computer, esp. as a replacement for human labour. computerize 2. or computerise syl com+put+er+ize pron pos vb. mod intr. def to install a computer. computerize 3. or computerise syl com+put+er+ize pron pos vb. mod tr. def to control or perform (operations within a system) by means of a computer. computerize 4. or computerise syl com+put+er+ize pron pos vb. mod tr. def to process or store (information) by means of or in a computer. computerization sub head computerize or computerisation syl com+2put+er:i+1za+tion pos n. computerisation sub head computerize or computerization syl com+2put+er:i+1sa+tion pos n. computer typesetting 0. syl com+put+er type+set+ting pos n. def a system for the high-speed composition of type by a device driven by punched paper tape or magnetic tape that has been processed by a computer. Also called: {automatic typesetting}. Comr 0. syl Comr. qual abbrev. for def Commissioner. comrade ety C16: from French camarade, from Spanish camarada group of soldiers sharing a billet, from c*'amara room, from Latin; see #7camera, chamber comrade 1. syl com+rade pron <1komrAd>, <-rid> pos n. def an associate or companion. comrade 2. syl com+rade pron <1komrAd>, <-rid> pos n. def a fellow member of a political party, esp. a fellow Communist or socialist. comradely sub head comrade syl com+rade+ly pos adj. comradeship sub head comrade syl com+rade+2ship pos n. comsat 0. syl com+sat pron <1koms@t> pos n. def short for {communications satellite}. comstockery ety C20: coined by G. B. Shaw (1905) after Anthony Comstock (1844-1915), U.S. moral crusader, who founded the Society for the Suppression of Vice comstockery 0. syl com+stock+er:y pron <1k^m2stok*ri>, <1kom-> pos n. qual U.S. def immoderate censorship on grounds of immorality. Comstock Lode ety C19: named after T. P. Comstock (1820-1870), American prospector Comstock Lode 0. syl Com+stock Lode pron <1k^m2stok>, <1kom-> pos n. def an extensive gold and silver vein in W Nevada, near Virginia City. (Isidore) Auguste (Marie Francois) infl head Comte syl (Isidore) Au:guste (Marie Fran*,cois) pron pos n. Comte 0. syl Comte pron French pos n. def 1798-1857, French mathematician and philosopher; the founder of positivism. &- {Comt+ism} (#!k@$$:n@!t$Iz$$m) &- {#!Comt+ist} {#!Comt+i@.an} Comus ety C17: from Latin, from Greek k*_omos a revel Comus 0. syl Co:mus pron <1k*um*s> pos n. usage in late Roman mythology def a god of revelry. Com Ver 0. syl Com. Ver. qual abbrev. for def Common Version (of the Bible). con ety C19: from #7confidence con H1.1.a. syl con pron pos n. qual Slang. def short for {confidence trick}. con H1.1.b. syl con pron pos n. qual Slang. usage as modifier exam 1 con man. cons infl head con syl cons pos vb. conning infl head con syl con+ning pos vb. conned infl head con syl conned. pos vb. con H1.2. syl con pron pos vb. mod tr. qual Slang. def to swindle or defraud. con ety from Latin contr*_a against, opposed to con H2.1. syl con pron pos n. mod usually; pl. def an argument or vote against a proposal, motion, etc. con H2.2. syl con pron pos n. mod usually; pl. def a person who argues or votes against a proposal, motion, etc. con xref syl con pron pos n. mod usually; pl. def Compare {pro%1}. See also {pros and cons}. con H3.0. syl con pron pos n. qual Slang. def short for {convict}. con ety C17 cun, from earlier condien to guide, from Old French conduire, from Latin cond*_ucere; see #7conduct conn alt head con or con syl conn pron qual U.S. cons infl head con or conns syl cons pos vb. conns infl head con or cons syl conns pos vb. conning infl head con syl con+ning pos vb. conned infl head con syl conned. pos vb. con H4.1. or conn syl con pron pos vb. mod tr. qual Nautical. def to direct the steering of (a vessel). con H4.2. or conn syl con pron pos n. qual Nautical. def the place where a person who cons a vessel is stationed. con ety C15: variant of #7can %1 in the sense: to come to know cons infl head con syl cons pos vb. mod tr. conning infl head con syl con+ning pos vb. mod tr. conned infl head con syl conned. pos vb. mod tr. con H5.0. syl con pron pos vb. mod tr. qual Archaic. def to study attentively or learn (esp. in the phrase {con by rote) }. con ety Latin: against con 1. syl con. qual abbrev. for: def concerto. con 2. syl con. qual abbrev. for: def conclusion. con 3. syl con. qual abbrev. for: def connection. con 4. syl con. qual abbrev. for: def consolidated. con 5. syl con. qual abbrev. for: def continued. con 6. syl con. qual abbrev. for: def contra. Con 1. syl Con. qual abbrev. for: def Conformist. Con 2. syl Con. qual abbrev. for: def Consul. con- 0. syl con- pos prefix. def variant of {com-}. Konakri alt head Conakry or Conakry syl Ko+na+kri pron French pos n. Conakry 0. or Konakri syl Co+na+kry pron French pos n. def the capital of Guinea, a port on the island of Tombo. Pop.: 197267 (1967 est.). con amore ety C19: from Italian: with love con amore 0. syl con a:mo+re pron <@1mc:ri> pos adj. adv. qual Music. def lovingly. Conan Doyle 0. syl Co:nan Doyle pron <1k*un*n> <1dcil>, <1kon*n> pos n. def Sir {Ar@.thur}. 1859-1930, English author of detective stories and historical romances and the creator of conation ety C19: from Latin c*_on*_ati*_o an attempting, from c*_on*_ar*_i to try conation 0. syl co+na+tion pron pos n. def the element in psychological processes that tends towards activity or change and appears as desire, volition, and striving. conational sub head conation syl co+1na+tion+al pos adj. conative 1. syl con:a+tive pron <1kon*tiv>, <1k*u-> pos adj. qual Grammar. def denoting an aspect of verbs in some languages used to indicate the effort of the agent in performing the activity described by the verb. conative 2. syl con:a+tive pron <1kon*tiv>, <1k*u-> pos adj. def of or relating to conation. conatus ety C17: from Latin: effort, from c*_on*_ar*_i to try conatus infl syl co+na+tus. pos n. mod pl. conatus 1. syl co+na+tus pron pos n. def an effort or striving of natural impulse. conatus 2. syl co+na+tus pron pos n. usage esp. in the philosophy of Spinoza def the tendency of all things to persist in their own being. con brio ety Italian: with energy con brio 0. syl con bri:o pron <1brE*u> pos adj. adv. qual Music. def with liveliness or spirit, as in the phrase {allegro con brio}. conc 1. syl conc. qual abbrev. for: def concentrate. conc 2. syl conc. qual abbrev. for: def concentrated. conc 3. syl conc. qual abbrev. for: def concentration. conc 4. syl conc. qual abbrev. for: def concerning. conc 5. syl conc. qual abbrev. for: def concerto. concatenate ety C16: from Late Latin concat*_en*_are from Latin com- together+ cat*_ena #7chain concatenate 1. syl con+cat+e:nate pron pos vb. mod tr. def to link or join together, esp. in a chain or series. concatenate 2. syl con+cat+e:nate pron pos adj. def linked or joined together. concatenation 1. syl con+cat+e:na+tion pron pos n. def a series of interconnected events, concepts, etc. concatenation 2. syl con+cat+e:na+tion pron pos n. def the act of linking together or the state of being joined. concave ety C15: from Latin concavus arched, from cavus hollow concave 1. syl con+cave pron <1konkAv>, pos adj. def curving inwards. concave 2. syl con+cave pron <1konkAv>, pos adj. qual Physics. def having one or two surfaces curved or ground in the shape of a section of the interior of a sphere, paraboloid, etc.. exam 1 a concave lens. concave 3. syl con+cave pron <1konkAv>, pos adj. usage Maths. of a polygon def containing an interior angle greater than 180?%. concave 4. syl con+cave pron <1konkAv>, pos adj. def an obsolete word for {hollow}. concave 5. syl con+cave pron <1konkAv>, pos vb. mod tr. def to make concave. concave xref syl con+cave pron <1konkAv>, pos adj. def Compare {convex}. concavely sub head concave syl con+cave+ly pos adv. concaveness sub head concave syl con+cave+ness pos n. concavities infl head concavity syl con+cav+i:ties. pos n. mod pl. concavity 1. syl con+cav+i:ty pron pos n. def the state or quality of being concave. concavity 2. syl con+cav+i:ty pron pos n. def a concave surface or thing; cavity. concavo-concave 0. syl con:cav:o-con:cave pron pos adj. usage esp. of a lens def having both sides concave; biconcave. concavo-convex 1. syl con:cav:o-con:vex pos adj. def having one side concave and the other side convex. concavo-convex 2. syl con:cav:o-con:vex pos adj. usage of a lens def having a concave face with greater curvature than the convex face. Compare { {convexo-concave} (sense 2).} conceal ety C14: from Old French conceler, from Latin conc*_el*_are, from com- (intensive)+ c*_el*_are to hide conceal 1. syl con+ceal pron pos vb. mod tr. def to keep from discovery; hide. conceal 2. syl con+ceal pron pos vb. mod tr. def to keep secret. concealable sub head conceal syl con+1ceal+a:ble pos adj. concealer sub head conceal syl con+1ceal+er pos n. concealment sub head conceal syl con+1ceal+ment pos n. concede ety C17: from Latin conc*_edere, from c*_edere to give way, #7cede concede 1. syl con+cede pron pos vb. mod when; tr. usage may take a clause as object def to admit or acknowledge (something) as true or correct. concede 2. syl con+cede pron pos vb. def to yield or allow (something, such as a right). concede 3. syl con+cede pron pos vb. mod tr. def to admit as certain in outcome. exam 1 to concede an election. concededly sub head concede syl con+1ced+ed+ly pos adv. conceder sub head concede syl con+1ced+er pos n. conceit ety C14: from #7conceive conceit 1. syl con+ceit pron pos n. def a high, often exaggerated, opinion of oneself or one's accomplishments; vanity. conceit 2. syl con+ceit pron pos n. qual Literary. def an elaborate image or far-fetched comparison, esp. as used by the English Metaphysical poets. conceit 3.a. syl con+ceit pron pos n. def a witty expression. conceit 3.b. syl con+ceit pron pos n. def fancy; imagination. conceit 3.c. syl con+ceit pron pos n. def an idea. conceit 4. syl con+ceit pron pos n. qual Obsolete. def a small ornament. {~} conceit 5. syl con+ceit pron pos n. qual Northern Brit. dialect. def to like or be able to bear (something, such as food or drink). conceit 6. syl con+ceit pron pos n. qual Obsolete. def to think or imagine. conceited 1. syl con+ceit+ed pron pos adj. def having a high or exaggerated opinion of oneself or one's accomplishments. conceited 2. syl con+ceit+ed pron pos adj. qual Archaic. def fanciful. conceited 3. syl con+ceit+ed pron pos adj. qual Obsolete. def witty or intelligent. conceitedly sub head conceited syl con+1ceit+ed+ly pos adv. conceitedness sub head conceited syl con+1ceit+ed+ness pos n. conceivable 0. syl con+ceiv+a:ble pron pos adj. def capable of being understood, believed, or imagined; possible. conceivability sub head conceivable or conceivableness syl con+2ceiv+a:1bil+i:ty pos n. conceivableness sub head conceivable or conceivability syl con+1ceiv+a:ble+ness pos n. conceivably sub head conceivable syl con+1ceiv+a:bly pos adv. conceive ety C13: from Old French conceivre, from Latin concipere to take in, from capere to take conceive 1. syl con+ceive pron <2k*n1sEv> pos vb. mod when; intr. foll. by of; when; tr. usage often takes a clause as object def to have an idea (of); imagine; think. conceive 2. syl con+ceive pron <2k*n1sEv> pos vb. mod tr. usage an infinitive def to hold as an opinion; believe. conceive 3. syl con+ceive pron <2k*n1sEv> pos vb. mod tr. def to develop or form, esp. in the mind. exam 1 she conceived a passion for music. conceive 4. syl con+ceive pron <2k*n1sEv> pos vb. def to become pregnant with (a child). conceive 5. syl con+ceive pron <2k*n1sEv> pos vb. mod tr. qual Rare. def to express in words. conceiver sub head conceive syl con+1ceiv+er pos n. concelebrate ety C16: from Latin concelebr*_are concelebrate 0. syl con+cel+e:brate pron pos vb. qual Christianity. def to celebrate (the Eucharist or Mass) jointly with one or more other priests. concelebration sub head concelebrate syl con+2cel+e:1bra+tion pos n. concent ety C16: from Latin concentus harmonious sounds, from concinere to sing together, from canere to sing concent 0. syl con+cent pron pos n. qual Archaic. def a concord, as of sounds, voices, etc. concentrate ety C17: back formation from #7concentra?!tion, ultimately from Latin com- same+ centrum #7centre concentrate 1. syl con+cen+trate pron <1kons*n2trAt> pos vb. mod tr. def to come or cause to come to a single purpose or aim. exam 1 to concentrate one's hopes on winning. concentrate 2. syl con+cen+trate pron <1kons*n2trAt> pos vb. def to make or become denser or purer by the removal of certain elements, esp. the solvent of a solution. concentrate 3. syl con+cen+trate pron <1kons*n2trAt> pos vb. mod tr. def to remove rock or sand from (an ore) to make it purer. concentrate 4. syl con+cen+trate pron <1kons*n2trAt> pos vb. mod intr. usage often foll. by on def to bring one's faculties to bear (on); think intensely (about). concentrate 5. syl con+cen+trate pron <1kons*n2trAt> pos n. def a concentrated material or solution. exam 1 tomato concentrate. concentrator sub head concentrate syl con+cen+2tra+tor pos n. concentration 1. syl con+cen+tra+tion pron <2kons*n1trAS*n> pos n. def intense mental application; complete attention. concentration 2. syl con+cen+tra+tion pron <2kons*n1trAS*n> pos n. def the act or process of concentrating. concentration 3. syl con+cen+tra+tion pron <2kons*n1trAS*n> pos n. def something that is concentrated. concentration 4. syl con+cen+tra+tion pron <2kons*n1trAS*n> pos n. def the strength of a solution, esp. the amount of dissolved substance in a given volume of solvent, usually expressed in moles per cubic metre or cubic decimetre (litre). Symbol. exam 1 c concentration 5. syl con+cen+tra+tion pron <2kons*n1trAS*n> pos n. def the process of in?!creasing the concentration of a solution. concentration 6.a. syl con+cen+tra+tion pron <2kons*n1trAS*n> pos n. def the act of bringing together military forces. concentration 6.b. syl con+cen+tra+tion pron <2kons*n1trAS*n> pos n. def the application of fire from a number of weapons against a target. concentration 7. syl con+cen+tra+tion pron <2kons*n1trAS*n> pos n. def another name (esp. U.S.) for {Pelmanism}. concentration camp 0. syl con+cen+tra+tion camp pos n. def a guarded prison camp in which prisoners are held, esp. one in Nazi Germany. concentrative 0. syl con+cen+tra+tive pron <1kons*n2trAtiv> pos adj. def tending to concentrate; characterized by concentration. concentratively sub head concentrative syl con+cen+2tra+tive+ly pos adv. concentrativeness sub head concentrative syl con+cen+2tra+tive+ness pos n. concentre ety C16: from French con?!centrer; see #7concentrate concentre 0. syl con+cen+tre pron pos vb. def to converge or cause to converge on a common centre; concentrate. concentric ety C14: from Medieval Latin concentricus, from Latin com- same+ centrum #7centre concentric 0. syl con+cen+tric pron pos adj. def having a common centre. exam 1 concentric circles. concentrically sub head concentric syl con+1cen+tri+cal+ly pos adv. concentricity sub head concentric syl con+cen+tric+i:ty pron <2kon?!s*n1trisiti> pos n. Concepci'on 0. syl Con+cep+ci*'on pron Spanish <2konsAp1sjon> pos n. def an industrial city in S central Chile. Pop.: 169570 (1975 est.). concept ety C16: from Latin conceptum something received or conceived, from concipere to take in, #7conceive concept 1. syl con+cept pron <1konsept> pos n. def something formed in the mind; abstract idea; thought. concept 2.a. syl con+cept pron <1konsept> pos n. def a general idea of something formed by mentally combining all specific parts and characteristic features. concept 2.b. syl con+cept pron <1konsept> pos n. def an abstract notion, theoretical construct, or directly intuited object of thought. conceptacle ety C17: from Latin concept*_aculum receptacle, from concipere to receive, #7conceive conceptacle 0. syl con+cep+ta+cle pron pos n. def a flask-shaped cavity containing the reproductive organs in some algae and fungi. conception ety C13: from Latin concepti*_o, from concipere to #7conceive conception 1. syl con+cep+tion pron pos n. def something conceived; notion, idea, design, or plan. conception 2. syl con+cep+tion pron pos n. def the state or condition of an ovum being fertilized by a sperm in the womb. conception 3. syl con+cep+tion pron pos n. def the product of such fertilization: an embryo or fetus. conception 4. syl con+cep+tion pron pos n. def origin or beginning. exam 1 from its conception the plan was a failure. conception 5. syl con+cep+tion pron pos n. def the act or power of forming notions; invention. conceptional sub head conception or conceptive syl con+1cep+tion+al pos adj. conceptive sub head conception or conceptional syl con+1cep+tive pos adj. conceptual 0. syl con+cep+tu:al pron pos adj. def of or characterized by concepts or the forming of concepts. conceptually sub head conceptual syl con+1cep+tu+al+ly pos adv. conceptualism 0. syl con+cep+tu+al+ism pron pos n. def the philosophical theory that the application of general words to a variety of objects reflects the existence of some mental entity through which the application is mediated. Compare {nominalism, realism, Platonism}. conceptualist sub head conceptualism syl con+1cep+tu+al+ist pos n. conceptualistic sub head conceptualism syl con+2cep+tu+al+1is+tic pos adj. conceptualise alt head conceptualize or conceptualize syl con+cep+tu+al+ise pron pos vb. conceptualize 0. or conceptualise syl con+cep+tu+al+ize pron pos vb. def to form (a concept or concepts) out of observations, experience, data, etc.; think in concepts (about). conceptualization sub head conceptualize or conceptualisation syl con+2cep+tu+al:i+1za+tion pos n. conceptualisation sub head conceptualize or conceptualization syl con2cep+tu+al:i+1sa+tion pos n. concern ety C15: from Late Latin concernere to mingle together, from Latin com- together+ cernere to sift, distinguish concern 1. syl con+cern pron pos vb. mod tr. def to relate to; be of importance or interest to; affect. concern 2. syl con+cern pron pos vb. mod tr. usage usually foll. by with or in def to involve or interest (oneself). exam 1 he concerns himself with other people's affairs. concern 3. syl con+cern pron pos n. mod tr. def something that affects or is of importance to a person; affair; business. concern 4. syl con+cern pron pos n. mod tr. def regard for or interest in a person or a thing. exam 1 he felt a strong concern for her. concern 5. syl con+cern pron pos n. mod tr. def anxiety, worry, or solicitude. concern 6. syl con+cern pron pos n. mod tr. def important bearing or relation. exam 1 his news has great concern for us. concern 7. syl con+cern pron pos n. mod tr. def a commercial company or enterprise. concern 8. syl con+cern pron pos n. mod tr. qual Informal. def a material thing, esp. one of which one has a low opinion. concerned 1. syl con+cerned pron pos adj. usage postpositive def interested, guilty, involved, or appropriate. exam 1 I shall find the boy concerned and punish him. concerned 2. syl con+cerned pron pos adj. def worried, troubled, or solicitous. concernedly sub head concerned syl con+cern+ed+ly pron pos adv. concernedness sub head concerned syl con+1cern+ed+ness pos n. concerning 1. syl con+cern+ing pron pos prep. def about; regarding; on the subject of. concerning 2. syl con+cern+ing pron pos adj. def worrying or troublesome. concernment 1. syl con+cern+ment pron pos n. qual Rare. def affair or business; concern. concernment 2. syl con+cern+ment pron pos n. qual Archaic. def a matter of importance. concert ety C16: from French concerter to bring into agreement, from Italian concertare, from Late Latin concert*_are to work together, from Latin: to dispute, debate, from cert*_are to contend concert 1.a. syl con+cert pron <1konsR:t>, <-s*t> pos n. def a performance of music by players or singers that does not involve theatrical staging. Compare { {recital} (sense 1)}. concert 1.b. syl con+cert pron <1konsR:t>, <-s*t> pos n. usage as modifier exam 1 a concert version of an opera. concert 2. syl con+cert pron <1konsR:t>, <-s*t> pos n. def agreement in design, plan, or action. concert 3.a. syl con+cert pron <1konsR:t>, <-s*t> pos n. def acting in a co-ordinated fashion with a common purpose. concert 3.b. syl con+cert pron <1konsR:t>, <-s*t> pos n. usage of musicians, etc., esp. rock musicians def perform?!ing live. {~} (k$$n#!s$z$:t). concert 4. syl con+cert pron <1konsR:t>, <-s*t> pos n. def to arrange or contrive (a plan) by mutual agreement. concertante ety C18: from Italian, from concertare to perform a concert, from concerto #7concert concertante 1. syl con+cer+tan+te pron <2konC*1t@nti> pos adj. qual Music. def characterized by contrastive passages or phrases between a soloist and the rest of the instrumental or vocal forces involved. ti infl head concertante syl +ti pron <-ti> pos n. mod pl. concertante 2. syl con+cer+tan+te pron <-ti> pos n. qual Music. def a composition characterized by such contrasts. concerted 1. syl con+cert+ed pron pos adj. def mutually contrived, planned, or arranged; combined (esp. in the phrases {concerted action, concerted effort) }. concerted 2. syl con+cert+ed pron pos adj. qual Music. def arranged in parts for a group of singers or players. concertedly sub head concerted syl con+1cert+ed+ly pos adv. concertgoer 0. syl con+cert+go+er pron <1konsR:t2g*u*> pos n. def a person who attends concerts of music. concert grand 0. syl con+cert grand pos n. def a grand piano of the largest size. concertina ety C19: #7concert+ -ina, on the model of #7seraphina concertina 1. syl con+cer+ti+na pron <2kons*1tEn*> pos n. def a hexagonal musical instrument of the reed-organ family similar to the accordion. concertinas infl head concertina syl con+cer+ti+nas pos vb. concertinaing infl head concertina syl con+cer+ti+na+ing pos vb. concertinaed infl head concertina syl con+cer+ti+naed. pos vb. concertina 2. syl con+cer+ti+na pron <2kons*1tEn*> pos vb. mod intr. def to collapse or fold up like a concertina. concertinist sub head concertina syl con+cer+1ti+nist pos n. concertino ety C19: from Italian: a little #7concerto concertini infl head concertino syl con+cer+ti+ni pron <-ni> pos n. mod pl. concertino 1. syl con+cer+ti+no pron <2konC*1tEn*u> pos n. def the small group of soloists in a concerto grosso. Compare {ripieno}. concertino 2. syl con+cer+ti+no pron <2konC*1tEn*u> pos n. def a short concerto. concertise alt head concertize or concertize syl con+cer+tise pron <1kons*2tIz> pos vb. mod intr. concertize 0. or concertise syl con+cer+tize pron <1kons*2tIz> pos vb. mod intr. usage esp. of a soloist or conductor def to give concerts. concertmaster 0. syl con:cert+mas:ter pron <1kons*t2ma:st*> pos n. def a U.S. word for {leader} (of an orchestra). concerto ety C18: from Italian: #7concert concertos infl head concerto or concerti syl con+cer+tos pron <-ti> pos n. mod pl. concerti infl head concerto or concertos syl con+cer+ti pron <-ti> pos n. mod pl. concerto 1. syl con+cer+to pron pos n. def a composition for an orchestra and one or more soloists. The classical concerto usually consisted of three movements. See also { {sonata} (sense 1), {symphony} (sense 1)}. concerto 2. syl con+cer+to pron pos n. def another word for {ripieno}. concerto grosso ety Italian, literally: big concerto concerti grossi infl head concerto grosso or concerto grossos syl con+cer+ti gros+si pron <1grosi> pos n. mod pl. concerto grossos infl head concerto grosso or concerti grossi syl con+cer+to gros+sos. pos n. mod pl. concerto grosso 0. syl con+cer+to gros+so pron <1gros*u> pos n. def a composition for an orchestra and a group of soloists, chiefly of the baroque period. concert overture 0. syl con+cert o:ver+ture pos n. def See { {overture} (sense 1c.)}. concert pitch 1. syl con+cert pitch pos n. def the frequency of 440 hertz assigned to the A above middle C. See { {pitch} %1 (sense 26b.)}, {international pitch}. concert pitch 2. syl con+cert pitch pos n. qual Informal. def a state of extreme readiness. concession ety C16: from Latin conc*_essi*_o an allowing, from conc*_edere to #7concede concession 1. syl con+ces+sion pron pos n. def the act of yielding or conceding, as to a demand or argument. concession 2. syl con+ces+sion pron pos n. def something conceded. concession 3. syl con+ces+sion pron pos n. def any grant of rights, land, or property by a government, local authority, corporation, or individual. concession 4. syl con+ces+sion pron pos n. def the right, esp. an exclusive right, to market a particular product in a given area. concession 5.a. syl con+ces+sion pron pos n. def the right to maintain a subsidiary business on a lessor's premises. concession 5.b. syl con+ces+sion pron pos n. def the premises so granted or the business so maintained. concession 5.c. syl con+ces+sion pron pos n. def a free rental period for such premises. concession 6.a. syl con+ces+sion pron pos n. def a land subdivision in a township survey. concession 6.b. syl con+ces+sion pron pos n. def another name for a {concession road}. concessible sub head concession syl con+1ces+si:ble pos adj. concessioner infl head concessionaire syl con+ces+sion+er pron concessionaire 0. syl con+ces+sion+aire pron def or someone who holds or operates a concession. concessionary 1. syl con+ces+sion+ar:y pron pos adj. def of, granted, or obtained by a concession. concessionaries infl head concessionary syl con+ces+sion+ar:ies. pos n. mod pl. concessionary 2. syl con+ces+sion+ar:y pron pos n. def another word for {concessionaire}. concession road 0. syl con+ces+sion road pos n. usage Canadian. esp. in Ontario def any of a number of roughly parallel roads forming a grid pattern along township survey lines. concessive ety C18: from Late Latin conc*_ess*_ivus, from Latin conc*_edere to #7concede concessive 1. syl con+ces+sive pron pos adj. def implying or involving concession; tending to concede. concessive 2. syl con+ces+sive pron pos adj. qual Grammar. def a conjunction, preposition, phrase, or clause describing a state of affairs that might have been expected to rule out what is described in the main clause but in fact does not. exam 1 @6Although@9 in the sentence @6Although they had been warned, they refused to take care@9 is a concessive conjunction. conch ety C16: from Latin concha, from Greek konkh*_e shellfish conchs infl head conch or conches syl conchs pron pos n. mod pl. conches infl head conch or conchs syl conch:es pron <1konC?!iz> pos n. mod pl. conch 1. syl conch pron , pos n. def any of various tropical marine gastropod molluscs of the genus and related genera, esp. (giant conch), characterized by a large brightly coloured spiral shell. conch 2. syl conch pron , pos n. def the shell of such a mollusc, used as a trumpet. conch 3. syl conch pron , pos n. qual Architect. def another name for { {concha} (sense 2)}. conchae infl head concha syl con+chae pron <-kE> pos n. mod pl. concha 1. syl con+cha pron <1koGk*> pos n. def any bodily organ or part resembling a shell in shape, such as the external ear. concha 2. syl con+cha pron <1koGk*> pos n. def Also called: {conch}. the half dome of an apse. conchal sub head concha syl con+chal pos adj. conchy alt head conchie or conchie syl con+chy pron <1konCi> pos n. conchies infl head conchie syl con+chies. pos n. mod pl. conchie 0. or conchy syl con+chie pron <1konCi> pos n. qual Informal. def short for {conscientious objector}. conchiferous 1. syl con+chif+er+ous pron pos adj. usage esp. of molluscs def having or producing a shell. conchiferous 2. syl con+chif+er+ous pron pos adj. usage of rocks def containing shells. conchiolin ety C19: from #7conch ; see -#7in conchiolin 0. syl con+chi:o+lin pron pos n. def a fibrous insoluble protein that forms the basic structure of the shells of molluscs. Formula: C\3\0H\4\8O\1\1N\9. Conchobar 0. syl Con:cho:bar pron <1koGk*uw*>, <1konu*> pos n. usage in Irish legend def a king of Ulster at about the beginning of the Christian era. See also {Deirdre}. conchoid 0. syl con+choid pron <1koGkcid> pos n. qual Geom. def a plane curve consisting of two branches situated about a line to which they are asymptotic, so that a line from a fixed point (the pole) intersecting both branches is of constant length between asymptote and either branch. Equation. exam 1 (x - a) conchoidal 1. syl con+choi+dal pron pos adj. usage of the fracture of minerals and rocks def having smooth shell-shaped convex and concave surfaces. conchoidal 2. syl con+choi+dal pron pos adj. usage of minerals and rocks, such as flint def having such a fracture. conchoidally sub head conchoidal syl con+1choi+dal+ly pos adv. conchology 0. syl con+chol+o:gy pron pos n. def the study and collection of mollusc shells. conchological sub head conchology syl con+cho+log:i+cal pron <2koGk*1loJikL> pos adj. conchologist sub head conchology syl con+1chol:o+gist pos n. concierge ety C17: from French, ultimately from Latin conservus, from servus slave concierge 0. syl con+ci+erge pron <2konsi1e*Z>, French pos n. usage esp. in France def a caretaker of a block of flats, hotel, etc., esp. one who lives on the premises. conciliar 0. syl con+cil:i+ar pron pos adj. def of, from, or by means of a council, esp. an ecclesiastical one. conciliarly sub head conciliar syl con+1cil:i+ar+ly pos adv. conciliate ety C16: from Latin concili*_are to bring together, from concilium #7council conciliate 1. syl con+cil:i+ate pron pos vb. mod tr. def to overcome the hostility of; placate; win over. conciliate 2. syl con+cil:i+ate pron pos vb. mod tr. def to win or gain (favour, regard, etc.), esp. by making friendly overtures. conciliate 3. syl con+cil:i+ate pron pos vb. mod tr. qual Archaic. def to make compatible; reconcile. conciliable sub head conciliate syl con+1cil:i+a:ble pos adj. conciliation sub head conciliate syl con+2cil:i+1a:tion pos n. conciliator sub head conciliate syl con+1cil:i+2a:tor pos n. conciliative alt head conciliatory or conciliatory syl con+cil:ia+tive pron pos adj. conciliatory 0. or conciliative syl con+cil:ia+to:ry pron , <-tri> pos adj. def intended to placate or reconcile. conciliatorily sub head conciliatory syl con+1cil:ia+to+ri+ly pos adv. conciliatoriness sub head conciliatory syl con+1cil:ia+to+ri+ness pos n. concinnity ety C16: from Latin concinnit*_as a skilful combining of various things, from concinn*_are to adjust, of obscure origin concinnities infl head concinnity syl con+cin+ni:ties. pos n. mod pl. concinnity 0. syl con+cin+ni:ty pron pos n. def a harmonious arrange?!ment of parts, esp. in literary works, speeches, etc. concinnous sub head concinnity syl con+1cin+nous pos adj. concise ety C16: from Latin conc*_isus cut up, cut short, from conc*_idere to cut to pieces, from caedere to cut, strike down concise 0. syl con+cise pron pos adj. def expressing much in few words; brief and to the point. concisely sub head concise syl con+1cise+ly pos adv. conciseness sub head concise syl con+1cise+ness pos n. concision 1. syl con+ci+sion pron pos n. def the quality of being concise; brevity; terseness. concision 2. syl con+ci+sion pron pos n. qual Archaic. def a cutting apart or off; severing; division. conclave ety C14: from Medieval Latin concl*_ave, from Latin: cage, place that may be locked, from cl*_avis key conclave 1. syl con+clave pron <1konklAv>, <1koG-> pos n. def a confidential or secret meeting. conclave 2.a. syl con+clave pron <1konklAv>, <1koG-> pos n. def the closed apartments where the college of cardinals elects a new pope. conclave 2.b. syl con+clave pron <1konklAv>, <1koG-> pos n. def a meeting of the college of cardinals for this purpose. conclavist sub head conclave syl con+clav+ist pos n. conclude ety C14: from Latin concl*_udere to enclose, end, from claudere to close conclude 1. syl con+clude pron pos vb. mod also; intr. def to come or cause to come to an end or conclusion. conclude 2. syl con+clude pron pos vb. mod mainly; tr. usage takes a clause as object def to decide by reasoning; deduce. exam 1 the judge concluded that the witness had told the truth. conclude 3. syl con+clude pron pos vb. mod mainly; tr. def to arrange finally; settle. exam 1 to conclude a treaty; exam 2 it was concluded that he should go. conclude 4. syl con+clude pron pos vb. mod mainly; tr. qual Obsolete. def to confine. concluder sub head conclude syl con+1clud+er pos n. conclusion ety C14: via Old French from Latin; see #7conclude , -#7ion conclusion 1. syl con+clu+sion pron pos n. def end or termination. conclusion 2. syl con+clu+sion pron pos n. def the last main division of a speech, lecture, essay, etc. conclusion 3. syl con+clu+sion pron pos n. def the outcome or result of an act, process, event, etc. (esp. in the phrase {a foregone conclusion) }. conclusion 4. syl con+clu+sion pron pos n. def an intuitive rather than well reasoned deduction. exam 1 you jump too readily to conclusions. conclusion 5. syl con+clu+sion pron pos n. def a final decision or judgment; resolution (esp. in the phrase {come to a conclusion) }. conclusion 6. syl con+clu+sion pron pos n. qual Logic. def a proposition inferred from a set of premisses that can be shown, on logical grounds, to be true if the premisses are true. conclusion 7.a. syl con+clu+sion pron pos n. def an admission or statement binding on the party making it; estoppel. conclusion 7.b. syl con+clu+sion pron pos n. def the close of a pleading or of a conveyance. in conclusion 8. head conclusion syl in conclusion. def lastly; to sum up. try conclusions with 9. head conclusion syl try conclusions with. qual Archaic. def to engage in competition with (someone). conclusive 1. syl con+clu+sive pron pos adj. def putting an end to doubt; decisive; final. conclusive 2. syl con+clu+sive pron pos adj. def approaching or involving an end or conclusion. conclusively sub head conclusive syl con+1clu+sive+ly pos adv. conclusiveness sub head conclusive syl con+1clu+sive+ness pos n. concoct ety C16: from Latin concoctus cooked together, from concoquere, from coquere to cook concoct 1. syl con+coct pron pos vb. mod tr. def to make by combining different ingredients. concoct 2. syl con+coct pron pos vb. mod tr. def to invent; make up; contrive. concocter sub head concoct or concoctor syl con+1coct+er pos n. concoctor sub head concoct or concocter syl con+1coc+tor pos n. concoctive sub head concoct syl con+1coc+tive pos adj. concoction 1. syl con+coc+tion pron pos n. def the act or process of concocting. concoction 2. syl con+coc+tion pron pos n. def something concocted. concoction 3. syl con+coc+tion pron pos n. def an untruth; lie. concomitance 1. syl con+com:i+tance pron pos n. def existence or occurrence together or in connection with another. concomitance 2. syl con+com:i+tance pron pos n. def a thing that exists in connection with another. concomitance 3. syl con+com:i+tance pron pos n. qual Theol. def the doctrine that the body and blood of Christ are present in the Eucharist. concomitant ety C17: from Late Latin concomit*_ar*_i to accompany, from com- with+ comes companion, fellow concomitant 1. syl con+com:i+tant pron pos adj. def existing or occurring together; associative. concomitant 2. syl con+com:i+tant pron pos n. def a concomitant act, person, etc. concomitantly sub head concomitant syl con+1com:i+tant+ly pos adv. concord ety C13: from Old French concorde, from Latin concordia, from concors of the same mind, harmonious, from com- same+ cors heart concord 1. syl con+cord pron <1konkc:d>, <1koG-> pos n. def agreement or harmony between people or nations; amity. concord 2. syl con+cord pron <1konkc:d>, <1koG-> pos n. def a treaty establishing peaceful relations between nations. concord 3. syl con+cord pron <1konkc:d>, <1koG-> pos n. def agreement or harmony between things, ideas, etc. concord 4. syl con+cord pron <1konkc:d>, <1koG-> pos n. qual Music. def a combination of musical notes, esp. one containing a series of consonant intervals. Compare { {discord} (sense 3)}. concord 5. syl con+cord pron <1konkc:d>, <1koG-> pos n. qual Grammar. def another word for { {agreement} (sense 6)}. Concord 1. syl Con+cord pron <1koGk*d> pos n. def a town in NE Massachusetts: scene of one of the opening military actions (1775) of the War of American Independence. Pop.: 16148 (1970). Concord 2. syl Con+cord pron <1koGk*d> pos n. def a city in SE Australia, in E New South Wales: a W suburb of Sydney. Pop.: 25903 (1971). concordance 1. syl con+cord+ance pron pos n. def a state or condition of agreement or harmony. concordance 2. syl con+cord+ance pron pos n. def a book that indexes the principal words in a literary work, often with the immediate context and an account of the meaning. concordance 3. syl con+cord+ance pron pos n. def an index produced by computer or machine, alphabetically listing every word in a text. concordance 4. syl con+cord+ance pron pos n. def an alphabetical list of subjects or topics. concordant 0. syl con+cord+ant pron pos adj. def being in agreement: harmonious. concordantly sub head concordant syl con+1cord+ant+ly pos adv. concordat ety C17: via French, from Medieval Latin concord*_atum, from Latin: something agreed, from concord*_are to be of one mind; see #7concord concordat 0. syl con+cor+dat pron pos n. def a pact or treaty, esp. one between the Vatican and another state concerning the interests of religion in that state. Concorde 0. syl Con+corde pron <1konkc:d>, <1koG-> pos n. def the first commercial supersonic airliner. Of Anglo-French construction, it is capable of over 2160 km per hr (1200 mph). Concord grape ety C19: discovered at C#7oncord, Mass. Concord grape 0. syl Con+cord grape pron <1koGk*d>, <1konkc:d> pos n. def a variety of grape with purple-black fruit covered with a bluish bloom. concours d''el'egance 0. syl con+cours d'*'e:l*'e+gance pron French. pos n. def a parade of cars or other vehicles, prizes being awarded to the most elegant, best designed, or best turned-out. concourse ety C14: from Old French concours, ultimately from Latin concurrere to run together, from currere to run concourse 1. syl con+course pron <1konkc:s>, <1koG-> pos n. def a crowd; throng. concourse 2. syl con+course pron <1konkc:s>, <1koG-> pos n. def a coming together; confluence. exam 1 a concourse of events. concourse 3. syl con+course pron <1konkc:s>, <1koG-> pos n. def a large open space for the gathering of people in a public place. concourse 4. syl con+course pron <1konkc:s>, <1koG-> pos n. qual Chiefly U.S. def a ground for sports, racing, athletics, etc. concrescence ety C17: from Latin concr*_escentia, from concr*_escere to grow together, from cr*_escere to grow; see #7crescent concrescence 0. syl con+cres+cence pron pos n. qual Biology. def a growing together of initially separate parts or organs. concrete ety C14: from Latin concr*_etus grown together, hardened, from concr*_escere; see #7concres?!cence concrete 1.a. syl con+crete pron <1konkrEt> pos n. def a building material made of a mixture of cement, sand, aggregate, and water that hardens as it dries. concrete 1.b. syl con+crete pron <1konkrEt> pos n. usage as modifier exam 1 a concrete slab. concrete 2. syl con+crete pron <1konkrEt> pos n. qual Physics. def a mass formed by the coalescence of separate particles. concrete 3. syl con+crete pron <1konkrEt> pos adj. def relating to a particular instance or object; specific as opposed to general. exam 1 a concrete example. concrete 4.a. syl con+crete pron <1konkrEt> pos adj. def relating to or characteristic of things capable of being perceived by the senses, as opposed to abstractions. concrete 4.b. syl con+crete pron <1konkrEt> pos as; n. exam 1 the concrete. concrete 5. syl con+crete pron <1konkrEt> pos adj. def formed by the coalescence of particles; condensed; solid. concrete 6. syl con+crete pron <1konkrEt> pos vb. mod tr. def to construct in or cover with concrete. concrete 7. syl con+crete pron pos vb. def to become or cause to become solid; coalesce. concretely sub head concrete syl con+crete+ly pos adv. concreteness sub head concrete syl con+crete+ness pos n. concretive sub head concrete syl con+1cre+tive pos adj. concretively sub head concrete syl con+1cre+tive+ly pos adv. concrete music 0. syl con+crete mu+sic pos n. def music consisting of an electronically modified montage of tape-recorded sounds. concrete noun 0. syl con+crete noun pos n. def a noun that refers to a material object. Compare {abstract noun}. concrete number 0. syl con+crete num+ber pos n. def a number referring to a particular object or objects, as in concrete poetry 0. syl con+crete po+e:try pos n. def poetry in which the visual form of the poem is used to convey meaning. concretion 1. syl con+cre+tion pron pos n. def the act or process of coming or growing together; coalescence. concretion 2. syl con+cre+tion pron pos n. def a solid or solidified mass. concretion 3. syl con+cre+tion pron pos n. def something made real, tangible, or specific. concretion 4. syl con+cre+tion pron pos n. def any of various rounded or irregular mineral masses that are different in composition from the sedimentary rock that surrounds them. concretion 5. syl con+cre+tion pron pos n. qual Pathol. def another word for {calculus}. concretionary sub head concretion syl con+1cre+tion+ar:y pos adj. concretise alt head concretize or concretize syl con+cre+tise pron <1konkri2tIz>, <1koG-> pos vb. mod tr. concretize 0. or concretise syl con+cre+tize pron <1konkri2tIz>, <1koG-> pos vb. mod tr. def to render concrete; make real or specific; give tangible form to. concretization sub head concretize or concretisation syl con+cret:i+1za+tion pos n. concretisation sub head concretize or concretization syl con+cret:i+1sa+tion pos n. concubinage 1. syl con+cu+bi+nage pron pos n. def cohabitation without legal marriage. concubinage 2. syl con+cu+bi+nage pron pos n. def the state of living as a concubine. concubine ety C13: from Old French, from Latin concub*_ina, from concumbere to lie together, from cubere to lie concubine 1. syl con+cu+bine pron <1koGkju2bIn>, <1kon-> pos n. usage in polygamous societies def a secondary wife, usually of lower social rank. concubine 2. syl con+cu+bine pron <1koGkju2bIn>, <1kon-> pos n. def a woman who cohabits with a man. concubinary sub head concubine syl con+1cu+bi+nar:y pos n. adj. concupiscence ety C14: from Church Latin concupiscentia, from Latin concupiscere to covet ardently, from cupere to wish, desire concupiscence 0. syl con+cu+pis+cence pron pos n. def strong desire, esp. sexual desire. concupiscent sub head concupiscence syl con+1cu+pis+cent pos adj. concur ety C15: from Latin concurrere to run together, from currere to run concurs infl head concur syl con+curs pos vb. mod intr. concurring infl head concur syl con+cur+ring pos vb. mod intr. concurred infl head concur syl con+curred. pos vb. mod intr. concur 1. syl con+cur pron pos vb. mod intr. def to agree; be of the same mind; be in accord. concur 2. syl con+cur pron pos vb. mod intr. def to combine, act together, or cooperate. concur 3. syl con+cur pron pos vb. mod intr. def to occur simultaneously; coincide. concur 4. syl con+cur pron pos vb. mod intr. qual Rare. def to converge. concurringly sub head concur syl con+1cur+ring+ly pos adv. concurrence 1. syl con+cur+rence pron pos n. def the act of concurring. concurrence 2. syl con+cur+rence pron pos n. def agreement in opinion; accord; assent. concurrence 3. syl con+cur+rence pron pos n. def cooperation or combination. concurrence 4. syl con+cur+rence pron pos n. def simultaneous occurrence; coincidence. concurrence 5. syl con+cur+rence pron pos n. qual Geom. def a point at which three or more lines intersect. concurrence 6. syl con+cur+rence pron pos n. qual Rare. def rivalry or competition. {~} Also {(for senses 1-4): {con+cur+ren+cy}}. concurrent 1. syl con+cur+rent pron pos adj. def taking place at the same time or in the same location. concurrent 2. syl con+cur+rent pron pos adj. def cooperating. concurrent 3. syl con+cur+rent pron pos adj. def meeting at, approaching, or having a common point. exam 1 concurrent lines. concurrent 4. syl con+cur+rent pron pos adj. def having equal authority or jurisdiction. concurrent 5. syl con+cur+rent pron pos adj. def in accordance or agreement; harmonious. concurrent 6. syl con+cur+rent pron pos n. def something joint or contribu?!tory; a concurrent circumstance or cause. concurrent 7. syl con+cur+rent pron pos n. qual Archaic. def a competitor or rival. concurrently sub head concurrent syl con+1cur+rent+ly pos adv. concuss ety C16: from Latin concussus violently shaken, from concutere to disturb greatly, from quatere to shake concuss 1. syl con+cuss pron pos vb. mod tr. def to injure (the brain) by a violent blow, fall, etc. concuss 2. syl con+cuss pron pos vb. mod tr. def to shake violently; agitate; disturb. concussion 1. syl con+cus+sion pron pos n. def a jarring of the brain, caused by a blow or a fall, usually resulting in loss of consciousness. concussion 2. syl con+cus+sion pron pos n. def any violent shaking; jarring. concussive sub head concussion syl con+1cus+sive pos adj. Prince de infl head Cond'e syl Prince de pron pos n. Cond'e 0. syl Con:d*'e pron French pos n. def title of called 1621-86, French general, who led Louis XIV's armies against the Fronde (1649) but joined the Fronde in a new revolt (1650-52). He later fought for both France and Spain. condemn ety C13: from Old French condempner, from Latin condemn*_are, from damn*_are to condemn; see #7damn condemn 1. syl con+demn pron pos vb. mod tr. def to express strong disapproval of; censure. condemn 2. syl con+demn pron pos vb. mod tr. def to pronounce judicial sentence on. condemn 3. syl con+demn pron pos vb. mod tr. def to demonstrate the guilt of. exam 1 his secretive behaviour condemned him. condemn 4. syl con+demn pron pos vb. mod tr. def to judge or pronounce unfit for use. exam 1 that food has been con?!demned. condemn 5. syl con+demn pron pos vb. mod tr. def to compel or force into a particular state or activity. exam 1 his disposition condemned him to boredom. condemnable sub head condemn syl con+demn+a:ble pron pos adj. condemnably sub head condemn syl con+1demn+a:bly pos adv. condemner sub head condemn syl con+1demn+er pos n. condemningly sub head condemn syl con+1demn+ing+ly pos adv. condemned cell 0. syl con+demned cell pos n. def a prison cell in which a person con?!demned to death awaits execution. condensate 0. syl con+den+sate pron pos n. def a substance formed by condensation, such as a liquid from a vapour. condensation 1. syl con+den+sa+tion pron <2konden1sAS*n> pos n. def the act or process of condensing, or the state of being condensed. condensation 2. syl con+den+sa+tion pron <2konden1sAS*n> pos n. def anything that has condensed from a vapour on a window. condensation 3. syl con+den+sa+tion pron <2konden1sAS*n> pos n. qual Chem. def a type of reaction in which two organic molecules combine to form a larger molecule as well as a simple molecule such as water, methanol, etc. condensation 4. syl con+den+sa+tion pron <2konden1sAS*n> pos n. def anything that has been shortened, esp. an abridged version of a book. condensation 5.a. syl con+den+sa+tion pron <2konden1sAS*n> pos n. def the fusion of two or more ideas, etc., into one symbol, occurring esp. in dreams. condensation 5.b. syl con+den+sa+tion pron <2konden1sAS*n> pos n. def the reduction of many experiences into one word or action, as in a phobia. condensational sub head condensation syl con+den+1sa+tion+al pos adj. condensation trail 0. syl con+den+sa+tion trail pos n. def another name for {vapour trail}. condense ety C15: from Latin cond*_ens*_are, from d*_ens*_are to make thick, from d*_ensus #7dense condense 1. syl con+dense pron pos vb. mod tr. def to increase the density of; compress. condense 2. syl con+dense pron pos vb. def to reduce or be reduced in volume or size; make or become more compact. condense 3. syl con+dense pron pos vb. def to change or cause to change from a gaseous to a liquid or solid state. condense 4. syl con+dense pron pos vb. qual Chem. def to undergo or cause to undergo condensation. condensable sub head condense or condensible syl con+1den+sa:ble pos adj. condensible sub head condense or condensable syl con+1den+si:ble pos adj. condensability sub head condense or condensibility syl con+2den+sa:1bil+i:ty pos n. condensibility sub head condense or condensability syl con+2den+si:1bil+i:ty pos n. condensed 1. syl con+densed pron pos adj. usage of printers' type def narrower than usual for a particular height. Compare { {expanded} (sense 1).} condensed 2. syl con+densed pron pos adj. qual Botany. def designating an inflorescence in which the flowers are crowded together and are almost or completely sessile. condensed milk 0. syl con+densed milk pos n. def milk reduced by evaporation to a thick concentration, with sugar added. Compare {evaporated milk}. condenser 1.a. syl con+dens+er pron pos n. def an apparatus for reducing gases to their liquid or solid form by the abstraction of heat. condenser 1.b. syl con+dens+er pron pos n. def a device for abstracting heat, as in a refrigeration unit. condenser 2. syl con+dens+er pron pos n. def a lens that concentrates light into a small area. condenser 3. syl con+dens+er pron pos n. def another name for {capacitor}. condenser 4. syl con+dens+er pron pos n. def a person or device that condenses. condescend ety C14: from Church Latin cond*_escendere to stoop, condescend, from Latin d*_escendere to #7descend condescend 1. syl con+de+scend pron <2kondi1send> pos vb. mod intr. def to act graciously towards another or others regarded as being on a lower level; behave patronizingly. condescend 2. syl con+de+scend pron <2kondi1send> pos vb. mod intr. def to do something that one regards as below one's dignity. condescendence 1. syl con+de+scend+ence pron <2kondi1send*ns> pos n. qual Scot. law. def a state?!ment of facts presented by the plaintiff in a cause. condescendence 2. syl con+de+scend+ence pron <2kondi1send*ns> pos n. def a less common word for {condescension}. condescending 0. syl con+de+scend+ing pron <2kondi1sendiG> pos adj. def showing or implying condescension by stooping to the level of one's inferiors, esp. in a patronizing way. condescendingly sub head condescending syl con+de+1scend+ing+ly pos adv. condescension 0. syl con+de+scen+sion pron <2kondi1senS*n> pos n. def the act or an instance of behaving in a patronizing way. condign ety C15: from Old French condigne, from Latin condignus, from dignus worthy condign 0. syl con+dign pron pos adj. usage esp. of a punishment def fitting; de?!served. condignly sub head condign syl con+1dign+ly pos adv. 'Etienne Bonnot de infl head Condillac syl *'E:tienne Bon:not de pron pos n. Condillac 0. syl Con:dil:lac pron French pos n. def 1715-80, French philosopher. He developed Locke's view that all knowledge derives from the senses in his (1754). condiment ety C15: from Latin cond*_imentum seasoning, from cond*_ire to pickle condiment 0. syl con+di+ment pron <1kondim*nt> pos n. def any spice or sauce such as salt, pepper, mustard, etc. condition ety C14: from Latin conditi*_o, from cond*_icere to discuss, agree together, from con- together+ d*_icere to say condition 1. syl con+di+tion pron pos n. def a particular state of being or existence; situation with respect to circumstances. exam 1 the human condition. condition 2. syl con+di+tion pron pos n. def something that limits or restricts something else; a qualification. exam 1 you may enter only under certain conditions. condition 3. syl con+di+tion pron pos n. mod pl. def external or existing circumstances. exam 1 conditions were right for a takeover. condition 4. syl con+di+tion pron pos n. def an assumption in logical or inductive reasoning that should or must be fulfilled. See { {sufficient} (sense 2)}, { {necessary} (sense 3c.)}. condition 5. syl con+di+tion pron pos n. def something required as part of an agreement or pact; terms. exam 1 the conditions of the lease are set out. condition 6.a. syl con+di+tion pron pos n. def a declaration or provision in a will, contract, etc., that makes some right or liability contingent upon the happening of some event. condition 6.b. syl con+di+tion pron pos n. def the event itself. condition 7. syl con+di+tion pron pos n. def something indispensable to the existence of something else. exam 1 your happiness is a condition of mine. condition 8. syl con+di+tion pron pos n. def state of health or physical fitness, esp. good health (esp. in the phrases {in condition, out of condition) }. condition 9. syl con+di+tion pron pos n. def an ailment or physical disability. exam 1 a heart condition. condition 10. syl con+di+tion pron pos n. def rank, status, or position in life. upon condition that infl head condition syl upon condition that. pos conj. on 11. head condition syl on pos conj. def provided that. condition 12.a. syl con+di+tion pron pos vb. mod mainly; tr. def to alter the response of (a person or animal) to a particular stimulus or situation. condition 12.b. syl con+di+tion pron pos vb. mod mainly; tr. def to establish a conditioned response in (a person or animal). condition 13. syl con+di+tion pron pos vb. mod mainly; tr. def to put into a fit condition or state. condition 14. syl con+di+tion pron pos vb. mod mainly; tr. def to accustom or inure. condition 15. syl con+di+tion pron pos vb. mod mainly; tr. def to subject to a condition. condition 16. syl con+di+tion pron pos vb. mod intr. qual Archaic. def to make conditions. conditional 1. syl con+di+tion+al pron pos adj. def depending on other factors; not certain. conditional 2. syl con+di+tion+al pron pos adj. usage Grammar. of a clause, conjunction, form of a verb, or whole sentence def expressing a condition on which something else is contingent: @6 @9 @6 @9. conditional 3.a. syl con+di+tion+al pron pos adj. usage of an equation or inequality def true for only certain values of the variable. exam 1 x conditional 3.b. syl con+di+tion+al pron pos adj. usage of an infinite series def convergent, but becoming divergent when the absolute values of the terms are considered. conditional 4. syl con+di+tion+al pron pos adj. def Also: {hypothetical}. (of a proposition) consisting of two component propositions associated by the words so that the proposition is false only when the antecedent is true and the consequent false. Usually written. exam 1 p conditional 5.a. syl con+di+tion+al pron pos adj. def a condition?!al form of a verb. conditional 5.b. syl con+di+tion+al pron pos adj. def a conditional clause or sentence. conditional 6. syl con+di+tion+al pron pos adj. qual Logic. def a conditional proposition. conditionality sub head conditional syl con+2di+tion+1al+i:ty pos n. conditionally sub head conditional syl con+1di+tion+al+ly pos adv. conditioned 1. syl con+di+tioned pron pos adj. qual Psychol. def of or denoting a response that has been learned. Compare {unconditioned}. conditioned 2. syl con+di+tioned pron pos adj. usage foll. by to def accustomed; inured; prepared by training. conditioned response 0. syl con+di+tioned re+sponse pos n. qual Psychol. def a response, elicited as an unconditioned response to one stimulus, that becomes attached to a second stimulus through repeated association of the second stimulus with the first. A classic example is salivation by a dog when it hears a bell ring, because food has always been presented when the bell has been rung previously. Also called (esp. formerly): {conditioned reflex}. See also {unconditioned response}. conditioner 1. syl con+di+tion+er pron pos n. def a person or thing that conditions. conditioner 2. syl con+di+tion+er pron pos n. def a substance, esp. a cosmetic, applied to something to improve its condition. exam 1 hair conditioner. conditioning 0. syl con+di+tion+ing pron pos n. qual Psychol. def the process by which the behaviour of an organism becomes dependent on an event occurring in its environment. See also {classical conditioning, instrumental conditioning}. condole ety C16: from Church Latin condol*_ere to suffer pain (with another), from Latin com- together+ dol*_ere to grieve, feel pain condole 0. syl con+dole pron pos vb. mod intr. usage foll. by with def to express sympathy with someone in grief, pain, etc. condolatory sub head condole syl con+1do+la+to:ry pos adj. condoler sub head condole syl con+1dol+er pos n. condolingly sub head condole syl con+1dol+ing+ly pos adv. condolement alt head condolence or condolence syl con+dole+ment pos n. mod often; pl. condolence 0. or condolement syl con+do+lence pron pos n. mod often; pl. def an expression of sympathy with someone in grief, etc. con dolore ety Italian: with sorrow con dolore 0. syl con do+lo+re pron pos adj. adv. qual Music. def in a sad manner. condom ety C18: of unknown origin condom 0. syl con+dom pron <1kond*m> pos n. def an elastic sheath worn on the penis during sexual intercourse to prevent conception or infection. condominium ety C18: from New Latin, from Latin com- together+ dominium ownership; see #7dominion condominiums infl head condominium syl con+do+min+i:ums. pos n. mod pl. condominium 1. syl con+do+min+i:um pron <2kond*1mini*m> pos n. def joint rule or sovereignty. condominium 2. syl con+do+min+i:um pron <2kond*1mini*m> pos n. def a country ruled by two or more foreign powers. condominium 3.a. syl con+do+min+i:um pron <2kond*1mini*m> pos n. def an apartment building in which each apartment is individually wholly owned and the common areas are jointly owned. condominium 3.b. syl con+do+min+i:um pron <2kond*1mini*m> pos n. def the title under which an apartment in such a building is owned. Compare { {cooperative} (sense 5)}. condone ety C19: from Latin cond*_on*_are to remit a debt, from com- (intensive)+ d*_on*_are to #7donate condone 1. syl con+done pron pos vb. mod tr. def to overlook or forgive an offence, etc. condone 2. syl con+done pron pos vb. mod tr. usage Law. esp. of a spouse def to pardon or overlook (an offence, usually adultery). condonable sub head condone syl con+1don+a:ble pos adj. condonation sub head condone syl con+do+na+tion pron <2kond*u1nAS*n> pos n. condoner sub head condone syl con+1don+er pos n. condor ety C17: from Spanish c*'ondor, from Quechuan kuntur condor 0. syl con+dor pron <1kondc:> pos n. def either of two very large rare New World vultures, ({Andean condor}) , which has black plumage with white around the neck, and ({California condor}) , which is similar but nearly extinct. condottiere ety C18: from Italian, from condotto leadership, from condurre to lead, from Latin cond*_ucere; see #7conduct condottieri infl head condottiere syl con+dot+tie:ri pron <-rE> pos n. mod pl. condottiere 0. syl con+dot+tie:re pron <2kondo1tje*ri> pos n. def a commander or soldier in a professional mercenary company in Europe from the 13th to the 16th centuries. conduce ety C15: from Latin cond*_ucere to lead together, from com- together+ d*_ucere to lead conduce 0. syl con+duce pron pos vb. mod intr. usage foll. by to def to lead or contribute (to a result). conducer sub head conduce syl con+1duc+er pos n. conducible sub head conduce syl con+1duc+i:ble pos adj. conducingly sub head conduce syl con+1duc+ing+ly pos adv. conducive 0. syl con+du+cive pron pos adj. usage when postpositive, foll. by to def contributing, leading, or tending. conduciveness sub head conducive syl con+1du+cive+ness pos n. conduct ety C15: from Medieval Latin conductus escorted, from Latin: drawn together, from cond*_ucere to #7conduce conduct 1. syl con+duct pron <1kond^kt> pos n. def the manner in which a person behaves; behaviour. conduct 2. syl con+duct pron <1kond^kt> pos n. def the way of managing a business, affair, etc.; handling. conduct 3. syl con+duct pron <1kond^kt> pos n. qual Rare. def the act of guiding or leading. conduct 4. syl con+duct pron <1kond^kt> pos n. qual Rare. def a guide or leader. conduct 5. syl con+duct pron pos vb. mod tr. def to accompany and guide (people, a party, etc.) (esp. in the phrase {conducted tour}) . conduct 6. syl con+duct pron pos vb. mod tr. def to lead or direct (affairs, business, etc.); control. conduct 7. syl con+duct pron pos vb. mod tr. def to behave or manage (oneself). exam 1 the child conducted himself well. conduct 8. syl con+duct pron pos vb. def Also (esp. U.S.): {direct}. to control or guide (an orchestra, choir, etc.) by the movements of the hands or a baton. conduct 9. syl con+duct pron pos vb. def to transmit (heat, electricity, etc.). exam 1 metals conduct heat. conductible sub head conduct syl con+1duct+i:ble pos adj. conductibility sub head conduct syl con+2duct+i:1bil+i:ty pos n. conductance 0. syl con+duct+ance pron pos n. def the ability of a system to conduct electricity, measured by the ratio of the current flowing through the system to the potential difference across it; the reciprocal of resistance. It is measured in reciprocal ohms, mhos, or siemens. Symbol. exam 1 G conduction 1. syl con+duc+tion pron pos n. def the transfer of heat or elec?!tricity through a medium. conduction 2. syl con+duc+tion pron pos n. def the transmission of an electrical or chemical impulse along a nerve fibre. conduction 3. syl con+duc+tion pron pos n. def the act of conveying or conducting, as through a pipe. conduction 4. syl con+duc+tion pron pos n. qual Physics. def another name for { {conductivity} (sense 1).} conductional sub head conduction syl con+1duc+tion+al pos adj. conductive 0. syl con+duc+tive pron pos adj. def of, denoting, or having the property of conduction. conductively sub head conductive syl con+1duc+tive+ly pos adv. conductivities infl head conductivity syl con+duc+tiv+i:ties. pos n. mod pl. conductivity 1. syl con+duc+tiv+i:ty pron <2kond^k1tiviti> pos n. def Also called: {conduction}. the property of transmitting heat, electricity, or sound. conductivity 2. syl con+duc+tiv+i:ty pron <2kond^k1tiviti> pos n. def a measure of the ability of a substance to conduct electricity, as determined by the current flowing between opposite faces of a unit cube of the substance when there is unit potential difference between them; the reciprocal of resistivity. Symbol: {#Gk}. Formerly called: {specific conduct?!ance}. conductivity 3. syl con+duc+tiv+i:ty pron <2kond^k1tiviti> pos n. def See {thermal conductivity}. conductor 1. syl con+duc+tor pron pos n. def an official on a bus who collects fares, checks tickets, etc. conductor 2. syl con+duc+tor pron pos n. def Also called: (esp. U.S.): {director}. a person who conducts an orchestra, choir, etc. conductor 3. syl con+duc+tor pron pos n. def a person who leads or guides. conductor 4. syl con+duc+tor pron pos n. qual U.S. def a railway official in charge of a train. conductor 5. syl con+duc+tor pron pos n. def a substance, body, or system that conducts electricity, heat, etc. conductor 6. syl con+duc+tor pron pos n. def See {lightning conductor}. conductorship sub head conductor syl con+1duc+tor+2ship pos n. conductress sub head conductor syl con+duc+?!tress pron pos n. mod fem. conduit ety C14: from Old French, from Medieval Latin conductus channel, aqueduct, from Latin cond*_ucere to lead, #7conduce conduit 1. syl con+duit pron <1kondit>, <-djuit> pos n. def a pipe or channel for carrying a fluid. conduit 2. syl con+duit pron <1kondit>, <-djuit> pos n. def a rigid tube or duct for carrying and protecting electrical wires or cables. conduit 3. syl con+duit pron <1kondit>, <-djuit> pos n. def a rare word for {fountain}. conduplicate ety C18: from Latin conduplic*_are to double; see #7duplicate conduplicate 0. syl con+du+pli+cate pron pos adj. qual Botany. def folded lengthways on itself. exam 1 conduplicate leaves in the bud. conduplication sub head conduplicate syl con+2du+pli+1ca+tion pos n. condyle ety C17: from Latin condylus knuckle, joint, from Greek kondulos condyle 0. syl con+dyle pron <1kondil> pos n. def the rounded projection on the articulating end of a bone, such as the ball portion of a ball-and-socket joint. condylar sub head condyle syl con+dy+lar pos adj. condyloid 0. syl con+dy+loid pron <1kondi2lcid> pos adj. def of or resembling a condyle. condyloma ety C17: from New Latin, from Greek kondul*_oma, from kondulos #7condyle+ -#7oma condylomas infl head condyloma or condylomata syl con+dy+lo+mas pron <-m*t*> pos n. mod pl. condylomata infl head condyloma or condylomas syl con+dy+lo+ma+ta pron <-m*t*> pos n. mod pl. condyloma 0. syl con+dy+lo+ma pron <2kondi1l*um*> pos n. def a wartlike tumour of the skin near the anus or genital organs, esp. as a result of syphilis. condylomatous sub head condyloma syl con+dy+lom:a+tous pron <2kondi1lom*t*s>, <-1l*u-> pos adj. cone ety C16: from Latin c*_onus, from Greek k*_onus pine cone, geometrical cone cone 1.a. syl cone pron pos n. def a geometric solid consisting of a plane base bounded by a closed curve, usually a circle or an ellipse, every point of which is joined to a fixed point, the vertex, lying outside the plane of the base. A {right circular cone} has a vertex perpendicularly above or below the centre of a circular base. Volume of a cone. exam 1 %1@b\3#Gr r cone 1.b. syl cone pron pos n. def a geometric surface formed by a line rotating about the vertex and connecting the peripheries of two closed plane bases, usually circular or elliptical, above and below the vertex. See also {conic section}. cone 2. syl cone pron pos n. def anything that tapers from a circular section to a point, such as a wafer shell used to contain ice cream. cone 3.a. syl cone pron pos n. def the reproductive body of conifers and related plants, made up of overlapping scales, esp. the mature {female cone}, whose scales each bear a seed. cone 3.b. syl cone pron pos n. def a similar structure in horsetails, club mosses, etc. Technical name: {strobilus}. cone 4. syl cone pron pos n. def Also called: {retinal cone}. any one of the cone-shaped cells in the retina of the eye, sensitive to colour and bright light. cone 5. syl cone pron pos vb. mod tr. def to shape like a cone or part of a cone. coneflower 0. syl cone+flow:er pron <1k*un2flau*> pos n. def any North American plant of the genera and which have rayed flowers with a conelike centre: family (composites). See also {black-eyed Susan}. cone off 0. syl cone off pos vb. adv. mod tr. def to restrict or divert the movement of traffic by placing cone-shaped bollards around (an area). cone shell 0. syl cone shell pos n. def any of various tropical marine gastropod molluscs of the genus and related genera, having a smooth conical shell. Sometimes shortened to {cone}. con espressione ety Italian, literally: with expression con espressione 0. syl con es+pres+sio+ne qual Italian def kon @!espre#!sjo$:ne) with feeling; expressively. Conestoga wagon ety C19: after Conestoga, Pennsylvania, where it was first made Conestoga wagon 0. syl Con+es+to+ga wag+on pron <2koni1st*ug*> pos n. qual U.S. def a large heavy horse-drawn covered wagon used in the 19th century. coney 0. syl co+ney pron <1k*uni> pos n. def a variant spelling of {cony}. Coney Island 0. syl Co+ney Is+land pron <1k*uni> pos n. def an island off the S shore of Long Island, New York: site of a large amusement park. conf 0. syl conf. qual abbrev. for def conference. confab 1. syl con+fab pron <1konf@b> pos n. qual Informal. def a conversation or chat. confabs infl head confab syl con+fabs pos vb. confabbing infl head confab syl con+fab+bing pos vb. confabbed infl head confab syl con+fabbed. pos vb. confab 2. syl con+fab pron <1konf@b> pos vb. mod intr. qual Informal. def to converse. confabulate ety C17: from Latin conf*_abul*_ar*_i, from f*_abul*_ar*_i to talk, from f*_abula a story; see #7fable confabulate 1. syl con+fab:u+late pron pos vb. mod intr. def to talk together; converse; chat. confabulate 2. syl con+fab:u+late pron pos vb. mod intr. qual Psychiatry. def to replace the gaps left by a disorder of the memory with imaginary remembered experiences consistently believed to be true. See also {paramnesia}. confabulation sub head confabulate syl con+2fab:u+1la+tion pos n. confabulator sub head confabulate syl con+1fab:u+2la+tor pos n. confabulatory sub head confabulate syl con+1fab:u+la+to:ry pos adj. confect ety C16: from Latin confectus prepared, from conficere to accomplish, from com- (intensive)+ facere to make confect 1. syl con+fect pron pos vb. mod tr. def to prepare by combining ingredients. confect 2. syl con+fect pron pos vb. mod tr. def to make; construct. confection ety C14: from Old French, from Latin confecti*_o a preparing, from conficere to produce; see #7confect confection 1. syl con+fec+tion pron pos n. def the act or process of com?!pounding or mixing. confection 2. syl con+fec+tion pron pos n. def any sweet preparation of fruit, nuts, etc., such as a preserve or a sweet. confection 3. syl con+fec+tion pron pos n. qual Old-fashioned. def an elaborate article of clothing, esp. for women. confection 4. syl con+fec+tion pron pos n. qual Informal. def anything regarded as overelaborate or frivolous. exam 1 the play was merely an ingenious confection. confection 5. syl con+fec+tion pron pos n. def a medicinal drug sweetened with sugar, honey, etc. confectionaries infl head confectionary syl con+fec+tion+ar:ies. pos n. mod pl. confectionary 1. syl con+fec+tion+ar:y pron pos n. def a place where confections are kept or made. confectionary 2. syl con+fec+tion+ar:y pron pos n. def a rare word for {confection}. confectionary 3. syl con+fec+tion+ar:y pron pos adj. def of or characteristic of confections. confectioner 0. syl con+fec+tion+er pron pos n. def a person who makes or sells sweets or confections. confectioners' sugar 0. syl con+fec+tion+ers' sug+ar pos n. def the U.S. term for {icing sugar}. confectioneries infl head confectionery syl con+fec+tion+er:ies. pos n. mod pl. confectionery 1. syl con+fec+tion+er:y pron pos n. def sweets and other confections collectively. confectionery 2. syl con+fec+tion+er:y pron pos n. def the art or business of a confectioner. confederacy ety C14: from Anglo-French confederacie, from Late Latin confoeder*_ati*_o agreement, #7confederation confederacies infl head confederacy syl con+fed+er:a+cies. pos n. mod pl. confederacy 1. syl con+fed+er:a+cy pron , <-1fedr*si> pos n. def a union or combination of peoples, states, etc.; alliance; league. confederacy 2. syl con+fed+er:a+cy pron , <-1fedr*si> pos n. def a combination of groups or individuals for unlawful purposes. the infl head Confederacy syl the. pos n. Confederacy 0. syl Con+fed+er:a+cy pron , <-1fedr*si> pos n. def another name for the {Confederate States of America}. confederate ety C14: from Late Latin confoeder*_atus, from confoeder*_are to unite by a league, from Latin com- together+ foedus treaty confederate 1. syl con+fed+er+ate pron , <-1fedrit> pos n. def a nation, state, or individual that is part of a confederacy. confederate 2. syl con+fed+er+ate pron , <-1fedrit> pos n. def someone who is part of a conspiracy; accomplice. confederate 3. syl con+fed+er+ate pron , <-1fedrit> pos adj. def united in a confederacy; allied. confederate 4. syl con+fed+er+ate pron pos vb. def to form into or become part of a confederacy. Confederate 1. syl Con+fed+er+ate pron , <-1fedrit> pos adj. def of, supporting, or relating to the Confederate States of America. Confederate 2. syl Con+fed+er+ate pron , <-1fedrit> pos n. def a supporter of the Confederate States of America. Confederate States of America 0. syl Con+fed+er+ate States of A:mer:i+ca pos n. qual U.S. history. def the 11 Southern states (Alabama, Arkansas, Florida, Georgia, North Carolina, South Carolina, Texas, Virginia, Tennessee, Loui?!siana, and Mississippi) that seceded from the Union in 1861, precipitating a civil war with the North. The Confederacy was defeated in 1865 and the South reincorporated into the U.S. confederation 1. syl con+fed+er:a+tion pron pos n. def the act or process of confederating or the state of being confederated. confederation 2. syl con+fed+er:a+tion pron pos n. def a loose alliance of political units. The union of the Swiss cantons is the oldest surviving confederation. Compare {federation}. confederation 3. syl con+fed+er:a+tion pron pos n. usage esp. in Canada def another name for a {federation}. confederationism sub head confederation syl con+2fed+er:1a+tion+2ism pos n. confederationist sub head confederation syl con+2fed+er:1a+tion+ist pos n. confederative sub head confederation syl con+1fed+er:a?!+tive pos adj. Confederathe infl head Confederation syl Con+fed+er:a+the. pos n. Confederation 1. syl Con+fed+er:a+tion pron pos n. qual U.S. history. def the original 13 states of the United States of America constituted under the Articles of Confederation and superseded by the more formal union established in 1789. Confederation 2. syl Con+fed+er:a+tion pron pos n. def the federation of Canada, formed by federating three British colonies in 1867. confer ety C16: from Latin conferre to gather together, compare, from com- together+ ferre to bring confers infl head confer syl con+fers pos vb. conferring infl head confer syl con+fer+ring pos vb. conferred infl head confer syl con+ferred. pos vb. confer 1. syl con+fer pron pos vb. mod tr. usage foll. by on or upon def to grant or bestow (an honour, gift, etc.). confer 2. syl con+fer pron pos vb. mod intr. def to hold or take part in a conference or consult together. confer 3. syl con+fer pron pos vb. mod tr. def an obsolete word for {compare}. conferment sub head confer or conferral syl con+1fer+ment pos n. conferral sub head confer or conferment syl con+1fer+ral pos n. conferrable sub head confer syl con+1fer+ra:ble pos adj. conferrer sub head confer syl con+1fer+rer pos n. conferree alt head conferee or conferee syl con+fer+ree pron <2konfR:1rE> pos n. conferee 1. or conferree syl con+fer:ee pron <2konfR:1rE> pos n. def a person who takes part in a conference. conferee 2. or conferree syl con+fer:ee pron <2konfR:1rE> pos n. def a person on whom an honour or gift is conferred. conference ety C16: from Medieval Latin conferentia, from Latin conferre to bring together; see #7confer conference 1. syl con+fer+ence pron <1konf*r*ns>, <-fr*ns> pos n. def a meeting for consulta?!tion, exchange of information, or discussion, esp. one with a formal agenda. conference 2. syl con+fer+ence pron <1konf*r*ns>, <-fr*ns> pos n. def a formal meeting of two or more states, political groups, etc., esp. to discuss differences or formulate common policy. conference 3. syl con+fer+ence pron <1konf*r*ns>, <-fr*ns> pos n. def an assembly of the clergy or of clergy and laity of any of certain Protestant Christian Churches acting as representatives of their denomination. exam 1 the Methodist confer?!ence. conference 4. syl con+fer+ence pron <1konf*r*ns>, <-fr*ns> pos n. qual Sport, U.S. def a league of clubs or teams. conference 5. syl con+fer+ence pron <1konf*r*ns>, <-fr*ns> pos n. qual Rare. def an act of bestowal. conferential sub head conference syl con+fer+en+tial pron <2konf*1renS*l> pos adj. conferva ety C18: from Latin: a water plant, from conferv*_ere to grow together, heal, literally: to seethe, from ferv*_ere to boil; named with reference to its reputed healing properties confervae infl head conferva or confervas syl con+fer+vae pron <-vE> pos n. mod pl. confervas infl head conferva or confervae syl con+fer+vas. pos n. mod pl. conferva 0. syl con+fer+va pron pos n. def any of various threadlike green algae, esp. any of the genus typically occurring in fresh water. conferval sub head conferva syl con+1fer+val pos adj. confervoid sub head conferva syl con+1fer+void pos n. adj. confess ety C14: from Old French confesser, from Late Latin confess*_are, from Latin confessus confessed, from confit*_er*_i to admit, from fat*_er*_i to acknowledge; related to Latin f*_ar*_i to speak confess 1. syl con+fess pron pos vb. mod when; intr. usage may take a clause as object; often foll. by to def to make an acknowledgment or admission (of faults, misdeeds, crimes, etc.). confess 2. syl con+fess pron pos vb. mod tr. usage may take a clause as object def to admit or grant to be true; concede. confess 3. syl con+fess pron pos vb. mod when; tr. qual Christianity, chiefly R.C. Church. usage may take a clause as object def to declare (one's sins) to God or to a priest as his representative, so as to obtain pardon and absolution. confess 4. syl con+fess pron pos vb. mod tr. qual Archaic. usage may take a clause as object def to acknowledge one's belief or faith in; declare allegiance to. confessable sub head confess syl con+1fess+a:ble pos adj. confessant 0. syl con+fess+ant pron pos n. qual Christianity, chiefly R.C. Church. def a person who makes a confession. confessedly 0. syl con+fess+ed+ly pron pos adv. usage sentence modifier def by admission or confession; avowedly. confession 1. syl con+fes+sion pron pos n. def the act of confessing. confession 2. syl con+fes+sion pron pos n. def something confessed. confession 3. syl con+fes+sion pron pos n. def an acknowledgment or declaration, esp. of one's faults, misdeeds, or crimes. confession 4. syl con+fes+sion pron pos n. qual Christianity, chiefly R.C. Church. def the act of a penitent accusing himself of his sins. confession of faith 5. head confession syl confession of faith. def a formal public avowal of religious beliefs. confession 6. syl con+fes+sion pron pos n. def a religious denomination or sect united by a common system of beliefs. confessionary sub head confession syl con+1fes+sion+ar:y pos adj. confessional 1. syl con+fes+sion+al pron pos adj. def of, like, or suited to a confession. confessional 2. syl con+fes+sion+al pron pos n. qual Christianity, chiefly R.C. Church. def a small stall, usually enclosed and divided by a screen or curtain, where a priest hears confessions. confessional 3. syl con+fes+sion+al pron pos n. def a book of penitential prayers. confessor 1. syl con+fes+sor pron pos n. qual Christianity, chiefly R.C. Church. def a priest who hears confessions and sometimes acts as a spiritual counsellor. confessor 2. syl con+fes+sor pron pos n. qual History. def a person who bears witness to his Christian religious faith by the holiness of his life, esp. in resisting threats or danger, but does not suffer martyrdom. confessor 3. syl con+fes+sor pron pos n. def a person who makes a confession. confetti ety C19: from Italian, plural of confetto, originally, a bonbon; see #7comfit confetti 0. syl con+fet+ti pron pos n. def small pieces of coloured paper thrown on festive occasions, esp. at the bride and groom at weddings. confidant ety C17: from French confident, from Italian confidente, n. use of adj.: trustworthy, from Latin conf*_idens #7confident confidante alt head confidant or confidant syl con+fi+dante pron <2konfi1d@nt>, <1konfi2d@nt> pos n. mod fem. confidant 0. or confidante syl con+fi+dant pron <2konfi1d@nt>, <1konfi2d@nt> pos n. def a person to whom private matters are confided. confide ety C15: from Latin conf*_idere, from f*_idere to trust; related to Latin foedus treaty confide 1. syl con+fide pron pos vb. mod usually foll. by in; when; tr. usage may take a clause as object def to disclose (secret or personal matters) in confidence (to); reveal in private (to). confide 2. syl con+fide pron pos vb. mod intr. usage foll. by in def to have complete trust. confide 3. syl con+fide pron pos vb. mod tr. def to entrust into another's keeping. confider sub head confide syl con+1fid+er pos n. confidence 1. syl con+fi+dence pron <1konfid*ns> pos n. def a feeling of trust in a person or thing. exam 1 I have confidence in his abilities. confidence 2. syl con+fi+dence pron <1konfid*ns> pos n. def belief in one's own abilities; self-assurance. confidence 3. syl con+fi+dence pron <1konfid*ns> pos n. def trust or a trustful relationship. exam 1 take me into your confidence. confidence 4. syl con+fi+dence pron <1konfid*ns> pos n. def something confided or entrusted; secret. in confidence 5. head confidence syl in confidence. def as a secret. confidence interval 0. syl con+fi+dence in+ter+val pos n. qual Statistics. def an interval of values bounded by {confidence limits} within which the true value of a population parameter is stated to lie with a specified probability. trickster alt head confidence man or confidence man syl trick+ster pos n. confidence man 0. or trickster syl con+fi+dence man pos n. def another name for {con man}. confidence game alt head confidence trick or confidence trick syl con+fi+dence game pos n. qual U.S. confidence trick 0. or confidence game syl con+fi+dence trick pos n. def a swindle involving money, goods, etc., in which the victim's trust is won by the swindler. Informal shortened form: {con trick}. confident ety C16: from Latin conf*_idens trusting, having self-confidence, from conf*_idere to have complete trust in; see #7confide confident 1. syl con+fi+dent pron <1konfid*nt> pos adj. usage postpositive; foll. by of def having or showing confidence or certainty; sure. exam 1 confident of success. confident 2. syl con+fi+dent pron <1konfid*nt> pos adj. def sure of oneself; bold. confident 3. syl con+fi+dent pron <1konfid*nt> pos adj. def presumptuous; excessively bold. confidently sub head confident syl con+fi+dent+ly pos adv. confidential 1. syl con+fi+den+tial pron <2konfi1denS*l> pos adj. def spoken, written, or given in confidence; secret; private. confidential 2. syl con+fi+den+tial pron <2konfi1denS*l> pos adj. def entrusted with another's confidence or secret affairs. exam 1 a confidential secretary. confidential 3. syl con+fi+den+tial pron <2konfi1denS*l> pos adj. def suggestive of or denoting intimacy. exam 1 a confidential approach. confidentiality sub head confidential or confidentialness syl con+fi+2den+ti+1al+i:ty pos n. confidentialness sub head confidential or confidentiality syl con+fi+1den+tial+ness pos n. confidentially sub head confidential syl con+fi+1den+tial+ly pos adv. confiding 0. syl con+fid+ing pron pos adj. def unsuspicious; trustful. confidingly sub head confiding syl con+1fid+ing+ly pos adv. confidingness sub head confiding syl con+1fid+ing+ness pos n. configuration ety C16: from Late Latin config*_ur*_ati*_o a similar formation, from config*_ur*_are to model on something, from fig*_ur*_are to shape, fashion configuration 1. syl con+fig:u+ra+tion pron pos n. def the arrangement of the parts of something. configuration 2. syl con+fig:u+ra+tion pron pos n. def the external form or outline achieved by such an arrangement. configuration 3.a. syl con+fig:u+ra+tion pron pos n. def Also called: {conformation}. the shape of a molecule as determined by the arrangement of its atoms. configuration 3.b. syl con+fig:u+ra+tion pron pos n. def the structure of an atom or molecule as determined by the arrangement of its electrons and nucleons. configuration 4. syl con+fig:u+ra+tion pron pos n. qual Psychol. def the unit or pattern in perception studied by Gestalt psychologists. configurational sub head configuration or configurative syl con+2fig:u+1ra+tion+al pos adj. configurative sub head configuration or configurational syl con+1fig:u+ra+tive pos adj. configurationally sub head configuration syl con+2fig:u+1ra+tion+al+ly pos adv. configurationism 0. syl con+fig:u+ra+tion+ism pron pos n. def another term for {Gestalt psychology}. configurationist sub head configurationism syl con+2fig:u+1ra+tion+ist pos n. confine ety C16: from Medieval Latin conf*_in*_are from Latin conf*_inis adjacent, from f*_inis end, boundary confine 1. syl con+fine pron pos vb. mod tr. def to keep or close within bounds; limit; restrict. confine 2. syl con+fine pron pos vb. mod tr. def to keep shut in; restrict the free movement of. exam 1 arthritis confined him to bed. confine 3. syl con+fine pron <1konfIn> pos n. mod often; pl. def a limit; boundary. confinable sub head confine or confineable syl con+1fin+a:ble pos adj. confineable sub head confine or confinable syl con+1fine+a:ble pos adj. confineless sub head confine syl con+fine+less pos adj. confiner sub head confine syl con+1fin+er pos n. confined 1. syl con+fined pron pos adj. def enclosed or restricted; limited. confined 2. syl con+fined pron pos adj. def in childbed; undergoing childbirth. confinedly sub head confined syl con+fin+ed+ly pron pos adv. confinedness sub head confined syl con+1fin+ed+ness pos n. confinement 1. syl con+fine+ment pron pos n. def the act of confining or the state of being confined. confinement 2. syl con+fine+ment pron pos n. def the period from the onset of labour to the birth of a child. confinement 3. syl con+fine+ment pron pos n. qual Physics. def another name for { {containment} (sense 3)}. confirm ety C13: from Old French confermer, from Latin confirm*_are, from firmus #7firm %1 confirm 1. syl con+firm pron pos vb. mod tr. usage may take a clause as object def to prove to be true or valid; corroborate; verify. confirm 2. syl con+firm pron pos vb. mod tr. usage may take a clause as object def to assert for a second or further time, so as to make more definite. exam 1 he confirmed that he would appear in court. confirm 3. syl con+firm pron pos vb. mod tr. def to strengthen or make more firm. exam 1 his story confirmed my doubts. confirm 4. syl con+firm pron pos vb. mod tr. def to make valid by a formal act or agreement; ratify. confirm 5. syl con+firm pron pos vb. mod tr. def to administer the rite of confirmation to. confirmable sub head confirm syl con+1firm+a:ble pos adj. confirmatory sub head confirm or confirmative syl con+1firm:a+to:ry pos adj. confirmative sub head confirm or confirmatory syl con+1firm:a+tive pos adj. confirmer sub head confirm syl con+1firm+er pos n. confirmand 0. syl con+firm+and pron <1konf*2m@nd> pos n. def a candidate for confirmation. confirmation 1. syl con+fir+ma+tion pron <2konf*1mAS*n> pos n. def the act of confirming. confirmation 2. syl con+fir+ma+tion pron <2konf*1mAS*n> pos n. def something that confirms; verification. confirmation 3. syl con+fir+ma+tion pron <2konf*1mAS*n> pos n. def a rite in several Christian churches that confirms a baptized person in his faith and admits him to full participation in the church. confirmed 1. syl con+firmed pron pos adj. usage prenominal def long-established in a habit, way of life, etc. confirmed 2. syl con+firmed pron pos adj. def having received the rite of confirmation. confirmed 3. syl con+firmed pron pos adj. usage of a disease def another word for {chronic}. confirmedly sub head confirmed syl con+firm+ed+ly pron pos adv. confirmedness sub head confirmed syl con+firm+ed+ness pron , <-1fR:md-> pos n. confiscable 0. syl con+fis+ca:ble pron pos adj. def subject or liable to confisca?!tion or seizure. confiscate ety C16: from Latin confisc*_are to seize for the public treasury, from fiscus basket, treasury confiscate 1. syl con+fis+cate pron <1konfi2skAt> pos vb. mod tr. def to seize (property), esp. for public use and esp. by way of a penalty. confiscate 2. syl con+fis+cate pron <1konfi2skAt> pos adj. mod tr. def seized or confiscated; forfeit. confiscate 3. syl con+fis+cate pron <1konfi2skAt> pos adj. mod tr. def having lost or been deprived of property through confiscation. confiscation sub head confiscate syl con+fis+1ca+tion pos n. confiscator sub head confiscate syl con+fis+2ca+tor pos n. Confiteor ety C13: from Latin: I confess; from the beginning of the Latin prayer of confession Confiteor 0. syl Con+fit+e:or pron pos n. qual R.C. Church. def a prayer consisting of a general confession of sinfulness and an entreaty for forgiveness. confiture ety C19: from French, from Old French confire to prepare, from Latin conficere to produce; see #7confect confiture 0. syl con+fi+ture pron <1konfi2tju*> pos n. def a confection, preserve of fruit, etc. conflagrant 0. syl con+fla+grant pron pos adj. qual Rare. def burning fiercely. conflagration ety C16: from Latin conflagr*_ati*_o, from conflagr*_are to be burnt up, from com- (intensive)+ flagr*_are to burn; related to Latin fulgur lightning conflagration 0. syl con+fla+gra+tion pron <2konfl*1grAS*n> pos n. def a large destructive fire. conflagrative sub head conflagration syl con+fla+2gra+tive pos adj. conflate ety C16: from Latin confl*_are to blow together, from fl*_are to blow &- con+#!fla+tion n. conflate 0. syl con+flate pron pos vb. mod tr. def to combine or blend (two things, esp. two versions of a text) so as to form a whole. conflict ety C15: from Latin conflictus, from confl*_igere to combat, from fl*_igere to strike conflict 1. syl con+flict pron <1konflikt> pos n. def a struggle or clash between opposing forces; battle. conflict 2. syl con+flict pron <1konflikt> pos n. def a state of opposition between ideas, interests, etc.; disagreement or controversy. conflict 3. syl con+flict pron <1konflikt> pos n. def a clash, as between two appointments made for the same time. conflict 4. syl con+flict pron <1konflikt> pos n. qual Psychol. def opposition between two simultaneous but incompatible wishes or im?!pulses, sometimes leading to a state of emotional tension and thought to be responsible for neuroses. conflict 5. syl con+flict pron pos vb. mod intr. def to come into opposition; clash. conflict 6. syl con+flict pron pos vb. mod intr. def to fight. conflictingly sub head conflict syl con+1flict+ing+ly pos adv. confliction sub head conflict syl con+1flic+tion pos n. conflictive sub head conflict or conflictory syl con+1flic+tive pos adj. conflictory sub head conflict or conflictive syl con+1flic+to:ry pos adj. conflux alt head confluence or confluence syl con+flux pron <1konfl^ks> pos n. confluence 1. or conflux syl con+flu+ence pron <1konflu*ns> pos n. def a merging or flowing together, esp. of rivers. confluence 2. or conflux syl con+flu+ence pron <1konflu*ns> pos n. def a gathering together, esp. of people. confluent ety C17: from Latin conflu*_ens, from confluere to flow together, from fluere to flow confluent 1. syl con+flu+ent pron <1konflu*nt> pos adj. def flowing together or merging. confluent 2. syl con+flu+ent pron <1konflu*nt> pos n. def a stream that flows into another, usually of approximately equal size. confocal 0. syl con+fo+cal pron pos adj. def having a common focus or common foci. exam 1 confocal ellipses. conform ety C14: from Old French conformer, from Latin confirm*_are to establish, strengthen, from firm*_are to make firm, from firmus #7firm %1 conform 1. syl con+form pron pos vb. mod intr. usage usually foll. by to def to comply in actions, behaviour, etc., with accepted standards or norms. conform 2. syl con+form pron pos vb. mod intr. usage usually foll. by with def to be in accordance; fit in. exam 1 he conforms with my idea of a teacher. conform 3. syl con+form pron pos vb. def to make or become similar in character or form. conform 4. syl con+form pron pos vb. mod intr. def to comply with the practices of an established church, esp. the Church of England. conform 5. syl con+form pron pos vb. mod tr. def to bring (oneself, ideas, etc.) into harmony or agreement. conformer sub head conform syl con+1form+er pos n. conformingly sub head conform syl con+1form+ing+ly pos adv. conformable 1. syl con+form+a:ble pron pos adj. def corresponding in character; similar. conformable 2. syl con+form+a:ble pron pos adj. def obedient; submissive. conformable 3. syl con+form+a:ble pron pos adj. usage foll. by to def in agreement or harmony (with); consistent (with). conformable 4. syl con+form+a:ble pron pos adj. usage of rock strata def lying in a parallel arrangement so that their original relative positions have remained undisturbed. conformable 5. syl con+form+a:ble pron pos adj. usage Maths. of two matrices def related so that the number of columns in one is equal to the number of rows in the other. conformability sub head conformable or conformableness syl con+2form+a:1bil+i:ty pos n. conformableness sub head conformable or conformability syl con+1form+a:ble+ness pos n. conformably sub head conformable syl con+1form+a:bly pos adv. conformal ety C17: from Late Latin conform*_alis having the same shape, from Latin com- same+ forma shape conformal 1.a. syl con+for+mal pron pos adj. usage of a transformation def preserving the angles of the depicted surface. conformal 1.b. syl con+for+mal pron pos adj. usage of a parameter def relating to such a transformation. conformal 2. syl con+for+mal pron pos adj. def Also called: {orthomorphic}. (of a map projection) maintaining true shape over a small area and scale in every direction. conformation 1. syl con+for+ma+tion pron <2konfc:1mAS*n> pos n. def the general shape or outline of an object; configuration. conformation 2. syl con+for+ma+tion pron <2konfc:1mAS*n> pos n. def the arrangement of the parts of an object. conformation 3. syl con+for+ma+tion pron <2konfc:1mAS*n> pos n. def the act or state of conforming. conformation 4.a. syl con+for+ma+tion pron <2konfc:1mAS*n> pos n. def another name for { {configuration} (sense 3a.)}. conformation 4.b. syl con+for+ma+tion pron <2konfc:1mAS*n> pos n. def one of the configurations of a molecule that can easily change its shape and can consequently exist in equilibrium with molecules of different configuration. conformist 1. syl con+form+ist pron pos n. def a person who conforms to standards of behaviour, dress, etc., esp. to an excessive degree. conformist 2. syl con+form+ist pron pos n. def a person who complies with the practices of an established church, esp. the Church of England. conformist 3. syl con+form+ist pron pos adj. def of a conforming nature or character. conformance alt head conformity or conformity syl con+form+ance pos n. conformities infl head conformity or conformances syl con+form+i:ties pos n. mod pl. conformances infl head conformity or conformities syl con+form+anc:es. pos n. mod pl. conformity 1. or conformance syl con+form+i:ty pron pos n. def compliance in actions, behaviour, etc., with certain accepted standards or norms. conformity 2. or conformance syl con+form+i:ty pron pos n. def correspondence or likeness in form or appearance; congruity; agreement. conformity 3. or conformance syl con+form+i:ty pron pos n. def compliance with the practices of an established church. confound ety C13: from Old French confondre, from Latin confundere to mingle, pour together, from fundere to pour confound 1. syl con+found pron pos vb. mod tr. def to astound or perplex; bewilder. confound 2. syl con+found pron pos vb. mod tr. def to mix up; confuse. confound 3. syl con+found pron pos vb. mod tr. def to treat mistakenly as similar to or identical with (one or more other things). confound 4. syl con+found pron pos vb. mod tr. def to curse or damn (usually as an expletive in the phrase {confound it&!) }. confound 5. syl con+found pron pos vb. mod tr. def to contradict or refute (an argument, etc.). confound 6. syl con+found pron pos vb. mod tr. def to rout or defeat (an enemy). confound 7. syl con+found pron pos vb. mod tr. qual Archaic. def to put to shame; abash. confound 8. syl con+found pron pos vb. mod tr. qual Obsolete. def to waste. confoundable sub head confound syl con+1found+a:ble pos adj. confounder sub head confound syl con+1found+er pos n. confounded 1. syl con+found+ed pron pos adj. def bewildered; confused. confounded 2. syl con+found+ed pron pos adj. qual Informal. usage prenominal def execrable; damned. confoundedly sub head confounded syl con+1found+ed+ly pos adv. confoundedness sub head confounded syl con+1found+ed+ness pos n. confraternity ety C15: from Medieval Latin confr*_aternit*_as; see #7confr*`ere, fraternity confraternities infl head confraternity syl con+fra+ter+ni:ties. pos n. mod pl. confraternity 0. syl con+fra+ter+ni:ty pron <2konfr*1tR:niti> pos n. def a group of men united for some particular purpose, esp. Christian laymen organized for religious or charitable service; brotherhood. confraternal sub head confraternity syl con+fra+1ter+nal pos adj. confrere ety C15: from Old French, from Medieval Latin confr*_ater fellow member, from Latin fr*_ater brother confrere 0. syl con+fr*`ere pron <1konfre*> pos n. def a fellow member of a profession, etc. confront ety C16: from Medieval Latin confront*_ar*_i to stand face to face with, from frons forehead confront 1. syl con+front pron pos vb. mod tr. usage usually foll. by with def to present or face (with something), esp. in order to accuse or criticize. confront 2. syl con+front pron pos vb. mod tr. def to face boldly; oppose in hostility. confront 3. syl con+front pron pos vb. mod tr. def to be face to face with; be in front of. confront 4. syl con+front pron pos vb. mod tr. def to bring together for comparison. confrontation sub head confront or confrontment syl con+fron+ta+tion pron <2konfr^n?!1tAS*n> pos n. confrontment sub head confront or confrontation syl con+1front+ment pos n. confronter sub head confront syl con+1front+er pos n. Confucian 1. syl Con+fu+cian pron pos adj. def of or relating to the doctrines of Confucius. Confucian 2. syl Con+fu+cian pron pos n. def a follower of Confucius. Confucianism 0. syl Con+fu+cian+ism pron pos n. def the ethical system of Confucius, emphasizing devotion to family (including ancestral spirits), peace, justice, and treating others as one would want to be treated. Confucianist sub head Confucianism syl Con+1fu+cian+ist pos n. Confucius 0. syl Con:fu:cius pron pos n. def Chinese name 551-479 #7b.c., Chinese philosopher and teacher of ethics (see {Confucianism) }. His doctrines were compiled after his death under the title con fuoco ety Italian: with fire con fuoco 0. syl con fu:o+co pron pos adj. adv. qual Music. def in a fiery manner. confuse ety C18: back formation from confused, from Latin conf*_usus mingled together, from con?!fundere to pour together; see #7confound confuse 1. syl con+fuse pron pos vb. mod tr. def to bewilder; perplex. confuse 2. syl con+fuse pron pos vb. mod tr. def to mix up (things, ideas, etc.); jumble. confuse 3. syl con+fuse pron pos vb. mod tr. def to make unclear. exam 1 he confused his talk with irrelevant details. confuse 4. syl con+fuse pron pos vb. mod tr. def to fail to recognize the difference between; mistake (one thing) for another. confuse 5. syl con+fuse pron pos vb. mod tr. def to disconcert; embarrass. confuse 6. syl con+fuse pron pos vb. mod tr. def to cause to become disordered. exam 1 the enemy ranks were confused by gas. confusable sub head confuse syl con+1fus+a:ble pos adj. confusability sub head confuse syl con+2fus+a:1bil+i:ty pos n. confusably sub head confuse syl con+1fus+a:bly pos adv. confusedly sub head confuse syl con+fus+ed+ly pron , <-1fju:zd-> pos adv. confusedness sub head confuse syl con+1fus+ed+ness pos n. confusingly sub head confuse syl con+1fus+ing+ly pos adv. confusion 1. syl con+fu+sion pron pos n. def the act of confusing or the state of being confused. confusion 2. syl con+fu+sion pron pos n. def disorder; jumble. confusion 3. syl con+fu+sion pron pos n. def bewilderment; perplexity. confusion 4. syl con+fu+sion pron pos n. def lack of clarity; indistinctness. confusion 5. syl con+fu+sion pron pos n. def embarrassment; abashment. confusional sub head confusion syl con+1fu+sion+al pos adj. confute ety C16: from Latin conf*_ut*_are to check, silence confute 1. syl con+fute pron pos vb. mod tr. def to prove (a person or thing) wrong, invalid, or mistaken; disprove. confute 2. syl con+fute pron pos vb. mod tr. qual Obsolete. def to put an end to. confutable sub head confute syl con+1fut+a:ble pos adj. confuter sub head confute syl con+1fut+er pos n. cong ety Latin: gallon cong 1. syl cong. qual abbrev. for:; Pharmacol. def congius. cong 2. syl cong. qual abbrev. for: def congregation. Cong 0. syl Cong. qual abbrev. for: def Congregational. conga ety C20: from American Spanish, feminine of congo belonging to the C#7ongo conga 1. syl con+ga pron <1koGg*> pos n. def a Latin American dance of three steps and a kick to each bar, usually performed by a number of people in single file. conga 2. syl con+ga pron <1koGg*> pos n. def Also called: {conga drum}. a large tubular bass drum, used chiefly in Afro-American jazz and usually played with the hands. congas infl head conga syl con+gas pos vb. congaing infl head conga syl con+ga+ing pos vb. congaed infl head conga syl con+gaed. pos vb. conga 3. syl con+ga pron <1koGg*> pos vb. mod intr. def to perform this dance. cong'e ety C16: from Old French congi*'e, from Latin comme*_atus leave of absence, from me*_atus movement, from me*_are to go, pass D infl head cong'e syl $D pos n. cong'e 0. syl con+g*'e pron <1konZA> pos n. def permission to depart or dismissal, esp. when formal. cong'e 1. syl con+g*'e pron <1konZA> pos n. def a farewell. cong'e 2. syl con+g*'e pron <1konZA> pos n. qual Architect. def a concave moulding. See also {cavetto}. congeal ety C14: from Old French congeler, from Latin congel*_are, from com- to?!gether+ gel*_are to freeze congeal 1. syl con+geal pron pos vb. def to change or cause to change from a soft or fluid state to a firm or solid state. congeal 2. syl con+geal pron pos vb. def to form or cause to form into a coagulated mass; curdle; jell. congeal 3. syl con+geal pron pos vb. mod intr. usage of ideas, etc. def to take shape or become fixed in form. congealable sub head congeal syl con+1geal+a:ble pos adj. congealer sub head congeal syl con+1geal+er pos n. congealment sub head congeal syl con+1geal+ment pos n. congelation 1. syl con+ge+la+tion pron <2konJi1lAS*n> pos n. def the process of congeal?!ing. congelation 2. syl con+ge+la+tion pron <2konJi1lAS*n> pos n. def something formed by this process. congener ety C18: from Latin, from com- same+ genus kind congener 0. syl con+ge+ner pron , <1konJin*> pos n. def a member of a class, group, or other category, esp. any animal of a specified genus. congenerous alt head congeneric or congeneric syl con+gen+er+ous pron pos adj. congeneric 0. or congenerous syl con+ge+ner+ic pron <2konJi1nerik> pos adj. def belonging to the same group, esp. (of animals or plants) belonging to the same genus. congenial ety C17: from #7con - (same)+#7genial congenial 1. syl con+gen+ial pron , <-ni*l> pos adj. def friendly, pleasant, or agreeable. exam 1 a congenial atmosphere to work in. congenial 2. syl con+gen+ial pron , <-ni*l> pos adj. def having a similar disposition, tastes, etc.; compatible; sympathetic. congeniality sub head congenial or congenialness syl con+ge+ni+al+i:ty pron pos n. congenialness sub head congenial or congeniality syl con+1gen+ial+ness pos n. congenially sub head congenial syl con+1gen+ial+ly pos adv. congenital ety C18: from Latin congenitus born together with, from genitus born, from gignere to bear, beget congenital 1. syl con+gen:i+tal pron pos adj. def denoting or relating to any nonhereditary condition, esp. an abnormal condition, existing at birth. exam 1 congenital blindness. congenital 2. syl con+gen:i+tal pron pos adj. qual Informal. def complete, as if from birth. exam 1 a congenital idiot. congenitally sub head congenital syl con+1gen:i+tal+ly pos adv. congenitalness sub head congenital syl con+1gen:i+tal+ness pos n. conger ety C14: from Old French congre, from Latin conger, from Greek gongros sea eel conger 0. syl con+ger pron <1koGg*> pos n. def any large marine eel of the family esp. occurring in temperate and tropical coastal waters. congeries ety C17: from Latin, from congerere to pile up, from gerere to carry congeries 0. syl con+ge+ries pron pos n. mod functioning as; sing. or; pl. def a collection of objects or ideas; mass; heap. congest ety C16: from Latin congestus pressed together, from congerere to assemble; see #7congeries congest 1. syl con+gest pron pos vb. def to crowd or become crowded to excess; overfill. congest 2. syl con+gest pron pos vb. def to overload or clog (an organ or part) with blood or (of an organ or part) to become overloaded or clogged with blood. congest 3. syl con+gest pron pos vb. mod tr. usage usually passive def to block (the nose) with mucus. congestible sub head congest syl con+1gest+i:ble pos adj. congestion sub head congest syl con+1ges+tion pos n. congestive sub head congest syl con+1ges+tive pos adj. congius ety C14: from Latin, probably from Greek konkhos liquid measure, #7conch congii infl head congius syl con+gi:i pron <-Ji2I> pos n. mod pl. congius 1. syl con+gi+us pron <1konJi*s> pos n. qual Pharmacol. def a unit of liquid measure equal to 1 Imperial gallon. congius 2. syl con+gi+us pron <1konJi*s> pos n. def an ancient Roman unit of liquid measure equal to about 0.7 Imperial gallon or 0.84 U.S. gallon. conglobate ety C17: from Latin conglob*_are to gather into a ball, from glob*_are to make round, from globus a sphere conglobate 1. syl con+glo+bate pron <1koGgl*u2bAt> pos vb. def to form into a globe or ball. conglobate 2. syl con+glo+bate pron <1koGgl*u2bAt> pos adj. def a rare word for {globular}. conglobation sub head conglobate syl con+glo+1ba+tion pos n. conglomerate ety C16: from Latin conglomer*_are to roll up, from glomer*_are to wind into a ball, from glomus ball of thread conglomerate 1. syl con+glom+er+ate pron pos n. def a thing composed of heterogeneous elements; mass. conglomerate 2. syl con+glom+er+ate pron pos n. def any coarse-grained sedimentary rock consisting of rounded fragments of rock embedded in a finer matrix. Compare { {agglomerate} (sense 3)}. conglomerate 3. syl con+glom+er+ate pron pos n. def a large corporation consisting of a group of companies dealing in widely diversified goods, services, etc. conglomerate 4. syl con+glom+er+ate pron pos vb. def to form into a cluster or mass. conglomerate 5. syl con+glom+er+ate pron pos adj. def made up of heterogeneous elements; massed. conglomerate 6. syl con+glom+er+ate pron pos adj. usage of sedimentary rocks def consisting of rounded fragments within a finer matrix. conglomeration 1. syl con+glom+er:a+tion pron pos n. def a conglomerate mass. conglomeration 2. syl con+glom+er:a+tion pron pos n. def a mass of miscellaneous things. conglomeration 3. syl con+glom+er:a+tion pron pos n. def the act of con?!glomerating or the state of being conglomerated. conglutinant 0. syl con+glu+ti+nant pron pos adj. usage of the edges of a wound or fracture def promoting union; adhesive. conglutinate ety C16: from Latin congl*_utin*_are to glue together, from gl*_utin*_are to glue, from gl*_uten #7glue conglutinate 1. syl con+glu+ti+nate pron pos vb. def to cause (the edges of a wound or fracture) to join during the process of healing or (of the edges of a wound or fracture) to join during this process. conglutinate 2. syl con+glu+ti+nate pron pos vb. def to stick or become stuck together. conglutination sub head conglutinate syl con+2glu+ti+1na+tion pos n. conglutinative sub head conglutinate syl con+1glu+ti+na?!+tive pos adj. Republic of the 1. head Congo syl Re+pub+lic of the. def a republic in W Central Africa: formerly the French colony of Middle Congo, part of French Equatorial Africa, it became independent in 1960; consists mostly of equatorial forest, with savanna and extensive swamps; drained chiefly by the Rivers Congo and Ubangi. Official language: French. Religion: animist and Christian. Currency: franc. Capital: Brazzaville. Pop.: 1300106 (1974). Area: 349000 sq. km (134749 sq. miles). Former names: {Middle Congo} (until 1958), {Congo-Brazzaville}. Democratic Republic of the 2. head Congo syl Dem:o+crat+ic Re+pub+lic of the. def a former name (1960-71) of {Za*"ire}. Congo 3. syl Con+go pron <1koGg*u> pos n. def the second longest river in Africa, rising as the Lualaba on the Katanga plateau in Za*"ire and flowing in a wide northerly curve to the Atlantic: forms the border between the Congo Republic and Za*"ire. Length: about 4800 km (3000 miles). Area of basin: about 3000000 sq. km (1425000 sq. miles). Za*"irese name (since 1971): {Za*"ire}. Congo 4. syl Con+go pron <1koGg*u> pos n. def a variant spelling of {Kongo} (the people and language). Congolese sub head Congo syl Con+go+lese pron <2koGg*?!1lEz> pos adj. n. snake alt head congo eel or congo eel syl snake pos n. congo eel 0. or snake syl con+go eel pos n. def an aquatic salamander, having an eel-like body with gill slits and rudimentary limbs and inhabiting still muddy waters in the southern U.S.: family Congo Free State 0. syl Con+go Free State pos n. def a former name (1885-1908) of {Za*"ire}. Congo red 0. syl Con+go red pos n. def a brownish-red soluble powder, used as a dye, a diagnostic indicator, a biological stain, and a chemical indicator. Formula: C\3\2H\2\2N\6O\6S\2Na\2. congou ety C18: from Chinese (Amoy) kong hu t*_e tea prepared with care congo alt head congou or congou syl con+go pron <1koGg*u> pos n. congou 0. or congo syl con+gou pron <1koGgu:> pos n. def a kind of black tea from China. congratters alt head congrats or congrats syl con+grat+ters pron pos n. interj. mod pl. qual Chiefly Brit. congrats 0. or congratters syl con+grats pron pos n. interj. mod pl. def informal shortened forms of {con?!gratulations}. congratulate ety C16: from Latin congr*_atul*_ar*_i, from gr*_atul*_ar*_i to rejoice, from gr*_atus pleasing congratulate 1. syl con+grat:u+late pron pos vb. mod tr. usage usually foll. by on def to communicate pleasure, approval, or praise to (a person or persons); compliment. congratulate 2. syl con+grat:u+late pron pos vb. mod tr. usage often foll. by on def to consider (oneself) clever or fortunate (as a result of). exam 1 she congratulated herself on her tact. congratulate 3. syl con+grat:u+late pron pos vb. mod tr. qual Obsolete. def to greet; salute. congratulation sub head congratulate syl con+2grat:u+1la+tion pos n. congratulator sub head congratulate syl con+1grat:u+2la+tor pos n. congratulatory sub head congratulate or congratulative syl con+1grat:u+la+to:ry pos adj. congratulative sub head congratulate or congratulatory syl con+1grat:u+la+tive pos adj. congratulations 0. syl con+grat:u+la+tions pron pos n. interj. mod pl. def expressions of pleasure or joy; felicitations. congregant 0. syl con+gre+gant pron <1koGgrig*nt> pos n. def a member of a congregation, esp. a Jewish congregation. congregate ety C15: from Latin congreg*_are to collect into a flock, from grex flock congregate 1. syl con+gre+gate pron <1koGgri2gAt> pos vb. def to collect together in a body or crowd; assemble. congregate 2. syl con+gre+gate pron <1koGgrigit>, <-2gAt> pos adj. def collected together; assembled. congregate 3. syl con+gre+gate pron <1koGgrigit>, <-2gAt> pos adj. def relating to collecting; collective. congregative sub head congregate syl con+gre+2ga+tive pos adj. congregativeness sub head congregate syl con+gre+2ga+tive+ness pos n. congregator sub head congregate syl con+gre+2ga+tor pos n. congregation 1. syl con+gre+ga+tion pron <2koGgri1gAS*n> pos n. def a group of persons gathered for worship, prayer, etc., esp. in a church or chapel. congregation 2. syl con+gre+ga+tion pron <2koGgri1gAS*n> pos n. def the act of congregating or collecting together. congregation 3. syl con+gre+ga+tion pron <2koGgri1gAS*n> pos n. def a group of people, objects, etc., collected together; assemblage. congregation 4. syl con+gre+ga+tion pron <2koGgri1gAS*n> pos n. def the group of persons habitually attending a given church, chapel, etc. congregation 5.a. syl con+gre+ga+tion pron <2koGgri1gAS*n> pos n. def a society of persons who follow a common rule of life but who are bound only by simple vows. congregation 5.b. syl con+gre+ga+tion pron <2koGgri1gAS*n> pos n. def an administrative subdivision of the papal curia. congregation 5.c. syl con+gre+ga+tion pron <2koGgri1gAS*n> pos n. def an administrative committee of bishops for arranging the business of a general council. congregation 6. syl con+gre+ga+tion pron <2koGgri1gAS*n> pos n. qual Chiefly Brit. def an assembly of senior members of a university. congregational 1. syl con+gre+ga+tion+al pron <2koGgri1gAS*nL> pos adj. def of or relating to a congregation. congregational 2. syl con+gre+ga+tion+al pron <2koGgri1gAS*nL> pos adj. usage usually cap. def of, relating to, or denoting the Congregational Church, its members, or its beliefs. congregationally sub head congregational syl con+gre+1ga+tion+al+ly pos adv. Congregational Church 0. syl Con+gre+ga+tion+al Church pos n. def any member church of an association of evangelical Protestant Christian churches that are governed according to the principles of Congregationalism. In 1972 the Congregational Church in England and Wales became part of the United Reformed Church. Congregationalism 0. syl Con+gre+ga+tion+al+ism pron <2koGgri1gAS*n*2liz*m> pos n. def a system of Christian doctrines and ecclesiastical government in which each congregation is self-governing and maintains bonds of faith with other similar local congregations. Congregationalist sub head Congregationalism syl Con+gre+1ga+tion+al+ist pos adj. n. congress ety C16: from Latin congressus from congred*_i to meet with, from com- together+ grad*_i to walk, step congress 1. syl con+gress pron <1koGgres> pos n. def a meeting or conference, esp. of representatives of a number of sovereign states. congress 2. syl con+gress pron <1koGgres> pos n. def a national legislative assembly. congress 3. syl con+gress pron <1koGgres> pos n. def a society or association. congress 4. syl con+gress pron <1koGgres> pos n. def sexual intercourse. Congress 1. syl Con+gress pron <1koGgres> pos n. def the bicameral federal legislature of the U.S., consisting of the House of Representatives and the Senate. Congress 2. syl Con+gress pron <1koGgres> pos n. def this body during any two-year term. Congress 3. syl Con+gress pron <1koGgres> pos n. def Also called: {Congress Party}. (in India) a major political party, which controlled the Union government from 1947 to 1977. Official name: {Indian National Congress}. &- {Con+#!gres+sion+al} congressional 0. syl con+gres+sion+al pron pos adj. def of or relating to a congress. congressionalist sub head congressional syl con+1gres+sion+al+ist pos n. congressionally sub head congressional syl con+1gres+sion+al+ly pos adv. Congressional district 0. syl Con+gres+sion+al dis+trict pos n. usage in the U.S. def an electoral division of a state, entitled to send one member to the U.S. House of Representatives. Congressional Medal of Honor 0. syl Con+gres+sion+al Med+al of Hon+or pos n. def the highest U.S. military decoration, awarded for conspicuous bravery in action. Congressional Record 0. syl Con+gres+sion+al Rec+ord pos n. usage in the U.S. def the government journal that publishes all proceedings of Congress. Congresswoman alt head Congressman or Congressman syl Con:gress+wom:an pos n. mod fem. Congressmen infl head Congressman or Congresswomen syl Con:gress+men pos n. mod pl. Congresswomen infl head Congressman or Congressmen syl Con:gress+wom:en. pos n. mod pl. Congressman 0. or Congresswoman syl Con:gress+man pron <1koGgresm*n> pos n. usage in the U.S. def a member of Congress, esp. of the House of Representatives. Congress of Industrial Organizations 0. syl Con+gress of In+dus+tri:al Or+gan:i+za+tions pos n. usage in the U.S. def a federation of industrial unions formed in 1935. It united with the AFL in 1955 to form the AFL-CIO. Abbrev.: {CIO}. Congress of Vienna 0. syl Con+gress of Vi+en+na pos n. def the European conference held at Vienna from 1814-15 to settle the territorial problems left by the Napoleonic Wars. William infl head Congreve syl Wil:liam pos n. Congreve 0. syl Con:greve pron <1koGgrEv> pos n. def 1670-1729, English dramatist, a major exponent of Restoration comedy; author of (1695) and (1700). congruency alt head congruence or congruence syl con+gru+en+cy pos n. congruence 1. or congruency syl con+gru+ence pron <1koGgru*ns> pos n. def the quality or state of corresponding, agreeing, or being congruent. congruence 2. or congruency syl con+gru+ence pron <1koGgru*ns> pos n. def the relationship between two integers, and such that their difference, with respect to another integer called the modulus, is a multiple of the modulus. Usually written $=#800139 (mod , as in $=#800140 congruent ety C15: from Latin congruere to meet together, agree congruent 1. syl con+gru+ent pron <1koGgru*nt> pos adj. def agreeing; corresponding; congruous. congruent 2. syl con+gru+ent pron <1koGgru*nt> pos adj. def having identical shapes so that all parts cor?!respond. exam 1 congruent triangles. congruent 3. syl con+gru+ent pron <1koGgru*nt> pos adj. def of or concerning two integers related by a congruence. congruently sub head congruent syl con+gru+ent+ly pos adv. congruous ety C16: from Latin congruus suitable, harmonious; see #7congruent &- con+gru+i@.ty (k$$n#!gru$:$It$I) or #!con+gru+ous+ness n. &- #!con+gru+ous+ly adv. congruous 1. syl con+gru+ous pron <1koGgru*s> pos adj. def corresponding or agreeing. congruous 2. syl con+gru+ous pron <1koGgru*s> pos adj. def suitable; appropriate. conic 1.a. syl con+ic pron <1konik> pos adj. usage also def having the shape of a cone. conic 1.b. syl con+ic pron <1konik> pos adj. usage also def of or relating to a cone. conic 2. syl con+ic pron <1konik> pos n. usage also def another name for {conic section}. conically sub head conic syl con:i+cal+ly pos adv. conical projection alt head conic projection or conic projection syl con:i+cal pro+jec+tion pos n. conic projection 0. or conical projection syl con+ic pro+jec+tion pos n. def a map projection on which the earth is shown as projected onto a cone with its apex over one of the poles and with parallels of latitude radiating from this apex. conics 0. syl con+ics pron <1koniks> pos n. mod functioning as; sing. def the branch of geometry concerned with the parabola, ellipse, and hyperbola. conic section 0. syl con+ic sec+tion pos n. def one of a group of curves formed by the intersection of a plane and a right circular cone. It is either a circle, ellipse, parabola, or hyperbola, depending on the eccentricity, , which is constant for a particular curve. exam 1 e conidiophore ety C19: from #7conidium+ -#7phore conidiophore 0. syl co+nid:i:o+phore pron pos n. def a simple or branched hypha that bears spores (conidia) in such fungi as conidiophorous sub head conidiophore syl co+nid:i+oph:o+rous pron , pos adj. conidium ety C19: from New Latin, from Greek konis dust+-#7idium conidia infl head conidium syl co+nid:i:a pron <-1nidi*> pos n. mod pl. conidium 0. syl co+nid+i:um pron pos n. def an asexual spore formed at the tip of a specialized hypha (conidiophore) in fungi such as conidial sub head conidium or conidian syl co+1nid+i:al pos adj. conidian sub head conidium or conidial syl co+1nid+i:an pos adj. conifer ety C19: from Latin, from c*_onus #7cone+ ferre to bear conifer 0. syl co+ni+fer pron <1k*unif*>, <1kon-> pos n. def any gymnosperm tree or shrub of the group typically bearing cones and evergreen leaves. The group includes the pines, spruces, firs, larches, yews, junipers, cedars, cypresses, and sequoias. coniferous 0. syl co+nif+er+ous pron , pos adj. def of, relating to, or belonging to the plant group See {conifer}. coniine ety C19: from #7conium+ -#7ine %2 conin infl head coniine or conine syl co+nin pron <1k*unin> pos n. conine infl head coniine or conin syl co+nine pron <1k*unEn>, <-nin> pos n. coniine 0. syl co+ni+ine pron <1k*uni2En>, <-niin>, <-nEn> pos n. def a colourless poisonous soluble liquid alkaloid found in hemlock; 2-propylpiperidine. Formula: C\5H\1\0NC\3H\7. Also called: {cicutine, conicine}. coniology 0. syl co+ni+ol+o:gy pron <2k*uni1ol*Ji> pos n. def a variant spelling of {koniology}. Coniston Water 0. syl Con+is+ton Wa+ter pron <1konist*n> pos n. def a lake in NW England, in Cumbria: scene of the establishment of world water speed records by Sir Malcolm Campbell (1939) and his son Donald Campbell (1959). Length: 8 km (5 miles). conium ety C19: from Late Latin: hemlock, from Greek k*_oneion; perhaps related to Greek k*_onos #7cone conium 1. syl co+ni:um pron <1k*uni*m> pos n. def either of the two N temperate plants of the umbelliferous genus esp. hemlock. conium 2. syl co+ni:um pron <1k*uni*m> pos n. def an extract of either of these plants, used to treat spasmodic disorders. conj 1. syl conj. qual abbrev. for:; Grammar. def conjugation, conjunction, conjunctive. conj 2. syl conj. qual abbrev. for:; Astronomy. def conjunction. conjectural 0. syl con+jec+tur+al pron pos adj. def involving or inclined to conjecture. conjecturally sub head conjectural syl con+1jec+tur+al+ly pos adv. conjecture ety C14: from Latin conject*_ura an assembling of facts, from conjicere to throw together, from jacere to throw conjecture 1. syl con+jec+ture pron pos n. def the formation of conclusions from incomplete evidence; guess. conjecture 2. syl con+jec+ture pron pos n. def the inference or conclusion so formed. conjecture 3. syl con+jec+ture pron pos n. qual Obsolete. def interpretation of occult signs. conjecture 4. syl con+jec+ture pron pos vb. def to infer or arrive at (an opinion, conclusion, etc.) from incomplete evidence. conjecturable sub head conjecture syl con+1jec+tur+a:ble pos adj. conjecturably sub head conjecture syl con+1jec+tur+a:bly pos adv. conjecturer sub head conjecture syl con+1jec+tur+er pos n. conjoin ety C14: from Old French conjoindre, from Latin conjungere, from jungere to #7join &- con+#!join+er n. conjoin 0. syl con+join pron pos vb. def to join or become joined. conjoint 0. syl con+joint pron pos adj. def united, joint, or associated. &- {con+#!joint+ly} conjugal ety C16: from Latin conjug*_alis, from conjunx wife or husband, from conjungere to unite; see #7conjoin conjugal 0. syl con+ju+gal pron <1konJugL> pos adj. def of or relating to marriage or the relationship between husband and wife. exam 1 conjugal rights. conjugality sub head conjugal syl con+ju+gal+i:ty pron <2konJu?!1g@liti> pos n. conjugally sub head conjugal syl con+ju+gal+ly pos adv. conjugant 0. syl con+ju+gant pron <1konJug*nt> pos n. def either of a pair of organisms or gametes undergoing conjugation. conjugate ety C15: from Latin conjug*_are to join together, from com- together+ jug*_are to marry, connect, from jugum a yoke conjugate 1. syl con+ju+gate pron <1konJu2gAt> pos vb. mod tr. qual Grammar. def to inflect (a verb) systematically; state or set out the conjugation of (a verb). conjugate 2. syl con+ju+gate pron <1konJu2gAt> pos vb. mod intr. usage of a verb def to undergo inflection according to a specific set of rules. conjugate 3. syl con+ju+gate pron <1konJu2gAt> pos vb. mod tr. def to join (two or more substances) together, esp. in such a way that the resulting substance may easily be turned back into its original components. conjugate 4. syl con+ju+gate pron <1konJu2gAt> pos vb. mod intr. qual Biology. def to undergo conjugation. conjugate 5. syl con+ju+gate pron <1konJu2gAt> pos vb. mod tr. qual Obsolete. def to join together, esp. in marriage. conjugate 6. syl con+ju+gate pron <1konJu2gAt> pos vb. mod intr. qual Rare. def to have sexual intercourse. conjugate 7. syl con+ju+gate pron <1konJugit>, <-2gAt> pos adj. def joined together in pairs; coupled. conjugate 8.a. syl con+ju+gate pron <1konJugit>, <-2gAt> pos adj. usage of two angles def having a sum of 360?%. conjugate 8.b. syl con+ju+gate pron <1konJugit>, <-2gAt> pos adj. usage of two complex numbers def differing only in the sign of the imaginary part as 4+3 and 4 - 3 conjugate 8.c. syl con+ju+gate pron <1konJugit>, <-2gAt> pos adj. usage of two algebraic numbers def being roots of the same irreducible algebraic equation with rational coefficients. exam 1 3 &+ 2$/ 2 are conjugate algebraic numbers, being roots of x conjugate 8.d. syl con+ju+gate pron <1konJugit>, <-2gAt> pos adj. usage of two elements of a determinant def interchanged when the rows and columns are interchanged. conjugate 9. syl con+ju+gate pron <1konJugit>, <-2gAt> pos adj. qual Chem. def of, denoting, or concerning the state of equilibrium in which two liquids can exist as two separate phases that are both solutions. The liquid that is the solute in one phase is the solvent in the other. conjugate 10. syl con+ju+gate pron <1konJugit>, <-2gAt> pos adj. def another word for {conjugated}. conjugate 11. syl con+ju+gate pron <1konJugit>, <-2gAt> pos adj. usage Chem. of acids and bases def related by loss or gain of a proton. exam 1 Cl%#- is the conjugate base of HCl; exam 2 HCl is the conjugate acid of Cl%#-. conjugate 12. syl con+ju+gate pron <1konJugit>, <-2gAt> pos adj. usage Physics. of points connected with a lens def having the property that an object placed at one point will produce an image at the other point. conjugate 13. syl con+ju+gate pron <1konJugit>, <-2gAt> pos adj. usage of a compound leaf def having one pair of leaflets. conjugate 14. syl con+ju+gate pron <1konJugit>, <-2gAt> pos adj. usage of words def cognate; related in origin. {~} (#!k$And#f$ug$It). conjugate 15. syl con+ju+gate pron <1konJugit>, <-2gAt> pos adj. def one of a pair or set of conjugate substances, values, quantities, words, etc. conjugable sub head conjugate syl con+ju+ga:ble pos adj. conjugator sub head conjugate syl con+ju+2ga+tor pos n. conjugated 1.a. syl con+ju+gat+ed pron <1konJu2gAtid> pos adj. usage of a molecule, compound, or substance def containing two or more double bonds alternating with single bonds. conjugated 1.b. syl con+ju+gat+ed pron <1konJu2gAtid> pos adj. usage of a double bond def separated from another double bond by one single bond. conjugated 2. syl con+ju+gat+ed pron <1konJu2gAtid> pos adj. qual Chem. def formed by the union of two compounds. exam 1 a conjugated protein. conjugated xref syl con+ju+gat+ed pron <1konJu2gAtid> pos adj. def Also called: {conjugate}. conjugated protein 0. syl con+ju+gat+ed pro+tein pos n. def a biochemical compound consisting of a sequence of amino acids making up a simple protein to which another nonprotein group (a prosthetic group), such as a carbohydrate or lipid group, is attached. conjugation 1.a. syl con+ju+ga+tion pron <2konJu1gAS*n> pos n. def inflection of a verb for person, number, tense, voice, mood, etc. conjugation 1.b. syl con+ju+ga+tion pron <2konJu1gAS*n> pos n. def the complete set of the inflections of a given verb. conjugation 2. syl con+ju+ga+tion pron <2konJu1gAS*n> pos n. def a joining, union, or conjunction. conjugation 3. syl con+ju+ga+tion pron <2konJu1gAS*n> pos n. def a type of sexual reproduction in ciliate protozoans involving the temporary union of two individuals and the subsequent migration and fusion of the gametic nuclei. conjugation 4. syl con+ju+ga+tion pron <2konJu1gAS*n> pos n. def the union of gametes, esp. isogametes, as in some algae and fungi. conjugation 5. syl con+ju+ga+tion pron <2konJu1gAS*n> pos n. def the pairing of chromosomes in the early phase of a meiotic division. conjugational sub head conjugation syl con+ju+1ga+tion+al pos adj. conjugationally sub head conjugation syl con+ju+1ga+tion+al+ly pos adv. conjunct ety C15: from Latin conjunctus, from conjugere to unite; see #7conjoin conjunct 1. syl con+junct pron , <1konJ^Gkt> pos adj. def joined; united. conjunct 2. syl con+junct pron , <1konJ^Gkt> pos adj. qual Music. def relating to or denoting two adjacent degrees of a scale. conjunct 3. syl con+junct pron , <1konJ^Gkt> pos n. qual Logic. def one of the propositions or formulas in a conjunction. conjunctly sub head conjunct syl con+1junct+ly pos adv. conjunction 1. syl con+junc+tion pron pos n. def the act of joining together; combination; union. conjunction 2. syl con+junc+tion pron pos n. def simultaneous occurrence of events; coincidence. conjunction 3. syl con+junc+tion pron pos n. def any word or group of words, other than a relative pronoun, that connects words, phrases, or clauses; for example and Abbrev.: {conj}. See also {coordinating conjunction, subordinating conjunction}. conjunction 4.a. syl con+junc+tion pron pos n. def the position of a planet or the moon when it is in line with the sun as seen from the earth. The inner planets are in {inferior conjunction} when the planet is between the earth and the sun and in {superior conjunction} when the sun lies between the earth and the planet. Compare { {opposition} (sense 8a.)}. conjunction 4.b. syl con+junc+tion pron pos n. def the apparent proximity or coincidence of two celestial bodies on the celestial sphere. conjunction 5. syl con+junc+tion pron pos n. qual Astrology. def an exact aspect of 0?% between two planets, etc., an orb of 8?% being allowed. Compare { {opposition} (sense 9)} and { {square} (sense 8)}. conjunction 6.a. syl con+junc+tion pron pos n. def a compound proposition in which the component propositions are joined by which is true only if the component propositions are true. Usually written: p^q, p@.q, pq, where p and q are component propositions and ^,@., symbolize conjunction 6.b. syl con+junc+tion pron pos n. def the relation between the terms of such a proposition. conjunctional sub head conjunction syl con+1junc+tion+al pos adj. conjunctionally sub head conjunction syl con+1junc+tion+al+ly pos adv. conjunction-reduction 0. syl con+junc:tion-re:duc:tion pos n. qual Transformational grammar. def a rule that reduces coordinate sentences, applied, for example, to convert into conjunctiva ety C16: from New Latin membr*_ana conjunct*_iva the conjunctive membrane, from Late Latin conjunct*_ivus #7conjunctive conjunctivas infl head conjunctiva or conjunctivae syl con+junc+ti+vas pron <-vE> pos n. mod pl. conjunctivae infl head conjunctiva or conjunctivas syl con+junc+ti+vae pron <-vE> pos n. mod pl. conjunctiva 0. syl con+junc+ti+va pron <2konJ^Gk1tIv*> pos n. def the delicate mucous membrane that covers the eyeball and the under surface of the eyelid. conjunctival sub head conjunctiva syl con+junc+1ti+val pos adj. conjunctive ety C15: from Late Latin conjunct*_ivus, from Latin conjungere to #7conjoin conjunctive 1. syl con+junc+tive pron pos adj. def joining; connective. conjunctive 2. syl con+junc+tive pron pos adj. def joined. conjunctive 3. syl con+junc+tive pron pos adj. def of or relating to conjunctions or their use. conjunctive 4. syl con+junc+tive pron pos adj. qual Logic. def characterizing, containing, or included in a conjunction. conjunctive 5. syl con+junc+tive pron pos n. def a less common word for { {conjunction} (sense 3).} conjunctively sub head conjunctive syl con+1junc+tive+ly pos adv. conjunctivitis 0. syl con+junc+ti+vi+tis pron pos n. def inflammation of the conjunctiva. conjuncture 1. syl con+junc+ture pron pos n. def a combination of events, esp. a critical one. conjuncture 2. syl con+junc+ture pron pos n. qual Rare. def a union; conjunction. conjunctural sub head conjuncture syl con+1junc+tur+al pos adj. conjuration 1. syl con+jur:a+tion pron <2konJu1rAS*n> pos n. def a magic spell; incanta?!tion. conjuration 2. syl con+jur:a+tion pron <2konJu1rAS*n> pos n. def a less common word for {conjuring}. conjuration 3. syl con+jur:a+tion pron <2konJu1rAS*n> pos n. qual Archaic. def supplication; entreaty. conjure ety C13: from Old French conjurer to plot, from Latin conj*_ur*_are to swear together, form a conspiracy, from j*_ur*_are to swear conjure 1. syl con+jure pron <1k^nJ*> pos vb. mod intr. def to practise conjuring or be a conjurer. conjure 2. syl con+jure pron <1k^nJ*> pos vb. mod intr. def to call upon supposed supernatural forces by spells and incantations. conjure 3. syl con+jure pron pos vb. mod tr. def to appeal earnestly or strongly to. exam 1 I conjure you to help me. conjure 4.a. syl con+jure pron <1k^nJ*> pos vb. def a person thought to have great power or infl?!uence. conjure 4.b. syl con+jure pron <1k^nJ*> pos vb. def any name that excites the imagination. {~} See also {conjure up}. conjuror alt head conjurer or conjurer syl con+jur+or pron <1k^nJ*r*> pos n. conjurer 1. or conjuror syl con+jur+er pron <1k^nJ*r*> pos n. def a person who practises conjuring, esp. for people's entertainment. conjurer 2. or conjuror syl con+jur+er pron <1k^nJ*r*> pos n. def a person who practises magic; sorcerer. conjure up 1. syl con+jure up pos vb. adv. mod tr. def to present to the mind; evoke or imagine. exam 1 he conjured up a picture of his childhood. conjure up 2. syl con+jure up pos vb. adv. mod tr. def to call up or command (a spirit or devil) by an incantation. conjuring 1. syl con+jur+ing pron <1k^nJ*riG> pos n. def the performance of tricks that appear to defy natural laws. conjuring 2. syl con+jur+ing pron <1k^nJ*riG> pos adj. def denoting or relating to such tricks or entertainment. conk ety C19: probably changed from #7conch conk 1. syl conk pron pos vb. qual Slang. def to strike (someone) a blow, esp. on the head or nose. conk 2. syl conk pron pos n. qual Slang. def a punch or blow, esp. on the head or nose. conk 3. syl conk pron pos n. qual Slang. def the head or (esp. Brit.) the nose. conker 0. syl conk+er pron <1koGk*> pos n. def an informal name for the {horse chestnut}. conkers 0. syl conk+ers pron <1koGk*z> pos n. mod functioning as; sing. qual Brit. def a game in which a player swings a horse chestnut (conker), threaded onto a string, against that of another player to try to break it. conk out 1. syl conk out pos vb. mod intr. qual Informal. usage of machines, cars, etc. def to fail suddenly. conk out 2. syl conk out pos vb. mod intr. qual Informal. def to tire suddenly or collapse, as from exhaustion. con man 1. syl con man pos n. qual Informal. def a person who swindles another by means of a confidence trick. con man 2. syl con man pos n. qual Informal. def a plausible character. More formal term: {confidence man}. con moto ety Italian, literally: with movement con moto 0. syl con mo:to pron <1m*ut*u> pos adj. adv. qual Music. def in a brisk or lively manner. conn 0. syl conn pron pos vb. n. def a variant spelling (esp. U.S.) of {con} %4. Conn 0. syl Conn. qual abbrev. for def Connecticut. Connacht 0. syl Con+nacht pron <1kon*t> pos n. def a province and ancient kingdom of NW Ireland: consists of the counties of Galway, Leitrim, Mayo, Roscommon, and Sligo. Pop.: 390702 (1971). Area: 17122 sq. km (6611 sq. miles). Former name: {Connaught}. connate ety C17: from Late Latin conn*_atus born at the same time, from Latin n*_atus, from n*_asc*_i to be born connate 1. syl con+nate pron <1konAt> pos adj. def existing in a person or thing from birth; congenital or innate. connate 2. syl con+nate pron <1konAt> pos adj. def allied or associated in nature or origin; cognate. exam 1 connate qualities. connate 3. syl con+nate pron <1konAt> pos adj. def Also called: {coadunate}. (of similar parts or organs) closely joined or united together by growth. connate 4. syl con+nate pron <1konAt> pos adj. usage Geology. of fluids def produced or originating at the same time as the rocks surrounding them. exam 1 connate water. connately sub head connate syl con+nate+ly pos adv. connateness sub head connate syl con+nate+ness pos n. connatural 1. syl con+nat:u+ral pron pos adj. def having a similar nature or origin. connatural 2. syl con+nat:u+ral pron pos adj. def congenital or innate; connate. &- {con+#!nat@.u+ral+ly} Connaught 0. syl Con+naught pron <1konc:t> pos n. def the former name of {Connacht}. connect ety C17: from Latin connectere to bind together, from nectere to bind, tie &- con+#!nect+i@.ble or con+#!nect+a@.ble adj. connect 1. syl con+nect pron pos vb. def to link or be linked together; join; fasten. connect 2. syl con+nect pron pos vb. mod tr. def to relate or associate. exam 1 I connect him with my childhood. connect 3. syl con+nect pron pos vb. mod tr. def to establish telephone communications with or between. connect 4. syl con+nect pron pos vb. mod intr. usage of two public vehicles, such as trains or buses def to have the arrival of one timed to occur just before the departure of the other, for the convenient transfer of passengers. connect 5. syl con+nect pron pos vb. mod intr. qual Informal. def to hit, punch, kick, etc., solidly. connect 6. syl con+nect pron pos vb. mod intr. qual U.S. informal. def to be successful. connect 7. syl con+nect pron pos vb. mod intr. qual Slang. def to find a source of drugs, esp. illegal drugs. connector sub head connect or connecter syl con+1nect+or pos n. connecter sub head connect or connector syl con+1nect+er pos n. connected 1. syl con+nect+ed pron pos adj. def joined or linked together. connected 2. syl con+nect+ed pron pos adj. usage of speech def coherent and intelligible. &- {con+#!nect+ed+ly} Connecticut 1. syl Con+nect:i+cut pron pos n. def a state of the northeastern U.S., in New England. Capital: Hartford. Pop.: 3032217 (1970). Area: 12973 sq. km (5009 sq. miles). Abbrevs.: {Conn}. or (with zip code) {CT} Connecticut 2. syl Con+nect:i+cut pron pos n. def a river in the northeastern U.S., rising in N New Hampshire and flowing south to Long Island Sound. Length: 651 km (407 miles). connecting rod 1. syl con+nect+ing rod pos n. def a rod or bar for transmitting motion, esp. one that connects a rotating part to a reciprocating part. connecting rod 2. syl con+nect+ing rod pos n. def such a rod that connects the piston to the crankshaft in an internal-combustion engine or reciprocating pump. See also {big end, little end}. connecting rod 3. syl con+nect+ing rod pos n. def a similar rod that connects the crosshead of a steam engine to the crank. connexion alt head connection or connection syl con+nex+ion pron pos n. connection 1. or connexion syl con+nec+tion pron pos n. def the act or state of connecting; union. connection 2. or connexion syl con+nec+tion pron pos n. def something that connects, joins, or relates; link or bond. connection 3. or connexion syl con+nec+tion pron pos n. def a relationship or association. connection 4. or connexion syl con+nec+tion pron pos n. def logical sequence in thought or expression; coherence. connection 5. or connexion syl con+nec+tion pron pos n. def the relation of a word or phrase to its context. exam 1 in this connection the word has no political significance. connection 6. or connexion syl con+nec+tion pron pos n. mod often; pl. def an acquaintance, esp. one who is influential or has prestige. connection 7. or connexion syl con+nec+tion pron pos n. def a relative, esp. if distant and related by marriage. connection 8.a. or connexion syl con+nec+tion pron pos n. def an opportunity to transfer from one train, bus, aircraft, ship, etc., to another. connection 8.b. or connexion syl con+nec+tion pron pos n. def the vehicle, aircraft, etc., scheduled to provide such an opportunity. connection 9. or connexion syl con+nec+tion pron pos n. def a link, usually a wire or metallic strip, between two components in an electric circuit. connection 10. or connexion syl con+nec+tion pron pos n. def a communications link between two points, esp. by telephone. connection 11. or connexion syl con+nec+tion pron pos n. qual Slang. def a supplier of illegal drugs, such as heroin. connection 12. or connexion syl con+nec+tion pron pos n. qual Rare. def sexual intercourse. connection 13. or connexion syl con+nec+tion pron pos n. qual Rare. def a small sect or religious group united by a body of distinct beliefs or practices. connectional sub head connection or connexional syl con+1nec+tion+al pos adj. connexional sub head connection or connectional syl con+1nex+ion+al pos adj. connective 1. syl con+nec+tive pron pos adj. def serving to connect or capable of connecting. connective 2. syl con+nec+tive pron pos n. def a thing that connects. connective 3.a. syl con+nec+tive pron pos n. def a less common word for { {conjunction} (sense 3)}. connective 3.b. syl con+nec+tive pron pos n. def any word that connects phrases, clauses, or individual words. connective 4. syl con+nec+tive pron pos n. qual Botany. def the tissue of a stamen that connects the two lobes of the anther. connective 5. syl con+nec+tive pron pos n. qual Logic. def a symbol used in a formal language in the construction of compound sentences from simpler sentences, corresponding to terms such as etc., in ordinary speech. connectively sub head connective syl con+1nec+tive+ly pos adv. connectivity sub head connective syl con+nec+tiv+i:ty pron <2konek1tiviti> pos n. connective tissue 0. syl con+nec+tive tis+sue pos n. def an animal tissue developed from the embryonic mesoderm that consists of collagen or elastic fibres, fibroblasts, fatty cells, etc., within a jelly-like matrix. It supports organs, fills the spaces between them, and forms tendons and ligaments. Connemara 0. syl Con+ne+ma+ra pron <2koni1ma:r*> pos n. def a barren coastal region of W Ireland, in Co. Galway: consists of quartzite mountains, peat bogs, and many lakes. conning tower ety C19: see #7con %4 conning tower 1. syl con+ning tow+er pron <1koniG> pos n. def a superstructure of a submarine, used as the bridge when the vessel is on the surface. conning tower 2. syl con+ning tow+er pron <1koniG> pos n. def the armoured pilot house of a warship. conniption ety C19: arbitrary pseudo-Latin coinage conniption 0. syl con+nip+tion pron pos n. mod often; pl. qual U.S. slang. def a fit of rage or tantrums. connivance 1. syl con+niv+ance pron pos n. def the act or fact of conniving. connivance 2. syl con+niv+ance pron pos n. qual Law. def the tacit encouragement of or assent to another's wrongdoing, esp. (formerly) of the petitioner in a divorce suit to the respondent's adultery. connive ety C17: from French conniver, from Latin conn*_iv*_ere to blink, hence, leave uncensured; -n*_iv*_ere related to nict*_are to wink connive 1. syl con+nive pron pos vb. mod intr. def to plot together, esp. secretly; conspire. connive 2. syl con+nive pron pos vb. mod intr. usage Law. foll. by at def to give assent or encouragement (to the commission of a wrong). conniver sub head connive syl con+1niv+er pos n. connivingly sub head connive syl con+1niv+ing+ly pos adv. connivent ety C17: from Latin conn*_iv*_ens, from conn*_iv*_ere to shut the eyes, #7connive connivent 0. syl con+niv+ent pron pos adj. usage of parts of plants and animals def touching without being fused, as some petals, insect wings, etc. connivently sub head connivent syl con+1niv+ent+ly pos adv. connoisseur ety C18: from French, from Old French conoiseor, from connoistre to know, from Latin cogn*_oscere connoisseur 0. syl con+nois+seur pron <2koni1sR:> pos n. def a person with special knowledge or appreciation of a field, esp. in the arts. connoisseurship sub head connoisseur syl con+nois+1seur+ship pos n. Jimmy infl head Connors syl Jim:my. pos n. Connors 0. syl Con:nors pron <1kon*z> pos n. def born 1952, U.S. tennis player: Wimbledon champion 1974, 1976, and 1978. connotation 1. syl con+no+ta+tion pron <2kon*1tAS*n> pos n. def an association or idea suggested by a word or phrase; implication. connotation 2. syl con+no+ta+tion pron <2kon*1tAS*n> pos n. def the act or fact of connoting. connotation 3. syl con+no+ta+tion pron <2kon*1tAS*n> pos n. qual Logic. def another name for { {intension} (sense 1)}. connotative sub head connotation or connotive syl con+no+ta+tive pron <1kon*2tAtiv>, pos adj. connotive sub head connotation or connotative syl con+1no+tive pos adj. connotatively sub head connotation or connotively syl con+no+2ta+tive+ly pos adv. connotively sub head connotation or connotatively syl con+1no+tive+ly pos adv. connote ety C17: from Medieval Latin connot*_are, from not*_are to mark, make a note, from nota mark, sign, note connote 1. syl con+note pron pos vb. mod tr. usage often takes a clause as object; of a word, phrase, etc. def to imply or suggest (associations or ideas) other than the literal meaning. exam 1 the word connote 2. syl con+note pron pos vb. mod tr. usage often takes a clause as object def to involve as a consequence or condition. connubial ety C17: from Latin c*_on*_ubi*_alis from c*_on*_ubium marriage, from com- together+ n*_ubere to marry connubial 0. syl con+nu+bi:al pron pos adj. def of or relating to marriage; conjugal. exam 1 connubial bliss. connubiality sub head connubial syl con+2nu+bi+1al+i:ty pos n. connubially sub head connubial syl con+1nu+bi+al+ly pos adv. conodont ety C19: from Greek k*_onos #7cone+ -#7odont conodont 0. syl co+no+dont pron <1k*un*dont>, <1kon-> pos n. def any of various small Palaeozoic toothlike fossils derived from an extinct unknown animal. conoid ety C17: from Greek k*_onoeid*_es, from k*_onos #7cone conoid 1. syl co+noid pron <1k*uncid> pos n. def a geometric surface formed by rotating a parabola, ellipse, or hyperbola about one axis. conoid 2. syl co+noid pron <1k*uncid> pos adj. usage also def conical: cone-shaped. conoidally sub head conoid syl co+1noi+dal+ly pos adv. conoscente infl head conoscenti syl con:o+scen+te pron <-tE> pos n. mod sing. conoscenti 0. syl con:o+scen+ti pron <2kon*u1Senti> pos n. mod pl. def a variant spelling of {cognoscenti}. conquer ety C13: from Old French conquerre, from Vulgar Latin conqu*_erere (unattested) to obtain, from Latin conqu*_irere to search for, collect, from quaerere to seek conquer 1. syl con+quer pron <1koGk*> pos vb. def to overcome (an enemy, army, etc.); defeat. conquer 2. syl con+quer pron <1koGk*> pos vb. def to overcome (an obstacle, feeling, desire, etc.); surmount. conquer 3. syl con+quer pron <1koGk*> pos vb. mod tr. def to gain possession or control of by or as if by force or war; win. conquer 4. syl con+quer pron <1koGk*> pos vb. mod tr. def to gain the love, sympathy, etc., of (someone) by seduction or force of personality. conquerable sub head conquer syl con+quer+a:ble pos adj. conquerableness sub head conquer syl con+quer+a:ble+ness pos n. conqueringly sub head conquer syl con+quer+ing+ly pos adv. conqueror sub head conquer syl con+quer+or pos n. William the infl head Conqueror syl Wil:liam the. pos n. Conqueror 0. syl Con+quer+or pron <1koGk*r*> pos n. def See {William I}. conquest ety C13: from Old French conqueste, from Vulgar Latin conqu*_esta (unattested), from Latin conqu*_is*_ita, feminine past participle of conqu*_irere to seek out, procure; see #7conquer conquest 1. syl con+quest pron <1konkwest>, <1koG-> pos n. def the act or an instance of conquering or the state of having been conquered; victory. conquest 2. syl con+quest pron <1konkwest>, <1koG-> pos n. def a person, thing, etc., that has been conquered or won. conquest 3. syl con+quest pron <1konkwest>, <1koG-> pos n. def the act or art of gaining a person's compliance, love, etc., by seduction or force of personality. conquest 4. syl con+quest pron <1konkwest>, <1koG-> pos n. def a person, whose compliance, love, etc., has been won over by seduction or force of personality. Conquesthe infl head Conquest syl Con+questhe. pos n. Conquest 0. syl Con+quest pron <1konkwest>, <1koG-> pos n. def See {Norman Conquest}. conquian 0. syl con+qui:an pron <1koGki*n> pos n. def another word for {cooncan}. conquistador ety C19: from Spanish, from conquistar to conquer; see #7conquest conquistadors infl head conquistador or conquistadores syl con+quis+ta+dors pron Spanish <-1DorAs> pos n. mod pl. conquistadores infl head conquistador or conquistadors syl con+quis+ta+do+res pron Spanish <-1DorAs> pos n. mod pl. conquistador 0. syl con+quis+ta+dor pron , Spanish pos n. def an adventurer or conqueror, esp. one of the Spanish conquerors of the New World in the 16th century. Joseph infl head Conrad syl Jo:seph. pos n. Conrad 0. syl Con:rad pron <1konr@d> pos n. def original name 1857-1924, English novelist born in Poland, noted for sea stories such as (1897) and (1900) and novels of politics and revolution such as (1904) and (1911). cons 1. syl cons. qual abbrev. for: def consecrated. cons 2. syl cons. qual abbrev. for: def consigned. cons 3. syl cons. qual abbrev. for: def consignment. cons 4. syl cons. qual abbrev. for: def consolidated. cons 5. syl cons. qual abbrev. for: def consonant. cons 6. syl cons. qual abbrev. for: def constitutional. cons 7. syl cons. qual abbrev. for: def construction. cons 8. syl cons. qual abbrev. for: def consulting. cons alt head Cons or Cons syl cons. Cons 1. or cons syl Cons. qual abbrev. for: def Constitution. Cons 2. or cons syl Cons. qual abbrev. for: def Consul. Cons 3. or cons syl Cons. qual abbrev. for: def Conservative. consanguinity ety C14: see #7con -#7, sanguine consanguinity 1. syl con+san+guin+i:ty pron <2kons@G1gwiniti> pos n. def relationship by blood; kinship. consanguinity 2. syl con+san+guin+i:ty pron <2kons@G1gwiniti> pos n. def close affinity or connection. consanguineous sub head consanguinity or consanguine syl con+san+1guin+e:ous pos adj. consanguine sub head consanguinity or consanguineous syl con+1san+guine pos adj. consanguineously sub head consanguinity syl con+san+1guin+e:ous+ly pos adv. conscience ety C13: from Old French, from Latin conscientia knowledge, consciousness, from consc*_ire to know; see #7conscious conscience 1.a. syl con+science pron <1konS*ns> pos n. def the sense of right and wrong that governs a person's thoughts and actions. conscience 1.b. syl con+science pron <1konS*ns> pos n. def conformity to this sense. conscience 2. syl con+science pron <1konS*ns> pos n. def conscientiousness; diligence. conscience 3. syl con+science pron <1konS*ns> pos n. def a feeling of guilt or anxiety. exam 1 he has a conscience about his unkind action. conscience 4. syl con+science pron <1konS*ns> pos n. qual Obsolete. def consciousness. conscience 5.a. syl con+science pron <1konS*ns> pos n. def with regard to truth and justice. conscience 5.b. syl con+science pron <1konS*ns> pos n. def certainly. on one's conscience 6. head conscience syl on one's conscience. def causing feelings of guilt or remorse. conscienceless sub head conscience syl con+science+less pos adj. conscience clause 0. syl con+science clause pos n. def a clause in a law or contract exempting persons with moral scruples. conscience money 0. syl con+science mon+ey pos n. def money paid voluntarily to compensate for dishonesty, esp. money paid voluntarily for taxes formerly evaded. conscience-stricken 0. syl con:science-strick:en pos adj. def feeling anxious or guilty. Also: {con@.science-smit@.ten}. conscientious 1. syl con+sci+en+tious pron <2konSi1enS*s> pos adj. def involving or taking great care; painstaking; diligent. conscientious 2. syl con+sci+en+tious pron <2konSi1enS*s> pos adj. def governed by or done according to conscience. conscientiously sub head conscientious syl con+sci+1en+tious+ly pos adv. conscientiousness sub head conscientious syl con+sci+1en+tious+ness pos n. conscientious objector 0. syl con+sci+en+tious ob+jec+tor pos n. def a person who refuses to serve in the armed forces on the grounds of conscience. conscionable ety C16: from conscions, obsolete form of #7conscience conscionable 0. syl con+scion+a:ble pron <1konS*n*bL> pos adj. qual Obsolete. def acceptable to one's conscience. conscionableness sub head conscionable syl con+scion+a:ble+ness pos n. conscionably sub head conscionable syl con+scion?!+a:bly pos adv. conscious ety C17: from Latin conscius sharing knowledge, from com- with+ sc*_ire to know &- #!con+scious+ly adv. &- #!con+scious+ness n. conscious 1.a. syl con+scious pron <1konS*s> pos adj. def denoting or relating to a part of the human mind that is aware of a person's self, environment, and mental activity and that to a certain extent determines his choices of action. conscious 1.b. syl con+scious pron <1konS*s> pos as; n. exam 1 the conscious is only a small part of the mind. conscious 2. syl con+scious pron <1konS*s> pos adj. def alert and awake; not sleeping or comatose. conscious 3.a. syl con+scious pron <1konS*s> pos adj. def aware of a particular fact or phenomenon. exam 1 I am conscious of your great kindness to me. conscript ety C15: from Latin conscr*_iptus, past participle of conscr*_ibere to write together in a list, enrol, from scr*_ibere to write conscript 1.a. syl con+script pron <1konskript> pos n. def a person who is enrolled for compulsory military service. conscript 1.b. syl con+script pron <1konskript> pos n. usage as modifier exam 1 a conscript army. conscript 2. syl con+script pron pos vb. mod tr. def to enrol (youths, civilians, etc.) for compulsory military service. conscript fathers 0. syl con+script fa+thers pos n. mod pl. qual Literary. def august legislators, esp. Roman senators. conscription 0. syl con+scrip+tion pron pos n. def compulsory military service. consecrate ety C15: from Latin consecr*_are, from com- (intensive)+ sacr*_are to devote, from sacer sacred &- @!con+se+#!cra+tion n. ?- #!con+se+@!cra+tor n. consecrate 1. syl con+se+crate pron <1konsi2krAt> pos vb. mod tr. def to make or declare sacred or holy; sanctify. consecrate 2. syl con+se+crate pron <1konsi2krAt> pos vb. mod tr. def to dedicate (one's life, time, etc.) to a specific purpose. consecrate 3. syl con+se+crate pron <1konsi2krAt> pos vb. mod tr. def to ordain (a bishop). consecrate 4. syl con+se+crate pron <1konsi2krAt> pos vb. mod tr. def to cause to be respected or revered; venerate. exam 1 time has consecrated this custom. consecrate 5. syl con+se+crate pron <1konsi2krAt> pos adj. mod tr. qual Archaic. def consecrated. consecratory sub head consecrate or consecrative syl con+se+cra+to:ry pron <2konsi1krAt*ri> pos adj. consecrative sub head consecrate or consecratory syl con+se+2cra?!+tive pos adj. consecution ety C16: from Latin consec*_uti*_o, from consequ*_i to follow up, pursue consecution 1. syl con+se+cu+tion pron <2konsi1kju:S*n> pos n. def a sequence or succession of events or things. consecution 2. syl con+se+cu+tion pron <2konsi1kju:S*n> pos n. def a logical sequence of deductions; inference. consecutive ety C17: from French cons*'ecutif, from Latin consec*_utus having followed, from consequ*_i to pursue consecutive 1. syl con+sec:u+tive pron pos adj. usage of a narrative, account, etc. def following chronological sequence. consecutive 2. syl con+sec:u+tive pron pos adj. def following one another without interruption; successive. consecutive 3. syl con+sec:u+tive pron pos adj. def characterized by logical sequence. consecutive 4. syl con+sec:u+tive pron pos adj. qual Music. def another word for { {parallel} (sense 3)}. consecutively sub head consecutive syl con+1sec:u+tive+ly pos adv. consecutiveness sub head consecutive syl con+1sec:u+tive+ness pos n. consensual 1. syl con+sen+su:al pron pos adj. usage Law. of a contract, agreement, etc. def existing by consent. consensual 2. syl con+sen+su:al pron pos adj. usage of certain reflex actions of a part of the body def responding to stimulation of another part. consensually sub head consensual syl con+1sen+su+al+ly pos adv. consensus ety C19: from Latin from consent*_ire to feel together, agree; see #7consent #e Usage. Since consensus refers to a collective opinion, the words of opinion in the phrase consensus of opinion are redundant and are therefore avoided in careful usage. consensus 0. syl con+sen+sus pron pos n. def general or widespread agreement (esp. in the phrase {consensus of opinion}) . consent ety C13: from Old French con?!sentir, from Latin consent*_ire to feel together, agree, from sent*_ire to feel consent 1. syl con+sent pron pos vb. def to give assent or permission (to do something); agree; accede. consent 2. syl con+sent pron pos vb. mod intr. qual Obsolete. def to be in accord; agree in opinion, feelings, etc. consent 3. syl con+sent pron pos n. def acquiescence to or acceptance of something done or planned by another; permission. consent 4. syl con+sent pron pos n. def accordance or harmony in opinion; agreement (esp. in the phrase {with one consent}) . age of consent 5. head consent syl age of consent. def the lowest age at which the law recognizes the right of a person, esp. a girl, to consent to sexual intercourse. consenter sub head consent syl con+1sent+er pos n. consentingly sub head consent syl con+1sent+ing+ly pos adv. consentaneous ety C17: from Latin consent*_aneus, from consent*_ire to #7consent consentaneous 1. syl con+sen+ta+ne:ous pron <2konsen1tAni*s> pos adj. qual Rare. usage foll. by to def accordant or consistent (with). consentaneous 2. syl con+sen+ta+ne:ous pron <2konsen1tAni*s> pos adj. qual Rare. def done by general consent. consentaneously sub head consentaneous syl con+sen+1ta+ne:ous+ly pos adv. consentaneity sub head consentaneous or consentaneousness syl con+sen+ta+ne:i:ty pron pos n. consentaneousness sub head consentaneous or consentaneity syl con+sen+1ta+ne:ous+ness pos n. consentient 0. syl con+sen+tient pron pos adj. def being in agreement; united in opinion. consentience sub head consentient syl con+1sen+tience pos n. consenting adult 0. syl con+sent+ing ad+ult pos n. qual Brit. def a male person over the age of twenty-one, who may legally engage in homosexual behaviour in private. consequence 1. syl con+se+quence pron <1konsikw*ns> pos n. def a result or effect of some previous occurrence. consequence 2. syl con+se+quence pron <1konsikw*ns> pos n. def an unpleasant result (esp. in the phrase {take the consequences) }. consequence 3. syl con+se+quence pron <1konsikw*ns> pos n. def an inference reached by reasoning; logical conclusion. consequence 4. syl con+se+quence pron <1konsikw*ns> pos n. qual Logic. def the relationship between an effect and its cause. consequence 5. syl con+se+quence pron <1konsikw*ns> pos n. def significance or importance (esp. in the phrase {man of consequence) }. in consequence 6. head consequence syl in consequence. def as a result. consequences 0. syl con+se+quenc:es pron <1konsikw*nsiz> pos n. mod pl. functioning as; sing. qual Brit. def a game in which each player writes down a part of a story, folds over the paper, and passes it on to another player who continues the story. After several stages, the resulting (non?!sensical) stories are read out. consequent ety C15: from Latin consequ*_ens following closely, from consequ*_i to pursue#e Usage. See at consequential. consequent 1. syl con+se+quent pron <1konsikw*nt> pos adj. def following as an effect or result. consequent 2. syl con+se+quent pron <1konsikw*nt> pos adj. def following as a logical conclusion or by rational argument. consequent 3. syl con+se+quent pron <1konsikw*nt> pos adj. usage of a river def flowing in the direction of the original slope of the land or dip of the strata. consequent 4. syl con+se+quent pron <1konsikw*nt> pos n. def something that follows something else, esp. as a result. consequent 5. syl con+se+quent pron <1konsikw*nt> pos n. qual Logic. def the second or resultant proposition in a conditional, such as in consequent 6. syl con+se+quent pron <1konsikw*nt> pos n. def an obsolete term for { {denominator} (sense 1)}. consequential 1. syl con+se+quen+tial pron <2konsi1kwenS*l> pos adj. def important or signifi?!cant. consequential 2. syl con+se+quen+tial pron <2konsi1kwenS*l> pos adj. def self-important; conceited. consequential 3. syl con+se+quen+tial pron <2konsi1kwenS*l> pos adj. def following as a consequence; resultant, esp. indirectly. exam 1 consequential loss. ?- consequentially sub head consequential syl con+se+1quen+tial+ly consequently 0. syl con+se+quent+ly pron <1konsikw*ntli> pos adv. usage sentence connector. def as a result or effect; therefore; hence. conservancies infl head conservancy syl con+serv+an+cies. pos n. mod pl. conservancy 1. syl con+serv+an+cy pron pos n. usage in Britain def a court or commission with jurisdiction over a river, port, area of countryside, etc. conservancy 2. syl con+serv+an+cy pron pos n. def another word for {conservation} (sense 2). conservation 1. syl con+ser+va+tion pron <2kons*1vAS*n> pos n. def the act or an instance of conserving or keeping from change, loss, injury, etc. conservation 2.a. syl con+ser+va+tion pron <2kons*1vAS*n> pos n. def protection, preservation, and careful management of natural resources and of the environment. conservation 2.b. syl con+ser+va+tion pron <2kons*1vAS*n> pos n. usage as modifier exam 1 a conservation area. conservational sub head conservation syl con+ser+1va+tion+al pos adj. conservationist 0. syl con+ser+va+tion+ist pron <2kons*1vAS*nist> pos n. def a person who advocates or strongly promotes preservation and careful management of natural resources and of the environment. conservation of charge 0. syl con+ser+va+tion of charge pos n. def the principle that the total charge of any isolated system is constant and independent of changes that take place within the system. conservation of energy 0. syl con+ser+va+tion of en+er+gy pos n. def the principle that the total energy of any isolated system is constant and independent of any changes occurring within the system. Compare {conservation of mass and energy}. conservation of mass 0. syl con+ser+va+tion of mass pos n. def the principle that the total mass of any isolated system is constant and is independent of any chemical and physical changes taking place within the system. Compare {conservation of mass and energy}. conservation of mass and energy 0. syl con+ser+va+tion of mass and en+er+gy pos n. def the principle that the sum of the mass and energy in an isolated system is constant. Compare {conservation of mass} and {conservation of energy}. conservation of momentum 0. syl con+ser+va+tion of mo+men+tum pos n. def the principle that the total linear or angular momentum in any isolated system is constant, provided that no external force is applied. conservation of parity 0. syl con+ser+va+tion of par+i:ty pos n. def the principle that the parity of the total wave function describing a system of elementary particles is conserved. In fact it is not conserved in weak interactions. conservatism 1. syl con+serv:a+tism pron pos n. def opposition to change and innovation. conservatism 2. syl con+serv:a+tism pron pos n. def a political philosophy advocating the preservation of the best of the established order in society and opposing radical change. Conservatism 1. syl Con+serv:a+tism pron pos n. usage in Britain, Canada, etc. def the form of conservatism advocated by the Conserva?!tive Party. Conservatism 2. syl Con+serv:a+tism pron pos n. usage in Britain, Canada, etc. def the policies, doctrines, or practices of the Conservative Party. conservative 1. syl con+serv:a+tive pron pos adj. def favouring the preservation of established customs, values, etc., and opposing innovation. conservative 2. syl con+serv:a+tive pron pos adj. def of, characteristic of, or relating to conserva?!tism. conservative 3. syl con+serv:a+tive pron pos adj. def tending to be moderate or cautious. exam 1 a conservative estimate. conservative 4. syl con+serv:a+tive pron pos adj. def conventional in style or type. exam 1 a conservative suit. conservative 5. syl con+serv:a+tive pron pos adj. usage Physics. of a field of force, system, etc. def doing work by moving an object or particle but being independent of the path along which the object or particle is displaced. exam 1 electrostatic fields of force are conservative. conservative 6. syl con+serv:a+tive pron pos n. def a person who is reluctant to change or consider new ideas; conformist. conservative 7. syl con+serv:a+tive pron pos n. def a supporter or advocate of conservatism. conservative 8. syl con+serv:a+tive pron pos adj. n. def a less common word for {preservative. &- con+#!serv@.a+tive+ly} conservativeness sub head conservative syl con+1serv:a+tive+ness pos n. Conservative 1. syl Con+serv:a+tive pron pos adj. usage in Britain, Canada, and elsewhere def of, supporting, or relating to a Conserva?!tive Party. Conservative 2. syl Con+serv:a+tive pron pos adj. usage in Britain, Canada, and elsewhere def of, relating to, or characterizing Conservative Judaism. Conservative 3. syl Con+serv:a+tive pron pos n. usage in Britain, Canada, and elsewhere def a supporter or member of a Conservative Party. Conservative Judaism 0. syl Con+serv:a+tive Ju+da+ism pos n. def a movement opposed to extreme change, favouring certain moderate adaptations or relaxations of Jewish law and tradition. Conservative Party 1. syl Con+serv:a+tive Par+ty pos n. usage in Britain def the major right-wing party, which developed from the Tories in the 1830s. It advocates a mixed economy, encourages property owning, and in this century has been responsible for some important social legislation. Conservative Party 2. syl Con+serv:a+tive Par+ty pos n. usage in Canada def short for {Progressive Conservative Party}. Conservative Party 3. syl Con+serv:a+tive Par+ty pos n. usage in other countries def any of various political parties generally opposing change. conservatoire ety C18: from French: #7conservatory conservatoire 0. syl con+serv:a+toire pron pos n. def an institution or school for instruction in music. Also called: {conservatory}. conservator 0. syl con+ser+va+tor pron <1kons*2vAt*>, pos n. def a person who conserves or keeps safe; custodian, guardian, or protector. conservatorium 0. syl con+serv:a+to+ri:um pron pos n. qual Austral. def the usual term for {conservatoire}. conservatories infl head conservatory syl con+serv:a+tories. pos n. mod pl. conservatory 1. syl con+serv:a+tory pron pos n. def a greenhouse, esp. one attached to a house. conservatory 2. syl con+serv:a+tory pron pos n. def another word for {conserva?!toire}. conservatory 3. syl con+serv:a+tory pron pos adj. def preservative. conserve ety (vb.) C14: from Latin conserv*_are to keep safe, from serv*_are to save, protect; (n.) C14: from Medieval Latin conserva, from Latin conserv*_are conserve 1. syl con+serve pron pos vb. mod tr. def to keep or protect from harm, decay, loss, etc. conserve 2. syl con+serve pron pos vb. mod tr. def to preserve (a foodstuff, esp. fruit) with sugar. conserve 3. syl con+serve pron <1konsR:v>, pos n. mod tr. def a preparation of fruit in sugar, similar to jam but containing whole pieces of fruit. conservable sub head conserve syl con+1serv+a:ble pos adj. conserver sub head conserve syl con+1serv+er pos n. Consett 0. syl Con+sett pron <1konsit> pos n. def a town in N England, in N Durham: iron works. Pop.: 35391 (1971). consider ety C14: from Latin cons*_ider*_are to inspect closely, literally: to observe the stars, from s*_idus star consider 1. syl con+sid+er pron pos vb. mod also; intr. def to think carefully about or ponder on (a problem, decision, etc.); contemplate. consider 2. syl con+sid+er pron pos vb. mod mainly; tr. usage may take a clause as object def to judge, deem, or have as an opinion. exam 1 I consider him a fool. consider 3. syl con+sid+er pron pos vb. mod mainly; tr. def to have regard for; respect. exam 1 consider your mother's feelings. consider 4. syl con+sid+er pron pos vb. mod mainly; tr. def to look at; regard. exam 1 he considered her face. consider 5. syl con+sid+er pron pos vb. mod mainly; tr. usage may take a clause as object def to bear in mind as possible or acceptable. exam 1 when buying a car consider this make. consider 6. syl con+sid+er pron pos vb. mod mainly; tr. def to describe or discuss. exam 1 in this programme we consider the traffic problem. consider 7. syl con+sid+er pron pos vb. mod mainly; tr. usage may take a clause as object def to keep in mind and make allowances (for). exam 1 consider his childhood. considerer sub head consider syl con+1sid+er+er pos n. considerable 1. syl con+sid+er+a:ble pron pos adj. def large enough to reckon with. exam 1 a considerable quantity. considerable 2. syl con+sid+er+a:ble pron pos adj. def a lot of; much. exam 1 he had considerable courage. considerable 3. syl con+sid+er+a:ble pron pos adj. def worthy of respect. exam 1 a considerable man in the scientific world. considerably sub head considerable syl con+1sid+er+a:bly pos adv. considerate 1. syl con+sid+er+ate pron pos adj. def thoughtful towards other people; kind. considerate 2. syl con+sid+er+ate pron pos adj. qual Rare. def carefully thought out; considered. considerately sub head considerate syl con+1sid+er+ate+ly pos adv. considerateness sub head considerate syl con+1sid+er+ate+ness pos n. consideration 1. syl con+sid+er:a+tion pron pos n. def the act or an instance of considering; deliberation; contemplation. take into consideration 2. head consideration syl take into consideration. def to bear in mind; consider. under consideration 3. head consideration syl under consideration. def being currently discussed or deliberated. consideration 4. syl con+sid+er:a+tion pron pos n. def a fact or circumstance to be taken into account when making a judgment or decision. on no consideration 5. head consideration syl on no consideration. def for no reason whatsoever; never. consideration 6. syl con+sid+er:a+tion pron pos n. def thoughtfulness for other people; kindness. consideration 7. syl con+sid+er:a+tion pron pos n. def payment for a service; recompense; fee. consideration 8. syl con+sid+er:a+tion pron pos n. def thought resulting from deliberation; opinion. consideration 9. syl con+sid+er:a+tion pron pos n. qual Law. def the promise, object, etc., given by one party to persuade another to enter into a contract. consideration 10. syl con+sid+er:a+tion pron pos n. def estimation; esteem. consideration 11.a. syl con+sid+er:a+tion pron pos n. def because of. consideration 11.b. syl con+sid+er:a+tion pron pos n. def in return for. considered 1. syl con+sid+ered pron pos adj. def presented or thought out with care. exam 1 a considered opinion. considered 2. syl con+sid+ered pron pos adj. usage qualified by a preceding adverb def esteemed. exam 1 highly considered. considering 1. syl con+sid+er+ing pron pos prep. def in view of. considering 2. syl con+sid+er+ing pron pos adv. qual Informal. def all in all; taking into account the circumstances. exam 1 it's not bad considering. considering 3. syl con+sid+er+ing pron pos conj. usage subordinating def in view of the fact that. consign ety C15: from Old French consigner, from Latin consign*_are to put one's seal to, sign, from signum mark, #7sign consign 1. syl con+sign pron pos vb. mod mainly; tr. def to hand over or give into the care or charge of another; entrust. consign 2. syl con+sign pron pos vb. mod mainly; tr. def to commit irrevo?!cably. exam 1 he consigned the papers to the flames. consign 3. syl con+sign pron pos vb. mod mainly; tr. def to commit for admittance. exam 1 to consign someone to jail. consign 4. syl con+sign pron pos vb. mod mainly; tr. def to address or deliver (goods) for sale, disposal, etc.. exam 1 it was consigned to his London address. consign 5. syl con+sign pron pos vb. mod intr. qual Obsolete. def to assent; agree. consignable sub head consign syl con+1sign+a:ble pos adj. consignation sub head consign syl con+sign:1a+tion pos n. consignee 0. syl con+sign:ee pron <2konsI1nE> pos n. def a person, agent, organization, etc., to which merchandise is consigned. consignment 1. syl con+sign+ment pron pos n. def the act of consigning; commitment. consignment 2. syl con+sign+ment pron pos n. def a shipment of goods consigned. on consignment 3. head consignment syl on consignment. def for payment by the consignee after sale. exam 1 he made the last shipment on consignment. consigner alt head consignor or consignor syl con+sign+er pron pos n. consignor 0. or consigner syl con+sign+or pron , <2konsI1nc:> pos n. def a person, enterprise, etc., that consigns goods. consist ety C16: from Latin consistere to halt, stand firm, from sistere to stand, cause to stand; related to st*_are to #7stand consist 1. syl con+sist pron pos vb. mod intr. usage foll. by of or in def to be composed (of); be formed (of). exam 1 syrup consists of sugar and water. consist 2. syl con+sist pron pos vb. mod intr. usage foll. by in or of def to have its existence (in); lie (in); be expressed (by). exam 1 his religion consists only in going to church. consist 3. syl con+sist pron pos vb. mod intr. def to be compatible or consistent; accord. consistence alt head consistency or consistency syl con+sist+ence pos n. consistencies infl head consistency or consistences syl con+sist+en+cies pos n. mod pl. consistences infl head consistency or consistencies syl con+sist+enc:es. pos n. mod pl. consistency 1. or consistence syl con+sist+en+cy pron pos n. def agreement or accordance with facts, form, or characteristics previously shown or stated. consistency 2. or consistence syl con+sist+en+cy pron pos n. def agreement or harmony between parts of something complex; compatibil?!ity. consistency 3. or consistence syl con+sist+en+cy pron pos n. def degree of viscosity or firmness. consistency 4. or consistence syl con+sist+en+cy pron pos n. def the state or quality of holding or sticking together and retaining shape. consistent 1. syl con+sist+ent pron pos adj. def showing consistency; not self-contradictory. consistent 2. syl con+sist+ent pron pos adj. def in agreement or harmony; accordant. consistent 3. syl con+sist+ent pron pos adj. usage Maths. of two or more equations def satisfied by at least one common set of values of the variables. exam 1 x+y=4 and x - y=2 are consistent. consistent 4. syl con+sist+ent pron pos adj. usage Logic. of a logical system def constituted so that the propositions deduced from different axioms of the system do not contradict each other. Compare { {complete} (sense 5)}. consistent 5. syl con+sist+ent pron pos adj. qual Obsolete. def stuck together; cohering. consistently sub head consistent syl con+1sist+ent+ly pos adv. consistory ety C14: from Old French consistorie, from Medieval Latin consist*_orium ecclesiastical tribunal, ultimately from Latin consistere to stand still consistories infl head consistory syl con+sis+to:ries. pos n. mod pl. consistory 1.a. syl con+sis+to:ry pron pos n. def the court of a diocese (other than Canterbury) administering ecclesiastical law. consistory 1.b. syl con+sis+to:ry pron pos n. def the area in a church where the consistory meets. consistory 2. syl con+sis+to:ry pron pos n. qual R.C. Church. def an assembly of the cardinals and the pope. consistory 3. syl con+sis+to:ry pron pos n. usage in certain Reformed Churches def the governing body of a local congregation or church. consistory 4. syl con+sis+to:ry pron pos n. qual Archaic. def a council or assembly. consistorial sub head consistory or consistorian syl con+sis+to+ri:al pron <2konsi?!1stc:ri*l> pos adj. consistorian sub head consistory or consistorial syl con+sis+1to+ri:an pos adj. consociate ety C16: from Latin consoci*_are, from socius partner consociate 1. syl con+so+ci+ate pron pos vb. def to enter into or bring into friendly association. consociate 2. syl con+so+ci+ate pron , <-2At> pos adj. def associated or united. consociate 3. syl con+so+ci+ate pron , <-2At> pos n. def an associate or partner. consociation sub head consociate syl con+2so+ci:1a+tion pos n. consocies ety C20: from #7consociate+species consocies infl syl con+so+cies. pos n. mod pl. consocies 0. syl con+so+cies pron pos n. qual Ecology. def a natural community with a single dominant species. consolation 1. syl con+so+la+tion pron <2kons*1lAS*n> pos n. def the act of consoling or state of being consoled; solace. consolation 2. syl con+so+la+tion pron <2kons*1lAS*n> pos n. def a person or thing that is a source of comfort in a time of suffering, grief, disappointment, etc. consolatory sub head consolation syl con+sol:a+to:ry pron , <-tri> pos adj. consolation prize 0. syl con+so+la+tion prize pos n. def a prize given to console a loser of a game. console ety C17: from Latin cons*_ol*_ar*_i, from s*_ol*_ar*_i to comfort; see #7solace console H1.0. syl con+sole pron pos vb. def to serve as a source of comfort to (someone) in disappointment, loss, sadness, etc. consolable sub head console syl con+1sol+a:ble pos adj. consoler sub head console syl con+1sol+er pos n. consolingly sub head console syl con+1sol+ing+ly pos adv. console ety C18: from French, short?!ened from Old French consolateur one that provides support, hence, supporting bracket, from Latin cons*_ol*_ator a comforter; see #7console %1 console H2.1. syl con+sole pron <1kons*ul> pos n. def an ornamental bracket, esp. one used to support a wall fixture, bust, etc. console H2.2. syl con+sole pron <1kons*ul> pos n. def the part of an organ comprising the manuals, pedals, stops, etc. console H2.3. syl con+sole pron <1kons*ul> pos n. def a desk or table on which the controls of an electronic system are mounted. console H2.4. syl con+sole pron <1kons*ul> pos n. def a cabinet for a television, gramophone, etc., designed to stand on the floor. console H2.5. syl con+sole pron <1kons*ul> pos n. def See {console table}. console table 0. syl con+sole ta+ble pron <1kons*ul> pos n. def a table with one or more curved legs of bracket-like construction, designed to stand against a wall. consolidate ety C16: from Latin consolidare to make firm, from solidus strong, #7solid &- con+#!sol@.i+@!da+tor n. consolidate 1. syl con+sol:i+date pron pos vb. def to form or cause to form into a solid mass or whole; unite or be united. consolidate 2. syl con+sol:i+date pron pos vb. def to make or become stronger or more stable. consolidate 3. syl con+sol:i+date pron pos vb. qual Military. def to strengthen or improve one's control over (a situation, force, newly captured area, etc.). consolidated fund 0. syl con+sol:i+dat+ed fund pos n. qual Brit. def a fund into which tax revenue is paid in order to meet standing charges, esp. interest payments on the national debt. consolidation 1. syl con+sol:i+da+tion pron pos n. def the act of consolidat?!ing or state of being consolidated. consolidation 2. syl con+sol:i+da+tion pron pos n. def something that is consolidated or integrated. consolidation 3.a. syl con+sol:i+da+tion pron pos n. def the combining of two or more actions at law. consolidation 3.b. syl con+sol:i+da+tion pron pos n. def the combination of a number of Acts of Parliament into one codifying statute. consolidation 4. syl con+sol:i+da+tion pron pos n. qual Geology. def the process, including compression and cementation, by which a loose deposit is transformed into a hard rock. &- {con+#!sol@.i+@!da+tive} consols ety short for consolidated stock consols 0. syl con+sols pron <1konsolz>, pos n. mod pl. def irredeemable British government securities carrying annual interest of two and a half per cent. Also called: {bank annuities}. consolute ety C20: from Late Latin consol*_utus, from Latin con- together+ solvere to dissolve consolute 1. syl con+so+lute pron <1kons*2lu:t> pos adj. usage of two or more liquids def mutually soluble in all proportions. consolute 2. syl con+so+lute pron <1kons*2lu:t> pos adj. usage of a substance def soluble in each of two conjugate liquids. consolute 3. syl con+so+lute pron <1kons*2lu:t> pos adj. def of or concerned with the particular state in which two partially miscible liquids become totally miscible. consomm'e ety C19: from French, from consommer to finish, use up, from Latin consumm*_are; so called because all the goodness of the meat goes into the liquid consomm'e 0. syl con+som+m*'e pron , <1konso2mA>, French pos n. def a clear soup made from meat or chicken stock. consonancy alt head consonance or consonance syl con+so+nan+cy pos n. consonances infl head consonance or consonancies syl con+so+nanc:es pos n. mod pl. consonancies infl head consonance or consonances syl con+so+nan+cies. pos n. mod pl. consonance 1. or consonancy syl con+so+nance pron <1kons*n*ns> pos n. def agreement, harmony, or accord. consonance 2. or consonancy syl con+so+nance pron <1kons*n*ns> pos n. qual Prosody. def similarity between consonants, but not between vowels, as between the and sounds in Compare { {assonance} (sense 1)}. consonance 3.a. or consonancy syl con+so+nance pron <1kons*n*ns> pos n. def an aesthetically pleasing sensation or perception associated with the interval of the octave, the perfect fourth and fifth, the major and minor third and sixth, and chords based on these intervals. Compare { {dissonance} (sense 3)}. consonance 3.b. or consonancy syl con+so+nance pron <1kons*n*ns> pos n. def an interval or chord producing this sensation. consonant ety C14: from Latin conson*_ans, from conson*_are to sound at the same time, be in harmony, from son*_are to sound &- #!con+so+nant+ly adv. consonant 1. syl con+so+nant pron <1kons*n*nt> pos n. def a speech sound or letter of the alphabet other than a vowel; a stop, fricative, or continuant. {~} consonant 2. syl con+so+nant pron <1kons*n*nt> pos n. usage postpositive; foll. by with or to def consistent; in agreement. consonant 3. syl con+so+nant pron <1kons*n*nt> pos n. def harmonious in tone or sound. consonant 4. syl con+so+nant pron <1kons*n*nt> pos n. qual Music. def characterized by the presence of a consonance. consonant 5. syl con+so+nant pron <1kons*n*nt> pos n. def being or relating to a consonant. consonantal 1. syl con+so+nan+tal pron <2kons*1n@ntL> pos adj. def relating to, functioning as, or constituting a consonant, such as the semivowel in English consonantal 2. syl con+so+nan+tal pron <2kons*1n@ntL> pos adj. def consisting of or characterized by consonants. exam 1 a consonantal cluster. consort ety C15: from Old French, from Latin consors sharer, partner, from sors lot, fate, portion &- con+#!sort+a@.ble adj. &- con+#!sort+er n. consort 1. syl con+sort pron pos vb. mod intr. usage usually foll. by with def to keep company (with undesirable people); associate. consort 2. syl con+sort pron pos vb. mod intr. def to agree or harmonize. consort 3. syl con+sort pron pos vb. mod tr. qual Rare. def to combine or unite. {~} (#!k$Ans@$$:t). consort 4.a. syl con+sort pron pos vb. def a small group of instruments, either of the same type, such as viols, (a {whole consort}) or of different types (a {broken consort}) . consort 4.b. syl con+sort pron pos vb. usage as modifier exam 1 consort music. consort 5. syl con+sort pron pos vb. def the husband or wife of a reigning monarch. consort 6. syl con+sort pron pos vb. def a partner or companion, esp. a husband or wife. consort 7. syl con+sort pron pos vb. def a ship that escorts another. consort 8.a. syl con+sort pron pos vb. def companionship or association. consort 8.b. syl con+sort pron pos vb. def agreement or accord. consortium ety C19: from Latin: community of goods, partnership; see #7consort &- con+#!sor+ti@.al adj. consortia infl head consortium syl con+sor+ti:a pron <-ti*> pos n. mod pl. consortium 1. syl con+sor+ti:um pron pos n. def an association of financiers, companies, etc., esp. one formed for a particular purpose. consortium 2. syl con+sor+ti:um pron pos n. qual Law. def the right of husband or wife to the company, assistance, and affection of the other. conspecific 0. syl con+spe+cif+ic pron <2konspi1sifik> pos adj. usage of animals or plants def belonging to the same species. conspectus ety C19: from Latin: a viewing, from con?!spicere to observe, from specere to look conspectus 1. syl con+spec+tus pron pos n. def an overall view; survey. conspectus 2. syl con+spec+tus pron pos n. def a summary; resum*'e. conspicuous ety C16: from Latin conspicu?!us, from conspicere to perceive; see #7conspectus &- con+#!spic@.u+ous+ly adv. &- con+#!spic@.u+ous+ness n. conspicuous 1. syl con+spic:u+ous pron pos adj. def clearly visible; obvious or showy. conspicuous 2. syl con+spic:u+ous pron pos adj. def attracting attention because of a striking quality or feature. exam 1 conspicuous stupidity. conspiracies infl head conspiracy syl con+spir:a+cies. pos n. mod pl. conspiracy 1. syl con+spir:a+cy pron pos n. def a secret plan or agreement to carry out an illegal or harmful act, esp. with political motivation; plot. conspiracy 2. syl con+spir:a+cy pron pos n. def the act of making such plans in secret. &- {con+#!spir@.a+tor} &- {con+spir@.a+to+ri@.al} (k$$n@!sp$Ir$$?!#!t@$$:r$I$$l) {con+#!spir@.a+to@.ry} &- {con+@!spir@.a+#!to+ri+al+ly} conspire ety C14: from Old French conspirer, from Latin consp*_ir*_are to plot together, literally: to breathe together, from sp*_ir*_are to breathe &- con+#!spir+er n. &- con+#!spir+ing+ly adv. conspire 1. syl con+spire pron pos vb. mod when; intr. usage sometimes foll. by against def to plan or agree on (a crime or harmful act) together in secret. conspire 2. syl con+spire pron pos vb. mod intr. usage sometimes foll. by against def to act together towards some end as if by design. exam 1 the elements conspired to spoil our picnic. con spirito ety Italian: with spirit con spirito 0. syl con spi+ri+to pron <1spirit*u> pos adj. adv. qual Music. def in a spirited or lively manner (also in the phrases {allegro con spirito, presto con spirito}) . const 0. syl const. qual abbrev. for def constitution. constable ety C13: from Old French, from Late Latin comes stabul*_i officer in charge of the stable, from Latin comes comrade+ stabulum dwelling, stable; see also {#7count %2} &- #!con+sta+ble+@!ship n. constable 1. syl con+sta+ble pron <1k^nst*bL>, <1kon-> pos n. usage in Britain, Australia, Canada, etc. def a police officer of the lowest rank. constable 2. syl con+sta+ble pron <1k^nst*bL>, <1kon-> pos n. def any of various officers of the peace, esp. one who arrests offenders, serves writs, etc. constable 3. syl con+sta+ble pron <1k^nst*bL>, <1kon-> pos n. def the keeper or governor of a royal castle or fortress. constable 4. syl con+sta+ble pron <1k^nst*bL>, <1kon-> pos n. usage in medieval Europe def the chief military officer and functionary of a royal household, esp. in France and England. constable 5. syl con+sta+ble pron <1k^nst*bL>, <1kon-> pos n. def an officer of a hundred in medieval England, originally responsible for raising the military levy but later assigned other administrative duties. John infl head Constable syl John. pos n. Constable 0. syl Con:sta:ble pron <1k^nst*bL> pos n. def 1776-1837, English landscape painter, noted particularly for his skill in rendering atmospheric effects of changing light. infl head constabulary syl ~ pos n. qual Chiefly Brit. constabularies infl head constabulary syl con+stab:u+lar:ies. pos n. mod pl. constabulary 1. syl con+stab:u+lar:y pron pos n. def the police force of a town or district. {~} constabulary 2. syl con+stab:u+lar:y pron pos n. def of or relating to constables, constabularies, or their duties. Constance 1. syl Con+stance pron <1konst*ns> pos n. def a city in S West Germany, in Baden-W*"urttemberg at the outlet of the Rhine from Lake Constance: tourist centre. Pop.: 61600 (1970). German name: {Konstanz}. Lake 2. head Constance syl Lake. def a lake in W Europe, bounded by West Germany, W Austria, and N Switzerland, through which the Rhine flows. Area: 536 sq. km. (207 sq. miles). German name: {Bodensee}. constancy 1. syl con+stan+cy pron <1konst*nsi> pos n. def the quality of having a resolute mind, purpose, or affection; steadfastness. constancy 2. syl con+stan+cy pron <1konst*nsi> pos n. def freedom from change or variation; stability. constancy 3. syl con+stan+cy pron <1konst*nsi> pos n. qual Psychol. def the perceptual phenomenon in which attributes of an object appear to remain the same in a variety of different presentations. constant ety C14: from Old French, from Latin const*_ans standing firm, from const*_are to be steadfast, from st*_are to stand &- #!con+stant+ly adv. constant 1. syl con+stant pron <1konst*nt> pos adj. def fixed and invariable; un?!changing. constant 2. syl con+stant pron <1konst*nt> pos adj. def continual or continuous; incessant. exam 1 constant interruptions. constant 3. syl con+stant pron <1konst*nt> pos adj. def resolute in mind, purpose, or affection; loyal. {~} constant 4. syl con+stant pron <1konst*nt> pos adj. def something that is permanent or unchanging. constant 5. syl con+stant pron <1konst*nt> pos adj. def a specific quantity that is always invariable. exam 1 the velocity of light is a constant. constant 6.a. syl con+stant pron <1konst*nt> pos adj. qual Maths. def a symbol representing an unspecified number that remains invariable throughout a particular series of operations. constant 6.b. syl con+stant pron <1konst*nt> pos adj. qual Physics. def a theoretical or experimental quantity or property that is considered invariable throughout a particular series of calculations or experiments. Benjamin infl head Constant syl Ben:ja:min pron pos n. Constant 0. syl Con:stant pron French pos n. def original name 1767-1830, French writer and politician: author of the psychological novel (1816). Constanta 0. syl Con+stan+*,ta pron Rumanian pos n. def a port and resort in SE Rumania, on the Black Sea: founded by the Greeks in the 6th century #7b.c. and rebuilt by Constantine the Great (4th century); exports petroleum. Pop.: 193720 (1974 est.). constantan ety C20: formed from #7constant constantan 0. syl con+stant+an pron <1konst*n2t@n> pos n. def an alloy of copper (60 per cent) and nickel (40 per cent) used as an electrical resistance since it has a high volume resistivity and a low coefficient of expansion. Constantine 0. syl Con+stan+tine pron <1konst*n2tIn>, French pos n. def a walled city in NE Algeria: built on an isolated rock; military and trading centre. Pop.: 243558 (1966). Constantine I 1. syl Con:stan:tine I pron <1konst*n2tIn>, <-2tEn> pos n. def called Latin name ??280-337 #7a.d., first Christian Roman emperor (306-337): moved his capital to Byzantium, which he renamed Constantinople (330). Constantine I 2. syl Con:stan:tine I pron <1konst*n2tIn>, <-2tEn> pos n. def 1868-1923, king of Greece (1913-17; 1920-22): deposed (1917), recalled by a plebiscite (1920), but forced to abdicate again (1922) after defeat by the Turks. Constantine II 0. syl Con:stan:tine II pos n. def official title born 1940, king of Greece (1964-67): went into exile when the army seized power in 1967. Constantine XI 0. syl Con:stan:tine XI pos n. def 1404-53, last Byzantine emperor (1448-53): killed when Constantinople was captured by the Turks. Constantinople 0. syl Con+stan+ti+no+ple pron <2konst@nti1n*upL> pos n. def the former name (330-1930) of {Istanbul}. constatation ety C20: from French, from constater to verify, from Latin constat it is certain; see #7constant constatation 1. syl con+sta+ta+tion pron <2konst*1tAS*n> pos n. def the process of verifica?!tion. constatation 2. syl con+sta+ta+tion pron <2konst*1tAS*n> pos n. def a statement or assertion. constellate 0. syl con+stel+late pron <1konsti2lAt> pos vb. def to form into clusters in or as if in constellations. constellation ety C14: from Late Latin constell*_ati*_o, from Latin com- together+ stella star constellation 1.a. syl con+stel+la+tion pron <2konsti1lAS*n> pos n. def any of the 88 groups of stars as seen from the earth and the solar system, many of which were named by the ancient Greeks after animals, objects, or mythological persons. constellation 1.b. syl con+stel+la+tion pron <2konsti1lAS*n> pos n. def an area on the celestial sphere containing such a group. constellation 2. syl con+stel+la+tion pron <2konsti1lAS*n> pos n. def a gathering of brilliant or famous people or things. constellation 3. syl con+stel+la+tion pron <2konsti1lAS*n> pos n. qual Psychoanal. def a group of ideas felt to be related. constellational sub head constellation syl con+stel+1la+tion+al pos adj. constellatory sub head constellation syl con+stel+la+to:ry pron , <-tri> pos adj. consternate ety C17: from Latin constern*_are, from sternere to lay low, spread out consternate 0. syl con+ster+nate pron <1konst*2nAt> pos vb. mod tr. usage usually passive def to fill with anxiety, dismay, dread, or confusion. consternation 0. syl con+ster+na+tion pron <2konst*1nAS*n> pos n. def a feeling of anxiety, dismay, dread, or confusion. constipate ety C16: from Latin const*_ip*_are to press closely together, from st*_ip*_are to crowd together constipate 0. syl con+sti+pate pron <1konsti2pAt> pos vb. mod tr. def to cause constipation in. constipated sub head constipate syl con+sti+2pat+ed pos adj. constipation 0. syl con+sti+pa+tion pron <2konsti1pAS*n> pos n. def infrequent or difficult evacuation of the bowels, with hard faeces, caused by functional or organic disorders or improper diet. constituencies infl head constituency syl con+stit:u+en+cies. pos n. mod pl. constituency 1. syl con+stit:u+en+cy pron pos n. def the whole body of voters who elect one representative to a legislature or all the residents represented by one deputy. constituency 2.a. syl con+stit:u+en+cy pron pos n. def a district that sends one representative to a legislature. constituency 2.b. syl con+stit:u+en+cy pron pos n. usage as modifier exam 1 constituency organization. constituent ety C17: from Latin constitu*_ens setting up, from constituere to establish, #7constitute constituent 1. syl con+stit:u+ent pron pos adj. usage prenominal def forming part of a whole; component. constituent 2. syl con+stit:u+ent pron pos adj. usage prenominal def having the power to frame a constitution or to constitute a government (esp. in the phrases {constituent assembly, constituent power) }. constituent 3. syl con+stit:u+ent pron pos adj. qual Becoming rare. usage prenominal def electing or having the power to elect. constituent 4. syl con+stit:u+ent pron pos n. usage prenominal def a component part; ingredient. constituent 5. syl con+stit:u+ent pron pos n. usage prenominal def a resident of a constituency, esp. one entitled to vote. constituent 6. syl con+stit:u+ent pron pos n. qual Chiefly law. usage prenominal def a person who appoints another to act for him, as by power of attorney. constituent 7. syl con+stit:u+ent pron pos n. qual Linguistics. usage prenominal def a word, phrase, or clause forming a part of a larger construction. Compare {immediate constituent, ultimate constituent}. constituently sub head constituent syl con+1stit:u+ent+ly pos adv. constitute ety C15: from Latin constituere, from com- (intensive)+ statuere to place constitute 1. syl con+sti+tute pron <1konsti2tju:t> pos vb. mod tr. def to make up; form; compose. exam 1 the people who constitute a jury. constitute 2. syl con+sti+tute pron <1konsti2tju:t> pos vb. mod tr. def to appoint to an office or function. exam 1 a legally constituted officer. constitute 3. syl con+sti+tute pron <1konsti2tju:t> pos vb. mod tr. def to set up (a school or other institution) formally; found. constitute 4. syl con+sti+tute pron <1konsti2tju:t> pos vb. mod tr. qual Law. def to give legal form to (a court, assembly, etc.). constitute 5. syl con+sti+tute pron <1konsti2tju:t> pos vb. mod tr. qual Law, obsolete. def to set up or enact (a law, etc.). constituter sub head constitute or constitutor syl con+sti+2tut+er pos n. constitutor sub head constitute or constituter syl con+sti+2tu+tor pos n. constitution 1. syl con+sti+tu+tion pron <2konsti1tju:S*n> pos n. def the act of constituting or state of being constituted. constitution 2. syl con+sti+tu+tion pron <2konsti1tju:S*n> pos n. def the way in which a thing is composed; physical make-up; structure. constitution 3. syl con+sti+tu+tion pron <2konsti1tju:S*n> pos n. def the fundamental political principles on which a state is governed, esp. when considered as embodying the rights of the subjects of that state. constitution 4. syl con+sti+tu+tion pron <2konsti1tju:S*n> pos n. usage often cap.; in certain countries, esp. the U.S. def a statute embodying such principles. constitution 5. syl con+sti+tu+tion pron <2konsti1tju:S*n> pos n. def a person's state of health. constitution 6. syl con+sti+tu+tion pron <2konsti1tju:S*n> pos n. def a person's disposition of mind; temperament. constitutional 1. syl con+sti+tu+tion+al pron <2konsti1tju:S*nL> pos adj. def denoting, char?!acteristic of, or relating to a constitution. constitutional 2. syl con+sti+tu+tion+al pron <2konsti1tju:S*nL> pos adj. def authorized by or subject to a constitution. constitutional 3. syl con+sti+tu+tion+al pron <2konsti1tju:S*nL> pos adj. def of or inherent in the physical make-up or basic nature of a person or thing. exam 1 a constitutional weakness. constitutional 4. syl con+sti+tu+tion+al pron <2konsti1tju:S*nL> pos adj. def beneficial to one's general physical well-being. constitutional 5. syl con+sti+tu+tion+al pron <2konsti1tju:S*nL> pos n. def a regular walk taken for the benefit of one's health. constitutionally sub head constitutional syl con+sti+1tu+tion+al+ly pos adv. constitutionalism 1. syl con+sti+tu+tion+al+ism pron <2konsti1tju:S*n*2liz*m> pos n. def the principles, spirit, or system of government in accord with a constitution, esp. a written constitution. constitutionalism 2. syl con+sti+tu+tion+al+ism pron <2konsti1tju:S*n*2liz*m> pos n. def adherence to or advocacy of such a system or such principles. constitutionalist sub head constitutionalism syl con+sti+1tu+tion+al+ist pos n. constitutionality 0. syl con+sti+tu+tion+al+i:ty pron <2konsti2tju:S*1n@liti> pos n. def the quality or state of being in accord with a constitution. constitutional monarchy 0. syl con+sti+tu+tion+al mon+ar+chy pos n. def a monarchy governed according to a constitution that limits and defines the powers of the sovereign. Also called: {limited monarchy}. constitutional psychology 0. syl con+sti+tu+tion+al psy+chol+o:gy pos n. def a school of thought postulating that the personality of an individual is dependent on the type of his physique (somatotype). constitutive 1. syl con+sti+tu+tive pron <1konsti2tju:tiv> pos adj. def having power to enact, appoint, or establish. constitutive 2. syl con+sti+tu+tive pron <1konsti2tju:tiv> pos adj. usage Chem. of a physical property def determined by the arrangement of atoms in a molecule rather than by their nature. constitutive 3. syl con+sti+tu+tive pron <1konsti2tju:tiv> pos adj. def another word for { {constituent} (sense 1)}. constitutively sub head constitutive syl con+sti+2tu+tive+ly pos adv. constr 0. syl constr. qual abbrev. for def construction. constrain ety C14: from Old French constreindre, from Latin constringere to bind together, from stringere to bind constrain 1. syl con+strain pron pos vb. mod tr. def to compel or force, esp. by persuasion, circumstances, etc.; oblige. constrain 2. syl con+strain pron pos vb. mod tr. def to restrain by or as if by force; confine. constrainer sub head constrain syl con+1strain+er pos n. constrained 0. syl con+strained pron pos adj. def embarrassed, unnatural, or forced. exam 1 a constrained smile. constrainedly sub head constrained syl con+strain+ed+ly pron pos adv. constraint 1. syl con+straint pron pos n. def compulsion, force, or re?!straint. constraint 2. syl con+straint pron pos n. def repression or control of natural feelings or im?!pulses. constraint 3. syl con+straint pron pos n. def a forced unnatural manner; inhibition. constraint 4. syl con+straint pron pos n. def something that serves to constrain; restrictive condition. exam 1 social constraints kept him silent. constrict ety C18: from Latin constrictus compressed, from con?!stringere to tie up together; see #7constrain constrict 1. syl con+strict pron pos vb. mod tr. def to make smaller or narrower, esp. by contracting at one place. constrict 2. syl con+strict pron pos vb. mod tr. def to hold in or inhibit; limit. constriction 1. syl con+stric+tion pron pos n. def a feeling of tightness in some part of the body, such as the chest. constriction 2. syl con+stric+tion pron pos n. def the act of constricting or condition of being constricted. constriction 3. syl con+stric+tion pron pos n. def something that is constricted. &- {con+#!stric+tive} {con+#!stric+tive+ly} constrictiveness sub head constriction syl con+1stric+tive+ness pos n. constrictor 1. syl con+stric+tor pron pos n. def any of various very large nonvenomous snakes, such as the pythons, boas, and anaconda, that coil around and squeeze their prey to kill it. constrictor 2. syl con+stric+tor pron pos n. def any muscle that constricts or narrows a canal or passage; sphincter. constrictor 3. syl con+stric+tor pron pos n. def a person or thing that constricts. constringe ety C17: from Latin constringere to bind together; see #7constrain constringe 0. syl con+stringe pron pos vb. mod tr. qual Rare. def to shrink or contract. constringency sub head constringe syl con+1strin+gen+cy pos n. constringent sub head constringe syl con+1strin+gent pos adj. construct ety C17: from Latin constructus piled up, from construere to heap together, build, from struere to arrange, erect construct 1. syl con+struct pron pos vb. mod tr. def to put together substances or parts, esp. systematically, in order to make or build (a building, bridge, etc.); assemble. construct 2. syl con+struct pron pos vb. mod tr. def to compose or frame mentally (an argument, sentence, etc.). construct 3. syl con+struct pron pos vb. mod tr. qual Geom. def to draw (a line, angle, or figure) so that certain requirements are satisfied. construct 4. syl con+struct pron <1konstr^kt> pos n. mod tr. def something formulated or built systematically. construct 5. syl con+struct pron <1konstr^kt> pos n. mod tr. def a complex idea resulting from a synthesis of simpler ideas. construct 6. syl con+struct pron <1konstr^kt> pos n. mod tr. qual Psychol. def a model devised on the basis of observation, designed to relate what is observed to some theoretical framework. constructible sub head construct syl con+1struct+i:ble pos adj. constructor sub head construct or constructer syl con+1struc+tor pos n. constructer sub head construct or constructor syl con?!+1struct+er pos n. construction 1. syl con+struc+tion pron pos n. def the process or act of constructing or manner in which a thing is constructed. construction 2. syl con+struc+tion pron pos n. def the thing constructed; a structure. construction 3.a. syl con+struc+tion pron pos n. def the business or work of building dwellings, offices, etc. construction 3.b. syl con+struc+tion pron pos n. usage as modifier exam 1 a construction site. construction 4. syl con+struc+tion pron pos n. def an interpretation or explanation of a law, text, action, etc.. exam 1 they put a sympathetic construction on her behaviour. construction 5. syl con+struc+tion pron pos n. qual Grammar. def a group of words that together make up one of the constituents into which a sentence may be analysed; a phrase or clause. construction 6. syl con+struc+tion pron pos n. qual Geom. def a drawing of a line, angle, or figure satisfy?!ing certain conditions, used in solving a problem or proving a theorem. construction 7. syl con+struc+tion pron pos n. def an abstract work of art in three dimensions or relief. See also {constructivism}. constructional sub head construction syl con+1struc+tion+al pos adj. constructionally sub head construction syl con+1struc+tion+al+ly pos adv. constructionist 0. syl con+struc+tion+ist pron pos n. qual U.S. def a person who interprets constitutional law in a certain way, esp. strictly. constructive 1. syl con+struc+tive pron pos adj. def serving to build or improve; positive. exam 1 constructive criticism. constructive 2. syl con+struc+tive pron pos adj. qual Law. def deduced by inference or construction; not expressed but inferred. constructive 3. syl con+struc+tive pron pos adj. qual Law. def having an implied legal effect. exam 1 constructive notice. constructive 4. syl con+struc+tive pron pos adj. def another word for {structural}. constructively sub head constructive syl con+1struc+tive+ly pos adv. constructiveness sub head constructive syl con+1struc+tive+ness pos n. constructivism 0. syl con+struc+tiv+ism pron pos n. def a movement in abstract art evolved in Russia after World War I, primarily by Naum Gabo, which explored the use of movement and machine-age materials in sculpture and had considerable influence on modern art and architecture. constructivist sub head constructivism syl con+1struc+tiv+ist pos adj. n. construe ety C14: from Latin construere to pile up; see #7construct construes infl head construe syl con+strues pos vb. mod mainly; tr. construing infl head construe syl con+stru+ing pos vb. mod mainly; tr. construed infl head construe syl con+strued. pos vb. mod mainly; tr. construe 1. syl con+strue pron pos vb. mod mainly; tr. def to interpret the meaning of (something). exam 1 you can construe that in different ways. construe 2. syl con+strue pron pos vb. mod mainly; tr. usage may take a clause as object def to discover by inference; deduce. construe 3. syl con+strue pron pos vb. mod mainly; tr. def to analyse the grammatical structure of; parse (esp. a Latin or Greek text as a preliminary to translation). construe 4. syl con+strue pron pos vb. mod mainly; tr. def to combine words syntactically. construe 5. syl con+strue pron pos vb. mod also; intr. qual Old-fashioned. def to translate literally, esp. aloud as an academic excercise. {~} construe 6. syl con+strue pron pos vb. mod mainly; tr. qual Old-fashioned. def something that is construed, such as a piece of translation. construable sub head construe syl con+1stru+a:ble pos adj. construability sub head construe syl con+2stru+a:1bil+i:ty pos n. construer sub head construe syl con+1stru+er pos n. consubstantial 0. syl con+sub+stan+tial pron <2kons*b1st@nS*l> pos adj. usage Christian theol. esp. of the three persons of the Trinity def regarded as identical in substance or essence though different in aspect. consubstantiality sub head consubstantial syl con+sub+2stan+ti+1al+i:ty pos n. consubstantially sub head consubstantial syl con+sub+1stan+tial+ly pos adv. consubstantiate 0. syl con+sub+stan+ti+ate pron <2kons*b1st@nSi2At> pos vb. mod intr. usage Christian theol. of the Eucharistic bread and wine and Christ's body and blood def to undergo consubstantiation. consubstantiation 1. syl con+sub+stan+ti:a+tion pron <2kons*b2st@nSi1AS*n> pos n. usage Christian theol. in the belief of High-Church Anglicans def the doctrine that after the consecration of the Eucharist the substance of the body and blood of Christ coexists within the substance of the consecrated bread and wine. consubstantiation 2. syl con+sub+stan+ti:a+tion pron <2kons*b2st@nSi1AS*n> pos n. usage Christian theol. in the belief of High-Church Anglicans def the mystical process by which this is believed to take place during consecration. {~} Compare {transubstantiation}. consuetude ety C14: from Latin consu*_et*_ud*_o, from consu*_escere to accustom, from #7con -#7+ su*_escere to be wont consuetude 0. syl con+sue:tude pron <1konswi2tju:d> pos n. def an established custom or usage, esp. one having legal force. consuetudinary sub head consuetude syl con+sue:1tu+di+nar:y pos adj. consul ety C14: from Latin, from consulere to #7consult consul 1. syl con+sul pron <1konsL> pos n. def an official appointed by a sovereign state to protect its commercial interests and aid its citizens in a foreign city. consul 2. syl con+sul pron <1konsL> pos n. usage in ancient Rome def either of two annually elected magistrates who jointly exercised the highest authority in the republic. consul 3. syl con+sul pron <1konsL> pos n. usage in France from 1799 to 1804 def any of the three chief magistrates of the First Republic. consular sub head consul syl con+su+lar pron <1konsjul*> pos adj. consulship sub head consul syl con+sul+2ship pos n. consular agent 0. syl con+su+lar a:gent pos n. def a consul of one of the lower grades. consulate 1. syl con+su+late pron <1konsjulit> pos n. def the business premises or residence of a consul. consulate 2. syl con+su+late pron <1konsjulit> pos n. def government by consuls. consulate 3. syl con+su+late pron <1konsjulit> pos n. def the office or period of office of a consul or consuls. consulate 4.a. syl con+su+late pron <1konsjulit> pos n. def the government of France by the three consuls from 1799 to 1804. consulate 4.b. syl con+su+late pron <1konsjulit> pos n. def this period of French history. consulate 5.a. syl con+su+late pron <1konsjulit> pos n. def the consular government of the Roman republic. consulate 5.b. syl con+su+late pron <1konsjulit> pos n. def the office or rank of a Roman consul. consuls general infl head consul general syl con+suls gen+er+al. pos n. mod pl. consul general 0. syl con+sul gen+er+al pos n. def a consul of the highest grade, usually stationed in a city of considerable commercial importance. consult ety C17: from French consulter, from Latin consult*_are to reflect, take counsel, from consulere to consult consult 1. syl con+sult pron pos vb. mod when; intr. usage often foll. by with def to ask advice from (someone); confer with (someone). consult 2. syl con+sult pron pos vb. mod tr. def to refer to for information. exam 1 to consult a map. consult 3. syl con+sult pron pos vb. mod tr. def to have regard for (a person's feelings, interests, etc.) in making decisions or plans; consider. consult 4. syl con+sult pron pos vb. mod intr. def to make oneself available to give professional advice, esp. at scheduled times and for a fee. consultable sub head consult syl con+1sult+a:ble pos adj. consulter sub head consult or consultor syl con+1sult+er pos n. consultor sub head consult or consulter syl con1+sul+tor pos n. consultant 1.a. syl con+sult+ant pron pos n. def a physician, esp. a specialist, who is asked to confirm a diagnosis. consultant 1.b. syl con+sult+ant pron pos n. def a physician or surgeon holding the highest appointment in a particular branch of medicine or surgery in a hospital. consultant 2. syl con+sult+ant pron pos n. def a specialist who gives expert advice or information. consultant 3. syl con+sult+ant pron pos n. def a person who asks advice in a consultation. consultancy sub head consultant syl con+1sul+tan+cy pos n. consultation 1. syl con+sul+ta+tion pron <2konsL1tAS*n> pos n. def the act or procedure of consulting. consultation 2. syl con+sul+ta+tion pron <2konsL1tAS*n> pos n. def a conference for discussion or the seeking of advice, esp. from doctors or lawyers. consultatory infl head consultative or consultive syl con+sul+ta+to:ry pron , <-tri> pos adj. consultive infl head consultative or consultatory syl con+sul+tive pos adj. consultative 0. syl con+sul+ta+tive pron pos adj. def available for, relating to, or involving consultation; advisory. consultatively sub head consultative syl con+1sul+ta+tive+ly pos adv. consulting 0. syl con+sult+ing pron pos adj. usage prenominal def acting in an advisory capacity on professional matters. exam 1 a consulting engineer. consulting room 0. syl con+sult+ing room pos n. def a room in which a doctor, esp. a general practitioner, sees his patients. consumable 1. syl con+sum+a:ble pron pos adj. def capable of being consumed. {~} consumable 2. syl con+sum+a:ble pron pos adj. mod usually; pl. def goods intended to be bought and used; consumer goods. consume ety C14: from Latin cons*_umere to devour, from com- (intensive)+ s*_umere to take up, from emere to take, purchase consume 1. syl con+sume pron pos vb. mod tr. def to eat or drink. consume 2. syl con+sume pron pos vb. mod tr. usage often passive def to engross or obsess. consume 3. syl con+sume pron pos vb. mod tr. def to use up; expend. exam 1 my car consumes little oil. consume 4. syl con+sume pron pos vb. def to destroy or be destroyed by burning, decomposition, etc.. exam 1 fire consumed the forest. consume 5. syl con+sume pron pos vb. mod tr. def to waste or squander. exam 1 the time consumed on that project was excessive. consume 6. syl con+sume pron pos vb. mod intr. usage passive def to waste away. consumingly sub head consume syl con+1sum+ing+ly pos adv. consumer 1. syl con+sum+er pron pos n. def a person who purchases goods and services for his own personal needs. Compare { {producer} (sense 4)}. consumer 2. syl con+sum+er pron pos n. def a person or thing that consumes. consumer 3. syl con+sum+er pron pos n. mod usually; pl. qual Ecology. def an organism, esp. an animal, within a community that feeds upon plants or other animals. See also { {decomposer, producer} (sense 6)}. consumer goods 0. syl con+sum+er goods pos n. mod pl. def goods that satisfy personal needs rather than those required for the production of other goods or services. Compare {capital goods}. consumerism 1. syl con+sum+er+ism pron pos n. def protection of the interests of consumers. consumerism 2. syl con+sum+er+ism pron pos n. def advocacy of a high rate of consumption and spending as a basis for a sound economy. &- {con+#!sum+er+ist} consummate ety C15: from Latin consumm*_are to complete, from summus highest, utmost consummate 1. syl con+sum+mate pron <1kons*2mAt> pos vb. mod tr. def to bring to completion or perfection; fulfil. consummate 2. syl con+sum+mate pron <1kons*2mAt> pos vb. mod tr. def to complete (a marriage) legally by sexual intercourse. consummate 3. syl con+sum+mate pron , <1kons*mit> pos adj. def accomplished or supremely skilled. exam 1 a consummate artist. consummately sub head consummate syl con+1sum+mate+ly pos adv. consummation sub head consummate syl con+sum+1ma+tion pos n. consummative sub head consummate or consummatory syl con+sum+2ma+tive pos adj. consummatory sub head consummate or consummative syl con+1sum+ma+to:ry pos adj. consummator sub head consummate syl con+sum+2ma+tor pos n. consumption ety C14: from Latin consumpti*_o a wasting, from cons*_umere to #7consume consumption 1. syl con+sump+tion pron pos n. def the act of consuming or the state of being consumed, esp. by eating, burning, etc. consumption 2. syl con+sump+tion pron pos n. qual Economics. def expenditure on goods and services for final personal use. consumption 3. syl con+sump+tion pron pos n. def the quantity consumed. consumption 4. syl con+sump+tion pron pos n. qual Pathol. def a condition characterized by a wasting away of the tissues of the body, esp. as seen in tuberculosis of the lungs. consumptive 1. syl con+sump+tive pron pos adj. def causing consumption; wasteful; destructive. consumptive 2. syl con+sump+tive pron pos adj. qual Pathol. def relating to or affected with consumption, esp. tuberculosis of the lungs. consumptive 3. syl con+sump+tive pron pos n. qual Pathol. def a person who suffers from consumption. consumptively sub head consumptive syl con+1sump+tive+ly pos adv. consumptiveness sub head consumptive syl con+1sump+tive+ness pos n. cont 1. syl cont. qual abbrev. for: def containing. cont 2. syl cont. qual abbrev. for: def contents. cont 3. syl cont. qual abbrev. for: def continent(al). cont 4. syl cont. qual abbrev. for: def continued. contact ety C17: from Latin contactus, from contingere to touch on all sides, pollute, from tangere to touch contact 1. syl con+tact pron <1kont@kt> pos n. def the act or state of touching physically. contact 2. syl con+tact pron <1kont@kt> pos n. def the state or fact of close association or communication (esp. in the phrases {in contact, make contact) }. contact 3.a. syl con+tact pron <1kont@kt> pos n. def a junction of two or more electrical conductors. contact 3.b. syl con+tact pron <1kont@kt> pos n. def the part of the conductors that make the junction. contact 3.c. syl con+tact pron <1kont@kt> pos n. def the part of an electrical device to which such connections are made. contact 4. syl con+tact pron <1kont@kt> pos n. def an acquaintance, esp. one who might be useful in business, as a means of introduction, etc. contact 5. syl con+tact pron <1kont@kt> pos n. def any person who has been exposed to a contagious disease. contact 6. syl con+tact pron <1kont@kt> pos n. qual Photog. def See {contact print}. contact 7. syl con+tact pron <1kont@kt> pos n. mod usually; pl. def an informal name for {contact lens}. contact 8. syl con+tact pron <1kont@kt> pos n. usage modifier def of or relating to irritation or inflammation of the skin caused by touching the causative agent. exam 1 contact dermatitis. contact 9. syl con+tact pron <1kont@kt> pos n. usage modifier def of or maintaining contact. contact 10. syl con+tact pron <1kont@kt>, pos vb. mod when; intr. usage often foll. by with def to put, come, or be in association, touch, or communication. contact 11. syl con+tact pron <1kont@kt> pos interj. usage Aeron. formerly def a call made by the pilot to indicate that an aircraft's ignition is switched on and that the engine is ready for starting by swinging the propeller. contactual sub head contact syl con+tac+tu:al pron pos adj. contactually sub head contact syl con+1tac+tu+al+ly pos adv. contact flight 1. syl con+tact flight pos n. def a flight in which the pilot remains in sight of land or water. contact flight 2. syl con+tact flight pos n. def air navigation by observation of prominent landmarks, beacons, etc. contact lens 0. syl con+tact lens pos n. def a thin convex lens, usually of plastic, placed directly on the surface of the eye to correct defects of vision. contact man 0. syl con+tact man pos n. def an intermediary or go-between. contactor 0. syl con+tac+tor pron pos n. def a type of switch for repeatedly opening and closing an electric circuit. Its operation can be mechanical, electromagnetic, or pneumatic. contact print 0. syl con+tact print pos n. def a photographic print made by placing a negative directly onto the printing paper and exposing it to light. contagion ety C14: from Latin cont*_agi*_o a touching, infection, from contingere; see #7contact contagion 1. syl con+ta+gion pron pos n. def the transmission of disease from one person to another by direct or indirect contact. contagion 2. syl con+ta+gion pron pos n. def a contagious disease. contagion 3. syl con+ta+gion pron pos n. def another name for {contagium}. contagion 4. syl con+ta+gion pron pos n. def a corrupting or harmful influence that tends to spread; pollutant. contagion 5. syl con+ta+gion pron pos n. def the spreading of an emotional or mental state among a number of people. exam 1 the contagion of mirth. contagious 1. syl con+ta+gious pron pos adj. usage of a disease def capable of being passed on by direct contact with a diseased individual or by handling clothing, etc., contaminated with the causative agent. Compare {infectious}. contagious 2. syl con+ta+gious pron pos adj. usage of an organism def harbouring or spreading the causative agent of a transmissible disease. contagious 3. syl con+ta+gious pron pos adj. def causing or likely to cause the same reaction or emotion in several people; catching; infectious. exam 1 her laughter was contagious. contagiously sub head contagious syl con+1ta+gious+ly pos adv. contagiousness sub head contagious syl con+1ta+gious+ness pos n. contagious abortion 0. syl con+ta+gious a:bor+tion pos n. def another name for {brucellosis}. contagium ety C17: from Latin, variant of cont*_agi*_o #7contagion contagia infl head contagium syl con+ta+gi:a pron <-Ji*> pos n. mod pl. contagium 0. syl con+ta+gi:um pron pos n. qual Pathol. def the specific virus or other direct cause of any infectious disease. contain ety C13: from Old French contenir, from Latin contin*_ere, from com- to?!gether+ ten*_ere to hold contain 1. syl con+tain pron pos vb. mod tr. def to hold or be capable of holding or including within a fixed limit or area. exam 1 this contains five pints. contain 2. syl con+tain pron pos vb. mod tr. def to keep (one's feelings, behaviour, etc.) within bounds; restrain. contain 3. syl con+tain pron pos vb. mod tr. def to consist of; comprise. exam 1 the book contains three different sections. contain 4. syl con+tain pron pos vb. mod tr. qual Military. def to prevent (enemy forces) from operating beyond a certain level or area. contain 5. syl con+tain pron pos vb. mod tr. def to be a multiple of, leaving no remainder. exam 1 6 contains 2 and 3. containable sub head contain syl con+1tain+a:ble pos adj. container 1. syl con+tain+er pron pos n. def an object used for or capable of holding, esp. for transport or storage, such as a carton, box, etc. container 2.a. syl con+tain+er pron pos n. def a large cargo-carrying standard-sized container that can be loaded from one mode of transport to another. container 2.b. syl con+tain+er pron pos n. usage as modifier exam 1 a container port; exam 2 a container ship. containerise alt head containerize or containerize syl con+tain+er+ise pron pos vb. mod tr. containerize 1. or containerise syl con+tain+er+ize pron pos vb. mod tr. def to convey (cargo) in standard-sized containers. containerize 2. or containerise syl con+tain+er+ize pron pos vb. mod tr. def to adapt (a port or transportation system) to the use of standard-sized containers. containerization sub head containerize or containerisation syl con+2tain+er:i+1za+tion pos n. containerisation sub head containerize or containerization syl con+2tain+er:i+1sa?!+tion pos n. containment 1. syl con+tain+ment pron pos n. def the act or condition of containing, esp. of restraining the ideological or political power of a hostile country or the operations of a hostile military force. containment 2. syl con+tain+ment pron pos n. usage from 1947 to the mid-1970s def a principle of U.S. foreign policy that seeks to prevent the expansion of Communist power. containment 3. syl con+tain+ment pron pos n. def Also called: {confinement}. the process of preventing the plasma in a controlled thermonuclear reaction from reaching the walls of the reaction vessel, usually by confining it within a configuration of magnetic fields. See {magnetic bottle}. contaminate ety C15: from Latin contamin*_are to defile; related to Latin contingere to touch contaminate 1. syl con+tam:i+nate pron pos vb. mod tr. def to make impure, esp. by touching or mixing; pollute. contaminate 2. syl con+tam:i+nate pron pos vb. mod tr. def to make radioactive by the addition of radioactive material. contaminate 3. syl con+tam:i+nate pron , <-2nAt> pos adj. mod tr. qual Archaic. def contaminated. contaminable sub head contaminate syl con+1tam:i+na:ble pos adj. contaminant sub head contaminate syl con+1tam:i+nant pos n. contaminative sub head contaminate syl con+1tam:i+na+tive pos adj. contaminator sub head contaminate syl con+1tam:i+2na+tor pos n. contamination 1. syl con+tam:i+na+tion pron pos n. def the act or process of contaminating or the state of being contaminated. contamination 2. syl con+tam:i+na+tion pron pos n. def something that contaminates. contamination 3. syl con+tam:i+na+tion pron pos n. qual Linguistics. def the process by which one word or phrase is altered because of mistaken associations with another word or phrase; for example, the substitution of for by association with such words as contango ety C19: apparently an arbitrary coinage based on #7continue contangos infl head contango syl con+tan+gos. pos n. mod pl. contango 1. syl con+tan+go pron pos n. usage on the London Stock Exchange def postponement of payment for and delivery of stock from one account day to the next. contango 2. syl con+tan+go pron pos n. def the fee paid for such a postponement. {~} Also called: {carry-over, continuation}. Compare {backwardation}. contangoes infl head contango syl con+tan+goes pos vb. contangoing infl head contango syl con+tan+go+ing pos vb. contangoed infl head contango syl con+tan+goed. pos vb. contango 3. syl con+tan+go pron pos vb. def to arrange such a postponement. exam 1 my brokers will contango these shares. contd 0. syl contd. qual abbrev. for def continued. conte 0. syl conte pron French. pos n. def a tale or short story, esp. of adventure. cont'e ety C19: named after N.J. Cont*'e, 18th-century French chemist cont'e 0. syl con+t*'e pron <1kontA>, French pos n. def a hard crayon used by artists, etc., made of clay and graphite and often coloured a reddish-brown. Also called: {cont*'e-crayon}. contemn ety C15: from Latin contemnere, from temnere to slight contemn 0. syl con+temn pron pos vb. mod tr. def to treat or regard with contempt; scorn. contemner sub head contemn syl con+temn+er pron , <-1tem*> pos n. contemnible sub head contemn syl con+tem+ni:ble pron pos adj. contemnibly sub head contemn syl con+1tem+ni:bly pos adv. contemp 0. syl contemp. qual abbrev. for def contemporary. contemplate ety C16: from Latin contempl*_are from templum #7temple contemplate 1. syl con+tem+plate pron <1kontem2plAt>, <-t*m-> pos vb. mod mainly; tr. def to think about intently and at length; consider calmly. contemplate 2. syl con+tem+plate pron <1kontem2plAt>, <-t*m-> pos vb. mod intr. def to think intently and at length, esp. for spiritual reasons; meditate. contemplate 3. syl con+tem+plate pron <1kontem2plAt>, <-t*m-> pos vb. mod mainly; tr. def to look at thoughtfully; observe pensively. contemplate 4. syl con+tem+plate pron <1kontem2plAt>, <-t*m-> pos vb. mod mainly; tr. def to have in mind as a possibility. exam 1 to contemplate changing jobs. contemplator sub head contemplate syl con+tem+2pla+tor pos n. contemplation 1. syl con+tem+pla+tion pron <2kontem1plAS*n>, <-t*m-> pos n. def thoughtful or long consideration or observation. contemplation 2. syl con+tem+pla+tion pron <2kontem1plAS*n>, <-t*m-> pos n. def spiritual meditation esp. (in Christian religious practice) concentration of the mind and soul upon God. Compare {meditation}. contemplation 3. syl con+tem+pla+tion pron <2kontem1plAS*n>, <-t*m-> pos n. def purpose or intention. contemplative 1. syl con+tem+pla+tive pron <1kontem2plAtiv>, <-t*m-> pos adj. def denoting, concerned with, or inclined to contemplation; meditative. contemplative 2. syl con+tem+pla+tive pron <1kontem2plAtiv>, <-t*m-> pos n. def a person dedicated to religious contemplation or to a way of life conducive to this. contemplatively sub head contemplative syl con+tem+2pla+tive+ly pos adv. contemplativeness sub head contemplative syl con+tem+2pla+tive+ness pos n. contemporaneous 0. syl con+tem+po+ra+ne:ous pron pos adj. def existing, beginning, or occurring in the same period of time. contemporaneity sub head contemporaneous or contemporaneousness syl con+tem+po+ra+ne:i:ty pron pos n. contemporaneousness sub head contemporaneous or contemporaneity syl con+2tem+po+1ra+ne:ous+ness pos n. contemporaneously sub head contemporaneous syl con+2tem+po+1ra+ne:ous+ly pos adv. contemporary ety C17: from Medieval Latin contempor*_arius, from Latin com- together+ tempor*_arius relating to time, from tempus time contemporary 1. syl con+tem+po+rar:y pron pos adj. def belonging to the same age; living or occurring in the same period of time. contemporary 2. syl con+tem+po+rar:y pron pos adj. def existing or occurring at the present time. contemporary 3. syl con+tem+po+rar:y pron pos adj. def conforming to modern or current ideas in style, fashion, design, etc. contemporary 4. syl con+tem+po+rar:y pron pos adj. def having approximately the same age as one another. contemporaries infl head contemporary syl con+tem+po+rar:ies. pos n. mod pl. contemporary 5. syl con+tem+po+rar:y pron pos n. def a person living at the same time or of approximately the same age as another. contemporary 6. syl con+tem+po+rar:y pron pos n. def something that is contemporary. contemporary 7. syl con+tem+po+rar:y pron pos n. qual Journalism. def a rival newspaper. contemporarily sub head contemporary syl con+1tem+po+rar:i+ly pos adv. contemporariness sub head contemporary syl con+1tem+po+rar:i+ness contemporise alt head contemporize or contemporize syl con+tem+po+rise pron pos vb. contemporize 0. or contemporise syl con+tem+po+rize pron pos vb. def to be or make contemporary; synchronize. contempt ety C14: from Latin contemptus a despising, from contemnere to #7contemn contempt 1. syl con+tempt pron pos n. def the attitude or feeling of a person towards a person or thing that he considers worthless or despicable; scorn. contempt 2. syl con+tempt pron pos n. def the state of being scorned; disgrace (esp. in the phrase {hold in contempt) }. contempt 3. syl con+tempt pron pos n. def wilful disregard of or disrespect for the authority of a court of law or legislative body. exam 1 contempt of court. contemptible 0. syl con+tempt+i:ble pron pos adj. def deserving or worthy of contempt; despicable. contemptibility sub head contemptible or contemptibleness syl con+2tempt+i:1bil+i:ty pos n. contemptibleness sub head contemptible or contemptibility syl con+1tempt+i:ble+ness pos n. contemptibly sub head contemptible syl con+1tempt+i:bly pos adv. contemptuous 0. syl con+temp+tu+ous pron pos adj. usage when predicative, often foll. by of def showing or feeling contempt; disdainful. contemptuously sub head contemptuous syl con+1temp+tu+ous+ly pos adv. contemptuousness sub head contemptuous syl con+1temp+tu+ous+ness pos n. contend ety C15: from Latin contendere to strive, from com- with+ tendere to stretch, aim contend 1. syl con+tend pron pos vb. mod intr. usage often foll. by with def to struggle in rivalry, battle, etc.; vie. contend 2. syl con+tend pron pos vb. def to argue earnestly; debate. contend 3. syl con+tend pron pos vb. mod tr. usage may take a clause as object def to assert or maintain. contender sub head contend syl con+1tend+er pos n. contendingly sub head contend syl con+1tend+ing+ly pos adv. content ety C15: from Latin contentus contained, from contin*_ere to #7contain content H1.1. syl con+tent pron <1kontent> pos n. mod often; pl. def everything that is inside a container. exam 1 the contents of a box. content H1.2.a. syl con+tent pron <1kontent> pos n. def the chapters or divisions of a book. content H1.2.b. syl con+tent pron <1kontent> pos n. def a list, printed at the front of a book, of chapters or divisions together with the number of the first page of each. content H1.3. syl con+tent pron <1kontent> pos n. def the meaning or significance of a poem, painting, or other work of art, as distinguished from its style or form. content H1.4. syl con+tent pron <1kontent> pos n. def all that is contained or dealt with in a discussion, piece of writing, etc.; substance. content H1.5. syl con+tent pron <1kontent> pos n. def the capacity or size of a thing. content H1.6. syl con+tent pron <1kontent> pos n. def the proportion of a substance contained in an alloy, mixture, etc.. exam 1 the lead content of petrol. content ety C14: from Old French, from Latin contentus contented, that is, having restrained desires, from contin*_ere to restrain content H2.1. syl con+tent pron pos adj. usage postpositive def mentally or emotionally satisfied with things as they are. content H2.2. syl con+tent pron pos adj. usage postpositive def assenting to or willing to accept circumstances, a proposed course of action, etc. content H2.3. syl con+tent pron pos vb. mod tr. usage postpositive def to make (oneself or another person) content or satisfied. exam 1 to content oneself with property. content H2.4. syl con+tent pron pos vb. usage postpositive def peace of mind; mental or emotional satisfaction. content H2.5. syl con+tent pron pos interj. usage postpositive; Brit. in the House of Lords def a formal expression of assent, as opposed to the expression {not content}. contently sub head content syl con+1tent+ly pos adv. contentment sub head content syl con+1tent+ment pos n. contented 0. syl con+tent+ed pron pos adj. def accepting one's situation or life with equanimity and satisfaction. contentedly sub head contented syl con+1tent+ed+ly pos adv. contentedness sub head contented syl con+1tent+ed+ness pos n. contention ety C14: from Latin contenti*_o exertion, from contendere to #7contend contention 1. syl con+ten+tion pron pos n. def a struggling between op?!ponents; competition. contention 2. syl con+ten+tion pron pos n. def dispute in an argument (esp. in the phrase {bone of contention) }. contention 3. syl con+ten+tion pron pos n. def a point asserted in argument. contentious 1. syl con+ten+tious pron pos adj. def tending to argue or quarrel. contentious 2. syl con+ten+tious pron pos adj. def causing or characterized by dispute; controversial. contentious 3. syl con+ten+tious pron pos adj. qual Law. def relating to a cause or legal business that is contested, esp. a probate matter. contentiously sub head contentious syl con+1ten+tious+ly pos adv. contentiousness sub head contentious syl con+1ten+tious+ness pos n. content word 0. syl con+tent word pron <1kontent> pos n. def a word to which an independent meaning can be given by reference to a world outside any sentence in which the word may occur. Compare {function word, lexical meaning}. conterminous ety C17: from Latin conterminus, from terminus end, boundary conterminal infl head conterminous or coterminous syl con+ter+mi+nal pron pos adj. coterminous infl head conterminous or conterminal syl co+ter+mi+nous pron pos adj. conterminous 1. syl con+ter+mi+nous pron pos adj. def enclosed within a common boundary. conterminous 2. syl con+ter+mi+nous pron pos adj. def meeting at the ends; without a break or interruption. conterminously sub head conterminous syl con+1ter+mi+nous+ly pos adv. conterminally sub head conterminous or coterminously syl con+1ter+mi+nal+ly pos adv. coterminously sub head conterminous or conterminally syl co+1ter+mi+nous+ly pos adv. contest ety C16: from Latin contest*_ar*_i to introduce a lawsuit, from testis witness contest 1. syl con+test pron <1kontest> pos n. def a formal game or match in which two or more people, teams, etc., compete and attempt to win. contest 2. syl con+test pron <1kontest> pos n. def a struggle for victory between opposing forces or interests. contest 3. syl con+test pron pos vb. mod tr. def to try to disprove; call in question. contest 4. syl con+test pron pos vb. mod when; intr. usage foll. by with or against def to fight, dispute, or contend (with). exam 1 a contested election. contestable sub head contest syl con+1test+a:ble pos adj. contestableness sub head contest or contestability syl con+1test+a:ble+ness pos n. contestability sub head contest or contestableness syl con+2test+a:1bil+i:ty pos n. contestably sub head contest syl con+1test+a:bly pos adv. contestation sub head contest syl con+tes+1ta+tion pos n. contester sub head contest syl con+1test+er pos n. contestingly sub head contest syl con+1test+ing+ly pos adv. contestant 0. syl con+test+ant pron pos n. def a person who takes part in a contest; competitor. context ety C15: from Latin contextus a putting together, from contexere to interweave, from com- to?!gether+ texere to weave, braid context 1. syl con+text pron <1kontekst> pos n. def the parts of a piece of writing, speech, etc., that precede and follow a word or passage and contribute to its full meaning. exam 1 it is unfair to quote out of context. context 2. syl con+text pron <1kontekst> pos n. def the conditions and circumstances that are relevant to an event, fact, etc. contextual 0. syl con+tex+tu:al pron pos adj. def relating to, dependent on, or using context. exam 1 contextual criticism of a book. contextually sub head contextual syl con+1tex+tu+al+ly pos adv. contextualise alt head contextualize or contextualize syl con+tex+tu+al+ise pron pos vb. mod tr. contextualize 0. or contextualise syl con+tex+tu+al+ize pron pos vb. mod tr. def to state the social, grammatical, or other context of; put into context. contexture 1. syl con+tex+ture pron pos n. def the fact, process, or manner of weaving or of being woven together. contexture 2. syl con+tex+ture pron pos n. def the arrangement of assembled parts; structure. contexture 3. syl con+tex+ture pron pos n. def an interwoven structure; fabric. contextural sub head contexture syl con+1tex+tur+al pos adj. contiguous ety C17: from Latin contiguus, from contingere to touch; see #7contact contiguous 1. syl con+tig:u+ous pron pos adj. def touching along the side or boundary; in contact. contiguous 2. syl con+tig:u+ous pron pos adj. def physically adjacent; neighbouring. contiguous 3. syl con+tig:u+ous pron pos adj. def preceding or following in time. contiguity sub head contiguous or contiguousness syl con+ti+gu+i:ty pron <2konti1gju:iti> pos n. contiguousness sub head contiguous or contiguity syl con+1tig:u+ous+ness pos n. contiguously sub head contiguous syl con+1tig:u+ous+ly pos adv. continent ety C16: from the Latin phrase terra continens continuous land, from contin*_ere ; see #7contain &- con+ti+n$en+tal (@!k$Ant$I#!nent%@l) adj. &- @!con+ti+#!nen+tal+ly adv. continent H1.1. syl con+ti+nent pron <1kontin*nt> pos n. def one of the earth's large land masses (Asia, Australia, Africa, Europe, North and South America, and Antarctica). continent H1.2. syl con+ti+nent pron <1kontin*nt> pos n. def that part of the earth's crust that rises above the oceans and is composed of sialic rocks. Including the continental shelves, the continents occupy 30 per cent of the earth's surface. continent H1.3.a. syl con+ti+nent pron <1kontin*nt> pos n. def mainland as opposed to islands. continent H1.3.b. syl con+ti+nent pron <1kontin*nt> pos n. def a continuous extent of land. continent ety C14: from Latin continent-, present participle of contin*_ere; see #7contain &- #!con+ti+nence or #!con+ti+nen+cy n. &- #!con+ti+nent+ly adv. continent H2.1. syl con+ti+nent pron <1kontin*nt> pos adj. def able to control urination and defecation. continent H2.2. syl con+ti+nent pron <1kontin*nt> pos adj. def exercising self-restraint, esp. from sexual activity; chaste. the infl head Continent syl the. pos n. Continent 0. syl Con+ti+nent pron <1kontin*nt> pos n. def the mainland of Europe as distinguished from the British Isles. Continental 1. syl Con+ti+nen+tal pron <2konti1nentL> pos adj. def of or characteristic of Europe, excluding the British Isles. Continental 2. syl Con+ti+nen+tal pron <2konti1nentL> pos adj. def of or relating to the 13 original British North American colonies during and immediate?!ly after the War of American Independence. Continental 3. syl Con+ti+nen+tal pron <2konti1nentL> pos n. usage some?!times not cap. def an inhabitant of Europe, excluding the British Isles. Continental 4. syl Con+ti+nen+tal pron <2konti1nentL> pos n. def a regular soldier of the rebel army during the War of American Independence. Continental 5. syl Con+ti+nen+tal pron <2konti1nentL> pos n. qual U.S. History. def a currency note issued by the Continental Congress. Continentalism sub head Continental syl Con+ti+1nen+tal+2ism pos n. Continentalist sub head Continental syl Con+ti+1nen+tal+ist pos n. continental breakfast 0. syl con+ti+nen+tal break+fast pos n. def a light breakfast of coffee and rolls. continental climate 0. syl con+ti+nen+tal cli+mate pos n. def a climate characterized by hot summers, cold winters, and little rainfall, typical of the interior of a continent. Continental Congress 0. syl Con+ti+nen+tal Con+gress pos n. def the assembly of delegates from the North American rebel colonies held during and after the War of American Independence. It issued the Declaration of Independence (1776) and framed the Articles of Confederation (1777). continental divide 0. syl con+ti+nen+tal di+vide pos n. def the watershed of a continent, esp. the principal watershed of North America, formed by the Rocky Mountains. continental drift 0. syl con+ti+nen+tal drift pos n. qual Geology. def the theory that the earth's continents move gradually over the surface of the planet on a substratum of magma. The present-day configuration of the continents is thought to be the result of the fragmentation of a single landmass, Pangaea, that existed 200 million years ago. See also {plate tectonics}. continental quilt 0. syl con+ti+nen+tal quilt pos n. qual Brit. def a quilt, stuffed with down and containing pockets of air, used as a bed cover in place of the top sheet and blankets. Also called {duvet}. continental shelf 0. syl con+ti+nen+tal shelf pos n. def the sea bed surrounding a continent at depths of up to about 200 metres (100 fathoms), at the edge of which the {continental slope} drops steeply to the ocean floor. the infl head Continental System syl the. pos n. Continental System 0. syl Con+ti+nen+tal Sys+tem pos n. def Napoleon's plan in 1806 to blockade Britain by excluding her ships from ports on the mainland of Europe. contingence 1. syl con+tin+gence pron pos n. def the state of touching or being in contact. contingence 2. syl con+tin+gence pron pos n. def another word for {contingency}. contingencies infl head contingency syl con+tin+gen+cies. pos n. mod pl. contingency 1.a. syl con+tin+gen+cy pron pos n. def a possible but not very likely future event or condition; eventuality. contingency 1.b. syl con+tin+gen+cy pron pos n. usage as modifier exam 1 a contingency plan. contingency 2. syl con+tin+gen+cy pron pos n. def something dependent on a possible future event. contingency 3. syl con+tin+gen+cy pron pos n. def a fact, event, etc., incidental to or dependent on something else. contingency 4. syl con+tin+gen+cy pron pos n. qual Logic. def the state of being contingent. contingency 5. syl con+tin+gen+cy pron pos n. def dependence on chance; uncertainty. contingency 6.a. syl con+tin+gen+cy pron pos n. def the degree of association between theoretical and observed common frequencies of two graded or classified variables. It is measured by the chi-square test. contingency 6.b. syl con+tin+gen+cy pron pos n. usage as modifier exam 1 a contingency table; exam 2 the contingency coefficient. contingent ety C14: from Latin contingere to touch, fall to one's lot, befall; see also #7contact contingent 1. syl con+tin+gent pron pos adj. usage when postpositive, often foll. by on or upon def dependent on events, conditions, etc., not yet known; conditional. contingent 2. syl con+tin+gent pron pos adj. usage Logic. of a proposition def true under certain conditions, false under others. contingent 3. syl con+tin+gent pron pos adj. def happening by chance or without known cause; accidental. contingent 4. syl con+tin+gent pron pos adj. def that may or may not happen; uncertain. contingent 5. syl con+tin+gent pron pos n. def a part of a military force, parade, etc. contingent 6. syl con+tin+gent pron pos n. def a representative group distinguished by common origin, interests, etc., that is part of a larger group or gathering. contingent 7. syl con+tin+gent pron pos n. def a possible or chance occurrence. contingently sub head contingent syl con+1tin+gent+ly pos adv. continual ety C14: from Old French continuel, from Latin continuus uninterrupted, from contin*_ere to hold together, #7contain continual 1. syl con+tin+u:al pron pos adj. def recurring frequently, esp. at regular intervals. continual 2. syl con+tin+u:al pron pos adj. def occurring without interruption; continuous in time. continuality sub head continual or continualness syl con+2tin:u+1al+i:ty pos n. continualness sub head continual or continuality syl con+1tin:u+al+ness pos n. continually sub head continual syl con+1tin:u+al+ly pos adv. continuance 1. syl con+tin:u+ance pron pos n. def the act or state of continuing. continuance 2. syl con+tin:u+ance pron pos n. def the duration of an action, condition, etc. continuance 3. syl con+tin:u+ance pron pos n. qual U.S. def the postponement or adjournment of a legal proceeding. continuant 1. syl con+tin:u+ant pron pos n. qual Phonetics. def a speech sound, such as (l), (r), (f), or (s), in which the closure of the vocal tract is incomplete, allowing the continuous passage of the breath. {~} continuant 2. syl con+tin:u+ant pron pos n. qual Phonetics. def relating to or denoting a continuant. continuation 1. syl con+tin:u+a:tion pron pos n. def a part or thing added, esp. to a book or play, that serves to continue or extend; sequel. continuation 2. syl con+tin:u+a:tion pron pos n. def a renewal of an interrupted action, process, etc.; resumption. continuation 3. syl con+tin:u+a:tion pron pos n. def the act or fact of continuing without interruption; prolongation. continuation 4. syl con+tin:u+a:tion pron pos n. def another word for { {contango} (senses 1, 2)}. continuative 1. syl con+tin:u+a:tive pron pos adj. def serving or tending to continue. continuative 2.a. syl con+tin:u+a:tive pron pos adj. usage of any word, phrase, or clause def expressing continuation. continuative 2.b. syl con+tin:u+a:tive pron pos adj. usage of verbs def another word for { {progressive} (sense 8)}. {~} continuative 3. syl con+tin:u+a:tive pron pos adj. def a continuative word, phrase, or clause. continuatively sub head continuative syl con+1tin:u+a:tive+ly pos adv. continuator 0. syl con+tin:u+a:tor pron pos n. def a person who continues something, esp. the work of someone else. continue ety C14: from Old French continuer, from Latin continu*_are to join together, from continuus #7continuous continues infl head continue syl con+tin:ues pos vb. continuing infl head continue syl con+tin:u+ing pos vb. continued infl head continue syl con+tin:ued. pos vb. continue 1. syl con+tin:ue pron pos vb. mod when; tr. usage may take an infinitive def to remain or cause to remain in a particular condition, capacity, or place. continue 2. syl con+tin:ue pron pos vb. mod when; tr. usage may take an infinitive def to carry on uninterruptedly (a course of action); persist in (something). exam 1 he continued running. continue 3. syl con+tin:ue pron pos vb. mod when; tr. usage may take an infinitive def to resume after an interruption. exam 1 we'll continue after lunch. continue 4. syl con+tin:ue pron pos vb. def to draw out or be drawn out; prolong or be prolonged. exam 1 continue the chord until it meets the tangent. continue 5. syl con+tin:ue pron pos vb. mod tr. qual Law, chiefly Scot. def to postpone or adjourn (legal proceedings). continuable sub head continue syl con+1tin:u+a:ble pos adj. continuer sub head continue syl con+1tin:u+er pos n. continuingly sub head continue syl con+1tin:u+ing+ly pos adv. continued fraction 0. syl con+tin:ued frac+tion pos n. def a number plus a fraction whose denominator contains a number and a fraction whose de?!nominator contains a number and a fraction, and so on. continuities infl head continuity syl con+ti+nu+i:ties. pos n. mod pl. continuity 1. syl con+ti+nu+i:ty pron <2konti1nju:iti> pos n. def logical sequence, cohesion, or connection. continuity 2. syl con+ti+nu+i:ty pron <2konti1nju:iti> pos n. def a continuous or connected whole. continuity 3. syl con+ti+nu+i:ty pron <2konti1nju:iti> pos n. def the comprehensive script or scenario of detail and movement in a film or broadcast. continuity 4. syl con+ti+nu+i:ty pron <2konti1nju:iti> pos n. def the continuous projection of a film, using automatic rewind. man alt head continuity girl or continuity girl syl man pos n. continuity girl 0. or man syl con+ti+nu+i:ty girl pos n. def a girl or man whose job is to ensure continuity and consistency, esp. in matters of dress, make-up, etc., in successive shots of a film, esp. when these shots are filmed on different days. continuo ety Italian, literally: continuous continuos infl head continuo syl con+tin:u:os. pos n. mod pl. continuo 1.a. syl con+tin:u:o pron pos n. def See {basso continuo} (see {thorough bass) }. continuo 1.b. syl con+tin:u:o pron pos n. usage as modifier exam 1 a continuo accompaniment. continuo 2. syl con+tin:u:o pron pos n. def the thorough-bass part as played on a keyboard instrument, often supported by a cello, bassoon, etc. continuous ety C17: from Latin continuus, from contin*_ere to hold together, #7contain continuous 1. syl con+tin:u+ous pron pos adj. def prolonged without interruption; unceasing. exam 1 a continuous noise. continuous 2. syl con+tin:u+ous pron pos adj. def in an unbroken series or pattern. continuous 3. syl con+tin:u+ous pron pos adj. usage Maths. of a function or curve def changing gradually in value as the variable changes in value. At any value of the continuous function f , lim\ $>\ f =f . Compare { {discontinuous} (sense 2)}. continuous 4.a. syl con+tin:u+ous pron pos adj. usage of a variable def having consecutive values that are infinitesimally close, so that its analysis requires integration rather than summation. continuous 4.b. syl con+tin:u+ous pron pos adj. usage of a distribution def relating to a continuous variable. Compare { {discrete} (sense 3)}. continuous 5. syl con+tin:u+ous pron pos adj. qual Grammar. def another word for { {progressive} (sense 8)}. continuously sub head continuous syl con+1tin:u+ous+ly pos adv. continuousness sub head continuous syl con+1tin:u+ous+ness pos n. continuous creation 1. syl con+tin:u+ous cre:a+tion pos n. def the theory that matter is being created continuously in the universe. See {steady-state theory}. continuous creation 2. syl con+tin:u+ous cre:a+tion pos n. def the theory that animate matter is being continuously created from inanimate matter. continuous spectrum 0. syl con+tin:u+ous spec+trum pos n. def a spectrum that contains or appears to contain all wavelengths over a wide portion of its range. The emission spectrum of incandescent solids is continuous; spectra consisting of a large number of lines may appear continuous. continuous stationery 0. syl con+tin:u+ous sta+tion+er:y pos n. def stationery in which the sheets are joined together and folded alternately, used esp. for computer printouts. continuous waves 0. syl con+tin:u+ous waves pos n. mod pl. def radio waves generated as a continuous train of oscillations having a constant frequency and amplitude. Abbrev: {CW}. continuum ety C17: from Latin, neuter of continuus #7continuous continua infl head continuum or continuums syl con+tin:u:a pron <-1tinju*> pos n. mod pl. continuums infl head continuum or continua syl con+tin+u:ums. pos n. mod pl. continuum 1. syl con+tin+u:um pron pos n. def a continuous series or whole, no part of which is perceptibly different from the adjacent parts. continuum 2. syl con+tin+u:um pron pos n. qual Maths. def a set of elements between any two of which a third element can always be inserted. exam 1 a continuum of real numbers. conto ety C17: from Portuguese, from Late Latin computus calculation, from comput*_are to reckon, #7compute ; see #7count %1 contos infl head conto syl con+tos pron <-t*uz>, Portuguese <-tuS> pos n. mod pl. conto 1. syl con+to pron <1kont*u>, Portuguese <1kontu>, Portuguese <-tuS> pos n. def a Portuguese monetary unit worth 1000 escudos. conto 2. syl con+to pron <1kont*u>, Portuguese <1kontu>, Portuguese <-tuS> pos n. def an unofficial Brazilian monetary unit worth 1000 cruzeiros. contort ety C15: from Latin contortus intricate, obscure, from contorqu*_ere to whirl around, from torqu*_ere to twist, wrench contort 0. syl con+tort pron pos vb. def to twist or bend severely out of place or shape, esp. in a strained manner. contortive sub head contort syl con+1tor+tive pos adj. contorted 1. syl con+tort+ed pron pos adj. def twisted out of shape. contorted 2. syl con+tort+ed pron pos adj. usage esp. of petals and sepals in a bud def twisted so that they overlap on one side. contortedly sub head contorted syl con+1tort+ed+ly pos adv. contortedness sub head contorted syl con+1tort+ed+ness pos n. contortion 1. syl con+tor+tion pron pos n. def the act or process of contorting or the state of being contorted. contortion 2. syl con+tor+tion pron pos n. def a twisted shape or position. contortion 3. syl con+tor+tion pron pos n. def something twisted or out of the ordinary in character, meaning, etc. exam 1 mental contortions. contortional sub head contortion syl con+1tor+tion+al pos adj. contortioned sub head contortion syl con+1tor+tioned pos adj. contortionist 1. syl con+tor+tion+ist pron pos n. def a performer who contorts his body for the entertainment of others. contortionist 2. syl con+tor+tion+ist pron pos n. def a person who twists or warps meaning or thoughts. exam 1 a verbal contortionist. contortionistic sub head contortionist syl con+2tor+tion+1is+tic pos adj. contour ety C17: from French, from Italian contorno, from contornare to sketch, from tornare to #7turn contour 1. syl con+tour pron <1kontu*> pos n. def the outline of a mass of land, figure, or body; a defining line. contour 2.a. syl con+tour pron <1kontu*> pos n. def See {contour line}. contour 2.b. syl con+tour pron <1kontu*> pos n. usage as modifier exam 1 a contour map. contour 3. syl con+tour pron <1kontu*> pos n. mod often; pl. def the shape or surface, esp. of a curving form. exam 1 the contours of her body were full and round. contour 4. syl con+tour pron <1kontu*> pos n. usage modifier def shaped to fit the form of something. exam 1 a contour chair. contour 5. syl con+tour pron <1kontu*> pos n. def to shape so as to form the contour of something. contour 6. syl con+tour pron <1kontu*> pos n. def to mark contour lines on. contour 7. syl con+tour pron <1kontu*> pos n. def to construct (a road, railway, etc.) to follow the outline of the land. contour feather 0. syl con+tour feath+er pos n. def any of the feathers that cover the body of an adult bird, apart from the wings and tail, and determine its shape. contour interval 0. syl con+tour in+ter+val pos n. def the difference in altitude represented by the space between two contour lines on a map. contour line 0. syl con+tour line pos n. def a line on a map or chart joining points of equal height or depth. Often shortened to {contour}. contour ploughing 0. syl con+tour plough+ing pos n. def ploughing following the contours of the land, to minimize the effects of erosion. contr 1. syl contr. qual abbrev. for: def contraction. contr 2. syl contr. qual abbrev. for: def contralto. contra- ety from Latin, from contr*_a against contra- 1. syl con:tra- pos prefix. def against; contrary; opposing; contrasting. exam 1 contraceptive; exam 2 contradistinction. contra- 2. syl con:tra- pos prefix. usage in music def pitched below. exam 1 contrabass. contraband ety C16: from Spanish contrabanda, from Italian contrabando (modern contrabbando) , from Medieval Latin contrabannum, from #7contra -#7+ bannum ban, of Germanic origin contraband 1.a. syl con:tra+band pron <1kontr*2b@nd> pos n. def goods that are prohibited by law from being exported or imported. contraband 1.b. syl con:tra+band pron <1kontr*2b@nd> pos n. def illegally imported or exported goods. contraband 2. syl con:tra+band pron <1kontr*2b@nd> pos n. def illegal traffic in such goods; smuggling. contraband 3. syl con:tra+band pron <1kontr*2b@nd> pos n. def Also called: {contraband of war}. goods that a neutral country may not supply to a belligerent. contraband 4. syl con:tra+band pron <1kontr*2b@nd> pos n. usage during the American Civil War def a Black slave captured by the Union forces or escaped to the Union lines. contraband 5.a. syl con:tra+band pron <1kontr*2b@nd> pos adj. def forbidden by law from being imported or exported. contraband 5.b. syl con:tra+band pron <1kontr*2b@nd> pos adj. def illegally imported or exported. contrabandist sub head contraband syl con:tra+2band+ist pos n. contrabass 1.a. syl con:tra+bass pron <2kontr*1bAs> pos n. def a member of any of various families of musical instruments that is lower in pitch than the bass. contrabass 2. syl con:tra+bass pron <2kontr*1bAs> pos n. def another name for {double bass}. contrabass 3. syl con:tra+bass pron <2kontr*1bAs> pos adj. def of or denot?!ing the instrument of a family that is lower than the bass. contrabassist sub head contrabass syl con:tra+bass+ist pron <2kontr*1bAsist>, <-1b@s-> pos n. contrabassoon 0. syl con:tra+bas+soon pron <2kontr*b*1su:n> pos n. def the largest instrument in the oboe family, pitched an octave below the bassoon; double bassoon. contrabassoonist sub head contrabassoon syl con:tra+bas+1soon+ist pos n. contraception ety C19: from #7contra -#7+conception contraception 0. syl con:tra+cep+tion pron <2kontr*1sepS*n> pos n. def the prevention by artificial means of conception. Methods in common use include preventing the sperm from reaching the ovum (using condoms, diaphragms, etc.), inhibiting ovulation (using oral contraceptive pills), preventing implantation (using intrauterine devices), killing the sperm (using spermicides), and preventing the sperm from entering the seminal fluid (by vasectomy). Compare {birth control, family planning}. contraceptive 1. syl con:tra+cep+tive pron <2kontr*1septiv> pos adj. def relating to or used for contraception; able or tending to prevent impregnation. contraceptive 2. syl con:tra+cep+tive pron <2kontr*1septiv> pos n. def any device that prevents or tends to prevent conception. contract ety C16: from Latin contractus agreement, something drawn up, from contrahere to draw together, from trahere to draw contract 1. syl con+tract pron pos vb. def to make or become smaller, narrower, shorter, etc.. exam 1 metals contract as the temperature is reduced. contract 2. syl con+tract pron <1kontr@kt> pos vb. mod when; intr. sometimes foll. by for; when; tr. usage may take an infinitive def to enter into an agreement with (a person, company, etc.) to deliver (goods or services) or to do (something) on mutually agreed and binding terms, often in writing. contract 3. syl con+tract pron pos vb. def to draw or be drawn together; coalesce or cause to coalesce. contract 4. syl con+tract pron pos vb. mod tr. def to acquire, incur, or become affected by (a disease, liability, debt, etc.). contract 5. syl con+tract pron pos vb. mod tr. def to shorten (a word or phrase) by the omission of letters or syllables, usually indicated in writing by an apostrophe. contract 6. syl con+tract pron pos vb. qual Phonetics. def to unite (two vowels) or (of two vowels) to be united within a word or at a word boundary so that a new long vowel or diphthong is formed. contract 7. syl con+tract pron pos vb. mod tr. usage of the brow or a muscle def to wrinkle or be drawn together. contract 8. syl con+tract pron pos vb. mod tr. def to arrange (a marriage) for; betroth. contract 9. syl con+tract pron <1kontr@kt> pos n. def a formal agreement between two or more parties. contract 10. syl con+tract pron <1kontr@kt> pos n. def a document that states the terms of such an agreement. contract 11. syl con+tract pron <1kontr@kt> pos n. def the branch of law treating of contracts. contract 12. syl con+tract pron <1kontr@kt> pos n. def marriage considered as a formal agreement. contract 13. syl con+tract pron <1kontr@kt> pos n. def See {contract bridge}. contract 14.a. syl con+tract pron <1kontr@kt> pos n. usage in the bidding sequence before play def the highest bid, which determines trumps and the number of tricks one side must try to make. contract 14.b. syl con+tract pron <1kontr@kt> pos n. def the number and suit of these tricks. contractible sub head contract syl con+1tract+i:ble pos adj. contractibly sub head contract syl con+1tract+i:bly pos adv. contract bridge 0. syl con+tract bridge pron <1kontr@kt> pos n. def the most common variety of bridge, in which the declarer receives points counting towards game and rubber only for tricks he bids as well as makes, any overtricks receiving bonus points. Compare {auction bridge}. contractile 0. syl con+trac+tile pron pos adj. def having the power to contract or to cause contraction. contractility sub head contractile syl con+trac+til+i:ty pron <2kontr@k1tiliti> pos n. contraction 1. syl con+trac+tion pron pos n. def an instance of contracting or the state of being contracted. contraction 2. syl con+trac+tion pron pos n. qual Physiol. def any normal shortening or tensing of an organ or part, esp. of a muscle. contraction 3. syl con+trac+tion pron pos n. qual Pathol. def any abnormal tightening or shrinking of an organ or part. contraction 4. syl con+trac+tion pron pos n. def a shortening of a word or group of words, often marked in written English by an apostrophe. exam 1 I've come contractively sub head contraction syl con+1trac+tive+ly pos adv. contractiveness sub head contraction syl con+1trac+tive+ness pos n. contractor 1. syl con+trac+tor pron <1kontr@kt*>, pos n. def a person or firm that contracts to supply materials or labour, esp. for building. contractor 2. syl con+trac+tor pron <1kontr@kt*>, pos n. def something that contracts, esp. a muscle. contractor 3. syl con+trac+tor pron <1kontr@kt*>, pos n. qual Law. def a person who is a party to a contract. contractor 4. syl con+trac+tor pron <1kontr@kt*>, pos n. def the declarer in bridge. contract out 0. syl con+tract out pos vb. adv. mod intr. qual Brit. def to agree not to participate in something, esp. the state pension scheme. contractual 0. syl con+trac+tu:al pron pos adj. def of the nature of or assured by a contract. contractually sub head contractual syl con+1trac+tu+al+ly pos adv. contracture 0. syl con+trac+ture pron pos n. def a disorder in which a skeletal muscle is permanently tightened (contracted), most often caused by spasm or paralysis of the antagonist muscle that maintains normal muscle tension. contradance 0. syl con:tra+dance pron <1kontr*2da:ns> pos n. def a variant spelling of {contredanse}. contradict ety C16: from Latin contr*_ad*_icere, from #7contr*_a -#7+ d*_icere to speak, say contradict 1. syl con:tra+dict pron <2kontr*1dikt> pos vb. mod tr. def to affirm the opposite of (a proposition, statement, etc.). contradict 2. syl con:tra+dict pron <2kontr*1dikt> pos vb. mod tr. def to declare (a proposition, statement, etc.) to be false or incorrect; deny. contradict 3. syl con:tra+dict pron <2kontr*1dikt> pos vb. mod intr. def to be argumentative or contrary. contradict 4. syl con:tra+dict pron <2kontr*1dikt> pos vb. mod tr. def to be inconsistent with (a proposition, etc.). exam 1 the facts contradicted his theory. contradict 5. syl con:tra+dict pron <2kontr*1dikt> pos vb. mod intr. usage of two or more facts, principles, etc. def to be at variance; be in contradiction. contradictable sub head contradict syl con:tra+1dict+a:ble pos adj. contradicter sub head contradict or contradictor syl con:tra+1dict+er pos n. contradictor sub head contradict or contradicter syl con+tra+1dic+tor pos n. contradictive sub head contradict or contradictious syl con:tra+1dic+tive pos adj. contradictious sub head contradict or contradictive syl con:tra+1dic+tious pos adj. contradictively sub head contradict or contradictiously syl con:tra+1dic+tive+ly pos adv. contradictiously sub head contradict or contradictively syl con:tra+1dic+tious+ly pos adv. contradictiveness sub head contradict or contradictiousness syl con:tra+1dic+tive+ness pos n. contradictiousness sub head contradict or contradictiveness syl con:tra+1dic+tious+ness pos n. contradiction 1. syl con:tra+dic+tion pron <2kontr*1dikS*n> pos n. def the act of going against; opposition; denial. contradiction 2. syl con:tra+dic+tion pron <2kontr*1dikS*n> pos n. def a declaration of the opposite or contrary. contradiction 3. syl con:tra+dic+tion pron <2kontr*1dikS*n> pos n. def a statement that is at variance with itself (often in the phrase {a contradiction in terms}) . contradiction 4. syl con:tra+dic+tion pron <2kontr*1dikS*n> pos n. def conflict or inconsist?!ency, as between events, qualities, etc. contradiction 5. syl con:tra+dic+tion pron <2kontr*1dikS*n> pos n. def a person or thing containing conflicting qualities. contradictory 1. syl con:tra+dic+to:ry pron <2kontr*1dikt*ri> pos adj. def inconsistent; incompatible. contradictory 2. syl con:tra+dic+to:ry pron <2kontr*1dikt*ri> pos adj. def given to argument and contention. exam 1 a contradictory person. contradictory 3. syl con:tra+dic+to:ry pron <2kontr*1dikt*ri> pos adj. usage Logic. of a pair of propositions def unable to be both true or both false at once. Compare { {contrary} (sense 5)}, { {sub?!contrary} (sense 1)}. contradictories infl head contradictory syl con:tra+dic+to:ries. pos n. mod pl. contradictory 4. syl con:tra+dic+to:ry pron <2kontr*1dikt*ri> pos n. def either of two logical propositions that cannot both be true or both be false. contradictorily sub head contradictory syl con:tra+1dic+to+ri+ly pos adv. contradictoriness sub head contradictory syl con:tra+1dic+to+ri+ness pos n. contradistinction 0. syl con:tra+dis+tinc+tion pron <2kontr*di1stiGkS*n> pos n. def a distinction made by contrasting different qualities. contradistinctive sub head contradistinction syl con:tra+dis+1tinc+tive pos adj. contradistinctively sub head contradistinction syl con:tra+dis+1tinc+tive+ly pos adv. contradistinguish 0. syl con:tra+dis+tin+guish pron <2kontr*di1stiGgwiS> pos vb. mod tr. def to differentiate by means of contrasting or opposing qualities. contrail ety C20: from #7con (#7densation) #7+trail contrail 0. syl con+trail pron <1kontrAl> pos n. def another name for {vapour trail}. contraindicate 0. syl con:tra+in+di+cate pron <2kontr*1indi2kAt> pos vb. mod tr. qual Med. usage usually passive def to advise against or indicate the possible danger of (a drug, treatment, etc.). contraindicant sub head contraindicate syl con:tra+1in+di+cant pos n. contraindication sub head contraindicate syl con:tra+2in+di+1ca+tion pos n. contralto ety C18: from Italian; see #7contra -#7, alto contraltos infl head contralto or ti syl con+tral+tos pron <-ti> pos n. mod pl. ti infl head contralto or contraltos syl +ti pron <-ti> pos n. mod pl. contralto 1. syl con+tral+to pron , <-1tra:l-> pos n. def the alto voice of a female soloist or operatic singer. contralto 2. syl con+tral+to pron , <-1tra:l-> pos n. def a singer with such a voice. Compare {alto}. contralto 3. syl con+tral+to pron , <-1tra:l-> pos adj. def of or denoting a con?!tralto. exam 1 the contralto part. contraposition 1. syl con:tra+po+si+tion pron <2kontr*p*1ziS*n> pos n. def the act of placing opposite or against, esp. in contrast or antithesis. contraposition 2. syl con:tra+po+si+tion pron <2kontr*p*1ziS*n> pos n. qual Logic. def the conclusion drawn from a proposition by negating its terms and changing their order. exam 1 the contraposition of (A implies B) is (not B implies not A) . contraption ety C19: perhaps from #7con (#7trivance) #7+trap+ (#7inven) #7tion contraption 0. syl con+trap+tion pron pos n. qual Informal, often facetious or derogatory. def a device or contrivance, esp. one considered strange, unnecessarily intricate, or improvised. contrapuntal ety C19: from Italian contrappunto #7counterpoint+ -#7al %1 contrapuntal 0. syl con:tra+pun+tal pron <2kontr*1p^ntL> pos adj. qual Music. def characterized by counterpoint. contrapuntally sub head contrapuntal syl con:tra+1pun+tal+ly pos adv. contrapuntalist alt head contrapuntist or contrapuntist syl con:tra+pun+tal+ist pos n. contrapuntist 0. or contrapuntalist syl con:tra+pun+tist pron <2kontr*1p^ntist> pos n. qual Music. def a composer skilled in counterpoint. ties infl head contrariety syl :ties. pos n. mod pl. contrariety 1. syl con:tra+ri+e:ty pron <2kontr*1rI*ti> pos n. def opposition between one thing and another; disagreement. contrariety 2. syl con:tra+ri+e:ty pron <2kontr*1rI*ti> pos n. def an instance of such opposition; inconsistency; discrepancy. contrariety 3. syl con:tra+ri+e:ty pron <2kontr*1rI*ti> pos n. qual Logic. def the relationship between two contraries. contrarily 1. syl con+tra+ri+ly pron pos adv. def in a perverse or obstinate manner. contrarily 2. syl con+tra+ri+ly pron <1kontr*rili> pos adv. def on the other hand; from the opposite point of view. contrarily 3. syl con+tra+ri+ly pron <1kontr*rili> pos adv. def in an opposite, adverse, or unexpected way. contrarious 1. syl con+trar:i+ous pron pos adj. qual Rare. usage of people or animals def perverse or obstinate. contrarious 2. syl con+trar:i+ous pron pos adj. qual Rare. usage of conditions, etc. def unfavourable. contrariously sub head contrarious syl con+1trar:i+ous+ly pos adv. contrariousness sub head contrarious syl con+1trar:i+ous+ness pos n. contrariwise 1. syl con+tra+ri+wise pron <1kontre*ri2wIz> pos adv. def from a contrasting point of view; on the other hand. contrariwise 2. syl con+tra+ri+wise pron <1kontre*ri2wIz> pos adv. def in the reverse way or direction. contrariwise 3. syl con+tra+ri+wise pron pos adv. def in a contrary manner. contrary ety C14: from Latin contr*_arius opposite, from contr*_a against contrary 1. syl con+tra+ry pron <1kontr*ri> pos adj. def opposed in nature, position, etc.. exam 1 contrary ideas. contrary 2. syl con+tra+ry pron pos adj. def perverse; obstinate. contrary 3. syl con+tra+ry pron <1kontr*ri> pos adj. usage esp. of wind def adverse; unfavourable. contrary 4. syl con+tra+ry pron <1kontr*ri> pos adj. usage of plant parts def situated at right angles to each other. contrary 5. syl con+tra+ry pron <1kontr*ri> pos adj. usage Logic. of a pair of propositions def related so that they cannot both be true at once, although they may both be false together. Compare { {subcontrary} (sense 1)}, { {contradictory} (sense 3)}. contraries infl head contrary syl con+tra+ries. pos n. mod pl. contrary 6. syl con+tra+ry pron <1kontr*ri> pos n. def the exact opposite (esp. in the phrase {to the contrary) }. on the contrary 7. head contrary syl on the contrary. def quite the reverse; not at all. contrary 8. syl con+tra+ry pron <1kontr*ri> pos n. def either of two exactly opposite objects, facts, or qualities. contrary 9. syl con+tra+ry pron <1kontr*ri> pos n. def either of two contrary logical propositions. contrary 10. syl con+tra+ry pron <1kontr*ri> pos adv. usage usually foll. by to def in an opposite or unexpected way. exam 1 contrary to usual belief. contrary 11. syl con+tra+ry pron <1kontr*ri> pos adv. usage usually foll. by to def in conflict (with) or contravention (of). exam 1 contrary to nature. contrariness sub head contrary syl con+1tra+ri+ness pos n. contrast ety C16: (n.): via French from Italian, from contrastare (vb.), from Latin contra- against+ stare to stand &- con+#!trast+a@.ble adj. contrast 1. syl con+trast pron pos vb. usage often foll. by with def to distinguish or be distinguished by comparison of unlike or opposite qualities. contrast 2. syl con+trast pron <1kontra:st> pos n. def distinction or emphasis of difference by comparison of opposite or dissimilar things, qualities, etc. (esp. in the phrases {by contrast, in contrast to} {with) }. contrast 3. syl con+trast pron <1kontra:st> pos n. def a person or thing showing notable differences when compared with another. contrast 4. syl con+trast pron <1kontra:st> pos n. usage in painting def the effect of the juxtaposition of different colours, tones, etc. contrast 5.a. syl con+trast pron <1kontra:st> pos n. def the range of optical density and tone on a photographic negative or print. contrast 5.b. syl con+trast pron <1kontra:st> pos n. def the extent to which adjacent areas of an optical image, esp. on a television screen, differ in brightness. contrastably sub head contrast syl con+1trast+a:bly pos adv. contrastingly sub head contrast syl con+1trast+ing+ly pos adv. contrastive sub head contrast syl con+1tras+tive pos adj. contrastively sub head contrast syl con+1tras+tive+ly pos adv. contrasty 0. syl con+trast:y pron pos adj. usage of a photograph or subject def having sharp gradations in tone, esp. between light and dark areas. contrasuggestible 0. syl con:tra+sug+gest+i:ble pron <2kontr*s*1JestibL> pos adj. qual Psychol. def responding or tending to respond to a suggestion by doing or believing the opposite. &- {@!con@.tra+sug+@!gest+i@.#!bil+i@.ty} &- {@!con@.tra+sug+#!ges+tion} contravallation ety C17: from #7contra -#7+ Latin vall*_ati*_o entrenchment; compare French contrevalla?!tion contravallation 0. syl con:tra+val+la+tion pron <2kontr*v*1lAS*n> pos n. def fortifications built by besiegers around the place besieged. contravene ety C16: from Late Latin contr*_aven*_ire, from Latin #7contra -#7+ ven*_ire to come contravene 1. syl con:tra+vene pron <2kontr*1vEn> pos vb. mod tr. def to come into conflict with or infringe (rules, laws, etc.). contravene 2. syl con:tra+vene pron <2kontr*1vEn> pos vb. mod tr. def to dispute or contradict (a statement, proposition, etc.). contravener sub head contravene syl con:tra+1ven+er pos n. contravention sub head contravene syl con:tra+ven+tion pron <2kontr*1venS*n> pos n. contrayerva ety C17: from Spanish contrayerba, from #7contra -#7+ yerba grass, (poisonous) plant, from Latin herba; referring to the belief that it was an antidote to poisons contrayerva 0. syl con:tra+yer+va pron <2kontr*1jR:v*> pos n. def the root of any of several tropical American moraceous plants of the genus esp. used as a stimulant and tonic. contredanse ety C19: from French, changed from English country dance; country altered to French contre (opposite) by folk etymology (because the dancers face each other) contradance alt head contredanse or contredanse syl con:tra+dance pron <1kontr*2da:ns> pos n. contredanse 1. or contradance syl con+tre+danse pron <1kontr*2da:ns> pos n. def a courtly Continental version of the English country dance, similar to the quadrille. contredanse 2. or contradance syl con+tre+danse pron <1kontr*2da:ns> pos n. def music written for or in the rhythm of this dance. contretemps ety C17: from French, from contre against+ temps time, from Latin tempus contretemps infl syl con+tre+temps. pos n. mod pl. contretemps 1. syl con+tre+temps pron <1kontr*2ta:n>, French pos n. def an awkward or difficult situation or mishap. contretemps 2. syl con+tre+temps pron <1kontr*2ta:n>, French pos n. qual Fencing. def a feint made with the purpose of producing a counterthrust from one's opponent. contrib 1. syl contrib. qual abbrev. for: def contribution. contrib 2. syl contrib. qual abbrev. for: def contributor. contribute ety C16: from Latin contribuere to collect, from tribuere to grant, bestow contribute 1. syl con+trib+ute pron pos vb. usage often foll. by to def to give (support, money, etc.) for a common purpose or fund. contribute 2. syl con+trib+ute pron pos vb. usage often foll. by to def to supply (ideas, opinions, etc.) as part of a debate or discussion. contribute 3. syl con+trib+ute pron pos vb. mod intr. usage often foll. by to def to be partly instrumental (in) or responsible (for). exam 1 drink contributed to the accident. contribute 4. syl con+trib+ute pron pos vb. usage often foll. by to def to write (articles, etc.) for a publication. contributable sub head contribute syl con+1trib+ut+a:ble pos adj. contributive sub head contribute syl con+1trib:u+tive pos adj. contributively sub head contribute syl con+1trib:u+tive+ly pos adv. contributiveness sub head contribute syl con+1trib:u+tive+ness pos n. contribution 1. syl con+tri+bu+tion pron <2kontri1bju:S*n> pos n. def the act of contribut?!ing. contribution 2. syl con+tri+bu+tion pron <2kontri1bju:S*n> pos n. def something contributed, such as money or ideas. contribution 3. syl con+tri+bu+tion pron <2kontri1bju:S*n> pos n. def an article, story, etc., contributed to a newspaper or other publication. contribution 4. syl con+tri+bu+tion pron <2kontri1bju:S*n> pos n. qual Insurance. def a portion of the total liability incumbent on each of two or more companies for a risk with respect to which all of them have issued policies. contribution 5. syl con+tri+bu+tion pron <2kontri1bju:S*n> pos n. qual Archaic. def a levy, esp. towards the cost of a war. contributor 1. syl con+trib:u+tor pron pos n. def something that is a factor in or is partly responsible for something. exam 1 alcohol was a contributor to his death. contributor 2. syl con+trib:u+tor pron pos n. def a person who contributes, esp. one who writes for a newspaper or one who makes a donation to a cause, etc. contributory 1. syl con+trib:u+to:ry pron , <-tri> pos adj. usage often foll. by to def sharing in or being partly responsible (for the cause of something). exam 1 a contributory factor. contributory 2. syl con+trib:u+to:ry pron , <-tri> pos adj. def giving or donating to a common purpose or fund. contributory 3. syl con+trib:u+to:ry pron , <-tri> pos adj. def of, relating to, or designating an insurance or pension scheme in which the premiums are paid partly by the employer and partly by the employees who benefit from it. contributory 4. syl con+trib:u+to:ry pron , <-tri> pos adj. def liable or subject to a tax or levy. contributories infl head contributory syl con+trib:u+to:ries. pos n. mod pl. contributory 5. syl con+trib:u+to:ry pron , <-tri> pos n. def a person or thing that contributes. contributory 6. syl con+trib:u+to:ry pron , <-tri> pos n. qual Company law. def a member or former member of a company liable to contribute to the assets on the winding-up of the company. contributory negligence 0. syl con+trib:u+to:ry neg+li+gence pos n. qual Law. def failure by an injured person to have taken proper precautions to prevent an accident. contrite ety C14: from Latin contr*_itus worn out, from conterere to bruise, from terere to grind contrite 1. syl con+trite pron , <1kontrIt> pos adj. def full of guilt or regret; remorseful. contrite 2. syl con+trite pron , <1kontrIt> pos adj. def arising from a sense of shame or guilt. exam 1 contrite promises. contrite 3. syl con+trite pron , <1kontrIt> pos adj. qual Theol. def remorseful for past sin and resolved to avoid future sin. contritely sub head contrite syl con+1trite+ly pos adv. contriteness sub head contrite syl con+1trite+ness pos n. contrition 1. syl con+tri+tion pron pos n. def deeply felt remorse; peni?!tence. contrition 2. syl con+tri+tion pron pos n. qual Christianity. def detestation of past sins and a resolve to make amends, either from love of God ({perfect contrition}) or from hope of heaven ({imperfect contrition) }. contrivance 1. syl con+triv+ance pron pos n. def something contrived, esp. an ingenious device; contraption. contrivance 2. syl con+triv+ance pron pos n. def the act or faculty of devising or adapting; inventive skill or ability. contrivance 3. syl con+triv+ance pron pos n. def an artificial rather than natural selection or arrangement of details, parts, etc. contrivance 4. syl con+triv+ance pron pos n. def an elaborate or deceitful plan or expedient; stratagem. contrive ety C14: from Old French controver, from Late Latin controp*_are to represent by figures of speech, compare, from Latin com- together+ tropus figure of speech, #7trope contrive 1. syl con+trive pron pos vb. mod tr. def to manage (something or to do something), esp. by means of a trick; engineer. exam 1 he contrived to make them meet. contrive 2. syl con+trive pron pos vb. mod tr. def to think up or adapt ingeniously or elaborately. exam 1 he contrived a new mast for the boat. contrive 3. syl con+trive pron pos vb. def to plot or scheme (treachery, evil, etc.). contrivable sub head contrive syl con+1triv+a:ble pos adj. contriver sub head contrive syl con+1triv+er pos n. contrived 0. syl con+trived pron pos adj. def obviously planned, artificial, or lacking in spontaneity; forced; unnatural. control ety C15: from Old French conteroller to regulate, from contrerolle duplicate register, system of checking, from contre- #7counter -#7+ rolle #7roll controls infl head control syl con+trols pos vb. mod tr. controlling infl head control syl con+trol+ling pos vb. mod tr. controlled infl head control syl con+trolled. pos vb. mod tr. control 1. syl con+trol pron pos vb. mod tr. def to command, direct, or rule. exam 1 to control a country. control 2. syl con+trol pron pos vb. mod tr. def to check, limit, curb, or regulate; restrain. exam 1 to control one's emotions; exam 2 to control a fire. control 3. syl con+trol pron pos vb. mod tr. def to regulate or operate (a machine). control 4. syl con+trol pron pos vb. mod tr. def to verify (a scientific experiment) by conducting a parallel experiment in which the variable being investigated is held constant or is compared with a standard. control 5.a. syl con+trol pron pos vb. mod tr. def to regulate (financial affairs). control 5.b. syl con+trol pron pos vb. mod tr. def to examine and verify (financial accounts). control 6. syl con+trol pron pos n. mod tr. def power to direct or determine. exam 1 under control; exam 2 out of control. control 7. syl con+trol pron pos n. mod tr. def a means of regulation or restraint; curb; check. exam 1 a frontier control. control 8. syl con+trol pron pos n. mod often; pl. def a device or mechanism for operating a car, aircraft, etc. control 9. syl con+trol pron pos n. mod tr. def a standard of comparison used in a statistical analysis or scientific experiment. control 10.a. syl con+trol pron pos n. mod tr. def a device that regulates the operation of a machine. A {dynamic control} is one that incorporates a governor so that it responds to the output of the machine it regulates. control 10.b. syl con+trol pron pos n. mod tr. usage as modifier exam 1 control panel; exam 2 control room. control 11. syl con+trol pron pos n. mod tr. qual Spiritualism. def an agency believed to assist the medium in a s*'eance. control 12. syl con+trol pron pos n. mod tr. def Also called: {control mark}. a letter, or letter and number, printed on a sheet of postage stamps, indicating authenticity, date, and series of issue. control 13. syl con+trol pron pos n. mod tr. def one of a number of checkpoints on a car rally, orienteering course, etc., where competitors check in and their time, performance, etc., is recorded. controllable sub head control syl con+1trol+la:ble pos adj. controllability sub head control or controllableness syl con+2trol+la:1bil+i:ty pos n. controllableness sub head control or controllability syl con+1trol+la:ble+ness pos n. controllably sub head control syl con+1trol+la:bly pos adv. control account 0. syl con+trol ac+count pos n. qual Accounting. def an account to which are posted the debit and credit totals of other accounts, usually in preparation of financial statements. control chart 0. syl con+trol chart pos n. qual Statistics. def a chart on which observed values of a variable are plotted in the order in which they occur so that excessive variations in the quality, quantity, etc., of the variable can be detected. control column 0. syl con+trol col+umn pos n. def a lever or pillar, usually fitted with a handwheel, used to control the movements of an aircraft. Also called: {control stick, joy stick}. control experiment 0. syl con+trol ex+per:i+ment pos n. def an experiment designed to check or correct the results of another experiment by removing the variable or variables operating in that other experiment. The comparison obtained is an indication or measurement of the effect of the variables concerned. control grid 0. syl con+trol grid pos n. qual Electronics. def another name for { {grid} (sense 4)}, esp. in a tetrode or pentode. control group 0. syl con+trol group pos n. def any group used as a control in a statistical experiment, esp. a group of patients who receive either a placebo or a standard drug during an investigation of the effects of another drug on other patients. controller 1. syl con+trol+ler pron pos n. def a person who directs, regulates, or restrains. controller 2. syl con+trol+ler pron pos n. def Also called: {comptroller}. a business executive or government officer who is responsible for financial planning, control, etc. controller 3. syl con+trol+ler pron pos n. def the equipment concerned with controlling the operation of an electrical device. controllership sub head controller syl con+1trol+ler+2ship pos n. control rod 0. syl con+trol rod pos n. def one of a number of rods or tubes containing a neutron absorber, such as boron, that can be inserted into or retracted from the core of a nuclear reactor in order to control its rate of reaction. control stick 0. syl con+trol stick pos n. def the lever by which a pilot controls the lateral and longitudinal movements of an aircraft. Also called: {control column, joy stick}. control surface 0. syl con+trol sur+face pos n. def a movable aerofoil, such as a rudder, elevator, aileron, etc., that controls an aircraft or rocket. control tower 0. syl con+trol tow+er pos n. def a tower at an airport from which air traffic is controlled. controversy ety C14: from Latin contr*_oversia, from contr*_o?!versus turned in an opposite direction, from #7contra -#7+ vertere to turn &- con+tro+ver+sial (@!k$Antr$$#!v$z$:#s$$l) adj. &- @!con+tro+#!ver+sial+@!ism n. &- @!con+tro+#!ver+sial+ist n. &- @!con+tro+#!ver+sial+ly adv. controversies infl head controversy syl con+tro+ver+sies. pos n. mod pl. controversy 0. syl con+tro+ver+sy pron <1kontr*2vR:si>, pos n. def dispute, argument, or debate, esp. one concerning a matter about which there is strong disagreement and esp. one carried on in public or in the press. controvert ety C17: from Latin contr*_oversus; see #7controversy controvert 1. syl con+tro+vert pron <1kontr*2vR:t>, <2kontr*1vR:t> pos vb. mod tr. def to deny, refute, or oppose (some argument or opinion). controvert 2. syl con+tro+vert pron <1kontr*2vR:t>, <2kontr*1vR:t> pos vb. mod tr. def to argue or wrangle about. controverter sub head controvert syl con+tro+2vert+er pos n. controvertible sub head controvert syl con+tro+1vert+i:ble pos adj. controvertibly sub head controvert syl con+tro+1vert+i:bly pos adv. contumacious 0. syl con+tu+ma+cious pron <2kontju1mAS*s> pos adj. def stubbornly resistant to authority; wilfully obstinate. contumaciously sub head contumacious syl con+tu+1ma+cious+ly pos adv. contumaciousness sub head contumacious syl con+tu+1ma+cious+ness pos n. contumacy ety C14: from Latin contum*_acia, from contum*_ax obstinate; related to tum*_ere to swell, be proud contumacies infl head contumacy syl con+tu+ma+cies. pos n. mod pl. contumacy 1. syl con+tu+ma+cy pron <1kontjum*si> pos n. def obstinate and wilful rebelliousness or resistance to authority; insubordination; disobedience. contumacy 2. syl con+tu+ma+cy pron <1kontjum*si> pos n. def the wilful refusal of a person to appear before a court or to comply with a court order. contumely ety C14: from Latin contum*_elia invective, from tum*_ere to swell, as with wrath &- con+tu+me@.li+ous (@!k$Antj$u#!mi$:l$I$$s) adj. contumelies infl head contumely syl con+tu+me:lies. pos n. mod pl. contumely 1. syl con+tu+me:ly pron <1kontjumili> pos n. def scornful or insulting language or behaviour. contumely 2. syl con+tu+me:ly pron <1kontjumili> pos n. def a humiliating or scornful insult. contumeliously sub head contumely syl con+tu+1me:li+ous+ly pos adv. contumeliousness sub head contumely syl con+tu+1me:li+ous+ness pos n. contuse ety C15: from Latin cont*_usus bruised, from contundere to grind, from tundere to beat, batter contuse 0. syl con+tuse pron pos vb. mod tr. def to injure (the body) without breaking the skin; bruise. contusive sub head contuse syl con+1tu+sive pos adj. contusion 0. syl con+tu+sion pron pos n. def an injury in which the skin is not broken; bruise. contusioned sub head contusion syl con+1tu+sioned pos adj. conundrum ety C16: of unknown origin conundrum 1. syl co+nun+drum pron pos n. def a riddle, esp. one whose answer makes a play on words. conundrum 2. syl co+nun+drum pron pos n. def a puzzling question or problem. conurbation ety C20: from #7con -#7+ -urbation, from Latin urbs city; see #7urban conurbation 0. syl con+ur+ba+tion pron <2konR:1bAS*n> pos n. def a large densely populated urban sprawl formed by the growth and coalescence of individual towns or cities. conure ety C19: from New Latin conurus, from Greek k*_onos #7cone + oura tail conure 0. syl con+ure pron <1konju*> pos n. def any of various small American parrots of the genus and related genera. convalesce ety C15: from Latin conval*_escere, from com- (intensive)+ val*_escere to grow strong, from val*_ere to be strong convalesce 0. syl con+va+lesce pron <2konv*1les> pos vb. mod intr. def to recover from illness, injury, or the aftereffects of a surgical operation, esp. by resting. convalescence 1. syl con+va+les+cence pron <2konv*1les*ns> pos n. def gradual return to health after illness, injury, or an operation, esp. through rest. convalescence 2. syl con+va+les+cence pron <2konv*1les*ns> pos n. def the period during which such recovery occurs. convalescent sub head convalescence syl con+va+1les+cent pos n. adj. convalescently sub head convalescence syl con+va+1les+cent+ly pos adv. convection ety C19: from Late Latin convecti*_o a bringing together, from Latin convehere to bring together, gather, from vehere to bear, carry convection 1. syl con+vec+tion pron pos n. def the process of heat or mass transfer through a fluid, caused by movement of molecules from cool regions to warmer regions of lower density. convection 2. syl con+vec+tion pron pos n. qual Meteorol. def the process by which masses of relatively warm air are raised into the atmosphere, often cooling and forming clouds, with compensatory downward movements of cooler air. convectional sub head convection syl con+1vec+tion+al pos adj. convective sub head convection syl con+1vec+tive pos adj. convectively sub head convection syl con+1vec+tive+ly pos adv. convector 0. syl con+vec+tor pron pos n. def a space-heating device from which heat is transferred to the surrounding air by convection. convenance ety from convenir to be suitable, from Latin conven*_ire; see #7convenient convenance 0. syl con+ve+nance pron French. pos n. def suitable behaviour; propriety. convenances 0. syl con+ve+nances pron French. pos n. mod pl. def the accepted social forms; conventions. convene ety C15: from Latin conven*_ire to assemble, from ven*_ire to come convene 1. syl con+vene pron pos vb. def to gather, call together, or summon, esp. for a formal meeting. convene 2. syl con+vene pron pos vb. mod tr. def to order to appear before a court of law, judge, tribunal, etc. convenable sub head convene syl con+1ven+a:ble pos adj. convenably sub head convene syl con+1ven+a:bly pos adv. convenor alt head convener or convener syl con+ven+or pron pos n. convener 0. or convenor syl con+ven+er pron pos n. def a person who convenes or chairs a meeting, committee, etc., esp. one who is specifically elected to do so. exam 1 a convener of shop stewards. convenience 1. syl con+ven:i+ence pron pos n. def the state or quality of being suitable or opportune. exam 1 the convenience of the hour. convenience 2. syl con+ven:i+ence pron pos n. def a convenient time or situation. at your convenience 3. head convenience syl at your convenience. def at a time suitable to you. at your earliest convenience 4. head convenience syl at your earliest convenience. qual Formal. def as soon as possible. convenience 5. syl con+ven:i+ence pron pos n. def usefulness, comfort, or facility. convenience 6. syl con+ven:i+ence pron pos n. def an object that is particularly useful, esp. a labour-saving device. convenience 7. syl con+ven:i+ence pron pos n. qual Euphemistic, chiefly Brit. def a lavatory, esp. a public one. make a convenience of 8. head convenience syl make a convenience of. def to take advantage of; impose upon. convenience food 0. syl con+ven:i+ence food pos n. def food that needs little preparation and can be used at any time. convenient ety C14: from Latin conveni*_ens appropriate, fitting, from conven*_ire to come together, be in accord with, from ven*_ire to come convenient 1. syl con+ven:i+ent pron pos adj. def suitable for one's purpose or needs; opportune. convenient 2. syl con+ven:i+ent pron pos adj. def easy to use. convenient 3. syl con+ven:i+ent pron pos adj. def close by or easily accessible; handy. conveniently sub head convenient syl con+1ven:i+ent+ly pos adv. convent ety C13: from Old French covent, from Latin conventus meeting, from conven*_ire to come together; see #7convene convent 1. syl con+vent pron <1konv*nt> pos n. def a building inhabited by a religious community, usually of nuns. convent 2. syl con+vent pron <1konv*nt> pos n. def the religious community inhabiting such a building. convent 3. syl con+vent pron <1konv*nt> pos n. def Also called: {convent school}. a school in which the teachers are nuns. conventicle ety C14: from Latin conventiculum a meeting, from conventus; see #7convent conventicle 1. syl con+ven+ti+cle pron pos n. def a secret or unauthorized assembly for worship. conventicle 2. syl con+ven+ti+cle pron pos n. def a small meeting house or chapel for a religious assembly, esp. of Nonconformists or Dissenters. conventicler sub head conventicle syl con+1ven+ti+cler pos n. convention ety C15: from Latin conventi*_o an assembling, agreeing convention 1.a. syl con+ven+tion pron pos n. def a large formal assembly of a group with common interests, such as a political party or trade union. convention 1.b. syl con+ven+tion pron pos n. def the persons attending such an assembly. convention 2. syl con+ven+tion pron pos n. qual U.S. politics. def an assembly of delegates of one party to select candidates for office. convention 3. syl con+ven+tion pron pos n. qual Diplomacy. def an international agreement second only to a treaty in formality. exam 1 a telecommunications convention. convention 4. syl con+ven+tion pron pos n. def any agreement, compact, or contract. convention 5. syl con+ven+tion pron pos n. def the most widely accepted or established view of what is thought to be proper behaviour, good taste, etc. convention 6. syl con+ven+tion pron pos n. def an accepted rule, usage, etc.. exam 1 a convention used by printers. convention 7. syl con+ven+tion pron pos n. qual Bridge. def Also called: {conventional}. a bid or play not to be taken at its face value, which one's partner can interpret according to a prearranged bidding system. conventional 1. syl con+ven+tion+al pron pos adj. def following the accepted customs and proprieties, esp. in a way that lacks originality. exam 1 conventional habits. conventional 2. syl con+ven+tion+al pron pos adj. def established by accepted usage or general agreement. conventional 3. syl con+ven+tion+al pron pos adj. def of or relating to a convention or assembly. conventional 4. syl con+ven+tion+al pron pos adj. qual Law. def based upon the agreement or consent of parties. conventional 5. syl con+ven+tion+al pron pos adj. qual Arts. def represented in a simplified or generalized way; conventionalized. conventional 6. syl con+ven+tion+al pron pos adj. usage of weapons, warfare, etc. def not nuclear. conventional 7. syl con+ven+tion+al pron pos n. qual Bridge. def another word for { {convention} (sense 7)}. conventionally sub head conventional syl con+1ven+tion+al+ly pos adv. conventionalism 1. syl con+ven+tion+al+ism pron pos n. def advocacy of or conformity to that which is established. conventionalism 2. syl con+ven+tion+al+ism pron pos n. def something con?!ventional. conventionalism 3. syl con+ven+tion+al+ism pron pos n. qual Philosophy. def the theory that principles become established by general agreement rather than rationally or empirically. &- {con+#!ven+tion+al+ist} conventionalities infl head conventionality syl con+ven+tion+al+i:ties. pos n. mod pl. conventionality 1. syl con+ven+tion+al+i:ty pron pos n. def the quality or characteristic of being conventional, esp. in behaviour, thinking, etc. conventionality 2. syl con+ven+tion+al+i:ty pron pos n. mod often; pl. def something conventional, esp. a normal or accepted rule of behaviour; propriety. conventionalise alt head conventionalize or conventionalize syl con+ven+tion+al+ise pron pos vb. mod tr. conventionalize 1. or conventionalise syl con+ven+tion+al+ize pron pos vb. mod tr. def to make conventional. conventionalize 2. or conventionalise syl con+ven+tion+al+ize pron pos vb. mod tr. def to simplify or stylize (a design, decorative device, etc.). conventionalization sub head conventionalize or conventionalisation syl con+2ven+tion+al:i+1za+tion pos n. conventionalisation sub head conventionalize or conventionalization syl con+2ven+tion+al:i+1sa+tion pos n. conventual 1. syl con+ven+tu:al pron pos adj. def of, belonging to, or characteristic of a convent. conventual 2. syl con+ven+tu:al pron pos n. def a member of a convent. conventually sub head conventual syl con+1ven+tu+al+ly pos adv. converge ety C17: from Late Latin convergere, from Latin com- together+ vergere to incline converge 1. syl con+verge pron pos vb. def to move or cause to move towards the same point. converge 2. syl con+verge pron pos vb. def to meet or cause to meet; join. converge 3. syl con+verge pron pos vb. mod intr. usage of opinions, effects, etc. def to tend towards a common conclusion or result. converge 4. syl con+verge pron pos vb. mod intr. usage Maths. of an infinite series def to approach a finite limit as the number of terms increases. converge 5. syl con+verge pron pos vb. mod intr. usage of animals and plants during evolutionary development def to undergo convergence. convergence 1. syl con+ver+gence pron pos n. def Also: {con+ver+gen+cy}. the act, degree, or a point of converging. convergence 2. syl con+ver+gence pron pos n. def concurrence of opinions, results, etc. convergence 3. syl con+ver+gence pron pos n. qual Maths. def the property or manner of approaching a finite limit, esp. of an infinite series. exam 1 conditional convergence. convergence 4. syl con+ver+gence pron pos n. def the turning inwards of the eyes to focus on a close object. convergence 5. syl con+ver+gence pron pos n. def Also called: {convergent evolution}. the evolutionary development of a superficial resemblance between unrelated animals that occupy a similar environment, as in the evolution of wings in birds and bats. convergence 6. syl con+ver+gence pron pos n. qual Meteorol. def accumulation of air in a region that has a greater inflow than outflow of air, often giving rise to vertical air currents. See also {Intertropical Convergence Zone}. convergent 1. syl con+ver+gent pron pos adj. usage of two or more lines, paths, etc. def moving towards or meeting at some common point. convergent 2. syl con+ver+gent pron pos adj. usage of forces, ideas, etc. def tending towards the same result; merging. convergent 3. syl con+ver+gent pron pos adj. usage Maths. of an infinite series def having a finite limit. convergent thinking 0. syl con+ver+gent think+ing pos n. qual Psychol. def thinking in which a common attribute is abstracted from many different objects or ideas. conversable 1. syl con+vers+a:ble pron pos adj. def easy or pleasant to talk to. conversable 2. syl con+vers+a:ble pron pos adj. def able or inclined to talk. conversableness sub head conversable syl con+1vers+a:ble+ness pos n. conversably sub head conversable syl con+1vers+a:bly pos adv. conversant 0. syl con+ver+sant pron pos adj. usage usually postpositive and foll. by with def experienced (in), familiar (with), or acquainted (with). conversance sub head conversant or conversancy syl con+1ver+sance pos n. conversancy sub head conversant or conversance syl con+1ver+san+cy pos n. conversantly sub head conversant syl con+1ver+sant+ly pos adv. conversation 1. syl con+ver+sa+tion pron <2konv*1sAS*n> pos n. def the interchange through speech of information, ideas, etc.; spoken communication. make conversation 2. head conversation syl make conversation. def to talk in an artificial way. conversational 1. syl con+ver+sa+tion+al pron <2konv*1sAS*nL> pos adj. def of, using, or in the manner of conversation. conversational 2. syl con+ver+sa+tion+al pron <2konv*1sAS*nL> pos adj. def inclined to or skilled in conversa?!tion; conversable. conversationally sub head conversational syl con+ver+1sa+tion+al+ly pos adv. conversationist alt head conversationalist or conversationalist syl con+ver+sa+tion+ist pos n. conversationalist 0. or conversationist syl con+ver+sa+tion+al+ist pron <2konv*1sAS*n*2list> pos n. def a person who enjoys or excels in conversation. conversation piece 1. syl con+ver+sa+tion piece pos n. def something, esp. an unusual object, that provokes conversation. conversation piece 2. syl con+ver+sa+tion piece pos n. usage esp. in 18th-century Britain def a group portrait in a landscape or domestic setting. conversation piece 3. syl con+ver+sa+tion piece pos n. def a play emphasizing dialogue. conversazione ety C18: literally: conversation conversazioni infl head conversazione or conversaziones syl con+ver+sa+zio+ni pron Italian <-1tsjo:ni> pos n. mod pl. conversaziones infl head conversazione or conversazioni syl con+ver+sa+zi:o+nes pron English <-tsi1*unEz> pos n. mod pl. conversazione 0. syl con+ver+sa+zio+ne pron Italian. <2konvArsa1tsjo:nA>, English <2konv*?!2s@tsi1*uni> pos n. def a social gathering for discussion of the arts, literature, etc. converse ety C16: from Old French converser, from Latin convers*_ar*_i to keep company with, from convers*_are to turn constantly, from vertere to turn converse H1.1. syl con+verse pron pos vb. mod intr. usage often foll. by with def to engage in conversation (with). converse H1.2. syl con+verse pron pos vb. mod intr. usage often foll. by with def to commune spiritually (with). converse H1.3.a. syl con+verse pron pos vb. mod intr. usage often foll. by with def to associate; consort. converse H1.3.b. syl con+verse pron pos vb. mod intr. usage often foll. by with def to have sexual intercourse. converse H1.4. syl con+verse pron <1konvR:s> pos n. mod intr. usage often foll. by with def conversation (often in the phrase {hold converse with) }. converse H1.5.a. syl con+verse pron <1konvR:s> pos n. mod intr. usage often foll. by with def fellowship or acquaintance. converse H1.5.b. syl con+verse pron <1konvR:s> pos n. mod intr. usage often foll. by with def sexual intercourse. converser sub head converse syl con+1vers+er pos n. converse ety C16: from Latin conversus turned around; see #7converse %1 converse H2.1. syl con+verse pron <1konvR:s> pos adj. usage prenominal def reversed; opposite; contrary. converse H2.2. syl con+verse pron <1konvR:s> pos n. def something that is opposite or contrary. converse H2.3. syl con+verse pron <1konvR:s> pos n. qual Logic. def a proposition inferred from another proposition by the transposition of the subject and predicate. exam 1 @6all bad men are bald@9 is the converse of @6all bald men are bad@9. conversely sub head converse syl con+1verse+ly pos adv. conversion ety C14: from Latin conversi*_o a turning around; see #7convert conversion 1.a. syl con+ver+sion pron pos n. def a change or adaptation in form, character, or function. conversion 1.b. syl con+ver+sion pron pos n. def something changed in one of these respects. conversion 2. syl con+ver+sion pron pos n. def a change to another attitude or belief, as in a change of religion. conversion 3. syl con+ver+sion pron pos n. qual Maths. def a change in the units or form of a number or expression. exam 1 the conversion of miles to kilometres involves multiplying by 1.61. conversion 4. syl con+ver+sion pron pos n. qual Logic. def a form of inference by which one proposition is obtained as the converse of another proposition. conversion 5.a. syl con+ver+sion pron pos n. def unauthorized dealing with or the assumption of rights of ownership to another's personal property. conversion 5.b. syl con+ver+sion pron pos n. def the changing of real property into personalty or personalty into realty. conversion 6. syl con+ver+sion pron pos n. qual Rugby. def a score made after a try by kicking the ball over the crossbar from a place kick. conversion 7. syl con+ver+sion pron pos n. qual Physics. def a change of fertile material to fissile material in a reactor. conversion 8.a. syl con+ver+sion pron pos n. def an alteration to a car engine to improve its performance. conversion 8.b. syl con+ver+sion pron pos n. usage as modifier exam 1 a conversion kit. conversional sub head conversion or conversionary syl con+1ver+sion+al pos adj. conversionary sub head conversion or conversional syl con+1ver+sion+ar:y pos adj. convert ety C13: from Old French convertir, from Latin convertere to turn around, alter, transform, from vertere to turn convert 1. syl con+vert pron pos vb. mod mainly; tr. def to change or adapt the form, character, or function of; transform. convert 2. syl con+vert pron pos vb. mod mainly; tr. def to cause (someone) to change in opinion, belief, etc. convert 3. syl con+vert pron pos vb. mod mainly; tr. def to change (a person or his way of life, etc.) for the better. convert 4. syl con+vert pron pos vb. mod intr. def to admit of being changed (into). exam 1 the table converts into a tray. convert 5. syl con+vert pron pos vb. mod also; intr. def to change or be changed into another chemical compound or physical state. exam 1 to convert water into ice. convert 6.a. syl con+vert pron pos vb. mod mainly; tr. def to assume unlawful proprietary rights over (personal property). convert 6.b. syl con+vert pron pos vb. mod mainly; tr. def to change (property) from realty into personalty or vice versa. convert 7. syl con+vert pron pos vb. mod also; intr. qual Rugby. def to make a conversion after (a try). convert 8. syl con+vert pron pos vb. mod mainly; tr. qual Logic. def to transpose the subject and predicate of (a proposition) by conversion. convert 9. syl con+vert pron pos vb. mod mainly; tr. def to change (a value or measurement) from one system of units to another. convert 10. syl con+vert pron pos vb. mod mainly; tr. def to exchange (a security or bond) for something of equivalent value. convert 11. syl con+vert pron <1konvR:t> pos n. mod mainly; tr. def a person who has been converted to another belief, religion, etc. convertive sub head convert syl con+1ver+tive pos adj. convertor alt head converter or converter syl con+ver+tor pron pos n. converter 1. or convertor syl con+vert+er pron pos n. def a person or thing that converts. converter 2.a. or convertor syl con+vert+er pron pos n. def a device for converting alternating current to direct current or vice versa. converter 2.b. or convertor syl con+vert+er pron pos n. def a device for convert?!ing a signal from one frequency to another. converter 3. or convertor syl con+vert+er pron pos n. def a vessel in which molten metal is refined, using a blast of air or oxygen. See also {Bessemer converter, L-D converter}. converter 4. or convertor syl con+vert+er pron pos n. def short for {converter reactor}. converter reactor 0. syl con+vert+er re+ac+tor pos n. def a nuclear reactor for converting one fuel into another, esp. one that transforms fertile material into fissionable material. Compare {breeder reactor}. convertible 1. syl con+vert+i:ble pron pos adj. def capable of being convert?!ed. convertible 2. syl con+vert+i:ble pron pos adj. usage of a car def having a folding or removable roof. convertible 3.a. syl con+vert+i:ble pron pos adj. usage of a currency def freely exchangeable into other currencies. convertible 3.b. syl con+vert+i:ble pron pos adj. usage of a paper currency def exchangeable on demand for precious metal to an equivalent value. convertible 4. syl con+vert+i:ble pron pos n. def a car with a folding or removable roof. convertibility sub head convertible or convertibleness syl con+2vert+i:1bil+i:ty pos n. convertibleness sub head convertible or convertibility syl con+1vert+i:ble+ness pos n. convertibly sub head convertible syl con+1vert+i:bly pos adv. convertaplane infl head convertiplane or convertoplane syl con+vert:a+plane pron pos n. convertoplane infl head convertiplane or convertaplane syl con+vert:o+plane pron pos n. convertiplane 0. syl con+vert:i+plane pron pos n. def an aircraft that can land and take off vertically by temporarily directing its propulsive thrust downwards. convertite 0. syl con+ver+tite pron <1konv*2tIt> pos n. qual Archaic. def a convert, esp. a re?!formed prostitute. convex ety C16: from Latin convexus vaulted, rounded convex 1. syl con+vex pron <1konveks>, pos adj. def curving or bulging outwards. convex 2. syl con+vex pron <1konveks>, pos adj. qual Physics. def having one or two surfaces curved or ground in the shape of a section of the exterior of a sphere, paraboloid, ellipsoid, etc.. exam 1 a convex lens. convex 3. syl con+vex pron <1konveks>, pos adj. usage Maths. of a polygon def containing no interior angle greater than 180?%. convex 4. syl con+vex pron <1konveks>, pos vb. mod tr. def to make convex. convex xref syl con+vex pron <1konveks>, pos adj. def Compare {concave}. convexly sub head convex syl con+vex+ly pos adv. convexities infl head convexity syl con+vex+i:ties. pos n. mod pl. convexity 1. syl con+vex+i:ty pron pos n. def the state or quality of being convex. convexity 2. syl con+vex+i:ty pron pos n. def a convex surface, object, etc.; bulge. convexo-concave 1. syl con:vex:o-con:cave pron pos adj. def having one side convex and the other side concave. convexo-concave 2. syl con:vex:o-con:cave pron pos adj. usage of a lens def having a convex face with greater curvature than the concave face. Compare { {concavo-convex} (sense 2).} convexo-convex 0. syl con:vex:o-con:vex pos adj. usage esp. of a lens def having both sides convex; biconvex. convey ety C13: from Old French conveier, from Medieval Latin convi*_are to escort, from Latin com- with+ via way convey 1. syl con+vey pron pos vb. mod tr. def to take, carry, or transport from one place to another. convey 2. syl con+vey pron pos vb. mod tr. def to communicate (a message, information, etc.). convey 3. syl con+vey pron pos vb. mod tr. usage of a channel, path, etc. def to conduct, transmit, or transfer. convey 4. syl con+vey pron pos vb. mod tr. qual Law. def to transmit or transfer (the title to prop?!erty). convey 5. syl con+vey pron pos vb. mod tr. qual Archaic. def to steal. conveyable sub head convey syl con+1vey+a:ble pos adj. conveyance 1. syl con+vey+ance pron pos n. def the act of conveying. conveyance 2. syl con+vey+ance pron pos n. def a means of transport. conveyance 3.a. syl con+vey+ance pron pos n. def a transfer of the legal title to property. conveyance 3.b. syl con+vey+ance pron pos n. def the document effecting such a transfer. &- {con+#!vey+anc+er} &- {con+#!vey+anc+ing} conveyer alt head conveyor or conveyor syl con+vey+er pron pos n. conveyor 1. or conveyer syl con+vey+or pron pos n. def a person or thing that conveys. conveyor 2. or conveyer syl con+vey+or pron pos n. def short for {conveyor belt}. conveyor belt 0. syl con+vey+or belt pos n. def a flexible endless strip of fabric or linked plates driven by rollers and used to transport objects, esp. in a factory. convict ety C14: from Latin convictus convicted of crime, from convincere to prove guilty, #7con?!vince convict 1. syl con+vict pron pos vb. mod tr. def to pronounce (someone) guilty of an offence. {~} (#!k$Anv$Ikt). convict 2. syl con+vict pron pos vb. mod tr. def a person found guilty of an offence against the law, esp. one who is sentenced to imprisonment. convict 3. syl con+vict pron pos vb. mod tr. def a person serving a prison sentence. convict 4. syl con+vict pron pos adj. mod tr. qual Obsolete. def convicted. convictable sub head convict or convictible syl con+1vict+a:ble pos adj. convictible sub head convict or convictable syl con+1vict+i:ble pos adj. conviction 1. syl con+vic+tion pron pos n. def the state or appearance of being convinced. conviction 2. syl con+vic+tion pron pos n. def a fixed or firmly held belief, opinion, etc. conviction 3. syl con+vic+tion pron pos n. def the act of convincing. conviction 4. syl con+vic+tion pron pos n. def the act or an instance of convicting or the state of being convicted. carry conviction 5. head conviction syl carry conviction. def to be convinc?!ing. convictional sub head conviction syl con+1vic+tion+al pos adj. convictive 0. syl con+vic+tive pron pos adj. def able or serving to convince or convict. convictively sub head convictive syl con+1vic+tive+ly pos adv. convince ety C16: from Latin convincere to demonstrate incontrovertibly, from com- (intensive)+ vincere to overcome, conquer convince 1. syl con+vince pron pos vb. mod tr. usage may take a clause as object def to make (someone) agree, understand, or realize the truth or validity of something; persuade. convince 2.a. syl con+vince pron pos vb. mod tr. def to overcome. convince 2.b. syl con+vince pron pos vb. mod tr. def to prove guilty. convincement sub head convince syl con+1vince+ment pos n. convincer sub head convince syl con+1vinc+er pos n. convincible sub head convince syl con+1vinc+i:ble pos adj. convincing 1. syl con+vinc+ing pron pos adj. def credible or plausible. convincing 2. syl con+vinc+ing pron pos adj. qual Chiefly law. def persuading by evidence or argument. convincingly sub head convincing syl con+1vinc+ing+ly pos adv. convincingness sub head convincing syl con+1vinc+ing+ness pos n. convivial ety C17: from Late Latin conv*_ivi*_alis pertaining to a feast, from Latin conv*_ivium, a living together, banquet, from v*_ivere to live convivial 0. syl con+viv+i:al pron pos adj. def sociable; jovial or festive. exam 1 a convivial atmosphere. convivialist sub head convivial syl con+1viv:i+al+ist pos n. conviviality sub head convivial syl con+2viv:i+1al+i:ty pos n. convivially sub head convivial syl con+1viv:i+al+ly pos adv. convocation 1. syl con+vo+ca+tion pron <2konv*1kAS*n> pos n. def a large formal assembly, esp. one specifically convened. convocation 2. syl con+vo+ca+tion pron <2konv*1kAS*n> pos n. def the act of convoking or state of being convoked. convocation 3. syl con+vo+ca+tion pron <2konv*1kAS*n> pos n. qual Church of England. def either of the synods of the provinces of Canterbury or York. convocation 4.a. syl con+vo+ca+tion pron <2konv*1kAS*n> pos n. def an assembly of the clergy and part of the laity of a diocese. convocation 4.b. syl con+vo+ca+tion pron <2konv*1kAS*n> pos n. def a district represented at such an assembly. convocation 5. syl con+vo+ca+tion pron <2konv*1kAS*n> pos n. usage sometimes cap.; in some British universities def a legislative assembly composed mainly of graduates. convocation 6. syl con+vo+ca+tion pron <2konv*1kAS*n> pos n. usage in India def a degree-awarding ceremony. convocational sub head convocation syl con+vo+1ca+tion+al pos adj. convocator sub head convocation syl con+vo+2ca+tor pos n. convoke ety C16: from Latin convoc*_are, from voc*_are to call convoke 0. syl con+voke pron pos vb. mod tr. def to call (a meeting, assembly, etc.) together; summon. convocative sub head convoke syl con+voc:a+tive pron pos adj. convoker sub head convoke syl con+1vok+er pos n. convolute ety C18: from Latin convol*_utus rolled up, from convolvere to roll together, from volvere to turn convolute 1. syl con+vo+lute pron <1konv*2lu:t> pos vb. mod tr. def to form into a twisted, coiled, or rolled shape. convolute 2. syl con+vo+lute pron <1konv*2lu:t> pos adj. mod tr. qual Botany. def rolled longitudinally upon itself. exam 1 a convolute petal. convolute 3. syl con+vo+lute pron <1konv*2lu:t> pos adj. mod tr. def another word for { {convoluted} (sense 2).} convolutely sub head convolute syl con+vo+2lute+ly pos adv. convoluted 1. syl con+vo+lut+ed pron <1konv*2lu:tid> pos adj. usage esp. of meaning, style, etc. def difficult to comprehend; involved. convoluted 2. syl con+vo+lut+ed pron <1konv*2lu:tid> pos adj. def wound together; coiled. convolutedly sub head convoluted syl con+vo+2lut+ed+ly pos adv. convolutedness sub head convoluted syl con+vo+2lut+ed+ness pos n. convolution 1. syl con+vo+lu+tion pron <2konv*1lu:S*n> pos n. def a twisting together; a turn, twist, or coil. convolution 2. syl con+vo+lu+tion pron <2konv*1lu:S*n> pos n. def an intricate, involved, or confused matter or condition. convolution 3. syl con+vo+lu+tion pron <2konv*1lu:S*n> pos n. def Also called: {gyrus}. any of the numerous convex folds or ridges of the surface of the brain. convolutional sub head convolution or convolutionary syl con+vo+1lu+tion+al pos adj. convolutionary sub head convolution or convolutional syl con+vo+1lu+tion+ar:y pos adj. convolve ety C16: from Latin convolvere; see #7convolute convolve 0. syl con+volve pron pos vb. def to wind or roll together; coil; twist. convolvulaceous 0. syl con+vol+vu+la+ceous pron pos adj. def of, relating to, or belonging to the a family of plants having trumpet-shaped flowers and typically a climbing, twining, or prostrate habit: includes bindweed, morning-glory, and sweet potato. convolvulus ety C16: from Latin: bindweed; see #7convolute convolvuluses infl head convolvulus or convolvuli syl con+vol+vu+lus:es pron <-2lI> pos n. mod pl. convolvuli infl head convolvulus or convolvuluses syl con+vol+vu+li pron <-2lI> pos n. mod pl. convolvulus 0. syl con+vol+vu+lus pron pos n. def any typically twining herbaceous convolvulaceous plant of the genus having funnel-shaped flowers and triangu?!lar leaves. See also {bindweed}. convoy ety C14: from Old French convoier to #7convey convoy 1. syl con+voy pron <1konvci> pos n. def a group of merchant ships with an escort of warships. convoy 2. syl con+voy pron <1konvci> pos n. def a group of land vehicles assembled to travel together. convoy 3. syl con+voy pron <1konvci> pos n. def the act of travelling or escorting by convoy (esp. in the phrase {in convoy) }. convoy 4. syl con+voy pron <1konvci> pos vb. mod tr. def to escort while in transit. convulsant ety C19: from French, from convulser to #7convulse convulsant 1. syl con+vul+sant pron pos adj. def producing convulsions. {~} convulsant 2. syl con+vul+sant pron pos adj. def a drug that produces convulsions. convulse ety C17: from Latin convulsus, from convellere to tear up, from vellere to pluck, pull convulse 1. syl con+vulse pron pos vb. mod tr. def to shake or agitate violently. convulse 2. syl con+vulse pron pos vb. mod tr. def to cause (muscles) to undergo violent spasms or contractions. convulse 3. syl con+vulse pron pos vb. mod intr. qual Informal. usage often foll. by with def to shake or be overcome (with violent emotion, esp. laughter). convulsive sub head convulse syl con+1vul+sive pos adj. convulsively sub head convulse syl con+1vul+sive+ly pos adv. convulsiveness sub head convulse syl con+1vul+sive+ness pos n. convulsion 1. syl con+vul+sion pron pos n. def a violent involuntary contraction of a muscle or muscles. convulsion 2. syl con+vul+sion pron pos n. def a violent upheaval, disturbance, or agitation, esp. a social one. convulsion 3. syl con+vul+sion pron pos n. mod usually; pl. qual Informal. def uncontrollable laughter. exam 1 I was in convulsions. convulsionary sub head convulsion syl con+1vul+sion+ar:y pos adj. William infl head Conway syl Wil:liam. pos n. Conway 0. syl Con:way pron <1konwA> pos n. def 1913-77, Irish Roman Catholic cardinal; archbishop of Armagh and primate of all Ireland (1963-77). cony ety C13: back formation from conies, from Old French conis, plural of conil, from Latin cun*_iculus rabbit coney alt head cony or cony syl co+ney pron <1k*uni> pos n. conies infl head cony or coneys syl co:nies pos n. mod pl. coneys infl head cony or conies syl co:neys. pos n. mod pl. cony 1. or coney syl co:ny pron <1k*uni> pos n. def a rabbit or fur made from the skin of a rabbit. cony 2. or coney syl co:ny pron <1k*uni> pos n. usage in the Bible def another name for the {hyrax}, esp. the Syrian rock hyrax. cony 3. or coney syl co:ny pron <1k*uni> pos n. def another name for the {pika}. cony 4. or coney syl co:ny pron <1k*uni> pos n. qual Archaic. def a fool or dupe. coos infl head coo syl coos pos vb. cooing infl head coo syl coo+ing pos vb. cooed infl head coo syl cooed. pos vb. coo 1. syl coo pron pos vb. mod intr. usage of doves, pigeons, etc. def to make a characteristic soft throaty call. coo 2. syl coo pron pos vb. mod tr. def to speak in a soft murmur. coo 3. syl coo pron pos vb. mod intr. def to murmur lovingly (esp. in the phrase {bill and coo) }. coo 4. syl coo pron pos n. def the sound of cooing. coo 5. syl coo pron pos interj. qual Brit. slang. def an exclamation of surprise, awe, etc. cooer sub head coo syl coo+er pos n. cooingly sub head coo syl coo+ing+ly pos adv. Kuch Bihar alt head Cooch Behar or Cooch Behar syl Kuch Bi+har pron pos n. Cooch Behar 1. or Kuch Bihar syl Cooch Be+har pron pos n. def a former state of NE India: part of West Bengal since 1950. Cooch Behar 2. or Kuch Bihar syl Cooch Be+har pron pos n. def a city in India, in NE West Bengal: capital of the former state of Cooch Behar. Pop.: 53684 (1971). cooee ety C19: from a native Australian language cooey alt head cooee or cooee syl coo+ey pron <1ku:E> pos interj. cooee 1. or cooey syl coo:ee pron <1ku:E> pos interj. def a call used to attract attention, esp. (originally) a long loud high-pitched call on two notes used in the Australian bush. cooee 2. or cooey syl coo:ee pron <1ku:E> pos interj. qual Austral. informal. def calling distance (esp. in the phrase {within (a) cooee (of})). cooees infl head cooee or cooeys syl coo+ees pos vb. cooeeing infl head cooee or cooeying syl coo+ee+ing pos vb. cooeed infl head cooee or cooeyed syl coo+eed pos vb. cooeys infl head cooee or cooees syl coo+eys pos vb. cooeying infl head cooee or cooeeing syl coo+ey+ing pos vb. cooeyed infl head cooee or cooeed syl coo+eyed. pos vb. cooee 3. or cooey syl coo:ee pron <1ku:E> pos vb. mod intr. def to utter this call. cook ety Old English c*_oc (n.), from Latin coquus a cook, from coquere to cook cook 1. syl cook pron pos vb. def to prepare (food) by the action of heat, as by boiling, baking, etc., or (of food) to become ready for eating through such a process. Related adj.: {culinary}. cook 2. syl cook pron pos vb. def to subject or be subjected to the action of intense heat. exam 1 the town cooked in the sun. cook 3. syl cook pron pos vb. mod tr. qual Slang. def to alter or falsify (something, esp. figures, accounts, etc.). exam 1 to cook the books. cook 4. syl cook pron pos vb. mod tr. qual Slang. def to spoil or ruin (something). cook 5. syl cook pron pos vb. mod intr. qual Slang. def to happen (esp. in the phrase {what's cooking??) }. cook 6. syl cook pron pos vb. mod tr. qual Slang. def to prepare (any of several drugs) by heating. cook someone's goose infl head cook syl cook someone's goose. pos vb. qual Slang. cook 7.a. syl cook pron pos vb. def to spoil a person's plans. cook 7.b. syl cook pron pos vb. def to bring about someone's ruin, downfall, etc. cook 8. syl cook pron pos n. def a person who prepares food for eating, esp. as an occupation. {~} See also {cook up}. cookable sub head cook syl cook+a:ble pos adj. Mount infl head Cook syl Mount. pos n. Cook H1.1. syl Cook pron pos n. def Also called: {Aorangi}. a mountain in New Zealand, on South Island, in the Southern Alps: the highest peak in New Zealand. Height: 3704 m (12349 ft.). Cook H1.2. syl Cook pron pos n. def a mountain in SE Alaska, in the St. Elias Mountains. Height: 4128 m (13760 ft.). Cook H2.1. syl Cook pron pos n. def Captain {James}. 1728-79, English navigator and explorer: claimed the E coast of Australia for Britain, circumnavigated New Zealand, and discovered several Pacific and Atlantic islands (1768-79). Cook H2.2. syl Cook pron pos n. def Sir {Jo@.seph}. 1860-1947, Australian statesman, born in England: prime minister of Australia (1913-14). cooker 1. syl cook+er pron <1kuk*> pos n. def an apparatus, usually of metal and heated by gas, electricity, oil, or solid fuel, for cooking food; stove. cooker 2. syl cook+er pron <1kuk*> pos n. qual Brit. def any large sour apple used in cooking. cookery 1. syl cook+er:y pron <1kuk*ri> pos n. def the art, study, or practice of cooking. cookery 2. syl cook+er:y pron <1kuk*ri> pos n. qual U.S. def a place for cooking. cookbook alt head cookery book or cookery book syl cook+book pron <1kuk2buk> pos n. qual U.S. cookery book 0. or cookbook syl cook+er:y book pron <1kuk2buk> pos n. def a book containing recipes and instructions for cooking. cooks-general infl head cook-general syl cooks-gen:er:al. pos n. mod pl. cook-general 0. syl cook-gen:er:al pos n. usage Brit. formerly, esp. in the 1920s and 30s def a domestic servant who did cooking and housework. cookhouse 0. syl cook+house pron <1kuk2haus> pos n. def a place for cooking, esp. a camp kitchen. cooky alt head cookie or cookie syl cook:y pron <1kuki> pos n. cookies infl head cookie syl cook:ies. pos n. mod pl. cookie 1. or cooky syl cook:ie pron <1kuki> pos n. def the U.S. word for {biscuit}. cookie 2. or cooky syl cook:ie pron <1kuki> pos n. def a Scot. word for {bun}. cookie 3. or cooky syl cook:ie pron <1kuki> pos n. qual Informal, chiefly U.S. def a person. exam 1 smart cookie. that's the way the cookie crumbles 4. head cookie syl that's the way the cookie crumbles. qual Informal, chiefly U.S. def matters are inevitably or unalterably so. Cook Inlet 0. syl Cook In+let pos n. def an inlet of the Pacific on the coast of S Alaska: part of the Gulf of Alaska. Cook Islands 0. syl Cook Is+lands pos n. mod pl. def a group of islands in the SW Pacific, an overseas territory of New Zealand: consists of the {Lower Cooks} and the {Northern Cooks}. Capital: Raratonga. Pop.: 18112 (1976). Area: 241 sq. km (93 sq. miles). cookout 0. syl cook+out pron <1kuk2aut> pos n. qual U.S. def a party where a meal is cooked and eaten out of doors. Cook's tour ety C19: after Thomas Cook (1808-92), English travel agent Cook's tour 0. syl Cook's tour pos n. qual Informal. def a rapid but extensive tour or survey of anything. Cook Strait 0. syl Cook Strait pos n. def the strait between North and South Islands, New Zealand. Width: 26 km (16 miles). cook up 1. syl cook up pos vb. adv. mod tr. qual Informal. def to concoct or invent (a story, alibi, etc.). cook up 2. syl cook up pos vb. adv. mod tr. def to prepare (a meal), esp. quickly. cook up 3. syl cook up pos vb. adv. mod tr. qual Slang. def to prepare (a drug) for use by heating, as by dissolving heroin in a spoon. cook-up infl head cook up syl cook-up. pos n. cook up 4. syl cook up pos n. mod tr. usage in the Caribbean def a dish consisting of mixed meats, rice, shrimps, and sometimes vegetables. cool ety Old English c*_ol; related to Old Norse k*_olna, Old High German kuoli; see #7cold, chill cool 1. syl cool pron pos adj. def moderately cold. exam 1 a cool day. cool 2. syl cool pron pos adj. def comfortably free of heat. exam 1 a cool room. cool 3. syl cool pron pos adj. def producing a pleasant feeling of coldness. exam 1 a cool shirt. cool 4. syl cool pron pos adj. def able to conceal emotion; calm. exam 1 a cool head. cool 5. syl cool pron pos adj. def lacking in enthusiasm, affection, cordiality, etc.. exam 1 a cool welcome. cool 6. syl cool pron pos adj. def calmly audacious or impudent. cool 7. syl cool pron pos adj. usage Informal. esp. of numbers, sums of money, etc. def without exaggeration; actual. exam 1 a cool ten thousand. cool 8. syl cool pron pos adj. usage of a colour def having violet, blue, or green predominating; cold. cool 9. syl cool pron pos adj. usage of jazz def characteristic of the late 1940s and early 1950s, economical and rhythmically relaxed. cool 10. syl cool pron pos adj. qual Informal. def sophisticated or elegant, esp. in an unruffled way. cool 11. syl cool pron pos adj. qual Informal, chiefly U.S. def excellent; marvellous. cool 12. syl cool pron pos adv. qual Not standard. def in a cool manner; coolly. cool 13. syl cool pron pos n. def coolness. exam 1 the cool of the evening. cool 14. syl cool pron pos n. qual Slang. def calmness; composure (esp. in the phrase {keep one's cool) }. cool 15. syl cool pron pos n. qual Slang. def unruffled elegance or sophistication. cool 16. syl cool pron pos vb. usage usually foll. by down or off def to make or become cooler. cool 17. syl cool pron pos vb. usage usually foll. by down or off def to lessen the intensity of (anger or excitement) or (of anger or excitement) to become less intense; calm down. cool it 18. head cool syl cool it. qual Slang, chiefly U.S. usage usually imperative def to calm down; take it easy. cool one's heels 19. head cool syl cool one's heels. def to wait or be kept waiting. coolingly sub head cool syl cool+ing+ly pos adv. coolingness sub head cool syl cool+ing+ness pos n. coolish sub head cool syl cool+ish pos adj. coolly sub head cool syl cool+ly pos adv. coolness sub head cool syl cool+ness pos n. coolabah ety from a native Australian language coolibah alt head coolabah or coolabah syl coo+li+bah pron <1ku:l*2ba:> pos n. coolabah 0. or coolibah syl coo+la+bah pron <1ku:l*2ba:> pos n. def an Australian myrtaceous tree, that grows along rivers and has smooth bark and long narrow leaves. coolant 1. syl cool+ant pron <1ku:l*nt> pos n. def a fluid used to cool a system or to transfer heat from one part of it to another. coolant 2. syl cool+ant pron <1ku:l*nt> pos n. def a liquid, such as an emulsion of oil, water, and soft soap, used to lubricate and cool the workpiece and cutting tool during machining. cool box alt head cool bag or cool bag syl cool box pos n. cool bag 0. or cool box syl cool bag pos n. def an insulated container used to keep food cool on picnics, to carry frozen food, etc. cooler 1. syl cool+er pron <1ku:l*> pos n. def a container, vessel, or apparatus for cooling, such as a heat exchanger. cooler 2. syl cool+er pron <1ku:l*> pos n. qual Informal. def something that cools, esp. an iced drink. cooler 3. syl cool+er pron <1ku:l*> pos n. def a slang word for {prison}. Coolgardie safe ety named after Coolgardie, Western Australia, perhaps because of resemblance to #7cool and #7guard Coolgardie safe 0. syl Cool+gar+die safe pron pos n. def a cupboard with wetted hessian walls for keeping food cool: used esp. in Australia. Sometimes shortened to {Coolgardie}. (John) Calvin infl head Coolidge syl (John) Cal:vin pos n. Coolidge 0. syl Coo:lidge pron <1ku:liJ> pos n. def nickname 1872-1933, 30th president of the U.S. (1923-29). coolie ety C17: from Hindi kul*_i, probably of Dravidian origin; related to Tamil k*_uli hire, hireling cooly alt head coolie or coolie syl cool:y pron <1ku:li> pos n. coolies infl head coolie syl cool:ies. pos n. mod pl. coolie 1. or cooly syl cool:ie pron <1ku:li> pos n. def a cheaply hired unskilled Oriental labourer. coolie 2. or cooly syl cool:ie pron <1ku:li> pos n. qual Derogatory. def an Indian living in South Africa. cool out 0. syl cool out pos vb. adv. mod intr. qual Caribbean. def to relax and cool down. coom ety C16 (meaning: soot): probably a variant of #7culm %1 coomb alt head coom or coom syl coomb pron pos n. coom 0. or coomb syl coom pron pos n. qual Dialect, chiefly northern Brit. def waste material, such as dust from coal, grease from axles, etc. coomb ety Old English cumb (in place names), perhaps of Celtic origin; compare Old French combe small valley, also probably of Celtic origin combe infl head coomb syl combe pron pos n. coombe infl head coomb or comb syl coombe pron pos n. comb infl head coomb or coombe syl comb pron pos n. coomb 1. syl coomb pron pos n. qual Chiefly southeastern Brit. def a short valley or deep hollow, esp. in chalk areas. coomb 2. syl coomb pron pos n. qual Chiefly northern Brit. def another name for a {cirque}. coon 1. syl coon pron pos n. qual Informal. def short for {raccoon}. coon 2. syl coon pron pos n. qual Derogatory slang. def a Negro or Australian Aborigine. cooncan ety C19: from (Mexican) Spanish con qui*'en with whom??, apparently with reference to the forming and declaring of sequences and sets of cards conquian alt head cooncan or cooncan syl con+qui:an pos n. cooncan 0. or conquian syl coon+can pron <1ku:n2k@n> pos n. def a card game for two players, similar to rummy. coon's age 0. syl coon's age pos n. qual U.S. slang. def a long time. coonskin 1. syl coon+skin pron <1ku:n2skin> pos n. def the pelt of a raccoon. coonskin 2. syl coon+skin pron <1ku:n2skin> pos n. def a raccoon cap with the tail hanging at the back. coonskin 3. syl coon+skin pron <1ku:n2skin> pos n. qual U.S. def an overcoat made of raccoon. coontie ety C19: from Seminole kunti flour from this plant coontie 1. syl coon+tie pron <1ku:nti> pos n. def an evergreen plant, of S Florida, related to the cycads and having large dark green leathery leaves: family coontie 2. syl coon+tie pron <1ku:nti> pos n. def a starch derived from the underground stems of this plant. coop ety C15: probably from Middle Low German k*_upe basket, tub; related to Latin c*_upa cask, vat coop H1.1. syl coop pron pos n. def a cage or small enclosure for poultry or small animals. coop H1.2. syl coop pron pos n. def a small narrow place of confinement, esp. a prison cell. coop H1.3. syl coop pron pos n. def a wicker basket for catching fish. coop H1.4. syl coop pron pos vb. mod tr. usage often foll. by up or in def to confine in a restricted area. co-op alt head coop or coop syl co-op pron <1k*u2op> pos n. coop H2.0. or co-op syl co:op pron <1k*u2op> pos n. def a cooperative, cooperative society, or shop run by a cooperative society. co-op alt head coop or coop syl co-op. coop 0. or co-op syl coop. qual abbrev. for def cooperative. cooper ety C13: from Middle Dutch c*_uper or Middle Low German k*_uper; see #7coop %1 cooper 1. syl coop+er pron <1ku:p*> pos n. def Also called: {hooper}. a person skilled in making and repairing barrels, casks, etc. cooper 2. syl coop+er pron <1ku:p*> pos vb. mod tr. def to make or mend (barrels, casks, etc.). cooper 3. syl coop+er pron <1ku:p*> pos vb. mod intr. def to work as a cooper. Anthony Ashley 1. head Cooper syl An:tho:ny Ash:ley. def See (Earl of) {Shaftesbury}. Gary 2. head Cooper syl Gar:y def original name 1901-61, U.S. film actor; his many films include (1933) and (1952). James Fenimore 3. head Cooper syl James Fen:i:more. def 1789-1851, U.S. novelist, noted for his stories of American Indians, esp. (1826). Samuel 4. head Cooper syl Sam:u:el. def 1609-72, English miniaturist. cooperage 1. syl coop+er+age pron <1ku:p*riJ> pos n. def Also called: {coopery}. the craft, place of work, or products of a cooper. cooperage 2. syl coop+er+age pron <1ku:p*riJ> pos n. def the labour fee charged by a cooper. cooperate ety C17: from Late Latin cooper*_ar*_i to work with, combine, from Latin oper*_ar*_i to work co-operate alt head cooperate or cooperate syl co-op:er:ate pron pos vb. mod intr. cooperate 1. or co-operate syl co+op:er+ate pron pos vb. mod intr. def to work or act together. cooperate 2. or co-operate syl co+op:er+ate pron pos vb. mod intr. def to be of assistance or be willing to assist. cooperate 3. or co-operate syl co+op:er+ate pron pos vb. mod intr. usage Economics. of firms, workers, consumers, etc. def to engage in economic cooperation. cooperator sub head cooperate or co-operator syl co+1op:er:2a+tor pos n. co-operator sub head cooperate or cooperator syl co-1op:er:2a:tor pos n. co-operation alt head cooperation or cooperation syl co-op:er:a:tion pron pos n. cooperation 1. or co-operation syl co+op:er:a+tion pron pos n. def joint operation or action. cooperation 2. or co-operation syl co+op:er:a+tion pron pos n. def assistance or willingness to assist. cooperation 3. or co-operation syl co+op:er:a+tion pron pos n. qual Economics. def the combination of consumers, workers, farmers, etc., in activities usually embracing production, distribution, or trade. cooperation 4. or co-operation syl co+op:er:a+tion pron pos n. qual Ecology. def beneficial but inessential interaction between two species in a community. cooperationist sub head cooperation or co-operationist syl co+2op:er:1a+tion+ist pos n. co-operationist sub head cooperation or cooperationist syl co-2op:er:1a:tion+ist pos n. co-operative alt head cooperative or cooperative syl co-op:er:a:tive pron , <-1opr*-> pos adj. cooperative 1. or co-operative syl co+op:er:a+tive pron , <-1opr*-> pos adj. def willing to cooperate; helpful. cooperative 2. or co-operative syl co+op:er:a+tive pron , <-1opr*-> pos adj. def acting in conjunction with others; cooperating. cooperative 3.a. or co-operative syl co+op:er:a+tive pron , <-1opr*-> pos adj. usage of an enterprise, farm, etc. def owned collectively and managed for joint economic benefit. cooperative 3.b. or co-operative syl co+op:er:a+tive pron , <-1opr*-> pos adj. usage of an economy or economic activity def based on collective ownership and cooperative use of the means of production and distribution. cooperative 4. or co-operative syl co+op:er:a+tive pron , <-1opr*-> pos n. def a cooperative organization. cooperative 5. or co-operative syl co+op:er:a+tive pron , <-1opr*-> pos n. def Also called: {cooperative apartment}. a block of flats belonging to a corporation in which shares are owned in proportion to the relative value of the flat occupied. Sometimes shortened to {coop}. Compare { {condominium} (sense 3).} cooperatively sub head cooperative or co-operatively syl co+1op:er:a+tive+ly pos adv. co-operatively sub head cooperative or cooperatively syl co-1op:er:a:tive+ly pos adv. cooperativeness sub head cooperative or co-operativeness syl co+1op:er:a+tive+ness pos n. co-operativeness sub head cooperative or cooperativeness syl co-1op:er:a:tive+ness pos n. cooperative bank 0. syl co+op:er:a+tive bank pos n. def a U.S. name for {building society}. cooperative farm 1. syl co+op:er:a+tive farm pos n. def a farm that is run in cooperation with others in the purchasing and using of machinery, stock, etc., and in the marketing of produce through its own institutions ({farmers' cooperatives) }. cooperative farm 2. syl co+op:er:a+tive farm pos n. def a farm that is owned by a cooperative society. cooperative farm 3. syl co+op:er:a+tive farm pos n. def a farm run on a communal basis, such as a kibbutz. cooperative farm 4. syl co+op:er:a+tive farm pos n. def another name for {collective farm}. Cooperative Party 0. syl Co+op:er:a+tive Par+ty pos n. usage in Great Britain def a political party supporting the cooperative movement and formerly linked with the Labour Party: founded in 1917. cooperative society 0. syl co+op:er:a+tive so+ci+e:ty pos n. def a commercial enterprise owned and managed by and for the benefit of customers or workers. Often shortened to {coop, co-op}. Cooper's Creek 0. syl Coo+per's Creek pos n. def an intermittent river in E central Australia, in the Channel Country: rises in central Queensland and flows generally southwest, reaching Lake Eyre only during wet-year floods; scene of the death of the explorers Burke and Wills in 1861; the surrounding basin provides cattle pastures after the floods subside. Total length: 1420 km (880 miles). Also called: {Barcoo River}. Cooper's hawk ety C19: named after William Cooper (died 1864), American naturalist Cooper's hawk 0. syl Coo:per's hawk pos n. def a small North American hawk, having a bluish-grey back and wings and a reddish-brown breast. cooperies infl head coopery syl coop+er:ies. pos n. mod pl. coopery 0. syl coop+er:y pron <1ku:p*ri> pos n. def another word for { {cooperage} (sense 1).} coopt ety C17: from Latin coopt*_are to elect, from opt*_are to choose co-opt alt head coopt or coopt syl co-opt pron pos vb. mod tr. coopt 1. or co-opt syl co+opt pron pos vb. mod tr. def to add (someone) to a committee, board, etc., by the agreement of the existing members. coopt 2. or co-opt syl co+opt pron pos vb. mod tr. def to appoint summarily; commandeer. cooption sub head coopt or cooptation syl co+1op:tion pos n. co-option sub head coopt or co-optation syl co-1op:tion pos n. cooptation sub head coopt or cooption syl co+op:1ta+tion pos n. co-optation sub head coopt or co-option syl co-op:1ta:tion pos n. cooptative sub head coopt or co-optative syl co+1op:ta+tive pos adj. co-optative sub head coopt or cooptative syl co-1op:ta:tive pos adj. co-ordinal alt head coordinal or coordinal syl co-or:di:nal pron pos adj. coordinal 0. or co-ordinal syl co+or+di+nal pron pos adj. usage of animals or plants def belonging to the same order. co-ordinate alt head coordinate or coordinate syl co-or:di:nate pron pos vb. coordinate 1. or co-ordinate syl co+or+di+nate pron pos vb. mod tr. def to organize or integrate diverse elements in a harmonious operation. coordinate 2. or co-ordinate syl co+or+di+nate pron pos vb. def to place (things) in the same class or order, or (of things) to be placed in the same class, etc. coordinate 3. or co-ordinate syl co+or+di+nate pron pos vb. mod intr. def to work together, esp. harmoniously. coordinate 4. or co-ordinate syl co+or+di+nate pron pos vb. mod intr. def to take or be in the form of a harmonious order. coordinate 5. or co-ordinate syl co+or+di+nate pron pos vb. qual Chem. def to form or cause to form a coordinate bond. coordinate 6. or co-ordinate syl co+or+di+nate pron , <-2nAt> pos n. qual Maths. def any of a set of numbers that defines the location of a point in space with reference to a system of axes. See {Cartesian coordinates, polar coordinates}. coordinate 7. or co-ordinate syl co+or+di+nate pron , <-2nAt> pos n. def a person or thing equal in rank, type, etc. coordinate 8. or co-ordinate syl co+or+di+nate pron , <-2nAt> pos adj. def of, concerned with, or involving coordination. coordinate 9. or co-ordinate syl co+or+di+nate pron , <-2nAt> pos adj. def of the same rank, type, etc. coordinate 10. or co-ordinate syl co+or+di+nate pron , <-2nAt> pos adj. def of or involving the use of coordinates. exam 1 coordinate geometry. coordinately sub head coordinate or co-ordinately syl co+1or+di+nate+ly pos adv. co-ordinately sub head coordinate or coordinately syl co-1or:di:nate+ly pos adv. coordinateness sub head coordinate or co-ordinateness syl co+1or+di+nate+ness pos n. co-ordinateness sub head coordinate or coordinateness syl co-1or:di:nate+ness pos n. coordinative sub head coordinate or co-ordinative syl co+1or+di+na+tive pos adj. co-ordinative sub head coordinate or coordinative syl co-1or:di:na+tive pos adj. coordinator sub head coordinate or co-ordinator syl co+1or+di+2na+tor pos n. co-ordinator sub head coordinate or coordinator syl co-1or:di:2na+tor pos n. coordinate bond 0. syl co+or+di+nate bond pos n. def a type of covalent chemical bond in which both the shared electrons are provided by one of the atoms. Also called: {dative bond}. coordinate clause 0. syl co+or+di+nate clause pos n. def one of two or more clauses in a sentence having the same status and connected by coordinating conjunctions. Compare {subordinate clause}. coordinates 0. syl co+or+di+nates pron , <-2nAts> pos n. mod pl. def clothes of matching or harmonious colours and design, suitable for wearing together. Compare {separates}. coordinating conjunction 0. syl co+or+di+nat+ing con+junc+tion pos n. def a conjunction that introduces coordinate clauses, such as and Compare {subordinating conjunction}. coordination ety C17: from Late Latin coordin*_ati*_o, from Latin ordin*_ati*_o an arranging; see #7ordination co-ordination alt head coordination or coordination syl co-or:di:na+tion pron pos n. coordination 0. or co-ordination syl co+or+di+na+tion pron pos n. def balanced and effective interaction of movement, actions, etc. coordination compound 0. syl co+or+di+na+tion com+pound pos n. def another name for { {complex} (sense 8).} Coorg 0. syl Coorg pron pos n. def a former province of SW India: since 1956 part of Karnataka state. coot ety C14: probably from Low German; compare Dutch koet coot 1. syl coot pron pos n. def any aquatic bird of the genus esp. of Europe and Asia, having lobed toes, dark plumage, and a white bill with a frontal shield: family (rails, etc.). coot 2. syl coot pron pos n. def a foolish person, esp. an old man (often in the phrase {old coot) }. cootch ety from French couche #7couch, probably influenced by Welsh cwt hut cwtch alt head cootch or cootch syl cwtch pron cootch 1. or cwtch syl cootch pron pos n. qual South Wales dialect. def a hiding place. cootch 2. or cwtch syl cootch pron pos n. qual South Wales dialect. def a room, shed, etc., used for storage. exam 1 a coal cootch. cootch 3. or cwtch syl cootch pron pos vb. mod tr. qual South Wales dialect. def to hide. cootch 4. or cwtch syl cootch pron pos vb. qual South Wales dialect. usage often foll. by up def to cuddle or be cuddled. cootch 5. or cwtch syl cootch pron pos vb. mod tr. qual South Wales dialect. def to clasp (someone or something) to oneself. cootie ety C20: perhaps from Malay kutu louse cootie 0. syl coot:ie pron <1ku:ti> pos n. qual U.S. def a slang name for the {body louse}. See { {louse} (sense 1).} cop ety C18: (vb.) perhaps from obsolete cap to arrest, from Old French caper to seize; sense 1, back formation from #7copper %2 cop H1.1. syl cop pron pos n. qual Slang. def another name for {policeman}. cop H1.2. syl cop pron pos n. qual Slang.; Brit. def an arrest (esp. in the phrase {a fair cop) }. cops infl head cop syl cops pos vb. mod tr. copping infl head cop syl cop+ping pos vb. mod tr. copped infl head cop syl copped. pos vb. mod tr. cop H1.3. syl cop pron pos vb. mod tr. qual Slang. def to seize or catch. cop H1.4. syl cop pron pos vb. mod tr. qual Slang. def to steal. cop H1.5. syl cop pron pos vb. mod tr. qual Slang. def to buy (illegal drugs). Compare { {score} (sense 25).} cop H1.6. syl cop pron pos vb. mod tr. qual Slang. def to suffer (a punishment, etc.). exam 1 you'll cop a clout if you do that&! cop ety Old English cop, copp top, summit, of uncertain origin; perhaps related to Old English copp #7cup cop H2.1. syl cop pron pos n. def a conical roll of thread wound on a spindle. cop H2.2. syl cop pron pos n. qual Now chiefly dialect. def the top or crest, as of a hill. cop ety C19: n. use of #7cop %1 (in the sense: to catch, hence something caught, something of value) cop H3.0. syl cop pron pos n. qual Brit. slang. (usually used with a negative def worth or value. exam 1 that work is not much cop. copacetic ety C20: of unknown origin copasetic alt head copacetic or copesettic syl co+pa+set+ic pron <2k*up*1setik>, <-1sEtik> pos adj. copesetic infl head copacetic or copacetic syl co+pe:set+ic pron <2k*up*1setik>, <-1sEtik> pos adj. copesettic infl head copacetic or copasetic syl co+pe:set+tic pron <2k*up*1setik>, <-1sEtik> pos adj. copacetic 0. or copesetic syl co+pa+cet+ic pron <2k*up*1setik>, <-1sEtik> pos adj. qual U.S. slang. def very good; excellent; completely satisfactory. copaiba ety C18: via Spanish via Portuguese from Tupi copaiva alt head copaiba or copaiba syl co+pai+va pos n. copaiba 0. or copaiva syl co+pai+ba pron pos n. def a transparent yellowish viscous oleoresin obtained from certain tropical South American trees of the caesalpiniaceous genus used in varnishes and ointments. Also called: {copaiba balsam, copaiba resin}. copal ety C16: from Spanish, from Nahuatl copalli resin copal 0. syl co+pal pron <1k*upL>, <-p@l> pos n. def a hard aromatic resin, yellow, orange, or red in colour, obtained from various tropical trees and used in making varnishes and lacquers. copalm ety C19: from Louisiana French, from Mexican Spanish copalme; see #7copal, palmate copalm 1. syl co+palm pron <1k*u2pa:m> pos n. def the aromatic brown resin obtained from the sweet gum tree. copalm 2. syl co+palm pron <1k*u2pa:m> pos n. def another name for the {sweet gum}. Cop'an 0. syl Co+p*'an pron Spanish pos n. def a village in W Honduras: site of a ruined Mayan city. coparceny alt head coparcenary or coparcenary syl co+par+ce:ny pron pos n. coparcenary 0. or coparceny syl co+par+ce:nar:y pron pos n. qual Law. def a form of joint ownership of property, esp. joint heirship. Also called: {parcenary}. coparcener 0. syl co+par+ce:ner pron pos n. qual Law. def a person who inherits an estate as coheir with others. Also called: {parcener}. copartner 0. syl co+part+ner pron pos n. def a partner or associate, esp. an equal partner in business. copartnership sub head copartner syl co+1part+ner+2ship pos n. cope ety C14: from Old French coper to strike, cut, from coup blow; see #7coup cope H1.1. syl cope pron pos vb. mod intr. usage foll. by with def to contend (against). cope H1.2. syl cope pron pos vb. mod intr. def to deal successfully with or handle a situation; manage. exam 1 she coped well with the problem. cope H1.3.a. syl cope pron pos vb. def to deal with. cope H1.3.b. syl cope pron pos vb. def to meet in battle. cope ety Old English c*_ap, from Medieval Latin c*_apa, from Late Latin cappa hooded cloak; see #7cap %1 cope H2.1. syl cope pron pos n. def a large ceremonial cloak worn at solemn liturgical functions by priests of certain Christian sects. cope H2.2. syl cope pron pos n. def any covering shaped like a cope. cope H2.3. syl cope pron pos vb. mod tr. def to dress (someone) in a cope. cope ety C17: probably from French couper to cut; see #7cope %1 cope H3.1. syl cope pron pos vb. mod tr. def to provide (a wall, etc.) with a coping. cope H3.2. syl cope pron pos vb. mod tr. def to join (two moulded timber members). cope H3.3. syl cope pron pos n. mod tr. def another name for {coping}. copeck 0. syl co+peck pron <1k*upek> pos n. def a variant spelling of {kopeck}. Copenhagen 0. syl Co+pen+ha+gen pron <2k*up*n1hAg*n>, <-1ha:-> <1k*up*n2hA->, <-2ha:-> pos n. def the capital of Denmark, a port on Zealand and Amager Islands on a site inhabited for some 6000 years: exports chiefly agricultural products; iron and steel works; university (1479). Pop.: 736951 (1974 est.). Danish name: {Ko@b/benhavn}. Copenhagen blue 0.a. syl Co+pen+ha+gen blue pos n. def a greyish-blue colour. Copenhagen blue 0.b. syl Co+pen+ha+gen blue pos as; adj. exam 1 Copenhagen-blue markings. copepod ety C19: from New Latin Copepoda, from Greek k*_op*_e oar+ pous foot copepod 1. syl co+pe:pod pron <1k*upi2pod> pos n. def any minute free-living or parasitic crustacean of the subclass of marine and fresh waters: an important constituent of plankton. copepod 2. syl co+pe:pod pron <1k*upi2pod> pos adj. def of, relating to, or belonging to the coper ety C17 (a dealer, chapman): from dialect cope to buy, barter, from Low German; related to Dutch koopen to buy coper 0. syl co+per pron <1k*up*> pos n. def a horse-dealer. Copernican system 0. syl Co+per+ni+can sys+tem pos n. def the theory published in 1543 by Copernicus which stated that the earth and the planets rotated around the sun and which opposed the Ptolemaic system. Nicolaus infl head Copernicus syl Nic:o:la:us pron <2nik*1lA*s> pos n. Copernicus H1.0. syl Co:per:ni:cus pron pos n. def Polish name 1473-1543, Polish astronomer, whose theory of the solar system (the {Copernican system}) was published in 1543. Copernican sub head Copernicus syl Co+1per+ni+can pos adj. Copernicus H2.0. syl Co+per+ni+cus pron pos n. def a conspicuous crater on the moon, over 4000 metres deep and 90 kilometres in diameter, from which a system of rays emanates. copestone 1. syl cope+stone pron <1k*up2st*un> pos n. def Also called: {coping stone}. a stone used to form a coping. copestone 2. syl cope+stone pron <1k*up2st*un> pos n. def Also called: {capstone}. the stone at the top of a building, wall, etc. copier 1. syl cop:i+er pron <1kopi*> pos n. def a person or device that copies. copier 2. syl cop:i+er pron <1kopi*> pos n. def another word for {copyist}. copilot 0. syl co+pi+lot pron <1k*u2pIl*t> pos n. def a second or relief pilot of an aircraft. coping 0. syl cop+ing pron <1k*upiG> pos n. def the sloping top course of a wall, usually made of masonry or brick. Also called: {cope}. coping saw 0. syl cop+ing saw pos n. def a handsaw with a U-shaped frame used for cutting curves in a material too thick for a fret saw. coping stone 0. syl cop+ing stone pos n. def another word for { {copestone} (sense 1).} copious ety C14: from Latin c*_opi*_osus well supplied, from c*_opia abundance, from ops wealth copious 1. syl co+pi+ous pron <1k*upi*s> pos adj. def abundant; extensive in quantity. copious 2. syl co+pi+ous pron <1k*upi*s> pos adj. def having or providing an abundant supply. copious 3. syl co+pi+ous pron <1k*upi*s> pos adj. def full of words, ideas, etc.; profuse. copiously sub head copious syl co+pi+ous+ly pos adv. copiousness sub head copious syl co+pi+ous+ness pos n. copita ety diminutive of copa cup copita 1. syl co+pi+ta pron Spanish , English pos n. def a tulip-shaped sherry glass. copita 2. syl co+pi+ta pron Spanish , English pos n. def a glass of sherry. coplanar 0. syl co+pla+nar pron pos adj. def lying in the same plane. exam 1 coplanar lines. coplanarity sub head coplanar syl co+pla+1nar+i:ty pos n. Aaron infl head Copland syl Aa:ron. pos n. Copland 0. syl Cop:land pron <1k*upl*nd> pos n. def born 1900, U.S. composer of orchestral and chamber music, ballets, and film music. John Singleton infl head Copley syl John Sin:gle:ton. pos n. Copley 0. syl Cop:ley pron <1kopli> pos n. def 1738-1815, U.S. painter. copolymer 0. syl co+pol:y+mer pron pos n. def a chemical compound of high molecular weight formed by uniting the molecules of two or more different compounds (monomers). Compare {polymer}. copolymerise alt head copolymerize or copolymerize syl co+pol:y+mer+ise pron pos vb. copolymerize 0. or copolymerise syl co+pol:y+mer+ize pron pos vb. def to react (two compounds) together to produce a copolymer. copolymerization sub head copolymerize or copolymerisation syl co+2pol:y+mer:i+1za+tion pos n. copolymerisation sub head copolymerize or copolymerization syl co+2pol:y+mer:i+1sa+tion pos n. cop out ety C20: probably from #7cop %1 cop out 1. syl cop out pos adv. mod intr. qual U.S. slang. def to fail to assume responsibility or to commit oneself. cop-out infl head cop out syl cop-out. pos n. cop out 2. syl cop out pos n. qual U.S. slang. def a way of avoiding responsibility or commitment. cop out 3. syl cop out pos n. qual U.S. slang. def a person who acts in this way. copper ety Old English coper, from Latin Cyprium aes Cyprian metal, from Greek Kupris Cyprus copper H1.1.a. syl cop+per pron <1kop*> pos n. def a malleable ductile reddish metallic element occurring as the free metal, copper glance, and copper pyrites: used as an electrical and thermal conductor and in such alloys as brass and bronze. Symbol: Cu; atomic no.: 29; atomic wt.: 63.54; valency: 1 or 2; relative density: 8.96; melting pt.: 1083?%C; boiling pt.: 2595?%C. Related adjs.: {cupric, cuprous}. Related prefix: {cupro-}. copper H1.1.b. syl cop+per pron <1kop*> pos n. usage as modifier exam 1 a copper coin. copper H1.2.a. syl cop+per pron <1kop*> pos n. def the reddish-brown colour of copper. copper H1.2.b. syl cop+per pron <1kop*> pos as; adj. exam 1 copper hair. copper H1.3. syl cop+per pron <1kop*> pos n. qual Informal. def any copper or bronze coin. copper H1.4. syl cop+per pron <1kop*> pos n. qual Chiefly Brit. def a large vessel, formerly of copper, used for boiling or washing. copper H1.5. syl cop+per pron <1kop*> pos n. def any of various small widely distributed butterflies of the genera etc., typically having reddish-brown wings: family copper H1.6. syl cop+per pron <1kop*> pos vb. mod tr. def to coat or cover with copper. copper ety C19: from #7cop %1 (vb.)#7+ -#7er %1 copper H2.0. syl cop+per pron <1kop*> pos n. def a slang word for {policeman}. Often short?!ened to {cop}. copperas ety C14: coperose, via Old French from Medieval Latin cuperosa, perhaps originally in the phrase aqua cuprosa copper water copperas 0. syl cop+per+as pron <1kop*r*s> pos n. def a less common name for {ferrous sulphate}. Copper Belt 0. syl Cop+per Belt pos n. def a region of Central Africa, along the Zambia-Za*"ire border: rich deposits of copper. copperhead 1. syl cop:per+head pron <1kop*2hed> pos n. def a venomous reddish-brown snake, of the eastern U.S.: family (pit vipers). copperhead 2. syl cop:per+head pron <1kop*2hed> pos n. def a venomous reddish-brown Australian elapid snake, copperhead 3. syl cop:per+head pron <1kop*2hed> pos n. qual U.S. informal. def a Yankee supporter of the South during the Civil War. copperplate 1. syl cop:per+plate pron <1kop*2plAt> pos n. def a polished copper plate on which a design has been etched or engraved. copperplate 2. syl cop:per+plate pron <1kop*2plAt> pos n. def a print taken from such a plate. copperplate 3. syl cop:per+plate pron <1kop*2plAt> pos n. def a fine handwriting based upon that used on copperplate engravings. copper pyrites 0. syl cop+per py+ri+tes pos n. def another name for {chalcopyrite}. coppersmith 1. syl cop:per+smith pron <1kop*2smiT> pos n. def a person who works copper or copper alloys. coppersmith 2. syl cop:per+smith pron <1kop*2smiT> pos n. def an Asian barbet (a bird), the call of which has a ringing metallic note. copper sulphate 0. syl cop+per sul+phate pos n. def a copper salt found naturally as chalcanthite and made by the action of sulphuric acid on copper oxide. It usually exists as blue crystals of the pentahydrate that form a white anhydrous powder when heated: used as a mordant, in electroplating, and in plant sprays. Formula: CuSO\4. coppice ety C14: from Old French copeiz, from couper to cut coppice 0. syl cop+pice pron <1kopis> pos n. def another word (esp. Brit.) for {copse}. coppiced sub head coppice syl cop+piced pos adj. copra ety C16: from Portuguese, from Malayalam koppara, probably from Hindi khopr*_a coconut copra 0. syl cop+ra pron <1kopr*> pos n. def the dried, oil-yielding kernel of the coconut. copro- ety from Greek kopros dung coprolalia 0. syl cop+ro+la+li:a pron <2kopr*1lAli*> pos n. def obsessive use of obscene or foul language. coprolite 0. syl cop+ro+lite pron <1kopr*2lIt> pos n. def any of various rounded stony nodules thought to be the fossilized faeces of Mesozoic reptiles. coprolitic sub head coprolite syl cop+ro+lit+ic pron <2kopr*1litik> pos adj. coprology 0. syl cop+rol+o:gy pron pos n. def preoccupation with excrement. Also called: {scatology}. coprophagous 0. syl cop+roph:a+gous pron pos adj. usage esp. of certain beetles def feeding on dung. coprophagy sub head coprophagous syl cop+1roph:a+gy pos n. coprophilia 0. syl cop+ro+phil:i:a pron <2kopr*u1fili*> pos n. def an abnormal interest in faeces and their evacuation. coprophilous 0. syl co+proph:i+lous pron pos adj. def growing in or on dung. coprosma ety C19: New Latin, from Greek kopros excrement+ osm*_e smell coprosma 0. syl co+pros+ma pron pos n. def any shrub of the Australasian rubiaceous genus sometimes planted for ornament. copse ety C16: by shortening from #7coppice coppice alt head copse or copse syl cop+pice pos n. copse 0. or coppice syl copse pron pos n. def a thicket or dense growth of small trees or bushes. Copt ety C17: from Arabic qubt Copts, from Coptic kyptios Egyptian, from Greek Aiguptios, from Aiguptos Egypt Copt 1. syl Copt pron pos n. def a member of the Coptic Church. Copt 2. syl Copt pron pos n. def an Egyptian descended from the ancient Egyptians. copter 0. syl cop+ter pron <1kopt*> pos n. qual Informal. def short for {helicopter}. Coptic 1. syl Cop+tic pron <1koptik> pos n. def an Afro-Asiatic language, written in the Greek alphabet but descended from ancient Egyptian. It was extinct as a spoken language by about 1600 #7a.d. but survives in the Coptic Church. Coptic 2. syl Cop+tic pron <1koptik> pos adj. def of or relating to this language. Coptic 3. syl Cop+tic pron <1koptik> pos adj. def of or relating to the Copts. Coptic Church 0. syl Cop+tic Church pos n. def the ancient Christian Church of Egypt. copula ety C17: from Latin: bond, connection, from co- together+ apere to fasten copulas infl head copula or copulae syl cop:u+las pron <-2lE> pos n. mod pl. copulae infl head copula or copulas syl cop:u+lae pron <-2lE> pos n. mod pl. copula 1. syl cop:u+la pron <1kopjul*> pos n. def a verb, such as or that is used to identify or link the subject with the complement of a sentence. Copulas may serve to link nouns (or pronouns), as in nouns (or pronouns) and adjectival complements, as in or nouns (or pronouns) and adverbial complements, as in copula 2. syl cop:u+la pron <1kopjul*> pos n. def anything that serves as a link. copular sub head copula syl cop:u+lar pos adj. copulate ety C17: from Latin copul*_are to join together; see #7copula copulate 0. syl cop:u+late pron <1kopju2lAt> pos vb. mod intr. def to perform sexual intercourse. copulation sub head copulate syl cop:u+1la+tion pos n. copulative 1. syl cop:u+la+tive pron <1kopjul*tiv> pos adj. def serving to join or unite. copulative 2. syl cop:u+la+tive pron <1kopjul*tiv> pos adj. def of or characteristic of copulation. copulative 3. syl cop:u+la+tive pron <1kopjul*tiv> pos adj. usage Grammar. of a verb def having the nature of a copula. copulatively sub head copulative syl cop:u+la+tive+ly pos adv. copy ety C14: from Medieval Latin c*_opia an imitation, something copied, from Latin: abundance, riches; see #7copious copies infl head copy syl cop:ies. pos n. mod pl. copy 1. syl cop:y pron <1kopi> pos n. def an imitation or reproduction of an original. copy 2. syl cop:y pron <1kopi> pos n. def a single specimen of something that occurs in a multiple edition, such as a book, article, etc. copy 3.a. syl cop:y pron <1kopi> pos n. def matter to be reproduced in print. copy 3.b. syl cop:y pron <1kopi> pos n. def written matter or text as distinct from graphic material in books, newspapers, etc. copy 4. syl cop:y pron <1kopi> pos n. qual Journalism, informal. def suitable material for an article or story. exam 1 disasters are always good copy. copy 5. syl cop:y pron <1kopi> pos n. qual Archaic. def a model to be copied, esp. an example of penmanship. copies infl head copy syl cop:ies pos vb. copying infl head copy syl cop:y+ing pos vb. copied infl head copy syl cop:ied. pos vb. copy 6. syl cop:y pron <1kopi> pos vb. mod when; tr. usage often foll. by out def to make a copy or reproduction of (an original). copy 7. syl cop:y pron <1kopi> pos vb. def to imitate as a model. copy 8. syl cop:y pron <1kopi> pos vb. mod intr. def to imitate unfairly. copybook 1. syl cop:y+book pron <1kopi2buk> pos n. def a book of specimens, esp. of penmanship, for imitation. copybook 2. syl cop:y+book pron <1kopi2buk> pos n. qual Chiefly U.S. def a book for or containing documents. blot one's copybook 3. head copybook syl blot one's copybook. qual Informal. def to sully or destroy one's reputation. copybook 4. syl cop:y+book pron <1kopi2buk> pos n. usage modifier def trite or unoriginal. exam 1 copybook sentiments. copycat 0. syl cop:y+cat pron <1kopi2k@t> pos n. qual Informal. def a person, esp. a child, who imitates or copies another. copy desk 0. syl cop:y desk pos n. qual Journalism. def a desk where copy is edited. copy-edit 0. syl cop:y-ed:it pos vb. qual Journalism, etc. def to prepare (copy) for printing by styling, correcting, etc. copy editor sub head copy-edit syl cop:y ed:i+tor pos n. copygraph 0. syl cop:y+graph pron <1kopi2gra:f>, <-2gr@f> pos n. def another name for {hectograph}. copyhold 0.a. syl cop:y+hold pron <1kopi2h*uld> pos n. usage Law. formerly def a tenure less than freehold of land in England evidenced by a copy of the Court roll. copyhold 0.b. syl cop:y+hold pron <1kopi2h*uld> pos n. usage Law. formerly def land held in this way. copyholder 1. syl cop:y+hold:er pron <1kopi2h*uld*> pos n. qual Printing. def one who reads aloud from the copy as the proof corrector follows the reading in the proof. copyholder 2. syl cop:y+hold:er pron <1kopi2h*uld*> pos n. qual Printing. def a device that holds copy in place for the compositor. copyholder 3. syl cop:y+hold:er pron <1kopi2h*uld*> pos n. usage Law. formerly def a person who held land by copyhold tenure. copyist 1. syl cop:y+ist pron <1kopiist> pos n. def a person who makes written copies; transcriber. copyist 2. syl cop:y+ist pron <1kopiist> pos n. def a person who imitates or copies. copyreads infl head copyread syl cop:y+reads pos vb. copyreading infl head copyread syl cop:y+read+ing pos vb. copyread infl syl cop:y+read. pos vb. copyread 0. syl cop:y+read pron <1kopi2rEd> pos vb. qual U.S. def to subedit. copyreader 0. syl cop:y+read:er pron <1kopi2rEd*> pos n. qual U.S. def a person who edits and prepares newspaper copy for publication; subeditor. copyright 1. syl cop:y+right pron <1kopi2rIt> pos n. def the exclusive right to produce copies and to control an original literary, musical, or artistic work, granted by law for a specified number of years (in Britain, usually 50 years from the death of the author, composer, etc.). Symbol: ###800146 copyright 2. syl cop:y+right pron <1kopi2rIt> pos adj. usage of a work, etc. def subject to or controlled by copyright. copyright 3. syl cop:y+right pron <1kopi2rIt> pos vb. mod tr. def to take out a copyright on. copyrightable sub head copyright syl cop:y+2right:a:ble pos adj. copyrighter sub head copyright syl cop:y+2right:er pos n. copyright deposit library 0. syl cop:y+right de+pos+it li+brar:y pos n. def one of six libraries legally entitled to receive a gratis copy of every book published in the United Kingdom: the British Library, Bodleian, Cambridge University, Trinity College in Dublin, Scottish National Library, and National Library of Wales. copy taster 0. syl cop:y tast+er pos n. def a person who selects or approves text for publication, esp. in a periodical. copy typist 0. syl cop:y typ+ist pos n. def a typist whose job is to type from written or typed drafts rather than dictation. copywriter 0. syl cop:y+writ:er pron <1kopi2rIt*> pos n. def a person employed to write advertising copy. copywritng sub head copywriter syl cop:y+2writ:ng pos n. coq au vin ety literally: cock with wine coq au vin 0. syl coq au vin pron French. , French. <1v?~e> pos n. def chicken stewed with red wine, onions, etc. coquelicot ety C18: from French: crow of a cock, from its resemblance to a cock's comb coquelicot 0. syl coque+li+cot pron <1k*ukli2k*u> pos n. def another name for {corn poppy}. coquet ety C17: from French: a gallant, literally: a little cock, from coq cock coquets infl head coquet syl co+quets pos vb. mod intr. coquetting infl head coquet syl co+quet+ting pos vb. mod intr. coquetted infl head coquet syl co+quet+ted. pos vb. mod intr. coquet 1. syl co+quet pron , pos vb. mod intr. def to behave flirtatiously. coquet 2. syl co+quet pron , pos vb. mod intr. def to dally or trifle. coquetries infl head coquetry syl co+quet+ries. pos n. mod pl. coquetry 0. syl co+quet+ry pron <1k*ukitri>, <1kok-> pos n. def flirtation. coquette ety C17: from French, feminine of #7coquet coquette 1. syl co+quette pron , pos n. def a woman who flirts. coquette 2. syl co+quette pron , pos n. def any humming bird of the genus esp. the crested Brazilian species coquettish sub head coquette syl co+1quet+tish pos adj. coquettishly sub head coquette syl co+1quet+tish+ly pos adv. coquettishness sub head coquette syl co+1quet+tish+ness pos n. coquilla nut ety C19: from Portuguese coquilho, diminutive of c*^oco coconut; see #7coco coquilla nut 0. syl co+quil+la nut pron pos n. def the nut of a South American palm tree, having a hard brown shell used for carving. See also {cohune}. coquille ety French, literally: shell, from Latin conch*_ylium mussel; see #7cockle %1 coquille 1. syl co+quille pron French pos n. def any dish, esp. seafood, served in a scallop shell. exam 1 Coquilles St. Jacques. coquille 2. syl co+quille pron French pos n. def a scallop shell, or dish resembling a shell. coquille 3. syl co+quille pron French pos n. qual Fencing. def a bell-shaped hand guard on a foil. coquina ety C19: from Spanish: shellfish, probably from concha shell, #7conch coquina 0. syl co+qui+na pron pos n. def a soft limestone containing shells, corals, etc., that occurs in parts of the U.S. coquito ety C19: from Spanish: a little coco palm, from coco coco palm coquitos infl head coquito syl co+qui+tos. pos n. mod pl. coquito 0. syl co+qui+to pron pos n. def a Chilean palm tree, yielding edible nuts and a syrup. cor 1. syl cor. qual abbrev. for: def corner. cor 2. syl cor. qual abbrev. for: def cornet. cor 3. syl cor. qual abbrev. for: def coroner. Cor 0. syl Cor. qual Bible. abbrev. for def Corinthians. coraciiform ety C20: from New Latin Coracias name of genus, from Greek korakias a chough+-#7i -#7+ -#7form ; related to Greek korax raven coraciiform 0. syl cor:a+ci:i+form pron <2kor*1sIi2fc:m> pos adj. def of, relating to, or belong?!ing to the an order of birds including the kingfishers, bee-eaters, hoopoes, and hornbills. coracle ety C16: from Welsh corwgl; related to Irish curach boat coracle 0. syl cor:a+cle pron <1kor*kL> pos n. def a small roundish boat made of waterproofed hides stretched over a wicker frame. coracoid ety C18: from New Latin coraco*_id*_es, from Greek korakoeid*_es like a raven, curved like a raven's beak, from korax raven coracoid 0. syl cor:a+coid pron <1kor*2kcid> pos n. def a paired ventral bone of the pectoral girdle in vertebrates. In mammals it is reduced to a peg (the {coracoid process}) on the scapula. coral ety C14: from Old French, from Latin cor*_allium, from Greek korallion, probably of Semitic origin coral 1. syl cor+al pron <1kor*l> pos n. def any marine mostly colonial coelenterate of the class having a calcareous, horny, or soft skeleton. See also {stony coral, sea fan}. coral 2.a. syl cor+al pron <1kor*l> pos n. def the calcareous or horny material forming the skeleton of certain of these animals. coral 2.b. syl cor+al pron <1kor*l> pos n. usage as modifier; a coral necklace. def See also {red coral}. coral 3.a. syl cor+al pron <1kor*l> pos n. def a rocklike aggregation of certain of these animals or their skeletons, forming an island or reef. coral 3.b. syl cor+al pron <1kor*l> pos n. usage as modifier exam 1 a coral island. coral 4. syl cor+al pron <1kor*l> pos n. def an object made of coral, esp. a piece of jewellery. coral 5.a. syl cor+al pron <1kor*l> pos n. def a deep-pink to yellowish-pink colour. coral 5.b. syl cor+al pron <1kor*l> pos as; adj. exam 1 coral lipstick. coral 6. syl cor+al pron <1kor*l> pos n. def the roe of a lobster or crab, which becomes pink when cooked. coral fern 0. syl cor+al fern pos n. qual Austral. def a scrambling fern of the genus having repeatedly forked fronds. coralline ety C16: from Late Latin corall*_inus coral red, from Latin cor*_allium #7coral coralline 1. syl cor+al+line pron <1kor*2lIn> pos adj. def Also: {cor+al+loid}. of, relating to, or resembling coral. coralline 2. syl cor+al+line pron <1kor*2lIn> pos adj. def of the colour of coral. {~} coralline 3. syl cor+al+line pron <1kor*2lIn> pos adj. def any of various red algae impregnated with calcium carbonate, esp. any of the genus coralline 4. syl cor+al+line pron <1kor*2lIn> pos adj. def any of various animals that resemble coral, such as certain sponges. corallite 0. syl cor+al+lite pron <1kor*lIt> pos n. def the skeleton of a coral polyp. coralloid 0. syl cor+al+loid pron <1kor*lcid> pos adj. def of or resembling coral. coral reef 0. syl cor+al reef pos n. def a marine ridge or reef consisting of coral and other organic material consolidated into limestone. coralroot 0. syl cor:al+root pron <1kor*l2ru:t> pos n. def any N temperate leafless orchid of the genus with small yellow-green or purple flowers and branched roots resembling coral. Coral Sea 0. syl Cor+al Sea pos n. def the SW arm of the Pacific, between Australia, New Guinea, and the New Hebrides. coral snake 1. syl cor+al snake pos n. def any venomous elapid snake of the genus and related genera, of tropical and subtropical America, marked with red, black, yellow, and white transverse bands. coral snake 2. syl cor+al snake pos n. def any of various other brightly coloured elapid snakes of Africa and SE Asia. coral tree 0. syl cor+al tree pos n. qual Austral. def any of various thorny trees of the papilionaceous genus having bright red flowers and reddish shiny seeds. cor anglais ety C19: from French: English horn cors anglais infl head cor anglais syl cors an+glais pron <1kc:z> <1a:GglA> pos n. mod pl. cor anglais 0. syl cor an+glais pron <1kc:r> <1a:GglA> pos n. qual Music. def a woodwind instrument, the alto of the oboe family. It is a transposing instrument in F. Range: two and a half octaves upwards from E on the third space of the bass staff. Also called: {English horn}. Corantijn 0. syl Co+ran+tijn pron <1kcran2tejn> pos n. def the Dutch name of {Courantyne}. corantos infl head coranto syl co+ran+tos. pos n. mod pl. coranto 0. syl co+ran+to pron pos n. def a variant of {courante}. corban ety C14: from Late Latin, from Greek korban, from Hebrew qorb*_an offering, literally: a drawing near corban 1. syl cor+ban pron <1kc:bN>, Hebrew pos n. qual Old Testament. def a gift to God. corban 2. syl cor+ban pron <1kc:bN>, Hebrew pos n. qual New Testament, Judaism. def the Temple treasury or a consecration or gift to it (Matthew 27:6; Mark 7:11). corbeil ety C18: from French corbeille basket, from Late Latin corbicula a little basket, from Latin corbis basket corbeille alt head corbeil or corbeil syl cor+beille pron <1kc:bL>, French pos n. corbeil 0. or corbeille syl cor+beil pron <1kc:bL>, French pos n. qual Architect. def a carved ornament in the form of a basket of fruit, flowers, etc. corbel ety C15: from Old French, literally: a little raven, from Medieval Latin corvellus, from Latin corvus raven corbel 1. syl cor+bel pron <1kc:bL> pos n. qual Architect. def Also called: {truss}. a bracket, usually of stone or brick. corbels infl head corbel or corbels syl cor+bels pos vb. qual U.S. corbelling infl head corbel or corbeling syl cor+bel+ling pos vb. corbelled infl head corbel or corbeled syl cor+belled pos vb. corbeling infl head corbel or corbelling syl cor+bel+ing pos vb. qual U.S. corbeled infl head corbel or corbelled syl cor+beled. pos vb. qual U.S. corbel 2. syl cor+bel pron <1kc:bL> pos vb. mod tr. qual Architect. def to lay (a stone or brick) so that it forms a corbel. corbeling alt head corbelling or corbelling syl cor+bel+ing pron <1kc:b*liG> pos n. qual U.S. corbelling 0. or corbeling syl cor+bel+ling pron <1kc:b*liG> pos n. def a set of corbels stepped outwards, one above another. off alt head corbel out or corbel out syl off pos vb. adv. mod tr. corbel out 0. or off syl cor+bel out pos vb. adv. mod tr. def to support on corbels. corbicula ety C19: from Late Latin, diminutive of Latin corbis basket corbiculae infl head corbicula syl cor+bic:u+lae pron <-2lE> pos n. mod pl. corbicula 0. syl cor+bic:u+la pron pos n. def the technical name for {pollen basket}. corbie ety C15: from Old French corbin, from Latin corv*_inus #7corvine corbie 0. syl cor+bie pron <1kc:bi> pos n. def a Scot. name for {raven} or {crow}. corbie gable 0. syl cor+bie ga+ble pos n. qual Architect. def a gable having corbie-steps. corbel step alt head corbie-step or corbie-step syl cor+bel step pos n. corbie-step 0. or corbel step syl cor:bie-step pos n. qual Architect. def any of a set of steps on the top of a gable. Also called: {crow step}. cor blimey ety C20: corruption of God blind me gorblimey alt head cor blimey or cor blimey syl gor+bli+mey pos interj. cor blimey 0. or gorblimey syl cor bli+mey pron <1kc:> <1blImi> pos interj. qual Brit. slang. def an exclamation of surprise or annoyance. Often shortened to {cor}. Le infl head Corbusier syl Le. pos n. Corbusier 0. syl Cor:bu:sier pron French pos n. def See {Le Corbusier}. Corby 0. syl Cor+by pron <1kc:bi> pos n. def a town in central England, in N Northamptonshire: designated a new town in 1950; iron and steel industry. Pop.: 47716 (1971). Corcovado 1. syl Cor+co+va+do pron Spanish <2korko1$BaDo> pos n. def a volcano in S Chile, in the Andes. Height: 2300 m (7590 ft.). Corcovado 2. syl Cor+co+va+do pron Portuguese <2korko1vadu> pos n. def a mountain in SE Brazil, in SW Rio de Janeiro city. Height: 704 m (2310 ft.). Corcyra 0. syl Cor+cy+ra pron pos n. def the ancient name for {Corfu}. cord ety C13: from Old French corde, from Latin chorda cord, from Greek khord*_e; see #7chord %1 cord 1. syl cord pron pos n. def string or thin rope made of several twisted strands. cord 2. syl cord pron pos n. def a length of woven or twisted strands of silk, etc., sewn on clothing or used as a belt. cord 3. syl cord pron pos n. def a ribbed fabric, esp. corduroy. cord 4. syl cord pron pos n. def any influence that binds or restrains. cord 5. syl cord pron pos n. def the U.S. name for { {flex} (sense 1).} cord 6. syl cord pron pos n. qual Anatomy. def any part resembling a string or rope. exam 1 the spinal cord. cord 7. syl cord pron pos n. def a unit of volume for measuring cut wood, equal to 128 cubic feet. cord 8. syl cord pron pos vb. mod tr. def to bind or furnish with a cord or cords. cord 9. syl cord pron pos vb. mod tr. def to stack (wood) in cords. corder sub head cord syl cord+er pos n. cordlike sub head cord syl cord+2like pos adj. cordage 1. syl cord+age pron <1kc:diJ> pos n. qual Nautical. def the lines and rigging of a vessel. cordage 2. syl cord+age pron <1kc:diJ> pos n. def an amount of wood measured in cords. cordate 0. syl cor+date pron <1kc:dAt> pos adj. def heart-shaped. exam 1 a cordate leaf; exam 2 cordate shells. cordately sub head cordate syl cor+date+ly pos adv. Charlotte infl head Corday syl Char:lotte pron pos n. Corday 0. syl Cor:day pron French pos n. def full name 1768-93, French Girondist revolutionary, who assassinated Marat. corded 1. syl cord+ed pron <1kc:did> pos adj. def bound or fastened with cord. corded 2. syl cord+ed pron <1kc:did> pos adj. usage of a fabric def ribbed. corded 3. syl cord+ed pron <1kc:did> pos adj. usage of muscles def standing out like cords. Cordelier ety C19: from Old French cordelle, literally: a little cord, from the knotted cord girdles that they wear Cordelier 0. syl Cor+de:lier pron <2kc:di1li*> pos n. qual R.C. Church. def a Franciscan friar of the order of the Friars Minor. the infl head Cordeliers syl the. pos n. Cordeliers 0. syl Cor+de:liers pron <2kc:di1li*z> pos n. def a political club founded in 1790 and meeting at an old Cordelier convent in Paris. cordial ety C14: from Medieval Latin cordi*_alis, from Latin cor heart cordial 1. syl cor+di:al pron <1kc:di*l> pos adj. def warm and friendly. exam 1 a cordial greeting. cordial 2. syl cor+di:al pron <1kc:di*l> pos adj. def giving heart; stimulating. cordial 3. syl cor+di:al pron <1kc:di*l> pos n. def a nonalcoholic drink with a fruit base. exam 1 lime cordial. cordial 4. syl cor+di:al pron <1kc:di*l> pos n. def another word for {liqueur}. cordially sub head cordial syl cor+di+al+ly pos adv. cordialness sub head cordial syl cor+di+al+ness pos n. cordialities infl head cordiality syl cor+di+al+i:ties. pos n. mod pl. cordiality 0. syl cor+di+al+i:ty pron <2kc:di1@liti> pos n. def warmth of feeling. cordierite ety C19: named after Pierre L. A. Cordier (1777-1861), French geologist who described it cordierite 0. syl cor+di+er+ite pron <1kc:di*2rIt> pos n. def a grey or violet-blue dichroic mineral that consists of magnesium aluminium iron silicate in orthorhombic crystalline form and is found in metamorphic rocks. Formula: (MgFe\2)Al\4Si\5O\1\8. Also called: {dichroite, iolite}. cordiform ety C19: from Latin cor heart cordiform 0. syl cor+di+form pron <1kc:di2fc:m> pos adj. def heart-shaped. cordillera ety C18: from Spanish, from cordilla, literally: a little cord, from cuerda mountain range, #7cord cordillera 0. syl cor+dil+le:ra pron <2kc:dil1je*r*> pos n. def a series of parallel ranges of mountains, esp. in the northwestern U.S. cordilleran sub head cordillera syl cor+dil+1le:ran pos adj. the infl head Cordilleras syl the. pos n. Cordilleras 0. syl Cor+dil+le:ras pron <2kc:dil1je*r*z>, Spanish <2korDi1jAras> pos n. mod pl. def the complex of mountain ranges on the W side of the Americas, extending from Alaska to Cape Horn and including the Andes and the Rocky Mountains. cordite ety C19: from #7cord+ -#7ite %1#7, referring to its stringy appearance cordite 0. syl cord+ite pron <1kc:dIt> pos n. def any of various explosive materials used for propelling bullets, shells, etc., containing cellulose nitrate, sometimes mixed with nitroglycerin, plasticizers, and stabi?!lizers. cordless 0. syl cord+less pron <1kc:dlis> pos adj. usage of an electrical device def operated by an internal battery that is charged by the mains supply through a flex when not in use. cordoba ety Spanish c*'ordoba, named in honour of Francisco Fern*'andez de C#7*'ordoba cordoba 0. syl cor+do+ba pron <1kc:d*b*> pos n. def the standard monetary unit of Nicaragua, divided into 100 centavos. C'ordoba H1.1. syl C*'or+do+ba pron Spanish <1korDo$Ba> pos n. def a city in central Argentina: university (1613). Pop.: 798633 (1970). C'ordoba H1.2. syl C*'or+do+ba pron Spanish <1korDo$Ba> pos n. def a city in S Spain, on the Guadalquivir River: centre of Moorish Spain (711-1236). Pop.: 235632 (1970). English name: {Cordova}. C'ordova alt head C'ordoba or C'ordoba syl C*'or:do:va pron Spanish <1korDo$Ba> pos n. Francisco Fern'andez de infl head C'ordoba syl Fran:cis:co Fer:n*'an:dez de pron pos n. C'ordoba H2.0. or C'ordova syl C*'or:do:ba pron Spanish <1korDo$Ba> pos n. def died 1518, Spanish soldier and explorer, who discovered Yucat*'an. cordon ety C16: from Old French, literally: a little cord, from corde string, #7cord cordon 1. syl cor+don pron <1kc:dN> pos n. def a chain of police, soldiers, ships, etc., stationed around an area. cordon 2. syl cor+don pron <1kc:dN> pos n. def a ribbon worn as insignia of honour or rank. cordon 3. syl cor+don pron <1kc:dN> pos n. def a cord or ribbon worn as an ornament or fastening. cordon 4. syl cor+don pron <1kc:dN> pos n. def Also called: {string course, belt course, table}. an ornamental projecting band or continuous moulding along a wall. cordon 5. syl cor+don pron <1kc:dN> pos n. qual Horticulture. def a form of fruit tree consisting of a single stem bearing fruiting spurs, produced by cutting back all lateral branches. cordon 6. syl cor+don pron <1kc:dN> pos vb. mod tr. usage often foll. by off def to put or form a cordon (around); close (off). cordon bleu ety French, literally: blue ribbon cordon bleu 1.a. syl cor+don bleu pron French <1bl$o> pos n. def the sky-blue ribbon worn by members of the highest order of knighthood under the Bourbon monarchy. cordon bleu 1.b. syl cor+don bleu pron French <1bl$o> pos n. def a knight entitled to wear the cordon bleu. cordon bleu 2. syl cor+don bleu pron French <1bl$o> pos n. def any very high distinction. cordon bleu 3. syl cor+don bleu pron French <1bl$o> pos adj. def of or denoting food prepared to a very high standard. cordon sanitaire ety C19: literally: sanitary line cordon sanitaire 1. syl cor+don sa+ni+taire pron French. pos n. def a guarded line serving to cut off an infected area. cordon sanitaire 2. syl cor+don sa+ni+taire pron French. pos n. def a series of buffer states, esp. when protecting a nation from infiltration or attack. Cordova 0. syl Cor+do+va pron <1kc:d*v*> pos n. def the English name for { {C*'ordoba%1} (sense 2).} cordovan ety C16: from Spanish cordob*'an (n.), from cordob*'an (adj.) of C#7*'ordoba cordovan 0. syl cor+do+van pron <1kc:d*vN> pos n. def a fine leather now made principally from horsehide, isolated from the skin layers above and below it and tanned. Cordovan 1. syl Cor+do+van pron <1kc:d*vN> pos n. def a native or inhabitant of C*'ordoba, Spain. Cordovan 2. syl Cor+do+van pron <1kc:d*vN> pos adj. def of or relating to C*'ordoba, Spain. cords 0. syl cords pron pos n. mod pl. def trousers, esp. jeans, made of corduroy. corduroy ety C18: perhaps from the proper name Corderoy corduroy 0.a. syl cor+du+roy pron <1kc:d*2rci>, <2kc:d*1rci> pos n. def a heavy cotton pile fabric with lengthways ribs. corduroy 0.b. syl cor+du+roy pron <1kc:d*2rci>, <2kc:d*1rci> pos n. usage as modifier exam 1 a corduroy coat. corduroy road 0. syl cor+du+roy road pos n. def a road across swampy ground, made of logs laid transversely. corduroys 0. syl cor+du+roys pron <2kc:d*1rciz>, <1kc:d*2rciz> pos n. mod pl. def trousers or breeches of corduroy. cordwain ety C12 cordewan, from Old French cordoan, from Old Spanish cordovan C#7ordovan cordwain 0. syl cord+wain pron <1kc:d2wAn> pos n. def an archaic name for {cordovan}. cordwainer 0. syl cord+wain:er pron <1kc:d2wAn*> pos n. qual Archaic. def a shoemaker or worker in cordovan leather. cordwainery sub head cordwainer syl cord+2wain:er:y pos n. cordwood 0. syl cord+wood pron <1kc:d2wud> pos n. def wood that has been cut into lengths of four feet so that it can be stacked in cords. core ety C14: of uncertain origin core 1. syl core pron pos n. def the central part of certain fleshy fruits, such as the apple or pear, consisting of the seeds and supporting parts. core 2. syl core pron pos n. def the central, innermost, or most essential part of something. exam 1 the core of the argument. core 3. syl core pron pos n. def a piece of magnetic material, such as soft iron, placed inside the windings of an electromagnet or transformer to intensify and direct the magnetic field. core 4. syl core pron pos n. qual Geology. def the central part of the earth, beneath the mantle, consisting mainly of iron and nickel. core 5. syl core pron pos n. def a cylindrical sample of rock, soil, etc., obtained by the use of a hollow drill. core 6. syl core pron pos n. def a material placed in the inside of a mould to produce a cavity in a casting. core 7. syl core pron pos n. qual Physics. def the region of a nuclear reactor in which the reaction takes place. core 8. syl core pron pos n. def a layer of wood serving as a backing for a veneer. core 9.a. syl core pron pos n. def a ferrite ring used in a computer memory to store one bit of information. core 9.b. syl core pron pos n. def the whole memory of a computer when made up of a number of such rings. core 9.c. syl core pron pos n. usage as modifier exam 1 core memory. core 10. syl core pron pos n. qual Archaeol. def a lump of stone or flint from which flakes or blades have been removed. core 11. syl core pron pos vb. mod tr. def to remove the core from (fruit). coreless sub head core syl core+less pos adj. CORE 0. syl CORE pron pos n. usage in the U.S.; acronym for def Congress of Racial Equality. coreligionist 0. syl co+re:li+gion+ist pron <2k*uri1liJ*nist> pos n. def an adherent of the same religion as another. corella ety C19: probably from native Australian ca-rall corella 0. syl co+rel+la pron pos n. def any of certain white Australian cockatoos of the genus Arcangelo infl head Corelli syl Ar:can:ge:lo pron pos n. Corelli 0. syl Co:rel:li pron Italian pos n. def 1653-1713, Italian violinist and composer of sonatas and concerti grossi. coreopsis ety C18: from New Latin, from Greek koris bedbug+-#7opsis ; so called from the appearance of the seed coreopsis 0. syl co+re:op+sis pron <2kori1opsis> pos n. def any plant of the genus of America and tropical Africa, cultivated for their yellow, brown, or yellow-and-red daisy-like flowers: family (composites). Also called: {calliopsis}. Compare {caryopsis}. co-respondent 0. syl co-re:spond+ent pron <2k*uri1spond*nt> pos n. qual Law. def a person cited in divorce proceedings, alleged to have committed adultery with the respondent. co-respondency sub head co-respondent syl co-re:1spon+den+cy pos n. core store 0. syl core store pos n. qual Computer technol. def another name for { {memory} (sense 7).} core time 0. syl core time pos n. def See {flexitime}. corf ety C14: from Middle Dutch corf or Middle Low German korf, probably from Latin corbis basket corves infl head corf syl corves. pos n. mod pl. corf 0. syl corf pron pos n. qual Brit. def a wagon or basket used formerly in mines. Corfam 0. syl Cor+fam pron <1kc:f@m> pos n. qual Trademark. def a synthetic water-repellent material used as a substitute for shoe leather. Corfu 1. syl Cor+fu pron pos n. def an island in the Ionian Sea, in the Ionian Islands: forms, with neighbouring islands, a department of Greece. Pop.: 92933 (1971). Area: 641 sq. km (250 sq. miles). Corfu 2. syl Cor+fu pron pos n. def a port on E Corfu island. Pop.: 28630 (1971). Modern Greek name: {K*'erkyra}. Corfu xref syl Cor+fu pron pos n. def Ancient name: {Corcyra}. corgi ety C20: from Welsh, from cor dwarf+ ci dog corgi 0. syl cor+gi pron <1kc:gi> pos n. def either of two long-bodied short-legged sturdy breeds of dog, the Cardigan and the Pembroke. Also called: {Welsh corgi}. coriaceous ety C17: from Late Latin cori*_aceus from corium leather coriaceous 0. syl co+ri:a+ceous pron <2kori1AS*s> pos adj. def of or resembling leather. coriander ety C14: from Old French coriandre, from Latin coriandrum, from Greek koriannon, of uncertain origin coriander 1. syl co+ri+an+der pron <2kori1@nd*> pos n. def a European umbelliferous plant, widely cultivated for its aromatic seeds. coriander 2. syl co+ri+an+der pron <2kori1@nd*> pos n. def the dried ripe seeds of this plant collectively, used in flavouring food, etc. Corinth 1. syl Cor+inth pron <1korinT> pos n. def a port in S Greece, in the NE Peloponnese: the modern town is near the site of the ancient city, the largest and richest of the city-states after Athens. Pop.: 20733 (1971). Modern Greek name: {K*'orinthos}. Corinth 2. syl Cor+inth pron <1korinT> pos n. def a region of ancient Greece, occupying most of the Isthmus of Corinth and part of the NE Peloponnese. Gulf of 3. head Corinth syl Gulf of. def Also called: Gulf of {Lepanto}. an inlet of the Ionian Sea between the Peloponnese and central Greece. Isthmus of 4. head Corinth syl Isthmus of. def a narrow strip of land between the Gulf of Corinth and the Saronic Gulf: crossed by the {Corinth Canal}, making navigation possible between the gulfs. Corinthian 1. syl Co+rin+thi:an pron pos adj. def of, characteristic of, or relating to Corinth. Corinthian 2. syl Co+rin+thi:an pron pos adj. def of, denoting, or relating to one of the five classical orders of architecture: characterized by a bell-shaped capital having carved ornaments based on acanthus leaves. See also {Ionic, Doric, Composite, Tuscan}. Corinthian 3. syl Co+rin+thi:an pron pos adj. def given to luxury; dissolute. Corinthian 4. syl Co+rin+thi:an pron pos adj. def ornate and elaborate. Corinthian 5. syl Co+rin+thi:an pron pos n. def a native or inhabitant of Corinth. Corinthian 6. syl Co+rin+thi:an pron pos n. def an amateur sportsman. Corinthian 7. syl Co+rin+thi:an pron pos n. qual Rare. def a man about town, esp. one who is dissolute. Corinthians 0. syl Co+rin+thi:ans pron pos n. mod functioning as; sing. def either of two books of the New Testament (in full {The First and Second Epistles of Paul the Apostle to the Corinthians}) . Gaius Marcius infl head Coriolanus syl Gai:us Mar:ci:us pron <1gI*s> <1ma:si?!*s> pos n. Coriolanus 0. syl Cor:i:o:la:nus pron <2kori*1lAn*s> pos n. def 5th century #7b.c., a legendary Roman general, who allegedly led an army against Rome but was dissuaded from conquering it by his mother and wife. Coriolis force ety C19: named after Gaspard G. Coriolis (1792-1843), French civil engineer Coriolis force 0. syl Cor:i:o:lis force pron <2kori1*ulis> pos n. def a hypothetical force postulated to explain a deflection in the path of a body moving relative to the earth when observed from the earth. The deflection ({Coriolis effect}) is due to the earth's rotation and is to the left in the S hemisphere and to the right in the N hemisphere. corium ety C19: from Latin: rind, skin, leather coria infl head corium syl co+ri:a pron <-ri*> pos n. mod pl. corium 1. syl co+ri:um pron <1kc:ri*m> pos n. def Also called: {derma, dermis}. the deep inner layer of the skin, beneath the epidermis, containing connective tissue, blood vessels, and fat. corium 2. syl co+ri:um pron <1kc:ri*m> pos n. qual Entomol. def the leathery basal part of the forewing of hemipterous insects. cork ety C14: probably from Arabic qurq, from Latin cortex bark, especially of the cork oak cork 1. syl cork pron pos n. def the thick light porous outer bark of the cork oak, used widely as an insulator and for stoppers for bottles, casks, etc. cork 2. syl cork pron pos n. def a piece of cork or other material used as a stopper. cork 3. syl cork pron pos n. def an angling float. cork 4. syl cork pron pos n. def Also called: {phellem}. a protective layer of dead impermeable cells on the outside of the stems and roots of woody plants, produced by the outer layer of the cork cambium. {~} cork 5. syl cork pron pos n. def to stop up (a bottle, etc.) with or as if with a cork; fit with a cork. cork 6. syl cork pron pos n. usage often foll. by up def to restrain. exam 1 to cork up the emotions. cork 7. syl cork pron pos n. def to black (the face, hands, etc.) with burnt cork. corklike sub head cork syl cork+2like pos adj. Cork 1. syl Cork pron pos n. def a county of SW Ireland, in Munster province: crossed by ridges of low mountains; scenic coastline. County town: Cork. Pop.: 352883 (1971). Area: 7459 sq. km (2880 sq. miles). Cork 2. syl Cork pron pos n. def a port in S Ireland, county town of Co. Cork, at the mouth of the River Lee: seat of the University College of Cork (1849). Pop.: 128645 (1971). corkage 0. syl cork+age pron <1kc:kiJ> pos n. def a charge made at a restaurant for serving wine, etc., bought off the premises. corkboard 0. syl cork+board pron <1kc:k2bc:d> pos n. def a thin slab made of granules of cork, used as a floor or wall finish and as an insulator. cork cambium 0. syl cork cam+bi:um pos n. def a layer of meristematic cells in the cortex of the stems and roots of woody plants, the outside of which gives rise to cork cells and the inside to secondary cortical cells (phelloderm). Also called: {phellogen}. corked 1. syl corked pron pos adj. def Also: {corky}. (of a wine) tainted through having a cork containing excess tannin. corked 2. syl corked pron pos adj. qual Brit. usage postpositive def a slang word for {drunk}. corker 1.a. syl cork+er pron <1kc:k*> pos n. def something or somebody striking or outstanding. exam 1 that was a corker of a joke. corker 1.b. syl cork+er pron <1kc:k*> pos n. def an irrefutable remark that puts an end to discussion. corker 2. syl cork+er pron <1kc:k*> pos n. def a person or machine that inserts corks. corking 0. syl cork+ing pron <1kc:kiG> pos adj. qual Brit. slang. usage prenominal def excellent. cork oak 0. syl cork oak pos n. def an evergreen Mediterranean oak tree, with a porous outer bark from which cork is obtained. Also called: {cork tree}. corkscrew 1. syl cork+screw pron <1kc:k2skru:> pos n. def a device for drawing corks from bottles, typically consisting of a pointed metal spiral attached to a handle or screw mechanism. corkscrew 2. syl cork+screw pron <1kc:k2skru:> pos n. qual Boxing slang. def a blow that ends with a twist of the fist, esp. one intended to cut the opponent. corkscrew 3. syl cork+screw pron <1kc:k2skru:> pos n. usage modifier def resembling a corkscrew in shape. corkscrew 4. syl cork+screw pron <1kc:k2skru:> pos vb. def to move or cause to move in a spiral or zigzag course. cork-tipped 0. syl cork-tipped pron <1kc:k2tipt> pos adj. usage of a cigarette def having a filter of cork or some material resembling cork. corkwood 1. syl cork+wood pron <1kc:k2wud> pos n. def a small tree, of the southeastern U.S., having very lightweight porous wood: family corkwood 2. syl cork+wood pron <1kc:k2wud> pos n. def any other tree with light porous wood. corkwood 3. syl cork+wood pron <1kc:k2wud> pos n. def the wood of any of these trees. corm ety C19: from New Latin cormus, from Greek kormos tree trunk from which the branches have been lopped corm 0. syl corm pron pos n. def an organ of vegetative reproduction in plants such as the crocus, consisting of a globular stem base swollen with food and surrounded by papery scale leaves. Compare { {bulb} (sense 1).} cormous sub head corm syl cor+mous pos adj. cormel 0. syl cor+mel pron <1kc:m*l> pos n. def a new small corm arising from the base of a fully developed one. cormophyte ety C19: from Greek kormos tree trunk+-#7phyte cormophyte 0. syl cor+mo+phyte pron <1kc:m*2fIt> pos n. def any of the a major division (now obsolete) of plants having a stem, root, and leaves: includes the mosses, ferns, and seed plants. cormophytic sub head cormophyte syl cor+mo+phyt+ic pron <2kc:?!m*1fitik> pos adj. cormorant ety C13: from Old French cormareng, from corp raven, from Latin corvus+-mareng of the sea, from Latin mare sea cormorant 0. syl cor+mo+rant pron <1kc:m*r*nt> pos n. def any aquatic bird of the family of coastal and inland waters, having a dark plumage, a long neck and body, and a slender hooked beak: order (pelicans, etc.). corn ety Old English corn; related to Old Norse, Old High German corn, Gothic ka*'urn, Latin gr*_anum, Sanskrit j*_irn*'a fragile corn H1.1.a. syl corn pron pos n. def any of various cereal plants, esp. the predominant crop of a region, such as wheat in England and oats in Scotland and Ireland. corn H1.1.b. syl corn pron pos n. def the seeds of such plants, esp. after harvesting. corn H1.1.c. syl corn pron pos n. def a single seed of such plants; a grain. corn H1.2. syl corn pron pos n. def the usual U.S. name for {maize}. See also { {sweet corn} (sense 1),} { {popcorn} (sense 1).} corn H1.3.a. syl corn pron pos n. def the plants producing these kinds of grain considered as a growing crop. exam 1 spring corn. corn H1.3.b. syl corn pron pos n. usage in combination exam 1 a cornfield. corn H1.4. syl corn pron pos n. def short for {corn whisky}. corn H1.5. syl corn pron pos n. qual Slang. def an idea, song, etc., regarded as banal or sentimental. corn H1.6. syl corn pron pos n. qual Archaic or dialect. def any hard particle or grain. corn H1.7. syl corn pron pos vb. mod tr. def to feed (animals) with corn, esp. oats. corn H1.8.a. syl corn pron pos vb. mod tr. def to preserve in brine. corn H1.8.b. syl corn pron pos vb. mod tr. def to salt. corn H1.9. syl corn pron pos vb. mod tr. def to plant corn on. corn ety C15: from Old French corne horn, from Latin corn*_u corn H2.1. syl corn pron pos n. def a hardening or thickening of the skin, esp. of the toes, caused by pressure or friction. tread on (someone's) corns 2. head corn syl tread on (someone's) corns. qual Brit. informal. def to hurt someone's feelings. cornaceous ety C19: from New Latin Cornaceae, from Cornus genus name, from Latin: #7cornel cornaceous 0. syl cor+na+ceous pron pos adj. def of, relating to, or belonging to the a family of temperate plants, mostly trees and shrubs, including dogwood, cornel, and spotted laurel (see { {laurel} (sense 5)}). corn borer 0. syl corn bor+er pos n. def the larva of the pyralid moth native to S and Central Europe: in E North America a serious pest of maize. corn bread 0. syl corn bread pos n. qual Chiefly U.S. def a kind of bread made from maize meal. Also called: {Indian bread}. corn bunting 0. syl corn bun+ting pos n. def a heavily built European songbird, with a streaked brown plumage: family (buntings). corncob 1. syl corn+cob pron <1kc:n2kob> pos n. def the core of an ear of maize, to which kernels are attached. corncob 2. syl corn+cob pron <1kc:n2kob> pos n. def short for {corncob pipe}. corncob pipe 0. syl corn+cob pipe pos n. def a pipe made from a dried corncob. corncockle 0. syl corn+cock:le pron <1kc:n2kokL> pos n. def a European caryophyllaceous plant, that has reddish-purple flowers and grows in cornfields and by roadsides. corncrake 0. syl corn+crake pron <1kc:n2krAk> pos n. def a common Eurasian rail, of fields and meadows, with a buff speckled plumage and reddish wings. corncrib 0. syl corn+crib pron <1kc:n2krib> pos n. qual Chiefly U.S. def a ventilated building for the storage of unhusked maize. cornea ety C14: from Medieval Latin cornea t*_ela horny web, from Latin corn*_u #7horn corneas infl head cornea or corneae syl cor+ne:as pron <-ni*s> pos n. mod pl. corneae infl head cornea or corneas syl cor+ne:ae pron <-ni2E> pos n. mod pl. cornea 0. syl cor+ne:a pron <1kc:ni*> pos n. def the convex transparent membrane that forms the anterior covering of the eyeball and is continuous with the sclera. corneal sub head cornea syl cor+ne:al pos adj. corn earworm 0. syl corn ear+worm pos n. qual U.S. def the larva of the noctuid moth which feeds on maize and many other crop plants. See also {bollworm}. corned 0. syl corned pron pos adj. usage esp. of beef def cooked and then preserved or pickled in salt or brine, now often canned. Pierre infl head Corneille syl Pierre pron pos n. Corneille 0. syl Cor:neille pron French pos n. def 1606-84, French tragic dramatist often regarded as the founder of French clas?!sical drama. His plays include (1635), (1636), (1640), and (1642). cornel ety C16: probably from Middle Low German kornelle, from Old French cornelle, from Vulgar Latin cornicula (unattested), from Latin cornum cornel cherry, from cornus cornel tree cornel 0. syl cor+nel pron <1kc:nL> pos n. def any cornaceous plant of the genus such as the dogwood and dwarf cornel. cornelian 0. syl cor+nel+i:an pron pos n. def a variant spelling of {carnelian}. corneous ety C17: from Latin corneus horny, from corn*_u #7horn corneous 0. syl cor+ne:ous pron <1kc:ni*s> pos adj. def horny; hornlike. corner ety C13: from Old French corniere, from Latin corn*_u point, extremity, #7horn corner 1. syl cor+ner pron <1kc:n*> pos n. def the place, position, or angle formed by the meeting of two converging lines or surfaces. corner 2. syl cor+ner pron <1kc:n*> pos n. def a projecting angle of a solid object or figure. corner 3. syl cor+ner pron <1kc:n*> pos n. def the place where two streets meet. corner 4. syl cor+ner pron <1kc:n*> pos n. def any small, secluded, secret, or private place. corner 5. syl cor+ner pron <1kc:n*> pos n. def a dangerous or awkward position, esp. from which escape is difficult. exam 1 a tight corner. corner 6. syl cor+ner pron <1kc:n*> pos n. def any part, region or place, esp. a remote place. corner 7. syl cor+ner pron <1kc:n*> pos n. def something used to protect or mark a corner, as of the hard cover of a book. corner 8. syl cor+ner pron <1kc:n*> pos n. qual Commerce. def a monopoly over the supply of a commodity so that its market price can be controlled. corner 9. syl cor+ner pron <1kc:n*> pos n. qual Soccer, hockey, etc. def a free kick or shot from the corner of the field, taken against a defending team when the ball goes out of play over their goal line after last touching one of their players. corner 10. syl cor+ner pron <1kc:n*> pos n. def either of two opposite angles of a boxing ring in which the opponents take their rests. cut corners 11. head corner syl cut corners. def to take short cuts; bypass normal channels. (just) round the corner 12. head corner syl (just) round the corner. def close at hand. turn the corner 13. head corner syl turn the corner. def to pass the critical point (in an illness, etc.). corner 14. syl cor+ner pron <1kc:n*> pos n. usage modifier def located on a corner. exam 1 a corner shop. corner 15. syl cor+ner pron <1kc:n*> pos n. usage modifier def suitable or designed for a corner. exam 1 a corner table. corner 16. syl cor+ner pron <1kc:n*> pos vb. mod tr. def to manoeuvre (a person or animal) into a position from which escape is difficult or impossible. exam 1 finally they cornered the fox. corner 17. syl cor+ner pron <1kc:n*> pos vb. mod tr. def to furnish or provide with corners. corner 18. syl cor+ner pron <1kc:n*> pos vb. mod tr. def to place in or move into a corner. corner 19.a. syl cor+ner pron <1kc:n*> pos vb. def to acquire enough of (a commodity) to attain control of the market. corner 19.b. syl cor+ner pron <1kc:n*> pos vb. def Also: {engross}. to attain control of (a market) in such a manner. Compare { {forestall} (sense 3).} corner 20. syl cor+ner pron <1kc:n*> pos vb. mod intr. usage of vehicles, etc. def to turn a corner. corner 21. syl cor+ner pron <1kc:n*> pos vb. mod intr. qual U.S. def to be situated on a corner. corner 22. syl cor+ner pron <1kc:n*> pos vb. mod intr. usage in soccer, etc. def to take a corner. the infl head Corner syl the. pos n. Corner 0. syl Cor+ner pos n. qual Informal. def an area in central Australia, at the junction of the borders of Queensland and South Australia. cornerstone 1. syl cor:ner+stone pron <1kc:n*2st*un> pos n. def a stone at the corner of a wall, uniting two intersecting walls; quoin. cornerstone 2. syl cor:ner+stone pron <1kc:n*2st*un> pos n. def a stone placed at the corner of a building during a ceremony to mark the start of construction. cornerstone 3. syl cor:ner+stone pron <1kc:n*2st*un> pos n. def a person or thing of prime importance; basis. exam 1 the cornerstone of the whole argument. cornet ety C14: from Old French, from corn, from Latin corn*_u #7horn cornet 1. syl cor+net pron <1kc:nit> pos n. def Also called: {cor+net *`a pis+tons} (#!k@$$:n$It $$ #!p$Ist$$nz; k@$r#!n$e a pi#!st*~@$). a three-valved brass instrument of the trumpet family. Written range: about two and a half octaves upwards from E below middle C. It is a transposing instrument in B flat or A. cornet 2. syl cor+net pron <1kc:nit> pos n. def a person who plays the cornet. cornet 3. syl cor+net pron <1kc:nit> pos n. def a variant spelling of {cornett}. cornet 4. syl cor+net pron <1kc:nit> pos n. def a cone-shaped paper container for sweets, etc. cornet 5. syl cor+net pron <1kc:nit> pos n. qual Brit. def a cone-shaped wafer container for ice cream. cornet 6. syl cor+net pron <1kc:nit> pos n. def a starched and wired muslin or lace cap worn by women from the 12th to the 15th centuries. cornet 7. syl cor+net pron <1kc:nit> pos n. def the large white headdress of some nuns. cornetcies infl head cornetcy syl cor+net+cies. pos n. mod pl. cornetcy 0. syl cor+net+cy pron <1kc:nitsi> pos n. qual Obsolete. def the commission or rank of a military cornet player. cornettist alt head cornetist or cornetist syl cor+net+tist pron pos n. cornetist 0. or cornettist syl cor+net+ist pron pos n. def a person who plays the cornet. cornett ety from Old French cornet a little horn, from corn horn, from Latin corn*_u cornet alt head cornett or cornett syl cor+net pos n. cornett 0. or cornet syl cor+nett pron pos n. def a musical instrument consist?!ing of a straight or curved tube of wood or ivory having finger holes like a recorder and a cup-shaped mouthpiece like a trumpet. corn exchange 0. syl corn ex+change pos n. def a building where corn is bought and sold. corn factor 0. syl corn fac+tor pos n. def a person who deals in corn. cornfield 0. syl corn+field pron <1kc:n2fEld> pos n. def a field planted with cereal crops. cornflakes 0. syl corn+flakes pron <1kc:n2flAks> pos n. mod pl. def a breakfast cereal made from toasted maize, eaten with milk, sugar, etc. cornflour 0. syl corn+flour pron <1kc:n2flau*> pos n. def a fine starchy maize flour, used esp. for thickening sauces. U.S. name: {cornstarch}. cornflower 0. syl corn+flow:er pron <1kc:n2flau*> pos n. def a Eurasian herbaceous plant, with blue, purple, pink, or white flowers, formerly a common weed in cornfields: family (composites). Also called: {bluebottle}. See also {bachelor's buttons}. cornhusk 0. syl corn+husk pron <1kc:n2h^sk> pos n. qual U.S. def the outer protective covering of an ear of maize; the chaff. cornice ety C16: from Old French, from Italian, perhaps from Latin cornix crow, but influenced also by Latin cor*_onis decorative flourish used by scribes, from Greek kor*_onis, from kor*_on*_e curved object, #7crown cornice 1.a. syl cor+nice pron <1kc:nis> pos n. def the top projecting mouldings of an entablature. cornice 1.b. syl cor+nice pron <1kc:nis> pos n. def a continuous horizontal projecting course or moulding at the top of a wall, building, etc. cornice 2. syl cor+nice pron <1kc:nis> pos n. def an overhanging ledge of snow, esp. on the lee side of a mountain. cornice 3. syl cor+nice pron <1kc:nis> pos vb. mod tr. qual Architect. def to furnish or decorate with or as if with a cornice. corniche ety C19: from corniche road, originally the coastal road between Nice and Monte Carlo; see #7cornice corniche 0. syl cor+niche pron <1kc:niS> pos n. def a coastal road, esp. one built into the face of a cliff. corniculate ety C17: from Latin cornicul*_atus horned, from corniculum a little horn, from corn*_u #7horn corniculate 1. syl cor+nic:u+late pron , <-lit> pos adj. def having horns or hornlike projections. corniculate 2. syl cor+nic:u+late pron , <-lit> pos adj. def relating to or resembling a horn. Cornish 1. syl Cor+nish pron <1kc:niS> pos adj. def of, relating to, or characteristic of Cornwall, its inhabitants, their former language, or their present-day dialect of English. Cornish 2. syl Cor+nish pron <1kc:niS> pos n. def a former language of Cornwall, belonging to the S Celtic branch of the Indo-European family and closely related to Breton: extinct by 1800. the 3. head Cornish syl the. mod functioning as; pl. def the natives or inhabitants of Cornwall. Cornishman sub head Cornish syl Cor:nish+man pos n. Cornish pasty 0. syl Cor+nish pas+ty pos n. qual Cookery. def a pastry case with a filling of meat and vegetables. Cornish split 0. syl Cor+nish split pos n. def another term for {Devonshire split}. Corn Laws 0. syl Corn Laws pos n. mod pl. def the laws introduced in Britain in 1804 to protect domestic farmers against foreign competition by the imposition of a heavy duty on foreign corn: repealed in 1846. See also {Anti-Corn Law League}. corn lily 0. syl corn lil:y pos n. def any of several South African iridaceous plants of the genus which have coloured lily-like flowers. corn marigold 0. syl corn mar:i+gold pos n. def an annual plant, with yellow daisy-like flower heads: a common weed of cultivated land: family (composites). corn meal 0. syl corn meal pos n. def meal made from maize. Also called: {Indian meal}. Monte infl head Corno syl Mon+te pron <1montA> pos n. Corno 0. syl Cor+no pron Italian <1korno> pos n. def a mountain in central Italy: the highest peak in the Apennines. Height: 2912 m (9554 ft.). corn oil 0. syl corn oil pos n. def an oil prepared from maize, used in cooking and in making soaps, lubricants, etc. corn on the cob 0. syl corn on the cob pos n. def a cob of maize, boiled and eaten as a vegetable. corn-picker 0. syl corn-pick:er pos n. qual Chiefly U.S. def a machine for removing ears of maize from the standing stalks, often also equipped to separate the corn from the husk and shell. corn pone 0. syl corn pone pos n. qual Southern U.S. def corn bread, esp. a plain type made with water. Sometimes shortened to {pone}. corn poppy 0. syl corn pop+py pos n. def a poppy, that has bright red flowers and grows in cornfields. Since World War I it has been the symbol of fallen soldiers. Also called: {coquelicot, Flanders poppy, field poppy}. corn rose 0. syl corn rose pos n. qual Brit., archaic. def any of several red-flowered weeds of cornfields, such as the corn poppy. corn row 0. syl corn row pron pos n. def a Caribbean Negro hair style in which the hair is plaited in close parallel rows, resembling furrows in a ploughed field. corn salad 0. syl corn sal+ad pos n. def any valerianaceous plant of the genus esp. the European species which often grows in cornfields and whose leaves are sometimes used in salads. Also called: {lamb's lettuce}. corn shock 0. syl corn shock pos n. def a stack or bundle of bound or unbound corn piled upright for curing or drying. corn shuck 0. syl corn shuck pos n. qual U.S. def the husk of an ear of maize. corn silk 0. syl corn silk pos n. qual U.S. def the silky tuft of styles and stigmas at the tip of an ear of maize, formerly used as a diuretic. corn smut 1. syl corn smut pos n. def an ascomycetous parasitic fungus, that causes gall-like deformations on maize grain. corn smut 2. syl corn smut pos n. def the condition produced by this fungus. corn snow 0. syl corn snow pos n. qual Skiing, U.S. def granular snow formed by alternate freezing and thawing. cornstalk 1. syl corn+stalk pron <1kc:n2stc:k> pos n. def a stalk or stem of corn. cornstalk 2.a. syl corn+stalk pron <1kc:n2stc:k> pos n. usage often cap. def a native Australian. cornstalk 2.b. syl corn+stalk pron <1kc:n2stc:k> pos n. def a tall thin man. cornstarch 0. syl corn+starch pron <1kc:n2sta:C> pos n. def the U.S. name for {cornflour}. cornstone 0. syl corn+stone pron <1kc:n2st*un> pos n. def a mottled green and red limestone. corn syrup 0. syl corn syr+up pos n. qual U.S. def syrup prepared from maize. cornu ety C17: from Latin: a horn cornua infl head cornu syl cor+nu:a pron <-nju*> pos n. mod pl. cornu 0. syl cor+nu pron <1kc:nju:> pos n. qual Anatomy. def a part or structure resembling a horn or having a hornlike pattern, such as a cross section of the grey matter of the spinal cord. cornual sub head cornu syl cor+nu:al pos adj. cornucopia ety C16: from Late Latin, from Latin corn*_u c*_opiae horn of plenty cornucopia 1. syl cor+nu+co+pi:a pron <2kc:nju1k*upi*> pos n. qual Greek myth. def the horn of Amalthea, the goat that suckled Zeus. cornucopia 2. syl cor+nu+co+pi:a pron <2kc:nju1k*upi*> pos n. def a representation of such a horn in painting, sculpture, etc., overflowing with fruit, vegetables, etc.; horn of plenty. cornucopia 3. syl cor+nu+co+pi:a pron <2kc:nju1k*upi*> pos n. def a great abundance; overflowing supply. cornucopia 4. syl cor+nu+co+pi:a pron <2kc:nju1k*upi*> pos n. def a horn-shaped container. cornucopian sub head cornucopia syl cor+nu+1co+pi:an pos adj. cornute ety C17: from Latin corn*_utus horned, from corn*_u #7horn cornuted alt head cornute or cornute syl cor+nut+ed pos adj. cornute 0. or cornuted syl cor+nute pron pos adj. qual Biology. def having or resembling cornua; hornlike. exam 1 the cornute process of a bone. Cornwall 0. syl Corn+wall pron <1kc:n2wc:l>, <-w*l> pos n. def a county of SW England, including the Scilly Isles: hilly, with a deeply indented coastline. County town: Truro. Pop.: 407100 (1976 est.). Area: 3514 sq. km (1357 sq. miles). Charles infl head Cornwallis syl Charles pos n. Cornwallis 0. syl Corn:wal:lis pron pos n. def 1st Marquis Cornwallis. 1738-1805, British general in the War of American Independ?!ence: commanded forces defeated at Yorktown (1781); governor general of India (1786-93, 1805). corn whisky 0. syl corn whis+ky pos n. def whisky made from maize. corny ety C16 (C20 in the sense rustic, banal): from #7corn %1+-#7y %1 cornier infl head corny syl corn:i+er pos adj. corniest infl head corny syl corn:i+est. pos adj. corny 1. syl corn:y pron <1kc:ni> pos adj. qual Slang. def trite or banal. corny 2. syl corn:y pron <1kc:ni> pos adj. qual Slang. def sentimental or mawkish. corny 3. syl corn:y pron <1kc:ni> pos adj. qual Slang. def abounding in corn. corody ety C15: from Medieval Latin corr*_odium something provided, from Old French corroyer to provide, of Germanic origin corrody alt head corody or corody syl cor+ro+dy pron <1kor*di> pos n. corodies infl head corody syl cor:o+dies. pos n. mod pl. corody 1. or corrody syl cor:o+dy pron <1kor*di> pos n. qual History. usage originally def the right of a lord to receive free quarters from his vassal. corody 2. or corrody syl cor:o+dy pron <1kor*di> pos n. qual History. def an allowance for maintenance. coroll alt head corol or corol syl coroll. corol 0. or coroll syl corol. qual abbrev. for def corollary. corolla 0. syl co+rol+la pron pos n. def the petals of a flower collectively, forming an inner floral envelope. Compare {calyx}. corollaceous 0. syl cor+ol+la+ceous pron <2kor*1lAS*s> pos adj. def of, relating to, resembling, or having a corolla. corollary ety C14: from Latin coroll*_arium money paid for a garland, from Latin corolla garland, from cor*_ona #7crown corollaries infl head corollary syl cor+ol+lar:ies. pos n. mod pl. corollary 1. syl cor+ol+lar:y pron pos n. def a proposition that follows directly from the proof of another proposition. corollary 2. syl cor+ol+lar:y pron pos n. def an obvious deduction. corollary 3. syl cor+ol+lar:y pron pos n. def a natural consequence or result. corollary 4. syl cor+ol+lar:y pron pos adj. def consequent or resultant. Coromandel Coast 0. syl Cor:o+man+del Coast pron <2kor*1m@ndL> pos n. def the SE coast of India, along the Bay of Bengal, extending from Point Calimere to the mouth of the Krishna River. corona ety C16: from Latin: crown, from Greek kor*_one anything curved; related to Greek kor*_onis wreath, korax crow, Latin curvus curved coronas infl head corona or coronae syl co+ro+nas pron <-nE> pos n. mod pl. coronae infl head corona or coronas syl co+ro+nae pron <-nE> pos n. mod pl. corona 1. syl co+ro+na pron pos n. def a circle of light around a luminous body, usually the moon. corona 2. syl co+ro+na pron pos n. def Also called: {aureole}. the outermost region of the sun's atmosphere, visible as a faint halo during a solar eclipse. corona 3. syl co+ro+na pron pos n. qual Architect. def the flat vertical face of a cornice just above the soffit. corona 4. syl co+ro+na pron pos n. def something resembling a corona or halo. corona 5. syl co+ro+na pron pos n. def a circular chandelier suspend?!ed from the roof of a church. corona 6.a. syl co+ro+na pron pos n. def the trumpet-shaped part of the corolla of daffodils and similar plants; the crown. corona 6.b. syl co+ro+na pron pos n. def a crown of leafy outgrowths from inside the petals of some flowers. corona 7. syl co+ro+na pron pos n. qual Anatomy. def a crownlike structure, such as the top of the head. corona 8. syl co+ro+na pron pos n. def a long cigar with blunt ends. corona 9. syl co+ro+na pron pos n. qual Physics. def short for {corona discharge}. Corona Australis ety literally: Southern crown Coronae Australis infl head Corona Australis syl Co+ro+nae Aus+tra+lis pron pos n. qual Latin genitive Corona Australis 0. syl Co+ro+na Aus+tra+lis pron pos n. def a small faint constellation in the S hemisphere between Ara and Pavo. Corona Borealis ety literally: Northern crown Coronae Borealis infl head Corona Borealis syl Co+ro+nae Bo+re:al+is pron pos n. qual Latin genitive Corona Borealis 0. syl Co+ro+na Bo+re:al+is pron <2bc:ri1Alis> pos n. def a small compact constellation in the N hemisphere lying between Bo*"otes and Hercules. coronach ety C16: from Scottish Gaelic corranach; related to Irish r*_anadh a crying coronach 0. syl co+ro+nach pron <1kor*n*k> pos n. qual Scot. or Irish. def a dirge or lamentation for the dead. corona discharge 0. syl co+ro+na dis+charge pos n. def an electrical discharge appearing on and around the surface of a charged conductor, caused by ionization of the surrounding gas. Also called: {corona}. See also {Saint Elmo's fire}. coronograph alt head coronagraph or coronagraph syl co+ro+no+graph pron , <-2gr@f> pos n. coronagraph 0. or coronograph syl co+ro+na+graph pron , <-2gr@f> pos n. def an optical instrument used to simulate an eclipse of the sun so that the faint solar corona can be studied. coronal ety C16: from Late Latin cor*_on*_alis belonging to a #7crown coronal 1. syl cor:o+nal pron <1kor*nL> pos n. qual Poetic. def a circlet for the head; crown. coronal 2. syl cor:o+nal pron <1kor*nL> pos n. def a wreath or garland. coronal 3. syl cor:o+nal pron <1kor*nL> pos n. qual Anatomy. def short for {coronal suture}. coronal 4. syl cor:o+nal pron pos adj. def of or relating to a corona or coronal. coronal 5. syl cor:o+nal pron pos adj. qual Phonetics. def a less common word for {retroflex}. coronal suture 0. syl cor:o+nal su+ture pos n. def the serrated line across the skull between the frontal bone and the parietal bones. coronary ety C17: from Latin cor*_on*_arius belonging to a wreath or crown; see #7corona coronary 1. syl cor:o+nar:y pron <1kor*n*ri> pos adj. qual Anatomy. def designating blood vessels, nerves, ligaments, etc., that encircle a part or structure. coronaries infl head coronary syl cor:o+nar:ies. pos n. mod pl. coronary 2. syl cor:o+nar:y pron <1kor*n*ri> pos n. def short for {coronary thrombosis}. coronary artery 0. syl cor:o+nar:y ar+ter:y pos n. def either of two arteries branching from the aorta and supplying blood to the heart. coronary insufficiency 0. syl cor:o+nar:y in+suf+fi+cien+cy pos n. def inadequate circulation of blood through the coronary arteries, characterized by attacks of angina pectoris. coronary thrombosis 0. syl cor:o+nar:y throm+bo+sis pos n. def a condition of interrupted blood flow to the heart due to a blood clot in a coronary artery, usually as a consequence of atherosclerosis: characterized by intense pain. Sometimes shortened to: {coronary}. Compare {myocardial infarction}. coronation ety C14: from Old French, from coroner to crown, from Latin cor*_on*_are coronation 0. syl cor:o+na+tion pron <2kor*1nAS*n> pos n. def the act or ceremony of crowning a monarch. coroner ety C14: from Anglo-French corouner officer in charge of the pleas of the Crown, from Old French corone #7crown coroner 0. syl cor:o+ner pron <1kor*n*> pos n. def a public official responsible for the investigation of violent, sudden, or suspicious deaths. The investigation ({coroner's inquest}) is held in the presence of a jury ({coroner's jury) }. See also {procurator fiscal}. Compare {medical examiner}. coronership sub head coroner syl cor:o+ner+2ship pos n. coronet ety C15: from Old French coronete a little crown, from corone #7crown coronet 1. syl cor:o+net pron <1kor*nit> pos n. def any small crown, esp. one worn by princes or peers as a mark of rank. coronet 2. syl cor:o+net pron <1kor*nit> pos n. def a woman's jewelled circlet for the head. coronet 3. syl cor:o+net pron <1kor*nit> pos n. def the margin between the skin of a horse's pastern and the horn of the hoof. coronet 4. syl cor:o+net pron <1kor*nit> pos n. qual Heraldry. def a support for a crest shaped like a crown. coroneted 1. syl cor:o+net+ed pron <2kor*1netid> pos adj. def wearing a coronet. coroneted 2. syl cor:o+net+ed pron <2kor*1netid> pos adj. def belong?!ing to the peerage. Jean Baptiste Camille infl head Corot syl Jean Bap:tiste Ca:mille pron , pos n. Corot 0. syl Co:rot pron French , pos n. def 1796-1875, French landscape painter. corozo ety C18: via Spanish from an Indian name corozos infl head corozo syl co+ro+zos. pos n. mod pl. corozo 0. syl co+ro+zo pron pos n. def a tropical American palm, whose seeds yield a useful oil. corp 1. syl corp. qual abbrev. for: def corporation. corp 2. syl corp. qual abbrev. for: def corporal. corpora 0. syl cor+po+ra pron <1kc:p*r*> pos n. def the plural of {corpus}. corporal ety C14: from Latin corpor*_alis of the body, from corpus body corporal H1.1. syl cor+po+ral pron <1kc:p*r*l>, <1kc:pr*l> pos adj. def of or relating to the body; bodily. corporal H1.2. syl cor+po+ral pron <1kc:p*r*l>, <1kc:pr*l> pos adj. def an obsolete word for {corporeal}. corporality sub head corporal syl cor+po+1ral+i:ty pos n. corporally sub head corporal syl cor+po+ral+ly pos adv. corporal ety C16: from Old French, via Italian, from Latin caput head; perhaps also influenced in Old French by corps body (of men) corporal H2.1. syl cor+po+ral pron <1kc:p*r*l>, <-pr*l> pos n. def a noncommissioned officer junior to a sergeant in the army, air force, or marines. corporal H2.2. syl cor+po+ral pron <1kc:p*r*l>, <-pr*l> pos n. usage in the Royal Navy def a petty officer who assists the master-at-arms. corporalship sub head corporal syl cor+po+ral+2ship pos n. corporal ety C14: from Medieval Latin corpor*_ale pallium eucharistic altar cloth, from Latin corpor*_alis belonging to the body, from corpus body (of Christ) corporale alt head corporal or corporal syl cor+po+ra+le pron <1kc:p*r*l>, <-pr*l>, <2kc:p*1rAli>, <2kc:p*1rAli> pos n. corporal H3.0. or corporale syl cor+po+ral pron <1kc:p*r*l>, <-pr*l>, <2kc:p*1rAli>, <2kc:p*1rAli> pos n. def a white linen cloth on which the bread and wine are placed during the Eucharist. corporal punishment 0. syl cor+por+al pun+ish+ment pos n. def punishment of a physical nature, such as caning, flogging, or beating. corporate ety C15: from Latin corpor*_atus made into a body, from corpor*_are, from corpus body corporate 1. syl cor+po+rate pron <1kc:p*rit>, <-prit> pos adj. def forming a corporation; incorporated. corporate 2. syl cor+po+rate pron <1kc:p*rit>, <-prit> pos adj. def of or belonging to a corporation. corporate 3. syl cor+po+rate pron <1kc:p*rit>, <-prit> pos adj. def of or belonging to a united group; joint. corporately sub head corporate syl cor+po+rate+ly pos adv. corporation 1. syl cor+po+ra+tion pron <2kc:p*1rAS*n> pos n. def an association of persons having a separate identity, with separate powers, duties, and liabilities. corporation 2. syl cor+po+ra+tion pron <2kc:p*1rAS*n> pos n. def Also called: {municipal corporation}. the municipal authorities of a city or town. corporation 3. syl cor+po+ra+tion pron <2kc:p*1rAS*n> pos n. def a group of people acting as one body. corporation 4. syl cor+po+ra+tion pron <2kc:p*1rAS*n> pos n. qual Brit. informal. def a large paunch or belly. corporative 1. syl cor+po+ra+tive pron <1kc:p*r*tiv>, <-pr*tiv> pos adj. def of or characteristic of a corporation. corporative 2. syl cor+po+ra+tive pron <1kc:p*r*tiv>, <-pr*tiv> pos adj. usage of a state def organized into and governed by corporations of individuals involved in any given profession, industry, etc. corporator 0. syl cor+po+ra+tor pron <1kc:p*2rAt*> pos n. def a member of a corporation. corporeal ety C17: from Latin corporeus, from corpus body corporeal 1. syl cor+po+re:al pron pos adj. def of the nature of the physical body; not spiritual. corporeal 2. syl cor+po+re:al pron pos adj. def of a material nature; physical. corporeality sub head corporeal or corporealness syl cor+2po+re:1al+i:ty pos n. corporealness sub head corporeal or corporeality syl cor+1po+re:al+ness pos n. corporeally sub head corporeal syl cor+1po+re:al+ly pos adv. corporeity 0. syl cor+po+re:i:ty pron <2kc:p*1rEiti> pos n. def bodily or material nature or substance; physical existence; corporeality. corposant ety C17: from Portuguese corpo-santo, literally: holy body, from Latin corpus sanctum corposant 0. syl cor+po+sant pron <1kc:p*2z@nt> pos n. def another name for {Saint Elmo's fire}. corps ety C18: from French, from Latin corpus body corps 1. syl corps pron , , pos n. mod pl. def a military formation that comprises two or more divisions and additional support arms. corps 2. syl corps pron , , pos n. mod pl. def a body of people associated together. exam 1 the diplomatic corps. corps de ballet 0. syl corps de bal+let pron <1kc:> <1b@lA>, French pos n. def the members of a ballet company who dance together in a group. corps diplomatique 0. syl corps dip+lo+ma+tique pron <2dipl*um@1tEk> pos n. def another name for {diplomatic corps}. Abbrev.: {C.D., CD}. corpse ety C14: from Old French corps body, from Latin corpus body corpse 0. syl corpse pron pos n. def a dead body, esp. of a human being; cadaver. corpsmen infl head corpsman syl corps+men. pos n. mod pl. corpsman 0. syl corps+man pron <1kc:m*n> pos n. qual U.S. military. def a medical orderly or stretcher-bearer. corpulent ety C14: from Latin corpulentus fleshy corpulent 0. syl cor+pu+lent pron <1kc:pjul*nt> pos adj. def physically bulky; fat. corpulence sub head corpulent or corpulency syl cor+pu+lence pos n. corpulency sub head corpulent or corpulence syl cor+pu+len+cy pos n. corpulently sub head corpulent syl cor+pu+lent+ly pos adv. corpus ety C14: from Latin: body corpora infl head corpus syl cor+po+ra pron <-p*r*> pos n. mod pl. corpus 1. syl cor+pus pron <1kc:p*s> pos n. def a collection or body of writings, esp. by a single author or on a specific topic. exam 1 the corpus of Dickens' works. corpus 2. syl cor+pus pron <1kc:p*s> pos n. def the main body, section, or substance of something. corpus 3.a. syl cor+pus pron <1kc:p*s> pos n. def any distinct mass or body. corpus 3.b. syl cor+pus pron <1kc:p*s> pos n. def the main part of an organ or structure. corpus 4. syl cor+pus pron <1kc:p*s> pos n. def a capital or principal sum, as contrasted with a derived income. corpus 5. syl cor+pus pron <1kc:p*s> pos n. qual Obsolete. def a human or animal body, esp. a dead one. corpus callosum ety New Latin, literally: callous body corpora callosa infl head corpus callosum syl cor+po+ra cal+lo+sa pron pos n. mod pl. corpus callosum 0. syl cor+pus cal+lo+sum pron pos n. def the band of white fibres that connects the cerebral hemispheres in mammals. Corpus Christi ety C14: from Latin: body of Christ Corpus Christi 0. syl Cor+pus Chris+ti def %1 (#!kr$Ist$I) a festival in honour of the Eucharist, observed on the Thursday after Trinity Sunday. Corpus Christi 0. syl Cor+pus Chris+ti def %2 (#!kr$Ist$I) a port in S Texas, on {Corpus Christi Bay}, an inlet of the Gulf of Mexico. Pop.: 212431 (1973 est.). corpuscle ety C17: from Latin corpusculum a little body, from corpus body corpuscle 1. syl cor+pus+cle pron <1kc:p^sL> pos n. def any cell or similar minute body that is suspended in a fluid, esp. any of the {red blood corpuscles} (see {erythrocyte}) or {white blood corpuscles} (see {leucocyte) }. corpuscle 2. syl cor+pus+cle pron <1kc:p^sL> pos n. qual Anatomy. def the encapsulated ending of a sensory nerve. corpuscle 3. syl cor+pus+cle pron <1kc:p^sL> pos n. qual Physics. def a discrete particle such as an electron, photon, ion, or atom. corpuscle 4. syl cor+pus+cle pron <1kc:p^sL> pos n. def Also: {corpuscule}. any minute particle. corpuscular sub head corpuscle syl cor+pus+cu+lar pron pos adj. corpuscular theory 0. syl cor+pus+cu+lar the:o+ry pos n. def the theory, originally proposed by Newton, and revived with the development of the quantum theory, that light consists of a stream of particles. See {photon}. corpuscular theory xref syl cor+pus+cu+lar the:o+ry pos n. def Compare {wave theory}. corpus delicti ety New Latin, literally: the body of the crime corpus delicti 0. syl cor+pus de+lic+ti pron pos n. qual Law. def the body of facts that constitute an offence. corpus juris ety from Late Latin, literally: a body of law corpus juris 0. syl cor+pus ju+ris pron <1Ju*ris> pos n. def a body of law, esp. the laws of a nation or state. Corpus Juris Canonici ety Medieval Latin, literally: body of canon law Corpus Juris Canonici 0. syl Cor+pus Ju+ris Ca+no+ni+ci pron pos n. qual R.C. Church. def the principal compilation of canon law from 1499, superseded by the Codex Juris Canonici in 1918. Corpus Juris Civilis ety New Latin, literally: body of civil law Corpus Juris Civilis 0. syl Cor+pus Ju+ris Ci+vi+lis pron pos n. qual Law. def the body of Roman or civil law consolidated by Justinian in the 6th century #7a.d. corpus luteum ety New Latin, literally: yellow body corpora lutea infl head corpus luteum syl cor+po+ra lu+te:a pron <1lu:ti*> pos n. mod pl. corpus luteum 0. syl cor+pus lu+te:um pron <1lu:ti*m> pos n. def a yellow glandular mass of tissue that forms in a Graafian follicle following release of an ovum. It secretes progesterone, a hormone necessary to maintain pregnancy. corpus luteum hormone 0. syl cor+pus lu+te:um hor+mone pos n. def another name for {progesterone}. corpus striatum ety New Latin, literally: striated body corpora striata infl head corpus striatum syl cor+po+ra stri:a+ta pron pos n. mod pl. corpus striatum 0. syl cor+pus stri:a+tum pron pos n. def a striped mass of white and grey matter situated in front of the thalamus in each cerebral hemisphere. corpus vile ety literally: worthless body corpora vilia infl head corpus vile syl cor+po+ra vil:i:a pron <1kc:p*r*> <1vili*> pos n. mod pl. corpus vile 0. syl cor+pus vi:le pron <1kc:p*s> <1vIli> pos n. qual Latin. def a person or thing fit only to be the object of an experiment. corr 1. syl corr. qual abbrev. for: def correct. corr 2. syl corr. qual abbrev. for: def corrected. corr 3. syl corr. qual abbrev. for: def correction. corr 4. syl corr. qual abbrev. for: def correspondence. corr 5. syl corr. qual abbrev. for: def correspondent. corr 6. syl corr. qual abbrev. for: def corresponding. corrade ety C17: from Latin corr*_adere to scrape together, from r*_adere to scrape corrade 0. syl cor+rade pron pos vb. usage of rivers, streams, etc. def to erode (land) by the abrasive action of rock particles. corral ety C16: from Spanish, from Vulgar Latin curr*_ale (unattested) area for vehicles, from Latin currus wagon, from currere to run corral 1. syl cor+ral pron pos n. qual Chiefly U.S. def an enclosure for confining cattle or horses. corral 2. syl cor+ral pron pos n. usage Chiefly U.S. formerly def a defensive enclosure formed by a ring of covered wagons. corrals infl head corral syl cor+rals pos vb. mod tr. corralling infl head corral syl cor+ral+ling pos vb. mod tr. corralled infl head corral syl cor+ralled. pos vb. mod tr. corral 3. syl cor+ral pron pos vb. mod tr. qual U.S. def to drive into and confine in or as in a corral. corral 4. syl cor+ral pron pos vb. mod tr. qual U.S.; Informal. def to capture. corrasion 0. syl cor+ra+sion pron pos n. def erosion of a rock surface by rock fragments transported over it by water, wind, or ice. Compare { {abrasion} (sense 3),} { {attrition} (sense 3).} &- {cor+ra+sive} (k$$#!re$I?!s$Iv) correct ety C14: from Latin corrigere to make straight, put in order, from com- (intensive)+ regere to rule correct 1. syl cor+rect pron pos vb. mod tr. def to make free from errors. correct 2. syl cor+rect pron pos vb. mod tr. def to indicate the errors in. correct 3. syl cor+rect pron pos vb. mod tr. def to rebuke or punish in order to set right or improve. exam 1 to correct a child; exam 2 to stand corrected. correct 4. syl cor+rect pron pos vb. mod tr. def to counteract or rectify (a malfunction, ailment, etc.). exam 1 these glasses will correct your sight. correct 5. syl cor+rect pron pos vb. mod tr. def to adjust or make conform, esp. to a standard. correct 6. syl cor+rect pron pos adj. mod tr. def free from error; true; accurate. exam 1 the correct version. correct 7. syl cor+rect pron pos adj. mod tr. def in conformity with accepted standards. exam 1 correct behaviour. correctable sub head correct or correctible syl cor+1rect+a:ble pos adj. correctible sub head correct or correctable syl cor+1rect+i:ble pos adj. correctly sub head correct syl cor+1rect+ly pos adv. correctness sub head correct syl cor+1rect+ness pos n. corrector sub head correct syl cor+1rec+tor pos n. correction 1. syl cor+rec+tion pron pos n. def the act or process of correct?!ing. correction 2. syl cor+rec+tion pron pos n. def something offered or substituted for an error; an improvement. correction 3. syl cor+rec+tion pron pos n. def the act or process of punishing; reproof. correction 4. syl cor+rec+tion pron pos n. def a number or quantity added to or subtracted from a scientific or mathematical calculation or observation to increase its accuracy. correctional sub head correction syl cor+1rec+tion+al pos adj. correctitude 0. syl cor+rect:i+tude pron pos n. def the quality of correctness, esp. conscious correctness in behaviour. corrective 1. syl cor+rec+tive pron pos adj. def tending or intended to correct. corrective 2. syl cor+rec+tive pron pos n. def something that tends or is intended to correct. correctively sub head corrective syl cor+1rec+tive+ly pos adv. Antonio Allegri da infl head Correggio syl An:to:nio Al:le:gri da pron , pos n. Correggio 0. syl Cor:reg:gio pron Italian , pos n. def 1494-1534, Italian painter, noted for his striking use of perspective and foreshortening. Corregidor 0. syl Cor+reg:i+dor pron pos n. def an island at the entrance to Manila Bay, in the Philippines: site of the defeat of American forces by the Japanese (1942) in World War II. correl 0. syl correl. qual abbrev. for def correlative. correlate 1. syl cor+re+late pron <1kori2lAt> pos vb. def to place or be placed in a mutual, complementary, or reciprocal relationship. correlate 2. syl cor+re+late pron <1kori2lAt> pos vb. mod tr. def to establish or show a correlation. correlate 3. syl cor+re+late pron <1kori2lAt> pos adj. def having a mutual, complementary, or reciprocal relationship. correlate 4. syl cor+re+late pron <1kori2lAt> pos n. def either of two things mutually or reciprocally related. correlatable sub head correlate syl cor+re+2lat+a:ble pos adj. correlation ety C16: from Medieval Latin cor?!rel*_ati*_o, from com- together+ rel*_ati*_o, #7relation correlation 1. syl cor+re+la+tion pron <2kori1lAS*n> pos n. def a mutual or reciprocal relationship between two or more things. correlation 2. syl cor+re+la+tion pron <2kori1lAS*n> pos n. def the act or process of correlating or the state of being correlated. correlation 3. syl cor+re+la+tion pron <2kori1lAS*n> pos n. qual Statistics. def the degree of quantitative association between two variables or attributes. Correlation is positive or direct when two variables move in the same direction and negative or inverse when they move in opposite directions. correlational sub head correlation syl cor+re+1la+tion+al pos adj. correlation coefficient 0. syl cor+re+la+tion co+ef+fi+cient pos n. qual Statistics. def a statistic measuring the degree of correlation between two variables and usually obtained by dividing their covariance by the square root of the product of their variances. correlative 1. syl cor+rel:a+tive pron pos adj. def in mutual, complementary, or reciprocal relationship; corresponding. correlative 2. syl cor+rel:a+tive pron pos adj. def denoting words, usually conjunctions, occurring together though not adjacently in certain grammatical constructions, as for example and in such sentences as correlative 3. syl cor+rel:a+tive pron pos n. def either of two things that are correlative. correlative 4. syl cor+rel:a+tive pron pos n. def a correlative word. correlatively sub head correlative syl cor+1rel:a+tive+ly pos adv. correlativeness sub head correlative or correlativity syl cor+1rel:a+tive+ness pos n. correlativity sub head correlative or correlativeness syl cor+2rel:a+1tiv+i:ty pos n. correspond ety C16: from Medieval Latin corr*_espond*_ere, from Latin respond*_ere to #7respond &- @!cor+re+#!spond+ing+ly adv. #e Usage. See at similar. correspond 1. syl cor+re+spond pron <2kori1spond> pos vb. mod intr. usage usually foll. by with or to def to conform, be in agreement, or be consistent or compatible (with); tally (with). correspond 2. syl cor+re+spond pron <2kori1spond> pos vb. mod intr. usage usually foll. by to def to be similar or analogous in character or function. correspond 3. syl cor+re+spond pron <2kori1spond> pos vb. mod intr. usage usually foll. by with def to communicate by letter. correspondence 1. syl cor+re+spond+ence pron <2kori1spond*ns> pos n. def the act or condition of agreeing or corresponding. correspondence 2. syl cor+re+spond+ence pron <2kori1spond*ns> pos n. def similarity or analogy. correspondence 3. syl cor+re+spond+ence pron <2kori1spond*ns> pos n. def agreement or conformity. correspondence 4.a. syl cor+re+spond+ence pron <2kori1spond*ns> pos n. def communication by the exchange of letters. correspondence 4.b. syl cor+re+spond+ence pron <2kori1spond*ns> pos n. def the letters so exchanged. correspondence column 0. syl cor+re+spond+ence col+umn pos n. def a section of a newspaper or magazine in which are printed readers' letters to the editor. correspondence school 0. syl cor+re+spond+ence school pos n. def an educational institution that offers tuition ({correspondence courses}) by post. correspondent 1. syl cor+re+spond+ent pron <2kori1spond*nt> pos n. def a person who communicates by letter or by letters. correspondent 2. syl cor+re+spond+ent pron <2kori1spond*nt> pos n. def a person employed by a newspaper, etc., to report on a special subject or to send reports from a foreign country. correspondent 3. syl cor+re+spond+ent pron <2kori1spond*nt> pos n. def a person or firm that has regular business relations with another, esp. one in a different part of the country or abroad. correspondent 4. syl cor+re+spond+ent pron <2kori1spond*nt> pos n. def something that corresponds to another. correspondent 5. syl cor+re+spond+ent pron <2kori1spond*nt> pos adj. def similar or analogous. correspondently sub head correspondent syl cor+re+1spond+ent+ly pos adv. Correze 0. syl Cor+r*`eze pron French pos n. def a department of central France, in Limousin region. Capital: Tulle. Pop.: 250559 (1975). Area: 5888 sq. km (2296 sq. miles). corrida ety Spanish, from the phrase corrida de toros, literally: a running of bulls, from correr to run, from Latin currere corrida 0. syl cor+ri+da pron pos n. def the Spanish word for {bullfight}. corridor ety C16: from Old French, from Old Italian corridore, literally: place for running, from correre to run, from Latin currere corridor 1. syl cor+ri+dor pron <1kori2dc:> pos n. def a hallway or passage connecting parts of a building. corridor 2. syl cor+ri+dor pron <1kori2dc:> pos n. def a strip of land or air space that affords access, either from a landlocked country to the sea (such as the {Polish corridor}, 1919-39, which divided Germany) or from a state to an exclave (such as the {Berlin corridor}, since 1945, which passes through East Germany). corridor 3. syl cor+ri+dor pron <1kori2dc:> pos n. def a passageway con?!necting the compartments of a railway coach. corridors of power 4. head corridor syl corridors of power. def the higher echelons of government, the Civil Service, etc., considered as the location of power and influence. corrie ety C18: from Gaelic coire cauldron, kettle corrie 1. syl cor+rie pron <1kori> pos n. usage in Scotland def a circular hollow on a hillside. corrie 2. syl cor+rie pron <1kori> pos n. qual Geology. def another name for { {cirque} (sense 1).} Corriedale 0. syl Cor+rie+dale pron <1kori2dAl> pos n. def a breed of sheep reared for both wool and meat, originally developed in New Zealand. Corrientes 0. syl Cor+rien+tes pron Spanish <2ko1rrjAntAs> pos n. def a port in NE Argentina, on the Paran*'a River. Pop.: 131392 (1970). corrigendum ety C19: from Latin: that which is to be corrected, from corrigere to #7correct corrigenda infl head corrigendum syl cor+ri+gen+da pron <-d*> pos n. mod pl. corrigendum 1. syl cor+ri+gen+dum pron <2kori1Jend*m> pos n. def an error to be corrected. corrigendum 2. syl cor+ri+gen+dum pron <2kori1Jend*m> pos n. mod sometimes; pl. def Also called {erratum}. a slip of paper inserted into a book after printing, listing errors and corrections. corrigible ety C15: from Old French, from Medieval Latin corrigibilis, from Latin corrigere to set right, #7correct corrigible 1. syl cor+ri+gi:ble pron <1koriJibL> pos adj. def capable of being corrected. corrigible 2. syl cor+ri+gi:ble pron <1koriJibL> pos adj. def submissive or submitting to correction. corrigibility sub head corrigible syl cor+ri+gi:1bil+i:ty pos n. corrigibly sub head corrigible syl cor+ri+gi:bly pos adv. corrival ety C16: from Old French, from Late Latin corr*_iv*_alis, from Latin com- together, mutually+ r*_iv*_alis #7rival corrival 0. syl cor+ri+val pron pos n. vb. def a rare word for {rival}. corrivalry sub head corrival syl cor+1ri+val+ry pos n. corroborant 1. syl cor+rob:o+rant pron pos adj. qual Archaic. def serving to corroborate. corroborant 2. syl cor+rob:o+rant pron pos adj. qual Archaic. def strengthening. corroborant 3. syl cor+rob:o+rant pron pos n. qual Archaic. def something that strengthens; tonic. corroborate ety C16: from Latin corr*_obor*_are to invigorate, from r*_obor*_are to make strong, from r*_obur strength, literally: oak corroborate 1. syl cor+rob:o+rate pron pos vb. mod tr. def to confirm or support (facts, opinions, etc.), esp. by providing fresh evidence. exam 1 the witness corroborated the accused's statement. corroborate 2. syl cor+rob:o+rate pron pos adj. qual Archaic. def serving to corroborate a fact, etc. corroborate 3. syl cor+rob:o+rate pron pos adj. qual Archaic. usage of a fact def corroborated. corroboration sub head corroborate syl cor+2rob:o+1ra+tion pos n. corroborative sub head corroborate syl cor+rob:o+ra+tive pron pos adj. corroboratively sub head corroborate syl cor+1rob:o+ra+tive+ly pos adv. corroborator sub head corroborate syl cor+1rob:o+2ra+tor pos n. corroboree ety C19: from a native Australian language corroboree 1. syl cor+rob:o+ree pron pos n. qual Austral. def a native assembly of sacred, festive, or warlike character. corroboree 2. syl cor+rob:o+ree pron pos n. qual Austral. def any noisy gathering. corrode ety C14: from Latin corr*_odere to gnaw to pieces, from r*_odere to gnaw; see #7rodent, rat corrode 1. syl cor+rode pron pos vb. def to eat away or be eaten away, esp. by chemical action as in the oxidation or rusting of a metal. corrode 2. syl cor+rode pron pos vb. mod tr. def to destroy gradually; consume. exam 1 his jealousy corroded his happiness. corrodant sub head corrode or corrodent syl cor+1rod+ant pos n. corrodent sub head corrode or corrodant syl cor+1rod+ent pos n. corroder sub head corrode syl cor+1rod+er pos n. corrodible sub head corrode syl cor+1rod+i:ble pos adj. corrodibility sub head corrode syl cor+2rod+i:1bil+i:ty pos n. corrodies infl head corrody syl cor+ro+dies. pos n. mod pl. corrody 0. syl cor+ro+dy pron <1kor*di> pos n. def a variant spelling of {corody}. corrosion 1. syl cor+ro+sion pron pos n. def a process in which a solid, esp. a metal, is eaten away and changed by a chemical action, as in the oxidation of iron in the presence of water by an electrolytic process. corrosion 2. syl cor+ro+sion pron pos n. def slow deterioration by being eaten or worn away. corrosion 3. syl cor+ro+sion pron pos n. def the condition produced by or the product of corrosion. corrosive 1. syl cor+ro+sive pron pos adj. usage esp. of acids or alkalis def capable of destroying solid materials. corrosive 2. syl cor+ro+sive pron pos adj. def tending to eat away or consume. corrosive 3. syl cor+ro+sive pron pos adj. def cutting; sarcastic. exam 1 a corrosive remark. corrosive 4. syl cor+ro+sive pron pos n. def a corrosive substance, such as a strong acid or alkali. corrosively sub head corrosive syl cor+1ro+sive+ly pos adv. corrosiveness sub head corrosive syl cor+1ro+sive+ness pos n. corrosive sublimate 0. syl cor+ro+sive sub+li+mate pos n. def another name for {mercuric chloride}. corrugate ety C18: from Latin corr*_ug*_are, from r*_uga a wrinkle corrugate 1. syl cor+ru+gate pron <1koru2gAt> pos vb. mod usually; tr. def to fold or be folded into alternate furrows and ridges. {~} (#!k$Ar$ug$It, -@!ge$It). corrugate 2. syl cor+ru+gate pron <1koru2gAt> pos vb. def folded into furrows and ridges; wrinkled. corrugation sub head corrugate syl cor+ru+1ga+tion pos n. corrugated iron 0. syl cor+ru+gat+ed i:ron pos n. def a thin structural sheet made of iron or steel, formed with alternating ridges and troughs. corrugated paper 0. syl cor+ru+gat+ed pa+per pos n. def a packaging material made from layers of heavy paper, the top layer of which is grooved and ridged. corrugator 0. syl cor+ru+ga+tor pron <1koru2gAt*> pos n. def a muscle whose contraction causes wrinkling of the brow. corrupt ety C14: from Latin cor?!ruptus spoiled, from corrumpere to ruin, literally: break to pieces, from rumpere to break corrupt 1. syl cor+rupt pron pos adj. def lacking in integrity; open to or involving bribery or other dishonest practices. exam 1 a corrupt official; exam 2 corrupt practices in an election. corrupt 2. syl cor+rupt pron pos adj. def morally depraved. corrupt 3. syl cor+rupt pron pos adj. def putrid or rotten. corrupt 4. syl cor+rupt pron pos adj. def contaminated; unclean. corrupt 5. syl cor+rupt pron pos adj. usage of a text or manuscript def made meaningless or different in meaning from the original by scribal errors or alterations. corrupt 6. syl cor+rupt pron pos vb. def to become or cause to become dishonest or disloyal. corrupt 7. syl cor+rupt pron pos vb. def to debase or become debased morally; deprave. corrupt 8. syl cor+rupt pron pos vb. mod tr. def to infect or contaminate; taint. corrupt 9. syl cor+rupt pron pos vb. mod tr. def to cause to become rotten. corrupt 10. syl cor+rupt pron pos vb. mod tr. def to alter (a text, etc.) from the original. corrupter sub head corrupt or corruptor syl cor+1rupt+er pos n. corruptor sub head corrupt or corrupter syl cor+1rup+tor pos n. corruptive sub head corrupt syl cor+1rup+tive pos adj. corruptively sub head corrupt syl cor+1rup+tive+ly pos adv. corruptly sub head corrupt syl cor+1rupt+ly pos adv. corruptness sub head corrupt syl cor+1rupt+ness pos n. corruptible 0. syl cor+rup+ti:ble pron pos adj. def susceptible to corruption; capable of being corrupted. corruptibility sub head corruptible or corruptibleness syl cor+2rupt+i:1bil+i:ty pos n. corruptibleness sub head corruptible or corruptibility syl cor+1rupt+i:ble+ness pos n. corruptibly sub head corruptible syl cor+1rupt+i:bly pos adv. corruption 1. syl cor+rup+tion pron pos n. def the act of corrupting or state of being corrupt. corruption 2. syl cor+rup+tion pron pos n. def moral perversion; depravity. corruption 3. syl cor+rup+tion pron pos n. def dishonesty, esp. bribery. corruption 4. syl cor+rup+tion pron pos n. def putrefaction or decay. corruption 5. syl cor+rup+tion pron pos n. def alteration, as of a manuscript. corruption 6. syl cor+rup+tion pron pos n. def an altered form of a word. corruptionist sub head corruption syl cor+1rup+tion+ist pos n. corsac ety C19: from a Turkic language corsac 0. syl cor+sac pron <1kc:s@k> pos n. def a fox, of central Asia. corsage ety C15: from Old French, from cors body, from Latin corpus corsage 1. syl cor+sage pron pos n. def a flower or small bunch of flowers worn pinned to the lapel, bosom, etc., or sometimes carried by women. corsage 2. syl cor+sage pron pos n. def the bodice of a dress. corsair ety C15: from Old French corsaire pirate, from Medieval Latin curs*_arius, from Latin cursus a running, #7course corsair 1. syl cor+sair pron <1kc:se*> pos n. def a pirate. corsair 2. syl cor+sair pron <1kc:se*> pos n. def a privateer, esp. of the Barbary Coast. corse 0. syl corse pron pos n. def an archaic word for {corpse}. Corse 0. syl Corse pron pos n. def the French name for {Corsica}. corselet ety C15: from Old French, from cors bodice of a garment, from Latin corpus body corselet 1. syl corse+let pron <1kc:slit> pos n. def Also spelt: {corslet}. a piece of armour for the top part of the body. corselet 2. syl corse+let pron <1kc:slit> pos n. def a one-piece foundation garment, usually combining a brassiere and a corset. corset ety C14: from Old French, literally: a little bodice; see #7corselet corset 1.a. syl cor+set pron <1kc:sit> pos n. def a stiffened, elasticated, or laced founda?!tion garment, worn esp. by women, that extends from below the chest to the hips and provides support for the spine and stomach. corset 1.b. syl cor+set pron <1kc:sit> pos n. def a similar garment worn because of injury, weakness, etc., by either sex. corset 2. syl cor+set pron <1kc:sit> pos n. def a stiffened outer bodice worn by either sex, esp. in the 16th century. corset 3. syl cor+set pron <1kc:sit> pos vb. mod tr. def to dress or enclose in, or as in, a corset. corsetier alt head corsetiere or corsetiere syl cor+se:tier pron <2kc:si1ti*> pos n. mod masc. corsetiere 0. or corsetier syl cor+se:ti*`ere pron <2kc:seti1e*>, pos n. def a person who makes and fits corsets. corsetry 1. syl cor+set+ry pron <1kc:sitri> pos n. def the making of or dealing in corsets. corsetry 2. syl cor+set+ry pron <1kc:sitri> pos n. def corsets considered collectively. Corsica 0. syl Cor+si+ca pron <1kc:sik*> pos n. def an island in the Mediterranean, west of N Italy: forms, with 43 islets, a region of France; mountainous; settled by Greeks in about 560 #7b.c. ; sold by Genoa to France in 1768. Capital: Ajaccio. Pop.: 277856 (1975). Area: 8722 sq. km (3367 sq. miles). French name: {Corse}. &- {#!Cor+si+can} cortege ety C17: from French, from Italian corteggio, from corteggiare to attend, from corte #7court cortege alt or cortege syl cor+t*`ege pron pos n. cortege 1. or cortege syl cor+tege pron pos n. def a formal procession, esp. a funeral procession. cortege 2. or cortege syl cor+tege pron pos n. def a train of attendants; retinue. Cortes ety C17: from Spanish, literally: courts, plural of corte court, from Latin cohors #7cohort Cortes 0. syl Cor+tes pron <1kc:tez>, Spanish <1kortAs> pos n. def the national assembly of Spain or Portugal. Cortez alt head Cort'es or Cort'es syl Cor:tez pron pos n. Hernando infl head Cort'es or Hern'an syl Her:nan:do pron pos n. Hern'an infl head Cort'es or Hernando syl Her:n*'an pron pos n. Cort'es 0. or Cortez syl Cor:t*'es pron <1kc:tez>, Spanish pos n. def 1485-1547, Spanish conquistador: defeated the Aztecs and conquered Mexico (1523). cortex ety C17: from Latin: bark, outer layer &- cor+ti+cal (#!k@$$:t$Ik%@l) adj. &- #!cor+ti+cal+ly adv. cortices infl head cortex syl cor+ti+ces pron <-ti2sEz> pos n. mod pl. cortex 1. syl cor+tex pron <1kc:teks> pos n. qual Anatomy. def the outer layer of any organ or part, such as the grey matter in the brain that covers the cerebrum ({cerebral cortex}) or the outer part of the kidney ({renal cortex}) . cortex 2.a. syl cor+tex pron <1kc:teks> pos n. def the unspecialized tissue in plant stems and roots between the vascular bundles and the epidermis. cortex 2.b. syl cor+tex pron <1kc:teks> pos n. def the outer layer of a part such as the bark of a stem. corticate ety C19: from Latin cortic*_atus covered with bark corticated alt head corticate or corticate syl cor+ti+cat+ed pos adj. corticate 0. or corticated syl cor+ti+cate pron <1kc:tikit>, <-2kAt> pos adj. usage of plants, seeds, etc. def having a bark, husk, or rind. cortication sub head corticate syl cor+ti+1ca+tion pos n. corticoid alt head corticosteroid or corticosteroid syl cor+ti+coid pos n. corticosteroid 1. or corticoid syl cor+ti+co+ster+oid pron <2kc:tik*u1sti*rcid> pos n. def any steroid hormone produced by the adrenal cortex that affects carbohydrate, protein, and electrolyte metabolism, gonad function, and immune response. corticosteroid 2. or corticoid syl cor+ti+co+ster+oid pron <2kc:tik*u1sti*rcid> pos n. def any similar synthetic substance, used in treating inflammatory and allergic diseases. corticosteroid xref or corticoid syl cor+ti+co+ster+oid pron <2kc:tik*u1sti*rcid> pos n. def See {glucocorticoid, mineralocorticoid}. corticosterone ety C20: from #7cortico -#7+ster (#7ol) #7+ -#7one corticosterone 0. syl cor+ti+cos+ter+one pron <2kc:ti1kost*2r*un> pos n. def a glucocorticoid hormone secreted by the adrenal cortex. Formula: C\2\1H\3\0O\4. See also {corticosteroid}. corticotrophin 0. syl cor+ti+co+tro+phin pron <2kc:tik*u1tr*ufin> pos n. def another name for {adrenocorticotropic hormone}. See {ACTH}. cortisol ety C20: from #7cortis (#7one) #7+ -#7ol %2 cortisol 0. syl cor+ti+sol pron <1kc:ti2sol> pos n. def another name for {hydrocortisone}. cortisone ety C20: shortened from #7corticosterone cortisone 0. syl cor+ti+sone pron <1kc:ti2s*un>, <-2z*un> pos n. def a glucocorticoid hormone, the synthetic form of which has been used in treating rheu?!matoid arthritis, allergic and skin diseases, leukaemia, etc.; 17-hydroxy-11-dehydrocorticosterone. Formula: C\2\1H\2\8O\5. Alfred infl head Cortot syl Al:fred pron pos n. Cortot 0. syl Cor:tot pron French pos n. def 1877-1962, French pianist, born in Switzerland. corundum ety C18: from Tamil kuruntam; related to Sanskrit kuruvinda ruby corundum 0. syl co+run+dum pron pos n. def a very hard, often blue mineral consisting of aluminium oxide in hexagonal crystalline form: used as an abrasive. Precious varieties include ruby and sapphire. Formula: Al\2O\3. Corunna 0. syl Co+run+na pron pos n. def the English name for {La Coru?~na}. coruscate ety C18: from Latin corusc*_are to flash, vibrate coruscate 0. syl co+rus+cate pron <1kor*2skAt> pos vb. mod intr. def to emit flashes of light; sparkle. coruscation 1. syl cor+us+ca+tion pron <2kor*1skAS*n> pos n. def a gleam or flash of light. coruscation 2. syl cor+us+ca+tion pron <2kor*1skAS*n> pos n. def a sudden or striking display of brilliance, wit, etc. corv'ee ety C14: from Old French, from Late Latin corrog*_ata contribution, from Latin corrog*_are to collect, from rog*_are to ask corv'ee 1. syl cor+v*'ee pron <1kc:vA> pos n. qual European history. def a day's unpaid labour owed by a feudal vassal to his lord. corv'ee 2. syl cor+v*'ee pron <1kc:vA> pos n. def the practice or an instance of forced labour. corves 0. syl corves pron pos n. def the plural of {corf}. corvette ety C17: from Old French, perhaps from Middle Dutch corf basket, small ship, from Latin corbis basket corvette 0. syl cor+vette pron pos n. def a lightly armed escort warship. corvine ety C17: from Latin corv*_inus raven-like, from corvus a raven corvine 1. syl cor+vine pron <1kc:vIn> pos adj. def of, relating to, or resembling a crow. corvine 2. syl cor+vine pron <1kc:vIn> pos adj. def of, relating to, or belonging to the passerine bird family which includes the crows, raven, rook, jackdaw, magpies, and jays. Corvus ety Latin: raven Corvi infl head Corvus syl Cor+vi pron <1kc:vI> pos n. qual Latin genitive Corvus 0. syl Cor+vus pron <1kc:v*s> pos n. def a small quadrilateral-shaped constellation in the S hemisphere, lying between Virgo and Hydra. Corybant ety C14: from Latin Coryb*_as, from Greek Korubas, probably of Phrygian origin Corybants infl head Corybant or Corybantes syl Cor:y:bants pron <2kori1b@ntEz> pos n. mod pl. Corybantes infl head Corybant or Corybants syl Cor:y:bant:es pron <2kori1b@ntEz> pos n. mod pl. Corybant 0. syl Cor:y:bant pron <1kori2b@nt> pos n. qual Classical myth. def a wild attendant of the goddess Cybele. Corybantian sub head Corybant syl Cor:y+1ban+tian pos adj. Corybantic sub head Corybant or Corybantine syl Cor:y+1ban+tic pos adj. Corybantine sub head Corybant or Corybantic syl Cor:y+1ban+tine pos adj. corydalis ety C19: from New Latin, from Greek korudallis variant of korudos crested lark, from korus helmet, crest; alluding to the appearance of the flowers corydalis 0. syl co+ryd:a+lis pron pos n. def any erect or climbing plant of the N temperate genus having finely-lobed leaves and spurred yellow or pinkish flowers: family Also called: {fumitory}. Corydon 0. syl Cor:y+don pron <1koridN>, <-2don> pos n. usage in pastoral literature def a shepherd or rustic: used as a proper name. corymb ety C18: from Latin corymbus, from Greek korumbos cluster corymb 0. syl cor+ymb pron <1korimb>, <-rim> pos n. def an inflorescence in the form of a flat-topped flower cluster with the oldest flowers at the periphery. This type of raceme occurs in the candytuft. corymbed sub head corymb syl cor+ymbed pos adj. corymbose sub head corymb or corymbous syl co+1rym+bose pos adj. corymbous sub head corymb or corymbose syl co+1rym+bous pos adj. corymbosely sub head corymb syl co+1rym+bose+ly pos adv. coryphaeus ety C17: from Latin, from Greek koruphaios leader, from koruph*_e summit coryphaei infl head coryphaeus syl cor:y+phae:i pron <-1fEI> pos n. mod pl. coryphaeus 1. syl cor:y+phae:us pron <2kori1fE*s> pos n. usage in ancient Greek drama def the leader of the chorus. coryphaeus 2. syl cor:y+phae:us pron <2kori1fE*s> pos n. qual Archaic or literary. def a leader of a group. coryph'ee ety C19: from French, from Latin coryphaeus #7coryphaeus coryph'ee 0. syl cor:y+ph*'ee pron <2kori1fA> pos n. def a leading dancer of a corps de ballet. coryza ety C17: from Late Latin: catarrh, from Greek koruza coryza 0. syl co+ry+za pron pos n. def acute inflammation of the mucous membrane of the nose, with discharge of mucus; a head cold. cos ety C17: named after Kos, the Aegean island of its origin cos lettuce alt head cos or cos syl cos let+tuce pron pos n. cos H1.0. or cos lettuce syl cos pron pos n. def a variety of lettuce with a long slender head and crisp leaves. Compare {cabbage lettuce}. Usual U.S. name: {romaine}. cos H2.0. syl cos pron qual abbrev. for def cosine. Cos 0. syl Cos pron pos n. def a variant spelling of {Kos}. cos alt head Cos or Cos syl cos. Cos 1. or cos syl Cos. qual abbrev. for: def Companies. Cos 2. or cos syl Cos. qual abbrev. for: def Counties. COS alt head cos or cos syl C.O.S. cos 0. or COS syl c.o.s. qual abbrev. for def cash on shipment. Cosa Nostra ety Italian, literally: our thing Cosa Nostra 0. syl Co:sa Nos+tra pron <1kos*> <1nostr*> pos n. def a secret criminal organization active in the U.S., modelled on the Sicilian Mafia. See {Mafia}. cosec 0. syl co+sec pron <1k*usek> qual abbrev. for def cosecant. cosecant 0. syl co+se:cant pron pos n. usage of an angle def a trigonometric function that in a right-angled triangle is the ratio of the length of the hypotenuse to that of the opposite side; the reciprocal of sine. Abbrev.: {cosec} cosech 0. syl co+sech pron <1k*useC>, <-sek> def hyperbolic cosecant; a hyperbolic function that is the reciprocal of sinh. coseismic alt head coseismal or coseismal syl co+seis+mic pos adj. coseismal 1. or coseismic syl co+seis+mal pron pos adj. def of or designating points at which earthquake waves are felt at the same time. coseismal 2. or coseismic syl co+seis+mal pron pos adj. usage of a line on a map def connecting such points. coseismal 3. or coseismic syl co+seis+mal pron pos n. def such a line on a map. Cosel 0. syl C*"o+sel pron <1k$o:zL> pos n. def the German name for {Saaremaa}. Cosenza 0. syl Co+sen+za pron Italian pos n. def a city in S Italy, in Calabria. Pop.: 102232 (1975 est.). coset 0. syl co+set pron <1k*u2set> pos n. qual Maths. def a set that when added to another set produces a specified larger set. Liam infl head Cosgrave syl Li:am pron <1lE*m> pos n. Cosgrave 0. syl Cos:grave pron <1kozgrAv> pos n. def born 1920, Irish politician; prime minister of the Republic of Ireland (1973-77). cosh ety C19: from Romany kosh, from koshter skewer, stick cosh H1.1. syl cosh pron pos n. qual Brit. def a blunt weapon, often made of hard rubber; bludgeon. cosh H1.2. syl cosh pron pos n. qual Brit. def an attack with such a weapon. cosh H1.3. syl cosh pron pos vb. qual Brit. def to hit with such a weapon, esp. on the head. cosh ety C19: from #7cos (#7ine) #7+h (#7yperbolic) cosh H2.0. syl cosh pron def hyperbolic cosecant; a hyperbolic function, cosh =@2#800147 (e +e%#- related to cosine by the expression cosh i =cos where i=$/#800148 -1. cosher 1. syl cosh+er pron <1koS*> pos vb. mod tr. qual Irish def to pamper or coddle. cosher 2. syl cosh+er pron <1koS*> pos vb. mod intr. qual Irish def to live or be entertained at the expense of another. cosignatories infl head cosignatory syl co+sig+na+to:ries. pos n. mod pl. cosignatory 1. syl co+sig+na+to:ry pron , <-tri> pos n. def a person, country, etc., that signs a document jointly with others. cosignatory 2. syl co+sig+na+to:ry pron , <-tri> pos adj. def signing jointly with another or others. cosine ety C17: from New Latin cosinus; see #7co -#7, sine cosine 1. syl co+sine pron <1k*u2sIn> pos n. usage of an angle def a trigonometric function that in a right-angled triangle is the ratio of the length of the adjacent side to that of the hypotenuse; the sine of the complement. cosine 2. syl co+sine pron <1k*u2sIn> pos n. usage of an angle def a function that in a circle centred at the origin of a Cartesian coordinate system is the ratio of the abscissa of a point on the circumference to the radius of the circle. Abbrev.: {cos} cosmetic ety C17: from Greek kosm*_etikos, from kosmein to arrange, from kosmos order cosmetic 1. syl cos+met+ic pron pos n. def any preparation applied to the body, esp. the face, with the intention of beautifying it. cosmetic 2. syl cos+met+ic pron pos adj. def serving or designed to beautify the body, esp. the face. cosmetic 3. syl cos+met+ic pron pos adj. def having no other function than to beautify. exam 1 cosmetic illustrations in a book. cosmetically sub head cosmetic syl cos+1met:i+cal+ly pos adv. cosmetician 0. syl cos+me+ti+cian pron <2kozmi1tiS*n> pos n. def a person who makes, sells, or applies cosmetics. cosmetic surgery 0. syl cos+met+ic sur+ger:y pos n. def surgery performed to improve the appearance, rather than for medical reasons. cosmic 1. syl cos+mic pron <1kozmik> pos adj. def of or relating to the whole universe. exam 1 cosmic laws. cosmic 2. syl cos+mic pron <1kozmik> pos adj. def occurring or originating in outer space, esp. as opposed to the vicinity of the earth, the solar system, or the local galaxy. exam 1 cosmic rays. cosmic 3. syl cos+mic pron <1kozmik> pos adj. def immeasurably extended in space or time; vast. cosmic 4. syl cos+mic pron <1kozmik> pos adj. qual Rare. def harmonious. cosmically sub head cosmic syl cos+mi+cal+ly pos adv. cosmic dust 0. syl cos+mic dust pos n. def fine particles of solid matter occurring throughout interstellar space and often collecting into clouds of extremely low density. See also { {nebula} (sense 1).} cosmic rays 0. syl cos+mic rays pos n. mod pl. def radiation consisting of atomic nuclei, esp. protons, of very high energy that reach the earth from outer space. Also called: {cosmic radiation}. cosmine ety C20: from Greek kosmos arrangement+-#7ine %1 cosmin alt head cosmine or cosmine syl cos+min pos n. cosmine 0. or cosmin syl cos+mine pron <1kozmEn> pos n. qual Zoology. def a substance resembling dentine, forming the outer layer of cosmoid scales. cosmo- ety from Greek: #7cosmos cosmodrome 0. syl cos+mo+drome pron <1kozm*2dr*um> pos n. def a site, esp. one in the Soviet Union, from which spacecraft are launched. cosmogony ety C17: from Greek kosmogonia, from #7cosmo -#7+ gonos creation cosmogonies infl head cosmogony syl cos+mog:o+nies. pos n. mod pl. cosmogony 1. syl cos+mog:o+ny pron pos n. def the study of the origin and development of the universe or of a particular system in the universe, such as the solar system. cosmogony 2. syl cos+mog:o+ny pron pos n. def a theory of such an origin or evolution. cosmogonal sub head cosmogony syl cos+1mog:o+nal pos adj. cosmogonic sub head cosmogony or cosmogonical syl cos+mo+gon+ic pron <2kozm*1gonik> pos adj. cosmogonical sub head cosmogony or cosmogonic syl cos+mo+1gon:i+cal pos adj. cosmogonist sub head cosmogony syl cos+1mog:o+nist pos n. cosmography 1. syl cos+mog+ra+phy pron pos n. def a representation of the world or the universe. cosmography 2. syl cos+mog+ra+phy pron pos n. def the science dealing with the whole order of nature. cosmographer sub head cosmography or cosmographist syl cos+1mog+ra+pher pos n. cosmographist sub head cosmography or cosmographer syl cos+1mog+ra+phist pos n. cosmographic sub head cosmography or cosmographical syl cos+mo+graph+ic pron <2kozm*1gr@fik> pos adj. cosmographical sub head cosmography or cosmographic syl cos+mo+1graph:i+cal pos adj. cosmographically sub head cosmography syl cos+mo+1graph:i+cal+ly pos adv. cosmoid ety C20: from #7cosm (#7ine) +-#7oid cosmoid 0. syl cos+moid pron <1kozmcid> pos adj. usage of the scales of coelacanths and lungfish def consisting of two inner bony layers and an outer layer of cosmine. cosmology 1. syl cos+mol+o:gy pron pos n. def the philosophical study of the origin and nature of the universe. cosmology 2. syl cos+mol+o:gy pron pos n. def the branch of astronomy concerned with the evolution and structure of the universe. cosmological sub head cosmology or cosmologic syl cos+mo+log:i+cal pron <2kozm*1loJikL> pos adj. cosmologic sub head cosmology or cosmological syl cos+mo+1log+ic pos adj. cosmologically sub head cosmology syl cos+mo+1log:i+cal+ly pos adv. cosmologist sub head cosmology syl cos+1mol:o+gist pos n. cosmonaut ety C20: from Russian kosmonavt, from #7cosmo -#7+ Greek naut*_es sailor; compare A#7rgonaut cosmonaut 0. syl cos+mo+naut pron <1kozm*2nc:t> pos n. def a Soviet astronaut. cosmopolis ety C19: see #7cosmo -, #7polis cosmopolis 0. syl cos+mop:o+lis pron pos n. def an international city. cosmopolitan ety C17: from French, ultimately from Greek kosmopolit*_es, from kosmo - #7cosmo -+ polit*_es citizen cosmopolitan 1. syl cos+mo+pol:i+tan pron <2kozm*1politN> pos n. def a person who has lived and travelled in many countries, esp. one who is free of national prejudices. cosmopolitan 2. syl cos+mo+pol:i+tan pron <2kozm*1politN> pos adj. def having interest in or familiar with many parts of the world. cosmopolitan 3. syl cos+mo+pol:i+tan pron <2kozm*1politN> pos adj. def sophisticated or urbane. cosmopolitan 4. syl cos+mo+pol:i+tan pron <2kozm*1politN> pos adj. def composed of people or elements from all parts of the world or from many different spheres. cosmopolitan 5. syl cos+mo+pol:i+tan pron <2kozm*1politN> pos adj. usage of plants or animals def widely distributed. cosmopolitanism sub head cosmopolitan syl cos+mo+1pol:i+tan+ism pos n. cosmopolite 1. syl cos+mop:o+lite pron pos n. def a less common word for { {cosmopolitan} (sense 1).} cosmopolite 2. syl cos+mop:o+lite pron pos n. def an animal or plant that occurs in most parts of the world. cosmopolitism sub head cosmopolite syl cos+1mop:o+lit+2ism pos n. cosmos ety C17: from Greek kosmos order, world, universe cosmos 1. syl cos+mos pron <1kozmos> pos n. def the world or universe considered as an ordered system. cosmos 2. syl cos+mos pron <1kozmos> pos n. def any ordered system. cosmos 3. syl cos+mos pron <1kozmos> pos n. def harmony; order. cosmos infl or cosmoses syl cos+mos pos n. mod pl. cosmoses infl head cosmos or cosmos syl cos+mos:es. pos n. mod pl. cosmos 4. syl cos+mos pron <1kozmos> pos n. def any tropical American plant of the genus cultivated as garden plants for their brightly coloured flowers: family (composites). Cosmotron ety C20: from #7cosm (#7ic ray) #7+ -#7tron Cosmotron 0. syl Cos+mo+tron pron <1kozm*2tron> pos n. def a large synchrotron for ac?!celerating protons to high energies (of the order of 1 GeV). COSPAR 0. syl COSPAR pron <1k*uspa:> pos n. usage acronym for def Committee on Space Research. coss 0. syl coss pron pos n. def another name for {kos}. Cossack ety C16: from Russian kazak vagabond, of Turkic origin Cossack 1. syl Cos+sack pron <1kos@k> pos n. usage formerly def any of the free warrior-peasants of chiefly East Slavonic descent who lived in communes, esp. in the Ukraine, and served as cavalry under the tsars. Cossack 2. syl Cos+sack pron <1kos@k> pos adj. def of, relating to, or characteristic of the Cossacks. exam 1 a Cossack dance. cossack hat 0. syl cos+sack hat pos n. def a warm brimless hat of fur or sheepskin. cosset ety C16: of unknown origin cosset 1. syl cos+set pron <1kosit> pos vb. mod tr. def to pamper; coddle; pet. cosset 2. syl cos+set pron <1kosit> pos n. def any pet animal, esp. a lamb. cossie 0. syl cos+sie pron <1kozi> pos n. qual Chiefly Austral. def an informal name for a swimming costume. cost ety C13: from Old French (n.), from coster to cost, from Latin const*_are to stand at, cost, from st*_are to stand cost 1. syl cost pron pos n. def the price paid or required for acquiring, producing, or maintaining something, usually measured in money, time, or energy; expense or expenditure; outlay. cost 2. syl cost pron pos n. def suffering or sacrifice; loss; penalty. exam 1 count the cost to your health; exam 2 I know to my cost. cost 3.a. syl cost pron pos n. def the amount paid for a commodity by its seller. exam 1 to sell at cost. cost 3.b. syl cost pron pos n. usage as modifier exam 1 the cost price. cost 4. syl cost pron pos n. qual Economics. def short for {opportunity cost}. cost 5. syl cost pron pos n. mod pl. qual Law. def the expenses of judicial proceedings. at any cost 6. head cost or at all costs syl at any cost def regardless of cost or sacrifice involved. at the cost of 7. head cost syl at the cost of. def at the expense of losing. {~} {costs, cost+ing, cost}. cost 8. syl cost pron pos n. mod tr. def to be obtained or obtainable in exchange for (money or something equivalent); be priced at. exam 1 the ride cost one pound. cost 9. syl cost pron pos n. def to cause or require the expenditure, loss, or sacrifice (of). exam 1 the accident cost him dearly. cost 10. syl cost pron pos n. def to estimate the cost of (a product, process, etc.) for the purposes of pricing, budgeting, control, etc. costless sub head cost syl cost+less pos adj. costa ety C19: from Latin: rib, side, wall costae infl head costa syl cos+tae pron <-tE> pos n. mod pl. costa 1. syl cos+ta pron <1kost*> pos n. def the technical name for { {rib} %1 (sense 1).} costa 2. syl cos+ta pron <1kost*> pos n. def a riblike part, such as the midrib of a plant leaf. costal sub head costa syl cos+tal pos adj. Costa Brava 0. syl Cos+ta Bra+va pron <1kost*> <1bra:v*> pos n. def a coastal region of NE Spain along the Mediterranean, extending from Barcelona to the French border: many resorts. cost accounting 0. syl cost ac+count+ing pos n. def the recording and controlling of all the expenditures of an enterprise in order to facilitate control of separate activities. Also called: {management accounting}. cost accountant sub head cost accounting syl cost ac+count+ant pos n. co-star 1. syl co-star pos n. def an actor who shares star billing with another. co-stars infl head co-star syl co-stars pos vb. co-starring -starred infl head co-star syl co-star:ring -starred. pos vb. co-star 2. syl co-star pos vb. mod intr. usage often foll. by with def to share star billing (with another actor). co-star 3. syl co-star pos vb. mod tr. def to present as sharing top billing. exam 1 the film co-starred Mae West and W. C. Fields. costard ety C14: from Anglo-Norman, from Old French coste rib costard 1. syl cos+tard pron <1k^st*d> pos n. def an English variety of apple tree. costard 2. syl cos+tard pron <1k^st*d> pos n. def the large ribbed apple of this tree. costard 3. syl cos+tard pron <1k^st*d> pos n. qual Archaic, humorous. def a slang word for {head}. Costa Rica 0. syl Cos+ta Ri:ca pron <1kost*> <1rEk*> pos n. def a republic in Central America: gained independence from Spain in 1821; mostly mountainous and volcanic, with extensive forests. Language: Spanish. Religion: Roman Catholic. Currency: col*'on. Capital: San Jos*'e. Pop.: 1871780 (1973). Area: 50900 sq. km (19652 sq. miles). Costa Rican sub head Costa Rica syl Cos+ta Ri+can pos adj. n. costate ety C19: from Late Latin cost*_atus, from Latin costa rib costate 1. syl cos+tate pron <1kostAt> pos adj. qual Anatomy. def having ribs. costate 2. syl cos+tate pron <1kostAt> pos adj. usage of leaves def having veins or ridges, esp. parallel ones. cost benefit analysis 0. syl cost ben+e:fit a:nal:y+sis pos n. qual Economics. def any of several techniques for relating the cost of an enterprise to its social benefits. cost-effective 0. syl cost-ef:fec:tive pos adj. def providing adequate financial return in relation to outlay. Costermansville 0. syl Cos+ter+mans+ville pron <1kost*m*nz2vil> pos n. def the former name (until 1966) of {Bukavu}. costermonger ety C16: coster-, from #7costard+monger coster alt head costermonger or costermonger syl cos+ter pos n. costermonger 0. or coster syl cos+ter+mon+ger pron <1kost*2m^Gg*> pos n. qual Brit., rare. def a person who sells fruit, vegetables, etc., from a barrow. costive ety C14: from Old French costiv*'e, from Latin constip*_atus; see #7constipate costive 1. syl cos+tive pron <1kostiv> pos adj. def having constipation; constipated. costive 2. syl cos+tive pron <1kostiv> pos adj. def sluggish. costive 3. syl cos+tive pron <1kostiv> pos adj. def niggardly. costively sub head costive syl cos+tive+ly pos adv. costiveness sub head costive syl cos+tive+ness pos n. costlier infl head costly syl cost+li+er pos adj. costliest infl head costly syl cost+li+est. pos adj. costly 1. syl cost+ly pron <1kostli> pos adj. def of great price or value; expensive. costly 2. syl cost+ly pron <1kostli> pos adj. def entailing great loss or sacrifice. exam 1 a costly victory. costly 3. syl cost+ly pron <1kostli> pos adj. def splendid; lavish. costliness sub head costly syl cost+li+ness pos n. costmary ety C15 costmarie, from coste costmary, from Latin costum (from Greek kostos) +Marie (the Virgin) Mary costmaries infl head costmary syl cost+mar:ies. pos n. mod pl. costmary 0. syl cost+mar:y pron <1kost2me*ri> pos n. def a herbaceous plant, native to Asia. Its fragrant leaves were used as a seasoning and to flavour ale: family (composites). Also called: {alecost}. cost of living 1.a. syl cost of liv+ing pos n. def the basic cost of the food, clothing, shelter, and fuel necessary to maintain life, esp. at a standard of living regarded as basic or minimal. cost of living 1.b. syl cost of liv+ing pos n. usage as modifier exam 1 the cost-of-living index. cost of living 2. syl cost of liv+ing pos n. def the average expenditure of a person or family in a given period. costotomies infl head costotomy syl cos+tot:o+mies. pos n. mod pl. costotomy 0. syl cos+tot:o+my pron pos n. def surgical incision into a rib. cost-plus 0.a. syl cost-plus pos n. def a method of establishing a selling price in which an agreed percentage is added to the cost price to cover profit. cost-plus 0.b. syl cost-plus pos n. usage as modifier exam 1 cost-plus pricing. cost-push inflation 0. syl cost-push in+fla+tion pos n. def See {inflation}. costrel ety C14: from Old French costerel, from coste side, rib, from Latin costa costrel 0. syl cos+trel pron <1kostr*l> pos n. qual Obsolete. def a flask, usually of earthenware or leather. costume ety C18: from French, from Italian: dress, habit, #7custom costume 1. syl cos+tume pron <1kostju:m> pos n. def a complete style of dressing, including all the clothes, accessories, etc., worn at one time, as in a particular country or period; dress. exam 1 national costume. costume 2. syl cos+tume pron <1kostju:m> pos n. qual Old-fashioned. def a woman's suit. costume 3. syl cos+tume pron <1kostju:m> pos n. def a set of clothes, esp. unusual or period clothes, worn in a play by an actor or at a fancy dress ball. exam 1 a jester's costume. costume 4. syl cos+tume pron <1kostju:m> pos n. def short for {swimming costume}. costume 5. syl cos+tume pron <1kostju:m> pos vb. mod tr. def to furnish the costumes for (a show, film, etc.). costume 6. syl cos+tume pron <1kostju:m> pos vb. mod tr. def to dress (someone) in a costume. costume jewellery 0. syl cos+tume jew+el+ler:y pos n. def jewellery that is decorative but has little intrinsic value. costume piece 0. syl cos+tume piece pos n. def any theatrical production, film, television presentation, etc., in which the performers wear the costumes of a former age. Also called: {costume drama}. costumer alt head costumier or costumier syl cos+tum+er pos n. costumier 0. or costumer syl cos+tum:i+er pron pos n. def a person or firm that makes or supplies theatrical or fancy costumes. cozy alt head cosy or cosy syl co:zy pron <1k*uzi> pos adj. qual U.S. cosier infl head cosy or cozier syl co:si+er pos adj. cosiest infl head cosy or coziest syl co:si+est pos adj. cozier infl head cosy or cosier syl co:zi+er pos adj. qual U.S. coziest infl head cosy or cosiest syl co:zi+est. pos adj. qual U.S. cosy 1. or cozy syl co:sy pron <1k*uzi> pos adj. def warm and snug. cosy 2. or cozy syl co:sy pron <1k*uzi> pos adj. def intimate; friendly. cosy 3. or cozy syl co:sy pron <1k*uzi> pos adj. def convenient, esp. for devious purposes. exam 1 a cosy deal. cosies infl head cosy or cozies syl co:sies pos n. mod pl. cozies infl head cosy or cosies syl co:zies. pos n. mod pl. qual U.S. cosy 4. or cozy syl co:sy pron <1k*uzi> pos n. def a cover for keeping things warm. exam 1 egg cosy. cosily sub head cosy or cozily syl co+si+ly pos adv. cozily sub head cosy or cosily syl co+zi+ly pos adv. qual U.S. cosiness sub head cosy or coziness syl co+si+ness pos n. coziness sub head cosy or cosiness syl co+zi+ness pos n. qual U.S. cosy along 0. syl co:sy a:long pos vb. adv. mod tr. def to reassure (someone), esp. with false assurances. cot ety C17: from Hindi kh*_at bedstead, from Sanskrit kh*'atv*_a, of Dravidian origin; related to Tamil kattil bedstead cot H1.1. syl cot pron pos n. def a child's boxlike bed, usually incorporating vertical bars. cot H1.2. syl cot pron pos n. def a collapsible or portable bed. cot H1.3. syl cot pron pos n. def a light bedstead. cot H1.4. syl cot pron pos n. qual Nautical. def a hammock-like bed with a stiff frame. cot ety Old English cot; related to Old Norse kot little hut, Middle Low German cot cot H2.1. syl cot pron pos n. qual Literary or archaic. def a small cottage. cot H2.2. syl cot pron pos n. def Also called: {cote}. cot H2.2.a. syl cot pron pos n. def a small shelter, esp. one for pigeons, sheep, etc. cot H2.2.b. syl cot pron pos n. usage in combination exam 1 dovecot. cot H2.3. syl cot pron pos n. def another name for {fingerstall}. cot H3.0. syl cot pron qual abbrev. for def cotangent. cotan 0. syl co+tan pron <1k*u2t@n> qual abbrev. for def cotangent. cotangent 0. syl co+tan+gent pron pos n. usage of an angle def a trigonometric function that in a right-angled triangle is the ratio of the length of the adjacent side to that of the opposite side; the reciprocal of tangent. Abbrev.: {cot, cotan, ctn} cotangential sub head cotangent syl co+tan+gen+tial pron <2k*u?!t@n1JenS*l> pos adj. cot case 0. syl cot case pos n. qual Austral., humorous. def a person who is incapacitated by drink. cot death 0. syl cot death pos n. def the unexplained sudden death of an infant during sleep. Also called (U.S.): {crib death}. cote ety Old English cote; related to Low German Kote; see #7cot %2 cot alt head cote or cote syl cot pron pos n. cote H1.1.a. or cot syl cote pron pos n. def a small shelter for pigeons, sheep, etc. cote H1.1.b. or cot syl cote pron pos n. usage in combination exam 1 dovecote. cote H1.2. or cot syl cote pron pos n. qual Dialect, chiefly Brit. def a small cottage. cote ety C16: perhaps from Old French costoier to run alongside, from coste side; see #7coast cote H2.0. syl cote pron pos vb. mod tr. qual Archaic. def to pass by, outstrip, or surpass. Cote d'Azur 0. syl C*^ote d'A:zur qual French def kot da#!zy$:r) the Mediterranean coast of France, including the French Riviera: forms an administrative region with Provence. Cote-d'Or 0. syl C*^ote-d'Or pron French pos n. def a department of E central France, in NE Burgundy. Capital: Dijon. Pop.: 467557 (1975). Area: 8787 sq. km (3427 sq. miles). cotemporary 0. syl co+tem+po+rar:y pron pos adj. def a variant spelling of {contemporary}. cotenant 0. syl co+ten+ant pron pos n. def a person who holds property jointly or in common with others. cotenancy sub head cotenant syl co+1ten+an+cy pos n. coterie ety C18: from French, from Old French: association of tenants, from cotier (unattested) cottager, from Medieval Latin cot*_arius #7cotter %2; see #7cot %2 coterie 0. syl co+te:rie pron <1k*ut*ri> pos n. def a small exclusive group of friends or people with common interests; clique. conterminous alt head coterminous or coterminous syl con+ter+mi+nous pos adj. coterminous 1. or conterminous syl co+ter+mi+nous pron pos adj. def having a common boundary; bordering; contiguous. coterminous 2. or conterminous syl co+ter+mi+nous pron pos adj. def co?!extensive or coincident in range, time, scope, etc. Cotes-du-Nord 0. syl C*^otes-du-Nord qual French def kot dy #!n@$$:r) a department of W France, on the N coast of Brittany. Capital: St. Brieuc. Pop.: 547871 (1975). Area: 7218 sq. km (2815 sq. miles). coth ety C20: from #7cot (#7angent) #7+h (#7yperbolic) coth 0. syl coth pron def hyperbolic cotangent; a hyperbolic function that is the ratio of cosh to sinh, being the reciprocal of tanh. cothurnus ety C18: from Latin, from Greek kothornos cothurn alt head cothurnus or cothurnus syl co+thurn pron <1k*uTR:n>, pos n. cothurni infl head cothurnus or cothurns syl co+thur+ni pron <-1TR:nI> pos n. mod pl. cothurns infl head cothurnus or cothurni syl co+thurns. pos n. mod pl. cothurnus 0. or cothurn syl co+thur+nus pron pos n. def the buskin worn in ancient Greek tragedy. cotidal 0. syl co+tid+al pron pos adj. usage of a line on a tidal chart def joining points at which high tide occurs simultaneously. cotillion ety C18: from French cotillon dance, from Old French: petticoat, from cote #7coat cotillon alt head cotillion or cotillion syl co+til+lon pron , pos n. cotillion 1. or cotillon syl co+til+lion pron , pos n. def a French formation dance of the 18th century. cotillion 2. or cotillon syl co+til+lion pron , pos n. qual U.S. def a quad?!rille. cotillion 3. or cotillon syl co+til+lion pron , pos n. qual U.S. def a complicated dance with frequent changes of partners. cotinga 0. syl co+tin+ga pron pos n. def any tropical American passerine bird of the family such as the umbrella bird and the cock-of-the-rock, having a broad slightly hooked bill. Also called: {chatterer}. John Sell infl head Cotman syl John Sell. pos n. Cotman 0. syl Cot:man pron <1kotm*n> pos n. def 1782-1842, English landscape watercolourist and etcher. cotoneaster ety C18: from New Latin, from Latin cot*_oneum #7quince cotoneaster 0. syl co+to+ne:as+ter pron pos n. def any Old World shrub of the rosaceous genus cultivated for their small ornamental white or pinkish flowers and red or black berries. Cotonou 0. syl Co+to+nou pron <2k*ut*1nu:> pos n. def the chief port of Benin, on the Bight of Benin. Pop.: 178000 (1975 est.). Cotopaxi 0. syl Cot:o+pax:i pron Spanish <2koto1paksi> pos n. def a volcano in central Ecuador, in the Andes: the world's highest active volcano. Height: 5896 m (19457 ft.). cotquean ety C16: see #7cot %2#7, quean cotquean 1. syl cot+quean pron <1kot2kwEn> pos n. qual Archaic. def a coarse woman. cotquean 2. syl cot+quean pron <1kot2kwEn> pos n. qual Archaic. def a man who does housework. Cotswold 0. syl Cots+wold pron <1kots2w*uld>, <-w*ld> pos n. def a breed of sheep with long wool that originated in the Cotswolds. Cotswolds 0. syl Cots+wolds pos n. mod pl. def a range of low hills in SW England, mainly in Gloucestershire: formerly a centre of the wool industry. cotta ety C19: from Italian: tunic, from Medieval Latin; see #7coat cotta 0. syl cot+ta pron <1kot*> pos n. qual R.C. Church. def a short form of surplice. cottage ety C14: from #7cot %2 cottage 1. syl cot+tage pron <1kotiJ> pos n. def a small simple house, esp. in a rural area. cottage 2. syl cot+tage pron <1kotiJ> pos n. qual U.S. def one of several housing units, as at a hospital, for accommodating people in groups. cottage 3. syl cot+tage pron <1kotiJ> pos n. qual Slang. def a public lavatory. cottage cheese 0. syl cot+tage cheese pos n. def a mild loose soft white cheese made from skimmed milk curds. cottage hospital 0. syl cot+tage hos+pi+tal pos n. qual Brit. def a small, rural hospital. cottage industry 0. syl cot+tage in+dus+try pos n. def an industry in which employees work in their own homes, often using their own equipment. cottage loaf 0. syl cot+tage loaf pos n. qual Brit. def a loaf consisting of two round pieces, the smaller of which sits on top of the larger. cottage piano 0. syl cot+tage pi+an:o pos n. def a small upright piano. cottage pie 0. syl cot+tage pie pos n. qual Brit. def another term for {shepherd's pie}. cottager 1. syl cot+tag+er pron <1kotiJ*> pos n. def a person who lives in a cottage. cottager 2. syl cot+tag+er pron <1kotiJ*> pos n. def a rural labourer. cottager 3. syl cot+tag+er pron <1kotiJ*> pos n. qual Chiefly Canadian. def a person holidaying in a cottage. cottager 4. syl cot+tag+er pron <1kotiJ*> pos n. qual History. def another name for {cotter%2}. Cottbus 0. syl Cott+bus pron German <1kctbus> pos n. def an industrial city in East Germany, on the Spree River. Pop.: 88034 (1972 est.). cotter ety C14: shortened from cotterel, of unknown origin cotter H1.1. syl cot+ter pron <1kot*> pos n. qual Machinery. def any part, such as a pin, wedge, key, etc., that is used to secure two other parts so that relative motion between them is prevented. cotter H1.2. syl cot+ter pron <1kot*> pos n. qual Machinery. def short for {cotter pin}. cotter H1.3. syl cot+ter pron <1kot*> pos vb. mod tr. qual Machinery. def to secure (two parts) with a cotter. cotter ety C14: from Medieval Latin cot*_arius, from Middle English cote #7cot %2 cotter H2.1. syl cot+ter pron <1kot*> pos n. def Also called: {cottier}. a villein in late Anglo-Saxon and early Norman times occupying a cottage and land in return for labour. cotter H2.2. syl cot+ter pron <1kot*> pos n. def Also called: {cot+tar}. a peasant occupying a cottage and land in the Scottish Highlands under the same tenure as an Irish cottier. {~} See also { {cottier} (sense 2),} { {cottager} (sense 1).} cotter pin 1. syl cot+ter pin pos n. qual Machinery. def a split pin secured, after passing through holes in the parts to be attached, by spreading the ends. cotter pin 2. syl cot+ter pin pos n. qual Machinery. def a tapered pin threaded at the smaller end and secured by a nut after insertion. Cottian Alps 0. syl Cot+ti:an Alps pron <1koti*n> pos n. mod pl. def a mountain range in SW Europe, between NW Italy and SE France: part of the Alps. Highest peak: Monte Viso, 3841 m (12600 ft.). cottier ety C14: from Old French cotier; see #7cote %1#7, coterie cottier 1. syl cot+tier pron <1koti*> pos n. def another name for { {cotter%2} (sense 1).} cottier 2. syl cot+tier pron <1koti*> pos n. usage in Ireland def a peasant farming a smallholding under {cottier tenure} (the holding of not more than half an acre at a rent of not more than five pounds a year). cottier 3. syl cot+tier pron <1koti*> pos n. def another name for { {cottager} (sense 1).} cotton ety C14: from Old French coton, from Arabic dialect qutun, from Arabic qutn cotton 1. syl cot+ton pron <1kotN> pos n. def any of various herbaceous plants and shrubs of the malvaceous genus such as {sea-island cotton}, cultivated in warm climates for the fibre surrounding the seeds and the oil within the seeds. cotton 2. syl cot+ton pron <1kotN> pos n. def the soft white downy fibre of these plants: used to manufacture textiles. cotton 3. syl cot+ton pron <1kotN> pos n. def cotton plants collectively, as a cultivated crop. cotton 4.a. syl cot+ton pron <1kotN> pos n. def a cloth or thread made from cotton fibres. cotton 4.b. syl cot+ton pron <1kotN> pos n. usage as modifier exam 1 a cotton dress. cotton 5. syl cot+ton pron <1kotN> pos n. def any substance, such as kapok ({silk cotton}) , resembling cotton but obtained from other plants. {~} See also {cotton on, cotton to}. cottony sub head cotton syl cot+ton:y pos adj. cottonade ety C19: from French cotonnade, from coton #7cotton+ -#7ade cottonade 0. syl cot+ton+ade pron <2kot%@1nAd> pos n. def a coarse fabric of cotton or mixed fibres, used for work clothes, etc. cotton belt 0. syl cot+ton belt pos n. def a belt of land in the southeastern U.S. that specializes in the production of cotton. cotton bush 0. syl cot+ton bush pos n. qual Austral. def any of various downy chenopodiaceous shrubs, esp. which is used to feed livestock. cotton cake 0. syl cot+ton cake pos n. def cottonseed meal compressed into nuts or cubes of various sizes for feeding to animals. cotton candy 0. syl cot+ton can+dy pos n. def the U.S. name for {candy floss}. cotton flannel 0. syl cot+ton flan+nel pos n. def a plain-weave or twill-weave fabric with nap on one side only. Also called: {Canton flannel}. cotton grass 0. syl cot+ton grass pos n. def any of various N temperate and arctic grasslike bog plants of the cyperaceous genus whose dense spikes of flowers resemble cotton tufts. cottonmouth 0. syl cot:ton+mouth pron <1kotN2mauT> pos n. def another name for the {water moccasin}. cotton on 1. syl cot+ton on pos vb. adv. mod intr. qual Informal. usage often foll. by to def to perceive the meaning (of). cotton on 2. syl cot+ton on pos vb. adv. mod intr. qual Informal. usage often foll. by to def to make use (of). cotton picker 1. syl cot+ton pick+er pos n. def a machine for harvesting cotton fibre. cotton picker 2. syl cot+ton pick+er pos n. def a person who picks ripe cotton fibre from the plants. cottonseeds infl head cottonseed or cottonseed syl cot:ton+seeds pos n. mod pl. cottonseed infl or cottonseeds syl cot:ton+seed. pos n. mod pl. cottonseed 0. syl cot:ton+seed pron <1kotN2sEd> pos n. def the seed of the cotton plant: a source of oil and fodder. cottonseed meal 0. syl cot:ton+seed meal pos n. def the residue of cottonseed kernels from which oil has been extracted, used as fodder or fertilizer. cottonseed oil 0. syl cot:ton+seed oil pos n. def a yellowish or dark red oil with a nutlike smell, extracted or expelled from cottonseed, used in cooking and in the manufacture of paints, soaps, etc. cotton stainer 0. syl cot+ton stain+er pos n. def any of various heteropterous insects of the genus serious pests of cotton, piercing and staining the cotton bolls: family cottontail 0. syl cot:ton+tail pron <1kotN2tAl> pos n. def any of several common rabbits of the genus such as ({eastern cottontail}) , of American woodlands. cotton to 1. syl cot+ton to pos vb. mod intr. qual U.S. informal. def to become friendly (with). cotton to 2. syl cot+ton to pos vb. mod intr. qual U.S. informal. def to approve (of). cotton waste 0. syl cot+ton waste pos n. def refuse cotton yarn, esp. when used as a cleaning material. cottonweed 1. syl cot:ton+weed pron <1kotN2wEd> pos n. def a downy perennial plant, of European coastal regions, having small yellow flowers surrounded by large hairy bracts: family (composites). cottonweed 2. syl cot:ton+weed pron <1kotN2wEd> pos n. def any of various similar plants. cottonwood 0. syl cot:ton+wood pron <1kotN2wud> pos n. def any of several North American poplars, esp. whose seeds are covered with cottony hairs. cotton wool 1. syl cot+ton wool pos n. def Also called: {purified cotton}. bleached and sterilized cotton from which the gross impurities, such as the seeds and waxy matter, have been removed: used for surgical dressings, tampons, etc. Usual U.S. term: {absorbent cotton}. cotton wool 2. syl cot+ton wool pos n. def cotton in the natural state. cotton wool 3.a. syl cot+ton wool pos n. def a state of pampered comfort and protection. cotton wool 3.b. syl cot+ton wool pos n. usage as modifier exam 1 a cotton-wool existence. cottony-cushion scale 0. syl cot:ton:y-cush:ion scale pos n. def a small scale insect, that is a serious pest of citrus trees in California: it is controlled by introducing an Australian ladybird, into affected areas. cotyledon ety C16: from Latin: a plant, navelwort, from Greek kotul*_ed*_on, from kotul*_e cup, hollow cotyledon 1. syl cot:y+le:don pron <2koti1lEdN> pos n. def a simple embryonic leaf in seed-bearing plants, which, in some species, forms the first green leaf after germination. cotyledon 2. syl cot:y+le:don pron <2koti1lEdN> pos n. def a tuft of villi on the mammalian placenta. cotyledonous sub head cotyledon or cotyledonoid syl cot:y+1le:do+nous pos adj. cotyledonoid sub head cotyledon or cotyledonous syl cot:y+1le:do+2noid pos adj. cotyledonal sub head cotyledon syl cot:y+1le:do+nal pos adj. cotyledonary sub head cotyledon syl cot:y+1le:do+na+ry pos adj. cotyloid ety C18: from Greek kotuloeid*_es cup-shaped, from kotul*_e a cup cotyloidal alt head cotyloid or cotyloid syl cot:y+loi+dal pos adj. cotyloid 1.a. or cotyloidal syl cot:y+loid pron <1koti2lcid> pos adj. def shaped like a cup. cotyloid 1.b. or cotyloidal syl cot:y+loid pron <1koti2lcid> pos adj. def of or relating to the acetabulum. cotyloid 2. or cotyloidal syl cot:y+loid pron <1koti2lcid> pos n. def a small bone forming part of the acetabular cavity in some mammals. coucal ety C19: from French, perhaps from couc(ou) cuckoo+ al(ouette) lark coucal 0. syl cou+cal pron <1ku:k@l>, <-kL> pos n. def any ground-living bird of the genus of Africa, S Asia, and Australia, having long strong legs: family (cuckoos). couch ety C14: from Old French couche a bed, lair, from coucher to lay down, from Latin colloc*_are to arrange, from loc*_are to place; see #7locate couch 1. syl couch pron pos n. def a piece of upholstered furniture, usually having a back and armrests, for seating more than one person. couch 2. syl couch pron pos n. def a bed, esp. one used in the daytime by the patients of a doctor or a psychoanalyst. couch 3. syl couch pron pos n. def a frame upon which barley is malted. couch 4. syl couch pron pos n. def a priming layer of paint or varnish, esp. in a paint?!ing. couch 5.a. syl couch pron pos n. def a board on which sheets of handmade paper are dried by pressing. couch 5.b. syl couch pron pos n. def a felt blanket onto which sheets of partly dried paper are transferred for further drying. couch 5.c. syl couch pron pos n. def a roll on a papermaking machine from which the wet web of paper on the wire is transferred to the next section. couch 6. syl couch pron pos n. qual Archaic. def the lair of a wild animal. couch 7. syl couch pron pos vb. mod tr. def to express in a particular style of language. exam 1 couched in an archaic style. couch 8. syl couch pron pos vb. mod when; tr. usage passive def to lie down or cause to lie down for or as for sleep. couch 9. syl couch pron pos vb. mod intr. qual Archaic. def to crouch or kneel. couch 10. syl couch pron pos vb. mod intr. qual Archaic. def to lie in ambush; lurk. couch 11. syl couch pron pos vb. mod tr. def to spread barley on a frame for malting. couch 12. syl couch pron pos vb. mod intr. usage of decomposing leaves def to lie in a heap or bed. couch 13. syl couch pron pos vb. mod tr. def to embroider or depict by couching. couch 14. syl couch pron pos vb. mod tr. def to lift sheets of handmade paper onto the board on which they will be dried. couch 15. syl couch pron pos vb. mod tr. qual Surgery. def to remove (a cataract) by downward displacement of the lens of the eye. couch 16. syl couch pron pos vb. mod tr. qual Archaic. def to lower (a lance) into a horizontal position. coucher sub head couch syl couch+er pos n. couchant ety C15: from French: lying, from Old French coucher to lay down; see #7couch couchant 0. syl cou+chant pron <1kauC*nt> pos adj. qual Heraldry. usage usually postpositive def in a lying position. exam 1 a lion couchant. couchette ety C20: from French, diminutive of couche bed couchette 0. syl cou+chette pron pos n. def a bed or berth in a railway carriage, esp. one converted from seats. couch grass 0. syl couch grass pos n. def a grass, with a yellowish-white creeping underground stem by which it spreads quickly: a troublesome weed. Sometimes shortened to {couch}. Also called: {scutch grass, twitch grass, quitch grass}. couching 0.a. syl couch+ing pron <1kauCiG> pos n. def a method of embroidery in which the thread is caught down at intervals by another thread passed through the material from beneath. couching 0.b. syl couch+ing pron <1kauCiG> pos n. def a pattern or work done by this method. cou-cou ety of uncertain origin cou-cou 0. syl cou-cou pron <1ku:ku:>, <1kuku:> pos n. def a preparation of boiled corn meal and okras stirred to a stiff consistency with a {cou-cou stick}: eaten in the West Indies. coud'e ety French, literally: bent in the shape of an elbow, from coude an elbow coud'e 0. syl cou+d*'e pron pos adj. usage of a reflecting telescope def having plane mirrors positioned to reflect light from the primary mirror along the axis onto a photographic plate or spectroscope. Cou'e 0. syl Cou:*'e qual French def kwe) {*'E@.mile} (e#!mil). 1857-1926, French psychologist and pharmacist: advocated psychotherapy by autosuggestion. &- {Cou@.*'e+ism} (#!ku$:e$I@!$Iz$$m) cougar ety C18: from French couguar, from Portuguese cuguardo, from Tupi suasuarana, literally: deerlike, from suas*'u deer+ rana similar to cougar 0. syl cou+gar pron <1ku:g*> pos n. def another name for {puma}. cough ety Old English cohhetten; related to Middle Dutch kochen, Middle High German k*_uchen to wheeze; probably of imitative origin cough 1. syl cough pron pos vb. mod intr. def to expel air abruptly and explosively through the partially closed vocal chords. cough 2. syl cough pron pos vb. mod intr. def to make a sound similar to this. cough 3. syl cough pron pos vb. mod tr. def to utter or express with a cough or coughs. cough 4. syl cough pron pos n. def an act, instance, or sound of coughing. cougher sub head cough syl cough+er pos n. cough drop 0. syl cough drop pos n. def a lozenge to relieve a cough. cough mixture 0. syl cough mix+ture pos n. def any medicine that relieves coughing. cough up 1. syl cough up pos vb. adv. qual Informal. def to surrender (money, information, etc.), esp. reluctantly. cough up 2. syl cough up pos vb. adv. mod tr. def to bring into the mouth or eject (phlegm, food, etc.) by coughing. could ety Old English c*_uthe; influenced by #7would, should; see #7can %1 could 0. syl could pron pos vb. usage takes an infinitive without to or an implied infinitive def used as an auxiliary. could 1. syl could pron pos vb. usage takes an infinitive without to or an implied infinitive def to make the past tense of {can%1}. could 2. syl could pron pos vb. usage takes an infinitive without to or an implied infinitive def to make the subjunctive mood of {can%1}, esp. used in polite requests or in conditional sentences. exam 1 could I see you tonight?? exam 2 she'd telephone if she could. could 3. syl could pron pos vb. usage takes an infinitive without to or an implied infinitive def to indicate suggestion of a course of action. exam 1 you could take the car tomorrow if it's raining. could 4. syl could pron pos vb. usage takes an infinitive without to or an implied infinitive; often foll. by well def to indicate a possibility. exam 1 he could well be a spy. couldn't 0. syl could:n't pron <1kudNt> usage a contraction of def could not. couldst 0. syl couldst pron pos vb. qual Archaic. def the form of {could} used with the pronoun or its relative form. coulee ety C19: from Canadian French coul*'ee a flow, from French, from couler to flow, from Latin c*_ol*_are to sift, purify; see #7colander coulee 1.a. syl cou+lee pron <1ku:lA>, <-li> pos n. def a flow of molten lava. coulee 1.b. syl cou+lee pron <1ku:lA>, <-li> pos n. def such lava when solidified. coulee 2. syl cou+lee pron <1ku:lA>, <-li> pos n. qual Western U.S. def a steep-sided ravine formed by heavy rain or melting snow. coulee 3. syl cou+lee pron <1ku:lA>, <-li> pos n. def a small intermittent stream in such a ravine. coulibiaca 0. syl cou+li+bia+ca pron <2ku:li1bja:k*> pos n. def a variant spelling of {koulibiaca}. coulisse ety C19: from French: groove, from Old French coule*"ice #7portcullis coulisse 1. syl cou+lisse pron pos n. def Also called: {cullis}. a timber member grooved to take a sliding panel, such as a sluicegate, portcullis, or stage flat. coulisse 2.a. syl cou+lisse pron pos n. def a flat piece of scenery situated in the wings of a theatre; wing flat. coulisse 2.b. syl cou+lisse pron pos n. def a space between wing flats. coulisse 3. syl cou+lisse pron pos n. def part of the Paris Bourse where unofficial securities are traded. Compare { {parquet} (sense 4).} couloir ety C19: from French: corridor, from couler to pour; see #7coulee couloir 0. syl cou+loir pron <1ku:lwa:>, French pos n. def a deep gulley on a mountain side, esp. in the French Alps. coulomb ety C19: named after C.A. de C#7oulomb coulomb 0. syl cou+lomb pron <1ku:lom> pos n. def the derived SI unit of electric charge; the quantity of electricity transported in one second by a current of 1 ampere. Symbol: C Charles Augustin de infl head Coulomb syl Charles Au:gus:tin de pron pos n. Coulomb 0. syl Cou:lomb pron <1ku:lom>, French pos n. def 1736-1806, French physicist: made many discoveries in the field of electricity and magnetism. Coulomb field 0. syl Cou:lomb field pos n. def the electrostatic field around an electrically charged body or particle. The interaction between two such fields produces {Coulomb force}. Coulomb's law 0. syl Cou:lomb's law pos n. def the principle that the force of attraction or repulsion between two point electric charges is directly proportional to the product of the charges and inversely proportional to the square of the distance between them. The law also holds for magnetic poles. coulometer ety C19: from #7coulomb+meter &- cou+lo+met+ric (@!ku$:l$$#!m$etr$Ik) adj. &- cou+#!lom+e@.try n. coulombmeter alt head coulometer or coulometer syl cou:lomb+me:ter pos n. coulometer 0. or coulombmeter syl cou+lom+e:ter pron pos n. def an electro?!lytic cell for measuring the magnitude of an electric charge by determining the total amount of decomposition resulting from the passage of the charge through the cell. Also called: {voltameter}. coulter 0. syl coul+ter pron <1k*ult*> pos n. def a blade or sharp-edged disc attached to a plough so that it cuts through the soil vertically in advance of the ploughshare. Also (esp. U.S.): {colter}. coumarin ety C19: from French coumarine, from coumarou tonka-bean tree, from Spanish cumar*'u, from Tupi cumarin alt head coumarin or coumarin syl cu+ma+rin pron <1ku:m*rin> pos n. coumarin 0. or cumarin syl cou+ma+rin pron <1ku:m*rin> pos n. def a white vanilla-scented crystalline ester, used in perfumes and flavourings and as an anticoagulant. Formula: C\9H\6O\2. coumaric sub head coumarin or cumaric syl cou+ma+ric pos adj. cumaric sub head coumarin or coumaric syl cu+ma+ric pos adj. coumarone ety C19: from #7coumar (#7in) #7+ -#7one coumarone 0. syl cou+ma+rone pron <1ku:m*2r*un> pos n. def another name for {benzofuran}. council ety C12: from Old French concile, from Latin concilium assembly, from com- together+ cal*_are to call; influenced also by Latin consilium advice, #7counsel council 1. syl coun+cil pron <1kauns*l> pos n. def an assembly of people meeting for discussion, consultation, etc.. exam 1 an emergency council. council 2. syl coun+cil pron <1kauns*l> pos n. def a body of people elected or appointed to serve in an administrative, legislative, or advisory capacity. exam 1 a student council. council 3. syl coun+cil pron <1kauns*l> pos n. qual Brit. (sometimes cap. def often preceded by the local governing authority of a town, county, etc. council 4. syl coun+cil pron <1kauns*l> pos n. def a meeting or the deliberation of a council. council 5. syl coun+cil pron <1kauns*l> pos n. usage modifier def of, relating to, provided for, or used by a local council. exam 1 a council chamber; exam 2 council offices. council 6. syl coun+cil pron <1kauns*l> pos n. qual Brit. usage modifier def provided by a local council, esp. (of housing) at a subsidized rent. exam 1 a council house; exam 2 a council estate. council 7. syl coun+cil pron <1kauns*l> pos n. qual Christianity. def an assembly of bishops, theologians, and other representatives of several churches or dioceses, convened for regulating matters of doctrine or discipline. councilor alt head councillor or councillor syl coun+ci+lor pron <1kauns*l*> pos n. qual U.S. councillor 0. or councilor syl coun+cil+lor pron <1kauns*l*> pos n. def a member of a council. councillorship sub head councillor or councilorship syl coun+cil+lor+2ship pos n. councilorship sub head councillor or councillorship syl coun+ci+lor+2ship pos n. qual U.S. councilmen infl head councilman syl coun:cil+men. pos n. mod pl. councilman 0. syl coun:cil+man pron <1kauns*lm*n> pos n. qual Chiefly U.S. def a member of a council, esp. of a town or city; councillor. council-manager plan 0. syl coun:cil-man:ag:er plan pos n. usage in the U.S. def a system of local government with an elected legislative council and an appointed administrative manager. See also {city manager}. Council of States 0. syl Coun+cil of States pos n. def another name for {Rajya Sabha}. Council of Trent 0. syl Coun+cil of Trent pos n. def the council of the Roman Catholic Church that met between 1545 and 1563 at Trent in S Tyrol. Reacting against the Protestants, it reaffirmed traditional Catholic beliefs and formulated the ideals of the Counter-Reformation. council of war 1. syl coun+cil of war pos n. def an assembly of military leaders in wartime. council of war 2. syl coun+cil of war pos n. def an emergency meeting to formulate a plan. councilor 1. syl coun+ci+lor pron <1kauns*l*> pos n. def a variant U.S. spelling of {council?!lor}. councilor 2. syl coun+ci+lor pron <1kauns*l*> pos n. def an archaic spelling of {counselor}. councilorship sub head councilor syl coun+cil+or+2ship pos n. council school 0. syl coun+cil school pos n. usage Brit. esp. formerly def any school maintained by the state. counsel ety C13: from Old French counseil, from Latin consilium deliberating body; related to #7consul, consult counsel 1. syl coun+sel pron <1kauns*l> pos n. def advice or guidance on conduct, behaviour, etc. counsel 2. syl coun+sel pron <1kauns*l> pos n. def discussion, esp. on future procedure; consultation. exam 1 to take counsel with a friend. counsel 3. syl coun+sel pron <1kauns*l> pos n. def a person whose advice or guidance is or has been sought. counsel 4. syl coun+sel pron <1kauns*l> pos n. def a barrister or group of barristers engaged in conducting cases in court and advising on legal matters. exam 1 counsel for the prosecution. counsel 5. syl coun+sel pron <1kauns*l> pos n. def a policy or plan. counsel 6. syl coun+sel pron <1kauns*l> pos n. qual Christianity. def any of the {counsels of perfection} or {evangelical counsels}, namely poverty, chastity, and obedience. counsel of perfection 7. head counsel syl counsel of perfection. def excellent but unrealizable advice. counsel 8. syl coun+sel pron <1kauns*l> pos n. def private opinions or plans (esp. in the phrase {keep one's own counsel) }. counsel 9. syl coun+sel pron <1kauns*l> pos n. qual Archaic. def wisdom; prudence. counsels infl head counsel or counsels syl coun+sels pos vb. qual U.S. counselling infl head counsel or counseling syl coun+sel+ling pos vb. counselled infl head counsel or counseled syl coun+selled pos vb. counseling infl head counsel or counselling syl coun+sel+ing pos vb. qual U.S. counseled infl head counsel or counselled syl coun+seled. pos vb. qual U.S. counsel 10. syl coun+sel pron <1kauns*l> pos vb. mod tr. def to give advice or guidance to. counsel 11. syl coun+sel pron <1kauns*l> pos vb. mod tr. usage often takes a clause as object def to recommend the acceptance of (a plan, idea, etc.); urge. counsel 12. syl coun+sel pron <1kauns*l> pos vb. mod intr. qual Archaic. def to take counsel; consult. counsellable sub head counsel or counselable syl coun+sel+la:ble pos adj. counselable sub head counsel or counsellable syl coun+sel+a:ble pos adj. qual U.S. counselor alt head counsellor or counsellor syl coun+se+lor pron <1kauns*l*> pos n. qual U.S. counsellor 1. or counselor syl coun+sel+lor pron <1kauns*l*> pos n. def a person who gives counsel; adviser. counsellor 2. or counselor syl coun+sel+lor pron <1kauns*l*> pos n. def Also called: {coun@.se@.lor-at-law}. a lawyer, esp. one who conducts cases in court; attorney. counsellor 3. or counselor syl coun+sel+lor pron <1kauns*l*> pos n. def a senior British diplomatic officer. counsellor 4. or counselor syl coun+sel+lor pron <1kauns*l*> pos n. def a U.S. diplomatic officer ranking just below an ambassador or minister. counsellor 5. or counselor syl coun+sel+lor pron <1kauns*l*> pos n. def a person who advises students or others on personal problems or academic and occupational choice. counsellorship sub head counsellor or counselorship syl coun+sel+lor+2ship pos n. counselorship sub head counsellor or counsellorship syl coun+se+lor+2ship pos n. qual U.S. count ety C14: from Anglo-French counter, from Old French conter, from Latin comput*_are to calculate, #7compute count H1.1. syl count pron pos vb. def to add up or check (each unit in a collection) in order to ascertain the sum; enumerate. exam 1 count your change. count H1.2. syl count pron pos vb. mod tr. def to recite numbers in ascending order up to and including. count H1.3. syl count pron pos vb. mod tr. usage often foll. by in def to take into account or include. exam 1 we must count him in. not counting 4. head count syl not counting. def excluding. count H1.5. syl count pron pos vb. mod tr. def to believe to be; consider; think; deem. exam 1 count yourself lucky. count H1.6. syl count pron pos vb. mod intr. def to recite or list numbers in ascending order either in units or groups. exam 1 to count in tens. count H1.7. syl count pron pos vb. mod intr. def to have value, importance, or influence. exam 1 this picture counts as a rarity. count H1.8. syl count pron pos vb. mod intr. usage often foll. by for def to have a certain specified value or importance. exam 1 the job counts for a lot. count H1.9. syl count pron pos vb. mod intr. qual Music. def to keep time by counting beats. count H1.10. syl count pron pos n. def the act of counting or reckoning. count H1.11. syl count pron pos n. def the number reached by counting; sum. exam 1 a blood count. count H1.12. syl count pron pos n. qual Law. def a paragraph in an indictment containing a distinct and separate charge. keep count 13. head count syl keep count. def to keep a record of items, events, etc. lose count 14. head count syl lose count. def to fail to keep an accurate record of items, events, etc. count H1.15. syl count pron pos n. qual Boxing, wrestling. def the act of telling off a number of seconds by the referee, as when a boxer has been knocked down or a wrestler pinned by his opponent. out for the count 16. head count syl out for the count. qual Boxing. def knocked out and unable to continue after a count of ten by the referee. take the count 17. head count syl take the count. qual Boxing. def to be unable to continue after a count of ten. count H1.18. syl count pron pos n. qual Archaic. def notice; regard; account. {~} See also {count against, countdown, count on, count out}. countable sub head count syl count+a:ble pos adj. count ety C16: from Old French conte, from Late Latin comes occupant of a state office, from Latin: overseer, associate, literally: one who goes with, from #7com - with+ *_ire to go count H2.1. syl count pron pos n. def a nobleman in any of various European countries having a rank corresponding to that of a British earl. count H2.2. syl count pron pos n. def any of various officials in the late Roman Empire and under various Germanic kings in the early Middle Ages. count against 0. syl count a:gainst pos vb. prep. mod intr. def to have influence to the disadvantage of. exam 1 your bad time-keeping will count against you. countdown 1. syl count+down pron <1kaunt2daun> pos n. def the act of counting backwards to time a critical operation exactly, such as the launching of a rocket or the detonation of explosives. {~} {count down}. countdown 2. syl count+down pron <1kaunt2daun> pos n. def to count numbers backwards towards zero, esp. in timing such a critical operation. countenance ety C13: from Old French contenance mien, behaviour, from Latin continentia restraint, control; see #7contain countenance 1. syl coun+te+nance pron <1kauntin*ns> pos n. def the face, esp. when considered as expressing a person's character or mood. exam 1 a pleasant countenance. countenance 2. syl coun+te+nance pron <1kauntin*ns> pos n. def support or encouragement; sanction. countenance 3. syl coun+te+nance pron <1kauntin*ns> pos n. def composure; self-control (esp. in the phrases {keep} or {lose one's countenance; out of countenance) }. countenance 4. syl coun+te+nance pron <1kauntin*ns> pos vb. mod tr. def to support or encourage; sanction. countenance 5. syl coun+te+nance pron <1kauntin*ns> pos vb. mod tr. def to tolerate; endure. countenancer sub head countenance syl coun+te+2nanc+er pos n. counter ety C14: from Old French comptouer, ultimately from Latin comput*_are to #7compute counter H1.1. syl count+er pron <1kaunt*> pos n. def a horizontal surface, as in a shop or bank, over which business is transacted. counter H1.2. syl count+er pron <1kaunt*> pos n. usage in some cafeterias def a long table on which food is served to customers. counter H1.3.a. syl count+er pron <1kaunt*> pos n. def a small flat disc of wood, metal, or plastic, used in various board games. counter H1.3.b. syl count+er pron <1kaunt*> pos n. def a similar disc or token used as an imitation coin. counter H1.4. syl count+er pron <1kaunt*> pos n. def a person or thing that may be used or manipulated. counter H1.5. syl count+er pron <1kaunt*> pos n. def a skating figure consisting of three circles. under the counter (under-the-counter 6. head counter syl under the counter. (under-the-counter def when prenominal) (of the sale of goods, esp. goods in short supply) clandestine, surreptitious, or illegal; not in an open manner. over the counter (over-the-counter 7. head counter syl over the counter. (over-the-counter def when prenominal) (of security transactions) through a broker rather than on a stock exchange. counter ety C14: from Old French conteor, from Latin comput*_ator; see #7count %1 counter H2.1. syl count+er pron <1kaunt*> pos n. def a person who counts. counter H2.2. syl count+er pron <1kaunt*> pos n. def an apparatus that records the number of occurrences of events. counter H2.3. syl count+er pron <1kaunt*> pos n. def any instrument for detecting or counting ionizing particles or photons. See {Geiger counter, scintillation counter, crystal counter}. counter H2.4. syl count+er pron <1kaunt*> pos n. qual Electronics. def another name for { {scaler} (sense 2).} counter ety C15: from Old French contre, from Latin contr*_a against counter H3.1. syl coun+ter pron <1kaunt*> pos adv. def in a contrary direction or manner. counter H3.2. syl coun+ter pron <1kaunt*> pos adv. def in a wrong or reverse direction. run counter to 3. head counter syl run counter to. def to have a contrary effect or action to. counter H3.4. syl coun+ter pron <1kaunt*> pos adj. def opposing; opposite; contrary. counter H3.5. syl coun+ter pron <1kaunt*> pos n. def something that is contrary or opposite to some other thing. counter H3.6. syl coun+ter pron <1kaunt*> pos n. def an act, effect, or force that opposes another. counter H3.7. syl coun+ter pron <1kaunt*> pos n. def a return attack, such as a blow in boxing. counter H3.8. syl coun+ter pron <1kaunt*> pos n. qual Fencing. def a parry in which the foils move in a circular fashion. counter H3.9. syl coun+ter pron <1kaunt*> pos n. def the portion of the stern of a boat or ship that overhangs the water aft of the rudder. counter H3.10. syl coun+ter pron <1kaunt*> pos n. def Also called: {void}. the inside area of a typeface that is not type high, such as the centre of an @6o@9, and therefore does not print. counter H3.11. syl coun+ter pron <1kaunt*> pos n. def the part of a horse's breast under the neck and between the shoulders. counter H3.12. syl coun+ter pron <1kaunt*> pos n. def a piece of leather forming the back of a shoe. counter H3.13. syl coun+ter pron <1kaunt*> pos vb. def to say or do (something) in retaliation or re?!sponse. counter H3.14. syl coun+ter pron <1kaunt*> pos vb. mod tr. def to move, act, or perform in a manner or direction opposite to (a person or thing). counter H3.15. syl coun+ter pron <1kaunt*> pos vb. def to return the attack of (an opponent). counter- ety via Norman French from Latin contr*_a against, opposite; see #7contra - counter- 1. syl coun:ter- pos prefix. def against; opposite; contrary. exam 1 counter?!attack. counter- 2. syl coun:ter- pos prefix. def complementary; corresponding. exam 1 counterfoil. counter- 3. syl coun:ter- pos prefix. def duplicate or substitute. exam 1 counterfeit. counteract 0. syl coun:ter+act pron <2kaunt*r1@kt> pos vb. mod tr. def to oppose, neutralize, or mitigate the effects of by contrary action; check. counteraction sub head counteract syl coun:ter+1ac+tion pos n. counteractive sub head counteract syl coun:ter+1ac+tive pos adj. counteractively sub head counteract syl coun:ter+1ac+tive+ly pos adv. counterattack 1. syl coun:ter+at+tack pron <1kaunt*r*2t@k> pos n. def an attack in response to an attack. counterattack 2. syl coun:ter+at+tack pron <1kaunt*r*2t@k> pos vb. def to make a counterattack (against). counterattraction 0. syl coun:ter+at:trac+tion pron <1kaunt*r*2tr@kS*n> pos n. def a rival attraction. counterbalance 1. syl coun:ter+bal+ance pron <1kaunt*2b@l*ns> pos n. def a weight or force that balances or offsets another. {~} (@!ka$unt$$#!b@al$$ns). counterbalance 2. syl coun:ter+bal+ance pron <1kaunt*2b@l*ns> pos n. def to act as a counterbalance. {~} Also: {counterpoise}. counterblast 1. syl coun:ter+blast pron <1kaunt*2bla:st> pos n. def an aggressive response to a verbal attack. counterblast 2. syl coun:ter+blast pron <1kaunt*2bla:st> pos n. def a blast that counteracts another. counterchange 1. syl coun:ter+change pron <2kaunt*1CAnJ> pos vb. mod tr. def to change parts, qualities, etc. counterchange 2. syl coun:ter+change pron <2kaunt*1CAnJ> pos vb. mod tr. qual Poetic. def to chequer, as with contrasting colours. countercharge 1. syl coun:ter+charge pron <1kaunt*2Ca:J> pos n. def a charge brought by an accused person against the accuser. countercharge 2. syl coun:ter+charge pron <1kaunt*2Ca:J> pos n. qual Military. def a retaliatory charge. countercharge 3. syl coun:ter+charge pron <1kaunt*2Ca:J> pos vb. mod tr. def to make a countercharge against. countercheck 1. syl coun:ter+check pron <1kaunt*2Cek> pos n. def a check or restraint, esp. one that acts in opposition to another. countercheck 2. syl coun:ter+check pron <1kaunt*2Cek> pos n. def a restraint that reinforces another restraint. countercheck 3. syl coun:ter+check pron <1kaunt*2Cek> pos n. def a double check, as for accuracy. {~} (@!ka$unt$$#!t#s$ek). countercheck 4. syl coun:ter+check pron <1kaunt*2Cek> pos n. def to oppose by counteraction. countercheck 5. syl coun:ter+check pron <1kaunt*2Cek> pos n. def to control or restrain by a second check. countercheck 6. syl coun:ter+check pron <1kaunt*2Cek> pos n. def to double-check. counterclaim 1. syl coun:ter+claim pron <1kaunt*2klAm> pos n. qual Chiefly law. def a claim set up in opposition to another, esp. by the defendant in a civil action against the plaintiff. counterclaim 2. syl coun:ter+claim pron <1kaunt*2klAm> pos vb. qual Chiefly law. def to set up (a claim) in opposition to another claim. counterclaimant sub head counterclaim syl coun:ter+1claim+ant pos n. contraclockwise alt head counterclockwise or counterclockwise syl con:tra+clock:wise pos adv. adj. counterclockwise 0. or contraclockwise syl coun:ter+clock:wise pron <2kaunt*1klok2wIz> pos adv. adj. def the U.S. equivalent of {anticlockwise}. counterculture 0. syl coun:ter+cul:ture pron <1kaunt*2k^lC*> pos n. def an alternative culture, deliberately at variance with the social norm. counterespionage 0. syl coun:ter+es+pi:o+nage pron <2kaunt*1espi*2na:Z> pos n. def activities de?!signed to detect and counteract enemy espionage. infl head counterfactual syl ~ pos adj. qual Logic. counterfactual 1. syl coun:ter+fac+tu:al pron <2kaunt*1f@kSu*l> pos adj. def express?!ing what has not happened but could, would, or might under differing conditions. {~} counterfactual 2. syl coun:ter+fac+tu:al pron <2kaunt*1f@kSu*l> pos adj. def a conditional statement in which the first clause is a past tense subjunctive statement expressing something contrary to fact, as in. exam 1 if she had hurried she would have caught the bus. counterfeit ety C13: from Old French contrefait, from contrefaire to copy, from contre- #7counter -#7+ faire to make, from Latin facere counterfeit 1. syl coun:ter+feit pron <1kaunt*fit> pos adj. def made in imitation of something genuine with the intent to deceive or defraud; forged. counterfeit 2. syl coun:ter+feit pron <1kaunt*fit> pos adj. def simulated; sham. exam 1 counterfeit affection. counterfeit 3. syl coun:ter+feit pron <1kaunt*fit> pos n. def an imitation designed to deceive or defraud. counterfeit 4. syl coun:ter+feit pron <1kaunt*fit> pos n. qual Archaic. def an imposter; cheat. counterfeit 5. syl coun:ter+feit pron <1kaunt*fit> pos n. qual Archaic. def a portrait. counterfeit 6. syl coun:ter+feit pron <1kaunt*fit> pos vb. mod tr. def to make a fraudulent imitation of. counterfeit 7. syl coun:ter+feit pron <1kaunt*fit> pos vb. mod intr. def to make counterfeits. counterfeit 8. syl coun:ter+feit pron <1kaunt*fit> pos vb. def to feign; simulate. counterfeit 9. syl coun:ter+feit pron <1kaunt*fit> pos vb. def to imitate; copy. counterfeiter sub head counterfeit syl coun:ter+2feit+er pos n. counterfoil 0. syl coun:ter+foil pron <1kaunt*2fcil> pos n. qual Brit. def the part of a cheque, postal order, receipt, etc., detached and retained as a record of the transaction. Also called (esp. in the U.S.): {stub}. counterglow 0. syl coun:ter+glow pron <1kaunt*2gl*u> pos n. def another name for {gegenschein}. counterinsurgency 0. syl coun:ter+in+sur+gen+cy pron <2kaunt*rin1sR:J*nsi> pos n. def action taken to counter the activities of rebels, guerrillas, etc. counterintelligence 0. syl coun:ter+in+tel+li+gence pron <2kaunt*rin1teliJ*ns> pos n. def activities designed to frustrate enemy espionage. counterirritant 1. syl coun:ter+ir+ri+tant pron <2kaunt*r1iritNt> pos n. def an agent that causes a superficial irritation of the skin and thereby relieves inflammation of deep structures. counterirritant 2. syl coun:ter+ir+ri+tant pron <2kaunt*r1iritNt> pos adj. def producing a counter?!irritation. counterirritation sub head counterirritant syl coun:ter+2ir+ri+1ta+tion pos n. counter jumper 0. syl coun+ter jump+er pos n. qual Informal, derogatory, and old-fashioned. def a sales assistant in a shop. countermand ety C15: from Old French contremander, from contre- #7counter -#7+ mander to command, from Latin mand*_are; see #7mandate countermand 1. syl coun:ter+mand pron <2kaunt*1ma:nd> pos vb. mod tr. def to revoke or cancel (a command, order, etc.). countermand 2. syl coun:ter+mand pron <2kaunt*1ma:nd> pos vb. mod tr. def to order (forces, etc.) to return or retreat; recall. countermand 3. syl coun:ter+mand pron <1kaunt*2ma:nd> pos n. mod tr. def a command revoking another. countermarch 1.a. syl coun:ter+march pron <1kaunt*2ma:C> pos vb. def to march or cause to march back along the same route. countermarch 1.b. syl coun:ter+march pron <1kaunt*2ma:C> pos vb. def to change the order of soldiers during a march. countermarch 2. syl coun:ter+march pron <1kaunt*2ma:C> pos n. def the act or instance of countermarching. countermarch 3. syl coun:ter+march pron <1kaunt*2ma:C> pos n. def a reversal of method, conduct, etc. countermeasure 0. syl coun:ter+meas+ure pron <1kaunt*2meZ*> pos n. def action taken to oppose, neutralize, or retaliate against some other action. countermine 1. syl coun:ter+mine pron <1kaunt*2mIn> pos n. qual Military. def a tunnel dug to defeat similar activities by an enemy. countermine 2. syl coun:ter+mine pron <1kaunt*2mIn> pos n. def a plot to frustrate another plot. countermine 3. syl coun:ter+mine pron <2kaunt*1mIn> pos vb. def to frustrate by countermeasures. countermine 4. syl coun:ter+mine pron <2kaunt*1mIn> pos vb. qual Military. def to take measures to defeat the underground operations of (an enemy). countermine 5. syl coun:ter+mine pron <2kaunt*1mIn> pos vb. qual Military. def to destroy enemy mines in (an area) with mines of one's own. countermove 1. syl coun:ter+move pron <1kaunt*2mu:v> pos n. def an opposing move. countermove 2. syl coun:ter+move pron <1kaunt*2mu:v> pos vb. def to make or do (something) as an opposing move. countermovement sub head countermove syl coun:ter+2move+ment pos n. counteroffensive 0. syl coun:ter+of+fen+sive pron <1kaunt*r*2fensiv> pos n. def a series of attacks by a defending force against an attacking enemy. counterpane ety C17: from obsolete counterpoint (influenced by pane coverlet), changed from Old French coutepointe quilt, from Medieval Latin culcita puncta quilted mattress counterpane 0. syl coun:ter+pane pron <1kaunt*2pAn> pos n. def another word for {bedspread}. counterpart 1. syl coun:ter+part pron <1kaunt*2pa:t> pos n. def a person or thing identical to or closely resembling another. counterpart 2. syl coun:ter+part pron <1kaunt*2pa:t> pos n. def one of two parts that complement or correspond to each other. counterpart 3. syl coun:ter+part pron <1kaunt*2pa:t> pos n. def a person acting opposite another in a play. counterpart 4. syl coun:ter+part pron <1kaunt*2pa:t> pos n. def a duplicate, esp. of a legal document; copy. counterplot 1. syl coun:ter+plot pron <1kaunt*2plot> pos n. def a plot designed to frustrate another plot. counterplots infl head counterplot syl coun:ter+plots pos vb. counterplotting infl head counterplot syl coun:ter+plot+ting pos vb. counterplotted infl head counterplot syl coun:ter+plot+ted. pos vb. counterplot 2. syl coun:ter+plot pron <1kaunt*2plot> pos vb. mod tr. def to oppose with a counterplot. counterplot 3. syl coun:ter+plot pron <1kaunt*2plot> pos vb. mod intr. def to devise or carry out a counterplot. counterpoint ety C15: from Old French contrepoint, from contre- #7counter -#7+ point dot, note in musical notation, that is, an accompaniment set against the notes of a melody counterpoint 1. syl coun:ter+point pron <1kaunt*2pcint> pos n. def the technique involving the simultaneous sounding of two or more parts or melodies. counterpoint 2. syl coun:ter+point pron <1kaunt*2pcint> pos n. def a melody or part combined with another melody or part. See also { {descant} (sense 1).} counterpoint 3. syl coun:ter+point pron <1kaunt*2pcint> pos n. def the musical texture resulting from the simultaneous sounding of two or more melodies or parts. strict counterpoint 4. head counterpoint syl strict counterpoint. def the application of the rules of counterpoint as an academic exercise. counterpoint 5. syl coun:ter+point pron <1kaunt*2pcint> pos n. def a contrasting or interacting element, theme, or item; foil. counterpoint 6. syl coun:ter+point pron <1kaunt*2pcint> pos n. qual Prosody. def the use of a stress or stresses at variance with the regular metrical stress. {~} counterpoint 7. syl coun:ter+point pron <1kaunt*2pcint> pos n. mod tr. def to set in contrast. counterpoint xref syl coun:ter+point pron <1kaunt*2pcint> pos n. def Related adj.: {contrapuntal}. counterpoise 1. syl coun:ter+poise pron <1kaunt*2pciz> pos n. def a force, influence, etc., that counterbalances another. counterpoise 2. syl coun:ter+poise pron <1kaunt*2pciz> pos n. def a state of balance; equilibrium. counterpoise 3. syl coun:ter+poise pron <1kaunt*2pciz> pos n. def a weight that balances another. counterpoise 4. syl coun:ter+poise pron <1kaunt*2pciz> pos n. def a radial array of metallic wires, rods, or tubes arranged horizontally around the base of a vertical aerial to increase its transmitting efficiency. counterpoise 5. syl coun:ter+poise pron <1kaunt*2pciz> pos vb. def to oppose with something of equal effect, weight, or force; offset. counterpoise 6. syl coun:ter+poise pron <1kaunt*2pciz> pos vb. def to bring into equilibrium. counterpoise 7. syl coun:ter+poise pron <1kaunt*2pciz> pos vb. qual Archaic. def to consider (one thing) carefully in relation to another. counterproductive 0. syl coun:ter+pro+duc+tive pron <2kaunt*pr*1d^ktiv> pos adj. def tending to hinder or act against the achievement of an aim. counterproof 0. syl coun:ter+proof pron <1kaunt*2pru:f> pos n. qual Printing. def a reverse impression of a newly printed proof of an engraving made by laying it while wet upon plain paper and passing it through the press. counterproposal 0. syl coun:ter+pro+pos+al pron <1kaunt*pr*2p*uzL> pos n. def a proposal offered as an alternative to a previous proposal. infl head counterpunch syl ~ pos vb. mod intr. qual Boxing. counterpunch 1. syl coun:ter+punch pron <1kaunt*2p^nC> pos vb. mod intr. def to punch an attacking opponent; return an attack. {~} counterpunch 2. syl coun:ter+punch pron <1kaunt*2p^nC> pos vb. mod intr. def a return punch. Counter-Reformation 0. syl Coun:ter-Ref:or:ma+tion pron <2kaunt*2ref*1mAS*n> pos n. def the reform movement of the Roman Catholic Church in the 16th and early 17th centuries considered as a reaction to the Protestant Reformation. counter-revolution 0. syl coun:ter-rev:o:lu+tion pron <2kaunt*2rev*1lu:S*n> pos n. def a revolution opposed to a previous revolution and aimed at reversing its effects. counter-revolutionist sub head counter-revolution syl coun:ter-2rev:o:1lu+tion+ist pos n. counter-revolutionaries infl head counter-revolutionary syl coun:ter-rev:o+lu+tion+ar:ies. pos n. mod pl. counter-revolutionary 1. syl coun:ter-rev:o+lu+tion+ar:y pron <2kaunt*2rev*1lu:S*nri> pos n. def a person opposed to revolution. counter-revolutionary 2. syl coun:ter-rev:o+lu+tion+ar:y pron <2kaunt*2rev*1lu:S*nri> pos n. def a person who opposes a specific revolution or revolutionary government. counter-revolutionary 3. syl coun:ter-rev:o+lu+tion+ar:y pron <2kaunt*2rev*1lu:S*nri> pos adj. def characterized by opposition to a revolution or revolutions in general. counterscarp 0. syl coun:ter+scarp pron <1kaunt*2ska:p> pos n. qual Fortifications. def the outer side of the ditch of a fort. Compare { {escarp} (sense 1).} countershading 0. syl coun:ter+shad+ing pron <2kaunt*1SAdiG> pos n. usage in the coloration of certain animals def a pattern, serving as camouflage, in which dark colours occur on parts of the body exposed to the light and pale colours on parts in the shade. countershaft 0. syl coun:ter+shaft pron <1kaunt*2Sa:ft> pos n. def an intermediate shaft that is driven by, but rotates in the opposite direction to, a main shaft, esp. in a gear train. countersign 1. syl coun:ter+sign pron <1kaunt*2sIn>, <2kaunt*1sIn> pos vb. mod tr. def to sign (a document already signed by another). {~} (#!ka$unt$$?!@!sa$In). countersign 2. syl coun:ter+sign pron <1kaunt*2sIn>, <2kaunt*1sIn> pos vb. def Also called: {countersignature}. the signature so written. countersign 3. syl coun:ter+sign pron <1kaunt*2sIn>, <2kaunt*1sIn> pos vb. def a secret sign given in response to another sign. countersign 4. syl coun:ter+sign pron <1kaunt*2sIn>, <2kaunt*1sIn> pos vb. qual Chiefly military. def a password. countersinks infl head countersink syl coun:ter+sinks pos vb. mod tr. countersinking infl head countersink syl coun:ter+sink+ing pos vb. mod tr. countersank infl head countersink syl coun:ter+sank pos vb. mod tr. countersunk infl head countersink syl coun:ter+sunk. pos vb. mod tr. countersink 1. syl coun:ter+sink pron <1kaunt*2siGk> pos vb. mod tr. def to enlarge the upper part of (a hole) in timber, metal, etc., so that the head of a bolt or screw can be sunk below the surface. countersink 2. syl coun:ter+sink pron <1kaunt*2siGk> pos vb. mod tr. def to drive (a screw) or sink (a bolt) into such an enlarged hole. {~} countersink 3. syl coun:ter+sink pron <1kaunt*2siGk> pos vb. mod tr. def Also called: {countersink bit}. a tool for countersinking. countersink 4. syl coun:ter+sink pron <1kaunt*2siGk> pos vb. mod tr. def a countersunk depression or hole. counterspies infl head counterspy syl coun:ter+spies. pos n. mod pl. counterspy 0. syl coun:ter+spy pron <1kaunt*2spI> pos n. def a spy working against or investigating enemy espionage. countersubject 0. syl coun:ter+sub+ject pron <1kaunt*2s^bJikt> pos n. usage Music. in a fugue def the theme in one voice that accompanies the statement of the subject in another. countertenor 1. syl coun:ter+ten+or pron <2kaunt*1ten*> pos n. def an adult male voice with an alto range. countertenor 2. syl coun:ter+ten+or pron <2kaunt*1ten*> pos n. def a singer with such a voice. countertype 1. syl coun:ter+type pron <1kaunt*2tIp> pos n. def an opposite type. countertype 2. syl coun:ter+type pron <1kaunt*2tIp> pos n. def a corresponding type. countervail ety C14: from Old French contrevaloir, from Latin contr*_a val*_ere, from contr*_a against+ val*_ere to be strong countervail 1. syl coun:ter+vail pron <2kaunt*1vAl>, <1kaunt*2vAl> pos vb. mod when; intr. usage usually foll. by against def to act or act against with equal power or force. countervail 2. syl coun:ter+vail pron <2kaunt*1vAl>, <1kaunt*2vAl> pos vb. mod tr. def to make up for; compensate; offset. counterweigh 0. syl coun:ter+weigh pron <2kaunt*1wA> pos vb. def another word for {counterbalance}. counterweight 0. syl coun:ter+weight pron <1kaunt*2wAt> pos n. def a counterbalancing weight, influence, or force. counterweighted sub head counterweight syl coun:ter+2weight+ed pos adj. counterword 0. syl coun:ter+word pron <1kaunt*2wR:d> pos n. def a word widely used in a sense much looser than its original meaning, such as or counterwork 1. syl coun:ter+work pron <1kaunt*2wR:k> pos n. def work done in opposition to other work. counterwork 2. syl coun:ter+work pron <1kaunt*2wR:k> pos n. def defensive fortifications put up against attack. counterworker sub head counterwork syl coun:ter+2work+er pos n. countess 1. syl coun+tess pron <1kauntis> pos n. def the wife or widow of a count or earl. countess 2. syl coun+tess pron <1kauntis> pos n. def a woman of the rank of count or earl. counting house 0. syl count+ing house pos n. qual Rare, chiefly Brit. def a room or building used by the accountants of a business. countless 0. syl count+less pron <1kauntlis> pos adj. def innumerable; myriad. count noun 0. syl count noun pos n. def a noun that refers to an object that can exist in the plural without change of meaning. Count nouns, such as or can be preceded by or as opposed to mass nouns, such as which cannot. Compare {mass noun}. count on 0. syl count on pos vb. prep. mod intr. def to rely or depend on. count out 1. syl count out pos vb. adv. mod tr. qual Informal. def to leave out; exclude. exam 1 count me out&! count out 2. syl count out pos vb. adv. mod tr. usage of a boxing referee def to judge (a floored boxer) to have failed to recover within the specified time. See {count} %1 (sense 15). count out 3. syl count out pos vb. adv. mod tr. def to count (something) aloud. counts palatine infl head count palatine syl counts pal:a+tine. pos n. mod pl. count palatine 1.a. syl count pal:a+tine pos n. qual History. def originally an official who administered the king's domains or his justice. count palatine 1.b. syl count pal:a+tine pos n. qual History. def later, a count who exercised royal authority in his own domains. count palatine 2. syl count pal:a+tine pos n. qual History. usage in England and Ireland def an earl or other lord of a county palatine. count palatine 3. syl count pal:a+tine pos n. qual History. usage in the late Roman Empire def a palace official who exercised judicial authority. countryfied alt head countrified or countrified syl coun+try+fied pron <1k^ntri2fId> pos adj. countrified 0. or countryfied syl coun+tri+fied pron <1k^ntri2fId> pos adj. def in the style, manners, etc., of the country; rural. country ety C13: from Old French contr*'ee, from Medieval Latin contr*_ata, literally: that which lies opposite, from Latin contr*_a opposite countries infl head country syl coun+tries. pos n. mod pl. country 1. syl coun+try pron <1k^ntri> pos n. def a territory distinguished by its people, culture, language, geography, etc. country 2. syl coun+try pron <1k^ntri> pos n. def an area of land distinguished by its political autonomy; state. country 3. syl coun+try pron <1k^ntri> pos n. def the people of a territory or state. exam 1 the whole country rebelled. country 4.a. syl coun+try pron <1k^ntri> pos n. def the part of the land that is away from cities or industrial areas; rural districts. country 4.b. syl coun+try pron <1k^ntri> pos n. usage as modifier exam 1 country house. country 4.c. syl coun+try pron <1k^ntri> pos n. usage in combination; a countryman. def Related adj.: {pastoral, rural}. up country 5. head country syl up country. def away from the coast or the capital. country 6. syl coun+try pron <1k^ntri> pos n. def one's native land or nation of citizenship. country 7. syl coun+try pron <1k^ntri> pos n. qual Brit. informal. usage usually preceded by the def the outlying area or area furthest from the finish of a sports ground or racecourse. country 8. syl coun+try pron <1k^ntri> pos n. usage modifier def rough; uncouth; rustic. exam 1 country manners. across country 9. head country syl across country. def not keeping to roads, etc. go 10. head country or appeal to the country syl go qual Chiefly Brit. def to dissolve Parliament and hold an election. unknown country 11. head country syl unknown country. def an unfamiliar topic, place, matter, etc. country-and-western 0.a. syl coun:try-and-west:ern pos n. def a type of urban 20th-century White folk music of the southeastern U.S. country-and-western 0.b. syl coun:try-and-west:ern pos n. usage as modifier; country-and-western music. def Abbrev.: {C ?󃖕 W}. country club 0. syl coun+try club pos n. def a club in the country, having sporting and social facilities. country cousin 0. syl coun+try cous+in pos n. def an unsophisticated person from the country, esp. one regarded as an object of amusement. country dance 0. syl coun+try dance pos n. def a type of folk dance in which couples are arranged in sets and perform a series of movements, esp. facing one another in a line. country dancing sub head country dance syl coun+try danc+ing pos n. country gentleman 0. syl coun+try gen:tle+man pos n. def a rich man with an estate in the country. countrymen infl head countryman syl coun:try+men. pos n. mod pl. countryman 1. syl coun:try+man pron <1k^ntrim*n> pos n. def a person who lives in the country. countryman 2. syl coun:try+man pron <1k^ntrim*n> pos n. def a person from a particular country or from one's own country (esp. in the phrase {fellow countryman) }. countrywoman sub head countryman syl coun:try+2wom:an pos n. mod fem. country rock 0. syl coun+try rock def %1 the rock surrounding a mineral vein or igneous intrusion. country rock 0. syl coun+try rock def %2 a style of rock music influenced by country-and-western. country seat 0. syl coun+try seat pos n. def a large estate or property in the country. countryside 0. syl coun:try+side pron <1k^ntri2sId> pos n. def a rural area or its population. county ety C14: from Old French cont*'e land belonging to a count, from Late Latin comit*_atus office of a count, from comes #7count %2 counties infl head county syl coun+ties. pos n. mod pl. county 1.a. syl coun+ty pron <1kaunti> pos n. def any of the administrative subdivisions of certain states, esp. any of the 52 units into which England and Wales, except for seven major conurba?!tions, have been divided for purposes of local government since April 1, 1974. See also {metropolitan county}. county 1.b. syl coun+ty pron <1kaunti> pos n. usage as modifier exam 1 county cricket. county 2. syl coun+ty pron <1kaunti> pos n. qual Obsolete. def the lands under the jurisdiction of a count or earl. {~} county 3. syl coun+ty pron <1kaunti> pos n. qual Brit. informal. def having the characteristics and habits of the inhabitants of country houses and estates, esp. an upper-class accent and an interest in horses, dogs, etc. county borough 1. syl coun+ty bor+ough pos n. usage in England and Wales from 1888 to 1974 def a borough administered independently of the county around it. county borough 2. syl coun+ty bor+ough pos n. usage in the Republic of Ireland def any of the four largest boroughs, governed independently of the administrative county around it by an elected council that constitutes an all-purpose authority. county court 0. syl coun+ty court pos n. usage in England def a local court exercising limited jurisdiction in civil matters. counties palatine infl head county palatine syl coun+ties pal:a+tine. pos n. mod pl. county palatine 1. syl coun+ty pal:a+tine pos n. def the lands of a count palatine. county palatine 2. syl coun+ty pal:a+tine pos n. usage in England and Ireland def a county in which the earl exercised many royal powers, esp. judicial authority. county seat 0. syl coun+ty seat pos n. qual Chiefly U.S. def another term for {county town}. county town 0. syl coun+ty town pos n. def the town in which a county's affairs are administered. coup ety C18: from French: blow, from Latin colaphus blow with the fist, from Greek kolaphos coup H1.1. syl coup pron pos n. def a brilliant and successful stroke or action. coup H1.2. syl coup pron pos n. def short for {coup d'*'etat}. coup ety C15: perhaps identical with obsolete cope to strike; see #7cope %1 cowp alt head coup or coup syl cowp pron pos vb. coup H2.0. or cowp syl coup pron pos vb. qual Scot. def to turn or fall over. coup ety C14: from Old Norse kaupa to buy coup H3.0. syl coup pron pos vb. qual Scot. def to barter; traffic; deal. coup de foudre ety literally: lightning flash coups de foudre infl head coup de foudre syl coups de fou+dre pron pos n. mod pl. coup de grace ety literally: blow of mercy coups de grace infl head coup de grace syl coups de gr*^ace pron pos n. mod pl. coup de grace 1. syl coup de gr*^ace pron French. pos n. def a mortal or finishing blow, esp. one delivered as an act of mercy to a sufferer. coup de grace 2. syl coup de gr*^ace pron French. pos n. def a final or decisive stroke. coup de main ety literally: blow with the hand coups de main infl head coup de main syl coups de main pron pos n. mod pl. coup d''etat ety French, literally: stroke of state coups d''etat infl head coup d''etat syl coups d'*'e:tat pron <1ku:z> , French pos n. mod pl. coup d''etat 0. syl coup d'*'e:tat pron <1ku:> , French , French pos n. def a sudden violent or illegal seizure of government. coup de th'eatre ety literally: stroke of the theatre coups de th'eatre infl head coup de th'eatre syl coups de th*'e:*^a+tre pron pos n. mod pl. coup de th'eatre 1. syl coup de th*'e:*^a+tre pron French. pos n. def a dramatic turn of events, esp. in a play. coup de th'eatre 2. syl coup de th*'e:*^a+tre pron French. pos n. def a sensational device of stagecraft. coup de th'eatre 3. syl coup de th*'e:*^a+tre pron French. pos n. def a stage success. coup d'oeil ety literally: stroke of the eye coups d'oeil infl head coup d'oeil syl coups d'oeil pron pos n. mod pl. coupe ety C19: from French: goblet, #7cup coupe 1. syl coupe pron pos n. def a dessert of fruit and ice cream, usually served in a glass goblet. coupe 2. syl coupe pron pos n. def a dish or stemmed glass bowl designed for this dessert. coup'e ety C19: from French, short for carosse coup*'e, literally: cut-off carriage, from couper to cut, from coup blow, stroke coup'e 1. syl cou+p*'e pron <1ku:pA> pos n. def Also called: {fixed-head coup*'e}. a four-seater car with a fixed roof, a sloping back, and usually two doors. Compare {drophead coup*'e}. coup'e 2. syl cou+p*'e pron <1ku:pA> pos n. def a four-wheeled horse-drawn carriage with two seats inside and one outside for the driver. coup'e 3. syl cou+p*'e pron <1ku:pA> pos n. def an end compartment in a European railway carriage with seats on one side only. Francois infl head Couperin syl Fran:*,cois pron pos n. Couperin 0. syl Cou:perin pron French pos n. def 1668-1733, French composer, noted for his harpsichord suites and organ music. couple ety C13: from Old French: a pair, from Latin c*_opula a bond; see #7copula couple 1. syl cou+ple pron <1k^pL> pos n. def two people who regularly associate with each other or live together. exam 1 an engaged couple. couple 2. syl cou+ple pron <1k^pL> pos n. mod functioning as; sing. pl. def two people considered as a pair, for or as if for dancing, games, etc. couple 3.a. syl cou+ple pron <1k^pL> pos n. def a pair of collars joined by a leash, used to attach hounds to one another. couple 3.b. syl cou+ple pron <1k^pL> pos n. def two hounds joined in this way. couple 3.c. syl cou+ple pron <1k^pL> pos n. def the unit of reckoning for hounds in a pack. exam 1 twenty and a half couple. couple 4. syl cou+ple pron <1k^pL> pos n. def a pair of equal and opposite parallel forces that have a tendency to produce rotation with a turning moment equal to the product of either force and the perpendicular distance between them. couple 5.a. syl cou+ple pron <1k^pL> pos n. def two dissimilar metals, alloys, or semiconductors in electrical contact, across which a voltage develops. See {thermocouple}. couple 5.b. syl cou+ple pron <1k^pL> pos n. def Also called: {galvanic couple}. two dissimilar metals or alloys in electrical contact that when immersed in an electrolyte act as the electrodes of an electrolytic cell. couple 6. syl cou+ple pron <1k^pL> pos n. def a connector or link between two members, such as a tie connecting a pair of rafters in a roof. couple 7.a. syl cou+ple pron <1k^pL> pos n. def a combination of two; a pair of. exam 1 a couple of men. couple 7.b. syl cou+ple pron <1k^pL> pos n. qual Informal. def a small number of; a few. exam 1 a couple of days. couple 8. syl cou+ple pron <1k^pL> pos pron. mod usually preceded by a; functioning as; sing. pl. def two; a pair. exam 1 give him a couple. couple 9. syl cou+ple pron <1k^pL> pos vb. mod tr. def to connect (two things) together or to connect (one thing) to (another). exam 1 to couple railway car?!riages. couple 10. syl cou+ple pron <1k^pL> pos vb. mod tr. def to do (two things) simultaneously or alternately. exam 1 he couples studying with teaching. couple 11. syl cou+ple pron <1k^pL> pos vb. def to form or be formed into a pair or pairs. couple 12. syl cou+ple pron <1k^pL> pos vb. def to associate, put, or connect together. exam 1 history is coupled with sociology. couple 13. syl cou+ple pron <1k^pL> pos vb. def to link (two circuits) by electromagnetic induction. couple 14. syl cou+ple pron <1k^pL> pos vb. mod intr. def to have sexual intercourse. couple 15. syl cou+ple pron <1k^pL> pos vb. def to join or be joined in marriage; marry. couple 16. syl cou+ple pron <1k^pL> pos vb. mod tr. def to attach (two hounds to each other). coupler 1. syl cou+pler pron <1k^pl*> pos n. def a link or rod transmitting power between two rotating mechanisms or a rotating part and a reciprocating part. coupler 2. syl cou+pler pron <1k^pl*> pos n. qual Music. def a device on an organ or harpsichord connecting two keys, two manuals, etc., so that both may be played at once. coupler 3. syl cou+pler pron <1k^pl*> pos n. qual Electronics. def a device, such as a transformer, used to couple two or more electrical circuits. coupler 4. syl cou+pler pron <1k^pl*> pos n. def a U.S. word for { {coupling} (sense 2).} couplet ety C16: from French, literally: a little pair; see #7couple couplet 0. syl cou+plet pron <1k^plit> pos n. def two successive lines of verse, usually rhymed and of the same metre. coupling 1. syl cou+pling pron <1k^pliG> pos n. def a mechanical device that connects two things. coupling 2. syl cou+pling pron <1k^pliG> pos n. def a device for connecting railway cars or trucks together. coupling 3. syl cou+pling pron <1k^pliG> pos n. def the part of the body of a horse, dog, or other quadruped that lies between the forequarters and the hind?!quarters. coupling 4. syl cou+pling pron <1k^pliG> pos n. qual Electronics. def the act or process of linking two or more circuits so that power can be transferred between them usually by mutual induction, as in a transformer, or by means of a capacitor or inductor common to both circuits. coupling 5. syl cou+pling pron <1k^pliG> pos n. qual Physics. def an interaction between different properties of a system, such as a group of atoms or nuclei, or between two or more systems. coupon ety C19: from French, from Old French colpon piece cut off, from colper to cut, variant of couper; see #7cope %1 coupon 1.a. syl cou+pon pron <1ku:pon> pos n. def a detachable part of a ticket or advertisement entitling the holder to a discount, free gift, etc. coupon 1.b. syl cou+pon pron <1ku:pon> pos n. def a detachable slip usable as a commercial order form. coupon 1.c. syl cou+pon pron <1ku:pon> pos n. def a voucher given away with certain goods, a certain number of which are exchangeable for goods offered by the manufacturers. coupon 2. syl cou+pon pron <1ku:pon> pos n. def one of a number of detachable certificates attached to a bond, esp. a bearer bond, the surrender of which entitles the bearer to receive interest payments. coupon 3. syl cou+pon pron <1ku:pon> pos n. def one of several detachable cards used for making hire-purchase payments. coupon 4. syl cou+pon pron <1ku:pon> pos n. def a ticket issued to facilitate rationing. coupon 5. syl cou+pon pron <1ku:pon> pos n. qual Brit. def a detachable entry form for any of certain competitions, esp. football pools. courage ety C13: from Old French corage, from cuer heart, from Latin cor courage 1. syl cour+age pron <1k^riJ> pos n. def the power or quality of dealing with or facing danger, fear, pain, etc. the courage of one's convictions 2. head courage syl the courage of one's convictions. def the confidence to act in accordance with one's beliefs. take one's courage in both hands 3. head courage syl take one's courage in both hands. def to nerve oneself to perform an action. courage 4. syl cour+age pron <1k^riJ> pos n. qual Obsolete. def mind; disposition; spirit. courageous 0. syl cou+ra+geous pron pos adj. def possessing or expressing courage. courageously sub head courageous syl cou+1ra+geous+ly pos adv. courageousness sub head courageous syl cou+1ra+geous+ness pos n. courante ety C16: from French, literally: running, feminine of courant, present participle of courir to run, from Latin currere courante 1. syl cou+rante pron pos n. qual Music. def a movement of a classical suite, either in simple triple time or exhibiting rhythmical ambiguity. courante 2. syl cou+rante pron pos n. qual Music. def an old dance in triple time. courante xref syl cou+rante pron pos n. qual Music. def Also called (esp. for the dance): {coranto}. Courantyne 0. syl Cour+an+tyne pron <1kR:r*n2tIn> pos n. def a river in N South America, rising in S Guyana and flowing north to the Atlantic, forming the boundary between Guyana and Surinam. Length: 765 km (475 miles). Dutch name: {Corantijn}. Gustave infl head Courbet syl Gus:tave pron pos n. Courbet 0. syl Cour:bet pron French pos n. def 1819-77, French painter, a leader of the realist movement; noted for his depiction of contemporary life. Courbevoie 0. syl Cour+be:voie pron French pos n. def an industrial suburb of Paris, on the Seine. Pop.: 54578 (1975). coureur de bois ety Canadian French: trapper (literally: wood-runner) coureurs de bois infl head coureur de bois syl cou+reurs de bois pron <1bwa> pos n. mod pl. coureur de bois 0. syl cou+reur de bois pron French <1bwa> pos n. qual Canadian history. def a French Canadian woodsman who traded with Indians for furs. courgette ety from French, diminutive of courge marrow, gourd courgette 0. syl cour+gette pron pos n. def a small variety of vegetable marrow, cooked and eaten as a vegetable. U.S. name: {zucchini}. courier ety C16: from Old French courrier, from Old Italian corriere, from correre to run, from Latin currere courier 1. syl cou+ri+er pron <1ku*ri*> pos n. def a special messenger, esp. one carrying diplomatic correspondence. courier 2. syl cou+ri+er pron <1ku*ri*> pos n. def a person who makes arrange?!ments for or accompanies a group of travellers on a journey or tour. courlan ety C19: from French, variant of courliri, from Galibi kurliri courlan 0. syl cour+lan pron <1ku*l*n> pos n. def another name for {limpkin}. Kurland alt head Courland or Courland syl Kur+land pron <1ku*l*nd> pos n. Courland 0. or Kurland syl Cour+land pron <1ku*l*nd> pos n. def a region of the W Soviet Union, between the Gulf of Riga and the Lithuanian border: part of the Latvian SSR. Latvian name: {Kurzeme}. course ety C13: from Old French cours, from Latin cursus a running, from currere to run course 1. syl course pron pos n. def a continuous progression from one point to the next in time or space; onward movement. exam 1 the course of his life. course 2. syl course pron pos n. def a route or direction followed. exam 1 they kept on a southerly course. course 3.a. syl course pron pos n. def the path or channel along which something moves. exam 1 the course of a river. course 3.b. syl course pron pos n. usage in combination exam 1 a watercourse. course 4. syl course pron pos n. def an area or stretch of land or water on which a sport is played or a race is run. exam 1 a golf course. course 5. syl course pron pos n. def a period of time; duration. exam 1 in the course of the next hour. course 6. syl course pron pos n. def the usual order of and time required for a sequence of events; regular procedure. exam 1 the illness ran its course. course 7. syl course pron pos n. def a mode of conduct or action. exam 1 if you follow that course, you will fail. course 8. syl course pron pos n. def a connected series of events, actions, etc. course 9.a. syl course pron pos n. def a prescribed number of lessons, lectures, etc., in an educational curriculum. course 9.b. syl course pron pos n. def the material covered in such a curriculum. course 10. syl course pron pos n. def a prescribed regimen to be followed for a specific period of time. exam 1 a course of treatment. course 11. syl course pron pos n. def a part of a meal served at one time. exam 1 the fish course. course 12. syl course pron pos n. def a continuous, usually horizontal, layer of building material, such as a row of bricks, tiles, etc. course 13. syl course pron pos n. qual Nautical. def any of the sails on the lowest yards of a square-rigged ship. course 14. syl course pron pos n. qual Knitting. def the horizontal rows of stitches. Compare { {wale%1} (sense 2b.).} course 15. syl course pron pos n. usage in medieval Eu?!rope def a charge by knights in a tournament. course 16.a. syl course pron pos n. def a hunt by hounds relying on sight rather than scent. course 16.b. syl course pron pos n. def a match in which two greyhounds compete in chasing a hare. course 17. syl course pron pos n. def the part or function assigned to an individual bell in a set of changes. course 18. syl course pron pos n. qual Archaic. def a running race. as a matter of course 19. head course syl as a matter of course. def as a natural or normal consequence, mode of action, or event. the course of nature 20. head course syl the course of nature. def the ordinary course of events. in course of 21. head course syl in course of. def in the process of. exam 1 the ship was in course of construction. in due course 22. head course syl in due course. def at some future time, esp. the natural or appropriate time. course 23.a. syl course pron pos adv. def as expected; naturally. course 23.b. syl course pron pos n. usage sentence substitute def certainly; definitely. courun 24. head course or take its course syl courun usage of something def to complete its development or action. course 25. syl course pron pos vb. mod intr. def to run, race, or flow, esp. swiftly and without interruption. course 26. syl course pron pos vb. def to cause (hounds) to hunt by sight rather than scent or (of hounds) to hunt (a quarry) thus. course 27. syl course pron pos vb. mod tr. def to run through or over; traverse. course 28. syl course pron pos vb. mod intr. def to take a direction; proceed on a course. courser H1.1. syl cours+er pron <1kc:s*> pos n. def a person who courses hounds or dogs, esp. greyhounds. courser H1.2. syl cours+er pron <1kc:s*> pos n. def a hound or dog trained for coursing. courser ety C13: from Old French coursier, from cours #7course courser H2.0. syl cours+er pron <1kc:s*> pos n. qual Literary. def a swift horse; steed. courser ety C18: from Latin curs*_orius suited for running, from cursus #7course courser H3.0. syl cours+er pron <1kc:s*> pos n. def a terrestrial plover-like shore bird, such as (cream-coloured courser), of the subfamily of desert and semidesert regions of the Old World: family order courses 0. syl cours:es pron <1kc:siz> pos n. mod pl. sometimes; sing. qual Physiol. def another word for {menses}. coursing 1. syl cours+ing pron <1kc:siG> pos n. usage of hounds or dogs def hunting by sight. coursing 2. syl cours+ing pron <1kc:siG> pos n. def a sport in which hounds are matched against one another in pairs for the hunting of hares by sight. court ety C12: from Old French, from Latin cohors #7cohort court 1. syl court pron pos n. def an area of ground wholly or partly surrounded by walls or buildings. court 2.a. syl court pron pos n. def a block of flats. exam 1 Selwyn Court. court 2.b. syl court pron pos n. def a mansion or country house. court 2.c. syl court pron pos n. def a short street, sometimes closed at one end. court 3. syl court pron pos n. def a space inside a building, sometimes surrounded with galleries. court 4.a. syl court pron pos n. def the residence, retinues, or household of a sovereign or nobleman. court 4.b. syl court pron pos n. usage as modifier exam 1 a court ball. court 5. syl court pron pos n. def a sovereign or prince and his retinue, advisers, etc. court 6. syl court pron pos n. def any formal assembly, reception, etc., held by a sovereign or nobleman with his courtiers. court 7. syl court pron pos n. def homage, flattering attention, or amorous approaches (esp. in the phrase {pay court to someone) }. court 8. syl court pron pos n. qual Law. def a tribunal having power to adjudicate in civil, criminal, military, or ecclesiastical matters. court 9. syl court pron pos n. qual Law. def the regular sitting of such a judicial tribu?!nal. court 10.a. syl court pron pos n. def a marked outdoor or enclosed area used for any of various ball games, such as tennis, squash, etc. court 10.b. syl court pron pos n. def a marked section of such an area. exam 1 the service court. court 11.a. syl court pron pos n. def the board of directors or council of a corporation, company, etc. court 11.b. syl court pron pos n. qual Chiefly Brit. def the supreme council of some universities. court 12. syl court pron pos n. def a branch of any of several friendly societies. go to court 13. head court syl go to court. def to take legal action. hold court 14. head court syl hold court. def to preside over admirers, attendants, etc. court 15.a. syl court pron pos n. def without a trial or legal case. exam 1 the case was settled out of court. court 15.b. syl court pron pos n. def too unimportant for consideration. court 15.c. syl court pron pos n. qual Brit. def so as to ridicule completely (in the phrase {laugh out of court) }. the ball is in your court 16. head court syl the ball is in your court. def you are obliged to make the next move. {~} court 17. syl court pron pos n. def to attempt to gain the love of; woo. court 18. syl court pron pos n. mod tr. def to pay attention to (someone) in order to gain favour. court 19. syl court pron pos n. mod tr. def to try to obtain (fame, honour, etc.). court 20. syl court pron pos n. mod tr. def to invite, usually foolishly, as by taking risks. exam 1 to court disaster. Margaret infl head Court syl Mar:ga:ret pos n. Court 0. syl Court pron pos n. qual Smith usage n*'ee def born 1942, Australian tennis player: Australian champion 1960-66, 1969-71, and 1973; U.S. champion 1962, 1965, 1969-70, and 1973; Wimbledon champion 1963, 1965, and 1970. court-bouillon ety from French, from court short, from Latin curtus+bouillon broth, from bouillir to #7boil %1 court-bouillon 0. syl court-bouil:lon pos n. def a stock made from root vegetables, water, and wine or vinegar, used primarily for poaching fish. court card 0. syl court card pos n. usage in a pack of playing cards def a king, queen, or jack of any suit. U.S. equivalent: {face card}. court circular 0. syl court cir+cu+lar pos n. usage in countries having a monarchy def a daily report of the activities, engagements, etc., of the sovereign, published in a national newspaper. court dress 0. syl court dress pos n. def the formal clothing worn at court. Courtelle 0. syl Cour+telle pron pos n. qual Trademark. def a synthetic acrylic fibre resembling wool. courteous ety C13 corteis, literally: with courtly manners, from Old French; see #7court courteous 0. syl cour+te:ous pron <1kR:ti*s> pos adj. def polite and considerate in manner. courteously sub head courteous syl cour+te:ous+ly pos adv. courteousness sub head courteous syl cour+te:ous+ness pos n. courtesan ety C16: from Old French courtisane, from Italian cortigiana female courtier, from cortigiano courtier, from corte #7court courtezan alt head courtesan or courtesan syl cour+te:zan pron <2kc:ti1z@n> pos n. courtesan 0. or courtezan syl cour+te:san pron <2kc:ti1z@n> pos n. usage esp. formerly def a prostitute, or the mistress of a man of rank. courtesy ety C13 curteisie, from Old French, from corteis #7courteous courtesies infl head courtesy syl cour+te:sies. pos n. mod pl. courtesy 1. syl cour+te:sy pron <1kR:tisi> pos n. def politeness; good manners. courtesy 2. syl cour+te:sy pron <1kR:tisi> pos n. def a courteous gesture or remark. courtesy 3. syl cour+te:sy pron <1kR:tisi> pos n. def favour or consent (esp. in the phrase {by courtesy of) }. courtesy 4. syl cour+te:sy pron <1kR:tisi> pos n. def common consent as opposed to right (esp. in the phrase {by courtesy) }. See also {courtesy title}. courtesy 5. syl cour+te:sy pron <1kR:tsi> pos n. def an archaic spelling of {curtsy}. courtesy light 0. syl cour+te:sy light pos n. def the interior light in a motor vehicle. courtesy title 0. syl cour+te:sy ti+tle pos n. def any of several titles having no legal significance, such as those borne by the children of peers. court hand 0. syl court hand pos n. def a style of handwriting formerly used in English law courts. courthouse 0. syl court+house pron <1kc:t2haus> pos n. def a public building in which courts of law are held. courtier ety C13: from Anglo-French courteour (unattested), from Old French corteier to attend at court courtier 1. syl cour+ti+er pron <1kc:ti*> pos n. def an attendant at a court. courtier 2. syl cour+ti+er pron <1kc:ti*> pos n. def a person who seeks favour in an ingratiating manner. court-leet 0. syl court-leet pos n. def the full name for { {leet} (sense 1).} courtlier infl head courtly syl court+li+er pos adj. courtliest infl head courtly syl court+li+est. pos adj. courtly 1. syl court+ly pron <1kc:tli> pos adj. def of or suitable for a royal court. courtly 2. syl court+ly pron <1kc:tli> pos adj. def refined in manner. courtly 3. syl court+ly pron <1kc:tli> pos adj. def ingratiating. courtliness sub head courtly syl court+li+ness pos n. courtly love 0. syl court+ly love pos n. def a tradition represented in Western European literature between the 12th and the 14th centuries, idealizing love between a knight and a revered (usually married) lady. court martials infl head court martial or courts martial syl court mar+tials pos n. mod pl. courts martial infl head court martial or court martials syl courts mar+tial. pos n. mod pl. court martial 1. syl court mar+tial pos n. def a military court that tries charges of serious breaches of martial law. court-martial infl head court martial syl court-mar:tial pos vb. court martials infl head court martial or court martials syl court mar+tials pos vb. qual U.S. court martialling infl head court martial or court martialing syl court mar+tial+ling pos vb. court martialled infl head court martial or court martialed syl court mar+tialled pos vb. court martialing infl head court martial or court martialling syl court mar+tial+ing pos vb. qual U.S. court martialed infl head court martial or court martialled syl court mar+tialed. pos vb. qual U.S. court martial 2. syl court mar+tial pos vb. mod tr. def to try by court martial. Court of Appeal 0. syl Court of Ap+peal pos n. def a branch of the Supreme Court of Judica?!ture that hears appeals from the High Court in both criminal and civil matters and from the county and crown courts. Court of Common Pleas 1. syl Court of Com+mon Pleas pos n. usage English law. formerly def a superior court exercising jurisdiction in civil actions between private citizens. Court of Common Pleas 2. syl Court of Com+mon Pleas pos n. usage U.S. law. in some states def a court exercising original and general jurisdiction. Court of Exchequer 0. syl Court of Ex+cheq+uer pos n. usage formerly def an English civil court where Crown revenue cases were tried. Also called: {Exchequer}. court of first instance 0. syl court of first in+stance pos n. def a court in which legal proceedings are begun or first heard. court of honour 0. syl court of hon+our pos n. def a military court that is instituted to investigate matters involving personal honour. court of inquiry 1. syl court of in+quir:y pos n. qual Brit. def a group of people appointed to investigate the causes of a disaster, accident, etc. court of inquiry 2. syl court of in+quir:y pos n. def a military court set up to inquire into a military matter. Court of Justiciary 0. syl Court of Jus+ti+ci+ar:y pos n. def the supreme criminal court in Scotland. Court of Session 0. syl Court of Ses+sion pos n. def the highest court of civil jurisdiction in Scotland. Court of St James's 0. syl Court of St. James's pos n. def the official name of the royal court of Britain. court plaster ety C18: so called because formerly used by court ladies for beauty spots court plaster 0. syl court plas+ter pos n. def a plaster, composed of isinglass on silk, formerly used to cover superficial wounds. Courtrai 0. syl Cour+trai pron French pos n. def a town in W Belgium, in West Flanders on the Lys River: the largest producer of linen in W Europe. Pop.: 44961 (1970). Flemish name: {Kortrijk}. court roll 0. syl court roll pos n. qual History. def the register of land holdings, etc., of a manorial court. courtroom 0. syl court+room pron <1kc:t2ru:m>, <-2rum> pos n. def a room in which the sittings of a law court are held. courtship 1. syl court+ship pron <1kc:Cip> pos n. def the act, period, or art of seeking the love of someone with intent to marry. courtship 2. syl court+ship pron <1kc:Cip> pos n. def the seeking or solicit?!ing of favours. courtship 3. syl court+ship pron <1kc:Cip> pos n. qual Obsolete. def courtly behaviour. court tennis 0. syl court ten+nis pos n. def the U.S. term for {real tennis}. courtyard 0. syl court+yard pron <1kc:t2ja:d> pos n. def an open area of ground surrounded by walls or buildings; court. couscous ety C17: via French from Arabic kouskous, from kaskasa to pound until fine couscous 0. syl cous+cous pron <1ku:sku:s> pos n. def a spicy dish, originating from North Africa, consisting of steamed semolina served with a meat stew. cousin ety C13: from Old French cosin, from Latin con?!s*_obr*_inus cousin, from s*_obr*_inus cousin on the mother's side; related to soror sister cousin 1. syl cous+in pron <1k^zN> pos n. def Also called: {first cousin, cousin-german, full cousin}. the child of one's aunt or uncle. cousin 2. syl cous+in pron <1k^zN> pos n. def a relative who has descended from one of one's common ancestors. A person's {second cousin} is the child of one of his parents' first cousins. A person's {third cousin} is the child of one of his parents' second cousins. A {first cousin once removed} (or loosely {second cousin}) is the child of one's first cousin. cousin 3. syl cous+in pron <1k^zN> pos n. def a member of a group related by race, ancestry, interests, etc.. exam 1 our Australian cousins. cousin 4. syl cous+in pron <1k^zN> pos n. def a title used by a sovereign when addressing another sovereign or a nobleman. cousinhood sub head cousin or cousinship syl cous+in+2hood pos n. cousinship sub head cousin or cousinhood syl cous+in+2ship pos n. cousinly sub head cousin syl cous+in+ly pos adj. adv. Victor infl head Cousin syl Vic:tor pron pos n. Cousin 0. syl Cou:sin pron French pos n. def 1792-1867, French philosopher and educational reformer. Jacques Yves infl head Cousteau syl Jacques Yves pron <1iv> pos n. Cousteau 0. syl Cous:teau pron French pos n. def born 1910, French underwater explorer. couteau ety C17: from Old French coutel, from Latin cultellus a little knife, from culter knife, ploughshare couteaux infl head couteau syl cou+teaux pron <-1t*uz> pos n. mod pl. couteau 0. syl cou+teau pron pos n. def a large two-edged knife used formerly as a weapon. couth ety Old English c*_uth known, past participle of cunnan to know; sense 1, back formation from #7uncouth couth 1. syl couth pron pos adj. qual Facetious. def refined. couth 2. syl couth pron pos adj. qual Archaic. def familiar; known. couthie ety C13: see #7couth, uncouth couthy alt head couthie or couthie syl couth:y pron <1ku:Ti> pos adj. couthie 1. or couthy syl couth:ie pron <1ku:Ti> pos adj. qual Scot. def sociable; friendly. couthie 2. or couthy syl couth:ie pron <1ku:Ti> pos adj. qual Scot. def comfortable; snug. couture ety from French: sewing, dressmaking, from Old French cousture seam, from Latin consuere to stitch together, from suere to sew couture 0. syl cou+ture pron , French pos n. def high fashion designing and dressmaking. couturier ety from French: dressmaker; see #7couture couturier 0. syl cou+tu+ri+er pron , French pos n. def a person who designs, makes, and sells fashion clothes for women. couturiere sub head couturier syl cou+tu+ri+*`ere pron , French pos n. mod fem. couvade ety C19: from French, from couver to hatch, from Latin cub*_are to lie down couvade 0. syl cou+vade pron , French pos n. def a custom among certain peoples whereby a man imitates the behaviour, etc., of his pregnant wife and at the time of birth is put to bed as though he were bearing the child. covalence alt head covalency or covalency syl co+va+lence pos n. qual U.S. covalency 1. or covalence syl co+va+len+cy pron pos n. def the formation and nature of covalent bonds. covalency 2. or covalence syl co+va+len+cy pron pos n. def the number of covalent bonds that a particular atom can make with other atoms in forming a molecule. covalent sub head covalency syl co+1va+lent pos adj. covalent bond 0. syl co+va+lent bond pos n. def a type of chemical bond involving the sharing of electrons between atoms in a molecule, esp. the sharing of a pair of electrons by two adjacent atoms. covariance 0. syl co+var:i+ance pron pos n. qual Statistics. def a measure of the association between two variables obtained by dividing the product of the mean deviations of corresponding observed values of the two variables by the number of pairs of observed values. cove ety Old English cofa; related to Old Norse kofi, Old High German kubisi tent cove H1.1. syl cove pron pos n. def a small bay or inlet, usually between rocky headlands. cove H1.2. syl cove pron pos n. def a narrow cavern formed in the sides of cliffs, mountains, etc., usually by erosion. cove H1.3. syl cove pron pos n. def a sheltered place. cove H1.4. syl cove pron pos n. def Also called: {coving}. a concave curved surface between the wall and ceiling of a room. cove H1.5. syl cove pron pos vb. mod tr. def to form an architectural cove in. cove ety C16: probably from Romany kova thing, person cove H2.0. syl cove pron pos n. qual Slang, Brit. old-fashioned and Austral. def a fellow; chap. coven ety C16: probably from Old French covin group, ultimately from Latin conven*_ire to come together; compare #7convent coven 1. syl cov+en pron <1k^vN> pos n. def a meeting of witches. coven 2. syl cov+en pron <1k^vN> pos n. def a company of 13 witches. covenant ety C13: from Old French, from covenir to agree, from Latin conven*_ire to come together, make an agreement; see #7convene covenant 1. syl cov+e:nant pron <1k^v*n*nt> pos n. def a binding agreement; contract. covenant 2.a. syl cov+e:nant pron <1k^v*n*nt> pos n. def an agreement in writing under seal, as to pay a stated annual sum to a charity. covenant 2.b. syl cov+e:nant pron <1k^v*n*nt> pos n. def a particular clause in such an agreement, esp. in a lease. covenant 3. syl cov+e:nant pron <1k^v*n*nt> pos n. usage in early English law def an action in which damages were sought for breach of a sealed agreement. covenant 4. syl cov+e:nant pron <1k^v*n*nt> pos n. qual Bible. def God's promise to the Israelites and their commitment to worship him alone. covenant 5. syl cov+e:nant pron <1k^v*n*nt> pos vb. def to agree to a covenant (concerning). covenantal sub head covenant syl cov+e:nan+tal pron <2k^v*1n@ntL> pos adj. covenantally sub head covenant syl cov+e:1nan+tal+ly pos adv. Covenant 0. syl Cov+e:nant pron <1k^v*n*nt> pos n. qual Scottish history. def any of the bonds entered into by Scottish Presbyterians to defend their religion, esp. one in 1638 ({National Covenant}) and one of 1643 ({Solemn League and Covenant}) . covenantee 0. syl cov+e:nan+tee pron <2k^v*n*n1tE> pos n. def the person to whom the promise in a covenant is made. Covenanter 0. syl Cov+e:nant+er pron <1k^v*n*nt*>, <2k^v*1n@nt*> pos n. def a person upholding the National Covenant of 1638 or the Solemn League and Covenant of 1643 between Scotland and England to establish and defend Presbyterianism. covenanter alt head covenantor or covenantor syl cov+e:nant+er pron <1k^v*n*nt*> pos n. covenantor 0. or covenanter syl cov+e:nan+tor pron <1k^v*n*nt*> pos n. def a party who makes a promise and who is to perform the obligation expressed in a covenant. Covent Garden 1. syl Cov+ent Gar+den pron <1k^v*nt>, <1kov-> pos n. def a district of central London: famous for its former fruit, vegetable, and flower market. Covent Garden 2. syl Cov+ent Gar+den pron <1k^v*nt>, <1kov-> pos n. def the Royal Opera House (built 1858) in Covent Garden. Coventry 1. syl Cov+en+try pron <1kov*ntri> pos n. def a city in central England, in West Midlands: devastated in World War II; modern cathedral (1954-62); industrial centre, esp. for motor vehicles. Pop.: 334839 (1971). send to Coventry 2. head Coventry syl send to Coventry. def to ostracize or ignore. cover ety C13: from Old French covrir, from Latin cooper*_ire to cover completely, from oper*_ire to cover over cover 1. syl cov+er pron <1k^v*> pos vb. mod mainly; tr. def to place or spread something over so as to protect or conceal. cover 2. syl cov+er pron <1k^v*> pos vb. mod mainly; tr. def to provide with a covering; clothe. cover 3. syl cov+er pron <1k^v*> pos vb. mod mainly; tr. def to put a garment, esp. a hat, on (the body or head). cover 4. syl cov+er pron <1k^v*> pos vb. mod mainly; tr. def to extend over or lie thickly on the surface of; spread. exam 1 snow covered the fields. cover 5. syl cov+er pron <1k^v*> pos vb. mod mainly; tr. def to bring upon (oneself); invest (oneself) as if with a covering. exam 1 covered with shame. cover 6. syl cov+er pron <1k^v*> pos vb. mod mainly; tr. usage sometimes foll. by up def to act as a screen or concealment for; hide from view. cover 7. syl cov+er pron <1k^v*> pos vb. mod mainly; tr. qual Military. def to protect (an individual, formation, or place) by taking up a position from which fire may be returned if those being protected are fired upon. cover 8. syl cov+er pron <1k^v*> pos vb. mod also; intr. usage sometimes foll. by for def to assume responsibility for (a person or thing). exam 1 to cover a person's work in his absence. cover 9. syl cov+er pron <1k^v*> pos vb. mod intr. usage foll. by for or up for def to provide an alibi (for). cover 10. syl cov+er pron <1k^v*> pos vb. mod mainly; tr. def to have as one's territory. exam 1 this salesman covers your area. cover 11. syl cov+er pron <1k^v*> pos vb. mod mainly; tr. def to travel over. exam 1 to cover three miles a day. cover 12. syl cov+er pron <1k^v*> pos vb. mod tr. def to have or place in the aim and within the range of (a firearm). cover 13. syl cov+er pron <1k^v*> pos vb. mod mainly; tr. def to include or deal with. exam 1 his talk covered all aspects of the subject. cover 14. syl cov+er pron <1k^v*> pos vb. mod mainly; tr. usage of an asset or income def to be sufficient to meet (a liability or expense). cover 15.a. syl cov+er pron <1k^v*> pos vb. mod mainly; tr. def to insure against loss, risk, etc. cover 15.b. syl cov+er pron <1k^v*> pos vb. mod mainly; tr. def to provide for (loss, risk, etc.) by insurance. cover 16. syl cov+er pron <1k^v*> pos vb. mod also; intr. qual Finance. def to purchase (securities, etc.) in order to meet contracts, esp. short sales. cover 17. syl cov+er pron <1k^v*> pos vb. mod mainly; tr. def to deposit (an equivalent stake) in a bet or wager. cover 18. syl cov+er pron <1k^v*> pos vb. mod also; intr. def to play a card higher in rank than (one played beforehand by another player). cover 19. syl cov+er pron <1k^v*> pos vb. mod mainly; tr. def to act as reporter or photographer on (a news event, etc.) for a newspaper or magazine. exam 1 to cover sports events. cover 20. syl cov+er pron <1k^v*> pos vb. mod mainly; tr. qual Sport. def to guard or protect (an opponent, teammate, or area). cover 21. syl cov+er pron <1k^v*> pos vb. mod mainly; tr. usage of a male animal, esp. a horse def to copulate with (a female animal). cover 22. syl cov+er pron <1k^v*> pos vb. mod mainly; tr. usage of a bird def to brood (eggs). {~} cover 23. syl cov+er pron <1k^v*> pos vb. mod mainly; tr. def anything that covers, spreads over, protects, or conceals. cover 24. syl cov+er pron <1k^v*> pos vb. mod mainly; tr. def woods or bushes providing shelter or a habitat for wild creatures. cover 25.a. syl cov+er pron <1k^v*> pos vb. mod mainly; tr. def a blanket used on a bed for warmth. cover 25.b. syl cov+er pron <1k^v*> pos vb. mod mainly; tr. def another word for {bedspread}. cover 26. syl cov+er pron <1k^v*> pos vb. mod mainly; tr. qual Finance. def liquid assets, reserves, or guaranteed income sufficient to discharge a liability, meet an expenditure, etc. cover 27. syl cov+er pron <1k^v*> pos vb. mod mainly; tr. def a pretext, disguise, or false identity. exam 1 the thief sold brushes as a cover. cover 28. syl cov+er pron <1k^v*> pos vb. mod mainly; tr. qual Insurance. def another word for { {coverage} (sense 3).} cover 29. syl cov+er pron <1k^v*> pos vb. mod mainly; tr. def an envelope or package for sending through the post. exam 1 under plain cover. cover 30.a. syl cov+er pron <1k^v*> pos vb. mod mainly; tr. def an entire envelope that has been postmarked. on cover 30.b. head cover syl on cover. usage of a postage stamp def kept in this form by collectors. cover 31.a. syl cov+er pron <1k^v*> pos vb. mod mainly; tr. def an individual table setting, esp. in a restaurant. cover 31.b. syl cov+er pron <1k^v*> pos vb. mod mainly; tr. usage as modifier exam 1 a cover charge. cover 32. syl cov+er pron <1k^v*> pos vb. mod mainly; tr. qual Sport. def the guarding or protection of an opponent, teammate, or area. cover 33. syl cov+er pron <1k^v*> pos vb. mod mainly; tr. def Also called: {cover version}. a newly recorded version of a well-known musical item. cover 34.a. syl cov+er pron <1k^v*> pos vb. mod often; pl. def the area more or less at right angles to the pitch on the off side and usually about halfway to the boundary. exam 1 to field in the covers. cover 34.b. syl cov+er pron <1k^v*> pos vb. mod mainly; tr. usage as modifier def . exam 1 a cover drive by a batsman. cover 34.c. syl cov+er pron <1k^v*> pos vb. mod mainly; tr. def Also called: {cover point}. a fielder in such a position. break cover 35. head cover syl break cover. usage esp. of game animals def to come out from a shelter or hiding place. take cover 36. head cover syl take cover. def to make for a place of safety or shelter. under cover 37. head cover syl under cover. def protected, concealed, or in secret. exam 1 under cover of night. coverable sub head cover syl cov+er+a:ble pos adj. coverer sub head cover syl cov+er+er pos n. coverless sub head cover syl cov+er+less pos adj. coverage 1. syl cov+er+age pron <1k^v*riJ> pos n. def the amount or extent to which something is covered. coverage 2. syl cov+er+age pron <1k^v*riJ> pos n. qual Journalism. def the amount and quality of reporting or analysis given to a particular subject or event. coverage 3. syl cov+er+age pron <1k^v*riJ> pos n. def the extent of the protection provided by insurance. coverage 4.a. syl cov+er+age pron <1k^v*riJ> pos n. def the value of liquid assets reserved to meet liabilities. coverage 4.b. syl cov+er+age pron <1k^v*riJ> pos n. def the ratio of liquid assets to specific liabilities. coverage 4.c. syl cov+er+age pron <1k^v*riJ> pos n. def the ratio of total net profit to distributed profit in a company. coverage 5. syl cov+er+age pron <1k^v*riJ> pos n. def the section of the public reached by a medium of communication. coverall 1. syl cov:er+all pron <1k^v*r2c:l> pos n. def a thing that covers something entirely. coverall 2. syl cov:er+all pron <1k^v*r2c:l> pos n. mod usually; pl. def protective outer garments for the body. cover crop 0. syl cov+er crop pos n. def a crop planted between main crops to prevent leaching or soil erosion or to provide green manure. Miles infl head Coverdale syl Miles. pos n. Coverdale 0. syl Cov:er:dale pron <1k^v*2dAl> pos n. def 1488-1568, the first translator of the complete Bible into English (1535). covered wagon 0. syl cov+ered wag+on pos n. qual U.S. def a large horse-drawn wagon with an arched canvas top, used formerly for prairie travel. cover girl 0. syl cov+er girl pos n. def a girl, esp. a glamorous one, whose picture appears on the cover of a newspaper or magazine. covering letter 0. syl cov+er+ing let+ter pos n. def an accompanying letter sent as an explanation, introduction, or record. coverlet 0. syl cov+er+let pron <1k^v*lit> pos n. def another word for {bedspread}. Coverley 0. syl Cov:er:ley pron <1k^v*li> pos n. def See {Sir Roger de Coverley}. cover note 0. syl cov+er note pos n. qual Brit. def a certificate providing temporary insurance until a new insurance policy is issued. cover point 0.a. syl cov+er point pos n. qual Cricket. def a fielding position in the covers. cover point 0.b. syl cov+er point pos n. qual Cricket. def a fielder in this position. covers 0. syl co+vers pron <1k*uvR:s> qual abbrev. for def coversed sine. coversed sine 0. syl co+versed sine pron <1k*uvR:st> pos n. def a trigonometric function equal to one minus the sine of the specified angle. Abbrev.: {covers} cover-shoulder 0. syl cov:er-shoul:der pos n. def a type of blouse worn in Ghana. covert ety C14: from Old French: covered, from covrir to #7cover covert 1. syl cov+ert pron <1k^v*t> pos adj. def concealed or secret. exam 1 covert jealousy. covert 2. syl cov+ert pron <1k^v*t> pos adj. qual Archaic. def sheltered; protected. covert 3. syl cov+ert pron <1k^v*t> pos adj. qual Law. def See {feme covert}. Compare {discovert}. covert 4. syl cov+ert pron <1k^v*t> pos n. def a shelter or disguise. covert 5. syl cov+ert pron <1k^v*t> pos n. def a thicket or woodland providing shelter for game. covert 6. syl cov+ert pron <1k^v*t> pos n. def short for {covert cloth}. covert 7. syl cov+ert pron <1k^v*t> pos n. qual Ornithol. def any of the small feathers on the wings and tail of a bird that surround the bases of the larger feathers. covert 8. syl cov+ert pron <1k^v*t> pos n. def a flock of coots. covertly sub head covert syl cov+ert+ly pos adv. covertness sub head covert syl cov+ert+ness pos n. covert cloth 0. syl cov+ert cloth pos n. def a twill-weave cotton or worsted suiting fabric. Sometimes shortened to {covert}. covert coat 0. syl cov+ert coat pos n. qual Brit. def a short topcoat worn for hunting. coverture ety C13: from Old French, from covert covered; see #7covert coverture 1. syl cov+er+ture pron <1k^v*C*> pos n. qual Law. def the condition or status of a married woman considered as being under the protection and influence of her husband. coverture 2. syl cov+er+ture pron <1k^v*C*> pos n. qual Rare. def shelter, concealment, or disguise. cover-up 1. syl cov:er-up pos n. def concealment or attempted concealment of a mistake, crime, etc. cover up infl head cover-up syl cov+er up. pos adv. cover-up 2. syl cov:er-up pos vb. mod tr. def to cover completely. cover-up 3. syl cov:er-up pos vb. mod when; intr. usage often foll. by for def to attempt to conceal (a mistake or crime). exam 1 she tried to cover up for her friend. cover-up 4. syl cov:er-up pos vb. mod intr. qual Boxing. def to defend the body and head with the arms. cove stripe 0. syl cove stripe pos n. qual Nautical. def a decorative stripe painted along the sheer strake of a vessel, esp. of a sailing boat. covet ety C13: from Old French coveitier, from coveiti*'e eager desire, ultimately from Latin cupidit*_as #7cupidity covet 0. syl cov+et pron <1k^vit> pos vb. mod tr. def to wish, long, or crave for (something, esp. the property of another person). covetable sub head covet syl cov+et+a:ble pos adj. coveter sub head covet syl cov+et+er pos n. covetous 0. syl cov+et+ous pron <1k^vit*s> pos adj. usage usually postpositive and foll. by of def jealously eager for the possession of something (esp. the property of another person). covetously sub head covetous syl cov+et+ous+ly pos adv. covetousness sub head covetous syl cov+et+ous+ness pos n. covey ety C14: from Old French covee, from cover to sit on, hatch; see #7couvade covey 1. syl cov+ey pron <1k^vi> pos n. def a small flock of grouse or partridge. covey 2. syl cov+ey pron <1k^vi> pos n. def a small group, as of people. covin ety C14: from Old French; see #7coven, convene covin 0. syl cov+in pron <1k^vin> pos n. qual Law. def a conspiracy between two or more persons to act to the detriment or injury of another. cow ety Old English c*_u; related to Old Norse k*_yr, Old High German kuo, Latin b*_os, Greek bo*_us, Sanskrit g*_a*uus#800150 cow H1.1. syl cow pron pos n. def the mature female of any species of cattle, esp. domesticated cattle. cow H1.2. syl cow pron pos n. def the mature female of various other mammals, such as the elephant, whale, and seal. cow H1.3. syl cow pron pos n. usage not in technical use def any domestic species of cattle. cow H1.4. syl cow pron pos n. qual Informal. def a disagreeable woman. cow H1.5. syl cow pron pos n. qual Austral. slang. def something objectionable (esp. in the phrase {a fair cow) }. till the cows come home 6. head cow syl till the cows come home. qual Informal. def for a very long time; effectively for ever. cow ety C17: from Old Norse k*_uga to oppress, related to Norwegian kue, Swedish kuva cow H2.0. syl cow pron pos vb. mod tr. def to frighten or overawe, as with threats. cowage ety C17: from Hindi kav*_ach, of obscure origin cowhage alt head cowage or cowage syl cow+hage pron <1kauiJ> pos n. cowage 1. or cowhage syl cow+age pron <1kauiJ> pos n. def a tropical climbing leguminous plant, (or whose bristly pods cause severe itching and stinging. cowage 2. or cowhage syl cow+age pron <1kauiJ> pos n. def the pods of this plant or the stinging hairs covering them. coward ety C13: from Old French cuard, from coue tail, from Latin cauda; perhaps suggestive of a frightened animal with its tail between its legs coward 0. syl cow+ard pron <1kau*d> pos n. def a person who shrinks from or avoids danger, pain, or difficulty. Coward 0. syl Cow:ard pron <1kau*d> pos n. def Sir {No@.*"el (Pierce) }. 1899-1973, English dramatist, actor, and composer, noted for his sophisticated comedies, which include (1930) and (1941). cowardice 0. syl cow+ard+ice pron <1kau*dis> pos n. def lack of courage in facing danger, pain, or difficulty. cowardly 0. syl cow+ard+ly pron <1kau*dli> pos adj. def of or characteristic of a coward; lacking courage. cowardliness sub head cowardly syl cow+ard+li+ness pos n. cowbane 1. syl cow+bane pron <1kau2bAn> pos n. def Also called: {water hemlock}. any of several N temperate poisonous umbelliferous marsh plants of the genus esp. having clusters of small white flowers. cowbane 2. syl cow+bane pron <1kau2bAn> pos n. def a similar and related plant, of the southeastern and central U.S. cowbane 3. syl cow+bane pron <1kau2bAn> pos n. def any umbelliferous plant reputed to be poisonous to cattle. cowbell 1. syl cow+bell pron <1kau2bel> pos n. def a bell hung around a cow's neck so that the cow can be easily located. cowbell 2. syl cow+bell pron <1kau2bel> pos n. qual U.S. def another name for {bladder campion}. cowberries infl head cowberry syl cow+ber:ries. pos n. mod pl. cowberry 1. syl cow+ber:ry pron <1kaub*ri>, <-bri> pos n. def a creeping ericaceous evergreen shrub, of N temperate and arctic regions, with pink or red flowers and edible slightly acid berries. cowberry 2. syl cow+ber:ry pron <1kaub*ri>, <-bri> pos n. def the berry of this plant. cowberry xref syl cow+ber:ry pron <1kaub*ri>, <-bri> pos n. def Also called: {red whortleberry}. cowbind 0. syl cow+bind pron <1kau2bInd> pos n. def any of various bryony plants, esp. the white bryony. cowbird 0. syl cow+bird pron <1kau2bR:d> pos n. def any of various American orioles of the genera etc., esp. (common or brown-headed cowbird). They have a dark plumage and short bill. cowboy 1. syl cow+boy pron <1kau2bci> pos n. def Also called: {cow+hand}. a hired man who herds and tends cattle, usually on horseback, esp. in the western U.S. cowboy 2. syl cow+boy pron <1kau2bci> pos n. def a conventional character of Wild West folklore, films, etc., esp. one involved in fighting Indians. cowgirl sub head cowboy syl cow+2girl pos n. mod fem. cowcatcher 0. syl cow+catch:er pron <1kau2k@C*> pos n. qual U.S. def a metal frame on the front of a locomotive to clear the track of obstructions. cower ety C13: from Middle Low German k*_uren to lie in wait; related to Swedish kura to lie in wait, Danish kure to squat cower 0. syl cow+er pron <1kau*> pos vb. mod intr. def to crouch or cringe, as in fear. Cowes 0. syl Cowes pron pos n. def a town in S England, on the Isle of Wight: famous for its annual regatta. Pop.: 18895 (1971). cowfish infl or cowfishes syl cow+fish pos n. mod pl. cowfishes infl head cowfish or cowfish syl cow+fish:es. pos n. mod pl. cowfish 1. syl cow+fish pron <1kau2fiS> pos n. def any trunkfish, such as having hornlike spines over the eyes. cowfish 2. syl cow+fish pron <1kau2fiS> pos n. usage loosely def any of various large aquatic animals, such as a sea cow. cowherb 0. syl cow+herb pron <1kau2hR:b> pos n. def a European caryophyllaceous plant, having clusters of pink flowers: a weed in the U.S. See also {soapwort}. cowherd 0. syl cow+herd pron <1kau2hR:d> pos n. def a person employed to tend cattle. cowhide 1. syl cow+hide pron <1kau2hId> pos n. def the hide of a cow. cowhide 2. syl cow+hide pron <1kau2hId> pos n. def the leather made from such a hide. cowhide xref syl cow+hide pron <1kau2hId> pos n. def Also called: {cowskin}. Cowichan sweater 0. syl Cow:i+chan sweat+er pron <1kauiC*n> pos n. qual Canadian. def a heavy sweater with coloured symbolic designs: knitted originally by Cowichan Indians in British Columbia. Also called: {Indian sweater, siwash, siwash sweater}. cowitch ety C17: alteration of #7cowage by folk etymology cowitch 0. syl cow+itch pron <1kau2iC> pos n. def another name for {cowage}. cowk ety of obscure origin cowk 0. syl cowk pron pos vb. mod intr. qual Northeast Scot. dialect. def to retch or feel nauseated. cowl ety Old English cugele, from Late Latin cuculla cowl, from Latin cucullus covering, cap, hood cowl 1. syl cowl pron pos n. def a hood, esp. a loose one. cowl 2. syl cowl pron pos n. def the hooded habit of a monk. cowl 3. syl cowl pron pos n. def a cover fitted to a chimney to increase ventilation and prevent draughts. cowl 4. syl cowl pron pos n. def the part of a car body that supports the windscreen and the bonnet. cowl 5. syl cowl pron pos n. qual Aeronautics. def another word for {cowling}. cowl 6. syl cowl pron pos vb. mod tr. def to cover or provide with a cowl. cowl 7. syl cowl pron pos vb. mod tr. def to make a monk of. Abraham infl head Cowley syl A:bra:ham. pos n. Cowley 0. syl Cow:ley pron <1kauli> pos n. def 1618-67, English poet and essayist, influenced by the Metaphysical poets. cowlick 0. syl cow+lick pron <1kau2lik> pos n. qual U.S. def a tuft of hair over the forehead. cowling 0. syl cowl+ing pron <1kauliG> pos n. def a streamlined metal covering, esp. one fitted around an aircraft engine. Also called: {cowl}. Compare {fairing%1}. cowl neckline 0. syl cowl neck+line pos n. def a neckline of women's clothes loosely folded over and sometimes resembling a folded hood. cowmen infl head cowman syl cow+men. pos n. mod pl. cowman 1. syl cow+man pron <1kaum*n> pos n. qual Brit. def another name for {cowherd}. cowman 2. syl cow+man pron <1kaum*n> pos n. qual U.S. def a man who owns cattle; rancher. co-worker 0. syl co-work:er pos n. def a fellow worker; associate. cow parsley 0. syl cow pars+ley pos n. def a common Eurasian umbelliferous hedgerow plant, having umbrella-shaped clusters of white flowers. Also called: {keck}. cow parsnip 0. syl cow pars+nip pos n. def any tall coarse umbelliferous plant of the genus such as of Europe and Asia, having thick stems and flattened clusters of white or purple flowers. Also called: {hogweed, keck}. cowpat 0. syl cow+pat pron <1kau2p@t> pos n. def a single dropping of cow dung. cowpea 1. syl cow+pea pron <1kau2pE> pos n. def a leguminous tropical climbing plant, producing long pods containing edible pealike seeds: grown for animal fodder and sometimes as human food. cowpea 2. syl cow+pea pron <1kau2pE> pos n. def Also called: {black-eyed pea}. the seed of this plant. William infl head Cowper syl Wil:liam. pos n. Cowper 0. syl Cow:per pron <1ku:p*>, <1kau-> pos n. def 1731-1800, English poet, noted for his nature poetry, such as in (1785), and his hymns. Cowper's glands ety C18: named after William Cowper (1666-1709), English anatomist who discovered them Cowper's glands 0. syl Cow:per's glands pos n. mod pl. def two small yellowish glands near the prostate that secrete a mucous substance into the urethra during sexual stimulation in males. Compare {Bartholin's glands}. cow pillow 0. syl cow pil+low pos n. usage in India def a large cylindrical pillow stuffed with cotton and used for reclining rather than sleeping. cow pony 0. syl cow po:ny pos n. def a horse used by cowboys when herding. cowpox 0. syl cow+pox pron <1kau2poks> pos n. def a contagious viral disease of cows characterized by vesicles on the skin, esp. on the teats and udder. Inoculation of humans with this virus provides temporary immunity to smallpox. cowpoke alt head cowpuncher or cowpuncher syl cow+poke pron <1kau2p*uk> pos n. cowpuncher 0. or cowpoke syl cow+punch:er pron <1kau2p^nC*> pos n. qual U.S. def an informal word for {cowboy}. cowry ety C17: from Hindi kaur*_i, from Sanskrit kaparda, of Dravidian origin; related to Tamil k*_otu shell cowrie alt head cowry or cowry syl cow+rie pron <1kauri> pos n. cowries infl head cowry syl cow+ries. pos n. mod pl. cowry 1. or cowrie syl cow+ry pron <1kauri> pos n. def any marine gastropod mollusc of the mostly tropical family having a glossy brightly marked shell with an elongated opening. cowry 2. or cowrie syl cow+ry pron <1kauri> pos n. def the shell of any of these molluscs, esp. the shell of ({money cowry}) , used as money in parts of Africa and S Asia. cow shark 0. syl cow shark pos n. def any large primitive shark, esp. of the family of warm and temperate waters. Also called: {six-gilled shark}. cowskin 0. syl cow+skin pron <1kau2skin> pos n. def another word for {cowhide}. cowslip ety Old English c*_uslyppe; see #7cow %1#7, slip cowslip 1. syl cow+slip pron <1kau2slip> pos n. def Also called: {paigle}. a primrose, native to temperate regions of the Old World, having fragrant yellow flowers. cowslip 2. syl cow+slip pron <1kau2slip> pos n. qual U.S. def another name for {marsh marigold}. cow tree 0. syl cow tree pos n. def a South American moraceous tree, producing latex used as a substitute for milk. cox 1. syl cox pron pos n. def a coxswain, esp. of a racing eight or four. cox 2. syl cox pron pos vb. def to act as coxswain of (a boat). coxless sub head cox syl cox+less pos adj. David infl head Cox syl Da:vid. pos n. Cox 0. syl Cox pron pos n. def 1783-1859, English landscape painter. coxa ety C18: from Latin: hip coxae infl head coxa syl cox:ae pron <1koksE> pos n. mod pl. coxa 1. syl cox:a pron <1koks*> pos n. def a technical name for the hip bone or hip joint. coxa 2. syl cox:a pron <1koks*> pos n. def the basal segment of the leg of an insect. coxal sub head coxa syl cox+al pos adj. coxalgia ety C19: from #7coxa+ -#7algia coxalgia 1. syl cox+al+gi:a pron pos n. def pain in the hip joint. coxalgia 2. syl cox+al+gi:a pron pos n. def disease of the hip joint causing pain. coxalgic sub head coxalgia syl cox+1al+gic pos adj. coxcomb 1. syl cox+comb pron <1koks2k*um> pos n. def a variant spelling of {cocks?!comb}. coxcomb 2. syl cox+comb pron <1koks2k*um> pos n. qual Archaic. def a foppish man. coxcomb 3. syl cox+comb pron <1koks2k*um> pos n. qual Obsolete. def the cap, resembling a cock's comb, worn by a jester. coxcombries infl head coxcombry syl cox+comb+ries. pos n. mod pl. coxcombry 0. syl cox+comb+ry pron <1koks2k*umri> pos n. def conceited arrogance or foppishness. Coxsackie virus ety C20: after Coxsackie, a town in New York state, where the virus was first found Coxsackie virus 0. syl Cox+sack:ie vi+rus pron pos n. def any of various viruses that occur in the intestinal tract of man and cause diseases, some of which resemble poliomyelitis. Cox's Orange Pippin ety C19: named after R. Cox, its English propagator Cox's Orange Pippin 0. syl Cox's Or+ange Pip+pin pron <1pipin> pos n. def a variety of eating apple with sweet flesh and a red-tinged green skin. Often shortened to {Cox}. coxswain ety C15: from #7cock %1#7+swain coxswain 0. syl cox+swain pron <1koks*n>, <-2swAn> pos n. def the helmsman of a lifeboat, racing shell, etc. Also called: {cockswain}. coy ety C14: from Old French coi reserved, from Latin qui*_etus #7quiet coy 1. syl coy pron pos adj. usage usually of a woman def affectedly demure, esp. in a playful or provocative manner. coy 2. syl coy pron pos adj. def shy; modest. coy 3. syl coy pron pos adj. def evasive, esp. in an annoying way. coyish sub head coy syl coy+ish pos adj. coyly sub head coy syl coy+ly pos adv. coyness sub head coy syl coy+ness pos n. Coy 0. syl Coy. qual Military. abbrev. for def company. coyote ety C19: from Mexican Spanish, from Nahuatl coyotl coyotes infl head coyote or coyote syl coy+otes pos n. mod pl. coyote infl or coyotes syl coy+ote. pos n. mod pl. coyote 1. syl coy+ote pron <1kci*ut>, , pos n. def Also called: {prairie wolf}. a predatory canine mammal, related to but smaller than the wolf, roaming the deserts and prairies of North America. coyote 2. syl coy+ote pron <1kci*ut>, , pos n. usage in American Indian legends of the West def a trickster and culture hero represented as a man or as an animal. coyotillo ety Mexican Spanish, literally: a little #7coyote coyotillos infl head coyotillo syl co+yo+til+los. pos n. mod pl. coyotillo 0. syl co+yo+til+lo pron <2k*uj*u1tElj*u> pos n. def a thorny poisonous rhamnaceous shrub, of Mexico and the southwestern U.S., the berries of which cause paralysis. coypu ety C18: from American Spanish coip*'u, from Araucanian k*'oypu coypus infl head coypu or coypu syl coy+pus pos n. mod pl. coypu infl or coypus syl coy+pu. pos n. mod pl. coypu 1. syl coy+pu pron <1kcipu:> pos n. def an aquatic South American hystricomorph rodent, introduced into Europe: family It resembles a small beaver with a ratlike tail and is bred in captivity for its soft grey underfur. coypu 2. syl coy+pu pron <1kcipu:> pos n. def the fur of this animal. coypu xref syl coy+pu pron <1kcipu:> pos n. def Also called: {nutria}. coz 0. syl coz pos k^z; n. def an archaic word for {cousin}: used chiefly as a term of address. cozen ety C16: cant term perhaps related to #7cousin &- #!coz+en+age n. cozen 0. syl co+zen pron <1k^zN> pos vb. def to cheat or trick (someone). cozener sub head cozen syl coz+en+er pos n. cozier infl head cozy syl co:zi+er pos n. coziest infl head cozy syl co:zi+est. pos n. cozy 0. syl co:zy pron <1k*uzi> pos adj. def the usual U.S. spelling of {cosy}. cozily sub head cozy syl co+zi+ly pos adv. coziness sub head cozy syl co+zi+ness pos n. cp 0. syl cp. qual abbrev. for def compare cp 1. syl c.p. qual abbrev. for: def candle power. cp 2. syl c.p. qual abbrev. for: def chemically pure. CP 1. syl CP qual abbrev. for:; Military. def Command Post. CP 2. syl CP qual abbrev. for: def Canadian Press. CP 1. syl C.P. qual abbrev. for: def Common Prayer. CP 2. syl C.P. qual abbrev. for: def Communist Party. CP 3. syl C.P. qual abbrev. for: def Court of Probate. CP 4. syl C.P. qual abbrev. for: usage in Australia def Country Party. cpd 0. syl cpd. qual Zoology, botany, chem. abbrev. for def compound. Cpl 0. syl Cpl. qual abbrev. for def Corporal. CPO 0. syl C.P.O. qual abbrev. for def Chief Petty Officer. CPR 0. syl CPR qual abbrev. for def Canadian Pacific Railway. cps 0. syl c.p.s. qual Physics. abbrev. for def cycles per second. CPSU 0. syl C.P.S.U. qual abbrev. for def Communist Party of the Soviet Union. CPU 0. syl CPU qual Computer technol. abbrev. for def central processing unit. CQ 1. syl CQ qual Telegraphy, telephony. def a symbol transmitted by an amateur radio operator requesting two-way communication with any other amateur radio operator listening. CQ 2. syl CQ qual Military. abbrev. for def charge of quarters. Cr 0. syl Cr usage the chemical symbol for def chromium. Cr 0. syl Cr. qual abbrev. for def Counsellor. CR 0. syl CR usage international car registration for def Costa Rica. cr 1. syl cr. qual abbrev. for: def credit. cr 2. syl cr. qual abbrev. for: def creditor. CR 1. syl C.R. qual abbrev. for: def Costa Rica. CR 2. syl C.R. qual abbrev. for: def Community of the Resurrection. craal 0. syl craal pron pos n. def a variant spelling of {kraal}. crab ety Old English crabba; related to Old Norse krabbi, Old High German krebiz crab, Dutch krabben to scratch crab H1.1. syl crab pron pos n. def any chiefly marine decapod crustacean of the genus and related genera (section having a broad flattened carapace covering the cephalothorax, beneath which is folded the abdomen. The first pair of limbs are modified as pincers. See also {fiddler crab, soft-shell crab, pea crab, oyster crab}. crab H1.2. syl crab pron pos n. def any of various similar or related arthropods, such as the hermit crab and horseshoe crab. crab H1.3. syl crab pron pos n. def short for {crab louse}. crab H1.4. syl crab pron pos n. def a manoeuvre in which an aircraft flies slightly into the crosswind to compensate for drift. crab H1.5. syl crab pron pos n. def a mechanical lifting device, esp. the travelling hoist of a gantry crane. crab H1.6. syl crab pron pos n. qual Wrestling. def See {Boston crab}. catch a crab 7. head crab syl catch a crab. qual Rowing. def a stroke in which the oar either misses the water or digs too deeply, causing the rower to be pushed backwards. crabs infl head crab syl crabs pos vb. crabbing infl head crab syl crab+bing pos vb. crabbed infl head crab syl crabbed. pos vb. crab H1.8. syl crab pron pos vb. mod intr. def to hunt or catch crabs. crab H1.9. syl crab pron pos vb. mod tr. def to fly (an aircraft) slightly into a crosswind to compensate for drift. crab H1.10. syl crab pron pos vb. mod intr. qual Nautical. def to move forwards with a slight sideways motion, as to overcome an offsetting current. crab H1.11. syl crab pron pos vb. mod intr. def to move sideways. crab ety C16: probably back formation from #7crabbed crabs infl head crab syl crabs pos vb. crabbing infl head crab syl crab+bing pos vb. crabbed infl head crab syl crabbed. pos vb. crab H2.1. syl crab pron pos vb. mod intr. qual Informal. def to find fault; grumble. crab H2.2. syl crab pron pos vb. mod tr. qual Informal.; U.S. def to spoil (esp. in the phrase {crab one's act) }. crab H2.3. syl crab pron pos n. qual Informal. def an irritable person. draw the crabs 4. head crab syl draw the crabs. qual Informal.; Austral. informal. def to attract unwelcome attention. crab ety C15: perhaps of Scandinavian origin; compare Swedish skrabbe crab apple crab H3.0. syl crab pron pos n. def short for {crab apple}. the infl head Crab syl the. pos n. Crab 0. syl Crab pron pos n. def the constellation Cancer, the fourth sign of the zodiac. crab apple 1. syl crab ap+ple pos n. def any of several rosaceous trees of the genus that have white, pink, or red flowers and small sour apple-like fruits. crab apple 2. syl crab ap+ple pos n. def the fruit of any of these trees, used to make jam. George infl head Crabbe syl George. pos n. Crabbe 0. syl Crabbe pron pos n. def 1754-1832, English narrative poet, noted for his depiction of impoverished rural life in (1783) and (1810). crabbed ety C13: probably from #7crab %1 (from its wayward gait), influenced by #7crab (#7apple) (from its tartness) crabbed 1. syl crab+bed pron <1kr@bid> pos adj. def surly; irritable; perverse. crabbed 2. syl crab+bed pron <1kr@bid> pos adj. usage esp. of handwriting def cramped and hard to decipher. crabbed 3. syl crab+bed pron <1kr@bid> pos adj. qual Rare. def abstruse. crabbedly sub head crabbed syl crab+bed+ly pos adv. crabbedness sub head crabbed syl crab+bed+ness pos n. crabber 1. syl crab+ber pron <1kr@b*> pos n. def a crab fisherman. crabber 2. syl crab+ber pron <1kr@b*> pos n. def a boat used for crab-fishing. crabbier infl head crabby syl crab+bi+er pos adj. crabbiest infl head crabby syl crab+bi+est. pos adj. crabby 0. syl crab+by pron <1kr@bi> pos adj. def bad-tempered. crab grass 0. syl crab grass pos n. def any of several coarse weedy grasses of the genus which grow in warm regions and tend to displace other grasses in lawns. crab louse 0. syl crab louse pos n. def a parasitic louse, (or that infests the pubic region in man. Crab Nebula 0. syl Crab Neb:u+la pos n. def the expanding remnant of the supernova observed in 1054 #7a.d., lying in the constellation Taurus at an approximate distance of 5000 light years. crabs ety plural of #7crab %1 crabs 0. syl crabs pron pos n. mod pl. sometimes functioning as; sing. def the lowest throw in a game of chance, esp. two aces in dice. crabstick 1. syl crab+stick pron <1kr@b2stik> pos n. def a stick, cane, or cudgel made of crab-apple wood. crabstick 2. syl crab+stick pron <1kr@b2stik> pos n. qual Informal. def a bad-tempered person. crabwise 0. syl crab+wise pron <1kr@b2wIz> pos adj. adv. usage of motion def sideways; like a crab. crack ety Old English cracian; related to Old High German krahh*_on, Dutch kraken, Sanskrit g*'arjati he roars crack 1. syl crack pron pos vb. def to break or cause to break without complete separation of the parts. exam 1 the vase was cracked but unbroken. crack 2. syl crack pron pos vb. def to break or cause to break with a sudden sharp sound; snap. exam 1 to crack a nut. crack 3. syl crack pron pos vb. def to make or cause to make a sudden sharp sound. exam 1 to crack a whip. crack 4. syl crack pron pos vb. def to cause (the voice) to change tone or become harsh or (of the voice) to change tone, esp. to a higher register; break. crack 5. syl crack pron pos vb. qual Informal. def to fail or cause to fail. crack 6. syl crack pron pos vb. def to yield or cause to yield. exam 1 to crack under torture. crack 7. syl crack pron pos vb. mod tr. def to hit with a forceful or resounding blow. crack 8. syl crack pron pos vb. mod tr. def to break into or force open. exam 1 to crack a safe. crack 9. syl crack pron pos vb. mod tr. def to solve or decipher (a code, problem, etc.). crack 10. syl crack pron pos vb. mod tr. qual Informal. def to tell (a joke, etc.). crack 11. syl crack pron pos vb. def to break (a molecule) into smaller molecules or radicals by the action of heat, as in the distillation of petroleum. crack 12. syl crack pron pos vb. mod intr. qual Scot., northern Brit. dialect. def to chat; gossip. crack 13.a. syl crack pron pos vb. def to achieve (esp. in the phrase {crack it}) . crack 13.b. syl crack pron pos vb. def to find or catch. exam 1 to crack a wave in surfing. crack a smile 14. head crack syl crack a smile. qual Informal. def to break into a smile. crack hardy 15. head crack syl crack hardy. qual Austral. informal. def to disguise one's discomfort, etc.; put on a bold front. crack 16. syl crack pron pos n. def a sudden sharp noise. crack 17. syl crack pron pos n. def a break or fracture without complete separation of the two parts. exam 1 a crack in the window. crack 18. syl crack pron pos n. def a narrow opening or fissure. crack 19. syl crack pron pos n. qual Informal. def a resounding blow. crack 20. syl crack pron pos n. def a physical or mental defect; flaw. crack 21. syl crack pron pos n. def a moment or specific instant. exam 1 the crack of day. crack 22. syl crack pron pos n. def a broken or cracked tone of voice, as a boy's during puberty. crack 23. syl crack pron pos n. qual Informal. usage often foll. by at def an attempt; opportunity to try. exam 1 he had a crack at the problem. crack 24. syl crack pron pos n. qual Slang. def a gibe; wisecrack; joke. crack 25. syl crack pron pos n. qual Slang. def a person that excels. crack 26. syl crack pron pos n. qual Scot., northern Brit. dialect. def a talk; chat. crack 27. syl crack pron pos n. qual Obsolete slang. def a burglar or burglary. crack 28.a. syl crack pron pos n. def the very instant that the sun rises. crack 28.b. syl crack pron pos n. def very early in the morning. a fair crack of the whip 29. head crack syl a fair crack of the whip. qual Informal. def a fair chance or opportunity. crack of doom 30. head crack syl crack of doom. def doomsday; the end of the world; the Day of Judgment. crack 31. syl crack pron pos adj. qual Slang. usage prenominal def first-class; excellent. exam 1 a crack shot. crackbrain 0. syl crack+brain pron <1kr@k2brAn> pos n. def a person who is insane. crackbrained 0. syl crack+brained pron <1kr@k2brAnd> pos adj. def insane, idiotic, or crazy. crack down 1. syl crack down pos vb. adv. mod intr. usage often foll. by on def to take severe measures (against); become stricter (with). crackdown infl head crack down syl crack+down. pos n. crack down 2. syl crack down pos n. mod intr. usage often foll. by on def severe or repressive measures. cracked 1. syl cracked pron pos adj. def damaged by cracking. cracked 2. syl cracked pron pos adj. qual Slang. def crazy. cracker 1. syl crack+er pron <1kr@k*> pos n. def a decorated cardboard tube that emits a bang when pulled apart, releasing a toy, a joke, or a paper hat. cracker 2. syl crack+er pron <1kr@k*> pos n. def short for {firecracker}. cracker 3. syl crack+er pron <1kr@k*> pos n. def a thin crisp biscuit, usually unsweetened. cracker 4. syl crack+er pron <1kr@k*> pos n. def a person or thing that cracks. cracker 5. syl crack+er pron <1kr@k*> pos n. qual U.S. def another word for {poor white}. cracker 6. syl crack+er pron <1kr@k*> pos n. qual Brit. slang. def a person of notable qualities or abilities, esp. an attractive girl. not worth a cracker 7. head cracker syl not worth a cracker. qual Austral. informal. def worthless; useless. cracker-barrel 0. syl crack:er-bar:rel pos adj. qual U.S. def rural; rustic; homespun. exam 1 a cracker-barrel philosopher. crackerjack ety C20: changed from #7crack (first-class)+#7jack (man) crackerjack 1. syl crack:er+jack pron <1kr@k*2J@k> pos adj. qual Informal. def excellent. crackerjack 2. syl crack:er+jack pron <1kr@k*2J@k> pos n. qual Informal. def a person or thing of exceptional quality or ability. crackers 0. syl crack+ers pron <1kr@k*z> pos adj. qual Brit. usage postpositive def a slang word for {insane}. cracket ety variant of #7cricket %3 cracket 1. syl crack+et pron <1kr@kit> pos n. qual Brit. dialect. def a low stool, often one with three legs. cracket 2. syl crack+et pron <1kr@kit> pos n. qual Brit. dialect. def a box for a miner to kneel on when working a low seam. cracking 1. syl crack+ing pron <1kr@kiG> pos adj. qual Informal. usage prenominal def fast; vigorous (esp. in the phrase {a cracking pace) }. get cracking 2. head cracking syl get cracking. qual Informal. def to start doing something quickly or do something with increased speed. cracking 3. syl crack+ing pron <1kr@kiG> pos adv. adj. qual Brit. informal. def first-class; excellent. exam 1 a cracking good match. cracking 4. syl crack+ing pron <1kr@kiG> pos n. def the process in which molecules are cracked, esp. the oil-refining process in which heavy oils are broken down into hydrocarbons of lower molecular weight by heat or catalysis. See also {catalytic cracker}. infl head crackjaw syl ~ pos adj. qual Informal. crackjaw 1. syl crack+jaw pron <1kr@k2Jc:> pos adj. def difficult to pro?!nounce. {~} crackjaw 2. syl crack+jaw pron <1kr@k2Jc:> pos adj. def a word or phrase that is difficult to pronounce. crackle 1. syl crack+le pron <1kr@kL> pos vb. def to make or cause to make a series of slight sharp noises, as of paper being crushed or of a wood fire burning. crackle 2. syl crack+le pron <1kr@kL> pos vb. mod tr. def to decorate (porcelain or pottery) by causing a fine network of cracks to appear in the glaze. crackle 3. syl crack+le pron <1kr@kL> pos vb. mod intr. def to abound in vivacity or energy. crackle 4. syl crack+le pron <1kr@kL> pos n. def the act or sound of crackling. crackle 5. syl crack+le pron <1kr@kL> pos n. def intentional crazing in the glaze of a piece of porcelain or pottery. crackle 6. syl crack+le pron <1kr@kL> pos n. def Also called: {crack@.le+ware}. porcelain or pottery so decorated. crackling 0. syl crack+ling pron <1kr@kliG> pos n. def the crisp browned skin of roast pork. cracknel ety C15: perhaps from Old French craquelin, from Middle Dutch kr*_akelinc, from kr*_aken to #7crack cracknel 1. syl crack+nel pron <1kr@knL> pos n. def a type of hard plain biscuit. cracknel 2. syl crack+nel pron <1kr@knL> pos n. qual U.S. (often pl. def crisply fried bits of fat pork. crackpot 1. syl crack+pot pron <1kr@k2pot> pos n. qual Informal. def an eccentric person; crank. crackpot 2. syl crack+pot pron <1kr@k2pot> pos adj. qual Informal. usage usually prenominal def eccentric; crazy. cracksmen infl head cracksman syl cracks+men. pos n. mod pl. cracksman 0. syl cracks+man pron <1kr@ksm*n> pos n. qual Slang. def a burglar, esp. a safe-breaker. crack up 1. syl crack up pos vb. adv. mod intr. def to break into pieces. crack up 2. syl crack up pos vb. adv. mod intr. qual Informal. def to undergo a physical or mental breakdown. crack up 3. syl crack up pos vb. adv. mod tr. qual Informal. def to present or report, esp. in glowing terms. exam 1 it's not all it's cracked up to be. crackup infl head crack up syl crack+up. pos n. crack up 4. syl crack up pos n. qual Informal. def a physical or mental breakdown. Cracow 0. syl Cra+cow pron <1kr@kau>, <-*u>, <-of> pos n. def an industrial city in S Poland, on the River Vistula: former capital of the country (1320-1609); university (1364). Pop.: 662900 (1974 est.). Polish name: {Krak*'ow}. -cracy ety from Greek -kratia, from kratos power -cracy 0. syl -cra:cy pos n. usage combining form. def indicating a type of government or rule. exam 1 plutocracy; exam 2 mobocracy. cradle ety Old English cradol; related to Old High German kratto basket cradle 1. syl cra+dle pron <1krAdL> pos n. def a baby's bed with enclosed sides, often with a hood and rockers. cradle 2. syl cra+dle pron <1krAdL> pos n. def a place where something originates or is nurtured during its early life. exam 1 the cradle of civilization. cradle 3. syl cra+dle pron <1krAdL> pos n. def the earliest period of life. exam 1 they knew each other from the cradle. cradle 4. syl cra+dle pron <1krAdL> pos n. def a frame, rest, or trolley made to support or transport a piece of equipment, aircraft, ship, etc. cradle 5. syl cra+dle pron <1krAdL> pos n. def a platform, cage, or trolley, in which workmen are suspended on the side of a building or ship. cradle 6. syl cra+dle pron <1krAdL> pos n. def another name for { {creeper} (sense 5)}. cradle 7.a. syl cra+dle pron <1krAdL> pos n. def a framework of several wooden fingers attached to a scythe to gather the grain into bunches as it is cut. cradle 7.b. syl cra+dle pron <1krAdL> pos n. def a scythe equipped with such a cradle; cradle scythe. cradle 7.c. syl cra+dle pron <1krAdL> pos n. def a collar of wooden fingers that prevents a horse or cow from turning its head and biting itself. cradle 8. syl cra+dle pron <1krAdL> pos n. def Also called: {rocker}. a boxlike apparatus for washing rocks, sand, etc., containing gold or gem stones. cradle 9. syl cra+dle pron <1krAdL> pos n. qual Engraving. def a tool that produces the pitted surface of a copper mezzotint plate before the design is engraved upon it. cradle 10. syl cra+dle pron <1krAdL> pos n. def a framework used to prevent the bedclothes from touching a sensitive part of an injured person. from the cradle to the grave 11. head cradle syl from the cradle to the grave. def throughout life. rob the cradle 12. head cradle syl rob the cradle. qual Informal. def to take for a lover, husband, or wife a person much younger than oneself. cradle 13. syl cra+dle pron <1krAdL> pos vb. mod tr. def to rock or place in or as if in a cradle; hold tenderly. cradle 14. syl cra+dle pron <1krAdL> pos vb. mod tr. def to nurture in or bring up from infancy. cradle 15. syl cra+dle pron <1krAdL> pos vb. def to reap (grain) with a cradle scythe. cradle 16. syl cra+dle pron <1krAdL> pos vb. mod tr. def to wash (soil bearing gold, etc.) in a cradle. cradle 17. syl cra+dle pron <1krAdL> pos vb. qual Lacrosse. def to keep (the ball) in the net of the stick, esp. while running with it. cradle 18. syl cra+dle pron <1krAdL> pos vb. mod intr. qual Rare. def to lie in a cradle. cradler sub head cradle syl cra+dler pos n. cradle snatcher 0. syl cra+dle snatch+er pos n. qual Informal. def another name for {baby snatcher} (sense 2). cradlesong 0. syl cra:dle+song pron <1krAdL2soG> pos n. def another word for {lullaby}. cradling 0. syl cra+dling pron <1krAdliG> pos n. qual Architect. def a framework of iron or wood, esp. as used in the construction of a ceiling. craft ety Old English cr@aft skill, strength; related to Old Norse kraptr power, skill, Old High German kraft craft 1. syl craft pron pos n. def skill or ability, esp. in handiwork. craft 2. syl craft pron pos n. def skill in deception and trickery; guile; cunning. craft 3. syl craft pron pos n. def an occupation or trade requiring special skill, esp. manual dexterity. craft 4.a. syl craft pron pos n. def the members of such a trade, regarded collectively. craft 4.b. syl craft pron pos n. usage as modifier def . exam 1 a craft guild. craft 5. syl craft pron pos n. def a single vessel, aircraft, or spacecraft. craft 6. syl craft pron pos n. mod functioning as; pl. def ships, boats, aircraft, or spacecraft collectively. {~} craft 7. syl craft pron pos n. mod tr. def to make or fashion with skill, esp. by hand. craftsmen infl head craftsman syl crafts+men. pos n. mod pl. craftsman 1. syl crafts+man pron <1kra:ftsm*n> pos n. def a member of a skilled trade; someone who practises a craft; artisan. craftsman 2. syl crafts+man pron <1kra:ftsm*n> pos n. def an artist skilled in the techniques of an art or craft. craftsmanly sub head craftsman syl crafts+man+ly pos adj. craftsmanship sub head craftsman syl crafts+man+2ship pos n. craft union 0. syl craft un+ion pos n. def a labour organization membership of which is restricted to workers in a specified trade or craft. Compare {industrial union}. craftier infl head crafty syl craft:i+er pos adj. craftiest infl head crafty syl craft:i+est. pos adj. crafty 1. syl craft:y pron <1kra:fti> pos adj. def skilled in deception; shrewd; cunning. crafty 2. syl craft:y pron <1kra:fti> pos adj. qual Archaic. def skilful. craftily sub head crafty syl craft:i+ly pos adv. craftiness sub head crafty syl craft:i+ness pos n. crag ety C13: of Celtic origin; related to Old Welsh creik rock crag 0. syl crag pron pos n. def a steep rugged rock or peak. Crag 0. syl Crag pron pos n. def a formation of shelly sandstone in E England, deposited during the Pliocene and Pleistocene epochs. cragged alt head craggy or craggy syl crag+ged pron <1kr@gid> pos adj. qual U.S. craggier infl head craggy syl crag+gi+er pos adj. craggiest infl head craggy syl crag+gi+est. pos adj. craggy 1. or cragged syl crag+gy pron <1kr@gi> pos adj. def having many crags. craggy 2. or cragged syl crag+gy pron <1kr@gi> pos adj. usage of the face def rugged; rocklike. craggily sub head craggy syl crag+gi+ly pos adv. cragginess sub head craggy syl crag+gi+ness pos n. cragsmen infl head cragsman syl crags+men. pos n. mod pl. cragsman 0. syl crags+man pron <1kr@gzm*n> pos n. def a rock climber. Edward Gordon infl head Craig syl Ed:ward Gor:don. pos n. Craig 0. syl Craig pron pos n. def 1872-1966, English theatrical designer, actor, and director. His nonrealistic scenic design greatly influenced theatre in Europe and the U.S. Craigie 0. syl Crai:gie pron <1krAgi> pos n. def Sir {Wil@.liam A (lexander) }. 1867-1957, Scottish lexicographer; joint editor of the (1901-33), and of (1938-44). Craiova 0. syl Cra+io:va pron Rumanian pos n. def a city in SW Rumania, on the Jiul River. Pop.: 194235 (1974 est.). crake ety C14: from Old Norse kr*_aka crow or kr*_akr raven, of imitative origin crake 0. syl crake pron pos n. qual Zoology. def any of several rails that occur in the Old World, such as the corncrake and the spotted crake. cram ety Old English crammian; related to Old Norse kremja to press crams infl head cram syl crams pos vb. cramming infl head cram syl cram+ming pos vb. crammed infl head cram syl crammed. pos vb. cram 1. syl cram pron pos vb. mod tr. def to force (people, material, etc.) into (a room, container, etc.) with more than it can hold; stuff. cram 2. syl cram pron pos vb. def to eat or cause to eat more than necessary. cram 3. syl cram pron pos vb. qual Informal. def to study or cause to study (facts, etc.), esp. for an examination, by hastily memorizing. cram 4. syl cram pron pos n. def the act or condition of cramming. cram 5. syl cram pron pos n. def a crush. crammer sub head cram syl cram+mer pos n. crambo ety C17: from earlier crambe, probably from Latin cramb*_e repet*_ita cabbage repeated, hence an old story, a rhyming game, from Greek kramb*_e cramboes infl head crambo syl cram+boes. pos n. mod pl. crambo 0. syl cram+bo pron <1kr@mb*u> pos n. def a word game in which one team says a rhyme or rhyming line for a word or line given by the other team. cram-full 0. syl cram-full pos adj. def stuffed full. crammer 0. syl cram+mer pron <1kr@m*> pos n. def a person or school that prepares pupils for an examination, esp. pupils who have already failed that examination. cramoisy ety C15: from Old French cramoisi, from Arabic qirmiz*_i red obtained from kermes; see #7crimson, kermes cramoisie alt head cramoisy or cramoisy syl cram:oi+sie pron <1kr@mcizi>, <-*zi> cramoisy 1. or cramoisie syl cram:oi+sy pron <1kr@mcizi>, <-*zi> pos adj. qual Archaic. def of a crimson colour. cramoisy 2. or cramoisie syl cram:oi+sy pron <1kr@mcizi>, <-*zi> pos n. qual Archaic. def crimson cloth. cramp ety C14: from Old French crampe, of Germanic origin; compare Old High German krampho cramp H1.1. syl cramp pron pos n. def a painful involuntary contraction of a muscle, typically caused by overexertion, heat, or chill. cramp H1.2. syl cramp pron pos n. def temporary partial paralysis of a muscle group. exam 1 writer's cramp. cramp H1.3. syl cramp pron pos n. mod usually; pl. qual U.S. usage in the def severe abdominal pain. cramp H1.4. syl cramp pron pos vb. mod tr. def to affect with or as if with a cramp. cramp ety C15: from Middle Dutch crampe cramp, hook, of Germanic origin; compare Old High German khramph bent; see #7cramp %1 cramp H2.1. syl cramp pron pos n. def Also called: {cramp iron}. a strip of metal with its ends bent at right angles, used to bind masonry. cramp H2.2. syl cramp pron pos n. def a device for holding pieces of wood while they are glued; clamp. cramp H2.3. syl cramp pron pos n. def something that confines or restricts. cramp H2.4. syl cramp pron pos n. def a confined state or position. cramp H2.5. syl cramp pron pos vb. mod tr. def to secure or hold with a cramp. cramp H2.6. syl cramp pron pos vb. mod tr. def to confine, hamper, or restrict. cramp (someone's) style 7. head cramp syl cramp (someone's) style. qual Informal. def to prevent (a person) from using his abilities or acting freely and confidently. cramped 1. syl cramped pron pos adj. def closed in; restricted. cramped 2. syl cramped pron pos adj. usage esp. of handwriting def small and irregular; difficult to read. cramper 0. syl cramp+er pron <1kr@mp*> pos n. qual Curling. def a spiked metal plate used as a brace for the feet in throwing the stone. crampon ety C15: from French, from Middle Dutch crampe hook; see #7cramp %2 crampoon alt head crampon or crampon syl cram+poon pron pos n. crampon 1. or crampoon syl cram+pon pron <1kr@mp*n> pos n. def one of a pair of pivoted steel levers used to lift heavy objects; grappling iron. crampon 2. or crampoon syl cram+pon pron <1kr@mp*n> pos n. mod often; pl. def a metal spike fitted to boots for climbing, walking on ice, etc. cran ety C18: of uncertain origin cran 0. syl cran pron pos n. def a unit of capacity used for measuring fresh herring, equal to 37.5 gallons. Lucas infl head Cranach syl Lu:cas pron <1lu:kas> pos n. Cranach 0. syl Cra:nach pron German <1kra:na$x> pos n. def 1472-1553, German painter, etcher, and designer of woodcuts. cranage 1. syl cran+age pron <1krAniJ> pos n. def the use of a crane. cranage 2. syl cran+age pron <1krAniJ> pos n. def a fee charged for such use. cranberry ety C17: from Low German kraanbere, from kraan #7crane+ bere #7berry cranberries infl head cranberry syl cran+ber:ries. pos n. mod pl. cranberry 1. syl cran+ber:ry pron <1kr@nb*ri>, <-bri> pos n. def any of several trailing ericaceous shrubs of the genus such as the European that bear sour edible red berries. cranberry 2. syl cran+ber:ry pron <1kr@nb*ri>, <-bri> pos n. def the berry of this plant, used to make sauce or jelly. tree alt head cranberry bush or cranberry bush syl tree pos n. cranberry bush 0. or tree syl cran+ber:ry bush pos n. def a North American caprifoliaceous shrub or small tree, producing acid red fruit. crane ety Old English cran; related to Middle High German krane, Latin gr*_us, Greek g*'eranos crane 1. syl crane pron pos n. def any large long-necked long-legged wading bird of the family inhabiting marshes and plains in most parts of the world except South America, New Zealand, and Indonesia: order See also { {demoiselle} (sense 1),} {whooping crane}. crane 2. syl crane pron pos n. usage not in ornithological use def any similar bird, such as a heron. crane 3. syl crane pron pos n. def a device for lifting and moving heavy objects, typically consisting of a pivoted boom rotating about a vertical axis with lifting gear suspended from the end of the boom. See also {gantry}. crane 4. syl crane pron pos n. qual Films. def a large trolley carrying a boom, on the end of which is mounted a camera. crane 5. syl crane pron pos vb. mod tr. def to lift or move (an object) by or as if by a crane. crane 6. syl crane pron pos vb. def to stretch out (esp. the neck), as to see over other people's heads. crane 7. syl crane pron pos vb. mod intr. usage of a horse def to pull up short before a jump. (Harold) Hart 1. head Crane syl (Harold) Hart. def 1899-1932, U.S. poet; author of (1930). Stephen 2. head Crane syl Ste:phen. def 1871-1900, U.S. novelist and short-story writer, noted particularly for his novel (1895). crane fly 0. syl crane fly pos n. def any dipterous fly of the family having long legs, slender wings, and a narrow body. Also called (Brit.): {daddy-longlegs}. cranesbill 0. syl cranes+bill pron <1krAnz2bil> pos n. def any of various plants of the genus having pink or purple flowers and long slender beaked fruits: family See also {wild geranium, herb robert, storksbill}. cranial 0. syl cra+ni:al pron <1krAni*l> pos adj. def of or relating to the skull. cranially sub head cranial syl cra+ni+al+ly pos adv. cranial index 0. syl cra+ni:al in+dex pos n. def the ratio of the greatest length to the greatest width of the cranium, multiplied by 100: used in comparative anthropology. Compare {cephalic index}. cranial nerve 0. syl cra+ni:al nerve pos n. def any of the 12 paired nerves that have their origin in the brain and reach the periphery through natural openings in the skull. craniate 1. syl cra+ni+ate pron <1krAniit>, <-2At> pos adj. def having a skull or cranium. craniate 2. syl cra+ni+ate pron <1krAniit>, <-2At> pos adj. n. def another word for {vertebrate}. craniology 0. syl cra+ni+ol+o:gy pron <2krAni1ol*Ji> pos n. def the branch of science con?!cerned with the shape and size of the human skull, esp. with reference to variations between different races. craniological sub head craniology syl cra+ni:o+log:i+cal pron <2krAni*1loJikL> pos adj. craniologically sub head craniology syl cra+ni:o+1log:i+cal+ly pos adv. craniologist sub head craniology syl cra+ni+1ol:o+gist pos n. craniometer 0. syl cra+ni+om+e:ter pron <2krAni1omit*> pos n. def an instrument for measuring the cranium or skull. craniometry 0. syl cra+ni+om+e:try pron <2krAni1omitri> pos n. def the study and measurement of skulls. craniometric sub head craniometry or craniometrical syl cra+ni:o+met+ric pron <2krAni*1metrik> pos adj. craniometrical sub head craniometry or craniometric syl cra+ni:o+1met+ri+cal pos adj. craniometrically sub head craniometry syl cra+ni:o+1met+ri+cal+ly pos adv. craniometrist sub head craniometry syl cra+ni+1om+e:trist pos n. craniotomies infl head craniotomy syl cra+ni+ot:o+mies. pos n. mod pl. craniotomy 1. syl cra+ni+ot:o+my pron <2krAni1ot*mi> pos n. def surgical incision into the skull, esp. to expose the brain for neurosurgery. craniotomy 2. syl cra+ni+ot:o+my pron <2krAni1ot*mi> pos n. def surgical crushing of a fetal skull to extract a dead fetus. cranium ety C16: from Medieval Latin cr*_anium skull, from Greek kranion craniums infl head cranium or crania syl cra+ni:ums pron <-ni*> pos n. mod pl. crania infl head cranium or craniums syl cra+ni:a pron <-ni*> pos n. mod pl. cranium 1. syl cra+ni:um pron <1krAni*m> pos n. def the skull of a vertebrate. cranium 2. syl cra+ni:um pron <1krAni*m> pos n. def the part of the skull that encloses the brain. Nontechnical name: {brainpan}. crank ety Old English cranc; related to Middle Low German krunke wrinkle, Dutch krinkel #7crinkle crank H1.1. syl crank pron pos n. def a device for communicating motion or for converting reciprocating motion into rotary motion or vice versa, consisting of an arm projecting from a shaft, often with a second member attached to it parallel to the shaft. crank H1.2. syl crank pron pos n. def Also called: {crank handle, starting handle}. a handle incorporating a crank, used to start an engine or motor. crank H1.3.a. syl crank pron pos n. def an eccentric or odd person, esp. someone who stubbornly maintains unusual views. crank H1.3.b. syl crank pron pos n. qual U.S. def a bad-tempered person. crank H1.4. syl crank pron pos n. qual Rare. def a clever turn of speech (esp. in the phrase {quips and cranks) }. crank H1.5. syl crank pron pos n. qual Archaic. def a bend or turn. crank H1.6. syl crank pron pos vb. mod tr. def to rotate (a shaft) by means of a crank. crank H1.7. syl crank pron pos vb. mod tr. def to start (an engine, motor, etc.) by means of a crank handle. crank H1.8. syl crank pron pos vb. mod tr. def to bend, twist, or make into the shape of a crank. crank H1.9. syl crank pron pos vb. mod intr. qual Obsolete. def to twist or wind. crank ety C17: of uncertain origin; perhaps related to #7crank %1 cranky alt head crank or crank syl crank:y pron pos adj. crank H2.0. or cranky syl crank pron pos adj. usage of a sailing vessel def easily keeled over by the wind; tender. crankcase 0. syl crank+case pron <1kr@Gk2kAs> pos n. def the metal housing that encloses the crankshaft, connecting rods, etc., in an internal-combustion engine, reciprocating pump, etc. John infl head Cranko syl John. pos n. Cranko 0. syl Cran:ko pron <1kr@Gk*u> pos n. def 1927-73, British choreographer, born in South Africa: director of the Stuttgart Ballet (1961-73). crankpin 0. syl crank+pin pron <1kr@Gk2pin> pos n. def a short cylindrical bearing surface fitted between two arms of a crank and set parallel to the main shaft of the crankshaft. crankshaft 0. syl crank+shaft pron <1kr@Gk2Sa:ft> pos n. def a shaft having one or more cranks, esp. the main shaft of an internal-combustion engine to which the connecting rods are attached. crank up 0. syl crank up pos vb. adv. mod intr. qual Slang. def to inject a narcotic drug. crankier infl head cranky syl crank:i+er pos adj. crankiest infl head cranky syl crank:i+est. pos adj. cranky H1.1. syl crank:y pron <1kr@Gki> pos adj. qual Informal. def eccentric. cranky H1.2. syl crank:y pron <1kr@Gki> pos adj. qual U.S. informal. def fussy and bad-tempered. cranky H1.3. syl crank:y pron <1kr@Gki> pos adj. def shaky; out of order. cranky H1.4. syl crank:y pron <1kr@Gki> pos adj. def full of bends and turns. cranky H1.5. syl crank:y pron <1kr@Gki> pos adj. qual Brit. dialect. def unwell. crankily sub head cranky syl crank:i+ly pos adv. crankiness sub head cranky syl crank:i+ness pos n. crankier infl head cranky syl crank:i+er pos adj. crankiest infl head cranky syl crank:i+est. pos adj. cranky H2.0. syl crank:y pron <1kr@Gki> pos adj. qual Nautical. def another word for {crank%2}. Thomas infl head Cranmer syl Thom:as. pos n. Cranmer 0. syl Cran:mer pron <1kr@nm*> pos n. def 1489-1556, the first Protestant archbishop of Canterbury (1533-56) and principal author of the Book of Common Prayer. He was burnt as a heretic by Mary I. crannog ety C19: from Middle Irish crann*_oc, from Old Irish crann tree crannoge alt head crannog or crannog syl cran+noge pron <1kr@n*J> pos n. crannog 0. or crannoge syl cran+nog pron <1kr@n*g> pos n. def an ancient Celtic lake or bog dwelling dating from the late Bronze Age to the 16th century #7a.d., often fortified and used as a refuge. cranny ety C15: from Old French cran notch, fissure; compare #7crenel crannies infl head cranny syl cran+nies. pos n. mod pl. cranny 0. syl cran+ny pron <1kr@ni> pos n. def a narrow opening, as in a wall or rock face; chink; crevice (esp. in the phrase {every nook and cranny) }. crannied sub head cranny syl cran+nied pos adj. Cranwell 0. syl Cran+well pron <1kr@nw*l> pos n. def a village in E England, in Lincolnshire: Royal Air Force College (1920). crap ety C20: back formation from #7craps crap H1.1. syl crap pron pos n. def a losing throw in the game of craps. crap H1.2. syl crap pron pos n. def another name for {craps}. crap ety C15 crappe chaff, from Middle Dutch, probably from crappen to break off ********************************************************************** a taboo word for defecate. crap ety C15 crappe chaff, from Middle Dutch, probably from crappen to break off ********************************************************************** crap H2.1. syl crap pron pos n. qual Slang. def nonsense. crap H2.2. syl crap pron pos n. qual Slang. def rubbish. crap H2.3. syl crap pron pos n. qual Slang. def a taboo word for {faeces}. craps infl head crap syl craps pos vb. crapping infl head crap syl crap+ping pos vb. crapped infl head crap syl crapped. pos vb. crap H2.4. syl crap pron pos vb. mod intr. qual Slang. def a taboo word for {defecate}. crapaud ety from French: toad crapaud 0. syl cra+paud pron <1kr@p*u>, <1kra:-> pos n. qual Caribbean. def a frog or toad. crape 1. syl crape pron pos n. def a variant spelling of {crepe}. crape 2. syl crape pron pos n. def crepe, esp. when used for mourning clothes. crape 3. syl crape pron pos n. def a band of black crepe worn in mourning. &- {#!crap@.y} crepe myrtle alt head crape myrtle or crape myrtle syl crepe myr+tle pos n. crape myrtle 0. or crepe myrtle syl crape myr+tle pos n. def an oriental lythraceous shrub, cultivated in warm climates for its pink, red, or white flowers. crap out 1. syl crap out pos vb. adv. mod intr. qual U.S. slang. def to make a losing throw in craps. crap out 2. syl crap out pos vb. adv. mod intr. qual U.S. slang. def to fail; withdraw. crap out 3. syl crap out pos vb. adv. mod intr. qual U.S. slang. def to rest. crappie ety C19: from Canadian French crapet crappies infl head crappie syl crap+pies. pos n. mod pl. crappie 0. syl crap+pie pron <1kr@pi> pos n. def either of two North American freshwater percoid food and game fishes, ({black crappie}) or ({white crappie}) : family (sunfishes, etc.). craps ety C19: probably from crabs lowest throw at dice, plural of #7crab %1 craps 1. syl craps pron pos n. mod usually functioning as; sing. def a gambling game using two dice, in which a player wins the bet if 7 or 11 is thrown first, and loses if 2, 3, or 12 is thrown. shoot craps 2. head craps syl shoot craps. def to play this game. crapshooter 0. syl crap+shoot:er pron <1kr@p2Su:t*> pos n. qual U.S. def a person who plays the game of craps. crapulent ety C18: from Late Latin cr*_apulentus drunk, from Latin cr*_apula, from Greek kraipal*_e drunkenness, headache resulting therefrom &- #!crap@.u+lence n. &- #!crap@.u+lent+ly or #!crap@.u+lous+ly adv. &- #!crap@.u+lous+ness n. crapulous alt head crapulent or crapulent syl crap:u+lous pron <1kr@pjul*s> pos adj. crapulent 1. or crapulous syl crap:u+lent pron <1kr@pjul*nt> pos adj. def given to or resulting from intemperance. crapulent 2. or crapulous syl crap:u+lent pron <1kr@pjul*nt> pos adj. def suffering from intemperance; drunken. craquelure ety C20: from French, from craqueler to crackle, from craquer to crack, of imitative origin craquelure 0. syl cra+que+lure pron <1kr@k*lu*> pos n. def a network of fine cracks on old paintings caused by the deterioration of pigment or varnish. crash ety C14: probably from crasen to smash, shatter+ dasshen to strike violently, #7dash ; see #7craze crash H1.1. syl crash pron pos vb. def to make or cause to make a loud noise as of solid objects smashing or clattering. crash H1.2. syl crash pron pos vb. def to fall or cause to fall with force, breaking in pieces with a loud noise as of solid objects smashing. crash H1.3. syl crash pron pos vb. mod intr. def to break or smash in pieces with a loud noise. crash H1.4. syl crash pron pos vb. mod intr. def to collapse or fail suddenly. exam 1 this business is sure to crash. crash H1.5. syl crash pron pos vb. def to cause (an aircraft) to hit land or water violently resulting in severe damage or (of an aircraft) to hit land or water in this way. crash H1.6. syl crash pron pos vb. def to collide (a car, etc.) with another car or other object or (of two or more cars) to be involved in a collision. crash H1.7. syl crash pron pos vb. def to move or cause to move violently or noisily. exam 1 to crash through a barrier. crash H1.8. syl crash pron pos vb. qual Brit. informal. def short for {gate-crash. ~} crash H1.9. syl crash pron pos vb. def an act or instance of breaking and falling to pieces. crash H1.10. syl crash pron pos vb. def a sudden loud noise. exam 1 the crash of thunder. crash H1.11. syl crash pron pos vb. def a collision, as between vehicles. crash H1.12. syl crash pron pos vb. def a sudden descent of an aircraft as a result of which it hits land or water. crash H1.13. syl crash pron pos vb. def the sudden collapse of a business, stock exchange, etc., esp. one causing further financial failure. crash H1.14.a. syl crash pron pos vb. def requiring or using intensive effort and all possible resources in order to accomplish something quickly. exam 1 a crash programme. crash H1.14.b. syl crash pron pos vb. def sudden or vigorous. exam 1 a crash halt; exam 2 a crash tackle. crasher sub head crash syl crash+er pos n. crash ety C19: from Russian krashenina coloured linen crash H2.0. syl crash pron pos n. def a coarse cotton or linen cloth used for towelling, curtains, etc. Richard infl head Crashaw syl Rich:ard. pos n. Crashaw 0. syl Crash:aw pron <1kr@Sc:> pos n. def 1613-49, English religious poet, noted esp. for the (1646). crash barrier 0. syl crash bar+ri+er pos n. def a barrier erected along the centre of a motorway, around a racetrack, etc., for safety purposes. crash dive 1. syl crash dive pos n. def a sudden steep dive from the surface by a submarine. {~} {crash-dive}. crash dive 2. syl crash dive pos n. usage usually of an aircraft def to descend steeply and rapidly, before hitting the ground. crash dive 3. syl crash dive pos n. def to perform or cause to perform a crash dive. crash helmet 0. syl crash hel+met pos n. def a padded helmet worn for motor-cycling, flying, bobsleighing, etc., to protect the head in a crash. a crashing bore) infl head crashing syl a crashing bore) . pos adj. crash-land 0. syl crash-land pos vb. def to land (an aircraft) in an emergency causing some damage to it or (of an aircraft) to land in this way. crash-landing sub head crash-land syl crash-2land:ing pos n. crash out 1. syl crash out pos vb. adv. mod intr. qual Slang. def to become finally uncon?!scious after being in a high state of stimulation from a drug. crash out 2. syl crash out pos vb. adv. mod intr. qual Slang. def to go to sleep. crash pad 0. syl crash pad pos n. qual Slang. def a place to sleep or live temporarily. crasis ety C17: from Greek krasis a mingling, from kerannunai to mix crases infl head crasis syl cra+ses pron <-sEz> pos n. mod pl. crasis 0. syl cra+sis pron <1krAsis> pos n. def the fusion or contraction of two adjacent vowels into one. Also called: {syneresis}. crass ety C16: from Latin crassus thick, dense, gross crass 1. syl crass pron pos adj. def stupid; gross. crass 2. syl crass pron pos adj. qual Rare. def thick or coarse. crassly sub head crass syl crass+ly pos adv. crassness sub head crass or crassitude syl crass+ness pos n. crassitude sub head crass or crassness syl cras+si+2tude pos n. crassulaceous ety C19: from New Latin Crassula name of genus, from Medieval Latin: stonecrop, from Latin crassus thick crassulaceous 0. syl cras+su+la+ceous pron <2kr@sju1lAS*s> pos adj. def of, relating to, or belong?!ing to the a family of herbaceous or shrubby flowering plants with fleshy succulent leaves, including the houseleeks and stonecrops. Marcus Licinius infl head Crassus syl Mar:cus Li:cin:i:us pron <1ma:k*s> pos n. Crassus 0. syl Cras:sus pron <1kr@s*s> pos n. def ??115-53 #7b.c., Roman general; member of the first triumvirate with Caesar and Pompey. -crat ety from Greek -krat*_es, from -kratia -#7cracy -crat 0. syl -crat pos n. usage combining form. def indicating a person who takes part in or is a member of a form of government or class. exam 1 democrat; exam 2 technocrat. -cratic sub head -crat or -cratical syl -crat:ic pos adj. -cratical sub head -crat or -cratic syl -crat:ic+al pos adj. cratch ety C14: from Old French: #7cr*`eche cratch 0. syl cratch pron pos n. def a rack for holding fodder for cattle, etc. crate ety C16: from Latin cr*_atis wickerwork, hurdle crate 1. syl crate pron pos n. def a fairly large container, usually made of wooden slats or wickerwork, used for packing, storing, or transporting goods. crate 2. syl crate pron pos n. qual Slang. def an old car, aeroplane, etc. crate 3. syl crate pron pos vb. mod tr. def to pack or place in a crate. crater sub head crate syl crat+er pos n. crater ety C17: from Latin: mixing bowl, crater, from Greek krat*_er, from kerannunai to mix crater 1. syl cra+ter pron <1krAt*> pos n. def the bowl-shaped opening at the top or side of a volcano or top of a geyser through which lava and gases are emitted. crater 2. syl cra+ter pron <1krAt*> pos n. def a similarly shaped depression formed by the impact of a meteorite or exploding bomb. crater 3. syl cra+ter pron <1krAt*> pos n. def any of the tens of thousands of roughly circular or polygonal walled formations covering the surface of the moon and some other planets, formed probably either by volcanic action or by the impact of meteorites. They can have a diameter of up to 240 kilometres (150 miles) and a depth of 8900 metres (29000 feet). crater 4. syl cra+ter pron <1krAt*> pos n. def a pit in an otherwise smooth surface. crater 5. syl cra+ter pron <1krAt*> pos n. def a large open bowl with two handles, used for mixing wines, esp. in ancient Greece. crater 6. syl cra+ter pron <1krAt*> pos vb. def to make or form craters in (a surface, such as the ground). craterless sub head crater syl cra+ter+less pos adj. crater-like sub head crater syl cra:ter-2like pos adj. craterous sub head crater syl cra+ter+ous pos adj. Crateris infl head Crater syl Cra+ter+is pron <1krAt*ris> pos n. qual Latin genitive Crater 0. syl Crat+er pron <1krAt*> pos n. def a small faint constellation in the S hemisphere lying between Virgo and Hydra. craunch 0. syl craunch pron pos vb. def a dialect word for {crunch}. craunchable sub head craunch syl craunch+a:ble pos adj. craunchy sub head craunch syl craunch:y pos adj. craunchiness sub head craunch syl craunch:i+ness pos n. cravat ety C17: from French cravate, from Serbo-Croatian Hrvat Croat; so called because worn by Croats in the French army during the Thirty Years' War cravat 0. syl cra+vat pron pos n. def a scarf of silk or fine wool, worn round the neck, esp. by men. crave ety Old English crafian; related to Old Norse krefja to demand, kr*_@afr strong; see #7craft crave 1. syl crave pron pos vb. mod when; intr. usage foll. by for or after def to desire intensely; long (for). crave 2. syl crave pron pos vb. mod tr. def to need greatly or urgently. crave 3. syl crave pron pos vb. mod tr. def to beg or plead for. craver sub head crave syl crav+er pos n. craven ety C13 cravant, probably from Old French crevant bursting, from crever to burst, die, from Latin crep*_are to burst, crack craven 1. syl cra+ven pron <1krAvN> pos adj. def cowardly; mean-spirited. craven 2. syl cra+ven pron <1krAvN> pos n. def a coward. cravenly sub head craven syl cra+ven+ly pos adv. cravenness sub head craven syl cra+ven+ness pos n. craw ety C14: related to Middle High German krage, Middle Dutch cr*_aghe neck, Icelandic kragi collar craw 1. syl craw pron pos n. def a less common word for {{crop} (sense 6)}. craw 2. syl craw pron pos n. def the stomach of an animal. stick in someone's craw 3. head craw syl stick in someone's craw. qual Slang. def to be unacceptable or irritating to someone. crawfish infl or crawfishes syl craw+fish pos n. mod pl. crawfishes infl head crawfish or crawfish syl craw+fish:es. pos n. mod pl. crawfish 0. syl craw+fish pron <1krc:2fiS> pos n. def a variant spelling (esp. U.S.) of {{crayfish} (esp. sense 2)}. crawl ety C14: probably from Old Norse krafla to creep; compare Swedish kravla, Middle Low German krabbelen to crawl, Old Norse krabbi #7crab %1 crawl H1.1. syl crawl pron pos vb. mod intr. def to move slowly, either by dragging the body along the ground or on the hands and knees. crawl H1.2. syl crawl pron pos vb. mod intr. def to proceed or move along very slowly or laboriously. exam 1 the traffic crawled along the road. crawl H1.3. syl crawl pron pos vb. mod intr. def to act or behave in a servile manner; fawn; cringe. crawl H1.4. syl crawl pron pos vb. mod intr. def to be or feel as if overrun by crawling creatures. exam 1 the pile of refuse crawled with insects. crawl H1.5. syl crawl pron pos vb. mod intr. usage of insects, worms, snakes, etc. def to move with the body close to the ground. crawl H1.6. syl crawl pron pos vb. mod intr. def to swim the crawl. crawl H1.7. syl crawl pron pos n. mod intr. def a slow creeping pace or motion. crawl H1.8. syl crawl pron pos n. mod intr. def Also called: {Australian crawl, front crawl}. a stroke in which the feet are kicked like paddles while the arms reach forward and pull back through the water. crawlingly sub head crawl syl crawl+ing+ly pos adv. crawl ety C17: from Dutch kraal #7kraal crawl H2.0. syl crawl pron pos n. def an enclosure in shallow, coastal water for fish, lobsters, etc. crawler 1. syl crawl+er pron <1krc:l*> pos n. qual Slang. def a servile flatterer. crawler 2. syl crawl+er pron <1krc:l*> pos n. def a person or animal that crawls. crawler 3. syl crawl+er pron <1krc:l*> pos n. qual U.S. def an informal name for an {earthworm}. crawler 4. syl crawl+er pron <1krc:l*> pos n. mod pl. def a baby's overalls; rompers. Crawley 0. syl Craw+ley pron <1krc:li> pos n. def a town in S England, in NE West Sussex: designated a new town in 1956. Pop.: 67709 (1971). crawling peg 0. syl crawl+ing peg pos n. def a method of stabilizing exchange rates, prices, etc., by maintaining a fixed level for a specified period or until the rate or price has persisted at an upper or lower limit for a specified period and then permitting a predetermined incremental rise or fall. crawlier infl head crawly syl crawl:i+er pos adj. crawliest infl head crawly syl crawl:i+est. pos adj. crawly 0. syl crawl:y pron <1krc:li> pos adj. qual Informal. def feeling or causing a sensation like creatures crawling on one's skin. cray 0. syl cray pron pos n. qual Austral. informal. def a crayfish. crayfish ety C14: cray, by folk etymology, from Old French crevice crab, from Old High German krebiz+#7fish crayfish 1. syl cray+fish pron <1krA2fiS> usage esp. U.S. def any freshwater decapod crustacean of the genera and resembling a small lobster. crayfish 2. syl cray+fish pron <1krA2fiS> usage esp. U.S. def any of various similar crustaceans, esp. the spiny lobster. crayon ety C17: from French, from craie, from Latin cr*_eta chalk crayon 1. syl cray+on pron <1krA*n>, <-on> pos n. def a small stick or pencil of charcoal, wax, clay, or chalk mixed with coloured pigment. crayon 2. syl cray+on pron <1krA*n>, <-on> pos n. def a drawing made with crayons. crayon 3. syl cray+on pron <1krA*n>, <-on> pos vb. def to draw or colour with crayons. crayonist sub head crayon syl cray+on+ist pos n. craze ety C14 (in the sense: to break, shatter): probably of Scandinavian origin; compare Swedish krasa to shatter, ultimately of imitative origin craze 1. syl craze pron pos n. def a short-lived current fashion. craze 2. syl craze pron pos n. def a wild or exaggerated enthusiasm. exam 1 a craze for chestnuts. craze 3. syl craze pron pos n. def mental disturbance; insanity. craze 4. syl craze pron pos vb. def to make or become mad. craze 5. syl craze pron pos vb. qual Ceramics, metallurgy. def to develop or cause to develop a fine network of cracks. craze 6. syl craze pron pos vb. mod tr. qual Brit. dialect or obsolete. def to break. craze 7. syl craze pron pos vb. mod tr. qual Archaic. def to weaken. crazed 1. syl crazed pron pos adj. def driven insane. crazed 2. syl crazed pron pos adj. usage of porcelain or pottery def having a fine network of cracks in the glaze. crazier infl head crazy syl cra+zi+er pos adj. craziest infl head crazy syl cra+zi+est. pos adj. crazy 1. syl cra+zy pron <1krAzi> pos adj. qual Informal. def insane. crazy 2. syl cra+zy pron <1krAzi> pos adj. def fantastic; strange; ridiculous. exam 1 a crazy dream. crazy 3. syl cra+zy pron <1krAzi> pos adj. qual Informal. usage postpositive; foll. by about or over def extremely fond (of). crazy 4. syl cra+zy pron <1krAzi> pos adj. qual Slang. def very good or excellent. crazy 5. syl cra+zy pron <1krAzi> pos adj. qual Archaic. def likely to collapse; rickety. crazily sub head crazy syl cra+zi+ly pos adv. craziness sub head crazy syl cra+zi+ness pos n. crazy bone 0. syl cra+zy bone pos n. def the U.S. name for {funny bone}. crazy paving 0. syl cra+zy pav+ing pos n. qual Brit. def a form of paving, as for a path, made of slabs of stone of irregular shape fitted together. crazy quilt 0. syl cra+zy quilt pos n. def a patchwork quilt made from assorted pieces of material of irregular shape, size, and colour. creak ety C14: variant of #7croak, of imitative origin creak 1. syl creak pron pos vb. def to make or cause to make a harsh squeaking sound. creak 2. syl creak pron pos vb. mod intr. def to make such sounds while moving. exam 1 the old car creaked along. creak 3. syl creak pron pos n. def a harsh squeaking sound. creaky sub head creak syl creak:y pos adj. creakily sub head creak syl creak:i+ly pos adv. creakiness sub head creak syl creak:i+ness pos n. creakingly sub head creak syl creak+ing+ly pos adv. cream ety C14: from Old French cresme, from Late Latin cr*_amum cream, of Celtic origin; influenced by Church Latin chrisma unction, #7chrism cream 1.a. syl cream pron pos n. def the fatty part of milk, which rises to the top if the milk is allowed to stand. cream 1.b. syl cream pron pos n. usage as modifier def . exam 1 cream buns. cream 2. syl cream pron pos n. def anything resembling cream in consistency. exam 1 shoe cream; exam 2 beauty cream. cream 3. syl cream pron pos n. def the best one or most essential part of something; pick. exam 1 the cream of the bunch; exam 2 the cream of the joke. cream 4. syl cream pron pos n. def a soup containing cream or milk. exam 1 cream of chicken soup. cream 5. syl cream pron pos n. def any of various dishes, cakes, biscuits, etc., resembling or containing cream. cream 6. syl cream pron pos n. def a confection made of fondant or soft fudge, often covered in chocolate. cream sherry 7. head cream syl cream sherry. def a full-bodied sweet sherry. cream 8.a. syl cream pron pos n. def a yellowish-white colour. cream 8.b. syl cream pron pos as; adj. exam 1 cream wallpaper. cream 9. syl cream pron pos vb. mod tr. def to skim or otherwise separate the cream from (milk). cream 10. syl cream pron pos vb. mod tr. def to beat (foodstuffs, esp. butter and sugar) to a light creamy consistency. cream 11. syl cream pron pos vb. mod intr. def to form cream. cream 12. syl cream pron pos vb. mod tr. def to add or apply cream or any creamlike substance to. exam 1 to cream one's face; exam 2 to cream coffee. cream 13. syl cream pron pos vb. mod tr. usage sometimes foll. by off def to take away the best part of. cream 14. syl cream pron pos vb. mod tr. def to prepare or cook (vegetables, chicken, etc.) with cream or milk. cream 15. syl cream pron pos vb. def to allow (milk) to form a layer of cream on its surface or (of milk) to form such a layer. cream 16. syl cream pron pos vb. mod tr. qual Slang, chiefly U.S. def to beat thoroughly. cream 17. syl cream pron pos vb. mod intr. usage Taboo slang. of men def to ejaculate, as during orgasm. creamlike sub head cream syl cream+2like pos adj. cream cheese 0. syl cream cheese pos n. def a smooth soft white cheese made from soured cream or milk. cream cracker 0. syl cream crack+er pos n. qual Brit. def a crisp unsweetened biscuit, usually eaten with cheese. creamcups 0. syl cream+cups pron <1krEm2k^ps> pos n. def a Californian papaveraceous plant, with small cream-coloured or yellow flowers on long flower stalks. creamer 1. syl cream+er pron <1krEm*> pos n. def a vessel or device for separating cream from milk. creamer 2. syl cream+er pron <1krEm*> pos n. qual Chiefly U.S. def a small jug or pitcher for serving cream. creameries infl head creamery syl cream+er:ies. pos n. mod pl. creamery 1. syl cream+er:y pron <1krEm*ri> pos n. def an establishment where milk and cream are made into butter and cheese. creamery 2. syl cream+er:y pron <1krEm*ri> pos n. def a place where dairy products are sold. creamery 3. syl cream+er:y pron <1krEm*ri> pos n. def a place where milk is left to stand until the cream rises to the top. creamwove alt head creamlaid or creamlaid syl cream+wove pron <1krEm2w*uv> pos adj. creamlaid 0. or creamwove syl cream+laid pron <1krEm2lAd> pos adj. usage of paper def cream-coloured and of a ribbed appearance. cream of tartar 0. syl cream of tar+tar pos n. def another name for {potassium hydrogen tartrate}, esp. when used in baking powders. cream puff 1. syl cream puff pos n. def a shell of light pastry with a custard or cream filling. cream puff 2. syl cream puff pos n. qual Informal. def an effeminate man. cream sauce 0. syl cream sauce pos n. def a white sauce made from cream, butter, etc. cream soda 0. syl cream so:da pos n. qual Chiefly U.S. def a soft drink flavoured with vanilla. cream tea 0. syl cream tea pos n. def afternoon tea including bread or scones served with clotted cream and jam. creamier infl head creamy syl cream:i+er pos adj. creamiest infl head creamy syl cream:i+est. pos adj. creamy 1. syl cream:y pron <1krEmi> pos adj. def resembling cream in colour, taste, or consistency. creamy 2. syl cream:y pron <1krEmi> pos adj. def containing cream. creamily sub head creamy syl cream:i+ly pos adv. creaminess sub head creamy syl cream:i+ness pos n. crease ety C15: from earlier cr*_est; probably related to Old French crest*'e wrinkled crease H1.1. syl crease pron pos n. def a line or mark produced by folding, pressing, or wrinkling. crease H1.2. syl crease pron pos n. def a wrinkle or furrow, esp. on the face. crease H1.3. syl crease pron pos n. qual Cricket. def any three lines near each wicket marking positions for the bowler or batsman. See also {bowling crease, popping crease, return crease}. crease H1.4. syl crease pron pos n. qual Ice hockey. def the small rectangular area in front of each goal cage. crease H1.5. syl crease pron pos n. def Also called: {goal crease}. the circular area surrounding the goal. crease H1.6. syl crease pron pos vb. def to make or become wrinkled or furrowed. crease H1.7. syl crease pron pos vb. mod tr. def to graze with a bullet, causing superficial injury. crease H1.8. syl crease pron pos vb. qual Slang. usage often foll. by up def to be or cause to be greatly amused. creaseless sub head crease syl crease+less pos adj. creaser sub head crease syl creas+er pos n. creasy sub head crease syl creas:y pos adj. crease H2.0. syl crease pron pos n. def a rare spelling of {kris}. create ety C14 creat created, from Latin cre*_atus, from cre*_are to produce, make &- cre+#!at+a@.ble adj. create 1. syl cre+ate pron pos vb. mod tr. def to cause to come into existence. create 2. syl cre+ate pron pos vb. mod tr. def to invest with a new honour, office, or title; appoint. create 3. syl cre+ate pron pos vb. mod tr. def to be the cause of. exam 1 these circumstances created the revolution. create 4. syl cre+ate pron pos vb. mod tr. def to act (a role) in the first production of a play. create 5. syl cre+ate pron pos vb. mod intr. def to be engaged in creative work. create 6. syl cre+ate pron pos vb. mod intr. qual Brit. slang. def to make a fuss or uproar. creatine ety C19: creat- from Greek kreas flesh+-#7ine %2 creatin alt head creatine or creatine syl cre:a+tin pron <1krE*tin> pos n. creatine 0. or creatin syl cre:a+tine pron <1krE*2tEn>, <-tin> pos n. def a weakly basic compound found, as the phosphate, in the muscles of vertebrates: used in muscle contraction. Formula: HN:C(NH\2)?!NCH\3CH\2COOH. creatinine ety C19: from German Kreatinin, from Kreatin #7creatine+ -in -#7ine %2 creatinine 0. syl cre+at:i+nine pron pos n. def a white crystalline slightly soluble solid produced by catabolism of creatine and found esp. in urine and muscle. Formula: C\4H\7N\3O. creation 1. syl cre:a+tion pron pos n. def the act or process of creating. creation 2. syl cre:a+tion pron pos n. def the fact of being created or produced. creation 3. syl cre:a+tion pron pos n. def something that has been brought into existence or created, esp. a product of human intelligence or imagination. creation 4. syl cre:a+tion pron pos n. def the whole universe, including the world and all the things in it. creation 5. syl cre:a+tion pron pos n. def an unusual or striking garment or hat. creational sub head creation syl cre:1a+tion+al pos adj. Creation 1. syl Cre:a+tion pron pos n. qual Theol. usage often preceded by the def God's act of bringing the universe into being. Creation 2. syl Cre:a+tion pron pos n. qual Theol. def the universe as thus brought into being by God. creationism 1. syl cre:a+tion+ism pron pos n. qual Theol. def the belief that God brings individual human souls into existence at conception or birth. Compare {traducianism}. creationism 2. syl cre:a+tion+ism pron pos n. qual Theol. def the doctrine that ascribes the origins of all things, to God's acts of creation rather than to evolution. creationist sub head creationism syl cre:1a+tion+ist pos n. creationistic sub head creationism syl cre:2a+tion+1is+tic pos adj. creative 1. syl cre:a+tive pron pos adj. def having the ability or power to create. creative 2. syl cre:a+tive pron pos adj. def characterized by originality of thought or inventive?!ness; having or showing imagination. exam 1 a creative mind. creative 3. syl cre:a+tive pron pos adj. def de?!signed to or tending to stimulate the imagination or invention. exam 1 creative toys. creatively sub head creative syl cre:1a+tive+ly pos adv. creativeness sub head creative syl cre:1a+tive+ness pos n. creator 0. syl cre:a+tor pron pos n. def a person or thing that creates; originator. creatorship sub head creator syl cre:1a+tor+2ship pos n. Creator 0. syl Cre:a+tor pron pos n. usage usually preceded by the def an epithet of God. creature ety C13: from Church Latin cr*_eat*_ura, from Latin cr*_eare to create creature 1. syl crea+ture pron <1krEC*> pos n. def a living being, esp. an animal. creature 2. syl crea+ture pron <1krEC*> pos n. def something that has been created, whether animate or inanimate. exam 1 a creature of the imagination. creature 3. syl crea+ture pron <1krEC*> pos n. def a human being; person: used as a term of scorn, pity, or endearment. creature 4. syl crea+ture pron <1krEC*> pos n. def a person who is dependent upon another; tool or puppet. creatural sub head creature or creaturely syl crea+tur+al pos adj. creaturely sub head creature or creatural syl crea+ture+ly pos adj. creatureliness sub head creature syl crea+ture+li+ness pos n. creature comforts 0. syl crea+ture com+forts pos n. mod pl. def material things or luxuries that help to provide for one's bodily comfort. creche ety C19: from Old French: manger, crib, ultimately of Germanic origin; compare Old High German kripja crib creche 1. syl cr*`eche pron , , French pos n. qual Chiefly Brit. def a day nursery for very young children. creche 2. syl cr*`eche pron , , French pos n. def a tableau of Christ's Nativity. creche 3. syl cr*`eche pron , , French pos n. def a foundling home or hospital. Cr'ecy 0. syl Cr*'e+cy pron <1kresi>, French pos n. def a village in N France: scene of the first decisive battle of the Hundred Years' War when the English defeated the French (1346). Official name {Cr*'e@.cy-en-Pon@.thieu} (*~a p*~@$#!tj$o). English {Cressy}. credence ety C14: from Medieval Latin cr*_edentia trust, credit, from Latin cr*_edere to believe credence 1. syl cre+dence pron <1krEdNs> pos n. def acceptance or belief, esp. with regard to the truth of the evidence of others. exam 1 I cannot give credence to his account. credence 2. syl cre+dence pron <1krEdNs> pos n. def something supporting a claim to belief; recommendation; credential (esp. in the phrase {letters of credence}) . credence 3. syl cre+dence pron <1krEdNs> pos n. def short for {credence table}. credence table 1. syl cre+dence ta+ble pos n. def a small sideboard, originally one at which food was tasted for poison before serving. credence table 2. syl cre+dence ta+ble pos n. qual Christianity. def a small table or ledge on which the bread, wine, etc., are placed before being consecrated in the Eucharist. credendum ety Latin: a thing to be believed, from cr*_edere to believe da infl head credendum syl +da pron <-d*> pos n. mod pl. often; pl. credendum 0. syl cre+den+dum pron pos n. mod often; pl. qual Christianity. def an article of faith. credent ety C17: from Latin cr*_ed*_ens believing credent 0. syl cre+dent pron <1krEdNt> pos adj. qual Obsolete. def believing or believable. credential ety C16: from Medieval Latin cr*_edentia credit, trust; see #7credence credential 1. syl cre+den+tial pron pos n. def something that entitles a person to confidence, authority, etc. credential 2. syl cre+den+tial pron pos n. mod pl. def a letter or certificate giving evidence of the bearer's identity or competence. credential 3. syl cre+den+tial pron pos adj. def entitling one to confidence, authority, etc. credentialed sub head credential syl cre+1den+tialed pos adj. credenza ety Italian: see #7credence credenza 0. syl cre+den+za pron pos n. def another name for {credence table}. credibility gap 0. syl cred+i:bil+i:ty gap pos n. def a disparity between claims or state?!ments made and the evident facts of the situation or circumstances to which they relate. credible ety C14: from Latin cr*_edibilis, from Latin cr*_edere to believe credible 1. syl cred+i:ble pron <1kredibL> pos adj. def capable of being believed. credible 2. syl cred+i:ble pron <1kredibL> pos adj. def trustworthy. credibleness sub head credible or credibility syl cred+i:ble+ness pos n. credibility sub head credible or credibleness syl cred+i:1bil+i:ty pos n. credibly sub head credible syl cred+i:bly pos adv. credit ety C16: from Old French cr*'edit, from Italian credito, from Latin cr*_editum loan, from cr*_edere to believe credit 1. syl cred+it pron <1kredit> pos n. def commendation or approval, as for an act or quality. exam 1 she was given credit for her work. credit 2. syl cred+it pron <1kredit> pos n. def a person or thing serving as a source of good influence, repute, ability, etc.. exam 1 a credit to the team. credit 3. syl cred+it pron <1kredit> pos n. def the quality of being believable or trustworthy. exam 1 that statement had credit. credit 4. syl cred+it pron <1kredit> pos n. def influence or reputation coming from the approval or good opinion of others. exam 1 he acquired credit within the community. credit 5. syl cred+it pron <1kredit> pos n. def belief in the truth, reliability, quality, etc., of someone or something. exam 1 I would give credit to that philosophy. credit 6. syl cred+it pron <1kredit> pos n. def a sum of money or equivalent purchasing power, as at a shop, available for a person's use. credit 7.a. syl cred+it pron <1kredit> pos n. def the positive balance in a person's bank account. credit 7.b. syl cred+it pron <1kredit> pos n. def the sum of money that a bank makes available to a client in excess of any deposit. credit 8.a. syl cred+it pron <1kredit> pos n. def the practice of permitting a buyer to receive goods or services before payment. credit 8.b. syl cred+it pron <1kredit> pos n. def the time permitted for paying for such goods or services. credit 9. syl cred+it pron <1kredit> pos n. def reputation for solvency and commercial or financial probity, inducing confidence among creditors. credit 10.a. syl cred+it pron <1kredit> pos n. def acknowledgment of an income, liability, or capital item by entry on the right-hand side of an account. credit 10.b. syl cred+it pron <1kredit> pos n. def the right-hand side of an account. credit 10.c. syl cred+it pron <1kredit> pos n. def an entry on this side. credit 10.d. syl cred+it pron <1kredit> pos n. def the total of such entries. credit 10.e. syl cred+it pron <1kredit> pos n. usage as modifier; credit entries. def Compare {{debit} (sense 1)}. credit 11.a. syl cred+it pron <1kredit> pos n. def a distinction awarded to an examination candidate obtaining good marks. credit 11.b. syl cred+it pron <1kredit> pos n. def a section of an examination syllabus satisfactorily completed, as in higher and professional education. letter of credit 12. head credit syl letter of credit. def an order authorizing a named person to draw money from correspondents of the issuer. on credit 13. head credit syl on credit. def with payment to be made at a future date. credit 14. syl cred+it pron <1kredit> pos vb. mod tr. usage foll. by with def to ascribe (to); give credit (for). exam 1 they credited him with the discovery. credit 15. syl cred+it pron <1kredit> pos vb. mod tr. def to accept as true; believe. credit 16. syl cred+it pron <1kredit> pos vb. mod tr. def to do credit to. credit 17.a. syl cred+it pron <1kredit> pos vb. mod tr. def to enter (an item) as a credit in an account. credit 17.b. syl cred+it pron <1kredit> pos vb. mod tr. def to acknowledge (a payer) by making such an entry. Compare {{debit} (sense 2)}. credit 18. syl cred+it pron <1kredit> pos vb. mod tr. def to award a credit to (a student). creditless sub head credit syl cred+it+less pos adj. creditable 1. syl cred+it+a:ble pron <1kredit*bL> pos adj. def deserving credit, honour, etc.; praiseworthy. creditable 2. syl cred+it+a:ble pron <1kredit*bL> pos adj. qual Obsolete. def credible. creditableness sub head creditable or creditability syl cred+it+a:ble+ness pos n. creditability sub head creditable or creditableness syl cred+it+a:1bil+i:ty pos n. creditably sub head creditable syl cred+it+a:bly pos adv. credit account 0. syl cred+it ac+count pos n. qual Brit. def a credit system by means of which customers may obtain goods and services before payment. Also called: {charge account}. credit card 0. syl cred+it card pos n. def a card issued by banks, businesses, etc., enabling the holder to obtain goods and services on credit. credit line 1. syl cred+it line pos n. def an acknowledgment of origin or authorship, as in a newspaper or film. credit line 2. syl cred+it line pos n. def Also: {line of credit}. the maximum credit that a customer is allowed. creditor 0. syl cred:i+tor pron <1kredit*> pos n. def a person or commercial enterprise to whom money is owed. Compare {debtor}. credit rating 0. syl cred+it rat+ing pos n. def an evaluation of the creditworthiness of an individual or business enterprise, based on earning power, previous record of debt repayment, etc. credits 0. syl cred+its pron <1kredits> pos n. mod pl. def a list of those responsible for the production of a film. credit squeeze 0. syl cred+it squeeze pos n. def the control of credit facilities as an instrument of economic policy, associated with restrictions on bank loans and overdrafts, raised interest rates, etc. credit standing 0. syl cred+it stand+ing pos n. def reputation for discharging financial obligations. credit union 0. syl cred+it un+ion pos n. def a cooperative association whose members can obtain low-interest loans out of their combined savings. credos infl head credo syl cre+dos. pos n. mod pl. credo 0. syl cre+do pron <1krEd*u>, <1krA-> pos n. def any formal or authorized statement of beliefs, principles, or opinions. Credo ety C12: from Latin literally: I believe; first word of the Apostles' and Nicene Creeds Credos infl head Credo syl Cre+dos. pos n. mod pl. Credo 1. syl Cre+do pron <1krEd*u>, <1krA-> pos n. def the Apostles' Creed or the Nicene Creed. Credo 2. syl Cre+do pron <1krEd*u>, <1krA-> pos n. def a musical setting of the Creed. credulity 0. syl cre+du+li:ty pron pos n. def disposition to believe something on little evidence; gullibility. credulous ety C16: from Latin cr*_edulus, from cr*_edere to believe credulous 1. syl cred:u+lous pron <1kredjul*s> pos adj. def tending to believe something on little evidence. credulous 2. syl cred:u+lous pron <1kredjul*s> pos adj. def arising from or characterized by credulity. exam 1 credulous beliefs. credulously sub head credulous syl cred:u+lous+ly pos adv. credulousness sub head credulous syl cred:u+lous+ness pos n. cree ety of unknown origin cree 0. syl cree pron pos n. qual South Wales and southwest English dialect. def temporary immunity from the rules of a game: said by children. Cree ety from first syllable of Canadian French Christianaux, probably based on Ojibwa Kenistenoag (tribal name) Cree 1. or Crees syl Cree pron pos n. mod pl. def a member of a North American Indian people living in Ontario, Saskatchewan, and Montana. Cree 2. syl Cree pron pos n. def the language of this people, belonging to the Algonquian family. Cree 3. syl Cree pron pos n. def a syllabic writing system of this and certain other languages. creed ety Old English cr*_eda, from Latin cr*_edo I believe creed 1. syl creed pron pos n. def a concise, formal statement of the essential articles of Christian belief, such as the Apostles' Creed or the Nicene Creed. creed 2. syl creed pron pos n. def any statement or system of beliefs or principles. creedal sub head creed or credal syl creed+al pos adj. credal sub head creed or creedal syl cred+al pos adj. creek ety C13: from Old Norse kriki nook; related to Middle Dutch kr*_eke creek, inlet creek 1. syl creek pron pos n. qual Chiefly Brit. def a narrow inlet or bay, esp. of the sea. creek 2. syl creek pron pos n. qual Chiefly U.S., Canadian, and Australian. def a small stream or tributary. up the creek 3. head creek syl up the creek. qual Slang. def in trouble; in a difficult position. Creek 1. or Creeks syl Creek pron pos n. mod pl. def a member of a confederacy of North American Indian peoples formerly living in Georgia and Alabama, now chiefly in Oklahoma. Creek 2. syl Creek pron pos n. def any of the languages of these peoples, belonging to the Muskhogean family. creel ety C15: from Scottish, of obscure origin creel 1. syl creel pron pos n. def a wickerwork basket, esp. one used to hold fish. creel 2. syl creel pron pos n. def a wickerwork trap for catching lobsters, etc. creel 3. syl creel pron pos n. def the framework on a spinning machine that holds the bobbins. creel 4. syl creel pron pos n. qual West Yorkshire dialect. def a wooden frame suspended from a ceiling, used for drying clothes. creep ety Old English cr*_eopan; related to Old Frisian kri*_apa, Old Norse krj*_upa, Middle Low German kr*_upen creeps infl head creep syl creeps pos vb. mod intr. creeping infl head creep syl creep+ing pos vb. mod intr. crept infl head creep syl crept. pos vb. mod intr. creep 1. syl creep pron pos vb. mod intr. def to crawl with the body near to or touching the ground. creep 2. syl creep pron pos vb. mod intr. def to move slowly, quietly, or cautiously. creep 3. syl creep pron pos vb. mod intr. def to act in a servile way; fawn; cringe. creep 4. syl creep pron pos vb. mod intr. def to move or slip out of place, as from pressure or wear. creep 5. syl creep pron pos vb. mod intr. usage of plants def to grow along the ground or over rocks, producing roots, suckers, or tendrils at intervals. creep 6. syl creep pron pos vb. mod intr. usage of a body or substance def to become permanently deformed as a result of an applied stress, often when combined with heating. creep 7. syl creep pron pos vb. mod intr. def to develop gradually. exam 1 creeping unrest. creep 8. syl creep pron pos vb. mod intr. def to have the sensation of something crawling over the skin. creep 9. syl creep pron pos vb. mod intr. usage of metals def to undergo slow plastic deformation. {~} creep 10. syl creep pron pos vb. mod intr. def the act of creeping or a creeping movement. creep 11. syl creep pron pos vb. mod intr. qual Slang. def a person considered to be obnoxious or servile. creep 12. syl creep pron pos vb. mod intr. def the continuous permanent deforma?!tion of a body or substance as a result of stress or heat. creep 13. syl creep pron pos vb. mod intr. qual Geology. def the gradual downwards movement of loose rock material, soil, etc., on a slope. creep 14. syl creep pron pos vb. mod intr. def a slow relative movement of two adjacent parts, structural components, etc. creep 15. syl creep pron pos vb. mod intr. def slow plastic deformation of metals. creeper 1. syl creep+er pron <1krEp*> pos n. def a person or animal that creeps. creeper 2. syl creep+er pron <1krEp*> pos n. def a plant, such as the ivy or periwinkle, that grows by creeping. creeper 3. syl creep+er pron <1krEp*> pos n. def the U.S. name for the {tree creeper}. creeper 4. syl creep+er pron <1krEp*> pos n. def a hooked instrument for dragging deep water. creeper 5. syl creep+er pron <1krEp*> pos n. def Also called: {cradle}. a flat board or framework mounted on casters, used to lie on when working under cars. creeper 6. syl creep+er pron <1krEp*> pos n. def Also called: {daisycutter}. a bowled ball that keeps low or travels along the ground. creeper 7. syl creep+er pron <1krEp*> pos n. def either of a pair of low iron supports for logs in a hearth. creeper 8. syl creep+er pron <1krEp*> pos n. qual Informal. def a shoe with a soft sole. creepie 0. syl creep:ie pron <1krEpi>, <1krip-> pos n. qual Chiefly Scot. def a low stool. creeping bent grass 0. syl creep+ing bent grass pos n. def a grass, grown as a pasture grass in Europe and North America: roots readily from the stem. creeping Charlie alt head creeping Jennie or creeping Jennie syl creep+ing Char+lie pos n. qual U.S. creeping Jennie 0. or creeping Charlie syl creep+ing Jen+nie pos n. def another name for {moneywort}. creeping thistle 0. syl creep+ing this+tle pos n. def a weedy Eurasian thistle, common as a fast-spreading weed in the U.S. U.S. name: {Canada thistle}. creeps 0. syl creeps pron pos n. mod pl. qual Slang. usage preceded by the def a feeling of fear, repulsion, disgust, etc. creepier infl head creepy syl creep:i+er pos adj. creepiest infl head creepy syl creep:i+est. pos adj. creepy 1. syl creep:y pron <1krEpi> pos adj. qual Informal. def having or causing a sensation of repulsion, horror, or fear, as of creatures crawling on the skin. creepy 2. syl creep:y pron <1krEpi> pos adj. def creeping; slow-moving. creepily sub head creepy syl creep:i+ly pos adv. creepiness sub head creepy syl creep:i+ness pos n. creepy-crawlies infl head creepy-crawly syl creep:y-crawl:ies. pos n. mod pl. creepy-crawly 1. syl creep:y-crawl:y pos n. qual Brit. informal. def a small crawling creature. creepy-crawly 2. syl creep:y-crawl:y pos adj. qual Brit. informal. def feeling or causing a sensation as of creatures crawling on one's skin. creese 0. syl creese pron pos n. def a rare spelling of {kris}. cremate ety C19: from Latin crem*_are cremate 0. syl cre+mate pron pos vb. mod tr. def to burn up (something, esp. a corpse) and reduce to ash. cremation sub head cremate syl cre+1ma+tion pos n. cremationism sub head cremate syl cre+1ma+tion+ism pos n. cremationist sub head cremate syl cre+1ma+tion+ist pos n. cremator 1. syl cre+ma+tor pron pos n. def Also called (esp. U.S.): {cinerator}. a furnace for cremating corpses. cremator 2. syl cre+ma+tor pron pos n. def a person who operates such a furnace. crematoriums infl head crematorium or crematoria syl crem:a+to+ri:ums pron <-ri*> pos n. mod pl. crematoria infl head crematorium or crematoriums syl crem:a+to+ri:a pron <-ri*> pos n. mod pl. crematorium 0. syl crem:a+to+ri:um pron <2krem*1tc:ri*m> pos n. qual Brit. def a building in which corpses are cremated. Also called (esp. U.S.): {crematory}. creme 1. syl cr*`eme pron , , , French pos n. def cream. creme 2. syl cr*`eme pron , , , French pos n. def any of various sweet liqueurs. exam 1 cr*`eme de moka. creme 3. syl cr*`eme pron , , , French pos adj. usage of a liqueur def rich and sweet. creme brul'ee ety literally, burnt cream creme brul'ee 0. syl cr*`eme br*^u+l*'ee pron French. pos n. def a cream or custard dessert covered with caramelized sugar. creme caramel 0. syl cr*`eme car:a+mel pos n. def a dessert made of eggs, sugar, milk, etc., topped with caramel. Also called: {caramel cream}. creme de cacao ety French, literally: cream of cacao creme de cacao 0. syl cr*`eme de ca+ca:o pron <1krem> , <1k*uk*u>, <1krEm>, <1krAm> pos n. def a sweet liqueur with a chocolate flavour. creme de la creme ety literally: cream of the cream creme de la creme 0. syl cr*`eme de la cr*`eme pron French. , French. <1krem> pos n. def the very best. creme de menthe ety French, literally: cream of mint creme de menthe 0. syl cr*`eme de menthe pron <1krem> <1menT>, <1mint>, <1krEm>, <1krAm> pos n. def a liqueur flavoured with peppermint, usually bright green in colour. Cremona 0. syl Cre+mo+na pron Italian pos n. def a city in N Italy, in Lombardy on the River Po: noted for the manufacture of fine violins in the 16th-18th centuries. Pop.: 81983 (1971). crenate ety C18: from New Latin cr*_en*_atus, from Medieval Latin, probably from Late Latin cr*_ena a notch crenated alt head crenate or crenate syl cre+nat+ed pos adj. crenate 0. or crenated syl cre+nate pron <1krEnAt> pos adj. def having a scalloped margin, as certain leaves. crenately sub head crenate syl cre+nate+ly pos adv. crenature alt head crenation or crenation syl cren:a+ture pron <1kren*2tju*>, <1krE-> pos n. crenation 1. or crenature syl cre+na+tion pron pos n. def any of the rounded teeth or the notches between them on a crenate structure. crenation 2. or crenature syl cre+na+tion pron pos n. def a crenate formation or condition. crenel ety C15: from Old French, literally: a little notch, from cren notch, from Late Latin cr*_ena crenelle alt head crenel or crenel syl cre+nelle pron pos n. crenel 1. or crenelle syl cren+el pron <1krenL> pos n. def any of a set of openings formed in the top of a wall or parapet and having slanting sides, as in a battlement. crenel 2. or crenelle syl cren+el pron <1krenL> pos n. def another name for {crenation}. crenellate ety C19: from Old French creneler, from #7crenel &- #!cren+el+@!lat+ed or U.S. #!cren+el+@!at+ed adj. &- @!cren+el+#!la+tion or U.S. @!cren+el@.#!a+tion n. crenelate alt head crenellate or crenellate syl cren+el+ate pron <1kreni2lAt> pos vb. mod tr. qual U.S. crenellate 1. or crenelate syl cren+el+late pron <1kreni2lAt> pos vb. mod tr. def to supply with battlements. crenellate 2. or crenelate syl cren+el+late pron <1kreni2lAt> pos vb. mod tr. def to form square indentations in (a moulding, etc.). crenulate ety C18: from New Latin cr*_enul*_atus, from cr*_enula, literally: a little notch; see #7crenel crenulated alt head crenulate or crenulate syl cren:u+lat+ed pos adj. crenulate 0. or crenulated syl cren:u+late pron <1krenju2lAt>, <-lit> pos adj. def having a margin very finely notched with rounded projections, as certain leaves. crenulation 1. syl cren:u+la+tion pron <2krenju1lAS*n> pos n. def any of the teeth or notches of a crenulate structure. crenulation 2. syl cren:u+la+tion pron <2krenju1lAS*n> pos n. def a crenulate formation. creodont ety C19: from New Latin Creodonta, from Greek kreas flesh+ od*_on tooth creodont 0. syl cre:o+dont pron <1krE*2dont> pos n. def any of a group of extinct Tertiary mammals some of which are thought to have been the ancestors of modern carnivores: order creole ety C17: via French and Spanish probably from Portuguese crioulo slave born in one's household, person of European ancestry born in the colonies, probably from criar to bring up, from Latin cre*_are to #7create creole 1. syl cre+ole pron <1krE*ul> pos n. def a language that has its origin in extended contact between two language communities, one of which is generally European. It incorporates features from each and constitutes the mother tongue of a community. Compare {pidgin}. creole 2. syl cre+ole pron <1krE*ul> pos adj. def denoting, relating to, or characteristic of creole. creole 3. syl cre+ole pron <1krE*ul> pos adj. usage of a sauce or dish def containing or cooked with tomatoes, green peppers, onions, etc. Creole 1.a. syl Cre+ole pron <1krE*ul> pos n. def a native-born person of European, esp. Spanish, ancestry. Creole 1.b. syl Cre+ole pron <1krE*ul> pos n. def a native-born person of mixed European and Negro ancestry who speaks a French or Spanish creole. Creole 1.c. syl Cre+ole pron <1krE*ul> pos n. def a native-born Negro as distinguished from one brought from Africa. Creole 2. syl Cre+ole pron <1krE*ul> pos n. usage in Louisiana and other Gulf States def a native-born person of French ancestry. Creole 3. syl Cre+ole pron <1krE*ul> pos n. def the creolized French spoken in Louisiana, esp. in New Orleans. Creole 4. syl Cre+ole pron <1krE*ul> pos adj. def of, relating to, or characteristic of any of these peoples. creolised alt head creolized or creolized syl cre:o+lised pron <1krE*2lIzd> pos adj. creolized 0. or creolised syl cre:o+lized pron <1krE*2lIzd> pos adj. usage of a language def incorporating a considerable range of features from one or more unrelated languages, as the result of contact between language communities. Creon 0. syl Cre:on pron <1krEon> pos n. qual Greek myth. def the successor to Oedipus as king of Thebes; the brother of Jocasta. See also {Antigone}. creophagous ety C19: from Greek kreophagos, from kreas flesh+-#7phagous creophagous 0. syl cre+oph:a+gous pron pos adj. def flesh-eating or carnivorous. creophagy sub head creophagous syl cre+oph:a+gy pron pos n. creosol ety C19: from #7creos (#7ote) #7+ -#7ol %1 creosol 0. syl cre:o+sol pron <1krE*2sol> pos n. def a colourless or pale yellow insoluble oily liquid with a smoky odour and a burning taste; 2-methoxy-4-methylphenol: an active principle of creosote. Formula: CH\3O(CH\3)C\6H\3OH. creosote ety C19: from Greek kreas flesh+ s*_ot*_er preserver, from s*_ozein to keep safe creosote 1. syl cre:o+sote pron <1kri*2s*ut> pos n. def a colourless or pale yellow liquid mixture with a burning taste and penetrating odour distilled from wood tar, esp. from beechwood, contains creosol and other phenols, and is used as an antiseptic. creosote 2. syl cre:o+sote pron <1kri*2s*ut> pos n. def Also called: {coal-tar creosote}. a thick dark liquid mixture prepared from coal tar, containing phenols: used as a preservative for wood. {~} creosote 3. syl cre:o+sote pron <1kri*2s*ut> pos n. def to treat (wood) with creosote. creosotic sub head creosote syl cre:o+sot+ic pron <2kri*1sotik> pos adj. creosote bush 0. syl cre:o+sote bush pos n. def a shrub, (or of the western U.S. and Mexico, that has resinous leaves with an odour resembling creosote: family Also called: {greasewood}. crepe ety C19: from French cr*^epe, from Latin crispus curled, uneven, wrinkled crape alt head crepe or crepe syl crape pron pos n. crepe 1.a. or crape syl crepe pron pos n. def a light cotton, silk, or other fabric with a fine ridged or crinkled surface. crepe 1.b. or crape syl crepe pron pos n. usage as modifier exam 1 a crepe dress. crepe 2. or crape syl crepe pron pos n. def a black armband originally made of this, worn as a sign of mourning. crepe 3. or crape syl crepe pron pos n. def a very thin pancake, often rolled or folded around a filling. crepe 4. or crape syl crepe pron pos n. def short for {crepe paper} or {crepe rubber}. crepe 5. or crape syl crepe pron pos vb. mod tr. def to cover or drape with crepe. crepe de Chine ety C19: from French: Chinese crepe crepe de Chine 0.a. syl crepe de Chine pron <2krAp> <1SEn> pos n. def a very thin crepe of silk or a similar light fabric. crepe de Chine 0.b. syl crepe de Chine pron <2krAp> <1SEn> pos n. usage as modifier exam 1 a crepe-de-Chine blouse. crepe hair 0. syl crepe hair pos n. def artificial hair, usually plaited and made of wool or vegetable fibre, used in theatrical make-up. crepe paper 0. syl crepe pa+per pos n. def thin crinkled coloured paper, resembling crepe and used for decorations. crepe rubber 1. syl crepe rub+ber pos n. def a type of crude natural rubber in the form of colourless or pale yellow crinkled sheets, prepared by pressing bleached coagulated latex through corrugated rollers: used for the soles of shoes and in making certain surgical and medical goods. Sometimes shortened to {crepe}. Compare {smoked rubber}. crepe rubber 2. syl crepe rub+ber pos n. def a similar synthetic rubber. crepes suzettes infl head crepe suzette syl cr*^epes su+zettes. pos n. mod pl. some?!times; pl. crepe suzette 0. syl cr*^epe su+zette pron <1krAp> pos n. mod some?!times; pl. def an orange-flavoured pancake flamb*'eed in a liqueur or brandy. crepitate ety C17: from Latin crepit*_are crepitate 0. syl crep:i+tate pron <1krepi2tAt> pos vb. mod intr. def to make a rattling or crackling sound; rattle or crackle. crepitant sub head crepitate syl crep:i+tant pos adj. crepitation sub head crepitate syl crep:i+1ta+tion pos n. crepitus ety C19: from Latin, from crep*_are to crack, creak crepitus 1. syl crep:i+tus pron <1krepit*s> pos n. def a crackling chest sound heard in pneumonia and other lung diseases. crepitus 2. syl crep:i+tus pron <1krepit*s> pos n. def the grating sound of two ends of a broken bone rubbing together. crept 0. syl crept pron pos vb. def the past tense or past participle of {creep}. crepuscular ety C17: from Latin crepusculum dusk, from creper dark crepuscular 1. syl cre+pus+cu+lar pron pos adj. def of or like twilight; dim. crepuscular 2. syl cre+pus+cu+lar pron pos adj. usage of certain insects, birds, and other animals def active at twilight or just before dawn. Cres 0. syl Cres. qual abbrev. for def Crescent. crescendo ety C18: from Italian, literally: increasing, from crescere to grow, from Latin crescendos infl head crescendo or crescendi syl cre+scen+dos pron <-di> pos n. mod pl. crescendi infl head crescendo or crescendos syl cre+scen+di pron <-di> pos n. mod pl. crescendo 1.a. syl cre+scen+do pron pos n. def a gradual increase in loudness or the musical direction or symbol indicating this. Abbrev.: {cresc}. Symbol: ###800151 ###800152 (written over the music affected). crescendo 1.b. syl cre+scen+do pron pos n. usage as modifier def . exam 1 a crescendo passage. crescendo 2. syl cre+scen+do pron pos n. def any similar gradual increase in loudness. exam 1 the cheers reached a crescendo. crescendoes infl head crescendo syl cre+scen+does pos vb. crescendoing infl head crescendo syl cre+scen+do+ing pos vb. crescendoed infl head crescendo syl cre+scen+doed. pos vb. crescendo 3. syl cre+scen+do pron pos vb. mod intr. def to increase in loudness or force. crescendo 4. syl cre+scen+do pron pos adv. def with a crescendo. crescent ety C14: from Latin cresc*_ens increasing, from crescere to grow crescent 1. syl cres+cent pron <1kresNt>, <-zNt> pos n. def the biconcave shape of the moon in its first or last quarters. crescent 2. syl cres+cent pron <1kresNt>, <-zNt> pos n. def any shape or object resembling this. crescent 3.a. syl cres+cent pron <1kresNt>, <-zNt> pos n. def a crescent-shaped street, often lined with houses of the same style. crescent 3.b. syl cres+cent pron <1kresNt>, <-zNt> pos n. usage cap. when part of a name exam 1 Pelham Crescent. crescent 4. syl cres+cent pron <1kresNt>, <-zNt> pos n. qual Heraldry. def a crescent moon, used as the cadency mark of a second son. crescent 5.a. syl cres+cent pron <1kresNt>, <-zNt> pos n. def the emblem of Islam or Turkey. crescent 5.b. syl cres+cent pron <1kresNt>, <-zNt> pos n. def Islamic or Turkish power. crescent 6. syl cres+cent pron <1kresNt>, <-zNt> pos adj. qual Archaic or poetic. def increasing or growing. crescentic sub head crescent syl cres+cen+tic pron pos adj. cresol 0. syl cre+sol pron <1krEsol> pos n. def an aromatic compound derived from phenol, existing in three isomeric forms: found in coal tar and creosote and used in making synthetic resins and as an antiseptic and disinfectant; hydroxytoluene. Formula: C\6H\4(CH\3)OH. Also called: {cresylic acid}. cress ety Old English cressa; related to Old High German cresso cress, kresan to crawl cress 0. syl cress pron pos n. def any of various cruciferous plants of the genera etc., having pungent-tasting leaves often used in salads and as a garnish. See also {watercress, garden cress}. cresset ety C14: from Old French craisset, from craisse #7grease cresset 0. syl cres+set pron <1kresit> pos n. qual History. def a metal basket mounted on a pole in which oil or pitch was burned for illumination. Criseyde infl head Cressida or Cressid syl Cri:sey:de pos n. Cressid infl head Cressida or Criseyde syl Cres+sid pos n. Cressida 0. syl Cres:si:da pron <1kresid*> pos n. usage in medieval adaptations of the story of Troy def a lady who deserts her Trojan lover Troilus for the Greek Diomedes. Cressy 0. syl Cres+sy pron <1kresi> pos n. def the English name for {Cr*'ecy}. crest ety C14: from Old French creste, from Latin crista crest 1. syl crest pron pos n. def a tuft or growth of feathers, fur, or skin along the top of the heads of some birds, reptiles, and other animals. crest 2. syl crest pron pos n. def something resembling or suggesting this. crest 3. syl crest pron pos n. def the top, highest point, or highest stage of something. crest 4. syl crest pron pos n. def a ridge on the neck of a horse, dog, lion, etc. crest 5. syl crest pron pos n. def the mane or hair growing from this ridge. crest 6. syl crest pron pos n. def an ornamental piece, such as a plume, on top of a helmet. crest 7. syl crest pron pos n. qual Heraldry. def a symbol of a family or office, usually representing a beast or bird, born in addition to a coat of arms and used in medieval times to decorate the helmet. crest 8. syl crest pron pos n. def a ridge along the top of a roof, wall, etc. crest 9. syl crest pron pos n. def a ridge along the surface of a bone. crest 10. syl crest pron pos n. def Also called: {cresting}. identifying rings painted around an arrow shaft. {~} crest 11. syl crest pron pos n. mod intr. def to come or rise to a high point. crest 12. syl crest pron pos n. mod tr. def to lie at the top of; cap. crest 13. syl crest pron pos n. mod tr. def to go to or reach the top of (a hill, wave, etc.). crested sub head crest syl crest+ed pos adj. crestless sub head crest syl crest+less pos adj. crested tit 0. syl crest+ed tit pos n. def a small European songbird, that has a greyish-brown plumage with a prominent speckled black-and-white crest: family (tits). crestfallen 0. syl crest+fall:en pron <1krest2fc:l*n> pos adj. def dejected, depressed, or disheart?!ened. crestfallenly sub head crestfallen syl crest+2fall:en+ly pos adv. cresting 1. syl crest+ing pron <1krestiG> pos n. def an ornamental ridge along the top of a roof, wall, etc. cresting 2. syl crest+ing pron <1krestiG> pos n. qual Furniture. def a shaped decorative toprail or horizontal carved ornament surmounting a chair, mirror, etc. cresylic ety C19: from #7cre (#7o) #7s (#7ote) #7+ -#7yl+ -#7ic cresylic 0. syl cre+syl+ic pron pos adj. def of, concerned with, or containing creosote or cresol. cretaceous ety C17: from Latin cr*_et*_aceus, from cr*_eta, literally: Cretan earth, that is, chalk cretaceous 0. syl cre+ta+ceous pron pos adj. def consisting of or resembling chalk. cretaceously sub head cretaceous syl cre+1ta+ceous+ly pos adv. Cretaceous 1. syl Cre+ta+ceous pron pos adj. def of, denoting, or formed in the last period of the Mesozoic era, between the Jurassic and Tertiary periods, lasting 65 million years during which chalk deposits were formed and flowering plants first appeared. Crethe 2. head Cretaceous syl Cre+the. def the Cretaceous period or rock system. Crete 0. syl Crete pron pos n. def a mountainous island in the E Mediterranean, the largest island of Greece: of archaeological importance for the ruins of Minoan civilization. Capital: Canea (Khan*'ia). Pop.: 456642 (1971). Area: 8331 sq. km (3249 sq. miles). Modern Greek name: {Kr*'iti}. Cretan sub head Crete syl Cre+tan pos adj. n. cretic ety C16: from Latin cr*_eticus consisting of the amphimacer, literally: Cretan, from Greek kr*_etikos, from Kr*_et*_e C#7rete cretic 0. syl cre+tic pron <1krEtik> pos n. qual Prosody. def a metrical foot consisting of three syllables, the first long, the second short, and the third long (*_ *u #800153 *_ ). Also called: {amphimacer}. Compare {amphibrach}. cretin ety C18: from French cr*'etin, from Swiss French crestin, from Latin Chr*_isti*_anus C#7hristian, alluding to the humanity of such people, despite their handicaps cretin 1. syl cret+in pron <1kretin> pos n. def a person afflicted with cretinism: a mentally retarded dwarf with wide-set eyes, a broad flat nose, and protruding tongue. cretin 2. syl cret+in pron <1kretin> pos n. def a person considered to be extremely stupid. cretinoid sub head cretin syl cret+in+2oid pos adj. cretinous sub head cretin syl cret+in+ous pos adj. cretinism 0. syl cret+in+ism pron <1kreti2niz*m> pos n. def a condition arising from a deficiency of thyroid hormone, present from birth, characterized by dwarfism and mental retardation. See also {myxoedema}. cretonne ety C19: from French, from Creton Norman village where it originated cretonne 0.a. syl cre+tonne pron , <1kreton> pos n. def a heavy cotton or linen fabric with a printed design, used for furnishing. cretonne 0.b. syl cre+tonne pron , <1kreton> pos n. usage as modifier exam 1 cretonne chair covers. Creuse 0. syl Creuse pron French pos n. def a department of central France, in Limousin region. Capital: Gu*'eret. Pop.: 151341 (1975). Area: 5606 sq. km (2186 sq. miles). crevasse ety C19: from French: #7crevice crevasse 1. syl cre+vasse pron pos n. def a deep crack or fissure, esp. in the ice of a glacier. crevasse 2. syl cre+vasse pron pos n. qual U.S. def a break in a river embankment. crevasse 3. syl cre+vasse pron pos vb. mod tr. qual U.S. def to make a break or fissure in (a dyke, wall, etc.). crevice ety C14: from Old French crevace, from crever to burst, from Latin crep*_are to crack crevice 0. syl crev+ice pron <1krevis> pos n. def a narrow fissure or crack; split; cleft. crew ety C15 crue (military) reinforcement, from Old French creue augmentation, from Old French creistre to increase, from Latin crescere crew H1.1. syl crew pron pos n. mod sometimes functioning as; pl. def the men who man a ship, boat, aircraft, etc. crew H1.2. syl crew pron pos n. mod sometimes functioning as; pl. qual Nautical. def a group of people assigned to a particular job or type of work. crew H1.3. syl crew pron pos n. mod sometimes functioning as; pl. qual Informal. def a gang, company, or crowd. crew H1.4. syl crew pron pos n. mod sometimes functioning as; pl. qual Archaic. def a band of armed men. crew H1.5. syl crew pron pos vb. mod sometimes functioning as; pl. def to serve on (a ship) as a member of the crew. crew H2.0. syl crew pron pos vb. qual Archaic. def a past tense of {{crow%2}}. crew cut ety C20: from the style of haircut worn by the boat crews at Harvard and Yale Universities crew cut 0. syl crew cut pos n. def a closely cropped haircut for men, originating in the U.S. Crewe 0. syl Crewe pron pos n. def a town in NW England, in Cheshire: major railway junction. Pop.: 51302 (1971). crewel ety C15: of unknown origin crewel 0. syl crew+el pron <1kru:il> pos n. def a loosely twisted worsted yarn, used in fancy work and embroidery. crewelist sub head crewel syl crew+el+ist pos n. crewelwork sub head crewel syl crew:el+2work pos n. crew neck 0. syl crew neck pos n. def a plain round neckline in sweaters. crew-neck sub head crew neck or crew-necked syl crew-2neck pos adj. crew-necked sub head crew neck or crew-neck syl crew-2necked pos adj. crib ety Old English cribb; related to Old Saxon kribbia, Old High German krippa; compare Middle High German kr*_ebe basket crib 1. syl crib pron pos n. def a child's bed with slatted wooden sides; cot. crib 2. syl crib pron pos n. def a cattle stall or pen. crib 3. syl crib pron pos n. def a fodder rack or manger. crib 4. syl crib pron pos n. def a bin or granary for storing grain, etc. crib 5. syl crib pron pos n. def a small crude cottage or room. crib 6. syl crib pron pos n. def any small confined space. crib 7. syl crib pron pos n. qual Informal. def a brothel. crib 8. syl crib pron pos n. def a wicker basket. crib 9. syl crib pron pos n. def a representation of the manger in which the infant Jesus was laid at birth. crib 10. syl crib pron pos n. qual Informal. def a theft, esp. of another's writing or thoughts. crib 11. syl crib pron pos n. def Also called (esp. U.S.): { {pony} (sense 5).} a translation of a foreign text or a list of answers used by students, often illicitly, as an aid in lessons, examinations, etc. crib 12. syl crib pron pos n. def short for {cribbage}. crib 13. syl crib pron pos n. qual Cribbage. def the discard pile. crib 14. syl crib pron pos n. def Also called: {cribwork}. a framework of heavy timbers laid in layers at right angles to one another, used in the construction of foundations, mines, etc. crib 15. syl crib pron pos n. def a storage area for floating logs contained by booms. crib 16. syl crib pron pos n. qual Austral., N.Z. def food, esp. a light meal. cribs infl head crib syl cribs pos vb. cribbing infl head crib syl crib+bing pos vb. cribbed infl head crib syl cribbed. pos vb. crib 17. syl crib pron pos vb. mod tr. def to put or enclose in or as if in a crib; furnish with a crib. crib 18. syl crib pron pos vb. mod tr. qual Informal. def to steal another's writings or thoughts. crib 19. syl crib pron pos vb. mod intr. qual Informal. def to copy either from a crib or from someone else during a lesson or examination. crib 20. syl crib pron pos vb. mod tr. def to line (a construction hole) with timber beams, logs, or planks. crib 21. syl crib pron pos vb. qual Informal. def to grumble. cribber sub head crib syl crib+ber pos n. cribbage ety C17: of uncertain origin cribbage 0. syl crib+bage pron <1kribiJ> pos n. def a game of cards for two to four, in which players try to win a set number of points before their opponents. Often shortened to {crib}. cribbage board 0. syl crib+bage board pos n. def a board, with pegs and holes, used for scoring at cribbage. crib-biting 0. syl crib-bit:ing pos n. def a harmful habit of horses in which the animal leans on the manger or seizes it with the teeth and swallows a gulp of air. crib-biter sub head crib-biting syl crib-2bit:er pos n. cribellum ety C19: New Latin, from Late Latin cribellum, diminutive of Latin cribrum a sieve cribella infl head cribellum syl cri+bel+la pron <-l*> pos n. mod pl. cribellum 0. syl cri+bel+lum pron pos n. def a sievelike spinning organ in certain spiders that occurs between the spinnerets. cribriform ety C18: from New Latin cr*_ibriformis, from Latin cr*_ibrum a sieve+-#7form cribrous alt head cribriform or cribriform syl crib+rous pron <1kribr*s> pos adj. cribriform 0. or cribrous syl crib+ri+form pron <1kribri2fc:m> pos adj. qual Anatomy. def pierced with holes; sievelike. cribwork 0. syl crib+work pron <1krib2wR:k> pos n. def another name for {{crib} (sense 14)}. James infl head Crichton syl James pos n. Crichton 0. syl Crich:ton pron <1krItN> pos n. def 1560-82. Scottish scholar and poet, called because of his alleged talents. crick ety C15: of uncertain origin crick H1.1. syl crick pron pos n. qual Informal. def a painful muscle spasm or cramp, esp. in the neck or back. crick H1.2. syl crick pron pos vb. mod tr. qual Informal. def to cause a crick in (the neck, back, etc.). crick H2.0. syl crick pron pos n. qual U.S. def a dialect word for {creek}. Francis Harry Compton infl head Crick syl Fran:cis Har:ry Comp:ton. pos n. Crick 0. syl Crick pron pos n. def born 1916, English biochemist: helped to discover the helical structure of DNA; Nobel prize for medicine shared with James Watson and Maurice Wilkins 1962. cricket ety C14: from Old French criquet, from criquer to creak, of imitative origin cricket H1.1. syl crick+et pron <1krikit> pos n. def any insect of the orthopterous family having long antennae and, in the males, the ability to produce a chirping sound (stridulation) by rubbing together the leathery forewings. cricket H1.2. syl crick+et pron <1krikit> pos n. def any of various related insects, such as the mole cricket. cricket ety C16: from Old French criquet goal post, wicket, of uncertain origin cricket H2.1.a. syl crick+et pron <1krikit> pos n. def a game played by two teams of eleven players on a field with a wicket at either end of a 22-yard pitch, the object being for one side to score runs by hitting a hard leather-covered ball with a bat while the other side tries to dismiss them by bowling, catching, running them out, etc. cricket H2.1.b. syl crick+et pron <1krikit> pos n. usage as modifier def . exam 1 a cricket bat. not cricket 2. head cricket syl not cricket. qual Informal. def not fair play. {~} cricket H2.3. syl crick+et pron <1krikit> pos n. def to play cricket. cricketer sub head cricket syl crick+et+er pos n. cricket ety C17: of unknown origin cricket H3.0. syl crick+et pron <1krikit> pos n. def a small low stool. cricoid ety C18: from New Latin crico*_ides, from Greek krikoeid*_es ring-shaped, from krikos ring cricoid 1. syl cri+coid pron <1krIkcid> pos adj. def of or relating to the ring-shaped lowermost cartilage of the larynx. cricoid 2. syl cri+coid pron <1krIkcid> pos n. def this cartilage. cris de coeur infl head cri de coeur syl cris de coeur. pos n. mod pl. cri de coeur 0. syl cri de coeur pron French. pos n. def a cry from the heart; heartfelt or sincere appeal. crier 1. syl cri+er pron <1krI*> pos n. def a person or animal that cries. crier 2. syl cri+er pron <1krI*> pos n. usage formerly def an official who made public announcements, esp. in a town or court. crier 3. syl cri+er pron <1krI*> pos n. def a person who shouts advertisements about the goods he is selling. crikey ety C19: euphemistic for Christ&! crikey 0. syl cri+key pron <1krIki> pos interj. qual Slang. def an expression of surprise. crim 0. syl crim pron pos n. adj. qual Austral. slang. def short for {criminal}. crim 0. syl crim. qual abbrev. for def criminal. crim con 0. syl crim. con. qual Law. abbrev. for def criminal conversation. crime ety C14: from Old French, from Latin cr*_imen verdict, accusation, crime crime 1. syl crime pron pos n. def an act or omission prohibited and punished by law. crime 2.a. syl crime pron pos n. def unlawful acts in general. exam 1 a wave of crime. crime 2.b. syl crime pron pos n. usage as modifier def . exam 1 crime wave. crime 3. syl crime pron pos n. def an evil act. crime 4. syl crime pron pos n. qual Informal. def something to be regretted. exam 1 it is a crime that he died young. Crimea 0. syl Cri+me:a pron pos n. def a peninsula of the SW Soviet Union, in the S Ukrainian SSR between the Black Sea and the Sea of Azov: a former autonomous republic of the Soviet Union (until 1946). Russian name: {Krym}. Crimean sub head Crimea syl Cri+1me:an pos adj. n. Crimean War 0. syl Cri+me:an War pos n. def the war fought mainly in the Crimea between Russia on one side and Turkey, France, Sardinia, and Britain on the other (1853-56). crime passionel ety from French crime passionel 0. syl crime pas+sio+nel qual French def krim pasj@$#!n$el) {crimes pas+sio+nel}. a crime committed from passion, esp. sexual passion. Also called: {crime of passion}. crime sheet 0. syl crime sheet pos n. qual Mil. def a record of an individual's offences against regulations. criminal ety C15: from Late Latin cr*_imin*_alis; see #7crime , -#7al %1 criminal 1. syl crim:i+nal pron <1kriminL> pos n. def a person charged with and convicted of crime. criminal 2. syl crim:i+nal pron <1kriminL> pos n. def a person who commits crimes for a living. criminal 3. syl crim:i+nal pron <1kriminL> pos adj. def of, involving, or guilty of crime. criminal 4. syl crim:i+nal pron <1kriminL> pos adj. usage prenominal def of or relating to crime or its punishment. exam 1 criminal court; exam 2 criminal lawyer. criminal 5. syl crim:i+nal pron <1kriminL> pos adj. qual Informal. def senseless or deplorable. exam 1 a criminal waste of money. criminally sub head criminal syl crim:i+nal+ly pos adv. criminal conversation 1. syl crim:i+nal con+ver+sa+tion pos n. usage formerly def a common law action brought by a husband by which he claimed damages against an adulterer. criminal conversation 2. syl crim:i+nal con+ver+sa+tion pos n. def another term for {adultery}. criminalities infl head criminality syl crim:i+nal+i:ties. pos n. mod pl. criminality 1. syl crim:i+nal+i:ty pron <2krimi1n@liti> pos n. def the state or quality of being criminal. criminality 2. syl crim:i+nal+i:ty pron <2krimi1n@liti> pos n. mod often; pl. qual Now rare. def a criminal act or practice. criminal law 0. syl crim:i+nal law pos n. def the body of law dealing with the constitution of offences and the punishment of offenders. criminate ety C17: from Latin cr*_imin*_ar*_i to accuse criminate 1. syl crim:i+nate pron <1krimi2nAt> pos vb. mod tr. qual Rare. def to charge with a crime; accuse. criminate 2. syl crim:i+nate pron <1krimi2nAt> pos vb. mod tr. qual Rare. def to condemn or censure (an action, event, etc.). criminate 3. syl crim:i+nate pron <1krimi2nAt> pos vb. mod tr. qual Rare. def short for {incriminate}. crimination sub head criminate syl crim:i+1na+tion pos n. criminative sub head criminate or criminatory syl crim:i+na+tive pron <1krimin*t*ri>, <-tri> pos adj. criminatory sub head criminate or criminative syl crim:i+na+to:ry pron <1krimin*t*ri>, <-tri> pos adj. criminator sub head criminate syl crim:i+2na+tor pos n. criminology ety C19: from Latin crimin- #7crime, -#7logy criminology 0. syl crim:i+nol+o:gy pron <2krimi1nol*Ji> pos n. def the scientific study of crime, criminal behaviour, law enforcement, etc. See also {penology}. criminological sub head criminology or criminologic syl crim:i+no+log:i+cal pron <2krimin*1loJikL> pos adj. criminologic sub head criminology or criminological syl crim:i+no+1log+ic pos adj. criminologically sub head criminology syl crim:i+no+1log:i+cal+ly pos adv. criminologist sub head criminology syl crim:i+1nol:o+gist pos n. crimmer 0. syl crim+mer pron <1krim*> pos n. def a variant spelling of {krimmer}. crimp ety Old English crympan; related to crump bent, Old Norse kreppa to contract, Old High German crumpf, Old Swedish crumb crooked; see #7cramp crimp H1.1. syl crimp pron pos vb. mod tr. def to fold or press into ridges. crimp H1.2. syl crimp pron pos vb. mod tr. def to fold and pinch together (something, such as the edges of two pieces of metal). crimp H1.3. syl crimp pron pos vb. mod tr. def to curl or wave (the hair) tightly, esp. with curling tongs. crimp H1.4. syl crimp pron pos vb. mod tr. def to decorate (the edge of pastry) by pinching with the fingers to give a fluted effect. crimp H1.5. syl crimp pron pos vb. mod tr. def to gash (fish or meat) with a knife to make the flesh firmer and crisper when cooked. crimp H1.6. syl crimp pron pos vb. mod tr. def to bend or mould (leather) into shape, as for shoes. crimp H1.7. syl crimp pron pos vb. mod tr. qual Metallurgy. def to bend the edges of (a metal plate) before forming into a cylinder. crimp H1.8. syl crimp pron pos vb. mod tr. qual U.S. informal. def to hinder. crimp H1.9. syl crimp pron pos n. mod tr. def the act or result of folding or pressing together or into ridges. crimp H1.10. syl crimp pron pos n. mod tr. def a tight wave or curl in the hair. crimp H1.11. syl crimp pron pos n. mod tr. def a crease or fold in a metal sheet for rigidity or to make a lapped joint. crimp H1.12. syl crimp pron pos n. mod tr. def the natural wave of wool fibres. crimper sub head crimp syl crimp+er pos n. crimpy sub head crimp syl crimp:y pos adj. crimp ety C17: of unknown origin crimp H2.1. syl crimp pron pos n. usage formerly def a person who swindled or pressganged men into military service. crimp H2.2. syl crimp pron pos vb. def to recruit by coercion or under false pretences. crimple 0. syl crim+ple pron <1krimpL> pos vb. def to crumple, wrinkle, or curl. Crimplene 0. syl Crimp+lene pron <1krimplEn> pos n. qual Trademark. def a synthetic material similar to Terylene, characterized by its crease-resistance. crimson ety C14: from Old Spanish cremesin, from Arabic qirmizi red of the kermes, from qirmiz #7kermes crimson 1.a. syl crim+son pron <1krimz*n> pos n. def a deep or vivid red colour. crimson 1.b. syl crim+son pron <1krimz*n> pos as; adj. exam 1 a crimson rose. crimson 2. syl crim+son pron <1krimz*n> pos vb. def to make or become crimson. crimson 3. syl crim+son pron <1krimz*n> pos vb. mod intr. def to blush. crimsonness sub head crimson syl crim+son+ness pos n. cringe ety Old English cringan to yield in battle; related to Old Norse krangr weak, Middle High German krenken to weaken cringe 1. syl cringe pron pos vb. mod intr. def to shrink or flinch, esp. in fear or servility. cringe 2. syl cringe pron pos vb. mod intr. def to behave in a servile or timid way. cringe 3. syl cringe pron pos n. mod intr. def the act of cringing. cringer sub head cringe syl cring+er pos n. cringingly sub head cringe syl cring+ing+ly pos adv. cringle ety C17: from Low German Kringel small #7ring ; see #7crank, crinkle cringle 0. syl crin+gle pron <1kriGgL> pos n. def an eye at the edge of a sail, usually formed from a thimble or grommet. crinite ety C16: from Latin cr*_in*_itus hairy, from cr*_inis hair crinite H1.0. syl cri+nite pron <1krInIt> pos adj. qual Biology. def covered with soft hairs or tufts. crinite ety C19: from Greek krinon lily+-#7ite %1 crinite H2.0. syl cri+nite pron <1krInIt>, <1krin-> pos n. def short for {encrinite}. crinkle ety Old English crincan to bend, give way; related to Middle Dutch krinkelen to crinkle, Middle High German krank weak, ill, krenken to weaken crinkle 1. syl crin+kle pron <1kriGkL> pos vb. def to form or cause to form wrinkles, twists, or folds. crinkle 2. syl crin+kle pron <1kriGkL> pos vb. def to make or cause to make a rustling noise. crinkle 3. syl crin+kle pron <1kriGkL> pos n. def a wrinkle, twist, or fold. crinkle 4. syl crin+kle pron <1kriGkL> pos n. def a rustling noise. crinkly sub head crinkle syl crin+kly pos adj. crinkleroot 0. syl crin:kle+root pron <1kriGkL2ru:t> pos n. def any of several species of the toothwort esp. of E North America, which has a fleshy pungent rhizome and clusters of white or pinkish flowers: family (crucifers). crinkum-crankum ety C18: coinage based on #7crank %1 crinkum-crankum 0. syl crin:kum-cran:kum pron <1kriGk*m1kr@Gk*m> pos n. def a fanciful name for any object that is full of twists and turns. crinoid ety C19: from Greek krinoeid*_es lily-like &- cri+#!noi+dal adj. crinoid 1. syl cri+noid pron <1krIncid>, <1krin-> pos n. def any primitive echinoderm of the class having delicate feathery arms radiating from a central disc. The group includes the free-swimming feather stars, the sessile sea lilies, and many stemmed fossil forms. crinoid 2. syl cri+noid pron <1krIncid>, <1krin-> pos adj. def of, relating to, or belonging to the crinoid 3. syl cri+noid pron <1krIncid>, <1krin-> pos adj. def shaped like a lily. crinoline ety C19: from French, from Italian crinolino, from crino horsehair, from Latin cr*_inis hair+ lino flax, from Latin l*_inum crinoline 1. syl crin:o+line pron <1krinLin> pos n. def a stiff fabric, originally of horsehair and linen used in lining garments. crinoline 2. syl crin:o+line pron <1krinLin> pos n. def a petticoat stiffened with this, worn to distend skirts, esp. in the mid-19th century. crinoline 3. syl crin:o+line pron <1krinLin> pos n. def a framework of steel hoops worn for the same purpose. crinum ety Latin: lily, from Greek krinon crinum 0. syl cri+num pron <1krIn*m> pos n. def any plant of the mostly tropical amaryllidaceous genus having straplike leaves and clusters of lily-like flowers. Also called: {crinum lily}. criollo ety Spanish: native; see #7creole criollos infl head criollo syl cri+ol+los pron <-l*uz>, Spanish <-jos> pos n. mod pl. criollo 1. syl cri+ol+lo pron , Spanish , Spanish <-jos> pos n. def a native or inhabitant of Latin America of European descent, esp. of Spanish descent. criollo 2.a. syl cri+ol+lo pron , Spanish , Spanish <-jos> pos n. def any of various South American breeds of domestic animal. criollo 2.b. syl cri+ol+lo pron , Spanish , Spanish <-jos> pos n. usage as modifier exam 1 a criollo pony. criollo 3. syl cri+ol+lo pron , Spanish , Spanish <-jos> pos n. def a high-quality variety of cocoa. criollo 4. syl cri+ol+lo pron , Spanish , Spanish <-jos> pos adj. def of, relating to, or characteristic of a criollo or criollos. cripes ety C20: euphemistic for Christ&! cripes 0. syl cripes pron pos interj. qual Slang. def an expression of surprise. Hawley Harvey infl head Crippen syl Haw:ley Har:vey pos n. Crippen 0. syl Crip:pen pron <1kripN> pos n. def called 1862-1910, U.S. doctor living in England: executed for poisoning his wife; the first criminal to be apprehended by the use of radio-telegraphy. cripple ety Old English crypel; related to cr*_eopan to #7creep, Old Frisian kreppel a cripple, Middle Low German kr*"opel cripple 1. syl crip+ple pron <1kripL> pos n. def a person who is lame. cripple 2. syl crip+ple pron <1kripL> pos n. def a person who is or seems disabled or deficient in some way. exam 1 a mental cripple. cripple 3. syl crip+ple pron <1kripL> pos n. qual U.S. dialect. def a dense thicket, usually in marshy land. cripple 4. syl crip+ple pron <1kripL> pos vb. mod tr. def to make a cripple of; disable. crippler sub head cripple syl crip+pler pos n. Cripple Creek 0. syl Crip+ple Creek pos n. def a village in central Colorado: gold-mining centre since 1891, once the richest in the world. crippling 0. syl crip+pling pron <1kripliG> pos adj. def very damaging or injurious. cripplingly sub head crippling syl crip+pling+ly pos adv. Cripps 0. syl Cripps pron pos n. def Sir {Staf@.ford}. 1889-1952, British Labour statesman; chancellor of the exchequer (1947-50). Criseyde 0. syl Cri:sey:de pron pos n. def a variant of {Cressida}. crisis ety C15: from Latin: decision, from Greek krisis, from krinein to decide crises infl head crisis syl cri+ses pron <-sEz> pos n. mod pl. crisis 1. syl cri+sis pron <1krIsis> pos n. def a crucial stage or turning point in the course of something, esp. in a sequence of events or a disease. crisis 2. syl cri+sis pron <1krIsis> pos n. def an unstable period, esp. one of extreme trouble or danger in politics, economics, etc. crisis 3. syl cri+sis pron <1krIsis> pos n. qual Pathol. def a sudden change, for better or worse, in the course of a disease. crisp ety Old English, from Latin crispus curled, uneven, wrinkled crisp 1. syl crisp pron pos adj. def dry and brittle. crisp 2. syl crisp pron pos adj. def fresh and firm. exam 1 crisp lettuce. crisp 3. syl crisp pron pos adj. def invigorating or bracing. exam 1 a crisp breeze. crisp 4. syl crisp pron pos adj. def clear; sharp. exam 1 crisp reasoning. crisp 5. syl crisp pron pos adj. def lively or stimulating. exam 1 crisp conversa?!tion. crisp 6. syl crisp pron pos adj. def clean and orderly; neat. exam 1 a crisp appearance. crisp 7. syl crisp pron pos adj. def concise and pithy; terse. exam 1 a crisp reply. crisp 8. syl crisp pron pos adj. def wrinkled or curly. exam 1 crisp hair. crisp 9. syl crisp pron pos vb. def to make or become crisp. crisp 10. syl crisp pron pos n. qual Brit. def a very thin slice of potato fried and eaten cold as a snack. crisp 11. syl crisp pron pos n. def something that is crisp. crisply sub head crisp syl crisp+ly pos adv. crispness sub head crisp syl crisp+ness pos n. crispate ety C19: from Latin crisp*_are to curl crispated alt head crispate or crispate syl cris+pat+ed pos adj. crispate 0. or crispated syl cris+pate pron <1krispAt>, <-pit> pos adj. def having a curled or waved appearance. crispation 1. syl cris+pa+tion pron pos n. def the act of curling or state of being curled. crispation 2. syl cris+pa+tion pron pos n. def any slight muscular spasm or contraction that gives a creeping sensation. crispation 3. syl cris+pa+tion pron pos n. def a slight undulation, such as a ripple on the surface of water. crispbread 0. syl crisp+bread pron <1krisp2bred> pos n. def a thin dry biscuit made of wheat or rye. crisper 0. syl crisp+er pron <1krisp*> pos n. def a compartment in a refrigerator for storing salads, vegetables, etc., in order to keep them fresh. Francesco infl head Crispi syl Fran:ces:co pron pos n. Crispi 0. syl Cris:pi pron Italian <1krispi> pos n. def 1819-1901, Italian statesman; premier (1887-91; 1893-96). Saint infl head Crispin syl Saint pos n. Crispin 0. syl Cris:pin pron <1krispin> pos n. def 3rd century #7a.d., legendary Roman Christian martyr, with his brother {Cris@.pin@.i@.an} (kr$Is#!p$In$I$$n): they are the patron saints of shoemakers. Feast day: Oct. 25. crispier infl head crispy syl crisp:i+er pos adj. crispiest infl head crispy syl crisp:i+est. pos adj. crispy 1. syl crisp:y pron <1krispi> pos adj. def crisp. crispy 2. syl crisp:y pron <1krispi> pos adj. def having waves or curls. crispily sub head crispy syl crisp:i+ly pos adv. crispiness sub head crispy syl crisp:i+ness pos n. crisscross 1. syl criss+cross pron <1kris2kros> pos vb. def to move or cause to move in a crosswise pattern. crisscross 2. syl criss+cross pron <1kris2kros> pos vb. def to mark with or consist of a pattern of crossing lines. crisscross 3. syl criss+cross pron <1kris2kros> pos adj. usage esp. of a number of lines def crossing one another in different directions. crisscross 4. syl criss+cross pron <1kris2kros> pos n. def a pattern made of crossing lines. crisscross 5. syl criss+cross pron <1kris2kros> pos n. def a U.S. term for {noughts and crosses}. crisscross 6. syl criss+cross pron <1kris2kros> pos adv. def in a crosswise manner or pattern. crissum ety C19: from New Latin, from Latin criss*_are to move the haunches crissa infl head crissum syl cris+sa pron <-s*> pos n. mod pl. crissum 0. syl cris+sum pron <1kris*m> pos n. def the area or feathers surrounding the cloaca of a bird. crissal sub head crissum syl cris+sal pos adj. crista ety C20: from Latin: #7crest cristae infl head crista syl cris+tae pron <-tE> pos n. mod pl. crista 0. syl cris+ta pron <1krist*> pos n. def Biology. a structure resembling a ridge or crest, as on the inner membrane of a mitochondrion. cristate ety C17: from Latin crist*_atus, from crista #7crest cristated alt head cristate or cristate syl cris+tat+ed pos adj. cristate 1. or cristated syl cris+tate pron <1kristAt> pos adj. def having a crest. cristate 2. or cristated syl cris+tate pron <1kristAt> pos adj. def forming a crest. cristobalite ety C19: from German, named after Cerro San Crist*'obal, Mexico, where it was discovered cristobalite 0. syl cris+to+bal+ite pron pos n. def a white microcrystalline mineral consisting of silica and occurring in volcanic rocks. Formula: SiO\2. crit 1. syl crit. qual abbrev. for:; Med. def critical. crit 2. syl crit. qual abbrev. for: def criticism. criterion ety C17: from Greek krit*_erion from krit*_es judge, from krinein to decide#e Usage. Criteria, the plural of criterion, is not acceptable as a singular noun in careful written and spoken English: this criterion is not valid; these criteria are not valid. criteria infl head criterion or criterions syl cri+te:ri:a pron <-ri*> pos n. mod pl. criterions infl head criterion or criteria syl cri+te:ri+ons. pos n. mod pl. criterion 0. syl cri+te:ri+on pron pos n. def a standard by which something can be judged or decided. critic ety C16: from Latin criticus, from Greek kritikos capable of judging, from krit*_es judge; see #7criterion critic 1. syl crit+ic pron <1kritik> pos n. def a person who judges something. critic 2. syl crit+ic pron <1kritik> pos n. def a professional judge of art, music, literature, etc. critic 3. syl crit+ic pron <1kritik> pos n. def a person who often finds fault and criticizes. critical 1. syl crit:i+cal pron <1kritikL> pos adj. def containing or making severe or negative judgments. critical 2. syl crit:i+cal pron <1kritikL> pos adj. def containing careful or analytical evaluations. exam 1 a critical dissertation. critical 3. syl crit:i+cal pron <1kritikL> pos adj. def of or involving a critic or criticism. critical 4. syl crit:i+cal pron <1kritikL> pos adj. def of or forming a crisis; crucial; decisive. exam 1 a critical operation. critical 5. syl crit:i+cal pron <1kritikL> pos adj. def urgently needed. exam 1 critical medical supplies. critical 6. syl crit:i+cal pron <1kritikL> pos adj. qual Physics. def of, denoting, or concerned with a state in which the properties of a system undergo an abrupt change. exam 1 a critical temperature. go critical 7. head critical syl go critical. usage of a nuclear power station or reactor def to reach a state in which a nuclear-fission chain reaction becomes self-sustaining. &- {@!crit@.i+#!cal+i@.ty} critically sub head critical syl crit:i+cal+ly pos adv. criticalness sub head critical syl crit:i+cal+ness pos n. critical angle 1. syl crit:i+cal an+gle pos n. def the smallest possible angle of incidence for which light rays are totally reflected at an interface between substances of different refractive index. critical angle 2. syl crit:i+cal an+gle pos n. def another name for {stalling angle}. critical apparatus 0. syl crit:i+cal ap+pa+rat+us pos n. def the variant readings, footnotes, etc. found in a scholarly work or a critical edition of a text. Also called: {apparatus criticus}. critical constants 0. syl crit:i+cal con+stants pos n. mod pl. def the physical constants that express the properties of a substance in its critical state. See {critical pressure, critical temperature}. critical mass 0. syl crit:i+cal mass pos n. def the minimum mass of fissionable material that can sustain a nuclear chain reaction. critical path analysis 0. syl crit:i+cal path a:nal:y+sis pos n. def a technique for planning complex projects by analysing alternative systems with reference to the critical path, which is the sequence of stages requiring the longest time. critical period 0. syl crit:i+cal pe+ri+od pos n. qual Psychol. def a period in a lifetime during which a specific stage of development usually occurs. If it fails to do so, it cannot afterwards occur. critical point 1.a. syl crit:i+cal point pos n. def the point on a phase diagram that represents the critical state of a substance. critical point 1.b. syl crit:i+cal point pos n. def another name for {critical state}. critical point 2. syl crit:i+cal point pos n. qual Maths. def the U.S. name for {stationary point}. critical pressure 0. syl crit:i+cal pres+sure pos n. def the pressure of a gas or the saturated vapour pressure of a substance in its critical state. critical state 0. syl crit:i+cal state pos n. def the state of a substance in which two of its phases have the same temperature, pressure, and volume. Also called: {critical point}. critical temperature 0. syl crit:i+cal tem+per:a+ture pos n. def the temperature of a substance in its critical state. A gas can only be liquefied by pressure alone at temperatures below its critical temperature. critical volume 0. syl crit:i+cal vol+ume pos n. def the volume occupied by one mole or unit mass of a substance in its critical state. criticism 1. syl crit:i+cism pron <1kriti2siz*m> pos n. def the act or an instance of making an unfavourable or severe judgment, comment, etc. criticism 2. syl crit:i+cism pron <1kriti2siz*m> pos n. def the analysis or evaluation of a work of art, literature, etc. criticism 3. syl crit:i+cism pron <1kriti2siz*m> pos n. def the occupation of a critic. criticism 4. syl crit:i+cism pron <1kriti2siz*m> pos n. def a work that sets out to evaluate or analyse. criticism 5. syl crit:i+cism pron <1kriti2siz*m> pos n. def Also called: {textual criticism}. the investigation of a particular text, with related material, in order to establish an authentic text. criticise alt head criticize or criticize syl crit:i+cise pron <1kriti2sIz> pos vb. criticize 1. or criticise syl crit:i+cize pron <1kriti2sIz> pos vb. def to judge (some?!thing) with disapproval; censure. criticize 2. or criticise syl crit:i+cize pron <1kriti2sIz> pos vb. def to evaluate or analyse (something). criticizable sub head criticize or criticisable syl crit:i+2ciz+a:ble pos adj. criticisable sub head criticize or criticizable syl crit:i+2cis+a:ble pos adj. criticizer sub head criticize or criticiser syl crit:i+2ciz+er pos n. criticiser sub head criticize or criticizer syl crit:i+2cis+er pos n. criticizingly sub head criticize or criticisingly syl crit:i+2ciz+ing+ly pos adv. criticisingly sub head criticize or criticizingly syl crit:i+2cis+ing+ly pos adv. critique ety C17: from French, from Greek kritik*_e, from kritikos able to discern critique 1. syl cri+tique pron pos n. def a critical essay or commentary, esp. on artistic work. critique 2. syl cri+tique pron pos n. def the act or art of criticizing. critter 0. syl crit+ter pron <1krit*> pos n. qual U.S. def a dialect word for {creature}. croak ety Old English cr*_acettan; related to Old Norse kr*_aka a crow; see #7creak croak 1. syl croak pron pos vb. mod intr. usage of frogs, crows, etc. def to make a low, hoarse cry. croak 2. syl croak pron pos vb. def to utter (something) in this manner, esp. when exhausted. exam 1 he croaked out the news. croak 3. syl croak pron pos vb. mod intr. def to grumble or be pessimistic. croak 4.a. syl croak pron pos vb. mod intr. def to die. croak 4.b. syl croak pron pos vb. mod tr. def to kill. croak 5. syl croak pron pos n. def a low hoarse utterance or sound. croaky sub head croak syl croak:y pos adj. croakily sub head croak syl croak:i+ly pos adv. croakiness sub head croak syl croak:i+ness pos n. croaker 1. syl croak+er pron <1kr*uk*> pos n. def an animal, bird, etc., that croaks. croaker 2. syl croak+er pron <1kr*uk*> pos n. def any of various mainly tropical marine sciaenid fishes, such as ({yellowfin croaker}) , that utter croaking noises. croaker 3. syl croak+er pron <1kr*uk*> pos n. def a grumbling person. Croat 1.a. syl Cro+at pron <1kr*u@t> pos n. def a native or inhabitant of Croatia. Croat 1.b. syl Cro+at pron <1kr*u@t> pos n. usage esp. in other parts of Yugoslavia def a speaker of Croatian. Croat 2. syl Cro+at pron <1kr*u@t> pos n. adj. def another word for {Croatian}. Croatia 0. syl Cro:a+tia pron pos n. def a constituent republic of NW Yugo?!slavia: settled by Croats in the 7th century; belonged successively to Hungary, Turkey, and Austria, until the formation of Yugoslavia (1918). Capital: Zagreb. Pop.: 4426221 (1971). Area: 56538 sq. km (22050 sq. miles). Serbo-Croatian name: {Hrvatska}. Croatian 1. syl Cro:a+tian pron pos adj. def of, relating to, or characteristic of Croatia, its people, or their dialect of Serbo-Croatian. Croatian 2. syl Cro:a+tian pron pos n. def the dialect of Serbo-Croatian spoken in Croatia. Croatian 3.a. syl Cro:a+tian pron pos n. def a native or inhabitant of Croatia. Croatian 3.b. syl Cro:a+tian pron pos n. usage esp. in other parts of Yugoslavia def a speaker of the Croatian dialect. Benedetto infl head Croce syl Ben:e:det:to pron <2bAnA1dAtto> pos n. Croce 0. syl Cro:ce pron Italian <1kro:CA> pos n. def 1866-1952, Italian philosopher, critic, and statesman: an opponent of fascism, he helped re-establish liberalism in post-war Italy. crocein ety C20: from Latin croceus yellow +-#7in crocein 0. syl cro+ce:in pron <1kr*usiin> pos n. def any one of a group of red or orange acid azo dyes. crochet ety C19: from French crochet, diminutive of croc hook, probably of Scandinavian origin crochets infl head crochet syl cro+chets pron <-SAz>, <-Siz> pos vb. crocheting infl head crochet syl cro+chet+ing pron <-SAiG>, <-SiiG> pos vb. crocheted infl head crochet syl cro+cheted pron <-SAd>, <-Sid> pos vb. crochet 1. syl cro+chet pron <1kr*uSA>, <-Si> pos vb. def to make (a piece of needlework, a garment, etc.) by looping and intertwining thread with a hooked needle ({crochet hook) }. crochet 2. syl cro+chet pron <1kr*uSA>, <-Si> pos n. def work made by crocheting. crochet 3. syl cro+chet pron <1kr*uSA>, <-Si> pos n. qual Architect. def another name for {crocket}. crocheter sub head crochet syl cro+chet+er pos n. crocidolite ety C19: from Greek krokis nap on woollen cloth+-#7lite crocidolite 0. syl cro+cid:o+lite pron pos n. def a blue fibrous amphibole mineral consisting of sodium iron silicate: a variety of asbestos used in cement products and pressure piping. crock ety Old English crocc pot; related to Old Norse krukka jug, Middle Low German kr*_uke pot crock H1.1. syl crock pron pos n. def an earthen pot, jar, etc. crock H1.2. syl crock pron pos n. def a piece of broken earthenware. crock ety C15: originally Scottish; related to Norwegian krake unhealthy animal, Dutch kraak decrepit person or animal crock H2.1. syl crock pron pos n. qual Slang, chiefly Brit. def a person or thing, such as a car, that is old or decrepit (esp. in the phrase {old crock) }. crock H2.2. syl crock pron pos n. def an old broken-down horse or ewe. crock H2.3. syl crock pron pos vb. qual Slang, chiefly Brit. def to become or cause to become weak or disabled. crock ety C17: probably from #7crock %1 crock H3.1. syl crock pron pos n. qual Dialect, chiefly Brit. def soot or smut. crock H3.2. syl crock pron pos n. def colour that rubs off fabric. crock H3.3. syl crock pron pos vb. mod tr. qual Dialect, chiefly Brit. def to soil with or as if with soot. crock H3.4. syl crock pron pos vb. mod intr. usage of a dyed fabric def to release colour when rubbed, as a result of imperfect dyeing. crocked 1. syl crocked pron pos adj. qual Slang.; Brit. def injured. crocked 2. syl crocked pron pos adj. qual Slang.; U.S. def drunk. crockery 0. syl crock+er:y pron <1krok*ri> pos n. def china dishes, earthen vessels, etc., collectively. crocket ety C17: from Anglo-French croket a little hook, from croc hook, of Scandinavian origin crocket 0. syl crock+et pron <1krokit> pos n. def a carved ornament in the form of a curled leaf or cusp, used in Gothic architecture. Also called: {crochet}. David infl head Crockett syl Da:vid pos n. Crockett 0. syl Crock:ett pron <1krokit> pos n. def known as 1786-1836, U.S. frontiersman, politician, and soldier. Crockford 0. syl Crock+ford pron <1krokf*d> pos n. def short for the standard directory of living Anglican clergy. crocodile ety C13: via Old French, from Latin crocod*_ilus, from Greek krokodeilos lizard, ultimately from krok*_e pebble+ drilos worm; referring to its fondness for basking on shingle crocodile 1. syl croc:o+dile pron <1krok*2dIl> pos n. def any large tropical reptile, such as ({African crocodile}) , of the family order (crocodilians). They have a broad head, tapering snout, massive jaws, and a thick outer covering of bony plates. crocodile 2. syl croc:o+dile pron <1krok*2dIl> pos n. def any other reptile of the order a crocodilian. crocodile 3.a. syl croc:o+dile pron <1krok*2dIl> pos n. def leather made from the skin of any of these animals. crocodile 3.b. syl croc:o+dile pron <1krok*2dIl> pos n. usage as modifier exam 1 crocodile shoes. crocodile bird 0. syl croc:o+dile bird pos n. def an African courser, that lives close to rivers and is thought to feed on insects parasitic on crocodiles. Crocodile River 0. syl Croc:o+dile Riv+er pos n. def another name for the {Limpopo}. crocodile tears ety from the belief that crocodiles wept over their prey to allure further victims crocodile tears 0. syl croc:o+dile tears pos n. mod pl. def an insincere show of grief; false tears. crocodilian 1. syl croc:o+dil+i:an pron <2krok*1dili*n> pos n. def any large predatory reptile of the order which includes the crocodiles, alligators, and caymans. They live in or near water and have a long broad snout, powerful jaws, a four-chambered heart, and socketed teeth. crocodilian 2. syl croc:o+dil+i:an pron <2krok*1dili*n> pos adj. def of, relating to, or belonging to the crocodilian 3. syl croc:o+dil+i:an pron <2krok*1dili*n> pos adj. def of, relating to, or resembling a crocodile. crocoite ety C19: from krokoeis saffron-coloured, golden+-#7ite %1 crocoisite alt head crocoite or crocoite syl cro+co:i+site pron , <1kr*u?!kw*2sIt> pos n. crocoite 0. or crocoisite syl cro+co+ite pron <1kr*uk*u2It> pos n. def a rare orange secondary mineral consisting of lead chromate in monoclinic crystalline form. Formula: PbCrO\4. Also called: {red-lead ore}. crocus ety C17: from New Latin, from Latin crocus, from Greek krokos saffron, of Semitic origin crocuses infl head crocus syl cro+cus:es. pos n. mod pl. crocus 1. syl cro+cus pron <1kr*uk*s> pos n. def any plant of the iridaceous genus widely cultivated in gardens, having white, yellow, or purple flowers. See also {autumn crocus}. crocus 2. syl cro+cus pron <1kr*uk*s> pos n. def another name for {jewellers' rouge}. crocus 3. syl cro+cus pron <1kr*uk*s> pos adj. def of a saffron yellow colour. Croesus 1. syl Croe:sus pron <1krEs*s> pos n. def died ??546 #7b.c., the last king of Lydia (560-546), noted for his great wealth. Croesus 2. syl Croe:sus pron <1krEs*s> pos n. def any very rich man. croft ety Old English croft; related to Middle Dutch krocht hill, field, Old English creopan to #7creep croft 1. syl croft pron pos n. qual Brit. def a small enclosed plot of land, adjoining a house, worked by the occupier and his family, esp. in Scotland. croft 2. syl croft pron pos n. qual Brit.; Lancashire dialect. def a patch of waste land, formerly one used for bleaching fabric in the sun. crofter 0. syl croft+er pron <1kroft*> pos n. qual Brit. def an owner or tenant of a small farm, esp. in Scotland or northern England. Crohn's disease ety C20: named after B. B. Crohn (born 1884), U.S. physician Crohn's disease 0. syl Crohn's dis+ease pron pos n. def inflammation, thickening, and ulceration of any of various parts of the intestine, esp. the ileum. Also called: {regional enteritis}. croissant ety French, literally: crescent croissant 0. syl crois+sant pron <1krw^soG>, French pos n. def a flaky crescent-shaped bread roll made of a yeast dough similar to puff pastry. Croix de Guerre ety literally: cross of war Croix de Guerre 0. syl Croix de Guerre pron French. pos n. def a French military decoration awarded for gallantry in battle. Cro-Magnon man ety C19: named after the cave (Cro-Magnon), Dordogne, France, where the remains were first found Cro-Magnon man 0. syl Cro-Mag:non man pron <1kr*u> <1m@njon> pos n. def an early type of modern man, who lived in Europe during late Palaeolithic times, having tall stature, long head, and a relatively large cranial capacity. crombec ety C19: via French from Dutch krom crooked+ bek #7beak crombec 0. syl crom+bec pron <1krombek> pos n. def any African Old World warbler of the genus having colourful plumage. cromlech ety C17: from Welsh, from crom, feminine of crwm bent, arched+ llech flat stone cromlech 1. syl crom+lech pron <1kromlek> pos n. def a megalithic chamber tomb or dolmen. cromlech 2. syl crom+lech pron <1kromlek> pos n. def a circle of prehistoric standing stones or a single one. Samuel infl head Crompton syl Sam:u:el. pos n. Crompton 0. syl Cromp:ton pron <1krompt*n> pos n. def 1753-1827, English inventor of the spinning mule (1779). Oliver 1. head Cromwell syl Ol:i:ver. def 1599-1658, English general and statesman. A convinced Puritan, he was an effective leader of the parliamentary army in the Civil War. After the execution of Charles I he quelled the Royalists in Scotland and Ireland, and became Lord Protector of the Commonwealth (1653-58). Cromwell 2. syl Crom:well pron <1kromw*l>, <-wel> pos n. def his son, {Rich@.ard}. 1626-1712, Lord Protector of the Commonwealth (1658-59). Thomas 3. head Cromwell syl Thom:as def Earl of Essex. ??1485-1540, English statesman. He was secretary to Cardinal Wolsey (1514), after whose fall he became chief adviser to Henry VIII. He drafted most of the Reformation legislation, securing its passage through parliament, the power of which he thereby greatly enhanced. He was executed after losing Henry's favour. Cromwellian sub head Cromwell syl Crom+wel+li:an pron pos adj. n. Cromwell Current ety C20: named after T. Cromwell (1922-1958), U.S. oceanographer Cromwell Current 0. syl Crom+well Cur+rent pron <1kromwel>, <-w*l> pos n. def an equatorial Pacific current, flowing eastward from the Hawaiian Islands to the Gal*'apagos Islands. crone ety C14: from Old Northern French carogne carrion, ultimately from Latin caro flesh crone 0. syl crone pron pos n. def a witchlike old woman. cronk ety C19: compare #7crank %2 cronk 0. syl cronk pron pos adj. qual Austral. def unfit; unsound. Cronos infl head Cronus or Kronos syl Cro:nos pron <1kr*unos> pos n. Kronos infl head Cronus or Cronos syl Kro:nos pron <1kr*unos> pos n. Cronus 0. syl Cro:nus pron <1kr*un*s> pos n. qual Greek myth. def a Titan, son of Uranus (sky) and Gaea (earth), who ruled the world until his son Zeus dethroned him. Roman counterpart: {Saturn}. crony ety C17: student slang (Cambridge), from Greek khronios of long duration, from khronos time cronies infl head crony syl cro+nies. pos n. mod pl. crony 0. syl cro+ny pron <1kr*uni> pos n. def a friend or companion. crook ety C12: from Old Norse krokr hook; related to Swedish krok, Danish krog hook, Old High German kr*_acho hooked tool crook 1. syl crook pron pos n. def a curved or hooked thing. crook 2. syl crook pron pos n. def a staff with a hooked end, such as a bishop's crosier or shepherd's staff. crook 3. syl crook pron pos n. def a turn or curve; bend. crook 4. syl crook pron pos n. qual Informal. def a dishonest person, esp. a swindler or thief. crook 5. syl crook pron pos n. def the act or an instance of crooking or bending. crook 6. syl crook pron pos n. def Also called: {shank}. a piece of tubing added to a brass instrument in order to obtain a lower harmonic series. crook 7. syl crook pron pos vb. def to bend or curve or cause to bend or curve. crook 8.a. syl crook pron pos adj. def ill. crook 8.b. syl crook pron pos adj. def of poor quality. crook 8.c. syl crook pron pos adj. def unpleasant; bad. go (off) crook 9. head crook syl go (off) crook. qual Austral. slang. def to lose one's temper. go crook at 10. head crook or on syl go crook at qual Austral. slang. def to rebuke or upbraid. crookback 0. syl crook+back pron <1kruk2b@k> pos n. def a rare word for {hunchback}. crookbacked sub head crookback syl crook+2backed pos adj. crooked 1. syl crook+ed pron <1krukid> pos adj. def bent, angled or winding. crooked 2. syl crook+ed pron <1krukid> pos adj. def set at an angle; not straight. crooked 3. syl crook+ed pron <1krukid> pos adj. def deformed or contorted. crooked 4. syl crook+ed pron <1krukid> pos adj. qual Informal. def dishonest or illegal. crooked on 5. head crooked syl crooked on. pron qual Austral. informal. def hostile or averse to. crookedly sub head crooked syl crook+ed+ly pos adv. crookedness sub head crooked syl crook+ed+ness pos n. Crookes 0. syl Crookes pron pos n. def Sir {Wil@.liam}. 1832-1919, English chemist and physicist: he investigated the properties of cathode rays and invented a type of radiometer and the lens named after him. Crookes lens 0. syl Crookes lens pos n. def a type of lens, used in sunglasses, that is made from glass containing cerium. It reduces the transmission of ultraviolet radiation. Crookes radiometer 0. syl Crookes ra+di+om+e:ter pos n. qual Physics. def a type of radiometer consisting of an evacuated glass bulb containing a set of lightweight vanes, each blackened on one side. The vanes are mounted on a vertical axis and revolve when light, or other radiant energy, falls on them. Crookes space 0. syl Crookes space pos n. def a dark region that occurs near the cathode in some low-pressure gas-discharge tubes. Also called: {Crookes dark space}. Crookes tube 0. syl Crookes tube pos n. def a type of cathode-ray tube in which the electrons are produced by a glow discharge in a low-pressure gas. croon ety C14: via Middle Dutch cr*_onen to groan; compare Old High German chr*_onan to chatter, Latin gingr*_ire to cackle (of geese) croon 1. syl croon pron pos vb. def to sing or speak in a soft low tone. croon 2. syl croon pron pos vb. qual Northern Brit. dialect. def to lament or wail. croon 3. syl croon pron pos n. def a soft low singing or humming. crooner sub head croon syl croon+er pos n. crop ety Old English cropp; related to Old Norse kroppr rump, body, Old High German kropf goitre, Norwegian kr*"oypa to bend crop 1. syl crop pron pos n. def the produce of cultivated plants, esp. cereals, vegetables, and fruit. crop 2.a. syl crop pron pos n. def the amount of such produce in any particular season. crop 2.b. syl crop pron pos n. def the yield of some other farm produce. exam 1 the lamb crop. crop 3. syl crop pron pos n. def a group of products, thoughts, people, etc., appearing at one time or in one season. exam 1 a crop of new publications. crop 4. syl crop pron pos n. def the stock of a thonged whip. crop 5. syl crop pron pos n. def short for {riding crop}. crop 6.a. syl crop pron pos n. def a pouchlike expanded part of the oesophagus of birds, in which food is stored or partially digested before passing on to the gizzard. crop 6.b. syl crop pron pos n. def a similar structure in insects, earthworms, and other invertebrates. crop 7. syl crop pron pos n. def the entire tanned hide of an animal. crop 8. syl crop pron pos n. def a short cropped hair style. See also {Eton crop}. crop 9. syl crop pron pos n. def a notch in or a piece cut out of the ear of an animal. crop 10. syl crop pron pos n. def the act of cropping. crops infl head crop syl crops pos vb. mod mainly; tr. cropping infl head crop syl crop+ping pos vb. mod mainly; tr. cropped infl head crop syl cropped. pos vb. mod mainly; tr. crop 11. syl crop pron pos vb. mod mainly; tr. def to cut (hair, grass, etc.) very short. crop 12. syl crop pron pos vb. mod mainly; tr. def to cut and collect (mature produce) from the land or plant on which it has been grown. crop 13. syl crop pron pos vb. mod mainly; tr. def to clip part of (the ear or ears) of (an animal), esp. as a means of identification. crop 14. syl crop pron pos vb. mod also; intr. def to cause (land) to bear or (of land) to bear or yield a crop. exam 1 the land cropped well. crop 15. syl crop pron pos vb. mod mainly; tr. usage of herbivorous animals def to graze on (grass or similar vegetation). crop 16. syl crop pron pos vb. mod mainly; tr. qual Photog. def to cut off or mask unwanted edges or areas of (a negative or print). crop-dusting 0. syl crop-dust:ing pos n. def the spreading of fungicide, etc. on crops in the form of dust, often from an aircraft. crop-eared 0. syl crop-eared pos adj. def having the ears or hair cut short. crop out 0. syl crop out pos vb. adv. mod intr. usage of a formation of rock strata def to appear or be exposed at the surface of the ground; outcrop. cropper 1. syl crop+per pron <1krop*> pos n. def a person who cultivates or harvests a crop. cropper 2.a. syl crop+per pron <1krop*> pos n. def a cutting machine for removing the heads from castings and ingots. cropper 2.b. syl crop+per pron <1krop*> pos n. def a guillotine for cutting lengths of bar or strip. cropper 3. syl crop+per pron <1krop*> pos n. def a machine for shearing the nap from cloth. cropper 4. syl crop+per pron <1krop*> pos n. def a plant or breed of plant that will produce a certain kind of crop under specified conditions. exam 1 a poor cropper on light land. cropper 5. syl crop+per pron <1krop*> pos n. usage often cap. def a variety of domestic pigeon with a puffed-out crop. cropper 6.a. syl crop+per pron <1krop*> pos n. def to fall heavily. cropper 6.b. syl crop+per pron <1krop*> pos n. def to fail completely. crop rotation 0. syl crop ro+ta+tion pos n. def the system of growing a sequence of different crops on the same ground so as to maintain or increase its fertility. crop up 0. syl crop up pos vb. adv. mod intr. qual Informal. def to occur or appear un?!expectedly. croquet ety C19: perhaps from French dialect, variant of #7crochet (little hook) croquet 1. syl cro+quet pron <1kr*ukA>, <-ki> pos n. def a game for two to four players who hit a wooden ball through iron hoops with mallets in order to hit a peg. croquet 2. syl cro+quet pron <1kr*ukA>, <-ki> pos n. def the act of croqueting. croquets infl head croquet syl cro+quets pron <-kAz>, <-kiz> pos vb. croqueting infl head croquet syl cro+quet+ing pron <-kAiG>, <-kiiG> pos vb. croqueted infl head croquet syl cro+queted pron <-kAd>, <-kid> pos vb. croquet 3. syl cro+quet pron <-kAz>, <-kiz> pos vb. def to drive away (another player's ball) by hitting one's own ball when the two are in contact. croquette ety C18: from French, from croquer to crunch, of imitative origin croquette 0. syl cro+quette pron , pos n. def a savoury cake of minced meat, fish, etc., fried in breadcrumbs. crore ety C17: from Hindi kar*_or, from Prakrit krodi crore 0. syl crore pron pos n. usage in Indian English def ten million. Crosby H1.0. syl Cros+by pron <1krozbi> pos n. def a town in NW England, in Merseyside. Pop.: 57405 (1971). Bing infl head Crosby syl Bing pos n. Crosby H2.0. syl Cros:by pron <1krozbi> pos n. def real name 1904-77, U.S. singer and film star; famous for his style of crooning. crosier ety C14: from Old French crossier staff bearer, from crosse pastoral staff, literally: hooked stick, of Germanic origin crozier alt head crosier or crosier syl cro+zier pron <1kr*uZ*> pos n. crosier 1. or crozier syl cro+sier pron <1kr*uZ*> pos n. def a staff surmounted by a crook or cross, carried by bishops as a symbol of pastoral office. crosier 2. or crozier syl cro+sier pron <1kr*uZ*> pos n. def the tip of a young plant, esp. a fern frond, that is coiled into a hook. cross ety Old English cros, from Old Irish cross (unattested), from Latin crux; see #7crux cross 1. syl cross pron pos n. def a structure or symbol consisting essentially of two intersecting lines or pieces at right angles to one another. cross 2. syl cross pron pos n. def a wooden structure used as a means of execution, consisting of an upright post with a transverse piece to which people were nailed or tied. cross 3. syl cross pron pos n. def a representation of the Cross used as an emblem of Christianity or as a reminder of Christ's death. cross 4. syl cross pron pos n. def any mark or shape consisting of two intersecting lines, esp. such a symbol ({#M#800154}) used as a signature, point of intersection, error mark, etc. cross 5. syl cross pron pos n. def a sign representing the Cross made either by tracing a figure in the air or by touching the forehead, breast, and either shoulder in turn. cross 6. syl cross pron pos n. def any conventional variation of the Christian symbol, used emblematically, decoratively, or heraldically, such as a Maltese, tau, or Greek cross. cross 7. syl cross pron pos n. qual Heraldry. def any of several charges in which one line crosses or joins another at right angles. cross 8. syl cross pron pos n. def a cruciform emblem awarded to indicate membership of an order or as a decoration for distinguished service. cross 9. syl cross pron pos n. usage sometimes cap. def Christianity or Christendom, esp. as contrasted with non-Christian religions. exam 1 Cross and Crescent. cross 10. syl cross pron pos n. def the place in a town or village where a cross has been set up. cross 11. syl cross pron pos n. def a pipe fitting, in the form of a cross, for connecting four pipes. cross 12.a. syl cross pron pos n. def the process of crossing; hybridization. cross 12.b. syl cross pron pos n. def an individual produced as a result of this process. cross 13. syl cross pron pos n. def a mixture of two qualities or types. exam 1 he's a cross between a dictator and a saint. cross 14. syl cross pron pos n. def an opposition, hindrance, or misfortune; affliction (esp. in the phrase {bear one's cross) }. cross 15. syl cross pron pos n. qual Slang. def a match or game in which the outcome has been rigged. cross 16. syl cross pron pos n. qual Slang. def a fraud or swindle. cross 17. syl cross pron pos n. qual Boxing. def a straight punch delivered from the side, esp. with the right hand. cross 18.a. syl cross pron pos n. def diagonally. cross 18.b. syl cross pron pos n. qual Slang. def dishonestly. cross 19. syl cross pron pos vb. usage sometimes foll. by over def to move or go across (something); traverse or intersect. exam 1 we crossed the road. cross 20.a. syl cross pron pos vb. def to meet and pass. exam 1 the two trains crossed. cross 20.b. syl cross pron pos vb. usage of each of two letters in the post def to be dispatched before receipt of the other. cross 21. syl cross pron pos vb. mod tr. usage usually foll. by out, off, or through def to cancel with a cross or with lines; delete. cross 22. syl cross pron pos vb. mod tr. def to place or put in a form resembling a cross. exam 1 to cross one's legs. cross 23. syl cross pron pos vb. mod tr. def to mark with a cross or crosses. cross 24. syl cross pron pos vb. mod tr. qual Brit. def to draw two parallel lines across the face of (a cheque) and so make it payable only into a bank account. cross 25.a. syl cross pron pos vb. def to trace the form of the Cross, usually with the thumb or index finger upon (someone or something) in token of blessing. cross 25.b. syl cross pron pos vb. def to make the sign of the Cross upon (oneself). cross 26. syl cross pron pos vb. mod intr. usage of telephone lines def to interfere with each other so that three or perhaps four callers are connected together at one time. cross 27. syl cross pron pos vb. def to cause fertilization between (plants or animals of different breeds, races, varieties, etc.). cross 28. syl cross pron pos vb. mod tr. def to oppose the wishes or plans of; thwart. exam 1 his opponent crosses him at every turn. cross 29. syl cross pron pos vb. mod tr. qual Nautical. def to set (the yard of a square sail) athwartships. cross 30.a. syl cross pron pos vb. def to deal with matters, problems, etc., as they arise. cross 30.b. syl cross pron pos vb. def not to anticipate difficulties. cross one's fingers 31. head cross syl cross one's fingers. def to fold one finger across another in the hope of bringing good luck. exam 1 keep your fingers crossed. cross one's heart 32. head cross syl cross one's heart. def to promise or pledge, esp. by making the sign of a cross over one's heart. cross one's mind 33. head cross syl cross one's mind. def to occur to one briefly or suddenly. cross someone's palm 34. head cross syl cross someone's palm. def to give someone money. cross the path (of) 35. head cross syl cross the path (of) def to meet or thwart (someone). cross swords 36. head cross syl cross swords. def to enter into an argument or contest. cross 37. syl cross pron pos adj. def angry; ill-humoured; vexed. cross 38. syl cross pron pos adj. def lying or placed across; transverse. exam 1 a cross timber. cross 39. syl cross pron pos adj. def involving interchange; reciprocal. cross 40. syl cross pron pos adj. def contrary or unfavourable. cross 41. syl cross pron pos adj. def another word for {{crossbred} (sense 1)}. cross 42. syl cross pron pos adj. def a Brit. slang word for {dishonest}. crosser sub head cross syl cross+er pos n. crossly sub head cross syl cross+ly pos adv. crossness sub head cross syl cross+ness pos n. the infl head Cross syl the. pos n. Cross 1. syl Cross pron pos n. def the cross on which Jesus Christ was crucified. Cross 2. syl Cross pron pos n. def the Crucifixion of Jesus. cross- ety from #7cross (in various senses) cross- 0. syl cross- exam 1 combining form. cross- 1. syl cross- def indicating action from one individual, group, etc., to another. exam 1 cross-cultural; exam 2 crossfertilize; exam 3 cross-refer. cross- 2. syl cross- def indicating movement, position, etc., across something (sometimes implying interference, opposition, or contrary action). exam 1 crosscurrent; exam 2 crosstalk. cross- 3. syl cross- def indicating a crosslike figure or intersection. exam 1 crossbones. crossbar 1. syl cross+bar pron <1kros2ba:> pos n. def a horizontal bar, line, stripe, etc. crossbar 2. syl cross+bar pron <1kros2ba:> pos n. def a horizontal beam across a pair of goalposts. crossbar 3. syl cross+bar pron <1kros2ba:> pos n. def a horizontal bar mounted on vertical posts used in athletics or show-jumping. crossbar 4. syl cross+bar pron <1kros2ba:> pos n. def the horizontal bar on a man's bicycle that joins the handlebar and saddle supports. crossbeam 0. syl cross+beam pron <1kros2bEm> pos n. def a beam that spans from one support to another. cross bedding 0. syl cross bed+ding pos n. qual Geology. def layering within one or more beds in a series of rock strata that does not run parallel to the plane of stratification. Also called: {false bedding}. cross-bench 0. syl cross-bench pos n. qual Brit. usage usually pl. def a seat in Parliament occupied by a neutral or independent member. &- {#!cross-@!bench+er} crossbill 0. syl cross+bill pron <1kros2bil> pos n. def any of various widely distributed finches of the genus such as that occur in conif?!erous woods and have a bill with crossed mandible tips for feeding on conifer seeds. crossbones 0. syl cross+bones pron <1kros2b*unz> pos n. mod pl. def See {skull and crossbones}. crossbow 0. syl cross+bow pron <1kros2b*u> pos n. def a type of medieval bow fixed trans?!versely on a wooden stock grooved to direct a square-headed arrow (quarrel). crossbowman sub head crossbow syl cross+2bow:man pos n. crossbred 1. syl cross+bred pron <1kros2bred> pos adj. usage of plants or animals def produced as a result of crossbreeding. crossbred 2. syl cross+bred pron <1kros2bred> pos n. def a crossbred plant or animal, esp. an animal resulting from a cross between two pure breeds. Compare {{grade} (sense 9)}, {{purebred} (sense 2)}. crossbreeds infl head crossbreed syl cross+breeds pos vb. crossbreeding infl head crossbreed syl cross+breed+ing pos vb. crossbred infl head crossbreed syl cross+bred. pos vb. crossbreed 1. syl cross+breed pron <1kros2brEd> pos vb. def Also: {interbreed}. to breed (animals or plants) using parents of different races, varieties, breeds, etc. crossbreed 2. syl cross+breed pron <1kros2brEd> pos n. def the offspring produced by such a breeding. cross-buttock 0. syl cross-but:tock pos n. def a wrestling throw in which the hips are used as a fulcrum to throw an opponent. crosscheck 1. syl cross+check pron <2kros1Cek> pos vb. def to verify (a fact, report, etc.) by considering conflicting opinions or consulting other sources. crosscheck 2. syl cross+check pron <2kros1Cek> pos vb. usage in ice hockey def to check illegally, as by chopping at an opponent's arms or stick. crosscheck 3. syl cross+check pron <2kros1Cek> pos n. def the act or an instance of crosschecking. cross-country 1. syl cross-coun:try pos adj. adv. def by way of fields, woods, etc., as opposed to roads. cross-country 2. syl cross-coun:try pos adj. adv. def across a country. exam 1 a cross-country railway. cross-country 3. syl cross-coun:try pos n. def a long race held over open ground. crosscurrent 1. syl cross+cur:rent pron <1kros2k^r*nt> pos n. def a current in a river or sea flowing across another current. crosscurrent 2. syl cross+cur:rent pron <1kros2k^r*nt> pos n. def a conflicting tendency moving counter to the usual trend. crosscut 1. syl cross+cut pron <1kros2k^t> pos adj. def cut at right angles or obliquely to the major axis. crosscut 2. syl cross+cut pron <1kros2k^t> pos n. def a transverse cut or course. crosscut 3. syl cross+cut pron <1kros2k^t> pos n. def a less common word for {short cut}. crosscut 4. syl cross+cut pron <1kros2k^t> pos n. qual Mining. def a tunnel through a vein of ore or from the shaft to a vein. crosscuts infl head crosscut syl cross+cuts pos vb. crosscutting infl head crosscut syl cross+cut+ting pos vb. crosscut infl syl cross+cut. pos vb. crosscut 5. syl cross+cut pron <1kros2k^t> pos vb. def to cut across. crosscut 6. syl cross+cut pron <1kros2k^t> pos vb. def Also called: {intercut}. to link (two sequences or two shots) so that they appear to be taking place at the same time. crosscut saw 0. syl cross+cut saw pos n. def a saw for cutting timber across the grain. cross-dating 0. syl cross-dat:ing pos n. qual Archaeol. def a method of dating objects, remains, etc., by comparison and correlation with other sites and levels. crosse ety French, from Old French croce #7crosier crosse 0. syl crosse pron pos n. def a light staff with a triangular frame to which a network is attached, used in playing lacrosse. cross-examine 1. syl cross-ex:am:ine pos vb. mod tr. qual Law. def to examine (a witness for the opposing side), as in attempting to discredit his testimony. Compare {examine-in-chief}. cross-examine 2. syl cross-ex:am:ine pos vb. mod tr. def to examine closely or relentless?!ly. cross-examination sub head cross-examine syl cross-ex:2am:i:1na+tion pos n. cross-examiner sub head cross-examine syl cross-ex:1am:in:er pos n. cross-eye 0. syl cross-eye pos n. def a turning inwards towards the nose of one or both eyes, caused by abnormal alignment. See also {strabismus}. cross-eyed sub head cross-eye syl cross-2eyed pos adj. cross-fade 0. syl cross-fade pos vb. qual Radio, television. def to fade in one sound source as another is being faded out. cross-fertilization 1. syl cross-fer:ti:li+za+tion pos n. def fertilization by the fusion of male and female gametes from different individuals of the same species. Compare {self-fertilization}. cross-fertilization 2. syl cross-fer:ti:li+za+tion pos n. usage not in technical use def cross-pollination. cross-fertile sub head cross-fertilization syl cross-1fer:tile pos adj. cross-fertilize 0. syl cross-fer:ti:lize pos vb. def to subject or be subjected to cross-fertilization. crossfire 1. syl cross+fire pron <1kros2fI*> pos n. qual Military, etc. def converging fire from one or more positions. crossfire 2. syl cross+fire pron <1kros2fI*> pos n. def a lively exchange of ideas, opinions, etc. cross-garnet 0. syl cross-gar:net pos n. def a hinge with a long horizontal strap fixed to the face of a door and a short vertical leaf fixed to the door frame. cross-grained 1. syl cross-grained pos adj. usage of timber def having the fibres arranged irregularly or in a direction that deviates from the axis of the piece. cross-grained 2. syl cross-grained pos adj. def perverse, cantankerous, or stubborn. cross hairs 0. syl cross hairs pos n. mod pl. def another name for {cross wires}. crosshatch 0. syl cross+hatch pron <1kros2h@C> pos vb. qual Drawing. def to shade or hatch (forms, figures, etc.) with two or more sets of parallel lines that cross one another. crosshatching sub head crosshatch syl cross+2hatch:ing pos n. crosshead 1. syl cross+head pron <1kros2hed> pos n. qual Printing. def a subsection or paragraph heading printed within the body of the text. crosshead 2. syl cross+head pron <1kros2hed> pos n. def a block or beam, usually restrained by sliding bearings in a reciprocating mechanism, esp. the junction piece between the piston rod and connecting rod of a steam engine. crosshead 3. syl cross+head pron <1kros2hed> pos n. qual Nautical. def a bar fixed across the top of the rudder post to which the tiller is attached. crosshead 4. syl cross+head pron <1kros2hed> pos n. def a block, rod, or beam fixed at the head of any part of a mechanism. cross-index 1. syl cross-in:dex pos n. def a note or notes referring the reader to other material. cross-index 2. syl cross-in:dex pos vb. mod intr. usage of a note in a book, etc. def to refer to related material. cross-index 3. syl cross-in:dex pos vb. def to provide or be provided with cross-indexes. crossing 1. syl cross+ing pron <1krosiG> pos n. def the place where one thing crosses another. crossing 2. syl cross+ing pron <1krosiG> pos n. def a place, often shown by markings, lights, or poles, where a street, railway, etc., may be crossed. crossing 3. syl cross+ing pron <1krosiG> pos n. def the intersection of the nave and transept in a church. crossing 4. syl cross+ing pron <1krosiG> pos n. def the act or process of crossbreeding. crossing over 0. syl cross+ing o:ver pos n. def the interchange of sections between pairing homologous chromosomes during the diplotene stage of meiosis. It results in the separation of genes and produces variation in the inherited characteristics of the offspring. See also {{linkage} (sense 4)}. crossjack 0. syl cross+jack pron <1kros2J@k>, Nautical <1krc:Jik>, <1kroJ-> pos n. qual Nautical. def a square sail on a ship's mizzenmast. cross-legged 0. syl cross-leg:ged pron <1kros1legid>, <-1legd> pos adj. def standing or sitting with one leg crossed over the other. crosslet ety C16 croslet a little #7cross cross crosslet alt head crosslet or crosslet syl cross cross+let pron <1kroslit> pos n. crosslet 0. or cross crosslet syl cross+let pron <1kroslit> pos n. qual Heraldry. def a cross having a smaller cross near the end of each arm. cross-linkage alt head cross-link or cross-link syl cross-link:age pos n. cross-link 0. or cross-linkage syl cross-link pos n. def a chemical bond, atom, or group of atoms that connects two adjacent chains of atoms in a large molecule such as a polymer or protein. cross of Lorraine 0. syl cross of Lor+raine pos n. def a cross with two horizontal bars above and below the midpoint of the vertical bar, the lower longer than the upper. crossopterygian ety C19: from New Latin Crossopterygi*_i, from Greek krossoi fringe, tassels+ pterugion a little wing, from pterux wing crossopterygian 1. syl cros+sop+te+ryg+i:an pron pos n. def any bony fish of the subclass having fleshy limblike pectoral fins. The group, now mostly extinct, contains the ancestors of the amphibians. See also {coelacanth}. crossopterygian 2. syl cros+sop+te+ryg+i:an pron pos adj. def of, relating to, or belonging to the crossover 1. syl cross+o:ver pron <1kros2*uv*> pos n. def a place at which a crossing is made. crossover 2.a. syl cross+o:ver pron <1kros2*uv*> pos n. def another term for {crossing over}. crossover 2.b. syl cross+o:ver pron <1kros2*uv*> pos n. def a chromosomal structure or character resulting from crossing over. crossover 3. syl cross+o:ver pron <1kros2*uv*> pos n. qual Railways. def a point of transfer between two main lines. crossover 4. syl cross+o:ver pron <1kros2*uv*> pos n. def short for {crossover network}. crossover network 0. syl cross+o:ver net+work pos n. def an electronic network in a high-fidelity system that divides the output into two or more frequency bands, the lower frequencies being fed to a woofer, the higher frequencies to a tweeter. crosspatch ety C18: from #7cross+ obsolete patch fool crosspatch 0. syl cross+patch pron <1kros2p@C> pos n. qual Informal. def a peevish bad-tempered person. crosspiece 0. syl cross+piece pron <1kros2pEs> pos n. def a transverse beam, joist, etc. cross-ply 0. syl cross-ply pos adj. usage of a motor tyre def having the fabric cords in the outer casing running diagonally to stiffen the sidewalls. Compare {radial-ply}. cross-pollinate 0. syl cross-pol:li:nate pos vb. def to subject or be subjected to cross-pollination. cross-pollination 0. syl cross-pol:li:na+tion pos n. def the transfer of pollen from the anthers of one flower to the stigma of another flower by the action of wind, insects, etc. Compare {self-pollination}. cross press 0. syl cross press pos n. def a fall in wrestling using the weight of the body to pin an opponent's shoulders to the floor. cross product 0. syl cross prod+uct pos n. def another name for {vector product}. cross-purpose 1. syl cross-pur:pose pos n. def a contrary aim or purpose. at cross-purposes 2. head cross-purpose syl at cross-purposes. def conflicting; opposed; disagreeing. cross-question 1. syl cross-ques:tion pos vb. def to cross-examine. cross-question 2. syl cross-ques:tion pos n. def a question asked in cross-examination. cross-questioning sub head cross-question syl cross-1ques:tion+ing pos n. cross-refer 0. syl cross-re:fer pos vb. def to refer from one part of something, esp. a book, to another. cross-reference 1. syl cross-ref:er:ence pos n. def a reference within a text to another part of the text. cross-reference 2. syl cross-ref:er:ence pos vb. def to cross-refer. cross relation 0. syl cross re+la+tion pos n. def another term (esp. U.S.) for {false relation}. Cross River 0. syl Cross Riv+er pos n. def a state of SE Nigeria, on the Gulf of Guinea. Capital: Calabar. Pop.: 4626317 (1976 est.). Area: 35149 sq. km (13568 sq. miles). Former name (until 1976): {South-Eastern State}. crossroad 1. syl cross+road pron <1kros2r*ud> pos n. qual U.S. def a road that crosses another road. crossroad 2. syl cross+road pron <1kros2r*ud> pos n. qual U.S. def Also called: {crossway}. a road that crosses from one main road to another. crossroads 1. syl cross+roads pron <1kros2r*udz> pos n. mod construed as; sing. def an area or the point at which two or more roads cross each other. crossroads 2. syl cross+roads pron <1kros2r*udz> pos n. mod construed as; sing. def the point at which an important choice has to be made (esp. in the phrase {at the crossroads) }. crossruff 1. syl cross+ruff pron <1kros2r^f> pos n. qual Bridge, whist. def the alternate trumping of each other's leads by two partners, or by declarer and dummy. crossruff 2. syl cross+ruff pron <1kros2r^f> pos vb. mod intr. qual Bridge, whist. def to trump alternately in two hands of a partnership. cross section 1. syl cross sec+tion pos n. qual Maths. def a plane surface formed by cutting across a solid, esp. perpendicular to its longest axis. cross section 2. syl cross sec+tion pos n. def a section cut off in this way. cross section 3. syl cross sec+tion pos n. def the act of cutting anything in this way. cross section 4. syl cross sec+tion pos n. def a random selection or sample, esp. one regarded as representative. exam 1 a cross section of the public. cross section 5. syl cross sec+tion pos n. qual Surveying. def a vertical section of a line of ground at right angles to a survey line. cross section 6. syl cross sec+tion pos n. qual Physics. def a measure of the probability that a collision process will result in a particular reaction. It is expressed by the effective area that one participant presents as a target for the other. cross-sectional sub head cross section syl cross-1sec:tion+al pos adj. cross-slide 0. syl cross-slide pos n. def the part of a lathe or planing machine on which the tool post is mounted and across which it slides at right angles to the bed of the lathe. cross-stitch 1. syl cross-stitch pos n. def an embroidery stitch made by two stitches forming a cross. cross-stitch 2. syl cross-stitch pos n. def embroidery worked with this stitch. cross-stitch 3. syl cross-stitch pos vb. def to embroider (a piece of needlework) with cross-stitch. crosstalk 1. syl cross+talk pron <1kros2tc:k> pos n. qual Radio, telephony. def unwanted sounds heard in one receiving channel due to a transfer of energy from one or more other channels. crosstalk 2. syl cross+talk pron <1kros2tc:k> pos n. qual Brit. def rapid or witty talk or conversation. cross-town 0. syl cross-town pos adj. qual U.S. def going across or following a route across a town. exam 1 a cross-town bus. crosstree 0. syl cross+tree pron <1kros2trE> pos n. qual Nautical. def either of a pair of wooden or metal braces on the head of a lower mast to support the topmast, etc. cross vine 0. syl cross vine pos n. def a woody bignoniaceous vine, of the southeastern U.S., having large trumpet-shaped reddish flowers. crosswalk 0. syl cross+walk pron <1kros2wc:k> pos n. def the U.S. name for {pedestrian crossing}. crosswind 0. syl cross+wind pron <1kros2wind> pos n. def a wind that blows at right angles to the direction of travel of an aircraft or ship. cross wires 0. syl cross wires pos n. mod pl. def two fine mutually perpendicular lines or wires that cross in the focal plane of a theodolite, gunsight, or other optical instrument and are used to define the line of sight. Also called: {cross hairs}. crossways alt head crosswise or crosswise syl cross+ways pron <1kros2wAz> pos adj. adv. crosswise 1. or crossways syl cross+wise pron <1kros2wIz> pos adj. adv. def across; transversely. crosswise 2. or crossways syl cross+wise pron <1kros2wIz> pos adj. adv. def in the shape of a cross. crossword puzzle 0. syl cross+word puz+zle pron <1kros2wR:d> pos n. def a puzzle in which the solver guesses words suggested by numbered clues and writes them into corresponding boxes in a grid to form a vertical and horizontal pattern. crosswort 0. syl cross+wort pron <1kros2wR:t> pos n. def a herbaceous perennial Eurasian rubiaceous plant, with pale yellow flowers and whorls of hairy leaves. Also called: {mugwort}. crotch ety C16: probably variant of #7crutch crotch 1. syl crotch pron pos n. def Also called: (Brit.): {crutch}. crotch 1.a. syl crotch pron pos n. def the angle formed by the inner sides of the legs where they join the human trunk. crotch 1.b. syl crotch pron pos n. def the human external genitals or the genital area. crotch 1.c. syl crotch pron pos n. def the corresponding part of a pair of trousers, pants, etc. crotch 2. syl crotch pron pos n. def a forked region formed by the junction of two members. crotch 3. syl crotch pron pos n. def a forked pole or stick. crotched sub head crotch syl crotched pron pos adj. crotchet ety C14: from Old French crochet, literally: little hook, from croche hook; see #7crocket crotchet 1. syl crotch+et pron <1kroCit> pos n. qual Music. def a note having the time value of a quarter of a semibreve. Usual U.S. name: {quarter note}. crotchet 2. syl crotch+et pron <1kroCit> pos n. def a small hook or hooklike device. crotchet 3. syl crotch+et pron <1kroCit> pos n. def a perverse notion. crotchet 4. syl crotch+et pron <1kroCit> pos n. qual Zoology. def a small notched or hooked process, as in an insect. crotchety 1. syl crotch+et:y pron <1kroCiti> pos adj. qual Informal. def cross; irritable; contrary. crotchety 2. syl crotch+et:y pron <1kroCiti> pos adj. def full of crotchets. crotchetiness sub head crotchety syl crotch+et:i+ness pos n. croton ety C18: from New Latin, from Greek krot*_on tick, castor-oil plant (whose berries resemble ticks) croton 1. syl cro+ton pron <1kr*utN> pos n. def any shrub or tree of the chiefly tropical euphorbiaceous genus esp. the seeds of which yield croton oil. croton 2. syl cro+ton pron <1kr*utN> pos n. def any of various tropical plants of the related genus esp. a house plant with variegated foliage. Croton bug ety C19: named after the Croton river, whose water was piped to New York City in 1842 Croton bug 0. syl Cro+ton bug pos n. qual U.S. def another name for the {German cockroach}. Crotone 0. syl Cro+to+ne pron Italian pos n. def a town in S Italy, on the coast of Calabria: founded in about 700 #7b.c. by the Achaeans; chemical works and zinc-smelting. Pop.: 50970 (1971). crotonic acid 0. syl cro+ton+ic ac:id pron pos n. def a colourless crystalline insoluble unsaturated carboxylic acid produced by oxidation of crotonaldehyde and used in organic synthesis; 2-butenoic acid. Formula: CH\3CH:CHCOOH. croton oil 0. syl cro+ton oil pos n. def a yellowish-brown oil obtained from the plant formerly used as a drastic purgative. See also {{croton} (sense 1)}. crouch ety C14: perhaps from Old French crochir to become bent like a hook, from croche hook crouch 1. syl crouch pron pos vb. mod intr. def to bend low with the limbs pulled up close together. crouch 2. syl crouch pron pos vb. mod intr. def to cringe, as in humility or fear. crouch 3. syl crouch pron pos vb. mod tr. def to bend (parts of the body), as in humility or fear. crouch 4. syl crouch pron pos n. def the act of stooping or bending. croup ety C16 croup to cry hoarsely, probably of imitative origin croup H1.0. syl croup pron pos n. def a throat condition, occurring usually in children, characterized by a hoarse cough and laboured breathing, resulting from inflammation and partial obstruction of the larynx. croupous sub head croup or croupy syl croup+ous pos adj. croupy sub head croup or croupous syl croup:y pos adj. croup ety C13: from Old French croupe; related to German Kruppe croupe alt head croup or croup syl croupe pron pos n. croup H2.0. or croupe syl croup pron pos n. def the hindquarters of a quadruped, esp. a horse. croup ety extended verbal use of #7croup %2 croup H3.0. syl croup pron pos vb. mod intr. qual Northern Brit. dialect. def to squat on one's haunches; crouch. Also: {#!croup@.y, #!croup@.y down}. croupier ety C18: literally: one who rides behind another, from croupe #7croup %2 croupier 0. syl crou+pi+er pron <1kru:pi*>, French pos n. def a person who deals cards, collects bets, etc., at a gaming table. crouse ety C14 (Scottish and Northern) English: from Middle Low German kr*_us twisted, curled, confused crouse 0. syl crouse pron pos adj. qual Scot. and northern Brit. dialect. def lively or saucy. croute ety from French: #7crust croute 0. syl croute pron pos n. def a small round of toasted bread on which a savoury mixture is served. crouton ety French: diminutive of cro*^ute #7crust crouton 0. syl crou+ton pron <1kru:ton> pos n. def a small piece of fried or toasted bread, usually served in soup. crow ety Old English cr*_awa; related to Old Norse kr*_aka, Old High German kr*_aia, Dutch kraai crow H1.1. syl crow pron pos n. def any large gregarious songbird of the genus esp. ({carrion crow}) of Europe and Asia: family Other species are the raven, rook, and jackdaw and all have a heavy bill, glossy black plumage, and rounded wings. Related adj.: {corvine}. crow H1.2. syl crow pron pos n. def any of various other corvine birds, such as the jay, magpie, and nutcracker. crow H1.3. syl crow pron pos n. def any of various similar birds of other families. crow H1.4. syl crow pron pos n. qual Austral. slang. def an old or ugly woman. crow H1.5. syl crow pron pos n. def short for {crowbar}. as the crow flies 6. head crow syl as the crow flies. def as directly as possible. eat crow 7. head crow syl eat crow. qual U.S. informal. def to be forced to do something humiliating. stone the crows 8. head crow syl stone the crows. pos interj. qual Brit. and Austral. slang. def an expression of surprise, horror, etc. crow ety Old English cr*_awan; related to Old High German kr*_aen, Dutch kraaien crowed infl head crow or crew syl crowed pos vb. crew infl head crow or crowed syl crew pos vb. crow H2.1. syl crow pron pos vb. mod intr. def to utter a shrill squawking sound, as a cock. crow H2.2. syl crow pron pos vb. mod intr. usage often foll. by over def to boast one's superiority. crow H2.3. syl crow pron pos vb. mod intr. usage esp. of babies def to utter cries of pleasure. crower sub head crow syl crow+er pos n. crowingly sub head crow syl crow+ing+ly pos adv. Crow 1. or Crows syl Crow pron pos n. mod pl. def a member of a North American Indian people living in E Montana. Crow 2. syl Crow pron pos n. def the language of this people, belonging to the Siouan family. crowbar 0. syl crow+bar pron <1kr*u2ba:> pos n. def a heavy iron lever with one pointed end, and one forged into a wedge shape. crowberries infl head crowberry syl crow+ber:ries. pos n. mod pl. crowberry 1. syl crow+ber:ry pron <1kr*ub*ri>, <-bri> pos n. def a low-growing N temperate evergreen shrub, with small purplish flowers and black berry-like fruit: family crowberry 2. syl crow+ber:ry pron <1kr*ub*ri>, <-bri> pos n. def any of several similar or related plants. crowberry 3. syl crow+ber:ry pron <1kr*ub*ri>, <-bri> pos n. def the fruit of any of these plants. crow-bill 0. syl crow-bill pos n. def a type of forceps used to extract bullets, etc., from wounds. crow blackbird 0. syl crow black+bird pos n. def another name for {grackle}. crowboot 0. syl crow+boot pron <1kr*u2bu:t> pos n. def a type of Eskimo boot made of fur and leather. crowd ety Old English cr*_udan; related to Middle Low German kr*_uden to molest, Middle Dutch cr*_uden to push, Norwegian kryda to swarm crowd H1.1. syl crowd pron pos n. def a large number of things or people gathered or considered together. crowd H1.2. syl crowd pron pos n. def a particular group of people, esp. considered as a social or business set. exam 1 the crowd from the office. crowd H1.3.a. syl crowd pron pos n. usage preceded by the def the common people; the masses. crowd H1.4. syl crowd pron pos n. mod intr. def to gather together in large numbers; throng. crowd H1.5. syl crowd pron pos n. mod tr. def to press together into a confined space. crowd H1.6. syl crowd pron pos n. mod tr. def to fill to excess; fill by pushing into. crowd H1.7. syl crowd pron pos n. mod tr. qual Slang. def to urge or harass by urging. crowd on sail 8. head crowd syl crowd on sail. qual Nautical. def to hoist as much sail as possible. follow the crowd 9. head crowd syl follow the crowd. def to conform with the majority. crowded sub head crowd syl crowd+ed pos adj. crowdedly sub head crowd syl crowd+ed+ly pos adv. crowdedness sub head crowd syl crowd+ed+ness pos n. crowder sub head crowd syl crowd+er pos n. crowd ety C13: from Welsh crwth crowd H2.0. syl crowd pron pos n. qual Music. def an ancient bowed stringed instrument; crwth. crowd puller 0. syl crowd pull+er pos n. qual Informal. def a person, object, event, etc., that attracts a large audience. crowfoots infl head crowfoot syl crow+foots. pos n. mod pl. crowfoot 1. syl crow+foot pron <1kr*u2fut> pos n. def any of several plants of the genus such as and ({water crowfoot}) that have yellow or white flowers and divided leaves resembling the foot of a crow. See also {buttercup}. crowfoot 2. syl crow+foot pron <1kr*u2fut> pos n. def any of various other plants that have leaves or other parts resembling a bird's foot. crowfeet infl head crowfoot syl crow+feet. pos n. mod pl. crowfoot 3. syl crow+foot pron <1kr*u2fut> pos n. qual Nautical. def a bridle-like arrangement of lines rove through a wooden block or attached to a ring for supporting an awning from above. crowfeet infl head crowfoot syl crow+feet. pos n. mod pl. crowfoot 4. syl crow+foot pron <1kr*u2fut> pos n. qual Military. def another name for {caltrop}. crown ety C12: from Old French corone, from Latin cor*_ona wreath, crown, from Greek kor*_on*_e crown, something curved crown 1. syl crown pron pos n. def an ornamental headdress denoting sovereignty, usually made of gold embedded with precious stones. crown 2. syl crown pron pos n. def a wreath or garland for the head, awarded as a sign of victory, success, honour, etc. crown 3. syl crown pron pos n. usage sometimes cap. def monarchy or kingship. crown 4. syl crown pron pos n. def an award, distinction, or title, given as an honour to reward merit, victory, etc. crown 5. syl crown pron pos n. def anything resembling or symbolizing a crown, such as a sergeant major's badge or a heraldic bearing. crown 6.a. syl crown pron pos n. def a coin worth 25 pence (five shillings). crown 6.b. syl crown pron pos n. def any of several continental coins, such as the krona or krone, with a name meaning crown 7. syl crown pron pos n. def the top or summit of something, esp. of a rounded object. exam 1 crown of a hill; exam 2 crown of the head. crown 8. syl crown pron pos n. def the centre part of a road, esp. when it is cambered. crown 9.a. syl crown pron pos n. def the leaves and upper branches of a tree. crown 9.b. syl crown pron pos n. def the junction of root and stem, usually at the level of the ground. crown 9.c. syl crown pron pos n. def another name for {{corona} (sense 6)}. crown 10.a. syl crown pron pos n. def the cup and arms of a crinoid, as distinct from the stem. crown 10.b. syl crown pron pos n. def the crest of a bird. crown 11. syl crown pron pos n. def the outstanding quality, achievement, state, etc.. exam 1 the crown of his achievements. crown 12.a. syl crown pron pos n. def the enamel-covered part of a tooth above the gum. artificial crown 12.b. head crown syl artificial crown. def a substitute crown, usually of gold, porcelain, or acrylic resin, fitted over a decayed or broken tooth. crown 13. syl crown pron pos n. def the part of a cut gem above the girdle. crown 14. syl crown pron pos n. qual Horology. def a knurled knob for winding a watch. crown 15. syl crown pron pos n. def the part of an anchor where the arms are joined to the shank. crown 16. syl crown pron pos n. def the highest part of an arch or vault. crown 17. syl crown pron pos n. def a standard size of printing paper, 15 by 20 inches. crown 18. syl crown pron pos vb. mod tr. def to put a crown on the head of, symbolically vesting with royal title, powers, etc. crown 19. syl crown pron pos vb. mod tr. def to place a crown, wreath, garland, etc., on someone's head. crown 20. syl crown pron pos vb. mod tr. def to place something on or over the head or top of. exam 1 he crowned the pie with cream. crown 21. syl crown pron pos vb. mod tr. def to confer a title, dignity, or reward upon. exam 1 he crowned her best cook. crown 22. syl crown pron pos vb. mod tr. def to form the summit, or topmost part of. exam 1 the steeple crowned the tower. crown 23. syl crown pron pos vb. mod tr. def to occur as the culminating event in a series. exam 1 to crown it all it rained, too. crown 24. syl crown pron pos vb. mod tr. qual Draughts. def to promote (a draught) to a king by placing another draught on top of it, as after reaching the end of the board. crown 25. syl crown pron pos vb. mod tr. def to attach a crown to (a tooth). crown 26. syl crown pron pos vb. mod tr. qual Slang. def to hit over the head. crownless sub head crown syl crown+less pos adj. Crown 1. syl Crown pron pos n. usage sometimes not cap; usually preceded by the def the sovereignty or realm of a monarch. Crown 2.a. syl Crown pron pos n. usage sometimes not cap; usually preceded by the def the government of a constitutional monarchy. Crown 2.b. syl Crown pron pos n. usage sometimes not cap; usually preceded by the; as modifier exam 1 Crown property. Crown Agent 0. syl Crown A:gent pos n. def a member of a board appointed by the Minister for Overseas Development to provide financial, commercial, and professional services for a number of overseas governments and international bodies. crown and anchor 0. syl crown and an+chor pos n. def a game played with dice marked with crowns and anchors. crown cap 0. syl crown cap pos n. qual Brit. def an airtight metal seal crimped on the top of most beers, ciders, mineral waters, etc. crown colony 0. syl crown col:o+ny pos n. def a British colony whose administration and legislature is controlled by the Crown. crown court 0. syl crown court pos n. qual English law. def a court of criminal jurisdiction holding sessions in towns throughout England and Wales at which circuit judges hear and determine cases. Crown Derby 0. syl Crown Der+by pos n. def a type of porcelain manufactured at Derby from 1784-1848, marked with a crown. crown glass 1. syl crown glass pos n. def another name for {optical crown}. crown glass 2. syl crown glass pos n. def an old form of window glass made by blowing a globe and spinning it until it forms a flat disc. crown graft 0. syl crown graft pos n. qual Horticulture. def a type of graft in which the scion is inserted at the crown of the stock. crown green 0. syl crown green pos n. def a type of bowling green in which the sides are lower than the middle. crown imperial 0. syl crown im+pe+ri:al pos n. def a liliaceous garden plant, with a cluster of leaves and orange bell-shaped flowers at the top of the stem. crown jewels 0. syl crown jew+els pos n. mod pl. def the jewellery, including the regalia, used by a sovereign on a state occasion. crown land 1. syl crown land pos n. usage in the United Kingdom def land belonging to the Crown. crown land 2. syl crown land pos n. def public land in some dominions of the Commonwealth. crownland 0. syl crown+land pron <1kraun2l@nd> pos n. def a large administrative division of the former empire of Austria-Hungary. crown lens 0. syl crown lens pos n. def a lens made of optical crown, esp. the optical-crown part of a compound achromatic lens. Crown Office 0. syl Crown Of+fice pos n. usage in England def an office of the Queen's Bench Division of the High Court that is responsible for administration and where actions are entered for trial. crown-of-thorns 1. syl crown-of-thorns pos n. def a starfish, that has a spiny test and feeds on living coral in coral reefs. crown-of-thorns 2. syl crown-of-thorns pos n. def Also called: {Christ's thorn}. a thorny euphorbiaceous Madagascan shrub, cultivated as a hedging shrub or pot plant, having flowers with scarlet bracts. crownpiece 1. syl crown+piece pron <1kraun2pEs> pos n. def the piece forming or fitting the top of something. crownpiece 2. syl crown+piece pron <1kraun2pEs> pos n. def the strap of a bridle that goes over a horse's head behind the ears. crown prince 0. syl crown prince pos n. def the male heir to a sovereign throne. crown princess 1. syl crown prin+cess pos n. def the wife of a crown prince. crown princess 2. syl crown prin+cess pos n. def the female heir to a sovereign throne. crown saw 0. syl crown saw pos n. def a hollow cylinder with cutting teeth forming a rotary saw for trepanning. crown vetch 0. syl crown vetch pos n. def a trailing papilionaceous European plant, with clusters of white or pink flowers: cultivated in North America as a border plant. Also called (U.S.): {axseed}. crown wheel 1. syl crown wheel pos n. def the larger of the two gears in a bevel gear. crown wheel 2. syl crown wheel pos n. qual Horology. def the wheel next to the winding knob that has one set of teeth at right angles to the other. crownwork 1.a. syl crown+work pron <1kraun2wR:k> pos n. def the manufacture of artificial crowns for teeth. crownwork 1.b. syl crown+work pron <1kraun2wR:k> pos n. def such an artificial crown or crowns. crownwork 2. syl crown+work pron <1kraun2wR:k> pos n. qual Fortifications. def a covering or protective outwork. crow's-feet infl head crow's-foot syl crow's-feet. pos n. mod pl. crow's-foot 1. syl crow's-foot pos n. mod often; pl. def a wrinkle at the outer corner of the eye. crow's-foot 2. syl crow's-foot pos n. def an embroidery stitch with three points, used esp. as a finishing at the end of a seam. crow's-foot 3. syl crow's-foot pos n. def a system of diverging short ropes to distribute the pull of a single rope, used esp. in balloon and airship riggings. crow's-nest 0. syl crow's-nest pos n. def a lookout platform high up on a ship's mast. crow step 0. syl crow step pos n. def another term for {corbie-step}. Croydon 0. syl Croy+don pron <1krcidN> pos n. def a Greater London borough (since 1965): formerly important for its airport (1915-59). Pop.: 330600 (1976 est.). croze ety C17: probably from Old French crues a hollow croze 1. syl croze pron pos n. def the recess cut at the end of a barrel or cask to receive the head. croze 2. syl croze pron pos n. def a tool for cutting this recess. crozier 0. syl cro+zier pron <1kr*uZ*> pos n. def a variant spelling of {crosier}. CRP 0. syl C.R.P. qual abbrev. for usage in India def Central Reserve Police. CRT 0. syl CRT qual abbrev. for def cathode-ray tube. cru ety from French: production, from cr*^u, past participle of cro*^itre to grow cru 0. syl cru pron , French pos n. usage Winemaking. in France def a vineyard; group of vineyards, or wine-producing region. cruces 0. syl cru+ces pron <1kru:sEz> pos n. def a plural of {crux}. crucial ety C18: from French, from Latin crux #7cross crucial 1. syl cru+cial pron <1kru:S*l> pos adj. def involving a final or supremely important decision or event; decisive; critical. crucial 2. syl cru+cial pron <1kru:S*l> pos adj. qual Informal. def very important. crucially sub head crucial syl cru+cial+ly pos adv. crucian ety C18: from Low German Karusse crucian 0. syl cru+cian pron <1kru:S*n> pos n. def a European cyprinid fish, with a dark-green back, a golden-yellow under?!surface, and reddish dorsal and tail fins: an aquarium fish. cruciate ety C17: from New Latin cruci*_atus, from Latin crux cross cruciate 0. syl cru+ci+ate pron <1kru:Siit>, <-2At> pos adj. def shaped or arranged like a cross. exam 1 cruciate petals. cruciately sub head cruciate syl cru+ci+ate+ly pos adv. crucible ety C15 corusible, from Medieval Latin cr*_ucibulum night lamp, crucible, of uncertain origin crucible 1. syl cru+ci+ble pron <1kru:sibL> pos n. def a vessel in which substances are heated to high temperatures. crucible 2. syl cru+ci+ble pron <1kru:sibL> pos n. def the hearth at the bottom of a metallurgical furnace in which the metal collects. crucible 3. syl cru+ci+ble pron <1kru:sibL> pos n. def a severe trial or test. crucible steel 0. syl cru+ci+ble steel pos n. def a high-quality steel made by melting wrought iron, charcoal, and other additives in a crucible. crucifer ety C16: from Late Latin, from Latin crux cross+ ferre to carry crucifer 1. syl cru+ci+fer pron <1kru:sif*> pos n. def any plant of the family having a corolla of four petals arranged like a cross and a fruit called a siliqua. The family includes the brassicas, mustard, cress, and wallflower. crucifer 2. syl cru+ci+fer pron <1kru:sif*> pos n. def a person who carries a cross. cruciferous 0. syl cru+cif+er+ous pron pos adj. def of, relating to, or belonging to the plant family See {{crucifer} (sense 1)}. crucifix ety C13: from Church Latin crucifixus the crucified Christ, from crucif*_igere to #7crucify crucifix 0. syl cru+ci+fix pron <1kru:sifiks> pos n. def a cross or image of a cross with a figure of Christ upon it. crucifixion 0. syl cru+ci+fix+ion pron <2kru:si1fikS*n> pos n. def a method of putting to death by nailing or binding to a cross, normally by the hands and feet, which was widespread in the ancient world. Crucifixion 1. syl Cru+ci+fix+ion pron <2kru:si1fikS*n> pos n. usage usually preceded by the def the crucifying of Christ at Calvary, regarded by Christians as the culminating redemptive act of his ministry. Crucifixion 2. syl Cru+ci+fix+ion pron <2kru:si1fikS*n> pos n. def a picture or representation of this. cruciform ety C17: from Lat crux cross+-#7form cruciform 1. syl cru+ci+form pron <1kru:si2fc:m> pos adj. def shaped like a cross. cruciform 2. syl cru+ci+form pron <1kru:si2fc:m> pos n. def a geometric curve, shaped like a cross, that has four similar branches asymptotic to two mutually perpendicular pairs of lines. Equation. exam 1 x cruciformly sub head cruciform syl cru+ci+2form+ly pos adv. crucify ety C13: from Old French crucifier, from Late Latin crucif*_igere to crucify, to fasten to a cross, from Latin crux cross+ f*_igere to fasten crucifies infl head crucify syl cru+ci+fies pos vb. mod tr. crucifying infl head crucify syl cru+ci+fy+ing pos vb. mod tr. crucified infl head crucify syl cru+ci+fied. pos vb. mod tr. crucify 1. syl cru+ci+fy pron <1kru:si2fI> pos vb. mod tr. def to put to death by crucifixion. crucify 2. syl cru+ci+fy pron <1kru:si2fI> pos vb. mod tr. qual Slang. def to defeat, ridicule, etc., totally. exam 1 the critics crucified his performance. crucify 3. syl cru+ci+fy pron <1kru:si2fI> pos vb. mod tr. def to treat very cruelly; torment. crucify 4. syl cru+ci+fy pron <1kru:si2fI> pos vb. mod tr. def to subdue (passion, lust, etc.); mortify. crucifier sub head crucify syl cru+ci+2fi+er pos n. cruck ety C19: variant of #7crook (n.) cruck 0. syl cruck pos kr^k; n. def one of a pair of curved wooden timbers support?!ing the end of the roof in certain types of building. crud ety C14: earlier form of #7curd crud 1. syl crud pos n. qual Slang, chiefly U.S. usage kr^d def a sticky substance, esp. when dirty and encrusted. crud 2. syl crud pos n. qual Slang, chiefly U.S. usage kr^d def a despicable person. crud 3. syl crud pos n. qual Slang, chiefly U.S. usage kr^d; some?!times preceded by the def a disease; rot. crud 4. syl crud pos interj. qual Slang, chiefly U.S. usage kr^d def an expression of disgust, disappointment, etc. cruddy sub head crud syl crud+dy pos adj. crude ety C14: from Latin cr*_udus bloody, raw; related to Latin cruor blood crude 1. syl crude pron pos adj. def lacking taste, tact, or refinement; vulgar. exam 1 a crude joke. crude 2. syl crude pron pos adj. def in a natural or unrefined state. crude 3. syl crude pron pos adj. def lacking care, knowledge, or skill. exam 1 a crude sketch. crude 4. syl crude pron pos adj. usage prenominal def stark; blunt. exam 1 the crude facts. crude 5. syl crude pron pos adj. usage of statistical data def unclassified or unanalysed. crude 6. syl crude pron pos adj. qual Archaic. def unripe. crude 7. syl crude pron pos n. def short for {crude oil}. crudely sub head crude syl crude+ly pos adv. crudity sub head crude or crudeness syl crud+i:ty pos n. crudeness sub head crude or crudity syl crude+ness pos n. crude oil 0. syl crude oil pos n. def petroleum before it has been refined. cruel ety C13: from Old French, from Latin cr*_ud*_elis, from cr*_udus raw, bloody cruel 1. syl cru+el pron <1kru:*l> pos adj. def causing or inflicting pain without pity. exam 1 a cruel teacher. cruel 2. syl cru+el pron <1kru:*l> pos adj. def causing pain or suffering. exam 1 a cruel accident. cruelly sub head cruel syl cru+el+ly pos adv. cruelness sub head cruel syl cru+el+ness pos n. cruelties infl head cruelty syl cru+el+ties. pos n. mod pl. cruelty 1. syl cru+el+ty pron <1kru:*lti> pos n. def deliberate infliction of pain or suffering. cruelty 2. syl cru+el+ty pron <1kru:*lti> pos n. def the quality or characteristic of being cruel. cruelty 3. syl cru+el+ty pron <1kru:*lti> pos n. def a cruel action. cruelty 4. syl cru+el+ty pron <1kru:*lti> pos n. qual Law. def conduct that causes danger to life or limb or a threat to bodily or mental health, on proof of which a decree of divorce may be granted. cruet ety C13: from Anglo-French, diminutive of Old French crue flask, of Germanic origin; compare Old Saxon kr*_uka, Old English cr*_uce pot cruet 1. syl cru+et pron <1kru:it> pos n. def a small container for holding pepper, salt, vinegar, oil, etc., at table. cruet 2. syl cru+et pron <1kru:it> pos n. def a set of such containers, esp. on a stand. cruet 3. syl cru+et pron <1kru:it> pos n. qual Christianity. def either of a pair of small containers for the wine and water used in the Eucharist. George infl head Cruikshank syl George. pos n. Cruikshank 0. syl Cruik:shank pron <1kruk2S@Gk> pos n. def 1792-1878, English illustrator and caricaturist. cruise ety C17: from Dutch kruisen to cross, from cruis #7cross ; related to French croiser to cross, cruise, Spanish cruzar, German kreuzen cruise 1. syl cruise pron pos vb. mod intr. def to make a trip by sea in a liner for pleasure, usually calling at a number of ports. cruise 2. syl cruise pron pos vb. def to sail or travel over (a body of water) for pleasure in a yacht, cruiser, etc. cruise 3. syl cruise pron pos vb. def to search for enemy vessels in a warship. cruise 4. syl cruise pron pos vb. mod intr. usage of a vehicle, aircraft, or vessel def to travel at a moderate and efficient speed. cruise 5. syl cruise pron pos vb. mod intr. qual Informal. def to search the streets or other public places for a sexual partner. {~} cruise 6. syl cruise pron pos vb. def an act or instance of cruising, esp. a trip by sea. cruise missile 0. syl cruise mis+sile pos n. def an air-breathing subsonic missile that is continuously powered and guided throughout its flight and carries a warhead. cruiser 1. syl cruis+er pron <1kru:z*> pos n. def a high-speed, long-range warship of medium displacement, armed with medium calibre weapons or missiles. cruiser 2. syl cruis+er pron <1kru:z*> pos n. def Also called: {cabin cruiser}. a pleasure boat, esp. one that is power-driven and has a cabin. cruiser 3. syl cruis+er pron <1kru:z*> pos n. def any person or thing that cruises. cruiser 4. syl cruis+er pron <1kru:z*> pos n. qual Boxing. def short for {cruiserweight} (see {light heavyweight) }. cruiserweight 0. syl cruis:er+weight pron <1kru:z*2wAt> pos n. qual Boxing. def another term (esp. Brit.) for {light heavyweight}. cruiseway 0. syl cruise+way pron <1kru:z2wA> pos n. def a canal used for recreational purposes. cruller ety C19: from Dutch krulle, from krullen to #7curl kruller alt head cruller or cruller syl krul+ler pron <1kr^l*> pos n. cruller 0. or kruller syl crul+ler pron <1kr^l*> pos n. qual U.S. def a light, sweet, ring-shaped cake, fried in deep fat. crumb ety Old English cruma; related to Middle Dutch krome, Middle High German kr*_ume, Latin gr*_umus heap of earth crumb 1. syl crumb pos kr^m; n. def a small fragment of bread, cake, or other baked foods. crumb 2. syl crumb pos kr^m; n. def a small piece or bit. exam 1 crumbs of information. crumb 3. syl crumb pos kr^m; n. def the soft inner part of bread. crumb 4. syl crumb pos kr^m; n. qual Slang. def a contemptible person. crumb 5. syl crumb pos vb. mod tr. def to prepare or cover (food) with breadcrumbs. crumb 6. syl crumb pos vb. def to break into small fragments. crumb 7. syl crumb pos adj. usage esp. of pie crusts def made with a mixture of biscuit crumbs, sugar, etc. crumber sub head crumb syl crumb+er pos n. crumble ety C16: variant of crimble, of Germanic origin; compare Low German kr*"omeln, Dutch kruimelen crumble 1. syl crum+ble pron <1kr^mbL> pos vb. def to break or be broken into crumbs or fragments. crumble 2. syl crum+ble pron <1kr^mbL> pos vb. mod intr. def to fall apart or away. exam 1 his resolution crumbled. crumble 3. syl crum+ble pron <1kr^mbL> pos n. qual Brit. def a baked pudding consisting of a crumbly mixture of flour, fat, and sugar over stewed fruit. exam 1 apple crumble. crumblier infl head crumbly syl crum+bli+er pos adj. crumbliest infl head crumbly syl crum+bli+est. pos adj. crumbly 0. syl crum+bly pron <1kr^mbli> pos adj. def easily crumbled or crumbling. crumbliness sub head crumbly syl crum+bli+ness pos n. crumbs ety C20: euphemistic for Christ &! crumbs 0. syl crumbs pos kr^mz; interj. qual Slang. def an expression of dismay or surprise. crumbier infl head crumby syl crumb:i+er pos adj. crumbiest infl head crumby syl crumb:i+est. pos adj. crumby 1. syl crumb:y pron <1kr^mi> pos adj. def full of or littered with crumbs. crumby 2. syl crumb:y pron <1kr^mi> pos adj. def soft, like the inside of bread. crumby 3. syl crumb:y pron <1kr^mi> pos adj. def a variant spelling of {crummy}. crumhorn ety C17 cromorne, krumhorn, from German Krummhorn: curved horn krummhorn alt head crumhorn or crumhorn syl krumm+horn pron <1kr^m2hc:n> pos n. crumhorn 0. or krummhorn syl crum+horn pron <1kr^m2hc:n> pos n. def a medieval woodwind instrument of bass pitch, consisting of an almost cylindrical tube curving upwards and blown through a double reed covered by a pierced cap. Crummock Water 0. syl Crum+mock Wa+ter pron <1kr^m*k> pos n. def a lake in NW England, in Cumbria in the Lake District. Length: 4 km (2.5 miles). crummy ety C19: variant spelling of #7crumby crummier infl head crummy syl crum+mi+er pos adj. crummiest infl head crummy syl crum+mi+est. pos adj. crummy H1.1. syl crum+my pron <1kr^mi> pos adj. qual Slang. def of little value; inferior; contemptible. crummy H1.2. syl crum+my pron <1kr^mi> pos adj. qual Slang. def unwell or depressed. exam 1 to feel crummy. crummy ety probably originally meaning: makeshift camp, from #7crummy %1 crummies infl head crummy syl crum+mies. pos n. mod pl. crummy H2.0. syl crum+my pron <1kr^mi> pos n. qual Canadian. def a lorry that carries loggers to work from their camp. crump ety C17: of imitative origin crump 1. syl crump pos kr^mp; vb. mod intr. def to thud or explode with a loud dull sound. crump 2. syl crump pos kr^mp; vb. def to bombard with heavy shells. crump 3. syl crump pos n. def a crunching, thudding, or exploding noise. crumpet ety C17: of uncertain origin crumpet 1. syl crum+pet pron <1kr^mpit> pos n. qual Chiefly Brit. def a light soft yeast cake full of small holes on the top side, eaten toasted and buttered. crumpet 2. syl crum+pet pron <1kr^mpit> pos n. qual Chiefly Brit.; Slang. def women collectively. a piece of crumpet 3. head crumpet syl a piece of crumpet. qual Chiefly Brit. def a sexually desirable woman. not worth a crumpet 4. head crumpet syl not worth a crumpet. qual Chiefly Brit.; Austral. slang. def utterly worthless. crumple ety C16: from obsolete crump to bend; related to Old High German krimpfan to wrinkle, Old Norse kreppa to contract crumple 1. syl crum+ple pron <1kr^mpL> pos vb. mod when; intr. usage often foll. by up def to collapse or cause to collapse. exam 1 his courage crumpled. crumple 2. syl crum+ple pron <1kr^mpL> pos vb. mod when; tr. usage often foll. by up def to crush or cause to be crushed so as to form wrinkles or creases. crumple 3. syl crum+ple pron <1kr^mpL> pos vb. mod intr. def to shrink; shrivel. crumple 4. syl crum+ple pron <1kr^mpL> pos n. def a loose crease or wrinkle. crumply sub head crumple syl crum+ply pos adj. crunch ety C19: changed (through influence of #7munch) from earlier craunch, of imitative origin &- #!crunch+a@.ble adj. crunch 1. syl crunch pron pos vb. def to bite or chew (crisp foods) with a crushing or crackling sound. crunch 2. syl crunch pron pos vb. def to make or cause to make a crisp or brittle sound. exam 1 the snow crunched beneath his feet. crunch 3. syl crunch pron pos n. def the sound or act of crunching. the crunch 4. head crunch syl the crunch. qual Informal. def the critical moment or situation. crunch xref syl crunch pron pos vb. def Also: {craunch}. crunchy sub head crunch syl crunch:y pos adj. crunchily sub head crunch syl crunch:i+ly pos adv. crunchiness sub head crunch syl crunch:i+ness pos n. crunode ety C19: cru- from Latin crux cross+#7node crunode 0. syl cru+node pron <1kru:n*ud> pos n. def a point at which two branches of a curve intersect, each branch having a distinct tangent; node. crupper ety C13: from Old French crupiere, from crupe #7croup %2 crupper 1. syl crup+per pron <1kr^p*> pos n. def a strap from the back of a saddle that passes under the horse's tail to prevent the saddle from slipping forwards. crupper 2. syl crup+per pron <1kr^p*> pos n. def the part of the horse's rump behind the saddle. crura 0. syl cru+ra pron <1kru*r*> pos n. def the plural of {crus}. crural ety C16: from Latin cr*_ur*_alis, from cr*_us leg, shin crural 0. syl cru+ral pron <1kru*r*l> pos adj. def of or relating to the leg or thigh. crus ety C17: from Latin: leg crura infl head crus syl cru+ra pron <1kru*r*> pos kr^s; n. mod pl. crus 1. syl crus pron <1kru*r*> pos kr^s; n. qual Anatomy. def the leg, esp. from the knee to the foot. crus 2. syl crus pron <1kru*r*> pos kr^s; n. mod usually; pl. def leglike parts or structures. crusade ety C16: from earlier croisade, from Old French crois cross, from Latin crux; influenced also by Spanish cruzada, from cruzar to take up the cross crusade 1. syl cru+sade pron pos n. usage often cap. def any of the military expeditions undertaken in the 11th, 12th, and 13th centuries by the Christian powers of Europe to recapture the Holy Land from the Muslims. crusade 2. syl cru+sade pron pos n. usage formerly def any holy war undertaken on behalf of a religious cause. crusade 3. syl cru+sade pron pos n. def a vigorous and dedicated action or movement in favour of a cause. crusade 4. syl cru+sade pron pos vb. mod intr. def to campaign vigorously for something. crusade 5. syl cru+sade pron pos vb. mod intr. def to go on a crusade. crusader sub head crusade syl cru+1sad+er pos n. crusado ety C16: literally, marked with a cross, from cruzar to bear a cross; see #7crusade cruzado alt head crusado or crusado syl cru+za+do pron , Portuguese , Portuguese <-DuS> pos n. crusadoes infl head crusado or crusados syl cru+sa+does pron <-d*uz>, Portuguese <-DuS> pos n. mod pl. crusados infl head crusado or crusadoes syl cru+sa+dos pron <-d*uz>, Portuguese <-DuS> pos n. mod pl. crusado 0. or cruzado syl cru+sa+do pron , Portuguese , Portuguese <-DuS> pos n. def a former gold or silver coin of Portugal bearing on its reverse the figure of a cross. cruse ety Old English cr*_use; related to Middle High German kr*_use, Dutch kroes jug cruse 0. syl cruse pron pos n. def a small earthenware container used, esp. formerly, for liquids. crush ety C14: from Old French croissir, of Germanic origin; compare Gothic kriustan to gnash; see #7crunch crush 1. syl crush pron pos vb. mod mainly; tr. def to press, mash, or squeeze so as to injure, break, crease, etc. crush 2. syl crush pron pos vb. mod mainly; tr. def to break or grind (rock, ore, etc.) into small particles. crush 3. syl crush pron pos vb. mod mainly; tr. def to put down or subdue, esp. by force. exam 1 to crush a rebellion. crush 4. syl crush pron pos vb. mod mainly; tr. def to extract (juice, water, etc.) by pressing. exam 1 to crush the juice from a lemon. crush 5. syl crush pron pos vb. mod mainly; tr. def to oppress harshly. crush 6. syl crush pron pos vb. mod mainly; tr. def to hug or clasp tightly. exam 1 he crushed her to him. crush 7. syl crush pron pos vb. mod mainly; tr. def to defeat or humiliate utterly, as in argument or by a cruel remark. crush 8. syl crush pron pos vb. mod intr. def to crowd; throng. crush 9. syl crush pron pos vb. mod intr. def to become injured, broken, or distorted by pressure. crush 10. syl crush pron pos n. mod mainly; tr. def a dense crowd, esp. at a social occasion. crush 11. syl crush pron pos n. mod mainly; tr. def the act of crushing; pressure. crush 12. syl crush pron pos n. mod mainly; tr. def a drink or pulp prepared by or as if by crushing fruit. exam 1 orange crush. crush 13.a. syl crush pron pos n. mod mainly; tr. def an infatuation. exam 1 she had a crush on him. crush 13.b. syl crush pron pos n. mod mainly; tr. def the person with whom one is infatuated. crushable sub head crush syl crush+a:ble pos adj. crushability sub head crush syl crush+a:1bil+i:ty pos n. crusher sub head crush syl crush+er pos n. crush bar 0. syl crush bar pos n. def a bar at a theatre for serving drinks during the intervals of a play. crush barrier 0. syl crush bar+ri+er pos n. def a barrier erected to separate sections of large crowds in order to prevent crushing. crust ety C14: from Latin cr*_usta hard surface, rind, shell crust 1.a. syl crust pos kr^st; n. def the hard outer part of bread. crust 1.b. syl crust pos kr^st; n. def a piece of bread consisting mainly of this. crust 2. syl crust pos kr^st; n. def the baked shell of a pie, tart, etc. crust 3. syl crust pos kr^st; n. def any hard or stiff outer covering or surface. exam 1 a crust of ice. crust 4. syl crust pos kr^st; n. def the outer layer of the earth, between 10 and 40 kilometres deep, separated from the inner layer (mantle) by the Mohorovicic discontinuity. See also {sial, sima}. crust 5. syl crust pos kr^st; n. def the dry covering of a skin sore or lesion; scab. crust 6. syl crust pos kr^st; n. def a layer of acid potassium tartrate deposited by some wine, esp. port, on the inside of the bottle. crust 7. syl crust pos kr^st; n. def the hard outer layer of such organisms as lichens and crustaceans. crust 8. syl crust pos kr^st; n. qual Slang. def impertinence. crust 9. syl crust pos kr^st; n. qual Austral. slang. def a living (esp. in the phrase {earn a crust}) . crust 10. syl crust pos vb. def to cover with or acquire a crust. crust 11. syl crust pos vb. def to form or be formed into a crust. crustacean ety C19: from New Latin cr*_ust*_aceus hard-shelled, from Latin cr*_usta shell, #7crust crustacean 1. syl crus+ta+cean pron pos n. def any arthropod of the mainly aquatic class typically having a carapace hardened with lime and including the lobsters, crabs, shrimps, woodlice, barnacles, copepods, and water fleas. crustacean 2. syl crus+ta+cean pron pos adj. usage also def of, relating to, or belonging to the crustaceous 1. syl crus+ta+ceous pron pos adj. def forming, resembling, or possessing a surrounding crust or shell. crustaceous 2. syl crus+ta+ceous pron pos adj. qual Zoology. def another word for {{crustacean} (sense 2)}. crustal 0. syl crus+tal pron <1kr^stL> pos adj. def of or relating to the earth's crust. crustier infl head crusty syl crust:i+er pos adj. crustiest infl head crusty syl crust:i+est. pos adj. crusty 1. syl crust:y pron <1kr^sti> pos adj. def having or characterized by a crust, esp. having a thick crust. crusty 2. syl crust:y pron <1kr^sti> pos adj. def having a rude or harsh character or exterior; surly; curt. exam 1 a crusty remark. crustily sub head crusty syl crust:i+ly pos adv. crustiness sub head crusty syl crust:i+ness pos n. crutch ety Old English crycc; related to Old High German krucka, Old Norse krykkja; see #7crosier , #7crook crutch 1. syl crutch pron pos n. def a long staff of wood or metal having a rest for the armpit, for supporting the weight of the body. crutch 2. syl crutch pron pos n. def something that supports, helps, or sustains. exam 1 a crutch to the economy. crutch 3. syl crutch pron pos n. qual Brit. def another word for {{crotch} (sense 1)}. crutch 4.a. syl crutch pron pos n. def a forked support for a boom or oar, etc. crutch 4.b. syl crutch pron pos n. def a brace for reinforcing the frames at the stern of a wooden vessel. crutch 5. syl crutch pron pos vb. mod tr. def to support or sustain (a person or thing) as with a crutch. crutch 6. syl crutch pron pos vb. qual Austral. slang. def to clip (wool) from the hindquarters of a sheep. Crutched Friar ety C16: crutched, variant of crouched, literally: crossed, referring to the cross worn on their habits Crutched Friar 0. syl Crutched Fri+ar pron , <1kr^Cid> pos n. def a member of a mendicant order, suppressed in 1656. crux ety C18: from Latin: cross cruxes infl head crux or cruces syl crux:es pron <1kru:sEz> pos kr^ks; n. mod pl. cruces infl head crux or cruxes syl cru+ces pron <1kru:sEz> pos kr^ks; n. mod pl. crux 1. syl crux pron <1kru:sEz> pos kr^ks; n. def a vital or decisive stage, point, etc. (often in the phrase {the crux of the matter) }. crux 2. syl crux pron <1kru:sEz> pos kr^ks; n. def a baffling problem or difficulty. crux 3. syl crux pron <1kru:sEz> pos kr^ks; n. def a rare word for {cross}. Crucis infl head Crux syl Cru+cis pron <1kru:sis> pos kr^ks; n. qual Latin genitive Crux 0. syl Crux pron <1kru:sis> pos kr^ks; n. def the more formal name for the {Southern Cross}. crux ansata ety New Latin, literally: cross with a handle cruces ansatae infl head crux ansata syl cru+ces an+sa+tae pron <1kru:sEz> <@n1sAtE> pos n. mod pl. crux ansata 0. syl crux an+sa+ta pron <@n1sAt*> pos n. def another term for {ankh}. Johan infl head Cruyff syl Jo:han pron pos n. Cruyff 0. syl Cruyff pron , Dutch pos n. def born 1947, Dutch footballer: one of the world's leading strikers; played for Ajax of Amsterdam (1965-73) and Barcelona (from 1973); captained the Dutch team in the 1974 World Cup. cruzadoes infl head cruzado or cruzados syl cru+za+does pron <-d*uz>, Portuguese <-DuS> pos n. mod pl. cruzados infl head cruzado or cruzadoes syl cru+za+dos pron <-d*uz>, Portuguese <-DuS> pos n. mod pl. cruzado 0. syl cru+za+do pron , Portuguese , Portuguese <-DuS> pos n. def a variant spelling of {crusado}. cruzeiro ety Portuguese: from cruz #7cross cruzeiros infl head cruzeiro syl cru+zei+ros pron <-r*uz>, Portuguese <-rus> pos n. mod pl. cruzeiro 0. syl cru+zei+ro pron , Portuguese , Portuguese <-rus> pos n. def the standard monetary unit of Brazil, divided into 100 centavos. crwth ety Welsh; compare Middle Irish crott harp crwth 0. syl crwth pron pos n. def an ancient stringed instrument of Celtic origin similar to the cithara but bowed in later types. cry ety C13: from Old French crier, from Latin quir*_it*_are to call for help cries infl head cry syl cries pos vb. crying infl head cry syl cry+ing pos vb. cried infl head cry syl cried. pos vb. cry 1. syl cry pron pos vb. mod intr. def to utter inarticulate sounds, esp. when weeping; sob. cry 2. syl cry pron pos vb. mod intr. def to shed tears; weep. cry 3. syl cry pron pos vb. mod intr. usage usually foll. by out def to scream or shout in pain, terror, etc. cry 4. syl cry pron pos vb. mod tr. usage often foll. by out def to utter or shout (words of appeal, exclamation, fear, etc.). cry 5. syl cry pron pos vb. mod intr. usage often foll. by out; of animals, birds, etc. def to utter loud characteristic sounds. cry 6. syl cry pron pos vb. mod tr. def to hawk or sell by public announcement. exam 1 to cry newspapers. cry 7. syl cry pron pos vb. def to announce (something) publicly or in the streets. cry 8. syl cry pron pos vb. mod intr. usage foll. by for def to clamour or beg. cry for the moon 9. head cry syl cry for the moon. def to desire the unattainable. cry one's eyes 10. head cry or heart out syl cry one's eyes def to weep bitterly. cry quits 11. head cry or mercy syl cry quits def to give up a task, fight, etc. cries infl head cry syl cries. pos n. mod pl. cry 12. syl cry pron pos n. def the act or sound of crying; a shout, exclamation, scream, or wail. cry 13. syl cry pron pos n. def the characteristic utterance of an animal or bird. exam 1 the cry of gulls. cry 14. syl cry pron pos n. qual Archaic. def an oral announcement, esp. one made by town criers. cry 15. syl cry pron pos n. def a fit of weeping. cry 16. syl cry pron pos n. qual Hunting. def the baying of a pack of hounds hunting their quarry by scent. cry 17. syl cry pron pos n. def a pack of hounds. cry 18.a. syl cry pron pos n. def a long way. cry 18.b. syl cry pron pos n. def something very different. cry 19.a. syl cry pron pos n. def hotly pursuing. cry 19.b. syl cry pron pos n. def the baying of a pack of hounds hunting together. cry xref syl cry pron pos vb. def See also {cry down, cry off, cry out}. crybabies infl head crybaby syl cry+ba:bies. pos n. mod pl. crybaby 0. syl cry+ba:by pron <1krI2bAbi> pos n. def a person, esp. a child, given to frequent crying or complaint. cry down 1. syl cry down pos vb. adv. mod tr. def to belittle; disparage. cry down 2. syl cry down pos vb. adv. mod tr. def to silence by making a greater noise. exam 1 to cry down opposition. crying 0. syl cry+ing pron <1krIiG> pos adj. usage prenominal def notorious; lamentable (esp. in the phrase {crying shame) }. cryo- ety from Greek kruos icy cold, frost cryo- 0. syl cry:o- usage combining form. def indicating low temperature; frost, cold, or freezing. exam 1 cryogenics; exam 2 cryosurgery. cryobiology 0. syl cry:o+bi+ol+o:gy pron <2krI*ubI1ol*Ji> pos n. def the branch of biology concerned with the study of the effects of very low temperatures on organisms. cryobiologist sub head cryobiology syl cry:o+bi+1ol:o+gist pos n. cryocable 0. syl cry:o+ca+ble pron <2krI*u1kAbL> pos n. def a highly conducting electrical cable cooled with a refrigerant such as liquid nitrogen. cry off 0. syl cry off pos vb. mod intr. qual Informal. def to withdraw from or cancel (an agreement or arrangement). cryogen 0. syl cry:o+gen pron <1krI*J*n> pos n. def a substance used to produce low temperatures; a freezing mixture. cryogenics 0. syl cry:o+gen+ics pron <2krI*1Jeniks> pos n. mod functioning as; sing. def the branch of physics concerned with the production of very low temperatures and the phenomena occurring at these temperatures. cryogenic sub head cryogenics syl cry:o+1gen+ic pos adj. cryohydrate 0. syl cry:o+hy+drate pron <2krI*u1hIdrAt> pos n. def a crystalline substance containing water and a salt in definite proportions: a eutectic crystallizing below the freezing point of water. cryolite 0. syl cry:o+lite pron <1krI*2lIt> pos n. def a white or colourless mineral consisting of a fluoride of sodium and aluminium in monoclinic crystalline form: used in the production of aluminium, glass, and enamel. Formula: Na\3AlF\6. cryometer 0. syl cry+om+e:ter pron pos n. def a thermometer for measuring low temperatures. cryometry sub head cryometer syl cry+1om+e:try pos n. cryonics 0. syl cry+on+ics pron pos n. mod functioning as; sing. def the practice of freezing a human corpse in the hope of restoring it to life in the future. cryophilic 0. syl cry:o+phil+ic pron <2krI*1filik> pos adj. qual Biology. def able to thrive at low temperatures. cryophyte 0. syl cry:o+phyte pron <1krI*2fIt> pos n. def a plant, esp. an alga or moss, that grows on snow or ice. cryoplankton 0. syl cry:o+plank+ton pron <2krI*u1pl@Gkt*n> pos n. mod pl. def minute organisms, esp. algae, living in ice, snow, or icy water. cryoscope 0. syl cry:o+scope pron <1krI*2sk*up> pos n. def any instrument used to determine the freezing point of a substance. cryoscopies infl head cryoscopy syl cry+os+co+pies. pos n. mod pl. cryoscopy 0. syl cry+os+co+py pron pos n. def the determination of freezing points, esp. for the determination of molecular weights by measuring the lowering of the freezing point of a solvent when a known quantity of solute is added. cryoscopic sub head cryoscopy syl cry:o+scop+ic pron <2krI*1skopik> pos adj. cryostat 0. syl cry:o+stat pron <1krI*2st@t> pos n. def an apparatus for maintaining a constant low temperature or a vessel in which a substance is stored at a low temperature. cryosurgery 0. syl cry:o+sur+ger:y pron <2krI*u1sR:J*ri> pos n. def surgery involving the local destruction of tissues by quick freezing for therapeutic benefit. crymotherapy alt head cryotherapy or cryotherapy syl cry+mo+ther:a+py pos n. cryotherapy 0. or crymotherapy syl cry:o+ther:a+py pron <2krI*u1Ter*pi> pos n. def medical treatment in which all or part of the body is subjected to cold temperatures, as by means of ice packs. cryotron 0. syl cry:o+tron pron <1krI*2tron> pos n. def a miniature switch working at the temperature of liquid helium and depending for its action on the production and destruction of semiconducting properties in the conductor. cry out 1. syl cry out pos vb. adv. mod intr. def to scream or shout aloud, esp. in pain, terror, etc. cry out 2. syl cry out pos vb. adv. mod intr. qual Informal. usage often foll. by for def to demand in an obvious manner. exam 1 our inner cities are crying out for redevelopment. for crying out loud 3. head cry out syl for crying out loud. qual Informal. def an exclamation of anger, impatience, or dismay. crypt ety C18: from Latin crypta, from Greek krupt*_e vault, secret place, from kruptos hidden, from kruptein to hide crypt 1. syl crypt pron pos n. def a cellar, vault, or underground chamber, esp. beneath a church, where it is often used as a chapel, burial place, etc. crypt 2. syl crypt pron pos n. qual Anatomy. def any pitlike recess or depression. cryptal sub head crypt syl crypt+al pos adj. cryptesthesia alt head cryptaesthesia or cryptaesthesia syl cryp+tes+the:si:a pron <2kript*s1TEzi*> pos n. qual U.S. cryptaesthesia 0. or cryptesthesia syl cryp+taes+the:si:a pron <2kript*s1TEzi*> pos n. qual Psychol. def another term for {extrasensory perception}. cryptanalysis ety C20: from #7cryptogram#7+analysis cryptanalysis 0. syl crypt+a:nal:y+sis pron <2kript*1n@lisis> pos n. def the study of codes and ciphers; cryptography. cryptanalytic sub head cryptanalysis syl crypt+an:a+lyt+ic pron <2kript@n*1litik> pos adj. cryptanalyst sub head cryptanalysis syl crypt+1an:a+lyst pos n. cryptic ety C17: from Late Latin crypticus, from Greek kruptikos, from kruptos concealed; see #7crypt cryptical alt head cryptic or cryptic syl cryp+ti+cal pos adj. cryptic 1. or cryptical syl cryp+tic pron <1kriptik> pos adj. def hidden; secret; occult. cryptic 2. or cryptical syl cryp+tic pron <1kriptik> pos adj. usage esp. of comments, sayings, etc. def esoteric or obscure in meaning. cryptic 3. or cryptical syl cryp+tic pron <1kriptik> pos adj. usage of the coloration of animals def tending to conceal by disguising or camouflaging the shape. cryptically sub head cryptic syl cryp+ti+cal+ly pos adv. crypto- ety New Latin, from Greek kruptos hidden, from kruptein to hide cryptoclastic 0. syl cryp+to+clas+tic pron <2kript*u1kl@stik> pos adj. usage of minerals and rocks def composed of microscopic fragments. cryptocrystalline 0. syl cryp+to+crys+tal+line pron <2kript*u1krist*lIn> pos adj. usage of rocks def composed of crystals that can be distinguished individually only by the use of a polarizing microscope. cryptogam ety C19: from New Latin Cryptogamia, from #7crypto -#7+ Greek gamos marriage cryptogam 0. syl cryp+to+gam pron <1kript*u2g@m> pos n. usage in former classification schemes def any plant that does not produce seeds, including algae, fungi, mosses, and ferns. Compare {phanerogam}. cryptogamic sub head cryptogam or cryptogamous syl cryp+to+1gam+ic pron pos adj. cryptogamous sub head cryptogam or cryptogamic syl cryp+tog:a+mous pron pos adj. cryptogenic 0. syl cryp+to+gen+ic pron <2kript*u1Jenik> pos adj. usage esp. of diseases def of unknown or obscure origin. cryptograph 1. syl cryp+to+graph pron <1kript*u2gra:f> pos n. def something written in code or cipher. cryptograph 2. syl cryp+to+graph pron <1kript*u2gra:f> pos n. def a code using secret symbols ({cryptograms) }. cryptograph 3. syl cryp+to+graph pron <1kript*u2gra:f> pos n. def a device for translating text into cipher, or vice versa. cryptology alt head cryptography or cryptography syl cryp+tol+o:gy pron pos n. cryptography 0. or cryptology syl cryp+tog+ra+phy pron pos n. def the science or study of analysing and deciphering codes, ciphers, etc. Also called: {cryptanalysis}. cryptographer sub head cryptography syl cryp+1tog+ra+pher pos n. cryptographist sub head cryptography or cryptologist syl cryp+1tog+ra+phist pos n. cryptologist sub head cryptography or cryptographist syl cryp+1tol:o+gist pos n. cryptographic sub head cryptography or cryptographical syl cryp+to+graph+ic pron <2kript*1gr@fik> pos adj. cryptographical sub head cryptography or cryptographic syl cryp+to+1graph:i+cal pos adj. cryptographically sub head cryptography syl cryp+to+1graph:i+cal+ly pos adv. cryptomeria 0. syl cryp+to+mer:i:a pron <2kript*u1mi*ri*> pos n. def a coniferous tree, of China and Japan, with curved needle-like leaves and small round cones: family cryptozoic 0. syl cryp+to+zo+ic pron <2kript*u1z*uik> pos adj. usage of animals def living in dark places, such as holes, caves, and beneath stones. Cryptozoic 0. syl Cryp+to+zo+ic pron <2kript*u1z*uik> pos adj. def of or relating to Precambrian rock strata, fauna, etc. Compare {Phanerozoic}. cryptozoite 0. syl cryp+to+zo+ite pron <2kript*u1z*uIt> pos n. def a malarial parasite at the stage of development in its host before it enters the red blood cells. cryst 1. syl cryst. qual abbrev. for: def crystalline. cryst 2. syl cryst. qual abbrev. for: def Also: {crystall}. crystallography. crystal ety Old English cristalla, from Latin crystallum, from Greek krustallos ice, crystal, from krustainein to freeze crystal 1. syl crys+tal pron <1kristL> pos n. def a piece of solid substance, such as quartz, with a regular shape in which plane faces intersect at definite angles, due to the regular internal structure of its atoms, ions, or molecules. crystal 2. syl crys+tal pron <1kristL> pos n. def a single grain of a crystalline substance. crystal 3. syl crys+tal pron <1kristL> pos n. def anything resembling a crystal, such as a piece of cut glass. crystal 4.a. syl crys+tal pron <1kristL> pos n. def a highly transparent and brilliant type of glass, often used in cut-glass tableware, ornaments, etc. crystal 4.b. syl crys+tal pron <1kristL> pos n. usage as modifier exam 1 a crystal chandelier. crystal 5. syl crys+tal pron <1kristL> pos n. def something made of or resembling crystal. crystal 6. syl crys+tal pron <1kristL> pos n. def crystal glass articles collectively. crystal 7.a. syl crys+tal pron <1kristL> pos n. def a crystalline element used in certain electronic devices as a detector, oscillator, transducer, etc. crystal 7.b. syl crys+tal pron <1kristL> pos n. usage as modifier exam 1 crystal pickup; exam 2 crystal detector. crystal 8. syl crys+tal pron <1kristL> pos n. def a transparent cover for the face of a watch, usually of glass or plastic. crystal 9. syl crys+tal pron <1kristL> pos n. usage modifier def of or relating to a crystal or the regular atomic arrangement of crystals. exam 1 crystal structure; exam 2 crystal lattice. crystal 10. syl crys+tal pron <1kristL> pos adj. def resembling crystal; transparent. exam 1 crystal water. crystal ball 0. syl crys+tal ball pos n. def the glass globe used in crystal gazing. crystal class 0. syl crys+tal class pos n. qual Crystallog. def any of 32 possible types of crystals, classified according to their rotational symmetry about axes through a point. Also called: {point group}. crystal counter 0. syl crys+tal count+er pos n. def an instrument for detecting and measuring the intensity of high-energy radiation, in which particles collide with a crystal and momentarily increase its conductivity. crystal detector 0. syl crys+tal de+tec+tor pos n. qual Electronics. def a demodulator, used esp. in early radio receivers, consisting of a thin metal wire in point contact with a semiconductor crystal. crystal form 0. syl crys+tal form pos n. qual Crystallog. def a symmetrical set of planes in space, associated with a crystal, having the same symmetry as the crystal class. Compare {crystal habit}. crystal gazing 1. syl crys+tal gaz+ing pos n. def the act of staring into a crystal globe ({crystal ball}) supposedly in order to arouse visual perceptions of the future, etc. crystal gazing 2. syl crys+tal gaz+ing pos n. def the act of trying to foresee or predict something. crystal gazer sub head crystal gazing syl crys+tal 1gaz+er pos n. crystal habit 0. syl crys+tal hab+it pos n. qual Crystallog. def the external shape of a crystal. Compare {crystal form}. crystal lattice 0. syl crys+tal lat+tice pos n. def the regular array of points about which the atoms, ions, or molecules composing a crystal are centred. crystalline 1. syl crys+tal+line pron <1krist*2lIn> pos adj. def having the characteristics or structure of crystals. crystalline 2. syl crys+tal+line pron <1krist*2lIn> pos adj. def consisting of or containing crystals. crystalline 3. syl crys+tal+line pron <1krist*2lIn> pos adj. def made of or like crystal; transparent; clear. crystallinity sub head crystalline syl crys+tal+lin+i:ty pron <2krist*1liniti> pos n. crystalline lens 0. syl crys+tal+line lens pos n. def a biconvex transparent elastic structure in the eye situated behind the iris, serving to focus images on the retina. crystallite 0. syl crys+tal+lite pron <1krist*2lIt> pos n. def any of the minute rudimentary or imperfect crystals occurring in many glassy rocks. crystallitic sub head crystallite syl crys+tal+lit+ic pron <2krist*1litik> pos adj. crystalize alt head crystallize or crystalise syl crys+tal+ize pron <1krist*2lIz> pos vb. crystallise infl head crystallize or crystallize syl crys+tal+lise pron <1krist*2lIz> pos vb. crystalise infl head crystallize or crystalize syl crys+tal+ise pron <1krist*2lIz> pos vb. crystallize 1. or crystallise syl crys+tal+lize pron <1krist*2lIz> pos vb. def to form or cause to form crystals; assume or cause to assume a crystalline form or structure. crystallize 2. or crystallise syl crys+tal+lize pron <1krist*2lIz> pos vb. def to coat or become coated with sugar. exam 1 crystallized fruit. crystallize 3. or crystallise syl crys+tal+lize pron <1krist*2lIz> pos vb. def to give a definite form or expression to (an idea, argument, etc.) or (of an idea, argument, etc.) to assume a recognizable or definite form. crystallizable sub head crystallize or crystallisable syl crys+tal+2liz+a:ble pos adj. crystalizable sub head crystallize or crystalisable syl crys+tal+2iz+a:ble pos adj. crystallisable sub head crystallize or crystallizable syl crys+tal+2lis+a:ble pos adj. crystalisable sub head crystallize or crystalizable syl crys+tal+2is+a:ble pos adj. crystallizability sub head crystallize or crystallisability syl crys+tal+2liz+a:1bil+i:ty pos n. crystalizability sub head crystallize or crystalisability syl crys+tal+2iz+a:1bil+i:ty pos n. crystallisability sub head crystallize or crystallizability syl crys+tal+2lis+a:1bil+i:ty pos n. crystalisability sub head crystallize or crystalizability syl crys+tal+2is+a:1bil+i:ty pos n. crystallization sub head crystallize or crystallisation syl crys+tal+li+1za+tion pos n. crystalization sub head crystallize or crystalisation syl crys+tal:i+1za+tion pos n. crystallisation sub head crystallize or crystallization syl crys+tal+li+1sa+tion pos n. crystalisation sub head crystallize or crystalization syl crys+tal:i+1sa+tion pos n. crystallizer sub head crystallize or crystalliser syl crys+tal+2liz+er pos n. crystalizer sub head crystallize or crystaliser syl crys+tal+2iz+er pos n. crystalliser sub head crystallize or crystallizer syl crys+tal+2lis+er pos n. crystaliser sub head crystallize or crystalizer syl crys+tal+2is+er pos n. crystallography 0. syl crys+tal+log+ra+phy pron <2krist*1logr*fi> pos n. def the science concerned with the formation, properties, and structure of crystals. crystallographer sub head crystallography syl crys+tal+1log+ra+pher pos n. crystallographic sub head crystallography syl crys+tal+lo+graph+ic pron <2krist*l*u?!1gr@fik> pos adj. crystallographically sub head crystallography syl crys+tal+lo+1graph:i+cal+ly pos adv. crystalloid 1. syl crys+tal+loid pron <1krist*2lcid> pos adj. def resembling or having the appearance or properties of a crystal or crystalloid. crystalloid 2. syl crys+tal+loid pron <1krist*2lcid> pos n. def a substance that in solution can pass through a semipermeable membrane. Compare {{colloid} (sense 3)}. crystalloid 3. syl crys+tal+loid pron <1krist*2lcid> pos n. qual Botany. def any of numerous crystals of protein occurring in certain seeds and other storage organs. crystalloidal sub head crystalloid syl crys+tal+1loi+dal pos adj. crystal pickup 0. syl crys+tal pick+up pos n. def a gramophone pickup in which the current is generated by the deformation of a piezoelectric crystal caused by the movements of the stylus. crystal set 0. syl crys+tal set pos n. def an early form of radio receiver having a crystal detector to demodulate the radio signals but no amplifier, therefore requiring earphones. crystal system 0. syl crys+tal sys+tem pos n. qual Crystallog. def any of six, or sometimes seven, classifications of crystals depending on their symmetry. The classes are cubic, tetragonal, hexagonal, orthorhombic, monoclinic, and triclinic. Sometimes an additional system, trigonal, is distinguished, although this is usually included in the hexagonal system. See also {crystal class}. crystal violet 0. syl crys+tal vi:o+let pos n. def another name for {gentian violet}. Cs 0. syl Cs usage the chemical symbol for def caesium. CS 0. syl CS usage international car registration for def Czechoslovakia. cs 0. syl cs. qual abbrev. for def case. CS 1. syl C.S. qual abbrev. for: def Also: {c.s}. Capital Stock. CS 2. syl C.S. qual abbrev. for: def chartered surveyor. CS 3. syl C.S. qual abbrev. for: def Christian Science. CS 4. syl C.S. qual abbrev. for: def Christian Scientist. CS 5. syl C.S. qual abbrev. for: def Civil Service. CS 6. syl C.S. qual abbrev. for: def Also: {c.s}. Court of Session. CSB 0. syl CSB qual abbrev. for def chemical stimulation of the brain. csc 0. syl csc qual abbrev. for def cosecant. CSC 0. syl C.S.C. qual abbrev. for def Civil Service Commission. csch 0. syl csch def a U.S. form of {cosech}. CSE 0. syl CSE pos n. qual abbrev. for usage in Britain def Certificate of Secondary Education; a series of examinations the first grade of pass of which is an equivalent to a GCE O level. CS gas ety C20: from the surname initials of its U.S. inventors, Ben Carson and Roger Staughton CS gas 0. syl CS gas pos n. def a gas causing tears, salivation, and painful breathing, used in chemical warfare and civil disturbances; chlorobenzal malononitrile. Formula: C\6H\4ClCH:C(CN)\2. CSIRO 0. syl C.S.I.R.O. qual abbrev. for usage in Australia def Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organization. CSM 0. syl C.S.M. qual abbrev. for usage in Britain def Company Sergeant-Major. CST 0. syl C.S.T. qual abbrev. for def Central Standard Time. ct 1. syl ct. qual abbrev. for: def cent. ct 2. syl ct. qual abbrev. for: def certificate. ct 3. syl ct. qual abbrev. for: def court. CT 0. syl C.T. qual abbrev. for def central time. ctenidium ety C19: New Latin, from Greek ktenidion, diminutive of kteis comb ctenidiia infl head ctenidium syl cte+nid+i:i:a pron <-i*> pos n. mod pl. ctenidium 0. syl cte+nid+i:um pron pos n. def one of the comblike respiratory gills of molluscs. ctenoid ety C19: from Greek ktenoeid*_es, from kteis comb+ -oeid*_es -#7oid ctenoid 0. syl cte+noid pron <1tEncid>, <1ten-> pos adj. qual Biology. def toothed like a comb, as the scales of perches. ctenophore ety C19: from New Latin ctenophorus, from Greek kteno-, kteis comb+-#7phore ctenophore 0. syl cten:o+phore pron <1ten*2fc:>, <1tEn*-> pos n. def any marine invertebrate of the phylum including the sea gooseberry and Venus's-girdle, whose body bears eight rows of fused cilia, for locomotion. Also called: {comb jelly}. ctenophoran sub head ctenophore syl cte+noph:o+ran pron pos adj. n. Ctesiphon 0. syl Ctes:i+phon pron <1tesi2fon> pos n. def an ancient city on the River Tigris about 100 km (60 miles) above Babylon. First mentioned in 221 #7b.c., it was destroyed in the 7th and 8th centuries #7a.d. ctn 0. syl ctn qual abbrev. for def cotangent. CTO 0. syl C.T.O. pos adj. usage Philately. of postage stamps def cancelled to order; postmarked in sheets for private sale. ctr 0. syl ctr. qual abbrev. for def centre. cts 1. syl cts. qual abbrev. for: def cents. cts 2. syl cts. qual abbrev. for: def certificates. CTV 0. syl CTV qual abbrev. for def Canadian Television Network Ltd. cu alt or cu syl cu. cu 0. or cu syl cu qual abbrev. for def cubic. Cu ety from Late Latin cuprum Cu 0. syl Cu usage the chemical symbol for def copper. cub ety C16: perhaps from Old Norse kubbi young seal; see #7cob cub 1. syl cub pos k^b; n. def the young of certain animals, such as the lion, bear, etc. cub 2. syl cub pos k^b; n. def a young or inexperienced person. cubs infl head cub syl cubs pos vb. cubbing infl head cub syl cub+bing pos vb. cubbed infl head cub syl cubbed. pos vb. cub 3. syl cub pos vb. def to give birth to (cubs). cubbish sub head cub syl cub+bish pos adj. cubbishly sub head cub syl cub+bish+ly pos adv. Cub 0. syl Cub pos k^b; n. def short for {Cub scout}. Cuba 0. syl Cu:ba pron <1kju:b*> pos n. def a republic and the largest island in the West Indies, at the entrance to the Gulf of Mexico: became a Spanish colony after its discovery by Columbus in 1492; gained independence after the Spanish-American War of 1898 but remained subject to U.S. influence until declared a people's republic under Castro in 1960; subject of an international crisis in 1962, when the U.S. blockaded the island in order to compel the Soviet Union to dismantle its nuclear missile base. Sugar comprises about 80 per cent of total exports. Language: Spanish. Currency: peso. Capital: Havana. Pop.: 9090000 (1974 est.). Area: 114524 sq. km (44218 sq. miles). Cuban sub head Cuba syl Cu+ban pos adj. n. cubage 0. syl cub+age pron <1kju:biJ> pos n. def another word for {{cubature} (sense 2)}. Cuba libre ety Spanish, literally: free Cuba, a toast during the Cuban War of Independence Cuba libre 0. syl Cu:ba li+bre pron <1kju:b*> <1lEbr*> pos n. qual Chiefly U.S. def a drink of rum, cola, lime juice, and ice. cubane ety C20: from #7cube + -#7ane cubane 0.a. syl cub+ane pron <1kju:bAn> pos n. def a rare octahedral hydrocarbon formed by eight CH groups, each of which is situated at the corner of a cube. Formula: C\8H\8. cubane 0.b. syl cub+ane pron <1kju:bAn> pos n. usage as modifier exam 1 cubane chemistry. Cuban heel 0. syl Cu+ban heel pos n. def a moderately high heel for a shoe. cubature ety C17: from #7cube %1#7+ -ature, on the model of quadrature cubature 1. syl cu+ba+ture pron <1kju:b*C*> pos n. def the determination of the cubic contents of something. cubature 2. syl cu+ba+ture pron <1kju:b*C*> pos n. def Also called: {cubage}. cubic contents. cubbyhole ety C19: from dialect cub cattle pen; see #7cove cubbyhole 1. syl cub:by+hole pron <1k^bi2h*ul> pos n. def a small enclosed space or room. cubbyhole 2. syl cub:by+hole pron <1k^bi2h*ul> pos n. def any small compartment, such as a pigeonhole. cubbyhole xref syl cub:by+hole pron <1k^bi2h*ul> pos n. def Often shortened to {cub+by} (#!k^b$I). cube ety C16: from Latin cubus die, cube, from Greek kubos cube H1.1. syl cube pron pos n. def a solid having six plane square faces in which the angle between two adjacent sides is a right angle. cube H1.2. syl cube pron pos n. def the product of three equal factors: the cube of 2 is 2#M2#M2 (usually written 2%3) cube H1.3. syl cube pron pos n. def something in the form of a cube. exam 1 a bath cube. cube H1.4. syl cube pron pos vb. def to raise (a number or quantity) to the third power. cube H1.5. syl cube pron pos vb. mod tr. def to measure the cubic contents of. cube H1.6. syl cube pron pos vb. mod tr. def to make, shape, or cut (something, esp. food) into cubes. cuber sub head cube syl cub+er pos n. cube ety American Spanish cub*'e, of unknown origin cube H2.1. syl cu:be pron <1kju:bA> pos n. def any of various tropical American plants, esp. any of the leguminous genus the roots of which yield rotenone. cube H2.2. syl cu:be pron <1kju:bA> pos n. def an extract from the roots of these plants: a fish poison and insecticide. cubeb ety C14: from Old French cubebe, from Medieval Latin cub*_eba, from Arabic kub*_abah cubeb 1. syl cu+beb pron <1kju:beb> pos n. def a SE Asian treelike piperaceous woody climbing plant, with brownish berries. cubeb 2. syl cu+beb pron <1kju:beb> pos n. def the unripe spicy fruit of this plant, dried and used as a stimulant and diuretic and sometimes smoked in cigarettes. cube root 0. syl cube root pos n. def the number or quantity whose cube is a given number or quantity: 2 is the cube root of 8 (usually written %3@b$/#800156 8 or 8%1%/%3#800157) . cubic 1. syl cu+bic pron <1kju:bik> pos adj. def having the shape of a cube. cubic 2.a. syl cu+bic pron <1kju:bik> pos adj. def having three dimensions. cubic 2.b. syl cu+bic pron <1kju:bik> pos adj. def denoting or relating to a linear measure that is raised to the third power. exam 1 a cubic metre. cubic 3. syl cu+bic pron <1kju:bik> pos adj. qual Maths. def of, relating to, or containing a variable to the third power or a term in which the sum of the exponents of the variables is three. cubic 4. syl cu+bic pron <1kju:bik> pos adj. def Also: {isometric, regular}. relating to or belonging to the crystal system characterized by three equal perpendicular axes. The unit cell of cubic crystals is a cube with a lattice point at each corner ({simple cubic}) and one in the cube's centre ({body-centred cubic}) , or a lattice point at each corner and one at the centre of each face ({face-centred cubic}) . cubic 5.a. syl cu+bic pron <1kju:bik> pos n. def a cubic equation, such as %3+ +2=0. cubic 5.b. syl cu+bic pron <1kju:bik> pos n. def a cubic term or expression. cubical 1. syl cu+bi+cal pron <1kju:bikL> pos adj. def of or related to volume. exam 1 cubical expansion. cubical 2. syl cu+bi+cal pron <1kju:bikL> pos adj. def shaped like a cube. cubical 3. syl cu+bi+cal pron <1kju:bikL> pos adj. def of or involving the third power. cubically sub head cubical syl cu+bi+cal+ly pos adv. cubicalness sub head cubical syl cu+bi+cal+ness pos n. cubicle ety C15: from Latin cubiculum, from cub*_are to lie down, lie asleep cubicle 0. syl cu+bi+cle pron <1kju:bikL> pos n. def a partially or totally enclosed section of a room, as in a dormitory. cubic measure 0. syl cu+bic meas+ure pos n. def a system of units for the measurement of volumes, based on the cubic inch, the cubic centimetre, etc. cubiculum ety C19: from Latin: #7cubicle cubicula infl head cubiculum syl cu+bic:u+la pron <-l*> pos n. mod pl. cubiculum 0. syl cu+bic:u+lum pron pos n. def an underground burial chamber in Imperial Rome, such as those found in the catacombs. cubiform 0. syl cu+bi+form pron <1kju:bi2fc:m> pos adj. def having the shape of a cube. cubism 0. syl cub+ism pron <1kju:biz*m> pos n. usage often cap. def a French school of paint?!ing, collage, relief, and sculpture initiated in 1907 by Picasso and Braque, which amalgamated viewpoints of natural forms into a multifaceted surface of geometrical planes. cubist sub head cubism syl cub+ist pos adj. n. cubistic sub head cubism syl cu+1bis+tic pos adj. cubistically sub head cubism syl cu+1bis+ti+cal+ly pos adv. cubit ety C14: from Latin cubitum elbow, cubit cubit 0. syl cu+bit pron <1kju:bit> pos n. def an ancient measure of length based on the length of the forearm. cubital 0. syl cu+bi+tal pron <1kju:bitL> pos adj. def of or relating to the forearm. cuboid 1. syl cu+boid pron <1kju:bcid> pos adj. usage also def shaped like a cube; cubic. cuboid 2. syl cu+boid pron <1kju:bcid> pos adj. usage also def of or denoting the cuboid bone. cuboid 3. syl cu+boid pron <1kju:bcid> pos n. usage also def the cubelike bone of the foot; the outer distal bone of the tarsus. cuboid 4. syl cu+boid pron <1kju:bcid> pos n. qual Maths. usage also def a geometric solid whose six faces are rectangles; rectangular parallelepiped. Cu-bop 0. syl Cu-bop pron <1kju:2bop> pos n. qual Jazz. def music of the 1940s in which Cuban rhythms are combined with bop. Compare {Afro-Cuban}. cub reporter 0. syl cub re+port+er pos n. def a trainee reporter on a newspaper. Cub alt head Cub Scout or Cub Scout syl Cub pos n. Cub Scout 0. or Cub syl Cub Scout pos n. def a member of the junior branch of the Scout Association. Cuchulainn infl head Cuchulain or Cuchullain syl Cu:chul:ainn pron pos n. Cuchullain infl head Cuchulain or Cuchulainn syl Cu:chul:lain pron pos n. Cuchulain 0. syl Cu:chul:ain pron pos n. qual Celtic myth. def a legendary hero of Ulster. cucking stool ety C13: cucking stol, literally: defecating chair, from cukken to defecate; compare Old Norse k*'ukr excrement cucking stool 0. syl cuck+ing stool pron <1k^kiG> pos n. def a stool to which suspected witches, scolds, etc., were tied and ducked into water as a punishment. cuckold ety C13 cukeweld, from Old French cucuault, from cucu #7cuckoo ; perhaps an allusion to the parasitic cuckoos that lay their eggs in the nests of other birds cuckold 1. syl cuck+old pron <1k^k*ld> pos n. def a man whose wife has committed adultery, often regarded as an object of scorn. cuckold 2. syl cuck+old pron <1k^k*ld> pos vb. mod tr. def to make a cuckold of. cuckoldry sub head cuckold syl cuck+old+ry pos n. cuckoo ety C13: from Old French cucu, of imitative origin; related to German kuckuck, Latin cuc*_ulus, Greek kokkux cuckoos infl head cuckoo syl cuck:oos. pos n. mod pl. cuckoo 1. syl cuck:oo pron <1kuku:> pos n. def any bird of the family having pointed wings, a long tail, and zygodactyl feet: order Many species, including the {European cuckoo} lay their eggs in the nests of other birds and have a two-note call. cuckoo 2. syl cuck:oo pron <1kuku:> pos n. qual Informal. def an insane or foolish person. cuckoo 3. syl cuck:oo pron <1kuku:> pos adj. qual Informal. def insane or foolish. cuckoo 4. syl cuck:oo pron <1kuku:> pos interj. def an imitation or representation of the call of a cuckoo. cuckoos infl head cuckoo syl cuck:oos pos vb. cuckooing infl head cuckoo syl cuck:oo+ing pos vb. cuckooed infl head cuckoo syl cuck:ooed. pos vb. cuckoo 5. syl cuck:oo pron <1kuku:> pos vb. mod tr. def to repeat over and over. cuckoo 6. syl cuck:oo pron <1kuku:> pos vb. mod intr. def to make the sound imitated by the word cuckoo clock 0. syl cuck:oo clock pos n. def a clock in which a mechanical cuckoo pops out with a sound like a cuckoo's call when the clock strikes. cuckooflower 0. syl cuck:oo+flow:er pron <1kuku:2flau*> pos n. def another name for {lady's-smock} and {ragged robin}. cuckoopint 0. syl cuck:oo+pint pron <1kuku:2pInt> pos n. def a European aroid plant, with arrow-shaped leaves, a spathe marked with purple, a pale purple spadix, and scarlet berries. Also called: {lords-and-ladies}. cuckoo shrike 0. syl cuck:oo shrike pos n. def any Old World tropical songbird of the family typically having a strong notched bill, long rounded tail, and pointed wings. See also {minivet}. cuckoo spit 0. syl cuck:oo spit pos n. def a white frothy mass on the stems and leaves of many plants, produced by froghopper larvae ({cuckoo spit insects}) which feed on the plant juices. Also called: {frog spit}. cuculiform ety from Latin cuc*_ulus cuckoo+-#7form cuculiform 0. syl cu+cu+li+form pron pos adj. def of, relating to, or belonging to the order which includes the cuckoos. cucullate ety C18: from Late Latin cucull*_atus, from Latin cucullus hood, cap cucullate 0. syl cu+cul+late pron <1kju:k*2lAt>, <-lit> pos adj. def shaped like a hood or having a hoodlike part. exam 1 cucullate sepals. cucullately sub head cucullate syl 1cu+cul+2late+ly pos adv. cucumber ety C14: from Latin cucumis, of unknown origin cucumber 1. syl cu+cum+ber pron <1kju:2k^mb*> pos n. def a creeping cucurbitaceous plant, cultivated in many forms for its edible fruit. Compare {squirting cucumber}. cucumber 2. syl cu+cum+ber pron <1kju:2k^mb*> pos n. def the cylindrical fruit of this plant, which has hard thin green rind and white crisp flesh. cucumber 3. syl cu+cum+ber pron <1kju:2k^mb*> pos n. def any of various similar or related plants or their fruits. cucumber tree 1. syl cu+cum+ber tree pos n. def any of several American trees or shrubs of the genus esp. of E and central North America, having cup-shaped greenish flowers and cucumber-shaped fruits. cucumber tree 2. syl cu+cum+ber tree pos n. def an E Asian tree, with edible fruits resembling small cucumbers: family See also {caramba}. cucurbit ety C14: from Old French, from Latin cucurbita gourd, cup &- cu+@!cur+bi+#!ta+ceous adj. cucurbit 0. syl cu+cur+bit pron pos n. def any creeping flowering plant of the mainly tropical and subtropical family which includes the pumpkin, cucumber, squashes, and gourds. C'ucuta 0. syl C*'u+cu+ta pron Spanish <1kuku2ta> pos n. def a city in E Colombia: com?!mercial centre of a coffee-producing region. Pop.: 219772 (1973). Official name: {San Jo@.s*'e de C*'u+cu+ta} (san $xo#!se $de). cud ety Old English cudu, from cwidu what has been chewed; related to Old Norse kv*_atha resin (for chewing), Old High German quiti glue, Sanskrit jatu rubber cud 1. syl cud pos k^d; n. def partially digested food regurgitated from the first stomach of cattle and other ruminants to the mouth for a second chewing. chew the cud 2. head cud syl chew the cud. def to reflect or think over something. cudbear ety C18: whimsi?!cal alteration of Cuthbert, the Christian name of Dr. Gordon, 18th-century Scot who patented the dye. See #7cuddy %2 cudbear 0. syl cud+bear pron <1k^d2be*> pos n. def another name for {orchil}. cuddle ety C18: of uncertain origin cuddle 1. syl cud+dle pron <1k^dL> pos vb. def to hold (another person or thing) close or (of two people, etc.) to hold each other close, as for affection, comfort, or warmth; embrace; hug. cuddle 2. syl cud+dle pron <1k^dL> pos vb. mod intr. usage foll. by up def to curl or snuggle up into a comfortable or warm position. {~} cuddle 3. syl cud+dle pron <1k^dL> pos vb. def a close embrace, esp. when prolonged. cuddlesome sub head cuddle syl cud+dle+some pos adj. cuddly sub head cuddle syl cud+dly pos adj. cuddy ety C17: perhaps from Dutch kajute; compare Old French cahute cuddies infl head cuddy syl cud+dies. pos n. mod pl. cuddy H1.1. syl cud+dy pron <1k^di> pos n. def a small cabin in a boat. cuddy H1.2. syl cud+dy pron <1k^di> pos n. def a small room, cupboard, etc. cuddy ety C18: probably from Cuddy, nickname for Cuthbert cuddie alt head cuddy or cuddy syl cud+die pron <1k^di> pos n. cuddies infl head cuddy syl cud+dies. pos n. mod pl. cuddy H2.1. or cuddie syl cud+dy pron <1k^di> pos n. qual Dialect, chiefly Scot. def a donkey. cuddy H2.2. or cuddie syl cud+dy pron <1k^di> pos n. qual Dialect, chiefly Scot. def a stupid fellow; fool. cudgel ety Old English cycgel; related to Middle Dutch koghele stick with knob cudgel 1. syl cudg+el pron <1k^J*l> pos n. def a short stout stick used as a weapon. take up the cudgels 2. head cudgel syl take up the cudgels. usage often foll. by for or on behalf of def to join in a dispute, esp. to defend oneself or another. cudgels infl head cudgel or cudgels syl cudg+els pos vb. qual U.S. cudgelling infl head cudgel or cudgeling syl cudg+el+ling pos vb. cudgelled infl head cudgel or cudgeled syl cudg+elled pos vb. cudgeling infl head cudgel or cudgelling syl cudg+el+ing pos vb. qual U.S. cudgeled infl head cudgel or cudgelled syl cudg+eled. pos vb. qual U.S. cudgel 3. syl cudg+el pron <1k^J*l> pos vb. mod tr. def to strike with a cudgel or similar weapon. cudgel one's brains 4. head cudgel syl cudgel one's brains. def to think hard about a problem. cudgeller sub head cudgel syl cudg+el+ler pos n. cudgerie 1. syl cudg+er:ie pron <1k^J*ri> pos n. qual Austral. def a large tropical rutaceous tree, having light-coloured wood. cudgerie 2. syl cudg+er:ie pron <1k^J*ri> pos n. qual Austral. def Also called: {pink poplar}. an anacardiaceous rain-forest tree, cudweed 1. syl cud+weed pron <1k^d2wEd> pos n. def any of various temperate woolly plants of the genus having clusters of whitish or yellow button-like flowers: family (composites). cudweed 2. syl cud+weed pron <1k^d2wEd> pos n. def any of several similar and related plants of the genus esp. cue ety C16: probably from name of the letter q, used in an actor's script to represent Latin quando when cue H1.1.a. syl cue pron pos n. usage in the theatre, films, music, etc. def anything spoken or done that serves as a signal to an actor, musician, etc., to follow with specific lines or action. on cue 1.b. head cue syl on cue. def at the right moment. cue H1.2. syl cue pron pos n. def a signal or reminder to do something. cue H1.3. syl cue pron pos n. qual Psychol. def the part of any sensory pattern that is identified as the signal for a response. cue H1.4. syl cue pron pos n. def the part, function, or action assigned to or expected of a person. cues infl head cue syl cues pos vb. cuing infl head cue syl cu+ing pos vb. cued infl head cue syl cued. pos vb. cue H1.5. syl cue pron pos vb. mod tr. def to give a cue or cues to (an actor). cue H1.6. syl cue pron pos vb. usage usually foll. by in or into def to signal (to something or somebody) at a specific moment in a musical or dramatic performance. exam 1 to cue in a flourish of trumpets. cue H1.7. syl cue pron pos vb. mod tr. def to give information or a reminder to (someone). cue H1.8. syl cue pron pos vb. mod intr. def to signal the commencement of filming, as with the word @6Action&!@9 cue ety C18: variant of #7queue cue H2.1. syl cue pron pos n. qual Billiards, etc. def a long tapered shaft with a leather tip, used to drive the balls. cue H2.2. syl cue pron pos n. def hair caught at the back forming a tail or braid. cue H2.3. syl cue pron pos n. qual U.S. def a variant spelling of {queue}. cues infl head cue syl cues pos vb. cuing infl head cue syl cu+ing pos vb. cued infl head cue syl cued. pos vb. cue H2.4. syl cue pron pos vb. def to drive (a ball) with a cue. cue H2.5. syl cue pron pos vb. mod tr. def to twist or tie (the hair) into a cue. cue ball 0. syl cue ball pos n. qual Billiards, etc. def the ball struck by the cue, as distinguished from the object balls. cue bid 0. syl cue bid pos n. qual Contract bridge. def a bid in a suit made to show an ace or a void in that suit. Cuenca 1. syl Cuen+ca pron Spanish <1kwAGka> pos n. def a city in SW Ecuador: university (1868). Pop.: 79140 (1970 est.). Cuenca 2. syl Cuen+ca pron Spanish <1kwAGka> pos n. def a town in central Spain: prosperous in the Middle Ages for its silver and textile industries. Pop.: 34485 (1970). Cuernavaca 0. syl Cuer+na+va+ca pron Spanish <2kwArna1vaka> pos n. def a city in S central Mexico, capital of Morelos state: resort with nearby Cacahuamilpa Caverns. Pop.: 273986 (1975 est.). cuesta ety Spanish: shoulder, from Latin costa side, rib cuesta 0. syl cues+ta pron <1kwest*> pos n. def a long low ridge with a steep scarp slope and a gentle back slope, formed by the differential erosion of strata of differing hardness. cuff ety C14 cuffe glove, of obscure origin cuff H1.1. syl cuff pos k^f; n. def the part of a sleeve nearest the hand, sometimes turned back and decorative. cuff H1.2. syl cuff pos k^f; n. def the part of a gauntlet or glove that extends past the wrist. cuff H1.3. syl cuff pos k^f; n. def the U.S. and Australian name for {{turnup} (sense 5)}. off the cuff 4. head cuff syl off the cuff. qual Informal. def improvised; extemporary. cuff ety C16: of obscure origin cuff H2.1. syl cuff pos k^f; vb. mod tr. def to strike with an open hand. cuff H2.2. syl cuff pos n. def a blow of this kind. cuff link 0. syl cuff link pos n. def one of a pair of linked buttons, used to join the buttonholes on the cuffs of a shirt. cuffs 0. syl cuffs pos n. mod k^fs; pl. qual Informal. def short for {handcuffs}. Cufic 0. syl Cu+fic pron <1ku:fik>, <1kju:-> pos n. adj. def a variant spelling of {Kufic}. Cuyab'a alt head Cuiab'a or Cuiab'a syl Cu+ya+b*'a pron Portuguese <2kuja1ba> pos n. Cuiab'a 1. or Cuyab'a syl Cu:ia+b*'a pron Portuguese <2kuja1ba> pos n. def a port in W Brazil, capital of Mato Grosso state, on the Cuib*'a River. Pop.: 103427 (1970). Cuiab'a 2. or Cuyab'a syl Cu:ia+b*'a pron Portuguese <2kuja1ba> pos n. def a river in SW Brazil, rising on the Mato Grosso plateau and flowing southwest into the S*~ao Louren*,co River. Length: 483 km (300 miles). cui bono 0. syl cui bo:no pron Latin. <1b*un*u> def for whose benefit?? for what purpose?? cuirass ety C15: from French cuirasse, from Late Latin coriacea, from coriaceus made of leather, from Latin corium leather cuirass 1. syl cui+rass pron pos n. def a piece of armour, of leather or metal covering the chest and back. cuirass 2. syl cui+rass pron pos n. def a hard outer protective covering of some animals, consisting of shell, plate, or scales. cuirass 3. syl cui+rass pron pos n. def any similar protective covering, as on a ship. cuirass 4. syl cui+rass pron pos vb. mod tr. def to equip with a cuirass. cuirassier 0. syl cui+ras+sier pron <2kwi*r*1si*> pos n. def a mounted soldier, esp. of the 16th century, who wore a cuirass. cuir-bouilli ety French, literally: boiled leather cuir-bouilli 0. syl cuir-bouil:li pron <2kwi*bu:1jE> pos n. def a type of leather hardened by soaking in wax, used for armour before the 14th century. cuisine ety C18: from French, literally: kitchen, from Late Latin coqu*_ina, from Latin coquere to cook cuisine 1. syl cui+sine pron pos n. def a style or manner of cooking. exam 1 French cuisine. cuisine 2. syl cui+sine pron pos n. def the food prepared by a restaurant, household, etc. cuisse ety C15: back formation from cuisses (plural), from Old French cuisseaux thigh guards, from cuisse thigh, from Latin coxa hipbone cuish alt head cuisse or cuisse syl cuish pron pos n. cuisse 0. or cuish syl cuisse pron pos n. def a piece of armour for the thigh. Ely infl head Culbertson syl E:ly pron <1ElI> pos n. Culbertson 0. syl Cul:bert:son pron <1k^lb*tsN> pos n. def 1891-1955, U.S. authority on contract bridge. culch ety C17: perhaps ultimately from Old French culche bed, #7couch cultch alt head culch or culch syl cultch pron pos n. culch 1. or cultch syl culch pron pos n. def a mass of broken stones, shells, and gravel that forms the basis of an oyster bed. culch 2. or cultch syl culch pron pos n. def the oyster spawn attached to such a structure. culch 3. or cultch syl culch pron pos n. qual Dialect. def refuse; rubbish. cul-de-sac ety C18: literally: bottom of the bag culs-de-sac infl head cul-de-sac or cul-de-sacs syl culs-de-sac pos n. mod pl. cul-de-sacs infl head cul-de-sac or culs-de-sac syl cul-de-sacs. pos n. mod pl. cul-de-sac 1. syl cul-de-sac pron <1k^ld*2s@k>, <1kul-> pos n. def a road with one end blocked off; dead end. cul-de-sac 2. syl cul-de-sac pron <1k^ld*2s@k>, <1kul-> pos n. def an inescapable position. cul-de-sac 3. syl cul-de-sac pron <1k^ld*2s@k>, <1kul-> pos n. def any tube-shaped bodily cavity or pouch closed at one end, such as the caecum. -cule ety from Latin -culus, diminutive suffix; compare -#7cle -cule 0. syl -cule usage suffix forming nouns. def indicating smallness. exam 1 animalcule. Culebra Cut 0. syl Cu+le:bra Cut pron pos n. def the former name of the {Gaillard Cut}. culet ety C17: from obsolete French, diminutive of cul, from Latin c*_ulus bottom culet 1. syl cu+let pron <1kju:lit> pos n. qual Jewellery. def the flat face at the bottom of a gem. culet 2. syl cu+let pron <1kju:lit> pos n. def either of the plates of armour worn at the small of the back. culex ety C15: from Latin: midge, gnat; related to Old Irish cuil gnat culices infl head culex syl cu+li+ces pron <-li2sEz> pos n. mod pl. culex 0. syl cu+lex pron <1kju:leks> pos n. def any mosquito of the genus such as the common mosquito. Culiac'an 0. syl Cu+lia+c*'an pron Spanish <2kulja1kan> pos n. def a city in NW Mexico, capital of Sinaloa state. Pop.: 244645 (1975 est.). culicid ety C19: from New Latin Culicidae, from Latin culex gnat, #7culex culicid 1. syl cu+lic+id pron pos n. def any dipterous insect of the family which comprises the mosquitos. culicid 2. syl cu+lic+id pron pos adj. def of, relating to, or belonging to the culinary ety C17: from Latin cul*_in*_arius, from cul*_ina kitchen culinary 0. syl cul:i+nar:y pron <1k^lin*ri> pos adj. def of, relating to, or used in the kitchen or in cookery. culinarily sub head culinary syl cul:i+nar:i+ly pos adv. cull ety C15: from Old French coillir to pick, from Latin colligere; see #7collect cull 1. syl cull pos k^l; vb. mod tr. def to choose or gather the best or required examples. cull 2. syl cull pos k^l; vb. mod tr. def to take out (an animal, esp. an inferior one) from a herd. cull 3. syl cull pos k^l; vb. mod tr. def to gather (flowers, fruit, etc.). cull 4. syl cull pos n. mod tr. def the act or product of culling. cull 5. syl cull pos n. mod tr. def an inferior animal taken from a herd. culler sub head cull syl cull+er pos n. cullender 0. syl cul+len+der pron <1k^lind*> pos n. def a variant of {colander}. cullet ety C17: perhaps variant of #7collet, (literally: little neck, referring to the glass neck of newly blown bottles, etc.) cullet 0. syl cul+let pron <1k^lit> pos n. def waste glass for melting down to be reused. cullis ety C19: from French coulisse channel, groove; see #7coulisse cullis 1. syl cul+lis pron <1k^lis> pos n. def a gutter in or at the eaves of a roof. cullis 2. syl cul+lis pron <1k^lis> pos n. def another word for {coulisse} (sense 1). Culloden 0. syl Cul+lod+en pron pos n. def a moor near Inverness in N Scotland: site of a battle in 1746 in which English troops annihilated the Jacobites under Prince Charles Edward Stuart. cully ety C17: of unknown origin cullies infl head cully syl cul+lies. pos n. mod pl. cully 0. syl cul+ly pron <1k^li> pos n. qual Slang. def pal; mate. culm ety C14: probably related to #7coal culm H1.1. syl culm pos k^lm; n. qual Mining. def coalmine waste. culm H1.2. syl culm pos k^lm; n. qual Mining. def inferior anthracite. culm ety C17: from Latin culmus stalk; see #7haulm culm H2.0. syl culm pos k^lm; n. def the hollow jointed stem of a grass or sedge. Culm ety C19: from #7culm %1 Culm Measures alt head Culm or Culm syl Culm Meas+ures pos n. Culm 0. or Culm Measures syl Culm pos n. def a formation consisting mainly of shales and sandstone deposited during the Carboniferous period in parts of Europe. culmiferous 0. syl cul+mif+er+ous pron pos adj. usage of grasses def having a hollow jointed stem. culminant 0. syl cul+mi+nant pron <1k^lmin*nt> pos adj. def highest or culminating. culminate ety C17: from Late Latin culmin*_are to reach the highest point, from Latin culmen top culminate 1. syl cul+mi+nate pron <1k^lmi2nAt> pos vb. mod when; intr. usage usually foll. by in def to end or cause to end, esp. to reach or bring to a final or climactic stage. culminate 2. syl cul+mi+nate pron <1k^lmi2nAt> pos vb. mod intr. usage of a celestial body def to cross the meridian of the observer. culmination 1. syl cul+mi+na+tion pron <2k^lmi1nAS*n> pos n. def the final, highest, or decisive point. culmination 2. syl cul+mi+na+tion pron <2k^lmi1nAS*n> pos n. def the act of culminating. culottes ety C20: from French, literally: breeches, from cul bottom; see #7culet culottes 0. syl cu+lottes pron pos n. mod pl. def women's flared knee-length or ankle-length trousers cut to look like a skirt. culpa ety Latin: fault culpae infl head culpa syl cul+pae pron <-pE> pos n. mod pl. culpa 1. syl cul+pa pron <1kulpa:> pos n. qual Civil law. def an act of neglect. culpa 2. syl cul+pa pron <1kulpa:> pos n. def a fault; sin; guilt. culpable ety C14: from Old French coupable, from Latin culp*_abilis, from culp*_are to blame, from culpa fault culpable 0. syl cul+pa:ble pron <1k^lp*bL> pos adj. def deserving censure; blameworthy. culpability sub head culpable or culpableness syl cul+pa:1bil+i:ty pos n. culpableness sub head culpable or culpability syl cul+pa:ble+ness pos n. culpably sub head culpable syl cul+pa:bly pos adv. culprit ety C17: from Anglo-French cul-, short for culpable guilty+ prit ready, indicating that the prosecution was ready to prove the guilt of the one charged culprit 1. syl cul+prit pron <1k^lprit> pos n. qual Law. def a person awaiting trial, esp. one who has pleaded not guilty. culprit 2. syl cul+prit pron <1k^lprit> pos n. def the person responsible for a particular offence, misdeed, etc. cult ety C17: from Latin cultus cultivation, refinement, from colere to till cult 1. syl cult pos k^lt; n. def a specific system of religious worship, esp. with reference to its rites and deity. cult 2. syl cult pos k^lt; n. def a sect devoted to the beliefs of a religious or other cult. cult 3. syl cult pos k^lt; n. qual Sociol. def a group having an exclusive ideology and ritual practices centred on sacred symbols, esp. one characterized by lack of organizational structure. cult 4. syl cult pos k^lt; n. def intense interest in and devotion to a person, idea, or activity. exam 1 the cult of yoga. cult 5. syl cult pos k^lt; n. def the person, idea, etc., arousing such devotion. cult 6. syl cult pos k^lt; n. def any popular fashion; craze. cult 7. syl cult pos k^lt; n. usage modifier def of, relating to, or characteristic of a cult or cults. exam 1 a cult figure. cultic sub head cult syl cul+tic pos adj. cultism sub head cult syl cult+ism pos n. cultist sub head cult syl cult+ist pos n. cultch 0. syl cultch pron pos n. def a variant spelling of {culch}. cultigen ety C20: from #7culti (#7vated) #7+ -#7gen cultigen 0. syl cul+ti+gen pron <1k^ltiJ*n> pos n. def a species of plant that is known only as a cultivated form and did not originate from a wild type. cultivable ety C17: from French, from Old French cultiver to #7cultivate cultivatable alt head cultivable or cultivable syl cul+ti+vat+a:ble pron <1k^lti2vAt*bL> pos adj. cultivable 0. or cultivatable syl cul+ti+va:ble pron <1k^ltiv*bL> pos adj. usage of land def capable of being cultivated. cultivability sub head cultivable syl cul+ti+va:1bil+i:ty pos n. cultivar ety C20: from #7culti (#7vated) #7+var (#7iety) cultivar 0. syl cul+ti+var pron <1k^lti2va:> pos n. def a variety of a plant that was produced from a natural species and is maintained by cultivation. cultivate ety C17: from Medieval Latin cultiv*_are to till, from Old French cultiver, from Medieval Latin cult*_ivus cultivable, from Latin cultus cultivated, from colere to till, toil over cultivate 1. syl cul+ti+vate pron <1k^lti2vAt> pos vb. mod tr. def to till and prepare (land or soil) for the growth of crops. cultivate 2. syl cul+ti+vate pron <1k^lti2vAt> pos vb. mod tr. def to plant, tend, harvest, or improve (plants) by labour and skill. cultivate 3. syl cul+ti+vate pron <1k^lti2vAt> pos vb. mod tr. def to break up (land or soil) with a cultivator or hoe. cultivate 4. syl cul+ti+vate pron <1k^lti2vAt> pos vb. mod tr. def to improve or foster (the mind, body, etc.) as by study, education, or labour. cultivate 5. syl cul+ti+vate pron <1k^lti2vAt> pos vb. mod tr. def to give special attention to. exam 1 to cultivate a friendship; exam 2 to cultivate a hobby. cultivate 6. syl cul+ti+vate pron <1k^lti2vAt> pos vb. mod tr. def to give or bring culture to (a person, society, etc.); civilize. cultivated 1. syl cul+ti+vat+ed pron <1k^lti2vAtid> pos adj. def cultured, refined, or educated. cultivated 2.a. syl cul+ti+vat+ed pron <1k^lti2vAtid> pos adj. def subjected to tillage or cultivation. cultivated 2.b. syl cul+ti+vat+ed pron <1k^lti2vAtid> pos adj. def tilled and broken up. cultivated 3. syl cul+ti+vat+ed pron <1k^lti2vAtid> pos adj. usage of plants def specially bred or improved by cultivation. cultivation 1.a. syl cul+ti+va+tion pron <2k^lti1vAS*n> pos n. def the planting, tending, improving, or harvesting of crops or plants. cultivation 1.b. syl cul+ti+va+tion pron <2k^lti1vAS*n> pos n. def the preparation of ground to promote their growth. cultivation 2. syl cul+ti+va+tion pron <2k^lti1vAS*n> pos n. def development, esp. through education, training, etc. cultivation 3. syl cul+ti+va+tion pron <2k^lti1vAS*n> pos n. def culture or sophistication, esp. social refinement. cultivator 1. syl cul+ti+va+tor pron <1k^lti2vAt*> pos n. def a farm implement equipped with shovels, blades, etc., used to break up soil and remove weeds. cultivator 2. syl cul+ti+va+tor pron <1k^lti2vAt*> pos n. def a person or thing that cultivates. cultivator 3. syl cul+ti+va+tor pron <1k^lti2vAt*> pos n. def a person who grows, tends, or improves plants or crops. cultrate ety C19: from Latin cultr*_atus, from culter knife cultrated alt head cultrate or cultrate syl cul+trat+ed pos adj. cultrate 0. or cultrated syl cul+trate pron <1k^ltrAt> pos adj. def shaped like a knife blade. exam 1 cultrate leaves. cultural 1. syl cul+tur+al pron <1k^lC*r*l> pos adj. def of or relating to artistic or social pursuits or events considered to be valuable or enlightened. cultural 2. syl cul+tur+al pron <1k^lC*r*l> pos adj. def of or relating to a culture or civilization. cultural 3. syl cul+tur+al pron <1k^lC*r*l> pos adj. usage of certain varieties of plant def obtained by specialized breeding. culturally sub head cultural syl cul+tur+al+ly pos adv. cultural anthropology 0. syl cul+tur+al an+thro+pol+o:gy pos n. def the branch of anthropology dealing with cultural as opposed to biological and racial features. cultural anthropologist sub head cultural anthropology syl cul+tur+al an+thro+pol:o+gist pos n. culture lag alt head cultural lag or cultural lag syl cul+ture lag pos n. cultural lag 0. or culture lag syl cul+tur+al lag pos n. def the difference in the rate of change between two parts of a culture. Cultural Revolution 0. syl Cul+tur+al Rev:o+lu+tion pos n. usage in China def a mass movement (1965-68), in which the youthful Red Guard played a prominent part. It was initiated by Mao Tse-tung to destroy the power of the bureaucrats and to revolutionize the attitudes and behaviour of the people. Also called: {Great Proletarian Cultural Revolution}. culture ety C15: from Old French, from Latin cult*_ura a cultivating, from colere to till; see #7cult culture 1. syl cul+ture pron <1k^lC*> pos n. def the total of the inherited ideas, beliefs, values, and knowledge, which constitute the shared bases of social action. culture 2. syl cul+ture pron <1k^lC*> pos n. def the total range of activities and ideas of a group of people with shared traditions, which are transmitted and reinforced by members of the group. exam 1 the Mayan culture. culture 3. syl cul+ture pron <1k^lC*> pos n. def a particular civilization at a particular period. culture 4. syl cul+ture pron <1k^lC*> pos n. def the artistic and social pursuits, expression, and tastes valued by a society or class, as in the arts, manners, dress, etc. culture 5. syl cul+ture pron <1k^lC*> pos n. def the enlightenment or refinement resulting from these pursuits. culture 6. syl cul+ture pron <1k^lC*> pos n. def the cultivation of plants, esp. by scientific methods designed to improve stock or to produce new ones. culture 7. syl cul+ture pron <1k^lC*> pos n. qual Stockbreeding. def the rearing and breeding of animals, esp. with a view to improving the strain. culture 8. syl cul+ture pron <1k^lC*> pos n. def the act or practice of tilling or cultivating the soil. culture 9.a. syl cul+ture pron <1k^lC*> pos n. def the experimental growth of microorganisms, such as bacteria and fungi, in a nutrient substance (see {culture medium) }, usually under controlled conditions. culture 9.b. syl cul+ture pron <1k^lC*> pos n. def a group of microorganisms grown in this way. culture 10. syl cul+ture pron <1k^lC*> pos vb. mod tr. def to cultivate (plants or animals). culture 11. syl cul+ture pron <1k^lC*> pos vb. mod tr. def to grow (microorganisms) in a culture medium. culturist sub head culture syl cul+tur+ist pos n. cultureless sub head culture syl cul+ture+less pos adj. cultured 1. syl cul+tured pron <1k^lC*d> pos adj. def showing or having good taste, manners, upbringing, and education. cultured 2. syl cul+tured pron <1k^lC*d> pos adj. def artificially grown or synthesized. exam 1 cultured pearls. cultured pearl 0. syl cul+tured pearl pos n. def a pearl induced to grow in the shell of an oyster or clam, by the insertion of a small object around which layers of nacre are deposited. culture medium 0. syl cul+ture me+di:um pos n. def a nutritive substance, such as an agar gel, in which cultures of bacteria and fungi are grown. culture shock 0. syl cul+ture shock pos n. qual Sociol. def the feelings of isolation, rejection, etc., experienced when one culture is brought into sudden contact with another, as when a primitive tribe is confronted by modern civilization. culture vulture 0. syl cul+ture vul+ture pos n. qual Informal. def a person considered to be excessively eager to acquire culture. cultus ety C17: from Latin: a toiling over something, refinement, #7cult cultuses infl head cultus or culti syl cul+tus:es pron <-tI> pos n. mod pl. culti infl head cultus or cultuses syl cul+ti pron <-tI> pos n. mod pl. cultus 0. syl cul+tus pron <1k^lt*s> pos n. qual Chiefly R.C. Church. def another word for {{cult} (sense 1)}. culver ety Old English culfre, from Latin columbula a little dove, from columba dove culver 0. syl cul+ver pron <1k^lv*> pos n. def an archaic or poetic name for {pigeon} or {dove}. culverin ety C15: from Old French coulevrine, from couleuvre, from Latin coluber serpent culverin 1. syl cul+ver+in pron <1k^lv*rin> pos n. def a medium to heavy cannon used during the 16th and 17th centuries. culverin 2. syl cul+ver+in pron <1k^lv*rin> pos n. def a medieval musket. Culver's root ety C19: named after a Dr. Culver, 18th-century American physician physic alt head Culver's root or Culver's root syl phys+ic pron <1k^lv*z> pos n. Culver's root 1. or physic syl Cul:ver's root pron <1k^lv*z> pos n. def a tall North American scrophulariaceous plant, having spikes of small white or purple flowers. Culver's root 2. or physic syl Cul:ver's root pron <1k^lv*z> pos n. def the dried roots of this plant, formerly used as a cathartic and emetic. culvert ety C18: of unknown origin culvert 1. syl cul+vert pron <1k^lv*t> pos n. def a drain or covered channel that crosses under a road, railway, etc. culvert 2. syl cul+vert pron <1k^lv*t> pos n. def a channel for an electric cable. cum ety Latin: with, together with, along with cum 0. syl cum pos k^m; prep. def used between two nouns to designate an object of a combined nature. exam 1 a kitchen-cum-dining room. Cumae 0. syl Cu+mae pron <1kju:mE> pos n. def the oldest Greek colony in Italy, founded about 750 #7b.c. near Naples. Cumaean sub head Cumae syl Cu+1mae:an pos adj. Cuman'a 0. syl Cu+ma+n*'a pron Spanish <2kuma1na> pos n. def a city in NE Venezuela: founded in 1523; the oldest European settlement in South America. Pop.: 119751 (1971). cumber ety C13: probably from Old French combrer to impede, prevent, from combre barrier; see #7encumber cumber 1. syl cum+ber pron <1k^mb*> pos vb. mod tr. def to obstruct or hinder. cumber 2. syl cum+ber pron <1k^mb*> pos vb. mod tr. qual Obsolete. def to inconvenience. cumber 3. syl cum+ber pron <1k^mb*> pos n. mod tr. def a hindrance or burden. cumberer sub head cumber syl cum+ber+er pos n. Cumberland H1.0. syl Cum+ber+land pron <1k^mb*l*nd> pos n. usage until 1974 def a county of NW England, now part of Cumbria. William Augustus infl head Cumberland syl Wil:liam Au:gus:tus pos n. Cumberland H2.0. syl Cum:ber:land pron <1k^mb*l*nd> pos n. def Duke of Cumberland, called 1721-65, English soldier, younger son of George II, noted for his defeat of Charles Edward Stuart at Culloden (1746) and his subsequent ruthless destruction of Jacobite rebels. Cumbernauld 0. syl Cum+ber+nauld pron <2k^mb*1nc:ld> pos n. def a town in central Scotland, in E central Strathclyde, northeast of Glasgow: developed as a new town since 1956. Pop.: 31787 (1971). cumbersome ety C14: cumber, short for #7encumber+ -#7some cumbrous alt head cumbersome or cumbersome syl cum+brous pron <1k^mbr*s> pos adj. cumbersome 1. or cumbrous syl cum+ber+some pron <1k^mb*s*m> pos adj. def awkward because of size, weight, or shape. exam 1 cumbersome baggage. cumbersome 2. or cumbrous syl cum+ber+some pron <1k^mb*s*m> pos adj. def difficult because of extent or complexity. exam 1 cumbersome accounts. cumbersomely sub head cumbersome or cumbrously syl cum+ber+some+ly pos adv. cumbrously sub head cumbersome or cumbersomely syl cum+brous+ly pos adv. cumbersomeness sub head cumbersome or cumbrousness syl cum+ber+some+ness pos n. cumbrousness sub head cumbersome or cumbersomeness syl cum+brous+ness pos n. cumbrance 1. syl cum+brance: pron <1k^mbr*ns)@T>, <$D.@T> , <@T> def trouble or bother. Cumbria 0. syl Cum+bri:a pron <1k^mbri*> pos n. usage since 1974 def a county of NW England comprising the former counties of Westmorland and Cumberland together with N Lancashire: includes the Lake District mountain area and surrounding coastal lowlands with the Pennine uplands in the extreme east. Administrative centres: Carlisle and Kendal. Pop.: 473600 (1976 est.). Area: 6806 sq. km (2628 sq. miles). &- {#!Cum+bri@.an} Cumbrian Mountains 0. syl Cum+bri:an Moun+tains pron <1k^mbri*n> pos n. mod pl. def a mountain range in NW England, in Cumbria. Highest peak: Scafell Pike, 963 m (3210 ft.). cum dividend ety cum, from Latin: with cum dividend 0. syl cum div:i+dend usage of shares, etc. def with the right to current dividend. Compare {ex dividend}. cum grano salis 0. syl cum gra+no sa+lis pron Latin. <1gra:n*u> <1sa:lis> pos adv. def with a grain of salt; not too literally. cumin ety C12: from Old French, from Latin cum*_inum, from Greek kuminon, of Semitic origin; compare Hebrew kamm*_on cummin alt head cumin or cumin syl cum+min pron <1k^min> pos n. cumin 1. or cummin syl cum+in pron <1k^min> pos n. def an umbelliferous Mediter?!ranean plant, with finely divided leaves and small white or pink flowers. cumin 2. or cummin syl cum+in pron <1k^min> pos n. def the aromatic seeds (collectively) of this plant, used as a condiment and a flavouring. cum laude ety Latin cum laude 0. syl cum lau+de pron qual Chiefly U.S. def with praise: the lowest of three designations for above-average achievement in examinations. cummerbund ety C17: from Hindi kamarband, from Persian, from kamar loins, waist+ band band kummerbund alt head cummerbund or cummerbund syl kum+mer+bund pron <1k^m*2b^nd> pos n. cummerbund 0. or kummerbund syl cum+mer+bund pron <1k^m*2b^nd> pos n. def a wide sash, worn with a dinner jacket. Edward Estlin infl head Cummings syl Ed:ward Est:lin pron <1estlin> pos n. Cummings 0. syl Cum:mings pron <1k^miGz> pos n. def preferred typographical representation of name 1894-1962, U.S. poet, and artist. cumquat 0. syl cum+quat pron <1k^mkwot> pos n. def a variant spelling of {kumquat}. cumshaw ety C19: from pidgin English, from Chinese (Amoy) kam si*_a, from Mandarin kan hsieh grateful thanks cumshaw 0. syl cum+shaw pron <1k^mSc:> pos n. usage used, esp. formerly, by beggars in Chinese ports def a present or tip. cumulate ety C16: from Latin cumul*_are from cumulus heap cumulate 1. syl cu+mu+late pron <1kju:mju2lAt> pos vb. def to accumulate. cumulate 2. syl cu+mu+late pron <1kju:mjulit>, <-2lAt> pos adj. def heaped up. cumulately sub head cumulate syl cu+mu+late+ly pos adv. cumulation sub head cumulate syl cu+mu+1la+tion pos n. cumulative 1. syl cu+mu+la+tive pron <1kju:mjul*tiv> pos adj. def growing in quantity, strength, or effect by successive additions or gradual steps. exam 1 cumulative pollution. cumulative 2. syl cu+mu+la+tive pron <1kju:mjul*tiv> pos adj. def gained by or resulting from a gradual building up. exam 1 cumulative benefits. cumulative 3.a. syl cu+mu+la+tive pron <1kju:mjul*tiv> pos adj. usage of preference shares def entitling the holder to receive any arrears of dividend before any dividend is distributed to ordinary shareholders. cumulative 3.b. syl cu+mu+la+tive pron <1kju:mjul*tiv> pos adj. usage of dividends or interest def intended to be accumulated if not paid when due. cumulative 4.a. syl cu+mu+la+tive pron <1kju:mjul*tiv> pos adj. usage of a frequency def including all values of a variable either below or above a specified value. cumulative 4.b. syl cu+mu+la+tive pron <1kju:mjul*tiv> pos adj. usage of error def tending to increase as the sample size is increased. cumulatively sub head cumulative syl cu+mu+la+tive+ly pos adv. cumulativeness sub head cumulative syl cu+mu+la+tive+ness pos n. cumulative evidence 0. syl cu+mu+la+tive ev:i+dence pos n. qual Law. def additional evidence re?!inforcing testimony previously given. cumulative voting 0. syl cu+mu+la+tive vot+ing pos n. def a system of voting in which each elector has as many votes as there are candidates in his constituency. Votes may all be cast for one candidate or distributed among several. cumulet ety C19: from #7cumulus cumulet 0. syl cu+mul+et pron <1kju:mjulit> pos n. usage sometimes cap. def a variety of domestic fancy pigeon, pure white or white with light red markings. cumuliform 0. syl cu+mu+li+form pron <1kju:mjuli2fc:m> pos adj. def resembling a cumulus cloud. cumulonimbi infl head cumulonimbus or cumulonimbuses syl cu+mu+lo+nim+bi pron <-bI> pos n. mod pl. cumulonimbuses infl head cumulonimbus or cumulonimbi syl cu+mu+lo+nim+bus:es. pos n. mod pl. cumulonimbus 0. syl cu+mu+lo+nim+bus pron <2kju:mjul*u1nimb*s> pos n. qual Meteorol. def a cumulus cloud of great vertical extent, the top often forming an anvil shape and the bottom being dark coloured, indicating rain or hail: associated with thunderstorms. cumulostrati infl head cumulostratus syl cu+mu+lo+stra+ti pron <-tI> pos n. mod pl. cumulostratus 0. syl cu+mu+lo+stra+tus pron <2kju:mjul*u1strAt*s> pos n. qual Meteorol. def another name for {stratocumulus}. cumulous 0. syl cu+mu+lous pron <1kju:mjul*s> pos adj. def resembling or consisting of cumulus clouds. cumulus ety C17: from Latin: mass cumuli infl head cumulus syl cu+mu+li pron <-2lI> pos n. mod pl. cumulus 0. syl cu+mu+lus pron <1kju:mjul*s> pos n. def a bulbous or billowing white or dark grey cloud associated with rising air currents. Compare {{cirrus} (sense 1)}, {stratus}. Cunaxa 0. syl Cu+nax:a pron pos n. def the site near the lower Euphrates where Artaxerxes II defeated Cyrus the Younger in 401 #7b.c. cunctation ety C16: from Latin cunct*_ati*_o a hesitation, from cunct*_ar*_i to delay cunctation 0. syl cunc+ta+tion pron pos n. qual Rare. def delay. cunctative sub head cunctation syl cunc+ta+tive pron <1k^Gkt*tiv> pos adj. cunctator sub head cunctation syl cunc+1ta+tor pos n. cuneal ety C16: from New Latin cune*_alis, from cuneus wedge cuneal 0. syl cu+ne:al pron <1kju:ni*l> pos adj. def wedge-shaped; cuneiform. cuneate ety C19: from Latin cune*_are to make wedge-shaped, from cuneus a wedge cuneate 0. syl cu+ne:ate pron <1kju:niit>, <-2At> pos adj. def wedge-shaped: cuneate leaves are attached at the narrow end. cuneately sub head cuneate syl cu+ne:ate+ly pos adv. cuneiform ety C17: probably from Old French cun*'eiforme, from Latin cuneus wedge cuneiform 1. syl cu+nei+form pron <1kju:ni2fc:m> pos adj. def Also: {cuneal}. wedge-shaped. cuneiform 2. syl cu+nei+form pron <1kju:ni2fc:m> pos adj. def of, relating to, or denoting the wedge-shaped characters employed in the writing of several ancient languages of Mesopotamia and Persia, esp. Sumerian, Babylonian, etc. cuneiform 3. syl cu+nei+form pron <1kju:ni2fc:m> pos adj. def of or relating to a tablet in which this script is employed. cuneiform 4. syl cu+nei+form pron <1kju:ni2fc:m> pos adj. def of or relating to any of the three tarsal bones. cuneiform 5. syl cu+nei+form pron <1kju:ni2fc:m> pos n. def cuneiform characters or writing. cuneiform 6. syl cu+nei+form pron <1kju:ni2fc:m> pos n. def any one of the three tarsal bones. Cuneo 0. syl Cu+ne:o pron Italian <1ku:nAo> pos n. def a city in NW Italy, in Piedmont. Pop.: 54505 (1971). cunjevoi ety C19: from a native Australian language cunjevoi 1. syl cun+je:voi pron <1k^nJi2vci> pos n. qual Austral. def an aroid plant, of tropical Asia and Australia, cultivated for its edible rhizome. cunjevoi 2. syl cun+je:voi pron <1k^nJi2vci> pos n. qual Austral. def a sea squirt. cunnilingus ety C19: from New Latin, from Latin cunnus vulva+ lingere to lick cunnilinctus alt head cunnilingus or cunnilingus syl cun+ni+linc+tus pron <2k^ni?!1liGkt*s> pos n. cunnilingus 0. or cunnilinctus syl cun+ni+lin+gus pron <2k^ni1liGg*s> pos n. def a sexual activity in which the female genitalia are stimulated by the partner's lips and tongue. Compare {fellatio}. cunning ety Old English cunnende; related to cunnan to know (see #7can %1)#7, cunnian to test, experience, Old Norse kunna to know cunning 1. syl cun+ning pron <1k^niG> pos adj. def crafty and shrewd, esp. in deception; sly. exam 1 cunning as a fox. cunning 2. syl cun+ning pron <1k^niG> pos adj. def made with or showing skill or cleverness; ingenious. cunning 3. syl cun+ning pron <1k^niG> pos n. def craftiness, esp. in deceiving; slyness. cunning 4. syl cun+ning pron <1k^niG> pos n. def cleverness, skill, or ingenuity. cunningly sub head cunning syl cun+ning+ly pos adv. cunningness sub head cunning syl cun+ning+ness pos n. cunt ety C13: of Germanic origin; related to Old Norse kunta, Middle Low German kunte cunt 1. syl cunt pos k^nt; n. qual Taboo slang. def the female genitals. cunt 2. syl cunt pos k^nt; n. qual Taboo slang.; Offensive. def a woman considered sexually. cunt 3. syl cunt pos k^nt; n. qual Taboo slang.; Offensive. def a mean or obnoxious person. cup ety Old English cuppe, from Late Latin cuppa cup, alteration of Latin c*_upa cask cup 1. syl cup pos k^p; n. def a small open container, usually having one handle, used for drinking from. cup 2. syl cup pos k^p; n. def the contents of such a container. exam 1 that cup was too sweet. cup 3. syl cup pos k^p; n. def Also called: {teacup; cupful}. a unit of capacity used in cooking equal to approximately half a pint, 8 fluid ounces, or about one quarter of a litre. cup 4. syl cup pos k^p; n. def something resembling a cup in shape or function, such as the flower base of some plants of the rose family or a cuplike bodily organ. cup 5. syl cup pos k^p; n. def either of two cup-shaped parts of a brassiere, designed to support the breasts. cup 6. syl cup pos k^p; n. def a cup-shaped trophy awarded as a prize. cup 7.a. syl cup pos k^p; n. def a sporting contest in which a cup is awarded to the winner. cup 7.b. syl cup pos k^p; n. usage as modifier exam 1 a cup competition. cup 8. syl cup pos k^p; n. def a mixed drink with one ingredient as a base, usually served from a bowl. exam 1 claret cup. cup 9. syl cup pos k^p; n. qual Golf. def the hole or metal container in the hole on a green. cup 10. syl cup pos k^p; n. def the chalice or the consecrated wine used in the Eucharist. cup 11. syl cup pos k^p; n. def one's lot in life. one's cup of tea 12. head cup syl one's cup of tea. qual Informal. def one's chosen or preferred thing, task, company, etc.. exam 1 she's not my cup of tea. in one's cups 13. head cup syl in one's cups. def drunk. cups infl head cup syl cups pos vb. mod tr. cupping infl head cup syl cup+ping pos vb. mod tr. cupped infl head cup syl cupped. pos vb. mod tr. cup 14. syl cup pos vb. mod tr. def to form (something, such as the hands) into the shape of a cup. cup 15. syl cup pos vb. mod tr. def to put into or as if into a cup. cup 16. syl cup pos vb. mod tr. def to draw blood to the surface of the body by using a cupping glass. cuplike sub head cup syl cup+2like pos adj. cupbearer 0. syl cup+bear:er pron <1k^p2be*r*> pos n. def an attendant who fills and serves wine cups, as in a royal household. cupboard 0. syl cup+board pron <1k^b*d> pos n. def a piece of furniture or a recessed area of a room, with a door concealing storage space. cupboard love 0. syl cup+board love pos n. def a show of love inspired only by some selfish or greedy motive. cupcake 0. syl cup+cake pron <1k^p2kAk> pos n. def a small cake baked in a cup-shaped foil or paper case. cupel ety C17: from French coupelle, diminutive of coupe #7cup cupel 1. syl cu+pel pron <1kju:pL>, pos n. def a refractory pot in which gold or silver is refined. cupel 2. syl cu+pel pron <1kju:pL>, pos n. def a small porous bowl made of bone ash in which gold and silver are recovered from a lead button during assaying. cupels infl head cupel or cupels syl cu+pels pos vb. qual U.S. cupelling pelled infl head cupel or cupeling syl cu+pel+ling +pelled pos vb. cupeling infl head cupel or cupelling pelled syl cu+pel+ing pos vb. qual U.S. cupeled infl head cupel syl cu+peled. pos vb. qual U.S. cupel 3. syl cu+pel pron <1kju:pL>, pos vb. mod tr. def to refine (gold or silver) by means of cupellation. cupeller sub head cupel syl cu+pel+ler pos n. cupellation 1. syl cu+pel+la+tion pron <2kju:pi1lAS*n> pos n. def the process of recovering precious metals from lead by melting the alloy in a cupel and oxidizing the lead by means of an air blast. cupellation 2. syl cu+pel+la+tion pron <2kju:pi1lAS*n> pos n. def the manufacture of lead oxide by melting and oxidizing lead. Cup Final 1. syl Cup Fi+nal pos n. usage often preceded by the def the annual final of the F.A. Cup soccer competition, played at Wembley. Cup Final 2. syl Cup Fi+nal pos n. usage often not cap. def the final of any cup competition. Cupid ety C14: from Latin Cup*_id*_o, from cup*_id*_o desire, from cupidus desirous; see #7cupidity Cupid 1. syl Cu:pid pron <1kju:pid> pos n. def the Roman god of love, represented as a winged boy with a bow and arrow. Greek counterpart: {Eros}. Cupid 2. syl Cu:pid pron <1kju:pid> pos n. usage not cap. def any similar figure, esp. as represented in Baroque art. cupidity ety C15: from Latin cupidit*_as, from cupidus eagerly desiring, from cupere to long for cupidity 0. syl cu+pid+i:ty pron pos n. def strong desire, esp. for possessions or money; greed. Cupid's bow 0. syl Cu:pid's bow pos n. def a shape of the upper lip considered to resemble Cupid's double-curved bow. cupola ety C16: from Italian, from Late Latin c*_upula a small cask, from Latin c*_upa tub cupola 1. syl cu+po+la pron <1kju:p*l*> pos n. def a roof or ceiling in the form of a dome. cupola 2. syl cu+po+la pron <1kju:p*l*> pos n. def a small structure, usually domed, on the top of a roof or dome. cupola 3. syl cu+po+la pron <1kju:p*l*> pos n. def a protective dome for a gun on a warship. cupola 4. syl cu+po+la pron <1kju:p*l*> pos n. def a vertical cylindrical furnace in which metals, esp. iron, are remelted for casting. cupolated sub head cupola syl cu+po+lat+ed pron <1kju:p*?!2lAtid> pos adj. cupper alt head cuppa or cuppa syl cup+per pron <1k^p*> pos n. cuppa 0. or cupper syl cup+pa pron <1k^p*> pos n. qual Brit. informal. def a cup of tea. cupped 0. syl cupped pos k^pt; adj. def hollowed like a cup; concave. cupping 0. syl cup+ping pron <1k^piG> pos n. qual Med. def the process of applying a cupping glass to the skin. cupping glass 0. syl cup+ping glass pos n. qual Med. def a glass vessel from which air can be removed by suction or heat to create a partial vacuum: formerly used in drawing blood to the surface of the skin for slow bloodletting. Also called: {artificial leech}. cupreous ety C17: from Late Latin cupreus, from cuprum #7copper %1 cupreous 1. syl cu+pre+ous pron <1kju:pri*s> pos adj. def of, consisting of, containing, or resembling copper; coppery. cupreous 2. syl cu+pre+ous pron <1kju:pri*s> pos adj. def of the reddish-brown colour of copper. cupric ety C18: from Late Latin cuprum copper cupric 0. syl cu+pric pron <1kju:prik> pos adj. def of or containing copper in the divalent state. cupriferous 0. syl cu+prif+er+ous pron pos adj. usage of a substance such as an ore def containing or yielding copper. cuprite 0. syl cu+prite pron <1kju:prIt> pos n. def a red secondary mineral consisting of cuprous oxide in cubic crystalline form: a source of copper. Formula: Cu\2O. cupro- ety from Latin cuprum cupri- infl head cupro- syl cu:pri- cuprous 0. syl cu+prous pron <1kju:pr*s> pos adj. def of or containing copper in the monovalent state. cuprum ety Latin: #7copper %1 cuprum 0. syl cu+prum pron <1kju:pr*m> pos n. def an obsolete name for {copper}. cup tie 0. syl cup tie pos n. qual Sport. def an eliminating match or round between two teams in a cup competition. cup-tied 1. syl cup-tied pos adj. qual Sport. usage of a team, etc. def unable to play another fixture because of involvement in a cup tie. cup-tied 2. syl cup-tied pos adj. qual Sport. usage of a player def unable to play in a cup tie because of some disallowance. cupular alt head cupulate or cupulate syl cu+pu+lar pron <1kju:pjul*> pos adj. cupulate 1. or cupular syl cu+pu+late pron <1kju:pju2lAt> pos adj. def shaped like a small cup. cupulate 2. or cupular syl cu+pu+late pron <1kju:pju2lAt> pos adj. usage of plants or animals def having cupules. cupule ety C19: from Late Latin c*_upula; see #7cupola cupule 0. syl cu+pule pron <1kju:pju:l> pos n. qual Biology. def a cup-shaped part or structure, such as the cup around the base of an acorn. cur ety C13: shortened from kurdogge; probably related to Old Norse kurra to growl cur 1. syl cur pron pos n. def any vicious dog, esp. a mongrel. cur 2. syl cur pron pos n. def a despicable or cowardly person. cur 0. syl cur. qual abbrev. for def currency. curable 0. syl cur+a:ble pron <1kju*r*bL> pos adj. def capable of being cured. curability sub head curable or curableness syl cur+a:1bil+i:ty pos n. curableness sub head curable or curability syl cur+a:ble+ness pos n. curably sub head curable syl cur+a:bly pos adv. Curacao 1. syl Cu+ra+*,cao pron <2kju*r*1s*u> pos n. def an island in the Caribbean, the largest in the Netherlands Antilles. Capital: Willemstad. Pop.: 150008 (1972 est.). Area: 444 sq. km (173 sq. miles). Curacao 2. syl Cu+ra+*,cao pron <2kju*r*1s*u> pos n. def an orange-flavoured liqueur originally made there. curacies infl head curacy syl cu+ra+cies. pos n. mod pl. curacy 0. syl cu+ra+cy pron <1kju*r*si> pos n. def the office or position of curate. curagh 0. syl cur+agh pron Gaelic. <1k^r*x> <1k^r*> pos n. def a variant spelling of {currach}. curare ety C18: from Portuguese and Spanish, from Carib kurari curari alt head curare or curare syl cu+ra+ri pron pos n. curare 1. or curari syl cu+ra+re pron pos n. def black resin obtained from certain tropical South American trees, acting on the motor nerves to cause muscular paralysis: used medicinally as a muscle relaxant and by South American Indians as an arrow poison. curare 2. or curari syl cu+ra+re pron pos n. def any of various trees of the genera and from which this resin is obtained. curarine 0. syl cu+ra+rine pron <1kju*r*2rEn> pos n. def an alkaloid extracted from curare, used as a muscle relaxant in surgery. Formula: C\1\9H\2\6ON\2. curarise alt head curarize or curarize syl cu+ra+rise pron <1kju*r*2rIz> pos vb. mod tr. curarize 0. or curarise syl cu+ra+rize pron <1kju*r*2rIz> pos vb. mod tr. def to paralyse or treat with curare. curarization sub head curarize or curarisation syl cu+ra+ri+1za+tion pos n. curarisation sub head curarize or curarization syl cu+ra+ri+1sa+tion pos n. curassow ety C17: anglicized variant of C#7ura*,cao (island) curassow 0. syl cu+ras+sow pron <1kju*r*2s*u> pos n. def any gallinaceous bird of the family of S North, Central, and South America. Curassows have long legs and tails and, typically, a distinctive crest of curled feathers. See also {guan}. curate ety C14: from Medieval Latin c*_ur*_atus, from c*_ura spiritual oversight, #7cure curate 1. syl cu+rate pron <1kju*rit> pos n. def a clergyman appointed to assist a parish priest. curate 2. syl cu+rate pron <1kju*rit> pos n. def a clergyman who has the charge of a parish ({curate-in-charge}) . curate's egg ety C20: simile derived from a cartoon in Punch (November, 1895) in which a timid curate, who has been served a bad egg while dining with his bishop, says that parts of the egg are excellent curate's egg 0. syl cu+rate's egg pos n. def something that is bad but may be euphemistically described as being only partly so. curative 1. syl cu+ra+tive pron <1kju*r*tiv> pos adj. def able or tending to cure. curative 2. syl cu+ra+tive pron <1kju*r*tiv> pos n. def anything able to heal or cure. curatively sub head curative syl cur:a+tive+ly pos adv. curativeness sub head curative syl cur:a+tive+ness pos n. curator ety C14: from Latin: one who cares, from c*_ur*_are to care for, from c*_ura care curator 1. syl cu+ra+tor pron pos n. def the administrative head of a museum, art gallery, or similar institution. curator 2. syl cu+ra+tor pron pos n. qual Law, chiefly Scot. def a guardian of a minor. curatorial sub head curator syl cu+ra+to+ri:al pron <2kju*r*1tc:ri*l> pos adj. curatorship sub head curator syl cu+1ra+tor+2ship pos n. curb ety C15: from Old French courbe curved piece of wood or metal, from Latin curvus curved curb 1. syl curb pron pos n. def something that restrains or holds back. curb 2. syl curb pron pos n. def any enclosing framework, such as a wall of stones around the top of a well. curb 3.a. syl curb pron pos n. def Also called: {curb bit}. a horse's bit with an attached chain or strap, which checks the horse. curb 3.b. syl curb pron pos n. def Also called: {curb chain}. the chain or strap itself. curb 4. syl curb pron pos n. def a hard swelling on the hock of a horse. curb 5. syl curb pron pos vb. mod tr. def to control with or as if with a curb; restrain. curb xref syl curb pron pos n. def See also {kerb}. curbing 0. syl curb+ing pron <1kR:biG> pos n. def the U.S. spelling of {kerbing}. curb roof 0. syl curb roof pos n. def a roof having two or more slopes on each side of the ridge. See also {{mansard} (sense 1)}, {{gambrel roof} (sense 2)}. curbstone 0. syl curb+stone pron <1kR:b2st*un> pos n. def the U.S. spelling of {kerbstone}. curch ety C15: probably back formation from courcheis (plural), from Old French couvrechies, plural of couvrechef #7kerchief curch 0. syl curch pron pos n. def a woman's plain cap or kerchief. Also called: {curchef}. curculio ety C18: from Latin: grain weevil curculios infl head curculio syl cur+cu+li:os. pos n. mod pl. curculio 0. syl cur+cu+li:o pron pos n. def any of various American weevils, esp. ({plum curculio}) , a pest of fruit trees. curcuma ety C17: from New Latin, from Arabic kurkum turmeric curcuma 0. syl cur+cu+ma pron <1kR:kjum*> pos n. def any tropical Asian tuberous plant of the genus such as which is the source of turmeric, and which is the source of zedoary: family curd ety C15: from earlier crud, of unknown origin curd 1. syl curd pron pos n. mod often; pl. def a substance formed from the coagulation of milk by acid or rennet, used in making cheese or eaten as a food. curd 2. syl curd pron pos n. def something similar in consistency. curd 3. syl curd pron pos vb. def to turn into or become curd. curdy sub head curd syl curd:y pos adj. curdiness sub head curd syl curd:i+ness pos n. curd cheese 0. syl curd cheese pos n. def a mild white cheese made from skimmed milk curds, smoother and fattier than cottage cheese. curdle ety C16 (crudled, past participle): from #7curd curdle 1. syl cur+dle pron <1kR:dL> pos vb. def to turn or cause to turn into curd. curdle someone's blood 2. head curdle syl curdle someone's blood. def to fill someone with fear. curdler sub head curdle syl cur+dler pos n. cure ety (n.) C13: from Old French, from Latin c*_ura care; in ecclesiastical sense, from Medieval Latin c*_ura spiritual charge; (vb.) C14: from Old French curer, from Latin c*_ur*_are to attend to, heal, from c*_ura care cure 1. syl cure pron pos vb. mod tr. def to get rid of (an ailment, fault, or problem); heal. cure 2. syl cure pron pos vb. mod tr. def to restore to health or good condition. cure 3. syl cure pron pos vb. mod intr. def to bring about a cure. cure 4. syl cure pron pos vb. mod tr. def to preserve (meat, fish, etc.) by salting, smoking, etc. cure 5.a. syl cure pron pos vb. def to treat or finish (a substance) by chemical or physical means. cure 5.b. syl cure pron pos vb. def to vulcanize (rubber). cure 6. syl cure pron pos vb. mod tr. def to assist the hardening of (concrete, mortar, etc.) by keeping it moist. cure 7. syl cure pron pos n. def a return to health, esp. after specific treatment. cure 8. syl cure pron pos n. def any course of medical therapy, esp. one proved effective in combating a disease. cure 9. syl cure pron pos n. def a means of restoring health or improving a condition, situation, etc. cure 10. syl cure pron pos n. def the spiritual and pastoral charge of a parish. exam 1 the cure of souls. cure 11. syl cure pron pos n. def a process or method of preserving meat, fish, etc., by salting, pickling, or smoking. cureless sub head cure syl cure+less pos adj. curer sub head cure syl cur+er pos n. cure-all 0. syl cure-all pos n. def something reputed to cure anything. curet ety C18: from French curette, from curer to heal, make clean; see #7cure curette alt head curet or curet syl cu+rette pron pos n. curet 1. or curette syl cu+ret pron pos n. def a surgical instrument for removing dead tissue, growths, etc., from the walls of certain body cavities. curets infl head curet or curettes syl cu+rets pos vb. curettes infl head curet or curets syl cu+rettes pos vb. curetting infl head curet syl cu+ret+ting pos vb. curetted infl head curet syl cu+ret+ted. pos vb. curet 2. or curette syl cu+ret pron pos vb. mod tr. def to scrape or clean with such an instrument. curettement alt head curettage or curettage syl cu+rette+ment pron pos n. curettage 0. or curettement syl cu+ret+tage pron <2kju*ri1ta:Z>, pos n. def the process of using a curet. See also {D and C}. curfew ety C13: from Old French cuevrefeu, literally: cover the fire curfew 1. syl cur+few pron <1kR:fju:> pos n. def an official regulation setting restrictions on movement, esp. after a specific time at night. curfew 2. syl cur+few pron <1kR:fju:> pos n. def the time set as a deadline by such a regulation. curfew 3.a. syl cur+few pron <1kR:fju:> pos n. def the ringing of a bell to prompt people to extinguish fires and lights. curfew 3.b. syl cur+few pron <1kR:fju:> pos n. def the time at which the curfew bell was rung. curfew 3.c. syl cur+few pron <1kR:fju:> pos n. def the bell itself. curia ety C16: from Latin, from Old Latin coviria (unattested), from #7co -#7+ vir man curiae infl head curia syl cu+ri:ae pron <-ri2E> pos n. mod pl. curia 1. syl cu+ri:a pron <1kju*ri*> pos n. usage sometimes cap. def the papal court and government of the Roman Catholic Church. curia 2.a. syl cu+ri:a pron <1kju*ri*> pos n. def any of the ten subdivisions of the Latin, Sabine, or Etruscan tribes. curia 2.b. syl cu+ri:a pron <1kju*ri*> pos n. def a meeting place of such a subdivision. curia 2.c. syl cu+ri:a pron <1kju*ri*> pos n. def the senate house of Rome. curia 2.d. syl cu+ri:a pron <1kju*ri*> pos n. def the senate of an Italian town under Roman administration. curia 3. syl cu+ri:a pron <1kju*ri*> pos n. usage in the Middle Ages def a court held in the king's name. See also {Curia Regis}. curial sub head curia syl cu+ri:al pos adj. Curia Regis ety Latin, literally: council of the king Curiae Regis infl head Curia Regis syl Cu+ri:ae Re+gis. pos n. mod pl. Curia Regis 0. syl Cu+ri:a Re+gis pron <1rEJis> pos n. usage in Norman England def the king's court, which performed all functions of government. curie ety C20: named after Marie C#7urie curie 0. syl cu+rie pron <1kju*ri>, <-rE> pos n. def a unit of radioactivity equal to 3.7#M10%1%0 disintegrations per second. Abbrev.: Ci Marie 1. head Curie syl Ma:rie pron def 1867-1934, French physicist and chemist, born in Poland: discovered with her husband Pierre the radioactivity of thorium, and discovered and isolated radium and polonium. She shared a Nobel prize for physics (1903) with her husband and Henri Becquerel, and was awarded a Nobel prize for chemistry (1911). Curie 2. syl Cu:rie pron <1kju*ri>, <-rE>, French pos n. def her husband, {Pierre} (pj$e$:r). 1859-1906, French physicist and chemist. Curie point ety C20: named after Pierre C#7urie Curie pointemperature alt head Curie point or Curie point syl Cu:rie pointem+per:a+ture pos n. Curie point 0. or Curie pointemperature syl Cu:rie point pos n. def the temperature above which a ferromagnetic substance loses its ferromagnetism and becomes paramagnetic. Curie's law 0. syl Cu:rie's law pos n. def the principle that the magnetic susceptibility of a paramagnetic substance is inversely proportional to its thermodynamic temperature. See also {Curie-Weiss law}. Curie-Weiss law ety C20: named after Pierre C#7urie and Pierre-Ernest Weiss (died 1940), French physicist Curie-Weiss law 0. syl Cu:rie-Weiss law pos n. def the principle that the magnetic susceptibility of a paramagnetic substance is inversely proportional to the difference between its temperature and its Curie point. curio ety C19: shortened from #7curiosity curios infl head curio syl cu+ri:os. pos n. mod pl. curio 0. syl cu+ri:o pron <1kju*ri2*u> pos n. def a small article valued as a collector's item, esp. something fascinating or unusual. curiosa ety New Latin: from Latin c*_uri*_osus #7curious curiosa 1. syl cu+ri:o+sa pron <2kju*ri1*us*> pos n. mod functioning as; pl. def curiosities. curiosa 2. syl cu+ri:o+sa pron <2kju*ri1*us*> pos n. mod functioning as; pl. def books on strange subjects, esp. erotica. curiosities infl head curiosity syl cu+ri+os+i:ties. pos n. mod pl. curiosity 1. syl cu+ri+os+i:ty pron <2kju*ri1ositi> pos n. def an eager desire to know; inquisitiveness. curiosity 2.a. syl cu+ri+os+i:ty pron <2kju*ri1ositi> pos n. def the quality of being curious; strangeness. curiosity 2.b. syl cu+ri+os+i:ty pron <2kju*ri1ositi> pos n. usage as modifier exam 1 the ring had curiosity value only. curiosity 3. syl cu+ri+os+i:ty pron <2kju*ri1ositi> pos n. def something strange or fascinating. curiosity 4. syl cu+ri+os+i:ty pron <2kju*ri1ositi> pos n. qual Obsolete. def fastidiousness. curious ety C14: from Latin c*_uri*_osus taking pains over something, from c*_ura care curious 1. syl cu+ri+ous pron <1kju*ri*s> pos adj. def eager to learn; inquisitive. curious 2. syl cu+ri+ous pron <1kju*ri*s> pos adj. def over inquisitive; prying. curious 3. syl cu+ri+ous pron <1kju*ri*s> pos adj. def interesting because of oddness or novelty; strange; unexpected. curious 4. syl cu+ri+ous pron <1kju*ri*s> pos adj. usage Rare. of workmanship, etc. def highly detailed, intricate, or subtle. curious 5. syl cu+ri+ous pron <1kju*ri*s> pos adj. qual Obsolete. def fastidious or hard to please. curiously sub head curious syl cu+ri+ous+ly pos adv. curiousness sub head curious syl cu+ri+ous+ness pos n. Curitiba 0. syl Cu+ri+ti+ba pron <2ku*ri1tEb*> pos n. def a city in SE Brazil, capital of Paran*'a state: seat of the University of Paran*'a (1946). Pop.: 483038 (1970). curium ety C20: New Latin, named after Pierre and Marie C#7urie curium 0. syl cu+ri:um pron <1kju*ri*m> pos n. def a silvery-white metallic transuranic element artificially produced from plutonium. Symbol: Cm; atomic no.: 96; half-life of most stable isotope, %2%4%7Cm: 1.6 x 10%7 years; valency: 3; relative density: 13.51 (calculated); melting pt.: 1340?%C (approx.). curl ety C14 probably from Middle Dutch crullen to curl; related to Middle High German krol curly, kr*_us curly curl 1. syl curl pron pos vb. mod intr. usage esp. of hair def to grow into curves or ringlets. curl 2. syl curl pron pos vb. mod tr. usage sometimes foll. by up def to twist or roll (something, esp. hair) into coils or ringlets. curl 3. syl curl pron pos vb. usage often foll. by up def to become or cause to become spiral-shaped or curved; coil. exam 1 the heat made the leaves curl up. curl 4. syl curl pron pos vb. mod intr. def to move in a curving or twisting manner. curl 5. syl curl pron pos vb. mod intr. def to play the game of curling. curl 6. syl curl pron pos vb. mod intr. qual Informal. usage often foll. by up def to feel horrified or disgusted. exam 1 horror films make me curl. curl one's lip infl head curl syl curl one's lip. pos vb. mod tr. curl 7. syl curl pron pos vb. def to show contempt, as by raising a corner of the lip. curl 8. syl curl pron pos n. def a curve or coil of hair. curl 9. syl curl pron pos n. def a curved or spiral shape or mark, as in wood. curl 10. syl curl pron pos n. def the act of curling or state of being curled. curl 11. syl curl pron pos n. def any of various plant diseases characterized by curling of the leaves. curl 12. syl curl pron pos n. def Also called: {rotation}. a vector quantity associated with a vector field that is the vector product of the operator $V#800158 and a vector function {A} , where $V= {i} $6/$6 + {j} $6/$6 + {k} $6/$6 {i} , {j} , and {k} being unit vectors. Usually written curl {A}, rot {A}. Compare {divergence} (sense 4), {gradient} (sense 4). {~} See also {curl up}. curler 1. syl curl+er pron <1kR:l*> pos n. def any of various pins, clasps, or rollers used to curl or wave hair. curler 2. syl curl+er pron <1kR:l*> pos n. def a person or thing that curls. curler 3. syl curl+er pron <1kR:l*> pos n. def a person who plays curling. curlew ety C14: from Old French corlieu, perhaps of imitative origin curlew 0. syl cur+lew pron <1kR:lju:> pos n. def any large shore bird of the genus such as of Europe and Asia: family (sandpipers, etc.), order They have a long downward-curving bill and occur in northern and arctic regions. Compare {stone curlew}. curlew sandpiper 0. syl cur+lew sand+pip:er pos n. def a common Eurasian sandpiper, having a brick-red breeding plumage and a greyish winter plumage. curlicue ety C19: from #7curly+cue %2 curlycue alt head curlicue or curlicue syl cur+ly+cue pron <1kR:li2kju:> pos n. curlicue 0. or curlycue syl cur+li+cue pron <1kR:li2kju:> pos n. def an intricate ornamental curl or twist. curling 0. syl curl+ing pron <1kR:liG> pos n. def a game played on ice, esp. in Scotland, in which heavy stones with handles ({curling stones}) are slid towards a target ({tee) }. curling tongs 0. syl curl+ing tongs pos n. mod pl. def a metal scissor-like device that is heated, so that strands of hair may be twined around it in order to form curls. Also called: {curling iron, curling irons, curling pins}. curlpaper 0. syl curl+pa:per pron <1kR:l2pAp*> pos n. def a strip of paper used to roll up and set a section of hair, usually wetted, into a curl. curl up 1. syl curl up pos vb. adv. mod intr. def to adopt a reclining position with the legs close to the body and the back rounded. curl up 2. syl curl up pos vb. adv. def to become or cause to become spiral-shaped or curved. curl up 3. syl curl up pos vb. adv. mod intr. def to retire to a quiet cosy setting. exam 1 to curl up with a good novel. curl up 4. syl curl up pos vb. adv. mod intr. qual Informal. def to be defeated completely. curl up 5. syl curl up pos vb. adv. qual Brit. informal. def to be or cause to be disgusted. exam 1 his manner makes me curl up. curlier infl head curly syl curl:i+er pos adj. curliest infl head curly syl curl:i+est. pos adj. curly 1. syl curl:y pron <1kR:li> pos adj. def tending to curl; curling. curly 2. syl curl:y pron <1kR:li> pos adj. def having curls. curly 3. syl curl:y pron <1kR:li> pos adj. usage of timber def having irregular curves or waves in the grain. curliness sub head curly syl curl:i+ness pos n. curmudgeon ety C16: of unknown origin curmudgeon 0. syl cur+mudg+eon pron pos n. def a surly or miserly person. curmudgeonly sub head curmudgeon syl cur+1mudg+eon+ly pos adj. currach ety C15: from Irish Gaelic currach; compare #7coracle curagh infl head currach or curragh syl cur+agh pron Gaelic. <1k^r*x>, <1k^r*> pos n. curragh infl head currach or curagh syl cur+ragh pron Gaelic. <1k^r*x>, <1k^r*> pos n. currach 0. syl cur+rach pron Gaelic. <1k^r*x>, <1k^r*> pos n. def a Scot. or Irish name for {coracle}. currajong 0. syl cur+ra+jong pron <1k^r*2JoG> pos n. def a variant spelling of {kurrajong}. currant ety C16: shortened from rayson of Corannte raisin of Corinth currant 1. syl cur+rant pron <1k^r*nt> pos n. def a small dried seedless grape of the Mediterranean region, used in cooking. currant 2. syl cur+rant pron <1k^r*nt> pos n. def any of several mainly N temperate shrubs of the genus esp. (redcurrant) and (blackcurrant): family See also {{gooseberry} (sense 1)}. currant 3. syl cur+rant pron <1k^r*nt> pos n. def the small acid fruit of any of these plants. currawong ety from a native Australian name currawong 0. syl cur+ra+wong pron <1k^r*2woG> pos n. def any Australian crowlike songbird of the genus having black, grey, and white plumage: family Also called: {bell-magpie}. currency ety C17: from Medieval Latin currentia, literally: a flowing, from Latin currere to run, flow currencies infl head currency syl cur+ren+cies. pos n. mod pl. currency 1. syl cur+ren+cy pron <1k^r*nsi> pos n. def a metal or paper medium of exchange that is in current use. currency 2. syl cur+ren+cy pron <1k^r*nsi> pos n. def general acceptance or circulation; prevalence. exam 1 the currency of ideas. currency 3. syl cur+ren+cy pron <1k^r*nsi> pos n. def the period of time during which something is valid, accepted, or in force. currency 4. syl cur+ren+cy pron <1k^r*nsi> pos n. def the act of being passed from person to person. current ety C13: from Old French corant, literally: running, from corre to run, from Latin currere current 1. syl cur+rent pron <1k^r*nt> pos adj. def of the immediate present; in progress. exam 1 current events. current 2. syl cur+rent pron <1k^r*nt> pos adj. def most recent; up-to-date. exam 1 the current issue of a magazine. current 3. syl cur+rent pron <1k^r*nt> pos adj. def commonly known, practised, or accepted; widespread. exam 1 a current rumour. current 4. syl cur+rent pron <1k^r*nt> pos adj. def circulating and valid at present. exam 1 current coins. current 5. syl cur+rent pron <1k^r*nt> pos n. usage esp. of water or air def a steady usually natural flow. current 6. syl cur+rent pron <1k^r*nt> pos n. def a mass of air, body of water, etc., that has a steady flow in a particular direction. current 7. syl cur+rent pron <1k^r*nt> pos n. def the rate of flow of such a mass. current 8. syl cur+rent pron <1k^r*nt> pos n. def Also called: {electric current}. current 8.a. syl cur+rent pron <1k^r*nt> pos n. def a flow of electric charge through a conductor. current 8.b. syl cur+rent pron <1k^r*nt> pos n. def the rate of flow of this charge. It is usually measured in amperes. Symbol. exam 1 I current 9. syl cur+rent pron <1k^r*nt> pos n. def a general trend or drift. exam 1 currents of opinion. currently sub head current syl cur+rent+ly pos adv. currentness sub head current syl cur+rent+ness pos n. current account 1. syl cur+rent ac+count pos n. def a bank account that usually carries no interest and against which cheques may be drawn at any time. U.S. name: {checking account}. current account 2. syl cur+rent ac+count pos n. qual Economics. def that part of the balance of payments composed of the balance of trade and the invisible balance. Compare {{capital account} (sense 1)}. current assets 0. syl cur+rent as+sets pos n. mod pl. def cash and operating assets that are convertible into cash within a year. Also called: {floating assets}. Compare {fixed assets}. current density 0. syl cur+rent den+si:ty pos n. def the ratio of the electric current flowing at a particular point in a conductor to the cross-sectional area of the conductor taken perpendicular to the current flow at that point. It is measured in amperes per square metre. Sym?!bol: {J} current expenses 0. syl cur+rent ex+pens:es pos n. mod pl. def noncapital and usually recurrent expenditures necessary for the operation of a business. current liabilities 0. syl cur+rent li:a+bil+i:ties pos n. mod pl. def business liabilities maturing within a year. curricle ety C18: from Latin curriculum from currus chariot, from currere to run curricle 0. syl cur+ri+cle pron <1k^rikL> pos n. def a two-wheeled open carriage drawn by two horses side by side. curriculum ety C19: from Latin: course, from currere to run curricula infl head curriculum or curriculums syl cur+ric:u+la pron <-l*> pos n. mod pl. curriculums infl head curriculum or curricula syl cur+ric:u+lums. pos n. mod pl. curriculum 1. syl cur+ric:u+lum pron pos n. def a course of study in one subject at a school or college. curriculum 2. syl cur+ric:u+lum pron pos n. def a list of all the courses of study offered by a school or college. curriculum 3. syl cur+ric:u+lum pron pos n. def any programme or plan of activities. curricular sub head curriculum syl cur+1ric:u+lar pos adj. curriculum vitae ety Latin, literally: the course of one's life curricula vitae infl head curriculum vitae syl cur+ric:u+la vi+tae pron pos n. mod pl. curriculum vitae 0. syl cur+ric:u+lum vi+tae pron <1vEtI>, <1vItE> pos n. def an outline of a person's educational and professional history, usually prepared for job applications. currier ety C14: from Old French corier, from Latin cori*_arius a tanner, from corium leather currier 1. syl cur+ri+er pron <1k^ri*> pos n. qual Rare. def a person who grooms horses. currier 2. syl cur+ri+er pron <1k^ri*> pos n. def a person who curries leather. currieries infl head curriery syl cur+ri+er:ies. pos n. mod pl. curriery 0. syl cur+ri+er:y pron <1k^ri*ri> pos n. def the trade, work, or place of occupation of a leather currier. currish 0. syl cur+rish pron <1kR:riS> pos adj. def of or like a cur; rude or bad-tempered. currishly sub head currish syl cur+rish+ly pos adv. currishness sub head currish syl cur+rish+ness pos n. curry ety C16: from Tamil kari sauce, relish curries infl head curry syl cur+ries. pos n. mod pl. curry H1.1. syl cur+ry pron <1k^ri> pos n. def a spicy dish of oriental, esp. Indian, origin that is made in many ways but usually consists of meat or fish prepared in a hot piquant sauce. curry H1.2. syl cur+ry pron <1k^ri> pos n. def curry seasoning or sauce. give someone curry 3. head curry syl give someone curry. qual Austral. slang. def to assault (a person) verbally or physically. {~} {+ries, +ry+ing, +ried}. curry H1.4. syl cur+ry pron <1k^ri> pos n. mod tr. def to prepare (food) with curry powder or sauce. curry ety C13: from Old French correer to make ready, from Vulgar Latin conr*_ed*_are (unattested), from r*_ed*_are (unattested) to provide, of Germanic origin curries infl head curry syl cur+ries pos vb. currying infl head curry syl cur+ry+ing pos vb. curried infl head curry syl cur+ried. pos vb. curry H2.1. syl cur+ry pron <1k^ri> pos vb. def to beat vigorously, as in order to clean. curry H2.2. syl cur+ry pron <1k^ri> pos vb. def to dress and finish (leather) after it has been tanned to make it strong, flexible, and waterproof. curry H2.3. syl cur+ry pron <1k^ri> pos vb. qual Archaic. def to groom (a horse). curry favour 4. head curry syl curry favour. def to ingratiate oneself, esp. with superiors. John infl head Curry syl John. pos n. Curry 0. syl Cur:ry pron <1k^ri> pos n. def born 1949, English ice skater: won the figure-skating gold medal in the 1976 Olympic Games. currycomb 0. syl cur:ry+comb pron <1k^ri2k*um> pos n. def a square comb consisting of rows of small teeth, used for grooming horses. curry powder 0. syl cur+ry pow+der pos n. def a mixture of finely ground pungent spices, such as turmeric, cumin, coriander, ginger, etc., used in making curries. curry puff 0. syl cur+ry puff pos n. usage in Malaysia def a type of pie or pasty consisting of a pastry case containing curried meat and vegetables. curse ety Old English cursian to curse, from curs a curse curse 1. syl curse pron pos n. def a profane or obscene expression of anger, disgust, surprise, etc.; oath. curse 2. syl curse pron pos n. def an appeal to a supernatural power for harm to come to a specific person, group, etc. curse 3. syl curse pron pos n. def harm resulting from an appeal to a supernatural power. exam 1 to be under a curse. curse 4. syl curse pron pos n. def something that brings or causes great trouble or harm. curse 5. syl curse pron pos n. def a saying, charm, effigy, etc., used to invoke a curse. curse 6. syl curse pron pos n. def an ecclesiastical censure of excommunication. curse 7. syl curse pron pos n. qual Informal. usage preceded by the def menstruation or a menstrual period. curses infl head curse syl curs:es pos vb. cursing infl head curse syl curs+ing pos vb. cursed infl head curse or curst syl cursed pos vb. curst infl head curse or cursed syl curst. pos vb. qual Archaic curse 8. syl curse pron pos vb. mod intr. def to utter obscenities or oaths. curse 9. syl curse pron pos vb. mod tr. def to abuse (someone) with obscenities or oaths. curse 10. syl curse pron pos vb. mod tr. def to invoke supernatural powers to bring harm to (someone or something). curse 11. syl curse pron pos vb. mod tr. def to bring harm upon. curse 12. syl curse pron pos vb. mod tr. def another word for {excommunicate}. curser sub head curse syl curs+er pos n. curst alt head cursed or cursed syl curst pos adj. cursed 1. or curst syl curs+ed pron <1kR:sid>, pos adj. def under a curse. cursed 2. or curst syl curs+ed pron <1kR:sid>, pos adj. def de?!serving to be cursed; detestable; hateful. cursed 3. or curst syl curs+ed pron <1kR:sid>, pos adj. qual Archaic or dialect. def bad-tempered. cursedly sub head cursed syl curs+ed+ly pos adv. cursedness sub head cursed syl curs+ed+ness pos n. curses 0. syl curs:es pron <1kR:siz> pos interj. qual Often facetious. def an expression of disappointment or dismay. cursive ety C18: from Medieval Latin curs*_ivus, running, ultimately from Latin currere to run cursive 1. syl cur+sive pron <1kR:siv> pos adj. def of or relating to handwriting in which letters are formed and joined in a rapid flowing style. cursive 2. syl cur+sive pron <1kR:siv> pos adj. qual Print?!ing. def of or relating to typefaces that resemble handwriting. cursive 3. syl cur+sive pron <1kR:siv> pos n. def a cursive letter or printing type. cursive 4. syl cur+sive pron <1kR:siv> pos n. def a manuscript written in cursive letters. cursively sub head cursive syl cur+sive+ly pos adv. cursor 1. syl cur+sor pron <1kR:s*> pos n. def the sliding part of a measuring instrument, esp. a transparent sliding square on a slide rule. cursor 2. syl cur+sor pron <1kR:s*> pos n. def any of various devices, typically a movable point of light, that identify a specific position on a visual display unit. cursorial 0. syl cur+so+ri:al pron pos adj. qual Zoology. def adapted for running. exam 1 a cursorial skeleton; exam 2 cursorial birds. cursory ety C17: from Late Latin curs*_orius of running, from Latin cursus a course, from currere to run cursory 0. syl cur+so:ry pron <1kR:s*ri> pos adj. def hasty and usually superficial; quick. exam 1 a cursory check. cursorily sub head cursory syl cur+so+ri+ly pos adv. cursoriness sub head cursory syl cur+so+ri+ness pos n. curst 1. syl curst pron pos vb. qual Archaic. def a past tense or past participle of {curse}. curst 2. syl curst pron pos adj. def a variant spelling of {cursed}. curt ety C17: from Latin curtus cut short, mutilated curt 1. syl curt pron pos adj. def rudely blunt and brief; abrupt. exam 1 a curt reply. curt 2. syl curt pron pos adj. def short or concise. curtly sub head curt syl curt+ly pos adv. curtness sub head curt syl curt+ness pos n. curtail ety C16: changed (through influence of #7tail) from obsolete curtal to dock; see #7curtal curtail 0. syl cur+tail pron pos vb. mod tr. def to cut short; abridge. curtailer sub head curtail syl cur+1tail+er pos n. curtailment sub head curtail syl cur+1tail+ment pos n. curtail step 0. syl cur+tail step pron <1kR:tAl> pos n. def the step or steps at the foot of a flight of stairs, widened at one or both ends and terminated with a scroll. curtain ety C13: from Old French courtine, from Late Latin cort*_ina enclosed place, curtain, probably from Latin cohors courtyard curtain 1. syl cur+tain pron <1kR:tN> pos n. def a piece of material that can be drawn across an opening or window, to shut out light or to provide privacy. curtain 2. syl cur+tain pron <1kR:tN> pos n. def a barrier to vision, access, or communication. exam 1 a curtain of secrecy. curtain 3. syl cur+tain pron <1kR:tN> pos n. def a hanging cloth or similar barrier for concealing all or part of a theatre stage from the audience. curtain 4. syl cur+tain pron <1kR:tN> pos n. usage often preceded by the def the end of a scene of a play, opera, etc., marked by the fall or closing of the curtain. curtain 5. syl cur+tain pron <1kR:tN> pos n. def the rise or opening of the curtain at the start of a performance. curtain 6. syl cur+tain pron <1kR:tN> pos vb. mod tr. usage sometimes foll. by off def to shut off or conceal with or as if with a curtain. curtain 7. syl cur+tain pron <1kR:tN> pos vb. mod tr. def to provide (a window, etc.) with curtains. curtain call 0. syl cur+tain call pos n. def the appearance of performers at the end of a theatrical performance to acknowledge applause. curtain lecture ety alluding to the curtained beds where such rebukes were once given curtain lecture 0. syl cur+tain lec+ture pos n. def a scolding or rebuke given in private, esp. by a wife to her husband. curtain-raiser 1. syl cur:tain-rais:er pos n. qual Theatre. def a short dramatic piece present?!ed before the main play. curtain-raiser 2. syl cur:tain-rais:er pos n. def any preliminary event. exam 1 the debate was a curtain-raiser to the election. curtains 0. syl cur+tains pron <1kR:tNz> pos n. qual Informal. def death or ruin; the end. exam 1 if the enemy see us it will be curtains for us. curtain speech 1. syl cur+tain speech pos n. def a talk given in front of the curtain after a stage performance, often by the author or an actor. curtain speech 2. syl cur+tain speech pos n. def the final speech of an act or a play. curtain wall 1. syl cur+tain wall pos n. def a non-load-bearing external wall attached to a framed structure, often one that is prefabricated. curtain wall 2. syl cur+tain wall pos n. def a low wall outside the outer wall of a castle, serving as a first line of defence. curtal ety C16: from Old French courtault animal whose tail has been docked, from court short, from Latin curtus; see #7curt curtal 1. syl cur+tal pron <1kR:tL> pos adj. qual Obsolete. def cut short. curtal 2. syl cur+tal pron <1kR:tL> pos adj. qual Obsolete. usage of friars def wearing a short frock. curtal 3. syl cur+tal pron <1kR:tL> pos n. qual Obsolete. def an animal whose tail has been docked. curtal 4. syl cur+tal pron <1kR:tL> pos n. qual Obsolete. def something that is cut short. curtal axe ety C16: alteration by folk etymology of Old French coutelas #7cutlass ; see #7curtal curtal axe 0. syl cur+tal axe pos n. def an obsolete term for {cutlass}. curtana ety C15: from Anglo-Latin, from Old French cortain, the name of Roland's sword, which was broken at the point, ultimately from Latin curtus short curtana 0. syl cur+ta+na pron pos n. def the unpointed sword carried before an English sovereign at a coronation as an emblem of mercy. curtate ety C17: from Late Latin curt*_are to shorten, from Latin curtus cut short; see #7curt curtate 0. syl cur+tate pron <1kR:tAt> pos adj. def shortened. curtilage ety C14: from Old French cortillage, from cortil a little yard, from cort #7court curtilage 0. syl cur+ti+lage pron <1kR:tiliJ> pos n. def the enclosed area of land adjacent to a dwelling house. John Joseph infl head Curtin syl John Jo:seph. pos n. Curtin 0. syl Cur:tin pron <1kR:tin> pos n. def 1885-1945, Australian statesman; prime minister of Australia (1941-45). curtsy ety C16: variant of #7courtesy curtsey alt head curtsy or curtsy syl curt+sey pron <1kR:tsi> pos n. curtsies infl head curtsy or curtseys syl curt+sies pos n. mod pl. curtseys infl head curtsy or curtsies syl curt+seys. pos n. mod pl. curtsy 1. or curtsey syl curt+sy pron <1kR:tsi> pos n. def a formal gesture of greeting and respect made by women in which the knees are bent, the head slightly bowed, and the skirt held outwards. curtsies infl head curtsy or curtseys syl curt+sies pos vb. curtsying infl head curtsy or curtseying syl curt+sy+ing pos vb. curtsied infl head curtsy or curtseyed syl curt+sied pos vb. curtseys infl head curtsy or curtsies syl curt+seys pos vb. curtseying infl head curtsy or curtsying syl curt+sey+ing pos vb. curtseyed infl head curtsy or curtsied syl curt+seyed. pos vb. curtsy 2. or curtsey syl curt+sy pron <1kR:tsi> pos vb. mod intr. def to make a curtsy. curule ety C16: from Latin cur*_ulis of a chariot, from currus chariot, from currere to run curule 0. syl cu+rule pron <1kju*ru:l> pos adj. usage in ancient Rome def of the highest rank, esp. one entitled to use a curule chair. curule chair 0. syl cu+rule chair pos n. def an upholstered folding seat with curved legs used by the highest civil officials of ancient Rome. curvaceous 0. syl cur+va+ceous pron pos adj. usage Informal. of a woman def having a well-rounded body. curvaceously sub head curvaceous syl cur+1va+ceous+ly pos adv. curvature 1. syl cur+va+ture pron <1kR:v*C*> pos n. def something curved or a curved part of a thing. curvature 2. syl cur+va+ture pron <1kR:v*C*> pos n. def any normal or abnormal curving of a bodily part. exam 1 curvature of the spine. curvature 3. syl cur+va+ture pron <1kR:v*C*> pos n. qual Geom. def the change in inclination of a tangent to a curve over unit length of arc. For a circle or sphere it is the reciprocal of the radius. See also {radius of curvature, centre of curvature}. curvature 4. syl cur+va+ture pron <1kR:v*C*> pos n. def the act of curving or the state or degree of being curved or bent. curve ety C15: from Latin curv*_are to bend, from curvus crooked curve 1. syl curve pron pos n. def a continuously bending line that has no straight parts. curve 2. syl curve pron pos n. def something that curves or is curved, such as a bend in a road or the contour of a woman's body. curve 3. syl curve pron pos n. def the act or extent of curving; curvature. curve 4.a. syl curve pron pos n. def a system of points whose coordinates satisfy a given equation; a locus of points. curve 4.b. syl curve pron pos n. def the graph of a function with one independent variable. curve 5. syl curve pron pos n. def a line representing data, esp. statistical data, on a graph. exam 1 an unemployment curve. curve 6. syl curve pron pos n. def short for {French curve}. curve 7. syl curve pron pos vb. def to take or cause to take the shape or path of a curve; bend. curve xref syl curve pron pos n. def Related adj.: {sinuous}. curvedly sub head curve syl curv+ed+ly pron <1kR:vidli> pos adv. curvedness sub head curve syl curv+ed+ness pos n. curvy sub head curve syl curv:y pos adj. curvet ety C16: from Old Italian corvetta, from Old French courbette, from courber to bend, from Latin curv*_are curvet 1. syl cur+vet pron pos n. qual Dressage. def a low leap with all four feet off the ground. curvets infl head curvet or curvets syl cur+vets pos vb. curvetting infl head curvet or curveting syl cur+vet+ting pos vb. curvetted infl head curvet or curveted syl cur+vet+ted pos vb. curveting infl head curvet or curvetting syl cur+vet+ing pos vb. curveted infl head curvet or curvetted syl cur+vet+ed. pos vb. curvet 2. syl cur+vet pron pos vb. qual Dressage. def to make or cause to make such a leap. curvet 3. syl cur+vet pron pos vb. mod intr. def to prance or frisk about. curvilineal alt head curvilinear or curvilinear syl cur+vi+lin+e:al pos adj. curvilinear 1. or curvilineal syl cur+vi+lin+e:ar pron <2kR:vi1lini*> pos adj. def consist?!ing of, bounded by, or characterized by a curved line. curvilinear 2. or curvilineal syl cur+vi+lin+e:ar pron <2kR:vi1lini*> pos adj. def along a curved line. exam 1 curvilinear motion. curvilinear 3. or curvilineal syl cur+vi+lin+e:ar pron <2kR:vi1lini*> pos adj. usage Maths. of a set of coordinates def determined by or determining a system of three orthogonal surfaces. curvilinearity sub head curvilinear syl cur+vi+2lin+e:1ar+i:ty pos n. curvilinearly sub head curvilinear syl cur+vi+1lin+e:ar+ly pos adv. Clifford 1. head Curzon syl Clif:ford. def born 1907, English pianist. George Nathaniel 2. head Curzon syl George Na:than:iel def 1st Marquis Curzon of Kedleston. 1859-1925, British Conservative statesman; viceroy of India (1898-1905). Cusco 0. syl Cus+co pron Spanish <1kusko> pos n. def a variant spelling of {Cuzco}. cuscus ety C17: New Latin, probably from a native name in New Guinea cuscus 0. syl cus+cus pron <1k^sk^s> pos n. def any of several large nocturnal phalangers of the genus of N Australia, New Guinea, and adjacent islands, having dense fur, prehensile tails, large eyes, and a yellow nose. cusec ety C20: from cu (bic foot per) sec (ond) cusec 0. syl cu+sec pron <1kju:sek> pos n. def a unit of flow equal to 1 cubic foot per second. 1 cusec is equivalent to 0.028317 cubic metre per second. Kush alt head Cush or Cush syl Kush pron , pos n. Cush 1. or Kush syl Cush pron , pos n. qual Old Testament. def the son of Ham and brother of Canaan (Genesis 10:6). Cush 2. or Kush syl Cush pron , pos n. qual Old Testament. def the country of the supposed descendants of Cush (ancient Ethiopia), comprising approximately Nubia and the modern Sudan, and the territory of southern (or Upper) Egypt. cushat ety Old English c*_uscote; perhaps related to sce*_otan to shoot cushat 0. syl cush+at pron <1k^S*t> pos n. def another name for {wood pigeon}. Harvey Williams infl head Cushing syl Har:vey Wil:liams. pos n. Cushing 0. syl Cush:ing pron <1kuSiG> pos n. def 1869-1939, U.S. neurosurgeon: identified the disease named after him. Cushing's disease ety C20: named after H.W. C#7ushing syndrome alt head Cushing's disease or Cushing's disease syl syn+drome pos n. Cushing's disease 0. or syndrome syl Cush:ing's dis+ease pos n. def a rare condition caused by excess corticosteroid hormones, in the body, characterized chiefly by obesity of the trunk and face, high blood pressure, fatigue, and loss of calcium from the bones. cushion ety C14: from Old French coussin, from Vulgar Latin cox*_inus (unattested) hip-pillow, from Latin coxa hip cushion 1. syl cush+ion pron <1kuS*n> pos n. def a bag made of cloth, leather, plastic, etc., filled with feathers, air, or other yielding substance, used for sitting on, leaning against, etc. cushion 2. syl cush+ion pron <1kuS*n> pos n. def something resembling a cushion in function or appearance, esp. one to support or pad or to absorb shock. cushion 3. syl cush+ion pron <1kuS*n> pos n. def the resilient felt-covered rim of a billiard table. cushion 4. syl cush+ion pron <1kuS*n> pos n. def another name for {{pillow} (sense 2)}. cushion 5. syl cush+ion pron <1kuS*n> pos n. def short for {air cushion}. cushion 6. syl cush+ion pron <1kuS*n> pos n. def a capital, used in Byzantine, Romanesque, and Norman architecture, in the form of a bowl with a square top. cushion 7. syl cush+ion pron <1kuS*n> pos vb. mod tr. def to place, on or as on a cushion. cushion 8. syl cush+ion pron <1kuS*n> pos vb. mod tr. def to provide with @T cushions.@T cushion 9. syl cush+ion pron <1kuS*n> pos vb. mod tr. def to@T protect,@T esp.@T against@T hardship@T or change. cushion 10. syl cush+ion pron <1kuS*n> pos vb. mod tr. def to lessen or suppress the effects of. cushion 11.a. syl cush+ion pron <1kuS*n> pos vb. mod tr. def to check (the motion) of (a mechanism) gently, esp. by the com?!pres?!sion of trapped fluid in a cylinder. cushion 11.b. syl cush+ion pron <1kuS*n> pos vb. mod tr. def to provide with a means of absorbing shock. cushiony sub head cushion syl cush+ion:y pos adj. Cushitic 1. syl Cush+it+ic pron pos n. def a group of languages of Somalia, Ethiopia, NE Kenya, and adjacent regions: a subfamily within the Afro-Asiatic family of languages. Cushitic 2. syl Cush+it+ic pron pos adj. def denoting, relating to, or belonging to this group of languages. cushy ety C20: from Hindi khush pleasant, from Persian kh*_osh cushy 0. syl cush:y pron <1kuSi> pos adj. qual Slang. def easy; comfortable. exam 1 a cushy job. cusk ety C17: probably alteration of tusk of Scandinavian origin; compare Old Norse thorskr codfish cusks infl head cusk or cusk syl cusks pos k^sk; n. mod pl. cusk infl or cusks syl cusk. pos k^sk; n. mod pl. cusk 0. syl cusk pos k^sk; n. def the usual U.S. name for the {torsk}. CUSO alt or CUSO syl C.U.S.O. pron <1kju:s*u> pos n. CUSO 0. or CUSO syl CUSO pron <1kju:s*u> pos n. def Canadian University Service Overseas; an organization that sends students to work as volunteers in developing countries. cusp ety C16: from Latin cuspis point, pointed end cusp 1. syl cusp pos k^sp; n. def any of the small elevations on the grinding or chewing surface of a tooth. cusp 2. syl cusp pos k^sp; n. def any of the triangular flaps of a heart valve. cusp 3. syl cusp pos k^sp; n. def a point or pointed end. cusp 4. syl cusp pos k^sp; n. def Also called: {spinode}. a point at which two arcs of a curve intersect and at which the two tangents are coincident. cusp 5. syl cusp pos k^sp; n. qual Architect. def a carving at the meeting place of two arcs. cusp 6. syl cusp pos k^sp; n. qual Astronomy. def either of the points of a crescent moon or of a satellite or inferior planet in a similar phase. cusp 7. syl cusp pos k^sp; n. qual Astrology. def any division between houses or signs of the zodiac. cuspated infl head cuspate or cusped syl cus+pat+ed pos k^spt; adj. cusped infl head cuspate or cuspated syl cusped pos k^spt; adj. cuspate 1. syl cus+pate pron <1k^spit>, <-pAt> pos k^spt; adj. def having a cusp or cusps. cuspate 2. syl cus+pate pron <1k^spit>, <-pAt> pos k^spt; adj. def shaped like a cusp; cusplike. cuspid 0. syl cus+pid pron <1k^spid> pos n. def a tooth having one point; canine tooth. cuspidate ety C17: from Latin cuspid*_are to make pointed, from cuspis a point cuspidated infl head cuspidate or cuspidal syl cus+pi+dat+ed pron <1k^spidL> pos adj. cuspidal infl head cuspidate or cuspidated syl cus+pi+dal pron <1k^spidL> pos adj. cuspidate 1. syl cus+pi+date pron <1k^spi2dAt> pos adj. def having a cusp or cusps. cuspidate 2. syl cus+pi+date pron <1k^spi2dAt> pos adj. usage esp. of leaves def narrowing to a point. cuspidation 0. syl cus+pi+da+tion pron <2k^spi1dAS*n> pos n. qual Architect. def decoration using cusps. cuspidor ety C18: from Portuguese, from cuspir to spit, from Latin conspuere, from spuere to spit cuspidor 0. syl cus+pi+dor pron <1k^spi2dc:> pos n. def another word (esp. U.S.) for {spittoon}. cuss 1. syl cuss pos n. qual Informal. usage k^s def a curse; oath. cuss 2. syl cuss pos n. qual Informal. usage k^s def a person or animal, esp. an annoying one. {~} cuss 3. syl cuss pos n. qual Informal. usage k^s def another word for {{curse} (senses 8, 9)}. cussed 1. syl cuss+ed pron <1k^sid> pos adj. qual Informal. def another word for {cursed}. cussed 2. syl cuss+ed pron <1k^sid> pos adj. qual Informal. def obstinate. cussed 3. syl cuss+ed pron <1k^sid> pos adj. qual Informal. def annoying. exam 1 a cussed nuisance. cussedly sub head cussed syl cuss+ed+ly pos adv. cussedness sub head cussed syl cuss+ed+ness pos n. custard ety C15: alteration of Middle English crustade kind of pie, probably from Old Proven*,cal croustado, from crosta #7crust custard 1. syl cus+tard pron <1k^st*d> pos n. def a baked sweetened mixture of eggs and milk. custard 2. syl cus+tard pron <1k^st*d> pos n. def a sauce made of milk and sugar thickened with cornflour. custard apple 1. syl cus+tard ap+ple pos n. def a West Indian tree, family custard apple 2. syl cus+tard ap+ple pos n. def the large heart-shaped fruit of this tree, which has a fleshy edible pulp. custard apple 3. syl cus+tard ap+ple pos n. def any of several related trees or fruits, esp. the papaw and sweetsop. custard apple xref syl cus+tard ap+ple pos n. def Also called {(for senses 1, 2): {bullock's heart}}. custard pie 0.a. syl cus+tard pie pos n. def a flat, open pie filled with real or artificial custard, as thrown in slapstick comedy. custard pie 0.b. syl cus+tard pie pos n. usage as modifier exam 1 custard-pie humour. custard powder 0. syl cus+tard pow+der pos n. def a powder containing cornflour, sugar, etc., for thickening milk to make a yellow sauce. (See {custard} sense 2.). George Armstrong infl head Custer syl George Arm:strong. pos n. Custer 0. syl Cus:ter pron <1k^st*> pos n. def 1839-76, U.S. general: killed in a battle with the Sioux Indians at Little Big Horn. custodian 1. syl cus+to+di:an pron pos n. def a person who has custody, as of a prisoner, ward, etc. custodian 2. syl cus+to+di:an pron pos n. def a guardian or keeper, as of an art collection, etc. custodianship sub head custodian syl cus+1to+di+an+2ship pos n. custody ety C15: from Latin cust*_odia, from cust*_os guard, defender custodies infl head custody syl cus+to+dies. pos n. mod pl. custody 1. syl cus+to+dy pron <1k^st*di> pos n. def the act of keeping safe or guarding, esp. the right of guardianship of a minor. custody 2. syl cus+to+dy pron <1k^st*di> pos n. def the state of being held by the police; arrest (esp. in the phrases {in custody, take into custody) }. custodial sub head custody syl cus+to+di:al pron pos adj. custom ety C12: from Old French costume, from Latin consu*_et*_ud*_o, from consu*_escere to grow accustomed to, from su*_escere to be used to custom 1. syl cus+tom pron <1k^st*m> pos n. def a usual or habitual practice; typical mode of behaviour. custom 2. syl cus+tom pron <1k^st*m> pos n. def the long-established habits or traditions of a society collectively; convention. exam 1 custom dictates good manners. custom 3.a. syl cus+tom pron <1k^st*m> pos n. def a practice which by long-established usage has come to have the force of law. custom 3.b. syl cus+tom pron <1k^st*m> pos n. def such practices collectively (esp. in the phrase {custom and practice) }. custom 4. syl cus+tom pron <1k^st*m> pos n. def habitual patronage, esp. of a shop or business. custom 5. syl cus+tom pron <1k^st*m> pos n. def the customers of a shop or business collectively. custom 6. syl cus+tom pron <1k^st*m> pos n. usage in feudal Europe def a tribute paid by a vassal to his lord. custom 7. syl cus+tom pron <1k^st*m> pos adj. qual Chiefly U.S. def made to the specifica?!tions of an individual customer (often in the combinations {custom-built, custom-made) }. custom 8. syl cus+tom pron <1k^st*m> pos adj. qual Chiefly U.S. def specializing in goods so made. customable 0. syl cus+tom+a:ble pron <1k^st*m*bL> pos adj. def subject to customs. customary 1. syl cus+tom+ar:y pron <1k^st*m*ri>, <-t*mri> pos adj. def in accordance with custom or habitual practice; usual; habitual. customary 2.a. syl cus+tom+ar:y pron <1k^st*m*ri>, <-t*mri> pos adj. def found?!ed upon long continued practices and usage rather than law. customary 2.b. syl cus+tom+ar:y pron <1k^st*m*ri>, <-t*mri> pos adj. usage of land, esp. a feudal estate def held by custom. customaries infl head customary syl cus+tom+ar:ies. pos n. mod pl. customary 3.a. syl cus+tom+ar:y pron <1k^st*m*ri>, <-t*mri> pos n. def a statement in writing of customary laws and practices. customary 3.b. syl cus+tom+ar:y pron <1k^st*m*ri>, <-t*mri> pos n. def a body of such laws and customs. customarily sub head customary syl cus+tom+ar:i+ly pos adv. customariness sub head customary syl cus+tom+ar:i+ness pos n. custom-built 0. syl cus:tom-built pos adj. usage Chiefly U.S. of cars, houses, etc. def made according to the specifications of an individual buyer. customer 1. syl cus+tom+er pron <1k^st*m*> pos n. def a person who buys. customer 2. syl cus+tom+er pron <1k^st*m*> pos n. qual Informal. def a person with whom one has dealings. exam 1 a queer customer. customise alt head customize or customize syl cus+tom+ise pron <1k^st*2mIz> pos vb. mod tr. customize 0. or customise syl cus+tom+ize pron <1k^st*2mIz> pos vb. mod tr. def to make something according to a customer's individual requirements. custom-made 0. syl cus:tom-made pos adj. usage Chiefly U.S. of suits, dresses, etc. def made according to the specifications of an individual buyer. customs 1. syl cus+toms pron <1k^st*mz> pos n. mod functioning as; sing. pl. def duty on imports or exports. customs 2. syl cus+toms pron <1k^st*mz> pos n. mod functioning as; sing. pl. def the government department responsible for the collection of these duties. customs 3. syl cus+toms pron <1k^st*mz> pos n. mod functioning as; sing. pl. def the part of a port, airport, frontier station, etc., where baggage and freight are examined for dutiable goods and contraband. customs 4. syl cus+toms pron <1k^st*mz> pos n. mod functioning as; sing. pl. def the procedure for examining baggage and freight, paying duty, etc. customs 5. syl cus+toms pron <1k^st*mz> pos n. mod functioning as; sing. pl. usage as modifier exam 1 customs officer. customs house 0. syl cus+toms house pos n. def a government office, esp. at a port, where customs are collected and ships cleared for entry. customs union 0. syl cus+toms un+ion pos n. def an association of nations which promotes free trade within the union and establishes common tariffs on trade with nonmember nations. custos ety C15: from Latin: keeper, guard custodes infl head custos syl cus+to+des pron pos n. mod pl. custos 0. syl cus+tos pron <1k^stos> pos n. def a superior in the Franciscan religious order. Also called (in England): {guardian}. custumal ety C16: from Medieval Latin custum*_alis relating to #7custom custumal 0. syl cus+tu+mal pron <1k^stjum*l> pos n. adj. def another word for {customary} (senses 2, 3). cut ety C13: probably of Scandinavian origin; compare Norwegian kutte to cut, Icelandic kuti small knife cuts infl head cut syl cuts pos k^t; vb. cutting infl head cut syl cut+ting pos k^t; vb. cut infl syl cut. pos k^t; vb. cut 1. syl cut pos k^t; vb. def to open up or incise (a person or thing) with a sharp edge or instrument; gash. cut 2. syl cut pos k^t; vb. usage of a sharp instrument def to penetrate or incise (a person or thing). cut 3. syl cut pos k^t; vb. def to divide or be divided with or as if with a sharp instrument. exam 1 cut a slice of bread. cut 4. syl cut pos k^t; vb. mod intr. def to use a sharp-edged instrument or an instrument that cuts. cut 5. syl cut pos k^t; vb. mod tr. def to trim or prune by or as if by clipping. exam 1 to cut hair. cut 6. syl cut pos k^t; vb. mod tr. def to reap or mow (a crop, grass, etc.). cut 7. syl cut pos k^t; vb. mod tr. def to geld or castrate. cut 8. syl cut pos k^t; vb. mod tr. usage sometimes foll. by out def to make, form, or shape by cutting. exam 1 to cut a suit. cut 9. syl cut pos k^t; vb. mod tr. def to hollow or dig out; excavate. exam 1 to cut a tunnel through the mountain. cut 10. syl cut pos k^t; vb. def to strike (an object) sharply. cut 11. syl cut pos k^t; vb. mod tr. qual Sport. def to hit (a ball) with a downward slicing stroke so as to impart spin or cause it to fall short. cut 12. syl cut pos k^t; vb. qual Cricket. def to hit (the ball) to the off side, usually between cover and third man, with a roughly horizontal bat. cut 13. syl cut pos k^t; vb. def to hurt or wound the feelings of (a person), esp. by malicious speech or action. cut 14. syl cut pos k^t; vb. mod tr. qual Informal. def to refuse to recognize; snub. cut 15. syl cut pos k^t; vb. mod tr. qual Informal. def to absent oneself from (an activity, location, etc.), esp. without permission or in haste. exam 1 to cut a class. cut 16. syl cut pos k^t; vb. mod tr. def to abridge, shorten, or edit by excising a part or parts. cut 17. syl cut pos k^t; vb. mod tr. usage often foll. by down def to lower, reduce, or curtail. exam 1 to cut losses. cut 18. syl cut pos k^t; vb. mod tr. def to dilute or weaken. exam 1 to cut whisky with water. cut 19. syl cut pos k^t; vb. mod tr. def to dissolve or break up. exam 1 to cut fat. cut 20. syl cut pos k^t; vb. mod when; intr. usage foll. by across or through def to cross or traverse. exam 1 the footpath cuts through the field. cut 21. syl cut pos k^t; vb. mod intr. def to make a sharp or sudden change in direction; veer. cut 22. syl cut pos k^t; vb. def to grow (teeth) through the gums or (of teeth) to appear through the gums. cut 23.a. syl cut pos k^t; vb. def to call a halt to a shooting sequence. cut 23.b. syl cut pos k^t; vb. usage foll. by to def to move quickly to another scene. cut 24. syl cut pos k^t; vb. qual Films. def to edit film. cut 25. syl cut pos k^t; vb. def to switch off a light, car engine, etc. cut 26. syl cut pos k^t; vb. mod tr. usage of a performer, recording company, etc. def to make (a record or tape of a song, concert, performance, etc.). cut 27.a. syl cut pos k^t; vb. def to divide (the pack) at random into two parts after shuffling. cut 27.b. syl cut pos k^t; vb. mod intr. def to pick cards from a spread pack to decide dealer, partners, etc. cut 28. syl cut pos k^t; vb. mod tr. def to remove (material) from (an object) by means of a chisel, lathe, etc. cut 29. syl cut pos k^t; vb. mod tr. usage of a tool def to bite into (an object). cut 30. syl cut pos k^t; vb. mod intr. usage of a horse def to injure the leg just above the hoof by a blow from the opposite foot. cut 31.a. syl cut pos k^t; vb. def to skip or jump playfully. cut 31.b. syl cut pos k^t; vb. def to act or behave playfully; frolic. cut 32.a. syl cut pos k^t; vb. def to have both good and bad effects. cut 32.b. syl cut pos k^t; vb. def to affect both sides of something, as two parties in an argument, etc. cut a dash 33. head cut syl cut a dash. def to behave or dress showily. cut (a person) dead 34. head cut syl cut (a person) dead. qual Informal. def to ignore (a person) completely. poor infl head cut syl poor cut a (good 35. head cut syl cut a (good def etc.) {figure}. to appear or behave in a specified manner. cut and run 36. head cut syl cut and run. qual Informal. def to make a rapid escape. cut it fine 37. head cut syl cut it fine. qual Informal. def to leave little or no margin for error. cut corners 38. head cut syl cut corners. def to take the easiest or shortest way, esp. at the expense of high standards. exam 1 we could finish this project early only if we cut corners. cut loose 39. head cut syl cut loose. def to free or become freed from restraint, custody, anchorage, etc. cut no ice 40. head cut syl cut no ice. qual Informal. def to fail to make an impression. cut 41.a. syl cut pos k^t; vb. def to use at an early age or stage. cut 41.b. syl cut pos k^t; vb. def to practise on. cut 42. syl cut pos adj. def detached, divided, or separated by cutting. cut 43. syl cut pos adj. qual Botany. def incised or divided. exam 1 cut leaves. cut 44. syl cut pos adj. def made, shaped, or fashioned by cutting. cut 45. syl cut pos adj. def reduced or diminished by or as if by cutting. exam 1 cut prices. cut 46. syl cut pos adj. def gelded or castrated. cut 47. syl cut pos adj. def weakened or diluted. cut 48. syl cut pos adj. qual Brit. def a slang word for {drunk}. cut and dried 49. head cut syl cut and dried. qual Informal. def settled or arranged in advance. cut 50. syl cut pos n. def the act of cutting. cut 51. syl cut pos n. def a stroke or incision made by cutting; gash. cut 52. syl cut pos n. def a piece or part cut off, esp. a section of food cut from the whole. exam 1 a cut of meat. cut 53. syl cut pos n. def the edge of anything cut or sliced. cut 54. syl cut pos n. def a passage, channel, path, etc., cut or hollowed out. cut 55. syl cut pos n. def an omission or deletion, esp. in a text, film, or play. cut 56. syl cut pos n. def a reduction in price, salary, etc. cut 57. syl cut pos n. def short for {power cut}. cut 58. syl cut pos n. qual Chiefly U.S. def a quantity of timber cut during a specific time or operation. cut 59. syl cut pos n. qual Informal. def a portion or share. cut 60. syl cut pos n. qual Informal. def a straw, slip of paper, etc., used in drawing lots. cut 61. syl cut pos n. def the manner or style in which a thing, esp. a garment, is cut; fashion. cut 62. syl cut pos n. def a direct route; short cut. cut 63. syl cut pos n. def the U.S. name for {{block} (sense 13)}. cut 64. syl cut pos n. qual Sport. def the spin of a cut ball. cut 65. syl cut pos n. qual Cricket. def a stroke made with the bat in a roughly horizontal position. cut 66. syl cut pos n. qual Films. def an immediate transition from one shot to the next, brought about by splicing the two shots together. See also {jump cut}. cut 67. syl cut pos n. def words or an action that hurt another person's feelings. cut 68. syl cut pos n. def a refusal to recognize an acquaintance; snub. cut 69. syl cut pos n. qual Informal, chiefly U.S. def an unauthorized absence, esp. from a school class. cut 70. syl cut pos n. qual Chem. def a fraction obtained in distillation, as in oil refining. cut 71. syl cut pos n. def the depth of metal removed in a single pass of a machine tool. cut 72. syl cut pos n. qual Brit. def a stretch of water, esp. a canal. a cut above 73. head cut syl a cut above. qual Informal. def superior to; better than. cold cuts 74. head cut syl cold cuts. def cooked meats. {~} See also {cut across, cut along, cutback, cut down, cut in, cut off, cut out, cut up}. cut across 1. syl cut a:cross pos vb. prep. mod intr. def to be contrary to ordinary procedure or limitations. exam 1 opinion on the Common Market still cuts clean across party lines. cut across 2. syl cut a:cross pos vb. prep. mod intr. def to cross or traverse, making a shorter route. exam 1 she cut across the field quickly. cut along 0. syl cut a:long pos vb. adv. mod intr. qual Brit. informal. def to hurry off. cut and thrust 1. syl cut and thrust pos n. qual Fencing. def using both the blade and the point of a sword. cut and thrust 2. syl cut and thrust pos n. usage in argument, debate, etc. def a lively and spirited exchange of ideas or opinions. cutaneous ety C16: from New Latin cut*_aneus, from Latin cutis skin; see #7hide %2 cutaneous 0. syl cu+ta+ne:ous pron pos adj. def of, relating to, or affecting the skin. cutaneously sub head cutaneous syl cu+1ta+ne:ous+ly pos adv. cutaway 1. syl cut+a:way pron <1k^t*2wA> pos n. def a man's coat cut diagonally from the front waist to the back of the knees. cutaway 2.a. syl cut+a:way pron <1k^t*2wA> pos n. def a drawing or model of a machine, engine, etc., in which part of the casing is omitted to reveal the workings. cutaway 2.b. syl cut+a:way pron <1k^t*2wA> pos n. usage as modifier exam 1 a cutaway model. cutback 1. syl cut+back pron <1k^t2b@k> pos n. def a decrease or reduction. cutback 2. syl cut+back pron <1k^t2b@k> pos n. def another word (esp. U.S.) for {flashback}. cut back infl head cutback syl cut back pos adv. cutback 3. syl cut+back pron <1k^t2b@k> pos vb. mod tr. def to shorten by cutting off the end; prune. cutback 4. syl cut+back pron <1k^t2b@k> pos vb. mod when; intr. usage foll. by on def to reduce or make a reduction (in). cutback 5. syl cut+back pron <1k^t2b@k> pos vb. usage Chiefly U.S in films def to show an event that took place earlier in the narrative; flash back. cutch 0. syl cutch pron pos n. def another name for {catechu}. Cutch 0. syl Cutch pron pos n. def a variant spelling of {Kutch}. cutchery alt head cutcherry or cutcherry syl cut+cher:y pron <1k^C*ri> pos n. cutcherries infl head cutcherry or cutcheries syl cut+cher+ries pos n. mod pl. cutcheries infl head cutcherry or cutcherries syl cut+cher:ies. pos n. mod pl. cutcherry 0. or cutchery syl cut+cher+ry pron <1k^C*ri> pos n. usage formerly in India def government offices and law courts collectively. cut down 1. syl cut down pos vb. adv. mod tr. def to fell. cut down 2. syl cut down pos vb. adv. mod when; intr. usage often foll. by on def to reduce or make a reduction (in). exam 1 to cut down on drink. cut down 3. syl cut down pos vb. adv. mod tr. def to remake (an old garment) in order to make a smaller one. cut down 4. syl cut down pos vb. adv. mod tr. def to kill. exam 1 he was cut down in battle. cut (a person) down to size 5. head cut down syl cut (a person) down to size. def to reduce in importance or decrease the conceit of. cute ety C18 (in the sense: clever): shortened from #7acute cute 1. syl cute pron pos adj. def appealing or attractive, esp. in a pretty way. cute 2. syl cute pron pos adj. qual Informal, chiefly U.S. def affecting cleverness or pretti?!ness. cute 3. syl cute pron pos adj. def clever; shrewd. cutely sub head cute syl cute+ly pos adv. cuteness sub head cute syl cute+ness pos n. cut glass 1. syl cut glass pos n. def glass, esp. bowls, vases, etc., decorated by facet-cutting or grinding. cut glass 2. syl cut glass pos n. usage modifier def . exam 1 a cut-glass vase. Saint infl head Cuthbert syl Saint. pos n. Cuthbert 0. syl Cuth:bert pron <1k^Tb*t> pos n. usage ??635-87#7a.d. def English monk; bishop of Lindisfarne. Feast day: March 20. cuticle ety C17: from Latin cut*_icula diminutive of cutis skin cuticle 1. syl cu+ti+cle pron <1kju:tikL> pos n. def dead skin, esp. that round the base of a fingernail or toenail. cuticle 2. syl cu+ti+cle pron <1kju:tikL> pos n. def another name for {epidermis}. cuticle 3. syl cu+ti+cle pron <1kju:tikL> pos n. def any covering layer or membrane. cuticle 4. syl cu+ti+cle pron <1kju:tikL> pos n. def the protective layer, containing cutin, that covers the epidermis of higher plants. cuticle 5. syl cu+ti+cle pron <1kju:tikL> pos n. def the hard protective layer covering the epidermis of many invertebrates. cuticular sub head cuticle syl cu+tic:u+lar pron pos adj. cuticula ety C18: from Latin; see #7cuticle cuticulae infl head cuticula syl cu+tic:u+lae pron <-lE> pos n. mod pl. cuticula 0. syl cu+tic:u+la pron pos n. qual Anatomy. def cuticle. cutey alt head cutie or cutie syl cut+ey pron <1kju:ti> pos n. cutie 0. or cutey syl cut:ie pron <1kju:ti> pos n. qual Slang, chiefly U.S. def a person regarded as appealing or attractive, esp. a girl or woman. cut in 1. syl cut in pos vb. adv. mod intr. usage often foll. by on def Also: {cut into}. to break in or interrupt. cut in 2. syl cut in pos vb. adv. mod intr. def to interrupt a dancing couple to dance with one of them. cut in 3. syl cut in pos vb. adv. mod intr. usage of a driver, motor vehicle, etc. def to draw in front of another vehicle leaving too little space. cut in 4. syl cut in pos vb. adv. mod tr. qual Informal. def to allow to have a share. cut-in infl head cut in syl cut-in. pos n. cut in 5. syl cut in pos n. mod intr. def to take the place of a person in a card-game. cut in 6. syl cut in pos n. qual Films. def a separate shot or scene inserted at a relevant point. cutin ety C19: from Latin cutis skin+-#7in cutin 0. syl cu+tin pron <1kju:tin> pos n. def a waxy waterproof substance, consisting of derivatives of fatty acids, that is the main constituent of the plant cuticle. cutinise alt head cutinize or cutinize syl cu+tin+ise pron <1kju:ti2nIz> pos vb. cutinize 0. or cutinise syl cu+tin+ize pron <1kju:ti2nIz> pos vb. def to become or cause to become covered or impregnated with cutin. cutinization sub head cutinize or cutinisation syl cu+tin:i+1za+tion pos n. cutinisation sub head cutinize or cutinization syl cu+tin:i+1sa+tion pos n. cutis ety C17: from Latin: skin cutes infl head cutis or cutises syl cu+tes pron <-tEz> pos n. mod pl. cutises infl head cutis or cutes syl cu+tis:es. pos n. mod pl. cutis 0. syl cu+tis pron <1kju:tis> pos n. qual Anatomy. def a technical name for the {skin}. cutlass ety C16: from French coutelas, from coutel knife, from Latin cultellus a small knife, from culter knife; see #7coulter cutlass 0. syl cut+lass pron <1k^tl*s> pos n. def a curved, one-edged sword formerly used by sailors. cutlass fish 0. syl cut+lass fish pos n. qual U.S. def another name for the {hairtail} (the fish). cutler ety C14: from French coutelier, ultimately from Latin culter knife; see #7cutlass cutler 0. syl cut+ler pron <1k^tl*> pos n. def a person who makes or sells cutlery. cutlery 1. syl cut+ler:y pron <1k^tl*ri> pos n. def implements used for eating, such as knives, forks, and spoons. cutlery 2. syl cut+ler:y pron <1k^tl*ri> pos n. def instruments used for cutting. cutlery 3. syl cut+ler:y pron <1k^tl*ri> pos n. def the art or business of a cutler. cutlet ety C18: from Old French costelette, literally: a little rib, from coste rib, from Latin costa cutlet 1. syl cut+let pron <1k^tlit> pos n. def a piece of meat taken esp. from the best end of neck of lamb, pork, etc. cutlet 2. syl cut+let pron <1k^tlit> pos n. def a flat croquette of minced chicken, lobster, etc. cut off 1. syl cut off pos vb. adv. mod tr. def to remove by cutting. cut off 2. syl cut off pos vb. adv. mod tr. def to intercept or interrupt something, esp. a telephone conversation. cut off 3. syl cut off pos vb. adv. mod tr. def to discontinue the supply of. exam 1 to cut off the water. cut off 4. syl cut off pos vb. adv. mod tr. def to bring to an end. cut off 5. syl cut off pos vb. adv. mod tr. def to deprive of rights; disinherit. exam 1 she was cut off without a penny. cut off 6. syl cut off pos vb. adv. mod tr. def to sever or separate. exam 1 she was cut off from her family. cut off 7. syl cut off pos vb. adv. mod tr. def to occupy a position so as to prevent or obstruct (a retreat or escape). cutoff infl head cut off syl cut+off. pos n. cut off 8.a. syl cut off pos n. mod tr. def the act of cutting off; limit or termination. cut off 8.b. syl cut off pos n. mod tr. usage as modifier exam 1 the cutoff point. cut off 9. syl cut off pos n. mod tr. qual Chiefly U.S. def a route or way that is shorter than the usual one; short cut. cut off 10. syl cut off pos n. mod tr. def a device to terminate the flow of a fluid in a pipe or duct. cut off 11. syl cut off pos n. mod tr. def the remnant of metal, plastic, etc., left after parts have been machined or trimmed. cut off 12.a. syl cut off pos n. mod tr. def the value of voltage, frequency, etc., below or above which an electronic device cannot function efficiently. cut off 12.b. syl cut off pos n. mod tr. usage as modifier exam 1 cutoff voltage. cut off 13. syl cut off pos n. mod tr. def a channel cutting across the neck of a meander, which leaves an oxbow lake. cut off 14. syl cut off pos n. mod tr. def another name for {oxbow} (the lake). cut out 1. syl cut out pos vb. adv. mod tr. def to delete or remove. cut out 2. syl cut out pos vb. adv. mod tr. def to shape or form by cutting. exam 1 to cut out a dress. cut out 3. syl cut out pos vb. adv. mod tr. usage usually passive def to suit or equip for. exam 1 you're not cut out for this job. cut out 4. syl cut out pos vb. adv. mod intr. usage of an engine, etc. def to cease to operate suddenly. cut out 5. syl cut out pos vb. adv. mod tr. qual Printing. def to remove the background from a photograph or drawing to make the outline of the subject stand out. cut out 6. syl cut out pos vb. adv. mod intr. usage of an electrical device def to switch off, usually automatically. cut out 7. syl cut out pos vb. adv. mod tr. qual Informal. def to oust and supplant (a rival). cut out 8. syl cut out pos vb. adv. mod intr. usage of a person def to be excluded from a card game. cut out 9. syl cut out pos vb. adv. mod tr. qual Informal. def to cease doing something, esp. something undesirable (esp. in the phrase {cut it out}) . cut out 10. syl cut out pos vb. adv. mod tr. qual Soccer. def to intercept (a pass). cut out 11. syl cut out pos vb. adv. mod tr. qual Austral. def to separate (cattle) from a herd. cut out 12. syl cut out pos vb. adv. mod intr. qual Austral. def to end or finish. exam 1 the road cuts out at the creek. have one's work cut out 13. head cut out syl have one's work cut out. def to have as much work as one can manage. {~} {cut+out}. cut out 14. syl cut out pos vb. adv. def something that has been or is intended to be cut out from something else. cut out 15. syl cut out pos vb. adv. def a photograph or drawing from which the background has been cut away. cut out 16. syl cut out pos vb. adv. def a device that switches off or interrupts an electric circuit, esp. a switch acting as a safety device. cut out 17. syl cut out pos vb. adv. def an impressed stamp cut out from an envelope for collecting purposes. cut out 18. syl cut out pos vb. adv. qual Austral, slang. def the end of shearing. cut-price 1. syl cut-price usage esp. U.S. def available at prices or rates below the standard price or rate. cut-price 2. syl cut-price usage esp. U.S.; prenominal def offering goods or services at prices below the standard price. exam 1 a cut-price shop. cutpurse 0. syl cut+purse pron <1k^t2pR:s> pos n. def an archaic word for {pickpocket}. CUTS 0. syl CUTS pos k^ts; n. usage acronym for def Computer Users' Tape System. cut string 0. syl cut string pos n. def another name for {bridgeboard}. Cuttack 0. syl Cut+tack pron pos n. def a city in NE India, in E Orissa near the mouth of the Mahanadi River: former state capital until 1948. Pop.: 194068 (1971). cutter 1. syl cut+ter pron <1k^t*> pos n. def a person or thing that cuts, esp. a person who cuts cloth for clothing. cutter 2. syl cut+ter pron <1k^t*> pos n. def a sailing boat with its mast stepped further aft so as to have a larger foretriangle than that of a sloop. cutter 3. syl cut+ter pron <1k^t*> pos n. def a ship's boat, powered by oars or sail, for carrying passengers or light cargo. cutter 4. syl cut+ter pron <1k^t*> pos n. def a small lightly armed boat, as used in the enforcement of customs regulations. cutter 5. syl cut+ter pron <1k^t*> pos n. def a pig weighing between 68 and 82 kg, from which fillets and larger joints are cut. cutthroat 1. syl cut+throat pron <1k^t2Tr*ut> pos n. def a person who cuts throats; murderer. cutthroat 2. syl cut+throat pron <1k^t2Tr*ut> pos n. def Also called: {cutthroat razor}. a razor with a long blade that usually folds into the handle. U.S. name: {straight razor}. cutthroat 3. syl cut+throat pron <1k^t2Tr*ut> pos adj. def bloodthirsty or murderous; cruel. cutthroat 4. syl cut+throat pron <1k^t2Tr*ut> pos adj. def fierce or relentless in competition. exam 1 cutthroat prices. cutthroat 5. syl cut+throat pron <1k^t2Tr*ut> pos adj. usage of some games def played by three people. exam 1 cutthroat poker. cutting 1. syl cut+ting pron <1k^tiG> pos n. def a piece cut off from the main part of something. cutting 2.a. syl cut+ting pron <1k^tiG> pos n. def a method of vegetative propagation in which a part of a plant, such as a stem or leaf, is induced to form its own roots. cutting 2.b. syl cut+ting pron <1k^tiG> pos n. def a part separated for this purpose. cutting 3. syl cut+ting pron <1k^tiG> pos n. def Also called (esp. U.S.): {clipping}. an article, photograph, etc., cut from a newspaper or other publication. cutting 4. syl cut+ting pron <1k^tiG> pos n. def the editing process by which a film is cut and made. cutting 5. syl cut+ting pron <1k^tiG> pos n. def an excavation in a piece of high land for a road, railway, etc., enabling it to remain at approximately the same level. cutting 6. syl cut+ting pron <1k^tiG> pos n. usage modifier def designed for or adapted to cutting; edged; sharp. exam 1 a cutting tool. cutting 7. syl cut+ting pron <1k^tiG> pos adj. def keen; piercing. exam 1 a cutting wind. cutting 8. syl cut+ting pron <1k^tiG> pos adj. def tending to hurt the feelings. exam 1 a cutting remark. cuttingly sub head cutting syl cut+ting+ly pos adv. cutting grass 0. syl cut+ting grass pos n. def a W African name for {{cane rat} (sense 1)}. cuttle ety Old English cudele; related to Old High German kiot bag, Norwegian dialect kaule cuttle, Old English codd bag cuttle 1. syl cut+tle pron <1k^tL> pos n. def short for {cuttlefish} or {cuttlebone}. little cuttle 2. head cuttle syl little cuttle. def a small cuttlefish, often found on beaches. cuttlebone 0. syl cut:tle+bone pron <1k^tL2b*un> pos n. def the internal calcareous shell of the cuttlefish, used as a mineral supplement to the diet of cage birds and as a polishing agent. cuttlefish infl or cuttlefishes syl cut:tle+fish pos n. mod pl. cuttlefishes infl head cuttlefish or cuttlefish syl cut:tle+fish:es. pos n. mod pl. cuttlefish 0. syl cut:tle+fish pron <1k^tL2fiS> pos n. def any cephalopod mollusc of the genus and related genera, which occur near the bottom of inshore waters and have a broad flattened body: order (decapods). Sometimes shortened to {cuttle}. See also {squid}. cutty ety C18 (Scottish and northern English): from #7cut (vb.) cutty 1. syl cut+ty pron <1k^ti> pos adj. qual Northern Brit. dialect. def short or cut short. cutties infl head cutty syl cut+ties. pos n. mod pl. cutty 2. syl cut+ty pron <1k^ti> pos n. qual Northern Brit. dialect. def something cut short, such as a spoon or short-stemmed tobacco pipe. cutty 3. syl cut+ty pron <1k^ti> pos n. qual Northern Brit. dialect. def an immoral girl or woman (in Scotland used as a general term of abuse for a woman). cutty 4. syl cut+ty pron <1k^ti> pos n. qual Northern Brit. dialect. def a short thickset girl. Cutty Sark ety C19: named after the witch in Robert Burns' poem Tam O'Shanter, who wore only a cutty sark (short shirt) Cutty Sark 0. syl Cut+ty Sark pos n. def a three-masted merchant clipper built in 1869 which held the blue riband for many years: now kept at Greenwich, London. cutty stool 0. syl cut+ty stool pos n. usage formerly in Scotland def the church seat on which an unchaste person sat while being harangued by the minister. cut up 1. syl cut up pos vb. adv. mod tr. def to cut into pieces. cut up 2. syl cut up pos vb. adv. mod tr. def to inflict injuries on. cut up 3. syl cut up pos vb. adv. mod tr. qual Informal. usage usually passive def to affect the feelings of deeply. cut up 4. syl cut up pos vb. adv. mod tr. qual Informal. def to subject to severe criticism. cut up rough 5. head cut up syl cut up rough. qual Brit. informal. def to become angry or bad-tempered. cut-up technique 0. syl cut-up tech+nique pos n. def a technique of writing involving cutting up lines or pages of prose and rearranging these fragments, popularized by the novelist William Burroughs. cutwater 0. syl cut+wa:ter pron <1k^t2wc:t*> pos n. def the forward part of the stem of a vessel, which cuts through the water. cutwork 0. syl cut+work pron <1k^t2wR:k> pos n. def openwork embroidery in which the pattern is cut away from the background. cutworm 0. syl cut+worm pron <1k^t2wR:m> pos n. def the caterpillar of various noctuid moths, esp. those of the genus which is a pest of young crop plants in North America. cuvette ety C17: from French, diminutive of cuve cask, from Latin cupa cuvette 0. syl cu+vette pron pos n. def a shallow dish or vessel for holding liquid. Cuxhaven 0. syl Cux+ha+ven pron <1kuks2ha:vN>, German pos n. def a port in N West Germany, at the mouth of the River Elbe. Pop.: 47600 (1970). Cuyab'a 0. syl Cu+ya+b*'a pron Portuguese <2kuja1ba> pos n. def a variant spelling of {Cuiab*'a}. Kuyp alt head Cuyp or Cuyp syl Kuyp pron , Dutch pos n. Aelbert infl head Cuyp syl Ael:bert pron <1a:lbArt> pos n. Cuyp 0. or Kuyp syl Cuyp pron , Dutch pos n. def 1620-91, Dutch painter of landscapes and animals. Cusco alt head Cuzco or Cuzco syl Cus+co pron Spanish <1kusko> pos n. Cuzco 0. or Cusco syl Cuz+co pron Spanish <1kusko> pos n. def a city in S central Peru: former capital of the Inca Empire, with extensive Inca remains; university (1692). Pop.: 121464 (1972). CVA 0. syl CVA qual abbrev. for def cerebrovascular accident. CVO 0. syl C.V.O. qual abbrev. for def Commander of the Royal Victorian Order. CW 1. syl CW qual Radio. abbrev. for def continuous wave. CW 2.a. syl CW pos n. def an informal term for {Morse code}. CW 2.b. syl CW pos n. usage as modifier exam 1 his CW speed is 30 words per minute. Cwlth 0. syl Cwlth. qual abbrev. for def Commonwealth. cwm 1. syl cwm pron pos n. usage in Wales def a valley. cwm 2. syl cwm pron pos n. qual Geology. def another name for {{cirque} (sense 1)}. Cwmbran 0. syl Cwm+bran pron <2ku:m1bra:n> pos n. def a new town in SE Wales, in central Gwent, developed in the 1950s. Pop.: 32614 (1971). CWO alt head cwo or cwo syl C.W.O. cwo 0. or CWO syl c.w.o. qual abbrev. for def cash with order. cwt ety c, from the Latin numeral C one hundred (centum) cwt 0. syl cwt. qual abbrev. for def hundredweight. CY 0. syl CY usage international car registration for def Cyprus. -cy ety via Old French from Latin -cia, -tia, Greek -kia, -tia, abstract noun suffixes -cy 1. syl -cy pos suffix. usage forming nouns from adjectives ending in -t, -tic, -te, and -nt def indicating state, quality, or condition. exam 1 plutocracy; exam 2 lunacy; exam 3 intimacy; exam 4 infancy. -cy 2. syl -cy pos suffix. usage forming abstract nouns from other nouns def rank or office. exam 1 captaincy. cyan ety C19: from Greek kuanos dark blue cyan 1. syl cy:an pron <1sI@n>, <1sI*n> pos n. def a highly saturated green-blue that is the complementary colour of red and forms, with magenta and yellow, a set of primary colours. cyan 2. syl cy:an pron <1sI@n>, <1sI*n> pos adj. def of this colour. exam 1 a cyan filter. cyan- 0. syl cy:an- usage combining form. def variant of {cyano-} before a vowel. exam 1 cyanamide; exam 2 cyanide. cyanamid alt head cyanamide or cyanamide syl cy+an:a+mid pron pos n. cyanamide 1. or cyanamid syl cy+an:a+mide pron , <-mid> pos n. def Also called: {cy@.a+no+gen@.a+mide} (#!sa$I$$n$$$u?!#!d#f$en$$@!ma$Id, -m$Id). a white or colourless crystalline soluble weak dibasic acid, which can be hydrolysed to urea. Formula: H\2NCN. cyanamide 2. or cyanamid syl cy+an:a+mide pron , <-mid> pos n. def a salt or ester of cyanamide. cyanamide 3. or cyanamid syl cy+an:a+mide pron , <-mid> pos n. def short for {calcium cyanamide}. cyanate 0. syl cy:a+nate pron <1sI*2nAt> pos n. def any salt or ester of cyanic acid, containing the ion %#-OCN or the group -OCN. cyanic 0. syl cy+an+ic pron pos adj. qual Rare. def having a blue or bluish colour. cyanic acid 0. syl cy+an+ic ac:id pos n. def a colourless poisonous volatile liquid acid that hydrolyses readily to ammonia and carbon dioxide. Formula: HOCN. Compare {isocyanic acid, fulminic acid}. cyanid alt head cyanide or cyanide syl cy:a+nid pron <1sI*nid> pos n. cyanide 1. or cyanid syl cy:a+nide pron <1sI*2nId> pos n. def any salt of hydrocyanic acid. Cyanides contain the ion CN%- and are ex?!tremely poisonous. cyanide 2. or cyanid syl cy:a+nide pron <1sI*2nId> pos n. def another name (not in technical usage) for {nitrile}. cyanidation sub head cyanide syl cy:a+ni+1da+tion pos n. cyanide process 0. syl cy:a+nide pro+cess pos n. def a process for recovering gold and silver from ores by treatment with a weak solution of sodium cyanide. cyanin alt head cyanine or cyanine syl cy:a+nin pron <1sI*nin> pos n. cyanine 1. or cyanin syl cy:a+nine pron <1sI*2nEn> pos n. def a blue dye used to extend the sensitivity of photographic emulsions to colours other than blue and ultraviolet. cyanine 2. or cyanin syl cy:a+nine pron <1sI*2nEn> pos n. def any of a class of chemically related dyes, used for the same purpose. cyanite 0. syl cy:a+nite pron <1sI*2nIt> pos n. def a grey, green, or blue mineral consisting of aluminium silicate in triclinic crystalline form. It occurs in metamorphic rocks and is used as a refractory. Formula: Al\2SiO\5. cyanitic sub head cyanite syl cy:a+nit+ic pron <2sI*1nitik> pos adj. cyano- ety from Greek kuanos (adj.) dark blue, (n.) dark blue enamel, lapis lazuli cyano- 1. syl cy:an:o- usage before a vowel def blue or dark blue. exam 1 cyanotype. cyano- 2. syl cy:an:o- usage before a vowel def indicating cyanogen. exam 1 cyanohydrin. cyano- 3. syl cy:an:o- usage before a vowel def indicating cyanide. cyanocobalamin ety C20: from #7cyano -#7+cobal (#7t) #7+ (#7vit) #7amin cyanocobalamin 0. syl cy:a+no+co+bal:a+min pron <2sI*n*uk*u1b@l*min> pos n. def a complex red crystalline compound, containing cyanide and cobalt and occurring in liver: lack of it in the tissues leads to pernicious anaemia. Formula: C\6\3H\8\8O\1\4N\1\4PCo. Also called: {vitamin B} \1\2. cyanogen ety C19: from French cyanog*`ene; see #7cyano -#7, -#7gen ; so named because it is one of the constituents of Prussian blue cyanogen 0. syl cy+an:o+gen pron pos n. def an extremely poisonous colourless flammable gas with an almond-like odour: has been used in chemical warfare. Formula: (CN)\2. cyanohydrin 0. syl cy:a+no+hy+drin pron <2sI*n*u1hIdrin> pos n. def any of a class of organic compounds containing a cyanide group and a hydroxyl group bound to the same carbon atom. cyanosis 0. syl cy:a+no+sis pron <2sI*1n*usis> pos n. qual Pathol. def a bluish-purple discoloration of skin and mucous membranes usually resulting from a deficiency of oxygen in the blood. &- {cy@.a+not+ic} (@!sa$I$$#!n$At?!$Ik) cyanotype 0. syl cy+an:o+type pron pos n. def another name for {blueprint} (sense 1). Cybele 0. syl Cyb:e:le pron <1sibili> pos n. qual Classical myth. def the Phrygian goddess of nature, mother of all living things and consort of Attis; identified with the Greek Rhea or Demeter. cybernate ety C20: from #7cyber (#7netics) +-#7ate %1 cybernate 0. syl cy+ber+nate pron <1sIb*2nAt> pos vb. def to control (a manufacturing process, etc.) with a servomechanism or (of a process) to be controlled by a servomechanism. cybernation sub head cybernate syl cy+ber+1na+tion pos n. cybernetics ety C20: from Greek kubern*_et*_es steersman, from kubernan to steer, control cybernetics 0. syl cy+ber+net+ics pron <2sIb*1netiks> pos n. mod functioning as; sing. def the branch of science concerned with control systems in electronic and mechanical devices and the extent to which useful comparisons can be made between man-made and biological systems. See also {{feedback} (sense 1)}. cybernetic sub head cybernetics syl cy+ber+1net+ic pos adj. cyberneticist sub head cybernetics syl cy+ber+1net:i+cist pos n. cycad ety C19: from New Latin Cycas name of genus, from Greek kukas, scribe's error for ko*"ikas, from ko*"ix a kind of palm, probably of Egyptian origin &- @!cyc@.a+#!da+ceous adj. cycad 0. syl cy+cad pron <1sIk@d> pos n. def any tropical or subtropical gymnosperm plant of the order having an unbranched stem with fernlike leaves crowded at the top. See also {{sago palm} (sense 2)}. Cyclades 0. syl Cyc+la+des pron <1sikl*2dEz> pos n. mod pl. def a group of over 200 islands in the S Aegean Sea, forming a department of Greece. Capital: Hermoupolis (Siros). Pop.: 86084 (1971). Area: 2572 sq. km (1003 sq. miles). Modern Greek name: {Kikl*'adhes}. &- {Cy+clad+ic} (s$I#!kl@ad$Ik) cyclamate ety C20: cycl (ohexyl-sulph) amate cyclamate 0. syl cy+cla+mate pron <1sIkl*2mAt>, <1sikl*mAt> pos n. def a salt or ester of cyclamic acid. Certain of the salts have a very sweet taste and were formerly used as food additives and sugar substitutes. cyclamen ety C16: from Medieval Latin, from Latin cyclami*_nos, from Greek kuklaminos, probably from kuklos circle, referring to the bulb-like roots cyclamen 1. syl cyc+la+men pron <1sikl*m*n>, <-2men> pos n. def any Old World plant of the primulaceous genus having nodding white, pink, or red flowers, with reflexed petals. See also {sowbread}. cyclamen 2. syl cyc+la+men pron <1sikl*m*n>, <-2men> pos adj. def of a dark reddish-purple colour. cycle ety C14: from Late Latin cyclus, from Greek kuklos cycle, circle, ring, wheel; see #7wheel cycle 1. syl cy+cle pron <1sIkL> pos n. def a recurring period of time in which certain events or phenomena occur and reach completion or repeat themselves in a regular sequence. cycle 2. syl cy+cle pron <1sIkL> pos n. def a completed series of events that follows or is followed by another series of similar events occurring in the same sequence. cycle 3. syl cy+cle pron <1sIkL> pos n. def the time taken or needed for one such series. cycle 4. syl cy+cle pron <1sIkL> pos n. def a vast period of time; age; aeon. cycle 5. syl cy+cle pron <1sIkL> pos n. def a group of poems or prose narratives forming a continuous story about a central figure or event. exam 1 the Arthurian cycle. cycle 6. syl cy+cle pron <1sIkL> pos n. def a series of miracle plays. exam 1 the Chester cycle. cycle 7. syl cy+cle pron <1sIkL> pos n. def a group or sequence of songs (see {song-cycle}) . cycle 8. syl cy+cle pron <1sIkL> pos n. def short for {bicycle, tricycle, motorcycle}, etc. cycle 9. syl cy+cle pron <1sIkL> pos n. qual Astronomy. def the orbit of a celestial body. cycle 10. syl cy+cle pron <1sIkL> pos n. def a recurrent series of events or processes in plants and animals. exam 1 a life cycle; exam 2 a growth cycle. cycle 11. syl cy+cle pron <1sIkL> pos n. qual Physics. def a continuous change or a sequence of changes in the state of a system that leads to the restoration of the system to its original state after a finite period of time. cycle 12. syl cy+cle pron <1sIkL> pos n. def one of a series of repeated changes in the magnitude of a periodically varying quantity, such as current or voltage. cycle 13.a. syl cy+cle pron <1sIkL> pos n. def a set of operations that can be both treated and repeated as a unit. cycle 13.b. syl cy+cle pron <1sIkL> pos n. def the time required to complete a set of operations. cycle 14. syl cy+cle pron <1sIkL> pos n. usage in generative grammar def the set of cyclic rules. cycle 15. syl cy+cle pron <1sIkL> pos vb. mod tr. def to process through a cycle or system. cycle 16. syl cy+cle pron <1sIkL> pos vb. mod intr. def to move in or pass through cycles. cycle 17. syl cy+cle pron <1sIkL> pos vb. def to travel by or ride a bicycle or tricycle. cycle of erosion 0. syl cy+cle of e:ro+sion pos n. def the hypothetical sequence of modifications to the earth's surface by erosion, from the original uplift of the land to the ultimate low plain, usually divided into the youthful, mature, and old stages. cyclical alt head cyclic or cyclic syl cy+cli+cal pos adj. cyclic 1. or cyclical syl cy+clic pron <1sIklik>, <1siklik> pos adj. def recurring or revolving in cycles. cyclic 2. or cyclical syl cy+clic pron <1sIklik>, <1siklik> pos adj. usage of an organic compound def containing a closed saturated or unsaturated ring of atoms. See also {heterocyclic} and {homocyclic}. cyclic 3.a. or cyclical syl cy+clic pron <1sIklik>, <1siklik> pos adj. def arranged in whorls. exam 1 cyclic petals. cyclic 3.b. or cyclical syl cy+clic pron <1sIklik>, <1siklik> pos adj. def having parts arranged in this way. exam 1 cyclic flowers. cyclic 4. or cyclical syl cy+clic pron <1sIklik>, <1siklik> pos adj. qual Music. def of or relating to a musical form consisting of several movements sharing thematic material. cyclic 5. or cyclical syl cy+clic pron <1sIklik>, <1siklik> pos adj. usage Geom. of a polygon def having vertices that lie on a circle. cyclic 6. or cyclical syl cy+clic pron <1sIklik>, <1siklik> pos adj. usage in generative grammar def denoting one of a set of transformational rules all of which must apply to a clause before any one of them applies to any clause in which the first clause is embedded. cyclically sub head cyclic syl cy+cli+cal+ly pos adv. cyclic pitch lever 0. syl cy+clic pitch lev+er pos n. def a lever in a helicopter to change the angle of attack of individual rotor blades, causing the helicopter to move forwards, backwards, or sideways. Compare {collective pitch lever}. cycler alt head cyclist or cyclist syl cy+cler pos n. qual U.S. cyclist 0. or cycler syl cy+clist pron <1sIklist> pos n. def a person who rides or travels by bicycle, motorcycle, etc. cyclo- ety from Greek kuklos #7cycle ********************************************************************** indicating a circle or ring: cyclotron. cyclo- ety from Greek kuklos #7cycle ********************************************************************** cyclo- 1. syl cy:clo- usage before a vowel def indicating a circle or ring. exam 1 cyclotron. cyclo- 2. syl cy:clo- usage before a vowel def denoting a cyclic compound. exam 1 cyclohexane. cyclo- 3. syl cy:clo- usage before a vowel def denoting a cyclic compound. exam 1 cyclohexane. cycloalkane 0. syl cy+clo+al+kane pron <2sIkl*u1@lkAn> pos n. def any saturated hydrocarbon similar to an alkane but having a cyclic molecular structure and the general formula C H\2 Also called: {cycloparaffin}. cyclo-cross 0.a. syl cy:clo-cross pos n. def a form of cycle race held over rough ground. cyclo-cross 0.b. syl cy:clo-cross pos n. def this sport. cyclograph 0. syl cy+clo+graph pron <1sIkl*u2gra:f>, <-2gr@f> pos n. def another name for {arcograph}. cyclohexane 0. syl cy+clo+hex+ane pron <2sIkl*u1heksAn>, <2sik-> pos n. def a colourless insoluble flammable liquid cycloalkane with a pungent odour, made by hydrogenation of benzene and used as a paint remover and solvent. Formula: C\6H\1\2. cycloid 1. syl cy+cloid pron <1sIklcid> pos adj. def resembling a circle. cycloid 2. syl cy+cloid pron <1sIklcid> pos adj. usage of fish scales def rounded, thin, and smooth-edged, as those of the salmon. cycloid 3. syl cy+cloid pron <1sIklcid> pos adj. usage Psychiatry. of a type of personality def characterized by exaggerated swings of mood between elation and depression. See also {cyclothymia}. cycloid 4. syl cy+cloid pron <1sIklcid> pos n. qual Geom. def the curve described by a point on the circumference of a circle as the circle rolls along a straight line. Compare { {trochoid} (sense 1)}. cycloid 5. syl cy+cloid pron <1sIklcid> pos n. def a fish that has cycloid scales. cycloidal sub head cycloid syl cy+1cloi+dal pos adj. cycloidally sub head cycloid syl cy+1cloi+dal+ly pos adv. cyclometer 0. syl cy+clom+e:ter pron pos n. def a device that records the number of revolutions made by a wheel and hence the distance travelled. cyclometry sub head cyclometer syl cy+1clom+e:try pos n. cyclone ety C19: from Greek kukl*_on a turning around, from kukloein to revolve, from kuklos wheel cyclone 1. syl cy+clone pron <1sIkl*un> pos n. def another name for { {depression} (sense 6)}. cyclone 2. syl cy+clone pron <1sIkl*un> pos n. def a violent tropical storm; hurricane. {~} cyclone 3. syl cy+clone pron <1sIkl*un> pos n. usage Austral. of fencing def made of interlaced wire and metal. cyclonic sub head cyclone syl cy+clon+ic pron pos adj. cyclonical sub head cyclone or cyclonal syl cy+1clon:i+cal pos adj. cyclonal sub head cyclone or cyclonical syl cy+clo+nal pos adj. cyclonically sub head cyclone syl cy+1clon:i+cal+ly pos adv. cyclonite ety C20: from #7cyclo -#7+ (trimethylene-tri) nit (ramin) e cyclonite 0. syl cy+clo+nite pron <1sIkl*2nIt> pos n. def a white crystalline insoluble explosive prepared by the action of nitric acid on hexa?!methylenetetramine; cyclotrimethylenetrinitramine: used in bombs and shells. Formula: C\3H\6N\6O\6. cycloparaffin 0. syl cy+clo+par+af+fin pron <2sIkl*u1p@r*fin>, <2sik-> pos n. def another name for {cycloalkane}. Cyclopean 1. syl Cy+clo+pe:an pron <2sIkl*u1pE*n>, pos adj. def of, relating to, or resembling the Cyclops. Cyclopean 2. syl Cy+clo+pe:an pron <2sIkl*u1pE*n>, pos adj. def denoting, relating to, or having the kind of masonry used in preclassical Greek architecture, characterized by large dry undressed blocks of stone. cyclopaedia alt head cyclopedia or cyclopedia syl cy+clo+pae+di:a pron <2sIkl*u1pEdi*> pos n. cyclopedia 0. or cyclopaedia syl cy+clo+pe:di:a pron <2sIkl*u1pEdi*> pos n. def a less common word for {encyclopedia}. cyclopedic sub head cyclopedia or cyclopaedic syl cy+clo+1pe:dic pos adj. cyclopaedic sub head cyclopedia or cyclopedic syl cy+clo+1pae+dic pos adj. cyclopedist sub head cyclopedia or cyclopaedist syl cy+clo+1pe:dist pos n. cyclopaedist sub head cyclopedia or cyclopedist syl cy+clo+1pae+dist pos n. cyclopentane 0. syl cy+clo+pen+tane pron <2sIkl*u1pentAn>, <2sik-> pos n. def a colourless insoluble cycloalkane found in petroleum and used mainly as a solvent. Formula: C\5H\1\0. cycloplegia 0. syl cy+clo+ple:gi:a pron <2sIkl*u1plEJi*>, <2sik-> pos n. def paralysis of the muscles that adjust the shape of the lens of the eye, resulting in loss of ability to focus. cycloplegic sub head cycloplegia syl cy+clo+1ple:gic pos adj. cyclopropane 0. syl cy+clo+pro+pane pron <2sIkl*u1pr*upAn>, <2sik-> pos n. def a colourless flammable gaseous hydrocarbon, used in medicine as an anaesthetic; trimethylene. It is a cycloalkane with molecules containing rings of three carbon atoms. Formula: C\3H\6; boiling pt.: -34?%C. Cyclops ety C15: from Latin Cycl*_ops, from Greek Kukl*_ops, literally: round eye, from kuklos circle+ *_ops eye Cyclopes infl head Cyclops or Cyclopses syl Cy+clo+pes pron pos n. mod pl. Cyclopses infl head Cyclops or Cyclopes syl Cy+clops:es. pos n. mod pl. Cyclops 0. syl Cy+clops pron <1sIklops> pos n. qual Classical myth. def one of a race of giants having a single eye in the middle of the forehead, encountered by Odysseus in the See also {Polyphemus}. cyclorama ety C19: #7cyclo -#7+ Greek horama view, sight, on the model of panorama cyclorama 1. syl cy+clo+ram:a pron <2sIkl*u1ra:m*> pos n. def Also called: {panorama}. a large picture, such as a battle scene, on the interior wall of a cylindrical room, designed to appear in natural perspective to a spectator in the centre. cyclorama 2.a. syl cy+clo+ram:a pron <2sIkl*u1ra:m*> pos n. def a curtain or wall curving along the back of a stage, usually painted to represent the sky and serving to enhance certain lighting effects. cyclorama 2.b. syl cy+clo+ram:a pron <2sIkl*u1ra:m*> pos n. def any set of curtains that enclose the back and sides of a stage setting. cycloramic sub head cyclorama syl cy+clo+ram+ic pron <2sIkl*u1r@mik> pos adj. cyclosis ety C19: from Greek kukl*_osis an encircling, from kukloun to surround, from kuklos circle cycloses infl head cyclosis syl cy+clo+ses pron <-sEz> pos n. mod pl. cyclosis 0. syl cy+clo+sis pron pos n. qual Biology. def the circula?!tion of cytoplasm or cell organelles, such as food vacuoles in some protozoans. cyclostome 1. syl cy+clo+stome pron <1sIkl*2st*um>, <1sik-> pos n. def any primitive aquatic jawless vertebrate of the class such as the lamprey and hagfish, having a round sucking mouth and pouchlike gills. {~} cyclostome 2. syl cy+clo+stome pron <1sIkl*2st*um>, <1sik-> pos n. def of, relating to, or belonging to the class cyclostome xref syl cy+clo+stome pron <1sIkl*2st*um>, <1sik-> pos n. def Also: {marsipobranch}. cyclostomate sub head cyclostome or cyclostomatous syl cy+clos+to+mate pron , <-2mAt> pos adj. cyclostomatous sub head cyclostome or cyclostomate syl cy+clo+stom:a+tous pron <2sIkl*u?!1stom*t*s>, <-1st*um*->, <2sik-> pos adj. cyclostyle 1. syl cy+clo+style pron <1sIkl*2stIl> pos n. def a kind of pen with a small toothed wheel, used for cutting minute holes in a specially prepared stencil. Copies of the design so formed can be printed on a duplicator by forcing ink through the holes. cyclostyle 2. syl cy+clo+style pron <1sIkl*2stIl> pos n. def an office duplicator using a stencil prepared in this way. cyclostyle 3. syl cy+clo+style pron <1sIkl*2stIl> pos vb. mod tr. def to print on a duplicator using such a stencil. cyclostyled sub head cyclostyle syl cy+clo+2styled pos adj. cyclothymia 0. syl cy+clo+thy+mi:a pron <2sIkl*u1TImi*>, <2sik-> pos n. qual Psychiatry. def a condition characterized by periodical swings of mood between excitement and depression, activity and inactivity. See also {manic-depressive}. cyclothymic sub head cyclothymia or cyclothymiac syl cy+clo+1thy+mic pos adj. n. cyclothymiac sub head cyclothymia or cyclothymic syl cy+clo+1thy+mi+2ac pos adj. n. cyclotron 0. syl cy+clo+tron pron <1sIkl*2tron> pos n. def a type of particle accelerator in which the particles spiral inside two D-shaped hollow metal electrodes under the effect of a strong vertical magnetic field, gaining energy by a high-frequency voltage applied between these electrodes. cyder 0. syl cy+der pron <1sId*> pos n. def a variant spelling (esp. Brit.) of {cider}. Cydnus 0. syl Cyd+nus pron <1sidn*s> pos n. def the ancient name for the (River) {Tarsus}. cygnet ety C15 sygnett, from Old French cygne swan, from Latin cygnus, from Greek kuknos cygnet 0. syl cyg+net pron <1signit> pos n. def a young swan. Cygnus ety Latin: swan; see #7cygnet Cygni infl head Cygnus syl Cyg+ni pron <1signI> pos n. qual Latin genitive Cygnus 0. syl Cyg+nus pron <1sign*s> pos n. def a constellation in the N hemisphere lying between Pegasus and Draco in the Milky Way. The constellation contains the expanding supernova remnant, the {Cygnus Loop}. It may also contain a black hole. cyl 1. syl cyl. qual abbrev. for: def cylinder. cyl 2. syl cyl. qual abbrev. for: def cylindrical. cylinder ety C16: from Latin cylindrus, from Greek kulindros a roller, from kulindein to roll cylinder 1. syl cyl+in+der pron <1silind*> pos n. def a solid consisting of two parallel planes bounded by identical closed curves, usually circles, that are interconnected at every point by a set of parallel lines, usually perpendicular to the planes. Volume. exam 1 base area#Mlength. cylinder 2. syl cyl+in+der pron <1silind*> pos n. def a surface formed by a line moving round a closed plane curve at a fixed angle to it. cylinder 3. syl cyl+in+der pron <1silind*> pos n. def any object shaped like a cylinder. cylinder 4. syl cyl+in+der pron <1silind*> pos n. def the chamber in a reciprocating internal-combustion engine, pump, or compressor within which the piston moves. See also {cylinder block}. cylinder 5. syl cyl+in+der pron <1silind*> pos n. def the rotating mechanism of a revolver, situated behind the barrel and containing cartridge chambers. cylinder 6. syl cyl+in+der pron <1silind*> pos n. qual Printing. def any of the rotating drums on a printing press. cylinder 7. syl cyl+in+der pron <1silind*> pos n. def Also called: {cylinder seal}. a cylindrical seal of stone, clay, or precious stone decorated with linear designs, found in the Middle East and Balkans: dating from about 6000 #7b.c. cylinder 8. syl cyl+in+der pron <1silind*> pos n. def Also called: {hot-water cylinder}. a vertical cylindrical tank for storing hot water, esp. an insulated one made of copper used in a domestic hot-water system. {~} cylinder 9. syl cyl+in+der pron <1silind*> pos n. mod tr. def to provide (a system) with cylinders. cylinder-like sub head cylinder syl cyl:in:der-2like pos adj. cylinder block 0. syl cyl+in+der block pos n. def the metal casting containing the cylinders and cooling channels or fins of a reciprocating internal-combustion engine. Sometimes shortened to {block}. cylinder head 0. syl cyl+in+der head pos n. def the detachable metal casting that fits onto the top of a cylinder block. In an engine it contains part of the combustion chamber and in an overhead-valve four-stroke engine it houses the valves and their operating mechanisms. Sometimes shortened to {head}. cylinder press 0. syl cyl+in+der press pos n. qual Printing. def another name for {flat-bed press}. cylindric alt head cylindrical or cylindrical syl cy+lin+dric pos adj. cylindrical 0. or cylindric syl cy+lin+dri+cal pron pos adj. def of, shaped like, or characteristic of a cylinder. cylindricality sub head cylindrical or cylindricalness syl cy+2lin+dri+1cal+i:ty pos n. cylindricalness sub head cylindrical or cylindricality syl cy+1lin+dri+cal+ness pos n. cylindrically sub head cylindrical syl cy+1lin+dri+cal+ly pos adv. cylindrical coordinates 0. syl cy+lin+dri+cal co+or+di+nates pos n. mod pl. def three coordinates defining the location of a point in three-dimensional space in terms of its polar coordinates #Gg) in one plane, usually the plane, and its perpendicular distance, measured from this plane. cylindroid 1. syl cyl+in+droid pron <1silin2drcid> pos n. def a cylinder with an elliptical cross section. cylindroid 2. syl cyl+in+droid pron <1silin2drcid> pos adj. def resembling a cylinder. cylices infl head cylix syl cy+li+ces pron <-li2sEz> pos n. mod pl. cylix 0. syl cy+lix pron <1sIliks>, <1sil-> pos n. def a variant of {kylix}. cyma ety C16: from New Latin, from Greek kuma something swollen, from kuein to be pregnant cymae infl head cyma or cymas syl cy:mae pron <-mE> pos n. mod pl. cymas infl head cyma or cymae syl cy:mas. pos n. mod pl. cyma 1. syl cy:ma pron <1sIm*> pos n. def either of two mouldings having a double curve, part concave and part convex. {Cyma recta} has the convex part nearer the wall and {cyma reversa} has the concave part nearer the wall. cyma 2. syl cy:ma pron <1sIm*> pos n. qual Botany. def a variant of {cyme}. cymar ety C17: variant of simar, from French simarre, perhaps ultimately from Basque zamar sheepskin cymar 0. syl cy+mar pron pos n. def a woman's short fur-trimmed jacket, popular in the 17th and 18th centuries. cymatium ety C16: see #7cyma cymatia infl head cymatium syl cy+ma+ti:a pron <-ti*>, <-Si*> pos n. mod pl. cymatium 0. syl cy+ma+ti:um pron , <-Si*m> pos n. qual Architect. def the top moulding of a classical cornice or entablature. cymbal ety Old English cymbala, from Medieval Latin, from Latin cymbalum, from Greek kumbalon, from kumb*_e something hollow cymbal 0. syl cym+bal pron <1simbL> pos n. def a percussion instrument of indefinite pitch consisting of a thin circular piece of brass, which vibrates when clashed together with another cymbal or struck with a stick. cymbaler sub head cymbal syl cym+bal+er pos n. cymbaleer sub head cymbal or cymbalist syl cym+bal+1eer pos n. cymbalist sub head cymbal or cymbaleer syl cym+bal+ist pos n. cymbal-like sub head cymbal syl cym:bal-2like pos adj. cymbalo ety from Italian; see #7cymbal cymbalos infl head cymbalo syl cym+ba+los. pos n. mod pl. cymbalo 0. syl cym+ba+lo pron <1simb*2l*u> pos n. def another name for {dulcimer}. cyme ety C18: from Latin c*_yma cabbage sprout, from Greek kuma anything swollen; see #7cyma cyme 0. syl cyme pron pos n. def an inflorescence in which the first flower is the terminal bud of the main stem and subsequent flowers develop as terminal buds of lateral stems. cymiferous sub head cyme syl cy+mif+er+ous pron pos adj. cymene ety C19: cym- from Greek kumi?!non #7cumin+ -#7ene cymene 0. syl cy+mene pron <1sImEn> pos n. def a colourless insoluble liquid with an aromatic odour that exists in three isomeric forms; methylpropylbenzene: used as solvents and for making synthetic resins. The isomer is present in several essential oils. Formula: CH\3C\6H\4CH(CH\3)\2. cymogene ety C19: from #7cymene+ -#7gene cymogene 0. syl cy+mo+gene pron <1sIm*2JEn> pos n. qual U.S. def a mixture of volatile flammable hydrocarbons, mainly butane, obtained in the distillation of petroleum. cymograph 1. syl cy+mo+graph pron <1sIm*2gra:f>, <-2gr@f> pos n. def a variant of {kymograph}. cymograph 2. syl cy+mo+graph pron <1sIm*2gra:f>, <-2gr@f> pos n. def an instrument for tracing the outline of an architectural moulding. cymographic sub head cymograph syl cy+mo+graph+ic pron <2sIm*1gr@fik> pos adj. cymoid 0. syl cy+moid pron <1sImcid> pos adj. qual Architect., botany. def resembling a cyme or cyma. cymophane ety C19: from Greek kuma wave, undulation+-#7phane cymophane 0. syl cy+mo+phane pron <1sIm*2fAn> pos n. def a yellow or green opalescent variety of chrysoberyl. cymose 0. syl cy+mose pron <1sIm*us>, <-m*uz>, pos adj. def having the characteristics of a cyme. cymosely sub head cymose syl cy+mose+ly pos adv. Kymric alt head Cymric or Cymric syl Kym+ric pron <1kimrik> pos n. Cymric 1. or Kymric syl Cym+ric pron <1kimrik> pos n. def the Welsh language. Cymric 2. or Kymric syl Cym+ric pron <1kimrik> pos n. def the Brythonic group of Celtic languages. Cymric 3. or Kymric syl Cym+ric pron <1kimrik> pos adj. def of or relating to the Cymry, any of their languages, Wales, or the Welsh. Cymry ety Welsh: the Welsh Kymry alt head Cymry or Cymry syl Kym+ry pron <1kimri> pos n. mod functioning as; pl. the infl head Cymry syl the. pos n. mod functioning as; pl. Cymry 1. or Kymry syl Cym+ry pron <1kimri> pos n. mod functioning as; pl. def the Brythonic branch of the Celtic people, comprising the present-day Welsh and Bretons. See {Brythonic}. Cymry 2. or Kymry syl Cym+ry pron <1kimri> pos n. mod functioning as; pl. def the Welsh people. Kynewulf infl head Cynewulf or Cynwulf syl Kyn:e:wulf pron <1kini2wulf> pos n. Cynwulf infl head Cynewulf or Kynewulf syl Cyn:wulf pron <1kin2wulf> pos n. Cynewulf 0. syl Cyn:e:wulf pron <1kini2wulf> pos n. def ??8th century #7a.d., Anglo-Saxon poet; author of and cynghanedd ety from Welsh cynghanedd 0. syl cyn+gha+nedd pron pos n. def a complex system of rhyme and alliteration used in Welsh verse. cynic ety C16: via Latin from Greek Kunikos, from ku*_on dog cynic 1. syl cyn+ic pron <1sinik> pos n. def a person who believes the worst about people or the outcome of events. cynic 2. syl cyn+ic pron <1sinik> pos adj. def a less common word for {cynical}. cynic 3. syl cyn+ic pron <1sinik> pos adj. qual Astronomy. def of or relating to Sirius, the Dog Star. Cynic 0. syl Cyn+ic pron <1sinik> pos n. def a member of a sect founded by Antisthenes that scorned worldly things and held that self-control was the key to the only good. cynical 1. syl cyn:i+cal pron <1sinikL> pos adj. def distrustful or contemptuous of virtue, esp. selflessness in others; believing the worst of others, esp. that all acts are selfish. cynical 2. syl cyn:i+cal pron <1sinikL> pos adj. def sarcastic; mocking. cynical 3. syl cyn:i+cal pron <1sinikL> pos adj. def showing contempt for accepted standards of behaviour, esp. of honesty or morality. exam 1 the politician betrayed his promises in a cynical way. cynically sub head cynical syl cyn:i+cal+ly pos adv. cynicalness sub head cynical syl cyn:i+cal+ness pos n. cynicism 1. syl cyn:i+cism pron <1sini2siz*m> pos n. def the attitude or beliefs of a cynic. cynicism 2. syl cyn:i+cism pron <1sini2siz*m> pos n. def a cynical action, remark, idea, etc. Cynicism 0. syl Cyn:i+cism pron <1sini2siz*m> pos n. def the doctrines of the Cynics. cynosure ety C16: from Latin Cynos*_ura the constellation of Ursa Minor, from Greek Kunosoura, from ku*_on dog+ oura tail cynosure 1. syl cy+no+sure pron <1sin*2zju*>, <-Su*> pos n. def a person or thing that attracts notice, esp. because of its brilliance or beauty. cynosure 2. syl cy+no+sure pron <1sin*2zju*>, <-Su*> pos n. def something that serves as a guide. cynosural sub head cynosure syl cy+no+1sur+al pos adj. Cynthia 0. syl Cyn:thi:a pron <1sinTi*> pos n. def another name for {Artemis} (Diana). cyperaceous ety C19: from New Latin Cyp*_erus type genus, from Latin cyp*_eros a kind of rush, from Greek kupeiros marsh plant, probably of Semitic origin cyperaceous 0. syl cy+per:a+ceous pron <2sIp*1rAS*s> pos adj. def of, relating to, or belonging to the a family of grasslike flowering plants with solid triangular stems, including the sedges, bulrush, cotton grass, and certain rushes. Compare {juncaceous}. cypher 0. syl cy+pher pron <1sIf*> pos n. vb. def a variant spelling of {cipher}. cy pres ety C15: from Anglo-French, literally: as near (as possible, etc.) cy pres 0. syl cy pres pron <1sE> <1prA> pos n. qual Law. def the doctrine that the intention of a donor or testator should be carried out as closely as practicable when literal compliance is impossible. cypress ety Old English cypresse, from Latin cyparissus, from Greek kuparissos; related to Latin cupressus cypress H1.1. syl cy+press pron <1sIpr*s> pos n. def any coniferous tree of the N temperate genus having dark green scalelike leaves and round?!ed cones: family cypress H1.2. syl cy+press pron <1sIpr*s> pos n. def any of several similar and related trees, such as the widely cultivated ({Lawson's cypress}) , of the western U.S. cypress H1.3. syl cy+press pron <1sIpr*s> pos n. def any of various other coniferous trees, esp. the swamp cypress. cypress H1.4. syl cy+press pron <1sIpr*s> pos n. def the wood of any of these trees. cypress ety C14 cyprus from the island of C#7yprus cyprus alt head cypress or cypress syl cy+prus pron <1sIpr*s> pos n. cypress H2.0. or cyprus syl cy+press pron <1sIpr*s> pos n. def a fabric, esp. a fine silk, lawn, or crepelike material, often black and worn as mourning. cypress pine 0. syl cy+press pine pos n. def any coniferous tree of the Australian genus having leaves in whorls and yielding valuable timber: family cypress vine 0. syl cy+press vine pos n. def a tropical American convolvulaceous climb?!ing plant, having finely divided compound leaves and scarlet or white tubular flowers. Cyprian H1.1. syl Cyp+ri:an pron <1sipri*n> pos adj. def of or relating to Cyprus. Cyprian H1.2. syl Cyp+ri:an pron <1sipri*n> pos adj. def of or resembling the ancient orgiastic worship of Aphrodite on Cyprus. Cyprian H1.3. syl Cyp+ri:an pron <1sipri*n> pos n. qual Obsolete. usage often not cap. def a licentious person, esp. a prostitute or dancer. Cyprian H1.4. syl Cyp+ri:an pron <1sipri*n> pos n. adj. def another word for {Cypriot}. Saint infl head Cyprian syl Saint. pos n. Cyprian H2.0. syl Cyp:ri:an pron <1sipri*n> pos n. def ??200-258 #7a.d., bishop of Carthage and martyr. Feast day: Sept. 16. cyprinid ety C19: from New Latin Cypr*_inidae, from Latin cypr*_inus carp, from Greek kuprinos cyprinid 1. syl cy+pri+nid pron , <1siprinid> pos n. def any teleost fish of the mainly freshwater family typically having toothless jaws and cycloid scales and including such food and game fishes as the carp, tench, roach, rudd, and dace. cyprinid 2. syl cy+pri+nid pron , <1siprinid> pos adj. def of, relating to, or belonging to the cyprinid 3. syl cy+pri+nid pron , <1siprinid> pos adj. def resembling a carp; cyprinoid. cyprinodont ety C19: from Latin cypr*_inus carp (see #7cyprinid) #7+ -#7odont cyprinodont 1. syl cy+prin:o+dont pron , pos n. def any small tropical or subtropical soft-finned fish of the mostly marine family resembling carp but having toothed jaws. The group includes the guppy, killifish, swordtail, and top?!minnow. cyprinodont 2. syl cy+prin:o+dont pron , pos adj. def of, relating to, or belonging to the cyprinoid ety C19: from Latin cypr*_inus carp cyprinoid 1. syl cy+pri+noid pron <1sipri2ncid>, pos adj. def of, relating to, or belonging to the a large suborder of teleost fishes including the cyprinids, characins, electric eels, and loaches. cyprinoid 2. syl cy+pri+noid pron <1sipri2ncid>, pos adj. def of, relating to, or resembling the carp. cyprinoid 3. syl cy+pri+noid pron <1sipri2ncid>, pos n. def any fish belonging to the Cypriote alt head Cypriot or Cypriot syl Cyp+ri+ote pron <1sipri2*ut> pos n. Cypriot 1. or Cypriote syl Cyp+ri+ot pron <1sipri*t> pos n. def a native, citizen, or inhabitant of Cyprus. Cypriot 2. or Cypriote syl Cyp+ri+ot pron <1sipri*t> pos n. def the dialect of Ancient or Modern Greek spoken in Cyprus. Cypriot 3. or Cypriote syl Cyp+ri+ot pron <1sipri*t> pos adj. def denoting or relating to Cyprus, its inhabitants, or dialects. cypripedium ety C18: from New Latin, from Latin Cypria the Cyprian, that is, Venus+ p*_es foot (that is, Venus' slipper) cypripedium 1. syl cyp+ri+pe:di:um pron <2sipri1pEdi*m> pos n. def any orchid of the genus having large flowers with an inflated pouchlike lip. See also {lady's-slipper}. cypripedium 2. syl cyp+ri+pe:di:um pron <2sipri1pEdi*m> pos n. def any cultivated tropical orchid of the genus having yellow, green, or brownish-purple waxy flowers. Cyprus 0. syl Cy+prus pron <1sIpr*s> pos n. def an island in the E Mediterranean: ceded to Britain by Turkey in 1878 and made a colony in 1925; became an independent republic in 1960; invaded by Turkey in 1974 following a Greek-supported military coup, leading to the virtual partition of the island. A UN peacekeeping force is currently stationed in Cyprus. Languages: Greek and Turkish. Religions: Greek Orthodox and Muslim. Currency: pound. Capital: Nicosia. Pop.: 631778 (1973). Area: 9251 sq. km (3572 sq. miles). cypsela ety C19: from New Latin, from Greek kupsel*_e chest, hollow vessel cypselae infl head cypsela syl cyp+se:lae pron <-2lE> pos n. mod pl. cypsela 0. syl cyp+se:la pron <1sipsil*> pos n. def the dry one-seeded fruit of the daisy and related plants, which resembles an achene but is surrounded by a calyx sheath. Cyrano de Bergerac 0. syl Cy:ra:no de Ber:ge:rac qual French def sirano d$$ b$er#f$$#!rak) {Sa@.vi@.nien} (savi#!nj*~$e). 1619-55, French writer and soldier, famous as a duellist and for his large nose. Cyrenaic 1. syl Cyr+e:na+ic pron <2sIr*1nAik>, <2sir*-> pos adj. usage in the ancient world def of or relating to the city of Cyrene or the territory of Cyrenaica. Cyrenaic 2. syl Cyr+e:na+ic pron <2sIr*1nAik>, <2sir*-> pos adj. def of or relating to the philosophical school founded by Aristippus in Cyrene that held pleasure to be the highest good. Cyrenaic 3. syl Cyr+e:na+ic pron <2sIr*1nAik>, <2sir*-> pos n. def an inhabitant of Cyrene or Cyrenaica. Cyrenaic 4. syl Cyr+e:na+ic pron <2sIr*1nAik>, <2sir*-> pos n. def a follower of the Cyrenaic school of philosophy. Cirenaica alt head Cyrenaica or Cyrenaica syl Cir+e:na:i+ca pron <2sIr*1nAik*>, <2sir*-> pos n. Cyrenaica 0. or Cirenaica syl Cyr+e:na:i+ca pron <2sIr*1nAik*>, <2sir*-> pos n. def a region and former province (1951-63) of E Libya: largely desert; settled by the Greeks in about 630 #7b.c. ; ruled successively by the Egyptians, Romans, Arabs, Turks, and Italians. Area: 855370 sq. km (330258 sq. miles). Cyrene 0. syl Cy+re+ne pron pos n. def an ancient Greek city of N Africa, near the coast of Cyrenaica: famous for its medical school. Saint infl head Cyril syl Saint. pos n. Cyril 0. syl Cyr:il pron <1sir*l> pos n. def ??827-869 #7a.d., Greek Christian theologian, missionary to the Moravians and inventor of the Cyrillic alphabet; he and his brother Saint Methodius were called Feast day: July 7. Cyrillic 1. syl Cy+ril+lic pron pos adj. def denoting or relating to the alphabet derived from that of the Greeks, supposedly by Saint Cyril, for the writing of Slavonic languages: now used primarily for Russian, Bulgarian, and the Serbian dialect of Serbo-Croatian. Cyrillic 2. syl Cy+ril+lic pron pos n. def this alphabet. Cyrus 1. syl Cy:rus pron <1sIr*s> pos n. def called or died ??529 #7b.c., king of Persia and founder of the Persian empire. Cyrus 2. syl Cy:rus pron <1sIr*s> pos n. def called died 401 #7b.c., Persian satrap of Lydia: revolted against his brother Artaxerxes II, but was killed at the battle of Cunaxa. See also {anabasis, katabasis}. cyst ety C18: from New Latin cystis, from Greek kustis pouch, bag, bladder cyst 1. syl cyst pron pos n. qual Pathol. def any abnormal membranous sac or blisterlike pouch containing fluid or semisolid material. cyst 2. syl cyst pron pos n. qual Anat. def any normal sac or vesicle in the body. cyst 3. syl cyst pron pos n. def a thick-walled protective membrane enclosing a cell, larva, or organism. -cyst ety from Greek kustis bladder -cyst 0. syl -cyst pos n. usage combining form. def indicating a bladder or sac. exam 1 otocyst. cystectomies infl head cystectomy syl cys+tec+to+mies. pos n. mod pl. cystectomy 1. syl cys+tec+to+my pron pos n. def surgical removal of the gall bladder or of part of the urinary bladder. cystectomy 2. syl cys+tec+to+my pron pos n. def surgical removal of any abnormal cyst. cysteine ety C19: variant of #7cystine cysteine 0. syl cys+te:ine pron <1sisti2En>, <-in> pos n. def a sulphur-containing amino acid, present in proteins, that oxidizes on exposure to air to form cystine. Formula: HSCH\2CH(NH\2)COOH. cysteinic sub head cysteine syl cys+te:1in+ic pos adj. cystic 1. syl cyst+ic pron <1sistik> pos adj. def of, relating to, or resembling a cyst. cystic 2. syl cyst+ic pron <1sistik> pos adj. def having or enclosed within a cyst; encysted. cystic 3. syl cyst+ic pron <1sistik> pos adj. def relating to the gall bladder or urinary bladder. cysticercoid 0. syl cys+ti+cer+coid pron <2sisti1sR:kcid> pos n. def the larva of any of certain tapeworms, which resembles a cysticercus but has a smaller bladder. cysticercus ety C19: from New Latin, from Greek kustis pouch, bladder+ kerkos tail ci infl head cysticercus syl +ci pron <-sI> pos n. mod pl. cysticercus 0. syl cys+ti+cer+cus pron <2sisti1sR:k*s> pos n. def an encysted larval form of many tapeworms, consisting of a head (scolex) inverted in a fluid-filled bladder. See also { {hydatid} (sense 1)}, {coenurus}. cystic fibrosis 0. syl cyst+ic fi+bro+sis pos n. def a congenital disease of the exocrine glands, usually affecting young children, characterized by chronic infection of the respiratory tract and by pancreatic insufficiency. cystine ety C19: see #7cysto - (bladder), -#7ine %2; named from its being discovered in a type of urinary calculus cystine 0. syl cys+tine pron <1sistEn>, <-tin> pos n. def a sulphur-containing amino acid present in proteins: yields two molecules of cysteine on re?!duction. Formula: HOOCCH(NH\2)CH\2SSCH\2CH(NH\2)COOH. cystitis 0. syl cys+ti+tis pron pos n. def inflammation of the urinary bladder. cystocarp 0. syl cys+to+carp pron <1sist*2ka:p> pos n. def a reproductive body in red algae, developed after fertilization and consisting of filaments bearing carpospores. cystocarpic sub head cystocarp syl cys+to+1car+pic pos adj. cystocele 0. syl cys+to+cele pron <1sist*2sEl> pos n. qual Pathol. def a hernia of the urinary bladder, esp. one protruding into the vagina. cystoid 1. syl cys+toid pron <1sistcid> pos adj. def resembling a cyst or bladder. cystoid 2. syl cys+toid pron <1sistcid> pos n. def a tissue mass, such as a tumour, that resembles a cyst but lacks an outer membrane. cystolith 1. syl cys+to+lith pron <1sist*liT> pos n. def a knoblike deposit of calcium carbonate in the epidermal cells of such plants as the stinging nettle. cystolith 2. syl cys+to+lith pron <1sist*liT> pos n. qual Pathol. def a urinary calculus. cystoscope 0. syl cys+to+scope pron <1sist*2sk*up> pos n. def a slender tubular medical instrument for examining the interior of the urethra and urinary bladder. cystoscopic sub head cystoscope syl cys+to+scop+ic pron <2sist*1skopik> pos adj. cystoscopy sub head cystoscope syl cys+tos+co+py pron pos n. cystotomies infl head cystotomy syl cys+tot:o+mies. pos n. mod pl. cystotomy 1. syl cys+tot:o+my pron pos n. def surgical incision into the gall bladder or urinary bladder. cystotomy 2. syl cys+tot:o+my pron pos n. def surgical incision into the capsule of the lens of the eye. cytaster ety C19: from #7cyto -#7+aster cytaster 0. syl cy+tas+ter pron , <1sIt@s-> pos n. qual Cytology. def another word for { {aster} (sense 3)}. -cyte ety from New Latin -cyta, from Greek kutos container, body, hollow vessel -cyte 0. syl -cyte pos n. usage combining form. def indicating a cell. exam 1 spermatocyte. Cythera 1. syl Cyth+er:a pron pos n. def a Greek island off the SE coast of the Peloponnese: in ancient times a centre of the worship of Aphrodite. Pop.: 4102 (1970). Area: about 285 sq. km (110 sq. miles). Cythera 2. syl Cyth+er:a pron pos n. def the chief town of this island, on the S coast. Pop.: 682 (1970). Cythera xref syl Cyth+er:a pron pos n. def Modern Greek name: {K*'ithera}. Cytherea 0. syl Cyth:er:e:a pron <2siT*1rE*> pos n. def another name for {Aphrodite} (Venus). Cytherean sub head Cytherea syl Cyth+er+1e:an pos adj. cytidine ety C20: from #7cyto -#7+ -#7ide+ -#7ine %2 cytidine 0. syl cyt:i+dine pron <1siti2dIn> pos n. qual Biochem. def a nucleoside formed by the condensation of cytosine and ribose. cyto- ety from Greek kutos vessel, container; related to kuein to contain cyto- 0. syl cy:to- usage combining form. def indicating a cell. exam 1 cytolysis; exam 2 cytoplasm. cytochemistry 0. syl cy+to+chem+is+try pron <2sIt*u1kemistri> pos n. def the chemistry of living cells. cytochemical sub head cytochemistry syl cy+to+1chem:i+cal pos adj. cytochrome 0. syl cy+to+chrome pron <1sIt*u2kr*um> pos n. def any of a group of naturally occurring compounds, consisting of iron, a protein, and a porphyrin, that are important in cell oxidation-reduction reactions. cytochrome reductase 0. syl cy+to+chrome re+duc+tase pos n. def another name for {flavoprotein}. cytogeny alt head cytogenesis or cytogenesis syl cy+tog+e:ny pron pos n. cytogenesis 0. or cytogeny syl cy+to+gen+e:sis pron <2sIt*u1Jenisis> pos n. def the origin and development of plant and animal cells. cytogenetics 0. syl cy+to+ge:net+ics pron <2sIt*uJi1netiks> pos n. mod functioning as; sing. def the branch of genetics that correlates the structure of chromo?!somes with heredity and variation. cytogenetic sub head cytogenetics syl cy+to+ge:1net+ic pos adj. cytogenetically sub head cytogenetics syl cy+to+ge:1net:i+cal+ly pos adv. cytokinesis 0. syl cy+to+ki+ne:sis pron <2sIt*uki1nEsis>, <-kI-> pos n. def division of the cytoplasm of a cell, occurring at the end of mitosis or meiosis. cytology 0. syl cy+tol+o:gy pron pos n. def the study of plant and animal cells, including their structure, function, and formation. cytological sub head cytology syl cy+to+log:i+cal pron <2sIt*1loJikL> pos adj. cytologically sub head cytology syl cy+to+1log:i+cal+ly pos adv. cytologist sub head cytology syl cy+1tol:o+gist pos n. cytolysin 0. syl cy+tol:y+sin pron pos n. def a substance that can partially or completely destroy animal cells. cytolysis 0. syl cy+tol:y+sis pron pos n. qual Cytology. def the dissolution of cells, esp. by the destruction of their membranes. cytolytic sub head cytolysis syl cy+to+lyt+ic pron <2sIt*1litik> pos adj. cyton ety C20: #7cyto -#7+ -#7on, as in proton cyton 0. syl cy+ton pron <1sIton> pos n. qual Physiol. def the body of a nerve cell as distinct from the processes. cytoplasm 0. syl cy+to+plasm pron <1sIt*u2pl@z*m> pos n. def the protoplasm of a cell contained within the cell membrane but excluding the nucleus: contains organelles, vesicles, and other inclusions. cytoplasmic sub head cytoplasm syl cy+to+1plas+mic pos adj. cytoplast 0. syl cy+to+plast pron <1sIt*u2pla:st>, <-2pl@st> pos n. def the intact cytoplasm of a single cell. cytoplastic sub head cytoplast syl cy+to+plas+tic pron <2sIt*u1pl@stik> pos adj. cytosine ety C19: from #7cyto -#7+ -#7ose %2#7+ -#7ine %2 cytosine 0. syl cy+to+sine pron <1sIt*sin> pos n. def a white crystalline pyrimidine occurring in nucleic acids; 6-amino-2-hydroxy pyrimidine. Formula: C\4H\5N\3O. See also {DNA, RNA}. cytotaxonomy 0. syl cy+to+tax+on+o:my pron <2sIt*ut@k1son*mi> pos n. def classification of organisms based on cell structure, esp. the number, shape, etc., of the chromosomes. cytotaxonomic sub head cytotaxonomy syl cy+to+2tax:o+1nom+ic pos adj. cytotaxonomist sub head cytotaxonomy syl cy+to+tax+1on:o+mist pos n. Cyzicus 0. syl Cyz:i+cus pron <1sizik*s> pos n. def an ancient Greek colony in NW Asia Minor on the S shore of the Sea of Marmara: site of Alcibiades' naval victory over the Peloponnesians (410 #7b.c.) czar 0. syl czar pron pos n. def a variant spelling (esp. U.S.) of {tsar}. czardom sub head czar syl czar+dom pos n. czardas ety from Hungarian cs*'ard*'as czardas 1. syl czar+das pron <1Ca:d@S> pos n. def a Hungarian national dance of alternating slow and fast sections. czardas 2. syl czar+das pron <1Ca:d@S> pos n. def a piece of music composed for or in the rhythm of this dance. czarevitch 0. syl czar+e:vitch pron <1za:riviC> pos n. def a variant spelling (esp. U.S.) of {tsarevitch}. czarevna 0. syl cza+rev+na pron pos n. def a variant spelling (esp. U.S.) of {tsarevna}. czaritza alt head czarina or czarina syl cza+ri+tza pos n. czarina 0. or czaritza syl cza+ri+na pron pos n. def variant spellings (esp. U.S.) of {tsarina} or {tsaritsa}. czarism 0. syl czar+ism pron <1za:riz*m> pos n. def a variant spelling (esp. U.S.) of {tsarism}. czarist 0. syl czar+ist pron <1za:rist> pos adj. n. def a variant spelling (esp. U.S.) of {tsarist}. Czech ety C19: from Polish, from Czech *vCech Czech 1.a. syl Czech pron pos adj. def of, relating to, or characteristic of Bohemia and Moravia, their people, or their language. Czech 1.b. syl Czech pron pos adj. usage loosely def of, relating to, or characteristic of Czechoslovakia or its people. Czech 2. syl Czech pron pos n. def one of the two official languages of Czechoslovakia, belonging to the West Slavonic branch of the Indo-European family. Czech and Slovak are closely related and mutually intelligible. Czech 3.a. syl Czech pron pos n. def a native or inhabitant of Bohemia or Moravia. Czech 3.b. syl Czech pron pos n. usage loosely def a native, inhabitant, or citizen of Czechoslovakia. Czech 1. syl Czech. qual abbrev. for: def Czechoslovak. Czech 2. syl Czech. qual abbrev. for: def Czechoslovakian. Czech 3. syl Czech. qual abbrev. for: def Czechoslovakia. Czechoslovak 1. syl Czech:o+slo+vak pron <2Cek*u1sl*uv@k> pos adj. def of, relating to, or characteristic of Czechoslovakia, its peoples, or their languages. Czechoslovak 2. syl Czech:o+slo+vak pron <2Cek*u1sl*uv@k> pos n. usage loosely def either of the two mutually intelligible languages of Czechoslovakia; Czech or Slovak. Czechoslovakia 0. syl Czech:o+slo+va+ki:a pron <2Cek*usl*u1v@ki*> pos n. def a republic in central Europe: formed after the defeat of Austro-Hungary (1918) as a nation of Czechs in Bohemia and Moravia and Slovaks in Slovakia; occupied by Germany from 1939 until its liberation by the Soviet Union in 1945; became a people's republic under the Communists in 1948; invaded by Warsaw Pact troops in 1968, ending Dub*vcek's attempt to liberalize communism. It now consists of two federal republics, the {Czech Socialist Republic} and the {Slovak Socialist Republic}. It is mostly wooded and mountainous, with the Carpathians in the east rising over 2400 m (8000 ft.). Languages: Czech and Slovak. Currency: crown. Capital: Prague. Pop.: 14686000 (1974 est.). Area: 127870 sq. km (49371 sq. miles). Czech name: {*vCeskoslovensko}. Czechoslovakian sub head Czechoslovakia syl Czech:o+slo+1va+ki:an pos adj. n. Czernowitz 0. syl Czer+no+witz pron <1Cernovits> pos n. def the German name for {Chernovtsy}. Karl infl head Czerny syl Karl pos n. Czestochowa 0. syl Cz*,e+sto+cho+wa pron Polish pos n. def an industrial city in S Poland, on the River Warta: pilgrimage centre. Pop.: 195400 (1974 est.). ********************************************************************** in S Poland, on the River Warta: pilgrimage centre. Pop.: 195400 (1974 est.). ********************************************************************** D alt head d or d syl D pron pos n. d's infl head d syl d's pos n. mod pl. D's infl head d or Ds syl D's pos n. mod pl. Ds infl head d or D's syl Ds. pos n. mod pl. d 1. or D syl d pron pos n. def the fourth letter and third consonant of the modern English alphabet. d 2. or D syl d pron pos n. def a speech sound represented by this letter, usually a voiced alveolar stop, as in d 3. or D syl d pron pos n. def the semicircle on a billiards table having a radius of 11@2 inches and its straight edge in the middle of the baulk line. d 1. syl d qual symbol for:; Physics. def density or relative density. d 2. syl d qual symbol for:; Maths. def a small increment in a given variable or function: used to indicate a derivative of one variable with respect to another, as in d /d D ety from German Deutsch?!land D 1.a. syl D qual symbol for: def a note having a frequency of 293@.66 hertz ({D above middle C}) or this value multiplied or divided by any power of 2; the second note of the scale of C major. D 1.b. syl D qual symbol for: def a key, string, or pipe producing this note. D 1.c. syl D qual symbol for: def the major or minor key having this note as its tonic. D 2. syl D qual symbol for:; Chem. def deuterium. D 3. syl D qual symbol for:; Maths. def the first derivative of a function, as in D %3+ %2)=3 %2+2 {~} D 4. syl D qual symbol for: usage the Roman numeral for def 500. See {Roman numerals. ~} D 5. syl D qual symbol for: usage international car registration for def Germany. d ety Latin denarius or denarii d 1. syl d. qual abbrev. for: def date. d 2. syl d. qual abbrev. for: usage in animal pedigrees def dam. d 3. syl d. qual abbrev. for: def daughter. d 4. syl d. qual abbrev. for: def day. d 5. syl d. qual abbrev. for: def degree. d 6. syl d. qual abbrev. for: def delete. d 7. syl d. qual abbrev. for:; Brit. currency before decimalization. def penny pennies. d 8. syl d. qual abbrev. for: def depart(s). d 9. syl d. qual abbrev. for: def diameter. d 10. syl d. qual abbrev. for: def died. d 11. syl d. qual abbrev. for: def dinar(s). d 12. syl d. qual abbrev. for: def dollar(s). d 13. syl d. qual abbrev. for: def dose. d 14. syl d. qual abbrev. for: def drachma(s). D ety Latin: God D ety Latin: Lord D 1. syl D. qual abbrev. for:; U.S. politics. def Democrat(ic). D 2. syl D. qual abbrev. for:; Government. def Department. D 3. syl D. qual abbrev. for: def Deus. D 4. syl D. qual abbrev. for:; Optics. def diopter. D 5. syl D. qual abbrev. for: def Director. D 6. syl D. qual abbrev. for: def Dominus. D 7. syl D. qual abbrev. for: def Don (a Spanish title). D 8. syl D. qual abbrev. for: def Duchess. D 9. syl D. qual abbrev. for: def Duke. D 10. syl D. qual abbrev. for: def Dutch. 'd 0. syl 'd usage contraction for def would had. exam 1 I'd; exam 2 you'd. DA 1. syl D.A. qual abbrev. for: usage in the U.S. def District Attorney. DA 2. syl D.A. qual abbrev. for: def duck's-arse (hair style). da alt head DA or DA syl d.a. DA 1. or da syl D/A qual abbrev. for: def deposit account. DA 2. or da syl D/A qual abbrev. for: def documents for acceptance. dab ety C14: of imitative origin dabs infl head dab syl dabs pos vb. dabbing infl head dab syl dab+bing pos vb. dabbed infl head dab syl dabbed. pos vb. dab H1.1. syl dab pron pos vb. def to touch or pat lightly and quickly. exam 1 he dabbed the spilt coffee with the cloth. dab H1.2. syl dab pron pos vb. mod tr. def to daub with short tapping strokes. exam 1 to dab the wall with paint. dab H1.3. syl dab pron pos vb. mod tr. def to apply (paint, cream, etc.) with short tapping strokes. dab H1.4. syl dab pron pos n. def a small amount, esp. of something soft or moist. exam 1 a dab of ink. dab H1.5. syl dab pron pos n. def a small light stroke or tap, as with the hand. dab H1.6. syl dab pron pos n. mod often; pl. qual Chiefly Brit. def a slang word for {fingerprint}. dab ety C15: from Anglo-French dabbe, of uncertain origin dab H2.1. syl dab pron pos n. def a small common European brown flatfish, covered with rough toothed scales: family a food fish. dab H2.2. syl dab pron pos n. mod often; pl. def any of various other small flatfish, esp. flounders. dab xref syl dab pron pos n. def Compare {sand dab}. dab ety C17: perhaps from #7dab %1 (vb.) dab H3.0. syl dab pron pos n. qual Brit. informal. def See {dab hand}. dabber 0. syl dab+ber pron <1d@b*> pos n. def a pad used by printers and engravers for applying ink, etc., by hand. dabble ety C16: probably from Dutch dabbelen; see #7dab %1 dabble 1. syl dab+ble pron <1d@bL> pos vb. def to dip, move, or splash (the fingers, feet, etc.) in a liquid. dabble 2. syl dab+ble pron <1d@bL> pos vb. mod intr. usage usually foll. by in, with, or at def to deal (with) or work (at) frivolously or superficially; play (at). dabble 3. syl dab+ble pron <1d@bL> pos vb. mod tr. def to daub, mottle, splash, or smear. exam 1 his face was dabbled with paint. dabbler sub head dabble syl dab+bler pos n. dabchick ety C16: probably from Old English dop to dive+#7chick ; see #7deep, dip dabchick 0. syl dab+chick pron <1d@b2Cik> pos n. def any of several small grebes of the genera and such as of the Old World. dab hand 0. syl dab hand pos n. qual Brit. informal. def a person who is particularly skilled at something; expert. exam 1 a dab hand at chess. dabster ety C18: from #7dab %1#7+ -#7ster dabster 1. syl dab+ster pron <1d@bst*> pos n. qual Brit. def a dialect word for {dab hand}. dabster 2. syl dab+ster pron <1d@bst*> pos n. qual U.S. informal. def an incompetent or amateurish worker; bungler. da capo ety C18: from Italian, literally: from the head da capo 0. syl da ca:po pron <1ka:p*u> pos adj. adv. qual Music. def to be repeated (in whole or part) from the beginning. Abbrev.: {D.C}. See also {{fine} %3}. Dacca 0. syl Dac+ca pron <1d@k*> pos n. def the capital of Bangladesh, in the E central part: capital of Bengal (1608-39 and 1660-1704) and of East Pakistan (1949-71); jute and cotton mills; university (1921). Pop.: 1730253 (1974). dace ety C15: from Old French dars #7dart, probably referring to its swiftness daces alt head dace or dace syl dac:es. pos n. mod pl. dace 1. or daces syl dace pron pos n. mod pl. def a European freshwater cyprinid fish, with a slender bluish-green body. dace 2. or daces syl dace pron pos n. mod pl. def any of various similar fishes. dacha ety from Russian: a giving, gift datcha alt head dacha or dacha syl da+tcha pron <1d@C*> pos n. dacha 0. or datcha syl da+cha pron <1d@C*> pos n. def a country house or cottage in Russia. Dachau 0. syl Da+chau pron German <1daxau> pos n. def a Nazi concentration camp near Munich. dachshund ety C19: from German, from Dachs badger+ Hund dog, #7hound dachshund 0. syl dachs+hund pron <1d@ks2hund>, German <1daks2hunt> pos n. def a long-bodied short-legged breed of dog. Dacia 0. syl Da+ci:a pron <1dAsi*> pos n. def an ancient region bounded by the Carpathians, the Tisza, and the Danube, roughly correspond?!ing to modern Rumania. United under kings from about 60 #7b.c., it later contained the Roman province of the same name (about 105 to 270 #7a.d.) #7. Dacian sub head Dacia syl Da+ci:an pos adj. n. dacoit ety C19: from Hindi dakait, from d*_ak*_a robbery dacoit 0. syl da+coit pron pos n. usage in India and Burma def a member of a gang of armed robbers. dacoities infl head dacoity syl da+coit:ies. pos n. mod pl. dacoity 0. syl da+coit:y pron pos n. usage in India and Burma def robbery by an armed gang. Dacron 0. syl Da+cron pron <1dAkron>, <1d@k-> pos n. def the U.S. name (trademark) for {Terylene}. dactyl ety C14: via Latin from Greek daktulos finger, dactyl, comparing the finger's three joints to the three syllables dactyl 1. syl dac+tyl pron <1d@ktil> pos n. def Also called: {dactylic}. a metrical foot of three syllables, one long followed by two short (*_ *u *u ). Compare {bacchius}. dactyl 2. syl dac+tyl pron <1d@ktil> pos n. qual Zoology. def any digit of a vertebrate. dactylic 1. syl dac+tyl+ic pron pos adj. def of, relating to, or having a dactyl. exam 1 dactylic verse. dactylic 2. syl dac+tyl+ic pron pos n. def a variant of {dactyl} (sense 1). dactylically sub head dactylic syl dac+1tyl:i+cal+ly pos adv. dactylo- ety from Greek daktulos finger dactylogram 0. syl dac+tyl:o+gram pron pos n. qual Chiefly U.S. def a technical term for {fingerprint}. dactylography 0. syl dac+tyl+og+ra+phy pron <2d@kt*1logr*fi> pos n. qual Chiefly U.S. def the scientific study of fingerprints for purposes of identification. dactylographer sub head dactylography syl dac+ty+1log+ra+pher pos n. dactylographic sub head dactylography syl dac+tyl:o+graph+ic pron pos adj. dactylologies infl head dactylology syl dac+ty+lol+o:gies. pos n. mod pl. dactylology 0. syl dac+ty+lol+o:gy pron <2d@kti1lol*Ji> pos n. def the method of using manual sign language, as in communicating with the deaf. dad ety C16: childish word; compare Greek tata, Sanskrit tatas dad 0. syl dad pron pos n. def an informal word for {father}. Dada ety C20: from French, from a children's word for hobbyhorse, the name being arbitrarily chosen Dadaism alt head Dada or Dada syl Da+da+ism pron <1da:da:2iz*m> pos n. Dada 0. or Dadaism syl Da:da pron <1da:da:> pos n. def a nihilistic artistic movement of the early 20th century in W Europe and the U.S., founded on principles of irrationality, incongruity, and irreverence towards accepted aesthetic criteria. Dadaist sub head Dada syl Da+da+ist pos n. adj. Dadaistic sub head Dada syl Da+da+1is+tic pos adj. Dadaistically sub head Dada syl Da+da+1is+ti+cal+ly pos adv. daddies infl head daddy syl dad+dies. pos n. mod pl. daddy 1. syl dad+dy pron <1d@di> pos n. def an informal word for {father}. the daddy 2. head daddy syl the daddy. qual Slang, chiefly U.S. and Austral. def the supreme or finest example. exam 1 the daddy of them all. daddy-longlegs 1. syl dad:dy-long:legs pos n. qual Brit. def an informal name for a {crane fly}. daddy-longlegs 2. syl dad:dy-long:legs pos n. qual U.S. def an informal name for { {harvestman} (sense 2)}. dado ety C17: from Italian: die, die-shaped pedestal, perhaps from Arabic dad game dadoes infl head dado or dados syl da:does pos n. mod pl. dados infl head dado or dadoes syl da:dos. pos n. mod pl. dado 1. syl da:do pron <1dAd*u> pos n. def the lower part of an interior wall that is decorated differently from the upper part. dado 2. syl da:do pron <1dAd*u> pos n. qual Architect. def the part of a pedestal between the base and the cornice. dado 3. syl da:do pron <1dAd*u> pos vb. mod tr. def to provide with a dado. Dadra and Nagar Haveli 0. syl Da+dra and Na+gar Ha+ve:li pron <1n^g*> <*1veli> pos n. def a union territory of W India, on the Gulf of Cambay: until 1961 administratively part of Portuguese Dam?~ao. Capital: Silvana. Pop.: 74170 (1971). Area: 489 sq. km (191 sq. miles). daedal ety C16: via Latin from Greek daidalos; see D#7aedalus dedal alt head daedal or daedal syl de+dal pron <1dEdL> pos adj. daedal 0. or dedal syl dae+dal pron <1dEdL> pos adj. qual Literary. def skilful or intricate. Daedalus 0. syl Daed:a:lus pron <1dEd*l*s> pos n. qual Greek myth. def an Athenian architect and inventor who built the labyrinth for Minos on Crete and fashioned wings for himself and his son Icarus to flee their imprisonment on the island. Daedalian sub head Daedalus syl Dae+da+li:an pron pos adj. Daedalean sub head Daedalus or Daedalic syl Dae+da+le:an pron pos adj. Daedalic sub head Daedalus or Daedalean syl Dae+dal+ic pron pos adj. daimon alt head daemon or daemon syl dai+mon pos n. daemon 1. or daimon syl dae+mon pron <1dEm*n> pos n. def a demigod. daemon 2. or daimon syl dae+mon pron <1dEm*n> pos n. def the guardian spirit of a place or person. daemon 3. or daimon syl dae+mon pron <1dEm*n> pos n. def a variant spelling of { {demon} (sense 3)}. daemonic sub head daemon syl dae+mon+ic pron pos adj. daff H1.0. syl daff pron pos n. qual Informal. def short for {daffodil}. daff ety C16: from obsolete daff fool, of uncertain origin daff H2.0. syl daff pron pos vb. mod intr. qual Chiefly Scot. def to frolic; play the fool. daffodil ety C14: perhaps from Dutch de affodil the asphodel, from Medieval Latin affodillus, variant of Latin asphodelus #7asphodel daffodil 1. syl daf+fo+dil pron <1d@f*dil> pos n. def Also called: {Lent lily}. a widely cultivated Eurasian amaryllidaceous plant, having spring-blooming yellow nodding flowers. daffodil 2. syl daf+fo+dil pron <1d@f*dil> pos n. def any other plant of the genus daffodil 3.a. syl daf+fo+dil pron <1d@f*dil> pos n. def a brilliant yellow colour. daffodil 3.b. syl daf+fo+dil pron <1d@f*dil> pos as; adj. exam 1 daffodil paint. daffy ety C19: from obsolete daff fool; see #7daft daffier infl head daffy syl daff:i+er pos adj. daffiest infl head daffy syl daff:i+est. pos adj. daffy 0. syl daff:y pron <1d@fi> pos adj. qual Informal. def another word for {daft} (senses 1, 2). daft ety Old English ged@afte gentle, foolish; related to Middle Low German ondaft incapable &- #!daft+ly adv. &- daft+ness n. daft 1. syl daft pron pos adj. qual Chiefly Brit.; Informal. def foolish, simple, or stupid. daft 2. syl daft pron pos adj. qual Chiefly Brit. def a slang word for {insane}. daft 3. syl daft pron pos adj. qual Chiefly Brit.; Informal. (postpositive def foll. by extremely fond (of). daft 4. syl daft pron pos adj. qual Chiefly Brit.; Slang. def frivolous; giddy. dag ety C18: of obscure origin &- #!dag+ger n. dag 1. syl dag pron pos n. def short for {daglock}. dag 2. syl dag pron pos n. qual Austral. informal. def a character; eccentric. dags infl head dag syl dags pos vb. dagging infl head dag syl dag+ging pos vb. dagged infl head dag syl dagged. pos vb. dag 3. syl dag pron pos vb. def to cut the daglock away from (a sheep). Da Gama 0. syl Da Ga:ma pron <1ga:m*> pos n. def See (Vasco da) {Gama}. Dagan 0. syl Da+gan pron <1da:g*n> pos n. def an earth god of the Babylonians and Assyrians. Dagenham 0. syl Dag+en+ham pron <1d@g*n*m> pos n. def part of the Greater London borough of Barking: motor-vehicle manufacturing. Dagestan Autonomous Soviet Socialist Republic 0. syl Da+ge+stan Au:ton:o+mous So+vi+et So+cial+ist Re+pub+lic pron <2da:gi1sta:n> pos n. def an administrative division of the S Soviet Union, on the Caspian Sea: annexed from Persia in 1813; rich mineral resources. Capital: Makhachkala. Pop.: 1428540 (1970). Area: 50278 sq. km (19416 sq. miles). Also called: {Dagestan} or {Daghestan}. dagga ety C19: from Afrikaans, from Hottentot dagab dagga 0. syl dag+ga pron <1dax*>, <1da:g*> pos n. def hemp smoked as a narcotic. dagger ety C14: of uncertain origin dagger 1. syl dag+ger pron <1d@g*> pos n. def a short stabbing weapon with a pointed blade. dagger 2. syl dag+ger pron <1d@g*> pos n. def Also called: {obelisk}. a character (@+#800168) used in printing to indicate a cross reference, esp. to a footnote. at daggers drawn 3. head dagger syl at daggers drawn. def in a state of open hostility. look daggers 4. head dagger syl look daggers. def to glare with hostility; scowl. dagger 5. syl dag+ger pron <1d@g*> pos vb. mod tr. def to mark with a dagger. dagger 6. syl dag+ger pron <1d@g*> pos vb. mod tr. qual Archaic. def to stab with a dagger. daggerboard 0. syl dag:ger+board pron <1d@g*2bc:d> pos n. def a light bladelike board inserted into the water through a slot in the keel of a boat to reduce keeling and leeway. Compare {centreboard}. daglock ety C17: see #7dag, {lock %2} daglock 0. syl dag+lock pron <1d@g2lok> pos n. def a dung-caked lock of wool around the hindquarters of a sheep. dago ety C19: alteration of Diego, a common Spanish name dagos infl head dago or dagoes syl da:gos pos n. mod pl. dagoes infl head dago or dagos syl da:goes. pos n. mod pl. dago 0. syl da:go pron <1dAg*u> pos n. qual Derogatory. def a member of a Latin race, esp. a Spaniard, Portuguese. dagoba ety C19: from Sinhalese d*_agoba, from Sanskrit dh*_atugarbha containing relics dagoba 0. syl da+go+ba pron <1da:g*b*> pos n. def a dome-shaped shrine containing relics of the Buddha or a Buddhist saint. Dagon ety C14: via Latin and Greek from Hebrew D*_ag*_on, literally: little fish Dagon 0. syl Da+gon pron <1dAgon> pos n. qual Bible. def a god worshipped by the Philistines, represented as half man and half fish. Louis Jacques Mand'e infl head Daguerre syl Louis Jacques Man:d*'e pron pos n. daguerreotype 1. syl da+guerre:o+type pron pos n. def one of the earliest photographic processes, in which the image was produced on iodine-sensitized silver and developed in mercury vapour. daguerreotype 2. syl da+guerre:o+type pron pos n. def a photograph formed by this process. daguerreotyper sub head daguerreotype or daguerreotypist syl da+1guerre:o+2typ+er pos n. daguerreotypist sub head daguerreotype or daguerreotyper syl da+1guerre:o+2typ+ist pos n. daguerreotypy sub head daguerreotype syl da+1guerre:o+2typ:y pos n. dah 0. syl dah pron pos n. def the long sound used in combination with the short sound in the spoken representation of Morse and other telegraphic codes. Compare { {dash%1} (sense 13)}. dahabeah ety from Arabic dhahab*_iyah, literally: the golden one (that is, gilded barge) dahabeeyah infl head dahabeah or dahabiah syl da+ha+bee+yah pron <2da:h*1bE*> pos n. dahabiah infl head dahabeah or dahabeeyah syl da+ha+bi+ah pron <2da:h*1bE*> pos n. dahabeah 0. syl da+ha+be:ah pron <2da:h*1bE*> pos n. def a houseboat used on the Nile. dahlia ety C19: named after Anders Dahl, 18th-century Swedish botanist; see -#7ia dahlia 1. syl dahl+ia pron <1dAlj*> pos n. def any herbaceous perennial plant of the Mexican genus having showy flowers and tuberous roots, esp. any horticultural variety derived from family (composites). dahlia 2. syl dahl+ia pron <1dAlj*> pos n. def the flower or root of any of these plants. Dahna 0. syl Dah+na pron <1da:xna:> pos n. def another name for {Rub` al Khali}. Dahomey 0. syl Da+ho+mey pron pos n. def the former name (until 1975) of {Benin}. D'ail 'Eireann ety from Irish d*'ail assembly (from Old Irish d*_al) +*'Eireann of Eire D'ail alt head D'ail 'Eireann or D'ail 'Eireann syl D*'ail pos n. D'ail 'Eireann 0. or D'ail syl D*'ail *'Ei+reann pron <1dcil> <1e*r*n> pos n. usage in the Republic of Ireland def the lower chamber of parliament. See also {Oireachtas}. dailies 0. syl dai+lies pron <1dAliz> pos n. mod pl. qual Films. def another word for {rushes}. daily ety Old English d@agl*_ic; see #7day, -#7ly daily 1. syl dai+ly pron <1dAli> pos adj. def of or occurring every day or every weekday. exam 1 a daily paper. dailies infl head daily syl dai+lies. pos n. mod pl. daily 2. syl dai+ly pron <1dAli> pos n. def a daily publication, esp. a newspaper. daily 3. syl dai+ly pron <1dAli> pos n. def Also called: {daily help}. another name for a {charwoman}. daily 4. syl dai+ly pron <1dAli> pos adv. def every day. daily 5. syl dai+ly pron <1dAli> pos adv. def constantly; often. daily double 0. syl dai+ly dou+ble pos n. qual Horse racing. def a single bet on the winners of two named races in any one day's racing. daimon 0. syl dai+mon pron <1dImon> pos n. def a variant spelling of {daemon} or { {demon} (sense 3)}. daimonic sub head daimon syl dai+1mon+ic pos adj. daimyo ety from Japanese, from Ancient Chinese d`*^ai mi*"ang great name daimio alt head daimyo or daimyo syl dai+mio pron <1dImjou> pos n. daimyo infl or daimio syl dai+myo pos n. mod pl. daimyos infl head daimyo or daimios syl dai+myos pos n. mod pl. daimio infl head daimyo or daimyo syl dai+mio pos n. mod pl. daimios infl head daimyo or daimyos syl dai+mios. pos n. mod pl. daimyo 0. or daimio syl dai+myo pron <1dImjou> pos n. usage in Japan def one of the territorial magnates who dominated much of the country from about the 10th to the 19th century. dainty ety C13: from Old French deinti*'e, from Latin dignit*_as #7dignity daintier infl head dainty syl dain+ti+er pos adj. daintiest infl head dainty syl dain+ti+est. pos adj. dainty 1. syl dain+ty pron <1dAnti> pos adj. def delicate or elegant. exam 1 a dainty teacup. dainty 2. syl dain+ty pron <1dAnti> pos adj. def pleasing to the taste; choice; delicious. exam 1 a dainty morsel. dainty 3. syl dain+ty pron <1dAnti> pos adj. def refined, esp. excessively genteel; fastidious. dainties infl head dainty syl dain+ties. pos n. mod pl. dainty 4. syl dain+ty pron <1dAnti> pos n. def a choice piece of food, esp. a small cake or sweet; delicacy. daintily sub head dainty syl dain+ti+ly pos adv. daintiness sub head dainty syl dain+ti+ness pos n. daiquiri ety C20: named after Daiquiri, rum-producing town in Cuba daiquiris infl head daiquiri syl dai+qui+ris. pos n. mod pl. daiquiri 0. syl dai+qui+ri pron <1dIkiri>, <1d@k-> pos n. qual Chiefly U.S. def an iced drink containing rum, lime juice, and syrup or sugar. Dairen 0. syl Dai+ren pron pos n. def a former name of {L*"u-ta}. dairy ety C13 daierie, from Old English d*_@age servant girl, one who kneads bread; see #7dough, lady dairies infl head dairy syl dair:ies. pos n. mod pl. dairy 1. syl dair:y pron <1de*ri> pos n. def a shop or company that supplies milk and milk products. dairy 2. syl dair:y pron <1de*ri> pos n. def a room or building where milk and cream are stored or made into butter and cheese. dairy 3.a. syl dair:y pron <1de*ri> pos n. usage modifier def of or relating to the production of milk and milk products. exam 1 dairy cattle. dairy 3.b. syl dair:y pron <1de*ri> pos n. usage in combination exam 1 a dairymaid; exam 2 a dairyman. dairying 0. syl dair:y+ing pron <1de*riiG> pos n. def the business of producing, processing, and selling dairy products. dairymen infl head dairyman syl dair:y+men. pos n. mod pl. dairyman 0. syl dair:y+man pron <1de*rim*n> pos n. def a male dairy worker. dais ety C13: from Old French deis, from Latin discus: #7discus dais 0. syl da:is pron <1dAis>, pos n. def a raised platform, usually at one end of a hall, used by speakers, etc. daisy ety Old English d@ages*_ege day's eye daisies infl head daisy syl dai+sies. pos n. mod pl. daisy 1. syl dai+sy pron <1dAzi> pos n. def a small low-growing European plant, having a rosette of leaves and flower heads of yellow central disc flowers and pinkish-white outer ray flowers: family (composites). daisy 2. syl dai+sy pron <1dAzi> pos n. def Also called: {oxeye daisy, marguerite, moon daisy}. a Eurasian composite plant, having flower heads with a yellow centre and white outer rays. daisy 3. syl dai+sy pron <1dAzi> pos n. def any of various other composite plants having conspicuous ray flowers, such as the Michaelmas daisy and Shasta daisy. daisy 4. syl dai+sy pron <1dAzi> pos n. qual Slang. def an excellent person or thing. pushing up the daisies 5. head daisy syl pushing up the daisies. def dead and buried. daisied sub head daisy syl dai+sied pos adj. daisy bush 0. syl dai+sy bush pos n. def any of various shrubs of the genus of Australia and New Zealand, with daisy-like flowers: family (composites). daisy chain 0. syl dai+sy chain pos n. def a garland made, esp. by children, by threading daisies together. daisycutter 0. syl dai:sy+cut:ter pron <1dAzi2k^t*> pos n. qual Cricket. def a ball bowled so that it rolls along the ground towards the batsman. dak 0. syl dak pron pos n. def a variant spelling of {dawk}. Dak 0. syl Dak. qual abbrev. for def Dakota. Dakar 0. syl Da+kar pron <1d@k*> pos n. def the capital and chief port of Senegal, on the SE side of Cape Verde peninsula. Pop.: 600000 (1970 est.). Dakin's solution ety C20: named after Henry D. Dakin (1880-1952), English chemist Dakin's solution 0. syl Da:kin's so+lu+tion pron <1dAkinz> pos n. def a dilute solution containing sodium hypochlorite and boric acid, used as an antiseptic in the treatment of wounds. Dakota 0. syl Da+ko+ta pron pos n. def a former territory of the U.S.: divided into the states of North Dakota and South Dakota in 1889. Dakotan sub head Dakota syl Da+1ko+tan pos adj. n. dal 1. syl dal pron pos n. def split grain, a common foodstuff in India; pulse. dal 2. syl dal pron pos n. def a variant spelling of {dhal}. 'Edouard infl head Daladier syl *'E:douard pron pos n. Daladier 0. syl Da:la:dier pron French pos n. def 1884-1970, French radical socialist statesman; premier of France (1933; 1934; 1938-40) and signatory of the Munich Pact (1938). Dalai Lama ety from Mongolian dalai ocean; see #7lama Dalai Lama 1. syl Da:lai La:ma pron <1d@lI> <1la:m*> pos n. usage until 1959 def the chief lama and ruler of Tibet. Dalai Lama 2. syl Da:lai La:ma pron <1d@lI> <1la:m*> pos n. def born 1935, the 14th holder of this office (1940), who fled to India (1959). dalasi ety from a Gambian native name dalasi 0. syl da+la+si pron pos n. def the standard monetary unit of Gambia, divided into 100 butats. dale ety Old English d@al; related to Old Frisian del, Old Norse dalr, Old High German tal valley dale 0. syl dale pron pos n. def an open valley, usually in an area of low hills. Dale 0. syl Dale pron pos n. def Sir {Hen@.ry Hal@.let}. 1875-1968, English physi?!ologist: shared a Nobel prize for medicine in 1936 with Otto Loewi for their work on the chemical transmission of nerve impulses. d'Alembert infl syl d'Alembert. the infl head Dales syl the. pos n. Dales 0. syl Dales pron pos n. mod pl. def short for the {Yorkshire Dales}. dalesmen infl head dalesman syl dales+men. pos n. mod pl. dalesman 0. syl dales+man pron <1dAlzm*n> pos n. def a person living in a dale, esp. in the dales of N England. daleth ety Hebrew daled alt head daleth or daleth syl da+led pron <1da:lid>, Hebrew <1dalet> pos n. daleth 0. or daled syl da+leth pron <1da:lid>, Hebrew <1dalet> pos n. def the fourth letter of the Hebrew alphabet (###800169) , transliterated as or, when final, th Earl of 1. head Dalhousie syl 9th Earl of def title of 1770-1838, British general; governor of the British colonies in Canada (1819-28). Dalhousie 2. syl Dal:hou:sie pron pos n. def his son, {1st Marquis and 10th Earl of}, title of 1812-60, British statesman: governor general of India (1848-56). Salvador infl head Dali syl Sal:va:dor pron <1s@lv*dc> pos n. Dali 0. syl Da:li pron <1da:li> pos n. def born 1904, Spanish surrealist painter. Luigi infl head Dallapiccola syl Lu:i:gi pron pos n. Dallapiccola 0. syl Dal:la:pic:co:la pron Italian <2dalla1pikkola> pos n. def 1904-75, Italian composer of twelve-tone music. His works include the opera (1944-48) and the ballet (1948). Dallas 0. syl Dal+las pron <1d@l*s> pos n. def a city in NE Texas, on the Trinity River: scene of the assassination of President John F. Kennedy (1963). Pop.: 815866 (1973 est.). dalliance 1. syl dal+li+ance pron <1d@li*ns> pos n. def waste of time in frivolous action or in dawdling. dalliance 2. syl dal+li+ance pron <1d@li*ns> pos n. def an archaic word for {flirtation}. dally ety C14: from Anglo-French dalier to gossip, of uncertain origin dallies infl head dally syl dal+lies pos vb. mod intr. dallying infl head dally syl dal+ly+ing pos vb. mod intr. dallied infl head dally syl dal+lied. pos vb. mod intr. dally 1. syl dal+ly pron <1d@li> pos vb. mod intr. def to waste time idly; dawdle. dally 2. syl dal+ly pron <1d@li> pos vb. mod intr. usage usually foll. by with def to deal frivolously. exam 1 to dally with someone's affections. dallier sub head dally syl dal+li+er pos n. Dalmatia 0. syl Dal+ma+tia pron pos n. def a region of W Yugoslavia, in Croatia along the Adriatic: mountainous, with many offshore islands. Dalmatian 1. syl Dal+ma+tian pron pos n. def Also called (esp. formerly): {carriage dog, coach dog}. a large breed of dog having a short smooth white coat with black or (in liver-spotted dalmatians) brown spots. Dalmatian 2. syl Dal+ma+tian pron pos n. def a native or inhabitant of Dalmatia. Dalmatian 3. syl Dal+ma+tian pron pos adj. def of or relating to Dalmatia or its inhabitants. dalmatic ety C15: from Late Latin dalmatica (vestis) Dalmatian (robe) (originally made of Dalmatian wool) dalmatic 1. syl dal+mat+ic pron pos n. def a wide-sleeved tunic-like vestment open at the sides, worn by deacons and bishops. dalmatic 2. syl dal+mat+ic pron pos n. def a similar robe worn by a king at his coronation. dal segno ety Italian, literally: from the sign dal segno 0. syl dal seg+no pron <1d@l> <1senj*u> pos adv. usage Music. of a piece of music def to be repeated from the point marked with a sign to the word Abbrev.: {D.S}. See also { {fine%3.}} dalton 0. syl dal+ton pron <1dc:lt*n> pos n. def another term for the {atomic mass unit}. John infl head Dalton syl John. pos n. Dalton 0. syl Dal:ton pron <1dc:lt*n> pos n. def 1766-1844, English chemist and physicist, who formulated the modern form of the atomic theory and the law of partial pressures for gases. He also gave the first accurate description of colour blindness, from which he suffered. daltonism ety C19: from French daltonisme, after J. D#7alton daltonism 0. syl dal+ton+ism pron <1dc:lt*2niz*m> pos n. def colour blindness, esp. the confusion of red and green. daltonic sub head daltonism syl dal+ton+ic pron pos adj. Dalton plan ety C20: named after Dalton, Massachusetts, where the plan was used in schools system alt head Dalton plan or Dalton plan syl sys+tem pos n. Dalton plan 0. or system syl Dal:ton plan pos n. def a system devised to encourage pupils to learn and develop at their own speed, using libraries and other sources to complete long assignments. Dalton's law ety C19: named after J. D#7alton Dalton's law 0. syl Dal:ton's law pos n. def the principle that the pressure exerted by a mixture of gases in a fixed volume is equal to the sum of the pressures that each gas would exert if it occupied the whole volume. Also called: {Dalton's law of partial pressures}. dam ety C12: probably from Middle Low German; compare Old Icelandic damma to block up dam H1.1. syl dam pron pos n. def a barrier of concrete, earth, etc., built across a river to create a body of water, as for a domestic water supply. dam H1.2. syl dam pron pos n. def a reservoir of water created by such a barrier. dam H1.3. syl dam pron pos n. def something that resembles or functions as a dam. dams infl head dam syl dams pos vb. damming infl head dam syl dam+ming pos vb. dammed infl head dam syl dammed. pos vb. dam H1.4. syl dam pron pos vb. mod tr. usage often foll. by up def to obstruct or restrict by or as if by a dam. dam ety C13: variant of #7dame dam H2.0. syl dam pron pos n. def the female parent of an animal, esp. of domestic livestock. dam H3.0. syl dam pron pos interj. adv. adv. adj. adj. def a variant spelling of { {damn} (senses 1-4)}; often used in combination, as in {damfool, damme, dammit}. Dam 0. syl Dam qual Danish def dam) ({Carl Peter) Hen@.rik} (#!h$enr$$g). 1895-1976, Danish biochemist who discovered vitamin K (1934): Nobel prize for medicine (1943). damage ety C14: from Old French, from Latin damnum injury, loss, fine damage 1. syl dam+age pron <1d@miJ> pos n. def injury or harm impairing the function or condition of a person or thing. damage 2. syl dam+age pron <1d@miJ> pos n. def loss of something desirable. damage 3. syl dam+age pron <1d@miJ> pos n. qual Informal. def cost; expense (esp. in the phrase {what's the damage}??) . damage 4. syl dam+age pron <1d@miJ> pos vb. mod tr. def to cause damage to. damage 5. syl dam+age pron <1d@miJ> pos vb. mod intr. def to suffer damage. damageable sub head damage syl dam+age+a:ble pos adj. damageability sub head damage syl dam+age+a:1bil+i:ty pos n. damager sub head damage syl dam+ag+er pos n. damagingly sub head damage syl dam+ag+ing+ly pos adv. damages 0. syl dam+ag:es pron <1d@miJiz> pos n. mod pl. qual Law. def money to be paid as compensation to a person for injury, loss, etc. daman ety from Arabic dam*_an Isr*_a'*_il sheep of Israel daman 0. syl dam+an pron <1d@m*n> pos n. def a rare name for the {hyrax}, esp. the Syrian rock hyrax. See also { {cony} (sense 2)}. Daman 1. syl Da+man pron pos n. def a region of W India: formerly a district of Portuguese India (1559-1961); part of the Union Territory of Goa, Daman, and Diu since 1961. Pop.: 38739 (1971). Area: 456 sq. km (176 sq. miles). Portuguese name: {Dam?~ao}. Daman 2. syl Da+man pron pos n. def the chief town of this region, on the coast. Pop.: 9194 (1960). Damanhur 0. syl Da+man+h*^ur pron <2da:m*n1hu*> pos n. def a city in NE Egypt, in the Nile delta. Pop.: 175900 (1974 est.). Damao 0. syl Da+m?~ao pron pos n. def the Portuguese name for {Daman}. damar 0. syl da+mar pron <1d@m*> pos n. def a variant spelling of {dammar}. Damaras infl head Damara or Damara syl Da+ma+ras pos n. mod pl. Damara infl or Damaras syl Da+ma+ra pos n. mod pl. Damara 1. syl Da+ma+ra pron pos n. def Also called: {Bergdama}. a member of a Negroid people of South West Africa. Damara 2. syl Da+ma+ra pron pos n. def the language of this people, belonging to the Khoisan family. Damaraland 0. syl Da+ma+ra+land pron pos n. def a plateau region of central South West Africa. Pop.: 64973 (1970). damascene ety C14: from Latin damasc*_enus of Damascus damascene 1. syl dam:a+scene pron <1d@m*2sEn>, <2d@m*1sEn> pos vb. mod tr. def to ornament (metal, esp. steel) by etching or by inlaying other metals, usually gold or silver. damascene 2. syl dam:a+scene pron <1d@m*2sEn>, <2d@m*1sEn> pos n. def a design or article produced by this process. {~} damascene 3. syl dam:a+scene pron <1d@m*2sEn>, <2d@m*1sEn> pos n. def of or relating to this process. Damascene 1. syl Dam:a+scene pron <1d@m*2sEn>, <2d@m*1sEn> pos adj. def of or relating to Damascus. Damascene 2. syl Dam:a+scene pron <1d@m*2sEn>, <2d@m*1sEn> pos n. def a native or inhabitant of Damascus. Damascene 3. syl Dam:a+scene pron <1d@m*2sEn>, <2d@m*1sEn> pos n. def a variety of domestic fancy pigeon with silvery plumage. Damascus 0. syl Da+mas+cus pron , <-1m@s-> pos n. def the capital of Syria, in the southwest: reputedly the oldest city in the world, having been inhabited continuously since before 1000 #7b.c. Pop.: 836668 (1970). Arabic names: {Dimashq, Esh Sham}. damask steel alt head Damascus steel or Damascus steel syl dam+ask steel pos n. Damascus steel 0. or damask steel syl Da+mas+cus steel pos n. def a hard flexible steel decorated with wavy markings and used for sword blades. damask ety C14: from Medieval Latin damascus, from Damascus, where this fabric was originally made damask 1.a. syl dam+ask pron <1d@m*sk> pos n. def a reversible fabric, usually silk or linen, with a pattern woven into it. It is used for table linen, curtains, etc. damask 1.b. syl dam+ask pron <1d@m*sk> pos n. def table linen made from this. damask 1.c. syl dam+ask pron <1d@m*sk> pos n. usage as modifier exam 1 a damask tablecloth. damask 2. syl dam+ask pron <1d@m*sk> pos n. def short for {Damascus steel}. damask 3. syl dam+ask pron <1d@m*sk> pos n. def the wavy markings on such steel. damask 4.a. syl dam+ask pron <1d@m*sk> pos n. def the greyish-pink colour of the damask rose. damask 4.b. syl dam+ask pron <1d@m*sk> pos as; adj. def . exam 1 damask wallpaper. damask 5. syl dam+ask pron <1d@m*sk> pos vb. mod tr. def another word for {damascene} (sense 1). damask rose ety C16: from Medieval Latin rosa damasc*_ena rose of Damascus damask rose 0. syl dam+ask rose pos n. def a rose, native to Asia and cultivated for its pink or red fragrant flowers, which are used to make the perfume attar. dame ety C13: from Old French, from Latin domina lady, mistress of a household dame 1. syl dame pron pos n. usage formerly def a woman of rank or dignity; lady. dame 2. syl dame pron pos n. def a nun who has taken the vows of her order, esp. a Benedictine. dame 3. syl dame pron pos n. qual Archaic, chiefly Brit. def a matronly or elderly woman. dame 4. syl dame pron pos n. qual Slang, chiefly U.S. def a woman. dame 5. syl dame pron pos n. def Also called: {pantomime dame}. the role of a comic old woman in a pantomime, usually played by a man. Dame 1. syl Dame pron pos n. usage in Britain def the title of a woman who has been awarded the Order of the British Empire or any of certain other orders of chivalry. Dame 2. syl Dame pron pos n. usage in Britain def the legal title of the wife or widow of a knight or baronet, placed before her name. exam 1 Dame Judith. dame school 0. syl dame school pos n. usage formerly def a small school, often in a village, usually run by an elderly lady teacher for children up to the age of 14. dame's rocket infl head dame's violet or damewort syl dame's rock+et pron <1dAm2wR:t> pos n. damewort infl head dame's violet or dame's rocket syl dame+wort pron <1dAm2wR:t> pos n. dame's violet 0. syl dame's vi:o+let pron <1dAm2wR:t> pos n. def a Eurasian cruciferous hairy perennial plant, cultivated in gardens for its mauve or white fragrant flowers. Joseph infl head Damien syl Jo:seph pron pos n. Damien 0. syl Da:mien pron French pos n. def known as 1840-89, Belgian Roman Catholic missionary to the leper colony at Molokai, Hawaii. Damietta 0. syl Dam:i+et+ta pron <2d@mi1et*> pos n. def a town in NE Egypt, in the Nile delta: important medieval commercial centre. Pop.: 110000 (1974 est.). Arabic name: {Dumyat}. dammar ety C17: from Malay damar resin damar infl head dammar or dammer syl da+mar pron <1d@m*> pos n. dammer infl head dammar or damar syl dam+mer pron <1d@m*> pos n. dammar 0. syl dam+mar pron <1d@m*> pos n. def any of various resins obtained from SE Asian trees, esp. of the genera (conifers) and (family : used for var?!nishes, lacquers, bases for oil paints, etc. damn ety C13: from Old French dampner, from Latin damn*_are to injure, condemn, from damnum loss, injury, penalty damn 1. syl damn pron pos interj. qual Slang. def an exclamation of annoyance (often in exclamatory phrases such as {damn it&! damn you&}! etc.). damn 2. syl damn pron pos interj. qual Informal. def an exclamation of surprise or pleasure (esp. in the exclamatory phrase {damn me&}!) . damn 3. syl damn pron pos adj. qual Slang. usage prenominal def deserving damnation; detestable. damn all 5. head damn syl damn all. qual Slang. def absolutely nothing. {~} damn 6. syl damn pron pos adv. def to condemn as bad, worthless, etc. damn 7. syl damn pron pos adv. def to curse. damn 8. syl damn pron pos adv. def to condemn to eternal damnation. damn 9. syl damn pron pos adv. usage often passive def to doom to ruin; cause to fail. exam 1 the venture was damned from the start. damn 10. syl damn pron pos adv. mod also; intr. def to prove (someone) guilty. exam 1 damning evidence. damn 11. syl damn pron pos adv. def to swear (at) using the word as near as damn it 12. head damn syl as near as damn it. qual Brit. informal. def as near as possible; very near. damn with faint praise 13. head damn syl damn with faint praise. def to praise so unenthusiastically that the effect is condemnation. damn 14. syl damn pron pos n. qual Slang. def something of negligible value; jot (esp. in the phrase {not worth a damn) }. not give a damn 15. head damn syl not give a damn. qual Informal. def to be unconcerned; not care. damnable 1. syl dam+na:ble pron <1d@mn*bL> pos adj. def execrable; detestable. damnable 2. syl dam+na:ble pron <1d@mn*bL> pos adj. def liable to or deserving damnation. damnableness sub head damnable or damnability syl dam+na:ble+ness pos n. damnability sub head damnable or damnableness syl dam+na:1bil+i:ty pos n. damnably sub head damnable syl dam+na:bly pos adv. damnation 1. syl dam+na+tion pron pos n. def the act of damning or state of being damned. damnation 2. syl dam+na+tion pron pos n. def a cause or instance of being damned. damnation 3. syl dam+na+tion pron pos interj. def an exclamation of anger, disappointment, etc. damnatory 0. syl dam+na+to:ry pron <1d@mn*t*ri>, <-tri> pos adj. def threatening or occasioning condemnation. damned 1.a. syl damned pron pos adj. def condemned to hell. damned 1.b. syl damned pron pos as; n. def . exam 1 the damned. damned 3. syl damned pron pos adv. adj. qual Slang. def used to indicate amazement, disavowal, or refusal (in such phrases as {I'll be damned} {damned if I care) }. damnedest 0. syl damned+est pron <1d@mdist> pos n. qual Informal. def utmost; best (esp. in the phrases {do} or {try one's damnedest) }. damnify ety C16: from Old French damnifier, ultimately from Latin damnum harm, + facere to make damnifies infl head damnify syl dam+ni+fies pos vb. mod tr. damnifying infl head damnify syl dam+ni+fy+ing pos vb. mod tr. damnified infl head damnify syl dam+ni+fied. pos vb. mod tr. damnify 0. syl dam+ni+fy pron <1d@mni2fI> pos vb. mod tr. qual Law. def to cause loss or damage to (a person); injure. damnification sub head damnify syl dam+ni+fi+1ca+tion pos n. Damocles 0. syl Dam:o:cles pron <1d@m*2klEz> pos n. qual Classical legend. def a sycophant forced by Dionysius, tyrant of Syracuse, to sit under a sword suspended by a hair to demonstrate that being a king was not the happy state Damocles had said it was. See also {Sword of Damocles}. &- {@!Dam@.o+#!cle@.an} Damodar 0. syl Dam:o+dar pron <1d@m*2da:> pos n. def a river in NE India, rising in Bihar and flowing east through West Bengal to the Hooghly River: the {Damodar Valley} is an important centre of heavy industry. damosel infl head damoiselle or damozel syl dam:o+sel pron <2d@m*1zel> pos n. damozel infl head damoiselle or damosel syl dam:o+zel pron <2d@m*1zel> pos n. damoiselle 0. syl dam:oi+selle pron <2d@m*1zel> pos n. def archaic spellings of {damsel}. Damon and Pythias 0. syl Da:mon and Pyth:i:as pron <1dAm*n> pos n. qual Classical legend. def two friends noted for their mutual loyalty. Damon offered himself as a hostage for Pythias, who was to be executed for treason by Dionysius of Syracuse. When Pythias returned to save his friend's life, he was pardoned. damp ety C14: from Middle Low German damp steam; related to Old High German demphen to cause to steam damp 1. syl damp pron pos adj. def slightly wet, as from dew, steam, etc. damp 2. syl damp pron pos adj. qual Archaic. def dejected. damp 3. syl damp pron pos n. def slight wetness; moisture; humid?!ity. damp 4. syl damp pron pos n. def rank air or poisonous gas, esp. in a mine. See also {firedamp}. damp 5. syl damp pron pos n. def a discouragement; damper. damp 6. syl damp pron pos n. qual Archaic. def dejection. damp 7. syl damp pron pos vb. mod tr. def to make slightly wet. damp 8. syl damp pron pos vb. mod tr. usage often foll. by down def to stifle or deaden. exam 1 to damp one's ardour. damp 9. syl damp pron pos vb. mod tr. usage often foll. by down def to reduce the flow of air to (a fire) to make it burn more slowly or to extinguish it. damp 10. syl damp pron pos vb. mod tr. qual Physics. def to reduce the amplitude of (an oscillation or wave). damp 11. syl damp pron pos vb. mod tr. qual Music. def to muffle (a vibrating string, as of a piano or guitar). dampish sub head damp syl damp+ish pos adj. damply sub head damp syl damp+ly pos adv. dampness sub head damp syl damp+ness pos n. dampcourse 0. syl damp+course pron <1d@mp2kc:s> pos n. def a horizontal layer of impervious material in a brick wall, fairly close to the ground, to stop moisture rising. Also called: {damp-proof course}. dampen 1. syl damp+en pron <1d@mp*n> pos vb. def to make or become damp. dampen 2. syl damp+en pron <1d@mp*n> pos vb. mod tr. def to stifle; deaden. dampener sub head dampen syl damp+en+er pos n. damper 1. syl damp+er pron <1d@mp*> pos n. def a person, event, or circumstance that depresses or discourages. damper 2. syl damp+er pron <1d@mp*> pos n. def a movable plate to regulate the draught in a stove or furnace flue. damper 3. syl damp+er pron <1d@mp*> pos n. def a device to reduce electronic, mechanical, acoustical, or aerodynamic oscillations in a system. damper 4. syl damp+er pron <1d@mp*> pos n. qual Music. def the pad in a piano or harpsichord that deadens the vibration of each string as its key is released. damper 5. syl damp+er pron <1d@mp*> pos n. qual Chiefly Austral. and N.Z. def any of various unleavened loaves and scones, typically cooked on an open fire. William infl head Dampier syl Wil:liam. pos n. Dampier 0. syl Dam:pi:er pron <1d@mpi*> pos n. def 1652-1715, English navigator, pirate, and writer: sailed around the world twice. damping off 0. syl damp+ing off pos n. def any of various similar diseases of plants, esp. the collapse and death of seedlings caused by the parasitic fungus and related fungi in conditions of excessive moisture. damp off 0. syl damp off pos vb. adv. mod intr. usage of plants, seedlings, shoots, etc. def to be affected by damping off. damsel ety C13: from Old French damoisele, from Vulgar Latin domnicella (unattested) young lady, from Latin domina mistress; see #7dame damsel 0. syl dam+sel pron <1d@mzL> pos n. qual Archaic or poetic. def a young unmarried woman; maiden. damselfish infl or damselfishes syl dam:sel+fish pos n. mod pl. damselfishes infl head damselfish or damselfish syl dam:sel+fish:es. pos n. mod pl. damselfish 0. syl dam:sel+fish pron <1d@mzL2fiS> pos n. def any small tropical percoid fish of the family having a brightly coloured deep compressed body. See also {anemone fish}. damselflies infl head damselfly syl dam:sel+flies. pos n. mod pl. damselfly 0. syl dam:sel+fly pron <1d@mzL2flI> pos n. def any insect of the suborder similar to but smaller than dragonflies and usually resting with the wings closed over the back: order damson ety C14: from Latin pr*_unum Damasc*_enum Damascus plum damson 1. syl dam+son pron <1d@mz*n> pos n. def a small rosaceous tree, (or cultivated for its blue-black edible plumlike fruit and probably derived from the bullace. See also { {plum%1} (sense 1)}. damson 2. syl dam+son pron <1d@mz*n> pos n. def the fruit of this tree. damson cheese 0. syl dam+son cheese pos n. def thick damson jam. dan ety C17: of unknown origin dan H1.0. syl dan pron pos n. def a small buoy used as a marker at sea. Also called: {dan buoy}. dan ety Japanese dan H2.1. syl dan pron pos n. qual Judo. def any one of the 12 black-belt grades of proficiency. dan H2.2. syl dan pron pos n. qual Judo. def a competitor entitled to dan grading. dan xref syl dan pron pos n. qual Judo. def Com?!pare {kyu}. Dan H1.0. syl Dan pron pos n. def an archaic title of honour, equivalent to or Dan H2.1.a. syl Dan pron pos n. qual Old Testament. def the fourth son of Jacob (Genesis 30:1-6). Dan H2.1.b. syl Dan pron pos n. qual Old Testament. def the tribe descended from him. Dan H2.2. syl Dan pron pos n. qual Old Testament. def a city in the northern territory of Canaan. Dan 1. syl Dan. qual abbrev. for:; Bible. def Daniel. Dan 2. syl Dan. qual abbrev. for: def Danish. Danae 0. syl Dan:a:*"e pron <1d@nA2E> pos n. qual Greek myth. def the mother of Perseus by Zeus, who came to her in prison as a shower of gold. Danaid infl head Danaides syl Da:na:id. pos n. mod sing. Danaides 0. syl Da:na:i:des pron pos n. mod pl. qual Greek myth. def the fifty daughters of Dana*"us. All but Hypermnestra murdered their bridegrooms and were punished in Hades by having to pour water perpetually into a jar with a hole in the bottom. Danaidean sub head Danaides syl Dan:a:id:e:an pron <2d@ni1idi*n>, <2d@ni*1dE*n> pos adj. Da Nang 0. syl Da Nang pron <1da:> <1n@G> pos n. def a port in central Vietnam, on the South China Sea. Pop.: 437668 (1971). Former name: {Tourane}. Danaus 0. syl Dan:a+*"us pron <1d@ni*s> pos n. qual Greek myth. def a king of Argos who told his fifty daughters, the Danaides, to kill their bridegrooms on their wedding night. dance ety C13: from Old French dancier dance 1. syl dance pron pos vb. mod intr. def to move the feet and body rhythmically, esp. in time to music. dance 2. syl dance pron pos vb. mod tr. def to perform (a particular dance). dance 3. syl dance pron pos vb. mod intr. def to skip or leap, as in joy, etc. dance 4. syl dance pron pos vb. def to move or cause to move in a light rhythmical way. dance attendance (on someone) 5. head dance syl dance attendance (on someone). def to attend (someone) solicitously or obsequiously. dance 6. syl dance pron pos n. def a series of rhythmical steps and movements, usually in time to music. dance 7. syl dance pron pos n. def an act of dancing. dance 8.a. syl dance pron pos n. def a social meeting arranged for dancing; ball. dance 8.b. syl dance pron pos n. usage as modifier exam 1 a dance hall. dance 9. syl dance pron pos n. def a piece of music in the rhythm of a particular dance form, such as a waltz. dance 10. syl dance pron pos n. def dancelike movements made by some insects and birds, esp. as part of a behaviour pattern. lead (someone) a dance 11. head dance syl lead (someone) a dance. qual Brit. informal. def to cause (someone) continued worry and exasperation; play up. dancer sub head dance syl danc+er pos n. dance of death 0. syl dance of death pos n. def a pictorial, literary, or musical representation, current esp. in the Middle Ages, of a dance in which living people, in order of social precedence, are led off to their graves, by a personification of death. Also called (French): {danse macabre}. dancette 0. syl dan+cette pron pos n. def another name for { {chevron} (senses 2, 4).} D and C 0. syl D and C pos n. qual Med. def dilation and curettage; a therapeutic or diagnostic procedure in obstetrics and gynaecology involving dilation of the cervix and curettage of the cavity of the uterus, as for abortion. dandelion ety C15: from Old French dent de lion, literally: tooth of a lion, referring to its leaves dandelion 1. syl dan+de+li:on pron <1d@ndi2lI*n> pos n. def a plant, native to Europe and Asia and naturalized as a weed in North America, having yellow rayed flowers and deeply notched basal leaves, which are used for salad or wine: family (composites). dandelion 2. syl dan+de+li:on pron <1d@ndi2lI*n> pos n. def any of several similar related plants. dander ety C19: changed from #7dandruff dander H1.1. syl dan+der pron <1d@nd*> pos n. def small particles or scales of hair or feathers. get one's 2. head dander or someone's dander up syl get one's qual Slang, chiefly U.S. def to become or cause to become annoyed or angry. dander ety C19: of unknown origin infl head dander syl ~ pos n. qual Scot. and northern Brit. dialect. dander H2.1. syl dan+der pron <1d@nd*> pos n. def a stroll. dander H2.2. syl dan+der pron <1d@nd*> pos vb. mod intr. def to stroll. Dandie Dinmont ety C19: named after a character who owned two terriers in Guy Mannering (1815), a novel by Sir Walter Scott Dandie Dinmont 0. syl Dan+die Din+mont pron <1d@ndi> <1dinmont> pos n. def a breed of small terrier with a long wiry coat and drooping ears. Also called: {Dandie Dinmont terrier}. dandifies infl head dandify syl dan+di+fies pos vb. mod tr. dandifying infl head dandify syl dan+di+fy+ing pos vb. mod tr. dandified infl head dandify syl dan+di+fied. pos vb. mod tr. dandify 0. syl dan+di+fy pron <1d@ndi2fI> pos vb. mod tr. def to dress like or cause to resemble a dandy. dandification sub head dandify syl dan+di+fi+1ca+tion pos n. dandiprat ety C16: of unknown origin dandiprat 1. syl dan+di+prat pron <1d@ndi2pr@t> pos n. def a small English coin minted in the 16th century. dandiprat 2.a. syl dan+di+prat pron <1d@ndi2pr@t> pos n. def a small boy. dandiprat 2.b. syl dan+di+prat pron <1d@ndi2pr@t> pos n. def an insignificant person. dandle ety C16: of uncertain origin dandle 1. syl dan+dle pron <1d@ndL> pos vb. mod tr. def to move (a young child, etc.) up and down (on the knee or in the arms). dandle 2. syl dan+dle pron <1d@ndL> pos vb. mod tr. def to pet; fondle. dandler sub head dandle syl dan+dler pos n. dandruff ety C16: dand- of unknown origin+ -ruff, probably from Middle English roufe scab, from Old Norse hr*_ufa dandriff alt head dandruff or dandruff syl dan+driff pron <1d@ndrif> pos n. dandruff 0. or dandriff syl dan+druff pron <1d@ndr*f> pos n. def loose scales of dry dead skin shed from the scalp. dandruffy sub head dandruff or dandriffy syl dan+druff:y pos adj. dandriffy sub head dandruff or dandruffy syl dan+driff:y pos adj. dandy ety C18: perhaps short for {#7jack -#7a -#7dandy } dandies infl head dandy syl dan+dies. pos n. mod pl. dandy 1. syl dan+dy pron <1d@ndi> pos n. def a man greatly concerned with smartness of dress; beau. dandy 2. syl dan+dy pron <1d@ndi> pos n. def a yawl or ketch. dandier infl head dandy syl dan+di+er pos adj. dandiest infl head dandy syl dan+di+est. pos adj. dandy 3. syl dan+dy pron <1d@ndi> pos adj. qual Informal. def very good or fine. dandily sub head dandy syl dan+di+ly pos adv. dandyish sub head dandy syl dan+dy+ish pos adj. dandyism sub head dandy syl dan+dy+ism pos n. dandy-brush 0. syl dan:dy-brush pos n. def a stiff brush used for grooming a horse. dandy roller alt head dandy roll or dandy roll syl dan+dy roll+er pos n. dandy roll 0. or dandy roller syl dan+dy roll pos n. def a light roller used in the manufacture of certain papers to produce watermarks. Dane 1. syl Dane pron pos n. def a native, citizen, or inhabitant of Denmark. Dane 2. syl Dane pron pos n. def any of the Vikings who invaded England from the late 8th to the 11th century #7a.d.. Danegeld ety C11: from Dan Dane+ geld tribute; see #7yield Danegelt alt head Danegeld or Danegeld syl Dane+gelt pron <1dAn2gelt> pos n. Danegeld 0. or Danegelt syl Dane+geld pron <1dAn2geld> pos n. def the tax first levied in the late 9th century in Anglo-Saxon England to provide protection money for or to finance forces to oppose Viking invaders. Danelaw ety Old English Dena lagu Danes' law; term revived in the 19th century Danelagh alt head Danelaw or Danelaw syl Dane+lagh pron <1dAn2lc:> pos n. Danelaw 0. or Danelagh syl Dane+law pron <1dAn2lc:> pos n. def the northern, central and eastern parts of Anglo-Saxon England in which Danish law and custom were observed. danewort 0. syl dane+wort pron <1dAn2wR:t> pos n. def a caprifoliaceous shrub, native to Europe and Asia and having serrated leaves and white flowers. See also {{elder%2}}. dang 0. syl dang pron pos interj. adv. adj. def a euphemistic word for { {damn} (senses 1-4)}. danger ety C13 daunger power, hence power to inflict injury, from Old French dongier (from Latin dominium ownership) blended with Old French dam injury, from Latin damnum danger 1. syl dan+ger pron <1dAnJ*> pos n. def the state of being vulnerable to injury, loss, or evil; risk. danger 2. syl dan+ger pron <1dAnJ*> pos n. def a person or thing, that may cause injury, pain, etc. danger 3. syl dan+ger pron <1dAnJ*> pos n. qual Obsolete. def power. in danger of 4. head danger syl in danger of. def liable to. on the danger list 5. head danger syl on the danger list. def critically ill in hospital. dangerless sub head danger syl dan+ger+less pos adj. danger money 0. syl dan+ger mon+ey pos n. def extra money paid to compensate for the risks involved in certain dangerous jobs. dangerous 0. syl dan+ger+ous pron <1dAnJ*r*s> pos adj. def causing danger; perilous. dangerously sub head dangerous syl dan+ger+ous+ly pos adv. dangerousness sub head dangerous syl dan+ger+ous+ness pos n. dangle ety C16: perhaps from Danish dangle, probably of imitative origin dangle 1. syl dan+gle pron <1d@GgL> pos vb. def to hang or cause to hang freely. exam 1 his legs dangled over the wall. dangle 2. syl dan+gle pron <1d@GgL> pos vb. mod tr. def to display as an enticement. exam 1 the hope of a legacy was dangled before her. dangle 3. syl dan+gle pron <1d@GgL> pos n. def the act of dangling or something that dangles. dangler sub head dangle syl dan+gler pos n. danglingly sub head dangle syl dan+gling+ly pos adv. dangling participle 0. syl dan+gling par+ti+ci+ple pos n. qual Grammar. def another name (esp. U.S.) for {misplaced modifier}. Daniel ety sense 2: referring to Daniel in the Apochryphal Book of Susanna Daniel 1.a. syl Dan:iel pron <1d@nj*l> pos n. def a youth who was taken into the household of Nebuchadnezzar, received guidance and apocalyptic visions from God, and was given divine protection when thrown into the lions' den. Daniel 1.b. syl Dan:iel pron <1d@nj*l> pos n. def the book that recounts these experiences and visions, (in full {The Book of the Prophet Daniel}) . Daniel 2. syl Dan:iel pron <1d@nj*l> pos n. usage often preceded by a def a wise upright person. Daniell cell ety C19: named after John Daniell (1790-1845), English scientist Daniell cell 0. syl Dan:iell cell pron <1d@nj*l> pos n. qual Physics. def a type of cell having a zinc anode in dilute sulphuric acid separated by a porous barrier from a copper cathode in copper sulphate solution. It has an emf of 1.1 volts. danio ety C19: from New Latin, of obscure origin danios infl head danio syl dan:i:os. pos n. mod pl. danio 0. syl dan:i:o pron <1dAni2*u> pos n. def any brightly coloured tropical freshwater cyprinid fish of the genus and related genera: popular aquarium fishes. Danish 1. syl Dan+ish pron <1dAniS> pos adj. def of, relating to, or characteristic of Denmark, its people, or their language. Danish 2. syl Dan+ish pron <1dAniS> pos n. def the official language of Denmark, belonging to the North Germanic branch of the Indo-European family. the Danish 3. head Danish syl the Danish. mod functioning as; pl. def the people of Denmark collectively. Danish blue 0. syl Dan+ish blue pos n. def a strong-tasting white cheese with blue veins. Danish loaf 0. syl Dan+ish loaf pos n. qual Brit. def a large white loaf with a centre split having the top crust dusted with flour, esp. one baked on the sole of the oven. Danish pastry 0. syl Dan+ish pas+try pos n. def a rich flaky pastry filled with apple, almond paste, icing, etc. Danish West Indies 0. syl Dan+ish West In+dies pos n. mod pl. def the former possession of Denmark in the W Lesser Antilles, sold to the U.S. in 1917 and since then named the {Virgin Islands of the United States}. dank ety C14: probably of Scandinavian origin; compare Swedish dank marshy spot dank 0. syl dank pron pos adj. usage esp. of cellars, caves, etc. def unpleasantly damp and chilly. dankly sub head dank syl dank+ly pos adv. dankness sub head dank syl dank+ness pos n. Danmark 0. syl Dan+mark pron <1dan2marg> pos n. def the Danish name for {Denmark}. Gabriele infl head D'Annunzio syl Ga:bri:e:le pron <2gabri1e:lA> pos n. D'Annunzio 0. syl D'An:nun:zio pron Italian pos n. def 1863-1938, Italian poet, dramatist, novelist, war hero, and leading Fascist. His works include the poems in (1904) and the drama (1904). danny ety probably from dandy, childish pronunciation of #7hand donny alt head danny or danny syl don+ny pos n. dannies infl head danny syl dan+nies. pos n. mod pl. danny 0. or donny syl dan+ny pron <1d@ni> pos n. qual Brit. dialect. def the hand (used esp. when addressing children). Dano-Norwegian 0. syl Da:no-Nor:we:gian pron <2dAn*unc:1wEJ*n> pos n. def another name for {Bokm*%al}. danse macabre 0. syl danse ma+cabre pron French. pos n. def another name for {dance of death}. danseuse alt head danseur or danseur syl dan+seuse pron pos n. mod fem. danseur 0. or danseuse syl dan+seur pron French. pos n. def a ballet dancer. Dante 0. syl Dan:te pron <1d@nti>, <1da:ntA>, Italian <1dantA> pos n. def full name {Dan@.te A@.li@.ghie@.ri} ali#!gj$e$:ri). 1265-1321, Italian poet famous for (??1309-??1320), an allegorical account of his journey through Hell, Purgatory, and Paradise, guided by Virgil and his idealized love Beatrice. His other works include (??1292), in which he celebrates his love for Beatrice. Dantean sub head Dante or Dantesque syl Dan+te:an pron <1d@nti*n>, pos adj. Dantesque sub head Dante or Dantean syl Dan+tesque pron pos adj. Georges Jacques infl head Danton syl Georges Jacques pron <1Zak> pos n. Danton 0. syl Dan:ton pron <1d@nt*n>, French pos n. def 1759-94, French revolutionary leader: a founder member of the Committee of Public Safety (1793) and minister of justice (1792-94). He was overthrown by Robespierre and guillotined. Danube 0. syl Dan+ube pron <1d@nju:b> pos n. def a river in central and SE Europe, rising in the Black Forest in West Germany and flowing to the Black Sea. Length: 2859 km (1776 miles). German name: {Donau}. Czech name: {Dunaj}. Hungarian name: {Duna}. Serbo-Croat name: {Dunav}. Rumanian name: {Dun*varea}. Danubian sub head Danube syl Dan:u+bi:an pron pos adj. Danzig 1. syl Dan+zig pron <1d@nsig>, German <1dantsi*,c> pos n. def the German name for {Gda*'nsk}. Danzig 2. syl Dan+zig pron <1d@nsig>, German <1dantsi*,c> pos n. def a rare variety of domestic fancy pigeon originating in this area. dap ety C17: of imitative origin daps infl head dap syl daps pos vb. dapping infl head dap syl dap+ping pos vb. dapped infl head dap syl dapped. pos vb. dap H1.1. syl dap pron pos vb. qual Angling. def to let (bait) float on the water. dap H1.2. syl dap pron pos vb. mod intr. usage as of a bird, etc. def to dip lightly into water. dap H1.3. syl dap pron pos vb. def to bounce or cause to bounce. dap ety C20: probably special use of #7dap %1 (in the sense: to bounce, skip) dap H2.0. syl dap pron pos n. qual Southwest Brit. dialect. def another word for {plimsoll}. daphne ety via Latin from Greek: laurel daphne 0. syl daph:ne pron <1d@fni> pos n. def any shrub of the Eurasian thym?!elaeaceous genus such as the mezereon and spurge laurel: ornamentals with shiny evergreen leaves and clusters of small bell-shaped flowers. See also { {laurel} (sense 4)}. Daphne 0. syl Daph:ne pron <1d@fni> pos n. qual Greek myth. def a nymph who was saved from the amorous attentions of Apollo by being changed into a laurel tree. daphnia ety C19: from New Latin, probably from D#7aphne daphnia 0. syl daph+ni:a pron <1d@fni*> pos n. def any water flea of the genus having a rounded body enclosed in a transparent shell and bearing branched swimming antennae. Daphnis 0. syl Daph:nis pron <1d@fnis> pos n. qual Greek myth. def a Sicilian shepherd, the son of Hermes and a nymph, who was regarded as the inventor of pastoral poetry. Daphnis and Chloe 0. syl Daph:nis and Chlo:e pos n. def two lovers in pastoral literature, esp. in a prose idyll attributed to the Greek writer Longus. dapper ety C15: from Middle Dutch: active, nimble dapper 1. syl dap+per pron <1d@p*> pos adj. def neat and spruce in dress and bearing; trim. dapper 2. syl dap+per pron <1d@p*> pos adj. def small and nimble. dapperly sub head dapper syl dap+per+ly pos adv. dapperness sub head dapper syl dap+per+ness pos n. dapple ety C14: of unknown origin dapple 1. syl dap+ple pron <1d@pL> pos vb. def to mark or become marked with spots or patches of a different colour; mottle. dapple 2. syl dap+ple pron <1d@pL> pos n. def mottled or spotted markings. dapple 3. syl dap+ple pron <1d@pL> pos n. def a dappled horse, etc. dapple 4. syl dap+ple pron <1d@pL> pos adj. def marked with dapples or spots. dapple-grey 0. syl dap:ple-grey pos n. def a horse with a grey coat having spots of darker colour. Dapsang 0. syl Dap+sang pron pos n. def another name for {K2}. daraf ety C20: reverse spelling of #7farad daraf 0. syl dar+af pron <1d@r*f> pos n. qual Physics. def a unit of elastance equal to a recip?!rocal farad. darbies ety C16: perhaps from the phrase Father Derby's or Father Darby's bonds, a rigid agreement between a usurer and his client darbies 0. syl dar+bies pron <1da:biz> pos n. mod pl. qual Brit. def a slang term for {handcuffs}. Madame infl head d'Arblay syl Mad:ame. pos n. d'Arblay 0. syl d'Ar:blay pron <1da:blA> pos n. def married name of (Fanny) {Burney}. Darby and Joan ety C18: a couple in an 18th-century English ballad Darby and Joan 1. syl Dar:by and Joan pron <1da:bi> pos n. def an ideal elderly married couple living in domestic harmony. Darby and Joan Club 2. head Darby and Joan syl Darby and Joan Club. def a club for elderly people. dard 0. syl dard pron pos n. def a member of any of the Indo-European peoples speaking a Dardic language. Dardanian alt head Dardan or Dardan syl Dar+da+ni:an pron pos n. Dardan 0. or Dardanian syl Dar+dan pron <1da:dN> pos n. def another name for a {Trojan}. Dardanelles 0. syl Dar+da+nelles pron <2da:d*1nelz> pos n. def the strait between the Aegean and the Sea of Marmara, separating European from Asian Turkey. Ancient name: {Hellespont}. Dardanus 0. syl Dar+da+nus pron <1da:d*n*s> pos n. qual Classical myth. def the son of Zeus and Electra who founded the royal house of Troy. Dardic 1. syl Dar+dic pron <1da:dik> pos adj. def belonging or relating to a group of languages spoken in Kashmir, N Pakistan, and E Afghanistan, regarded as a subbranch of the Indic branch of the Indo-European family but showing certain Iranian characteristics. Dardic 2. syl Dar+dic pron <1da:dik> pos n. def this group of languages. dare ety Old English durran; related to Old High German turran to venture; see #7durst dare 1. syl dare pron pos vb. mod tr. def to challenge (a person to do something) as proof of courage. dare 2. syl dare pron pos vb. usage can take an infinitive with or without to def to be courageous enough to try (to do something). exam 1 she dares to dress differently from the others; exam 2 you wouldn't dare&! dare 3. syl dare pron pos vb. mod tr. qual Rare. def to oppose without fear; defy. I dare say 4. head dare syl I dare say. def Also: {I daresay}. dare 4.a. syl dare pron pos vb. usage it is def quite possible (that). dare 4.b. syl dare pron pos vb. def probably: used as sentence substitute. dare 5. syl dare pron pos n. def a challenge to do something as proof of courage. dare 6. syl dare pron pos n. def something done in response to such a challenge. darer sub head dare syl dar+er pos n. daredevil 1. syl dare+dev:il pron <1de*2devL> pos n. def a recklessly bold person. daredevil 2. syl dare+dev:il pron <1de*2devL> pos adj. def reckless; daring; bold. daredevilry sub head daredevil or daredeviltry syl dare+2dev:il+ry pos n. daredeviltry sub head daredevil or daredevilry syl dare+2dev:il+try pos n. Dar es Salaam 0. syl Dar es Sa+laam pron <1da:r> pos n. def the capital and chief port of Tanzania, on the Indian Ocean: capital of German East Africa (1891-1916); university (1963). Pop.: 517000 (1975 est.). Darfur 0. syl Dar+fur pron pos n. def a province of the W Sudan since 1916; an independent kingdom until conquered by Egypt in 1874. Capital: El Fasher. Pop.: 1838707 (1973). Area: 496373 sq. km (191650 sq. miles). darg ety C15: formed by syncope from day-work darg 1. syl darg pron pos n. qual Northern Brit. dialect. def a day's work. darg 2. syl darg pron pos n. qual Austral. def a specified amount of work; job. dargah ety Persian durgah alt head dargah or dargah syl dur+gah pron <1dR:ga:> pos n. dargah 0. or durgah syl dar+gah pron <1dR:ga:> pos n. def the tomb of a Muslim saint; a Muslim shrine. daric ety C16: from Greek Dareikos, probably after Darius I of Persia daric 0. syl dar+ic pron <1d@rik> pos n. def a gold coin of ancient Persia. Compare {siglos}. Darien 1. syl Dar:i+en pron <1de*ri*n>, <1d@-> pos n. def the E part of the Isthmus of Panama, between the {Gulf of Darien} on the Caribbean coast and the Gulf of San Miguel on the Pacific coast; chiefly within the republic of Panama but extending also into Colombia. Isthmus of 2. head Darien syl Isthmus of. def the former name of the Isthmus of {Panama}. Spanish name: {Da+ri*'en} (da#!rjen). daring 1. syl dar+ing pron <1de*riG> pos adj. def bold or adventurous; reckless. daring 2. syl dar+ing pron <1de*riG> pos n. def courage in taking risks; boldness. daringly sub head daring syl dar+ing+ly pos adv. Rub'en infl head Dario syl Ru:b*'en pron pos n. Dario 0. syl Da:ri:o pron Spanish pos n. def pen name of 1867-1916, Nicaraguan poet whose poetry includes (1896). dariole ety C14: from Old French dariole 0. syl dar:i+ole pron <1d@ri2*ul> pos n. def a small narrow mould used for making individual sweet or savoury dishes. Also called: {dariole mould}. Darius I 0. syl Da:ri:us I pron pos n. def called surname ??550-486 #7b.c., king of Persia (521-486), who extended the Persian empire and crushed the revolt of the Ionian city states (500). He led two expeditions against Greece but was defeated at Marathon (490). Darius III 0. syl Da:ri:us III pos n. def died 330 #7b.c., last Achaemenid king of Persia (336-330), who was defeated by Alexander the Great. Darjeeling 1. syl Dar+jee+ling pron pos n. def a town in NE India, in West Bengal in the Himalayas, at an altitude of about 2250 m (7500 ft.). Pop.: 42873 (1971). Darjeeling 2. syl Dar+jee+ling pron pos n. def a high-quality black tea grown in the mountains around Darjeeling. dark ety Old English deorc; related to Old High German terchennen to hide dark 1. syl dark pron pos adj. def having little or no light. exam 1 a dark street. dark 2. syl dark pron pos adj. usage of a colour def reflecting or transmitting little light. exam 1 dark brown. dark 3.a. syl dark pron pos adj. usage of complexion, hair colour, etc. def not fair or blond; swarthy; brunette. dark 3.b. syl dark pron pos adj. usage in combination exam 1 dark-eyed. dark 4. syl dark pron pos adj. def gloomy or dismal. dark 5. syl dark pron pos adj. def sinister; evil. exam 1 a dark purpose. dark 6. syl dark pron pos adj. def sullen or angry. exam 1 a dark scowl. dark 7. syl dark pron pos adj. def ignorant or unenlightened. exam 1 a dark period in our history. dark 8. syl dark pron pos adj. def secret or mysterious. exam 1 keep it dark. dark 9. syl dark pron pos adj. qual Phonetics. def denoting an (1) pro?!nounced with a velar articulation giving back vowel resonance. In English, is usually dark when final or preconsonantal. Compare { {light%1} (sense 28)}. dark 10. syl dark pron pos n. def absence of light; darkness. dark 11. syl dark pron pos n. def night or nightfall. dark 12. syl dark pron pos n. def a dark place, patch, or shadow. dark 13. syl dark pron pos n. def a state of ignorance (esp. in the phrase {in the dark) }. dark 14. syl dark pron pos vb. def an archaic word for {darken}. darkish sub head dark syl dark+ish pos adj. darkly sub head dark syl dark+ly pos adv. darkness sub head dark syl dark+ness pos n. Dark Ages 1. syl Dark Ag:es pos n. qual European history. def the period from about the late 5th century #7a.d. to about 1000 #7a.d., once considered an unenlightened period. Dark Ages 2. syl Dark Ag:es pos n. qual European history. usage occasionally def the whole medieval period. the infl head Dark Continent syl the. pos n. Dark Continent 0. syl Dark Con+ti+nent pos n. def a term for Africa when it was relatively unexplored. darken 1. syl dark+en pron <1da:k*n> pos vb. def to make or become dark or darker. darken 2. syl dark+en pron <1da:k*n> pos vb. def to make or become gloomy, angry, or sad. exam 1 his mood darkened. darken (someone's) door 3. head darken syl darken (someone's) door. usage usually used with a negative def to visit someone. exam 1 never darken my door again&! darkener sub head darken syl dark+en+er pos n. dark-field illumination 0. syl dark-field il+lu+mi+na+tion pos n. def illumination of the field of a microscope from the side so that the specimen is viewed against a dark background. dark-field microscope 0. syl dark-field mic:ro+scope pos n. def another name for an {ultramicro?!scope}. dark glasses 0. syl dark glass:es pos n. def spectacles with lenses tinted to reduce transmitted light. dark horse 1. syl dark horse pos n. def a competitor in a race or contest about whom little is known; an unknown. dark horse 2. syl dark horse pos n. def a person who reveals little about himself or his activities, esp. one who has unexpected talents or abilities. dark horse 3. syl dark horse pos n. qual U.S. politics. def a candidate who is unexpectedly nominated or elected. dark lantern 0. syl dark lan+tern pos n. def a lantern having a sliding shutter or panel to dim or hide the light. darkle ety C19: back formation from #7darkling darkle 1. syl dar+kle pron <1da:kL> pos vb. qual Archaic or literary. def to grow dark; darken. darkle 2. syl dar+kle pron <1da:kL> pos vb. qual Archaic or literary. def to appear dark or indistinct. darkling ety C15: from #7dark+ {-#7ling %2} darkling 0. syl dark+ling pron <1da:kliG> pos adv. adj. qual Poetic. def in the dark or night. dark reaction 0. syl dark re+ac+tion pos n. qual Botany. def the stage of photosynthesis involving the reduction of carbon dioxide and the dissociation of water, using chemical energy stored in ATP: does not require the presence of light. Compare {light reaction}. darkroom 0. syl dark+room pron <1da:k2ru:m>, <-2rum> pos n. def a room in which photographs are processed in darkness or safe light. darksome 0. syl dark+some pron <1da:ks*m> pos adj. qual Literary. def dark or darkish. dark star 0. syl dark star pos n. def an invisible star known to exist only from observation of its radio, infrared, or other spectrum or of its gravitational effect, such as an invisible component of a binary or multiple star. darkie infl head darky or darkey syl dark:ie pron <1da:ki> pos n. darkey infl head darky or darkie syl dark+ey pron <1da:ki> pos n. darkies infl head darky or darkeys syl dark:ies pos n. mod pl. darkeys infl head darky or darkies syl dark+eys. pos n. mod pl. darky 1. syl dark:y pron <1da:ki> pos n. qual Informal. def an offensive word for a Negro. darky 2. syl dark:y pron <1da:ki> pos n. qual Informal.; Austral. def an offensive word for an Aborigine. Jean Louis Xavier Francois infl head Darlan syl Jean Louis Xa:vier Fran:*,cois pron , pos n. Darlan 0. syl Dar:lan pron French , pos n. def 1881-1942, French admiral and member of the Vichy government. He cooperated with the Allies after their invasion of North Africa; assassinated. darling ety Old English d*_eorling; see {#7dear#7, -#7ling %1} darling 1. syl dar+ling pron <1da:liG> pos n. def a person very much loved: often used as a term of address. darling 2. syl dar+ling pron <1da:liG> pos n. def a favourite. exam 1 the teacher's darling. darling 3. syl dar+ling pron <1da:liG> pos adj. usage prenominal def beloved. darling 4. syl dar+ling pron <1da:liG> pos adj. usage prenominal def much admired; pleasing. exam 1 a darling hat. Grace infl head Darling syl Grace. pos n. Darling 0. syl Dar:ling pron <1da:liG> pos n. def 1815-42, English national heroine, famous for her rescue (1838) of some shipwrecked sailors with her father, a lighthouse keeper. Darling Downs 0. syl Dar+ling Downs pos n. def a plateau in NE Australia, in SE Queensland: a vast agricultural and stock-raising area. Darling Range 0. syl Dar+ling Range pos n. def a ridge in SW Western Australia, parallel to the coast. Highest point: about 573 m (1910 ft.). Darling River 0. syl Dar+ling Riv+er pos n. def a river in SE Australia, rising in the Eastern Highlands and flowing southwest to the Murray River. Length: 2740 km (1702 miles). Darlington 0. syl Dar+ling+ton pron <1da:liGt*n> pos n. def an industrial town in NE England in@T S@T Durham: @T developed@T mainly@T with@T the@T opening@T of@T the Stockton-Darlington railway (1825). Pop.: 85889 (1971). Darmstadt 0. syl Darm+stadt pron <1da:mst@t>, German <1darm2Stat> pos n. def an industrial city in central West Germany, in Hesse: former capital of the grand duchy of Hesse-Darmstadt (1567-1945). Pop.: 140509 (1974 est.). darn ety C16: probably from French (Channel Islands dialect) darner; compare Welsh, Breton darn piece darn H1.1. syl darn pron pos vb. def to mend (a hole or a garment) with a series of crossing or interwoven stitches. darn H1.2. syl darn pron pos n. def a patch of darned work on a garment. darn H1.3. syl darn pron pos n. def the process or act of darning. darner sub head darn syl darn+er pos n. darn H2.0. syl darn pron pos interj. adj. adj. adv. adv. n. n. def a euphemistic word for {damn} (senses 1-4, 12). darned 2. syl darned pron pos adj. qual Slang. def another word for { {damned} (senses 2, 3)}. darnel ety C14: probably related to French (Walloon dialect) darnelle, of obscure origin darnel 0. syl dar+nel pron <1da:nL> pos n. def any of several grasses of the genus esp. that grow as weeds in grain fields in Europe and Asia. mushroom alt head darning egg or darning egg syl mush+room pos n. darning egg 0. or mushroom syl darn+ing egg pos n. def a rounded piece of wood used in darning to support the fabric around the hole. darning needle 1. syl darn+ing nee+dle pos n. def a long needle with a large eye used for darning. darning needle 2. syl darn+ing nee+dle pos n. qual U.S. def a dialect name for a {dragonfly}. Lord infl head Darnley syl Lord. pos n. Darnley 0. syl Darn:ley pron <1da:nli> pos n. def title of (or 1545-67, Scottish nobleman; second husband of Mary Queen of Scots and father of James I of England. After murdering his wife's secretary, Rizzio (1566), he was himself assassinated (1567). darogha ety Urdu darogha 1. syl da+ro+gha pron pos n. usage in India and Pakistan def a manager. darogha 2. syl da+ro+gha pron pos n. usage in India and Pakistan def an inspector. dart ety C14: from Old French, of Germanic origin; related to Old English daroth spear, Old High German tart dart dart 1. syl dart pron pos n. def a small narrow pointed missile that is thrown or shot, as in the game of darts. dart 2. syl dart pron pos n. def a sudden quick movement. dart 3. syl dart pron pos n. qual Zoology. def a slender pointed structure, as in snails for aiding copulation or in nematodes for penetrating the host's tissues. dart 4. syl dart pron pos n. def a tapered tuck made in dressmaking. dart 5. syl dart pron pos vb. def to move or throw swiftly and suddenly; shoot. exam 1 she darted across the room. dartingly sub head dart syl dart+ing+ly pos adv. dartboard 0. syl dart+board pron <1da:t2bc:d> pos n. def a circular piece of wood, cork, etc., used as the target in the game of darts. It is divided into numbered sectors with central inner and outer bullseyes. darter 1. syl dart+er pron <1da:t*> pos n. def Also called: {anhinga, snakebird}. any aquatic bird of the genus and family of tropical and subtropical inland waters, having a long slender neck and bill: order (pelicans, cormorants, etc.). darter 2. syl dart+er pron <1da:t*> pos n. def any small brightly coloured North American freshwater fish of the genus and related genera: family (perches). Dartford 0. syl Dart+ford pron <1da:tf*d> pos n. def a town in SE England, in NW Kent. Pop.: 45670 (1971). Dartmoor 1. syl Dart+moor pron <1da:t2mu*> pos n. def a moorland plateau in SW England, in SW Devon: a national park since 1951. Area: 945 sq. km (365 sq. miles). Dartmoor 2. syl Dart+moor pron <1da:t2mu*> pos n. def a prison in SW England, on Dartmoor: England's main prison for long-term convicts. Dartmoor 3. syl Dart+moor pron <1da:t2mu*> pos n. def a small strong breed of pony, originally from Dartmoor. Dartmoor 4. syl Dart+moor pron <1da:t2mu*> pos n. def a hardy coarse-wooled breed of sheep, originally from Dartmoor. Dartmouth 1. syl Dart+mouth pron <1da:tm*T> pos n. def a port in SW England, in S Devon: Royal Naval College (1905). Pop.: 5696 (1971). Dartmouth 2. syl Dart+mouth pron <1da:tm*T> pos n. def a city in SE Canada, in S Nova Scotia, on Halifax Harbour: oil refineries and shipyards. Pop.: 64770 (1971). darts 0. syl darts pron pos n. def any of various competitive games in which darts are thrown at a dartboard. Darwin H1.0. syl Dar+win pron <1da:win> pos n. def a port in N Australia, capital of the Northern Territory: destroyed by a cyclone in 1974 but rebuilt on the same site. Pop.: 35281 (1971). Former name (1869-1911): {Palmerston}. Charles (Robert) 1. head Darwin syl Charles (Robert) . def 1809-82, English naturalist who formulated the theory of evolution by natural selection, expounded in (1859) and applied to man in (1871). Erasmus 2. head Darwin syl E:ras:mus def grandfather of Charles Darwin. 1731-1802, English physician and poet; author of (1794-96), anticipating Lamarck's views on evolution. Darwin H2.3. syl Dar:win pron <1da:win> pos n. def Sir {George How@.ard}, son of Charles Darwin. 1845-1912, English astronomer and mathematician noted for his work on tidal friction. Darwinian 1. syl Dar+win+i:an pron pos adj. def of or relating to Charles Darwin or his theory of evolution. Darwinian 2. syl Dar+win+i:an pron pos n. def a person who accepts, supports, or uses this theory. Darwinian theory alt head Darwinism or Darwinism syl Dar+win+i:an the:o+ry pos n. Darwinism 0. or Darwinian theory syl Dar+win+ism pron <1da:wi2niz*m> pos n. def the theory of the origin of animal and plant species by evolution through a process of natural selection. Compare {Lamarckism}. See also {Neo-Darwinism}. Darwinist sub head Darwinism or Darwinite syl Dar+win+ist pos n. adj. Darwinite sub head Darwinism or Darwinist syl Dar+win+ite pos n. adj. Darwinistic sub head Darwinism syl Dar+win+1is+tic pos adj. Darwin's finches 0. syl Dar+win's finch:es pos n. mod pl. def the finches of the subfamily of the Galapagos Islands, showing great variation in bill structure and feeding habits: provided Darwin with evidence to support his theory of evolution. dash H1.1. syl dash pron pos vb. mod mainly; tr. def to hurl; crash. exam 1 he dashed the cup to the floor; exam 2 the waves dashed against the rocks. dash H1.2. syl dash pron pos vb. mod mainly; tr. def to mix. exam 1 white paint dashed with blue. dash H1.3. syl dash pron pos vb. mod intr. def to move hastily or recklessly; rush. exam 1 he dashed to her rescue. dash H1.4. syl dash pron pos vb. mod mainly; tr. usage usually foll. by off or down def to write (down) or finish (off) hastily. dash H1.5. syl dash pron pos vb. mod mainly; tr. def to destroy; frustrate. exam 1 his hopes were dashed. dash H1.6. syl dash pron pos vb. mod mainly; tr. def to daunt (someone); cast down; discourage. exam 1 he was dashed by her refusal. dash H1.7. syl dash pron pos n. mod mainly; tr. def a sudden quick movement; dart. dash H1.8. syl dash pron pos n. mod mainly; tr. def a small admixture. exam 1 coffee with a dash of cream. dash H1.9. syl dash pron pos n. mod mainly; tr. def a violent stroke or blow. dash H1.10. syl dash pron pos n. mod mainly; tr. def the sound of splashing or smashing. exam 1 the dash of the waves. dash H1.11. syl dash pron pos n. mod mainly; tr. def panache; style. exam 1 he rides with dash. dash H1.12. syl dash pron pos n. mod mainly; tr. def the punctuation mark {&-} , used singly in place of a colon, esp. to indicate a sudden change of subject or grammatical anacoluthon, or in pairs to enclose a parenthetical remark. dash H1.13. syl dash pron pos n. mod mainly; tr. def the symbol (-) used, in combination with the symbol (@.), in the written representation of Morse and other telegraphic codes. Compare {dah}. dash H1.14. syl dash pron pos n. mod mainly; tr. qual Athletics. def another word (esp. U.S.) for {sprint}. dash H1.15. syl dash pron pos n. mod mainly; tr. qual Informal. def short for {dashboard}. dash H2.0. syl dash pron pos interj. adj. adj. adv. adv. vb. vb. qual Informal. def a euphemistic word for { {damn} (senses 1, 3, 4, 12)}. dash ety C16: perhaps from Fanti dash H3.1. syl dash pron pos n. qual W. African. def a gift, commission, tip, or bribe. dash H3.2. syl dash pron pos vb. qual W. African. def to give (a dash) to someone. dashboard 1. syl dash+board pron <1d@S2bc:d> pos n. def Also called (Brit.): {fascia}. the instrument panel in a car, boat, or aircraft. Sometimes short?!ened to {dash}. dashboard 2. syl dash+board pron <1d@S2bc:d> pos n. qual Obsolete. def a board at the side of a carriage or boat to protect against splashing. dasheen ety C19: perhaps changed from French de Chine of China dasheen 0. syl da+sheen pron pos n. def another name for {taro}. dasher 0. syl dash+er pron <1d@S*> pos n. def the plunger in a churn, often with paddles attached. dashiki ety C20: of W African origin dashiki 0. syl da+shi+ki pron pos n. def a large loose-fitting buttonless upper garment worn esp. by Negroes in the U.S., Africa, and the Caribbean. dashing 1. syl dash+ing pron <1d@SiG> pos adj. def spirited; lively. exam 1 a dashing young man. dashing 2. syl dash+ing pron <1d@SiG> pos adj. def stylish; showy. exam 1 a dashing hat. dashingly sub head dashing syl dash+ing+ly pos adv. dashpot ety C20: from #7dash %1+#7pot dashpot 0. syl dash+pot pron <1d@S2pot> pos n. def a device for damping vibrations; the vibrating part is attached to a piston moving in a liquid-filled cylinder. Dasht-e-Kavir alt head Dasht-i-Kavir or Dasht-i-Kavir syl Dasht-e-Ka:vir pron <2d@StEk@1vi*> pos n. Dasht-i-Kavir 0. or Dasht-e-Kavir syl Dasht-i-Ka:vir pron <2d@StEk@1vi*> pos n. def a salt waste on the central plateau of Iran: a treacherous marsh beneath a salt crust. Also called: {Kavir Desert}. Dasht-e-Lut alt head Dasht-i-Lut or Dasht-i-Lut syl Dasht-e-Lut pron <2d@StE1lut> pos n. Dasht-i-Lut 0. or Dasht-e-Lut syl Dasht-i-Lut pron <2d@StE1lut> pos n. def a desert plateau in central and E central Iran. dassie ety C19: from Afrikaans dassie 0. syl das+sie pron <1d@si> pos n. def another name for a {hyrax}, esp. the rock hyrax. dastard ety C15 (in the sense: dullard): probably from Old Norse d@astr exhausted, out of breath dastard 0. syl das+tard pron <1d@st*d> pos n. qual Archaic. def a contemptible sneaking coward. dastardly 0. syl das+tard+ly pron <1d@st*dli> pos adj. def mean and cowardly. dastardliness sub head dastardly syl das+tard+li+ness pos n. dasyure ety C19: from New Latin Dasy*_urus, from Greek dasus shaggy+ oura tail; see #7dense dasyure 0. syl das:y+ure pron <1d@si2ju*> pos n. def any small carnivorous marsupial, such as ({eastern dasyure}) , of the subfamily of Australia, New Guinea, and adjacent islands. See also {Tasmanian devil}. dat 0. syl dat. qual abbrev. for def dative. data ety C17: from Latin, literally: (things) given, from dare to give#e Usage. Although now generally used as a singular noun, data is properly a plural. data 1. syl da:ta pron <1dAt*>, <1da:t*> pos n. def a series of observations, measurements, or facts; information. data 2. syl da:ta pron <1dAt*>, <1da:t*> pos n. def Also called: {information}. the information operated on by a computer program. data bank 0. syl da:ta bank def or a store of a large amount of information, esp. in a form that can be handled by a computer. data capture 0. syl da:ta cap+ture pos n. def any process for converting information into a form that can be handled by a computer. data processing 0.a. syl da:ta pro+ces+sing pos n. def a sequence of operations performed on data, esp. by a computer, in order to extract information, reorder files, etc. data processing 0.b. syl da:ta pro+ces+sing pos n. usage as modifier; a data-processing centre. def See also {automatic data processing}. datary ety C16: from Medieval Latin dat*_arius (unattested) official who dated papal letters, from Late Latin data #7date %1 dataries infl head datary syl da+ta+ries. pos n. mod pl. datary 0. syl da+ta+ry pron <1dAt*ri> pos n. qual R.C. Church. def the head of the {da+tar@.i@.a} (de$I#!t$e$$r$I$$), the papal office that assesses candidates for benefices reserved to the Holy See. data set 0. syl da:ta set pos n. qual Computer technol. def another name for { {file%1} (sense 7)}. datcha 0. syl da+tcha pron <1d@C*> pos n. def a variant spelling of {dacha}. date ety C14: from Old French, from Latin dare to give, as in the phrase epistula data Romae letter handed over at Rome date H1.1. syl date pron pos n. def a specified day of the month. exam 1 today's date is October 27. date H1.2. syl date pron pos n. def the particular day or year of an event. exam 1 the date of the Norman Conquest was 1066. date H1.3. syl date pron pos n. def an inscription on a coin, letter, etc., stating when it was made or written. date H1.4.a. syl date pron pos n. def an appointment for a particular time, esp. with a person of the opposite sex. exam 1 she has a dinner date. date H1.4.b. syl date pron pos n. def the person with whom the appointment is made. date H1.5. syl date pron pos n. def the present moment; now (esp. in the phrases {to date, up to date}) . date xref syl date pron pos n. exam 1 vb date H1.6. syl date pron pos n. mod tr. def to mark (a letter, coin, etc.) with the day, month, or year. date H1.7. syl date pron pos n. mod tr. def to assign a date of occurrence or creation to. date H1.8. syl date pron pos n. mod intr. usage foll. by from or back to def to have originated (at a specified time). exam 1 his decline dates from last summer. date H1.9. syl date pron pos n. mod tr. def to reveal the age of. exam 1 that dress dates her. date H1.10. syl date pron pos n. def to become old-fashioned. exam 1 some good films hardly date at all. date H1.11.a. syl date pron pos n. def to be a boy-friend or girl-friend of (someone of the opposite sex). date H1.11.b. syl date pron pos n. def to accompany (a member of the opposite sex) on a date. datable sub head date or dateable syl dat+a:ble pos adj. dateable sub head date or datable syl date+a:ble pos adj. date ety C13: from Old French, from Latin, from Greek daktulos finger date H2.1. syl date pron pos n. def the fruit of the date palm, having sweet edible flesh and a single large woody seed. date H2.2. syl date pron pos n. def short for {date palm}. dated 0. syl dat+ed pron <1dAtid> pos adj. def unfashionable; outmoded. date line 0. syl date line pos n. usage often caps. def short for {International Date Line}. dateline 0. syl date+line pron <1dAt2lIn> pos n. qual Journalism. def the date and location of a story, placed at the top of an article. date palm 0. syl date palm pos n. def a tall feather palm, native to Syria but grown in other tropical regions for its sweet edible fruit (dates). dates 0. syl dates pron pos n. mod pl. def the years of a person's birth and death or of the beginning and end of an event. date stamp 1. syl date stamp pos n. def an adjustable rubber stamp for recording the date. date stamp 2. syl date stamp pos n. def an inked impression made by this. dative ety C15: from Latin dat*_ivus, from dare to give; translation of Greek dotikos dative 1. syl da+tive pron <1dAtiv> pos adj. qual Grammar. def denoting a case of nouns, pronouns, and adjectives used to express the indirect object, to identify the recipients, and for other purposes. {~} dative 2.a. syl da+tive pron <1dAtiv> pos adj. qual Grammar. def the dative case. dative 2.b. syl da+tive pron <1dAtiv> pos adj. qual Grammar. def a word or speech element in this case. datival sub head dative syl da+ti+val pron pos adj. datively sub head dative syl da+tive+ly pos adv. dative bond 0. syl da+tive bond pos n. qual Chem. def another name for {coordinate bond}. dato ety C19: from Spanish, ultimately from Malay dato' grandfather datos infl head dato syl da:tos. pos n. mod pl. dato 0. syl da:to pron <1da:t*u> pos n. def the chief of any of certain Muslim tribes in the Philippine Islands. datolite ety C19: dato- from Greek dateisthai to divide+-#7lite datolite 0. syl da+to+lite pron <1dAt*2lIt> pos n. def a colourless mineral consisting of a hydrated silicate of calcium and boron in monoclinic crystalline form, occurring in cavities in igneous rocks. Formula: CaBSiO\4(OH). Hussein bin Onn infl head Datuk syl Hus:sein bin Onn pron pos n. Datuk 0. syl Da:tuk pron pos n. def born 1922, Malaysian statesman; prime minister of Malaysia since 1976. datum ety C17: from Latin: something given; see #7data data infl head datum syl da+ta pron <-t*> pos n. mod pl. datum 1. syl da+tum pron <1dAt*m>, <1da:t*m> pos n. def a single piece of information; fact. datum 2. syl da+tum pron <1dAt*m>, <1da:t*m> pos n. def a fact or proposition, known or assumed, from which inferences can be drawn. See also {sense datum}. datum plevel infl head datum plane or datum pline syl da+tum plev+el pos n. datum pline infl head datum plane or datum plevel syl da+tum pline pos n. datum plane 0. syl da+tum plane pos n. qual Surveying. def the horizontal plane from which heights and depths are calculated. datura ety C16: from New Latin, from Hindi dhat*_ura jimson weed, from Sanskrit dhatt*_ura datura 0. syl da+tu+ra pron pos n. def any of various solanaceous plant of the genus such as the moonflower and thorn apple, having large trumpet-shaped flowers, prickly pods, and narcotic properties. daub ety C14: from Old French dauber to paint, whitewash, from Latin dealb*_are, from alb*_are to whiten, from albus white daub 1. syl daub pron pos vb. mod tr. def to smear or spread (paint, mud, etc.), esp. carelessly. daub 2. syl daub pron pos vb. mod tr. def to cover or coat (with paint, plaster, etc.) carelessly. daub 3. syl daub pron pos vb. def to paint (a picture) clumsily or badly. daub 4. syl daub pron pos n. def an unskilful or crude painting. daub 5. syl daub pron pos n. def something daubed on, esp. as a wall covering. See also {wattle and daub}. daub 6. syl daub pron pos n. def a smear (of paint, mud, etc.) daub 7. syl daub pron pos n. def the act of daubing. dauber sub head daub syl daub+er pos n. dauby sub head daub syl daub:y pos adj. daube ety from French daube 0. syl daube pron pos n. def a braised meat stew. daubry alt head daubery or daubery syl daub+ry pron <1dc:bri> pos n. daubery 1. or daubry syl daub+er:y pron <1dc:b*ri> pos n. def the act or an instance of daubing. daubery 2. or daubry syl daub+er:y pron <1dc:b*ri> pos n. def an unskilful painting, etc. Charles Francois infl head Daubigny syl Charles Fran:*,cois pron pos n. Daubigny 0. syl Dau:bi:gny pron French pos n. def 1817-78, French landscape painter associated with the Barbizon School. Alphonse infl head Daudet syl Al:phonse pron pos n. Daudet 0. syl Dau:det pron French pos n. def 1840-97, French novelist, short-story writer, and dramatist: noted particularly for his humorous sketches of Proven*,cal life, as in (1866). Daugava 0. syl Dau+ga+va pron <1dauga2va> pos n. def the Latvian name for the Western {Dvina}. Daugavpils 0. syl Dau+gav+pils pron Russian <1daugaf2pils> pos n. def a city in the W Soviet Union, in the SE Latvian SSR on the Western Dvina River: founded in 1274 by Teutonic Knights; ruled by Poland (1559-1772) and Russia (1772-1915); retaken by the Russians in 1940. Pop.: 110000 (1975 est.). German name (until 1893): {D*"unaburg}. Former Russian name (1893-1920): {Dvinsk}. daughter ety Old English dohtor; related to Old High German tohter daughter, Greek thugat*_er, Sanskrit duhit*'a daughter 1. syl daugh+ter pron <1dc:t*> pos n. def a female offspring; a girl or woman in relation to her parents. daughter 2. syl daugh+ter pron <1dc:t*> pos n. def a female descendant. daughter 3. syl daugh+ter pron <1dc:t*> pos n. def a female from a certain country, etc., or one closely connected with a certain environment, etc.. exam 1 a daughter of the church. daughter 4. syl daugh+ter pron <1dc:t*> pos n. qual Archaic. usage often cap. def a form of address for a girl or woman. daughter 5. syl daugh+ter pron <1dc:t*> pos n. qual Biology. usage modifier def denoting a cell or unicellular organism produced by the division of one of its own kind. daughter 6. syl daugh+ter pron <1dc:t*> pos n. usage modifier; Physics. of a nuclide def formed from another nuclide by radioactive decay. daughterhood sub head daughter syl daugh+ter+hood pos n. daughter-like sub head daughter syl daugh:ter-2like pos adj. daughterliness sub head daughter syl daugh+ter+li+ness pos n. daughterly sub head daughter syl daugh+ter+ly pos adj. daughters-in-law infl head daughter-in-law syl daugh:ters-in-law. pos n. mod pl. daughter-in-law 0. syl daugh:ter-in-law pos n. def the wife of one's son. Daughters of the infl head Daughters of the American Revolution syl Daugh+ters of the. pos n. Daughters of the American Revolution 0. syl Daugh+ters of the A:mer:i+can Rev:o+lu+tion pos n. def an organization of women descended from patriots of the period of the War of Independence. Abbrev.: {D.A.R}. Honor'e infl head Daumier syl Ho:no:r*'e pron pos n. Daumier 0. syl Dau:mier pron French pos n. def 1808-79, French painter and lithographer, noted particularly for his political and social caricatures. daunt ety C13: from Old French danter, changed from donter to conquer, from Latin domit*_are to tame daunt 1. syl daunt pron pos vb. mod tr. usage often passive def to intimidate. daunt 2. syl daunt pron pos vb. mod tr. usage often passive def to dishearten. daunter sub head daunt syl daunt+er pos n. dauntingly sub head daunt syl daunt+ing+ly pos adv. dauntless 0. syl daunt+less pron <1dc:ntlis> pos adj. def bold; fearless; intrepid. dauntlessly sub head dauntless syl daunt+less+ly pos adv. dauntlessness sub head dauntless syl daunt+less+ness pos n. dauphin ety C15: from Old French: originally a family name; adopted as a title by the Counts of Vienne and later by the French crown princes dauphin 0. syl dau+phin pron <1dc:fin>, French pos n. usage from 1349-1830 def the title of the direct heir to the French throne; the eldest son of the king of France. dauphiness alt head dauphine or dauphine syl dau+phin+ess pron <1dc:finis> pos n. dauphine 0. or dauphiness syl dau+phine pron <1dc:fEn>, French pos n. qual French history. def the wife of a dauphin. Davao 0. syl Da+vao pron pos n. def a port in the S Philippines, in SE Mindanao. Pop.: 515520 (1975 est.). davenport ety C19: supposedly the maker's name davenport 1. syl dav+en+port pron <1d@v*n2pc:t> pos n. qual Chiefly Brit. def a small decorative writing desk with drawers. davenport 2. syl dav+en+port pron <1d@v*n2pc:t> pos n. qual U.S. def a large sofa, esp. one convertible into a bed. David 1. syl Da:vid pron <1dAvid> pos n. def the second king of the Hebrews (about 1000-962 #7b.c.) #7, who united Israel as a kingdom with Jerusalem as its capital. Jacques Louis infl head David syl Jacques Louis pron <1lwi> pos n. David 2. syl Da:vid pron French pos n. def 1748-1825, French neoclassical painter of such works as the (1784), (1787), and (1799). He actively sup?!ported the French Revolution and became court painter to Napoleon Bonaparte in 1804; banished at the Bourbon resto?!ration. Saint 3. head David syl Saint. def 6th-century #7a.d. Welsh bishop; patron saint of Wales. Feast day: March 1. David I 0. syl Da:vid I pos n. def 1084-1153, king of Scotland (1124-53) who supported his niece Matilda's claim to the English throne and unsuccessfully invaded England on her behalf. Peter Maxwell 1. head Davies syl Pe:ter Max:well. def born 1934, English composer. His style owes a considerable debt to medieval music; works include the opera (1970). William Henry 2. head Davies syl Wil:liam Hen:ry. def 1871-1940, Welsh poet, noted also for his (1908). da Vinci 0. syl da Vin:ci pron <1vinCi> pos n. def See {Leonardo da Vinci}. Bette 1. head Davis syl Bet:te pron <1beti> def born 1908, U.S. film actress, whose films include (1934), (1938), (1962), and (1965). Colin 2. head Davis syl Col:in. def born 1927, English conductor, noted for his interpretation of the music of Berlioz. Jefferson 3. head Davis syl Jef:fer:son. def 1808-89, president of the Confederate States of America during the Civil War (1861-65). Joe 4. head Davis syl Joe. def 1901-78, English billiards and snooker player: world champion from 1927 to 1946. John 5. head Davis syl John. def Also called: {John Da@.vys}. ??1550-1605, English navigator: discovered the Falkland Islands (1592); searched for a Northwest Passage. Miles 6. head Davis syl Miles. def born 1926, U.S. jazz trumpeter and composer. Davis Cup ety C20: after Dwight F. Davis (1879-1945), American civic leader who donated the cup Davis Cup 1. syl Da:vis Cup pos n. def an annual international lawn tennis championship for men's teams. Davis Cup 2. syl Da:vis Cup pos n. def the trophy awarded for this. Davis Strait ety named after John D#7avis Davis Strait 0. syl Da:vis Strait pos n. def a strait between Baffin Island, in Canada, and Greenland. davit ety C14: from Anglo-French daviot, diminutive of Davi David davit 0. syl dav+it pron <1d@vit>, <1dA-> pos n. def a cranelike device, usually one of a pair, fitted with a tackle for suspending or lowering equipment, esp. a lifeboat. Davy 0. syl Da:vy pron <1dAvi> pos n. def Sir {Hum@.phrey}. 1778-1829, English chemist who isolated sodium, magnesium, chlorine, and other elements and suggested the electrical nature of chemical combination. He invented the {Davy lamp}. Davy Jones ety C18: of unknown origin Davy Jones 1. syl Da:vy Jones pos n. def Also called: {Davy Jones's locker}. the ocean's bottom, esp. when regarded as the grave of those lost or buried at sea. Davy Jones 2. syl Da:vy Jones pos n. def the spirit or devil of the sea. Davy lamp ety C19: named after Sir H. D#7avy, who invented it Davy lamp 0. syl Da:vy lamp pos n. def See {safety lamp}. daw ety C15: related to Old High German taha daw 0. syl daw pron pos n. def an archaic, dialect, or poetic name for a {jackdaw}. dawdle ety C17: of uncertain origin dawdle 1. syl daw+dle pron <1dc:dL> pos vb. mod intr. def to be slow or lag behind. dawdle 2. syl daw+dle pron <1dc:dL> pos vb. mod when; tr. usage often foll. by away def to waste (time); trifle. dawdler sub head dawdle syl daw+dler pos n. dawdlingly sub head dawdle syl daw+dling+ly pos adv. Charles Gates infl head Dawes syl Charles Gates. pos n. Dawes 0. syl Dawes pron pos n. def 1865-1951, U.S. financier, diplomat, and statesman, who devised the Dawes Plan for German reparations payments after World War I; vice president of the U.S. (1925-29); Nobel peace prize 1925. dawn ety Old English dagian to dawn; see #7day dawn 1. syl dawn pron pos n. def daybreak; sunrise. Related adj.: {auroral}. dawn 2. syl dawn pron pos n. def the sky when light first appears in the morning. dawn 3. syl dawn pron pos n. def the beginning of something. dawn 4. syl dawn pron pos vb. mod intr. def to begin to grow light after the night. dawn 5. syl dawn pron pos vb. mod intr. def to begin to develop, appear, or expand. dawn 6. syl dawn pron pos vb. mod intr. usage usually foll. by on or upon def to begin to become apparent (to). dawnlike sub head dawn syl dawn+2like pos adj. dawn chorus 0. syl dawn cho+rus pos n. def the singing of large numbers of birds at dawn. dawn redwood 0. syl dawn red+wood pos n. def a deciduous conifer, native to China but planted in other regions as an ornamental tree: family Until recently it was thought to be extinct. Dawson 0. syl Daw+son pron <1dc:sN> pos n. def a town in NW Canada, in the Yukon on the Yukon River: a boom town during the Klondike gold rush (at its height in 1899). Pop.: 762 (1971). Dawson Creek 0. syl Daw+son Creek pos n. def a town in W Canada, in NE British Columbia: SE terminus of the Alaska Highway. Pop.: 11885 (1971). day ety Old English d@ag; related to Old High German tag, Old Norse dagr day 1. syl day pron pos n. def Also called: {civil day}. the period of time, the {calendar day}, of 24 hours duration reckoned from one midnight to the next. day 2. syl day pron pos n. def the period of light between sunrise and sunset, as distinguished from the night. day 3. syl day pron pos n. def the part of a day occupied with regular activity, esp. work. exam 1 he took a day off. day 4. syl day pron pos n. mod some?!times; pl. def a period or point in time. exam 1 he was a good singer in his day; exam 2 in days gone by; exam 3 any day now. day 5. syl day pron pos n. def the period of time, the {sidereal day}, during which the earth makes one complete revolution on its axis relative to a particular star. The {mean sidereal day} lasts 23 hours 56 minutes 4.1 seconds. day 6. syl day pron pos n. def the period of time, the {solar day}, during which the earth makes one complete revolution on its axis relative to the sun. The {mean solar day} lasts 24 hours 3 minutes 56.5 seconds. day 7. syl day pron pos n. def the period of time taken by a specified planet to make one complete rotation on its axis. exam 1 the Martian day. day 8. syl day pron pos n. usage often cap. def a day designated for a special observance, esp. a holiday. exam 1 Christmas Day. all in a day's work 9. head day syl all in a day's work. def part of one's normal activity; no trouble. at the end of the day 10. head day syl at the end of the day. def in the final reckoning. day of rest 11. head day syl day of rest. def the Sabbath; Sunday. end one's days 12. head day syl end one's days. def to pass the end of one's life. every dog has his day 13. head day syl every dog has his day. def one's luck will come. in this day and age 14. head day syl in this day and age. def nowadays. it's early days 15. head day syl it's early days. def it's too early to tell how things will turn out. late in the day 16. head day syl late in the day. def very late (in a particular situation). day 17.a. syl day pron pos n. def I look forward to that. day 17.b. syl day pron pos n. def that is most unlikely to happen. day 18. syl day pron pos n. def a time of success, recognition, power, etc.. exam 1 his day will soon come. day 19. syl day pron pos n. def a struggle or issue at hand. exam 1 the day is lost. day 20.a. syl day pron pos n. def the ground surface over a mine. day 20.b. syl day pron pos n. usage as modifier exam 1 the day level. from day to day 21. head day syl from day to day. def without thinking of the future. call it a day 22. head day syl call it a day. qual Informal. def to stop work or other activity. exam 1 we tried for weeks to make him change his mind, but eventually had to call it a day. day after day 23. head day syl day after day. def without respite; relentlessly. day by day 24. head day syl day by day. def gradually or progressively; daily. exam 1 he weakened day by day. day out infl head day syl day out. day in 25. head day syl day in def every day and all day long. one of these days 26. head day syl one of these days. def at some future time. day 27. syl day pron pos n. usage modifier def of, relating to, or occurring in the day. exam 1 the day shift. day xref syl day pron pos n. def Related adj.: {diurnal}. Dayaks infl head Dayak or Dayak syl Day+aks pos n. mod pl. Dayak infl or Dayaks syl Day+ak. pos n. mod pl. Dayak 0. syl Day+ak pron <1dI@k> pos n. def a variant spelling of {Dyak}. Moshe infl head Dayan syl Mo:she pron <1moSe> pos n. Dayan 0. syl Da:yan pron pos n. def born 1915, Israeli soldier and statesman; minister of defence (1967; 1969-74) and foreign minister since 1977. day bed 1. syl day bed pos n. def an armless couch intended for use as a seat by day and as a bed by night. day bed 2. syl day bed pos n. def a long seat on which to recline during the day. day blindness 0. syl day blind+ness pos n. def a nontechnical name for {hemeralopia}. daybook 0. syl day+book pron <1dA2buk> pos n. qual Book-keeping. def a book in which the transactions of each day are recorded as they occur. dayboy 0. syl day+boy pron <1dA2bci> pos n. qual Brit. def a boy who attends a boarding school daily, but returns home each evening. daybreak 0. syl day+break pron <1dA2brAk> pos n. def the time in the morning when light first appears; dawn; sunrise. day-clean 0. syl day-clean pos n. qual Caribbean and West African informal. def the time after first dawn when the sun begins to shine; clear daybreak. daydream 1. syl day+dream pron <1dA2drEm> pos n. def a pleasant dreamlike fantasy indulged in while awake; idle reverie. daydream 2. syl day+dream pron <1dA2drEm> pos n. def a pleasant scheme or wish that is unlikely to be fulfilled; pipe dream. daydream 3. syl day+dream pron <1dA2drEm> pos vb. mod intr. def to have daydreams; indulge in idle fantasy. daydreamer sub head daydream syl day+2dream+er pos n. daydreamy sub head daydream syl day+2dream:y pos adj. dayflower 0. syl day+flow:er pron <1dA2flau*> pos n. def any of various tropical and sub?!tropical plants of the genus having jointed creeping stems, narrow pointed leaves, and blue or purplish flowers which wilt quickly: family dayflies infl head dayfly syl day+flies. pos n. mod pl. dayfly 0. syl day+fly pron <1dA2flI> pos n. def another name for a {mayfly}. Day Lewis alt head Day-Lewis or Day-Lewis syl Day Lew:is pron <1dA1lu:is> pos n. C (ecil) infl head Day-Lewis syl C (ecil) . pos n. Day-Lewis 0. or Day Lewis syl Day-Lew:is pron <1dA1lu:is> pos n. def 1904-72, English poet, critic, and (under the pen name author of detective stories; poet laureate (1968-72). daylight 1.a. syl day+light pron <1dA2lIt> pos n. def light from the sun. daylight 1.b. syl day+light pron <1dA2lIt> pos n. usage as modifier exam 1 daylight film. daylight 2. syl day+light pron <1dA2lIt> pos n. def the period when it is light; daytime. daylight 3. syl day+light pron <1dA2lIt> pos n. def daybreak. daylight 4.a. syl day+light pron <1dA2lIt> pos n. def to understand something previously obscure. daylight 4.b. syl day+light pron <1dA2lIt> pos n. def to realize that the end of a difficult task is approaching. daylight robbery 0. syl day+light rob+ber:y pos n. qual Informal. def blatant overcharging. daylights 0. syl day+lights pron <1dA2lIts> pos n. mod pl. def consciousness or wits (esp. in the phrases {scare, knock}, or {beat the (living) daylights out of someone) }. daylight-saving time 0. syl day:light-sav:ing time pos n. def time set usually one hour ahead of the local standard time, widely adopted in the summer to provide extra daylight in the evening. See also {British Summer Time}. day lily 1. syl day lil:y pos n. def any widely cultivated Eurasian liliaceous plant of the genus having large yellow, orange, or red lily-like flowers, which typically last for only one day and are immediately succeeded by others. day lily 2. syl day lil:y pos n. def the flower of any of these plants. daylong 0. syl day+long pron <1dA2loG> pos adj. adv. def lasting the entire day; all day. day name 0. syl day name pos n. qual West African. def a name indicating a person's day of birth. day-neutral 0. syl day-neu:tral pos adj. usage of plants def having an ability to mature and bloom that is not affected by day length. Day of Atonement 0. syl Day of A:tone+ment pos n. def another name for {Yom Kippur}. Day of Judgment 0. syl Day of Judg+ment pos n. def another name for {Judgment Day}. day release 0. syl day re+lease pos n. qual Brit. def a system whereby workers are released for part-time education without loss of pay. day return 0. syl day re+turn pos n. def a reduced fare for a journey (by train, etc.) travelling both ways in one day. day room 0. syl day room pos n. def a communal livingroom in a residential institution such as a hospital. days 0. syl days pron pos adv. qual Informal. def during the day, esp. regularly. exam 1 he works days. day school 1. syl day school pos n. def a private school taking day students only. Compare {boarding school}. day school 2. syl day school pos n. def a school giving instruction during the daytime. Compare {night school}. days of grace 0. syl days of grace pos n. mod pl. def days permitted by custom for payment of a promissory note, bill of exchange, etc., after it falls due. dayspring 0. syl day+spring pron <1dA2spriG> pos n. def a poetic word for {dawn}. daystar 1. syl day+star pron <1dA2sta:> pos n. def a poetic word for the {sun}. daystar 2. syl day+star pron <1dA2sta:> pos n. def another word for the { {morning star}}. daytime 0. syl day+time pron <1dA2tIm> pos n. def the time between dawn and dusk; the day as distinct from evening or night. day-to-day 0. syl day-to-day pos adj. def routine; everyday. exam 1 day-to-day chores. Dayton 0. syl Day+ton pron <1dAtN> pos n. def an industrial city in SW Ohio: aviation research centre. Pop.: 214377 (1973 est.). Daytona Beach 0. syl Day+to+na Beach pron pos n. def a city in NE Florida, on the Atlantic: a resort with a beach of hard white sand, used since 1903 for motor speed trials. Pop.: 45327 (1970). day trip 0. syl day trip pos n. def a journey made to and from a place within one day. day-tripper sub head day trip syl day-2trip:per pos n. daze ety C14: from Old Norse dasa-, as in dasast to grow weary daze 1. syl daze pron pos vb. mod tr. def to stun or stupefy, esp. by a blow or shock. daze 2. syl daze pron pos vb. mod tr. def to bewilder, amaze, or dazzle. daze 3. syl daze pron pos n. mod tr. def a state of stunned confusion or shock (esp. in the phrase {in a daze) }. dazedly sub head daze syl daz+ed+ly pron <1dAzidli> pos adv. dazzle ety C15: from #7Daze dazzle 1. syl daz+zle pron <1d@zL> pos vb. mod usually; tr. def to blind or be blinded partially and temporarily by sudden excessive light. dazzle 2. syl daz+zle pron <1d@zL> pos vb. mod tr. def to amaze, as with brilliance. exam 1 she was dazzled by his wit. dazzle 3. syl daz+zle pron <1d@zL> pos n. def bright light that dazzles. dazzle 4. syl daz+zle pron <1d@zL> pos n. def bewilderment caused by glamour, brilliance, etc.. exam 1 the dazzle of fame. db alt head dB or dB syl db dB 0. or db syl dB qual symbol for def decibel or decibels. DBE 0. syl D.B.E. qual abbrev. for def Dame Commander of the Order of the British Empire (a Brit. title). DBH alt head Dbh or Dbh syl D.B.H. Dbh 0. or DBH syl D.b.h. qual Forestry. abbrev. for def diameter at breast height. D Bib 0. syl D. Bib. qual abbrev. for def Douay Bible. dbl 0. syl dbl. qual abbrev. for def double. DC 0. syl DC qual abbrev. for def direct current. Compare {AC}. DC 1. syl D.C. qual abbrev. for:; Music. def da capo. DC 2. syl D.C. qual abbrev. for:; U.S. def District of Columbia. DCB 0. syl D.C.B. qual abbrev. for def Dame Commander of the Order of the Bath (a Brit. title). DCL 0. syl D.C.L. qual abbrev. for def Doctor of Civil Law. DCM 0. syl D.C.M. qual Brit. military. abbrev. for def Distinguished Conduct Medal. DCMG 0. syl D.C.M.G. qual abbrev. for def Dame Commander of the Order of St. Michael and St. George (a Brit. title). DCVO 0. syl D.C.V.O. qual abbrev. for def Dame Commander of the Royal Victorian Order (a Brit. title). dd 0. syl dd. qual abbrev. for def delivered. DD 0. syl D.D. qual abbrev. for def Doctor of Divinity. D-day ety C20: from D (ay) -day; compare H-#7hour D-day 0. syl D-day pos n. def the day selected for the start of some operation, esp. of the Allied invasion of Europe on June 6, 1944. DDR 0. syl DDR qual abbrev. for def Deutsche Demokratische Republik (East Germany; G.D.R.). DDSc alt head DDS or DDS syl D.D.Sc. DDS 0. or DDSc syl D.D.S. qual abbrev. for def Doctor of Dental Surgery Science. DDT 0. syl DDT pos n. def dichlorodiphenyltrichloroethane; a colourless odourless substance used as an insecticide. It is toxic to animals and is known to accumulate in the tissues. de ety from Latin d*_e; see #7de - De infl head de syl De de- ety from Latin, from d*_e (prep.) from, away from, out of, etc. In compound words of Latin origin, de- also means away, away from (decease) ; down (degrade) ; reversal (detect) ; removal (defoliate) ; and is used intensively (devote) and pejoratively (detest) de- 0. syl de- exam 1 prefix forming verbs and verbal derivatives. de- 1. syl de- def removal of or from something specified. exam 1 deforest; exam 2 dethrone. de- 2. syl de- def reversal of something. exam 1 decode; exam 2 decompose; exam 3 desegregate. de- 3. syl de- def departure from. exam 1 decamp. deacon ety Old English, ultimately from Greek diakonos servant deacon 1. syl dea+con pron <1dEk*n> pos n. qual Christianity. usage in the Roman Catholic and other episcopal churches def an ordained minister ranking immediately below a priest. deacon 2. syl dea+con pron <1dEk*n> pos n. qual Christianity. usage in Protestant churches def a lay official appointed or elected to assist the minister, esp. in secular affairs. deacon 3. syl dea+con pron <1dEk*n> pos n. qual Christianity.; Scot. def the president of an incorporated trade or body of craftsmen in a burgh. deaconship sub head deacon syl dea+con+2ship pos n. deaconess 0. syl dea+con+ess pron <1dEk*nis> pos n. usage Christianity. in the early church and in some modern Churches def a female member of the laity with duties similar to those of a deacon. deaconries infl head deaconry syl dea+con+ries. pos n. mod pl. deaconry 1. syl dea+con+ry pron <1dEk*nri> pos n. def the office or status of a deacon. deaconry 2. syl dea+con+ry pron <1dEk*nri> pos n. def deacons collectively. deactivate 1. syl de+ac+tiv+ate pron pos vb. mod tr. def to make (a bomb, etc.) harmless or inoperative. deactivate 2. syl de+ac+tiv+ate pron pos vb. def to make or become less radioactive. deactivation sub head deactivate syl de+2ac+ti+1va+tion pos n. deactivator sub head deactivate syl de+1ac+ti+2va+tor pos n. dead ety Old English d*_ead; related to Old High German t*_ot, Old Norse dauthr; see {#7die %1} dead 1.a. syl dead pron pos adj. def no longer alive. dead 1.b. syl dead pron pos as; n. def . exam 1 the dead. dead 2. syl dead pron pos adj. def not endowed with life; inanimate. dead 3. syl dead pron pos adj. def no longer in use, valid, effective, or relevant. exam 1 a dead issue; exam 2 a dead language. dead 4. syl dead pron pos adj. def unresponsive or unaware; insensible. exam 1 he is dead to my strong?!est pleas. dead 5. syl dead pron pos adj. def lacking in freshness, interest, or vitality. exam 1 a dead handshake. dead 6. syl dead pron pos adj. def devoid of physical sensation; numb. exam 1 his gums were dead from the anaesthetic. dead 7. syl dead pron pos adj. def resembling death; deathlike. exam 1 a dead sleep. dead 8. syl dead pron pos adj. def no longer burning or hot. exam 1 dead coals. dead 10. syl dead pron pos adj. def Also: {dead beat}. very tired. dead 11.a. syl dead pron pos adj. def drained of electric charge; discharged. exam 1 the battery was dead. dead 11.b. syl dead pron pos adj. def not con?!nected to a source of potential difference or electric charge. dead 12. syl dead pron pos adj. def lacking acoustic resonance. exam 1 a dead sound; exam 2 a dead surface. dead 13. syl dead pron pos adj. usage Sport. of a ball, etc. def out of play. dead 14. syl dead pron pos adj. def unerring; accurate; precise (esp. in the phrase {a dead shot) }. dead 15. syl dead pron pos adj. def lacking resilience or bounce. exam 1 a dead ball. dead 16.a. syl dead pron pos adj. usage of type def set but no longer needed for use. Compare { {standing} (sense 7)}. dead 16.b. syl dead pron pos adj. usage of copy def already composed. dead 17. syl dead pron pos adj. def not yielding a return; idle. exam 1 dead capital. dead 18. syl dead pron pos adj. qual Informal. def certain to suffer a terrible fate; doomed. exam 1 you're dead if your mother catches you at that. dead 19. syl dead pron pos adj. usage of colours def not glossy or bright; lacklustre. dead 20. syl dead pron pos adj. def stagnant. exam 1 dead air. dead 21. syl dead pron pos adj. qual Military. def shielded from view, as by a geographic feature or environmental condition. exam 1 a dead zone; exam 2 dead space. dead as a doornail 22. head dead syl dead as a doornail. qual Informal. def completely dead. dead from the neck up 23. head dead syl dead from the neck up. qual Informal. def stupid or unintelligent. dead to the world 24. head dead syl dead to the world. qual Informal. def fast asleep. deat infl head dead syl deat wouldn't be seen dead (in 25. head dead syl wouldn't be seen dead (in def etc.). to refuse to wear, to go (to), etc. dead 26. syl dead pron pos n. def a period during which coldness, darkness, or some other quality associated with death is at its most intense. exam 1 the dead of winter. dead on 28. head dead syl dead on. def exactly right. deadness sub head dead syl dead+ness pos n. dead-and-alive 0. syl dead-and-a:live pos adj. usage Brit. of a place, activity, or person def dull; uninteresting. dead-ball line 0. syl dead-ball line pos n. qual Rugby. def a line ten yards behind the goal line at each end of the field beyond which the ball is out of play. deadbeat 1. syl dead+beat pron <1ded2bEt> pos n. qual Informal, chiefly U.S. def a lazy or socially undesirable person. deadbeat 2. syl dead+beat pron <1ded2bEt> pos n. def a high grade escapement used in pendulum clocks. deadbeat 3. syl dead+beat pron <1ded2bEt> pos n. usage modifier; of a clock escapement def having a beat without any recoil. deadbeat 4.a. syl dead+beat pron <1ded2bEt> pos n. usage of a system def returning to an equilibrium position with little or no oscillation. deadbeat 4.b. syl dead+beat pron <1ded2bEt> pos n. usage of an instrument or indicator def indicating a true reading without oscillation. dead centre 1. syl dead cen+tre pos n. def the exact top ({top dead centre}) or bottom ({bottom dead centre}) of the piston stroke in a reciprocating engine or pump. dead centre 2. syl dead cen+tre pos n. def a nonrotating pointed rod mounted in the tailstock or headstock of a lathe to support a workpiece. {~} Also called: {dead point}. dead duck 0. syl dead duck pos n. qual Slang. def a person or thing doomed to death, failure, etc., esp. because of a mistake or misjudgment. deaden 1. syl dead+en pron <1dedN> pos vb. def to make or become less sensitive, intense, lively, etc; damp or be damped down; dull. deaden 2. syl dead+en pron <1dedN> pos vb. mod tr. def to make acoustically less resonant. exam 1 he deadened the room with heavy curtains. deadener sub head deaden syl dead+en+er pos n. dead end 1. syl dead end pos n. def another name for {cul-de-sac}. dead end 2. syl dead end pos n. def a situation in which further progress is impossible. deadeye 1. syl dead+eye pron <1ded2I> pos n. qual Nautical. def either of a pair of disclike wooden blocks, supported by straps in grooves around them, between which a line is rove so as to draw them together to tighten a shroud. Compare { {bull's-eye} (sense 9)}. deadeye 2. syl dead+eye pron <1ded2I> pos n. qual Informal, chiefly U.S. def an expert marksman. deadfall 0. syl dead+fall pron <1ded2fc:l> pos n. def a type of trap, used esp. for catching large animals, in which a heavy weight falls to crush the prey. Also called: {downfall}. dead hand 0. syl dead hand pos n. qual Law. def a less common word for {mortmain}. deadhead 1. syl dead+head pron <1ded2hed> pos n. qual U.S. informal. def a person who uses a free ticket, as for a train, the theatre, etc. deadhead 2. syl dead+head pron <1ded2hed> pos n. qual U.S. informal. def a train, etc., travelling empty. deadhead 3. syl dead+head pron <1ded2hed> pos n. qual U.S. informal. def a dull unenterprising person. deadhead 4. syl dead+head pron <1ded2hed> pos vb. mod intr. qual U.S. informal. def to drive an empty bus, train, etc. Dead Heart ety C20: from the title The Dead Heart of Australia (1906) by J. W. Gregory Dead Heart 0. syl Dead Heart pos n. qual Austral. usage usually preceded by the def the remote interior of Australia. dead heat 0.a. syl dead heat pos n. def a race or contest in which two or more participants tie for first place. dead heat 0.b. syl dead heat pos n. def a tie between two or more contestants in any position. dead letter 0. syl dead let+ter pos n. def a law or ordinance that is no longer enforced but has not been formally repealed. deadlight 1.a. syl dead+light pron <1ded2lIt> pos n. def a bull's-eye let into the deck or hull of a vessel to admit light to a cabin. deadlight 1.b. syl dead+light pron <1ded2lIt> pos n. def a shutter of wood or metal for sealing off a porthole or cabin window. deadlight 2. syl dead+light pron <1ded2lIt> pos n. def a skylight designed not to be opened. deadline 0. syl dead+line pron <1ded2lIn> pos n. def a time limit for any activity. dead load 0. syl dead load pos n. def the intrinsic invariable weight of a structure, such as a bridge. Also called: {dead weight}. Compare {live load}. deadlock 1. syl dead+lock pron <1ded2lok> pos n. def a state of affairs in which further action between two opposing forces is impossible; stalemate. deadlock 2. syl dead+lock pron <1ded2lok> pos n. def a tie between opposite sides in a contest. deadlock 3. syl dead+lock pron <1ded2lok> pos n. def a lock having a full unchamfered bolt. deadlock 4. syl dead+lock pron <1ded2lok> pos vb. def to bring or come to a deadlock. deadlier infl head deadly syl dead+li+er pos adj. deadliest infl head deadly syl dead+li+est. pos adj. deadly 1. syl dead+ly pron <1dedli> pos adj. def likely to cause death. exam 1 deadly poison; exam 2 deadly combat. deadly 2. syl dead+ly pron <1dedli> pos adj. qual Informal. def extremely boring. deadly 3. syl dead+ly pron <1dedli> pos adv. adj. def like death in appearance or certainty. exam 1 deadly pale; exam 2 a deadly sleep. deadliness sub head deadly syl dead+li+ness pos n. deadly nightshade 0. syl dead+ly night+shade pos n. def a poisonous Eurasian solanaceous plant, having dull purple bell-shaped flowers and small very poisonous black berries. Also called: {belladonna, dwale}. deadly sins 0. syl dead+ly sins pos n. mod pl. qual Theol. def the sins of pride, covetousness, lust, envy, gluttony, anger, and sloth. dead man's fingers 0. syl dead man's fin+gers pos n. mod functioning as; sing. def a soft coral, with long finger-like polyps. pedal alt head dead man's handle or dead man's handle syl ped+al pos n. dead man's handle 0. or pedal syl dead man's han+dle pos n. def a safety-switch on a piece of machinery, such as a train, that allows operation only while depressed by the operator. dead march 0. syl dead march pos n. def a piece of solemn funeral music played to accompany a procession, esp. at military funerals. dead-nettle 0. syl dead-net:tle pos n. def any Eurasian plant of the genus such as (white dead-nettle), having leaves resembling nettles but lacking stinging hairs: family (labiates). deadpan 0. syl dead+pan pron <1ded2p@n> pos adj. adv. def with a deliberately emotionless face or manner. exam 1 deadpan humour. dead point 0. syl dead point pos n. def another name for { {dead centre}}. dead reckoning 0. syl dead reck+on+ing pos n. def a method of establishing one's position using the distance and direction travelled rather than astro?!nomical observations. Dead Sea 0. syl Dead Sea pos n. def a lake between Israel and Jordan, 397 m (1302 ft.) below sea level: the lowest lake in the world, with no outlet and very high salinity. Area: 1020 sq. km (394 sq. miles). Dead Sea Scrolls 0. syl Dead Sea Scrolls pos n. mod pl. def a collection of manuscripts in Hebrew and Aramaic discovered in caves near the Dead Sea between 1947 and 1956. They are widely held to have been written between about 100 #7b.c. and 68 #7a.d. and provide important biblical evidence. dead set 1. syl dead set pos adv. def absolutely. exam 1 he is dead set against going to Spain. dead set 2. syl dead set pos adv. def the motionless position of a dog when pointing with its muzzle towards game. dead set 3. syl dead set pos adj. usage of a hunting dog def in this position. dead stock 0. syl dead stock pos n. def farm equipment. Compare {livestock}. dead time 0. syl dead time pos n. qual Electronics. def the interval of time immediately following a stimulus, during which an electrical device, component, etc., is insensitive to a further stimulus. dead weight 1. syl dead weight pos n. def a heavy weight or load. dead weight 2. syl dead weight pos n. def an oppressive burden; encumbrance. dead weight 3. syl dead weight pos n. def the difference between the loaded and the unloaded weights of a ship. dead weight 4. syl dead weight pos n. def another name for {dead load}. dead weight 5. syl dead weight pos n. usage in shipping def freight chargeable by weight rather than by bulk. deadwood 1. syl dead+wood pron <1ded2wud> pos n. def dead trees or branches. deadwood 2. syl dead+wood pron <1ded2wud> pos n. qual Informal. def a useless person; encumbrance. deadwood 3. syl dead+wood pron <1ded2wud> pos n. qual Nautical. def a filler piece between the keel and the stern of a wooden vessel. deaf ety Old English d*_eaf; related to Old Norse daufr deaf 1.a. syl deaf pron pos adj. def partially or totally unable to hear. deaf 1.b. syl deaf pron pos as; n. usage the deaf. def See also {tone-deaf}. deaf 2. syl deaf pron pos adj. def refusing to heed. exam 1 deaf to the cries of the hungry. deafly sub head deaf syl deaf+ly pos adv. deafness sub head deaf syl deaf+ness pos n. deaf-and-dumb 1. syl deaf-and-dumb pos adj. def unable to hear or speak. deaf-and-dumb 2. syl deaf-and-dumb pos adj. def for the use of those unable to hear or speak. deafen 0. syl deaf+en pron <1defN> pos vb. mod tr. def to make deaf, esp. momentarily, as by a loud noise. deafeningly sub head deafen syl deaf+en+ing+ly pos adv. deaf-mute ety C19: translation of French sourd-muet deaf-mute 1. syl deaf-mute pos n. def a person who is unable to hear or speak. deaf-mute 2. syl deaf-mute pos adj. def unable to hear or speak. deaf-muteness sub head deaf-mute or deaf-mutism syl deaf-2mute:ness pos n. deaf-mutism sub head deaf-mute or deaf-muteness syl deaf-2mut:ism pos n. Alfred infl head Deakin syl Al:fred. pos n. Deakin 0. syl Dea:kin pron <1dEkin> pos n. def 1856-1919, Australian statesman. He was a leader of the movement for Australian federation; prime minister of Australia (1903-04; 1905-08; 1909-10). deal ety Old English d*_@alan, from d*_@al a part; compare Old High German teil a part, Old Norse deild a share deals infl head deal syl deals pos vb. mod mainly; intr. dealing infl head deal syl deal+ing pos vb. mod mainly; intr. dealt infl head deal syl dealt. pos vb. mod mainly; intr. deal H1.1. syl deal pron pos vb. mod mainly; intr. usage foll. by with def to take action on. exam 1 to deal with each problem in turn. deal H1.2. syl deal pron pos vb. mod mainly; intr. usage foll. by with or in def to treat (some subject matter). exam 1 his manu?!script deals with art. deal H1.3. syl deal pron pos vb. mod mainly; intr. usage foll. by with def to conduct oneself (towards others), esp. with regard to fairness. deal H1.4.a. syl deal pron pos vb. mod mainly; intr. usage foll. by with def to do business. deal H1.4.b. syl deal pron pos vb. mod mainly; intr. usage foll. by in def to engage in commercially. exam 1 to deal in upholstery. deal H1.5. syl deal pron pos vb. mod mainly; intr. usage often foll. by out def to apportion (something, such as cards) to a number of people; distribute. deal H1.6. syl deal pron pos vb. mod tr. def to give (a blow, etc.) to (someone); inflict. deal H1.7. syl deal pron pos vb. mod mainly; intr. qual Slang. def to sell narcotics. deal H1.8. syl deal pron pos n. mod mainly; intr. qual Informal. def a bargain, transaction, or agreement. deal H1.9. syl deal pron pos n. mod mainly; intr. def a particular type of treatment received, esp. as the result of an agreement. exam 1 a fair deal. deal H1.10. syl deal pron pos n. mod mainly; intr. def an indefinite amount, extent, or degree (esp. in the phrases {good} or {great deal}) . deal H1.11.a. syl deal pron pos n. mod mainly; intr. def the process of distributing the cards. deal H1.11.b. syl deal pron pos n. mod mainly; intr. def a player's turn to do this. deal H1.11.c. syl deal pron pos n. mod mainly; intr. def a single round in a card game. big deal 12. head deal syl big deal. qual Informal. def an important person, event, or matter of any sort: often used sarcastically. deal ety C14: from Middle Low German dele plank; see #7thill deal H2.1. syl deal pron pos n. def a plank of softwood timber, such as fir or pine, or such planks collectively. deal H2.2. syl deal pron pos n. def the sawn wood of various conif?!erous trees, such as that from the Scots pine ({red deal}) or from the Norway Spruce ({white deal) }. deal H2.3. syl deal pron pos adj. def of fir or pine. dealated alt head dealate or dealate syl de:a+lat+ed pron <1dEA2lAtid> pos adj. dealate 0. or dealated syl de:a+late pron <1dEA2lAt>, <-lit> pos adj. usage of ants and other insects def having lost their wings, esp. by biting or rubbing them off after mating. dealation sub head dealate syl de:a+1la+tion pos n. dealer 1. syl deal+er pron <1dEl*> pos n. def a person or firm engaged in commercial purchase and sale; trader. exam 1 a car dealer. dealer 2. syl deal+er pron <1dEl*> pos n. qual Cards. def the person who distributes the cards. dealer 3. syl deal+er pron <1dEl*> pos n. qual Slang. def a person who sells narcotics. dealership sub head dealer syl deal+er+2ship pos n. dealfish infl or dealfishes syl deal+fish pos n. mod pl. dealfishes infl head dealfish or dealfish syl deal+fish:es. pos n. mod pl. dealfish 0. syl deal+fish pron <1dEl2fiS> pos n. def any soft-finned deep-sea teleost fish of the genus esp. related to the ribbonfishes and having a very long tapelike body and a fan-shaped tail fin. dealings 0. syl deal+ings pron <1dEliGz> pos n. mod pl. sometimes; sing. def transactions or business relations. dealt 0. syl dealt pron pos vb. def the past tense or past participle of {deal}. deaminize alt head deaminate or deaminate syl de+am+in+ize pos vb. mod tr. deaminise infl head deaminate syl de+am+in+ise pos vb. mod tr. deaminate 0. or deaminize syl de+am:i+nate pron pos vb. mod tr. def to remove one or more amino groups from (a molecule). deamination sub head deaminate syl de+2am:i+1na+tion pos n. deaminization sub head deaminate or deaminisation syl de+2am:i+ni+1za+tion pos n. deaminisation sub head deaminate or deaminization syl de+2am:i+ni+1sa+tion pos n. dean ety C14: from Old French deien, from Late Latin dec*_anus one set over ten persons, from Latin decem ten dean 1. syl dean pron pos n. def the chief administrative official of a college or university faculty. dean 2. syl dean pron pos n. usage at Oxford and Cambridge universities def a college fellow with responsibility for undergraduate discipline. dean 3. syl dean pron pos n. qual Chiefly Church of England. def the head of a chapter of canons@T and@T administrator@T of@T a@T cathedral@T or @T collegiate church. dean 4. syl dean pron pos n. qual R.C. Church. def the cardinal bishop senior by consecration and head of the college of cardinals. Related adj.: {decanal}. See also: {rural dean}. deanship sub head dean syl dean+2ship pos n. deaneries infl head deanery syl dean+er:ies. pos n. mod pl. deanery 1. syl dean+er:y pron <1dEn*ri> pos n. def the office or residence of dean. deanery 2. syl dean+er:y pron <1dEn*ri> pos n. def the group of parishes presided over by a rural dean. Dean of Faculty 0. syl Dean of Fac+ul+ty pos n. def the president of the Faculty of Advocates in Scotland. dean of guild 0. syl dean of guild pos n. def the titular head of the guild or merchant company in a Scots burgh, who exercises jurisdiction over all building in the burgh. dear ety Old English d*_eore; related to Old Norse d*_yrr dear 1. syl dear pron pos adj. def beloved; precious. dear 2. syl dear pron pos adj. def used in conventional forms of address preceding a title or name, as in or dear 3. syl dear pron pos adj. usage postpositive; foll. by to def important; close. exam 1 a wish dear to her heart. dear 4.a. syl dear pron pos adj. def highly priced. dear 4.b. syl dear pron pos adj. def charging high prices. dear 5. syl dear pron pos adj. def appealing or pretty. exam 1 what a dear little ring&! for dear life 6. head dear syl for dear life. def as though life were in danger. dear 7. syl dear pron pos interj. def used in exclamations of surprise or dismay, such as and dear 8. syl dear pron pos n. usage often used in direct address def someone regarded with affection and tenderness; darling. dear 9. syl dear pron pos adv. def dearly. exam 1 his errors have cost him dear. dearness sub head dear syl dear+ness pos n. Dearborn 0. syl Dear+born pron <1di*b*n>, <-2bc:n> pos n. def a city in SE Michigan, near Detroit: automobile industry. Pop.: 104199 (1970). Dear John letter 0. syl Dear John let+ter pos n. qual Informal. def a letter from a girl breaking off a love affair. dearly 1. syl dear+ly pron <1di*li> pos adv. def very much. exam 1 I would dearly like you to go. dearly 2. syl dear+ly pron <1di*li> pos adv. def affectionately. dearly 3. syl dear+ly pron <1di*li> pos adv. def at a great cost. dearth ety C13 derthe, from d*_er #7dear dearth 0. syl dearth pron pos n. def an inadequate amount, esp. of food; scarcity. dearie alt head deary or deary syl dear:ie pron <1di*ri> pos n. dearies infl head deary syl dear:ies pos n. mod pl. deary 1. or dearie syl dear:y pron <1di*ri> pos n. qual Informal. def a term of affection: now often sarcastic or facetious. deary 2. or dearie me syl deary def an exclamation of surprise or dismay. death ety Old English d*_eath; related to Old High German t*_od death, Gothic dauthus death 1. syl death pron pos n. def the permanent end of all functions of life in an organism or some of its cellular components. death 2. syl death pron pos n. def an instance of this. exam 1 his death ended an era. death 3. syl death pron pos n. def a murder or killing. exam 1 he had five deaths on his conscience. death 4. syl death pron pos n. def termination or destruction. exam 1 the death of colonialism. death 5. syl death pron pos n. def a state of affairs or an experience considered as terrible as death. exam 1 your constant nagging will be the death of me. death 6. syl death pron pos n. def a cause or source of death. death 7. syl death pron pos n. usage usually cap. def a personification of death, usually a skeleton or an old man holding a scythe. to death 8. head death or to the death syl to death def until dead. exam 1 bleed to death; exam 2 a fight to the death. at death's door 9. head death syl at death's door. def likely to die soon. catch one's death (of cold) 10. head death syl catch one's death (of cold). qual Informal. def to contract a severe cold. death 11.a. syl death pron pos n. def to kill. death 11.b. syl death pron pos n. def to overuse (a joke, etc.) so that it no longer has any effect. death 12.a. syl death pron pos n. def present when an animal that is being hunted is caught and killed. death 12.b. syl death pron pos n. def present at the finish or climax. like death warmed up 13. head death syl like death warmed up. qual Informal. def very ill. like grim death 14. head death syl like grim death. def as if afraid of one's life. put to death 15. head death syl put to death. def to kill deliberately or execute. death xref syl death pron pos n. def Related adjs.: {fatal, lethal, mortal}. death adder 0. syl death ad+der pos n. def a venomous Australian elapid snake, resembling an adder. deathbed 1. syl death+bed pron <1deT2bed> pos n. def the bed in which a person is about to die. on one's deathbed 2. head deathbed syl on one's deathbed. def about to die. deathblow 0. syl death+blow pron <1deT2bl*u> pos n. def a thing or event that destroys life or hope, esp. suddenly. angel alt head death cap or death cap syl an+gel pos n. death cap 0. or angel syl death cap pos n. def a poisonous woodland saprophytic basidiomycetous fungus, differing from the @T edible@T mushroom@T @T only@T in@T its@T white@T gills (pinkish-brown in and the presence of a volva. See also {amanita}. death cell 0. syl death cell pos n. def a prison cell for criminals sentenced to death. death certificate 0. syl death cer+ti+fi+cate pos n. def a legal document issued by a qualified medical practitioner certifying the death of a person and stating the cause if known. death duty 0. syl death du:ty pos n. def a tax on property inheritances. death grant 0. syl death grant pos n. usage in the British National Insurance scheme def a grant payable to a relative, executor, etc., after the death of a person. bell alt head death knell or death knell syl bell pos n. death knell 1. or bell syl death knell pos n. def something that heralds death or destruction. death knell 2. or bell syl death knell pos n. def a bell rung to announce a death. deathless 0. syl death+less pron <1deTl*s> pos adj. def immortal, esp. because of greatness; everlasting. deathlessly sub head deathless syl death+less+ly pos adv. deathlessness sub head deathless syl death+less+ness pos n. deathly 1. syl death+ly pron <1deTli> pos adj. def deadly. deathly 2. syl death+ly pron <1deTli> pos adj. def resembling death. exam 1 a deathly quiet. death mask 0. syl death mask pos n. def a cast of a person's face taken shortly after death. Compare {life mask}. death penalty 0. syl death pen+al+ty pos n. usage often preceded by the def capital punishment. death rate 0. syl death rate pos n. def the ratio of deaths in a specified area, group, etc., to the population of that area, group, etc. Also called (esp. in the U.S.): {mortality rate}. death rattle 0. syl death rat+tle pos n. def a low-pitched gurgling sound sometimes made by a dying person, caused by air passing through an accumulation of mucus in the trachea. death ray 0. syl death ray pos n. def an imaginary ray capable of killing. deathouse alt head death row or death row syl deathouse pos n. death row 0. or deathouse syl death row pos n. qual U.S. def the part of a prison where those sentenced to death are confined. death seat 0. syl death seat pos n. qual U.S. and Austral. slang. def the seat beside the driver of a vehicle. death's-head 0. syl death's-head pos n. def a human skull or a representation of one. death's-head moth 0. syl death's-head moth pos n. def a European hawk moth, having markings resembling a human skull on its upper thorax. deathtrap 0. syl death+trap pron <1deT2tr@p> pos n. def a building, vehicle, etc., that is considered very unsafe. Death Valley 0. syl Death Val+ley pos n. def a desert valley in E California and W Nevada: the lowest, hottest, and driest area of the U.S. Lowest point: 86 m (282 ft.) below sea level. Area: about 3885 sq. km (1500 sq. miles). death warrant 1. syl death war+rant pos n. def the official authorization for carrying out a sentence of death. sign one's (own) death warrant 2. head death warrant syl sign one's (own) death warrant. def to cause one's own destruction. deathwatch 1. syl death+watch pron <1deT2woC> pos n. def a vigil held beside a dying or dead person. deathwatch beetle 2. head deathwatch syl deathwatch beetle. def any beetle of the family esp. that bores into wood and produces a tapping sound that was popularly thought to presage death. death wish 0. syl death wish pos n. usage in Freudian psychology def the desire for self-annihilation. See also {Thanatos}. Deauville 0. syl Deau+ville pron <1d*uvEl>, French pos n. def a town and resort in NW France: casino. Pop.: 5370 (1968). deb 0. syl deb pron pos n. qual Informal. def short for {debutante}. deb 0. syl deb. qual abbrev. for def debenture. debacle ety C19: from French d*'eb*^acle, from Old French desbacler to unbolt, ultimately from Latin baculum rod, staff debacle 1. syl de+ba+cle pron , pos n. def a sudden disastrous collapse or defeat, esp. one involving a disorderly retreat; rout. debacle 2. syl de+ba+cle pron , pos n. def the breaking up of ice in a river during spring or summer, often causing flooding. debacle 3. syl de+ba+cle pron , pos n. def a violent rush of water carrying along debris. debags infl head debag syl de+bags pos vb. mod tr. debagging infl head debag syl de+bag+ging pos vb. mod tr. debagged infl head debag syl de+bagged. pos vb. mod tr. debag 0. syl de+bag pron pos vb. mod tr. qual Brit. slang. def to remove the trousers from (someone) by force. debars infl head debar syl de+bars pos vb. mod tr. debarring infl head debar syl de+bar+ring pos vb. mod tr. debarred infl head debar syl de+barred. pos vb. mod tr. debar 0. syl de+bar pron pos vb. mod tr. usage usually foll. by from def to exclude from a place, a right, etc.; bar. debarment sub head debar syl de+1bar+ment pos n. debark ety C17: from French d*'ebarquer, from d*'e- {#7dis -%1}#7+ barque #7Barque debark 0. syl de+bark pron pos vb. def a less common word for {disembark}. debarkation sub head debark syl de+bar+ka+tion pron <2dEba:1kAS*n> pos n. debase ety C16: see #7de -#7, {base %2} debase 1. syl de+base pron pos vb. mod tr. def to lower in quality, character, or value, as by adding cheaper metal to coins; adulterate. debasedness sub head debase syl de+bas+ed+ness pron pos n. debasement sub head debase syl de+1base+ment pos n. debaser sub head debase syl de+1bas+er pos n. debasingly sub head debase syl de+1bas+ing+ly pos adv. debateable alt head debatable or debatable syl de+bate+a:ble pron pos adj. debatable 1. or debateable syl de+bat+a:ble pron pos adj. def open to question; disputable. debatable 2. or debateable syl de+bat+a:ble pron pos adj. qual Law. def in dispute, as land or territory to which two parties lay claim. debate ety C13: from Old French debatre to discuss, argue, from Latin battuere debate 1. syl de+bate pron pos n. def a formal discussion, as in a legislative body, in which opposing arguments are put forward. debate 2. syl de+bate pron pos n. def discussion or dispute. debate 3. syl de+bate pron pos n. def the formal presentation and opposition of a specific motion, followed by a vote. debate 4. syl de+bate pron pos vb. def to discuss (a motion, etc.), esp. in a formal assembly. debate 5. syl de+bate pron pos vb. def to deliberate upon (something). exam 1 he debated with himself whether to go. debater sub head debate syl de+1bat+er pos n. debauch ety C16: from Old French desbaucher to corrupt, literally: to shape (timber) roughly, from bauch beam, of Germanic origin debauch 1. syl de+bauch pron pos vb. mod when; tr. usage usually passive def to lead into a life of depraved self-indulgence. debauch 2. syl de+bauch pron pos vb. mod tr. def to seduce (a woman). debauch 3. syl de+bauch pron pos n. def an instance or period of extreme dissipation. debauchedly sub head debauch syl de+bauch+ed+ly pron pos adv. debauchedness sub head debauch syl de+1bauch+ed+ness pos n. debaucher sub head debauch syl de+1bauch+er pos n. debauchery sub head debauch or debauchment syl de+1bauch+er:y pos n. debauchment sub head debauch or debauchery syl de+1bauch+ment pos n. debauchee 0. syl deb:au+chee pron <2debc:1CE>, <-c:1SE> pos n. def a man who leads a life of reckless drinking, promiscuity, and self-indulgence. debe ety C20: from Swahili debe 0. syl de:be pron <1debe> pos n. qual E. African. def a tin. de Beauvoir 0. syl de Beau:voir pron French pos n. def See (Simone de) {Beauvoir}. debenture ety C15: from Latin phrase d*_ebentur mihi there are owed to me, from d*_eb*_ere to owe debenture 1. syl de+ben+ture pron pos n. def Also called: {debenture bond}. a long-term bond, bearing fixed interest and usually unsecured, issued by a company or governmental agency. debenture 2. syl de+ben+ture pron pos n. def a certificate acknowledging the debt of a stated sum of money to a specified person. debenture 3. syl de+ben+ture pron pos n. def a customs certificate providing for a refund of excise or import duty. debentured sub head debenture syl de+1ben+tured pos adj. debilitate ety C16: from Latin d*_ebilit*_are, from d*_ebilis weak debilitate 0. syl de+bil:i+tate pron pos vb. mod tr. def to make feeble; weaken. debilitation sub head debilitate syl de+2bil:i+1ta+tion pos n. debilitative sub head debilitate syl de+1bil:i+ta+tive pos adj. debilities infl head debility syl de+bil+i:ties. pos n. mod pl. debility 0. syl de+bil+i:ty pron pos n. def weakness or infirmity. debit ety C15: from Latin d*_ebitum #7debt debit 1.a. syl deb+it pron <1debit> pos n. qual Accounting. def acknowledgment of a sum owing by entry on the left side of an account. debit 1.b. syl deb+it pron <1debit> pos n. qual Accounting. def the left side of an account. debit 1.c. syl deb+it pron <1debit> pos n. qual Accounting. def an entry on this side. debit 1.d. syl deb+it pron <1debit> pos n. qual Accounting. def the total of such entries. debit 1.e. syl deb+it pron <1debit> pos n. qual Accounting. usage as modifier; a debit balance. def Compare {{credit} (sense 10)}. debit 2.a. syl deb+it pron <1debit> pos vb. qual Accounting. def to record (an item) as a debit in an account. debit 2.b. syl deb+it pron <1debit> pos vb. qual Accounting. def to charge (a person or his account) with a debt. Compare { {credit} (sense 17)}. debonair ety C13: from Old French debonaire, from de bon aire having a good disposition debonnaire alt head debonair or debonair syl deb+on+naire pron <2deb*1ne*> pos adj. debonair 1. or debonnaire syl deb:o+nair pron <2deb*1ne*> pos adj. usage esp. of a man or his manner def suave and refined. debonair 2. or debonnaire syl deb:o+nair pron <2deb*1ne*> pos adj. usage esp. of a man or his manner def carefree; gay. debonair 3. or debonnaire syl deb:o+nair pron <2deb*1ne*> pos adj. usage esp. of a man or his manner def courteous and cheerful; affable. debonairly sub head debonair syl deb:o+1nair+ly pos adv. debonairness sub head debonair syl deb:o+1nair+ness pos n. Deborah 1. syl Deb:o:rah pron <1deb*r*>, <-br*> pos n. qual Old Testament. def a prophetess and judge of Israel who fought the Canaanites (Judges 4, 5). Deborah 2. syl Deb:o:rah pron <1deb*r*>, <-br*> pos n. qual Old Testament. def Rebekah's nurse (Genesis 35:8). debouch ety C18: from French d*'eboucher, from d*'e- #7{dis -%1}#7+ bouche mouth, from Latin bucca cheek debouch 1. syl de+bouch pron pos vb. mod intr. usage esp. of troops def to move into a more open space, as from a narrow or concealed place. debouch 2. syl de+bouch pron pos vb. mod intr. usage of a river, glacier, etc. def to flow from a valley into a larger area or body. debouch 3. syl de+bouch pron pos n. def Also called: {d*'e+bou+ch*'e} debu#!#se). an outlet or passage, as for the exit of troops. debouchment 1. syl de+bouch+ment pron pos n. def the act or an instance of debouching. debouchment 2. syl de+bouch+ment pron pos n. def Also called: {de+bou+chure} (@!de$Ibu$:#!#s$u$$). an outlet, mouth, or opening. Debrecen 0. syl De+bre+cen pron <1debre2tsen> pos n. def a city in E Hungary: seat of the revolutionary government of 1849. Pop.: 179755 (1974 est.). d'ebridement ety C19: from French, from Old French desbrider to unbridle, from des- #7de -#7+ bride #7bridle d'ebridement 0. syl d*'e+bride+ment pron , pos n. def the surgical removal of dead tissue or cellular debris from the surface of a wound. debrief 0. syl de+brief pron pos vb. usage of a soldier, astronaut, diplomat, etc. def to make or (of his superiors) to elicit a report after a mission or event. Compare {{brief} (sense 12)}. debris ety C18: from French, from obsolete debrisier to break into pieces, from bruisier to shatter, of Celtic origin d'ebris alt head debris or debris syl d*'e+bris pron <1dAbri>, <1debri> pos n. debris 1. or d'ebris syl de+bris pron <1dAbri>, <1debri> pos n. def fragments or remnants of something destroyed or broken; rubble. debris 2. or d'ebris syl de+bris pron <1dAbri>, <1debri> pos n. def a collection of loose material derived from rocks, or an accumulation of animal or vegetable matter. de Broglie 0. syl de Bro:glie pron French pos n. def See (Louis Victor de) {Broglie}. de Broglie waves ety C20: named after Louis Victor de B#7roglie de Broglie waves 0. syl de Bro:glie waves pron pos n. mod pl. qual Physics. def the set of waves that represent the behaviour of an elementary particle, or some atoms and molecules, under certain conditions. The {de Broglie wavelength}, #Gv, is given by #Gv= where is the Planck constant, the mass, and the velocity of the particle. Eugene Victor infl head Debs syl Eu:gene Vic:tor. pos n. Debs 0. syl Debs pron pos n. def 1855-1926, U.S. labour leader; five times Socialist presidential candidate (1900-20). debt ety C13; from Old French dette, from Latin d*_ebitum, from d*_eb*_ere to owe, from #7de -#7+ hab*_ere to have; English spelling influenced by the Latin etymon debt 1. syl debt pron pos n. def something that is owed, such as money, goods, or services. bad debt 2. head debt syl bad debt. def a debt that has little or no prospect of being paid. debt 3. syl debt pron pos n. def an obligation to pay or perform something; liability. debt 4. syl debt pron pos n. def the state of owing something, esp. money, or of being under an obligation (esp. in the phrases {in debt, in (someone's) debt}) . debtless sub head debt syl debt+less pos adj. debt of honour 0. syl debt of hon+our pos n. def a debt that is morally but not legally binding, such as one contracted in gambling. debtor 0. syl debt+or pron <1det*> pos n. def a person or commercial enterprise that owes a financial obligation. Compare {creditor}. debug ety C20: from #7De -+#7Bug %1 infl head debug syl ~ pos vb. mod tr. qual Informal. debugs infl head debug syl de+bugs pos vb. mod tr. debugging infl head debug syl de+bug+ging pos vb. mod tr. debugged infl head debug syl de+bugged. pos vb. mod tr. debug 1. syl de+bug pron pos vb. mod tr. def to locate and remove concealed microphones from (a room, etc.). debug 2. syl de+bug pron pos vb. mod tr. def to locate and remove defects in (a device, system, plan, etc.). debug 3. syl de+bug pron pos vb. mod tr. def to remove insects from. {~} debug 4.a. syl de+bug pron pos vb. mod tr. def something, esp. a computer program, that locates and removes defects in (a device, system, etc.) debug 4.b. syl de+bug pron pos vb. mod tr. usage as modifier def . exam 1 a debug program. debunk ety C20: from #7de -#7+bunk %2 debunk 0. syl de+bunk pron pos vb. mod tr. qual Informal. def to expose the pretensions or falseness of, esp. by ridicule. debunker sub head debunk syl de+1bunk+er pos n. debuses infl head debus or debusses syl de+bus:es pos vb. debusing infl head debus or debussing syl de+bus+ing pos vb. debused infl head debus or debussed syl de+bused pos vb. debusses infl head debus or debuses syl de+bus:ses pos vb. debussing infl head debus or debusing syl de+bus+sing pos vb. debussed infl head debus or debused syl de+bussed. pos vb. debus 0. syl de+bus pron pos vb. def to unload (goods, etc.) or (esp. of troops) to alight from a bus. (Achille) Claude infl head Debussy syl (Achille) Claude pos n. Debussy 0. syl De:bus:sy pron , <1dAbju:si>, French pos n. usage klod). 1862-1918, French composer and critic, the creator of impressionism in music and a profound influence on contemporary composition. His works include; Pr*'elude *`a l'apr*`es-midi d'un faune 1894 def and (1905) for orchestra, the opera (1902), and many piano pieces and song settings. debut ety C18: from French d*'ebut, from Old French desbuter to play first (hence: make one's first appearance), from des- #7de -#7+ but goal, target; see #7butt debut 1. syl de+but pron <1dAbju:>, <1debju:> pos n. def the first public appearance of an actor, musician, etc. debut 2. syl de+but pron <1dAbju:>, <1debju:> pos n. def the presentation of a debutante. debutante ety C19: from French, from d*'ebuter to lead off in a game, make one's first appearance; see #7debut debutante 1. syl deb:u+tante pron <1debju2ta:nt>, <-2t@nt> pos n. def a young woman of upper-class background who is presented to society, usually at a formal ball. debutante 2. syl deb:u+tante pron <1debju2ta:nt>, <-2t@nt> pos n. def a girl or young woman regarded as being upper-class, wealthy, and of a frivolous or snobbish social set. dec 1. syl dec. qual abbrev. for: def deceased. dec 2. syl dec. qual abbrev. for: def declaration. dec 3. syl dec. qual abbrev. for: def declension. dec 4. syl dec. qual abbrev. for: def declination. dec 5. syl dec. qual abbrev. for: def decrease. dec 6. syl dec. qual abbrev. for:; Music. def decrescendo. Dec 0. syl Dec. qual abbrev. for def December. deca- ety from Greek deka deka- infl head deca- syl dek:a- decade ety C15: from Old French, from Late Latin decad-, decas, from Greek dekas, from deka ten decade 1. syl dec+ade pron <1dekAd>, pos n. def a period of ten consecutive years. decade 2. syl dec+ade pron <1dekAd>, pos n. def a group or series of ten. decadal sub head decade syl de+1ca+dal pos adj. decadence ety C16: from French, from Medieval Latin d*_ecadentia, literally: a falling away; see #7decay decadency alt head decadence or decadence syl dec:a+den+cy pos n. decadence 1. or decadency syl dec:a+dence pron <1dek*d*ns> pos n. def deterioration, esp. of morality or culture; decay; degeneration. decadence 2. or decadency syl dec:a+dence pron <1dek*d*ns> pos n. def the state reached through such a process. decadence 3. or decadency syl dec:a+dence pron <1dek*d*ns> pos n. usage often cap. def the period or style associated with the 19th-century Decadents. decadent 1. syl dec:a+dent pron <1dek*d*nt> pos adj. def characterized by decay or decline, as in being self-indulgent or morally corrupt. decadent 2. syl dec:a+dent pron <1dek*d*nt> pos adj. def belonging to a period of decline in artistic standards. decadent 3. syl dec:a+dent pron <1dek*d*nt> pos n. def a decadent person. decadently sub head decadent syl dec:a+dent+ly pos adv. decaffeinate 0. syl de+caf+fein+ate pron pos vb. mod tr. def to remove all or part of the caffeine from (coffee). decagon 0. syl dec:a+gon pron <1dek*2gon> pos n. def a polygon having ten sides. decagonal sub head decagon syl de+cag:o+nal pron pos adj. decagonally sub head decagon syl de+1cag:o+nal+ly pos adv. decahedron 0. syl dec:a+he+dron pron <2dek*1hEdr*n> pos n. def a solid figure having ten plane faces. See also {polyhedron}. decahedral sub head decahedron syl dec:a+1he+dral pos adj. decal 1. syl de+cal pron , <1dEk@l> pos n. def short for {decalcomania}. decal 2. syl de+cal pron , <1dEk@l> pos vb. def to transfer (a design, etc.) by decalcomania. decalcifies infl head decalcify syl de+cal+ci+fies pos vb. mod tr. decalcifying infl head decalcify syl de+cal+ci+fy+ing pos vb. mod tr. decalcified infl head decalcify syl de+cal+ci+fied. pos vb. mod tr. decalcify 0. syl de+cal+ci+fy pron pos vb. mod tr. def to remove calcium or lime from (bones, teeth, etc.). decalcification sub head decalcify syl de+cal+ci+fi+ca+tion pron pos n. decalcifier sub head decalcify syl de+1cal+ci+2fi+er pos n. decalcomania ety C19: from French d*'ecalcomanie, from d*'ecalquer to transfer by tracing, from d*'e- #7de -#7+ calquer to trace+ -manie -#7mania decalcomania 1. syl de+cal+co+ma+ni:a pron pos n. def the art or process of transferring a design from prepared paper onto another surface, such as china, glass or paper. decalcomania 2. syl de+cal+co+ma+ni:a pron pos n. def a design so transferred. decalescence ety C19: from Late Latin d*_ecalescere to become warm, from Latin #7de -#7+ calescere, from cal*_ere to be warm decalescence 0. syl de+ca+les+cence pron <2dEk*1lesNs> pos n. def the absorption of heat when a metal is heated through a particular temperature range, caused by a change in internal crystal structure. decalescent sub head decalescence syl de+ca+1les+cent pos adj. Decalogue ety C14: from Church Latin decalogus, from Greek, from deka ten+ logos word Decalogue 0. syl Dec:a+logue pron <1dek*2log> pos n. def another name for the {Ten Commandments}. decamp 1. syl de+camp pron pos vb. mod intr. def to leave a camp; break camp. decamp 2. syl de+camp pron pos vb. mod intr. def to depart secretly or suddenly; abscond. decampment sub head decamp syl de+1camp+ment pos n. decanal ety C18: from Medieval Latin dec*_an*_alis, dec*_anus #7dean decanal 0.a. syl de+ca+nal pron pos adj. def of or relating to a dean or deanery. decanal 0.b. syl de+ca+nal pron pos adj. usage of part of a chair def on the same side of a cathedral, etc., as the dean; on the S side of the choir. Compare {cantorial}. decanally sub head decanal or decanically syl de+1ca+nal+ly pron pos adv. decanically sub head decanal or decanally syl de+can:i+cal+ly pron pos adv. decane ety C19: from #7deca -#7+ -#7ane decane 0. syl dec+ane pron <1dekAn> pos n. def a liquid alkane hydrocarbon existing in several isomeric forms. Formula: C\1\0H\2\2. decanedioic acid 0. syl dec+ane+di:o+ic ac:id pron <2dekAndI1*uik> pos n. def a white crystalline carboxylic acid obtained by heating castor oil with sodium hydroxide, used in the manufacture of polyester resins and rubbers and plasticizers. Formula: HOOC(CH\2)\8COOH. Also called: {sebacic acid}. decani ety Latin: genitive of dec*_anus decani 0. syl de+ca+ni pron pos adj. adv. qual Music. def to be sung by the decanal side of a choir. Compare: {cantoris}. decanoic acid 0. syl dec:a+no+ic ac:id pron <2dek*1n*uik> pos n. def a white crystalline insoluble carboxylic acid with an unpleasant odour, used in perfumes and for making fruit flavours. Formula: C\9H\1\9COOH. Also called: {capric acid}. decant ety C17: from Medieval Latin d*_ecanth*_are, from canthus spout, rim; see #7canthus decant 0. syl de+cant pron pos vb. def to pour (a liquid, such as wine) from one container to another, esp. without disturbing any sediment. decanter 0. syl de+cant+er pron pos n. def a stoppered bottle, usually of glass, into which a drink, such as wine, is poured for serving. decapitate ety C17: from Late Latin d*_ecapit*_are, from Latin #7de -#7+ caput head decapitate 0. syl de+cap:i+tate pron pos vb. mod tr. def to behead. decapitation sub head decapitate syl de+2cap:i+1ta+tion pos n. decapitator sub head decapitate syl de+1cap:i+2ta+tor pos n. decapod 1. syl dec:a+pod pron <1dek*2pod> pos n. def any crustacean of the mostly marine order having five pairs of walking limbs: includes the crabs, lobsters, shrimps, prawns, and crayfish. decapod 2. syl dec:a+pod pron <1dek*2pod> pos n. def any cephalopod mollusc of the order having a ring of eight short tentacles and two longer ones: includes the squids and cuttlefish. decapod 3. syl dec:a+pod pron <1dek*2pod> pos adj. def of, relating to, or belonging to either of these orders. decapod 4. syl dec:a+pod pron <1dek*2pod> pos adj. usage of any other animal def having ten limbs. decapodal sub head decapod syl de+cap:o+dal pron pos adj. decapodan sub head decapod or decapodous syl de+1cap:o+dan pos adj. decapodous sub head decapod or decapodan syl de+1cap:o+dous pos adj. Decapolis 0. syl De+cap:o+lis pron pos n. def a league of ten cities, including Damascus, in the northeast of ancient Palestine: established in 63 #7b.c. by Pompey and governed by Rome. decarbonate 0. syl de+car+bon+ate pron pos vb. mod tr. def to remove carbon dioxide from (a solution, substance, etc.). decarbonation sub head decarbonate syl de+2car+bon:1a+tion pos n. decarbonator sub head decarbonate syl de+1car+bon:2a+tor pos n. decarbonise alt head decarbonize or decarbonize syl de+car+bon+ise pron pos vb. mod tr. decarbonize 0. or decarbonise syl de+car+bon+ize pron pos vb. mod tr. def to remove carbon from (the walls of the combustion chamber of an internal-combustion engine, etc.). Also: {decoke, decarburize}. decarbonization sub head decarbonize or decarbonisation syl de+2car+bon:i+1za+tion pos n. decarbonisation sub head decarbonize or decarbonization syl de+2car+bon:i+1sa+tion pos n. decarbonizer sub head decarbonize or decarboniser syl de+1car+bon+2iz+er pos n. decarboniser sub head decarbonize or decarbonizer syl de+1car+bon+2is+er pos n. decarboxylation 0. syl de+car+box:y+la+tion pron <2dEka:2boks*1lAS*n> pos n. def the removal or loss of a carboxyl group from an organic compound. decarburise alt head decarburize or decarburize syl de+car+bu+rise pron pos vb. decarburize 0. or decarburise syl de+car+bu+rize pron pos vb. def another word for {decarbonize}. decarburization sub head decarburize syl de+2car+bu+ri+1za+tion pos n. decarburisation sub head decarburize or decarburation syl de+2car+bu+ri+1sa+tion pos n. decarburation sub head decarburize or decarburisation syl de+2car+bu+1ra+tion pos n. decare ety C19: from French d*'ecare; see #7deca -#7, {are %2} decare 0. syl dec+are pron <1deke*>, pos n. def ten ares or 1000 square metres. decastyle 0. syl dec:a+style pron <1dek*2stIl> pos n. qual Architect. def a portico consisting of ten columns. decasyllable 0. syl dec:a+syl+la+ble pron <1dek*2sil*bL> pos n. def a word or line of verse consisting of ten syllables. decasyllabic sub head decasyllable syl dec:a+syl+lab+ic pron <2dek*si1l@b?!ik> pos adj. decathlon ety C20: from #7deca -#7+ Greek athlon contest, prize; see #7athlete decathlon 0. syl de+cath+lon pron pos n. def an athletic contest for men in which each athlete competes in ten different events. Compare {pentathlon}. decay ety C15: from Old Northern French deca*"ir, from Late Latin d*_ecadere, literally: to fall away, from Latin cadere to fall decay 1. syl de+cay pron pos vb. def to decline or cause to decline gradually in health, prosperity, excellence, etc.; deteriorate; waste away. decay 2. syl de+cay pron pos vb. def to rot or cause to rot as a result of bacterial, fungal, or chemical action; decompose. decay 3. syl de+cay pron pos vb. mod intr. def Also: {disintegrate}. decay 3.a. syl de+cay pron pos vb. usage of an atomic nucleus def to undergo radioactive disintegration. decay 3.b. syl de+cay pron pos vb. usage of an elementary particle def to transform into two or more different elementary particles. decay 4. syl de+cay pron pos vb. usage Physics. of a stored charge, magnetic flux, etc. def to decrease gradually when the source of energy has been removed. decay 5. syl de+cay pron pos n. def the process of decline, as in health, mentality, beauty, etc. decay 6. syl de+cay pron pos n. def the state brought about by this process. decay 7. syl de+cay pron pos n. def decomposition, as of vegetable matter. decay 8. syl de+cay pron pos n. def rotten or decayed matter. exam 1 the dentist drilled out the decay. decay 9.a. syl de+cay pron pos n. def See {radioactive decay}. decay 9.b. syl de+cay pron pos n. def a spontaneous transformation of an elementary particle into two or more different particles. decay 10. syl de+cay pron pos n. qual Physics. def a gradual decrease of a stored charge, magnetic flux, current, etc., when the source of energy has been removed. See also {time constant}. decayable sub head decay syl de+1cay+a:ble pos adj. the infl head Deccan syl the. pos n. Deccan 1. syl Dec+can pron <1dek*n> pos n. def a plateau in S India, between the Eastern Ghats, the Western Ghats, and the Narmada River. Deccan 2. syl Dec+can pron <1dek*n> pos n. def the whole Indian peninsula south of the Narmada River. decd 0. syl decd. qual abbrev. for def deceased. decease ety C14 (n.) : from Old French deces, from Latin d*_ec*_edere to depart decease 1. syl de+cease pron pos n. def a more formal word for {death}. decease 2. syl de+cease pron pos vb. mod intr. def a more formal word for {{die%1}}. deceased 0.a. syl de+ceased pron pos adj. def a more formal word for { {dead} (sense 1)}. deceased 0.b. syl de+ceased pron pos as; n. exam 1 the deceased. decedent ety C16: from Latin d*_ec*_ed*_ens departing; see #7decease decedent 0. syl de+ce:dent pron pos n. qual Law, chiefly U.S. def a deceased person. deceit ety C13: from Old French deceite, from deceivre to #7deceive deceit 1. syl de+ceit pron pos n. def the act or practice of deceiving. deceit 2. syl de+ceit pron pos n. def a statement, act, or device intended to mislead; fraud; trick. deceit 3. syl de+ceit pron pos n. def a tendency to deceive. deceitful 0. syl de+ceit+ful pron pos adj. def full of deceit. deceitfully sub head deceitful syl de+1ceit+ful+ly pos adv. deceitfulness sub head deceitful syl de+1ceit+ful+ness pos n. deceive ety C13: from Old French deceivre, from Latin d*_ecipere to ensnare, cheat, from capere to take &- de+#!ceiv+a@.ble adj. deceive 1. syl de+ceive pron pos vb. mod tr. def to mislead by deliberate mis?!representation or lies. deceive 2. syl de+ceive pron pos vb. mod tr. def to delude (oneself). deceive 3. syl de+ceive pron pos vb. mod tr. qual Archaic. def to disappoint. exam 1 his hopes were deceived. deceivably sub head deceive syl de+1ceiv+a:bly pos adv. deceivableness sub head deceive or deceivability syl de+1ceiv+a:ble+ness pos n. deceivability sub head deceive or deceivableness syl de+2ceiv+a:1bil+i:ty pos n. deceiver sub head deceive syl de+1ceiv+er pos n. deceivingly sub head deceive syl de+1ceiv+ing+ly pos adv. decelerate ety C19: from #7de -#7+accelerate decelerate 0. syl de+cel+er+ate pron pos vb. def to slow down or cause to slow down. deceleration sub head decelerate syl de+2cel+er:1a+tion pos n. decelerator sub head decelerate syl de+1cel+er:2a+tor pos n. decelerometer 0. syl de+cel+e:rom+e:ter pron pos n. def an instrument for measuring deceleration. December ety C13: from Old French decembre, from Latin december the tenth month (the Roman year began with March), from decem ten December 0. syl De+cem+ber pron pos n. def the twelfth and last month of the year, consisting of 31 days. Decembrist ety C19: translation of Russian dekabrist Decembrist 0. syl De+cem+brist pron pos n. qual Russian history. def a participant in the unsuccessful revolt against Tsar Nicolas I in Dec. 1825. decemvir ety C17: from Latin, from decem ten+ vir*_i men decemvirs infl head decemvir or decemviri syl de+cem+virs pron <-vi2rE> pos n. mod pl. decemviri infl head decemvir or decemvirs syl de+cem+vi+ri pron <-vi2rE> pos n. mod pl. decemvir 1. syl de+cem+vir pron pos n. usage in ancient Rome def a member of a board of ten magistrates, esp. either of the two commissions established in 451 and 450 #7b.c. to revise the laws. decemvir 2. syl de+cem+vir pron pos n. def a member of any governing body composed of ten men. decemviral sub head decemvir syl de+1cem+vi+ral pos adj. decemvirate 1. syl de+cem+vi+rate pron , <-2rAt> pos n. def a board of decemvirs. decemvirate 2. syl de+cem+vi+rate pron , <-2rAt> pos n. def the rule or rank of decemvirs. decenary ety C13: from Medieval Latin dec*_ena a tithing, from decem ten decennary alt head decenary or decenary syl de+cen+na+ry pron pos adj. decenary 0. or decennary syl de+cen:a+ry pron pos adj. qual History. def of or relating to a tithing. the 1. head decencies syl the. def those things that are considered necessary for a decent life. decencies 2. syl de+cen+cies pron <1dEsNsiz> pos n. mod pl. def another word for {proprieties}. cies infl head decency syl +cies. pos n. mod pl. decency 1. syl de+cen+cy pron <1dEsNsi> pos n. def conformity to the prevailing standards of propriety, morality, modesty, etc. decency 2. syl de+cen+cy pron <1dEsNsi> pos n. def the quality of being decent. decennial 1. syl de+cen+ni:al pron pos adj. def lasting for ten years. decennial 2. syl de+cen+ni:al pron pos adj. def occurring every ten years. decennial 3. syl de+cen+ni:al pron pos n. def a tenth anniversary or its celebration. decennially sub head decennial syl de+1cen+ni+al+ly pos adv. decennium ety C17: from Latin, from decem ten+ annus year decennary alt head decennium or decennium syl de+cen+na+ry pron pos n. decenniums infl head decennium syl de+cen+ni:ums pron <-ni*> pos n. mod pl. decennia infl head decennium or decennaries syl de+cen+ni:a pron <-ni*> pos n. mod pl. decennaries infl head decennium or decennia syl de+cen+nar:ies. pos n. mod pl. decennium 0. or decennary syl de+cen+ni:um pron pos n. def a less common word for {decade}. decent ety C16: from Latin dec*_ens suitable, from dec*_ere to be fitting decent 1. syl de+cent pron <1dEsNt> pos adj. def polite or respectable. exam 1 a decent family. decent 2. syl de+cent pron <1dEsNt> pos adj. def proper and suitable; fitting. exam 1 a decent burial. decent 3. syl de+cent pron <1dEsNt> pos adj. def conforming to conventions of sexual behaviour; not indecent. decent 4. syl de+cent pron <1dEsNt> pos adj. def free of oaths, blasphemy, etc.. exam 1 decent language. decent 5. syl de+cent pron <1dEsNt> pos adj. def good or adequate. exam 1 a decent wage. decent 6. syl de+cent pron <1dEsNt> pos adj. qual Informal. def kind; generous. exam 1 he was pretty decent to me. decent 7. syl de+cent pron <1dEsNt> pos adj. qual Informal. def sufficiently clothed to be seen by other people. exam 1 are you decent?? decently sub head decent syl de+cent+ly pos adv. decentness sub head decent syl de+cent+ness pos n. decentralise alt head decentralize or decentralize syl de+cen+tral+ise pron pos vb. decentralize 1. or decentralise syl de+cen+tral+ize pron pos vb. def to reorganize (a government, industry, etc.) into smaller more autonomous units. decentralize 2. or decentralise syl de+cen+tral+ize pron pos vb. def to disperse (a concentration, as of industry or population). decentralist sub head decentralize syl de+1cen+tral+ist pos n. adj. decentralization sub head decentralize or decentralisation syl de+2cen+tral:i+1za+tion pos n. decentralisation sub head decentralize or decentralization syl de+2cen+tral:i+1sa+tion pos n. deception 1. syl de+cep+tion pron pos n. def the act of deceiving or the state of being deceived. deception 2. syl de+cep+tion pron pos n. def something that deceives; trick. deceptive 1. syl de+cep+tive pron pos adj. def likely or designed to deceive; misleading. exam 1 appearances can be deceptive. deceptive 2. syl de+cep+tive pron pos adj. usage Music. of a cadence def another word for { {inter?!rupted} (sense 3)}. deceptively sub head deceptive syl de+1cep+tive+ly pos adv. deceptiveness sub head deceptive syl de+1cep+tive+ness pos n. decerebrate ety C19: from #7de -#7+cerebro -#7+ -{#7ate %1} decerebrate 1. syl de+ce+re:brate pron pos vb. mod tr. def to remove the brain or a large section of the brain or to cut the spinal cord at the level of the brain stem of (a person or animal). {~} (di$:?!#!s$er$Ibr$It). decerebrate 2. syl de+ce+re:brate pron pos vb. def a decerebrated individual. decere bration sub head decerebrate syl de+2ce+re:1 bra+tion pos n. decern ety C15: from Old French decerner, from Latin d*_ecernere to judge, from cernere to discern decern 1. syl de+cern pron pos vb. mod tr. qual Scot. law. def to decree or adjudge. decern 2. syl de+cern pron pos vb. mod tr. def an archaic spelling of {discern}. deci- ety from French d*'eci-, from Latin decimus tenth deci- 0. syl dec:i- pos prefix. def denoting one tenth; 10%#-%1. exam 1 decimetre. deciare ety C19: from French d*'eciare; see #7deci -#7, {are %2} deciare 0. syl dec:i+are pron <1desi2e*> pos n. def one tenth of an are or 10 square metres. decibel 1. syl dec:i+bel pron <1desi2bel> pos n. def a unit for comparing two currents, voltages, or power levels, equal to one tenth of a bel. decibel 2. syl dec:i+bel pron <1desi2bel> pos n. def a similar unit for measuring the intensity of a sound. It is equal to ten times the logarithm to the base ten of the ratio of the intensity of the sound to be measured to the intensity of some reference sound, usually the lowest audible note of the same frequency. Abbrev.: {dB} See also {perceived noise decibel}. decide ety C14: from Old French decider, from Latin d*_ec*_idere, literally: to cut off, from caedere to cut decide 1. syl de+cide pron pos vb. mod an infinitive as object; when; intr. usage sometimes foll. by on or about def to reach a decision. exam 1 decide what you want; exam 2 he decided to go. decide 2. syl de+cide pron pos vb. mod tr. def to cause (a person) to reach a decision. exam 1 the weather decided me against going. decide 3. syl de+cide pron pos vb. mod tr. def to determine or settle (a contest or question). exam 1 he decided his future plans. decide 4. syl de+cide pron pos vb. mod tr. def to influence decisively the outcome of (a contest or question). exam 1 Borg's stamina decided the match. decide 5. syl de+cide pron pos vb. mod intr. usage foll. by for or against def to pronounce a formal verdict. decidable sub head decide syl de+1cid+a:ble pos adj. decider sub head decide syl de+1cid+er pos n. decided 1. syl de+cid+ed pron pos adj. usage prenominal def unmistakable. exam 1 a decided drop in attendance. decided 2. syl de+cid+ed pron pos adj. usage prenominal def determined; resolute. exam 1 a decided effort. decidedly sub head decided syl de+1cid+ed+ly pos adv. decidedness sub head decided syl de+1cid+ed+ness pos n. decidua ety C18: from New Latin, from Latin d*_eciduus falling down; see #7deciduous deciduas infl head decidua or deciduae syl de+cid+u:as pron <-1sidju2E> pos n. mod pl. deciduae infl head decidua or deciduas syl de+cid:u:ae pron <-1sidju2E> pos n. mod pl. decidua 0. syl de+cid:u:a pron pos n. def the specialized mucous membrane that lines the uterus of some mammals during pregnancy: is shed, with the placenta, at parturition. decidual sub head decidua or deciduate syl de+1cid+u:al pos adj. deciduate sub head decidua or decidual syl de+1cid:u+ate pos adj. deciduous ety C17: from Latin d*_eciduus falling off, from d*_ecidere to fall down, from cadere to fall deciduous 1. syl de+cid:u+ous pron pos adj. usage of trees and shrubs def shedding all leaves annually at the end of the growing season. Compare {{evergreen} (sense 1)}. deciduous 2. syl de+cid:u+ous pron pos adj. usage of antlers, wings, teeth, etc. def being shed at the end of a period of growth. deciduous 3. syl de+cid:u+ous pron pos adj. qual Rare. def impermanent; transi?!tory. Compare { {evergreen} (sense 2)}. deciduously sub head deciduous syl de+1cid:u+ous+ly pos adv. deciduousness sub head deciduous syl de+1cid:u+ous+ness pos n. decile ety C17: from #7deca -#7+ -#7ile decile 0. syl dec+ile pron <1desil>, <-Il> pos n. qual Statistics. def one of nine actual or notional values of a variable dividing its distribution into ten groups with equal frequencies. decillion ety C19: from Latin decem ten+ -illion as in million decillion 1. syl de+cil+lion pron pos n. usage in Britain and Germany def the number represented as one followed by 60 zeros (10%6%0). decillion 2. syl de+cil+lion pron pos n. usage in the U.S. and France def the number represented as one followed by 33 zeros (10%3%3). decillionth sub head decillion syl de+1cil+lionth pos adj. decimal ety C17: from Medieval Latin decim*_alis of tithes, from Latin decima a tenth, from decem ten decimal 1. syl dec:i+mal pron <1desim*l> pos n. def Also called: {decimal fraction}. a fraction that has a denominator of a power of ten, the power depending on or deciding the decimal place. It is indicated by a decimal point to the left of the numerator, the denominator being omitted. Zeros are inserted between the point and the numerator, if necessary, to obtain the correct decimal place. decimal 2. syl dec:i+mal pron <1desim*l> pos n. def any number used in the decimal system. decimal 3.a. syl dec:i+mal pron <1desim*l> pos adj. def relating to or using powers of ten. decimal 3.b. syl dec:i+mal pron <1desim*l> pos adj. def of the base ten. decimal 4. syl dec:i+mal pron <1desim*l> pos adj. usage prenominal def expressed as a decimal. decimally sub head decimal syl dec:i+mal+ly pos adv. decimal classification 0. syl dec:i+mal clas+si+fi+ca+tion pos n. def another term for {Dewey decimal system}. decimal currency 0. syl dec:i+mal cur+ren+cy pos n. def a system of currency in which the monetary units are parts or powers of ten. decimal fraction 0. syl dec:i+mal frac+tion pos n. def another name for {decimal} (sense 1). decimalise alt head decimalize or decimalize syl dec:i+mal+ise pron <1desim*2lIz> pos vb. decimalize 0. or decimalise syl dec:i+mal+ize pron <1desim*2lIz> pos vb. def to change (a system, number, etc.) to the decimal system. exam 1 Britain has decimalized her currency. decimalization sub head decimalize or decimalisation syl dec:i+mal:i+1za+tion pos n. decimalisation sub head decimalize or decimalization syl dec:i+mal:i+1sa+tion pos n. decimal place 1. syl dec:i+mal place pos n. def the position of a digit after the decimal point, each successive position to the right having a denomi?!nator of an increased power of ten. exam 1 in 0.025, 5 is in the third decimal place. decimal place 2. syl dec:i+mal place pos n. def the number of digits to the right of the decimal point. exam 1 3.142 is a number given to three decimal places. decimal point 0. syl dec:i+mal point pos n. def a full stop or a raised full stop placed between the integral and fractional parts of a number in the decimal system.#e {Usage}. Conventions relating to the use of the decimal point are confused. The IX General Conference on Weights and Measures resolved in 1948 that the decimal point should be a point on the line or a comma, but not a centre dot. It also resolved that figures could be grouped in threes about the decimal point, but that no point or comma should be used for this purpose. These conventions are adopted in this dictionary. However, the Decimal Currency Board recommended that for sums of money the centre dot should be used as the decimal point and that the comma should be used as the thousand marker. Moreover, in some countries the position is reversed, the comma being used as the decimal point and the dot as the thousand marker. decimal system 1. syl dec:i+mal sys+tem pos n. def the number system in general use, having a base of ten, in which numbers are expressed by combinations of the ten digits 0 to 9. decimal system 2. syl dec:i+mal sys+tem pos n. def a system of measurement, such as the metric system, in which the multiple and submultiple units are related to a basic unit by powers of ten. decimate ety C17: from Latin decim*_are, from decimus tenth, from decem ten decimate 1. syl dec:i+mate pron <1desi2mAt> pos vb. mod tr. def to destroy or kill a large proportion of. exam 1 a plague decimated the population. decimate 2. syl dec:i+mate pron <1desi2mAt> pos vb. mod tr. usage esp. in the ancient Roman army def to kill every tenth man of (a mutinous section). decimation sub head decimate syl dec:i+1ma+tion pos n. decimator sub head decimate syl dec:i+2ma+tor pos n. decimeter alt head decimetre or decimetre syl dec:i+me:ter pron <1desi2mEt*> pos n. qual U.S. decimetre 0. or decimeter syl dec:i+me:tre pron <1desi2mEt*> pos n. def one tenth of a metre. Symbol: {dm}. decipher 1. syl de+ci+pher pron pos vb. mod tr. def to determine the meaning of (something obscure or illegible). decipher 2. syl de+ci+pher pron pos vb. mod tr. def to convert from code into plain text; decode. decipherable sub head decipher syl de+1ci+pher+a:ble pos adj. decipherability sub head decipher syl de+2ci+pher+a:1bil+i:ty pos n. decipherer sub head decipher syl de+1ci+pher+er pos n. decipherment sub head decipher syl de+1ci+pher+ment pos n. decision ety C15: from Old French, from Latin d*_ec*_isi*_o, literally: a cutting off; see #7decide decision 1. syl de+ci+sion pron pos n. def a judgment, conclusion, or resolution reached or given; verdict. decision 2. syl de+ci+sion pron pos n. def the act of making up one's mind. decision 3. syl de+ci+sion pron pos n. def firmness of purpose or character; determination. decisional sub head decision syl de+1ci+sion+al pos adj. decisive 1. syl de+ci+sive pron pos adj. def influential; conclusive. exam 1 a decisive argument. decisive 2. syl de+ci+sive pron pos adj. def characterized by the ability to make decisions, esp. quickly; resolute. decisively sub head decisive syl de+1ci+sive+ly pos adv. decisiveness sub head decisive syl de+1ci+sive+ness pos n. deck ety C15: from Middle Dutch dec a covering; related to #7thatch deck 1. syl deck pron pos n. qual Nautical. def any of various platforms built into a vessel. exam 1 a promenade deck; exam 2 the poop deck. deck 2. syl deck pron pos n. def a similar floor or platform, as in a bus. deck 3.a. syl deck pron pos n. def the horizontal platform that supports the turntable and pickup of a gramophone. deck 3.b. syl deck pron pos n. def See {tape deck}. deck 4. syl deck pron pos n. def a pack of playing cards. deck 5. syl deck pron pos n. def Also called: {pack}. a collection of punched cards relevant to a particular program. deck 6. syl deck pron pos n. qual Slang. def a small packet of a narcotic drug. deck 7. syl deck pron pos n. def Also called: {board}. the flat top part of a skateboard, made of any of various materials, such as wood, fibreglass, or plastic. clear the decks 8. head deck syl clear the decks. qual Informal. def to prepare for action, as by removing obstacles from a field of activity or combat. deck 9.a. syl deck pron pos n. def to fall to the floor or ground, esp. in order to avoid injury. deck 9.b. syl deck pron pos n. def to prepare for action. deck 9.c. syl deck pron pos n. def to get out of bed. deck 10. syl deck pron pos vb. mod tr. usage often foll. by out def to dress or decorate. deck 11. syl deck pron pos vb. mod tr. def to build a deck on (a vessel). decker sub head deck syl deck+er pos n. deck chair 0. syl deck chair pos n. def a folding chair for use out of doors, consisting of a wooden frame suspending a length of canvas. Decker 0. syl Deck:er pron <1dek*> pos n. def a variant spelling of (Thomas) {Dekker}. deck hand 1. syl deck hand pos n. def a seaman assigned various duties, such as mooring and cargo handling, on the deck of a ship. deck hand 2. syl deck hand pos n. usage in Britain def a seaman over 17 years of age who has seen sea duty for at least one year. deck hand 3. syl deck hand pos n. def a helper aboard a yacht. deckhouse 0. syl deck+house pron <1dek2haus> pos n. def a houselike cabin on the deck of a ship. deckle ety C19: from German Deckel lid, from decken to cover deckel alt head deckle or deckle syl deck+el pron <1dekL> pos n. deckle 1. or deckel syl deck+le pron <1dekL> pos n. def a frame used to support pulp in the making of handmade paper. deckle 2. or deckel syl deck+le pron <1dekL> pos n. def Also called: {deckle strap}. a strap on each edge of the moving web of paper on a paper-making machine that fixes the width of the paper. deckle 3. or deckel syl deck+le pron <1dekL> pos n. def See {deckle edge}. deckle edge 1. syl deck+le edge pos n. def the rough edge of handmade paper made in a deckle, often left as ornamentation in fine books and writing papers. deckle edge 2. syl deck+le edge pos n. def a trimmed edge imitating this. deckle-edged sub head deckle edge syl deck:le-1edged pos adj. deck over 0. syl deck o:ver pos vb. mod tr. def to complete the construction of the upper deck between the bulwarks of (a vessel). deck tennis 0. syl deck ten+nis pos n. def a game played on board ship in which a quoit is tossed to and fro across a high net on a small court resembling a tennis court. decl 0. syl decl. qual Grammar. abbrev. for def declension. declaim ety C14: from Latin d*_ecl*_am*_are, from cl*_am*_are to call out declaim 1. syl de+claim pron pos vb. def to make (a speech, statement, etc.) loudly and in a rhetorical manner. declaim 2. syl de+claim pron pos vb. def to speak lines from (a play, poem, etc.) with studied eloquence; recite. declaim 3. syl de+claim pron pos vb. mod intr. usage foll. by against def to protest (against) loudly and publicly. declaimer sub head declaim syl de+1claim+er pos n. declamation 1. syl dec+la+ma+tion pron <2dekl*1mAS*n> pos n. def a rhetorical or emotional speech, made esp. in order to protest or condemn; tirade. declamation 2. syl dec+la+ma+tion pron <2dekl*1mAS*n> pos n. def a speech, verse, etc., that is or can be spoken. declamation 3. syl dec+la+ma+tion pron <2dekl*1mAS*n> pos n. def the act or art of declaiming. declamation 4. syl dec+la+ma+tion pron <2dekl*1mAS*n> pos n. qual Music. def the artistry or technique involved in singing recitative passages. declamatory 1. syl de+clam:a+to:ry pron , <-tri> pos adj. def relating to or having the characteristics of a declamation. declamatory 2. syl de+clam:a+to:ry pron , <-tri> pos adj. def merely rhetorical; empty and bombastic. declamatorily sub head declamatory syl de+1clam:a+to+ri+ly pos adv. declarant 0. syl de+clar+ant pron pos n. qual Chiefly law. def a person who makes a declaration. declaration 1. syl dec+la+ra+tion pron <2dekl*1rAS*n> pos n. def an explicit or emphatic statement. declaration 2. syl dec+la+ra+tion pron <2dekl*1rAS*n> pos n. def a formal statement or announcement; procla?!mation. declaration 3. syl dec+la+ra+tion pron <2dekl*1rAS*n> pos n. def the act of declaring. declaration 4. syl dec+la+ra+tion pron <2dekl*1rAS*n> pos n. def the ruling of a judge or court on a question of law, esp. in the chancery division of the High Court. declaration 5. syl dec+la+ra+tion pron <2dekl*1rAS*n> pos n. qual Law. def an unsworn statement of a witness admissible in evidence under certain conditions. See also {statutory declaration}. declaration 6. syl dec+la+ra+tion pron <2dekl*1rAS*n> pos n. qual Cricket. def the voluntary closure of an innings before all ten wickets have fallen. declaration 7. syl dec+la+ra+tion pron <2dekl*1rAS*n> pos n. qual Contract bridge. def the final contract. declaration 8. syl dec+la+ra+tion pron <2dekl*1rAS*n> pos n. def a statement or inventory of goods, etc., submitted for tax assessment. exam 1 a customs declaration. declaration 9. syl dec+la+ra+tion pron <2dekl*1rAS*n> pos n. qual Cards. def an announcement of points made after taking a trick, as in bezique. Declaration of Independence 1. syl Dec+la+ra+tion of In+de+pend+ence pos n. def the proclamation made by the second American Continental Congress on July 4, 1776, which asserted the freedom and independence of the 13 Colonies from Great Britain. Declaration of Independence 2. syl Dec+la+ra+tion of In+de+pend+ence pos n. def the document formally record?!ing this proclamation. declarative 0. syl de+clar:a+tive pron pos adj. def making or having the nature of a declaration. declaratively sub head declarative syl de+1clar:a+tive+ly pos adv. declarator 0. syl de+clar:a+tor pron pos n. qual Scot. law. def an action seeking to have some right, status, etc., judicially ascertained. declaratory 1. syl de+clar:a+to:ry pron , <-tri> pos adj. def another word for {declarative}. declaratory 2.a. syl de+clar:a+to:ry pron , <-tri> pos adj. usage of a statute def stating the existing law on a particular subject; explanatory. declaratory 2.b. syl de+clar:a+to:ry pron , <-tri> pos adj. usage of a decree or judgment def stating the rights of the parties without specifying the action to be taken. declaratorily sub head declaratory syl de+2clar:a+1to+ri+ly pos adv. declare ety C14: from Latin d*_ecl*_ar*_are to make clear, from cl*_arus bright, clear declare 1. syl de+clare pron pos vb. mod mainly; tr. usage may take a clause as object def to make clearly known or announce officially. exam 1 to declare one's interests; exam 2 war was declared. declare 2. syl de+clare pron pos vb. mod mainly; tr. def to state officially that (a person, fact, etc.) is as specified. exam 1 he declared him fit. declare 3. syl de+clare pron pos vb. mod mainly; tr. usage may take a clause as object def to state emphatically; assert. declare 4. syl de+clare pron pos vb. mod mainly; tr. def to show, reveal, or manifest. exam 1 the heavens declare the glory of God. declare 5. syl de+clare pron pos vb. mod intr. usage often foll. by for or against def to make known one's choice or opinion. declare 6. syl de+clare pron pos vb. mod mainly; tr. def to make a complete statement of (dutiable goods, etc.). declare 7.a. syl de+clare pron pos vb. mod mainly; tr. def to display (a card or series of cards) on the table so as to add to one's score. declare 7.b. syl de+clare pron pos vb. mod mainly; tr. def to decide (the trump suit) by making the winning bid. declare 8. syl de+clare pron pos vb. mod intr. qual Cricket. def to close an innings voluntarily before all ten wickets have fallen. declare 9. syl de+clare pron pos vb. mod mainly; tr. def to authorize the payment of (a dividend) from corporate net profit. declarable sub head declare syl de+1clar+a:ble pos adj. declarer 1. syl de+clar+er pron pos n. def a person who declares. declarer 2. syl de+clar+er pron pos n. qual Bridge. def the player who, as first bidder of the suit of the final contract, plays both hands of the partnership. declass 0. syl de+class pron pos vb. mod tr. def to lower in social status or position; degrade. d'eclass'e ety C19: from French d*'eclasser to #7declass d'eclass'e 0. syl d*'e+clas+s*'e pron French pos adj. def having lost social standing or status. d'eclass'ee sub head d'eclass'e syl d*'e+clas+1s*'ee pos adj. mod fem. declassifies infl head declassify syl de+clas+si+fies pos vb. mod tr. declassifying infl head declassify syl de+clas+si+fy+ing pos vb. mod tr. declassified infl head declassify syl de+clas+si+fied. pos vb. mod tr. declassify 0. syl de+clas+si+fy pron pos vb. mod tr. def to release (a document or information) from the security list. declassifiable sub head declassify syl de+1clas+si+2fi+a:ble pos adj. declassification sub head declassify syl de+2clas+si+fi+1ca+tion pos n. declension ety C15: from Latin d*_ecl*_in*_ati*_o, literally: a bending aside, hence variation, inflection; see #7decline declension 1.a. syl de+clen+sion pron pos n. def inflection of nouns, pronouns, or adjectives for case, number, and gender. declension 1.b. syl de+clen+sion pron pos n. def the complete set of the inflections of such a word. exam 1 @6puella@9 is a first-declension noun in Latin. declension 2. syl de+clen+sion pron pos n. def a decline or deviation from a standard, belief, etc. declension 3. syl de+clen+sion pron pos n. def a downward slope or bend. declensional sub head declension syl de+1clen+sion+al pos adj. declensionally sub head declension syl de+1clen+sion+al+ly pos adv. declinate 0. syl dec+li+nate pron <1dekli2nAt>, <-nit> pos adj. usage esp. of plant parts def descend?!ing from the horizontal in a curve; drooping. declination 1. syl dec+li+na+tion pron <2dekli1nAS*n> pos n. qual Astronomy. def the angular distance in degrees of a star, planet, etc., from the celestial equator measured north (positive) or south (negative) along the great circle passing through the celestial poles and the body. Symbol: #Gd. Compare {right ascension}. declination 2. syl dec+li+na+tion pron <2dekli1nAS*n> pos n. def See {magnetic declination}. declination 3. syl dec+li+na+tion pron <2dekli1nAS*n> pos n. def a refusal, esp. a courteous or formal one. declinational sub head declination syl dec+li+1na+tion+al pos adj. decline ety C14: from Old French decliner to inflect, turn away, sink, from Latin d*_ecl*_in*_are to bend away, inflect grammatically decline 1. syl de+cline pron pos vb. def to refuse to do or accept (something), esp. politely. decline 2. syl de+cline pron pos vb. mod intr. def to grow smaller; diminish. exam 1 demand has declined over the years. decline 3. syl de+cline pron pos vb. def to slope or cause to slope downwards. decline 4. syl de+cline pron pos vb. mod intr. def to deteriorate gradually, as in quality, health, or character. decline 5. syl de+cline pron pos vb. qual Grammar. def to state or list the inflections of (a noun, adjective, or pronoun), or (of a noun, adjective, or pronoun) to be inflected for number, case, or gender. Compare { {conjugate} (sense 1)}. decline 6. syl de+cline pron pos n. def gradual deterioration or loss. decline 7. syl de+cline pron pos n. def a movement downward or towards something smaller; diminution. decline 8. syl de+cline pron pos n. def a downward slope; declivity. decline 9. syl de+cline pron pos n. qual Archaic. def any slowly progressive disease, such as tuberculosis. declinable sub head decline syl de+1clin+a:ble pos adj. decliner sub head decline syl de+1clin+er pos n. declinometer 0. syl dec+li+nom+e:ter pron <2dekli1nomit*> pos n. def an instrument for measuring magnetic declination. declivity ety C17: from Latin d*_ecl*_ivit*_as, from #7de -#7+ cl*_ivus a slope, hill declivities infl head declivity syl de+cliv+i:ties. pos n. mod pl. declivity 0. syl de+cliv+i:ty pron pos n. def a downward slope, esp. of the ground. Compare {acclivity}. declivitous sub head declivity syl de+1cliv:i+tous pos adj. declutch 0. syl de+clutch pron pos vb. mod intr. def to disengage the clutch of a motor vehicle. decoct ety C15: see #7decoction decoct 0. syl de+coct pron pos vb. def to extract (the essence or active principle) from (a medicinal or similar substance) by boiling. decoction ety C14: from Old French, from Late Latin d*_ecocti*_o, from d*_ecoquere to boil down, from coquere to #7cook decoction 1. syl de+coc+tion pron pos n. qual Pharmacol. def the extraction of the water-soluble substances of a drug or medicinal plants by boiling. decoction 2. syl de+coc+tion pron pos n. def the essence or liquor resulting from this. decode 0. syl de+code pron pos vb. def to convert (a message, text, etc.) from code into ordinary language. &- {de+#!cod+er} decoke 0. syl de+coke pron pos vb. mod tr. def another word for {decarbonize}. decollate ety C16: from Latin d*_ecoll*_are to behead, from #7de -#7+ collum neck decollate 1. syl de+col+late pron , <1dek*2lAt>, <2dEk*u1lAt> pos vb. def to separate (continuous stationery, etc.) into individual forms. decollate 2. syl de+col+late pron , <1dek*2lAt>, <2dEk*u1lAt> pos vb. def an archaic word for {decapitate}. decollation sub head decollate syl de+col+1la+tion pos n. decollator sub head decollate syl de+col+2la+tor pos n. d'ecolletage ety C19: from French; see #7d*'ecollet*'e d'ecolletage 0. syl d*'e+colle+tage pron <2dAkol1ta:Z>, French pos n. def a low-cut neckline or a woman's garment with a low neck. d'ecollet'e ety C19: from d*'ecolleter to cut out the neck (of a dress), from collet collar d'ecollet'e 1. syl d*'e+colle+t*'e pron , French pos adj. usage of a woman's garment def low-cut. d'ecollet'e 2. syl d*'e+colle+t*'e pron , French pos adj. def wearing a low-cut garment. decolonise alt head decolonize or decolonize syl de+col:o+nise pron pos vb. mod tr. decolonize 0. or decolonise syl de+col:o+nize pron pos vb. mod tr. def to grant independence to (a colony). &- {de+@!col@.o+niz@.#!a+tion} {de+@!col@.o+nis@.#!a+tion} decolorant 1. syl de+col+or+ant pron pos adj. def able to decolour or bleach. {~} decolorant 2. syl de+col+or+ant pron pos adj. def a substance that decolours. decolorize infl head decolour or decolorise syl de+col+or+ize pos vb. mod tr. decolorise infl head decolour or decolorize syl de+col+or+ise pos vb. mod tr. decolour 0. syl de+col+our pron pos vb. mod tr. def to deprive of colour, as by bleaching. decoloration sub head decolour syl de+2col+or:1a+tion pos n. decolorization sub head decolour or decolorisation syl de+2col+or:i+1za+tion pos n. decolorisation sub head decolour or decolorization syl de+2col+or:i+1sa+tion pos n. decompose 1. syl de+com+pose pron <2dEk*m1p*uz> pos vb. def to break down (organic matter) or (of organic matter) to be broken down into constituent elements by bacterial or fungal action; rot. decompose 2. syl de+com+pose pron <2dEk*m1p*uz> pos vb. qual Chem. def to break down or cause to break down into simpler chemical compounds. decompose 3. syl de+com+pose pron <2dEk*m1p*uz> pos vb. def to break up or separate into con?!stituent parts. decomposable sub head decompose syl de+com+1pos+a:ble pos adj. decomposability sub head decompose syl de+com+2pos+a:1bil+i:ty pos n. decomposition sub head decompose syl de+com+po+si+tion pron <2dEkomp*1ziS*n> pos n. decomposer 0. syl de+com+pos+er pron <2dEk*m1p*uz*> pos n. qual Ecology. def any organism in a community, such as a bacterium or fungus, that breaks down dead tissue into its constituent parts. See also { {consumer} (sense 3)}, { {producer} (sense 6)}. decompound 1. syl de+com+pound pron <2dEk*m1paund> pos adj. usage of a compound leaf def having leaflets consisting of several distinct parts. decompound 2. syl de+com+pound pron <2dEk*m1paund> pos adj. def made up of one or more compounds. decompound 3. syl de+com+pound pron <2dEk*m1paund> pos vb. mod tr. def a less common word for {decompose}. decompound 4. syl de+com+pound pron <2dEk*m1paund> pos vb. qual Obsolete. def to mix with or form from one or more compounds. decompress 1. syl de+com+press pron <2dEk*m1pres> pos vb. def to relieve (a substance) of pressure or (of a substance) to be relieved of pressure. decompress 2. syl de+com+press pron <2dEk*m1pres> pos vb. def to return (a diver, caisson worker, etc.) to a condition of normal atmospheric pressure from a condition of increased pressure or (of a diver, etc.) to be returned to such a condition. decompression sub head decompress syl de+com+1pres+sion pos n. decompression chamber 0. syl de+com+pres+sion cham+ber pos n. def a chamber in which the pressure of air can be varied slowly for returning people from abnormal pressures to atmospheric pressure without inducing decompression sickness. illness alt head decompression sickness or decompression sickness syl ill+ness pos n. decompression sickness 0. or illness syl de+com+pres+sion sick+ness pos n. def a disorder characterized by severe pain in muscles and joints, cramp, and difficulty in breathing, caused by subjection to a sudden and substantial change in atmospheric pressure. Also called: {caisson disease, aeroembolism}. Nontechnical name: {the bends}. decongestant 1. syl de+con+gest+ant pron <2dEk*n1Jest*nt> pos adj. def relieving congestion, esp. nasal congestion. {~} decongestant 2. syl de+con+gest+ant pron <2dEk*n1Jest*nt> pos adj. def a decongestant drug. deconsecrate 0. syl de+con+se:crate pron pos vb. mod tr. def to transfer (a church, etc.) to secular use. &- {de+@!con+se@.#!cra+tion} decontaminate 0. syl de+con+tam:i+nate pron <2dEk*n1t@mi2nAt> pos vb. mod tr. def to render (an area, building, object, etc.) harmless by the removal, distribution, or neutralization of poisons, radioactivity, etc. decontaminant sub head decontaminate syl de+con+1tam:i+nant pos n. decontamination sub head decontaminate syl de+con+2tam:i+1na+tion pos n. decontaminative sub head decontaminate syl de+con+1tam:i+2na+tive pos adj. decontaminator sub head decontaminate syl de+con+1tam:i+2na+tor pos n. decontrols infl head decontrol syl de+con+trols pos vb. mod tr. decontrolling infl head decontrol syl de+con+trol+ling pos vb. mod tr. decontrolled infl head decontrol syl de+con+trolled. pos vb. mod tr. decontrol 0. syl de+con+trol pron <2dEk*n1tr*ul> pos vb. mod tr. def to free of restraints or controls, esp. government controls. exam 1 to decontrol prices. d'ecor ety C19: from French, from d*'ecorer to #7decorate decor alt head d'ecor or d'ecor syl de+cor pron <1dAkc:> pos n. d'ecor 1. or decor syl d*'e+cor pron <1dAkc:> pos n. def a style or scheme of interior decoration, furnishings, etc., as in a room or house. d'ecor 2. or decor syl d*'e+cor pron <1dAkc:> pos n. def stage decoration; scenery. decorate ety C16: from Latin decor*_are, from decus adornment; see #7decent decorate 1. syl dec:o+rate pron <1dek*2rAt> pos vb. mod tr. def to make more attractive by adding ornament, colour, etc. decorate 2. syl dec:o+rate pron <1dek*2rAt> pos vb. def to paint or wallpaper (a room, house, etc.). decorate 3. syl dec:o+rate pron <1dek*2rAt> pos vb. mod tr. def to confer a mark of distinction, esp. a military medal, upon. decorate 4. syl dec:o+rate pron <1dek*2rAt> pos vb. mod tr. def to evaporate a metal film onto (a crystal) in order to display dislocations in structure. Decorarchitecture alt head Decorated style or Decorated style syl Dec:o+rar+chi+tec+ture pos n. Decorated style 0. or Decorarchitecture syl Dec:o+rat+ed style pos n. def a 14th-century style of English architecture characterized by the ogee arch, geometrical tracery, and floral decoration. decoration 1. syl dec:o+ra+tion pron <2dek*1rAS*n> pos n. def an addition that renders something more attractive or ornate; adornment. decoration 2. syl dec:o+ra+tion pron <2dek*1rAS*n> pos n. def the act, process, or art of decorating. decoration 3. syl dec:o+ra+tion pron <2dek*1rAS*n> pos n. def a medal, badge, etc., conferred as a mark of honour. decorative 0. syl dec:o+ra+tive pron <1dek*r*tiv>, <1dekr*tiv> pos adj. def serving to decorate or adorn; ornamental. &- {#!dec@.o+ra+tive+ly} decorativeness sub head decorative syl dec:o+ra+tive+ness pos n. decorator 1. syl dec:o+ra+tor pron <1dek*2rAt*> pos n. qual Brit. def a person whose profession is the painting and wallpapering of buildings. decorator 2. syl dec:o+ra+tor pron <1dek*2rAt*> pos n. def a person who decorates. decorator 3. syl dec:o+ra+tor pron <1dek*2rAt*> pos n. def See { {interior decorator} (sense 1)}. decorous ety C17: from Latin dec*_orus, from decor elegance decorous 0. syl dec:o+rous pron <1dek*r*s> pos adj. def characterized by propriety in manners, conduct, etc. decorously sub head decorous syl dec:o+rous+ly pos adv. decorousness sub head decorous syl dec:o+rous+ness pos n. decorticate ety C17: from Latin d*_ecortic*_are, from #7de -#7+ -cortic*_are, from cortex bark decorticate 1. syl de+cor+ti+cate pron pos vb. mod tr. def to remove the bark or some other outer layer from. decorticate 2. syl de+cor+ti+cate pron pos vb. qual Surgery. def to remove the cortex of (an organ or part). decortication sub head decorticate syl de+2cor+ti+1ca+tion pos n. decorticator sub head decorticate syl de+1cor+ti+2ca+tor pos n. decorum ety C16: from Latin: propriety decorum 1. syl de+co+rum pron pos n. def propriety, esp. in behaviour or conduct. decorum 2. syl de+co+rum pron pos n. def a requirement of correct behaviour in polite society. decoupage ety C20: from French, from d*'ecouper to cut out, from #7de -#7+ couper to cut decoupage 1. syl de+cou+page pron <2dAku:1pa:Z> pos n. def the art or process of deco?!rating a surface with shapes or illustrations cut from paper, card, etc. decoupage 2. syl de+cou+page pron <2dAku:1pa:Z> pos n. def anything produced by this technique. decoupling 0. syl de+cou+pling pron pos n. qual Electronics. def the reduction of undesired distortion or oscillations in a circuit, caused by coupling with another circuit. decoy ety C17: probably from Dutch de kooi, literally: the cage, from Latin cavea #7cage decoy 1. syl de+coy pron <1dEkci>, pos n. def a person or thing used to beguile or lead someone into danger; lure. decoy 2. syl de+coy pron <1dEkci>, pos n. qual Military. def something designed to deceive an enemy or divert his attention. decoy 3. syl de+coy pron <1dEkci>, pos n. def a bird or animal, or an image of one, used to lure game into a trap or within shooting range. decoy 4. syl de+coy pron <1dEkci>, pos n. def an enclosed space or large trap, often with a wide funnelled entrance, into which game can be lured for capture. decoy 5. syl de+coy pron pos vb. def to lure or be lured by or as if by means of a decoy. decoyer sub head decoy syl de+1coy+er pos n. decrease ety C14: from Old French des?!creistre, from Latin d*_ecrescere to grow less, from #7de -#7+ crescere to grow decrease 1. syl de+crease pron pos vb. def to diminish or cause to diminish in size, number, strength, etc. decrease 2. syl de+crease pron <1dEkrEs>, pos n. def the act or process of diminishing; reduction. decrease 3. syl de+crease pron <1dEkrEs>, pos n. def the amount by which something has been diminished. decreasingly sub head decrease syl de+1creas+ing+ly pos adv. decree ety C14: from Old French decre, from Latin d*_ecr*_etum ordinance, from d*_ecr*_etus decided, past participle of d*_ecernere to determine; see #7decern decree 1. syl de+cree pron pos n. def an edict, law, etc., made by someone in authority. decree 2. syl de+cree pron pos n. def an order or judgment of a court made after hearing a suit, esp. in matrimonial proceedings. See {decree nisi, decree absolute}. decrees infl head decree syl de+crees pos vb. decreeing infl head decree syl de+cree+ing pos vb. decreed infl head decree syl de+creed. pos vb. decree 3. syl de+cree pron pos vb. def to order, adjudge, or ordain by decree. decreeable sub head decree syl de+1cree+a:ble pos adj. decreer sub head decree syl de+1cre+er pos n. decree absolute 0. syl de+cree ab+so+lute pos n. def the final decree in divorce proceedings, which leaves the parties free to remarry. Compare {decree nisi}. decree nisi 0. syl de+cree ni:si pron <1nIsI> pos n. def a provisional decree, esp. in divorce proceedings, which will later be made absolute unless cause is shown why it should not. Compare {decree absolute}. decreet ety C14 decret: from Old French, from Latin d*_ecr*_etum #7decree decreet 0. syl de+creet pron pos n. qual Scot. law. def the final judgment or sentence of a court. decrement ety C17: from Latin d*_ecr*_ementum, from d*_ecrescere to #7decrease decrement 1. syl dec+re+ment pron <1dekrim*nt> pos n. def the act of decreasing; diminution. decrement 2. syl dec+re+ment pron <1dekrim*nt> pos n. qual Maths. def a negative increment. decrement 3. syl dec+re+ment pron <1dekrim*nt> pos n. qual Physics. def a measure of the damping of an oscillator, expressed by the ratio of the amplitude of a cycle to its amplitude after one period. decrepit ety C15: from Latin d*_ecrepitus, from crep*_are to creak decrepit 1. syl de+crep+it pron pos adj. def enfeebled by old age; infirm. decrepit 2. syl de+crep+it pron pos adj. def broken down or worn out by hard or long use; dilapidated. decrepitly sub head decrepit syl de+1crep+it+ly pos adv. decrepitude sub head decrepit syl de+1crep:i+2tude pos n. decrepitate ety C17: from New Latin d*_ecrepit*_are, from Latin crepit*_are to crackle, from crep*_are to creak decrepitate 1. syl de+crep:i+tate pron pos vb. mod tr. def to heat (a substance, such as a salt) until it emits a crackling sound or until this sound stops. decrepitate 2. syl de+crep:i+tate pron pos vb. mod intr. usage esp. of a salt def to crackle, as while being heated. decrepitation sub head decrepitate syl de+2crep:i+1ta+tion pos n. decresc 0. syl decresc. qual Music. abbrev. for def decrescendo. decrescendo ety Italian, from decrescere to #7decrease decrescendo 0. syl de+cre+scen+do pron <2dEkri1Send*u> pos n. def another word for {diminu?!endo}. decrescent ety C17: from Latin d*_ecresc*_ens growing less; see #7decrease decrescent 0. syl de+cres+cent pron pos adj. usage esp. of the moon def decreasing; waning. decrescence sub head decrescent syl de+1cres+cence pos n. decretal ety C15: from Old French, from Late Latin d*_ecr*_et*_alis; see #7decree decretal 1. syl de+cre+tal pron pos n. qual R.C. Church. def a papal edict on doctrine or church law. decretal 2. syl de+cre+tal pron pos adj. def of or relating to a decretal or a decree. decretalist sub head decretal syl de+1cre+tal+ist pos n. Decretals 0. syl De+cre+tals pron pos n. mod pl. qual R.C. Church. def an authoritative compilation of decretals, as those of Gregory IX (1234). decry ety C17: from Old French descrier, from des- {#7dis -%1#7+} crier to #7cry decries infl head decry syl de+cries pos vb. mod tr. decrying infl head decry syl de+cry+ing pos vb. mod tr. decried infl head decry syl de+cried. pos vb. mod tr. decry 1. syl de+cry pron pos vb. mod tr. def to express open disapproval of; disparage. decry 2. syl de+cry pron pos vb. mod tr. def to depreciate by proclamation. exam 1 to decry obsolete coinage. decrial sub head decry syl de+1cri+al pos n. decrier sub head decry syl de+1cri+er pos n. decrypt ety C20: from #7de-+ crypt, as in #7cryptic decrypt 0. syl de+crypt pron pos vb. mod tr. def another word for {decode}. decubitus ulcer ety C19: Latin decubitus, past participle of decumbere to lie down decubitus ulcer 0. syl de+cu+bi+tus ul+cer pron pos n. def a chronic ulcer of the skin and underlying tissues caused by prolonged pressure on the body surface of bedridden patients. Nontechnical names: {bedsore, pressure sore}. decumbent ety C17: from Latin d*_ecumb*_ens, present participle of d*_ecumbere to lie down decumbent 1. syl de+cum+bent pron pos adj. def lying down or lying flat. decumbent 2. syl de+cum+bent pron pos adj. usage Botany. of certain stems def lying flat with the tip growing upwards. decumbence sub head decumbent or decumbency syl de+1cum+bence pos n. decumbency sub head decumbent or decumbence syl de+1cum+ben+cy pos n. decumbently sub head decumbent syl de+1cum+bent+ly pos adv. decuple ety C15: from Old French, from Late Latin decuplus tenfold, from Latin decem ten decuple 1. syl de+cu+ple pron <1dekjupL> pos vb. mod tr. def to increase by ten times. decuple 2. syl de+cu+ple pron <1dekjupL> pos n. def an amount ten times as large as a given reference. decuple 3. syl de+cu+ple pron <1dekjupL> pos adj. def increasing tenfold. decurion ety C14: from Latin decuri*_o, from decuria company of ten, from decem ten decurion 1. syl de+cu+ri+on pron pos n. usage in the Roman Empire def a local councillor. decurion 2. syl de+cu+ri+on pron pos n. usage in the Roman Empire def the commander of a troop of ten cavalrymen. decurrent ety C15: from Latin d*_ecurrere to run down, from currere to run decurrent 0. syl de+cur+rent pron pos adj. qual Botany. def extending down the stem, esp. (of a leaf) having the base of the blade extending down the stem as two wings. decurrently sub head decurrent syl de+1cur+rent+ly pos adv. decurved 0. syl de+curved pron pos adj. def bent or curved downwards. exam 1 a de?!curved bill; exam 2 decurved petals. decury ety C16: from Latin decuria; see #7decurion decuries infl head decury syl dec:u+ries. pos n. mod pl. decury 0. syl dec:u+ry pron <1dekju*ri> pos n. usage in ancient Rome def a body of ten men. decussate ety C17: from Latin decuss*_are, from decussis the number ten, from decem ten decussate 1. syl de+cus+sate pron pos vb. def to cross or cause to cross in the form of the letter X; intersect. decussate 2. syl de+cus+sate pron , pos adj. def in the form of the letter X; crossed; intersected. decussate 3. syl de+cus+sate pron , pos adj. usage Botany. esp. of leaves def arranged in opposite pairs, with each pair at right angles to the one above and below it. decussately sub head decussate syl de+1cus+sate+ly pos adv. dedal 0. syl de+dal pron <1dEdL> pos adj. def a variant spelling (esp. U.S.) of {daedal}. dedans ety literally: interior dedans 0. syl de+dans pron French. pos n. qual Real tennis. def the open gallery at the server's end of the court. Ded'eagach 0. syl De+d*'e+ag+ach pron <1dedAa:g1a:C> pos n. def a former name (until the end of World War I) of {Alexandro*'upolis}. dedicate ety C15: from Latin d*_edic*_are to announce, from dic*_are to make known, variant of d*_icere to say dedicate 1. syl ded:i+cate pron <1dedi2kAt> pos vb. mod tr. usage often foll. by to def to devote (oneself, one's time, etc.) wholly to a special purpose or cause; commit wholeheartedly or unreservedly. dedicate 2. syl ded:i+cate pron <1dedi2kAt> pos vb. mod tr. usage foll. by to def to address or inscribe (a book, artistic performance, etc.) to (a person, cause, etc.) as a token of affection or respect. dedicate 3. syl ded:i+cate pron <1dedi2kAt> pos vb. mod tr. def to set apart for a deity or for sacred uses; consecrate. dedicate 4. syl ded:i+cate pron <1dedi2kAt> pos adj. mod tr. def an archaic word for {dedicated}. dedicatee sub head dedicate syl ded:i+ca+1tee pos n. dedicator sub head dedicate syl ded:i+2ca+tor pos n. dedicatory sub head dedicate or dedicative syl ded:i+ca+to:ry pron <1dedi2kAt*ri>, <1dedik*t*ri>, <-tri> pos adj. dedicative sub head dedicate or dedicatory syl ded:i+2ca+tive pos adj. dedicated 1. syl ded:i+cat+ed pron <1dedi2kAtid> pos adj. def devoted to a particular purpose or cause. exam 1 a dedicated man. dedicated 2. syl ded:i+cat+ed pron <1dedi2kAtid> pos adj. qual Computer technol. def designed to fulfil one function. exam 1 a dedicated microprocessor. dedication 1. syl ded:i+ca+tion pron <2dedi1kAS*n> pos n. def the act of dedicating or the state of being dedicated. dedication 2. syl ded:i+ca+tion pron <2dedi1kAS*n> pos n. def an inscription or announcement prefixed to a book, piece of music, etc., dedicating it to a person or thing. dedication 3. syl ded:i+ca+tion pron <2dedi1kAS*n> pos n. def complete and wholehearted devotion, esp. to a career, ideal, etc. dedication 4. syl ded:i+ca+tion pron <2dedi1kAS*n> pos n. def a ceremony in which something, such as a church, is dedicated. dedicational sub head dedication syl ded:i+1ca+tion+al pos adj. dedifferentiation 0. syl de+dif+fer+en+ti:a+tion pron pos n. def the reversion of the cells of differentiated tissue to a less specialized form. deduce ety C15: from Latin d*_ed*_ucere to lead away, derive, from #7de -#7+ d*_ucere to lead deduce 1. syl de+duce pron pos vb. mod tr. usage may take a clause as object def to reach (a conclusion about something) by reasoning; conclude (that); infer. deduce 2. syl de+duce pron pos vb. mod tr. qual Archaic. def to trace the origin, course, or derivation of. deducible sub head deduce syl de+1duc+i:ble pos adj. deducibility sub head deduce or deducibleness syl de+2duc+i:1bil+i:ty pos n. deducibleness sub head deduce or deducibility syl de+1duc+i:ble+ness pos n. deduct ety C15: from Latin d*_eductus, past participle of d*_ed*_ucere to #7deduce deduct 0. syl de+duct pron pos vb. mod tr. def to take away or subtract (a number, quantity, part, etc.). exam 1 income tax is deducted from one's wages. deductible 1. syl de+duct+i:ble pron pos adj. def capable of being deducted. deductible 2. syl de+duct+i:ble pron pos adj. qual U.S. def short for {tax-deductible}. deductible 3. syl de+duct+i:ble pron pos n. qual Insurance. def the U.S. name for {{excess} (sense 6) }. deductibility sub head deductible syl de+2duct+i:1bil+i:ty pos n. deduction 1. syl de+duc+tion pron pos n. def the act or process of deducting or subtracting. deduction 2. syl de+duc+tion pron pos n. def something, esp. a sum of money, that is or may be deducted. deduction 3.a. syl de+duc+tion pron pos n. def a process of reasoning, used esp. in logic and mathematics, by which a specific conclusion necessarily follows from a set of general premisses. deduction 3.b. syl de+duc+tion pron pos n. def a conclusion reached by this process of reasoning. Compare { {induction} (sense 3)}. deductive 0. syl de+duc+tive pron pos adj. def of or relating to deduction. exam 1 deductive reasoning. deductively sub head deductive syl de+1duc+tive+ly pos adv. Dee 1. syl Dee pron pos n. def a river in N Wales and NW England, rising in S Gwynedd and flowing east and north to the Irish Sea. Length: about 112 km (70 miles). Dee 2. syl Dee pron pos n. def a river in NE Scotland, rising in the Cairngorms and flowing east to the North Sea. Length: about 140 km (87 miles). Dee 3. syl Dee pron pos n. def a river in S Scotland, flowing south to the Solway Firth. Length: about 80 km (50 miles). deed ety Old English d*_ed; related to Old High German t*_at, Gothic gadeths; see {#7do %1} deed 1. syl deed pron pos n. def something that is done or performed; act. deed 2. syl deed pron pos n. def a notable achievement; feat; exploit. deed 3. syl deed pron pos n. def action or performance, as opposed to words. deed 4. syl deed pron pos n. qual Law. def a formal legal document signed, sealed, and delivered to effect a conveyance or transfer of property or to create a legal obligation or contract. deed 5. syl deed pron pos vb. mod tr. qual U.S. def to convey or transfer (property) by deed. deed poll 0. syl deed poll pos n. qual Law. def a deed made by one party only, esp. one by which a person changes his name. deejay ety C20: from the initials #7d.j. deejay 0. syl dee+jay pron <1dE2JA> pos n. def an informal name for {disc jockey}. deek ety perhaps of Romany origin deek 0. syl deek pron pos vb. mod tr. qual Northumbrian dialect. usage imperative def to look at. exam 1 deek that&! deem ety Old English d*_eman; related to Old High German tuomen to judge, Gothic domjan; see #7doom deem 0. syl deem pron pos vb. mod tr. def to judge or consider. exam 1 I do not deem him worthy of this honour. de-emphasise alt head de-emphasize or de-emphasize syl de-em:pha:sise pron pos vb. mod tr. de-emphasize 0. or de-emphasise syl de-em:pha:size pron pos vb. mod tr. def to remove emphasis from. deemster 0. syl deem+ster pron <1dEmst*> pos n. def the title of one of the two justices in the Isle of Man. Also called: {dempster}. deemstership sub head deemster syl deem+ster+2ship pos n. deep ety Old English d*_eop; related to Old High German tiof deep, Old Norse djupr deep 1. syl deep pron pos adj. def extending or situated relatively far down from a surface. exam 1 a deep pool. deep 2. syl deep pron pos adj. def extending or situated relatively far inwards, backwards, or sideways. exam 1 a deep border of trees. deep 3. syl deep pron pos adj. qual Cricket. def relatively far from the pitch. exam 1 the deep field; exam 2 deep third man. deep 4.a. syl deep pron pos adj. usage postpositive def of a specified dimension downwards, inwards, or backwards. exam 1 six feet deep. deep 4.b. syl deep pron pos adj. usage in combination exam 1 a six-foot-deep trench. deep 5. syl deep pron pos adj. def coming from or penetrating to a great depth. exam 1 a deep breath. deep 6. syl deep pron pos adj. def difficult to understand or penetrate; abstruse. deep 7. syl deep pron pos adj. def learned or intellectually demanding. exam 1 a deep discussion. deep 8. syl deep pron pos adj. def of great intensity; extreme. exam 1 deep happiness; exam 2 deep trouble. deep 9. syl deep pron pos adj. usage postpositive; foll. by in def absorbed or enveloped (by); engrossed or immersed (in). exam 1 deep in study; exam 2 deep in debt. deep 10. syl deep pron pos adj. def very cunning or crafty; devious. exam 1 a deep plot. deep 11. syl deep pron pos adj. def mysterious or obscure. exam 1 a deep secret. deep 12. syl deep pron pos adj. usage of a colour def having an intense or dark hue. deep 13. syl deep pron pos adj. def low in pitch or tone. exam 1 a deep voice. deep down 14. head deep syl deep down. qual Informal. def in reality, esp. as opposed to appearance. exam 1 she is a very kind person deep down. deep in the past 15. head deep syl deep in the past. def long ago. deep 16.a. syl deep pron pos adj. def to become hysterical; lose one's temper. deep 16.b. syl deep pron pos adj. qual Chiefly U.S. def to act rashly. in deep water 17. head deep syl in deep water. qual Informal. def in a tricky position or in trouble. deep 18. syl deep pron pos n. def any deep place on land or under water, esp. below 6000 metres (3000 fathoms). deep 19.a. syl deep pron pos n. def a poetic term for the {ocean}. deep 19.b. syl deep pron pos n. qual Cricket. def the area of the field relatively far from the pitch. deep 20. syl deep pron pos n. def the most profound, intense, or central part. exam 1 the deep of winter. deep 21. syl deep pron pos n. def a vast extent, as of space or time. deep 22. syl deep pron pos n. qual Nautical. def one of the intervals on a sounding lead, one fathom apart. deep 23. syl deep pron pos adv. def far on in time; late. exam 1 they worked deep into the night. deep 24. syl deep pron pos adv. def profoundly or intensely. deeply sub head deep syl deep+ly pos adv. deepness sub head deep syl deep+ness pos n. deep-dish pie 0. syl deep-dish pie pos n. qual Chiefly U.S. def a pie baked in a deep dish and having only a top crust. deep-dyed 0. syl deep-dyed pos adj. qual Usually derogatory. def thorough-going; absolute; complete. deepen 0. syl deep+en pron <1dEpN> pos vb. def to make or become deep, deeper, or more intense. deepener sub head deepen syl deep+en+er pos n. deepfreeze 1. syl deep+freeze pron <2dEp1frEz> pos n. def a type of refrigerator in which food, etc., is stored for long periods at temperatures below freezing. deepfreeze 2. syl deep+freeze pron <2dEp1frEz> pos n. def storage in or as if in a deepfreeze. deepfreeze 3. syl deep+freeze pron <2dEp1frEz> pos n. qual Informal. def a state of suspended activity. deep-freeze infl head deepfreeze syl deep-freeze pos vb. deepfreezes infl head deepfreeze or deepfreezed syl deep+freez:es pos vb. deepfroze infl head deepfreeze or deepfrozen syl deep+froze pos vb. deepfreezed infl head deepfreeze or deepfreezes syl deep+freezed pos vb. deepfrozen infl head deepfreeze or deepfreezed syl deep+fro:zen pos vb. deepfreezed infl head deepfreeze or deepfrozen syl deep+freezed. pos vb. deepfreeze 4. syl deep+freeze pron <2dEp1frEz> pos vb. mod tr. def to freeze or keep in or as if in a deepfreeze. deep-fries infl head deep-fry syl deep-fries pos vb. deep-frying infl head deep-fry syl deep-fry+ing pos vb. deep-fried infl head deep-fry syl deep-fried. pos vb. deep-fry 0. syl deep-fry pos vb. def to cook (fish, potatoes, etc.) in sufficient hot fat to cover the food entirely. deep kiss 0. syl deep kiss pos n. def another name for {French kiss}. deep-laid 0. syl deep-laid pos adj. usage of a plot or plan def carefully worked out and kept secret. deep-seated alt head deep-rooted or deep-rooted syl deep-seat:ed pos adj. deep-rooted 0. or deep-seated syl deep-root:ed pos adj. usage of ideas, beliefs, preju?!dices, etc. def firmly fixed, implanted, or held; ingrained. deep-sea 0. syl deep-sea pos n. usage modifier def of, found in, or characteristic of the deep parts of the sea. exam 1 deep-sea fishing. deep-six ety C20: from six feet deep, the traditional depth for a grave deep-six 0. syl deep-six pos vb. mod tr. qual U.S. slang. def to dispose of (something, such as documents) completely; destroy. Deep South 0. syl Deep South pos n. def the SE part of the U.S., esp. South Carolina, Georgia, Alabama, Mississippi, and Louisiana. deep space 0. syl deep space pos n. def any region of outer space beyond the system of the earth and moon. deep structure 0. syl deep struc+ture pos n. qual Generative grammar. def a representation of the presumed structure of a sentence at a level where logical or grammatical relations are made explicit, before transformation?!al rules have been applied. Compare {surface structure}. deep therapy 0. syl deep ther:a+py pos n. def radiotherapy with very penetrating short-wave radiation. deer ety Old English d*_eor beast; related to Old High German tior wild beast, Old Norse d*_yr deers alt head deer or deer syl deers. pos n. mod pl. deer 1. or deers syl deer pron pos n. mod pl. def any ruminant artiodactyl mammal of the family including reindeer, elk, muntjacs, and roe deer, typically having antlers in the male. Related adj.: {cervine}. deer 2. or deers syl deer pron pos n. mod pl. usage in N Canada def another name for {caribou}. deergrass 0. syl deer+grass pron <1di*2gra:s> pos n. def a perennial cyperaceous plant, that grows in dense tufts in peat bogs of temperate regions. deerhound 0. syl deer+hound pron <1di*2haund> pos n. def a very large rough-coated breed of dog of the greyhound type. deer lick 0. syl deer lick pos n. def a naturally or artificially salty area of ground where deer come to lick the salt. deer mouse 0. syl deer mouse pos n. def any of various mice of the genus esp. of North and Central America, having brownish fur with white underparts: family See also {white-footed mouse}. deerskin 0.a. syl deer+skin pron <1di*2skin> pos n. def the hide of a deer. deerskin 0.b. syl deer+skin pron <1di*2skin> pos n. usage as modifier exam 1 a deerskin jacket. deerstalker 1. syl deer+stalk:er pron <1di*2stc:k*> pos n. def Also called: {stalker}. a person who stalks deer, esp. in order to shoot them. deerstalker 2. syl deer+stalk:er pron <1di*2stc:k*> pos n. def a hat, peaked in front and behind, with earflaps usually turned up and tied together on the top. deerstalking sub head deerstalker syl deer+2stalk:ing pos adj. n. de-escalate 0. syl de-es:ca:late pron pos vb. def to reduce the level or intensity of (a crisis, etc.). de-escalation sub head de-escalate syl de-2es:ca:1la+tion pos n. def 1. syl def. qual abbrev. for: def defective. def 2. syl def. qual abbrev. for: def defence. def 3. syl def. qual abbrev. for: def defendant. def 4. syl def. qual abbrev. for: def deferred. def 5. syl def. qual abbrev. for: def definite. def 6. syl def. qual abbrev. for: def definition. deface 0. syl de+face pron pos vb. mod tr. def to spoil or mar the surface, legibility, or appearance of; disfigure. defaceable sub head deface syl de+1face+a:ble pos adj. defacement sub head deface syl de+1face+ment pos n. defacer sub head deface syl de+1fac+er pos n. de facto ety C17: Latin de facto 1. syl de fac+to pron <1f@kt*u> pos adv. def in fact. de facto 2. syl de fac+to pron <1f@kt*u> pos adj. def existing in fact, whether legally recognized or not. exam 1 a de facto regime. defalcate ety C15: from Medieval Latin d*_efalc*_are to cut off, from Latin #7de -#7+ falx sickle &- @!de+fal+#!ca+tion n. &- #!de+fal+@!ca+tor n. defalcate 0. syl de+fal+cate pron <1dEf@l2kAt> pos vb. mod intr. qual Law. def to misuse or mis?!appropriate property or funds entrusted to one. defamation 1. syl def:a+ma+tion pron <2def*1mAS*n> pos n. qual Law. def the injuring of a person's good name or reputation. Compare {libel, slander}. defamation 2. syl def:a+ma+tion pron <2def*1mAS*n> pos n. def the act of defaming or state of being defamed. defamatory 0. syl de+fam:a+to:ry pron , <-tri> pos adj. def injurious to someone's name or reputation. defamatorily sub head defamatory syl de+1fam:a+to+ri+ly pos adv. defame ety C14: from Old French defamer, from Latin d*_ef*_am*_are, from diff*_am*_are to spread by unfavourable report, from f*_ama #7fame defame 1. syl de+fame pron pos vb. mod tr. def to attack the good name or reputation of; slander; libel. defame 2. syl de+fame pron pos vb. mod tr. qual Archaic. def to indict or accuse. defamer sub head defame syl de+1fam+er pos n. default ety C13: from Old French defaute, from defaillir to fail, from Vulgar Latin d*_efall*_ire (unattested) to be lacking default 1. syl de+fault pron pos n. def a failure to act, esp. a failure to meet a financial obligation or to appear in a court of law at a time specified. default 2. syl de+fault pron pos n. def absence. exam 1 he lost the chess game by default. in default of 3. head default syl in default of. def through or in the lack or absence of. judgment by default 4. head default syl judgment by default. qual Law. def a judgment in the plaintiff's favour when the defendant fails to plead or to appear. default 5. syl de+fault pron pos n. def lack, want, or need. default 6. syl de+fault pron pos vb. mod intr. usage often foll. by on or in def to fail to make payment when due. default 7. syl de+fault pron pos vb. mod intr. def to fail to fulfil or perform an obligation, engagement, etc. exam 1 to default in a sporting contest. default 8. syl de+fault pron pos vb. qual Law. def to lose (a case) by failure to appear in court. defaulter 1. syl de+fault+er pron pos n. def a person who defaults. defaulter 2. syl de+fault+er pron pos n. qual Chiefly Brit. def a person, esp. a soldier, who has broken the disciplinary code of his service. defeasance ety C14: from Old French, from desfaire to #7defeat defeasance 1. syl de+fea+sance pron pos n. qual Chiefly law. def the act or process of rendering null and void; annulment. defeasance 2.a. syl de+fea+sance pron pos n. qual Chiefly law. def a condition, the fulfilment of which renders a deed void. defeasance 2.b. syl de+fea+sance pron pos n. qual Chiefly law. def the document containing such a condition. defeasible 0. syl de+fea+si:ble pron pos adj. usage Law. of an estate or interest in land def capable of being defeated or rendered void. defeasibleness sub head defeasible or defeasibility syl de+1fea+si:ble+ness pos n. defeasibility sub head defeasible or defeasibleness syl de+2fea+si:1bil+i:ty pos n. defeat ety C14: from Old French desfait, from desfaire to undo, ruin, from des- #7{dis -%1}#7+ faire to do, from Latin facere defeat 1. syl de+feat pron pos vb. mod tr. def to overcome in a contest or competition; win a victory over. defeat 2. syl de+feat pron pos vb. mod tr. def to thwart or frustrate. exam 1 this accident has defeated all his hopes of winning. defeat 3. syl de+feat pron pos vb. mod tr. qual Law. def to render null and void; annul. defeat 4. syl de+feat pron pos n. mod tr. def the act of defeating or state of being defeated. defeat 5. syl de+feat pron pos n. mod tr. def an instance of defeat. defeat 6. syl de+feat pron pos n. mod tr. def overthrow or destruction. defeat 7. syl de+feat pron pos n. mod tr. qual Law. def an annulment. defeater sub head defeat syl de+1feat+er pos n. defeatism 0. syl de+feat+ism pron pos n. def a ready acceptance or expectation of defeat. defeatist sub head defeatism syl de+1feat+ist pos n. adj. defecate ety C16: from Latin d*_efaec*_are to cleanse from dregs, from #7de -#7+ faex sediment, dregs defecate 1. syl def+e:cate pron <1defi2kAt> pos vb. mod intr. def to discharge waste from the body through the anus. defecate 2. syl def+e:cate pron <1defi2kAt> pos vb. mod tr. def to clarify or remove impurities from (a solution, esp. of sugar). defecation sub head defecate syl def+e:1ca+tion pos n. defecator sub head defecate syl def+e:2ca+tor pos n. defect ety C15: from Latin d*_efectus, from d*_eficere to forsake, fail; see #7deficient defect 1. syl de+fect pron , <1dEfekt> pos n. def a lack of something necessary for completeness or perfection; shortcoming; deficiency. defect 2. syl de+fect pron , <1dEfekt> pos n. def an imperfection, failing, or blemish. defect 3. syl de+fect pron , <1dEfekt> pos n. qual Crystallog. def a local deviation from regularity in the crystal lattice of a solid. See also {point defect, {dislocation} (sense 3)}. defect 4. syl de+fect pron pos vb. mod intr. def to desert one's country, cause, allegiance, etc., esp. in order to join the opposing forces. defector sub head defect syl de+1fec+tor pos n. defection 1. syl de+fec+tion pron pos n. def the act or an instance of defect?!ing. defection 2. syl de+fec+tion pron pos n. def abandonment of duty, allegiance, principles, etc.; backsliding. defection 3. syl de+fec+tion pron pos n. def another word for { {defect} (senses 1, 2)}. defective 1. syl de+fec+tive pron pos adj. def having a defect or flaw; im?!perfect; faulty. defective 2. syl de+fec+tive pron pos adj. usage of a person def below the usual standard or level, esp. in intelligence. defective 3. syl de+fec+tive pron pos adj. usage Grammar. of a word def lacking the full range of inflections characteristic of its form class, as for example which has no past tense. defectively sub head defective syl de+1fec+tive+ly pos adv. defectiveness sub head defective syl de+1fec+tive+ness pos n. defence ety C13: from Old French, from Late Latin d*_efensum, past participle of d*_efendere to #7defend defense alt head defence or defence syl de+fense pron pos n. qual U.S. defence 1. or defense syl de+fence pron pos n. def resistance against danger, attack, or harm; protection. defence 2. or defense syl de+fence pron pos n. def a person or thing that provides such resistance. defence 3. or defense syl de+fence pron pos n. def a plea, essay, speech, etc., in support of something; vindication; justification. defence 4.a. or defense syl de+fence pron pos n. def military measures or resources protecting a country against a potential or actual opponent. defence 4.b. or defense syl de+fence pron pos n. usage as modifier exam 1 defence spending. defence 5. or defense syl de+fence pron pos n. qual Law. def a defendant's denial of the truth of the allegations or charge against him. defence 6. or defense syl de+fence pron pos n. qual Law. def the defendant and his legal advisers collectively. Compare {prosecution}. defence 7.a. or defense syl de+fence pron pos n. def the action of protecting oneself, one's goal, or one's allotted part of the playing area against an opponent's attacks. defence 7.b. or defense syl de+fence pron pos n. def the method of doing this. defence 7.c. or defense syl de+fence pron pos n. usage usually preceded by the def the players in a team whose function is to do this. defence 8. or defense syl de+fence pron pos n. qual Psychoanal. def See {defence mechanism}. defence 9. or defense syl de+fence pron pos n. mod pl. def fortifications. defenceless sub head defence or defenseless syl de+1fence+less pos adj. defenseless sub head defence or defenceless syl de+1fense+less pos adj. qual U.S. defencelessly sub head defence or defenselessly syl de+1fence+less+ly pos adv. defenselessly sub head defence or defencelessly syl de+1fense+less+ly pos adv. qual U.S. defencelessness sub head defence or defenselessness syl de+1fence+less+ness pos n. defenselessness sub head defence or defencelessness syl de+1fense+less+ness pos n. qual U.S. defence mechanism 1. syl de+fence mech+an+ism pos n. qual Psychoanal. def a usually unconscious mental process designed to reduce the anxiety, shame, etc., associated with instinctive desires. defence mechanism 2. syl de+fence mech+an+ism pos n. qual Physiol. def the protective response of the body against disease organisms. defend ety C13: from Old French defendre, from Latin d*_efendere to ward off, from #7de -#7+ -fendere to strike defend 1. syl de+fend pron pos vb. def to protect (a person, place, etc.) from harm or danger; ward off an attack on. defend 2. syl de+fend pron pos vb. mod tr. def to support in the face of criticism, esp. by argument or evidence. defend 3. syl de+fend pron pos vb. def to represent (a defendant) in court in a civil or criminal action. defend 4. syl de+fend pron pos vb. qual Sport. def to guard or protect (oneself, one's goal, etc.) against attack. defend 5. syl de+fend pron pos vb. mod tr. def to protect (a championship or title) against a challenge. defendable sub head defend syl de+1fend+a:ble pos adj. defender sub head defend syl de+1fend+er pos n. defendant 1. syl de+fend+ant pron pos n. def a person against whom an action or claim is brought in a court of law. Compare {plaintiff}. defendant 2. syl de+fend+ant pron pos adj. def making a defence; defending. Defender of the Faith 0. syl De+fend+er of the Faith pos n. def the title conferred upon Henry VIII by Pope Leo X in 1521 in recognition of the King's pamphlet attacking Luther's doctrines and retained by subsequent monarchs of England. Latin: {Fidei Defensor}. defenestration ety C17: from New Latin d*_efenestr*_ati*_o, from Latin #7de -#7+ fenestra window defenestration 0. syl de+fen+es+tra+tion pron pos n. def the act of throwing someone out of a window. defensible 0. syl de+fen+si:ble pron pos adj. def capable of being defended, as in war, an argument, etc. defensibility sub head defensible or defensibleness syl de+2fen+si:1bil+i:ty pos n. defensibleness sub head defensible or defensibility syl de+1fen+si:ble+ness pos n. defensibly sub head defensible syl de+1fen+si:bly pos adv. defensive 1. syl de+fen+sive pron pos adj. def intended, suitable, or done for defence, as opposed to offence. defensive 2. syl de+fen+sive pron pos adj. def rejecting criticisms of oneself or covering up one's failings. defensive 3. syl de+fen+sive pron pos n. def a position of defence. on the defensive 4. head defensive syl on the defensive. def in an attitude or position of defence, as in being ready to reject criticism. defensively sub head defensive syl de+1fen+sive+ly pos adv. defensiveness sub head defensive syl de+1fen+sive+ness pos n. defer ety C14: from Old French differer to be different, postpone; see #7differ defers infl head defer syl de+fers pos vb. deferring infl head defer syl de+fer+ring pos vb. deferred infl head defer syl de+ferred. pos vb. defer H1.0. syl de+fer pron pos vb. def to delay or cause to be delayed until a future time; postpone. deferrable sub head defer or deferable syl de+1fer+ra:ble pos adj. deferable sub head defer or deferrable syl de+1fer+a:ble pos adj. deferrer sub head defer syl de+1fer+rer pos n. defer ety C15: from Latin d*_eferre, literally: to bear down, from #7de -#7+ ferre to bear defers infl head defer syl de+fers pos vb. mod intr. deferring infl head defer syl de+fer+ring pos vb. mod intr. deferred infl head defer syl de+ferred. pos vb. mod intr. defer H2.0. syl de+fer pron pos vb. mod intr. usage foll. by to def to yield (to) or comply (with) the wishes or judgments of another. deference ety C17: from French d*'eference; see #7defer %2 deference 1. syl def+er+ence pron <1def*r*ns> pos n. def submission to or compliance with the will, wishes, etc., of another. deference 2. syl def+er+ence pron <1def*r*ns> pos n. def courteous regard; respect. deferent H1.0. syl def+er+ent pron <1def*r*nt> pos adj. def another word for {deferential}. deferent ety C17: from Latin d*_eferre; see #7defer %2 deferent H2.1. syl def+er+ent pron <1def*r*nt> pos adj. usage esp. of a bodily nerve, vessel, or duct def conveying an impulse, fluid, etc., outwards, down, or away; efferent. {~} deferent H2.2. syl def+er+ent pron <1def*r*nt> pos adj. usage Astronomy. in the Ptolemaic system def a circle centred on the earth around which the centre of the epicycle was thought to move. deferential 0. syl def+er+en+tial pron <2def*1renS*l> pos adj. def marked by or showing deference or respect; respectful. deferentially sub head deferential syl def+er+1en+tial+ly pos adv. deferral alt head deferment or deferment syl de+fer+ral pron pos n. deferment 0. or deferral syl de+fer+ment pron pos n. def the act of deferring or putting off until another time; postponement. deferred 1. syl de+ferred pron pos adj. def withheld over a certain period; postponed. exam 1 a deferred payment. deferred 2. syl de+ferred pron pos adj. usage of shares def ranking behind other types of shares for dividend. deferred annuity 0. syl de+ferred an+nu+i:ty pos n. def an annuity that commences not less than one year after the final purchase premium. Compare {immediate annuity}. deferred sentence 0. syl de+ferred sen+tence pos n. qual Law. def a sentence that is postponed for a specific period to allow a court to examine the conduct of the offender during the deferment. Compare {suspended sentence}. defiance 1. syl de+fi+ance pron pos n. def open or bold resistance to or dis?!regard for authority, opposition, or power. defiance 2. syl de+fi+ance pron pos n. def a challenging attitude or behaviour; challenge. defiant 0. syl de+fi+ant pron pos adj. def marked by resistance or bold opposition, as to authority; challenging. defiantly sub head defiant syl de+1fi+ant+ly pos adv. defibrillator 0. syl de+fib+ril+la+tor pron , <-1fib-> pos n. qual Med. def an apparatus for stopping fibrillation of the heart by application of an electric current to the chest wall or directly to the heart. deficies infl head deficiency syl de+fi+cies. pos n. mod pl. deficiency 1. syl de+fi+cien+cy pron pos n. def the state or quality of being deficient. deficiency 2. syl de+fi+cien+cy pron pos n. def a lack or insufficiency; shortage. deficiency 3. syl de+fi+cien+cy pron pos n. def another word for {deficit}. deficiency disease 0. syl de+fi+cien+cy dis+ease pos n. def any condition, such as pellagra, beriberi, or scurvy, produced by a lack of vitamins or other essential substances. Compare {avitaminosis}. deficient ety C16: from Latin d*_efici*_ens lacking, from d*_eficere to fall short; see #7defect deficient 1. syl de+fi+cient pron pos adj. def lacking some essential; incomplete; defective. deficient 2. syl de+fi+cient pron pos adj. def inadequate in quantity or supply; insuf?!ficient. deficiently sub head deficient syl de+1fi+cient+ly pos adv. deficit ety C18: from Latin, literally: there is lacking, from d*_eficere to be lacking deficit 1. syl def:i+cit pron <1defisit>, pos n. def the amount by which an actual sum is lower than that expected or required. deficit 2.a. syl def:i+cit pron <1defisit>, pos n. def an excess of liabilities over assets. deficit 2.b. syl def:i+cit pron <1defisit>, pos n. def an excess of expenditures over revenues during a certain period. deficit 2.c. syl def:i+cit pron <1defisit>, pos n. def an excess of payments over receipts on the balance of payments. deficit spending 0. syl def:i+cit spend+ing pos n. def government spending in excess of revenues so that a budget deficit is incurred, which is financed by borrowing ({deficit financing}) . It is often undertaken as a remedy for economic depression and unemployment. Also called: {compensatory spending}. de fide ety literally: from faith de fide 0. syl de fi:de pron Latin. <1fIdi> pos adj. usage R.C. Church. of a doctrine def belonging to the essentials of the faith, esp. by virtue of a papal ruling. defilade ety C19: see #7de -#7, enfilade defilade 1. syl def:i+lade pron <2defi1lAd> pos n. qual Military fortifications. def protection provided by obstacles against enemy fire or observation. defilade 2. syl def:i+lade pron <2defi1lAd> pos n. qual Military fortifications. def the disposition of defensive fortifications to produce this pro?!tection. defilade 3. syl def:i+lade pron <2defi1lAd> pos vb. qual Military fortifications. def to provide protection for by defilade. defile ety C14: from earlier defoilen (influenced by filen to {#7file %3)}#7, from Old French defouler to trample underfoot, abuse, from #7de -#7+ fouler to tread upon; see {#7full %2} defile H1.1. syl de+file pron pos vb. mod tr. def to make foul or dirty; pollute. defile H1.2. syl de+file pron pos vb. mod tr. def to tarnish or sully the brightness of; taint; corrupt. defile H1.3. syl de+file pron pos vb. mod tr. def to damage or sully (someone's good name, reputation, etc.). defile H1.4. syl de+file pron pos vb. mod tr. def to make unfit for ceremonial use; desecrate. defile H1.5. syl de+file pron pos vb. mod tr. def to violate the chastity of. defilement sub head defile syl de+1file+ment pos n. defiler sub head defile syl de+1fil+er pos n. defile ety C17: from French d*'efil*'e, from d*'efiler to file off, from filer to march in a column, from Old French: to spin, from fil thread, from Latin f*_ilum defile H2.1. syl de+file pron <1dEfIl>, pos n. def a narrow pass or gorge, esp. one between two mountains. defile H2.2. syl de+file pron <1dEfIl>, pos n. def a single file of soldiers, etc. defile H2.3. syl de+file pron <1dEfIl>, pos vb. qual Chiefly military. def to march or cause to march in single file. define ety C14: from Old French definer to determine, from Latin d*_ef*_in*_ire to set bounds to, from f*_in*_ire to #7finish define 1. syl de+fine pron pos vb. mod tr. def to state precisely the meaning of (words, terms, etc.). define 2. syl de+fine pron pos vb. mod tr. def to describe the nature, properties, or essential qualities of. define 3. syl de+fine pron pos vb. mod tr. def to determine the boundary or extent of. define 4. syl de+fine pron pos vb. mod tr. usage often passive def to delineate the form or outline of. exam 1 the shape of the tree was clearly defined by the light behind it. define 5. syl de+fine pron pos vb. mod tr. def to fix with precision; specify. definable sub head define syl de+1fin+a:ble pos adj. definability sub head define syl de+2fin+a:1bil+i:ty pos n. definably sub head define syl de+1fin+a:bly pos adv. definer sub head define syl de+1fin+er pos n. definiendum ety Latin definienda infl head definiendum syl de+fin:i+en+da pron <-d*> pos n. mod pl. definiendum 0. syl de+fin:i+en+dum pron pos n. def something to be defined, esp. the term or phrase to be accounted for in a dictionary entry. Compare {definiens}. definiens ety Latin: defining definientia infl head definiens syl de+fin:i+en+tia pron pos n. mod pl. definiens 0. syl de+fin:i+ens pron pos n. def the word or words used to define or give an account of the meaning of another word, as in a dictionary entry. Compare {definiendum}. definite ety C15: from Latin d*_ef*_in*_itus limited, distinct; see #7define definite 1. syl def:i+nite pron <1definit> pos adj. def clearly defined; exact; explicit. definite 2. syl def:i+nite pron <1definit> pos adj. def having precise limits or boundaries. definite 3. syl def:i+nite pron <1definit> pos adj. def known for certain; sure. exam 1 it is definite that they have won. definite 4.a. syl def:i+nite pron <1definit> pos adj. def denoting a type of growth in which the main stem ends in a flower, as in a cymose inflorescence; determinate. definite 4.b. syl def:i+nite pron <1definit> pos adj. usage esp. of flower parts def limited or fixed in number in a given species. definiteness sub head definite syl def:i+nite+ness pos n. definitude sub head definite syl de+fin:i+tude pron definite article 0. syl def:i+nite ar+ti+cle pos n. qual Grammar. def a determiner that expresses specificity of reference, such as in English. Compare {in?!definite article}. definite integral 0. syl def:i+nite in+te+gral pos n. qual Maths. def the limit of the sum of the areas of an infinitely large number of adjoining rectangles of infinitesimal width that are bounded by the curve of a function, f the -axis, and the two limits = and = , as the width of each rectangle tends to 0. Written #s f d where definitely 1. syl def:i+nite+ly pron <1definitli> pos adv. def in a definite manner. definitely 2. syl def:i+nite+ly pron <1definitli> pos adv. usage sentence modifier def certainly. exam 1 he said he was coming, defi?!nitely. definitely 3. syl def:i+nite+ly pron <1definitli> pos adv. usage sentence substitute. def unquestionably: used to confirm an assumption by a questioner. definition 1. syl def:i+ni+tion pron <2defi1niS*n> pos n. def a formal and concise statement of the meaning of a word, phrase, etc. definition 2. syl def:i+ni+tion pron <2defi1niS*n> pos n. def the act of defining a word, phrase, etc. definition 3. syl def:i+ni+tion pron <2defi1niS*n> pos n. def the act of making clear or definite. definition 4. syl def:i+ni+tion pron <2defi1niS*n> pos n. def the state or condition of being clearly defined or definite. definition 5. syl def:i+ni+tion pron <2defi1niS*n> pos n. def a measure of the clarity of an optical, photographic, or television image as characterized by its sharpness and contrast. definitional sub head definition syl def:i+1ni+tion+al pos adj. definitive 1. syl de+fin:i+tive pron pos adj. def serving to decide or settle finally; conclusive. definitive 2. syl de+fin:i+tive pron pos adj. def most reliable, complete, or authoritative. exam 1 the definitive reading of a text. definitive 3. syl de+fin:i+tive pron pos adj. def serving to define or outline. definitive 4. syl de+fin:i+tive pron pos adj. qual Zoology. def fully developed; complete. exam 1 the definitive form of a parasite. definitive 5.a. syl de+fin:i+tive pron pos adj. usage of postage stamps def permanently on sale. definitive 5.b. syl de+fin:i+tive pron pos as; n. def a definitive postage stamp. definitive 6. syl de+fin:i+tive pron pos n. qual Grammar. def a word indicating specificity of reference, such as the definite article or a demonstrative adjective or pronoun. definitively sub head definitive syl de+1fin:i+tive+ly pos adv. definitiveness sub head definitive syl de+1fin:i+tive+ness deflagrate ety C18: from Latin d*_eflagr*_are, from #7de -#7+ flagr*_are to burn deflagrate 0. syl def+la+grate pron <1defl*2grAt>, <1dE-> pos vb. def to burn or cause to burn with great heat and light. deflagration sub head deflagrate syl def+la+1gra+tion pos n. deflate ety C19: from #7de -#7+ (#7in) #7flate deflate 1. syl de+flate pron pos vb. def to collapse or cause to collapse through the release of gas. deflate 2. syl de+flate pron pos vb. mod tr. def to take away the self-esteem or conceit from. deflate 3. syl de+flate pron pos vb. qual Economics. def to cause deflation of (an economy, the money supply, etc.). deflator sub head deflate syl de+1fla+tor pos n. deflation 1. syl de+fla+tion pron pos n. def the act of deflating or state of being deflated. deflation 2. syl de+fla+tion pron pos n. qual Economics. def a reduction in economic activity resulting in lower levels of output, employment, investment, trade, profits, and prices. Compare {disinflation}. deflation 3. syl de+fla+tion pron pos n. def the removal of loose rock material, sand, and dust by the wind. deflationary sub head deflation syl de+1fla+tion+ar:y pos adj. deflationist sub head deflation syl de+1fla+tion+ist pos n. adj. deflationary gap 0. syl de+fla+tion+ar:y gap pos n. qual Economics. def the situation, characterized by persistent deflation, in which the aggregate demand associated with full employment is less than aggregate supply. deflect ety C17: from Latin d*_eflectere, from flectere to bend deflect 0. syl de+flect pron pos vb. def to turn or cause to turn aside from a course; swerve. deflector sub head deflect syl de+1flec+tor pos n. deflexion alt head deflection or deflection syl de+flex+ion pron pos n. deflection 1. or deflexion syl de+flec+tion pron pos n. def the act of deflecting or the state of being deflected. deflection 2. or deflexion syl de+flec+tion pron pos n. def the amount of deviation. deflection 3. or deflexion syl de+flec+tion pron pos n. def the change in direction of a light beam as it crosses a boundary between two media with different refractive indexes. deflection 4. or deflexion syl de+flec+tion pron pos n. def a deviation of the indicator of a measuring instrument from its zero position. deflection 5. or deflexion syl de+flec+tion pron pos n. def the movement of a structure or structural member when subjected to a load. deflective sub head deflection syl de+1flec+tive pos adj. deflexed 0. syl de+flexed pron , <1dE2flekst> pos adj. usage of leaves, petals, etc. def bent sharply outwards and downwards. deflocculate 1. syl de+floc+cu+late pron pos vb. mod tr. def to disperse, forming a colloid or suspension. deflocculate 2. syl de+floc+cu+late pron pos vb. mod tr. def to prevent flocculation of (a colloid or suspension). deflocculation sub head deflocculate syl de+2floc+cu+1la+tion pos n. defloration ety C15: from Late Latin d*_eflor*_ati*_o; see #7de -#7, flower defloration 0. syl de+flo+ra+tion pron <2dEflc:1rAS*n> pos n. def the act of deflowering. deflower 1. syl de+flow+er pron pos vb. mod tr. def to deprive of virginity, esp. by rupturing the hymen through sexual intercourse. deflower 2. syl de+flow+er pron pos vb. mod tr. def to despoil of beauty, innocence, etc.; mar; violate. deflower 3. syl de+flow+er pron pos vb. mod tr. def to rob or despoil of flowers. deflowerer sub head deflower syl de+1flow+er+er pos n. Daniel infl head Defoe syl Dan:iel. pos n. Defoe 0. syl De:foe pron pos n. def ??1660-1731, English novelist, journalist, and pamphleteer, noted particularly for his novel (1719). His other novels include (1722) and (1722). defoliant 0. syl de+fo+li+ant pron pos n. def a chemical sprayed or dusted onto trees to cause their leaves to fall, esp. to remove cover from an enemy in warfare. defoliate ety C18: from Medieval Latin d*_efoli*_are, from Latin #7de -#7+ folium leaf defoliate 1. syl de+fo+li+ate pron pos vb. def to deprive (a plant) of its leaves, as by the use of a herbicide, or (of a plant) to shed its leaves. defoliate 2. syl de+fo+li+ate pron pos adj. usage of a plant def having shed its leaves. defoliation sub head defoliate syl de+2fo+li:1a+tion pos n. defoliator sub head defoliate syl de+1fo+li:2a+tor pos n. deforce ety C13: from Anglo-French, from deforcer deforce 1. syl de+force pron pos vb. mod tr. qual Property law. def to withhold (prop?!erty, esp. land) wrongfully or by force from the rightful owner. deforce 2. syl de+force pron pos vb. mod tr. qual Property law. def to eject or keep forcibly from possession of property. deforcement sub head deforce syl de+1force+ment pos n. deforest 0. syl de+for+est pron pos vb. mod tr. def to clear of trees. Also: {disforest}. deforestation sub head deforest syl de+2for+est:1a+tion pos n. deforester sub head deforest syl de+1for+est+er pos n. Lee infl head De Forest syl Lee. pos n. De Forest 0. syl De For:est pron pos n. def 1873-1961, U.S. inventor of telegraphic, telephonic, and radio equipment: patented the first triode valve (1907). deform ety C15: from Latin d*_eform*_are, from #7de -#7+ forma shape, beauty deform 1. syl de+form pron pos vb. def to make or become misshapen or distorted. deform 2. syl de+form pron pos vb. mod tr. def to mar the beauty of; disfigure. deform 3. syl de+form pron pos vb. mod tr. def to subject or be subjected to a stress that causes a change of dimensions. deformable sub head deform syl de+1form+a:ble pos adj. deformability sub head deform syl de+2form+a:1bil+i:ty pos n. deformer sub head deform syl de+1form+er pos n. deformation 1. syl de+for+ma+tion pron <2dEfc:1mAS*n> pos n. def the act of deforming; distortion. deformation 2. syl de+for+ma+tion pron <2dEfc:1mAS*n> pos n. def the result of deforming; a change in form, esp. for the worse. deformation 3. syl de+for+ma+tion pron <2dEfc:1mAS*n> pos n. def a change in the dimensions of an object resulting from a stress. deformed 1. syl de+formed pron pos adj. def disfigured or misshapen. deformed 2. syl de+formed pron pos adj. def morally perverted; warped. deformedly sub head deformed syl de+form+ed+ly pron pos adv. deformedness sub head deformed syl de+1form+ed+ness pos n. deformities infl head deformity syl de+form+i:ties. pos n. mod pl. deformity 1. syl de+form+i:ty pron pos n. def a deformed condition; disfigurement. deformity 2. syl de+form+i:ty pron pos n. qual Pathol. def an acquired or congenital distortion of an organ or part. deformity 3. syl de+form+i:ty pron pos n. def a deformed person or thing. deformity 4. syl de+form+i:ty pron pos n. def a defect, esp. of the mind or morals; depravity. defraud 0. syl de+fraud pron pos vb. mod tr. def to take away or withhold money, rights, property, etc., from (a person) by fraud; cheat; swindle. defraudation sub head defraud or defraudment syl de+frau+da+tion pron <2dEfrc:1dAS*n> pos n. defraudment sub head defraud or defraudation syl de+1fraud+ment pos n. defrauder sub head defraud syl de+1fraud+er pos n. defray ety C16: from Old French deffroier to pay expenses, from de- {#7dis -%1}#7+ frai expenditure, originally: cost incurred through breaking something, from Latin frangere to break defray 0. syl de+fray pron pos vb. mod tr. def to furnish or provide money for (costs, expenses, etc.); pay. defrayable sub head defray syl de+1fray+a:ble pos adj. defrayal sub head defray or defrayment syl de+1fray+al pos n. defrayment sub head defray or defrayal syl de+1fray+ment pos n. defrayer sub head defray syl de+1fray+er pos n. defrock 0. syl de+frock pron pos vb. mod tr. def to deprive (a person in holy orders) of ecclesiastical status; unfrock. defrost 1. syl de+frost pron pos vb. def to make or become free of frost or ice. defrost 2. syl de+frost pron pos vb. def to thaw, esp. through removal from a refrigerator. defroster 0. syl de+frost+er pron pos n. def a device by which the de-icing process of a refrigerator is accelerated, usually by circulating the refrigerant without the expansion process. deft ety C13 (in the sense: gentle): see #7daft deft 0. syl deft pron pos adj. def quick and neat in movement; nimble; dexterous. deftly sub head deft syl deft+ly pos adv. deftness sub head deft syl deft+ness pos n. defunct ety C16: from Latin d*_efung*_i to discharge (one's obligations), die; see #7de -#7, function defunct 1. syl de+funct pron pos adj. def no longer living; dead or extinct. defunct 2. syl de+funct pron pos adj. def no longer operative or valid. defunctive sub head defunct syl de+1func+tive pos adj. defunctness sub head defunct syl de+1funct+ness pos n. defuze alt head defuse or defuse syl de+fuze pron pos vb. mod tr. qual U.S. (sometimes defuse 1. or defuze syl de+fuse pron pos vb. mod tr. def to remove the triggering device of (a bomb, etc.). defuse 2. or defuze syl de+fuse pron pos vb. mod tr. def to remove the cause of tension from (a crisis, etc.). defy ety C14: from Old French desfier, from des- #7de -#7+ fier to trust, from Latin f*_idere defies infl head defy syl de:fies pos vb. mod tr. defying infl head defy syl de:fy+ing pos vb. mod tr. defied infl head defy syl de:fied. pos vb. mod tr. defy 1. syl de:fy pron pos vb. mod tr. def to resist (a powerful person, authority, etc.) openly and boldly. defy 2. syl de:fy pron pos vb. mod tr. def to elude, esp. in a baffling way. exam 1 his actions defy explanation. defy 3. syl de:fy pron pos vb. mod tr. qual Formal. def to challenge or provoke (someone to do something judged to be impossible); dare. exam 1 I defy you to climb that cliff. defy 4. syl de:fy pron pos vb. mod tr. qual Archaic. def to invite to do battle or combat. defier sub head defy syl de+1fi+er pos n. deg 0. syl deg. qual abbrev. for def degree (of temperature). d'egag'e 1. syl d*'e+ga+g*'e pron French. pos adj. def unconstrained in manner; casual; relaxed. d'egag'e 2. syl d*'e+ga+g*'e pron French. pos adj. def uninvolved; detached. degasses infl head degas or degases syl de+gas+ses pos vb. degases infl head degas or degasses syl de+gas:es pos vb. degassing infl head degas syl de+gas+sing pos vb. degassed infl head degas syl de+gassed. pos vb. degas 1. syl de+gas pron pos vb. mod tr. def to remove gas from (a container, vacuum tube, liquid, adsorbent, etc.). degas 2. syl de+gas pron pos vb. mod intr. def to lose adsorbed or absorbed gas by desorption. degasser sub head degas syl de+1gas+ser pos n. Hilaire Germain Edgar infl head Degas syl Hi:laire Ger:main Ed:gar pron pos n. Degas 0. syl De:gas pron <1dAga:>, French pos n. def 1834-1917, French impressionist painter and sculptor, noted for his brilliant draughtsmanship and ability to convey movement, esp. in his studies of horse racing and ballet dancers. Charles (Andr'e Joseph Marie) infl head de Gaulle syl Charles (Andr*'e Joseph Marie) pron pos n. de Gaulle 0. syl de Gaulle pron French pos n. def 1890-1970, French general and statesman. During World War II, he refused to accept P*'etain's armistice with Germany and founded the Free French movement in England (1940). He was head of the provisional governments (1944-46) and, as first president of the Fifth Republic (1959-69), he restored political and economic stability to France. degauss 1. syl de+gauss pron , <-1gc:s> pos vb. mod tr. def to neutralize (the magnetic field of a ship's hull, etc.) by producing an opposing magnetic field. degauss 2. syl de+gauss pron , <-1gc:s> pos vb. mod tr. def another word for {demagnetize}. degeneracies infl head degeneracy syl de+gen+er:a+cies. pos n. mod pl. degeneracy 1. syl de+gen+er:a+cy pron pos n. def the act or state of being degenerate. degeneracy 2. syl de+gen+er:a+cy pron pos n. def the process of becoming degenerate. degeneracy 3. syl de+gen+er:a+cy pron pos n. qual Physics. def the number of degenerate energy levels of a particular orbital, degree of freedom, etc. degenerate ety C15: from Latin d*_egener*_are, from d*_egener departing from its kind, ignoble, from #7de -#7+ genus origin, race degenerate 1. syl de+gen+er+ate pron pos vb. mod intr. def to become de?!generate. degenerate 2. syl de+gen+er+ate pron pos vb. mod intr. usage Biology. of organisms or their parts def to become less specialized or functionally useless. degenerate 3. syl de+gen+er+ate pron pos adj. mod intr. def having declined or deteriorated to a lower mental, moral, or physical level; debased; degraded; corrupt. degenerate 4.a. syl de+gen+er+ate pron pos adj. mod intr. usage of the constituents of a system def having the same energy but different wave functions. degenerate 4.b. syl de+gen+er+ate pron pos adj. mod intr. usage of a semiconductor def containing a similar number of electrons in the conduction band to the number of electrons in the conduction band of metals. degenerate 4.c. syl de+gen+er+ate pron pos adj. mod intr. usage of a resonant device def having two or more modes of equal frequency. degenerate 5. syl de+gen+er+ate pron pos adj. mod intr. usage of a code def containing symbols that represent more than one letter, figure, etc. degenerate 6. syl de+gen+er+ate pron pos adj. mod intr. usage of a plant or animal def having undergone degeneration. degenerate 7. syl de+gen+er+ate pron pos n. mod intr. def a degenerate person. degenerately sub head degenerate syl de+1gen+er+ate+ly pos adv. degenerateness sub head degenerate syl de+1gen+er+ate+ness pos n. degenerative sub head degenerate syl de+1gen+er:a+tive pos adj. degeneration 1. syl de+gen+er:a+tion pron pos n. def the process of degenerating. degeneration 2. syl de+gen+er:a+tion pron pos n. def the state of being degenerate. degeneration 3. syl de+gen+er:a+tion pron pos n. qual Biology. def the loss of specialization, function, or structure by organisms and their parts, as in the development of vestigial organs. degeneration 4.a. syl de+gen+er:a+tion pron pos n. def impairment or loss of the function and structure of cells or tissues, as by disease or injury, often leading to death (necrosis) of the involved part. degeneration 4.b. syl de+gen+er:a+tion pron pos n. def the resulting condition. degeneration 5. syl de+gen+er:a+tion pron pos n. qual Electronics. def negative feedback of a signal. degenerative joint disease 0. syl de+gen+er:a+tive joint dis+ease pos n. def another name for {osteo?!arthritis}. deglutinate ety C17: from Latin d*_egl*_utin*_are to unglue, from #7de -#7+ gl*_utin*_are, from gl*_uten #7glue deglutinate 0. syl de+glu+ti+nate pron pos vb. mod tr. def to extract the gluten from (a cereal, esp. wheat). deglutination sub head deglutinate syl de+2glu+ti+1na+tion pos n. deglutition ety C17: from French d*'eglutition, from Late Latin d*_egl*_ut*_ire to swallow down, from #7de -#7+ glut*_ire to swallow deglutition 0. syl de+glu+ti+tion pron <2dEglu1tiS*n> pos n. def the act of swallowing. degradable 1. syl de+gra+da:ble pron pos adj. usage of waste products, packaging materials, etc. def capable of being decomposed chemically or biologically. See also {biodegradable}. degradable 2. syl de+gra+da:ble pron pos adj. def capable of being degraded. degradation 1. syl deg+ra+da+tion pron <2degr*1dAS*n> pos n. def the act of degrading or the state of being degraded. degradation 2. syl deg+ra+da+tion pron <2degr*1dAS*n> pos n. def a state of degeneration, squalor, or poverty. degradation 3. syl deg+ra+da+tion pron <2degr*1dAS*n> pos n. def some act, constraint, etc., that is degrading. degradation 4. syl deg+ra+da+tion pron <2degr*1dAS*n> pos n. def the wearing down of the surface of rocks, cliffs, etc., by erosion, weathering, or some other process. degradation 5. syl deg+ra+da+tion pron <2degr*1dAS*n> pos n. qual Chem. def a breakdown of a molecule into atoms or smaller molecules. degradation 6. syl deg+ra+da+tion pron <2degr*1dAS*n> pos n. qual Physics. def an irreversible process in which the energy available to do work is decreased. degradation 7. syl deg+ra+da+tion pron <2degr*1dAS*n> pos n. qual R.C. Church. def the permanent unfrocking of a priest. degrade ety C14: from Late Latin d*_egrad*_are, from Latin #7de -#7+ gradus rank, degree degrade 1. syl de+grade pron pos vb. mod tr. def to reduce in worth, character, etc.; disgrace; dishonour. degrade 2. syl de+grade pron pos vb. mod tr. def to reduce in rank, status, or degree; remove from office; demote. degrade 3. syl de+grade pron pos vb. mod tr. def to reduce in strength, quality, intensity, etc. degrade 4. syl de+grade pron pos vb. def to reduce or be reduced by erosion or down-cutting, as a land surface or bed of a river. Compare {aggrade}. degrade 5. syl de+grade pron pos vb. qual Chem. def to decompose or be de?!composed into atoms or smaller molecules. degrader sub head degrade syl de+1grad+er pos n. degrading 0. syl de+grad+ing pron pos adj. def causing humiliation; debasing. degradingly sub head degrading syl de+1grad+ing+ly pos adv. degradingness sub head degrading syl de+1grad+ing+ness pos n. degrease 0. syl de+grease pron pos vb. mod tr. def to remove grease from. degree ety C13: from Old French degre, from Latin #7de -+ gradus step, #7grade &- de+#!gree+less adj. degree 1. syl de+gree pron pos n. def a stage in a scale of relative amount or intensity. exam 1 a high degree of competence. degree 2. syl de+gree pron pos n. def an academic award conferred by a university or college on successful completion of a course or as an honorary distinction ({honorary degree}) . degree 3. syl de+gree pron pos n. def any of three categories of seriousness of a burn. See { {burn} %1 (sense 19)}. degree 4. syl de+gree pron pos n. usage in the U.S. def any of the categories into which a crime is divided according to its seriousness. exam 1 first-degree murder. degree 5. syl de+gree pron pos n. qual Genealogy. def a step in a line of descent, used as a measure of the closeness of a blood relationship. degree 6. syl de+gree pron pos n. qual Grammar. def any of the forms of an adjective used to indicate relative amount or intensity: in English they are and degree 7. syl de+gree pron pos n. qual Music. def any note of a diatonic scale relative to the other notes in that scale. exam 1 D is the second degree of the scale of C major. degree 8. syl de+gree pron pos n. def a unit of temperature on a specified scale. exam 1 the normal body temperature of man is 36@.8 degrees centigrade. degree 9. syl de+gree pron pos n. def a measure of angle equal to one three-hundred-and-sixtieth of the angle traced by one complete revolution of a line about one of its ends. Symbol: ?%. See also { {minute} %1 (sense 2)}, { {second} %2 (sense 2)}. Compare {radian}. degree 10.a. syl de+gree pron pos n. def a unit of latitude or longitude, divided into 60 minutes, used to define points on the earth's surface or on the celestial sphere. degree 10.b. syl de+gree pron pos n. def a point or line defined by units of latitude and/or longitude. Symbol: ?%. degree 11. syl de+gree pron pos n. def a unit on any of several scales of measurement, as for alcohol content or specific gravity. Symbol: ?%. degree 12.a. syl de+gree pron pos n. def the highest power or the sum of the powers of any term in a polynomial or by itself. exam 1 x%4+ x+ 3 and xyz degree 12.b. syl de+gree pron pos n. def the greatest power of the highest order derivative in a differential equation. degree 13. syl de+gree pron pos n. qual Obsolete. def a step; rung. degree 14. syl de+gree pron pos n. qual Archaic. def a stage in social status or rank. by degrees 15. head degree syl by degrees. def little by little; gradually. to a degree 16. head degree syl to a degree. def somewhat; rather. degrees of frost 17. head degree syl degrees of frost. def See { {frost} (sense 3)}. degree day 0. syl de+gree day pos n. def a day on which university degrees are con?!ferred. degree-day 0. syl de:gree-day pos n. def a unit used in estimating fuel requirements in heating buildings. It is equal to a fall of temperature of 1 degree below the mean outside temperature (usually taken as 18?%C) for one day. degree of freedom 1. syl de+gree of free+dom pos n. qual Physics. def one of the minimum number of parameters necessary to describe a state or property of a system. degree of freedom 2. syl de+gree of free+dom pos n. def one of the independent components of motion (translation, vibration, and rotation) of an atom or molecule. degree of freedom 3. syl de+gree of free+dom pos n. qual Chem. def one of a number of intensive properties that can be independently varied without changing the number of phases in a system. See also {phase rule}. degree of freedom 4. syl de+gree of free+dom pos n. qual Statistics. def one of the independent unrestricted random variables constituting a statistic. degression ety C15: from Medieval Latin d*_egressi*_o descent, from Latin d*_egred*_i to go down, from #7de -#7+ grad*_i to take steps, go degression 1. syl de+gres+sion pron pos n. def a decrease by stages. degression 2. syl de+gres+sion pron pos n. def a gradual decrease in the tax rate on amounts below a specified sum. degust ety C17: from Latin d*_egust*_are, from gust*_are, from gustus a tasting, taste degustate alt head degust or degust syl de+gus+tate pron pos vb. mod tr. degust 0. or degustate syl de+gust pron pos vb. mod tr. qual Rare. def to taste, esp. with care or relish; savour. degustation sub head degust syl de+gus+ta+tion pron <2dEg^1stASen> pos n. dehisce ety C17: from Latin d*_ehiscere to split open, from #7de -#7+ hiscere to yawn, gape dehisce 0. syl de+hisce pron pos vb. mod intr. usage of fruits, anthers, etc. def to burst open spontaneously, releasing seeds, pollen, etc. dehiscent 0. syl de+his+cent pron pos adj. usage of fruits, anthers, etc. def opening spontaneously to release seeds or pollen. dehiscence sub head dehiscent syl de+1his+cence pos n. dehorn 1. syl de+horn pron pos vb. mod tr. def to remove or prevent the growth of the horns of (cattle, sheep, or goats). dehorn 2. syl de+horn pron pos vb. mod tr. def to cut back (the larger limbs of a tree) drastically. dehorner sub head dehorn syl de+1horn+er pos n. Dehra Dun 0. syl Deh+ra Dun pron <1de*r*> <1du:n> pos n. def a city in N India, in NW Uttar Pradhesh. Pop.: 166073 (1971). dehumanise alt head dehumanize or dehumanize syl de+hu+man+ise pron pos vb. mod tr. dehumanize 1. or dehumanise syl de+hu+man+ize pron pos vb. mod tr. def to deprive of human qualities. dehumanize 2. or dehumanise syl de+hu+man+ize pron pos vb. mod tr. def to render mechanical, artificial, or routine. dehumanization sub head dehumanize or dehumanisation syl de+2hu+man:i+1za+tion pos n. dehumanisation sub head dehumanize or dehumanization syl de+2hu+man:i+1sa+tion pos n. dehumidifier 0. syl de+hu+mid:i+fi+er pron <2dEhju:1midi2fI*> pos n. def a device for reducing the moisture content of atmosphere. dehumidifies infl head dehumidify syl de+hu+mid:i+fies pos vb. mod tr. dehumidifying infl head dehumidify syl de+hu+mid:i+fy+ing pos vb. mod tr. dehumidified infl head dehumidify syl de+hu+mid:i+fied. pos vb. mod tr. dehumidify 0. syl de+hu+mid:i+fy pron <2dEhju:1midi2fI> pos vb. mod tr. def to remove water from (something, esp. the air). dehumidification sub head dehumidify syl de+hu+2mid:i+fi+1ca+tion pos n. dehydrate 1. syl de+hy+drate pron pos vb. def to lose or cause to lose water; make or become anhydrous. dehydrate 2. syl de+hy+drate pron pos vb. def to lose or cause to lose hydrogen atoms and oxygen atoms in the proportions in which they occur in water, as in a chemical reaction. dehydrate 3. syl de+hy+drate pron pos vb. def to lose or deprive of water, as the body or tissues. dehydration sub head dehydrate syl de+hy+1dra+tion pos n. dehydrator sub head dehydrate syl de+1hy+dra+tor pos n. dehydrogenase 0. syl de+hy:dro+gen+ase pron pos n. def an enzyme, such as any@T of@T the@T respiratory @T enzymes,@T that@T activates@T oxidation-reduction reactions by transferring hydrogen from substrate to acceptor. dehydrogenize infl head dehydrogenate or dehydrogenise syl de+hy:dro+gen+ize pron pos vb. mod tr. dehydrogenise infl head dehydrogenate or dehydrogenize syl de+hy:dro+gen+ise pron pos vb. mod tr. dehydrogenate 0. syl de+hy:dro+gen+ate pron pos vb. mod tr. def to remove hydrogen from. dehydrogenation sub head dehydrogenate syl de+2hy:dro+ge:1na+tion pos n. dehydrogenization sub head dehydrogenate or dehydrogenisation syl de+2hy:dro+gen:i+1za+tion pos n. dehydrogenisation sub head dehydrogenate or dehydrogenization syl de+2hy:dro+gen:i+1sa+tion pos n. dehydroretinol 0. syl de+hy:dro+ret:i+nol pron pos n. def another name for {vitamin A \2}. dehypnotise alt head dehypnotize or dehypnotize syl de+hyp+no+tise pron pos vb. mod tr. dehypnotize 0. or dehypnotise syl de+hyp+no+tize pron pos vb. mod tr. def to bring out of the hypnotic state. dehypnotization sub head dehypnotize or dehypnotisation syl de+2hyp+no+ti+1za+tion pos n. dehypnotisation sub head dehypnotize or dehypnotization syl de+2hyp+no+ti+1sa+tion pos n. Deianira 0. syl De:ia:ni:ra pron <2dE*1nI*r*>, <2dA*-> pos n. qual Greek myth. def a sister of Meleager and wife of Hercules. She unintentionally killed Hercules by dipping his tunic in the poisonous blood of the Centaur Nessus, thinking it to be a love charm. de-ice 0. syl de-ice pron pos vb. def to free or be freed of ice. de-icer 1. syl de-ic:er pron pos n. def a mechanical or thermal device designed to melt or stop the formation of ice on an aircraft, usually fitted to the aerofoil surfaces. Compare {anti-icer}. de-icer 2. syl de-ic:er pron pos n. def a chemical or other substance used for this purpose, esp. an aerosol that can be sprayed on car windscreens to remove ice or frost. deicide ety C17: from ecclesiastical Latin deicida, from Latin deus god; see -#7cide deicide 1. syl de:i+cide pron <1dEi2sId> pos n. def the act of killing a god. deicide 2. syl de:i+cide pron <1dEi2sId> pos n. def a person who kills a god. deicidal sub head deicide syl de:i+1ci+dal pos adj. deictic ety C17: from Greek deiktikos concerning proof, from deiknunai to show deictic 1. syl deic+tic pron <1dIktik> pos adj. qual Logic. def proving by direct argument. Compare {elenctic}. deictic 2.a. syl deic+tic pron <1dIktik> pos adj. def denoting a word, such as or whose reference is determined by the context of its utterance. deictic 2.b. syl deic+tic pron <1dIktik> pos as; n. exam 1 the word @6here@9 is a deictic. deictically sub head deictic syl deic+ti+cal+ly pos adv. deific 1. syl de+if:ic pron , pos adj. def making divine or exalting to the position of a god. deific 2. syl de+if:ic pron , pos adj. def divine or godlike. deification 1. syl de:i+fi+ca+tion pron <2dEifi1kAS*n>, <2dA-> pos n. def the act or process of exalting to the position of a god. deification 2. syl de:i+fi+ca+tion pron <2dEifi1kAS*n>, <2dA-> pos n. def the state or condition of being deified. deiform 0. syl de:i+form pron <1dEi2fc:m> pos adj. def having the form or appearance of a god; sacred or divine. deify ety C14: from Old French deifier, from Late Latin deific*_are, from Latin deus god+ facere to make deifies infl head deify syl de:i+fies pos vb. mod tr. deifying infl head deify syl de:i+fy+ing pos vb. mod tr. deified infl head deify syl de:i+fied. pos vb. mod tr. deify 1. syl de:i+fy pron <1dEi2fI>, <1dA-> pos vb. mod tr. def to exalt to the position of a god or personify as a god. deify 2. syl de:i+fy pron <1dEi2fI>, <1dA-> pos vb. mod tr. def to accord divine honour or worship to. deify 3. syl de:i+fy pron <1dEi2fI>, <1dA-> pos vb. mod tr. def to exalt in an extreme way; idealize. deifier sub head deify syl de:i+2fi+er pos n. deign ety C13: from Old French deignier, from Latin dign*_ar*_i to consider worthy, from dignus worthy deign 1. syl deign pron pos vb. mod tr. def to think it fit or worthy of oneself (to do something); condescend. exam 1 he will not deign to speak to us. deign 2. syl deign pron pos vb. mod tr. qual Archaic. def to vouchsafe. exam 1 he deigned no reply. deil 1. syl deil pron pos n. qual Scot. def a devil. deil 2. syl deil pron pos n. qual Scot. def a mischievous person. Deimos 0. syl Dei+mos pron <1dAmos> pos n. def the smaller of the two satellites of Mars and the more distant from the planet. Approximate diameter: 13 km. Compare {Phobos}. deipnosophist ety C17: from Greek deip?!nosophistai, title of a Greek work by Athenaeus (3rd century), describing learned discussions at a banquet, from deipnon meal+ sophistai wise men; see #7sophist deipnosophist 0. syl deip+nos:o+phist pron pos n. qual Rare. def a person who is a master of dinner-table conversation. Deirdre 0. syl Deir:dre pron <1di*dri> pos n. qual Celtic myth. def the beautiful daughter of a court bard, often used to symbolize Ireland. deism ety C17: from French d*'eisme, from Latin deus god deism 0. syl de+ism pron <1dEiz*m>, <1dA-> pos n. def belief in the existence of God based solely on natural reason, without reference to revelation. Compare {theism}. deist sub head deism syl de+ist pos n. adj. deistic sub head deism or deistical syl de+1ist+ic pos adj. deistical sub head deism or deistic syl de+1is+ti+cal pos adj. deistically sub head deism syl de+1is+ti+cal+ly pos adv. deity ety C14: from Old French, from Late Latin deit*_as, from Latin deus god deities infl head deity syl de+i:ties. pos n. mod pl. deity 1. syl de+i:ty pron <1dEiti>, <1dA-> pos n. def a god or goddess. deity 2. syl de+i:ty pron <1dEiti>, <1dA-> pos n. def the state of being divine; godhead. deity 3. syl de+i:ty pron <1dEiti>, <1dA-> pos n. def the rank, status, or position of a god. deity 4. syl de+i:ty pron <1dEiti>, <1dA-> pos n. def the nature or character of God. Deithe infl head Deity syl De+i:the. pos n. Deity 0. syl De+i:ty pron <1dEiti>, <1dA-> pos n. def the Supreme Being; God. deixis ety C20: from Greek, from deiknunai to show deixis 0. syl deix+is pron <1dIksis> pos n. qual Grammar. def the use or reference of a deictic word. d'eja vu ety literally: already seen ********************************************************************** ********************************************************************** ********************************************************************** ********************************************************************** ********************************************************************** ********************************************************************** d'eja vu 0. syl d*'e:j*`a vu pron <1dAZ@> <1vu:>, French <1vy> pos n. def the experience of perceiving a new situation as if it had occurred before. It is sometimes associated with exhaustion or certain types of mental disorder. deject ety C15: from Latin d*_eicere to cast down, from #7de -+ iacere to throw deject 1. syl de+ject pron pos vb. mod tr. def to have a depressing effect on; dispirit; dishearten. {~} deject 2. syl de+ject pron pos vb. qual Archaic. def downcast; dejected. dejecta ety C19: New Latin: things cast down; see #7deject dejecta 0. syl de+jec+ta pron pos n. mod pl. def waste products excreted through the anus; faeces. dejected 0. syl de+ject+ed pron pos adj. def miserable; despondent; downhearted. &- {de+#!ject+ed+ly} &- {de+#!ject+ed+ness} dejection 1. syl de+jec+tion pron pos n. def lowness of spirits; depression; melancholy. dejection 2.a. syl de+jec+tion pron pos n. def faecal matter evacuated from the bowels; excrement. dejection 2.b. syl de+jec+tion pron pos n. def the act of defecating; defecation. de jure ety Latin de jure 0. syl de ju:re pron pos adj. def according to law; by right; legally. Compare {de facto}. dek- alt head deka- or deka- syl dek- deka- 0. or dek- syl dek:a- usage combining form. def variants of {deca-}. Decker alt head Dekker or Dekker syl Deck:er pron <1dek*> pos n. Thomas infl head Dekker syl Thom:as. pos n. Dekker 0. or Decker syl Dek:ker pron <1dek*> pos n. def ??1572-??1632, English dramatist and pamphleteer, noted particularly for his comedy (1600) and his satirical pamphlet (1609). dekko ety C19: from Hindi dekho&! look&! from dekhn*_a to see dekkos infl head dekko syl dek+kos. pos n. mod pl. dekko 0. syl dek+ko pron <1dek*u> pos n. qual Brit. slang. def a look; glance; view. Willem infl head de Kooning syl Wil:lem. pos n. de Kooning 0. syl de Koo:ning pron <1ku:niG> pos n. def See (Willem de) {Kooning}. del 0. syl del. qual abbrev. for def delegate. Del 0. syl Del. qual abbrev. for def Delaware. (Ferdinand Victor) Eugene infl head Delacroix syl (Ferdinand Victor) Eu:g*`ene pron <$o1Zen> pos n. Delacroix 0. syl De:la:croix pron French pos n. def 1798-1863, French romantic painter whose use of colour and free composition influenced impressionism. His paintings of historical and contemporary scenes include (1824). Delagoa Bay 0. syl Del:a+go:a Bay pron <2del*1g*u*> pos n. def an inlet of the Indian Ocean, in S Mozambique. Official name: {Ba*'ia de Louren*,co Marques}. delaine ety C19: from French mousseline de laine muslin of wool delaine 0. syl de+laine pron pos n. def a sheer wool or wool and cotton fabric. Walter (John) infl head De la Mare syl Wal:ter (John) . pos n. De la Mare 0. syl De la Mare pron <1me*> pos n. def 1873-1956, English poet and novelist, noted esp. for his evocative verse for children. His works include the volumes of poetry (1912) and (1913) and the novel (1921). delaminate 0. syl de+lam:i+nate pron pos vb. def to divide or cause to divide into thin layers. delamination sub head delaminate syl de+2lam:i+1na+tion pos n. delate ety C16: from Latin d*_el*_atus, from d*_eferre to bring down, report, indict, from #7de -#7+ ferre to bear delate 1. syl de+late pron pos vb. mod tr. usage formerly def to bring a charge against; denounce; impeach. delate 2. syl de+late pron pos vb. mod tr. qual Rare. def to report (an offence, etc.). delate 3. syl de+late pron pos vb. mod tr. qual Obsolete. def to make known or public. delation sub head delate syl de+1la+tion pos n. delator sub head delate syl de+1la+tor pos n. Robert infl head Delaunay syl Ro:bert pron pos n. Delaunay 0. syl De:lau:nay pron French pos n. def 1885-1941, French painter, whose abstract use of colour characterized Orphism. Delawares infl head Delaware or Delaware syl Del:a+wares pos n. mod pl. Delaware infl or Delawares syl Del:a+ware. pos n. mod pl. Delaware H1.0. syl Del:a+ware pron <1del*2we*> pos n. def a member of a North American Indian people formerly living near the Delaware River. Delaware H2.0. syl Del:a+ware pron <1del*2we*> pos n. def an American variety of grape that has sweet light red fruit. Delaware H3.1. syl Del:a+ware pron <1del*2we*> pos n. def a state of the northeastern U.S., on the Delmarva Peninsula: mostly flat and low-lying, with hills in the extreme north and cypress swamps in the extreme south. Capital: Dover. Pop.: 548104 (1970). Area: 5328 sq. km. (2057 sq. miles). Abbrevs.: {Del}. or (with zip code) {DE} Delaware H3.2. syl Del:a+ware pron <1del*2we*> pos n. def a river in the northeastern U.S., rising in the Catskill Mountains and flowing south into {Delaware Bay} , an inlet of the Atlantic. Length 660 km (410 miles). Delawarean sub head Delaware syl Del:a+1war+e:an pos adj. Baron infl head De La Warr syl Bar:on pos n. De La Warr 0. syl De La Warr pron <1del*2we*> pos n. def title of known as 1577-1618, English administrator in America; first governor of Virginia (1610). delay ety C13: from Old French delaier, from des- off+ laier, variant of laissier to leave, from Latin lax*_are to loosen, from laxus slack, #7lax delay 1. syl de+lay pron pos vb. mod tr. def to put off to a later time; defer. delay 2. syl de+lay pron pos vb. mod tr. def to slow up, hinder, or cause to be late; detain. delay 3. syl de+lay pron pos vb. mod intr. def to be irresolute or put off doing something; procrastinate. delay 4. syl de+lay pron pos vb. mod intr. def to linger; dawdle. delay 5. syl de+lay pron pos n. def the act or an instance of delaying or being delayed. delay 6. syl de+lay pron pos n. def the interval between one event and another; lull; interlude. delayer sub head delay syl de+1lay+er pos n. delay action alt head delayed action or delayed action syl de+lay ac+tion pos n. delayed action 1. or delay action syl de+layed ac+tion pos n. def a device for operat?!ing a mechanism, such as a camera shutter, a short time after setting. delayed action 2. or delay action syl de+layed ac+tion pos n. usage as modifier exam 1 a delayed-action fuse. delayed drop 0. syl de+layed drop pos n. def a parachute descent with the opening of the parachute delayed, usually for a predetermined period. delayed neutron 0. syl de+layed neu+tron pos n. def a neutron produced in a nuclear reactor by the breakdown of a fission product and released a short time after neutrons produced in the primary process. delaying action 0. syl de+lay+ing ac+tion pos n. def a measure or measures taken to gain time, as when weaker military forces harass the advance of a superior enemy without coming to a pitched battle. delay line 0. syl de+lay line pos n. def a device in which a known delay time is introduced in the transmission of a signal. An {acoustic delay line} delays a sound wave by circulating it through a liquid or solid medium. del credere agent ety C18: from Italian: of trust del credere agent 0. syl del cre+de+re a:gent pron <1krAd*ri> pos n. def an agent who, in addition to obtaining orders, guarantees that the buyer will pay for the goods. dele ety C18: from Latin: delete (imperative), from d*_el*_ere to destroy, obliterate; see #7delete deles infl head dele syl de:les. pos n. mod pl. dele 1. syl de:le pron <1dEli> pos n. def a sign (###800176) indicating that typeset matter is to be deleted. Compare {stet}. deles infl head dele syl de+les pos vb. deleing infl head dele syl de+le:ing pos vb. deled infl head dele syl de+led. pos vb. dele 2. syl de:le pron <1dEli> pos vb. mod tr. def to mark (matter to be deleted) with a dele. delectable ety C14: from Latin d*_elect*_abilis, from d*_elect*_are to #7delight delectable 0. syl de+lec+ta:ble pron pos adj. def highly enjoyable, esp. pleasing to the taste; delightful. delectableness sub head delectable or delectability syl de+1lec+ta:ble+ness pos n. delectability sub head delectable or delectableness syl de+2lec+ta:1bil+i:ty pos n. delectably sub head delectable syl de+1lec+ta:bly pos adv. delectation 0. syl de+lec+ta+tion pron <2dElek1tAS*n> pos n. def pleasure; enjoyment. Grazia infl head Deledda syl Gra:zia pron <1grattsja> pos n. Deledda 0. syl De:led:da pron Italian pos n. def 1875-1936, Italian novelist, noted for works, such as (1920), on peasant life in Sardinia: Nobel prize for literature 1926. delegacies infl head delegacy syl del+e:ga+cies. pos n. mod pl. delegacy 1. syl del+e:ga+cy pron <1delig*si> pos n. def a less common word for { {delegation} (senses 1, 2)}. delegacy 2.a. syl del+e:ga+cy pron <1delig*si> pos n. def an elected standing committee at some British universities. delegacy 2.b. syl del+e:ga+cy pron <1delig*si> pos n. def a department or institute of a university. exam 1 a delegacy of Education. delegate ety C14: from Latin d*_el*_eg*_are to send on a mission, from l*_eg*_are to send, depute; see #7legate delegate 1. syl del+e:gate pron <1deli2gAt>, <-git> pos n. def a person chosen or elected to act for or represent another or others, esp. at a conference or meeting. delegate 2. syl del+e:gate pron <1deli2gAt>, <-git> pos n. qual U.S. government. def a representative of a territory in the U.S. House of Representatives. {~} (#!d$el$I@!ge$It). delegate 3. syl del+e:gate pron <1deli2gAt>, <-git> pos n. def to give or commit (duties, powers, etc.) to another as agent or representative; depute. delegate 4. syl del+e:gate pron <1deli2gAt>, <-git> pos n. mod tr. def to send, authorize, or elect (a person) as agent or representative. delegate 5. syl del+e:gate pron <1deli2gAt>, <-git> pos n. mod tr. qual Chiefly U.S. def to assign (a person owing a debt to oneself) to one's creditor in substitution for oneself. delegable sub head delegate syl del+e:ga:ble pron <1delig*bL> pos adj. delegation 1. syl del+e:ga+tion pron <2deli1gAS*n> pos n. def a person or group chosen to represent another or others. delegation 2. syl del+e:ga+tion pron <2deli1gAS*n> pos n. def the act of delegating or state of being delegated. delegation 3. syl del+e:ga+tion pron <2deli1gAS*n> pos n. qual U.S. politics. def all the members of Congress from one state. Vicomte infl head de Lesseps syl Vi:comte. pos n. de Lesseps 0. syl de Les:seps pron French pos n. def title of (Ferdinand Marie) {Lesseps}. delete ety C17: from Latin d*_el*_ere to destroy, obliterate delete 0. syl de+lete pron pos vb. mod tr. def to remove (something printed or written); erase; cancel; strike out. deleterious ety C17: from New Latin d*_el*_et*_erius, from Greek d*_el*_et*_erios injurious, destructive, from d*_eleisthai to hurt deleterious 0. syl del+e:te:ri+ous pron <2deli1ti*ri*s> pos adj. def harmful; injurious; hurtful. deleteriously sub head deleterious syl del+e:1te:ri+ous+ly pos adv. deleteriousness sub head deleterious syl del+e:1te:ri+ous+ness pos n. deletion 1. syl de+le:tion pron pos n. def the act of deleting or fact of being deleted. deletion 2. syl de+le:tion pron pos n. def a deleted passage, word, etc., in a piece of text. deletion 3. syl de+le:tion pron pos n. def the loss or absence of a section of a chromosome. Delft 1. syl Delft pron pos n. def a town in the SW Netherlands, in South Holland province. Pop.: 87777 (1973 est.). Delft 2. syl Delft pron pos n. def Also called: {delftware}. tin-glazed earthenware made in Delft since the 17th century, typically having blue decoration on a white ground. Delft 3. syl Delft pron pos n. def a similar earthenware made in England. Cape infl head Delgado syl Cape. pos n. Delgado 0. syl Del+ga+do pron pos n. def a headland on the extreme NE coast of Mozambique. Delhi 1. syl Del+hi pron <1deli> pos n. def the capital of India, in the N central part, on the Jumna river: consists of {Old Delhi} (a walled city reconstructed in 1639 on the site of former cities of Delhi, which date from the 15th century #7b.c.) and {New Delhi} to the south, chosen as the capital in 1911, replacing Calcutta; university (1922). Pop.: (total) 3287883 (1971); (New Delhi) 301801 (1971). Delhi 2. syl Del+hi pron <1deli> pos n. def a Union Territory of N India. Capital: Delhi. Area: 1418 sq. km (553 sq. miles). Pop.: 4065698 (1971). deli 0. syl del:i pron <1deli> pos n. qual U.S. and Austral. def an informal word for {delicatessen}. Delian 1. syl De+li:an pron <1dEli*n> pos n. def a native or inhabitant of Delos. Delian 2. syl De+li:an pron <1dEli*n> pos adj. def of or relating to Delos. Delian 3. syl De+li:an pron <1dEli*n> pos adj. def of or relating to Delius. Confederacy alt head Delian League or Delian League syl Con+fed+er:a+cy pos n. Delian League 0. or Confederacy syl De+li:an League pos n. def an alliance of ancient Greek states formed in 478-77 #7b.c. to fight Persia. deliberate ety C15: from Latin d*_el*_iber*_are to consider well, from l*_ibr*_are to weigh, from l*_ibra scales deliberate 1. syl de+lib+er+ate pron pos adj. def carefully thought out in advance; planned; studied; intentional. exam 1 a deliberate insult. deliberate 2. syl de+lib+er+ate pron pos adj. def careful or unhurried in speech or action. exam 1 a deliberate pace. deliberate 3. syl de+lib+er+ate pron pos vb. def to consider (something) deeply; ponder; think over. deliberately sub head deliberate syl de+1lib+er+ate+ly pos adv. deliberateness sub head deliberate syl de+1lib+er+ate+ness pos n. deliberator sub head deliberate syl de+1lib+er:2a+tor pos n. deliberation 1. syl de+lib+er:a+tion pron pos n. def thoughtful, careful, or lengthy consideration. deliberation 2. syl de+lib+er:a+tion pron pos n. mod often; pl. def formal discussion and debate, as of a committee, jury, etc. deliberation 3. syl de+lib+er:a+tion pron pos n. def care, thoughtfulness, or absence of hurry, esp. in movement or speech. deliberative 1. syl de+lib+er:a+tive pron pos adj. def involved in, organized for, or having the function of deliberating. exam 1 a deliberative assembly. deliberative 2. syl de+lib+er:a+tive pron pos adj. def characterized by or resulting from deliberation. exam 1 a deliberative conclusion. deliberatively sub head deliberative syl de+1lib+er:a+tive+ly pos adv. deliberativeness sub head deliberative syl de+1lib+er:a+tive+ness pos n. (Cl'ement Philibert) L'eo infl head Delibes syl (Cl*'ement Philibert) L*'e:o pron pos n. Delibes 0. syl De:libes pron French pos n. def 1836-91, French composer, noted particularly for his ballets (1870) and (1876), and the opera (1883). cies infl head delicacy syl +cies. pos n. mod pl. delicacy 1. syl del:i+ca+cy pron <1delik*si> pos n. def fine or subtle quality, character, construction, etc.. exam 1 delicacy of craftsmanship. delicacy 2. syl del:i+ca+cy pron <1delik*si> pos n. def fragile, soft, or graceful beauty. delicacy 3. syl del:i+ca+cy pron <1delik*si> pos n. def something that is considered choice to eat, such as caviar. delicacy 4. syl del:i+ca+cy pron <1delik*si> pos n. def fragile construction or constitution; frailty. delicacy 5. syl del:i+ca+cy pron <1delik*si> pos n. def refinement of feeling, manner, or appreciation. exam 1 the delicacy of the orchestra's playing. delicacy 6. syl del:i+ca+cy pron <1delik*si> pos n. def fussy or squeamish refinement, esp. in matters of taste, propriety, etc. delicacy 7. syl del:i+ca+cy pron <1delik*si> pos n. def need for tactful or sensitive handling. delicacy 8. syl del:i+ca+cy pron <1delik*si> pos n. def accuracy or sensitivity of response or operation, as of an instrument. delicacy 9. syl del:i+ca+cy pron <1delik*si> pos n. qual Obsolete. def gratification, luxury, or voluptuousness. delicate ety C14: from Latin d*_elic*_atus affording pleasure, from d*_eliciae (pl.) delight, pleasure; see #7delicious delicate 1. syl del:i+cate pron <1delikit> pos adj. def exquisite, fine, or subtle in quality, character, construction, etc. delicate 2. syl del:i+cate pron <1delikit> pos adj. def having a soft or fragile beauty. delicate 3. syl del:i+cate pron <1delikit> pos adj. usage of colour, tone, taste, etc. def pleasantly subtle, soft, or faint. delicate 4. syl del:i+cate pron <1delikit> pos adj. def easily damaged or injured; lacking robustness, esp. in health; fragile. delicate 5. syl del:i+cate pron <1delikit> pos adj. def precise, skilled, or sensitive in action or operation. exam 1 a delicate mechanism. delicate 6. syl del:i+cate pron <1delikit> pos adj. def requiring tact and diplomacy. delicate 7. syl del:i+cate pron <1delikit> pos adj. def sensitive in feeling or manner; showing regard for the feelings of others. delicate 8. syl del:i+cate pron <1delikit> pos adj. def excessively refined; squeamish. delicate 9. syl del:i+cate pron <1delikit> pos n. qual Archaic. def a delicacy; dainty. delicately sub head delicate syl del:i+cate+ly pos adv. delicateness sub head delicate syl del:i+cate+ness pos n. delicatessen ety C19: from German Delikatessen, literally: delicacies, pl. of Delikatesse a delicacy, from French d*'elicatesse delicatessen 1. syl del:i+ca+tes+sen pron <2delik*1tesN> pos n. def various foods, esp. unusual or imported foods, already cooked or prepared. delicatessen 2. syl del:i+ca+tes+sen pron <2delik*1tesN> pos n. def a shop selling these foods. delicious ety C13: from Old French, from Late Latin d*_elici*_osus, from Latin d*_eliciae delights, charms, from d*_elicere to entice; see #7delight delicious 1. syl de+li+cious pron pos adj. def very appealing to the senses, esp. to the taste or smell. delicious 2. syl de+li+cious pron pos adj. def extremely enjoyable or entertaining. exam 1 a delicious joke. deliciously sub head delicious syl de+1li+cious+ly pos adv. deliciousness sub head delicious syl de+1li+cious+ness pos n. delict ety C16: from Latin d*_elictum a fault, crime, from d*_elinquere to fail, do wrong; see #7delinquency delict 1. syl de+lict pron , <1dElikt> pos n. qual Law, chiefly Scot. def a wrongful act for which the person injured has the right to a civil remedy. See also {tort}. delict 2. syl de+lict pron , <1dElikt> pos n. qual Roman law. def a civil wrong redressable by compensation or punitive damages. delight ety C13: from Old French delit, from deleitier to please, from Latin d*_elect*_are, from d*_elicere to allure, from #7de -#7+ lacere to entice; see #7delicious ; English spelling influ?!enced by light delight 1. syl de+light pron pos vb. mod tr. def to please greatly. delight 2. syl de+light pron pos vb. mod intr. usage foll. by in def to take great pleasure (in). delight 3. syl de+light pron pos n. def extreme pleasure or satisfaction; joy. delight 4. syl de+light pron pos n. def something that causes this. exam 1 music was always his delight. delighted sub head delight syl de+1light+ed pos adj. delightedly sub head delight syl de+1light+ed+ly pos adv. delightedness sub head delight syl de+1light+ed+ness pos n. delighter sub head delight syl de+1light+er pos n. delighted 0.a. syl de+light+ed pron pos adj. usage often foll. by an infinitive def ex?!tremely pleased (to do something). exam 1 I'm delighted to hear it&! delighted 0.b. syl de+light+ed pron pos adj. usage sentence substitute def I should be delighted to&! delightful 0. syl de+light+ful pron pos adj. def giving great delight; very pleasing, beautiful, charming, etc. delightfully sub head delightful syl de+1light+ful+ly pos adv. delightfulness sub head delightful syl de+1light+ful+ness pos n. Delilah 1. syl De:li:lah pron pos n. def Samson's Philistine mistress, who deprived him of his strength by cutting off his hair (Judges 16:4-22). Delilah 2. syl De:li:lah pron pos n. def a voluptuous and treacherous woman; temptress. delimitate alt head delimit or delimit syl de+lim:i+tate pos vb. mod tr. delimit 0. or delimitate syl de+lim+it pron pos vb. mod tr. def to mark or prescribe the limits or boundaries of; demarcate. delimitation sub head delimit syl de+2lim:i+1ta+tion pos n. delimitative sub head delimit syl de+1lim:i+ta+tive pos adj. delineate ety C16: from Latin d*_el*_ine*_are to sketch out, from l*_inea {#7line %1} delineate 1. syl de+lin+e:ate pron pos vb. mod tr. def to trace the shape or outline of; sketch. delineate 2. syl de+lin+e:ate pron pos vb. mod tr. def to represent pictorially, as by making a chart or diagram; depict. delineate 3. syl de+lin+e:ate pron pos vb. mod tr. def to portray in words, esp. with detail and precision; describe. delineable sub head delineate syl de+1lin+e:a:ble pos adj. delineation sub head delineate syl de+2lin+e:1a+tion pos n. delineative sub head delineate syl de+1lin+e:a+tive pos adj. delineator 0. syl de+lin+e:a+tor pron pos n. def a tailor's pattern, adjustable for different sizes. delinquency ety C17: from Late Latin d*_elinquentia a fault, offence, from Latin d*_elinquere to transgress, from #7de -#7+ linquere to forsake delinquencies infl head delinquency syl de+lin+quen+cies. pos n. mod pl. delinquency 1. syl de+lin+quen+cy pron pos n. def an offence or misdeed, usually of a minor nature, esp. one committed by a young person. See {juvenile delinquency}. delinquency 2. syl de+lin+quen+cy pron pos n. def failure or negligence in duty or obligation; dereliction. delinquency 3. syl de+lin+quen+cy pron pos n. def a delinquent nature or delinquent behaviour. delinquent ety C17: from Latin d*_elinqu*_ens offending; see #7delinquency delinquent 1. syl de+lin+quent pron pos n. def someone, esp. a young person, guilty of delinquency. See {juvenile delinquent}. delinquent 2. syl de+lin+quent pron pos n. qual Archaic. def a person who fails in an obligation or duty. delinquent 3. syl de+lin+quent pron pos adj. def guilty of an offence or misdeed, esp. one of a minor nature. delinquent 4. syl de+lin+quent pron pos adj. def failing in or neglectful of duty or obligation. delinquently sub head delinquent syl de+1lin+quent+ly pos adv. deliquesce ety C18: from Latin d*_eliqu*_escere to melt away, become liquid, from #7de -#7+ liqu*_escere to melt, from liqu*_ere to be liquid deliquesce 1. syl del:i+quesce pron <2deli1kwes> pos vb. mod intr. usage esp. of certain salts def to dissolve gradually in water absorbed from the air. deliquesce 2. syl del:i+quesce pron <2deli1kwes> pos vb. mod intr. usage of a plant stem def to form many branches. deliquescence 1. syl del:i+ques+cence pron <2deli1kwesNs> pos n. def the process of deliquescing. deliquescence 2. syl del:i+ques+cence pron <2deli1kwesNs> pos n. def a solution formed when a solid or liquid deliquesces. deliquescent sub head deliquescence syl del:i+1ques+cent pos adj. delirious 1. syl de+lir:i+ous pron pos adj. def affected with delirium. delirious 2. syl de+lir:i+ous pron pos adj. def wildly excited, esp. with joy or enthusiasm. deliriously sub head delirious syl de+1lir:i+ous+ly pos adv. deliriousness sub head delirious syl de+1lir:i+ous+ness pos n. delirium ety C16: from Latin: madness, from d*_el*_ir*_are, literally: to swerve from a furrow, hence be crazy, from #7de -#7+ l*_ira ridge, furrow deliriums infl head delirium syl de+lir+i:ums pron <-1liri*> pos n. mod pl. deliria infl head delirium syl de+lir:i:a pron <-1liri*> pos n. mod pl. delirium 1. syl de+lir+i:um pron pos n. def a state of excitement and mental confusion, often accompanied by hallucinations, caused by high fever, poisoning, brain injury, etc. delirium 2. syl de+lir+i:um pron pos n. def violent excitement or emotion; frenzy. deliriant sub head delirium syl de+1lir:i+ant pos adj. delirium tremens ety C19: New Latin, literally: trembling delirium delirium tremens 0. syl de+lir+i:um tre+mens pron <1tremenz>, <1trE-> pos n. def a severe psychotic condition occurring in some persons with chronic alcoholism, characterized by delirium, tremor, anxiety, and vivid hallucinations. Abbrevs.: {D.T.'s} (informal), {d.t}. delitescence ety C18: from Latin d*_elit*_escens, present participle of d*_elit*_escere to lurk, from lat*_escere to become hidden, from lat*_ere to be hidden; see #7latent delitescence 0. syl del:i+tes+cence pron <2deli1tesNs> pos n. def the sudden disappearance of a lesion or of the signs and symptoms of a disease. delitescent sub head delitescence syl del:i+1tes+cent pos adj. Frederick infl head Delius syl Fred:er:ick. pos n. Delius 0. syl De:li:us pron <1dEli*s> pos n. def 1862-1934, English composer, who drew inspiration from folk tunes and the sounds of nature. His works include the opera (1901), (1905), and the orchestral variations (1907). deliver ety C13: from Old French delivrer, from Late Latin d*_el*_iber*_are to set free, from Latin #7de -#7+ l*_iber*_are to free deliver 1. syl de+liv+er pron pos vb. mod mainly; tr. def to carry (goods, etc.) to a destination, esp. to carry and distribute (goods, mail, etc.) to several places. exam 1 to deliver letters; exam 2 our local butcher delivers. deliver 2. syl de+liv+er pron pos vb. mod mainly; tr. usage often foll. by over or up def to hand over, transfer, or sur?!render. deliver 3. syl de+liv+er pron pos vb. mod mainly; tr. usage often foll. by from def to release or rescue (from captivity, harm, corruption, etc.). deliver 4.a. syl de+liv+er pron pos vb. mod mainly; tr. def to aid in the birth of (offspring). deliver 4.b. syl de+liv+er pron pos vb. mod mainly; tr. def to give birth to (offspring). deliver 4.c. syl de+liv+er pron pos vb. mod mainly; tr. usage usually foll. by of def to aid or assist (a female) in the birth (of offspring). deliver 4.d. syl de+liv+er pron pos vb. mod mainly; tr. usage passive; foll. by of def to give birth (to offspring). deliver 5. syl de+liv+er pron pos vb. mod mainly; tr. def to utter or present (a speech, oration, idea, etc.). deliver 6. syl de+liv+er pron pos vb. mod mainly; tr. def to utter (an exclamation, noise, etc.). exam 1 to deliver a cry of exultation. deliver 7. syl de+liv+er pron pos vb. mod mainly; tr. def to discharge or release (something, such as a blow or shot) suddenly. deliver 8. syl de+liv+er pron pos vb. mod mainly; tr. qual Chiefly U.S. def to cause (voters, constituencies, etc.) to support a given candidate, cause, etc.. exam 1 can you deliver the Bronx?? deliver oneself of 9. head deliver syl deliver oneself of. def to speak with deliberation or at length. exam 1 to deliver oneself of a speech. deliver the goods 10. head deliver syl deliver the goods. qual Informal. def to produce or perform something promised or expected. deliverable sub head deliver syl de+1liv+er+a:ble pos adj. deliverability sub head deliver syl de+2liv+er+a:1bil+i:ty pos n. deliverer sub head deliver syl de+1liv+er+er pos n. deliverance 1. syl de+liv+er+ance pron pos n. def a formal pronouncement or expression of opinion. deliverance 2. syl de+liv+er+ance pron pos n. def rescue from moral corruption or evil; salvation. deliverance 3. syl de+liv+er+ance pron pos n. def another word for { {delivery} (senses 3-5)}. deliveries infl head delivery syl de+liv+er:ies. pos n. mod pl. delivery 1.a. syl de+liv+er:y pron pos n. def the act of delivering or distributing goods, mail, etc. delivery 1.b. syl de+liv+er:y pron pos n. def something that is delivered. delivery 1.c. syl de+liv+er:y pron pos n. usage as modifier exam 1 a delivery service. delivery 2. syl de+liv+er:y pron pos n. def the act of giving birth to a child. exam 1 she had an easy delivery. delivery 3. syl de+liv+er:y pron pos n. def manner or style of utterance, esp. in public speaking or recitation. exam 1 the chairman had a clear delivery. delivery 4. syl de+liv+er:y pron pos n. def the act of giving or transferring or the state of being given or transferred. delivery 5. syl de+liv+er:y pron pos n. def the act of rescuing or state of being rescued; liberation. delivery 6.a. syl de+liv+er:y pron pos n. def the act or manner of bowling or throwing a ball. delivery 6.b. syl de+liv+er:y pron pos n. def the ball so delivered. exam 1 a fast delivery. delivery 7. syl de+liv+er:y pron pos n. def an actual or symbolic handing over of property, a deed, etc. delivery 8. syl de+liv+er:y pron pos n. def the discharge rate of a compressor or pump. delivery van 0. syl de+liv+er:y van pos n. def a small van used esp. for delivery rounds. U.S. name: {panel truck}. dell ety Old English; related to Middle Low German delle valley; compare #7dale dell 0. syl dell pron pos n. def a small, esp. wooded hollow. della Robbia 0. syl del:la Rob:bi:a qual Italian def della #!robbja) See (Luca della) {Robbia}. Delmarva Peninsula 0. syl Del+mar+va Pen+in+su+la pron pos n. def a peninsula of the northeast U.S., between Chesapeake Bay and the Atlantic. delocalise alt head delocalize or delocalize syl de+lo+cal+ise pron pos vb. mod tr. delocalize 1. or delocalise syl de+lo+cal+ize pron pos vb. mod tr. def to remove from the usual locality. delocalize 2. or delocalise syl de+lo+cal+ize pron pos vb. mod tr. def to free from local influences. delocalization sub head delocalize or delocalisation syl de+2lo+cal:i+1za+tion pos n. delocalisation sub head delocalize or delocalization syl de+2lo+cal:i+1sa+tion pos n. de l'Orme alt head Delorme or Delorme syl de l'Orme pron French pos n. Philibert infl head Delorme syl Phi:li:bert pron pos n. Delorme 0. or de l'Orme syl De:lorme pron French pos n. def ??1510-70, French Renaissance architect of the Tuileries, Paris. Delos 0. syl De+los pron <1dElos> pos n. def a Greek island in the SW Aegean Sea, in the Cyclades: a commercial centre in ancient times; the legendary birthplace of Apollo and Artemis. Area: about 5 sq. km (2 sq. miles). Modern Greek name: {Dh*'ilos}. de los Angeles 0. syl de los An:ge:les qual Spanish def de l@$s #!a&nxeles) {Vic@.to@.ri@.a} ($Bik#!toria). born 1923, Spanish soprano. delouse 0. syl de+louse pron , <-1lauz> pos vb. mod tr. def to rid (a person or animal) of lice as a sanitary measure. Delphi 0. syl Del+phi pron <1delfi> pos n. def an ancient Greek city on the S slopes of Mount Parnassus: site of the most famous oracle of Apollo. Delphian sub head Delphi syl Del+phi:an pos n. adj. Delphian alt head Delphic or Delphic syl Del+phi:an pos adj. Delphic 1. or Delphian syl Del+phic pron <1delfik> pos adj. def of or relating to Delphi or its oracle or temple. Delphic 2. or Delphian syl Del+phic pron <1delfik> pos adj. def obscure or ambiguous. Delphic oracle 0. syl Del+phic or:a+cle pos n. def the oracle of Apollo at Delphi that gave answers held by the ancient Greeks to be of great authority but also noted for their ambiguity. delphinium ety C17: New Latin, from Greek delphinion larkspur, from delphis #7dolphin, referring to the shape of the nectary delphiniums infl head delphinium or delphiniia syl del+phin+i:ums pron <-i*> pos n. mod pl. delphiniia infl head delphinium or delphiniums syl del+phin+i:i:a pron <-i*> pos n. mod pl. delphinium 0. syl del+phin+i:um pron pos n. def any ranunculaceous plant of the genus many varieties are cultivated as garden plants for their spikes of blue, pink, or white spurred flowers. See also {larkspur}. Delphinus ety C17: from Latin: #7dolphin Delphini infl head Delphinus syl Del+phi+ni pron pos n. qual Latin genitive Delphinus 0. syl Del+phi+nus pron pos n. def a small constellation in the N hemisphere, between Pegasus and Sagitta. Delsarte system 0. syl Del:sarte sys+tem pron <1delsa:t> pos n. def a method of teaching drama and dancing based on the exercises of Alexandre Delsarte (1811-71), famous teacher at the Paris Conservatoire. del Sarto 0. syl del Sar:to qual Italian def del #!sarto) See (Andrea del) {Sarto}. delta ety C16: via Latin from Greek, of Semitic origin; compare Hebrew d*_aleth delta 1. syl del+ta pron <1delt*> pos n. def the fourth letter in the Greek alphabet (#GD or #Gd), a consonant transliterated as delta 2. syl del+ta pron <1delt*> pos n. def an object resembling a capital delta in shape. delta 3. syl del+ta pron <1delt*> pos n. usage cap. when part of name def the flat alluvial area at the mouth of some rivers where the mainstream splits up into several distributaries. exam 1 the Mississippi Delta. delta 4. syl del+ta pron <1delt*> pos n. qual Maths. def a finite increment in a variable. deltaic sub head delta or deltic syl del+ta+ic pron pos adj. deltic sub head delta or deltaic syl del+tic pos adj. Delta 1. syl Del+ta pron <1delt*> pos n. usage foll. by the genitive case of a specified constellation def usually the fourth brightest star in a constellation. Delta 2. syl Del+ta pron <1delt*> pos n. def any of a group of U.S. launch vehicles used to put unmanned satellites into orbit. delta connection 0. syl del+ta con+nec+tion pos n. def a connection used in a three-phase electrical system in which three elements in series form a triangle, the supply being input and output at the three junctions. Compare {star connection}. delta iron 0. syl del+ta i:ron pos n. def an allotrope of iron that exists between 1400?%C and the melting point of iron and has the same structure as alpha iron. delta ray 0. syl del+ta ray pos n. def a particle, esp. an electron, ejected from matter by ionizing radiation. wave alt head delta rhythm or delta rhythm syl wave pos n. delta rhythm 0. or wave syl del+ta rhythm pos n. qual Physiol. def the normal electrical activity of the cerebral cortex during deep sleep, occurring at a frequency of 1 to 4 hertz and detectable with an electro?!encephalograph. See also {brain wave}. delta wing 0. syl del+ta wing pos n. def a triangular swept-back aircraft wing. deltiology ety C20: from Greek deltion, diminutive of deltos a writing tablet+-#7logy deltiology 0. syl del+ti+ol+o:gy pron <2delti1ol*Ji> pos n. def the collection and study of picture postcards. deltiologist sub head deltiology syl del+ti+1ol:o+gist pos n. deltoid ety C18: from Greek deltoeid*_es triangular, from #7delta deltoid 0. syl del+toid pron <1deltcid> pos n. def the thick muscle forming the rounded contour of the outer edge of the shoulder and acting to raise the arm. delude ety C15: from Latin d*_el*_udere to mock, play false, from #7de -#7+ l*_udere to play delude 1. syl de+lude pron pos vb. mod tr. def to deceive the mind or judgment of; mislead; beguile. delude 2. syl de+lude pron pos vb. mod tr. qual Rare. def to frustrate (hopes, expectations, etc.). deludable sub head delude syl de+1lud+a:ble pos adj. deluder sub head delude syl de+1lud+er pos n. deludingly sub head delude syl de+1lud+ing+ly pos adv. delusive sub head delude syl de+lu+sive pron pos adj. delusively sub head delude syl de+1lu+sive+ly pos adv. delusiveness sub head delude syl de+1lu+sive+ness pos n. deluge ety C14: from Old French, from Latin d*_iluvium a washing away, flood, from d*_iluere to wash away, drench, from di- {#7dis -%1}#7+ -luere, from lavere to wash deluge 1. syl del+uge pron <1delju:J> pos n. def a great flood of water. deluge 2. syl del+uge pron <1delju:J> pos n. def torrential rain; downpour. deluge 3. syl del+uge pron <1delju:J> pos n. def an overwhelming rush or number. exam 1 a deluge of requests. deluge 4. syl del+uge pron <1delju:J> pos vb. mod tr. def to flood, as with water; soak, swamp, or drown. deluge 5. syl del+uge pron <1delju:J> pos vb. mod tr. def to overwhelm or overrun; inundate. the infl head Deluge syl the. pos n. Deluge 0. syl Del+uge pron <1delju:J> pos n. def another name for the {Flood}. delusion 1. syl de+lu+sion pron pos n. def a mistaken or misleading opinion, idea, belief, etc.. exam 1 he has delusions of grandeur. delusion 2. syl de+lu+sion pron pos n. qual Psychiatry. def a belief held in the face of evidence to the contrary, that is resistant to all reason. See also {illusion, hallucination}. delusion 3. syl de+lu+sion pron pos n. def the act of deluding or state of being deluded. delusional sub head delusion syl de+1lu+sion+al pos adj. delusory sub head delusion syl de1lu+so+ry pron pos adj. de luxe ety C19: from French de luxe, literally: of luxury de luxe 1. syl de luxe pron <1l^ks>, <1luks> pos adj. usage esp. of products, articles for sale, etc. def rich, elegant, or sumptuous; superior in quality, number of accessories, etc.. exam 1 the de luxe model of a car. de luxe 2. syl de luxe pron <1l^ks>, <1luks> pos adv. qual Chiefly U.S. def in a luxurious manner. delve ety Old English delfan; related to Old High German telban to dig, Russian dolbit to hollow out with a chisel delve 1. syl delve pron pos vb. mod mainly; intr. usage often foll. by in or into def to inquire or research deeply or intensively (for information, etc.). exam 1 he delved in the Bible for quotations. delve 2. syl delve pron pos vb. mod mainly; intr. usage often foll. by in or into def to search or rummage (in a drawer, the pockets, etc.). delve 3. syl delve pron pos vb. mod mainly; intr. usage often foll. by in or into; esp. of an animal def to dig or burrow deeply (into the ground, etc.). delve 4. syl delve pron pos vb. mod also; tr. qual Archaic or Brit. dialect. usage often foll. by in or into def to dig or turn up (earth, a garden, etc.), as with a spade. delver sub head delve syl delv+er pos n. Dem 0. syl Dem. qual U.S. abbrev. for def Democrat(ic). demagnetise alt head demagnetize or demagnetize syl de+mag+net+ise pron pos vb. demagnetize 0. or demagnetise syl de+mag+net+ize pron pos vb. def to remove or lose magnetic properties. Also: {degauss}. demagnetization sub head demagnetize or demagnetisation syl de+2mag+net:i+1za+tion pos n. demagnetisation sub head demagnetize or demagnetization syl de+2mag+net:i+1sa+tion pos n. demagnetizer sub head demagnetize or demagnetiser syl de+1mag+net+2iz+er pos n. demagnetiser sub head demagnetize or demagnetizer syl de+1mag+net+2is+er pos n. demagogical alt head demagogic or demagogic syl dem:a+gog:i+cal pos adj. demagogic 0. or demagogical syl dem:a+gog+ic pron <2dem*1gogik> pos adj. def of, characteristic of, relating to, or resembling a demagogue. demagogically sub head demagogic syl dem:a+1gog:i+cal+ly pos adv. demagogue ety C17: from Greek d*_emag*_ogos people's leader, from d*_emos people+ agein to lead demagog alt head demagogue or demagogue syl dem:a+gog pron <1dem*2gog> pos n. qual U.S. (sometimes demagogue 1. or demagog syl dem:a+gogue pron <1dem*2gog> pos n. def a political agitator who appeals with crude oratory to the prejudice and passions of the mob. demagogue 2. or demagog syl dem:a+gogue pron <1dem*2gog> pos n. usage esp. in the ancient world def any popular political leader or orator. demagoguism alt head demagoguery or demagoguery syl dem:a+gogu+ism pron <1dem*?!2gogiz*m> pos n. demagoguery 0. or demagoguism syl dem:a+gogu+er:y pron <2dem*1gog*ri> pos n. def the methods, practices, or rhetoric of a demagogue. demagogies infl head demagogy syl dem:a+gog:ies. pos n. mod pl. demagogy 1. syl dem:a+gog:y pron <1dem*2gogi> pos n. def demagoguery. demagogy 2. syl dem:a+gog:y pron <1dem*2gogi> pos n. def rule by a demagogue or by demagogues. demagogy 3. syl dem:a+gog:y pron <1dem*2gogi> pos n. def a group of demagogues. demand ety C13: from Anglo-French demaunder, from Medieval Latin d*_emand*_are, from Latin: to commit to, from #7de -#7+ mand*_are to command, entrust; see #7mandate demand 1. syl de+mand pron pos vb. mod tr. usage an infinitive def to request peremptorily or urgently. demand 2. syl de+mand pron pos vb. mod tr. usage an infinitive def to require or need as just, urgent, etc.. exam 1 the situation demands attention. demand 3. syl de+mand pron pos vb. mod tr. usage an infinitive def to claim as a right; exact. exam 1 his parents demanded obedience of him. demand 4. syl de+mand pron pos vb. mod tr. qual Law. usage an infinitive def to make a formal legal claim to (property, esp. realty). demand 5. syl de+mand pron pos n. mod tr. usage an infinitive def an urgent or peremptory requirement or request. demand 6. syl de+mand pron pos n. mod tr. usage an infinitive def something that requires special effort or sacrifice. exam 1 a demand on one's time. demand 7. syl de+mand pron pos n. mod tr. usage an infinitive def the act of demanding something or the thing demanded. exam 1 the kidnappers' demand was a million pounds. demand 8. syl de+mand pron pos n. mod tr. usage an infinitive def an insistent question or query. demand 9.a. syl de+mand pron pos n. mod tr. usage an infinitive def willingness and ability to purchase goods and services. demand 9.b. syl de+mand pron pos n. mod tr. usage an infinitive def the amount of a commodity that consumers are willing and able to purchase at a specified price. Compare { {supply} %1 (sense 9)}. demand 10. syl de+mand pron pos n. mod tr. qual Law. usage an infinitive def a formal legal claim, esp. to real property. in demand 11. head demand syl in demand. usage an infinitive def sought after; popular. on demand 12. head demand syl on demand. usage an infinitive def as soon as requested. exam 1 a draft payable on demand. demandable sub head demand syl de+1mand+a:ble pos adj. demander sub head demand syl de+1mand+er pos n. demandant ety C14: from Old French, from demander to #7demand demandant 0. syl de+mand+ant pron pos n. usage Law. formerly def the plaintiff in an action relating to real property. draft infl head demand bill or demanote syl draft pos n. demanote infl head demand bill or draft syl de+manote pos n. demand bill 0. syl de+mand bill pos n. def a bill of exchange that is payable on demand. Also called: {sight bill}. demand deposit 0. syl de+mand de+pos+it pos n. def a bank deposit from which withdrawals may be made without notice. Compare {time deposit}. demanding 0. syl de+mand+ing pron pos adj. def requiring great patience, skill, etc.. exam 1 a demanding job. demandingly sub head demanding syl de+1mand+ing+ly pos adv. demand loan 0. syl de+mand loan pos n. def another name for {call loan}. demand note 0. syl de+mand note pos n. def a promissory note payable on demand. demand-pull inflation 0. syl de:mand-pull in+fla+tion pos n. def See { {inflation} (sense 2)}. demantoid ety C19: from German, from obsolete Demant diamond, from Old French diamant +-#7oid demantoid 0. syl de+man+toid pron pos n. def a bright green variety of andradite garnet. demarcate 1. syl de+mar+cate pron <1dEma:2kAt> pos vb. mod tr. def to mark, fix, or draw the boundaries, limits, etc., of. demarcate 2. syl de+mar+cate pron <1dEma:2kAt> pos vb. mod tr. def to separate or distinguish between (areas with unclear boundaries). demarcator sub head demarcate syl de+mar+2ca+tor pos n. demarcation ety C18: Latinized version of Spanish demarcaci*'on, from demarcar to appoint the boundaries of, from marcar to mark, from Italian marcare, of Germanic origin; see {#7mark %1} demarkation alt head demarcation or demarcation syl de+mar+ka+tion pron <2dEma:1kAS*n> pos n. demarcation 1. or demarkation syl de+mar+ca+tion pron <2dEma:1kAS*n> pos n. def the act of establishing limits or boundaries. demarcation 2. or demarkation syl de+mar+ca+tion pron <2dEma:1kAS*n> pos n. def a limit or bounda?!ry. demarcation 3.a. or demarkation syl de+mar+ca+tion pron <2dEma:1kAS*n> pos n. def a strict separation of the kinds of work performed by members of different trade unions. demarcation 3.b. or demarkation syl de+mar+ca+tion pron <2dEma:1kAS*n> pos n. usage as modifier exam 1 demarcation dispute. demarcation 4. or demarkation syl de+mar+ca+tion pron <2dEma:1kAS*n> pos n. def separation or distinction (often in the phrase {line of demarcation) }. d'emarche ety C17: literally: walk, gait, from Old French demarcher to tread, trample; see #7de -#7, {march %1} d'emarche 1. syl d*'e+marche pron French. pos n. def a move, step, or manoeuvre, esp. in diplomatic affairs. d'emarche 2. syl d*'e+marche pron French. pos n. def a representation or statement of views, complaints, etc., to a public authority. dematerialise alt head dematerialize or dematerialize syl de+ma+te:ri+al+ise pron pos vb. mod intr. dematerialize 1. or dematerialise syl de+ma+te:ri+al+ize pron pos vb. mod intr. def to cease to have material existence, as in science fiction or spiritualism. dematerialize 2. or dematerialise syl de+ma+te:ri+al+ize pron pos vb. mod intr. def to disappear without trace; vanish. &- {de+ma+@!te@.ri+al@.i+#!za+tion} {de+ma+@!te@.ri+al@.i+#!sa+tion} Mount infl head Demavend syl Mount. pos n. Demavend 0. syl Dem:a+vend pron <1dem*vend> pos n. def a volcanic peak in N Iran, in the Elburz Mountains. Height: 5599 m (18370 ft.). deme ety C19: from Greek d*_emos district in local government, the populace deme 1.a. syl deme pron pos n. usage in preclassical Greece def the territory inhabited by a tribe. deme 1.b. syl deme pron pos n. usage in ancient Attica def a geographical unit of local government. deme 2. syl deme pron pos n. qual Biology. def a group of individuals within a species that possess particular characteristics of cytology, genetics, etc. demean ety C17: see #7de -#7, {mean %2}; on the model of debase demean H1.0. syl de+mean pron pos vb. mod tr. def to lower (oneself) in dignity, status, or character; humble; debase. demean ety C13: from Old French demener, from #7de -#7+ mener to lead, drive, from Latin min*_are to drive (animals), from min*_ar*_i to use threats demean H2.0. syl de+mean pron pos vb. mod tr. qual Rare. def to behave or conduct (oneself) in a specified way. demeanour ety C15: see {#7demean %2} demeanor alt head demeanour or demeanour syl de+mean+or pron pos n. qual U.S. demeanour 1. or demeanor syl de+mean+our pron pos n. def the way a person behaves towards others; conduct. demeanour 2. or demeanor syl de+mean+our pron pos n. def bearing, appearance, or mien. dement ety C16: from Late Latin d*_ement*_are to drive mad, from Latin #7de -#7+ m*_ens mind dement 0. syl de+ment pron pos vb. mod tr. qual Rare. def to drive mad; make insane. demented 0. syl de+ment+ed pron pos adj. def mad; insane. dementedly sub head demented syl de+1ment+ed+ly pos adv. dementedness sub head demented syl de+1ment+ed+ness pos n. dementia ety C19: from Latin: madness; see #7dement dementia 0. syl de+men+tia pron , <-Si*> pos n. def a state of serious emotional and mental deterioration, of organic or functional origin. dementia praecox ety C19: New Latin, literally: premature dementia dementia praecox 0. syl de+men+tia prae+cox pron <1prEkoks> pos n. def schizophrenia. demerara ety C19: named after Demerara, Guyana demerara 1. syl dem+e:rar:a pron <2dem*1re*r*>, <-1ra:r*> pos n. def brown crystallized cane sugar from the West Indies and nearby countries. demerara 2. syl dem+e:rar:a pron <2dem*1re*r*>, <-1ra:r*> pos n. def a highly flavoured rum used mainly for blending purposes. the infl head Demerara syl the. pos n. Demerara 0. syl Dem+e:rar:a pron <2dem*1re*r*>, <-1ra:r*> pos n. def a river in Guyana, rising in the central forest area and flowing north to the Atlantic at Georgetown. Length: 346 km (215 miles). demerit ety C14 (originally: worth, desert, later specialized to mean: something worthy of blame): from Latin d*_emer*_er*_i to deserve demerit 1. syl de+mer+it pron , <1dE2merit> pos n. def something, esp. conduct, that deserves censure. demerit 2. syl de+mer+it pron , <1dE2merit> pos n. qual U.S. def a mark given against a person for failure or misconduct, esp. in schools or the armed forces. demerit 3. syl de+mer+it pron , <1dE2merit> pos n. def a fault or disadvantage. demeritorious sub head demerit syl de+2mer:i+1to+ri+ous pos adj. demeritoriously sub head demerit syl de+2mer:i+1to+ri+ous+ly pos adv. demersal ety C19: from Latin d*_emersus submerged (from d*_emergere to plunge into, from mergere to dip)+-{#7al %1} demersal 0. syl de+mer+sal pron pos adj. def living or occurring in deep water or on the bottom of a sea or lake. exam 1 demersal fish. demesne ety C14: from Old French demeine; see #7domain demesne 1. syl de+mesne pron , <-1mEn> pos n. def land, esp. surrounding a house or manor, retained by the owner for his own use. demesne 2. syl de+mesne pron , <-1mEn> pos n. qual Property law. def the possession and use of one's own property or land. demesne 3. syl de+mesne pron , <-1mEn> pos n. def the territory ruled by a state or a sovereign; realm; domain. demesne 4. syl de+mesne pron , <-1mEn> pos n. def a region or district; domain. Demeter 0. syl De:me:ter pron pos n. qual Greek myth. def the goddess of agricultural fertility and protector of marriage and women. Roman counterpart: {Ceres}. demi- ety via French from Medieval Latin d*_imedius, from Latin d*_im*_idius half, from dis- apart+ medius middle demi- 1. syl dem:i- pos prefix. def half. exam 1 demirelief. demi- 2. syl dem:i- pos prefix. def of less than full size, status, or rank. exam 1 demigod. demibastion 0. syl dem:i+bas+ti+on pron <2demi1b@sti*n> pos n. qual Fortifications. def half a bastion, having only one flank. demicanton 0. syl dem:i+can+ton pron <2demi1k@nton>, <-k@n1ton> pos n. def either of the two parts of certain Swiss cantons. demigod ety C16: translation of Latin s*_emideus demigod 1.a. syl dem:i+god pron <1demi2god> pos n. def a mythological being who is part mortal, part god. demigod 1.b. syl dem:i+god pron <1demi2god> pos n. def a lesser deity. demigod 2. syl dem:i+god pron <1demi2god> pos n. def a person with outstanding or godlike attributes. demigoddess sub head demigod syl dem:i+2god+dess pos n. mod fem. demijohn ety C18: probably by folk etymology from French dame-jeanne, from dame lady+ Jeanne Jane demijohn 0. syl dem:i+john pron <1demi2Jon> pos n. def a large bottle with a short narrow neck, often with small handles at the neck and encased in wickerwork. demilitarise alt head demilitarize or demilitarize syl de+mil:i+ta+rise pron pos vb. mod tr. demilitarize 1. or demilitarise syl de+mil:i+ta+rize pron pos vb. mod tr. def to remove and prohibit any military presence or function in (an area). exam 1 demilitarized zone. demilitarize 2. or demilitarise syl de+mil:i+ta+rize pron pos vb. mod tr. def to free of military character, purpose, etc.. exam 1 11 regiments were demilitarized. demilitarization sub head demilitarize or demilitarisation syl de+2mil:i+ta+ri+1za+tion pos n. demilitarisation sub head demilitarize or demilitarization syl de+2mil:i+ta+ri+1sa+tion pos n. Cecil B (lount) infl head De Mille syl Cec:il B (lount) . pos n. De Mille 0. syl De Mille pron <1mil> pos n. def 1881-1959, U.S. motion-picture producer and director. demilune ety C18: from French, literally: half-moon demilune 1. syl dem:i+lune pron <1demi2lu:n>, <-2lju:n> pos n. qual Fortifications. def an outwork in front of a fort, shaped like a crescent moon. demilune 2. syl dem:i+lune pron <1demi2lu:n>, <-2lju:n> pos n. def a crescent-shaped object or formation; half-moon. demimondaine ety C19: from French demimondaine 0. syl dem:i+mon+daine pron <2demi1mondAn>, French pos n. def a woman of the demimonde. demimonde ety C19: from French, literally: half-world demimonde 1. syl dem:i+monde pron <2demi1mond>, French pos n. usage esp. in the 19th century def those women considered to be outside respect?!able society, esp. on account of sexual promiscuity. demimonde 2. syl dem:i+monde pron <2demi1mond>, French pos n. def any social group considered to be not wholly respectable. demineralise alt head demineralize or demineralize syl de+min+er+al+ise pron pos vb. mod tr. demineralize 0. or demineralise syl de+min+er+al+ize pron pos vb. mod tr. def to remove dissolved salts from (a liquid, esp. water). &- {de+@!min+er+al@.i+#!za+tion} {de+@!min+er+al@.i+#!sa+tion} demi-pension 0. syl de:mi-pen:sion pron French. pos n. def another name for {half board}. Suleyman infl head Demirel syl S*"u:ley:man pron pos n. Demirel 0. syl De:mi:rel pron Turkish pos n. def born 1924, Turkish statesman; prime minister of Turkey (1965-71; 1975-77). demirelief 0. syl dem:i+re:lief pron <2demiri1lEf> pos n. def a less common term for {mezzo-rilievo}. demirep ety C18: from #7demi -#7+rep (#7utation) demirep 0. syl dem:i+rep pron <1demi2rep> pos n. qual Rare. def a woman of bad repute, esp. a prostitute. demise ety C16: from Old French, feminine of demis dismissed, from demettre to send away, from Latin d*_imittere; see #7dismiss demise 1. syl de+mise pron pos n. def failure or termination. exam 1 the demise of one's hopes. demise 2. syl de+mise pron pos n. def a euphemistic or formal word for {death}. demise 3.a. syl de+mise pron pos n. def a transfer of an estate by lease. demise 3.b. syl de+mise pron pos n. def the passing or transfer of an estate on the death of the owner. demise 4. syl de+mise pron pos n. def the immediate transfer of sovereignty to a successor upon the death, abdication, etc., of a ruler (esp. in the phrase {demise of the crown) }. demise 5. syl de+mise pron pos vb. def to transfer or be transferred by inherit?!ance, will, or succession. demise 6. syl de+mise pron pos vb. mod tr. qual Property law. def to transfer (an estate, etc.) for a limited period; lease. demise 7. syl de+mise pron pos vb. mod tr. def to transfer (sovereignty, a title, etc.) by or as if by the death, deposition, etc., of a ruler. demisable sub head demise syl de+1mis+a:ble pos adj. demisemiquaver 0. syl dem:i+sem:i+qua+ver pron <1demi2semi2kwAv*> pos n. qual Music. def a note having the time value of one thirty-second of a semibreve. Usual U.S. name: {thirty-second note}. demission ety C16: from Anglo-French dimissioun, from Latin d*_imissi*_o a dismissing; see #7dismiss demission 0. syl de+mis+sion pron pos n. qual Rare. def relinquishment of or abdication from an office, responsibility, etc. demist 0. syl de+mist pron pos vb. def to free or become free of condensation through evaporation produced by a heater and/or blower. &- {de+#!mist+er} demit ety C16: from Latin d*_imittere to send forth, discharge, renounce, from {#7di -%2}#7+ mittere to send demits infl head demit syl de+mits pos vb. demitting infl head demit syl de+mit+ting pos vb. demitted infl head demit syl de+mit+ted. pos vb. demit 1. syl de+mit pron pos vb. qual Archaic, chiefly Scot. def to resign (an office, position, etc.). demit 2. syl de+mit pron pos vb. mod tr. qual Archaic, chiefly Scot. def to dismiss. demitasse ety C19: French, literally: half-cup demitasse 1. syl dem:i+tasse pron <1demi2t@s>, French pos n. def a small cup for serving black coffee, as after dinner. demitasse 2. syl dem:i+tasse pron <1demi2t@s>, French pos n. def the coffee itself. demiurge ety C17: from Church Latin d*_emi*_urgus, from Greek d*_emiourgos skilled workman, literally: one who works for the people, from d*_emos people+ ergon work demiurge 1.a. syl dem:i+urge pron <1demi2R:J>, <1dE-> pos n. usage in the philosophy of Plato def the creator of the universe. demiurge 1.b. syl dem:i+urge pron <1demi2R:J>, <1dE-> pos n. usage in Gnostic and some other philosophies def the creator of the universe, supernatural but subordinate to the Supreme Being. demiurge 2. syl dem:i+urge pron <1demi2R:J>, <1dE-> pos n. usage in ancient Greece def a magistrate with varying powers found in any of several states. demiurgeous sub head demiurge syl dem:i+1ur+geous pos adj. demiurgic sub head demiurge or demiurgical syl dem:i+1ur+gic pos adj. demiurgical sub head demiurge or demiurgic syl dem:i+1ur+gi+cal pos adj. demiurgically sub head demiurge syl dem:i+1ur+gi+cal+ly pos adv. demivierge ety C20: French, literally: half-virgin demivierge 0. syl dem:i+vierge pron <1demi2vje*Z> pos n. def a woman who engages in promiscuous sexual activity but retains her virginity. demivolte alt head demivolt or demivolt syl dem:i+volte pron <1demi2volt> pos n. demivolt 0. or demivolte syl dem:i+volt pron <1demi2volt> pos n. qual Dressage. def a half turn on the hind legs. demos infl head demo syl dem:os. pos n. mod pl. demo 0. syl dem:o pron <1dem*u> pos n. def short for {demonstration}. demo- ety from Greek d*_emos demobs infl head demob syl de+mobs pos vb. demobbing infl head demob syl de+mob+bing pos vb. demobbed infl head demob syl de+mobbed. pos vb. demob 1. syl de+mob pron pos vb. qual Brit. informal. def See {demobilize}. demob 2.a. syl de+mob pron pos n. qual Brit. informal. def See {demobilization}. demob 2.b. syl de+mob pron pos n. qual Brit. informal. usage as modifier exam 1 a demob suit. demob 3. syl de+mob pron pos n. qual Brit. informal. def a soldier who has been demobilized. demobilise alt head demobilize or demobilize syl de+mo+bi+lise pron pos vb. demobilize 0. or demobilise syl de+mo+bi+lize pron pos vb. def to disband, as troops, etc. demobilization sub head demobilize or demobilisation syl de+2mo+bi+li+1za+tion pos n. demobilisation sub head demobilize or demobilization syl de+2mo+bi+li+1sa+tion pos n. democracy ety C16: from French d*'emocratie, from Late Latin d*_emocratia, from Greek d*_emokratia government by the people; see #7demo -#7, -#7cracy democracies infl head democracy syl de+moc+ra+cies. pos n. mod pl. democracy 1. syl de+moc+ra+cy pron pos n. def government by the people or their elected representatives. democracy 2. syl de+moc+ra+cy pron pos n. def control of any organization by its members. exam 1 industrial democracy. democracy 3. syl de+moc+ra+cy pron pos n. def a political or social unit governed ultimately by all its members. democracy 4. syl de+moc+ra+cy pron pos n. def the practice or spirit of social equality. democracy 5. syl de+moc+ra+cy pron pos n. def a social condition of classlessness and equality. democracy 6. syl de+moc+ra+cy pron pos n. def the common people, esp. as a political force. democrat 1. syl dem:o+crat pron <1dem*2kr@t> pos n. def an advocate of democracy; adherent of democratic principles. democrat 2. syl dem:o+crat pron <1dem*2kr@t> pos n. def a member or sup?!porter of a democratic party or movement. Democrat 0. syl Dem:o+crat pron <1dem*2kr@t> pos n. qual U.S. politics. def a member or supporter of the Democratic Party. Democratic sub head Democrat syl Dem:o+1crat+ic pos adj. democratic 1. syl dem:o+crat+ic pron <2dem*1kr@tik> pos adj. def of, characterized by, derived from, or relating to the principles of democracy. democratic 2. syl dem:o+crat+ic pron <2dem*1kr@tik> pos adj. def upholding or favouring democracy or the interests of the common people. democratic 3. syl dem:o+crat+ic pron <2dem*1kr@tik> pos adj. def popular with or for the benefit of all. exam 1 democratic sports. ?- Democratic Party 0. syl Dem:o+crat+ic Par+ty pos n. qual U.S. politics. def the older of the two major political parties, so named since 1840. Compare {Re?!publican Party}. Democratic-Republican Party 0. syl Dem:o+crat:ic-Re:pub:li+can Par+ty pos n. qual U.S. history. def the antifederalist party originally led by Thomas Jefferson, which developed into the modern Democratic Party. democratise alt head democratize or democratize syl de+moc+ra+tise pron pos vb. mod tr. democratize 0. or democratise syl de+moc+ra+tize pron pos vb. mod tr. def to make democratic. democratization sub head democratize or democratisation syl de+2moc+ra+ti+1za+tion pos n. democratisation sub head democratize or democratization syl de+2moc+ra+ti+1sa+tion pos n. Democritus 0. syl De:moc:ri:tus pron pos n. def ??460-??370 #7b.c., Greek philosopher who developed the atomist theory of matter of his teacher, Leucippus. See also {atomism}. d'emod'e ety French, from d*'e- out of+ mode style, fashion d'emod'e 0. syl d*'e+mo+d*'e pron French. pos adj. def out of fashion; outmoded. demodulate 0. syl de+mod:u+late pron pos vb. def to carry out demodulation on (a wave or signal). demodulator sub head demodulate syl de+1mod:u+2la+tor pos n. demodulation 0. syl de+mod:u+la+tion pron <2dEmodju1lAS*n> pos n. qual Electronics. def the act or process by which an output wave or signal is obtained having the characteristics of the original modulating wave or signal; the reverse of modulation. Demogorgon ety C16: via Late Latin from Greek Demogorgon 0. syl De+mo+gor+gon pron <2dEm*u1gc:g*n> pos n. def a mysterious and awesome god in ancient mythology, often represented as ruling in the underworld. demography ety C19: from French d*'emographie, from Greek d*_emos the populace; see -#7graphy demography 0. syl de+mog+ra+phy pron pos n. def the science of population statistics. demographer sub head demography or demographist syl de+1mog+ra+pher pos n. demographist sub head demography or demographer syl de+1mog+ra+phist pos n. demographic sub head demography or demographical syl de+mo+graph+ic pron <2dEm*1gr@fik>, <2dem*-> pos adj. demographical sub head demography or demographic syl de+mo+1graph:i+cal pos adj. demographically sub head demography syl de+mo+1graph:i+cal+ly pos adv. demoiselle ety C16: from French: young woman; see #7damsel demoiselle 1. syl dem:oi+selle pron pos n. def Also called: {demoiselle crane, Numidian crane}. a small crane, of central Asia, N Africa, and SE Europe, having grey plumage with long black breast feathers and white ear tufts. $D. a less common name for a {damselfly}. demoiselle 2. syl dem:oi+selle pron pos n. def another name for {damselfish}. demoiselle 3. syl dem:oi+selle pron pos n. def a literary word for {damsel}. demolish ety C16: from French d*'emolir, from Latin d*_em*_ol*_ir*_i to throw down, destroy, from #7de -#7+ m*_ol*_ir*_i to strive, toil, construct, from m*_oles mass, bulk demolish 1. syl de+mol+ish pron pos vb. mod tr. def to tear down or break up (buildings, etc.). demolish 2. syl de+mol+ish pron pos vb. mod tr. def to destroy; put an end to (an argument, etc.). demolish 3. syl de+mol+ish pron pos vb. mod tr. qual Facetious. def to eat up. exam 1 she demolished the whole cake&! demolisher sub head demolish syl de+1mol+ish+er pos n. demolishment sub head demolish syl de+1mol+ish+ment pos n. demolition 1. syl dem:o+li+tion pron <2dem*1liS*n>, <2dE-> pos n. def the act of demolishing or state of being demolished. demolition 2.a. syl dem:o+li+tion pron <2dem*1liS*n>, <2dE-> pos n. def destruction by explosives. demolition 2.b. syl dem:o+li+tion pron <2dem*1liS*n>, <2dE-> pos n. usage as modifier exam 1 a demolition charge. demolitionist sub head demolition syl dem:o+1li+tion+ist pos n. adj. demolitions 0.a. syl dem:o+li+tions pron <2dem*1liS*nz>, <2dE-> pos n. mod pl. qual Chiefly military. def explosives, as when used to blow up bridges, etc. demolitions 0.b. syl dem:o+li+tions pron <2dem*1liS*nz>, <2dE-> pos n. mod pl. qual Chiefly military. usage as modifier exam 1 a demolitions expert. demon ety C15: from Latin daem*_on evil spirit, spirit, from Greek daim*_on spirit, deity, fate; see #7daemon demon 1. syl de+mon pron <1dEm*n> pos n. def an evil spirit or devil. demon 2. syl de+mon pron <1dEm*n> pos n. def a person, habit, obsession, etc., thought of as evil, cruel, or persistently tor?!menting. demon 3. syl de+mon pron <1dEm*n> pos n. def Also called: {daemon, daimon}. an attendant or ministering spirit; genius. exam 1 the demon of inspiration. demon 4.a. syl de+mon pron <1dEm*n> pos n. def a person who is extremely skilful in, energetic at, or devoted to a given activity, esp. a sport. exam 1 a demon at cycling. demon 4.b. syl de+mon pron <1dEm*n> pos n. usage as modifier exam 1 a demon cyclist. demon 5. syl de+mon pron <1dEm*n> pos n. def a variant spelling of { {daemon} (sense 1)}. demon 6. syl de+mon pron <1dEm*n> pos n. qual Austral. informal. def a detective or policeman. demonetise alt head demonetize or demonetize syl de+mon+e:tise pron pos vb. mod tr. demonetize 1. or demonetise syl de+mon+e:tize pron pos vb. mod tr. def to deprive (a metal) of its capacity as a monetary standard. demonetize 2. or demonetise syl de+mon+e:tize pron pos vb. mod tr. def to withdraw from use as currency. demonetization sub head demonetize or demonetisation syl de+2mon+e:ti+1za+tion pos n. demonetisation sub head demonetize or demonetization syl de+2mon+e:ti+1sa+tion pos n. demoniac 1. syl de+mo+ni+ac pron pos adj. usage also def of, like, or suggestive of a demon; demonic. demoniac 2. syl de+mo+ni+ac pron pos adj. usage also def suggesting inner possession or inspiration. exam 1 the demoniac fire of genius. demoniac 3. syl de+mo+ni+ac pron pos adj. usage also def frantic; frenzied; feverish. exam 1 demoniac activity. demoniac 4. syl de+mo+ni+ac pron pos n. usage also def a person possessed by an evil spirit or demon. demoniacally sub head demoniac syl de+mo+1ni:a+cal+ly pos adv. demonic 1. syl de+mon+ic pron pos adj. def of, relating to, or characteristic of a demon; fiendish. demonic 2. syl de+mon+ic pron pos adj. def inspired or possessed by a demon, or seemingly so. exam 1 demonic laughter. demonically sub head demonic syl de+1mon:i+cal+ly pos adv. demonism 1.a. syl de+mon+ism pron <1dEm*2niz*m> pos n. def belief in the existence and power of demons. demonism 1.b. syl de+mon+ism pron <1dEm*2niz*m> pos n. def worship of demons. demonism 2. syl de+mon+ism pron <1dEm*2niz*m> pos n. def another word for {demonology}. demonist sub head demonism syl de+mon+ist pos n. demonise alt head demonize or demonize syl de+mon+ise pron <1dEm*2nIz> pos vb. mod tr. demonize 1. or demonise syl de+mon+ize pron <1dEm*2nIz> pos vb. mod tr. def to make into or like a demon. demonize 2. or demonise syl de+mon+ize pron <1dEm*2nIz> pos vb. mod tr. def to subject to demonic influence. demonolater ety C19: back formation from #7demonolatry demonolater 0. syl de+mon+ol:a+ter pron <2dEm*1nol*t*> pos n. def a person who worships demons. demonolatry ety C17: see #7demon, -#7latry demonolatry 0. syl de+mon+ol:a+try pron <2dEm*1nol*tri> pos n. def the worship of demons. demonology 0. syl de+mon+ol+o:gy pron <2dEm*1nol*Ji> pos n. def the study of demons or demonic beliefs. Also called: {demonism}. demonological sub head demonology syl de+mon:o+log:i+cal pron <2dEm*n*1loJikL> pos adj. demonologist sub head demonology syl de+mon+1ol:o+:gist pos n. demonstrable 0. syl de+mon+stra:ble pron , <1dem*n-> pos adj. def able to be demonstrated or proved. demonstrability sub head demonstrable or demonstrableness syl de+2mon+stra:1bil+i:ty pos n. demonstrableness sub head demonstrable or demonstrability syl de+1mon+stra:ble+ness pos n. demonstrably sub head demonstrable syl de+1mon+stra:bly pos adv. demonstrate ety C16: from Latin d*_emonstr*_are to point out, from monstr*_are to show demonstrate 1. syl dem+on+strate pron <1dem*n2strAt> pos vb. mod tr. def to show, manifest, or prove, esp. by reasoning, evidence, etc. demonstrate 2. syl dem+on+strate pron <1dem*n2strAt> pos vb. mod tr. def to explain or illustrate by experiment, example, etc. demonstrate 3. syl dem+on+strate pron <1dem*n2strAt> pos vb. mod tr. def to display, operate, and explain the workings of (a machine, product, etc.). demonstrate 4. syl dem+on+strate pron <1dem*n2strAt> pos vb. mod intr. def to manifest support, protest, etc., by public parades or rallies. demonstrate 5. syl dem+on+strate pron <1dem*n2strAt> pos vb. mod intr. def to be employed as a demonstrator of machinery, etc. demonstrate 6. syl dem+on+strate pron <1dem*n2strAt> pos vb. mod intr. qual Military. def to make a show of force, esp. in order to deceive one's enemy. demonstration 1. syl dem+on+stra+tion pron <2dem*n1strAS*n> pos n. def the act of demonstrating. demonstration 2. syl dem+on+stra+tion pron <2dem*n1strAS*n> pos n. def proof or evidence leading to proof. demonstration 3.a. syl dem+on+stra+tion pron <2dem*n1strAS*n> pos n. def an explanation, display, illustration, or experiment showing how something works. demonstration 3.b. syl dem+on+stra+tion pron <2dem*n1strAS*n> pos n. usage as modifier exam 1 a demonstration model. demonstration 4. syl dem+on+stra+tion pron <2dem*n1strAS*n> pos n. def a manifestation of grievances, support, or protest by public rallies, parades, etc. demonstration 5. syl dem+on+stra+tion pron <2dem*n1strAS*n> pos n. def a manifestation of emotion. demonstration 6. syl dem+on+stra+tion pron <2dem*n1strAS*n> pos n. def a show of military force or preparedness. demonstration 7. syl dem+on+stra+tion pron <2dem*n1strAS*n> pos n. qual Maths. def a logical presentation of the assumptions and equations used in solving a problem or proving a theorem. demonstrational sub head demonstration syl de+mon+1stra+tion+al pos adj. demonstrationist sub head demonstration syl de+mon+1stra+tion+ist pos n. demonstrative 1. syl de+mon+stra+tive pron pos adj. def tending to manifest or express one's feelings easily or unreservedly. demonstrative 2. syl de+mon+stra+tive pron pos adj. usage postpositive; foll. by of def serving as proof; indicative. demonstrative 3. syl de+mon+stra+tive pron pos adj. def involving or characterized by demonstration. exam 1 a demonstrative lecture. demonstrative 4. syl de+mon+stra+tive pron pos adj. def conclusive; indubitable. exam 1 demonstrative arguments. demonstrative 5. syl de+mon+stra+tive pron pos adj. qual Grammar. def denoting or belonging to a class of determiners used to point out the individual referent or referents intended, such as and Compare {interrogative, relative}. demonstrative 6. syl de+mon+stra+tive pron pos n. qual Grammar. def a demonstrative word or construction. demonstratively sub head demonstrative syl de+1mon+stra+tive+ly pos adv. demonstrativeness sub head demonstrative syl de+1mon+stra+tive+ness pos n. demonstrator 1. syl de+mon+stra+tor pron <1dem*n2strAt*> pos n. def a person who demonstrates equipment, machines, products, etc. demonstrator 2. syl de+mon+stra+tor pron <1dem*n2strAt*> pos n. def a person who takes part in a public demonstration. demoralise alt head demoralize or demoralize syl de+mor+al+ise pron pos vb. mod tr. demoralize 1. or demoralise syl de+mor+al+ize pron pos vb. mod tr. def to undermine the morale of; dishearten. exam 1 he was demoralized by his defeat. demoralize 2. or demoralise syl de+mor+al+ize pron pos vb. mod tr. def to debase morally; corrupt. demoralize 3. or demoralise syl de+mor+al+ize pron pos vb. mod tr. def to throw into confusion. demoralization sub head demoralize or demoralisation syl de+2mor+al:i+1za+tion pos n. demoralisation sub head demoralize or demoralization syl de+2mor+al:i+1sa+tion pos n. demoralizer sub head demoralize or demoraliser syl de+1mor+al+2iz+er pos n. demoraliser sub head demoralize or demoralizer syl de+1mor+al+2is+er pos n. demos ety C19: from Greek: the populace; see #7deme demos 1. syl de+mos pron <1dEmos> pos n. def the people of a nation regarded as a political unit. demos 2. syl de+mos pron <1dEmos> pos n. qual Rare. def the common people; masses. Demosthenes 0. syl De:mos:the:nes pron pos n. def 384-322 #7b.c., Athenian statesman, orator, and lifelong opponent of the power of Macedonia over Greece. demote ety C19: from #7de -#7+ (#7pro) #7mote demote 0. syl de+mote pron pos vb. mod tr. def to lower in rank or position; relegate. demotion sub head demote syl de+1mo+tion pos n. demotic ety C19: from Greek d*_emotikos of the people, from d*_emot*_es a man of the people, commoner; see #7demos demotic 1. syl de+mot+ic pron pos adj. def of or relating to the common people; popular. demotic 2. syl de+mot+ic pron pos adj. def of or relating to a simplified form of hieroglyphics used in ancient Egypt by the ordinary literate class outside the priesthood. Compare {hieratic}. demotic 3. syl de+mot+ic pron pos n. def the demotic script of ancient Egypt. demotist sub head demotic syl de+1mot+ist pos n. Demotic 1. syl De+mot+ic pron pos n. def the spoken form of Modern Greek, now increasingly used in literature. Compare {Katharevusa}. Demotic 2. syl De+mot+ic pron pos adj. def denoting or relating to this. demount 0. syl de+mount pron pos vb. mod tr. def to remove (a motor, gun, etc.) from its mounting or setting. demountable sub head demount syl de+1mount+a:ble pos adj. Jack infl head Dempsey syl Jack. pos n. Dempsey 0. syl Demp:sey pron <1dempsi> pos n. def original name born l895, U.S. boxer; world heavyweight champion (1919-26). dempster 0. syl demp+ster pron <1dempst*> pos n. def a variant spelling of {deemster}. demulcent ety C18: from Latin d*_emulc*_ere to caress soothingly, from #7de -#7+ mulc*_ere to stroke demulcent 1. syl de+mul+cent pron pos adj. def soothing; mollifying. demulcent 2. syl de+mul+cent pron pos n. def a drug or agent that soothes the irritation of inflamed or injured skin surfaces. demulsify ety C20: from #7de -#7+emulsify demulsifies infl head demulsify syl de+mul+si+fies pos vb. demulsifying infl head demulsify syl de+mul+si+fy+ing pos vb. demulsified infl head demulsify syl de+mul+si+fied. pos vb. demulsify 0. syl de+mul+si+fy pron pos vb. def to undergo or cause to undergo a process in which an emulsion is permanently broken down into its constituents. demulsification sub head demulsify syl de+2mul+si+fi+1ca+tion pos n. demulsifier sub head demulsify syl de+1mul+si+2fi+er pos n. demur ety C13: from Old French demorer, from Latin d*_emor*_ar*_i to loiter, linger, from mor*_ar*_i to delay, from mora a delay demurs infl head demur syl de+murs pos vb. mod intr. demurring infl head demur syl de+mur+ring pos vb. mod intr. demurred infl head demur syl de+murred. pos vb. mod intr. demur 1. syl de+mur pron pos vb. mod intr. def to raise objections or show reluctance; object. demur 2. syl de+mur pron pos vb. mod intr. qual Law. def to raise an objection by entering a demurrer. demur 3. syl de+mur pron pos vb. mod intr. qual Archaic. def to hesitate; delay. demur 4. syl de+mur pron pos n. mod intr. usage also def the act of demurring. demur 5. syl de+mur pron pos n. mod intr. usage also def an objection raised. demur 6. syl de+mur pron pos n. mod intr. qual Archaic. usage also def hesitation. demurrable sub head demur syl de+1mur+ra:ble pos adj. demure ety C14: perhaps from Old French demorer to delay, linger; perhaps influenced by meur ripe, #7mature demure 1. syl de+mure pron pos adj. def sedate; decorous; reserved. demure 2. syl de+mure pron pos adj. def affectedly modest or prim; coy. demurely sub head demure syl de+1mure+ly pos adv. demureness sub head demure syl de+1mure+ness pos n. demurrage 1. syl de+mur+rage pron pos n. def the delaying of a ship, railway wagon, etc., caused by the charterer's failure to load, unload, etc., before the time of scheduled departure. demurrage 2. syl de+mur+rage pron pos n. def the extra charge required as compensation for such delay. demurrage 3. syl de+mur+rage pron pos n. def a fee charged by the Bank of England for changing bullion into notes. demurrer 1. syl de+mur+rer pron pos n. qual Law. def a pleading that admits an opponent's point but denies that it is a relevant or valid argument. demurrer 2. syl de+mur+rer pron pos n. def any objection raised. demy ety C16: see #7demi - demies infl head demy syl de:mies. pos n. mod pl. demy 1.a. syl de:my pron pos n. def a size of printing paper, 17@2#800177 by 22@2#800178 inches (444.5#M571.5 mm). demy 1.b. syl de:my pron pos n. def a size of writing paper, 15@2#800179 by 20 inches (Brit.) (393.7#M571.5 mm) or 16 by 21 inches (U.S.) (406.4#M533.4 mm). demy 2. syl de:my pron pos n. def either one of two book sizes, 8@2#800180 by 5@2#800181 inches ({demy octavo}) or (chiefly Brit.) 11@3#800182 by 8@7#800183 inches ({demy quarto) }. demystifies infl head demystify syl de+mys+ti+fies pos vb. mod tr. demystifying infl head demystify syl de+mys+ti+fy+ing pos vb. mod tr. demystified infl head demystify syl de+mys+ti+fied. pos vb. mod tr. demystify 0. syl de+mys+ti+fy pron pos vb. mod tr. def to remove the mystery from; make clear. &- {de+@!mys+ti+fi+#!ca+tion} demythologise alt head demythologize or demythologize syl de+my+thol:o+gise pron <2dEmi1Tol*2JIz> pos vb. mod tr. demythologize 1. or demythologise syl de+my+thol:o+gize pron <2dEmi1Tol*2JIz> pos vb. mod tr. def to eliminate all mythical elements from (a piece of writing, esp. the Bible) so as to arrive at an essential meaning. demythologize 2. or demythologise syl de+my+thol:o+gize pron <2dEmi1Tol*2JIz> pos vb. mod tr. def to restate (a message, esp. a religious one) in rational terms. demythologization sub head demythologize or demythologisation syl de+my+2thol:o+gi+1za+tion pos n. demythologisation sub head demythologize or demythologization syl de+my+2thol:o+gi+1sa+tion pos n. den ety Old English denn; related to Old High German tenni threshing floor, early Dutch denne low ground, den, cave den 1. syl den pron pos n. def the habitat or retreat of a lion or similar wild animal; lair. den 2. syl den pron pos n. def a small or secluded room in a home, often used for carrying on a hobby. den 3. syl den pron pos n. def a squalid or wretched room or retreat. den 4. syl den pron pos n. def a site or haunt. exam 1 a den of vice. den 5. syl den pron pos n. qual Scot. def a small wooded valley; dingle. den 6. syl den pron pos n. qual Scot. and northern Brit. dialect. def a place of sanctuary in certain catching games; home or base. dens infl head den syl dens pos vb. denning infl head den syl den+ning pos vb. denned infl head den syl denned. pos vb. den 7. syl den pron pos vb. mod intr. def to live in or as if in a den. Den 0. syl Den. qual abbrev. for def Denmark. denarius ety C16: from Latin: coin originally equal to ten asses, from d*_en*_arius (adj.) containing ten, from d*_en*_i ten each, from decem ten denarii infl head denarius syl de+nar:i:i pron <-1ne*ri2I> pos n. mod pl. denarius 1. syl de+nar+i:us pron pos n. def a silver coin of ancient Rome, often called a penny in translation. denarius 2. syl de+nar+i:us pron pos n. def a gold coin worth 25 silver denarii. denary ety C16: from Latin d*_en*_arius containing ten; see #7denarius denary 1. syl de+na:ry pron <1dEn*ri> pos adj. def calculated by tens; based on ten; decimal. denary 2. syl de+na:ry pron <1dEn*ri> pos adj. def containing ten parts; tenfold. denationalise alt head denationalize or denationalize syl de+na+tion+al+ise pron pos vb. denationalize 1. or denationalise syl de+na+tion+al+ize pron pos vb. def to return or transfer (an industry, etc.) from public to private ownership. denationalize 2. or denationalise syl de+na+tion+al+ize pron pos vb. def to deprive (an individual, people, institution, etc.) of national character or nationality. denationalization sub head denationalize or denationalisation syl de+2na+tion+al:i+1za+tion pos n. denationalisation sub head denationalize or denationalization syl de+2na+tion+al:i+1sa+tion pos n. denaturalise alt head denaturalize or denaturalize syl de+nat:u+ral+ise pron pos vb. mod tr. denaturalize 1. or denaturalise syl de+nat:u+ral+ize pron pos vb. mod tr. def to deprive of nationality. denaturalize 2. or denaturalise syl de+nat:u+ral+ize pron pos vb. mod tr. def to make unnatural. denaturalization sub head denaturalize or denaturalisation syl de+2nat:u+ral:i+1za+tion pos n. denaturalisation sub head denaturalize or denaturalization syl de+2nat:u+ral:i+1sa+tion pos n. denaturize alt head denature or denature syl de+na+tur+ize pron pos vb. mod tr. denaturise infl head denature syl de+na+tur+ise pron pos vb. mod tr. denature 1. or denaturize syl de+na+ture pron pos vb. mod tr. def to change the nature of. denature 2. or denaturize syl de+na+ture pron pos vb. mod tr. def to change (a protein) by chemical or physical means, such as the action of acid or heat, to cause loss of solubility, biological activity, etc. denature 3. or denaturize syl de+na+ture pron pos vb. mod tr. def to render (ethyl alcohol) unfit for drinking by adding methanol or other nauseous substances. denature 4. or denaturize syl de+na+ture pron pos vb. mod tr. def to render (fissile material) unfit for use in nuclear weapons by addition of an isotope. denaturant sub head denature syl de+1na+tur+ant pos n. denaturation sub head denature syl de+2na+tur:1a+tion pos n. denazifies infl head denazify syl de+na+zi+fies pos vb. mod tr. denazifying infl head denazify syl de+na+zi+fy+ing pos vb. mod tr. denazified infl head denazify syl de+na+zi+fied. pos vb. mod tr. denazify 0. syl de+na+zi+fy pron pos vb. mod tr. def to free or declare (people, institutions, etc.) freed from Nazi influence or ideology. denazification sub head denazify syl de+2na+zi+fi+1ca+tion pos n. Denbighshire 0. syl Den+bigh+shire pron <1denbi2Si*>, <-S*> pos n. usage until 1974 def a county of N Wales, now part of Clwyd. dendriform 0. syl den+dri+form pron <1dendri2fc:m> pos adj. def branching or treelike in appearance. dendrite ety C18: from Greek dendrit*_es relating to a tree dendrite 1. syl den+drite pron <1dendrIt> pos n. def any of the short branched threadlike extensions of a nerve cell, which conduct impulses towards the cell body. dendrite 2. syl den+drite pron <1dendrIt> pos n. def a branching mosslike crystalline structure in some rocks and minerals. dendrite 3. syl den+drite pron <1dendrIt> pos n. def a crystal that has branched during growth and has a treelike form. dendritic sub head dendrite or dendritical syl den+drit+ic pron pos adj. dendritical sub head dendrite or dendritic syl den+1drit:i+cal pos adj. dendritically sub head dendrite syl den+1drit:i+cal+ly pos adv. dendro- ety New Latin, from Greek, from dendron tree dendri- infl head dendro- syl den:dri- dendrochronology 0. syl den+dro+chro+nol+o:gy pron <2dendr*ukr*1nol*Ji> pos n. def the study of the annual rings of trees, used esp. to date past events. dendrochronological sub head dendrochronology syl den+dro+chron:o+log:i+cal pron <2dendr*u2kron%@1loJikL> pos adj. dendroid ety C19: from Greek dendroeid*_es like a tree dendroidal alt head dendroid or dendroid syl den+droi+dal pron pos adj. dendroid 1. or dendroidal syl den+droid pron <1dendrcid> pos adj. def freely branching; arborescent; treelike. dendroid 2. or dendroidal syl den+droid pron <1dendrcid> pos adj. usage esp. of tree ferns def having a tall trunklike stem. dendrology 0. syl den+drol+o:gy pron pos n. def the branch of botany that is concerned with the natural history of trees and shrubs. dendrological sub head dendrology syl den+dro+log:i+cal pron <2dendr*1loJikL> pos adj. dendrologic sub head dendrology or dendrologous syl den+dro+1log+ic pos adj. dendrologous sub head dendrology or dendrologic syl den+1drol:o+gous pos adj. dendrologist sub head dendrology syl den+1drol:o+gist pos n. dene ety Old English denu valley; see #7den dean alt head dene or dene syl dean pron pos n. dene H1.0. or dean syl dene pron pos n. qual Brit. def a valley, esp. one that is narrow and wooded. dene ety C13: probably related to Old English d*_un hill; see {#7down %3} dean alt head dene or dene syl dean pron pos n. dene H2.0. or dean syl dene pron pos n. qual Dialect, chiefly southern Brit. def a sandy stretch of land or dune near the sea. Deneb ety C19: from Arabic dhanab a tail Deneb 0. syl Den+eb pron <1deneb> pos n. def the brightest star in the constellation Cygnus and one of the brightest but remotest stars in the night sky. Visual magnitude: 1.3; spectral type: A2. Denebola ety from Arabic dhanab al- (asad) tail of the (lion) Denebola 0. syl De+neb:o+la pron pos n. def the second brightest star in the constellation Leo. Visual magnitude: 2.2; spectral type: A2. denegation ety C17: from Late Latin d*_eneg*_ati*_o, from Latin d*_eneg*_are to deny, refuse, from neg*_are to deny denegation 0. syl de+ne:ga+tion pron <2deni1gAS*n> pos n. def a denial, contradiction, or refusal. DEng 0. syl D.Eng. qual abbrev. for def Doctor of Engineering. dengue ety C19: from Spanish, probably of African origin; compare Swahili kidinga dandy alt head dengue or dengue syl dan+dy pron <1d@ndi> pos n. dengue 0. or dandy syl den+gue pron <1deGgi> pos n. def an acute viral disease transmitted by mosquitoes, characterized by headache, fever, pains in the joints, and skin rash. Also called: {breakbone fever}. Den Haag 0. syl Den Haag pron <1ha:$x> pos n. def the Dutch name for (The) {Hague}. Den Helder 0. syl Den Hel+der pron Dutch <1held*r> pos n. def a port in the W Netherlands, in North Holland province: fortified by Napoleon in 1811; naval station. Pop.: 61457 (1973 est.). deniable 0. syl de+ni+a:ble pron pos adj. def able to be denied; questionable. deniably sub head deniable syl de+1ni+a:bly pos adv. denial 1. syl de+ni+al pron pos n. def a refusal to agree or comply with a statement; contradiction. denial 2. syl de+ni+al pron pos n. def the rejection of the truth of a proposition, doctrine, etc.. exam 1 a denial of God's existence. denial 3. syl de+ni+al pron pos n. def a negative reply; rejection of a request. denial 4. syl de+ni+al pron pos n. def a refusal to acknowl?!edge; renunciation; disavowal. exam 1 a denial of one's leader. denial 5. syl de+ni+al pron pos n. def a psychological process in which painful truths are forced out of an individual's consciousness. See also {defence mechanism}. denial 6. syl de+ni+al pron pos n. def abstinence; self-denial. denier ety C15: from Old French: coin, from Latin d*_en*_arius #7denarius denier H1.1. syl den+ier pron <1deni2A>, <1dAnj*> pos n. def a unit of weight used to measure the fineness of silk and man-made fibres, esp. when woven into women's tights, etc. It is equal to 1 gram per 9000 metres. denier H1.2. syl den+ier pron , <-1ni*> pos n. def any of several former European coins of various denominations. denier H2.0. syl de+ni+er pron pos n. def a person who denies. denigrate ety C16: from Latin d*_enigr*_are to make very black, defame, from nigr*_are to blacken, from niger black denigrate 1. syl den:i+grate pron <1deni2grAt> pos vb. def to belittle or disparage the character of; defame. denigrate 2. syl den:i+grate pron <1deni2grAt> pos vb. def a rare word for {blacken}. denigration sub head denigrate syl den:i+1gra+tion pos n. denigrator sub head denigrate syl den:i+2gra+tor pos n. denim ety C17: from French (serge) de N*^imes (serge) of N#7*^imes denim 1.a. syl den+im pron <1denim> pos n. qual Textiles. def a hard-wearing twill-weave cotton fabric used for trousers, work clothes, etc. denim 1.b. syl den+im pron <1denim> pos n. qual Textiles. usage as modifier exam 1 a denim jacket. denim 2.a. syl den+im pron <1denim> pos n. qual Textiles. def a similar lighter fabric used in upholstery. denim 2.b. syl den+im pron <1denim> pos n. qual Textiles. usage as modifier exam 1 denim cushion covers. denims 0. syl den+ims pron <1denimz> pos n. mod pl. def jeans or overalls made of denim. Maurice 1. head Denis syl Mau:rice pron def 1870-1943, French painter and writer on art. One of the leading Nabis, he defined a picture as @6essentially a flat surface covered with colours assembled in a certain order.@9 Saint 2. head Denis syl Saint. def Also: {Denys}. 3rd century #7a.d., first bishop of Paris; patron saint of France. Feast day: Oct. 9. denitrate 0. syl de+ni+trate pron pos vb. def to undergo or cause to undergo a process in which a compound loses a nitro or nitrate group, nitrogen dioxide, or nitric acid. denitration sub head denitrate syl de+ni+1tra+tion pos n. denitrifies infl head denitrify syl de+ni+tri+fies pos vb. denitrifying infl head denitrify syl de+ni+tri+fy+ing pos vb. denitrified infl head denitrify syl de+ni+tri+fied. pos vb. denitrify 0. syl de+ni+tri+fy pron pos vb. def to undergo or cause to undergo loss or removal of nitrogen compounds or nitrogen. denitrification sub head denitrify syl de+2ni+tri+fi+1ca+tion pos n. denizen ety C15: from Anglo-French denisein, from Old French denzein, from denz within, from Latin de intus from within denizen 1. syl den:i+zen pron <1deniz*n> pos n. def an inhabitant; occupant; resident. denizen 2. syl den:i+zen pron <1deniz*n> pos n. qual Brit. def an individual permanently resident in a foreign country where he enjoys certain rights of citizenship. denizen 3. syl den:i+zen pron <1deniz*n> pos n. def a plant or animal established in a place to which it is not native. denizen 4. syl den:i+zen pron <1deniz*n> pos n. def a naturalized foreign word. denizen 5. syl den:i+zen pron <1deniz*n> pos vb. mod tr. def to make a denizen. Denmark 0. syl Den+mark pron <1denma:k> pos n. def a kingdom in N Europe, between the Baltic and the North Sea: consists of the mainland of Jutland and about 100 inhabited islands (chiefly Zealand, Lolland, Funen, Falster, Langeland, and Bornholm); extended its territory throughout the Middle Ages, ruling Sweden until 1523 and Norway until 1814, and incorporating Greenland as a province in 1953; joined the Common Market in 1973; an important exporter of dairy produce. Language: Danish. Religion: chiefly Lutheran. Currency: krone. Capital: Copenhagen. Pop.: 5059000 (1975 est.). Area: 43031 sq. km (16614 sq. miles). Danish name: {Danmark}. Denmark Strait 0. syl Den+mark Strait pos n. def a channel between SE Greenland and Iceland, linking the Arctic Ocean with the Atlantic. Denning 0. syl Den:ning pron <1deniG> pos n. def Baron {Al@.fred Thomp@.son}. born 1899, English judge; Master of the Rolls since 1962. denom 0. syl denom. usage abbrev. for religious def denomination. denominate 1. syl de+nom:i+nate pron pos vb. mod tr. def to give a specific name to; designate. denominate 2. syl de+nom:i+nate pron , <-2nAt> pos adj. usage Maths. of a number def represent?!ing a multiple of a unit of measurement. exam 1 4 is the denominate number in 4 miles. denominable sub head denominate syl de+1nom:i+na:ble pos adj. denomination 1. syl de+nom:i+na+tion pron pos n. def a group having a distinctive interpretation of a religious faith and usually its own organization. denomination 2. syl de+nom:i+na+tion pron pos n. def a grade or unit in a series of designations of value, weight, measure, etc.. exam 1 coins of this denomination are being withdrawn. denomination 3. syl de+nom:i+na+tion pron pos n. def a name given to a class or group; classification. denomination 4. syl de+nom:i+na+tion pron pos n. def the act of giving a name. denomination 5. syl de+nom:i+na+tion pron pos n. def a name; designation. denominational sub head denomination syl de+2nom:i+1na+tion+al pos adj. denominationally sub head denomination syl de+2nom:i+1na+tion+al+ly pos adv. denominationalism 1. syl de+nom:i+na+tion+al+ism pron pos n. def adherence to particular principles, esp. to the tenets of a religious denomination; sectarianism. denominationalism 2. syl de+nom:i+na+tion+al+ism pron pos n. def the tendency to divide or cause to divide into sects or denominations. denominationalism 3. syl de+nom:i+na+tion+al+ism pron pos n. def division into denominations. denominationalist sub head denominationalism syl de+2nom:i+1na+tion+al+ist pos n. adj. denominative 1. syl de+nom:i+na+tive pron pos adj. def giving or constituting a name; naming. denominative 2.a. syl de+nom:i+na+tive pron pos adj. usage of a word other than a noun def formed from or having the same form as a noun. denominative 2.b. syl de+nom:i+na+tive pron pos as; n. exam 1 the verb @6to mushroom@9 is a denominative. denominatively sub head denominative syl de+1nom:i+na+tive+ly pos adv. denominator 1. syl de+nom:i+na+tor pron pos n. def the divisor of a fraction, as 8 in @8. Compare { {numerator} (sense 1)}. denominator 2. syl de+nom:i+na+tor pron pos n. qual Archaic. def a person or thing that denominates or designates. denotation 1. syl de+no+ta+tion pron <2dEn*u1tAS*n> pos n. def the act or process of denot?!ing; indication. denotation 2. syl de+no+ta+tion pron <2dEn*u1tAS*n> pos n. def a sign, term, symbol, etc., that denotes; name. denotation 3. syl de+no+ta+tion pron <2dEn*u1tAS*n> pos n. def a particular meaning given by a sign or symbol; something designated or referred to. denotation 4. syl de+no+ta+tion pron <2dEn*u1tAS*n> pos n. def explicit or specific meaning as distinguished from suggestive meaning and associations. Compare {connotation}. denotation 5. syl de+no+ta+tion pron <2dEn*u1tAS*n> pos n. qual Logic. def another name for { {extension} (sense 11)}. denotative 1. syl de+no+ta+tive pron pos adj. def able to denote; designative. denotative 2. syl de+no+ta+tive pron pos adj. def explicit; overt. denotatively sub head denotative syl de+1no+ta+tive+ly pos adv. denote ety C16: from Latin d*_enot*_are to mark, from not*_are to mark, #7note denote 1. syl de+note pron pos vb. mod tr. usage may take a clause as object def to be a sign, symbol, or symptom of; indicate or designate. denote 2. syl de+note pron pos vb. mod tr. usage may take a clause as object; of words, phrases, expressions, etc. def to have as a literal or obvious meaning. denotable sub head denote syl de+1not+a:ble pos adj. denotement sub head denote syl de+1note+ment pos n. denouement ety C18: from French, literally: an untying, from d*'enouer to untie, from Old French desnoer, from des- #7de -#7+ noer to tie, knot, from Latin n*_od*_are, from n*_odus a knot; see #7node d'enouement alt head denouement or denouement syl d*'e+noue+ment pron French pos n. denouement 1.a. or d'enouement syl de+noue+ment pron pos n. def the final clarification or resolution of a plot in a play or other work. denouement 1.b. or d'enouement syl de+noue+ment pron pos n. def the point at which this occurs. denouement 2. or d'enouement syl de+noue+ment pron pos n. def final outcome; solution. denounce ety C13: from Old French denoncier to proclaim, from Latin d*_enunti*_are to make an official proclamation, threaten, from #7de -#7+ nunti*_are to announce denounce 1. syl de+nounce pron pos vb. mod tr. def to deplore or condemn openly or vehemently. denounce 2. syl de+nounce pron pos vb. mod tr. def to give information against; accuse. denounce 3. syl de+nounce pron pos vb. mod tr. def to announce formally the termination of (a treaty, etc.). denounce 4.a. syl de+nounce pron pos vb. mod tr. def to announce (something evil). denounce 4.b. syl de+nounce pron pos vb. mod tr. def to portend. denouncement sub head denounce syl de+1nounce+ment pos n. denouncer sub head denounce syl de+1nounc+er pos n. de novo 0. syl de no:vo pron Latin. <1n*uv*u> pos adv. def from the beginning; anew. dense ety C15: from Latin densus thick; related to Greek dasus thickly covered with hair or leaves dense 1. syl dense pron pos adj. def thickly crowded or closely set. exam 1 a dense crowd. dense 2. syl dense pron pos adj. def thick; impenetrable. exam 1 a dense fog. dense 3. syl dense pron pos adj. qual Physics. def having a high density. dense 4. syl dense pron pos adj. def stupid; dull; obtuse. dense 5. syl dense pron pos adj. usage of a photographic negative def having many dark or exposed areas. dense 6. syl dense pron pos adj. usage of an optical glass, colour, etc. def transmitting little or no light. densely sub head dense syl dense+ly pos adv. denseness sub head dense syl dense+ness pos n. densimeter 0. syl den+sim+e:ter pron pos n. qual Physics. def any instrument for measuring density. densimetric sub head densimeter syl den+si+met+ric pron <2densi1metrik> pos adj. densimetry sub head densimeter syl den+1sim+e:try pos n. densitometer 0. syl den+si+tom+e:ter pron <2densi1tomit*> pos n. def an instrument for measuring the optical density of a material by directing a beam of light onto the specimen and measuring its transmission or reflection. densitometric sub head densitometer syl den+si+to+met+ric pron <2densit*1metrik> pos adj. densitometry sub head densitometer syl den+si+1tom+?!e:try pos n. densities infl head density syl den+si:ties. pos n. mod pl. density 1. syl den+si:ty pron <1densiti> pos n. def the degree to which something is filled, crowded, or occupied. exam 1 high density of building in towns. density 2. syl den+si:ty pron <1densiti> pos n. def obtuseness; stupidity. density 3. syl den+si:ty pron <1densiti> pos n. def a measure of the compactness of a substance, expressed as its mass per unit volume. It is measured in kilograms per cubic metre or pounds per cubic foot. Symbol: #Gp See also {relative density}. density 4. syl den+si:ty pron <1densiti> pos n. def a measure of a physical quantity per unit of length, area, or volume. See {charge density, current density}. density 5. syl den+si:ty pron <1densiti> pos n. qual Physics, photog. def See {transmission density, reflection density}. density 6. syl den+si:ty pron <1densiti> pos n. def Also called: {density function}. a function having a specified range and form from which can be obtained probabilities for any value or interval within the range and formulas for parameters, such as the mean and variance. Compare {distribution function}. dent ety C13 (in the sense: a stroke, blow): variant of #7dint dent H1.1. syl dent pron pos n. def a hollow or dip in a surface, as one made by pressure or a blow. dent H1.2. syl dent pron pos n. def an appreciable effect, esp. of lessening. exam 1 a dent in our resources. dent H1.3. syl dent pron pos vb. def to impress or be impressed with a dent or dents. dent ety C16: from French: tooth dent H2.1. syl dent pron pos n. def a toothlike protuberance, esp. the tooth of a sprocket or gearwheel. dent H2.2. syl dent pron pos n. qual Textiles. def the space between two wires in a loom through which a warp thread is drawn. dent 1. syl dent. qual abbrev. for: def dental. dent 2. syl dent. qual abbrev. for: def dentistry. dental ety C16: from Medieval Latin dent*_alis, from Latin d*_ens tooth dental 1. syl den+tal pron <1dentL> pos adj. def of or relating to the teeth. dental 2. syl den+tal pron <1dentL> pos adj. def of or relating to dentistry. dental 3.a. syl den+tal pron <1dentL> pos adj. def pronounced or articulated with the tip of the tongue touching the backs of the upper teeth, as for in French dental 3.b. syl den+tal pron <1dentL> pos adj. usage esp. in the phonology of some languages, such as English def another word for {alveolar}. dental 4. syl den+tal pron <1dentL> pos n. qual Phonetics. def a dental consonant. dental floss 0. syl den+tal floss pos n. def a soft usually flattened thread for cleaning the teeth and the spaces between them. dental hygiene 0. syl den+tal hy+giene pos n. def the maintenance of the teeth and gums in healthy condition, esp. by proper brushing, the removal of plaque, etc. dental hygienist 0. syl den+tal hy+gien+ist pos n. def a dentist's assistant skilled in dental hygiene. dentalium ety C19: New Latin, from Medieval Latin dent*_alis #7dental dentaliums infl head dentalium or dentalia syl den+ta+li:ums pron <-li*> pos n. mod pl. dentalia infl head dentalium or dentaliums syl den+ta+li:a pron <-li*> pos n. mod pl. dentalium 0. syl den+ta+li:um pron pos n. def any scaphopod mollusc of the genus See {tusk shell}. dental plaque 0. syl den+tal plaque pos n. def a filmy deposit on the surface of a tooth consisting of a mixture of mucus, bacteria, food, etc. Also called: {bacterial plaque}. dental surgeon 0. syl den+tal sur+geon pos n. def another name for {dentist}. dentate ety C19: from Latin dent*_atus dentate 1. syl den+tate pron <1dentAt> pos adj. def having teeth or toothlike processes. dentate 2. syl den+tate pron <1dentAt> pos adj. usage of leaves def having a toothed margin. dentately sub head dentate syl den+tate+ly pos adv. dentation 1. syl den+ta+tion pron pos n. def the state or condition of being dentate. dentation 2. syl den+ta+tion pron pos n. def an angular projection or series of projections, as on the margin of a leaf. dentex ety C19: from Latin dentix, dentex from dens tooth dentex 0. syl den+tex pron <1denteks> pos n. def a large active predatory sparid fish, of Mediterranean and E Atlantic waters, having long sharp teeth and powerful jaws. denti- ety from Latin d*_ens, dent- denticle ety C14: from Latin denticulus denticle 0. syl den+ti+cle pron <1dentikL> pos n. def a small tooth or toothlike part, such as any of the placoid scales of sharks. denticulate ety C17: from Latin denticul*_atus having small teeth denticulate 1. syl den+tic:u+late pron , <-2lAt> pos adj. qual Biology. def very finely toothed. exam 1 denticulate leaves. denticulate 2. syl den+tic:u+late pron , <-2lAt> pos adj. def having denticles. denticulate 3. syl den+tic:u+late pron , <-2lAt> pos adj. qual Architect. def having dentils. denticulately sub head denticulate syl den+1tic:u+late+ly pos adv. denticulation 1. syl den+tic:u+la+tion pron pos n. def a denticulate structure. denticulation 2. syl den+tic:u+la+tion pron pos n. def a less common word for {denticle}. dentiform 0. syl den+ti+form pron <1denti2fc:m> pos adj. def shaped like a tooth. dentifrice ety C16: from Latin dentifricium tooth powder, from dent-, dens tooth+ fric*_are to rub dentifrice 0. syl den+ti+frice pron <1dentifris> pos n. def any substance, esp. paste or powder, for use in cleaning the teeth. dentil ety C17: from French, from obsolete dentille a little tooth, from dent tooth dentil 0. syl den+til pron <1dentil> pos n. def one of a set of small square or rectangular blocks evenly spaced to form an ornamental row, usually under a classical cornice on a building, piece of furniture, etc. dentilabial 0. syl den+ti+la+bi:al pron <2denti1lAbi*l> pos adj. def another word for {labiodental}. dentilingual 1. syl den+ti+lin+gual pron <2denti1liGgw*l> pos adj. qual Phonetics. def pronounced or articulated with the tongue touching the upper teeth. {~} dentilingual 2. syl den+ti+lin+gual pron <2denti1liGgw*l> pos adj. def a consonant so pronounced. dentine ety C19: from #7denti -#7+ -#7in dentin alt head dentine or dentine syl den+tin pron <1dentin> pos n. dentine 0. or dentin syl den+tine pron <1dentEn> pos n. def the calcified tissue surrounding the pulp cavity of a tooth and comprising the bulk of the tooth. dentinal sub head dentine syl den+tin+al pos adj. dentist ety C18: from French dentiste, from dent tooth dentist 0. syl den+tist pron <1dentist> pos n. def a person qualified to practise dentistry. dentistry 0. syl den+tis+try pron <1dentistri> pos n. def the branch of medical science con?!cerned with the diagnosis and treatment of diseases and disorders of the teeth and gums. dentition ety C17: from Latin dent*_iti*_o a teething dentition 1. syl den+ti+tion pron pos n. def the arrangement, type, and number of the teeth in a particular species. Man has a {primary dentition} of deciduous teeth and a {secondary dentition} of permanent teeth. dentition 2. syl den+ti+tion pron pos n. def teething or the time or process of teething. dentoid 0. syl den+toid pron <1dentcid> pos adj. def resembling a tooth. Denton 0. syl Den+ton pron <1dentN> pos n. def a town in NW England, in SW Lancashire. Pop.: 38107 (1971). D'Entrecasteaux Islands 0. syl D'En+tre+cas+teaux Is+lands pron French pos n. mod pl. def a group of volcanic islands in the Pacific, off the SE coast of New Guinea: part of Papua New Guinea. Pop.: 100056 (1966). Area: 3141 sq. km (1213 sq. miles). denture ety C19: from French, from dent tooth+-#7ure denture 1. syl den+ture pron <1denC*> pos n. mod usually; pl. def Also called: {dental plate, false teeth}. a partial or full set of artificial teeth. denture 2. syl den+ture pron <1denC*> pos n. mod usually; pl. qual Rare. def a set of natural teeth. denuclearise alt head denuclearize or denuclearize syl de+nu+cle:ar+ise pron pos vb. mod tr. denuclearize 0. or denuclearise syl de+nu+cle:ar+ize pron pos vb. mod tr. def to deprive (a country, state, etc.) of nuclear weapons. &- {de+@!nu+cle@.ar@.i+#!za+tion} {de+@!nu+cle@.ar@.i+#!sa+tion} denudate 1. syl den:u+date pron <1denju2dAt>, pos vb. def a less common word for {denude}. denudate 2. syl den:u+date pron <1denju2dAt>, pos adj. def denuded; bare. denude 1. syl de+nude pron pos vb. mod tr. def to divest of covering; make bare; uncover; strip. denude 2. syl de+nude pron pos vb. mod tr. def to expose (rock) by the erosion of the layers above. denudation sub head denude syl den:u+da+tion pron <2denju1dAS*n>, <2dE-> pos n. denuder sub head denude syl de+1nud+er pos n. denumerable 0. syl de+nu+mer+a:ble pron pos adj. qual Maths. def capable of being put into a one-to-one correspondence with the positive integers; countable. denumerably sub head denumerable syl de+1nu+mer+a:bly pos adv. denunciate ety C16: from Latin d*_enunti*_are; see #7denounce denunciate 0. syl de+nun+ci+ate pron pos vb. mod tr. def to condemn; denounce. denunciator sub head denunciate syl de+1nun+ci:2a+tor pos n. denunciatory sub head denunciate syl de+1nun+ci:a+to:ry pos adj. denunciation 1. syl de+nun+ci:a+tion pron pos n. def open condemnation; censure; denouncing. denunciation 2. syl de+nun+ci:a+tion pron pos n. qual Law, obsolete. def a charge or accusation of crime made by an individual before a public prosecutor or tribunal. denunciation 3. syl de+nun+ci:a+tion pron pos n. def a formal announcement of the termination of a treaty. denunciation 4. syl de+nun+ci:a+tion pron pos n. qual Archaic. def an announcement in the form of an impend?!ing threat or warning. Denver 0. syl Den+ver pron <1denv*> pos n. def a city in central Colorado: the state capital. Pop.: 515593 (1973 est.). deny ety C13: from Old French denier, from Latin d*_eneg*_are, from neg*_are denies infl head deny syl de:nies pos vb. mod tr. denying infl head deny syl de:ny+ing pos vb. mod tr. denied infl head deny syl de:nied. pos vb. mod tr. deny 1. syl de:ny pron pos vb. mod tr. def to declare (an assertion, statement, etc.) to be untrue. exam 1 he denied that he had killed her. deny 2. syl de:ny pron pos vb. mod tr. def to reject as false; refuse to accept or believe. deny 3. syl de:ny pron pos vb. mod tr. def to withhold; refuse to give. deny 4. syl de:ny pron pos vb. mod tr. def to refuse to fulfil the requests or expectations of. exam 1 it is hard to deny a child. deny 5. syl de:ny pron pos vb. mod tr. def to refuse to acknowledge or recognize; disown; disavow. exam 1 the baron denied his wicked son. deny 6. syl de:ny pron pos vb. mod tr. def to refuse (oneself) things desired. Saint infl head Denys syl Saint. pos n. Denys 0. syl Den:ys pron <1denis>, French pos n. def a variant spelling of (Saint) {Denis}. deodand ety C16: from Anglo-French deodande, from Medieval Latin de*_odandum, from Latin De*_o dandum (something) to be given to God, from deus god+ dare to give deodand 0. syl de:o+dand pron <1dE*u2d@nd> pos n. usage English law. formerly def a thing that had caused a person's death and was forfeited to the crown for a charitable purpose: abolished 1862. deodar ety C19: from Hindi deod*_ar, from Sanskrit devad*_aru, literally: wood of the gods, from deva god+ d*_aru wood deodar 1. syl de:o+dar pron <1dE*u2da:> pos n. def a Himalayan cedar, with drooping branches. deodar 2. syl de:o+dar pron <1dE*u2da:> pos n. def the durable fragrant highly valued wood of this tree. deodorant 1.a. syl de+o:dor+ant pron pos n. def a substance applied to the body to suppress or mask the odour of perspiration or other body odours. deodorant 1.b. syl de+o:dor+ant pron pos n. usage as modifier; a deodorant spray. def Compare {antiperspirant}. deodorant 2. syl de+o:dor+ant pron pos n. def any substance for destroying or masking odours, such as liquid sprayed into the air. deodorise alt head deodorize or deodorize syl de+o:dor+ise pron pos vb. mod tr. deodorize 0. or deodorise syl de+o:dor+ize pron pos vb. mod tr. def to remove, disguise, or absorb the odour of, esp. when unpleasant. deodorization sub head deodorize or deodorisation syl de+2o:dor:i+1za+tion pos n. deodorisation sub head deodorize or deodorization syl de+2o:dor:i+1sa+tion pos n. deodorizer sub head deodorize or deodoriser syl de+1o:dor+2iz+er pos n. deodoriser sub head deodorize or deodorizer syl de+1o:dor+2is+er pos n. Deo gratias 0. syl De:o gra+ti+as pron Latin. <1dA*u> <1gra:ti*s> def thanks be to God. Abbrev: {D.G}. deontic ety C19: from Greek deon duty, from impersonal dei it behoves, it is binding deontic 0.a. syl de+on+tic pron pos adj. qual Logic. def of or relating to such ethical concepts as obligation and permissibility. deontic 0.b. syl de+on+tic pron pos adj. qual Logic. def designating the branch of modal logic that deals with the formalization of these concepts. deontology ety C19: from Greek deon duty (see #7deontic) #7+ -#7logy deontology 0. syl de+on+tol+o:gy pron <2dEon1tol*Ji> pos n. def the branch of ethics dealing with duty, moral obligation, and moral commitment. deontological sub head deontology syl de+on+to+log:i+cal pron pos adj. deontologist sub head deontology syl de+on+1tol:o+gist pos n. Deo volente 0. syl De:o vo+len+te pron Latin. <1dA*u> def God willing. Abbrev.: {D.V}. deoxidise alt head deoxidize or deoxidize syl de+ox:i+dise pron pos vb. deoxidize 1.a. or deoxidise syl de+ox:i+dize pron pos vb. def to remove oxygen atoms from (a compound, molecule, etc.). deoxidize 1.b. or deoxidise syl de+ox:i+dize pron pos vb. def another word for {deoxygenate}. deoxidize 2. or deoxidise syl de+ox:i+dize pron pos vb. def another word for { {reduce} (sense 11)}. deoxidization sub head deoxidize or deoxidisation syl de+2ox:i+di+1za+tion pos n. deoxidisation sub head deoxidize or deoxidization syl de+2ox:i+di+1sa+tion pos n. deoxidizer sub head deoxidize or deoxidiser syl de+1ox:i+2diz+er pos n. deoxidiser sub head deoxidize or deoxidizer syl de+1ox:i+2dis+er pos n. desoxy- alt head deoxy- or deoxy- syl des:ox:y- deoxy- 0. or desoxy- syl de:ox:y- usage combining form. def indicating the presence of less oxygen than in a specified related compound. exam 1 deoxyribonucleic acid. deoxycortone alt head deoxycorticosterone or deoxycorticosterone syl de+ox:y+cor+tone pron pos n. deoxycorticosterone 0. or deoxycortone syl de+ox:y+cor+ti+co+ster+one pron pos n. def a corticosteroid hormone important in maintaining sodium and water balance in the body. deoxygenize alt head deoxygenate or deoxygenate syl de+ox:y+gen+ize pron pos vb. mod tr. deoxygenise infl head deoxygenate syl de+ox:y+gen+ise pron pos vb. mod tr. deoxygenate 0. or deoxygenize syl de+ox:y+gen+ate pron pos vb. mod tr. def to remove oxygen from (water, air, etc.). deoxygenation sub head deoxygenate syl de+2ox:y+gen:1a+tion pos n. desoxyribonucleic acid alt head deoxyribonucleic acid or deoxyribonucleic acid syl des+ox:y+ri+bo+nu+cle+ic ac:id pos n. deoxyribonucleic acid 0. or desoxyribonucleic acid syl de+ox:y+ri+bo+nu+cle+ic ac:id pron pos n. def the full name for {DNA} desoxyribose alt head deoxyribose or deoxyribose syl des+ox:y+ri+bose pron , <-b*uz> pos n. deoxyribose 0. or desoxyribose syl de+ox:y+ri+bose pron , <-b*uz> pos n. def a pentose sugar obtained by the hydrolysis of DNA. Formula: C\5H\1\0O\4. dep 1. syl dep. qual abbrev. for: def departs. dep 2. syl dep. qual abbrev. for: def departure. dep 3. syl dep. qual abbrev. for: def deponent. dep 4. syl dep. qual abbrev. for: def deposed. dep 5. syl dep. qual abbrev. for: def deposit. dep 6. syl dep. qual abbrev. for: def depot. dep 7. syl dep. qual abbrev. for: def deputy. depart ety C13: from Old French departir, from #7de -#7+ partir to go away, divide, from Latin part*_ir*_i to divide, distribute, from pars a part depart 1. syl de+part pron pos vb. mod mainly; intr. def to go away; leave. depart 2. syl de+part pron pos vb. mod mainly; intr. def to start out; set forth. depart 3. syl de+part pron pos vb. mod mainly; intr. usage usually foll. by from def to deviate; differ; vary. exam 1 to depart from normal procedure. depart 4. syl de+part pron pos vb. mod tr. def to quit (archaic, except in the phrase {depart this life) }. departed 0.a. syl de+part+ed pron pos adj. qual Euphemistic. def dead; deceased. departed 0.b. syl de+part+ed pron pos as collective; n. qual Euphemistic. usage preceded by the exam 1 the departed. department ety C18: from French d*'epartement, from d*'epartir to divide; see #7depart department 1. syl de+part+ment pron pos n. def a specialized division of a large concern, such as a business, store, or university. exam 1 the geography department. department 2. syl de+part+ment pron pos n. def a major subdivision or branch of the administration of a government. department 3. syl de+part+ment pron pos n. def a branch or subdivision of learning. exam 1 physics is a department of science. department 4. syl de+part+ment pron pos n. def a territorial and administrative division in several countries, such as France. department 5. syl de+part+ment pron pos n. qual Informal. def a specialized sphere of knowledge, skill, or activity. exam 1 wine-making is my wife's department. departmental sub head department syl de+part+men+tal pron <2dEpa:t1mentL> pos adj. departmentally sub head department syl de+part+1men+tal+ly pos adv. departmentalism 0. syl de+part+men+tal+ism pron <2dEpa:t1ment%*!liz*m> pos n. def division into departments, esp. when resulting in impaired efficiency. departmentalise alt head departmentalize or departmentalize syl de+part+ment+al+ise pron <1dEpa:t1ment%@?!2lIz> pos vb. mod tr. departmentalize 0. or departmentalise syl de+part+ment+al+ize pron <1dEpa:t1ment%@?!2lIz> pos vb. mod tr. def to organize into departments, esp. excessively. departmentalization sub head departmentalize or departmentalisation syl de+part+2men+tal:i+1za+tion pos n. departmentalisation sub head departmentalize or departmentalization syl de+part+2men+tal:i+1sa+tion pos n. department store 0. syl de+part+ment store pos n. def a large shop divided into departments selling a great many kinds of goods. departure 1. syl de+par+ture pron pos n. def the act or an instance of depart?!ing. departure 2. syl de+par+ture pron pos n. def a deviation or variation from previous custom; divergence. departure 3. syl de+par+ture pron pos n. def a project, course of action, venture, etc.. exam 1 selling is a new departure for him. departure 4.a. syl de+par+ture pron pos n. def the net distance travelled due east or west by a vessel. departure 4.b. syl de+par+ture pron pos n. def Also called: {point of departure}. the latitude and longitude of the point from which a vessel calculates dead reckoning. departure 5. syl de+par+ture pron pos n. def a euphemistic word for {death}. depasture 1. syl de+pas+ture pron pos vb. def to graze or denude by grazing (a pasture, esp. a meadow specially grown for the purpose). depasture 2. syl de+pas+ture pron pos vb. mod tr. def to pasture (cattle or sheep). depend ety C15: from Old French dependre, from Latin d*_epend*_ere to hang from, from #7de -#7+ pend*_ere to hang depend 1. syl de+pend pron pos vb. mod intr. usage foll. by on or upon def to put trust (in); rely (on); be sure (of). depend 2. syl de+pend pron pos vb. mod intr. usage usually foll. by on or upon; often with it as subject def to be influenced or determined (by); be resultant (from). exam 1 whether you come or not depends on what father says; exam 2 it all depends on you. depend 3. syl de+pend pron pos vb. mod intr. usage foll. by on or upon def to rely (on) for income, support, etc. depend 4. syl de+pend pron pos vb. mod intr. qual Rare. usage foll. by from def to hang down; be suspended. depend 5. syl de+pend pron pos vb. mod intr. def to be undecided or pending. dependable 0. syl de+pend+a:ble pron pos adj. def able to be depended on; reliable; trustworthy. dependability sub head dependable or dependableness syl de+2pend+a:1bil+i:ty pos n. dependableness sub head dependable or dependability syl de+1pend+a:ble+ness pos n. dependably sub head dependable syl de+1pend+a:bly pos adv. dependant 0. syl de+pend+ant pron pos n. def a person who depends on another person, organization, etc., for support, aid, or sustenance, esp. financial support. dependance alt head dependence or dependence syl de+pend+ance pron pos n. qual U.S. (sometimes dependence 1. or dependance syl de+pend+ence pron pos n. def the state or fact of being dependent, esp. for support or help. dependence 2. or dependance syl de+pend+ence pron pos n. def reliance; trust; confidence. dependence 3. or dependance syl de+pend+ence pron pos n. qual Rare. def an object or person relied upon. dependancy alt head dependency or dependency syl de+pend+an+cy pron pos n. qual U.S. (sometimes dependencies infl head dependency syl de+pend+en+cies. pos n. mod pl. dependency 1. or dependancy syl de+pend+en+cy pron pos n. def a territory subject to a state on which it does not border. dependency 2. or dependancy syl de+pend+en+cy pron pos n. def a dependent or subordinate person or thing. dependency 3. or dependancy syl de+pend+en+cy pron pos n. def another word for {dependence}. dependant alt head dependent or dependent syl de+pend+ant pron pos adj. qual U.S. (sometimes dependent 1. or dependant syl de+pend+ent pron pos adj. def depending on a person or thing for aid, support, life, etc. dependent 2. or dependant syl de+pend+ent pron pos adj. usage postpositive; foll. by on or upon def influenced or conditioned (by); contingent (on). dependent 3. or dependant syl de+pend+ent pron pos adj. def subordinate; subject. exam 1 a dependent prince. dependent 4. or dependant syl de+pend+ent pron pos adj. qual Obsolete. def hanging down. dependent 5.a. or dependant syl de+pend+ent pron pos adj. usage of a variable def having a value depending on that assumed by a related independent variable. dependent 5.b. or dependant syl de+pend+ent pron pos adj. usage of a linear equation def having every solution as a solution of one or more given linear equations. dependent 6. or dependant syl de+pend+ent pron pos n. def a variant spelling (esp. U.S.) of {dependant}. dependently sub head dependent syl de+1pend+ent+ly pos adv. dependent clause 0. syl de+pend+ent clause pos n. qual Grammar. def another term for {subordinate clause}. dependent variable 0. syl de+pend+ent var:i+a:ble pos n. def a variable in a mathematical equation or statement whose value depends on that taken on by the independent variable. exam 1 in depersonalise alt head depersonalize or depersonalize syl de+per+son+al+ise pron pos vb. mod tr. depersonalize 0. or depersonalise syl de+per+son+al+ize pron pos vb. mod tr. def to deprive (a person, organization, system, etc.) of individual or personal qualities; render impersonal. depersonalization sub head depersonalize or depersonalisation syl de+2per+son+al:i+1za+tion pos n. depersonalisation sub head depersonalize or depersonalization syl de+2per+son+al:i+1sa+tion pos n. depict ety C17: from Latin d*_epingere, from pingere to paint depict 1. syl de+pict pron pos vb. mod tr. def to represent by or as by drawing, sculpture, painting, etc.; delineate; portray. depict 2. syl de+pict pron pos vb. mod tr. def to represent in words; describe. depicter sub head depict or depictor syl de+1pict+er pos n. depictor sub head depict or depicter syl de+1pic+tor pos n. depiction sub head depict syl de+1pic+tion pos n. depictive sub head depict syl de+1pic+tive pos adj. depicture 0. syl de+pic+ture pron pos vb. mod tr. def a less common word for {depict}. depilate ety C16: from Latin d*_epil*_are, from pil*_are to make bald, from pilus hair depilate 0. syl dep:i+late pron <1depi2lAt> pos vb. mod tr. def to remove the hair from. depilation sub head depilate syl dep:i+1la+tion pos n. depilator sub head depilate syl dep:i+2la+tor pos n. depilatory 1. syl de+pil:a+to:ry pron , <-tri> pos adj. def able or serving to remove hair. depilatories infl head depilatory syl de+pil:a+to:ries. pos n. mod pl. depilatory 2. syl de+pil:a+to:ry pron , <-tri> pos n. def a chemical that is used to remove hair from the body. deplane ety C20: from #7de -#7+plane %1 deplane 0. syl de+plane pron pos vb. mod intr. qual Chiefly U.S. def to disembark from an aeroplane. deplete ety C19: from Latin d*_epl*_ere to empty out, from #7de -#7+ pl*_ere to fill deplete 1. syl de+plete pron pos vb. mod tr. def to use up (supplies, money, energy, etc.); reduce or exhaust. deplete 2. syl de+plete pron pos vb. mod tr. def to empty entirely or partially. deplete 3. syl de+plete pron pos vb. mod tr. qual Med. def to empty or reduce the fluid contents of (an organ or vessel). depletable sub head deplete syl de+1plet+a:ble pos adj. depletion sub head deplete syl de+1ple+tion pos n. depletive sub head deplete or depletory syl de+1ple+tive pos adj. depletory sub head deplete or depletive syl de+1ple+to:ry pos adj. deplorable 1. syl de+plor+a:ble pron pos adj. def lamentable. exam 1 a deplorable lack of taste. deplorable 2. syl de+plor+a:ble pron pos adj. def worthy of censure or reproach; very bad. exam 1 deplorable behaviour. deplorableness sub head deplorable or deplorability syl de+1plor+a:ble+ness pos n. deplorability sub head deplorable or deplorableness syl de+2plor+a:1bil+i:ty pos n. deplorably sub head deplorable syl de+1plor+a:bly pos adv. deplore ety C16: from Old French deplorer, from Latin d*_epl*_or*_are to weep bitterly, from pl*_or*_are to weep, lament deplore 1. syl de+plore pron pos vb. mod tr. def to express or feel sorrow about; lament; regret. deplore 2. syl de+plore pron pos vb. mod tr. def to express or feel strong disapproval of; censure. deplorer sub head deplore syl de+1plor+er pos n. deploringly sub head deplore syl de+1plor+ing+ly pos adv. deploy ety C18: from French d*'eployer, from Latin displic*_are to unfold; see #7display deploy 1. syl de+ploy pron pos vb. qual Chiefly military. def to adopt or cause to adopt a battle formation, esp. from a narrow front formation. deploy 2. syl de+ploy pron pos vb. mod tr. qual Chiefly military. def to redistribute (forces) to or within a given area. deployment sub head deploy syl de+1ploy+ment pos n. deplume 1. syl de+plume pron pos vb. mod tr. def to deprive of feathers; pluck. deplume 2. syl de+plume pron pos vb. mod tr. def to deprive of honour, position, wealth, etc. deplumation sub head deplume syl de+plu+1ma+tion pos n. depolarise alt head depolarize or depolarize syl de+po+lar+ise pron pos vb. depolarize 0. or depolarise syl de+po+lar+ize pron pos vb. def to undergo or cause to undergo a loss of polarity or polarization. depolarization sub head depolarize or depolarisation syl de+2po+lar:i+1za+tion pos n. depolarisation sub head depolarize or depolarization syl de+2po+lar:i+1sa+tion pos n. depolarizer sub head depolarize or depolariser syl de+1po+lar+2iz+er pos n. depolariser sub head depolarize or depolarizer syl de+1po+lar+2is+er pos n. depoliticise alt head depoliticize or depoliticize syl de+po+lit:i+cise pron <2dEp*1liti2sIz> pos vb. mod tr. depoliticize 0. or depoliticise syl de+po+lit:i+cize pron <2dEp*1liti2sIz> pos vb. mod tr. def to deprive of a political nature; render apolitical. exam 1 two years on the committee totally depoliticized him. depolymerise alt head depolymerize or depolymerize syl de+pol:y+mer+ise pron pos vb. depolymerize 0. or depolymerise syl de+pol:y+mer+ize pron pos vb. def to break (a polymer) into constituent monomers or (of a polymer) to decompose in this way. &- {de+@!pol@.y+mer@.i+#!za+tion} {de+@!pol@.y+mer@.i+#!sa+tion} depone ety C16: from Latin d*_ep*_onere to put down, from #7de -#7+ p*_onere to put, place depone 0. syl de+pone pron pos vb. qual Law, chiefly Scot. def to declare (something) under oath; testify; depose. deponent ety C16: from Latin d*_ep*_on*_ens putting aside, putting down, from d*_ep*_onere to put down, #7depone deponent 1. syl de+po+nent pron pos adj. usage Grammar. of a verb, esp. in Latin def having the inflectional endings of a passive verb but the meaning of an active verb. deponent 2. syl de+po+nent pron pos n. qual Grammar. def a deponent verb. deponent 3.a. syl de+po+nent pron pos n. def a person who makes an affidavit. deponent 3.b. syl de+po+nent pron pos n. def a person, esp. a witness, who makes a deposition. depopulate 0. syl de+pop:u+late pron pos vb. def to be or cause to be reduced in population. depopulation sub head depopulate syl de+2pop:u+1la+tion pos n. deport ety C15: from French d*'eporter, from Latin d*_eport*_are to carry away, banish, from #7de -#7+ port*_are to carry deport 1. syl de+port pron pos vb. mod tr. def to remove (an alien) forcibly from a country; expel. deport 2. syl de+port pron pos vb. mod tr. def to carry (an inhabitant) forcibly away from his homeland; transport; exile; banish. deport 3. syl de+port pron pos vb. mod tr. def to conduct, hold, or behave (oneself) in a specified manner. deportable sub head deport syl de+1port+a:ble pos adj. deportation 1. syl de+por+ta+tion pron <2dEpc:1tAS*n> pos n. def the act of expelling an alien from a country; expulsion. deportation 2. syl de+por+ta+tion pron <2dEpc:1tAS*n> pos n. def the act of transporting someone from his country; banishment. deportee 0. syl de+por+tee pron <2dEpc:1tE> pos n. def a person deported or awaiting deportation. deportment ety C17: from French d*'eportement, from Old French deporter to conduct (oneself); see #7deport deportment 0. syl de+port+ment pron pos n. def the manner in which a person behaves, esp. in physical bearing. exam 1 military deportment. deposal 0. syl de+pos+al pron pos n. def another word for { {deposition} (sense 2)}. depose ety C13: from Old French deposer to put away, put down, from Late Latin d*_ep*_onere to depose from office, from Latin: to put aside; see #7depone depose 1. syl de+pose pron pos vb. mod tr. def to remove from an office or position, esp. one of power or rank. depose 2. syl de+pose pron pos vb. qual Law. def to testify or give (evidence, etc.) on oath, esp. when taken down in writing; make a deposition. deposable sub head depose syl de+1pos+a:ble pos adj. deposer sub head depose syl de+1pos+er pos n. deposit ety C17: from Medieval Latin d*_eposit*_are, from Latin d*_epositus put down deposit 1. syl de+pos+it pron pos vb. mod tr. def to put or set down, esp. carefully or in a proper place; place. deposit 2. syl de+pos+it pron pos vb. mod tr. def to entrust for safekeeping; consign. deposit 3. syl de+pos+it pron pos vb. mod tr. def to place (money) in a bank or similar institution in order to earn interest or for safekeeping. deposit 4. syl de+pos+it pron pos vb. mod tr. def to give (money) in part payment or as security. deposit 5. syl de+pos+it pron pos vb. mod tr. def to lay down naturally; cause to settle. exam 1 the river deposits silt. deposit 6.a. syl de+pos+it pron pos n. mod tr. def an instance of entrust?!ing money or valuables to a bank or similar institution. deposit 6.b. syl de+pos+it pron pos n. mod tr. def the money or valuables so entrusted. deposit 7. syl de+pos+it pron pos n. mod tr. def money given in part payment or as security, as when goods are bought on hire-purchase. See also {down payment}. deposit 8. syl de+pos+it pron pos n. mod tr. def a consideration, esp. money, given temporarily as security against loss of or damage to something borrowed or hired. deposit 9. syl de+pos+it pron pos n. mod tr. def an accumulation of sediments, mineral ores, coal, etc. deposit 10. syl de+pos+it pron pos n. mod tr. def any deposited material, such as a sediment or a precipitate that has settled out of solution. deposit 11. syl de+pos+it pron pos n. mod tr. def a coating produced on a surface, esp. a layer of metal formed by electrolysis. deposit 12. syl de+pos+it pron pos n. mod tr. def a depository or storehouse. on deposit 13. head deposit syl on deposit. def payable as the first instalment, as when buying on hire-purchase. deposit account 0. syl de+pos+it ac+count pos n. qual Brit. def a bank account that earns interest and usually requires notice of withdrawal. depositaries infl head depositary syl de+pos:i+tar:ies. pos n. mod pl. depositary 1. syl de+pos:i+tar:y pron , <-tri> pos n. def a person or group to whom something is entrusted for safety or preservation. depositary 2. syl de+pos:i+tar:y pron , <-tri> pos n. def a variant spelling of { {depository} (sense 1)}. deposition ety C14: from Late Latin d*_epositi*_o a laying down, disposal, burying, testimony deposition 1.a. syl dep:o+si+tion pron <2dep*1ziS*n>, <2dEp*-> pos n. def the giving of testimony on oath. deposition 1.b. syl dep:o+si+tion pron <2dep*1ziS*n>, <2dEp*-> pos n. def the testimony so given. deposition 1.c. syl dep:o+si+tion pron <2dep*1ziS*n>, <2dEp*-> pos n. def the sworn statement of a witness used in court in his absence. deposition 2. syl dep:o+si+tion pron <2dep*1ziS*n>, <2dEp*-> pos n. def the act or instance of deposing. deposition 3. syl dep:o+si+tion pron <2dep*1ziS*n>, <2dEp*-> pos n. def the act or an instance of deposit?!ing. deposition 4. syl dep:o+si+tion pron <2dep*1ziS*n>, <2dEp*-> pos n. def something that is deposited; deposit. Deposition 0. syl Dep:o+si+tion pron <2dep*1ziS*n>, <2dEp*-> pos n. def the taking down of Christ's body from the Cross or a representation of this. depositor 0. syl de+pos:i+tor pron pos n. def a person who places or has money on deposit in a bank or similar organization. depository ety C17 (in the sense: place of a deposit): from Medieval Latin d*_eposit*_orium; C18 (in the sense: depositary): see #7deposit, {-#7ory %1} depositories infl head depository syl de+pos:i+to:ries. pos n. mod pl. depository 1. syl de+pos:i+to:ry pron , <-tri> pos n. def a store, such as a warehouse, for furniture, valuables, etc.; repository. depository 2. syl de+pos:i+to:ry pron , <-tri> pos n. def a variant spelling of { {depositary} (sense 1)}. depot ety C18: from French d*'ep*^ot, from Latin d*_epositum a deposit, trust depot 1. syl de+pot pron <1dep*u> pos n. def a storehouse or warehouse. depot 2.a. syl de+pot pron <1dep*u> pos n. def a store for supplies. depot 2.b. syl de+pot pron <1dep*u> pos n. def a training and holding centre for recruits and replacements. depot 3. syl de+pot pron <1dep*u> pos n. qual Chiefly Brit. def a building used for the storage and servicing of buses or railway engines. depot 4.a. syl de+pot pron <1dep*u> pos n. def a railway station. depot 4.b. syl de+pot pron <1dep*u> pos n. usage as modifier exam 1 a depot manager. deprave ety C14: from Latin d*_epr*_av*_are to distort, corrupt, from #7de -#7+ pr*_avus crooked deprave 1. syl de+prave pron pos vb. mod tr. def to make morally bad; corrupt; vitiate. deprave 2. syl de+prave pron pos vb. mod tr. qual Obsolete. def to defame; slander. depravation sub head deprave syl dep+ra+va+tion pron <2depr*1vAS*n> pos n. depraver sub head deprave syl de+1prav+er pos n. depraved 0. syl de+praved pron pos adj. def morally bad or debased; corrupt; perverted. depravedness sub head depraved syl de+praved+ness pron pos n. depravities infl head depravity syl de+prav+i:ties. pos n. mod pl. depravity 0. syl de+prav+i:ty pron pos n. def the state or an instance of moral corruption. deprecate ety C17: from Latin d*_eprec*_ar*_i to avert, ward off by entreaty, from #7de -#7+ prec*_ar*_i to #7pray deprecate 1. syl dep+re+cate pron <1depri2kAt> pos vb. mod tr. def to express disapproval of; protest against. deprecate 2. syl dep+re+cate pron <1depri2kAt> pos vb. mod tr. def to depreciate (a person, someone's character, etc.); belittle. deprecate 3. syl dep+re+cate pron <1depri2kAt> pos vb. mod tr. qual Archaic. def to try to ward off by prayer. deprecatingly sub head deprecate syl dep+re+2cat+ing+ly pos adv. deprecation sub head deprecate syl dep+re+1ca+tion pos n. deprecative sub head deprecate syl dep+re+ca+tive pos adj. deprecatively sub head deprecate syl dep+re+ca+tive+ly pos adv. deprecator sub head deprecate syl dep+re+2ca+tor pos n. deprecatory 1. syl dep+re+ca+to:ry pron <2depri1kAt*ri> pos adj. def expressing disapproval; protesting. deprecatory 2. syl dep+re+ca+to:ry pron <2depri1kAt*ri> pos adj. def expressing apology; apologetic. deprecatorily sub head deprecatory syl dep+re+1ca+to+ri+ly pos adv. depreciable 1. syl de+pre+cia:ble pron pos adj. qual U.S. def able to be depreciated for tax deduction. depreciable 2. syl de+pre+cia:ble pron pos adj. def liable to depreciation. depreciate ety C15: from Late Latin d*_epreti*_are to lower the price of, from Latin #7de -#7+ pretium #7price depreciate 1. syl de+pre+ci+ate pron pos vb. def to reduce or decline in value or price. depreciate 2. syl de+pre+ci+ate pron pos vb. mod tr. def to lessen the value of by derision, criticism, etc.; disparage. depreciatingly sub head depreciate syl de+1pre+ci+2at+ing+ly pos adv. depreciator sub head depreciate syl de+1pre+ci:2a+tor pos n. depreciatory sub head depreciate or depreciative syl de+pre+ci:a+to:ry pron , <-tri> pos adj. depreciative sub head depreciate or depreciatory syl de+1pre+ci:a+tive pos adj. depreciation 1.a. syl de+pre+ci:a+tion pron pos n. def the reduction in value of a fixed asset due to use, obsolescence, etc. depreciation 1.b. syl de+pre+ci:a+tion pron pos n. def the amount deducted from gross profit to allow for such reduction in value. depreciation 2. syl de+pre+ci:a+tion pron pos n. qual Accounting. def a modified amount permitted for purposes of tax deduction. depreciation 3. syl de+pre+ci:a+tion pron pos n. def the act or an instance of depreciating or belittling; disparagement. depreciation 4. syl de+pre+ci:a+tion pron pos n. def a decrease in the exchange value of currency against gold or other currencies brought about by excess supply of that currency under conditions of fluctuating exchange rates. Compare { {devaluation} (sense 1)}. depredate ety C17: from Late Latin d*_epraed*_ar*_i to ravage, from Latin #7de -#7+ praeda booty; see #7prey depredate 0. syl dep+re+date pron <1depri2dAt> pos vb. mod tr. qual Rare. def to plunder or destroy; pillage. depredator sub head depredate syl dep+re+2da+tor pos n. depredatory sub head depredate syl dep+re+da+to:ry pron <1depri2dAt*ri>, , <-tri> pos adj. depredation 0. syl dep+re+da+tion pron <2depri1dAS*n> pos n. def the act or an instance of plundering; robbery; pillage. depress ety C14: from Old French depresser, from Latin d*_eprimere from #7de -#7+ premere to #7press depress 1. syl de+press pron pos vb. mod tr. def to lower in spirits; make gloomy; deject. depress 2. syl de+press pron pos vb. mod tr. def to weaken or lower the force, vigour, or energy of. depress 3. syl de+press pron pos vb. mod tr. def to lower prices of (securities or a security market). depress 4. syl de+press pron pos vb. mod tr. def to press or push down. depress 5. syl de+press pron pos vb. mod tr. def to lower the pitch of (a musical sound). depress 6. syl de+press pron pos vb. mod tr. qual Obsolete. def to suppress or subjugate. depressible sub head depress syl de+1press+i:ble pos adj. depressingly sub head depress syl de+1press+ing+ly pos adv. depressant 1. syl de+pres+sant pron pos adj. qual Med. def able to diminish or reduce nervous or functional activity. depressant 2. syl de+pres+sant pron pos adj. def causing gloom or dejection; depressing. depressant 3. syl de+pres+sant pron pos n. def a depressant drug. depressed 1. syl de+pressed pron pos adj. def low in spirits; downcast; despond?!ent. depressed 2. syl de+pressed pron pos adj. def lower than the surrounding surface. depressed 3. syl de+pressed pron pos adj. def pressed down or flattened. depressed 4. syl de+pressed pron pos adj. def Also: {distressed}. characterized by relative economic hardship, such as unemployment. exam 1 a depressed area. depressed 5. syl de+pressed pron pos adj. def lowered in force, intensity, or amount. depressed 6. syl de+pressed pron pos adj. usage of plant parts def flattened as though pressed from above. depressed 7. syl de+pressed pron pos adj. qual Zoology. def flattened from top to bottom. exam 1 the depressed bill of the spoonbill. depression 1. syl de+pres+sion pron pos n. def the act of depressing or state of being depressed. depression 2. syl de+pres+sion pron pos n. def a depressed or sunken place or area. depression 3. syl de+pres+sion pron pos n. qual Psychol. def an emotional state of mind characterized by feelings of gloom and inadequacy, leading to withdrawal. depression 4. syl de+pres+sion pron pos n. qual Pathol. def an abnormal lowering of the rate of any physiological activity or function, such as respiration. depression 5. syl de+pres+sion pron pos n. def an economic condition characterized by substantial and protracted unemployment, falling prices and security values, and low levels of investment, trade, etc.; slump. depression 6. syl de+pres+sion pron pos n. def Also called: {cyclone, low}. a body of moving air below normal atmospheric pressure, which often brings rain. depression 7. syl de+pres+sion pron pos n. usage esp. in surveying and astronomy def the angular distance of an object, celestial body, etc., below the horizontal plane through the point of observation. Compare { {elevation} (sense 11)}. Depression 0. syl De+pres+sion pron pos n. usage usually preceded by the def the worldwide economic depression of the early 1930s, when there was mass unemployment. Also called: the {Great Depression}, the {Slump}. depressive 1. syl de+pres+sive pron pos adj. def tending to depress; causing depression. depressive 2. syl de+pres+sive pron pos adj. qual Psychol. def tending to be subject to periods of depression. See also {manic-depressive}. depressively sub head depressive syl de+1pres+sive+ly pos adv. depressiveness sub head depressive syl de+1pres+sive+ness pos n. depressomotor 1. syl de+pres+so+mo+tor pron pos adj. qual Physiol. def retarding motor activity. depressomotor 2. syl de+pres+so+mo+tor pron pos n. def a depressomotor drug. depressor 1. syl de+pres+sor pron pos n. def a person or thing that depresses. depressor 2. syl de+pres+sor pron pos n. def any muscle that draws down a part. depressor 3. syl de+pres+sor pron pos n. def any surgical or medical instrument used to press down or aside an organ or part. exam 1 a tongue depressor. depressor 4. syl de+pres+sor pron pos n. def Also called: {depressor nerve}. any nerve that when stimulated produces a fall in blood pressure by dilating the arteries or lowering the heartbeat. depressurise alt head depressurize or depressurize syl de+pres+sur+ise pron pos vb. mod tr. depressurize 0. or depressurise syl de+pres+sur+ize pron pos vb. mod tr. def to reduce the pressure of a gas inside (a container or enclosed space), as in an aircraft cabin. &- {de+@!pres+sur+i@.#!za+tion} {de+@!pres+sur+i@.#!sa+tion} deprive ety C14: from Old French depriver, from Medieval Latin d*_epr*_iv*_are, from Latin #7de -#7+ pr*_iv*_are to deprive of, rob; see #7private deprive 1. syl de+prive pron pos vb. mod tr. usage foll. by of def to prevent from possessing or enjoying; dispossess (of). deprive 2. syl de+prive pron pos vb. mod tr. qual Archaic. def to remove from rank or office; depose; demote. deprivable sub head deprive syl de+1priv+a:ble pos adj. depriver sub head deprive syl de+1priv+er pos n. deprived 0. syl de+prived pron pos adj. def lacking adequate food, shelter, education, etc.. exam 1 deprived inner-city areas. de profundis 0. syl de pro+fun+dis pron Latin. pos adv. def out of the depths of misery or dejection. depside ety C20: deps-, from Greek depsein to knead+-#7ide depside 0. syl dep+side pron <1depsId>, <-sid> pos n. def any ester formed by the condensation of the carboxyl group of one phenolic carboxylic acid with the hydroxyl group of another, found in plant cells. dept 0. syl dept. qual abbrev. for def department. depth ety C14: from dep #7deep+ {-#7th %1} depth 1. syl depth pron pos n. def the extent, measurement, or distance downwards, backwards, or inwards. depth 2. syl depth pron pos n. def the quality of being deep; deepness. depth 3. syl depth pron pos n. def intensity or profundity of emotion or feeling. depth 4. syl depth pron pos n. def profundity of moral character; penetration; sagacity; integ?!rity. depth 5. syl depth pron pos n. def complexity or abstruseness, as of thought or objects of thought. depth 6. syl depth pron pos n. def intensity, as of silence, colour, etc. depth 7. syl depth pron pos n. def lowness of pitch. depth 8. syl depth pron pos n. mod often; pl. def a deep, far, inner, or remote part, such as an inaccessible region of a country. depth 9. syl depth pron pos n. mod often; pl. def the deepest, most intense, or most severe part. exam 1 the depths of winter. depth 10. syl depth pron pos n. mod usually; pl. def a low moral state; demoralization. exam 1 how could you sink to such depths?? depth 11. syl depth pron pos n. mod often; pl. def a vast space or abyss. depth 12.a. syl depth pron pos n. def in water deeper than one is tall. depth 12.b. syl depth pron pos n. def beyond the range of one's competence or understand?!ing. depth 13.a. syl depth pron pos n. def thoroughly or comprehensively. depth 13.b. syl depth pron pos n. usage as modifier exam 1 an in-depth study. bomb alt head depth charge or depth charge syl bomb pos n. depth charge 0. or bomb syl depth charge pos n. def a bomb used to attack submarines that explodes at a pre-set depth of water. depth of field 0. syl depth of field pos n. def the range of distance in front of and behind an object focused by an optical instrument, such as a camera or microscope, within which other objects will also appear clear and sharply defined in the resulting image. Compare {depth of focus}. depth of focus 0. syl depth of fo+cus pos n. def the amount by which the distance between the camera lens and the film can be altered without the result?!ing image appearing blurred. Compare {depth of field}. depth psychology 0. syl depth psy+chol+o:gy pos n. qual Psychol. def the study of unconscious motives and attitudes. depurate ety C17: from Medieval Latin d*_ep*_ur*_are, from Latin #7de -#7+ p*_ur*_are to purify; see #7pure depurate 1. syl dep:u+rate pron <1depju2rAt> pos vb. def to cleanse or purify or to be cleansed or purified. depurate 2. syl dep:u+rate pron <1depju2rAt> pos vb. def to promote the elimination of waste products from (the body). depuration sub head depurate syl dep:u+1ra+tion pos n. depurator sub head depurate syl dep:u+2ra+tor pos n. depurative 1. syl dep:u+ra+tive pron <1depju2rAtiv>, <-r*tiv> pos adj. def used for or capable of depurating; purifying; purgative. {~} depurative 2. syl dep:u+ra+tive pron <1depju2rAtiv>, <-r*tiv> pos adj. def a depurative substance or agent. deputation 1. syl dep:u+ta+tion pron <2depju1tAS*n> pos n. def the act of appointing a person or body of people to represent or act on behalf of others. deputation 2. syl dep:u+ta+tion pron <2depju1tAS*n> pos n. def a person or, more often, a body of people so appointed; delegation. depute ety C15: from Old French deputer, from Late Latin d*_eput*_are to assign, allot, from Latin #7de -#7+ put*_are to think, consider depute 1. syl de+pute pron pos vb. mod tr. def to appoint as an agent, substitute, or representative. depute 2. syl de+pute pron pos vb. mod tr. def to assign or transfer (authority, duties, etc.) to a deputy; delegate. deputise alt head deputize or deputize syl dep:u+tise pron <1depju2tIz> pos vb. deputize 0. or deputise syl dep:u+tize pron <1depju2tIz> pos vb. def to appoint or act as deputy. deputy ety C16: from Old French depute, from deputer to appoint; see #7depute deputies infl head deputy syl dep:u+ties. pos n. mod pl. deputy 1. syl dep:u+ty pron <1depjuti> pos n. def a person appointed to act on behalf of or represent another. deputy 2. syl dep:u+ty pron <1depjuti> pos n. def a member of the legislative assembly or of the lower chamber of the legislature in various countries, such as France. deputy 3. syl dep:u+ty pron <1depjuti> pos n. qual Brit. mining. def another word for { {fireman} (sense 4)}. deputy 4. syl dep:u+ty pron <1depjuti> pos n. usage as modifier exam 1 the deputy chairman. Thomas infl head De Quincey syl Thom:as. pos n. De Quincey 0. syl De Quin:cey pron <1kwinsi> pos n. def 1785-1859, English critic and essayist, noted particularly for his (1821). der 1. syl der. qual abbrev. for: def derivation. der 2. syl der. qual abbrev. for: def derivative. deracinate ety C16: from Old French desraciner, from des- {#7dis -%1}#7+ racine root, from Late Latin r*_ad*_ic*_ina a little root, from Latin r*_ad*_ix a root deracinate 1. syl de+rac+in+ate pron pos vb. mod tr. def to pull up by or as if by the roots; uproot; extirpate. deracinate 2. syl de+rac+in+ate pron pos vb. mod tr. def to remove, as from a natural environment. deracination sub head deracinate syl de+2rac:i+1na+tion pos n. deraign ety C13: from Old French deraisnier to defend, from Vulgar Latin rati*_on*_are (unattested) to #7reason darraign alt head deraign or deraign syl dar+raign pron pos vb. mod tr. deraign 1. or darraign syl de+raign pron pos vb. mod tr. qual Obsolete.; Law. def to contest (a claim, suit, etc.). deraign 2. or darraign syl de+raign pron pos vb. mod tr. qual Obsolete. def to arrange (soldiers) for battle. deraignment sub head deraign or darraignment syl de+1raign+ment pos n. darraignment sub head deraign or deraignment syl dar+1raign+ment pos n. derail 1. syl de+rail pron pos vb. def to go or cause to go off the rails, as a train, tram, etc. {~} derail 2. syl de+rail pron pos vb. def Also called: {derailer}. a device designed to make rolling stock or locomotives leave the rails to avoid a collision or accident. derailment sub head derail syl de+1rail+ment pos n. derailleur ety French d*'erailleur derailer derailleur 0. syl de+rail+leur pron pos n. def a mechanism for changing gear on bicycles, consisting of a device that lifts the driving chain from one sprocket wheel to another of different size. Andr'e infl head Derain syl An:dr*'e pron pos n. Derain 0. syl De:rain pron French pos n. def 1880-1954, French painter, noted for his Fauvist pictures (1905-08). derange ety C18: from Old French desrengier, from des- {#7dis -%1}#7+ reng row, order derange 1. syl de+range pron pos vb. mod tr. def to disturb the order or arrangement of; throw into disorder; disarrange. derange 2. syl de+range pron pos vb. mod tr. def to disturb the action or operation of. derange 3. syl de+range pron pos vb. mod tr. def to make insane; drive mad. derangement 1. syl de+range+ment pron pos n. def the act of deranging or state of being deranged. derangement 2. syl de+range+ment pron pos n. def disorder or confusion. derangement 3. syl de+range+ment pron pos n. qual Psychiatry. def a mental disorder or serious mental disturbance. deration 0. syl de+ra+tion pron pos vb. mod tr. def to end rationing of (food, petrol, etc.). Derbent 0. syl Der+bent pron Russian pos n. def a port in the S Soviet Union, in the Dagestan ASSR on the Caspian Sea: founded by the Persians in the 6th century. Pop.: 57192 (1970). derbies infl head derby syl der+bies. pos n. mod pl. derby 0. syl der+by pron <1dR:bi> pos n. def the U.S. name for { {bowler%2}}. Derby ety C18: named after the twelfth Earl of Derby (died 1834), who found?!ed it in 1780 the 1. head Derby syl the. def an annual horse race run at Epsom Downs, Surrey, since 1780: one of the English flat-racing classics. Derby H1.2. syl Der+by pron <1da:bi>, U.S. <1dR:bi> pos n. def any of various other horse races. local Derby 3. head Derby syl local Derby. def a football match between two teams from the same area. Derby H2.1. syl Der+by pron <1da:bi> pos n. def a city in central England, in Derbyshire: engineering industries (esp. aircraft engines and railway rolling stock). Pop.: 219348 (1971). Derby H2.2. syl Der+by pron <1da:bi> pos n. def a firm-textured pale-coloured type of cheese. sage Derby 3. head Derby syl sage Derby. def a green-and-white Derby cheese flavoured with sage. Earl of infl head Derby syl Earl of. pos n. Derby H3.0. syl Der:by pron <1da:bi> pos n. def title of 1799-1869, British statesman; Conservative prime minister (1852; 1858-59; 1866-68). Derbyshire 0. syl Der+by+shire pron <1da:bi2Si*>, <-S*> pos n. def a county of N central England: contains the Peak district and several resorts with mineral springs. Administrative centre: Matlock. Pop.: 887600 (1976 est.). Area: 2641 sq. km (1020 sq. miles). deregister 0. syl de+reg+is+ter pron pos vb. def to remove (oneself, a car, etc.) from a register. &- {@!de+reg+is+#!tra+tion} derelict ety C17: from Latin d*_erelictus forsaken, from d*_erelinquere to abandon, from #7de -#7+ relinquere to leave derelict 1. syl der+e:lict pron <1derilikt> pos adj. def deserted or abandoned, as by an owner, occupant, etc. derelict 2. syl der+e:lict pron <1derilikt> pos adj. def falling into ruins; neglected; dilapidated. derelict 3. syl der+e:lict pron <1derilikt> pos adj. def neglectful of duty or obligation; remiss. derelict 4. syl der+e:lict pron <1derilikt> pos n. def a person abandoned or neglected by society; a social outcast or vagrant. derelict 5. syl der+e:lict pron <1derilikt> pos n. def property deserted or abandoned by an owner, occupant, etc. derelict 6. syl der+e:lict pron <1derilikt> pos n. def a vessel abandoned at sea. derelict 7. syl der+e:lict pron <1derilikt> pos n. def a person who is neglectful of duty or obligation. dereliction 1. syl der+e:lic+tion pron <2deri1likS*n> pos n. def deliberate, conscious, or wilful neglect (esp. in the phrase {dereliction of duty) }. dereliction 2. syl der+e:lic+tion pron <2deri1likS*n> pos n. def the act of abandoning or deserting or the state of being abandoned or deserted. dereliction 3.a. syl der+e:lic+tion pron <2deri1likS*n> pos n. def accretion of dry land gained by the gradual receding of the sea or by a river changing its course. dereliction 3.b. syl der+e:lic+tion pron <2deri1likS*n> pos n. def the land thus left. derestrict 0. syl de+re+strict pron <2dEri1strikt> pos vb. mod tr. def to render or leave free from restriction, esp. a road from speed limits. &- {@!de+re+#!stric+tion} deride ety C16: from Latin d*_er*_id*_ere to laugh to scorn, from #7de -#7+ r*_id*_ere to laugh, smile deride 0. syl de+ride pron pos vb. mod tr. def to speak of or treat with contempt, mockery, or ridicule; scoff or jeer at. derider sub head deride syl de+1rid+er pos n. deridingly sub head deride syl de+1rid+ing+ly pos adv. de rigueur ety literally: of strictness de rigueur 0. syl de ri+gueur pron French. , English pos adj. def required by etiquette or fashion. derisible 0. syl de+ris+i:ble pron pos adj. def subject to or deserving of derision; ridiculous. derision ety C15: from Late Latin d*_er*_isi*_o, from Latin d*_er*_isus; see #7deride derision 1. syl de+ri+sion pron pos n. def the act of deriding; mockery; scorn. derision 2. syl de+ri+sion pron pos n. def an object of mockery or scorn. derisory alt head derisive or derisive syl de+ri+so:ry pron pos adj. derisive 1. or derisory syl de+ri+sive pron pos adj. def showing or characterized by derision; mocking; scornful. derisive 2. or derisory syl de+ri+sive pron pos adj. def subject to or worthy of derision; ridiculous. derisively sub head derisive syl de+1ri+sive+ly pos adv. derisiveness sub head derisive syl de+1ri+sive+ness pos n. deriv 1. syl deriv. qual abbrev. for: def derivation. deriv 2. syl deriv. qual abbrev. for: def derivative. deriv 3. syl deriv. qual abbrev. for: def derived. derivation 1. syl der:i+va+tion pron <2deri1vAS*n> pos n. def the act of deriving or state of being derived. derivation 2. syl der:i+va+tion pron <2deri1vAS*n> pos n. def the source, origin, or descent of something, such as a word. derivation 3. syl der:i+va+tion pron <2deri1vAS*n> pos n. def something derived; a derivative. derivation 4.a. syl der:i+va+tion pron <2deri1vAS*n> pos n. def the process of deducing a mathematical theorem, formula, etc., as a necessary consequence of a set of accepted statements. derivation 4.b. syl der:i+va+tion pron <2deri1vAS*n> pos n. def this sequence of statements. derivation 4.c. syl der:i+va+tion pron <2deri1vAS*n> pos n. def the operation of finding a derivative. derivational sub head derivation syl der:i+1va+tion+al pos adj. derivative ety f (a+ #GD x) - f (a) / #GD x , at x = a , as the increment, #GD x , tends to 0. Symbol: df (x) /d x , f@' (x) , Df (x) : the derivative of x%n is nx%n %#-%1. derivative 1. syl de+riv:a+tive pron pos adj. def resulting from derivation; derived. derivative 2. syl de+riv:a+tive pron pos adj. def based on or making use of other sources; not original or primary. derivative 3. syl de+riv:a+tive pron pos adj. def copied from others, esp. slavishly; plagiaristic. derivative 4. syl de+riv:a+tive pron pos n. def a term, idea, etc., that is based on or derived from another in the same class. derivative 5. syl de+riv:a+tive pron pos n. def a word derived from another word. derivative 6. syl de+riv:a+tive pron pos n. qual Chem. def a compound that is formed from, or can be regarded as formed from, a structurally related compound. exam 1 chloroform is a derivative of methane. derivative 7.a. syl de+riv:a+tive pron pos n. def Also called: {differential coefficient, first derivative}. the change of a function, f , with respect to an infinitesimally small change in the independent variable, the limit of derivative 7.b. syl de+riv:a+tive pron pos n. def the rate of change of one quantity with respect to another. exam 1 velocity is the derivative of distance with respect to time. derivative 8. syl de+riv:a+tive pron pos n. qual Psychoanal. def an activity that represents the expression of hidden impulses and desires by channelling them into socially acceptable forms. derivatively sub head derivative syl de+1riv:a+tive+ly pos adv. derive ety C14: from Old French deriver to spring from, from Latin d*_er*_iv*_are draw off, from #7de -#7+ r*_ivus a stream derive 1. syl de+rive pron pos vb. usage usually foll. by from def to draw or be drawn (from) in source or origin; trace or be traced. derive 2. syl de+rive pron pos vb. mod tr. def to obtain by reasoning; deduce; infer. derive 3. syl de+rive pron pos vb. mod tr. def to trace the source or development of. derive 4. syl de+rive pron pos vb. usage usually foll. by from def to produce or be produced (from) by a chemical reaction. derive 5. syl de+rive pron pos vb. qual Maths. def to obtain (a function) by differentiation. derivable sub head derive syl de+1riv+a:ble pos adj. deriver sub head derive syl de+1riv+er pos n. derived unit 0. syl de+rived u:nit pos n. def a unit of measurement obtained by multiplication or division of the base units of a system without the introduction of numerical factors. -derm ety via French from Greek derma skin -derm 0. syl -derm pos n. usage combining form. def indicating skin. exam 1 endoderm. derma ety C18: New Latin, from Greek: skin, from derein to skin derma H1.0. syl der+ma pron <1dR:m*> pos n. def another name for {corium}. Also: {derm} (d$z$:m). derma ety from Yiddish derme, plural of darm intestine, from Old High German daram; related to Old English thearm gut, Old Norse tharmr derma H2.0. syl der+ma pron <1dR:m*> pos n. def beef or fowl intestine used as a casing for certain dishes, esp. kishke. dermal 0. syl der+mal pron <1dR:m*l> pos adj. def of or relating to the skin. dermatitis 0. syl der+ma+ti+tis pron <2dR:m*1tItis> pos n. def inflammation of the skin. dermato- ety from Greek derma skin derma- infl head dermato- syl der:ma- dermatogen 0. syl der+mat:o+gen pron , <1dR:m*2t*uJ*n> pos n. qual Botany. def a meristem at the apex of stems and roots that gives rise to the epidermis. dermatoglyphics ety C20: from #7dermato -#7+ Greek gluph*_e a carving; see #7glyph dermatoglyphics 1. syl derm:a+to+glyph+ics pron <2dR:m*t*u1glifiks> pos n. mod pl. def the lines forming a skin pattern, esp. on the palms of the hands and soles of the feet. dermatoglyphics 2. syl derm:a+to+glyph+ics pron <2dR:m*t*u1glifiks> pos n. mod functioning as; sing. def the study of such skin patterns. dermatoid 0. syl der+ma+toid pron <1dR:m*2tcid> pos adj. def resembling skin. dermatology 0. syl der+ma+tol+o:gy pron <2dR:m*1tol*Ji> pos n. def the branch of medicine concerned with the skin and its diseases. dermatological sub head dermatology syl der+ma+to+log:i+cal pron <2dR:m*t*1loJikL> pos adj. dermatologist sub head dermatology syl der+ma+1tol:o+gist pos n. dermatome 1. syl der+ma+tome pron <1dR:m*2t*um> pos n. def a surgical instrument for cutting thin slices of skin, esp. for grafting. dermatome 2. syl der+ma+tome pron <1dR:m*2t*um> pos n. def the area of skin supplied by nerve fibres from a single posterior spinal root. dermatome 3. syl der+ma+tome pron <1dR:m*2t*um> pos n. qual Embryol. def the part of a somite in a vertebrate embryo that gives rise to the dermis. dermatomic sub head dermatome syl der+ma+tom+ic pron <2dR:m*1tomik> pos adj. dermatophyte 0. syl der+ma+to+phyte pron <1dR:m*t*u2fIt> pos n. def any parasitic fungus that affects the skin. dermatophytic sub head dermatophyte syl der+ma+to+phyt+ic pron <2dR:m*t*1fitik> pos adj. dermatophytosis 0. syl der+ma+to+phy+to+sis pron <2dR:m*2t*ufI1t*usis> pos n. def a fungal infection of the skin, esp. the feet. See {athlete's foot}. dermatoplasty 0. syl der+ma+to+plas+ty pron <1dR:m*t*u2pl@sti> pos n. def any surgical operation on the skin, esp. skin grafting. dermatoplastic sub head dermatoplasty syl der+ma+to+1plas+tic pos adj. dermatoses infl head dermatosis syl der+ma+to+ses pron <-1t*usEz> pos n. mod pl. dermatosis 0. syl der+ma+to+sis pron <2dR:m*1t*usis> pos n. def any skin disease. dermis ety C19: New Latin, from #7epidermis dermis 0. syl der+mis pron <1dR:mis> pos n. def another name for {corium}. dermic sub head dermis syl der+mic pos adj. dermoid 1. syl der+moid pron <1dR:mcid> pos adj. def of or resembling skin. dermoid 2. syl der+moid pron <1dR:mcid> pos n. def a congenital cystic tumour whose walls are lined with epithelium. dernier cri ety literally: last cry dernier cri 0. syl der+nier cri pron French. <1kri> def the latest fashion; the last word. dero ety C20: shortened from #7derelict dero 1. syl de:ro pron <1der*u> pos n. qual Austral. slang. def a tramp or derelict. dero 2. syl de:ro pron <1der*u> pos n. qual Austral. slang.; Often humorous. def a person. derogate ety C15: from Latin d*_erog*_are to repeal some part of a law, modify it, from #7de -#7+ rog*_are to ask, propose a law derogate 1. syl der:o+gate pron <1der*2gAt> pos vb. mod intr. usage foll. by from def to cause to seem inferior or be in disrepute; detract. derogate 2. syl der:o+gate pron <1der*2gAt> pos vb. mod intr. usage foll. by from def to deviate in standard or quality; degenerate. derogate 3. syl der:o+gate pron <1der*2gAt> pos vb. mod tr. def to cause to seem inferior, etc.; disparage. derogate 4. syl der:o+gate pron <1der*git>, <-2gAt> pos adj. qual Archaic. def debased or degraded. derogately sub head derogate syl der:o+2gate:ly pos adv. derogation sub head derogate syl der:o+1ga:tion pos n. derogative sub head derogate syl de+rog:a+tive pron pos adj. derogatively sub head derogate syl de+1rog:a+tive+ly pos adv. derogatory 0. syl de+rog:a+to:ry pron , <-tri> pos adj. def tending or intended to detract, disparage, or belittle; intentionally offensive. derogatorily sub head derogatory syl de+1rog:a+to+ri+ly pos adv. derogatoriness sub head derogatory syl de+1rog:a+to+ri+ness pos n. derrick ety C17 (in the sense: gallows): from Derrick, name of a celebrated hangman at Tyburn derrick 1. syl der+rick pron <1derik> pos n. def a simple crane having lifting tackle slung from a boom. derrick 2. syl der+rick pron <1derik> pos n. def the framework erected over an oil well to enable drill tubes to be raised and lowered. derrick 3. syl der+rick pron <1derik> pos vb. def to raise or lower the jib of (a crane). derriere ety C18: literally: behind (prep.), from Old French deriere, from Latin d*_e retr*_o from the back derriere 0. syl der+ri*`ere pron <2deri1e*>, French pos n. def a euphemistic word for {buttocks}. derring-do ety C16 (n.): from Middle English durring don daring to do, from durren to dare+ don to do derring-do 0. syl der:ring-do pron <1deriG1du:> pos n. qual Archaic or literary. def a daring spirit or deed; boldness or bold action. derringer ety C19: named after Henry Deringer, American gunsmith who invented it deringer alt head derringer or derringer syl der+in+ger pron <1derinJ*> pos n. derringer 0. or deringer syl der+rin+ger pron <1derinJ*> pos n. def a short-barrelled pocket pistol of large calibre. derris ety C19: New Latin, from Greek: covering, leather, from deros skin, hide, from derein to skin derris 0. syl der+ris pron <1deris> pos n. def any East Indian leguminous woody climbing plant of the genus esp. whose roots yield the compound rotenone. derry ety C19: probably from derry down, a refrain in some folk songs, alluding to the phrase, have a down on; see #7down %1 derry H1.1. syl der+ry pron <1deri> pos n. qual Austral., N.Z. def dislike or prejudice. have a derry on 2. head derry syl have a derry on. qual Austral., N.Z. def to have a prejudice or grudge against. derry ety C20: shortened from #7derelict derry H2.0. syl der+ry pron <1deri> pos n. qual Slang. def a derelict house, esp. one used by tramps, drug addicts, etc. Derry 0. syl Der+ry pron <1deri> pos n. def another name for {Londonderry}. derv ety C20: from d (iesel) e (ngine) r (oad) v (ehicle) derv 0. syl derv pron pos n. def a Brit. name for {diesel oil} when used for road transport. dervish ety C16: from Turkish: beggar, from Persian darv*_ish mendicant monk dervish 0. syl der+vish pron <1dR:viS> pos n. def a member of any of various Muslim orders of ascetics, some of which ({whirling dervishes}) are noted for a frenzied, ecstatic, whirling dance. dervish-like sub head dervish syl der:vish-2like pos adj. Derwent 1. syl Der+went pron <1dR:w*nt> pos n. def a river in S Australia, in S Tasmania, flowing southeast to the Tasman Sea. Length: 172 km (107 miles). Derwent 2. syl Der+went pron <1dR:w*nt> pos n. def a river in N central England, in N Derbyshire, flowing southeast to the River Trent. Length: 96 km (60 miles). Derwent 3. syl Der+went pron <1dR:w*nt> pos n. def a river in N England, in Yorkshire, rising on the North York Moors and flowing south to the River Ouse. Length: 92 km (57 miles). Derwent 4. syl Der+went pron <1dR:w*nt> pos n. def a river in NW England, in Cumbria, rising on the Borrowdale Fells and flowing north and west to the Irish Sea. Length: 54 km (34 miles). Derwentwater 0. syl Der:went+wa:ter pron <1dR:w*nt2wc:t*> pos n. def a lake in NW England, in Cumbria in the Lake District. Area: about 8 sq. km (3 sq. miles). DES 0. syl D.E.S. qual abbrev. for usage in Britain def Department of Education and Science. Morarji (Ranchhodji) infl head Desai syl Mor:ar:ji (Ranchhodji) pron pos n. Desai 0. syl De:sai pron pos n. def born 1896, Indian statesman, noted for his asceticism. He founded the Janata party in opposition to Indira Gandhi, whom he defeated in the 1977 election to become prime minister of India. desalinize alt head desalinate or desalinate syl de+sal:i+nize pos vb. mod tr. desalinise infl head desalinate syl de+sal:i+nise pos vb. mod tr. desalinate 0. or desalinize syl de+sal:i+nate pron pos vb. mod tr. def to remove the salt from (esp. from sea water). Also: {de+salt} (di$:#!s@$$:lt). desalinization alt head desalination or desalination syl de+sal:i+ni+za+tion pos n. desalinisation infl head desalination syl de+sal:i+ni+sa+tion pos n. desalination 0. or desalinization syl de+sal:i+na+tion pron pos n. def the process of removing salt, esp. from sea water so that it can be used for drinking or irrigation. desc 0. syl desc. qual abbrev. for def descendant. descant ety C14: from Old Northern French, from Medieval Latin discanthus, from Latin {#7dis -%1}#7+ cantus song; see #7chant descant 1. syl des+cant pron <1desk@nt>, <1dis-> pos n. def Also called: {discant}. a decorative counterpoint added above a basic melody. descant 2. syl des+cant pron <1desk@nt>, <1dis-> pos n. def a comment, criticism, or discourse. {~} (#!d$esk@ant, #!d$Is-) descant 3. syl des+cant pron <1desk@nt>, <1dis-> pos n. def Also: {discant}. of or pertaining to the highest member in common use of a family of musical instruments. exam 1 a descant recorder. descant 4. syl des+cant pron , pos vb. mod intr. def Also: {discant}. (often foll. by or to compose or perform a descant (for a piece of music). descant 5. syl des+cant pron , pos vb. mod intr. usage often foll. by on or upon def to discourse at length or make varied comments. descant 6. syl des+cant pron , pos vb. mod intr. qual Archaic. def to sing sweetly or melodiously. descanter sub head descant syl des+1cant+er pos n. Ren'e infl head Descartes syl Re:n*'e pron pos n. Descartes 0. syl Des:cartes pron <1dA2ka:t>, French pos n. def 1596-1650, French philosopher and mathematician. He provided a mechanistic basis for the philosophical theory of dualism and is regarded as the founder of modern philosophy. He also founded analytic geometry and contributed greatly to the science of optics. His works include (1637), (1641), and (1644). Related adj.: {Cartesian}. descend ety C13: from Old French descendre, from Latin d*_escendere, from #7de -#7+ scandere to climb; see #7scan descend 1. syl de+scend pron pos vb. mod also; tr. def to move, pass, or go down (a hill, slope, staircase, etc.) descend 2. syl de+scend pron pos vb. mod mainly; intr. usage of a hill, slope, or path def to lead or extend down; slope; incline. descend 3. syl de+scend pron pos vb. mod mainly; intr. def to move to a lower level, pitch, etc.; fall. descend 4. syl de+scend pron pos vb. mod mainly; intr. usage often foll. by from def to be connected by a blood relationship (to a dead or extinct individual, race, species, etc.). descend 5. syl de+scend pron pos vb. mod mainly; intr. def to be passed on by parents or ancestors; be inherited. descend 6. syl de+scend pron pos vb. mod mainly; intr. def to sink or come down in morals or behaviour; lower oneself. descend 7. syl de+scend pron pos vb. mod mainly; intr. usage often foll. by on or upon def to arrive or attack in a sudden or overwhelming way. exam 1 their relatives descended upon them last week. descend 8. syl de+scend pron pos vb. mod mainly; intr. usage of the sun, moon, etc. def to move towards the horizon. descendable sub head descend syl des+1cend+a:ble pos adj. descendant 1. syl de+scend+ant pron pos n. def a person, animal, or plant when described as descended from an individual, race, species, etc. descendant 2. syl de+scend+ant pron pos n. def something that derives or is descended from an earlier form. descendant 3. syl de+scend+ant pron pos adj. def a variant spelling of {descendent}. Descendant 0. syl De+scend+ant pron pos n. qual Astrology. def the point on the ecliptic lying directly opposite the Ascendant. descendent 1. syl de+scend+ent pron pos adj. def coming or going downwards; descending. descendent 2. syl de+scend+ent pron pos adj. def deriving by descent, as from an ancestor. descendent 3. syl de+scend+ent pron pos n. def a variant spelling of {descendant}. descender 1. syl de+scend+er pron pos n. def a person or thing that descends. descender 2. syl de+scend+er pron pos n. qual Printing. def the portion of a letter, such as j, p, or y, below the level of the base of an x or n. descendable alt head descendible or descendible syl de+scend+a:ble pron pos adj. descendible 0. or descendable syl de+scend+i:ble pron pos adj. qual Law. def capable of being inherited. descent 1. syl de+scent pron pos n. def the act of descending. descent 2. syl de+scent pron pos n. def a downward slope or inclination. descent 3. syl de+scent pron pos n. def a passage, path, or way leading downwards. descent 4. syl de+scent pron pos n. def derivation from an ancestor or ancestral group; lineage. descent 5. syl de+scent pron pos n. usage in genealogy def a generation in a particular lineage. descent 6. syl de+scent pron pos n. def a decline or degeneration. descent 7. syl de+scent pron pos n. def a movement or passage in degree or state from higher to lower. descent 8. syl de+scent pron pos n. usage often foll. by on def a sudden and overwhelming arrival or attack. descent 9. syl de+scent pron pos n. usage Property law. formerly def the transmission of real property to the heir on an intestacy. Eustache infl head Deschamps syl Eu:stache pron <$o1staS> pos n. Deschamps 0. syl Des:champs pron French pos n. def ??1346-??1406, French poet, noted for his a satirical attack on women. deschool 0. syl de+school pron <2dE1sku:l> pos vb. mod tr. def to separate education from the institution of school and operate through the pupil's life experience as opposed to a set curriculum. describe ety C15: from Latin d*_escr*_ibere to copy off, write out, delineate, from #7de -#7+ scr*_ibere to write describe 1. syl de+scribe pron pos vb. mod tr. def to give an account or representation of in words. describe 2. syl de+scribe pron pos vb. mod tr. def to pronounce or label. exam 1 he has been described as a genius. describe 3. syl de+scribe pron pos vb. mod tr. def to draw a line or figure, such as a circle. describable sub head describe syl de+1scrib+a:ble pos adj. describer sub head describe syl de+1scrib+er pos n. description 1. syl de+scrip+tion pron pos n. def a statement or account that describes; representation in words. description 2. syl de+scrip+tion pron pos n. def the act, process, or technique of describing. description 3. syl de+scrip+tion pron pos n. def sort, kind, or variety. exam 1 reptiles of every description. description 4. syl de+scrip+tion pron pos n. qual Geom. def the act of drawing a line or figure, such as an arc. descriptive 1. syl de+scrip+tive pron pos adj. def characterized by or containing description; serving to describe. descriptive 2. syl de+scrip+tive pron pos adj. usage Grammar. of an adjective def serving to describe the referent of the noun modified, as for example the adjective as contrasted with and descriptive 3. syl de+scrip+tive pron pos adj. def relating to or based upon description or classification rather than explanation or prescription. exam 1 descriptive linguistics. descriptively sub head descriptive syl de+1scrip+tive+ly pos adv. descriptiveness sub head descriptive syl de+1scrip+tive+ness pos n. descriptive geometry 0. syl de+scrip+tive ge+om+e:try pos n. def the study of the projection of three-dimensional figures onto a plane surface. descriptive linguistics 0. syl de+scrip+tive lin+guis+tics pos n. def the study of the description of the internal phonological, grammatical, and semantic structures of languages at given points in time without reference to their histories or to one another. Also called: {synchronic linguistics}. Compare {historical linguistics, comparative linguistics}. descriptivism 0. syl de+scrip+ti+vism pron pos n. qual Ethics. def the theory that moral utterances have a truth value. Compare {prescriptivism, emotivism}. descry ety C14: from Old French descrier to proclaim, #7decry descries infl head descry syl de+scries pos vb. mod tr. descrying infl head descry syl de+scry+ing pos vb. mod tr. descried infl head descry syl de+scried. pos vb. mod tr. descry 1. syl de+scry pron pos vb. mod tr. def to discern or make out; catch sight of. descry 2. syl de+scry pron pos vb. mod tr. def to discover by looking carefully; detect. descrier sub head descry syl de+1scri+er pos n. desecrate ety C17: from #7de -#7+consecrate desecrate 1. syl des+e:crate pron <1desi2krAt> pos vb. mod tr. def to violate or outrage the sacred character of (an object or place) by destructive, blasphemous, or sacrilegious action. desecrate 2. syl des+e:crate pron <1desi2krAt> pos vb. mod tr. def to remove the consecration from (a person, object, building, etc.); deconsecrate. desecrator sub head desecrate or desecrater syl des+e:2cra+tor pos n. desecrater sub head desecrate or desecrator syl des+e:2crat+er pos n. desecration sub head desecrate syl des+e:1cra+tion pos n. desegregate 0. syl de+seg+re+gate pron pos vb. def to end racial segregation in (a school or other public institution). desegregation sub head desegregate syl de+seg+re+1ga+tion pos n. desegregationist sub head desegregate syl de+seg+re+1ga+tion+ist pos n. adj. desensitise alt head desensitize or desensitize syl de+sen+si+tise pron pos vb. mod tr. desensitize 0. or desensitise syl de+sen+si+tize pron pos vb. mod tr. def to render less sensitive or insensitive. exam 1 the patient was desensi?!tized to the allergen; exam 2 to desensitize photographic film. desensitization sub head desensitize or desensitisation syl de+2sen+si+ti+1za+tion pos n. desensitisation sub head desensitize or desensitization syl de+2sen+si+ti+1sa+tion pos n. desensitizer sub head desensitize or desensitiser syl de+1sen+si+2tiz+er pos n. desensitiser sub head desensitize or desensitizer syl de+1sen+si+2tis+er pos n. desert ety C13: from Old French, from Church Latin d*_esertum, from Latin d*_eserere to abandon, literally: to sever one's links with, from #7de -#7+ serere to bind together desert H1.1. syl des+ert pron <1dez*t> pos n. def a region that is devoid or almost devoid of vegetation, esp. because of low rainfall. desert H1.2. syl des+ert pron <1dez*t> pos n. def an uncultivated uninhabited region. desert H1.3. syl des+ert pron <1dez*t> pos n. def a place which lacks some desirable feature or quality. exam 1 a cultural desert. desert H1.4. syl des+ert pron <1dez*t> pos n. usage modifier def of, relating to, or like a desert; infertile or desolate. desert ety C15: from French d*'eserter, from Late Latin d*_esert*_are, from Latin d*_eserere to forsake; see {#7desert %1} desert H2.1. syl de+sert pron pos vb. mod tr. def to leave or abandon (a person, place, etc.) without intending to return, esp. in violation of a duty, promise, or obligation. desert H2.2. syl de+sert pron pos vb. qual Military. def to abscond from (a post or duty) with no intention of returning. desert H2.3. syl de+sert pron pos vb. mod tr. def to fail (someone) in time of need. exam 1 his good humour temporarily deserted him. deserter sub head desert syl de+1sert+er pos n. desert ety C13: from Old French deserte, from deservir to #7deserve desert H3.1. syl de+sert pron pos n. mod often; pl. def something that is deserved or merited; just reward or punishment. desert H3.2. syl de+sert pron pos n. def the state of deserving a reward or punishment. desert H3.3. syl de+sert pron pos n. def virtue or merit. desert boots 0. syl des+ert boots pos n. mod pl. def ankle-high suede boots with laces and soft soles, worn informally by men and women. desert cooler 0. syl des+ert cool+er pos n. usage in India def a cooling device in which air is driven by an electric fan through wet grass. desertion 1. syl de+ser+tion pron pos n. def the act of deserting or abandoning or the state of being deserted or abandoned. desertion 2. syl de+ser+tion pron pos n. qual Law. def wilful abandonment, esp. of one's spouse or children, without consent and in breach of obligations. desert island 0. syl des+ert is+land pos n. def a small remote tropical island. desert lynx 0. syl des+ert lynx pos n. def another name for {caracal}. desert pea 0. syl des+ert pea pos n. def an Australian trailing leguminous plant, with scarlet flowers. desert rat 1. syl des+ert rat pos n. def a jerboa, inhabiting the deserts of N Africa. desert rat 2. syl des+ert rat pos n. qual Brit. informal. def a soldier who served in North Africa with the British 7th Armoured Division in 1941-42. desert soil 0. syl des+ert soil pos n. def a type of soil developed in arid climates, characterized by a lack of leaching and small humus content. deserve ety C13: from Old French deservir, from Latin d*_eserv*_ire to serve devotedly, from #7de -#7+ serv*_ire to #7serve deserve 1. syl de+serve pron pos vb. mod tr. def to be entitled to or worthy of; merit. deserve 2. syl de+serve pron pos vb. mod intr. qual Obsolete. usage foll. by of def to be worthy. deservedness sub head deserve syl de+serv+ed+ness pron pos n. deserver sub head deserve syl de+1serv+er pos n. deservedly 0. syl de+serv+ed+ly pron pos adv. def according to merit; justly. deserving 1. syl de+serv+ing pron pos adj. usage often postpositive and foll. by of def worthy, esp. of praise or reward. deserving 2. syl de+serv+ing pron pos n. qual Rare. def a merit or demerit; desert. deservingly sub head deserving syl de+1serv+ing+ly pos adv. deservingness sub head deserving syl de+1serv+ing+ness pos n. desexualise alt head desexualize or desexualize syl de+sex:u+al+ise pron pos vb. mod tr. desexualize 0. or desexualise syl de+sex:u+al+ize pron pos vb. mod tr. def to deprive of sexual characteristics by the surgical removal of the testicles or ovaries; castrate or spay. Often shortened to {de+sex} (di$:#!s$eks). desexualization sub head desexualize or desexualisation syl de+2sex:u+al:i+1za+tion pos n. desexualisation sub head desexualize or desexualization syl de+2sex:u+al:i+1sa+tion pos n. deshabille 0. syl des+ha+bille pron <2dAz@1bEl> pos n. def a variant of {dishabille}. Vittorio infl head de Sica syl Vit:to:rio pron pos n. de Sica 0. syl de Si:ca pron Italian <1sEka> pos n. def 1902-74, Italian film actor and director. His films, in the realist tradition, include (1946) and (1948). desiccant ety C17: from Latin d*_esicc*_ans drying up; see #7desiccate desiccant 1. syl des+ic+cant pron <1desik*nt> pos adj. def desiccating or drying. desiccant 2. syl des+ic+cant pron <1desik*nt> pos n. def a substance, such as calcium oxide, that absorbs water and is used to remove moisture; a drying agent. desiccate ety C16: from Latin d*_esicc*_are to dry up, from #7de -#7+ sicc*_are to dry, from siccus dry desiccate 1. syl des+ic+cate pron <1desi2kAt> pos vb. mod tr. def to remove most of the water from (a substance or material); dehydrate. desiccate 2. syl des+ic+cate pron <1desi2kAt> pos vb. mod tr. def to preserve (food) by removing moisture; dry. desiccation sub head desiccate syl des+ic+1ca+tion pos n. desiccative sub head desiccate syl des+ic+ca+tive pos adj. desiccated 1. syl des+ic+ca+ted pron <1desi2kAtid> pos adj. def dehydrated and powdered. exam 1 desiccated coconut. desiccated 2. syl des+ic+ca+ted pron <1desi2kAtid> pos adj. def lacking in spirit or animation. desiccator 1. syl des+ic+ca+tor pron <1desi2kAt*> pos n. def any apparatus for drying milk, fruit, etc. desiccator 2. syl des+ic+ca+tor pron <1desi2kAt*> pos n. def an airtight box or jar containing a desiccant, used to dry chemicals and protect them from the water vapour in the atmosphere. desiderata 0. syl de+sid+er:a+ta pron pos n. mod pl. def the plural of {desideratum}. desiderate ety C17: from Latin d*_es*_ider*_are, from #7de -#7+ s*_idus star; see #7desire desiderate 0. syl de+sid+er+ate pron pos vb. mod tr. def to feel the lack of or need for; long for; miss. desideration sub head desiderate syl de+2sid+er:1a+tion pos n. desiderative 1. syl de+sid+er:a+tive pron pos adj. def feeling or expressing desire. desiderative 2. syl de+sid+er:a+tive pron pos adj. usage in certain languages, of a verb def related in form to another verb and expressing the subject's desire or intention to perform the act denoted by the other verb. desiderative 3. syl de+sid+er:a+tive pron pos n. def a desiderative verb. desideratum ety C17: from Latin; see #7desiderate desiderata infl head desideratum syl de+sid+er:a+ta pron <-t*> pos n. mod pl. desideratum 0. syl de+sid+er:a+tum pron pos n. def something lacked and wanted. design ety C16: from Latin d*_esign*_are to mark out, describe, from #7de -#7+ sign*_are to mark, from signum a mark, #7sign design 1. syl de+sign pron pos vb. def to work out the structure or form of (something), as by making a sketch, outline, pattern, or plans. design 2. syl de+sign pron pos vb. def to plan and make (something) artistically or skilfully. design 3. syl de+sign pron pos vb. mod tr. def to form or conceive in the mind; invent. design 4. syl de+sign pron pos vb. mod tr. def to intend, as for a specific purpose; plan. design 5. syl de+sign pron pos vb. mod tr. qual Obsolete. def to mark out or designate. design 6. syl de+sign pron pos n. def a plan, sketch, or preliminary drawing. design 7. syl de+sign pron pos n. def the arrangement or pattern of elements or features of an artistic or decorative work. exam 1 the design of the desk is Chippendale. design 8. syl de+sign pron pos n. def a finished artistic or decorative creation. design 9. syl de+sign pron pos n. def the art of designing. design 10. syl de+sign pron pos n. def a plan, scheme, or project. design 11. syl de+sign pron pos n. def an end aimed at or planned for; intention; purpose. design 12. syl de+sign pron pos n. mod often; pl. usage often foll. by on or against def a plot or hostile scheme, often to gain possession of (something) by illegitimate means. design 13. syl de+sign pron pos n. def a coherent or purposeful pattern, as opposed to chaos. exam 1 God's design appears in nature. designable sub head design syl de+1sign+a:ble pos adj. designate ety C15: from Latin d*_esign*_atus marked out, defined; see #7design designate 1. syl des+ig+nate pron <1dezig2nAt> pos vb. mod tr. def to indicate or specify. designate 2. syl des+ig+nate pron <1dezig2nAt> pos vb. mod tr. def to give a name to; style; entitle. designate 3. syl des+ig+nate pron <1dezig2nAt> pos vb. mod tr. def to select or name for an office or duty; appoint. designate 4. syl des+ig+nate pron <1dezignit>, <-2nAt> pos adj. mod tr. usage immediate?!ly postpositive def appointed, but not yet in office. exam 1 a minister designate. designative sub head designate or designatory syl des+ig+2na+tive pron <2dezig?!1nAt*ri> pos adj. designatory sub head designate or designative syl des+ig+na+to:ry pron <2dezig?!1nAt*ri> pos adj. designation 1. syl des+ig+na+tion pron <2dezig1nAS*n> pos n. def something that designates, such as a name or distinctive mark. designation 2. syl des+ig+na+tion pron <2dezig1nAS*n> pos n. def the act of designating or the fact of being designated. designedly 0. syl de+sign+ed+ly pron pos adv. def by intention or design; on purpose. designer 1. syl de+sign+er pron pos n. def a person who devises and executes designs, as for works of art, clothes, machines, etc. designer 2. syl de+sign+er pron pos n. def a person who devises plots or schemes; intriguer. designing 0. syl de+sign+ing pron pos adj. def artful and scheming; conniving; crafty. designingly sub head designing syl de+1sign+ing+ly pos adv. desinence ety C16: from French d*'esinence, from Latin d*_esin*_ens ending, from d*_esinere to leave off, from #7de -#7+ sinere to leave, permit desinence 0. syl des:i+nence pron <1desin*ns> pos n. qual Grammar. def an ending or termination, esp. an inflectional ending of a word. desinent sub head desinence or desinential syl des:i+nent pron <2desi1nenS*l> pos adj. desinential sub head desinence or desinent syl des:i+nen+tial pron <2desi1nenS*l> pos adj. desirable 1. syl de+sir+a:ble pron pos adj. def worthy of desire or recommendation. exam 1 a desirable residence. desirable 2. syl de+sir+a:ble pron pos adj. def arousing desire, esp. sexual desire; attractive. {~} desirable 3. syl de+sir+a:ble pron pos adj. def a person or thing that is the object of desire. desirability sub head desirable or desirableness syl de+2sir+a:1bil+i:ty pos n. desirableness sub head desirable or desirability syl de+1sir:a:ble+ness pos n. desirably sub head desirable syl de+1sir+a:bly pos adv. desire ety C13: from Old French desirer, from Latin d*_es*_ider*_are to desire earnestly; see #7desiderate desire 1. syl de+sire pron pos vb. mod tr. def to wish or long for; crave; want. desire 2. syl de+sire pron pos vb. mod tr. def to express a wish or make a request for; ask for. desire 3. syl de+sire pron pos n. mod tr. def a wish or longing; craving. desire 4. syl de+sire pron pos n. mod tr. def an expressed wish; request. desire 5. syl de+sire pron pos n. mod tr. def sexual appetite; lust. desire 6. syl de+sire pron pos n. mod tr. def a person or thing that is desired. desirer sub head desire syl de+1sir+er pos n. desirous 0. syl de+sir+ous pron pos adj. usage usually postpositive and foll. by of def having or expressing desire (for); having a wish or longing (for). desirously sub head desirous syl de+1sir+ous+ly pos adv. desirousness sub head desirous syl de+1sir+ous+ness pos n. desist ety C15: from Old French desister, from Latin d*_esistere to leave off, stand apart, from #7de -#7+ sistere to stand, halt desist 0. syl de+sist pron pos vb. mod intr. usage often foll. by from def to cease, as from an action; stop or abstain. desistance sub head desist or desistence syl de+1sist+ance pos n. desistence sub head desist or desistance syl de+1sist+ence pos n. desk ety C14: from Medieval Latin desca table, from Latin discus disc, dish desk 1. syl desk pron pos n. def a piece of furniture with a writing surface and usually drawers or other compartments. desk 2. syl desk pron pos n. def a service counter or table in a public building, such as a hotel. exam 1 information desk. desk 3. syl desk pron pos n. def a support, lectern, or book rest for the book from which services are read in a church. desk 4. syl desk pron pos n. def the editorial section of a newspaper, etc., responsible for a particular subject. exam 1 the news desk. desk 5.a. syl desk pron pos n. def a music stand shared by two orchestral players. desk 5.b. syl desk pron pos n. def these two players. desk 6.a. syl desk pron pos n. def made for use at a desk. exam 1 a desk calendar. desk 6.b. syl desk pron pos n. def done at a desk. exam 1 a desk job. desk clerk 0. syl desk clerk pos n. qual U.S. def a hotel receptionist. Also: {clerk}. desman ety C18: from Swedish desmansr*%atta, from desman musk (of Germanic origin)+ r*%atta rat desmans infl head desman syl des+mans. pos n. mod pl. desman 0. syl des+man pron <1desm*n> pos n. def either of two molelike amphibious mammals, ({Russian desman}) or ({Pyrenean desman}) , having dense fur and webbed feet: family order (insecti?!vores). desmid ety C19: from New Latin Desmidium (genus name), from Greek desmos bond, from dein to bind desmid 0. syl des+mid pron <1desmid> pos n. def any freshwater green alga of the mainly unicellular family typically constricted into two symmetrical halves. desmidian sub head desmid syl des+1mid+i:an pos adj. desmoid ety C19: from Greek desmos band+-#7oid ; see #7desmid desmoid 1. syl des+moid pron <1desmcid> pos adj. qual Anatomy. def resembling a tendon or ligament. {~} desmoid 2. syl des+moid pron <1desmcid> pos adj. qual Pathol. def a very firm tumour of connective tissue. Des Moines 1. syl Des Moines pron <1mcin>, <1mcinz> pos n. def a city in S central Iowa: state capital. Pop.: 199145 (1973 est.). Des Moines 2. syl Des Moines pron <1mcin>, <1mcinz> pos n. def a river in the N central U.S., rising in SW Minnesota and flowing southeast to join the Mississippi. Length: 861 km (535 miles). (Lucie Simplice) Camille (Benoit) infl head Desmoulins syl (Lucie Simplice) Ca:mille (Beno*^it) pron pos n. Desmoulins 0. syl Des:mou:lins pron French pos n. def 1760-94, French revolutionary leader, pamphleteer, and orator. desolate ety C14: from Latin d*_es*_ol*_are to leave alone, from #7de -#7+ s*_ol*_are to make lonely, lay waste, from s*_olus alone desolate 1. syl des:o+late pron <1des*lit> pos adj. def uninhabited; deserted. desolate 2. syl des:o+late pron <1des*lit> pos adj. def made uninhabitable; laid waste; devastated. desolate 3. syl des:o+late pron <1des*lit> pos adj. def without friends, hope, or encouragement; forlorn, wretched, or abandoned. desolate 4. syl des:o+late pron <1des*lit> pos adj. def gloomy or dismal; depressing. desolate 5. syl des:o+late pron <1des*2lAt> pos vb. mod tr. def to deprive of inhabitants; depopulate. desolate 6. syl des:o+late pron <1des*2lAt> pos vb. mod tr. def to make barren or lay waste; devastate. desolate 7. syl des:o+late pron <1des*2lAt> pos vb. mod tr. def to make wretched or forlorn. desolate 8. syl des:o+late pron <1des*2lAt> pos vb. mod tr. def to forsake or abandon. desolater sub head desolate or desolator syl des:o+2lat+er pos n. desolator sub head desolate or desolater syl des:o+2la+tor pos n. desolately sub head desolate syl des:o+late+ly pos adv. desolateness sub head desolate syl des:o+late+ness pos n. desolation 1. syl des:o+la+tion pron <2des*1lAS*n> pos n. def the act of desolating or the state of being desolated; ruin or devastation. desolation 2. syl des:o+la+tion pron <2des*1lAS*n> pos n. def solitary misery; wretchedness. desolation 3. syl des:o+la+tion pron <2des*1lAS*n> pos n. def a desolate region; barren waste. desorb 0. syl de+sorb pron , <-1zc:b> pos vb. qual Chem. def to change from an adsorbed state on a surface to a gaseous or liquid state. desorption 0. syl de+sorp+tion pron pos n. def the action or process of desorbing. Hernando infl head De Soto syl Her:nan:do pron pos n. De Soto 0. syl De So:to pron <1s*ut*u>, Spanish <1soto> pos n. def ??1500-42, Spanish explorer, who discovered the Mississippi river (1541). Also: {Fer@.nan@.do De So@.to} (fer#!nando). desoxy- 0. syl des:ox:y- usage combining form. def variant of {deoxy-}. despair ety C14: from Old French despoir hopelessness, from desperer to despair, from Latin d*_esp*_er*_are, from #7de -#7+ sp*_er*_are to hope despair 1. syl des+pair pron pos vb. mod intr. usage often foll. by of def to lose or give up hope. exam 1 I despair of his coming. despair 2. syl des+pair pron pos vb. mod tr. qual Obsolete. def to give up hope of; lose hope in. despair 3. syl des+pair pron pos n. def total loss of hope. despair 4. syl des+pair pron pos n. def a person or thing that causes hopelessness or for which there is no hope. despatch 0. syl des+patch pron pos vb. mod tr. def a less common spelling of {dispatch}. despatcher sub head despatch syl des+1patch+er pos n. Hugh le infl head Despenser syl Hugh le pos n. Despenser 0. syl Des:pen:ser pron pos n. def Earl of Winchester. 1262-1326, English statesman, a favourite of Edward II. Together with his son {Hugh}, (??1290-1326), he was executed by the king's enemies. desperado ety C17: probably pseudo-Spanish variant of obsolete desperate (n.) a reckless character desperadoes infl head desperado or desperados syl des+pe+ra+does pos n. mod pl. desperados infl head desperado or desperadoes syl des+pe+ra+dos. pos n. mod pl. desperado 0. syl des+pe+ra+do pron <2desp*1ra:d*u> pos n. def a reckless or desperate person, esp. one ready to commit any violent illegal act. desperate ety C15: from Latin d*_esp*_er*_are to have no hope; see #7despair desperate 1. syl des+per+ate pron <1desp*rit>, <-prit> pos adj. def careless of danger, as from despair; utterly reckless. desperate 2. syl des+per+ate pron <1desp*rit>, <-prit> pos adj. usage of an act def reckless; risky. desperate 3. syl des+per+ate pron <1desp*rit>, <-prit> pos adj. def used or undertaken in desperation or as a last resort. exam 1 desperate measures. desperate 4. syl des+per+ate pron <1desp*rit>, <-prit> pos adj. def critical; very grave. exam 1 in desperate need. desperate 5. syl des+per+ate pron <1desp*rit>, <-prit> pos adj. usage often postpositive and foll. by for def in distress and having a great need or desire. desperate 6. syl des+per+ate pron <1desp*rit>, <-prit> pos adj. def moved by or showing despair or hopelessness; despairing. desperately sub head desperate syl des+per+ate+ly pos adv. desperateness sub head desperate syl des+per+ate+ness pos n. desperation 1. syl des+per:a+tion pron <2desp*1rAS*n> pos n. def desperate recklessness. desperation 2. syl des+per:a+tion pron <2desp*1rAS*n> pos n. def the act of despairing or the state of being desperate. despicable ety C16: from Late Latin d*_espic*_abilis, from d*_espic*_ar*_i to disdain; compare #7despise despicable 0. syl des+pic+a:ble pron <1despik*bL>, pos adj. def worthy of being despised; contemptible; mean. despicability sub head despicable or despicableness syl des+pi+ca:1bil+i:ty pos n. despicableness sub head despicable or despicability syl des+pi+ca:ble+ness pos n. despicably sub head despicable syl des+1pi+ca:bly pos adv. despise ety C13: from Old French despire, from Latin d*_espicere to look down, from #7de -#7+ specere to look despise 0. syl des+pise pron pos vb. mod tr. def to look down on with contempt; scorn. exam 1 he despises flattery. despiser sub head despise syl de+1spis+er pos n. despite ety C13: from Old French despit, from Latin d*_espectus contempt; see #7despise despite 1. syl de+spite pron pos prep. def in spite of; undeterred by. despite 2. syl de+spite pron pos n. qual Archaic. def contempt; insult. in despite of 3. head despite syl in despite of. pos prep. qual Rare. def in spite of. despite 4. syl de+spite pron pos vb. mod tr. def an archaic word for {spite}. despiteous alt head despiteful or despiteful syl des+pit+e:ous pron pos adj. despiteful 0. or despiteous syl de+spite+ful pron pos adj. def an archaic word for {spiteful}. despitefully sub head despiteful syl de+1spite+ful+ly pos adv. despitefulness sub head despiteful syl de+1spite+ful+ness pos n. despoil ety C13: from Old French despoillier, from Latin d*_espoli*_are, from #7de -#7+ spoli*_are to rob (esp. of clothing); see #7spoil despoil 0. syl de+spoil pron pos vb. mod tr. def to strip or deprive by force; plunder; rob; loot. despoiler sub head despoil syl de+1spoil+er pos n. despoilment sub head despoil syl de+1spoil+ment pos n. despoliation 1. syl de+spo+li:a+tion pron pos n. def the act of despoiling; plunder or pillage. despoliation 2. syl de+spo+li:a+tion pron pos n. def the state of being despoiled. despond ety C17: from Latin d*_espond*_ere to promise, make over to, yield, lose heart, from #7de -#7+ spond*_ere to promise despond 1. syl de+spond pron pos vb. mod intr. def to lose heart or hope; become disheartened; despair. despond 2. syl de+spond pron <1despond>, pos n. def an archaic word for {despondency}. despondingly sub head despond syl de+1spond+ing+ly pos adv. despondent 0. syl de+spond+ent pron pos adj. def downcast or disheartened; lacking hope or courage; dejected. &- {de+#!spond+ence} &- {de+#!spond+en+cy} &- {de+#!spond+ent+ly} despot ety C16: from Medieval Latin despota, from Greek despot*_es lord, master; related to Latin domus house despot 1. syl des+pot pron <1despot> pos n. def an absolute or tyrannical ruler; autocrat or tyrant. despot 2. syl des+pot pron <1despot> pos n. def any person in power who acts tyrannically. despot 3. syl des+pot pron <1despot> pos n. def a title borne by numerous persons of rank in the later Roman, Byzantine, and Ottoman Empires. exam 1 the despot of Servia. despotic sub head despot or despotical syl des+pot+ic pron pos adj. despotical sub head despot or despotic syl des+1pot:i+cal pos adj. despotically sub head despot syl des+1pot:i+cal+ly pos adv. despotism 1. syl des+pot+ism pron <1desp*2tiz*m> pos n. def the rule of a despot; arbitrary, absolute, or tyrannical government. despotism 2. syl des+pot+ism pron <1desp*2tiz*m> pos n. def arbitrary or tyrannical authority or behaviour. Deprez alt head Des Pr'es or Des Pr'es syl De:prez Des Pr'es 0. or Deprez syl Des Pr*'es qual French def de #!pre) {Jos@.quin} (#f@$s#!k?~$e). ??1450-1521, Flemish Renaissance composer of masses, motets, and chansons. despumate ety C17: from Latin d*_esp*_um*_are to skim off, from #7de -#7+ sp*_uma foam, froth despumate 1. syl des+pu+mate pron , <1despju2mAt> pos vb. mod tr. def to clarify or purify (a liquid) by skimming a scum from its surface. despumate 2. syl des+pu+mate pron , <1despju2mAt> pos vb. mod intr. usage of a liquid def to form a scum or froth. despumation sub head despumate syl des+pu+1ma+tion pos n. desquamate ety C18: from Latin d*_esqu*_am*_are to scale off, from #7de -#7+ squ*_ama a scale desquamate 0. syl des+qua+mate pron <1deskw*2mAt> pos vb. mod intr. usage esp. of the skin in certain diseases def to peel or come off in scales. desquamation sub head desquamate syl des+qua+1ma+tion pos n. Jean Jacques infl head Dessalines syl Jean Jacques pron <1Zak> pos n. Dessalines 0. syl Des:sa:lines pron French pos n. def ??1758-1806, emperor of Haiti (1804-06) after driving out the French; assassinated. Dessau 0. syl Des+sau pron German <1desau> pos n. def an industrial city in central East Germany: capital of Anhalt state from 1340 to 1918. Pop.: 100663 (1975 est.). dessert ety C17: from French, from desservir to clear a table, from des- {#7dis -%1}#7+ servir to #7serve dessert 1. syl des+sert pron pos n. def the sweet, usually last course of a meal. dessert 2. syl des+sert pron pos n. usage Chiefly Brit. esp. formerly def fruit, dates, nuts, etc., served at the end of a meal. dessertspoon 0. syl des:sert+spoon pron pos n. def a spoon intermediate in size between a tablespoon and a teaspoon. dessiatine ety C18: from Russian desyatina, literally: tithe, from desyat ten dessiatine 0. syl des+sia+tine pron <1desj*2tEn> pos n. def a Russian unit of area equal to approximately 2.7 acres or 10800 square metres. de-Stalinisation alt head de-Stalinization or de-Stalinization syl de-Sta:lin:i+sa+tion pron pos n. de-Stalinization 0. or de-Stalinisation syl de-Sta:lin:i+za+tion pron pos n. def the elimination of the influence of Stalin. De Stijl ety Dutch, literally: the style, title of this group's own magazine De Stijl 0. syl De Stijl pron <1stIl> pos n. def a group of artists and architects in the Netherlands in the 1920s, including Mondrian and van Doesburg, devoted to neoplasticism and then dada. destination 1. syl des+ti+na+tion pron <2desti1nAS*n> pos n. def the predetermined end of a journey or voyage. destination 2. syl des+ti+na+tion pron <2desti1nAS*n> pos n. def the ultimate end or purpose for which something is created or a person is destined. destination 3. syl des+ti+na+tion pron <2desti1nAS*n> pos n. qual Rare. def the act of destining or predetermining. destine ety C14: from Old French destiner, from Latin d*_estin*_are to appoint, from #7de -#7+ -stin*_are, from st*_are to stand destine 0. syl des+tine pron <1destin> pos vb. mod tr. def to set apart or appoint (for a certain purpose or person, or to do something); intend; design. destined 1. syl des+tined pron <1destind> pos adj. usage postpositive def foreordained or certain; meant. exam 1 he is destined to be famous. destined 2. syl des+tined pron <1destind> pos adj. usage postpositive; usually foll. by for def heading (towards a specific destination); directed. exam 1 a letter destined for Europe. destiny ety C14: from Old French destinee, from destiner to #7destine destinies infl head destiny syl des+ti+nies. pos n. mod pl. destiny 1. syl des+ti+ny pron <1destini> pos n. def the future destined for a person or thing; fate; fortune; lot. destiny 2. syl des+ti+ny pron <1destini> pos n. def the predetermined or inevitable course of events. destiny 3. syl des+ti+ny pron <1destini> pos n. def the ultimate power or agency that predetermines the course of events. Destinies infl head Destiny syl Des+ti+nies. pos n. mod pl. Destiny 0. syl Des+ti+ny pron <1destini> pos n. def the power that predetermines events, personified as a goddess. destitute ety C14: from Latin d*_estit*_utus forsaken, from d*_estituere to leave alone, from statuere to place destitute 1. syl des+ti+tute pron <1desti2tju:t> pos adj. def lacking the means of subsistence; totally impoverished. destitute 2. syl des+ti+tute pron <1desti2tju:t> pos adj. usage postpositive; foll. by of def completely lacking; deprived or bereft (of). exam 1 destitute of words. destitute 3. syl des+ti+tute pron <1desti2tju:t> pos adj. qual Obsolete. def abandoned or deserted. destituteness sub head destitute syl des+ti+2tute+ness pos n. destitution 1. syl des+ti+tu+tion pron <2desti1tju:S*n> pos n. def the state of being destitute; utter poverty. destitution 2. syl des+ti+tu+tion pron <2desti1tju:S*n> pos n. qual Rare. def lack or deficiency. destrier ety C13: from Old French, from destre right hand, from Latin dextra; from the fact that a squire led a knight's horse with his right hand destrier 0. syl des+tri+er pron <1destri*> pos n. def an archaic word for { {warhorse} (sense 1)}. destroy ety C13: from Old French destruire, from Latin d*_estruere to pull down, from #7de -#7+ struere to pile up, build destroy 1. syl de+stroy pron pos vb. mod mainly; tr. def to ruin; spoil; render useless. destroy 2. syl de+stroy pron pos vb. mod mainly; tr. def to tear down or demolish; break up; raze. destroy 3. syl de+stroy pron pos vb. mod mainly; tr. def to put an end to; do away with; extinguish. destroy 4. syl de+stroy pron pos vb. mod mainly; tr. def to kill or annihilate. destroy 5. syl de+stroy pron pos vb. mod mainly; tr. def to crush, subdue, or defeat. destroy 6. syl de+stroy pron pos vb. mod intr. def to be destructive or cause destruction. destroyable sub head destroy syl de+1stroy+a:ble pos adj. destroyer 1. syl de+stroy+er pron pos n. def a small fast lightly armoured but heavily armed warship. destroyer 2. syl de+stroy+er pron pos n. def a person or thing that destroys. destroyer escort 0. syl de+stroy+er es+cort pos n. def a warship smaller than a destroyer, designed to escort fleets or convoys. destruct 1. syl de+struct pron pos vb. def to destroy (one's own missile, etc.) for safety. destruct 2. syl de+struct pron pos vb. mod intr. usage of a missile, etc. def to be destroyed, for safety, by those controlling it; self-destruct. {~} destruct 3. syl de+struct pron pos vb. def the act of destructing. destructible 0. syl de+struct+i:ble pron pos adj. def capable of being or liable to be destroyed. destructibility sub head destructible syl de+2struc+ti:1bil+i:ty pos n. destruction ety C14: from Latin d*_estructi*_o a pulling down; see #7destroy destruction 1. syl de+struc+tion pron pos n. def the act of destroying or state of being destroyed; demolition. destruction 2. syl de+struc+tion pron pos n. def a cause of ruin or means of destroying. destructionist 0. syl de+struc+tion+ist pron pos n. def a person who believes in destruction, esp. of social institutions. destructive 1. syl de+struc+tive pron pos adj. usage often postpositive and foll. by of or to def causing or tending to cause the destruction (of). destructive 2. syl de+struc+tive pron pos adj. def intended to disprove or discredit, esp. without positive suggestions or help; negative. exam 1 destructive criticism. destructively sub head destructive syl de+1struc+tive+ly pos adv. destructiveness sub head destructive or destructivity syl de+1struc+tive+ness pron <2dEstr^k1tiviti> pos n. destructivity sub head destructive or destructiveness syl de+struc+tiv+i:ty pron <2dEstr^k1tiviti> pos n. destructive distillation 0. syl de+struc+tive dis+til+la+tion pos n. def the decomposition of a complex substance, such as wood or coal, by heating it in the absence of air and collecting the volatile products. destructor 1. syl de+struc+tor pron pos n. def a furnace or incinerator for the disposal of refuse, esp. one that uses the resulting heat to generate power. destructor 2. syl de+struc+tor pron pos n. def a device used to blow up a dangerously defective missile or rocket after launching. desuetude ety C15: from Latin d*_esu*_et*_ud*_o, from d*_esuescere to lay aside a habit, from #7de -#7+ suescere to grow accustomed desuetude 0. syl des:u:e+tude pron , <1deswitju:d> pos n. def the condition of not being in use or practice; disuse. exam 1 those ceremonies had fallen into desuetude. desulphurise alt head desulphurize or desulphurize syl de+sul+phur+ise pron pos vb. desulphurize 0. or desulphurise syl de+sul+phur+ize pron pos vb. def to free or become free from sulphur. desulphurization sub head desulphurize or desulphurisation syl de+2sul+phur:i+1za+tion pos n. desulphurisation sub head desulphurize or desulphurization syl de+2sul+phur:i+1sa+tion pos n. desulphurizer sub head desulphurize or desulphuriser syl de+1sul+phur+2iz+er pos n. desulphuriser sub head desulphurize or desulphurizer syl de+1sul+phur+2is+er pos n. desultory ety C16: from Latin d*_esult*_orius, relating to one who vaults or jumps, hence superficial, from d*_esil*_ire to jump down, from #7de -#7+ sal*_ire to jump desultory 1. syl des+ul+to:ry pron <1des*lt*ri>, <-tri> pos adj. def passing or jumping from one thing to another, esp. in a fitful way; unmethodical; dis?!connected. desultory 2. syl des+ul+to:ry pron <1des*lt*ri>, <-tri> pos adj. def occurring in a random or incidental way; haphazard. exam 1 a desultory thought. desultorily sub head desultory syl des+ul+2to+ri+ly pos adv. desultoriness sub head desultory syl des+ul+2to+ri+ness pos n. detach ety C17: from Old French destachier, from des- {#7dis -%1}#7+ attachier to #7attach detach 1. syl de+tach pron pos vb. mod tr. def to disengage and separate or remove, as by pulling; unfasten; disconnect. detach 2. syl de+tach pron pos vb. mod tr. qual Military. def to separate (a small unit) from a larger, esp. for a special assignment. detachable sub head detach syl de+1tach+a:ble pos adj. detachability sub head detach syl de+2tach+a:1bil+i:ty pos n. detacher sub head detach syl de+1tach+er pos n. detached 1. syl de+tached pron pos adj. def disconnected or standing apart; not attached. exam 1 a detached house. detached 2. syl de+tached pron pos adj. def having or showing no bias or emotional involvement; disinterested. detachment 1. syl de+tach+ment pron pos n. def indifference to other people or to one's surroundings; aloofness. detachment 2. syl de+tach+ment pron pos n. def freedom from self-interest or bias; disinterest. detachment 3. syl de+tach+ment pron pos n. def the act of disengaging or separating something. detachment 4. syl de+tach+ment pron pos n. def the condition of being disengaged or separated; disconnection. detachment 5.a. syl de+tach+ment pron pos n. def the separation of a small unit from its main body, esp. of ships or troops. detachment 5.b. syl de+tach+ment pron pos n. def the unit so detached. detail ety C17: from French d*'etail, from Old French de?!tailler to cut in pieces, from de- {#7dis -%1}#7+ tailler to cut; see #7tailor detail 1. syl de+tail pron <1dEtAl> pos n. def an item or smaller part that is considered separately; particular. detail 2. syl de+tail pron <1dEtAl> pos n. def an item or circumstance that is insignificant or unimportant. exam 1 passengers' comfort was regarded as a detail. detail 3. syl de+tail pron <1dEtAl> pos n. def treatment of or attention to items or particulars. exam 1 this essay includes too much detail. detail 4. syl de+tail pron <1dEtAl> pos n. def items collectively; par?!ticulars. detail 5. syl de+tail pron <1dEtAl> pos n. def a small or accessory section or element in a paint?!ing, building, statue, etc., esp. when considered in isolation. detail 6.a. syl de+tail pron <1dEtAl> pos n. def the act of assigning personnel for a specific duty, esp. a fatigue. detail 6.b. syl de+tail pron <1dEtAl> pos n. def the personnel selected. detail 6.c. syl de+tail pron <1dEtAl> pos n. def the duty or assignment. go into detail 7. head detail syl go into detail. def to include all or most particu?!lars. in detail 8. head detail syl in detail. def including all or most particulars or items thoroughly. detail 9. syl de+tail pron <1dEtAl> pos vb. mod tr. def to list or relate fully. detail 10. syl de+tail pron <1dEtAl> pos vb. mod tr. qual Military. def to select (personnel) for a specific duty. detail 11. syl de+tail pron <1dEtAl> pos vb. mod tr. def to decorate or elaborate (carving, etc.) with fine delicate drawing or designs. detail drawing 0. syl de+tail draw+ing pos n. def a separate large-scale drawing of a small part or section of a building, machine, etc. detailed 0. syl de+tailed pron <1dEtAld> pos adj. def having many details or giving careful attention to details. detain ety C15: from Old French detenir, from Latin d*_etin*_ere to hold off, keep back, from #7de -#7+ ten*_ere to hold &- de+#!tain+a@.ble adj. &- de+tain@.ee (@!di$:te$I#!ni$:) n. &- de+#!tain+ment n. detain 1. syl de+tain pron pos vb. mod tr. def to delay; hold back; stop. detain 2. syl de+tain pron pos vb. mod tr. def to confine or hold in custody; restrain. detain 3. syl de+tain pron pos vb. mod tr. qual Archaic. def to retain or withhold. detainer ety C17: from Anglo-French detener (n.), from detener to #7detain detainer 1. syl de+tain+er pron pos n. qual Law. def the wrongful withholding of the property of another person. detainer 2.a. syl de+tain+er pron pos n. qual Law. def the detention of a person in custody. detainer 2.b. syl de+tain+er pron pos n. qual Law. def a writ authorizing the further detention of a person already in custody. detect ety C15: from Latin d*_etectus uncovered, from d*_etegere to uncover, from #7de -#7+ tegere to cover detect 1. syl de+tect pron pos vb. mod tr. def to discover, perceive, or notice. exam 1 to detect a note of sarcasm. detect 2. syl de+tect pron pos vb. mod tr. def to discover, or reveal (a crime, criminal, etc.). detect 3. syl de+tect pron pos vb. mod tr. def to extract information from (an electromagnetic wave). detectable sub head detect or detectible syl de+1tect+a:ble pos adj. detectible sub head detect or detectable syl de+1tect+i:ble pos adj. detecter sub head detect syl de+1tect+er pos n. detection 1. syl de+tec+tion pron pos n. def the act of discovering or the fact of being discovered. exam 1 detection of crime. detection 2. syl de+tec+tion pron pos n. def the act or process of extracting information, esp. at audio or video frequencies, from an electromagnetic wave. See also {demodulation}. detective 1.a. syl de+tec+tive pron pos n. def a police officer who investigates crimes. private detective 1.b. head detective syl private detective. def an individual privately employed to investigate a crime or make other inquiries. detective 1.c. syl de+tec+tive pron pos n. usage as modifier exam 1 a detective story. detective 2. syl de+tec+tive pron pos adj. def used in or serving for detection. detective 3. syl de+tec+tive pron pos adj. def serving to detect. detector 1. syl de+tec+tor pron pos n. def a person or thing that detects. detector 2. syl de+tec+tor pron pos n. def any mechanical sensing device. detector 3. syl de+tec+tor pron pos n. qual Electronics. def a device used in the detection of radio signals. detector 4. syl de+tec+tor pron pos n. def a device, such as a diode, used to rectify an alternating current. detent ety C17: from Old French destente, a loosening, trigger: see #7d*'etente detent 0. syl de+tent pron pos n. def the locking piece of a mechanism, often spring-loaded to check the movement of a wheel in one direction only. See also {pawl}. d'etente ety French, literally: a loosening, from Old French destendre to release, from tendre to stretch d'etente 0. syl d*'e+tente pron , French pos n. def the relaxing or easing of tension, esp. between nations. detention ety C16: from Latin d*_etenti*_o a keeping back; see #7detain detention 1. syl de+ten+tion pron pos n. def the act of detaining or state of being detained. detention 2.a. syl de+ten+tion pron pos n. def custody or confinement, esp. of a suspect awaiting trial. detention 2.b. syl de+ten+tion pron pos n. usage as modifier exam 1 a detention order. detention 3. syl de+ten+tion pron pos n. def a form of punishment in which a pupil is detained after school. detention 4. syl de+ten+tion pron pos n. def the withholding of something belonging to or claimed by another. detention centre 0. syl de+ten+tion cen+tre pos n. def a place where young persons may be detained for short periods by order of a court. deter ety C16: from Latin d*_eterr*_ere, from #7de -#7+ terr*_ere to frighten deters infl head deter syl de+ters pos vb. mod tr. deterring infl head deter syl de+ter+ring pos vb. mod tr. deterred infl head deter syl de+terred. pos vb. mod tr. deter 0. syl de+ter pron pos vb. mod tr. def to discourage (from acting) or prevent (from occurring), usually by instilling fear, doubt, or anxiety. determent sub head deter syl de+1ter+ment pos n. deterge ety C17: from Latin d*_eterg*_ere to wipe away, from #7de -#7+ terg*_ere to wipe deterge 0. syl de+terge pron pos vb. mod tr. def to wash or wipe away; cleanse. exam 1 to deterge a wound. detergence alt head detergency or detergency syl de+ter+gence pos n. detergency 0. or detergence syl de+ter+gen+cy pron pos n. def cleansing power. detergent ety C17: from Latin d*_eterg*_ens wiping off; see #7deterge detergent 1. syl de+ter+gent pron pos n. def a cleansing agent, esp. a surface-active chemical such as an alkyl sulphonate, widely used in industry, laundering, shampoos, etc. detergent 2. syl de+ter+gent pron pos adj. usage also def having cleansing power. deteriorate ety C16: from Late Latin d*_eteri*_or*_are, from Latin d*_eterior worse deteriorate 1. syl de+te:ri:o+rate pron pos vb. def to make or become worse or lower in quality, value, character, etc.; depreciate. deteriorate 2. syl de+te:ri:o+rate pron pos vb. mod intr. def to wear away or disintegrate. deterioration sub head deteriorate syl de+2te:ri:o+1ra+tion pos n. deteriorative sub head deteriorate syl de+1te:ri:o+ra+tive pos adj. determinable 1. syl de+ter+mi+na:ble pron pos adj. def able to be decided, fixed, or found out. determinable 2. syl de+ter+mi+na:ble pron pos adj. qual Law. def liable to termination under certain conditions; terminable. determinably sub head determinable syl de+1ter+mi+na:bly pos adv. determinant 1. syl de+ter+mi+nant pron pos adj. def serving to determine or affect. determinant 2. syl de+ter+mi+nant pron pos n. def a factor, circumstance, etc., that influences or determines. determinant 3. syl de+ter+mi+nant pron pos n. qual Maths. def a square array of elements that represents the sum of certain products of these elements, used to solve simultaneous equations, in vector studies, etc. Compare { {matrix} (sense 9)}. determinate 1. syl de+ter+mi+nate pron pos adj. def definitely limited, defined, or fixed; distinct. determinate 2. syl de+ter+mi+nate pron pos adj. def a less common word for {determined}. determinate 3.a. syl de+ter+mi+nate pron pos adj. def able to be predicted or deduced. determinate 3.b. syl de+ter+mi+nate pron pos adj. usage of an effect def obeying the law of causality. determinate 4. syl de+ter+mi+nate pron pos adj. usage Botany. of an inflorescence def having the main and branch stems ending in flowers; cymose. determinate 5. syl de+ter+mi+nate pron pos adj. usage of a structure, stress, etc. def able to be fully analysed or determined. determinately sub head determinate syl de+1ter+mi+nate+ly pos adv. determinateness sub head determinate syl de+1ter+mi+nate+ness pos n. determination 1. syl de+ter+mi+na+tion pron pos n. def the act or an instance of making a decision. determination 2. syl de+ter+mi+na+tion pron pos n. def the condition of being determined; resoluteness. determination 3. syl de+ter+mi+na+tion pron pos n. def the act or an instance of ending an argument by the opinion or decision of an authority. determination 4. syl de+ter+mi+na+tion pron pos n. def the act or an instance of fixing or settling the quality, limit, position, etc., of something. determination 5. syl de+ter+mi+na+tion pron pos n. def a decision or opinion reached, rendered, or settled upon. determination 6. syl de+ter+mi+na+tion pron pos n. def a resolute movement towards some object or end. determination 7. syl de+ter+mi+na+tion pron pos n. qual Law. def the termination of an estate or interest. determination 8. syl de+ter+mi+na+tion pron pos n. qual Law. def the decision reached by a court of justice on a disputed matter. determination 9.a. syl de+ter+mi+na+tion pron pos n. def the process of qualifying or limiting a proposition or concept. determination 9.b. syl de+ter+mi+na+tion pron pos n. def the qualifications or limitations used in this process. determination 10. syl de+ter+mi+na+tion pron pos n. def the condition of embryonic tissues of being able to develop into only one particular tissue or organ in the adult. determinative 1. syl de+ter+mi+na+tive pron pos adj. def able to or serving to settle or determine; deciding. determinative 2. syl de+ter+mi+na+tive pron pos n. def a factor, circumstance, etc., that settles or determines. determinative 3. syl de+ter+mi+na+tive pron pos n. qual Grammar. def a less common word for {determiner}. determinative 4. syl de+ter+mi+na+tive pron pos n. usage in a logographic writing system def a logogram that bears a separate meaning, from which compounds and inflected forms are built up. determinatively sub head determinative syl de+1ter+mi+na+tive+ly pos adv. determinativeness sub head determinative syl de+1ter+mi+na+tive+ness pos n. determine ety C14: from Old French determiner, from Latin d*_etermin*_are to set boundaries to, from #7de -#7+ termin*_are to limit; see #7terminate determine 1. syl de+ter+mine pron pos vb. def to settle or decide (an argument, question, etc.) conclusively, as by referring to an authority. determine 2. syl de+ter+mine pron pos vb. mod tr. def to ascertain or conclude, esp. after observation or consideration. determine 3. syl de+ter+mine pron pos vb. mod tr. def to shape or influence; give direction to. exam 1 experience often determines ability. determine 4. syl de+ter+mine pron pos vb. mod tr. def to fix in scope, extent, variety, etc.. exam 1 the river determined the edge of the property. determine 5. syl de+ter+mine pron pos vb. def to make or cause to make a decision. exam 1 he determined never to marry. determine 6. syl de+ter+mine pron pos vb. mod tr. qual Logic. def to define or limit (a notion) by adding or requiring certain features or character?!istics. determine 7. syl de+ter+mine pron pos vb. mod tr. qual Geom. def to fix or specify the position, form, or configuration of. exam 1 two points determine a line. determine 8. syl de+ter+mine pron pos vb. qual Chiefly law. def to come or bring to an end, as an estate or interest in land. determine 9. syl de+ter+mine pron pos vb. mod tr. def to decide (a legal action or dispute). determined 0. syl de+ter+mined pron pos adj. def of unwavering mind; resolute; firm. determinedly sub head determined syl de+1ter+mined+ly pos adv. determinedness sub head determined syl de+1ter+mined+ness pos n. determiner 1. syl de+ter+min+er pron pos n. def a word, such as a number, an article, or that determines the referent or referents of a noun phrase. determiner 2. syl de+ter+min+er pron pos n. def a person or thing that determines. determinism 0. syl de+ter+min+ism pron pos n. def the philosophical doctrine that all acts, choices, and events are the inevitable consequence of antecedent sufficient causes. Compare {free will}. determinist sub head determinism syl de+1ter+min+ist pos n. adj. deterministic sub head determinism syl de+2ter+min+1is+tic pos adj. deterrent ety C19: from Latin d*_eterr*_ens hindering; see #7deter &- de+#!ter+rence n. deterrent 1. syl de+ter+rent pron pos n. def something that deters. deterrent 2. syl de+ter+rent pron pos n. def a weapon or combination of weapons, esp. nuclear, held by one state, etc., to deter attack by another. {~} deterrent 3. syl de+ter+rent pron pos n. def tending or used to deter; restraining. detest ety C16: from Latin d*_etest*_ar*_i to curse (while invoking a god as witness), from #7de -#7+ test*_ar*_i to bear witness, from testis a witness detest 0. syl de+test pron pos vb. mod tr. def to dislike intensely; loathe. detester sub head detest syl de+1test+er pos n. detestable 0. syl de+test+a:ble pron pos adj. def being or deserving to be abhorred or detested; abominable; odious. detestability sub head detestable or detestableness syl de+2test+a:1bil+i:ty pos n. detestableness sub head detestable or detestability syl de+1test+a:ble+ness pos n. detestably sub head detestable syl de+1test+a:bly pos adv. detestation 1. syl de+tes+ta+tion pron <2dEtes1tAS*n> pos n. def intense hatred; abhor?!rence. detestation 2. syl de+tes+ta+tion pron <2dEtes1tAS*n> pos n. def a person or thing that is detested. dethrone 0. syl de+throne pron pos vb. mod tr. def to remove from a throne or deprive of any high position or title; depose. exam 1 the champion was dethroned by a young boxer. dethronement sub head dethrone syl de+1throne+ment pos n. dethroner sub head dethrone syl de+1thron+er pos n. detinue ety C15: from Old French detenue, from detenir to #7detain detinue 0. syl det:i+nue pron <1deti2nju:> pos n. qual Law. def an action brought by a plaintiff to recover goods wrongfully detained. Detmold 0. syl Det+mold pron <1detm*uld>, German <1dAtmclt> pos n. def a city in NW West Germany, in North Rhine-Westphalia. Pop.: 63700 (1970). detonate ety C18: from Latin d*_eton*_are to thunder down, from #7de -#7+ ton*_are to #7thunder detonate 0. syl det:o+nate pron <1det*2nAt> pos vb. def to cause (a bomb, mine, etc.) to explode or (of a bomb, mine, etc.) to explode; set off or be set off. detonation 1. syl det:o+na+tion pron <2det*1nAS*n> pos n. def an explosion or the act of exploding. detonation 2. syl det:o+na+tion pron <2det*1nAS*n> pos n. def the spontaneous combustion in an internal-combustion engine of part of the mixture before it has been reached by the flame front. detonation 3. syl det:o+na+tion pron <2det*1nAS*n> pos n. qual Physics. def rapid combustion, esp. that occurring within a shock wave. detonative sub head detonation syl det:o+2na+tive pos adj. detonator 1. syl det:o+na+tor pron <1det*2nAt*> pos n. def a small amount of explosive, as in a percussion cap, used to initiate a larger explosion. detonator 2. syl det:o+na+tor pron <1det*2nAt*> pos n. def a device, such as an electrical generator, used to set off an explosion from a distance. detonator 3. syl det:o+na+tor pron <1det*2nAt*> pos n. def a substance or object that explodes or is capable of exploding. detour ety C18: from French d*'etour, from Old French destorner to divert, turn away, from des- #7de -#7+ torner to #7turn detour 1. syl de+tour pron <1dEtu*> pos n. def a deviation from a direct, usually shorter route or course of action. {~} detour 2. syl de+tour pron <1dEtu*> pos n. def to deviate or cause to deviate from a direct route or course of action. detoxicate ety C19: #7de -#7+ -toxicate, from Latin toxicum poison; see #7toxic detoxicate 1. syl de+tox:i+cate pron pos vb. mod tr. def to rid (a patient) of a poison or its effects. detoxicate 2. syl de+tox:i+cate pron pos vb. mod tr. def to counteract (a poison). detoxicant sub head detoxicate syl de+1tox:i+cant pos adj. n. detoxication sub head detoxicate syl de+2tox:i+1ca+tion pos n. detoxifies infl head detoxify syl de+tox:i+fies pos vb. mod tr. detoxifying infl head detoxify syl de+tox:i+fy+ing pos vb. mod tr. detoxified infl head detoxify syl de+tox:i+fied. pos vb. mod tr. detoxify 0. syl de+tox:i+fy pron pos vb. mod tr. def to remove poison from; detoxicate. &- {de+@!tox@.i+fi+#!ca+tion} detract ety C15: from Latin d*_etractus drawn away, from d*_etrahere to pull away, disparage, from #7de -#7+ trahere to drag detract 1. syl de+tract pron pos vb. mod when; intr. usage usually foll. by from def to take away a part (of); diminish. exam 1 her anger detracts from her beauty. detract 2. syl de+tract pron pos vb. mod tr. def to distract or divert. detract 3. syl de+tract pron pos vb. mod tr. qual Obsolete. def to belittle or disparage. detractingly sub head detract syl de+1tract+ing+ly pos adv. detractive sub head detract or detractory syl de+1trac+tive pos adj. detractory sub head detract or detractive syl de+1trac+to:ry pos adj. detractively sub head detract syl de+1trac+tive+ly pos adv. detractor sub head detract syl de+1trac+tor pos n. detraction 1. syl de+trac+tion pron pos n. def a person, thing, circumstance, etc., that detracts. detraction 2. syl de+trac+tion pron pos n. def the act of discrediting or detracting from another's reputation, esp. by slander; disparagement. detrain 0. syl de+train pron pos vb. def to leave or cause to leave a railway train, as passengers, etc. detrainment sub head detrain syl de+1train+ment pos n. detribalise alt head detribalize or detribalize syl de+trib+al+ise pron pos vb. mod tr. detribalize 1. or detribalise syl de+trib+al+ize pron pos vb. mod tr. def to cause members of a tribe to lose their characteristic customs or social, religious, or other organizational features. detribalize 2. or detribalise syl de+trib+al+ize pron pos vb. mod tr. def to cause tribal people to adopt urban ways of life. detribalization sub head detribalize or detribalisation syl de+2trib+al:i+1za+tion pos n. detribalisation sub head detribalize or detribalization syl de+2trib+al:i+1sa+tion pos n. detriment ety C15: from Latin d*_etr*_imentum, a rubbing off, hence damage, from d*_eterere to rub away, from #7de -#7+ terere to rub detriment 1. syl det+ri+ment pron <1detrim*nt> pos n. def disadvantage or damage; harm; loss. detriment 2. syl det+ri+ment pron <1detrim*nt> pos n. def a cause of disadvantage or damage. detrimental 0. syl det+ri+men+tal pron <2detri1mentL> pos adj. usage when postpositive, foll. by to def harmful; injurious; prejudicial. exam 1 smoking can be detrimental to health. detrimentally sub head detrimental syl det+ri+1men+tal+ly pos adv. detrition ety C17: from Medieval Latin d*_etr*_iti*_o, from Latin d*_etr*_itus worn away; see #7detriment detrition 0. syl de+tri+tion pron pos n. def the act of rubbing or wearing away by friction. detritus ety C18: from French d*'etritus, from Latin d*_etr*_itus a rubbing away; see #7detriment detritus 1. syl de+tri+tus pron pos n. def a loose mass of stones, silt, etc., worn away from rocks. detritus 2. syl de+tri+tus pron pos n. def an accumulation of disintegrated material or debris. detrital sub head detritus syl de+1tri+tal pos adj. Detroit 1. syl De+troit pron pos n. def a city in SE Michigan, on the Detroit River: a major Great Lakes port; largest car-manufacturing centre in the world. Pop.: 1386817 (1973 est.). Detroit 2. syl De+troit pron pos n. def a river in central North America, flowing along the U.S.-Canadian border from Lake St. Clair to Lake Erie. de trop ety literally: of too much de trop 0. syl de trop pron French. <1tro> pos adj. usage postpositive def not wanted; in the way; superfluous. detrude ety C16: from Latin d*_etr*_udere to push away, from #7de -#7+ tr*_udere to thrust detrude 0. syl de+trude pron pos vb. mod tr. def to force down or thrust away or out. detrusion sub head detrude syl de+tru+sion pron pos n. detruncate 0. syl de+trun+cate pron pos vb. mod tr. def another word for {truncate}. detruncation sub head detruncate syl de+trun+1ca+tion pos n. detumescence ety C17: from Latin d*_etumescere to cease swelling, from #7de -#7+ tumescere, from tum*_ere to swell detumescence 0. syl de+tu+mes+cence pron <2dEtju1mes*ns> pos n. def the subsidence of a swelling, esp. the return of a swollen organ, such as the penis, to the flaccid state. Deucalion 0. syl Deu:ca:li:on pron pos n. def the son of Prometheus and, with his wife Pyrrha, the only survivor on earth of a flood sent by Zeus ({Deucalion's flood) }. Together, they were allowed to repopulate the world by throwing stones over their shoulders, which became men and women. deuce ety C15: from Old French deus two, from Latin duos, accusative masculine of duo two deuce H1.1.a. syl deuce pron pos n. def a playing card or dice with two pips or spots; two. deuce H1.1.b. syl deuce pron pos n. def a throw of two in dice. deuce H1.2. syl deuce pron pos n. qual Tennis, table tennis, etc. def a tied score (in tennis 40-all) that requires one player to gain two successive points to win the game. deuce ety C17: probably special use of #7deuce %1 (in the sense: lowest throw at dice) deuce H2.1. syl deuce pron pos interj. qual Informal. def an expression of annoyance or frustration. what the deuce infl head deuce syl what the deuce where the deuce infl head deuce syl where the deuce deuced 1. syl deu+ced pron <1dju:sid>, pos adj. qual Brit. informal. usage intensifier, usually qualifying something undesirable def damned; confound?!ed. exam 1 he's a deuced idiot. deucedly sub head deuced syl deu+ced+ly pos adv. Deurne 0. syl Deur+ne pron Flemish <1d$o:rn*> pos n. def a town in N Belgium, a suburb of E Antwerp: site of Antwerp airport. Pop.: 80766 (1970). Deus ety related to Greek Zeus Deus 0. syl De:us pron Latin. <1dAus> pos n. def God. deus ex machina ety literally: god out of a machine, translating Greek theos ek m*_ekhan*_es deus ex machina 1. syl de:us ex mach:i+na pron Latin. <1dAus> <1m@kin*> pos n. usage in ancient Greek and Roman drama def a god introduced into a play to resolve the plot. deus ex machina 2. syl de:us ex mach:i+na pron Latin. <1dAus> <1m@kin*> pos n. def any unlikely or artificial device serving this purpose. Deut 0. syl Deut. qual Bible. abbrev. for def Deuteronomy. deuteragonist ety C19: from Greek deuterag*_onist*_es, from #7deutero -#7+ ag*_onist*_es contestant, actor deuteragonist 0. syl deu+ter+ag:o+nist pron <2dju:t*1r@g*nist> pos n. usage in ancient Greek drama def the character next in importance to the protagonist, esp. the antagonist. deuteranope 0. syl deu+ter:a+nope pron <1dju:t*r*2n*up> pos n. def a person who has deuteranopia. deuteranopia ety C20: New Latin, from #7deutero- (referring to the second primary colour, green)#7+an -#7+ Greek -ops eye deuteranopia 0. syl deu+ter:a?!+no+pi:a pron <2dju:t*r*1n*upi*> pos n. def inability to see the colour green; green blindness. deuteranopic sub head deuteranopia syl deu+ter+an+op+ic pron <2dju:t*r*1nopik> pos adj. deuterate 0. syl deu+ter+ate pron <1dju:t*2rAt> pos vb. def to treat or combine with deuterium. deuteride 0. syl deu+ter+ide pron <1dju:t*2rId> pos n. def a compound of deuterium with some other element. It is analogous to a hydride. deuterium ety C20: New Latin; see #7deutero -#7, -#7ium ; from the fact that it is the second heaviest hydrogen isotope deuterium 0. syl deu+ter+i:um pron pos n. def a stable isotope of hydrogen, occurring in natural hydrogen (156 parts per million) and in heavy water: used as a tracer in chemistry and biology. Symbol: D or %2H; atomic no.: 1; atomic wt.: 2.014; boiling pt.: -249.7?%C. deuterium oxide 0. syl deu+ter+i:um ox+ide pos n. def another name for {heavy water}. deutero- ety from Greek deuteros second deuto- infl head deutero- syl deu:to- deutero- 1. syl deu:ter:o- usage before a vowel def second or secondary. exam 1 deuterogamy; exam 2 deuterium. deutero- 2. syl deu:ter:o- usage before a vowel; in chemistry def indicating the presence of deuterium. deuterogamy 0. syl deu+ter+og:a+my pron <2dju:t*1rog*mi> pos n. def another word for {digamy}. deuterogamist sub head deuterogamy syl deu+ter+1og:a+mist pos n. deuteron 0. syl deu+ter+on pron <1dju:t*2ron> pos n. def the nucleus of a deuterium atom, consisting of one proton and one neutron. Deuteronomist 0. syl Deu+ter+on:o+mist pron <2dju:t*1ron*mist> pos n. def one of the writers of Deuteronomy. Deuteronomy ety from Late Latin Deuteronomium, from Greek Deuteronomion; see #7deutero -#7, -#7nomy Deuteronomy 0. syl Deu+ter+on:o+my pron <2dju:t*1ron*mi> pos n. def the fifth book of the Old Testament, containing a second statement of the Mosaic Law. Deuteronomic sub head Deuteronomy syl Deu+ter:o+no+mic pron <2dju:t*r*1nomik> pos adj. deuteroplasm alt head deutoplasm or deutoplasm syl deu+te:ro+plasm pron <1dju:?!t*r*u2pl@z*m> pos n. deutoplasm 0. or deuteroplasm syl deu+to+plasm pron <1dju:t*2pl@z*m> pos n. def nutritive material in a cell, esp. the yolk in a developing ovum. deutoplasmic sub head deutoplasm or deutoplastic syl deu+to+1plas+mic pos adj. deutoplastic sub head deutoplasm or deutoplasmic syl deu+to+1plas+tic pos adj. Deutsche Mark 0. syl Deut+sche Mark pron <1dciC*> pos n. def the standard monetary unit of West Germany, divided into 100 pfennigs. Abbrev.: {DM} Deutschland 0. syl Deutsch+land pron <1dciC2lant> pos n. def the German name for {Germany}. deutzia ety C19: New Latin, named after Jean Deutz, 18th-century Dutch patron of botany deutzia 0. syl deut+zi:a pron <1dju:tsi*> pos n. def any saxifragaceous shrub of the genus cultivated for their clusters of white or pink spring-blooming flowers. Deux-Sevres 0. syl Deux-S*`evres qual French def d$o #!s$e$:vr) a department of W France, in Poitou-Charentes region. Capital: Niort. Pop.: 342383 (1975). Area: 6054 sq. km (2361 sq. miles). deva ety C19: from Sanskrit: god deva 0. syl de:va pron <1dAv*> pos n. usage in Hinduism and Buddhism def a divine being or god. Eamon infl head de Valera syl Ea:mon pron <1Am*n> pos n. de Valera 0. syl de Va:ler:a pron , <-1li*-> pos n. def 1882-1975, Irish statesman; president of Sinn Fein (1917) and of the D*'ail (1918-22); formed the nationalist Fianna Fail party (1927); prime minister (1937-48; 1951-54; 1957-59) and president (1959-73) of the Irish Republic. devaluation 1. syl de+val:u:a+tion pron pos n. def a decrease in the exchange value of a currency against gold or other currencies, brought about by a government. Compare { {depreciation} (sense 4)}. devaluation 2. syl de+val:u:a+tion pron pos n. def a reduction in value, status, importance, etc. devaluate alt head devalue or devalue syl de+val:u+ate pron pos vb. devalues infl head devalue or devaluates syl de+val:ues pos vb. devaluing infl head devalue or devaluating syl de+val:u+ing pos vb. devalued infl head devalue or devaluated syl de+val+ued pos vb. devaluates infl head devalue or devalues syl de+val:u+ates pos vb. devaluating infl head devalue or devaluing syl de+val:u+at+ing pos vb. devaluated infl head devalue or devalued syl de+val:u+at+ed. pos vb. devalue 1. or devaluate syl de+val:ue pron pos vb. def to reduce (a currency) or (of a currency) be reduced in exchange value. devalue 2. or devaluate syl de+val:ue pron pos vb. mod tr. def to reduce the value or worth of (something). Devanagari ety C18: from Sanskrit: alphabet of the gods, from deva god+ nagari an Indian alphabet Devanagari 0. syl De+va+na+ga+ri pron <2dAv*1na:g*ri> pos n. def a syllabic script in which Sanskrit, Hindi, and other modern languages of India are written. devastate ety C17: from Latin d*_evast*_are, from #7de -#7+ vast*_are to ravage; related to vastus waste, empty devastate 1. syl dev+as+tate pron <1dev*2stAt> pos vb. mod tr. def to lay waste or make desolate; ravage; destroy. devastate 2. syl dev+as+tate pron <1dev*2stAt> pos vb. mod tr. qual Informal. def to confound or overwhelm. devastation sub head devastate syl dev+as+1ta+tion pos n. devastative sub head devastate syl dev+as+2ta+tive pos adj. devastator sub head devastate syl dev+as+2ta+tor pos n. develop ety C19: from Old French desveloper to unwrap, from des- {#7dis -%1}#7+ veloper to wrap; see #7envelop develop 1. syl de+vel+op pron pos vb. def to come or bring to a later or more advanced or expanded stage; grow or cause to grow gradually. develop 2. syl de+vel+op pron pos vb. mod tr. def to elaborate or work out in detail. develop 3. syl de+vel+op pron pos vb. def to disclose or unfold (thoughts, a plot, etc.) gradually or (of thoughts, etc.) to be gradually disclosed or unfolded. develop 4. syl de+vel+op pron pos vb. def to come or bring into existence; generate or be generated. exam 1 he developed a new faith in God. develop 5. syl de+vel+op pron pos vb. mod tr. def to improve the value or change the use of (land), as by building. develop 6.a. syl de+vel+op pron pos vb. def to treat (film, plate, or paper previously exposed to light, or the latent image in such material) with chemical solutions in order to produce a visible image. develop 6.b. syl de+vel+op pron pos vb. def to process (photographic material) in order to produce negatives and prints. develop 7. syl de+vel+op pron pos vb. qual Biology. def to progress or cause to progress from simple to complex stages in the growth of an individual or the evolution of a species. develop 8. syl de+vel+op pron pos vb. mod tr. def to elaborate upon (a musical theme) by varying the melody, key, etc. develop 9. syl de+vel+op pron pos vb. mod tr. qual Maths. def to expand (a function or expression) in the form of a series. develop 10. syl de+vel+op pron pos vb. mod tr. qual Geom. def to project or roll out (a surface) onto a plane without stretching or shrinking any element. develop 11. syl de+vel+op pron pos vb. qual Chess. def to bring (a piece) into play from its initial position on the back rank. develop 12. syl de+vel+op pron pos vb. mod tr. def to contract (a disease or illness). develop 13. syl de+vel+op pron pos vb. mod tr. qual Obsolete. def to disclose or reveal. developable sub head develop syl de+1vel+op+a:ble pos adj. developer 1. syl de+vel+op+er pron pos n. def a person or thing that develops something, esp. a person who develops property. developer 2. syl de+vel+op+er pron pos n. qual Photog. def a solution of a chemical reducing agent that converts the latent image recorded in the emulsion of a film or paper into a visible image. development 1. syl de+vel+op+ment pron pos n. def the act or process of growing, progressing, or developing. development 2. syl de+vel+op+ment pron pos n. def the product or result of developing. development 3. syl de+vel+op+ment pron pos n. def a fact, event, or happening, esp. one that changes a situation. development 4. syl de+vel+op+ment pron pos n. def an area or tract of land that has been de?!veloped. development 5. syl de+vel+op+ment pron pos n. def Also called: {development section}. the section of a movement, usually in sonata form, in which the basic musical themes are developed. development 6.a. syl de+vel+op+ment pron pos n. def the process of developing pieces. development 6.b. syl de+vel+op+ment pron pos n. def the manner in which they are developed. development 6.c. syl de+vel+op+ment pron pos n. def the position of the pieces in the early part of a game with reference to their attacking potential or defensive efficiency. developmental sub head development syl de+2vel+op+1men+tal pos adj. developmentally sub head development syl de+2vel+op+1men+tal+ly pos adv. Deventer 0. syl De+ven+ter pron <1dAv*nt*>, Dutch <1dAv*nt*r> pos n. def an industrial city in the E Netherlands, in Overijssel province, on the River IJssel: medieval intellectual centre; early centre of Dutch printing. Pop.: 63979 (1973 est.). Robert infl head Devereux syl Rob:ert. pos n. Devereux 0. syl Dev:e:reux pron <1dev*r*> pos n. def See (2nd Earl of) {Essex}. devest 0. syl de+vest pron pos vb. mod tr. def a rare variant spelling of {divest}. Devi ety Sanskrit: goddess; see #7deva Devi 0. syl De:vi pron <1dAvE> pos n. def a Hindu goddess and embodiment of the female energy of Siva. deviant 1. syl de+vi+ant pron <1dEvi*nt> pos adj. def deviating, as from what is considered acceptable behaviour. deviant 2. syl de+vi+ant pron <1dEvi*nt> pos n. def a person whose behaviour, esp. sexual behaviour, deviates from what is considered to be acceptable. deviance sub head deviant syl de+vi+ance pos n. deviate ety C17: from Late Latin d*_evi*_are to turn aside from the direct road, from #7de -#7+ via road deviate 1. syl de+vi+ate pron <1dEvi2At> pos vb. mod usually; intr. def to differ or diverge or cause to differ or diverge, as in belief or thought. deviate 2. syl de+vi+ate pron <1dEvi2At> pos vb. mod usually; intr. def to turn aside or cause to turn aside; diverge or cause to diverge. deviate 3. syl de+vi+ate pron <1dEvi2At> pos vb. mod intr. qual Psychol. def to depart from an accepted standard or convention. deviate 4. syl de+vi+ate pron <1di:viit> pos n. adj. def another word for { {deviant} (sense 2)}. deviator sub head deviate syl de+vi:2a+tor pos n. deviatory sub head deviate syl de+vi:a+to:ry pos adj. deviation 1. syl de+vi:a+tion pron <2dEvi1AS*n> pos n. def an act or result of deviating. deviation 2. syl de+vi:a+tion pron <2dEvi1AS*n> pos n. qual Statistics. def the difference between an observed value in a series of such values and their arithmetic mean. deviation 3. syl de+vi:a+tion pron <2dEvi1AS*n> pos n. def the error of a compass due to local magnetic disturbances. deviationism 0. syl de+vi:a+tion+ism pron <2dEvi1AS*2niz*m> pos n. def ideological deviation (esp. from orthodox Communism). deviationist sub head deviationism syl de+vi:1a+tion+ist pos n. adj. device ety C13: from Old French devis purpose, contrivance and devise difference, intention, from deviser to divide, control; see #7devise device 1. syl de+vice pron pos n. def a machine or tool used for a specific task; contrivance. device 2. syl de+vice pron pos n. def a plan or plot, esp. a clever or evil one; scheme; trick. device 3. syl de+vice pron pos n. def any ornamental pattern or picture, as in embroidery. device 4. syl de+vice pron pos n. def a written, printed, or painted design or figure, used as a heraldic sign, emblem, trademark, etc. device 5. syl de+vice pron pos n. def a particular pattern of words, figures of speech, etc., used in literature to produce an effect on the reader. device 6. syl de+vice pron pos n. qual Archaic. def the act or process of planning or devising. leave (someone) to his own devices 7. head device syl leave (someone) to his own devices. def to leave (someone) alone to do as he wishes. devil ety Old English d*_eofol, from Latin diabolus, from Greek diabolos enemy, accuser, slanderer, from diaballein, literally: to throw across, hence, to slander devil 1. syl dev+il pron <1devL> pos n. qual Theol. (often cap. def the chief spirit of evil and enemy of God, often represented as the ruler of hell and often depicted as a human figure with horns, cloven hoofs, and tail. devil 2. syl dev+il pron <1devL> pos n. qual Theol. def one of the subordinate evil spirits of traditional Jewish and Christian belief. devil 3. syl dev+il pron <1devL> pos n. def a person or animal regarded as cruel, wicked, or ill-natured. devil 4. syl dev+il pron <1devL> pos n. def a person or animal regarded as unfortunate or wretched. exam 1 that poor devil was ill for months. devil 5. syl dev+il pron <1devL> pos n. def a person or animal regarded as clever, daring, mischievous, or energetic. devil 6. syl dev+il pron <1devL> pos n. qual Informal. def something difficult or annoying. devil 7. syl dev+il pron <1devL> pos n. qual Christian Science. def the opposite of truth; an error, lie, or false belief in sin, sickness, and death. devil 8. syl dev+il pron <1devL> pos n. usage in Malaysia def a ghost. devil 9. syl dev+il pron <1devL> pos n. def a portable furnace or brazier, esp. one used in road-making or one used by plumbers. Compare { {salamander} (sense 7)}. devil 10. syl dev+il pron <1devL> pos n. def any of various mechanical devices, such as a machine for making wooden screws or a rag-tearing machine. devil 11. syl dev+il pron <1devL> pos n. def See {printer's devil}. devil 12. syl dev+il pron <1devL> pos n. usage Law. in England def a junior barrister who does work for another in order to gain experience, usually for a half fee. between the devil and the deep blue sea 13. head devil syl between the devil and the deep blue sea. def between equally undesirable alternatives. give the devil his due 15. head devil syl give the devil his due. def to acknowledge the talent or the success of an opponent or unpleasant person. devil 16.a. syl dev+il pron <1devL> pos n. def to fail or become dissipated. devil 16.b. syl dev+il pron <1devL> pos interj. def used to express annoyance with the person causing it. like the devil 17. head devil syl like the devil. def with great speed, determination, etc. play the devil with 18. head devil syl play the devil with. qual Informal. def to make much worse; upset considerably. exam 1 the damp plays the devil with my rheumatism. devil 19.a. syl dev+il pron <1devL> pos n. def to cause a commotion. devil 19.b. syl dev+il pron <1devL> pos n. def to make a great protest. talk 20. head devil or speak of the devil syl talk pos interj. def used when an absent person who has been the subject of conversation appears. devil 21.a. syl dev+il pron <1devL> pos n. def used in such phrases as {what the devil, where the devil}, etc. devil 21.b. syl dev+il pron <1devL> pos n. def an exclamation of anger, surprise, disgust, etc. the devil's own 22. head devil syl the devil's own. def a very difficult or problematic (thing). (let) the devil take the hindmost 23. head devil syl (let) the devil take the hindmost. def look after oneself and leave others to their fate. the devil to pay 24. head devil syl the devil to pay. def problems or trouble to be faced as a consequence of an action. the very devil 25. head devil syl the very devil. def something very difficult or awkward. {~} {+ils, +il+ling, +illed} {+ils, +il+ing, +iled}. devil 26. syl dev+il pron <1devL> pos n. mod tr. qual Informal. def to harass, vex, torment, etc. devil 27. syl dev+il pron <1devL> pos n. mod tr. def to prepare (esp. meat, poultry, or fish) by coating with a highly flavoured spiced paste or mixture of condiments before cooking. devil 28. syl dev+il pron <1devL> pos n. mod tr. def to tear (rags) with a devil. devil 29. syl dev+il pron <1devL> pos n. mod intr. def to serve as a printer's devil. devil 30. syl dev+il pron <1devL> pos n. mod intr. qual Chiefly Brit. def to do hackwork, esp. for a lawyer or author; perform arduous tasks, often without pay or recognition of one's services. devilfish infl or devilfishes syl dev:il+fish pos n. mod pl. devilfishes infl head devilfish or devilfish syl dev:il+fish:es. pos n. mod pl. devilfish 1. syl dev:il+fish pron <1devL2fiS> pos n. def Also called: {devil ray}. another name for {manta} (the fish). devilfish 2. syl dev:il+fish pron <1devL2fiS> pos n. def another name for {octopus}. devilish 1. syl dev+il+ish pron <1dev*liS>, <1devliS> pos adj. def of, resembling, or befitting a devil; diabolic; fiendish. devilishly sub head devilish syl dev+il+ish+ly pos adv. devilishness sub head devilish syl dev+il+ish+ness pos n. Dawie infl head de Villiers syl Daw:ie pron <1da:wi> pos n. de Villiers 0. syl de Vil:liers pron <1vilj*z> pos n. def born 1940, South African Rugby Union footballer: halfback for the Springboks (1962-70). devil-may-care 0. syl dev:il-may-care pos adj. def careless or reckless; happy-go-lucky. exam 1 a devil-may-care attitude. devilment 0. syl dev+il+ment pron <1devLm*nt> pos n. def devilish or mischievous conduct. devilry ety C18: from French diablerie, from diable #7devil deviltry alt head devilry or devilry syl dev+il+try pos n. devilries infl head devilry or deviltries syl dev+il+ries pos n. mod pl. deviltries infl head devilry or devilries syl dev+il+tries. pos n. mod pl. devilry 1. or deviltry syl dev+il+ry pron <1devLri> pos n. def reckless or malicious fun or mischief. devilry 2. or deviltry syl dev+il+ry pron <1devLri> pos n. def wickedness or cruelty. devilry 3. or deviltry syl dev+il+ry pron <1devLri> pos n. def black magic or other forms of diabolism. devil's advocate ety translation of New Latin advoc*_atus diabol*_i devil's advocate 1. syl dev+il's ad+vo+cate pos n. def a person who advocates an opposing or unpopular view, often for the sake of argument. devil's advocate 2. syl dev+il's ad+vo+cate pos n. qual R.C. Church. def the official appointed to put the case against the beatification or canonization of a candidate. Technical name: {pro+mo+tor fi+de@.i} (pr$$$u#!m$$$ut@$$: f$I#!de$Ii$:). devil's bit 0. syl dev+il's bit pos n. def short for {devil's bit scabious} (see { {scabious} %2 (sense 3)}). devil's coach-horse 0. syl dev+il's coach-horse pos n. def a large black rove beetle, with large jaws and ferocious habits. devil's darning needle 0. syl dev+il's darn+ing nee+dle pos n. def a popular name for a {dragonfly}. devil's food cake 0. syl dev+il's food cake pos n. qual Chiefly U.S. def a rich chocolate cake. Devil's Island 0. syl Dev+il's Is+land pos n. def one of the three Safety Islands, off the coast of French Guiana: formerly a leper colony, then a French penal colony from 1895 until 1938. Area: less than 2 sq. km (1 sq. mile). French name: {*^Ile du Diable}. devils-on-horseback 0. syl dev:ils-on-horse:back pos n. def another name for {angels-on-horse?!back}. devious ety C16: from Latin d*_evius lying to one side of the road, from #7de -#7+ via road devious 1. syl de+vi+ous pron <1dEvi*s> pos adj. def not sincere or candid; deceitful; underhand. devious 2. syl de+vi+ous pron <1dEvi*s> pos adj. usage of a route or course of action def rambling; indirect; roundabout. devious 3. syl de+vi+ous pron <1dEvi*s> pos adj. def going astray from a proper or accepted way; erring. deviously sub head devious syl de+vi+ous+ly pos adv. deviousness sub head devious syl de+vi+ous+ness pos n. devisable 1. syl de+vis+a:ble pron pos adj. usage Law. of property, esp. realty def capable of being transferred by will. devisable 2. syl de+vis+a:ble pron pos adj. def able to be invented, contrived, or devised. devisal 0. syl de+vis+al pron pos n. def the act of inventing, contriving, or devising; contrivance. devise ety C15: from Old French deviser to divide, apportion, intend, from Latin d*_ividere to #7divide devise 1. syl de+vise pron pos vb. def to work out, contrive, or plan (something) in one's mind. devise 2. syl de+vise pron pos vb. mod tr. qual Law. def to dispose of (property, esp. real property) by will. devise 3. syl de+vise pron pos vb. mod tr. qual Obsolete. def to imagine or guess. devise 4.a. syl de+vise pron pos n. qual Law. def a disposition of property by will. devise 4.b. syl de+vise pron pos n. qual Law. def the property so transmitted. Compare { {bequeath} (sense 1)}. devise 5. syl de+vise pron pos n. qual Law. def a will or clause in a will disposing of real property. Compare { {bequest} (sense 2)}. deviser sub head devise syl de+1vis+er pos n. devisee 0. syl de+vi+see pron , <2devi-> pos n. qual Property law. def a person to whom property, esp. realty, is devised by will. Compare {legatee}. devisor 0. syl de+vi+sor pron pos n. qual Property law. def a person who devises property, esp. realty, by will. devitalise alt head devitalize or devitalize syl de+vi+tal+ise pron pos vb. mod tr. devitalize 0. or devitalise syl de+vi+tal+ize pron pos vb. mod tr. def to lower or destroy the vitality of; make weak or lifeless. exam 1 the war devitalized the economy. devitalization sub head devitalize or devitalisation syl de+2vi+tal:i+1za+tion pos n. devitalisation sub head devitalize or devitalization syl de+2vi+tal:i+1sa+tion pos n. devitrifies infl head devitrify syl de+vit+ri+fies pos vb. devitrifying infl head devitrify syl de+vit+ri+fy+ing pos vb. devitrified infl head devitrify syl de+vit+ri+fied. pos vb. devitrify 1. syl de+vit+ri+fy pron pos vb. def to change from a vitreous state to a crystalline state. devitrify 2. syl de+vit+ri+fy pron pos vb. def to lose or cause to lose the properties of a glass and become brittle and opaque. devitrification sub head devitrify syl de+2vit+ri+fi+1ca+tion pos n. devocalize alt head devoice or devoice syl de+vo+cal+ize pron pos vb. mod tr. devocalise infl head devoice syl de+vo+cal+ise pron pos vb. mod tr. devoice 0. or devocalize syl de+voice pron pos vb. mod tr. qual Phonetics. def to make (a voiced speech sound) voiceless. devoid 0. syl de+void pron pos adj. usage postpositive; foll. by of def destitute or void (of); free (from). devoirs ety C13: from Old French: duty, from devoir to be obliged to, owe, from Latin d*_eb*_ere; see #7debt devoirs 0. syl de+voirs pron , French pos n. mod pl. sometimes; sing. def compliments or respects; courteous attentions. devolution ety C16: from Medieval Latin d*_evol*_uti*_o a rolling down, from Latin d*_evolvere to roll down, sink into; see #7devolve devolution 1. syl de+vo+lu+tion pron <2dEv*1lu:S*n> pos n. def the act, fact, or result of devolving. devolution 2. syl de+vo+lu+tion pron <2dEv*1lu:S*n> pos n. def a passing onwards or downwards from one stage to another. devolution 3. syl de+vo+lu+tion pron <2dEv*1lu:S*n> pos n. def another word for { {degeneration} (sense 3)}. devolution 4. syl de+vo+lu+tion pron <2dEv*1lu:S*n> pos n. def a transfer or allocation of authority, esp. from a central government to regional governments or particular interests. devolutionary sub head devolution syl de+vo+1lu+tion+ar:y pos adj. devolve ety C15: from Latin d*_evolvere to roll down, fall into, from #7de -#7+ volvere to roll devolve 1. syl de+volve pron pos vb. usage foll. by on, upon, to, etc. def to pass or cause to pass to a successor or substitute, as duties, power, etc. devolve 2. syl de+volve pron pos vb. mod intr. usage foll. by on or upon; Law. of an estate, etc. def to pass to another by operation of law, esp. on intestacy or bankruptcy. devolve 3. syl de+volve pron pos vb. mod intr. usage foll. by on or upon def to depend (on). exam 1 your argument devolves on how you interpret this clause. devolve 4. syl de+volve pron pos vb. qual Archaic. def to roll down or cause to roll down. devolvement sub head devolve syl de+1volve+ment pos n. Devon 1. syl Dev+on pron <1devN> pos n. def a county of SW England, between the Bristol Channel and the English Channel, including the island of Lundy: hilly, rising to the uplands of Exmoor and Dartmoor, with wooded river valleys and a rugged coastline. Administrative centre: Exeter. Pop.: 942100 (1976 est.). Area: 6711 sq. km (2591 sq. miles). Devon 2. syl Dev+on pron <1devN> pos n. def a breed of large red cattle originally from Devon. Devonian 1. syl De+vo+ni:an pron pos adj. def of, denoting, or formed in the fourth period of the Palaeozoic era, between the Silurian and Carboniferous periods, lasting for 50 million years during which amphibians first appeared. Devonian 2. syl De+vo+ni:an pron pos adj. def of or relating to Devon. the 3. head Devonian syl the. def the Devonian period or rock system. Devonshire cream 0. syl Dev+on+shire cream pos n. def another name for {clotted cream}. Devonshire split 0. syl Dev+on+shire split pos n. def a kind of yeast bun split open and served with whipped cream or butter and jam. Also called: {Cornish split, split}. devote ety C16: from Latin d*_ev*_otus devoted, solemnly promised, from d*_evov*_ere to vow; see #7de -#7, vow devote 1. syl de+vote pron pos vb. mod tr. def to apply or dedicate (oneself, time, money, etc.) to some pursuit, cause, etc. devote 2. syl de+vote pron pos vb. mod tr. qual Obsolete. def to curse or doom. devotement sub head devote syl de+1vote+ment pos n. devoted 1. syl de+vot+ed pron pos adj. def feeling or demonstrating loyalty or devotion; ardent; devout. devoted 2. syl de+vot+ed pron pos adj. usage postpositive; foll. by to def set apart, dedicated, or consecrated. devotedly sub head devoted syl de+1vot+ed+ly pos adv. devotedness sub head devoted syl de+1vot+ed+ness pos n. devotee 1. syl dev:o+tee pron <2dev*1tE> pos n. def a person ardently enthusiastic about or devoted to something, such as a sport or pastime. devotee 2. syl dev:o+tee pron <2dev*1tE> pos n. def a zealous follower of a religion. devotion 1. syl de+vo+tion pron pos n. usage often foll. by to def strong attachment (to) or affection (for a cause, person, etc.) marked by dedicated loyalty. devotion 2. syl de+vo+tion pron pos n. def religious zeal; piety. devotion 3. syl de+vo+tion pron pos n. mod often; pl. def religious observance or prayers. devotional 1. syl de+vo+tion+al pron pos adj. def relating to, characterized by, or conducive to devotion. devotional 2. syl de+vo+tion+al pron pos n. mod often; pl. def a short religious or prayer service. devotionality sub head devotional or devotionalness syl de+2vo+tion+1al+i:ty pos n. devotionalness sub head devotional or devotionality syl de+1vo+tion+al+ness pos n. devotionally sub head devotional syl de+1vo+tion+al+ly pos adv. devour ety C14: from Old French devourer, from Latin d*_evor*_are to gulp down, from #7de -#7+ vor*_are to consume greedily; see #7voracious devour 1. syl de+vour pron pos vb. mod tr. def to swallow or eat up greedily or voraciously. devour 2. syl de+vour pron pos vb. mod tr. def to waste or destroy; consume. exam 1 the flames devoured the curtains. devour 3. syl de+vour pron pos vb. mod tr. def to consume greedily or avidly with the senses or mind. exam 1 he devoured the manuscripts. devour 4. syl de+vour pron pos vb. mod tr. def to engulf or absorb. exam 1 the flood devoured the land. devourer sub head devour syl de+1vour+er pos n. devouringly sub head devour syl de+1vour+ing+ly pos adv. devout ety C13: from Old French devot, from Late Latin d*_ev*_otus, from Latin: faithful; see #7devote devout 1. syl de+vout pron pos adj. def deeply religious; reverent. devout 2. syl de+vout pron pos adj. def sincere; earnest; heartfelt. exam 1 a devout confession. devoutly sub head devout syl de+1vout+ly pos adv. devoutness sub head devout syl de+1vout+ness pos n. Hugo infl head De Vries syl Hu:go pron <1hy:$xo:> pos n. De Vries 0. syl De Vries pron Dutch <1vrEs> pos n. def 1848-1935, Dutch botanist, who rediscovered Mendel's laws and developed the mutation theory of evolution. dew ety Old English d*_eaw; related to Old High German tou dew, Old Norse d*"ogg dew 1.a. syl dew pron pos n. def drops of water condensed on a cool surface, esp. at night, from vapour in the air. dew 1.b. syl dew pron pos n. usage in combination exam 1 dewdrop. dew 2. syl dew pron pos n. def something like or suggestive of this, esp. in freshness. exam 1 the dew of youth. dew 3. syl dew pron pos n. def small drops of moisture, such as tears. dew 4. syl dew pron pos vb. mod tr. qual Poetic. def to moisten with or as with dew. dewan ety C17: from Hindi d*_iw*_an, from Persian d*_evan register, book of accounts; see #7divan diwan alt head dewan or dewan syl di+wan pron pos n. dewan 0. or diwan syl de+wan pron pos n. usage formerly in India def the chief minister or finance minister of a state ruled by an Indian prince. Dewar 0. syl Dew:ar pron <1dju:*> pos n. def Sir {James}. 1842-1923, Scottish chemist and physicist. He worked on the liquefaction of gases and the properties of matter at low temperature, invented the vacuum flask, and (with Sir Frederick Abel) was the first to prepare cordite. Dewar flask ety C20: named after Sir James D#7ewar Dewar flask 0. syl Dew:ar flask pos n. def a type of vacuum flask, esp. one used in scientific experiments to keep liquid air, helium, etc.; Thermos. dewberries infl head dewberry syl dew+ber:ries. pos n. mod pl. dewberry 1. syl dew+ber:ry pron <1dju:b*ri>, <-bri> pos n. def any trailing bramble, such as of North America and of Europe and NW Asia, having blue-black fruits. dewberry 2. syl dew+ber:ry pron <1dju:b*ri>, <-bri> pos n. def the fruit of any such plant. dewclaw 1. syl dew+claw pron <1dju:2klc:> pos n. def a nonfunctional claw in dogs; the rudimentary first digit. dewclaw 2. syl dew+claw pron <1dju:2klc:> pos n. def an analogous rudimentary hoof in deer, goats, etc. dewclawed sub head dewclaw syl dew+2clawed pos adj. dewdrop 1. syl dew+drop pron <1dju:2drop> pos n. def a drop of dew. dewdrop 2. syl dew+drop pron <1dju:2drop> pos n. qual Brit. euphemistic. def a drop of mucus on the end of one's nose. John infl head Dewey syl John. pos n. Dewey 0. syl Dew:ey pron <1dju:i> pos n. def 1859-1952, U.S. pragmatist philosopher and educator: an exponent of progressivism in education, he formulated an instrumentalist theory of learning through experience. His works include (1899), (1916), and (1938). Dewey Decimal System ety C19: named after Melvil Dewey (1851-1931), U.S. educator who invented the system Dewey Decimal System 0. syl Dew:ey Dec:i+mal Sys+tem pos n. def a frequently used system of library book classification and arrangement with ten main subject classes. Also called: {decimal classification}. Abbrev.: {DDS} Peter infl head de Wint syl Pe:ter. pos n. de Wint 0. syl de Wint pron <1wint> pos n. def 1784-1849, English landscape painter. dewlap ety C14 dewlappe, from #7dew (probably changed by folk etymology from an earlier form of different meaning)+{#7lap %1} (from Old English l@appa hanging flap), perhaps of Scandinavian origin; compare Danish dogl@ap dewlap 1. syl dew+lap pron <1dju:2l@p> pos n. def a loose fold of skin hanging from beneath the throat in cattle, dogs, etc. dewlap 2. syl dew+lap pron <1dju:2l@p> pos n. def loose skin on an elderly person's throat. dewlapped sub head dewlap syl dew+2lapped pos adj. DEW line 0. syl DEW line pron pos n. usage acronym for def distant early warning line, a network of sensors situated mainly in Arctic regions to give early warning of airborne attack on North America. dew point 0. syl dew point pos n. def the temperature at which water vapour in the air becomes saturated and dew begins to form. dew pond 0. syl dew pond pos n. def a small natural pond. Dewsbury 0. syl Dews+bur:y pron <1dju:zb*ri>, <-bri> pos n. def a town in N England, in West Yorkshire: woollen industry. Pop.: 51310 (1971). dew-worm 0. syl dew-worm pos n. qual Canadian informal. def any large earthworm that can be seen at night and is used as fishing bait. dewier infl head dewy syl dew:i+er pos adj. dewiest infl head dewy syl dew+i:est. pos adj. dewy 1. syl dew:y pron <1dju:i> pos adj. def moist with or as with dew. exam 1 a dewy complexion. dewy 2. syl dew:y pron <1dju:i> pos adj. def of or resembling dew. dewy 3. syl dew:y pron <1dju:i> pos adj. qual Poetic. def suggesting, falling, or refreshing like dew. exam 1 dewy sleep. dewily sub head dewy syl dew:i+ly pos adv. dewiness sub head dewy syl dew:i+ness pos n. dewy-eyed 0. syl dew:y-eyed pos adj. def naive, innocent, or trusting, esp. in a romantic or childlike way. Dexedrine 0. syl Dex+e:drine pron <1deksi2drEn> pos n. def a trademark for {dextroampheta?!mine}. dexter ety C16: from Latin; compare Greek dexios on the right hand dexter H1.1. syl dex+ter pron <1dekst*> pos adj. qual Archaic. def of or located on the right side. dexter H1.2. syl dex+ter pron <1dekst*> pos adj. qual Heraldry. usage usually postpositive def of, on, or starting from the right side of a shield from the bearer's point of view and therefore on the spectator's left. dexter H1.3. syl dex+ter pron <1dekst*> pos adj. qual Archaic. def favourable, auspicious, or propitious. dexter xref syl dex+ter pron <1dekst*> pos adj. def Compare {sinister}. dexter ety C19: perhaps from the surname of the original breeder dexter H2.0. syl dex+ter pron <1dekst*> pos n. def a small breed of red or black cattle, originally from Ireland. dexterity ety C16: from Latin dexterit*_as aptness, readiness, prosperity; see #7dexter dexterity 1. syl dex+ter+i:ty pron pos n. def physical, esp. manual, skill or nimbleness. dexterity 2. syl dex+ter+i:ty pron pos n. def mental skill or adroitness: cleverness. dexterity 3. syl dex+ter+i:ty pron pos n. qual Rare. def the characteristic of being right-handed. dextrous alt head dexterous or dexterous syl dex+trous pron <1dekstr*s> pos adj. dexterous 1. or dextrous syl dex+ter+ous pron <1dekstr*s> pos adj. def possessing or done with dexterity. dexterous 2. or dextrous syl dex+ter+ous pron <1dekstr*s> pos adj. def a rare word for {right-handed}. dexterously sub head dexterous or dextrously syl dex+ter+ous+ly pos adv. dextrously sub head dexterous or dexterously syl dex+trous+ly pos adv. dexterousness sub head dexterous or dextrousness syl dex+ter+ous+ness pos n. dextrousness sub head dexterous or dexterousness syl dex+trous+ness pos n. dextral 1. syl dex+tral pron <1dekstr*l> pos adj. def of, relating to, or located on the right side, esp. of the body; right-hand. dextral 2. syl dex+tral pron <1dekstr*l> pos adj. def of or relating to a person who prefers to use his right foot, hand, or eye; right-handed. dextral 3. syl dex+tral pron <1dekstr*l> pos adj. usage of the shells of certain gastropod molluscs def coiling in an anticlockwise direction from the apex; dextrorse. dextral xref syl dex+tral pron <1dekstr*l> pos adj. def Compare {sinistral}. dextrality sub head dextral syl dex+tral+i:ty pron pos n. dextrally sub head dextral syl dex+tral+ly pos adv. dextran ety C19: from #7dextro -#7+ -#7an dextran 0. syl dex+tran pron <1dekstr*n> pos n. qual Biochem. def a polysaccharide produced by the action of bacteria on sucrose: used as a substitute for plasma in blood transfusions. dextrin ety C19: from French dextrine; see #7dextro -#7, -#7in dextrine alt head dextrin or dextrin syl dex+trine pron <1dekstrin>, <-trEn> pos n. dextrin 0. or dextrine syl dex+trin pron <1dekstrin> pos n. def any of a group of sticky substances that are intermediate products in the conversion of starch to maltose: used as thickening agents in foods and as gums. dextro 0. syl dex+tro pron <1dekstr*u> pos adj. def See {dextrorotatory}. dextro- ety from Latin, from dexter on the right side dextro- 1. syl dex:tro- usage before a vowel def on or towards the right. exam 1 dextrorotation. dextro- 2. syl dex:tro- usage before a vowel; in chemistry def indicating a dextrorotatory compound. exam 1 dextroglucose. dextroamphetamine 0. syl dex:tro+am+phet:a+mine pron <2dekstr*u@m1fet*2mEn>, <-min> pos n. def a dextrorotatory amphetamine, used in medicine. dextroglucose 0. syl dex:tro+glu+cose pron <2dekstr*u1glu:k*uz>, <-k*us> pos n. def another name for {dextrose}. dextrogyre alt head dextrogyrate or dextrogyrate syl dex:tro+gyre pron <1dekstr*u2JI*> pos adj. dextrogyrate 0. or dextrogyre syl dex:tro+gy+rate pron <2dekstr*u1JIrit>, <-2rAt> pos adj. def having dextrorotation. dextrorotation 0. syl dex:tro+ro+ta+tion pron <2dekstr*ur*u1tAS*n> pos n. def a rotation to the right; clockwise rotation, esp. of the plane of polarization of plane-polarized light passing through a crystal, liquid, or solution, as seen by an observer facing the oncoming light. Compare {laevorotation}. &- {dex@.tro+ro+ta+to@.ry} (@!d$ekstr$$$u@!r$$$u?!#!te$It$$r$I, -tr$I) {@!dex@.tro+#!ro+ta+ry} dextrorse ety C19: from Latin dextrorsum towards the right, from #7dextro -#7+ vorsus turned, variant of versus, from vertere to turn dextrorsal alt head dextrorse or dextrorse syl dex+tror+sal pron pos adj. dextrorse 0. or dextrorsal syl dex+trorse pron <1dekstrc:s>, pos adj. usage of some climbing plants def growing upwards in a spiral from left to right. Compare {sinistrorse}. dextrorsely sub head dextrorse syl dex+trorse+ly pos adv. dextrose 0. syl dex+trose pron <1dekstr*uz>, <-tr*us> pos n. def a white soluble sweet-tasting crystalline solid that is the dextrorotatory isomer of glucose, occurring widely in fruit, honey, and in the blood and tissue of animals. Formula: C\6H\1\2O\6. Also called: {grape sugar, dextro?!glucose}. dextrous 0. syl dex+trous pron <1dekstr*s> pos adj. def a variant spelling of {dexterous}. dextrously sub head dextrous syl dex+trous+ly pos adv. dextrousness sub head dextrous syl dex+trous+ness pos n. dey ety C17: from French, from Turkish dayi, literally: maternal uncle, hence title given to an older person dey 1. syl dey pron pos n. def the title given to commanders or (from 1710) governors of the Janissaries of Algiers (1671-1830). dey 2. syl dey pron pos n. def a title applied by Western writers to various other Ottoman governors, such as the bey of Tunis. Cape infl head Dezhnev syl Cape. pos n. Dezhnev 0. syl Dezh+nev pron Russian pos n. def a cape in the NE Soviet Union at the E end of Chukotski Peninsula: the northeasternmost point of Asia. Former name: {East Cape}. DF alt or DF syl D.F. DF 1. or DF syl D/F qual Telecomm. abbrev. for: def direction finder. DF 2. or DF syl D/F qual Telecomm. abbrev. for: def direction finding. DF 0. syl D.F. qual abbrev. for def Defender of the Faith. DFC 0. syl D.F.C. qual abbrev. for def Distinguished Flying Cross. DFM 0. syl D.F.M. qual abbrev. for def Distinguished Flying Medal. dg alt or dg syl dg. dg 0. or dg syl dg qual abbrev. for def decigram. DG 1. syl D.G. qual abbrev. for: def Deo gratias. DG 2. syl D.G. qual abbrev. for: def director-general. Dhahran 0. syl Dhah+ran pron pos n. def a town in E Saudi Arabia: site of the original discovery of oil in the country (1938). dhak ety C19: from Hindi dhak 0. syl dhak pron , pos n. def a tropical Asian leguminous tree, that has bright red flowers and yields a red resin, used as an astringent. dhal ety C17: from Hindi d*_al split pulse, from Sanskrit dal to split dal infl head dhal or dholl syl dal pron pos n. dholl infl head dhal or dal syl dholl pron pos n. dhal 1. syl dhal pron pos n. def a tropical African and Asian leguminous shrub, cultivated in tropical regions for its nutritious pealike seeds. dhal 2. syl dhal pron pos n. def the seed of this shrub. {~} Also called: {pigeon pea}. dharma ety Sanskrit: habit, usage, law, from dh*_arayati he holds dharma 1. syl dhar+ma pron <1da:m*> pos n. qual Hinduism. def social custom regarded as a religious and moral duty. dharma 2.a. syl dhar+ma pron <1da:m*> pos n. def the essential principle of the cosmos; natural law. dharma 2.b. syl dhar+ma pron <1da:m*> pos n. def conduct that conforms with this. dharma 3. syl dhar+ma pron <1da:m*> pos n. qual Buddhism. def ideal truth as set forth in the teaching of Buddha. dharna ety C18: from Hindi, literally: a placing dhurna alt head dharna or dharna syl dhur+na pron <1d^n*>, <1da:-> pos n. dharna 0. or dhurna syl dhar+na pron <1d^n*>, <1da:-> pos n. usage in India def a form of sit-in. Dhaulagiri 0. syl Dhau+la+gi+ri pron <2daul*1gi*ri> pos n. def a mountain in W central Nepal, in the Himalayas. Height: 8043 m (26810 ft.). Dh'ilos 0. syl Dh*'i+los pron <1Dilos> pos n. def transliteration of the modern Greek name for {Delos}. dhobi ety C19: from Hindi, from dh*_ob washing; related to Sanskrit dh*_avaka washerman dhobi 0. syl dho+bi pron <1d*ubi> pos n. usage in India def a washerman. dhobi itch 0. syl dho+bi itch pos n. def a tropical disease of the skin: a type of allergic dermatitis. Dhodhek'anisos 0. syl Dho+dhe+k*'a+ni+sos pron pos n. def a transalation of the modern Greek name for the {Dodecanese}. dhole ety C19: of uncertain origin dhole 0. syl dhole pron pos n. def a fierce canine mammal, of the forests of central and SE Asia, having a reddish-brown coat and rounded ears: hunts in packs. dhoti ety C17: from Hindi dhooti infl head dhoti syl dhoo+ti pron <1du:ti> pos n. dhootie infl head dhoti or dhuti syl dhoo+tie pron <1du:ti> pos n. dhuti infl head dhoti or dhootie syl dhu+ti pron <1du:ti> pos n. dhoti 0. syl dho+ti pron <1d*uti> pos n. def a long loincloth worn by men in India. dhow ety C19: from Arabic d*_awa dhow 0. syl dhow pron pos n. def a lateen-rigged coastal Arab sailing vessel with one or two masts. DHSS 0. syl DHSS qual abbrev. for usage in Britain def Department of Health and Social Security. Di 0. syl Di usage the chemical symbol for def didymium. dia alt head di or di syl dia. di 0. or dia syl di. qual abbrev. for def diameter. di- ety via Latin from Greek, from dis twice, double, related to duo two. Compare {#7bi -%1} di- H1.1. syl di- pos prefix. def twice; two; double. exam 1 dicotyledon. di- H1.2.a. syl di- pos prefix. def containing two specified atoms or groups of atoms. exam 1 dimethyl ether; exam 2 carbon dioxide. di- H1.2.b. syl di- pos prefix. def a non-technical equivalent of { {bi-%1} (sense 5)}. di- H2.0. syl di- usage combining form. def variant of {dia-} before a vowel. exam 1 diopter. dia- ety from Greek dia through, between, across, by di- alt head dia- or dia- syl di- pos prefix. dia- 1. or di- syl di:a- pos prefix. def through, throughout, or during. exam 1 diachronic. dia- 2. or di- syl di:a- pos prefix. def across. exam 1 diactinic. dia- 3. or di- syl di:a- pos prefix. def apart. exam 1 diacritic. dia- 4. or di- syl di:a- pos prefix. usage in botany def at right angles. exam 1 diatropism. dia- 5. or di- syl di:a- pos prefix. def in opposite or different directions. exam 1 diamagnetism. diabase ety C19: from French, from Greek diabasis a crossing over, from diabainein to cross over, from #7dia -#7+ bainein to go diabase 1. syl di:a+base pron <1dI*2bAs> pos n. qual Brit. def an altered dolerite. diabase 2. syl di:a+base pron <1dI*2bAs> pos n. qual U.S. def another name for {dolerite}. diabasic sub head diabase syl di:a+1ba+sic pos adj. diabetes ety C16: from Latin: siphon, from Greek, literally: a passing through (referring to the excessive urination), from diabainein to pass through, cross over; see #7diabase diabetes 0. syl di:a+be+tes pron <2dI*1bEtis>, <-tEz> pos n. def any of various disorders, esp. diabetes mellitus, characterized by excretion of an abnormally large amount of urine. diabetes insipidus ety C18: New Latin, literally: insipid diabetes diabetes insipidus 0. syl di:a+be+tes in+si+pi+dus pron pos n. def a disorder of the pituitary gland causing excessive thirst and excretion of large quantities of dilute urine. diabetes mellitus ety C18: New Latin, literally: honey-sweet diabetes diabetes mellitus 0. syl di:a+be+tes mel+li+tus pron pos n. def a disorder of carbohydrate metabolism characterized by excessive thirst and excretion of abnormally large quantities of urine containing an excess of sugar, caused by a deficiency of insulin. diabetic 1. syl di:a+bet+ic pron <2dI*1betik> pos adj. def of, relating to, or having diabetes. diabetic 2. syl di:a+bet+ic pron <2dI*1betik> pos adj. def for the use of diabetics. exam 1 diabetic chocolate. diabetic 3. syl di:a+bet+ic pron <2dI*1betik> pos n. def a person who has diabetes. diablerie ety C18: from Old French, from diable devil, from Latin diabolus; see #7devil diablerie 1. syl di:a+ble+rie pron , French pos n. def magic or witchcraft connected with devils. diablerie 2. syl di:a+ble+rie pron , French pos n. def demonic love or esoteric knowledge of devils. diablerie 3. syl di:a+ble+rie pron , French pos n. def the domain of devils. diablerie 4. syl di:a+ble+rie pron , French pos n. def devilry; mischief. diabolic ety C14: from Late Latin diabolicus, from Greek diabolikos, from diabolos #7devil diabolic 1. syl di:a+bol+ic pron <2dI*1bolik> pos adj. def of, relating to, or proceeding from the devil; satanic. diabolic 2. syl di:a+bol+ic pron <2dI*1bolik> pos adj. def befitting a devil; extremely cruel or wicked; fiendish. diabolic 3. syl di:a+bol+ic pron <2dI*1bolik> pos adj. def very difficult or unpleasant. diabolically sub head diabolic syl di:a+1bol:i+cal+ly pos adv. diabolicalness sub head diabolic syl di:a+1bol:i+cal+ness pos n. diabolical 1. syl di:a+bol:i+cal pron <2dI*1bolikL> pos adj. qual Informal. def excruciatingly bad; outrageous. diabolically sub head diabolical syl di:a+1bol:i+cal+ly pos adv. diabolicalness sub head diabolical syl di:a+1bol:i+cal+ness pos n. diabolism 1.a. syl di:ab:o+lism pron pos n. def activities designed to enlist the aid of devils, esp. in witchcraft or sorcery. diabolism 1.b. syl di:ab:o+lism pron pos n. def worship of devils or beliefs and teachings concerning them. diabolism 1.c. syl di:ab:o+lism pron pos n. def the nature of devils. diabolism 2. syl di:ab:o+lism pron pos n. def character or conduct that is devilish or fiendish; devilry. diabolist sub head diabolism syl di+1ab:o+list pos n. diabolise alt head diabolize or diabolize syl di+ab:o+lise pron pos vb. mod tr. diabolize 1.a. or diabolise syl di+ab:o+lize pron pos vb. mod tr. def to make (someone or something) diabolical. diabolize 1.b. or diabolise syl di+ab:o+lize pron pos vb. mod tr. def to subject to the influence of devils. diabolize 2. or diabolise syl di+ab:o+lize pron pos vb. mod tr. def to portray as diabolical. diabolos infl head diabolo syl di+ab:o+los. pos n. mod pl. diabolo 1. syl di+ab:o+lo pron pos n. def a game in which one throws and catches a spinning top on a cord fastened to two sticks held in the hands. diabolo 2. syl di+ab:o+lo pron pos n. def the top used in this game. diacaustic 1. syl di:a+caus+tic pron <2dI*1kc:stik>, <-1kos-> pos adj. usage of a caustic curve or surface def formed by refracted light rays. diacaustic 2. syl di:a+caus+tic pron <2dI*1kc:stik>, <-1kos-> pos n. def a diacaustic curve or surface. diacaustic xref syl di:a+caus+tic pron <2dI*1kc:stik>, <-1kos-> pos adj. def Compare {catacaustic}. diacetylmorphine 0. syl di+ac+e:tyl+mor+phine pron pos n. def another name for {heroin}. diachronic ety C19: from #7dia -#7+ Greek khronos time diachronic 0. syl di:a+chron+ic pron <2dI*1kronik> pos adj. def of, relating to, or studying the development of a phenomenon through time; historical. exam 1 diachronic linguistics. diacid 1. syl di+ac:id pron pos adj. def another word for {diacidic}. diacid 2. syl di+ac:id pron pos adj. usage of a salt or acid def containing two acidic hydrogen atoms. exam 1 NaH\2PO\4 is a diacid salt of phosphoric acid. diacid 3. syl di+ac:id pron pos n. def an acid or salt that contains two acidic hydrogen atoms. diacidic 0. syl di:a+cid+ic pron <2dI*1sidik> pos adj. usage of a base, such as calcium hydroxide Ca(OH)\2 def capable of neutralizing two protons with one of its molecules. Also: {diacid}. Compare {dibasic}. diaconal ety C17: from Late Latin di*_acon*_alis, from di*_aconus #7deacon diaconal 0. syl di+ac:o+nal pron pos adj. def of or associated with a deacon or the diaconate. diaconate ety C17: from Late Latin di*_acon*_atus; see #7deacon diaconate 0. syl di+ac:o+nate pron , <-2nAt> pos n. def the office, sacramental status, or period of office of a deacon. diacritic ety C17: from Greek diakritikos serving to distinguish, from diakrinein, from #7dia -#7+ krinein to separate diacritic 1. syl di:a+crit+ic pron <2dI*1kritik> pos n. def Also called: {diacritical mark}. a sign placed above or below a character or letter to indicate that it has a different phonetic value, is stressed, or for some other reason. {~} diacritic 2. syl di:a+crit+ic pron <2dI*1kritik> pos n. def another word for {diacritical}. diacritical 1. syl di:a+crit:i+cal pron <2dI*1kritikL> pos adj. def of or relating to a dia?!critic. diacritical 2. syl di:a+crit:i+cal pron <2dI*1kritikL> pos adj. def showing up a distinction. diacritically sub head diacritical syl di:a+1crit:i+cal+ly pos adv. diactinic 0. syl di+ac+tin+ic pron <2dI@k1tinik> pos adj. qual Physics. def able to transmit photochemically active radiation. diactinism sub head diactinic syl di+1ac+tin+ism pos n. diadelphous 1. syl di:a+del+phous pron <2dI*1delf*s> pos adj. usage of stamens def having united filaments so that they are arranged in two groups. diadelphous 2. syl di:a+del+phous pron <2dI*1delf*s> pos adj. usage of flowers def having diadelphous stamens. diadem ety C13: from Latin diad*_ema, from Greek: fillet, royal headdress, from diadein to bind around, from #7dia -#7+ dein to bind diadem 1. syl di:a+dem pron <1dI*2dem> pos n. def a royal crown, esp. a light jewelled circlet. diadem 2. syl di:a+dem pron <1dI*2dem> pos n. def royal dignity or power. diadem 3. syl di:a+dem pron <1dI*2dem> pos vb. mod tr. def to adorn or crown with or as with a diadem. diadem spider 0. syl di:a+dem spi+der pos n. def a common Eurasian spider, that constructs orb webs: family diadromous 1. syl di+ad+ro+mous pron pos adj. qual Botany. def of or possessing a leaf venation in the shape of a fan. diadromous 2. syl di+ad+ro+mous pron pos adj. usage of some fishes def migrating between fresh and salt water. See also {anadromous, catadromous}. ses infl head diaeresis syl +ses pron <-2sEz> pos n. mod pl. diaeresis 0. syl di+aer+e:sis pron pos n. def a variant spelling of {dieresis}. diaeretic sub head diaeresis syl di:ae+ret+ic pron <2dI*1retik> pos adj. diag 0. syl diag. qual abbrev. for def diagram. diagenesis 1. syl di:a+gen+e:sis pron <2dI*1Jenisis> pos n. def the sum of the physical and chemical changes that take place in sediments before they become consolidated into rocks, excluding all metamorphic changes. diagenesis 2. syl di:a+gen+e:sis pron <2dI*1Jenisis> pos n. qual Chem. def recrystallization of a solid to form large crystal grains from smaller ones. diageotropism 0. syl di:a+ge:ot+ro+pism pron <2dI*JE1otr*2piz*m> pos n. def a diatropic re?!sponse of plant parts, such as rhizomes, to the stimulus of gravity. diageotropic sub head diageotropism syl di:a+ge:o+trop+ic pron <2dI*2JE*1tropik> pos adj. Sergei Pavlovich infl head Diaghilev syl Ser:gei Pa:vlo:vich pron <1pavl*viC> pos n. Diaghilev 0. syl Di:agh:i:lev pron Russian <1djagilif> pos n. def 1872-1929, Russian ballet impresario. He founded (1909) and directed (1909-29) the in Paris, introducing Russian ballet to the West. diagnose 1. syl di+ag+nose pron <1dI*g2n*uz> pos vb. def to determine or distinguish by diagnosis. diagnose 2. syl di+ag+nose pron <1dI*g2n*uz> pos vb. mod tr. def to examine (a person or thing), as for a disease. diagnosable sub head diagnose syl di+ag+1nos+a:ble pos adj. diagnosis ety C17: New Latin, from Greek: a distinguishing, from diagign*_oskein to distinguish, from gign*_oskein to perceive, #7know diagnoses infl head diagnosis syl di+ag+no+ses pron <-sEz> pos n. mod pl. diagnosis 1.a. syl di+ag+no+sis pron <2dI*g1n*usis> pos n. def the identification of diseases from the examination of symptoms. diagnosis 1.b. syl di+ag+no+sis pron <2dI*g1n*usis> pos n. def an opinion or conclusion so reached. diagnosis 2.a. syl di+ag+no+sis pron <2dI*g1n*usis> pos n. def thorough analysis of facts or problems in order to gain understanding and aid future planning. diagnosis 2.b. syl di+ag+no+sis pron <2dI*g1n*usis> pos n. def an opinion or conclusion reached through such analysis. diagnosis 3. syl di+ag+no+sis pron <2dI*g1n*usis> pos n. def a detailed description of an organism, esp. a plant, for the purpose of classification. diagnostic 1. syl di+ag+nos+tic pron <2dI*g1nostik> pos adj. def of, relating to, or of value in diagnosis. diagnostic 2. syl di+ag+nos+tic pron <2dI*g1nostik> pos n. qual Med. def any symptom that provides evidence for making a specific diagnosis. diagnostic 3. syl di+ag+nos+tic pron <2dI*g1nostik> pos n. def a diagnosis. diagnostically sub head diagnostic syl di+ag+1nos+ti+cal+ly pos adv. diagnostician 0. syl di+ag+nos+ti+cian pron <2dI*gnos1tiS*n> pos n. def a specialist or expert in making diagnoses. diagnostics 0. syl di+ag+nos+tics pron <2dI*g1nostiks> pos n. mod functioning as; sing. def the art or practice of diagnosis, esp. of diseases. diagonal ety C16: from Latin diag*_on*_alis, from Greek diag*_onios, from #7dia -#7+ g*_onia angle diagonal 1. syl di+ag:o+nal pron pos adj. qual Maths. def connecting any two vertices that in a polygon are not adjacent and in a polyhedron are not in the same face. diagonal 2. syl di+ag:o+nal pron pos adj. def slanting; oblique. diagonal 3. syl di+ag:o+nal pron pos adj. def marked with slanting lines or patterns. diagonal 4. syl di+ag:o+nal pron pos n. qual Maths. def a diagonal line or plane. diagonal 5. syl di+ag:o+nal pron pos n. qual Chess. def any oblique row of squares of the same colour. diagonal 6. syl di+ag:o+nal pron pos n. def cloth marked or woven with slanting lines or patterns. diagonal 7. syl di+ag:o+nal pron pos n. def something put, set, or drawn obliquely. diagonal 8. syl di+ag:o+nal pron pos n. def another name for { {solidus} (sense 1)}. diagonal 9. syl di+ag:o+nal pron pos n. def one front leg and the hind leg on the opposite side of a horse, which are on the ground together when the horse is trotting. diagonally sub head diagonal syl di+1ag:o+nal+ly pos adv. diagram ety C17: from Latin diagramma, from Greek, from diagraphein, from graphein to write diagram 1. syl di:a+gram pron <1dI*2gr@m> pos n. def a sketch, outline, or plan demonstrating the form or workings of something. diagram 2. syl di:a+gram pron <1dI*2gr@m> pos n. qual Maths. def a pictorial representation of a quantity or of a relationship. exam 1 a Venn diagram. diagrams infl head diagram or diagrams syl di:a+grams pos vb. qual U.S. diagramming infl head diagram or diagraming syl di:a+gram+ming pos vb. diagrammed infl head diagram or diagramed syl di:a+grammed pos vb. diagraming infl head diagram or diagramming syl di:a+gram+ing pos vb. qual U.S. diagramed infl head diagram or diagrammed syl di:a+gramed. pos vb. qual U.S. diagram 3. syl di:a+gram pron <1dI*2gr@m> pos vb. def to show in or as if in a diagram. diagrammatic sub head diagram syl di:a+gram+mat+ic pron <2dI*gr*1m@tik> pos adj. diagrammatically sub head diagram syl di:a+gram+1mat:i+cal+ly pos adv. diagraph ety C19: from French diagraphe, from Greek diagraphein to represent with lines; see #7diagram diagraph 1. syl di:a+graph pron <1dI*2gra:f>, <-2gr@f> pos n. def a device for enlarging or reducing maps, plans, etc. diagraph 2. syl di:a+graph pron <1dI*2gra:f>, <-2gr@f> pos n. def a protractor and scale used in drawing. diakinesis 0. syl di:a+ki+ne:sis pron <2dI*ki1nEsis>, <-kI-> pos n. def the final stage of the prophase of meiosis, during which homologous chromosomes start to separate after crossing over. dial ety C15: from Medieval Latin di*_alis daily, from Latin di*_es day dial 1. syl di:al pron <1dI*l>, pos n. def the face of a watch, clock, chronometer, sundial, etc., marked with divisions representing units of time. dial 2. syl di:al pron <1dI*l>, pos n. def the circular graduated disc of various measuring instruments. dial 3.a. syl di:al pron <1dI*l>, pos n. def the control on a radio or television set used to change the station or channel. dial 3.b. syl di:al pron <1dI*l>, pos n. def the panel on a radio on which the frequency, wavelength, or station is indicated by means of a pointer. dial 4. syl di:al pron <1dI*l>, pos n. def a numbered disc on a telephone that is rotated a set distance for each digit of a number being called. dial 5. syl di:al pron <1dI*l>, pos n. def a miner's compass for surveying in a mine. dial 6. syl di:al pron <1dI*l>, pos n. qual Brit. def a slang word for {{face} (sense 1)}. {~} {di@.als, di@.al+ling, di@.alled} {di@.als, di@.al+ing, di@.aled}. dial 7. syl di:al pron <1dI*l>, pos n. def to establish or try to establish a telephone connection with (a subscriber or his number) by operating the dial on a telephone. dial 8. syl di:al pron <1dI*l>, pos n. mod tr. def to indicate, measure, or operate with a dial. dialler sub head dial syl di:al+ler pos n. dial 0. syl dial. qual abbrev. for def dialect(al). dialect ety C16: from Latin dialectus, from Greek dialektos speech, dialect, discourse, from dialegesthai to converse, from legein to talk, speak &- #!di@.a+#!lec+tal adj. dialect 0.a. syl di:a+lect pron <1dI*2lekt> pos n. def a form of a language spoken in a particular geographical area or by members of a particular social class or occupational group, distinguished by its vocabulary, grammar, and pronunciation. dialect 0.b. syl di:a+lect pron <1dI*2lekt> pos n. def a form of a language that is considered inferior. exam 1 the farmer spoke dialect and was despised by the merchants. dialect 0.c. syl di:a+lect pron <1dI*2lekt> pos n. usage as modifier exam 1 a dialect word. dialect atlas 0. syl di:a+lect at+las pos n. def another term for {linguistic atlas}. dialect geography 0. syl di:a+lect ge+og+ra+phy pos n. def another term for {linguistic geog?!raphy}. dialect geographer sub head dialect geography syl di:a+lect ge+og+ra+pher pos n. dialectic ety C17: from Latin dialectica, from Greek dialektik*_e (tekhn*_e) (the art) of argument; see #7dialect dialectic 1. syl di:a+lec+tic pron <2dI*1lektik> pos n. def the art or practice of assessing the truth of a theory or opinion by discussion and logical disputation. dialectic 2. syl di:a+lec+tic pron <2dI*1lektik> pos n. def logical argumentation. dialectic 3. syl di:a+lec+tic pron <2dI*1lektik> pos n. qual Philosophy. def a variant of { {dialectics} (sense 1)}. dialectic 4. syl di:a+lec+tic pron <2dI*1lektik> pos n. def See {Hegelian dialectic}. dialectic 5. syl di:a+lec+tic pron <2dI*1lektik> pos n. usage in the writings of Kant def the attempt to determine objects beyond the limits of experience by use of the principles of understanding. dialectic 6. syl di:a+lec+tic pron <2dI*1lektik> pos adj. def of or relating to logical disputation. dialectical 0. syl di:a+lec+ti+cal pron <2dI*1lektikL> pos adj. def of or relating to dialectic or dialectics. dialectically sub head dialectical syl di:a+1lec+ti+cal+ly pos adv. dialectical materialism 0. syl di:a+lec+ti+cal ma+te:ri+al+ism pos n. def the economic, political, and philosophical system of Karl Marx and Friedrich Engels that combines traditional materialism and Hegelian dialectic. dialectical materialist sub head dialectical materialism syl di:a+lec+ti+cal ma+te:ri+al+ist pos n. dialectics 1. syl di:a+lec+tics pron <2dI*1lektiks> pos n. def Also: {dialectic}. dialectics 1.a. syl di:a+lec+tics pron <2dI*1lektiks> pos n. def logic or a branch of logic. dialectics 1.b. syl di:a+lec+tics pron <2dI*1lektiks> pos n. def any formal system of reasoning. dialectics 2. syl di:a+lec+tics pron <2dI*1lektiks> pos n. def the rationale of dialectical materialism. dialectology 0. syl di:a+lec+tol+o:gy pron <2dI*lek1tol*Ji> pos n. def the study of dialects and dialectal variations. dialectological sub head dialectology syl di:a+lec+to+log:i+cal pron <2dI*2lekt*1loJi?!kL> pos adj. dialectologically sub head dialectology syl di:a+2lec+to+1log:i+cal+ly pos adv. dialectologist sub head dialectology syl di:a+lec+1tol:o+gist pos n. dial gauge 0. syl di:al gauge pos n. def another name for an { {indicator} (sense 4)}. diallage ety C19: from Greek diallag*_e interchange diallage 0. syl di+al+lage pron <1dI*liJ> pos n. def a green or brownish-black variety of the mineral augite in the form of layers of platelike crystals. dial tone alt head dialling tone or dialling tone syl di:al tone pos n. qual U.S. dialling tone 0. or dial tone syl di:al+ling tone pos n. def a continuous purring heard over a telephone indicating that a number can be dialled. Compare {ringing tone, engaged tone}. dialogism 1. syl di+al:o+gism pron pos n. qual Logic. def a deduction with one premiss and a disjunctive conclusion. dialogism 2. syl di+al:o+gism pron pos n. qual Rhetoric. def a discussion in an imaginary dialogue or discourse. dialogist 0. syl di+al:o+gist pron pos n. def a person who writes or takes part in a dialogue. dialogistic sub head dialogist or dialogistical syl di:a+lo+1gis+tic pos adj. dialogistical sub head dialogist or dialogistic syl di:a+lo+1gis+ti+cal pos adj. dialogise alt head dialogize or dialogize syl di+al:o+gise pron pos vb. mod intr. dialogize 0. or dialogise syl di+al:o+gize pron pos vb. mod intr. def to carry on a dialogue. dialogue ety C13: from Old French dialoge, from Latin dialogus, from Greek dialogos, from dialegesthai to converse; see #7dialect &- di@.a+log+ic (@!da$I$$#!l$Ad#f?!$Ik) adj. &- #!di@.a+@!logu+er n. dialog alt head dialogue or dialogue syl di:a+log pron <1dI*2log> pos n. qual U.S. (often dialogue 1. or dialog syl di:a+logue pron <1dI*2log> pos n. def conversation between two or more people. dialogue 2. or dialog syl di:a+logue pron <1dI*2log> pos n. def an exchange of opinions on a particular subject; discussion. dialogue 3. or dialog syl di:a+logue pron <1dI*2log> pos n. def the lines spoken by characters in drama or fiction. dialogue 4. or dialog syl di:a+logue pron <1dI*2log> pos n. def a particular passage of conversation in a literary or dramatic work. dialogue 5. or dialog syl di:a+logue pron <1dI*2log> pos n. def a literary composition in the form of a dialogue. dialogue 6. or dialog syl di:a+logue pron <1dI*2log> pos n. def a political discussion between representatives of two nations or groups. dialogue 7. or dialog syl di:a+logue pron <1dI*2log> pos vb. mod tr. qual Rare. def to put into the form of a dialogue. dialogue 8. or dialog syl di:a+logue pron <1dI*2log> pos vb. mod intr. qual Rare. def to take part in a dialogue; converse. dialyze alt head dialyse or dialyse syl di:a+lyze pron <1dI*2lIz> pos vb. mod tr. qual U.S. dialyse 0. or dialyze syl di:a+lyse pron <1dI*2lIz> pos vb. mod tr. def to separate by dialysis. dialysable sub head dialyse syl di:a+2lys+a:ble pos adj. dialysability sub head dialyse syl di:a+2lys+a:1bil+i:ty pos n. dialysation sub head dialyse syl di:a+ly+1sa+tion pos n. dialyzer alt head dialyser or dialyser syl di:a+lyz+er pron <1dI*2lIz*> pos n. qual U.S. dialyser 0. or dialyzer syl di:a+lys+er pron <1dI*2lIz*> pos n. def an apparatus used in dialysis. dialysis ety C16: from Late Latin: a separation, from Greek dialusis a dissolution, from dialuein to tear apart, dissolve, from luein to loosen dialyses infl head dialysis syl di+al:y+ses pron <-2sEz> pos n. mod pl. dialysis 1. syl di+al:y+sis pron pos n. def the separation of the crystalloids from a solution containing crystalloids and colloids by osmosis of the crystalloids. dialysis 2. syl di+al:y+sis pron pos n. qual Med. def See {haemo?!dialysis}. dialytic sub head dialysis syl di:a+lyt+ic pron <2dI*1litik> pos adj. dialytically sub head dialysis syl di:a+1lyt:i+cal+ly pos adv. diam 0. syl diam. qual abbrev. for def diameter. diamagnet 0. syl di:a+mag+net pron <1dI*2m@gnit> pos n. def a substance exhibiting dia?!magnetism. diamagnetic 0. syl di:a+mag+net+ic pron <2dI*m@g1netik> pos adj. def of, exhibiting, or con?!cerned with diamagnetism. diamagnetically sub head diamagnetic syl di:a+mag+1net:i+cal+ly pos adv. diamagnetism 0. syl di:a+mag+net+ism pron <2dI*1m@gni2tiz*m> pos n. def the phenomenon exhibited by substances that have a relative permeability less than unity and a negative susceptibility. It is caused by the orbital motion of electrons in the atoms of the material and is unaffected by temperature. Compare {ferromagnetism, paramagnetism}. diamant'e ety C20: from French, from diamanter to adorn with diamonds, from diamant #7diamond diamant'e 1. syl di:a+man+t*'e pron <2dI*1m@nti>, <2di*-> pos adj. def decorated with glittering ornaments, such as artificial jewels or sequins. diamant'e 2. syl di:a+man+t*'e pron <2dI*1m@nti>, <2di*-> pos n. def a fabric so covered. diamantine ety C17: from French diamantin, from diamant #7diamond diamantine 0. syl di:a+man+tine pron <2dI*1m@ntIn> pos adj. def of or resembling diamonds. diameter ety C14: from Medieval Latin diametrus, variant of Latin diametros, from Greek: diameter, diagonal, from #7dia -#7+ metron measure diameter 1.a. syl di+am+e:ter pron pos n. def a straight line connecting the centre of a geometric figure, esp. a circle or sphere, with two points on the perimeter or surface. diameter 1.b. syl di+am+e:ter pron pos n. def the length of such a line. diameter 2. syl di+am+e:ter pron pos n. def the thickness of something, esp. with circular cross section. diametral 1. syl di+am+e:tral pron pos adj. def located on or forming a diameter. exam 1 diametral plane. diametral 2. syl di+am+e:tral pron pos adj. def a less common word for {diametric}. diametrally sub head diametral syl di+1am+e:tral+ly pos adv. diametrical alt head diametric or diametric syl di:a+met+ri+cal pos adj. diametric 1. or diametrical syl di:a+met+ric pron <2dI*1metrik> pos adj. def Also: {diametral}. of, related to, or along a diameter. diametric 2. or diametrical syl di:a+met+ric pron <2dI*1metrik> pos adj. def completely opposed. diametrically 0. syl di:a+met+ri+cal+ly pron <2dI*1metrikli> pos adv. def completely; utterly (esp. in the phrase {diametrically opposed) }. diamine 0. syl di:a+mine pron <1dI*2mEn>, <-min> <2dI*1mEn> pos n. def any chemical compound containing two amino groups in its molecules. diamond ety C13: from Old French diamant, from Medieval Latin diamas, modification of Latin adamas the hardest iron or steel, diamond; see #7adamant diamond 1.a. syl di:a+mond pron <1dI*m*nd> pos n. def a usually colourless exceptionally hard allotropic form of carbon in cubic crystalline form that occurs in alluvial deposits and basic and ultrabasic rocks, esp. in southern Africa. It is used as a precious stone and for industrial cutting or abrading. diamond 1.b. syl di:a+mond pron <1dI*m*nd> pos n. usage as modifier exam 1 a diamond ring. diamond 2.a. syl di:a+mond pron <1dI*m*nd> pos n. def a figure having four sides of equal length forming two acute angles and two obtuse angles; rhombus. diamond 2.b. syl di:a+mond pron <1dI*m*nd> pos n. usage modifier def rhombic. diamond 3.a. syl di:a+mond pron <1dI*m*nd> pos n. def a red lozenge-shaped symbol on a playing card. diamond 3.b. syl di:a+mond pron <1dI*m*nd> pos n. def a card with one or more of these symbols or the suit of cards so marked. diamond 4.a. syl di:a+mond pron <1dI*m*nd> pos n. def the whole playing field. diamond 4.b. syl di:a+mond pron <1dI*m*nd> pos n. def the square formed by the four bases. diamond 5. syl di:a+mond pron <1dI*m*nd> pos n. usage formerly def a size of printer's type approximately equal to 4@2#800194 point. black diamond 6. head diamond syl black diamond. def an informal name for {coal}. diamond cut diamond 7. head diamond syl diamond cut diamond. def an encounter between two equally able people. rough diamond 8. head diamond syl rough diamond. def a person of fine character who lacks refinement and polish. diamond 9. syl di:a+mond pron <1dI*m*nd> pos vb. mod tr. def to decorate with or as with diamonds. diamond-like sub head diamond syl di:a:mond-2like pos adj. diamond anniversary 0. syl di:a+mond an+ni+ver+sa+ry pos n. def a 60th, or occasionally 75th, anniversary. diamondback 1. syl di:a:mond+back pron <1dI*m*nd2b@k> pos n. def Also called: {diamondback terrapin} {turtle}. any edible North American terrapin of the genus esp. occurring in brackish and tidal waters and having diamond-shaped markings on the shell: family diamondback 2. syl di:a:mond+back pron <1dI*m*nd2b@k> pos n. def a large North American rattlesnake, having cream-and-grey diamond-shaped markings. diamond bird 0. syl di:a+mond bird pos n. def any small insectivorous Australian songbird of the genus having a diamond-patterned plumage. Also called: {pardalote}. diamond jubilee 0. syl di:a+mond ju+bi+lee pos n. def the celebration of a 60th, or occasionally 75th, anniversary. diamond point 0. syl di:a+mond point pos n. def a diamond-tipped engraving tool. diamond snake 0. syl di:a+mond snake pos n. def a python, of Australia and New Guinea, with yellow diamond-shaped markings. diamond wedding 0. syl di:a+mond wed+ding pos n. def the 60th, or occasionally the 75th, anniversary of a marriage. Diana 0. syl Di:an:a pron pos n. def the virginal Roman goddess of the hunt and the moon. Greek counterpart: {Artemis}. diandrous 0. syl di+an+drous pron pos adj. usage of some flowers or flowering plants def having two stamens. dianetics ety C20: from dianetic, variant of #7dianoetic dianetics 0. syl di:a+net+ics pron <2dI*1netiks> pos n. def the former name for {scientology}. dianoetic ety C17: from Greek diano*_etikos, from dianoia the thinking process, an opinion, from #7dia -#7+ noein to think dianoetic 0. syl di:a+no+et+ic pron <2dI*n*u1etik> pos adj. def of or relating to thought, esp. to discursive as opposed to intuitive reasoning. Compare {discursive, intuitive}. dianoia ety from Greek; see #7dianoetic dianoia 1. syl di:a+noi:a pron <2dI*1nci*> pos n. qual Philosophy. def perception and experience regarded as lower modes of knowledge. Compare {noesis}. dianoia 2. syl di:a+noi:a pron <2dI*1nci*> pos n. qual Philosophy. def the faculty of discursive reasoning. dianthus ety C19: New Latin, from Greek {#7di -%1}#7+ anthos flower dianthuses infl head dianthus syl di+an+thus:es. pos n. mod pl. dianthus 0. syl di+an+thus pron pos n. def any Eurasian caryophyllaceous plant of the widely cultivated genus such as the carnation, pink, and sweet william. diapason ety C14: from Latin: the whole octave, from Greek: (h*_e) dia pas*_on (khord*_on sumph*_onia) (concord) through all (the notes), from dia through+ pas all diapason 1. syl di:a+pa+son pron <2dI*1pAzN>, <-sN> pos n. qual Music. def either of two stops ({open} {stopped diapason}) usually found throughout the compass of a pipe organ that give it its characteristic tone colour. diapason 2. syl di:a+pa+son pron <2dI*1pAzN>, <-sN> pos n. qual Music. def the compass of an instrument or voice. diapason 3.a. syl di:a+pa+son pron <2dI*1pAzN>, <-sN> pos n. qual Music. def a standard pitch used for tuning, esp. the now largely obsolete one of A above middle C=435 hertz, known as {di@.a+pa+son nor+mal} djapaz?~@$ n@$r#!mal). diapason 3.b. syl di:a+pa+son pron <2dI*1pAzN>, <-sN> pos n. qual Music. def a tuning fork or pitch pipe. diapason 4. syl di:a+pa+son pron <2dI*1pAzN>, <-sN> pos n. qual Music. usage in classical Greece def an octave. diapasonal sub head diapason or diapasonic syl di:a+1pa+son+al pron <2dI*pA1zonik>, <-1son-> pos adj. diapasonic sub head diapason or diapasonal syl di:a+pa+son+ic pron <2dI*pA1zonik>, <-1son-> pos adj. diapause ety C19: from Greek diapausis pause, from diapauein to pause, bring to an end, from #7dia -#7+ pauein to stop diapause 0. syl di:a+pause pron <1dI*2pc:z> pos n. def a period of suspended development and growth accompanied by decreased metabolism in insects and some other animals. It is correlated with seasonal changes. diapedesis ety C17: New Latin, from Greek: a leaping through, from diap*_edan to spring through, from #7dia -#7+ p*_edan to leap diapedesis 0. syl di:a+pe:de+sis pron <2dI*p*1dEsis> pos n. def the passage of blood cells through the unruptured wall of a blood vessel into the sur?!rounding tissues. diapedetic sub head diapedesis syl di:a+pe:det+ic pron <2dI*p*1detik> pos adj. diapente ety C14: from Latin, from Greek dia pente khord*_on sumph*_onia concord through five notes, from dia through+ pente five diapente 0. syl di:a+pen+te pron <2dI*1penti> pos n. usage Music. in classical Greece def the interval of a perfect fifth. diaper ety C14: from Old French diaspre, from Medieval Latin diasprus made of diaper, from Medieval Greek diaspros pure white, from #7dia -#7+ aspros white, shining diaper 1. syl di:a+per pron <1dI*p*> pos n. def the U.S. word for { {nappy%1}}. diaper 2.a. syl di:a+per pron <1dI*p*> pos n. def a woven pattern on fabric consisting of a small repeating design, esp. diamonds. diaper 2.b. syl di:a+per pron <1dI*p*> pos n. def fabric having such a pattern. diaper 2.c. syl di:a+per pron <1dI*p*> pos n. def such a pattern, used as decoration. diaper 3. syl di:a+per pron <1dI*p*> pos vb. mod tr. def to decorate with such a pattern. diaphanous ety C17: from Medieval Latin diaphanus, from Greek diaphan*_es trans?!parent, from diaphainein to show through, from #7dia -#7+ phainein to show diaphanous 1. syl di+aph:a+nous pron pos adj. usage usually of fabrics such as silk def fine and translucent. diaphanous 2. syl di+aph:a+nous pron pos adj. def indistinct; vague; blurred. diaphanously sub head diaphanous syl di+1aph:a+nous+ly pos adv. diaphanousness sub head diaphanous or diaphaneity syl di+1aph:a+nous+ness pron pos n. diaphaneity sub head diaphanous or diaphanousness syl di+aph:a+ne:i+ty pron pos n. diaphone ety C20: from #7dia (#7lect) #7+phone %2 diaphone 1.a. syl di:a+phone pron <1dI*2f*un> pos n. def the set of all realizations of a given phoneme in a language. diaphone 1.b. syl di:a+phone pron <1dI*2f*un> pos n. def one of any number of corresponding sounds in different dialects of a language. diaphone 2. syl di:a+phone pron <1dI*2f*un> pos n. def a foghorn that emits a two-toned signal. diaphony ety C17: from Late Latin diaph*_onia, from Greek, from diaph*_onos discordant, from #7dia -#7+ ph*_on*_e sound diaphony 1. syl di+aph:o+ny pron pos n. qual Music. def a style of two-part polyphonic singing; organum or a freer form resembling it. diaphony 2. syl di+aph:o+ny pron pos n. qual Music. usage in classical Greece def another word for { {dissonance} (sense 3)}. Compare { {symphony} (sense 5a)}. diaphonic sub head diaphony syl di:a+phon+ic pron <2dI*1fonik> pos adj. diaphoresis ety C17: via Late Latin from Greek, from diaphorein to disperse by perspiration, from #7dia -#7+ phorein to carry, variant of pherein diaphoresis 1. syl di:a+pho+re:sis pron <2dI*f*1rEsis> pos n. def a technical name for {perspiration}. diaphoresis 2. syl di:a+pho+re:sis pron <2dI*f*1rEsis> pos n. def perceptible and excessive perspiration; sweat. diaphoretic 1. syl di:a+pho+ret+ic pron <2dI*f*1retik> pos adj. def relating to or causing perspiration or sweat. diaphoretic 2. syl di:a+pho+ret+ic pron <2dI*f*1retik> pos n. def a diaphoretic drug or agent. diaphototropism ety C20: from Greek, from #7dia -#7+phototropic diaphototropism 0. syl di:a+pho:to+trop+ism pron <2dI*2f*ut*u1tr*upiz*m> pos n. def growth of a plant or plant part in a direction transverse to that of the light. diaphototropic sub head diaphototropism syl di:a+pho+to+trop+ic pron <2dI*2f*ut*u1tropik> pos adj. diaphragm ety C17: from Late Latin diaphragma, from Greek, from #7dia -#7+ phragma fence diaphragm 1. syl di:a+phragm pron <1dI*2fr@m> pos n. qual Anatomy. def any separating membrane, esp. the dome-shaped muscular partition that separates the abdominal and thoracic cavities in mammals. diaphragm 2. syl di:a+phragm pron <1dI*2fr@m> pos n. def a circular rubber or plastic contraceptive membrane placed over the mouth of the uterine cervix before copulation to prevent entrance of sperm. diaphragm 3. syl di:a+phragm pron <1dI*2fr@m> pos n. def any thin dividing membrane. diaphragm 4. syl di:a+phragm pron <1dI*2fr@m> pos n. def Also called: {stop}. a disc with a fixed or adjustable aperture to control the amount of light or other radiation entering an optical instrument, such as a camera. diaphragm 5. syl di:a+phragm pron <1dI*2fr@m> pos n. def a thin disc that vibrates when receiving or producing sound waves, used to convert sound signals to electrical signals or vice versa in telephones, etc. diaphragm 6.a. syl di:a+phragm pron <1dI*2fr@m> pos n. def a porous plate or cylinder dividing an electro?!lytic cell, used to permit the passage of ions and prevent the mixing of products formed at the electrodes. diaphragm 6.b. syl di:a+phragm pron <1dI*2fr@m> pos n. def a semiperme?!able membrane used to separate two solutions in osmosis. diaphragm 7. syl di:a+phragm pron <1dI*2fr@m> pos n. qual Botany. def a transverse plate of cells that occurs in the stems of certain aquatic plants. diaphragmatic sub head diaphragm syl di:a+phrag+mat+ic pron <2dI*fr@g1m@tik> pos adj. diaphragmatically sub head diaphragm syl di:a+phrag+1mat:i+cal+ly pos adv. diaphysis ety C19: New Latin, from Greek diaphusis, from diaphuesthai to grow between, from #7dia -#7+ phuein to produce diaphyses infl head diaphysis syl di+aph:y+ses pron <-2sEz> pos n. mod pl. diaphysis 0. syl di+aph:y+sis pron pos n. def the shaft of a long bone. Compare {epiphysis}. diaphysial sub head diaphysis syl di:a+phys+i:al pron <2dI*1fizi*l> pos adj. diapir ety C20: from Greek diapeirainein to make holes through, pierce diapir 0. syl di:a+pir pron <1dI*2pi*> pos n. qual Geology. def an anticlinal fold in which the brittle overlying rock has been pierced by material, such as salt, from beneath. diapophysis ety C19: New Latin, from {#7di -%2}#7+apophysis diapophyses infl head diapophysis syl di:a+poph:y+ses pron <-2sEz> pos n. mod pl. diapophysis 0. syl di:a+poph:y+sis pron <2dI*1pofisis> pos n. qual Anatomy. def the upper or articular surface of a transverse vertebral process. diapophysial sub head diapophysis syl di+ap:o+phys+i:al pron <2dI@p*1fizi*l> pos adj. diapositive 0. syl di:a+pos:i+tive pron <2dI*1pozitiv> pos n. def a positive transparency; slide. diarch ety C19: from Greek #7di -#7+ arch*_e beginning, origin diarch 0. syl di+arch pron <1dIa:k> pos adj. usage Botany. of a vascular bundle def having two strands of xylem. dyarchy alt head diarchy or diarchy syl dy+ar+chy pron <1dIa:ki> pos n. diarchies infl head diarchy syl di+ar+chies. pos n. mod pl. diarchy 0. or dyarchy syl di+ar+chy pron <1dIa:ki> pos n. def government by two states, individuals, etc. diarchic sub head diarchy or dyarchic syl di+1ar+chic pos adj. diarchical sub head diarchy or dyarchical syl di+1ar+chi+cal pos adj. diarchal sub head diarchy or dyarchal syl di+1ar+chal pos adj. dyarchic sub head diarchy or diarchic syl dy+1ar+chic pos adj. dyarchical sub head diarchy or diarchical syl dy+1ar+chi+cal pos adj. dyarchal sub head diarchy or diarchal syl dy+1ar+chal pos adj. diarist 0. syl di:a+rist pron <1dI*rist> pos n. def a person who keeps or writes a diary, esp. one that is subsequently published. diarrhoea ety C16: from Late Latin, from Greek diarrhoia, from diarrhein to flow through, from #7dia -#7+ rhein to flow diarrhoeal sub head diarrhoea syl di+ar+1rhoe:al diarrhoeic sub head diarrhoea syl di+ar+1rhoe+ic diarthrosis ety C16: New Latin, from {#7di -%2}#7+ Greek arthr*_osis, from arthroun to fasten by a joint, from arthron joint diarthroses infl head diarthrosis syl di+ar+thro+ses pron <-sEz> pos n. mod pl. diarthrosis 0. syl di+ar+thro+sis pron <2dIa:1Tr*usis> pos n. qual Anatomy. def any freely movable joint, such as the shoulder and hip joints. diarthrodial sub head diarthrosis syl di+ar+1thro+di:al pos adj. diary ety C16: from Latin di*_arium daily allocation of food or money, journal, from di*_es day diaries infl head diary syl di:a+ries. pos n. mod pl. diary 1. syl di:a+ry pron <1dI*ri> pos n. def a personal record of daily events, appointments, observations, etc. diary 2. syl di:a+ry pron <1dI*ri> pos n. def a book for keeping such a record. Diaz alt head Dias or Dias syl Di:az pron <1dE*s>, Portuguese <1di*S> pos n. Bartholomeu infl head Dias syl Bar:tho:lo:me:u pron <2b*rtulu1mAu> pos n. Dias 0. or Diaz syl Di:as pron <1dE*s>, Portuguese <1di*S> pos n. def ??1450-1500, Portuguese navigator who discovered the sea route from Europe to the East via the Cape of Good Hope (1488). diascope 0. syl di:a+scope pron <1dI*2sk*up> pos n. def an optical projector used to display transparencies. Diaspora ety C19: from Greek: a scattering, from diaspeirein to disperse, from #7dia -#7+ speirein to scatter, sow; see #7spore Diaspora 1.a. syl Di+as+po+ra pron pos n. def the dispersion of the Jews from Palestine after the Babylonian captivity. Diaspora 1.b. syl Di+as+po+ra pron pos n. def the Jewish communities that arose after this dispersion. Diaspora 1.c. syl Di+as+po+ra pron pos n. def the places in which these settlements existed. Diaspora 2. syl Di+as+po+ra pron pos n. usage in the New Testament def the body of Christians living outside Palestine. Diaspora 3. syl Di+as+po+ra pron pos n. usage often not cap. def a dispersion or spreading, as of people originally belonging to one nation or having a common culture. diaspore ety C19: from Greek diaspora a scattering, dispersion; see D#7iaspora: so named from its dispersion and crackling when highly heated diaspore 1. syl di:a+spore pron <1dI*2spc:> pos n. def a white, yellowish, or grey mineral consisting of hydrated aluminium oxide in orthorhombic crystalline form, found in bauxite and corundum. Formula: Al\2O\3.H\2O. diaspore 2. syl di:a+spore pron <1dI*2spc:> pos n. def any propagative part of a plant, esp. one that is easily dispersed, such as a spore. diastalsis ety C20: New Latin, from #7dia -#7+ (#7peri) #7stalsis &- @!di@.a+#!stal+tic adj. ses infl head diastalsis syl +ses pron <-sEz> pos n. mod pl. diastalsis 0. syl di:a+stal+sis pron <2dI*1st@lsis> pos n. qual Physiol. def a downward wave of contraction occurring in the intestine during digestion. See also {peristalsis}. diastase ety C19: from French, from Greek diastasis a separation; see #7diastasis diastase 0. syl di:a+stase pron <1dI*2stAs>, <-2stAz> pos n. def any of a group of enzymes that hydrolyse starch to maltose. They are present in germinated barley and in the pancreas. See also {amylase}. diastasic sub head diastase syl di:a+1sta+sic pos adj. diastasis ety C18: New Latin, from Greek: a separation, from diistanai to separate, from #7dia -#7+ histanai to place, make stand ses infl head diastasis syl +ses pron <-2sEz> pos n. mod pl. diastasis 1.a. syl di:a+sta+sis pron pos n. def the separation of an epiphysis from the long bone to which it is normally attached without fracture of the bone. diastasis 1.b. syl di:a+sta+sis pron pos n. def the separation of any two parts normally joined. diastasis 2. syl di:a+sta+sis pron pos n. qual Physiol. def the last part of the diastolic phase of the heartbeat. diastatic sub head diastasis syl di:a+stat+ic pron <2dI*1st@t?!ik> pos adj. diastema ety C19: New Latin, from Greek: gap, from diistanai to separate; see #7diastasis diastemata infl head diastema syl di:a+ste+ma+ta pron <-m*t*> pos n. mod pl. diastema 1. syl di:a+ste+ma pron <2dI*1stEm*> pos n. def an ab?!normal space, fissure, or cleft in a bodily organ or part. diastema 2. syl di:a+ste+ma pron <2dI*1stEm*> pos n. def a gap between the teeth. diaster ety C19: from {#7di -%1}#7+ Greek ast*_er star diaster 0. syl di+as+ter pron pos n. qual Cytology. def the stage in cell division at which the chromosomes are in two groups at the poles of the spindle before forming daughter nuclei. diastral sub head diaster syl di+1as+tral pos adj. diastole ety C16: via Late Latin from Greek: an expansion, from diastellein to expand, from #7dia -#7+ stellein to place, bring together, make ready diastole 0. syl di+as+to+le pron pos n. def the dilation of the chambers of the heart that follows each contraction, during which they refill with blood. Compare {systole}. diastolic sub head diastole syl di+as+tol+ic pron <2dI*?!1stolik> pos adj. diastrophism ety C19: from Greek diastroph*_e a twisting; see #7dia -#7, strophe diastrophism 0. syl di+as+tro+phism pron pos n. def movement of the earth's crust that gives rise to mountains, continents, folding, faulting, etc. diastrophic sub head diastrophism syl di:a+stroph+ic pron <2dI*1strofik> pos adj. diastyle ety C16: via Latin from Greek diast*_ylos having spaced pillars diastyle 1. syl di:a+style pron <1dI*2stIl> pos adj. qual Architect. def having columns about three diameters apart. diastyle 2. syl di:a+style pron <1dI*2stIl> pos n. qual Architect. def a diastyle building. diatessaron ety C14: from Late Latin, from Greek dia tessar*_on khord*_on sumph*_onia concord through four notes, from dia through+ tessares four diatessaron 1. syl di:a+tes+sa+ron pron <2dI*1tes*2ron> pos n. usage Music. in classical Greece def the interval of a perfect fourth. diatessaron 2. syl di:a+tes+sa+ron pron <2dI*1tes*2ron> pos n. def a conflation of the four Gospels into a single continuous narrative. diathermancy ety C19: from French diathermansie, from #7dia -#7+ Greek thermansis heating, from therm?!ainein to heat, from thermos hot diathermancies infl head diathermancy syl di:a+ther+man+cies. pos n. mod pl. diathermancy 0. syl di:a+ther+man+cy pron <2dI*1TR:m*nsi> pos n. def the property of transmitting infrared radiation. diathermanous sub head diathermancy syl di:a+1ther+man+ous pos adj. diathermic 1. syl di:a+ther+mic pron <2dI*1T*mik> pos adj. def of or relating to diathermy. diathermic 2. syl di:a+ther+mic pron <2dI*1T*mik> pos adj. def able to conduct heat; passing heat freely. diathermy ety C20: from New Latin diathermia, from #7dia -#7+ Greek therm*_e heat diathermia alt head diathermy or diathermy syl di:a+ther+mi:a pron <2dI*1TR:mi*> pos n. diathermy 0. or diathermia syl di:a+ther+my pron <1dI*2TR:mi> pos n. def local heating of the body tissues with an electric current for medical or surgical purposes. diathesis ety C17: New Latin, from Greek: propensity, from diatithenai to dispose, from #7dia -#7+ tithenai to place diathses infl head diathesis syl di:ath+ses pron <-2sEz> pos n. mod pl. diathesis 0. syl di:ath+e:sis pron pos n. def a hereditary or acquired susceptibility of the body to one or more diseases. diathetic sub head diathesis syl di:a+thet+ic pron <2dI*?!1Tetik> pos adj. diatom ety C19: from New Latin Diatoma (genus name), from Greek diatomos cut in two, from diatemnein to cut through, from #7dia -#7+ temnein to cut diatom 0. syl di:a+tom pron <1dI*t*m>, <-2tom> pos n. def any microscopic unicellular alga of the class occurring in marine or fresh water singly or in colonies, each cell having a cell wall made of two halves and impregnated with silica. See also {diatomite}. diatomaceous 0. syl di:a+to+ma+ceous pron <2dI*t*1mAS*s> pos adj. def of, relating to, consist?!ing of, or containing diatoms or their fossil remains. diatomaceous earth 0. syl di:a+to+ma+ceous earth pos n. def an unconsolidated form of {diatomite}. Also called: {kieselguhr}. diatomic 0.a. syl di:a+tom+ic pron <2dI*1tomik> pos adj. usage of a compound or molecule def containing two atoms. diatomic 0.b. syl di:a+tom+ic pron <2dI*1tomik> pos adj. usage of a compound or molecule def containing two characteristic groups or atoms. exam 1 ethylene glycol is a diatomic alcohol. diatomicity sub head diatomic syl di+at:o+mic+i:ty pron <2dI@t*1misiti> pos n. diatomite 0. syl di+at:o+mite pron pos n. def a soft very fine-grained whitish rock consisting of the siliceous remains of diatoms deposited in small ponds or lakes. It is used as an absorbent, filtering medium, insulator, filler, etc. See also {diatomaceous earth}. diatonic ety C16: from Late Latin diatonicus, from Greek diatonikos, from diatonos extending, from diateinein to stretch out, from #7dia -#7+ teinein to stretch diatonic 1. syl di:a+ton+ic pron <2dI*1tonik> pos adj. def of, relating to, or based upon any scale of five tones and two semitones produced by playing the white keys of a keyboard instrument, esp. the natural major or minor scales forming the basis of the key system in Western music. Compare { {chromatic} (sense 2)}. diatonic 2. syl di:a+ton+ic pron <2dI*1tonik> pos adj. def not involving the sharpening or flattening of the notes of the major or minor scale nor the use of such notes as modified by accidentals. diatonically sub head diatonic syl di:a+1ton:i+cal+ly pos adv. diatonicism sub head diatonic syl di:a+ton:i+cism pron <2dI*1toni2siz*m> pos n. diatribe ety C16: from Latin diatriba learned debate, from Greek diatrib*_e discourse, pastime, from diatribein to while away, from #7dia -#7+ tribein to rub diatribe 0. syl di:a+tribe pron <1dI*2trIb> pos n. def a bitter or violent criticism or attack; denunciation. diatropism 0. syl di+at+ro+pism pron pos n. def a response of plants or parts of plants to an external stimulus by growing at right angles to the direction of the stimulus. diatropic sub head diatropism syl di:a+trop+ic pron <2dI*1tropik> pos adj. Bartholomeu infl head Diaz syl Bar:tho:lo:me:u pron <2b*rtulu?!1mAu> pos n. Diaz 1. syl Di:az pron <1dE*s>, Portuguese <1di*S> pos n. def a variant spelling of (Bartholomeu) {Dias}. (Jos'e de la Cruz) Porfirio infl head Diaz syl (Jos*'e de la Cruz) Por:fi:rio pron pos n. Diaz 2. syl Di:az pron <1dE*s>, Spanish <1diaT> pos n. def 1830-1915, Mexican general and statesman; president of Mexico (1877-80; 1884-1911). Rodrigo infl head D'iaz de Bivar syl Ro:dri:go pron pos n. D'iaz de Bivar 0. syl D*'i:az de Bi:var pron Spanish <1diaT> pos n. def the original name of (El) {Cid}. diazin alt head diazine or diazine syl di:a+zin pron <1dI*zin>, pos n. diazine 0. or diazin syl di:a+zine pron <1dI*2zEn> , <-in> pos n. def any organic compound whose molecules contain a hexagonal ring of four carbon atoms and two nitrogen atoms, esp. any of three isomers with the formula C\4N\2H\4. See also {pyrimidine}. diazo 1. syl di+az:o pron pos adj. def of, consisting of, or containing the divalent group, =N:N, or the divalent group, -N:N-. exam 1 diazo compound. diazo 2. syl di+az:o pron pos adj. def Also: {dyeline}. of or relating to the reproduction of documents using the bleaching action of ultraviolet radiation on diazonium salts. {~} {@.os} {@.oes}. diazo 3. syl di+az:o pron pos adj. def a document produced by this method. diazole 0. syl di:a+zole pron pos n. def any organic compound whose molecules contain a pentagonal ring of three carbon atoms and two nitrogen atoms, esp. imidazole ({1,3-diazole}) or pyrazole ({1,1-diazole) }. diazomethane 0. syl di+az:o+me:thane pron pos n. def a yellow odourless explosive gas, used as a methylating agent. Formula: CH\2:N:N. diazonium ety C19: #7diazo -#7+ (#7amm) #7onium diazonium 0. syl di:a+zo+ni:um pron <2dI*1z*uni*m> pos n. usage modifier def of, consisting of, or containing the group, Ar-N:N-, where Ar is an aryl group. exam 1 diazonium group or radical; exam 2 a diazonium compound. diazonium salt ety ArN:N%#-M%+, where Ar is an aryl group and M is a metal atom; made by the action of nitrous acid on aromatic amines and used in dyeing. diazonium salt 0. syl di:a+zo+ni:um salt pos n. def any of a class of compounds with the general formula diazotise alt head diazotize or diazotize syl di:a+zo+tise pron pos vb. mod tr. diazotize 0. or diazotise syl di:a+zo+tize pron pos vb. mod tr. def to cause (an aryl amine) to react with nitrous acid to produce a dia?!zonium salt. diazotization sub head diazotize or diazotisation syl di:2a+zo+ti+1za+tion pos n. diazotisation sub head diazotize or diazotization syl di:2a+zo+ti+1sa+tion pos n. dib ety C17: perhaps alteration of {#7dab %1} dibs infl head dib syl dibs pos vb. mod intr. dibbing infl head dib syl dib+bing pos vb. mod intr. dibbed infl head dib syl dibbed. pos vb. mod intr. dib 0. syl dib pron pos vb. mod intr. def to fish by allowing the bait to bob and dip on the surface. dibasic 1. syl di+ba+sic pron pos adj. usage of an acid, such as sulphuric acid, H\2SO\4 def containing two acidic hydrogen atoms. Compare {diacidic}. dibasic 2. syl di+ba+sic pron pos adj. usage of a salt def derived by replacing two acidic hydrogen atoms. exam 1 dibasic sodium phosphate, Na\2HPO\4. dibasicity sub head dibasic syl di+ba+sic+i:ty pron <2dIbA1sisiti> pos n. dibble ety C15: of obscure origin dibble H1.1. syl dib+ble pron <1dibL> pos n. def Also called (esp. Brit.): {dib+ber} (#!d$Ib$$). a small hand tool used to make holes in the ground for planting or transplanting bulbs, seeds, or roots. dibble H1.2. syl dib+ble pron <1dibL> pos vb. def to make a hole in (the ground) with a dibble. dibble H1.3. syl dib+ble pron <1dibL> pos vb. def to plant (seeds, etc.) with a dibble. dibbler sub head dibble syl dib+bler pos n. dibble H2.1. syl dib+ble pron <1dibL> pos vb. mod intr. def a variant of {dib}. dibble H2.2. syl dib+ble pron <1dibL> pos vb. mod intr. def a less common word for {dabble}. dibbuks infl head dibbuk or dibbukkim syl dib+buks pron Hebrew <-bu1kim> pos n. mod pl. dibbukkim infl head dibbuk or dibbuks syl dib+buk+kim pron Hebrew <-bu1kim> pos n. mod pl. dibbuk 0. syl dib+buk pron <1dib*k>, Hebrew pos n. def a variant spelling of {dybbuk}. dibranchiate 1. syl di+bran+chi+ate pron , <-2At> pos adj. def of, relating to, or belonging to the a group or former order of cephalopod molluscs, including the octopuses, squids, and cuttlefish, having two gills. {~} dibranchiate 2. syl di+bran+chi+ate pron , <-2At> pos adj. def any dibranchiate mollusc. dibromide 0. syl di+bro+mide pron pos n. def any chemical compound that contains two bromine atoms per molecule. dibs ety C18: shortened from dibstones children's game played with knucklebones or pebbles, probably from dib to tap, dip, variant of {#7dab %1} dibs 1. syl dibs pron pos n. mod pl. def another word for {jacks}. dibs 2. syl dibs pron pos n. mod pl. qual Informal. usage foll. by on def rights (to) or claims (on): used mainly by children. dicarboxylic acid 0. syl di+car+box+yl+ic ac:id pron pos n. def any carboxylic acid that contains two carboxyl groups per molecule. dicast ety C19: from Greek dikast*_es, from dikazein to judge, from dik*_e right, judgment, order dicast 0. syl dic+ast pron <1dik@st> pos n. usage in ancient Athens def a juror in the popular courts chosen by lot from a list of citizens. dicastic sub head dicast syl di+1cas+tic pos adj. dice ety C14: plural of {#7die %2} dice 1. syl dice pron pos n. mod pl. def cubes of wood, plastic, etc., each of whose sides has a different number of spots (1 to 6), used in games of chance and in gambling to give random numbers. dice 2. syl dice pron pos n. mod functioning as; sing. def Also called: {die}. one of these cubes. dice 3. syl dice pron pos n. mod pl. def small cubes as of vegetables, chopped meat, etc. no dice 4. head dice syl no dice. qual Slang, chiefly U.S. def an expression of refusal or rejection. dice 5. syl dice pron pos vb. mod pl. def to cut (food, etc.) into small cubes. dice 6. syl dice pron pos vb. mod intr. def to gamble with or play at a game involving dice. dice 7. syl dice pron pos vb. mod intr. def to take a chance or risk (esp. in the phrase {dice with death) }. dice 8. syl dice pron pos vb. mod tr. qual Austral. informal. def to abandon or reject (someone or something). dice 9. syl dice pron pos vb. mod tr. def to decorate or mark with dicelike shapes. dicer sub head dice syl dic+er pos n. dicentra ety C19: New Latin, from Greek dikentros having two sharp points, from {#7di -%1}#7+ kentron sharp point, from kentein to prick; see #7centre dicentra 0. syl di+cen+tra pron pos n. def any Asian or North American plant of the genus such as bleeding heart and Dutchman's-breeches, having finely divided leaves and ornamental clusters of drooping flowers: family dicephalous 0. syl di+ceph:a+lous pron pos adj. def having two heads. dicephalism sub head dicephalous syl di+1ceph:a+lism pos n. dicier infl head dicey syl dic:i+er pos adj. diciest infl head dicey syl dic:i+est. pos adj. dicey 0. syl dice:y pron <1dIsi> pos adj. qual Slang, chiefly Brit. def difficult or dangerous; risky; tricky. dichasium ety C19: New Latin, from Greek dikhasis a dividing, from dikhazein to divide in two, from dikha in two dichasia infl head dichasium syl di+cha+si:a pron <-zi*> pos n. mod pl. dichasium 0. syl di+cha+si:um pron pos n. def a cymose inflorescence in which each branch bearing a flower gives rise to two other flowering branches, as in the stitchwort. Compare {monochasium}. dichasial sub head dichasium syl di+1cha+si:al pos adj. dichasially sub head dichasium syl di+1cha+si+al+ly pos adv. dichlamydeous ety C19: from Greek, from #7di -#7+ khlamus a cloak+-#7eous dichlamydeous 0. syl di+chla+myd+e:ous pron <2dIkl*1midi*s> pos adj. usage of a flower def having a corolla and calyx. dichloride 0. syl di+chlo+ride pron pos n. def a compound in which two atoms of chlorine are combined with another atom or group. Also called: {bichloride}. dichlorodifluoromethane 0. syl di+chlo:ro+di+fluo:ro+me:thane pron pos n. def a colourless nonflammable gas easily liquefied by pressure: used as a propellant in aerosols and fire extinguishers and as a refrigerant. Formula: CCl\2F\2. See also {Freon}. dichlorodiphenyltrichloroethane 0. syl di+chlo:ro+di+phe:nyl+tri+chlo:ro+e:thane pron , <-nil->, <-2fen-> pos n. def the full name for {DDT}. dicho- ety from Greek dikho-, from dikha in two dichogamy 0. syl di+chog:a+my pron pos n. def the maturation of male and female parts of a flower at different times, preventing self-pollination. Compare { {homogamy} (sense 2)}. dichogamous sub head dichogamy or dichogamic syl di+1chog:a+mous pron <2dIk*u1g@mik> pos adj. dichogamic sub head dichogamy or dichogamous syl di+cho+gam+ic pron <2dIk*u1g@mik> pos adj. dichotomise alt head dichotomize or dichotomize syl di+chot:o+mise pron pos vb. dichotomize 0. or dichotomise syl di+chot:o+mize pron pos vb. def to divide or become divided into two parts or classifications. dichotomist sub head dichotomize syl di+1chot:o+mist pos n. dichotomization sub head dichotomize or dichotomisation syl di+2chot:o+mi+1za+tion pos n. dichotomisation sub head dichotomize or dichotomization syl di+2chot:o+mi+1sa+tion pos n. dichotomies infl head dichotomy syl di+chot:o+mies. pos n. mod pl. dichotomy 1. syl di+chot:o+my pron pos n. def division into two parts or classifications, esp. when they are sharply distin?!guished or opposed. exam 1 the dichotomy between eastern and western cultures. dichotomy 2. syl di+chot:o+my pron pos n. qual Logic. def the division of a class into two mutually exclusive subclasses. exam 1 the dichotomy of married and single people. dichotomy 3. syl di+chot:o+my pron pos n. qual Botany. def a simple method of branching by repeated division into two equal parts. dichotomy 4. syl di+chot:o+my pron pos n. def the phase of the moon, Venus, or Mercury when half of the disc is visible. dichotomous sub head dichotomy or dichotomic syl di+1chot:o+mous pron <2dIk*u1tomik> pos adj. dichotomic sub head dichotomy or dichotomous syl di+cho+tom+ic pron <2dIk*u1tomik> pos adj. dichotomously sub head dichotomy syl di+1chot:o+mous+ly pos adv. dichroic ety C19: from Greek dikhroos having two colours, from {#7di -%1}#7+ khr*_os colour dichroitic alt head dichroic or dichroic syl di+chro+it+ic pron <2dIkr*u1itik> pos adj. dichroic 1. or dichroitic syl di+chro+ic pron pos adj. usage of a solution or uniaxial crystal def exhibiting dichroism. dichroic 2. or dichroitic syl di+chro+ic pron pos adj. def another word for {dichromatic}. dichroism 1. syl di+chro+ism pron <1dIkr*u2iz*m> pos n. def Also called: {dichromaticism}. a property of a uniaxial crystal, such as tourmaline, of showing a perceptible difference in colour when viewed along two different axes in transmitted white light. See also {pleochroism}. dichroism 2. syl di+chro+ism pron <1dIkr*u2iz*m> pos n. def a property of certain solutions as a result of which the wavelength (colour) of the light transmitted depends on the concentration of the solution and the length of the path of the light within the solution. dichroite ety C19: from Greek dikhroos two-coloured+{-#7ite %1} dichroite 0. syl di+chro+ite pron <1dIkr*u2It> pos n. def another name for {cordierite}. dichromate 0. syl di+chro+mate pron pos n. def any salt or ester of dichromic acid. Dichromate salts contain the ion Cr\2O%2@b\7%#-. Also called: {bichromate}. dichromatic 1. syl di+chro+mat+ic pron <2dIkr*u1m@tik> pos adj. def Also: {dichroic}. having or consisting of only two colours. dichromatic 2. syl di+chro+mat+ic pron <2dIkr*u1m@tik> pos adj. usage of animal species def having two different colour varieties that are independent of sex and age. dichromatic 3. syl di+chro+mat+ic pron <2dIkr*u1m@tik> pos adj. def able to perceive only two colours. &- {di+chro+ma+tism} (da$I#!kr$$$um$$@!t$Iz$$m) dichromaticism 0. syl di+chro+mat:i+cism pron <2dIkr*u1m@ti2siz*m> pos n. def another name for {dichroism} (sense 1). dichromic 0. syl di+chro+mic pron pos adj. def of or involving only two colours; dichromatic. dichromic acid 0. syl di+chro+mic ac:id pos n. def an unstable dibasic oxidizing acid known only in solution and in the form of dichromate salts. Formula: H\2Cr\2O\7. dichroscope ety C19: from Greek dikhroos two-coloured+-#7scope dichroscope 0. syl di+chro+scope pron <1dIkr*2sk*up> pos n. def an instrument for investigating the dichroism of solutions or crystals. Also called: {di+chro@.i+scope, di+chro@.o+scope}. dichroscopic sub head dichroscope syl di+chro+scop+ic pron <2dIkr*1skopik> pos adj. dichroiscopic sub head dichroscope or dichrooscopic syl di+chro:i+1scop+ic pos adj. dichrooscopic sub head dichroscope or dichroiscopic syl di+chro:o+1scop+ic pos adj. dick ety C20: by shortening and alteration from #7detective ; probably influenced by proper name Dick dick H1.0. syl dick pron pos n. qual Chiefly U.S. def a slang word for {detective}. dick ety C16 (meaning: fellow): from the name Dick, familiar form of Richard, applied generally (like Jack) to any fellow, lad, etc.; hence, C19: penis dick H2.1. syl dick pron pos n. qual Slang.; Brit. def a fellow or person. clever dick 2. head dick syl clever dick. qual Slang.; Brit. def a person who is obnoxiously opinionated or self-satisfied; know-all. dick H2.3. syl dick pron pos n. qual Slang. def a taboo word for {penis}. dickens ety C16: from the name Dickens dickens 0. syl dick+ens pron <1dikinz> pos n. qual Informal. def a euphemistic word for {devil} (used as intensifier in the interrogative phrase {what the dickens}) . Charles (John Huffam) infl head Dickens syl Charles (John Huffam) pos n. Dickens 0. syl Dick:ens pron <1dikinz> pos n. def pen name 1812-70, English novelist, famous for the humour and sympathy of his characterization and his criticism of social injustice. His major works include (1837), (1839), (1844), (1850), (1853), (1857), and (1861). &- {Dick+en+si@.an} (d$I#!k$enz$I$$n) dicker ety C12: ultimately from Latin decuria #7decury ; related to Middle Low German d*_eker lot of ten hides dicker 1. syl dick+er pron <1dik*> pos vb. qual Chiefly U.S. def to trade (goods) by bargaining; barter. dicker 2. syl dick+er pron <1dik*> pos vb. mod intr. qual Chiefly U.S. def to negotiate a political deal. dicker 3.a. syl dick+er pron <1dik*> pos n. qual Chiefly U.S. def a petty bargain or barter. dicker 3.b. syl dick+er pron <1dik*> pos n. qual Chiefly U.S. def the item or items bargained or bartered. dicker 4. syl dick+er pron <1dik*> pos n. qual Chiefly U.S. def a political deal or bargain. Emily infl head Dickinson syl Em:i:ly. pos n. Dickinson 0. syl Dick:in:son pron <1dikinsN> pos n. def 1830-86, U.S. poet, noted for her short mostly unrhymed mystical lyrics. Dick test ety C20: named after George F. Dick (1881-1967), American physician who devised it Dick test 0. syl Dick test pos n. def a skin test for determining whether a person is immune or susceptible to scarlet fever. dicky ety C18 (in the senses: donkey, shirt front): from Dickey, diminutive of Dick (name); the relationship of the various senses is obscure dickey alt head dicky or dicky syl dick+ey pron <1diki> pos n. dickies infl head dicky or dickeys syl dick:ies pos n. mod pl. dickeys infl head dicky or dickies syl dick+eys. pos n. mod pl. dicky H1.1. or dickey syl dick:y pron <1diki> pos n. def a woman's false blouse front, worn to fill in the neck of a jacket or low-cut dress. dicky H1.2. or dickey syl dick:y pron <1diki> pos n. def a man's false shirt front, esp. one worn with full evening dress. dicky H1.3. or dickey syl dick:y pron <1diki> pos n. def Also called: {dicky bow}. a bow tie. dicky H1.4. or dickey syl dick:y pron <1diki> pos n. qual Chiefly Brit. def an informal name for {donkey}, esp. a male one. dicky H1.5. or dickey syl dick:y pron <1diki> pos n. def Also called: {dickybird, dickeybird}. a child's word for a {bird}, esp. a small one. dicky H1.6. or dickey syl dick:y pron <1diki> pos n. def a folding outside seat at the rear of some early cars. U.S. name: {rumble seat}. dicky ety C18: perhaps from the name Dick in the phrase as queer as Dick's hatband feeling ill dickey alt head dicky or dicky syl dick+ey pron <1diki> pos adj. dickier infl head dicky syl dick:i+er pos adj. dickiest infl head dicky syl dick:i+est. pos adj. dicky H2.0. or dickey syl dick:y pron <1diki> pos adj. qual Brit. slang. def in bad condition; shaky, unsteady, or unreliable. exam 1 I feel a bit dicky today. diclinous 0. syl di+cli+nous pron <1dIklin*s>, pos adj. usage of flowers and flowering plants def unisexual. Compare {monoclinous}. diclinism sub head diclinous syl di+cli+nism pos n. dicliny sub head diclinous syl di+cli+ny pron <1dIklini>, pos n. dicotyledon 0. syl di+cot:y+le:don pron , <2dIkot-> pos n. def any flowering plant of the group having two embryonic seed leaves and leaves with netlike veins. The group includes many herbaceous plants and most families of trees and shrubs. Often shortened to {dicot}. Compare {monocotyledon}. dicotyledonous sub head dicotyledon syl di+cot:y+1le:don+ous pos adj. dicrotic ety C19: from Greek dikrotos double-beating, from {#7di -%1}#7+ krotein to beat dicrotal alt head dicrotic or dicrotic syl di+cro+tal pron <1dIkr*tL> pos adj. dicrotic 0. or dicrotal syl di+crot+ic pron pos adj. qual Physiol. def having or relating to a double pulse for each heartbeat. dicrotism sub head dicrotic syl di+cro+tism pron <1dIkr*2tiz*m> pos n. dict 1. syl dict. qual abbrev. for: def dictation. dict 2. syl dict. qual abbrev. for: def dictator. dict 3. syl dict. qual abbrev. for: def dictionary. dicta 0. syl dic+ta pron <1dikt*> pos n. def the plural of {dictum}. Dictaphone 0. syl Dic+ta+phone pron <1dikt*2f*un> pos n. qual Trademark. def a tape recorder designed esp. for dictation and subsequent typing. dictate ety C17: from Latin dict*_are to say repeatedly, order, from d*_icere to say dictate 1. syl dic+tate pron pos vb. def to say (messages, letters, speeches, etc.) aloud for mechanical recording or verbatim transcription by another person. dictate 2. syl dic+tate pron pos vb. mod tr. def to prescribe (commands, etc.) authoritatively. dictate 3. syl dic+tate pron pos vb. mod intr. def to act in a tyrannical manner; seek to impose one's will on others. dictate 4. syl dic+tate pron <1diktAt> pos n. def an authoritative command. dictate 5. syl dic+tate pron <1diktAt> pos n. def a guiding principle or rule. exam 1 the dictates of reason. dictation 1. syl dic+ta+tion pron pos n. def the act of dictating material to be recorded or taken down in writing. dictation 2. syl dic+ta+tion pron pos n. def the material dictated. dictation 3. syl dic+ta+tion pron pos n. def authoritative commands or the act of giving them. dictational sub head dictation syl dic+1ta+tion+al pos adj. dictator 1.a. syl dic+ta+tor pron pos n. def a ruler who is not effectively restricted by a constitution, laws, recognized opposition, etc. dictator 1.b. syl dic+ta+tor pron pos n. def an absolute, esp. tyrannical, ruler. dictator 2. syl dic+ta+tor pron pos n. usage in ancient Rome def a person appointed during a crisis to exercise supreme author?!ity. dictator 3. syl dic+ta+tor pron pos n. def a person who makes pronouncements, as on conduct, fashion, etc., which are regarded as authoritative. dictator 4. syl dic+ta+tor pron pos n. def a person who behaves in an authoritarian or tyrannical manner. dictatress sub head dictator or dictatrix syl dic+ta+tress pron pos n. mod fem. dictatrix sub head dictator or dictatress syl dic+ta+trix pron <1dikt*triks> pos n. mod fem. dictatorial 1. syl dic+ta+tor+i:al pron <2dikt*1tc:ri*l> pos adj. def of or characteristic of a dictator. dictatorial 2. syl dic+ta+tor+i:al pron <2dikt*1tc:ri*l> pos adj. def tending to dictate; tyrannical; overbearing. dictatorially sub head dictatorial syl dic+ta+1to+ri+al+ly pos adv. dictatorialness sub head dictatorial syl dic+ta+1to+ri+al+ness pos n. dictatorship 1. syl dic+ta+tor+ship pron pos n. def the rank, office, or period of rule of a dictator. dictatorship 2. syl dic+ta+tor+ship pron pos n. def government by a dictator or dictators. dictatorship 3. syl dic+ta+tor+ship pron pos n. def a country ruled by a dictator or dictators. dictatorship 4. syl dic+ta+tor+ship pron pos n. def absolute or supreme power or authority. diction ety C15: from Latin dicti*_o a saying, mode of expression, from d*_icere to speak, say diction 1. syl dic+tion pron <1dikS*n> pos n. def the choice and use of words in writing or speech. diction 2. syl dic+tion pron <1dikS*n> pos n. def the manner of uttering or enunciating words and sounds; elocution. dictionary ety C16: from Medieval Latin dicti*_on*_arium collection of words, from Late Latin dicti*_o word; see #7diction dictionaries infl head dictionary syl dic+tion+ar:ies. pos n. mod pl. dictionary 1.a. syl dic+tion+ar:y pron <1dikS*n*ri>, <-S*nri> pos n. def a reference book that consists of an alphabetical list of words with their meanings and parts of speech, and often a guide to accepted pronunciation and syllabification, irregular inflections of words, derived words of different parts of speech, and etymologies. dictionary 1.b. syl dic+tion+ar:y pron <1dikS*n*ri>, <-S*nri> pos n. def a similar reference book giving equivalent words in two or more languages. Such dictionaries often consist of two or more parts, in each of which the alphabetical list is given in a different language. exam 1 a German-English dictionary. dictionary 1.c. syl dic+tion+ar:y pron <1dikS*n*ri>, <-S*nri> pos n. usage as modifier; a dictionary definition. def See also {glossary, lexicon, thesaurus}. dictionary 2. syl dic+tion+ar:y pron <1dikS*n*ri>, <-S*nri> pos n. def a reference book listing words or terms of a particular subject or activity, giving information about their meanings and other attributes. exam 1 a dictionary of gardening. dictionary 3. syl dic+tion+ar:y pron <1dikS*n*ri>, <-S*nri> pos n. def a collection of information or ex?!amples with the entries alphabetically arranged. exam 1 a dictionary of quotations. dictionary catalogue 0. syl dic+tion+ar:y cat:a+logue pos n. def a catalogue of the authors, titles and subjects of books in one alphabetical sequence. Dictograph 0. syl Dic+to+graph pron <1dikt*2gra:f>, <-2gr@f> pos n. qual Trademark. def a telephonic instrument for secretly monitoring or recording conversations by means of a small, sensitive, and often concealed microphone. dictum ety C16: from Latin, from d*_icere to say dictums infl head dictum or dicta syl dic+tums pron <-t*> pos n. mod pl. dicta infl head dictum or dictums syl dic+ta pron <-t*> pos n. mod pl. dictum 1. syl dic+tum pron <1dikt*m> pos n. def a formal or authoritative statement or assertion; pronouncement. dictum 2. syl dic+tum pron <1dikt*m> pos n. def a popular saying or maxim. dictum 3. syl dic+tum pron <1dikt*m> pos n. qual Law. def See {obiter dictum}. dicynodont ety C19: from Greek, from #7di -#7+ ku*_on dog+-#7odont dicynodont 0. syl di+cyn:o+dont pron pos n. def any of various extinct Triassic mammal-like reptiles having a single pair of tusklike teeth. did 0. syl did pron pos vb. def the past tense of { {do} %1}. Didache ety C19: from Greek, literally: a teaching, from didaskein to teach Didache 0. syl Did:a+che pron <1did*2kE> pos n. def a treatise, perhaps of the 1st or early 2nd century #7a.d., on Christian morality and practices. Also called: the {Teaching of the Twelve Apostles}. didactic ety C17: from Greek didaktikos skilled in teaching, from didaskein to teach didactic 1. syl di+dac+tic pron pos adj. def intended to instruct, esp. ex?!cessively. didactic 2. syl di+dac+tic pron pos adj. def morally instructive; improving. didactic 3. syl di+dac+tic pron pos adj. usage of works of art or literature def containing a political or moral message to which aesthetic considerations are subordinated. didactically sub head didactic syl di+1dac+ti+cal+ly pos adv. didacticism sub head didactic syl di+1dac+ti+cism pos n. didactics 0. syl di+dac+tics pron pos n. def the art or science of teaching. diddle ety C19: back formation from Jeremy Diddler, a scrounger in J. Kenney's farce Raising the Wind (1803) diddle H1.1. syl did+dle pron <1didL> pos vb. mod tr. qual Informal. def to cheat or swindle. diddle H1.2. syl did+dle pron <1didL> pos vb. mod intr. qual Informal. def an obsolete word for {dawdle}. diddler sub head diddle syl did+dler pos n. diddle ety C17: probably variant of doderen to tremble, totter; see {#7dodder %1} diddle H2.0. syl did+dle pron <1didL> pos vb. qual Dialect. def to jerk (an object) up and down or back and forth; shake rapidly. Denis infl head Diderot syl De:nis pron pos n. Diderot 0. syl Di:de:rot pron <1dEd*r*u>, French pos n. def 1713-84, French philosopher, noted particularly for his direction (1745-72) of the great French didgeridoo ety C20: imitative of its sound didgeridoo 0. syl did+ger:i+doo pron <1diJ*ri2du:> pos n. qual Music. def a native Australian wind instrument. didicoy ety C19: from Romany diddicoy infl head didicoy or didakai syl did+di+coy pron <1didi2kci> pos n. didakai infl head didicoy or diddicoy syl did:a+kai pron <1didi2kI> pos n. didicoys infl head didicoy or didikais syl did:i+coys pos n. mod pl. didikais infl head didicoy or didicoys syl did:i+kais. pos n. mod pl. didicoy 0. syl did:i+coy pron <1didi2kci> pos n. usage in Britain def one of a group of caravan-dwelling roadside scrap-metal dealers, esp. one who breaks up old cars and sells the parts. Often called Gypsies, these people are not true Romanies. didn't 0. syl did:n't pron <1didNt> usage contraction of def did not. didos infl head dido or didoes syl di:dos pos n. mod pl. usually; pl. didoes infl head dido or didos syl di:does. pos n. mod pl. usually; pl. dido 0. syl di:do pron <1dId*u> pos n. mod usually; pl. qual Informal. def an antic; prank; trick. Dido 0. syl Di:do pron <1dId*u> pos n. qual Classical myth. def a princess of Tyre who founded Carthage and became its queen. Virgil tells of her suicide when abandoned by her lover Aeneas. didst 0. syl didst pron pos vb. usage Archaic. used with the pronoun thou or its relative equivalent def a form of the past tense of { {do} %1}. didymium ety C19: from New Latin, from Greek didumos twin+-#7ium didymium 1. syl di+dym+i:um pron , pos n. def a mixture of the metallic rare earths neodymium and praseodymium, once thought to be an element. didymium 2. syl di+dym+i:um pron , pos n. def a mixture of rare earths and their oxides used in colouring glass. didymous ety C18: from Greek didumos twin, from duo two didymous 0. syl did:y+mous pron <1didim*s> pos adj. qual Biology. def in pairs or in two parts. didynamous ety C18: from New Latin Didynamia name of former class, from #7di %1-#7+ Greek dunamis power, referring to the greater strength of the two long stamens didynamous 0. syl di+dyn:a+mous pron pos adj. usage of plants def having four stamens arranged in two pairs of unequal length, as in the foxglove. die ety Old English d*_iegan, probably of Scandinavian origin; compare Old Norse deyja, Old High German touwen dies infl head die syl dies pos vb. mod mainly; intr. dying infl head die syl dy+ing pos vb. mod mainly; intr. died infl head die syl died. pos vb. mod mainly; intr. die H1.1. syl die pron pos vb. mod mainly; intr. usage of an organism or its cells, organs, etc. def to cease all biological activity permanently. exam 1 she died of pneumonia. die H1.2. syl die pron pos vb. mod mainly; intr. usage of something in?!animate def to cease to exist; come to an end. exam 1 the memory of her will never die. die H1.3. syl die pron pos vb. mod mainly; intr. usage often foll. by away, down, or out def to lose strength, power, or energy, esp. by degrees. die H1.4. syl die pron pos vb. mod mainly; intr. usage often foll. by away or down def to become calm or quiet; subside. exam 1 the noise slowly died down. die H1.5. syl die pron pos vb. mod mainly; intr. def to stop functioning. exam 1 the engine died. die H1.6. syl die pron pos vb. mod mainly; intr. def to languish or pine, as with love, longing, etc. die H1.7. syl die pron pos vb. mod mainly; intr. qual Informal. usage usually foll. by of def to be nearly overcome (with laughter, boredom, etc.). die H1.8. syl die pron pos vb. mod mainly; intr. qual Theol. def to lack spiritual life within the soul, thus separating it from God and leading to eternal punishment. die H1.9. syl die pron pos vb. mod tr. def to undergo or suffer (a death of a specified kind) (esp. in phrases such as {die a saintly death) }. die H1.10. syl die pron pos vb. mod mainly; intr. usage foll. by to def to become indifferent or apathetic (to). exam 1 to die to the world. never say die 11. head die syl never say die. qual Informal. def never give up. die hard 12. head die syl die hard. def to cease to exist after resistance or a struggle. exam 1 old habits die hard. die in harness 13. head die syl die in harness. def to die while still working or active, prior to retirement. be dying 14. head die syl be dying. usage foll. by for or an infinitive def to be eager or desperate (for something or to do something). exam 1 I'm dying to see the new house. die xref syl die pron pos vb. mod mainly; intr. def See also {dieback, die down, die out}. die ety C13 dee, from Old French de, perhaps from Vulgar Latin datum (unattested) a piece in games, n. use of past participle of Latin dare to play die H2.1.a. syl die pron pos n. def a shaped block of metal or other hard material used to cut or form metal in a drop forge, press, or similar device. die H2.1.b. syl die pron pos n. def a tool of metal, silicon carbide, or other hard material with a conical hole through which wires, rods, or tubes are drawn to reduce their diameter. die H2.2. syl die pron pos n. def an internally-threaded tool for cutting external threads. Compare { {tap%2} (sense 6)}. die H2.3. syl die pron pos n. def a casting mould giving accurate dimensions and a good surface to the object cast. See also {die-cast}. die H2.4. syl die pron pos n. qual Architect. def the dado of a pedestal, usually cubic. die H2.5. syl die pron pos n. def another name for {dice} (sense 2). the die is cast 6. head die syl the die is cast. def the decision that commits a person irrevocably to an action has been taken. dieback 1. syl die+back pron <1dI2b@k> pos n. def a disease of trees and shrubs characterized by death of the young shoots, which spreads to the larger branches: caused by injury to the roots or attack by bacteria or fungi. dieback 2. syl die+back pron <1dI2b@k> pos n. def any similar condition of herbaceous plants. die back infl head dieback syl die back. pos vb. dieback 3. syl die+back pron <1dI2b@k> pos adv. mod intr. usage of plants def to suffer from dieback. die-casts infl head die-cast syl die-casts pos vb. mod tr. die-casting infl head die-cast syl die-cast:ing pos vb. mod tr. die-cast infl syl die-cast. pos vb. mod tr. die-cast 0. syl die-cast pos vb. mod tr. def to shape or form (a metal or plastic object) by introducing molten metal or plastic into a reusable mould, esp. under pressure, by gravity, or by centrifugal force. die-casting sub head die-cast syl die-2cast:ing pos n. diecious 0. syl di+e:cious pron pos adj. def a variant spelling of {dioecious}. dieciously sub head diecious syl di+1e:cious+ly pos adv. die down 1. syl die down pos vb. adv. mod intr. usage of some perennial plants def to wither and die above ground, leaving only the root alive during the winter. die down 2. syl die down pos vb. adv. mod intr. def to lose strength or power, esp. by degrees. die down 3. syl die down pos vb. adv. mod intr. def to become calm or quiet. John George infl head Diefenbaker syl John George. pos n. Diefenbaker 0. syl Die:fen:ba:ker pron <1dEfN2bAk*> pos n. def born 1895, Canadian Conservative statesman; prime minister of Canada (1957-63). Di'ego-Suarez 0. syl Di*'e:go-Sua:rez pron French pos n. def a port in N Mada?!gascar: former French naval base. Pop.: 38600 (1970 est.). die-hard 1. syl die-hard pos n. def a person who resists change or who holds onto an untenable position or outdated attitude. die-hard 2. syl die-hard pos n. usage modifier def obstinately resistant to change. die-hardism sub head die-hard syl die-2hard:ism pos n. dieldrin ety C20: from D#7iel (#7s -A#7l) #7d (#7e) #7r (#7reaction) #7+ -#7in dieldrin 0. syl diel+drin pron <1dEldrin> pos n. def a crystalline insoluble substance, consist?!ing of a chlorinated derivative of naphthalene: a contact insecticide. Formula: C\1\2H\8OCl\6. dielectric 1. syl di+e:lec+tric pron <2dIi1lektrik> pos n. def a substance or medium that can sustain an electric field. dielectric 2. syl di+e:lec+tric pron <2dIi1lektrik> pos n. def a substance or body of very low electrical conductivity; insulator. dielectric 3. syl di+e:lec+tric pron <2dIi1lektrik> pos adj. def of, concerned with, or having the properties of a dielectric. dielectrically sub head dielectric syl di+e:1lec+tri+cal+ly pos adv. dielectric constant 0. syl di+e:lec+tric con+stant pos n. def another name for {relative permittivity}. dielectric heating 0. syl di+e:lec+tric heat+ing pos n. def a technique in which an insulator is heated by the application of a high-frequency electric field. Diels-Alder reaction ety C20: named after Otto Diels (1876-1954) and Kurt Alder (1902-58), German chemists Diels-Alder reaction 0. syl Diels-Al:der re+ac+tion pron <1dElz> <1c:ld*> pos n. qual Chem. def a type of chemical reaction in which one organic compound containing conjugated double bonds adds to another containing an ethylenic bond to form a product containing a ring. Dien Bien Phu 0. syl Dien Bien Phu pron <1djen> <1bjen> <1fu:> pos n. def a village in NE Vietnam: French military post during the Indochina War; scene of a major defeat of French forces by the Vietminh (1954). diencephalon 0. syl di+en+ceph:a+lon pron <2dIen1sef*2lon> pos n. def the part of the brain that includes the basal ganglia, thalamus, hypothalamus, and associated areas. diencephalic sub head diencephalon syl di+en+ce:phal+ic pron <2dIensi1f@lik> pos adj. -diene ety from {#7di %1-}#7+ -#7ene -diene 0. syl -diene pos n. usage combining form. def denoting an organic compound containing two double bonds between carbon atoms. exam 1 butadiene. die off alt head die out or die out syl die off pos vb. adv. mod intr. die out 1. or die off syl die out pos vb. adv. mod intr. usage of a family, race, etc. def to die one after another until few or none are left. die out 2. or die off syl die out pos vb. adv. mod intr. def to become extinct, esp. after a period of gradual decline. Dieppe 0. syl Di+eppe pron , French pos n. def a port and resort in N France, on the English Channel. Pop.: 26111 (1975). dieresis ety C17: from Latin diaer*_esis, from Greek diairesis a division, from diairein, from #7dia -+ hairein to take; compare #7heresy diaeresis alt head dieresis or dieresis syl di+aer+e:sis pron pos n. diereses infl head dieresis syl di+er+e:ses pron <-2sEz> pos n. mod pl. dieresis 1. or diaeresis syl di+er+e:sis pron pos n. def the mark *" , in writing placed over the second of two adjacent vowels to indicate that it is to be pronounced separately rather than forming a diphthong with the first, as in some spellings of etc. dieresis 2. or diaeresis syl di+er+e:sis pron pos n. def this mark used for any other purpose, such as to indicate that a special pronunciation is appropriate to a particular vowel. Compare {umlaut}. dieresis 3. or diaeresis syl di+er+e:sis pron pos n. def a pause in a line of verse occurring when the end of a foot coincides with the end of a word. dieretic sub head dieresis or diaeretic syl di+e:ret+ic pron <2dI*1retik> pos adj. diaeretic sub head dieresis or dieretic syl di+ae:ret+ic pron <2dI*1retik> pos adj. diesel 1. syl die+sel pron <1dEzL> pos n. def See {diesel engine}. diesel 2. syl die+sel pron <1dEzL> pos n. def a ship, locomotive, lorry, etc., driven by a diesel engine. diesel 3. syl die+sel pron <1dEzL> pos n. qual Informal. def short for {diesel oil} {fuel) }. Rudolf infl head Diesel syl Ru:dolf pron <1ru:dclf> pos n. Diesel 0. syl Die:sel pron <1dEzL> pos n. def 1858-1913, German engineer, who invented the diesel engine (1892). ********************************************************************** ********************************************************************** German engineer, who invented the diesel engine (1892). ********************************************************************** ********************************************************************** diesel cycle 0. syl die+sel cy+cle pos n. def a four-stroke cycle in which combustion takes place at constant pressure and heat is rejected at constant volume. Compare {Otto cycle}. diesel-electric 1. syl die:sel-e:lec:tric pos n. def a locomotive fitted with a diesel engine driving an electric generator that feeds electric traction motors. diesel-electric 2. syl die:sel-e:lec:tric pos adj. def of or relating to such a locomotive or system. motor alt head diesel engine or diesel engine syl mo+tor pos n. diesel engine 0. or motor syl die+sel en+gine pos n. def a type of internal-combustion engine in which atomized fuel oil is sprayed into the cylinder and ignited by compression alone. diesel-hydraulic 1. syl die:sel-hy:drau+lic pos n. def a locomotive driven by a diesel engine through hydraulic transmission and torque converters. diesel-hydraulic 2. syl die:sel-hy:drau+lic pos adj. def of or relating to such a locomotive or system. fuel alt head diesel oil or diesel oil syl fu:el pos n. diesel oil 0. or fuel syl die+sel oil pos n. def a fuel obtained from petroleum distillation that is used in diesel engines. It has a relatively low ignition temperature (540?%C) and is ignited by the heat of com?!pression. Also called: {derv}. See also {cetane number}. Dies Irae ety literally: day of wrath Dies Irae 1. syl Di:es I:rae pron Latin. <1dEAz> <1i*rI> pos n. qual Christianity. def a famous Latin hymn of the 13th century, describing the Last Judgment. It is used in the Mass for the dead. Dies Irae 2. syl Di:es I:rae pron Latin. <1dEAz> <1i*rI> pos n. def a musical setting of this hymn, usually part of a setting of the Requiem. diesis ety C16: via Latin from Greek: a quarter tone, literally: a sending through, from diienai; the double dagger was originally used in musical notation dieses infl head diesis syl di+e:ses pron <-2sEz> pos n. mod pl. diesis 1. syl di+e:sis pron <1dIisis> pos n. qual Printing. def another name for {double dagger}. diesis 2.a. syl di+e:sis pron <1dIisis> pos n. usage in ancient Greek theory def any interval smaller than a whole tone, esp. a semitone in the Pythagorean scale. diesis 2.b. syl di+e:sis pron <1dIisis> pos n. usage in modern theory def the discrepancy of pitch in just intonation between an octave and either a succession of four ascending minor thirds ({great diesis) }, or a succession of three ascending major thirds ({minor diesis) }. dies non ety C19: shortened from Latin phrase di*_es n*_on j*_uridicus literally: day which is not juridical, that is, not re?!served for legal affairs dies non 0. syl di:es non pron <1dIEz> <1non> pos n. qual Law. def a day on which no legal business may be transacted. Also called: {dies non juridicus}. Compare {juridical days}. diestock 0. syl die+stock pron <1dI2stok> pos n. def the device holding the dies used to cut an external screw thread. diestrus 0. syl di+e:strus pron pos n. def the U.S. spelling of {dioestrus}. diet ety C13: from Old French diete, from Latin diaeta, from Greek diaita mode of living, from diaitan to direct one's own life diet H1.1.a. syl di:et pron <1dI*t> pos n. def a specific allowance or selection of food, esp. prescribed to control weight or in disorders in which certain foods are contraindicated. exam 1 a salt-free diet; exam 2 a 900 Calorie diet. diet H1.1.b. syl di:et pron <1dI*t> pos n. usage as modifier exam 1 a diet bread. diet H1.2. syl di:et pron <1dI*t> pos n. def the food and drink that a person or animal regularly consumes. exam 1 a diet of nuts and water. diet H1.3. syl di:et pron <1dI*t> pos n. def regular activities or occupations. diet H1.4. syl di:et pron <1dI*t> pos vb. mod usually; intr. def to follow or cause to follow a dietary regimen. dieter sub head diet syl di+et+er pos n. diet ety C15: from Medieval Latin di*_eta public meeting, probably from Latin diaeta #7diet %1 but associated with Latin di*_es day diet H2.1. syl di:et pron <1dI*t> pos n. usage sometimes cap. def a legislative assembly in various countries, such as Japan. diet H2.2. syl di:et pron <1dI*t> pos n. usage sometimes cap. def Also called: {Reichstag}. the assembly of the estates of the Holy Roman Empire. diet H2.3.a. syl di:et pron <1dI*t> pos n. def the date fixed by a court for hearing a case. diet H2.3.b. syl di:et pron <1dI*t> pos n. def a single session of a court. dietary 1. syl di+e:tar:y pron <1dI*t*ri>, <-tri> pos adj. def of or relating to a diet. dietaries infl head dietary syl di+e:tar:ies. pos n. mod pl. dietary 2. syl di+e:tar:y pron <1dI*t*ri>, <-tri> pos n. def a regulated diet. dietary 3. syl di+e:tar:y pron <1dI*t*ri>, <-tri> pos n. def a system of dieting. dietetical alt head dietetic or dietetic syl di+e:tet:i+cal pos adj. dietetic 1. or dietetical syl di+e:tet+ic pron <2dIi1tetik> pos adj. def denoting or relating to diet or the regulation of food intake. dietetic 2. or dietetical syl di+e:tet+ic pron <2dIi1tetik> pos adj. def prepared for special dietary requirements. dietetically sub head dietetic syl di+e:1tet:i+cal+ly pos adv. dietetics 0. syl di+e:tet+ics pron <2dIi1tetiks> pos n. mod functioning as; sing. def the scientific study and regulation of food intake and preparation. diethyl ether 0. syl di+eth:yl e:ther pron pos n. def a formal name for {{ether} (sense 1).} diethylstilboestrol 0. syl di+eth:yl+stil+boes+trol pron , <-2ETIl-> pos n. def an?!other name for {stilboestrol}. dietician alt head dietitian or dietitian syl di+e:ti+cian pron <2dIi1tiS*n> pos n. dietitian 0. or dietician syl di+e:ti+tian pron <2dIi1tiS*n> pos n. def a person who specializes in dietetics. Marlene infl head Dietrich syl Mar:le:ne pron pos n. Dietrich 0. syl Die:trich pron German <1dEtri*,c> pos n. def stage name of born 1902, U.S. film actress and cabaret singer, born in Germany. Dieu et mon droit 0. syl Dieu et mon droit pron French. def God and my right: motto of the Royal Arms of Great Britain. diff 1. syl diff. qual abbrev. for: def difference. diff 2. syl diff. qual abbrev. for: def different. differ ety C14: from Latin differre, literally: to bear off in different directions, hence scatter, put off, be different, from dis- apart+ ferre to bear differ 1. syl dif+fer pron <1dif*> pos vb. mod intr. usage often foll. by from def to be dissimilar in quality, nature, or degree (to); vary (from). differ 2. syl dif+fer pron <1dif*> pos vb. mod intr. usage often foll. by from or with def to be at variance (with); disagree (with). differ 3. syl dif+fer pron <1dif*> pos vb. mod intr. qual Dialect. def to quarrel or dispute. agree to differ 4. head differ syl agree to differ. def to end an argument amicably while maintaining differences of opinion. difference 1. syl dif+fer+ence pron <1dif*r*ns>, <1difr*ns> pos n. def the state or quality of being unlike. difference 2. syl dif+fer+ence pron <1dif*r*ns>, <1difr*ns> pos n. def a specific instance of being unlike. difference 3. syl dif+fer+ence pron <1dif*r*ns>, <1difr*ns> pos n. def a distinguishing mark or feature. difference 4. syl dif+fer+ence pron <1dif*r*ns>, <1difr*ns> pos n. def a significant change in a situation. exam 1 the difference in her is amazing. difference 5. syl dif+fer+ence pron <1dif*r*ns>, <1difr*ns> pos n. def a disagreement or argument. exam 1 he had a difference with his wife. difference 6. syl dif+fer+ence pron <1dif*r*ns>, <1difr*ns> pos n. def a degree of distinctness, as between two people or things. difference 7.a. syl dif+fer+ence pron <1dif*r*ns>, <1difr*ns> pos n. def the result of the subtraction of one number, quantity, etc., from another. difference 7.b. syl dif+fer+ence pron <1dif*r*ns>, <1difr*ns> pos n. def the single number that when added to the subtrahend gives the minuend; remainder. difference 8. syl dif+fer+ence pron <1dif*r*ns>, <1difr*ns> pos n. qual Logic. def another name for {differ?!entia}. difference 9. syl dif+fer+ence pron <1dif*r*ns>, <1difr*ns> pos n. qual Heraldry. def an addition to the arms of a family to represent a younger branch. difference 10.a. syl dif+fer+ence pron <1dif*r*ns>, <1difr*ns> pos n. def to have an effect. difference 10.b. syl dif+fer+ence pron <1dif*r*ns>, <1difr*ns> pos n. def to treat differently. difference 11.a. syl dif+fer+ence pron <1dif*r*ns>, <1difr*ns> pos n. def to compromise. difference 11.b. syl dif+fer+ence pron <1dif*r*ns>, <1difr*ns> pos n. def to divide a remainder equally. with a difference 12. head difference syl with a difference. def with some peculiarly distinguishing quality, good or bad. {~} difference 13. syl dif+fer+ence pron <1dif*r*ns>, <1difr*ns> pos n. qual Rare. def to distinguish. difference 14. syl dif+fer+ence pron <1dif*r*ns>, <1difr*ns> pos n. qual Heraldry. def to add a charge to (arms) to differentiate a branch of a family. different 1. syl dif+fer+ent pron <1dif*r*nt>, <1difr*nt> pos adj. def partly or completely unlike. different 2. syl dif+fer+ent pron <1dif*r*nt>, <1difr*nt> pos adj. def not identical or the same; other. exam 1 he wears a different tie every day. different 3. syl dif+fer+ent pron <1dif*r*nt>, <1difr*nt> pos adj. def out of the ordinary; unusual. differently sub head different syl dif+fer+ent+ly pos adv. differentness sub head different syl dif+fer+ent+ness pos n. differentia ety C19: from Latin: diversity, #7difference differentiae infl head differentia syl dif+fer+en+ti:ae pron <-Si2E> pos n. mod pl. differentia 0. syl dif+fer+en+ti:a pron <2dif*1renSi*> pos n. qual Logic. def a feature by which two subclasses of the same class of named objects can be distinguished. Also called: {difference}. differentiable 1. syl dif+fer+en+ti+a:ble pron <2dif*1renSi*bL> pos adj. def capable of being differentiated. differentiable 2. syl dif+fer+en+ti+a:ble pron <2dif*1renSi*bL> pos adj. qual Maths. def possessing a derivative. differentiability sub head differentiable syl dif+fer+2en+ti+a:1bil+i:ty pos n. differential 1. syl dif+fer+en+tial pron <2dif*1renS*l> pos adj. def of, relating to, or using a difference. differential 2. syl dif+fer+en+tial pron <2dif*1renS*l> pos adj. def constituting a difference; distinguishing. differential 3. syl dif+fer+en+tial pron <2dif*1renS*l> pos adj. qual Maths. def of, containing, or involving one or more derivatives or differentials. differential 4. syl dif+fer+en+tial pron <2dif*1renS*l> pos adj. qual Physics, engineering. def relating to, operating on, or based on the difference between two opposing effects, motions, forces, etc.. exam 1 differential amplifier. differential 5. syl dif+fer+en+tial pron <2dif*1renS*l> pos n. def a factor that differentiates between two comparable things. differential 6.a. syl dif+fer+en+tial pron <2dif*1renS*l> pos n. def an increment in a given function, expressed as the product of the derivative of that function and the corresponding increment in the independent variable. differential 6.b. syl dif+fer+en+tial pron <2dif*1renS*l> pos n. def an increment in a given function of two or more variables, f , , , expressed as the sum of the products of each partial derivative and the increment in the corresponding variable. differential 7. syl dif+fer+en+tial pron <2dif*1renS*l> pos n. def an epicyclic gear train that permits two shafts to rotate at different speeds while being driven by a third shaft. See also {differential gear}. differential 8. syl dif+fer+en+tial pron <2dif*1renS*l> pos n. qual Chiefly Brit. def the difference between rates of pay for different types of labour, esp. when forming a pay structure within an industry. differential 9. syl dif+fer+en+tial pron <2dif*1renS*l> pos n. usage in commerce def a difference in rates, esp. between comparable labour services or transportation routes. differentially sub head differential syl dif+fer+1en+tial+ly pos adv. differential calculus 0. syl dif+fer+en+tial cal+cu+lus pos n. def the branch of calculus concerned with the study, evaluation, and use of derivatives and differentials. Compare {integral calculus}. differential coefficient 0. syl dif+fer+en+tial co+ef+fi+cient pos n. qual Maths. def another name for {derivative}. differential equation 0. syl dif+fer+en+tial e:qua+tion pos n. def an equation containing differentials or derivatives of a function of one independent variable. A {partial differential equation} results from a function of more than one variable. differential gear 0. syl dif+fer+en+tial gear pos n. def the epicylic gear mounted in the driving axle of a road vehicle that permits one driving wheel to rotate faster than the other, as when cornering. differential operator 0. syl dif+fer+en+tial op+er:a+tor pos n. def a mathematical operator, $V#800198 , used in vector analysis, where $V#800199 = {i} $6/$6 + {j} $6/$6 + {k} $6/$6 , {i} , {j} , and {k} being unit vectors and $6/$6 , $6/$6 , and $6/$6 the partial derivatives of a function in , , and differential windlass 0. syl dif+fer+en+tial wind+lass pos n. def a windlass employing the velocity ratio incurred in unwinding from a small drum while winding onto a larger drum rotating at a common speed. Also called: {Chinese windlass}. differentiate 1. syl dif+fer+en+ti+ate pron <2dif*1renSi2At> pos vb. mod tr. def to serve to distinguish between. differentiate 2. syl dif+fer+en+ti+ate pron <2dif*1renSi2At> pos vb. mod when; intr. usage often foll. by between def to perceive, show, or make a difference (in or between); dis?!criminate. differentiate 3. syl dif+fer+en+ti+ate pron <2dif*1renSi2At> pos vb. mod intr. def to become dissimilar or distinct. differentiate 4. syl dif+fer+en+ti+ate pron <2dif*1renSi2At> pos vb. qual Maths. def to perform a differentiation on (a quantity, expression, etc.). differentiate 5. syl dif+fer+en+ti+ate pron <2dif*1renSi2At> pos vb. mod intr. usage of unspecialized cells, etc. def to change during development to more specialized forms. differentiator sub head differentiate syl dif+fer+1en+ti:2a+tor pos n. differentiation 1. syl dif+fer+en+ti:a+tion pron <2dif*2renSi1AS*n> pos n. def the act, process, or result of differentiating. differentiation 2. syl dif+fer+en+ti:a+tion pron <2dif*2renSi1AS*n> pos n. qual Maths. def an operation used in calculus in which the derivative of a function or variable is determined; the inverse of { {integration} (sense 6).} difficult ety C14: back formation from #7difficulty difficult 1. syl dif+fi+cult pron <1difikLt> pos adj. def not easy to do; requiring effort. exam 1 a difficult job. difficult 2. syl dif+fi+cult pron <1difikLt> pos adj. def not easy to understand or solve; intricate. exam 1 a difficult problem. difficult 3. syl dif+fi+cult pron <1difikLt> pos adj. def hard to deal with; troublesome. exam 1 a difficult child. difficult 4. syl dif+fi+cult pron <1difikLt> pos adj. def not easily convinced, pleased, or satisfied. difficult 5. syl dif+fi+cult pron <1difikLt> pos adj. def full of hardships or trials. exam 1 difficult times ahead. difficultly sub head difficult syl dif+fi+cult+ly pos adv. difficulty ety C14: from Latin difficult*_as, from difficilis difficult, from dis- not+ facilis easy, #7facile difficulties infl head difficulty syl dif+fi+cul+ties. pos n. mod pl. difficulty 1. syl dif+fi+cul+ty pron <1difikLti> pos n. def the state or quality of being difficult. difficulty 2. syl dif+fi+cul+ty pron <1difikLti> pos n. def a task, problem, etc., that is hard to deal with. difficulty 3. syl dif+fi+cul+ty pron <1difikLti> pos n. mod often; pl. def a troublesome or embarrassing situation, esp. a financial one. difficulty 4. syl dif+fi+cul+ty pron <1difikLti> pos n. def a dispute or disagreement. difficulty 5. syl dif+fi+cul+ty pron <1difikLti> pos n. mod often; pl. def an objection or obstacle. exam 1 he always makes difficulties. difficulty 6. syl dif+fi+cul+ty pron <1difikLti> pos n. def a trouble or source of trouble; worry. difficulty 7. syl dif+fi+cul+ty pron <1difikLti> pos n. def lack of ease; awkwardness. exam 1 he could run only with difficulty. diffident ety C15: from Latin diff*_idere to distrust, from dis- not+ f*_idere to trust diffident 0. syl dif+fi+dent pron <1difid*nt> pos adj. def lacking self-confidence; timid; shy. diffidence sub head diffident syl dif+fi+dence pos n. diffidently sub head diffident syl dif+fi+dent+ly pos adv. diffract 0. syl dif+fract pron pos vb. def to undergo or cause to undergo diffraction. exam 1 to diffract light; exam 2 the light diffracts at a slit. diffractive sub head diffract syl dif+1frac+tive pos adj. diffractively sub head diffract syl dif+1frac+tive+ly pos adv. diffractiveness sub head diffract syl dif+1frac+tive+ness pos n. diffraction ety C17: from New Latin diffracti*_o a breaking to pieces, from Latin diffringere to shatter, from dis- apart+ frangere to break diffraction 1. syl dif+frac+tion pron pos n. qual Physics. def a deviation in the direction of a wave at the edge of an obstacle in its path. diffraction 2. syl dif+frac+tion pron pos n. def any phenomenon caused by diffraction and interference of light, such as the formation of light and dark fringes by the passage of light through a small aperture. diffraction grating 0. syl dif+frac+tion grat+ing pos n. def a glass plate or a mirror with a large number of equidistant parallel lines or grooves on its surface. It causes diffraction of transmitted or reflected light, ultraviolet radiation, or x-rays. diffractometer 0. syl dif+frac+tom+e:ter pron pos n. qual Physics. def an instrument used in studying diffraction, as in the determination of crystal structure by diffraction of x-rays. diffuse ety C15: from Latin diff*_usus spread abroad, from diffundere to pour forth, from dis- away+ fundere to pour diffuse 1. syl dif+fuse pron pos vb. def to spread or cause to spread in all directions. diffuse 2. syl dif+fuse pron pos vb. def to undergo or cause diffusion. diffuse 3. syl dif+fuse pron pos vb. def to scatter or cause to scatter; disseminate; disperse. diffuse 4. syl dif+fuse pron pos adj. def spread out over a wide area. diffuse 5. syl dif+fuse pron pos adj. def lacking conciseness. diffuse 6. syl dif+fuse pron pos adj. usage esp. of some creeping stems def spreading loosely over a large area. diffuse 7. syl dif+fuse pron pos adj. def characterized by or exhibiting diffusion. exam 1 diffuse light; exam 2 diffuse reflection. diffusely sub head diffuse syl dif+fuse+ly pron pos adv. diffuseness sub head diffuse syl dif+1fuse+ness pos n. diffusible sub head diffuse syl dif+fus+i:ble pron pos adj. diffusibility sub head diffuse or diffusibleness syl dif+2fus+i:1bil+i:ty pos n. diffusibleness sub head diffuse or diffusibility syl dif+1fus+i:ble+ness pos n. diffused junction 0. syl dif+fused junc+tion pos n. def a semiconductor junction formed by diffusing acceptor or donor impurity atoms into semiconductor material to form regions of p-type or n-type conductivity. See also { {photolithography} (sense 2).} Compare {alloyed junction}. diffusor alt head diffuser or diffuser syl dif+fu+sor pron pos n. diffuser 1. or diffusor syl dif+fus+er pron pos n. def a person or thing that diffuses. diffuser 2. or diffusor syl dif+fus+er pron pos n. def a part of a lighting fixture consisting of a translucent or frosted covering or of a rough reflector: used to scatter the light and prevent glare. diffuser 3. or diffusor syl dif+fus+er pron pos n. def a cone, wedge, or baffle placed in front of the diaphragm of a loudspeaker to diffuse the sound waves. diffuser 4. or diffusor syl dif+fus+er pron pos n. def a duct, esp. in a wind tunnel or jet engine, that widens gradually in the direction of flow to reduce the speed and increase the pressure of the air or fluid. diffuser 5. or diffusor syl dif+fus+er pron pos n. qual Photog. def a light-scattering medium, such as a screen of fine fabric, placed in the path of a source of light to reduce the sharpness of shadows and thus soften the lighting. diffuser 6. or diffusor syl dif+fus+er pron pos n. def a perforated plate or similar device for distributing compressed air in the aeration of sewage. diffusion 1. syl dif+fu+sion pron pos n. def the act or process of diffusing or being diffused; dispersion. diffusion 2. syl dif+fu+sion pron pos n. def verbosity. diffusion 3.a. syl dif+fu+sion pron pos n. def the random thermal motion of atoms, molecules, clusters of atoms, etc., in gases, liquids, and some solids. diffusion 3.b. syl dif+fu+sion pron pos n. def the transfer of atoms or molecules by their random motion from one part of a medium to another. diffusion 4. syl dif+fu+sion pron pos n. qual Physics. def the transmission or reflection of electromagnetic radiation, esp. light, in which the radiation is scattered in many directions and not directly reflected or refracted; scattering. diffusion 5. syl dif+fu+sion pron pos n. def Also called: {diffusivity}. the degree to which the directions of propagation of reverberant sound waves differ from point to point in an enclosure. diffusion 6. syl dif+fu+sion pron pos n. qual Anthropol. def the transmission of social institutions, skills, and myths from one culture to another. diffusion constant alt head diffusion coefficient or diffusion coefficient syl dif+fu+sion con+stant pos n. diffusion coefficient 0. or diffusion constant syl dif+fu+sion co+ef+fi+cient pos n. def the rate at which a diffusing substance is transported between opposite faces of a unit cube of a system when there is unit concentration difference between them. Symbol. exam 1 D diffusive 0. syl dif+fu+sive pron pos adj. def characterized by diffusion. diffusively sub head diffusive syl dif+1fu+sive+ly pos adv. diffusiveness sub head diffusive syl dif+1fu+sive+ness pos n. diffusivity 1. syl dif+fu+siv+i:ty pron <2difju:1siviti> pos n. def a measure of the ability of a substance to transmit a difference in temperature; expressed as the thermal conductivity divided by the product of specific heat capacity and density. diffusivity 2.a. syl dif+fu+siv+i:ty pron <2difju:1siviti> pos n. def the ability of a substance to permit or undergo diffusion. diffusivity 2.b. syl dif+fu+siv+i:ty pron <2difju:1siviti> pos n. def another name for {diffusion coefficient}. diffusivity 3. syl dif+fu+siv+i:ty pron <2difju:1siviti> pos n. def another name for {diffusion} (sense 5). dig ety C13 diggen, of un?!certain origin digs infl head dig syl digs pos vb. digging infl head dig syl dig+ging pos vb. dug infl head dig syl dug. pos vb. dig 1. syl dig pron pos vb. mod when; tr. usage often foll. by up def to cut into, break up, and turn over or remove (earth, soil, etc.), esp. with a spade. dig 2. syl dig pron pos vb. def to form or excavate (a hole, tunnel, passage, etc.) by digging, usually with an implement or (of animals) with feet, claws, etc.. exam 1 to dig a tunnel. dig 3. syl dig pron pos vb. usage often foll. by through def to make or force (one's way), esp. by removing obstructions. exam 1 he dug his way through the crowd. dig 4. syl dig pron pos vb. mod tr. usage often foll. by out or up def to obtain by digging. exam 1 to dig potatoes; exam 2 to dig up treasure. dig 5. syl dig pron pos vb. mod tr. usage often foll. by out or up def to find or discover by effort or searching. exam 1 to dig out unexpected facts. dig 6. syl dig pron pos vb. mod tr. usage foll. by in or into def to thrust or jab (a sharp instrument, weapon, etc.); poke. exam 1 he dug his spurs into the horse's side. dig 7. syl dig pron pos vb. mod tr. usage foll. by in or into def to mix (compost, etc.) with soil by digging. dig 8. syl dig pron pos vb. mod intr. qual Informal. usage foll. by in or into def to begin vigorously to consume or do something. exam 1 don't wait, just dig in&! dig 9. syl dig pron pos vb. qual Informal. def to like, understand, or appreciate. dig 10. syl dig pron pos vb. mod intr. qual U.S. slang. def to work hard, esp. for an examination. dig 11. syl dig pron pos vb. mod intr. qual Brit. informal. def to have lodgings. exam 1 I dig in South London. dig 12. syl dig pron pos n. def the act of digging. dig 13. syl dig pron pos n. def a thrust or poke, esp. in the ribs. dig 14. syl dig pron pos n. def a cutting or sarcastic remark. dig 15. syl dig pron pos n. qual Informal. def an archaeological excavation. {~} See also {dig in}. dig 0. syl dig. qual abbrev. for def digest (book or summary). digamma ety C17: via Latin from Greek, from {#7di -%1}#7+gamma ; from its shape, which suggests one gamma upon another digamma 0. syl di+gam+ma pron pos n. def a letter of the Greek alphabet (###800206) that became obsolete before the classical period of the language. It represented a semivowel like English and was used as a numeral in later stages of written Greek, and passed into the Roman alphabet as digamy ety C17: from Late Latin digamia, from Greek, from #7di -%1#7+ gamos marriage digamies infl head digamy syl dig:a+mies. pos n. mod pl. digamy 0. syl dig:a+my pron <1dig*mi> pos n. def a second marriage contracted after the termination of the first by death or divorce. Also called: {deuterogamy}. Compare {bigamy}. digamist sub head digamy syl dig:a+mist pos n. digamous sub head digamy syl dig:a+mous pos adj. digastric ety C17: from New Latin digastricus (with two bellies), from {#7di -%1}#7+ gastricus gastric, from Greek gast*_er belly digastric 1. syl di+gas+tric pron pos adj. usage of certain muscles def having two fleshy portions joined by a tendon. digastric 2. syl di+gas+tric pron pos n. def a muscle of the mandible that assists in lowering the lower jaw. digenesis 0. syl di+gen+e:sis pron pos n. qual Zoology. def another name for {alternation of generations}. digenetic sub head digenesis syl di+ge:net+ic pron <2dIJi1netik> pos adj. digest ety C14: from Late Latin d*_igesta writings grouped under various heads, from Latin d*_igerere to divide, from di- apart+ gerere to bear digest 1. syl di+gest pron , pos vb. def to subject (food) to a process of digestion. digest 2. syl di+gest pron , pos vb. mod tr. def to assimilate mentally. digest 3. syl di+gest pron , pos vb. qual Chem. def to soften or disintegrate or be softened or disintegrated by the action of heat, moisture, or chemicals; decompose. digest 4. syl di+gest pron , pos vb. mod tr. def to arrange in a methodical or systematic order; classify. digest 5. syl di+gest pron , pos vb. mod tr. def to reduce to a summary. digest 6. syl di+gest pron , pos vb. mod tr. qual Archaic. def to tolerate. digest 7. syl di+gest pron <1dIJest> pos n. def a comprehensive and systematic compilation of information or material, often condensed. digest 8. syl di+gest pron <1dIJest> pos n. def a magazine, periodical, etc., that summarizes news of current events. digest 9. syl di+gest pron <1dIJest> pos n. def a compilation of rules of law based on decided cases. Digest 0. syl Di+gest pron <1dIJest> pos n. qual Roman law. def an arrangement of excerpts from the writings and opinions of eminent lawyers, contained in 50 books compiled by order of Justinian in the sixth century #7a.d. digestant 0. syl di+gest+ant pron , pos n. def a substance, such as hydrochloric acid or a bile salt, that promotes or aids digestion, esp. one used therapeutically. digester 1. syl di+gest+er pron , pos n. qual Chem. def an apparatus or vessel, such as an autoclave, in which digestion is carried out. digester 2. syl di+gest+er pron , pos n. def a less common word for {digestant}. digester 3. syl di+gest+er pron , pos n. def a person or thing that digests. digestible 0. syl di+gest+i:ble pron , pos adj. def capable of being digested or easy to digest. digestibility sub head digestible or digestibleness syl di+2gest+i:1bil+i:ty pos n. digestibleness sub head digestible or digestibility syl di+1gest+i:ble+ness pos n. digestibly sub head digestible syl di+1gest+i:bly pos adv. digestif 0. syl di+ges+tif pron French. pos n. def something, esp. a drink, taken as an aid to digestion, either before or after a meal. digestion ety C14: from Old French, from Latin digesti*_o a dissolving, digestion digestion 1. syl di+ges+tion pron , pos n. def the act or process in living organisms of breaking down ingested food material into easily absorbed and assimilated substances by the action of enzymes and other agents. digestion 2. syl di+ges+tion pron , pos n. def mental assimilation, esp. of ideas. digestion 3. syl di+ges+tion pron , pos n. qual Bacteriol. def the decomposition of sewage by the action of bacteria. digestion 4. syl di+ges+tion pron , pos n. qual Chem. def the treatment of material with heat, solvents, chemicals, etc., to cause softening or decomposition. digestional sub head digestion syl di+1ges+tion+al pos adj. digestant alt head digestive or digestive syl di+ges+tant pron pos adj. digestive 1. or digestant syl di+ges+tive pron , pos adj. def relating to, aiding, or subjecting to digestion. exam 1 a digestive enzyme. digestive 2. or digestant syl di+ges+tive pron , pos n. def a less common word for {digestant}. digestive 3. or digestant syl di+ges+tive pron , pos n. def short for {digestive biscuit}. &- {di+#!ges+tive+ly} digestive biscuit 0. syl di+ges+tive bis+cuit pos n. def a round semisweet biscuit made from wholemeal flour. digged 0. syl digged pron pos vb. qual Archaic. def a past tense of {dig}. digger 1. syl dig+ger pron <1dig*> pos n. def a person, animal, or machine that digs. digger 2. syl dig+ger pron <1dig*> pos n. def a miner, esp. one who digs for gold. digger 3. syl dig+ger pron <1dig*> pos n. def a tool or part of a machine used for excavation, esp. a mechanical digger fitted with a head for digging trenches. Digger 1.a. syl Dig+ger pron <1dig*> pos n. def an Australian or New Zealander, esp. a soldier: often used as a term of address. Digger 1.b. syl Dig+ger pron <1dig*> pos n. usage as modifier exam 1 a Digger accent. Digger 2. syl Dig+ger pron <1dig*> pos n. def one of a number of tribes of America whose diet was largely composed of roots dug out of the ground. the infl head Diggers syl the. pos n. Diggers 0. syl Dig:gers pron <1dig*z> pos n. def a radical English Puritan group, led by Gerrard Winstanley, which advocated communal ownership of land (1649-50). digger wasp 0. syl dig+ger wasp pos n. def any solitary wasp of the family that digs a nest hole in the ground and stocks it with live insects for the larvae. diggings 1. syl dig+gings pron <1digiGz> pos n. mod functioning as; pl. def material that has been dug out. diggings 2. syl dig+gings pron <1digiGz> pos n. mod functioning as; sing. pl. def a place where mining, esp. gold-mining, has taken place. diggings 3. syl dig+gings pron <1digiGz> pos n. mod functioning as; pl. qual Brit. informal. def a less common name for {digs}. dight ety Old English dihtan to compose, from Latin dict*_are to #7dictate dights alt head dight syl dights pos vb. mod tr. dighting infl head dight syl dight+ing pos vb. mod tr. dighted infl head dight or dight syl dight+ed. pos vb. mod tr. dight 0. or dighted syl dight pron pos vb. mod tr. qual Archaic. def to adorn or equip, as for battle. dig in 1. syl dig in pos vb. adv. qual Military. def to provide (a defensive position) by digging foxholes, trenches, etc. dig in 2. syl dig in pos vb. adv. qual Informal. def to entrench (oneself) firmly. dig in 3. syl dig in pos vb. adv. mod intr. qual Informal. def to defend or maintain a position firmly, as in an argument. dig one's heels in 4. head dig in syl dig one's heels in. qual Informal. def to refuse stubbornly to move or be persuaded. digit ety C15: from Latin digitus toe, finger digit 1. syl dig+it pron <1diJit> pos n. def a finger or toe. digit 2. syl dig+it pron <1diJit> pos n. def Also called: {figure}. any of the ten Arabic numerals from 0 to 9. digit 3. syl dig+it pron <1diJit> pos n. def another name for { {finger} (sense 4).} digit 4. syl dig+it pron <1diJit> pos n. qual Astronomy. def one twelfth of the diameter of the sun or moon, used to express the magnitude of an eclipse. digital 1. syl dig:i+tal pron <1diJitL> pos adj. def of, relating to, resembling, or possessing a digit or digits. digital 2. syl dig:i+tal pron <1diJitL> pos adj. def performed with the fingers. digital 3. syl dig:i+tal pron <1diJitL> pos adj. qual Computer technol. def operating by the use of discrete signals to represent data in the form of numbers or other characters. digital 4. syl dig:i+tal pron <1diJitL> pos adj. def displaying information as numbers rather than by a pointer moving over a dial. exam 1 a digital voltmeter; exam 2 digital readout. digital 5. syl dig:i+tal pron <1diJitL> pos adj. qual Electronics. def responding to discrete values of input voltage and producing discrete output voltage levels, as in a logic circuit. exam 1 digital circuit. digital 6. syl dig:i+tal pron <1diJitL> pos adj. def a less common word for {digitate}. digital 7. syl dig:i+tal pron <1diJitL> pos n. qual Music. def one of the keys on the manuals of an organ or on a piano, harpsichord, etc. digitally sub head digital syl dig:i+tal+ly pos adv. watch alt head digital clock or digital clock syl watch pos n. digital clock 0. or watch syl dig:i+tal clock pos n. def a clock or watch in which the hours, minutes, and sometimes seconds are indicated by digits, rather than by hands on a dial. digital computer 0. syl dig:i+tal com+pu+ter pos n. def an electronic computer in which the input is discrete rather than continuous, consisting of combinations of numbers, letters, and other characters written in an appropriate programming language and represented internally in binary notation. Compare {analog computer}. digitalin ety C19: from #7digital (#7is) #7+ -#7in digitalin 0. syl dig:i+tal+in pron <2diJi1tAlin> pos n. def a poisonous amorphous white glycoside extracted from digitalis leaves and used in treating heart disease. Formula: C\3\6H\5\6O\1\4. digitalis ety C17: from New Latin, from Latin: relating to a finger (referring to the corollas of the flower); based on German Fingerhut foxglove, literally: finger-hat digitalis 1. syl dig:i+tal+is pron <2diJi1tAlis> pos n. def any Eurasian scrophulariaceous plants of the genus such as the foxglove, having bell-shaped flowers and a basal rosette of leaves. digitalis 2. syl dig:i+tal+is pron <2diJi1tAlis> pos n. def a drug prepared from the dried leaves or seeds of the foxglove: a mixture of glycosides used medicinally as a heart stimulant. digitalism 0. syl dig:i+tal+ism pron <1diJit*2liz*m> pos n. def a serious condition resulting from digitalis poisoning, characterized by nausea, vomiting, and a disturbance in heart rhythm or rate. digitalise alt head digitalize or digitalize syl dig:i+tal+ise pron <1diJit*2lIz> pos vb. mod tr. digitalize 0. or digitalise syl dig:i+tal+ize pron <1diJit*2lIz> pos vb. mod tr. def to ad?!minister digitalis to (a patient) for the treatment of certain heart disorders. digitalization sub head digitalize or digitalisation syl dig:i+tal:i+1za+tion pos n. digitalisation sub head digitalize or digitalization syl dig:i+tal:i+1sa+tion pos n. digitated alt head digitate or digitate syl dig:i+tat+ed pos adj. digitate 1. or digitated syl dig:i+tate pron <1diJi2tAt> pos adj. usage of compound leaves def having the leaflets in the form of a spread hand. digitate 2. or digitated syl dig:i+tate pron <1diJi2tAt> pos adj. usage of animals def having digits or corresponding parts. digitately sub head digitate syl dig:i+2tate+ly pos adv. digitation sub head digitate syl dig:i+1ta+tion pos n. digitiform 0. syl dig:i+ti+form pron <1diJiti2fc:m> pos adj. def shaped like a finger. digitigrade 1. syl dig:i+ti+grade pron <1diJiti2grAd> pos adj. usage of dogs, cats, horses, etc. def walking so that only the toes touch the ground. digitigrade 2. syl dig:i+ti+grade pron <1diJiti2grAd> pos n. def a digitigrade animal. digitise alt head digitize or digitize syl dig+it+ise pron <1diJi2tIz> pos vb. mod tr. digitize 0. or digitise syl dig+it+ize pron <1diJi2tIz> pos vb. mod tr. def to transcribe (data) into a digital form so that it can be directly processed by a computer. digitization sub head digitize or digitisation syl dig+it:i+1za+tion pos n. digitisation sub head digitize or digitization syl dig+it:i+1sa+tion pos n. digitoxin ety from #7digi (#7talis) #7+toxin digitoxin 0. syl dig:i+tox+in pron <2diJi1toksin> pos n. def a white toxic bitter-tasting glycoside, extracted from digitalis leaves and used in medicine. Formula: C\4\1H\6\4O\1\3. digitron ety C20: from #7digit+ -#7tron digitron 0. syl dig:i+tron pron <1diJi2tron> pos n. qual Electronics. def a type of tube, for displaying information, having a common anode and several cathodes shaped in the form of characters, which can be lit by a glow discharge. Also called: {Nixie tube}. diglot ety C19: from Greek digl*_ottos, from {#7di -%1}#7+ gl*_otta tongue diglot 1. syl di+glot pron <1dIglot> pos adj. def a less common word for {bilingual}. diglot 2. syl di+glot pron <1dIglot> pos n. def a bilingual book. diglottic sub head diglot syl di+1glot+tic pos adj. dignified 0. syl dig+ni+fied pron <1digni2fId> pos adj. def characterized by dignity of manner or appearance; stately; noble. dignifiedly sub head dignified syl dig+ni+2fied+ly pos adv. dignifiedness sub head dignified syl dig+ni+2fied+ness pos n. dignify ety C15: from Old French dignifier, from Late Latin dignific*_are, from Latin dignus worthy+ facere to make dignifies infl head dignify syl dig+ni+fies pos vb. mod tr. dignifying infl head dignify syl dig+ni+fy+ing pos vb. mod tr. dignified infl head dignify syl dig+ni+fied. pos vb. mod tr. dignify 1. syl dig+ni+fy pron <1digni2fI> pos vb. mod tr. def to invest with honour or dignity; ennoble. dignify 2. syl dig+ni+fy pron <1digni2fI> pos vb. mod tr. def to add distinction to. exam 1 the meeting was dignified by the minister. dignify 3. syl dig+ni+fy pron <1digni2fI> pos vb. mod tr. def to add a semblance of dignity to, esp. by the use of a pretentious name or title. exam 1 she dignifies every plant with its Latin name. dignitaries infl head dignitary syl dig+ni+tar:ies. pos n. mod pl. dignitary 0. syl dig+ni+tar:y pron <1dignit*ri>, <-tri> pos n. def a person of high official position or rank, esp. in government or the church. dignity ety C13: from Old French dignite, from Latin dignit*_as merit, from dignus worthy dignities infl head dignity syl dig+ni:ties. pos n. mod pl. dignity 1. syl dig+ni:ty pron <1digniti> pos n. def a formal, stately, or grave bearing. exam 1 he entered the room with great dignity. dignity 2. syl dig+ni:ty pron <1digniti> pos n. def the state or quality of being worthy of honour. exam 1 the dignity of manual labour. dignity 3. syl dig+ni:ty pron <1digniti> pos n. def relative importance; rank. exam 1 he is next in dignity to the mayor. dignity 4. syl dig+ni:ty pron <1digniti> pos n. def sense of self-importance (often in the phrases {stand} (or {be) on one's dignity, beneath one's dignity) }. dignity 5. syl dig+ni:ty pron <1digniti> pos n. def high rank, esp. in government or the church. dignity 6. syl dig+ni:ty pron <1digniti> pos n. def a person of high rank or such persons collectively. digraph 0. syl di+graph pron <1dIgra:f>, <-gr@f> pos n. def a combination of two letters or characters used to represent a single speech sound such as in English Compare { {ligature} (sense 5),} {diphthong}. digraphic sub head digraph syl di+graph+ic pron pos adj. digress ety C16: from Latin d*_igressus turned aside, from d*_igred*_i, from dis- apart+ grad*_i to go digress 1. syl di+gress pron pos vb. mod intr. def to depart from the main subject in speech or writing. digress 2. syl di+gress pron pos vb. mod intr. def to wander from one's path or main direction. digresser sub head digress syl di+1gress+er pos n. digression 0. syl di+gres+sion pron pos n. def an act or instance of digressing from a main subject in speech or writing. digressional sub head digression syl di+1gres+sion+al pos adj. digressive 0. syl di+gres+sive pron pos adj. def characterized by digression or tending to digress. digressively sub head digressive syl di+1gres+sive+ly pos adv. digressiveness sub head digressive syl di+1gres+sive+ness pos n. digs ety C19: shortened from #7diggings, perhaps referring to where one digs or works, but see also #7dig in digs 0. syl digs pron pos n. mod pl. qual Brit. informal. def lodgings. dihedral 1. syl di+he+dral pron pos adj. def having or formed by two intersecting planes; two-sided. exam 1 a dihedral angle. dihedral 2. syl di+he+dral pron pos adj. def Also called: {dihedron, dihedral angle}. the figure formed by two intersecting planes. dihedral 3. syl di+he+dral pron pos adj. def the upward or downward inclination of an aircraft wing in relation to the lateral axis. Compare {anhedral}. dihedron 0. syl di+he+dron pron pos n. def another name for { {dihedral} (sense 2).} dihybrid 0. syl di+hy+brid pron pos n. qual Genetics. def the offspring of two individuals that differ with respect to two pairs of genes; an individual heterozygous for two pairs of genes. dihybridism sub head dihybrid syl di+1hy+brid+ism pos n. dihydric 0. syl di+hy+dric pron pos adj. usage of an alcohol def containing two hydroxyl groups per molecule. Dijon 0. syl Di+jon pron French pos n. def a city in E France: capital of the former duchy of Burgundy. Pop.: 156787 (1975). dik-dik ety C19: an East African name, probably of imitative origin dik-dik 0. syl dik-dik pron <1dik2dik> pos n. def any small antelope of the genus inhabiting semiarid regions of Africa, having an elongated muzzle and, in the male, small stout horns. dike 0. syl dike pron pos n. vb. def the usual U.S. spelling of {dyke}. dikkop ety from Afrikaans, from dik thick+ kop head dikkop 0. syl dik+kop pron <1dik*p> pos n. def a South African name for {stone curlew}. diktat ety German: dictation, from Latin dict*_atum, from dict*_are to #7dictate diktat 1. syl dik+tat pron <1dikta:t> pos n. def decree or settlement imposed, esp. by a ruler or a victorious nation. diktat 2. syl dik+tat pron <1dikta:t> pos n. def a dogmatic statement. dilapidate ety C16: from Latin d*_ilapid*_are to scatter, waste, from dis- apart+ lapid*_are to stone, throw stones, from lapis stone dilapidate 0. syl di+lap:i+date pron pos vb. def to fall or cause to fall into ruin or decay. dilapidated 0. syl di+lap:i+da+ted pron pos adj. def falling to pieces or in a state of disrepair; shabby. dilapidation 1. syl di+lap:i+da+tion pron pos n. def the state of being or becoming dilapidated. dilapidation 2.a. syl di+lap:i+da+tion pron pos n. def the state of disrepair of premises at the end of a tenancy due to neglect. dilapidation 2.b. syl di+lap:i+da+tion pron pos n. def the extent of repairs necessary to such premises. dilapidator sub head dilapidation syl di+1lap:i+2da+tor pos n. dilatancy 0. syl di+la+tan+cy pron , pos n. def a phenomenon caused by the nature of the stacking or fitting together of particles or granules in a heterogeneous system, such as the solidification of certain sols under pressure, and the thixotropy of certain gels. dilatant 1. syl di+la+tant pron , pos adj. def tending to dilate; dilating. dilatant 2. syl di+la+tant pron , pos adj. qual Physics. def of, concerned with, or exhibiting dilatancy. dilatant 3. syl di+la+tant pron , pos n. def something, such as a catheter, that causes dilation. dilate ety C14: from Latin d*_il*_at*_are to spread out, amplify, from dis- apart+ l*_atus wide dilate 1. syl di+late pron , pos vb. def to expand or cause to expand; make or become wider or larger. exam 1 the pupil of the eye dilates in the dark. dilate 2. syl di+late pron , pos vb. mod intr. usage often foll. by on or upon def to speak or write at length; expand or enlarge. dilatable sub head dilate syl di+1lat+a:ble pos adj. dilatability sub head dilate or dilatableness syl di+2lat+a:1bil+i:ty pos n. dilatableness sub head dilate or dilatability syl di+1lat+a:ble+ness pos n. dilatometer 0. syl dil:a+tom+e:ter pron <2dil*1tomit*> pos n. def any instrument for measuring changes in dimension: often a glass bulb fitted with a long stopper through which a capillary tube runs, used for measuring volume changes of liquids. dilatometric sub head dilatometer syl dil:a+to+met+ric pron <2dil*t*1metrik> pos adj. dilatometrically sub head dilatometer syl dil:a+to+1met+ri+cal+ly pos adv. dilatometry sub head dilatometer syl dil:a+1tom+e:try pos n. dilater infl head dilator or dilatator syl di+lat+er pron , pos n. dilatator infl head dilator or dilater syl di+la+ta+tor pron <2dIl*1tAt*>, <2di-> pos n. dilator 1. syl di+la+tor pron , pos n. def something that dilates an object, esp. a surgical instrument for dilating a bodily cavity. dilator 2. syl di+la+tor pron , pos n. def a muscle that expands an orifice or dilates an organ. dilatory ety C15: from Late Latin d*_il*_at*_orius inclined to delay, from differre to postpone; see #7differ dilatory 1. syl di+la+to:ry pron <1dil*t*ri>, <-tri> pos adj. def tending or inclined to delay or waste time. dilatory 2. syl di+la+to:ry pron <1dil*t*ri>, <-tri> pos adj. def intended or designed to waste time or defer action. dilatorily sub head dilatory syl dil:a+to+ri+ly pos adv. dilatoriness sub head dilatory syl dil:a+to+ri+ness pos n. dildo ety C17: of unknown origin dildoe alt head dildo or dildo syl dil+doe pron <1dild*u> pos n. dildos infl head dildo or dildoes syl dil+dos pos n. mod pl. dildoes infl head dildo or dildos syl dil+does. pos n. mod pl. dildo 0. or dildoe syl dil+do pron <1dild*u> pos n. def an object used as a substitute for an erect penis. dilemma ety C16: via Latin from Greek, from #7di -%1#7+ l*_emma assumption, proposition, from lambanein to take, grasp dilemma 1. syl di+lem+ma pron , pos n. def a situation necessitating a choice between two equal, esp. equally undesirable, alternatives. dilemma 2. syl di+lem+ma pron , pos n. def a problem that seems incapable of a solution. dilemma 3. syl di+lem+ma pron , pos n. qual Logic. def a form of argument in which one premiss is a conjunction of two conditionals and the second premiss is a disjunction containing one term (or its negative) from each conditional. A simple example is dilemma 4.a. syl di+lem+ma pron , pos n. def faced with the choice between two equal alternatives. dilemma 4.b. syl di+lem+ma pron , pos n. def in an awkward situation. dilemmatic sub head dilemma or dilemmic syl dil+em+mat+ic pron <2dili1m@tik>, <2dIli-> pos adj. dilemmic sub head dilemma or dilemmatic syl dil+1em+mic pos adj. dilettante ety C18: from Italian, from dilettare to delight, from Latin d*_elect*_are dilettantes infl head dilettante or dilettanti syl dil+et+tan+tes pron <-1ta:nti> pos n. mod pl. dilettanti infl head dilettante or dilettantes syl dil+et+tan+ti pron <-1ta:nti> pos n. mod pl. dilettante 1. syl dil+et+tante pron <2dili1ta:nti> pos n. def a person whose interest in a subject is superficial rather than professional. dilettante 2. syl dil+et+tante pron <2dili1ta:nti> pos n. def a person who loves the arts. dilettante 3. syl dil+et+tante pron <2dili1ta:nti> pos adj. def of or characteristic of a dilettante. dilettantish sub head dilettante or dilettanteish syl dil+et+1tan+tish pos adj. dilettanteish sub head dilettante or dilettantish syl dil+et+1tan+te:ish pos adj. dilettantism sub head dilettante or dilettanteism syl dil+et+1tan+tism pos n. dilettanteism sub head dilettante or dilettantism syl dil+et+1tan+te:ism pos n. Dilli alt head D'ili or D'ili syl Dil+li pron <1dElE> pos n. D'ili 0. or Dilli syl D*'i:li pron <1dElE> pos n. def a port in Indonesia, in N Timor: the former capital (until 1976) of Portuguese Timor. Pop.: 6730 (1970). diligence ety C14: from Latin d*_iligentia care, attentive?!ness diligence H1.1. syl dil:i+gence pron <1diliJ*ns> pos n. def steady and careful application. diligence H1.2. syl dil:i+gence pron <1diliJ*ns> pos n. def proper attention or care. diligence H1.3. syl dil:i+gence pron <1diliJ*ns> pos n. qual Law. def the degree of care required in a given situation. diligence ety C18: from French, shortened from carosse de diligence, literally: coach of speed diligence H2.0. syl dil:i+gence pron <1diliJ*ns>, French , French pos n. qual History. def a stagecoach. diligent ety C14: from Old French, from Latin d*_iligere to value, from dis- apart+ legere to read diligent 1. syl dil:i+gent pron <1diliJ*nt> pos adj. def careful and persevering in carrying out tasks or duties. diligent 2. syl dil:i+gent pron <1diliJ*nt> pos adj. def carried out with care and persever?!ance. exam 1 diligent work. diligently sub head diligent syl dil:i+gent+ly pos adv. dill ety Old English dile; related to Old High German tilli &- #!dil+ly adj. dill 1. syl dill pron pos n. def an umbelliferous aromatic Eurasian plant, with finely dissected leaves and umbrella-shaped clusters of yellow flowers. dill 2. syl dill pron pos n. def the leaves or seedlike fruits of this plant, used for flavouring in pickles, soups, etc., and in medicine. dill 3. syl dill pron pos n. qual Slang, chiefly Austral. def a fool; idiot. dill pickle 0. syl dill pick+le pos n. def a pickled cucumber flavoured with dill. dilly ety C20: perhaps from girl's proper name Dilly dillies infl head dilly syl dil+lies. pos n. mod pl. dilly 0. syl dil+ly pron <1dili> pos n. qual Slang, chiefly U.S. def a person or thing that is remarkable. dilly bag 0. syl dil+ly bag pos n. qual Austral. def a small bag, esp. one made of plaited grass, etc., often used for carrying food. Sometimes shortened to {dilly}. dilly-dally ety C17: by reduplication from #7dally lies infl head dilly-dally syl :lies pos vb. mod intr. lying infl head dilly-dally syl :ly+ing pos vb. mod intr. lied infl head dilly-dally syl :lied. pos vb. mod intr. dilly-dally 0. syl dil:ly-dal:ly pron <1dili2d@li> pos vb. mod intr. qual Informal. def to loiter or vacillate. diluent ety C18: from Latin d*_ilu*_ens dissolving; see #7dilute diluent 1. syl dil:u+ent pron <1dilju*nt> pos adj. def causing dilution or serving to dilute. diluent 2. syl dil:u+ent pron <1dilju*nt> pos n. def a substance used for or causing dilution. dilute ety C16: from Latin d*_iluere, from dis- apart+ -luere, from lav*_are to wash dilute 1. syl di+lute pron pos vb. def to make or become less concentrated, esp. by adding water or a thinner. dilute 2. syl di+lute pron pos vb. def to make or become weaker in force, effect, etc.. exam 1 he diluted his story. dilute 3.a. syl di+lute pron pos vb. usage of a solution, suspension, mixture, etc. def having a low concentration or a concentration that has been reduced by admixture. dilute 3.b. syl di+lute pron pos vb. usage of a substance def present in solution, esp. a weak solution in water. exam 1 dilute acetic acid. dilutee sub head dilute syl di+lu+1tee pos n. diluter sub head dilute syl di+1lut+er pos n. dilution 1. syl di+lu+tion pron pos n. def the act of diluting or state of being diluted. dilution 2. syl di+lu+tion pron pos n. def a diluted solution. diluvial ety C17: from Late Latin d*_iluvi*_alis; see #7diluvium diluvian alt head diluvial or diluvial syl di+lu+vi:an pos adj. diluvial 1. or diluvian syl di+lu+vi:al pron , pos adj. def of or connected with a deluge, esp. with the great Flood described in Genesis. diluvial 2. or diluvian syl di+lu+vi:al pron , pos adj. def of or relating to diluvium. diluvium ety C19: from Latin: flood, from d*_iluere to wash away; see #7dilute diluvia infl head diluvium syl di+lu+vi:a pron <-vi*> pos n. mod pl. diluvium 0. syl di+lu+vi:um pron , pos n. qual Geology. def a former name for { {drift} (sense 12).} dim ety Old English dimm; related to Old Norse dimmr gloomy, dark dimmer infl head dim syl dim+mer pos adj. dimmest infl head dim syl dim+mest. pos adj. dim 1. syl dim pron pos adj. def badly illuminated. exam 1 a dim room. dim 2. syl dim pron pos adj. def not clearly seen; indistinct; faint. exam 1 a dim shape. dim 3. syl dim pron pos adj. def having weak or indistinct vision. exam 1 eyes dim with tears. dim 4. syl dim pron pos adj. def lacking in understanding; mentally dull. dim 5. syl dim pron pos adj. def not clear in the mind; obscure. exam 1 a dim memory. dim 6. syl dim pron pos adj. def lacking in brilliance, brightness, or lustre. exam 1 a dim colour. dim 7. syl dim pron pos adj. def tending to be unfavourable; gloomy (esp. in the phrase {take a dim view) }. dims infl head dim syl dims pos vb. dimming infl head dim syl dim+ming pos vb. dimmed infl head dim syl dimmed. pos vb. dim 8. syl dim pron pos vb. def to become or cause to become dim. dim 9. syl dim pron pos vb. mod tr. def to cause to seem less bright, as by comparison. dim 10. syl dim pron pos vb. def the U.S. word for { {dip} (sense 5).} dimly sub head dim syl dim+ly pos adv. dimness sub head dim syl dim+ness pos n. dim 1. syl dim. qual abbrev. for: def dimension. dim 2. syl dim. qual abbrev. for: def Also: {dimin}. diminuendo. dim 3. syl dim. qual abbrev. for: def Also: {dimin}. diminutive. Dimashq 0. syl Di:mashq pron pos n. def an Arabic name for {Damascus}. dime ety C14: from Old French disme, from Latin decimus tenth, from decem ten dime 1. syl dime pron pos n. def a coin of the U.S. and Canada, worth one tenth of a dollar or ten cents. a dime a dozen 2. head dime syl a dime a dozen. def very cheap or common. dimenhydrinate ety from #7dime (#7thyl+ami) #7n (#7e) #7+hydr (#7am) #7in (#7e) #7+ -#7ate %1 dimenhydrinate 0. syl di+men+hy+dri+nate pron <2dImen1hIdri2nAt> pos n. def a white slightly soluble bitter-tasting crystalline substance, used as an anti?!histamine and for the prevention of nausea, esp. in travel sickness. Formula: C\2\4H\2\8ClN\5O\3. dime novel 0. syl dime nov+el pos n. usage U.S. formerly def a cheap melodramatic novel, usually in paperback. Also (esp. Brit.): {penny-dreadful}. dimension ety C14: from Old French, from Latin d*_imensi*_o an extent, from d*_im*_et*_ir*_i to measure out, from m*_et*_ir*_i dimension 1. syl di+men+sion pron pos n. mod often; pl. def a measurement of the size of something in a particular direction, such as the length, width, height, or diameter. dimension 2. syl di+men+sion pron pos n. mod often; pl. def scope; size; extent. exam 1 a problem of enormous dimensions. dimension 3. syl di+men+sion pron pos n. def aspect. exam 1 a new dimension to politics. dimension 4. syl di+men+sion pron pos n. qual Maths. def the number of coordinates required to locate a point in space. dimension 5.a. syl di+men+sion pron pos n. def the product or the quotient of the fundamental physical quantities (such as mass, length, or time) raised to the appropriate power in a derived physical quantity. exam 1 the dimensions of velocity are length divided by time. dimension 5.b. syl di+men+sion pron pos n. def the power to which such a fundamental quantity has to be raised in a derived quantity. dimension 6.a. syl di+men+sion pron pos vb. def to shape or cut to specified dimensions. dimension 6.b. syl di+men+sion pron pos vb. def to mark with specified dimensions. dimensional sub head dimension syl di+1men+sion+al pos adj. dimensionality sub head dimension syl di+2men+sion+1al+i:ty pos n. dimensionally sub head dimension syl di+1men+sion+al+ly pos adv. dimensionless sub head dimension syl di+1men+sion+less pos adj. dimer 0.a. syl di+mer pron <1dIm*> pos n. qual Chem. def a molecule composed of two identical simpler molecules (monomers). dimer 0.b. syl di+mer pron <1dIm*> pos n. qual Chem. def a compound consisting of dimers. dimercaprol ety C20: by shortening and altering from dimercaptopropanol dimercaprol 0. syl di+mer+cap+rol pron <2dIm*1k@prol> pos n. def a colourless oily liquid with an offensive smell, used as an antidote to lewisite and similar toxic substances. Formula: CH\2(SH)CH(SH)CH\2OH. Also called: {BAL}. dimerous ety C19: from New Latin dimerus, from Greek dimer*_es, from #7di -%1#7+ meros part dimerous 1. syl dim+er+ous pron <1dim*r*s> pos adj. def consisting of or divided into two segments, as the tarsi of some insects. dimerous 2. syl dim+er+ous pron <1dim*r*s> pos adj. usage of flowers def having their floral parts arranged in whorls of two. dimerism sub head dimerous syl dim+er+ism pos n. dimeter 0. syl dim+e:ter pron <1dimit*> pos n. qual Prosody. def a line of verse consisting of two metrical feet or a verse written in this metre. dimethylsulphoxide 0. syl di+me:thyl+sulph+ox+ide pron , <-2meT*l-> pos n. def a colourless odourless liquid substance used as a solvent and in medicine as an agent to improve the penetration of drugs applied to the skin. Formula: (CH\3)\2SO. Abbrev.: {DMSO}. dimetric 0. syl di+met+ric pron pos adj. qual Crystallog. def another word for {tetragonal}. dimidiate ety C17: from Latin d*_imidi*_are to halve, from d*_imidius half, from dis- apart+ medius middle dimidiate 1. syl di+mid:i+ate pron pos adj. def divided in halves. dimidiate 2. syl di+mid:i+ate pron pos adj. qual Biology. def having one of two sides or parts more developed than the other. exam 1 dimidiate antlers. dimidiate 3. syl di+mid:i+ate pron pos vb. mod tr. qual Rare. def to divide in half. dimidiate 4. syl di+mid:i+ate pron pos vb. mod tr. qual Heraldry. def to halve (two bearings) so that they can be represented on the same shield. dimidiation sub head dimidiate syl di+2mid:i+1a:tion pos n. diminish ety C15: blend of diminuen to lessen (from Latin d*_eminuere to make smaller, from minuere to reduce)+archaic #7minish to lessen diminish 1. syl di+min+ish pron pos vb. def to make or become smaller, fewer, or less. diminish 2. syl di+min+ish pron pos vb. mod tr. qual Architect. def to cause (a column, etc.) to taper. diminish 3. syl di+min+ish pron pos vb. qual Music. (tr. def to decrease (a minor or perfect interval) by a semitone. diminish 4. syl di+min+ish pron pos vb. def to belittle or be belittled; reduce in authority, status, etc.; depreciate. diminishable sub head diminish syl di+1min+ish+a:ble pos adj. diminishingly sub head diminish syl di+1min+ish+ing+ly pos adv. diminishment sub head diminish syl di+1min+ish+ment pos n. diminished 1. syl di+min+ished pron pos adj. def reduced or lessened; made smaller. diminished 2. syl di+min+ished pron pos adj. qual Music. def denoting any minor or perfect interval reduced by a semitone. diminished 3. syl di+min+ished pron pos adj. qual Music. def denoting a triad consisting of the root plus a minor third and a diminished fifth. diminished 4. syl di+min+ished pron pos adj. usage Music. (postpositive esp. in jazz or pop music def denoting a diminished seventh chord having as its root the note specified. exam 1 B diminished. diminished responsibility 0. syl di+min+ished re+spon+si:bil+i:ty pos n. qual Law. def a plea under which proof of mental derangement is submitted as demonstrating lack of premeditation and therefore criminal responsibility. diminished seventh chord 0. syl di+min+ished sev+enth chord pos n. def a chord often used in an enharmonic modulation and very common in modern music, esp. jazz and pop music, consisting of a diminished triad with an added diminished seventh above the root. Often shortened to {diminished seventh}. diminishing returns 0. syl di+min+ish+ing: re+turns usage pl.@T n.@T Economics. @T def progressively smaller increases in output resulting from equal increases in production. diminuendo ety C18: from Italian, from diminuire to #7diminish diminuendos infl head diminuendo syl di+min:u+en+dos. pos n. mod pl. diminuendo 1.a. syl di+min:u+en+do pron pos n. def a gradual decrease in loudness or the musical direction indicat?!ing this. Abbrev.: {dim}. Symbol: ## #800208 ###800209 (written over the music affected). diminuendo 1.b. syl di+min:u+en+do pron pos n. def a musical passage affected by a diminuendo. diminuendo 2. syl di+min:u+en+do pron pos adj. def gradually decreasing in loudness. diminuendo 3. syl di+min:u+en+do pron pos adj. def with a diminu?!endo. diminuendo xref syl di+min:u+en+do pron pos n. def Also called: {decrescendo}. diminution ety C14: from Latin d*_emin*_uti*_o; see #7diminish diminution 1. syl dim:i+nu+tion pron <2dimi1nju:S*n> pos n. def reduction; decrease. diminution 2. syl dim:i+nu+tion pron <2dimi1nju:S*n> pos n. qual Music. def the presentation of the subject of a fugue, etc., in which the note values are reduced in length. Compare { {augmentation} (sense 3).} diminutive 1. syl di+min:u+tive pron pos adj. def very small; tiny. diminutive 2.a. syl di+min:u+tive pron pos adj. def denoting an affix added to a word to convey the meaning or or to express affection, as for example, the suffix in French. diminutive 2.b. syl di+min:u+tive pron pos adj. def denoting a word formed by the addition of a diminutive affix. diminutive 3. syl di+min:u+tive pron pos n. qual Grammar. def a diminutive word or affix. {~} Compare (for senses 2, 3) { {augmentative}}. diminutive 4. syl di+min:u+tive pron pos n. def a tiny person or thing. &- {di+min@.u+ti+val} (d$I@!m$Inj$u#!ta$Iv$$l) diminutively sub head diminutive syl di+1min:u+tive+ly pos adv. diminutiveness sub head diminutive syl di+1min:u+tive+ness pos n. dimissory 1. syl dim+is+so:ry pron pos adj. def granting permission to be ordained. exam 1 a bishop's dimissory letter. dimissory 2. syl dim+is+so:ry pron pos adj. def granting permission to depart. Dimitrovo 0. syl Di+mi+tro+vo pron pos n. def the former name (1949-62) of {Pernik}. dimity ety C15: from Medieval Latin dimitum, from Greek dimiton, from #7di -%1#7+ mitos thread of the warp dimities infl head dimity syl dim+i:ties. pos n. mod pl. dimity 0.a. syl dim+i:ty pron <1dimiti> pos n. def a light strong cotton fabric with woven stripes or squares. dimity 0.b. syl dim+i:ty pron <1dimiti> pos n. usage as modifier exam 1 a dimity bonnet. dimmer 1. syl dim+mer pron <1dim*> pos n. def a device, such as a rheostat, for varying the current through an electric light and thus changing the illumination. dimmer 2.a. syl dim+mer pron <1dim*> pos n. def a dipped headlight on a road vehicle. dimmer 2.b. syl dim+mer pron <1dim*> pos n. def a parking light on a car. dimorph 0. syl di+morph pron <1dImc:f> pos n. def either of two forms of a substance that exhibits dimorphism. dimorphism 1. syl di+mor+phism pron pos n. def the occurrence within a plant of two distinct forms of any part, such as the leaves of some aquatic plants. dimorphism 2. syl di+mor+phism pron pos n. def the occurrence in an animal species of two distinct types of individual. dimorphism 3. syl di+mor+phism pron pos n. def a property of certain substances that enables them to exist in two distinct crystalline forms. dimorphic alt head dimorphous or dimorphous syl di+mor+phic pos adj. dimorphous 0. or dimorphic syl di+mor+phous pron pos adj. usage Chem. of a substance def exhibiting dimorphism. dimple ety C13 dympull; compare Old English dyppan to dip, German T*"umpel pool dimple 1. syl dim+ple pron <1dimpL> pos n. def a small natural dent or crease in the flesh, esp. on the cheeks or chin. dimple 2. syl dim+ple pron <1dimpL> pos n. def any slight depression in a surface. dimple 3. syl dim+ple pron <1dimpL> pos n. def a bubble or dent in glass. dimple 4. syl dim+ple pron <1dimpL> pos vb. def to make or become dimpled. dimple 5. syl dim+ple pron <1dimpL> pos vb. mod intr. def to produce dimples by smiling. dimply sub head dimple syl dim+ply pos adj. dimwit 0. syl dim+wit pron <1dim2wit> pos n. qual Informal. def a stupid or silly person. dim-witted sub head dimwit syl dim-1wit:ted pos adj. dim-wittedly sub head dimwit syl dim-1wit:ted+ly pos adv. dim-wittedness sub head dimwit syl dim-1wit:ted+ness pos n. din ety Old English dynn; compare Old Norse dynr din, Old High German tuni din 1. syl din pron pos n. def a loud discordant confused noise. dins infl head din syl dins pos vb. dinning infl head din syl din+ning pos vb. dinned infl head din syl dinned. pos vb. din 2. syl din pron pos vb. mod tr. usage usually foll. by into def to instil (into a person) by constant repetition. din 3. syl din pron pos vb. mod tr. def to subject to a din. din 4. syl din pron pos vb. mod tr. def to make a din. DIN ety C20: from German D (eutsche) I (ndustrie) N (orm) German Industry Standard DIN 0. syl DIN pos n. def a logarithmic expression of the speed of a photographic film, plate, etc., given as -10log\1\0 where is the exposure of a point 0.1 density units above the fog level; high-speed films have high numbers. Compare {ASA/BS}. Din 0. syl Din. qual abbrev. for def dinar. Dinah 0. syl Di:nah pron <1dIn*> pos n. def the daughter of Jacob and Leah (Genesis 30:21; 34). dinar ety C17: from Arabic, from Late Greek d*_enarion, from Latin d*_en*_arius #7denarius dinar 1. syl di+nar pron <1dEna:> pos n. def the standard monetary unit of the following countries. Algeria: divided into 100 centimes. Iraq: divided into 1000 fils. Jordan: divided into 1000 fils. Kuwait: divided into 1000 fils. Libya: divided into l00 piastres. Southern Yemen: divided into 1000 fils. Tunisia: divided into 1000 milliemes. Yugoslavia: divided into 100 paras. Abbrev.: {Din., D}., dinar 2. syl di+nar pron <1dEna:> pos n. def an Iranian monetary unit worth one hundredth of a rial. dinar 3. syl di+nar pron <1dEna:> pos n. def a coin, esp. one of gold, formerly used in the Middle East. Dinaric Alps 0. syl Di+nar+ic Alps pron , pos n. mod pl. def a mountain range in W Yugoslavia: connected with the main Alpine system by the Julian Alps. Highest peak: Troglav, 1913m (6277 ft.). dine ety C13: from Old French disner, contracted from Vulgar Latin disj*_ej*_un*_are (unattested) to cease fasting, from dis- not+Late Latin j*_ej*_un*_are to fast; see #7jejune dine 1. syl dine pron pos vb. mod intr. def to eat dinner. dine 2. syl dine pron pos vb. mod intr. usage often foll. by on, off, or upon def to make one's meal (of). exam 1 the guests dined upon roast beef. dine 3. syl dine pron pos vb. mod tr. qual Informal. def to entertain to dinner; (esp. in the phrase {to wine and dine someone) }. dine out 1. syl dine out pos vb. adv. mod intr. def to dine away from home, esp. in a restaurant. dine out 2. syl dine out pos vb. adv. mod intr. usage foll. by on def to have dinner at the expense of someone else mainly for the sake of one's knowledge or con?!versation about (a subject or story). diner 1. syl din+er pron <1dIn*> pos n. def a person eating a meal, esp. in a restaurant. diner 2. syl din+er pron <1dIn*> pos n. qual Chiefly U.S. def a small cheap restaurant, often at the roadside. diner 3. syl din+er pron <1dIn*> pos n. def short for {dining car}. dineric ety C20: from #7di -#7+ Late Greek n*_eron water+-#7ic dineric 0. syl di+ner+ic pron pos adj. def of or concerned with the interface between two immiscible liquids. Isak infl head Dinesen syl I:sak pron <1Iz*k> pos n. Dinesen 0. syl Din:e:sen pron <1dinisN> pos n. def pen name of 1885-1962, Danish author of short stories in Danish and English, including (1934) and (1942). dinette 0. syl di+nette pron pos n. def an alcove or small area for use as a dining room. ding ety C13: probably of imitative origin, but influenced by #7din+{ring %2;} compare Old Swedish diunga to beat ding 1. syl ding pron pos vb. def to ring or cause to ring, esp. with tedious repetition. ding 2. syl ding pron pos vb. mod tr. def another word for { {din} (sense 2).} ding 3. syl ding pron pos n. def an imitation or representation of the sound of a bell. ding 4. syl ding pron pos n. qual Austral. slang, derogatory. def an Italian or Greek immigrant. ding 5. syl ding pron pos n. qual Austral. slang. def a party (the social event). Dingaan 0. syl Din:gaan pron <1diGga:n> pos n. def died 1840, Zulu chief (1828-40), who fought the Boer colonists in Natal. Ding an sich 0. syl Ding an sich pron <@n> , German pos n. qual Philosophy. def the thing in itself. dingbat ety C19: of unknown origin dingbat 0. syl ding+bat pron <1diG2b@t> pos n. qual U.S. Slang. def any unnamed object, esp. one used as a missile. infl head dingbats syl ~ pos n. mod pl. qual Austral. slang. dingbathe 1. head dingbats syl ding+bathe. def delirium tremens. give someone the dingbats 2. head dingbats syl give someone the dingbats. def to make someone nervous. {~} dingbats 3. syl ding+bats pron <1diG2b@ts> pos n. mod pl. def crazy or stupid. ding-dong ety C16: of imitative origin; see #7ding ding-dong 1. syl ding-dong pos n. def the sound of a bell or bells, esp. two bells tuned a fourth or fifth apart. ding-dong 2. syl ding-dong pos n. def an imitation or representation of the sound of a bell. ding-dong 3.a. syl ding-dong pos n. def a violent exchange of blows or words. ding-dong 3.b. syl ding-dong pos n. usage as modifier exam 1 a ding-dong battle. ding-dong 4. syl ding-dong pos adj. def sound?!ing or ringing repeatedly. dinge ety C19: back formation from #7dingy dinge H1.0. syl dinge pron pos n. def dinginess. infl head dinge syl ~ pos n. qual U.S. derogatory slang. dinge H2.1. syl dinge pron pos n. def a Negro. {~} dinge H2.2. syl dinge pron pos n. def of or relating to Negroes. dinghy ety C19: from Hindi or Bengali dingi a little boat, from ding*_a boat dingy infl head dinghy or dingey syl din+gy pron <1diGi> pos n. dingey infl head dinghy or dingy syl din+gey pron <1diGi> pos n. dinghies infl head dinghy syl din+ghies pos n. mod pl. dingies infl head dinghy or dingeys syl din+gies pos n. mod pl. dingeys infl head dinghy or dingies syl din+geys. pos n. mod pl. dinghy 0. syl din+ghy pron <1diGi> pos n. def any small boat, powered by sail, oars, or outboard motor. dingle ety C13: of uncertain origin dingle 0. syl din+gle pron <1diGgL> pos n. def a small wooded dell. dingo ety C18: native Australian name dingoes infl head dingo syl din+goes. pos n. mod pl. dingo 1. syl din+go pron <1diGg*u> pos n. def a wild dog, of Australia, having a yellowish-brown coat and resembling a wolf. dingo 2. syl din+go pron <1diGg*u> pos n. qual Austral. slang. def a cheat or coward. {~} dingo 3.a. syl din+go pron <1diGg*u> pos n. def to act in a cowardly manner. dingo 3.b. syl din+go pron <1diGg*u> pos n. def to drop out of something. dingo 4. syl din+go pron <1diGg*u> pos n. qual Austral. slang. usage foll. by on def to let (someone) down. dingy ety C18: perhaps from an earlier dialect word related to Old English dynge dung dingier infl head dingy syl din+gi+er pos adj. dingiest infl head dingy syl din+gi+est. pos adj. dingy 1. syl din+gy pron <1dinJi> pos adj. def lacking light or brightness; drab. dingy 2. syl din+gy pron <1dinJi> pos adj. def dirty; discoloured. dingily sub head dingy syl din+gi+ly pos adv. dinginess sub head dingy syl din+gi+ness pos n. dining car 0. syl din+ing car pos n. def a railway coach in which meals are served at tables. Also called: {restaurant car}. dining room 0. syl din+ing room pos n. def a room where meals are eaten. dinitrobenzene 0. syl di+ni+tro+ben+zene pron , <-ben1zEn> pos n. def a yellow crystalline compound existing in three isomeric forms, obtained by reaction of benzene with nitric and sulphuric acids. The form is used in the manufacture of dyes and plastics. Formula: C\6H\4(N0\2)\2. dinitrogen tetroxide 0. syl di+ni+tro+gen te+trox+ide pron pos n. def a colourless gaseous substance that exists in equilibrium with nitrogen dioxide. As the temperature is reduced the proportion of the tetroxide increases. Formula: N\2O\4. dink ety C16: of unknown origin dink 1. syl dink pron pos adj. qual Scot. and northern Brit. dialect. def neat or neatly dressed. {~} dink 2.a. syl dink pron pos adj. mod tr. qual Scot. and northern Brit. dialect. def to carry a second person on (a horse, bicycle, etc.). dink 2.b. syl dink pron pos adj. mod intr. qual Scot. and northern Brit. dialect. usage of two people def to travel together on a horse, bicycle, etc. Dinka ety from Dinka jieng people Dinkas infl head Dinka or Dinka syl Din+kas pos n. mod pl. Dinka infl or Dinkas syl Din+ka pos n. mod pl. Dinka 1. syl Din+ka pron <1diGk*> pos n. def a member of a Nilotic people of the S Sudan, noted for their height, which often reaches seven feet tall: chiefly herdsmen. Dinka 2. syl Din+ka pron <1diGk*> pos n. def the language of this people, belonging to the Nilotic group of the Nilo-Saharan family. dinkum ety C19: from English dialect: work, of unknown origin dinkum 1. syl din+kum pron <1diGk*m> pos adj. qual Austral. informal. def genuine or right (usually preceded by and used esp. as an interjection). exam 1 a fair dinkum offer. dinkum oil 2. head dinkum syl dinkum oil. qual Austral. informal. def the truth. dinky ety C18 (in the sense: dainty): from #7dink dinkier infl head dinky syl dink:i+er pos adj. dinkiest infl head dinky syl dink:i+est. pos adj. dinky 1. syl dink:y pron <1diGki> pos adj. qual Informal.; Brit. def small and neat; dainty. dinky 2. syl dink:y pron <1diGki> pos adj. qual Informal.; U.S. def inconsequential; insignificant. dinky-di ety C20: variant of #7dinkum dinky-di 0. syl dink:y-di pron <1diGki1dI> pos adj. qual Austral. informal. def typical. exam 1 dinky-di Pom idleness. dinner ety C13: from Old French disner; see #7dine dinner 1. syl din+ner pron <1din*> pos n. def a meal taken in the evening. dinner 2. syl din+ner pron <1din*> pos n. def a meal taken at midday, esp. when it is the main meal of the day; lunch. dinner 3.a. syl din+ner pron <1din*> pos n. def a formal evening meal, as of a club, society, etc. dinner 3.b. syl din+ner pron <1din*> pos n. def a public banquet in honour of someone or something. dinner 4. syl din+ner pron <1din*> pos n. def a complete meal at a fixed price in a restaurant; table d'h*^ote. dinner 5. syl din+ner pron <1din*> pos n. usage modifier def of, relating to, or used at dinner. exam 1 dinner plate; exam 2 dinner table; exam 3 dinner hour. do like a dinner 6. head dinner syl do like a dinner. qual Austral. informal. usage usually passive def to do for, overpower, or outdo. dinner-dance 0. syl din:ner-dance pos n. def a formal dinner followed by dancing. dinner jacket 1. syl din+ner jack+et pos n. def a man's semiformal evening jacket without tails, usually black with a silk facing over the collar and lapels. U.S. name: {tuxedo}. dinner service 0. syl din+ner serv+ice pos n. def a set of matching plates, dishes, etc., suitable for serving a meal to a certain number of people. dinoceras ety C19: New Latin, from Greek deinos fearful+ keras horn dinoceras 0. syl di+noc+er+as pron pos n. def another name for a {uintathere}. dinoflagellate ety C19: from New Latin Dinoflagellata, from Greek dinos whirling+#7flagellum+ -#7ate %1 dinoflagellate 1. syl di+no+flag+el+late pron <2dIn*u1fl@Jilit>, <-2lAt> pos n. def any of a group of unicellular biflagellate aquatic organisms forming a con?!stituent of plankton: can be regarded as an order of protozoans or a class of algae . {~} dinoflagellate 2. syl di+no+flag+el+late pron <2dIn*u1fl@Jilit>, <-2lAt> pos n. def of or relating to dinoflagellates. dinosaur ety C19: from New Latin dinosaurus, from Greek deinos fearful+ sauros lizard dinosaur 0. syl di+no+saur pron <1dIn*2sc:> pos n. def any extinct terrestrial reptile of the orders and many of which were of gigantic size and abundant in the Mesozoic era. See also {saurischian, ornithischian}. Compare {pterosaur, plesiosaur}. dinosaurian sub head dinosaur syl di+no+1saur+i:an pos adj. dinothere ety C19: from New Latin dinotherium, from Greek deinos fearful+ th*_erion, diminutive of th*_er beast dinothere 0. syl di+no+there pron <1dIn*2Ti*> pos n. def any extinct late Tertiary elephant-like mammal of the genus (or , having a down-turned jaw with tusks curving downwards and backwards. dint ety Old English dynt; related to Old Norse dyttr blow by dint of 1. head dint syl by dint of. def by means or use of. exam 1 by dint of hard work. dint 2. syl dint pron pos n. qual Archaic. def a blow or a mark made by a blow. dint 3. syl dint pron pos vb. mod tr. def to mark with dints. {~} dint 4. syl dint pron pos vb. def a variant spelling of {dent%1}. dintless sub head dint syl dint+less pos adj. Piero infl head D'Inzeo syl Pie:ro pron <1pje:ro> pos n. D'Inzeo 0. syl D'In:ze:o pron Italian pos n. def born 1923, and his brother {Rai@.mon@.do} (ra$I#!mondo), born 1925, Italian show-jumping riders. dioc 1. syl dioc. qual abbrev. for: def diocesan. dioc 2. syl dioc. qual abbrev. for: def diocese. Dio Cassius 0. syl Di:o Cas:si:us pron <1dI*u> <1k@si*s> pos n. def ??155-??230 #7a.d., Roman historian. His covers the period of Rome's transition from Republic to Empire. diocesan 1. syl di+oc+e:san pron pos adj. def of or relating to a diocese. diocesan 2. syl di+oc+e:san pron pos n. def the bishop of a diocese. diocese ety C14: from Old French, from Late Latin dioc*_esis, from Greek dioik*_esis administration, from dioikein to manage a household, from oikos house diocese 0. syl di:o+cese pron <1dI*sis> pos n. def the district under the jurisdiction of a bishop. Diocletian 0. syl Di:o:cle:tian pron <2d*i*1klES*n> pos n. def full name 245-313 #7a.d., Roman emperor (284-305), who divided the empire into four administrative units (293) and instigated the last severe persecution of the Christians (303). diode ety C20: from #7di -%1#7+ -#7ode %2 diode 1. syl di+ode pron <1dI*ud> pos n. def a semiconductor device containing one p-n junction, used in circuits for converting alternating current to direct current. More formal name: {semiconductor diode}. diode 2. syl di+ode pron <1dI*ud> pos n. def the earliest and simplest type of electronic valve having two electrodes, an anode and a cathode, between which a current can flow only in one direction. It was formerly widely used as a rectifier and detector but has now been replaced in most electrical circuits by the more efficient and reliable semi?!conductor diode. Diodorus Siculus 0. syl Di:o:do:rus Sic:u:lus pron <2dI*1dc:r*s> <1sikjul*s> pos n. def 1st century #7b.c., Greek historian, noted for his history of the world in 40 books, of which 15 are extant. dioecious ety C18: from New Latin Dioecia name of class, from #7di -%1#7+ Greek oikia house, dwelling diecious infl head dioecious or dioicous syl di+e:cious pron pos adj. dioicous infl head dioecious or diecious syl di+oi:cous pron pos adj. dioecious 0. syl di+oe:cious pron pos adj. usage of some plants def having the male and female reproductive organs in separate flowers on separate plants. {~} Compare {monoecious}. dioeciously sub head dioecious syl di+1oe:cious+ly pos adv. dieciously sub head dioecious or dioicously syl di+1e:cious+ly pos adv. dioicously sub head dioecious or dieciously syl di+1oi:cous+ly pos adv. dioeciousness sub head dioecious syl di+1oe:cious+ness pos n. dieciousness sub head dioecious or dioicousness syl di+1e:cious+ness pos n. dioicousness sub head dioecious or dieciousness syl di+1oi:cous+ness pos n. diestrus alt head dioestrus or dioestrus syl di+e:strus pron pos n. qual U.S. dioestrus 0. or diestrus syl di+oe:strus pron pos n. def a period of sexual inactivity between periods of oestrus in animals that have several oestrous cycles in one breeding season. Diogenes 0. syl Di:og:e:nes pron pos n. def ??412-??323 #7b.c., Greek Cynic philosopher, who rejected social conventions and advocated self-sufficiency and simplicity of life. diol ety from #7di -%1#7+ (#7alcoh) #7ol diol 0. syl di:ol pron <1dIol> pos n. qual Chem. def any of a class of alcohols that have two hydroxyl groups in each molecule. Also called: {glycol, dihydric alcohol}. Diomede Islands 0. syl Di:o+mede Is+lands pron <1dI*2mEd> pos n. mod pl. def two small islands in the Bering Strait, separated by the international date line and by the boundary line between the U.S. and the Soviet Union. Diomede infl head Diomedes or Diomed syl Di:o:mede pos n. Diomed infl head Diomedes or Diomede syl Di:o:med pos n. Diomedes 1. syl Di:o:me:des pron <2dI*1mEdEz> pos n. qual Greek myth. def a king of Argos, and suitor of Helen, who fought with the Greeks at Troy. Diomedes 2. syl Di:o:me:des pron <2dI*1mEdEz> pos n. qual Greek myth. def a king of the Bistones in Thrace whose savage horses ate strangers. Dione H1.0. syl Di:o:ne pron pos n. qual Greek myth. def a Titaness; the earliest consort of Zeus and mother of Aphrodite. Dione H2.0. syl Di:o+ne pron pos n. def one of the ten satellites of the planet Saturn. Dionysia 0. syl Di:o+ny+si:a pron <2dI*1nizi*> pos n. usage in ancient Greece def festivals of the god Dionysus: a source of Athenian drama. Dionysiac 1. syl Di:o+nys:i+ac pron <2dI*1nizi2@k> pos adj. def of or relating to Dionysus or his worship. Dionysiac 2. syl Di:o+nys:i+ac pron <2dI*1nizi2@k> pos adj. def a less common word for {Dionysian}. Dionysian 1. syl Di:o+ny+si:an pron <2dI*1nizi*n> pos adj. def of or relating to Dionysus. Dionysian 2. syl Di:o+ny+si:an pron <2dI*1nizi*n> pos adj. usage sometimes not cap.; in the philosophy of Nietzsche def of or relating to the set of creative qualities that encompasses spontaneity, irrationality, the rejection of discipline, etc. Dionysian 3. syl Di:o+ny+si:an pron <2dI*1nizi*n> pos adj. usage often not cap. def wild or orgiastic. Dionysian 4. syl Di:o+ny+si:an pron <2dI*1nizi*n> pos adj. def of or relating to any of the historical characters named Dionysius. Compare (for senses 2, 3) {Apollonian}. Dionysius 0. syl Di:o:ny:si:us pron <2dI*1nisi*s> pos n. def called ??430-367 #7b.c., tyrant of Syracuse (405-367), noted for his successful campaigns against Carthage and S Italy. Dionysius Exiguus 0. syl Di:o:ny:si:us Ex:ig:u:us pron pos n. def died ??556 #7a.d., Scythian monk and scholar, who is believed to have introduced the current method of reckoning dates on the basis of the Christian era. Dionysius of Halicarnassus 0. syl Di:o:ny:si:us of Hal:i+car+nas+sus pos n. def died ??7 #7b.c., Greek historian and rhetorician; author of a history of Rome. Dionysos alt head Dionysus or Dionysus syl Di:o:ny:sos pron <2dI*1nIs*s> pos n. Dionysus 0. or Dionysos syl Di:o:ny:sus pron <2dI*1nIs*s> pos n. def the Greek god of wine, fruitfulness, and vegetation, worshipped in orgiastic rites. He was also known as the bestower of ecstasy and god of the drama, and identified with Bacchus. Diophantine equation 0. syl Di:o+phan+tine e:qua+tion pron <2dI*u1f@ntIn> pos n. usage in number theory def an equation in more than one variable and with integral coefficients, for which integral solutions are sought. Diophantus 0. syl Di:o:phan:tus pron <2dI*u1f@nt*s> pos n. def 3rd century #7a.d., Greek mathematician, noted for his treatise on the theory of numbers, diopside ety C19: from #7di -%2#7+ Greek opsis sight, appearance+-#7ide diopside 0. syl di+op+side pron , <-sid> pos n. def a colourless or pale-green pyroxene mineral consisting of calcium magnesium silicate in monoclinic crystalline form: used as a gemstone. Formula: CaMgSi\2O\6. dioptase ety C19: from French, from Greek dia- through+ optos visible dioptase 0. syl di+op+tase pron , <-tAz> pos n. def a green glassy mineral consist?!ing of hydrated copper silicate in hexagonal crystalline form. Formula: H\2CuSiO\4. dioptometer ety from #7di -%2#7+opt (#7ic) #7+ -#7meter &- @!di+op+#!tom+e@.try n. dioptometer 0. syl di+op+tom+e:ter pron <2dIop1tomit*> pos n. def an instrument for measuring ocular refraction. dioptre ety C16: from Latin dioptra optical instrument, from Greek, from dia- through+ opsesthai to see diopter alt head dioptre or dioptre syl di+op+ter pron pos n. qual U.S. dioptre 0. or diopter syl di+op+tre pron pos n. def a unit for measuring the refractive power of a lens: the reciprocal of the focal length of the lens expressed in metres. dioptral sub head dioptre syl di+1op+tral pos adj. dioptrical alt head dioptric or dioptric syl di+op+tri+cal pos adj. dioptric 1. or dioptrical syl di+op+tric pron pos adj. def of or concerned with dioptrics. dioptric 2. or dioptrical syl di+op+tric pron pos adj. def of or denoting refraction or refracted light. dioptrically sub head dioptric syl di+1op+tri+cal+ly pos adv. dioptrics ety C20: from #7dioptre+ics dioptrics 0. syl di+op+trics pron pos n. mod functioning as; sing. def the branch of geometrical optics concerned with the formation of images by lenses. Christian infl head Dior syl Chris:tian pron <1krisC*n>, French pos n. Dior 0. syl Dior pron , French , French pos n. def 1905-57, French couturier, noted for his New Look of narrow shoulders and waist with a full skirt (1947); he also created the waistless sack dress. diorama ety C19: from French, from Greek dia- through+Greek horama view, from horan to see diorama 1. syl di:o+ra+ma pron <2dI*1ra:m*> pos n. def a miniature three-dimensional scene, in which models of figures are seen against a background. diorama 2. syl di:o+ra+ma pron <2dI*1ra:m*> pos n. def a picture made up of illuminated translucent curtains, viewed through an aperture. diorama 3. syl di:o+ra+ma pron <2dI*1ra:m*> pos n. def a museum display, as of an animal, of a specimen in its natural setting. diorama 4. syl di:o+ra+ma pron <2dI*1ra:m*> pos n. qual Films. def a scene produced by the rearrangement of lighting effects. dioramic sub head diorama syl di:o+ram+ic pron <2dI*1r@mik> pos adj. diorite ety C19: from French, from Greek diorizein to distinguish (from dia- apart+ horizein to define) +-#7ite %1 diorite 0. syl di:o+rite pron <1dI*2rIt> pos n. def a dark coarse-grained igneous plutonic rock consisting of plagioclase feldspar and ferromagnesian minerals such as hornblende. dioritic sub head diorite syl di:o+rit+ic pron <2dI*1ritik> pos adj. Dioscuri 0. syl Di:os:cu:ri pron <2dIos1kju*ri> pos n. mod pl. def the Greek name for {Castor and Pollux}, when considered together. dioxane alt head dioxan or dioxan syl di+ox+ane pron pos n. dioxan 0. or dioxane syl di+ox+an pron pos n. def a colourless insoluble toxic liquid made by heating ethanediol with sulphuric acid; 1,4-diethylene dioxide: used as a solvent, esp. for waxes and cellulose acetate resins. Formula: (CH\2)\2O(CH\2)\2O. dioxide 1. syl di+ox+ide pron pos n. def any oxide containing two oxygen atoms per molecule, both of which are bonded to an atom of another element. dioxide 2. syl di+ox+ide pron pos n. def another name for a { {peroxide} (sense 4).} dip ety Old English dyppan; related to Old High German tupfen to wash, German taufen to baptize; see #7deep dips infl head dip syl dips pos vb. dipping infl head dip syl dip+ping pos vb. dipped infl head dip syl dipped. pos vb. dip 1. syl dip pron pos vb. def to plunge or be plunged quickly or briefly into a liquid, esp. to wet or coat. dip 2. syl dip pron pos vb. mod intr. def to undergo a slight decline, esp. temporarily. exam 1 sales dipped in November. dip 3. syl dip pron pos vb. mod intr. def to slope downwards. exam 1 the land dips towards the river. dip 4. syl dip pron pos vb. def to sink or appear to sink quickly. exam 1 the sun dipped below the horizon. dip 5. syl dip pron pos vb. mod tr. def to switch (car headlights) from the main to the lower beam. U.S. word: {dim}. dip 6.a. syl dip pron pos vb. def to immerse (poultry, sheep, etc.) briefly in a liquid chemical to rid them of or prevent infestation by insects, etc. dip 6.b. syl dip pron pos vb. def to immerse (grain, vegetables, or wood) in a preservative liquid. dip 7. syl dip pron pos vb. mod tr. def to stain or dye by immersing in a liquid. dip 8. syl dip pron pos vb. mod tr. def to baptize (someone) by immersion. dip 9. syl dip pron pos vb. mod tr. def to plate or galvanize (a metal, etc.) by immersion in an electrolyte or electrolytic cell. dip 10. syl dip pron pos vb. mod tr. def to scoop up a liquid or something from a liquid in the hands or in a container. dip 11. syl dip pron pos vb. def to lower or be lowered briefly. exam 1 she dipped her knee in a curtsy. dip 12. syl dip pron pos vb. mod tr. def to make (a candle) by plunging the wick into melted wax. dip 13. syl dip pron pos vb. mod intr. def to plunge a container, the hands, etc., into something, esp. to obtain or retrieve an object. exam 1 he dipped in his pocket for money. dip 14. syl dip pron pos vb. mod intr. usage foll. by in or into def to draw (upon). exam 1 he dipped into his savings. dip 15. syl dip pron pos vb. mod intr. usage foll. by in or into def to dabble (in); play (at). exam 1 he dipped into black magic. dip 16. syl dip pron pos vb. mod intr. usage foll. by in or into def to select passages to read at random (from a book, newspaper, etc.). dip 17. syl dip pron pos vb. mod intr. usage of an aircraft def to drop suddenly and then regain height. dip 18. syl dip pron pos vb. mod intr. usage of a rock stratum or mineral vein def to slope downwards from the horizontal. dip 19. syl dip pron pos vb. mod intr. usage often foll. by for; in children's games def to select (a leader, etc.) by reciting any of various rhymes. dip 20. syl dip pron pos n. def the act of dipping or state of being dipped. dip 21. syl dip pron pos n. def a brief swim in water. dip 22.a. syl dip pron pos n. def any liquid chemical preparation in which poultry, sheep, etc. are dipped. dip 22.b. syl dip pron pos n. def any liquid preservative into which objects, esp. of wood, are dipped. dip 23. syl dip pron pos n. def a preparation of dyeing agents into which fabric is immersed. dip 24. syl dip pron pos n. def a depression, esp. in a landscape. dip 25. syl dip pron pos n. def something taken up by dipping. dip 26. syl dip pron pos n. def a container used for dipping; dipper. dip 27. syl dip pron pos n. def a momentary sinking down. dip 28. syl dip pron pos n. def the angle of slope of rock strata, fault planes, etc., from the horizontal plane. dip 29. syl dip pron pos n. def Also called: {angle of dip, magnetic dip, inclination}. the angle between the direction of the earth's magnetic field and the plane of the horizon; the angle that a magnetic needle free to swing in a vertical plane makes with the horizontal. dip 30. syl dip pron pos n. def a creamy savoury mixture usually made from cheese, into which potato crisps, sticks of celery, etc., are dipped before being eaten. dip 31. syl dip pron pos n. qual Surveying. def the angular distance of the horizon below the plane of observation. dip 32. syl dip pron pos n. def a candle made by plunging a wick repeatedly into wax. dip 33. syl dip pron pos n. def a momentary loss of altitude when flying. dip 34. syl dip pron pos n. usage in gymnastics def a chinning exercise on the parallel bars. dip 35. syl dip pron pos n. def a slang word for {pickpocket}. Dip alt head dip or dip syl Dip. dip 0. or Dip syl dip. qual abbrev. for def diploma. Dip A D 0. syl Dip. A. D. qual abbrev. for usage in Britain def Diploma in Art and Design. dip circle 0. syl dip cir+cle pos n. def an instrument for measuring dip, consisting of a dip needle with a vertical circular scale of angles. Also called: {inclinometer}. Dip Ed 0. syl Dip. Ed. qual abbrev. for usage in Britain def Diploma in Education. dipeptide 0. syl di+pep+tide pron pos n. def a compound consisting of two linked amino acids. See {peptide}. dipetalous 0. syl di+pet+al+ous pron pos adj. def another word for {bipetalous}. diphasic alt head diphase or diphase syl di+phas+ic pron pos adj. diphase 0. or diphasic syl di+phase pron <1dI2fAz> pos adj. qual Physics. def of, having, or concerned with two phases. diphenyl 0. syl di+phe:nyl pron , <-nil>, <-1fenil> pos n. def another name for {biphenyl}. diphenylamine 0. syl di+phe:nyl+a:mine pron , <-1@min>, <-nil->, <-2fen-> pos n. def a colourless insoluble crystalline derivative of benzene, used in the manufacture of dyes, as a stabilizer in plastics, etc. Formula: (C\6H\5)\2NH. diphenylhydantoin sodium 0. syl di+phe:nyl+hy+dan+to+in so+di:um pron , <-nil->, <-2fen-> pos n. def a white soluble bitter-tasting powder used as an anticonvulsant in the treatment of epilepsy. Formula: C\1\5H\1\1N\2O\2Na. diphosgene 0. syl di+phos+gene pron pos n. def an oily liquid with an extremely poisonous vapour, made by treating methanol with phosgene and chlorinating the product: has been used in chemical warfare. Formula: ClCOOCCl\3. diphtheria ety C19: New Latin, from French diphth*'erie, from Greek diphthera leather; from the nature of the membrane &- diph+#!the@.ri@.al, diph+the@.rit+ic (@!d$Ip#Gg$$#!r$It$Ik, d$If-), or diph+ther+ic (d$Ip#!#Gg$er$Ik, d$If-) adj. diphtheria 0. syl diph+the:ri:a pron , pos n. def an acute contagious disease caused by the bacillus producing fever, severe prostration, and difficulty in breathing and swallowing as the result of swelling of the throat and formation of a false membrane. diphtheroid sub head diphtheria syl diph+the:2roid pos adj. diphthong ety C15: from Late Latin diph?!thongus, from Greek diphthongos, from {#7di -%1}#7+ phthongos sound diphthong 1. syl diph+thong pron <1difToG>, <1dip-> pos n. def a vowel sound, occupying a single syllable, during the articulation of which the tongue moves from one position to another, causing a continual change in vowel quality, as in the pronunciation of in English during which the tongue moves from the position of (e) towards ($I). diphthong 2. syl diph+thong pron <1difToG>, <1dip-> pos n. def a digraph or ligature representing a composite vowel such as this, as in diphthongal sub head diphthong syl diph+1thon+gal pos adj. diphthongise alt head diphthongize or diphthongize syl diph+thong+ise pron <1difToG2Iz>, <-2gIz>, <1dip-> pos vb. diphthongize 0. or diphthongise syl diph+thong+ize pron <1difToG2Iz>, <-2gIz>, <1dip-> pos vb. usage often passive def to make (a simple vowel) into a diphthong. diphthongization sub head diphthongize or diphthongisation syl diph+thong:i+1za+tion pos n. diphthongisation sub head diphthongize or diphthongization syl diph+thong:i+1sa+tion pos n. diphycercal ety C19: from Greek diphu*_es twofold (from {#7di -%1}#7+ phu*_e growth)+ kerkos tail diphycercal 0. syl di+phy+cer+cal pron <2difi1sR:kL> pos adj. qual Ichthyol. def of or possessing a symmetrical or pointed tail with the vertebral column extend?!ing to the tip, as in primitive fishes. diphyletic 0. syl di+phy+let+ic pron <2dIfI1letik> pos adj. def relating to or characterized by descent from two ancestral groups of animals or plants. diphyllous 0. syl di+phyl+lous pron pos adj. usage of certain plants def having two leaves. diphyodont ety C19: from Greek diphu*_es double (see #7diphycercal) #7+ -#7odont diphyodont 0. syl diph:y+o:dont pron <1difi*u2dont> pos adj. def having two successive sets of teeth, as mammals (including man). Compare {polyphyodont}. dipl 1. syl dipl. qual abbrev. for: def diplomat(ic). dipl 2. syl dipl. qual abbrev. for: def Also: {dip}. diploma. diplegia 0. syl di+ple:gia pron pos n. def paralysis of corresponding parts on both sides of the body; bilateral paralysis. diplex ety C19: #7di-%1+-plex, on the model of duplex diplex 0. syl di+plex pron <1dIpleks> pos adj. def permitting the transmission or reception of two signals simultaneously in the same direction over a radio or telecommunications channel. Compare { {duplex} (sense 4),} { {simplex} (sense 1).} diplexer sub head diplex syl di+plex+er pos n. diplo- ety from Greek, from diploos, from #7di -%1#7+ -ploos -fold diploblastic 0. syl dip+lo+blas+tic pron <2dipl*u1bl@stik> pos adj. usage of jellyfish, corals, and other coelenterates def having a body developed from only two germ layers (ectoderm and endoderm). Compare {triploblastic}. diplocardiac 0. syl dip+lo+car+di+ac pron <2dipl*u1ka:di2@k> pos adj. usage of birds and mammals def having a four-chambered heart, which enables two separate circulations and prevents mixing of the arterial and venous blood. diplococci infl head diplococcus syl dip+lo+coc+ci pron <-1koksI> pos n. mod pl. diplococcus 0. syl dip+lo+coc+cus pron <2dipl*u1kok*s> pos n. def any of various spherical Gram-positive bacteria that occur in pairs, esp. any of the genus such as which causes pneumonia: family diplococcal sub head diplococcus or diplococcic syl dip+lo+1coc+cal pron <2dipl*u1koksik>, <-1kokik> pos adj. diplococcic sub head diplococcus or diplococcal syl dip+lo+coc+cic pron <2dipl*u1koksik>, <-1kokik> pos adj. diplodocus ety C19: from New Latin, from #7diplo -#7+ Greek dokos beam diploe ety C17: via New Latin, from Greek: a fold, from diploos double diploe 0. syl dip+lo:*"e pron <1dipl*u2E> pos n. qual Anatomy. def the spongy bone separating the two layers of compact bone of the skull. diploid 1. syl dip+loid pron <1diplcid> pos adj. usage Biology. of cells or organisms def having paired homologous chromosomes so that twice the haploid number is present. diploid 2. syl dip+loid pron <1diplcid> pos adj. def double or twofold. diploid 3. syl dip+loid pron <1diplcid> pos n. def a diploid cell or organism. diploidic sub head diploid syl dip+1loi+dic pos adj. diploma ety C17: from Latin: official letter or document, literally: letter folded double, from Greek; see #7diplo - diploma 1. syl di+plo+ma pron pos n. def a document conferring a qualifi?!cation, recording success in examinations or successful completion of a course of study. diploma 2. syl di+plo+ma pron pos n. def an official document that confers an honour or privilege. diplomacy ety C18: from French diplomatie, from diplomatique #7diplomatic diplomacies infl head diplomacy syl di+plo+ma+cies. pos n. mod pl. diplomacy 1. syl di+plo+ma+cy pron pos n. def the conduct of the relations of one state with another by peaceful means. diplomacy 2. syl di+plo+ma+cy pron pos n. def skill in the management of international relations. diplomacy 3. syl di+plo+ma+cy pron pos n. def tact, skill, or cunning in dealing with people. diplomat 1. syl dip+lo+mat pron <1dipl*2m@t> pos n. def an official such as an ambassador or first secretary, engaged in diplomacy. diplomat 2. syl dip+lo+mat pron <1dipl*2m@t> pos n. def a person who deals with people tactfully or skilfully. diplomate 0. syl dip+lo+mate pron <1dipl*2mAt> pos n. def any person who has been granted a diploma, esp. a physician certified as a specialist. diplomatic ety C18: from French diplomatique concerning the documents of diplomacy, from New Latin dipl*_omaticus; see #7diploma diplomatical alt head diplomatic or diplomatic syl dip+lo+mat:i+cal pos adj. diplomatic 1. or diplomatical syl dip+lo+mat+ic pron <2dipl*1m@tik> pos adj. def of or relating to diplomacy or diplomats. diplomatic 2. or diplomatical syl dip+lo+mat+ic pron <2dipl*1m@tik> pos adj. def skilled in negotiating, esp. between states or people. diplomatic 3. or diplomatical syl dip+lo+mat+ic pron <2dipl*1m@tik> pos adj. def tactful in dealing with people. diplomatic 4. or diplomatical syl dip+lo+mat+ic pron <2dipl*1m@tik> pos adj. def of or relating to diplomatics. diplomatically sub head diplomatic syl dip+lo+1mat:i+cal+ly pos adv. body alt head diplomatic corps or diplomatic corps syl bod:y pos n. diplomatic corps 0. or body syl dip+lo+mat+ic corps pos n. def the entire body of diplomats accredited to a given state. diplomatic immunity 0. syl dip+lo+mat+ic im+mun+i:ty pos n. def the immunity from local jurisdiction and exemption from taxation in the country to which they are accredited afforded to diplomats. diplomatics 1. syl dip+lo+mat+ics pron <2dipl*1m@tiks> pos n. def the critical study of historical documents. diplomatics 2. syl dip+lo+mat+ics pron <2dipl*1m@tiks> pos n. def a less common word for {diplomacy}. Diplomatic Service 1. syl Dip+lo+mat+ic Serv+ice pos n. qual Brit. def the division of the Civil Service which provides diplomats to represent the U.K. abroad. Diplomatic Service 2. syl Dip+lo+mat+ic Serv+ice pos n. usage not caps. def the equivalent institution of any other country. diplomatist 0. syl di+plo+ma+tist pron pos n. def a less common word for {diplomat}. diplont ety C20: #7diplo -#7+ Greek *_on being, from einai to be diplont 0. syl dip+lont pron <1diplont> pos n. def an animal or plant that has the diploid number of chromosomes in its somatic cells. diplopia ety C19: New Latin, from #7diplo -#7+ Greek *_ops eye diplopia 0. syl di+plo+pi:a pron pos n. def a visual defect in which a single object is seen in duplicate; double vision. diplopic sub head diplopia syl di+plop+ic pron pos adj. diplopod 0. syl dip+lo+pod pron <1dipl*2pod> pos n. def any arthropod of the class which includes the millipedes. diplosis ety C20: from Greek dipl*_osis doubling, from diploun to double, from diploos double diplosis 0. syl di+plo+sis pron pos n. qual Biology. def the doubling of the haploid number of chromosomes that occurs during fusion of gametes to form a diploid zygote. diplostemonous ety C19: from New Latin diplostemonus (unattested), from #7diplo -#7+ -stemonus relating to a #7stamen diplostemonous 0. syl dip+lo+ste+mo+nous pron <2dipl*u1stEm*n*s>, <-1stem-> pos adj. usage of plants def having twice as many stamens as petals, esp. with the stamens arranged in two whorls. diplotene 0. syl dip+lo+tene pron <1dipl*u2tEn> pos n. def the fourth stage of the prophase of meiosis, during which the chromosomes of each bivalent separate, usually with the interchange of genetic material. See also { {chiasma} (sense 2),} {crossing over}. dip needle 0. syl dip nee+dle pos n. def a magnetized needle pivoted through its centre of gravity able to rotate freely in a vertical plane, used to determine the inclination of the earth's magnetic field. See also {dip circle}. dipnoan ety C19: from New Latin Dipnoi, from Greek dipnoos, double-breathing, from #7di -%1#7+ pno*_e breathing, air, from pnein to breathe dipnoan 1. syl dip+no:an pron pos adj. def of, relating to, or belonging to the a subclass of bony fishes comprising the lungfishes. dipnoan 2. syl dip+no:an pron pos n. def any lungfish. dipody ety C19: from Late Latin dipodia, from Greek #7di -%1#7+ pous foot dipodies infl head dipody syl dip:o+dies. pos n. mod pl. dipody 0. syl dip:o+dy pron <1dip*di> pos n. qual Prosody. def a metrical unit consisting of two feet. dipole 1. syl di+pole pron <1dI2p*ul> pos n. def two electric charges or magnetic poles that have equal magnitudes but opposite signs and are separated by a small distance. dipole 2. syl di+pole pron <1dI2p*ul> pos n. def a molecule in which the centre of positive charge does not coincide with the centre of negative charge. dipole 3. syl di+pole pron <1dI2p*ul> pos n. def Also called: {dipole aerial}. a radio or television aerial consisting of a single straight metal rod with the connecting wire fixed to its midpoint. dipolar sub head dipole syl di+1po+lar pos adj. dip out 0. syl dip out pos vb. adv. mod intr. qual Austral. informal. usage often foll. by on def to fail to take part (in) or advantage (of). dipper 1. syl dip+per pron <1dip*> pos n. def a ladle used for dipping. dipper 2. syl dip+per pron <1dip*> pos n. def Also called: {water ouzel}. any aquatic songbird of the genus and family esp. They inhabit fast-flowing streams and resemble large wrens. dipper 3. syl dip+per pron <1dip*> pos n. def a person or thing that dips, such as the mechanism for directing car headlights downwards. dipper 4. syl dip+per pron <1dip*> pos n. def a small metal cup clipped onto a painter's palette for holding diluent or medium. dipper 5. syl dip+per pron <1dip*> pos n. qual Archaic. def an Anabaptist. {~} See also {big dipper}. dippy ety C20: of unknown origin dippier infl head dippy syl dip+pi+er pos adj. dippiest infl head dippy syl dip+pi+est. pos adj. dippy 0. syl dip+py pron <1dipi> pos adj. qual Slang. def odd, eccentric, or crazy. dipropellant 0. syl di+pro+pel+lant pron <2dIpr*1pel*nt> pos n. def another name for {bipropel?!lant}. diprotodont ety C19: from Greek from #7di -%1#7+proto -#7+ -#7odont diprotodont 0. syl di+pro:to+dont pron pos n. def any marsupial of the group or suborder including kangaroos, phalangers, and wombats, having fewer than three upper incisor teeth on each side of the jaw. Compare {polyprotodont}. dipsomania ety C19: New Latin, from Greek dipsa thirst+-#7mania dipsomania 0. syl dip+so+ma+ni:a pron <2dips*u1mAni*> pos n. def a compulsive desire to drink alcoholic beverages. dipsomaniac 1. syl dip+so+ma+ni+ac pron <2dips*u1mAni2@k> pos n. def any person who has an uncontrollable and recurring urge to drink alcohol. Short?!ened form: {dipso. ~} dipsomaniac 2. syl dip+so+ma+ni+ac pron <2dips*u1mAni2@k> pos n. def relating to or affected with dipsomania. dipsomaniacal sub head dipsomaniac syl dip+so+ma+ni:a+cal pron <2dips*um*1nI*kL> pos adj. dipstick 0. syl dip+stick pron <1dip2stik> pos n. def a graduated rod or strip dipped into a container to indicate the fluid level. dip switch 0. syl dip switch pos n. def a device for dipping car headlights. dipteral 0. syl dip+ter+al pron <1dipt*r*l> pos adj. qual Architect. def having a double row of columns. dipteron alt head dipteran or dipteran syl dip+ter+on pron <1dipt*2ron> pos n. dipteran 1. or dipteron syl dip+ter+an pron <1dipt*r*n> pos n. def any dipterous insect. dipteran 2. or dipteron syl dip+ter+an pron <1dipt*r*n> pos adj. def another word for { {dipterous} (sense 1).} dipterocarpaceous ety C19: via New Latin from Greek dipteros two-winged+ karpos fruit dipterocarpaceous 0. syl dip+ter:o+car+pa+ceous pron <2dipt*r*uka:1pAS*s> pos adj. def of, relating to, or belonging to the a family of trees chiefly native to Malaysia, having two-winged fruits. Many species yield useful timber and resins. dipterous 1. syl dip+ter+ous pron <1dipt*r*s> pos adj. def Also: {dipteran}. of, relating to, or belonging to the a large order of insects having a single pair of wings and sucking or piercing mouthparts. The group includes flies, mosquitoes, craneflies, and midges. dipterous 2. syl dip+ter+ous pron <1dipt*r*s> pos adj. qual Botany. def having two winglike parts. exam 1 a dipterous seed. diptych 1. syl dip+tych pron <1diptik> pos n. def a pair of hinged wooden tablets with waxed surfaces for writing. diptych 2. syl dip+tych pron <1diptik> pos n. def a painting or carving on two panels, usually hinged like a book. dir 0. syl dir. qual abbrev. for def director. Paul Adrien Maurice infl head Dirac syl Paul A:dri:en Mau:rice. pos n. Dirac 0. syl Di:rac pron pos n. def born 1902, English physicist, noted for his work on the application of relativity to quantum mechanics and his prediction of electron spin and the positron: shared the Nobel prize for physics 1933. Dirac constant 0. syl Di:rac con+stant pos n. def a constant used in quantum mechanics equal to the Planck constant divided by 2#Gr. It has a value of 1.0544&+#800210 0.0003#M10%-%3%4 joule seconds. Symbol. exam 1 h#800211 dire ety C16: from Latin d*_irus ominous, fearful; related to Greek deos fear dire 1. syl dire pron pos adj. usage usually prenominal def Also: {direful}. disastrous; fearful. dire 2. syl dire pron pos adj. usage usually prenominal def desperate; urgent. exam 1 a dire need. direly sub head dire syl dire+ly pos adv. direness sub head dire syl dire+ness pos n. direct ety C14: from Latin d*_irectus; from d*_irigere to guide, from dis- apart+ regere to rule direct 1. syl di+rect pron , pos vb. mod mainly; tr. def to regulate, conduct, or control the affairs of. direct 2. syl di+rect pron , pos vb. mod also; intr. def to give commands or orders with authority to (a person or group). exam 1 he directed them to go away. direct 3. syl di+rect pron , pos vb. mod mainly; tr. def to tell or show (someone) the way to a place. direct 4. syl di+rect pron , pos vb. mod mainly; tr. def to aim, point, or cause to move towards a goal. direct 5. syl di+rect pron , pos vb. mod mainly; tr. def to address (a letter, parcel, etc.). direct 6. syl di+rect pron , pos vb. mod mainly; tr. def to address (remarks, words, etc.). exam 1 to direct comments at someone. direct 7. syl di+rect pron , pos vb. mod also; intr. def to provide guidance to (actors, cameramen, etc.) in the rehearsal of a play or the filming of a motion picture. direct 8.a. syl di+rect pron , pos vb. mod mainly; tr. def to conduct (a piece of music or musicians), usually while performing oneself. direct 8.b. syl di+rect pron , pos vb. mod mainly; tr. def another word (esp. U.S.) for { {conduct} (sense 8).} direct 9. syl di+rect pron , pos adj. mod mainly; tr. def without delay or evasion; straightforward. exam 1 a direct ap?!proach. direct 10. syl di+rect pron , pos adj. mod mainly; tr. def without turning aside; uninterrupted; shortest; straight. exam 1 a direct route. direct 11. syl di+rect pron , pos adj. mod mainly; tr. def without intervening persons or agencies; immediate. exam 1 a direct link. direct 12. syl di+rect pron , pos adj. mod mainly; tr. def honest; frank; candid. exam 1 a direct answer. direct 13. syl di+rect pron , pos adj. mod mainly; tr. usage usually prenominal def precise; exact. exam 1 a direct quotation. direct 14. syl di+rect pron , pos adj. mod mainly; tr. def diametrical. exam 1 the direct opposite. direct 15. syl di+rect pron , pos adj. mod mainly; tr. def in an unbroken line of descent, as from father to son over succeeding generations. exam 1 a direct descendant. direct 16. syl di+rect pron , pos adj. mod mainly; tr. usage of government, deci?!sions, etc. def by or from the electorate rather than through representatives. direct 17.a. syl di+rect pron , pos adj. mod mainly; tr. usage of a relationship def containing two variables such that an increase (or decrease) in one results in an increase (or decrease) in the other. Compare { {inverse} (sense 2).} direct 17.b. syl di+rect pron , pos adj. mod mainly; tr. usage of a proof def accepting and using the hypothesis to be proved to show that it is a true statement. Compare { {indirect} (sense 5).} direct 18. syl di+rect pron , pos adj. mod mainly; tr. qual Astronomy. def moving from west to east on the celestial sphere. Compare { {retrograde} (sense 4a.).} direct 19.a. syl di+rect pron , pos adj. mod mainly; tr. def of or relating to direct current. direct 19.b. syl di+rect pron , pos adj. mod mainly; tr. usage of a secondary induced current def having the same direction as the primary current. direct 20.a. syl di+rect pron , pos adj. mod mainly; tr. usage of motion def in the same direction. See { {motion} (sense 9).} direct 20.b. syl di+rect pron , pos adj. mod mainly; tr. usage of an interval or chord def in root position; not inverted. direct 21. syl di+rect pron , pos adv. mod mainly; tr. def directly; straight. exam 1 he went direct to the office. directness sub head direct syl di+1rect+ness pos n. direct access 0. syl di+rect ac+cess pos n. def a method of reading data from a computer file without reading through the file from the beginning as on a disk or drum. Also called: {random access}. Compare {sequential access}. direct action 0. syl di+rect ac+tion pos n. def action such as strikes or civil disobedience, employed by organized labour or other groups to obtain demands from an employer, government, etc. direct current 0. syl di+rect cur+rent pos n. def a continuous electric current that flows in one direction only, without substantial variation in magnitude. Abbrev.: {D.C}. Compare {alternating current}. direct distance dialing 0. syl di+rect dis+tance di+al+ing pos n. def the U.S. equivalent of {subscriber trunk dialling}. direct dye 0. syl di+rect dye pos n. def any of a number of dyes that can be applied without the use of a mordant. They are usually azo dyes applied to cotton or rayon from a liquid bath containing an electrolyte such as sodium sulphate. directed 0. syl di+rect+ed pron , pos adj. usage Maths. of a number, line, or angle def having either a positive or negative sign to distinguish measurement in one direction or orientation from that in the opposite direction or orientation. direct evidence 0. syl di+rect ev:i+dence pos n. qual Law. def evidence, usually the testimony of a witness, directly relating to the fact in dispute. Compare {circumstantial evidence}. direct-grant school 0. syl di:rect-grant school pos n. qual Brit. def a school financed by endowment, fees, and a state grant conditional upon admittance of a percentage of nonpaying pupils nominated by the local education authority. direction 1. syl di+rec+tion pron , pos n. def the act of directing or the state of being directed. direction 2. syl di+rec+tion pron , pos n. def management, control, or guid?!ance. direction 3. syl di+rec+tion pron , pos n. def the work of a stage or film director. direction 4. syl di+rec+tion pron , pos n. def the course or line along which a person or thing moves, points, or lies. direction 5. syl di+rec+tion pron , pos n. def the course along which a ship, aircraft, etc., is travelling, expressed as the angle between true or magnetic north and an imaginary line through the main fore-and-aft axis of the vessel. direction 6. syl di+rec+tion pron , pos n. def the place towards which a person or thing is directed. direction 7. syl di+rec+tion pron , pos n. def a line of action; course. direction 8. syl di+rec+tion pron , pos n. def the name and address on a letter, parcel, etc. direction 9. syl di+rec+tion pron , pos n. qual Music. def the process of conducting an orchestra, choir, etc. direction 10. syl di+rec+tion pron , pos n. qual Music. def an instruction in the form of a word or symbol heading or occurring in the body of a passage, movement, or piece to indicate tempo, dynamics, mood, etc. direction 11.a. syl di+rec+tion pron , pos n. usage of an angle def being any one of the three angles that a line in space makes with the three positive directions of the coordinate axes. Usually given as #Ga, #Gb, and #Gl with respect to the and axes. direction 11.b. syl di+rec+tion pron , pos n. usage of a cosine def being the cosine of any of the direction angles. directional 1. syl di+rec+tion+al pron , pos adj. def of or relating to a spatial direction. directional 2.a. syl di+rec+tion+al pron , pos adj. def having or relating to an increased sensitivity to radio waves, sound waves, nuclear particles, etc., coming from a particular direction. directional 2.b. syl di+rec+tion+al pron , pos adj. usage of an aerial def transmitting or receiving radio waves more effectively in some directions than in others. directional 3.a. syl di+rec+tion+al pron , pos adj. def concentrated in, following, or producing motion in a particular direction. directional 3.b. syl di+rec+tion+al pron , pos adj. def indicating direction. directionality sub head directional syl di+2rec+tion+1al+i:ty pos n. direction finder 0. syl di+rec+tion find+er pos n. def a highly directional aerial system that can be used to determine the direction of incoming radio signals, used esp. as a navigation aid. Abbrevs.: {D/F} or {D.F}. &- {di+rec+tion find+ing} directions 0. syl di+rec+tions pron , pos n. mod pl. sometimes; sing. def instructions for doing something or for reaching a place. directive 1. syl di+rec+tive pron , pos n. def an instruction; order. directive 2. syl di+rec+tive pron , pos adj. def tending to direct; directing. directive 3. syl di+rec+tive pron , pos adj. def indicating direction. directly 1. syl di+rect+ly pron , pos adv. def in a direct manner. directly 2. syl di+rect+ly pron , pos adv. def at once; without delay. directly 3. syl di+rect+ly pron , pos adv. usage foll. by before or after def immediately; just. directly 4. syl di+rect+ly pron , pos conj. usage subordinating def as soon as. exam 1 we left directly the money arrived. direct mail 0. syl di+rect mail pos n. qual U.S. def mail sent for the purpose of advertising, soliciting donations, etc. direct method 0. syl di+rect meth+od pos n. def a method of teaching a foreign language with minimal use of the pupil's native language and of formal grammar. direct object 0. syl di+rect ob+ject pos n. qual Grammar. def a noun, pronoun, or noun phrase whose referent receives the direct action of a verb. For ex?!ample, is the direct object in the sentence Compare {indirect object}. Directoire 1. syl Di+rec+toire pron French. pos n. qual History. def the French Directory. See {Directory}. Directoire 2. syl Di+rec+toire pron French. pos adj. def of, in, or relating to a decorative style of the end of the 18th century in France; a form of neoclassicism. Directoire 3. syl Di+rec+toire pron French. pos adj. def characteristic of women's dress during the French Directory, typically an almost transparent dress with the waistline under the bust. director 1. syl di+rec+tor pron , pos n. def a person or thing that directs, controls, or regulates. director 2. syl di+rec+tor pron , pos n. def a member of the governing board of a business concern who may or may not have an executive function. director 3. syl di+rec+tor pron , pos n. def a person who directs the affairs of an institution, trust, educational programme, etc. director 4. syl di+rec+tor pron , pos n. def the person responsible for the staging of a play or the making of a film. director 5. syl di+rec+tor pron , pos n. qual Music. def another word (esp. U.S.) for { {conductor} (sense 2).} &- {di+rec+#!to+ri@.al} &- {di+rec+#!to+ri+al+ly} &- {di+#!rec+tor+@!ship} directress sub head director syl di+1rec+tress pos n. mod fem. directorate 1. syl di+rec+to+rate pron , pos n. def a board of directors. directorate 2. syl di+rec+to+rate pron , pos n. def Also: {{di+#!rec+tor+@!ship.}} the position of director. directors-general infl head director-general syl di+rec:tors-gen:e:ral. pos n. mod pl. director-general 0. syl di+rec:tor-gen:e:ral pos n. def the head of a large organization such as the C.B.I. or B.B.C. directories infl head directory syl di+rec+to:ries. pos n. mod pl. directory 1. syl di+rec+to:ry pron , <-tri>, pos n. def a book, arranged alphabetically or classified by trade listing names, addresses, telephone numbers, etc., of individuals or firms. directory 2. syl di+rec+to:ry pron , <-tri>, pos n. def a book or manual giving directions. directory 3. syl di+rec+to:ry pron , <-tri>, pos n. def a book containing the rules to be observed in the forms of worship used in churches. directory 4. syl di+rec+to:ry pron , <-tri>, pos n. def a less common word for {directorate}. directory 5. syl di+rec+to:ry pron , <-tri>, pos adj. def direct?!ing. Directories the infl head Directory syl Di+rec+to:ries. the. pos n. mod pl. Directory 0. syl Di+rec+to:ry pron , <-tri>, pos n. qual History. def the body of five directors in power in France from 1795 until their overthrow by Napoleon in 1799. Also called: {French Directory}. direct primary 0. syl di+rect pri+ma+ry pos n. qual U.S. government. def a primary in which voters directly select the candidates who will run for office. direct question 0. syl di+rect ques+tion pos n. def a question asked in direct speech, such as Compare {indirect question}. directrix ety C17: New Latin, feminine of #7director directrix 1. syl di+rect+rix pron , pos n. qual Geom. def a fixed reference line, situated on the convex side of a conic section, that is used when defining or calculating its eccentricity. directrix 2. syl di+rect+rix pron , pos n. def a directress. direct tax 0. syl di+rect tax pos n. def a tax paid by the person or organization on which it is levied. Compare {indirect tax}. dirge ety C13: changed from Latin d*_irige direct (imperative), opening word of the Latin antiphon used in the office of the dead dirge 1. syl dirge pron pos n. def a chant of lamentation for the dead. dirge 2. syl dirge pron pos n. def the funeral service in its solemn or sung forms. dirge 3. syl dirge pron pos n. def any mourning song or melody. dirgeful sub head dirge syl dirge+ful pos adj. dirham ety C18: from Arabic, from Latin: #7drachma dirham 1. syl dir+ham pron <1di*r@m> pos n. def the standard monetary unit of Morocco, divided into 100 francs. dirham 2.a. syl dir+ham pron <1di*r@m> pos n. def a Kuwaiti monetary unit worth one tenth of a dinar and 100 fils. dirham 2.b. syl dir+ham pron <1di*r@m> pos n. def a Tunisian monetary unit worth one tenth of a dinar and 100 millimes. dirham 2.c. syl dir+ham pron <1di*r@m> pos n. def a Qatari monetary unit worth one hundredth of a riyal. dirham 3. syl dir+ham pron <1di*r@m> pos n. def any of various silver coins minted in North African countries at different periods. Peter Gustav Lejeune infl head Dirichlet syl Pe:ter Gus:tav Le:jeune pron <1pA:t*r> <1gustaf> pos n. Dirichlet 0. syl Di:ri:chlet pron German <2diri1klA:> pos n. def 1805-59, German mathematician, noted for his work on number theory and calculus. dirigible ety C16: from Latin d*_irigere to #7direct dirigible 1. syl di+rig+i:ble pron pos adj. def able to be steered or directed. dirigible 2. syl di+rig+i:ble pron pos n. def another name for {airship}. dirigibility sub head dirigible syl dir:i+gi:1bil+i:ty pos n. diriment ety C19: from Latin dirim*_ens separating, from Latin dirimere to part, from #7dis -%1#7+ emere to obtain diriment 1. syl di+ri+ment pron <1dirim*nt> pos adj. usage of an impediment to marriage in canon law def totally invalidating. diriment 2. syl di+ri+ment pron <1dirim*nt> pos adj. qual Rare. def nullifying. dirk ety C16: from Scottish durk, perhaps from German dolch dagger dirk 1. syl dirk pron pos n. def a dagger esp. as formerly worn by Scottish Highlanders. dirk 2. syl dirk pron pos vb. mod tr. def to stab with a dirk. dirndl ety German (Bavarian and Austrian): shortened from Dirndlkleid, from Dirndl little girl + Kleid dress dirndl 1. syl dirn:dl pron <1dR:ndL> pos n. def a woman's dress with a full gathered skirt and fitted bodice; originating from Tyrolean peasant wear. dirndl 2. syl dirn:dl pron <1dR:ndL> pos n. def a gathered skirt of this kind. dirt ety C13: from Old Norse drit excrement; related to Middle Dutch dr*_ete dirt 1. syl dirt pron pos n. def any unclean substance, such as mud, dust, excrement, etc.; filth. dirt 2. syl dirt pron pos n. def loose earth; soil. dirt 3.a. syl dirt pron pos n. def packed earth, gravel, cinders, etc., used to make a racetrack. dirt 3.b. syl dirt pron pos n. usage as modifier exam 1 a dirt track. dirt 4. syl dirt pron pos n. qual Mining. def the gravel or soil from which minerals are extracted. dirt 5. syl dirt pron pos n. def a person or thing regarded as worthless. dirt 6. syl dirt pron pos n. def obscene or indecent speech or writing. dirt 7. syl dirt pron pos n. def moral corruption. do (someone) dirt 8. head dirt syl do (someone) dirt. qual Slang. def to do something vicious to (someone). eat dirt 9. head dirt syl eat dirt. qual Slang. def to accept insult without complaining. treat someone like dirt 10. head dirt syl treat someone like dirt. def to have no respect for someone. dirt-cheap 0. syl dirt-cheap pos adj. adv. qual Informal. def at an extremely low price. dirt wagon 0. syl dirt wag+on pos n. def the U.S. name for {dustcart}. dirtier infl head dirty syl dirt:i+er pos adj. dirtiest infl head dirty syl dirt:i+est. pos adj. dirty 1. syl dirt:y pron <1dR:ti> pos adj. def covered or marked with dirt; filthy. dirty 2. syl dirt:y pron <1dR:ti> pos adj. def obscene; salacious. exam 1 dirty books. dirty 3. syl dirt:y pron <1dR:ti> pos adj. def causing one to become grimy. exam 1 a dirty job. dirty 4. syl dirt:y pron <1dR:ti> pos adj. usage of a colour def not clear and bright; impure. dirty 5. syl dirt:y pron <1dR:ti> pos adj. def unfair; dishonest; unscrupulous; unsport?!ing. dirty 6. syl dirt:y pron <1dR:ti> pos adj. def mean; nasty. exam 1 a dirty cheat. dirty 7. syl dirt:y pron <1dR:ti> pos adj. def scandalous; unkind. exam 1 a dirty rumour. dirty 8. syl dirt:y pron <1dR:ti> pos adj. def revealing dislike or anger. exam 1 a dirty look. dirty 9. syl dirt:y pron <1dR:ti> pos adj. usage of weather def rainy or squally; stormy. dirty 10. syl dirt:y pron <1dR:ti> pos adj. usage of an aircraft def having projections into the airstream, such as lowered flaps. dirty 11. syl dirt:y pron <1dR:ti> pos adj. usage of a nuclear weapon def producing a large quantity of radioactive fall-out or contamination. Compare { {clean} (sense 5).} dirty dog 12. head dirty syl dirty dog. def a despicable person. dirty linen 13. head dirty syl dirty linen. qual Informal. def intimate secrets, esp. those that might give rise to gossip. dirty work 14. head dirty syl dirty work. def unpleasant or illicit activity. do the dirty on 15. head dirty syl do the dirty on. qual Brit. informal. def to behave meanly or unkindly towards. dirties infl head dirty syl dirt:ies pos vb. dirtying infl head dirty syl dirt:y+ing pos vb. dirtied infl head dirty syl dirt+ied. pos vb. dirty 16. syl dirt:y pron <1dR:ti> pos vb. def to make or become dirty; stain; soil. dirtily sub head dirty syl dirt:i+ly pos adv. dirtiness sub head dirty syl dirt:i+ness pos n. Dis 1. syl Dis pron pos n. def Also called: {Orcus, Pluto}. the Roman god of the underworld. Dis 2. syl Dis pron pos n. def the abode of the dead; underworld. Dis xref syl Dis pron pos n. def Greek equivalent: {Hades}. dis- ety from Latin dis- apart; in some cases, via Old French des-. In compound words of Latin origin, dis- becomes dif- before f and di- before some consonants dis- H1.1. syl dis- pos prefix. def indicating reversal. exam 1 disconnect; exam 2 disembark. dis- H1.2. syl dis- pos prefix. def indicating negation, lack, or deprivation. exam 1 dissimilar; exam 2 distrust; exam 3 disgrace. dis- H1.3. syl dis- pos prefix. def indicating removal or release. exam 1 disembowel; exam 2 dis?!burden. dis- H1.4. syl dis- pos prefix. def expressing intensive force. exam 1 dissever. dis- H2.0. syl dis- usage combining form. def variant of {di-%1} before disabilities infl head disability syl dis+a:bil+i:ties. pos n. mod pl. disability 1. syl dis+a:bil+i:ty pron <2dis*1biliti> pos n. def the condition of being unable to perform a task or function because of a physical or mental impairment. disability 2. syl dis+a:bil+i:ty pron <2dis*1biliti> pos n. def something that disables; handicap. disability 3. syl dis+a:bil+i:ty pron <2dis*1biliti> pos n. def lack of necessary intelligence, strength, etc. disability 4. syl dis+a:bil+i:ty pron <2dis*1biliti> pos n. def an incapacity in the eyes of the law to enter into certain transactions. disability clause 0. syl dis+a:bil+i:ty clause pos n. usage in life assurance policies def a clause enabling a policyholder to cease payment of premiums without loss of coverage and often to receive a pension or indemnity if he becomes permanently disabled. disable 1. syl dis+a:ble pron pos vb. mod tr. def to make ineffective, unfit, or incapable, as by crippling. disable 2. syl dis+a:ble pron pos vb. mod tr. def to make or pronounce legally incapable. disablement sub head disable syl dis+1a:ble+ment pos n. disablement benefit 0. syl dis+a:ble+ment ben+e:fit pos n. usage in the National Insurance scheme def a weekly payment to a person disabled at work. disabuse 0. syl dis+a:buse pron <2dis*1bju:z> pos vb. mod tr. usage usually foll. by of def to rid (oneself, another person, etc.) of a mistaken or misguided idea; set right. disabusal sub head disabuse syl dis+a:1bus+al pos n. disaccharid alt head disaccharide or disaccharide syl di+sac+cha+rid pos n. disaccharide 0. or disaccharid syl di+sac+cha+ride pron , <-rid> pos n. def any of a class of sugars, such as maltose, lactose, and sucrose, having two linked monosaccharide units per molecule. disaccord 1. syl dis+ac+cord pron <2dis*1kc:d> pos n. def lack of agreement or harmony. disaccord 2. syl dis+ac+cord pron <2dis*1kc:d> pos vb. mod intr. def to be out of agreement; disagree. disaccredit 0. syl dis+ac+cred+it pron <2dis*1kredit> pos vb. mod tr. def to take away the authorization or credentials of. disaccustom 0. syl dis+ac+cus+tom pron <2dis*1k^st*m> pos vb. mod tr. usage usually foll. by to def to cause to lose a habit. disadvantage 1. syl dis+ad+vant+age pron <2dis*d1va:ntiJ> pos n. def an unfavourable circumstance, state of affairs, thing, person, etc. disadvantage 2. syl dis+ad+vant+age pron <2dis*d1va:ntiJ> pos n. def injury, loss, or detriment. disadvantage 3. syl dis+ad+vant+age pron <2dis*d1va:ntiJ> pos n. def an unfavourable condition or situation (esp. in the phrase {at a disadvantage}) . disadvantage 4. syl dis+ad+vant+age pron <2dis*d1va:ntiJ> pos vb. mod tr. def to put at a dis?!advantage; handicap. disadvantaged 0. syl dis+ad+van+taged pron <2dis*d1va:ntiJd> pos adj. def socially or economically deprived or discriminated against. disadvantageous 0. syl dis+ad+van+ta+geous pron , <2dis@d-> pos adj. def un?!favourable; detrimental. disadvantageously sub head disadvantageous syl dis+2ad+van+1ta+geous+ly pos adv. disadvantageousness sub head disadvantageous syl dis+2ad+van+1ta+geous+ness pos n. disaffect 0. syl dis+af+fect pron <2dis*1fekt> pos vb. mod tr. usage often passive def to cause to lose loyalty or affection; alienate. disaffectedly sub head disaffect syl dis+af+1fect+ed+ly pos adv. disaffectedness sub head disaffect syl dis+af+1fect+ed+ness pos n. disaffection sub head disaffect syl dis+af+1fec+tion pos n. disaffiliate 0. syl dis+af+fil:i+ate pron <2dis*1fili2At> pos vb. def to sever an affiliation (with); dissociate. disaffiliation sub head disaffiliate syl dis+af+2fil:i+1a:tion pos n. disaffirm 1. syl dis+af+firm pron <2dis*1fR:m> pos vb. mod tr. def to deny or contradict (a statement). disaffirm 2.a. syl dis+af+firm pron <2dis*1fR:m> pos vb. mod tr. def to annul or reverse (a decision). disaffirm 2.b. syl dis+af+firm pron <2dis*1fR:m> pos vb. mod tr. def to repudiate obligations. disaffirmance sub head disaffirm or disaffirmation syl dis+af+1fir+mance pron <2dis@f*1mAS*n> pos n. disaffirmation sub head disaffirm or disaffirmance syl dis+af+fir+ma+tion pron <2dis@f*1mAS*n> pos n. disafforest 1. syl dis+af+for+est pron <2dis*1forist> pos vb. mod tr. qual English law. def to reduce (land) from the status of a forest to the state of ordinary ground. disafforest 2. syl dis+af+for+est pron <2dis*1forist> pos vb. mod tr. def to remove forests from (land). disafforestation sub head disafforest or disafforestment syl dis+af+2for+es+1ta+tion pos n. disafforestment sub head disafforest or disafforestation syl dis+af+1for+est+ment pos n. disagrees infl head disagree syl dis+a:grees pos vb. mod intr. disagreeing infl head disagree syl dis+a:gree+ing pos vb. mod intr. disagreed infl head disagree syl dis+a:greed. pos vb. mod intr. disagree 1. syl dis+a:gree pron <2dis*1grE> pos vb. mod intr. usage often foll. by with def to dissent in opinion (from another person) or dispute (about an idea, fact, etc.). disagree 2. syl dis+a:gree pron <2dis*1grE> pos vb. mod intr. usage often foll. by with def to fail to correspond; conflict. disagree 3. syl dis+a:gree pron <2dis*1grE> pos vb. mod intr. usage often foll. by with def to be unacceptable (to) or unfavourable (for); be incompatible (with). exam 1 curry disagrees with me. disagree 4. syl dis+a:gree pron <2dis*1grE> pos vb. mod intr. usage often foll. by with def to be opposed (to) in principle. disagreeable 1. syl dis+a:gree+a:ble pron <2dis*1gri*bL> pos adj. def not likable; bad-tempered. disagreeable 2. syl dis+a:gree+a:ble pron <2dis*1gri*bL> pos adj. def unpleasant; offensive. disagreeableness sub head disagreeable or disagreeability syl dis+a:1gree+a:ble+ness pos n. disagreeability sub head disagreeable or disagreeableness syl dis+a:2gree+a:1bil+i:ty pos n. disagreeably sub head disagreeable syl dis+a:1gree+a:bly pos adv. disagreement 1. syl dis+a:gree+ment pron <2dis*1grEm*nt> pos n. def refusal or failure to agree. disagreement 2. syl dis+a:gree+ment pron <2dis*1grEm*nt> pos n. def a failure to correspond. disagreement 3. syl dis+a:gree+ment pron <2dis*1grEm*nt> pos n. def an argument or dispute. disallow 1. syl dis+al+low pron <2dis*1lau> pos vb. mod tr. def to reject as untrue or invalid. disallow 2. syl dis+al+low pron <2dis*1lau> pos vb. mod tr. def to cancel. disallowable sub head disallow syl dis+al+1low+a:ble pos adj. disallowance sub head disallow syl dis+al+1low+ance pos n. disambiguate 0. syl dis+am+big:u+ate pron <2dis@m1bigju2At> pos vb. mod tr. def to make (an ambiguous expression) unambiguous. disannuls infl head disannul syl dis+an+nuls pos vb. mod tr. disannulling infl head disannul syl dis+an+nul+ling pos vb. mod tr. disannulled infl head disannul syl dis+an+nulled. pos vb. mod tr. disannul 0. syl dis+an+nul pron <2dis*1n^l> pos vb. mod tr. qual Chiefly law. def to cancel; make void. disannulment sub head disannul syl dis+an+1nul+ment pos n. disappear 1. syl dis+ap+pear pron <2dis*1pi*> pos vb. mod intr. def to cease to be visible; vanish. disappear 2. syl dis+ap+pear pron <2dis*1pi*> pos vb. mod intr. def to go away or become lost, esp. secretly or without explanation. disappear 3. syl dis+ap+pear pron <2dis*1pi*> pos vb. mod intr. def to cease to exist, have effect, or be known; become extinct, or lost. exam 1 the pain has disappeared. disappearance sub head disappear syl dis+ap+1pear+ance pos n. disappoint ety C15 (originally meaning: to remove from office): from Old French desapointier; see #7dis -%1#7, appoint disappoint 1. syl dis+ap+point pron <2dis*1pcint> pos vb. mod tr. def to fail to meet the expectations, hopes, desires, or standards of; let down. disappoint 2. syl dis+ap+point pron <2dis*1pcint> pos vb. mod tr. def to prevent the fulfilment of (a plan, intention, etc.); frustrate; thwart. disappointer sub head disappoint syl dis+ap+1point+er pos n. disappointingly sub head disappoint syl dis+ap+1point+ing+ly pos adv. disappointed 0. syl dis+ap+point+ed pron <2dis*1pcintid> pos adj. def saddened by the failure of an expectation, etc. disappointedly sub head disappointed syl dis+ap+1point+ed+ly pos adv. disappointment 1. syl dis+ap+point+ment pron <2dis*1pcintm*nt> pos n. def the act of disappointing or the state of being disappointed. disappointment 2. syl dis+ap+point+ment pron <2dis*1pcintm*nt> pos n. def a person, thing, or state of affairs that disappoints. disapprobation 0. syl dis+ap+pro+ba+tion pron <2dis@pr*u1bAS*n> pos n. def moral or social dis?!approval. disapproval 0. syl dis+ap+prov+al pron <2dis*1pru:vL> pos n. def the act or a state or feeling of disapproving; censure; condemnation. disapprove 1. syl dis+ap+prove pron <2dis*1pru:v> pos vb. mod intr. usage often foll. by of def to consider wrong, bad, etc. disapprove 2. syl dis+ap+prove pron <2dis*1pru:v> pos vb. mod tr. def to withhold approval from. disapprover sub head disapprove syl dis+ap+1prov+er pos n. disapprovingly sub head disapprove syl dis+ap+1prov+ing+ly pos adv. disarm 1. syl dis+arm pron pos vb. mod tr. def to remove defensive or offensive capability from (a country, army, etc.). disarm 2. syl dis+arm pron pos vb. mod tr. def to deprive of weapons. disarm 3. syl dis+arm pron pos vb. mod tr. def to win the confidence or affection of. disarm 4. syl dis+arm pron pos vb. mod intr. usage of a nation, etc. def to decrease the size and capability of one's armed forces. disarm 5. syl dis+arm pron pos vb. mod intr. def to lay down weapons. disarmer sub head disarm syl dis+1arm+er pos n. disarmament 1. syl dis+arm:a+ment pron pos n. def the reduction of offensive or defensive fighting capability, as by a nation. disarmament 2. syl dis+arm:a+ment pron pos n. def the act of disarming or state of being disarmed. disarming 0. syl dis+arm+ing pron pos adj. def tending to neutralize or counter?!act hostility, suspicion, etc. disarmingly sub head disarming syl dis+1arm+ing+ly pos adv. disarrange 0. syl dis+ar+range pron <2dis*1rAnJ> pos vb. mod tr. def to throw into disorder. disarrangement sub head disarrange syl dis+ar+1range+ment pos n. disarray 1. syl dis+ar+ray pron <2dis*1rA> pos n. def confusion, dismay, and lack of discipline. disarray 2. syl dis+ar+ray pron <2dis*1rA> pos n. usage esp. of clothing def disorderliness; untidiness. disarray 3. syl dis+ar+ray pron <2dis*1rA> pos vb. mod tr. def to throw into confusion. disarray 4. syl dis+ar+ray pron <2dis*1rA> pos vb. mod tr. qual Archaic. def to undress. disarticulate 0. syl dis+ar+tic:u+late pron <2disa:1tikju2lAt> pos vb. def to separate or cause to separate at the joints, esp. those of bones. disarticulation sub head disarticulate syl dis+ar+2tic:u+1la+tion pos n. disarticulator sub head disarticulate syl dis+ar+1tic:u+2la+tor pos n. disassemble 0. syl dis+as+sem+ble pron <2dis*1sembL> pos vb. mod tr. def to take apart (a piece of machinery, etc.); dismantle. disassembly sub head disassemble syl dis+as+1sem+bly pos n. disassociate 0. syl dis+as+so+ci+ate pron <2dis*1s*uSi2At> pos vb. def a less common word for {dissociate}. disassociation sub head disassociate syl dis+as+2so+ci:1a+tion pos n. disaster ety C16 (originally in the sense: malevolent astral influence): from Italian disastro, from dis- (pejorative)+ astro star, from Latin astrum, from Greek astron disaster 1. syl dis+as+ter pron pos n. def an occurrence that causes great distress or destruction. disaster 2. syl dis+as+ter pron pos n. def a thing, project, etc., that fails or has been ruined. disastrous sub head disaster syl dis+1as+trous pos adj. disavow 0. syl dis+a:vow pron <2dis*1vau> pos vb. mod tr. def to deny knowledge of, connection with, or responsibility for. disavowal sub head disavow syl dis+a:1vow+al pos n. disavowedly sub head disavow syl dis+a:1vow+ed+ly pos adv. disavower sub head disavow syl dis+a:1vow+er pos n. disband 0. syl dis+band pron pos vb. def to cease to function or cause to stop functioning, as a unit, group, etc. disbandment sub head disband syl dis+1band+ment pos n. disbars infl head disbar syl dis+bars pos vb. mod tr. disbarring infl head disbar syl dis+bar+ring pos vb. mod tr. disbarred infl head disbar syl dis+barred. pos vb. mod tr. disbar 0. syl dis+bar pron pos vb. mod tr. qual Law. def to deprive of the status of barrister; expel from the Bar. disbarment sub head disbar syl dis+1bar+ment pos n. disbelief 0. syl dis+be+lief pron <2disbi1lEf> pos n. def refusal or reluctance to believe. disbelieve 1. syl dis+be+lieve pron <2disbi1lEv> pos vb. mod tr. def to reject as false or lying; refuse to accept as true or truthful. disbelieve 2. syl dis+be+lieve pron <2disbi1lEv> pos vb. mod intr. usage usually foll. by in def to have no faith (in). exam 1 disbelieve in God. disbeliever sub head disbelieve syl dis+be+1liev+er pos n. disbelievingly sub head disbelieve syl dis+be+1liev+ing+ly pos adv. disbranch 0. syl dis+branch pron pos vb. mod tr. def to remove or cut (a branch or branches) from (a tree). disbuds infl head disbud syl dis+buds pos vb. disbudding infl head disbud syl dis+bud+ding pos vb. disbudded infl head disbud syl dis+bud+ded. pos vb. disbud 0. syl dis+bud pron pos vb. def to remove superfluous buds, flowers, or shoots from (a plant, esp. a fruit tree). disburden 1. syl dis+bur+den pron pos vb. def to remove (a load) from (a person or animal). disburden 2. syl dis+bur+den pron pos vb. mod tr. def to relieve (oneself, one's mind, etc.) of a distressing worry or oppressive thought. disburdenment sub head disburden syl dis+1bur+den+ment pos n. disburse ety C16: from Old French desborser, from des- #7dis -%1+ borser to obtain money, from borse bag, from Late Latin bursa disburse 0. syl dis+burse pron pos vb. mod tr. def to pay out. disbursable sub head disburse syl dis+1burs+a:ble pos adj. disburser sub head disburse syl dis+1burs+er pos n. disc 1. syl disc pron pos n. def a flat circular plate. disc 2. syl disc pron pos n. def something resembling or appearing to resemble this. exam 1 the sun's disc. disc 3. syl disc pron pos n. def another word for (gramophone) {record}. disc 4. syl disc pron pos n. qual Anatomy. def any approximately circular flat structure in the body, esp. an intervertebral disc. disc 5.a. syl disc pron pos n. def the flat receptacle of composite flowers, such as the daisy. disc 5.b. syl disc pron pos n. usage as modifier exam 1 a disc flower. disc 6. syl disc pron pos n. def the middle part of the lip of an orchid. disc 7.a. syl disc pron pos n. def Also called: {parking disc}. a marker or device for display in a parked vehicle showing the time of arrival or the latest permitted time of departure or both. disc 7.b. syl disc pron pos n. usage as modifier def . exam 1 a disc zone; exam 2 disc parking. disc 8. syl disc pron pos n. qual Computer technol. def a variant spelling of { {disk} (sense 2).} disc 9. syl disc pron pos vb. def to work (land) with a disc harrow. disc 1. syl disc. qual abbrev. for: def discount. disc 2. syl disc. qual abbrev. for: def discovered. discalced ety C17: from Latin discalce*_atus, from #7dis -%1#7+ calce*_atus shod, from calce*_are to provide with shoes, from calceus shoe, from calx heel discalced 0. syl dis+calced pron pos adj. def barefooted: used to denote friars and nuns who wear sandals. discant 0. syl dis+cant pron <1disk@nt>, pos n. vb. def a variant spelling of { {descant} (senses 1, 3, 4).} discanter sub head discant syl dis+1cant+er pos n. discard 1. syl dis+card pron pos vb. mod tr. def to get rid of as useless or undesirable. discard 2. syl dis+card pron pos vb. qual Cards. def to throw out (a card or cards) from one's hand. discard 3. syl dis+card pron pos vb. qual Cards. def to play (a card not of the suit led nor a trump) when unable to follow suit. discard 4. syl dis+card pron <1diska:d> pos n. def a person or thing that has been cast aside. discard 5. syl dis+card pron <1diska:d> pos n. qual Cards. def a discarded card. discard 6. syl dis+card pron <1diska:d> pos n. def the act of discarding. discarder sub head discard syl dis+1card+er pos n. disc brake 0. syl disc brake pos n. def a type of brake in which two calliper-operated pads rub against a flat disc attached to the wheel hub when the brake is applied. discern ety C14: from Old French discerner, from Latin discernere to divide, from #7dis -%1 (apart)+ cernere to separate discern 1. syl dis+cern pron pos vb. mod tr. def to recognize or perceive clearly. discern 2. syl dis+cern pron pos vb. def to recognize or perceive (differences). discerner sub head discern syl dis+1cern+er pos n. discernable alt head discernible or discernible syl dis+cern+a:ble pron pos adj. discernible 0. or discernable syl dis+cern+i:ble pron pos adj. def able to be discerned; perceptible. discernibleness sub head discernible or discernableness syl dis+1cern+i:ble+ness pos n. discernableness sub head discernible or discernibleness syl dis+1cern+a:ble+ness pos n. discernibly sub head discernible or discernably syl dis+1cern+i:bly pos adv. discernably sub head discernible or discernibly syl dis+1cern+a:bly pos adv. discerning 0. syl dis+cern+ing pron pos adj. def having or showing good taste or judgment; discriminating. discerningly sub head discerning syl dis+1cern+ing+ly pos adv. discernment 0. syl dis+cern+ment pron pos n. def keen perception or judgment. disc floret alt head disc flower or disc flower syl disc flo+ret pos n. disc flower 0. or disc floret syl disc flow+er pos n. def any of the small tubular flowers at the centre of the flower head of certain composite plants, such as the daisy. Compare {ray flower}. discharge 1. syl dis+charge pron pos vb. mod tr. def to release or allow to go. exam 1 the hospital discharged the patient. discharge 2. syl dis+charge pron pos vb. mod tr. def to dismiss from or relieve of duty, office, employment, etc. discharge 3. syl dis+charge pron pos vb. def to fire or be fired, as a gun. discharge 4. syl dis+charge pron pos vb. def to pour forth or cause to pour forth. exam 1 the boil dis?!charges pus. discharge 5. syl dis+charge pron pos vb. mod tr. def to remove (the cargo) from (a boat, etc.); unload. discharge 6. syl dis+charge pron pos vb. mod tr. def to perform the duties of or meet the demands of (an office, obligation, etc.). exam 1 he discharged his responsibilities as mayor. discharge 7. syl dis+charge pron pos vb. mod tr. def to relieve (oneself) of (a responsibility, debt, etc.). discharge 8.a. syl dis+charge pron pos vb. def to lose or remove electric charge. discharge 8.b. syl dis+charge pron pos vb. def to form an arc, spark, or corona in a gas. discharge 8.c. syl dis+charge pron pos vb. def to take or supply electrical current from a cell or battery. discharge 9. syl dis+charge pron pos vb. mod tr. qual Law. def to release (a prisoner from custody, etc.). discharge 10. syl dis+charge pron pos vb. mod tr. def to remove dye from (a fabric), as by bleaching. discharge 11. syl dis+charge pron pos vb. mod intr. usage of a dye or colour def to blur or run. discharge 12.a. syl dis+charge pron pos vb. def to spread (weight) evenly over a supporting member. discharge 12.b. syl dis+charge pron pos vb. def to relieve a member of (excess weight) by distribution of pressure. discharge 13. syl dis+charge pron <1disCa:J>, pos n. def a person or thing that is discharged. discharge 14.a. syl dis+charge pron <1disCa:J>, pos n. def dismissal or release from an office, job, institution, etc. discharge 14.b. syl dis+charge pron <1disCa:J>, pos n. def the document certifying such release. discharge 15. syl dis+charge pron <1disCa:J>, pos n. def the fulfilment of an obligation or release from a responsibility or liability. discharge 16. syl dis+charge pron <1disCa:J>, pos n. def the act of removing a load, as of cargo. discharge 17. syl dis+charge pron <1disCa:J>, pos n. def a pouring forth of a fluid; emission. discharge 18.a. syl dis+charge pron <1disCa:J>, pos n. def the act of firing a projectile. discharge 18.b. syl dis+charge pron <1disCa:J>, pos n. def the volley, bullet, missile, etc., fired. discharge 19.a. syl dis+charge pron <1disCa:J>, pos n. def a release, as of a person held under legal restraint. discharge 19.b. syl dis+charge pron <1disCa:J>, pos n. def an annulment, as of a court order. discharge 20.a. syl dis+charge pron <1disCa:J>, pos n. def the act or process of removing or losing charge or of equalizing a potential difference. discharge 20.b. syl dis+charge pron <1disCa:J>, pos n. def a transient or continuous conduction of electric?!ity through a gas by the formation and movement of electrons and ions in an applied electric field. dischargeable sub head discharge syl dis+1charge+a:ble pos adj. discharger sub head discharge syl dis+1charg+er pos n. disc harrow 0. syl disc har+row pos n. def a harrow with sharp-edged slightly concave discs mounted on horizontal shafts and used to cut clods or debris on the surface of the soil or to cover seed after planting. disciple ety Old English discipul, from Latin discipulus pupil, from discere to learn disciple 1. syl dis+ci+ple pron pos n. def a follower of the doctrines of a teacher or a school of thought. disciple 2. syl dis+ci+ple pron pos n. def one of the personal followers of Christ (including his 12 apostles) during his earthly life. discipleship sub head disciple syl dis+1ci+ple+2ship pos n. Disciples of Christ 0. syl Dis+ci+ples of Christ pos n. mod pl. def a Christian denomination founded in the U.S. in 1809 by Thomas and Alexander Campbell. disciplinant 0. syl dis+ci+pli+nant pron <1disi2plin*nt> pos n. qual R.C. Church. usage often cap. def a person belonging to a former order of flagellants in Spain. disciplinarian 1. syl dis+ci+pli+nar+i:an pron <2disipli1ne*ri*n> pos n. def a person who imposes or advocates discipline. disciplinarian 2. syl dis+ci+pli+nar+i:an pron <2disipli1ne*ri*n> pos adj. def a less common word for {disciplinary}. disciplinarian alt head disciplinary or disciplinary syl dis+ci+pli+nar+i:an pos adj. disciplinary 0. or disciplinarian syl dis+ci+pli+nar:y pron <1disi2plin*ri> pos adj. def of, promoting, or used for discipline; corrective. discipline ety C13: from Latin discipl*_ina teaching, from discipulus #7disciple discipline 1. syl dis+ci+pline pron <1disiplin> pos n. def training or conditions imposed for the improvement of physical powers, self-control, etc. discipline 2. syl dis+ci+pline pron <1disiplin> pos n. def systematic training in obedience to regulations and author?!ity. discipline 3. syl dis+ci+pline pron <1disiplin> pos n. def the state of improved behaviour, etc., resulting from such training or conditions. discipline 4. syl dis+ci+pline pron <1disiplin> pos n. def punishment or chastisement. discipline 5. syl dis+ci+pline pron <1disiplin> pos n. def a system of rules for behaviour, methods of practice, etc. discipline 6. syl dis+ci+pline pron <1disiplin> pos n. def a branch of learning or instruction. discipline 7. syl dis+ci+pline pron <1disiplin> pos n. def the laws governing members of a Church. discipline 8. syl dis+ci+pline pron <1disiplin> pos n. def a scourge of knotted cords. {~} discipline 9. syl dis+ci+pline pron <1disiplin> pos n. def to improve or attempt to improve the behaviour, orderliness, etc., of by training, conditions, or rules. discipline 10. syl dis+ci+pline pron <1disiplin> pos n. def to punish or correct. disciplinable sub head discipline syl dis+ci+2plin+a:ble pos adj. disciplinal sub head discipline syl dis+ci+pli+nal pron <2disi?!1plInL>, <1disiplinL> pos adj. discipliner sub head discipline syl dis+ci+2plin+er pos n. disc jockey 0. syl disc jock+ey pos n. def a person who announces and plays recorded music, esp. pop music, on a radio programme, etc. disclaim 1. syl dis+claim pron pos vb. mod tr. def to deny or renounce (any claim, connection, etc.). disclaim 2. syl dis+claim pron pos vb. mod tr. def to deny the validity or authority of. disclaim 3. syl dis+claim pron pos vb. qual Law. def to renounce, or repudiate (a legal claim or right). disclamation sub head disclaim syl dis+cla+ma+tion pron <2diskl*1mAS*n> pos n. disclaimer 0. syl dis+claim+er pron pos n. def a repudiation or denial. disclimax 0. syl dis+cli+max pron pos n. qual Ecology. def a climax community resulting from the activities of man or domestic animals in climatic and other conditions that would otherwise support a different type of community. disclose 1. syl dis+close pron pos vb. mod tr. def to make (information) known. disclose 2. syl dis+close pron pos vb. mod tr. def to allow to be seen; lay bare. discloser sub head disclose syl dis+1clos+er pos n. disclosure 1. syl dis+clo+sure pron pos n. def something that is disclosed. disclosure 2. syl dis+clo+sure pron pos n. def the act of disclosing; revelation. discos infl head disco syl dis+cos. pos n. mod pl. disco 0. syl dis+co pron <1disk*u> pos n. qual Informal. def short for {discotheque}. discobolus ety C18: from Latin, from Greek diskobolos, from diskos #7discus+ -bolos, from ballein to throw discobolos alt head discobolus or discobolus syl dis+cob:o+los pron pos n. discoboli infl head discobolus syl dis+cob:o+li pron <-2lI> pos n. mod pl. discobolus 1. or discobolos syl dis+cob:o+lus pron pos n. usage in classical Greece def a discus thrower. discobolus 2. or discobolos syl dis+cob:o+lus pron pos n. def a statue of a discus thrower. discography 1. syl dis+cog+ra+phy pron pos n. def a classified reference list of gramophone records. discography 2. syl dis+cog+ra+phy pron pos n. def the study of gramophone records. discographer sub head discography syl dis+1cog+ra+pher pos n. discoid 1. syl dis+coid pron <1diskcid> pos adj. usage also def like a disc. discoid 2. syl dis+coid pron <1diskcid> pos adj. usage also; of a composite flower such as the tansy def consisting of disc flowers only. discoid 3. syl dis+coid pron <1diskcid> pos n. usage also def a disclike object. discolor alt head discolour or discolour syl dis+col+or pron pos vb. qual U.S. discolour 0. or discolor syl dis+col+our pron pos vb. def to change or cause to change in colour; fade or stain. &- {dis+@!col+or@.#!a+tion, dis+#!col+our+ment}, {dis+#!col+or+ment} discombobulate ety C20: probably a whimsical alteration of #7discompose or #7discomfit discombobulate 0. syl dis+com+bob:u+late pron <2disk*m1bobju2lAt> pos vb. mod tr. qual Informal, chiefly U.S. def to throw into confusion. discomfit ety C14: from Old French desconfire to destroy, from des- (indicating reversal)+ confire to make, from Latin conficere to produce; see #7confect discomfit 1. syl dis+com+fit pron pos vb. mod tr. def to make uneasy, confused, or embarrassed. discomfit 2. syl dis+com+fit pron pos vb. mod tr. def to frustrate the plans or purpose of. discomfit 3. syl dis+com+fit pron pos vb. mod tr. qual Archaic. def to defeat in battle. discomfiter sub head discomfit syl dis+1com+fit+er pos n. discomfort 1. syl dis+com+fort pron pos n. def an inconvenience, distress, or mild pain. discomfort 2. syl dis+com+fort pron pos n. def something that disturbs or deprives of ease. discomfort 3. syl dis+com+fort pron pos vb. mod tr. def to make uncomfortable or uneasy. discomfortable 0. syl dis+com+fort+a:ble pron , <-1k^mft*-> pos adj. qual Archaic. def tending to deprive of mental or physical ease or comfort. discommend 1. syl dis+com+mend pron <2disk*1mend> pos vb. mod tr. qual Rare. def to express disapproval of. discommend 2. syl dis+com+mend pron <2disk*1mend> pos vb. mod tr. qual Obsolete. def to bring into disfavour. discommendable sub head discommend syl dis+com+1mend+a:ble pos adj. discommendation sub head discommend syl dis+2com+men+1da+tion pos n. discommode 0. syl dis+com+mode pron <2disk*1m*ud> pos vb. mod tr. def to cause inconvenience or annoyance to; disturb. discommodious sub head discommode syl dis+com+1mo+di+ous pos adj. discommodiously sub head discommode syl dis+com+1mo+di+ous+ly pos adv. discommodities infl head discommodity syl dis+com+mod+i:ties. pos n. mod pl. discommodity 1. syl dis+com+mod+i:ty pron <2disk*1moditi> pos n. qual Economics. def a commodity without utility. discommodity 2. syl dis+com+mod+i:ty pron <2disk*1moditi> pos n. qual Archaic. def the state or a source of inconvenience. discommon 0. syl dis+com+mon pron pos vb. mod tr. qual Law. def to deprive (land) of the character and status of common, as by enclosure. discompose 1. syl dis+com+pose pron <2disk*m1p*uz> pos vb. mod tr. def to disturb the composure of; disconcert. discompose 2. syl dis+com+pose pron <2disk*m1p*uz> pos vb. mod tr. qual Now rare. def to disarrange. discomposedly sub head discompose syl dis+com+1pos+ed+ly pos adv. discomposingly sub head discompose syl dis+com+1pos+ing+ly pos adv. disconcert 1. syl dis+con+cert pron <2disk*n1sR:t> pos vb. mod tr. def to disturb the composure of. disconcert 2. syl dis+con+cert pron <2disk*n1sR:t> pos vb. mod tr. def to frustrate or upset. disconcertingly sub head disconcert syl dis+con+1cert+ing+ly pos adv. disconcertion sub head disconcert or disconcertment syl dis+con+1cer+tion pos n. disconcertment sub head disconcert or disconcertion syl dis+con+1cert+ment pos n. disconcerted 0. syl dis+con+cert+ed pron <2disk*n1sR:tid> pos adj. def perturbed, embarrassed, or confused. disconcertedly sub head disconcerted syl dis+con+1cert+ed+ly pos adv. disconcertedness sub head disconcerted syl dis+con+1cert+ed+ness pos n. disconformities infl head disconformity syl dis+con+form+i:ties. pos n. mod pl. disconformity 1. syl dis+con+form+i:ty pron <2disk*n1fc:miti> pos n. def lack of conformity; discrepancy. disconformity 2. syl dis+con+form+i:ty pron <2disk*n1fc:miti> pos n. def the junction between two parallel series of stratified rocks, representing a considerable period of erosion of the much older underlying rocks before the more recent ones were deposited. disconnect 0. syl dis+con+nect pron <2disk*1nekt> pos vb. mod tr. def to undo or break the connection of or between (something, such as a plug and a socket). disconnecter sub head disconnect syl dis+con+1nect+er pos n. disconnection sub head disconnect or disconnexion syl dis+con+1nec+tion pos n. disconnexion sub head disconnect or disconnection syl dis+con+1nex+ion pos n. disconnective sub head disconnect syl dis+con+1nec+tive pos adj. disconnected 1. syl dis+con+nect+ed pron <2disk*1nektid> pos adj. def not rationally connected; confused or incoherent. disconnected 2. syl dis+con+nect+ed pron <2disk*1nektid> pos adj. def not connected or joined. disconnectedly sub head disconnected syl dis+con+1nect+ed+ly pos adv. disconnectedness sub head disconnected syl dis+con+1nect+ed+ness pos n. disconsider 0. syl dis+con+sid+er pron <2disk*n1sid*> pos vb. mod tr. qual Archaic. def to discredit. disconsideration sub head disconsider syl dis+con+2sid+er:1a+tion pos n. disconsolate ety C14: from Medieval Latin discons*_ol*_atus, from #7dis -%1#7+ cons*_ol*_atus comforted; see #7console %1 disconsolate 1. syl dis+con+so+late pron pos adj. def sad beyond comfort; dejected. disconsolately sub head disconsolate syl dis+1con+so+late+ly pos adv. disconsolation sub head disconsolate or disconsolateness syl dis+2con+so+1la+tion pos n. disconsolateness sub head disconsolate or disconsolation syl dis+1con+so+late+ness pos n. discontent 1. syl dis+con+tent pron <2disk*n1tent> pos n. def Also called: {discontentment}. lack of contentment, as with one's condition or lot in life. discontent 2. syl dis+con+tent pron <2disk*n1tent> pos n. def a discontented person. discontent 3. syl dis+con+tent pron <2disk*n1tent> pos adj. def dissatisfied. discontent 4. syl dis+con+tent pron <2disk*n1tent> pos vb. mod tr. def to make dissatisfied. &- {@!dis+con+#!tent+ed} &- {@!dis+con+#!tent+ed+ly} &- {@!dis+con+#!tent+ed+ness} discontinues infl head discontinue syl dis+con+tin:ues pos vb. discontinuing infl head discontinue syl dis+con+tin:u+ing pos vb. discontinued infl head discontinue syl dis+con+tin:ued. pos vb. discontinue 1. syl dis+con+tin:ue pron <2disk*n1tinju:> pos vb. def to come or bring to an end; interrupt or be interrupted; stop. discontinue 2. syl dis+con+tin:ue pron <2disk*n1tinju:> pos vb. mod tr. qual Law. def to terminate or abandon (an action, suit, etc.). &- {@!dis+con+#!tin@.u+ance} &- {@!dis+con+@!tin@.u@.#!a+tion} &- {@!dis+con+#!tin@.u+er} discontinuities infl head discontinuity syl dis+con+ti+nu+i:ties. pos n. mod pl. discontinuity 1. syl dis+con+ti+nu+i:ty pron pos n. def lack of rational connection or cohesion. discontinuity 2. syl dis+con+ti+nu+i:ty pron pos n. def a break or interruption. discontinuity 3.a. syl dis+con+ti+nu+i:ty pron pos n. def the property of being discontinuous. discontinuity 3.b. syl dis+con+ti+nu+i:ty pron pos n. def the point or the value of the variable at which a curve or function becomes discontinuous. discontinuity 4.a. syl dis+con+ti+nu+i:ty pron pos n. def a zone within the earth where a sudden change in physical properties, such as the velocity of earthquake waves, occurs. Such a zone marks the boundary between the different layers of the earth, as between the core and mantle. See also {Mohorovi*vci*'c discontinuity}. discontinuity 4.b. syl dis+con+ti+nu+i:ty pron pos n. def a surface separating rocks that are not continuous with each other. discontinuous 1. syl dis+con+tin:u+ous pron <2disk*n1tinju*s> pos adj. def characterized by interruptions or breaks; intermittent. discontinuous 2. syl dis+con+tin:u+ous pron <2disk*n1tinju*s> pos adj. usage Maths. of a function or curve def changing suddenly in value for one or more values of the variable or at one or more points. Compare { {continuous} (sense 3).} discontinuously sub head discontinuous syl dis+con+1tin:u+ous+ly pos adv. discontinuousness sub head discontinuous syl dis+con+1tin:u+ous+ness pos n. discophil alt head discophile or discophile syl dis+co+phil pron <1disk*fil> pos n. discophile 0. or discophil syl dis+co+phile pron <1disk*2fIl> pos n. def a collector or connoisseur of gramophone records. discord ety C13: from Old French descort, from descorder to disagree, from Latin discord*_are, from discors at variance, from #7dis -%1#7+ cor heart discord 0. syl dis+cord usage n.@T def (#!d$Isk@$$:d). {$D.@T} lack@T of @T agreement@T of@T harmony; strife. discord 1. syl dis+cord usage n.@T def harsh confused mingling of sounds. discord 2. syl dis+cord usage n.@T def a combination of musical notes, esp. one containing one or more dissonant intervals. See { {dissonance} (sense 3)}; { {concord} (sense 4).} discord 3. syl dis+cord pron pos vb. mod intr. usage n.@T def to disagree; clash. discordancy alt head discordance or discordance syl dis+cord+an+cy pos n. discordance 1. or discordancy syl dis+cord+ance pron pos n. qual Geology. def an arrangement of rock strata in which the older underlying ones dip at a different angle from the younger overlying ones; unconformity. discordance 2. or discordancy syl dis+cord+ance pron pos n. def lack of agreement or consonance. discordance 3. or discordancy syl dis+cord+ance pron pos n. def variants of {discord}. discordant 1. syl dis+cord+ant pron pos adj. def at variance; disagreeing. discordant 2. syl dis+cord+ant pron pos adj. def harsh in sound; inharmonious. discordantly sub head discordant syl dis+1cor+dant+ly pos adv. discotheque ety C20: from French discoth*`eque, from Greek diskos disc+-#7o -#7+ Greek th*_ek*_e case discotheque 1. syl dis+co+theque pron <1disk*2tek> pos n. def a club or other public place for dancing to recorded pop music. discotheque 2. syl dis+co+theque pron <1disk*2tek> pos n. def mobile equipment for providing amplified pop music for dancing. discotheque xref syl dis+co+theque pron <1disk*2tek> pos n. def Often shortened to {disco}. discount 1. syl dis+count pron , <1diskaunt> pos vb. mod mainly; tr. def to leave out of account as being unreliable, prejudiced, or irrelevant. discount 2. syl dis+count pron , <1diskaunt> pos vb. mod mainly; tr. def to anticipate and make allowance for, often so as to diminish the effect of. discount 3.a. syl dis+count pron , <1diskaunt> pos vb. mod mainly; tr. def to deduct (a specified amount or percentage) from the usual price, cost, etc. discount 3.b. syl dis+count pron , <1diskaunt> pos vb. mod mainly; tr. def to reduce (the regular price, cost, etc.) by a stated percentage or amount. discount 4. syl dis+count pron , <1diskaunt> pos vb. mod mainly; tr. def to sell or offer for sale at a reduced price. discount 5. syl dis+count pron , <1diskaunt> pos vb. mod mainly; tr. def to buy or sell (a bill of exchange, etc.) before maturity, with a deduction for interest determined by the time to maturity and also by risk. discount 6. syl dis+count pron , <1diskaunt> pos vb. mod also; intr. def to loan money on (a negotiable instrument that is not immediately payable) with a deduction for interest determined by risk and time to maturity. discount 7. syl dis+count pron <1diskaunt> pos n. mod mainly; tr. def short for {cash discount} or {trade discount}. discount 8. syl dis+count pron <1diskaunt> pos n. mod mainly; tr. def Also called: {discount rate}. discount 8.a. syl dis+count pron <1diskaunt> pos n. mod mainly; tr. def the amount of interest deducted in the purchase or sale of or the loan of money on unmatured nego?!tiable instruments. discount 8.b. syl dis+count pron <1diskaunt> pos n. mod mainly; tr. def the rate of interest deducted. discount 9.a. syl dis+count pron <1diskaunt> pos n. mod mainly; tr. usage in the issue of shares def a percentage deducted from the par value to give a reduced amount payable by subscribers. discount 9.b. syl dis+count pron <1diskaunt> pos n. mod mainly; tr. def the amount by which the par value of something, esp. shares, exceeds its market value. Compare { {premium} (sense 3).} discount 10. syl dis+count pron <1diskaunt> pos n. mod mainly; tr. def the act or an instance of discounting a negotiable instrument. discount 11.a. syl dis+count pron <1diskaunt> pos n. mod mainly; tr. def below the regular price. discount 11.b. syl dis+count pron <1diskaunt> pos n. mod mainly; tr. usage of share values def below par. discount 11.c. syl dis+count pron <1diskaunt> pos n. mod mainly; tr. def in low regard. discount 12. syl dis+count pron <1diskaunt> pos n. mod mainly; tr. usage modifier def offering or selling at reduced prices. exam 1 a discount shop. discountable sub head discount syl dis+1count+a:ble pos adj. discounter sub head discount syl dis+count+er pos n. discountenance 1. syl dis+coun+te:nance pron pos vb. mod tr. def to make ashamed or confused. discountenance 2. syl dis+coun+te:nance pron pos vb. mod tr. def to disapprove of. discountenance 3. syl dis+coun+te:nance pron pos n. mod tr. def disapproval. discount house 1. syl dis+count house pos n. qual Chiefly Brit. def a financial organization engaged in discounting bills of exchange, etc. on a large scale primarily by borrowing call money from commercial banks. discount house 2. syl dis+count house pos n. qual Chiefly U.S. def a shop offering for sale most of its merchandise at prices below the recommended prices. discourage 1. syl dis+cour+age pron pos vb. mod tr. def to deprive of the will to persist in something. discourage 2. syl dis+cour+age pron pos vb. mod tr. def to inhibit; prevent. exam 1 this solution discourages rust. discourage 3. syl dis+cour+age pron pos vb. mod tr. def to oppose by expressing disapproval. discouragement sub head discourage syl dis+1cour+age+ment pos n. discourager sub head discourage syl dis+1cour+ag+er pos n. discouragingly sub head discourage syl dis+1cour+ag+ing+ly pos adv. discourse ety C14: from Medieval Latin discursus argument, from Latin: a running to and fro, from discurrere to run different ways, from #7dis -%1#7+ currere to run discourse 1. syl dis+course pron <1diskc:s> pos n. def verbal communication; talk; conversation. discourse 2. syl dis+course pron <1diskc:s> pos n. def a formal treatment of a subject in speech or writing, such as a sermon or dissertation. discourse 3. syl dis+course pron <1diskc:s> pos n. def a unit of text used by linguists for the analysis of linguistic phenomena that range over more than one sentence. discourse 4. syl dis+course pron <1diskc:s> pos n. qual Archaic. def the ability to reason or the reasoning process. discourse 5. syl dis+course pron pos vb. mod intr. usage often foll. by on or upon def to speak or write (about) formally and extensively. discourse 6. syl dis+course pron pos vb. mod intr. def to hold a discussion. discourse 7. syl dis+course pron pos vb. mod tr. qual Archaic. def to give forth (music). discourser sub head discourse syl dis+1cours+er pos n. discourteous 0. syl dis+cour+te:ous pron pos adj. def showing bad manners; impolite; rude. discourteously sub head discourteous syl dis+1cour+te:ous+ly pos adv. discourteousness sub head discourteous syl dis+1cour+te:ous+ness pos n. discourtesies infl head discourtesy syl dis+cour+te:sies. pos n. mod pl. discourtesy 1. syl dis+cour+te:sy pron pos n. def bad manners; rudeness. discourtesy 2. syl dis+cour+te:sy pron pos n. def a rude remark or act. discover 1. syl dis+cov+er pron pos vb. mod tr. usage may take a clause as object def to be the first to find or find out about. exam 1 Cook discovered New Zealand. discover 2. syl dis+cov+er pron pos vb. mod tr. usage may take a clause as object def to learn about or encounter for the first time; realize. exam 1 she discovered the pleasures of wine. discover 3. syl dis+cov+er pron pos vb. mod tr. usage may take a clause as object def to find after study or search. exam 1 I discovered a leak in the tank. discover 4. syl dis+cov+er pron pos vb. mod tr. usage may take a clause as object def to reveal or make known. discoverable sub head discover syl dis+1cov+er+a:ble pos adj. discoverer sub head discover syl dis+1cov+er+er pos n. discovert ety C14: from Old French descovert, past participle of descouvrir to #7discover discovert 0. syl dis+cov+ert pron pos adj. usage Law. of a woman def not under the protection of a husband; being a widow, spinster, or divorcee. discoverture sub head discovert syl dis+1cov+er+ture pos n. discoveries infl head discovery syl dis+cov+er:ies. pos n. mod pl. discovery 1. syl dis+cov+er:y pron pos n. def the act, process, or an instance of discovering. discovery 2. syl dis+cov+er:y pron pos n. def a person, place, or thing that has been discovered. discovery 3. syl dis+cov+er:y pron pos n. qual Law. def the compulsory disclosure by a party to an action of relevant documents in his possession. Discovery Bay 0. syl Dis+cov+er:y Bay pos n. def an inlet of the Indian Ocean in SE Australia. discredit 1. syl dis+cred+it pron pos vb. mod tr. def to damage the reputation of. discredit 2. syl dis+cred+it pron pos vb. mod tr. def to cause to be disbelieved or distrusted. discredit 3. syl dis+cred+it pron pos vb. mod tr. def to reject as untrue or of questionable accuracy. discredit 4. syl dis+cred+it pron pos n. mod tr. def a person, thing, or state of affairs that causes disgrace. discredit 5. syl dis+cred+it pron pos n. mod tr. def damage to a reputation. discredit 6. syl dis+cred+it pron pos n. mod tr. def lack of belief or confidence. discreditable 0. syl dis+cred+it+a:ble pron pos adj. def tending to bring discredit; shameful or unworthy. discreditably sub head discreditable syl dis+1cred+it+a:bly pos adv. discreet ety C14: from Old French discret, from Medieval Latin discr*_etus, from Latin discernere to #7discern discreet 0. syl dis+creet pron pos adj. def careful to avoid social embarrassment or distress, esp. by keeping confidences secret; tactful. discreetly sub head discreet syl dis+1creet+ly pos adv. discreetness sub head discreet syl dis+1creet+ness pos n. cies infl head discrepancy syl +cies. pos n. mod pl. discrepancy 0. syl dis+crep+an+cy pron pos n. def a conflict or variation, as between facts, figures, or claims. discrepant ety C15: from Latin discrep*_ans, from discrep*_are to differ in sound, from #7dis -%1#7+ crep*_are to be noisy discrepant 0. syl dis+crep+ant pron pos adj. def inconsistent; conflicting; at variance. discrepantly sub head discrepant syl dis+1crep+ant+ly pos adv. discrete ety C14: from Latin discr*_etus separated, set apart; see #7discreet discrete 1. syl dis+crete pron pos adj. def separate or distinct in form or concept. discrete 2. syl dis+crete pron pos adj. def consisting of distinct or separate parts. discrete 3.a. syl dis+crete pron pos adj. usage of a variable def having consecutive values that are not infinitesimally close, so that its analysis requires summation rather than integration. discrete 3.b. syl dis+crete pron pos adj. usage of a distribution def relating to a discrete variable. Compare { {continuous} (sense 4).} discretely sub head discrete syl dis+1crete+ly pos adv. discreteness sub head discrete syl dis+1crete+ness pos n. discretion 1. syl dis+cre+tion pron pos n. def the quality of behaving or speaking in such a way as to avoid social embarrassment or distress. discretion 2. syl dis+cre+tion pron pos n. def freedom or authority to make judgments and to act as one sees fit (esp. in the phrases {at one's own discretion, at the discretion of}) . age 3. head discretion or years of discretion syl age def the age at which a person is able to manage his own affairs. discretional alt head discretionary or discretionary syl dis+cre+tion+al pos adj. discretionary 0. or discretional syl dis+cre+tion+ar:y pron , <-*nri> pos adj. def having or using the ability to decide at one's own discretion. exam 1 discretionary powers. discretionarily sub head discretionary or discretionally syl dis+1cre+tion+2ar:i+ly pos adv. discretionally sub head discretionary or discretionarily syl dis+1cre+tion+al+ly pos adv. discriminant 0. syl dis+cri+mi+nant pron pos n. def an algebraic expression related to the coefficients of a polynomial equation whose value gives information about the roots of the polynomial. exam 1 b%2 - 4ac is the discriminant of ax%2+bx+c=0. discriminate ety C17: from Latin dis?!cr*_imin*_are to divide, from discr*_imen a separation, from discernere to #7discern discriminate 1. syl dis+crim:i+nate pron pos vb. mod intr. def to single out a particular person, group, etc., for special favour or disfavour, often because of a characteristic such as race, colour, sex, intelligence, etc. discriminate 2. syl dis+crim:i+nate pron pos vb. mod when; intr. usage foll. by between or among def to recognize or understand the difference (between); distinguish. exam 1 to discriminate right and wrong; exam 2 to discriminate between right and wrong. discriminate 3. syl dis+crim:i+nate pron pos vb. mod tr. def to constitute or mark a difference. discriminate 4. syl dis+crim:i+nate pron pos vb. mod intr. def to be discerning in matters of taste. discriminate 5. syl dis+crim:i+nate pron pos adj. def showing or marked by discrimination. discriminately sub head discriminate syl dis+1crim:i+nate+ly pos adv. discriminator sub head discriminate syl dis+1crim:i+2na+tor pos n. discriminating 1. syl dis+crim:i+nat+ing pron pos adj. def able to see fine distinctions and differences. discriminating 2. syl dis+crim:i+nat+ing pron pos adj. def discerning in matters of taste. discriminating 3. syl dis+crim:i+nat+ing pron pos adj. usage of a tariff, import duty, etc. def levied at differential rates in order to favour or discourage imports or exports. discriminatingly sub head discriminating syl dis+1crim:i+2nat+ing+ly pos adv. discrimination 1. syl dis+crim:i+na+tion pron pos n. def unfair treatment of a person, racial group, minority, etc.; action based on preju?!dice. discrimination 2. syl dis+crim:i+na+tion pron pos n. def subtle appreciation in matters of taste. discrimination 3. syl dis+crim:i+na+tion pron pos n. def the ability to see fine distinctions and differences. discrimination 4. syl dis+crim:i+na+tion pron pos n. qual Electronics. def the selection of a signal having a particular frequency, amplitude, phase, etc., caused by the elimination of other signals by means of a discriminator. discriminational sub head discrimination syl dis+2crim:i+1na+tion+al pos adj. discrimination learning 0. syl dis+crim:i+na+tion learn+ing pos n. qual Psychol. def a learning process in which an organism learns to react differently to different stimuli. Compare { {generalization} (sense 3).} discriminator 1. syl dis+crim:i+na+tor pron pos n. def an electronic circuit that converts a frequency or phase modulation into an amplitude modulation for subsequent demodulation. discriminator 2. syl dis+crim:i+na+tor pron pos n. def an electronic circuit that has an output voltage only when the amplitude of the input pulses exceeds a predetermined value. discriminative alt head discriminatory or discriminatory syl dis+crim:i+na+tive pron pos adj. discriminatory 1. or discriminative syl dis+crim:i+na+to:ry pron , <-tri> pos adj. def based on or showing prejudice; biased. discriminatory 2. or discriminative syl dis+crim:i+na+to:ry pron , <-tri> pos adj. def capable of making fine distinctions. discriminatorily sub head discriminatory or discriminatively syl dis+1crim:i+na+to+ri+ly pos adv. discriminatively sub head discriminatory or discriminatorily syl dis+1crim:i+na+tive+ly pos adv. discursive ety C16: from Medieval Latin discurs*_ivus, from Late Latin dis?!cursus #7discourse discursive 1. syl dis+cur+sive pron pos adj. def rambling; digressive. discursive 2. syl dis+cur+sive pron pos adj. qual Philosophy. def of or relating to knowledge obtained by reason and argument rather than intuition. Compare {dianoetic, intuitive}. discursively sub head discursive syl dis+1cur+sive+ly pos adv. discursiveness sub head discursive syl dis+1cur+sive+ness pos n. discus ety C17: from Latin, from Greek diskos from dikein to throw discuses infl head discus or disci syl dis+cus:es pron <1disI> pos n. mod pl. disci infl head discus or discuses syl dis+ci pron <1disI> pos n. mod pl. discus 1. syl dis+cus pron <1disk*s> pos n. usage originally def a circular stone or plate used in throwing competitions by the ancient Greeks. discus 2.a. syl dis+cus pron <1disk*s> pos n. def a similar disc-shaped object with a heavy middle thrown by athletes. discus 2.b. syl dis+cus pron <1disk*s> pos n. usage as modifier exam 1 a discus thrower. discus 3. syl dis+cus pron <1disk*s> pos n. usage preceded by the def the event or sport of throwing the discus. discus 4. syl dis+cus pron <1disk*s> pos n. def a South American cichlid fish, that has a compressed coloured body and is a popular aquarium fish. discuss ety C14: from Late Latin discussus examined, from discutere to investigate, from Latin: to dash to pieces, from #7dis -%1#7+ quatere to shake, strike discuss 1. syl dis+cuss pron pos vb. mod tr. def to have a conversation about; consider by talking over; debate. discuss 2. syl dis+cuss pron pos vb. mod tr. def to treat (a subject) in speech or writing. exam 1 the first three volumes discuss basic principles. discuss 3. syl dis+cuss pron pos vb. mod tr. qual Facetious, rare. def to eat or drink with enthusiasm. discussant sub head discuss or discusser syl dis+1cus+sant pos n. discusser sub head discuss or discussant syl dis+1cuss+er pos n. discussible sub head discuss or discussable syl dis+1cuss+i:ble pos adj. discussable sub head discuss or discussible syl dis+1cuss+a:ble pos adj. discussion 0. syl dis+cus+sion pron pos n. def the examination or consideration of a matter in speech or writing. discussional sub head discussion syl dis+1cus+sion+al pos adj. disc wheel 0. syl disc wheel pos n. def a road wheel of a motor vehicle that has a round pressed disc in place of spokes. Compare {wire wheel}. disdain ety C13 dedeyne, from Old French desdeign, from desdeigner to reject as unworthy, from Latin d*_edign*_ar*_i; see #7dis -%1#7, deign disdain 1. syl dis+dain pron pos n. def a feeling or show of superiority and dislike; contempt; scorn. disdain 2. syl dis+dain pron pos vb. mod tr. usage may take an infinitive def to refuse or reject with disdain. disdainful 0. syl dis+dain+ful pron pos adj. def showing or feeling disdain. disdainfully sub head disdainful syl dis+1dain+ful+ly pos adv. disdainfulness sub head disdainful syl dis+1dain+ful+ness pos n. disease ety C14: from Old French desaise; see #7dis -%1#7, ease disease 1. syl dis+ease pron pos n. def any impairment of normal physiological function affecting all or part of an organism, esp. a specific pathological change caused by infection, stress, etc., producing characteristic symptoms; illness or sickness in general. disease 2. syl dis+ease pron pos n. def a corresponding condition in plants. disease 3. syl dis+ease pron pos n. def any situation or condition likened to this. exam 1 the disease of materialism. diseased 0. syl dis+eased pron pos adj. def having or affected with disease. disembark 0. syl dis+em+bark pron <2disim1ba:k> pos vb. def to land or cause to land from a ship, aircraft, etc.. exam 1 several passengers disembarked; exam 2 we will disembark the passengers. disembarkation sub head disembark or disembarkment syl dis+em+bar+ka+tion pron pos n. disembarkment sub head disembark or disembarkation syl dis+em+1bark+ment pos n. disembarrass 1. syl dis+em+bar+rass pron <2disim1b@r*s> pos vb. mod tr. def to free from embarrassment, entanglement, etc. disembarrass 2. syl dis+em+bar+rass pron <2disim1b@r*s> pos vb. mod tr. def to relieve or rid of something burdensome. disembarrassment sub head disembarrass syl dis+em+1bar+rass+ment pos n. disembodied 1. syl dis+em+bod+ied pron <2disim1bodid> pos adj. def lacking a body or freed from the body; incorporeal. disembodied 2. syl dis+em+bod+ied pron <2disim1bodid> pos adj. def lacking in substance, solidity, or any firm relation to reality. disembodies infl head disembody syl dis+em+bod:ies pos vb. mod tr. disembodying infl head disembody syl dis+em+bod:y+ing pos vb. mod tr. disembodied infl head disembody syl dis+em+bod+ied. pos vb. mod tr. disembody 0. syl dis+em+bod:y pron <2disim1bodi> pos vb. mod tr. def to free from the body or from physical form. disembodiment sub head disembody syl dis+em+1bod:i+ment pos n. disembogue ety C16: from Spanish desembocar, from des- #7dis -%1#7+ embocar put into the mouth, from em- in+ boca mouth, from Latin bucca cheek disembogues infl head disembogue syl dis+em+bogues pos vb. disemboguing infl head disembogue syl dis+em+bogu+ing pos vb. disembogued infl head disembogue syl dis+em+bogued. pos vb. disembogue 1. syl dis+em+bogue pron <2disim1b*ug> pos vb. usage of a river, stream, etc. def to discharge (water) at the mouth. disembogue 2. syl dis+em+bogue pron <2disim1b*ug> pos vb. mod intr. def to flow out. disemboguement sub head disembogue syl dis+em+1bogue+ment pos n. disembowels infl head disembowel or disembowels syl dis+em+bow+els pos vb. mod tr. qual U.S. disembowelling infl head disembowel or disemboweling syl dis+em+bow+el+ling pos vb. mod tr. disembowelled infl head disembowel or disemboweled syl dis+em+bow+elled pos vb. mod tr. disemboweling infl head disembowel or disembowelling syl dis+em+bow+el+ing pos vb. mod tr. qual U.S. disemboweled infl head disembowel or disembowelled syl dis+em+bow+eled. pos vb. mod tr. qual U.S. disembowel 0. syl dis+em+bow+el pron <2disim1bau*l> pos vb. def to remove the entrails of. &- {@!dis+em+#!bow+el+ment} disembroil 0. syl dis+em+broil pron <2disim1brcil> pos vb. mod tr. def to free from entanglement or a confused situation. disenable 0. syl dis+en+a:ble pron <2disi1nAbL> pos vb. mod tr. def to cause to become incapable; prevent. disenablement sub head disenable syl dis+en+1a:ble+ment pos n. disenchant 0. syl dis+en+chant pron <2disin1Ca:nt> pos vb. mod tr. def to free from or as if from an enchantment; disillusion. disenchanter sub head disenchant syl dis+en+1chant+er pos n. disenchantingly sub head disenchant syl dis+en+1chant+ing+ly pos adv. disenchantment sub head disenchant syl dis+en+1chant+ment pos n. disencumber 0. syl dis+en+cum+ber pron <2disin1k^mb*> pos vb. mod tr. def to free from encumbrances. disencumberment sub head disencumber syl dis+en+1cum+ber+ment pos n. disendow 0. syl dis+en+dow pron <2disin1dau> pos vb. mod tr. def to take away an endowment from. disendower sub head disendow syl dis+en+1dow+er pos n. disendowment sub head disendow syl dis+en+1dow+ment pos n. disenfranchise 0. syl dis+en+fran+chise pron <2disin1fr@nCIz> pos vb. def another word for {disfranchise}. disenfranchisement sub head disenfranchise syl dis+en+fran+chise+ment pron <2disin1fr@nCiz?!m*nt> pos n. disengage 1. syl dis+en+gage pron <2disin1gAJ> pos vb. def to release or become released from a connection, obligation, etc.. exam 1 press the clutch to disengage the gears. disengage 2. syl dis+en+gage pron <2disin1gAJ> pos vb. qual Military. def to withdraw (forces) from close action. disengage 3. syl dis+en+gage pron <2disin1gAJ> pos vb. qual Fencing. def to move (one's blade) from one side of an opponent's blade to another in a circular motion to bring the blade into an open line of attack. disengagement 1. syl dis+en+gage+ment pron <2disin1gAJm*nt> pos n. def the act or process of disengaging or state of being disengaged. disengagement 2. syl dis+en+gage+ment pron <2disin1gAJm*nt> pos n. def leisure; ease. &- {@!dis+en+#!gaged} disentail 1. syl dis+en+tail pron <2disin1tAl> pos vb. qual Property law. def to free (an estate) from entail. disentail 2. syl dis+en+tail pron <2disin1tAl> pos n. qual Property law. def the act of disentailing; disentailment. disentailment sub head disentail syl dis+en+1tail+ment pos n. disentangle 1. syl dis+en+tan+gle pron <2disin1t@GgL> pos vb. def to release or become free from entanglement or confusion. disentangle 2. syl dis+en+tan+gle pron <2disin1t@GgL> pos vb. mod tr. def to unravel or work out. disentanglement sub head disentangle syl dis+en+1tan+gle+ment pos n. disenthrall alt head disenthral or disenthral syl dis+en+thrall pron <2disin1Trc:l> pos vb. mod tr. disenthrals infl head disenthral or disenthralls syl dis+en+thrals pos vb. mod tr. disenthralling infl head disenthral or disenthralling syl dis+en+thral+ling pos vb. mod tr. disenthralled infl head disenthral or disenthralled syl dis+en+thralled pos vb. mod tr. disenthralls infl head disenthral or disenthrals syl dis+en+thralls pos vb. mod tr. disenthralling infl head disenthral or disenthralling syl dis+en+thrall+ing pos vb. mod tr. disenthralled infl head disenthral or disenthralled syl dis+en+thralled. pos vb. mod tr. disenthral 0. or disenthrall syl dis+en+thral pron <2disin1Trc:l> pos vb. mod tr. def to set free. disenthralment sub head disenthral or disenthrallment syl dis+en+1thral+ment pos n. disenthrallment sub head disenthral or disenthralment syl dis+en+1thrall+ment pos n. disentitle 0. syl dis+en+ti+tle pron <2disin1tItL> pos vb. mod tr. def to deprive of a title, right, or claim. disentomb 0. syl dis+en+tomb pron <2disin1tu:m> pos vb. mod tr. def to disinter; unearth. disentwine 0. syl dis+en+twine pron <2disin1twIn> pos vb. def to become or cause to become untwined; unwind. disepalous 0. syl di+sep:a+lous pron pos adj. usage of flowers or plants def having two sepals. disequilibrium 0. syl dis+e:qui+lib+ri:um pron <2disEkwi1libri*m> pos n. def a loss or absence of equilibrium, esp. in an economy. disestablish 0. syl dis+es+tab+lish pron <2disi1st@bliS> pos vb. mod tr. def to deprive (a church, custom, institution, etc.) of established status. disestablishment sub head disestablish syl dis+es+1tab+lish+ment pos n. disesteem 1. syl dis+es+teem pron <2disi1stEm> pos vb. mod tr. def to think little of. disesteem 2. syl dis+es+teem pron <2disi1stEm> pos n. def lack of esteem. diseuse ety C19: from French, feminine of diseur speaker, from dire to speak, from Latin d*_icere diseuse 0. syl di+seuse pron French pos n. usage esp. formerly def an actress who presents dramatic recitals, usually accompanied by music. Male counterpart: {di+seur} di#!z@or). disfavor alt head disfavour or disfavour syl dis+fa+vor pron pos n. qual U.S. disfavour 1. or disfavor syl dis+fa+vour pron pos n. def disapproval or dislike. disfavour 2. or disfavor syl dis+fa+vour pron pos n. def the state of being disapproved of or disliked. disfavour 3. or disfavor syl dis+fa+vour pron pos n. def an unkind act. disfavour 4. or disfavor syl dis+fa+vour pron pos vb. mod tr. def to regard or treat with disapproval or dislike. disfeature 0. syl dis+fea+ture pron pos vb. mod tr. def to mar the features or appearance of; deface. disfeaturement sub head disfeature syl dis+1fea+ture+ment pos n. disfigure 1. syl dis+fig+ure pron pos vb. mod tr. def to spoil the appearance or shape of; deface. disfigure 2. syl dis+fig+ure pron pos vb. mod tr. def to mar the effect or quality of. disfigurer sub head disfigure syl dis+1fig+ur+er pos n. disfiguration alt head disfigurement or disfigurement syl dis+fig+ur:a+tion pos n. disfigurement 1. or disfiguration syl dis+fig+ure+ment pron pos n. def something that disfigures. disfigurement 2. or disfiguration syl dis+fig+ure+ment pron pos n. def the act of disfiguring or the state of being disfigured. disforest 1. syl dis+for+est pron pos vb. mod tr. def another word for {deforest}. disforest 2. syl dis+for+est pron pos vb. mod tr. qual English law. def a less common word for {disafforest}. disforestation sub head disforest syl dis+2for+es+1ta+tion pos n. disenfranchise alt head disfranchise or disfranchise syl dis+en+fran+chise pos vb. mod tr. disfranchise 1. or disenfranchise syl dis+fran+chise pron pos vb. mod tr. def to deprive (a person) of the right to vote or other rights of citizenship. disfranchise 2. or disenfranchise syl dis+fran+chise pron pos vb. mod tr. def to deprive (a place) of the right to send representatives to an elected body. disfranchise 3. or disenfranchise syl dis+fran+chise pron pos vb. mod tr. def to deprive (a business concern, etc.) of some privilege or right. disfranchise 4. or disenfranchise syl dis+fran+chise pron pos vb. mod tr. def to deprive (a person, place, etc.) of any franchise or right. disfranchisement sub head disfranchise or disenfranchisement syl dis+fran+chise+ment pron pos n. disenfranchisement sub head disfranchise or disfranchisement syl dis+en+1fran+chise+ment pos n. disfrock 0. syl dis+frock pron pos vb. def another word for {unfrock}. disgorge 1. syl dis+gorge pron pos vb. def to throw out (swallowed food, etc.) from the throat or stomach; vomit. disgorge 2. syl dis+gorge pron pos vb. def to discharge or empty of (contents). disgorge 3. syl dis+gorge pron pos vb. mod tr. def to yield up unwillingly or under pressure. disgorge 4. syl dis+gorge pron pos vb. mod tr. qual Angling. def to remove (a hook) from the mouth or throat of (a fish). disgorgement sub head disgorge syl dis+1gorge+ment pos n. disgorger 0. syl dis+gorg+er pron pos n. qual Angling. def a thin notched metal implement for removing hooks from a fish. disgrace 1. syl dis+grace pron pos n. def a condition of shame, loss of reputation, or dishonour. disgrace 2. syl dis+grace pron pos n. def a shameful person, thing, or state of affairs. disgrace 3. syl dis+grace pron pos n. def exclusion from confidence or trust. exam 1 he is in disgrace with his father. disgrace 4. syl dis+grace pron pos vb. mod tr. def to bring shame upon; be a discredit to. disgrace 5. syl dis+grace pron pos vb. mod tr. def to treat or cause to be treated with disfavour. disgracer sub head disgrace syl dis+1grac+er pos n. disgraceful 0. syl dis+grace+ful pron pos adj. def shameful; scandalous. disgracefully sub head disgraceful syl dis+1grace+ful+ly pos adv. disgracefulness sub head disgraceful syl dis+1grace+ful+ness pos n. disgruntle ety C17: #7dis -%1#7+ obsolete gruntle to complain; see #7grunt disgruntle 0. syl dis+grun+tle pron pos vb. mod tr. def to make sulky or discontented. disgruntlement sub head disgruntle syl dis+1grun+tle+ment pos n. disguise ety C14: from Old French desguisier, from des- #7dis -%1#7+ guise manner; see #7guise disguise 1. syl dis+guise pron pos vb. def to modify the appearance or manner in order to conceal the identity of (oneself, someone, or something). disguise 2. syl dis+guise pron pos vb. mod tr. def to misrepresent in order to obscure the actual nature or meaning. exam 1 to disguise the facts. disguise 3. syl dis+guise pron pos n. def a mask, costume, or manner that disguises. disguise 4. syl dis+guise pron pos n. def the act of disguising or the state of being disguised. disguisable sub head disguise syl dis+1guis+a:ble pos adj. disguisedly sub head disguise syl dis+guis+ed+ly pron pos adv. disguiser sub head disguise syl dis+1guis+er pos n. disgust ety C16: from Old French desgouster, from des- #7dis -%1#7+ gouster to taste, from goust taste, from Latin gustus disgust 1. syl dis+gust pron pos vb. mod tr. def to sicken or fill with loathing. disgust 2. syl dis+gust pron pos vb. mod tr. def to offend the moral sense, principles, or taste of. disgust 3. syl dis+gust pron pos n. mod tr. def a great loathing or distaste aroused by someone or something. in disgust 4. head disgust syl in disgust. def as a result of disgust. disgustedly sub head disgust syl dis+1gust+ed+ly pos adv. disgustedness sub head disgust syl dis+1gust+ed+ness pos n. disgusting 0. syl dis+gust+ing pron pos adj. def loathsome; repugnant. Also (rare): {dis+gust+ful}. disgustingly sub head disgusting syl dis+1gust+ing+ly pos adv. dish ety Old English disc, from Latin discus quoit, see #7disc dish 1. syl dish pron pos n. def a container used for holding or serving food, esp. an open shallow container of pottery, glass, etc. dish 2. syl dish pron pos n. def the food that is served or contained in a dish. dish 3. syl dish pron pos n. def a particular article or preparation of food. exam 1 a local fish dish. dish 4. syl dish pron pos n. def Also called: {#!dish+ful}. the amount contained in a dish. dish 5. syl dish pron pos n. def something resembling a dish, esp. in shape. dish 6. syl dish pron pos n. def a concavity or depression. dish 7. syl dish pron pos n. def an informal name for {parabolic aerial}. dish 8. syl dish pron pos n. qual Slang. def an attractive person. dish 9. syl dish pron pos n. qual Informal. def something that one particularly enjoys or excels in. dish 10. syl dish pron pos vb. mod tr. def to put into a dish. dish 11. syl dish pron pos vb. mod tr. def to make hollow or concave. dish 12. syl dish pron pos vb. mod tr. qual Brit. slang. def to ruin or spoil. exam 1 he dished his chances of getting the job. dishlike sub head dish syl dish+2like pos adj. dishabille ety C17: from French d*'eshabill*'e undressed, from d*'es- {#7dis -%1}#7+ habiller to dress; see #7habiliment deshabille alt head dishabille or dishabille syl des+ha+bille pos n. dishabille 1. or deshabille syl dis+ha+bille pron <2dis@1bEl> pos n. def the state of being partly or carelessly dressed. dishabille 2. or deshabille syl dis+ha+bille pron <2dis@1bEl> pos n. qual Archaic. def clothes worn in such a state. disharmonies infl head disharmony syl dis+har+mo+nies. pos n. mod pl. disharmony 1. syl dis+har+mo+ny pron pos n. def lack of accord or harmony. disharmony 2. syl dis+har+mo+ny pron pos n. def a situation, circumstance, etc., that is inharmonious. disharmonious sub head disharmony syl dis+har+mo+ni+ous pron <2disha:1m*uni*s> pos adj. disharmoniously sub head disharmony syl dis+har+1mo+ni+ous+ly pos adv. dishcloth 0. syl dish+cloth pron <1diS2kloT> pos n. def a cloth or rag for washing or drying dishes. Also called (dialect): {dishclout}. dishcloth gourd 1. syl dish+cloth gourd pos n. def any of several tropical climbing plants of the cucurbitaceous genus esp. which is cultivated for ornament and for the fibrous interior of its fruits (see {loofah) }. dishcloth gourd 2. syl dish+cloth gourd pos n. def the fruit of any of these plants. {~} Also called: {vegetable sponge}. dishearten 0. syl dis+heart+en pron pos vb. mod tr. def to weaken or destroy the hope, courage, enthusiasm, etc., of. dishearteningly sub head dishearten syl dis+1heart+en+ing+ly pos adv. disheartenment sub head dishearten syl dis+1heart+en+ment pos n. dished 1. syl dished pron pos adj. def shaped like a dish; concave. dished 2. syl dished pron pos adj. usage of a pair of road wheels def arranged so that they are closer to one another at the bottom than at the top. dished 3. syl dished pron pos adj. qual Slang. def exhausted or defeated. dishevel ety C15: back formation from #7dishevelled dishevels infl head dishevel or dishevels syl di+shev+els pos vb. qual U.S. dishevelling infl head dishevel or disheveling syl di+shev+el+ling pos vb. dishevelled infl head dishevel or disheveled syl di+shev+elled pos vb. disheveling infl head dishevel or dishevelling syl di+shev+el+ing pos vb. qual U.S. disheveled infl head dishevel or dishevelled syl di+shev+eled. pos vb. qual U.S. dishevel 0. syl di+shev+el pron pos vb. def to disarrange (the hair or clothes) of (someone). dishevelment sub head dishevel syl di+1shev+el+ment pos n. dishevelled ety C15 dischevelee, from Old French deschevel*'e, from des- #7dis- %1+ chevel hair, from Latin capillus dishevelled 1. syl di+shev+elled pron pos adj. usage esp. of hair def hanging loosely. dishevelled 2. syl di+shev+elled pron pos adj. usage of general appearance def unkempt; untidy. dishonest 0. syl dis+hon+est pron pos adj. def not honest or fair; deceiving or fraudulent. dishonestly sub head dishonest syl dis+1hon+est+ly pos adv. dishonesties infl head dishonesty syl dis+hon+es+ties. pos n. mod pl. dishonesty 1. syl dis+hon+es+ty pron pos n. def lack of honesty or fairness; deceit. dishonesty 2. syl dis+hon+es+ty pron pos n. def a deceiving act or statement; fraud. dishonor alt head dishonour or dishonour syl dis+hon+or pron pos vb. mod tr. qual U.S. dishonour 1. or dishonor syl dis+hon+our pron pos vb. mod tr. def to treat with disrespect. dishonour 2. or dishonor syl dis+hon+our pron pos vb. mod tr. def to fail or refuse to pay (a cheque, bill of exchange, etc.). dishonour 3. or dishonor syl dis+hon+our pron pos vb. mod tr. def to cause the disgrace of (a woman) by seduction or rape. dishonour 4. or dishonor syl dis+hon+our pron pos n. mod tr. def a lack of honour or respect. dishonour 5. or dishonor syl dis+hon+our pron pos n. mod tr. def a state of shame or disgrace. dishonour 6. or dishonor syl dis+hon+our pron pos n. mod tr. def a person or thing that causes a loss of honour. exam 1 he was a dishonour to his family. dishonour 7. or dishonor syl dis+hon+our pron pos n. mod tr. def an insult; affront. exam 1 we did him a dishonour by not including him. dishonour 8. or dishonor syl dis+hon+our pron pos n. mod tr. def refusal or failure to accept or pay a commercial paper. dishonourer sub head dishonour or dishonorer syl dis+1hon+our+er pos n. dishonorer sub head dishonour or dishonourer syl dis+1hon+or+er pos n. qual U.S. dishonorable alt head dishonourable or dishonourable syl dis+hon+or+a:ble pron , <-1onr*bL> pos adj. qual U.S. dishonourable 1. or dishonorable syl dis+hon+our+a:ble pron , <-1onr*bL> pos adj. def characterized by or causing dishonour or discredit. dishonourable 2. or dishonorable syl dis+hon+our+a:ble pron , <-1onr*bL> pos adj. def having little or no integrity; unprincipled. dishonourableness sub head dishonourable or dishonorableness syl dis+1hon+our+a:ble+ness pos n. dishonorableness sub head dishonourable or dishonourableness syl dis+1hon+or+a:ble+ness pos n. qual U.S. dishonourably sub head dishonourable or dishonorably syl dis+1hon+our+a:bly pos adv. dishonorably sub head dishonourable or dishonourably syl dis+1hon+or+a:bly pos adv. qual U.S. dish out 1. syl dish out pos adv. mod tr. qual Informal. def to distribute. dish it out 2. head dish out syl dish it out. qual Informal. def to inflict punishment. exam 1 he can't take it, but he can sure dish it out. dishpan 0. syl dish+pan pron <1diS2p@n> pos n. qual Chiefly U.S. def a large pan for washing dishes, pots, etc. dishtowel 0. syl dish+tow:el pron <1diS2tau*l> pos n. def another name (esp. U.S.) for a {tea towel}. dish up 1. syl dish up pos vb. adv. def to serve (a meal, food, etc.). dish up 2. syl dish up pos vb. adv. mod tr. qual Informal. def to prepare or present, esp. in an attractive manner. dishwasher 1. syl dish+wash:er pron <1diS2woS*> pos n. def an electrically operated machine for washing, rinsing, and drying dishes, cutlery, etc. dishwasher 2. syl dish+wash:er pron <1diS2woS*> pos n. def a person who washes dishes, etc. dishwater 1. syl dish+wa:ter pron <1diS2wc:t*> pos n. def water in which dishes and kitchen utensils are or have been washed. dishwater 2. syl dish+wa:ter pron <1diS2wc:t*> pos n. def something resembling this. exam 1 that was dishwater, not coffee. dishier infl head dishy syl dish:i+er pos adj. dishiest infl head dishy syl dish:i+est. pos adj. dishy 0. syl dish:y pron <1diSi> pos adj. qual Slang, chiefly Brit. def good-looking or attractive. disillusion 1. syl dis+il+lu+sion pron <2disi1lu:Z*n> pos vb. mod tr. def to destroy the ideals, illusions, or false ideas of. disillusion 2. syl dis+il+lu+sion pron <2disi1lu:Z*n> pos n. usage also def the act of disillusioning or the state of being disillusioned. disillusive sub head disillusion syl dis+il+lu+sive pron <2disi1lu:siv> pos adj. disincentive 1. syl dis+in+cen+tive pron <2disin1sentiv> pos n. def something that acts as a deterrent. disincentive 2. syl dis+in+cen+tive pron <2disin1sentiv> pos adj. def acting as a deterrent. exam 1 a disincentive effect on productivity. disincline 0. syl dis+in+cline pron <2disin1klIn> pos vb. def to make or be unwilling, reluctant, or averse. disinclination sub head disincline syl dis+in+cli+na+tion pron <2disinkli1nAS*n> pos n. disinfect 0. syl dis+in+fect pron <2disin1fekt> pos vb. mod tr. def to rid of microorganisms potentially harmful to man, esp. by chemical means. disinfection sub head disinfect syl dis+in+1fec+tion pos n. disinfector sub head disinfect syl dis+in+1fec+tor pos n. disinfectant 0. syl dis+in+fect+ant pron <2disin1fekt*nt> pos n. def an agent that destroys or inhibits the activity of microorganisms that cause disease. disinfest 0. syl dis+in+fest pron <2disin1fest> pos vb. mod tr. def to rid of vermin. disinfestation sub head disinfest syl dis+2in+fes+1ta+tion pos n. disinflation 0. syl dis+in+fla+tion pron <2disin1flAS*n> pos n. qual Economics. def a reduction or stabilization of the general price level intended to improve the balance of payments without incurring reductions in output, employment, and investment. Compare { {deflation} (sense 2).} disingenuous 0. syl dis+in+gen:u+ous pron <2disin1Jenju*s> pos adj. def not sincere; lacking candour. disingenuously sub head disingenuous syl dis+in+1gen:u+ous+ly pos adv. disingenuousness sub head disingenuous syl dis+in+1gen:u+ous+ness pos n. disinherit 1. syl dis+in+her+it pron <2disin1herit> pos vb. mod tr. qual Law. def to deprive (an heir or next of kin) of inheritance or right to inherit. disinherit 2. syl dis+in+her+it pron <2disin1herit> pos vb. mod tr. def to deprive of a right or heritage. disinheritance sub head disinherit syl dis+in+1her:i+tance pos n. disintegrate 1. syl dis+in+te+grate pron pos vb. def to break or be broken into fragments or constituent parts; shatter. disintegrate 2. syl dis+in+te+grate pron pos vb. def to lose or cause to lose cohesion or unity. disintegrate 3. syl dis+in+te+grate pron pos vb. mod intr. def to lose judgment or control; deteriorate. disintegrate 4.a. syl dis+in+te+grate pron pos vb. def to induce or undergo nuclear fission, as by bombardment with fast particles. disintegrate 4.b. syl dis+in+te+grate pron pos vb. def another word for { {decay} (sense 3a.).} disintegrable sub head disintegrate syl dis+1in+te+gra:ble pos adj. disintegration sub head disintegrate syl dis+2in+te+1gra+tion pos n. disintegrative sub head disintegrate syl dis+1in+te+gra+tive pos adj. disintegrator sub head disintegrate syl dis+1in+te+2gra+tor pos n. disinters infl head disinter syl dis+in+ters pos vb. mod tr. disinterring infl head disinter syl dis+in+ter+ring pos vb. mod tr. disinterred infl head disinter syl dis+in+terred. pos vb. mod tr. disinter 1. syl dis+in+ter pron <2disin1tR:> pos vb. mod tr. def to remove or dig up; exhume. disinter 2. syl dis+in+ter pron <2disin1tR:> pos vb. mod tr. def to bring (a secret, hidden facts, etc.) to light; expose. disinterment sub head disinter syl dis+in+1ter+ment pos n. disinterest 1. syl dis+in+ter+est pron , <-t*rist> pos n. def freedom from bias or involvement. disinterest 2. syl dis+in+ter+est pron , <-t*rist> pos n. def lack of interest; indifference. disinterest 3. syl dis+in+ter+est pron , <-t*rist> pos vb. mod tr. def to free from concern for personal interests. disinterested 0. syl dis+in+ter+est+ed pron , <-t*ris-> pos adj. def free from bias or partiality; objective. disinterestedly sub head disinterested syl dis+1in+ter+est+ed+ly pos adv. disinterestedness sub head disinterested syl dis+1in+ter+est+ed+ness disject ety C16: from Latin disjectus, from disjicere to scatter, from #7dis -%1#7+ jacere to throw disject 0. syl dis+ject pron pos vb. mod tr. def to break apart; scatter. disjecta membra 0. syl dis+jec+ta mem+bra pron Latin. <1membr*> pos n. def scattered fragments, esp. parts taken from a writing or writings. disjoin 0. syl dis+join pron pos vb. def to disconnect or become disconnected; separate. disjoinable sub head disjoin syl dis+1join+a:ble pos adj. disjoint 1. syl dis+joint pron pos vb. def to take apart or come apart at the joints. disjoint 2. syl dis+joint pron pos vb. mod tr. def to disunite or disjoin. disjoint 3. syl dis+joint pron pos vb. def to dislocate or become dislocated. disjoint 4. syl dis+joint pron pos vb. mod tr. usage usually passive def to end the unity, sequence, or coherence of. disjoint 5. syl dis+joint pron pos adj. usage Maths. of two sets def having no members in common. disjoint 6. syl dis+joint pron pos adj. qual Obsolete. def disjointed. disjointed 1. syl dis+joint+ed pron pos adj. def having no coherence; dis?!connected. disjointed 2. syl dis+joint+ed pron pos adj. def separated at the joint. disjointed 3. syl dis+joint+ed pron pos adj. def dislocated. disjointedly sub head disjointed syl dis+1joint+ed+ly pos adv. disjointedness sub head disjointed syl dis+1joint+ed+ness pos n. disjunct 1. syl dis+junct pron pos adj. def not united or joined. disjunct 2. syl dis+junct pron pos adj. usage of certain insects def having deep constrictions between the head, thorax, and abdomen. disjunct 3. syl dis+junct pron pos adj. qual Music. def denoting two notes the interval between which is greater than a second. disjunct 4. syl dis+junct pron <1dis?!J^Gkt> pos n. def one of the propositions or formulas in a disjunction. disjunction 1. syl dis+junc+tion pron pos n. def Also called: {dis+junc+ture}. the act of disconnecting or the state of being disconnected; separation. disjunction 2. syl dis+junc+tion pron pos n. qual Cytology. def the separation of the chromosomes of each homologous pair during the anaphase of meiosis. disjunction 3. syl dis+junc+tion pron pos n. def Also called: {alternation}. disjunction 3.a. syl dis+junc+tion pron pos n. def a compound proposition in which the component propositions are joined by It is true if only one component is true (exclusive sense) or if at least one component is true (inclusive sense). Usually written. exam 1 p disjunction 3.b. syl dis+junc+tion pron pos n. def the relation between these terms. disjunctive 1. syl dis+junc+tive pron pos adj. def serving to disconnect or separate. disjunctive 2.a. syl dis+junc+tive pron pos adj. def denoting a word, esp. a conjunction, that serves to express opposition or contrast. exam 1 but disjunctive 2.b. syl dis+junc+tive pron pos adj. def denoting an inflection of pronouns in some languages that is used alone or after a preposition, such as in French. disjunctive 3. syl dis+junc+tive pron pos adj. def Also: {alternative}. characterizing, containing, or included in a disjunction. disjunctive 4.a. syl dis+junc+tive pron pos n. def a disjunctive word, esp. a conjunction. disjunctive 4.b. syl dis+junc+tive pron pos n. def a disjunctive pronoun. disjunctive 5. syl dis+junc+tive pron pos n. qual Logic. def a disjunctive proposition; disjunction. disjunctively sub head disjunctive syl dis+1junc+tive+ly pos adv. disk 1. syl disk pron pos n. def a variant spelling (esp. U.S.) of disc. disk 2. syl disk pron pos n. def Also called: {disk pack, magnetic disk}. a direct-access storage device consisting of a stack of plates coated with a magnetic layer, the whole assembly rotating rapidly as a single unit. Each surface has a read-write head that can move radially to read or write data on concentric tracks. Compare { {drum} %1 (sense 8).} Disko 0. syl Dis+ko pron <1disk*u> pos n. def an island in Davis Strait, off the W coast of Greenland: extensive coal deposits. disk pack 0. syl disk pack pos n. qual Computer technol. def another name for { {disk} (sense 2).} dislike 1. syl dis+like pron pos vb. mod tr. def to consider unpleasant or disagreeable. dislike 2. syl dis+like pron pos n. def a feeling of aversion or antipathy. dislikable sub head dislike or dislikeable syl dis+1lik+a:ble pos adj. dislikeable sub head dislike or dislikable syl dis+1like+a:ble pos adj. dislimn 0. syl dis+limn pron pos vb. mod tr. qual Poetic. def to efface. dislocate 1. syl dis+lo+cate pron <1disl*2kAt> pos vb. mod tr. def to disrupt or shift out of place or position. dislocate 2. syl dis+lo+cate pron <1disl*2kAt> pos vb. mod tr. def to displace (an organ or part) from its normal position, esp. a bone from its joint. dislocation 1. syl dis+lo+ca+tion pron <2disl*1kAS*n> pos n. def the act of displacing or the state of being displaced; disruption. dislocation 2. syl dis+lo+ca+tion pron <2disl*1kAS*n> pos n. usage esp. of the bones in a joint def the state or condition of being dislocated. dislocation 3. syl dis+lo+ca+tion pron <2disl*1kAS*n> pos n. def a line, plane, or region in which there is a discontinuity in the regularity of a crystal lattice. dislocation 4. syl dis+lo+ca+tion pron <2disl*1kAS*n> pos n. qual Geology. def a less common word for { {fault} (sense 6).} dislodge 0. syl dis+lodge pron pos vb. def to remove from or leave a lodging place, hiding place, or previously fixed position. dislodgment sub head dislodge or dislodgement syl dis+1lodg+ment pos n. dislodgement sub head dislodge or dislodgment syl dis+1lodge+ment pos n. disloyal 0. syl dis+loy+al pron pos adj. def not loyal or faithful; deserting one's allegiance or duty. disloyally sub head disloyal syl dis+1loy+al+ly pos adv. disloyalties infl head disloyalty syl dis+loy+al+ties. pos n. mod pl. disloyalty 0. syl dis+loy+al+ty pron pos n. def the condition or an instance of being unfaithful or disloyal. dismal ety C13: from dismal (n.) list of 24 unlucky days in the year, from Medieval Latin di*_es mal*_i bad days, from Latin di*_es day+ malus bad dismal 1. syl dis+mal pron <1dizm*l> pos adj. def causing gloom or depression. dismal 2. syl dis+mal pron <1dizm*l> pos adj. def causing dismay or terror. dismal 3. syl dis+mal pron <1dizm*l> pos adj. qual Rare. def calamitous. dismally sub head dismal syl dis+mal+ly pos adv. dismalness sub head dismal syl dis+mal+ness pos n. Great Dismal Swamp alt head Dismal Swamp or Dismal Swamp syl Great Dis+mal Swamp pos n. Dismal Swamp 0. or Great Dismal Swamp syl Dis+mal Swamp pos n. def a coastal marshland in SE Virginia and NE North Carolina: partly reclaimed. Area: about 1940 sq. km (750 sq. miles). Area before reclamation: 5200 sq. km (2000 sq. miles). dismantle ety C17: from Old French desmanteler to remove a cloak from; see #7mantle dismantle 1. syl dis+man+tle pron pos vb. mod tr. def to take apart. dismantle 2. syl dis+man+tle pron pos vb. mod tr. def to demolish or raze. dismantle 3. syl dis+man+tle pron pos vb. mod tr. def to strip of covering. dismantlement sub head dismantle syl dis+1man+tle+ment pos n. dismantler sub head dismantle syl dis+1man+tler pos n. dismast 0. syl dis+mast pron pos vb. mod tr. def to break off the mast or masts of (a sailing vessel). dismastment sub head dismast syl dis+1mast+ment pos n. dismay ety C13: from Old French desmaiier (unattested), from des- #7dis -%1#7+ esmayer to frighten, ultimately of Germanic origin; see #7may %1 dismay 1. syl dis+may pron pos vb. mod tr. def to fill with apprehension or alarm. dismay 2. syl dis+may pron pos vb. mod tr. def to fill with depression or discouragement. dismay 3. syl dis+may pron pos n. mod tr. def consternation or agitation. dismember 1. syl dis+mem+ber pron pos vb. mod tr. def to remove the limbs or members of. dismember 2. syl dis+mem+ber pron pos vb. mod tr. def to cut to pieces. dismember 3. syl dis+mem+ber pron pos vb. mod tr. def to divide or partition (something, such as an empire). dismemberer sub head dismember syl dis+1mem+ber+er pos n. dismemberment sub head dismember syl dis+1mem+ber+ment pos n. dismiss ety C15: from Medieval Latin dismissus sent away, variant of Latin d*_imissus, from d*_imittere, from d*_i- #7dis -%1#7+ mittere to send dismiss 1. syl dis+miss pron pos vb. mod tr. def to remove or discharge from employment or service. dismiss 2. syl dis+miss pron pos vb. mod tr. def to send away or allow to go or disperse. dismiss 3. syl dis+miss pron pos vb. mod tr. def to dispel from one's mind; discard; reject. dismiss 4. syl dis+miss pron pos vb. mod tr. def to cease to consider (a subject). exam 1 they dismissed the problem. dismiss 5. syl dis+miss pron pos vb. mod tr. def to decline further hearing to (a claim or action). exam 1 the judge dis?!missed the case. dismiss 6. syl dis+miss pron pos vb. mod tr. qual Cricket. def to bowl out a side for a particular number of runs. dismissible sub head dismiss syl dis+1miss+i:ble pos adj. dismissive sub head dismiss syl dis+1miss+ive pos adj. dismissal 1. syl dis+mis+sal pron pos n. def an official notice of discharge from employment or service. dismissal 2. syl dis+mis+sal pron pos n. def the act of dismissing or the condition of being dismissed. dismount 1. syl dis+mount pron pos vb. def to get off a horse, bicycle, etc. dismount 2. syl dis+mount pron pos vb. mod tr. def to disassemble or remove from a mounting. {~} dismount 3. syl dis+mount pron pos vb. def the act of dismounting. dismountable sub head dismount syl dis+1mount+a:ble pos adj. Walt (er Elias) infl head Disney syl Walt (er Elias) . pos n. Disney 0. syl Dis:ney pron <1dizni> pos n. def 1901-66, U.S. film director, who pioneered animated cartoons: noted esp. for his creations and and films such as (1940). &- {@!Dis@.ney+#!esque} Disneyland 0. syl Dis+ney+land pron <1dizni2l@nd> pos n. def an amusement park in Anaheim, California, founded by Walt Disney and opened in 1955. {Walt Disney World}, a second amusement park, opened in 1971 near Orlando, Florida. disobedience 0. syl dis+o:be:di+ence pron <2dis*1bEdi*ns> pos n. def lack of obedience. disobedient 0. syl dis+o:be:di+ent pron <2dis*1bEdi*nt> pos adj. def not obedient; neglecting or refusing to obey. disobediently sub head disobedient syl dis+o:1be:di+ent+ly pos adv. disobey 0. syl dis+o:bey pron <2dis*1bA> pos vb. def to neglect or refuse to obey (someone, an order, etc.). disobeyer sub head disobey syl dis+o:1bey+er pos n. disoblige 1. syl dis+o:blige pron <2dis*1blIJ> pos vb. mod tr. def to disregard the desires of. disoblige 2. syl dis+o:blige pron <2dis*1blIJ> pos vb. mod tr. def to slight; insult. disoblige 3. syl dis+o:blige pron <2dis*1blIJ> pos vb. mod tr. qual Informal. def to cause trouble or in?!convenience to. disobliging sub head disoblige syl dis+o:1blig+ing pos adj. disobligingly sub head disoblige syl dis+o:1blig+ing+ly pos adv. disobligingness sub head disoblige syl dis+o:1blig+ing+ness pos n. disoperation 0. syl dis+op+er:a+tion pron pos n. qual Ecology. def a relationship between two organisms in a community that is harmful to both. disorder 1. syl dis+or+der pron pos n. def a lack of order; disarray; confu?!sion. disorder 2. syl dis+or+der pron pos n. def a disturbance of public order or peace. disorder 3. syl dis+or+der pron pos n. def an upset of health; ailment. disorder 4. syl dis+or+der pron pos n. def a deviation from the normal system or order. disorder 5. syl dis+or+der pron pos vb. mod tr. def to upset the order of; disarrange; muddle. disorder 6. syl dis+or+der pron pos vb. mod tr. def to disturb the health or mind of. disorderly 1. syl dis+or+der+ly pron pos adj. def untidy; irregular. disorderly 2. syl dis+or+der+ly pron pos adj. def uncontrolled; unruly. disorderly 3. syl dis+or+der+ly pron pos adj. qual Law. def violating public peace or order. disorderly 4. syl dis+or+der+ly pron pos adv. def in an irregular or confused manner. disorderliness sub head disorderly syl dis+1or+der+li+ness pos n. disorderly conduct 0. syl dis+or+der+ly con+duct pos n. qual Law. def any of various minor offences tending to cause a disturbance of the peace. disorderly house 0. syl dis+or+der+ly house pos n. qual Law. def an establishment in which unruly behaviour habitually occurs, esp. a brothel or a gaming house. disorganise alt head disorganize or disorganize syl dis+or+gan+ise pron pos vb. mod tr. disorganize 0. or disorganise syl dis+or+gan+ize pron pos vb. mod tr. def to disrupt or destroy the arrangement, system, or unity of. disorganization sub head disorganize or disorganisation syl dis+2or+gan:i+1za+tion pos n. disorganisation sub head disorganize or disorganization syl dis+2or+gan:i+1sa+tion pos n. disorganizer sub head disorganize or disorganiser syl dis+1or+gan+2iz+er pos n. disorganiser sub head disorganize or disorganizer syl dis+1or+gan+2is+er pos n. disorient alt head disorientate or disorientate syl dis+o:ri+ent pos vb. mod tr. disorientate 1. or disorient syl dis+o:ri+en+tate pron pos vb. mod tr. def to cause (someone) to lose his bearings. disorientate 2. or disorient syl dis+o:ri+en+tate pron pos vb. mod tr. def to perplex; confuse. disown 0. syl dis+own pron pos vb. mod tr. def to deny any connection with; refuse to acknowledge. disowner sub head disown syl dis+1own+er pos n. disownment sub head disown syl dis+1own+ment pos n. disparage ety C14: from Old French desparagier, from des- #7dis -%1#7+ parage equality, from Latin par equal &- dis+#!par+age+ment n. ?- dis+#!par+ag+er n. disparage 1. syl dis+par+age pron pos vb. mod tr. def to speak contemptuously of; belittle. disparage 2. syl dis+par+age pron pos vb. mod tr. def to damage the reputation of. disparagingly sub head disparage syl dis+1par+ag+ing+ly pos adv. disparate ety C16: from Latin dispar*_are to divide, from #7dis -%1#7+ par*_are to prepare; also influenced by Latin dispar unequal disparate 1. syl dis+par+ate pron <1disp*rit> pos adj. def utterly different or distinct in kind. {~} disparate 2. syl dis+par+ate pron <1disp*rit> pos adj. mod pl. def unlike things or people. disparately sub head disparate syl dis+par+ate+ly pos adv. disparateness sub head disparate syl dis+par+ate+ness pos n. disparities infl head disparity syl dis+par+i:ties. pos n. mod pl. disparity 1. syl dis+par+i:ty pron pos n. def inequality or difference, as in age, rank, wages, etc. disparity 2. syl dis+par+i:ty pron pos n. def dissimilarity. dispassion 0. syl dis+pas+sion pron pos n. def detachment; objectivity. dispassionate 0. syl dis+pas+sion+ate pron pos adj. def devoid of or uninfluenced by emotion or prejudice; objective; impartial. dispassionately sub head dispassionate syl dis+1pas+sion+ate+ly pos adv. dispassionateness sub head dispassionate syl dis+1pas+sion+ate+ness pos n. dispatch ety C16: from Italian dispacciare, from Proven*,cal despachar, from Old French despeechier to set free, from des- #7dis -%1#7+ -peechier, ultimately from Latin pedica a fetter &- @!dis+#!patch+er n. despatch alt head dispatch or dispatch syl des+patch pron pos vb. mod tr. dispatch 1. or despatch syl dis+patch pron pos vb. mod tr. def to send off promptly, as to a destination or to perform a task. dispatch 2. or despatch syl dis+patch pron pos vb. mod tr. def to discharge or complete (a task, duty, etc.) promptly. dispatch 3. or despatch syl dis+patch pron pos vb. mod tr. qual Informal. def to eat up quickly. dispatch 4. or despatch syl dis+patch pron pos vb. mod tr. def to murder or execute. dispatch 5. or despatch syl dis+patch pron pos n. mod tr. def the act of sending off a letter, messenger, etc. dispatch 6. or despatch syl dis+patch pron pos n. mod tr. def prompt action or speed (often in the phrase {with dispatch) }. dispatch 7. or despatch syl dis+patch pron pos n. mod tr. def an official communication or report, sent in haste. dispatch 8. or despatch syl dis+patch pron pos n. mod tr. qual Journalism. def a report sent to a newspaper, etc., by a correspondent. dispatch 9. or despatch syl dis+patch pron pos n. mod tr. def murder or execution. dispatch box 0. syl dis+patch box pos n. def a case or box used to hold valuables, documents, etc. dispatch case 0. syl dis+patch case pos n. def a case used for carrying papers, documents, books, etc., usually flat and stiff. dispatch rider 0. syl dis+patch rid+er pos n. def a horseman or motorcyclist who carries dispatches. dispel ety C17: from Latin dispellere, from #7dis -%1#7+ pellere to drive dispels infl head dispel syl dis+pels pos vb. mod tr. dispelling infl head dispel syl dis+pel+ling pos vb. mod tr. dispelled infl head dispel syl dis+pelled. pos vb. mod tr. dispel 0. syl dis+pel pron pos vb. mod tr. def to disperse or drive away. dispeller sub head dispel syl dis+1pel+ler pos n. dispend ety C14: from Old French despendre, from Latin dispendere to distribute; see #7dispense dispend 0. syl dis+pend pron pos vb. mod tr. qual Obsolete. def to spend. dispensable 1. syl dis+pen+sa:ble pron pos adj. def not essential; expend?!able. dispensable 2. syl dis+pen+sa:ble pron pos adj. def capable of being distributed. dispensable 3. syl dis+pen+sa:ble pron pos adj. usage of a law, vow, etc. def able to be relaxed. dispensability sub head dispensable or dispensableness syl dis+2pen+sa:1bil+i:ty pos n. dispensableness sub head dispensable or dispensability syl dis+1pen+sa:ble+ness pos n. dispensaries infl head dispensary syl dis+pen+sa+ries. pos n. mod pl. dispensary 0. syl dis+pen+sa+ry pron , <-sri> pos n. def a place where medicine and medical supplies are dispensed. dispensation 1. syl dis+pen+sa+tion pron <2dispen1sAS*n> pos n. def the act of distributing or dispensing. dispensation 2. syl dis+pen+sa+tion pron <2dispen1sAS*n> pos n. def something distributed or dispensed. dispensation 3. syl dis+pen+sa+tion pron <2dispen1sAS*n> pos n. def a system or plan of administering or dispensing. dispensation 4.a. syl dis+pen+sa+tion pron <2dispen1sAS*n> pos n. def permission to dispense with an obligation of church law. dispensation 4.b. syl dis+pen+sa+tion pron <2dispen1sAS*n> pos n. def the document authorizing such permission. dispensation 5. syl dis+pen+sa+tion pron <2dispen1sAS*n> pos n. def any exemption from a rule or obligation. dispensation 6.a. syl dis+pen+sa+tion pron <2dispen1sAS*n> pos n. def the ordering of life and events by God. dispensation 6.b. syl dis+pen+sa+tion pron <2dispen1sAS*n> pos n. def a divine decree affecting an individual or group. dispensation 6.c. syl dis+pen+sa+tion pron <2dispen1sAS*n> pos n. def a religious system or code of prescriptions for life and conduct regarded as of divine origin. dispensational sub head dispensation syl dis+pen+1sa+tion+al pos adj. dispensatories infl head dispensatory syl dis+pen+sa+to:ries. pos n. mod pl. dispensatory 1. syl dis+pen+sa+to:ry pron , <-tri> pos n. def a book listing the composition, preparation, and application of various drugs. dispensatory 2. syl dis+pen+sa+to:ry pron , <-tri> pos adj. def of or involving dispensation. dispense ety C14: from Medieval Latin dispens*_are to pardon, from Latin dispendere to weigh out, from #7dis -%1#7+ pendere to weigh dispense 1. syl dis+pense pron pos vb. mod tr. def to give out or distribute in portions. dispense 2. syl dis+pense pron pos vb. mod tr. def to prepare and distribute (medicine), esp. on prescription. dispense 3. syl dis+pense pron pos vb. mod tr. def to administer (the law, etc.). dispense 4. syl dis+pense pron pos vb. mod intr. usage foll. by with def to do away (with) or manage (without). dispense 5. syl dis+pense pron pos vb. def to grant a dispensation to (someone) from (some obligation of church law). dispense 6. syl dis+pense pron pos vb. def to exempt or excuse from a rule or obligation. dispenser 1. syl dis+pens+er pron pos n. def a device, such as a vending machine, that automatically dispenses a single item or a measured quantity. dispenser 2. syl dis+pens+er pron pos n. def a person or thing that dispenses. dispermous ety C18: from #7di -%1#7+ Greek sperma seed dispermous 0. syl di+sper+mous pron pos adj. usage of flowering plants def produc?!ing or having two seeds. dispersal 1. syl dis+per+sal pron pos n. def another word for { {dispersion} (sense 1).} dispersal 2. syl dis+per+sal pron pos n. def the spread of animals, plants, or seeds to new areas. dispersal prison 0. syl dis+per+sal pris+on pos n. def a prison organized and equipped to accommodate a proportion of the most dangerous and highest security risk prisoners. dispersant 0. syl dis+per+sant pron pos n. def a liquid or gas used to disperse small particles or droplets, as in an aerosol. disperse ety C14: from Latin disp*_ersus scattered, from dispergere to scatter widely, from #7di -%2#7+ spargere to strew disperse 1. syl dis+perse pron pos vb. def to scatter; distribute over a wide area. disperse 2. syl dis+perse pron pos vb. def to dissipate or cause to dissipate. disperse 3. syl dis+perse pron pos vb. def to leave or cause to leave a gathering, often in a random manner. disperse 4. syl dis+perse pron pos vb. def to separate or be separated by dispersion. disperse 5. syl dis+perse pron pos vb. mod tr. def to diffuse or spread (news, information, etc.). disperse 6. syl dis+perse pron pos vb. def to separate (particles) throughout a solid, liquid, or gas, as in the formation of a suspension or colloid. disperse 7. syl dis+perse pron pos adj. def of or consisting of the particles in a colloid or suspension. exam 1 disperse phase. dispersedly sub head disperse syl dis+pers+ed+ly pron pos adv. disperser sub head disperse syl dis+1pers+er pos n. dispersion 1. syl dis+per+sion pron pos n. def the act of dispersing or the condition of being dispersed. dispersion 2.a. syl dis+per+sion pron pos n. def the separation of electromagnetic radiation into constituents of different wavelengths. dispersion 2.b. syl dis+per+sion pron pos n. def a measure of the ability of a substance to separate by refraction, expressed by the first differential of the refractive index with respect to wavelength at a given value of wavelength. Symbol. exam 1 D dispersion 3. syl dis+per+sion pron pos n. qual Statistics. def the degree to which values of a frequency distribution are scattered around some central point, usually the arithmetic mean or median. dispersion 4. syl dis+per+sion pron pos n. qual Chem. def a system containing particles dispersed in a solid, liquid, or gas. dispersion 5. syl dis+per+sion pron pos n. qual Military. def the pattern of fire from a weapon system. dispersion 6. syl dis+per+sion pron pos n. def the deviation of a rocket from its prescribed path. the infl head Dispersion syl the. pos n. Dispersion 0. syl Dis+per+sion pron pos n. def another name for the {Diaspora}. dispersion hardening 0. syl dis+per+sion hard+en+ing pos n. def the strengthening of an alloy as a result of the presence of fine particles in the lattice. dispersive 0. syl dis+per+sive pron pos adj. def tending or serving to disperse. dispersively sub head dispersive syl dis+1per+sive+ly pos adv. dispersiveness sub head dispersive syl dis+1per+sive+ness pos n. dispersoid 0. syl dis+per+soid pron pos n. qual Chem. def a system, such as a colloid or suspension, in which one phase is dispersed in another. dispirit 0. syl dis+pir+it pron pos vb. mod tr. def to lower the spirit or enthusiasm of; make downhearted or depressed; discourage. &- {@!dis+#!pir+it+ed} dispiritedly sub head dispirit syl dis+1pir+it+ed+ly pos adv. dispiritedness sub head dispirit syl dis+1pir+it+ed+ness pos n. dispiriting sub head dispirit syl dis+1pir+it+ing pos adj. dispiritingly sub head dispirit syl dis+1pir+it+ing+ly pos adv. displace 1. syl dis+place pron pos vb. mod tr. def to move from the usual or correct location. displace 2. syl dis+place pron pos vb. mod tr. def to remove from office or employment. displace 3. syl dis+place pron pos vb. mod tr. def to occupy the place of; replace; supplant. displace 4. syl dis+place pron pos vb. mod tr. def to force (someone) to leave home or country, as during a war. displace 5. syl dis+place pron pos vb. mod tr. qual Chem. def to replace (an atom or group in a chemical compound) by another atom or group. displace 6. syl dis+place pron pos vb. mod tr. qual Physics. def to cause a displacement of (a quantity of liquid, usually water of a specified type and density). displaceable sub head displace syl dis+1place+a:ble pos adj. displacer sub head displace syl dis+1plac+er pos n. displaced person 0. syl dis+placed per+son pos n. def a person forced from his home or country, esp. by war or revolution. displacement 1. syl dis+place+ment pron pos n. def the act of displacing or the condition of being displaced. displacement 2. syl dis+place+ment pron pos n. def the weight or volume displaced by a floating or submerged body in a fluid. displacement 3. syl dis+place+ment pron pos n. qual Chem. def another name for {substitution}. displacement 4. syl dis+place+ment pron pos n. def the volume displaced by the piston of a reciprocating pump or engine. displacement 5. syl dis+place+ment pron pos n. qual Psychoanal. def the transferring of emotional feelings from their original object to one that disguises their real nature. displacement 6. syl dis+place+ment pron pos n. qual Geology. def the distance any point on one side of a fault plane has moved in relation to a corresponding point on the opposite side. displacement 7. syl dis+place+ment pron pos n. qual Astronomy. def an apparent change in position of a body, such as a star. displacement activity 0. syl dis+place+ment ac+tiv+i:ty pos n. qual Psychol. def behaviour that occurs typically in a situation of conflict and is characterized by its irrelevance to that situation. displacement ton 0. syl dis+place+ment ton pos n. def the full name for {ton%1} (sense 6). displant 1. syl dis+plant pron pos vb. mod tr. qual Obsolete. def to displace. displant 2. syl dis+plant pron pos vb. mod tr. qual Obsolete. def to transplant (a plant). display ety C14: from Anglo-French despleier to unfold, from Late Latin displic*_are to scatter, from #7dis -%1#7+ plic*_are to fold display 1. syl dis+play pron pos vb. mod tr. def to show or make visible. display 2. syl dis+play pron pos vb. mod tr. def to disclose or make evident; reveal. exam 1 to display anger. display 3. syl dis+play pron pos vb. mod tr. def to flaunt in an ostentatious way. exam 1 to display military might. display 4. syl dis+play pron pos vb. mod tr. def to spread or open out; unfurl or unfold. display 5. syl dis+play pron pos vb. mod tr. def to give prominence to (headings, captions, etc.) by the use of certain typefaces. display 6. syl dis+play pron pos n. mod tr. def the act of exhibiting or displaying; show. exam 1 a display of fear. display 7. syl dis+play pron pos n. mod tr. def something exhibited or displayed. display 8. syl dis+play pron pos n. mod tr. def an ostentatious or pretentious exhibition. exam 1 a display of his accomplishments. display 9.a. syl dis+play pron pos n. mod tr. def an arrangement of certain typefaces to give prominence to headings, captions, etc. display 9.b. syl dis+play pron pos n. mod tr. def printed matter that is eye-catching. display 10.a. syl dis+play pron pos n. mod tr. def a device capable of representing information visually, as on a cathode-ray tube screen. display 10.b. syl dis+play pron pos n. mod tr. def the information so presented. display 11. syl dis+play pron pos n. mod tr. qual Zoology. def a pattern of behaviour in birds, fishes, etc., by which the animal attracts attention while it is courting the female, defending its territory, etc. display 12. syl dis+play pron pos n. mod tr. usage modifier def relating to or using typefaces that give prominence to the words they are used to set. displayer sub head display syl dis+1play+er pos n. displease 0. syl dis+please pron pos vb. def to annoy, offend, or cause displeasure to (someone). displeasingly sub head displease syl dis+1pleas+ing+ly pos adv. displeasure 1. syl dis+pleas+ure pron pos n. def the condition of being displeased. displeasure 2.a. syl dis+pleas+ure pron pos n. def pain. displeasure 2.b. syl dis+pleas+ure pron pos n. def an act or cause of offence. displeasure 3. syl dis+pleas+ure pron pos vb. mod tr. def an archaic word for {displease}. displode ety C17: from Latin displ*_odere from #7dis -%1#7+ plaudere to clap displode 0. syl dis+plode pron pos vb. def an obsolete word for {explode}. disport ety C14: from Anglo-French desporter, from des- #7dis -%1#7+ porter to carry disport 1. syl dis+port pron pos vb. mod tr. def to indulge (oneself) in pleasure. disport 2. syl dis+port pron pos vb. mod intr. def to frolic or gambol. disport 3. syl dis+port pron pos n. qual Archaic. def amusement. disposable 1. syl dis+pos+a:ble pron pos adj. def designed for disposal after use. exam 1 disposable cups. disposable 2. syl dis+pos+a:ble pron pos adj. def available for use if needed. exam 1 disposable assets. disposable 3. syl dis+pos+a:ble pron pos n. def something, such as a baby's nappy, that is designed for disposal. disposability sub head disposable or disposableness syl dis+2pos+a:1bil+i:ty pos n. disposableness sub head disposable or disposability syl dis+1pos+a:ble+ness pos n. disposal 1. syl dis+pos+al pron pos n. def the act or means of getting rid of something. disposal 2. syl dis+pos+al pron pos n. def placement or arrangement in a particular order. disposal 3. syl dis+pos+al pron pos n. def a specific method of tending to matters, as in business. disposal 4. syl dis+pos+al pron pos n. def the act or process of transferring something to or providing something for another. disposal 5. syl dis+pos+al pron pos n. def the power or opportunity to make use of someone or something (esp. in the phrase {at one's disposal}) . disposal 6. syl dis+pos+al pron pos n. def a means of destroying waste products, as by grinding into particles. disposal xref syl dis+pos+al pron pos n. def Also (for senses 2-5): {disposition}. dispose ety C14: from Old French disposer, from Latin disp*_onere to set in different places, arrange, from #7dis -%1#7+ p*_onere to place dispose 1.a. syl dis+pose pron pos vb. def to deal with or settle. dispose 1.b. syl dis+pose pron pos vb. def to give, sell, or transfer to another. dispose 1.c. syl dis+pose pron pos vb. def to throw out or away. dispose 1.d. syl dis+pose pron pos vb. def to consume, esp. hurriedly. dispose 2. syl dis+pose pron pos vb. def to arrange or settle (matters) by placing into correct or final condition. exam 1 man proposes, God disposes. dispose 3. syl dis+pose pron pos vb. mod tr. def to make willing or receptive. dispose 4. syl dis+pose pron pos vb. mod tr. def to adjust or place in a certain order or position. dispose 5. syl dis+pose pron pos vb. mod tr. usage often foll. by to def to accustom or condition. dispose 6. syl dis+pose pron pos n. def an obsolete word for {disposal} or {disposition}. disposer sub head dispose syl dis+1pos+er pos n. disposed 0.a. syl dis+posed pron pos adj. def having an inclination as specified (towards something). disposed 0.b. syl dis+posed pron pos adj. usage in combination exam 1 well-disposed. disposition 1. syl dis+po+si+tion pron <2disp*1ziS*n> pos n. def a person's usual tempera?!ment or frame of mind. disposition 2. syl dis+po+si+tion pron <2disp*1ziS*n> pos n. def a natural or acquired tendency, inclination, or habit in a person or thing. disposition 3. syl dis+po+si+tion pron <2disp*1ziS*n> pos n. def another word for { {disposal} (senses 2-5).} disposition 4. syl dis+po+si+tion pron <2disp*1ziS*n> pos n. qual Archaic. def manner of placing or arranging. dispositional sub head disposition syl dis+po+1si+tion+al pos adj. dispossess 0. syl dis+pos+sess pron <2disp*1zes> pos vb. mod tr. def to take away possession of something, esp. property; expel. dispossession sub head dispossess syl dis+pos+1ses+sion pos n. dispossessor sub head dispossess syl dis+pos+1ses+sor pos n. dispossessory sub head dispossess syl dis+pos+1ses+so+ry pos adj. disposure 0. syl dis+po+sure pron pos n. def a rare word for {disposal} or {disposition}. dispraise 1. syl dis+praise pron pos vb. mod tr. def to express disapproval or condemnation of. dispraise 2. syl dis+praise pron pos n. def the disapproval, etc., expressed. dispraiser sub head dispraise syl dis+1prais+er pos n. dispraisingly sub head dispraise syl dis+1prais+ing+ly pos adv. disprize 0. syl dis+prize pron pos vb. mod tr. qual Archaic. def to scorn; disdain. disproof 1. syl dis+proof pron pos n. def facts that disprove something. disproof 2. syl dis+proof pron pos n. def the act of disproving. disproportion 1. syl dis+pro+por+tion pron <2dispr*1pc:S*n> pos n. def lack of proportion or equality. disproportion 2. syl dis+pro+por+tion pron <2dispr*1pc:S*n> pos n. def an instance of disparity or inequality. disproportion 3. syl dis+pro+por+tion pron <2dispr*1pc:S*n> pos vb. mod tr. def to cause to become exaggerated or unequal. disproportionable sub head disproportion syl dis+pro+1por+tion+a:ble pos adj. disproportionableness sub head disproportion syl dis+pro+1por+tion+a:ble+ness pos n. disproportionably sub head disproportion syl dis+pro+1por+tion+a:bly pos adv. disproportionate 1. syl dis+pro+por+tion+ate pron <2dispr*1pc:S*nit> pos adj. def out of proportion; unequal. disproportionate 2. syl dis+pro+por+tion+ate pron <2dispr*1pc:S*2nAt> pos vb. qual Chem. def to undergo or cause to undergo disproportionation. disproportionately sub head disproportionate syl dis+pro+1por+tion+ate+ly pos adv. disproportionateness sub head disproportionate syl dis+pro+1por+tion+ate+ness pos n. disproportionation 0. syl dis+pro+por+tion:a+tion pron <2dispr*2pc:S*1nAS*n> pos n. def a reaction between two identical molecules in which one is reduced and the other oxidized. disprove 0. syl dis+prove pron pos vb. mod tr. def to show (an assertion, claim, etc.) to be incorrect. disprovable sub head disprove syl dis+1prov+a:ble pos adj. disproval sub head disprove syl dis+1prov+al pos n. disputable 0. syl dis+put+a:ble pron , <1dispjut*-> pos adj. def capable of being argued; debatable. disputability sub head disputable or disputableness syl dis+2put+a:1bil+i:ty pos n. disputableness sub head disputable or disputability syl dis+1put+a:ble+ness pos n. disputably sub head disputable syl dis+1put+a:bly pos adv. disputant 1. syl dis+pu+tant pron , <1dispjut*nt> pos n. def a person who argues; contestant. disputant 2. syl dis+pu+tant pron , <1dispjut*nt> pos adj. def engaged in argument. disputation 1. syl dis+pu+ta+tion pron <2dispju1tAS*n> pos n. def the act or an instance of arguing. disputation 2. syl dis+pu+ta+tion pron <2dispju1tAS*n> pos n. def a formal academic debate on a thesis. disputation 3. syl dis+pu+ta+tion pron <2dispju1tAS*n> pos n. def an obsolete word for {conversation}. disputative alt head disputatious or disputatious syl dis+pu+ta+tive pron pos adj. disputatious 0. or disputative syl dis+pu+ta+tious pron <2dispju1tAS*s> pos adj. def inclined to argument. disputatiously sub head disputatious or disputatively syl dis+pu+1ta+tious+ly pos adv. disputatively sub head disputatious or disputatiously syl dis+1pu+ta+tive+ly pos adv. disputatiousness sub head disputatious or disputativeness syl dis+pu+1ta+tious+ness pos n. disputativeness sub head disputatious or disputatiousness syl dis+1pu+ta+tive+ness pos n. dispute ety C13: from Late Latin disput*_are to contend verbally, from Latin: to discuss, from #7dis -%1#7+ put*_are to think dispute 1. syl dis+pute pron pos vb. def to argue, debate, or quarrel about (something). dispute 2. syl dis+pute pron pos vb. mod tr. usage may take a clause as object def to doubt the validity, etc., of. dispute 3. syl dis+pute pron pos vb. mod tr. def to seek to win; contest for. dispute 4. syl dis+pute pron pos vb. mod tr. def to struggle against; resist. dispute 5. syl dis+pute pron pos n. def an argument or quarrel. dispute 6. syl dis+pute pron pos n. qual Rare. def a fight. disputer sub head dispute syl dis+1put+er pos n. disqualifies infl head disqualify syl dis+qual:i+fies pos vb. mod tr. disqualifying infl head disqualify syl dis+qual:i+fy+ing pos vb. mod tr. disqualified infl head disqualify syl dis+qual:i+fied. pos vb. mod tr. disqualify 1. syl dis+qual:i+fy pron pos vb. mod tr. def to make unfit or unqualified. disqualify 2. syl dis+qual:i+fy pron pos vb. mod tr. def to make ineligible, as for entry to an examination. disqualify 3. syl dis+qual:i+fy pron pos vb. mod tr. def to debar (a player or team) from a sporting contest. disqualify 4. syl dis+qual:i+fy pron pos vb. mod tr. def to divest or deprive of rights, powers, or privileges. exam 1 disqualified from driving. disqualifiable sub head disqualify syl dis+1qual:i+2fi+a:ble pos adj. disqualification sub head disqualify syl dis+2qual:i+fi+1ca+tion pos n. disqualifier sub head disqualify syl dis+1qual:i+2fi+er pos n. disquiet 1. syl dis+qui+et pron pos n. def a feeling or condition of anxiety or uneasiness. disquiet 2. syl dis+qui+et pron pos vb. mod tr. def to make anxious or upset. disquiet 3. syl dis+qui+et pron pos adj. qual Archaic. def uneasy or anxious. disquietedly sub head disquiet or disquietly syl dis+1qui+et+ed+ly pos adv. disquietly sub head disquiet or disquietedly syl dis+1qui+et+ly pos adv. disquietedness sub head disquiet or disquietness syl dis+1qui+et+ed+ness pos n. disquietness sub head disquiet or disquietedness syl dis+1qui+et+ness pos n. disquieting sub head disquiet syl dis+1qui+et+ing pos adj. disquietingly sub head disquiet syl dis+1qui+et+ing+ly pos adv. disquietude 0. syl dis+qui+e:tude pron pos n. def a feeling or state of anxiety or uneasiness. disquisition ety C17: from Latin disqu*_is*_iti*_o, from disqu*_irere to make an investigation, from #7dis -%1#7+ quaerere to seek &- @!dis+qui+#!si+tion+al adj. disquisition 0. syl dis+qui+si+tion pron <2diskwi1ziS*n> pos n. def a formal written or oral examination of a subject. Benjamin infl head Disraeli syl Ben:ja:min pos n. Disraeli 0. syl Dis:rae:li pron pos n. def 1st Earl of Beaconsfield. 1804-81, British Tory statesman and novelist; prime minister (1868; 1874-80). He gave coherence to the Tory principles of protectionism, democracy, and imperialism, was responsible for the Reform Bill (1867) and, as prime minister, bought a controlling interest in the Suez Canal. His novels include (1844) and (1845). disrate 0. syl dis+rate pron pos vb. mod tr. qual Naval. def to punish (an officer) by lowering him in rank. disregard 1. syl dis+re+gard pron <2disri1ga:d> pos vb. mod tr. def to give little or no attention to; ignore. disregard 2. syl dis+re+gard pron <2disri1ga:d> pos vb. mod tr. def to treat as unworthy of consideration or respect. disregard 3. syl dis+re+gard pron <2disri1ga:d> pos n. mod tr. def lack of attention or respect. disregarder sub head disregard syl dis+re+1gard+er pos n. disregardful sub head disregard syl dis+re+1gard+ful pos adj. disregardfully sub head disregard syl dis+re+1gard+ful+ly pos adv. disregardfulness sub head disregard syl dis+re+1gard+ful+ness pos n. disrelish 1. syl dis+rel+ish pron pos vb. mod tr. def to have a feeling of aversion for; dislike. disrelish 2. syl dis+rel+ish pron pos n. def such a feeling. disremember 0. syl dis+re+mem+ber pron <2disri1memb*> pos vb. qual Informal, chiefly U.S. def to fail to recall (someone or something). disrepair 0. syl dis+re+pair pron <2disri1pe*> pos n. def the condition of being worn out or in poor working order; a condition requiring repairs. disreputable 1. syl dis+rep:u+ta:ble pron pos adj. def having or causing a lack of repute. disreputable 2. syl dis+rep:u+ta:ble pron pos adj. def disordered in appearance. disreputability sub head disreputable or disreputableness syl dis+2rep:u+ta:1bil+i:ty pos n. disreputableness sub head disreputable or disreputability syl dis+1rep:u+ta:ble+ness pos n. disreputably sub head disreputable syl dis+1rep:u+ta:bly pos adv. disrepute 0. syl dis+re+pute pron <2disri1pju:t> pos n. def a loss or lack of credit or repute. disrespect 1. syl dis+re+spect pron <2disri1spekt> pos n. def contempt; rudeness. disrespect 2. syl dis+re+spect pron <2disri1spekt> pos vb. mod tr. def to show lack of respect for. &- {@!dis+re+#!spect+ful} &- {@!dis+re+#!spect+ful+ly} &- {@!dis+re+#!spect+ful+ness} disrespectable 0. syl dis+re+spect+a:ble pron <2disri1spekt*bL> pos adj. def unworthy of respect; not respectable. disrespectability sub head disrespectable syl dis+re+2spect+a:1bil+i:ty pos n. disrobe 1. syl dis+robe pron pos vb. def to remove the clothing of (a person) or (of a person) to undress. disrobe 2. syl dis+robe pron pos vb. mod tr. def to divest of authority, etc. disrobement sub head disrobe syl dis+1robe+ment pos n. disrober sub head disrobe syl dis+1rob+er pos n. disrupt ety C17: from Latin disruptus burst asunder, from d*_irumpere to dash to pieces, from #7dis -%1#7+ rumpere to burst disrupt 1. syl dis+rupt pron pos vb. mod tr. def to throw into turmoil or dis?!order. disrupt 2. syl dis+rupt pron pos vb. mod tr. def to interrupt the progress of (a movement, meeting, etc.). disrupt 3. syl dis+rupt pron pos vb. def to break or split (something) apart. disrupter sub head disrupt or disruptor syl dis+1rupt+er pos n. disruptor sub head disrupt or disrupter syl dis+1rup+tor pos n. disruption sub head disrupt syl dis+1rup+tion pos n. disruptive 0. syl dis+rup+tive pron pos adj. def involving, causing, or tending to cause disruption. disruptively sub head disruptive syl dis+1rup+tive+ly pos adv. disruptive discharge 0. syl dis+rup+tive dis+charge pos n. def a sudden large increase in current through an insulating medium resulting from failure of the medium to withstand an applied electric field. dissatisfied 0. syl dis+sat+is+fied pron pos adj. def having or showing dis?!satisfaction; discontented. dissatisfiedly sub head dissatisfied syl dis+1sat+is+2fied+ly pos adv. dissatisfies infl head dissatisfy syl dis+sat+is+fies pos vb. mod tr. dissatisfying infl head dissatisfy syl dis+sat+is+fy+ing pos vb. mod tr. dissatisfied infl head dissatisfy syl dis+sat+is+fied. pos vb. mod tr. dissatisfy 0. syl dis+sat+is+fy pron pos vb. mod tr. def to fail to satisfy; disappoint. &- {@!dis+sat+is+#!fac+tion} &- {@!dis+sat+is+#!fac+to@.ry} dissect ety C17: from Latin dissec*_are, from #7dis -%1#7+ sec*_are to cut dissect 1. syl dis+sect pron , pos vb. def to cut open and examine the structure of (a dead animal or plant). dissect 2. syl dis+sect pron , pos vb. mod tr. def to examine critically and minutely. dissectible sub head dissect syl dis+1sec+ti:ble pos adj. dissected 1. syl dis+sect+ed pron , pos adj. qual Botany. def in the form of narrow lobes or segments. exam 1 dissected leaves. dissected 2. syl dis+sect+ed pron , pos adj. usage Geology. of plains def cut by erosion into hills and valleys, esp. following tectonic movements. disseise ety C14: from Anglo-Norman desseisir, from #7dis -%1#7+seize disseize alt head disseise or disseise syl dis+seize pron pos vb. mod tr. disseise 0. or disseize syl dis+seise pron pos vb. mod tr. qual Property law. def to deprive of seisin; wrongfully dispossess of a freehold interest in land. disseisor sub head disseise or disseizor syl dis+1sei+sor pos n. disseizor sub head disseise or disseisor syl dis+1sei+zor pos n. disseisin ety C14: from Old French dessaisine; see #7dis -%1#7, seisin disseizin alt head disseisin or disseisin syl dis+sei+zin pron pos n. disseisin 0. or disseizin syl dis+sei+sin pron pos n. def the act of disseising or state of being disseised. dissemble ety C15: from earlier dissimulen, from Latin dissimul*_are; probably influenced by obsolete semble to resemble &- dis+#!sem+blance n. ?- dis+#!sem+bler n. dissemble 1. syl dis+sem+ble pron pos vb. def to conceal (one's real motives, emotions, etc.) by pretence. dissemble 2. syl dis+sem+ble pron pos vb. mod tr. def to pretend; simulate. dissemble 3. syl dis+sem+ble pron pos vb. qual Obsolete. def to ignore. dissemblingly sub head dissemble syl dis+1sem+bling+ly pos adv. disseminate ety C17: from Latin diss*_emin*_are, from #7dis -%1#7+ s*_emin*_are to sow, from s*_emen seed disseminate 0. syl dis+sem:i+nate pron pos vb. mod tr. def to distribute or scatter about; diffuse. dissemination sub head disseminate syl dis+2sem:i+1na+tion pos n. disseminative sub head disseminate syl dis+1sem:i+na+tive pos adj. disseminator sub head disseminate syl dis+1sem:i+2na+tor pos n. disseminated sclerosis 0. syl dis+sem:i+nat+ed scle+ro+sis pos n. def another name for {multiple sclerosis}. disseminule ety C20: from #7disseminate+ -#7ule disseminule 0. syl dis+sem:i+nule pron pos n. def any propagative part of a plant, such as a seed or spore, that helps to spread the species. dissension ety C13: from Latin diss*_ensi*_o, from dissent*_ire to dissent dissension 0. syl dis+sen+sion pron pos n. def disagreement, esp. when leading to a quarrel. dissent ety C16: from Latin dissent*_ire to disagree, from #7dis -%1#7+ sent*_ire to perceive, feel dissent 1. syl dis+sent pron pos vb. mod intr. def to have a disagreement or withhold assent. dissent 2. syl dis+sent pron pos vb. mod intr. qual Christianity. def to refuse to conform to the doctrines, beliefs, or practices of an established church, and to adhere to a different system of beliefs and practices. dissent 3. syl dis+sent pron pos n. mod intr. def a difference of opinion. dissent 4. syl dis+sent pron pos n. mod intr. qual Christianity. def separation from an established church; Nonconformism. dissent 5. syl dis+sent pron pos n. mod intr. def the voicing of a minority opinion in announcing the decision on a case at law; dissenting judgment. dissenter sub head dissent syl dis+1sent+er pos n. dissenting sub head dissent syl dis+1sent+ing pos adj. dissentingly sub head dissent syl dis+1sent+ing+ly pos adv. Dissenter 0. syl Dis+sent+er pron pos n. qual Christianity, chiefly Brit. def a Nonconformist or a person who refuses to conform to the established church. dissentient 1. syl dis+sen+tient pron pos adj. def dissenting, esp. from the opinion of the majority. dissentient 2. syl dis+sen+tient pron pos n. def a dissenter. dissentience sub head dissentient or dissentiency syl dis+1sen+tience pos n. dissentiency sub head dissentient or dissentience syl dis+1sen+tien+cy pos n. dissentiently sub head dissentient syl dis+1sen+tient+ly pos adv. dissentious 0. syl dis+sen+tious pron pos adj. def argumentative. dissepiment ety C18: from Late Latin dissaep*_imentum, from #7dis -%1#7+ saep*_imentum hedge, from saep*_ire to enclose dissepiment 0. syl dis+sep:i+ment pron pos n. qual Biology. def a dividing partition or membrane, such as that between the chambers of a syncarpous ovary. dissepimental sub head dissepiment syl dis+2sep:i+1men+tal pos adj. dissertate ety C18: from Latin dissert*_are to debate, from disserere to examine, from #7dis -%1#7+ serere to arrange dissertate 0. syl dis+ser+tate pron <1dis*2tAt> pos vb. mod intr. qual Rare. def to give or make a dissertation. dissertator sub head dissertate syl dis+ser+2ta+tor pos n. dissertation 1. syl dis+ser+ta+tion pron <2dis*1tAS*n> pos n. def a written thesis, often based on original research, usually required for a higher degree. dissertation 2. syl dis+ser+ta+tion pron <2dis*1tAS*n> pos n. def a formal discourse. dissertational sub head dissertation syl dis+ser+1ta+tion+al pos adj. dissertationist sub head dissertation syl dis+ser+1ta+tion+ist pos n. disserve 0. syl dis+serve pron pos vb. mod tr. qual Archaic. def to do a disservice to. disservice 0. syl dis+ser+vice pron pos n. def an ill turn; wrong; injury, esp. when trying to help. disserviceable sub head disservice syl dis+1ser+vice+a:ble pos adj. dissever ety C13: from Old French dessevrer, from Late Latin #7dis -%1#7+ s*_epar*_are to #7separate dissever 1. syl dis+sev+er pron pos vb. def to break off or become broken off. dissever 2. syl dis+sev+er pron pos vb. mod tr. def to divide up into parts. disseverance sub head dissever syl dis+1sev+er+ance pos n. disseverment sub head dissever or disseveration syl dis+1sev+er+ment pos n. disseveration sub head dissever or disseverment syl dis+2sev+er:1a+tion pos n. dissident ety C16: from Latin dissid*_ere to be remote from, from #7dis -%1#7+ sed*_ere to sit dissident 1. syl dis+si+dent pron <1disid*nt> pos adj. def disagreeing; dissenting. {~} dissident 2. syl dis+si+dent pron <1disid*nt> pos adj. def a person who disagrees, esp. one who disagrees with the government. dissidence sub head dissident syl dis+si+dence pos n. dissidently sub head dissident syl dis+si+dent+ly pos adv. dissimilar 0. syl dis+sim:i+lar pron pos adj. def not alike; not similar; different. dissimilarly sub head dissimilar syl dis+1sim:i+lar+ly pos adv. dissimilarities infl head dissimilarity syl dis+sim:i+lar+i:ties. pos n. mod pl. dissimilarity 1. syl dis+sim:i+lar+i:ty pron <2disimi1l@riti> pos n. def difference; unlikeness. dissimilarity 2. syl dis+sim:i+lar+i:ty pron <2disimi1l@riti> pos n. def a point or instance of difference. dissimilate ety C19: from #7dis -%1#7+assimilate dissimilate 1. syl dis+sim:i+late pron pos vb. def to make or become dissimilar. dissimilate 2. syl dis+sim:i+late pron pos vb. qual Phonetics. usage usually foll. by to def to change or displace (a consonant) or (of a consonant) to be changed to or displaced by (another consonant) so that its manner of articu?!lation becomes less similar to a speech sound in the same word. Thus (r) in the final syllable of French is dissimilated to (l) in its English form dissimilative sub head dissimilate syl dis+1sim:i+la+tive pos adj. dissimilatory sub head dissimilate syl dis+1sim:i+la+to:ry pos adj. dissimilation 1. syl dis+sim:i+la+tion pron <2disimi1lAS*n> pos n. def the act or an instance of making dissimilar. dissimilation 2. syl dis+sim:i+la+tion pron <2disimi1lAS*n> pos n. qual Phonetics. def the alteration or omission of a consonant as a result of being dissimilated. dissimilation 3. syl dis+sim:i+la+tion pron <2disimi1lAS*n> pos n. qual Biology. def a less common word for {catabolism}. dissimilitude 1. syl dis+si+mil:i+tude pron <2disi1mili2tju:d> pos n. def dissimilarity; differ?!ence. dissimilitude 2. syl dis+si+mil:i+tude pron <2disi1mili2tju:d> pos n. def a point of differ?!ence. dissimulate 0. syl dis+sim:u+late pron pos vb. def to conceal (one's real feelings, etc.) by pretence. dissimulation sub head dissimulate syl dis+2sim:u+1la+tion pos n. dissimulative sub head dissimulate syl dis+1sim:u+la+tive pos adj. dissimulator sub head dissimulate syl dis+1sim:u+2la+tor pos n. dissipate ety C15: from Latin dissip*_are to disperse, from #7dis -%1#7+ sup*_are to throw dissipate 1. syl dis+si+pate pron <1disi2pAt> pos vb. def to exhaust or be exhausted by dispersion. dissipate 2. syl dis+si+pate pron <1disi2pAt> pos vb. mod tr. def to scatter or break up. dissipate 3. syl dis+si+pate pron <1disi2pAt> pos vb. mod intr. def to indulge in the pursuit of pleasure. dissipater sub head dissipate or dissipator syl dis+si+2pat+er pos n. dissipator sub head dissipate or dissipater syl dis+si+2pa+tor pos n. dissipative sub head dissipate syl dis+si+2pa+tive pos adj. dissipated 1. syl dis+si+pat+ed pron <1disi2pAtid> pos adj. def indulging without restraint in the pursuit of pleasure; debauched. dissipated 2. syl dis+si+pat+ed pron <1disi2pAtid> pos adj. def wasted, scattered, or exhausted. dissipatedly sub head dissipated syl dis+si+2pat+ed+ly pos adv. dissipatedness sub head dissipated syl dis+si+2pat+ed+ness pos n. dissipation 1. syl dis+si+pa+tion pron <2disi1pAS*n> pos n. def the act of dissipating or condition of being dissipated. dissipation 2. syl dis+si+pa+tion pron <2disi1pAS*n> pos n. def unrestrained indulgence in physical pleasures, esp. alcohol. dissipation 3. syl dis+si+pa+tion pron <2disi1pAS*n> pos n. def excessive expenditure; wastefulness. dissipation 4. syl dis+si+pa+tion pron <2disi1pAS*n> pos n. def amusement; diversion. dissociable 1. syl dis+so+ci+a:ble pron , <-S*-> pos adj. def able to be dissociated; distinguishable. dissociable 2. syl dis+so+ci+a:ble pron , <-S*-> pos adj. def incongruous; irreconcilable. dissociable 3. syl dis+so+ci+a:ble pron pos adj. def Also: {dissocial}. a less common word for {unsociable}. dissociability sub head dissociable or dissociableness syl dis+2so+ci+a:1bil+i:ty pos n. dissociableness sub head dissociable or dissociability syl dis+1so+ci+a:ble+ness pos n. dissociably sub head dissociable syl dis+1so+ci+a:bly pos adv. dissociate 1. syl dis+so+ci+ate pron , <-si-> pos vb. def to break or cause to break the association between (people, organizations, etc.). dissociate 2. syl dis+so+ci+ate pron , <-si-> pos vb. mod tr. def to regard or treat as separate or unconnected. dissociate 3. syl dis+so+ci+ate pron , <-si-> pos vb. def to undergo or subject to dissociation. dissociative sub head dissociate syl dis+1so+ci:a+tive pos adj. dissociation 1. syl dis+so+ci:a+tion pron , <-Si-> pos n. def the act of dissociating or the state of being dissociated. dissociation 2.a. syl dis+so+ci:a+tion pron , <-Si-> pos n. def a reversible chemical change of the molecules of a single compound into two or more other molecules, atoms, ions, or radicals. dissociation 2.b. syl dis+so+ci:a+tion pron , <-Si-> pos n. def any decomposition of the molecules of a single compound into two or more other compounds, atoms, ions, or radicals. dissociation 3. syl dis+so+ci:a+tion pron , <-Si-> pos n. def separation of molecules or atoms that occurs when a liquid or solid changes to a gas. dissociation 4. syl dis+so+ci:a+tion pron , <-Si-> pos n. qual Psychiatry. def the separation of a group of mental processes or ideas from the rest of the personality, so that they lead an independent existence, as in cases of multiple personality. dissoluble ety C16: from Latin dissol*_ubilis, from dissolvere to #7dissolve dissoluble 0. syl dis+sol+u:ble pron pos adj. def a less common word for {soluble}. dissolubility sub head dissoluble or dissolubleness syl dis+2sol+u:1bil+i:ty pos n. dissolubleness sub head dissoluble or dissolubility syl dis+1sol+u:ble+ness pos n. dissolute ety C14: from Latin dissol*_utus loose, from dissolvere to #7dissolve dissolute 0. syl dis+so+lute pron <1dis*2lu:t> pos adj. def given to dissipation; debauched. dissolutely sub head dissolute syl dis+so+2lute+ly pos adv. dissoluteness sub head dissolute syl dis+so+2lute+ness pos n. dissolution 1. syl dis+so+lu+tion pron <2dis*1lu:S*n> pos n. def the resolution or separation into component parts; disintegration. dissolution 2. syl dis+so+lu+tion pron <2dis*1lu:S*n> pos n. def destruction by breaking up and dispersing. dissolution 3. syl dis+so+lu+tion pron <2dis*1lu:S*n> pos n. def the termination of a meeting or assembly, such as Parliament. dissolution 4. syl dis+so+lu+tion pron <2dis*1lu:S*n> pos n. def the termination of a formal or legal relationship, such as a business enterprise, marriage, etc. dissolution 5. syl dis+so+lu+tion pron <2dis*1lu:S*n> pos n. def the state of being dissolute; dissipation. dissolution 6. syl dis+so+lu+tion pron <2dis*1lu:S*n> pos n. def the act or process of dissolving. dissolutive sub head dissolution syl dis+so+2lu+tive pos adj. dissolve ety C14: from Latin dissolvere to make loose, from #7dis -%1#7+ solvere to release dissolve 1. syl dis+solve pron pos vb. def to go or cause to go into solution. exam 1 salt dissolves in water; exam 2 water dissolves sugar. dissolve 2. syl dis+solve pron pos vb. def to become or cause to become liquid; melt. dissolve 3. syl dis+solve pron pos vb. def to disintegrate or disperse. dissolve 4. syl dis+solve pron pos vb. def to come or bring to an end. dissolve 5. syl dis+solve pron pos vb. def to dismiss (a meeting, parliament, etc.) or (of a meeting, etc.) to be dismissed. dissolve 6. syl dis+solve pron pos vb. def to collapse or cause to collapse emotionally. exam 1 to dissolve into tears. dissolve 7. syl dis+solve pron pos vb. def to lose or cause to lose distinctness or clarity. dissolve 8. syl dis+solve pron pos vb. mod tr. def to terminate legally, as a marriage, etc. dissolve 9. syl dis+solve pron pos vb. mod intr. qual Films, television. def to fade out one scene and replace with another to make two scenes merge imperceptibly ({fast dissolve}) or slowly overlap ({slow dissolve}) over a period of about three or four seconds. dissolve 10. syl dis+solve pron pos n. qual Films, television. def a scene filmed or televised by dissolving. dissolvable sub head dissolve syl dis+1solv+a:ble pos adj. dissolvability sub head dissolve or dissolvableness syl dis+2solv+a:1bil+i:ty pos n. dissolvableness sub head dissolve or dissolvability syl dis+1solv+a:ble+ness pos n. dissolver sub head dissolve syl dis+1solv+er pos n. dissolvent 1. syl dis+sol+vent pron pos n. def a rare word for { {solvent} (sense 3).} dissolvent 2. syl dis+sol+vent pron pos adj. def able to dissolve. dissonancy alt head dissonance or dissonance syl dis+so+nan+cy pos n. dissonance 1. or dissonancy syl dis+so+nance pron <1dis*n*ns> pos n. def a discordant combination of sounds. dissonance 2. or dissonancy syl dis+so+nance pron <1dis*n*ns> pos n. def lack of agreement or consistency. dissonance 3.a. or dissonancy syl dis+so+nance pron <1dis*n*ns> pos n. def a sensation commonly associated with all intervals of the second and seventh, all diminished and augmented intervals, and all chords based on these intervals. Compare {conso?!nance} (sense 3). dissonance 3.b. or dissonancy syl dis+so+nance pron <1dis*n*ns> pos n. def an interval or chord of this kind. dissonant ety C15: from Latin disson*_are to be discordant, from #7dis -%1#7+ son*_are to sound dissonant 1. syl dis+so+nant pron <1dis*n*nt> pos adj. def discordant; cacophonous. dissonant 2. syl dis+so+nant pron <1dis*n*nt> pos adj. def incongruous or discrepant. dissonant 3. syl dis+so+nant pron <1dis*n*nt> pos adj. qual Music. def characterized by disso?!nance. dissonantly sub head dissonant syl dis+so+nant+ly pos adv. dissuade ety C15: from Latin dissu*_ad*_ere, from #7dis -%1#7+ su*_ad*_ere to persuade dissuade 1. syl dis+suade pron pos vb. mod tr. usage often foll. by from def to deter (someone) by persuasion from a course of action, policy, etc. dissuade 2. syl dis+suade pron pos vb. mod tr. def to advise against (an action, etc.). dissuadable sub head dissuade syl dis+1suad+a:ble pos adj. dissuader sub head dissuade syl dis+1suad+er pos n. dissuasion sub head dissuade syl dis+1sua+sion pos n. dissuasive sub head dissuade syl dis+1sua+sive pos adj. dissuasively sub head dissuade syl dis+1sua+sive+ly pos adv. dissuasiveness sub head dissuade syl dis+1sua+sive+ness pos n. disyllable alt head dissyllable or dissyllable syl di+syl+la+ble pron <1dIsil*bL>, pos n. dissyllable 0. or disyllable syl dis+syl+la+ble pron , <1dis2sil->, <1dIsil-> pos n. qual Grammar. def a word of two syllables. dissyllabic sub head dissyllable or disyllabic syl dis+syl+lab+ic pron <2disi1l@bik>, <2dissi->, <2dI-> pos adj. disyllabic sub head dissyllable or dissyllabic syl di+syl+lab+ic pron <2dIsi1l@bik>, <2di-> pos adj. dissymmetries infl head dissymmetry syl dis+sym+me+tries. pos n. mod pl. dissymmetry 1. syl dis+sym+me+try pron , pos n. def lack of symmetry. dissymmetry 2. syl dis+sym+me+try pron , pos n. def the relationship between two objects when one is the mirror image of the other. dissymmetric sub head dissymmetry or dissymmetrical syl dis+sym+met+ric pron <2disi?!1metrik>, <2dissi-> pos adj. dissymmetrical sub head dissymmetry or dissymmetric syl dis+sym+1met+ri+cal pos adj. dissymmetrically sub head dissymmetry syl dis+sym+1met+ri+cal+ly pos adv. dist 1. syl dist. qual abbrev. for: def distant. dist 2. syl dist. qual abbrev. for: def distinguish(ed). dist 3. syl dist. qual abbrev. for: def district. distaff ety Old English dist@af, from dis- bunch of flax+ st@af #7staff %1; see #7dizen distaff 1. syl dis+taff pron <1dista:f> pos n. def the rod on which wool, flax, etc., is wound preparatory to spinning. distaff 2. syl dis+taff pron <1dista:f> pos n. qual Figurative. def women's work. distaff side 0. syl dis+taff side pos n. def the female side or branch of a family. Compare {spear side}. distal ety C19: from #7distant+ -#7al %1 distal 0. syl dis+tal pron <1distL> pos adj. usage Anatomy. of a muscle, bone, limb, etc. def situated farthest from the centre, median line, or point of attachment or origin. Compare {proximal}. distally sub head distal syl dis+tal+ly pos adv. distance 1. syl dis+tance pron <1dist*ns> pos n. def the intervening space between two points or things. distance 2. syl dis+tance pron <1dist*ns> pos n. def the length of this gap. distance 3. syl dis+tance pron <1dist*ns> pos n. def the state of being apart in space; remoteness. distance 4. syl dis+tance pron <1dist*ns> pos n. def an interval between two points in time. distance 5. syl dis+tance pron <1dist*ns> pos n. def the extent of progress; advance. distance 6. syl dis+tance pron <1dist*ns> pos n. def a distant place or time. exam 1 he lives at a distance from his work. distance 7. syl dis+tance pron <1dist*ns> pos n. def a separation or remoteness in relationship; disparity. keep one's distance 8. head distance syl keep one's distance. def to maintain a proper or discreet reserve in respect of another person. distance 9.a. syl dis+tance pron <1dist*ns> pos n. def the length of the shortest line segment joining two points. distance 9.b. syl dis+tance pron <1dist*ns> pos n. def the length along a straight line or curve. distance 10. syl dis+tance pron <1dist*ns> pos n. usage preceded by the def the most distant or a faraway part of the visible scene or landscape. distance 11.a. syl dis+tance pron <1dist*ns> pos n. qual Brit. def a point on a racecourse 240 yards from the winning post. distance 11.b. syl dis+tance pron <1dist*ns> pos n. qual Brit. def any interval of more than 20 lengths between any two finishers in a race. distance 11.c. syl dis+tance pron <1dist*ns> pos n. qual U.S. def the part of a racecourse that a horse must reach in any heat before the winner passes the finishing line in order to qualify for later heats. go the distance 12. head distance syl go the distance. def to be able to complete an assigned task or responsibility. distance 13. syl dis+tance pron <1dist*ns> pos n. def the distant parts of a picture, such as a landscape. distance 14.a. syl dis+tance pron <1dist*ns> pos n. usage in a picture def halfway between the foreground and the horizon. distance 14.b. syl dis+tance pron <1dist*ns> pos n. usage in a natural situation def halfway between the observer and the horizon. distance 15. syl dis+tance pron <1dist*ns> pos n. qual Athletics. usage modifier def relating to or denoting the longer races, usually those longer than a mile. exam 1 a distance runner. distance 16. syl dis+tance pron <1dist*ns> pos vb. mod tr. def to hold or place at a distance. distance 17. syl dis+tance pron <1dist*ns> pos vb. mod tr. def to separate (oneself) mentally or emotionally from something. distance 18. syl dis+tance pron <1dist*ns> pos vb. mod tr. def to outdo; outstrip. distant ety C14: from Latin dist*_are to be distant, from #7dis -%1#7+ st*_are to stand distant 1. syl dis+tant pron <1dist*nt> pos adj. def far away or apart in space or time. distant 2. syl dis+tant pron <1dist*nt> pos adj. usage postpositive def separated in space or time by a specified dis?!tance. distant 3. syl dis+tant pron <1dist*nt> pos adj. def apart in relevance, association, or relationship. exam 1 a distant cousin. distant 4. syl dis+tant pron <1dist*nt> pos adj. def coming from or going to a faraway place. exam 1 a distant journey. distant 5. syl dis+tant pron <1dist*nt> pos adj. def remote in manner; aloof. distant 6. syl dis+tant pron <1dist*nt> pos adj. def abstracted; absent. exam 1 a distant look. distantly sub head distant syl dis+tant+ly pos adv. distantness sub head distant syl dis+tant+ness pos n. distant early warning 0. syl dis+tant ear+ly warn+ing pos n. def a U.S. radar detection system to warn of missile attack. distaste 1. syl dis+taste pron pos n. usage often foll. by for def an absence of pleasure (in); dislike (of); aversion (to). exam 1 to look at someone with distaste. distaste 2. syl dis+taste pron pos vb. mod tr. def an archaic word for {dislike}. distasteful 0. syl dis+taste+ful pron pos adj. def unpleasant or offensive. distastefully sub head distasteful syl dis+1taste+ful+ly pos adv. distastefulness sub head distasteful syl dis+1taste+ful+ness pos n. distemper ety C14: from Late Latin distemper*_are to derange the health of, from Latin #7dis -%1#7+ temper*_are to mix in correct proportions distemper H1.1. syl dis+tem+per pron pos n. def any of various infectious diseases of animals, esp. {canine distemper}, a highly contagious viral disease of young dogs, characterized by high fever and a discharge from the nose and eyes. See also {strangles}. distemper H1.2.a. syl dis+tem+per pron pos n. def a disease or disorder. distemper H1.2.b. syl dis+tem+per pron pos n. def disturbance. distemper H1.2.c. syl dis+tem+per pron pos n. def discontent. distemper H1.3. syl dis+tem+per pron pos vb. mod tr. qual Archaic. def to disturb. distemper ety C14: from Medieval Latin distemper*_are to soak, from Latin #7dis -%1#7+ temper*_are to mingle distemper H2.1. syl dis+tem+per pron pos n. def a technique of painting in which the pigments are mixed with water, glue, size, etc., used for poster, mural, and scene painting. distemper H2.2. syl dis+tem+per pron pos n. def the paint used in this technique or any of various water-based paints, including, in Britain, whitewash. distemper H2.3. syl dis+tem+per pron pos vb. mod tr. def to mix (pigments) with water and size. distemper H2.4. syl dis+tem+per pron pos vb. def to paint (something) with distemper. distend ety C14: from Latin distendere, from #7dis -%1#7+ tendere to stretch distend 1. syl dis+tend pron pos vb. def to expand or be expanded by or as if by pressure from within; swell; inflate. distend 2. syl dis+tend pron pos vb. mod tr. def to stretch out or extend. distend 3. syl dis+tend pron pos vb. mod tr. def to magnify in importance; exaggerate. distender sub head distend syl dis+1tend+er pos n. distensible sub head distend syl dis+1ten+si:ble pos adj. distensibility sub head distend syl dis+2ten+si+1bil+i:ty pos n. distich ety C16: from Greek distikhos having two lines, from #7di -%1#7+ stikhos #7stich distich 0. syl dis+tich pron <1distik> pos n. qual Prosody. def a unit of two verse lines, usually a couplet. distichal sub head distich syl dis+ti+chal pos adj. distichous 0. syl dis+ti+chous pron <1distik*s> pos adj. usage of leaves def arranged in two vertical rows on opposite sides of the stem. distichously sub head distichous syl dis+ti+chous+ly pos adv. distil ety C14: from Latin d*_estill*_are to distil, from #7de -#7+ still*_are to drip distill alt head distil or distil syl dis+till pron pos vb. qual U.S. distils infl head distil or distills syl dis+tils pos vb. distills infl head distil or distils syl dis+tills pos vb. distilling infl head distil syl dis+til+ling pos vb. distilled infl head distil syl dis+tilled. pos vb. distil 1. or distill syl dis+til pron pos vb. def to subject to or undergo distillation. See also { {rectify} (sense 2).} distil 2. or distill syl dis+til pron pos vb. usage sometimes foll. by out or off def to purify, separate, or concentrate, or be purified, separated, or concentrated by distillation. distil 3. or distill syl dis+til pron pos vb. def to obtain or be obtained by distillation. exam 1 to distil whisky. distil 4. or distill syl dis+til pron pos vb. def to exude or give off (a substance) in drops or small quantities. distil 5. or distill syl dis+til pron pos vb. mod tr. def to extract the essence of as if by distillation. distillable sub head distil syl dis+1till+a:ble pos adj. distillate 1. syl dis+til+late pron <1distilit>, <-2lAt> pos n. def Also called: {distillation}. the product of distillation. distillate 2. syl dis+til+late pron <1distilit>, <-2lAt> pos n. def a concentrated essence. distillment alt head distillation or distillation syl dis+till+ment pos n. distillation 1. or distillment syl dis+til+la+tion pron <2disti1lAS*n> pos n. def the act, process, or product of distilling. distillation 2. or distillment syl dis+til+la+tion pron <2disti1lAS*n> pos n. def the process of evaporating or boiling a liquid and condensing its vapour. distillation 3. or distillment syl dis+til+la+tion pron <2disti1lAS*n> pos n. def purification or separation of mixture by using different evaporation rates or boiling points of their components. See also {fractional distillation}. distillation 4. or distillment syl dis+til+la+tion pron <2disti1lAS*n> pos n. def the process of obtaining the essence or an extract of a substance, usually by heating it in a solvent. distillation 5. or distillment syl dis+til+la+tion pron <2disti1lAS*n> pos n. def another name for { {distillate} (sense 1).} distillation 6. or distillment syl dis+til+la+tion pron <2disti1lAS*n> pos n. def a concentrated essence. distillatory sub head distillation syl dis+1til+la+to:ry pos adj. distiller 0. syl dis+till+er pron pos n. def a person or organization that distils, esp. a company that makes spirits. distilleries infl head distillery syl dis+till+er:ies. pos n. mod pl. distillery 0. syl dis+till+er:y pron pos n. def a place where alcoholic drinks, etc., are made by distillation. distinct ety C14: from Latin distinctus, from distinguere to #7distinguish distinct 1. syl dis+tinct pron pos adj. def easily sensed or understood; clear; precise. distinct 2. syl dis+tinct pron pos adj. usage when postpositive, foll. by from def not the same (as); separate (from); distinguished (from). distinct 3. syl dis+tinct pron pos adj. def not alike; different. distinct 4. syl dis+tinct pron pos adj. def sharp; clear. distinct 5. syl dis+tinct pron pos adj. def recognizable; definite. exam 1 a distinct improve?!ment. distinct 6. syl dis+tinct pron pos adj. def explicit; unequivocal. distinctly sub head distinct syl dis+1tinct+ly pos adv. distinctness sub head distinct syl dis+1tinct+ness pos n. distinction 1. syl dis+tinc+tion pron pos n. def the act or an instance of distinguishing or differentiating. distinction 2. syl dis+tinc+tion pron pos n. def a distinguishing feature. distinction 3. syl dis+tinc+tion pron pos n. def the state of being different or distinguishable. distinction 4. syl dis+tinc+tion pron pos n. def special honour, recognition, or fame. distinction 5. syl dis+tinc+tion pron pos n. def excellence of character; distinctive qualities. exam 1 a man of distinction. distinction 6. syl dis+tinc+tion pron pos n. def distinguished appearance. distinction 7. syl dis+tinc+tion pron pos n. def a symbol of honour or rank. distinctive 1. syl dis+tinc+tive pron pos adj. def serving or tending to distinguish. distinctive 2. syl dis+tinc+tive pron pos adj. def denoting one of a set of minimal features of a phoneme in a given language that serve to distinguish it from other phonemes. The distinctive features of /#800215 p/#800216 in English are that it is voiceless, bilabial, non-nasal, and plosive; /#800217 b/#800218 is voiced, bilabial, non-nasal, and plosive: the two differ by the distinctive feature of voice. distinctively sub head distinctive syl dis+1tinc+tive+ly pos adv. distinctiveness sub head distinctive syl dis+1tinc+tive+ness pos n. distingu'e 0. syl dis+tin+gu*'e pron French. pos adj. def distinguished or noble. distinguish ety C16: from Latin distinguere to separate, discriminate distinguish 1. syl dis+tin+guish pron pos vb. mod when; intr. usage foll. by between or among def to make, show, or recognize a difference or differences (between or among); differentiate (between). distinguish 2. syl dis+tin+guish pron pos vb. mod mainly; tr. def to be a distinctive feature of; characterize. distinguish 3. syl dis+tin+guish pron pos vb. mod mainly; tr. def to make out; perceive. distinguish 4. syl dis+tin+guish pron pos vb. mod mainly; tr. def to mark for a special honour or title. distinguish 5. syl dis+tin+guish pron pos vb. mod mainly; tr. def to make (oneself) noteworthy. exam 1 he distinguished himself by his coward?!ice. distinguish 6. syl dis+tin+guish pron pos vb. mod mainly; tr. def to classify; categorize. exam 1 we distinguished three species. distinguishable sub head distinguish syl dis+1tin+guish+a:ble pos adj. distinguishably sub head distinguish syl dis+1tin+guish+a:bly pos adv. distinguisher sub head distinguish syl dis+1tin+guish+er pos n. distinguishingly sub head distinguish syl dis+1tin+guish+ing+ly pos adv. distinguished 1. syl dis+tin+guished pron pos adj. def noble or dignified in appearance or behaviour. distinguished 2. syl dis+tin+guished pron pos adj. def eminent; famous; celebrated. distort ety C16: from Latin distortus misshapen, from distorqu*_ere to turn different ways, from #7dis -%1#7+ torqu*_ere to twist distort 1. syl dis+tort pron pos vb. mod tr. usage often passive def to twist or pull out of shape; make bent or misshapen; contort; deform. distort 2. syl dis+tort pron pos vb. mod tr. def to alter or misrepresent (facts, motives, etc.). distort 3. syl dis+tort pron pos vb. mod tr. qual Electronics. def to reproduce or amplify (a signal) inaccurately, changing the shape of the waveform. distorted sub head distort syl dis+1tort+ed pos adj. distortedly sub head distort syl dis+1tort+ed+ly pos adv. distortedness sub head distort syl dis+1tort+ed+ness pos n. distorter sub head distort syl dis+1tort+er pos n. distortive sub head distort syl dis+1tor+tive pos adj. distortion 1. syl dis+tor+tion pron pos n. def the act or an instance of distort?!ing or the state of being distorted. distortion 2. syl dis+tor+tion pron pos n. def something that is distorted. distortion 3. syl dis+tor+tion pron pos n. def an aberration of a lens or optical system in which the magnification varies with the lateral distance from the axis. distortion 4.a. syl dis+tor+tion pron pos n. def an undesired change in the shape of an electrical wave or signal. distortion 4.b. syl dis+tor+tion pron pos n. def the result of such a change in waveform, esp. a loss of clarity in radio reception or sound reproduction. distortion 5. syl dis+tor+tion pron pos n. qual Psychol. def a change in perception so that it does not correspond to reality. distortion 6. syl dis+tor+tion pron pos n. qual Psychoanal. def the alteration of unconscious thoughts to let them appear in consciousness. distortional sub head distortion syl dis+1tor+tion+al pos adj. distr 1. syl distr. qual abbrev. for: def distribution. distr 2. syl distr. qual abbrev. for: def distributor. distract ety C14: from Latin distractus perplexed, from distrahere to pull in different directions, from #7dis -%1#7+ trahere to drag distract 1. syl dis+tract pron pos vb. mod tr. usage often passive def to draw the attention of (a person) away from something. distract 2. syl dis+tract pron pos vb. mod tr. def to divide or confuse the attention of (a person). distract 3. syl dis+tract pron pos vb. mod tr. def to amuse or entertain. distract 4. syl dis+tract pron pos vb. mod tr. def to trouble greatly. distract 5. syl dis+tract pron pos vb. mod tr. def to make mad. distracter sub head distract syl dis+1tract+er pos n. distractible sub head distract syl dis+1tract+i:ble pos adj. distractibility sub head distract syl dis+2tract+i:1bil+i:ty pos n. distracting sub head distract syl dis+1tract+ing pos adj. distractingly sub head distract syl dis+1tract+ing+ly pos adv. distractive sub head distract syl dis+1trac+tive pos adj. distractively sub head distract syl dis+1trac+tive+ly pos adv. distracted 1. syl dis+tract+ed pron pos adj. def bewildered; confused. distracted 2. syl dis+tract+ed pron pos adj. def mad. distractedly sub head distracted syl dis+1tract+ed+ly pos adv. distractedness sub head distracted syl dis+1tract+ed+ness pos n. distraction 1. syl dis+trac+tion pron pos n. def the act or an instance of distracting or the state of being distracted. distraction 2. syl dis+trac+tion pron pos n. def something that serves as a diversion or entertainment. distraction 3. syl dis+trac+tion pron pos n. def an interruption; an obstacle to concentration. distraction 4. syl dis+trac+tion pron pos n. def mental turmoil or madness. distrain ety C13: from Old French destreindre, from Latin distringere to impede, from #7dis -%1#7+ stringere to draw tight distrain 0. syl dis+train pron pos vb. qual Law. def to seize (personal property) by way of distress. distrainable sub head distrain syl dis+1train+a:ble pos adj. distrainment sub head distrain syl dis+1train+ment pos n. distrainor sub head distrain or distrainer syl dis+1trai+nor pos n. distrainer sub head distrain or distrainor syl dis+1train+er pos n. distrainee 0. syl dis+train:ee pron <2distrA1nE> pos n. qual Law. def a person whose property has been seized by way of distraint. distraint 0. syl dis+traint pron pos n. qual Law. def the act or process of distraining; distress. distrait ety C18: from French, from distraire to #7distract distrait 0. syl dis+trait pron , French pos adj. def absent-minded; ab?!stracted. distraught ety C14: changed from obsolete distract through influence of obsolete straught, past participle of #7stretch distraught 1. syl dis+traught pron pos adj. def distracted or agitated. distraught 2. syl dis+traught pron pos adj. qual Rare. def mad. distress ety C13: from Old French destresse distress, via Vulgar Latin, from Latin districtus divided in mind; see #7distrain distress 1. syl dis+tress pron pos vb. mod tr. def to cause mental pain to; upset badly. distress 2. syl dis+tress pron pos vb. mod tr. usage usually passive def to subject to financial or other trouble. distress 3. syl dis+tress pron pos vb. mod tr. qual Law. def a less common word for {distrain}. distress 4. syl dis+tress pron pos vb. mod tr. qual Archaic. def to compel. distress 5. syl dis+tress pron pos n. mod tr. def mental pain; anguish. distress 6. syl dis+tress pron pos n. mod tr. def the act of distress?!ing or the state of being distressed. distress 7. syl dis+tress pron pos n. mod tr. def physical or financial trouble. in distress 8. head distress syl in distress. usage of a ship, aircraft, etc. def in dire need of help. distress 9.a. syl dis+tress pron pos n. mod tr. def the seizure and holding of property as security for payment of or in satisfaction of a debt, claim, etc.; distraint. distress 9.b. syl dis+tress pron pos n. mod tr. def the property thus seized. distressful sub head distress syl dis+1tress+ful pos adj. distressfully sub head distress syl dis+1tress+ful+ly pos adv. distressfulness sub head distress syl dis+1tress+ful+ness pos n. distressing sub head distress syl dis+1tress+ing pos adj. distressingly sub head distress syl dis+1tress+ing+ly pos adv. distressed 1. syl dis+tressed pron pos adj. def much troubled; upset; af?!flicted. distressed 2. syl dis+tressed pron pos adj. def in financial straits; poor. distressed 3. syl dis+tressed pron pos adj. qual Economics. def another word for { {depressed} (sense 4).} distress merchandise 0. syl dis+tress mer+chan+dise pos n. qual U.S. def goods sold at reduced prices in order to pay overdue debts, etc. distributaries infl head distributary syl dis+trib:u+tar:ies. pos n. mod pl. distributary 0. syl dis+trib:u+tar:y pron , <-tri> pos n. def one of several outlet streams draining a river, esp. on a delta. distribute ety C15: from Latin distribuere from #7dis -%1#7+ tribuere to give distribute 1. syl dis+trib+ute pron pos vb. mod tr. def to give out in shares; dispense. distribute 2. syl dis+trib+ute pron pos vb. mod tr. def to hand out or deliver. exam 1 to distribute handbills. distribute 3. syl dis+trib+ute pron pos vb. mod tr. usage often passive def to spread throughout a space or area. exam 1 gulls are distributed along the west coast. distribute 4. syl dis+trib+ute pron pos vb. mod tr. usage often passive def to divide into classes or categories; classify. exam 1 these books are distributed in four main categories. distribute 5. syl dis+trib+ute pron pos vb. mod tr. qual Printing. def to return (used type) to the correct positions in the type case. distribute 6. syl dis+trib+ute pron pos vb. mod tr. qual Logic. def to use (a term) so that it refers to all members of the class it designates. distribute 7. syl dis+trib+ute pron pos vb. mod tr. qual Obsolete. def to dispense (justice). distributable sub head distribute syl dis+1trib+ut+a:ble pos adj. distributed term 0. syl dis+trib+ut+ed term pos n. qual Logic. def a term referring to every member of the class it designates, as in distributee 0. syl dis+trib:u+tee pron pos n. qual Law, chiefly U.S. def a person entitled to share in the estate of an intestate. distribution 1. syl dis+tri+bu+tion pron <2distri1bju:S*n> pos n. def the act of distributing or the state or manner of being distributed. distribution 2. syl dis+tri+bu+tion pron <2distri1bju:S*n> pos n. def a thing or portion distributed. distribution 3. syl dis+tri+bu+tion pron <2distri1bju:S*n> pos n. def arrangement or location. distribution 4. syl dis+tri+bu+tion pron <2distri1bju:S*n> pos n. qual Commerce. def the transporting, merchandising, and marketing of goods from producer to consumer. distribution 5. syl dis+tri+bu+tion pron <2distri1bju:S*n> pos n. qual Economics. def the division of the total income of a community among its members, esp. between labour incomes (wages and salaries) and property incomes (rents, interest, and dividends). distribution 6. syl dis+tri+bu+tion pron <2distri1bju:S*n> pos n. qual Statistics. def a set of values with reference to their theoretical or observed frequency. exam 1 a cumulative distribution. distribution 7. syl dis+tri+bu+tion pron <2distri1bju:S*n> pos n. qual Law. def the apportioning of the estate of a deceased intestate among the persons entitled to share in it. distributional sub head distribution syl dis+tri+1bu+tion+al pos adj. distribution function 0. syl dis+tri+bu+tion func+tion pos n. qual Statistics. def a function obtained by summing a discrete density or integrating a continuous density from which can be derived cumulative frequencies for any value within the range of the original density. See also { {density} (sense 6).} distributive 1. syl dis+trib:u+tive pron pos adj. def characterized by or relating to distribution. distributive 2. syl dis+trib:u+tive pron pos adj. qual Grammar. def referring separately to the individual people or items in a group, as the words and distributive 3. syl dis+trib:u+tive pron pos adj. usage Maths., logic. of an operation def leading to the same result whether performed before or after a second specified operation. exam 1 multiplication is distributive over addition in a (b+c) =ab+ac. distributive 4. syl dis+trib:u+tive pron pos n. qual Grammar. def a distributive word. distributively sub head distributive syl dis+1trib:u+tive+ly pos adv. distributiveness sub head distributive syl dis+1trib:u+tive+ness pos n. distributer alt head distributor or distributor syl dis+trib:ut+er pron pos n. distributor 1. or distributer syl dis+trib:u+tor pron pos n. def a person or thing that distributes. distributor 2. or distributer syl dis+trib:u+tor pron pos n. def a wholesaler or middleman engaged in the distribution of a category of goods, esp. to retailers in a specific area. distributor 3. or distributer syl dis+trib:u+tor pron pos n. def the device in a petrol engine that distributes the high-tension voltage to the sparking plugs in the sequence of the firing order. district ety C17: from Medieval Latin districtus area of jurisdiction, from Latin distringere to stretch out; see #7distrain district 1.a. syl dis+trict pron <1distrikt> pos n. def an area of land marked off for administrative or other purposes. district 1.b. syl dis+trict pron <1distrikt> pos n. usage as modifier exam 1 district nurse. district 2. syl dis+trict pron <1distrikt> pos n. def a locality separated by geographical attributes; region. district 3. syl dis+trict pron <1distrikt> pos n. def any subdivision of any territory, region, etc. district 4. syl dis+trict pron <1distrikt> pos n. usage in England and Wales def any of the subdivisions of the nonmetropolitan counties that elects a council responsible for local planning, housing, rates, etc. See also {metropolitan district}. district 5. syl dis+trict pron <1distrikt> pos n. usage in Scotland until 1975 def a landward division of a county. district 6. syl dis+trict pron <1distrikt> pos n. usage in Scotland after 1975 def any of the 47 subdivisions of the regions that elect a council responsible for environmental health services, housing, etc. district 7. syl dis+trict pron <1distrikt> pos n. def any of the 26 areas into which Northern Ireland has been divided since 1973. Elected district councils are responsible for environmental health services etc. district 8. syl dis+trict pron <1distrikt> pos vb. mod tr. def to divide into districts. district attorney 0. syl dis+trict at+tor+ney pos n. usage in the U.S. def the state prosecuting officer in a specified judicial district. district court 0.a. syl dis+trict court pos n. usage in the U.S. def a federal trial court serving a federal judicial district. district court 0.b. syl dis+trict court pos n. usage in the U.S.; in some states def a court having general jurisdiction in a state judicial district. District of Columbia 0. syl Dis+trict of Co+lum+bi:a pos n. def a federal district of the eastern U.S., coextensive with the federal capital, Washington. Pop.: 756510 (1970). Area: 178 sq. km (69 sq. miles). Abbrevs.: {D.C}. or (with zip code) {DC}. distringas ety from Latin: you shall distrain (the opening word of the writ) distringas 0. syl dis+trin+gas pron pos n. usage Law. formerly def a writ directing a sheriff to distrain. Distrito Federal 0. syl Dis+tri+to Fe+de+ral pron Portuguese pos n. def a district in S central Brazil, containing Bras*'ilia: detached from Goi*'as state in 1960. Pop.: 538351 (1970). Area: 5814 sq. km (2267 sq. miles). distrust 1. syl dis+trust pron pos vb. def to regard as untrustworthy or dishonest. distrust 2. syl dis+trust pron pos n. def suspicion; doubt. distruster sub head distrust syl dis+1trust+er pos n. distrustful sub head distrust syl dis+1trust+ful pos adj. distrustfully sub head distrust syl dis+1trust+ful+ly pos adv. distrustfulness sub head distrust syl dis+1trust+ful+ness pos n. disturb ety C13: from Latin disturb*_are, from #7dis -%1#7+ turb*_are to confuse disturb 1. syl dis+turb pron pos vb. mod tr. def to intrude on; interrupt. disturb 2. syl dis+turb pron pos vb. mod tr. def to destroy or interrupt the quietness or peace of. disturb 3. syl dis+turb pron pos vb. mod tr. def to disarrange; muddle. disturb 4. syl dis+turb pron pos vb. mod tr. usage often passive def to upset or agitate; trouble. exam 1 I am disturbed at your bad news. disturb 5. syl dis+turb pron pos vb. mod tr. def to inconvenience; put out. exam 1 don't disturb yourself on my account. disturber sub head disturb syl dis+1turb+er pos n. disturbingly sub head disturb syl dis+1turb+ing+ly pos adv. disturbance 1. syl dis+turb+ance pron pos n. def the act of disturbing or the state of being disturbed. disturbance 2. syl dis+turb+ance pron pos n. def an interruption or intrusion. disturbance 3. syl dis+turb+ance pron pos n. def an unruly outburst or tumult. disturbance 4. syl dis+turb+ance pron pos n. qual Law. def an interference with another's rights. disturbance 5. syl dis+turb+ance pron pos n. qual Geology. def a minor movement of the earth causing a small earthquake. disturbance 6. syl dis+turb+ance pron pos n. qual Meteorol. def a small depression. disturbance 7. syl dis+turb+ance pron pos n. qual Psychiatry. def a mental or emotional disorder. disturbed 0. syl dis+turbed pron pos adj. qual Psychiatry. def emotionally upset, troubled, or maladjusted. disulfiram ety C20: from tetraethylthiu ram disulfide disulfiram 0. syl di+sul+fi+ram pron <2dIs^l1fi*r*m> pos n. def a drug used in the treatment of alcoholism that acts by inducing nausea and vomiting following ingestion of alcohol. disulphate 0. syl di+sul+phate pron pos n. def another name for {pyrosulphate}. disulphide 0. syl di+sul+phide pron pos n. def any chemical compound containing two sulphur atoms per molecule. Also called (not in tech?!nical usage): {bisulphide}. disulphuric acid 0. syl di+sul+phu+ric ac:id pron <2dIs^l1fju*rik> pos n. def another name for {pyrosulphuric acid}. disunite 1. syl dis+u:nite pron <2disju1nIt> pos vb. def to separate or become separate; disrupt. disunite 2. syl dis+u:nite pron <2disju1nIt> pos vb. mod tr. def to set at variance; estrange. &- {dis+#!un+ion} {@!dis+u@.#!nit+er} disunities infl head disunity syl dis+u:ni:ties. pos n. mod pl. disunity 0. syl dis+u:ni:ty pron pos n. def dissension or disagreement. disuse 0. syl dis+use pron pos n. def the condition of being unused; neglect (often in the phrases {in} {into disuse}) . disused 0. syl dis+used pron pos adj. def no longer used. exam 1 a disused mine. disyllable 0. syl di+syl+la+ble pron <1dIsil*bL>, pos n. def a variant spelling of {dis?!syllable}. disyllabic sub head disyllable syl di+syl+lab+ic pron <2dIsi1l@bik>, <2di-> pos adj. dit 0. syl dit pron def the short sound used, in combination with the long sound in the spoken representation of Morse and other telegraphic codes. Compare { {dot%1} (sense 6).} dita ety C19: from Tagalog dita 0. syl di:ta pron <1dEt*> pos n. def an apocynaceous shrub, of tropical Africa and Asia, having large shiny whorled leaves and medicinal bark. ditch ety Old English d*_ic; related to Old Saxon d*_ik, Old Norse d*_iki, Middle High German t*_ich dyke, pond, Latin f*_igere to stick, see #7dyke ditch 1. syl ditch pron pos n. def a narrow channel dug in the earth, usually used for drainage, irrigation, or as a boundary marker. ditch 2. syl ditch pron pos n. def any small, natural waterway. ditch 3. syl ditch pron pos n. qual Informal. def either of the gutters at the side of a tenpin bowling lane. last ditch 4. head ditch syl last ditch. def a last resort or place of last defence. ditch 5. syl ditch pron pos vb. def to make a ditch or ditches in (a piece of ground). ditch 6. syl ditch pron pos vb. mod intr. def to edge with a ditch. ditch 7. syl ditch pron pos vb. qual Slang. def to crash or be crashed, esp. deliberately, as to avoid more unpleasant circumstances. exam 1 he had to ditch the car. ditch 8. syl ditch pron pos vb. mod tr. qual Slang. def to abandon or discard. exam 1 to ditch a girlfriend. ditch 9. syl ditch pron pos vb. qual Slang. def to land (an aircraft) on water in an emergency. ditch 10. syl ditch pron pos vb. mod tr. qual U.S. slang. def to evade. exam 1 to ditch the police. ditcher sub head ditch syl ditch+er pos n. ditchless sub head ditch syl ditch+less pos adj. ditheism 1. syl di+the:ism pron <1dITE2iz*m> pos n. qual Theol. def the belief in two equal gods. ditheism 2. syl di+the:ism pron <1dITE2iz*m> pos n. qual Theol. def the belief that two equal principles reign over the world, one good and one evil. &- {#!di+the@.ist} ditheistic sub head ditheism syl di+the:1is+tic pos adj. dither ety C17: variant of C14 (northern English dialect) didder, of uncertain origin dither 1. syl dith+er pron <1diD*> pos vb. mod intr. qual Chiefly Brit. def to be uncertain or indecisive. dither 2. syl dith+er pron <1diD*> pos vb. mod intr. qual Chiefly U.S. def to be in an agitated state. dither 3. syl dith+er pron <1diD*> pos vb. mod intr. def to tremble, as with cold. {~} dither 4. syl dith+er pron <1diD*> pos vb. mod intr. qual Chiefly Brit. def a state of indecision. dither 5. syl dith+er pron <1diD*> pos vb. mod intr. def a state of agitation. ditherer sub head dither syl dith+er+er pos n. dithionite 0. syl di+thi:o+nite pron pos n. def any salt of dithionous acid. Also called: {hyposulphite, hydrosulphite}. dithionous acid ety from #7di- %1#7+ thion-, from Greek theion sulphur+-#7ous dithionous acid 0. syl di+thi:o+nous ac:id pron pos n. def an unstable dibasic acid known only in solution and in the form of dithionite salts. It is a powerful reducing agent. Formula: H\2S\2O\4. Also called: {hyposulphurous acid, hydrosulphurous acid}. dithyramb ety C17: from Latin d*_ithyrambus, from Greek dithurambos; related to iambos #7iambus dithyramb 1. syl dith:y+ramb pron <1diTi2r@m>, <-2r@mb> pos n. usage in ancient Greece def a passionate choral hymn in honour of Dionysus; the forerunner of Greek drama. dithyramb 2. syl dith:y+ramb pron <1diTi2r@m>, <-2r@mb> pos n. def any utterance or a piece of writing that resembles this. dithyrambic 1. syl dith:y+ram+bic pron <2diTi1r@mbik> pos adj. qual Prosody. def of or relating to a dithyramb. dithyrambic 2. syl dith:y+ram+bic pron <2diTi1r@mbik> pos adj. def passionately eloquent. dithyrambically sub head dithyrambic syl dith:y+1ram+bi+cal+ly pos adv. dittander 0. syl dit+tan+der pron , <1ditN-> pos n. def a cruciferous plant, of coastal regions of Europe, N Africa, and SW Asia, with clusters of small white flowers. dittany ety C14: from Old French ditan, from Latin dictamnus, from Greek diktamnon, perhaps from Dikt*_e, mountain in Crete dittanies infl head dittany syl dit+ta+nies. pos n. mod pl. dittany 1. syl dit+ta+ny pron <1dit*ni> pos n. def an aromatic Cretan plant, with pink drooping flowers: formerly credited with great medicinal properties: family (labiates). dittany 2. syl dit+ta+ny pron <1dit*ni> pos n. def Also called: {stone mint}. a North American labiate plant, with clusters of purplish flowers. dittany 3. syl dit+ta+ny pron <1dit*ni> pos n. def another name for {gas plant}. ditto ety C17: from Italian (Tuscan dialect), variant of detto said, from dicere to say, from Latin dittos infl head ditto syl dit+tos. pos n. mod pl. ditto 1. syl dit+to pron <1dit*u> pos n. def the aforementioned; the above; the same. Used in accounts, lists, etc., to avoid repetition and symbolized by two small marks ($,#800219) known as {ditto marks}, placed under the thing repeated. Abbrev.: {do}. ditto 2.a. syl dit+to pron <1dit*u> pos n. def a duplicate. ditto 2.b. syl dit+to pron <1dit*u> pos n. usage as modifier exam 1 a ditto copy. ditto 3. syl dit+to pron <1dit*u> pos adv. def in the same way. ditto 4. syl dit+to pron <1dit*u> pos n. usage sentence substitute. Informal. def used to avoid repeating or to confirm agreement with an immediately preceding sentence. dittos infl head ditto syl dit+tos pos vb. dittoing infl head ditto syl dit+to+ing pos vb. dittoed infl head ditto syl dit+toed. pos vb. ditto 5. syl dit+to pron <1dit*u> pos vb. mod tr. def to copy; repeat. dittographies infl head dittography syl dit+tog+ra+phies. pos n. mod pl. dittography 1. syl dit+tog+ra+phy pron pos n. def the unintentional repetition of letters or words. dittography 2. syl dit+tog+ra+phy pron pos n. def a passage of manuscript demonstrating dittography. dittographic sub head dittography syl dit+to+graph+ic pron <2dit*1gr@fik> pos adj. ditty ety C13: from Old French ditie poem, from ditier to compose, from Latin dict*_are #7dictate ditties infl head ditty syl dit+ties. pos n. mod pl. ditty 0. syl dit+ty pron <1diti> pos n. def a short simple song or poem. ditty bag ety C19: perhaps from obsolete dutty calico, from Hindi dh*_ot*_i loincloth, #7dhoti ditty bag 0. syl dit+ty bag pos n. def a sailor's cloth bag for personal belongings or tools. A box used for these purposes is termed a {ditty box}. Diu 0. syl Di:u pron <1dEu:> pos n. def a small island off the NW coast of India: together with a mainland area, it formed a district of Portuguese India (1535-1961); became part of the Indian Union Territory of Goa, Daman, and Diu in 1962. diuresis ety C17: from New Latin, from Greek diourein to urinate+-#7sis diuresis 0. syl di+u:re:sis pron <2dIju1rEsis> pos n. def excretion of an unusually large quantity of urine. diuretic 1. syl di+u:ret+ic pron <2dIju1retik> pos adj. def acting to increase the flow of urine. diuretic 2. syl di+u:ret+ic pron <2dIju1retik> pos n. def a drug or agent that increases the flow of urine. diuretically sub head diuretic syl di+u:1ret:i+cal+ly pos adv. diureticalness sub head diuretic syl di+u:1ret:i+cal+ness pos n. diurnal ety C15: from Late Latin diurn*_alis, from Latin diurnus, from di*_es day diurnal 1. syl di+ur+nal pron pos adj. def happening during the day or daily. diurnal 2. syl di+ur+nal pron pos adj. usage of flowers def open during the day and closed at night. diurnal 3. syl di+ur+nal pron pos adj. usage of animals def active during the day. diurnal xref syl di+ur+nal pron pos adj. def Compare {nocturnal}. diurnal 4. syl di+ur+nal pron pos n. def a service book containing all the canonical hours except matins. diurnally sub head diurnal syl di+1ur+nal+ly pos adv. diurnal parallax 0. syl di+ur+nal par+al+lax pos n. def See { {parallax} (sense 2).} div H1.0. syl div pron
qual Maths. def short for { {divergence} (sense 4).} div ety C20: probably shortened and changed from #7deviant div H2.0. syl div pron
pos n. qual Prison slang. def a stupid or foolish person. div 1. syl div. qual abbrev. for: def divide(d). div 2. syl div. qual abbrev. for: def dividend. div 3. syl div. qual abbrev. for: def division. div 4. syl div. qual abbrev. for: def di?!vorce(d). diva ety C19: via Italian from Latin: a goddess, from d*_ivus #7divine divas infl head diva or dive syl di:vas pron <-vi> pos n. mod pl. dive infl head diva or divas syl di:ve pron <-vi> pos n. mod pl. diva 0. syl di:va pron <1dEv*> pos n. def a highly distinguished female singer; prima donna. divagate ety C16: from Latin #7di -%2#7+ vag*_ar*_i to wander divagate 0. syl di+va+gate pron <1dIv*2gAt> pos vb. qual Rare. def to digress or wander. divagation sub head divagate syl di+va+1ga+tion pos n. divalent 1. syl di+va+lent pron , <1dI2vA-> pos adj. qual Chem. def having a valency of two. divalent 2. syl di+va+lent pron , <1dI2vA-> pos adj. qual Chem. def having two valencies. divalent xref syl di+va+lent pron , <1dI2vA-> pos adj. qual Chem. def Also: {bivalent}. divalency sub head divalent syl di+1va+lency pos n. divan ety C16: from Turkish d*_iv*_an, from Persian d*_iw*_an divan 1.a. syl di+van pron pos n. def a backless sofa or couch, designed to be set against a wall. divan 1.b. syl di+van pron pos n. def a bed resembling such a couch. divan 2. syl di+van pron pos n. usage esp. formerly def a room for smoking and drinking, as in a coffee shop. divan 3.a. syl di+van pron pos n. def a Muslim law court, council chamber, or counting house. divan 3.b. syl di+van pron pos n. def a Muslim council of state. divan 4. syl di+van pron pos n. def a collection of poems. divan 5. syl di+van pron pos n. usage in Muslim law def an account book. divan xref syl di+van pron pos n. def Also {(for senses 2-5): {diwan.}} divaricate ety C17: from Latin d*_iv*_aric*_are to stretch apart, from #7di -%2#7+ v*_aric*_are to stand astride divaricate 1. syl di+var:i+cate pron pos vb. mod intr. usage esp. of branches def to diverge at a wide angle. divaricate 2. syl di+var:i+cate pron , <-2kAt> pos adj. def branch?!ing widely; forked. divaricately sub head divaricate syl di+1var:i+cate+ly pos adv. divaricatingly sub head divaricate syl di+1var:i+2cat+ing+ly pos adv. divarication sub head divaricate syl di+2var:i+1ca+tion pos n. divaricator 0. syl di+var:i+ca+tor pron pos n. qual Zoology. def a muscle in brachiopods that controls the opening of the shell. dive ety Old English d*_yfan; related to Old Norse d*_yfa to dip, Frisian d*_ivi; see #7deep, dip dives infl head dive syl dives pos vb. mod mainly; intr. diving infl head dive or dove syl div+ing pos vb. mod mainly; intr. dived infl head dive or dived syl dived pos vb. mod mainly; intr. dove infl head dive or diving syl dove pos vb. mod mainly; intr. qual U.S. dived infl head dive or dived syl dived. pos vb. mod mainly; intr. qual U.S. dive 1. syl dive pron
pos vb. mod mainly; intr. def to plunge headfirst into water. dive 2. syl dive pron
pos vb. mod mainly; intr. usage of a submarine, swimmer, etc. def to submerge under water. dive 3. syl dive pron
pos vb. mod also; tr. def to fly (an aircraft) in a steep nose-down descending path, or (of an aircraft) to fly in such a path. dive 4. syl dive pron
pos vb. mod mainly; intr. def to rush, go, or reach quickly, as in a headlong plunge. exam 1 he dived for the ball. dive 5. syl dive pron
pos vb. mod also; tr. usage foll. by in or into def to dip or put (one's hand) quickly or forcefully (into). exam 1 to dive into one's pocket. dive 6. syl dive pron
pos vb. mod mainly; intr. usage usually foll. by in or into def to involve oneself (in something); as in eating food. {~} dive 7. syl dive pron
pos vb. mod mainly; intr. def a headlong plunge into water, esp. one of several formalized movements executed as a sport. dive 8. syl dive pron
pos vb. mod mainly; intr. def an act or instance of diving. dive 9. syl dive pron
pos vb. mod mainly; intr. def a steep nose-down descent of an aircraft. dive 10. syl dive pron
pos vb. mod mainly; intr. qual Slang. def a disreputable or seedy bar or club. dive 11. syl dive pron
pos vb. mod mainly; intr. qual Boxing slang. def the act of a boxer pretending to be knocked down or out. exam 1 he took a dive in the fourth round. dive-bomb 0. syl dive-bomb pos vb. mod tr. def to bomb (a target) using or in the manner of a dive bomber. dive bomber 0. syl dive bomb+er pos n. def a military aircraft designed to release its bombs on a target during a steep dive. dive brake 0. syl dive brake pos n. def another name for {air brake}. diver 1. syl div+er pron <1dIv*> pos n. def a person or thing that dives. diver 2. syl div+er pron <1dIv*> pos n. def a person who works or explores underwater. diver 3. syl div+er pron <1dIv*> pos n. def any aquatic bird of the genus family and order of northern oceans, having a straight pointed bill, small wings, and a long body: noted for swiftness and skill in swimming and diving. U.S. name: {loon}. diver 4. syl div+er pron <1dIv*> pos n. def any of various other diving birds. diverge ety C17: from Medieval Latin d*_ivergere, from Latin #7di -%2#7+ vergere to turn diverge 1. syl di+verge pron pos vb. def to separate or cause to separate and go in different directions from a point. diverge 2. syl di+verge pron pos vb. mod intr. def to be at variance; differ. exam 1 our opinions diverge. diverge 3. syl di+verge pron pos vb. mod intr. def to deviate from a prescribed course. diverge 4. syl di+verge pron pos vb. mod intr. usage Maths. of a series def to have no limit. divergence 1. syl di+ver+gence pron pos n. def the act or result of diverging or the amount by which something diverges. divergence 2. syl di+ver+gence pron pos n. def the condition of being divergent. divergence 3. syl di+ver+gence pron pos n. qual Meteorol. def the outflowing of airstreams from a particular area, caused by expanding air. divergence 4.a. syl di+ver+gence pron pos n. def the scalar product of the operator, $V#800220 , and a vector function, {A} , where $V#800221 = {i} $6/$6 + {j} $6/$6 + {k} $6/$6 , and {i} , {j} , and {k} are unit vectors. Usually written: $V#800228. {A} , div {A} . Compare { {curl} (sense 12),} { {gradient} (sense 4).} {b} the property of being divergent. divergence 5. syl di+ver+gence pron pos n. def the spreading of a stream of electrons as a result of their mutual electrostatic repulsion. divergence xref syl di+ver+gence pron pos n. def Also called (for senses 1, 2): {divergency}. divergent 1. syl di+ver+gent pron pos adj. def diverging or causing divergence. divergent 2. syl di+ver+gent pron pos adj. usage Maths. of a series def having no limit; not convergent. divergently sub head divergent syl di+1ver+gent+ly pos adv. divergent thinking 0. syl di+ver+gent think+ing pos n. qual Psychol. def thinking in which many different ideas or solutions are generated from a single idea or problem. Compare {convergent thinking}. divers ety C13: from Old French, from Latin d*_iversus turned in different directions; see #7divert divers 0.a. syl di+vers pron <1dIv*z> pos determiner. qual Archaic or literary. def various; sundry; some. divers 0.b. syl di+vers pron <1dIv*z> pos determiner. mod as pronoun; functioning as; pl. qual Archaic or literary. exam 1 divers of them. diverse ety C13: from Latin d*_iversus; see #7divers diverse 1. syl di+verse pron , <1dIvR:s> pos adj. def having variety; assorted. diverse 2. syl di+verse pron , <1dIvR:s> pos adj. def distinct in kind. diversely sub head diverse syl di+1verse+ly pos adv. diverseness sub head diverse syl di+1verse+ness pos n. diversification 1. syl di+ver+si+fi+ca+tion pron pos n. qual Commerce. def the practice of varying products, operations, etc., in order to spread risk, expand, exploit spare capacity, etc. diversification 2. syl di+ver+si+fi+ca+tion pron pos n. usage in regional planning policies def the attempt to provide regions with an adequate variety of industries. diversification 3. syl di+ver+si+fi+ca+tion pron pos n. def the act of diversifying. diversiform 0. syl di+ver+si+form pron pos adj. def having various forms. diversify ety C15: from Old French diversifier, from Medieval Latin d*_iversific*_are, from Latin d*_iversus #7diverse+ facere to make diversifies infl head diversify syl di+ver+si+fies pos vb. diversifying infl head diversify syl di+ver+si+fy+ing pos vb. diversified infl head diversify syl di+ver+si+fied. pos vb. diversify 1. syl di+ver+si+fy pron pos vb. mod tr. def to create different forms of; variegate; vary. diversify 2. syl di+ver+si+fy pron pos vb. usage of an enterprise def to vary (products, operations, etc.) in order to spread risk, expand, etc. diversify 3. syl di+ver+si+fy pron pos vb. def to distribute (investments) among several securities in order to spread risk. diversifiable sub head diversify syl di+1ver+si+2fi+a:ble pos adj. diversifiability sub head diversify syl di+2ver+si+2fi+a:1bil+i:ty pos n. diversifier sub head diversify syl di+1ver+si+2fi+er pos n. diversion 1. syl di+ver+sion pron pos n. def the act of diverting from a specified course. diversion 2. syl di+ver+sion pron pos n. qual Chiefly Brit. def an official detour used by traffic when a main route is closed. diversion 3. syl di+ver+sion pron pos n. def something that distracts from business, etc.; amusement. diversion 4. syl di+ver+sion pron pos n. qual Military. def a feint attack designed to draw an enemy away from the main attack. diversional sub head diversion or diversionary syl di+1ver+sion+al pos adj. diversionary sub head diversion or diversional syl di+1ver+sion+ar:y pos adj. diversity 1. syl di+ver+si:ty pron pos n. def the state or quality of being different or varied. diversity 2. syl di+ver+si:ty pron pos n. def a point of difference. divert ety C15: from French divertir, from Latin d*_ivertere to turn aside, from #7di -%2#7+ vertere to turn divert 1. syl di+vert pron pos vb. def to turn (a person or thing) aside from a course; deflect. divert 2. syl di+vert pron pos vb. mod tr. def to entertain; amuse. divert 3. syl di+vert pron pos vb. mod tr. def to distract the attention of. divertedly sub head divert syl di+1vert+ed+ly pos adj. diverter sub head divert syl di+1vert+er pos n. divertible sub head divert syl di+1vert+i:ble pos adj. divertingly sub head divert syl di+1vert+ing+ly pos adv. divertive sub head divert syl di+1ver+tive pos adj. diverticulitis 0. syl di+ver+tic:u+li+tis pron <2dIv*2tikju1lItis> pos n. def inflammation of one or more diverticula, esp. of the colon. diverticulosis ety from New Latin, from #7diverticulum+ -#7osis diverticulosis 0. syl di+ver+tic:u+lo+sis pron <2dIv*2tikju1l*usis> pos n. qual Pathol. def the presence of several diverticula, esp. in the intestines. diverticulum ety C16: from New Latin, from Latin d*_everticulum by-path, from d*_evertere to turn aside, from vertere to turn diverticula infl head diverticulum syl di+ver+tic:u+la pron <-l*> pos n. mod pl. diverticulum 0. syl di+ver+tic:u+lum pron <2dIv*1tikjul*m> pos n. def any sac or pouch formed by herniation of the wall of a tubular organ or part, esp. the intestines. diverticular sub head diverticulum syl di+ver+1tic:u+lar pos adj. divertimento ety C18: from Italian diverti infl head divertimento syl di+ver+ti pron <-ti> pos n. mod pl. divertimento 1. syl di+ver+ti+men+to pron pos n. def a piece of entertaining music in several movements, often scored for a mixed ensemble and having no fixed form. divertimento 2. syl di+ver+ti+men+to pron pos n. def an episode in a fugue. divertimento xref syl di+ver+ti+men+to pron pos n. def See also {divertissement}. divertissement ety C18: from French: entertainment divertissement 1. syl di+ver+tisse+ment pron , French pos n. def a brief entertainment or diversion, usually between the acts of a play. divertissement 2.a. syl di+ver+tisse+ment pron , French pos n. def a fantasia on popular melodies; potpourri. divertissement 2.b. syl di+ver+tisse+ment pron , French pos n. def a piece or pieces written to be played during the intervals in a play, opera, etc. divertissement 2.c. syl di+ver+tisse+ment pron , French pos n. def another word for {divertimento}. Dives 1. syl Di:ves pron <1dIvEz> pos n. def a rich man in the parable in Luke 16:19-31. Dives 2. syl Di:ves pron <1dIvEz> pos n. def a very rich man. divest ety C17: changed from earlier #7devest divest 1. syl di+vest pron pos vb. mod tr. usage usually foll. by of def to strip (of clothes). exam 1 to divest oneself of one's coat. divest 2. syl di+vest pron pos vb. mod tr. usage usually foll. by of def to deprive or dispossess. divest 3. syl di+vest pron pos vb. mod tr. qual Property law. usage usually foll. by of def to take away an estate or interest in property vested (in a person). divestible sub head divest syl di+1vest+i:ble pos adj. divestiture sub head divest syl di+vest:i+ture pron pos n. divesture sub head divest or divestment syl di+ves+ture pron pos n. divestment sub head divest or divesture syl di+1vest+ment pos n. divi 0. syl di:vi pron <1divi> pos n. def an alternative spelling of {divvy}. divide ety C14: from Latin d*_ividere to force apart, from #7di -%2#7+ vid- separate, from the source of viduus bereaved, vidua #7widow divide 1. syl di+vide pron pos vb. def to separate or be separated into parts or groups; split up; part. divide 2. syl di+vide pron pos vb. def to share or be shared out in parts; distribute. divide 3. syl di+vide pron pos vb. def to diverge or cause to diverge in opinion or aim. exam 1 the issue divided the management. divide 4. syl di+vide pron pos vb. mod tr. def to keep apart or be a boundary between. exam 1 the Rio Grande divides Mexico from the United States. divide 5. syl di+vide pron pos vb. mod intr. usage in Parliament and similar legislatures def to vote by separating into two groups. divide 6. syl di+vide pron pos vb. def to categorize; classify. divide 7. syl di+vide pron pos vb. def to calculate the quotient of (one number or quantity) and (another number or quantity) by division. exam 1 to divide 50 by 10; exam 2 to divide 10 into 50; exam 3 to divide by 10. divide 8. syl di+vide pron pos vb. mod intr. def to diverge. exam 1 the roads divide. divide 9. syl di+vide pron pos vb. mod tr. def to mark increments of (length, angle, etc.) as by use of an engraving machine. divide 10. syl di+vide pron pos n. qual Chiefly U.S. def an area of relatively high ground separating drainage basins; watershed. See also {continental divide}. divide 11. syl di+vide pron pos n. def a division; split. dividable sub head divide syl di+1vid+a:ble pos adj. divided 1. syl di+vid+ed pron pos adj. qual Botany. def another word for { {dissected} (sense 1).} divided 2. syl di+vid+ed pron pos adj. def split; not united. dividedly sub head divided syl di+1vid+ed+ly pos adv. dividedness sub head divided syl di+1vid+ed+ness pos n. divided highway 0. syl di+vid+ed high+way pos n. def the U.S. term for {dual carriageway}. dividend ety C15: from Latin d*_ividendum what is to be divided; see #7divide dividend 1.a. syl div:i+dend pron <1divi2dend> pos n. def a distribution from the net profits of a company to its shareholders. dividend 1.b. syl div:i+dend pron <1divi2dend> pos n. def a pro-rata portion of this distribution received by a shareholder. dividend 2. syl div:i+dend pron <1divi2dend> pos n. def the share of a cooperative society's surplus allocated at the end of a period to members. dividend 3. syl div:i+dend pron <1divi2dend> pos n. qual Insurance. def a sum of money distributed from a company's net profits to the holders of certain policies. dividend 4. syl div:i+dend pron <1divi2dend> pos n. def something extra; bonus. dividend 5. syl div:i+dend pron <1divi2dend> pos n. def a number or quantity to be divided by another number or quantity. Compare {divisor}. dividend 6. syl div:i+dend pron <1divi2dend> pos n. qual Law. def the proportion of an insolvent estate payable to the creditors. divider 1. syl di+vid+er pron pos n. def Also called: {room divider}. an object placed to divide a room into separate areas. divider 2. syl di+vid+er pron pos n. def a person or thing that divides. dividers 0. syl di+vid+ers pron pos n. mod pl. def a type of compass with two pointed arms, used for measuring lines or dividing them. divi-divi ety C19: from Spanish, of Cariban origin divi-divis infl head divi-divi or divi-divi syl div:i-div:is pos n. mod pl. divi-divi infl or divi-divis syl div:i-div:i. pos n. mod pl. divi-divi 1. syl div:i-div:i pron <2divi1divi> pos n. def a tropical American caesalpiniaceous tree, divi-divi 2. syl div:i-div:i pron <2divi1divi> pos n. def the pods of this plant, which yield a substance used in tanning leather. divination 1. syl div:i+na+tion pron <2divi1nAS*n> pos n. def the art, practice, or gift of discerning or discovering future events or unknown things, as though by supernatural powers. divination 2. syl div:i+na+tion pron <2divi1nAS*n> pos n. def a prophecy. divination 3. syl div:i+na+tion pron <2divi1nAS*n> pos n. def a presenti?!ment or guess. divinatory sub head divination syl di+vin:a+to:ry pron , <-tri> pos adj. divine ety C14: from Latin d*_iv*_inus, from d*_ivus a god; related to deus a god divine 1. syl di+vine pron pos adj. def of, relating to, or characterizing God or a deity. divine 2. syl di+vine pron pos adj. def godlike. divine 3. syl di+vine pron pos adj. def of, relating to, or associated with religion or worship. exam 1 the divine liturgy. divine 4. syl di+vine pron pos adj. def of supreme excellence or worth. divine 5. syl di+vine pron pos adj. qual Informal. def splendid; perfect. divine 6. syl di+vine pron pos n. usage often cap.; preceded by the def another term for {God}. divine 7. syl di+vine pron pos n. def a priest, esp. one learned in theology. divine 8. syl di+vine pron pos vb. def to perceive or understand (some?!thing) by intuition or insight. divine 9. syl di+vine pron pos vb. def to conjecture (some?!thing); guess. divine 10. syl di+vine pron pos vb. def to discern (a hidden or future reality) as though by supernatural power. divine 11. syl di+vine pron pos vb. mod tr. def to search for (underground supplies of water, metal, etc.) using a divining rod. divinable sub head divine syl di+1vin+a:ble pos adj. divinely sub head divine syl di+1vine+ly pos adv. divineness sub head divine syl di+1vine+ness pos n. diviner sub head divine syl di+1vin+er pos n. divine office 0. syl di+vine of+fice pos n. usage sometimes cap. def the canonical prayers (in the Roman Catholic Church those of the breviary) recited daily by priests, those in religious orders, etc. divine right of kings 0. syl di+vine right of kings pos n. qual History. def the concept that the right to rule derives from God and that kings are answerable for their actions to God alone. divine service 0. syl di+vine ser+vice pos n. def a service of the Christian church, esp. one at which no sacrament is given. diving beetle 0. syl div+ing bee+tle pos n. def any of the aquatic predatory beetles of the widely distributed family characterized by flattened hindlegs adapted for swimming and diving. diving bell 0. syl div+ing bell pos n. def an early diving submersible having an open bottom and being supplied with compressed air. diving board 0. syl div+ing board pos n. def a platform or springboard from which swimmers may dive. diving duck 0. syl div+ing duck pos n. def any of various ducks, such as the pochard, scaup, redhead, and canvasback, that inhabit bays, estuaries, lakes, etc., and can dive and swim beneath the surface of the water. dress alt head diving suit or diving suit syl dress pos n. diving suit 0. or dress syl div+ing suit pos n. def a waterproof suit used by divers, having a heavy detachable helmet and an air supply. divining rod 0. syl di+vin+ing rod pos n. def a rod, usually a forked hazel twig, said to move or dip when held over ground in which water, metal, etc., is to be found. Also called: {dowsing rod}. divinities infl head divinity syl di+vin+i:ties. pos n. mod pl. divinity 1. syl di+vin+i:ty pron pos n. def the nature of a deity or the state of being divine. divinity 2. syl di+vin+i:ty pron pos n. def a god or other divine being. divinity 3. syl di+vin+i:ty pron pos n. usage often cap.; preceded by the def another term for {God}. divinity 4. syl di+vin+i:ty pron pos n. def another word for {theology}. divinise alt head divinize or divinize syl div:i+nise pron <1divi2nIz> pos vb. mod tr. divinize 0. or divinise syl div:i+nize pron <1divi2nIz> pos vb. mod tr. def to make divine; deify. divinization sub head divinize or divinisation syl div:i+ni+1za+tion pos n. divinisation sub head divinize or divinization syl div:i+ni+1sa+tion pos n. divisibility 0. syl di+vis+i:bil+i:ty pron pos n. def the capacity of a dividend to be exactly divided by a given number. divisible 0. syl di+vi+si:ble pron pos adj. def capable of being divided, usually with no remainder. divisibleness sub head divisible syl di+1vis+i:ble+ness pos n. divisibly sub head divisible syl di+1vis+i:bly pos adv. division ety C14: from Latin d*_iv*_isi*_o, from d*_ividere to #7divide division 1. syl di+vi+sion pron pos n. def the act of dividing or state of being divided. division 2. syl di+vi+sion pron pos n. def the act of sharing out; distribution. division 3. syl di+vi+sion pron pos n. def something that divides or keeps apart, such as a boundary. division 4. syl di+vi+sion pron pos n. def one of the parts, groups, etc., into which something is divided. division 5. syl di+vi+sion pron pos n. def a part of a government, business, country, etc., that has been made into a unit for administrative, political, or other reasons. division 6. syl di+vi+sion pron pos n. def a formal vote in Parliament or a similar legislative body. division 7. syl di+vi+sion pron pos n. def a difference of opinion, esp. one that causes separation. division 8. syl di+vi+sion pron pos n. usage in sports def a section, category, or class organized according to age, weight, skill, etc. division 9. syl di+vi+sion pron pos n. def a mathematical operation, the inverse of multiplication, in which the quotient of two numbers or quantities is calculated. Usually written. exam 1 a division 10.a. syl di+vi+sion pron pos n. qual Army. def a major formation, larger than a regiment but smaller than a corps, containing the necessary arms to sustain combat. division 10.b. syl di+vi+sion pron pos n. qual Navy. def a group of ships of similar type or a tactical unit of naval aircraft. division 10.c. syl di+vi+sion pron pos n. qual Air Force. def an organization normally comprising two or more wings with required support units. division 11. syl di+vi+sion pron pos n. qual Biology. def a major taxonomic division of the plant kingdom that contains one or more classes and corresponds to a phylum. division 12. syl di+vi+sion pron pos n. qual Horticulture. def any type of propagation in plants in which a new plant grows from a separated part of the original. division 13. syl di+vi+sion pron pos n. usage esp. in 17th-century English music def the art of breaking up a melody into quick phrases, esp. over a ground bass. divisional sub head division or divisionary syl di+1vi+sion+al pos adj. divisionary sub head division or divisional syl di+1vi+sion+ar:y pos adj. divisionally sub head division syl di+1vi+sion+al+ly pos adv. divisionism 0. syl di+vi+sion+ism pron pos n. def the pointillism of Seurat and his followers. divisionist sub head divisionism syl di+1vi+sion+ist pos n. adj. division sign 0. syl di+vi+sion sign pos n. def the symbol &:#800231 , placed between the dividend and the divisor to indicate division, as in 12 &:#800232 6=2. divisive 1. syl di+vi+sive pron pos adj. def causing or tending to cause disagreement or dissension. divisive 2. syl di+vi+sive pron pos adj. qual Archaic. def having the quality of distinguishing. divisively sub head divisive syl di+1vi+sive+ly pos adv. divisiveness sub head divisive syl di+1vi+sive+ness pos n. divisor 1. syl di+vi+sor pron pos n. def a number or quantity to be divided into another number or quantity (the dividend). divisor 2. syl di+vi+sor pron pos n. def a number that is a factor of another number. divorce ety C14: from Old French, from Latin d*_ivortium from d*_ivertere to separate; see #7divert divorce 1. syl di+vorce pron pos n. def the dissolution of a marriage by judgment of a court or by accepted custom. divorce 2. syl di+vorce pron pos n. def a judicial decree declaring a marriage to be dissolved. divorce 3. syl di+vorce pron pos n. def a separation, esp. one that is total or complete. divorce 4. syl di+vorce pron pos vb. def to separate or be separated by divorce; give or obtain a divorce (to a couple or from one's spouse). divorce 5. syl di+vorce pron pos vb. mod tr. def to remove or separate, esp. completely. divorceable sub head divorce syl di+1vorce+a:ble pos adj. divorcer sub head divorce syl di+1vorc+er pos n. divorcive sub head divorce syl di+1vor+cive pos adj. divorc'e alt head divorc'ee or divorc'ee syl di+vor+c*'e pron pos n. mod masc. divorc'ee 0. or divorc'e syl di+vor+c*'ee pron pos n. def a person who has been divorced. divorcement 0. syl di+vorce+ment pron pos n. def a less common word for {divorce}. divot ety C16: from Scottish, of obscure origin divot 0. syl div+ot pron <1div*t> pos n. def a piece of turf dug out of a grass surface, esp. by a golf club or by horses' hooves. divulgate ety C16: from Latin d*_ivulg*_are; see #7divulge divulgate 0. syl di+vul+gate pron pos vb. mod tr. qual Archaic. def to make publicly known. divulgator sub head divulgate or divulgater syl di+1vul+ga+tor pos n. divulgater sub head divulgate or divulgator syl di+1vul+gat+er pos n. divulgation sub head divulgate syl div+ul+1ga+tion pos n. divulge ety C15: from Latin d*_ivulg*_are, from #7di -%2#7+ vulg*_are to spread among the people, from vulgus the common people divulge 0. syl di+vulge pron pos vb. mod tr. usage may take a clause as object def to make known (something private or secret); disclose. divulgence sub head divulge or divulgement syl di+1vul+gence pos n. divulgement sub head divulge or divulgence syl di+1vulge+ment pos n. divulger sub head divulge syl di+1vulg+er pos n. divulsion ety C17: from Latin d*_ivulsi*_o, from d*_ivulsus torn apart, from d*_ivellere to rend, from #7di -%2#7+ vellere to pull divulsion 0. syl di+vul+sion pron pos n. def a tearing or pulling apart. divulsive sub head divulsion syl di+1vul+sive pos adj. divvies infl head divvy syl div+vies. pos n. mod pl. divvy 1. syl div+vy pron <1divi> pos n. qual Informal.; Brit. def short for {dividend}, esp. (formerly) one paid by a cooperative society. divvy 2. syl div+vy pron <1divi> pos n. qual Informal.; U.S. def a share; portion. divvies infl head divvy syl div+vies pos vb. divvying infl head divvy syl div+vy+ing pos vb. divvied infl head divvy syl div+vied. pos vb. divvy 3. syl div+vy pron <1divi> pos vb. mod tr. qual Informal.; U.S. usage usually foll. by up def to divide and share. diwan 0. syl di+wan pron pos n. def a variant spelling of { {dewan} or {divan} (senses 2-5).} dixie ety C19: from Hindi degc*_i, diminutive of degc*_a pot dixie 1. syl dix:ie pron <1diksi> pos n. qual Chiefly military. def a large metal pot for cooking, brewing tea, etc. dixie 2. syl dix:ie pron <1diksi> pos n. def a mess tin. Dixie ety C19: perhaps from the nickname of New Orleans, from dixie a ten-dollar bill printed there, from French dix ten Dixie 1. syl Dix:ie pron <1diksi> pos n. def Also called: {Dixieland}. the southern states of the U.S.; the states that joined the Confederacy during the Civil War. Dixie 2. syl Dix:ie pron <1diksi> pos n. def a song adopted as a marching tune by the Confederate states during the American Civil War. Dixie 3. syl Dix:ie pron <1diksi> pos adj. def of, relating to, or characteristic of the southern states of the U.S. Dixieland 1. syl Dix:ie+land pron <1diksi2l@nd> pos n. def a kind of jazz derived from the New Orleans tradition of harmony and ensemble playing, but with more emphasis on melody regular rhythms, etc. Dixieland 2. syl Dix:ie+land pron <1diksi2l@nd> pos n. def See {{Dixie} (sense 1).} diy alt head DIY or DIY syl d.i.y. DIY 0. or diy syl D.I.Y. qual abbrev. for usage in Britain def do-it-yourself. Diyarbekir alt head Diyarbakir or Diyarbakir syl Di+yar+be:kir pron pos n. Diyarbakir 0. or Diyarbekir syl Di+yar+ba+kir pron pos n. def a city in SE Turkey, on the River Tigris: ancient black basalt walls. Pop.: 169535 (1975). Ancient name: {Amida}. dizen ety C16: from Middle Dutch d*_isen to dress a distaff with flax; see #7distaff dizen 0. syl di+zen pron <1dIzN> pos vb. mod tr. def another word for {bedizen}. dizenment sub head dizen syl di+zen+ment pos n. dizzy ety Old English dysig silly; related to Old High German tus*_ig weak, Old Norse dos quiet dizzier infl head dizzy syl diz+zi+er pos adj. dizziest infl head dizzy syl diz+zi+est. pos adj. dizzy 1. syl diz+zy pron <1dizi> pos adj. def affected with a whirling or reeling sensation; giddy. dizzy 2. syl diz+zy pron <1dizi> pos adj. def mentally confused or bewildered. dizzy 3. syl diz+zy pron <1dizi> pos adj. def causing or tending to cause vertigo or bewilderment. dizzy 4. syl diz+zy pron <1dizi> pos adj. qual Informal. def foolish or flighty. dizzies infl head dizzy syl diz+zies pos vb. dizzying infl head dizzy syl diz+zy+ing pos vb. dizzied infl head dizzy syl diz+zied. pos vb. dizzy 5. syl diz+zy pron <1dizi> pos vb. mod tr. def to make dizzy. dizzily sub head dizzy syl diz+zi+ly pos adv. dizziness sub head dizzy syl diz+zi+ness pos n. dj alt head DJ or DJ syl d.j. DJ 1. or dj syl D.J. qual abbrev. for: def dinner jacket. DJ 2. or dj syl D.J. qual abbrev. for: def disc jockey. Jilolo alt head Djailolo or Djailolo syl Ji+lo+lo pron pos n. Djailolo 0. or Jilolo syl Djai+lo+lo pron pos n. def the Dutch name for {Halmahera}. Mount infl head Djaja syl Mount. pos n. Djaja 0. syl Dja+ja pron <1Ja:J*> pos n. def a mountain in E Indonesia, in West Irian in the Sudirman Range: the highest mountain in New Guinea. Height: 5029 m (16503 ft.). Former names: (Mount) {Carstensz, Sukarno Peak}. Djajapura 0. syl Dja+ja+pu+ra pron <2Ja:Ja:1pu*r*> pos n. def a port in NE Indonesia, capital of West Irian, on the N coast. Former names: {Sukarnapura, Kotabaru, Hollandia}. Jakarta alt head Djakarta or Djakarta syl Ja+kar+ta pron pos n. Djakarta 0. or Jakarta syl Dja+kar+ta pron pos n. def the capital of Indonesia, in N West Java: founded in 1619 and ruled by the Dutch until 1945; the chief trading centre of the East in the 17th century; University of Indonesia (1947). Pop.: 4576009 (1971). Former name (until 1949): {Batavia}. Jambi alt head Djambi or Djambi syl Jam+bi pron <1J@mbi> pos n. Djambi 0. or Jambi syl Djam+bi pron <1J@mbi> pos n. def a port in W Indonesia, in SE Sumatra on the Hari River. Pop.: 158559 (1971). Also called: {Telanaipura}. djebel 0. syl djeb+el pron <1JebL> pos n. def a variant spelling of {jebel}. Jerba alt head Djerba or Djerba syl Jer+ba pron <1JR:b*> pos n. Djerba 0. or Jerba syl Djer+ba pron <1JR:b*> pos n. def an island off the SE coast of Tunisia, in the Gulf of Gab*`es: traditionally Homer's land of the lotus-eaters. Pop.: 65533 (1966). Area: 510 sq. km (197 sq. miles). Ancient name: {Meninx}. Jibouti alt head Djibouti or Djibouti syl Ji+bou+ti pron pos n. Djibouti 1. or Jibouti syl Dji+bou+ti pron pos n. def a republic in E Africa, on the Gulf of Aden: a French overseas territory (1946-77); became independent in 1977; mainly desert. Official language: Arabic. Currency: Djibouti franc. Capital: Djibouti. Pop.: 104000 (1974 UN est.). Area: 23000 sq. km (8500 sq. miles). Former name (until 1977): (Territory of the) {Afars and the Issas}. Djibouti 2. or Jibouti syl Dji+bou+ti pron pos n. def the capital of Djibouti, a port on the Gulf of Aden: an outlet for Ethiopian merchandise. Pop.: 62000 (1970 est.). djinny alt head djinni or djinni syl djin+ny pron , <1Jini> pos n. djinn infl head djinni syl djinn pron pos n. mod pl. djinni 0. or djinny syl djin+ni pron , <1Jini> pos n. def variant spellings of {jinni}. Djokjakarta 0. syl Djok+ja+kar+ta pron <2J*ukja:1ka:ta:>, <2Jok-> pos n. def a variant spelling of {Jogjakarta}. DK 0. syl DK usage international car registration for def Denmark. dk 1. syl dk. qual abbrev. for: def dark. dk 2. syl dk. qual abbrev. for: def deck. dk 3. syl dk. qual abbrev. for: def dock. DL 0. syl D/L qual abbrev. for def demand loan. DLitt ety Latin Doctor Litterarum DLit alt head DLitt or DLitt syl D.Lit. DLitt 1. or DLit syl D.Litt. qual abbrev. for: def Doctor of Letters. DLitt 2. or DLit syl D.Litt. qual abbrev. for: def Doctor of Literature. DLP 0. syl D.L.P. qual abbrev. for usage formerly def Democratic Labor Party (of Australia). dlr 0. syl dlr. qual abbrev. for def dealer. dlvy 0. syl dlvy. qual abbrev. for def delivery. dm 0. syl dm qual abbrev. for def decimetre. DM 0. syl DM qual abbrev. for def Deutsche Mark. DMA 0. syl DMA qual Computer technol. abbrev. for def direct memory access. DMK 0. syl D.M.K. qual abbrev. for usage in India def Dravida Munnetra Kazgham: a political party in the state of Tamil Nadu. DMS 0. syl D.M.S. qual abbrev. for usage in Britain def Diploma in Management Studies. DMSO 0. syl DMSO qual abbrev. for def dimethylsulphoxide. DMus alt or DMus syl DMus DMus 0. or DMus syl D.Mus. qual abbrev. for def Doctor of Music. DMZ 0. syl DMZ qual abbrev. for def demilitarized zone. DNA 0. syl DNA pos n. def deoxyribonucleic acid; a nucleic acid that is the main constituent of the chromosomes of all organisms (except some viruses). The DNA molecule consists of two polynucleotide chains in the form of a double helix, containing phosphate and the sugar deoxyribose and linked by hydrogen bonds between the complementary bases adenine and thymine or cytosine and guanine. DNA is self-replicating, plays a central role in protein synthesis, and is responsible for the transmission of hereditary characteristics from parents to offspring. See also {genetic code}. Dneprodzerzhinsk 0. syl Dne+pro+dzer+zhinsk pron Russian pos n. def an in?!dustrial city in the SW Soviet Union, in the E central Ukrainian SSR on the Dnieper River. Pop.: 245000 (1975 est.). Dnepropetrovsk 0. syl Dne+pro+pe:trovsk pron Russian pos n. def a city in the SW Soviet Union, in the E central Ukrainian SSR on the Dnieper River: a major centre of the metallurgical industry. Pop.: 958000 (1975 est.). Former name (1787-1796, 1802-1926): {Yekaterinoslav}. Dnieper 0. syl Dnie+per pron <1dnEp*> pos n. def a river in the W Soviet Union, rising in the Valdai Hills NE of Smolensk and flowing south to the Black Sea: the third longest river in Europe; a major navigable waterway. Length: 2286 km (1420 miles). Russian name: {Dnepr} (dnj$epr). Dniester 0. syl Dnie+ster pron <1dnEst*> pos n. def a river in the SW Soviet Union, rising in the Carpathian Mountains and flowing generally southeast to the Black Sea. Length: 1411 km (877 miles). Russian name: {Dnestr} (dnj$estr). D-notice ety C20: from their administrative classification letter D-notice 0. syl D-no:tice pos n. qual Brit. def an official notice sent to newspapers, etc., prohibiting the publication of certain security information. DNS 0. syl D.N.S. qual abbrev. for usage in Britain def Department for National Savings. do ety Old English d*_on; related to Old Frisian du*_an, Old High German tuon, Latin abdere to put away, Greek tithenai to place; see #7deed, doom does infl head do syl does pos vb. doing infl head do syl do+ing pos vb. did infl head do syl did pos vb. done infl head do syl done. pos vb. do H1.1. syl do pron , , pos vb. def to perform or complete (a deed or action). exam 1 to do a portrait; exam 2 the work is done. do H1.2. syl do pron , , pos vb. mod often; intr. usage foll. by for def to serve the needs of; be suitable for (a person, situation, etc.); suffice. exam 1 there isn't much food, but it'll do for the two of us. do H1.3. syl do pron , , pos vb. mod tr. def to arrange or fix. exam 1 you should do the garden now. do H1.4. syl do pron , , pos vb. mod tr. def to prepare or provide; serve. exam 1 this restaurant doesn't do lunch on Sundays. do H1.5. syl do pron , , pos vb. mod tr. def to make tidy, elegant, ready, etc., as by arranging or adorning. exam 1 to do one's hair. do H1.6. syl do pron , , pos vb. mod tr. def to improve (esp. in the phrase {do something to} {for}) . do H1.7. syl do pron , , pos vb. mod tr. def to find an answer to (a problem or puzzle). do H1.8. syl do pron , , pos vb. mod tr. def to translate or adapt the form or language of. exam 1 the book was done into a play. do H1.9. syl do pron , , pos vb. mod intr. def to conduct oneself. exam 1 do as you please. do H1.10. syl do pron , , pos vb. mod intr. def to fare or manage. exam 1 how are you doing these days?? do H1.11. syl do pron , , pos vb. mod tr. def to cause or produce. exam 1 complaints do nothing to help. do H1.12. syl do pron , , pos vb. mod tr. def to give or render. exam 1 your portrait doesn't do you justice; exam 2 do me a favour. do H1.13. syl do pron , , pos vb. mod tr. def to work at, esp. as a course of study or a profession. exam 1 he is doing chemistry; exam 2 what do you do for a living?? do H1.14. syl do pron , , pos vb. mod tr. def to perform (a play, etc.); act. exam 1 they are doing @6 Hamlet@9 next week. do H1.15. syl do pron , , pos vb. mod tr. def to travel at a specified speed, esp. as a maximum. exam 1 this car will do 120 mph. do H1.16. syl do pron , , pos vb. mod tr. def to travel or traverse (a distance). exam 1 we did 15 miles on our walk. do H1.17. syl do pron , , pos vb. usage takes an infinitive without to def used as an auxiliary before the subject of an interrogative sentence as a way of forming a question. exam 1 do you agree?? exam 2 when did John go out?? do H1.18. syl do pron , , pos vb. usage takes an infinitive without to def used as an auxiliary to intensify positive statements and commands. exam 1 I do like your new house; exam 2 do hurry&! do H1.19. syl do pron , , pos vb. usage takes an infinitive without to def used as an auxiliary before a negative adverb to form negative statements or commands. exam 1 he does not like cheese; exam 2 do not leave me here alone&! do H1.20. syl do pron , , pos vb. usage takes an infinitive without to def used as an auxiliary in inverted constructions. exam 1 little did he realize that; exam 2 only rarely does he come in before ten o'clock. do H1.21. syl do pron , , pos vb. def used as an auxiliary to replace an earlier verb or verb phrase to avoid repetition. exam 1 he likes you as much as I do. do H1.22. syl do pron , , pos vb. mod tr. qual Informal. def to visit or explore as a sightseer or tourist. exam 1 to do Westminster Abbey. do H1.23. syl do pron , , pos vb. mod tr. def to wear out; exhaust. do H1.24. syl do pron , , pos vb. mod intr. def to happen (esp. in the phrase {nothing doing}) . do H1.25. syl do pron , , pos vb. mod tr. qual Slang. def to serve (a specified period) as a prison sentence. exam 1 he's doing three years for burglary. do H1.26. syl do pron , , pos vb. mod tr. qual Slang. def to cheat or swindle. do H1.27. syl do pron , , pos vb. mod tr. qual Slang. def to rob. exam 1 they did three shops last night. do H1.28. syl do pron , , pos vb. mod tr. qual Austral. slang. def to lose or spend (money) completely. do H1.29. syl do pron , , pos vb. mod tr. qual Slang, chiefly Brit. def to treat violently; assault. do H1.30. syl do pron , , pos vb. mod tr. usage Taboo slang. of a male def to have sexual intercourse with. do (a) 31. head do syl do (a). qual Informal. def act like; imitate. exam 1 he's a good mimic do or die 32. head do syl do or die. def to make a final or supreme effort. how do you do 33. head do syl how do you do?? def a conventional formula when being introduced. make do 34. head do syl make do. def to manage with whatever is available. dos infl head do or do's syl dos pos n. mod pl. do's infl head do or dos syl do's. pos n. mod pl. do H1.35. syl do pron , , pos n. qual Slang. def an act or instance of cheating or swindling. do H1.36. syl do pron , , pos n. qual Informal, chiefly Brit. def a formal or festive gathering; party. do's and don'ts 37. head do syl do's and don'ts. qual Informal. def those things that should or should not be done; rules. {~} See also {do away with, do by, do down, do for, do in, done, do out, do over, do up, do with, do without}. dos infl head do syl dos. pos n. mod pl. do H2.0. syl do pron pos n. def a variant spelling of {doh}. do 0. syl do. qual abbrev. for def ditto. DO 1. syl D.O. qual abbrev. for: def Doctor of Optometry. DO 2. syl D.O. qual abbrev. for: def Doctor of Os?!teopathy. do alt head DO or DO syl d.o. DO 0. or do syl D/O qual Commerce. abbrev. for def delivery order. DOA 0. syl D.O.A. qual abbrev. for def dead on arrival. doab ety C20: from Persian d*_o*_ab, from d*_o two+ *_ab water doab 0. syl do:ab pron <1d*ua:b> pos n. def the alluvial land between two converging rivers, esp. the area between the Ganges and Jumna in N India. doable 0. syl do+a:ble pron <1du:*bL> pos adj. def capable of being done; practical. do away with 1. syl do away with pos vb. adv. +; prep. mod intr. def to kill or destroy. do away with 2. syl do away with pos vb. adv. +; prep. mod intr. def to discard or abolish. dobber-in 0. syl dob:ber-in pron <2dob*1rin> pos n. qual Austral. slang. def an informant or traitor. Sometimes shortened to {dobber}. dobbin ety C16: from Robin, pet form of Robert dobbin 0. syl dob+bin pron <1dobin> pos n. def a name for a horse, esp. a workhorse, often used in children's tales, etc. dobby ety C17: perhaps from Dobby, pet form of Robert dobbies infl head dobby syl dob+bies. pos n. mod pl. dobby 0. syl dob+by pron <1dobi> pos n. def an attachment to a loom, used in weaving small figures. Dobell's solution ety C19: named after Horace B. Dobell (1828-1917), British physician Dobell's solution 0. syl Do:bell's so+lu+tion pron <1d*ub*lz> pos n. def a solution of sodium borate, sodium bicarbonate, phenol, and glycerol, used as an astringent or antiseptic wash for the throat and nose. Doberman pinscher ety C19: named after L. Dobermann, 19th-century German dog breeder who bred it+ Pinscher, perhaps after Pinzgau, district in Austria Doberman pinscher 0. syl Do+ber+man pin+scher pron <1d*ub*m*n> <1pinS*> pos n. def a fairly large breed of dog, originally from Germany, with a glossy black-and-tan coat, used as a watchdog. dob in 1. syl dob in pos adv. mod tr. qual Austral. slang. def to inform against or report, esp. to the police. dob in 2. syl dob in pos adv. qual Austral. slang. def to contribute to a fund for a specific purpose. dobla ety Spanish, from Latin dupla, feminine of duplus twofold, #7double dobla 0. syl do+bla pron <1d*ubla:> pos n. def a medieval Spanish gold coin, probably worth 20 maravedis. dobl'on ety Spanish; see #7doubloon dobl'on 0. syl do+bl*'on pron , Spanish pos n. def a variant spelling of {doubloon}. Dobros infl head Dobro syl Do+bros. pos n. mod pl. Dobro 0. syl Do+bro pron <1d*ubr*u> pos n. qual Trademark. def an acoustic guitar having a metal resonator built into the body. Dobruja 0. syl Do+bru+ja pron Bulgarian <1dcbruja> pos n. def a region of E Europe, between the River Danube and the Black Sea: the north passed to Rumania and the south to Bulgaria after the Berlin Congress (1878). Rumanian name: {Do+bro+gea} (do#!brod#fa). dobsonflies infl head dobsonfly syl dob:son+flies. pos n. mod pl. dobsonfly 0. syl dob:son+fly pron <1dobsN2flI> pos n. qual U.S. def a large North American neuropterous insect, the male has elongated horn-like mouthparts and the larva (a {hellgrammite} or {dobson}) is used as bait by anglers: suborder do by 0. syl do by pos vb. prep. mod intr. def to treat in the manner specified. exam 1 employers do well by hard working employees. doc 0. syl doc pron pos n. qual Informal. def short for {doctor}, esp. a medical doctor: often used as a term of address. doc 0. syl doc. qual abbrev. for def document. docent ety C19: from German Dozent, from Latin doc*_ens from doc*_ere to teach docent 0. syl do+cent pron , German pos n. usage in the U.S. def a lecturer in some colleges or universities. docentship sub head docent syl do+cent+2ship pos n. Docetism ety C19: from Medieval Latin Doc*_etae, from Greek Dok*_etai, from dokein to seem Docetism 0. syl Do+ce:tism pron <1d*usi2tiz*m> pos n. usage in the early Christian Church def a heresy that the humanity of Christ, his sufferings, and his death were apparent rather than real. docile ety C15: from Latin docilis easily taught, from doc*_ere to teach docile 1. syl doc+ile pron <1d*usIl> pos adj. def easy to manage, control, or discipline; submissive. docile 2. syl doc+ile pron <1d*usIl> pos adj. qual Rare. def ready to learn; easy to teach. docilely sub head docile syl doc+ile+ly pos adv. docility sub head docile syl do+cil+i:ty pron pos n. dock ety C14: from Middle Dutch docke; perhaps related to Latin ducere to lead dock H1.1. syl dock pron pos n. def a wharf or pier. dock H1.2. syl dock pron pos n. def a space between two wharves or piers for the mooring of ships. dock H1.3. syl dock pron pos n. def an area of water that can accommodate a ship and can be closed off to allow regulation of the water level. dock H1.4. syl dock pron pos n. def short for {dry dock}. dock H1.5.a. syl dock pron pos n. usage of people def in hospital. dock H1.5.b. syl dock pron pos n. usage of cars, etc. def in a repair shop. dock H1.6. syl dock pron pos n. def short for {scene dock}. dock H1.7. syl dock pron pos n. qual Chiefly U.S. def a platform from which lorries, goods trains, etc., are loaded and unloaded. dock H1.8. syl dock pron pos vb. def to moor (a vessel) at a dock or (of a vessel) to be moored at a dock. dock H1.9. syl dock pron pos vb. def to put (a vessel) into a dry dock for repairs or (of a vessel) to come into a dry dock. dock H1.10. syl dock pron pos vb. usage of two spacecraft def to link together in space or link together (two spacecraft) in space. dock ety C14: dok of uncertain origin dock H2.1. syl dock pron pos n. def the bony part of the tail of an animal, esp. a dog or sheep. dock H2.2. syl dock pron pos n. def the part of an animal's tail left after the major part of it has been cut off. dock H2.3. syl dock pron pos vb. mod tr. def to remove (the tail or part of the tail) of (an animal) by cutting through the bone. exam 1 to dock a tail; exam 2 to dock a horse. dock H2.4. syl dock pron pos vb. mod tr. def to deduct (an amount) from (a person's wages, pension, etc.). exam 1 they docked a third of his wages. dock ety C16: from Flemish dok sty dock H3.0. syl dock pron pos n. def an enclosed space in a court of law where the accused sits or stands during his trial. dock ety Old English docce; related to Middle Dutch, Old Danish docke, Gaelic dogha dock H4.1. syl dock pron pos n. def any of various temperate weedy plants of the polygonaceous genus having greenish or reddish flowers and typically broad leaves. dock H4.2. syl dock pron pos n. def any of several similar or related plants. dockage H1.1. syl dock+age pron <1dokiJ> pos n. def a charge levied upon a vessel for using a dock. dockage H1.2. syl dock+age pron <1dokiJ> pos n. def facilities for docking vessels. dockage H1.3. syl dock+age pron <1dokiJ> pos n. def the practice of docking vessels. dockage H2.1. syl dock+age pron <1dokiJ> pos n. def a deduction, as from a price or wages. dockage H2.2. syl dock+age pron <1dokiJ> pos n. qual Agriculture. def the seeds of weeds and other waste material in commercial seeds, removable by normal cleaning methods. docker H1.0. syl dock+er pron <1dok*> pos n. qual Brit. def a man employed in the loading or unloading of ships. U.S. equivalent: {longshoreman}. See also {stevedore}. docker H2.0. syl dock+er pron <1dok*> pos n. def a person or thing that docks something, such as the tail of a horse. docket ety C15: of unknown origin docket 1. syl dock+et pron <1dokit> pos n. qual Chiefly Brit. def a piece of paper accompany?!ing or referring to a package or other delivery, stating contents, delivery instructions, etc., sometimes serving as a receipt. docket 2.a. syl dock+et pron <1dokit> pos n. def an official summary of the proceedings in a court of justice. docket 2.b. syl dock+et pron <1dokit> pos n. def a register containing such a summary. docket 3.a. syl dock+et pron <1dokit> pos n. def a customs certificate declaring that duty has been paid. docket 3.b. syl dock+et pron <1dokit> pos n. def a certificate giving particulars of a shipment and allowing its holder to obtain a delivery order. docket 4. syl dock+et pron <1dokit> pos n. def a summary of contents, as in a document. docket 5. syl dock+et pron <1dokit> pos n. qual U.S. def a list of things to be done. docket 6.a. syl dock+et pron <1dokit> pos n. def a list of cases awaiting trial. docket 6.b. syl dock+et pron <1dokit> pos n. def the names of the parties to pending litigation. docket 7. syl dock+et pron <1dokit> pos vb. mod tr. def to fix a docket to (a package, etc.). docket 8.a. syl dock+et pron <1dokit> pos vb. mod tr. def to make a summary of (a document, judgment, etc.). docket 8.b. syl dock+et pron <1dokit> pos vb. mod tr. def to abstract and enter in a book or register. docket 9. syl dock+et pron <1dokit> pos vb. mod tr. def to endorse (a document, etc.) with a summary. dockland 0. syl dock+land pron <1dok2l@nd> pos n. def the area around the docks. dockyard 0. syl dock+yard pron <1dok2ja:d> pos n. def a naval establishment with docks, workshops, etc., for the building, fitting out, and repair of vessels. doctor ety C14: from Latin: teacher, from doc*_ere to teach doctor 1. syl doc+tor pron <1dokt*> pos n. def a person licensed to practise medicine. doctor 2. syl doc+tor pron <1dokt*> pos n. def a person who has been awarded a higher academic degree in any field of knowledge. doctor 3. syl doc+tor pron <1dokt*> pos n. qual Chiefly U.S. def a person licensed to practise dentistry or veterinary medicine. doctor 4. syl doc+tor pron <1dokt*> pos n. usage often cap. def Also called: {Doctor of the Church}. a title given to any of several of the leading Fathers or theologians in the history of the Christian Church down to the late Middle Ages whose teachings have greatly influenced orthodox Christian thought. doctor 5. syl doc+tor pron <1dokt*> pos n. qual Angling. def any of various gaudy artificial flies. doctor 6. syl doc+tor pron <1dokt*> pos n. qual Informal. def a person who mends or repairs things. doctor 7. syl doc+tor pron <1dokt*> pos n. qual Slang. def a cook on a ship or at a camp. doctor 8. syl doc+tor pron <1dokt*> pos n. qual Archaic. def a man, esp. a teacher, of learning. doctor 9. syl doc+tor pron <1dokt*> pos n. def a device used for local repair of electroplated surfaces, consisting of an anode of the plating material embedded in an absorbent material containing the solution. go for the doctor 10. head doctor syl go for the doctor. qual Austral. slang. def to make a great effort or move very fast, esp. in a horse race. what the doctor ordered 11. head doctor syl what the doctor ordered. def something needed or desired. you're the doctor 12. head doctor syl you're the doctor. def you are to make the decision. doctor 13.a. syl doc+tor pron <1dokt*> pos vb. def to give medical treatment to. doctor 13.b. syl doc+tor pron <1dokt*> pos vb. def to prescribe for (a disease or disorder). doctor 14. syl doc+tor pron <1dokt*> pos vb. mod intr. qual Informal. def to practise medicine. exam 1 he doctored in Easter Island for six years. doctor 15. syl doc+tor pron <1dokt*> pos vb. mod tr. def to repair or mend, esp. in a makeshift manner. doctor 16. syl doc+tor pron <1dokt*> pos vb. mod tr. def to make different in order to deceive. doctor 17. syl doc+tor pron <1dokt*> pos vb. mod tr. def to adapt for a desired end, effect, etc. doctor 18. syl doc+tor pron <1dokt*> pos vb. mod tr. qual Informal. def to castrate (a cat, dog, etc.). doctoral sub head doctor or doctorial syl doc+tor+al pron pos adj. doctorial sub head doctor or doctoral syl doc+to+ri:al pron pos adj. doctorate 0. syl doc+tor+ate pron <1dokt*rit>, <-trit> pos n. def the highest academic degree in any field of knowledge. Also called: {doctor's degree}. Doctor of Philosophy 0. syl Doc+tor of Phi+los:o+phy pos n. def a doctorate awarded for original research in any subject except law, medicine, or theology. Abbrevs.: {Ph.D., D.Phil}. doctrinaire 1. syl doc+tri+naire pron <2doktri1ne*> pos adj. def stubbornly insistent on the observation of the niceties of a theory, esp. without regard to practicality, suitability, etc. doctrinaire 2. syl doc+tri+naire pron <2doktri1ne*> pos adj. def theoretical; impractical. doctrinaire 3. syl doc+tri+naire pron <2doktri1ne*> pos n. def a person who stubbornly attempts to apply a theory without regard to practical difficulties. doctrinairism sub head doctrinaire or doctrinarism syl doc+tri+1nair+ism pos n. doctrinarism sub head doctrinaire or doctrinairism syl doc+tri+1nar+ism pos n. doctrinarian sub head doctrinaire syl doc+tri+1nar+i:an pos n. doctrine ety C14: from Old French, from Latin doctr*_ina teaching, from doctor see #7doctor doctrine 1. syl doc+trine pron <1doktrin> pos n. def a creed or body of teachings of a religious, political, or philosophical group presented for acceptance or belief; dogma. doctrine 2. syl doc+trine pron <1doktrin> pos n. def a principle or body of principles that is taught or advocated. doctrinal sub head doctrine syl doc+tri+nal pron pos adj. doctrinality sub head doctrine syl doc+tri+nal+i:ty pron <2doktri1n@liti> pos n. doctrinally sub head doctrine syl doc+1tri+nal+ly pos adv. doctrinism sub head doctrine syl doc+trin+ism pos n. doctrine of descent 0. syl doc+trine of de+scent pos n. def the theory that animals and plants arose by descent from previously existing organisms; theory of evolution. document ety C15: from Latin documentum a lesson, from doc*_ere to teach document 1. syl doc:u+ment pron <1dokjum*nt> pos n. def a piece of paper, booklet, etc., providing information, esp. of an official or legal nature. document 2. syl doc:u+ment pron <1dokjum*nt> pos n. qual Archaic. def evidence; proof. document 3. syl doc:u+ment pron <1dokju2ment> pos vb. mod tr. def to record or report in detail, as in the press, on television, etc.. exam 1 the trial was well documented by the media. document 4. syl doc:u+ment pron <1dokju2ment> pos vb. mod tr. def to support (statements in a book) with citations, references, etc. document 5. syl doc:u+ment pron <1dokju2ment> pos vb. mod tr. def to support (a claim, etc.) with evidence or proof. document 6. syl doc:u+ment pron <1dokju2ment> pos vb. mod tr. def to furnish (a vessel) with official documents specifying its ownership, registration, weight, dimensions, and function. documentary 1. syl doc:u+men+ta:ry pron <2dokju1ment*ri>, <-tri> pos adj. def Also: {documental}. consisting of, derived from, or relating to documents. documentary 2. syl doc:u+men+ta:ry pron <2dokju1ment*ri>, <-tri> pos adj. def presenting factual material with little or no fictional additions. exam 1 the book gives a documentary account of the massacre. documentaries infl head documentary syl doc:u+men+ta:ries. pos n. mod pl. documentary 3. syl doc:u+men+ta:ry pron <2dokju1ment*ri>, <-tri> pos n. def a factual film or television programme about an event, person, etc., presenting the facts with little or no fiction. documentarily sub head documentary syl doc:u+1men+ta+ri+ly pos adv. documentation 1. syl doc:u+men+ta+tion pron <2dokjumen1tAS*n> pos n. def the act of supplying with or using documents or references. documentation 2. syl doc:u+men+ta+tion pron <2dokjumen1tAS*n> pos n. def the documents or references supplied. documentation 3. syl doc:u+men+ta+tion pron <2dokjumen1tAS*n> pos n. def the furnishing and use of documentary evidence, as in a court of law. DOD 0. syl DOD qual abbrev. for usage in the U.S. def Department of Defense. dodder ety C17: variant of earlier dadder; related to Norwegian dudra to tremble dodder H1.1. syl dod+der pron <1dod*> pos vb. mod intr. def to move unsteadily; totter. dodder H1.2. syl dod+der pron <1dod*> pos vb. mod intr. def to shake or tremble, as from age. dodderer sub head dodder syl dod+der+er pos n. doddery sub head dodder syl dod+der:y pos adj. dodder ety C13: of Germanic origin; related to Middle Dutch, Middle Low German dodder, Middle High German toter dodder H2.0. syl dod+der pron <1dod*> pos n. def any rootless parasitic plant of the convolvulaceous genus lacking chlorophyll and having slender twining stems with suckers for drawing nourishment from the host plant, scalelike leaves, and whitish flowers. doddering 0. syl dod+der+ing pron <1dod*riG> pos adj. def shaky, feeble, or infirm, esp. from old age. doddle 0. syl dod+dle pron <1dodL> pos n. qual Brit. slang. def something easily accomplished. dodeca- ety from Greek d*_odeka twelve dodeca- 0. syl do:dec:a- pos n. usage combining form. def indicating twelve. exam 1 dodecagon; exam 2 dodecahedron; exam 3 dodecaphonic. dodecagon 0. syl do+dec:a+gon pron pos n. def a polygon having twelve sides. dodecagonal sub head dodecagon syl do+de+cag:o+nal pron <2d*ude1k@g*nL> pos adj. dodecahedron 0. syl do+dec:a+he+dron pron <2d*udek*1hEdr*n> pos n. def a solid figure having twelve plane faces. A {regular dodecahedron} has regular pentagons as faces. See also {polyhedron}. dodecahedral sub head dodecahedron syl do+dec:a+1he+dral pos adj. Dodecanese 0. syl Do+dec:a+nese pron <2d*udik*1nEz> pos n. mod pl. def a group of islands in the SE Aegean Sea, forming a department of Greece: part of the Southern Sporades. Capital: Rhodes. Pop.: 120258 (1971). Area: 2663 sq. km (1028 sq. miles). Modern Greek name: {Dhodhek*'anisos}. dodecanoic acid 0. syl do+dec:a+no+ic ac:id pron <2d*udek*1n*uik> pos n. def a crystalline fatty acid found as glycerides in many vegetable oils: used in making soaps, insecticides, and synthetic resins. Formula: CH\3(CH\2)\1\0COOH. Also called: {lauric acid}. C20: from (see #7dodeca -#7, -#7ane) ] dodecaphonic 0. syl do+dec:a+phon+ic pron <2d*udek*1fonik> pos adj. def of or relating to the twelve-tone system of serial music. dodecaphonism sub head dodecaphonic syl do+dec:a+1phon+ism pos n. dodecaphonist sub head dodecaphonic syl do+dec:a+1phon+ist pos n. dodecaphony sub head dodecaphonic syl do+dec:a+1phon:y pos n. dodecasyllable 0. syl do+dec:a+syl+la+ble pron <2d*udek*1sil*bL> pos n. qual Prosody. def a line of twelve syllables. dodge ety C16: of unknown origin dodge 1. syl dodge pron pos vb. def to avoid or attempt to avoid (a blow, discovery, etc.), as by moving suddenly. dodge 2. syl dodge pron pos vb. def to evade (questions, etc.) by cleverness or trickery. dodge 3. syl dodge pron pos vb. mod intr. qual Change-ringing. def to make a bell change places with its neighbour when sounding in successive changes. dodge 4. syl dodge pron pos vb. mod tr. qual Photog. def to lighten or darken (selected areas on a print) by manipulating the light from an enlarger. dodge 5. syl dodge pron pos n. def a plan or expedient contrived to deceive. dodge 6. syl dodge pron pos n. def a sudden evasive or hiding movement. dodge 7. syl dodge pron pos n. def a clever contriv?!ance. dodge 8. syl dodge pron pos n. qual Change-ringing. def the act of dodging. dodge ball 0. syl dodge ball pos n. def a game in which the players form a circle and try to hit opponents in the circle with a large ball. Dodge City 0. syl Dodge Cit:y pos n. def a city in SW Kansas, on the Arkansas River: famous as a frontier town on the Santa Fe Trail. Pop.: 14127 (1970). Dodgem 0. syl Dodg+em pron <1doJ*m> pos n. qual Trademark. def another name for {bumper car}. dodger 1. syl dodg+er pron <1doJ*> pos n. def a person who evades or shirks. dodger 2. syl dodg+er pron <1doJ*> pos n. def a shifty dishonest person. dodger 3. syl dodg+er pron <1doJ*> pos n. def a canvas shelter, mounted on a ship's bridge or over the companionway of a sailing yacht to protect the helmsman from bad weather. dodger 4. syl dodg+er pron <1doJ*> pos n. qual Dialect. def food, esp. bread. Charles Lutwidge infl head Dodgson syl Charles Lut:widge pron <1l^twiJ> pos n. Dodgson 0. syl Dodg:son pron <1doJs*n> pos n. def the original name of (Lewis) {Carroll}. dodgier infl head dodgy syl dodg:i+er pos adj. dodgiest infl head dodgy syl dodg:i+est. pos adj. dodgy 1. syl dodg:y pron <1doJi> pos adj. qual Brit. informal. def risky, difficult, or dangerous. dodgy 2. syl dodg:y pron <1doJi> pos adj. qual Brit. informal. def uncertain or unreliable; tricky. dodo ety C17: from Portuguese doudo, from duodo stupid dodos infl head dodo or dodoes syl do:dos pos n. mod pl. dodoes infl head dodo or dodos syl do:does. pos n. mod pl. dodo 1. syl do:do pron <1d*ud*u> pos n. def any flightless bird, esp. of the recently extinct family of Mauritius and adjacent islands: order (pigeons, etc.). They had a hooked bill, short stout legs, and greyish plumage. See also {ratite}. dodo 2. syl do:do pron <1d*ud*u> pos n. qual Informal. def an intensely conservative or reactionary person who is unaware of changing fashions, ideas, etc. (as) dead as a dodo 3. head dodo syl (as) dead as a dodo. usage of a person or thing def irretrievably dead or defunct. dodoism sub head dodo syl do:do+ism pos n. Dodoma 0. syl Do+do+ma pron <1doud*m*> pos n. def a town in central Tanzania, the proposed new capital of the country. Pop.: 20000 (1973 est.). Dodona 0. syl Do+do+na pron pos n. def an ancient Greek town in Epirus: seat of an ancient sanctuary and oracle of Zeus and later the religious centre of Pyrrhus' kingdom. Dodonaean sub head Dodona or Dodonean syl Do+do+nae:an pron <2d*ud*u1nE*n> pos adj. Dodonean sub head Dodona or Dodonaean syl Do+do+ne:an pron <2d*ud*u1nE*n> pos adj. do down 1. syl do down pos vb. adv. mod tr. def to belittle or humiliate. do down 2. syl do down pos vb. adv. mod tr. def to deceive or cheat. doe ety Old English d*_a; related to Old English d*_eon to suck, Sanskrit dh*_en*_a cow does infl head doe or doe syl does pos n. mod pl. doe infl or does syl doe. pos n. mod pl. doe 0. syl doe pron pos n. def the female of the deer, hare, rabbit, and certain other animals. Doe 0. syl Doe pron pos n. usage Law. formerly def the name of the fictitious plaintiff in an action of ejectment. DOE 0. syl D.O.E. qual abbrev. for usage in Britain def Department of the Environment. doek ety C18: from Afrikaans: cloth doek 0. syl doek pron pos n. qual S. African informal. def a square of cloth worn mainly by African women to cover the head. Karl infl head Doenitz syl Karl pos n. Donitz infl head Doenitz syl D*"onitz. pos n. doer 1. syl do:er pron <1du:*> pos n. def a person or thing that does something or acts in a specified manner. exam 1 a doer of good. doer 2. syl do:er pron <1du:*> pos n. def an active or energetic person. does 0. syl does pos d^z; vb. usage used with a singular noun or the pronouns he, she, or it def a form of the present tense (indicative mood) of {do%1}. doeskin 1. syl doe+skin pron <1d*u2skin> pos n. def the skin of a deer, lamb, or sheep. doeskin 2. syl doe+skin pron <1d*u2skin> pos n. def a very supple leather made from this skin and used esp. for gloves. doeskin 3. syl doe+skin pron <1d*u2skin> pos n. def a heavy smooth satin-weave or twill-weave cloth. doeskin 4. syl doe+skin pron <1d*u2skin> pos n. usage modifier def made of doeskin. doff ety Old English d*_on of; see #7do %1#7, off ; compare #7don %1 doff 1. syl doff pron pos vb. mod tr. def to take off or lift (one's hat) in salutation. doff 2. syl doff pron pos vb. mod tr. def to remove (clothing). doffer sub head doff syl doff+er pos n. do for 1. syl do for pos vb. prep. mod tr. qual Informal. def to convict of a crime or offence. exam 1 they did him for manslaughter. do for 2. syl do for pos vb. prep. mod intr. qual Informal. def to cause the ruin, death, or defeat of. exam 1 the last punch did for him. do for 3. syl do for pos vb. prep. mod intr. qual Informal. def to do housework for. do well for oneself 4. head do for syl do well for oneself. qual Informal. def to thrive or succeed. dog ety Old English docga, of obscure origin dog 1. syl dog pron pos n. def a domesticated canine mammal, occurring in many breeds that show a great variety in size and form. dog 2.a. syl dog pron pos n. def any other carnivore of the family such as the dingo and coyote. dog 2.b. syl dog pron pos n. usage as modifier exam 1 the dog family. dog 3.a. syl dog pron pos n. def the male of animals of the dog family. dog 3.b. syl dog pron pos n. usage as modifier exam 1 a dog fox. dog 4. syl dog pron pos n. def a mechanical device for gripping or holding, esp. one of the axial slots by which gear wheels or shafts are engaged to transmit torque. dog 5. syl dog pron pos n. qual Informal. def a fellow; chap. exam 1 you lucky dog. dog 6. syl dog pron pos n. qual Informal. def a man or boy regarded as unpleasant, contemptible, or wretched. dog 7. syl dog pron pos n. qual U.S. slang. def an unattractive or boring girl or woman. dog 8. syl dog pron pos n. qual U.S. informal. def something unsatisfactory or in?!ferior. dog 9. syl dog pron pos n. def short for {firedog}. dog 10. syl dog pron pos n. def short for {sundog} or {fogdog}. a dog's chance 11. head dog syl a dog's chance. def no chance at all. a dog's life 12. head dog syl a dog's life. def a wretched existence. dog eat dog 13. head dog syl dog eat dog. def ruthless competition or self-interest. like a dog's dinner 14. head dog syl like a dog's dinner. def dressed smartly or ostentatiously. put on the dog 15. head dog syl put on the dog. qual U.S. informal. def to behave pretentiously or ostentatiously. dog tied up 16. head dog syl dog tied up. qual Austral. slang. def an unpaid bill, esp. at a public house. dogs infl head dog syl dogs pos vb. mod tr. dogging infl head dog syl dog+ging pos vb. mod tr. dogged infl head dog syl dogged. pos vb. mod tr. dog 17. syl dog pron pos vb. mod tr. def to pursue or follow after like a dog. dog 18. syl dog pron pos vb. mod tr. def to trouble; plague. exam 1 to be dogged by ill health. dog 19. syl dog pron pos vb. mod tr. def to chase with a dog or dogs. dog 20. syl dog pron pos vb. mod tr. def to grip, hold, or secure by a mechanical device. dog xref syl dog pron pos n. def See also {dogs}. doglike sub head dog syl dog+2like pos adj. dogbane 0. syl dog+bane pron <1dog2bAn> pos n. def any of several North American apocynaceous plants of the genus esp. having bell-shaped white or pink flowers: thought to be poisonous to dogs. dogberries infl head dogberry syl dog+ber:ries. pos n. mod pl. dogberry H1.1. syl dog+ber:ry pron <1dog2beri>, <-b*ri>, <-bri> pos n. def any of certain plants that have berry-like fruits, such as the European dogwood or the bearberry. dogberry H1.2. syl dog+ber:ry pron <1dog2beri>, <-b*ri>, <-bri> pos n. def the fruit of any of these plants. dogberry ety after Dogberry, character in Shakespeare's Much Ado about Nothing (1598) dogberries infl head dogberry syl dog+ber:ries. pos n. mod pl. dogberry H2.0. syl dog+ber:ry pron <1dog2beri>, <-b*ri>, <-bri> pos n. usage sometimes cap. def a foolish, meddling, and usually old official. dogberryism sub head dogberry syl dog+2ber:ry+ism pos n. dog biscuit 0. syl dog bis+cuit pos n. def a hard biscuit for dogs. dog box 0. syl dog box pos n. qual Austral. informal. def a compartment in a railway carriage with no corridor. dogcart 0. syl dog+cart pron <1dog2ka:t> pos n. def a light horse-drawn two-wheeled vehicle. dog-catcher 0. syl dog-catch:er pos n. qual Now chiefly U.S. def a local official whose job is to catch and impound stray dogs, cats, etc. dog collar 1. syl dog col+lar pos n. def a collar for a dog. dog collar 2. syl dog col+lar pos n. def an informal name for a {clerical collar}. dog collar 3. syl dog col+lar pos n. qual Informal. def a tight-fitting necklace. dog days ety C16: translation of Late Latin di*_es canicul*_ar*_es, translation of Greek h*_emerai kunades dog days 1. syl dog days pos n. mod pl. def the hot period of the summer reckoned in ancient times from the heliacal rising of Sirius (the Dog Star). dog days 2. syl dog days pos n. mod pl. def a period marked by inactivity. doge ety C16: via French from Italian (Venetian dialect), from Latin dux leader doge 0. syl doge pron pos n. usage formerly def the chief magistrate in the republics of Venice (until 1797) and Genoa (until 1805). dogeship sub head doge syl doge+ship pos n. dog-ear 1. syl dog-ear pos vb. mod tr. def to fold down the corner of (a page). dog-ear 2. syl dog-ear pos n. usage also def a folded-down corner of a page. dog-eared 1. syl dog-eared pos adj. def having dog-ears. dog-eared 2. syl dog-eared pos adj. def shabby or worn. dog-end 0. syl dog-end pos n. def an informal name for {cigarette end}. dog fennel 1. syl dog fen+nel pos n. def another name for {mayweed}. dog fennel 2. syl dog fen+nel pos n. def a weedy plant, of the southeastern U.S., having divided leaves and greenish rayless flower heads: family (composites). dogfight 1. syl dog+fight pron <1dog2fIt> pos n. def close quarters combat between fighter aircraft. dogfight 2. syl dog+fight pron <1dog2fIt> pos n. def any rough violent fight. dogfish infl or dogfishes syl dog+fish pos n. mod pl. dogfishes infl head dogfish or dogfish syl dog+fish:es. pos n. mod pl. dogfish 1. syl dog+fish pron <1dog2fiS> pos n. def any of several small spotted European sharks, esp. ({lesser spotted dogfish}) : family dogfish 2. syl dog+fish pron <1dog2fiS> pos n. def any small shark of the family esp. ({spiny dogfish}) , typically having a spine on each dorsal fin. dogfish 3. syl dog+fish pron <1dog2fiS> pos n. def any small smooth-skinned shark of the family esp. ({smooth dogfish} or {smooth hound}) . dogfish 4. syl dog+fish pron <1dog2fiS> pos n. def a less common name for the {bowfin}. dogged 0. syl dog+ged pron <1dogid> pos adj. def obstinately determined; wilful or tenacious. doggedly sub head dogged syl dog+ged+ly pos adv. doggedness sub head dogged syl dog+ged+ness pos n. dogger ety C14: probably from Middle Dutch dogge trawler dogger H1.0. syl dog+ger pron <1dog*> pos n. def a Dutch fishing vessel with two masts. dogger ety C17: of uncertain origin dogger H2.0. syl dog+ger pron <1dog*> pos n. def a large concretion of consolidated material occurring in certain sedimentary rocks. dogger ety C20: from #7dog (see sense 2a.)+ #7er %1 ********************************************************************** ********************************************************************** dogger ety C20: from #7dog (see sense 2a.)+ #7er %1 ********************************************************************** ********************************************************************** dogger H3.0. syl dog+ger pron <1dog*> pos n. qual Austral. def a hunter of dingoes. Dogger 0. syl Dog:ger pron <1dog*> pos n. qual Geology. def a formation of mid-Jurassic rocks in N England. Dogger Bank 0. syl Dog+ger Bank pron <1dog*> pos n. def an extensive submerged sandbank in the North Sea between N England and Denmark: fishing ground. doggerel ety C14 dogerel worthless, perhaps from dogge #7dog dogrel alt head doggerel or doggerel syl dog+rel pron <1dogr*l> pos n. doggerel 1.a. or dogrel syl dog+ger+el pron <1dog*r*l> pos n. def comic verse, usually irregular in measure. doggerel 1.b. or dogrel syl dog+ger+el pron <1dog*r*l> pos n. usage as modifier exam 1 a doggerel rhythm. doggerel 2. or dogrel syl dog+ger+el pron <1dog*r*l> pos n. def nonsense; drivel. doggeries infl head doggery syl dog+ger:ies. pos n. mod pl. doggery 1. syl dog+ger:y pron <1dog*ri> pos n. def surly behaviour. doggery 2. syl dog+ger:y pron <1dog*ri> pos n. def dogs collectively. doggery 3. syl dog+ger:y pron <1dog*ri> pos n. def a mob. doggish 1. syl dog+gish pron <1dogiS> pos adj. def of or like a dog. doggish 2. syl dog+gish pron <1dogiS> pos adj. def surly; snappish. doggishly sub head doggish syl dog+gish+ly pos adv. doggishness sub head doggish syl dog+gish+ness pos n. doggo ety C19: probably from #7dog doggo 0. syl dog+go pron <1dog*u> pos adv. qual Brit. informal. def out of sight; in hiding (esp. in the phrase {lie doggo}) . doggone ety C19: euphemism for God damn doggone 1. syl dog+gone pron <1dogon> pos interj. qual U.S. informal. def an exclamation of annoyance, disappointment, etc. doggone 2. syl dog+gone pron <1dogon> pos adj. prenominal; adv. qual U.S. informal. def Also: {doggoned}. another word for { {damn} (senses 1, 2, 3, 4)}. doggie alt head doggy or doggy syl dog+gie pron <1dogi> pos n. doggies infl head doggy syl dog+gies. pos n. mod pl. doggy 1. or doggie syl dog+gy pron <1dogi> pos n. def a children's word for a dog. doggy 2. or doggie syl dog+gy pron <1dogi> pos adj. def of, like, or relating to a dog. doggy 3. or doggie syl dog+gy pron <1dogi> pos adj. def fond of dogs. doghouse 1. syl dog+house pron <1dog2haus> pos n. def the U.S. name for {kennel}. doghouse 2. syl dog+house pron <1dog2haus> pos n. qual Informal. def disfavour (in the phrase {in the doghouse}) . dogie ety C19: of unknown origin dogy infl head dogie or dogey syl do:gy pron <1d*ugi> pos n. dogey infl head dogie or dogy syl do+gey pron <1d*ugi> pos n. dogies infl head dogie or dogeys syl do+gies pos n. mod pl. dogeys infl head dogie or dogies syl do+geys. pos n. mod pl. dogie 0. syl do+gie pron <1d*ugi> pos n. qual Western U.S. def a motherless calf. dog in the manger 1.a. syl dog in the man+ger pos n. def a person who prevents others from using something he has no use for. dog in the manger 1.b. syl dog in the man+ger pos n. usage as modifier exam 1 a dog-in-the-manger attitude. dog Latin 0. syl dog Lat+in pos n. def spurious or incorrect Latin. dogleg 1.a. syl dog+leg pron <1dog2leg> pos n. def a sharp bend or angle. dogleg 1.b. syl dog+leg pron <1dog2leg> pos n. def something with a sharp bend. {~} {+legs, +leg+ging, +legged. $D} to go off at an angle. dogleg 2. syl dog+leg pron <1dog2leg> pos adj. def of or with the shape of a dogleg. doglegged sub head dogleg syl dog+leg+ged pron <2dog1legid>, <1dog2legd> pos adj. dogleg fence 0. syl dog+leg fence pos n. qual Austral. def a fence made of sloping poles supported by forked uprights. dogma ety C17: via Latin from Greek: opinion, belief, from dokein to seem good dogmas infl head dogma or dogmata syl dog+mas pron <-m*t*> pos n. mod pl. dogmata infl head dogma or dogmas syl dog+ma+ta pron <-m*t*> pos n. mod pl. dogma 1. syl dog+ma pron <1dogm*> pos n. def a religious doctrine or system of doctrines proclaimed by ecclesiastical authority as true. dogma 2. syl dog+ma pron <1dogm*> pos n. def a belief, principle, or doctrine or a code of beliefs, principles, or doctrines. exam 1 Marxist dogma. dogman 0. syl dog+man pron <2dogm*n> pos n. qual Austral. def a person who directs the operation of a crane whilst riding on an object being lifted by it. dogmatical alt head dogmatic or dogmatic syl dog+mat:i+cal pos adj. dogmatic 1. or dogmatical syl dog+mat+ic pron pos adj. def characterized by making authoritative or arrogant assertions, opinions, etc.; opinionated and arbitrary. dogmatic 2. or dogmatical syl dog+mat+ic pron pos adj. def of, relating to, or constituting dogma. exam 1 dogmatic writings. dogmatic 3. or dogmatical syl dog+mat+ic pron pos adj. qual Philosophy. def based on assumption rather than empirical observation. dogmatically sub head dogmatic syl dog+1mat:i+cal+ly pos adv. dogmatics 0. syl dog+mat+ics pron pos n. mod functioning as; sing. def the study of religious dogmas and doctrines. Also called: {dogmatic} {doctrinal) theology}. dogmatist 1. syl dog+ma+tist pron <1dogm*tist> pos n. def a dogmatic person. dogmatist 2. syl dog+ma+tist pron <1dogm*tist> pos n. def a person who formulates dogmas. dogmatise alt head dogmatize or dogmatize syl dog+ma+tise pron <1dogm*2tIz> pos vb. dogmatize 0. or dogmatise syl dog+ma+tize pron <1dogm*2tIz> pos vb. def to say or state (something) in a dogmatic manner. &- {#!dog+ma+tism} dogmatization sub head dogmatize or dogmatisation syl dog+ma+ti+1za+tion pos n. dogmatisation sub head dogmatize or dogmatization syl dog+ma+ti+1sa+tion pos n. dogmatizer sub head dogmatize or dogmatiser syl dog+ma+2tiz+er pos n. dogmatiser sub head dogmatize or dogmatizer syl dog+ma+2tis+er pos n. do-gooder 0. syl do-good:er pos n. qual Informal, usually disparaging. def a well-intentioned person, esp. a naive or impractical one. dog paddle 1. syl dog pad+dle pos n. def a swimming stroke in which the swimmer lies on his front, paddles his hands in imitation of a swimming dog, and beats his legs up and down. dog-paddle infl head dog paddle syl dog-pad:dle. pos vb. dog paddle 2. syl dog pad+dle pos vb. mod intr. def to swim using the dog paddle. dog rose 0. syl dog rose pos n. def a prickly wild rose, that is native to Europe and has pink or white delicate scentless flowers. the 1. head dogs syl the. qual Brit. informal. def greyhound racing. dogs 2. syl dogs pron pos n. mod pl. qual Slang. def the feet. go to the dogs 3. head dogs syl go to the dogs. qual Informal. def to go to ruin physically or morally. let sleeping dogs lie 4. head dogs syl let sleeping dogs lie. def to leave things undisturbed. dogsbodies infl head dogsbody syl dogs+bod:ies. pos n. mod pl. dogsbody 0. syl dogs+bod:y pron <1dogz2bodi> pos n. qual Informal. def a person who carries out menial tasks for others; drudge. dog sled 0. syl dog sled pos n. qual Chiefly U.S. and Canadian. def a sleigh drawn by dogs. Also called: {dog sledge} (Brit.), {dog sleigh}. dog's-tail 0. syl dog's-tail pos n. def any of several grasses of the genus esp. (crested dog's-tail), that are native to Europe and have flowers clustered in a dense narrow spike. Dog Sthe infl head Dog Star syl Dog Sthe. pos n. Dog Star 0. syl Dog Star pos n. def another name for {Sirius}. dog's-tongue 0. syl dog's-tongue pos n. def another name for {hound's-tongue}. dog-tooth check alt head dog's-tooth check or dog's-tooth check syl dog-tooth check pos n. dog's-tooth check 0. or dog-tooth check syl dog's-tooth check pos n. def another name for {hound's-tooth check}. dog tag 0. syl dog tag pos n. qual U.S. slang. def a military personal-identification disc. dog-tired 0. syl dog-tired pos adj. qual Informal. usage usually postpositive def exhausted. dogteeth infl head dogtooth syl dog+teeth. pos n. mod pl. dogtooth 1. syl dog+tooth pron <1dog2tu:T> pos n. def another name for a { {canine} (sense 3)}. dogtooth 2. syl dog+tooth pron <1dog2tu:T> pos n. qual Architect. def a carved ornament in the form of four leaflike projections radiating from a raised centre, used in England in the 13th century. dogtooth violet 0. syl dog+tooth vi:o+let pos n. def any plant of the liliaceous genus esp. the North American with yellow nodding flowers, or the European with purple flowers. Also called: {adders-tongue, fawn lily}. dog train 0. syl dog train pos n. qual Canadian. def a sleigh drawn by a team of dogs. dogtrot 0. syl dog+trot pron <1dog2trot> pos n. def a gently paced trot. dogvane 0. syl dog+vane pron <1dog2vAn> pos n. qual Nautical. def a light windvane consisting of a feather or a piece of cloth or yarn mounted on the side of a vessel. Also called: {telltale}. dog violet 0. syl dog vi:o+let pos n. def a violet, that grows in Europe and N Asia and has blue yellow-spurred flowers. dogwatch 0. syl dog+watch pron <1dog2woC> pos n. def either of two two-hour watches aboard ship, from four to six p.m. or from six to eight p.m. dogwood 0. syl dog+wood pron <1dog2wud> pos n. def any of various cornaceous trees or shrubs of the genus esp. a European shrub with clusters of small white flowers and black berries. dogies infl head dogy syl do:gies. pos n. mod pl. dogy 0. syl do:gy pron <1d*ugi> pos n. def a variant spelling of {dogie}. doh ety C18: from Italian; see #7gamut dohs infl head doh syl dohs. pos n. mod pl. doh 0. syl doh pron pos n. usage Music. tonic sol-fa def the first degree of any major scale. Doha 0. syl Do:ha pron <1d*uha:>, <1d*u*> pos n. def the capital and chief port of Qatar, on the E coast of the peninsula. Pop.: 100000 (1971 est.). Former name: {Bida, El Beda}. Erno infl head Dohn'anyi syl Er:n*"o pron <1ern$o:> pos n. Dohn'anyi 0. syl Doh:n*'a:nyi pron Hungarian <1dohna:nji> pos n. def or {Ernst von} (#!$ernst f@$n). 1877-1960, Hungarian pianist and composer whose works include (1913) for piano and orchestra. doily ety C18: named after Doily, a London draper doyley infl head doily or doyly syl doy+ley pron <1dcili> pos n. doyly infl head doily or doyley syl doy+ly pron <1dcili> pos n. doilies infl head doily or doileys syl doi+lies pos n. mod pl. doileys infl head doily or doilies syl doi+leys. pos n. mod pl. doily 0. syl doi+ly pron <1dcili> pos n. def a decorative mat of lace or lacelike paper, etc., laid on or under plates. do in 1. syl do in pos vb. adv. mod tr. qual Slang. def to murder or kill. do in 2. syl do in pos vb. adv. mod tr. qual Slang. def to exhaust. doing 0. syl do+ing pron <1du:iG> pos n. def an action or the performance of an action. exam 1 whose doing is this?? doings 1. syl do+ings pron <1du:iGz> pos n. mod pl. def deeds, actions or events. doings 2. syl do+ings pron <1du:iGz> pos n. mod pl. qual Brit. informal. def anything of which the name is not known, or euphemistically left unsaid, etc.. exam 1 have you got the doings for starting the car?? doit ety C16: from Middle Dutch duit doit 1. syl doit pron pos n. def a former small copper coin of the Netherlands. doit 2. syl doit pron pos n. def a trifle. doited ety C15: probably from doten to #7dote doited 0. syl doi+ted pron <1dcitid>, <-tit> pos adj. qual Scot. def foolish or childish, as from senility. do-it-yourself 0.a. syl do-it-your:self pos n. def the hobby or process of constructing and repairing things oneself. do-it-yourself 0.b. syl do-it-your:self pos n. usage as modifier exam 1 a do-it-yourself kit. dojo ety C20: from Japanese dojos infl head dojo syl do:jos. pos n. mod pl. dojo 0. syl do:jo pron <1d*uJ*u> pos n. def a room or mat for the practice of judo. dol ety C20: by shortening, from Latin dolor pain dol 0. syl dol pron pos n. def a unit of pain intensity, as measured by dolorimetry. dol 1. syl dol. qual abbrev. for:; Music. def dolce. dols infl head dol syl dols. mod pl. dol 2. syl dol. qual abbrev. for: def dollar. dolabriform ety C18: from Latin dol*_abra pickaxe dolabrate alt head dolabriform or dolabriform syl do+lab+rate pron pos adj. dolabriform 0. or dolabrate syl do+lab+ri+form pron pos adj. qual Botany. def shaped like a hatchet or axe head. Dolby 0. syl Dol+by pron <1dolbi> pos n. qual Trademark. def a system used in tape recorders to improve the signal-to-noise ratio of high-frequency sounds by selective amplification. dolce ety Italian: sweet dolce 0. syl dol+ce pron <1dolCi>, Italian <1dolCA> usage adj.,adv. Music. def gently and sweetly. dolce far niente ety literally: sweet doing nothing dolce far niente 0. syl dol+ce far nien+te pron Italian. <1dolCA>, Italian. <1njentA> pos n. def pleasant idleness. dolce vita ety Italian, literally: sweet life dolce vita 0. syl dol+ce vi:ta pron <1dolCi> <1vEt*>, Italian <1dolCA> <1vita> pos n. def a life of luxury. doldrums ety C19: probably from Old English dol #7dull, influenced by #7tantrum the infl head doldrums syl the. pos n. doldrums 1. syl dol+drums pron <1doldr*mz> pos n. def a depressed or bored state of mind. doldrums 2. syl dol+drums pron <1doldr*mz> pos n. def a state of inactivity or stagnation. doldrums 3.a. syl dol+drums pron <1doldr*mz> pos n. def a belt of light winds or calms along the equator. doldrums 3.b. syl dol+drums pron <1doldr*mz> pos n. def the weather conditions experienced in this belt, formerly a hazard to sailing vessels. dole ety Old English d*_al share; related to Old Saxon d*_el, Old Norse deild, Gothic dails, Old High German teil; see #7{deal %1} dole H1.1. syl dole pron pos n. def a small portion or share, as of money or food, given to a poor person. dole H1.2. syl dole pron pos n. def the act of giving or distributing such portions. dole H1.3. syl dole pron pos n. qual Brit. informal. usage usually preceded by the def money received from the state while out of work. on the dole 4. head dole syl on the dole. qual Brit. informal. def receiving such money. dole H1.5. syl dole pron pos n. qual Archaic. def fate. dole H1.6. syl dole pron pos vb. mod tr. usage usually foll. by out def to distribute, esp. in small portions. dole ety C13: from Old French, from Late Latin dolus, from Latin dol*_ere to lament dole H2.0. syl dole pron pos n. qual Archaic. def grief or mourning. doleful 0. syl dole+ful pron <1d*ulful> pos adj. def dreary; mournful. Archaic word: {dole+some} (#!d$$$uls$$m). dolefully sub head doleful syl dole+ful+ly pos adv. dolefulness sub head doleful syl dole+ful+ness pos n. dolerite ety C19: from French dol*'erite, from Greek doleros deceitful; so called because of the difficulty of determining its composition dolerite 1. syl dol+er+ite pron <1dol*2rIt> pos n. def a dark basic igneous rock consisting of plagioclase feldspar and a pyroxene, such as augite; a coarse-grained basalt. dolerite 2. syl dol+er+ite pron <1dol*2rIt> pos n. def any dark igneous rock whose composition cannot be determined with the naked eye. doleritic sub head dolerite syl dol+er+it+ic pron <2dol*1ritik> pos adj. dolichocephalous alt head dolichocephalic or dolichocephalic syl dol:i+cho+ceph:a+lous pron <2dolik*u1sef*l*s> pos adj. dolichocephalic 1. or dolichocephalous syl dol:i+cho+ce:phal+ic pron <2dolik*usi1f@lik> pos adj. def having a head much longer than it is broad, esp. one with a cephalic index under 75. dolichocephalic 2. or dolichocephalous syl dol:i+cho+ce:phal+ic pron <2dolik*usi1f@lik> pos n. def an individual with such a head. dolichocephalic xref or dolichocephalous syl dol:i+cho+ce:phal+ic pron <2dolik*usi1f@lik> pos adj. def Compare {brachycephalic, mesocephalic}. dolichocephalism sub head dolichocephalic or dolichocephaly syl dol:i+cho+1ceph:a+lism pos n. dolichocephaly sub head dolichocephalic or dolichocephalism syl dol:i+cho+1ceph:a+ly pos n. dolichosaurus ety C20: from Greek, from dolikhos long+-#7saur dolichosaurus 0. syl dol:i+cho+saur+us pron <2dolik*u1sc:r*s> pos n. def any of various extinct Cretaceous aquatic reptiles that had long necks and bodies and well-developed limbs. doline ety C20: from Russian dolina, valley, plain; related to #7dale dolina alt head doline or doline syl do+li+na pron pos n. doline 0. or dolina syl do+li+ne pron pos n. def a shallow usually funnel-shaped depression of the ground surface formed by solution in limestone regions. doll ety C16: probably from Doll, pet name for Dorothy doll 1. syl doll pron pos n. def a small model or dummy of a human being, used as a toy. doll 2. syl doll pron pos n. qual Slang. def a pretty girl or woman of little intelligence: sometimes used as a term of address. dollish sub head doll syl doll+ish pos adj. dollishly sub head doll syl doll+ish+ly pos adv. dollishness sub head doll syl doll+ish+ness pos n. dollar ety C16: from Low German daler, from German Taler, Thaler, short for Joachimsthaler coin made from metal mined in Joachimsthal Jachymov, town in Czechoslovakia dollar 1. syl dol+lar pron <1dol*> pos n. def the standard monetary unit of the U.S. and its dependencies, divided into 100 cents. dollar 2. syl dol+lar pron <1dol*> pos n. def the standard monetary unit, comprising 100 cents, of the following countries: Australia, the Bahamas, Barbados (and other E Caribbean islands), Belize, Bermuda, British Honduras, Canada, the Cayman Islands, the Fiji Islands, Guyana, Hong Kong, Jamaica, Liberia, Malaysia, Singapore, Brunei, New Zealand, Rhodesia, Taiwan ({New Taiwan dollar}) , and Trinidad and Tobago. dollar 3. syl dol+lar pron <1dol*> pos n. usage Brit informal. formerly def five shillings or a coin of this value. dollarbird 0. syl dol:lar+bird pron <1dol*2bR:d> pos n. def a bird, of S and SE Asia and Australia, with a round white spot on each wing: family (rollers), order dollar diplomacy 1. syl dol+lar di+plo+ma+cy pos n. qual Chiefly U.S. def a foreign policy that encourages and protects capital investment and commercial and financial involvement abroad. dollar diplomacy 2. syl dol+lar di+plo+ma+cy pos n. qual Chiefly U.S. def use of financial power as a diplomatic weapon. dollarfish infl or dollarfishes syl dol:lar+fish pos n. mod pl. dollarfishes infl head dollarfish or dollarfish syl dol:lar+fish:es. pos n. mod pl. dollarfish 0. syl dol:lar+fish pron <1dol*2fiS> pos n. def any of various fishes that have a rounded compressed silvery body, esp. the moonfishes or the American butterfish. Engelbert infl head Dollfuss syl Eng:el:bert pron <1eG*l2bert> pos n. Dollfuss 0. syl Doll:fuss pron German <1dclfu:s> pos n. def 1892-1934, Austrian statesman, chancellor (1932-34), who was assassinated by Austrian Nazis. dollop ety C16: of unknown origin dollop 1. syl dol+lop pron <1dol*p> pos n. qual Informal. def a semi-solid lump. dollop 2. syl dol+lop pron <1dol*p> pos n. qual Informal. def a measure or serving, esp. of food. {~} foll. by to serve out (food). doll up 0. syl doll up pos vb. adv. mod tr. qual Slang. def to adorn or dress (oneself or another, esp. a child) in a stylish or showy manner. dollies infl head dolly syl dol+lies. pos n. mod pl. dolly 1. syl dol+ly pron <1doli> pos n. def a child's word for a {doll}. dolly 2. syl dol+ly pron <1doli> pos n. qual Films, television. def a wheeled support on which a camera may be mounted. dolly 3. syl dol+ly pron <1doli> pos n. def a cup-shaped anvil held against the head of a rivet while the other end is being hammered. dolly 4. syl dol+ly pron <1doli> pos n. def a shaped block of lead used to hammer dents out of sheet metal. dolly 5. syl dol+ly pron <1doli> pos n. def a distance piece placed between the head of a pile and the pile-driver to form an extension to the length of the pile. dolly 6.a. syl dol+ly pron <1doli> pos n. def a simple catch. dolly 6.b. syl dol+ly pron <1doli> pos n. def See {dolly drop}. dolly 7. syl dol+ly pron <1doli> pos n. def Also called: {dolly bird}. an attractive and fashionable girl, esp. one who is considered to be unintelligent. dollies infl head dolly syl dol+lies pos vb. dollying infl head dolly syl dol+ly+ing pos vb. dollied infl head dolly syl dol+lied. pos vb. dolly 8. syl dol+ly pron <1doli> pos vb. qual Films, television. def to wheel (a camera) backwards or forwards on a dolly. dolly drop 0. syl dol+ly drop pos n. qual Cricket. def a full toss bowled in a slow high arc. dolly mixture 0. syl doll:y mix+ture pos n. def a mixture of tiny coloured sweets. Dolly Varden ety C19: from the name of a character in Dickens' Barnaby Rudge (1841) Dolly Varden 1. syl Dol:ly Var:den pron <1va:dN> pos n. def a woman's large-brimmed hat trimmed with flowers. Dolly Varden 2. syl Dol:ly Var:den pron <1va:dN> pos n. def a red-spotted trout, occurring in lakes in W North America. dolman ety C16: via French from German Dolman, from Turkish dolaman a winding round, from dolamak to wind dolmans infl head dolman syl dol+mans. pos n. mod pl. dolman 1. syl dol+man pron <1dolm*n> pos n. def a long Turkish outer robe. dolman 2. syl dol+man pron <1dolm*n> pos n. def Also called: {dolman jacket}. a hussar's jacket worn slung over the shoulder. dolman 3. syl dol+man pron <1dolm*n> pos n. def a woman's cloak with voluminous capelike sleeves. dolman sleeve 0. syl dol+man sleeve pos n. def a sleeve that is very wide at the armhole and tapers to a tight wrist. dolmas ety from Turkish, from dolaman a wrapping dolma alt head dolmas or dolmas syl dol+ma pron <1dolm*>, <-ma:> pos n. dolmas 0. or dolma syl dol+mas pron <1dolm*s>, <-ma:s> pos n. def a Middle Eastern dish of meat and rice, wrapped in vine leaves. dolmen ety C19: from French, probably from Old Breton tol table, from Latin tabula board+Breton m*_en stone, of Celtic origin; see #7table dolmen 1. syl dol+men pron <1dolmen> pos n. usage in English archaeology def a Neolithic stone formation, consisting of a horizontal stone supported by several vertical stones, and thought to be a tomb. dolmen 2. syl dol+men pron <1dolmen> pos n. usage in French archaeology def any megalithic tomb. Arnold infl head Dolmetsch syl Ar:nold. pos n. Dolmetsch 0. syl Dol:metsch pron <1dolmeC> pos n. def 1858-1940, British musician, born in France. He contributed greatly to the revival of interest in early music and instruments. dolomite ety C18: named after D*'eodat de Dolomieu (1750-1801), French mineralogist dolomite 1. syl do+lo+mite pron <1dol*2mIt> pos n. def a white, colourless, or sometimes pink mineral consisting of calcium magnesium carbonate in hexagonal crystalline form. Formula: CaMg(CO\3)\2. dolomite 2. syl do+lo+mite pron <1dol*2mIt> pos n. def a sedimentary rock resembling limestone but consisting principally of the mineral dolomite. It is an important source of magnesium and its compounds, and is used as a building material and refractory. dolomitic sub head dolomite syl dol:o+mit+ic pron <2dol*1mitik> pos adj. Dolomites 0. syl Do+lo+mites pron <1dol*?!2mIts> pos n. mod pl. def a mountain range in NE Italy: part of the Alps; formed of dolomitic limestone. Highest peak: Marmolada, 3342 m (10965 ft.). dolorimetry 0. syl dol+or+im+e:try pron <2dol*1rim*tri> pos n. def a technique for measuring the level of pain perception by applying heat to the skin. doloroso ety Italian: dolorous doloroso 0. syl do+lo+ro+so pron <2dol*1r*us*u> pos adj. adv. qual Music. def in a sorrowful manner. dolorous 0. syl dol+or+ous pron <1dol*r*s> pos adj. def causing or involving pain or sorrow. dolorously sub head dolorous syl dol+or+ous+ly pos adv. dolorousness sub head dolorous syl dol+or+ous+ness pos n. dolour ety C14: from Latin, from dol*_ere to grieve dolor alt head dolour or dolour syl dol+or pron <1dol*> pos n. qual U.S. dolour 0. or dolor syl dol+our pron <1dol*> pos n. qual Poetic. def grief or sorrow. dolphin ety C13: from Old French dauphin, via Latin, from Greek delphin-, delphis dolphin 1. syl dol+phin pron <1dolfin> pos n. def any of various marine cetacean mammals of the family esp. that are typically smaller than whales and larger than porpoises and have a beaklike snout. river dolphin 2. head dolphin syl river dolphin. def any freshwater cetacean of the family inhabiting rivers of North and South America and S Asia. They are smaller than marine dolphins and have a longer narrower snout. dolphin 3. syl dol+phin pron <1dolfin> pos n. def either of two large marine percoid fishes, or that resemble the cetacean dolphins and have an iridescent coloration. dolphin 4. syl dol+phin pron <1dolfin> pos n. qual Nautical. def a post or buoy for mooring a vessel. dolphin striker 0. syl dol+phin strik+er pos n. qual Nautical. def a short vertical strut between the bowsprit and a rope or cable (martingale) from the end of the bowsprit to the stem or bows, used for maintaining tension and preventing upward movement of the bowsprit. Also called: {martingale boom, martingale}. dolt ety C16: probably related to Old English dol stupid; see #7dull dolt 0. syl dolt pron pos n. def a slow-witted or stupid person; doltish sub head dolt syl dolt+ish pos adj. doltishly sub head dolt syl dolt+ish+ly pos adv. doltishness sub head dolt syl dolt+ish+ness pos n. dom ety C18 (monastic title): from Latin dominus lord dom 1. syl dom pron pos n. qual R.C. Church. usage sometimes cap. def a title given to Benedictine, Carthusian, and Cistercian monks and to certain of the canons regular. dom 2. syl dom pron pos n. usage formerly in Portugal and Brazil def a title borne by royalty, princes of the Church, and nobles. DOM 0. syl DOM usage international car registration for def Dominican Republic. dom 1. syl dom. qual abbrev. for: def domain. dom 2. syl dom. qual abbrev. for: def domestic. Dom 0. syl Dom. qual R.C. Church. abbrev. for def Dominican. DOM ety Latin: to God, the best, the greatest DOM 0. syl D.O.M. qual abbrev. for def Deo Optimo Maximo. -dom ety Old English -d*_om -dom 0. syl -dom exam 1 suffix forming nouns. -dom 1. syl -dom def state or condition. exam 1 freedom; exam 2 martyrdom. -dom 2. syl -dom def rank or office. exam 1 earldom; -dom 3. syl -dom def domain. exam 1 kingdom; exam 2 Christendom. -dom 4. syl -dom def a collection of persons. exam 1 officialdom. domain ety C17: from French domaine, from Latin dominium property, from dominus lord domain 1. syl do+main pron pos n. def land governed by a ruler or government. domain 2. syl do+main pron pos n. def land owned by one person or family. domain 3. syl do+main pron pos n. def a field or scope of knowledge or activity. domain 4. syl do+main pron pos n. def a region having specific characteristics or containing certain types of plants or animals. domain 5. syl do+main pron pos n. qual Law. def the absolute ownership and right to dispose of land. See also {demesne, eminent domain}. domain 6.a. syl do+main pron pos n. def the set of values of the independent variable of a function for which the functional value exists. exam 1 the domain of sin x is all real numbers. domain 6.b. syl do+main pron pos n. def any open set containing at least one point. domain 7. syl do+main pron pos n. qual Logic. def another term for {universe of discourse} (esp. in the phrase {domain of quantification}). domain 8. syl do+main pron pos n. def Also called: {magnetic domain}. one of the regions in a ferromagnetic solid in which all the atoms have their magnetic moments aligned in the same direction. dome ety C16: from French, from Italian duomo cathedral, from Latin domus house dome 1. syl dome pron pos n. def a hemispherical roof or vault or a structure of similar form. dome 2. syl dome pron pos n. def something shaped like this. dome 3. syl dome pron pos n. qual Crystallog. def a crystal form in which two planes intersect along an edge parallel to a lateral axis. dome 4. syl dome pron pos n. def a slang word for the {head}. dome 5. syl dome pron pos n. qual Geology. def another name for { {pericline} (sense 2)}. dome 6. syl dome pron pos vb. mod tr. def to cover with or as if with a dome. dome 7. syl dome pron pos vb. mod tr. def to shape like a dome. domelike sub head dome syl dome+2like pos adj. Domenico Veneziano 0. syl Do:me:ni:co Ve:ne:zi:a:no pron Italian <2vAnAt1tsja:no> pos n. def died 1461, Italian painter, noted for the St. Lucy Altarpiece. domesday 0. syl domes+day pron <1du:mz2dA> pos n. def a variant spelling of {doomsday}. Doomsday Book alt head Domesday Book or Domesday Book syl Dooms+day Book pos n. Domesday Book 0. or Doomsday Book syl Domes+day Book pos n. qual History. def the record of a survey of the land of England carried out by the commissioners of William I in 1086. domestic ety C16: from Old French domes?!tique, from Latin domesticus belonging to the house, from domus house domestic 1. syl do+mes+tic pron pos adj. def of or involving the home or family. domestic 2. syl do+mes+tic pron pos adj. def enjoying or accustomed to home or family life. domestic 3. syl do+mes+tic pron pos adj. usage of an animal def bred or kept by man as a pet or for purposes such as the supply of food. domestic 4. syl do+mes+tic pron pos adj. def of, produced in, or involving one's own country or a specific country. exam 1 domestic and foreign affairs. domestic 5. syl do+mes+tic pron pos n. def a household servant. domestically sub head domestic syl do+1mes+ti+cal+ly pos adv. domesticize alt head domesticate or domesticate syl do+mes+ti+cize pos vb. qual U.S. (sometimes domesticate 1. or domesticize syl do+mes+ti+cate pron pos vb. mod tr. def to bring or keep (wild animals or plants) under control or cultivation. domesticate 2. or domesticize syl do+mes+ti+cate pron pos vb. mod tr. def to accustom to home life. domesticate 3. or domesticize syl do+mes+ti+cate pron pos vb. mod tr. def to adapt to an environment. exam 1 to domesticate foreign trees. ?- domestication sub head domesticate syl do+2mes+ti+1ca+tion pos n. domesticative sub head domesticate syl do+1mes+ti+ca+tive pos adj. domesticator sub head domesticate syl do+1mes+ti+2ca+tor pos n. domestic fowl 0. syl do+mes+tic fowl pos n. def a domesticated gallinaceous bird thought to be descended from the red jungle fowl and occurring in many varieties. Often shortened to {fowl}. domesticities infl head domesticity syl do+mes+ti+ci:ties. pos n. mod pl. domesticity 1. syl do+mes+ti+ci:ty pron <2d*ume1stisiti> pos n. def home life. domesticity 2. syl do+mes+ti+ci:ty pron <2d*ume1stisiti> pos n. def devotion to or familiarity with home life. domesticity 3. syl do+mes+ti+ci:ty pron <2d*ume1stisiti> pos n. mod usually; pl. def a domestic duty, matter, or condition. domestic science 0. syl do+mes+tic sci+ence pos n. def the study of cooking, needlework, and other subjects concerned with household skills. Alfred infl head Domett syl Al:fred. pos n. Domett 0. syl Dom:ett pron <1domit> pos n. def 1811-87, New Zealand poet, colonial administrator, and statesman, born in England: prime minister of New Zealand (1862-63). domicile ety C15: from Latin domicilium, from domus house domicil alt head domicile or domicile syl dom:i+cil pron <1domisil> pos n. domicile 1. or domicil syl dom:i+cile pron <1domi2sIl> pos n. def a dwelling place. domicile 2. or domicil syl dom:i+cile pron <1domi2sIl> pos n. def a permanent legal residence. domicile 3. or domicil syl dom:i+cile pron <1domi2sIl> pos n. qual Commerce, Brit. def the place where a bill of exchange is to be paid. domicile 4. or domicil syl dom:i+cile pron <1domi2sIl> pos vb. usage also def to establish or be established in a dwelling place. domiciliary sub head domicile syl dom:i+cil:i+ar:y pron <2domi1sili*ri> pos adj. dominance 0. syl dom:i+nance pron <1domin*ns> pos n. def control; ascendancy. dominant 1. syl dom:i+nant pron <1domin*nt> pos adj. def having primary control, authority, or influence; governing; ruling. dominant 2. syl dom:i+nant pron <1domin*nt> pos adj. def predominant or primary. exam 1 the dominant topic of the day. dominant 3. syl dom:i+nant pron <1domin*nt> pos adj. def occupying a commanding position. dominant 4.a. syl dom:i+nant pron <1domin*nt> pos adj. usage of a gene def producing the same phenotype in the organism whether its allele is identical or dissimilar. dominant 4.b. syl dom:i+nant pron <1domin*nt> pos adj. usage of a character def controlled by such a gene. Compare { {recessive} (sense 2)}. dominant 5. syl dom:i+nant pron <1domin*nt> pos adj. qual Music. def of or relating to the fifth degree of a scale. dominant 6. syl dom:i+nant pron <1domin*nt> pos adj. usage Ecology. of a plant or animal species within a community def more prevalent that any other species and determining the appearance and composition of the community. dominant 7.a. syl dom:i+nant pron <1domin*nt> pos n. def a dominant gene or character. dominant 7.b. syl dom:i+nant pron <1domin*nt> pos n. def an organism having such a gene or character. dominant 8.a. syl dom:i+nant pron <1domin*nt> pos n. def the fifth degree of a scale and the second in importance after the tonic. dominant 8.b. syl dom:i+nant pron <1domin*nt> pos n. def a key or chord based on this. dominant 9. syl dom:i+nant pron <1domin*nt> pos n. qual Ecology. def a dominant plant or animal in a community. dominantly sub head dominant syl dom:i+nant+ly pos adv. dominant seventh chord 0. syl dom:i+nant sev+enth chord pos n. def a chord consisting of the dominant and the major third, perfect fifth, and minor seventh above it. Its most natural resolution is to a chord on the tonic. dominant tenement 0. syl dom:i+nant ten+e:ment pos n. qual Property law. def the land or tenement with the benefit of an easement over land belonging to another. Compare {servient tenement}. dominant wavelength 0. syl dom:i+nant wave+length pos n. qual Physics. def the wavelength of monochromatic light that would give the same visual sensation if combined in a suitable proportion with an achromatic light. See also {complementary wavelength}. dominate ety C17: from Latin domin*_ar*_i to be lord over, from dominus lord dominate 1. syl dom:i+nate pron <1domi2nAt> pos vb. def to control, rule, or govern (someone or something). dominate 2. syl dom:i+nate pron <1domi2nAt> pos vb. def to tower above (surroundings, etc.); overlook. dominate 3. syl dom:i+nate pron <1domi2nAt> pos vb. mod tr. usage usually passive def to predominate in (something or someone). dominatingly sub head dominate syl dom:i+2nat+ing+ly pos adv. dominative sub head dominate syl dom:i+na+tive pos adj. dominator sub head dominate syl dom:i+2na+tor pos n. domination 1. syl dom:i+na+tion pron <2domi1nAS*n> pos n. def the act of dominating or state of being dominated. domination 2. syl dom:i+na+tion pron <2domi1nAS*n> pos n. def authority; rule; control. dominations 0. syl dom:i+na+tions pron <2domi1nAS*nz> pos n. mod pl. usage sometimes cap. def the fourth order of medieval angelology. Also called: {dominions}. dominee ety from Afrikaans, from Dutch; compare #7dominie dominee 0. syl do+mi+nee pron <1du:mini>, <1du*-> pos n. usage in South Africa def a minister in any of the Afrikaner Churches. Also called: {predikant}. domineer ety C16: from Dutch domineren, from French dominer to #7dominate domineer 0. syl dom:i+neer pron <2domi1ni*> pos vb. mod intr. usage often foll by over def to act with arrogance or tyranny; behave imperiously. domineeringly sub head domineer syl dom:i+1neer+ing+ly pos adv. domineeringness sub head domineer syl dom:i+1neer+ing+ness pos n. Placido infl head Domingo syl Pla:ci:do pron <1pla$Tido> pos n. Domingo 0. syl Do:min:go pron pos n. def born 1941, Spanish operatic tenor. Saint infl head Dominic syl Saint. pos n. Dominic 0. syl Dom:i:nic pron <1dominik> pos n. def original name ??1170-1221, Spanish priest; founder of the Dominican order. Feast day: Aug. 4. Dominica 0. syl Dom:i+ni+ca pron <2domi1nEk*>, pos n. def a volcanic island in the E West Indies, one of the Windward Islands: a former British colony; became independent in 1978. Capital: Roseau. Pop.: 70302 (1970). Area: 728 sq. km (290 sq. miles). dominical ety C15: from Late Latin dominic*_alis, from Latin dominus lord, dominical 1. syl do+min:i+cal pron pos adj. def of, relating to, or emanating from Jesus Christ as Lord. dominical 2. syl do+min:i+cal pron pos adj. def of or relating to Sunday as the Lord's Day. dominical letter 0. syl do+min:i+cal let+ter pos n. qual Ecclesiast. def any one of the letters A to G as used to denote Sundays in a given year in order to determine the church calendar. Dominican H1.1.a. syl Do+min:i+can pron pos n. def a member of an order of preaching friars founded by Saint Dominic in 1215; a Blackfriar. Dominican H1.1.b. syl Do+min:i+can pron pos n. def a nun of one of the orders founded under the patronage of Saint Dominic. Dominican H1.2. syl Do+min:i+can pron pos adj. def of or relating to Saint Dominic or the Dominican order. Dominican H2.1. syl Do+min:i+can pron pos adj. def of or relating to the Dominican Republic. Dominican H2.2. syl Do+min:i+can pron pos n. def a native or inhabitant of the Dominican Republic. Dominican Republic 0. syl Do+min:i+can Re+pub+lic pos n. def a republic in the West Indies, occupying the eastern half of the island of Hispaniola: colo?!nized by the Spanish after its discovery by Columbus in 1492; gained independence from Spain in 1821. It is generally mountainous, dominated by the Cordillera Central, which rises over 3000 m (10000 ft.), with fertile lowlands. Language: Spanish. Religion: mostly Roman Catholic. Currency: peso. Capital: Santo Domingo. Pop.: 4006405 (1970). Area: 48441 sq. km (18703 sq. miles). Former name (until 1844): {Santo Domingo}. dominie ety C17: from Latin domin*_e, vocative case of dominus lord dominie 1. syl dom:i+nie pron <1domini> pos n. def a Scot. word for {schoolmaster}. dominie 2. syl dom:i+nie pron <1domini> pos n. def a minister or clergyman, also used as a term of address. dominion ety C15: from Old French, from Latin dominium ownership, from dominus master dominion 1. syl do+min+ion pron pos n. def rule; authority. dominion 2. syl do+min+ion pron pos n. def the land gov?!erned by one ruler or government. dominion 3. syl do+min+ion pron pos n. def sphere of influence; area of control. dominion 4. syl do+min+ion pron pos n. def a name formerly applied to self-governing divisions of the British Empire. dominion 5. syl do+min+ion pron pos n. qual Law. def a less common word for {dominium}. Dominion Day 0. syl Do+min+ion Day pos n. usage in Canada def July 1, the anniversary of the day in 1867 when Canada became the first British colony to receive dominion status: a bank holiday. dominions 0. syl do+min+ions pron pos n. mod pl. usage often cap. def another term for {dominations}. dominium ety C19: from Latin: property, ownership; see #7dominion dominion alt head dominium or dominium syl do+min+ion pos n. dominium 0. or dominion syl do+min+i:um pron pos n. qual Property law. def the ownership or right to possession of property, esp. realty. domino ety C19: from French, from Italian, perhaps from domino&! master, said by the winner dominoes infl head domino syl dom:i+noes. pos n. mod pl. domino H1.0. syl dom:i+no pron <1domi2n*u> pos n. def a small rectangular block used in dominoes, divided on one side into two equal areas, each of which is either blank or marked with from one to six dots. domino ety C18: from French or Italian, probably from Latin dominus lord, master dominoes infl head domino or dominos syl dom:i+noes pos n. mod pl. dominos infl head domino or dominoes syl dom:i+nos. pos n. mod pl. domino H2.1. syl dom:i+no pron <1domi2n*u> pos n. def a large hooded cloak worn with an eye mask at a masquerade. domino H2.2. syl dom:i+no pron <1domi2n*u> pos n. def the eye mask worn with such a cloak. Fats infl head Domino syl Fats. pos n. Domino 0. syl Dom:in:o pron <1domin*u> pos n. def original name born 1928, U.S. rock-and-roll pianist, singer, and songwriter. His singles include (1955) and (1956). dominoes 0. syl dom:i+noes pron <1domi2n*uz> pos n. mod functioning as; sing. def any of several games in which matching halves of dominoes are laid together. domino theory ety C20: alluding to a row of dominoes, each standing on end, all of which fall when one is pushed domino theory 0. syl dom:i+no the:o+ry pos n. def the theory that a Communist takeover of one country in a vulnerable region, such as SE Asia, will lead to Communist takeovers in all the neighbouring states. Dominus 0. syl Do+mi+nus pron Latin. <1dominus> pos n. def God or Christ. Domitian 0. syl Do:mi:tian pron pos n. def full name 51-96 #7a.d., Roman emperor (81-96): instigated a reign of terror (93); assassinated. Domr'emy alt head Domr'emy-la-Pucelle or Domr'emy-la-Pucelle syl Dom+r*'e:my pos n. Domr'emy-la-Pucelle 0. or Domr'emy syl Dom:r*'e:my-la-Pu:celle pron French , French pos n. def a village in NE France, in the Vosges: birthplace of Joan of Arc. don ety C14: from #7do %1#7+on ; compare #7doff dons infl head don syl dons pos vb. mod tr. donning infl head don syl don+ning pos vb. mod tr. donned infl head don syl donned. pos vb. mod tr. don H1.0. syl don pron pos vb. mod tr. def to put on (clothing). don ety C17: ultimately from Latin dominus lord don H2.1. syl don pron pos n. qual Brit. def a member of the teaching staff at a university or college, esp. at Oxford or Cambridge. don H2.2. syl don pron pos n. def a Spanish gentleman or nobleman. don H2.3. syl don pron pos n. qual Archaic. def a person of rank. don H2.4. syl don pron pos n. qual Austral. informal. def an expert. exam 1 he's a don at public speaking. Don ety C16: via Spanish, from Latin dominus lord; see #7don %2 Don H1.0. syl Don pron , Spanish , Spanish pos n. def a Spanish title equivalent to : placed before a name to indicate respect. Don H2.1. syl Don pron pos n. def a river in the SE Soviet Union, rising southeast of Tula and flowing generally south to the Sea of Azov: linked by canal to the River Volga. Length: 1981 km (1224 miles). Don H2.2. syl Don pron pos n. def a river in NE Scotland, rising in the Cairngorm Mountains and flowing east to the North Sea. Length: 100 km (62 miles). Don H2.3. syl Don pron pos n. def a river in N central England, rising in S Yorkshire and flowing northeast to the Humber. Length: about 96 km (60 miles). Dona ety C19: from Latin domina lady, feminine of dominus master Dona 0. syl Do:na pron Portuguese <1don*> pos n. def a Portuguese title of address equivalent to or : placed before a name to indicate respect. Dona ety C17: via Spanish, from Latin domina; see #7dona Dona 0. syl Do:?~na pron <1donja>, Spanish <1do$ja> pos n. def a Spanish title of address equivalent to or : placed before a name to indicate respect. Donar 0. syl Do:nar pron <1d*una:>, German <1do:nar> pos n. def the Germanic god of thunder, corresponding to Thor in Norse mythology. donate 0. syl do+nate pron pos vb. def to give (money, time, etc.), esp. to a charity. donator sub head donate syl do+1na+tor pos n. Donatello 0. syl Don:a:tel:lo pron Italian <2dona1tello> pos n. def original name 1386-1466, Florentine sculptor, regarded as the greatest sculptor of the quattrocento, who was greatly in?!fluenced by classical sculpture and contemporary humanist theories. His marble relief of (1416-17) shows his innovative use of perspective. Other outstanding works are the classic bronze and the bronze equestrian monument to Gattemalata, which became the model of subsequent equestrian sculpture. donation ety C15: from Latin d*_on*_ati*_o a present?!ing, from d*_on*_are to give, from d*_onum gift donation 1. syl do+na+tion pron pos n. def the act of giving, esp. to a charity. donation 2. syl do+na+tion pron pos n. def a contribution. Donatist ety C15: from Late Latin D*_on*_atista a follower of D*_on*_atus, bishop of Carthage Donatist 0. syl Don:a+tist pron <1d*un*tist> pos n. def a member of a heretical Christian sect originating in N Africa in 311 #7a.d. Donatism sub head Donatist syl Don:a+tism pos n. donative ety C15: from Latin d*_on*_at*_ivum donation made to soldiers by a Roman emperor, from d*_on*_are to present donative 1. syl don:a+tive pron <1d*un*tiv> pos n. def a gift or donation. donative 2. syl don:a+tive pron <1d*un*tiv> pos n. def a benefice capable of being conferred as a gift. donative 3. syl don:a+tive pron <1d*un*tiv> pos adj. def of or like a donation. donative 4. syl don:a+tive pron <1d*un*tiv> pos adj. def being or relating to a benefice. Aelius 1. head Donatus syl Ae:li:us pron <1Eli*s> def 4th century #7a.d. Latin grammarian, who taught Saint Jerome; his textbook was used throughout the Middle Ages. Donatus 2. syl Do:na:tus pron pos n. def 4th century #7a.d. bishop of Carthage; leader of the Donatists. Donau 0. syl Do+nau pron <1do:nau> pos n. def the German name for the {Danube}. Donbas alt head Donbass or Donbass syl Don+bas pron pos n. Donbass 0. or Donbas syl Don+bass pron pos n. def an industrial region of the SW Soviet Union, in the E Ukrainian SSR in the plain of the Rivers Donets and lower Dnieper: the largest coalfield in the Soviet Union. Also called: {Donets Basin}. Doncaster 0. syl Don+cas+ter pron <1doGk*st*> pos n. def an industrial town in South Yorkshire, on the River Don. Pop.: 82505 (1971). done 1. syl done pos d^n; vb. def the past participle of {do%1}. be 2. head done or have done with syl be def to end relations with. have done 3. head done syl have done. def to be completely finished. exam 1 have you done?? done 4.a. syl done pos d^n; vb. def an exclamation of frustration when something is ruined. done 4.b. syl done pos d^n; vb. def an exclamation when something is completed. done 5. syl done pos interj. def an expression of agreement, as on the settlement of a bargain between two parties. done 6. syl done pos adj. def completed; finished. done 7. syl done pos adj. def cooked enough. exam 1 done to a turn. done 8. syl done pos adj. def used up. exam 1 they had to surrender when the ammuni?!tion was done. done 9. syl done pos adj. def socially proper or acceptable. exam 1 that isn't done in higher circles. done 10. syl done pos adj. qual Informal. def cheated; tricked. done 11.a. syl done pos adj. def dead or almost dead. done 11.b. syl done pos adj. def in serious difficulty. done in 12. head done or up syl done in qual Informal. def physically exhausted. donee ety C16: from #7don (#7or) #7+ -#7ee donee 1. syl do+nee pron pos n. qual Law. def a person who receives a gift. donee 2. syl do+nee pron pos n. qual Law. def a person to whom a power of appointment is given. Donegal 0. syl Don+e:gal pron <1doni2gc:l>, <2doni1gc:l> pos n. def a county in NW Ireland, on the Atlantic: mountainous, with a rugged coastline and many offshore islands. County town: Lifford. Pop.: 108000 (1971). Area: 4830 sq. km (1865 sq. miles). Donets 0. syl Do+nets pron Russian pos n. def a river in the SW Soviet Union, rising in the Kursk steppe and flowing southeast to the Don River. Length: about 1078 km (670 miles). Donets Basin 0. syl Do+nets Ba+sin pron pos n. def another name for the {Donbass}. Donetsk 0. syl Do+netsk pron Russian pos n. def a city in the SW Soviet Union, in the E Ukrainian SSR: the chief industrial centre of the Donbass; first ironworks founded by a Welshman, John Hughes (1872), after whom the town was named {Yuzovka} (Hughes?!ovka). Pop.: 950000 (1975 est.). Former names (from after the Revolution until 1961): {Stalin} or {Stalino}. dong ety from Vietnamese dong H1.0. syl dong pron pos n. def the standard monetary unit of North Vietnam. dong ety C20: of unknown origin dong H2.0. syl dong pron pos n. qual U.S. def a slang word for {penis}. dong ety C20: of imitative origin infl head dong syl ~ pos vb. mod tr. qual Austral. informal. dong H3.1. syl dong pron pos vb. mod tr. def to hit or strike (a person). {~} dong H3.2. syl dong pron pos vb. mod tr. def a blow. donga ety C19: from Afrikaans, of Zulu origin S African 1. head donga syl S. African. def a steep-sided gully created by soil erosion. donga 2. syl don+ga pron <1doGg*> pos n. usage in Papua New Guinea def a house or shelter. Dongola 0. syl Don+go+la pron <1doGg*l*> pos n. def a small town in the N Sudan, on the Nile: built on the site of Old Dongola, the capital of the Christian Kingdom of Nubia (6th to 14th centuries). Pop.: 5937 (1973). Doenitz alt head Donitz or Donitz syl Doe:nitz pron German <1d$o:nits> pos n. Karl infl head Donitz syl Karl pos n. Gaetano infl head Donizetti syl Ga:e:ta:no pron pos n. Donizetti 0. syl Don:i:zet:ti pron <2doni1zeti>, Italian <2doni1dzAtti> pos n. def 1797-1848, Italian operatic composer: his works include (1835), (1840), and (1843). donjon ety C14: archaic variant of dungeon donjon 0. syl don+jon pron <1d^nJ*n>, <1don-> pos n. def the heavily fortified central tower or keep of a medieval castle. Also: {dungeon}. Don Juan 1. syl Don Juan pron <1don> <1Ju:*n>, Spanish <1don> <1$xwan> pos n. def a legendary Spanish nobleman and philanderer: hero of many poems, plays, and operas, including treatments by de Molina, Moli*`ere, Goldoni, Mozart, Byron, and Shaw. Don Juan 2. syl Don Juan pron <1don> <1Ju:*n>, Spanish <1don> <1$xwan> pos n. def a successful seducer of women. donkey ety C18: perhaps from dun dark+ -key, as in monkey donkey 1. syl don+key pron <1doGki> pos n. def Also called: {ass}. a long-eared domesticated member of the horse family descended from the African wild ass donkey 2. syl don+key pron <1doGki> pos n. def a person who is considered to be stupid or stubborn. donkey 3. syl don+key pron <1doGki> pos n. usage modifier def auxiliary. exam 1 a donkey engine; exam 2 a donkey boiler. talk the hind leg (s) off a donkey 4. head donkey syl talk the hind leg (s) off a donkey. def to talk endlessly. donkey derby 0. syl don+key der+by pos n. def a race in which contestants ride donkeys, esp. at a rural f*^ete. donkey jacket 0. syl don+key jack+et pos n. def a short thick jacket, often worn by workmen. donkey's years 0. syl don+key's years pos n. qual Informal. def an expression meaning a long time. donkey vote 0. syl don+key vote pos n. qual Austral. def a vote on a preferential ballot on which the voter's order of preference follows the order in which the candidates are listed. donkey-work 0.a. syl don:key-work pos n. def groundwork. donkey-work 0.b. syl don:key-work pos n. def drudgery. Donna ety C17: from Italian, from Latin domina lady, feminine of dominus lord, master Donna 0. syl Don+na pron <1don*>, Italian <1dcnna> pos n. def an Italian title of address equivalent to indicating respect. John infl head Donne syl John. pos d^n; n. Donne 0. syl Donne pos d^n; n. def 1573-1631, English metaphysical poet and preacher. He wrote love and religious poems, sermons, epigrams, and elegies including (1612) and the sonnet to Death. donn'ee ety literally: (a) given donn'e alt head donn'ee or donn'ee syl don+n*'e pron French. pos n. donn'ee 1. or donn'e syl don+n*'ee pron French. pos n. def a subject or theme. donn'ee 2. or donn'e syl don+n*'ee pron French. pos n. def a basic assumption or fact. donnert ety C18: from Scottish dialect donner to astound, perhaps from Dutch donderen to thunder, from Middle Dutch donder thunder donnard infl head donnert or donnered syl don+nard pron <1don*d> pos adj. donnered infl head donnert or donnard syl don+nered pron <1don*d> pos adj. donnert 0. syl don+nert pron <1don*t> pos adj. qual Scot. def stunned. donnish 0. syl don+nish pron <1doniS> pos adj. def of or resembling a university don. donnishly sub head donnish syl don+nish+ly pos adv. donnishness sub head donnish syl don+nish+ness pos n. donny 0. syl don+ny pron <1doni> pos n. def a variant of {danny}. donnybrook ety C19: after Donnybrook Fair, an annual event until 1855 near Dublin donnybrook 0. syl don:ny+brook pron <1doni2bruk> pos n. def a rowdy brawl. donor ety C15: from Old French doneur, from Latin d*_on*_ator, from d*_on*_are to give donor 1. syl do+nor pron <1d*un*> pos n. def a person who makes a donation. donor 2. syl do+nor pron <1d*un*> pos n. qual Med. def any person who voluntarily gives blood, skin, etc., for use in the treatment of another person. donor 3.a. syl do+nor pron <1d*un*> pos n. def a person who makes a gift of property. donor 3.b. syl do+nor pron <1d*un*> pos n. def a person who bestows upon another a power of appointment over property. donor 4. syl do+nor pron <1d*un*> pos n. def the atom supplying both electrons in a coordinate bond. donor 5. syl do+nor pron <1d*un*> pos n. def an impurity, such as antimony or arsenic, that is added to a semiconductor material in order to increase its n-type conductivity by contributing free electrons. Compare { {acceptor} (sense 2)}. donorship sub head donor syl do+nor+2ship pos n. Don Quixote ety after the hero of Cervantes' Don Quixote de la Mancha Don Quixote 0. syl Don Quix:ote pron <1don> , <1kwiks*t>, Spanish <1don> pos n. def an impractical idealist. don't 0. syl don't pron usage contraction of def do not.#e {Usage}. The use of for is not generally acceptable either in written or spoken English. don't know 0. syl don't know pos n. def a person who has not reached a definite opinion on a subject, esp. as a response to a questionnaire. doodah ety C20: of uncertain origin doodad alt head doodah or doodah syl doo+dad pron <1du:d@d> pos n. qual U.S. doodah 0. or doodad syl doo+dah pron <1du:da:> pos n. qual Informal. def an unnamed thing, esp. an object the name of which is unknown or forgotten. doodle ety C20: perhaps from C17 doodle a foolish person, but influenced in meaning by #7dawdle ; compare Low German dudeltopf simpleton doodle 1. syl doo+dle pron <1du:dL> pos vb. qual Informal. def to scribble or draw aimlessly. doodle 2. syl doo+dle pron <1du:dL> pos vb. qual Informal. def to play or improvise idly. doodle 3. syl doo+dle pron <1du:dL> pos vb. mod intr. qual Informal.; U.S. usage often foll. by away def to dawdle or waste time. doodle 4. syl doo+dle pron <1du:dL> pos n. qual Informal. def a shape, picture, etc., drawn aimlessly. doodler sub head doodle syl doo+dler pos n. doodlebug ety C20: probably from #7doodle+bug %1 doodlebug 1. syl doo:dle+bug pron <1du:dL2b^g> pos n. def another name for the {V-1}. doodlebug 2. syl doo:dle+bug pron <1du:dL2b^g> pos n. def a diviner's rod. doodlebug 3. syl doo:dle+bug pron <1du:dL2b^g> pos n. def a U.S. name for an {antlion} (the larva). doodlebug 4. syl doo:dle+bug pron <1du:dL2b^g> pos n. qual U.S. def any of certain insect larvae that resemble the antlion. Hilda infl head Doolittle syl Hil:da. pos n. Doolittle 0. syl Doo:lit:tle pron <1du:litL> pos n. def usually known as 1886-1961, U.S. imagist poet and novelist, living in Europe. doom ety Old English d*_om; related to Old Norse d*_omr judgment, Gothic d*_oms sentence, Old High German tuom condition, Greek thomos crowd, Sanskrit dh*_aman custom; see #7do %1#7, deem, deed, -#7dom doom 1. syl doom pron pos n. def death or a terrible fate. doom 2. syl doom pron pos n. def a judgment or decision. doom 3. syl doom pron pos n. usage sometimes cap. def another term for the {Last Judgment}. doom 4. syl doom pron pos vb. mod tr. def to destine or condemn to death or a terrible fate. doom palm 0. syl doom palm pos n. def a variant spelling of {doum palm}. doomsday ety Old English d*_omes d@ag Judgment Day; related to Old Norse domsdagr domesday alt head doomsday or doomsday syl domes+day pron <1du:mz2dA> pos n. doomsday 1. or domesday syl dooms+day pron <1du:mz2dA> pos n. usage sometimes cap. def the day on which the Last Judgment will occur. doomsday 2. or domesday syl dooms+day pron <1du:mz2dA> pos n. def any day of reckoning. Doomsday Book 0. syl Dooms+day Book pos n. def a variant spelling of {Domesday Book}. doomwatcher 0. syl doom+watch:er pos n. def a person who is pessimistic about the state of the world, and about the future. Also called: {doomster}. door ety Old English duru; related to Old Frisian dure, Old Norse dyrr, Old High German turi, Latin for*_es, Greek thura door 1.a. syl door pron pos n. def a hinged or sliding panel for closing the entrance to a room, cupboard, etc. door 1.b. syl door pron pos n. usage in combination exam 1 doorbell; exam 2 doorknob. door 2. syl door pron pos n. def a doorway or entrance to a room or building. door 3. syl door pron pos n. def a means of access or escape. exam 1 a door to success. lay at someone's door 4. head door syl lay at someone's door. def to lay (the blame or responsibility) on someone. out of doors 5. head door syl out of doors. def in or into the open air. show someone the door 6. head door syl show someone the door. def to order someone to leave. door xref syl door pron pos n. def See also {next door}. do-or-die 0. syl do-or-die pos adj. usage prenominal def of or involving a determined and sometimes reckless effort to succeed. doorframe 0. syl door+frame pron <1dc:2frAm> pos n. def a frame that supports a door. Also called: {doorcase}. doorjamb 0. syl door+jamb pron <1dc:2J@m> pos n. def one of the two vertical members forming the sides of a doorframe. Also called: {doorpost}. doorkeeper 1. syl door+keep:er pron <1dc:2kEp*> pos n. def a person attending or guarding a door or gateway. doorkeeper 2. syl door+keep:er pron <1dc:2kEp*> pos n. usage R.C. Church. formerly def the lowest grade of holy orders. doormen infl head doorman syl door+men. pos n. mod pl. doorman 0. syl door+man pron <1dc:2m@n>, <-m*n> pos n. def a man employed to attend the doors of certain buildings. doormat 1. syl door+mat pron <1dc:2m@t> pos n. def a mat, placed at the entrance to a building, for wiping dirt from shoes. doormat 2. syl door+mat pron <1dc:2m@t> pos n. qual Slang. def a person who offers little resistance to ill-treatment by others. Doorn 0. syl Doorn pron Dutch pos n. def a town in the central Netherlands, in Utrecht province: residence of Kaiser William II of Germany from his abdication (1919) until his death (1941). (as) dead as a doornail infl head doornail syl (as) dead as a doornail. pos n. doornail 0. syl door+nail pron <1dc:2nAl> pos n. def dead beyond any doubt. Doornik 0. syl Door:nik pron <1do:rnik> pos n. def the Flemish name for {Tournai}. doorpost 0. syl door+post pron <1dc:2p*ust> pos n. def another name for {doorjamb}. doorsill 0. syl door+sill pron <1dc:2sil> pos n. def a horizontal member of wood, stone, etc., forming the bottom of a doorframe. doorstep 1. syl door+step pron <1dc:2step> pos n. def a step in front of a door. doorstep 2. syl door+step pron <1dc:2step> pos n. qual Slang. def a thick slice of bread. doorstop 1. syl door+stop pron <1dc:2stop> pos n. def a heavy object, wedge or other device which prevents an open door from moving. (door-to-door infl head door to door syl (door-to-door pos adj. door to door 0. syl door to door pos adj. usage when prenominal) def , door to door 1. syl door to door pos adj. usage when prenominal); of selling, canvassing, etc. def from one house to the next. door to door 2. syl door to door pos adj. usage when prenominal); of journeys, deliveries, etc. def direct. doorway 1. syl door+way pron <1dc:2wA> pos n. def an opening into a building, room, etc., esp. one that has a door. doorway 2. syl door+way pron <1dc:2wA> pos n. def a means of access or escape. exam 1 a doorway to freedom. dooryard 0. syl door+yard pron <1dc:2ja:d> pos n. qual U.S. def a yard in front of the front or back door of a house. do out 1. syl do out pos vb. adv. mod tr. qual Informal. def to make tidy or clean; re?!decorate. do out 2. syl do out pos vb. adv. mod tr. qual Informal. usage foll. by of def to deprive (a person) of by swindling or cheating. do over 1. syl do o:ver pos vb. adv. mod tr. qual Informal. def to renovate or redeco?!rate. do over 2. syl do o:ver pos vb. adv. mod tr. qual Austral. and Brit. slang. def to attack violently. dopa 0. syl do:pa pron <1d*up*> pos n. def see {L-Dopa}. dopant ety C20: see #7dope, -#7ant dopant 0. syl do+pant pron <1d*up*nt> pos n. def an element or compound used to dope a semiconductor. dope ety C19: from Dutch doop sauce, from doopen to #7dip dope 1. syl dope pron pos n. def any of a number of preparations made by dissolving cellulose derivatives in a volatile solvent, applied to fabric in order to improve strength, tautness, etc. dope 2. syl dope pron pos n. def an additive used to improve the properties of something, such as an antiknock compound added to petrol. dope 3. syl dope pron pos n. def a thick liquid, such as a lubricant, applied to a surface. dope 4. syl dope pron pos n. def a combustible absorbent material, such as sawdust or wood pulp, used to hold the nitroglycerine in dynamite. dope 5.a. syl dope pron pos n. def any illegal drug, such as cannabis or a narcotic. dope 5.b. syl dope pron pos n. usage as modifier exam 1 a dope addict. dope 6. syl dope pron pos n. def a drug administered to a racehorse or grey-hound to affect its performance. dope 7. syl dope pron pos n. qual Slang. def a person considered to be stupid or slow-witted. dope 8. syl dope pron pos n. qual Slang. def news or facts, esp. confidential information. dope 9. syl dope pron pos n. qual U.S. informal. def a photographic developing solution. dope 10. syl dope pron pos vb. mod tr. qual Electronics. def to add impurities to (a semiconductor) in order to produce or modify its properties. dope 11. syl dope pron pos vb. mod tr. def to apply or add dope to. dope 12. syl dope pron pos vb. mod tr. qual Slang. def to administer a drug to (oneself or another). dope out 0. syl dope out pos vb. adv. mod tr. qual U.S. slang. def to devise, solve, or contrive. exam 1 to dope out a floor plan. dope sheet 0. syl dope sheet pos n. qual Horse racing slang. def a publication giving information on horses running in races. dopester 0. syl dope+ster pron <1d*upst*> pos n. qual U.S. slang. def a person who makes predictions, esp. in sport or politics. dopy alt head dopey or dopey syl dop:y pron <1d*upi> pos adj. dopier infl head dopey syl dop:i+er pos adj. dopiest infl head dopey syl dop:i+est. pos adj. dopey 1. or dopy syl dope:y pron <1d*upi> pos adj. qual Slang. def silly. dopey 2. or dopy syl dope:y pron <1d*upi> pos adj. qual Slang. def under the influence of a drug. dopiness sub head dopey syl dop:i+ness pos n. Doppelganger ety from German Doppelg*"anger, literally: double-goer Doppelganger 0. syl Dop+pel+g*"ang+er pron <1dopL2geG*>, German <1dcp*l2geG*r> pos n. qual Legend. def a ghostly duplicate of a living person. Dopper ety C19: from Afrikaans, of unknown origin Dopper 0. syl Dop+per pron <1dop*> pos n. usage in South Africa def a member of the most conservative Afrikaner Church, which practises a strict Calvinism. Doppler effect ety C19: named after C. J. Doppler (1803-53), Austrian physicist Doppler effect 0. syl Dop:pler ef+fect pron <1dopl*> pos n. def a phenomenon, observed for sound waves and electromagnetic radiation, characterized by a change in the apparent frequency of a wave as a result of relative motion between the observer and the source. Also called: {Doppler shift}. dor ety Old English dora bumblebee; related to Middle Low German dorte #7drone %1 dor 0. syl dor pron pos n. def any European dung beetle of the genus and related genera, esp. having a droning flight. Dorado ety C17: from Spanish, from dorar to gild, from Latin #7de -#7+ -aur*_are, from aurum gold Doradus infl head Dorado syl Do+ra+dus pron pos n. qual Latin genitive Dorado 0. syl Do+ra+do pron pos n. def a constellation in the S hemisphere lying between Reticulum and Pictor and containing part of the Large Magellanic cloud. Dorcas 0. syl Dor:cas pron <1dc:k*s> pos n. def a charitable woman of Joppa (Acts 9:36-42). Dorcas society 0. syl Dor:cas so+ci+e:ty pos n. def a Christian charitable society for women with the aim of providing clothes for the poor. Dorchester 0. syl Dor+ches+ter pron <1dc:Cist*> pos n. def a town in S England, administrative centre of Dorset: associated with Thomas Hardy, esp. as the Casterbridge of his novels. Pop.: 13737 (1971). Latin name: {Durnovaria}. Dordogne 1. syl Dor+dogne pron French pos n. def a river in SW France, rising in the Auvergne Mountains and flowing southwest and west to join the Garonne river and form the Gironde estuary. Length: 472 km (293 miles). Dordogne 2. syl Dor+dogne pron French pos n. def a department of SW France, in Aquitaine region. Capital: P*'erigueux. Pop.: 381797 (1975). Area: 9224 sq. km (3597 sq. miles). Dordrecht 0. syl Dor+drecht pron Dutch <1dcrdrext> pos n. def a port in the SW Netherlands, in South Holland province: chief port of the Netherlands until the 17th century. Pop.: 101198 (1974 est.). Also called: {Dort}. (Paul) Gustave infl head Dor'e syl (Paul) Gus:tave pron pos n. Dor'e 0. syl Do:r*'e pron French pos n. def 1832-83, French illustrator, whose style tended towards the grotesque. He illustrated the Bible, Dante's Cervantes' and works by Rabelais. Dorian 1. syl Do+ri:an pron <1dc:ri*n> pos n. def a member of a Hellenic people who invaded Greece around 1100 #7b.c., overthrew the Mycenaean civilization, and settled chiefly in the Peloponnese. Dorian 2. syl Do+ri:an pron <1dc:ri*n> pos adj. def of or relating to this people or their dialect of Ancient Greek; Doric. Dorian 3. syl Do+ri:an pron <1dc:ri*n> pos adj. qual Music. def of or relating to a mode represented by the ascending natural diatonic scale from D to D. See also {Hypo-}. Doric 1. syl Dor+ic pron <1dorik> pos adj. def of or relating to the Dorians, esp. the Spartans, or their dialect of Ancient Greek. Doric 2. syl Dor+ic pron <1dorik> pos adj. def of, denoting, or relating to one of the five classical orders of architecture: characterized by a column having no base, a heavy fluted shaft, and a capital consisting of an ovolo moulding beneath a square abacus. See also {Ionic, Composite, Corinthian, Tuscan}. Doric 3. syl Dor+ic pron <1dorik> pos adj. usage sometimes not cap. def rustic. Doric 4. syl Dor+ic pron <1dorik> pos n. def one of four chief dialects of Ancient Greek, spoken chiefly in the Peloponnese. Compare {Aeolic, Arcadic, Ionic}. Doris H1.1. syl Do+ris pron <1doris> pos n. usage in ancient Greece def a small landlocked area north of the Gulf of Corinth. Traditionally regarded as the home of the Dorians, it was perhaps settled by some of them during their southward migration. Doris H1.2. syl Do+ris pron <1doris> pos n. usage in ancient Greece def the coastal area of Caria in SW Asia Minor, settled by Dorians. Doris H2.0. syl Do:ris pron <1doris> pos n. qual Greek myth. def a sea nymph. Dorking ety C19: after Dorking, town in Surrey Dorking 0. syl Dor+king pron <1dc:kiG> pos n. def a heavy breed of domestic fowl. dorm 0. syl dorm pron pos n. qual Informal. def short for {dormitory}. dormant ety C14: from Old French dormant, from dormir to sleep, from Latin dorm*_ire dormant 1. syl dor+mant pron <1dc:m*nt> pos adj. def quiet and inactive, as during sleep. dormant 2. syl dor+mant pron <1dc:m*nt> pos adj. def latent or inoperative. dormant 3. syl dor+mant pron <1dc:m*nt> pos adj. usage of a volcano def neither extinct nor erupting. dormant 4. syl dor+mant pron <1dc:m*nt> pos adj. qual Biology. def alive but in a resting torpid condition with suspended growth and reduced metabolism. dormant 5. syl dor+mant pron <1dc:m*nt> pos adj. usage usually postpositive; Heraldry. of a beast def in a sleeping position. dormant xref syl dor+mant pron <1dc:m*nt> pos adj. def Compare {active, passive}. dormancy sub head dormant syl dor+man+cy pos n. dormer ety C16: from Old French dormoir, from Latin dorm*_it*_orium #7dormitory dormer 0. syl dor+mer pron <1dc:m*> pos n. def a construction with a gable roof and a window at its outer end that projects from a sloping roof. Also called: {dormer window}. dormie ety C19: of unknown origin dormy alt head dormie or dormie syl dor+my pron <1dc:mi> pos adj. dormie 0. or dormy syl dor+mie pron <1dc:mi> pos adj. usage Golf. of a player or side def as many holes ahead of an opponent as there are still to play. exam 1 dormie three. dormitory ety C15: from Latin dorm*_it*_orium, from dorm*_ire to sleep dormitories infl head dormitory syl dor+mi+to:ries. pos n. mod pl. dormitory 1. syl dor+mi+to:ry pron <1dc:mit*ri>, <-tri> pos n. def a large room, esp. at a school or institution, containing several beds. dormitory 2. syl dor+mi+to:ry pron <1dc:mit*ri>, <-tri> pos n. qual U.S. def a building, esp. at a college or camp, providing living and sleeping accommodation. dormitory 3. syl dor+mi+to:ry pron <1dc:mit*ri>, <-tri> pos n. qual Brit. usage modifier def denoting or relating to an area from which most of the residents commute to work (esp. in the phrase {dormitory suburb}) . dormitory xref syl dor+mi+to:ry pron <1dc:mit*ri>, <-tri> pos n. def Often shortened (for senses 1,2) to {dorm}. Dormobile 0. syl Dor+mo+bile pron <1dc:m*u2bEl> pos n. qual Trademark. def a vanlike vehicle specially equipped for living in while travelling. dormouse ety C15: dor-, perhaps from Old French dormir to sleep, from Latin dorm*_ire+#7mouse dormice infl head dormouse syl dor+mice. pos n. mod pl. dormouse 0. syl dor+mouse pron <1dc:2maus> pos n. def any small Old World rodent of the family esp. the Eurasian resembling a mouse with a furry tail. Dornbirn 0. syl Dorn+birn pron German <1dcrnbirn> pos n. def a city in W Austria, in Vorarlberg. Pop.: 33810 (1971). dornick ety C15: from Doornik Tournai in Belgium where it was first manufactured dorneck alt head dornick or dornick syl dor+neck pron <1dc:nik> pos n. dornick H1.0. or dorneck syl dor+nick pron <1dc:nik> pos n. def a heavy damask cloth, formerly used for vestments, curtains, etc. dornick ety C15: probably from Irish Gaelic dorn*_og, from dorn hand dornick H2.0. syl dor+nick pron <1dc:nik> pos n. qual U.S. def a small stone or pebble. doronicum ety C17: New Latin, from Arabic dor*_unaj doronicum 0. syl do+ron:i+cum pron pos n. def any plant of the Eurasian and N African genus such as leopard's-bane, having yellow daisy-like flower heads: family (composites). dorp ety C16: from Dutch: village; related to #7thorp dorp 0. syl dorp pron pos n. qual Archaic except in S. Africa. def a small town or village. Dorpat 0. syl Dor:pat pron <1dcrpat> pos n. def the German name for {Tartu}. dorsad ety C19: from Latin dorsum back+ ad to, towards dorsad 0. syl dor+sad pron <1dc:s@d> pos adj. qual Anatomy. def towards the back or dorsal aspect. dorsal ety C15: from Medieval Latin dors*_alis, from Latin dorsum back dorsal 1. syl dor+sal pron <1dc:sL> pos adj. qual Anatomy, zoology. def relating to the back or spinal part of the body. Compare { {ventral} (sense 1)}. dorsal 2. syl dor+sal pron <1dc:sL> pos adj. qual Botany. def of, relating to, or situated on the side of an organ that is directed away from the axis. dorsal 3. syl dor+sal pron <1dc:sL> pos adj. def articulated with the back of the tongue, as the (k) sound in English dorsally sub head dorsal syl dor+sal+ly pos adv. dorsal fin 0. syl dor+sal fin pos n. def any unpaired median fin on the backs of fishes and some other aquatic vertebrates: maintains balance during locomotion. Dorset 0. syl Dor+set pron <1dc:sit> pos n. def a county in SW England, on the English Channel: mainly hilly but low-lying in the east. Administrative centre: Dorchester. Pop.: 575800 (1976 est.). Area: 266 sq. km (103 sq. miles). Dorset Horn 0. syl Dor+set Horn pos n. def a breed of horned sheep with dense fine-textured wool. dorsiferous 0. syl dor+sif+er+ous pron pos adj. qual Botany, zoology. Now rare. def bearing or carrying (young, spores, etc.) on the back or dorsal surface. dorsigrade ety C19: from Latin, from dorsum back+-#7grade dorsigrade 0. syl dor+si+grade pron <1dc:si2grAd> pos adj. usage of animals such as certain armadillos def walking on the backs of the toes. dorsiventral 1. syl dor+si+ven+tral pron <2dc:si1ventr*l> pos adj. usage of leaves and similar flat parts def having distinct upper and lower faces. dorsiventral 2. syl dor+si+ven+tral pron <2dc:si1ventr*l> pos adj. def a variant spelling of {dorsoventral}. dorsiventrality sub head dorsiventral syl dor+si+ven+tral+i:ty pron <2dc:siven?!1tr@liti> pos n. dorsiventrally sub head dorsiventral syl dor+si+1ven+tral+ly pos adv. dorsi- infl head dorso- syl dor:si- dorsoventral 1. syl dor+so+ven+tral pron <2dc:s*u1ventr*l> pos adj. def relating to both the dorsal and ventral sides; extending from the back to the belly. dorsoventral 2. syl dor+so+ven+tral pron <2dc:s*u1ventr*l> pos adj. qual Botany. def a variant spelling of {dorsiventral}. dorsoventrally sub head dorsoventral syl dor+so+1ven+tral+ly pos adv. dorsum ety C18: from Latin: back dorsa infl head dorsum syl dor+sa pron <-s*> pos n. mod pl. dorsum 1. syl dor+sum pron <1dc:s*m> pos n. qual Anatomy. def a technical name for the {back}. dorsum 2. syl dor+sum pron <1dc:s*m> pos n. qual Anatomy. def any analogous surface. exam 1 the dorsum of the hand. Dort 0. syl Dort pron Dutch pos n. def another name for {Dordrecht}. Dortmund 0. syl Dort+mund pron <1dc:tm*nd>, German <1dcrtmunt> pos n. def an industrial city in W West Germany, in North Rhine-Westphalia at the head of the {Dortmund-Ems Canal}. Pop.: 632317 (1974 est.). dorty ety C17: from Scottish dort peevishness dortier infl head dorty syl dort:i+er pos adj. dortiest infl head dorty syl dort:i+est. pos adj. dorty 0. syl dort:y pron <1dc:ti> pos adj. qual Scot. def haughty, or sullen. dortiness sub head dorty syl dort:i+ness pos n. dory ety C18: from Mosquito (an American Indian language of Honduras and Nicaragua) d*'ori dugout dories infl head dory syl do:ries. pos n. mod pl. dory H1.0. syl do:ry pron <1dc:ri> pos n. qual U.S. def a flat-bottomed boat with a high bow and stern. dory ety C14: from French dor*'ee gilded, from dorer to gild, from Late Latin deaur*_are, ultimately from Latin aurum gold dories infl head dory syl do:ries. pos n. mod pl. dory H2.1. syl do:ry pron <1dc:ri> pos n. def any spiny-finned marine teleost food fish of the family esp. the John Dory, having a deep compressed body. dory H2.2. syl do:ry pron <1dc:ri> pos n. def another name for {walleye} (the fish). dos-a-dos ety literally: back to back dos-a-dos 1. syl dos-*`a-dos pron <2d*usi1d*u>, French pos n. def a seat on which the users sit back to back. dos-a-dos 2. syl dos-*`a-dos pron <2d*usi1d*u>, French pos n. def an alternative spelling of {do-si-do}. dosage 1. syl dos+age pron <1d*usiJ> pos n. def the administration of a drug or agent in prescribed amounts. dosage 2. syl dos+age pron <1d*usiJ> pos n. def the optimum therapeutic dose and optimum interval between doses. dosage 3. syl dos+age pron <1d*usiJ> pos n. def another name for { {dose} (senses 3,4)}. dose ety C15: from French, from Late Latin dosis, from Greek: a giving, from didonai to give dose 1. syl dose pron pos n. qual Med. def a specific quantity of a therapeutic drug or agent taken at any one time or at specified intervals. dose 2. syl dose pron pos n. qual Informal. def something unpleasant to experience. exam 1 a dose of influenza. dose 3. syl dose pron pos n. def Also called: {dosage}. the total energy of ionizing radiation absorbed by unit mass of material, esp. of living tissue; usually measured in rads. dose 4. syl dose pron pos n. def Also called: {dosage}. a small amount of syrup added to wine, esp. sparkling wine, when the sediment is removed and the bottle is corked. dose 5. syl dose pron pos n. qual Slang. def a venereal infection, esp. gonorrhoea. like a dose of salts 6. head dose syl like a dose of salts. def very quickly indeed. dose 7. syl dose pron pos vb. mod tr. def to administer a dose or doses to (someone). dose 8. syl dose pron pos vb. mod tr. qual Med. def to prescribe (a therapeutic drug or agent) in appropriate quantities. dose 9. syl dose pron pos vb. mod tr. usage often foll. by up def to give (someone, esp. oneself) drugs, medicine, etc., esp. in large quantities. dose 10. syl dose pron pos vb. mod tr. def to add syrup to (wine) during bottling. doser sub head dose syl dos+er pos n. do-si-do ety C20: from #7dos -#7*`a -#7dos do-si-do 1. syl do-si-do pron <1d*usi2d*u> pos n. def a square-dance figure in which dancers pass each other with right shoulders close or touching and circle back to back. {~} do-si-do 2. syl do-si-do pron <1d*usi2d*u> pos n. def a call instructing dancers to perform such a figure. {~} Also: {dos} - {*`a} - {dos}. dosemeter alt head dosimeter or dosimeter syl dose+me:ter pron <1d*us2mit*> pos n. dosimeter 0. or dosemeter syl do+sim+e:ter pron pos n. def an instrument for measuring the dose of x-rays or other radiation absorbed by matter or the intensity of a source of radiation. dosimetric sub head dosimeter syl do+si+met+ric pron <2d*usi1metrik> pos adj. dosimetrician sub head dosimeter or dosimetrist syl do+si+me:tri+cian pron <2d*usim*1triS*n> pos n. dosimetrist sub head dosimeter or dosimetrician syl do+1sim+e:trist pos n. dosimetry sub head dosimeter syl do+1sim+e:try pos n. John (Roderigo) infl head Dos Passos syl John (Roderigo) . pos n. Dos Passos 0. syl Dos Pas:sos pron <1dos> <1p@sos> pos n. def 1896-1970, U.S. novelist of the Lost Generation; author of (1921), (1925), and the trilogy (1930-36). doss ety C18: of uncertain origin doss 1. syl doss pron pos vb. mod intr. qual Brit. slang. usage often foll. by down def to sleep, esp. in a dosshouse. doss 2. syl doss pron pos n. qual Brit. slang. def a bed, esp. in a dosshouse. doss 3. syl doss pron pos n. qual Brit. slang. def a slang word for {sleep}. doss 4. syl doss pron pos n. qual Brit. slang. def short for {dosshouse}. dossal ety C17: from Medieval Latin doss*_ale, neuter of doss*_alis, variant of dors*_alis #7dorsal dossel alt head dossal or dossal syl dos+sel pron <1dosL> pos n. dossal 1. or dossel syl dos+sal pron <1dosL> pos n. def an ornamental hanging, placed at the back of an altar or at the sides of a chancel. dossal 2. or dossel syl dos+sal pron <1dosL> pos n. def Also called: {dosser}. an ornamental covering for the back of a chair. dosser ety C14: from Old French dossier, from Medieval Latin dors*_arium, from Latin dorsum back dosser H1.1. syl dos+ser pron <1dos*> pos n. qual Rare. def a bag or basket for carrying objects on the back. dosser H1.2. syl dos+ser pron <1dos*> pos n. def another word for {dossal} (sense 2). dosser H2.1. syl doss+er pron <1dos*> pos n. qual Brit. slang. def a person who sleeps in dosshouses. dosser H2.2. syl doss+er pron <1dos*> pos n. qual Brit. slang. def another word for {dosshouse}. dosser H2.3. syl doss+er pron <1dos*> pos n. qual Dublin dialect. def a lazy person; idler. dosshouse 0. syl doss+house pron <1dos2haus> pos n. qual Brit. slang. def a cheap lodging house, esp. one used by tramps. U.S. name: {flophouse}. dossier ety C19: from French: a file with a label on the back, from dos back, from Latin dorsum dossier 0. syl dos+si+er pron <1dosi2A>, <-si*>, French pos n. def a collection of papers containing information on a particular subject or person. dost 0. syl dost pos d^st; vb. usage Archaic or dialect. used with the pronoun thou or its relative equivalent def a singular form of the present tense (indicative mood) of {do%1}. Dostoyevsky infl head Dostoevsky syl Dos:to:yev:sky pron <2dostci1efski>, Russian pos n. Dostoevski infl head Dostoevsky or Dostoyevski syl Dos:to:ev:ski pron <2dostci1efski>, Russian pos n. Dostoyevski infl head Dostoevsky or Dostoevski syl Dos:to:yev:ski pron <2dostci1efski>, Russian pos n. Fyodor Mikhailovich infl head Dostoevsky syl Fyo:dor Mi:khai:lo:vich pron <1fjcd*r> pos n. Dostoevsky 0. syl Dos:to:ev:sky pron <2dostci1efski>, Russian pos n. def 1821-81, Russian novelist, the psychological perception of whose works has greatly influenced the subsequent development of the novel. His best-known works are (1866), (1868), (1871), and (1879-80). dot ety Old English dott head of a boil; related to Old High German tutta nipple, Norwegian dott, Dutch dott lump dot H1.1. syl dot pron pos n. def a small round mark made with or as with a pen, etc.; spot; speck; point. dot H1.2. syl dot pron pos n. def anything resembling a dot; a small amount. exam 1 a dot of paint. dot H1.3. syl dot pron pos n. def the mark ( @b*.#800233) that appears above the main stem of the letters dot H1.4.a. syl dot pron pos n. def the symbol (@.) placed after a note or rest to increase its time value by half. dot H1.4.b. syl dot pron pos n. def this symbol written above or below a note indicating that it must be played or sung staccato. dot H1.5.a. syl dot pron pos n. def the symbol (.) indicating multiplication or logical conjunction. dot H1.5.b. syl dot pron pos n. def a decimal point. dot H1.6. syl dot pron pos n. def the symbol (@.) used, in combination with the symbol for (&-), in the written representation of Morse and other telegraphic codes. Compare {dit}. the year dot 7. head dot syl the year dot. qual Informal. def as long ago as can be remembered. on the dot 8. head dot syl on the dot. def at exactly the arranged time. dots infl head dot syl dots pos vb. dotting infl head dot syl dot+ting pos vb. dotted infl head dot syl dot+ted. pos vb. dot H1.9. syl dot pron pos vb. mod tr. def to mark or form with a dot. exam 1 to dot a letter; exam 2 a dotted crotchet. dot H1.10. syl dot pron pos vb. mod tr. def to scatter or intersperse (with dots or something resembling dots). exam 1 bushes dotting the plain. dot H1.11. syl dot pron pos vb. mod intr. def to make a dot or dots. dot one's i's and cross one's t's 12. head dot syl dot one's i's and cross one's t's. qual Informal. def to be meticulous. dotter sub head dot syl dot+ter pos n. dot ety C19: from French, from Latin d*_os; related to d*_ot*_are to endow, d*_are to give dot H2.0. syl dot pron pos n. qual Civil law. def a woman's dowry. dotal sub head dot syl do+tal pron <1d*utL> pos adj. dotage ety C14: from #7dote+ -#7age dotage 1. syl dot+age pron <1d*utiJ> pos n. def feebleness of mind, esp. as a result of old age. dotage 2. syl dot+age pron <1d*utiJ> pos n. def foolish infatuation. dotard ety C14: from #7dote+ -#7ard dotard 0. syl do+tard pron <1d*ut*d> pos n. def a person who is weak-minded, esp. through senility. dotardly sub head dotard syl do+tard+ly pos adv. dotation ety C14: from Latin d*_ot*_ati*_o, from d*_ot*_are to endow dotation 0. syl do+ta+tion pron pos n. qual Law. def the act of giving a dowry; endowment. dote ety C13: related to Middle Dutch doten to be silly, Norwegian dudra to shake doat alt head dote or dote syl doat pron pos vb. mod intr. dote 1. or doat syl dote pron pos vb. mod intr. usage foll. by on or upon def to love to an excessive or foolish degree. dote 2. or doat syl dote pron pos vb. mod intr. def to be foolish or weak-minded, esp. as a result of old age. doter sub head dote or doater syl dot+er pos n. doater sub head dote or doter syl doat+er pos n. doth 0. syl doth pron pos vb. usage Archaic or dialect. used with the pronouns he, she, or it or with a noun def a singular form of the present tense of {do%1}. dot product 0. syl dot prod+uct pos n. def another name for {scalar product}. dotted 1. syl dot+ted pron <1dotid> pos adj. def having dots, esp. having a pattern of dots. dotted 2.a. syl dot+ted pron <1dotid> pos adj. usage of a note def increased to one and a half times its original time value. See { {dot%1} (sense 4)}. dotted 2.b. syl dot+ted pron <1dotid> pos adj. usage of a musical rhythm def characterized by dotted notes. Compare {double-dotted}. See also {notes in*'egales}. sign on the dotted line 3. head dotted syl sign on the dotted line. def to agree formally, esp. by signing one's name on a document. dotterel ety C15 dotrelle; see #7dote dottrel alt head dotterel or dotterel syl dot+trel pron <1dotr*l> pos n. dotterel 1. or dottrel syl dot+ter+el pron <1dotr*l> pos n. def a rare Eurasian plover, with reddish-brown underparts and white bands around the head and neck. dotterel 2. or dottrel syl dot+ter+el pron <1dotr*l> pos n. qual Austral. def any similar and related bird, esp. of the genus dotterel 3. or dottrel syl dot+ter+el pron <1dotr*l> pos n. qual Brit. dialect. def a person who is foolish or easily duped. dottle ety C15: diminutive of dot lump; see #7dot %1 dottel alt head dottle or dottle syl dot+tel pron <1dotL> pos n. dottle 0. or dottel syl dot+tle pron <1dotL> pos n. def the plug of tobacco left in a pipe after smoking. dottier infl head dotty syl dot+ti+er pos adj. dottiest infl head dotty syl dot+ti+est. pos adj. dotty 1. syl dot+ty pron <1doti> pos adj. qual Slang, chiefly Brit. def feeble-minded; slightly crazy. dotty 2. syl dot+ty pron <1doti> pos adj. usage Brit. slang. foll. by about def extremely fond (of) dotty 3. syl dot+ty pron <1doti> pos adj. def marked with dots. dottily sub head dotty syl dot+ti+ly pos adv. dottiness sub head dotty syl dot+ti+ness pos n. Dow infl head Dou or Douw syl Dow pron , Dutch pos n. Douw infl head Dou or Dow syl Douw pron , Dutch pos n. Gerard infl head Dou syl Ge:rard pron <1$xA:rart> pos n. Dou 0. syl Dou pron , Dutch pos n. def 1613-75, Dutch portrait and genre painter. Douai 0. syl Dou:ai pron <1du:A>, French pos n. def an industrial city in N France: the political and religious centre of exiled English Roman Catholics in the 16th and 17th centuries. Pop.: 47570 (1975). Duala alt head Douala or Douala syl Du:a+la pron pos n. Douala 0. or Duala syl Dou:a+la pron pos n. def the chief port and largest city in W Cameroon, on the Bight of Biafra: capital of the German colony of Kamerun (1901-16). Pop.: 250000 (1970 est.). Version alt head Douay Bible or Douay Bible syl Ver+sion pron <1du:A> pos n. Douay Bible 0. or Version syl Dou+ay Bi+ble pron <1du:A> pos n. def an English translation of the Bible from the Latin Vulgate text completed by Roman Catholic scholars at Douai in 1610. double ety C13: from Old French, from Latin duplus twofold, from duo two+ -plus -#7fold double 1. syl dou+ble pron <1d^bL> pos adj. usage usually prenominal def as much again in size, strength, number, etc.. exam 1 a double portion. double 2. syl dou+ble pron <1d^bL> pos adj. usage usually prenominal def composed of two equal or similar parts; in a pair; twofold. exam 1 a double egg cup. double 3. syl dou+ble pron <1d^bL> pos adj. usage usually prenominal def designed for two users. exam 1 a double room. double 4. syl dou+ble pron <1d^bL> pos adj. usage usually prenominal def folded in two; composed of two layers. exam 1 double paper. double 5. syl dou+ble pron <1d^bL> pos adj. usage usually prenominal def stooping; bent over. double 6. syl dou+ble pron <1d^bL> pos adj. usage usually prenominal def having two aspects or existing in two different ways; ambiguous. exam 1 a double meaning. double 7. syl dou+ble pron <1d^bL> pos adj. usage usually prenominal def false, deceitful, or hypo?!critical. exam 1 a double life. double 8. syl dou+ble pron <1d^bL> pos adj. usage usually prenominal; of flowers def having more than the normal number of petals. double 9.a. syl dou+ble pron <1d^bL> pos adj. usage usually prenominal; of a root def being one of two equal roots of a polynomial equation. double 9.b. syl dou+ble pron <1d^bL> pos adj. usage usually prenominal; of an integral def having an integrand containing two independent variables requiring two integrations, in each of which one variable is kept constant. double 10.a. syl dou+ble pron <1d^bL> pos adj. usage usually prenominal; of an instrument def sounding an octave lower than the pitch indicated by the notation. exam 1 a double bass. double 10.b. syl dou+ble pron <1d^bL> pos adj. usage usually prenominal; of time def duple, usually accompanied by the direction double 11. syl dou+ble pron <1d^bL> pos adv. usage usually prenominal def twice over; twofold. double 12. syl dou+ble pron <1d^bL> pos adv. usage usually prenominal def two together; two at a time (esp. in the phrase {see double}). double 13. syl dou+ble pron <1d^bL> pos n. usage usually prenominal def twice the number, amount, size, etc. double 14. syl dou+ble pron <1d^bL> pos n. qual Informal. usage usually prenominal def a double measure of spirits, such as whisky or brandy. double 15. syl dou+ble pron <1d^bL> pos n. usage usually prenominal def a duplicate or counterpart, esp. a person who closely resembles another; understudy. double 16. syl dou+ble pron <1d^bL> pos n. usage usually prenominal def a wraith or ghostly apparition that is the exact counterpart of a living person; Doppelg*"anger. double 17. syl dou+ble pron <1d^bL> pos n. usage usually prenominal def a sharp turn, esp. a return on one's own tracks. double 18. syl dou+ble pron <1d^bL> pos n. usage usually prenominal def an evasive shift or artifice; trick. double 19. syl dou+ble pron <1d^bL> pos n. usage usually prenominal def an actor who plays two parts in one play. double 20. syl dou+ble pron <1d^bL> pos n. qual Bridge. usage usually prenominal def a call that increases certain scoring points if the last preceding bid becomes the contract. double 21. syl dou+ble pron <1d^bL> pos n. qual Billiards, etc. usage usually prenominal def a strike in which the object ball is struck so as to make it rebound against the cushion to an opposite pocket. double 22. syl dou+ble pron <1d^bL> pos n. usage usually prenominal def a bet on two horses in different races in which any winnings from the horse in the first race are placed on the horse in the later race. double 23. syl dou+ble pron <1d^bL> pos n. qual Chiefly R.C. Church. usage usually prenominal; often cap. def one of the higher-ranking feasts on which the antiphons are recited both before and after the psalms. double 24. syl dou+ble pron <1d^bL> pos n. qual Music, rare. usage usually prenominal def an ornamental variation, occurring esp. in the classical suite. double 25. syl dou+ble pron <1d^bL> pos n. usage usually prenominal def Also called: {double time}. a pace of twice the normal marching speed. double 26. syl dou+ble pron <1d^bL> pos n. qual Tennis. usage usually prenominal def See {double fault}. double 27.a. syl dou+ble pron <1d^bL> pos n. usage usually prenominal def the narrow outermost ring on a dartboard. double 27.b. syl dou+ble pron <1d^bL> pos n. usage usually prenominal def a hit on this ring. double 28. syl dou+ble pron <1d^bL> pos n. qual Printing. usage usually prenominal def another word for { {doublet} (sense 6)}. double 29.a. syl dou+ble pron <1d^bL> pos n. usage usually prenominal def at twice normal marching speed. double 29.b. syl dou+ble pron <1d^bL> pos n. usage usually prenominal def quickly or immediately. double 30. syl dou+ble pron <1d^bL> pos vb. usage usually prenominal def to make or become twice as much. double 31. syl dou+ble pron <1d^bL> pos vb. usage usually prenominal def to bend or fold (material, a bandage, etc.). double 32. syl dou+ble pron <1d^bL> pos vb. mod tr. usage usually prenominal; sometimes foll. by up def to clench (a fist). double 33. syl dou+ble pron <1d^bL> pos vb. mod tr. usage usually prenominal; often foll. by together or up def to join or couple. exam 1 he doubled up the team. double 34. syl dou+ble pron <1d^bL> pos vb. mod tr. usage usually prenominal def to repeat exactly; copy. double 35. syl dou+ble pron <1d^bL> pos vb. mod intr. usage usually prenominal def to play two parts or serve two roles. double 36. syl dou+ble pron <1d^bL> pos vb. mod intr. usage usually prenominal def to turn sharply; follow a winding course. double 37. syl dou+ble pron <1d^bL> pos vb. qual Nautical. usage usually prenominal def to sail around (a headland or other point). double 38.a. syl dou+ble pron <1d^bL> pos vb. usage usually prenominal def to duplicate (a voice or instrumental part) either in unison or at the octave above or below it. double 38.b. syl dou+ble pron <1d^bL> pos vb. mod intr. usage usually prenominal; usually foll. by on def to be capable of performing (upon an instrument additional to one's normal one). exam 1 the third trumpeter doubles on cornet. double 39. syl dou+ble pron <1d^bL> pos vb. qual Bridge. usage usually prenominal def to make a call that will double certain scoring points if the preceding bid becomes the contract. double 40. syl dou+ble pron <1d^bL> pos vb. qual Billiards, etc. usage usually prenominal def to cause (a ball) to rebound or (of a ball) to rebound. double 41. syl dou+ble pron <1d^bL> pos vb. mod intr. usage usually prenominal; foll. by for def to act as substitute (for an actor or actress). double 42. syl dou+ble pron <1d^bL> pos vb. mod intr. usage usually prenominal def to go or march at twice the normal speed. double xref syl dou+ble pron <1d^bL> pos adj. usage usually prenominal def See also {double back, doubles, double up}. doubleness sub head double syl dou+ble+ness pos n. doubler sub head double syl dou+bler pos n. double-acting 1. syl dou:ble-act:ing pos adj. usage of a reciprocating engine or pump def having a piston or pistons that are pressurized alternately on opposite sides. Compare {single-acting}. double-acting 2. syl dou:ble-act:ing pos adj. usage of a hinge, door, etc. def having complementary actions in opposed directions. double agent 0. syl dou+ble a:gent pos n. def a spy employed by two mutually antago?!nistic countries, companies, etc. double back 0. syl dou+ble back pos vb. adv. mod intr. def to go back in the opposite direction (esp. in the phrase {to double back on one's tracks}) . double-bank 0. syl dou:ble-bank pos vb. qual Austral. informal. def to carry a second person on (a horse, bicycle, etc.). double bar 0. syl dou+ble bar pos n. qual Music. def a symbol, consisting of two ordinary bar lines or a single heavy one, that marks the end of a composition or a section within it. double-barreled alt head double-barrelled or double-barrelled syl dou:ble-bar:reled pos adj. qual U.S. double-barrelled 1. or double-barreled syl dou:ble-bar:relled pos adj. usage of a gun def having two barrels. double-barrelled 2. or double-barreled syl dou:ble-bar:relled pos adj. def extremely forceful or vehement. double-barrelled 3. or double-barreled syl dou:ble-bar:relled pos adj. usage Brit. of surnames def having two or more hyphenated parts. double-barrelled 4. or double-barreled syl dou:ble-bar:relled pos adj. def serving two purposes; ambiguous. exam 1 a double-barrelled remark. double bass 1. syl dou+ble bass pron pos n. def Also called (U.S.): {bass viol}. a stringed instrument, the largest and lowest member of the violin family. Range: almost three octaves upwards from E in the space between the fourth and fifth leger lines below the bass staff. It is normally bowed in classical music, but it is very common in a jazz or dance band, where it is practically always played pizzicato. Informal name: {bass fiddle}. double-bass infl head double bass syl dou:ble-bass. pos adj. double bass 2. syl dou+ble bass pron pos adj. def of or relating to an instrument whose pitch lies below that regarded as the bass; contrabass. double bassoon 0. syl dou+ble bas+soon pos n. qual Music. def the lowest and largest instrument in the oboe class; contrabassoon. double bill 0. syl dou+ble bill pos n. def a programme or event with two main items. double bind 0. syl dou+ble bind pos n. def a situation of conflict from which there is no escape; unresolvable dilemma. double-blind 0. syl dou:ble-blind pos adj. def of or relating to an experiment to discover reactions to certain commodities, drugs, etc., in which neither the experimenters nor the subjects know the particulars of the test items during the experiments. Compare {single-blind}. double boiler 0. syl dou+ble boil+er pos n. def the U.S. name for {double saucepan}. double bond 0. syl dou+ble bond pos n. def a type of chemical bond consisting of two covalent bonds linking two atoms in a molecule. double-breasted 0. syl dou:ble-breast:ed pos adj. usage of a garment def having overlapping fronts such as to give a double thickness of cloth. double bridle 0. syl dou+ble bri+dle pos n. def a bridle with four reins coming from a bit with two rings on each side. double-check 1. syl dou:ble-check pos vb. def to check twice or again; verify. double check infl head double-check syl dou+ble check. pos n. double-check 2. syl dou:ble-check pos n. def a second examination or verification. double-check 3. syl dou:ble-check pos n. qual Chess. def a simultaneous check from two pieces brought about by moving one piece to give check and thereby revealing a second check from another piece. double chin 0. syl dou+ble chin pos n. def a fold of fat under the chin. double-chinned sub head double chin syl dou+ble-1chinned pos adj. double concerto 0. syl dou+ble con+cer+to pos n. def a concerto for two solo instruments. double cream 0. syl dou+ble cream pos n. def thick cream with a high fat-content. double cross 0. syl dou+ble cross pos n. def a technique for producing hybrid stock, esp. seed for cereal crops, by crossing the hybrids between two different pairs of inbred lines. double-cross 1. syl dou:ble-cross pos vb. mod tr. qual Informal. def to cheat or betray. double-cross 2. syl dou:ble-cross pos n. qual Informal. def the act or an instance of double-crossing; betrayal. double-crosser sub head double-cross syl dou:ble-1cross:er pos n. double dagger 0. syl dou+ble dag+ger pos n. def a character ($+#800234) used in printing to indicate a cross reference, esp. to a footnote. Also called: {dieses, double obelisk}. double-dealing 0.a. syl dou:ble-deal:ing pos n. def action characterized by treachery or deceit. double-dealing 0.b. syl dou:ble-deal:ing pos n. usage as modifier exam 1 double-dealing treachery. double-dealer sub head double-dealing syl dou:ble-1deal:er pos n. double-decker 1. syl dou:ble-deck:er pos n. qual Chiefly Brit. def a bus with two passenger decks. double-decker 2.a. syl dou:ble-deck:er pos n. def a thing or structure having two decks, layers, etc. double-decker 2.b. syl dou:ble-deck:er pos n. usage as modifier exam 1 a double-decker sandwich. double-declutch 0. syl dou:ble-de:clutch pos vb. mod intr. qual Brit. def to change to a lower gear in a motor vehicle by first placing the gear lever into the neutral position before engaging the desired gear, at the same time releasing the clutch pedal and increasing the engine speed. U.S. term: {double-clutch}. double decomposition 0. syl dou+ble de+com+po+si+tion pos n. def a chemical reaction between two compounds that results in the interchange of one part of each to form two different compounds, as in AgNO\3+KI+#800235 AgI+KNO\3. Also called: {metathesis}. double-dotted 1. syl dou:ble-dot:ted pos adj. qual Music. usage of a note def increased to one and three quarters of its original time value by the addition of two dots. double-dotted 2. syl dou:ble-dot:ted pos adj. qual Music. usage of a rhythm def characterized by pairs of notes in which the first one, lengthened by two dots, makes up seven eighths of the time value of the pair. double Dutch 0. syl dou+ble Dutch pos n. qual Brit. informal. def incomprehensible talk; gibberish. double eagle 0. syl dou+ble ea:gle pos n. def a former U.S. gold coin, having a nominal value of 20 dollars. double-edged 1. syl dou:ble-edged pos adj. def acting in two ways; having a dual effect. exam 1 a double-edged law. double-edged 2. syl dou:ble-edged pos adj. usage of a remark, argument, etc. def having two possible interpretations, esp. applicable both for and against. double-edged 3. syl dou:ble-edged pos adj. usage of a sword, knife, etc. def having a cutting edge on either side of the blade. double entendre ety C17: from obsolete French: double meaning double entendre 1. syl dou+ble en+ten+dre pron <1d^bL> , <-1ta:nd>, French pos n. def a word, phrase, etc., that can be interpreted in two ways, esp. one having one meaning that is indelicate. double entendre 2. syl dou+ble en+ten+dre pron <1d^bL> , <-1ta:nd>, French pos n. def the type of humour that depends upon this type of ambiguity. double entry 0.a. syl dou+ble en+try pos n. def a book-keeping system in which any commercial transaction is entered as a debit in one account and as a credit in another. Compare {single entry}. double entry 0.b. syl dou+ble en+try pos n. usage as modifier exam 1 double-entry book-keeping. double exposure 1. syl dou+ble ex+po+sure pos n. def the act or process of recording two superimposed images on a photographic medium, usually done intentionally to produce a special effect. double exposure 2. syl dou+ble ex+po+sure pos n. def the photograph resulting from such an act. double-faced 1. syl dou:ble-faced pos adj. usage of textiles def having a finished nap on each side; reversible. double-faced 2. syl dou:ble-faced pos adj. def insincere or deceitful. double fault 1. syl dou+ble fault pos n. qual Tennis. def the serving of two faults in succession, thereby losing a point. double-fault infl head double fault syl dou:ble-fault. pos vb. double fault 2. syl dou+ble fault pos vb. mod intr. qual Tennis. def to serve a double fault. double feature 0. syl dou+ble fea+ture pos n. qual Films. def a programme showing two full-length films. Informal name (U.S.): {twin bill}. double first 0. syl dou+ble first pos n. qual Brit. def a first-class honours degree in two subjects. double flat 1.a. syl dou+ble flat pos n. def an accidental that lowers the pitch of the following note two semitones. Usual symbol: ###800236 double flat 1.b. syl dou+ble flat pos n. def a note affected by this accidental. double-flat infl head double flat syl dou:ble-flat. pos adj. double flat 2. syl dou+ble flat pos adj. usage postpositive def denoting a note of a given letter name lowered in pitch by two semitones. double glazing 1. syl dou+ble glaz+ing pos n. def two panes of glass in a window, fitted to reduce the transmission of heat, sound, etc. double glazing 2. syl dou+ble glaz+ing pos n. def the fitting of glass in such a manner. double Gloucester 0. syl dou+ble Glouces+ter pos n. def a type of smooth orange-red cheese of mild flavour. double-header 1. syl dou:ble-head:er pos n. def a train drawn by two locomotives coupled together to provide extra power. double-header 2. syl dou:ble-head:er pos n. def Also called: {twin bill}. two games played consecutively by the same teams or by two different teams. double-header 3. syl dou:ble-head:er pos n. qual Austral. informal. def a coin with the impression of a head on each side. double-header 4. syl dou:ble-head:er pos n. qual Austral. informal. def a double ice-cream cone. double-helical gear 0. syl dou:ble-hel:i:cal gear pos n. def another name for {herringbone gear}. double helix 0. syl dou+ble he+lix pos n. qual Biochem. def the form of the molecular structure of DNA, consisting of two helical polynucleotide chains linked by hydrogen bonds and coiled around the same axis. double-hung 0. syl dou:ble-hung pos adj. usage of a window def having two vertical sashes, the upper one sliding in grooves outside those of the lower. double indemnity 0. syl dou+ble in+dem+ni:ty pos n. usage U.S. in life assurance policies def a clause providing for the payment of double the policy's face value in the event of the policyholder's accidental death. double jeopardy 0. syl dou+ble jeop+ar+dy pos n. qual Chiefly U.S. def the act of prosecuting a defendant a second time for an offence for which he has already been tried. double-jointed 0. syl dou:ble-joint:ed pos adj. def having unusually flexible joints permitting an abnormal degree of motion of the parts. double-minded 0. syl dou:ble-mind:ed pos adj. qual Rare. def undecided; vacillating. double-mindedness sub head double-minded syl dou:ble-1mind:ed:ness pos n. double negative 0. syl dou+ble neg:a+tive pos n. def a syntactic construction, often considered ungrammatical in standard Modern English, in which two negatives are used where one is needed, as in {Usage}. There are two contexts where double negatives are found. An adjective with negative force is often used with a negative in order to express a nuance of meaning somewhere between the positive and the negative. exam 1 he was a not infrequent visitor; exam 2 it is not an uncommon sight. double obelisk 0. syl dou+ble ob+e:lisk pos n. def another name for {double dagger}. double or quits 0. syl dou+ble or quits pos n. def a game, throw, toss, etc., to decide whether the stake due is to be doubled or cancelled. double-park 0. syl dou:ble-park pos vb. def to park (a car or other vehicle) alongside or directly opposite another already parked by the roadside, thereby causing an obstruction. double play 0. syl dou+ble play pos n. qual Baseball. def a play in which two runners are put out. double pneumonia 0. syl dou+ble pneu+mo+ni:a pos n. def pneumonia affecting both lungs. double-quick 1. syl dou:ble-quick pos adj. def very quick; rapid. double-quick 2. syl dou:ble-quick pos adv. def in a very quick or rapid manner. double-reed 0. syl dou:ble-reed pos adj. def relating to or denoting a wind instrument in which the sounds are produced by air passing over two reeds that vibrate against each other. double refraction 0. syl dou+ble re+frac+tion pos n. def the splitting of a ray of unpolarized light into two unequally refracted rays polarized in mutually perpendicular planes. Also called: {birefringence}. doubles 0.a. syl dou+bles pron <1d^bLz> pos n. def a game between two pairs of players, as in tennis, badminton, etc. doubles 0.b. syl dou+bles pron <1d^bLz> pos n. usage as modifier exam 1 a doubles player. double salt 0. syl dou+ble salt pos n. def a solid solution of two simple salts formed by crystallizing a solution of the two salts. Compare {complex salt}. double saucepan 0. syl dou+ble sauce+pan pos n. qual Brit. def a cooking utensil consisting of two saucepans, one fitting inside the other. The bottom saucepan contains water that, while boiling, gently heats food in the upper pan. U.S. name: {double boiler}. double scull 0. syl dou+ble scull pos n. qual Rowing. def a racing shell in which two scullers sit one behind the other and pull two oars each. Compare {pair-oar}. double sharp 1.a. syl dou+ble sharp pos n. def an accidental that raises the pitch of the following note by two semitones. Usual symbol: {#M} double sharp 1.b. syl dou+ble sharp pos n. def a note affected by this accidental. double sharp 2. syl dou+ble sharp pos adj. usage immediately postpositive def denoting a note of a given letter name raised in pitch by two semitones. double-space 0. syl dou:ble-space pos vb. def to type (copy) with a full space between lines. double standard 0. syl dou+ble stand+ard pos n. def a set of principles that allows greater freedom to one person or group than to another. double star 0. syl dou+ble star pos n. def two stars, appearing close together when viewed through a telescope; either physically associated ( see {binary star}) or not associated ({optical double star}) . double-stops infl head double-stop syl dou:ble-stops pos vb. double-stopping infl head double-stop syl dou:ble-stop:ping pos vb. double-stopped infl head double-stop syl dou:ble-stopped. pos vb. double-stop 0. syl dou:ble-stop pos vb. def to play (two notes or parts) simultaneously on a violin or related instrument by drawing the bow over two strings. double-system sound recording 0. syl dou:ble-sys:tem sound re+cord+ing pos n. qual Films. def a system in which picture and sound are taken simultaneously and the sound is recorded separately on magnetic tape. doublet ety C14: from Old French, from #7double doublet 1. syl dou+blet pron <1d^blit> pos n. usage formerly def a man's close-fitting jacket, with or without sleeves (esp. in the phrase {doublet and hose}.) doublet 2.a. syl dou+blet pron <1d^blit> pos n. def a pair of similar things, esp. two words deriving ultimately from the same source, for example and or and doublet 2.b. syl dou+blet pron <1d^blit> pos n. def one of such a pair. doublet 3. syl dou+blet pron <1d^blit> pos n. qual Jewellery. def a false gem made by welding a thin layer of a gemstone onto a coloured glass base or by fusing two small stones together to make a larger one. doublet 4.a. syl dou+blet pron <1d^blit> pos n. def a multiplet that has two members. doublet 4.b. syl dou+blet pron <1d^blit> pos n. def a closely spaced pair of related spectral lines. doublet 5. syl dou+blet pron <1d^blit> pos n. def Also called: {double}. the unintentional repetition of lines, words, or letters when composing. doublet 6. syl dou+blet pron <1d^blit> pos n. mod in; pl. def two dice each showing the same number of spots on one throw. double tackle 0. syl dou+ble tack+le pos n. def a lifting or pulling tackle in which a rope is passed around the twin pulleys of a pair of pulley blocks in sequence. double take 0. syl dou+ble take pos n. usage esp. in comedy def a delayed reaction by a person to a remark, situation, etc. double talk 1. syl dou+ble talk pos n. def rapid speech with a mixture of nonsense syllables and real words; gibberish. double talk 2. syl dou+ble talk pos n. def empty, deceptive, or ambiguous talk, esp. by politicians. doublethink 0. syl dou:ble+think pron <1d^bL2TiGk> pos n. def deliberate, perverse, or unconscious acceptance or promulgation of conflicting facts, principles, etc. double time 1. syl dou+ble time pos n. def a doubled wage rate, paid for working on public holidays, etc. double time 2.a. syl dou+ble time pos n. def a time twice as fast as an earlier section. double time 2.b. syl dou+ble time pos n. def two beats per bar. double time 3.a. syl dou+ble time pos n. def a fast march of 180 paces to the minute. double time 3.b. syl dou+ble time pos n. def a slow running pace, keeping in step. double-time infl head double time syl dou:ble-time. pos vb. double time 4. syl dou+ble time pos vb. def to move or cause to move in double time. doubleton 0. syl dou+ble+ton pron <1d^bLt*n> pos n. qual Bridge, etc. def an original holding of two cards only in a suit. double-tongues infl head double-tongue syl dou:ble-tongues pos vb. double-tonguing infl head double-tongue syl dou:ble-tongu:ing pos vb. double-tongued infl head double-tongue syl dou:ble-tongued. pos vb. double-tongue 0. syl dou:ble-tongue pos vb. qual Music. def to play (fast staccato passages) on a wind instrument by rapid obstruction and uncovering of the air passage through the lips with the tongue. Compare {single-tongue, triple-tongue}. double tonguing sub head double-tongue syl dou+ble tongu+ing pos n. double-tongued 0. syl dou:ble-tongued pos adj. def deceitful or hypocritical in speech. doubletree 0. syl dou:ble+tree pron <1d^bL2trE> pos n. def a horizontal pivoted bar on a vehicle to the ends of which whiffletrees are attached for harnessing two horses side by side. double up 1. syl dou+ble up pos vb. adv. def to bend or cause to bend in two. exam 1 he doubled up with the pain. double up 2. syl dou+ble up pos vb. adv. mod intr. def to share a room or bed designed for one person, family, etc. double up 3. syl dou+ble up pos vb. adv. mod intr. qual Brit. def to use the winnings from one bet as the stake for another. U.S. term: {parlay}. doubloon ety C17: from Spanish dobl*'on, from #7dobla dobl'on alt head doubloon or doubloon syl do+bl*'on pos n. doubloon 1. or dobl'on syl dou+bloon pron pos n. def a former Spanish gold coin. doubloon 2. or dobl'on syl dou+bloon pron pos n. mod in; pl. qual Slang. def money. doublure ety C19: from French: lining, from Old French doubler to make double doublure 0. syl dou+blure pron , French pos n. def a decorative lining of vellum or leather, etc. on the inside of a book cover. doubly 1. syl dou+bly pron <1d^bli> pos adv. def to or in a double degree, quantity, or measure. exam 1 doubly careful. doubly 2. syl dou+bly pron <1d^bli> pos adv. def in two ways. exam 1 doubly wrong. Doubs 0. syl Doubs qual French def du) Doubs 1. syl Doubs qual French def a department of E France, in Franche-Comt*'e region. Capital: Besan*,con. Pop.: 484483 (1975). Area: 5260 sq. km (2051 sq. miles). Doubs 2. syl Doubs qual French def a river in E France, rising in the Jura Mountains, becoming part of the border between France and Switzerland and flowing generally southwest to the Sa*^one River. Length: 430 km (267 miles). doubt ety C13: from Old French douter, from Latin dubit*_are &- #!doubt+a@.ble adj. doubt 1. syl doubt pron pos n. def uncertainty about the truth, fact, or existence of something (esp. in the phrases {in doubt, without doubt, beyond a shadow of doubt}, etc.). doubt 2. syl doubt pron pos n. mod often; pl. def lack of belief in or conviction about something. exam 1 all his doubts about the project disappeared. doubt 3. syl doubt pron pos n. def an unresolved difficulty, point, etc. doubt 4. syl doubt pron pos n. qual Obsolete. def fear. give (someone) the benefit of the doubt 5. head doubt syl give (someone) the benefit of the doubt. def to presume (someone suspected of guilt) innocent; judge leniently. no doubt 6. head doubt syl no doubt. def almost certainly. doubt 7. syl doubt pron pos vb. mod tr. usage may take a clause as object def to be inclined to disbelieve. exam 1 I doubt we are late. doubt 8. syl doubt pron pos vb. mod tr. def to distrust or be suspicious of. exam 1 he doubted their motives. doubt 9. syl doubt pron pos vb. mod intr. def to feel uncertainty or be undecided. doubt 10. syl doubt pron pos vb. mod tr. qual Archaic. def to fear. doubtably sub head doubt syl doubt+a:bly pos adv. doubter sub head doubt syl doubt+er pos n. doubtingly sub head doubt syl doubt+ing+ly doubtful 1. syl doubt+ful pron <1dautful> pos adj. def unlikely; improbable. doubtful 2. syl doubt+ful pron <1dautful> pos adj. def characterized by or causing doubt; uncertain. exam 1 a doubtful answer. doubtful 3. syl doubt+ful pron <1dautful> pos adj. def unsettled; unresolved. doubtful 4. syl doubt+ful pron <1dautful> pos adj. def of questionable reputation or moral?!ity. doubtful 5. syl doubt+ful pron <1dautful> pos adj. def having reservations or misgivings. doubtfully sub head doubtful syl doubt+ful+ly pos adv. doubtfulness sub head doubtful syl doubt+ful+ness pos n. doubting Thomas ety after T#7homas (the apostle), who did not believe that Jesus had been resurrected until he had proof doubting Thomas 0. syl doubt+ing Thom:as pos n. def a person who insists on proof before he will believe anything; sceptic. doubtless 1. syl doubt+less pron <1dautlis> pos adv. usage also def certainly. doubtless 2. syl doubt+less pron <1dautlis> pos adv. usage also def probably. doubtless 3. syl doubt+less pron <1dautlis> pos adj. usage also def certain; assured. doubtlessness sub head doubtless syl doubt+less+ness pos n. douc 0. syl douc pron pos n. def an Old World monkey, of SE Asia, with a bright yellow face surrounded by tufts of reddish-brown fur, a white tail, and white hindquarters: one of the langurs. douce ety C14: from Old French, feminine of dous, from Latin dulcis sweet douce 0. syl douce pron pos adj. qual Scot. and northern Brit. dialect. def quiet; sober; sedate. doucely sub head douce syl douce+ly pos adv. douceur ety C17: from French, from Late Latin dulcor, from Latin dulcis sweet douceur 1. syl dou+ceur pron , French pos n. def a gratuity, tip, or bribe. douceur 2. syl dou+ceur pron , French pos n. def sweetness. douche ety C18: from French, from Italian doccia, pipe; related to Latin ductus #7duct douche 1. syl douche pron pos n. def a stream of water or air directed onto the body surface or into a body cavity, for cleansing or medical purposes. douche 2. syl douche pron pos n. def the application of such a stream of water or air. douche 3. syl douche pron pos n. def an instrument, such as a special syringe, for applying a douche. douche 4. syl douche pron pos vb. def to cleanse or treat or be cleansed or treated by means of a douche. dough ety Old English d*_ag; related to Old Norse deig, Gothic daigs, Old High German teig dough, Sanskrit degdhi he daubs; see #7dairy, {duff %1}#7, lady dough 1. syl dough pron pos n. def a thick mixture of flour or meal and water or milk, used for making bread, pastry, etc. dough 2. syl dough pron pos n. def any similar pasty mass. dough 3. syl dough pron pos n. qual Chiefly U.S. def a slang word for {money}. doughboy 1. syl dough+boy pron <1d*u2bci> pos n. qual U.S. informal. def an infantryman, esp. in World War I. doughboy 2. syl dough+boy pron <1d*u2bci> pos n. def dough that is boiled or steamed as a dumpling. donut alt head doughnut or doughnut syl do+nut pron <1d*un^t> pos n. doughnut 1. or donut syl dough+nut pron <1d*un^t> pos n. def a small cake of sweetened dough, often ring-shaped or spherical with a jam or cream filling, cooked in hot fat. doughnut 2. or donut syl dough+nut pron <1d*un^t> pos n. def anything shaped like a ring, such as the reaction vessel of a thermonuclear reactor. doughty ety Old English dohtig; related to Old High German toht worth, Middle Dutch duchtich strong, Greek tukh*_e luck doughtier infl head doughty syl dough+ti+er pos adj. doughtiest infl head doughty syl dough+ti+est. pos adj. doughty 0. syl dough+ty pron <1dauti> pos adj. def hardy; resolute. doughtily sub head doughty syl dough+ti+ly pos adv. doughtiness sub head doughty syl dough+ti+ness pos n. Charles Montagu infl head Doughty syl Charles Mon:ta:gu. pos n. Doughty 0. syl Dough:ty pron <1dauti> pos n. def 1843-1926, English writer and traveller; author of (1888). doughier infl head doughy syl dough:i+er pos adj. doughiest infl head doughy syl dough:i+est. pos adj. doughy 0. syl dough:y pron <1d*ui> pos adj. def resembling dough in consistency, colour, etc.; soft, pallid, or flabby. Douglas H1.0. syl Doug+las pron <1d^gl*s> pos n. def a town and resort on the Isle of Man, capital of the island, on the E coast. Pop.: 20385 (1971). Clifford Hugh 1. head Douglas syl Clif:ford Hugh. def 1879-1952, English economist, who originated the theory of social credit. Gavin 2. head Douglas syl Gav:in. def ??1474-1522, Scottish poet, the first British translator of the (George) Norman 3. head Douglas syl (George) Nor:man. def 1868-1952, English writer, esp. of books on southern Italy such as (1917). Douglas fir ety C19: named after David Douglas (1798-1834), Scottish botanist Douglaspruce infl head Douglas fir or hemlock syl Doug+laspruce pos n. hemlock infl head Douglas fir or Douglaspruce syl hem+lock pos n. Douglas fir 0. syl Doug+las fir pos n. def a North American pyramidal coniferous tree, widely planted for ornament and for timber, having needle-like leaves and hanging cones: family Also called: {Oregon fir, Oregon pine}. Douglas-Home 0. syl Doug:las-Home pron <1d^gl*s> <1hju:m> pos n. def Sir {Al@.ex@.an@.der (Alec}) . See (Baron Alexander) {Home}. Douglas scale ety C20: named after Sir Henry Douglas (1876-1939), former director of the British Naval Meteoro?!logical Service Douglas scale 0. syl Doug+las scale pos n. def an international scale of sea disturbance and swell ranging from 0 to 9 with one figure for disturbance and one for swell. Dukhobors alt head Doukhobors or Doukhobors syl Du+kho+bors pron <1du:k*u2bc:z> pos n. mod pl. Doukhobors 0. or Dukhobors syl Dou+kho+bors pron <1du:k*u2bc:z> pos n. mod pl. def a Russian sect of Christians that originated in the 18th century. In the late 19th century a large minority emigrated to W Canada, where most Doukhobors now live. douma 0. syl dou+ma pron Russian. <1dum*> pos n. def a variant spelling of {duma}. doum palm ety C19 doum, via French from Arabic dawm doom palm alt head doum palm or doum palm syl doom palm pron pos n. doum palm 0. or doom palm syl doum palm pron pos n. def an Egyptian palm tree, with a divided trunk and edible apple-sized fruits. do up 0. syl do up pos vb. adv. exam 1 mainly tr.) do up 1. syl do up pos vb. adv. def to wrap and make into a bundle. exam 1 to do up a parcel. do up 2. syl do up pos vb. adv. def to cause the downfall of (a person). do up 3. syl do up pos vb. adv. def to beautify or adorn. do up 4. syl do up pos vb. adv. mod also; intr. def to fasten or be fastened. exam 1 this skirt does up at the back. do up 5. syl do up pos vb. adv. qual Informal. def to renovate or re?!decorate. do up 6. syl do up pos vb. adv. qual Slang. def to assault. dour ety C14: probably from Latin d*_urus hard dour 1. syl dour pron pos adj. def sullen. dour 2. syl dour pron pos adj. def hard or obstinate. dourly sub head dour syl dour+ly pos adv. dourness sub head dour syl dour+ness pos n. doura 0. syl dou+ra pron <1du*r*> pos n. def a variant spelling of {durra}. dourine ety C19: from French, from Arabic darina to be dirty, scabby dourine 0. syl dou+rine pron <1du*rEn> pos n. def an infectious disease of horses characterized by swollen glands, inflamed genitals, and paralysis of the hindquarters, caused by the protozoan contracted during copulation. Douro 0. syl Dou+ro pron <1du*r*u>, Portuguese <1doru> pos n. def a river in SW Europe, rising in N central Spain and flowing west to NE Portugal, then south as part of the border between the two countries and finally west to the Atlantic. Length: 895 km (556 miles). Spanish name: {Duero}. douroucouli ety from a native South American name douroucouli 0. syl dou+rou+cou+li pron <2du:ru:1ku:li> pos n. def a nocturnal omnivorous New World monkey, of Central and South America, with large eyes, thick fur, and a round head with pale and dark markings. douse ety C16: perhaps related to obsolete douse to strike, of obscure origin dowse alt head douse or douse syl dowse pron pos vb. douse H1.1. or dowse syl douse pron pos vb. def to plunge or be plunged into water or some other liquid; duck. douse H1.2. or dowse syl douse pron pos vb. mod tr. def to drench with water, esp. in order to wash or clean. douse H1.3. or dowse syl douse pron pos vb. mod tr. def to put out (a light, candle, etc.). douse H1.4. or dowse syl douse pron pos n. def an immersion. douser sub head douse or dowser syl dous+er pos n. dowser sub head douse or douser syl dows+er pos n. douse ety C16: of uncertain origin; perhaps related to #7douse %1 douse H2.1. syl douse pron pos vb. mod tr. qual Nautical. def to lower (sail) quickly. douse H2.2. syl douse pron pos vb. mod tr. qual Archaic. def to take off (clothes, esp. a hat). douse H2.3. syl douse pron pos vb. mod tr. qual Archaic. def to strike or beat. douse H2.4. syl douse pron pos n. mod tr. qual Archaic. def a blow. douzepers ety C13: from Old French douze pers; see #7dozen, {peer %1} douzepers 0. syl douze+pers pron <1du:z2pe*z> pos n. mod pl. qual French history. def the 12 great peers of the realm, seen as the symbolic heirs of Charlemagne's 12 chosen peers. DOVAP ety C20: from Do (ppler) v (elocity) a (nd) p (osition) DOVAP 0. syl DOVAP pron <1d*u2v@p> pos n. def a tracking system for determining the position and velocity of spacecraft, missiles, etc., based on the Doppler effect. dove ety Old English d*_ufe (unattested except as a feminine proper name); related to Old Saxon d*_ubva, Old High German t*_uba dove H1.1. syl dove pos d^v; n. def any of various birds of the family having a heavy body, small head, short legs, and long pointed wings: order They are typically smaller than pigeons. dove H1.2. syl dove pos d^v; n. def a gentle or innocent person: used as a term of endearment. dove H1.3. syl dove pos d^v; n. qual Politics. def a person opposed to war. Compare {{hawk} %1 (sense 3)}. dove H1.4.a. syl dove pos d^v; n. def a greyish brown colour. dove H1.4.b. syl dove pos as; adj. def . exam 1 dove walls. dovelike sub head dove syl dove+2like pos adj. dovish sub head dove syl dov+ish pos adj. dove H2.0. syl dove pron pos vb. qual Chiefly U.S. def a past tense of {dive}. the infl head Dove syl the. pos d^v; n. qual Ecclesiast. Dove 0. syl Dove pos d^v; n. def a manifestation of the Holy Ghost (John 1:32). dovecot alt head dovecote or dovecote syl dove+cot pron <1d^v2kot> pos n. dovecote 0. or dovecot syl dove+cote pron <1d^v2k*ut> pos n. def a structure set on a pole or in a building, for housing pigeons. dovekie ety C19: Scottish diminutive of #7dove %1 dovekey alt head dovekie or dovekie syl dove+key pron <1d^vki> pos n. dovekie 0. or dovekey syl dove+kie pron <1d^vki> pos n. def another name for the {little auk} (see {auk) }. Dover 1. syl Do+ver pron <1d*uv*> pos n. def a port in SE England, in E Kent on the Strait of Dover: the only one of the Cinque Ports that is still important; a stronghold since ancient times and Caesar's first point of attack in the invasion of Britain (55 #7b.c.) #7. Pop.: 34322 (1971). Strait of 2. head Dover syl Strait of. def a strait between SE England and N France, linking the English Channel with the North Sea. Width: about 32 km (20 miles). French name: {Pas de Calais}. Dover's powder ety C19: named after Thomas Dover (1660-1742), English physician Dover's powder 0. syl Do:ver's pow+der pos n. def a preparation of opium and ipecac, formerly used to relieve pain, induce sweating, and check spasms. dovetail 1. syl dove+tail pron <1d^v2tAl> pos n. def a wedge-shaped tenon. dovetail 2. syl dove+tail pron <1d^v2tAl> pos n. def Also called: {dovetail joint}. a joint containing such tenons. {~} dovetail 3. syl dove+tail pron <1d^v2tAl> pos n. mod tr. def to join by means of dovetails. dovetail 4. syl dove+tail pron <1d^v2tAl> pos n. def to fit or cause to fit together closely or neatly. exam 1 he dovetailed his arguments to the desired conclusion. dow ety Old English dugan (unattested) to be worthy; see #7doughty dows infl head dow syl dows pos vb. mod intr. dowing infl head dow syl dow+ing pos vb. mod intr. dowed infl head dow or dought syl dowed pos vb. mod intr. dought infl head dow or dowed syl dought. pos vb. mod intr. dow 1. syl dow pron , pos vb. mod intr. qual Scot. and northern Brit. dialect. def to be able. dow 2. syl dow pron , pos vb. mod intr. qual Scot. and northern Brit. dialect. def to do well. Dow 0. syl Dow pron , Dutch pos n. def See (Gerard) {Dou}. dowable 1. syl dow+a:ble pron <1dau*bL> pos adj. qual Law. def capable of being endowed. dowable 2. syl dow+a:ble pron <1dau*bL> pos adj. qual Law. usage of a person, esp. a widow def entitled to dower. dowager ety C16: from Old French douagiere, from douage #7dower dowager 1.a. syl dow:a+ger pron <1dau*J*> pos n. def a widow possessing property or a title obtained from her husband. dowager 1.b. syl dow:a+ger pron <1dau*J*> pos n. usage as modifier exam 1 the dowager duchess. dowager 2. syl dow:a+ger pron <1dau*J*> pos n. def a wealthy or dignified elderly woman. Dowding 0. syl Dow:ding pron <1daudiG> pos n. def Baron {Hugh Cas@.wall Tre@.men@.heere}, nicknamed 1882-1970, British air chief marshal. As commander in chief of Fighter Command (1936-40), he contributed greatly to the British victory in the Battle of Britain (1940). dowdy ety C14: dowd slut, of unknown origin dowdier infl head dowdy syl dow+di+er pos adj. dowdiest infl head dowdy syl dow+di+est. pos adj. dowdy 1. syl dow+dy pron <1daudi> pos adj. usage esp. of a woman or a woman's dress def shabby or old-fashioned. dowdies infl head dowdy syl dow+dies. pos n. mod pl. dowdy 2. syl dow+dy pron <1daudi> pos n. def a dowdy woman. dowdily sub head dowdy syl dow+di+ly pos adv. dowdiness sub head dowdy syl dow+di+ness pos n. dowdyish sub head dowdy syl dow+dy+ish pos adj. dowel ety C14: from Middle Low German d*"ovel plug, from Old High German tubili; related to Greek thuphos wedge dowel 0. syl dow+el pron <1dau*l> pos n. qual Carpentry, cabinetmaking. def a wooden or metal peg that fits into two corresponding holes to join two adjacent parts. Also called: {dowel pin}. dower ety C14: from Old French douaire, from Medieval Latin d*_ot*_arium, from Latin d*_os gift dower 1. syl dow+er pron <1dau*> pos n. def the life interest in a part of her husband's estate allotted to a widow by law. dower 2. syl dow+er pron <1dau*> pos n. def an archaic word for { {dowry} (sense 1).} dower 3. syl dow+er pron <1dau*> pos n. def a natural gift or talent. dower 4. syl dow+er pron <1dau*> pos vb. mod tr. def to endow. dowerless sub head dower syl dow+er+less pos adj. dower house 0. syl dow+er house pos n. def a house set apart for the use of a widow, often on her deceased husband's estate. doweries infl head dowery syl dow+er:ies. pos n. mod pl. dowery 0. syl dow+er:y pron <1dau*ri> pos n. def a variant spelling of {dowry}. dowie ety C16: variant of dolly, probably from dol #7dull dowy infl head dowie or dowly syl do:wy pron <1daui>, <1d*ui> pos adj. dowly infl head dowie or dowy syl dow+ly pron <1dauli>, <1d*uli> pos adj. dowier infl head dowie syl do+wi+er pos adj. dowiest infl head dowie syl do+wi+est. pos adj. dowie 0. syl do+wie pron <1daui>, <1d*ui> pos adj. qual Northern Brit. dialect. def dull, melancholy, or dismal. dowitcher ety C19: of Iroquoian origin dowitcher 0. syl dow+itch+er pron <1dauiC*> pos n. def either of two snipelike shore birds, or of arctic and subarctic North America: family (sandpipers, etc.), order could 1. head do with or can do with syl could def to find useful; benefit from. exam 1 she could do with a good night's sleep. have to do with 2. head do with syl have to do with. def to be involved in or connected with. exam 1 his illness has a lot to do with his failing the exam. to do with 3. head do with syl to do with. def concerning; related to. do with 4.a. syl do with pos vb. def to put or place. exam 1 what did you do with my coat?? do with 4.b. syl do with pos vb. def to handle or treat. exam 1 what are we going to do with these hooligans?? do with 4.c. syl do with pos vb. def to fill one's time usefully. exam 1 she didn't know what to do with herself when the project was finished. do without 1. syl do with+out pos vb. mod intr. def to forgo; manage without. exam 1 I can't do without cigarettes. do without 2. syl do with+out pos prep. mod intr. def not to require (uncalled-for comments or advice). exam 1 we can do without your criticisms thank you. Dow-Jones average ety C20: named after Charles H. Dow (died 1902) and Edward D. Jones (died 1920), American financial statisticians Dow-Jones average 0. syl Dow-Jones av+er+age pos n. qual U.S. def a daily index of stock-exchange prices based on the average price of a selected number of securities. John infl head Dowland syl John. pos n. Dowland 0. syl Dow:land pron <1daul*nd> pos n. def ??1563-1626, English lutenist and composer of songs and lute music. down ety Old English d*_une, short for ad*_une, variant of of d*_une, literally: from the hill, from of, #7off + d*_un hill; see #7down %3 down H1.1. syl down pron pos prep. def used to indicate movement from a higher to a lower position. exam 1 they went down the mountain. down H1.2. syl down pron pos prep. def at a lower or further level or position on, in, or along. exam 1 he ran down the street. down H1.3. syl down pron pos prep. def downwards; at or to a lower level or position. exam 1 don't fall down. down H1.4. syl down pron pos prep. usage particle def used with many verbs when the result of the verb's action is to lower or destroy its object. exam 1 pull down; exam 2 knock down; exam 3 bring down. down H1.5. syl down pron pos prep. usage particle def used with several verbs to indicate intensity or completion. exam 1 calm down. down H1.6. syl down pron pos prep. def immediate. exam 1 cash down; exam 2 a down payment. down H1.7. syl down pron pos prep. def on paper. exam 1 write this down. down H1.8. syl down pron pos prep. def arranged; scheduled. exam 1 the meeting is down for next week. down H1.9. syl down pron pos prep. def in a helpless position. exam 1 they had him down on the ground. down H1.10.a. syl down pron pos prep. def away from a more important place. exam 1 down from London. down H1.10.b. syl down pron pos prep. def away from a more northerly place. exam 1 down from Scotland. down H1.10.c. syl down pron pos prep. usage of a member of some British universities def away from the university; on vacation. down H1.10.d. syl down pron pos prep. def in a particular part of a country. exam 1 down south. down H1.11. syl down pron pos prep. usage Nautical. of a helm def having the rudder to windward. down H1.12. syl down pron pos prep. def reduced to a state of lack or want. exam 1 down to the last pound. down H1.13. syl down pron pos prep. def lacking a specified amount. exam 1 at the end of the day the cashier was ten pounds down. down H1.14. syl down pron pos prep. def lower in price. exam 1 bacon is down. down H1.15. syl down pron pos prep. def including all intermediate terms, grades, people, etc.. exam 1 from managing director down to tea-lady. down H1.16. syl down pron pos prep. def from an earlier to a later time. exam 1 the heirloom was handed down. down H1.17. syl down pron pos prep. def to a finer or more concentrated state. exam 1 to grind down; exam 2 boil down. down H1.18. syl down pron pos prep. qual Sport. def being a specified number of points, goals, etc. behind another competitor, team, etc.. exam 1 six goals down. down H1.19. syl down pron pos prep. usage of a person def being inactive, owing to illness. exam 1 down with flu. down with infl head down syl down with. pos prep. down H1.21. syl down pron pos prep. def wanting the end of somebody or something. exam 1 down with the king&! down H1.22. syl down pron pos prep. usage postpositive def depressed or miserable. down H1.23. syl down pron pos prep. usage prenominal def of or relating to a train or trains from a more important place or one regarded as higher. exam 1 the down line. down H1.24. syl down pron pos prep. mod tr. def to knock, push or pull down. down H1.25. syl down pron pos prep. mod intr. def to go or come down. down H1.26. syl down pron pos prep. mod tr. qual Informal. def to drink, esp. quickly. exam 1 he downed three gins. down H1.27. syl down pron pos prep. mod tr. def to bring (someone) down, esp. by tackling. {~} down H1.28. syl down pron pos prep. def a descent; downward movement. down H1.29. syl down pron pos prep. def a lowering or a poor period (esp. in the phrase {ups and downs}) . have a down on 30. head down syl have a down on. qual Informal. def to bear ill will towards (someone or something). down ety C14: of Scandinavian origin; related to Old Norse d*_unn down H2.1. syl down pron pos n. def the soft fine feathers with free barbs that cover the body of a bird and prevent loss of heat. In the adult they lie beneath and between the contour feathers. down H2.2. syl down pron pos n. def another name for { {eiderdown} (sense 1).} down H2.3. syl down pron pos n. qual Botany. def a fine coating of soft hairs, as on certain leaves, fruits, and seeds. down H2.4. syl down pron pos n. def any growth or coating of soft fine hair, such as that on the human face. down ety Old English d*_un; related to Old Frisian d*_une Old Saxon d*_una hill, Old Irish d*_un fortress, Greek this sandbank; see #7dune, town down H3.0. syl down pron pos n. qual Archaic. def a hill, esp. a sand dune. {~} See also {downs}. Down 0. syl Down pron pos n. def a county of SE Northern Ireland, on the Irish Sea: generally hilly, rising to the Mountains of Mourne. County town: Downpatrick. Pop.: 310617 (1971). Area: 2465 sq. km (952 sq. miles). downbeat 1. syl down+beat pron <1daun2bEt> pos n. qual Music. def the first beat of a bar or the downward gesture of a conductor's baton indicating this. Compare {upbeat}. downbeat 2. syl down+beat pron <1daun2bEt> pos adj. qual Informal. def depressed; gloomy. downbeat 3. syl down+beat pron <1daun2bEt> pos adj. qual Informal. def relaxed; unemphatic. down-bow 0. syl down-bow pron <1daun2b*u> pos n. def a downward stroke of the bow from its nut to its tip across a stringed instrument. Compare {up-bow}. downcast 1. syl down+cast pron <1daun2ka:st> pos adj. def dejected. downcast 2. syl down+cast pron <1daun2ka:st> pos adj. usage esp. of the eyes def directed downwards. downcast 3. syl down+cast pron <1daun2ka:st> pos n. qual Mining. def a ventilation shaft. downcast 4. syl down+cast pron <1daun2ka:st> pos n. qual Geology. def another word for {downthrow}. downcome 1. syl down+come pron <1daun2k^m> pos n. qual Archaic. def downfall. downcome 2. syl down+come pron <1daun2k^m> pos n. def another name for {downcomer}. downcomer 0. syl down+com+er pron <1daun2k^m*> pos n. def a pipe that connects a cistern to a W.C., wash basin, etc. Also called: {downcome}. downer 1. syl down+er pron <1daun*> pos n. qual Slang. def Also called: {down}. a barbiturate or tranquillizer pill which reverses the effect of a stimulant. Compare {upper}. downer 2. syl down+er pron <1daun*> pos n. qual Slang. def a depressing experience. downfall 1. syl down+fall pron <1daun2fc:l> pos n. def a sudden loss of position, health, or reputation. downfall 2. syl down+fall pron <1daun2fc:l> pos n. def a fall of rain, snow, etc., esp. a sudden heavy one. downfall 3. syl down+fall pron <1daun2fc:l> pos n. def another word for { {deadfall.}} downfallen 1. syl down+fall:en pron <1daun2fc:l*n> pos adj. usage of a building, etc. def decrep?!it. downfallen 2. syl down+fall:en pron <1daun2fc:l*n> pos adj. usage Chiefly U.S. of a person def ruined; fallen. downgrade 1. syl down+grade pron <1daun2grAd> pos vb. mod tr. def to reduce in importance, esteem, or value, esp. to demote (a person) to a poorer job. downgrade 2. syl down+grade pron <1daun2grAd> pos vb. mod tr. def to speak of disparagingly. downgrade 3. syl down+grade pron <1daun2grAd> pos n. mod tr. qual Chiefly U.S. def a downward slope, esp. in a road. on the downgrade 4. head downgrade syl on the downgrade. def waning in importance, popularity, health, etc. downhaul 0. syl down+haul pron <1daun2hc:l> pos n. qual Nautical. def a line for hauling down a sail or for increasing the tension at its luff. downhearted 0. syl down+heart:ed pron <2daun1ha:tid> pos adj. def discouraged; dejected. downheartedly sub head downhearted syl down+1heart:ed+ly pos adv. downheartedness sub head downhearted syl down+1heart:ed+ness pos n. downhill 1. syl down+hill pron <1daun1hil> pos adj. def going or sloping down. downhill 2. syl down+hill pron <1daun1hil> pos adv. def towards the bottom of a hill; downwards. go downhill 3. head downhill syl go downhill. qual Informal. def to decline; deteriorate. downhill 4. syl down+hill pron <1daun1hil> pos n. def the downward slope of a hill; descent. downhill 5. syl down+hill pron <1daun1hil> pos n. def a competitive event in which skiers are timed in a downhill run. Downing Street ety named after Sir George Downing (1623-84), English statesman Downing Street 1. syl Down+ing Street pron <1dauniG> pos n. def a street in W central London, in Westminster: official residences of the prime minister of Great Britain and the chancellor of the exchequer. Downing Street 2. syl Down+ing Street pron <1dauniG> pos n. qual Informal. def the prime minister or the British Government. down-market 0. syl down-mar:ket pos adj. def relating to commercial products, services, etc., that are cheap, have little prestige, or are poor in quality. Downpatrick 0. syl Down+pat+rick pron <2daun1p@trik> pos n. def a market town in Northern Ireland, county town of Co. Down: associated with Saint Patrick who is said to have been buried here. Pop.: 3642 (1971). down payment 0. syl down pay+ment pos n. def the deposit paid on an item purchased on hire-purchase, mortgage, etc. downpipe 0. syl down+pipe pron <1daun2pIp> pos n. qual Brit. def a pipe for carrying rainwater from a roof gutter to the ground or to a drain. Also called: {rainwater pipe, drainpipe}. Usual U.S. name: {downspout}. downpour 0. syl down+pour pron <1daun2pc:> pos n. def a heavy continuous fall of rain. downrange 0. syl down+range pron <1daun1rAnJ> pos adj. adv. def in the direction of the intended flight path of a rocket or missile. downright 1. syl down+right pron <1daun2rIt> pos adj. def frank or straightforward; blunt. exam 1 downright speech. downright 2. syl down+right pron <1daun2rIt> pos adj. qual Archaic. def directed or pointing straight down. downrightly sub head downright syl down+2right+ly pos adv. downrightness sub head downright syl down+2right+ness pos n. downs 0. syl downs pron pos n. mod pl. def rolling upland, esp. in the chalk areas of S Britain, characterized by lack of trees and used mainly as pasture. Also called: {downland}. the infl head Downs syl the. pos n. Downs 1. syl Downs pron pos n. def any of various ranges of low chalk hills in S England, esp. the {South Downs} in Sussex. Downs 2. syl Downs pron pos n. def a roadstead off the SE coast of Kent, protected by the Goodwin Sands. downspout 0. syl down+spout pron <1daun2spaut> pos n. def a U.S. name for {downpipe}. Down's syndrome ety C19: after John Langdon-Down (1828-96), English physician Down's syndrome 0. syl Down's syn+drome pos n. qual Pathol. def another term for {mongolism}. downstage 1. syl down+stage pron <1daun1stAJ> pos adv. qual Theatre. def at or towards the front of the stage. downstage 2. syl down+stage pron <1daun1stAJ> pos adj. qual Theatre. def of or relating to the front of the stage. downstage 3. syl down+stage pron <1daun1stAJ> pos n. qual Theatre. def the front half of the stage. downstairs 1. syl down+stairs pron <1daun1stA*z> pos adv. def down the stairs; to or on a lower floor. downstairs 2.a. syl down+stairs pron <1daun1stA*z> pos n. def a lower or ground floor. downstairs 2.b. syl down+stairs pron <1daun1stA*z> pos n. usage as modifier exam 1 a downstairs room. downstairs 3. syl down+stairs pron <1daun1stA*z> pos n. qual Brit. informal. def the servants of a household collectively. Compare { {upstairs} (sense 6).} downstate 1. syl down+state pron <1daun2stAt> qual U.S. adj. def in, or relating to the part of the state away from large cities, esp. the southern part. {~} towards the southern part of a state. {~} the southern part of a state. downstream 0. syl down+stream pron <1daun1strEm> pos adv. adj. def in or towards the lower part of a stream; with the current. downswing 1. syl down+swing pron <1daun2swiG> pos n. def Also called: {downturn}. a statistical downward trend in business activity, the death rate, etc. downswing 2. syl down+swing pron <1daun2swiG> pos n. qual Golf. def the downward movement or line of a club when striking the ball. downthrow 1. syl down+throw pron <1daun2Tr*u> pos n. def the state of throwing down or being thrown down. downthrow 2. syl down+throw pron <1daun2Tr*u> pos n. qual Geology. def the sinking of rocks on one side of a fault plane. down-to-earth 0. syl down-to-earth pos adj. def sensible; practical; realistic. downtown 1. syl down+town pron <1daun1taun> pos n. qual U.S. def the central or lower part of a city, esp. the main commercial area. downtown 2. syl down+town pron <1daun1taun> pos adv. qual U.S. def towards, to, or into this area. downtown 3. syl down+town pron <1daun1taun> pos adj. qual U.S. def of, relating to, or situated in the downtown area. exam 1 downtown Manhattan. downtowner sub head downtown syl down+1town+er pos n. downtrod alt head downtrodden or downtrodden syl down+trod pos adj. downtrodden 1. or downtrod syl down+trod+den pron <1daun2trodN> pos adj. def subjugated; oppressed. downtrodden 2. or downtrod syl down+trod+den pron <1daun2trodN> pos adj. def trodden down; trampled. downturn 0. syl down+turn pron <1daun2tR:n> pos n. def another term for { {downswing} (sense 1).} down under 1. syl down un+der pos n. qual Informal. def Australia or New Zealand. down under 2. syl down un+der pos adv. qual Informal. def in or to Australia or New Zealand. downward 1. syl down+ward pron <1daunw*d> pos adj. def descending from a higher to a lower level, condition, position, etc. downward 2. syl down+ward pron <1daunw*d> pos adj. def descending from a beginning. downward 3. syl down+ward pron <1daunw*d> pos adv. def a variant of {downwards}. downwardly sub head downward syl down+ward+ly pos adv. downwardness sub head downward syl down+ward+ness pos n. downward mobility 0. syl down+ward mo+bil+i:ty pos n. def the movement of an individual, social group, or class to a lower status. Compare {upward mobility}. See also {horizontal mobility, vertical mobility}. downward alt head downwards or downwards syl down+ward pos adv. downwards 1. or downward syl down+wards pron <1daunw*dz> pos adv. def from a higher to a lower place, level, etc. downwards 2. or downward syl down+wards pron <1daunw*dz> pos adv. def from an earlier time or source to a later. exam 1 from the Tudors downwards. downwash 0. syl down+wash pron <1daun2woS> pos n. def the downward deflection of an airflow, esp. one caused by an aerofoil of an aircraft. downwind 1. syl down+wind pron <1daun1wind> pos adv. adj. def in the same direction towards which the wind is blowing; with the wind from behind. downwind 2. syl down+wind pron <1daun1wind> pos adv. adj. def towards or on the side away from the wind; leeward. downier infl head downy syl down:i+er pos adj. downiest infl head downy syl down:i+est. pos adj. downy 1. syl down:y pron <1dauni> pos adj. def covered with soft fine hair or feathers. downy 2. syl down:y pron <1dauni> pos adj. def light, soft, and fluffy. downy 3. syl down:y pron <1dauni> pos adj. def made from or filled with down. downy 4. syl down:y pron <1dauni> pos adj. def resembling downs; undulating. downy 5. syl down:y pron <1dauni> pos adj. qual Brit. slang. def sharp. downiness sub head downy syl down:i+ness pos n. downy mildew 1. syl down:y mil+dew pos n. def a serious plant disease, characterized by yellowish patches on the undersurface of the leaves, caused by the parasitic fungi of the family such as affects onions, cauliflower, lettuce, etc. downy mildew 2. syl down:y mil+dew pos n. def any of the fungi causing this disease. downy mildew xref syl down:y mil+dew pos n. def Compare {powdery mildew}. dowry ety C14: from Anglo-French douarie, from Medieval Latin d*_ot*_arium; see #7dower dowery alt head dowry or dowry syl dow+er:y pos n. dowries infl head dowry or doweries syl dow+ries pos n. mod pl. doweries infl head dowry or dowries syl dow+er:ies. pos n. mod pl. dowry 1. or dowery syl dow+ry pron <1dau*ri> pos n. def the money or property brought by a woman to her husband at marriage. dowry 2. or dowery syl dow+ry pron <1dau*ri> pos n. usage esp. formerly def a gift made by a man to his bride or her parents. dowry 3. or dowery syl dow+ry pron <1dau*ri> pos n. qual Ecclesiast. def a sum of money required on entering certain orders of nuns. dowry 4. or dowery syl dow+ry pron <1dau*ri> pos n. def a natural talent or gift. dowry 5. or dowery syl dow+ry pron <1dau*ri> pos n. qual Obsolete. def a widow's dower. dowsabel ety C16: from Latin Dulcibella feminine given name, from dulcis sweet+ bellus beautiful dowsabel 0. syl dow+sa+bel pron <1du:s*2bel>, <1daus-> pos n. def an obsolete word for {sweetheart}. dowse H1.0. syl dowse pron pos vb. n. n. def a variant spelling of {douse%1}. dowser sub head dowse syl dows+er pos n. dowse ety C17: of unknown origin dowse H2.0. syl dowse pron pos vb. mod intr. def to search for underground water, minerals, etc., using a divining rod; divine. dowser sub head dowse syl dows+er pos n. dowsing rod 0. syl dows+ing rod pron <1dauziG> pos n. def another name for {divining rod}. Ernest (Christopher) infl head Dowson syl Er:nest (Christopher) . pos n. Dowson 0. syl Dow:son pron <1dausN> pos n. def 1867-1900, English Decadent poet noted for his lyric doxastic ety C18: from Greek doxastikos having an opinion, ultimately from doxazein to conjecture doxastic 0. syl dox+as+tic pron pos adj. qual Logic. def of or relating to belief. doxographer 0. syl dox+og+ra+pher pron <2doks1ogr*f*> pos n. qual Rare. def a person who collects the opinions and conjectures of ancient Greek philoso?!phers. from New Latin from Greek opinion, conjecture+ writer] &- {@!dox@.o+#!graph+ic} &- {@!dox+#!og+raph@.y} doxology ety C17: from Medieval Latin doxologia, from Greek, from doxologos uttering praise, from doxa praise; see -#7logy doxologies infl head doxology syl dox+ol+o:gies. pos n. mod pl. doxology 0. syl dox+ol+o:gy pron pos n. def a hymn, verse, or form of words in Christian liturgy glorifying God. doxological sub head doxology syl dox:o+log:i+cal pron <2doks*1loJikL> pos adj. doxologically sub head doxology syl dox:o+1log:i+cal+ly pos adv. doxy ety C18: independent use of -doxy as in orthodoxy, heterodoxy doxie alt head doxy or doxy syl dox:ie pron <1doksi> pos n. doxies infl head doxy syl dox:ies. pos n. mod pl. doxy H1.0. or doxie syl dox:y pron <1doksi> pos n. def opinion or doctrine, esp. concerning religious matters. doxy ety C16: probably from Middle Flemish docke doll; compare Middle Dutch docke doll doxies infl head doxy syl dox:ies. pos n. mod pl. doxy H2.0. syl dox:y pron <1doksi> pos n. qual Archaic slang. def a prostitute or mistress. doyen ety C17: from French, from Late Latin dec*_anus leader of a group of ten; see #7dean doyen 0. syl doy+en pron <1dci*n>, French pos n. def the senior member of a group, profession, or society. doyenne sub head doyen syl doy+enne pron , French pos n. mod fem. Doyle 0. syl Doyle pron pos n. def See (Sir Arthur) {Conan Doyle}. doyley 0. syl doy+ley pron <1dcili> pos n. def a variant spelling of {doily}. Richard infl head D'Oyly Carte syl Rich:ard. pos n. D'Oyly Carte 0. syl D'Oyly Carte pron <1dcili> <1ka:t> pos n. def 1844-1901, English impresario noted for his productions of the operettas of Gilbert and Sullivan. doz 0. syl doz. qual abbrev. for def dozen. doze ety C17: probably from Old Norse d*_us lull; related to Danish d*"ose to drowse, Swedish dialect dusa slumber doze 1. syl doze pron pos vb. mod intr. def to sleep lightly or intermittently. doze 2. syl doze pron pos vb. mod intr. usage often foll. by off def to fall into a light sleep. doze 3. syl doze pron pos n. mod intr. def a short sleep. dozer sub head doze syl doz+er pos n. dozen ety C13: from Old French douzaine, from douze twelve, from Latin duodecim, from duo two+ decem ten dozen 1.a. syl doz+en pron <1d^zN> pos determiner. def twelve or a group of twelve. exam 1 a dozen eggs; exam 2 two dozen oranges. dozen 1.b. syl doz+en pron <1d^zN> pos determiner. mod as pronoun; functioning as; sing. pl. exam 1 give me a dozen; exam 2 there are at least a dozen who haven't arrived yet. dozens infl head dozen or dozen syl doz+ens pos n. mod pl. dozen infl or dozens syl doz+en. pos n. mod pl. daily dozen 2. head dozen syl daily dozen. qual Brit. def regular physical exercises. by the dozen 3. head dozen syl by the dozen. def in large quantities. baker's dozen 4. head dozen syl baker's dozen. def thirteen. talk nineteen to the dozen 5. head dozen syl talk nineteen to the dozen. def to talk without stopping. dozenth sub head dozen syl doz+enth pos adj. dozer 0. syl doz+er pron <1d*uz*> pos n. qual Brit. def short for {bulldozer}. dozens 0. syl doz+ens pron <1d^zNz> pos n. mod pl. qual Informal. usage usually foll. by of def a lot. exam 1 I've got dozens of things to do. dozier infl head dozy syl doz:i+er pos adj. doziest infl head dozy syl doz:i+est. pos adj. dozy 1. syl doz:y pron <1d*uzi> pos adj. def drowsy. dozy 2. syl doz:y pron <1d*uzi> pos adj. qual Brit. informal. def stupid. dozily sub head dozy syl doz:i+ly pos adv. doziness sub head dozy syl doz:i+ness pos n. DP 0. syl D.P. qual abbrev. for def displaced person. DPH 0. syl D.P.H. qual abbrev. for def Diploma in Public Health. DPh infl head DPhil or DPh syl D.Ph. DPh infl head DPhil or DPh syl DPh DPhil 0. syl D.Phil qual abbrev. for def Doctor of Philosophy. Also: {Ph.D., PhD} DPM 0. syl D.P.M. qual abbrev. for def Diploma in Psychological Medicine. DPN 0. syl DPN pos n. qual Biochem. def diphosphopyridine nucleotide; the former name for {NAD}. DPNH 0. syl DPNH pos n. qual Biochem. def the reduced form of DPN; the former name for {NADH}. DPP alt or DPP syl D.P.P. DPP 0. or DPP syl DPP qual abbrev. for usage in Britain def Director of Public Prosecutions. dpt 0. syl dpt. qual abbrev. for def department. DPW 0. syl D.P.W. qual abbrev. for def Department of Public Works. dr alt or dr syl dr. dr 0. or dr syl dr qual abbrev. for def dram. dr 1. syl dr. qual abbrev. for: def debit. dr 2. syl dr. qual abbrev. for: def debtor. dr 3. syl dr. qual abbrev. for: def drachma. dr 4. syl dr. qual abbrev. for: def drawer. Dr 1. syl Dr. qual abbrev. for: def Doctor. Dr 2. syl Dr. qual abbrev. for: usage in street names def Drive. drab ety C16: from Old French drap cloth, from Late Latin drappus, perhaps of Celtic origin drabber infl head drab syl drab+ber pos adj. drabbest infl head drab syl drab+best. pos adj. drab H1.1. syl drab pron pos adj. def dull; dingy; shabby. drab H1.2. syl drab pron pos adj. def cheerless; dreary. exam 1 a drab evening. drab H1.3. syl drab pron pos adj. def of the colour drab. drab H1.4. syl drab pron pos n. def a light olive-brown colour. drab H1.5. syl drab pron pos n. def a fabric of a dull grey or brown colour. drably sub head drab syl drab+ly pos adv. drabness sub head drab syl drab+ness pos n. drab ety C16: of Celtic origin; compare Scottish Gaelic drabag drab H2.1. syl drab pron pos n. qual Archaic. def a slatternly woman. drab H2.2. syl drab pron pos n. qual Archaic. def a whore. drabs infl head drab syl drabs pos vb. drabbing infl head drab syl drab+bing pos vb. drabbed infl head drab syl drabbed. pos vb. drab H2.3. syl drab pron pos vb. mod intr. qual Archaic. def to consort with prostitutes. drabbet ety C19: see #7drab %1 drabbet 0. syl drab+bet pron <1dr@bit> pos n. qual Brit. def a yellowish-brown fabric of coarse linen. drabble ety C14: from Low German drabbelen to paddle in mud; related to #7drab %2 drabble 0. syl drab+ble pron <1dr@bL> pos vb. def to make or become wet or dirty. dracaena ety C19: from New Latin, from Latin: she-dragon, from Greek drakaina, feminine of drak*_on #7dragon dracaena 1. syl dra+cae+na pron pos n. def any tropical liliaceous plant of the genus some species are cultivated as house plants for their decorative foliage. See also {dragon tree}. dracaena 2. syl dra+cae+na pron pos n. def any of several similar plants of the related genus drachm ety C14: learned variant of #7dram drachm 1. syl drachm pron pos n. def Also called: {fluid dram}. one eighth of a fluid ounce. drachm 2. syl drachm pron pos n. qual U.S. def another name for { {dram} (sense 2).} drachm 3. syl drachm pron pos n. def another name for {drachma}. drachma ety C16: from Latin, from Greek drakhm*_e a handful, from drassesthai to seize drachmas infl head drachma or drachmae syl drach+mas pron <-mE> pos n. mod pl. drachmae infl head drachma or drachmas syl drach+mae pron <-mE> pos n. mod pl. drachma 1. syl drach+ma pron <1dr@km*> pos n. def the standard monetary unit of Greece, divided into 100 lepta. drachma 2. syl drach+ma pron <1dr@km*> pos n. qual U.S. def another name for { {dram} (sense 2).} drachma 3. syl drach+ma pron <1dr@km*> pos n. def a silver coin of ancient Greece. drachma 4. syl drach+ma pron <1dr@km*> pos n. def a unit of weight in ancient Greece. Draco ety from Latin, from Greek drak*_on #7dragon Draconis infl head Draco syl Dra+co+nis pron pos n. qual Latin genitive Draco H1.0. syl Dra+co pron <1drAk*u> pos n. def a faint extensive constellation twisting around the N celestial pole and lying between Ursa Major and Cepheus. Draco H2.0. syl Dra:co pron <1drAk*u> pos n. def 7th century #7b.c., Athenian statesman and lawmaker, whose code of laws (621) prescribed death for almost every offence. draco lizard 0. syl dra+co liz+ard pron <1drAk*u> pos n. def another name for {flying lizard}. dracone ety C20: from Latin: #7dragon dracone 0. syl dra+cone pron <1dr@k*un> pos n. def a large flexible cylindrical container towed by a ship, used for transporting liquids. Draconic alt head Draconian or Draconian syl Dra+con+ic pron pos adj. Draconian 1. or Draconic syl Dra+co+ni:an pron pos adj. usage sometimes not cap. def of or relating to Draco or his code of laws. Draconian 2. or Draconic syl Dra+co+ni:an pron pos adj. usage sometimes not cap. def harsh. Draconianism sub head Draconian syl Dra+1co+ni+an+ism pos n. Draconically sub head Draconian syl Dra+1con:i+cal+ly pos adv. draconic ety C17: from Latin drac*_o #7dragon draconic 0. syl dra+con+ic pron pos adj. def of, like, or relating to a dragon. draconically sub head draconic syl dra+1con:i+cal+ly pos adv. draff ety C13: from Old Norse draf; related to Old High German trebir, Russian drob fragment; see #7drivel draff 0. syl draff pron pos n. def the residue of husks after fermentation of the grain used in brewing, used as a food for cattle. draffy sub head draff syl draff:y pos adj. draft ety C16: variant of #7draught draft 1. syl draft pron pos n. def a plan, sketch, or drawing of something. draft 2. syl draft pron pos n. def a preliminary outline of a book, speech, etc. draft 3. syl draft pron pos n. def another word for {bill of exchange}. draft 4. syl draft pron pos n. def a demand or drain on something. draft 5. syl draft pron pos n. def the divergent duct leading from a water turbine to its tailrace. draft 6. syl draft pron pos n. qual U.S. def selection for compulsory military service. draft 7. syl draft pron pos n. def detachment of military personnel from one unit to another. draft 8. syl draft pron pos n. qual Commerce. def an allowance on merchandise sold by weight. draft 9. syl draft pron pos n. def a line or narrow border that is chiselled on the surface of a stone to serve as a guide for levelling it. {~} draft 10. syl draft pron pos n. def to draw up an outline or sketch for something. exam 1 to draft a speech. draft 11. syl draft pron pos n. def to prepare a plan or design of. draft 12. syl draft pron pos n. def to detach (military personnel) from one unit to another. draft 13. syl draft pron pos n. qual U.S. def to select for compulsory military service. draft 14. syl draft pron pos n. def to chisel a draft on (stone, etc.). draft 15. syl draft pron pos n. vb. def the usual U.S. spelling of { {draught} (senses 1-8, 11).} drafter sub head draft syl draft+er pos n. draft board 0. syl draft board pos n. qual U.S. def a tribunal responsible for the selection of personnel liable for compulsory military service. draft dodger 0. syl draft dodg+er pos n. qual U.S. def one who evades compulsory military service. draftee 0. syl draft:ee pron pos n. qual U.S. def a conscript. draftsmen infl head draftsman syl drafts+men. pos n. mod pl. draftsman 0. syl drafts+man pron <1dra:ftsm*n> pos n. def the usual U.S. spelling of { {draughtsman} (senses 1, 2).} draftsmanship sub head draftsman syl drafts+man+ship pos n. draftier infl head drafty syl draft:i+er pos adj. draftiest infl head drafty syl draft:i+est. pos adj. drafty 0. syl draft:y pron <1dra:fti> pos adj. def the usual U.S. spelling of {draughty}. draftily sub head drafty syl draft:i+ly pos adv. draftiness sub head drafty syl draft:i+ness pos n. drag ety Old English dragan to #7draw ; related to Swedish dragga drags infl head drag syl drags pos vb. dragging infl head drag syl drag+ging pos vb. dragged infl head drag syl dragged. pos vb. drag 1. syl drag pron pos vb. def to pull or be pulled with force, esp. along the ground or other surface. drag 2. syl drag pron pos vb. mod tr. usage often foll. by away or from def to persuade to come away (from something attractive or interesting). exam 1 he couldn't drag himself away from the shop. drag 3. syl drag pron pos vb. def to trail or cause to trail on the ground. drag 4. syl drag pron pos vb. mod tr. def to move (oneself, one's feet, etc.) with effort or difficulty. exam 1 he drags himself out of bed at dawn. drag 5. syl drag pron pos vb. def to linger behind. drag 6. syl drag pron pos vb. mod when; intr. usage usually foll. by for def to search (the bed of a river, canal, etc.) with a dragnet or hook. exam 1 they dragged the river for the body. drag 7. syl drag pron pos vb. usage often foll. by on or out def to prolong tediously. exam 1 his talk dragged on for hours. drag 8. syl drag pron pos vb. mod tr. usage foll. by out or from def to crush (clods) or level (a soil surface) by use of a drag. drag 9. syl drag pron pos vb. usage of hounds def to follow (a fox or its trail) to the place where it has been lying. drag 10. syl drag pron pos vb. mod intr. qual Slang. def to draw (on a cigarette, pipe, etc.). drag 11. syl drag pron pos vb. mod tr. qual U.S. slang. def to bore or annoy. drag anchor 12. head drag syl drag anchor. usage of a vessel def to move away from its mooring because the anchor has failed to hold. drag one's feet 13. head drag or heels syl drag one's feet qual Informal. def to act with deliberate slowness. drag (someone's) name in the mud 14. head drag syl drag (someone's) name in the mud. def to disgrace or defame (someone). drag 15. syl drag pron pos n. def the act of dragging or the state of being dragged. drag 16. syl drag pron pos n. def an implement, such as a dragnet, dredge, etc., used for dragging. drag 17. syl drag pron pos n. def Also called: {drag harrow}. a type of harrow consisting of heavy beams, often with spikes inserted, used to crush clods, level soil, or prepare seedbeds. drag 18. syl drag pron pos n. def a sporting coach with seats inside and out, usually drawn by four horses. drag 19. syl drag pron pos n. def a braking or retarding device, such as a metal piece fitted to the underside of the wheel of a horse-drawn vehicle. drag 20. syl drag pron pos n. def a person or thing that slows up progress. drag 21. syl drag pron pos n. def slow progress or movement. drag 22. syl drag pron pos n. qual Aeronautics. def the resistance to the motion of a body passing through a fluid, esp. through air. drag 23. syl drag pron pos n. def the trail of scent left by a fox or other animal hunted with hounds. drag 24. syl drag pron pos n. def an artificial trail of a strong-smelling substance, sometimes including aniseed, drawn over the ground for hounds to follow. drag 25. syl drag pron pos n. def See {drag hunt}. drag 26. syl drag pron pos n. qual Slang. def a person or thing that is very tedious; bore. exam 1 exams are a drag. drag 27. syl drag pron pos n. qual Slang. def a car. drag 28. syl drag pron pos n. qual Slang. def short for {drag race}. drag 29.a. syl drag pron pos n. def women's clothes worn by a man, usually by a transvestite (esp. in the phrase {in drag) }. drag 29.b. syl drag pron pos n. usage as modifier exam 1 a drag club; exam 2 drag show. drag 29.c. syl drag pron pos n. def clothes collectively. drag 30. syl drag pron pos n. qual Informal. def a draw on a cigarette, pipe, etc. drag 31. syl drag pron pos n. qual U.S. slang. def influence or persuasive power. drag 32. syl drag pron pos n. qual Chiefly U.S. slang. def a street or road. {~} See also {drag down, drag in, drag out of, drag up}. drag down 0. syl drag down pos vb. adv. mod tr. def to depress or demoralize. exam 1 the flu really dragged her down. drag'ee ety C19: from French; see #7dredge %2 drag'ee 1. syl dra+g*'ee pron pos n. def a sweet made of fruit, nuts, etc., coated with a hard sugar icing. drag'ee 2. syl dra+g*'ee pron pos n. def a tiny beadlike sweet used for decorating cakes, etc. drag'ee 3. syl dra+g*'ee pron pos n. def a medicinal pill coated with sugar to disguise the taste. draggle 1. syl drag+gle pron <1dr@gL> pos vb. def to make or become wet or dirty by trailing on the ground; bedraggle. draggle 2. syl drag+gle pron <1dr@gL> pos vb. mod intr. def to lag; dawdle. draggletailed 0. syl drag:gle+tailed pron <1dr@gL2tAld> pos adj. usage Archaic. esp. of a woman def bedraggled; besmirched. draggier infl head draggy syl drag+gi+er pos adj. draggiest infl head draggy syl drag+gi+est. pos adj. draggy 1. syl drag+gy pron <1dr@gi> pos adj. qual Slang. def slow or boring. exam 1 a draggy party. draggy 2. syl drag+gy pron <1dr@gi> pos adj. qual Slang. def dull and listless. draghound 0. syl drag+hound pron <1dr@g2haund> pos n. def a hound used to follow an artificial trail of scent in a drag hunt. drag hunt 1. syl drag hunt pos n. def a hunt in which hounds follow an artificial trail of scent. drag hunt 2. syl drag hunt pos n. def a club that organizes such hunts. drag-hunt infl head drag hunt syl drag-hunt. pos vb. drag hunt 3. syl drag hunt pos vb. def to follow draghounds, esp. on horseback, or cause (draghounds) to follow an artificial trail of scent. drag in 0. syl drag in pos vb. adv. mod tr. def to introduce or mention (a topic, name, etc.) with slight or no pretext. dragline 1. syl drag+line pron <1dr@g2lIn> pos n. def another word for { {dragrope} (sense 2).} dragline 2. syl drag+line pron <1dr@g2lIn> pos n. def Also called: {dragline crane, dragline excavator}. a machine for dredging or excavating. drag link 0. syl drag link pos n. def a link for conveying motion between cranks on parallel shafts that are slightly offset. It is used in cars to connect the steering gear to the steering arm. dragnet 1. syl drag+net pron <1dr@g2net> pos n. def a heavy or weighted net used to scour the bottom of a pond, river, etc., as when searching for something. dragnet 2. syl drag+net pron <1dr@g2net> pos n. def any system of coordinated efforts by police forces to track down wanted persons. dragoman ety C14: from French, from Italian dragomano, from Medieval Greek dragoumanos, from Arabic targum*_an an interpreter, from Aramaic t*_urgem*_an*_a, of Akkadian origin dragomans infl head dragoman or dragomen syl dra+go+mans pos n. mod pl. dragomen infl head dragoman or dragomans syl dra+go+men. pos n. mod pl. dragoman 0. syl dra+go+man pron <1dr@g*um*n> pos n. usage in some Middle Eastern countries, esp. formerly def a professional interpreter or guide. dragon ety C13: from Old French, from Latin drac*_o, from Greek drak*_on; related to drakos eye dragon 1. syl drag+on pron <1dr@g*n> pos n. def a mythical monster usually represented as breathing fire and having a scaly reptilian body, wings, claws, and a long tail. dragon 2. syl drag+on pron <1dr@g*n> pos n. qual Informal. def a fierce or intractable person, esp. a woman. dragon 3. syl drag+on pron <1dr@g*n> pos n. def any of various very large lizards, esp. the Komodo dragon. dragon 4. syl drag+on pron <1dr@g*n> pos n. qual Archaic. def a large snake. dragon 5. syl drag+on pron <1dr@g*n> pos n. def any of various North American aroid plants, esp. the green dragon. dragon 6. syl drag+on pron <1dr@g*n> pos n. qual Christianity. def a manifestation of Satan or an attendant devil. dragoness sub head dragon syl drag+on+ess pos n. mod fem. dragonish sub head dragon syl drag+on+ish pos adj. dragonet ety C14 (meaning: small dragon): from French; applied to fish C18 dragonet 0. syl drag+on+et pron <1dr@g*nit> pos n. def any small spiny-finned fish of the family having a flat head and a slender tapering brightly coloured body and living at the bottom of shallow seas. dragonflies infl head dragonfly syl drag:on+flies. pos n. mod pl. dragonfly 1. syl drag:on+fly pron <1dr@g*n2flI> pos n. def any predatory insect of the suborder having a large head and eyes, a long slender body, two pairs of iridescent wings that are outspread at rest, and aquatic larvae: order See also {damselfly}. dragonfly 2. syl drag:on+fly pron <1dr@g*n2flI> pos n. def any other insect of the order dragon's-head alt head dragonhead or dragonhead syl drag:on's-head pos n. dragonhead 1. or dragon's-head syl drag:on+head pron <1dr@g*n2hed> pos n. def any plant of the genus of Europe, Asia, and North America, having dense spikes of white or bluish flowers: family (labiates). dragonhead 2. or dragon's-head syl drag:on+head pron <1dr@g*n2hed> pos n. def any North American plant of the related genus having pink or purplish flowers. dragonnade ety C18: from French, from dragon #7dragoon dragonnade 1. syl drag+on+nade pron <2dr@g*1nAd> pos n. qual History. def the persecution of French Huguenots during the reign of Louis XIV by dragoons quartered in their villages and homes. dragonnade 2. syl drag+on+nade pron <2dr@g*1nAd> pos n. def subjection by military force. {~} dragonnade 3. syl drag+on+nade pron <2dr@g*1nAd> pos n. mod tr. def to subject to persecution by military troops. dragonroot 1. syl drag:on+root pron <1dr@g*n2ru:t> pos n. def a North American aroid plant, having a greenish spathe and a long pointed spadix. dragonroot 2. syl drag:on+root pron <1dr@g*n2ru:t> pos n. def the tuberous root of this plant, formerly used in medicine. dragon's blood 1. syl drag+on's blood pos n. def a red resinous substance obtained from the fruit of a Malaysian palm, (or formerly used medicinally and now used in varnishes and lacquers. dragon's blood 2. syl drag+on's blood pos n. def any of several similar resins obtained from other trees, esp. from the dragon tree. dragon tree 0. syl drag+on tree pos n. def a liliaceous tree, of the Canary Islands, having clusters of sword-shaped leaves at the tips of its branches: a source of dragon's blood. dragoon ety C17: from French dragon (special use of #7dragon) #7, soldier armed with a carbine, perhaps suggesting that a carbine, like a dragon, breathed forth fire dragoon 1. syl dra+goon pron pos n. usage originally def a mounted infantryman armed with a carbine. dragoon 2. syl dra+goon pron pos n. usage sometimes cap. def a domestic fancy pigeon. dragoon 3.a. syl dra+goon pron pos n. def a type of cavalryman. dragoon 3.b. syl dra+goon pron pos n. mod pl. usage cap. when part of a name exam 1 the Royal Dragoons. dragoon 4. syl dra+goon pron pos vb. mod tr. def to coerce; force. exam 1 he was dragooned into admitting it. dragoon 5. syl dra+goon pron pos vb. mod tr. def to persecute by military force. dragoonage sub head dragoon syl dra+1goon+age pos n. drag out of 0. syl drag out of pos vb. adv. mod tr. usage +prep. def to obtain or extract (a confession, statement, etc.), esp. by force. exam 1 we dragged the name out of him. Also: drag race 0. syl drag race pos n. def a type of motor race in which specially built or modified cars are timed over a measured course. &- {drag rac+er} drag racing sub head drag race syl drag rac+ing pos n. dragrope 1. syl drag+rope pron <1dr@g2r*up> pos n. def a rope used to drag military equipment, esp. artillery. dragrope 2. syl drag+rope pron <1dr@g2r*up> pos n. def Also called: {dragline, guide rope}. a rope trailing from a balloon or airship for mooring or braking purposes. drag sail 0. syl drag sail pos n. def another term for {sea anchor}. dragster 0. syl drag+ster pron <1dr@gst*> pos n. def a car specially built or modified for drag racing. drag up 1. syl drag up pos vb. adv. mod tr. qual Informal. def to rear (a child) poorly and in an undisciplined manner. drag up 2. syl drag up pos vb. adv. mod tr. qual Informal. def to introduce or revive (an unpleasant fact or story). drail ety C16: apparently from #7trail, influenced by #7draw drail 1. syl drail pron pos n. qual Angling. def a weighted hook used in trolling. {~} drail 2. syl drail pron pos n. mod intr. def to fish with a drail. drain ety Old English dr*_eahnian; related to Old Norse drangr dry wood; see #7dry drain 1. syl drain pron pos n. def a pipe or channel that carries off water, sewage, etc. drain 2. syl drain pron pos n. def an instance or cause of continuous diminution in resources or energy; depletion. drain 3. syl drain pron pos n. qual Surgery. def a device, such as a tube, for insertion into a wound, incision, or bodily cavity to drain off pus, etc. drain 4. syl drain pron pos n. qual Electronics. def the electrode region in a field-effect transistor into which majority carriers flow from the interelectrode conductivity channel. down the drain 5. head drain syl down the drain. def wasted. drain 6. syl drain pron pos vb. mod tr. usage often foll. by off def to draw off or remove (liquid) from. exam 1 to drain water from vegetables; exam 2 to drain vegetables. drain 7. syl drain pron pos vb. mod intr. usage often foll. by away def to flow (away) or filter (off). drain 8. syl drain pron pos vb. mod intr. def to dry or be emptied as a result of liquid running off or flowing away. exam 1 leave the dishes to drain. drain 9. syl drain pron pos vb. mod tr. def to drink the entire contents of (a glass, cup, etc.). drain 10. syl drain pron pos vb. mod tr. def to consume or make constant demands on (resources, energy, etc.); exhaust; sap. drain 11. syl drain pron pos vb. mod intr. def to disappear or leave, esp. gradually. exam 1 the colour drained from his face. drain 12. syl drain pron pos vb. mod tr. usage of a river, etc. def to carry off the surface water from an area. drain 13. syl drain pron pos vb. mod intr. usage of an area def to discharge its surface water into rivers, streams, etc. drainable sub head drain syl drain+a:ble pos adj. drainer sub head drain syl drain+er pos n. drainage 1. syl drain+age pron <1drAniJ> pos n. def the process or a method of draining. drainage 2. syl drain+age pron <1drAniJ> pos n. def a system of watercourses or drains. drainage 3. syl drain+age pron <1drAniJ> pos n. def liquid, sewage, etc., that is drained away. area alt head drainage basin or drainage basin syl ar:e:a pos n. drainage basin 0. or area syl drain+age ba+sin pos n. def another name for {catchment area}. draining board 0. syl drain+ing board pos n. def a sloping grooved surface at one side of a sink, used for draining washed dishes, etc. Also called: {drainer}. drainpipe 0. syl drain+pipe pron <1drAn2pIp> pos n. def a pipe for carrying off rainwater, sewage, etc.; downpipe. drainpipes 0. syl drain+pipes pron <1drAn2pIps> pos n. mod pl. def very narrow men's trousers, worn in Britain during the 1950s, esp. by Teddy boys. drake ety C13: perhaps from Low German; compare Middle Dutch andrake, Old High German antrahho drake H1.0. syl drake pron pos n. def the male of any duck. drake ety Old English draca, ultimately from Latin drac*_o #7dragon drake H2.1. syl drake pron pos n. qual Angling. def an artificial fly resembling a mayfly. drake H2.2. syl drake pron pos n. qual History. def a small cannon. drake H2.3. syl drake pron pos n. def an obsolete word for {dragon}. Drake 0. syl Drake pron pos n. def Sir {Fran@.cis}. ??1540-96, English navigator and buccaneer, the first Englishman to sail around the world (1577-80). He commanded a fleet against the Spanish Armada (1588) and contributed greatly to its defeat. Drakensberg 0. syl Dra+kens+berg pron <1dra:k*nz2bR:g> pos n. def a mountain range in southern Africa, extending through Lesotho, E South Africa, and Swaziland. Highest peak: Thabana Ntlenyana, 3482 m (11425 ft.). Sotho name: {Quathlamba}. Drake Passage 0. syl Drake Pas+sage pos n. def a strait between S South America and the South Shetland Islands, connecting the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans. dram ety C15: from Old French dragme, from Late Latin dragma, from Greek drakhm*_e; see #7drachma dram 1. syl dram pron pos n. def one sixteenth of an ounce (avoirdupois). 1 dram is equivalent to 0.0018 kilogram. dram 2. syl dram pron pos n. def Also called: {drachm, drachma}. one eighth of an apothecaries' ounce; 60 grains. 1 dram is equivalent to 0.0039 kilogram. dram 3. syl dram pron pos n. def a small amount of an alcoholic drink, esp. a spirit; tot. drama ety C17: from Late Latin: a play, from Greek: something performed, from dran to do drama 1. syl dra+ma pron <1dra:m*> pos n. def a work to be performed by actors on stage, radio, or television; play. drama 2. syl dra+ma pron <1dra:m*> pos n. def the genre of literature represented by works intended for the stage. drama 3. syl dra+ma pron <1dra:m*> pos n. def the art of the writing and production of plays. drama 4. syl dra+ma pron <1dra:m*> pos n. def a situation or sequence of events that is highly emotional, tragic, or turbulent. Dramamine 0. syl Dra+ma+mine pron <1dr@m*2mEn> pos n. def a trademark for {dimenhydri?!nate}. dramatic 1. syl dra+mat+ic pron pos adj. def of or relating to drama. dramatic 2. syl dra+mat+ic pron pos adj. def like a drama in suddenness, emotional impact, etc. dramatic 3. syl dra+mat+ic pron pos adj. def striking; effective. dramatic 4. syl dra+mat+ic pron pos adj. def acting or performed in a flamboyant way. dramatic 5. syl dra+mat+ic pron pos adj. usage Music. of a voice def powerful and marked by histrionic quality. dramatically sub head dramatic syl dra+1mat:i+cal+ly pos adv. dramatic irony 0. syl dra+mat+ic i:ron:y pos n. qual Theatre. def the irony occurring when the implications of a situation, speech, etc., are understood by the audience but not by the characters in the play. dramatics 1. syl dra+mat+ics pron pos n. mod functioning as; sing. pl. def the art of acting or producing plays. dramatics 2. syl dra+mat+ics pron pos n. def dramatic productions. dramatics 3. syl dra+mat+ics pron pos n. def histrionic behaviour. dramatis personae ety C18: from New Latin dramatis personae 1. syl dra+ma+tis per+so+nae pron <1dra:m*tis> pos n. def the characters or a list of characters in a play or story. dramatis personae 2. syl dra+ma+tis per+so+nae pron <1dra:m*tis> pos n. def the main personalities in any situation or event. dramatist 0. syl dram:a+tist pron <1dr@m*tist> pos n. def a writer of plays; playwright. dramatisation alt head dramatization or dramatization syl dram:a+ti+sa+tion pron <2dr@m*tI1zAS*n> pos n. dramatization 1. or dramatisation syl dram:a+ti+za+tion pron <2dr@m*tI1zAS*n> pos n. def the reconstruction of an event, novel, story, etc. in a form suitable for dramatic presentation. dramatization 2. or dramatisation syl dram:a+ti+za+tion pron <2dr@m*tI1zAS*n> pos n. def the art or act of dramatizing. dramatise alt head dramatize or dramatize syl dram:a+tise pron <1dr@m*2tIz> pos vb. dramatize 1. or dramatise syl dram:a+tize pron <1dr@m*2tIz> pos vb. mod tr. def to put into dramatic form. dramatize 2. or dramatise syl dram:a+tize pron <1dr@m*2tIz> pos vb. def to express or represent (something) in a dramatic or exaggerated way. exam 1 he dramatizes his illness. dramatizable sub head dramatize or dramatisable syl dram:a+2tiz+a:ble pos adj. dramatisable sub head dramatize or dramatizable syl dram:a+2tis+a:ble pos adj. dramatizer sub head dramatize or dramatiser syl dram:a+2tiz+er pos n. dramatiser sub head dramatize or dramatizer syl dram:a+2tis+er pos n. dramaturge ety C19: probably from French, from Greek dramatourgos playwright, from #7drama+ ergon work dramaturgist alt head dramaturge or dramaturge syl dram:a+tur+gist pos n. dramaturge 0. or dramaturgist syl dram:a+turge pron <1dr@m*2tR:J> pos n. def a dramatist, esp. one associated with a particular company or theatre. dramaturgy 0. syl dram:a+tur+gy pron <1dr@m*2tR:Ji> pos n. def the art and technique of the theatre; dramatics. dramaturgic sub head dramaturgy or dramaturgical syl dram:a+1tur+gic pos adj. dramaturgical sub head dramaturgy or dramaturgic syl dram:a+1tur+gi+cal pos adj. dramaturgically sub head dramaturgy syl dram:a+1tur+gi+cal+ly pos adv. Drammen 0. syl Dram+men pron Norwegian <1dram*n> pos n. def a port in S Norway. Pop.: 49808 (1970). Drancy 0. syl Dran+cy pron French pos n. def a residential suburb of NE Paris. Pop.: 64494 (1975). drank 0. syl drank pron pos vb. def the past tense of {drink}. drape ety C15: from Old French draper, from drap piece of cloth; see #7drab %1 drape 1. syl drape pron pos vb. mod tr. def to hang or cover with flexible material or fabric, usually in folds; adorn. drape 2. syl drape pron pos vb. def to hang or arrange or be hung or arranged, esp. in folds. drape 3. syl drape pron pos vb. mod tr. def to place casually and loosely; hang. exam 1 she draped her arm over the back of the chair. drape 4. syl drape pron pos n. mod often; pl. def a cloth or hanging that covers something in folds; drapery. drape 5. syl drape pron pos n. def the way in which fabric hangs. drapable sub head drape or drapeable syl drap+a:ble pos adj. drapeable sub head drape or drapable syl drape+a:ble pos adj. draper 1. syl drap+er pron <1drAp*> pos n. qual Brit. def a dealer in fabrics and sewing materials. draper 2. syl drap+er pron <1drAp*> pos n. qual Archaic. def a maker of cloth. Henry 1. head Draper syl Hen:ry. def 1837-82, U.S. astronomer, who contributed to stellar classification and spectroscopy. Draper 2. syl Dra:per pron <1drAp*> pos n. def his father, {John Wil@.liam}. 1811-82, U.S. chemist and historian, born in England, made the first photograph of the moon. draperies infl head drapery syl dra+per:ies. pos n. mod pl. drapery 1. syl dra+per:y pron <1drAp*ri> pos n. def fabric or clothing arranged and draped. drapery 2. syl dra+per:y pron <1drAp*ri> pos n. mod often; pl. def curtains or hangings that drape. drapery 3. syl dra+per:y pron <1drAp*ri> pos n. qual Brit. def the occupation or shop of a draper. drapery 4. syl dra+per:y pron <1drAp*ri> pos n. def fabrics and cloth collectively. draperied sub head drapery syl dra+per+ied pos adj. draperies alt head drapes or drapes syl dra+per:ies pron <1drAp*riz> pos n. mod pl. drapes 0. or draperies syl drapes pron pos n. mod pl. qual Chiefly U.S. def curtains, esp. ones of heavy fabric. drastic ety C17: from Greek drastikos, from dran to do, act drastic 0. syl dras+tic pron <1dr@stik> pos adj. def extreme or forceful; severe. drastically sub head drastic syl dras+ti+cal+ly pos adv. drat ety C19: probably alteration of God rot drat 0. syl drat pron pos interj. qual Slang. def an exclamation of annoyance (also in the phrases {drat it&! drat you&}! etc.). dratted 0. syl drat+ted pron <1dr@tid> pos adj. qual Informal. usage prenominal def wretched; annoying. draught ety C14: probably from Old Norse drahtr, of Germanic origin; related to #7draw draft alt head draught or draught syl draft pron pos n. qual U.S. draught 1. or draft syl draught pron pos n. def a current of air, esp. one intruding into an enclosed space. draught 2.a. or draft syl draught pron pos n. def the act of pulling a load, as by a vehicle or animal. draught 2.b. or draft syl draught pron pos n. usage as modifier exam 1 a draught horse. draught 3. or draft syl draught pron pos n. def the load or quantity drawn. draught 4. or draft syl draught pron pos n. def a portion of liquid to be drunk, esp. a dose of medicine. draught 5. or draft syl draught pron pos n. def the act or an instance of drinking; a gulp or swallow. draught 6. or draft syl draught pron pos n. def the act or process of drawing air, smoke, etc., into the lungs. draught 7. or draft syl draught pron pos n. def the amount of air, smoke, etc., inhaled in one breath. draught 8.a. or draft syl draught pron pos n. def beer, wine, etc., stored in bulk, esp. in a cask, as opposed to being bottled. draught 8.b. or draft syl draught pron pos n. usage as modifier exam 1 draught beer. on draught 8.c. head draught syl on draught. def drawn from a cask or keg. draught 9. or draft syl draught pron pos n. def Also called: {draughtsman}. any one of the 12 flat thick discs used by each player in the game of draughts. U.S. equivalent: {checker}. draught 10. or draft syl draught pron pos n. def the depth of a loaded vessel in the water, taken from the level of the waterline to the lowest point of the hull. feel the draught 11. head draught syl feel the draught. def to be short of money. Usual U.S. spelling {draft}. draughter sub head draught or drafter syl draught+er pos n. drafter sub head draught or draughter syl draft+er pos n. qual U.S. draughtboard 0. syl draught+board pron <1dra:ft2bc:d> pos n. def a square board divided into 64 squares of alternating colours, used for playing draughts or chess. draughts ety C14: plural of #7draught (in obsolete sense: a chess move) draughts 0. syl draughts pron pos n. def a game for two players using a draughtboard and 12 draughtsmen each. The object is to jump over and capture the opponent's pieces. U.S. name: {checkers}. draftsman alt head draughtsman or draughtsman syl drafts+man pron <1dra:ftsm*n> pos n. qual U.S. draughtsmen infl head draughtsman syl draughts+men. pos n. mod pl. draughtsman 1. or draftsman syl draughts+man pron <1dra:ftsm*n> pos n. def a person who practises or is qualified in mechanical drawing, employed to prepare detailed scale drawings of machinery, buildings, devices, etc. draughtsman 2. or draftsman syl draughts+man pron <1dra:ftsm*n> pos n. def a person skilled in drawing. draughtsman 3. or draftsman syl draughts+man pron <1dra:ftsm*n> pos n. qual Brit. def any of the 12 flat thick discs used by each player in the game of draughts. U.S. equivalent: {checker}. draughtsmanship sub head draughtsman or draftsmanship syl draughts+man+2ship pos n. draftsmanship sub head draughtsman or draughtsmanship syl drafts+man+2ship pos n. qual U.S. drafty alt head draughty or draughty syl draft:y pron <1dra:fti> pos adj. qual U.S. draughtier infl head draughty or draftier syl draught:i+er pos adj. draughtiest infl head draughty or draftiest syl draught:i+est pos adj. draftier infl head draughty or draughtier syl draft:i+er pos adj. qual U.S. draftiest infl head draughty or draughtiest syl draft:i+est. pos adj. qual U.S. draughty 0. or drafty syl draught:y pron <1dra:fti> pos adj. def characterized by or exposed to draughts of air. draughtily sub head draughty or draftily syl draught:i+ly pos adv. draftily sub head draughty or draughtily syl draft:i+ly pos adv. qual U.S. draughtiness sub head draughty or draftiness syl draught:i+ness pos n. draftiness sub head draughty or draughtiness syl draft:i+ness pos n. qual U.S. Drave alt head Drava or Drava syl Dra+ve pron <1dra:v*> pos n. Drava 0. or Drave syl Dra+va pron <1dra:v*> pos n. def a river in S central Europe, rising in N Italy and flowing east through Austria, then southeast as part of the border between Yugoslavia and Hungary to join the River Danube. Length: 725 km (450 miles). German name: {Drau} (dra$u). Dravidian 1. syl Dra+vid+i:an pron pos n. def a family of languages spoken in S and central India and Ceylon, including Tamil, Malayalam, Telugu, Kannada, and Gondi. Dravidian 2. syl Dra+vid+i:an pron pos n. def a member of one of the aboriginal races of India, pushed south by the Indo-Europeans and now mixed with them. Dravidian 3. syl Dra+vid+i:an pron pos adj. def denoting, belonging to, or relating to this family of languages or these peoples. draw ety Old English dragan; related to Old Norse draga; Old Frisian draga, Old Saxon dragan, Old High German tragan to carry draws infl head draw syl draws pos vb. drawing infl head draw syl draw+ing pos vb. drew infl head draw syl drew pos vb. drawn infl head draw syl drawn. pos vb. draw 1. syl draw pron pos vb. def to cause (a person or thing) to move towards or away by pulling. draw 2. syl draw pron pos vb. def to bring, take, or pull (something) out, as from a drawer, holster, etc. draw 3. syl draw pron pos vb. mod tr. def to extract or pull or take out. exam 1 to draw teeth; exam 2 to draw a card from a pack. draw 4. syl draw pron pos vb. mod tr. usage often foll. by off def to take (liquid) out of a cask, keg, tank, etc., by means of a tap. draw 5. syl draw pron pos vb. mod intr. def to move, go, or proceed, esp. in a specified direction. exam 1 to draw alongside. draw 6. syl draw pron pos vb. mod tr. def to attract or elicit. exam 1 to draw a crowd; exam 2 draw attention. draw 7. syl draw pron pos vb. mod tr. def to cause to flow. exam 1 to draw blood. draw 8. syl draw pron pos vb. def to depict or sketch (a form, figure, picture, etc.) in lines, as with a pencil or pen, esp. without the use of colour; delineate. draw 9. syl draw pron pos vb. mod tr. def to make, formulate, or derive. exam 1 to draw conclusions, comparisons, parallels. draw 10. syl draw pron pos vb. mod tr. def to write (a legal document) in proper form. draw 11. syl draw pron pos vb. mod tr. usage sometimes foll. by in def to suck or take in (air, liquid, etc.). exam 1 to draw a breath. draw 12. syl draw pron pos vb. mod intr. def to induce or allow a draught to carry off air, smoke, etc.. exam 1 the flue draws well. draw 13. syl draw pron pos vb. mod tr. def to take or receive from a source. exam 1 to draw money from the bank. draw 14. syl draw pron pos vb. mod tr. def to earn. exam 1 draw interest. draw 15. syl draw pron pos vb. mod tr. qual Finance. def to write out (a bill of exchange or promissory note). exam 1 to draw a cheque. draw 16. syl draw pron pos vb. mod tr. def to choose at random. exam 1 to draw lots. draw 17. syl draw pron pos vb. mod tr. def to reduce the diameter of (a wire or metal rod) by pulling it through a die. draw 18. syl draw pron pos vb. mod tr. def to shape (a sheet of metal or glass) by rolling, by pulling it through a die or by stretching. draw 19. syl draw pron pos vb. qual Archery. def to bend (a bow) by pulling the string. draw 20. syl draw pron pos vb. def to steep (tea) or (of tea) to steep in boiling water. draw 21. syl draw pron pos vb. mod tr. def to disembowel. exam 1 draw a chicken. draw 22. syl draw pron pos vb. mod tr. def to cause (pus, blood, etc.) to discharge from an abscess or wound. draw 23. syl draw pron pos vb. mod intr. usage of two teams, contestants, etc. def to finish a game with an equal number of points, goals, etc.; tie. draw 24. syl draw pron pos vb. mod tr. qual Bridge, whist. def to keep leading a suit in order to force out (all outstanding cards). draw trumps 25. head draw syl draw trumps. qual Bridge, whist. def to play the trump suit until the opponents have none left. draw 26. syl draw pron pos vb. mod tr. qual Billiards. def to cause (the cue ball) to spin back after a direct impact with another ball by applying backspin when making the stroke. draw 27. syl draw pron pos vb. mod tr. def to search (a place) in order to find wild animals, game, etc., for hunting. draw 28. syl draw pron pos vb. qual Golf. def to drive (the ball) too far to the left. draw 29. syl draw pron pos vb. mod tr. qual Curling. def to deliver (the stone) gently. draw 30. syl draw pron pos vb. mod tr. usage Nautical. of a vessel def to require (a certain depth) in which to float. draw (a) blank 31. head draw syl draw (a) blank. def to be unsuccessful; fail. draw and quarter 32. head draw syl draw and quarter. def to disembowel and dismember (a person) after hanging. draw stumps 33. head draw syl draw stumps. qual Cricket. def to close play, as by pulling out the stumps. draw 34.a. syl draw pron pos vb. def to fix a limit. draw 34.b. syl draw pron pos vb. def to refuse to do. draw the shot 35. head draw syl draw the shot. qual Bowls. def to deliver the bowl in such a way that it approaches the jack. {~} draw 36. syl draw pron pos vb. def the act of drawing. draw 37. syl draw pron pos vb. qual U.S. def a sum of money advanced to finance antici?!pated expenses. draw 38. syl draw pron pos vb. qual Informal. def an event, occasion, act, etc., that attracts a large audience. draw 39. syl draw pron pos vb. def a raffle or lottery. draw 40. syl draw pron pos vb. def something taken or chosen at random, as a ticket in a raffle or lottery. draw 41. syl draw pron pos vb. def a contest or game ending in a tie. draw 42. syl draw pron pos vb. qual U.S. def a small natural drainage way or gully. draw 43. syl draw pron pos vb. def a defect found in metal castings due to the contraction of the metal on solidification. draw xref syl draw pron pos vb. def See also {drawback, draw in, draw off, draw on, draw out, draw up}. drawable sub head draw syl draw+a:ble pos adj. drawback 1. syl draw+back pron <1drc:2b@k> pos n. def a disadvantage or hindrance. drawback 2. syl draw+back pron <1drc:2b@k> pos n. def a refund of certain excise duties paid on imported goods that are re-exported or used in the production of manufactured exports. {~} {draw back}. often foll. by drawback 3. syl draw+back pron <1drc:2b@k> pos n. def to retreat; move backwards. drawback 4. syl draw+back pron <1drc:2b@k> pos n. def to turn aside from an undertaking. drawbar 0. syl draw+bar pron <1drc:2ba:> pos n. def a strong metal bar on a tractor, locomotive, etc., bearing a hook or link and pin to attach a trailer, wagon, etc. drawbridge 0. syl draw+bridge pron <1drc:2briJ> pos n. def a bridge that may be raised to prevent access or to enable vessels to pass. drawee 0. syl draw:ee pron pos n. def the person or organization on which a cheque or other order for payment is drawn. drawer 1. syl draw+er pron <1drc:*> pos n. def a person or thing that draws, esp. a draughtsman. drawer 2. syl draw+er pron <1drc:*> pos n. def a person who draws a cheque. drawer 3. syl draw+er pron <1drc:*> pos n. def a person who draws up a commercial paper. drawer 4. syl draw+er pron <1drc:*> pos n. qual Archaic. def a person who draws beer, etc., in a bar. drawer 5. syl draw+er pron pos n. def a boxlike container in a chest, table, etc., made for sliding in and out. drawers 0. syl drawers pron pos n. mod pl. def a legged undergarment for either sex, worn below the waist. Also called: {underdrawers}. draw gear 0. syl draw gear pos n. qual Brit. def an apparatus for coupling railway cars. draw in 1. syl draw in pos vb. adv. mod intr. usage of hours of daylight def to become shorter. draw in 2. syl draw in pos vb. adv. mod intr. usage of a train def to arrive at a station. drawing 1. syl draw+ing pron <1drc:iG> pos n. def a picture or plan made by means of lines on a surface, esp. one made with a pencil or pen without the use of colour. drawing 2. syl draw+ing pron <1drc:iG> pos n. def a sketch, plan, or outline. drawing 3. syl draw+ing pron <1drc:iG> pos n. def the art of making drawings; draughtsmanship. drawing account 0. syl draw+ing ac+count pos n. qual U.S. def an account out of which an employee, partner, or salesman may make withdrawals to meet expenses or as advances against expected income. drawing board 1. syl draw+ing board pos n. def a smooth flat rectangular board on which paper, canvas, etc., is placed for making drawings. back to the drawing board 2. head drawing board syl back to the drawing board. def return to an earlier stage in an enterprise because a planned undertaking has failed. drawing card 0. syl draw+ing card pos n. qual U.S. theatre. def a performer, act, etc., certain to attract a large audience. drawing pin 0. syl draw+ing pin pos n. qual Brit. def a short tack with a broad smooth head for fastening papers to a drawing board, etc. U.S. names: {thumbtack, pushpin}. drawing room 1. syl draw+ing room pos n. def a room where visitors are received and entertained; living room; sitting room. drawing room 2. syl draw+ing room pos n. qual Archaic. def a ceremonial or formal reception, esp. at court. drawshave alt head drawknife or drawknife syl draw+shave pos n. drawknives infl head drawknife or drawshaves syl draw+knives pos n. mod pl. drawshaves infl head drawknife or drawknives syl draw+shaves. pos n. mod pl. drawknife 0. or drawshave syl draw+knife pron <1drc:2nIf> pos n. def a woodcutting tool with two handles at right angles to the blade, used to shave wood. U.S. name: {spokeshave}. drawl ety C16: probably frequentative of #7draw drawl 1. syl drawl pron pos vb. def to speak or utter (words) slowly, esp. prolonging the vowel sounds. drawl 2. syl drawl pron pos n. def the way of speech of someone who drawls. drawler sub head drawl syl drawl+er pos n. drawly sub head drawl syl drawl:y pos adj. drawn 0. syl drawn pron pos adj. def haggard, tired, or tense in appearance. drawn butter 0. syl drawn but+ter pos n. def melted butter often with seasonings. drawn work 0. syl drawn work pos n. def ornamental needlework done by drawing threads out of the fabric and using the remaining threads to form lacelike patterns. Also called: {drawn-thread work}. draw off 1. syl draw off pos vb. adv. mod tr. def to cause (a liquid) to flow from something. draw off 2. syl draw off pos vb. adv. def to withdraw (troops). draw on 1. syl draw on pos prep. mod intr. def to use or exploit (a source, fund, etc.). exam 1 to draw on one's experience. draw on 2. syl draw on pos adv. mod intr. def to come near. exam 1 the time for his interview drew on. draw on 3. syl draw on pos prep. mod tr. def to withdraw (money) from (an account). draw on 4. syl draw on pos adv. mod tr. def to put on (clothes). draw on 5. syl draw on pos adv. mod tr. def to lead further; entice or encourage. exam 1 the prospect of nearing his goal drew him on. draw out 1. syl draw out pos vb. adv. def to extend or cause to be extended. exam 1 he drew out his stay. draw out 2. syl draw out pos vb. adv. mod tr. def to cause (a person) to talk freely. exam 1 she's been quiet all evening draw out 3. syl draw out pos vb. adv. mod tr. usage foll. by of def Also: {draw from}. to elicit (information) (from). exam 1 he managed to draw out of his son where he had been. draw out 4. syl draw out pos vb. adv. mod tr. def to withdraw (money) as from a bank account or a business. draw out 5. syl draw out pos vb. adv. mod intr. usage of hours of daylight def to become longer. draw out 6. syl draw out pos vb. adv. mod intr. usage of a train def to leave a station. draw out 7. syl draw out pos vb. adv. mod tr. def to extend (troops) in line; lead from camp. draw out 8. syl draw out pos vb. adv. mod intr. usage of troops def to proceed from camp. drawplate 0. syl draw+plate pron <1drc:2plAt> pos n. def a plate having conical holes through which wire is drawn to reduce its diameter. drawstring 0.a. syl draw+string pron <1drc:2striG> pos n. def a cord, ribbon, etc., run through a hem around an opening, as on the bottom of a sleeve or at the mouth of a bag, so that when it is pulled tighter, the opening closes. drawstring 0.b. syl draw+string pron <1drc:2striG> pos n. usage as modifier exam 1 a drawstring neckline. drawtube 0. syl draw+tube pron <1drc:2tju:b> pos n. def a tube, such as one of the component tubes of a telescope, fitting coaxially within another tube through which it can slide. draw up 1. syl draw up pos vb. adv. def to come or cause to come to a halt. draw up 2.a. syl draw up pos vb. adv. def to prepare a draft of (a legal document, etc.). draw up 2.b. syl draw up pos vb. adv. def to formulate and write out in appropriate form. exam 1 to draw up a contract. draw up 3. syl draw up pos vb. adv. usage used reflexively def to straighten oneself. draw up 4. syl draw up pos vb. adv. def to form or arrange (a body of soldiers, etc.) in order or formation. dray ety Old English dr@age dragnet; related to Old Norse draga load of timber carried on horseback and trailing on the ground; see #7draw dray 1.a. syl dray pron pos n. def a low cart without fixed sides, used for carrying heavy loads. dray 1.b. syl dray pron pos n. usage in combination exam 1 a drayman. dray 2. syl dray pron pos n. def any other vehicle or sledge used to carry a heavy load. drayhorse 0. syl dray+horse pron <1drA2hc:s> pos n. def a large powerful horse used for drawing a dray. Michael infl head Drayton syl Mi:chael. pos n. Drayton 0. syl Dray:ton pron <1drAtN> pos n. def 1563-1631, English poet; his work includes odes and pastorals, and (1613-22), on the topography of England. dread ety Old English ondr*_@adan; related to Old Saxon antdr*_adan, Old High German intr*_atan dread 1. syl dread pron pos vb. mod tr. def to anticipate with apprehension or terror. dread 2. syl dread pron pos vb. mod tr. def to fear greatly. dread 3. syl dread pron pos vb. mod tr. qual Archaic. def to be in awe of. dread 4. syl dread pron pos n. mod tr. def great fear; horror. dread 5. syl dread pron pos n. mod tr. def an object of terror. dread 6. syl dread pron pos n. mod tr. qual Archaic. def deep reverence. dreadful 1. syl dread+ful pron <1dredful> pos adj. def extremely disagreeable, shocking, or bad. exam 1 what a dreadful play. dreadful 3. syl dread+ful pron <1dredful> pos adj. def causing dread; terrifying. dreadful 4. syl dread+ful pron <1dredful> pos adj. qual Archaic. def inspiring awe. dreadfulness sub head dreadful syl dread+ful+ness pos n. dreadfully 1. syl dread+ful:ly pron <1dredfuli> pos adv. def in a shocking, or disagreeable manner. dreadnaught alt head dreadnought or dreadnought syl dread+naught pron <1dred2nc:t> pos n. dreadnought 1. or dreadnaught syl dread+nought pron <1dred2nc:t> pos n. def a battleship armed with heavy guns of uniform calibre. dreadnought 2. or dreadnaught syl dread+nought pron <1dred2nc:t> pos n. def an overcoat made of heavy cloth. dreadnought 3. or dreadnaught syl dread+nought pron <1dred2nc:t> pos n. qual Slang. def a heavyweight boxer. dreadnought 4. or dreadnaught syl dread+nought pron <1dred2nc:t> pos n. def a person who fears nothing. dream ety Old English dr*_eam song; related to Old High German troum, Old Norse draumr, Greek thrulos noise dream 1.a. syl dream pron pos n. def mental activity, usually in the form of an imagined series of events, occurring during certain phases of sleep. dream 1.b. syl dream pron pos n. usage as modifier exam 1 a dream sequence. dream 1.c. syl dream pron pos n. usage in combination exam 1 dreamland. dream 2.a. syl dream pron pos n. def a sequence of imaginative thoughts indulged in while awake; daydream; fantasy. dream 2.b. syl dream pron pos n. usage as modifier exam 1 a dream world. dream 3. syl dream pron pos n. def a person or thing seen or occurring in a dream. dream 4. syl dream pron pos n. def a cherished hope; ambition; aspiration. dream 5. syl dream pron pos n. def a vain hope. dream 6. syl dream pron pos n. def a person or thing that is as pleasant, or seemingly unreal as a dream. go like a dream 7. head dream syl go like a dream. def to move, develop, or work very well. {~} {dreams, dream+ing, dreamt} {dreamed}. dream 8. syl dream pron pos n. usage may take a clause as object def to undergo or experience (a dream or dreams). dream 9. syl dream pron pos n. mod intr. def to indulge in daydreams. dream 10. syl dream pron pos n. def to suffer delusions; be unrealistic. exam 1 you're dreaming if you think you can win. dream 11. syl dream pron pos n. mod when; intr. usage foll. by of or about def to have an image (of) or fantasy (about) in or as if in a dream. dream 12. syl dream pron pos n. mod intr. usage foll. by of def to consider the possibility (of). exam 1 I wouldn't dream of troubling you. dreamful sub head dream syl dream+ful pos adj. dreamfully sub head dream syl dream+ful+ly pos adv. dreamingly sub head dream syl dream+ing+ly pos adv. dreamless sub head dream syl dream+less pos adj. dreamlessly sub head dream syl dream+less+ly pos adv. dreamlessness sub head dream syl dream+less+ness pos n. dreamlike sub head dream syl dream+2like pos adj. dreamer 1. syl dream+er pron <1drEm*> pos n. def a person who dreams habitually. dreamer 2. syl dream+er pron <1drEm*> pos n. def a person who lives in or escapes to a world of fantasy or illusion; escapist. dreamer 3. syl dream+er pron <1drEm*> pos n. qual Archaic. def a prophet; visionary. dream time 0. syl dream time pos n. def another name for {alcheringa}. dream up 0. syl dream up pos vb. adv. mod tr. qual Informal. def to invent by ingenuity and imagination. exam 1 to dream up an excuse for leaving. dreamier infl head dreamy syl dream:i+er pos adj. dreamiest infl head dreamy syl dream:i+est. pos adj. dreamy 1. syl dream:y pron <1drEmi> pos adj. def vague or impractical. dreamy 2. syl dream:y pron <1drEmi> pos adj. def resembling a dream in quality. dreamy 3. syl dream:y pron <1drEmi> pos adj. def relaxing; gentle. exam 1 dreamy music. dreamy 4. syl dream:y pron <1drEmi> pos adj. qual Informal. def wonderful. dreamy 5. syl dream:y pron <1drEmi> pos adj. def having dreams, esp. daydreams. dreamily sub head dreamy syl dream:i+ly pos adv. dreaminess sub head dreamy syl dream:i+ness pos n. dreary ety Old English dr*_eorig gory; related to Old High German tr*_ureg sad drearier infl head dreary syl drear:i+er pos adj. dreariest infl head dreary syl drear:i+est. pos adj. dreary 1. syl drear:y pron <1dri*ri> pos adj. def sad or dull; dismal. dreary 2. syl drear:y pron <1dri*ri> pos adj. def wearying; boring. dreary 3. syl drear:y pron <1dri*ri> pos adj. qual Archaic. def miserable. {~} Also (literary): {drear}. drearily sub head dreary syl drear:i+ly pos adv. dreariness sub head dreary syl drear:i+ness pos n. dredge ety C16: perhaps ultimately from Old English dragan to #7draw ; see #7drag dredge H1.1. syl dredge pron pos n. def Also called: {dredger}. a machine, in the form of a bucket ladder, grab, or suction device, used to remove material from a riverbed, channel, etc. dredge H1.2. syl dredge pron pos n. def another name for { {dredger} %1 (sense 1).} dredge H1.3. syl dredge pron pos vb. def to remove (material) from a riverbed, channel, etc., by means of a dredge. dredge H1.4. syl dredge pron pos vb. mod tr. def to search for (a submerged object) with or as if with a dredge; drag. dredge ety C16: from Old French dragie, perhaps from Latin trag*_emata spices, from Greek dredge H2.0. syl dredge pron pos vb. def to sprinkle or coat (food) with flour, sugar, etc. dredger H1.1. syl dredg+er pron <1dreJ*> pos n. def Also called: {dredge}. a vessel used for dredging, often bargelike and usually equipped with retractable steel piles that are driven into the bottom for stability. dredger H1.2. syl dredg+er pron <1dreJ*> pos n. def another name for { {dredge%1} (sense 1).} dredger H2.0. syl dredg+er pron <1dreJ*> pos n. def a container with a perforated top for sprinkling flour, sugar, etc. dredge up 1. syl dredge up pos vb. adv. mod tr. qual Informal. def to bring to notice, esp. with considerable effort and from an obscure, remote, or unlikely source. exam 1 to dredge up worthless ideas. dredge up 2. syl dredge up pos vb. adv. mod tr. def to raise with or as if with a dredge. exam 1 they dredged up the corpse from the lake. dree ety Old English dr*_eogan; related to Old Norse dr*_ygja to perpetrate drees infl head dree syl drees pos vb. dreeing infl head dree syl dree+ing pos vb. dreed infl head dree syl dreed. pos vb. dree 1. syl dree pron pos vb. mod tr. qual Scot., literary. def to endure. {~} dree 2. syl dree pron pos vb. qual Scot., literary. def another word for {dreich}. dreg 1. syl dreg pron pos n. def a small quantity. exam 1 not a dreg of pity. [ dreggier infl head dreggy syl dreg+gi+er pos adj. dreggiest infl head dreggy syl dreg+gi+est. pos adj. dreggy 0. syl dreg+gy pron <1dregi> pos adj. def like or full of dregs. layer alt head D region or D region syl lay+er pos n. D region 0. or layer syl D re+gion pos n. def the lowest region of the ionosphere, extending from a height of about 60 kilometres to about 90 kilometres: contains a low concentration of free electrons and reflects low-frequency radio waves. See also {ionosphere}. dregs ety C14 dreg, from Old Norse dregg; compare Icelandic dreggjar dregs, Latin frac*_es oil dregs dregs 1. syl dregs pron pos n. mod pl. def solid particles that tend to settle at the bottom of some liquids, such as wine or coffee. dregs 2. syl dregs pron pos n. mod pl. def residue or remains. dregs 3. syl dregs pron pos n. mod pl. qual Brit. slang. def a despicable person. Dreibund ety from drei #7three+ Bund union, alliance Dreibund 0. syl Drei+bund pron German. <1drIbunt> pos n. def a triple alliance, esp. that formed between Germany, Austria-Hungary, and Italy (1882-1915). dreich ety Middle English dreig, drih enduring, from Old English dr*_eog (unattested); see #7dree dreigh alt head dreich or dreich syl dreigh pron pos adj. dreich 0. or dreigh syl dreich pron pos adj. qual Scot. dialect. def dreary. Theodore (Herman Albert) infl head Dreiser syl The:o:dore (Herman Albert) . pos n. Dreiser 0. syl Drei:ser pron <1drIs*>, <-z*> pos n. def 1871-1945, U.S. novelist; his works include (1900) and (1925). drench ety Old English drencan to cause to drink; related to Old High German trenken &- #!drench+er n. drench 1. syl drench pron pos vb. mod tr. def to make completely wet; soak. drench 2. syl drench pron pos vb. mod tr. def to give liquid medicine to (an animal), esp. by force. drench 3. syl drench pron pos n. mod tr. def the act or an instance of drenching. drench 4. syl drench pron pos n. mod tr. def a dose of liquid medicine given to an animal. Drenthe 0. syl Dren+the pron Dutch <1drent*> pos n. def a province of the NE Netherlands: a low plateau, with many raised bogs, partially reclaimed; agricultural, with oil deposits. Capital: Assen. Pop.: 386400 (1973 est.). Area: 2647 sq. km (1032 sq. miles). Dresden 1. syl Dres+den pron <1drezdN> pos n. def an industrial city in SE East Germany, on the River Elbe: capital of Saxony from the 16th century until 1952; it was severely damaged in the Seven Years' War (1760); the baroque city was almost totally destroyed in World War II by Allied bombing (1945). Pop.: 508298 (1975 est.). Dresden 2. syl Dres+den pron <1drezdN> pos adj. def relating to, designating, or made of Dresden china. Dresden china 0. syl Dres+den chi+na pos n. def porcelain ware, esp. delicate and elegantly decorative objects and figures of high quality made at Meissen, near Dresden, since 1710. dress ety C14: from Old French drecier, ultimately from Latin d*_irigere to #7direct dress 1. syl dress pron pos vb. def to put clothes on (oneself or another); attire. dress 2. syl dress pron pos vb. mod intr. def to change one's clothes, esp. to more formal attire. dress 3. syl dress pron pos vb. mod tr. def to provide (someone) with clothing; clothe. dress 4. syl dress pron pos vb. mod tr. def to arrange merchandise in (a shop window) for effective display. dress 5. syl dress pron pos vb. mod tr. def to comb out or arrange (the hair) into position. dress 6. syl dress pron pos vb. mod tr. def to apply protective or therapeutic covering to (a wound, sore, etc.). dress 7. syl dress pron pos vb. mod tr. def to prepare (food, esp. fowl and fish) for cooking or serving by cleaning, trimming, gutting, etc. dress 8. syl dress pron pos vb. mod tr. def to put a finish on (the surface of stone, metal, etc.). dress 9. syl dress pron pos vb. mod tr. def to till and cultivate (land), esp. by applying manure, compost, or fertilizer. dress 10. syl dress pron pos vb. mod tr. def to prune and trim (trees, bushes, etc.). dress 11. syl dress pron pos vb. mod tr. def to groom (an animal, esp. a horse). dress 12. syl dress pron pos vb. mod tr. def to convert (tanned hides) into leather. dress 13. syl dress pron pos vb. qual Military. def to bring (troops) into line or (of troops) to come into line (esp. in the phrase {dress ranks) }. dress ship 14. head dress syl dress ship. qual Nautical. def to decorate a vessel by displaying all signal flags on lines run from the bow to the stern over the mast trucks. dress 15. syl dress pron pos n. def a one-piece garment for a woman, consisting of a skirt and bodice. dress 16. syl dress pron pos n. def complete style of clothing; costume. exam 1 formal dress; exam 2 military dress. dress 17. syl dress pron pos n. usage modifier def suitable or required for a formal occasion. exam 1 a dress shirt. dress 18. syl dress pron pos n. def the outer covering or appearance, esp. of living things. exam 1 trees in their spring dress of leaves. dress xref syl dress pron pos vb. def See also {dress down, dress up}. dressage ety French: preparation, from Old French dresser to prepare; see #7dress dressage 0. syl dres+sage pron <1dresa:Z> exam 1 n dressage 1. syl dres+sage pron <1dresa:Z> def the method of training a horse to perform manoeuvres in response to the rider's body signals. dressage 2. syl dres+sage pron <1dresa:Z> def the manoeuvres performed by a horse trained in this method. dress circle 0. syl dress cir+cle pos n. def a tier of seats in a theatre or other auditorium, usually the first gallery above the ground floor. dress coat 0. syl dress coat pos n. def a man's formal tailcoat with a cutaway skirt. dress down 0. syl dress down pos vb. adv. mod tr. qual Informal. def to reprimand severely or scold (a person). dresser ety C15 dressour, from Old French dreceore, from drecier to arrange; see #7dress dresser H1.1. syl dress+er pron <1dres*> pos n. def a set of shelves, usually also with cupboards or drawers, for storing or displaying dishes, etc. dresser H1.2. syl dress+er pron <1dres*> pos n. def a chest of drawers for storing clothing in a bedroom or dressing room, often having a mirror on the top. dresser H2.1. syl dress+er pron <1dres*> pos n. def a person who dresses in a specified way. exam 1 a fashionable dresser. dresser H2.2. syl dress+er pron <1dres*> pos n. qual Theatre. def a person employed to assist actors in putting on and taking off their costumes. dresser H2.3. syl dress+er pron <1dres*> pos n. def a tool used for dressing stone or other materials. dresser H2.4. syl dress+er pron <1dres*> pos n. qual Brit. def a person who assists a surgeon during operations. dresser H2.5. syl dress+er pron <1dres*> pos n. qual Brit. def See {window-dresser}. dress form 0. syl dress form pos n. def an adjustable dummy used in dressmaking that can be made to conform to a person's figure. dressing 1. syl dress+ing pron <1dresiG> pos n. def a sauce for food, esp. for salad. dressing 2. syl dress+ing pron <1dresiG> pos n. def the U.S. name for { {stuffing} (sense 2).} dressing 3. syl dress+ing pron <1dresiG> pos n. def a covering for a wound, sore, etc. dressing 4.a. syl dress+ing pron <1dresiG> pos n. def manure or artificial fertilizer spread on land. dressing 5. syl dress+ing pron <1dresiG> pos n. def size used for stiffening textiles. dressing 6. syl dress+ing pron <1dresiG> pos n. def the processes in the conversion of certain rough tanned hides into leather ready for use. dressing-down 0. syl dress:ing-down pos n. qual Informal. def a severe scolding or thrashing. dressing gown 0. syl dress+ing gown pos n. def a full robe worn before dressing or for lounging. dressing room 1. syl dress+ing room pos n. qual Theatre. def a room backstage for an actor to change clothing and to make up. dressing room 2. syl dress+ing room pos n. def any room used for changing clothes, such as one at a sports ground or off a bedroom. dressings 0. syl dress+ings pron <1dresiGz> pos n. mod pl. def dressed stonework, mouldings, and carved ornaments used to form quoins, keystones, sills, and similar features. dressing station 0. syl dress+ing sta+tion pos n. qual Military. def a first-aid post close to a combat area. dressing table 0. syl dress+ing ta+ble pos n. def a piece of bedroom furniture with a mirror and a set of drawers for clothes, cosmetics, etc. dressmaker 0. syl dress+mak:er pron <1dres2mAk*> pos n. def a person whose occupation is making clothes, esp. for women. dressmaking sub head dressmaker syl dress+2mak:ing pos n. dress parade 0. syl dress pa+rade pos n. qual Military. def a formal parade of sufficient ceremonial importance for the wearing of dress uniform. dress rehearsal 1. syl dress re+hears+al pos n. def the last complete rehearsal of a play or other work, using costumes, scenery, lighting, etc., as for the first night. dress rehearsal 2. syl dress re+hears+al pos n. def any full-scale practice. dress shield 0. syl dress shield pos n. def a fabric pad worn under the armpits or attached to the armhole of a garment to prevent sweat from showing on or staining the clothing. dress suit 0. syl dress suit pos n. def a man's evening suit, esp. tails. dress uniform 0. syl dress u:ni+form pos n. qual Military. def formal ceremonial uniform. dress up 1. syl dress up pos vb. adv. def to attire (oneself or another) in one's best clothes. dress up 2. syl dress up pos vb. adv. def to put fancy dress, disguise, etc., on (oneself or another), as in children's games. exam 1 let's dress up as ghosts&! dress up 3. syl dress up pos vb. adv. mod tr. def to improve the appearance or impression of. exam 1 it's no good trying to dress up the facts. dressier infl head dressy syl dress:i+er pos adj. dressiest infl head dressy syl dress:i+est. pos adj. dressy 1. syl dress:y pron <1dresi> pos adj. qual Informal. usage of clothes def elegant. dressy 2. syl dress:y pron <1dresi> pos adj. qual Informal. usage of persons def dressing stylishly. dressy 3. syl dress:y pron <1dresi> pos adj. qual Informal. def over-elegant. dressily sub head dressy syl dress:i+ly pos adv. dressiness sub head dressy syl dress:i+ness pos n. drew 0. syl drew pron pos vb. def the past tense of {draw}. Alfred infl head Dreyfus syl Al:fred pron pos n. Dreyfus 0. syl Drey:fus pron <1drAf*s>, French pos n. def 1859-1935, French army officer, a Jew whose false imprisonment for treason (1894) raised issues of anti-semitism and militarism that dominated French politics until his release (1906). dribble ety C16: frequentative of drib, variant of #7drip dribble 1. syl drib+ble pron <1dribL> pos vb. mod usually; intr. def to flow or allow to flow in a thin stream or drops; trickle. dribble 2. syl drib+ble pron <1dribL> pos vb. mod intr. def to allow saliva to trickle from the mouth. dribble 3. syl drib+ble pron <1dribL> pos vb. usage in soccer, basketball, hockey, etc. def to propel (the ball) by repeatedly tapping it with the hand, foot, or stick. dribble 4. syl drib+ble pron <1dribL> pos n. def a small quantity of liquid falling in drops or flowing in a thin stream. dribble 5. syl drib+ble pron <1dribL> pos n. def a small quantity or supply. dribble 6. syl drib+ble pron <1dribL> pos n. def an act or instance of dribbling. dribbler sub head dribble syl drib+bler pos n. driblet ety C17: from obsolete drib to fall bit by bit+-#7let dribblet alt head driblet or driblet syl drib+blet pron <1driblit> pos n. driblet 0. or dribblet syl drib+let pron <1driblit> pos n. def a small quantity or amount, as of liquid. dribs and drabs 0. syl dribs and drabs pos n. qual Informal. def small sporadic amounts. dried 0. syl dried pron pos vb. def the past tense or past participle of {dry}. drier H1.0. syl dri+er pron <1drI*> pos adj. def the comparative of {dry}. drier H2.0. syl dri+er pron <1drI*> pos n. def a variant spelling of {dryer%1}. driest 0. syl dri+est pron <1drIist> pos adj. def the superlative of {dry}. drift ety C13: from Old Norse: snowdrift; related to Old High German trift pasturage drift 1. syl drift pron pos vb. mod also; tr. def to be carried along by or as if by currents of air or water or (of a current) to carry (a vessel, etc.) along. drift 2. syl drift pron pos vb. mod mainly; intr. def to move aimlessly from place to place or from one activity to another. drift 3. syl drift pron pos vb. mod mainly; intr. def to wander or move gradually away from a fixed course or point; stray. drift 4. syl drift pron pos vb. mod also; tr. usage of snow, sand, etc. def to accumulate in heaps or banks or to drive (snow, sand, etc.) into heaps or banks. drift 5. syl drift pron pos n. mod mainly; intr. def something piled up by the wind or current, such as a snowdrift. drift 6. syl drift pron pos n. mod mainly; intr. def tendency, trend, meaning, or purport. exam 1 the drift of the argument. drift 7. syl drift pron pos n. mod mainly; intr. def a state of indecision or inaction. drift 8. syl drift pron pos n. mod mainly; intr. def the extent to which a vessel, aircraft, projectile, etc. is driven off its course by adverse winds, tide, or current. drift 9. syl drift pron pos n. mod mainly; intr. def a general tendency of surface ocean water to flow in the direction of the prevailing winds. exam 1 North Atlantic Drift. drift 10. syl drift pron pos n. mod mainly; intr. def a driving movement, force, or influence; impulse. drift 11. syl drift pron pos n. mod mainly; intr. def a controlled four-wheel skid, used by racing drivers to take bends at high speed. drift 12. syl drift pron pos n. mod mainly; intr. def a loose unstratified deposit of sand, gravel, etc., esp. one transported and deposited by a glacier or ice sheet. drift 13. syl drift pron pos n. mod mainly; intr. def a horizontal passage in a mine that follows the mineral vein. drift 14. syl drift pron pos n. mod mainly; intr. def something, esp. a group of animals, driven along by human or natural agencies. exam 1 a drift of cattle. drift 15. syl drift pron pos n. mod mainly; intr. def Also called: {driftpin}. a tapering steel tool driven into holes to enlarge or align them before bolting or riveting. drift 16. syl drift pron pos n. mod mainly; intr. def an un?!controlled slow change in some operating characteristic of a piece of equipment, esp. an electronic circuit or component. drift 17. syl drift pron pos n. mod mainly; intr. qual Linguistics. def gradual change in a language, esp. in so far as this is influenced by the internal structure of the language rather than by contact with other languages. drift 18. syl drift pron pos n. mod mainly; intr. qual S. African. def a ford. drifty sub head drift syl drift:y pos adj. driftage 1. syl drift+age pron <1driftiJ> pos n. def the act of drifting. driftage 2. syl drift+age pron <1driftiJ> pos n. def matter carried along or deposited by drifting. driftage 3. syl drift+age pron <1driftiJ> pos n. def the amount by which an aircraft or vessel has drifted from its intended course. drift anchor 0. syl drift an+chor pos n. def another term for {sea anchor}. drifter 1. syl drift+er pron <1drift*> pos n. def a person or thing that drifts. drifter 2. syl drift+er pron <1drift*> pos n. qual Informal. def a person who moves aimlessly from place to place, usually without a regular job. drifter 3. syl drift+er pron <1drift*> pos n. def a boat used for drift-net fishing. drifter 4. syl drift+er pron <1drift*> pos n. qual Nautical. def a large jib of thin material used in light breezes. drift ice 0. syl drift ice pos n. def masses of ice floating in the open sea. drift net 0. syl drift net pos n. def a large fishing net supported by floats or attached to a drifter that is allowed to drift with the tide or current. drift transistor 0. syl drift tran+sis+tor pos n. def a transistor in which the impurity concentration in the base increases from the collector-base junction to the emitter-base junction, producing a resistivity gradient that greatly increases its high-frequency response. drift tube 0. syl drift tube pos n. qual Physics. def a hollow cylindrical electrode to which a radio-frequency voltage is applied in a linear accelerator. driftwood 0. syl drift+wood pron <1drift2wud> pos n. def wood floating on or washed ashore by the sea or other body of water. drill ety C17: from Middle Dutch drillen; related to Old High German dr*_aen to turn drill H1.1. syl drill pron pos n. def a rotating tool that is inserted into a drilling machine or tool for boring cylindrical holes. drill H1.2. syl drill pron pos n. def a hand tool, either manually or electrically operated, for drilling holes. drill H1.3. syl drill pron pos n. qual Military. def training in procedures or movements, as for ceremonial parades or the use of weapons. drill H1.4. syl drill pron pos n. def strict and often repetitious training or exercises used as a method of teaching. drill H1.5. syl drill pron pos n. qual Informal. def correct procedure or routine. drill H1.6. syl drill pron pos n. def a marine gastropod mollusc, closely related to the whelk, that preys on oysters. drill H1.7. syl drill pron pos vb. def to pierce, bore, or cut (a hole) in (material) with or as if with a drill. exam 1 to drill a hole; exam 2 to drill metal. drill H1.8. syl drill pron pos vb. def to instruct or be instructed in military procedures or movements. drill H1.9. syl drill pron pos vb. mod tr. def to teach by rigorous exercises or training. drill H1.10. syl drill pron pos vb. mod tr. qual Slang. def to hit (a ball) in a straight line at great speed. drill H1.11. syl drill pron pos vb. mod tr. qual Informal. def to riddle with bullets. drillable sub head drill syl drill+a:ble pos adj. driller sub head drill syl drill+er pos n. drill ety C18: of uncertain origin; compare German Rille furrow drill H2.1. syl drill pron pos n. def a machine for planting seeds in rows or depositing fertilizer. drill H2.2. syl drill pron pos n. def a small furrow in which seeds are sown. drill H2.3. syl drill pron pos n. def a row of seeds planted using a drill. drill H2.4. syl drill pron pos vb. def to plant (seeds) by means of a drill. driller sub head drill syl drill+er pos n. drill ety C18: variant of German Drillich, from Latin tril*_ix, from #7tri -#7+ l*_icium thread drilling alt head drill or drill syl drill+ing pron pos n. drill H3.0. or drilling syl drill pron pos n. def a hard-wearing twill-weave cotton cloth, used for uniforms, etc. drill ety C17: from a West African word; compare #7mandrill drill H4.0. syl drill pron pos n. def an Old World monkey, of W Africa, related to the mandrill but smaller and less brightly coloured. drillmaster 1. syl drill+mas:ter pron <1dril2ma:st*> pos n. def Also called: {drill sergeant}. a military drill instructor. drillmaster 2. syl drill+mas:ter pron <1dril2ma:st*> pos n. def a person who instructs in a strict manner. drill press 0. syl drill press pos n. def a machine tool for boring holes, having a fixed stand and work table with facilities for lowering the rotating tool to the workpiece. drillstock 0. syl drill+stock pron <1dril2stok> pos n. def the part of a machine tool that holds the shank of a drill or bit; chuck. drily 0. syl dri+ly pron <1drIli> pos adv. def a variant spelling of {dryly}. Drin 0. syl Drin pron pos n. def a river in S Europe, rising on the border between Albania and Yugoslavia and flowing north and west into the Adriatic Sea. Length: about 270 km (170 miles). drink ety Old English drincan; related to Old Frisian drinka, Gothic drigkan, Old High German trinkan &- drink+a@.ble adj. drinks infl head drink syl drinks pos vb. drinking infl head drink syl drink+ing pos vb. drank infl head drink syl drank pos vb. drunk infl head drink syl drunk. pos vb. drink 1. syl drink pron pos vb. def to swallow (a liquid); imbibe. drink 2. syl drink pron pos vb. mod tr. def to take in or soak up (liquid); absorb. exam 1 this plant drinks a lot of water. drink 3. syl drink pron pos vb. mod tr. usage usually foll. by in def to pay close attention (to); be fascinated (by). exam 1 he drank in the speaker's every word. drink 4. syl drink pron pos vb. mod tr. def to bring (oneself into a certain condition) by consuming alcohol. drink 5. syl drink pron pos vb. mod tr. usage often foll. by away def to dispose of or ruin by excessive expenditure on alcohol. exam 1 he drank away his fortune. drink 6. syl drink pron pos vb. mod intr. def to consume alcohol, esp. to excess. drink 7. syl drink pron pos vb. mod when; intr. usage foll. by to def to drink (a toast) in celebration, honour, or hope (of). drink (someone) under the table 8. head drink syl drink (someone) under the table. def to be able to drink more intoxicating beverage than (someone). drink the health of 9. head drink syl drink the health of. def to salute or celebrate with a toast. drink with the flies 10. head drink syl drink with the flies. qual Austral. informal. def to drink alone. drink 11. syl drink pron pos n. def liquid suitable for drinking; any beverage. drink 12. syl drink pron pos n. def alcohol or its habitual or excessive consumption. drink 13. syl drink pron pos n. def an amount or portion of liquid for drinking; draught. the drink 14. head drink syl the drink. qual Informal. def the sea. drinker 0. syl drink+er pron <1driGk*> pos n. def a person who drinks, esp. a person who drinks alcohol habitually. drinking fountain 0. syl drink+ing foun+tain pos n. def a device for providing a flow or jet of drinking water, usually in public places. drinking-up time 0. syl drink:ing-up time pos n. usage in Britain def a short time allowed for finishing drinks before closing time in a public house. drinking water 0. syl drink+ing wa+ter pos n. def water reserved or suitable for drinking. John infl head Drinkwater syl John. pos n. Drinkwater 0. syl Drink:wa:ter pron <1driGk2wc:t*> pos n. def 1882-1937, English dramatist, poet, and critic; author of chronicle plays such as (1918) and (1921). drip ety Old English dryppan, from dropa #7drop drips infl head drip syl drips pos vb. dripping infl head drip syl drip+ping pos vb. dripped infl head drip syl dripped. pos vb. drip 1. syl drip pron pos vb. def to fall or let fall in drops. drip 2. syl drip pron pos n. def the formation and falling of drops of liquid. drip 3. syl drip pron pos n. def the sound made by falling drops. drip 4. syl drip pron pos n. qual Architect. def a projection at the front lower edge of a sill or cornice designed to throw water clear of the wall below. drip 5. syl drip pron pos n. qual Informal. def an inane, insipid person. drip 6. syl drip pron pos n. qual Med. def the usually intravenous drop-by-drop administration of a therapeutic solution, as of salt or sugar. drip-dry 0. syl drip-dry pos adj. def designating clothing or a fabric that will dry relatively free of creases if hung up when wet. dripping 1. syl drip+ping pron <1dripiG> pos n. def the fat that exudes from meat while it is being roasted or fried, used for basting or as shortening, etc. dripping 2. syl drip+ping pron <1dripiG> pos n. mod often; pl. def liquid that falls in drops. dripping 3. syl drip+ping pron <1dripiG> pos adv. usage intensi?!fier exam 1 dripping wet. drip pan alt head dripping pan or dripping pan syl drip pan pos n. dripping pan 0. or drip pan syl drip+ping pan pos n. def a shallow pan placed under roasting meat to catch the dripping. drippier infl head drippy syl drip+pi+er pos adj. drippiest infl head drippy syl drip+pi+est. pos adj. drippy 1. syl drip+py pron <1dripi> pos adj. def tending to drip. drippy 2. syl drip+py pron <1dripi> pos adj. qual Informal. def mawkish, insipid, or inane. dripstone 1. syl drip+stone pron <1drip2st*un> pos n. def the form of calcium carbonate existing in stalactites or stalagmites. dripstone 2. syl drip+stone pron <1drip2st*un> pos n. def Also called: {label, hood mould}. a drip made of stone. drive ety Old English dr*_ifan; related to Old Frisian dr*_iva, Old Norse dr*_ifa, Gothic dreiban, Old High German tr*_iban drives infl head drive syl drives pos vb. driving infl head drive syl driv+ing pos vb. drove infl head drive syl drove pos vb. driven infl head drive syl driv+en. pos vb. drive 1. syl drive pron pos vb. def to push, propel, or be pushed or propelled. drive 2. syl drive pron pos vb. def to control and guide the movement of (a vehicle, draught animal, etc.). exam 1 to drive a car. drive 3. syl drive pron pos vb. mod tr. def to compel or urge to work or act, esp. excessively. drive 4. syl drive pron pos vb. mod tr. def to goad or force into a specified attitude or state. exam 1 work drove him to despair. drive 5. syl drive pron pos vb. mod tr. def to cause (an object) to make or form (a hole, crack, etc.). exam 1 his blow drove a hole in the wall. drive 6. syl drive pron pos vb. def to move or cause to move rapidly by striking or throwing with force. drive 7. syl drive pron pos vb. qual Sport. def to hit (a ball) very hard and straight, as (in cricket) with the bat swinging more or less vertically. drive 8. syl drive pron pos vb. qual Golf. def to strike (the ball) with a driver, as in teeing off. drive 9.a. syl drive pron pos vb. def to chase (game) from cover into more open ground. drive 9.b. syl drive pron pos vb. def to search (an area) for game. drive 10. syl drive pron pos vb. def to transport or be transported in a driven vehicle. drive 11. syl drive pron pos vb. mod intr. def to rush or dash violently, esp. against an obstacle or solid object. exam 1 the waves drove against the rock. drive 12. syl drive pron pos vb. mod tr. def to carry through or transact with vigour (esp. in the phrase {drive a hard bargain) }. drive 13. syl drive pron pos vb. mod tr. def to force (a component) into or out of its location by means of blows or a press. drive 14. syl drive pron pos vb. mod tr. qual Mining. def to excavate horizontally. drive 15.a. syl drive pron pos vb. def to cause to penetrate to the fullest extent. drive 15.b. syl drive pron pos vb. def to make clear by special emphasis. drive 16. syl drive pron pos n. def the act of driving. drive 17. syl drive pron pos n. def a trip or journey in a driven vehicle. drive 18.a. syl drive pron pos n. def a road for vehicles, esp. a private road leading to a house. drive 18.b. syl drive pron pos n. usage cap. when part of a street name exam 1 Woodland Drive. drive 19. syl drive pron pos n. def vigorous or urgent pressure, as in business. drive 20. syl drive pron pos n. def a united effort, esp. directed towards a common goal. exam 1 a charity drive. drive 21. syl drive pron pos n. qual Brit. def a large gathering of persons to play whist, bridge, etc. drive 22. syl drive pron pos n. def energy, ambition, or initiative. drive 23. syl drive pron pos n. def a sustained and powerful military offensive. drive 24.a. syl drive pron pos n. def the means by which force, torque, motion, or power is transmitted in a mechanism. exam 1 fluid drive. drive 24.b. syl drive pron pos n. usage as modifier exam 1 a drive shaft. drive 25. syl drive pron pos n. qual Sport. def a hard straight shot or stroke. drive 26. syl drive pron pos n. def a search for and chasing of game towards waiting guns. drivable sub head drive or driveable syl driv+a:ble pos adj. driveable sub head drive or drivable syl drive+a:ble pos adj. drive at 0. syl drive at pos vb. prep. mod intr. qual Informal. def to aim at; to intend or mean. exam 1 what are you driving at?? drive-in 0.a. syl drive-in pos n. qual Chiefly U.S. def a cinema, designed to be used by patrons seated in their cars. drive-in 0.b. syl drive-in pos n. qual Chiefly U.S. usage modifier def a public facility or service designed for use in such a manner. exam 1 a drive-in restaurant. drivel ety Old English dreflian to slaver; see #7draff drivels infl head drivel or drivels syl driv+els pos vb. qual U.S. drivelling infl head drivel or driveling syl driv+el+ling pos vb. drivelled infl head drivel or driveled syl driv+elled pos vb. driveling infl head drivel or drivelling syl driv+el+ing pos vb. qual U.S. driveled infl head drivel or drivelled syl driv+eled. pos vb. qual U.S. drivel 1. syl driv+el pron <1drivL> pos vb. def to allow (saliva) to flow from the mouth; dribble. drivel 2. syl driv+el pron <1drivL> pos vb. mod intr. def to speak foolishly or childishly. drivel 3. syl driv+el pron <1drivL> pos vb. qual Archaic. def to flow or trickle. exam 1 a wound drivelling blood. drivel 4. syl driv+el pron <1drivL> pos n. def foolish or senseless talk. drivel 5. syl driv+el pron <1drivL> pos n. def saliva flowing from the mouth; slaver. driveller sub head drivel syl driv+el+ler pos n. driven 0. syl driv+en pron <1drivN> pos vb. def the past participle of {drive}. driver 1. syl driv+er pron <1drIv*> pos n. def a person who drives a vehicle. driver 2. syl driv+er pron <1drIv*> pos n. def a person who drives animals. driver 3. syl driv+er pron <1drIv*> pos n. def a mechanical component that exerts a force on another to produce motion. driver 4. syl driv+er pron <1drIv*> pos n. qual Golf. def a club, a No. 1 wood, with a large head and deep face for tee shots. driver 5. syl driv+er pron <1drIv*> pos n. qual Electronics. def a circuit whose output provides the input of another circuit. driverless sub head driver syl driv+er+less pos adj. driver ant 0. syl driv+er ant pos n. def any of various tropical African predatory ants of the subfamily which live in temporary nests and travel in vast hordes preying on other animals. See also {army ant}. driveway 0. syl drive+way pron <1drIv2wA> pos n. def a private road for vehicles, often connecting a house or garage with a public road; drive. driving 1. syl driv+ing pron <1drIviG> pos adj. def having or moving with force and violence. exam 1 driving rain. driving 2. syl driv+ing pron <1drIviG> pos adj. def forceful or energetic. driving 3. syl driv+ing pron <1drIviG> pos adj. def relating to the controlling of a motor vehicle in motion. exam 1 driving test. driving licence 0. syl driv+ing li+cence pos n. def an official document or certificate authorizing a person to drive a motor vehicle. driving wheel 1. syl driv+ing wheel pos n. def a wheel, esp. a gear wheel, that causes other wheels to rotate. driving wheel 2. syl driv+ing wheel pos n. def any wheel of a vehicle that transforms torque into a tractive force. drizzle ety Old English dr*_eosan to fall; related to Old Saxon driosan, Gothic driusan, Norwegian drj*_osa drizzle 1. syl driz+zle pron <1drizL> pos n. def very light rain, specifically consisting of droplets less than 0.5 mm in diameter. drizzle 2. syl driz+zle pron <1drizL> pos vb. mod intr. def to rain lightly. drizzle 3. syl driz+zle pron <1drizL> pos vb. mod tr. def to moisten with tiny droplets. drizzly sub head drizzle syl driz+zly pos adj. Drogheda 0. syl Drog+he:da pron <1drciid*> pos n. def a port in NE Ireland, in Co. Louth near the mouth of the River Boyne: captured by Cromwell in 1649 and its inhabitants massacred. Pop.: 20095 (1971). drogue ety C18: probably based ultimately on Old English dragan to #7draw drogue 1. syl drogue pron pos n. def any funnel-like device, esp. one of canvas, used as a sea anchor. drogue 2.a. syl drogue pron pos n. def a small parachute released behind a jet aircraft to reduce its landing speed. drogue 2.b. syl drogue pron pos n. def a small parachute released before a heavier main parachute during the landing of a spacecraft. drogue 3. syl drogue pron pos n. def a device towed behind an aircraft as a target for firing practice. drogue 4. syl drogue pron pos n. def a funnel-shaped device on the end of the refuelling hose of a tanker aircraft, to assist stability and the location of the probe of the receiving aircraft. drogue 5. syl drogue pron pos n. def another name for {windsock}. droit ety C15: from French: legal right, from Medieval Latin d*_ir*_ectum law, from Latin: a straight line; see #7direct droits infl head droit syl droits pron , French pos n. mod pl. droit 0. syl droit pron , French , French pos n. def a legal or moral right or claim; due. droit du seigneur ety from French, literally: the right of the lord droit du seigneur 0. syl droit du sei+gneur pron French , French pos n. def in feudal times, the right of a lord to have sexual intercourse with a vassal's bride on her wedding night. droll ety C17: from French dr*^ole scamp, from Middle Dutch: imp droll 0. syl droll pron pos adj. def amusing in a quaint or odd manner; comical. drollness sub head droll syl droll+ness pos n. drolly sub head droll syl drol+ly pos adv. drolleries infl head drollery syl droll+er:ies. pos n. mod pl. drollery 1. syl droll+er:y pron <1dr*ul*ri> pos n. def humour; comedy. drollery 2. syl droll+er:y pron <1dr*ul*ri> pos n. qual Rare. def a droll act, story, or remark. Drome 0. syl Dr*^ome pron French pos n. def a department of SE France, in Rh*^one-Alpes region. Capital: Valence. Pop.: 370571 (1975). Area: 6561 sq. km (2559 sq. miles). -drome ety via Latin from Greek dromos race, course -drome 0. syl -drome pos n. exam 1 combining form. -drome 1. syl -drome pos n. def a course, race course. exam 1 hippo?!drome. -drome 2. syl -drome pos n. def a large place for a special purpose. exam 1 aerodrome. dromedary ety C14: from Late Latin dromed*_arius (cam*_elus) , from Greek dromas running dromedaries infl head dromedary syl drom+e:dar:ies. pos n. mod pl. dromedary 1. syl drom+e:dar:y pron <1dr^m*d*ri>, <-dri>, <1drom-> pos n. def a type of Arabian camel bred for racing and riding, having a single hump and long slender legs. dromedary 2. syl drom+e:dar:y pron <1dr^m*d*ri>, <-dri>, <1drom-> pos n. def another name for {Arabian camel}. dromond ety C13: from Anglo-French dromund, ultimately from Late Greek drom*_on light swift ship, from dromos a running dromon alt head dromond or dromond syl drom+on pron <1drom*n>, <1dr^m-> pos n. dromond 0. or dromon syl drom+ond pron <1drom*nd>, <1dr^m-> pos n. def a large swift sailing vessel of the 12th to 15th centuries. -dromous ety via New Latin from Greek -dromos, from dromos a running -dromous 0. syl -dro:mous pos adj. usage combining form. def moving or running. exam 1 ana?!dromous; exam 2 catadromous. drone ety Old English dr*_an; related to Old High German treno drone, Gothic drunjus noise, Greek tenthr*_en*_e wasp; see #7drone %2 drone H1.1. syl drone pron pos n. def a male bee in a colony of social bees, whose sole function is to mate with the queen. drone H1.2. syl drone pron pos n. qual Brit. def a person who lives off the work of others. drone H1.3. syl drone pron pos n. def a pilotless radio-controlled aircraft. dronish sub head drone syl dron+ish pos adj. drone ety C16: related to #7drone %1 and Middle Dutch dr*_onen, German dr*"ohnen drone H2.1. syl drone pron pos vb. mod intr. def to make a monotonous low dull sound; buzz or hum. drone H2.2. syl drone pron pos vb. mod when; intr. usage often foll. by on def to utter (words) in a monotonous tone, esp. to talk without stopping. drone H2.3. syl drone pron pos n. def a monotonous low dull sound. drone H2.4.a. syl drone pron pos n. def a sustained bass note or chord of unvarying pitch accompanying a melody. drone H2.4.b. syl drone pron pos n. usage as modifier exam 1 a drone bass. drone H2.5. syl drone pron pos n. qual Music. def one of the single-reed pipes in a set of bagpipes, used for accompanying the melody played on the chanter. drone H2.6. syl drone pron pos n. def a person who speaks in a low mo?!notonous tone. droningly sub head drone syl dron+ing+ly pos adv. drongo ety C19: from Malagasy drongos infl head drongo syl dron+gos. pos n. mod pl. drongo 1. syl dron+go pron <1droGg*u> pos n. def Also: {drongo shrike}. any insectivorous songbird of the family of the Old World tropics, having a glossy black plumage, a forked tail, and a stout bill. drongo 2. syl dron+go pron <1droGg*u> pos n. qual Austral. slang. def a slow-witted person. droob ety C20: of unknown origin droob 0. syl droob pron pos n. qual Austral. slang. def a pathetic person. drool ety C19: probably alteration of #7drivel drool 1. syl drool pron pos vb. mod intr. usage often foll. by over def to show excessive enthusiasm (for) or pleasure (in); gloat (over). {~} drool 2. syl drool pron pos vb. def another word for {drivel} (senses 1, 2, 5). droop ety C13: from Old Norse dr*_upa; see #7drop droop 1. syl droop pron pos vb. def to sag or allow to sag, as from weakness or exhaustion; hang down; sink. droop 2. syl droop pron pos vb. mod intr. def to be overcome by weariness; languish; flag. droop 3. syl droop pron pos vb. mod intr. def to lose courage; become dejected. droop 4. syl droop pron pos n. def the act or state of drooping. droopingly sub head droop syl droop+ing+ly pos adv. drop ety Old English dropian; related to Old High German triofan to #7drip drop 1. syl drop pron pos n. def a small quantity of liquid that forms or falls in a spherical or pear-shaped mass; globule. drop 2. syl drop pron pos n. def a very small quantity of liquid. drop 3. syl drop pron pos n. def a very small quantity of anything. drop 4. syl drop pron pos n. def something resembling a drop in shape or size, such as a decorative pendant or small sweet. drop 5. syl drop pron pos n. def the act or an instance of falling; descent. drop 6. syl drop pron pos n. def a decrease in amount or value; slump. exam 1 a drop in prices. drop 7. syl drop pron pos n. def the vertical distance that anything may fall. drop 8. syl drop pron pos n. def a steep or sheer incline or slope. drop 9. syl drop pron pos n. def the act of unloading troops, equipment, or supplies by parachute. drop 10. syl drop pron pos n. qual Theatre. def See {drop curtain}. drop 11. syl drop pron pos n. def another word for {trap door} or {gallows}. drop 12. syl drop pron pos n. qual Chiefly U.S. def a slot or aperture through which an object can be dropped to fall into a receptacle. drop 13. syl drop pron pos n. qual Nautical. def the midships height of a sail bent to a fixed yard. Compare { {hoist} (sense 5).} drop 14. syl drop pron pos n. qual Austral. cricket slang. def a fall of the wicket. drop 15. syl drop pron pos n. def See {drop shot}. at the drop of a hat 17. head drop syl at the drop of a hat. def without hesitation or delay. have had a drop too much 18. head drop syl have had a drop too much. def to be drunk. drops infl head drop syl drops pos vb. dropping infl head drop syl drop+ping pos vb. dropped infl head drop syl dropped. pos vb. drop 19. syl drop pron pos vb. usage of liquids def to fall or allow to fall in globules. drop 20. syl drop pron pos vb. def to fall or allow to fall vertically. drop 21. syl drop pron pos vb. mod tr. def to allow to fall by letting go of. drop 22. syl drop pron pos vb. def to sink or fall or cause to sink or fall to the ground, as from a blow, wound, shot, weariness, etc. drop 23. syl drop pron pos vb. mod intr. usage foll. by back, behind, etc. def to fall, move, or go in a specified manner, direction, etc. drop 24. syl drop pron pos vb. mod intr. qual Informal. usage foll. by in, by, etc. def to pay a casual visit (to). drop 25. syl drop pron pos vb. def to decrease or cause to decrease in amount or value. exam 1 the cost of living never drops. drop 26. syl drop pron pos vb. def to sink or cause to sink to a lower position, as on a scale. drop 27. syl drop pron pos vb. def to make or become less in strength, volume, etc. drop 28. syl drop pron pos vb. mod intr. def to sink or decline in health or condition. drop 29. syl drop pron pos vb. mod intr. usage sometimes foll. by into def to pass easily into a state or condition. exam 1 to drop into a habit. drop 30. syl drop pron pos vb. mod intr. def to move along gently as with a current of water or air. drop 31. syl drop pron pos vb. mod tr. def to allow to pass casually in conversation. exam 1 to drop a hint. drop 32. syl drop pron pos vb. mod tr. def to leave out (a word or letter). drop 33. syl drop pron pos vb. mod tr. def to set down or unload (passengers or goods). drop 34. syl drop pron pos vb. mod tr. qual Informal. def to send or post. exam 1 drop me a line. drop 35. syl drop pron pos vb. mod tr. qual Informal. def to discontinue; terminate. exam 1 let's drop the matter. drop 36. syl drop pron pos vb. mod tr. qual Informal. def to cease to associate or have to do with. drop 37. syl drop pron pos vb. mod tr. qual Slang, chiefly U.S. def to cease to employ. exam 1 he was dropped from his job. drop 38. syl drop pron pos vb. mod tr. qual Informal. usage sometimes foll. by in, off, etc. def to leave or deposit, esp. at a specified place. drop 39. syl drop pron pos vb. usage of animals def to give birth to (offspring). drop 40. syl drop pron pos vb. qual Slang, chiefly U.S. def to lose (money), esp. when gambling. drop 41. syl drop pron pos vb. mod tr. def to lengthen (a hem, etc.). drop 42. syl drop pron pos vb. mod tr. def to unload (troops, equipment, or supplies) by parachute. drop 43. syl drop pron pos vb. mod tr. qual Nautical. def to leave behind; sail out of sight of. drop 44. syl drop pron pos vb. mod tr. qual Sport. def to omit (a player) from a team. drop 45. syl drop pron pos vb. mod tr. def to lose (a score, game, or contest). exam 1 the champion dropped his first service game. drop 46. syl drop pron pos vb. mod tr. qual Golf, basketball, etc. def to hit or throw (a ball) into a goal. exam 1 he dropped a 30 foot putt. drop 47. syl drop pron pos vb. mod tr. def to hit (a ball) with a drop shot. drop astern 48. head drop syl drop astern. qual Nautical. def to fall back to the stern (of another vessel). drop 49. syl drop pron pos vb. mod tr. qual Motor racing slang. def to spin (the car) and (usually) crash out of the race. drop 50. syl drop pron pos vb. mod tr. qual Slang. def to swallow (a drug, esp. barbiturates or LSD). drop dead 51. head drop syl drop dead def &! an exclamation of contempt. {~} drop 52. syl drop pron pos vb. qual Rugby. def short for {drop kick} or {drop-kick. ~} See also {drop away, drop off, dropout}. drop away 0. syl drop a:way pos vb. adv. mod intr. def to fall or go away gradually. drop cannon 0. syl drop can+non pos n. qual Billiards. def a shot in which the first object ball joins or gathers with the cue ball and the other object ball, esp. at the top of the table. drop curtain 0. syl drop cur+tain pos n. qual Theatre. def a curtain that is suspended from the flies and can be raised and lowered onto the stage. Also called: {drop cloth, drop}. drop forge 1. syl drop forge pos n. def Also called: {drop hammer}. a device for forging metal between two dies, one of which is fixed, the other acting by gravity or by steam or hydraulic pressure. {~} {drop-forge}. drop forge 2. syl drop forge pos n. mod tr. def to forge (metal) into (a component) by the use of a drop forge. drop goal 0. syl drop goal pos n. qual Rugby. def a goal scored with a drop kick during the run of play. drop hammer 0. syl drop ham+mer pos n. def another name for {drop forge}. drophead coup'e 0. syl drop+head cou+p*'e pos n. qual Brit. def a two-door four-seater car with a folding roof and a sloping back. drop kick 1. syl drop kick pos n. def a kick in certain sports such as rugby, in which the ball is dropped and kicked as it bounces from the ground. Compare {punt%2, place kick}. drop kick 2. syl drop kick pos n. def a wrestling attack, illegal in amateur wrestling, in which a wrestler leaps in the air and kicks his opponent in the face or body with both feet. drop-kick infl head drop kick syl drop-kick. pos vb. drop kick 3. syl drop kick pos vb. def to kick (a ball, etc.) using a drop kick. drop kick 4. syl drop kick pos vb. def to kick (an opponent in wrestling) by the use of a drop kick. drop leaf 0.a. syl drop leaf pos n. def a hinged flap on a table that can be raised and supported by a bracket or additional pivoted leg to extend the surface. drop leaf 0.b. syl drop leaf pos n. usage as modifier exam 1 a drop-leaf table. droplet 0. syl drop+let pron <1droplit> pos n. def a tiny drop. droplight 0. syl drop+light pron <1drop2lIt> pos n. def an electric light that may be raised or lowered by means of a pulley or other mechanism. drop off 1. syl drop off pos vb. adv. mod intr. def to grow smaller or less; decline. drop off 2. syl drop off pos vb. adv. mod tr. def to allow to alight; set down. drop off 3. syl drop off pos vb. adv. mod intr. qual Informal. def to fall asleep. {~} {drop-off}. drop off 4. syl drop off pos vb. adv. def a steep or vertical descent. drop off 5. syl drop off pos vb. adv. def a sharp decrease. dropout 1. syl drop+out pron <1drop2aut> pos n. def a student who fails to complete a school or college course. dropout 2. syl drop+out pron <1drop2aut> pos n. def a person who rejects conventional society. drop-out 3. head dropout syl drop-out. qual Rugby. def a drop kick taken by the defending team to restart play, as after a touchdown. drop out infl head dropout syl drop out. pos adv. mod intr. dropout 4. syl drop+out pron <1drop2aut> pos vb. mod intr. usage often foll. by of def to abandon or withdraw from (a school, social group, job, etc.). dropper 1. syl drop+per pron <1drop*> pos n. def a small tube having a rubber bulb at one end for drawing up and dispensing drops of liquid. dropper 2. syl drop+per pron <1drop*> pos n. def a person or thing that drops. droppings 0. syl drop+pings pron <1dropiGz> pos n. mod pl. def the dung of certain animals, such as rabbits, sheep, and birds. drops 0. syl drops pron pos n. mod pl. def any liquid medication applied by means of a dropper. drop scone 0. syl drop scone pos n. def a scone made by dropping a spoonful of batter on a griddle. Also called: {girdlecake, griddlecake, Scotch pancake}. drop shipment 0. syl drop ship+ment pos n. def a consignment invoiced to a wholesaler or other middleman but sent directly to the retailer by a manufacturer. drop shot 1. syl drop shot pos n. qual Tennis, squash, etc. def a softly-played return that drops abruptly after clearing the net, intended to give an opponent no chance of reaching the ball and usually achieved by imparting backspin. drop shot 2. syl drop shot pos n. def a type of shot made by permitting molten metal to percolate through a sieve and then dropping it into a tank of water. dropsonde ety C20: #7drop+ (#7radio) #7sonde dropsonde 0. syl drop+sonde pron <1dropsond> pos n. qual Meteorol. def a radiosonde dropped by parachute. dropsy ety C13: shortened from ydropesie, from Latin hydr*_opisis, from Greek hudr*_ops, from hud*_or water dropsy 0. syl drop+sy pron <1dropsi> pos n. qual Pathol. def a condition characterized by an accumulation of watery fluid in the tissues or in a body cavity. dropsical sub head dropsy or dropsied syl drop+si+cal pron <1dropsikL> pos adj. dropsied sub head dropsy or dropsical syl drop+sied pos adj. dropsically sub head dropsy syl drop+si+cal+ly pos adv. drop tank 0. syl drop tank pos n. def an external aircraft tank, usually containing fuel, that can be detached and dropped in flight. dropwort 1. syl drop+wort pron <1drop2wR:t> pos n. def a Eurasian rosaceous plant, with finely divided leaves and clusters of white or reddish flowers. See also { {meadowsweet} (sense 1).} water dropwort 2. head dropwort syl water dropwort. def any of several umbelliferous marsh plants of the genus esp. with umbrella-shaped clusters of white flowers. droshky ety C19: from Russian drozhki, diminutive of drogi a wagon, from droga shaft drosky alt head droshky or droshky syl dros+ky pron <1droski> pos n. droshkies infl head droshky syl drosh+kies. pos n. mod pl. droshky 0. or drosky syl drosh+ky pron <1droSki> pos n. def an open four-wheeled horse-drawn passenger carriage, formerly used in Russia. drosophila ety C19: New Latin, from Greek drosos dew, water+ -phila; see -#7phile drosophilas infl head drosophila or drosophilae syl dro+soph:i+las pron <-2lE> pos n. mod pl. drosophilae infl head drosophila or drosophilas syl dro+soph:i+lae pron <-2lE> pos n. mod pl. drosophila 0. syl dro+soph:i+la pron pos n. def any small dipterous fly of the genus esp. which is widely used in laboratory genetics studies: family They feed on plant sap, decaying fruit, etc. Also called: {fruit fly, vinegar fly}. dross ety Old English dr*_os dregs; related to Old High German truosana dross 1. syl dross pron pos n. def the scum formed, usually by oxidation, on the surfaces of molten metals. dross 2. syl dross pron pos n. def worthless matter; waste. drossy sub head dross syl dross:y pos adj. drossiness sub head dross syl dross:i+ness pos n. drought ety Old English dr*_ugoth; related to Dutch droogte; see #7dry drought 1. syl drought pron pos n. def a prolonged period of scanty rainfall. drought 2. syl drought pron pos n. def a prolonged shortage. drought 3. syl drought pron pos n. def an archaic or dialect word for {thirst}. Archaic form: {drouth}. droughty sub head drought syl drought:y pos adj. drove H1.0. syl drove pron pos vb. def the past tense of {drive}. drove ety Old English dr*_af herd; related to Middle Low German dr*_efwech cattle pasture; see #7drive, drift drove H2.1. syl drove pron pos n. def a herd of livestock being driven together. drove H2.2. syl drove pron pos n. mod often; pl. def a moving crowd of people. drove H2.3. syl drove pron pos n. def Also called: {drove chisel}. a chisel with a broad edge used for dressing stone. drove H2.4.a. syl drove pron pos vb. mod tr. def to drive (a group of livestock), usually for a considerable distance. drove H2.4.b. syl drove pron pos vb. mod intr. def to be employed as a drover. drove H2.5. syl drove pron pos vb. def to work (a stone surface) with a drove. drover 0. syl drov+er pron <1dr*uv*> pos n. def a person whose occupation is the driving of sheep or cattle, esp. to and from market. drown ety C13: probably from Old English druncnian; related to Old Norse drukna to be drowned drown 1. syl drown pron pos vb. def to die or kill by immersion in liquid. drown 2. syl drown pron pos vb. mod tr. def to destroy or get rid of as if by submerging. exam 1 he drowned his sorrows in drink. drown 3. syl drown pron pos vb. mod tr. def to drench thoroughly; inundate; flood. drown 4. syl drown pron pos vb. mod tr. usage sometimes foll. by out def to render (a sound) inaudible by making a loud noise. drowner sub head drown syl drown+er pos n. drowse ety C16: probably from Old English dr*_usian to sink; related to dr*_eosan to fall drowse 1. syl drowse pron pos vb. def to be or cause to be sleepy, dull, or sluggish. drowse 2. syl drowse pron pos n. def the state of being drowsy. drowsier infl head drowsy syl drows:i+er pos adj. drowsiest infl head drowsy syl drows:i+est. pos adj. drowsy 1. syl drows:y pron <1drauzi> pos adj. def heavy with sleepiness; sleepy. drowsy 2. syl drows:y pron <1drauzi> pos adj. def inducing sleep; soporific. drowsy 3. syl drows:y pron <1drauzi> pos adj. def sluggish or lethargic; dull. drowsily sub head drowsy syl drows:i+ly pos adv. drowsiness sub head drowsy syl drows:i+ness pos n. drub ety C17: probably from Arabic d*'araba to beat drubs infl head drub syl drubs pos dr^b; vb. mod tr. drubbing infl head drub syl drub+bing pos dr^b; vb. mod tr. drubbed infl head drub syl drubbed. pos dr^b; vb. mod tr. drub 1. syl drub pos dr^b; vb. mod tr. def to beat as with a stick; cudgel; club. drub 2. syl drub pos dr^b; vb. mod tr. def to defeat utterly, as in a contest. drub 3. syl drub pos dr^b; vb. mod tr. def to drum or stamp (the feet). drub 4. syl drub pos dr^b; vb. mod tr. def to instil with force or repetition. exam 1 the master drubbed Latin into the boys. drub 5. syl drub pos n. mod tr. def a blow, as from a stick. drubber sub head drub syl drub+ber pos n. drudge ety C16: perhaps from druggen to toil drudge 1. syl drudge pron pos n. def a person, such as a servant, who works hard at wearisome menial tasks. drudge 2. syl drudge pron pos vb. mod intr. def to toil at such tasks. drudger sub head drudge syl drudg+er pos n. drudgingly sub head drudge syl drudg+ing+ly pos adv. drudgeries infl head drudgery syl drudg+er:ies. pos n. mod pl. drudgery 0. syl drudg+er:y pron <1dr^J*ri> pos n. def hard, menial, and monoto?!nous work. druffen ety of obscure origin druffen 0. syl druf+fen pron <1dr^fN> pos adj. qual Northern Brit. dialect. def inebriated; drunk. drug ety C14: from Old French drogue, probably of Germanic origin drug 1. syl drug pos dr^g; n. def any synthetic or natural chemical substance used in the treatment, prevention, or diagnosis of disease. Related adj.: {pharmaceutical}. drug 2. syl drug pos dr^g; n. def a chemical substance, esp. a narcotic, taken for the pleasant effects it produces. drug on the market 3. head drug syl drug on the market. def a commodity available in excess of the demands of the market. drugs infl head drug syl drugs pos vb. mod tr. drugging infl head drug syl drug+ging pos vb. mod tr. drugged infl head drug syl drugged. pos vb. mod tr. drug 4. syl drug pos vb. mod tr. def to mix a drug with (food, drink, etc.). drug 5. syl drug pos vb. mod tr. def to administer a drug to. drug 6. syl drug pos vb. mod tr. def to stupefy or poison with or as if with a drug. drug addict 0. syl drug ad+dict pos n. def any person who is abnormally dependent on narcotic drugs. See {addiction}. drugget ety C16: from French droguet useless fabric, from drogue trash drugget 0. syl drug+get pron <1dr^git> pos n. def a coarse fabric used as a protective floor-covering, etc. druggist 0. syl drug+gist pron <1dr^gist> pos n. def a U.S. term for a {pharmacist}. drugstore 0. syl drug+store pron <1dr^g2stc:> pos n. qual U.S. def a shop where medical prescriptions are made up and a wide variety of goods and usually light meals are sold. druid ety C16: from Latin druides of Gaulish origin; compare Old Irish druid wizards druid 1. syl dru+id pron <1dru:id> pos n. usage sometimes cap. def a member of an ancient order of priests in Gaul, Britain, and Ireland in the pre-Christian era. druid 2. syl dru+id pron <1dru:id> pos n. usage sometimes cap. def a member of any of several modern movements attempting to revive druidism. druidess sub head druid syl dru+id+ess pron <1dru:idis> pos n. mod fem. druidic sub head druid or druidical syl dru+1id+ic pos adj. druidical sub head druid or druidic syl dru+1id:i+cal pos adj. druidism sub head druid syl dru+id+2ism pos n. drum ety C16: probably from Middle Dutch tromme, of imitative origin drum H1.1. syl drum pos dr^m; n. qual Music. def a percussion instrument sounded by striking a membrane stretched across the opening of a hollow cylinder or hemisphere. drum H1.2. syl drum pos dr^m; n. def the sound produced by a drum or any similar sound. drum H1.3. syl drum pos dr^m; n. def an object that resembles a drum in shape, such as a large spool or a cylindrical container. drum H1.4.a. syl drum pos dr^m; n. def one of a number of cylindrical blocks of stone used to construct the shaft of a column. drum H1.4.b. syl drum pos dr^m; n. def the wall or structure supporting a dome or cupola. drum H1.5. syl drum pos dr^m; n. def short for {eardrum}. drum H1.6. syl drum pos dr^m; n. def Also called: {drumfish}. any of various North American marine and freshwater sciaenid fishes, such as ({striped drum}) , that utter a drumming sound. drum H1.7. syl drum pos dr^m; n. def a cylindrical object or hollow cylindrical structure, esp. the centre body of an axial-flow compressor rotor to which the rotor blades are attached. drum H1.8. syl drum pos dr^m; n. def Also called: {magnetic drum}. a rotating cylindrical device on which data may be stored for later retrieval. Compare { {disk} (sense 2).} drum H1.9. syl drum pos dr^m; n. qual Archaic. def a drummer. drum H1.10. syl drum pos dr^m; n. qual Austral. slang. def a brothel. run a drum 11. head drum syl run a drum. usage Austral. slang. of a racehorse def to perform as tipped. the drum 12. head drum syl the drum. qual Austral. informal. def the necessary information (esp. in the phrase {give (someone) the drum}. drums infl head drum syl drums pos vb. drumming infl head drum syl drum+ming pos vb. drummed infl head drum syl drummed. pos vb. drum H1.13. syl drum pos vb. def to play (music) on or as if on a drum. drum H1.14. syl drum pos vb. def to beat or tap (the fingers) rhythmically or regularly. drum H1.15. syl drum pos vb. mod intr. usage of birds def to produce a rhythmical sound, as by beating the bill against a tree, branch, etc. drum H1.16. syl drum pos vb. mod tr. usage sometimes foll. by up def to summon or call by drumming. drum H1.17. syl drum pos vb. mod tr. def to instil by constant repetition. exam 1 to drum an idea into someone's head. beat the drum for 18. head drum syl beat the drum for. qual Informal. def to attempt to arouse interest in. drum ety C18: from Scottish Gaelic druim drum H2.0. syl drum pos dr^m; n. qual Scot., Irish. def a narrow ridge or hill. drumbeat 0. syl drum+beat pron <1dr^m2bEt> pos n. def the sound made by beating a drum. drum brake 0. syl drum brake pos n. def a type of brake used on the wheels of vehicles, consisting of two pivoted shoes that rub against the inside walls of the brake drum when the brake is applied. drumfire 0. syl drum+fire pron <1dr^m2fI*> pos n. def heavy, rapid, and continuous gunfire, the sound of which resembles rapid drumbeats. drumfish infl or drumfishes syl drum+fish pos n. mod pl. drumfishes infl head drumfish or drumfish syl drum+fish:es. pos n. mod pl. drumfish 0. syl drum+fish pron <1dr^m2fiS> pos n. def another name for { {drum} %1 (sense 6).} drumhead 1. syl drum+head pron <1dr^m2hed> pos n. qual Music. def the part of a drum that is actually struck with a stick or the hand. drumhead 2. syl drum+head pron <1dr^m2hed> pos n. def the head of a capstan, pierced with holes for the capstan bars. drumhead 3. syl drum+head pron <1dr^m2hed> pos n. def another name for {eardrum}. drumhead court-martial ety C19: from the use of a drumhead as a table around which the court-martial was held drumhead court-martial 0. syl drum+head court-mar:tial pos n. def a military court convened to hear urgent charges of offences committed in action. drumlin ety C19: from Irish Gaelic druim ridge+ -lin {-#7ling %1} drumlin 0. syl drum+lin pron <1dr^mlin> pos n. def a streamlined mound of glacial drift, rounded or elongated in the direction of the original flow of ice. drum major 0. syl drum ma+jor pos n. def the noncommissioned officer, usually of sergeant major's rank, who commands the corps of drums of a military band and who is in command of both the drums and the band when paraded together. drum majorette 0. syl drum ma+jor+ette pos n. qual Chiefly U.S. def a girl who marches at the head of a procession, twirling a baton. drummer 1. syl drum+mer pron <1dr^m*> pos n. def a person who plays a drum or set of drums. drummer 2. syl drum+mer pron <1dr^m*> pos n. qual Chiefly U.S. def a salesman, esp. a travelling salesman. drummer 3. syl drum+mer pron <1dr^m*> pos n. qual Austral. slang. def the slowest shearer in a team. drum out 0.a. syl drum out pos vb. mod tr. usage adv; usually foll. by of def to expel from a club, association, etc. drum out 0.b. syl drum out pos vb. mod tr. usage adv; usually foll. by of; formerly def to dismiss from military service to the beat of a drum. drumstick 1. syl drum+stick pron <1dr^m2stik> pos n. def a stick used for playing a drum. drumstick 2. syl drum+stick pron <1dr^m2stik> pos n. def the lower joint of the leg of a cooked fowl. drum up 0. syl drum up pos vb. adv. mod tr. def to evoke or obtain (support, business, etc.) by solicitation or canvassing. drunk 1. syl drunk pron pos adj. def intoxicated with alcohol to the extent of losing control over normal physical and mental functions. drunk 2. syl drunk pron pos adj. def overwhelmed by strong influence or emotion. exam 1 drunk with power. drunk 3. syl drunk pron pos n. def a person who is drunk or drinks habitually to excess. drunk 4. syl drunk pron pos n. qual Informal. def a drinking bout. drunkard 0. syl drunk+ard pron <1dr^Gk*d> pos n. def a person who is frequently or habitually drunk. drunken 1. syl drunk+en pron <1dr^Gk*n> pos adj. def intoxicated with or as if with alcohol. drunken 2. syl drunk+en pron <1dr^Gk*n> pos adj. def frequently or habitually drunk. drunken 3. syl drunk+en pron <1dr^Gk*n> pos adj. usage prenominal def caused by or relating to alcoholic intoxication. exam 1 a drunken brawl. drunkenly sub head drunken syl drunk+en+ly pos adv. drunkenness sub head drunken syl drunk+en+ness pos n. drunkometer 0. syl drunk+om+e:ter pron pos n. def the usual U.S. name for {breathalyzer}. drupe ety C18: from Latin druppa wrinkled over-ripe olive, from Greek: olive drupe 0. syl drupe pron pos n. def an indehiscent fruit consisting of outer epicarp, fleshy or fibrous mesocarp, and stony endocarp enclosing a single seed. It occurs in the peach, plum, and cherry. drupaceous sub head drupe syl dru+pa+ceous pron pos adj. drupel alt head drupelet or drupelet syl dru+pel pron <1dru:pL> pos n. drupelet 0. or drupel syl drupe+let pron <1dru:plit> pos n. def a small drupe, usually one of a number forming a compound fruit. Drury Lane 0. syl Dru+ry Lane pron <1dru*ri> pos n. def a street in the West End of London, formerly famous for its theatres. druse ety C19: from German, from Old High German druos bump druse 0. syl druse pron pos n. def an aggregate of small crystals within a cavity, esp. those lining a cavity in a rock or mineral. Druse ety C18: from Arabic Dur*_uz the Druses, after Ismail al-Darazi Ismail the tailor, 11th-century Muslim leader who founded the sect Druze alt head Druse or Druse syl Druze pron pos n. Druse 0. or Druze syl Druse pron pos n. def a member of a religious sect in Syria and Lebanon, having certain characteristics in common with the Muslims. Drusean sub head Druse or Druzean syl Dru+se:an pos adj. Drusian sub head Druse or Druzian syl Dru+si:an pos adj. Druzean sub head Druse or Drusean syl Dru+ze:an pos adj. Druzian sub head Druse or Drusian syl Dru+zi:an pos adj. dry ety Old English dr*_yge; related to Old High German truckan, Old Norse draugr dry wood drier infl head dry or dryer syl dri+er pos adj. driest infl head dry or dryest syl dri+est pos adj. dryer infl head dry or drier syl dry+er pos adj. dryest infl head dry or driest syl dry+est. pos adj. dry 1. syl dry pron pos adj. def lacking moisture; not damp or wet. dry 2. syl dry pron pos adj. def having little or no rainfall. dry 3. syl dry pron pos adj. def not in or under water. exam 1 dry land. dry 4. syl dry pron pos adj. def having the water drained away or evaporated. exam 1 a dry river. dry 5. syl dry pron pos adj. def not providing milk. exam 1 a dry cow. dry 6. syl dry pron pos adj. usage of the eyes def free from tears. dry 7.a. syl dry pron pos adj. def in need of a drink; thirsty. dry 7.b. syl dry pron pos adj. def causing thirst. exam 1 dry work. dry 8. syl dry pron pos adj. def eaten without butter, jam, etc.. exam 1 dry toast. dry 9. syl dry pron pos adj. usage of a wine, cider, etc. def not sweet. dry 10. syl dry pron pos adj. qual Pathol. def not accompanied by or producing a mucous or watery discharge. exam 1 a dry cough. dry 11. syl dry pron pos adj. def consisting of solid as opposed to liquid sub?!stances or commodities. dry 12. syl dry pron pos adj. def without adornment; plain. exam 1 dry facts. dry 13. syl dry pron pos adj. def lacking interest or stimulation. exam 1 a dry book. dry 14. syl dry pron pos adj. def lacking warmth or emotion; cold. exam 1 a dry greeting. dry 15. syl dry pron pos adj. usage of wit or humour def shrewd and keen in an impersonal, sarcastic, or laconic way. dry 16. syl dry pron pos adj. qual Informal. def opposed to or prohibiting the sale of alcoholic liquor for human consumption. exam 1 a dry country. dries infl head dry syl dries pos vb. drying infl head dry syl dry+ing pos vb. dried infl head dry syl dried. pos vb. dry 17. syl dry pron pos vb. def to make or become dry or free from moisture. dry 18. syl dry pron pos vb. mod tr. def to preserve (meat, vegetables, fruit, etc.) by removing the moisture. drys infl head dry or dries syl drys pos n. mod pl. dries infl head dry or drys syl dries. pos n. mod pl. the dry 19. head dry syl the dry. qual Austral. informal. def the dry season. dry 20. syl dry pron pos n. qual U.S. def an informal word for {prohibitionist. ~} See also {dry out, dry up}. dryable sub head dry syl dry+a:ble pos adj. dryly sub head dry or drily syl dry+ly pos adv. drily sub head dry or dryly syl dri+ly pos adv. dryness sub head dry syl dry+ness pos n. dryad ety C14: from Latin Dryas, from Greek Druas, from drus tree dryads infl head dryad or dryades syl dry+ads pron <-*2dEz> pos n. mod pl. dryades infl head dryad or dryads syl dry+a:des pron <-*2dEz> pos n. mod pl. dryad 0. syl dry+ad pron <1drI*d>, <-@d> pos n. qual Greek myth. def a nymph or divinity of the woods. dryadic sub head dryad syl dry+ad+ic pron pos adj. dry battery 0. syl dry bat+ter:y pos n. def an electric battery consisting of two or more dry cells. dry-blowing 1. syl dry-blowing pos n. qual Austral.; Mining. def the use of the wind for separating gold from ore. dry-blowing 2. syl dry-blowing pos n. qual Austral.; Informal. def any tedious activity. dry-bone ore 0. syl dry-bone ore pos n. def a mining term for {smithsonite}. dry-bulb thermometer 0. syl dry-bulb ther+mom+e:ter pos n. def an ordinary thermometer used alongside a wet-bulb thermometer to obtain relative humidity. See also {psychrometer}. dry cell 0. syl dry cell pos n. def a primary cell in which the electrolyte is in the form of a paste or is treated in some way to prevent it from spilling. Compare {wet cell}. dry-clean 0. syl dry-clean pos vb. mod tr. def to clean (clothing, fabrics, etc.) with a solvent other than water, such as trichloroethylene. dry-cleaner sub head dry-clean syl dry-1clean:er pos n. dry-cleaning sub head dry-clean syl dry-1clean:ing pos n. John infl head Dryden syl John. pos n. Dryden 0. syl Dry:den pron <1drIdN> pos n. def 1631-1700, English poet, dramatist, and critic of the Augustan period, commonly regarded as the chief exponent of heroic tragedy. His major works include the tragedy (1677), the verse satire (1681), and the (1668). dry distillation 0. syl dry dis+til+la+tion pos n. def another name for {destructive distillation}. dry dock 1. syl dry dock pos n. def a basin-like structure that is large enough to admit a ship and that can be pumped dry for work on the ship's bottom. dry-dock infl head dry dock syl dry-dock. pos vb. dry dock 2. syl dry dock pos vb. def to put (a ship) into a dry dock, or (of a ship) to go into a dry dock. dryer H1.1. syl dry+er pron <1drI*> pos n. def a person or thing that dries. dryer H1.2. syl dry+er pron <1drI*> pos n. def an apparatus for removing moisture by forced draught, heating, or centrifuging. dryer H1.3. syl dry+er pron <1drI*> pos n. def any of certain chemicals added to oils such as linseed oil to accelerate their drying when used as bases in paints, etc. dryer H2.0. syl dry+er pron <1drI*> pos adj. def a variant spelling of {drier%1}. dry farming 0. syl dry farm+ing pos n. def a system of growing crops in arid or semiarid regions without artificial irrigation, by reducing evaporation and by special methods of tillage. dry farmer sub head dry farming syl dry farm+er pos n. dry fly 0.a. syl dry fly pos n. qual Angling. def an artificial fly designed and prepared to be floated or skimmed on the surface of the water. dry fly 0.b. syl dry fly pos n. qual Angling. usage as modifier exam 1 dry-fly fishing. dry fly xref syl dry fly pos n. qual Angling. def Compare {wet fly}. dry goods 0. syl dry goods pos n. def textile fabrics and related merchandise. Also called: {soft goods}. dry ice 0. syl dry ice pos n. def solid carbon dioxide, which sublimates at -78.5?%C: used as a refrigerant. Also called: {carbon dioxide snow}. drying oil 0. syl dry+ing oil pos n. def one of a number of animal or vegetable oils, such as linseed oil, that harden by oxidation on exposure to air: used as a base for some paints and varnishes. dry kiln 0. syl dry kiln pos n. def an oven in which cut timber is dried and seasoned. dry law 0. syl dry law pos n. qual U.S. def a law prohibiting the sale of alcoholic beverages. drily alt head dryly or dryly syl dri+ly pron <1drIli> pos adv. dryly 0. or drily syl dry+ly pron <1drIli> pos adv. def in a dry manner. dry martini 0. syl dry mar+ti+ni pos n. def a cocktail of between four and ten parts gin to one part dry vermouth. dry measure 0. syl dry meas+ure pos n. def a unit or a system of units for measuring dry goods, such as fruit, grains, etc. dry nurse 1. syl dry nurse pos n. def a nurse who cares for a child without suckling it. Compare {wet nurse}. dry-nurse infl head dry nurse syl dry-nurse. pos vb. dry nurse 2. syl dry nurse pos vb. def to care for (a baby or young child) without suckling. dryopithecine ety C20: from New Latin Dryopith*_ecus, from Greek drus tree+ pith*_ekos ape dryopithecine 0. syl dry:o+pith+e:cine pron <2drI*u1piT*2sEn> pos n. def any extinct Old World ape of the genus common in Miocene and Pliocene times: thought to be the ancestors of modern apes. dry out 1. syl dry out pos vb. adv. def to make or become dry. dry out 2. syl dry out pos vb. adv. qual Informal. def to undergo or cause to undergo treatment for alcoholism or drug addiction. dry point 1. syl dry point pos n. def a technique of intaglio engraving with a hard steel needle, without acid, on a copper plate. dry point 2. syl dry point pos n. def the sharp steel needle used in this process. dry point 3. syl dry point pos n. def an engraving or print produced by this method. dry rot 1. syl dry rot pos n. def crumbling and drying of timber, bulbs, potatoes, or fruit, caused by saprophytic basidiomycetous fungi. dry rot 2. syl dry rot pos n. def any fungus causing this decay, esp. of the genus dry rot 3. syl dry rot pos n. qual Informal. def corrupt practices, esp. when previously unsuspected. dry run 1. syl dry run pos n. qual Military. def practice in weapon firing without live ammunition. dry run 2. syl dry run pos n. qual Informal. def a trial or practice, esp. in simulated conditions; rehearsal. dry-salt 0. syl dry-salt pos vb. def to preserve (food) by salting and removing moisture. drysalter 0. syl dry+salt:er pron <1drI2sc:lt*> pos n. qual Obsolete. def a dealer in certain chemical products, such as dyestuffs and gums, and in dried, tinned, or salted foods and edible oils. Drysdale 0. syl Drys+dale pron <1drIzdAl> pos n. def Sir {George Rus@.sell}. 1912-69, Australian painter, esp. of landscapes. dry steam 0. syl dry steam pos n. def steam that does not contain droplets of water. dry-stone 0. syl dry-stone pos adj. usage of a wall def made without mortar. Dry Tortugas 0. syl Dry Tor+tu+gas pron pos n. def a group of eight coral islands at the entrance to the Gulf of Mexico: part of Florida. dry up 1. syl dry up pos vb. adv. mod intr. def to become barren or unproductive; fail. exam 1 in middle age his inspiration dried up. dry up 2. syl dry up pos vb. adv. def to dry (dishes, cutlery, etc.) with a tea towel after they have been washed. dry up 3. syl dry up pos vb. adv. mod intr. qual Informal. def to stop talking or speaking. exam 1 when I got on the stage I just dried up; exam 2 dry up&! ds alt head DS or DS syl d.s. DS 0. or ds syl D.S. qual Music. abbrev. for def dal segno. DSc 0. syl D.Sc. qual abbrev. for def Doctor of Science. DSC 0. syl D.S.C. qual Military. abbrev. for def Distinguished Service Cross. DSM 0. syl D.S.M. qual Military. abbrev. for def Distinguished Service Medal. DSO 0. syl D.S.O. qual Brit. military. abbrev. for def Distinguished Service Order. dsp ety Latin: died without issue dsp 0. syl d.s.p. qual abbrev. for def decessit sine prole. DST 0. syl D.S.T. qual abbrev. for def Daylight Saving Time. DTL 0. syl DTL qual Electronics. abbrev. for def diode transistor logic: a stage in the development of electronic logic circuits. DT's 0. syl D.T.'s qual Informal. abbrev. for def delirium tremens. Du 1. syl Du. qual abbrev. for: def Duke. Du 2. syl Du. qual abbrev. for: def Dutch. duad ety C17: from Greek duas two, a pair duad 0. syl du:ad pron <1dju:@d> pos n. def a rare word for {pair}. dual ety C17: from Latin du*_alis concerning two, from duo two dual 1. syl du:al pron <1dju:*l> pos adj. def relating to or denoting two. dual 2. syl du:al pron <1dju:*l> pos adj. def twofold; double. dual 3. syl du:al pron <1dju:*l> pos adj. usage in the grammar of Old English, Ancient Greek, and certain other languages def denoting a form of a word indicating that exactly two referents are being referred to. dual 4.a. syl du:al pron <1dju:*l> pos n. def the dual number. dual 4.b. syl du:al pron <1dju:*l> pos n. def a dual form of a word. dually sub head dual syl du:al+ly pos adv. Duala infl or Dualas syl Du+a:la pos n. mod pl. Dualas infl head Duala or Duala syl Du+a:las pos n. mod pl. Duala 1. syl Du+a:la pron , <-la:> pos n. def a member of a Negroid people of W Africa living chiefly in Cameroon. Duala 2. syl Du+a:la pron , <-la:> pos n. def the language of this people, belonging to the Bantu group of the Niger-Congo family. Dual Alliance 1. syl Du:al Al+li+ance pos n. def the alliance between France and Russia (1893-1917). Dual Alliance 2. syl Du:al Al+li+ance pos n. def the secret Austro-German alliance against Russia (1879) later expanded to the Triple Alliance. dual carriageway 0. syl du:al car:riage+way pos n. qual Brit. def a road on which traffic travelling in opposite directions is separated by a central strip of turf, etc. U.S. name: {divided highway}. dualism 1. syl du:al+ism pron <1dju:*2liz*m> pos n. def the state of being twofold or double. dualism 2. syl du:al+ism pron <1dju:*2liz*m> pos n. qual Philosophy. def the doctrine, as opposed to idealism and materialism, that reality consists of two basic principles, usually taken to be mind and matter. Compare {monism, pluralism}. dualism 3.a. syl du:al+ism pron <1dju:*2liz*m> pos n. def the theory that the universe has been ruled from its origins by two conflicting powers, one good and one evil, both existing as equally ultimate first causes. dualism 3.b. syl du:al+ism pron <1dju:*2liz*m> pos n. def the theory that there are two personalities, one human and one divine, in Christ. &- {#!du@.al+ist} &- {du@.al+#!is+tic} &- {@!du@.al+#!is+ti+cal+ly} dualities infl head duality syl du:al+i:ties. pos n. mod pl. duality 1. syl du:al+i:ty pron pos n. def the state or quality of being two or in two parts; dichotomy. duality 2. syl du:al+i:ty pron pos n. qual Physics. def the property or phenomenon associated with matter and electromagnetic radiation and characterized by the fact that some properties are best explained by a wave theory and others by a corpuscular theory. duality 3. syl du:al+i:ty pron pos n. qual Geom. def the interchangeability of the roles of the point and the plane in statements and theorems in projective geometry. Dual Monarchy 0. syl Du:al Mon+ar+chy pos n. def the monarchy of Austria-Hungary from 1867 to 1918. dual-purpose 0. syl du:al-pur:pose pos adj. def having or serving two functions. dub ety Old English dubbian; related to Old Norse dubba to dub a knight, Old High German tubili plug, peg dubs infl head dub syl dubs pos d^b; vb. dubbing infl head dub syl dub+bing pos d^b; vb. dubbed infl head dub syl dubbed. pos d^b; vb. dub H1.1. syl dub pos d^b; vb. mod tr. def to invest (a person) with knighthood by the ritual of tapping on the shoulder with a sword. dub H1.2. syl dub pos d^b; vb. mod tr. def to invest with a title, name, or nickname. dub H1.3. syl dub pos d^b; vb. mod tr. def to dress (leather) by rubbing. dub H1.4. syl dub pos d^b; vb. qual Angling. def to dress (a fly). dub H1.5. syl dub pos n. def the sound of a drum. dub ety C20: shortened from #7double dubs infl head dub syl dubs pos vb. dubbing infl head dub syl dub+bing pos vb. dubbed infl head dub syl dubbed. pos vb. dub H2.1. syl dub pos vb. qual Films. usage d^b def to alter the soundtrack of (an old recording, film, etc.). dub H2.2. syl dub pos vb. mod tr. qual Films. usage d^b def to substitute for the soundtrack of (a film) a new soundtrack, esp. in a different language. dub H2.3. syl dub pos vb. mod tr. qual Films. usage d^b def to provide (a film or tape) with a soundtrack. dub H2.4. syl dub pos n. qual Films. usage d^b def the new sounds added. dub ety C19: of uncertain origin dub H3.1. syl dub pos n. qual U.S. informal. usage d^b def a clumsy or awkward person or player. dubs infl head dub syl dubs pos vb. dubbing infl head dub syl dub+bing pos vb. dubbed infl head dub syl dubbed. pos vb. dub H3.2. syl dub pos vb. qual U.S. informal. usage d^b def to bungle (a shot, etc.), as in golf. dub ety C16: Scottish dialect dubbe; related to Middle Low German dobbe dub H4.0. syl dub pos d^b; n. qual Northern Brit. dialect. def a pool of water; puddle. Dubai 0. syl Du+bai pron pos n. def a sheikdom in the NE Arab Emirates, consisting principally of the port of Dubai, on the Persian Gulf: oilfields. Pop.: 75000 (1972 est.). Comtesse infl head Du Barry syl Com:tesse pron pos n. Du Barry 0. syl Du Bar:ry pron , French pos n. def original name ??1743-93; mistress of Louis XV guillotined in the French Revolution. dubbin ety C18: from dub to dress leather; see #7dub %1 dubbing alt head dubbin or dubbin syl dub+bing pos n. dubbin 0. or dubbing syl dub+bin pron <1d^bin> pos n. qual Brit. def a greasy mixture of tallow and oil applied to leather to soften it and make it waterproof. dubbing H1.1. syl dub+bing pron <1d^biG> pos n. qual Films. def the replacement of a soundtrack in one language by one in another language. dubbing H1.2. syl dub+bing pron <1d^biG> pos n. qual Films. def the combination of several soundtracks into a single track. dubbing H1.3. syl dub+bing pron <1d^biG> pos n. qual Films. def the addition of a soundtrack to a film or broadcast. dubbing H2.1. syl dub+bing pron <1d^biG> pos n. qual Angling. def the dressing for an artificial fly. dubbing H2.2. syl dub+bing pron <1d^biG> pos n. def a variant spelling of {dubbin}. Alexander infl head Dubvcek syl A:le:xan:der pron <1alAksand%@r> pos n. Dubvcek 0. syl Dub:*vcek pron Czech <1dupCek> pos n. def born 1921, Czechoslovak statesman. His reforms as first secretary of the Czechoslovak Communist Party (1968-69) prompted the Russian occupation (1968) and his enforced resignation. du Bellay 0. syl du Bel:lay qual French def dy b$e#!l$e) See (Joachim du) {Bellay}. dubiety ety C18: from Late Latin dubiet*_as, from Latin dubius #7dubious dubiosity alt head dubiety or dubiety syl du+bi+os+i:ty pron <2dju:bi1ositi> pos n. dubieties infl head dubiety syl du+bi+e:ties. pos n. mod pl. dubiety 1. or dubiosity syl du+bi+e:ty pron pos n. def the state of being doubtful. dubiety 2. or dubiosity syl du+bi+e:ty pron pos n. def a doubtful matter. dubious ety C16: from Latin dubius wavering dubious 1. syl du+bi+ous pron <1dju:bi*s> pos adj. def marked by or causing doubt. exam 1 a dubious reply. dubious 2. syl du+bi+ous pron <1dju:bi*s> pos adj. def unsettled in mind; uncertain; doubtful. dubious 3. syl du+bi+ous pron <1dju:bi*s> pos adj. def of doubtful quality; untrustworthy. exam 1 a dubious reputation. dubious 4. syl du+bi+ous pron <1dju:bi*s> pos adj. def not certain in outcome. dubiously sub head dubious syl du+bi+ous+ly pos adv. dubiousness sub head dubious syl du+bi+ous+ness pos n. dubitable ety C17: from Latin dubit*_are to #7doubt dubitable 0. syl du+bi+ta:ble pron <1dju:bit*bL> pos adj. def open to doubt. dubitably sub head dubitable syl du+bi+ta:bly pos adv. dubitation 0. syl du+bi+ta+tion pron <2dju:bi1tAS*n> pos n. def another word for {doubt}. Dublin 1. syl Dub+lin pron <1d^blin> pos n. def the capital of the Republic of Ireland, on {Dublin Bay}: under English rule from 1171 until 1922; commercial and cultural centre; contains one of the world's largest breweries and exports whiskey, stout, and agricultural produce. Pop.: 567866 (1971). Gaelic name: {Baile *'Atha Cliath}. Dublin 2. syl Dub+lin pron <1d^blin> pos n. def a county in E Ireland, in Leinster on the Irish Sea: mountainous in the south but low-lying in the north and centre. County seat: Dublin. Pop.: 862219 (1971). Area: 922 sq. km (356 sq. miles). Dublin Bay prawn 0. syl Dub+lin Bay prawn pos n. def a large prawn usually used in a dish of scampi. dubonnet ety from D#7ubonnet dubonnet 0.a. syl du+bon+net pron pos n. def a dark purplish-red colour. dubonnet 0.b. syl du+bon+net pron pos as; adj. exam 1 a dubonnet coat. Dubonnet 0. syl Du+bon+net pron pos n. qual Trademark. def a sweet usually red ap*'eritif wine flavoured with quinine and bark. Dubrovnik 0. syl Du+brov+nik pron pos n. def a port in S Yugoslavia, in Croatia on the Dalmatian coast: an important commercial centre in the Middle Ages; tourist centre. Pop.: 30000 (1972 est.). Former Italian name (until 1918): {Ragusa}. Jean infl head Dubuffet syl Jean pron pos n. Dubuffet 0. syl Du:buf:fet pron French pos n. def born 1901, French painter, inspired by graffiti and the untrained art of children and psychotics. ducal ety C16: from French, from Late Latin duc*_alis of a leader, from dux leader ducal 0. syl du+cal pron <1dju:kL> pos adj. def of or relating to a duke or duchy. ducally sub head ducal syl du+cal+ly pos adv. ducat ety C14: from Old French, from Old Italian ducato coin stamped with the doge's image, from duca doge, from Latin dux leader ducat 1. syl duc+at pron <1d^k*t> pos n. def any of various former European gold or silver coins, esp. those used in Italy or the Netherlands. ducat 2. syl duc+at pron <1d^k*t> pos n. mod often; pl. qual Informal. def any coin or money. Duccio di Buoninsegna 0. syl Duc:cio di Buo:nin:se:gna pron Italian <1dutCo> <2bwonin1sA$j$ja> pos n. def ??1255-??1318, Italian painter; founder of the Sienese school. duce ety C20: from Italian, from Latin dux duce 0. syl du:ce pron <1du:Ci>, Italian <1du:CA> pos n. def leader. Il infl head Duce syl Il. pos n. Duce 0. syl Du:ce pron Italian <1du:CA> pos n. def the title assumed by Benito Mussolini as leader of Fascist Italy (1922-43). Marcel infl head Duchamp syl Mar:cel pron pos n. Duchamp 0. syl Du:champ pron French pos n. def 1887-1968, U.S. painter and sculptor, born in France; noted as a leading exponent of Dada. His best-known work is (1912). duchess ety C14: from Old French duchesse, feminine of duc #7duke duchess 1. syl duch+ess pron <1d^Cis> pos n. def the wife or widow of a duke. duchess 2. syl duch+ess pron <1d^Cis> pos n. def a woman who holds the rank of duke in her own right. duchy ety C14: from Old French duche, from duc #7duke duchies infl head duchy syl duch:ies. pos n. mod pl. duchy 0. syl duch:y pron <1d^Ci> pos n. def the territory of a duke or duchess; dukedom. duck ety Old English d*_uce duck, diver; related to #7duck %2 ducks infl head duck or duck syl ducks pos d^k; n. mod pl. duck infl or ducks syl duck. pos d^k; n. mod pl. duck H1.1. syl duck pos d^k; n. def any of various small aquatic birds of the family typically having short legs, webbed feet, and a broad blunt bill: order duck H1.2. syl duck pos d^k; n. def the flesh of this bird, used as food. duck H1.3. syl duck pos d^k; n. def the female of such a bird, as opposed to the male (drake). duck H1.4. syl duck pos d^k; n. def any other bird of the family including geese, and swans. duck H1.5. syl duck pos d^k; n. def Also: {ducks}. dear or darling: used as a term of endearment or of general address. duck H1.6. syl duck pos d^k; n. qual Informal. def a person, esp. one regarded as odd or endearing. duck H1.7. syl duck pos d^k; n. qual Cricket. def a score of nothing by a batsman. like water off a duck's back 8. head duck syl like water off a duck's back. qual Informal. def without effect. take to something like a duck to water 9. head duck syl take to something like a duck to water. qual Informal. def to become adept at or attracted to something very quickly. duck ety C14: related to Old High German t*_uhhan to dive, Middle Dutch d*_uken duck H2.1. syl duck pos d^k; vb. def to move (the head or body) quickly downwards or away, esp. so as to escape observation or evade a blow. duck H2.2. syl duck pos d^k; vb. def to submerge or plunge suddenly and often briefly under water. duck H2.3. syl duck pos d^k; vb. mod when; intr. qual Informal. usage often foll. by out def to dodge or escape (a person, duty, etc.). duck H2.4. syl duck pos d^k; vb. mod intr. qual Bridge. def to play a low card when possessing a higher one rather than trying to win a trick. duck H2.5. syl duck pos n. def the act or an instance of ducking. ducker sub head duck syl duck+er pos n. duck ety C17: from Middle Dutch doek; related to Old High German tuoh cloth duck H3.0. syl duck pos d^k; n. def a heavy cotton fabric of plain weave, used for clothing, tents, etc. duck ety C20: from code name DUKW duck H4.0. syl duck pos d^k; n. def an amphibious vehicle used in World War II. duck-billed platypus 0. syl duck-billed plat:y+pus pos n. def an amphibious egg-laying mammal, of E Australia, having dense fur, a broad bill and tail, and webbed feet: family Sometimes shortened to {duckbill, platypus}. See also {monotreme}. duckboard 0. syl duck+board pron <1d^k2bc:d> pos n. def a board or boards laid so as to form a floor or path over wet or muddy ground. duck-egg blue 0.a. syl duck-egg blue pos n. def a pale greenish-blue colour. duck-egg blue 0.b. syl duck-egg blue pos as; adj. exam 1 duck-egg blue walls. duck hawk 0. syl duck hawk pos n. def a variety of peregrine falcon, occurring in North America. ducking stool 0. syl duck+ing stool pos n. qual History. def a chair or stool used for the punishment of offenders by plunging them into water. duckling 0. syl duck+ling pron <1d^kliG> pos n. def a young duck. ducks 0. syl ducks pos n. mod d^ks; pl. def clothing made of duck, esp. white trousers for sports. ducks and drakes 1. syl ducks and drakes pos n. def a game in which a flat stone is bounced across the surface of water. make ducks and drakes of 2. head ducks and drakes or play (at) ducks and drakes with syl make ducks and drakes of qual Informal. def to use recklessly; squander or waste. duck's arse 0. syl duck's arse pos n. def a type of haircut in which the hair is trimmed and swept back to resemble a duck's tail. Also called: {D.A}. duck soup 0. syl duck soup pos n. qual U.S. slang. def something that is easy to do. duckweed 0. syl duck+weed pron <1d^k2wEd> pos n. def any of various small stemless aquatic plants of the family esp. any of the genus that have rounded leaves and occur floating on still water in temperate regions. duckie alt head ducky or ducky syl duck:ie pron <1d^ki> duckies infl head ducky syl duck:ies. pos n. mod pl. ducky 1. or duckie syl duck:y pron <1d^ki> pos n. qual Informal.; Brit. def darling or dear: used as a term of endearment among women, but now often used in imitation of the supposed usage of homosexual men. ducky 2. or duckie syl duck:y pron <1d^ki> pos adj. qual Informal. def delightful; fine. duct ety C17: from Latin ductus a leading (in Medieval Latin: aqueduct), from d*_ucere to lead duct 1. syl duct pos d^kt; n. def a tube, pipe, or canal by means of which a substance, esp. a fluid or gas, is conveyed. duct 2. syl duct pos d^kt; n. def any bodily passage, esp. one conveying secretions or excretions. duct 3. syl duct pos d^kt; n. def a narrow tubular cavity in plants, often containing resin or some other substance. duct 4. syl duct pos d^kt; n. def Also called: {conduit}. a channel or pipe carrying electric cable or wires. duct 5. syl duct pos d^kt; n. def a passage through which air can flow, as in air conditioning. duct 6. syl duct pos d^kt; n. def the ink reservoir in a printing press. ductless sub head duct syl duct+less pos adj. ductile ety C14: from Old French, from Latin ductilis, from d*_ucere to lead ductile 1. syl duc+tile pron <1d^ktIl> pos adj. usage of a metal, such as gold or copper def able to sustain large deformations without fracture and able to be hammered into sheets or drawn out into wires. ductile 2. syl duc+tile pron <1d^ktIl> pos adj. def able to be moulded; pliant; plastic. ductile 3. syl duc+tile pron <1d^ktIl> pos adj. def easily led or influenced; tractable. ductilely sub head ductile syl duc+tile+ly pos adv. ductility sub head ductile or ductileness syl duc+til+i:ty pron pos n. ductileness sub head ductile or ductility syl duc+tile+ness pos n. ductless gland 0. syl duct+less gland pos n. qual Anatomy. def See {endocrine gland}. dud ety C15 (in the sense: an article of clothing, a thing, used disparagingly): of unknown origin dud 1. syl dud pos n. qual Informal. usage d^d def a person or thing that proves ineffectual or a failure. dud 2. syl dud pos n. qual Informal. usage d^d def a shell, etc., that fails to explode. dud 3. syl dud pos n. mod pl. qual Informal. usage d^d def clothes or other personal belongings. {~} dud 4. syl dud pos n. qual Informal. usage d^d def failing in its purpose or function. dude ety C19: of unknown origin dude 1. syl dude pron pos n. qual Informal.; Western U.S. def a city dweller, esp. one holidaying on a ranch. dude 2. syl dude pron pos n. qual Informal.; U.S. def a dandy. dude 3. syl dude pron pos n. qual Informal.; U.S. def any person. dudish sub head dude syl dud+ish pos adj. dudishly sub head dude syl dud+ish+ly pos adv. dudeen ety C19: from Irish d*_uid*_in a little pipe, from d*_ud pipe dudeen 0. syl du+deen pron pos n. def a clay pipe with a short stem. dude ranch 0. syl dude ranch pos n. qual U.S. def a ranch used as a holiday resort offering activities such as riding and camping. dudgeon ety C16: of unknown origin dudgeon H1.0. syl dudg+eon pron <1d^J*n> pos n. def anger or resentment (archaic, except in the phrase {in high dudgeon}) . dudgeon ety C15: from Anglo-Norman digeon, of obscure origin dudgeon H2.1. syl dudg+eon pron <1d^J*n> pos n. qual Obsolete. def a wood used in making the handles of knives, etc. dudgeon H2.2. syl dudg+eon pron <1d^J*n> pos n. qual Archaic. def a dagger, knife, etc., with a dudgeon hilt. Dudley H1.0. syl Dud+ley pron <1d^dli> pos n. def a town in W central England, in the West Midlands: wrought-iron industry. Pop.: 185535 (1971). Robert infl head Dudley syl Rob:ert. pos n. Dudley H2.0. syl Dud:ley pron <1d^dli> pos n. def See (Earl of) {Leicester}. due ety C13: from Old French deu, from devoir to owe, from Latin deb*_ere; see #7debt, debit #e Usage. There is considerable controversy over the use of due to and owing to as compound prepositions equivalent to because of. Careful users of English prefer because of or on account of, at least in formal contexts, and restrict due to its adjectival function. There is no dispute about the postpositive adjectival use of due to to mean caused by (the error was due to carelessness) , but owing to is not ordinarily used in this way. due 1. syl due pron pos adj. usage postpositive def immediately payable. due 2. syl due pron pos adj. usage postpositive def owed as a debt, irrespective of any date for payment. due 3. syl due pron pos adj. def requisite; fitting; proper. due 4. syl due pron pos adj. usage prenominal def adequate or sufficient; enough. due 5. syl due pron pos adj. usage postpositive def expected or appointed to be present or arrive. exam 1 the train is now due. due to 6. head due syl due to. def attributable to or caused by. due 7. syl due pron pos n. def something that is owed, required, or due. give (a person) his due 8. head due syl give (a person) his due. def to give or allow what is deserved or right. due 9. syl due pron pos adv. def directly or exactly; straight. exam 1 a course due west. due bill 0. syl due bill pos n. qual Chiefly U.S. def a document acknowledging indebtedness, exchangeable for goods or services. duel ety C15: from Medieval Latin duellum, from Latin, poetical variant of bellum war; associated by folk etymology with Latin duo two duel 1. syl du:el pron <1dju:*l> pos n. def a prearranged combat with deadly weapons between two people following a formal procedure in the presence of seconds and traditionally fought until one party was wounded or killed, usually to settle a quarrel involving a point of honour. duel 2. syl du:el pron <1dju:*l> pos n. def a contest or conflict between two persons or parties. duels infl head duel or duels syl du:els pos vb. mod intr. qual U.S. duelling infl head duel or dueling syl du:el+ling pos vb. mod intr. duelled infl head duel or dueled syl du:elled pos vb. mod intr. dueling infl head duel or duelling syl du:el+ing pos vb. mod intr. qual U.S. dueled infl head duel or duelled syl du:eled. pos vb. mod intr. qual U.S. duel 3. syl du:el pron <1dju:*l> pos vb. def to fight in a duel. duel 4. syl du:el pron <1dju:*l> pos vb. def to contest closely. dueller sub head duel or duellist syl du:el+ler pos n. duellist sub head duel or dueller syl du:el+list pos n. duello ety C16: from Italian; see #7duel duellos infl head duello syl du+el+los. pos n. mod pl. duello 1. syl du+el+lo pron pos n. def the art of duelling. duello 2. syl du+el+lo pron pos n. def the code of rules for duelling. duenna ety C17: from Spanish due?~na, from Latin domina lady, feminine of dominus master duenna 0. syl du+en+na pron pos n. usage in Spain and Portugal, etc. def an elderly woman retained by a family to act as governess and chaperon to young girls. due process of law 0. syl due pro+cess of law pos n. def the administration of justice in accord?!ance with established rules and principles. Duero 0. syl Due:ro pron < 1dwAro> pos n. def the Spanish name for the {Douro}. dues 0. syl dues pron pos n. mod pl. sometimes; sing. def charges, as for membership of a club or organization; fees. duet ety C18: from Italian duetto a little duet, from duo duet, from Latin: two duette alt head duet or duet syl du+ette pron <1dju:et>, pos n. duet 1. or duette syl du:et pron <1dju:et>, pos n. def Also called (esp. for instru?!mental compositions): {duo}. a musical composition for two performers or voices. duet 2. or duette syl du:et pron <1dju:et>, pos n. def a pair of closely connected individuals; duo. duettist sub head duet syl du:1et+tist pos n. duff ety C19: Northern English variant of #7dough duff H1.1. syl duff pos d^f; n. def a thick flour pudding, often flavoured with currants, citron, etc., and boiled in a cloth bag. exam 1 plum duff. up the duff 2. head duff syl up the duff. qual Slang, chiefly Austral. def pregnant. duff ety C19: probably back formation from #7duffer duff H2.1. syl duff pos vb. mod tr. qual Slang. usage d^f def to change the appearance of or give a false appearance to (old or stolen goods); fake. duff H2.2. syl duff pos vb. mod tr. qual Slang.; Austral. usage d^f def to steal (cattle), altering the brand. duff H2.3. syl duff pos vb. mod tr. qual Slang. usage d^f def Also: {sclaff}. to bungle a shot by hitting the ground behind the ball. duff H2.4. syl duff pos adj. qual Slang.; Brit. usage d^f def bad or useless, as by not operating correctly; dud. exam 1 a duff engine. duff ety C20: special use of #7duff %1 duff H3.0. syl duff pos d^f; n. qual Slang. def the rump or buttocks. duffel ety C17: after Duffel, Belgian town duffle alt head duffel or duffel syl duf+fle pron <1d^fL> pos n. duffel 1. or duffle syl duf+fel pron <1d^fL> pos n. def a heavy woollen cloth with a thick nap. duffel 2. or duffle syl duf+fel pron <1d^fL> pos n. qual Chiefly U.S. def equipment or supplies, esp. those of a camper. duffel bag 0. syl duf+fel bag pos n. def a cylindrical drawstring canvas bag, originally used esp. by sailors for carrying personal articles. duffel coat 0. syl duf+fel coat pos n. def a knee-length or short wool coat, usually with a hood and fastened with toggles. duffer ety C19: of uncertain origin duffer 1. syl duf+fer pron <1d^f*> pos n. qual Informal. def a dull or incompetent person. duffer 2. syl duf+fer pron <1d^f*> pos n. qual Slang. def something worthless. duffer 3. syl duf+fer pron <1d^f*> pos n. qual Brit. dialect. def a peddler or hawker. duffer 4.a. syl duf+fer pron <1d^f*> pos n. def a mine that proves unproductive. duffer 4.b. syl duf+fer pron <1d^f*> pos n. def a person who steals cattle. duff up 0. syl duff up pos vb. adv. mod tr. qual Brit. slang. def to beat or thrash (a person) severely. Raoul infl head Dufy syl Ra:oul pron pos n. Dufy 0. syl Du:fy pron French pos n. def 1877-1953, French painter and designer whose style is characterized by swift calligraphic draughtsmanship and bright colouring. dug H1.0. syl dug pos d^g; vb. def the past tense or past participle of {dig}. dug ety C16: of Scandinavian origin; compare Danish d@agge to coddle, Gothic daddjan to give suck dug H2.1. syl dug pos d^g; n. def the nipple, teat, udder, or breast of a female mammal. dug H2.2. syl dug pos d^g; n. def a human breast, esp. when old and withered. Du Gard 0. syl Du Gard qual French def dy #!gar) See (Roger) {Martin du Gard}. dugong ety C19: from Malay duyong dugong 0. syl du+gong pron <1du:goG> pos n. def a whalelike sirenian mammal, occurring in shallow tropical waters from E Africa to Australia: family dugout 1. syl dug+out pron <1d^g2aut> pos n. def a canoe, made by hollowing out a log. dugout 2. syl dug+out pron <1d^g2aut> pos n. qual Military. def a covered excavation dug to provide shelter. dugout 3. syl dug+out pron <1d^g2aut> pos n. qual Slang. def a retired officer, former civil servant, etc., recalled to employment. dugout 4. syl dug+out pron <1d^g2aut> pos n. qual Baseball. def the place where players wait when not on the field. Bertrand infl head Du Guesclin syl Ber:trand pron pos n. Du Guesclin 0. syl Du Gues:clin pron ; French pos n. def ??1320-80, French military leader; as constable of France (1370-80), he helped to drive the English from France. Georges infl head Duhamel syl Georges pron pos n. Duhamel 0. syl Du:ha:mel pron French pos n. def 1884-1966, French novelist, poet, and dramatist; author of (1933-45). duiker ety C18: via Afrikaans from Dutch duiker diver, from duiken to dive; see #7duck %2 duyker alt head duiker or duiker syl duy+ker pron <1dIk*> pos n. duikers infl head duiker or duiker syl dui+kers pos n. mod pl. duiker infl or duikers syl dui+ker. pos n. mod pl. duiker 1. or duyker syl dui+ker pron <1dIk*> pos n. def Also: {duikerbok}. any small antelope of the genera and occurring throughout Africa south of the Sahara, having short straight backward-pointing horns, pointed hooves, and an arched back. duiker 2. or duyker syl dui+ker pron <1dIk*> pos n. qual S. African. def any of several cormorants, esp. the long-tailed shag Duisburg 0. syl Duis+burg pron German <1dy:sburk> pos n. def an industrial city in NW West Germany, in North Rhine-Westphalia at the confluence of the Rivers Rhine and Ruhr: one of the world's largest and busiest inland ports. Pop.: 435281 (1974 est.). duka ety C20: from Swahili duka 0. syl du:ka pron <1du:ka> pos n. qual E. African. def a shop; store. Paul infl head Dukas syl Paul pron pos n. Dukas 0. syl Du:kas pron French pos n. def 1865-1935, French composer best known for the orchestral scherzo (1897). duke ety C12: from Old French duc, from Latin dux leader duke 1. syl duke pron pos n. def a nobleman of high rank: in the British Isles standing above the other grades of the nobility. duke 2. syl duke pron pos n. def the prince or ruler of a small principality or duchy. dukedom 1. syl duke+dom pron <1dju:kd*m> pos n. def another name for a {duchy}. dukedom 2. syl duke+dom pron <1dju:kd*m> pos n. def the title, rank, or position of a duke. dukes ety C19: from Duke of Yorks rhyming slang for forks (fingers) dukes 0. syl dukes pron pos n. mod pl. qual Slang. def the fists. Dukhobors 0. syl Du+kho+bors pron <1du:k*u2bc:z> pos n. mod pl. def a variant spelling of {Doukhobors}. dulcet ety C14: from Latin dulcis sweet dulcet 0. syl dul+cet pron <1d^lsit> pos adj. usage of a sound def soothing or pleasant; sweet. dulcetly sub head dulcet syl dul+cet+ly pos adv. dulcetness sub head dulcet syl dul+cet+ness pos n. dulciana ety C18: from Latin dulcis sweet dulciana 0. syl dul+ci+an:a pron <2d^lsi1a:n*> pos n. def a sweet-toned organ stop, controlling metal pipes of narrow scale. dulcify ety C16: from Late Latin dulcific*_are, from Latin dulcis sweet+ facere to make dulcifies infl head dulcify syl dul+ci+fies pos vb. mod tr. dulcifying infl head dulcify syl dul+ci+fy+ing pos vb. mod tr. dulcified infl head dulcify syl dul+ci+fied. pos vb. mod tr. dulcify 1. syl dul+ci+fy pron <1d^lsi2fI> pos vb. mod tr. qual Rare. def to make pleasant or agreeable. dulcify 2. syl dul+ci+fy pron <1d^lsi2fI> pos vb. mod tr. def a rare word for {sweeten}. dulcification sub head dulcify syl dul+ci+fi+1ca+tion pos n. dulcimer ety C15: from Old French doulcemer, from Old Italian dolcimelo, from dolce sweet, from Latin dulcis+-melo, perhaps from Greek melos song dulcimer 1. syl dul+ci+mer pron <1d^lsim*> pos n. qual Music. def a tuned percussion instrument consisting of a set of strings of graduated length stretched over a sounding board and struck with a pair of hammers. dulcimer 2. syl dul+ci+mer pron <1d^lsim*> pos n. qual Music. def an instrument used in U.S. folk music, consisting of an elliptical body, a fretted fingerboard, and usually three strings plucked with a goose quill. dulcinea ety C18: from the name of Don Quixote's mistress Dulcinea del Toboso in Cervantes' novel; from Spanish dulce sweet dulcinea 0. syl dul+cin:e:a pron <2d^lsi1ni*> pos n. def a man's sweetheart. dulia ety C17: from Medieval Latin: service, from Greek douleia slavery, from doulos slave dulia 0. syl du+li:a pron <1dju:li*> pos n. qual Theol. def the veneration accorded to saints in the Roman Catholic and Eastern Churches, as contrasted with hyperdulia and latria. dull ety Old English dol; related to Old Norse dul conceit, Old High German tol foolish, Greek tholeros confused dull 1. syl dull pos d^l; adj. def slow to think or understand; stupid. dull 2. syl dull pos d^l; adj. def lacking in interest. dull 3. syl dull pos d^l; adj. def lacking in perception or the ability to respond; insensitive. dull 4. syl dull pos d^l; adj. def lacking sharpness; blunt. dull 5. syl dull pos d^l; adj. def not acute, intense, or piercing. dull 6. syl dull pos d^l; adj. usage of weather def not bright or clear; cloudy. dull 7. syl dull pos d^l; adj. def not active, busy, or brisk. dull 8. syl dull pos d^l; adj. def lacking in spirit or animation; listless. dull 9. syl dull pos d^l; adj. usage of colour def lacking brilliance or brightness; sombre. dull 10. syl dull pos d^l; adj. def not loud or clear; muffled. dull 11. syl dull pos vb. def to make or become dull. dullish sub head dull syl dull+ish pos adj. dullness sub head dull or dulness syl dull+ness pos n. dulness sub head dull or dullness syl dul+ness pos n. dully sub head dull syl dul+ly pos adv. dullard 0. syl dull+ard pron <1d^l*d> pos n. def a dull or stupid person. John Foster infl head Dulles syl John Fos:ter. pos n. Dulles 0. syl Dul:les pron <1d^lis> pos n. def 1888-1959, U.S. statesman and lawyer; secretary of state (1953-59). dullsville 1. syl dulls+ville pron <1d^lzvil> pos n. qual Slang. def a thing, place, or activity that is boring or dull. dullsville 2. syl dulls+ville pron <1d^lzvil> pos n. qual Slang. def the state of being bored. dulosis ety C20: from Greek: enslave?!ment, from doulos slave &- du+lot+ic (dju$:#!l$At$Ik) adj. dulosis 0. syl du+lo+sis pron pos n. def a practice of some ants, in which one species forces members of a different species to do the work of the colony. Also called: {helotism}. dulse ety C17: from Old Irish duilesc seaweed dulse 0. syl dulse pos d^ls; n. def any of several seaweeds, esp. that occur on rocks and have large red edible fronds. Duluth 0. syl Du+luth pron pos n. def a port in E Minnesota, at the W end of Lake Superior. Pop.: 100578 (1970). duly ety C14: see #7due, -#7ly duly 1. syl du:ly pron <1dju:li> pos adv. def in a proper or fitting manner. duly 2. syl du:ly pron <1dju:li> pos adv. def at the proper time; punctually. duma ety C20: from duma thought, of Germanic origin; related to Gothic d*_oms judgment douma alt head duma or duma syl dou+ma pron Russian. <1dum*> pos n. duma 1. or douma syl du+ma pron Russian. <1dum*> pos n. qual Russian history. usage usually cap. def the elective legislative assembly established by Tsar Nicholas II in 1905: overthrown by the Bolsheviks in 1917. duma 2. or douma syl du+ma pron Russian. <1dum*> pos n. qual Russian history. usage before 1917 def any official assembly or council. Alexandre 1. head Dumas syl A:le:xan:dre pron def known as 1802-70, French novelist and dramatist, noted for his historical romances (1844) and (1844). Dumas 2. syl Du:mas pron French pos n. def his son, {A@.le@.xan@.dre}, known as 1824-95, French novelist and dramatist, noted esp. for the play he adapted from an earlier novel, (1852). Jean-Baptiste Andr'e 3. head Dumas syl Jean-Bap:tiste An:dr*'e pron , def 1800-84, French chemist, noted for his research on vapour density and atomic weight. Daphne 1. head Du Maurier syl Daph:ne. def born 1907, English novelist; author of (1938) and (1951). Du Maurier 2. syl Du Mau:ri:er pron <1mori2A> pos n. def her grandfather, {George Lou@.is Pal@.mel@.la Bus@.son} (#!p@alm$el$$ #!bju$:s#N). 1834-96, English novelist, caricaturist, and illustrator; author of (1891) and (1894). dumb ety Old English; related to Old Norse dumbr, Gothic dumbs, Old High German tump dumb 1. syl dumb pos d^m; adj. def lacking the power to speak, either because of defects in the vocal organs or because of hereditary deafness; mute. dumb 2. syl dumb pos d^m; adj. def lacking the power of human speech. exam 1 dumb animals. dumb 3. syl dumb pos d^m; adj. def temporarily lacking or bereft of the power to speak. exam 1 struck dumb. dumb 4. syl dumb pos d^m; adj. def refraining from speech; uncommunicative. dumb 5. syl dumb pos d^m; adj. def produc?!ing no sound; silent. exam 1 a dumb piano. dumb 6. syl dumb pos d^m; adj. def made, done, or per?!formed without speech. dumb 7.a. syl dumb pos d^m; adj. def slow to understand; dim-witted. dumb 7.b. syl dumb pos d^m; adj. def foolish; stupid. dumbly sub head dumb syl dumb+ly pos adv. dumbness sub head dumb syl dumb+ness pos n. dumb ague 0. syl dumb a:gue pos n. def an irregular form of malarial fever (ague) lacking the typically symptomatic chill. Dumbarton 0. syl Dum+bar+ton pron pos n. def a town in W Scotland, in Strathclyde region near the confluence of the Rivers Leven and Clyde: centred around the {Rock of Dumbarton}, an important stronghold since ancient times; shipbuilding, engineering, and distilling. Pop.: 25640 (1971). Dumbarton Oaks 0. syl Dum+bar+ton Oaks pron <1d^mba:tN> pos n. def an estate in the District of Columbia in the U.S: scene of conferences in 1944 concerned with creating the United Nations. dumbbell 1. syl dumb+bell pron <1d^m2bel> pos n. qual Gymnastics, etc. def an exercising weight consisting of a single bar with a heavy ball or disc at either end. dumbbell 2. syl dumb+bell pron <1d^m2bel> pos n. qual Slang, chiefly U.S. def a fool. dumb-cane 0. syl dumb-cane pos n. def an aroid plant, that occurs in the West Indies and induces speechlessness in anyone who chews the stem. dumbfound ety C17: from #7dumb+ (#7con) #7found dumfound alt head dumbfound or dumbfound syl dum+found pron pos vb. mod tr. dumbfound 0. or dumfound syl dumb+found pron pos vb. mod tr. def to strike dumb with astonishment; amaze. dumb show 1. syl dumb show pos n. def a part of a play acted in pantomime, popular in early English drama. dumb show 2. syl dumb show pos n. def meaningful gestures; mime. dumbstricken alt head dumbstruck or dumbstruck syl dumb+strick:en pos adj. dumbstruck 0. or dumbstricken syl dumb+struck pron <1d^m2str^k> pos adj. def tempo?!rarily deprived of speech through shock or surprise. dumbwaiter 1.a. syl dumb+wait:er pron <1d^m2wAt*> pos n. def a stand placed near a dining table to hold food. dumbwaiter 1.b. syl dumb+wait:er pron <1d^m2wAt*> pos n. def a revolving circular tray placed on a table to hold food. U.S. name: {lazy Susan}. dumbwaiter 2. syl dumb+wait:er pron <1d^m2wAt*> pos n. def a lift for carrying food, rubbish, etc., between floors. dumdum ety C19: named after Dum-Dum, town near Calcutta where these bullets were made dumdum 0. syl dum+dum pron <1d^m2d^m> pos n. def a soft-nosed or hollow-nosed small-arms bullet that expands on impact and inflicts extensive laceration. Also: {dumdum bullet}. Dumfries 1. syl Dum+fries pron pos n. def a town in S Scotland, administrative centre of Dumfries and Galloway region on the River Nith. Pop.: 29384 (1971). Dumfries 2. syl Dum+fries pron pos n. usage until 1975 def a county in S Scotland, on the Solway Firth, now part of Dumfries and Galloway region: the Southern Uplands in the north slope down to the coast; chiefly agricultural. Dumfries and Galloway Region 0. syl Dum+fries and Gal+lo+way Re+gion pos n. def a local government region in SW Scotland. Administrative centre: Dumfries. Pop.: 143585 (1976 est.). Area: 6475 sq. km (2500 sq. miles). dummy ety C16: see #7dumb, {-#7y %3} dummies infl head dummy syl dum+mies. pos n. mod pl. dummy 1. syl dum+my pron <1d^mi> pos n. def a figure representing the human form, used for displaying clothes, in a ventriloquist's act, as a target, etc. dummy 2.a. syl dum+my pron <1d^mi> pos n. def a copy or imitation of an object, often lacking some essential feature of the original. dummy 2.b. syl dum+my pron <1d^mi> pos n. usage as modifier exam 1 a dummy drawer. dummy 3. syl dum+my pron <1d^mi> pos n. qual Slang. def a stupid person; fool. dummy 4. syl dum+my pron <1d^mi> pos n. qual Deroga?!tory, slang. def a person without the power of speech; mute. dummy 5. syl dum+my pron <1d^mi> pos n. qual Informal. def a person who says or does nothing. dummy 6.a. syl dum+my pron <1d^mi> pos n. def a person who appears to act for himself while acting on behalf of another. dummy 6.b. syl dum+my pron <1d^mi> pos n. usage as modifier exam 1 a dummy buyer. dummy 7. syl dum+my pron <1d^mi> pos n. qual Military. def a blank round. dummy 8.a. syl dum+my pron <1d^mi> pos n. def the hand exposed on the table by the declarer's partner and played by the declarer. dummy 8.b. syl dum+my pron <1d^mi> pos n. def the declarer's partner. dummy 9.a. syl dum+my pron <1d^mi> pos n. def a prototype of a proposed book, indicating the general appearance and dimensions of the finished product. dummy 9.b. syl dum+my pron <1d^mi> pos n. def a designer's layout of a page indicating the positions for illustrations, etc. dummy 10. syl dum+my pron <1d^mi> pos n. def a feigned pass or move in a sport such as football or rugby. dummy 11. syl dum+my pron <1d^mi> pos n. qual Brit. def a rubber teat for babies to suck or bite on. U.S. equivalent: {pacifier}. dummy 12. syl dum+my pron <1d^mi> pos n. usage modifier def counterfeit; sham. dummy 13. syl dum+my pron <1d^mi> pos n. usage modifier; of a card game def played with one hand exposed or unplayed. dummies infl head dummy syl dum+mies pos vb. dummying infl head dummy syl dum+my+ing pos vb. dummied infl head dummy syl dum+mied. pos vb. dummy 14. syl dum+my pron <1d^mi> pos vb. def to prepare a dummy of a proposed book, page, etc. dummy 15. syl dum+my pron <1d^mi> pos vb. def Also: {sell (someone) a dummy}. to use a dummy pass in order to trick an opponent. dummy variable 0. syl dum+my var:i+a:ble pos n. def a variable or constant appearing in a mathematical expression that can be replaced by any arbitrary variable or constant, not occurring in the expression, without affecting the value of the whole. dumortierite ety C19: named after Eug*`ene Dumortier, 19th-century French palaeontologist who discovered it dumortierite 0. syl du+mor+ti+e:rite pron pos n. def a hard fibrous blue or green mineral consisting of hydrated aluminium borosilicate. Formula: Al\8BSi\3O\1\9(OH). dump ety C14: probably of Scandinavian origin; compare Norwegian dumpa to fall suddenly, Middle Low German dumpeln to duck dump H1.1. syl dump pos d^mp; vb. def to drop, fall, or let fall heavily or in a mass. dump H1.2. syl dump pos d^mp; vb. mod tr. def to empty (objects or material) out of a container. dump H1.3. syl dump pos d^mp; vb. def to unload, empty, or make empty (a container), as by tilting or overturning. dump H1.4. syl dump pos d^mp; vb. mod tr. qual Informal. def to dispose of. dump H1.5.a. syl dump pos d^mp; vb. def to market (goods) in bulk and at low prices. dump H1.5.b. syl dump pos d^mp; vb. def to offer for sale large quantities of (goods) on foreign markets at low prices in order to maintain a high price in the home market and obtain a share of the foreign markets. dump H1.6. syl dump pos d^mp; vb. mod tr. def to store (supplies, arms, etc.) temporarily. dump H1.7. syl dump pos d^mp; vb. mod tr. usage Austral. of a wave def to hurl a swimmer or surfer down. dump H1.8. syl dump pos d^mp; vb. mod tr. qual Austral. def to compact (bales of wool) by hydraulic pressure. dump H1.9. syl dump pos d^mp; vb. mod tr. qual Computer technol. def to record (the contents of part or all of the memory) on a storage device, such as magnetic tape, at a series of points during a computer run. dump H1.10.a. syl dump pos n. def a place or area where waste materials are dumped. dump H1.10.b. syl dump pos n. usage in combination exam 1 rubbish dump. dump H1.11. syl dump pos n. def a pile or accumulation of rubbish. dump H1.12. syl dump pos n. def the act of dumping. dump H1.13. syl dump pos n. qual Informal. def a dirty or unkempt place. dump H1.14. syl dump pos n. qual Military. def a place where weapons, supplies, etc., are stored. dumper sub head dump syl dump+er pos n. dump ety C16: see #7damp dump H2.0. syl dump pos d^mp; n. qual Obsolete. def a mournful song; lament. dumpling ety C16: dump-, perhaps variant of #7{lump %1}#7+ {-#7ling %1} dumpling 1. syl dump+ling pron <1d^mpliG> pos n. def a small ball of dough cooked and served with stew. dumpling 2. syl dump+ling pron <1d^mpliG> pos n. def a pudding consisting of a ball of dough filled with fruit. exam 1 apple dumpling. dumpling 3. syl dump+ling pron <1d^mpliG> pos n. qual Informal. def a short plump person. dumps ety C16: probably from Middle Dutch domp haze, mist; see #7damp dumps 0. syl dumps pos n. mod d^mps; pl. qual Informal. def a state of melancholy or depression (esp. in the phrase {down in the dumps}) . dumper-truck alt head dump truck or dump truck syl dump:er-truck pos n. dump truck 0. or dumper-truck syl dump truck pos n. def another name for {tipper truck}. dumpy ety C18: perhaps related to #7dumpling dumpier infl head dumpy syl dump:i+er pos adj. dumpiest infl head dumpy syl dump:i+est. pos adj. dumpy H1.0. syl dump:y pron <1d^mpi> pos adj. def short and plump; squat. dumpily sub head dumpy syl dump:i+ly pos adv. dumpiness sub head dumpy syl dump:i+ness pos n. dumpy ety C17: from C16 dump; see #7dumps dumpish alt head dumpy or dumpy syl dump+ish pron <1d^mpi> pos adj. dumpy H2.0. or dumpish syl dump:y pron <1d^mpi> pos adj. qual Rare. def in low spirits; depressed; morose. dumpy level 0. syl dump:y lev+el pos n. qual Surveying. def a levelling instrument consisting of a horizontal telescope with various rotational arrangements and a spirit level. Dumyat 0. syl Dum+yat pron pos n. def the Arabic name for {Damietta}. dun ety C17: of unknown origin duns infl head dun syl duns pos d^n; vb. dunning infl head dun syl dun+ning pos d^n; vb. dunned infl head dun syl dunned. pos d^n; vb. dun H1.1. syl dun pos d^n; vb. mod tr. def to press or importune (a debtor) for the payment of a debt. dun H1.2. syl dun pos n. def a person, esp. a hired agent, who importunes another for the payment of a debt. dun H1.3. syl dun pos n. def a demand for payment, esp. one in writing. dun ety Old English dunn; related to Old Norse dunna wild duck, Middle Irish doun dark; see #7dusk dun H2.1. syl dun pos d^n; n. def a brownish-grey colour. dun H2.2. syl dun pos d^n; n. def a horse of this colour. dun H2.3. syl dun pos d^n; n. qual Angling. def an immature adult mayfly, esp. one of the genus dunner infl head dun syl dun+ner pos adj. dunnest infl head dun syl dun+nest. pos adj. dun H2.4. syl dun pos adj. def of a dun colour. dun H2.5. syl dun pos adj. def dark and gloomy. Duna 0. syl Du:na pron <1dunc> pos n. def the Hungarian name for the {Danube}. Dunaburg 0. syl D*"u+na+burg pron <1dy:na2burk> pos n. def the German name (until 1893) for {Daugavpils}. Dunaj 0. syl Du+naj pron <1dunaj> pos n. def the Czech name for the {Danube}. Jean Henri infl head Dunant syl Jean Hen:ri pron pos n. Dunant 0. syl Du:nant pron French pos n. def 1828-1910, Swiss humanitarian, founder of the International Red Cross (1864): shared the Nobel peace prize 1901. Dunvarea 0. syl Du+n*va+rea pron <1dun*rja> pos n. def the Rumanian name for the {Danube}. Dunbar H1.0. syl Dun+bar pron pos n. def a port and resort in SE Scotland, in Lothian region: scene of Cromwell's defeat of the Scots (1650). Pop.: 4586 (1971). William infl head Dunbar syl Wil:liam. pos n. Dunbar H2.0. syl Dun:bar pron pos n. def ??1460-??1520, Scottish poet, noted for his satirical and humorous verse. Dunbarton 0. syl Dun+bar+ton pron pos n. usage until 1975 def a county of W Scotland, now part of Strathclyde region. Isadora infl head Duncan syl Is:a:do:ra. pos n. Duncan 0. syl Dun:can pron <1d^Gk*n> pos n. def 1878-1927, U.S. dancer and choreographer, who influenced modern ballet by introducing greater freedom of movement. Duncan I 0. syl Dun:can I pron <1d^Gk*n> pos n. def died 1040, king of Scotland (1034-40); murdered by Macbeth. Duncan Phyfe 0. syl Dun:can Phyfe pron <1d^Gk*n> <1fIf> pos n. qual U.S. furniture. usage modifier def of or in the manner of Duncan Phyfe, esp. in that which followed the Sheraton and Directoire styles. dunce ety C16: from Dunses or Dunsmen, term of ridicule applied to the followers of John D#7uns S#7cotus especially by 16th-century humanists dunce 0. syl dunce pos d^ns; n. def a person who is stupid or slow to learn. duncelike sub head dunce syl dunce+2like pos adj. dunce's cap alt head dunce cap or dunce cap syl dunce's cap pos n. dunce cap 0. or dunce's cap syl dunce cap pos n. def a conical paper hat, formerly placed on the head of a dull child at school. Dundalk 0. syl Dun+dalk pron pos n. def a town in NE Ireland, on {Dundalk Bay}: county town of Co. Louth. Pop.: 23816 (1971). Dundee 0. syl Dun+dee pron pos n. def a port in E Scotland, administrative centre of Tayside region on the Firth of Tay: centre of the British jute industry. Pop.: 182084 (1971). Dundee cake 0. syl Dun+dee cake pos n. qual Chiefly Brit. def a fairly rich fruit cake decorated with almonds. dunderhead ety C17: probably from Dutch donder thunder+#7head ; compare #7blockhead dunderpate alt head dunderhead or dunderhead syl dun:der+pate pos n. dunderhead 0. or dunderpate syl dun:der+head pron <1d^nd*2hed> pos n. def a stupid or slow-witted person; dunce. dunderheaded sub head dunderhead syl dun:der+2head:ed pos adj. dunderheadedness sub head dunderhead syl dun:der+2head:ed+ness pos n. dune ety C18: via Old French from Middle Dutch d*_une; see #7down %3 dune 0. syl dune pron pos n. def a mound or ridge of drifted sand, occurring on the sea coast and in deserts. Dunedin 0. syl Dun+e:din pron pos n. def a port in New Zealand, on SE South Island: founded (1848) by Scottish settlers. Pop.: 83600 (1974 est.). Dunfermline 0. syl Dun+ferm+line pron pos n. def a city in E Scotland, in SW Fife: ruined palace, a former residence of Scottish kings. Pop.: 49882 (1971). dun fly 0. syl dun fly pos n. qual Angling. def a drab-coloured artificial fly intended to simulate the larva of various insects, esp. the mayfly. dung ety Old English: prison; related to Old High German tunc cellar roofed with dung, Old Norse dyngja manure heap dung 1.a. syl dung pron pos n. def excrement, esp. of animals; manure. dung 1.b. syl dung pron pos n. usage as modifier exam 1 dung cart. dung 2. syl dung pron pos n. def something filthy. dung 3. syl dung pron pos vb. mod tr. def to cover (ground) with manure. dungy sub head dung syl dung:y pos adj. dungaree ety C17: from Hindi dungr*_i, after Dungr*_i, district of Bombay, where this fabric originated dungaree 1. syl dun+ga+ree pron <2d^Gg*1rE> pos n. def a coarse cotton fabric used chiefly for work clothes, etc. dungaree 2.a. syl dun+ga+ree pron <2d^Gg*1rE> pos n. def a suit of workman's overalls made of this material. dungaree 2.b. syl dun+ga+ree pron <2d^Gg*1rE> pos n. def a child's playsuit. dungaree 3. syl dun+ga+ree pron <2d^Gg*1rE> pos n. qual U.S. def trousers. dungas 0. syl dun:gas pron <1d^Gg*z> pos n. mod pl. qual Austral. informal. def short for {dungarees}. chafer alt head dung beetle or dung beetle syl chaf+er pos n. dung beetle 0. or chafer syl dung bee+tle pos n. def any of the various beetles of the family and related families that feed on or breed in dung. Dungeness 0. syl Dun+ge+ness pron <2d^nJ*1nes> pos n. def a low shingle headland on the S coast of England, in Kent: lighthouse. dungeon ety C14: from Old French donjon; related to Latin dominus master dungeon 1. syl dun+geon pron <1d^nJ*n> pos n. def a close prison cell, often underground. dungeon 2. syl dun+geon pron <1d^nJ*n> pos n. def a variant spelling of {donjon}. dunghill 1. syl dung+hill pron <1d^G2hil> pos n. def a heap of dung. dunghill 2. syl dung+hill pron <1d^G2hil> pos n. def a foul place, condition, or person. dunite ety C19: named after Dun Mountain, a mountain in New Zealand where it is abundant dunite 0. syl dun+ite pron <1d^nIt> pos n. def an ultrabasic igneous rock consisting mainly of olivine. duniwassal ety C16: from Gaelic duine man+ uasal noble duniwassal 0. syl du+ni+was+sal pron <1du:ni2was*l> pos n. usage in Scotland def a minor noble?!man. dunk ety C20: from Pennsylvania Dutch, from Middle High German dunken, from Old High German dunk*_on; see #7duck %2#7, tinge dunk 1. syl dunk pron pos vb. def to dip (bread, etc.) in tea, soup, etc., before eating. dunk 2. syl dunk pron pos vb. def to submerge or be submerged in liquid. dunker sub head dunk syl dunk+er pos n. Dunker ety C18: from German Tunker, ducker Dunkard alt head Dunker or Dunker syl Dun+kard pron <1d^Gk*d> pos n. Dunker 0. or Dunkard syl Dunk+er pron <1d^Gk*> pos n. def a member of the German Baptist Brethren. Dunkerque 0. syl Dun+kerque pron French pos n. def a port in N France, on the Strait of Dover: scene of the evacuation of British and other Allied troops after the fall of France in 1940; industrial centre with an oil refinery and naval shipbuilding yards. Pop.: 83759 (1975). English name: {Dunkirk}. Dun Laoghaire 0. syl Dun Laoghai:re pron pos n. def a port in E Ireland, on Dublin Bay. Pop.: 53171 (1971). Former names: {Dunleary} (until 1821), {Kingstown} (1821-1921). dunlin ety C16: #7dun %2#7+ -#7ling %1 dunlin 0. syl dun+lin pron <1d^nlin> pos n. def a small sandpiper, (or of northern and arctic regions, having a brown back and black breast in summer. Also called: {red-backed sandpiper}. John Boyd infl head Dunlop syl John Boyd. pos n. Dunlop 0. syl Dun:lop pron <1d^nlop> pos n. def 1840-1921, Scottish veterinary surgeon, who devised the first successful pneumatic tyre, which was manufactured by the company named after him. dunnage ety C14: of uncertain origin dunnage 0. syl dun+nage pron <1d^niJ> pos n. def loose material used for packing cargo. dunnakin ety of obscure origin; but perhaps related to #7dung dunnakin 0. syl dun+na+kin pron <1d^n*kin> pos n. qual Brit. dialect. def a lavatory. Also called: {dunny}. dunnite ety C20: named after Colonel B. W. Dunn (1860-1936), American army officer who invented it dunnite 0. syl dun+nite pron <1d^nIt> pos n. def an explosive containing ammonium picrate. dunno 0. syl dun+no pron , , usage Slang. contraction of I def do not know. dunnock ety C15: from #7dun %2+-#7ock dunnock 0. syl dun+nock pron <1d^n*k> pos n. def another name for {hedge sparrow}. dunny ety C20: of obscure origin; but see #7dunnakin dunnies infl head dunny syl dun+nies. pos n. mod pl. dunny 1. syl dun+ny pron <1d^ni> pos n. qual Scot. dialect. def a cellar or basement. dunny 2. syl dun+ny pron <1d^ni> pos n. qual Brit. dialect. def another word for {dunnakin}. dunny 3.a. syl dun+ny pron <1d^ni> pos n. def a lavatory. dunny 3.b. syl dun+ny pron <1d^ni> pos n. usage as modifier exam 1 a dunny roll; exam 2 a dunny seat. Jean infl head Dunois syl Jean pron pos n. Dunois 0. syl Du:nois pron French pos n. def Comte de Dunois, called ??1403-68, French military commander, who defended Orl*'eans against the English until the siege was raised by Joan of Arc (1429). Dunoon 0. syl Du+noon pron pos n. def a town and resort in W Scotland, in central Strathclyde on the Firth of Clyde. Pop.: 9824 (1971). th Baron infl head Dunsany syl 18th Bar:on pos n. Dunsany 0. syl Dun:sa:ny pron pos n. def title of 1878-1957, Irish dramatist and short-story writer. Dunsinane 0. syl Dun+si+nane pron <1d^nsi2nAn> pos n. def a hill in central Scotland, in the Sidlaw Hills: the ruined fort at its summit is regarded as Macbeth's castle. Height: 303 m (1012 ft.). John infl head Duns Scotus syl John. pos n. Duns Scotus 0. syl Duns Scot:us pron <1d^nz> <1skot*s> pos n. def ??1265-1308, Scottish scholastic theologian and Franciscan priest: opposed the the?!ology of St. Thomas Aquinas. See also {Scotism}. Dunstable H1.0. syl Dun+sta+ble pron <1d^nst*bL> pos n. def an industrial town in SE central England, in central Bedfordshire. Pop.: 31790 (1971). John infl head Dunstable syl John. pos n. Dunstable H2.0. syl Dun:sta:ble pron <1d^nst*bL> pos n. def died 1453, English composer, esp. of motets and mass settings, noted for his innovations in harmony and rhythm. Saint infl head Dunstan syl Saint. pos n. Dunstan 0. syl Dun:stan pron <1d^nst*n> pos n. def ??909-988 #7a.d., English prelate and statesman; archbishop of Canterbury (959-988). He revived monasticism in England on Benedictine lines and promoted education. Feast day: May 19. dunt ety C15: perhaps variant of #7dint dunt 1. syl dunt pron pos n. qual Northern Brit. dialect. def a blow; thump. dunt 2. syl dunt pron pos n. qual Northern Brit. dialect. def the injury caused by such a blow. dunt 3. syl dunt pron pos vb. qual Northern Brit. dialect. def to strike or hit. Duntroon 0. syl Dun+troon pron pos n. def a suburb of Canberra: seat of the Royal Military College of Australia. duo ety C16: via Italian from Latin: two duos infl head duo or dui syl du:os pron <1dju:E> pos n. mod pl. dui infl head duo or duos syl du:i pron <1dju:E> pos n. mod pl. duo 1.a. syl du:o pron <1dju:*u> pos n. def a pair of performers. duo 1.b. syl du:o pron <1dju:*u> pos n. def another word for {duet}. duo 2. syl du:o pron <1dju:*u> pos n. def a pair of actors, entertainers, etc. duo 3. syl du:o pron <1dju:*u> pos n. qual Informal. def a pair of closely connected individuals. duo- ety from Latin duo- 0. syl du:o- usage combining form. def indicating two. exam 1 duotone. duodecimal 1. syl du:o+dec:i+mal pron <2dju:*u1desim*l> pos adj. def relating to twelve or twelfths. duodecimal 2. syl du:o+dec:i+mal pron <2dju:*u1desim*l> pos n. def a twelfth. duodecimal 3. syl du:o+dec:i+mal pron <2dju:*u1desim*l> pos n. def one of the numbers used in a duodecimal number system. &- {@!du@.o+#!dec@.i+mal+ly} duodecimo ety C17: from Latin phrase in duodecim*_o in twelfth, from duodecim twelve duodecimos infl head duodecimo syl du:o+dec:i+mos. pos n. mod pl. duodecimo 1. syl du:o+dec:i+mo pron <2dju:*u1desi2m*u> pos n. def a book size resulting from folding a sheet of paper into twelve leaves. Also called: {twelvemo}. Often written: {12mo, 12?%}. duodecimo 2. syl du:o+dec:i+mo pron <2dju:*u1desi2m*u> pos n. def a book of this size. duodenary ety C17: from Latin duod*_en*_arius containing twelve duodenary 0. syl du:o+de:na+ry pron <2dju:*1dEn*ri> pos adj. def of or relating to the number 12; duodecimal. duodenitis 0. syl du:o+de:ni+tis pron <2dju:*udi1nItis> pos n. def inflammation of the duodenum. duodenum ety C14: from Medieval Latin, shortened from intestinum duodenum digitorum intestine of twelve fingers' length, from Latin duod*_en*_i twelve each &- @!du@.o+#!denal adj. duona infl head duodenum or duonas syl du:o+na pron <-n*> pos n. mod pl. duonas infl head duodenum or duona syl du:o+nas. pos n. mod pl. duodenum 0. syl du:o+de:num pron <2dju:*u1dEn*m> pos n. def the first part of the small intestine, between the stomach and the jejunum. duolog alt head duologue or duologue syl du:o+log pron <1dju:*2log> pos n. qual U.S. (sometimes duologue 1. or duolog syl du:o+logue pron <1dju:*2log> pos n. def a part or all of a play in which the speaking roles are limited to two actors. duologue 2. or duolog syl du:o+logue pron <1dju:*2log> pos n. def a less common word for {dialogue}. duomo ety Italian, literally: dome duomos infl head duomo syl duo+mos. pos n. mod pl. duomo 0. syl duo+mo pron <1dw*um*u> pos n. def a cathedral. duotone 1. syl du:o+tone pron <1dju:*2t*un> pos n. qual Printing. def a process for producing halftone illustrations using two shades of a single colour or black and a colour. duotone 2. syl du:o+tone pron <1dju:*2t*un> pos n. qual Printing. def a picture produced by this process. dup ety C16: contraction of #7do %1#7+up dups infl head dup syl dups pos d^p; vb. mod tr. dupping infl head dup syl dup+ping pos d^p; vb. mod tr. dupped infl head dup syl dupped. pos d^p; vb. mod tr. dup 0. syl dup pos d^p; vb. mod tr. qual Archaic or Brit. dialect. def to open. dup 0. syl dup. qual abbrev. for def duplicate. Henri infl head Duparc syl Hen:ri pron <*~a1ri> pos n. Duparc 0. syl Du:parc pron French pos n. def full name 1848-1933, French composer of songs noted for their sad brooding quality. dupatta 0. syl du+pat+ta pron pos n. def a scarf worn in India. dupe ety C17: from French, from Old French duppe, contraction of de huppe of (a) hoopoe (from Latin upupa) ; from the bird's reputation for extreme stupidity dupe 1. syl dupe pron pos n. def a person who is easily deceived. dupe 2. syl dupe pron pos n. def a person who unwittingly serves as the tool of another person or power. dupe 3. syl dupe pron pos vb. mod tr. def to deceive, esp. by trickery; make a dupe or tool of; cheat; fool. dupable sub head dupe syl dup+a:ble pos adj. dupability sub head dupe syl dup+a:1bil+i:ty pos n. duper sub head dupe syl dup+er pos n. dupery sub head dupe syl dup+er:y pos n. dupion ety C19: from French doupion, from Italian doppione double dupion 0. syl du+pi:on pron <1dju:pi*n>, <-1pEcn> pos n. def a silk fabric made from the threads of double cocoons. duple ety C16: from Latin duplus twofold, double duple 1. syl du+ple pron <1dju:pL> pos adj. def a less common word for {double}. duple 2. syl du+ple pron <1dju:pL> pos adj. usage Music. of time or music def having two beats in a bar. Dupleix 0. syl Du:pleix pron French pos n. def Marquis {Jo@.seph Fran@.*,cois} (#foz$ef fr*~a#!swa). 1697-1763, French governor general in India (1742-54). His plan to establish a French empire in India was frustrated by Clive. Duplessis-Mornay 0. syl Du:ples:sis-Mor:nay pron French pos n. def a variant of (Philippe de) {Mornay}. duplet 1. syl du+plet pron <1dju:plit> pos n. def a pair of electrons shared between two atoms in a covalent bond. duplet 2. syl du+plet pron <1dju:plit> pos n. qual Music. def a group of two notes played in the time of three. duple time 0. syl du+ple time pos n. def musical time with two beats in each bar. duplex ety C19: from Latin: twofold, from duo two+ -plex -#7fold duplex 1. syl du+plex pron <1dju:pleks> pos n. qual U.S. def a duplex apartment or house. duplex 2. syl du+plex pron <1dju:pleks> pos adj. def having two parts. duplex 3. syl du+plex pron <1dju:pleks> pos adj. qual Machinery. def having pairs of components of independent but identical function. duplex 4. syl du+plex pron <1dju:pleks> pos adj. def permitting the transmission of simultaneous signals in both directions in a radio or telecommunications channel. Compare {diplex, {simplex} (sense 1)}. duplexity sub head duplex syl du+1plex+i:ty pos n. duplex apartment 0. syl du+plex a+part+ment pos n. qual U.S. def an apartment on two floors. duplex house 0. syl du+plex house pos n. qual U.S. def a house divided into two separate dwellings. Also called: {semidetached}. duplicate ety C15: from Latin duplic*_are to double, from duo two+ plic*_are to fold duplicate 1. syl du+pli+cate pron <1dju:plikit> pos adj. def copied exactly from an original. duplicate 2. syl du+pli+cate pron <1dju:plikit> pos adj. def identical. duplicate 3. syl du+pli+cate pron <1dju:plikit> pos adj. def existing as a pair or in pairs; twofold. duplicate 4. syl du+pli+cate pron <1dju:plikit> pos n. def an exact copy; double. duplicate 5. syl du+pli+cate pron <1dju:plikit> pos n. def something additional or supplementary of the same kind. duplicate 6. syl du+pli+cate pron <1dju:plikit> pos n. def two exact copies (esp. in the phrase {in duplicate}) . {~} (#!dju$:pl$I?!@!ke$It). duplicate 7. syl du+pli+cate pron <1dju:plikit> pos n. mod tr. def to make a replica of. duplicate 8. syl du+pli+cate pron <1dju:plikit> pos n. mod tr. def to do or make again. duplicate 9. syl du+pli+cate pron <1dju:plikit> pos n. mod tr. def to make in a pair; make double. duplicate 10. syl du+pli+cate pron <1dju:plikit> pos n. mod intr. qual Biology. def to reproduce by dividing into two identical parts. exam 1 the chromosomes duplicated in mitosis. duplicable sub head duplicate syl du+pli+ca:ble pron <1dju:plik*bL> pos adj. duplicability sub head duplicate syl du+pli+ca:1bil+i:ty pos n. duplicately sub head duplicate syl du+pli+cate+ly pos adv. duplicative sub head duplicate syl du+pli+ca+tive pos adj. duplicate bridge 0. syl du+pli+cate bridge pos n. def a form of contract bridge in which a team of four players in two pairs plays identical hands at two separate tables. duplication 1. syl du+pli+ca+tion pron <2dju:pli1kAS*n> pos n. def the act of duplicating or the state of being duplicated. duplication 2. syl du+pli+ca+tion pron <2dju:pli1kAS*n> pos n. def a copy; duplicate. duplicator 0. syl du+pli+ca+tor pron <1dju:pli2kAt*> pos n. def an apparatus for making replicas of an original, such as a machine using a stencil wrapped on an ink-loaded drum. duplicity ety C15: from Old French duplicite, from Late Latin duplicit*_as a being double, from Latin #7duplex &- du+#!plic+it+ous adj. duplicities infl head duplicity syl du+plic+i:ties. pos n. mod pl. duplicity 0. syl du+plic+i:ty pron pos n. def deception; double-dealing. dupondius ety from Latin, from duo two+ pondus weight dupondii infl head dupondius syl du+pon+di:i pron <-di2I> pos n. mod pl. dupondius 0. syl du+pon+di:us pron pos n. def a brass coin of ancient Rome worth half a sesterce. duppy ety C18: probably of African origin duppies infl head duppy syl dup+pies. pos n. mod pl. duppy 0. syl dup+py pron <1d^pi> pos n. qual Caribbean. def a spirit or ghost. Marcel infl head Dupr'e syl Mar:cel pron pos n. Dupr'e 0. syl Du:pr*'e pron French pos n. def 1886-1971, French organist and composer, noted as an improviser. Duque de Caxias 0. syl Du+que de Ca+xi+as pron Portuguese <1dukA>, Portuguese pos n. def a city in SE Brazil, near Rio de Janeiro. Pop.: 256582 (1970). Dur 0. syl Dur. qual abbrev. for def Durham. durable ety C14: from Old French, from Latin d*_ur*_abilis, from d*_ur*_are to last; see #7endure durable 0. syl du+ra:ble pron <1dju*r*bL> pos adj. def long-lasting; enduring. exam 1 a durable fabric. durability sub head durable or durableness syl du+ra:1bil+i:ty pos n. durableness sub head durable or durability syl du+ra:ble+ness pos n. durably sub head durable syl du+ra:bly pos adv. durable goods 0. syl du+ra:ble goods pos n. mod pl. def goods, such as most producer goods and some consumer goods, that require infrequent replacement. Compare {perishables}. Also called: {durables}. durable press 0.a. syl dur+a:ble press pos n. def another term for {permanent press}. durable press 0.b. syl dur+a:ble press pos n. usage as modifier exam 1 durable-press skirts. Duralumin 0. syl Du+ral:u+min pron pos n. qual Trademark. def a light strong aluminium alloy containing 3.5-4.5 per cent of copper with small quantities of silicon, magnesium, and manganese; used in aircraft manufacture. dura mater ety C15: from Medieval Latin, hard mother dura mater 0. syl du:ra ma+ter pron <1dju*r*> <1mAt*> pos n. def the outermost and toughest of the three membranes (see {meninges}) covering the brain and spinal cord. Often shortened to {dura}. duramen ety C19: from Latin: hardness, from d*_ur*_are to harden duramen 0. syl du+ra+men pron pos n. def another name for {heartwood}. durance ety C15: from Old French, from durer to last, from Latin d*_ur*_are durance 1. syl du+rance pron <1dju*r*ns> pos n. qual Archaic or literary. def imprisonment. durance 2. syl du+rance pron <1dju*r*ns> pos n. qual Archaic or literary. def duration. Durance 0. syl Du+rance pron French pos n. def a river in S France, rising in the Alps and flowing generally southwest into the Rh*^one. Length: 304 km (189 miles). Durango 1. syl Du+ran+go pron , Spanish pos n. def a state in N central Mexico: high plateau, with the Sierra Madre Occidental in the west; irrigated agriculture (esp. cotton) and rich mineral resources. Capital: Durango. Pop.: 939208 (1970). Area: 119648 sq. km (46662 sq. miles). Durango 2. syl Du+ran+go pron , Spanish pos n. def a city in NW central Mexico, capital of Durango state: mining centre. Pop.: 191034 (1975 est.). Official name: {Victoria de Durango}. duration ety C14: from Medieval Latin d*_ur*_ati*_o, from Latin d*_ur*_are to last duration 0. syl du+ra+tion pron pos n. def the length of time that something lasts, or continues. durational sub head duration syl du+1ra+tion+al pos adj. durative 1. syl du+ra+tive pron <1dju*r*tiv> pos adj. qual Grammar. def denoting an aspect of verbs that includes the imperfective and the progressive. durative 2.a. syl du+ra+tive pron <1dju*r*tiv> pos n. qual Grammar. def the durative aspect of a verb. durative 2.b. syl du+ra+tive pron <1dju*r*tiv> pos n. qual Grammar. def a verb in this aspect. Durazzo 0. syl Du+raz+zo pron pos n. def the Italian name for {Durr*"es}. Durban 0. syl Dur+ban pron <1dR:bN> pos n. def a port in E South Africa, in E Natal on the Indian Ocean: University of Natal (1909); resort and industrial centre, with oil refineries, shipbuilding yards, etc. Pop.: 495458 (1970). durbar ety C17: from Hindi darb*_ar court, from Persian, from dar door+ b*_ar entry, audience durbar 0.a. syl dur+bar pron <1dR:ba:>, <2dR:1ba:> pos n. usage formerly def the court of a native ruler or a governor in India and British Colonial West Africa. durbar 0.b. syl dur+bar pron <1dR:ba:>, <2dR:1ba:> pos n. def a lev*'ee at such a court. Duren 0. syl D*"u+ren pron German <1dy:r*n> pos n. def a city in W West Germany, in North Rhine-Westphalia. Pop.: 53800 (1970). Albrecht infl head Durer syl Al:brecht pron <1albre*,ct> pos n. Durer 0. syl D*"u:rer pron German <1dy:r*r> pos n. def 1471-1528, German painter and engraver, regarded as the greatest artist of the German Renaissance and noted particularly as a draughtsman and for his copper engravings and woodcuts. duress ety C14: from Old French duresse, from Latin d*_uritia hardness, from d*_urus hard duress 1. syl du+ress pron , pos n. def compulsion by use of force or threat; constraint; coercion (often in the phrase {under duress) }. duress 2. syl du+ress pron , pos n. qual Law. def the illegal exercise of coercion. duress 3. syl du+ress pron , pos n. def confinement; imprisonment. Durex infl syl Du+rex. pos n. mod pl. Durex 1. syl Du+rex pron <1dju*reks> pos n. qual Trademark. def a brand of condom. Durex 2. syl Du+rex pron <1dju*reks> pos n. qual Trademark.; Austral. def a brand of adhesive tape. durgah 0. syl dur+gah pron <1dR:ga:> pos n. def a variant spelling of {dargah}. Durham 1. syl Dur+ham pron <1d^r*m> pos n. def a county of NE England, on the North Sea: rises to the N Pennines in the west, with a coalfield to the east. Administrative centre: Durham. Pop.: 610400 (1976 est.). Area: 2496 sq. km (964 sq. miles). Abbrev.: {Dur}. Durham 2. syl Dur+ham pron <1d^r*m> pos n. def a city in NE England, administrative centre of Co. Durham, on the River Wear: Norman cathedral; 11th-century castle (founded by William the Conqueror), now occupied by the University of Durham (1832). Pop.: 24744 (1971). Durham 3. syl Dur+ham pron <1d^r*m> pos n. def a variety of shorthorn cattle. See {shorthorn}. durian ety C16: from Malay, from duri thorn durion alt head durian or durian syl du+ri+on pron <1dju*ri*n> pos n. durian 1. or durion syl du+ri:an pron <1dju*ri*n> pos n. def a SE Asian bombacaceous tree, having edible oval fruits with a hard spiny rind. durian 2. or durion syl du+ri:an pron <1dju*ri*n> pos n. def the fruit of this tree, which has an offensive smell but a pleasant taste. during ety C14: from duren to last, ultimately from Latin dur*_are to last during 1. syl dur+ing pron <1dju*riG> pos prep. def concurrently with (some other activity). exam 1 kindly don't sleep during my lectures&! during 2. syl dur+ing pron <1dju*riG> pos prep. def within the limit of (a period of time). exam 1 during the day. 'Emile infl head Durkheim syl *'E:mile pron pos n. Durkheim 0. syl Durk:heim pron <1dR:khIm>, French pos n. def 1858-1917, French sociologist, whose pioneering works include (1893). durmast ety C18: probably alteration of dun mast; see #7dun %2#7, mast %2 durmast oak alt head durmast or durmast syl durmast oak pron <1dR:2ma:st> pos n. durmast 1. or durmast oak syl dur+mast pron <1dR:2ma:st> pos n. def Also called: {sessile oak}. a large Eurasian oak tree, with lobed leaves and sessile acorns. Compare {pedunculate oak}. durmast 2. or durmast oak syl dur+mast pron <1dR:2ma:st> pos n. def the heavy elastic wood of this tree, used in building and cabinetwork. duro ety from Spanish, shortened from peso duro hard peso, ultimately from Latin d*_urus hard duros infl head duro syl du:ros. pos n. mod pl. duro 0. syl du:ro pron <1du*r*u> pos n. def the silver peso of Spain or Spanish America. Duroc ety C19: from Duroc, name of a stallion owned by the man who developed this breed Duroc 0. syl Du+roc pron <1dju*rok> pos n. def an American breed of red lard pig. durra ety C18: from Arabic dhurah grain doura infl head durra or dourah syl dou+ra pron <1du*r*> pos n. dourah infl head durra or doura syl dou+rah pron <1du*r*> pos n. durra 0. syl dur+ra pron <1d^r*> pos n. def an Old World variety of sorghum, with erect hairy flower spikes and round seeds: cultivated for grain and fodder. Also called: {Guinea corn, Indian millet}. Lawrence (George) infl head Durrell syl Law:rence (George) . pos n. Durrell 0. syl Dur:rell pron <1d^r*l> pos n. def born 1912, English poet and novelist; author of of novels, consisting of (1957), (1958), (1958), and (1960). Friedrich infl head Durrenmatt syl Frie:drich pron <1frEdri*,c> pos n. Durrenmatt 0. syl D*"ur:ren:matt pron <1dyr*n2mat> pos n. def born 1921, Swiss dramatist and writer of detective stories, noted for his grotesque and paradoxical treatment of the modern world: author of (1956) and (1962). Durres 0. syl Dur+r*"es pron <1durr*s> pos n. def a port in W Albania, on the Adriatic. Pop.: 53800 (1970). Ancient names: {Epidamnus, Dyrrachium}. Italian name: {Durazzo}. durst 0. syl durst pron pos vb. def a past tense of {dare}. durum ety C20: short for New Latin tr*_iticum d*_urum, literally: hard wheat durum wheat alt head durum or durum syl du+rum wheat pron <1dju*r*m> pos n. durum 0. or durum wheat syl du+rum pron <1dju*r*m> pos n. def a variety of wheat, with a high gluten content, cultivated mainly in the Mediterranean region, and used chiefly to make pastas. durzi ety C19: from Hindi, from Persian darzi from darz sewing durzi 0. syl dur+zi pron <1dR:rzi> pos n. def an Indian tailor. Dushanbe 0. syl Du+shan+be pron pos n. def an industrial city in the SW Soviet Union, capital of the Tadzhik SSR. Pop.: 436000 (1975 est.). Former name (1929-61): {Stalinabad}. dusk ety Old English dox; related to Old Saxon dosan brown, Old High German tusin yellow, Norwegian dusmen misty, Latin fuscus dark brown dusk 1. syl dusk pos d^sk; n. def twilight or the darker part of twilight. dusk 2. syl dusk pos d^sk; n. qual Poetic. def gloom; shade. dusk 3. syl dusk pos adj. qual Poetic. def shady; gloomy. dusk 4. syl dusk pos vb. qual Poetic. def to make or become dark. duskier infl head dusky syl dusk:i+er pos adj. duskiest infl head dusky syl dusk:i+est. pos adj. dusky 1. syl dusk:y pron <1d^ski> pos adj. def dark in colour; swarthy. dusky 2. syl dusk:y pron <1d^ski> pos adj. def dim. duskily sub head dusky syl dusk:i+ly pos adv. duskiness sub head dusky syl dusk:i+ness pos n. Dusseldorf 0. syl D*"us+sel+dorf pron <1dus*l2dc:f>, German <1dys*l2dcrf> pos n. def an industrial city in W West Germany, capital of North Rhine-Westphalia, on the Rhine: commercial centre of the Rhine-Ruhr industrial area. Pop.: 628498 (1974 est.). dust ety Old English d*_ust; related to Danish dyst flour dust, Middle Dutch d*_ust dust, meal dust, Old High German tunst storm dust 1. syl dust pos d^st; n. def dry fine powdery material, such as particles of dirt, earth or pollen. dust 2. syl dust pos d^st; n. def a cloud of such fine particles. dust 3. syl dust pos d^st; n. def the powdery particles to which something is thought to be reduced by death, decay, or disintegration. dust 4.a. syl dust pos d^st; n. def the mortal body of man. dust 4.b. syl dust pos d^st; n. def the corpse of a dead person. dust 5. syl dust pos d^st; n. def the earth; ground. dust 6. syl dust pos d^st; n. qual Informal. def a disturbance; fuss (esp. in the phrases {kick up a dust, raise a dust) }. dust 7. syl dust pos d^st; n. def something of little or no worth. dust 8. syl dust pos d^st; n. usage Informal. in mining parlance def silicosis or any similar respiratory disease. dust 9. syl dust pos d^st; n. def short for {gold dust}. dust 10. syl dust pos d^st; n. def ashes or household refuse. dust 11.a. syl dust pos d^st; n. def to suffer complete defeat. dust 11.b. syl dust pos d^st; n. def to die. dust and ashes 12. head dust syl dust and ashes. def something that is very disappoint?!ing. lick the dust 13. head dust syl lick the dust. qual Informal. def to be forced to be humble; grovel. shake the dust off one's feet 14. head dust syl shake the dust off one's feet. def to depart angrily. throw dust in the eyes of 15. head dust syl throw dust in the eyes of. def to confuse or mislead. {~} dust 16. syl dust pos d^st; n. mod tr. def to sprinkle or cover (something) with (dust or some other powdery substance). exam 1 to dust a cake with sugar; exam 2 to dust sugar onto a cake. dust 17. syl dust pos d^st; n. def to remove dust by wiping, sweeping, or brushing. dust 18. syl dust pos d^st; n. def to make or become dirty with dust. dustless sub head dust syl dust+less pos adj. dust-bath 0. syl dust-bath pos n. def the action of a bird of driving dust into its feathers, which may dislodge parasites. dustbin 0. syl dust+bin pron <1d^st2bin> pos n. def a large, usually cylindrical container for rubbish, esp. one used by a household. U.S. names: {garbage can, trash can}. dust bowl 0. syl dust bowl pos n. def a semiarid area in which the surface soil is exposed to wind erosion and dust storms occur. Dusthe infl head Dust Bowl syl Dusthe. pos n. Dust Bowl 0. syl Dust Bowl pos n. def the area of the south central U.S. that became denuded of topsoil by wind erosion during the droughts of the mid-1930s. dustcart 0. syl dust+cart pron <1d^st2ka:t> pos n. def a road vehicle for collecting domestic refuse. U.S. name: {garbage truck}. dust coat 0. syl dust coat pos n. qual Brit. def a loose lightweight coat worn for early open motor-car riding. U.S. name: {duster}. dust cover 1. syl dust cov+er pos n. def another name for a {dustsheet}. dust cover 2. syl dust cov+er pos n. def another name for {dust jacket}. dust cover 3. syl dust cov+er pos n. def a perspex cover for a gramophone turntable. dust devil 0. syl dust dev+il pos n. def a strong miniature whirlwind that whips up dust, litter, leaves, etc., into the air. dust down 1. syl dust down pos vb. adv. mod tr. def to remove dust from by brushing or wiping. dust down 2. syl dust down pos vb. adv. mod tr. def to reprimand severely. &- {dust+ing down} duster 1. syl dust+er pron <1d^st*> pos n. def a cloth used for dusting furniture, etc. U.S. name: {dust cloth}. duster 2. syl dust+er pron <1d^st*> pos n. def a machine for blowing out dust over trees or crops. duster 3. syl dust+er pron <1d^st*> pos n. def a person or thing that dusts. duster coat 0. syl dust+er coat pos n. def a woman's loose summer coat with wide sleeves and no buttons, popular in the mid-20th century. dusting-powder 0. syl dust+ing-pow+der pos n. def fine powder (such as talcum powder) used to absorb moisture, etc. dust jacover alt head dust jacket or dust jacket syl dust jacov+er pos n. dust jacket 0. or dust jacover syl dust jack+et pos n. def a removable paper cover used to protect a bound book. Also called: {book jacket, jacket}. dustmen infl head dustman syl dust+men. pos n. mod pl. dustman 0. syl dust+man pron <1d^stm*n> pos n. qual Brit. def a man whose job is to collect domestic refuse. dustpan 0. syl dust+pan pron <1d^st2p@n> pos n. def a short-handled hooded shovel into which dust is swept from floors, etc. dustsheet 0. syl dust+sheet pron <1d^st2SEt> pos n. qual Brit. def a large cloth or sheet used for covering furniture to protect it from dust. Also called: {dust cover}. dust shot 0. syl dust shot pos n. def the smallest size of shot for a shotgun. dust storm 0. syl dust storm pos n. def a windstorm that whips up clouds of dust. dust-up 1. syl dust-up pos n. qual Informal. def a quarrel, fight, or argument. dust up infl head dust-up syl dust up. pos vb. dust-up 2. syl dust-up pos adv. mod tr. qual Informal. def to attack or assault (someone). dustier infl head dusty syl dust:i+er pos adj. dustiest infl head dusty syl dust:i+est. pos adj. dusty 1. syl dust:y pron <1d^sti> pos adj. def covered with or involving dust. dusty 2. syl dust:y pron <1d^sti> pos adj. def like dust in appearance or colour. dusty 3. syl dust:y pron <1d^sti> pos adj. usage of a colour def tinged with grey; pale. exam 1 dusty pink. dusty 4. syl dust:y pron <1d^sti> pos adj. def dull or unsatisfactory. &- {#!dust@.i+ly} dustiness sub head dusty syl dust:i+ness pos n. dusty miller 1. syl dust:y mill+er pos n. def Also called: {snow-in-summer}. a caryophyllaceous plant, of SE Europe and Asia, having white flowers and downy stems and leaves: cultivated as a rock plant. dusty miller 2. syl dust:y mill+er pos n. def a plant, of NE Asia and E North America, having small yellow flower heads and downy stems and leaves: family (composites). dusty miller 3. syl dust:y mill+er pos n. def any of various other downy plants, such as the rose campion. dutch ety C19: short for duchess dutch 0. syl dutch pron pos n. qual Cockney slang. def wife. Dutch 1. syl Dutch pron pos n. def the language of the Netherlands, belonging to the West Germanic branch of the Indo-European family and quite closely related to German and English. See also {Flemish, Afrikaans}. the Dutch 2. head Dutch syl the Dutch. mod functioning as; pl. def the natives, citizens, or inhabitants of the Netherlands. Dutch 3. syl Dutch pron pos n. def See {Pennsylvania Dutch}. Dutch 4. syl Dutch pron pos n. def See {double Dutch}. in Dutch 5. head Dutch syl in Dutch. qual Slang. def in trouble. Dutch 6. syl Dutch pron pos adj. def of, relating to, or characteristic of the Netherlands, its inhabitants, or their language. go Dutch 7. head Dutch syl go Dutch. qual Informal. def to share expenses equally. Dutch auction 0. syl Dutch auc+tion pos n. def an auction in which the price is lowered by stages until a buyer is found. Dutch barn 0. syl Dutch barn pos n. qual Brit. def a farm building consisting of a steel frame and a curved roof. Dutch cap 1. syl Dutch cap pos n. def a woman's lace cap with triangular flaps, characteristic of Dutch national dress. Dutch cap 2. syl Dutch cap pos n. def a contraceptive device for women. See {diaphragm} (sense 2). Dutch cheese 0. syl Dutch cheese pos n. def any of various small round hard cheeses of the Netherlands, esp. Edam and Gouda. Dutch courage 1. syl Dutch cour+age pos n. def false courage gained from drinking alcohol. Dutch courage 2. syl Dutch cour+age pos n. def alcoholic drink. Dutch doll 0. syl Dutch doll pos n. def a jointed wooden doll. Dutch door 0. syl Dutch door pos n. def the U.S. name for {stable door}. The infl head Dutch East Indies syl The. pos n. Dutch East Indies 0. syl Dutch East In+dies pos n. def a former name (1798-1945) of {Indonesia}. Also called: {Netherlands East Indies}. Dutch elm 0. syl Dutch elm pos n. def a widely planted hybrid elm tree, with spreading branches and a short trunk. Dutch elm disease 0. syl Dutch elm dis+ease pos n. def a disease of elm trees caused by the fungus and characterized by withering of the foliage and stems and eventual death of the tree. Netherlands Guiana alt head Dutch Guiana or Dutch Guiana syl Neth+er+lands Gui+an:a pos n. Dutch Guiana 0. or Netherlands Guiana syl Dutch Gui+an:a pos n. def the former name of {Surinam}. Dutch hoe 0. syl Dutch hoe pos n. def a type of hoe in which two prongs are joined by a crosspiece. Dutchmen infl head Dutchman syl Dutch+men. pos n. mod pl. Dutchman 1. syl Dutch+man pron <1d^Cm*n> pos n. def a native, citizen, or inhabitant of the Netherlands. Dutchman 2. syl Dutch+man pron <1d^Cm*n> pos n. def a piece of wood, metal, etc., used to repair or patch faulty workmanship. Dutchman's-breeches 0. syl Dutch:man's-breech:es pos n. mod functioning as; sing. def a North American plant, with finely divided basal leaves and pink flowers: family Also called: {colicweed}. Dutchman's-pipe 0. syl Dutch:man's-pipe pos n. def a woody climbing plant, , of the eastern U.S., cultivated for its greenish-brown mottled flowers, which are shaped like a curved pipe: family gold alt head Dutch metal or Dutch metal syl gold pos n. Dutch metal 0. or gold syl Dutch met+al pos n. def a substitute for gold leaf, consisting of thin sheets of copper that have been turned yellow by exposure to the fumes of molten zinc. Dutch New Guinea 0. syl Dutch New Guin:ea pos n. def the former name (until 1963) of {West Irian}. Dutch oven 1. syl Dutch ov:en pos n. def an iron or earthenware container with a cover used for stews, etc. Dutch oven 2. syl Dutch ov:en pos n. def a metal box, open in front, for cooking in front of an open fire. Dutch Reformed Church 0. syl Dutch Re+formed Church pos n. def any of the three Calvinist Churches to which most Afrikaans-speaking South Africans belong. Dutch rush 0. syl Dutch rush pos n. usage sometimes not cap. def a horsetail, whose siliceous stems have been used for polishing and scouring pots and pans. Also called: {scouring rush}. Dutch treat 0. syl Dutch treat pos n. qual Informal. def an entertainment, meal, etc., where each person pays for himself. Dutch uncle 0. syl Dutch un+cle pos n. qual Informal. def a person who criticizes or reproves frankly and severely. The infl head Dutch West Indies syl The. pos n. Dutch West Indies 0. syl Dutch West In+dies pos n. def a former name of the {Netherlands Antilles}. duteous 0. syl du+te:ous pron <1dju:ti*s> pos adj. qual Formal or archaic. def dutiful; obedient. &- {#!du+te@.ous+ly} &- {#!du+te@.ous+ness} dutiable 0. syl du+ti+a:ble pron <1dju:ti*bL> pos adj. usage of goods, etc. def liable to duty. dutiability sub head dutiable syl du+ti+a:1bil+i:ty pos n. dutiful 1. syl du+ti+ful pron <1dju:tiful> pos adj. def exhibiting or having a sense of duty. dutiful 2. syl du+ti+ful pron <1dju:tiful> pos adj. def characterized by or resulting from a sense of duty. exam 1 a dutiful answer. dutifully sub head dutiful syl du+ti+ful+ly pos adv. dutifulness sub head dutiful syl du+ti+ful+ness pos n. duty ety C13: from Anglo-French duet*'e, from Old French deu #7due duties infl head duty syl du:ties. pos n. mod pl. duty 1. syl du:ty pron <1dju:ti> pos n. def a task or action that a person is bound to perform for moral or legal reasons. duty 2. syl du:ty pron <1dju:ti> pos n. def respect or obedience due to a superior, older persons, etc.. exam 1 filial duty. duty 3. syl du:ty pron <1dju:ti> pos n. def the force that binds one morally or legally to one's obligations. duty 4. syl du:ty pron <1dju:ti> pos n. def a government tax, esp. on imports. duty 5.a. syl du:ty pron <1dju:ti> pos n. def the quantity of work for which a machine is designed. duty 5.b. syl du:ty pron <1dju:ti> pos n. def a measure of the efficiency of a machine. duty 6. syl du:ty pron <1dju:ti> pos n. def the quantity of water necessary to irrigate an area of land to grow a particular crop. duty 7. syl du:ty pron <1dju:ti> pos n. def a job or service allocated. do duty for 8. head duty syl do duty for. def to act as a substitute for. on 9. head duty or off duty syl on def at not at) work. duty-bound 0. syl du:ty-bound pos adj. def morally obliged as a matter of duty. duty-free 0. syl du:ty-free pos adj. adv. def with exemption from customs or excise duties. duty-free shop 0. syl du:ty-free shop pos n. def a shop, esp. one at a port or on board a ship, that sells perfume, tobacco, etc., at duty-free prices. duty officer 0. syl du:ty of+fic+er pos n. def an officer (in the armed forces, police, etc.) on duty at a particular time. duumvir ety C16: from Latin, from duo two+ vir man duumvirs infl head duumvir or duumviri syl du+um+virs pron <-vi2rE> pos n. mod pl. duumviri infl head duumvir or duumvirs syl du+um+vi+ri pron <-vi2rE> pos n. mod pl. duumvir 1. syl du+um+vir pron pos n. qual Roman history. def one of two coequal magistrates or officers. duumvir 2. syl du+um+vir pron pos n. def either of two men who exercise a joint authority. duumvirate 0. syl du+um+vi+rate pron pos n. def the office of or government by duumvirs. Francois 1. head Duvalier syl Fran:*,cois pron def known as 1907-71, president of Haiti (1957-71). Duvalier 2. syl Du:va:lier pron French pos n. def his son, {Jean-Claude} (#f*~a#!klo$:d). born 1951, Haitian statesman; life president of Haiti since 1971. duvet ety C18: from French, from earlier dumet, from Old French dum #7down %2 duvet 0. syl du+vet pron <1du:vA> pos n. def another name for {continental quilt}. duvetyn ety C20: from French duvetine, from duvet down+-#7ine %1 duvetine infl head duvetyn or duvetyne syl du+ve:tine pron <1dju:v*2tEn> pos n. duvetyne infl head duvetyn or duvetine syl du+ve:tyne pron <1dju:v*2tEn> pos n. duvetyn 0. syl du+ve:tyn pron <1dju:v*2tEn> pos n. def a soft napped velvety fabric of cotton, silk, wool, or rayon. dux ety Latin: leader dux 0. syl dux pos d^ks; n. usage in Scottish and certain other schools def the top pupil in a class or school. duyker 0. syl duy+ker pron <1daik*> pos n. def a variant spelling of {duiker}. DV ety Latin: God willing DV 1. syl D.V. qual abbrev. for: def Deo volente. DV 2. syl D.V. qual abbrev. for: def Douay Version (of the Bible). dvandva ety from Sanskrit dvamdva a pair, from the reduplication of dva #7two dvandva 1. syl dvan+dva pron <1dva:ndva:> pos n. def a class of compound words consisting of two elements having a coordinate relationship as if connected by dvandva 2. syl dvan+dva pron <1dva:ndva:> pos n. def a compound word of this type, such as Northern 1. head Dvina syl Northern. def a river in the NW Soviet Union, formed by the confluence of the Sukhona and Yug Rivers and flowing northwest to in the White Sea. Length: 750 km (466 miles). Russian name: {Severnaya Dvina}. Western 2. head Dvina syl Western. def a river in the W Soviet Union, rising in the Valdai Hills and flowing south and southwest then northwest to the Gulf of Riga. Length: 1021 km (634 miles). Russian name: {Zapadnaya Dvina}. Latvian name: {Daugava}. Dvina Gulf alt head Dvina Bay or Dvina Bay syl Dvi+na Gulf pos n. Dvina Bay 0. or Dvina Gulf syl Dvi+na Bay pos n. def an inlet of the White Sea, off the coast of the NW Soviet Union. Dvinsk 0. syl Dvinsk pos dvinsk; n. def transliteration of the former Russian name for {Daugavpils}. DVM alt or DVM syl DVM DVM 0. or DVM syl D.V.M. qual abbrev. for def Doctor of Veterinary Medicine. Anton'in infl head Dvovr'ak syl An:to:n*'in pron <1antcnEn> pos n. Dvovr'ak 0. syl Dvo:*vr*'ak pron <1dvc:Z@k>, Czech <1dvcrZa:k> pos n. def known as 1841-1904, Czech composer, much of whose work reflects the influence of folk music. His best-known work is the (1893). DW 0. syl D/W qual abbrev. for def dock warrant. dwale ety C14: perhaps of Scandinavian origin dwale 0. syl dwale pron pos n. def another name for {deadly nightshade}. dwarf ety Old English dweorg; related to Old Norse dvergr, Old High German twerc dwarfs infl head dwarf or dwarves syl dwarfs pron pos n. mod pl. dwarves infl head dwarf or dwarfs syl dwa+rves pron pos n. mod pl. dwarf 1. syl dwarf pron pos n. def an ab?!normally undersized person, esp. one with a large head and short arms and legs. Compare {midget}. dwarf 2.a. syl dwarf pron pos n. def an animal or plant much below the average height for the species. dwarf 2.b. syl dwarf pron pos n. usage as modifier exam 1 a dwarf tree. dwarf 3. syl dwarf pron pos n. usage in folklore def a small ugly manlike creature, often possessing magical powers. dwarf 4. syl dwarf pron pos n. qual Astronomy. def short for {dwarf star}. dwarf 5. syl dwarf pron pos vb. def to become or cause to become small in size, importance, etc. dwarf 6. syl dwarf pron pos vb. mod tr. def to stunt the growth of. dwarfish sub head dwarf syl dwarf+ish pos adj. dwarfishly sub head dwarf syl dwarf+ish+ly pos adv. dwarfishness sub head dwarf syl dwarf+ish+ness pos n. dwarf bean 0. syl dwarf bean pos n. def another name for {French bean}. dwarf chestnut 1. syl dwarf chest+nut pos n. def the edible nut of the chinquapin tree. dwarf chestnut 2. syl dwarf chest+nut pos n. def another name for { {chinquapin} (sense 1)}. dwarf cornel 0. syl dwarf cor+nel pos n. def an arctic and subarctic cornaceous plant, (or having small purple flowers surrounded by petal-like bracts. dwarfism 0. syl dwarf+ism pron <1dwc:fiz*m> pos n. def the condition of being a dwarf. dwarf mallow 0. syl dwarf mal+low pos n. def a European malvaceous plant, (or , having rounded leaves and small pinkish-white flowers. dwarf star 0. syl dwarf star pos n. def any of a class of faint stars lying in the main sequence of the Hertzsprung-Russell diagram and having a very high density and small diameter compared to the much brighter class of stars, {giant stars}. Both types belong to the same spectral classes (G, K, and M). Sometimes shortened to {dwarf}. See {red dwarf, white dwarf}. dwell ety Old English dwellan to seduce, get lost; related to Old Saxon bidwellian to prevent, Old Norse dvelja, Old High German twellen to prevent dwells infl head dwell syl dwells pos vb. mod intr. dwelling infl head dwell syl dwell+ing pos vb. mod intr. dwelt infl head dwell or dwelled syl dwelt pos vb. mod intr. dwelled infl head dwell or dwelt syl dwelled. pos vb. mod intr. dwell 1. syl dwell pron pos vb. mod intr. qual Formal, literary. def to live as a permanent resident. dwell 2. syl dwell pron pos vb. mod intr. def to live (in a specified state). exam 1 to dwell in poverty. dwell 3. syl dwell pron pos n. mod intr. def a regular pause in the operation of a machine. dwell 4. syl dwell pron pos n. mod intr. def a flat or constant-radius portion on a linear or rotary cam. dweller sub head dwell syl dwell+er pos n. dwelling 0. syl dwell+ing pron <1dweliG> pos n. qual Formal, literary. def a place of residence. upon alt head dwell on or dwell on syl up:on pos vb. prep. mod intr. dwell on 0. or upon syl dwell on pos vb. prep. mod intr. def to think, speak, or write at length. exam 1 he dwells on his misfortunes. dwelt 0. syl dwelt pron pos vb. def the past tense of {dwell}. dwindle ety C16: from Old English dw*_inan to waste away; related to Old Norse dv*_ina to pine away dwindle 0. syl dwin+dle pron <1dwindL> pos vb. def to grow or cause to grow less in size, intensity, or number; diminish or shrink gradually. dwt ety d, from Latin denarius penny dwt alt or dwt syl dwt. dwt 0. or dwt syl dwt qual Obsolete. abbrev. for def pennyweight. dwt 0. syl d.w.t. qual abbrev. for def deadweight tonnage. DX 1. syl DX qual Telegraphy, telephony.; symbol for def long distance. DX 2. syl DX qual Telegraphy, telephony. usage of a radio station def indicating that it is far away. Dy 0. syl Dy usage the chemical symbol for def dysprosium. dyad ety C17: from Late Latin dyas, from Greek duas two, a pair dyad 1. syl dy:ad pron <1dI@d> pos n. qual Maths. def an operator that is the unspecified product of two vectors. It can operate on a vector to produce either a scalar or vector product. dyad 2. syl dy:ad pron <1dI@d> pos n. def an atom or group that has a valency of two. dyadic 1. syl dy+ad+ic pron pos adj. def of or relating to a dyad. dyadic 2. syl dy+ad+ic pron pos adj. def relating to or based on two; twofold. dyadic 3. syl dy+ad+ic pron pos n. qual Maths. def the sum of two or more dyads. Dyak ety from Malay Dayak upcountry, from darat land Dayak alt head Dyak or Dyak syl Day+ak pron <1dI@k> pos n. Dyaks infl head Dyak or Dyak syl Dy:aks pos n. mod pl. Dyak infl or Dyaks syl Dy:ak. pos n. mod pl. Dyak 0. or Dayak syl Dy:ak pron <1dI@k> pos n. def a member of a Malaysian people of the interior of Borneo: noted for their long houses. dyarchies infl head dyarchy syl dy+ar+chies. pos n. mod pl. dyarchy 0. syl dy+ar+chy pron <1dIa:ki> pos n. def a variant spelling of {diarchy}. dyarchic sub head dyarchy syl dy+1ar+chic pos adj. dyarchical sub head dyarchy or dyarchal syl dy+1ar+chi+cal pos adj. dyarchal sub head dyarchy or dyarchical syl dy+1ar+chal pos adj. dybbuk ety from Yiddish dibb*_uk devil, from Hebrew dibb*_uq; related to d*_abhaq to hang on, cling dybbuks infl head dybbuk or dybbukkim syl dyb+buks pron Hebrew <-bu1kim> pos n. mod pl. dybbukkim infl head dybbuk or dybbuks syl dyb+buk+kim pron Hebrew <-bu1kim> pos n. mod pl. dybbuk 0. syl dyb+buk pron <1dib*k>, Hebrew pos n. usage Judaism. in the folklore of the cabala def the soul of a dead sinner that has transmigrated into the body of a living person. dye ety Old English d*_eagian, from d*_eag a dye; related to Old High German tug*_on to change, Lettish d*_ukans dark dye 1. syl dye pron pos n. def a staining or colouring substance, such as a natural or synthetic pigment. dye 2. syl dye pron pos n. def a liquid that contains a colouring material and can be used to stain fabrics, skins, etc. dye 3. syl dye pron pos n. def the colour or shade produced by dyeing. dyes infl head dye syl dyes pos vb. dyeing infl head dye syl dye+ing pos vb. dyed infl head dye syl dyed. pos vb. dye 4. syl dye pron pos vb. mod tr. def to impart a colour or stain to (something, such as fabric or hair) by or as if by the application of a dye. dyable sub head dye or dyeable syl dy+a:ble pos adj. dyeable sub head dye or dyable syl dye+a:ble pos adj. dyer sub head dye syl dy:er pos n. dyed-in-the-wool 1. syl dyed-in-the-wool pos adj. def extreme or unchanging in attitude, opinion, etc. dyed-in-the-wool 2. syl dyed-in-the-wool pos adj. usage of a fabric def made of dyed yarn. dyeing 0. syl dye+ing pron <1dIiG> pos n. def the process or industry of colouring yarns, fabric, etc. dyeline 0. syl dye+line pron <1dI2lIn> pos adj. def another word for { {diazo} (sense 2)}. dyer's rocket 0. syl dy:er's rock+et pos n. def a Eurasian resedaceous plant, with a spike of yellowish-green flowers and long narrow leaves: formerly cultivated as the source of a yellow dye, used with woad to make Lincoln green. Also called: {weld}. dyer's-weed 0. syl dy:er's-weed pos n. def any of several plants that yield a dye, such as woad, dyer's rocket, and dyer's-greenweed. dyestuff 0. syl dye+stuff pron <1dI2st^f> pos n. def a substance that can be used as a dye or from which a dye can be obtained. dyewood 0. syl dye+wood pron <1dI2wud> pos n. def any wood, such as brazil, from which dyes and pigments can be obtained. Dyfed 0. syl Dyf+ed pron <1d^ved> pos n. def a county in SW Wales, formed in 1974 from Cardiganshire, Pembrokeshire, and Carmarthenshire: coastal lowlands rising to a high plateau in the north and mountains in the south. Administrative centre: Carmarthen. Pop.: 323100 (1976 est.). Area: 5762 sq. km (2280 sq. miles). dying 1. syl dy+ing pron <1dIiG> pos vb. def the present participle of {die} %1. {~} dying 2. syl dy+ing pron <1dIiG> pos vb. def relating to or occurring at the moment of death. exam 1 a dying wish. dyke ety C13: modifi?!cation of Old English dic ditch; compare Old Norse d*_iki ditch dyke H1.1. syl dyke usage esp. U.S. def an embankment constructed to prevent flooding or keep out the sea. dyke H1.2. syl dyke usage esp. U.S. def a ditch or watercourse. dyke H1.3. syl dyke usage esp. U.S. def a bank made of earth excavated for and placed alongside a ditch. dyke H1.4. syl dyke usage esp. U.S. def a barrier or obstruction. dyke H1.5. syl dyke usage esp. U.S. def a wall-like mass of igneous rock intruded into cracks in older sedimentary rock. dyke H1.6.a. syl dyke usage esp. U.S. def a lavatory. dyke H1.6.b. syl dyke usage esp. U.S.; as modifier exam 1 a dyke roll. dyke H1.7. syl dyke pos vb. mod tr. usage esp. U.S. def to protect, enclose, or drain (land) with a dyke. dyke ety C20: of unknown origin dike alt head dyke or dyke syl dike pron pos n. dyke H2.0. or dike syl dyke pron pos n. qual Slang. def a lesbian. Bob infl head Dylan syl Bob. pos n. Dylan 0. syl Dyl:an pron <1dil*n> pos n. def original name born 1941, U.S. folk singer and songwriter, noted for his protest songs in the 1960s. His albums include (1961), (1963), (1965), (1965), (1966), (1968), (1969), (1974), (1975), and (1976). dynameter 0. syl dy+nam+e:ter pron pos n. def an instrument for determining the magnifying power of telescopes. dynamic ety C19: from French dynamique, from Greek dunamikos powerful, from dunamis power, from dunasthai to be able dynamic 1. syl dy+nam+ic pron pos adj. def of or concerned with energy or forces that produce motion, as opposed to dynamic 2. syl dy+nam+ic pron pos adj. def of or concerned with dynamics. dynamic 3. syl dy+nam+ic pron pos adj. def Also: {dy+nam@.i+cal}. characterized by force of personality, ambition, energy, new ideas, etc. dynamic 4. syl dy+nam+ic pron pos adj. qual Music. def of, relating to, or indicating dynamics. exam 1 dynamic range; exam 2 dynamic marks. dynamic 5. syl dy+nam+ic pron pos adj. usage Computer technol. of a memory def needing its contents refreshed periodically. Compare { {static} (sense 8)}. dynamically sub head dynamic syl dy+1nam:i+cal+ly pos adv. dynamic psychology 0. syl dy+nam+ic psy+chol+o:gy pos n. qual Psychol. def any method or system concerned with explaining motives and impulses. dynamics 1. syl dy+nam+ics pron pos n. mod functioning as; sing. def the branch of mechanics concerned with the forces that change or produce the motions of bodies. Compare {statics, kinematics}. dynamics 2. syl dy+nam+ics pron pos n. mod functioning as; sing. def the branch of mechanics that includes statics and kinetics. See {statics, {kinetics}}. dynamics 3. syl dy+nam+ics pron pos n. mod functioning as; sing. def the branch of any science concerned with forces. dynamics 4. syl dy+nam+ics pron pos n. def those forces that produce change in any field or system. dynamics 5.a. syl dy+nam+ics pron pos n. def the various degrees of loudness called for in performance. dynamics 5.b. syl dy+nam+ics pron pos n. def Also called: {dynamic marks, dynamic markings}. directions and symbols used to indicate degrees of loudness. dynamism 1. syl dy+na+mism pron <1dIn*2miz*m> pos n. qual Philosophy. def any of several theories that attempt to explain phenomena in terms of an immanent force or energy. Compare {{mechanism} (sense 5)}, {vitalism}. dynamism 2. syl dy+na+mism pron <1dIn*2miz*m> pos n. def the forcefulness of an energetic personality. &- {#!dy+na+mist} dynamistic sub head dynamism syl dy+na+1mis+tic pos adj. dynamite ety C19 (coined by Alfred Nobel): from #7dynamo -#7+ -#7ite %1 dynamite 1. syl dy+na+mite pron <1dIn*2mIt> pos n. def an explosive consisting of nitroglycerin or ammonium nitrate mixed with kieselguhr, sawdust, or wood pulp. dynamite 2. syl dy+na+mite pron <1dIn*2mIt> pos n. qual Informal. def a spectacular or potentially dangerous person or thing. dynamite 3. syl dy+na+mite pron <1dIn*2mIt> pos vb. mod tr. def to mine or blow up with dynamite. dynamiter sub head dynamite syl dy+na+2mit+er pos n. dynamo ety C19: short for dynamo?!electric machine dynamos infl head dynamo syl dy+na+mos. pos n. mod pl. dynamo 1. syl dy+na+mo pron <1dIn*2m*u> pos n. def a device for converting mechanical energy into electrical energy, esp. one that produces direct current. Compare {{generator} (sense 1)}. dynamo 2. syl dy+na+mo pron <1dIn*2m*u> pos n. qual Informal. def an energetic hard-working person. dynamo- ety from Greek, from dunamis power dynamoelectrical alt head dynamoelectric or dynamoelectric syl dy+na+mo+e:lec+tri+cal pos adj. dynamoelectric 0. or dynamoelectrical syl dy+na+mo+e:lec+tric pron <2dIn*m*ui1lektrik> pos adj. def of or concerned with the interconversion of mechanical and electrical energy. dynamometer 0. syl dy+na+mom+e:ter pron <2dIn*1momit*> pos n. def any of a number of instruments for measuring power. dynamometry 1. syl dy+na+mom+e:try pron <2dIn*1momitri> pos n. def the science of power measurement. dynamometry 2. syl dy+na+mom+e:try pron <2dIn*1momitri> pos n. def the manufacture and use of dynamometers. dynamometric sub head dynamometry or dynamometrical syl dy+na+mo+met+ric pron <2dIn*m*u1metrik> pos adj. dynamometrical sub head dynamometry or dynamometric syl dy+na+mo+1met+ri+cal pos adj. dynamotor 0. syl dy+na+mo+tor pron <1dIn*2m*ut*> pos n. def an electrical machine having a single magnetic field and two independent armature windings of which one acts as a motor and the other a generator: used to convert direct current from an accumulator into alternating current. dynast ety C17: from Latin dynast*_es, from Greek dunast*_es, from dunasthai to be powerful dynast 0. syl dyn+ast pron <1din*st>, <-@st> pos n. def a ruler, esp. a hereditary one. dynasty ety C15: via Late Latin from Greek dunasteia, from dunast*_es #7dynast dynasties infl head dynasty syl dyn+as+ties. pos n. mod pl. dynasty 1. syl dyn+as+ty pron <1din*sti> pos n. def a sequence of hereditary rulers. exam 1 an Egyptian dynasty. dynasty 2. syl dyn+as+ty pron <1din*sti> pos n. def any sequence of powerful leaders of the same family. exam 1 the Kennedy dynasty. dynastic sub head dynasty or dynastical syl dy+nas+tic pron pos adj. dynastical sub head dynasty or dynastic syl dy+1nas+ti+cal pos adj. dynastically sub head dynasty syl dy+1nas+ti+cal+ly pos adv. dynatron oscillator ety C20: from #7dyna (#7mo) -#7+ -#7tron dynatron oscillator 0. syl dy+na+tron os+cil+la+tor pron <1dIn*2tron> pos n. qual Electronics. def an oscillator containing a tetrode in which the screen grid is more positive than the anode, causing the anode current to decrease as its voltage increases. dyne ety C19: from French, from Greek dunamis power, force dyne 0. syl dyne pron pos n. def the cgs unit of force; the force that imparts an acceleration of 1 centimetre per second per second to a mass of 1 gram. 1 dyne is equivalent to 10%-%5 newton or 7.233#M10%-%5 poundal. dynode 0. syl dy+node pron <1dIn*ud> pos n. def an electrode onto which a beam of electrons can fall, causing the emission of a greater number of electrons by secondary emission. They are used in photo?!multipliers, etc., to amplify the signal. dys- ety via Latin from Greek dus- dys- 1. syl dys- pos prefix. def diseased, abnormal, or faulty. exam 1 dysentery; exam 2 dys?!lexia. dys- 2. syl dys- pos prefix. def difficult or painful. exam 1 dysuria. dys- 3. syl dys- pos prefix. def unfavourable or bad. exam 1 dyslogistic. dyscrasia ety C19: New Latin, from Medieval Latin: an imbalance of humours, from Greek, from #7dys -#7+ -krasia, from krasis a mixing dyscrasia 0. syl dys+cra+si:a pron pos n. qual Obsolete. def any abnormal physio?!logical condition, esp. of the blood. dysentery ety C14: via Latin from Greek dusenteria, from dusentera, literally: bad bowels, from #7dys -#7+ enteron intestine dysentery 0. syl dys+en+ter:y pron <1disNtri> pos n. def infection of the intestine with bacteria or amoebae, marked chiefly by severe diarrhoea with the passage of mucus and blood. dysenteric sub head dysentery syl dys+en+ter+ic pron <2disN1terik> pos adj. dysfunction 0. syl dys+func+tion pron pos n. qual Med. def any disturbance or ab?!normality in the function of an organ or part. &- {@!dys+#!func+tion+al} dysgenic 1. syl dys+gen+ic pron pos adj. def of, relating to, or contributing to a degeneration or deterioration in the fitness and quality of a race or strain. dysgenic 2. syl dys+gen+ic pron pos adj. def of or relating to dysgenics. dysgenics 0. syl dys+gen+ics pron pos n. mod functioning as; sing. def the study of factors capable of reducing the quality of a race or strain, esp. the human race. Also called: {cacogenics}. dysgraphia 0. syl dys+graph:i:a pron pos n. def impaired ability to write, esp. as a result of a brain lesion. &- {dys+#!graph+ic} dyslexia ety C19: New Latin, from #7dys -#7+ -lexia, from legein to speak dyslexia 0. syl dys+lex:i:a pron pos n. def impaired ability to read, due to a disorder of the brain. Nontechnical name: {word blindness}. dyslectic sub head dyslexia syl dys+lec+tic pron pos adj. n. dyslexic sub head dyslexia syl dys+1lex+ic pos adj. dyslogistic ety C19: from #7dys -#7+ -logistic, as in eulogistic dyslogistic 0. syl dys+lo+gis+tic pron <2disl*1Jistik> pos adj. qual Rare. def disapproving. dyslogistically sub head dyslogistic syl dys+lo+1gis+ti+cal+ly pos adv. dysmenorrhoeal sub head dysmenorrhoea syl dys+men+or+1rhoe:al dyspepsia ety C18: from Latin, from Greek duspepsia, from #7dys -#7+ pepsis digestion dyspepsy alt head dyspepsia or dyspepsia syl dys+pep+sy pron pos n. dyspepsia 0. or dyspepsy syl dys+pep+si:a pron pos n. def indigestion or upset stomach. dyspeptic 1. syl dys+pep+tic pron pos adj. usage also def relating to or suffering from dyspepsia. dyspeptic 2. syl dys+pep+tic pron pos adj. usage also def irritable. dyspeptic 3. syl dys+pep+tic pron pos n. usage also def a person suffering from dyspepsia. dyspeptically sub head dyspeptic syl dys+1pep+ti+cal+ly pos adv. dysphagia 0. syl dys+pha+gi:a pron pos n. def difficulty in swallowing, caused by obstruction or spasm of the oesophagus. dysphagic sub head dysphagia syl dys+phag+ic pron pos adj. dysphasia 0. syl dys+pha+si:a pron pos n. def impaired coordination of speech caused by a brain lesion. dysphasic sub head dysphasia syl dys+1pha+sic pos adj. n. dysphemism ety C19: #7dys -+#7euphemism &- dys+phe+#!mis+tic adj. dysphemism 1. syl dys+phe+mism pron <1disfi2miz*m> pos n. def substitution of a derogatory or offensive word or phrase for an innocuous one. dysphemism 2. syl dys+phe+mism pron <1disfi2miz*m> pos n. def the word or phrase so substituted. dysphonia ety C18: New Latin, from Greek: harshness of sound, from #7dys -#7+ -ph*_onia -#7phony dysphonia 0. syl dys+pho+ni:a pron pos n. def any impairment in the ability to speak normally, as from spasm or strain of the vocal cords. dysphonic sub head dysphonia syl dys+phon+ic pron pos adj. dysphoria ety C20: New Latin, from Greek #7dys -#7+ -phoria, from pherein to bear dysphoria 0. syl dys+pho+ri:a pron pos n. def a feeling of being ill at ease. dysphoric sub head dysphoria syl dys+phor+ic pron pos adj. dysplasia ety C20: New Latin, from #7dys -#7+ -plasia, from Greek plasis a moulding dysplasia 0. syl dys+pla+si:a pron pos n. def abnormal development of an organ or part of the body, including congenital absence. dysplastic sub head dysplasia syl dys+plas+tic pron pos adj. dyspnoea ety C17: via Latin from Greek duspnoia, from #7dys -#7+ pno*_e breath, from pnein to breathe dyspnea alt head dyspnoea or dyspnoea syl dysp+ne:a pron pos n. qual U.S. dyspnoea 0. or dyspnea syl dysp+noe:a pron pos n. def difficulty in breathing or in catching the breath. Compare {eupnoea}. dyspnoeal sub head dyspnoea or dyspneal syl dysp+1noe:al pos adj. dyspnoeic sub head dyspnoea or dyspneic syl dysp+1noe+ic pos adj. dyspneal sub head dyspnoea or dyspnoeal syl dysp+1ne:al pos adj. qual U.S. dyspneic sub head dyspnoea or dyspnoeic syl dysp+1ne+ic pos adj. qual U.S. dysprosium ety C20: New Latin, from Greek dusprositos difficult to get near +-#7ium dysprosium 0. syl dys+pro+si:um pron pos n. def a soft silvery-white metallic element of the lanthanide series: used in laser materials and as a neutron absorber in nuclear control rods. Symbol: Dy; atomic no.: 66; atomic wt.: 162.50; valency: 3; relative density: 8.56; melting pt.: 1407?%C; boiling pt.: 2335?%C. dysteleology 0. syl dys+tel+e:ol+o:gy pron <2disteli1ol*Ji>, <-tEli-> pos n. qual Philosophy. def the denial of purpose in life. Compare {teleology}. dysteleological sub head dysteleology syl dys+2tel:e:o+1log:i+cal pos adj. dysteleologist sub head dysteleology syl dys+tel+e:1ol:o+gist pos n. dysthymia ety C19: New Latin, from Greek dusthumia, from #7dys -#7+ thumos mind dysthymia 1. syl dys+thy+mi:a pron pos n. qual Psychiatry. def the characteristics of the neurotic and introverted, including anxiety, depression, and compulsive behaviour. dysthymia 2. syl dys+thy+mi:a pron pos n. qual Psychiatry.; Obsolete. def a relatively mild depression. dysthymic sub head dysthymia syl dys+1thy+mic pos adj. dystopia ety C19 (coined by J. S. Mill): from #7dys -#7+ U#7topia &- dys+#!to+pi@.an adj., n. dystopia 0. syl dys+to+pi:a pron pos n. def an imaginary place where everything is as bad as it can be. dystrophy ety C19: New Latin dystrophia, from #7dys -#7+ Greek troph*_e food dystrophia alt head dystrophy or dystrophy syl dys+tro+phi:a pron pos n. dystrophy 1. or dystrophia syl dys+tro+phy pron <1distr*fi> pos n. def any of various bodily disorders, characterized by wasting of tissues. See also {muscular dystrophy}. dystrophy 2. or dystrophia syl dys+tro+phy pron <1distr*fi> pos n. qual Ecology. def a condition of lake water when it is too acidic and poor in oxygen to support life, resulting from excessive humus content. dystrophic sub head dystrophy syl dys+troph+ic pron pos adj. dysuria ety C14: via Latin from Greek dusouria, from #7dys -#7+ -#7uria dysuria 0. syl dys+u:ri:a pron pos n. def difficult or painful urination. dysuric sub head dysuria syl dys+1u:ric pos adj. dytiscid ety C19: from New Latin Dytiscus genus name, changed from Greek dutikos able to dive, from duein to dive dytiscid 1. syl dy+tis+cid pron , pos n. def any carnivorous aquatic beetle of the family having large flattened back legs used for swimming. dytiscid 2. syl dy+tis+cid pron , pos adj. def of, relating to, or belonging to the Dyula infl or Dyulas syl Dy:u+la pos n. mod pl. Dyulas infl head Dyula or Dyula syl Dy:u+las pos n. mod pl. Dyula 1. syl Dy:u+la pron , <1dju:l*> pos n. def a member of a negroid people of W Africa, living chiefly in the rain forests of the Ivory Coast, where they farm rice, etc. Dyula 2. syl Dy:u+la pron , <1dju:l*> pos n. def the language of this people, belonging to the Mande branch of the Niger-Congo family. dz 0. syl dz. qual abbrev. for def dozen. DZ ety from Arabic Djaz*"@i#800241 r DZ 0. syl DZ usage international car registration for def Algeria. Dzaudzhikau 0. syl Dzau+dzhi+kau pron pos n. def the former name (1944-54) of {Ordzhonikidze}. Dzerzhinsk 0. syl Dzer+zhinsk pron Russian pos n. def an industrial city in the central Soviet Union. Pop.: 240000 (1975 est.). Dzhambul 0. syl Dzham+bul pron Russian pos n. def a city in the S central Soviet Union, in the Kazakh SSR: chemical manufacturing. Pop.: 239000 (1975 est.). Former name (until 1938): {Auliye-Ata}. dziggetai 0. syl dzig+ge+tai pron <1Jigi2tI> pos n. def a variant spelling of {chigetai}. dzos infl head dzo or dzo syl dzos pos n. mod pl. dzo infl or dzos syl dzo. pos n. mod pl. dzo 0. syl dzo pron pos n. def a variant spelling of {zo}. Dzongka 0. syl Dzong+ka pron <1zoGk*> pos n. def the official language of Bhutan, probably a member of the Sino-Tibetan family. Zungaria alt head Dzungaria or Dzungaria syl Zun+ga+ri:a pron , pos n. Dzungaria 0. or Zungaria syl Dzun+ga+ri:a pron , pos n. def an arid region of W China, in N Sinkiang-Uighur between the Altai Mountains and the Tien Shan. ********************************************************************** z$u&n-) an arid region of W China, in N Sinkiang-Uighur between the Altai Mountains and the Tien Shan. ********************************************************************** E alt head e or e syl E pron pos n. e's infl head e syl e's pos n. mod pl. E's infl head e or Es syl E's pos n. mod pl. Es infl head e or E's syl Es. pos n. mod pl. e 1. or E syl e pron pos n. def the fifth letter and second vowel of the modern English alphabet. e 2. or E syl e pron pos n. def any of several speech sounds represented by this letter, in English as in or e 1. syl e qual symbol for:; Maths. def a transcendental number, fundamental to mathematics, that is the limit of (1+1 as increases to infinity: used as the base of natural logarithms. Approximate value: 2.718282...; relation to #Gr: e%#Gr%i=-1, where i=$/#800243 -1. e 2. syl e qual symbol for: def electron. E ety from Spanish Espa*~na E 1.a. syl E qual symbol for: def a note having a frequency of 329.63 hertz ({E above middle C}) or this value multiplied or divided by any power of 2; the third note of the scale of C major. E 1.b. syl E qual symbol for: def a key, string, or pipe producing this note. E 1.c. syl E qual symbol for: def the major or minor key having this note as its tonic. E 2.a. syl E qual symbol for: def energy. E 2.b. syl E qual symbol for: def electromotive force. E 2.c. syl E qual symbol for: def Young's modulus (of elasticity). E 3. syl E qual symbol for: def East. E 4. syl E qual symbol for: def English. E 5. syl E qual symbol for: def Egypt(ian). {~} E 6. syl E qual symbol for: usage international car registration for def Spain. e 0. syl e. qual abbrev. for def engineer(ing). E 0. syl E. qual abbrev. for def Earl. ea 0. syl ea. qual abbrev. for def each. each ety Old English *_@alc; related to Old High German *_eogil*_ih, Old Frisian ellik, Dutch elk each 1.a. syl each pron pos determiner. def every (one) of two or more considered individually. exam 1 each day; exam 2 each person. each 1.b. syl each pron pos determiner. usage as pro?!noun exam 1 each gave according to his ability. each 2. syl each pron pos adv. def for, to, or from each one; apiece. exam 1 four apples each. each other 0. syl each oth+er pos pron. def used when the action, attribution, etc., is reciprocal. exam 1 furious with each other. #e EACSO 0. syl EACSO pron pos n. usage acronym for def East African Common Services Organization. eager ety C13: from Old French egre, from Latin acer sharp, keen eager H1.1. syl ea:ger pron <1Eg*> pos adj. usage postpositive; often foll. by to or for def impatiently desirous (of); anxious or avid (for). exam 1 he was eager to see her departure. eager H1.2. syl ea:ger pron <1Eg*> pos adj. def characterized by or feeling expectancy or great desire. exam 1 an eager look. eager H1.3. syl ea:ger pron <1Eg*> pos adj. qual Archaic. def tart or biting; sharp. eagerly sub head eager syl ea:ger+ly pos adv. eagerness sub head eager syl ea:ger+ness pos n. eager H2.0. syl ea:ger pron <1Ag*> pos n. def a variant spelling of {eagre}. eager beaver 0. syl ea:ger bea+ver pos n. qual Informal. def a person who displays conspicu?!ous diligence, esp. one who volunteers for extra work. eagle ety C14: from Old French aigle, from Old Proven*,cal aigla, from Latin aquila, perhaps from aquilus dark eagle 1. syl ea:gle pron <1EgL> pos n. def any of various birds of prey of the genera etc. (see {golden eagle, harpy eagle) }, having large broad wings and strong soaring flight: family (hawks, etc.). See also {sea eagle}. Related adj.: {aquiline}. eagle 2. syl ea:gle pron <1EgL> pos n. def a representation of an eagle used as an emblem, etc., esp. representing power. exam 1 the Roman eagle. eagle 3. syl ea:gle pron <1EgL> pos n. def a standard, seal, etc., bearing the figure of an eagle. eagle 4. syl ea:gle pron <1EgL> pos n. qual Golf. def a score of two strokes under par for a hole. eagle 5. syl ea:gle pron <1EgL> pos n. def a former U.S. gold coin worth ten dollars: withdrawn from circulation in 1934. eagle 6. syl ea:gle pron <1EgL> pos n. def the shoulder insignia worn by a U.S. full colonel or equivalent rank. eagle-eyed 0. syl ea:gle-eyed pos adj. def having keen or piercing eyesight. eagle-hawk 1. syl ea:gle-hawk pos n. def Also called: {wedge-tailed eagle}. a large aggressive Australian eagle, {~} . eagle-hawk 2. syl ea:gle-hawk pos n. qual Austral. slang. def to pluck wool from a sheep's dead body. eagle owl 0. syl ea:gle owl pos n. def a large owl, of Europe and Asia. It has brownish speckled plumage and large ear tufts. eagle ray 0. syl ea:gle ray pos n. def any of various rays of the family related to the stingrays but having narrower pectoral fins and a projecting snout with heavily browed eyes. eaglestone 0. syl ea:gle+stone pron <1EgL2st*un> pos n. def a hollow oval nodule of clay ironstone, formerly thought to have magical properties. eaglet 0. syl ea:glet pron <1Eglit> pos n. def a young eagle. eaglewood 1. syl ea:gle+wood pron <1EgL2wud> pos n. def an Asian thymelaeaceous tree, having fragrant wood that yields a resin used as a perfume. eaglewood 2. syl ea:gle+wood pron <1EgL2wud> pos n. def the wood of this tree. {~} Also called: {aloes, aloes wood, agalloch, lignaloes}. eagre ety C17: perhaps from Old English *_eagor flood; compare Old English *_ea river, water eager alt head eagre or eagre syl ea:ger pron <1Ag*> pos n. eagre 0. or eager syl ea:gre pron <1Ag*> pos n. def a tidal bore, esp. of the Humber or Severn estuaries. EAK 0. syl EAK usage international car registration for def East Africa Kenya. ealdorman ety Old English ealdor lord +#7man ealdormen infl head ealdorman syl eal+dor+men. pos n. mod pl. ealdorman 0. syl eal+dor+man pron <1c:ld*m*n> pos n. def an official of Anglo-Saxon England, appointed by the king, who was responsible for law, order, and justice in his shire and for leading his local fyrd in battle. Ealing 0. syl Ea:ling pron <1EliG> pos n. def a borough of W Greater London, formed in 1965 from Acton, Ealing, and Southall. Pop.: 293800 (1976 est.). EAM ety C20: from Modern Greek Ethniko Apeleutherotiko Metopo National Liberation Front EAM 0. syl EAM pos n. usage in World War II def the leftist resistance in German-occupied Greece. -ean 0. syl -e:an usage suffix forming adjectives. def variant of {-an}. exam 1 Caesarean. E OE 0. syl E. ?& O.E. qual abbrev. for def errors and omissions excepted. Ant'onio (dos Santos Ramalho) infl head Eanes syl An:t*'o:ni:o (dos Santos Ramalho) pron <*n1tcnju> pos n. Eanes 0. syl Ea:nes pron Portuguese pos n. def born 1935, Portuguese statesman and general; president of Portugal since 1976. ear ety Old English *_eare; related to Old Norse eyra, Old High German *_ora, Gothic aus*_o, Greek ous, Latin auris ear H1.1. syl ear pron pos n. def the organ of hearing and balance in higher vertebrates and of balance only in fishes. In man and other mammals it consists of three parts (see {external ear, middle ear, inner ear}) . Related adj.: {aural}. ear H1.2. syl ear pron pos n. def the outermost carti?!laginous part of the ear (pinna) in mammals, esp. man. ear H1.3. syl ear pron pos n. def the sense of hearing. ear H1.4. syl ear pron pos n. def sensitivity to musical sounds, poetic diction, etc.. exam 1 he has an ear for music. ear H1.5. syl ear pron pos n. def attention, esp. favourable attention; consideration; heed (esp. in the phrases {give ear to, lend an ear) }. ear H1.6. syl ear pron pos n. def an object resembling the external ear in shape or position, such as a handle on a jug. ear H1.7. syl ear pron pos n. def Also called (esp. Brit.): {earpiece}. a display box at the head of a newspaper page, esp. the front page, for advertisements, etc. all ears 8. head ear syl all ears. qual Informal. def very attentive; listening carefully. by ear 9. head ear syl by ear. def without reading from written music. fall on deaf ears 10. head ear syl fall on deaf ears. def to be ignored or pass unnoticed. have hard ears 11. head ear syl have hard ears. qual Caribbean. def to be stubbornly disobedient. a flea in one's ear 12. head ear syl a flea in one's ear. qual Informal. def a sharp rebuke. have the ear of 13. head ear syl have the ear of. def to be in a position to in?!fluence. exam 1 he has the ear of the president. head over ears 14. head ear syl head over ears. def tumultuously; with a powerful and confusing effect. exam 1 head over ears in love. in one ear and out the other 15. head ear syl in one ear and out the other. qual Informal. def heard but unheeded. keep 16. head ear or have one's ear to the ground syl keep qual Informal. def to be or try to be well informed about current trends and opinions. make a pig's ear of 17. head ear syl make a pig's ear of. qual Informal. def to ruin disastrously. one's ears are burning 18. head ear syl one's ears are burning. def one is aware of being the topic of another's conversation. out on one's ear 19. head ear syl out on one's ear. qual Informal. def dismissed unceremoniously. ear H1.20.a. syl ear pron pos n. qual Informal. def to act according to the demands of a situation rather than to a plan; improvise. ear H1.20.b. syl ear pron pos n. def to perform a musical piece on an instrument without written music. prick up one's ears 21. head ear syl prick up one's ears. def to start to listen attentively; become interested. set by the ears 22. head ear syl set by the ears. def to cause disagreement or commotion. a thick ear 23. head ear syl a thick ear. qual Informal. def a blow on the ear. turn a deaf ear 24. head ear syl turn a deaf ear. qual Informal. def to be unwilling to pay attention. up to one's ears 25. head ear syl up to one's ears. qual Informal. def deeply involved, as in work or debt. wet behind the ears 26. head ear syl wet behind the ears. qual Informal. def youthful in manner or attitudes; naive; immature. earless sub head ear syl ear+less pos adj. earlike sub head ear syl ear+2like pos adj. ear ety Old English *_ear; related to Old High German ahar, Old Norse ax, Gothic ahs ear, Latin acus chaff, Greek akros pointed ear H2.1. syl ear pron pos n. def the part of a cereal plant, such as wheat or barley, that contains the seeds, grains, or kernels. ear H2.2. syl ear pron pos vb. mod intr. usage of cereal plants def to develop such parts. earache 0. syl ear+ache pron <1i*r2Ak> pos n. def pain in the middle or inner ear. Technical name: {otalgia}. Compare {otitis}. earbash 0. syl ear+bash pron <1i*b@S> pos vb. mod intr. qual Austral. slang. def to talk incessantly.&- {#!ear+@!bash+er} &- {#!ear+@!bash+ing} eardrop 0. syl ear+drop pron <1i*2drop> pos n. def a pendant earring. eardrops 0. syl ear+drops pron <1i*2drops> pos n. mod pl. def liquid medication for inserting into the external ear. eardrum 0. syl ear+drum pron <1i*2dr^m> pos n. def the nontechnical name for {tympanic membrane}. eared 0.a. syl eared pron pos adj. def having an ear or ears. eared 0.b. syl eared pron pos adj. usage in combination exam 1 long-eared; exam 2 two-eared. eared seal 0. syl eared seal pos n. def any seal of the pinniped family typically having visible earflaps and conspicuous hind limbs that can be used for locomotion on land. Compare {earless seal}. earflap 1. syl ear+flap pron <1i*2fl@p> pos n. def Also called: {earlap}. either of two pieces of fabric or fur attached to a cap, which can be let down to keep the ears warm. earflap 2. syl ear+flap pron <1i*2fl@p> pos n. qual Zoology. def a small flap of skin forming the pinna of such animals as seals. earful 1. syl ear+ful pron <1i*ful> pos n. qual Informal. def something heard or overheard. earful 2. syl ear+ful pron <1i*ful> pos n. qual Informal. def a rebuke or scolding, esp. a lengthy or severe one. Amelia infl head Earhart syl A:mel:ia. pos n. Earhart 0. syl Ear:hart pron <1e*ha:t> pos n. def 1898-1937, U.S. aviatrix: the first woman to fly the Atlantic (1928). She disappeared on a Pacific flight (1937). earing 0. syl ear+ing pron <1i*riG> pos n. qual Nautical. def a line fastened to a corner of a sail for reefing. earl ety Old English eorl; related to Old Norse jarl chieftain, Old Saxon erl man earl 1. syl earl pron pos n. usage in the British Isles def a nobleman ranking below a marquess and above a viscount. Female equivalent: {countess}. earl 2. syl earl pron pos n. usage in Anglo-Saxon England def a royal governor of any of the large divisions of the kingdom, such as Wessex. earlap 1. syl ear+lap pron <1i*2l@p> pos n. def another word for {earflap} (sense 1). earlap 2.a. syl ear+lap pron <1i*2l@p> pos n. def the external ear. earlap 2.b. syl ear+lap pron <1i*2l@p> pos n. def the ear lobe. earldom 1. syl earl+dom pron <1R:ld*m> pos n. def the rank, title, or dignity of an earl or countess. earldom 2. syl earl+dom pron <1R:ld*m> pos n. def the lands of an earl or countess. earless seal 0. syl ear+less seal pos n. def any seal of the pinniped family typically having rudimentary hind limbs, no external earflaps, and a body covering of hair with no underfur. Also called: {hair seal}. Compare {eared seal}. Earl Marshal 0. syl Earl Mar+shal pos n. def an officer of the English peerage who presides over the College of Heralds and organizes royal processions and other important ceremonies. ear lobe 0. syl ear lobe pos n. def the fleshy lower part of the external ear. early ety Old English *_@arl*_ice, from *_@ar #7ere+ -l*_ice -#7ly ; related to Old Norse arliga earlier infl head early syl ear+li+er pos adv. earliest infl head early syl ear+li+est pos adv. early 1. syl ear+ly pron <1R:li> pos adj. def before the expected or usual time. early 2. syl ear+ly pron <1R:li> pos adj. def occurring in or characteristic of the first part of a period or sequence. early 3. syl ear+ly pron <1R:li> pos adj. def occurring in or characteristic of a period far back in time. early 4. syl ear+ly pron <1R:li> pos adj. def occurring in the near future. eat the earliest 5. head early syl eat the earliest. def not before the time or date mentioned. early days 6. head early syl early days. qual Brit. informal. def not yet time for some expected occurrence. earliness sub head early syl ear+li+ness pos n. early bird 0. syl ear+ly bird pos n. qual Informal. def a person who rises early or arrives in good time. Early Bird 0. syl Ear+ly Bird pos n. def one of a number of communications satellites, the first of which was launched in 1965 into a stationary orbit and provided telephone channels between Europe and the U.S. See also {Intelsat}. Early Christian 0. syl Ear+ly Chris+tian pos adj. def denoting or relating to the style of architecture that started in Italy in the 3rd century #7a.d. and spread through the Roman empire until the 5th century. early closing 1.a. syl ear+ly clos+ing pos n. qual Brit. def the shutting of most of the shops in a town one afternoon each week. early closing 1.b. syl ear+ly clos+ing pos as; adj. qual Brit. exam 1 early-closing day. early closing 2. syl ear+ly clos+ing pos n. qual Brit. def the day on which this happens. exam 1 Thursday is early closing in Aylesbury. Early English 0. syl Ear+ly Eng+lish pos n. def a style of architecture used in England in the 12th and 13th centuries, characterized by lancet arches, narrow openings, and plate tracery. early purple orchid 0. syl ear+ly pur+ple or+chid pos n. def another name for {blue butcher}. the infl head Early Renaissance syl the. pos n. Early Renaissance 0. syl Ear+ly Re+nais+sance pos n. def the period from about 1400 to 1500 in European, esp. Italian, painting, sculpture, and archi?!tecture, when naturalistic styles and humanist theories were evolved from the study of classical sources, notably by Donatello, Masaccio, and Alberti. early warning 0. syl ear+ly warn+ing pos n. def advance notice of some impending event or development, esp. detection by radar, etc., of an attack by enemy aircraft or missiles. earmark 1. syl ear+mark pron <1i*2ma:k> pos vb. mod tr. def to set aside or mark out for a specific purpose. earmark 2. syl ear+mark pron <1i*2ma:k> pos vb. mod tr. def to make an identification mark on the ear of (a domestic animal). {~} earmark 3. syl ear+mark pron <1i*2ma:k> pos vb. mod tr. def a mark of identification on the ear of a domestic animal. earmark 4. syl ear+mark pron <1i*2ma:k> pos vb. mod tr. def any distinguishing mark or characteristic. earmuff 0. syl ear+muff pron <1i*2m^f> pos n. def one of a pair of pads of fur or cloth, joined by a headband, for keeping the ears warm. earn ety Old English earnian; related to Old High German arn*_en to reap, Old Saxon asna salary, tithe earn 1. syl earn pron pos vb. def to gain or be paid (money or other payment) in return for work or service. earn 2. syl earn pron pos vb. mod tr. def to acquire, merit, or deserve through behaviour or action. exam 1 he has earned a name for du?!plicity. earn 3. syl earn pron pos vb. mod tr. usage of securities, investments, etc. def to gain (interest, return, profit, etc.). earner sub head earn syl earn+er pos n. earned income 0. syl earned in+come pos n. def income derived from paid employment and comprising mainly wages and salaries. earnest ety Old English eornost; related to Old High German ernust seriousness, Old Norse ern energetic, efficient, Gothic arniba secure earnest H1.1. syl ear+nest pron <1R:nist> pos adj. def serious in mind or intention. exam 1 an earnest student. earnest H1.2. syl ear+nest pron <1R:nist> pos adj. def showing or characterized by sincerity of intention. exam 1 an earnest promise. earnest H1.3. syl ear+nest pron <1R:nist> pos adj. def demanding or receiving serious attention. in earnest 4. head earnest syl in earnest. def with serious or sincere intentions. earnestly sub head earnest syl ear+nest+ly pos adv. earnestness sub head earnest syl ear+nest+ness pos n. earnest ety C13: from Old French erres pledges, plural of erre earnest money, from Latin arrha, shortened from arrab*_o pledge, from Greek arrabon, from Hebrew `*_er*_abh*_on pledge, from `*_arabh he pledged earnest H2.1. syl ear+nest pron <1R:nist> pos n. def a part or portion of something given in advance as a guarantee of the remainder. earnest H2.2. syl ear+nest pron <1R:nist> pos n. def Also called: {earnest money}. something given, usually a nominal sum of money, to confirm a contract. earnest H2.3. syl ear+nest pron <1R:nist> pos n. def any token of something to follow; pledge; assurance. earnings 1. syl earn+ings pron <1R:niGz> pos n. mod pl. def money or other payment earned. earnings 2.a. syl earn+ings pron <1R:niGz> pos n. mod pl. def the profits of an enterprise. earnings 2.b. syl earn+ings pron <1R:niGz> pos n. mod pl. def an individual's investment income. Benefit alt head Earnings Related Supplement or Earnings Related Supplement syl Ben+e:fit pos n. Earnings Related Supplement 0. or Benefit syl Earn+ings Re+lat+ed Sup+ple+ment pos n. usage in the British National Insurance scheme def a payment based on earnings in the previous tax year, payable (in addition to unemployment or sickness benefit) for about six months to a sick or unemployed person. Abbrev.: {ERS}. EAROM 0. syl EAROM pron <1i*rom> qual Computer technol. n. acronym for def electrically alterable read only memory. earphone 0. syl ear+phone pron <1i*2f*un> pos n. def a device for converting electric currents into sound waves, held close to or inserted into the ear. earpiece 0. syl ear+piece pron <1i*2pEs> pos n. def the earphone in a telephone receiver. earplug 0. syl ear+plug pron <1i*2pl^g> pos n. def a small piece of soft material, such as wax, placed in the ear to keep out noise or water. earring 0. syl ear+ring pron <1i*2riG> pos n. def an ornament for the ear, usually clipped onto the lobe or fastened through a hole pierced in the lobe. ear shell 0. syl ear shell pos n. def another name for the {abalone}. earshot 0. syl ear+shot pron <1i*2Sot> pos n. def the range or distance within which sound may be heard. ear-piercing alt head ear-splitting or ear-splitting syl ear-pierc:ing pos adj. ear-splitting 0. or ear-piercing syl ear-split:ting pos adj. def so loud or shrill as to hurt the ears. earth ety Old English eorthe; related to Old Norse jorth, Old High German ertha, Gothic airtha, Greek er*_a earth 1. syl earth pron pos n. usage sometimes cap. def the third planet from the sun, the only planet on which life is known to exist. It is not quite spherical, being flattened at the poles, and consists of three geological zones, the core, mantle, and thin outer crust. The surface, covered with large areas of water, is enveloped by an atmosphere principally of nitrogen (78 per cent), oxygen (21 per cent), and some water vapour. The age is estimated at over four thousand million years. Distance from sun: 149.6 million kilometres; equatorial diameter: 12756 km; mass: 5.976#M10%2%4 kg; sidereal period of axial rotation: 23 hours 56 minutes 4 seconds; sidereal period of revolution: 365.256 days. Related adjs.: {terrestrial, telluric}. earth 2. syl earth pron pos n. def the inhabitants of this planet. exam 1 the whole earth rejoiced. earth 3. syl earth pron pos n. def the dry surface of this planet as distinguished from sea or sky; land; ground. earth 4. syl earth pron pos n. def the loose soft material that makes up a large part of the surface of the ground and consists of disintegrated rock particles, mould, clay, etc.; soil. earth 5. syl earth pron pos n. def worldly or temporal matters as opposed to the concerns of the spirit. earth 6. syl earth pron pos n. def the hole in which a burrowing animal, esp. a fox, lives. earth 7. syl earth pron pos n. qual Chem. def See {rare earth} and {alkaline earth}. earth 8.a. syl earth pron pos n. def a connection between an electrical circuit or device and the earth, which is at zero potential. earth 8.b. syl earth pron pos n. def a terminal to which this connection is made. U.S. equivalent: {ground}. earth 9. syl earth pron pos n. def Also called: {earth colour}. any of various brown pigments composed chiefly of iron oxides. earth 10. syl earth pron pos n. qual Astrology. usage modifier def of or relating to a group of three signs of the zodiac, Taurus, Virgo, and Capricorn. Compare { {air} (sense 18)}, {{fire} (sense 24)}, { {water} (sense 12)}. cost the earth 11. head earth syl cost the earth. qual Informal. def to be very expensive. come back 12. head earth or down to earth syl come back def to return to reality from a fantasy or daydream. on earth 13. head earth syl on earth. def used as an intensifer in such phrases as {what on earth, who on earth}, etc. earth 14.a. syl earth pron pos n. def to hunt (an animal, esp. a fox) to its earth and trap it there. earth 14.b. syl earth pron pos n. def to hunt (a criminal, etc.) down. earth 15. syl earth pron pos vb. mod intr. usage of a hunted fox def to go to ground. earth 16. syl earth pron pos vb. mod tr. def to connect (a circuit, device, etc.) to earth. {~} See also {earth up}. earthborn 1. syl earth+born pron <1R:T2bc:n> pos adj. qual Chiefly poetic. def of earthly origin. earthborn 2. syl earth+born pron <1R:T2bc:n> pos adj. qual Chiefly poetic. def human; mortal. earthbound 1. syl earth+bound pron <1R:T2baund> pos adj. def confined to the earth. earthbound 2. syl earth+bound pron <1R:T2baund> pos adj. def lacking in imagination; pedestrian or dull. earthbound 3. syl earth+bound pron <1R:T2baund> pos adj. def moving or heading towards the earth. earth closet 0. syl earth clos+et pos n. def a type of lavatory in which earth is used to cover excreta. earthen 1. syl earth+en pron <1R:T*n> pos adj. usage prenominal def made of baked clay. exam 1 an earthen pot. earthen 2. syl earth+en pron <1R:T*n> pos adj. usage prenominal def made of earth. earthenware 1.a. syl earth:en+ware pron <1R:T*n2we*> pos n. def vessels, etc., made of baked clay. earthenware 1.b. syl earth:en+ware pron <1R:T*n2we*> pos as; adj. exam 1 an earthenware pot. earth inductor compass 0. syl earth in+duc+tor com+pass pos n. def a compass that depends on the current induced in a coil revolving in the earth's magnetic field. Also called: {inductor compass}. earthlight 0. syl earth+light pron <1R:T2lIt> pos n. def another name for {earthshine}. earthling 0. syl earth+ling pron <1R:TliG> pos n. usage esp. in poetry or science fiction def an inhabitant of the earth; human being. earthlier infl head earthly syl earth+li+er pos adj. earthliest infl head earthly syl earth+li+est. pos adj. earthly 1. syl earth+ly pron <1R:Tli> pos adj. def of or characteristic of the earth as opposed to heaven; material or materialistic; worldly. earthly 2. syl earth+ly pron <1R:Tli> pos adj. qual Informal. usage usually used with a negative def conceivable or possible; feasible (in such phrases as {not an earthly (chance}) , etc.). earthliness sub head earthly syl earth+li+ness pos n. earthmen infl head earthman syl earth+men. pos n. mod pl. earthman 0. syl earth+man pron <1R:T2m@n> pos n. usage esp. in science fiction def an inhabitant or native of the earth. earth mother 1.a. syl earth moth+er pos n. def a female goddess considered as the source of fertility and life. earth mother 1.b. syl earth moth+er pos n. def the earth personified. earth mother 2. syl earth moth+er pos n. qual Informal. def a sensual or fecund woman. earthnut 1. syl earth+nut pron <1R:T2n^t> pos n. def Also called: {pignut}. a perennial umbelliferous plant, of Europe and Asia, having edible dark brown tubers. earthnut 2. syl earth+nut pron <1R:T2n^t> pos n. def any of various plants having an edible root, tuber, underground pod, or similar part, such as the peanut or truffle. earth pillar 0. syl earth pil+lar pos n. def a landform consisting of a column of clay or earth capped and protected from erosion by a boulder. earthquake 0. syl earth+quake pron <1R:T2kwAk> pos n. def a series of vibrations at the surface of the earth caused by movement along a fault plane, volcanic activity, etc. Related adj.: {seismic}. earthrise 0. syl earth+rise pron <1R:T2rIz> pos n. def the rising of the earth above the lunar horizon, as seen from the moon or a spacecraft. earth science 0. syl earth sci+ence pos n. def any of various sciences, such as geology, geography, and geomorphology, that are concerned with the structure, age, and other aspects of the earth. Earthe infl head Earthshaker syl Earthe. pos n. Earthshaker 0. syl Earth+shak:er pron <1R:T2SAk*> pos n. qual Classical myth. def Poseidon (or Neptune) in his capacity as the bringer of earthquakes. earthshaking 0. syl earth+shak:ing pron <1R:T2SAkiG> pos adj. qual Informal. def of enormous importance or consequence; momentous. earthlight alt head earthshine or earthshine syl earth+light pos n. earthshine 0. or earthlight syl earth+shine pron <1R:T2SIn> pos n. def the ashen light reflected from the earth, which illuminates the new moon when it is not receiving light directly from the sun. earthstar 0. syl earth+star pron <1R:T2sta:> pos n. def any of various basidiomycetous saprophytic woodland fungi of the genus whose brown onion-shaped reproductive body splits into a star shape to release the spores. earth up 0. syl earth up pos vb. adv. mod tr. def to cover (part of a plant, esp. the stem) with soil in order to protect from frost, light, etc. earthward 1. syl earth+ward pron <1R:Tw*d> pos adj. def directed towards the earth. earthward 2. syl earth+ward pron <1R:Tw*d> pos adv. def a variant of {earthwards}. earthward alt head earthwards or earthwards syl earth+ward pos adv. earthwards 0. or earthward syl earth+wards pron <1R:Tw*dz> pos adv. def towards the earth. earth wax 0. syl earth wax pos n. def another name for {ozocerite}. earthwork 1. syl earth+work pron <1R:T2wR:k> pos n. def excavation of earth, as in engineering construction. earthwork 2. syl earth+work pron <1R:T2wR:k> pos n. def a fortification made of earth. earthworm 1. syl earth+worm pron <1R:T2wR:m> pos n. def any of numerous oligochaete worms of the genera etc., which burrow in the soil and help aerate and break up the ground. earthworm 2. syl earth+worm pron <1R:T2wR:m> pos n. qual Archaic. def a grovelling person. earthier infl head earthy syl earth:i+er pos adj. earthiest infl head earthy syl earth:i+est. pos adj. earthy 1. syl earth:y pron <1R:Ti> pos adj. def of, composed of, or characteristic of earth. earthy 2. syl earth:y pron <1R:Ti> pos adj. def robust, lusty, or uninhibited. earthy 3. syl earth:y pron <1R:Ti> pos adj. def unrefined, coarse, or crude. earthy 4. syl earth:y pron <1R:Ti> pos adj. def an archaic word for {{worldly} (sense 1)}. earthily sub head earthy syl earth:i+ly pos adv. earthiness sub head earthy syl earth:i+ness pos n. ear trumpet 0. syl ear trum+pet pos n. def a trumpet-shaped instrument that amplifies sounds and is held to the ear: an old form of hearing aid. earwax 0. syl ear+wax pron <1i*2w@ks> pos n. def the nontechnical name for {cerumen}. earwig ety Old English *_earwicga, from *_eare #7ear %1#7+ wicga beetle, insect; probably from a superstition that the insect crept into human ears earwig 1. syl ear+wig pron <1i*2wig> pos n. def any of various insects of the order esp. ({common European earwig}) , which typically have an elongated body with small leathery forewings, semicircular membranous hindwings, and curved forceps at the tip of the abdomen. earwigs infl head earwig syl ear+wigs pos vb. earwigging infl head earwig syl ear+wig+ging pos vb. earwigged infl head earwig syl ear+wigged. pos vb. earwig 2. syl ear+wig pron <1i*2wig> pos vb. mod tr. qual Archaic. def to attempt to influence (a person) by private insinuation. ease ety C13: from Old French aise ease, opportunity, from Latin adjac*_ens neighbour?!ing (area); see #7adjacent ease 1. syl ease pron pos n. def freedom from discomfort, worry, or anxiety. ease 2. syl ease pron pos n. def lack of difficulty, labour, or awkwardness; facility. ease 3. syl ease pron pos n. def rest, leisure, or relaxation. ease 4. syl ease pron pos n. def freedom from poverty or financial embarrassment; affluence. exam 1 a life of ease. ease 5. syl ease pron pos n. def lack of restraint, embarrassment, or stiffness. exam 1 his ease of manner disarmed us. ease 6.a. syl ease pron pos n. usage Military. of a standing soldier, etc. def in a relaxed position rather than at attention. ease 6.b. syl ease pron pos n. def a command to adopt such a position. ease 6.c. syl ease pron pos n. def in a relaxed attitude or frame of mind. ease 7. syl ease pron pos vb. def to make or become less burdensome. ease 8. syl ease pron pos vb. mod tr. def to relieve (a person) of worry or care; comfort. ease 9. syl ease pron pos vb. mod tr. def to make comfortable or give rest to. ease 10. syl ease pron pos vb. mod tr. def to make less difficult; facilitate. ease 11. syl ease pron pos vb. def to move or cause to move into, out of, etc., with careful manipulation. exam 1 to ease a car into a narrow space. ease 12. syl ease pron pos vb. mod when; intr. usage often foll. by off or up def to lessen or cause to lessen in severity, pressure, tension, or strain; slacken, loosen, or abate. ease oneself 13. head ease or ease nature syl ease oneself qual Archaic, euphemistic. def to urinate or defecate. ease the helm 14. head ease syl ease the helm. qual Nautical. def to relieve the pressure on the rudder of a vessel, esp. by bringing the bow into the wind. easer sub head ease syl eas+er pos n. easeful 0. syl ease+ful pron <1Ezful> pos adj. def characterized by or bringing ease; peaceful; tranquil. easefully sub head easeful syl ease+ful+ly pos adv. easefulness sub head easeful syl ease+ful+ness pos n. easel ety C17: from Dutch ezel #7ass %1; related to Gothic asilus, German Esel, Latin asinus ass easel 0. syl ea:sel pron <1EzL> pos n. def a frame, usually in the form of an upright tripod, used for supporting or displaying an artist's canvas, blackboard, etc. easement 1. syl ease+ment pron <1Ezm*nt> pos n. qual Property law. def the right enjoyed by a landowner of making limited use of his neighbour's land, as by crossing it to reach his own property. easement 2. syl ease+ment pron <1Ezm*nt> pos n. def the act of easing or something that brings ease. easily 1. syl eas:i+ly pron <1Ezili> pos adv. def with ease; without difficulty or exertion. easily 2. syl eas:i+ly pron <1Ezili> pos adv. def by far; beyond question; un?!doubtedly. exam 1 he is easily the best in the contest. easily 3. syl eas:i+ly pron <1Ezili> pos adv. def probably; almost certainly. exam 1 he may easily come first.#e easiness 1. syl eas:i+ness pron <1Ezinis> pos n. def the quality or condition of being easy to accomplish, do, obtain, etc. easiness 2. syl eas:i+ness pron <1Ezinis> pos n. def ease or relaxation of manner; nonchalance. east ety Old English *_east; related to Old High German *_ostar to the east, Old Norse austr, Latin aurora dawn, Greek e*_os, Sanskrit us*_as dawn, morning east 1. syl east pron pos n. def one of the four cardinal points of the compass, 90?% clockwise from north and 180?% from west. east 2. syl east pron pos n. def the direction along a parallel towards the sunrise, at 90?% to north; the direction of the earth's rotation. the east 3. head east syl the east. usage often cap. def any area lying in or towards the east. Related adj.: {oriental}. east 4. syl east pron pos adj. def situated in, moving towards, or facing the east. east 5. syl east pron pos adj. usage esp. of the wind def from the east. east 6. syl east pron pos adv. def in, to, towards, or (esp. of the wind) from the east. east xref syl east pron pos n. def Abbrev.: {E} Easthe infl head East syl Easthe. pos n. East 1. syl East pron pos n. def the continent of Asia regarded as culturally distinct from Europe and the West; the Orient. East 2. syl East pron pos n. def the countries under Communist rule, lying mainly in the E hemisphere. Compare {{West%1} (sense 2)}. East 3.a. syl East pron pos n. def the area north of the Ohio and east of the Mississippi. East 3.b. syl East pron pos n. def the area north of Maryland and east of the Alleghenies. East 4.a. syl East pron pos adj. def of or denoting the eastern part of a specified country, area, etc. East 4.b. syl East pron pos adj. usage as part of a name exam 1 East Germany. East Africa 0. syl East Af+ri+ca pos n. def a region of Africa comprising Kenya, Uganda, and Tanzania. East African sub head East Africa syl East Af+ri+can pos adj. n. East African Community 0. syl East Af+ri+can Com+mun+i:ty pos n. def an association established in 1967 by Kenya, Uganda, and Tanzania to promote closer economic and social ties between member states: dissolved in 1977. East Anglia 1. syl East An+gli:a pron <1@Ggli*> pos n. def a region of E England south of the Wash: consists of Norfolk and Suffolk, and parts of Essex and Cambridgeshire. East Anglia 2. syl East An+gli:a pron <1@Ggli*> pos n. def an Anglo-Saxon kingdom that consisted of Norfolk and Suffolk in the 6th century #7a.d. ; became a depend?!ency of Mercia in the 8th century. East Anglian sub head East Anglia syl East An+gli:an pos adj. n. East Bengal 0. syl East Ben+gal pos n. def the part of the former Indian province of Bengal assigned to Pakistan in 1947 (now Bangladesh). East Bengali sub head East Bengal syl East Ben+ga+li pos adj. n. East Berlin 0. syl East Ber+lin pos n. def the part of Berlin under East German control. East Berliner sub head East Berlin syl East Ber+lin+er pos n. eastbound 0. syl east+bound pron <1Est2baund> pos adj. def going or leading towards the east. Eastbourne 0. syl East+bourne pron <1Est2bc:n> pos n. def a resort in SE England, in East Sussex on the English Channel. Pop.: 70495 (1971). east by north 1. syl east by north pos n. def one point on the compass north of east, 78?% 45@'#800244 clockwise from north. east by north 2. syl east by north pos adj. adv. def in, from, or towards this direction. east by south 1. syl east by south pos n. def one point on the compass south of east, 101?% 15@'#800245 clockwise from north. east by south 2. syl east by south pos adj. adv. def in, from, or towards this direction. East Cape 1. syl East Cape pos n. def the easternmost point of New Guinea, on Milne Bay. East Cape 2. syl East Cape pos n. def the easternmost point of New Zealand, on North Island. East Cape 3. syl East Cape pos n. def the former name for Cape {Dezhnev}. East China Sea 0. syl East Chi+na Sea pos n. def part of the N Pacific, between the E coast of China and the Ryukyu Islands. Easthe infl head East End syl Easthe. pos n. East End 0. syl East End pos n. def a densely populated part of E London containing slums and industrial and dock areas. East Ender sub head East End syl East End+er pos n. Easter ety Old English *_eastre, after a Germanic goddess Eostre; related to Old High German *_ostar*_un Easter, Old Norse austr to the #7east, Old Slavonic ustru like summer Easter 1. syl East+er pron <1Est*> pos n. def a festival of the Christian Church commemorating the Resurrection of Christ: falls on the Sunday following the first full moon after the vernal equinox. Easter 2. syl East+er pron <1Est*> pos n. def Also called: {Easter Sunday, Easter Day}. the day on which this festival is celebrated. Easter 3. syl East+er pron <1Est*> pos n. def the period between Good Friday and Easter Monday. Related adj.: {paschal}. Easter egg 0. syl East+er egg pos n. def an egg given to children at Easter, usually a chocolate egg or a hen's egg with its shell painted. Easter Island 0. syl East+er Is+land pos n. def an isolated volcanic island in the Pacific, 3700 km (2300 miles) west of Chile: discovered on Easter Sunday, 1722; annexed by Chile in 1888; noted for the remains of an aboriginal culture, which includes gigantic stone figures. Pop.: 1135 (1960). Area: 166 sq. km (64 sq. miles). Also called: {Rapa Nui}. Easter Islander sub head Easter Island syl East+er Is+land+er pos n. Easter-ledges 1. syl East:er-ledg:es pos n. mod functioning as; sing. def another name for { {bistort} (sense 1)}. Easter-ledge pudding 2. head Easter-ledges syl Easter-ledge pudding. qual Northern English dialect. def a pudding made from the young leaves of the bistort. Easter lily 0. syl East+er lil:y pos n. def any of various lilies, esp. that have large showy white flowers. easterly 1. syl east+er+ly pron <1Est*li> pos adj. def of, relating to, or situated in the east. easterly 2. syl east+er+ly pron <1Est*li> pos adv. adj. def towards or in the direction of the east. easterly 3. syl east+er+ly pron <1Est*li> pos adv. adj. def from the east. exam 1 an easterly wind. easterlies infl head easterly syl east+er+lies. pos n. mod pl. easterly 4. syl east+er+ly pron <1Est*li> pos n. def a wind from the east. eastern 1. syl east+ern pron <1Est*n> pos adj. def situated in or towards the east. eastern 2. syl east+ern pron <1Est*n> pos adj. def facing or moving towards the east. Eastern Church 1. syl East+ern Church pos n. def any of the Christian Churches of the former Byzantine Empire. Eastern Church 2. syl East+ern Church pos n. def any Church owing allegiance to the Orthodox Church and in communion with the Greek patriarchal see of Constantinople. Eastern Church 3. syl East+ern Church pos n. def any Church, including Uniat Churches, having Eastern forms of liturgy and institutions. Easterner 0. syl East+ern+er pron <1Est*n*> pos n. usage sometimes not cap. def a native or inhabitant of the east of any specified region, esp. of the Orient or of the eastern states of the U.S. Eastern Ghats 0. syl East+ern Ghats pos n. mod pl. def a mountain range in S India, parallel to the Bay of Bengal: united with the Western Ghats by the Nilgiri Hills; forms the E margin of the Deccan plateau. eastern hemisphere 1. syl east+ern hem:i+sphere pos n. usage often caps. def that half of the globe containing Europe, Asia, Africa, and Australia, lying east of the Greenwich meridian. eastern hemisphere 2. syl east+ern hem:i+sphere pos n. usage often caps. def the lands in this, esp. Asia. easternmost 0. syl east+ern+most pron <1Est*n2m*ust> pos adj. def situated or occurring farthest east. Eastern Orthodox Church 0. syl East+ern Or+tho+dox Church pos n. def another name for the {Orthodox Church}. Eastern rite 0. syl East+ern rite pos n. def the rite and liturgy of an Eastern Church or of a Uniat Church. Eastern Roman Empire 0. syl East+ern Ro+man Em+pire pos n. def the eastern of the two empires created by the division of the Roman Empire in 395 #7a.d. See also {Byzantine Empire}. Eastern Standard Time 0. syl East+ern Stand+ard Time pos n. def one of the standard times used in North America, five hours behind Greenwich Mean Time. Abbrev.: {E.S.T}. Eastern Townships 0. syl East+ern Town+ships pos n. def an area of central Canada, in S Quebec: consists of 11 townships south of the St. Lawrence. Eastertide 0. syl East+er+tide pron <1Est*2tId> pos n. def the Easter season. East Flanders 0. syl East Flan+ders pos n. def a province of W Belgium: low-lying, with reclaimed land in the northeast: textile industries. Capital: Ghent. Pop.: 1325419 (1975 est.). Area: 2979 sq. km (1150 sq. miles). East Germanic 0. syl East Ger+man+ic pos n. def a subbranch of the Germanic languages: now extinct. The only member of which records survive is Gothic. East Germany 0. syl East Ger+ma+ny pos n. def a republic in N central Europe, on the Baltic: established in 1949 and declared a sovereign state by the Soviet Union in 1954; low-lying in the north, with many lakes; mountainous and forested in the south. Language: German. Currency: East German mark. Capital: East Berlin. Pop.: 16850000 (1975 est.). Area: 108178 sq. km (42189 sq. miles). Official name: {German Democratic Republic}. Abbrevs.: {DDR, GDR}. See also {Germany}. East German sub head East Germany syl East Ger+man pos adj. n. East India Company 1. syl East In+di:a Com+pa+ny pos n. def the company chartered in 1600 by the British government to trade in the East Indies: dissolved in 1874. East India Company 2. syl East In+di:a Com+pa+ny pos n. def any similar trading company, such as any of those founded by the Dutch, French, and Danes in the 17th and 18th centuries. East Indian 1. syl East Ind+i:an pos n. qual Caribbean. def an immigrant to the West Indies who is of Indian origin; an Asian West Indian. {~} East Indian 2. syl East Ind+i:an pos n. qual U.S. def of, relating to, or originating in the East Indies. Easthe infl head East Indies syl Easthe. pos n. East Indies 1. syl East In+dies pos n. def the Malay Archipelago, including or excluding the Philippines. East Indies 2. syl East In+dies pos n. def SE Asia in general. easting 1. syl east+ing pron <1EstiG> pos n. qual Nautical. def the net distance eastwards made by a vessel moving towards the east. easting 2.a. syl east+ing pron <1EstiG> pos n. def the distance eastwards of a point from a given meridian indicated by the first half of a map grid reference. easting 2.b. syl east+ing pron <1EstiG> pos n. def a longitudinal grid line. Compare {{northing} (sense 3)}. East Kilbride 0. syl East Kil+bride pron pos n. def a town in E Scotland, near Glasgow: designated a new town in 1947. Pop.: 63505 (1971). Eastleigh 0. syl East+leigh pron <1Est2lE> pos n. def a town in S England, in S Hampshire: railway engineering industry. Pop.: 45320 (1971). East London 0. syl East Lon+don pos n. def a port in S South Africa, in SE Cape Province. Pop.: 118298 (1970). East Lothian 0. syl East Lo+thi:an pos n. usage until 1975 def a county of E central Scotland, now part of Lothian region. George infl head Eastman syl George. pos n. Eastman 0. syl East:man pron <1Estm*n> pos n. def 1854-1932, U.S. manufacturer of photographic equipment: noted for the introduction of roll film and developments in colour photography. east-northeast 1. syl east-north:east pos n. def the point on the compass or the direction midway between northeast and east, 67?% 30@'#800246 clockwise from north. east-northeast 2. syl east-north:east pos adj. adv. def in, from, or towards this direction. east-northeast xref syl east-north:east pos n. def Abbrev.: {ENE} East Pakistan 0. syl East Pa+ki+stan pos n. def the former name (until 1971) of {Bangladesh}. East Pakistani sub head East Pakistan syl East Pa+ki+sta+ni pos adj. n. East Prussia 0. syl East Prus+sia pos n. def a former province of NE Germany on the Baltic Sea: separated in 1919 from the rest of Germany by the Polish Corridor and Danzig: in 1945 Poland received the south part, the Soviet Union the north. German name: {Ostpreussen}. East Prussian sub head East Prussia syl East Prus+sian pos adj. n. East Riding 0. syl East Rid+ing pos n. usage until 1974 def an administrative division of Yorkshire, now mostly in Humberside. east-southeast 1. syl east-south:east pos n. def the point on the compass or the direction midway between east and southeast, 112?% 30@'#800247 clockwise from north. east-southeast 2. syl east-south:east pos adj. adv. def in, from, or towards this direction. east-southeast xref syl east-south:east pos n. def Abbrev.: {ESE} East Sussex 0. syl East Sus+sex pos n. def a county of SE England comprising part of the former county of Sussex: mainly undulating agricultural land, with the South Downs and seaside resorts in the south. Administrative centre: Lewes. Pop.: 655600 (1976 est.). Area: 1836 sq. km (710 sq. miles). eastward 1. syl east+ward pron <1Estw*d> pos adj. def situated or directed towards the east. eastward 2. syl east+ward pron <1Estw*d> pos adv. def a variant of {eastwards}. eastward 3. syl east+ward pron <1Estw*d> pos n. def the eastward part, direction, etc. eastwardly sub head eastward syl east+ward+ly pos adv. adj. eastward alt head eastwards or eastwards syl east+ward pos adv. eastwards 0. or eastward syl east+wards pron <1Estw*dz> pos adv. def towards the east. easy ety C12: from Old French aisi*'e, past participle of aisier to relieve, #7ease #e Usage. Easy is not used as an adverb by careful speakers and writers except in certain set phrases: to take it easy; easy does it. Where a fixed expression is not involved, the usual ad?!verbial form of easy is preferred: this polish goes on more easily (not easier) than the other. easier infl head easy syl eas:i+er pos adj. easiest infl head easy syl eas:i+est. pos adj. easy 1. syl eas:y pron <1Ezi> pos adj. def not requiring much labour or effort; not difficult; simple. exam 1 an easy job. easy 2. syl eas:y pron <1Ezi> pos adj. def free from pain, care, or anxiety. exam 1 easy in one's mind. easy 3. syl eas:y pron <1Ezi> pos adj. def not harsh or restricting; lenient. exam 1 easy laws. easy 4. syl eas:y pron <1Ezi> pos adj. def tolerant and undemanding; easy-going. exam 1 an easy disposition. easy 5. syl eas:y pron <1Ezi> pos adj. def readily influenced or persuaded; pliant. exam 1 she was an easy victim of his wiles. easy 6. syl eas:y pron <1Ezi> pos adj. def not tight or constricting; loose. exam 1 an easy fit. easy 7. syl eas:y pron <1Ezi> pos adj. def not strained or extreme; moderate; gentle. exam 1 an easy pace; exam 2 an easy ascent. easy 8.a. syl eas:y pron <1Ezi> pos adj. def readily obtainable. easy 8.b. syl eas:y pron <1Ezi> pos adj. usage of a market def characterized by low demand or excess supply with prices tending to fall. Compare {{tight} (sense 10)}. easy 9. syl eas:y pron <1Ezi> pos adj. qual Informal. def ready to fall in with any suggestion made; not pre?!disposed. exam 1 he is easy about what to do. easy on the eye 10. head easy syl easy on the eye. qual Informal. def pleasant to look at; attractive, esp. sexually. Easy Street 11. head easy syl Easy Street. qual Informal. def a state of financial security. woman of easy virtue 12. head easy syl woman of easy virtue. def a sexually available woman, esp. a prostitute. easy 13. syl eas:y pron <1Ezi> pos adv. qual Informal. def in any easy or relaxed manner. easy does it 14. head easy syl easy does it. qual Informal. def go slowly and carefully; be careful. go easy 15. head easy syl go easy. qual Informal. usage usually imperative; often foll. by on def to exercise moderation. stand easy 16. head easy syl stand easy. qual Military. def a command to soldiers standing at ease that they may relax further. easy 17.a. syl eas:y pron <1Ezi> pos adv. def to avoid stress or undue hurry. easy 17.b. syl eas:y pron <1Ezi> pos adv. def to remain calm; not become agitated or angry. {~} {eas@.ies, eas@.y+ing, eas@.ied}. easy 18. syl eas:y pron <1Ezi> pos adv. usage usually imperative def Also: {easy-oar}. to stop rowing. easy chair 0. syl eas:y chair pos n. def a comfortable upholstered armchair. easy mark alt head easy game or easy game syl eas:y mark pos n. easy game 0. or easy mark syl eas:y game pos n. qual Informal. def a person who is easily deceived or taken advantage of. easy-going 1. syl eas:y-go:ing pron <1Ezi1g*uiG> pos adj. def relaxed in manner or attitude; inclined to be excessively tolerant. easy-going 2. syl eas:y-go:ing pron <1Ezi1g*uiG> pos adj. def moving at a comfortable pace. exam 1 an easy-going horse. eat ety Old English etan; related to Gothic itan, Old High German ezzan, Latin edere, Greek edein, Sanskrit admi eats infl head eat syl eats pos vb. eating infl head eat syl eat+ing pos vb. eate infl head eat syl eate pos vb. eaten infl head eat syl eat+en. pos vb. eat 1. syl eat pron pos vb. def to take into the mouth and swallow (food, etc.), esp. after biting and chewing. eat 2. syl eat pron pos vb. mod tr. usage often foll. by away or up def to destroy as if by eating. exam 1 the damp had eaten away the woodwork. eat 3. syl eat pron pos vb. usage often foll. by into def to use up or waste. exam 1 taxes ate into his inheritance. eat 4. syl eat pron pos vb. usage often foll. by into or through def to make (a hole, passage, etc.) by eating or gnawing. exam 1 rats ate through the floor. eat 5. syl eat pron pos vb. def to take or have (a meal or meals). exam 1 we always eat at six. eat 6. syl eat pron pos vb. mod tr. def to include as part of one's diet. exam 1 he doesn't eat fish. eat 7. syl eat pron pos vb. mod tr. qual Informal. def to cause to worry; make anxious. exam 1 what's eating you?? eat 8. syl eat pron pos vb. mod tr. qual Taboo slang. def to perform cunnilingus or fellatio upon. eat one's hat if 9. head eat syl eat one's hat if. qual Informal. def to be greatly surprised if (something happens). eat one's heart out 10. head eat syl eat one's heart out. qual Informal. def to brood or pine with grief or longing. eat one's words 11. head eat syl eat one's words. def to take back something said; recant; retract. eat out of (someone's) hand 12. head eat syl eat out of (someone's) hand. def to be entirely obedient to (someone). eat (someone) out of house and home 13. head eat syl eat (someone) out of house and home. qual Informal. def to ruin (someone, esp. one's parent or one's host) by consuming all his food. eater sub head eat syl eat+er pos n. eatable 0. syl eat+a:ble pron <1Et*bL> pos adj. def fit or suitable for eating; edible. eatables 0. syl eat+a:bles pron <1Et*bLz> pos n. mod pl. sometimes; sing. def food. eatage 0. syl eat+age pron <1EtiJ> pos n. qual Northern Brit. dialect. def grazing rights. eaten 0. syl eat+en pron <1EtN> pos vb. def the past participle of {eat}. eating 1. syl eat+ing pron <1EtiG> pos n. def food, esp. in relation to its quality or taste. exam 1 this fruit makes excellent eating. eating 2. syl eat+ing pron <1EtiG> pos adj. def relating to or suitable for eating, esp. uncooked. exam 1 eating pears. eating 3. syl eat+ing pron <1EtiG> pos adj. def relating to or for eating. exam 1 an eating house. eat out 0. syl eat out pos vb. adv. mod intr. def to eat away from home, esp. in a restaurant. eats 0. syl eats pron pos n. mod pl. qual Slang. def articles of food; provisions. eat up 0. syl eat up pos vb. adv. exam 1 mainly tr.) eat up 1. syl eat up pos vb. adv. mod also; intr. def to eat or consume entirely: often used as an exhortation to children. eat up 2. syl eat up pos vb. adv. qual Informal. def to listen to with enthusiasm or appreciation. exam 1 the audience ate up the speaker's every word. eat up 3. syl eat up pos vb. adv. qual Informal. def to absorb eagerly. exam 1 some women eat up flattery. eat up 4. syl eat up pos vb. adv. qual Informal. usage often passive def to affect grossly. exam 1 she was eaten up by jealousy. eat up 5. syl eat up pos vb. adv. qual Informal. def to travel (a distance) quickly. exam 1 we just ate up the miles. EAU 0. syl EAU usage international car registration for def East Africa Uganda. eau de Cologne ety French, literally: water of Cologne eau de Cologne 0. syl eau de Co+logne pron <2*u> pos n. def See {cologne}. eau de Javelle 0. syl eau de Ja+velle pron <2*u> , , French pos n. def another name for {Javel water}. eau de nil ety from French, literally: water of (the) Nile eau de nil 0.a. syl eau de nil pron <2*u> <1nEl> pos n. adj. def a pale yellowish-green colour. eau de nil 0.b. syl eau de nil pron <2*u> <1nEl> pos as; adj. exam 1 eau-de-nil walls. eau de vie ety French, literally: water of life eau de vie 0. syl eau de vie pron <2*u> <1vE>, French <1vi> pos n. def brandy or other spirits. eaves ety Old English efes; related to Gothic ubizwa porch, Greek hupsos height eaves 0. syl eaves pron pos n. mod pl. def the edge of a roof that projects beyond the wall. eavesdrop ety C17: back formation from earlier evesdropper, from Old English yfesdrype water dripping from the eaves; see #7eaves, drop ; compare Old Norse upsardropi eavesdrops infl head eavesdrop syl eaves+drops pos vb. mod intr. eavesdropping infl head eavesdrop syl eaves+drop+ping pos vb. mod intr. eavesdropped infl head eavesdrop syl eaves+dropped. pos vb. mod intr. eavesdrop 0. syl eaves+drop pron <1Evz2drop> pos vb. mod intr. def to listen secretly to the private conversation of others. eavesdropper sub head eavesdrop syl eaves+2drop+per pos n. ebb ety Old English ebba; related to Old Norse efja river bend, Gothic ibuks moving backwards, Old High German ippih*_on to roll backwards, Middle Dutch ebbe ebb ebb 1. syl ebb pron pos vb. mod intr. usage of tide water def to flow back or recede. Compare {{flow} (sense 9)}. ebb 2. syl ebb pron pos vb. mod intr. def to fall away or decline. ebb 3.a. syl ebb pron pos n. mod intr. def the flowing back of the tide from high to low water or the period in which this takes place. ebb 3.b. syl ebb pron pos n. mod intr. usage as modifier; the ebb tide. def Compare {{flood} (sense 3)}. at a low ebb 4. head ebb syl at a low ebb. def in a state or period of weakness, lack of vigour, or decline. Ebbw Vale 0. syl Ebbw Vale pron <1ebu:> <1vAl> pos n. def a town in S Wales, in W Gwent: coal mines. Pop.: 26049 (1971). EBCDIC 0. syl EBCDIC pron <1epsi2dik> pos n. usage acronym for def extended binary-coded decimal-interchange code: a computer code for representing alphanumeric characters. Friedrich infl head Ebert syl Frie:drich pron <1frEdri*,c> pos n. Ebert 0. syl E:bert pron German <1A:b*rt> pos n. def 1871-1925, German Social Democratic statesman; first president of the German Republic (1919-25). Eblis ety Arabic Ibl*_is, from Greek diabolos slanderer, #7devil Eblis 0. syl Eb+lis pron <1eblis> pos n. def the chief evil jinni in Islamic mythology. E-boat 0. syl E-boat pos n. usage in World War II def an enemy torpedo boat, esp. a German one. ebon ety C14: from Latin hebenus; see #7ebony ebon 0. syl eb:on pron <1ebN> pos adj. n. def a poetic word for {ebony}. ebonite 0. syl eb+on+ite pron <1eb*2nIt> pos n. def another name for {vulcanite}. ebonise alt head ebonize or ebonize syl eb+on+ise pron <1eb*2nIz> pos vb. mod tr. ebonize 0. or ebonise syl eb+on+ize pron <1eb*2nIz> pos vb. mod tr. def to stain or otherwise finish in imitation of ebony. ebony ety C16 hebeny, from Late Latin ebeninus from Greek ebeninos, from ebenos ebony, of Egyptian origin ebonies infl head ebony syl eb+on:ies. pos n. mod pl. ebony 1. syl eb+on:y pron <1eb*ni> pos n. def any of various tropical and subtropical trees of the genus esp. of S India, that have hard dark wood: family See also {persimmon}. ebony 2. syl eb+on:y pron <1eb*ni> pos n. def the wood of such a tree, much used for cabinetwork. ebony 3.a. syl eb+on:y pron <1eb*ni> pos n. def a black colour, sometimes with a dark olive tinge. ebony 3.b. syl eb+on:y pron <1eb*ni> pos as; adj. exam 1 an ebony skin. Eboracum 0. syl E:bor:a+cum pron , <2Ebc:1ra:k*m> pos n. def the Roman name for {{York%1} (sense 1)}. ebracteate ety C19: from New Latin ebracte*_atus; see #7ex -#7, bracteate ebracteate 0. syl e:brac+te+ate pron , <-tiit> pos adj. usage of plants def having no bracts. Ebro 0. syl E:bro pron <1Ebr*u>, Spanish <1A$Bro> pos n. def the second largest river in Spain, rising in the Cantabrian Mountains and flowing southeast to the Mediterranean. Length: 910 km (565 miles). ebullient ety C16: from Latin *_ebull*_ire to bubble forth, be boisterous, from bull*_ire to #7{boil %1} ebullient 1. syl e:bul+lient pron , pos adj. def overflowing with enthu?!siasm or excitement; exuberant. ebullient 2. syl e:bul+lient pron , pos adj. def boiling. ebullience sub head ebullient or ebulliency syl e:1bul+lience pos n. ebulliency sub head ebullient or ebullience syl e:1bul+lien+cy pos n. ebulliently sub head ebullient syl e:1bul+lient+ly pos adv. ebullioscopy ety C19: from ebullioscope, from Latin ebullire to boil over+-#7scope &- e@.bul+li@.o+scop+ic ($I@!b^l$I$$#!sk$Ap$Ik, $I@!b$ul-) adj. &- e@.@!bul+li@.o+#!scop@.i+cal+ly adv. ebullioscopy 0. syl e:bul+li+os+co+py pron , pos n. qual Chem. def a technique for finding molecular weights of substances by measuring the extent to which they change the boiling point of a solvent. ebullition ety C16: from Late Latin *_ebull*_iti*_o; see #7ebullient ebullition 1. syl e:bul+li+tion pron <2eb*1liS*n> pos n. def the process of boiling. ebullition 2. syl e:bul+li+tion pron <2eb*1liS*n> pos n. def a sudden outburst, as of intense emotion. eburnation ety C19: from Latin eburnus of ivory, from ebur ivory eburnation 0. syl e:bur+na+tion pron <2Eb*1nAS*n>, <2eb-> pos n. def a degenerative condition of bone or cartilage characterized by unusual hardness. ec- ety from Greek ek (before a vowel ex) out of, away from; see #7{ex -%1} ec- 0. syl ec- usage combining form. def out from; away from. exam 1 ecbolic; exam 2 eccentric; exam 3 ecdysis. EC 1. syl EC qual abbrev. for def East central. {~} EC 2. syl EC usage international car registration for def Ecuador. ecad ety C20: from #7ec (#7ology) #7+ -#7ad %1 ecad 0. syl e:cad pron <1Ek@d> pos n. def an organism whose form has been affected by its environment. 'ecart'e ety C19: from French, from *'ecarter to discard, from carte #7card %1 'ecart'e 1. syl *'e:car+t*'e pron , French pos n. def a card game for two, played with 32 cards and king high. 'ecart'e 2.a. syl *'e:car+t*'e pron , French pos n. def a body position in which one arm and the same leg are extended at the side of the body. 'ecart'e 2.b. syl *'e:car+t*'e pron , French pos as; adj. def . exam 1 the *'ecart*'e position. Ecbatana 0. syl Ec+bat:a+na pron pos n. def an ancient city in Iran, on the site of modern Hamad*_an; capital of Media and royal residence of the Persians and Parthians. ecbolic ety C18: from Greek ekbol*_e a throwing out, from ekballein to throw out, from ballein to throw ecbolic 1. syl ec+bol+ic pron pos adj. def hastening labour or abortion. ecbolic 2. syl ec+bol+ic pron pos n. def a drug or agent that hastens labour or abortion. Ecce Homo ety Latin: behold the man, the words of Pontius Pilate to his accusers (John 19:5) Ecce Homo 0. syl Ec:ce Ho:mo pron <1ekA> <1h*um*u>, <1eksi> pos n. def a picture or sculpture of Christ crowned with thorns. eccentric ety C16: from Medieval Latin eccentricus, from Greek ekkentros out of centre, from ek- #7ex -#7+ kentron centre eccentric 1. syl ec+cen+tric pron pos adj. def deviating or departing from convention, esp. in a bizarre manner; irregular or odd. eccentric 2. syl ec+cen+tric pron pos adj. def situated away from the centre or the axis. eccentric 3. syl ec+cen+tric pron pos adj. def not having a common centre. exam 1 eccentric circles. eccentric 4. syl ec+cen+tric pron pos adj. def not precisely circular. eccentric 5. syl ec+cen+tric pron pos n. def a person who deviates from normal forms of behaviour esp. in a bizarre manner. eccentric 6. syl ec+cen+tric pron pos n. def a device for converting rotary motion to reciprocating motion. eccentrically sub head eccentric syl ec+1cen+tri+cal+ly pos adv. eccentricities infl head eccentricity syl ec+cen+tri+ci:ties. pos n. mod pl. eccentricity 1. syl ec+cen+tri+ci:ty pron <2eksen1trisiti> pos n. def unconventional or irregular behaviour. eccentricity 2. syl ec+cen+tri+ci:ty pron <2eksen1trisiti> pos n. def deviation from a circular path or orbit. eccentricity 3. syl ec+cen+tri+ci:ty pron <2eksen1trisiti> pos n. def a measure of the elongation of an elliptical orbit, esp. of a planet or satellite: the distance between the foci divided by the length of the major axis. eccentricity 4. syl ec+cen+tri+ci:ty pron <2eksen1trisiti> pos n. qual Geom. def a number that expresses the shape of a conic section: the ratio of the distance of a point on the curve from a fixed point (the focus) to the distance of the point from a fixed line (the directrix). eccentricity 5. syl ec+cen+tri+ci:ty pron <2eksen1trisiti> pos n. def the degree of displacement of the geometric centre of a part from the true centre, esp. of the axis of rotation of a wheel. ecchymosis ety C16: from New Latin, from Greek ekkhum*_osis, from ekkhumousthai to pour out, from khumos juice ecchymoses infl head ecchymosis syl ec+chy+mo+ses pron <-sEz> pos n. mod pl. ecchymosis 0. syl ec+chy+mo+sis pron <2eki1m*usis> pos n. def discoloration of the skin through bruising. ecchymosed sub head ecchymosis or ecchymotic syl ec+chy+mosed pron <1eki2m*uzd>, <-2m*ust> pos adj. ecchymotic sub head ecchymosis or ecchymosed syl ec+chy+mot+ic pron <2eki1motik> pos adj. eccles alt head eccl or eccl syl eccles. eccl 0. or eccles syl eccl. qual abbrev. for def ecclesiastic(al). Eccles 0. syl Ec+cles pron <1ekLz> pos n. def a town in NW England, in Greater Manchester. Pop.: 38413 (1971). Eccl alt head Eccles or Eccles syl Eccl. Eccles 0. or Eccl syl Eccles. qual Bible. abbrev. for def Ecclesiastes. Eccles cake 0. syl Ec+cles cake pos n. qual Brit. def a pastry with a filling of dried fruit. ecclesia ety C16: from Medieval Latin, from Late Greek ekkl*_esia assembly, from ekkl*_etos called, from ekkalein to call out, from kalein to call ecclesiae infl head ecclesia syl ec+cle+si:ae pron <-zi2E> pos n. mod pl. ecclesia 1. syl ec+cle+si:a pron pos n. usage in formal Church usage def a congregation. ecclesia 2. syl ec+cle+si:a pron pos n. def the assembly of citizens of an ancient Greek state. ecclesiast 0. syl ecclesiast. qual abbrev. for def ecclesiastical. Ecclesiastes ety via Late Latin, from Greek ekkl*_esiast*_es member of the assembly; see #7ecclesia Ecclesiastes 0. syl Ec+cle+si+as+tes pron pos n. def a book of the Old Testament, probably written about 250 #7b.c. ecclesiastic 1. syl ec+cle+si+as+tic pron pos n. def a clergyman or other person in holy orders. ecclesiastic 2. syl ec+cle+si+as+tic pron pos adj. def of or associated with the Christian Church or clergy. ecclesiastical 0. syl ec+cle+si+as+ti+cal pron pos adj. def of or relating to the Christian Church. ecclesiastically sub head ecclesiastical syl ec+2cle+si+1as+ti+cal+ly pos adv. Ecclesiastical Commissioners 0. syl Ec+cle+si+as+ti+cal Com+mis+sion+ers pos n. mod pl. def the administrators of the properties of the Church of England from 1836 to 1948, when they were combined with Queen Anne's Bounty to form the Church Commissioners. ecclesiasticism 0. syl ec+cle+si+as+ti+cism pron pos n. def exaggerated at?!tachment to the practices or principles of the Christian Church. Ecclesiasticus 0. syl Ec+cle+si+as+ti+cus pron pos n. def one of the books of the Apocrypha, written around 180 #7b.c. and also called {The Wisdom of Jesus, the son of Sirach}. ecclesiolatry 0. syl ec+cle+si+ol:a+try pron pos n. def obsessional devotion to ecclesiastical traditions. ecclesiolater sub head ecclesiolatry syl ec+2cle+si+1ol:a+ter pos n. ecclesiology 1. syl ec+cle+si+ol+o:gy pron pos n. def the study of the Christian Church. ecclesiology 2. syl ec+cle+si+ol+o:gy pron pos n. def the study of Church architecture and decoration. ecclesiological sub head ecclesiology syl ec+cle+si:o+log:i+cal pron pos adj. ecclesiologically sub head ecclesiology syl ec+2cle+si:o+1log:i+cal+ly pos adv. ecclesiologist sub head ecclesiology syl ec+2cle+si+1ol:o+gist pos n. Ecclus 0. syl Ecclus. qual abbrev. for def Ecclesiasticus. eccrine ety from Greek ekkrinein to secrete, from ek- #7ec -#7+ krinein to separate eccrine 0. syl ec+crine pron <1ekrin> pos adj. def of or denoting glands that secrete externally, esp. the numerous sweat glands on the human body. Compare {{apocrine}}. eccrinology 0. syl ec+crin+ol+o:gy pron <2ekri1nol*Ji> pos n. def the branch of medical science concerned with secretions of the eccrine glands. ecdysiast ety C20: (coined by H. L. Mencken) from #7ecdysis+ -ast, variant of -#7ist ecdysiast 0. syl ec+dys:i+ast pron pos n. def a facetious word for {{stripper} (sense 1)}. ecdysis ety C19: New Latin, from Greek ekdusis, from ekduein to strip, from ek- #7ex -#7+ duein to put on ecdyses infl head ecdysis syl ec+dy+ses pron <-2sEz> pos n. mod pl. ecdysis 0. syl ec+dy+sis pron <1ekdisis> pos n. def the periodic shedding of the cuticle in insects and other arthropods or the outer epi?!dermal layer in reptiles. See also {ecdysone}. ecdysial sub head ecdysis syl ec+1dys+i:al pos adj. ecdysone 0. syl ec+dy+sone pron pos n. def a hormone secreted by the prothoracic gland of insects that controls ecdysis and stimulates metamorphosis. ecesis ety C20: from Greek oik*_esis a dwelling in, from oikein to inhabit; related to oikos a house ecesis 0. syl e:ce:sis pron pos n. def the establishment of a plant in a new environment. Bulent infl head Ecevit syl B*"u:lent pron <1bul*nt> pos n. Ecevit 0. syl E:ce:vit pron <1eC*vit> pos n. def born 1925, Turkish statesman; prime minister (1974; since 1978). ECG 1. syl E.C.G. qual abbrev. for: def electrocardiogram. ECG 2. syl E.C.G. qual abbrev. for: def electrocardiograph. echard ety C20: from Greek ekhein to hold back+ ardein to water echard 0. syl ec+hard pron <1eka:d> pos n. def water that is present in the soil but cannot be absorbed or otherwise utilized by plants. echelon ety C18: from French *'echelon, literally: rung of a ladder, from Old French eschiele ladder, from Latin sc*_ala; see #7scale %3 echelon 1. syl e:che+lon pron <1eS*2lon> pos n. def a level of command, responsibility, etc. (esp. in the phrase {the upper echelons) }. echelon 2.a. syl e:che+lon pron <1eS*2lon> pos n. def a formation in which units follow one another but are offset sufficiently to allow each unit a line of fire ahead. echelon 2.b. syl e:che+lon pron <1eS*2lon> pos n. def a group formed in this way. echelon 3. syl e:che+lon pron <1eS*2lon> pos n. qual Physics. def a type of diffraction grating consisting of a series of plates of equal thickness arranged stepwise with a constant offset. echelon 4. syl e:che+lon pron <1eS*2lon> pos vb. def to assemble in echelon. echeveria ety named after M. Echeveri, 19th-cent. Mexican botanical artist echeveria 0. syl ech+e:ve+ri:a pron <2eCi1vi*ri*> pos n. def any of various tropical American crassulaceous plants of the genus cultivated for their colourful foliage. echidna ety C19: from New Latin, from Latin: viper, from Greek ekhidna echidnas infl head echidna or echidnae syl e:chid+nas pron <-nE> pos n. mod pl. echidnae infl head echidna or echidnas syl e:chid+nae pron <-nE> pos n. mod pl. echidna 0. syl e:chid+na pron pos n. def any of the spine-covered monotreme mammals of the genera of Australia and of New Guinea: family They have a long snout and claws for hunting ants and termites. Also called: {spiny anteater}. echinated alt head echinate or echinate syl ech:i+nat+ed pos adj. echinate 0. or echinated syl ech:i+nate pron <1eki2nAt> pos adj. qual Biology. def covered with spines, bristles, or bristle-like outgrowths. echino- ety from New Latin, via Latin from Greek ekhinos sea urchin, hedgehog echinococcus 0. syl e:chi+no+coc+cus pron pos n. def any of the tapeworms constituting the genus the larvae of which are parasitic in man and domestic animals. echinoderm 0. syl e:chi+no+derm pron pos n. def any of the marine invertebrate animals constituting the phylum characterized by tube feet, a calcite body-covering (test), and a five-part symmetrical body. The group includes the starfish, sea urchins, and sea cucumbers. echinodermal sub head echinoderm or echinodermatous syl e:2chi+no+1der+mal pos adj. echinodermatous sub head echinoderm or echinodermal syl e:2chi+no+1der+ma+tous pos adj. echinoid 1. syl e:chi+noid pron , <1ek*-> pos n. def any of the echinoderms constituting the class typically having a rigid ovoid body. The class includes the sea urchins and sand dollars. echinoid 2. syl e:chi+noid pron , <1ek*-> pos adj. def of or belonging to this class. echinus ety C14: from Latin, from Greek ekhinos echini infl head echinus syl e:chi+ni pron <-nI> pos n. mod pl. echinus 1. syl e:chi+nus pron pos n. qual Architect. def an ovolo moulding between the shaft and the abacus of a Doric column. echinus 2. syl e:chi+nus pron pos n. def any of the sea urchins of the genus such as ({edible sea urchin}) of the Mediterranean. echo ety C14: via Latin from Greek *_ekh*_o; related to Greek *_ekh*_e sound echoes infl head echo syl ech:oes. pos n. mod pl. echo 1.a. syl ech:o pron <1ek*u> pos n. def the reflection of sound or other radiation by a reflecting medium, esp. a solid object. echo 1.b. syl ech:o pron <1ek*u> pos n. def the sound so reflected. echo 2. syl ech:o pron <1ek*u> pos n. def a repetition or imitation, esp. an unoriginal reproduction of another's opinions. echo 3. syl ech:o pron <1ek*u> pos n. def something that evokes memories, esp. of a particular style or era. echo 4. syl ech:o pron <1ek*u> pos n. mod sometimes; pl. def an effect that continues after the original cause has disappeared; repercussion. exam 1 the echoes of the French Revolution. echo 5. syl ech:o pron <1ek*u> pos n. def a person who copies another, esp. one who obsequiously agrees with another's opinions. echo 6.a. syl ech:o pron <1ek*u> pos n. def the signal reflected by a radar target. echo 6.b. syl ech:o pron <1ek*u> pos n. def the trace produced by such a signal on a radar screen. echo 7. syl ech:o pron <1ek*u> pos n. def the repetition of certain sounds or syllables in a verse line. echo 8. syl ech:o pron <1ek*u> pos n. def the quiet repetition of a musical phrase. echo 9. syl ech:o pron <1ek*u> pos n. def Also called: {echo organ} {echo stop}. a manual or stop on an organ that controls a set of quiet pipes that give the illusion of sounding at a distance. echo 10. syl ech:o pron <1ek*u> pos n. def an electronic effect in recorded music that adds vibration or resonance. echoes infl head echo syl ech:oes pos vb. echoing infl head echo syl ech:o+ing pos vb. echoed infl head echo syl ech:oed. pos vb. echo 11. syl ech:o pron <1ek*u> pos vb. def to resound or cause to resound with an echo. exam 1 the cave echoed their shouts. echo 12. syl ech:o pron <1ek*u> pos vb. mod intr. usage of sounds def to repeat or resound by echoes; reverberate. echo 13. syl ech:o pron <1ek*u> pos vb. mod tr. usage of persons def to repeat (words, opinions, etc.), in imitation, agreement, or flattery. echo 14. syl ech:o pron <1ek*u> pos vb. mod tr. usage of things def to resemble or imitate (another style, earlier model, etc.). echoless sub head echo syl ech:o+less pos adj. echo-like sub head echo syl ech:o-2like pos adj. Echo H1.0. syl Ech:o pron <1ek*u> pos n. def either of two U.S. passive communications satellites, the first of which was launched in 1960. Echo H2.0. syl Ech:o pron <1ek*u> pos n. qual Greek myth. def a nymph who, spurned by Narcissus, pined away until only her voice remained. echo chamber 1. syl ech:o cham+ber pos n. def Also called: {reverbera?!tion chamber}. a room with walls that reflect sound. It is used to make acoustic measurements and as a recording studio when echo effects are required. echo chamber 2. syl ech:o cham+ber pos n. def an electronic device producing a similar effect. echoic 1. syl ech:o+ic pron pos adj. def characteristic of or resembling an echo. echoic 2. syl ech:o+ic pron pos adj. def onomatopoeic; imitative. echoism 1. syl e:cho+ism pron <1ek*u2iz*m> pos n. def onomatopoeia as a source of word formation. echoism 2. syl e:cho+ism pron <1ek*u2iz*m> pos n. def phonetic assimilation of one vowel to the vowel in the preceding syllable. echolalia ety C19: from New Latin, from #7echo+ Greek lalia talk, chatter, from lalein to chatter echolalia 0. syl ech:o+la+li:a pron <2ek*u1lAli*> pos n. qual Psychiatry. def the tendency to repeat mechanically words just spoken by another person: occurs in cases of schizophrenia. echolalic sub head echolalia syl ech:o+la+lic pron <2ek*u1l@lik> pos adj. echolocation 0. syl ech:o+lo:ca:tion pron <2ek*ul*u1kAS*n> pos n. def determination of the position of an object by measuring the time taken for an echo to return from it and its direction. echopraxia ety C20: from New Latin, from #7echo+ -praxia, from Greek praxis deed, action echopraxis alt head echopraxia or echopraxia syl ech:o+prax+is pos n. echopraxia 0. or echopraxis syl ech:o+prax:i:a pron <2ek*u1pr@ksi*> pos n. qual Psychiatry. def the tendency to repeat automatically movements recently performed by another person: occurs in cases of schizophrenia. echopractic sub head echopraxia syl ech:o+prac+tic pron <2ek*u1pr@ktik> pos adj. echo sounder 0. syl ech:o sound+er pos n. def a device for determining depth by measuring the time taken for a pulse of high-frequency sound to reach the sea bed or a submerged object and for the echo to return. Also called: {sonar, asdic}. echo sounding sub head echo sounder syl ech:o sound+ing pos n. echovirus ety C20: from the initials of Enteric Cytopathic Human Orphan (@6orphan@9 because originally believed to be unrelated to any disease)+#7virus ECHO virus alt head echovirus or echovirus syl ECHO vi+rus pron <1ek*u2vIr*s> pos n. echovirus 0. or ECHO virus syl ech:o+vi:rus pron <1ek*u2vIr*s> pos n. def any of a group of viruses that can cause symptoms of mild meningitis, the common cold, or infections of the intestinal and respiratory tracts. echt 0. syl echt pron German. , English pos adj. def real; genuine; authentic. Johann infl head Eck syl Jo:hann pron <1jo:han> pos n. Eck 0. syl Eck pron pos n. def original name 1486-1543, German Roman Catholic theologian; opponent of Luther and the Reformation. Johannes infl head Eckhart syl Jo:han:nes pron pos n. Eckhart 0. syl Eck:hart pron German <1ekart> pos n. def called ??1260-??1327, German Dominican theologian, mystic, and preacher. 'eclair ety C19: from French, literally: lightning (probably so called because it does not last long), from *'eclairer, from Latin cl*_ar*_are to make bright, from cl*_arus bright 'eclair 0. syl *'e:clair pron , pos n. def a finger-shaped cake of choux pastry, usually filled with cream and covered with chocolate. eclampsia ety C19: from New Latin, from Greek eklampsis a shining forth, from eklampein, from lampein to shine eclampsia 0. syl ec+lamp+si:a pron pos n. qual Pathol. def a toxic condition of unknown cause that sometimes develops in the last three months of pregnancy, characterized by high blood pressure, abnormal weight gain and convulsions. Compare {pre-?!eclampsia}. eclamptic sub head eclampsia syl ec+1lamp+tic pos adj. 'eclat ety C17: from French, from *'eclater to burst; related to Old French esclater to splinter, perhaps of Germanic origin; compare #7slit 'eclat 1. syl *'e:clat pron , French pos n. def brilliant or conspicuous success, effect, etc. 'eclat 2. syl *'e:clat pron , French pos n. def showy display; ostentation. 'eclat 3. syl *'e:clat pron , French pos n. def social distinction. 'eclat 4. syl *'e:clat pron , French pos n. def approval; acclaim; applause. eclectic ety C17: from Greek eklektikos, from eklegein to select, from legein to gather eclectic 1. syl ec+lec+tic pron , pos adj. usage in art, philosophy, etc. def selecting what seems best from various styles, doctrines, ideas, methods, etc. eclectic 2. syl ec+lec+tic pron , pos adj. def composed of elements drawn from a variety of sources, styles, etc. eclectic 3. syl ec+lec+tic pron , pos n. def a person who favours an eclectic approach, esp. in art or philosophy. eclectically sub head eclectic syl ec+1lec+ti+cal+ly pos adv. eclecticism 1. syl ec+lec+ti+cism pron , pos n. def an eclectic system or method. eclecticism 2. syl ec+lec+ti+cism pron , pos n. def the use or advocacy of such a system. eclipse ety C13: back formation from Old English eclypsis, from Latin ecl*_ipsis, from Greek ekleipsis a forsaking, from ekleipein to abandon, from leipein to leave eclipse 1. syl e:clipse pron pos n. def the total or partial obscuring of one celestial body by another. A {solar eclipse} occurs when the moon passes between the sun and the earth; a {lunar eclipse} when the earth passes between the sun and the moon. See also {total eclipse, partial eclipse, annular eclipse}. Compare {occultation}. eclipse 2. syl e:clipse pron pos n. def the period of time during which such a phenom?!enon occurs. eclipse 3. syl e:clipse pron pos n. def any dimming or obstruction of light. eclipse 4. syl e:clipse pron pos n. def a loss of importance, power, fame, etc., esp. through overshadowing by another. eclipse 5. syl e:clipse pron pos vb. mod tr. def to cause an eclipse of. eclipse 6. syl e:clipse pron pos vb. mod tr. def to cast a shadow upon; darken; obscure. eclipse 7. syl e:clipse pron pos vb. mod tr. def to overshadow or surpass in importance, power, etc. eclipser sub head eclipse syl e:1clips+er pos n. eclipse plumage 0. syl e:clipse plum+age pos n. def seasonal plumage that occurs in certain birds after the breeding plumage and before the winter plumage: is characterized by dull coloration. variable alt head eclipsing binary or eclipsing binary syl var:i+a:ble pos n. eclipsing binary 0. or variable syl e:clips+ing bi+na+ry pos n. def a binary star whose orbital plane lies in or near the line of sight so that one component is regularly eclipsed by its companion. See also {variable star}. eclipsis 1. syl e:clip+sis pron pos n. qual Linguistics. def a rare word for {ellipsis}. eclipsis 2. syl e:clip+sis pron pos n. qual Linguistics. usage in Gaelic def phonetic change of an initial consonant under the influence of a preceding word. Unvoiced plosives become voiced, while voiced plosives are changed to nasals. ecliptic 1.a. syl e:clip+tic pron pos n. def the great circle on the celestial sphere representing the apparent annual path of the sun relative to the stars. It is inclined at 23.45?% to the celestial equator. The {poles of the ecliptic} lie on the celestial sphere due north and south of the plane of the ecliptic. ecliptic 1.b. syl e:clip+tic pron pos n. usage as modifier exam 1 the ecliptic plane. ecliptic 2. syl e:clip+tic pron pos n. def an equivalent great circle, opposite points of which pass through the Tropics of Cancer and Capricorn, on the terrestrial globe. ecliptic 3. syl e:clip+tic pron pos adj. def of or relating to an eclipse. ecliptically sub head ecliptic syl e:1clip+ti+cal+ly pos adv. eclogite ety C19: from Greek eklog*_e a selection eclogite 0. syl ec+lo+gite pron <1ekl*2JIt> pos n. def a rare coarse-grained basic rock consisting of large bright red garnets in a greenish mixture of pyroxene, quartz, feldspar, etc. Its origin is thought to be intermediate between igneous and metamorphic. eclogue ety C15: from Latin ecloga short poem, collection of extracts, from Greek eklog*_e selection, from ekl*_egein to select; see #7eclectic eclogue 0. syl ec+logue pron <1eklog> pos n. def a pastoral or idyllic poem, usually in the form of a conversation or soliloquy. eclosion ety C19: from French *'eclosion, from *'eclore to hatch, ultimately from Latin excl*_udere to shut out, #7exclude eclosion 0. syl e:clo+sion pron pos n. def the emergence of an insect larva from the egg or an adult from the pupal case. eco- 0. syl e:co- usage combining form. def denoting ecology or ecological. exam 1 ecocide; exam 2 ecosphere. ecocide 0. syl e:co+cide pron <1Ek*2sId>, <1ek*-> pos n. def total destruction of an area of the natural environment, esp. by human agency. ecol 1. syl ecol. qual abbrev. for: def ecological. ecol 2. syl ecol. qual abbrev. for: def ecology. ecology ety C19: from German *"Okologie, from Greek oikos house (hence, environment) ecology 1. syl e:col+o:gy pron pos n. def the study of the relationships between living organisms and their environment. ecology 2. syl e:col+o:gy pron pos n. def the set of relationships of a particular organism with its environment. human ecology 3. head ecology syl human ecology. def the study of the relationships between human groups and their physical environment. {~} Also called (for senses 1, 2): {bionomics}. ecological sub head ecology syl e:co+log:i+cal pron <2Ek*1loJikL> pos adj. ecologically sub head ecology syl e:co+1log:i+cal+ly pos adv. ecologist sub head ecology syl e:1col:o+gist pos n. econ 1. syl econ. qual abbrev. for: def economical. econ 2. syl econ. qual abbrev. for: def economics. econ 3. syl econ. qual abbrev. for: def economy. econometrics 0. syl e:con:o+met+rics pron pos n. def the application of mathematical and statistical techniques to economic problems and theories. econometric sub head econometrics or econometrical syl e:2con:o+1met+ric pos adj. econometrical sub head econometrics or econometric syl e:2con:o+1met+ri+cal pos adj. econometrician sub head econometrics or econometrist syl e:con:o+me+tri+cian pron pos n. econometrist sub head econometrics or econometrician syl e:2con:o+1met+rist pos n. economic 1. syl e:co+nom+ic pron <2Ek*1nomik>, <2ek*-> pos adj. def of or relating to an economy, economics, or finance. exam 1 economic development; exam 2 economic theories. economic 2. syl e:co+nom+ic pron <2Ek*1nomik>, <2ek*-> pos adj. qual Brit. def capable of being produced, operated, etc., for profit; profitable. exam 1 the firm is barely economic. economic 3. syl e:co+nom+ic pron <2Ek*1nomik>, <2ek*-> pos adj. def concerning or affecting material resources or welfare. exam 1 economic pests. economic 4. syl e:co+nom+ic pron <2Ek*1nomik>, <2ek*-> pos adj. def concerned with or relating to the necessities of life; utilitarian. economic 5. syl e:co+nom+ic pron <2Ek*1nomik>, <2ek*-> pos adj. def variant of {economical}. economic 6. syl e:co+nom+ic pron <2Ek*1nomik>, <2ek*-> pos adj. qual Informal. def inexpensive; cheap. economical 1. syl e:co+nom:i+cal pron <2Ek*1nomikL>, <2ek*-> pos adj. def using the minimum required; not wasteful of time, effort, resources, etc.. exam 1 an economical car; exam 2 an economical style. economical 2. syl e:co+nom:i+cal pron <2Ek*1nomikL>, <2ek*-> pos adj. def frugal; thrifty. exam 1 she was economical by nature. economical 3. syl e:co+nom:i+cal pron <2Ek*1nomikL>, <2ek*-> pos adj. def variant of {{economic} (senses 1-4)}. economically 1. syl e:co+nom:i+cal+ly pron <2Ek*1nomikli>, <2ek*-> pos adv. def with economy or thrift; without waste. economically 2. syl e:co+nom:i+cal+ly pron <2Ek*1nomikli>, <2ek*-> pos adv. def with regard to the economy of a person, country, etc. economic determinism 0. syl e:co+nom+ic de+ter+min+ism pos n. def a doctrine that states that all cultural, social, political, and intellectual activities are a product of the economic organization of society. economic geography 0. syl e:co+nom+ic ge+og+ra+phy pos n. def the study of the geographical distribution of economic resources and their use. economic rent 0. syl e:co+nom+ic rent pos n. qual Economics. def the return derived from cultivated land in excess of that derived from the poorest land cultivated under similar conditions. economics 1. syl e:co+nom+ics pron <2Ek*1nomiks>, <2ek*-> pos n. mod functioning as; sing. def the social science concerned with the production and consumption of goods and services and the analysis of the commercial activities of a society. See also {macroeconomics, microeconomics}. economics 2. syl e:co+nom+ics pron <2Ek*1nomiks>, <2ek*-> pos n. mod pl. def financial aspects. exam 1 the economics of the project are very doubtful. economist 1. syl e:con:o+mist pron pos n. def a specialist in economics. economist 2. syl e:con:o+mist pron pos n. qual Archaic. def a person who advocates or practises frugality. economise alt head economize or economize syl e:con:o+mise pron pos vb. economize 0. or economise syl e:con:o+mize pron pos vb. usage often foll. by on def to limit or reduce (expense, waste, etc.). economization sub head economize or economisation syl e:2con:o+mi+1za+tion pos n. economisation sub head economize or economization syl e:2con:o+mi+1sa+tion pos n. economiser alt head economizer or economizer syl e:con:o+mis+er pron pos n. economizer 1. or economiser syl e:con:o+miz+er pron pos n. def a device that uses the waste heat from a boiler flue to preheat the feed water. economizer 2. or economiser syl e:con:o+miz+er pron pos n. def a person or thing that economizes. Economo's disease ety C20: named after K. von Economo (1876-1931), Austrian neurologist Economo's disease 0. syl E:con:o:mo's dis+ease pron pos n. qual Pathol. def another name for {{sleeping sickness} (sense 2)}. economy ety C16: via Latin from Greek oikonomia domestic management, from oikos house+ -nomia, from nemein to manage economies infl head economy syl e:con:o+mies. pos n. mod pl. economy 1. syl e:con:o+my pron pos n. def careful management of resources to avoid unnecessary expenditure or waste; thrift. economy 2. syl e:con:o+my pron pos n. def a means or instance of this; saving. economy 3. syl e:con:o+my pron pos n. def sparing, restrained, or efficient use, esp. to achieve the maximum effect for the minimum effort. exam 1 economy of language. economy 4.a. syl e:con:o+my pron pos n. def the complex of human activities undertaken for profit and concerned with the production, distribution, and consumption of goods and services. economy 4.b. syl e:con:o+my pron pos n. def a particular type or branch of such production, distribution, and consumption. exam 1 a socialist economy; exam 2 an agricultural economy. economy 5. syl e:con:o+my pron pos n. def the management of the resources, fi?!nances, income, and expenditure of a community, business enterprise, etc. economy 6. syl e:con:o+my pron pos n. def Also called: {tourist}. economy 6.a. syl e:con:o+my pron pos n. def a class of travel in aircraft, providing less luxurious accommodation than first class at a lower fare. economy 6.b. syl e:con:o+my pron pos n. usage as modifier exam 1 economy class. economy 7. syl e:con:o+my pron pos n. usage modifier def offering or purporting to offer a larger quantity for a lower price. exam 1 economy pack. economy 8. syl e:con:o+my pron pos n. def the orderly interplay between the parts of a system or structure. exam 1 the economy of nature. economy 9. syl e:con:o+my pron pos n. qual Archaic. def the management of household affairs; domestic economy. 'ecorch'e ety French, literally: skinned 'ecorch'e 0. syl *'e:cor+ch*'e pron <2Akc:1SA> pos n. def an anatomical figure without the skin, so that the muscular structure is visible. ecospecies ety C20: from #7eco (#7logy) #7+species ecospecies 0. syl e:co+spe+cies pron <1Ek*u2spESEz>, <-spEsEz>, <1ek*u-> pos n. qual Ecology. def a species of plant or animal that can be divided into several ecotypes. ecospecific sub head ecospecies syl e:co+spe+cif+ic pron <2Ek*uspi1sifik>, <2ek*u-> pos adj. ecosphere 0. syl e:co+sphere pron <1Ek*u2sfi*>, <1ek*u-> pos n. def the parts of the universe, esp. on the earth, in which life can exist. 'ecossaise ety literally: Scottish (dance) 'ecossaise 1. syl *'e:coss+aise pron <2Ako1sAz>, French pos n. def a lively dance in two-four time. 'ecossaise 2. syl *'e:coss+aise pron <2Ako1sAz>, French pos n. def the tune for such a dance. ecosystem ety C20: from #7eco (#7logy) #7+system ecosystem 0. syl e:co+sys+tem pron <1Ek*u2sist*m>, <1ek*u-> pos n. qual Ecology. def a system involving the interactions between a community and its non-living environment. ecotone ety C20: from #7eco (#7logy) #7+ -tone, from Greek tonos tension, #7tone ecotone 0. syl e:co+tone pron <1Ek*2t*un>, <1ek*-> pos n. def the zone between two major ecological communities. ecotonal sub head ecotone syl e:co+2ton+al pos adj. ecotype 0. syl e:co+type pron <1Ek*2tIp>, <1ek*-> pos n. qual Ecology. def a group of organisms within a species that are adapted to different environmental conditions and therefore differ from one another in structure and physiology. ecotypic sub head ecotype syl e:co+typ+ic pron <2Ek*1tipik>, <2ek*-> pos adj. ecotypically sub head ecotype syl e:co+1typ:i+cal+ly pos adv. ECOWAS 0. syl ECOWAS pron pos n. usage acronym for def Economic Community of West African States; an economic association established in 1975 among Benin, Gambia, Ghana, Guinea, Guinea-Bissau, Ivory Coast, Liberia, Mali, Mauritania, Niger, Nigeria, Senegal, Sierra Leone, Togo, and Upper Volta. 'ecraseur ety C19: from French, from *'ecraser to crush 'ecraseur 0. syl *'e:cra+seur pron <2Akra:1zR:> pos n. def a surgical device consisting of a heavy wire loop placed around a part to be removed and tightened until it cuts through. ecru ety C19: from French, from *'e- (intensive)+ cru raw, from Latin cr*_udus; see #7crude ecru 1. syl ec:ru pron <1ekru:>, <1Akru:> pos n. def a greyish-yellow to a light greyish colour; the colour of unbleached linen. ecru 2. syl ec:ru pron <1ekru:>, <1Akru:> pos adj. def of the colour ecru. ECSC 0. syl E.C.S.C. qual abbrev. for def European Coal and Steel Community. ecstasy ety C14: from Old French extasie, via Medieval Latin from Greek ekstasis displacement, trance, from existanai to displace, from ex- out+ histanai to cause to stand sies infl head ecstasy syl +sies. pos n. mod pl. ecstasy 1. syl ec+sta+sy pron <1ekst*si> pos n. mod often; pl. def a state of exalted delight, joy, etc.; rapture. ecstasy 2. syl ec+sta+sy pron <1ekst*si> pos n. def intense emotion of any kind. exam 1 an ecstasy of rage. ecstasy 3. syl ec+sta+sy pron <1ekst*si> pos n. qual Psychol. def overpowering emotion characterized by loss of self-control and sometimes a temporary loss of consciousness: often associated with orgasm, religious mysticism, and the use of certain drugs. ecstasy 4. syl ec+sta+sy pron <1ekst*si> pos n. qual Archaic. def a state of prophetic inspiration, esp. of poetic rapture. ecstatic 1. syl ec+stat+ic pron pos adj. def in a trancelike state of great rapture or delight. ecstatic 2. syl ec+stat+ic pron pos adj. def showing or feeling great enthusiasm. exam 1 ecstatic applause. ecstatic 3. syl ec+stat+ic pron pos n. def a person who has periods of intense trancelike joy. ecstatically sub head ecstatic syl ec+1stat:i+cal+ly pos adv. ecstatics 0. syl ec+stat+ics pron pos n. mod pl. def fits of delight or rapture. ECT 0. syl E.C.T. qual abbrev. for def electroconvulsive therapy. ecthyma ety C19: from New Latin, from Greek ekthuma pustule, from ekthuein to break out, from ek- out+ thuein to seethe ecthyma 0. syl ec+thy+ma pron <1ekTim*> pos n. qual Pathol. def a local inflammation of the skin characterized by flat ulcerating pustules. ecto- ety from Greek ektos outside, from ek, ex out ecto- 0. syl ec:to- usage combining form. def indicating outer, outside, external. exam 1 ectoplasm. ectoblast 0. syl ec+to+blast pron <1ekt*u2bl@st> pos n. def another name for {ectoderm} or {epiblast}. ectoblastic sub head ectoblast syl ec+to+1blas+tic pos adj. ectocrine ety C20: from #7ecto +- crine, as in endocrine ectocrine 0. syl ec+to+crine pron <1ekt*u2krEn>, <-2krin> pos n. def a substance that is released by an organism into the external environment and influences the development, behaviour, etc., of members of the same or different species. exoderm alt head ectoderm or ectoderm syl ex:o+derm pos n. ectoderm 0. or exoderm syl ec+to+derm pron <1ekt*u2dR:m> pos n. def the outer germ layer of an animal embryo, which gives rise to epidermis and nervous tissue. See also {mesoderm} and {endoderm}. ectodermal sub head ectoderm or ectodermic syl ec+to+1der+mal pos adj. ectodermic sub head ectoderm or ectodermal syl ec+to+1der+mic pos adj. ectoenzyme 0. syl ec+to+en+zyme pron <2ekt*u1enzIm> pos n. def any of a group of enzymes secreted from the cells in which they are produced into the surrounding medium; extracellular enzyme. Also called: {exo?!enzyme}. ectogenic alt head ectogenous or ectogenous syl ec+to+gen+ic pron <2ekt*u1Jenik> pos adj. ectogenous 0. or ectogenic syl ec+tog+e:nous pron pos adj. usage of certain bacteria and other parasites def able to grow outside the body of the host. ectogenesis sub head ectogenous syl ec+to+1gen+e:sis pos n. ectomere 0. syl ec+to+mere pron <1ekt*u2mi*> pos n. qual Embryol. def any of the blastomeres that later develop into ectoderm. ectomeric sub head ectomere syl ec+to+mer+ic pron <2ekt*u?!1merik> pos adj. ectomorph 0. syl ec+to+morph pron <1ekt*u2mc:f> pos n. def a type of person having a body build characterized by thinness, weakness, and a lack of weight: said to be correlated with a character type in which intellectual processes, inhibition and alertness predominate. Compare {endomorph, mesomorph}. ectomorphic sub head ectomorph syl ec+to+1mor+phic pos adj. ectomorphy sub head ectomorph syl ec+to+2morph:y pos n. -ectomy ety from New Latin -ectomia, from Greek ek- out+-#7tomy -ectomy 0. syl -ec:to:my pos n. usage combining form. def indicating surgical excision of a part. exam 1 appendectomy. ectoparasite 0. syl ec+to+par:a+site pron <2ekt*u1p@r*2sIt> pos n. def a parasite, such as the flea, that lives on the outer surface of its host. ectoparasitic sub head ectoparasite syl ec+to+par:a+sit+ic pron <2ekt*u2p@r*1sitik> pos adj. ectophyte 0. syl ec+to+phyte pron <1ekt*u2fIt> pos n. def a parasitic plant that lives on the surface of its host. ectopia ety C19: from New Latin, from Greek ektopos out of position, from ek- out of+ topos place ectopia 0. syl ec+to+pi:a pron pos n. qual Med. def congenital displacement or abnormal positioning of an organ or part. ectopic sub head ectopia syl ec+top+ic pron pos adj. ectopic pregnancy 0. syl ec+top+ic preg+nan+cy pos n. qual Pathol. def the abnormal development of a fertilized egg outside the cavity of the uterus, usually within a Fallopian tube. ectoplasm 1. syl ec+to+plasm pron <1ekt*u2pl@z*m> pos n. qual Cytology. def the outer layer of cytoplasm that differs in many cells from the inner cytoplasm (see {endoplasm}) in being a clear gel. ectoplasm 2. syl ec+to+plasm pron <1ekt*u2pl@z*m> pos n. qual Spiritualism. def the substance supposedly emanating from the body of a medium during trances. ectoplasmic sub head ectoplasm syl ec+to+1plas+mic pos adj. ectoproct ety from #7ecto -#7+ -proct, from Greek pr*_oktos rectum ectoproct 0. syl ec+to+proct pron <1ekt*u2prokt> pos n. adj. def another word for {bryozoan}. ectosarc ety C19: #7ecto -#7+ -sarc, from Greek sarx flesh ectosarc 0. syl ec+to+sarc pron <1ekt*u2sa:k> pos n. qual Zoology. def the ectoplasm of an amoeba or any other protozoan. ectosarcous sub head ectosarc syl ec+to+1sar+cous pos adj. ectype ety C17: from Greek ektupos worked in relief, from ek- out of+ tupos mould; see #7type ectype 1. syl ec+type pron <1ek2tIp> pos n. def a copy as distinguished from a prototype. ectype 2. syl ec+type pron <1ek2tIp> pos n. qual Architect. def a cast embossed or in relief. ectypal sub head ectype syl ec+ty+pal pron <1ektipL> pos adj. 'ecu ety C18: from Old French escu, from Latin sc*_utum shield 'ecu 1. syl *'e:cu pron , French pos n. def any of various former French gold or silver coins. 'ecu 2. syl *'e:cu pron , French pos n. def a small shield. Ecua 0. syl Ecua. qual abbrev. for def Ecuador. Ecuador 0. syl Ec:ua+dor pron <1ekw*2dc:> pos n. def a republic in South America, on the Pacific: under the Incas when Spanish colonization began in 1532; gained independence in 1822; declared a republic in 1830. It consists chiefly of a coastal plain in the west, separated from the densely forested upper Amazon basin (Oriente) by ranges and plateaus of the Andes. Official language: Spanish; Quechua is also widely spoken. Religion: Roman Catholic. Currency: sucre. Capital: Quito. Pop.: 6500845 (1974). Area: 283560 sq. km (109483 sq. miles). Ecuadorian sub head Ecuador or Ecuadoran syl Ec:ua+1do+ri:an pos adj. n. Ecuadoran sub head Ecuador or Ecuadorian syl Ec:ua+1do+ran pos adj. n. ecumenical ety C16: via Late Latin from Greek oikou?!menikos, from oikein to inhabit, from oikos house oecumenical alt head ecumenical or oecumenic syl oe:cu+men:i+cal pron <2Ekju1menikL>, <2ek-> pos adj. ecumenic infl head ecumenical or ecumenical syl e:cu+men+ic pos adj. oecumenic infl head ecumenical or oecumenical syl oe:cu+men+ic pos adj. ecumenical 1. or ecumenic syl e:cu+men:i+cal pron <2Ekju1menikL>, <2ek-> pos adj. def of or relating to the Christian Church throughout the world, esp. with regard to its unity. ecumenical 2.a. or ecumenic syl e:cu+men:i+cal pron <2Ekju1menikL>, <2ek-> pos adj. def tending to promote unity among Churches. ecumenical 2.b. or ecumenic syl e:cu+men:i+cal pron <2Ekju1menikL>, <2ek-> pos adj. def of or relating to the international movement initiated among non-Catholic Churches in 1910 aimed at Christian unity: embodied, since 1937, in the World Council of Churches. ecumenical 3. or ecumenic syl e:cu+men:i+cal pron <2Ekju1menikL>, <2ek-> pos adj. qual Rare. def universal; general; worldwide. ecumenically sub head ecumenical or oecumenically syl e:cu+1men:i+cal+ly pos adv. oecumenically sub head ecumenical or ecumenically syl 2oe:cu+1men:i+cal+ly pos adv. ecumenical council 0. syl e:cu+men:i+cal coun+cil pos n. qual R.C. Church. def an assembly of the bishops, convened by the pope to reach binding decisions on matters of faith and morals. ecumenicism alt head ecumenicalism or ecumenicalism syl e:cu+men:i+cism pos n. ecumenicalism 0. or ecumenicism syl e:cu+men:i+cal+ism pron <2Ekju1menik*2liz*m>, <2ek-> pos n. def the aim of unity among all Christian churches throughout the world. 'ecurie ety C20: French, literally: a stable 'ecurie 0. syl *'e:cu+rie pron French pos n. def a team of motor-racing cars. eczema ety C18: from New Latin, from Greek ekzema, from ek- out+ zein to boil; see #7yeast eczema 0. syl ec+ze+ma pron <1eksim*> pos n. qual Pathol. def a skin inflammation with lesions that scale, crust, or ooze a serous fluid, often accompanied by intense itching or burning. eczematous sub head eczema syl ec+zem:a+tous pron pos adj. ed 1. syl ed. qual abbrev. for: def edited. eds infl head ed syl eds. mod pl. ed 2. syl ed. qual abbrev. for: def edition. eds infl head ed syl eds. mod pl. ed 3. syl ed. qual abbrev. for: def editor. ed 4. syl ed. qual abbrev. for: def education. -ed ety Old English -de, -ede, -ode, -ade -ed H1.0. syl -ed pos suffix. def forming the past tense of most English verbs. -ed ety Old English -ed, -od, -ad -ed H2.0. syl -ed pos suffix. def forming the past participle of most English verbs. -ed ety Old English -ede -ed H3.0. syl -ed usage suffix forming adjectives from nouns. def possessing or having the characteristics of. exam 1 salaried; exam 2 red-blooded. edacious ety C19: from Latin ed*_ax voracious, from edere to eat edacious 0. syl e:da+cious pron pos adj. qual Chiefly humorous. def devoted to eating; voracious; greedy. edaciously sub head edacious syl e:1da+cious+ly pos adv. edacity sub head edacious or edaciousness syl e:dac+i:ty pron pos n. edaciousness sub head edacious or edacity syl e:1da+cious+ness pos n. Edam 0. syl E:dam pron <1Ed@m> pos n. def a hard round mild-tasting Dutch cheese, dark yellow in colour with a red outside covering. edaphic ety C20: from Greek edaphos bottom, soil edaphic 0. syl e:daph+ic pron pos adj. def of or relating to the physical and chemical conditions of the soil, esp. in relation to the plant and animal life it supports. edaphically sub head edaphic syl e:1daph:i+cal+ly pos adv. EDC 0. syl E.D.C. qual abbrev. for def European Defence Community. Edda ety C18: Old Norse Edda 1. syl Ed:da pron <1ed*> pos n. def Also called: {Elder Edda, Poetic Edda}. a collection of mythological Old Norse poems made in the 12th century. Edda 2. syl Ed:da pron <1ed*> pos n. def Also called: {Younger Edda, Prose Edda}. a treatise on versification together with a collection of Scandinavian myths, legends, and poems compiled by Snorri Sturluson. Eddaic sub head Edda syl Ed+da+ic pron pos adj. Eddington 0. syl Ed:ding:ton pron <1ediGt*n> pos n. def Sir {Ar@.thur Stan@.ley}. 1882-1944, English astronomer and physicist, noted for his research on the motion, internal constitution, and luminosity of stars and for his elucidation of the theory of relativity. Chinese eddo alt head eddo or eddo syl Chi+nese ed:do pron <1ed*u> pos n. eddoes infl head eddo syl ed:does. pos n. mod pl. eddo 0. or Chinese eddo syl ed:do pron <1ed*u> pos n. def variants of {taro}. eddy ety C15: probably of Scandinavian origin; compare Old Norse itha; related to Old English ed- again, back, Old High German it- eddies infl head eddy syl ed:dies. pos n. mod pl. eddy 1. syl ed:dy pron <1edi> pos n. def a movement in a stream of air, water, or other fluid in which the current doubles back on itself causing a miniature whirlwind or whirlpool. eddy 2. syl ed:dy pron <1edi> pos n. def a deviation from or disturbance in the main trend of thought, life, etc., esp. one that is relatively unimportant. eddies infl head eddy syl ed:dies pos vb. eddying infl head eddy syl ed:dy+ing pos vb. died infl head eddy syl +died. pos vb. eddy 3. syl ed:dy pron <1edi> pos vb. def to move or cause to move against the main current. Mary Baker infl head Eddy syl Mar:y Ba:ker. pos n. Eddy 0. syl Ed:dy pron <1edi> pos n. def 1821-1910, U.S. religious leader; founder of the Christian Science movement (1866). eddy current 0. syl ed:dy cur+rent pos n. def an electric current induced in a massive conductor, such as the core of an electromagnet, transformer, etc., by an alternating magnetic field. Also called: {Foucault current}. Eddystone Rocks 0. syl Ed+dy+stone Rocks pron <1edist*n> pos n. def a dangerous group of rocks at the W end of the English Channel, southwest of Plymouth: lighthouse. Ede 0. syl E:de pron <1Ad*> pos n. def a city in the central Netherlands, in Gelderland province. Pop.: 77589 (1973 est.). edelweiss ety C19: German, literally: noble white edelweiss 0. syl e:del+weiss pron <1AdL2vIs> pos n. def a small alpine flowering plant, having white woolly oblong leaves and a tuft of attractive floral leaves surrounding the flowers: family (composites). edemata infl head edema syl e:de+ma+ta pron <-m*t*> pos n. mod pl. edema 0. syl e:de+ma pron pos n. def the usual U.S. spelling of {oedema}. &- {e@.dem@.a+tous} ($I#!d$em$$t$$s) {e@.#!dem@.a+@!tose} Eden ety C14: from Late Latin, from Hebrew `*_edhen place of pleasure Eden H1.1. syl E:den pron <1EdN> pos n. def Also called: {Garden of Eden}. the garden in which Adam and Eve were placed at the Creation. Eden H1.2. syl E:den pron <1EdN> pos n. def a delightful place, region, dwelling, etc.; para?!dise. Eden H1.3. syl E:den pron <1EdN> pos n. def a state of great delight, happiness, or contentment; bliss. Eden H2.0. syl E:den pron <1EdN> pos n. def Sir ({Robert) An@.tho@.ny}, Earl of Avon. 1897-1977, British Conservative statesman; foreign secretary (1935-38; 1940-45; 1951-55) and prime minister (1955-57). He re?!signed after the controversy caused by the occupation of the Suez Canal zone by British and French forces (1956). edentate ety C19: from Latin *_edent*_atus lacking teeth, from *_edent*_are to render toothless, from e- out+ d*_ens tooth edentate 1. syl e:den+tate pron pos n. def any of the placental mammals that constitute the order which inhabit tropical regions of Central and South America. The order includes anteaters, sloths, and armadillos. edentate 2. syl e:den+tate pron pos adj. def of, relating to, or belonging to the order edentulate alt head edentulous or edentulous syl e:den+tu+late pron pos adj. edentulous 0. or edentulate syl e:den+tu+lous pron pos adj. def having no teeth. Edessa 1. syl E:des+sa pron pos n. def an ancient city on the N edge of the Syrian plateau, founded as a Macedonian colony by Seleucus I: a centre of early Christianity. Modern name: {Urfa}. Edessa 2. syl E:des+sa pron pos n. def a market town in Greece: ancient capital of Macedonia. Pop.: 13967 (1971). Ancient name: {Aegae}. Modern Greek name: {*'Edhessa}. Edgar 0. syl Ed:gar pron <1edg*> pos n. def 944-975 #7a.d., king of Mercia and Northumbria (957-975) and of England (959-975). Edgar Atheling 0. syl Ed:gar Ath:e:ling pron <1@TiliG> pos n. def ??1050-??1125, grandson of Edmund II; Anglo-Saxon pretender to the English throne in 1066. edge ety Old English ecg; related to Old Norse egg, Old High German ecka edge, Latin aci*_es sharpness, Greek akis point edge 1. syl edge pron pos n. def the border, brim, or margin of a surface, object, etc. edge 2. syl edge pron pos n. def a brink or verge. exam 1 the edge of a cliff; exam 2 the edge of a breakthrough. edge 3. syl edge pron pos n. def a line along which two faces or surfaces of a solid meet. edge 4. syl edge pron pos n. def the sharp cutting side of a blade. edge 5. syl edge pron pos n. def keenness, sharpness, or urgency. exam 1 the walk gave an edge to his appetite. edge 6. syl edge pron pos n. def force, effectiveness, or incisiveness. exam 1 the performance lacked edge. edge 7.a. syl edge pron pos n. def a cliff, ridge, or hillside. have the edge on 8. head edge or over syl have the edge on def to have a slight advantage or superiority (over). edge 9.a. syl edge pron pos n. def nervously irritable; tense. edge 9.b. syl edge pron pos n. def nervously excited or eager. set (someone's) teeth on edge 10. head edge syl set (someone's) teeth on edge. def to make someone acutely irritated or uncomfortable. {~} edge 11. syl edge pron pos n. mod tr. def to provide an edge or border for. edge 12. syl edge pron pos n. mod tr. def to shape or trim (the edge or border of something), as with a knife or scissors. exam 1 to edge a pie. edge 13. syl edge pron pos n. def to push (one's way, someone, something, etc.) gradually, esp. edgeways. edge 14. syl edge pron pos n. mod tr. qual Cricket. def to hit (a bowled ball) with the edge of the bat. edge 15. syl edge pron pos n. mod tr. def to tilt (a ski) sideways so that one edge digs into the snow. edge 16. syl edge pron pos n. mod tr. def to sharpen (a knife, etc.). edgeless sub head edge syl edge+less pos adj. edger sub head edge syl edg+er pos n. Edgehill 0. syl Edge+hill pron <2eJ1hil> pos n. def a ridge in S Warwickshire: site of the indecisive first battle between Charles I and the Parliamentarians (1642) in the Civil War. edge tool 0. syl edge tool pos n. def a tool with one or more cutting edges. edgeways 1. syl edge+ways pron <1eJ2wAz> usage esp. U.S. def with the edge forwards or uppermost. exam 1 they carried the piano in edgeways. edgeways 2. syl edge+ways pron <1eJ2wAz> usage esp. U.S. def on, by, with, or towards the edge. exam 1 he held it edgeways. get a word in edgeways 3. head edgeways syl get a word in edgeways. qual Informal. usage esp. U.S.; usually used with a negative def to succeed in interrupting a conversation in which someone else is talking incessantly. Maria infl head Edgeworth syl Ma:ri:a. pos n. Edgeworth 0. syl Edge:worth pron <1eJwR:T> pos n. def 1767-1849, English novelist: her works include (1800), and (1812). edging 1. syl edg+ing pron <1eJiG> pos n. def anything placed along an edge to finish it, esp. as an ornament, fringe, or border on clothing or along a path in a garden. edging 2. syl edg+ing pron <1eJiG> pos n. def the act of making an edge. {~} edging 3. syl edg+ing pron <1eJiG> pos n. def relating to or used for making an edge. exam 1 edging shears. edgier infl head edgy syl edg:i+er pos adj. edgiest infl head edgy syl edg:i+est. pos adj. edgy 1. syl edg:y pron <1eJi> pos adj. usage usually postpositive def nervous, irritable, tense, or anxious. edgy 2. syl edg:y pron <1eJi> pos adj. usage of paintings, drawings, etc. def excessively defined. edgily sub head edgy syl edg:i+ly pos adv. edginess sub head edgy syl edg:i+ness pos n. eth alt head edh or edh syl eth pron pos n. edh 0. or eth syl edh pron pos n. def a character of the runic alphabet (@d) used to represent the voiced dental fricative as in It is used in modern phonetic transcription for the same purpose. Compare {{thorn} (sense 4)}. 'Edhessa 0. syl *'E:dhes+sa pron Greek <1e@desa> pos n. def transliteration of the Modern Greek name for {Edessa}. edible ety C17: from Late Latin edibilis, from Latin edere to eat edible 0. syl ed+i:ble pron <1edibL> pos adj. def fit to be eaten; eatable. edibility sub head edible or edibleness syl ed+i:1bil+i:ty pos n. edibleness sub head edible or edibility syl ed+i:ble+ness pos n. edibles 0. syl ed+i:bles pron <1edibLz> pos n. mod pl. def articles fit to eat; food. edict ety C15: from Latin *_edictum, from *_ed*_icere to declare edict 1. syl e:dict pron <1Edikt> pos n. def a decree, order, or ordinance issued by a sovereign, state, or any other holder of authority. edict 2. syl e:dict pron <1Edikt> pos n. def any formal or authoritative command, proclamation, etc. edictal sub head edict syl e:1dic+tal pos adj. edictally sub head edict syl e:1dic+tal+ly pos adv. Edict of Nantes 0. syl E:dict of Nantes pos n. def the law granting religious and civil liberties to the French Protestants, promulgated by Henry IV in 1598 and revoked by Louis XIV in 1685. edification 1. syl ed:i+fi+ca+tion pron <2edifi1kAS*n> pos n. def improvement, instruction, or enlightenment, esp. when morally or spiritually uplifting. edification 2. syl ed:i+fi+ca+tion pron <2edifi1kAS*n> pos n. def the act of edifying or state of being edified. edificatory sub head edification syl e:dif:i+1ca+to:ry pos adj. edifice ety C14: from Old French, from Latin aedifi?!cium, from aedific*_are to build; see #7edify edifice 1. syl ed:i+fice pron <1edifis> pos n. def a building, esp. a large or imposing one. edifice 2. syl ed:i+fice pron <1edifis> pos n. def a complex or elaborate institution or organization. edificial sub head edifice syl ed:i+fi+cial pron <2edi1fiS*l> pos adj. edify ety C14: from Old French edifier, from Latin aedific*_are to construct, from aed*_es a dwelling, temple+ facere to make edifies infl head edify syl ed:i+fies pos vb. mod tr. edifying infl head edify syl ed:i+fy+ing pos vb. mod tr. edified infl head edify syl ed:i+fied. pos vb. mod tr. edify 0. syl ed:i+fy pron <1edi2fI> pos vb. mod tr. def to improve the morality, intellect, etc., of, esp. by instruction. edifier sub head edify syl ed:i+2fi+er pos n. edifyingly sub head edify syl ed:i+2fy+ing+ly pos adv. edile 0. syl e:dile pron <1EdIl> pos n. def a variant spelling of {aedile}. Edinburgh H1.0. syl Ed+in+burgh pron <1edinb*r*>, <-br*> pos n. def the capital of Scotland, on the S side of the Firth of Forth: became the capital in the 15th century; university (1583); commercial and cultural centre, noted for its annual festival. Pop.: 453422 (1971). Duke of infl head Edinburgh syl Duke of pos n. Edinburgh H2.0. syl Ed:in:burgh pron <1edinb*r*>, <-br*> pos n. def title of Prince born 1921, husband of Queen Elizabeth II of England. Edirne 0. syl E:dir+ne pron pos n. def a city in NW Turkey: a Thracian town, rebuilt and renamed by the Roman emperor Hadrian. Pop.: 54885 (1970). Former name: {Adrianople}. Thomas Alva infl head Edison syl Thom:as Al:va. pos n. Edison 0. syl Ed:i:son pron <1edisN> pos n. def 1847-1931, U.S. inventor. He patented more than a thousand inventions, including the phonograph, the incandescent electric lamp, the microphone, and the kinetoscope. edit ety C18: back formation from #7editor edit 1. syl ed:it pron <1edit> pos vb. mod tr. def to prepare (text) for publication by checking and improving its accuracy, clarity, etc. edit 2. syl ed:it pron <1edit> pos vb. mod tr. def to be in charge of (a publication, esp. a periodical). exam 1 he edits the local newspaper. edit 3. syl ed:it pron <1edit> pos vb. mod tr. def to prepare (a film, tape, etc.) by rearrangement, selection, or rejection of previously filmed or taped material. edit 4. syl ed:it pron <1edit> pos vb. mod tr. usage often foll. by out def to remove (incorrect or unwanted matter), as from a manuscript or film. {~} edit 5. syl ed:it pron <1edit> pos vb. mod tr. qual Informal. def an act of editing. exam 1 give the book a final edit. edit 1. syl edit. qual abbrev. for: def edited. edit 2. syl edit. qual abbrev. for: def edition. edit 3. syl edit. qual abbrev. for: def editor. edition ety C16: from Latin *_editi*_o a bringing forth, publishing, from *_edere to give out; see #7editor edition 1.a. syl e:di+tion pron pos n. def the entire number of copies of a book, newspaper, or other publication printed at one time from a single setting of type. edition 1.b. syl e:di+tion pron pos n. def a single copy from this number. exam 1 a first edition; exam 2 the evening edition. edition 2. syl e:di+tion pron pos n. def one of a number of printings of a book or other publication, issued at separate times with alterations, amendments, etc. Compare {{impression} (sense 6)}. edition 3.a. syl e:di+tion pron pos n. def an issue of a work identified by its format. exam 1 a leather-bound edition of Shakespeare. edition 3.b. syl e:di+tion pron pos n. def an issue of a work identified by its editor or publisher. exam 1 the Oxford edition of Shakespeare. editiones principes infl head editio princeps syl e:di+ti:o+nes prin+ci+pes pron <1prinsi2pEz> pos n. mod pl. editio princeps 0. syl e:di+ti:o prin+ceps pron <1prinseps> pos n. qual Latin. def the first printed edition of a work. editor ety C17: from Late Latin: producer, exhibitor, from *_edere to give out, publish, from *_e- out+ d*_are to give editor 1. syl ed:i+tor pron <1edit*> pos n. def a person who edits written material for publication. editor 2. syl ed:i+tor pron <1edit*> pos n. def a person in overall charge of the editing and often the policy of a newspaper or periodical. editor 3. syl ed:i+tor pron <1edit*> pos n. def a person in charge of one section of a newspaper or periodical. exam 1 the sports editor. editor 4.a. syl ed:i+tor pron <1edit*> pos n. def a person who makes a selection and arrangement of individual shots in order to construct the flowing sequence of images for a film. editor 4.b. syl ed:i+tor pron <1edit*> pos n. def a device for editing film, including a viewer and a splicer. editorship sub head editor syl ed:i+tor+2ship pos n. editorial 1. syl ed:i+to+ri:al pron <2edi1tc:ri*l> pos adj. def of or relating to editing or editors. editorial 2. syl ed:i+to+ri:al pron <2edi1tc:ri*l> pos adj. def of, relating to, or expressed in an editorial. editorial 3. syl ed:i+to+ri:al pron <2edi1tc:ri*l> pos adj. def of or relating to the content of a publication rather than its commercial aspects. editorial 4. syl ed:i+to+ri:al pron <2edi1tc:ri*l> pos n. def an article in a newspaper, etc., expressing the opinion of the editor or the publishers. editorialist sub head editorial syl ed:i+1to+ri+al+ist pos n. editorially sub head editorial syl ed:i+1to+ri+al+ly pos adv. editorialise alt head editorialize or editorialize syl ed:i+to+ri+al+ise pron <2edi1tc:ri*2lIz> pos vb. mod intr. editorialize 1. or editorialise syl ed:i+to+ri+al+ize pron <2edi1tc:ri*2lIz> pos vb. mod intr. def to express an opinion in or as in an editorial. editorialize 2. or editorialise syl ed:i+to+ri+al+ize pron <2edi1tc:ri*2lIz> pos vb. mod intr. def to insert one's personal opinions into an otherwise objective account. editorialization sub head editorialize or editorialisation syl ed:i+2to+ri+al:i+1za+tion pos n. editorialisation sub head editorialize or editorialization syl ed:i+2to+ri+al:i+1sa+tion pos n. editorializer sub head editorialize or editorialiser syl ed:i+1to+ri+al+2iz+er pos n. editorialiser sub head editorialize or editorializer syl ed:i+1to+ri+al+2is+er pos n. editor in chief 0. syl ed:i+tor in chief pos n. def the controlling editor of a publication. Edmonton 0. syl Ed+mon+ton pron <1edm*nt*n> pos n. def a city in W Canada, capital of Alberta: oil industry. Pop.: 438152 (1971). Edmund I 0. syl Ed:mund I pron <1edm*nd> pos n. def ??922-946 #7a.d., king of England (940-946). Edmund II 0. syl Ed:mund II pos n. def called ??980-1016, king of England in 1016. His succession was contested by Canute and they divided the kingdom between them. Edo 1. or Edos syl Ed:o pron <1ed*u> pos n. mod pl. def a member of a Negroid people of SW Nigeria around Benin, noted for their 16th-century bronze sculptures. Edo 2. syl Ed:o pron <1ed*u> pos n. def Also called: {Bini}. the language of this people, belonging to the Kwa branch of the Niger-Congo family. Edom 1. syl E:dom pron <1Ed*m> pos n. def a nomadic people descended from Esau. Edom 2. syl E:dom pron <1Ed*m> pos n. def the son of Esau who was the supposed ancestor of this nation. Edom 3. syl E:dom pron <1Ed*m> pos n. def the ancient kingdom of this people, situated between the Dead Sea and the Gulf of Aqaba. Edomite 1. syl E:dom+ite pron <1Ed*2mIt> pos n. def an inhabitant of the ancient kingdom of Edom, whose people were hostile to the Israelites in Old Testament times. Edomite 2. syl E:dom+ite pron <1Ed*2mIt> pos n. def the ancient Semitic language of this people, closely related to Hebrew. Edomitish sub head Edomite or Edomitic syl E:dom+2it+ish pron <2Ed*1mitik> pos adj. Edomitic sub head Edomite or Edomitish syl E:dom+it+ic pron <2Ed*1mitik> pos adj. edp alt head EDP or EDP syl e.d.p. EDP 0. or edp syl E.D.P. qual abbrev. for def electronic data processing. EDT 0. syl E.D.T. qual abbrev. for usage in the U.S. def Eastern Daylight Time. EDTA ety (HOOCCH\2)\2NCH\2\2. EDTA 0. syl EDTA pos n. def ethylenediaminetetra-acetic acid; a colourless crystalline slightly soluble organic compound used in inorganic chemistry and biochemistry. It is a powerful chelating agent. Formula. educ 1. syl educ. qual abbrev. for: def educated. educ 2. syl educ. qual abbrev. for: def education(al). educatable alt head educable or educable syl ed:u+cat+a:ble pron <1edju2kAt*bL> pos adj. educable 0. or educatable syl ed:u+ca:ble pron <1edjuk*bL> pos adj. def capable of being trained or educated; able to learn. educability sub head educable or educatability syl ed:u+ca:1bil+i:ty pos n. educatability sub head educable or educability syl ed:u:2cat+a:1bil+i:ty pos n. educate ety C15: from Latin *_educ*_are to rear, educate, from d*_ucere to lead educate 1. syl ed:u+cate pron <1edju2kAt> pos vb. mod also; intr. def to impart knowledge by formal instruction to (a pupil); teach. educate 2. syl ed:u+cate pron <1edju2kAt> pos vb. mod mainly; tr. def to provide education for (children); pay for the schooling of. exam 1 I have educated my children at the best schools. educate 3. syl ed:u+cate pron <1edju2kAt> pos vb. mod mainly; tr. def to improve or develop (a person, judgment, taste, skills, etc.). educate 4. syl ed:u+cate pron <1edju2kAt> pos vb. mod mainly; tr. def to train for some particular purpose or occupation. educated 1. syl ed:u+cat+ed pron <1edju2kAtid> pos adj. def having an education, esp. a good one. educated 2. syl ed:u+cat+ed pron <1edju2kAtid> pos adj. def displaying culture, taste, and knowledge; cultivated. educated 3. syl ed:u+cat+ed pron <1edju2kAtid> pos adj. usage prenominal def based on experience or information (esp. in the phrase {an educated guess}) . education 1. syl ed:u+ca+tion pron <2edju1kAS*n> pos n. def the act or process of acquiring knowledge, esp. systematically during childhood and ado?!lescence. education 2. syl ed:u+ca+tion pron <2edju1kAS*n> pos n. def the knowledge or training acquired by this process. exam 1 his education has been invaluable to him. education 3. syl ed:u+ca+tion pron <2edju1kAS*n> pos n. def the act or process of imparting knowledge to, esp. at a school, college, or university. exam 1 education is my profession. education 4. syl ed:u+ca+tion pron <2edju1kAS*n> pos n. def the theory of teaching and learning. exam 1 a course in education. education 5. syl ed:u+ca+tion pron <2edju1kAS*n> pos n. def a particular kind of instruction or training. exam 1 a university education; exam 2 consumer education. educational 1. syl ed:u+ca+tion+al pron <2edju1kAS*nL> pos adj. def providing knowledge; instructive or informative. exam 1 an educational toy. educational 2. syl ed:u+ca+tion+al pron <2edju1kAS*nL> pos adj. def of or relating to education. educationally sub head educational syl ed:u+1ca+tion+al+ly pos adv. educationist alt head educationalist or educationalist syl ed:u+ca+tion+ist pos n. educationalist 0. or educationist syl ed:u+ca+tion+al+ist pron <2edju1kAS*n*list> pos n. def a specialist in educational theory or administration. educative 0. syl ed:u+ca+tive pron <1edjuk*tiv> pos adj. def producing or resulting in education. exam 1 an educative experience. educator 1. syl ed:u+ca+tor pron <1edju2kAt*> pos n. def a person who educates; teacher. educator 2. syl ed:u+ca+tor pron <1edju2kAt*> pos n. def a specialist in education; educationalist. educatory 0. syl ed:u+ca+to:ry pron <1edjuk*t*ri>, <-tri> <2edju1kAt*ri>, <-tri> pos adj. def educative or educational. exam 1 an educatory procedure. educe ety C15: from Latin *_ed*_ucere to draw out, from *_e- out+ d*_ucere to lead educe 1. syl e:duce pron pos vb. mod tr. qual Rare. def to evolve or develop, esp. from a latent or potential state. educe 2. syl e:duce pron pos vb. mod tr. qual Rare. def to draw out or elicit (information, solutions, etc.). educe 3. syl e:duce pron pos vb. mod tr. qual Rare.; Logic. def to deduce (a proposition). educible sub head educe syl e:1duc+i:ble pos adj. eductive sub head educe syl e:duc+tive pron pos adj. educt ety C18: from Latin *_eductus; see #7educe educt 0. syl e:duct pron <1Ed^kt> pos n. def a substance separated from another substance without chemical change. Compare {product}. eduction ety C17: from Latin *_educti*_o, from *_ed*_ucere to #7educe eduction 1. syl e:duc+tion pron pos n. def something educed. eduction 2. syl e:duc+tion pron pos n. def the act or process of educing. eduction 3. syl e:duc+tion pron pos n. def the exhaust stroke of a steam or internal-combustion engine. Compare {induction}. edulcorate ety C17: from Medieval Latin *_edulcor*_are, from dulcor sweetness edulcorate 0. syl e:dul+co+rate pron pos vb. mod tr. def to free from soluble impurities by washing. edulcoration sub head edulcorate syl e:2dul+co+1ra+tion pos n. Lake infl head Edward syl Lake. pos n. Edward H1.0. syl Ed+ward pron <1edw*d> pos n. def a lake in central Africa, between Uganda and Za*"ire in the Great Rift Valley: empties through the Semliki River into Lake Albert. Area: about 2150 sq. km (830 sq. miles). Official name: {Lake Amin}. Edward H2.0. syl Ed:ward pron <1edw*d> pos n. def called 1330-76, Prince of Wales, the son of Edward III of England. He won victories over the French at Cr*'ecy (1346) and Poitiers (1356) in the Hundred Years' War. Edward I 0. syl Ed:ward I pos n. def 1239-1307, king of England (1272-1307); son of Henry III. He conquered Wales (1284) but failed to subdue Scotland. Edward II 0. syl Ed:ward II pos n. def 1284-1327, king of England (1307-27); son of Edward I. He invaded Scotland but was defeated by Robert Bruce at Bannockburn (1314). He was deposed by his wife Isabella and Roger Mortimer; died in prison. Edward III 0. syl Ed:ward III pos n. def 1312-77, king of England (1327-77); son of Edward II. His claim to the French throne in right of his mother Isabella provoked the Hundred Years' War (1337). Edward IV 0. syl Ed:ward IV pos n. def 1442-83, king of England (1461-70; 1471-83); son of Richard, duke of York. He defeated Henry VI in The Wars of the Roses and became king (1461). In 1470 Henry was restored to the throne, but Edward recovered the crown by his victory at Tewkesbury. Edward V 0. syl Ed:ward V pos n. def 1470-??83, king of England in 1483; son of Edward IV. He was deposed by his uncle, Richard, Duke of Gloucester (Richard III), and is thought to have been murdered with his brother in the Tower of London. Edward VI 0. syl Ed:ward VI pos n. def 1537-53, king of England (1547-53), son of Henry VIII and Jane Seymour. His uncle the Duke of Somerset was regent until 1552, when he was executed. Edward then came under the control of Dudley, Duke of Northumberland. Edward VII 0. syl Ed:ward VII pos n. def 1841-1910, king of Great Britain and Ireland (1901-10); son of Queen Victoria. Edward VIII 0. syl Ed:ward VIII pos n. def 1894-1972, king of Great Britain and Ireland in 1936; son of George V and brother of George VI. He abdicated in order to marry an American divorcee, Mrs. Wallis Simpson; created Duke of Windsor (1937). Edwardian 0. syl Ed+ward+i:an pron pos adj. def denoting, relating to, or having the style of life, architecture, dress, etc., current in England during the reign of Edward VII. Edwardianism sub head Edwardian syl Ed+1ward+i:an+ism pos n. Gareth (Owen) 1. head Edwards syl Gar:eth (Owen) def born 1947, British Rugby Union footballer: halfback for Wales (since 1967) and the British Lions (1968-74). Jonathan 2. head Edwards syl Jon:a:than. def 1703-58, American Calvinist theologian and metaphysician; author of (1754). Saint infl head Edward the Confessor syl Saint. pos n. Edward the Confessor 0. syl Ed:ward the Con:fes:sor pos n. def ??1002-66, king of England (1042-66); son of Ethelred II; founder of Westminster Abbey. Feast day: Oct. 13. Edwin 0. syl Ed:win pron <1edwin> pos n. def ??585-633 #7a.d., king of Northumbria (617-633) and overlord of all England except Kent. ee 0. syl e.e. qual abbrev. for def errors excepted. EE 1. syl E.E. qual abbrev. for: def Early English. EE 2. syl E.E. qual abbrev. for: def electrical engineer electrical engineering. -ee ety via Old French -e, -ee, past participial endings, from Latin -*_atus, -*_ata -#7ate %1 -ee 0. syl -ee exam 1 suffix forming nouns. -ee 1. syl -ee def indicating a person who is the recipient of an action (as opposed, esp. in legal terminology, to the agent, indicated by or -ee 2. syl -ee def indicating a person in a specified state or condition. exam 1 absentee; exam 2 employee. -ee 3. syl -ee def indicating a diminutive form of something. exam 1 bootee. EE MP 0. syl E.E. ?&+800248 M.P. qual abbrev. for def Envoy Extraordinary and Minister Plenipotentiary. EEC 0. syl EEC qual abbrev. for def European Economic Community (the Common Market). EEG 1. syl EEG qual abbrev. for: def electroencephalogram. EEG 2. syl EEG qual abbrev. for: def electroencepha?!lograph. eel ety Old English *_@al; related to Old Frisian *_el, Old Norse *_all, Old High German *_al eel 1. syl eel pron pos n. def any teleost fish of the order (or such as the European freshwater species having a long snakelike body, a smooth slimy skin, and reduced fins. eel 2. syl eel pron pos n. def any of various other animals with a long body and smooth skin, such as the mud eel and the electric eel. eel 3. syl eel pron pos n. def an evasive or untrustworthy person. eel-like sub head eel syl eel-2like pos adj. eely sub head eel syl eel:y pos adj. eelgrass 1. syl eel+grass pron <1El2gra:s> pos n. def any of several perennial submerged marine plants of the genus esp. having grasslike leaves: family eelgrass 2. syl eel+grass pron <1El2gra:s> pos n. def another name for {tape grass}. eelpout ety Old English *_@alep*_ute; related to Middle Dutch aalpuit eelpout 1. syl eel+pout pron <1El2paut> pos n. def any marine eel-like blennioid fish of the family such as ({viviparous eelpout} or blenny). eelpout 2. syl eel+pout pron <1El2paut> pos n. def another name for {burbot}. eelworm 0. syl eel+worm pron <1El2wR:m> pos n. def any of various nematode worms, esp. the wheat worm and the vinegar eel. e'en 0. syl e'en pron pos adv. n. def a contraction of {even%2} or {evening}. -eer ety from Old French -ier, from Latin -arius -#7ary -ier alt head -eer or -eer syl -ier pos suffix. -eer 1. or -ier syl -eer pos suffix. usage forming nouns def indicating a person who is concerned with or who does something specified. exam 1 auctioneer; exam 2 engineer; exam 3 profiteer; exam 4 mutineer. -eer 2. or -ier syl -eer pos suffix. usage forming verbs def to be con?!cerned with something specified. exam 1 electioneer. e'er 0. syl e'er pron pos adv. qual Poetic or archaic. def a contraction of {ever}. eerie ety C13: originally Scottish and Northern English, probably from Old English earg cowardly, miserable eerier infl head eerie syl ee:ri+er pos adj. eeriest infl head eerie syl ee:ri+est. pos adj. eerie 1. syl ee:rie pron <1i*ri> pos adj. usage esp. of places, an atmosphere, etc. def mysteriously or uncannily frightening or disturbing; weird; ghostly. eerily sub head eerie syl ee:ri+ly pos adv. eeriness sub head eerie syl ee:ri+ness pos n. eff 0. syl eff pron pos vb. def euphemism for {fuck} (esp. in the phrase {eff off}) . effable ety C17: from Old French, from Late Latin eff*_abilis, from Latin eff*_ar*_i, from ex- out+ f*_ar*_i to speak effable 0. syl ef+fa:ble pron <1ef*bL> pos adj. qual Archaic. def capable of being expressed in words. efface ety C15: from French effacer, literally: to obliterate the face; see #7face efface 1. syl ef+face pron pos vb. mod tr. def to obliterate or make dim. exam 1 to efface a memory. efface 2. syl ef+face pron pos vb. mod tr. def to make (oneself) inconspicuous or humble through modesty, cowardice, or obsequiousness. efface 3. syl ef+face pron pos vb. mod tr. def to rub out (a line, drawing, etc.); erase. effaceable sub head efface syl ef+1face+a:ble pos adj. effacement sub head efface syl ef+1face+ment pos n. effacer sub head efface syl ef+1fac+er pos n. effect ety C14: from Latin effectus a performing, tendency, from efficere to accomplish, from facere to do effect 1. syl ef+fect pron pos n. def something that is produced by a cause or agent; result. effect 2. syl ef+fect pron pos n. def power or ability to influence or produce a result; efficacy. exam 1 with no effect. effect 3. syl ef+fect pron pos n. def the condition of being operative (esp. in the phrases {in} or {into effect) }. exam 1 the law comes into effect at midnight. take effect 4. head effect syl take effect. def to become operative or begin to produce results. effect 5. syl ef+fect pron pos n. def basic meaning or purpose (esp. in the phrase {to that effect) }. effect 6. syl ef+fect pron pos n. def an impression, usually one that is artificial or contrived (esp. in the phrase {for effect) }. effect 7. syl ef+fect pron pos n. def a scientific phenomenon. exam 1 the Doppler effect. effect 8.a. syl ef+fect pron pos n. def in fact; actually. effect 8.b. syl ef+fect pron pos n. def for all practical purposes. effect 9. syl ef+fect pron pos n. def the overall impression or result. exam 1 the effect of a painting. effect 10. syl ef+fect pron pos vb. mod tr. def to cause to occur; bring about; accomplish. effecter sub head effect syl ef+1fect+er pos n. effectible sub head effect syl ef+1fect+i:ble pos adj. effective 1. syl ef+fec+tive pron pos adj. def productive of or capable of producing a result. effective 2. syl ef+fec+tive pron pos adj. def in effect; operative. exam 1 effective from midnight. effective 3. syl ef+fec+tive pron pos adj. def producing a striking impression; impressive. exam 1 an effective entrance. effective 4. syl ef+fec+tive pron pos adj. usage prenominal def actual rather than theoretical; real. exam 1 the effective income after deductions. effective 5. syl ef+fec+tive pron pos adj. usage of a military force, etc. def equipped and prepared for action. effective 6. syl ef+fec+tive pron pos adj. usage Physics. of an alternating quantity def having a value that is the square root of the mean of the squares of the magnitude measured at each instant over a defined period of time, usually one cycle. effectively sub head effective syl ef+1fec+tive+ly pos adv. effectiveness sub head effective syl ef+1fec+tive+ness pos n. effecter alt head effector or effector syl ef+fec+ter pron pos n. effector 0. or effecter syl ef+fec+tor pron pos n. qual Physiol. def a nerve ending that terminates in a muscle or gland and provides neural stimulation causing contraction or secretion. effects 1. syl ef+fects pron pos n. mod pl. def Also called: {personal effects}. personal property or belongings. effects 2. syl ef+fects pron pos n. mod pl. def Also called: {special effects}. effects 2.a. syl ef+fects pron pos n. mod pl. def lighting, sounds, etc., to accompany and enhance a stage, film, or broadcast production. effects 2.b. syl ef+fects pron pos n. mod pl. def the devices used to produce these. effectual 1. syl ef+fec+tu:al pron pos adj. def capable of or successful in producing an intended result; effective. effectual 2. syl ef+fec+tu:al pron pos adj. usage of documents, agreements, etc. def having legal force. effectuality sub head effectual or effectualness syl ef+2fec+tu+1al+i:ty pos n. effectualness sub head effectual or effectuality syl ef+1fec+tu+al+ness pos n. effectually 1. syl ef+fec+tu+al+ly pron pos adv. def with the intended effect; thoroughly. effectually 2. syl ef+fec+tu+al+ly pron pos adv. def to all practical purposes; in effect. effectuate 0. syl ef+fec+tu+ate pron pos vb. mod tr. def to cause to happen; effect; accomplish. effectuation sub head effectuate syl ef+2fec+tu+1a:tion pos n. effeminate ety C14: from Latin eff*_emin*_are to make into a woman, from f*_emina woman effeminate 1. syl ef+fem:i+nate pron pos adj. usage of a man or boy def displaying characteristics regarded as typical of a woman; not manly. effeminate 2. syl ef+fem:i+nate pron pos adj. def lacking firmness or vigour. exam 1 an effeminate piece of writing. effeminacy sub head effeminate or effeminateness syl ef+1fem:i+na+cy pos n. effeminateness sub head effeminate or effeminacy syl ef+1fem:i+nate+ness pos n. effeminately sub head effeminate syl ef+1fem:i+nate+ly pos adv. effendi ety C17: from Turkish efendi master, from Modern Greek aphent*_es, from Greek authent*_es lord, doer; see #7authentic effendis infl head effendi syl ef+fen+dis. pos n. mod pl. effendi 1. syl ef+fen+di pron pos n. usage in the Ottoman Empire def a title of respect used to address men of learning or social standing. effendi 2. syl ef+fen+di pron pos n. usage in Turkey since 1934 def the oral title of address equivalent to efferent ety C19: from Latin efferre to bear off, from ferre to bear efferent 0. syl ef+fer+ent pron <1ef*r*nt> pos adj. def carrying or conducting outwards from a part or an organ of the body, esp. from the brain or spinal cord. Compare {afferent}. efference sub head efferent syl ef+fer+ence pos n. efferently sub head efferent syl ef+fer+ent+ly pos adv. effervesce ety C18: from Latin effervescere to foam up, from fervescere to begin to boil, from ferv*_ere to boil, ferment effervesce 1. syl ef+fer+vesce pron <2ef*1ves> pos vb. mod intr. usage of a liquid def to give off bubbles of gas. effervesce 2. syl ef+fer+vesce pron <2ef*1ves> pos vb. mod intr. usage of a gas def to issue in bubbles from a liquid. effervesce 3. syl ef+fer+vesce pron <2ef*1ves> pos vb. mod intr. def to exhibit great excitement, vivacity, etc. effervescible sub head effervesce syl ef+fer+1ves+ci:ble pos adj. effervescent 1. syl ef+fer+ves+cent pron <2ef*1vesNt> pos adj. usage of a liquid def giving off bubbles of gas; bubbling. effervescent 2. syl ef+fer+ves+cent pron <2ef*1vesNt> pos adj. def high-spirited; vivacious. effervescence sub head effervescent syl ef+fer+1ves+cence pos n. effervescently sub head effervescent syl ef+fer+1ves+cent+ly pos adv. effervescingly sub head effervescent syl ef+fer+1ves+cing+ly pos adv. effete ety C17: from Latin eff*_etus having produced young, hence, exhausted by bearing, from f*_etus having brought forth; see #7fetus effete 1. syl ef+fete pron pos adj. def weak, ineffectual, or decadent as a result of overrefinement. exam 1 an effete academic. effete 2. syl ef+fete pron pos adj. def exhausted of vitality or strength; worn out; spent. effete 3. syl ef+fete pron pos adj. usage of animals or plants def no longer capable of reproduction. effetely sub head effete syl ef+1fete+ly pos adv. effeteness sub head effete syl ef+1fete+ness pos n. efficacious ety C16: from Latin effic*_ax powerful, efficient, from efficere to achieve; see #7effect efficacious 0. syl ef+fi+ca+cious pron <2efi1kAS*s> pos adj. def capable of or successful in producing an intended result; effective as a means, remedy, etc. efficaciously sub head efficacious syl ef+fi+1ca+cious+ly pos adv. efficacy sub head efficacious or efficaciousness syl ef+fi+ca+cy pron <1ef*k*si> pos n. efficaciousness sub head efficacious or efficacy syl ef+fi+1ca+cious+ness pos n. efficies infl head efficiency syl ef+fi+cies. pos n. mod pl. efficiency 1. syl ef+fi+cien+cy pron pos n. def the quality or state of being efficient; competence; effectiveness. efficiency 2. syl ef+fi+cien+cy pron pos n. def the ratio of the energy output of a machine, engine, device, etc., to the energy supplied to it, often expressed as a percentage. See also {thermal efficiency}. efficiency apartment 0. syl ef+fi+cien+cy a:part+ment pos n. qual U.S. def a small flat or bedsitter. efficient ety C14: from Latin effici*_ens effecting efficient 1. syl ef+fi+cient pron pos adj. def functioning or producing effectively and with the least waste of effort; competent. efficient 2. syl ef+fi+cient pron pos adj. qual Philosophy. def producing a direct effect; causative. efficiently sub head efficient syl ef+1fi+cient+ly pos adv. effigy ety C18: from Latin effigi*_es, from effingere to form, portray, from fingere to shape effigies infl head effigy syl ef+fi+gies. pos n. mod pl. effigy 1. syl ef+fi+gy pron <1efiJi> pos n. def a portrait of a person, esp. as a monument or architectural decoration. effigy 2. syl ef+fi+gy pron <1efiJi> pos n. def a crude representation of someone, used as a focus for contempt or ridicule and often hung up or burnt in public (often in the phrases {burn} or {hang in effigy) }. effigial sub head effigy syl ef+fig+i:al pron pos adj. effloresce ety C18: from Latin effl*_or*_escere to blossom, from fl*_or*_escere, from fl*_os flower effloresce 1. syl ef+flo+resce pron <2eflc:1res> pos vb. mod intr. def to burst forth into or as if into flower; bloom. effloresce 2. syl ef+flo+resce pron <2eflc:1res> pos vb. mod intr. def to become powdery by loss of water or crystallization. effloresce 3. syl ef+flo+resce pron <2eflc:1res> pos vb. mod intr. def to become encrusted with powder or crystals as a result of chemical change or the evaporation of a solution. efflorescence 1. syl ef+flo+res+cence pron <2eflc:1resNs> pos n. def a bursting forth or flowering. efflorescence 2.a. syl ef+flo+res+cence pron <2eflc:1resNs> pos n. def the process of efflorescing. efflorescence 2.b. syl ef+flo+res+cence pron <2eflc:1resNs> pos n. def the powdery substance formed as a result of this process, esp. on the surface of rocks. efflorescence 3. syl ef+flo+res+cence pron <2eflc:1resNs> pos n. def any skin rash or eruption. efflorescent sub head efflorescence syl ef+flo+1res+cent pos adj. efflux alt head effluence or effluence syl ef+flux pron <1efl^ks> pos n. effluence 1. or efflux syl ef+flu+ence pron <1eflu*ns> pos n. def the act or process of flowing out. effluence 2. or efflux syl ef+flu+ence pron <1eflu*ns> pos n. def something that flows out. effluent ety C18: from Latin effluere to run forth, from fluere to flow effluent 1. syl ef+flu+ent pron <1eflu*nt> pos n. def liquid discharged as waste, as from an industrial plant or sewage works. effluent 2. syl ef+flu+ent pron <1eflu*nt> pos n. def radioactive waste released from a nuclear power station. effluent 3. syl ef+flu+ent pron <1eflu*nt> pos n. def a stream that flows out of another body of water. effluent 4. syl ef+flu+ent pron <1eflu*nt> pos n. def something that flows out or forth. effluent 5. syl ef+flu+ent pron <1eflu*nt> pos adj. def flowing out or forth. effluvium ety C17: from Latin: a flowing out; see #7effluent effluvia infl head effluvium or effluviums syl ef+flu+vi:a pron <-vi*> pos n. mod pl. effluviums infl head effluvium or effluvia syl ef+flu+vi:ums. pos n. mod pl. effluvium 0. syl ef+flu+vi:um pron pos n. def an unpleasant smell or exhalation, as of gaseous waste or decaying matter. effluvial sub head effluvium syl ef+1flu+vi:al pos adj. effort ety C15: from Old French esfort, from esforcier to force, ultimately from Latin fortis strong; see #7force effort 1. syl ef+fort pron <1ef*t> pos n. def physical or mental exertion, usually considerable when unqualified. exam 1 the rock was moved with effort. effort 2. syl ef+fort pron <1ef*t> pos n. def a determined attempt. exam 1 our effort to save him failed. effort 3. syl ef+fort pron <1ef*t> pos n. def achievement; creation. exam 1 a great literary effort. effort 4. syl ef+fort pron <1ef*t> pos n. qual Physics. def an applied force acting against inertia. effortful sub head effort syl ef+fort+ful pos adj. effortless 1. syl ef+fort+less pron <1ef*tlis> pos adj. def requiring or involving little effort; easy. effortless 2. syl ef+fort+less pron <1ef*tlis> pos adj. qual Archaic. def making little effort; passive. effortlessly sub head effortless syl ef+fort+less+ly pos adv. effortlessness sub head effortless syl ef+fort+less+ness pos n. effrontery ety C18: from French effronterie, from Old French esfront barefaced, shameless, from Late Latin effrons, literally: putting forth one's forehead; see #7front effronteries infl head effrontery syl ef+fron+ter:ies. pos n. mod pl. effrontery 0. syl ef+fron+ter:y pron pos n. def shameless or insolent boldness; impudent presumption; audacity; temerity. effulgent ety C18: from Latin effulg*_ere to shine forth, from fulg*_ere to shine effulgent 0. syl ef+ful+gent pron pos adj. def radiant; brilliant. effulgence sub head effulgent syl ef+1ful+gence pos n. effulgently sub head effulgent syl ef+1ful+gent+ly pos adv. effuse ety C16: from Latin eff*_usus poured out, from effundere to shed, from fundere to pour effuse 1. syl ef+fuse pron pos vb. def to pour or flow out. effuse 2. syl ef+fuse pron pos vb. def to spread out; diffuse. effuse 3. syl ef+fuse pron pos vb. mod intr. def to talk profusely, esp. in an excited manner. effuse 4. syl ef+fuse pron pos vb. def to cause (a gas) to flow or (of a gas) to flow under pressure. effuse 5. syl ef+fuse pron pos adj. usage Botany. esp. of an inflorescence def spreading out loosely. effusiometer 0. syl ef+fu+si+om+e:ter pron pos n. qual Physics. def an apparatus for determining rates of effusion of gases, usually used for measuring molecular weights. effusion 1. syl ef+fu+sion pron pos n. def an unrestrained outpouring in speech or words. effusion 2. syl ef+fu+sion pron pos n. def the act or process of being poured out. effusion 3. syl ef+fu+sion pron pos n. def something that is poured out. effusion 4. syl ef+fu+sion pron pos n. def the flow of a gas through a small aperture under pressure, esp. when the density is such that the mean distance between molecules is large compared to the diameter of the aperture. effusive 1. syl ef+fu+sive pron pos adj. def extravagantly demonstrative of emotion; gushing. effusive 2. syl ef+fu+sive pron pos adj. usage of rock def formed by the solidification of magma. effusively sub head effusive syl ef+1fu+sive+ly pos adv. effusiveness sub head effusive syl ef+1fu+sive+ness pos n. Efik 1. or Efiks syl Ef:ik pron <1efik> pos n. mod pl. def a member of a subgroup of the Ibibio people of SE Nigeria. Efik 2. syl Ef:ik pron <1efik> pos n. def the language spoken by this people: the chief literary dialect of Ibibio. eft ety Old English efeta eft H1.1. syl eft pron pos n. def a dialect or archaic name for a {newt}. eft H1.2. syl eft pron pos n. def any of certain terrestrial newts, such as ({red eft}) of the eastern U.S. eft ety Old English; see #7aft, after eft H2.0.a. syl eft pron pos adv. qual Archaic def again. eft H2.0.b. syl eft pron pos adv. qual Archaic def afterwards. EFTA 0. syl EFTA pron <1eft*> pos n. usage acronym for def European Free Trade Association; established in 1960 to eliminate trade tariffs on industrial products; comprised Britain, Denmark, Norway, Sweden, Switzerland, Austria, and Portugal. Finland became an associate member in 1961 and Iceland joined in 1970. Britain and Denmark left EFTA to join the EEC in 1972. eftsoons ety Old English eft s*_ona, literally: afterwards soon eftsoons 1. syl eft+soons pron pos adv. qual Archaic. def soon afterwards. eftsoons 2. syl eft+soons pron pos adv. qual Archaic. def repeatedly. Eg 1. syl Eg. qual abbrev. for: def Egypt(ian). Eg 2. syl Eg. qual abbrev. for: def Egyptology. eg ety Latin: for example eg 0. syl e.g. qual abbrev. for def exempli gratia. egad ety C17: probably variant of Ah God&! egad 0. syl e:gad pron , pos interj. qual Archaic. def a mild oath or expression of surprise. egalitarian ety C19: alteration of equalitarian, through influence of French *'egal #7equal egalitarian 1. syl e:gal:i+tar+i:an pron pos adj. def of, relating to, or upholding the doctrine of the equality of mankind and the desirability of political, social, and economic equality. egalitarian 2. syl e:gal:i+tar+i:an pron pos n. def an adherent of egalitarian principles. egalitarianism sub head egalitarian syl e:2gal:i+1tar:i+an+2ism pos n. Egbert 0. syl Eg:bert pron <1egbR:t> pos n. def ??775-839 #7a.d., king of Wessex (802-839); first overlord of all England (829-830). Eger 1. syl E:ger pron Hungarian <1eger> pos n. def a city in N central Hungary. Pop.: 45000 (1970). Eger 2. syl E:ger pron <1A:g*r> pos n. def the German name for {Cheb}. Egeria ety C17: name of the mythical adviser of Numa Pompilius, king of Rome Egeria 0. syl E:ge:ri:a pron pos n. def a female adviser. egest ety C17: from Latin *_egerere to carry out, from gerere to carry egest 0. syl e:gest pron pos vb. mod tr. def to excrete (waste material, etc.). egestion sub head egest syl e:1ges+tion pos n. egestive sub head egest syl e:1ges+tive pos adj. egesta ety C18: from Latin, literally: (things) carried out; see #7egest egesta 0. syl e:ges+ta pron pos n. mod pl. def anything egested, as waste material from the body; excrement. egg ety C14: from Old Norse egg; related to Old English *_@ag, Old High German ei egg H1.1. syl egg pron pos n. def the oval or round reproductive body laid by the females of birds, reptiles, fishes, insects, and some other animals, consisting of a developing embryo, its food store, and sometimes jelly or albumen, all surrounded by an outer shell or membrane. egg H1.2. syl egg pron pos n. def Also called: {egg cell}. any female gamete; ovum. egg H1.3. syl egg pron pos n. def the egg of the domestic hen used as food. egg H1.4. syl egg pron pos n. def something resembling an egg, esp. in shape or in being in an early stage of development. egg H1.5.a. syl egg pron pos n. def a good (or bad) person. egg H1.5.b. syl egg pron pos n. def an exclamation of delight (or dismay). egg H1.6.a. syl egg pron pos n. def to make a joke or give a performance, etc., that fails completely. egg H1.6.b. syl egg pron pos n. usage of a joke, performance, etc. def to fail completely; flop. put 7. head egg or have all one's eggs in one basket syl put def to stake everything on a single venture. teach one's grandmother to suck eggs 8. head egg syl teach one's grandmother to suck eggs. qual Informal. def to presume to teach someone something that he knows already. {~} egg H1.9. syl egg pron pos n. def to dip (food) in beaten egg before cooking. egg H1.10. syl egg pron pos n. qual U.S. informal. def to throw eggs at. egg ety Old English eggian, from Old Norse eggja to urge; related to Old English ecg #7edge, Middle Low German eggen to harrow egg H2.0. syl egg pron pos vb. mod tr. usage usually foll. by on def to urge or incite, esp. to daring or foolish acts. egg and tongue infl head egg and dart or egg and anchor syl egg and tongue pos n. egg and anchor infl head egg and dart or egg and tongue syl egg and an+chor pos n. egg and dart 0.a. syl egg and dart pos n. usage in architecture and cabinetwork def an ornamental moulding in which a half egg shape alternates with a dart, tongue, or anchor shape. egg and dart 0.b. syl egg and dart pos n. usage in architecture and cabinetwork; as modifier exam 1 egg-and-dart moulding. egg-and-spoon race 0. syl egg-and-spoon race pos n. def a race in which runners carry an egg balanced in a spoon. eggbeater 1. syl egg+beat:er pron <1eg2bEt*> pos n. def Also called: {eggwhisk}. a kitchen utensil for beating eggs, whipping cream, etc.; whisk. eggbeater 2. syl egg+beat:er pron <1eg2bEt*> pos n. qual Chiefly U.S. def an informal name for {helicopter}. egg cup 0. syl egg cup pos n. def a small cuplike container, used for holding a boiled egg while it is being eaten. egger ety C18: from #7egg, from the egg-shaped cocoon eggar alt head egger or egger syl eg+gar pron <1eg*> pos n. egger 0. or eggar syl eg+ger pron <1eg*> pos n. def any of various widely distributed moths of the family such as ({oak egger}) of Europe, having brown bodies and wings. egghead 0. syl egg+head pron <1eg2hed> pos n. qual Informal. def an intellectual; highbrow. egg-noggin alt head eggnog or eggnog syl egg-nog:gin pos n. eggnog 0. or egg-noggin syl egg+nog pron <2eg1nog> pos n. def a drink that can be served hot or cold, made of eggs, milk, sugar, spice, and brandy, rum, or other spirit. Also called {egg flip}. eggplant 0. syl egg+plant pron <1eg2pla:nt> pos n. def another name (esp. U.S.) for {aubergine}. egg roll 0. syl egg roll pos n. def a Chinese-American dish consisting of egg dough filled with a minced mixture of pork, bamboo shoots, onions, etc., and browned in deep fat. eggs Benedict 0. syl eggs Ben+e:dict pos n. def a dish consisting of toast, covered with a slice of ham, poached egg, and hollandaise sauce. eggshell 1. syl egg+shell pron <1eg2Sel> pos n. def the hard porous protective outer layer of a bird's egg, consisting of calcite and protein. eggshell 2. syl egg+shell pron <1eg2Sel> pos n. def a yellowish-white colour. eggshell 3. syl egg+shell pron <1eg2Sel> pos n. def a type of paper with a slightly rough finish. eggshell 4. syl egg+shell pron <1eg2Sel> pos n. usage modifier; of paint def having little gloss; possessing a matt finish similar to that of an egg. eggshell 5. syl egg+shell pron <1eg2Sel> pos adj. def of a yellowish-white colour. eggshell porchina alt head eggshell porcelain or eggshell porcelain syl egg+shell porchi+na pos n. eggshell porcelain 0. or eggshell porchina syl egg+shell porce+lain pos n. def a type of very thin translucent porcelain originally made in China. egg slice 0. syl egg slice pos n. def a spatula for removing omelettes, fried eggs, etc., from a pan. egg spoon 0. syl egg spoon pos n. def a small spoon for eating a boiled egg. egg timer 0. syl egg tim+er pos n. def a device, typically a miniature hour-glass, for timing the boiling of an egg. egg tooth 0. syl egg tooth pos n. usage in embryo birds and reptiles def a temporary tooth or (in birds) projection of the beak used for piercing the eggshell. egg white 0. syl egg white pos n. def the white of an egg; albumen. Egham 0. syl Eg+ham pron <1eg*m> pos n. def a town in S England, in N Surrey on the River Thames. Pop.: 30510 (1971). egis 0. syl e:gis pron <1EJis> pos n. def a rare spelling of {aegis}. eglantine ety C14: from Old French aiglent, ultimately from Latin acus needle, from acer sharp, keen eglantine 0. syl eg+lan+tine pron <1egl*n2tIn> pos n. def another name for {sweetbrier}. Egmont H1.0. syl Eg+mont pron <1egmont> pos n. def an extinct volcano in New Zealand, in W central North Island in the {Egmont National Park}: an almost perfect cone. Height: 2478 m (8260 ft.). Lamoral infl head Egmont syl La:mo:ral pron <1lamcral> pos n. Egmont H2.0. syl Eg:mont pron <1egmont> pos n. def Count of Egmont, Prince of Gavre. 1522-68, Flemish statesman and soldier. He attempted to secure limited reforms and religious tolerance in the Spanish government of the Netherlands, refused to join William the Silent's rebellion, but was nevertheless executed for treason by the Duke of Alva. ego ety C19: from Latin: I egos infl head ego syl e:gos. pos n. mod pl. ego 1. syl e:go pron <1Eg*u>, <1eg*u> pos n. def the self of an individual person; the conscious subject. ego 2. syl e:go pron <1Eg*u>, <1eg*u> pos n. qual Psychoanal. def the conscious mind, based on perception of the environment from birth onwards: responsible for modifying the antisocial instincts of the id and itself modified by the conscience (superego). ego 3. syl e:go pron <1Eg*u>, <1eg*u> pos n. qual Informal. def one's image of oneself; morale. exam 1 to boost one's ego. ego 4. syl e:go pron <1Eg*u>, <1eg*u> pos n. qual Informal. def egotism; conceit. egocentric 1. syl e:go+cen+tric pron <2Eg*u1sentrik>, <2eg-> pos adj. def regarding everything only in relation to oneself; self-centred; selfish. egocentric 2.a. syl e:go+cen+tric pron <2Eg*u1sentrik>, <2eg-> pos adj. def believing that the study of the self should be the starting point in philosophy. egocentric 2.b. syl e:go+cen+tric pron <2Eg*u1sentrik>, <2eg-> pos adj. def real, valid, or known only as perceived by the individual mind. egocentric 3. syl e:go+cen+tric pron <2Eg*u1sentrik>, <2eg-> pos n. def a self-centred person; egotist. egocentricity sub head egocentric syl e:go+cen+1tric+i:ty pos n. egocentrism 1. syl e:go+cen+trism pron <2Eg*u1sentriz*m>, <2eg*u-> pos n. def the condition or fact of being egocentric. egocentrism 2. syl e:go+cen+trism pron <2Eg*u1sentriz*m>, <2eg*u-> pos n. qual Psychol. def a stage in a child's development characterized by lack of awareness that other people's points of view differ from his own. ego ideal 0. syl e:go i:deal pos n. qual Psychoanal. def an internal ideal of personal perfection that represents what one wants to be rather than what one ought to be and is derived from one's early relationship with one's parents. See also {superego}. egoism 1. syl e:go+ism pron <1Eg*u2iz*m>, <1eg-> pos n. def concern for one's own interests and welfare. egoism 2. syl e:go+ism pron <1Eg*u2iz*m>, <1eg-> pos n. qual Ethics. def the theory that the pursuit of one's own welfare is the highest good. Compare {altruism}. egoism 3. syl e:go+ism pron <1Eg*u2iz*m>, <1eg-> pos n. def self-?!centredness; egotism. egoist 1. syl e:go+ist pron <1Eg*uist>, <1eg-> pos n. def a person who is preoccupied with his own interests; a selfish person. egoist 2. syl e:go+ist pron <1Eg*uist>, <1eg-> pos n. def a conceited person; egotist. egoist 3. syl e:go+ist pron <1Eg*uist>, <1eg-> pos n. qual Ethics. def a person who lives by the values of egoism. egoistic sub head egoist or egoistical syl e:go+1is+tic pos adj. egoistical sub head egoist or egoistic syl e:go+1is+ti+cal pos adj. egoistically sub head egoist syl e:go+1is+ti+cal+ly pos adv. egomania 1. syl e:go+ma+ni:a pron <2Eg*u1mAni*>, <2eg-> pos n. qual Psychiatry. def obsessive love for oneself and regard for one's own needs. egomania 2. syl e:go+ma+ni:a pron <2Eg*u1mAni*>, <2eg-> pos n. qual Psychiatry. def any action dictated by this point of view. egomaniac sub head egomania syl e:go+1ma+ni+2ac pos n. egomaniacal sub head egomania syl e:go+ma+ni:a+cal pron <2Eg*um*1nIikL>, <2eg-> pos adj. egotism ety C18: from Latin ego I+-#7ism egotism 1. syl e:go+tism pron <1Eg*2tiz*m>, <1eg*-> pos n. def an inflated sense of self-importance or superiority; self-centredness. egotism 2. syl e:go+tism pron <1Eg*2tiz*m>, <1eg*-> pos n. def excessive reference to oneself. egotist 1. syl e:go+tist pron <1Eg*tist>, <1eg-> pos n. def a conceited boastful person. egotist 2. syl e:go+tist pron <1Eg*tist>, <1eg-> pos n. def a self-interested person; egoist. egotistic sub head egotist or egotistical syl e:go+1tis+tic pos adj. egotistical sub head egotist or egotistic syl e:go+1tis+ti+cal pos adj. egotistically sub head egotist syl e:go+1tis+ti+cal+ly pos adv. ego trip 1. syl e:go trip qual Informal. n. def something undertaken to boost or draw attention to a person's own image or appraisal of himself. {~} {e@.go-trip, -trips, -trip@.ping, -tripped}. ego trip 2. syl e:go trip qual Informal. n. def to act in this way. egregious ety C16: from Latin *_egregius outstanding (literally: standing out from the herd), from *_e- out+ grex flock, herd egregious 1. syl e:gre+gious pron , <-Ji*s> pos adj. def outstandingly bad; flagrant. exam 1 an egregious lie. egregious 2. syl e:gre+gious pron , <-Ji*s> pos adj. qual Archaic. def distinguished; eminent. egregiously sub head egregious syl e:1gre+gious+ly pos adv. egregiousness sub head egregious syl e:1gre+gious+ness pos n. egress ety C16: from Latin *_egred*_i to come forth, depart, from grad*_i to move, step egress 1. syl e:gress pron <1Egres> pos n. def Also: {egression}. the act of going or coming out; emergence. egress 2. syl e:gress pron <1Egres> pos n. def a way out, such as a path; exit. egress 3. syl e:gress pron <1Egres> pos n. def the right or permission to go out or depart. egress 4. syl e:gress pron <1Egres> pos n. qual Astronomy. def another name for {{emersion} (sense 2)}. egress 5. syl e:gress pron pos vb. mod intr. def to go forth; issue. egret ety C15: from Old French aigrette, from Old Proven*,cal aigreta, from aigron heron, of Germanic origin; compare Old High German heigaro #7heron egret 0. syl e:gret pron <1Egrit> pos n. def any of various wading birds of the genera etc., that are similar to herons but usually have a white plumage and, in the breeding season, long feathery plumes (see {aigrette}) : family order Egypt 0. syl E:gypt pron <1EJipt> pos n. def a republic in NE Africa, on the Mediterranean and Red Sea: its history dates back about 5000 years. Occupied by the British from 1882, it became an independent kingdom in 1922 and a republic in 1953. Over 96 per cent of the total area is desert, with the chief areas of habitation and cultivation in the Nile delta and valley. Cotton is the main export. Language: Arabic. Religion: chiefly Sunni Muslim. Currency: pound. Capital: Cairo. Pop.: 38228180 (1976). Area: 1002000 sq. km (386900 sq. miles). Official name: {Arab Republic of Egypt}. Egypt 0. syl Egypt. qual abbrev. for def Egyptian. Egyptian 1. syl E:gyp+tian pron pos adj. def of, relating to, or characteristic of Egypt, its inhabitants, or their dialect of Arabic. Egyptian 2. syl E:gyp+tian pron pos adj. def of, relating to, or characteristic of the ancient Egyptians, their language, or culture. Egyptian 3. syl E:gyp+tian pron pos adj. usage of type def having square slab serifs. Egyptian 4. syl E:gyp+tian pron pos adj. qual Archaic. def of or relating to the Gypsies. Egyptian 5. syl E:gyp+tian pron pos n. def a native or inhabitant of Egypt. Egyptian 6. syl E:gyp+tian pron pos n. def a member of an indigenous non-Semitic people who established an advanced civilization in Egypt that flourished from the late fourth millenium #7b.c. Egyptian 7. syl E:gyp+tian pron pos n. def the extinct language of the ancient Egyptians, belonging to the Afro-Asiatic family of languages. It is recorded in hieroglyphic inscriptions, the earliest of which date from before 3000 #7b.c. It was extinct by the fourth century #7a.d. See also {Coptic}. Egyptian 8. syl E:gyp+tian pron pos n. def a large size of drawing paper. Egyptian 9. syl E:gyp+tian pron pos n. def an archaic name for a {Gypsy}. Egyptology 0. syl E:gyp+tol+o:gy pron <2EJip1tol*Ji> pos n. def the study of the archaeology and language of ancient Egypt. Egyptological sub head Egyptology syl E:gyp+to+log:i+cal pron pos adj. Egyptologist sub head Egyptology syl E:gyp+1tol:o+gist pos n. eh 0. syl eh pron pos interj. def an exclamation used to express questioning surprise or to seek the repetition or confirmation of a statement or question. exam 1 Eh?? exam 2 What did you say?? EHF 0. syl EHF qual abbrev. for def extremely high frequency. Erenburg alt head Ehrenburg or Ehrenburg syl E:ren:burg pron <1er*nbR:g>, Russian pos n. Ilya Grigorievich infl head Ehrenburg syl Il:ya Gri:gor:ie:vich pron pos n. Ehrenburg 0. or Erenburg syl Eh:ren:burg pron <1er*nbR:g>, Russian pos n. def 1891-1967, Soviet novelist and journalist. His novel (1954) was the first published in the Soviet Union to deal with repression under Stalin. Paul infl head Ehrlich syl Paul pron pos n. Ehrlich 0. syl Ehr:lich pron German <1A:rli*,c> pos n. def 1854-1915, German bacteriologist, noted for his pioneering work in immunology and chemotherapy and for his discovery of a remedy for syphilis: Nobel prize for physiology and medicine 1908. EI 1. syl E.I. qual abbrev. for: def East Indian. EI 2. syl E.I. qual abbrev. for: def East Indies. Joseph infl head Eichendorff syl Jo:seph pron <1jo:zef> pos n. Eichendorff 0. syl Ei:chen:dorff pron German <1I*,cN2dcrf> pos n. def Freiherr von Eichendorff. 1788-1857, German poet and novelist, re?!garded as one of the greatest German romantic lyricists. (Karl) Adolf infl head Eichmann syl (Karl) A:dolf pron <1a:dclf> pos n. Eichmann 0. syl Eich:mann pron German <1I*,c2man> pos n. def 1902-62, Austrian Nazi official. He escaped to Argentina after World War II, but was captured and executed in Israel as a war criminal. eider ety C18: from Old Norse @athr; related to Swedish ejder, Dutch, German Eider eider duck alt head eider or eider syl ei:der duck pron <1Id*> pos n. eider 0. or eider duck syl ei:der pron <1Id*> pos n. def any of several sea ducks of the genus esp. and related genera, which occur in the N hemisphere. The male has black and white plumage, and the female is the source of eiderdown. eiderdown 1. syl ei:der+down pron <1Id*2daun> pos n. def the breast down of the female eider duck, with which it lines the nest, used for stuffing pillows, quilts, etc. eiderdown 2. syl ei:der+down pron <1Id*2daun> pos n. def a thick warm cover for a bed, made of two layers of material enclosing a soft filling. eiderdown 3. syl ei:der+down pron <1Id*2daun> pos n. qual U.S. def a warm cotton fabric having a woollen nap. eidetic ety C20: from Greek eid*_etikos, from eidos shape, form eidetic 1. syl ei:det+ic pron pos adj. qual Psychol. usage of visual images, esp. those experienced in childhood def imagined and unreal, but so vivid and sharp that they may be mistaken for reality. eidetic 2. syl ei:det+ic pron pos adj. qual Psychol. def relating to or subject to such imagery. eidetically sub head eidetic syl ei:1det:i+cal+ly pos adv. eidolon ety C19: from Greek: phantom, #7idol eidola infl head eidolon or eidolons syl ei:do+la pron <-l*> pos n. mod pl. eidolons infl head eidolon or eidola syl ei:do+lons. pos n. mod pl. eidolon 1. syl ei:do+lon pron pos n. def an unsubstantial image; apparition; phantom. eidolon 2. syl ei:do+lon pron pos n. def an ideal or idealized figure. Alexandre Gustave infl head Eiffel syl A:le:xan:dre Gus:tave pron pos n. Eiffel 0. syl Eif:fel pron <1IfL>, French pos n. def 1832-1923, French engineer. Eiffel Tower 0. syl Eif:fel Tow+er pron <1IfL> pos n. def a tower in Paris: designed by A. G. Eiffel; erected for the 1889 Paris Exposition. Height: 295 m (984 ft.), raised in 1959 to 315 m (1052 ft.). eigen- ety from German, literally: own eigen- 0. syl ei:gen- pos n. usage combining form. def characteristic; proper. exam 1 eigenvalue. eicies infl head eigenfrequency syl ei:cies. pos n. mod pl. eigenfrequency 0. syl ei:gen+fre+quen+cy pron <1Ig*n2frEkw*nsi> pos n. qual Physics. def a resonance frequency of a system. eigenfunction 0. syl ei:gen+func+tion pron <1Ig*n2f^GkS*n> pos n. qual Maths, physics. def a function satisfying a differential equation, esp. an allowed function for a system in wave mechanics. eigenvalue 0. syl ei:gen+val:ue pron <1Ig*n2v@lju:> pos n. qual Maths, physics. def a solution of a differential equation satisfying given conditions. Eiger 0. syl Ei:ger pron German <1Ig*r> pos n. def a mountain in central Switzerland, in the Bernese Alps. Height: 3970 m (13101 ft.). eight ety Old English eahta; related to Old High German ahto, Old Norse *_atta, Old Irish ocht, Latin oct*_o, Greek okto, Sanskrit astau eight 1. syl eight pron pos n. def the cardinal number that is the sum of one and seven and the product of two and four. See also {{number} (sense 1)}. eight 2. syl eight pron pos n. def a numeral 8, VIII, etc., representing this number. eight 3. syl eight pron pos n. qual Music. def the numeral 8 used as the lower figure in a time signature to indicate that the beat is measured in quavers. eight 4. syl eight pron pos n. def the amount or quantity that is one greater than seven. eight 5. syl eight pron pos n. def something representing, represented by, or consisting of eight units, such as a playing card with eight symbols on it. eight 6.a. syl eight pron pos n. def a racing shell propelled by eight oarsmen. eight 6.b. syl eight pron pos n. def the crew of such a shell. eight 7. syl eight pron pos n. def Also called: {eight o'clock}. eight hours after noon or midnight. have one over the eight 8. head eight syl have one over the eight. qual Slang. def to be drunk. eight 9. syl eight pron pos n. def See {figure of eight}. eight 10.a. syl eight pron pos determiner. def amounting to eight. eight 10.b. syl eight pron pos determiner. usage as pronoun exam 1 I could only find eight. eight xref syl eight pron pos n. def Related prefixes: {octa-, octo-}. eighteen ety Old English eahtat*_ene; related to Old Norse attjan, Old High German ahtozehan eighteen 1. syl eight+een pron <1A1tEn> pos n. def the cardinal number that is the sum of ten and eight and the product of two and nine. See also {{number} (sense 1)}. eighteen 2. syl eight+een pron <1A1tEn> pos n. def a numeral 18, XVIII, etc., representing this number. eighteen 3. syl eight+een pron <1A1tEn> pos n. def the amount or quantity that is eight more than ten. eighteen 4. syl eight+een pron <1A1tEn> pos n. def something represented by, representing, or consisting of 18 units. eighteen 5. syl eight+een pron <1A1tEn> pos n. mod functioning as; sing. pl. def a team of 18 players in Australian Rules football. {~} eighteen 6.a. syl eight+een pron <1A1tEn> pos n. def amounting to eighteen. exam 1 eighteen weeks. eighteen 6.b. syl eight+een pron <1A1tEn> pos n. usage as pronoun exam 1 eighteen of them knew. eighteenmos infl head eighteenmo syl eight+een+mos. pos n. mod pl. eighteenmo 1. syl eight+een+mo pron <1A1tEnm*u> pos n. def Also called: {octo?!decimo}. a book size resulting from folding a sheet of paper into 18 leaves or 36 pages. Often written: {18mo, 18?%}. eighteenmo 2. syl eight+een+mo pron <1A1tEnm*u> pos n. def a book of this size. eighteenth 1.a. syl eight+eenth pron <1A1tEnT> pos adj. def coming after the seventeenth in numbering or counting order, position, time, etc.; being the ordinal number of often written 18th. eighteenth 1.b. syl eight+eenth pron <1A1tEnT> pos as; n. exam 1 come on the eighteenth. eighteenth 2.a. syl eight+eenth pron <1A1tEnT> pos n. def one of 18 approximately equal parts of something. eighteenth 2.b. syl eight+eenth pron <1A1tEnT> pos n. usage as modifier exam 1 an eighteenth part. eighteenth 3. syl eight+eenth pron <1A1tEnT> pos n. def the fraction that is equal to one divided by 18 (1/18#800250) . eightfold 1. syl eight+fold pron <1At2f*uld> pos adj. def equal to or having eight times as many or as much. eightfold 2. syl eight+fold pron <1At2f*uld> pos adj. def composed of eight parts. eightfold 3. syl eight+fold pron <1At2f*uld> pos adv. def by or up to eight times as much. eighth 1.a. syl eighth pron pos adj. def coming after the seventh and before the ninth in numbering or counting order, position, time, etc.; being the ordinal number of often written 8th. eighth 1.b. syl eighth pron pos as; n. exam 1 the eighth in line. eighth 2.a. syl eighth pron pos n. def one of eight equal or nearly equal parts of an object, quantity, measurement, etc. eighth 2.b. syl eighth pron pos n. usage as modifier exam 1 an eighth part. eighth 3. syl eighth pron pos n. def the fraction equal to one divided by eight (1/8). eighth 4. syl eighth pron pos n. def another word for {octave}. eighth 5. syl eighth pron pos adv. def Also: {eighthly}. after the seventh person, position, event, etc. eighth note 0. syl eighth note pos n. def the usual U.S. name for {{quaver} (sense 4)}. eightieth 1.a. syl eight:i+eth pron <1AtiiT> pos adj. def being the ordinal number of in numbering or counting order, position, time, etc.: often written 80th. eightieth 1.b. syl eight:i+eth pron <1AtiiT> pos as; n. exam 1 the eightieth in succession. eightieth 2.a. syl eight:i+eth pron <1AtiiT> pos n. def one of 80 approximately equal parts of something. eightieth 2.b. syl eight:i+eth pron <1AtiiT> pos n. usage as modifier exam 1 an eightieth part. eightieth 3. syl eight:i+eth pron <1AtiiT> pos n. def the fraction equal to one divided by 80 (1/80#800253) . eightsome reel 0. syl eight+some reel pron <1Ats*m> pos n. def a Scottish dance for eight people. eightvos infl head eightvo syl eight+vos. pos n. mod pl. eightvo 0. syl eight+vo pron <1Atv*u> pos n. qual Bookbinding. def another word for {octavo}. eighty ety Old English eahtatig; related to Old Frisian achtig, Old High German ahtozug eighties infl head eighty syl eight:ies. pos n. mod pl. eighty 1. syl eight:y pron <1Ati> pos n. def the cardinal number that is the product of ten and eight. See also {{number} (sense 1)}. eighty 2. syl eight:y pron <1Ati> pos n. def a numeral 80, LXXX, etc., representing this number. eighty 3. syl eight:y pron <1Ati> pos n. mod pl. def the numbers 80-89, esp. the 80th to the 89th year of a person's life or of a particular century. eighty 4. syl eight:y pron <1Ati> pos n. def the amount or quantity that is eight times as big as ten. eighty 5. syl eight:y pron <1Ati> pos n. def something represented by, representing, or consisting of 80 units. eighty 6.a. syl eight:y pron <1Ati> pos determiner. def amounting to eighty. exam 1 eighty pages of nonsense. eighty 6.b. syl eight:y pron <1Ati> pos determiner. usage as pronoun exam 1 eighty are expected. Christiaan infl head Eijkman syl Chris:ti:aan pron <1krEstE2a:n> pos n. Eijkman 0. syl Eijk:man pron Dutch <1ejkman> pos n. def 1858-1930, Dutch physician, who discovered that beriberi is caused by nutritional deficiency: Nobel prize for medicine 1929. eikon 0. syl ei:kon pron <1Ikon> pos n. def a variant spelling of {icon}. Eilat 0. syl Ei:lat pron pos n. def a port in S Israel, on the Gulf of Aqaba: Israel's only outlet to the Red Sea. Pop.: 12800 (1972). Eindhoven 0. syl Eind+ho+ven pron <1Int2h*uvN>,, Dutch <1ejnt2ho:v*> pos n. def a city in the SE Netherlands, in North Brabant province: radio and electrical industry. Pop.: 191942 (1974 est.). einkorn ety German, literally: one kernel einkorn 0. syl ein+korn pron <1In2kc:n> pos n. def a variety of wheat, of Greece and SW Asia, having pale red kernels, and cultivated in hilly regions as grain for horses. Albert infl head Einstein syl Al:bert. pos n. Einstein 0. syl Ein:stein pron <1InstIn> pos n. def 1879-1955, U.S. physicist and mathematician, born in Germany. He formulated the special theory of relativity (1905) and the general theory of relativity (1916); he is noted also for his work for world peace: Nobel prize for physics 1921. Einsteinian sub head Einstein syl Ein+1stein+i:an pos adj. einsteinium ety C20: New Latin, named after Albert E#7instein einsteinium 0. syl ein+stein+i:um pron pos n. def a metallic transuranic element artificially produced from plutonium. Symbol: Es; atomic no.: 99; half-life of most stable isotope, %2%5%4Es: 276 days. Einstein shift 0. syl Ein:stein shift pos n. qual Astron. def a small displacement towards the red in the spectra, caused by the interaction between the radiation and the gravitational field of a massive body, such as the sun. Einstein's law 1. syl Ein:stein's law pos n. def the principle that mass and energy are equivalent according to the equation where is the velocity of light. Einstein's law 2. syl Ein:stein's law pos n. def the principle that the maximum energy of a photoelectron is #Gn - #GQ, where #Gn is the frequency of the incident radiation, is the Planck constant, and #GQ is the work function. Eire ety from Old Irish *_Eriu Eire 0. syl Eir:e pron <1e*r*> pos n. def the Gaelic name for (the Republic of) {Ireland}. eirenic 0. syl ei:ren+ic pron pos adj. def a variant spelling of {irenic}. eirenicon ety C19: from Greek, from eir*_enikos of or concerning peace, from eir*_en*_e peace eirenicon alt or eirenicon syl ei:re:ni+con pron pos n. eirenicon 0. or eirenicon syl ei:re:ni+con pron pos n. def a proposition that attempts to harmonize conflicting viewpoints. eisegesis ety C19: from Greek eis into, in+ -egesis, as in #7exegesis eisegeses infl head eisegesis syl eis+e:ge:ses pron <-sEz> pos n. mod pl. eisegesis 0. syl eis+e:ge:sis pron <2Is*1JEsis> pos n. def the interpretation of a text, esp. a biblical text, using one's own ideas. Compare {exegesis}. Eisenach 0. syl Ei:sen+ach pron German <1Iz*nax> pos n. def a city in SW East Germany, in Erfurt district. Pop.: 50674 (1972 est.). Dwight David infl head Eisenhower syl Dwight Da:vid pos n. Eisenhower 0. syl Ei:sen:how:er pron <1IzN2hau*> pos n. def nickname 1890-1972, U.S. general and Republican statesman; Supreme Commander of the Allied Expeditionary Force (1943-45) and 34th president of the U.S. (1953-61). He commanded Allied forces in Europe and North Africa (1942), directed the invasion of Italy (1943), and was Supreme Commander of the combined land forces of NATO (1950-52). Eisenstadt 0. syl Ei:sen+stadt pron German <1IzN2Stat> pos n. def a town in E Austria, capital of Burgenland province: Hungarian until 1921. Pop.: 10059 (1971). Sergei Mikhailovich infl head Eisenstein syl Ser:gei Mi:khai:lo:vich pron pos n. Eisenstein 0. syl Ei:sen:stein pron <1IzN2stIn>, Russian pos n. def 1898-1948, Soviet film director. His films include (1925), (1938), and (1944). Eysk alt head Eisk or Eisk syl Eysk Eisk 0. or Eysk syl Eisk qual Russian def jejsk) variant spellings of {Yeisk}. eisteddfod ety C19: from Welsh, literally: session, from eistedd to sit (from sedd seat)+ -fod, from bod to be eisteddfods infl head eisteddfod or eisteddfodau syl ei:stedd+fods pron Welsh , <2AsteD-> pos n. mod pl. eisteddfodau infl head eisteddfod or eisteddfods syl ei:stedd+fod:au pron Welsh , <2AsteD-> pos n. mod pl. eisteddfod 0. syl ei:stedd+fod pron , Welsh , pos n. def any of a number of annual festivals in Wales, esp. the {Royal National Eisteddfod}, in which competitions are held in music, poetry, drama, and the fine arts. eisteddfodic sub head eisteddfod syl ei:stedd+1fod+ic pos adj. either ety Old English *_@agther, short for *_@aghw@ather each of two; related to Old Frisian *_eider, Old High German *_eogihweder; see #7each, whether #e Usage. Either is followed by a singular verb in good usage: either is good; either of these books is useful. Careful writers and speakers are cautious in using either to mean both or each because of the possible ambiguity, as in the following sentence: a ship could be moored on either side of the channel. Agreement between the verb and its subject in either&eor&e constructions follows the pattern given for neither&enor&e See at neither. either 1.a. syl ei:ther pron <1ID*> pos determiner. def one or the other (of two). exam 1 either coat will do. either 1.b. syl ei:ther pron <1ID*> pos determiner. usage as pronoun exam 1 either is acceptable. either 2. syl ei:ther pron <1ID*> pos determiner. def both one and the other. exam 1 there were ladies at either end of the table. either 3. syl ei:ther pron <1ID*> pos conj. usage coordinating def used preceding two or more possibilities joined by @6 either 4. syl ei:ther pron <1ID*> pos adv. usage sentence modifier; used with a negative def used to indicate that the clause immediately preceding is a partial reiteration of a previous clause. exam 1 John isn't a liar, but he isn't exactly honest either. either-or 0. syl ei:ther-or pos adj. def presenting an unavoidable need to choose between two alternatives. exam 1 an either-or situation. ejaculate ety C16: from Latin *_ejacul*_ar*_i to hurl out, from jaculum javelin, from jacere to throw ejaculate 1. syl e:jac:u+late pron pos vb. def to eject or discharge (semen) in orgasm. ejaculate 2. syl e:jac:u+late pron pos vb. mod tr. def to utter abruptly; blurt out. ejaculate 3. syl e:jac:u+late pron pos n. def another word for {semen}. ejaculator sub head ejaculate syl e:1jac:u+2la+tor pos n. ejaculation 1. syl e:jac:u+la+tion pron pos n. def an abrupt emphatic utterance or exclamation. ejaculation 2. syl e:jac:u+la+tion pron pos n. def a discharge of semen. &- {e@.#!jac@.u+la+to@.ry} {e@.#!jac@.u+la+tive} eject ety C15: from Latin ejicere, from jacere to throw eject 1. syl e:ject pron pos vb. mod tr. def to drive or force out; expel or emit. eject 2. syl e:ject pron pos vb. mod tr. def to compel (a person) to leave; evict; dispossess. eject 3. syl e:ject pron pos vb. mod tr. def to dismiss, as from office. eject 4. syl e:ject pron pos vb. mod intr. def to leave an aircraft rapidly, using an ejection seat or capsule. eject 5. syl e:ject pron pos vb. mod tr. qual Psychiatry. def to attribute (one's own motivations and characteristics) to others. ejection sub head eject syl e:1jec+tion pos n. ejecta ety Latin, literally: (things) ejected; see #7eject ejecta 0. syl e:jec+ta pron pos n. mod pl. def matter thrown out by an erupting volcano. ejector seat alt head ejection seat or ejection seat syl e:jec+tor seat pos n. ejection seat 0. or ejector seat syl e:jec+tion seat pos n. def a seat, esp. as fitted to military aircraft, that is fired by a cartridge or rocket to eject the occupant from the aircraft in an emergency. ejective 1. syl e:jec+tive pron pos adj. def relating to or causing ejection. ejective 2. syl e:jec+tive pron pos adj. usage Phonetics. of a plosive or fricative consonant, as in some African languages def pronounced with a glottal stop. ejective 3. syl e:jec+tive pron pos n. qual Phonetics. def an ejective consonant. ejectively sub head ejective syl e:1jec+tive+ly pos adv. ejectment 1. syl e:ject+ment pron pos n. usage Property law. formerly def an action brought by a wrongfully dispossessed owner seeking to recover possession of his land. ejectment 2. syl e:ject+ment pron pos n. def the act of ejecting or state of being ejected; dispossession. ejector 1. syl e:jec+tor pron pos n. def a person or thing that ejects. ejector 2. syl e:jec+tor pron pos n. def the mechanism in a firearm that ejects the empty cartridge or shell after firing. Ekaterinburg 0. syl E:ka+te+rin+burg pron Russian pos n. def a variant spelling of {Yekaterinburg}. Ekaterinodar 0. syl E:ka+te+ri+no+dar pron Russian pos n. def the former name (until 1920) of {Krasnodar}. Ekaterinoslav 0. syl E:ka+te+ri+no+slav pron Russian pos n. def the former name (1787-96, 1802-1926) of {Dnepropetrovsk}. eke ety Old English eacan; related to Old Norse auka to increase, Latin aug*_ere to increase eke H1.0. syl eke pron pos vb. mod tr. qual Archaic. def to increase, enlarge, or lengthen. eke ety Old English eac; related to Old Norse, Gothic auk also, Old High German ouh, Latin autem but, aut or eke H2.0. syl eke pron usage sentence connector. Archaic. def also; moreover. eke out 1. syl eke out pos vb. adv. mod tr. def to make (a supply) last, esp. by frugal use. exam 1 they eked out what little food was left. eke out 2. syl eke out pos vb. adv. mod tr. def to support (existence) with difficulty and effort. eke out 3. syl eke out pos vb. adv. mod tr. def to add to (something insufficient), esp. with effort. exam 1 to eke out an income with evening work. ekistics ety C20: from Greek oikistikos of or concerning settlements, from oikizein to settle (a colony), from oikos a house ekistics 0. syl e:kis+tics pron pos n. def the science or study of human settlements. ekistical sub head ekistics or ekistic syl e:1kis+ti+cal pos adj. ekistic sub head ekistics or ekistical syl e:1kis+tic pos adj. el 0. syl el pron pos n. qual Informal. def a shortened form of {elevated railway}. El Aai'un 0. syl El Aai:*'un pron pos n. def a city in Western Sahara: the former capital of Spanish Sahara; port facilities begun in 1967 at {Playa de El Aai*'un}, 20 km (12 miles) away, following the discovery of rich phosphate deposits. Pop.: 18212 (1970 est.). elaborate ety C16: from Latin *_elab*_or*_are to take pains, from lab*_or*_are to toil elaborate 1. syl e:lab:o+rate pron pos adj. def planned or executed with care and exactness; detailed. elaborate 2. syl e:lab:o+rate pron pos adj. def marked by complexity, ornateness, or detail. elaborate 3. syl e:lab:o+rate pron pos vb. mod intr. usage usually foll. by on or upon def to add information or detail (to an account); expand (upon). elaborate 4. syl e:lab:o+rate pron pos vb. mod tr. def to work out in detail; develop. elaborate 5. syl e:lab:o+rate pron pos vb. mod tr. def to make more complicated or ornate. elaborate 6. syl e:lab:o+rate pron pos vb. mod tr. def to produce by careful labour; create. elaborate 7. syl e:lab:o+rate pron pos vb. mod tr. qual Physiol. def to change (food or simple substances) into more complex substances for use in the body. elaborately sub head elaborate syl e:1lab:o+rate+ly pos adv. elaborateness sub head elaborate syl e:1lab:o+rate+ness pos n. elaboration sub head elaborate syl e:2lab:o+1ra+tion pos n. elaborative sub head elaborate syl e:lab:o+ra+tive pron pos adj. elaborator sub head elaborate syl e:1lab:o+2ra+tor pos n. elaeoptene 0. syl el+ae:op+tene pron <2eli1optEn> pos n. def a variant spelling of {eleoptene}. Elagabalus 0. syl El:a:gab:a:lus pron <2el*1g@b*l*s>, <2El*-> pos n. def a variant of {Heliogabalus}. Elaine 1. syl E:laine pron pos n. qual Arthurian legend. def the half sister of Arthur and mother by him of Modred. Elaine 2. syl E:laine pron pos n. qual Arthurian legend. def the mother of Sir Galahad. El Alamein alt or El Alamein syl El Al:a+mein pron <1@l*2mAn> pos n. El Alamein 0. or El Alamein syl El Al:a+mein pron <1@l*2mAn> pos n. def a village on the N coast of Egypt, about 112 km (70 miles) west of Alexandria: scene of a decisive Allied victory over the Germans (1942). Elam 0. syl E:lam pron <1El*m> pos n. def an ancient kingdom east of the River Tigris: established before 4000 #7b.c. ; probably inhabited by a non-Semitic people. Elamite 1. syl E:lam+ite pron <1El*2mIt> pos n. def an inhabitant of the ancient kingdom of Elam. Elamite 2. syl E:lam+ite pron <1El*2mIt> pos n. def Also called: {Elamitic, Susian}. the extinct language of this people, of no known relationship, recorded in cuneiform inscriptions dating from the 25th to the 4th centuries #7b.c. Elamite 3. syl E:lam+ite pron <1El*2mIt> pos adj. def of or relating to Elam, its people, or their language. 'elan ety C19: from French, from *'elancer to throw forth, ultimately from Latin lancea #7lance 'elan 0. syl *'e:lan pron , , French pos n. def a combination of style and vigour. exam 1 he performed the concerto with *'elan. eland ety C18: via Afrikaans from Dutch eland elk; related to Old Slavonic jeleni stag, Greek ellos fawn eland 1. syl e:land pron <1El*nd> pos n. def a large spiral-horned antelope, inhabiting bushland in eastern and southern Africa. It has a dewlap and a hump on the shoulders and is light brown with vertical white stripes. giant eland 2. head eland syl giant eland. def a similar but larger animal, living in wooded areas of central and W Africa. 'elan vital ety literally: vital impetus 'elan vital 0. syl *'e:lan vi+tal pron French. pos n. def a creative principle held by Henri Bergson to be present in all organisms and responsible for evolution. Compare {Bergsonism}. elapid ety C19: from New Latin Elapidae, from Medieval Greek elaps, elops a fish, sea serpent; perhaps related to lepis scale elapid 1. syl el:a+pid pron <1el*pid> pos n. def any venomous snake of the mostly tropical family having fixed poison fangs at the front of the upper jaw and including the cobras, coral snakes, and mambas. elapid 2. syl el:a+pid pron <1el*pid> pos adj. def of, relating to, or belonging to the elapse ety C17: from Latin *_el*_ab*_i to slip away, from l*_ab*_i to slip, glide elapse 0. syl e:lapse pron pos vb. mod intr. usage of time def to pass by. elasmobranch ety C19: from New Latin elasmobranchii, from Greek elasmos metal plate+ brankhia gills elasmobranch 1. syl e:las+mo+branch pron , pos n. def any carti?!laginous fish of the subclass (or which includes the sharks, rays, dogfish, and skates. elasmobranch 2. syl e:las+mo+branch pron , pos adj. def of, relating to, or belonging to the elasmobranch xref syl e:las+mo+branch pron , pos n. def Also called: {selachian}. elasmosaur ety C19: from Greek elasmos metal plate+ sauros lizard elasmosaur 0. syl e:las+mo+saur pron pos n. def a very long-necked extinct marine reptile: a type of plesiosaur. elastance 0. syl e:las+tance pron pos n. qual Physics. def the reciprocal of capacitance. It is measured in reciprocal farads (darafs). elastic ety C17: from New Latin elasticus impulsive, from Greek elastikos, from elaunein to beat, drive elastic 1. syl e:las+tic pron pos adj. usage of a body or material def capable of returning to its original shape after compression, expansion, stretching, or other deformation. elastic 2. syl e:las+tic pron pos adj. def capable of adapting to change. exam 1 an elastic schedule. elastic 3. syl e:las+tic pron pos adj. def quick to recover from fatigue, dejection, etc.; buoyant. elastic 4. syl e:las+tic pron pos adj. def springy or resilient. exam 1 an elastic walk. elastic 5. syl e:las+tic pron pos adj. usage of gases def capable of expanding spontaneously. elastic 6. syl e:las+tic pron pos adj. usage Physics. of collisions def involving no overall change in translational kinetic energy. elastic 7. syl e:las+tic pron pos adj. def made of elastic. elastic 8. syl e:las+tic pron pos n. def tape, cord, or fabric containing interwoven strands of flexible rubber or similar substance allowing it to stretch and return to its original shape. elastic 9. syl e:las+tic pron pos n. qual Chiefly U.S. def something made of elastic, such as a garter or a rubber band. elastically sub head elastic syl e:1las+ti+cal+ly pos adv. elasticate 0. syl e:las+ti+cate pron pos vb. mod tr. def to insert elastic sections or thread into (a fabric or garment). exam 1 an elasticated waistband. elastication sub head elasticate syl e:2las+ti+1ca+tion pos n. elastic band 0. syl e:las+tic band pos n. def another name for {rubber band}. elasticity 1. syl e:las+tic:i+ty pron <2il@1stisiti>, <2El@-> pos n. def the property of a body or substance that enables it to resume its original shape or size when a distorting force is removed. See also {elastic limit}. elasticity 2. syl e:las+tic:i+ty pron <2il@1stisiti>, <2El@-> pos n. def the state or quality of being elastic; flexibility or buoyancy. elasticise alt head elasticize or elasticize syl e:las+ti+cise pron pos vb. elasticize 1. or elasticise syl e:las+ti+cize pron pos vb. def to make elastic. elasticize 2. or elasticise syl e:las+ti+cize pron pos vb. def another word for {elasticate}. elastic limit 0. syl e:las+tic lim+it pos n. def the greatest stress that can be applied to a material without causing permanent deformation. elastic modulus 0. syl e:las+tic mod:u+lus pos n. def another name for {modulus of elasticity}. elastin ety C19: from #7elastic+ -#7in elastin 0. syl e:las+tin pron pos n. qual Biochem. def a fibrous scleroprotein constitut?!ing the major part of elastic tissue, such as the walls of arteries. elastomer ety C20: from #7elastic+ -#7mer elastomer 0. syl e:las+to+mer pron pos n. def any material, such as natural or synthetic rubber, that is able to resume its original shape when a deforming force is removed. elastomeric sub head elastomer syl e:las+to+mer+ic pron pos adj. Elastoplast 0. syl E:las+to+plast pron pos n. qual Trademark. def a gauze surgical dressing backed by adhesive tape. Elath alt head Elat or Elat syl E:lath pron pos n. Elat 0. or Elath syl E:lat pron pos n. def variant spellings of {Eilat}. elate ety C16: from Latin efferre to bear away, from ferre to carry elate 0. syl e:late pron pos vb. mod tr. def to fill with high spirits, exhilaration, pride or optimism. elatedly sub head elate syl e:1lat+ed+ly pos adv. elatedness sub head elate syl e:1lat+ed+ness pos n. elater ety C17: via New Latin from Greek: driver, from elaunein to beat, drive; compare #7elastic elater 1. syl el:a+ter pron <1el*t*> pos n. def an elaterid beetle. elater 2. syl el:a+ter pron <1el*t*> pos n. qual Botany. def a spirally thickened filament, occurring in liverwort capsules and horsetails, thought to aid dispersal of spores. elaterid ety C19: from New Latin Elateridae, from #7elater elaterid 1. syl e:lat+er+id pron pos n. def any of the beetles constituting the widely distributed family (click beetles). The group includes the wireworms and certain fireflies. elaterid 2. syl e:lat+er+id pron pos adj. def of, relating to, or belonging to the family elaterin ety C19: from #7elaterium+ -#7in elaterin 0. syl e:lat+er+in pron pos n. def a white crystalline substance found in elaterium, used as a purgative. elaterite 0. syl e:lat+er+ite pron pos n. def a dark brown naturally occurring bitumen resembling rubber. elaterium ety C16: from Latin, from Greek elat*_erion squirting cucumber, from elat*_erios purgative, from elaunein to drive elaterium 0. syl el:a+te:ri:um pron <2el*1ti*ri*m> pos n. def a greenish sediment prepared from the juice of the squirting cucumber, used as a purgative. elation 0. syl e:la+tion pron pos n. def joyfulness or exaltation of spirit, as from success, pleasure, or relief; high spirits. elative ety C19: from Latin *_el*_atus, past participle of efferre to carry out; see #7elate elative 1. syl e:la+tive pron <1El*2tiv> pos adj. usage in the grammar of Finnish and other languages def denoting a case of nouns expressing a relation of motion or direction, usually translated by the English prepositions or Compare {{illative} (sense 3)}. elative 2.a. syl e:la+tive pron <1El*2tiv> pos n. def the elative case. elative 2.b. syl e:la+tive pron <1El*2tiv> pos n. def an elative word or speech element. E layer 0. syl E lay+er pos n. def another name for {E region}. Elba 0. syl El:ba pron <1elb*> pos n. def a mountainous island off the W coast of Italy, in the Mediterranean: Napoleon Bonaparte's first place of exile (1814-15). Pop.: 27543 (1971). Area: 223 sq. km (86 sq. miles). Elbe 0. syl El:be pron , German <1elb*> pos n. def a river in central Europe, rising in N Czechoslovakia and flowing generally northwest through East and West Germany to the North Sea at Hamburg. Length: 1165 km (724 miles). Czech name: {Labe}. Mount infl head Elbert syl Mount. pos n. Elbert 0. syl El+bert pron <1elb*t> pos n. def a mountain in central Colorado, in the Sawatch range. Height: 4329 m (14431 ft.). Elblag 0. syl El+bl*,ag pron Polish <1elblcGk> pos n. def a port in N Poland: metallurgical industries. Pop.: 92600 (1972 est.). German name: {El+bing} (#!$elb$I&n) . elbow ety Old English elnboga; see #7ell %2#7, bow %2; related to Old Norse olbogi, Old High German elinbogo elbow 1. syl el+bow pron <1elb*u> pos n. def the joint between the upper arm and the forearm, formed by the junction of the radius and ulna with the humerus. elbow 2. syl el+bow pron <1elb*u> pos n. def the corresponding joint or bone of birds or mammals. elbow 3. syl el+bow pron <1elb*u> pos n. def the part of a garment that covers the elbow. elbow 4. syl el+bow pron <1elb*u> pos n. def something resembling an elbow, such as a sharp bend in a road or river. at one's elbow 5. head elbow syl at one's elbow. def within easy reach. elbout at elbow (s) 6. head elbow syl el+bout at el?!bow (s) def ragged or impoverished. up to the elbows with 7. head elbow or in syl up to the elbows with def busily occupied with; deeply immersed in. elbow 8. syl el+bow pron <1elb*u> pos vb. def to make (one's way) by shoving, jostling, etc. elbow 9. syl el+bow pron <1elb*u> pos vb. mod tr. def to knock or shove with or as if with the elbow. elbow grease 0. syl el+bow grease pos n. qual Informal. def vigorous physical labour. elbowroom 0. syl el:bow+room pron <1elb*u2ru:m>, <-2rum> pos n. def sufficient scope to move or function. Elbrus 0. syl El+brus pron pos n. def a mountain in the S Soviet Union, in the Caucasus Mountains, with two extinct volcanic peaks: the highest mountain in Europe. Height: 5633 m (18476 ft.). Elburz Mountains 0. syl El+burz Moun+tains pron pos n. mod pl. def a mountain range in N Iran, parallel to the SW and S shores of the Caspian Sea. Highest peak: 5604 m (18376 ft.). El Capitan 0. syl El Cap:i+tan pron <2kapi1t@n> pos n. def a mountain in E central California, in the Sierra Nevada: a monolith with a precipice rising over 1100 m (3600 ft.) above the floor of the Yosemite Valley. Height: 2306 m (7564 ft.). El Cid Campeador 0. syl El Cid Cam:pe:a:dor pron Spanish <2kampAa1@dor> pos n. def See (El) {Cid}. eld ety Old English eldu; related to Old Norse elli; see #7old eld 1. syl eld pron pos n. qual Archaic. def old age. eld 2. syl eld pron pos n. qual Archaic. def olden days; antiquity. elder ety Old English eldra, comparative of eald #7old ; related to Old Norse ellri, Old High German altiro, Gothic althiza elder H1.1. syl el+der pron <1eld*> pos adj. def born earlier; senior. Compare {older}. elder H1.2. syl el+der pron <1eld*> pos adj. usage in piquet and similar card games def denoting or relating to the nondealer (the {elder hand) }, who has certain advantages in the play. elder H1.3.a. syl el+der pron <1eld*> pos adj. def prior in rank, position, or office. elder H1.3.b. syl el+der pron <1eld*> pos adj. def of a previous time; former. elder H1.4. syl el+der pron <1eld*> pos n. def an older person; one's senior. elder H1.5. syl el+der pron <1eld*> pos n. qual Anthropol. def a senior member of a tribe who has influence or authority. elder H1.6. syl el+der pron <1eld*> pos n. usage in certain Protestant Churches def a lay office having teaching, pastoral, or administrative functions. elder H1.7. syl el+der pron <1eld*> pos n. def another word for {presbyter}. eldership sub head elder syl el+der+2ship pos n. elder ety Old English ellern; related to Old Norse elrir, Old High German erl*_in, Old Slavonic jel*vicha, Latin alnus elder H2.1. syl el+der pron <1eld*> pos n. def Also called: {elderberry}. any of various caprifoliaceous shrubs or small trees of the genus having clusters of small white flowers and red, purple, or black berry-like fruits. elder H2.2. syl el+der pron <1eld*> pos n. def any of various unrelated plants, such as box elder and marsh elder. elder xref syl el+der pron <1eld*> pos n. def Compare {alder}. elderberries infl head elderberry syl eld:er+ber:ries. pos n. mod pl. elderberry 1. syl eld:er+ber:ry pron <1eld*2beri> pos n. def the berry-like fruit of the elder, used for making wines, jellies, etc. elderberry 2. syl eld:er+ber:ry pron <1eld*2beri> pos n. def another name for {{elder%2} (sense 1)}. elderly 0.a. syl el+der+ly pron <1eld*li> pos adj. usage of people def quite old; past middle age. elderly 0.b. syl el+der+ly pron <1eld*li> pos as collective; n. usage of people; preceded by the exam 1 the elderly. elderliness sub head elderly syl el+der+li+ness pos n. elder statesman 0. syl el+der states+man pos n. def an old, experienced, and eminent person, esp. a politician, whose advice is often sought. eldest ety Old English eldesta, superlative of eald #7old eldest 0. syl eld+est pron <1eldist> pos adj. def being the oldest, esp. the oldest surviving child of the same parents. ELDO 0. syl ELDO pron <1eld*u> usage acronym for def European Launcher Development Organization. El Dorado ety C16: from Spanish, literally: the gilded (place) El Dorado 1. syl El Do+ra+do pron , Spanish pos n. def a fabled city in South America, rich in treasure and sought by Spanish explorers in the 16th century. El Dorado 2. syl El Do+ra+do pron , Spanish pos n. def Also: {eldorado}. any place of great riches or fabulous opportunity. eldritch ety C16: perhaps from Old English @alf #7elf+ r*_ice realm; see #7rich eldrich alt head eldritch or eldritch syl el+drich pron <1eldriC> pos adj. eldritch 0. or eldrich syl el+dritch pron <1eldriC> pos adj. qual Poetic. def unearthly; weird. Elea 0. syl E:le:a pron <1Eli*> pos n. usage in ancient Italy def a Greek colony on the Tyrrhenian coast of Lucana. Eleanor of Aquitaine 0. syl El:ea:nor of Aq:ui+taine pron <1elin*>, <-2nc:> pos n. def ??1122-1204, queen of France (1137-52) by her marriage to Louis VII and queen of England (1154-89) by her marriage to Henry II; mother of the English kings Richard I and John. Eleatic 1. syl El:e+at+ic pron <2eli1@tik> pos adj. def denoting or relating to a school of philosophy founded in Elea in Greece in the 6th century #7b.c. by Xenophanus, Parmenides, and Xeno. It held that one pure immutable Being is the only object of knowledge and that information obtained by the senses is illusory. {~} Eleatic 2. syl El:e+at+ic pron <2eli1@tik> pos adj. def a follower of this school. Eleaticism sub head Eleatic syl El:e+at:i+cism pron <2eli1@tisiz*m> pos n. elecampane ety C16: from Medieval Latin enula camp*~ana, from enula (from Greek helenion) + camp*~anus of the field elecampane 0. syl el:e+cam+pane pron <2elik@m1pAn> pos n. def a perennial flowering plant, of Europe, Asia, and North America having large hairy leaves and narrow yellow petals: family (composites). elect ety C15: from Latin *_eligere to select, from legere to choose elect 1. syl e:lect pron pos vb. mod tr. def to choose (someone) to be (a representative or a public official) by voting. exam 1 they elected him Mayor. elect 2. syl e:lect pron pos vb. def to select; choose. exam 1 to elect to die rather than surrender. elect 3. syl e:lect pron pos vb. mod tr. usage of God def to select or predestine for the grace of salvation. elect 4. syl e:lect pron pos adj. usage immediately postpositive def voted into office but not yet installed. exam 1 the president elect. elect 5.a. syl e:lect pron pos adj. def chosen or choice; selected or elite. elect 5.b. syl e:lect pron pos as collective; n. usage preceded by the exam 1 the elect. elect 6.a. syl e:lect pron pos adj. def selected or predestined by God to receive salvation; chosen. elect 6.b. syl e:lect pron pos as collective; n. usage preceded by the exam 1 the elect. elec alt head elect or elect syl elec. elect 1. or elec syl elect. qual abbrev. for: def electric(al). elect 2. or elec syl elect. qual abbrev. for: def electricity. election 1. syl e:lec+tion pron pos n. def the selection by vote of a person or persons from among candidates for a position, esp. a political office. election 2. syl e:lec+tion pron pos n. def a public vote on an official proposition. election 3. syl e:lec+tion pron pos n. def the act or an instance of choosing. election 4.a. syl e:lec+tion pron pos n. def the doctrine of Calvin that God chooses certain individuals for salvation without reference to their faith or works. election 4.b. syl e:lec+tion pron pos n. def the doctrine of Arminius and others that God chooses for salvation those who, by grace, persevere in faith and works. electioneer 1. syl e:lec+tion+eer pron pos vb. mod intr. def to be active in a political election or campaign. {~} electioneer 2. syl e:lec+tion+eer pron pos vb. mod intr. def a person who engages in this activity. &- {e@.@!lec+tion+#!eer+ing} elective 1. syl e:lec+tive pron pos adj. def of or based on selection by vote. exam 1 elective procedure. elective 2. syl e:lec+tive pron pos adj. def selected by vote. exam 1 an elective official. elective 3. syl e:lec+tive pron pos adj. def having the power to elect. elective 4. syl e:lec+tive pron pos adj. def open to choice; optional. exam 1 an elective course of study. electivity sub head elective or electiveness syl e:lec+tiv+i:ty pron <2Elek1tiviti> pos n. electiveness sub head elective or electivity syl e:1lec+tive+ness pos n. elector 1. syl e:lec+tor pron pos n. def someone who is eligible to vote in the election of a government. elector 2. syl e:lec+tor pron pos n. usage often cap. def a member of the U.S. electoral college. elector 3. syl e:lec+tor pron pos n. usage often cap.; in the Holy Roman Empire def any of the German princes entitled to take part in the election of a new emperor. electorship sub head elector syl e:1lec+tor+2ship pos n. electress sub head elector syl e:1lec+tress pos n. mod fem. electoral 0. syl e:lec+tor+al pron pos adj. def relating to or consisting of electors. electorally sub head electoral syl e:1lec+tor+al+ly pos adv. electoral college 1. syl e:lec+to+ral col+lege pos n. qual U.S. usage often cap. def a body of electors chosen by the voters who formally elect the president and vice-president. electoral college 2. syl e:lec+to+ral col+lege pos n. def any body of electors. electorate 1. syl e:lec+tor+ate pron pos n. def the body of all qualified voters. electorate 2. syl e:lec+tor+ate pron pos n. def the rank, position, or territory of an elector of the Holy Roman Empire. electorate 3. syl e:lec+tor+ate pron pos n. qual Austral. def the area represented by a Member of Parliament. Electra 0. syl E:lec:tra pron pos n. qual Greek myth. def the daughter of Agamemnon and Clytemnestra. She persuaded her brother Orestes to avenge their father by killing his murderess Clytemnestra and her lover Aegisthus. Electra complex 0. syl E:lec+tra com+plex pos n. qual Psychoanal. def the sexual attachment of a female child to her father. See also {penis envy}. electret ety C20: from electr (icity+magn) et electret 0. syl e:lec+tret pron pos n. def a permanently polarized dielectric material; its electric field is similar to the magnetic field of a permanent magnet. electric ety C17: from New Latin elec?!tricus amber-like (because friction causes amber to become charged), from Latin *_electrum amber, from Greek *_elektron, of obscure origin#e Usage. See at electronic. electric 1. syl e:lec+tric pron pos adj. def of, derived from, produced by, producing, transmitting, or powered by electricity. exam 1 electric current; exam 2 an electric cord; exam 3 an electric blanket; exam 4 an electric fence; exam 5 an electric fire. electric 2. syl e:lec+tric pron pos adj. usage of a musical instrument def amplified electronically. exam 1 an electric guitar; exam 2 an electric mandolin. electric 3. syl e:lec+tric pron pos adj. def very tense or exciting; emotionally charged. exam 1 an electric atmosphere. electric 4. syl e:lec+tric pron pos n. qual Informal. def an electric train, car, etc. electric 5. syl e:lec+tric pron pos n. qual Brit., not standard. def electricity or electrical power. electrical 0. syl e:lec+tri+cal pron pos adj. def of, relating to, or concerned with electricity. electrically sub head electrical syl e:1lec+tri+cal+ly pos adv. electricalness sub head electrical syl e:1lec+tri+cal+ness electrical engineering 0. syl e:lec+tri+cal en+gi+neer+ing pos n. def the branch of engineering concerned with the practical applications of electricity. electrical engineer sub head electrical engineering syl e:lec+tri+cal en+gi+neer pos n. electric blue 0.a. syl e:lec+tric blue pos n. adj. def a strong metallic blue colour. electric blue 0.b. syl e:lec+tric blue pos as; adj. exam 1 an electric-blue evening dress. electric chair 0.a. syl e:lec+tric chair pos n. usage in the U.S. def an electrified chair for executing criminals. electric chair 0.b. syl e:lec+tric chair pos n. usage in the U.S.; usually preceded by the def execution by this method. electric charge 0. syl e:lec+tric charge pos n. def another name for {{charge} (sense 25)}. electric constant 0. syl e:lec+tric con+stant pos n. def the permittivity of free space, which has the value 8.854185#M10%-%1%2 farad per metre. Symbol: #Ge\o Also called: {absolute permittivity}. electric current 0. syl e:lec+tric cur+rent pos n. def another name for {{current} (sense 8)}. electric eel 0. syl e:lec+tric eel pos n. def an eel-like freshwater cyprinoid fish, of N South America, having electric organs in the body: family electric eye 1. syl e:lec+tric eye pos n. def another name for {photocell}. electric eye 2. syl e:lec+tric eye pos n. def Also called: {magic eye}. a miniature cathode-ray tube in some radio receivers, on the screen of which a pattern is displayed in order to assist tuning. electric field 0. syl e:lec+tric field pos n. def a field of force surrounding a charged par?!ticle within which another charged particle experiences a force. Compare {magnetic field}. electric field strength 0. syl e:lec+tric field strength pos n. def the strength or intensity of an electric field at any point, usually measured in volts per metre. Symbol: {E} electric furnace 0. syl e:lec+tric fur+nace pos n. def any furnace in which the heat is provided by an electric current. electric guitar 0. syl e:lec+tric gui+tar pos n. def an electrically amplified guitar, used mainly in pop music. Compare {acoustic guitar}. electric hare 0. syl e:lec+tric hare pos n. usage in greyhound racing def a model of a hare, mounted on an electrified rail, which the dogs chase. electrician 0. syl e:lec+tri+cian pron , <2Elek-> pos n. def a person whose occupation is the installation, maintenance, and repair of electrical devices. electricity 1. syl e:lec+tric+i:ty pron , <2Elek-> pos n. def a form of energy associated with stationary or moving electrons, protons, or other charged particles. electricity 2. syl e:lec+tric+i:ty pron , <2Elek-> pos n. def the science concerned with elec?!tricity. electricity 3. syl e:lec+tric+i:ty pron , <2Elek-> pos n. def an electric current or charge. exam 1 a motor powered by electricity. electricity 4. syl e:lec+tric+i:ty pron , <2Elek-> pos n. def emotional tension or excitement, esp. between or among people. electric needle 0. syl e:lec+tric nee+dle pos n. def a surgical instrument for cutting tissue by the application of a high-frequency current. electric organ 1.a. syl e:lec+tric or+gan pos n. def a pipe organ operated by electrical means. electric organ 1.b. syl e:lec+tric or+gan pos n. def another name for {electronic organ}. electric organ 2. syl e:lec+tric or+gan pos n. def a small group of modified muscle cells on the body of certain fishes, such as the electric eel, that gives an electric shock to any animal touching them. electric potential 0.a. syl e:lec+tric po+ten+tial pos n. def the work required to transfer a unit positive electric charge from an infinite distance to a given point. electric potential 0.b. syl e:lec+tric po+ten+tial pos n. def the potential difference between the point and some other reference point. Symbol. exam 1 V electric ray 0. syl e:lec+tric ray pos n. def any ray of the order of tropical and temperate seas, having a flat rounded body with an electric organ in each of the fins, close to the head. electric shock 0. syl e:lec+tric shock pos n. def the physiological reaction, characterized by pain and muscular spasm, to the passage of an electric current through the body. It can affect the respiratory system and heart rhythm. Sometimes shortened to {shock}. electric storm 0. syl e:lec+tric storm pos n. def a violent atmospheric disturbance in which the air is highly charged with static electricity, causing a storm. Compare {thunderstorm}. electrifies infl head electrify syl e:lec+tri+fies pos vb. mod tr. electrifying infl head electrify syl e:lec+tri+fy+ing pos vb. mod tr. electrified infl head electrify syl e:lec+tri+fied. pos vb. mod tr. electrify 1. syl e:lec+tri+fy pron pos vb. mod tr. def to adapt or equip (a system, device, etc.) for operation by elec?!trical power. electrify 2. syl e:lec+tri+fy pron pos vb. mod tr. def to charge with or subject to electricity. electrify 3. syl e:lec+tri+fy pron pos vb. mod tr. def to startle or excite intensely; shock or thrill. electrifiable sub head electrify syl e:1lec+tri+2fi+a:ble pos adj. electrification sub head electrify syl e:2lec+tri+fi+1ca+tion pos n. electrifier sub head electrify syl e:1lec+tri+2fi+er pos n. electros infl head electro syl e:lec+tros. pos n. mod pl. electro 0. syl e:lec+tro pron pos n. def short for {electroplate} or {electrotype}. electro- ety from New Latin, from Latin *_electrum amber, from Greek *_elektron electro- 1. syl e:lec:tro- usage sometimes before a vowel def electric or electrically. exam 1 electrocardiograph; exam 2 electrocute. electro- 2. syl e:lec:tro- usage sometimes before a vowel def electrolytic. exam 1 electroanalysis. electroacoustics 0. syl e:lec+tro+a:cous+tics pron pos n. mod functioning as; sing. def the branch of technology concerned with the interconversion of electrical and acoustic energy, as by a transducer. electroacoustic sub head electroacoustics or electroacoustical syl e:2lec+tro+a:1cous+tic pos adj. electroacoustical sub head electroacoustics or electroacoustic syl e:2lec+tro+a:1cous+ti+cal pos adj. electroacoustically sub head electroacoustics syl e:2lec+tro+a:1cous+ti+cal+ly pos adv. electroanalysis 0. syl e:lec+tro+a:nal:y+sis pron pos n. def chemical analysis by electrolysis or electrodeposition. electroanalytic sub head electroanalysis or electroanalytical syl e:lec+tro+an:a+lyt:ic pron pos adj. electroanalytical sub head electroanalysis or electroanalytic syl e:2lec+tro+2an:a+1lyt:i+cal pos adj. electrocardiogram 0. syl e:lec+tro+car+di:o+gram pron pos n. def a tracing of the electric currents that initiate the heartbeat, used to diagnose possible heart disorders. Abbrev.: {ECG} electrocardiograph 0. syl e:lec+tro+car+di:o+graph pron , <-2gr@f> pos n. def an instrument for recording the electrical activity of the heart. Abbrev.: {E.C.G}. electrocardiographic sub head electrocardiograph or electrocardiographical syl e:2lec+tro+2car+di:o+1graph+ic pos adj. electrocardiographical sub head electrocardiograph or electrocardiographic syl e:2lec+tro+2car+di:o+1graph:i+cal pos adj. electrocardiography sub head electrocardiograph syl e:lec+tro+car+di+og+ra+phy pron pos n. electrochemical series 0. syl e:lec+tro+chem:i+cal se+ries pos n. def another name for {electromotive series}. electrochemistry 0. syl e:lec+tro+chem+is+try pron pos n. def the branch of chemistry concerned with the study of electric cells and electrolysis. electrochemical sub head electrochemistry syl e:lec+tro+chem:i+cal pron pos adj. electrochemically sub head electrochemistry syl e:2lec+tro+1chem:i+cal+ly pos adv. electrochemist sub head electrochemistry syl e:2lec+tro+1chem+ist pos n. electroconvulsive therapy 0. syl e:lec+tro+con+vul+sive ther:a+py pron pos n. qual Med. def the treatment of certain psychotic conditions by passing an electric current through the brain to induce coma or con?!vulsions. Abbrev.: {E.C.T}. Also called: {electroshock therapy}. See also {shock therapy}. electrocorticogram 0. syl e:lec+tro+cor+ti+co+gram pron pos n. def a record of brain waves obtained by placing electrodes directly on the surface of the exposed cerebral cortex. Compare {electroencephalogram, electroencephalograph}. electrocute ety C19: from #7electro -#7+(exe)cute electrocute 1. syl e:lec+tro+cute pron pos vb. mod tr. def to kill as a result of an electric shock. electrocute 2. syl e:lec+tro+cute pron pos vb. mod tr. qual U.S. def to execute in the electric chair. electrocution sub head electrocute syl e:2lec+tro+1cu+tion pos n. electrode 1. syl e:lec+trode pron pos n. def a conductor through which an electric current enters or leaves an electrolyte, an electric arc, or an electronic valve or tube. electrode 2. syl e:lec+trode pron pos n. def an element in a semiconduct?!ing device that emits, collects, or controls the movement of electrons or holes. electrodeposit 1. syl e:lec+tro+de+pos+it pron pos vb. mod tr. def to deposit (a metal) by electrolysis. electrodeposit 2. syl e:lec+tro+de+pos+it pron pos n. def the deposit so formed. electrodeposition sub head electrodeposit syl e:lec+tro+dep:o+si+tion pron pos n. electrode potential 0. syl e:lec+trode po+ten+tial pos n. qual Chem. def the potential difference developed when an electrode of an element is placed in a solution containing ions of that element. electrodialysis 0. syl e:lec+tro+di+al:y+sis pron pos n. def dialysis in which electrolytes are removed from a colloidal solution by a potential difference between two electrodes separated by one or more membranes. electrodynamical alt head electrodynamic or electrodynamic syl e:lec+tro+dy+nam:i+cal pos adj. electrodynamic 1. or electrodynamical syl e:lec+tro+dy+nam+ic pron pos adj. def operated by an electromotive force between current-carrying coils. exam 1 an electrodynamic wattmeter. electrodynamic 2. or electrodynamical syl e:lec+tro+dy+nam+ic pron pos adj. def of or relating to electrodynamics. electrodynamics 0. syl e:lec+tro+dy+nam+ics pron pos n. mod functioning as; sing. def the branch of physics concerned with the interactions between electrical and mechanical forces. electrodynamometer 0. syl e:lec+tro+dy+na+mom+e:ter pron pos n. def an instrument that uses the interaction of the magnetic fields of two coils to measure electric current, voltage, or power. electroencephalogram 0. syl e:lec+tro+en+ceph:a+lo+gram pron pos n. qual Med. def the tracing obtained from an electroencephalograph. Abbrev.: {EEG} electroencephalograph 0. syl e:lec+tro+en+ceph:a+lo+graph pron , <-2gr@f> pos n. def an instrument for recording the electrical activity of the brain, usually by means of electrodes placed on the scalp: used to diagnose tumours of the brain, to study brain waves, etc. Abbrev.: {EEG} See also {brain wave}. electroencephalographic sub head electroencephalograph syl e:2lec+tro+en+2ceph:a+lo+1graph+ic pos adj. electroencephalographically sub head electroencephalograph syl e:2lec+tro+en+2ceph:a+lo+1graph:i+cal+ly pos adv. electroencephalography sub head electroencephalograph syl e:lec+tro+en+ceph:a+log+ra+phy pron pos n. electroform 0. syl e:lec+tro+form pron pos vb. def to form (a metallic object) by electrolytic deposition on a mould or matrix. electrograph 1. syl e:lec+tro+graph pron , <2gr@f> pos n. def an apparatus for engraving metal printing cylinders, esp. in gravure printing. electrograph 2. syl e:lec+tro+graph pron , <2gr@f> pos n. def the equipment used for the electrical transmission of pictures. electrograph 3.a. syl e:lec+tro+graph pron , <2gr@f> pos n. def a recording electrometer. electrograph 3.b. syl e:lec+tro+graph pron , <2gr@f> pos n. def a graph produced by this instrument. electrograph 4. syl e:lec+tro+graph pron , <2gr@f> pos n. def a visual record of the surface composition of a metal, obtained by placing an electrolyte-soaked paper over the metal and passing a current through the paper to an electrode on the other side. electrographic sub head electrograph syl e+lec+tro+graph+ic pron pos adj. electrographically sub head electrograph syl e:2lec+tro+1graph:i+cal+ly pos adv. electrography sub head electrograph syl e:lec+trog+ra+phy pron , <2Elek-> pos n. electrojet 0. syl e:lec+tro+jet pron pos n. def a narrow belt of fast-moving ions in the ionosphere, under the influence of the earth's magnetic field, causing auroral displays. electrokinetic 0. syl e:lec+tro+ki+net+ic pron , <-kI-> pos adj. def of or relating to the motion of charged particles and its effects. electrokinetics 0. syl e:lec+tro+ki+net+ics pron , <-kI-> pos n. mod functioning as; sing. def the branch of physics concerned with the motion of charged particles. electroluminescence 0.a. syl e:lec+tro+lu+mi+nes+cence pron pos n. qual Physics. def the emission of light by a phosphor when activated by an alternating field or by a gas when activated by an electric discharge. electroluminescence 0.b. syl e:lec+tro+lu+mi+nes+cence pron pos n. qual Physics. def the light emitted by this process. electroluminescent sub head electroluminescence syl e:2lec+tro+2lu+mi+1nes+cent pos n. electrolyze alt head electrolyse or electrolyse syl e:lec+tro+lyze pron pos vb. mod tr. qual U.S. electrolyse 1. or electrolyze syl e:lec+tro+lyse pron pos vb. mod tr. def to decompose (a chemical compound) by electrolysis. electrolyse 2. or electrolyze syl e:lec+tro+lyse pron pos vb. mod tr. def to destroy (living tissue, such as hair roots) by electrolysis. electrolysation sub head electrolyse syl e:2lec+tro+ly+1sa+tion pos n. electrolyser sub head electrolyse syl e:1lec+tro+2lys+er pos n. electrolysis 1. syl e:lec+trol:y+sis pron pos n. def the conduction of electricity by a solution or melt, esp. the use of this process to induce chemical changes. electrolysis 2. syl e:lec+trol:y+sis pron pos n. def the destruction of living tissue, such as hair roots, by an electric current, usually for cosmetic reasons. electrolyte 0. syl e:lec+tro+lyte pron pos n. def a solution or molten substance that conducts electricity. electrolytical alt head electrolytic or electrolytic syl e:lec+tro+lyt:i+cal pos adj. electrolytic 1.a. or electrolytical syl e:lec+tro+lyt+ic pron pos adj. def of, concerned with, or produced by electrolysis or electrodeposition. electrolytic 1.b. or electrolytical syl e:lec+tro+lyt+ic pron pos adj. def of, relating to, or containing an electro?!lyte. electrolytic 2. or electrolytical syl e:lec+tro+lyt+ic pron pos n. qual Electronics. def Also called: {electro?!lytic capacitor}. a small capacitor consisting of two electrodes separated by an electrolyte. electrolytically sub head electrolytic syl e:2lec+tro+1lyt:i+cal+ly pos adv. electrolytic cell 0. syl e:lec+tro+lyt+ic cell pos n. def any device in which electrolysis occurs. Sometimes shortened to {cell}. electrolytic gas 0. syl e:lec+tro+lyt+ic gas pos n. def a mixture of two parts of hydrogen and one part of oxygen by volume, formed by the electrolysis of water. electromagnet 0. syl e:lec+tro+mag+net pron pos n. def a magnet consisting of an iron or steel core wound with a coil of wire, through which a current is passed. electromagnetic 1. syl e:lec+tro+mag+net+ic pron pos adj. def of, containing, or operated by an electromagnet. exam 1 an electromagnetic pump. electromagnetic 2. syl e:lec+tro+mag+net+ic pron pos adj. def of, relating to, or consisting of electromagnetism. exam 1 electromagnetic moment. electromagnetic 3. syl e:lec+tro+mag+net+ic pron pos n. def of or relating to electro?!magnetic radiation. exam 1 the electromagnetic spectrum. electromagnetically sub head electromagnetic syl e:2lec+tro+mag+1net:i+cal+ly pos adv. electromagnetic field 0. syl e:lec+tro+mag+net+ic field pos n. def a field of force equivalent to an electric field and a magnetic field at right angles to each other and to the direction of propagation. electromagnetic interaction 0. syl e:lec+tro+mag+net+ic in+ter+ac+tion pos n. qual Physics. def an inter?!action between charged particles arising from their electric and magnetic fields; its strength is about 100 times weaker than the strong interaction. electromagnetic moment 0. syl e:lec+tro+mag+net+ic mo+ment pos n. def a measure of the magnetic strength of a magnet or current-carrying coil, expressed as the torque produced when the magnet or coil is set with its axis perpendicular to unit magnetic flux density. It is measured in ampere metres squared. Symbol: {m} Also called: {magnetic moment}. Compare {magnetic dipole moment}. electromagnetic pump 0. syl e:lec+tro+mag+net+ic pump pos n. def a device for pumping liquid metals by placing a pipe between the poles of an electromagnet and passing a current through the liquid metal. electromagnetic radiation 0. syl e:lec+tro+mag+net+ic ra+di:a+tion pos n. def radiation consisting of an electric and magnetic field at right angles to each other and to the direction of propagation. It requires no supporting medium and travels through empty space at 2.9979#M10%8 metres per second. See also {photon}. electromagnetic spectrum 0. syl e:lec+tro+mag+net+ic spec+trum pos n. def the complete range of electromagnetic radiation from the longest radio waves (wavelength 10%5 metres) to the shortest gamma radiation (wavelength 10%#-%1%3 metre). electromagnetic unit 0. syl e:lec+tro+mag+net+ic u:nit pos n. def any unit that belongs to a system of electrical cgs units in which the magnetic constant is given the value of unity and is taken as a pure number. Abbrev.: EMU, e.m.u. Compare {electrostatic unit}. electromagnetic wave 0. syl e:lec+tro+mag+net+ic wave pos n. def a wave of energy propagated in an electromagnetic field. See also {electromagnetic radiation}. electromagnetism 1. syl e:lec+tro+mag+ne+tism pron pos n. def magnet?!ism produced by an electric current. electromagnetism 2. syl e:lec+tro+mag+ne+tism pron pos n. def the branch of physics concerned with magnetism produced by electric currents and with the interaction of electric and magnetic fields. electromechanical 0. syl e:lec+tro+me:chan:i+cal pron pos adj. def of, relating to, or concerning an electrically operated mechanical device. electromechanically sub head electromechanical syl e:2lec+tro+me:1chan:i+cal+ly pos adv. electromerism ety C20: from #7electro -#7+(iso)merism electromerism 0. syl e:lec+tro+mer+ism pron pos n. qual Chem. def a type of tautomerism in which the isomers ({electromers}) differ in the distribution of charge in their molecules. electrometallurgy 0. syl e:lec+tro+met+al+lur+gy pron , <-1met*2lR:Ji> pos n. def metallurgy involving the use of electric-arc furnaces, electrolysis, and other electrical operations. electrometallurgical sub head electrometallurgy syl e:2lec+tro+2met+al+1lur+gi+cal pos adj. electrometallurgist sub head electrometallurgy syl e:2lec+tro+me+t1al+lur+gist pos n. electrometer 0. syl e:lec+trom+e:ter pron , <2Elek-> pos n. def an instrument for detecting or determining the magnitude of a potential difference or charge by the electrostatic forces between charged bodies. electrometric sub head electrometer or electrometrical syl e:lec+tro+met+ric pron pos adj. electrometrical sub head electrometer or electrometric syl e:2lec+tro+1met+ri+cal pos adj. electrometrically sub head electrometer syl e:2lec+tro+1met+ri+cal+ly pos adv. electrometry sub head electrometer syl e:lec+1trom+e:try pos n. electromotive 0. syl e:lec+tro+mo+tive pron pos adj. def of, concerned with, producing, or tending to produce an electric current. electromotive force 0.a. syl e:lec+tro+mo+tive force pos n. qual Physics. def a source of energy that can cause a current to flow in an electrical circuit or device. electromotive force 0.b. syl e:lec+tro+mo+tive force pos n. qual Physics. def the rate at which energy is drawn from this source when unit current flows through the circuit or device, measured in volts. Abbrev.: emf Symbol. exam 1 E electromotive series 0. syl e:lec+tro+mo+tive se+ries pos n. qual Chem. def a series of the metals, together with hydrogen, ranged in the order of their electrode potentials. electron ety C19: from #7electro -#7+ -#7on electron 0. syl e:lec+tron pron pos n. def a stable elementary particle present in all atoms, orbiting the nucleus in numbers equal to the atomic number of the element; a lepton with a negative charge of 1.6022#M10%#-%1%9 coulomb, a rest mass of 9.1096#M10%#-%3%1 kilogram, a radius of 2.818#M10%#-%1%5 metre, and a spin of @2#800255 . electron affinity 0. syl e:lec+tron af+fin+i:ty pos n. def a measure of the ability of an atom or molecule to form a negative ion, expressed as the energy released when an electron is attached. Symbol. exam 1 A electron camera 0. syl e:lec+tron cam+e:ra pos n. def an iconoscope or similar device for converting an optical image into an electric current. electronegative 1. syl e:lec+tro+neg:a+tive pron pos adj. def having a negative electric charge. electronegative 2. syl e:lec+tro+neg:a+tive pron pos adj. usage of an atom, group, molecule, etc. def tending to gain or attract electrons and form negative ions or polarized bonds. Compare {electropositive}. electronegativity 1. syl e:lec+tro+neg:a+tiv+i:ty pron pos n. def the state of being electronegative. electronegativity 2. syl e:lec+tro+neg:a+tiv+i:ty pron pos n. def a measure of the ability of a specified atom to attract electrons in a molecule. electron gun 0. syl e:lec+tron gun pos n. def a heated cathode with an associated system of electrodes and coils for producing and focusing a beam of electrons, used esp. in cathode-ray tubes. electronic 1. syl e:lec+tron+ic pron , <2Elek-> pos adj. def of, concerned with, using, or operated by devices, such as transistors or valves, in which electrons are conducted through a semiconductor, vacuum, or gas. electronic 2. syl e:lec+tron+ic pron , <2Elek-> pos adj. def of or concerned with electronics. electronic 3. syl e:lec+tron+ic pron , <2Elek-> pos adj. def of or concerned with electrons or an electron. exam 1 an electronic energy level in a molecule. electronically sub head electronic syl e:lec+1tron:i+cal+ly pos adv. electronic data processing 0. syl e:lec+tron+ic da:ta pro+ces+sing pos n. def data processing largely performed by electronic equipment, such as computers. Abbrev.: {E.D.P., e.d.p}. Compare {automatic data process?!ing}. electronic flash 0. syl e:lec+tron+ic flash pos n. qual Photog. def an electronic device for producing a very bright flash of light by means of an electric discharge in a gas-filled tube. electronic music 0. syl e:lec+tron+ic mu+sic pos n. def a form of music consisting of sounds produced by oscillating electric currents either controlled from an instrument panel or keyboard or prerecorded on magnetic tape. electronic organ 0. syl e:lec+tron+ic or+gan pos n. qual Music. def an electrophonic instrument played by means of a keyboard, in which sounds are produced and amplified by any of various electronic or electrical means. See also {Moog synthesizer}. electronics 1. syl e:lec+tron+ics pron , <2Elek-> pos n. mod functioning as; sing. def the science and technology concerned with the development, behaviour, and applications of electronic devices and circuits. electronics 2. syl e:lec+tron+ics pron , <2Elek-> pos n. mod functioning as; pl. def the circuits and devices of a piece of electronic equipment. exam 1 the electronics of a television set. electron lens 0. syl e:lec+tron lens pos n. def a system, such as an arrangement of electrodes or magnets, that produces a field for focusing a beam of electrons. electron microscope 0. syl e:lec+tron mi+cro+scope pos n. def a powerful type of microscope that uses electrons, rather than light, and electron lenses to produce a magnified image. electron multiplier 0. syl e:lec+tron mul+ti+pli+er pos n. qual Physics. def a device for amplifying and measuring a flux of electrons. Each electron hits an anode surface and releases secondary electrons that are accelerated to a second surface; after several such stages a measurable pulse of current is obtained. electron optics 0. syl e:lec+tron op+tics pos n. def the study and use of beams of electrons and of their deflection and focusing by electric and magnetic fields. electron probe microanalysis 0. syl e:lec+tron probe mi:cro+a:nal:y+sis pos n. def a technique for the analysis of a very small amount of material by bombarding it with a narrow beam of electrons and examining the resulting x-ray emission spectrum. electron spin resonance 0. syl e:lec+tron spin res:o+nance pos n. def a technique for investigating paramagnetic substances by subjecting them to high-frequency radiation in a strong magnetic field. Changes in the spin of unpaired electrons cause radiation to be absorbed at certain frequencies. Abbrev.: {ESR}. See also {nuclear magnetic reso?!nance}. electron telescope 0. syl e:lec+tron tel+e:scope pos n. def an astronomical telescope with an attachment for converting the infrared radiation emitted from the surface of planets into a visible image. electron tube 0. syl e:lec+tron tube pos n. def an electrical device, such as a valve, in which a flow of electrons between electrodes takes place. Sometimes shortened to {tube}. electronvolt 0. syl e:lec+tron+volt pron pos n. def a unit of energy equal to the work done on an electron accelerated through a potential difference of 1 volt. 1 electronvolt is equivalent to 1.602#M10%#-%1%0 joule. Symbol: eV electrophilic 0. syl e:lec+tro+phil+ic pron pos adj. qual Chem. def having or involving an affinity for negative charge. Electrophilic reagents ({electrophiles}) are atoms, molecules, and ions that behave as electron acceptors. Compare {nucleophilic}. &- {e@.lec+tro+phile} ($I#!l$ektr$$$u?!@!fa$Il) electrophone 0. syl e:lec+tro+phone pron pos n. qual Music. def any instrument whose sound is produced by the oscillation of an electric current, such as an electronic organ, Moog synthesizer, etc. electrophonic sub head electrophone syl e:lec+tro+phon+ic pron pos adj. electrophoresis 0. syl e:lec+tro+pho+re:sis: pron def @T the@T motion@T of charged particles in a colloid under the influence of an applied electric field. Also called: {cataphoresis}. electrophoretic sub head electrophoresis syl e:lec+tro+pho+ret+ic pron pos adj. electrophorus ety C18: from #7electro -#7+ -phorus, from Greek -phoros bearing, from pherein to bear electrophorus 0. syl e:lec+troph:o+rus pron , <2Elek-> pos n. def an apparatus for generating static electricity. It consists of an insulating plate charged by friction and used to charge a metal plate by induction. electrophysiology 0. syl e:lec+tro+phys:i+ol+o:gy pron pos n. def the branch of medical science concerned with the electrical activity associated with bodily processes. electrophysiological sub head electrophysiology syl e:2lec+tro+2phys:i:o+1log:i+cal pos adj. electrophysiologist sub head electrophysiology syl e:2lec+tro+2phys:i+1ol:o+gist pos n. electroplate 1. syl e:lec+tro+plate pron pos vb. mod tr. def to plate (an object) by electrolysis. electroplate 2. syl e:lec+tro+plate pron pos n. def electroplated articles collectively, esp. when plated with silver. electroplate 3. syl e:lec+tro+plate pron pos adj. def coated with metal by electrolysis; electroplated. electroplater sub head electroplate syl e:1lec+tro+2plat+er pos n. electropositive 1. syl e:lec+tro+po+si+tive pron pos adj. def having a positive electric charge. electropositive 2. syl e:lec+tro+po+si+tive pron pos adj. usage of an atom, group, molecule, etc. def tending to gain or attract electrons and form positive ions or polarized bonds. Compare {electronegative}. electroscope 0. syl e:lec+tro+scope pron pos n. def an apparatus for detecting an electric charge, typically consisting of a rod holding two gold foils that separate when a charge is applied. electroscopic sub head electroscope syl e:lec+tro+scop+ic pron pos adj. electroshock therapy 0. syl e:lec+tro+shock ther:a+py pron pos n. def another name for {electroconvulsive therapy}. electrostatic 1. syl e:lec+tro+stat+ic pron pos adj. def of, concerned with, producing, or caused by static electricity. electrostatic 2. syl e:lec+tro+stat+ic pron pos adj. def concerned with electrostatics. electrostatically sub head electrostatic syl e:2lec+tro+1stat:i+cal+ly pos adv. electrostatic generator 0. syl e:lec+tro+stat+ic gen+er:a+tor pos n. def any device for producing a high voltage by building up a charge of static electricity. electrostatic lens 0. syl e:lec+tro+stat+ic lens pos n. def an electron lens consisting of a system of metal electrodes, the electrostatic field of which focuses the charged particles. electrostatic precipitation 0. syl e:lec+tro+stat+ic pre+cip:i+ta+tion pos n. qual Chem. def the removal of suspended solid particles from a gas by giving them an electric charge and attracting them to charged plates. electrostatics 0. syl e:lec+tro+stat+ics pron pos n. def the branch of physics concerned with static electricity. electrostatic unit 0. syl e:lec+tro+stat+ic u:nit pos n. def any unit that belongs to a system of electrical cgs units in which the electric constant is given the value of unity and is taken as a pure number. Abbrevs.: {ESU, e.s.u}. Compare {electromagnetic unit}. electrostriction 0. syl e:lec+tro+stric+tion pron pos n. def the change in dimensions of a dielectric occurring as an elastic strain when an electric field is applied. electrosurgery 0. syl e:lec+tro+sur+ger:y pron pos n. def the surgical use of electricity, as in cauterization. electrosurgical sub head electrosurgery syl e:2lec+tro+1sur+gi+cal pos adj. electrotechnology 0. syl e:lec+tro+tech+nol+o:gy pron pos n. def the technological use of electric power. electrotherapeutics 0. syl e:lec+tro+ther:a+peu+tics pron pos n. def the branch of medical science concerned with the use of electricity ({electrotherapy}) in treating certain disorders or diseases. electrotherapeutic sub head electrotherapeutics or electrotherapeutical syl e:2lec+tro+2ther:a+1peu+tic pos adj. electrotherapeutical sub head electrotherapeutics or electrotherapeutic syl e:2lec+tro+2ther:a+1peu+ti+cal pos adj. electrothermal 0. syl e:lec+tro+ther+mal pron pos adj. def concerned with both electricity and heat, esp. the production of electricity by heat. electrotonus ety C19: from New Latin, from #7electro -#7+ Latin tonus #7tone electrotonus 0. syl e:lec+trot:o+nus pron , <2Elek-> pos n. qual Physiol. def the change in the state of irritability and conductivity of a nerve or muscle caused by the passage of an electric current. electrotonic sub head electrotonus syl e:lec+tro+ton+ic pron pos adj. electrotype 1. syl e:lec+tro+type pron pos n. def a duplicate print?!ing plate made by electrolytically depositing a layer of copper or nickel onto a mould of the original. Sometimes shortened to {electro}. electrotype 2. syl e:lec+tro+type pron pos vb. mod tr. def to make an electrotype of (printed matter, illustrations, etc.). electrotyper sub head electrotype syl e:1lec+tro+2typ+er pos n. electrovalence alt head electrovalency or electrovalency syl e:lec+tro+va+lence pos n. electrovalency 0. or electrovalence syl e:lec+tro+va+len+cy pron pos n. qual Chem. def the valency of a substance in forming ions, equal to the number of electrons gained or lost. electrovalent sub head electrovalency syl e:2lec+tro+1va+lent pos adj. electrovalently sub head electrovalency syl e:2lec+tro+1va+lent+ly pos adv. electrovalent bond 0. syl e:lec+tro+va+lent bond pos n. def a type of chemical bond in which one atom loses an electron to form a positive ion and the other atom gains the electron to form a negative ion. The resulting ions are held together by electrostatic attraction. Also called: {ionic bond}. Compare {covalent bond}. electrum ety C14: from Latin, from Greek *_elektron amber electrum 0. syl e:lec+trum pron pos n. def an alloy of gold (55-88 per cent) and silver used for jewellery and ornaments. electuary ety C14: from Late Latin *_el*_ectu*_arium, probably from Greek *_ekleikton electuary, from ekleikhein to lick out, from leikhein to lick electuaries infl head electuary syl e:lec+tu+ar:ies. pos n. mod pl. electuary 0. syl e:lec+tu+ar:y pron pos n. qual Med. def a paste taken orally, containing a drug mixed with syrup or honey. eleemosynary ety C17: from Church Latin ele*_emosyna #7alms eleemosynary 1. syl el+e:e:mos:y+nar:y pron <2eliE1mosin*ri> pos adj. def of, concerned with, or dependent on charity. eleemosynary 2. syl el+e:e:mos:y+nar:y pron <2eliE1mosin*ri> pos adj. def given as an act of charity. elegancy alt head elegance or elegance syl el+e:gan+cy pos n. elegances infl head elegance or elegancies syl el+e:ganc:es pos n. mod pl. elegancies infl head elegance or elegances syl el+e:gan+cies. pos n. mod pl. elegance 1. or elegancy syl el+e:gance pron <1elig*ns> pos n. def dignified grace in appearance, movement, or behav?!iour. elegance 2. or elegancy syl el+e:gance pron <1elig*ns> pos n. def good taste in design, style, arrangement, etc. elegance 3. or elegancy syl el+e:gance pron <1elig*ns> pos n. def something elegant; a refinement. elegant ety C16: from Latin *_eleg*_ans tasteful, related to *_eligere to select; see #7elect elegant 1. syl el+e:gant pron <1elig*nt> pos adj. def tasteful in dress, style, or design. elegant 2. syl el+e:gant pron <1elig*nt> pos adj. def dignified and graceful in appearance, behaviour, etc. elegant 3. syl el+e:gant pron <1elig*nt> pos adj. def cleverly simple; ingenious. exam 1 an elegant solution to a problem. elegantly sub head elegant syl el+e:gant+ly pos adv. elegiac 1. syl el+e:gi+ac pron <2eli1JI*k> pos adj. def resembling, characteristic of, relating to, or appropriate to an elegy. elegiac 2. syl el+e:gi+ac pron <2eli1JI*k> pos adj. def lamenting; mournful; plaintive. elegiac 3. syl el+e:gi+ac pron <2eli1JI*k> pos adj. def denoting or written in elegiac couplets or elegiac stanzas. {~} elegiac 4. syl el+e:gi+ac pron <2eli1JI*k> pos adj. mod often; pl. def an elegiac couplet or stanza. elegiac couplet 0. syl el+e:gi+ac coup+let pos n. qual Classical prosody. def a couplet composed of a dactylic hexameter followed by a dactylic pentameter. elegiac stanza 0. syl el+e:gi+ac stan+za pos n. qual Prosody. def a quatrain in iambic pentameters with alternate lines rhyming. elegise alt head elegize or elegize syl el+e:gise pron <1eli2JIz> pos vb. elegize 0. or elegise syl el+e:gize pron <1eli2JIz> pos vb. def to compose an elegy or elegies (in memory of). &- {#!el+e@.gist} elegy ety C16: via French and Latin from Greek elegeia, from elegos lament sung to flute accompaniment elegies infl head elegy syl el+e:gies. pos n. mod pl. elegy 1. syl el+e:gy pron <1eliJi> pos n. def a mournful or plaintive poem or song, esp. a lament for the dead. elegy 2. syl el+e:gy pron <1eliJi> pos n. def poetry or a poem written in elegiac couplets or stanzas. Eleia 0. syl E:lei:a pron <1Eli*> pos n. def a variant spelling of {Elia%1}. elem 1. syl elem. qual abbrev. for: def element(s). elem 2. syl elem. qual abbrev. for: def elementary. element ety C13: from Latin elementum a first principle, alphabet, element, of uncertain origin element 1. syl el+e:ment pron <1elim*nt> pos n. def any of the 105 known substances (of which 93 occur naturally) that consist of atoms with the same number of protons in their nuclei. Compare { {compound%1} (sense 1)}. element 2. syl el+e:ment pron <1elim*nt> pos n. def one of the fundamental or irreducible components making up a whole. element 3. syl el+e:ment pron <1elim*nt> pos n. def any group that is part of a larger unit, such as a military formation. element 4. syl el+e:ment pron <1elim*nt> pos n. def a small amount; hint. exam 1 an element of sarcasm in her voice. element 5. syl el+e:ment pron <1elim*nt> pos n. def a distinguishable section of a social group. exam 1 he belonged to the stable element in the expedition. element 6. syl el+e:ment pron <1elim*nt> pos n. def the most favourable environment for an animal or plant. element 7. syl el+e:ment pron <1elim*nt> pos n. def the situation in which a person is happiest or most effective (esp. in the phrases {in} or {out of one's element}) . element 8. syl el+e:ment pron <1elim*nt> pos n. def the resistance wire and its former that constitute the electrical heater in a cooker, heater, etc. element 9. syl el+e:ment pron <1elim*nt> pos n. qual Electronics. def another name for { {component} (sense 2)}. element 10. syl el+e:ment pron <1elim*nt> pos n. def one of the four substances thought in ancient and medieval cosmology to constitute the universe (earth, air, water, or fire). element 11. syl el+e:ment pron <1elim*nt> pos n. mod pl. def atmospheric conditions or forces, esp. wind, rain, and cold. exam 1 exposed to the elements. element 12. syl el+e:ment pron <1elim*nt> pos n. qual Geom. def a point, line, plane, or part of a geometric figure. element 13.a. syl el+e:ment pron <1elim*nt> pos n. def any of the terms in the array of a determinant or matrix. element 13.b. syl el+e:ment pron <1elim*nt> pos n. def the expression following the integral sign in a definite integral. exam 1 in element 13.c. syl el+e:ment pron <1elim*nt> pos n. def a member of a set. element 14. syl el+e:ment pron <1elim*nt> pos n. qual Christianity. def the bread or wine consecrated in the Eucha?!rist. element 15. syl el+e:ment pron <1elim*nt> pos n. qual Astronomy. def any of the numerical quantities, such as the major axis or eccentricity, used in describing the orbit of a planet, satellite, etc. elemental 1. syl el+e:ment+al pron <2eli1mentL> pos adj. def fundamental; basic; primal. exam 1 the elemental needs of man. elemental 2. syl el+e:ment+al pron <2eli1mentL> pos adj. def motivated by or symbolic of primitive and powerful natural forces or passions. exam 1 elemental rites of worship. elemental 3. syl el+e:ment+al pron <2eli1mentL> pos adj. def of or relating to earth, air, water, and fire considered as elements. elemental 4. syl el+e:ment+al pron <2eli1mentL> pos adj. def of or relating to atmospheric forces, esp. wind, rain, and cold. elemental 5. syl el+e:ment+al pron <2eli1mentL> pos adj. def of, relating to, or denoting a chemical element. {~} elemental 6. syl el+e:ment+al pron <2eli1mentL> pos adj. qual Rare. def a disembodied spirit. elementally sub head elemental syl el+e:1men+tal+ly pos adv. elementary 1. syl el+e:men+ta+ry pron <2eli1ment*ri>, <-tri> pos adj. def not difficult; simple; rudimentary. elementary 2. syl el+e:men+ta+ry pron <2eli1ment*ri>, <-tri> pos adj. def of or concerned with the first principles of a subject; introductory or fundamental. elementary 3. syl el+e:men+ta+ry pron <2eli1ment*ri>, <-tri> pos adj. usage Maths. of a function def having the form of an algebraic, exponential, trigonometric, or a logarithmic function, or any combination of these. elementary 4. syl el+e:men+ta+ry pron <2eli1ment*ri>, <-tri> pos adj. qual Chem. def another word for { {elemental} (sense 5)}. elementarily sub head elementary syl el+e:1men+ta+ri+ly pos adv. elementariness sub head elementary syl el+e:1men+ta+ri+ness pos n. elementary particle 0. syl el+e:men+ta+ry par+ti+cle pos n. def any of several entities, such as electrons, neutrons, or protons, that are less complex than atoms and are regarded as the constituents of all matter. Also called: {fundamental particle}. elementary school 1. syl el+e:men+ta+ry school pos n. qual Brit. def a former name for {primary school}. elementary school 2. syl el+e:men+ta+ry school pos n. def Also called: {grade school, grammar school}. a state school in which instruction is given for the first six to eight years of a child's education. elemi ety C16: via Spanish from Arabic al-l*_ami the elemi elemis infl head elemi syl el+e:mis. pos n. mod pl. elemi 0. syl el+e:mi pron <1elimi> pos n. def any of various fragrant resins obtained from tropical trees, esp. trees of the family used in making varnishes, ointments, inks, etc. elenchus ety C17: from Latin, from Greek elenkhos refutation, from elenkhein to put to shame, refute elenchi infl head elenchus syl e:len+chi pron <-kI> pos n. mod pl. elenchus 0. syl e:len+chus pron pos n. qual Logic. def refutation of an argument by proving the contrary of its conclusion, esp. syllogistically. elenctic 0. syl e:lenc+tic pron pos adj. qual Logic. def refuting an argument by proving the opposite. Compare { {deictic} (sense 1)}. eleoptene ety C20: from Greek elaion oil+ pt*_enos having wings, volatile; related to Greek petesthai to fly elaeoptene alt head eleoptene or eleoptene syl el+ae:op+tene pron <2eli1optEn> pos n. eleoptene 0. or elaeoptene syl el+e:op+tene pron <2eli1optEn> pos n. def the liquid part of a volatile oil. elephant ety C13: from Latin elephantus, from Greek elephas elephant, ivory, of uncertain origin elephants infl head elephant or elephant syl el+e:phants pos n. mod pl. elephant infl or elephants syl el+e:phant. pos n. mod pl. elephant 1. syl el+e:phant pron <1elif*nt> pos n. def either of the two proboscidean mammals of the family The {African elephant} is the larger species, with large flapping ears and a less humped back than the {Indian elephant} , of S and SE Asia. elephant 2. syl el+e:phant pron <1elif*nt> pos n. qual Chiefly Brit. def a size of writing paper, 23 by 28 inches. elephantoid sub head elephant syl el+e:phan+2toid pos adj. elephant bird 0. syl el+e:phant bird pos n. def another name for {aepyornis}. elephant grass 0. syl el+e:phant grass pos n. def any of various stout tropical grasses or grasslike plants, esp. and a type of reed mace. elephantiasis ety C16: via Latin from Greek, from elephas #7elephant+ -#7iasis elephantiasis 0. syl el+e:phan+ti:a+sis pron <2elif*n1tI*sis> pos n. qual Pathol. def a complication of chronic filariasis, in which nematode worms block the lymphatic vessels, usually in the legs or scrotum, causing extreme enlargement of the affected area. See also {filariasis}. elephantiasic sub head elephantiasis syl el+e:phan+ti+as+ic pron <2ele2f@nti1@sik>, <-f*n1tI*sik> pos adj. elephantine 1. syl el+e:phan+tine pron <2eli1f@ntIn> pos adj. def denoting, relating to, or characteristic of an elephant or elephants. elephantine 2. syl el+e:phan+tine pron <2eli1f@ntIn> pos adj. def huge, clumsy, or ponderous. elephant seal 0. syl el+e:phant seal pos n. def either of two large earless seals, of southern oceans or of the N Atlantic, the males of which have a long trunklike snout. elephant's-ear 1. syl el+e:phant's-ear pos n. def any aroid plant of the genus of tropical Asia and Polynesia, having very large heart-shaped leaves: grown for ornament and for their edible tubers. See also {taro}. elephant's-ear 2. syl el+e:phant's-ear pos n. def any of various cultivated begonias with large showy leaves. elephant foot alt head elephant's-foot or elephant's-foot syl el+e:phant foot pos n. elephant's-foot 0. or elephant foot syl el+e:phant's-foot pos n. def a monocotyledonous plant, of southern Africa, with a very large starchy tuberous stem, covered in corky scales: family elephant shrew 0. syl el+e:phant shrew pos n. def any small active African mammal of the family having an elongated nose, large ears, and long hind legs: order (insectivores). Eleusinian mysteries 0. syl El:eu+sin+i:an mys+ter:ies pos n. mod pl. def a mystical religious festival, held in September at Eleusis in classical times, in which initiates celebrated Persephone, Demeter, and Dionysus. Eleusis 0. syl E:leu+sis pron pos n. def a town in Greece, in Attica about 23 km (14 miles) west of Athens, of which it is now an industrial suburb. Modern Greek name: {Elevs*'is}. Eleusinian sub head Eleusis syl El:eu+sin+i:an pron <2elju?!1sini*n> pos n. adj. el alt head elev or elev syl el. elev 0. or el syl elev. qual abbrev. for def elevation. elevate ety C15: from Latin *_elev*_are from lev*_are to raise, from levis (adj.) light &- @!el+e@.#!va+to@.ry adj. elevate 1. syl el+e:vate pron <1eli2vAt> pos vb. mod tr. def to move to a higher place. elevate 2. syl el+e:vate pron <1eli2vAt> pos vb. mod tr. def to raise in rank or status; promote. elevate 3. syl el+e:vate pron <1eli2vAt> pos vb. mod tr. def to put in a cheerful mood; elate. elevate 4. syl el+e:vate pron <1eli2vAt> pos vb. mod tr. def to put on a higher cultural plane; uplift. exam 1 to elevate the tone of a conversation. elevate 5. syl el+e:vate pron <1eli2vAt> pos vb. mod tr. def to raise the axis of a gun. elevate 6. syl el+e:vate pron <1eli2vAt> pos vb. mod tr. def to raise the intensity or pitch of (the voice). elevate 7. syl el+e:vate pron <1eli2vAt> pos vb. mod tr. qual R.C. Church. def to lift up (the Host) at Mass for adoration. elevated 1. syl el+e:vat+ed pron <1eli2vAtid> pos adj. def raised to or being at a higher level. elevated 2. syl el+e:vat+ed pron <1eli2vAtid> pos adj. def inflated or lofty; exalted. exam 1 an elevated opinion of oneself. elevated 3. syl el+e:vat+ed pron <1eli2vAtid> pos adj. def in a cheerful mood; elated. elevated 4. syl el+e:vat+ed pron <1eli2vAtid> pos adj. qual Informal. def slightly drunk. elevation 1. syl el+e:va+tion pron <2eli1vAS*n> pos n. def the act of elevating or the state of being elevated. elevation 2. syl el+e:va+tion pron <2eli1vAS*n> pos n. def the height of something above a given or implied place, esp. above sea level. elevation 3. syl el+e:va+tion pron <2eli1vAS*n> pos n. def a raised area; height. elevation 4. syl el+e:va+tion pron <2eli1vAS*n> pos n. def nobleness or grandeur; loftiness. exam 1 elevation of thought. elevation 5. syl el+e:va+tion pron <2eli1vAS*n> pos n. def a drawing to scale of the external face of a building or structure. Compare { {plan} (sense 3)}, { {ground plan} (sense 1)}. elevation 6. syl el+e:va+tion pron <2eli1vAS*n> pos n. def the external face of a building or structure. elevation 7. syl el+e:va+tion pron <2eli1vAS*n> pos n. def a ballet dancer's ability to leap high. elevation 8. syl el+e:va+tion pron <2eli1vAS*n> pos n. qual R.C. Church. def the lifting up of the Host at Mass for adoration. elevation 9. syl el+e:va+tion pron <2eli1vAS*n> pos n. qual Astronomy. def another name for { {altitude} (sense 3)}. elevation 10. syl el+e:va+tion pron <2eli1vAS*n> pos n. def the angle formed between the muzzle of a gun and the horizontal. elevation 11. syl el+e:va+tion pron <2eli1vAS*n> pos n. qual Surveying. def the angular distance between the plane through a point of observation and an object above it. Compare {{depression} (sense 7)}. elevation 12. syl el+e:va+tion pron <2eli1vAS*n> pos n. qual Linguistics. def another term for {amelioration}. &- {@!el+e@.#!va+tion+al} elevator 1. syl el+e:va+tor pron <1eli2vAt*> pos n. def a person or thing that elevates. elevator 2. syl el+e:va+tor pron <1eli2vAt*> pos n. def a mechanical hoist for raising something, esp. grain or coal, often consisting of a chain of scoops linked together on a conveyor belt. elevator 3. syl el+e:va+tor pron <1eli2vAt*> pos n. def the U.S. name for { {lift} (sense 15)}. elevator 4. syl el+e:va+tor pron <1eli2vAt*> pos n. qual Chiefly U.S. def a granary equipped with mechanical devices for hoisting grain. elevator 5. syl el+e:va+tor pron <1eli2vAt*> pos n. def a surgical instrument for lifting a part. elevator 6. syl el+e:va+tor pron <1eli2vAt*> pos n. def a control surface on the tailplane of an aircraft, for making it climb or descend. eleven ety Old English endleofan; related to Old Norse ellefo, Gothic ainlif, Old Frisian andlova, Old High German einlif eleven 1. syl e:lev+en pron pos n. def the cardinal number that is the sum of ten and one. eleven 2. syl e:lev+en pron pos n. def a numeral 11, XI, etc., representing this number. eleven 3. syl e:lev+en pron pos n. def something representing, represented by, or consist?!ing of 11 units. eleven 4. syl e:lev+en pron pos n. mod functioning as; sing. pl. def a team of 11 players in football, cricket, hockey, etc. eleven 5. syl e:lev+en pron pos n. def Also called: {eleven o'clock}. eleven hours after noon or midnight. {~} eleven 6.a. syl e:lev+en pron pos n. def amounting to eleven. exam 1 eleven chances. eleven 6.b. syl e:lev+en pron pos n. usage as pronoun exam 1 have another eleven today. eleven-plus 0. syl e:lev:en-plus pos n. usage esp. formerly def an examination, taken in England and Wales by children aged 11 or 12, that selects suitable candidates for grammar schools. elevenses 0. syl e:lev+en+ses pron pos n. mod pl. qual Brit. informal. def a light snack, usually with tea or coffee, taken in mid-morning. eleventh 1.a. syl e:lev+enth pron pos adj. def coming after the tenth in order, position, time, etc.; often written 11th. eleventh 1.b. syl e:lev+enth pron pos adj. usage as pronoun exam 1 the eleventh in succession. eleventh 2.a. syl e:lev+enth pron pos n. def one of 11 equal or nearly equal parts of an object, quantity, measurement, etc. eleventh 2.b. syl e:lev+enth pron pos n. usage as modifier exam 1 an eleventh part. eleventh 3. syl e:lev+enth pron pos n. def the fraction equal to one divided by 11 (1/11). eleventh 4.a. syl e:lev+enth pron pos n. def an interval of one octave plus one fourth. eleventh 4.b. syl e:lev+enth pron pos n. def See {eleventh chord}. eleventh chord 0. syl e:lev+enth chord pos n. def a chord much used in jazz, consisting of a major or minor triad upon which are superimposed the seventh, ninth, and eleventh above the root. eleventh hour 0.a. syl e:lev+enth hour pos n. def the latest possible time; last minute. eleventh hour 0.b. syl e:lev+enth hour pos n. usage as modifier exam 1 an eleventh-hour decision. elevon ety C20: from #7elev (#7ator+ailer) #7on elevon 0. syl el+e:von pron <1eli2von> pos n. def an aircraft control surface that combines the functions of an elevator and aileron, usually fitted to tailless or delta-wing aircraft. Elevs'is 0. syl E:lev+s*'is pron <2elef1sis> pos n. def transliteration of the Modern Greek name for {Eleusis}. elf ety Old English @alf; related to Old Norse elfr elf, Middle Low German alf incubus, Latin albus white elves infl head elf syl elves pron pos n. mod pl. elf 1. syl elf pron pos n. usage in folklore def one of a kind of legendary beings, usually characterized as small, manlike, and mischievous. elf 2. syl elf pron pos n. def a mischievous or whimsical child or girl. Al Faiyum alt head El Faiyum or El Faiyum syl Al Fai+y*^um pos n. El Faiyum 0. or Al Faiyum syl El Fai+y*^um pron pos n. def a city in N Egypt: a site of towns going back at least to the 12th dynasty. Pop.: 167700 (1974 est.). El Ferrol 0. syl El Fer+rol qual Spanish def el fe#!rrol) a port in NW Spain, on the Atlantic: fortified naval base, with a deep natural harbour. Pop.: 87736 (1970). Official name (since 1939): {El Fer+rol del Cau+di+llo} (del ka$u#!$di$yo). elvish alt head elfish or elfish syl elv+ish pron <1elviS> pos adj. elfish 1. or elvish syl elf+ish pron <1elfiS> pos adj. def Also: {elfin}. of, relating to, or like an elf or elves; charmingly mischievous or sprightly; impish. {~} elfish 2. or elvish syl elf+ish pron <1elfiS> pos adj. def the supposed language of elves. &- {#!elf+ish+ly} {#!elv+ish+ly} elfishness sub head elfish or elvishness syl elf+ish+ness pos n. elvishness sub head elfish or elfishness syl elv+ish+ness pos n. elfland 0. syl elf+land pron <1elf2l@nd> pos n. def another name for {fairyland}. elflock 0. syl elf+lock pron <1elf2lok> pos n. def a lock of hair, fancifully regarded as having been tangled by the elves. Elgar 0. syl El:gar pron <1elga:> pos n. def Sir {Ed@.ward (William) }. 1857-1934, English composer, whose works include the (1899), the oratorio (1900), two symphonies, a cello concerto, and a violin concerto. Elgin marbles 0. syl El:gin mar+bles pron <1elgin> pos n. def a group of 5th-century #7b.c. Greek sculptures originally decorating the Parthenon in Athens, brought to England by Thomas Bruce, seventh Earl of Elgin (1766-1841), and now at the British Museum. El Giza 0. syl El G*^i:za pron <1gEz*> pos n. def a city in NE Egypt, on the W bank of the Nile opposite Cairo: nearby are the Great Pyramid of Cheops (Khufu) and the Sphinx. Pop.: 853700 (1974 est.). Mount infl head Elgon syl Mount. pos n. Elgon 0. syl El+gon pron <1elgon> pos n. def an extinct volcano in E Africa, on the Kenya-Uganda border. Height: 4321 m (14178 ft.). El Greco 0. syl El Gre:co pron <1grek*u> pos n. def original name 1541-1614, Spanish painter, noted for his elongated human forms and dramatic use of colour. Eli 0. syl E:li pron <1ElI> pos n. qual Old Testament. def the highest priest at Shiloh and teacher of Samuel (I Samuel 1-3). Elia H1.0. syl E:li:a pron <1Eli*> pos n. def a department of SW Greece, in the W Peloponnese: in ancient times most of the region formed the state of Elis. Pop.: 165056 (1971). Area: 2681 sq. km (1046 sq. miles). Modern Greek name: {Il*'ia}. Elia H2.0. syl E:li:a pron <1Eli*> pos n. def the pen name of (Charles) {Lamb}. Elias 0. syl E:li:as pron pos n. qual Bible. def the Douay spelling of {Elijah}. elicit ety C17: from Latin *_elicere to lure forth, from licere to entice elicit 1. syl e:lic+it pron pos vb. mod tr. def to give rise to; evoke. exam 1 to elicit a sharp retort. elicit 2. syl e:lic+it pron pos vb. mod tr. def to bring to light. exam 1 to elicit the truth. elicitable sub head elicit syl e:1lic+it+a:ble pos adj. elicitation sub head elicit syl e:2lic:i+1ta+tion pos n. elicitor sub head elicit syl e:1lic:i+tor pos n. elide ety C16: from Latin *_el*_idere to knock, from laedere to hit, wound elide 0. syl e:lide pron pos vb. qual Phonetics. def to undergo or cause to undergo elision. elidible sub head elide syl e:1lid+i:ble pos adj. eligible ety C15: from Late Latin *_eligibilis able to be chosen, from *_eligere to #7elect eligible 1. syl el:i+gi:ble pron <1eliJ*bL> pos adj. def fit, worthy, or qualified, as for an office or function. eligible 2. syl el:i+gi:ble pron <1eliJ*bL> pos adj. def desirable and worthy of being chosen, esp. as a spouse. exam 1 an eligible young man. eligibility sub head eligible syl el:i+gi:1bil+i:ty pos n. eligibly sub head eligible syl el:i+gi:bly pos adv. Elijah 0. syl E:li:jah pron pos n. qual Old Testament. def a Hebrew prophet of the 9th century #7b.c., who was persecuted for denouncing Ahab and Jezebel. (I Kings 17-21: 21; II Kings 1-2:18). Elik'on 0. syl E:li+k*'on pron pos n. def transliteration of the Modern Greek name for {Helicon}. eliminate ety C16: from Latin *_el*_imin*_are to turn out of the house, from e- out+ l*_imen threshold eliminate 1. syl e:lim:i+nate pron pos vb. mod tr. def to remove or take out; get rid of. eliminate 2. syl e:lim:i+nate pron pos vb. mod tr. def to reject as trivial or irrelevant; omit from consideration. eliminate 3. syl e:lim:i+nate pron pos vb. mod tr. def to remove (a competitor, team, etc.) from a contest, usually by defeat. eliminate 4. syl e:lim:i+nate pron pos vb. mod tr. qual Slang. def to murder in a cold-blooded manner. eliminate 5. syl e:lim:i+nate pron pos vb. mod tr. qual Physiol. def to expel (waste matter) from the body. eliminate 6. syl e:lim:i+nate pron pos vb. mod tr. qual Maths. def to remove (an unknown variable) from two or more simultaneous equations. eliminable sub head eliminate syl e:1lim:i+na:ble pos adj. eliminability sub head eliminate syl e:2lim:i+na:1bil+i:ty pos n. eliminant sub head eliminate syl e:1lim:i+nant pos n. elimination sub head eliminate syl e:2lim:i+1na+tion pos n. eliminative sub head eliminate or eliminatory syl e:1lim:i+na+tive pos adj. eliminatory sub head eliminate or eliminative syl e:1lim:i+na+to:ry pos adj. eliminator sub head eliminate syl e:1lim:i+2na+tor pos n. George 1. head Eliot syl George def pen name of 1819-80, English novelist, noted for her analysis of provincial Victorian society. Her best-known novels include (1859), (1860), (1861), and (1872). Eliot 2. syl El:i:ot pron <1eli*t> pos n. def Sir {John}. 1592-1632, English statesman, a leader of parliamentary opposition to Charles I. T (homas) S (tearns) 3. head Eliot syl T (homas) S (tearns) . def 1888-1965, British poet, dramatist, and critic, born in the U.S. His poetry includes (1917), (1922), (1930), and (1944). Among his verse plays are (1935), (1939), (1950), and (1954): Nobel prize for literature 1948. Elis 0. syl E:lis pron <1Elis> pos n. def an ancient city-state of SW Greece, in the NW Peloponnese: site of the ancient Olympic games. Elisabeth 0. syl E:lis:a:beth pron pos n. def a variant spelling of {Elizabeth} %2 (sense 1). Elisabethville 0. syl E:lis:a+beth+ville pron pos n. def the former name (until 1966) of {Lubumbashi}. Elisavetgrad 0. syl E:li+sa+vet+grad pron Russian pos n. def the former name (until 1924) of {Kirovograd}. Elisavetpol 0. syl E:li+sa+vet+pol pron Russian pos n. def a former name (until 1920) of {Kirovabad}. Elisha 0. syl E:li:sha pron pos n. qual Old Testament. def a Hebrew prophet of the 9th century #7b.c.: successor of Elijah (II Kings 3-9). elision ety C16: from Latin *_el*_isi*_o, from *_el*_idere to #7elide elision 0. syl e:li+sion pron pos n. def omission of a syllable or vowel at the beginning or end of a word, esp. when a word ending with a vowel is next to one beginning with a vowel. elite ety C18: from French, from Old French eslit chosen, from eslire to choose, from Latin *_eligere to #7elect 'elite alt head elite or elite syl *'e:lite pron , pos n. elite 1. or 'elite syl e:lite pron , pos n. mod sometimes functioning as; pl. def the most powerful, rich, gifted, or educated members of a group, community, etc. elite 2. or 'elite syl e:lite pron , pos n. def a typewriter typesize having 12 characters to the inch. elite 3. or 'elite syl e:lite pron , pos adj. def of, relating to, or suitable for an elite; exclusive. elitism 1.a. syl e:lit+ism pron , pos n. def the belief that society should be governed by a select group of gifted and highly educated individuals. elitism 1.b. syl e:lit+ism pron , pos n. def such government. elitism 2. syl e:lit+ism pron , pos n. def pride in or awareness of being one of an elite group. elitist sub head elitism syl e:1lit+ist pos n. elixir ety C14: from Medieval Latin, from Arabic al iks*_ir the elixir, probably from Greek x*_erion powder used for drying wounds, from x*_eros dry elixir 1. syl e:lix+ir pron pos n. def an alchemical preparation supposed to be capable of prolonging life indefinitely ({elixir of life}) or of transmuting base metals into gold. elixir 2. syl e:lix+ir pron pos n. def anything that purports to be a sovereign remedy; panacea. elixir 3. syl e:lix+ir pron pos n. def an underlying principle; quintessence. elixir 4. syl e:lix+ir pron pos n. def a liquid containing a medicinal drug with syrup, glycerin, or alcohol added to mask its unpleasant taste. Eliz 0. syl Eliz. qual abbrev. for def Elizabethan. Elizabeth H1.1. syl E:liz:a+beth pron pos n. def a city in NE New Jersey, on Newark Bay. Pop.: 110303 (1973 est.). Elizabeth H1.2. syl E:liz:a+beth pron pos n. def a town in SE South Australia, near Adelaide. Pop.: 33389 (1971). Elizabeth H2.1. syl E:liz:a:beth pron pos n. qual New Testament. def the wife of Zacharias, mother of John the Baptist, and kinswoman of the Virgin Mary. Elizabeth H2.2. syl E:liz:a:beth pron pos n. def pen name 1843-1916, queen of Rumania (1881-1914) and author. Elizabeth H2.3. syl E:liz:a:beth pron pos n. def Russian name 1709-62, empress of Russia (1741-62); daughter of Peter the Great. Saint 4. head Elizabeth syl Saint. def 1207-31, Hungarian princess who devoted herself to charity and asceticism. Feast day: Nov. 19. Elizabeth H2.5. syl E:liz:a:beth pron pos n. def title ; original name Lady born 1900, queen of Great Britain and Northern Ireland (1936-52) as the wife of George VI; mother of Elizabeth II. Elizabeth I 0. syl E:liz:a:beth I pos n. def 1533-1603, queen of England (1558-1603); daughter of Henry VIII and Anne Boleyn. She established the Church of England (1559) and put an end to Catholic plots, notably by executing Mary Queen of Scots (1587) and defeating the Spanish Armada (1588). Her reign was notable for commercial growth, maritime expansion, and the flourishing of literature, music, and architecture. Elizabeth II 0. syl E:liz:a:beth II pos n. def born 1926, queen of Great Britain and Northern Ireland since 1952; daughter of George VI. Elizabethan 1. syl E:liz:a+be:than pron pos adj. def of, characteristic of, or relating to England or its culture in the age of Elizabeth I or II. Elizabethan 2. syl E:liz:a+be:than pron pos adj. def of, relating to, or designating a style of architecture used in England during the reign of Elizabeth I, characterized by moulded and sculptured ornament based on German and Flemish models. Elizabethan 3. syl E:liz:a+be:than pron pos n. def a person who lived in England during the reign of Elizabeth I. Elizabethan sonnet 0. syl E:liz:a+be:than son+net pos n. def another term for {Shakespearean sonnet}. elk ety Old English eolh; related to Old Norse elgr, Old High German elaho, Latin alc*_es, Greek alk*_e, elaphos deer elks infl head elk or elk syl elks pos n. mod pl. elk infl or elks syl elk. pos n. mod pl. elk 1. syl elk pron pos n. def a large deer, of N Europe and Asia, having large flattened palmate antlers: also occurs in North America, where it is called a moose. American elk 2. head elk syl American elk. def another name for {wapiti}. elk 3. syl elk pron pos n. def a stout pliable waterproof leather made from calfskin or horsehide. El Khalil 0. syl El Kha+lil pron <@l> pos n. def transliteration of the Arabic name for {Hebron}. elkhound 0. syl elk+hound pron <1elk2haund> pos n. def a powerful breed of dog with a thick grey coat and tightly curled tail. Also called: {Norwegian elkhound}. ell ety Old English eln the forearm (the measure originally being from the elbow to the fingertips); related to Old High German elina, Latin ulna, Greek *_olen*_e ell H1.0. syl ell pron pos n. def an obsolete unit of length equal to approximately 45 inches. ell ety C20: a spelling of L, indicating a right angle ell H2.1. syl ell pron pos n. def an extension to a building, usually at right angles and located at one end. ell H2.2. syl ell pron pos n. def a pipe fitting, pipe, or tube with a sharp right-angle bend. Ell'as 0. syl El+l*'as pron pos n. def transliteration of the Modern Greek name for {Greece}. Ellesmere Island 0. syl Elles+mere Is+land pron <1elzmi*> pos n. def a Canadian island in the Arctic Ocean: part of the Northwest Territories; mountainous, with many glaciers. Area: 212688 sq. km (82119 sq. miles). Ellesmere Port 0. syl Elles+mere Port pos n. def a port in NW England, in NW Cheshire on the Manchester Ship Canal. Pop.: 61556 (1971). Ellice Islands 0. syl El+lice Is+lands pron <1elis> pos n. mod pl. def the former name (until 1975) of {Tuvalu}. Duke infl head Ellington syl Duke pos n. Ellington 0. syl El:ling:ton pron <1eliGt*n> pos n. def nickname of 1899-1974, U.S. jazz composer, pianist, and con?!ductor, famous for such works as and ellipse ety C18: back formation from #7ellipsis ellipse 0. syl el+lipse pron pos n. def a closed conic section shaped like a flattened circle and formed by an inclined plane that does not cut the base of the cone. Standard equation. exam 1 x ellipsis ety C16: from Latin, from Greek elleipsis omission, from elleipein to leave out, from leipein to leave ellipses infl head ellipsis syl el+lip+ses pron <-sEz> pos n. mod pl. ellipsis 1. syl el+lip+sis pron pos n. def Also called: {eclipsis}. omission of parts of a word or sentence. ellipsis 2. syl el+lip+sis pron pos n. qual Printing. def a sequence of three dots (&e) indicating an omission in text. ellipsoid 0.a. syl el+lip+soid pron pos n. def a geometric surface, symmetrical about the three coordinate axes, whose plane sections are ellipses or circles. Standard equation. exam 1 x ellipsoid 0.b. syl el+lip+soid pron pos n. def a solid having this shape. exam 1 the earth is an ellipsoid. ellipsoidal sub head ellipsoid syl el+lip+soi+dal pron , <2el-> pos adj. elliptical 1. syl el+lip+ti+cal pron pos adj. def relating to or having the shape of an ellipse. elliptical 2. syl el+lip+ti+cal pron pos adj. def relating to or resulting from ellipsis. elliptical 3.a. syl el+lip+ti+cal pron pos adj. def very condensed or concise, often so as to be obscure or ambiguous. elliptical 3.b. syl el+lip+ti+cal pron pos adj. def circumlocutory or long-winded. {~} Also (for senses 1 and 2): {el+lip+tic}. &- {el+#!lip+ti+cal+ly} ellipticalness sub head elliptical syl el+1lip+ti+cal+ness pos n. elliptic geometry 0. syl el+lip+tic ge+om+e:try pos n. def another name for {Riemannian geometry}. ellipticity 0. syl el+lip+ti+ci:ty pron , <2el-> pos n. def the degree of deviation from a circle or sphere of an elliptical or ellipsoidal shape or path, measured as the ratio of the major to the minor axes. Alexander John 1. head Ellis syl Al:ex:an:der John. def 1814-90, English philologist: made the first systematic survey of the phonology of British dialects. (Henry) Havelock 2. head Ellis syl (Henry) Have:lock. def 1859-1939, English essayist: author of works on the psychology of sex. elm ety Old English elm; related to Old Norse almr, Old High German elm, Latin ulmus elm 1. syl elm pron pos n. def any ulmaceous tree of the genus occurring in the N hemisphere, having serrated leaves and winged fruits (samaras): cultivated for shade, ornament, and timber. elm 2. syl elm pron pos n. def the hard heavy wood of this tree. elm xref syl elm pron pos n. def See also {slippery elm, wahoo%1, wych-elm}. Al Mansurah alt head El Mansura or El Mansura syl Al Man+su+rah pos n. El Mansura 0. or Al Mansurah syl El Man+su+ra pron pos n. def a city in NE Egypt: scene of a battle (1250) in which the Crusaders were defeated by the Mamelukes and Louis IX of France was captured; cotton-manufacturing centre. Pop.: 232400 (1974 est.). El Minya 0. syl El Min+ya pron <1minj*> pos n. def a river port in central Egypt on the Nile. Pop.: 122100 (1970 est.). El Misti 0. syl El Mis+ti pron <1mEstE> pos n. def a volcano in S Peru, in the Andes. Height: 5822 m (19096 ft.). El Obeid 0. syl El O:beid pron <*u1bAd> pos n. def a city in the central Sudan, in Kordofan province: scene of the defeat of a British and Egyptian army by the Mahdi (1883). Pop.: 89789 (1973). elocution ety C15: from Latin *_eloc*_uti*_o a speaking out, from *_eloqu*_i, from loqu*_i to speak elocution 0. syl el:o+cu+tion pron <2el*1kju:S*n> pos n. def the art of public speaking, esp. of voice production, delivery, and gesture. elocutionary sub head elocution syl el:o+1cu+tion+ar:y pos adj. elocutionist sub head elocution syl el:o+1cu+tion+ist pos n. Elohim ety C17: from Hebrew 'El*_ohim, plural of 'El*_oah God; probably related to 'El God Elohim 0. syl E:lo+him pron , <2el*u1hEm> pos n. qual Old Testament. def a Hebrew word for God or gods. Elohist 0. syl E:lo+hist pron pos n. qual Old Testament. def the author or authors of one of the four main strands of text of the Pentateuch, identified chiefly by the use of the word for God instead of (Jehovah). eloign ety C16: from Anglo-French esloigner to go far away; related to Latin long*_e (adv.) far; compare #7elongate eloin alt head eloign or eloign syl e:loin pron pos vb. mod tr. eloign 0. or eloin syl e:loign pron pos vb. mod tr. qual Archaic. def to remove (oneself, property, etc.) to a distant place. eloigner sub head eloign or eloiner syl e:1loign+er pos n. eloiner sub head eloign or eloigner syl e:1loin+er pos n. eloignment sub head eloign or eloinment syl e:1loign+ment pos n. eloinment sub head eloign or eloignment syl e:1loin+ment pos n. elongate ety C16: from Late Latin *_elong*_are to keep at a distance, from *_e- away+Latin long*_e (adv.) far, but also later: to lengthen, as if from *_e-+ Latin longus (adj.) long elongate 1. syl e:lon+gate pron <1EloGgAt> pos vb. def to make or become longer; stretch. elongate 2. syl e:lon+gate pron <1EloGgAt> pos adj. def long and narrow; slender. exam 1 elongate leaves. elongate 3. syl e:lon+gate pron <1EloGgAt> pos adj. def length?!ened or tapered. elongative sub head elongate syl e:lon+2ga+tive pos adj. elongation 1. syl e:lon+ga+tion pron <2EloG1gAS*n> pos n. def the act of elongating or state of being elongated; lengthening. elongation 2. syl e:lon+ga+tion pron <2EloG1gAS*n> pos n. def something that is elongated. elongation 3. syl e:lon+ga+tion pron <2EloG1gAS*n> pos n. qual Astronomy. def the difference between the celestial longitude of the sun and that of a planet or the moon. elope ety C16: from Anglo-French aloper, perhaps from Middle Dutch l*_open to run; see #7lope elope 0. syl e:lope pron pos vb. mod intr. def to run away secretly with a lover, esp. in order to marry. elopement sub head elope syl e:1lope+ment pos n. eloper sub head elope syl e:1lop+er pos n. eloquence 1. syl el:o+quence pron <1el*kw*ns> pos n. def ease in using language to best effect. eloquence 2. syl el:o+quence pron <1el*kw*ns> pos n. def powerful and effective language. eloquence 3. syl el:o+quence pron <1el*kw*ns> pos n. def the quality of being persuasive or moving. eloquent ety C14: from Latin *_eloqu*_ens, from *_eloqu*_i to speak out, from loqu*_i to speak eloquent 1. syl el:o+quent pron <1el*kw*nt> pos adj. usage of speech, writing, etc. def characterized by fluency and persuasiveness. eloquent 2. syl el:o+quent pron <1el*kw*nt> pos adj. def visibly or vividly expressive, as of an emotion. exam 1 an eloquent yawn. eloquently sub head eloquent syl el:o+quent+ly pos adv. eloquentness sub head eloquent syl el:o+quent+ness pos n. El Paso 0. syl El Pas:o pron <1p@s*u> pos n. def a city in W Texas, on the Rio Grande opposite Ciudad Ju*'arez, Mexico. Pop.: 353226 (1973 est.). El Salvador 0. syl El Sal+va+dor pron <1s@lv*2dc:> pos n. def a republic in Central America, on the Pacific: colonized by the Spanish from 1524; declared independence in 1841, becoming a republic in 1856. It consists of coastal lowlands rising to a central plateau. Coffee constitutes about half of the total exports. Language: Spanish. Religion: Roman Catholic. Currency: col*'on. Capital: San Salvador. Pop.: 3549260 (1971). Area: 21330 sq. km (8236 sq. miles). El Salvadoran sub head El Salvador or El Salvadorian syl El Sal+va+1dor+an pos adj. n. El Salvadorian sub head El Salvador or El Salvadoran syl El Sal+va+1do+ri:an pos adj. n. Elsan ety C20: from the initials of E. L. Jackson, the manu?!facturer+#7san (#7itation) Elsan 0. syl El+san pron <1els@n> pos n. qual Trademark. def a type of portable lavatory in which chemicals are used to kill bacteria and deodorize the sludge. Elsass 0. syl El+sass pron <1elzas> pos n. def the German name for {Alsace}. Elsass-Lothringen 0. syl El:sass-Lo:thring+en pron <1elzas> <1lo:triG*n> pos n. def the German name for {Alsace-Lorraine}. else ety Old English elles, genitive of el- strange, foreign; related to Old High German eli- other, Gothic alja, Latin alius, Greek allos #e Usage. The possessive of the expressions anybody else, everybody else, nobody else, etc., is formed by adding 's to else: this must be somebody else's letter. Who else is an exception in that whose else is an acceptable alternative to who else's: whose else can it be?? or who else's can it be?? Careful writers and speakers avoid whose else's since it contains two possessives, one of which is redundant. else 1. syl else pron pos determiner. usage an interrogative def in addition; more. exam 1 there is nobody else here. else 2. syl else pron pos determiner. usage an interrogative def other; different. exam 1 where else could he be?? else 3.a. syl else pron pos adv. usage an interrogative def if not, then. exam 1 go away or else I won't finish my work today. else 3.b. syl else pron pos adv. usage an interrogative def or something terrible will result: used as a threat. exam 1 sit down, or else&! elsewhere ety Old English elles hw*_@ar; see #7else, where elsewhere 0. syl else+where pron <2els1we*> pos adv. def in or to another place; somewhere else. Elsinore 0. syl El+si+nore pron <1elsi2nc:>, <2elsi1nc:> pos n. def the English name for {Helsingo@b/r}. ELT 0. syl ELT qual abbrev. for def European letter telegram. Paul infl head 'Eluard syl Paul pron pos n. 'Eluard 0. syl *'E:lu:ard pron French pos n. def 1895-1952, French surrealist poet, noted for his political and love poems. elucidate ety C16: from Late Latin *_el*_ucid*_are to enlighten; see #7lucid elucidate 0. syl e:lu+ci+date pron pos vb. def to make clear (something obscure or difficult); clarify. elucidation sub head elucidate syl e:2lu+ci+1da+tion pos n. elucidative sub head elucidate or elucidatory syl e:1lu+ci+2da+tive pos adj. elucidatory sub head elucidate or elucidative syl e:1lu+ci+2da+to:ry pos adj. elucidator sub head elucidate syl e:1lu+ci+2da+tor pos n. elude ety C16: from Latin *_el*_udere to deceive, from l*_udere to play elude 1. syl e:lude pron pos vb. mod tr. def to escape or avoid (capture, one's pursuers, etc.), esp. by cunning. elude 2. syl e:lude pron pos vb. mod tr. def to avoid fulfilment of (a responsibility, obligation, etc.); evade. elude 3. syl e:lude pron pos vb. mod tr. def to escape discovery, or understanding by; baffle. exam 1 the solution eluded her. eluder sub head elude syl e:1lud+er pos n. elusion sub head elude syl e:lu+sion pron pos n. eluant alt head eluent or eluent syl el:u+ant pron <1elju:*nt> pos n. eluent 0. or eluant syl el:u+ent pron <1elju:*nt> pos n. def a solvent used for eluting. Elul 0. syl E:lul pron Hebrew. pos n. qual Judaism. def the twelfth month of the civil year and the sixth of the ecclesiastical year in the Jewish calendar, falling approximately in August and September. elusive 1. syl e:lu+sive pron pos adj. def difficult to catch. exam 1 an elusive thief. elusive 2. syl e:lu+sive pron pos adj. def preferring or living in solitude and anonymity. elusive 3. syl e:lu+sive pron pos adj. def difficult to remember. exam 1 an elusive thought. elusive 4. syl e:lu+sive pron pos adj. def avoiding the issue; evasive. exam 1 an elusive answer. elusively sub head elusive syl e:1lu+sive+ly pos adv. elusiveness sub head elusive syl e:1lu+sive+ness pos n. elute ety C18: from Latin *_el*_utus rinsed out, from *_eluere to wash clean, from luere to wash, #7lave &- e@.#!lu+tion n. elute 0. syl e:lute pron , pos vb. mod tr. def to wash out (a substance) by the action of a solvent, as in chromatography. elutriate ety C18: from Latin *_el*_utri*_are to wash out, from *_eluere, from *_e- out+ lavere to wash &- e@.#!lu+tri+ant n. ?- e@.@!lu+tri@.#!a+tion n. elutriate 0. syl e:lu+tri+ate pron pos vb. mod tr. def to purify or separate (a substance or mixture) by washing and straining or decanting. elutriator sub head elutriate syl e:1lu+tri:2a+tor pos n. eluviation ety C20: from #7eluvium eluviation 0. syl e:lu+vi:a+tion pron pos n. def the process by which material suspended in water is removed from one layer of soil to another by the action of rainfall or chemical decomposition. eluvium ety C19: New Latin, from Latin *_eluere to wash out eluvia infl head eluvium syl e:lu+vi:a pron <-vi*> pos n. mod pl. eluvium 0. syl e:lu+vi:um pron pos n. def a mass of sand, silt, etc.: a product of the erosion of rocks that has remained in its place of origin. eluvial sub head eluvium syl e:1lu+vi:al pos adj. elver ety C17: variant of eelfare migration of young eels, literally: eel-journey; see #7eel, fare elver 0. syl el+ver pron <1elv*> pos n. def a young eel, esp. one migrating up a river from the sea. See also {leptocephalus}. elves 0. syl elves pron pos n. def the plural of {elf}. elvish 0. syl elv+ish pron <1elviS> pos adj. def a variant spelling of {elfish}. Ely 1. syl E:ly pron <1Eli> pos n. def a cathedral city in E England, in E Cambridgeshire on the River Ouse. Pop.: 9969 (1971). Isle of 2. head Ely syl Isle of. def a former county of E England, part of Cambridgeshire since 1965. Elyot 0. syl El:y:ot pron <1eli*t> pos n. def Sir {Thom@.as}. ??1490-1546, English scholar and diplomat; author of (1531), a treatise in English on education. 'Elys'ee 0. syl *'E:ly+s*'ee pron <2AlE1zA> pos n. def a palace in Paris, in the Champs Elys*'ees: official residence of the president of France. Elysian 1. syl E:ly+si:an pron pos adj. def of or relating to Elysium. Elysian 2. syl E:ly+si:an pron pos adj. qual Literary. def delightful; glorious; blissful. Elysium ety C16: from Latin, from Greek *_Elusion pedion Elysian (that is, blessed) fields Elysium 1. syl E:ly+si:um pron pos n. def Also called: {Elysian fields}. the dwelling place of the blessed after death. See also {Islands of the Blessed}. Elysium 2. syl E:ly+si:um pron pos n. def a state or place of perfect bliss. elytron ety C18: from Greek elutron sheath, covering elytrum alt head elytron or elytron syl el:y+trum pron <1elitr*m> pos n. elytra infl head elytron syl el:y+tra pron <-tr*> pos n. mod pl. elytron 0. or elytrum syl el:y+tron pron <1eli2tron> pos n. def either of the horny front wings of beetles and some other insects, which cover and protect the hind wings. elytroid sub head elytron or elytrous syl el:y+2troid pos adj. elytrous sub head elytron or elytroid syl el:y+trous pos adj. em 1. syl em pron pos n. qual Printing. def Also called: {mutton, mut}. the square of a body of any size of type, used as a unit of measurement. em 2. syl em pron pos n. qual Printing. def Also called: {pica em, pica}. a unit of measurement used in printing, equal to one sixth of an inch. em- 0. syl em- pos prefix. def variant of {en-%1} and {en-%2} before and 'em 0. syl 'em pron <*m> pos pron. def an informal variant of {them}. emaciate ety C17: from Latin *_emaci*_are to make lean, from macer thin emaciate 0. syl e:ma+ci+ate pron pos vb. mod usually; tr. def to become or cause to become abnormally thin. emaciation sub head emaciate syl e:2ma+ci:1a+tion pos n. emanate ety C18: from Latin *_em*_an*_are to flow out, from m*_an*_are to flow emanate 1. syl em:a+nate pron <1em*2nAt> pos vb. mod intr. usage often foll. by from def to issue or proceed from or as from a source. emanate 2. syl em:a+nate pron <1em*2nAt> pos vb. mod tr. def to send forth; emit. emanative sub head emanate syl em:a+na+tive pron <1em*n*tiv> pos adj. emanator sub head emanate syl em:a+2na+tor pos n. emanatory sub head emanate syl em:a+na+to:ry pron <1em*?!2nAt*ri>, <-tri> pos adj. emanation 1. syl em:a+na+tion pron <2em*1nAS*n> pos n. def an act or instance of emanat?!ing. emanation 2. syl em:a+na+tion pron <2em*1nAS*n> pos n. def something that emanates or is produced; effusion. emanation 3. syl em:a+na+tion pron <2em*1nAS*n> pos n. def a gaseous product of radioactive decay, such as radon. emanational sub head emanation syl em:a+1na+tion+al pos adj. emancipate ety C17: from Latin *_emancip*_are to give independence (to a son), from mancip*_are to transfer property, from manceps a purchaser; see #7manciple emancipate 1. syl e:man+ci+pate pron pos vb. mod tr. def to free from restriction or restraint, esp. social or legal restraint. emancipate 2. syl e:man+ci+pate pron pos vb. mod tr. usage often passive def to free from the inhibitions imposed by conventional morality. emancipate 3. syl e:man+ci+pate pron pos vb. mod tr. def to liberate (a slave) from bondage. emancipative sub head emancipate syl e:1man+ci+2pa+tive pos adj. emancipatory sub head emancipate syl e:man+ci+pa+to:ry pron , <-tri> pos adj. emancipation 1. syl e:man+ci+pa+tion pron pos n. def the act of freeing or state of being freed; liberation. emancipation 2. syl e:man+ci+pa+tion pron pos n. qual Informal. def freedom from inhibition and convention. emancipationist sub head emancipation syl e:2man+ci+1pa+tion+ist pos n. emarginate ety C17: from Latin *_emargin*_are to deprive of its edge, from marg*_o #7margin emarginated alt head emarginate or emarginate syl e:mar+gi+nat+ed pos adj. emarginate 0. or emarginated syl e:mar+gi+nate pron pos adj. def having a notched tip or edge. exam 1 emarginate leaves. emarginately sub head emarginate syl e:1mar+gi+2nate+ly pos adv. emargination sub head emarginate syl e:2mar+gi+1na+tion pos n. emasculate ety C17: from Latin *_emascul*_are, from masculus male; see #7masculine emasculate 1. syl e:mas+cu+late pron pos vb. mod tr. def to remove the testicles of; castrate; geld. emasculate 2. syl e:mas+cu+late pron pos vb. mod tr. def to deprive of vigour, effectiveness, etc. emasculate 3. syl e:mas+cu+late pron , <-2lAt> pos adj. mod tr. def castrated; gelded. emasculate 4. syl e:mas+cu+late pron , <-2lAt> pos adj. mod tr. def de?!prived of strength, effectiveness, etc. emasculation sub head emasculate syl e:2mas+cu+1la+tion pos n. emasculative sub head emasculate or emasculatory syl e:1mas+cu+la+tive pos adj. emasculatory sub head emasculate or emasculative syl e:1mas+cu+la+to:ry pos adj. emasculator sub head emasculate syl e:1mas+cu+2la+tor pos n. embalm ety C13: from Old French embaumer; see #7balm embalm 1. syl em+balm pron pos vb. mod tr. def to treat (a dead body) with preservatives, as by injecting formaldehyde into the blood vessels, to retard putrefaction. embalm 2. syl em+balm pron pos vb. mod tr. def to preserve or cherish the memory of. embalm 3. syl em+balm pron pos vb. mod tr. qual Poetic. def to give a sweet fragrance to. embalmer sub head embalm syl em+1balm+er pos n. embalmment sub head embalm syl em+1balm+ment pos n. embank 0. syl em+bank pron pos vb. mod tr. def to protect, enclose, or confine (a waterway, road, etc.) with an embankment. embankment 0. syl em+bank+ment pron pos n. def a man-made ridge of earth or stone that carries a road or railway or confines a waterway. See also { {levee%1.}} embargo ety C16: from Spanish, from embargar, from Latin #7im -#7+ barra {#7bar %1} embargoes infl head embargo syl em+bar+goes. pos n. mod pl. embargo 1. syl em+bar+go pron pos n. def a government order prohibiting the departure or arrival of merchant ships in its ports. embargo 2. syl em+bar+go pron pos n. def any legal stoppage of commerce. exam 1 an embargo on arms shipments. embargo 3. syl em+bar+go pron pos n. def a restraint, hindrance, or prohibition. embargoes infl head embargo syl em+bar+goes pos vb. mod tr. embargoing infl head embargo syl em+bar+go+ing pos vb. mod tr. embargoed infl head embargo syl em+bar+goed. pos vb. mod tr. embargo 4. syl em+bar+go pron pos vb. mod tr. def to lay an embargo upon. embargo 5. syl em+bar+go pron pos vb. mod tr. def to seize for use by the state. embark ety C16: via French from Old Proven*,cal embarcar, from #7em -+ barca boat, #7barque &- @!em+bar+#!ka+tion n. &- em+#!bark+ment n. embark 1. syl em+bark pron pos vb. def to board (a ship or aircraft). embark 2. syl em+bark pron pos vb. mod intr. usage usually foll. by on or upon def to commence or engage (in) a new project, venture, etc. embarras de richesses ety literally: embarrassment of riches embarras de richesses 0. syl em+bar+ras de rich+esses pron French. <*~abara d* ri1Ses> pos n. def a superfluous abundance of options, from which one finds it difficult to select. Also called: {em+bar+ras de choix} (d$$ #!#swa). embarrass ety C17 (in the sense: to impede): via French and Spanish from Italian imbarrazzare, from imbarrare to confine within bars; see #7en -%1#7, {#7bar %1} embarrass 1. syl em+bar+rass pron pos vb. mod also; intr. def to feel or cause to feel confusion or self-consciousness; disconcert; fluster. embarrass 2. syl em+bar+rass pron pos vb. mod mainly; tr. usage usually passive def to involve in financial difficulties. embarrass 3. syl em+bar+rass pron pos vb. mod mainly; tr. qual Archaic. def to make difficult; complicate. embarrass 4. syl em+bar+rass pron pos vb. mod mainly; tr. qual Archaic. def to impede; obstruct; hamper. embarrassing sub head embarrass syl em+1bar+rass+ing pos adj. embarrassingly sub head embarrass syl em+1bar+rass+ing+ly pos adv. embarrassment 1. syl em+bar+rass+ment pron pos n. def the state of being embarrassed. embarrassment 2. syl em+bar+rass+ment pron pos n. def something that embarrasses. embarrassment 3. syl em+bar+rass+ment pron pos n. def a financial predicament. embarrassment 4. syl em+bar+rass+ment pron pos n. def an excessive amount; superfluity. embassy ety C16: from Old French ambassee, from Old Italian ambasciata, from Old Proven*,cal ambaisada, ultimately of Germanic origin; see #7ambassador embassies infl head embassy syl em+bas+sies. pos n. mod pl. embassy 1. syl em+bas+sy pron <1emb*si> pos n. def the residence or place of official business of an ambassador. embassy 2. syl em+bas+sy pron <1emb*si> pos n. def an ambassador and his entourage collectively. embassy 3. syl em+bas+sy pron <1emb*si> pos n. def the position, business, or mission of an ambassador. embassy 4. syl em+bas+sy pron <1emb*si> pos n. def any important or official mission, duty, etc., esp. one undertaken by an agent. embattle ety C14: from Old French embataillier; see #7en -%1#7, battle embattle 1. syl em+bat+tle pron pos vb. mod tr. def to deploy (troops) for battle. embattle 2. syl em+bat+tle pron pos vb. mod tr. def to strengthen or fortify (a position, town, etc.). embattle 3. syl em+bat+tle pron pos vb. mod tr. def to provide (a building) with battlements. embattled 1. syl em+bat+tled pron pos adj. def prepared for or engaged in conflict, controversy, or battle. embattled 2. syl em+bat+tled pron pos adj. qual Heraldry. def having an indented edge resembling battlements. embay 1. syl em+bay pron pos vb. mod tr. usage usually passive def to form into a bay. embay 2. syl em+bay pron pos vb. mod tr. usage usually passive def to enclose in or as if in a bay. embay 3. syl em+bay pron pos vb. mod tr. usage usually passive; esp. of the wind def to force (a ship, esp. a sailing ship) into a bay. embayment 0. syl em+bay+ment pron pos n. def a shape resembling a bay. imbed alt head embed or embed syl im+bed pron pos vb. embeds infl head embed syl em+beds pos vb. embedding infl head embed syl em+bed+ding pos vb. embedded infl head embed syl em+bed+ded. pos vb. embed 1. or imbed syl em+bed pron pos vb. usage usually foll. by in def to fix or become fixed firmly and deeply in a surrounding solid mass. exam 1 to embed a nail in wood. embed 2. or imbed syl em+bed pron pos vb. mod tr. def to surround closely. exam 1 hard rock embeds the roots. embed 3. or imbed syl em+bed pron pos vb. mod tr. def to fix or retain (a thought, idea, etc.) in the mind. embed 4. or imbed syl em+bed pron pos vb. mod tr. qual Grammar. def to insert (a subordinate clause) into a sentence. embedment sub head embed or imbedment syl em+1bed+ment pos n. imbedment sub head embed or embedment syl im+1bed+ment pos n. embellish ety C14: from Old French embelir, from bel beautiful, from Latin bellus embellish 1. syl em+bel+lish pron pos vb. mod tr. def to improve or beautify by adding detail or ornament; adorn. embellish 2. syl em+bel+lish pron pos vb. mod tr. def to make (a story, etc.) more interesting by adding detail. embellish 3. syl em+bel+lish pron pos vb. mod tr. def to provide (a melody, part, etc.) with ornaments. See {ornament} (sense 5). embellisher sub head embellish syl em+1bel+lish+er pos n. ember ety Old English *_@amyrge; related to Old Norse eimyrja ember, eimr smoke, Old High German eimuria ember ember 1. syl em+ber pron <1emb*> pos n. def a glowing or smouldering piece of coal or wood, as in a dying fire. ember 2. syl em+ber pron <1emb*> pos n. def the fading remains of a past emotion. exam 1 the embers of his love. Ember days ety Old English ymbrend*_@ag, from ymbren, perhaps from ymbryne a (recurring) period, from ymb around+ ryne a course+ d*_@ag day Ember days 0. syl Em+ber days pos n. mod pl. qual R.C. and Anglican Church. def any of four groups of three days (always Wednesday, Friday, and Saturday) of prayer and fasting, the groups occurring after Pentecost, after the first Sunday of Lent, after the feast of St. Lucy (Dec. 13), and after the feast of the Holy Cross (Sept. 14). ember goose ety C18: from Norwegian emmer-gaas ember goose 0. syl em+ber goose pos n. usage not in ornithological use def another name for the {great northern diver}. See {diver} (the bird). Ember week 0. syl Em+ber week pos n. def a week in which Ember days fall. embezzle ety C15: from Anglo-French embeseiller to destroy, from Old French beseiller to make away with, of uncertain origin embezzle 0. syl em+bez+zle pron pos vb. def to convert (money or property entrusted to one) fraudulently to one's own use. embezzlement sub head embezzle syl em+1bez+zle+ment pos n. embezzler sub head embezzle syl em+1bez+zler pos n. embitter 1. syl em+bit+ter pron pos vb. mod tr. def to make (a person) resentful or bitter. embitter 2. syl em+bit+ter pron pos vb. mod tr. def to aggravate (an already hostile feeling, difficult situation, etc.). embitterer sub head embitter syl em+1bit+ter+er pos n. embitterment sub head embitter syl em+1bit+ter+ment pos n. emblaze 1. syl em+blaze pron pos vb. mod tr. qual Archaic. def to cause to light up; illuminate. emblaze 2. syl em+blaze pron pos vb. mod tr. qual Archaic. def to set fire to. emblazon 1. syl em+bla+zon pron pos vb. mod tr. def to describe, portray, or colour (arms) according to the conventions of heraldry. emblazon 2. syl em+bla+zon pron pos vb. mod tr. def to portray heraldic arms on (a shield, one's notepaper, etc.). emblazon 3. syl em+bla+zon pron pos vb. mod tr. def to make bright or splendid, as with colours, flowers, etc. emblazon 4. syl em+bla+zon pron pos vb. mod tr. def to glorify, praise, or extol, often so as to attract great publicity. exam 1 his feat was emblazoned on the front page. emblazonment sub head emblazon syl em+1bla+zon+ment pos n. emblazonry 0. syl em+bla+zon+ry pron pos n. def another name for {blazonry}. emblem ety C15: from Latin embl*_ema raised decoration, mosaic, from Greek, literally: something inserted, from emballein to insert, from ballein to throw &- @!em+blem+#!at+ic or @!em+blem+#!at@.i+cal adj. emblem 1. syl em+blem pron <1embl*m> pos n. def a visible object or representation that symbolizes a quality, type, group, etc., esp. the concrete symbol of an abstract idea. exam 1 the dove is an emblem of peace. emblem 2. syl em+blem pron <1embl*m> pos n. def an allegorical picture containing a moral lesson, often with an explanatory motto or verses, esp. one printed in an {emblem book}. emblematically sub head emblem syl 2em+blem+1at:i+cal+ly pos adv. emblemize infl head emblematize or emblematise syl em+blem+ize pron <1embl*2mIz> pos vb. mod tr. emblematise infl head emblematize or emblemize syl em+blem:a+tise pos vb. mod tr. emblemise infl head emblematize syl em+blem+ise pos vb. mod tr. emblematize 1. syl em+blem:a+tize pron pos vb. mod tr. def to function as an emblem of; symbolize. emblematize 2. syl em+blem:a+tize pron pos vb. mod tr. def to represent by or as by an emblem. emblements ety C15: from Old French emblaement, from emblaer to sow with grain, from Medieval Latin imbl*_ad*_are, from bl*_ada grain, of Germanic origin; compare Old English bl*_@ad grain emblements 1. syl em+ble+ments pron <1embl*m*nts> pos n. mod pl. qual Law. def annual crops and vegetable products cultivated by man's labour. emblements 2. syl em+ble+ments pron <1embl*m*nts> pos n. mod pl. qual Law. def the profits from such crops. embodies infl head embody syl em+bod+ies pos vb. mod tr. embodying infl head embody syl em+bod:y+ing pos vb. mod tr. embodied infl head embody syl em+bod+ied. pos vb. mod tr. embody 1. syl em+bod:y pron pos vb. mod tr. def to give a tangible, bodily, or concrete form to (an abstract concept). embody 2. syl em+bod:y pron pos vb. mod tr. def to be an example of or express (an idea, principle, etc.), esp. in action. exam 1 his gentleness embodies a Christian ideal. embody 3. syl em+bod:y pron pos vb. mod tr. usage often foll. by in def to collect or unite in a comprehensive whole, system, etc.; comprise; include. exam 1 all the different essays were embodied in one long article. embody 4. syl em+bod:y pron pos vb. mod tr. qual Theol. def to invest (a spiritual entity) with a body or with bodily form; render incarnate. &- {em+#!bod@.i+ment} embolden 0. syl em+bold+en pron pos vb. mod tr. def to encourage; make bold. embolectomies infl head embolectomy syl em+bo+lec+to+mies. pos n. mod pl. embolectomy 0. syl em+bo+lec+to+my pron <2emb*1lekt*mi> pos n. def the surgical removal of an embolus that is blocking a blood vessel. embolic 1. syl em+bol+ic pron pos adj. def of or relating to an embolus or embolism. embolic 2. syl em+bol+ic pron pos adj. qual Embryol. def of, relating to, or resulting from invagination. embolism ety C14: from Medieval Latin embolismus, from Late Greek embolismos intercalary; see #7embolus embolism 1. syl em+bo+lism pron <1emb*2liz*m> pos n. def the occlusion of a blood vessel by an embolus. embolism 2. syl em+bo+lism pron <1emb*2liz*m> pos n. def the insertion of one or more days into a calendar, esp. the Jewish calendar; intercalation. embolism 3. syl em+bo+lism pron <1emb*2liz*m> pos n. qual R.C. Church. def a prayer inserted in the canon of the Mass between the Lord's Prayer and the breaking of the bread. embolism 4. syl em+bo+lism pron <1emb*2liz*m> pos n. def another name (not in technical use) for {embolus}. embolismic sub head embolism syl em+bo+1lis+mic pos adj. embolus ety C17: via Latin from Greek embolos stopper, from emballein to insert, from ballein to throw; see #7emblem emboli infl head embolus syl em+bo+li pron <-2lI> pos n. mod pl. embolus 0. syl em+bo+lus pron <1emb*l*s> pos n. def material, such as part of a blood clot or an air bubble, that is transported by the blood stream until it becomes lodged within a small vessel and impedes the circulation. Compare {thrombus}. emboly ety C19: from Greek embol*_e an insertion, from emballein to throw in; see #7emblem embolies infl head emboly syl em+bo+lies. pos n. mod pl. emboly 0. syl em+bo+ly pron <1emb*li> pos n. def another name for {{invagination} (sense 3)}. embonpoint ety C18: from phrase en bon point in good condition embonpoint 1. syl em+bon+point pron French. pos n. def plumpness or stoutness. embonpoint 2. syl em+bon+point pron French. pos adj. def plump; stout. embosom 1. syl em+bos+om pron pos vb. mod tr. qual Archaic. def to enclose or envelop, esp. protectively. embosom 2. syl em+bos+om pron pos vb. mod tr. qual Archaic. def to clasp to the bosom; hug. embosom 3. syl em+bos+om pron pos vb. mod tr. qual Archaic. def to cherish. emboss ety C14: from Old French embocer, from #7em -#7+ boce #7{boss %2} emboss 1. syl em+boss pron pos vb. def to mould or carve (a decoration or design) on (a surface) so that it is raised above the surface in low relief. emboss 2. syl em+boss pron pos vb. def to cause to bulge; make protrude. embosser sub head emboss syl em+1boss+er pos n. embossment sub head emboss syl em+1boss+ment pos n. embouchure ety C18: from French, from Old French emboucher to put to one's mouth, from bouche mouth, from Latin bucca cheek embouchure 1. syl em+bou+chure pron <2ombu1Su*> pos n. def the mouth of a river or valley. embouchure 2.a. syl em+bou+chure pron <2ombu1Su*> pos n. def the correct application of the lips and tongue in playing a wind instrument. embouchure 2.b. syl em+bou+chure pron <2ombu1Su*> pos n. def the mouthpiece of a wind instrument, esp. of the brass family. embow 0. syl em+bow pron pos vb. mod tr. def to design or create (a structure) in the form of an arch or vault. embowment sub head embow syl em+1bow+ment pos n. embowel 1. syl em+bow+el pron pos vb. qual Obsolete. def to bury or embed deeply. embowel 2. syl em+bow+el pron pos vb. qual Obsolete. def another word for {disembowel}. embower 0. syl em+bow+er pron pos vb. mod tr. qual Archaic. def to enclose in or as in a bower. embrace ety C14: from Old French embracier, from #7em -#7+ brace a pair of arms, from Latin bracchia arms embrace H1.1. syl em+brace pron pos vb. mod also; intr. usage of a person def to take or clasp (another person) in the arms, or (of two people) to clasp each other, as in affection, greeting, etc.; hug. embrace H1.2. syl em+brace pron pos vb. mod mainly; tr. def to accept (an opportunity, challenge, etc.) willingly or eagerly. embrace H1.3. syl em+brace pron pos vb. mod mainly; tr. def to take up (a new idea, faith, etc.); adopt. exam 1 to embrace Judaism. embrace H1.4. syl em+brace pron pos vb. mod mainly; tr. def to comprise or include as an integral part. exam 1 geology embraces the science of mineralogy. embrace H1.5. syl em+brace pron pos vb. mod mainly; tr. def to encircle or enclose. exam 1 an island embraced by the ocean. embrace H1.6. syl em+brace pron pos vb. mod mainly; tr. qual Rare. def to perceive or understand. {~} embrace H1.7. syl em+brace pron pos vb. mod mainly; tr. def the act of embracing. embrace H1.8. syl em+brace pron pos vb. mod often; pl. qual Euphemistic. def sexual intercourse. embraceable sub head embrace syl em+1brace+a:ble pos adj. embracement sub head embrace syl em+1brace+ment pos n. embracer sub head embrace syl em+1brac+er pos n. embrace ety C15: back formation from #7embraceor embrace H2.0. syl em+brace pron pos vb. mod tr. qual Criminal law. def to commit or attempt to commit embracery against (a jury, etc.). embraceor ety C15: from Old French embraseor, from embraser to instigate, literally: to set on fire, from braser to burn, from brese live coals embracer alt head embraceor or embraceor syl em+brac+er pron pos n. embraceor 0. or embracer syl em+brace+or pron pos n. qual Criminal law. def a person guilty of embracery. embracery 0. syl em+brac+er:y pron pos n. qual Criminal law. def the offence of attempting by corrupt means to influence a jury or juror, as by bribery or threats. embranchment 1. syl em+branch+ment: def the@T process @T of branch?!ing out, esp. by a river. embranchment 2. syl em+branch+ment: pron , def a branching out or ramification, as of a river or mountain range. embrangle ety C17: from #7em -#7+ obsolete brangle to wrangle, perhaps a blend of #7brawl+wrangle embrangle 0. syl em+bran+gle pron pos vb. mod tr. qual Rare. def to confuse or entangle. embranglement sub head embrangle syl em+1bran+gle+ment pos n. embrasure ety C18: from French, from obsolete embraser to widen, of uncertain origin embrasure 1. syl em+bra+sure pron pos n. qual Fortifications. def an opening or indentation, as in a battlement, for shooting through. embrasure 2. syl em+bra+sure pron pos n. def an opening forming a door or window, having splayed sides that increase the width of the opening in the interior. embrasured sub head embrasure syl em+1bra+sured pos adj. embrectomies infl head embrectomy syl em+brec+to+mies. pos n. mod pl. embrectomy 0. syl em+brec+to+my pron pos n. def surgical removal of an embryo, esp. in cases of ectopic pregnancy. embrocate ety C17: from Medieval Latin embroc*_are, from embrocha poultice, from Greek embrokh*_e lotion, infusion, from brokh*_e a moistening embrocate 0. syl em+bro+cate pron <1embr*u2kAt> pos vb. mod tr. def to apply a liniment or lotion to (a part of the body). embrocation 0. syl em+bro+ca+tion pron <2embr*u1kAS*n> pos n. def a drug or agent for rubbing into the skin; liniment. embroider ety C15: from Old French embroder; see em- #7en -%1#7, broider embroider 1. syl em+broi+der pron pos vb. def to do decorative needlework upon (cloth, etc.). embroider 2. syl em+broi+der pron pos vb. def to add fictitious or fanciful detail to (a story). embroider 3. syl em+broi+der pron pos vb. def to add exaggerated or improbable details to (an account of an event, etc.). embroiderer sub head embroider syl em+1broi+der+er pos n. embroideries infl head embroidery syl em+broi+der:ies. pos n. mod pl. embroidery 1. syl em+broi+der:y pron pos n. def decorative needlework done usually on loosely woven cloth or canvas, often being a picture or pattern. embroidery 2. syl em+broi+der:y pron pos n. def elaboration or exaggeration, esp. in writing or reporting; embellishment. embroil ety C17: from French embrouiller, from brouiller to mingle, confuse embroil 1. syl em+broil pron pos vb. mod tr. def to involve (a person, oneself, etc.) in trouble, conflict, or argument. embroil 2. syl em+broil pron pos vb. mod tr. def to throw (affairs, etc.) into a state of confusion or disorder; complicate; entangle. embroiler sub head embroil syl em+1broil+er pos n. embroilment sub head embroil syl em+1broil+ment pos n. embrues infl head embrue syl em+brues pos vb. embruing infl head embrue syl em+bru+ing pos vb. embrued infl head embrue syl em+brued. pos vb. embrue 0. syl em+brue pron pos vb. def a variant spell?!ing of {imbrue}. embruement sub head embrue syl em+1brue+ment pos n. embryectomies infl head embryectomy syl em+bry+ec+to+mies. pos n. mod pl. embryectomy 0. syl em+bry+ec+to+my pron <2embri1ekt*mi> pos n. def surgical removal of an embryo. embryo ety C16: from Late Latin, from Greek embruon, from bruein to swell embryos infl head embryo syl em+bry:os. pos n. mod pl. embryo 1. syl em+bry:o pron <1embri2*u> pos n. def an animal in the early stages of development following cleavage of the zygote and ending at birth or hatching. embryo 2. syl em+bry:o pron <1embri2*u> pos n. def the human product of conception up to approximately the end of the second month of pregnancy. Compare {{fetus}}. embryo 3. syl em+bry:o pron <1embri2*u> pos n. def a plant in the early stages of development: in higher plants, the plumule, cotyledons, and radicle within the seed. embryo 4. syl em+bry:o pron <1embri2*u> pos n. def an undeveloped or rudimentary state (esp. in the phrase {in embryo}) . embryo 5. syl em+bry:o pron <1embri2*u> pos n. def something in an early stage of development. exam 1 an embryo of an idea. embryoid sub head embryo syl em+bry+2oid pos adj. embryogeny 1. syl em+bry+og+e:ny pron <2embri1oJini> pos n. def Also called: {embryogenesis} (@!$embr$I$$$u#!d#f$en$$s$Is). the formation and development of an embryo. embryogeny 2. syl em+bry+og+e:ny pron <2embri1oJini> pos n. def the study of these processes. embryogenic sub head embryogeny syl em+bry:o+gen+ic pron <2embri*u1Jenik> pos adj. embryol 0. syl embryol. qual abbrev. for def embryology. embryology 1. syl em+bry+ol+o:gy pron <2embri1ol*Ji> pos n. def the branch of science concerned with the study of embryos. embryology 2. syl em+bry+ol+o:gy pron <2embri1ol*Ji> pos n. def the structure and development of the embryo of a particular organism. embryological sub head embryology or embryologic syl em+bry:o+log:i+cal pron <2embri*1loJikL> pos adj. embryologic sub head embryology or embryological syl em+bry:o+1log+ic pos adj. embryologically sub head embryology syl em+bry:o+1log:i+cal+ly pos adv. embryologist sub head embryology syl em+bry+1ol:o+gist pos n. embryonal alt head embryonic or embryonic syl em+bry:o+nal pron <1embri*nL> pos adj. embryonic 1. or embryonal syl em+bry+on+ic pron <2embri1onik> pos adj. def of or relating to an embryo. embryonic 2. or embryonal syl em+bry+on+ic pron <2embri1onik> pos adj. def in an early stage; rudimentary; undeveloped. embryonically sub head embryonic syl em+bry+1on:i+cal+ly pos adv. embryo sac 0. syl em+bry:o sac pos n. def the structure within a plant ovule that contains the egg cell; the megaspore of seed plants: contains the embryo plant and endosperm after fertilization. embuses infl head embus or embusses syl em+bus:es pos vb. embusing infl head embus or embussing syl em+bus+ing pos vb. embused infl head embus or embussed syl em+bused pos vb. embusses infl head embus or embuses syl em+bus:ses pos vb. embussing infl head embus or embusing syl em+bus+sing pos vb. embussed infl head embus or embused syl em+bussed. pos vb. embus 0. syl em+bus pron pos vb. qual Military. def to cause (troops) to board or (of troops) to board a transport vehicle. embusqu'e ety from embusquer to lie in ambush, shirk embusqu'es infl head embusqu'e syl em+bus+qu*'es pron <-1kA> pos n. mod pl. embusqu'e 0. syl em+bus+qu*'e pron French. <*~abys1kA> pos n. def a man who avoids military conscription by obtaining a government job. emcee ety from the abbreviation M.C. infl head emcee syl ~ pos n. qual Informal. emcee 1. syl em+cee pron <2em1sE> pos n. def a master of ceremonies. {~} {+cees, +cee+ing, +ceed}. emcee 2. syl em+cee pron <2em1sE> pos n. def to act as master of ceremonies (for or at). em dash 0. syl em dash pos n. qual Printing. def a dash (&-#800277) one em long. Emden 0. syl Em+den pron German <1emdN> pos n. def a port in NW West Germany, in Lower Saxony at the mouth of the River Ems. Pop.: 49500 (1970). -eme ety C20: via French, abstracted from #7phoneme -eme 0. syl -eme usage suffix forming nouns. Linguistics. def indicating a minimal distinctive unit of a specified type in a language. exam 1 morpheme; exam 2 phoneme. emend ety C15: from Latin *_emend*_are to correct, from *_e- out+ mendum a mistake emend 0. syl e:mend pron pos vb. mod tr. def to make corrections or improvements in (a text) by critical editing. emendable sub head emend syl e:1mend+a:ble pos adj. emendation 1. syl e:men+da+tion pron <2Emen1dAS*n> pos n. def a correction or improve?!ment in a text. emendation 2. syl e:men+da+tion pron <2Emen1dAS*n> pos n. def the act or process of emending. &- {#!e@.men+@!da+tor} emendatory sub head emendation syl e:men+da+to:ry pron , <-tri> pos adj. emerald ety C13: from Old French esmeraude, from Latin smaragdus, from Greek smaragdos; related to Sanskrit marakata emerald emerald 1. syl em+er+ald pron <1em*r*ld>, <1emr*ld> pos n. def a green transparent variety of beryl: highly valued as a gem. emerald 2.a. syl em+er+ald pron <1em*r*ld>, <1emr*ld> pos n. def the clear green colour of an emerald. emerald 2.b. syl em+er+ald pron <1em*r*ld>, <1emr*ld> pos as; adj. exam 1 an emerald carpet. emerald 3. syl em+er+ald pron <1em*r*ld>, <1emr*ld> pos n. usage formerly def a size of printer's type approximately equal to 6@2 point. Emerald Isle 0. syl Em+er+ald Isle pos n. def a poetic name for {Ireland}. emerge ety C17: from Latin *_emergere to rise up from, from mergere to dip emerge 1. syl e:merge pron pos vb. mod intr. usage often foll. by from def to come up to the surface of or rise from water or other liquid. emerge 2. syl e:merge pron pos vb. mod intr. usage often foll. by from def to come into view, as from concealment or obscurity. exam 1 he emerged from the cave. emerge 3. syl e:merge pron pos vb. mod intr. usage often foll. by from; foll. by from def to come out (of) or live (through a difficult experience, etc.). exam 1 he emerged from his ordeal with dignity. emerge 4. syl e:merge pron pos vb. mod intr. usage often foll. by from def to become apparent. exam 1 several interesting things emerged from the report. emergence 1. syl e:mer+gence pron pos n. def the act or process of emerg?!ing. emergence 2. syl e:mer+gence pron pos n. def an outgrowth, such as a prickle, that contains no vascular tissue and does not develop into stem, leaf, etc. emergencies infl head emergency syl e:mer+gen+cies. pos n. mod pl. emergency 1.a. syl e:mer+gen+cy pron pos n. def an unforeseen or sudden occurrence, esp. of a danger demanding immediate remedy or action. emergency 1.b. syl e:mer+gen+cy pron pos n. usage as modifier exam 1 an emergency exit. emergency 2.a. syl e:mer+gen+cy pron pos n. def a patient requiring urgent treatment. emergency 2.b. syl e:mer+gen+cy pron pos n. usage as modifier exam 1 an emergency ward. state of emergency 3. head emergency syl state of emergency. def a condition, declared by a government, in which martial law applies, usually because of civil unrest or natural disaster. emergent 1. syl e:mer+gent pron pos adj. def coming into being or notice. exam 1 an emergent political structure. emergent 2. syl e:mer+gent pron pos adj. usage of a nation def recently inde?!pendent. {~} emergent 3. syl e:mer+gent pron pos adj. def an aquatic plant with stem and leaves above the water. emergently sub head emergent syl e:1mer+gent+ly pos adv. emergentness sub head emergent syl e:1mer+gent+ness pos n. emergent evolution 0. syl e:mer+gent e:vo+lu+tion pos n. qual Philosophy. def the doctrine that, in the course of evolution, some entirely new properties, such as life and consciousness, appear at certain critical points, usually because of an unpredictable rearrangement of the already existing entities. emeritus ety C19: from Latin, from mer*_ere to deserve; see #7merit emeritus 0. syl e:mer:i+tus pron pos adj. usage postpositive def retired or honourably discharged from full-time work, but retaining one's title on an honorary basis. exam 1 a professor emeritus. emersed 0. syl e:mersed pron pos adj. usage of the leaves or stems of aquatic plants def protruding above the surface of the water. emersion ety C17: from Latin *_emersus, from *_emergere; see #7emerge emersion 1. syl e:mer+sion pron pos n. def the act or an instance of emerg?!ing. emersion 2. syl e:mer+sion pron pos n. def Also called: {egress}. the reappearance of a celestial body after an eclipse or occultation. Ralph Waldo infl head Emerson syl Ralph Wal:do. pos n. Emerson 0. syl Em:er:son pron <1em*sN> pos n. def 1803-82, U.S. poet, essayist, and transcendentalist. emery ety C15: from Old French esmeril, ultimately from Greek smuris powder for rubbing emery 0.a. syl em+er:y pron <1em*ri> pos n. def a hard greyish-black mineral consisting of corundum with either magnetite or haematite: used as an abrasive and polishing agent, esp. as a coating on paper, cloth, etc. Formula: Al\2O\3. emery 0.b. syl em+er:y pron <1em*ri> pos n. usage as modifier exam 1 emery paper. emery board 0. syl em+er:y board pos n. def a strip of cardboard or wood with a rough surface of crushed emery, for filing one's nails. emery wheel 0. syl em+er:y wheel pos n. def a grinding or polishing wheel the surface of which is coated with abrasive emery particles. emesis ety C19: via New Latin from Greek, from emein to vomit emesis 0. syl em+e:sis pron <1emisis> pos n. def the technical name for {vomiting}. emetic ety C17: from Late Latin *_emeticus, from Greek emetikos, from emein to vomit emetic 1. syl e:met+ic pron pos adj. def causing vomiting. emetic 2. syl e:met+ic pron pos n. def an emetic agent or drug. emetically sub head emetic syl e:1met:i+cal+ly pos adv. emetine ety C19: from French *'em*'etine; see #7emetic, -#7ine %2 emetin alt head emetine or emetine syl em+e:tin pron <1em*tin> pos n. emetine 0. or emetin syl em+e:tine pron <1em*2tEn>, <-tin> pos n. def a white bitter poisonous alkaloid obtained from ipecac: the hydrochloride is used to treat amoebic infections. Formula: C\2\9H\4\0O\4N\2. EMF alt head emf or emf syl EMF emf 0. or EMF syl emf qual abbrev. for def electromotive force. -emia 0. syl -e:mi:a pos n. usage combining form. def U.S. variant of {-aemia}. emigrant 0.a. syl em:i+grant pron <1emigr*nt> pos n. def a person who leaves one place or country, esp. a native country, to settle in another. Compare {immigrant}. emigrant 0.b. syl em:i+grant pron <1emigr*nt> pos n. usage as modifier exam 1 an emigrant worker. emigrate ety C18: from Latin *_em*_igr*_are, from m*_igr*_are to depart, #7migrate emigrate 0. syl em:i+grate pron <1emi2grAt> pos vb. mod intr. def to leave one place or country, esp. one's native country, in order to settle in another. Compare {immigrate}. emigrative sub head emigrate or emigratory syl em:i+2gra+tive pos adj. emigratory sub head emigrate or emigrative syl em:i+2gra+to:ry pos adj. emigration 1. syl em:i+gra+tion pron <2emi1grAS*n> pos n. def the act or an instance of emigrating. emigration 2. syl em:i+gra+tion pron <2emi1grAS*n> pos n. def emigrants considered collectively. 'emigr'e ety C18: from French, from *'emigrer to #7emigrate 'emigr'e 0. syl *'e:mi+gr*'e pron <1emi2grA>, French pos n. def an emigrant, esp. one forced to leave his native country for political reasons. Emilia-Romagna 0. syl E:mi:li:a-Ro:ma:gna pron , Italian pos n. def a region of N central Italy, on the Adriatic: rises from the plains of the Po valley in the north to the Apennines in the south. Capital: Bologna. Pop.: 3841103 (1971). Area: 22123 sq. km. (8628 sq. miles). eminence ety C17: from French, from Latin *_eminentia a standing out; see #7eminent eminency alt head eminence or eminence syl em:i+nen+cy pos n. eminences infl head eminence or eminencies syl em:i+nenc:es pos n. mod pl. eminencies infl head eminence or eminences syl em:i+nen+cies. pos n. mod pl. eminence 1. or eminency syl em:i+nence pron <1emin*ns> pos n. def a position of superiority, distinction, high rank, or fame. eminence 2. or eminency syl em:i+nence pron <1emin*ns> pos n. def a high or raised piece of ground. eminence 3. or eminency syl em:i+nence pron <1emin*ns> pos n. qual Anatomy. def a projection of an organ or part. Eminency alt head Eminence or Eminence syl Em:i+nen+cy pos n. Eminences infl head Eminence or Eminencies syl Em:i+nenc:es pos n. mod pl. Eminencies infl head Eminence or Eminences syl Em:i+nen+cies. pos n. mod pl. Eminence 0. or Eminency syl Em:i+nence pron <1emin*ns> pos n. qual His usage preceded by; Your or def a title used to address or refer to a cardinal. 'eminence grise ety literally: grey eminence, originally applied to P*`ere Joseph (Fran*,cois Le Clerc du Tremblay; died 1638), French monk, secretary of Cardinal Richelieu 'eminences grises infl head 'eminence grise syl *'e:mi+nences grises pron pos n. mod pl. eminent ety C15: from Latin *_emin*_ere to project, stand out, from min*_ere to stand eminent 1. syl em:i+nent pron <1emin*nt> pos adj. def above others in rank, merit, or reputation; distinguished. exam 1 an eminent scientist. eminent 2. syl em:i+nent pron <1emin*nt> pos adj. usage prenominal def noteworthy, conspicuous, or outstanding. exam 1 eminent good sense. eminent 3. syl em:i+nent pron <1emin*nt> pos adj. def projecting or protruding; prominent. eminently sub head eminent syl em:i+nent+ly pos adv. eminent domain 0. syl em:i+nent do+main pos n. qual Law. def the right of a state to confiscate private property for public use, payment usually being made to the owners in compensation. emir ety C17: via French from Spanish emir, from Arabic ' am*_ir commander emir 1. syl e:mir pron pos n. usage in the Islamic world def an independent ruler or chieftain. emir 2. syl e:mir pron pos n. usage in the Islamic world def a military commander or governor. emir 3. syl e:mir pron pos n. usage in the Islamic world def a de?!scendant of Mohammed. emir xref syl e:mir pron pos n. usage in the Islamic world def Also spelled: {amir}. emirate 1. syl e:mir+ate pron pos n. def the rank or office of an emir. emirate 2. syl e:mir+ate pron pos n. def the government, jurisdiction, or territory of an emir. Emiscan 0. syl Em:i+scan pron <2emi1sk@n> pos n. qual Trademark. def a computerized radiological technique for examining the soft tissues of the body, esp. the brain, to detect the presence of tumours, abscesses, etc. emissary ety C17: from Latin *_emiss*_arius emissary, spy, from *_emittere to send out; see #7emit emissaries infl head emissary syl em+is+sar:ies. pos n. mod pl. emissary 1.a. syl em+is+sar:y pron <1emis*ri>, <-isri> pos n. def an agent or messenger sent on a mission, esp. one who represents a government or head of state. emissary 1.b. syl em+is+sar:y pron <1emis*ri>, <-isri> pos n. usage as modifier exam 1 an emissary delegation. emissary 2. syl em+is+sar:y pron <1emis*ri>, <-isri> pos n. def an agent sent on a secret mission, as a spy. emission ety C17: from Latin *_emissi*_o, from *_emittere to send forth, #7emit emission 1. syl e:mis+sion pron pos n. def the act of emitting or sending forth. emission 2. syl e:mis+sion pron pos n. def energy, in the form of heat, light, radio waves, etc., emitted from a source. emission 3. syl e:mis+sion pron pos n. def a substance, fluid, etc., that is emitted; discharge. emission 4. syl e:mis+sion pron pos n. def a measure of the number of electrons emitted by a cathode or electron gun. exam 1 at 1000?%C the emission is 3 mA. emission 5. syl e:mis+sion pron pos n. qual Physiol. def any bodily discharge, esp. an involuntary release of semen during sleep. emission 6. syl e:mis+sion pron pos n. def an issue, as of currency. emissive sub head emission syl e:1mis+sive pos adj. emission spectrum 0. syl e:mis+sion spec+trum pos n. def the continuous spectrum or pattern of bright lines or bands seen when the electromagnetic radiation emitted by a substance is passed into a spectrometer. The spectrum is characteristic of the emitting substance and the type of excitation to which it is subjected. Compare {absorption spectrum}. emissivity 0. syl e:mis+siv+i:ty pron <2imi1siviti>, <2em-> pos n. def a measure of the ability of a surface to radiate energy as measured by the ratio of the radiant flux per unit area to that radiated by a black body at the same temperature. Symbol: #Ge emit ety C17: from Latin *_emittere to send out, from mittere to send emits infl head emit syl e:mits pos vb. mod tr. emitting infl head emit syl e:mit+ting pos vb. mod tr. emitted infl head emit syl e:mit+ted. pos vb. mod tr. emit 1. syl e:mit pron pos vb. mod tr. def to give or send forth; discharge. exam 1 the pipe emitted a stream of water. emit 2. syl e:mit pron pos vb. mod tr. def to give voice to; utter. exam 1 she emitted a shrill scream. emit 3. syl e:mit pron pos vb. mod tr. qual Physics. def to give off (radiation or particles). emit 4. syl e:mit pron pos vb. mod tr. def to put (currency) into circulation. emitter 1. syl e:mit+ter pron pos n. def a person or thing that emits. emitter 2. syl e:mit+ter pron pos n. def a radioactive substance that emits radiation. exam 1 a beta emitter. emitter 3. syl e:mit+ter pron pos n. def the region in a transistor in which the charge-carrying holes or electrons originate. Emmanuel 0. syl Em:man:u:el pron pos n. def a variant spelling of {Immanuel}. Emmen 0. syl Em+men pron <1em*n>, Dutch <1em*> pos n. def a city in the NE Netherlands, in Drenthe province: a new town developed since World War II. Pop.: 82574 (1973 est.). emmenagogue ety C18: from Greek emm*_ena menses, (from m*_en month)+-#7agogue emmenagogue 1. syl em+men:a+gogue pron , <-1mE-> pos n. def a drug or agent that increases menstrual flow. emmenagogue xref syl em+men:a+gogue pron , <-1mE-> pos adj. def also {em+men@.a+gog+ic} ($I@!m$en$$#!g$Ad#f$Ik). emmenagogue 2. syl em+men:a+gogue pron , <-1mE-> pos adj. def inducing or increasing menstrual flow. Emmenthal ety named after Emmenthal, a valley in Switzerland Emmenthaler alt head Emmenthal or Emmenthal syl Em+men+thal+er pos n. Emmenthal 0. or Emmenthaler syl Em+men+thal pron <1em*n2ta:l> pos n. def a hard Swiss cheese with holes in it, similar to Gruy*`ere. emmer ety from German; related to Old High German amari spelt emmer 0. syl em+mer pron <1em*> pos n. def a variety of wheat, grown in mountainous parts of Europe as a cereal crop and for livestock food: thought to be an ancestor of many other varieties of wheat. emmet ety Old English *_@amette #7ant ; related to Old Norse meita, Old High German *_ameiza, Gothic maitan emmet 0. syl em+met pron <1emit> pos n. qual Brit. def an archaic or dialect word for {ant}. emmetropia ety C19: from New Latin, from Greek emmetros in due measure+-#7opia emmetropia 0. syl em+me+tro+pi:a pron <2emi1tr*upi*> pos n. def the normal condition of perfect vision, in which parallel light rays are focused on the retina without the need for accommodation. emmetropic sub head emmetropia syl em+me+trop+ic pron <2emi1tropik> pos adj. Emmy ety C20: alteration of Immy, short for image orthicon tube Emmys infl head Emmy or Emmies syl Em:mys pos n. mod pl. Emmies infl head Emmy or Emmys syl Em:mies. pos n. mod pl. Emmy 0. syl Em:my pron <1emi> pos n. qual U.S. def one of the gold-plated statuettes awarded annually for outstanding television performances and productions. emollient ety C17: from Latin *_emoll*_ire to soften, from mollis soft emollient 1. syl e:mol+lient pron pos adj. def softening or soothing, esp. to the skin. emollient 2. syl e:mol+lient pron pos n. def any preparation or substance that has a softening or soothing effect, esp. when applied to the skin. emollience sub head emollient syl e:1mol+lience pos n. emolument ety C15: from Latin *_emolumentum benefit; originally, fee paid to a miller, from *_emolere, from molere to grind emolument 0. syl e:mol:u+ment pron pos n. def the profit arising from an office or employment, usually in the form of fees or wages. emote ety C20: back formation from #7emotion emote 0. syl e:mote pron pos vb. mod intr. qual Informal. def to display exaggerated emotion, as in acting; behave theatrically. emoter sub head emote syl e:1mot+er pos n. emotion ety C16: from French, from Old French esmovoir to excite, from Latin *_emov*_ere to disturb, from mov*_ere to #7move emotion 0. syl e:mo+tion pron pos n. def any strong feeling, as of joy, sorrow, or fear. emotionless sub head emotion syl e:1mo+tion+less pos adj. emotional 1. syl e:mo+tion+al pron pos adj. def of, characteristic of, or expressive of emotion. emotional 2. syl e:mo+tion+al pron pos adj. def readily or excessively affected by emotion. emotional 3. syl e:mo+tion+al pron pos adj. def appealing to or arousing emotion. exam 1 an emotional piece of music. emotional 4. syl e:mo+tion+al pron pos adj. def caused, determined, or actuated by emotion rather than reason. exam 1 an emotional argument. emotionality sub head emotional syl e:2mo+tion+1al+i:ty pos n. emotionally sub head emotional syl e:1mo+tion+al+ly pos adv. emotionalism 1. syl e:mo+tion+al+ism pron pos n. def emotional nature, character, or quality. emotionalism 2. syl e:mo+tion+al+ism pron pos n. def a tendency to yield readily to the emotions. emotionalism 3. syl e:mo+tion+al+ism pron pos n. def an appeal to the emotions, esp. an excessive appeal, as to an audience. emotionalism 4. syl e:mo+tion+al+ism pron pos n. def a doctrine stressing the value of deeply felt responses in ethics and the arts. &- {e@.#!mo+tion+al+ist} emotionalistic sub head emotionalism syl e:2mo+tion+al+1is+tic pos adj. emotionalise alt head emotionalize or emotionalize syl e:mo+tion+al+ise pron pos vb. mod tr. emotionalize 0. or emotionalise syl e:mo+tion+al+ize pron pos vb. mod tr. def to make emotional; subject to emotional treatment. emotionalization sub head emotionalize or emotionalisation syl e:2mo+tion+al:i+1za+tion pos n. emotionalisation sub head emotionalize or emotionalization syl e:2mo+tion+al:i+1sa+tion pos n. emotive 1. syl e:mo+tive pron pos adj. def tending or designed to arouse emotion. emotive 2. syl e:mo+tive pron pos adj. def of or characterized by emotion. emotively sub head emotive syl e:1mo+tive+ly pos adv. emotiveness sub head emotive or emotivity syl e:1mo+tive+ness pos n. emotivity sub head emotive or emotiveness syl e:mo+1tiv+i:ty pos n. emotivism 0. syl e:mo+ti+vism pron pos n. qual Ethics. def the theory that moral utterances do not have a truth value but express the feelings of the speaker. Compare {prescriptivism, descriptivism}. Emp 1. syl Emp. qual abbrev. for: def Emperor. Emp 2. syl Emp. qual abbrev. for: def Empire. Emp 3. syl Emp. qual abbrev. for: def Empress. empale 0. syl em+pale pron pos vb. def a less common spelling of {impale}. empalement sub head empale syl em+1pale+ment pos n. empaler sub head empale syl em+1pal+er pos n. impanel alt head empanel or empanel syl im+pan+el pron pos vb. empanels infl head empanel or empanels syl em+pan+els pos vb. mod tr. qual U.S. empanelling infl head empanel or empaneling syl em+pan+el+ling pos vb. mod tr. empanelled infl head empanel or empaneled syl em+pan+elled pos vb. mod tr. empaneling infl head empanel or empanelling syl em+pan+el+ing pos vb. mod tr. qual U.S. empaneled infl head empanel or empanelled syl em+pan+eled. pos vb. mod tr. qual U.S. empanel 1. or impanel syl em+pan+el pron pos vb. qual Law. def to enter on a list (names of persons to be summoned for jury service). empanel 2. or impanel syl em+pan+el pron pos vb. qual Law. def to select (a jury) from the names on such a list. empanelment sub head empanel or impanelment syl em+1pan+el+ment pos n. impanelment sub head empanel or empanelment syl im+1pan+el+ment pos n. empathetic alt head empathic or empathic syl em+pa+thet+ic pron <2emp*1Tetik> pos adj. empathic 0. or empathetic syl em+path+ic pron pos adj. def of or relating to empathy. empathically sub head empathic or empathetically syl em+1path:i+cal+ly pos adv. empathetically sub head empathic or empathically syl em+pa+1thet:i+cal+ly pos adv. empathise alt head empathize or empathize syl em+pa+thise pron <1emp*2TIz> pos vb. mod intr. empathize 0. or empathise syl em+pa+thize pron <1emp*2TIz> pos vb. mod intr. def to engage in or feel empathy. empathy ety C20: from Greek empatheia affection, passion, in?!tended as a rendering of German Einf*"uhlung, literally: a feeling in; see #7en -%2#7, -#7pathy &- #!em+path+ist n. empathy 1. syl em+pa+thy pron <1emp*Ti> pos n. def the power of understanding and imaginatively entering into another person's feelings. See also {{identification} (sense 3b.)}. empathy 2. syl em+pa+thy pron <1emp*Ti> pos n. def the attribution to an object, such as a work of art, of one's own emotional or intellectual feelings about it. Empedocles 0. syl Em:ped:o:cles pron pos n. def ??490-430 #7b.c., Greek philosopher and scientist, who held that the world is composed of four elements, air, fire, earth, and water, which are governed by the opposing forces of love and discord. empennage ety C20: from French: feathering, from empenner to feather an arrow, from penne feather, from Latin pinna empennage 0. syl em+pen+nage pron , French pos n. def the rear part of an aircraft, comprising the fin, rudder, and tailplane. emperor ety C13: from Old French empereor, from Latin imper*_ator commander-in-chief, from imper*_are to command, from #7im -#7+ par*_are to make ready emperor 1. syl em+per+or pron <1emp*r*> pos n. def a monarch who rules or reigns over an empire. emperor 2. syl em+per+or pron <1emp*r*> pos n. def Also called: {emperor moth}. any of several large saturniid moths with eyelike markings on each wing, esp. of Europe. purple emperor 3. head emperor syl purple emperor. def any of several Old World nymphalid butterflies of the genus esp. having mottled purple-and-brown wings. emperor 4. syl em+per+or pron <1emp*r*> pos n. qual Chiefly Brit. def a size of drawing or writing paper, 48 by 72 inches. emperorship sub head emperor syl em+per+or+2ship pos n. emperor penguin 0. syl em+per+or pen+guin pos n. def an Antarctic penguin, with orange-yellow patches on the neck: the largest penguin, reaching a height of 1.3 m (4 ft.). empery ety C13 (in the sense: the status of an emperor): from Anglo-French emperie, from Latin imperium power; see #7empire emperies infl head empery syl em+per:ies. pos n. mod pl. empery 0. syl em+per:y pron <1emp*ri> pos n. qual Archaic. def dominion or power; empire. emphasis ety C16: via Latin from Greek: meaning, (in rhetoric) significant stress; see #7emphatic emphases infl head emphasis syl em+pha+ses pron <-sEz> pos n. mod pl. emphasis 1. syl em+pha+sis pron <1emf*sis> pos n. def special importance or significance. emphasis 2. syl em+pha+sis pron <1emf*sis> pos n. def an object, idea, etc., that is given special importance or significance. emphasis 3. syl em+pha+sis pron <1emf*sis> pos n. def stress made to fall on a particu?!lar syllable, word, or phrase in speaking. emphasis 4. syl em+pha+sis pron <1emf*sis> pos n. def force or intensity of expression. exam 1 he spoke with special emphasis on the subject of civil rights. emphasis 5. syl em+pha+sis pron <1emf*sis> pos n. def sharpness or clarity of form or outline. exam 1 the sunlight gave emphasis to the shape of the mountain. emphasise alt head emphasize or emphasize syl em+pha+sise pron <1emf*2sIz> pos vb. mod tr. emphasize 0. or emphasise syl em+pha+size pron <1emf*2sIz> pos vb. mod tr. def to give emphasis or prominence to; stress. emphatic ety C18: from Greek emphatikos expressive, forceful, from emphainein to exhibit, display, from phainein to show emphatic 1. syl em+phat+ic pron pos adj. def expressed, spoken, or done with emphasis. emphatic 2. syl em+phat+ic pron pos adj. def forceful and positive; definite; direct. exam 1 an emphatic personality. emphatic 3. syl em+phat+ic pron pos adj. def sharp or clear in form, contour, or outline. emphatic 4. syl em+phat+ic pron pos adj. def important or significant; stressed. exam 1 the emphatic points in an argument. emphatic 5. syl em+phat+ic pron pos adj. qual Phonetics. def denoting certain dental consonants of Arabic that are pronounced with accompanying pharyngeal constriction. emphatic 6. syl em+phat+ic pron pos n. qual Phonetics. def an emphatic consonant, as used in Arabic. emphatically sub head emphatic syl em+1phat:i+cal+ly pos adv. emphysema ety C17: from New Latin, from Greek emphus*_ema, a swelling up, from emphusan to inflate, from phusan to blow emphysema 1. syl em+phy+se:ma pron <2emfi1sEm*> pos n. qual Pathol. def Also called: {pulmonary emphysema}. a condition in which the air sacs of the lungs are grossly enlarged, causing breathlessness and wheezing. emphysema 2. syl em+phy+se:ma pron <2emfi1sEm*> pos n. qual Pathol. def the abnormal presence of air in a tissue or part. emphysematous sub head emphysema syl em+phy+sem:a+tous pron <2emfi1sem*t*s>, <-1sE-> pos adj. empire ety C13: from Old French, from Latin imperium rule, from imper*_are to command, from par*_are to prepare empire 1. syl em+pire pron <1empI*> pos n. def an aggregate of peoples and territories, often of great extent, under the rule of a single person, oligarchy, or sovereign state. empire 2. syl em+pire pron <1empI*> pos n. def any monarchy that for reasons of history, prestige, etc., has an emperor rather than a king as head of state. empire 3. syl em+pire pron <1empI*> pos n. def the period during which a particular empire exists. empire 4. syl em+pire pron <1empI*> pos n. def supreme power; sovereignty. empire 5. syl em+pire pron <1empI*> pos n. def a large industrial organization with many ramifications, esp. a multinational corporation. the infl head Empire syl the. pos n. Empire 1. syl Em+pire pron <1empI*> pos n. def See {British Empire}. Empire 2.a. syl Em+pire pron <1empI*> pos n. def the period of imperial rule in France from 1804 to 1815 under Napoleon Bonaparte. Empire 2.b. syl Em+pire pron <1empI*> pos n. def Also called: {Second Empire}. the period from 1852 to 1870 when Napoleon III ruled as emperor. Empire 3. syl Em+pire pron <1empI*> pos adj. def denoting, characteristic of, or relating to the British Empire. Empire 4. syl Em+pire pron <1empI*> pos adj. def denoting, characteristic of, or relating to either French Empire, esp. the first: in particular, denoting the neoclassical style of architecture and furniture and the high-waisted style of women's dresses characteristic of the period. empire-builder 0. syl em:pire-build:er pos n. qual Informal. def a person who seeks extra power for its own sake, esp. by increasing the number of his subordinates or staff. &- {#!em@.pire-@!build@.ing} Empire Day 0. syl Em+pire Day pos n. def the former name of {Commonwealth Day}. Empire State 0. syl Em+pire State pos n. def nickname of {New York} (state). empiric ety C16: from Latin emp*_iricus, from Greek empeirikos practised, from peiran to attempt empiric 1. syl em+pir+ic pron pos n. def a person who relies on empirical methods. empiric 2. syl em+pir+ic pron pos n. def a medical quack; charlatan. empiric 3. syl em+pir+ic pron pos adj. def a variant of {empirical}. empirical 1. syl em+pir:i+cal pron pos adj. def derived from or relating to experiment and observation rather than theory. empirical 2. syl em+pir:i+cal pron pos adj. usage of medical treatment def based on practical experience rather than scientific proof. empirical 3.a. syl em+pir:i+cal pron pos adj. usage of knowledge def derived from experience rather than by logic from first principles. Compare {a priori, a posteriori}. empirical 3.b. syl em+pir:i+cal pron pos adj. usage of a proposition def subject, at least theoretically, to verification. Compare {{analytic} (sense 4)}, {{synthetic} (sense 4)}. empirical 4. syl em+pir:i+cal pron pos adj. def of or relating to medical quackery. empirically sub head empirical syl em+1pir:i+cal+ly pos adv. empiricalness sub head empirical syl em+1pir:i+cal+ness pos n. empirical formula 1. syl em+pir:i+cal for+mu+la pos n. def a chemical formula indicating the proportion of each element present in a molecule. exam 1 C\6H\1\2O\6 is the molecular formula of sucrose whereas CH\2O is its empirical formula. empirical formula 2. syl em+pir:i+cal for+mu+la pos n. def a formula or expression obtained from experimental data rather than theory. empiricism 1. syl em+pir:i+cism pron pos n. qual Philosophy. def the doctrine that all knowledge derives from experience. Compare {intuitionism, rationalism}. empiricism 2. syl em+pir:i+cism pron pos n. def the use of empirical methods. empiricism 3. syl em+pir:i+cism pron pos n. def medical quackery; charlatanism. empiricist sub head empiricism syl em+1pir:i+cist pos n. adj. emplace 0. syl em+place pron pos vb. mod tr. def to put in place or position. emplacement ety C19: from French, from obsolete emplacer to put in position, from #7place emplacement 1. syl em+place+ment pron pos n. def a prepared position for the siting of a gun or other weapon. emplacement 2. syl em+place+ment pron pos n. def the act of putting or state of being put in place. emplane 0. syl em+plane pron pos vb. def to board or put on board an aeroplane. employ ety C15: from Old French emploier, from Latin implic*_are to entangle, engage, from plic*_are to fold employ 1. syl em+ploy pron pos vb. mod tr. def to engage or make use of the services of (a person) in return for money; hire. employ 2. syl em+ploy pron pos vb. mod tr. def to provide work or occupation for; keep busy; occupy. exam 1 collecting stamps employs a lot of his time. employ 3. syl em+ploy pron pos vb. mod tr. def to use as a means. exam 1 to employ secret measures to get one's ends. employ 4. syl em+ploy pron pos n. mod tr. def the state of being employed (esp. in the phrase {in someone's employ}) . employable sub head employ syl em+1ploy+a:ble pos adj. employability sub head employ syl em+2ploy+a:1bil+i:ty pos n. employ'e alt head employee or employee syl em+ploy:*'e pos n. employee 0. or employ'e syl em+ploy:ee pron , <2emplci1E> pos n. def a person who is hired to work for another or for a business, firm, etc., in return for payment. employer 1. syl em+ploy+er pron pos n. def a person, business, firm, etc., that employs workers. employer 2. syl em+ploy+er pron pos n. def a person who employs; user. employment 1. syl em+ploy+ment pron pos n. def the act of employing or state of being employed. employment 2. syl em+ploy+ment pron pos n. def the work or occupation in which a person is employed. employment 3. syl em+ploy+ment pron pos n. def the purpose for which something is used. employment agency 0. syl em+ploy+ment a:gen+cy pos n. qual Brit. def a private firm whose business is placing people in jobs. employment exchange 0. syl em+ploy+ment ex+change pos n. qual Brit. def a former name for the {Employment Service Agency}. Employment Service Agency 0. syl Em+ploy+ment Ser+vice A:gen+cy pos n. qual Brit. def the section of the Department of Employment responsible for finding jobs for the unemployed, paying unemployment benefits, collecting labour statistics, etc. Former names: {employment exchange, labour exchange}. See also {Jobcentre}. empoison 1. syl em+poi+son pron pos vb. mod tr. qual Rare. def to embitter or corrupt. empoison 2. syl em+poi+son pron pos vb. mod tr. def an archaic word for {poison} (senses 6-9). empoisonment sub head empoison syl em+1poi+son+ment pos n. empolder 0. syl em+pol+der pron pos vb. def a variant spelling of {impolder}. emporium ety C16: from Latin, from Greek emporion, from emporos merchant, from poros a journey emporiums infl head emporium or emporia syl em+po+ri:ums pron <-ri*> pos n. mod pl. emporia infl head emporium or emporiums syl em+po+ri:a pron <-ri*> pos n. mod pl. emporium 0. syl em+po+ri:um pron pos n. def a large and often ostentatious retail shop offering for sale a wide variety of merchandise. empoverisher sub head empoverish syl em+1pov+er+ish+er pos n. empoverishment sub head empoverish syl em+1pov+er+ish+ment pos n. empower 1. syl em+pow+er pron pos vb. mod tr. def to give or delegate power or authority to; authorize. empower 2. syl em+pow+er pron pos vb. mod tr. def to give ability to; enable or permit. empowerment sub head empower syl em+1pow+er+ment pos n. empress ety C12: from Old French empereriz, from Latin imper*_atrix feminine of imper*_ator #7emperor empress 1. syl em+press pron <1empris> pos n. def the wife or widow of an emperor. empress 2. syl em+press pron <1empris> pos n. def a woman who holds the rank of emperor in her own right. empress 3. syl em+press pron <1empris> pos n. qual Informal. def a woman of great power and influence. emprise ety C13: from Old French, from emprendre to undertake; see #7enterprise emprise 1. syl em+prise pron pos n. qual Archaic. def a chivalrous or daring enterprise; adventure. emprise 2. syl em+prise pron pos n. qual Archaic. def chivalrous daring or prowess. William infl head Empson syl Wil:liam. pos n. Empson 0. syl Emp:son pron <1empsN> pos n. def born 1906, English poet and critic; author of (1930). empt ety from Old English *_@amtian to be without duties; compare #7empty empt 0. syl empt pron , pos vb. mod tr. qual Brit. dialect. def to empty. empty ety Old English *_@amtig, from @ametta free time, from @a- without+ -metta, from m*_otan to be obliged to; see #7must emptier infl head empty syl emp+ti+er pos adj. emptiest infl head empty syl emp+ti+est. pos adj. empty 1. syl emp+ty pron <1empti> pos adj. def containing nothing. empty 2. syl emp+ty pron <1empti> pos adj. def without inhabitants; vacant or unoccupied. empty 3. syl emp+ty pron <1empti> pos adj. def carrying no load, passengers, etc. empty 4. syl emp+ty pron <1empti> pos adj. def without purpose, substance, or value. exam 1 an empty life. empty 5. syl emp+ty pron <1empti> pos adj. def insincere or trivial. exam 1 empty words. empty 6. syl emp+ty pron <1empti> pos adj. def not expressive or vital; vacant. exam 1 she has an empty look. empty 7. syl emp+ty pron <1empti> pos adj. qual Informal. def hungry. empty 8. syl emp+ty pron <1empti> pos adj. usage postpositive, foll. by of def devoid; destitute. exam 1 a life empty of happiness. empty 9. syl emp+ty pron <1empti> pos adj. qual Informal. def drained of energy or emotion. exam 1 after the violent argument he felt very empty. empty 10. syl emp+ty pron <1empti> pos adj. usage Maths, logic. of a set or class def containing no members. empties infl head empty syl emp+ties pos vb. emptying infl head empty syl emp+ty+ing pos vb. emptied infl head empty syl emp+tied. pos vb. empty 11. syl emp+ty pron <1empti> pos vb. def to make or become empty. empty 12. syl emp+ty pron <1empti> pos vb. mod when; intr. usage foll. by into def to discharge (contents). empty 13. syl emp+ty pron <1empti> pos vb. mod tr. usage often foll. by of def to unburden or rid (oneself). exam 1 to empty oneself of emotion. empty 14. syl emp+ty pron <1empti> pos vb. qual Informal. def an empty container, esp. a bottle or can. emptiable sub head empty syl emp+ti+a:ble pos adj. emptier sub head empty syl emp+ti+er pos n. emptily sub head empty syl emp+ti+ly pos adv. emptiness sub head empty syl emp+ti+ness pos n. empty-handed 1. syl emp:ty-hand:ed pos adj. def carrying nothing in the hands. empty-handed 2. syl emp:ty-hand:ed pos adj. def having gained nothing. exam 1 they returned from the negotiations empty-handed. empty-headed 0. syl emp:ty-head:ed pos adj. def lacking intelligence or sense; frivolous. Empty Quarter 0. syl Emp+ty Quar+ter pos n. def another name for {Rub` al Khali}. empyema ety C17: from Medieval Latin, from Greek empu*_ema abscess, from empuein to suppurate, from puon pus empyema 0. syl em+py+e:ma pron <2empI1Em*> pos n. def a collection of pus in a body cavity, esp. in the chest. empyemic sub head empyema syl em+py+1e:mic pos adj. empyrean 1. syl em+py+re:an pron <2empI1rE*n> pos n. qual Archaic. def the highest part of the (supposedly spherical) heavens, thought in ancient times to contain the pure element of fire and by early Christians to be the abode of God and the angels. empyrean 2. syl em+py+re:an pron <2empI1rE*n> pos n. qual Poetic. def the heavens or sky. {~} {em+py+re@.al}. empyrean 3. syl em+py+re:an pron <2empI1rE*n> pos n. def of or relating to the sky, the heavens, or the empyrean. empyrean 4. syl em+py+re:an pron <2empI1rE*n> pos n. def heavenly or sublime. empyrean 5. syl em+py+re:an pron <2empI1rE*n> pos n. qual Archaic. def composed of fire. empyreuma ety C17: from Greek, from empureuein to set on fire empyreuma 0. syl em+py+reu+ma pron <2empi1ru:m*> pos n. def the smell and taste associated with burning vegetable and animal matter. Ems 1. syl Ems pron pos n. def a town in W West Germany, in the Rhineland-Palatinate: famous for the {Ems Telegram} (1870), Bismarck's dispatch that led to the outbreak of the Franco-Prussian War. Pop.: 10000 (1970 est.). Ems 2. syl Ems pron pos n. def a river in West Germany, rising in the Teutoburger Wald and flowing generally north to the North Sea. Length: about 370 km (230 miles). emu ety C17: changed from Portuguese ema ostrich, perhaps from Moluccan eme emu 0. syl e:mu pron <1Emju:> pos n. def a large Australian flightless bird, similar to the ostrich but with three-toed feet and grey or brown plumage: order See also {ratite}. EMU alt head emu or emu syl E.M.U. emu 0. or EMU syl emu qual abbrev. for def electromagnetic unit. emu bush 0. syl e:mu bush pos n. def any of various Australian shrubs, esp. those of the genus (family Myoporaceae), whose fruits are eaten by emus. emulate ety C16: from Latin aemul*_ar*_i, from aemulus competing with; probably related to imit*_ar*_i to #7imitate emulate 1. syl em:u+late pron <1emju2lAt> pos vb. mod tr. def to attempt to equal or surpass, esp. by imitation. emulate 2. syl em:u+late pron <1emju2lAt> pos vb. mod tr. def to rival or compete with. emulative sub head emulate syl em:u+la+tive pos adj. emulatively sub head emulate syl em:u+la+tive+ly pos adv. emulator sub head emulate syl em:u+2la+tor pos n. emulation 1. syl e:mu+la+tion pron <2emju1lAS*n> pos n. def the act of emulating or imitating. emulation 2. syl e:mu+la+tion pron <2emju1lAS*n> pos n. def the effort or desire to equal or surpass another or others. emulation 3. syl e:mu+la+tion pron <2emju1lAS*n> pos n. qual Archaic. def jealous rivalry. emulous ety C14: from Latin aemulus rivalling; see #7emulate emulous 1. syl em:u+lous pron <1emjul*s> pos adj. def desiring or aiming to equal or surpass another; competitive. emulous 2. syl em:u+lous pron <1emjul*s> pos adj. def characterized by or arising from emulation or imitation. emulous 3. syl em:u+lous pron <1emjul*s> pos adj. qual Archaic. def envious or jealous. emulously sub head emulous syl em:u+lous+ly pos adv. emulousness sub head emulous syl em:u+lous+ness pos n. emulsifies infl head emulsify syl e:mul+si+fies pos vb. emulsifying infl head emulsify syl e:mul+si+fy+ing pos vb. emulsified infl head emulsify syl e:mul+si+fied. pos vb. emulsify 0. syl e:mul+si+fy pron pos vb. def to make or form into an emulsion. emulsifiable sub head emulsify or emulsible syl e:2mul+si+1fi+a:ble pos adj. emulsible sub head emulsify or emulsifiable syl e:1mul+si:ble pos adj. emulsification sub head emulsify syl e:2mul+si+fi+1ca+tion pos n. emulsifier sub head emulsify syl e:1mul+si+2fi+er pos n. emulsion ety C17: from New Latin *_emulsi*_o, from Latin *_emulsus milked out, from *_emulg*_ere to milk out, drain out, from mulg*_ere to milk emulsion 1. syl e:mul+sion pron pos n. qual Photog. def a light-sensitive coating on a base, such as paper or film, consisting of fine grains of silver bromide suspended in gelatin. emulsion 2. syl e:mul+sion pron pos n. qual Chem. def a colloid in which both phases are liquids. exam 1 an oil-in-water emulsion. emulsion 3. syl e:mul+sion pron pos n. def Also called: {emulsion paint}. a type of paint in which the pigment is sus?!pended in a vehicle, usually a synthetic resin, that is dis?!persed in water as an emulsion. emulsion 4. syl e:mul+sion pron pos n. qual Pharmacol. def a mixture in which an oily medicine is dispersed in another liquid. emulsion 5. syl e:mul+sion pron pos n. def any liquid resembling milk. emulsive sub head emulsion syl e:1mul+sive pos adj. emulsoid 0. syl e:mul+soid pron pos n. qual Chem. def a sol with a liquid disperse phase. emunctory ety C16: from New Latin *_emunct*_orium, from Latin *_emungere to wipe clean, from mungere to wipe emunctory 1. syl e:munc+to:ry pron pos adj. def of or relating to a bodily organ or duct having an excretory function. emunctories infl head emunctory syl e:munc+to:ries. pos n. mod pl. emunctory 2. syl e:munc+to:ry pron pos n. def an excretory organ or duct, such as a skin pore. emu-wren 0. syl e:mu-wren pos n. def any Australian wren of the genus having long plumy tail feathers. en 0. syl en pron pos n. qual Printing. def half the width of an em. Also called: {nut}. See also {ennage}. en- ety via Old French from Latin in- #7in -%2 em- alt head en- or en- syl em- en- H1.0. or em- syl en- exam 1 prefix forming verbs. en- H1.1.a. or em- syl en- def put in or on. exam 1 entomb; exam 2 enthrone. en- H1.1.b. or em- syl en- def go on or into. exam 1 enplane. en- H1.1.c. or em- syl en- def surround or cover with. exam 1 enmesh. en- H1.1.d. or em- syl en- def furnish with. exam 1 empower. en- H1.2. or em- syl en- usage from adjectives and nouns def cause to be in a certain condition. exam 1 enable; exam 2 encourage; exam 3 enrich; exam 4 enslave. en- ety from Greek (often via Latin); compare #7in -%1#7, in -%2 em- alt head en- or en- syl em- en- H2.0. or em- syl en- usage prefix forming nouns and adjectives. def in; into; inside. exam 1 endemic. -en ety Old English -n-, as in f@ast-n-ian to fasten, of common Germanic origin; compare Icelandic fastna -en H1.0. syl -en usage suffix forming verbs from adjectives and nouns. def cause to be; become; cause to have. exam 1 blacken; exam 2 heighten. -en ety Old English -en; related to Gothic -eins, Latin -*_inus -#7ine %1 -en H2.0. syl -en usage suffix forming adjectives from nouns. def of; made of; resembling. exam 1 ashen; exam 2 earthen; exam 3 wooden. enable 1. syl en+a:ble pron pos vb. mod tr. def to provide (someone) with adequate power, means, opportunity, or authority (to do something). enable 2. syl en+a:ble pron pos vb. mod tr. def to make possible or easy. &- {en+#!a@.bler} enabling act 0. syl en+a:bling act pos n. def a legislative act conferring certain specified powers on a person or organization. enact 1. syl en+act pron pos vb. mod tr. def to make into an act or statute. enact 2. syl en+act pron pos vb. mod tr. def to establish by law; ordain or decree. enact 3. syl en+act pron pos vb. mod tr. def to represent or perform in or as if in a play; to act out. &- {en+#!act+a@.ble} &- {en+#!ac+tive} {en+#!ac+to@.ry} &- {en+#!act+ment} {en+#!ac+tion} &- {en+#!ac+tor} enamel ety C15: from Old French esmail, of Germanic origin; compare Old High German smalz lard; see {#7smelt %1} enamel 1. syl e:nam+el pron pos n. def a coloured glassy substance, translucent or opaque, fused to the surface of articles made of metal, glass, etc., for ornament or protection. enamel 2. syl e:nam+el pron pos n. def an article or articles ornamented with enamel. enamel 3. syl e:nam+el pron pos n. def an enamel-like paint or varnish. enamel 4. syl e:nam+el pron pos n. def any smooth glossy coating resembling enamel. enamel 5. syl e:nam+el pron pos n. def another word for {nail polish}. enamel 6. syl e:nam+el pron pos n. def the hard white calcified substance that covers the crown of each tooth. enamel 7.a. syl e:nam+el pron pos n. def decorated or covered with enamel. exam 1 an enamel ring. enamel 7.b. syl e:nam+el pron pos n. def made with enamel. exam 1 enamel paste. enamels infl head enamel or enamels syl e:nam+els pos vb. mod tr. qual U.S. enamelling infl head enamel or enameling syl e:nam+el+ling pos vb. mod tr. enamelled infl head enamel or enameled syl e:nam+elled pos vb. mod tr. enameling infl head enamel or enamelling syl e:nam+el+ing pos vb. mod tr. qual U.S. enameled infl head enamel or enamelled syl e:nam+eled. pos vb. mod tr. qual U.S. enamel 8. syl e:nam+el pron pos vb. def to inlay, coat, or otherwise decorate with enamel. enamel 9. syl e:nam+el pron pos vb. def to ornament with glossy variegated colours, as if with enamel. enamel 10. syl e:nam+el pron pos vb. def to portray in enamel. enameller sub head enamel or enameler syl e:1nam+el+ler pos n. enamellist sub head enamel or enamelist syl e:1nam+el+list pos n. enameler sub head enamel or enameller syl e:1nam+el+er pos n. qual U.S. enamelist sub head enamel or enamellist syl e:1nam+el+ist pos n. qual U.S. enamour ety C14: from Old French enamourer, from amour love, from Latin amor enamor alt head enamour or enamour syl en+am+or pron pos vb. mod tr. qual U.S. enamour 0. or enamor syl en+am+our pron pos vb. mod tr. usage usually passive and foll. by of def to inspire with love; captivate; charm. enamoured sub head enamour or enamored syl en+1am+oured pos adj. enamored sub head enamour or enamoured syl en+1am+ored pos adj. qual U.S. enantiomorph ety C19: from Greek enantios opposite+#7-morph &- en+@!an@.ti@.o+#!mor+phic adj. enantiomorph 0. syl en+an:ti:o+morph pron pos n. def either of the two crystal forms of a substance that are mirror images of each other. enantiomorphism sub head enantiomorph syl en+2an:ti:o+1mor+phism pos n. enarthrosis ety C17: via New Latin from Greek, from arthr*_osis, from arthron a joint+-#7osis enarthroses infl head enarthrosis syl en+ar+thro+ses pron <-sEz> pos n. mod pl. enarthrosis 0. syl en+ar+thro+sis pron <2ena:1Tr*usis> pos n. qual Anatomy. def a ball-and-socket joint, such as that of the hip. enarthrodial sub head enarthrosis syl en+ar+1thro+di:al pos adj. enate ety C17: from Latin *_en*_atus, from *_en*_asc*_i to be born from, from n*_asc*_i to be born enate 1. syl e:nate pron <1EnAt> pos adj. qual Biology. usage also def growing out or outwards. enate 2. syl e:nate pron <1EnAt> pos adj. usage also def related on the side of the mother. {~} enate 3. syl e:nate pron <1EnAt> pos adj. usage also def a relative on the mother's side. en attendant 0. syl en at+ten+dant pron French. <*~a nat*~a1d*~a> pos adv. def in the mean time; while waiting. en bloc 0. syl en bloc pron French. pos adv. def in a lump or block; as a body or whole; all together. en brochette ety French, literally: on a skewer en brochette 0. syl en bro+chette pron French. pos adj. adv. usage esp. of meat def roasted or grilled on a skewer. en brosse ety French, literally: in the style of a brush en brosse 0. syl en brosse pron French. pos adj. adv. usage of the hair def cut very short so that the hair stands up stiffly. enc 1. syl enc. qual abbrev. for: def enclosed. enc 2. syl enc. qual abbrev. for: def enclosure. encaenia ety C14: via Late Latin from Greek enkainia, from kainos new encaenia 0. syl en+cae+ni:a pron pos n. qual Rare. def a festival of dedication or commemoration. encage 0. syl en+cage pron pos vb. mod tr. def to confine in or as in a cage. encamp 0. syl en+camp pron pos vb. def to lodge or cause to lodge in a camp. encampment 1. syl en+camp+ment pron pos n. def the act of setting up a camp. encampment 2. syl en+camp+ment pron pos n. def the place where a camp, esp. a military camp, is set up. incapsulate alt head encapsulate or encapsulate syl in+cap+su+late pron pos vb. encapsulate 1. or incapsulate syl en+cap+su+late pron pos vb. def to enclose or be enclosed in or as if in a capsule. encapsulate 2. or incapsulate syl en+cap+su+late pron pos vb. mod tr. def to put in a short or concise form; condense; abridge. encapsulation sub head encapsulate or incapsulation syl en+2cap+su+1la+tion pos n. incapsulation sub head encapsulate or encapsulation syl in+2cap+su+1la+tion pos n. encarnalise alt head encarnalize or encarnalize syl en+car+nal+ise pron pos vb. mod tr. encarnalize 1. or encarnalise syl en+car+nal+ize pron pos vb. mod tr. qual Rare. def to provide with a bodily form; incarnate. encarnalize 2. or encarnalise syl en+car+nal+ize pron pos vb. mod tr. qual Rare. def to make carnal, gross, or sensual. incase alt head encase or encase syl in+case pron pos vb. mod tr. encase 0. or incase syl en+case pron pos vb. mod tr. def to place or enclose in or as if in a case. encasement sub head encase or incasement syl en+1case+ment pos n. incasement sub head encase or encasement syl in+1case+ment pos n. encash 0. syl en+cash pron pos vb. mod tr. qual Brit., formal. def to exchange (a cheque) for cash. &- {en+#!cash+a@.ble} encashment sub head encash syl en+1cash+ment pos n. encaustic ety C17: from Latin encausticus, from Greek en?!kaustikos, from enkaiein to burn in, from kaiein to burn encaustic 1. syl en+caus+tic pron pos adj. qual Ceramics, etc. def decorated by any process involving burning in colours, esp. by inlaying coloured clays and baking or by fusing wax colours to the surface. encaustic 2. syl en+caus+tic pron pos n. qual Ceramics, etc. def the process of burning in colours. encaustic 3. syl en+caus+tic pron pos n. qual Ceramics, etc. def a product of such a process. encaustically sub head encaustic syl en+1caus+ti+cal+ly pos adv. -ence ety via Old French from Latin -entia, from -*_ens, present participial ending -ency alt head -ence or -ence syl -en:cy -ence 0. or -ency syl -ence usage suffix forming nouns. def indicating an action, state, condition, or quality. exam 1 benevolence; exam 2 residence; exam 3 patience. enceinte ety C17: from French, from Latin inci*_ens pregnant; related to Greek enkuos, from kuein to be pregnant enceinte H1.0. syl en+ceinte pron , French , French pos adj. def another word for {pregnant}. enceinte ety C18: from French: enclosure, from enceindre to encompass, from Latin incingere, from cingere to gird enceinte H2.1. syl en+ceinte pron , French pos n. def a boundary wall enclosing a defended area. enceinte H2.2. syl en+ceinte pron , French pos n. def the area enclosed. Enceladus 1. syl En:cel:a:dus pron pos n. qual Greek myth. def a giant who was punished for his rebellion against the gods by a fatal blow from a stone cast by Athena. He was believed to be buried under Mount Etna in Sicily. Enceladus 2. syl En:cel:a:dus pron pos n. def one of the smallest of the ten satellites of the planet Saturn. encephalic 0. syl en+ce:phal+ic pron <2ensi1f@lik> pos adj. def of or relating to the brain. enkephalin alt head encephalin or encephalin syl en+keph:a+lin pron pos n. encephalin 0. or enkephalin syl en+ceph:a+lin pron pos n. def a chemical occurring in the brain, having effects similar to those of morphine. encephalitis 0. syl en+ceph:a+li+tis pron <2ensef*1lItis> pos n. def inflammation of the brain. encephalitic sub head encephalitis syl en+ceph:a+lit+ic pron <2ensef*1litik> pos adj. encephalitis lethargica 0. syl en+ceph:a+li+tis le+thar+gi+ca pron pos n. qual Pathol. def a technical name for { {sleeping sickness} (sense 2).} encephalo- ety from New Latin, from Greek enkephalos, from en- in+ kephale head encephalogram 1. syl en+ceph:a+lo+gram pron pos n. def an x-ray photograph of the brain, esp. one (a {pneumoencephalogram}) taken after replacing some of the cerebrospinal fluid with air or oxygen so that the brain cavities show clearly. encephalogram 2. syl en+ceph:a+lo+gram pron pos n. def short for {electroencephalogram}. encephalograph 1. syl en+ceph:a+lo+graph pron , <-2gr@f> pos n. def another name for {electroencephalograph}. encephalograph 2. syl en+ceph:a+lo+graph pron , <-2gr@f> pos n. def another name for {encephalogram}. encephalography 1. syl en+ceph:a+log+ra+phy pron <2ensef*1logr*fi> pos n. def the branch of medical science concerned with taking and analysing x-ray photographs of the brain. encephalography 2. syl en+ceph:a+log+ra+phy pron <2ensef*1logr*fi> pos n. def another name for {electroencepha?!log?!raphy}. encephalographic sub head encephalography or encephalographical syl en+ceph:a+lo+graph+ic pron pos adj. encephalographical sub head encephalography or encephalographic syl en+2ceph:a+lo+1graph:i+cal pos adj. encephalographically sub head encephalography syl en+2ceph:a+lo+1graph:i+cal+ly pos adv. encephalomas infl head encephaloma or encephalomata syl en+ceph:a+lo+mas pron <-m*t*> pos n. mod pl. encephalomata infl head encephaloma or encephalomas syl en+ceph:a+lo+ma+ta pron <-m*t*> pos n. mod pl. encephaloma 0. syl en+ceph:a+lo+ma pron <2ensef*1l*um*> pos n. def a brain tumour. encephalomyelitis 0. syl en+ceph:a+lo+my+e:li+tis pron pos n. def acute inflammation of the brain and spinal cord. encephalomyelitic sub head encephalomyelitis syl en+ceph:a+lo+my+e:lit+ic pron pos adj. encephalon ety C18: from New Latin, from Greek enkephalos brain (literally: that which is in the head), from #7en -%2#7+ kephal*_e head encephala infl head encephalon syl en+ceph:a+la pron <-l*> pos n. mod pl. encephalon 0. syl en+ceph:a+lon pron pos n. def a technical name for {brain}. encephalous sub head encephalon syl en+1ceph:a+lous pos adj. enchain 1. syl en+chain pron pos vb. mod tr. def to bind with chains. enchain 2. syl en+chain pron pos vb. mod tr. def to hold fast or captivate (the attention, etc.). enchainment sub head enchain syl en+1chain+ment pos n. enchant ety C14: from Old French enchanter, from Latin incant*_are to chant a spell, from cant*_are to chant, from canere to sing &- en+#!chant+er n. &- en+#!chant+ress fem. n. enchant 1. syl en+chant pron pos vb. mod tr. def to cast a spell on; bewitch. enchant 2. syl en+chant pron pos vb. mod tr. def to delight or captivate utterly; fascinate; charm. enchanter's nightshade 0. syl en+chant+er's night+shade pos n. def any of several onagraceous plants of the genus esp. having small white flowers and bristly fruits. enchanting 0. syl en+chant+ing pron pos adj. def pleasant; delightful. enchantingly sub head enchanting syl en+1chant+ing+ly pos adv. enchantment 1. syl en+chant+ment pron pos n. def the act of enchanting or state of being enchanted. enchantment 2. syl en+chant+ment pron pos n. def a magic spell or act of witchcraft. enchantment 3. syl en+chant+ment pron pos n. def great charm or fascination. enchase ety C15: from Old French enchasser to enclose, set, from #7en -%1#7+ casse {#7case %2} enchase 0. syl en+chase pron pos vb. mod tr. def a less common word for { {chase%3}}. enchaser sub head enchase syl en+1chas+er pos n. enchilada ety American Spanish, feminine of enchilado seasoned with chilli, from enchilar to spice with chilli, from chile #7chilli enchilada 0. syl en+chi+la+da pron <2enCi1la:d*> pos n. def a Mexican dish consisting of a tortilla fried in hot fat, filled with meat, and served with a chilli sauce. enchiridion ety C16: from Late Latin, from Greek enkheiridion, from #7en -%2#7+ kheir hand enchiridions infl head enchiridion or enchiridia syl en+chi+rid:i+ons pron <-i*> pos n. mod pl. enchiridia infl head enchiridion or enchiridions syl en+chi+rid:i:a pron <-i*> pos n. mod pl. enchiridion 0. syl en+chi+rid:i+on pron <2enkI1ridi*n> pos n. qual Rare. def a handbook or manual. enchondromas infl head enchondroma or enchondromata syl en+chon+dro+mas pron <-m*t*> pos n. mod pl. enchondromata infl head enchondroma or enchondromas syl en+chon+dro+ma+ta pron <-m*t*> pos n. mod pl. enchondroma 0. syl en+chon+dro+ma pron <2enk*n1dr*um*> pos n. qual Pathol. def a benign cartilaginous tumour, most commonly in the bones of the hands or feet. enchondromatous sub head enchondroma syl en+chon+1drom:a+tous pos adj. enchorial ety C19: via Late Latin from Greek enkh*_orios, from #7en -%2#7+ kh*_ora country enchoric alt head enchorial or enchorial syl en+cho+ric pos adj. enchorial 0. or enchoric syl en+cho+ri:al pron pos adj. def of or used in a particular country: used esp. of the popular (demotic) writing of the ancient Egyptians. -enchyma ety C20: abstracted from #7parenchyma -enchyma 0. syl -en+chy+ma usage combining form. def denoting cellular tissue. exam 1 aerenchyma. encipher 0. syl en+ci+pher pron pos vb. mod tr. def to convert (a message, document, etc.) from plain text into code or cipher; encode. encipherer sub head encipher syl en+1ci+pher+er pos n. encipherment sub head encipher syl en+1ci+pher+ment pos n. encircle 0. syl en+cir+cle pron pos vb. mod tr. def to form a circle around; enclose within a circle; surround. encirclement sub head encircle syl en+1cir+cle+ment pos n. encl 1. syl encl. qual abbrev. for: def enclosed. encl 2. syl encl. qual abbrev. for: def enclosure. en clair ety literally: in clear en clair 0. syl en clair pron French. <*~a 1kle:r> pos adv. adj. def in ordinary language; not in cipher. enclasp 0. syl en+clasp pron pos vb. mod tr. def to clasp; embrace. enclave ety C19: from French, from Old French enclaver to enclose, from Vulgar Latin incl*_av*_are (unattested) to lock up, from Latin #7in -%2#7+ clavis key enclave 0. syl en+clave pron <1enklAv> pos n. def a part of a country entirely surrounded by foreign territory: viewed from the position of the surround?!ing territories. Compare {exclave}. enclitic ety C17: from Late Latin encliticus, from Greek enklitikos, from enklinein to cause to lean, from #7en -%2#7+ klinein to lean enclitic 1.a. syl en+clit+ic pron pos adj. def denoting or relating to a mono?!syllabic word or form that is treated as a suffix of the preceding word, as Latin in enclitic 1.b. syl en+clit+ic pron pos adj. usage in classical Greek def denoting or relating to a word that throws an accent back onto the preceding word. enclitic 2. syl en+clit+ic pron pos n. def an enclitic word or linguistic form. enclitic xref syl en+clit+ic pron pos adj. def Compare {proclitic}. enclitically sub head enclitic syl en+1clit:i+cal+ly pos adv. inclose alt head enclose or enclose syl in+close pron pos vb. mod tr. enclose 1. or inclose syl en+close pron pos vb. mod tr. def to close; hem in; surround. enclose 2. or inclose syl en+close pron pos vb. mod tr. def to surround (land) with or as if with a fence. enclose 3. or inclose syl en+close pron pos vb. mod tr. def to put in an envelope or wrapper, esp. together with a letter. enclose 4. or inclose syl en+close pron pos vb. mod tr. def to contain or hold. enclosable sub head enclose or inclosable syl en+1clos+a:ble pos adj. inclosable sub head enclose or enclosable syl in+1clos+a:ble pos adj. encloser sub head enclose or incloser syl en+1clos+er pos n. incloser sub head enclose or encloser syl in+1clos+er pos n. enclosed order 0. syl en+closed or+der pos n. def a Christian religious order that does not permit its members to go into the outside world. inclosure alt head enclosure or enclosure syl in+clo+sure pron pos n. enclosure 1. or inclosure syl en+clo+sure pron pos n. def the act of enclosing or state of being enclosed. enclosure 2. or inclosure syl en+clo+sure pron pos n. def a region or area enclosed by or as if by a fence. enclosure 3. or inclosure syl en+clo+sure pron pos n. def the act of appropriating land, esp. common land, by setting up a fence or barrier around it. enclosure 4. or inclosure syl en+clo+sure pron pos n. def a fence, wall, etc., that serves to enclose. enclosure 5. or inclosure syl en+clo+sure pron pos n. def something, esp. a supporting document, enclosed within an envelope or wrapper, esp. together with a letter. enclosure 6. or inclosure syl en+clo+sure pron pos n. qual Brit. def a section of a sports ground, race course, etc., allotted to certain spectators. encode 0. syl en+code pron pos vb. mod tr. def to convert (a message) from plain text into code. encodement sub head encode syl en+1code+ment pos n. encoder sub head encode syl en+1cod+er pos n. encomiast ety C17: from Greek enk*_omiast*_es, from enk*_omiazein to utter an #7encomium encomiast 0. syl en+co+mi+ast pron pos n. def a person who speaks or writes an encomium. encomiastic sub head encomiast or encomiastical syl en+2co+mi+1as+tic pos adj. encomiastical sub head encomiast or encomiastic syl en+2co+mi+1as+ti+cal pos adj. encomiastically sub head encomiast syl en+2co+mi+1as+ti+cal+ly pos adv. encomium ety C16: from Latin, from Greek enk*_omion, from #7en -%2#7+ k*_omos festivity encomiums infl head encomium or encomia syl en+co+mi:ums pron <-mi*> pos n. mod pl. encomia infl head encomium or encomiums syl en+co+mi:a pron <-mi*> pos n. mod pl. encomium 0. syl en+co+mi:um pron pos n. def a formal expression of praise; eulogy; panegyric. encompass 1. syl en+com+pass pron pos vb. mod tr. def to enclose within a circle; surround. encompass 2. syl en+com+pass pron pos vb. mod tr. def to bring about; cause to happen; contrive. exam 1 he encompassed the enemy's ruin. encompass 3. syl en+com+pass pron pos vb. mod tr. def to include entirely or comprehensively. exam 1 this book encompasses the whole range of knowledge. encompassment sub head encompass syl en+1com+pass+ment pos n. encore ety C18: from French: still, again, perhaps from Latin in hanc h*_oram until this hour encore 1. syl en+core pron <1oGkc:> pos interj. def again; once more: used by an audience to demand an extra or repeated performance. encore 2. syl en+core pron <1oGkc:> pos n. def an extra or repeated performance given in response to enthusiastic demand. encore 3. syl en+core pron <1oGkc:> pos vb. mod tr. def to demand an extra or repeated performance of (a work, piece of music, etc.) by (a performer). encounter ety C13: from Old French encontrer, from Vulgar Latin incontr*_are (unattested), from Latin #7in -%2#7+ contr*_a against, opposite encounter 1. syl en+coun+ter pron pos vb. def to come upon or meet casually or unexpectedly. encounter 2. syl en+coun+ter pron pos vb. def to come into conflict with (an enemy, army, etc.) in battle or contest. encounter 3. syl en+coun+ter pron pos vb. mod tr. def to be faced with; contend with. exam 1 he encounters many obstacles in his work. encounter 4. syl en+coun+ter pron pos n. def a meeting with a person or thing, esp. when casual or unexpected. encounter 5. syl en+coun+ter pron pos n. def a hostile meeting; contest or conflict. encounterer sub head encounter syl en+1coun+ter+er pos n. encounter group 0. syl en+coun+ter group pos n. def a group of people who meet in order to develop self-awareness and mutual understanding by openly expressing their feelings, by confrontation, physical contact, etc. encourage 1. syl en+cour+age pron pos vb. mod tr. def to inspire (someone) with the courage or confidence (to do something). encourage 2. syl en+cour+age pron pos vb. mod tr. def to stimulate (something or someone to do something) by approval or help; support. &- {en+#!cour+age+ment} &- {en+#!cour+ag+er} encouragingly sub head encourage syl en+1cour+ag+ing+ly pos adv. encrinite ety C19: from New Latin encrinus (from Greek #7en -%2#7+ krinon lily)+-#7ite %1 encrinite 0. syl en+cri+nite pron <1enkri2nIt> pos n. def a fossil crinoid, esp. one of the genus Sometimes shortened to {crinite}. encroach ety C14: from Old French encrochier to seize, literally: fasten upon with hooks, from #7en -%1#7+ croc hook, of Germanic origin; see #7crook encroach 1. syl en+croach pron pos vb. mod intr. usage often foll. by on or upon def to intrude gradually, stealthily, or insidiously upon the rights, property, etc., of another. encroach 2. syl en+croach pron pos vb. mod intr. def to advance beyond the usual or proper limits. encroacher sub head encroach syl en+1croach+er pos n. encroachingly sub head encroach syl en+1croach+ing+ly pos adv. incrust alt head encrust or encrust syl in+crust pron pos vb. encrust 1. or incrust syl en+crust pron pos vb. mod tr. def to cover or overlay with or as with a crust or hard coating. encrust 2. or incrust syl en+crust pron pos vb. def to form or cause to form a crust or hard coating. encrust 3. or incrust syl en+crust pron pos vb. mod tr. def to decorate lavishly, as with jewels. encrustant sub head encrust or incrustant syl en+1crust+ant pos adj. n. incrustant sub head encrust or encrustant syl in+1crust+ant pos adj. n. encrustation sub head encrust or incrustation syl en+crus+1ta+tion pos n. incrustation sub head encrust or encrustation syl in+crus+1ta+tion pos n. enculturation 0. syl en+cul+tu+ra+tion pron pos n. def another word for {socialization}. enculturative sub head enculturation syl en+cul+tu+ra+tive pron pos adj. encumber ety C14: from Old French encombrer, from #7en -%1#7+ combre a barrier, from Late Latin combrus, of uncertain origin incumber alt head encumber or encumber syl in+cum+ber pron pos vb. mod tr. encumber 1. or incumber syl en+cum+ber pron pos vb. mod tr. def to hinder or impede; make difficult; hamper. exam 1 encumbered with parcels after going shopping at Christmas; exam 2 his stupidity encumbers his efforts to learn. encumber 2. or incumber syl en+cum+ber pron pos vb. mod tr. def to fill with superfluous or useless matter. encumber 3. or incumber syl en+cum+ber pron pos vb. mod tr. def to burden with debts, obligations, etc. encumberingly sub head encumber or incumberingly syl en+1cum+ber+ing+ly pos adv. incumberingly sub head encumber or encumberingly syl in+1cum+ber+ing+ly pos adv. incumbrance alt head encumbrance or encumbrance syl in+cum+brance pron pos n. encumbrance 1. or incumbrance syl en+cum+brance pron pos n. def a thing that impedes or is burdensome; hindrance. encumbrance 2. or incumbrance syl en+cum+brance pron pos n. qual Law. def a burden or charge upon property, such as a mortgage or lien. encumbrance 3. or incumbrance syl en+cum+brance pron pos n. qual Rare. def a dependent person, esp. a child. encumbrancer 0. syl en+cum+branc+er pron pos n. qual Law. def a person who holds an encumbrance on property belonging to another. encyc infl head ency or encycl syl encyc. encycl infl head ency or encyc syl encycl. ency 0. syl ency. qual abbrev. for def encyclopedia. -ency 0. syl -en:cy usage suffix forming nouns. def variant of {-ence}. exam 1 fluency; exam 2 permanency. encyclical ety C17: from Late Latin encyclicus, from Greek enkuklios general, from kuklos circle encyclical 1. syl en+cyc+li+cal pron pos n. def a letter sent by the pope to all Roman Catholic bishops throughout the world. encyclical 2. syl en+cyc+li+cal pron pos adj. usage also; of letters def intended for general or wide circulation. encyclopedia ety C16: from New Latin encyclopaedia, erroneously for Greek enkuklios paideia general education, from enkuklios general, (see #7encyclical) #7+ paideia education, from pais child encyclopaedia alt head encyclopedia or encyclopedia syl en+cy+clo+pae+di:a pron pos n. encyclopedia 0. or encyclopaedia syl en+cy+clo+pe:di:a pron pos n. def a book, often in many volumes, containing articles on various topics, often arranged in alphabetical order, dealing either with the whole range of human knowledge or with one particular subject. exam 1 a medical encyclopedia. encyclopaedic alt head encyclopedic or encyclopedic syl en+cy+clo+pae+dic pron pos adj. encyclopedic 1. or encyclopaedic syl en+cy+clo+pe:dic pron pos adj. def of, characteristic of, or relating to an encyclopedia. encyclopedic 2. or encyclopaedic syl en+cy+clo+pe:dic pron pos adj. def covering a wide range of knowledge; comprehensive. encyclopedically sub head encyclopedic or encyclopaedically syl en+2cy+clo+1pe:di+cal+ly pos adv. encyclopaedically sub head encyclopedic or encyclopedically syl en+2cy+clo+1pae+di+cal+ly pos adv. encyclopaedist alt head encyclopedist or encyclopedist syl en+cy+clo+pae+dist pron pos n. encyclopedist 0. or encyclopaedist syl en+cy+clo+pe:dist pron pos n. def a person who compiles or contributes to an encyclopedia. encyclopedism sub head encyclopedist or encyclopaedism syl en+2cy+clo+1pe:dism pos n. encyclopaedism sub head encyclopedist or encyclopedism syl en+2cy+clo+1pae+dism pos n. encyst 0. syl en+cyst pron pos vb. qual Biology. def to enclose or become enclosed by a cyst, thick membrane, or shell. encystment sub head encyst or encystation syl en+1cyst+ment pos n. encystation sub head encyst or encystment syl en+cys+1ta+tion pos n. end ety Old English ende; related to Old Norse endir, Gothic andeis, Old High German endi, Latin antiae forelocks, Sanskrit antya last end H1.1. syl end pron pos n. def the extremity of the length of something, such as a road, line, etc. end H1.2. syl end pron pos n. def the surface at either extremity of a three-dimensional object. end H1.3. syl end pron pos n. def the extreme extent, limit, or degree of something. end H1.4. syl end pron pos n. def the most distant place or time that can be imagined. exam 1 the ends of the earth. end H1.5. syl end pron pos n. def the time at which something is concluded. end H1.6.a. syl end pron pos n. def the last section or part. end H1.6.b. syl end pron pos n. usage as modifier exam 1 the end office. end H1.7. syl end pron pos n. def a share or part. exam 1 his end of the bargain; exam 2 to keep one's end up. end H1.8. syl end pron pos n. mod often; pl. def a remnant or fragment (esp. in the phrase {odds and ends) }. end H1.9. syl end pron pos n. def a final state, esp. death; destruction. end H1.10. syl end pron pos n. def the purpose of an action or existence. end H1.11. syl end pron pos n. qual Sport. def either of the two defended areas of a playing field, rink, etc. end H1.12. syl end pron pos n. qual Bowls. def a section of play from one side of the green to the other. end H1.13. syl end pron pos n. qual American football. def a player at the extremity of the playing line; wing. all ends up 14. head end syl all ends up. def totally or completely. a sticky end 15. head end syl a sticky end. qual Informal. def an unpleasant death. at a loose end 16. head end or at loose ends syl at a loose end def without purpose or occupation. at an end 17. head end syl at an end. def exhausted. come to an end 18. head end syl come to an end. def to become completed or exhausted. end H1.19.a. syl end pron pos n. def with the end pointing towards one. end H1.19.b. syl end pron pos n. def with the end adjacent to the end of another object. go off the deep end 20. head end syl go off the deep end. qual Informal. def to lose one's temper; react angrily. in the end 21. head end syl in the end. def finally. make (both) ends meet 22. head end syl make (both) ends meet. def to spend no more than the money one has. on end 24. head end syl on end. qual Informal. def without pause or interruption. end H1.25.a. syl end pron pos n. def the worst, esp. something that goes beyond the limits of endurance. end H1.25.b. syl end pron pos n. qual Chiefly U.S. def the best in quality. the end of the road 26. head end syl the end of the road. def the point beyond which survival or continuation is impossible. Related adjs.: {final, terminal, ultimate}. end H1.27. syl end pron pos vb. def to bring or come to a finish; conclude. end H1.28. syl end pron pos vb. def to die or cause to die. end H1.29. syl end pron pos vb. mod tr. def surpass; outdo. exam 1 a novel to end all novels. end it all 30. head end syl end it all. qual Informal. def to commit suicide. {~} See also {end up}. ender sub head end syl end+er pos n. end ety Old English innian ; related to Old High German inn*_on; see #7inn end H2.0. syl end pron pos vb. mod tr. qual Brit. def to put (hay or grain) into a barn or stack. end- 0. syl end- usage combining form. def variant of {endo-} before a vowel. -end 0. syl -end usage suffix forming nouns. def See {-and}. end-all 0. syl end-all pos n. def short for {be-all and end-all}. endamage 0. syl en+dam+age pron pos vb. mod tr. def to cause injury to; damage. endamagement sub head endamage syl en+1dam+age+ment pos n. endameba alt head endamoeba or endamoeba syl en+da+me:ba pron <2end*1mEb*> pos n. qual U.S. endamoebae infl head endamoeba or endamoebas syl en+da+moe:bae pron <-bE> pos n. mod pl. endamoebas infl head endamoeba or endamoebae syl en+da+moe:bas. pos n. mod pl. endamoeba 0. or endameba syl en+da+moe:ba pron <2end*1mEb*> pos n. def variant spellings of {entamoeba}. endanger 0. syl en+dan+ger pron pos vb. mod tr. def to put in danger or peril; imperil. endangerment sub head endanger syl en+1dan+ger+ment pos n. endarch ety C20: see #7endo -#7, -#7arch endarch 0. syl end+arch pron <1end2a:k> pos adj. usage Botany. of a xylem strand def having the first-formed xylem internal to that formed later. Compare { {exarch%2,} {mesarch}} . en dash 0. syl en dash pos n. qual Printing. def a dash (-) one en long. end-blown 0. syl end-blown pos adj. usage Music. of a recorder, etc. def held downwards and blown through one end. endbrain 0. syl end+brain pron <1end2brAn> pos n. qual Anatomy. def another name for {telencephalon}. endear 0. syl en+dear pron pos vb. mod tr. def to cause to be beloved or esteemed. endearingly sub head endear syl en+1dear+ing+ly pos adv. endearment 1. syl en+dear+ment pron pos n. def something that endears, such as an affectionate utterance. endearment 2. syl en+dear+ment pron pos n. def the act or process of endearing or the condition of being endeared. endeavour ety C14 endeveren, from #7en -%1#7+ -deveren from dever duty, from Old French deveir; see #7devoir endeavor alt head endeavour or endeavour syl en+deav+or pron pos vb. qual U.S. endeavour 1. or endeavor syl en+deav+our pron pos vb. def to try (to do something). endeavour 2. or endeavor syl en+deav+our pron pos n. def an effort to do or attain something. endeavourer sub head endeavour or endeavorer syl en+1deav+our+er pos n. endeavorer sub head endeavour or endeavourer syl en+1deav+or+er pos n. qual U.S. endemic ety C18: from New Latin end*_emicus, from Greek end*_emos native, from #7en -%2#7+ d*_emos the people endemic 1. syl en+dem+ic pron pos adj. usage also def present within a localized area or peculiar to persons in such an area. endemic 2. syl en+dem+ic pron pos n. usage also def an endemic disease or plant. endemically sub head endemic syl en+1dem:i+cal+ly pos adv. endemism sub head endemic or endemicity syl en+de+mism pos n. endemicity sub head endemic or endemism syl en+de+1mic+i:ty pos n. Enderby Land 0. syl En+der+by Land pron <1end*bi> pos n. def part of the coastal region of Antarctica, between Kempland and Queen Maud Land: the westernmost part of the Australian Antarctic Territory; discovered in 1831. endermic ety C19: from #7en -%2#7+ Greek derma skin endermic 0. syl en+der+mic pron pos adj. usage of a medicine, etc. def acting by absorption through the skin. endgame 1. syl end+game pron <1end2gAm> pos n. def the closing stage of a game of chess, in which only a few pieces are left on the board. endgame 2. syl end+game pron <1end2gAm> pos n. def the closing stage of any of certain other games. ending 1. syl end+ing pron <1endiG> pos n. def the act of bringing to or reaching an end. ending 2. syl end+ing pron <1endiG> pos n. def the last part of something, as a book, film, etc. ending 3. syl end+ing pron <1endiG> pos n. def the final part of a word, esp. a suffix. endive ety C15: from Old French, from Medieval Latin end*_ivia, variant of Latin intubus, entubus, of uncertain origin endive 0. syl en+dive pron <1endIv> pos n. def a plant, cultivated for its crisp curly leaves, which are used in salads: family (composites). Compare {chicory}. endless 1. syl end+less pron <1endlis> pos adj. def having or seeming to have no end; eternal or infinite. endless 2. syl end+less pron <1endlis> pos adj. def continuing too long or continually recurring. endless 3. syl end+less pron <1endlis> pos adj. def formed with the ends joined. exam 1 an endless belt. endlessly sub head endless syl end+less+ly pos adv. endlong 0. syl end+long pron <1end2loG> pos adv. qual Archaic. def lengthways or on end. end matter 0. syl end mat+ter pos n. def another name for {back matter}. endmost 0. syl end+most pron <1end2m*ust> pos adj. def nearest the end; most distant. endo- ety from Greek, from endon within endoblast 1. syl en:do+blast pron <1end*u2bl@st> pos n. qual Embryol. def a less common name for {endoderm}. endoblast 2. syl en:do+blast pron <1end*u2bl@st> pos n. def another name for { {hypoblast} (sense 1).} endoblastic sub head endoblast syl en:do+1blas+tic pos adj. endocardiac alt head endocardial or endocardial syl en:do+car+di+ac pos adj. endocardial 1. or endocardiac syl en:do+car+di:al pron <2end*u1ka:di*l> pos adj. def of or relating to the endocardium. endocardial 2. or endocardiac syl en:do+car+di:al pron <2end*u1ka:di*l> pos adj. def within the heart. endocarditis 0. syl en:do+car+di+tis pron <2end*uka:1dItis> pos n. def inflammation of the endocardium. endocarditic sub head endocarditis syl en:do+car+dit+ic pron <2end*uka:1ditik> pos adj. endocardium ety C19: from New Latin, from #7endo -#7+ Greek kardia heart endocardia infl head endocardium syl en:do+car+di:a pron <-di*> pos n. mod pl. endocardium 0. syl en:do+car+di:um pron <2end*u1ka:di*m> pos n. def the membrane that lines the cavities of the heart and forms part of the valves. endocarp 0. syl en:do+carp pron <1end*2ka:p> pos n. def the inner, usually woody, layer of the pericarp of a fruit, such as the stone of a peach or cherry. &- {@!en@.do+#!car+pal} {@!en@.do+#!car+pic} endocentric 0. syl en:do+cen+tric pron <2end*u1sentrik> pos adj. usage Grammar. of a construction def fulfilling the grammatical role of one of its constituents; as in where the whole noun phrase fulfills the same role as its head noun Compare {exocentric}. endocrania infl head endocranium syl en:do+cra+nia pron <-ni*> pos n. mod pl. endocranium 0. syl en:do+cra+ni:um pron <2end*u1krAni*m> pos n. qual Anatomy. def the thick fibrous membrane that lines the cranial cavity and forms the outermost layer of the dura mater. endocrine ety C20: from #7endo -#7+ -crine, from Greek krinein to separate endocrine 1. syl en:do+crine pron <1end*u2krIn>, <-krin> pos adj. usage also def of or denoting endocrine glands or their secretions. exam 1 endocrine disorders. endocrine 2. syl en:do+crine pron <1end*u2krIn>, <-krin> pos n. usage also def an endocrine gland. endocrine xref syl en:do+crine pron <1end*u2krIn>, <-krin> pos adj. usage also def Compare {exocrine}. endocrine gland 0. syl en+do+crine gland pos n. def any of the glands that secrete hormones directly into the blood stream, including the pituitary, pineal, thyroid, parathyroid, adrenal, testes, ovaries, and the pancreatic islets of Langerhans. Also called: {ductless gland}. endocrinology 0. syl en:do+cri+nol+o:gy pron <2end*ukrI1nol*Ji>, <-kri-> pos n. def the branch of medical science concerned with the endocrine glands and their secretions. endocrinologic sub head endocrinology or endocrinological syl en:do+crin:o+log+ic pron <2end*u2krin*1loJik> pos adj. endocrinological sub head endocrinology or endocrinologic syl en:do+2crin:o+1log:i+cal pos adj. endocrinologist sub head endocrinology syl en:do+cri+1nol:o+gist pos n. entoderm alt head endoderm or endoderm syl en:to+derm pos n. endoderm 0. or entoderm syl en:do+derm pron <1end*u2dR:m> pos n. def the inner germ layer of an animal embryo, which gives rise to the lining of the digestive and respiratory tracts. See also {ectoderm} and {mesoderm}. endodermal sub head endoderm or entodermal syl en:do+1der+mal pos adj. endodermic sub head endoderm or entodermic syl en:do+1der+mic pos adj. entodermal sub head endoderm or endodermal syl en:to+1der+mal pos adj. entodermic sub head endoderm or endodermic syl en:to+1der+mic pos adj. endodermis ety C19: from New Latin, from #7endo -#7+ Greek derma skin endodermis 0. syl en:do+derm+is pron <2end*u1dR:mis> pos n. qual Botany. def the specialized innermost layer of cortex in roots and some stems, which controls the passage of water and dissolved substances between the cortex and stele. endodontics ety C19: from New Latin endodontia, from #7endo -#7+ Greek od*_on tooth endodontics 0. syl en:do+don+tics pron <2end*u1dontiks> pos n. mod functioning as; sing. def the branch of dentistry concerned with diseases of the dental pulp. endodontic sub head endodontics syl en:do+1don+tic pos adj. endodontist sub head endodontics syl en:do+1don+tist pos n. endoenzyme 1. syl en:do+en+zyme pron <2end*u1enzIm> pos n. def any of a group of en?!zymes, esp. endopeptidases, that act upon inner chemical bonds in a chain of molecules. Compare { {exoenzyme} (sense 1).} endoenzyme 2. syl en:do+en+zyme pron <2end*u1enzIm> pos n. qual Becoming rare. def any of a group of enzymes that act within a cell. endoergic 0. syl en:do+er+gic pron <2end*u1R:Jik> pos adj. usage of a nuclear reaction def occurring with absorption of energy, as opposed to Compare {endothermic}. end of steel 1. syl end of steel pos n. qual Canadian. def a point up to which railway tracks have been laid. end of steel 2. syl end of steel pos n. qual Canadian. def a town located at such a point. endogamy 1. syl en+dog:a+my pron pos n. qual Anthropol. def marriage within one's own tribe or similar unit. Compare { {exogamy} (sense 1).} endogamy 2. syl en+dog:a+my pron pos n. def pollination between two flowers on the same plant. endogamous sub head endogamy or endogamic syl en+1dog:a+mous pron <2end*u1g@mik> pos adj. endogamic sub head endogamy or endogamous syl en:do+gam+ic pron <2end*u1g@mik> pos adj. endogen 0. syl en:do+gen pron <1end*u2Jen> pos n. def a former name for {monocotyledon}. endogenous 0. syl en+dog+e:nous pron pos adj. qual Biology. def developing or originating within an organism or part of an organism. endogenously sub head endogenous syl en+1dog+e:nous+ly pos adv. endogeny sub head endogenous syl en+1dog+e:ny pos n. endolymph 0. syl en:do+lymph pron <1end*u2limf> pos n. def the fluid that fills the membranous labyrinth of the internal ear. endolymphatic sub head endolymph syl en:do+lym+phat+ic pron <2end*ulim?!1f@tik> pos adj. endometriosis 0. syl en:do+me:tri:o+sis pron <2end*u2mEtri1*usis> pos n. qual Pathol. def the presence of endometrium in areas other than the lining of the uterus, as on the ovaries, resulting in premenstrual pain. endometrium ety C19: New Latin, from #7endo -#7+ Greek m*_etra uterus endometria infl head endometrium syl en:do+me:tri:a pron <-tri*> pos n. mod pl. endometrium 0. syl en:do+me:tri:um pron <2end*u1mEtri*m> pos n. def the mucous membrane that lines the uterus. endometrial sub head endometrium syl en:do+1me:tri:al pos adj. endomorph 1. syl en:do+morph pron <1end*u2mc:f> pos n. def a type of person having a body build characterized by roundness, fatness, and heaviness. Compare {ectomorph, mesomorph}. endomorph 2. syl en:do+morph pron <1end*u2mc:f> pos n. def a mineral that naturally occurs enclosed within another mineral, as within quartz. endomorphic sub head endomorph syl en:do+1mor+phic pos adj. endomorphy sub head endomorph syl en:do+2mor+phy pos n. endomorphism 0. syl en:do+mor+phism pron <2end*u1mc:2fiz*m> pos n. qual Geology. def a type of metamorphism in which changes are induced in the cooling molten rock material by contact with the older rocks surround?!ing it. endoneurium 0. syl en:do+neu+ri:um pron <2end*u1nju*ri*m> pos n. def the delicate connective tissue surrounding nerve fibres within a bundle. endoparasite 0. syl en:do+par:a+site pron <2end*u1p@r*2sIt> pos n. def a parasite, such as the tapeworm, that lives within the body of its host. endoparasitic sub head endoparasite syl en:do+par:a+sit+ic pron <2end*u2p@r*1sitik> pos adj. endopeptidase 0. syl en:do+pep+ti+dase pron <2end*u1pepti2dAz> pos n. def any proteolytic enzyme, such as pepsin, that splits a protein into smaller peptide fragments. Also called: {proteinase}. Compare {exo?!peptidase}. endophyte 0. syl en:do+phyte pron <1end*u2fIt> pos n. def any plant, such as a parasitic fungus,@T that@T lives@T within@T another @T plant. endophytic sub head endophyte syl en:do+phyt+ic pron <2end*u1fitik> pos adj. endophytically sub head endophyte syl en:do+1phyt:i+cal+ly pos adv. endoplasm 0. syl en:do+plasm pron <1end*u2pl@z*m> pos n. qual Cytology. def the inner cytoplasm that in many cells is more granular and fluid than the outer cytoplasm (see { {ectoplasm} (sense 1)}). endoplasmic sub head endoplasm syl en:do+1plas+mic pos adj. endoplasmic reticulum 0. syl en:do+plas+mic re+tic:u+lum pos n. def a network of membranes in the cytoplasm of most cells, functioning in intracellular trans?!port. It@T is @T sometimes@T covered@T with@T numerous@T particles (ribosomes). end organ 0. syl end or+gan pos n. qual Anatomy. def the expanded end of a peripheral motor or sensory nerve. endorse ety C16: from Old French endosser to put on the back, from #7en -%1#7+ dos back, from Latin dorsum indorse alt head endorse or endorse syl in+dorse pron pos vb. mod tr. endorse 1. or indorse syl en+dorse pron pos vb. mod tr. def to give approval or sanction to. endorse 2. or indorse syl en+dorse pron pos vb. mod tr. def to sign (one's name) on the back of (a cheque, etc.) to specify oneself as payee. endorse 3.a. or indorse syl en+dorse pron pos vb. mod tr. def to sign the back of (a negotiable document) to transfer ownership of the rights to a specified payee. endorse 3.b. or indorse syl en+dorse pron pos vb. mod tr. def to specify (a designated sum) as transferable to another as payee. endorse 4. or indorse syl en+dorse pron pos vb. mod tr. def to write (a qualifying comment, recommendation, etc.) on the back of a document. endorse 5. or indorse syl en+dorse pron pos vb. mod tr. def to sign a document, as when confirming receipt of payment. endorse 6. or indorse syl en+dorse pron pos vb. mod tr. qual Chiefly Brit. def to record (a conviction) on (a driving licence). endorsable sub head endorse or indorsable syl en+1dors+a:ble pos adj. indorsable sub head endorse or endorsable syl in+1dors+a:ble pos adj. endorser sub head endorse or indorser syl en+1dors+er pos n. endorsor sub head endorse or indorsor syl en+1dor+sor pos n. indorser sub head endorse or endorser syl in+1dors+er pos n. indorsor sub head endorse or endorsor syl in+1dor+sor pos n. indorsee alt head endorsee or endorsee syl in+dor+see pos n. endorsee 0. or indorsee syl en+dor+see pron , <2endc:-> pos n. def the person in whose favour a negotiable instrument is endorsed. indorsement alt head endorsement or endorsement syl in+dorse+ment pron pos n. endorsement 1. or indorsement syl en+dorse+ment pron pos n. def the act or an instance of endorsing. endorsement 2. or indorsement syl en+dorse+ment pron pos n. def something that endorses, such as a signature or qualifying comment. endorsement 3. or indorsement syl en+dorse+ment pron pos n. def approval or support. endorsement 4. or indorsement syl en+dorse+ment pron pos n. def a record of a motoring offence on a driving li?!cence. endorsement 5. or indorsement syl en+dorse+ment pron pos n. qual Insurance. def a clause in or amendment to an insurance policy allowing for alteration of coverage. endoscope 0. syl en:do+scope pron <1end*u2sk*up> pos n. def a long slender medical instrument for examining the interior of a hollow organ such as the urinary bladder. endoscopic sub head endoscope syl en:do+scop+ic pron <2end*u1skopik> pos adj. endoscopy sub head endoscope syl en+1dos+co+py pos n. endoskeleton 0. syl en:do+skel+e:ton pron <2end*u1skelitN> pos n. def the internal skeleton of an animal, esp. the bony or cartilaginous skeleton of vertebrates. Compare {exoskeleton}. endoskeletal sub head endoskeleton syl en:do+1skel+e:tal pos adj. endosmosis 0. syl en+dos+mo+sis pron <2endos1m*usis>, <-doz-> pos n. qual Biology. def osmosis in which water enters a cell or organism from the surrounding solution. Compare {exosmosis}. endosmotic sub head endosmosis syl en+dos+mot+ic pron <2endos1mot?!ik>, <-doz-> pos adj. endosmotically sub head endosmosis syl en+dos+1mot:i+cal+ly pos adv. endosome 0. syl en:do+some pron <1end*u2s*um> pos n. qual Cytology. def any dense particle of chromatin within a nucleus, esp. a nucleolus. endosperm 0. syl en:do+sperm pron <1end*u2spR:m> pos n. def the tissue within the seed of a flowering plant that surrounds and nourishes the developing embryo. endospermic sub head endosperm syl en:do+1sper+mic pos adj. endospore 1. syl en:do+spore pron <1end*u2spc:> pos n. def a small asexual spore produced by some bacteria and algae. endospore 2. syl en:do+spore pron <1end*u2spc:> pos n. def the innermost wall of a spore or pollen grain. endosporous sub head endospore syl en+dos+por+ous pron , <2end*u1spc:r*s> pos adj. endosteum ety C19: New Latin, from #7endo -#7+ Greek osteon bone endostea infl head endosteum syl en+dos+te:a pron <-ti*> pos n. mod pl. endosteum 0. syl en+dos+te:um pron pos n. def a highly vascular membrane lining the internal surface of long bones, such as the femur and humerus. endosteal sub head endosteum syl en+1dos+te:al pos adj. endostoses infl head endostosis syl en+dos+to+ses pron <-sEz> pos n. mod pl. endostosis 0. syl en+dos+to+sis pron <2endos1t*usis> pos n. def the conversion of cartilage into bone. endothecium ety C19: New Latin, from #7endo -#7+ Greek th*_ekion case; see #7theca endothecia infl head endothecium syl en:do+the:ci:a pron <-Si*>, <-si*> pos n. mod pl. endothecium 1. syl en:do+the:ci:um pron <2end*u1TESi*m>, <-si*m> pos n. qual Botany. def the inner mass of cells of the developing capsule in mosses. endothecium 2. syl en:do+the:ci:um pron <2end*u1TESi*m>, <-si*m> pos n. qual Botany. def the fibrous tissue of the inner wall of an anther. endothecial sub head endothecium syl en:do+1the:ci:al pos adj. endotheliomata infl head endothelioma syl en:do+the:li:o+ma:ta pron <-m*t*> pos n. mod pl. endothelioma 0. syl en:do+the:li:o+ma pron <2end*u2TEli1*um*> pos n. qual Pathol. def a tumour originating in endothelial tissue, such as the lining of blood vessels. endothelium ety C19: New Latin, from #7endo -#7+ -thelium, from Greek th*_el*_e nipple endothelia infl head endothelium syl en:do+the:li:a pron <-li*> pos n. mod pl. endothelium 0. syl en:do+the:li:um pron <2end*u1TEli*m> pos n. def a tissue consisting of a single layer of cells that lines the blood and lymph vessels, heart, and some other cavities. endothelial sub head endothelium syl en:do+1the:li:al pos adj. endothelioid sub head endothelium syl en:do+1the:li+2oid pos adj. endothermal alt head endothermic or endothermic syl en:do+ther+mal pos adj. endothermic 0. or endothermal syl en:do+ther+mic pron <2end*u1TR:mik> pos adj. usage of a chemical reaction or compound def occurring or formed with the absorption of heat. Compare {exothermic, endoergic}. endothermically sub head endothermic syl en:do+1ther+mi+cal+ly pos adv. endothermism sub head endothermic syl en:do+1ther+mism pos n. endotoxin 0. syl en:do+tox+in pron <2end*u1toksin> pos n. def a toxin contained within the protoplasm of an organism, esp. a bacterium, and liberated only at death. endotoxic sub head endotoxin syl en:do+1tox+ic pos adj. endover 0. syl end+o:ver pron <1end2*uv*> pos n. qual Skateboarding. def a movement in a straight line by means of a series of spins through 180?% all in the same direction. endow ety C14: from Old French endouer, from #7en -%1#7+ douer from Latin d*_ot*_are, from d*_os dowry endow 1. syl en+dow pron pos vb. mod tr. def to provide with or bequeath a source of permanent income. endow 2. syl en+dow pron pos vb. mod tr. usage usually foll. by with def to provide (with qualities, characteristics, etc.). endow 3. syl en+dow pron pos vb. mod tr. qual Obsolete. def to provide with a dower. endower sub head endow syl en+1dow+er pos n. endowment 1.a. syl en+dow+ment pron pos n. def the source of income with which an institution, etc., is endowed. endowment 1.b. syl en+dow+ment pron pos n. def the income itself. endowment 2. syl en+dow+ment pron pos n. def the act or process of endowing. endowment 3. syl en+dow+ment pron pos n. mod usually; pl. def natural talents or qualities. insurance alt head endowment assurance or endowment assurance syl in+sur+ance pos n. endowment assurance 0. or insurance syl en+dow+ment as+sur+ance pos n. def a form of life insurance that provides for the payment of a specified sum directly to the policyholder at a designated date or to his beneficiary should he die before this date. endpaper 0. syl end+pa:per pron <1end2pAp*> pos n. def either of two leaves at the front and back of a book pasted to the inside of the board covers and the first leaf of the book to secure the binding. end pin 0. syl end pin pos n. qual Music. def the adjustable metal spike attached to the bottom of a cello, double bass, etc., that supports it while it is being played. endplate 1. syl end+plate pron <1end2plAt> pos n. def any usually flat platelike structure at the end of something. endplate 2. syl end+plate pron <1end2plAt> pos n. qual Physiol. def the flattened end of a motor nerve fibre, which transmits impulses to muscle. infl head endplay syl ~ pos n. qual Bridge. endplay 1. syl end+play pron <1end2plA> pos n. def a way of playing the last few tricks in a hand so that an opponent is forced to make a particular lead. {~} . endplay 2. syl end+play pron <1end2plA> pos n. def to force (an opponent) to make a particular lead near the end of a hand. exam 1 declarer endplayed West for the jack of spades. end point 1. syl end point pos n. qual Chem. def the point at which a titration is complete, usually marked by a change in colour of an indicator. end point 2. syl end point pos n. def the point at which anything is complete. end product 0. syl end prod+uct pos n. def the final result or outcome of a process, series, endeavour, etc., esp. in manufacturing. end-stopped 0. syl end-stopped pos adj. usage of verse def having a pause at the end of each line. endue ety C15: from Old French enduire, from Latin ind*_ucere, from d*_ucere to lead indue alt head endue or endue syl in+due pron pos vb. mod tr. endues infl head endue syl en+dues pos vb. mod tr. enduing infl head endue syl en+du+ing pos vb. mod tr. endued infl head endue syl en+dued. pos vb. mod tr. endue 1. or indue syl en+due pron pos vb. mod tr. usage usually foll. by with def to invest or provide, as with some quality or trait. endue 2. or indue syl en+due pron pos vb. mod tr. qual Rare. def to don or assume. endue 3. or indue syl en+due pron pos vb. mod tr. usage Rare. foll. by with def to clothe or dress (in). end up 1. syl end up pos vb. adv. usage copula def to become eventually; turn out to be. exam 1 he ended up a thief. end up 2. syl end up pos vb. adv. mod intr. def to arrive, esp. by a circuitous or lengthy route or process. exam 1 to end up in prison. endurance 1. syl en+dur+ance pron pos n. def the capacity, state, or an instance of enduring. endurance 2. syl en+dur+ance pron pos n. def something endured; a hardship, strain, or privation. endure ety C14: from Old French endurer, from Latin ind*_ur*_are to harden, from d*_urus hard &- en+#!dur+a@.ble adj. &- en+@!dur+a@.#!bil+i@.ty or en+#!dur+a@.ble+ness n. &- en+#!dur+a@.bly adv. endure 1. syl en+dure pron pos vb. def to undergo (hardship, strain, privation, etc.) without yielding; bear. endure 2. syl en+dure pron pos vb. mod tr. def to permit or tolerate. endure 3. syl en+dure pron pos vb. mod intr. def to last or continue to exist. enduring 1. syl en+dur+ing pron pos adj. def permanent; lasting. enduring 2. syl en+dur+ing pron pos adj. def having forbearance; long-suffering. enduringly sub head enduring syl en+1dur+ing+ly pos adv. enduringness sub head enduring syl en+1dur+ing+ness pos n. endways 1. syl end+ways pron <1end2wAz> usage esp. U.S. def having the end forwards or upwards. endways 2. syl end+ways pron <1end2wAz> pos adj. usage esp. U.S. def vertical or upright. endways 3. syl end+ways pron <1end2wAz> pos adj. usage esp. U.S. def lengthways. endways 4. syl end+ways pron <1end2wAz> pos adj. usage esp. U.S. def standing or lying end to end. Endymion 0. syl En:dym:i:on pron pos n. qual Greek myth. def a handsome youth who was visited every night by the moon goddess Selene, who loved him. ENE 0. syl ENE qual abbrev. for def east-northeast. -ene ety from Greek -*_en*_e, feminine patronymic suffix -ene 0. syl -ene pos n. usage combining form. def (in chemistry) indicating an un?!saturated compound containing double bonds. exam 1 benzene; exam 2 ethylene. enema ety C15: from New Latin, from Greek: injection, from enienai to send in, from hienai to send enemas infl head enema or enemata syl en+e:mas pron <-m*t*> pos n. mod pl. enemata infl head enema or enemas syl en+e:ma+ta pron <-m*t*> pos n. mod pl. enema 1. syl en+e:ma pron <1enim*> pos n. qual Med. def the introduction of liquid into the rectum to evacuate the bowels, medicate, or nourish. enema 2. syl en+e:ma pron <1enim*> pos n. qual Med. def the liquid so introduced. enemy ety C13: from Old French enemi, from Latin inim*_icus hostile, from #7in -%1#7+ am*_icus friend enemies infl head enemy syl en+e:mies. pos n. mod pl. enemy 1. syl en+e:my pron <1en*mi> pos n. def a person hostile or opposed to a policy, cause, person, or group, esp. one who actively tries to do damage; opponent. enemy 2.a. syl en+e:my pron <1en*mi> pos n. def an armed adversary; opposing military force. enemy 2.b. syl en+e:my pron <1en*mi> pos n. usage as modifier exam 1 enemy aircraft. enemy 3.a. syl en+e:my pron <1en*mi> pos n. def a hostile nation or people. enemy 3.b. syl en+e:my pron <1en*mi> pos n. usage as modifier exam 1 an enemy alien. enemy 4. syl en+e:my pron <1en*mi> pos n. def something that harms or opposes; adversary. exam 1 courage is the enemy of failure. enemy xref syl en+e:my pron <1en*mi> pos n. def Related adj.: {inimical}. energetic 0. syl en+er+get+ic pron <2en*1Jetik> pos adj. def having or showing much energy or force; vigorous. energetically sub head energetic syl en+er+1get:i+cal+ly pos adv. energetics 0. syl en+er+get+ics pron <2en*1Jetiks> pos n. mod functioning as; sing. def the branch of science concerned with energy and its transformations. energeticist sub head energetics syl en+er+1get:i+cist pos n. energid 0. syl en+er+gid pron <1en*Jid> pos n. def a biological unit that consists of nucleus and cytoplasm but does not constitute a cell. energise alt head energize or energize syl en+er+gise pron <1en*2JIz> pos vb. energize 1. or energise syl en+er+gize pron <1en*2JIz> pos vb. def to have or cause to have energy; invigorate. energize 2. or energise syl en+er+gize pron <1en*2JIz> pos vb. mod tr. def to apply a source of electric current or electromotive force to (a circuit, field winding, etc.). energizer sub head energize or energiser syl en+er+2giz+er pos n. energiser sub head energize or energizer syl en+er+2gis+er pos n. energumen ety C18: via Late Latin from Greek energoumenos having been worked on, from energein to be in action, from energos effective; see #7energy energumen 1. syl en+er+gu+men pron <2en*1gju:men> pos n. def a person thought to be possessed by an evil spirit. energumen 2. syl en+er+gu+men pron <2en*1gju:men> pos n. def a fanatic or zealot. energy ety C16: from Late Latin energ*_ia, from Greek energeia activity, from energos effective, from #7en -%2#7+ ergon work energies infl head energy syl en+er+gies. pos n. mod pl. energy 1. syl en+er+gy pron <1en*Ji> pos n. def intensity or vitality of action or expression; forcefulness. energy 2. syl en+er+gy pron <1en*Ji> pos n. def capacity or tendency for intense activity; vigour. energy 3. syl en+er+gy pron <1en*Ji> pos n. def vigorous or intense action; exertion. energy 4.a. syl en+er+gy pron <1en*Ji> pos n. def the capacity of a body or system to do work. energy 4.b. syl en+er+gy pron <1en*Ji> pos n. def a measure of this capacity, expressed as the work that it does in changing to some specified reference state. It is measured in joules (SI units). Symbol. exam 1 E energy band 0. syl en+er+gy band pos n. def a range of energy levels associated with the electrons in a crystalline solid, the distribution of which determines the conducting properties of the solid. state alt head energy level or energy level syl state pos n. energy level 1. or state syl en+er+gy lev+el pos n. qual Physics. def one of the states of constant energy in which a system may exist. Each level is separated by finite amounts of energy. energy level 2. or state syl en+er+gy lev+el pos n. qual Physics. def the energy of such a state. enervate ety C17: from Latin *_enerv*_are to remove the nerves from, from nervus nerve, sinew enervate 1. syl en+er+vate pron <1en*2vAt> pos vb. mod tr. def to deprive of strength or vitality; weaken physically or mentally; debilitate. enervate 2. syl en+er+vate pron pos adj. def deprived of strength or vitality; weakened. enervation sub head enervate syl en+er+1va+tion pos n. enervative sub head enervate syl en+er+2va+tive pos adj. enervator sub head enervate syl en+er+2va+tor pos n. Georges infl head Enesco syl Georges pron pos n. Enesco 0. syl E:ne:sco pron pos n. def original name 1881-1955, Rumanian violinist and composer. enface 0. syl en+face pron pos vb. mod tr. def to write, print, or stamp (something) on the face of (a document). enfacement sub head enface syl en+1face+ment pos n. en face 1. syl en face pron French. <*~a 1fas> pos adj. def facing forwards. en face 2. syl en face pron French. <*~a 1fas> pos adj. def opposite; facing. en famille 1. syl en fa+mille pron French. pos adv. def with one's family; at home. en famille 2. syl en fa+mille pron French. pos adv. def in a casual way; informally. enfant terrible ety C19: from French, literally: terrible child enfants terribles infl head enfant terrible syl en+fants ter+ri+bles pron pos n. mod pl. enfeeble 0. syl en+fee+ble pron pos vb. mod tr. def to make weak; deprive of strength. enfeeblement sub head enfeeble syl en+1fee+ble+ment pos n. enfeebler sub head enfeeble syl en+1fee+bler pos n. enfeoff ety C14: from Anglo-French enfeoffer; see #7fief enfeoff 1. syl en+feoff pron pos vb. mod tr. qual Property law. def to invest (a person) with possession of a freehold estate in land. enfeoff 2. syl en+feoff pron pos vb. mod tr. usage in feudal society def to take (someone) into vassalage by giving a fee or fief in return for certain services. enfeoffment sub head enfeoff syl en+1feoff+ment pos n. en fete ety literally: in festival en fete 1. syl en f*^ete pron French. <*~a 1fet> pos adv. def dressed for a festivity. en fete 2. syl en f*^ete pron French. <*~a 1fet> pos adv. def engaged in a festivity. Enfield 0. syl En+field pron <1enfEld> pos n. def a borough of Greater London: a N residential suburb. Pop.: 260900 (1976 est.). Enfield rifle ety C19: from E#7nfield , where it was first made Enfield rifle 1. syl En+field ri+fle pos n. def a breech-loading bolt-action magazine rifle of varying calibres, formerly used by the British and U.S. armies. Enfield rifle 2. syl En+field ri+fle pos n. def a nineteenth-century muzzle-loading musket used by the British army. enfilade ety C18: from French: suite, from enfiler to thread on string, from fil thread enfilade 1. syl en+fi+lade pron <2enfi1lAd> pos n. qual Military. def a position or formation subject to fire directed along the length as opposed to the breadth of its front. enfilade 2. syl en+fi+lade pron <2enfi1lAd> pos vb. mod tr. qual Military. def to attack (a position or formation) with enfilade. enfleurage 0. syl en+fleu+rage pron French. pos n. def the process of exposing odourless oils to the scent of fresh flowers, used in perfume-making. infold alt head enfold or enfold syl in+fold pron pos vb. mod tr. enfold 1. or infold syl en+fold pron pos vb. mod tr. def to cover by enclosing. enfold 2. or infold syl en+fold pron pos vb. mod tr. def to embrace. enfold 3. or infold syl en+fold pron pos vb. mod tr. def to form with or as with folds. enfolder sub head enfold or infolder syl en+1fold+er pos n. infolder sub head enfold or enfolder syl in+1fold+er pos n. enfoldment sub head enfold or infoldment syl en+1fold+ment pos n. infoldment sub head enfold or enfoldment syl in+1fold+ment pos n. enforce 1. syl en+force pron pos vb. mod tr. def to ensure observance of or obedience to (a law, decision, etc.). enforce 2. syl en+force pron pos vb. mod tr. def to impose (obedience, loyalty, etc.) by or as by force. enforce 3. syl en+force pron pos vb. mod tr. def to emphasize or reinforce (an argument, demand, etc.). &- {en+#!force+a@.ble} enforceability sub head enforce syl en+2force+a:1bil+i:ty pos n. enforcedly sub head enforce syl en+forc+ed+ly pron pos adv. enforcement sub head enforce syl en+1force+ment pos n. enforcer sub head enforce syl en+1forc+er pos n. enfranchise 1. syl en+fran+chise pron pos vb. mod tr. def to grant the power of voting to, esp. as a right of citizenship. enfranchise 2. syl en+fran+chise pron pos vb. mod tr. def to liberate, as from servitude. enfranchise 3. syl en+fran+chise pron pos vb. mod tr. usage in England def to invest (a town, city, etc.) with the right to be represented in Parliament. enfranchise 4. syl en+fran+chise pron pos vb. mod tr. usage English law. formerly def to convert (copyhold land) to freehold. enfranchisement sub head enfranchise syl en+1fran+chise+ment pos n. enfranchiser sub head enfranchise syl en+1fran+chis+er pos n. eng 0. syl eng pron pos n. qual Phonetics. def another name for {agma}. eng 1. syl eng. qual abbrev. for: def engine. eng 2. syl eng. qual abbrev. for: def engineer. eng 3. syl eng. qual abbrev. for: def engineering. eng 4. syl eng. qual abbrev. for: def engraved. eng 5. syl eng. qual abbrev. for: def engraver. eng 6. syl eng. qual abbrev. for: def engraving. Eng 1. syl Eng. qual abbrev. for: def England. Eng 2. syl Eng. qual abbrev. for: def English. Engadine 0. syl En+ga+dine pron <1eGg*2dEn> pos n. def the upper part of the valley of the River Inn in Switzerland, in Graub*"unden canton: tourist and winter sports centre. engage ety C15: from Old French engagier, from #7en -%1#7+ gage a pledge, see #7gage %1 engage 1. syl en+gage pron pos vb. mod mainly; tr. def to secure the services of; employ. engage 2. syl en+gage pron pos vb. mod mainly; tr. def to secure for use; reserve. exam 1 engage a room. engage 3. syl en+gage pron pos vb. mod mainly; tr. def to involve (a person or his attention) intensely; engross; occupy. engage 4. syl en+gage pron pos vb. mod mainly; tr. def to attract (the affection) of (a person). exam 1 her innocence engaged him. engage 5. syl en+gage pron pos vb. mod mainly; tr. def to draw (somebody) into conversation. engage 6. syl en+gage pron pos vb. mod intr. def to take part; participate. exam 1 he engages in many sports. engage 7. syl en+gage pron pos vb. mod mainly; tr. def to promise (to do something). engage 8. syl en+gage pron pos vb. mod also; intr. qual Military. def to begin an action with (an enemy). engage 9. syl en+gage pron pos vb. mod mainly; tr. def to bring (a mechanism) into operation. exam 1 he engaged the clutch. engage 10. syl en+gage pron pos vb. mod also; intr. def to undergo or cause to undergo interlocking, as of the components of a driving mechanism, such as a gear train. engage 11. syl en+gage pron pos vb. mod mainly; tr. qual Machinery. def to locate (a locking device) in its operative position or to advance (a tool) into a workpiece to commence cutting. engager sub head engage syl en+1gag+er pos n. engag'ee alt head engag'e or engag'e syl en+ga+g*'ee pron French. <*~aga1ZA> pos adj. mod fem. engag'e 0. or engag'ee syl en+ga+g*'e pron French. <*~aga1ZA> pos adj. usage of a writer or artist def morally or politically committed to some ideology. engaged 1. syl en+gaged pron pos adj. def pledged to be married; betrothed. engaged 2. syl en+gaged pron pos adj. def employed, occupied, or busy. engaged 3. syl en+gaged pron pos adj. qual Architect. def built against or attached to a wall or similar structure. exam 1 an engaged column. engaged 4. syl en+gaged pron pos adj. usage of a telephone line def already in use. &- {en+gag+ed+ly} ($In#!ge$Id#f?!$Idl$I) engaged tone 0. syl en+gaged tone pos n. qual Brit. def a repeated single note heard on a telephone when the number called is already in use. U.S. equivalent: {busy signal}. Compare {ringing tone, dialling tone}. engagement 1. syl en+gage+ment pron pos n. def a pledge of marriage; betrothal. engagement 2. syl en+gage+ment pron pos n. def an appointment or arrangement, esp. for business or social purposes. engagement 3. syl en+gage+ment pron pos n. def the act of engaging or condition of being engaged. engagement 4. syl en+gage+ment pron pos n. def a promise, obligation, or other condition that binds. engagement 5. syl en+gage+ment pron pos n. def a period of employment, esp. a limited period. engagement 6. syl en+gage+ment pron pos n. def an action; battle. engagement 7. syl en+gage+ment pron pos n. mod pl. def financial obligations. engagement ring 0. syl en+gage+ment ring pos n. def a ring given by a man to a woman as a token of their betrothal. engaging 0. syl en+gag+ing pron pos adj. def pleasing, charming, or winning. engagingly sub head engaging syl en+1gag+ing+ly pos adv. engagingness sub head engaging syl en+1gag+ing+ness pos n. en garde 1. syl en garde pron French. pos interj. def on guard; a call to a fencer to adopt a defensive stance in readiness for an attack or bout. en garde 2. syl en garde pron French. pos adj. usage of a fencer def in such a stance. Friedrich infl head Engels syl Frie:drich pron <1frEdri*,c> pos n. Engels 0. syl En:gels pron German <1eGLs> pos n. def 1820-95, German socialist leader and political philosopher, in England from 1849. He collaborated with Marx on (1848) and his own works include (1844) and (1884). engender ety C14: from Old French engendrer, from Latin ingener*_are, from gener*_are to beget engender 1. syl en+gen+der pron pos vb. mod tr. def to bring about or give rise to; produce or cause. engender 2. syl en+gen+der pron pos vb. def to be born or cause to be born; bring or come into being. engenderer sub head engender syl en+1gen+der+er pos n. engenderment sub head engender syl en+1gen+der+ment pos n. engin 0. syl engin. qual abbrev. for def engineering. engine ety C13: from Old French engin, from Latin ingenium nature, talent, ingenious contrivance, from #7in -%2#7+ -genium, related to gignere to beget, produce engine 1. syl en+gine pron <1enJin> pos n. def any machine designed to convert energy, esp. thermal energy, into mechanical work. exam 1 a steam engine; exam 2 a petrol engine. engine 2.a. syl en+gine pron <1enJin> pos n. def a railway locomotive. engine 2.b. syl en+gine pron <1enJin> pos n. usage as modifier exam 1 the engine cab. engine 3. syl en+gine pron <1enJin> pos n. qual Military. def any of various pieces of equipment formerly used in warfare, such as a battering ram or gun. engine 4. syl en+gine pron <1enJin> pos n. def any instrument or device. exam 1 engines of torture. engine driver 0. syl en+gine driv+er pos n. qual Chiefly Brit. def a man who drives a railway locomotive; train driver. engineer ety C14 enginer, from Old French engigneor, from engignier to contrive, ultimately from Latin ingenium skill, talent; see #7engine engineer 1. syl en+gi+neer pron <2enJi1ni*> pos n. def a person trained in any branch of the profession of engineering. engineer 2. syl en+gi+neer pron <2enJi1ni*> pos n. def the originator or manager of a situation, system, etc. engineer 3. syl en+gi+neer pron <2enJi1ni*> pos n. def a mechanic; one who repairs or services machines. engineer 4. syl en+gi+neer pron <2enJi1ni*> pos n. qual U.S. def the driver of a railway loco?!motive. engineer 5. syl en+gi+neer pron <2enJi1ni*> pos n. def an officer responsible for a ship's engines. engineer 6. syl en+gi+neer pron <2enJi1ni*> pos n. def Informal name: {sapper}. a member of the armed forces, esp. the army, trained in engineering and construction work. {~} engineer 7. syl en+gi+neer pron <2enJi1ni*> pos n. def to originate, cause, or plan in a clever or devious manner. exam 1 he engineered the minister's downfall. engineer 8. syl en+gi+neer pron <2enJi1ni*> pos n. def to design, plan, or construct as a professional engineer. engineering 0. syl en+gi+neer+ing pron <2enJi1ni*riG> pos n. def the profession of applying scientific principles to the design, construction, and maintenance of engines, cars, machines, etc. ({mechanical engineering) }, buildings, bridges, roads, etc. ({civil engineering) }, electrical machines and communication systems ({electrical engineering) }, chemical plant and machinery ({chemical engineering) }, or aircraft ({aeronautical engineering) }. See also {military engineering}. engine room 1. syl en+gine room pos n. def a place where engines are housed, esp. on a ship. engine room 2. syl en+gine room pos n. qual Informal. def a place where heavy or productive work is done. engineries infl head enginery syl en+gine+ries. pos n. mod pl. enginery 1. syl en+gine+ry pron <1enJinri> pos n. def a collection or assembly of engines; machinery. enginery 2. syl en+gine+ry pron <1enJinri> pos n. def engines employed in warfare. enginery 3. syl en+gine+ry pron <1enJinri> pos n. qual Rare. def skilful manoeuvring or contrivance. englacial 0. syl en+gla+ci:al pron pos adj. def embedded in, carried by, or running through a glacier. exam 1 englacial drift; exam 2 an englacial river. englacially sub head englacial syl en+1gla+ci+al+ly pos adv. England 0. syl Eng+land pron <1iGgl*nd> pos n. def the largest division of Great Britain, bordering on Scotland and Wales: unified in the mid-tenth century and conquered by the Normans in 1066; united with Wales in 1536 and Scotland in 1707; monarchy overthrown in 1649 but restored in 1660; became the world's leading colonial power in the 18th century; the first country to undergo the Industrial Revolution. Capital: London. Pop.: 46417600 (1976 est.). Area: 130360 sq. km (50332 sq. miles). See {United Kingdom, Great Britain}. Related adj.: {Anglican}. English 1. syl Eng+lish pron <1iGgliS> pos n. def the official language of Britain, the U.S., most parts of the Commonwealth, and certain other countries. It is the native language of over 280 million people and is acquired as a second language by many more. It is an Indo-European language belonging to the West Germanic branch. the English 2. head English syl the English. mod functioning as; pl. def the natives or inhabitants of England or (loosely) of Great Britain collectively. English 3. syl Eng+lish pron <1iGgliS> pos n. usage formerly def a size of printer's type approximately equal to 14 point. English 4. syl Eng+lish pron <1iGgliS> pos n. def an old style of black-letter typeface. English 5. syl Eng+lish pron <1iGgliS> pos n. usage often not cap. def the usual U.S. term for {side} (in billiards). English 6. syl Eng+lish pron <1iGgliS> pos adj. def denoting, using, or relating to the English language. English 7. syl Eng+lish pron <1iGgliS> pos adj. def relating to or characteristic of England or the English. English 8. syl Eng+lish pron <1iGgliS> pos vb. mod tr. qual Archaic. def to translate or adapt into English. Englishness sub head English syl Eng+lish+ness pos n. English bond 0. syl Eng+lish bond pos n. def a bond used in brickwork that has a course of headers alternating with a course of stretchers. English Channel 0. syl Eng+lish Chan+nel pos n. def an arm of the Atlantic Ocean between S England and N France, linked with the North Sea by the Strait of Dover. Length: about 560 km (350 miles). Width: between 32 km (20 miles) and 161 km (100 miles). English flute 0. syl Eng+lish flute pos n. qual Music. def another name for { {recorder} (sense 4).} English horn 0. syl Eng+lish horn pos n. qual Music. def another name for {cor anglais}. Englishism 1. syl Eng+lish+ism pron <1iGgli2Siz*m> pos n. qual Chiefly U.S. def an English custom, practice, etc. Englishism 2. syl Eng+lish+ism pron <1iGgli2Siz*m> pos n. qual Chiefly U.S. def a word or expression not found in forms of English other than British English; Anglicism. Englishism 3. syl Eng+lish+ism pron <1iGgli2Siz*m> pos n. qual Chiefly U.S. def high regard for English customs, institutions, etc. Englishwoman alt head Englishman or Englishman syl Eng:lish+wom:an pos n. mod fem. Englishmen infl head Englishman or Englishwomen syl Eng:lish+men pos n. mod pl. Englishwomen infl head Englishman or Englishmen syl Eng:lish+wom:en. pos n. mod pl. Englishman 1. or Englishwoman syl Eng:lish+man pron <1iGgliSm*n> pos n. def a native or inhabitant of England. Englishman 2. or Englishwoman syl Eng:lish+man pron <1iGgliSm*n> pos n. usage loosely def a citizen of the United Kingdom. knot alt head Englishman's tie or Englishman's tie syl knot pos n. Englishman's tie 0. or knot syl Eng:lish+man's tie pos n. def a type of knot for tying together heavy ropes. Englishry 1. syl Eng+lish+ry pron <1iGgliSri> pos n. qual Now rare. def people of English descent, esp. in Ireland. Englishry 2. syl Eng+lish+ry pron <1iGgliSri> pos n. qual Now rare. def the fact or condition of being an Englishman or Englishwoman, esp. by birth. English setter 0. syl Eng+lish set+ter pos n. def a breed of setter having a soft silky coat, usually with a good deal of white in it, and a plumed tail. engluts infl head englut syl en+gluts pos vb. mod tr. englutting infl head englut syl en+glut+ting pos vb. mod tr. englutted infl head englut syl en+glut+ted. pos vb. mod tr. englut 1. syl en+glut pron pos vb. mod tr. qual Literary. def to devour ravenously; swallow eagerly. englut 2. syl en+glut pron pos vb. mod tr. qual Literary. def to glut or sate (oneself); surfeit; satiate. engorge 1. syl en+gorge pron pos vb. mod tr. qual Pathol. def to congest with blood. engorge 2. syl en+gorge pron pos vb. mod tr. def to eat (food) ravenously or greedily. engorge 3. syl en+gorge pron pos vb. mod tr. def to gorge (oneself); glut; satiate. engorgement sub head engorge syl en+1gorge+ment pos n. engr 1. syl engr. qual abbrev. for: def engineer. engr 2. syl engr. qual abbrev. for: def engraved. engr 3. syl engr. qual abbrev. for: def engraver. ingraft alt head engraft or engraft syl in+graft pron pos vb. mod tr. engraft 1. or ingraft syl en+graft pron pos vb. mod tr. def to graft (a shoot, bud, etc.) onto a stock. engraft 2. or ingraft syl en+graft pron pos vb. mod tr. def to incorporate in a firm or permanent way; implant. exam 1 they engrafted their principles into the document. engraftation sub head engraft or engraftment syl en+graf+1ta+tion pos n. ingraftation sub head engraft or ingraftment syl in+graf+1ta+tion pos n. engraftment sub head engraft or engraftation syl en+1graft+ment pos n. ingraftment sub head engraft or ingraftation syl in+1graft+ment pos n. engrail ety C14: from Old French engresler, from #7en -%1#7+ gresle slim, from Latin gracilis slender, graceful engrail 0. syl en+grail pron pos vb. mod tr. def to decorate or mark (the edge of) (a coin, etc.) with small carved notches. engrailment sub head engrail syl en+1grail+ment pos n. engrain 0. syl en+grain pron pos vb. def a variant spelling of {ingrain}. engram ety C20: from German Engramm, from Greek en- #7in + gramma letter &- en+#!gram+mic or @!en+gram+#!mat+ic adj. engram 0. syl en+gram pron <1engr@m> pos n. qual Psychol. def the physical basis of an individual memory in the brain. Also called: {neurogram}. See also {memory trace}. engrave ety C16: from #7en -%1#7+{grave %3}#7, on the model of French engraver engrave 1. syl en+grave pron pos vb. mod tr. def to inscribe (a design, writing, etc.) onto (a block, plate, or other surface used for printing) by carving, etching with acid, or other process. engrave 2. syl en+grave pron pos vb. mod tr. def to print (designs or characters) from a printing plate so made. engrave 3. syl en+grave pron pos vb. mod tr. def to fix deeply or permanently in the mind. engraver sub head engrave syl en+1grav+er pos n. engraving 1. syl en+grav+ing pron pos n. def the art of a person who engraves. engraving 2. syl en+grav+ing pron pos n. def a block, plate, or other surface that has been engraved. engraving 3. syl en+grav+ing pron pos n. def a print made from such a surface. engross ety C14 (in the sense: to buy up wholesale): from Old French en gros in quantity; C15 (in the sense: to write in large letters): probably from Medieval Latin ingross*_are; both from Latin grossus thick, #7gross engross 1. syl en+gross pron pos vb. mod tr. def to occupy one's attention completely; absorb. engross 2. syl en+gross pron pos vb. mod tr. def to write or copy (manuscript) in large legible handwriting. engross 3. syl en+gross pron pos vb. mod tr. qual Law. def to write or type out formally (a deed, agreement, or other document) preparatory to execution. engross 4. syl en+gross pron pos vb. mod tr. def another word for { {corner} (sense 17).} engrossedly sub head engross syl en+gross+ed+ly pron pos adv. engrosser sub head engross syl en+1gross+er pos n. engrossment 1. syl en+gross+ment pron pos n. def a deed or other document that has been engrossed. engrossment 2. syl en+gross+ment pron pos n. def the state of being engrossed. ingulf alt head engulf or engulf syl in+gulf pron pos vb. mod tr. engulf 1. or ingulf syl en+gulf pron pos vb. mod tr. def to immerse, plunge, bury, or swallow up. engulf 2. or ingulf syl en+gulf pron pos vb. mod tr. usage often passive def to overwhelm. exam 1 engulfed by debts. engulfment sub head engulf syl en+1gulf+ment pos n. enhance ety C14: from Old French enhaucier, from #7en -%1#7+ haucier to raise, from Vulgar Latin alti*_are (unattested), from Latin altus high enhance 0. syl en+hance pron pos vb. mod tr. def to intensify or increase in quality, value, etc.; improve; augment. enhancement sub head enhance syl en+1hance+ment pos n. enhancer sub head enhance syl en+1hanc+er pos n. enhancive sub head enhance syl en+1hanc+ive pos adj. enharmonic ety C17: from Latin enharmonicus, from Greek enarmonios, from #7en -%2#7+ harmonia; see #7harmony enharmonic 1. syl en+har+mon+ic pron <2enha:1monik> pos adj. qual Music. def denoting or relating to a small difference in pitch between two notes such as A flat and G sharp: not present in instruments of equal temperament such as the piano, but significant in the intonation of stringed and wind instruments. enharmonic 2. syl en+har+mon+ic pron <2enha:1monik> pos adj. qual Music. def denoting or relating to enharmonic modulation. enharmonically sub head enharmonic syl en+har+1mon:i+cal+ly pos adv. enharmonic modulation 0. syl en+har+mon+ic mod:u+la+tion pos n. qual Music. def a change of key achieved by regarding a note in one key as an equivalent note in another. Thus E flat in the key of A flat could be regarded as D sharp in the key of B major. Enid 0. syl E:nid pron <1Enid> pos n. usage in Arthurian legend def the faithful wife of Geraint. enigma ety C16: from Latin aenigma, from Greek ainigma, from ainissesthai to speak in riddles, from ainos fable, story &- en+ig+mat+ic (@!$en$Ig#!m@atik) or @!en+ig+#!mat@.i+cal adj. &- @!en+ig+#!mat@.i+cal+ly adv. enigma 0. syl e:nig+ma pron pos n. def a person, thing, or situation that is mysterious, puzzling, or ambiguous. enigmatise alt head enigmatize or enigmatize syl e:nig+ma+tise pron pos vb. mod tr. enigmatize 0. or enigmatise syl e:nig+ma+tize pron pos vb. mod tr. def to make enigmatic. enisle 0. syl en+isle pron pos vb. mod tr. qual Poetic. def to put on or make into an island. Eniwetok 0. syl En:i+we+tok pron <2en*1wEtok>, <*1nEwi2tc:k> pos n. def an atoll in the W Pacific Ocean, in the NW Marshall Islands: taken by the U.S. from Japan in 1944; became a naval base and later a testing ground for atomic weapons. enjambment ety C19: from French, literally: a straddling, from enjamber to straddle, from #7en -%1#7+ jambe leg; see #7jamb enjambement alt head enjambment or enjambment syl en+jambe+ment pron , French pos n. enjambment 0. or enjambement syl en+jamb+ment pron , French pos n. qual Prosody. def the running over of a sentence from one line of verse into the next. enjambed sub head enjambment syl en+1jambed pos adj. enjoin ety C13: from Old French enjoindre, from Latin injungere to fasten to, from #7in -%2#7+ jungere to #7join enjoin 1. syl en+join pron pos vb. mod tr. def to order (someone) to do (something); urge strongly; command. enjoin 2. syl en+join pron pos vb. mod tr. def to impose or prescribe (a condition, mode of behaviour, etc.). enjoin 3. syl en+join pron pos vb. mod tr. qual Law. def to require (a person) to do or refrain from doing (some act), esp. by issuing an injunction. enjoiner sub head enjoin syl en+1join+er pos n. enjoinment sub head enjoin syl en+1join+ment pos n. enjoy ety C14: from Old French enjoir, from #7en -%1#7+ joir to find pleasure in, from Latin gaud*_ere to rejoice &- en+#!joy+a@.ble adj. &- en+#!joy+a@.ble+ness n. &- en+#!joy+a@.bly adv. &- en+#!joy+er n. enjoy 1. syl en+joy pron pos vb. mod tr. def to receive pleasure from; take joy in. enjoy 2. syl en+joy pron pos vb. mod tr. def to have the benefit of; use with satisfaction. enjoy 3. syl en+joy pron pos vb. mod tr. def to have as a condition; experience. exam 1 the land enjoyed a summer of rain. enjoy 4. syl en+joy pron pos vb. mod tr. qual Archaic. def to have sexual intercourse with. enjoy oneself 5. head enjoy syl enjoy oneself. def to have a good time. enjoyment 1. syl en+joy+ment pron pos n. def the act or condition of receiving pleasure from something. enjoyment 2. syl en+joy+ment pron pos n. def the use or possession of something that is satisfying or beneficial. enjoyment 3. syl en+joy+ment pron pos n. def something that provides joy or satisfaction. enjoyment 4. syl en+joy+ment pron pos n. def the possession or exercise of a legal right. enkindle 1. syl en+kin+dle pron pos vb. mod tr. def to set on fire; kindle. enkindle 2. syl en+kin+dle pron pos vb. mod tr. def to excite to activity or ardour; arouse. enkindler sub head enkindle syl en+1kin+dler pos n. enl 1. syl enl. qual abbrev. for: def enlarge(d). enl 2. syl enl. qual abbrev. for: def enlisted. enlace 1. syl en+lace pron pos vb. mod tr. def to bind or encircle with or as with laces. enlace 2. syl en+lace pron pos vb. mod tr. def to entangle; intertwine. enlacement sub head enlace syl en+1lace+ment pos n. enlarge 1. syl en+large pron pos vb. def to make or grow larger in size, scope, etc.; increase or expand. enlarge 2. syl en+large pron pos vb. mod tr. def to make (a photographic print) of a larger size than the negative. enlarge 3. syl en+large pron pos vb. mod intr. usage foll. by on or upon def to speak or write (about) in greater detail; expatiate (on). enlargeable sub head enlarge syl en+1large+a:ble pos adj. enlarger sub head enlarge syl en+1larg+er pos n. enlargement 1. syl en+large+ment pron pos n. def the act of enlarging or the condition of being enlarged. enlargement 2. syl en+large+ment pron pos n. def something that enlarges or is intended to enlarge. enlargement 3. syl en+large+ment pron pos n. def a photographic print that is larger than the negative from which it is made. enlarger 0. syl en+larg+er pron pos n. def an optical instrument for making enlarged photographic prints in which a negative is brightly illuminated and its enlarged image is focused onto a sheet of sensitized paper. enlighten 1. syl en+light+en pron pos vb. mod tr. def to give information or understanding to; instruct; edify. enlighten 2. syl en+light+en pron pos vb. mod tr. def to give spiritual or religious revelation to. enlighten 3. syl en+light+en pron pos vb. mod tr. qual Poetic. def to shed light on. enlightener sub head enlighten syl en+1light+en+er pos n. enlighteningly sub head enlighten syl en+1light+en+ing+ly pos adv. enlightenment 1. syl en+light+en+ment pron pos n. def the act or means of enlightening or the state of being enlightened. enlightenment 2. syl en+light+en+ment pron pos n. qual Buddhism. def the awakening to ultimate truth by which man is freed from the endless cycle of personal reincarnations to which all men are otherwise subject. enlightenment 3. syl en+light+en+ment pron pos n. qual Hinduism. def a state of transcendent divine experience represented by Vishnu: regarded as a goal of all religion. the infl head Enlightenment syl the. pos n. Enlightenment 0. syl En+light+en+ment pron pos n. def an 18th-century philosophical movement stressing the importance of reason and the critical reappraisal of existing ideas and social institutions. enlist 1. syl en+list pron pos vb. def to enter or persuade to enter into an engagement to serve in the armed forces. enlist 2. syl en+list pron pos vb. mod tr. def to engage or secure (a person, his services, or his support) for a venture, cause, etc. enlist 3. syl en+list pron pos vb. mod intr. usage foll. by in def to enter into or join an enterprise, cause, etc. enlister sub head enlist syl en+1list+er pos n. enlistment sub head enlist syl en+1list+ment pos n. enlisted man 0. syl en+list+ed man pos n. qual U.S. def a serviceman who holds neither a commission nor a warrant and is not under training for officer rank as a cadet or midshipman. enliven 1. syl en+liv+en pron pos vb. mod tr. def to make active, vivacious, or spirited; invigorate. enliven 2. syl en+liv+en pron pos vb. mod tr. def to make cheerful or bright; gladden or brighten. enlivener sub head enliven syl en+1liv+en+er pos n. enliveningly sub head enliven syl en+1liv+en+ing+ly pos adv. enlivenment sub head enliven syl en+1liv+en+ment pos n. en masse ety C19: from French en masse 0. syl en masse qual French def ?~a #!mas) in a group, body, or mass; as a whole; all together. inmesh infl head enmesh or immesh syl in+mesh pron pos vb. mod tr. immesh infl head enmesh or inmesh syl im+mesh pos vb. mod tr. enmesh 0. syl en+mesh pron pos vb. mod tr. def to catch or involve in or as if in a net or snare; entangle. enmeshment sub head enmesh syl en+1mesh+ment pos n. enmity ety C13: from Old French enemisti*'e, from enemi #7enemy enmities infl head enmity syl en+mi:ties. pos n. mod pl. enmity 0. syl en+mi:ty pron <1enmiti> pos n. def a feeling of hostility or ill will, as between enemies; antagonism. ennage 0. syl en+nage pron <1eniJ> pos n. qual Printing. def the total number of ens in a piece of matter to be set in type. ennead ety C17: from Greek enneas, from ennea nine ennead 1. syl en+ne:ad pron <1eni2@d> pos n. def a group or series of nine. ennead 2. syl en+ne:ad pron <1eni2@d> pos n. def the sum of or number nine. enneadic sub head ennead syl en+ne:1ad+ic pos adj. enneagon 0. syl en+ne:a+gon pron <1eni*g*n> pos n. def another name for {nonagon}. enneahedrons infl head enneahedron or enneahedra syl en+ne:a+he+drons pron <-dr*> pos n. mod pl. enneahedra infl head enneahedron or enneahedrons syl en+ne:a+he+dra pron <-dr*> pos n. mod pl. enneahedron 0. syl en+ne:a+he+dron pron <2eni*1hEdr*n> pos n. def a solid figure having nine plane faces. See also {polyhedron}. enneahedral sub head enneahedron syl en+ne:a+1he+dral pos adj. Ennerdale Water 0. syl En+ner+dale Wa+ter pron <1en*2dAl> pos n. def a lake in NW England, in Cumbria in the Lake District. Length: 4 km (2.5 miles). Ennis 0. syl En+nis pron <1enis> pos n. def a town in the W Republic of Ireland, county town of Co. Clare. Pop.: 5972 (1971). Inniskilling alt head Enniskillen or Enniskillen syl In+nis+kil+ling pos n. Enniskillen 0. or Inniskilling syl En+nis+kil+len pron <2enis1kilin> pos n. def a town in SW Northern Ireland, county town of Fermanagh, on an island in the River Erne: scene of the defeat of James II's forces in 1689. Pop.: 6553 (1971). Quintus infl head Ennius syl Quin:tus pron <1kwint*s> pos n. Ennius 0. syl En:ni:us pron <1eni*s> pos n. def 239-169 #7b.c., Roman epic poet and dramatist. ennoble 1. syl en+no+ble pron pos vb. mod tr. def to make noble, honourable, or excellent; dignify; exalt. ennoble 2. syl en+no+ble pron pos vb. mod tr. def to raise to a noble rank; confer a title of nobility upon. ennoblement sub head ennoble syl en+1no+ble+ment pos n. ennobler sub head ennoble syl en+1no+bler pos n. ennoblingly sub head ennoble syl en+1no+bling+ly pos adv. ennui ety C18: from French: apathy, from Old French enui annoyance, vexation; see #7annoy ennui 0. syl en+nui pron <1onwE>, French pos n. def a feeling of listlessness and general dissatisfaction resulting from lack of activity or excitement. Enoch 1. syl E:noch pron <1Enok> pos n. qual Old Testament. def the eldest son of Cain after whom the first city was named (Genesis 4:17). Enoch 2. syl E:noch pron <1Enok> pos n. qual Old Testament. def the father of Methuselah: said to have walked with God and to have been taken by God at the end of his earthly life (Genesis 5:24). enol ety C19: from -#7ene+ -#7ol enol 0. syl e:nol pron <1Enol> pos n. def any organic compound containing the group -CH:CO-, often existing in chemical equilibrium with the corresponding keto form. See {keto-enol tautomerism}. enolic sub head enol syl e:1nol+ic pos adj. enormity ety C15: from Old French enormite, from Late Latin *_enormit*_as hugeness; see #7enormous #e Usage. In careful usage, the noun enormity is not employed to convey the idea of great size, but that of something outrageous or horrifying: the enormity of this crime leaves one astonished. The immensity (rather than enormity) of the area covered by the lake is astonishing. enormities infl head enormity syl e:nor+mi:ties. pos n. mod pl. enormity 1. syl e:nor+mi:ty pron pos n. def the quality or character of being outrageous; extreme wickedness. enormity 2. syl e:nor+mi:ty pron pos n. def an act of great wickedness; atrocity. enormity 3. syl e:nor+mi:ty pron pos n. qual Informal. def vastness of size or extent. enormous ety C16: from Latin *_enormis, from *_e- out of, away from+ norma rule, pattern enormous 1. syl e:nor+mous pron pos adj. def unusually large in size, extent, or degree; immense; vast. enormous 2. syl e:nor+mous pron pos adj. qual Archaic. def extremely wicked; heinous. enormously sub head enormous syl e:1nor+mous+ly pos adv. enormousness sub head enormous syl e:1nor+mous+ness pos n. Enos 0. syl E:nos pron <1Enos> pos n. qual Old Testament. def a son of Seth (Genesis 4:26; 5:6). enosis ety C20: Modern Greek: from Greek henoun to unite, from heis one enosis 0. syl en:o+sis pron <1en*usis> pos n. def the union of Greece and Cyprus: the aim of a group of Greek Cypriots. enough ety Old English gen*_oh; related to Old Norse gn*_ogr, Gothic gan*_ohs, Old High German ginuog enough 1.a. syl e:nough pron pos determiner. def sufficient to answer a need, demand, supposition, or requirement; adequate. exam 1 enough cake. enough 1.b. syl e:nough pron pos determiner. usage as pronoun exam 1 enough is now known. that's enough 2. head enough syl that's enough&! def that will do: used to put an end to an action, speech, performance, etc. enough 3. syl e:nough pron pos adv. def so as to be adequate or sufficient; as much as necessary. exam 1 you have worked hard enough. enough 4. syl e:nough pron pos adv. usage not used with a negative def very or quite; rather. exam 1 she was pleased enough to see me. enough 6. syl e:nough pron pos adv. def just adequately; tolerably. exam 1 he did it well enough. enounce ety C19: from French *'enoncer, from Latin *_enunti*_are #7enunciate enounce 1. syl e:nounce pron pos vb. mod tr. qual Formal. def to enunciate. enounce 2. syl e:nounce pron pos vb. mod tr. qual Formal. def to pronounce. enouncement sub head enounce syl e:1nounce+ment pos n. enow 0. syl e:now pron pos adj. adv. def an archaic word for {enough}. en passant ety C17: from French en passant 0. syl en pas+sant pron , French pos adv. def in passing: in chess, said of capturing a pawn that has made an initial move of two squares to its fourth rank, bypassing the square where an enemy pawn on its own fifth rank could capture it. The capture is made as if the captured pawn had moved one square instead of two. en pension 0. syl en pen+sion pron French. <*~a p*~a1sj*~c> pos adv. def in lodgings with all meals provided. enphytotic ety C20: from #7en -%2#7+ -#7phyte+ -#7otic enphytotic 0. syl en+phy+tot+ic pron <2enfI1totik> pos adj. usage of plant diseases def causing a constant amount of damage each year. enplane 0. syl en+plane pron pos vb. mod intr. def to board an aircraft. en plein ety from French: in full en plein 0. syl en plein qual French def *~a #!pl*~$e) , (of a gambling bet) placed entirely on a single number, etc. en prise ety French; see {#7prize %1} en prise 0. syl en prise qual French def ?~a #!pri$:z) (of a chess piece) exposed to capture. enquire 1. syl en+quire pron pos vb. usage often foll. by of def to seek (information) by questioning; ask. enquire 2. syl en+quire pron pos vb. usage often foll. by of def See {inquire}. &- {en+#!quir+er} &- {en+#!quir@.y} enragedly sub head enrage syl en+rag+ed+ly pron pos adv. enragement sub head enrage syl en+1rage+ment pos n. en rapport 0. syl en rap+port pron French. pos adj. postpositive; adv. def in sympathy, harmony, or accord. enrapture 0. syl en+rap+ture pron pos vb. mod tr. def to fill with delight; enchant. enrich 1. syl en+rich pron pos vb. mod tr. def to increase the wealth of. enrich 2. syl en+rich pron pos vb. mod tr. def to endow with fine or desirable qualities. exam 1 to enrich one's experience by travelling. enrich 3. syl en+rich pron pos vb. mod tr. def to make more beautiful; adorn; decorate. exam 1 a robe enriched with jewels. enrich 4. syl en+rich pron pos vb. mod tr. def to improve in quality, colour, flavour, etc. enrich 5. syl en+rich pron pos vb. mod tr. def to increase the food value of by adding nutrients. exam 1 to enrich dog biscuits with calcium. enrich 6. syl en+rich pron pos vb. mod tr. def to make (soil) more productive, esp. by adding fertilizer. enrich 7. syl en+rich pron pos vb. mod tr. qual Physics. def to increase the concentration or abundance of one component or isotope in (a solution or mixture); concentrate. exam 1 to enrich a solution by evaporation; exam 2 enrich a nuclear fuel. enricher sub head enrich syl en+1rich+er pos n. enrichment sub head enrich syl en+1rich+ment pos n. enrobe 0. syl en+robe pron pos vb. mod tr. def to dress in or as if in a robe; attire. enrober sub head enrobe syl en+1rob+er pos n. enroll alt head enrol or enrol syl en+roll pron pos vb. mod mainly; tr. qual U.S. enrols infl head enrol or enrolls syl en+rols pos vb. mod mainly; tr. enrolls infl head enrol or enrols syl en+rolls pos vb. mod mainly; tr. qual U.S. enrolling rolled infl head enrol syl en+rol+ling +rolled. pos vb. mod mainly; tr. qual U.S. enrol 1. or enroll syl en+rol pron pos vb. mod mainly; tr. def to record or note in a roll or list. enrol 2. or enroll syl en+rol pron pos vb. mod also; intr. def to become or cause to become a member; enlist; register. enrol 3. or enroll syl en+rol pron pos vb. mod mainly; tr. def to put on record; record. enrol 4. or enroll syl en+rol pron pos vb. mod mainly; tr. qual Rare. def to roll or wrap up. enrollee sub head enrol syl en+rol+1lee pos n. enroller sub head enrol syl en+1rol+ler pos n. enrollment alt head enrolment or enrolment syl en+roll+ment pron pos n. qual U.S. enrolment 1. or enrollment syl en+rol+ment pron pos n. def the act of enrolling or state of being enrolled. enrolment 2. or enrollment syl en+rol+ment pron pos n. def a list of people enrolled. enrolment 3. or enrollment syl en+rol+ment pron pos n. def the total number of people enrolled. enroot 1. syl en+root pron pos vb. mod tr. usage usually passive def to establish (plants) by fixing their roots in the earth. enroot 2. syl en+root pron pos vb. mod tr. usage usually passive def to fix firmly, implant, or embed. exam 1 to enroot an idea in the mind. en route 0. syl en route pron <1ru:t>, French <1rut> pos adv. def on or along the way; on the road. ens ety C16: from Late Latin, literally: being, from Latin esse to be entia infl head ens syl en+ti:a pron <1enSi*> pos n. mod pl. ens 1. syl ens pron pos n. qual Metaphysics. def being or existence in the most general abstract sense. ens 2. syl ens pron pos n. qual Metaphysics. def a real thing, esp. as opposed to an attribute; entity. Ens 0. syl Ens. qual abbrev. for def Ensign. ensample 0. syl en+sam+ple pron pos n. def an archaic word for {example}. ensanguine 0. syl en+san+guine pron pos vb. mod tr. qual Literary. def to cover or stain with or as with blood. Enschede 0. syl En+sche:de pron Dutch <1ensx*2dA:> pos n. def a city in the E Netherlands, in Overijssel province: a major centre of the Dutch cotton industry. Pop.: 141575 (1974 est.). ensconce ety C16: see #7en -%1#7, {sconce %2} ensconce 1. syl en+sconce pron pos vb. mod tr. usage often passive def to establish or settle firmly or comfortably. exam 1 ensconced in a chair. ensconce 2. syl en+sconce pron pos vb. mod tr. usage often passive def to place in safety; hide. ensemble ety C15: from French: together, from Latin insimul, from #7in -%2#7+ simul at the same time ensemble 1. syl en+sem+ble pron , French pos n. def all the parts of something considered together and in relation to the whole. ensemble 2. syl en+sem+ble pron , French pos n. def a person's complete costume; outfit. ensemble 3.a. syl en+sem+ble pron , French pos n. def the cast of a play other than the principals; supporting players. ensemble 3.b. syl en+sem+ble pron , French pos n. usage as modifier exam 1 an ensemble role. ensemble 4.a. syl en+sem+ble pron , French pos n. def a group of soloists singing or playing together. ensemble 4.b. syl en+sem+ble pron , French pos n. usage as modifier exam 1 an ensemble passage. ensemble 5. syl en+sem+ble pron , French pos n. qual Music. def the degree of precision and unity exhibited by a group of instrumentalists or singers performing together. exam 1 the ensemble of the strings is good. ensemble 6. syl en+sem+ble pron , French pos n. def the general or total effect of something made up of individual parts. ensemble 7.a. syl en+sem+ble pron , French pos n. def a set of systems (such as a set of collections of atoms) that are identical in all respects apart from the motions of their constituents. ensemble 7.b. syl en+sem+ble pron , French pos n. def a single system (such as a collection of atoms) in which the properties are determined by the statistical behaviour of its constituents. ensemble 8. syl en+sem+ble pron , French pos adv. def all together or at once. enshrinshrine alt head enshrine or enshrine syl en+shrin+shrine pron pos vb. mod tr. enshrine 1. or enshrinshrine syl en+shrine pron pos vb. mod tr. def to place or enclose in or as if in a shrine. enshrine 2. or enshrinshrine syl en+shrine pron pos vb. mod tr. def to hold as sacred; cherish; treasure. enshrinement sub head enshrine syl en+1shrine+ment pos n. enshroud 0. syl en+shroud pron pos vb. mod tr. def to cover or hide with or as if with a shroud. exam 1 the sky was enshrouded in mist. ensiform ety C16: from Latin ensis sword ensiform 0. syl en+si+form pron <1ensi2fc:m> pos adj. qual Biology. def shaped like a sword blade. exam 1 ensiform leaves. ensign ety C14: from Old French enseigne, from Latin #7insignia &- #!en+sign+@!ship or #!en+sign+cy n. Red Ensign infl head ensign syl Red Ensign pos n. White Ensign infl head ensign syl White Ensign. pos n. ensign 2. syl en+sign pron <1ensIn> pos n. def any flag, standard, or banner. ensign 3. syl en+sign pron <1ensIn> pos n. def a standard-bearer. ensign 4. syl en+sign pron <1ensIn> pos n. def a symbol, token, or emblem; sign. ensign 5. syl en+sign pron <1ensIn> pos n. usage in the U.S. Navy def a commissioned officer of the lowest rank. ensign 6. syl en+sign pron <1ensIn> pos n. usage formerly in the British infantry def a commissioned officer of the lowest rank. ensilage 1. syl en+si+lage pron <1ensiliJ> pos n. def the process of ensiling green fodder. ensilage 2. syl en+si+lage pron <1ensiliJ> pos n. def a less common name for {silage}. ensile ety C19: from French ensiler, from Spanish ensilar, from #7en -%1#7+ silo #7silo ensile 1. syl en+sile pron , <1ensIl> pos vb. mod tr. def to store and preserve (green fodder) in an enclosed pit or silo. ensile 2. syl en+sile pron , <1ensIl> pos vb. mod tr. def to turn (green fodder) into silage by causing it to ferment in a closed pit or silo. ensilability sub head ensile syl en+2si+la:1bil+i:ty pos n. enslave 0. syl en+slave pron pos vb. mod tr. def to make a slave of; reduce to slavery; subjugate. enslavement sub head enslave syl en+1slave+ment pos n. enslaver sub head enslave syl en+1slav+er pos n. insnare alt head ensnare or ensnare syl in+snare pron pos vb. mod tr. ensnare 0. or insnare syl en+snare pron pos vb. mod tr. def to catch or trap in or as if in a snare. ensnarement sub head ensnare syl en+1snare+ment pos n. ensnarer sub head ensnare syl en+1snar+er pos n. James infl head Ensor syl James. pos n. Ensor 0. syl En:sor pron <1ensc:> pos n. def 1860-1949, Belgian expressionist painter, noted for his macabre subjects. insoul alt head ensoul or ensoul syl in+soul pron pos vb. mod tr. ensoul 1. or insoul syl en+soul pron pos vb. mod tr. qual Literary. def to endow with a soul. ensoul 2. or insoul syl en+soul pron pos vb. mod tr. qual Literary. def to cherish within the soul. insphere alt head ensphere or ensphere syl in+sphere pron pos vb. mod tr. ensphere 1. or insphere syl en+sphere pron pos vb. mod tr. def to enclose in or as if in a sphere. ensphere 2. or insphere syl en+sphere pron pos vb. mod tr. def to make spherical in form. enstatite ety C19: from Greek enstat*_es adversary (referring to its refractory quality)+-#7ite %1 enstatite 0. syl en+sta+tite pron <1enst*2tIt> pos n. def a grey, green, yellow, or brown pyroxene mineral consisting of magnesium silicate in orthorhombic crystalline form. Formula: Mg\2Si\2O\6. ensue ety C14: from Anglo-French ensuer, from Old French ensuivre, from #7en -%1#7+ suivre to follow, from Latin sequ*_i ensues infl head ensue syl en+sues pos vb. ensuing infl head ensue syl en+su+ing pos vb. ensued infl head ensue syl en+sued. pos vb. ensue 1. syl en+sue pron pos vb. mod intr. def to follow subsequently or in order; come next or afterwards. ensue 2. syl en+sue pron pos vb. mod intr. def to follow or occur as a consequence; result. ensue 3. syl en+sue pron pos vb. mod tr. qual Obsolete. def to pursue. ensuingly sub head ensue syl en+1su+ing+ly pos adv. en suite ety literally: in sequence en suite 0. syl en suite pron French. <*~a 1s$hit> pos adv. def as part of a set; forming a unit. exam 1 a hotel room with bathroom en suite. insure alt head ensure or ensure syl in+sure pos vb. mod tr. qual U.S. ensure 1. or insure syl en+sure pron , <-1Sc:> pos vb. mod tr. usage may take a clause as object def to make certain or sure; guarantee. exam 1 this victory will ensure his happiness. ensure 2. or insure syl en+sure pron , <-1Sc:> pos vb. mod tr. def to make safe or secure; protect. ensurer sub head ensure syl en+1sur+er pos n. enswathe 0. syl en+swathe pron pos vb. mod tr. def to bind or wrap; swathe. enswathement sub head enswathe syl en+1swathe+ment pos n. ENT 0. syl E.N.T. qual Med. abbrev. for def ear, nose, and throat. -ent ety from Latin -ent-, -ens, present participial ending -ent 0. syl -ent usage suffix forming adjectives and nouns. def causing or perform?!ing an action or existing in a certain condition; the agent that performs an action. exam 1 astringent; exam 2 dependent. entablature ety C17: from French, from Italian intavolatura something put on a table, hence, something laid flat, from tavola table, from Latin tabula #7table entablature 1. syl en+tab+la+ture pron pos n. qual Architect. def the part of a classical temple above the columns, having an architrave, a frieze, and a cornice. entablature 2. syl en+tab+la+ture pron pos n. qual Architect. def any construction of similar form. entablement ety C17:@T from@T Old French entablement 0. syl en+ta+ble+ment pron pos n. def the platform of a pedestal, above@T the@T dado,@T that@T supports@T a@T statue. entail ety C14 entaillen, from #7en -%1#7+ taille limitation, #7tail %2 entail 1. syl en+tail pron pos vb. mod tr. def to bring about or impose by necessity; have as a necessary consequence. exam 1 this task entails careful thought. entail 2. syl en+tail pron pos vb. mod tr. qual Property law. def to restrict (the descent of an estate) to a designated line of heirs. entail 3.a. syl en+tail pron pos n. mod tr. def such a limitation. entail 3.b. syl en+tail pron pos n. mod tr. def an estate that has been entailed. entailer sub head entail syl en+1tail+er pos n. entailment sub head entail syl en+1tail+ment pos n. endamoeba infl head entamoeba or entameba syl en+da+moe:ba pron <-bE> pos n. entameba infl head entamoeba or endamoeba syl en+ta+me:ba pron <-bE> pos n. qual U.S. endameba infl head entamoeba syl en+da+me:ba pron <-bE> pos n. qual U.S. entamoebae infl head entamoeba or entamoebas syl en+ta+moe:bae pron <-bE> pos n. mod pl. entamoebas infl head entamoeba or entamoebae syl en+ta+moe:bas. pos n. mod pl. entamoeba 0. syl en+ta+moe:ba pron <2ent*1mEb*> pos n. def any parasitic amoeba of the genus (or esp. which lives in the intestines of man and causes amoebic dysentery. entangle 1. syl en+tan+gle pron pos vb. mod tr. def to catch or involve in or as if in a tangle; ensnare or enmesh. entangle 2. syl en+tan+gle pron pos vb. mod tr. def to make tangled or twisted; snarl. entangle 3. syl en+tan+gle pron pos vb. mod tr. def to make complicated; confuse. entangle 4. syl en+tan+gle pron pos vb. mod tr. def to involve in difficulties; entrap. entangler sub head entangle syl en+1tan+gler pos n. entanglement 1. syl en+tan+gle+ment pron pos n. def something that en?!tangles or is itself entangled. entanglement 2. syl en+tan+gle+ment pron pos n. def a sexual relationship regarded as unfortunate, damaging, or compromising. entasis ety C18: from Greek, from enteinein to stretch tight, from teinein to stretch entases infl head entasis syl en+ta+ses pron <-sEz> pos n. mod pl. entasis 1. syl en+ta+sis pron <1ent*sis> pos n. def a slightly convex curve given to the shaft of a column, pier, or similar structure, to correct the illusion of concavity produced by a straight shaft. entasis 2. syl en+ta+sis pron <1ent*sis> pos n. def Also called: {en+ta+sia} ($en#!te$Iz$I$$). an involuntary or spasmodic muscular contraction. Entebbe 0. syl En+teb+be pron pos n. def a town in S Uganda, on Lake Victoria: British administrative centre of Uganda (1893-1958); international airport. Pop.: 21096 (1969). entelechy ety C17: from Late Latin entelechia, from Greek entelekheia, from #7en -%2#7+ telos goal, completion+ ekhein to have entelechies infl head entelechy syl en+tel+e:chies. pos n. mod pl. entelechy 1. syl en+tel+e:chy pron pos n. qual Metaphysics. usage in the philosophy of Aristotle def actuality as opposed to potentiality. entelechy 2. syl en+tel+e:chy pron pos n. qual Metaphysics. usage in the system of Leibnitz def the soul or principle of perfection of an object or person; a monad or basic constituent. entelechy 3. syl en+tel+e:chy pron pos n. qual Metaphysics. def something that contains or realizes a final cause, esp. the vital force thought to direct the life of an organism. entellus ety C19: New Latin, apparently from the name of the aged Sicilian character in Book V of Virgil's Aeneid entellus 0. syl en+tel+lus pron pos n. def an Old World monkey, of S Asia. This langur is regarded as sacred in India. Also called: {hanuman}. entente 1. syl en+tente pron French pos n. def short for {entente cordiale}. entente 2. syl en+tente pron French pos n. def the parties to an entente cordiale collectively. entente cordiale ety C19: French: cordial understanding entente cordiale 1. syl en+tente cor+diale pron French pos n. def a friendly understanding between political powers: less formal than an alliance. entente cordiale 2. syl en+tente cor+diale pron French pos n. usage often caps. def the understanding reached by France and Britain in April 1904, which settled outstanding colonial disputes. enter ety C13: from Old French entrer, from Latin intr*_are to go in, from intr*_a within enter 1. syl en+ter pron <1ent*> pos vb. def to come or go into (a place, house, etc.). enter 2. syl en+ter pron <1ent*> pos vb. def to penetrate or pierce. enter 3. syl en+ter pron <1ent*> pos vb. mod tr. def to introduce or insert. enter 4. syl en+ter pron <1ent*> pos vb. def to join (a party, organization, etc.). enter 5. syl en+ter pron <1ent*> pos vb. mod when; intr. usage foll. by into def to become involved or take part (in). exam 1 to enter a game; exam 2 to enter into an agreement. enter 6. syl en+ter pron <1ent*> pos vb. mod tr. def to record (an item such as a commercial transaction) in a journal, account, register, etc. enter 7. syl en+ter pron <1ent*> pos vb. mod tr. def to record (a name, etc.) on a list. enter 8. syl en+ter pron <1ent*> pos vb. mod tr. def to present or submit. exam 1 to enter a proposal. enter 9. syl en+ter pron <1ent*> pos vb. mod intr. qual Theatre. def to come on stage: used as a stage direction. exam 1 enter Juliet. enter 10. syl en+ter pron <1ent*> pos vb. mod when; intr. usage often foll. by into, on, or upon def to begin; start. exam 1 to enter upon a new career. enter 11. syl en+ter pron <1ent*> pos vb. mod intr. usage often foll. by upon def to come into possession (of). enter 12. syl en+ter pron <1ent*> pos vb. mod tr. def to place (evidence, a plea, etc.) before a court of law or upon the court records. enter 13.a. syl en+ter pron <1ent*> pos vb. def to go onto and occupy (land). enter 13.b. syl en+ter pron <1ent*> pos vb. qual Chiefly U.S. def to file a claim to (public lands). enterable sub head enter syl en+ter+a:ble pos adj. enterer sub head enter syl en+ter+er pos n. enteric ety C19: from Greek enterikos, from enteron intestine enteral alt head enteric or enteric syl en+ter+al pron <1ent*r*l> pos adj. enteric 0. or enteral syl en+ter+ic pron pos adj. def intestinal. enterally sub head enteric syl en+ter+al+ly pos adv. enteric fever 0. syl en+ter+ic fe+ver pos n. def another name for {typhoid fever}. enter into 1. syl en+ter in:to pos vb. prep. mod intr. def to be considered as a necessary part of (one's plans, calculations, etc.). enter into 2. syl en+ter in:to pos vb. prep. mod intr. def to be in sympathy with. exam 1 he enters into his patient's problems. enteritis 0. syl en+ter:i+tis pron <2ent*1rItis> pos n. def inflammation of the intestine. entero- ety from New Latin, from Greek enteron intestine enterogastrone ety C20: from #7entero -#7+gastro -#7+ (#7horm) #7one enterogastrone 0. syl en+ter:o+gas+trone pron <2ent*r*u1g@str*un> pos n. def a hormone liberated by the upper intestinal mucosa when stimulated by fat: reduces peristalsis and secretion in the stomach. enterokinase 0. syl en+ter:o+ki+nase pron <2ent*r*u1kInAz> pos n. def an enzyme in intestinal juice that converts trypsinogen to trypsin. enteron ety C19: via New Latin from Greek: intestine; related to Latin inter between entera infl head enteron syl en+ter:a pron <-t*r*> pos n. mod pl. enteron 0. syl en+ter+on pron <1ent*2ron> pos n. def the alimentary canal, esp. of an embryo or a coelenterate. enterostomies infl head enterostomy syl en+ter+os+to+mies. pos n. mod pl. enterostomy 0. syl en+ter+os+to+my pron <2ent*1rost*mi> pos n. def surgical formation of a permanent opening into the intestine through the abdominal wall, used as an artificial anus, for feeding, etc. enterotomies infl head enterotomy syl en+ter+ot+o:mies. pos n. mod pl. enterotomy 0. syl en+ter+ot+o:my pron <2ent*1rot*mi> pos n. def surgical incision into the intestine. enteroviruses infl head enterovirus syl en+ter:o+vi+rus:es. pos n. mod pl. enterovirus 0. syl en+ter:o+vi+rus pron <2ent*r*u1vIr*s> pos n. def any of a group of viruses that occur in and cause diseases of the gastrointestinal tract. enterprise ety C15: from Old French entreprise (n.) , from entreprendre from entre- between (from Latin: #7inter -)#7+ prendre to take, from Latin prehendere to grasp enterprise 1. syl en+ter+prise pron <1ent*2prIz> pos n. def a project or undertaking, esp. one that requires boldness or effort. enterprise 2. syl en+ter+prise pron <1ent*2prIz> pos n. def participation in such projects. enterprise 3. syl en+ter+prise pron <1ent*2prIz> pos n. def readiness to embark on new ventures; boldness and energy. enterprise 4. syl en+ter+prise pron <1ent*2prIz> pos n. def a business unit; a company or firm. enterpriser sub head enterprise syl en+ter+2pris+er pos n. enterprising 0. syl en+ter+pris+ing pron <1ent*2prIziG> pos adj. def ready to embark on new ventures; full of boldness and initiative. enterprisingly sub head enterprising syl en+ter+2pris+ing+ly pos adv. entertain ety C15: from Old French entretenir, from entre- mutually+ tenir to hold, from Latin ten*_ere entertain 1. syl en+ter+tain pron <2ent*1tAn> pos vb. def to provide amusement for (a person or audience). entertain 2. syl en+ter+tain pron <2ent*1tAn> pos vb. def to show hospitality to (guests). entertain 3. syl en+ter+tain pron <2ent*1tAn> pos vb. mod tr. def to hold in the mind. exam 1 to entertain an idea. entertainer 1. syl en+ter+tain+er pron <2ent*1tAn*> pos n. def a professional singer, comedian, or other performer who takes part in public entertainments. entertainer 2. syl en+ter+tain+er pron <2ent*1tAn*> pos n. def any person who entertains. entertaining 0. syl en+ter+tain+ing pron <2ent*1tAniG> pos adj. def serving to entertain or give pleasure; diverting; amusing. &- {@!en+ter+#!tain+ing+ly} entertainment 1. syl en+ter+tain+ment pron <2ent*1tAnm*nt> pos n. def the act or art of entertaining or state of being entertained. entertainment 2. syl en+ter+tain+ment pron <2ent*1tAnm*nt> pos n. def an act, production, etc., that entertains; diversion; amusement. enthalpy ety C20: from Greek enthalpein to warm in, from #7en -%2#7+ thalpein to warm enthalpy 0. syl en+thal+py pron <1enT*lpi>, pos n. def a thermodynamic property of a system equal to the sum of its internal energy and the product of its pressure and volume. Symbol. exam 1 H enthetic ety C19: from Greek enthetikos, from entithenai to put in enthetic 0. syl en+thet+ic pron pos adj. usage esp. of infectious diseases def introduced into the body from without. enthrall alt head enthral or enthral syl en+thrall pron pos vb. mod tr. qual U.S. enthrals infl head enthral or enthralls syl en+thrals pos vb. mod tr. enthralls infl head enthral or enthrals syl en+thralls pos vb. mod tr. qual U.S. enthralling infl head enthral syl en+thral+ling pos vb. mod tr. qual U.S. enthralled infl head enthral syl en+thralled. pos vb. mod tr. qual U.S. enthral 1. or enthrall syl en+thral pron pos vb. mod tr. def to hold spellbound; enchant; captivate. enthral 2. or enthrall syl en+thral pron pos vb. mod tr. qual Obsolete. def to hold as thrall; enslave. enthraller sub head enthral syl en+1thral+ler pos n. enthrallingly sub head enthral syl en+1thral+ling+ly pos adv. enthralment sub head enthral or enthrallment syl en+1thral+ment pos n. enthrallment sub head enthral or enthralment syl en+1thrall+ment pos n. qual U.S. enthrone 1. syl en+throne pron pos vb. mod tr. def to place on a throne. enthrone 2. syl en+throne pron pos vb. mod tr. def to honour or exalt. enthrone 3. syl en+throne pron pos vb. mod tr. def to assign authority to. &- {en+#!throne+ment} enthuse 0. syl en+thuse pron pos vb. def to feel or show or cause to feel or show enthusiasm. enthusiasm ety C17: from Late Latin enth*_usiasmus, from Greek enthousiasmos, from enthou?!siazein to be possessed by a god, from entheos inspired, from #7en -%2#7+ theos god enthusiasm 1. syl en+thu+si+asm pron pos n. def ardent and lively interest or eagerness. enthusiasm 2. syl en+thu+si+asm pron pos n. def an object of keen interest; passion. enthusiasm 3. syl en+thu+si+asm pron pos n. qual Archaic. def extravagant or unbalanced religious fervour. enthusiast 1. syl en+thu+si+ast pron pos n. def a person filled with or motivated by enthusiasm; fanatic. enthusiast 2. syl en+thu+si+ast pron pos n. qual Archaic. def a religious visionary, esp. one whose zeal for religion is extravagant or unbalanced. &- {en+@!thu+si+#!as+tic} &- {en+@!thu+si+#!as+ti+cal+ly} enthymeme ety C16: via Latin from Greek enthum*_ema, from enthumeisthai to infer (literally: to have in the mind), from #7en -%2#7+ thumos mind enthymeme 0. syl en+thy+meme pron <1enTi2mEm> pos n. qual Logic. def an incomplete syllogism, in which one or more premisses are unexpressed as their truth is considered to be self-evident. enthymematic sub head enthymeme or enthymematical syl en+thy+me:1mat+ic pos adj. enthymematical sub head enthymeme or enthymematic syl en+thy+me:1mat:i+cal pos adj. entice ety C13: from Old French enticier, from Vulgar Latin intiti*_are (unattested) to incite, from Latin titi*_o firebrand entice 0. syl en+tice pron pos vb. mod tr. def to attract or draw towards oneself by exciting hope or desire; tempt; allure. enticement sub head entice syl en+1tice+ment pos n. enticer sub head entice syl en+1tic+er pos n. enticingly sub head entice syl en+1tic+ing+ly pos adv. enticingness sub head entice syl en+1tic+ing+ness pos n. entire ety C14: from Old French entier, from Latin integer whole, from {#7in -%1}#7+ tangere to touch entire 1. syl en+tire pron pos adj. usage prenominal def whole; complete. exam 1 the entire project is going well. entire 2. syl en+tire pron pos adj. usage prenominal def without reservation or exception; total. exam 1 you have my entire support. entire 3. syl en+tire pron pos adj. def not broken or damaged; intact. entire 4. syl en+tire pron pos adj. def consisting of a single piece or section; undivided; continuous. entire 5. syl en+tire pron pos adj. usage of leaves, petals, etc. def having a smooth margin not broken up into teeth or lobes. entire 6. syl en+tire pron pos adj. def not castrated. exam 1 an entire horse. entire 7. syl en+tire pron pos adj. qual Obsolete. def of one substance or kind; unmixed; pure. entire 8. syl en+tire pron pos n. def a less common word for {en?!tirety}. entire 9. syl en+tire pron pos n. def an uncastrated horse. entire 10.a. syl en+tire pron pos n. def a complete item consisting of an envelope, postcard, or wrapper with stamps affixed. on entire 10.b. head entire syl on entire. usage of a stamp def placed on an envelope, postcard, etc., and bearing postal directions. entireness sub head entire syl en+1tire+ness pos n. entirely 1. syl en+tire+ly pron pos adv. def without reservation or exception; wholly; completely. entirely 2. syl en+tire+ly pron pos adv. def solely or exclusively; only. entireties infl head entirety syl en+tire:ties. pos n. mod pl. entirety 1. syl en+tire:ty pron pos n. def the state of being entire or whole; completeness. entirety 2. syl en+tire:ty pron pos n. def a thing, sum, amount, etc., that is entire; whole; total. entitle ety C14: from Old French entituler, from Late Latin intitul*_are, from Latin titulus #7title entitle 1. syl en+ti+tle pron pos vb. mod tr. def to give (a person) the right to do or have something; qualify; allow. entitle 2. syl en+ti+tle pron pos vb. mod tr. def to give a name or title to. entitle 3. syl en+ti+tle pron pos vb. mod tr. def to confer a title of rank or honour upon. entitlement sub head entitle syl en+1ti+tle+ment pos n. entity ety C16: from Medieval Latin entit*_as, from *_ens being; see #7ens &- en+ti+ta+tive (#!$ent$It$$t$Iv) adj. entities infl head entity syl en+ti:ties. pos n. mod pl. entity 1. syl en+ti:ty pron <1entiti> pos n. def something having real or distinct existence; a thing, esp. when considered as independent of other things. entity 2. syl en+ti:ty pron <1entiti> pos n. def existence or being. entity 3. syl en+ti:ty pron <1entiti> pos n. def the essence or real nature. ento- ety New Latin, from Greek entos within ento- 0. syl en:to- usage combining form. def inside; within. exam 1 entoderm. entoblast 1. syl en:to+blast pron <1ent*u2bl@st> pos n. qual Embryol. def a less common name for {endoderm}. entoblast 2. syl en:to+blast pron <1ent*u2bl@st> pos n. def a less common name for {hypoblast}. entoblastic sub head entoblast syl en:to+blas+tic pron <2ent*u1bl@stik> pos adj. entoderm 0. syl en:to+derm pron <1ent*u2dR:m> pos n. qual Embryol. def another name for {endoderm}. entodermal sub head entoderm or entodermic syl en:to+1der+mal pos adj. entodermic sub head entoderm or entodermal syl en:to+1der+mic pos adj. entoil 0. syl en+toil pron pos vb. mod tr. def an archaic word for {ensnare}. entoilment sub head entoil syl en+1toil+ment pos n. entomb 1. syl en+tomb pron pos vb. mod tr. def to place in or as if in a tomb; bury; inter. entomb 2. syl en+tomb pron pos vb. mod tr. def to serve as a tomb for. entombment sub head entomb syl en+1tomb+ment pos n. entomic ety C19: from Greek entomon (see #7entomo-) +#7-ic entomic 0. syl en+tom+ic pron pos adj. def denoting or relating to insects. entomo- ety from Greek entomon insect (literally: creature cut into sections), from en- in+ -tomon, from temnein to cut entomo- 0. syl en:to:mo- usage combining form. def indicating an insect. exam 1 entomology. entom alt head entomol or entomol syl entom. entomol 0. or entom syl entomol. qual abbrev. for def entomology. entomologise alt head entomologize or entomologize syl en:to+mo+lo+gise pron <2ent*1mol*2JIz> pos vb. mod intr. entomologize 0. or entomologise syl en:to+mo+lo+gize pron <2ent*1mol*2JIz> pos vb. mod intr. def to collect or study insects. entomology 0. syl en:to+mol+o:gy pron <2ent*1mol*Ji> pos n. def the branch of science con?!cerned with the study of insects. entomological sub head entomology or entomologic syl en:to+mo+log:i+cal pron <2ent*m*?!1loJikL> pos adj. entomologic sub head entomology or entomological syl en:to+mo+1log+ic pos adj. entomologically sub head entomology syl en:to+mo+1log:i+cal+ly pos adv. entomologist sub head entomology syl en:to+1mol:o+gist pos n. entomophagous 0. syl en:to+moph:a+gous pron <2ent*1mof*g*s> pos adj. def feeding mainly on insects; insectivorous. entomophilous 0. syl en:to+moph:i+lous pron <2ent*1mofil*s> pos adj. usage of flowering plants such as orchids def pollinated by insects. Compare {anemophilous}. entomophily sub head entomophilous syl en:to+1moph:i+ly pos n. entomostracan ety C19: from New Latin #7entomo -#7+ Greek ostrakon shell; see #7ostracize entomostracan 1. syl en:to+mo+stra+can pron <2ent*1mostr*k*n> pos n. def any small crustacean of the group (formerly subclass) including the branchiopods, ostracods, and copepods. entomostracan 2. syl en:to+mo+stra+can pron <2ent*1mostr*k*n> pos adj. def of, relating to, or belonging to the entomostracous sub head entomostracan syl en:to+1mos+tra+cous pos adj. entophyte 0. syl en:to+phyte pron <1ent*u2fIt> pos n. qual Botany. def a variant spelling of {endophyte}. entophytic sub head entophyte syl en:to+phyt+ic pron <2ent*u1fitik> pos adj. entopic ety from Greek entopos in a place, from topos place entopic 0. syl en+top+ic pron pos adj. qual Anatomy. def situated in its normal place or position. See also {ectopia}. entourage ety C19: from French, from entourer to surround, from entour around, from tour circuit; see #7tour, turn entourage 1. syl en+tou+rage pron , French pos n. def a group of at?!tendants or retainers, esp. such as surround an important person; retinue. entourage 2. syl en+tou+rage pron , French pos n. def surroundings or environment. entozoic 1. syl en:to+zo+ic pron <2ent*u1z*uik> pos adj. def of or relating to an entozoon. entozoic 2. syl en:to+zo+ic pron <2ent*u1z*uik> pos adj. def living inside an animal. exam 1 entozoic fungi. entozoan alt head entozoon or entozoon syl en:to+zo+an pron <-1z*u*> pos n. entozoa infl head entozoon syl en:to+zo:a pron <-1z*u*> pos n. mod pl. entozoon 0. or entozoan syl en:to+zo+on pron <2ent*u1z*uon> pos n. def any animal, such as a tapeworm, that lives within another animal, usually as a parasite. entr'acte ety C19: French, literally: between-act entr'acte 1. syl en+tr'acte pron , French pos n. def an interval between two acts of a play or opera. entr'acte 2. syl en+tr'acte pron , French pos n. usage esp. formerly def an entertainment during an interval, such as dancing between acts of an opera. entrails ety C13: from Old French entrailles, from Medieval Latin intr*_alia, changed from Latin inter*_anea intestines, ultimately from inter between entrails 1. syl en+trails pron <1entrAlz> pos n. mod pl. def the internal organs of a person or animal; intestines; guts. entrails 2. syl en+trails pron <1entrAlz> pos n. mod pl. def the innermost parts of anything. entrain H1.0. syl en+train pron pos vb. def to board or put aboard a train. entrainment sub head entrain syl en+1train+ment pos n. entrain H2.0. syl en+train pron pos vb. mod tr. usage of a liquid or gas def to carry along (drops of liquid, bubbles, etc.), as in certain distillations. entrammels infl head entrammel syl en+tram+mels pos vb. mod tr. entrammelling infl head entrammel syl en+tram+mel+ling pos vb. mod tr. entrammelled infl head entrammel syl en+tram+melled. pos vb. mod tr. entrammel 0. syl en+tram+mel pron pos vb. mod tr. def to hamper or obstruct by entangling. entrance ety C16: from French, from entrer to #7enter entrance H1.1. syl en+trance pron <1entr*ns> pos n. def the act or an instance of entering; entry. entrance H1.2. syl en+trance pron <1entr*ns> pos n. def a place for entering, such as a door or gate. entrance H1.3.a. syl en+trance pron <1entr*ns> pos n. def the power, liberty, or right of entering; admission. entrance H1.3.b. syl en+trance pron <1entr*ns> pos n. usage as modifier exam 1 an entrance fee. entrance H1.4. syl en+trance pron <1entr*ns> pos n. def the coming of an actor or other performer onto a stage. entrance H2.1. syl en+trance pron pos vb. mod tr. def to fill with wonder and delight; enchant. entrance H2.2. syl en+trance pron pos vb. mod tr. def to put into a trance; hypnotize. entrancement sub head entrance syl en+1trance+ment pos n. entrancingly sub head entrance syl en+1tranc+ing+ly pos adv. entrant ety C17: from French, literally: entering, from entrer to #7enter entrant 1. syl en+trant pron <1entr*nt> pos n. def a person who enters. entrant 2. syl en+trant pron <1entr*nt> pos n. def a new member of a group, society, or association. entrant 3. syl en+trant pron <1entr*nt> pos n. def a person who enters a competition or contest; competitor. entraps infl head entrap syl en+traps pos vb. mod tr. entrapping infl head entrap syl en+trap+ping pos vb. mod tr. entrapped infl head entrap syl en+trapped. pos vb. mod tr. entrap 1. syl en+trap pron pos vb. mod tr. def to catch or snare in or as if in a trap. entrap 2. syl en+trap pron pos vb. mod tr. def to lure or trick into danger, difficulty, or embarrassment. entrapment sub head entrap syl en+1trap+ment pos n. entrapper sub head entrap syl en+1trap+per pos n. entreat ety C15: from Old French entraiter, from #7en -%1#7+ traiter to #7treat intreat alt head entreat or entreat syl in+treat pron pos vb. entreat 1. or intreat syl en+treat pron pos vb. def to ask (a person) earnestly; beg or plead with; implore. entreat 2. or intreat syl en+treat pron pos vb. def to make an earnest request or petition for (something). entreat 3. or intreat syl en+treat pron pos vb. def an archaic word for { {treat} (sense 4).} entreatingly sub head entreat or intreatingly syl en+1treat+ing+ly pos adv. intreatingly sub head entreat or entreatingly syl in+1treat+ing+ly pos adv. entreatment sub head entreat or intreatment syl en+1treat+ment pos n. intreatment sub head entreat or entreatment syl in+1treat+ment pos n. entreaties infl head entreaty syl en+treat:ies. pos n. mod pl. entreaty 0. syl en+treat:y pron pos n. def an earnest request or petition; supplication; plea. entrechat ety C18: from French, from earlier entrechase, changed by folk etymology from Italian (capriola) intrecciata, literally: entwined (caper), from intrecciare to interlace, from #7in -%2#7+ treccia #7tress entrechat 0. syl en+tre+chat pron French pos n. def a leap in ballet during which the dancer repeatedly crosses his feet or beats them together. entrecote ety French entrec*^ote, from entre- #7inter -#7+ c*^ote rib, from Latin costa entrecote 0. syl en+tre+c*^ote pron French pos n. def a beefsteak cut from between the ribs. Entre-Deux-Mers 0. syl En:tre-Deux-Mers pron French , French <1me:r> pos n. def any wine produced in the area of the Gironde between the rivers Dordogne and Garonne in S France. entr'ee ety C18: from French, from entrer to #7enter ; in cookery, so called because formerly the course was served after an intermediate course called the relev*'e (remove) entr'ee 1. syl en+tr*'ee pron <1ontrA> pos n. def the main course of a meal. entr'ee 2. syl en+tr*'ee pron <1ontrA> pos n. def the power or right of entry. entremets ety C18: from French, from Old French entremes, from entre- between, #7inter -#7+ mes dish, #7mess entremets infl syl en+tre+mets pron French <-1me> pos n. mod pl. entremets 1. syl en+tre+mets pron French pos n. def a dessert. entremets 2. syl en+tre+mets pron French pos n. def a light dish, formerly served at formal dinners between the main course and the dessert. intrench alt head entrench or entrench syl in+trench pron pos vb. entrench 1. or intrench syl en+trench pron pos vb. mod tr. def to construct (a defensive position) by digging trenches around it. entrench 2. or intrench syl en+trench pron pos vb. mod tr. def to fix or establish firmly, esp. so as to prevent removal or change. entrench 3. or intrench syl en+trench pron pos vb. mod intr. usage foll. by on or upon def to trespass or encroach; infringe. entrencher sub head entrench or intrencher syl en+1trench+er pos n. intrencher sub head entrench or entrencher syl in+1trench+er pos n. intrenchment alt head entrenchment or entrenchment syl in+trench+ment pron pos n. entrenchment 1. or intrenchment syl en+trench+ment pron pos n. def the act of entrenching or state of being entrenched. entrenchment 2. or intrenchment syl en+trench+ment pron pos n. def a position protected by trenches. entrenchment 3. or intrenchment syl en+trench+ment pron pos n. def one of a series of deep trenches constructed as a shelter from gunfire. entre nous 0. syl en+tre nous pron French <1nu> pos adv. def between ourselves; in confidence. entrepot ety C18: French, from entreposer to put in, from entre- between, #7inter -#7+ poser to place (see #7pose) ; formed on the model of #7depot entrepot 1. syl en+tre+p*^ot pron French pos n. def a warehouse for commercial goods. entrepot 2.a. syl en+tre+p*^ot pron French pos n. def a trading centre or port at a geographically convenient location, at which goods are imported and re-exported without incurring liability for duty. entrepot 2.b. syl en+tre+p*^ot pron French pos n. usage as modifier exam 1 the entrep*^ot trade. entrepreneur ety C19: from French, from entreprendre to undertake; see #7enterprise entrepreneur 1. syl en+tre+pre+neur pron <2ontr*pr*1nR:>, French pos n. def the owner or manager of a business enterprise who, by risk and initiative, attempts to make profits. entrepreneur 2. syl en+tre+pre+neur pron <2ontr*pr*1nR:>, French pos n. def a middleman or commercial intermediary. entrepreneurial sub head entrepreneur syl en+tre+pre+1neur+i:al pos adj. entrepreneurship sub head entrepreneur syl en+tre+pre+1neur+ship pos n. entresol ety C18: from French, literally: between floors, from entre- #7inter -#7+ sol floor, ground, from Latin solum entresol 0. syl en+tre+sol pron <2ontr*1sol>, French pos n. def another name for {mezzanine}. entropy ety C19: from #7en -%2#7+ -#7tropy entropies infl head entropy syl en+tro+pies. pos n. mod pl. entropy 1. syl en+tro+py pron <1entr*pi> pos n. def a thermodynamic quantity that changes in a reversible process by an amount equal to the heat absorbed or emitted divided by the thermodynamic temperature. It is measured in joules per kelvin. Symbol. exam 1 S entropy 2. syl en+tro+py pron <1entr*pi> pos n. def a statistical measure of the disorder of a closed system expressed by = log + where is the probability that a particular state of the system exists, is the Boltzmann constant, and is another constant. entropy 3. syl en+tro+py pron <1entr*pi> pos n. def lack of pattern or organization; disorder. entropy 4. syl en+tro+py pron <1entr*pi> pos n. def a measure of the efficiency of a system, such as a code or language, in transmitting information. intrust alt head entrust or entrust syl in+trust pron pos vb. mod tr. entrust 1. or intrust syl en+trust pron pos vb. mod tr. usage usually foll. by with def to invest or charge (with a duty, responsibility, etc.). entrust 2. or intrust syl en+trust pron pos vb. mod tr. usage often foll. by to def to put into the care or protection of someone. entrustment sub head entrust or intrustment syl en+1trust+ment pos n. intrustment sub head entrust or entrustment syl in+1trust+ment pos n. entry ety C13: from Old French entree, past participle of entrer to #7enter entries infl head entry syl en+tries. pos n. mod pl. entry 1. syl en+try pron <1entri> pos n. def the act or an instance of entering; entrance. entry 2. syl en+try pron <1entri> pos n. def a point or place for entering, such as a door, gate, etc. entry 3.a. syl en+try pron <1entri> pos n. def the right or liberty of entering; admission; access. entry 3.b. syl en+try pron <1entri> pos n. usage as modifier exam 1 an entry permit. entry 4. syl en+try pron <1entri> pos n. def the act of recording an item, such as a commercial transaction, in a journal, account, register, etc. entry 5. syl en+try pron <1entri> pos n. def an item recorded, as in a diary, dictionary, or account. entry 6.a. syl en+try pron <1entri> pos n. def a person, horse, car, etc., entering a competition or contest; competitor. entry 6.b. syl en+try pron <1entri> pos n. usage as modifier exam 1 an entry fee. entry 7. syl en+try pron <1entri> pos n. def the competitors entering a contest considered collectively. exam 1 a good entry this year for the speed trials. entry 8. syl en+try pron <1entri> pos n. def the action of an actor in going on stage or his manner of doing this. entry 9. syl en+try pron <1entri> pos n. qual Criminal law. def the act of unlawfully going onto the premises of another with the intention of committing a crime. entry 10. syl en+try pron <1entri> pos n. qual Property law. def the act of going upon another person's land with the intention of assert?!ing the right to possession. entry 11. syl en+try pron <1entri> pos n. def any point in a piece of music, esp. a fugue, at which a performer commences or resumes playing or singing. entry 12. syl en+try pron <1entri> pos n. qual Cards. def a card with which a player or hand can win a trick and so gain the lead. entry 13. syl en+try pron <1entri> pos n. qual Northern Brit. dialect. def a passage between the backs of two rows of terraced houses. entwintwine alt head entwine or entwine syl en+twin+twine pron pos vb. entwine 0. or entwintwine syl en+twine pron pos vb. usage of two or more things def to twine together or (of one or more things) to twine around (something else). entwinement sub head entwine or entwintwinement syl en+1twine+ment pos n. entwintwinement sub head entwine or entwinement syl en+twin+1twine+ment pos n. enucleate ety C16: from Latin *_en*_ucle*_are to remove the kernel, from n*_ucleus kernel enucleate 1. syl e:nu+cle:ate pron pos vb. mod tr. qual Biology. def to remove the nucleus from (a cell). enucleate 2. syl e:nu+cle:ate pron pos vb. mod tr. qual Surgery. def to remove (a tumour or other structure) from its capsule without rupturing it. enucleate 3. syl e:nu+cle:ate pron pos vb. mod tr. qual Archaic. def to explain or disclose. enucleate 4. syl e:nu+cle:ate pron , <-2At> pos adj. mod tr. usage of cells def deprived of their nuclei. enucleation sub head enucleate syl e:2nu+cle:1a+tion pos n. enucleator sub head enucleate syl e:1nu+cle:2a+tor pos n. Enugu 0. syl E:nu+gu pron pos n. def a city in S Nigeria, capital of Anambra state: capital of the former Eastern region and of the breakaway state of Biafra during the Civil War (1967-70): coal-mining. Pop.: 187000 (1975 est.). enumerate ety C17: from Latin *_enumer*_are, from numer*_are to count, reckon; see #7number &- e@.#!nu+mer+a@.ble adj. &- e@.@!nu+mer@.#!a+tion n. enumerate 1. syl e:nu+mer+ate pron pos vb. mod tr. def to mention separately or in order; name one by one; list. enumerate 2. syl e:nu+mer+ate pron pos vb. mod tr. def to determine the number of; count. enumerative sub head enumerate syl e:1nu+mer:a+tive pos adj. enumerator 1. syl e:nu+mer:a+tor pron pos n. def a person or thing that enumerates. enumerator 2. syl e:nu+mer:a+tor pron pos n. qual Canadian. def a person who compiles the voting list for an area. enumerator 3. syl e:nu+mer:a+tor pron pos n. qual Brit. def a person who issues and retrieves forms during a census of population. enunciable 0. syl e:nun+ci+a:ble pron pos adj. def capable of being enunciated. enunciability sub head enunciable syl e:2nun+ci+a:1bil+i:ty pos n. enunciate ety C17: from Latin *_enunti*_are to declare, from nunti*_are to announce, from nuntius messenger &- e@.@!nun+ci@.#!a+tion n. &- e@.#!nun+ci@.a+tive or e@.#!nun+ci@.a+to@.ry adj. enunciate 1. syl e:nun+ci+ate pron pos vb. def to articulate or pronounce (words), esp. clearly and distinctly. enunciate 2. syl e:nun+ci+ate pron pos vb. mod tr. def to state precisely or formally. enunciatively sub head enunciate syl e:1nun+ci:a+tive+ly pos adv. enunciator sub head enunciate syl e:1nun+ci:2a+tor pos n. enure 0. syl en+ure pron pos vb. def a variant spelling of {inure}. enurement sub head enure syl en+1ure+ment pos n. enuresis ety C19: from New Latin, from Greek #7en -%2#7+ ourein to urinate, from ouron urine enuresis 0. syl en:u+re:sis pron <2enju1rEsis> pos n. def involuntary discharge of urine, esp. during sleep. enuretic sub head enuresis syl en:u+ret+ic pron <2enju1retik> pos adj. envelop ety C14: from Old French envoluper, from #7en -%1#7+ voluper, voloper, of obscure origin envelop 1. syl en+vel+op pron pos vb. mod tr. def to wrap or enclose in or as if in a covering. envelop 2. syl en+vel+op pron pos vb. mod tr. def to conceal or obscure, as from sight or understanding. exam 1 a plan enveloped in mystery. envelop 3. syl en+vel+op pron pos vb. mod tr. def to surround or partially surround (an enemy force). envelopment sub head envelop syl en+1vel+op+ment pos n. envelope ety C18: from French enveloppe, from envelopper to wrap aound; see #7envelop envelope 1. syl en+ve:lope pron <1env*2l*up>, <1on-> pos n. def a flat covering of paper, usually rectangular in shape and with a flap that can be folded over and sealed, used to enclose a letter, etc. envelope 2. syl en+ve:lope pron <1env*2l*up>, <1on-> pos n. def any covering or wrapper. envelope 3. syl en+ve:lope pron <1env*2l*up>, <1on-> pos n. qual Biology. def any enclosing structure, such as a membrane, shell, or skin. envelope 4. syl en+ve:lope pron <1env*2l*up>, <1on-> pos n. def the bag enclosing the gas in a balloon. envelope 5. syl en+ve:lope pron <1env*2l*up>, <1on-> pos n. qual Maths. def a curve or surface that is tangential to each one of a group of curves or surfaces. envelope 6. syl en+ve:lope pron <1env*2l*up>, <1on-> pos n. qual Electronics. def the sealed glass or metal housing of a valve, electric light, etc. envenom 1. syl en+ven+om pron pos vb. mod tr. def to fill or impregnate with venom; make poisonous. envenom 2. syl en+ven+om pron pos vb. mod tr. def to fill with bitterness or malice. Enver Pasha 0. syl En:ver Pa:sha pron <1env*> <1pa:S*> pos n. def 1881-1922, Turkish soldier and leader of the Young Turks. enviable 0. syl en+vi+a:ble pron <1envi*bL> pos adj. def exciting envy; fortunate or privi?!leged. enviableness sub head enviable syl en+vi+a:ble+ness pos n. enviably sub head enviable syl en+vi+a:bly pos adv. envious ety C13: from Anglo-Norman, ultimately from Latin invidi*_osus full of envy, #7invidious ; see #7envy envious 0. syl en+vi+ous pron <1envi*s> pos adj. def feeling, showing, or resulting from envy. enviously sub head envious syl en+vi+ous+ly pos adv. enviousness sub head envious syl en+vi+ous+ness pos n. environ ety C14: from Old French environner to surround, from environ around, from #7en -%1#7+ viron a circle, from virer to turn, #7veer environ 0. syl en+vi+ron pron pos vb. mod tr. def to encircle or surround. environment 1. syl en+vi+ron+ment pron pos n. def external conditions or surroundings, esp. those in which people live or work. environment 2. syl en+vi+ron+ment pron pos n. qual Ecology. def the external surroundings in which a plant or animal lives, which tend to influence its development and behaviour. environment 3. syl en+vi+ron+ment pron pos n. def the state of being environed; encirclement. environmental sub head environment syl en+2vi+ron+1men+tal pos adj. environmentally sub head environment syl en+2vi+ron+1men+tal+ly pos adv. environmentalism 0. syl en+vi+ron+men+tal+ism pron pos n. qual Psychol. def the belief that a person's behaviour is affected chiefly by his environment. Compare {hereditarianism}. environmentalist 1. syl en+vi+ron+men+tal+ist pron pos n. def an adherent of environmentalism. environmentalist 2. syl en+vi+ron+men+tal+ist pron pos n. def a specialist in the maintenance of ecological balance and the conservation of the environment. environs 0. syl en+vi+rons pron pos n. mod pl. def a surrounding area or region, esp. the suburbs or outskirts of a town or city; vicinity. envisage ety C19: from French envisager, from #7en -%1#7+ visage face, #7visage envisage 1. syl en+vis+age pron pos vb. mod tr. def to form a mental image of; visualize; contemplate. envisage 2. syl en+vis+age pron pos vb. mod tr. def to conceive of as a possibility in the future; foresee. envisage 3. syl en+vis+age pron pos vb. mod tr. qual Archaic. def to look in the face of; confront. envisagement sub head envisage syl en+1vis+age+ment envision 0. syl en+vi+sion pron pos vb. mod tr. def to conceive of as a possibility, esp. in the future; foresee. envoy ety C17: from French envoy*'e, literally: sent, from envoyer to send, from Vulgar Latin invi*_are (unattested) to send on a journey, from #7in -%2#7+ via road &- #!en+voy+ship n. envoy H1.1. syl en+voy pron <1envci> pos n. def Formal name: {envoy extraordinary and minister plenipotentiary}. a diplomat of the second class, ranking between an ambassador and a minister resident. envoy H1.2. syl en+voy pron <1envci> pos n. def an accredited messenger, agent, or representative. envoy ety C14: from Old French envoye, from envoyer to send; see #7envoy %1 envoi alt head envoy or envoy syl en+voi pron <1envci> pos n. envoy H2.1. or envoi syl en+voy pron <1envci> pos n. def a brief dedicatory or explanatory stanza concluding certain forms of poetry, notably ballades. envoy H2.2. or envoi syl en+voy pron <1envci> pos n. def a postscript in other forms of verse or prose. envy ety C13: via Old French from Latin invidia, from invid*_ere to eye maliciously, from #7in -%2#7+ vid*_ere to see envies infl head envy syl en:vies. pos n. mod pl. envy 1. syl en:vy pron <1envi> pos n. def a feeling of grudging or somewhat admiring discontent aroused by the possessions, achievements, or qualities of another. envy 2. syl en:vy pron <1envi> pos n. def the desire to have for oneself something possessed by another; covetousness. envy 3. syl en:vy pron <1envi> pos n. def an object of envy. envies infl head envy syl en:vies pos vb. envying infl head envy syl en:vy+ing pos vb. envied infl head envy syl en:vied. pos vb. envy 4. syl en:vy pron <1envi> pos vb. def to be envious of (a person or thing). envier sub head envy syl en+vi+er pos n. envyingly sub head envy syl en+vy+ing+ly pos adv. enwinds infl head enwind syl en+winds pos vb. mod tr. enwinding infl head enwind syl en+wind+ing pos vb. mod tr. enwound infl head enwind syl en+wound. pos vb. mod tr. enwind 0. syl en+wind pron pos vb. mod tr. def to wind or coil around; encircle. enwomb 0. syl en+womb pron pos vb. mod tr. usage often passive def to enclose in or as if in a womb. enwrap 1. syl en+wrap: usage or@T def to wrap or cover up; envelop. enwrap 2. syl en+wrap: usage or@T; usually passive def to engross or absorb. exam 1 enwrapped in thought. enwreath 0. syl en+wreath pron pos vb. mod tr. def to surround or encircle with or as with a wreath or wreaths. Enzed 1. syl En+zed pron pos n. qual Austral., N.Z. informal. def New Zealand. Enzed 2. syl En+zed pron pos n. qual Austral., N.Z. informal. def Also called: {En+zed+der}. a New Zealander. enzootic ety C19: from #7en -%2#7+ Greek z*_oion animal+-#7otic enzootic 1. syl en+zo+ot+ic pron <2enz*u1otik> pos adj. usage of diseases def affecting animals within a limited region. enzootic 2. syl en+zo+ot+ic pron <2enz*u1otik> pos n. def an enzootic disease. {~} Compare {epizootic}. enzootically sub head enzootic syl en:zo+1ot:i+cal+ly pos adv. enzyme ety C19: from Medieval Greek enzumos leavened, from Greek #7en -%2#7+ zum*_e leaven enzyme 0. syl en+zyme pron <1enzIm> pos n. def any of a group of complex proteins or conjugated proteins that are produced by living cells and act as catalysts in specific biochemical reactions. enzymatic sub head enzyme or enzymic syl en+zy+mat+ic pron <2enzI1m@tik>, <-zi-> pos adj. enzymic sub head enzyme or enzymatic syl en+zy+mic pron , <-1zim-> pos adj. enzymology 0. syl en+zy+mol+o:gy pron <2enzI1mol*Ji> pos n. def the branch of science concerned with the study of enzymes. enzymological sub head enzymology syl en+zy+mo+log:i+cal pron <2enzIm*1loJikL> pos adj. enzymologist sub head enzymology syl en+zy+1mol:o+gist pos n. enzymosis alt head enzymolysis or enzymolysis syl en+zy+mo+sis pron <2enzI?!1m*usis> pos n. enzymolysis 0. or enzymosis syl en+zy+mol:y+sis pron <2enzI1molisis> pos n. def a biochemical decomposition, such as a fermentation, that is catalysed by an enzyme. &- {en+zy+mo+lyt+ic} (@!$enza$Im$$?!#!l$It$Ik) eo 0. syl e.o. qual abbrev. for def ex officio. eo- ety from Greek, from *_e*_os dawn eo- 0. syl e:o- usage combining form. def early or primeval. exam 1 Eocene; exam 2 eohippus. eobiont 0. syl e:o:bi+ont pron <2E*u1bI*nt> pos n. def a hypothetical chemical precursor of a living cell. Eocene ety C19: from #7eo -#7+ -#7cene Eocene 1. syl E:o:cene pron <1E*u2sEn> pos adj. def of, denoting, or formed in the second epoch of the Tertiary period, which lasted for 20000000 years, during which hooved mammals appeared. the Eocene 2. head Eocene syl the Eocene. def the Eocene epoch or rock series. Eogene 0. syl E:o:gene pron <1E*u2JEn> pos adj. n. def another word for {Palaeogene}. eohippus ety C19: New Latin, from #7eo -#7+ Greek hippos horse eohippuses infl head eohippus syl e:o:hip+pus:es. pos n. mod pl. eohippus 0. syl e:o:hip+pus pron <2E*u1hip*s> pos n. def the earliest horse: an extinct Eocene dog-sized animal of the genus with four-toed forelegs, three-toed hindlegs, and teeth specialized for browsing. Eolian 0. syl E:o:li:an pron pos adj. n. def a variant spelling of {Aeolian}. Eolic 0. syl E:ol+ic pron , pos adj. n. def a variant spelling of {Aeolic}. eolipile 0. syl e:ol:i+pile pron pos n. def a variant spelling of {aeolipile}. eolith 0. syl e:o:lith pron <1E*uliT> pos n. def a stone, usually crudely broken, used as a primitive tool in Eolithic times. Eolithic 0. syl E:o:lith+ic pron <2E*u1liTik> pos adj. def denoting, relating to, or characteristic of the early part of the Stone Age, characterized by the use of crude stone tools. eom 0. syl e.o.m. qual Commerce. abbrev. for def end of the month. eon 0. syl e:on pron <1E*n>, <1Eon> pos n. def the usual U.S. spelling of {aeon}. eonian 0. syl e:o:ni:an pron pos adj. def the usual U.S. spelling of {aeonian}. eonism ety C19: named after Charles Eon de Beaumont (died 1810), French transvestite eonism 0. syl e:o:nism pron <1E*2niz*m> pos n. qual Psychiatry. def the adoption of female dress and behaviour by a male. See also {transvestite}. Eos 0. syl E:os pron <1Eos> pos n. qual Greek myth. def the winged goddess of the dawn, the daughter of Hyperion. Roman counterpart: {Aurora}. eosin ety C19: from Greek *_e*_os dawn+-#7in ; referring to the colour it gives to silk eosine alt head eosin or eosin syl e:o:sine pron <1E*usin>, <-2sEn> pos n. eosin 1. or eosine syl e:o:sin pron <1E*usin> pos n. def Also called: {bromeosin}. a red crystalline water-insoluble derivative of fluorescein. Its soluble salts are used as dyes. Formula: C\2\0H\8Br\4O\5. eosin 2. or eosine syl e:o:sin pron <1E*usin> pos n. def any of several similar dyes. eosinic sub head eosin syl e:o:1sin+ic pos adj. eosin-like sub head eosin syl e:o:sin-2like pos adj. eosinophile alt head eosinophil or eosinophil syl e:o:sin:o+phile pron <2E*u1sin*2fIl> pos n. eosinophil 0. or eosinophile syl e:o:sin:o+phil pron <2E*u1sin*fil> pos n. def a leucocyte with a bilobed nucleus and coarse granular cytoplasm that stains readily with acidic dyes such as eosin. eosinophilic sub head eosinophil or eosinophilous syl e:o:2sin:o+1phil+ic pron <2E*usi1nofil*s> pos adj. eosinophilous sub head eosinophil or eosinophilic syl e:o:si+noph:i+lous pron <2E*usi1nofil*s> pos adj. -eous ety from Latin -eus -eous 0. syl -e:ous usage suffix of adjectives. def relating to or having the nature of. exam 1 gaseous. Eozoic 0. syl E:o:zo+ic pron <2E*u1z*uik> pos adj. def of or formed in the part of the Precambrian era during which life first appeared. EP 1. syl EP pos n. def Also called: {maxisingle}. an extended-play gramophone record: usually 7 inches (18 cm) in diameter with a longer recording on it than a single, designed to be played at 45 or 33%1@b\3 revolutions per minute. {~} EP 2. syl EP pos n. def denoting such a record. Ep 0. syl Ep. qual abbrev. for def Epistle. ep 0. syl e.p. qual Chess. abbrev. for def en passant. ep- 0. syl ep- pos prefix. def variant of {epi-} before a vowel. exam 1 epexegesis. EPA 0. syl EPA qual abbrev. for def education priority area. epact ety C16: via Late Latin from Greek epakt*_e, from epagein to bring in, intercalate, from agein to lead epact 1. syl e:pact pron <1Ep@kt> pos n. def the difference in time, about 11 days, between the solar year and the lunar year. epact 2. syl e:pact pron <1Ep@kt> pos n. def the number of days between the beginning of the calendar year and the new moon immediately preceding this. epact 3. syl e:pact pron <1Ep@kt> pos n. def the difference in time between the calendar month and the synodic month. Epaminondas 0. syl E:pam:i:non:das pron pos n. def ??418-362 #7b.c., Greek Theban statesman and general: defeated the Spartans at Leuctra (371) and Mantinea (362) and restored power in Greece to Thebes. eparch ety C17: from Greek eparkhos, from epi- over, on+-#7arch eparch 1. syl ep+arch pron <1epa:k> pos n. def a bishop or metropolitan in charge of an eparchy (sense 1). eparch 2. syl ep+arch pron <1epa:k> pos n. def a government official in charge of an eparchy (senses 2 or 3). eparchate alt head eparchy or eparchy syl ep+ar+chate pron <1epa:kit> pos n. eparchies infl head eparchy or eparchates syl ep+ar+chies pos n. mod pl. eparchates infl head eparchy or eparchies syl ep+ar+chates. pos n. mod pl. eparchy 1. or eparchate syl ep+ar+chy pron <1epa:ki> pos n. def a diocese of the Eastern Christian Church. eparchy 2. or eparchate syl ep+ar+chy pron <1epa:ki> pos n. usage in ancient Greece def a province. eparchy 3. or eparchate syl ep+ar+chy pron <1epa:ki> pos n. usage in modern Greece def a subdivision of a province. eparchial sub head eparchy syl ep+1ar+chi:al pos adj. 'epatant 0. syl *'e:pa+tant pron French. pos adj. def startling or shocking, esp. through being unconventional. epaulet ety C18: from French *'epaulette, from *'epaule shoulder, from Latin spatula shoulder blade; see #7spatula epaulette alt head epaulet or epaulet syl ep+au:lette pron <1ep*2let>, <-lit> pos n. epaulet 0. or epaulette syl ep+au:let pron <1ep*2let>, <-lit> pos n. def a piece of ornamental material on the shoulder of a garment, esp. a military uniform. 'ep'ee ety French: sword, from Latin spatha, from Greek spath*_e blade; see {#7spade %1} 'ep'ee 0. syl *'e:p*'ee pron <1epA>, French pos n. def a sword similar to the foil but with a larger guard and a heavier blade of triangular cross section. 'ep'eeist 0. syl *'e:p*'ee+ist pron <1epAist> pos n. qual Fencing. def one who uses or specializes in using an *'ep*'ee. epeirogeny ety C19: from Greek *_epeiros continent+-#7geny epirogeny infl head epeirogeny or epeirogenesis syl ep:i+rog+e:ny pron <2epI1roJini> pos n. epeirogenesis infl head epeirogeny or epirogeny syl e:pei+ro+gen+e:sis pron pos n. epeirogeny 0. syl ep+ei+rog+e:ny pron <2epI1roJini> pos n. def the formation and submerg?!ence of continents by broad relatively slow displacements of the earth's crust. epeiric sub head epeirogeny syl e:pei+ric pron pos adj. epeirogenic sub head epeirogeny or epeirogenetic syl e:pei+ro+gen+ic pron pos adj. epeirogenetic sub head epeirogeny or epeirogenic syl e:pei+ro+ge:net+ic pron pos adj. epencephalon ety C19: New Latin; see #7epi -#7, encephalon epencephala infl head epencephalon syl ep+en+ceph:a+la pron <-l*> pos n. mod pl. epencephalon 1. syl ep+en+ceph:a+lon pron <2epen1sef*2lon> pos n. qual Anatomy. def the cerebellum and pons Varolii. epencephalon 2. syl ep+en+ceph:a+lon pron <2epen1sef*2lon> pos n. qual Anatomy. def the part of the embryonic brain that develops into this; metencephalon. epencephalic sub head epencephalon syl 2ep+en+ce:phal+ic pron <2epensi1f@lik> pos adj. epenthesis ety C17: via Late Latin from Greek, from epentithenai to insert, from #7epi- + #7en -%2#7+ tithenai to place epentheses infl head epenthesis syl e:pen+the:ses pron <-2sEz> pos n. mod pl. epenthesis 0. syl e:pen+the:sis pron pos n. def the insertion of a vowel or consonant into a word to make its pronunciation easier. epenthetic sub head epenthesis syl ep+en+thet+ic pron <2epen1Tetik> pos adj. epergne ety C18: probably from French *'epargne a saving, from *'epargner to economize, of Germanic origin; compare #7spare epergne 0. syl e:pergne pron pos n. def an ornamental centrepiece for a table: a stand with holders for sweetmeats, fruit, flowers, etc. epexegesis ety C17: from Greek; see #7epi -#7, exegesis epexegeses infl head epexegesis syl ep+ex+e:ge:ses pron <-2sEz> pos n. mod pl. epexegesis 1. syl ep+ex+e:ge:sis pron pos n. qual Rhetoric. def the addition of a phrase, clause, or sentence to a text to provide further explanation. epexegesis 2. syl ep+ex+e:ge:sis pron pos n. qual Rhetoric. def the phrase, clause, or sentence added for this purpose. epexegetic sub head epexegesis or epexegetical syl ep+ex+e:get+ic pron pos adj. epexegetical sub head epexegesis or epexegetic syl ep+2ex+e:1get:i+cal pos adj. epexegetically sub head epexegesis syl ep+2ex+e:1get:i+cal+ly pos adv. Ephes alt head Eph or Eph syl Ephes. Eph 0. or Ephes syl Eph. qual Bible. abbrev. for def Ephesians. eph- 0. syl eph- pos prefix. def variant of {epi-} before an aspirate. exam 1 ephedrine. ephah ety C16: from Hebrew ' eph*_ah, of Egyptian origin epha alt head ephah or ephah syl e:pha pron <1Ef*> pos n. ephah 0. or epha syl e:phah pron <1Ef*> pos n. def a Hebrew unit of dry measure equal to approximately one bushel or about 33 litres. ephebe ety C19: from Latin eph*_ebus, from Greek eph*_ebos, from h*_eb*_e young manhood ephebe 0. syl e:phebe pron , <1efEb> pos n. usage in ancient Greece def a youth about to enter full citizenship, esp. one undergoing military training. ephebic sub head ephebe syl e:1phe+bic pos adj. ephedra ety C18: New Latin, from Latin, from Greek ephedros a sitting upon, from #7epi -+ hedra seat ephedra 0. syl e:phed+ra pron pos n. def any gymnosperm shrub of the genus of warm regions of America and Eurasia: the source of ephedrine: family order ephedrine ety C19: from New Latin #7ephedra +{#7ine %2} ephedrin alt head ephedrine or ephedrine syl e:phed+rin pron , <1efi2drEn>, <-drin> pos n. ephedrine 0. or ephedrin syl e:phed+rine pron , <1efi2drEn>, <-drin> pos n. def a white crystalline @T alkaloid@T obtained@T from@T plants@T of@T the@T genus used for the treatment of asthma and hay fever; l-phenyl-2-methylaminopropanol. Formula: C\6H\5CH?!(OH)CH(NHCH\3)CH\3. ephemera ety C16; see #7ephemeral ephemeras infl head ephemera or ephemerae syl e:phem+er:as pron <-*2rE> pos n. mod pl. ephemerae infl head ephemera or ephemeras syl e:phem+er:ae pron <-*2rE> pos n. mod pl. ephemera 1. syl e:phem+er:a pron pos n. def a mayfly, esp. one of the genus ephemera 2. syl e:phem+er:a pron pos n. def something transi?!tory or short-lived. ephemera 3. syl e:phem+er:a pron pos n. def a plural of {ephemeron}. ephemeral ety C16: from Greek eph*_emeros lasting only a day, from h*_emera day ephemeral 1. syl e:phem+er+al pron pos adj. def lasting for only a short time; transitory; short-lived. exam 1 ephemeral pleasure. ephemeral 2. syl e:phem+er+al pron pos n. def a short-lived organism, such as the mayfly. ephemerally sub head ephemeral syl e:1phem+er+al+ly pos adv. ephemerality sub head ephemeral or ephemeralness syl e:2phem+er+1al+i:ty pos n. ephemeralness sub head ephemeral or ephemerality syl e:1phem+er+al+ness pos n. ephemerid ety C19: from New Latin Eph*_emerida, from Greek eph*_emeros short-lived+-{#7id %2} ephemerid 0. syl e:phem+er+id pron pos n. def any insect of the order (or which comprises the mayflies. ephemeris ety C16: from Latin, from Greek: diary, journal; see #7ephemeral ephemerides infl head ephemeris syl eph+e:mer+i:des pron <2efi1meri?!2dEz> pos n. mod pl. ephemeris 1. syl e:phem+er+is pron pos n. def a table giving the future positions of a planet, comet, or satellite. ephemeris 2. syl e:phem+er+is pron pos n. def an annual publication giving the positions of the sun, moon, and planets during the course of a year, information concerning eclipses, astronomical constants, etc. ephemeris 3. syl e:phem+er+is pron pos n. qual Obsolete. def a diary or almanac. ephemeris time 0. syl e:phem+er+is time pos n. def time based on the orbit of the earth around the sun rather than the axial rotation of the earth, one {ephemeris second} being 1/315556925.9747 of the tropical year 1960. It is used in astronomy in preference to mean solar time. ephemeron ety C16; see #7ephemeral ephemera infl head ephemeron or ephemerons syl e:phem+er:a pron <-*r*> pos n. mod pl. usually; pl. ephemerons infl head ephemeron or ephemera syl e:phem+er+ons. pos n. mod pl. usually; pl. ephemeron 0. syl e:phem+er+on pron pos n. mod usually; pl. def something transitory or short-lived. Ephesian 1. syl E:phe:sian pron pos adj. def of or relating to Ephesus. Ephesian 2. syl E:phe:sian pron pos n. def an inhabitant or native of Ephesus. Ephesians 0. syl E:phe:sians pron pos n. mod functioning as; sing. def a book of the New Testament (in full {The Epistle of Paul the Apostle to the Ephesians}) , containing an exposition of the divine plan for the world and the consummation of this in Christ. Ephesus 0. syl Eph+e:sus pron <1efis*s> pos n. usage in ancient Greece def a major trading city on the W coast of Asia Minor: famous for its temple of Artemis (Diana); sacked by the Goths (262 #7a.d.) #7. ephod ety C14: from Hebrew *_eph*_odh ephod 0. syl e:phod pron <1Efod> pos n. qual Old Testament. def an embroidered vestment believed to resemble an apron with shoulder straps, worn by priests in ancient Israel. ephor ety C16: from Greek ephoros, from ephoran to supervise, from #7epi -#7+ horan to look ephoral sub head ephor syl eph+or+al pos adj. Ephraim 1.a. syl E:phra:im pron <1EfrAim> pos n. qual Old Testament. def the younger son of Joseph, who received the principal blessing of his grandfather Jacob (Genesis 48:8-22). Ephraim 1.b. syl E:phra:im pron <1EfrAim> pos n. qual Old Testament. def the tribe descended from him. Ephraim 1.c. syl E:phra:im pron <1EfrAim> pos n. qual Old Testament. def the territory of this tribe, west of the River Jordan. Ephraim 2. syl E:phra:im pron <1EfrAim> pos n. qual Old Testament. def the northern kingdom of Israel after the kingdom of Solomon had been divided into two. Ephraimite 0. syl E:phra+im+ite pron <1EfrAi2mIt> pos n. def a member of the tribe of Ephraim. epi- ety from Greek, from epi (prep.) eph- infl head epi- syl eph- epi- 1. syl ep:i- usage before a vowel def on; upon; above; over. exam 1 epidermis; exam 2 epicentre. epi- 2. syl ep:i- usage before a vowel def in addition to. exam 1 epiphenom?!enon. epi- 3. syl ep:i- usage before a vowel def after. exam 1 epigenesis; exam 2 epilogue. epi- 4. syl ep:i- usage before a vowel def near; close to. exam 1 epicalyx. epiblast 0. syl ep:i+blast pron <1epi2bl@st> pos n. qual Embryol. def the outermost layer of an embryo, which becomes the ectoderm at gastrulation. Also called: {ectoblast}. epiblastic sub head epiblast syl ep:i+1blas+tic pos adj. epiboly ety C19: from Greek epibol*_e a laying on, from epiballein to throw on, from #7epi -#7+ ballein to throw epibolies infl head epiboly syl e:pib:o+lies. pos n. mod pl. epiboly 0. syl e:pib:o+ly pron pos n. qual Embryol. def a process that occurs during gastrulation in vertebrates, in which cells on one side of the blastula grow over and surround the remaining cells and yolk and eventually form the ectoderm. epibolic sub head epiboly syl ep:i+bol+ic pron <2epi1bolik> pos adj. epic ety C16: from Latin epicus, from Greek epikos, from epos speech, word, song epic 1. syl ep:ic pron <1epik> pos n. def a long narrative poem recounting in elevated style the deeds of a legendary hero, esp. one originating in oral folk tradition. epic 2. syl ep:ic pron <1epik> pos n. def the genre of epic poetry. epic 3. syl ep:ic pron <1epik> pos n. def any work of literature, film, etc., having heroic deeds for its subject matter or having other qualities associated with the epic. exam 1 a Hollywood epic. epic 4. syl ep:ic pron <1epik> pos n. def an episode in the lives of men in which heroic deeds are performed or attempted. exam 1 the epic of Scott's expedition to the South Pole. epic 5. syl ep:ic pron <1epik> pos n. def denoting, relating to, or characteristic of an epic or epics. epic 6. syl ep:ic pron <1epik> pos n. def of heroic or impressive proportions. exam 1 an epic voyage. epicalyxes infl head epicalyx or epicalyces syl ep:i+ca+lyx:es pron <-li2sEz> pos n. mod pl. epicalyces infl head epicalyx or epicalyxes syl ep:i+ca+ly+ces pron <-li2sEz> pos n. mod pl. epicalyx 0. syl ep:i+ca+lyx pron <2epi1kAliks>, <-1k@l-> pos n. qual Botany. def a series of small sepal-like bracts forming an outer calyx beneath the true calyx in some flowers. epicanthus ety C19: New Latin, from #7epi -#7+ Latin canthus corner of the eye, from Greek kanthos &- @!ep@.i+#!can+thic adj. epicanthi infl head epicanthus syl ep:i+can+thi pron <-TI> pos n. mod pl. epicanthus 0. syl ep:i+can+thus pron <2epi1k@nT*s> pos n. def a fold of skin extending vertically over the inner angle of the eye: characteristic of Mongolian peoples and a congenital anomaly among other races. Also called: {epicanthic fold}. epicardium ety C19: New Latin, from #7epi -#7+ Greek kardia heart epicardia infl head epicardium syl ep:i+car+di:a pron <-di*> pos n. mod pl. epicardium 0. syl ep:i+car+di:um pron <2epi1ka:di*m> pos n. qual Anatomy. def the innermost layer of the pericardium, in direct contact with the heart. epicardiac sub head epicardium or epicardial syl ep:i+1car+di+ac pos adj. epicardial sub head epicardium or epicardiac syl ep:i+1car+di:al pos adj. epicarp ety C19: from French *'epicarpe, from #7epi -#7+ Greek karpos fruit exocarp alt head epicarp or epicarp syl ex:o+carp pos n. epicarp 0. or exocarp syl ep:i+carp pron <1epi2ka:p> pos n. def the outermost layer of the pericarp of fruits: forms the skin of a peach or grape. epicedium ety C16: Latin, from Greek epik*_edeion, from #7epi -+ k*'edos care epicedia infl head epicedium syl ep:i+ce:di:a pron <-di*> pos n. mod pl. epicedium 0. syl ep:i+ce:di:um pron <2epi1sEdi*m> pos n. qual Rare. def a funeral ode. epicene ety C15: from Latin epicoenus of both genders, from Greek epikoinos common to many, from koinos common epicene 1. syl ep:i+cene pron <1epi2sEn> pos adj. def having the characteristics of both sexes; hermaphroditic. epicene 2. syl ep:i+cene pron <1epi2sEn> pos adj. def of neither sex; sexless. epicene 3. syl ep:i+cene pron <1epi2sEn> pos adj. def effemi?!nate. epicene 4.a. syl ep:i+cene pron <1epi2sEn> pos adj. def denoting a noun that may refer to a male or a female, such as as opposed to or epicene 4.b. syl ep:i+cene pron <1epi2sEn> pos adj. usage in Latin, Greek, etc. def denoting a noun that retains the same grammatical gender regardless of the sex of the referent. epicene 5. syl ep:i+cene pron <1epi2sEn> pos n. def an epicene person or creature. epicene 6. syl ep:i+cene pron <1epi2sEn> pos n. def an epicene noun. epicenism sub head epicene syl ep:i+1cen+ism pos n. epicentre ety C19: from New Latin epicentrum, from Greek epikentros over the centre, from #7epi -#7+ kentron needle; see #7centre epicenter alt head epicentre or epicentre syl ep:i+cen+ter pron <1epi2sent*> pos n. qual U.S. epicentres infl head epicentre or epicenters syl ep:i+cen+tres pos n. mod pl. epicenters infl head epicentre or epicentres syl ep:i+cen+ters. pos n. mod pl. qual U.S. epicentre 0. or epicenter syl ep:i+cen+tre pron <1epi2sent*> pos n. def the area immediately above the origin of earthquake vibrations. epicentral sub head epicentre syl ep:i+1cen+tral pos adj. epiclesis ety from Greek, from #7epi- + kl*_esis a prayer, from kalein to call epicleses infl head epiclesis syl ep:i+cle:ses pron <-sEz> pos n. mod pl. epiclesis 0. syl ep:i+cle:sis pron <2epi1klEsis> pos n. qual Christianity. def the invocation of the Holy Spirit to consecrate the bread and wine of the Eucharist. epicontinental 0. syl ep:i+con+ti+nen+tal pron <2epi2konti1nentL> pos adj. usage esp. of a sea def situated on a continental shelf or continent. epicotyl 0. syl ep:i+cot+yl pron <2epi1kotil> pos n. def the part of an embryo plant stem above the cotyledons but beneath the terminal bud. epicrisis ety C19: from Greek epikrisis a judgment, from epikrinein to decide, from #7epi -#7+ krinein to judge epicrisis H1.0. syl e:pic+ri+sis pron pos n. qual Rare. def a critical evaluation, esp. of a literary work. epicrisis ety C20: from #7epi- +#7crisis epicrisis H2.0. syl ep:i+cri+sis pron <1epi2krIsis> pos n. qual Pathol. def a secondary crisis occurring in the course of a disease. epicritic ety C20: from Greek epikritikos decisive; see #7epicrisis %1 epicritic 0. syl ep:i+crit+ic pron <2epi1kritik> pos adj. usage of certain nerve fibres of the skin def serving to perceive and distinguish fine variations of temperature or touch. epic simile 0. syl ep:ic sim:i+le pos n. def an extended simile, as used in the epic poetry of Homer and other writers. Epictetus 0. syl Ep:ic:te:tus pron <2epik1tEt*s> pos n. def ??50-??120 #7a.d., Greek Stoic philosopher, who stressed self-renunciation and the brotherhood of man. epicure ety C16: from Medieval Latin epic*_urus, after E#7picurus &- #!ep@.i+cur+@!ism n. epicure 1. syl ep:i+cure pron <1epi2kju*> pos n. def a person who cultivates a dis?!criminating palate for the enjoyment of good food and drink; gourmet. epicure 2. syl ep:i+cure pron <1epi2kju*> pos n. def a person devoted to sensual pleasures. epicurean 1. syl ep:i+cu+re:an pron <2epikju1rE*n> pos adj. def devoted to sensual plea?!sures, esp. food and drink; hedonistic. epicurean 2. syl ep:i+cu+re:an pron <2epikju1rE*n> pos adj. def suitable for an epicure. exam 1 an epicurean feast. epicurean 3. syl ep:i+cu+re:an pron <2epikju1rE*n> pos n. def an epicure; gourmet. &- {@!ep@.i+cu+#!re@.an+ism} Epicurean 1. syl Ep:i+cu+re:an pron <2epikju1rE*n> pos adj. def of or relating to the philosophy of Epicurus. Epicurean 2. syl Ep:i+cu+re:an pron <2epikju1rE*n> pos n. def a follower of the philosophy of Epicurus. &- {@!Ep@.i+cu+#!re@.an+ism} Epicurus 0. syl Ep:i:cu:rus pron <2epi1kju*r*s> pos n. def 341-270 #7b.c., Greek philosopher, who held that the highest good is pleasure and that the world is a series of fortuitous combinations of atoms. epicycle ety C14: from Late Latin epicyclus, from Greek epikuklos; see #7epi -#7, cycle epicycle 1. syl ep:i+cy+cle pron <1epi2sIkL> pos n. usage Astronomy. in the Ptolemaic system def a small circle, around which a planet was thought to revolve, whose centre describes a larger circle (the {deferent}) centred on the earth. epicycle 2. syl ep:i+cy+cle pron <1epi2sIkL> pos n. def a circle that rolls around the inside or outside of another circle, so generating an epicycloid or hypocycloid. epicyclic sub head epicycle or epicyclical syl ep:i+cy+clic pron <2epi1sIklik>, <-1siklik> pos adj. epicyclical sub head epicycle or epicyclic syl ep:i+1cy+cli+cal pos adj. epicyclic train 0. syl ep:i+cy+clic train pos n. def a cluster of gears consisting of a central gear wheel with external teeth (the sun), a coaxial gear wheel of greater diameter with internal teeth (the annulus), and one or more planetary gears engaging with both of them to provide a large gear ratio in a compact space. epicycloid 0. syl ep:i+cy+cloid pron <2epi1sIklcid> pos n. def the curve described by a point on the circumference of a circle as this circle rolls around the outside of another fixed circle, the two circles being coplanar. Compare {hypocycloid, {cycloid} (sense 4).} epicycloidal sub head epicycloid syl ep:i+cy+1cloid+al pos adj. epicycloidal wheel 0. syl ep:i+cy+cloi+dal wheel pos n. def one of the planetary gears of an epicyclic train. Epidaurus 0. syl Ep:i+daur+us pron <2epi1dc:r*s> pos n. def an ancient port in Greece, in the NE Peloponnese, in Argolis on the Saronic Gulf. epideictic ety C18: from Greek epideiktikos, from epideiknunai to display, show off, from deiknunai to show epidictic alt head epideictic or epideictic syl ep:i+dic+tic pron <2epi1diktik> pos adj. epideictic 0. or epidictic syl ep:i+deic+tic pron <2epi1dIktik> pos adj. def designed to display something, esp. the skill of the speaker in rhetoric. epidemic ety C17: from French *'epid*'emique, via Late Latin from Greek epid*_emia literally: among the people, from #7epi -#7+ d*_emos people epidemic 1. syl ep:i+dem+ic pron <2epi1demik> pos adj. usage esp. of a disease def attacking or affecting many persons simultaneously in a community or area. epidemic 2. syl ep:i+dem+ic pron <2epi1demik> pos n. def a widespread occurrence of a disease. exam 1 an influenza epidemic. epidemic 3. syl ep:i+dem+ic pron <2epi1demik> pos n. def a rapid development, spread, or growth of something, esp. something unpleasant. exam 1 an epidemic of strikes. epidemically sub head epidemic syl ep:i+1dem:i+cal+ly pos adv. epidemic encephalitis 0. syl ep:i+dem+ic en+ceph:a+li+tis pos n. qual Pathol. def a technical name for { {sleeping sickness} (sense 2)}. epidemic meningitis 0. syl ep:i+dem+ic men+in+gi+tis pos n. def another name for {cerebrospinal meningitis}. epidemic parotitis 0. syl ep:i+dem+ic par:o+ti+tis pos n. def another name for {mumps}. epidemiology 0. syl ep:i+de:mi+ol+o:gy pron <2epi2dEmi1ol*Ji> pos n. def the branch of medical science concerned with the occurrence, transmission, and control of epidemic diseases. epidemiological sub head epidemiology syl ep:i+de:mi:o+log:i+cal pron <2epi?!2dEmi*1loJikL> pos adj. epidemiologically sub head epidemiology syl ep:i+2de:mi:o+1log:i+cal+ly pos adv. epidemiologist sub head epidemiology syl ep:i+2de:mi+1ol:o+gist pos n. epidermis ety C17: via Late Latin from Greek, from #7epi -#7+ derma skin epidermis 1. syl ep:i+der+mis pron <2epi1dR:mis> pos n. def Also called: {cuticle}. the thin protective outer layer of the skin, composed of stratified epithelial tissue. epidermis 2. syl ep:i+der+mis pron <2epi1dR:mis> pos n. def the outer layer of cells of an invertebrate. epidermis 3. syl ep:i+der+mis pron <2epi1dR:mis> pos n. def the outer protective layer of cells of a plant, which may be thickened by a cuticle. epidermal sub head epidermis syl ep:i+1der+mal pos adj. epidermic sub head epidermis or epidermoid syl ep:i+1der+mic pos adj. epidermoid sub head epidermis or epidermic syl ep:i+1der+moid pos adj. epidiascope 0. syl ep:i+di:a+scope pron <2epi1dI*2sk*up> pos n. def an optical device for projecting a magnified image onto a screen. See also {episcope}. epididymis ety C17: from Greek epididumis, from #7epi -#7+ didumos twin, testicle; see #7didymous epididymides infl head epididymis syl ep:i+di+dym:i+des pron <-di?!1dimi2dEz> pos n. mod pl. epididymis 0. syl ep:i+di+dy+mis pron <2epi1didimis> pos n. qual Anatomy. def a convoluted tube situated along the posterior margin of each testis, in which spermatozoa are stored and conveyed to the vas deferens. epididymal sub head epididymis syl ep:i+1did:y+mal pos adj. epidote ety C19: from French *'epidote, ultimately from Greek epididonai to increase, from didonai to give; so called because two sides of its crystal are longer than the other two sides epidote 0. syl ep:i+dote pron <1epi2d*ut> pos n. def a green mineral consisting of hydrated calcium iron aluminium silicate in monoclinic crystalline form: common in metamorphic rocks. Formula: Ca\2(Al,Fe)\3?!(SiO\4)\3(OH). epidotic sub head epidote syl ep:i+dot+ic pron <2epi1dotik> pos adj. epidural ety C19: from #7epi- +#7dur(a mater) + #7-al %1 epidural 1. syl e:pi+dur+al pron <2epi1dju*r*l> pos adj. def upon or outside the dura mater. {~} epidural 2. syl e:pi+dur+al pron <2epi1dju*r*l> pos adj. def Also: {epidural anaesthesia}. epidural 2.a. syl e:pi+dur+al pron <2epi1dju*r*l> pos adj. def injection of anaesthetic into the space outside the dura mater enveloping the spinal cord. epidural 2.b. syl e:pi+dur+al pron <2epi1dju*r*l> pos adj. def anaesthesia induced by this method. epifocal 0. syl ep:i+fo+cal pron <2epi1f*ukL> pos adj. qual Geology. def situated or occurring at an epicentre. epigastrium ety C17: from New Latin, from Greek #7epi -#7+ gastrion, from gast*_er stomach &- @!ep@.i+#!gas+tri@.al or @!ep@.i+#!gas+tric adj. epigastria infl head epigastrium syl ep:i+gas+tri:a pron <-tri*> pos n. mod pl. epigastrium 0. syl ep:i+gas+tri:um pron <2epi1g@stri*m> pos n. def the upper middle part of the abdomen, above the navel and below the breast. epigeal ety C19: from Greek epigeios of the earth, from #7epi -#7+ g*_e earth epigean infl head epigeal or epigeous syl ep:i+ge:an pos adj. epigeous infl head epigeal or epigean syl ep:i+ge:ous pos adj. epigeal 1. syl ep:i+ge:al pron <2epi1JE*l> pos adj. def of or relating to seed germination in which the cotyledons appear above the ground because of the growth of the hypocotyl. epigeal 2. syl ep:i+ge:al pron <2epi1JE*l> pos adj. def living or growing on or close to the surface of the ground. epigene ety C19: from French *'epig*`ene, ultimately from Greek epigignesthai to be born after, from gignesthai to be born epigene 0. syl ep:i+gene pron <1epi2JEn> pos adj. def formed or taking place at the surface of the earth. Compare {hypogene}. epigenesis 1. syl ep:i+gen+e:sis pron <2epi1Jenisis> pos n. def the widely accepted theory that an individual animal or plant develops by the gradual differentiation and elaboration of a fertilized egg cell. Com?!pare { {preformation} (sense 2).} epigenesis 2. syl ep:i+gen+e:sis pron <2epi1Jenisis> pos n. def the formation of ore deposits after the surround?!ing rock has been formed. epigenesis 3. syl ep:i+gen+e:sis pron <2epi1Jenisis> pos n. def alteration of the mineral composition of a rock by external agents: a type of metamorphism. epigenesist sub head epigenesis or epigenist syl ep:i+1gen+e:sist pron pos n. epigenist sub head epigenesis or epigenesist syl e:pig+e:nist pron pos n. epigenetic sub head epigenesis syl ep:i+ge:net+ic pron <2epiJi1netik> pos adj. epigenetically sub head epigenesis syl ep:i+ge:1net:i+cal+ly pos adv. epigenous 0. syl e:pig+e:nous pron pos adj. qual Biology. def growing on the surface, esp. the upper surface, of an organism or part. exam 1 an epigenous fungus. epigeous 0. syl ep:i+ge:ous pron <2epi1JE*s> pos adj. def a variant of {epigeal}. epiglottises infl head epiglottis or epiglottides syl ep:i+glot+tis:es pron <-ti2dEz> pos n. mod pl. epiglottides infl head epiglottis or epiglottises syl ep:i+glot+ti+des pron <-ti2dEz> pos n. mod pl. epiglottis 0. syl ep:i+glot+tis pron <2epi1glotis> pos n. def a thin cartilaginous flap that covers the entrance to the larynx during swallowing, preventing food from entering the trachea. epiglottal sub head epiglottis or epiglottic syl ep:i+1glot+tal pos adj. epiglottic sub head epiglottis or epiglottal syl ep:i+1glot+tic pos adj. epigone ety C19: from Greek epigonos one born after, from epigignesthai; see #7epigene epigon alt head epigone or epigone syl ep:i+gon pron <1epi2gon> pos n. epigone 0. or epigon syl ep:i+gone pron <1epi2g*un> pos n. qual Rare. def an inferior follower or imitator. Epigoni ety from Greek epigonoi those born after Epigonus infl head Epigoni syl E:pig:o+nus pron <-*n*s> pos n. mod sing. Epigoni 0. syl E:pig:o+ni pron pos n. mod pl. qual Greek myth. def the descendants of the Seven against Thebes, who undertook a second expedition against the city and eventually captured and destroyed it. epigram ety C15: from Latin epigramma, from Greek: inscription, from epigraphein to write upon, from graphein to write &- @!ep@.i+gram+#!mat+ic adj. &- @!ep@.i+gram+#!mat@.i+cal+ly adv. epigram 1. syl ep:i+gram pron <1epi2gr@m> pos n. def a witty, often paradoxical remark, concisely expressed. epigram 2. syl ep:i+gram pron <1epi2gr@m> pos n. def a short, pungent, and often satirical poem, esp. one having a witty and ingenious ending. epigrammatise alt head epigrammatize or epigrammatize syl ep:i+gram+ma+tise pron <2epi1gr@m*2tIz> pos vb. epigrammatize 0. or epigrammatise syl ep:i+gram+ma+tize pron <2epi1gr@m*2tIz> pos vb. def to make an epigram or epigrams (about). epigrammatism sub head epigrammatize syl ep:i+1gram+ma+tism pos n. epigrammatist sub head epigrammatize syl ep:i+1gram+ma+tist pos n. epigraph ety C17: from Greek epigraph*_e; see #7epigram &- ep@.i+graph+ic (@!$ep$I#!gr@af$Ik) or @!ep@.i+#!graph@.i+cal adj. &- @!ep@.i+#!graph@.i+cal+ly adv. epigraph 1. syl ep:i+graph pron <1epi2gra:f>, <-2gr@f> pos n. def a quotation at the beginning of a book, chapter, etc., suggesting its theme. epigraph 2. syl ep:i+graph pron <1epi2gra:f>, <-2gr@f> pos n. def an inscription on a monument or building. epigraphy 1. syl e:pig+ra+phy pron pos n. def the study of ancient inscriptions. epigraphy 2. syl e:pig+ra+phy pron pos n. def epigraphs collectively. epigraphist sub head epigraphy or epigrapher syl e:1pig+ra+phist pos n. epigrapher sub head epigraphy or epigraphist syl e:1pig+ra+pher pos n. epigynous ety C19: from #7epi- +Greek gun*_e (female organ, pistil)+#7-ous &- e@.#!pig@.y+ny n. epigynous 0. syl e:pig:y+nous pron pos adj. usage of flowers def having the receptacle enclosing and fused with the gynoecium so that the other floral parts arise above it. epilate ety C19: from French *'epiler (modelled on d*'epiler #7depilate) +#7-ate %1 &- @!ep@.i+#!la+tion n. epilate 0. syl ep:i+late pron <1epi2lAt> pos vb. mod tr. qual Rare. def to remove hair from. epilepsy ety C16: from Late Latin epil*_epsia, from Greek, from epilambanein to attack, seize, from lambanein to take epilepsy 0. syl ep:i+lep+sy pron <1epi2lepsi> pos n. def a disorder of the central nervous system characterized by periodic loss of consciousness with or without convulsions. In some cases it is due to brain damage but in others the cause is unknown. See also {grand mal, petit mal}. epileptic 1. syl ep:i+lep+tic pron <2epi1leptik> pos adj. def of, relating to, or having epilepsy. epileptic 2. syl ep:i+lep+tic pron <2epi1leptik> pos n. def a person who has epilepsy. epileptically sub head epileptic syl ep:i+1lep+ti+cal+ly pos adv. epileptiform alt head epileptoid or epileptoid syl ep:i+lep+ti+form pron <2epi1lepti2fc:m> pos adj. epileptoid 0. or epileptiform syl ep:i+lep+toid pron <2epi1leptcid> pos adj. def resembling epilepsy. epilimnion ety C20: from #7epi- +Greek limnion, diminutive of limn*_e lake epilimnion 0. syl ep:i+lim+ni+on pron <2epi1limni*n> pos n. def the upper layer of water in a lake. epilogue ety C15: from Latin epilogus, from Greek epilogos, from logos word, speech epilogue 1.a. syl ep:i+logue pron <1epi2log> pos n. def a speech, usually in verse, addressed to the audience by an actor at the end of a play. epilogue 1.b. syl ep:i+logue pron <1epi2log> pos n. def the actor speaking this. epilogue 2. syl ep:i+logue pron <1epi2log> pos n. def a short postcript to any literary work, such as a brief description of the fates of the characters in a novel. epilogue 3. syl ep:i+logue pron <1epi2log> pos n. qual Brit. def the concluding programme of the day on a radio or television station, often having a religious content. epilogist sub head epilogue syl e:pil:o+gist pron pos n. epimere 0. syl ep:i+mere pron <1epi2mi*> pos n. qual Embryol. def the dorsal part of the mesoderm of a vertebrate embryo, consisting of a series of segments (somites). epimerism ety C20: from German Epimer (see #7epi-, -mer) +#7-ism &- ep@.i+mer+ic, (@!$ep$I#!m$er$Ik) adj. epimerism 0. syl e:pim+er+ism pron pos n. def optical isomerism in which isomers ({epimers}) can form about asymmetric atoms within the molecule, esp. in carbohydrates. epimorphosis 0. syl ep:i+mor+pho+sis pron <2epimc:1f*usis> pos n. def a type of development in animals, such as certain insect larvae, in which segmentation of the body is complete before hatching. epimorphic sub head epimorphosis syl ep:i+1mor+phic pos adj. epimysium ety from New Latin, from #7epi -#7+ Greek mus mouse, #7muscle epimysia infl head epimysium syl e:pi+my+si:a pron <-zi*> pos n. mod pl. epimysium 0. syl e:pi+my+si:um pron <2epi1mizi*m> pos n. qual Anatomy. def the sheath of connective tissue that encloses a skeletal muscle. epinasty ety C19: from #7epi -#7+ -nasty, from Greek nastos pressed down, from nassein to press epinasties infl head epinasty syl ep:i+nas+ties. pos n. mod pl. epinasty 0. syl ep:i+nas+ty pron <1epi2n@sti> pos n. def increased growth of the upper surface of a plant part, such as a leaf, resulting in a downward bending of the part. Compare {hyponasty}. epinastic sub head epinasty syl ep:i+1nas+tic pos adj. epinephrine ety C19: from #7epi -#7+ nephro-+ -#7ine %2 epinephrin alt head epinephrine or epinephrine syl ep:i+neph+rin pos n. epinephrine 0. or epinephrin syl ep:i+neph+rine pron <2epi1nefrin>, <-rEn> pos n. def a U.S. name for {adrenaline}. epineurium ety C19: from New Latin, from #7epi -#7+ Greek neuron nerve +-#7ium epineurium 0. syl ep:i+neu+ri:um pron <2epi1nju*ri*m> pos n. def a sheath of connective tissue around two or more bundles of nerve fibres. epineurial sub head epineurium syl ep:i+1neu+ri:al pos adj. Epiph 0. syl Epiph. qual abbrev. for def Epiphany. epiphany ety C17: via Church Latin from Greek epiphaneia an appearing, from #7epi -#7+ phainein to show epiphanies infl head epiphany syl e:piph:a+nies. pos n. mod pl. epiphany 1. syl e:piph:a+ny pron pos n. def the manifestation of a supernatural or divine reality. epiphany 2. syl e:piph:a+ny pron pos n. def any moment of great or sudden revelation. epiphanic sub head epiphany syl ep:i+phan+ic pron <2epi1f@nik> pos adj. Epiphanies infl head Epiphany syl E:piph:a+nies. pos n. mod pl. Epiphany 0. syl E:piph:a+ny pron pos n. def a Christian festival held on Jan. 6, commemorating, in the Western Church, the manifestation of Christ to the Magi and, in the Eastern Church, the baptism of Christ. epiphenomenalism 0. syl ep:i+phe:nom+e:nal+ism pron <2epifi1nomin*2liz*m> pos n. def the doctrine that consciousness is merely a by-product of physiological processes and that it has no power to affect them. epiphenomenalist sub head epiphenomenalism syl ep:i+phe:1nom+e:nal+ist pos n. na infl head epiphenomenon syl +na pron <-n*> pos n. mod pl. epiphenomenon 1. syl ep:i+phe:nom+e:non pron <2epifi1nomin*n> pos n. def a secondary or additional phenomenon; by-product. epiphenomenon 2. syl ep:i+phe:nom+e:non pron <2epifi1nomin*n> pos n. qual Philosophy. def consciousness regarded as a by-product of the biological activity of the human brain. epiphenomenon 3. syl ep:i+phe:nom+e:non pron <2epifi1nomin*n> pos n. qual Pathol. def an unexpected or atypical symptom or occurrence during the course of a disease. epiphenomenal sub head epiphenomenon syl ep:i+phe:1nom+e:nal pos adj. epiphenomenally sub head epiphenomenon syl ep:i+phe:1nom+e:nal+ly pos adv. epiphragm ety C19: via New Latin from Greek epiphragma a lid, from epiphrassein, from #7epi -#7+ phrassein to place in an enclosure epiphragm 0. syl ep:i+phragm pron <1epi2fr@m> pos n. def a disc of calcium phosphate and mucilage secreted by snails over the aperture of their shells before hibernation. epiphysis ety C17: via New Latin from Greek: a growth upon, from #7epi -#7+ phusis growth, from phuein to bring forth, produce epiphyses infl head epiphysis syl e:piph:y+ses pron <-2sEz> pos n. mod pl. epiphysis 1. syl e:piph:y+sis pron pos n. def the end of a long bone, initially separated from the shaft (diaphysis) by a section of cartilage that eventually ossifies so that the two portions fuse together. epiphysis 2. syl e:piph:y+sis pron pos n. def Also called: {epiphysis cerebri}. the technical name for {pineal gland}. epiphyseal sub head epiphysis or epiphysial syl ep:i+phys+e:al pron <2epi1fiz?!i*l> pos adj. epiphysial sub head epiphysis or epiphyseal syl ep:i+phys+i:al pron <2epi1fiz?!i*l> pos adj. epiphyte 0. syl ep:i+phyte pron <1epi2fIt> pos n. def a plant, such as a moss, that grows on another plant but is not parasitic on it. epiphytic sub head epiphyte syl ep:i+phyt+ic pron <2epi?!1fitik> pos adj. epiphytal sub head epiphyte or epiphytical syl ep:i+1phyt+al pos adj. epiphytical sub head epiphyte or epiphytal syl ep:i+1phyt:i+cal pos adj. epiphytically sub head epiphyte syl ep:i+1phyt:i+cal+ly pos adv. epiphytotic 0. syl ep:i+phy+tot+ic pron <2epifI1totik> pos adj. usage of plant diseases and parasites def affecting plants over a wide geographical region. epirogeny 0. syl ep:i+rog+e:ny pron <2epI1roJini> pos n. def a variant spelling of {epeirog?!eny}. epirogenic sub head epirogeny or epirogenetic syl e:pi+ro+gen+ic pron pos adj. epirogenetic sub head epirogeny or epirogenic syl e:pi+ro+ge:net+ic pron pos adj. Epirus 1. syl E:pi+rus pron pos n. def a region of NW Greece, part of ancient Epirus ceded to Greece after independence in 1830. Epirus 2. syl E:pi+rus pron pos n. usage in ancient Greece def a region between the Pindus mountains and the Ionian Sea, straddling the modern border with Albania. Epis 1. syl Epis. qual abbrev. for: def Also: {Episc}. Episcopal or Episcopalian. Epis 2. syl Epis. qual abbrev. for: def Epistle. cies infl head episcopacy syl +cies. pos n. mod pl. episcopacy 1. syl e:pis+co+pa+cy pron pos n. def government of a Church by bishops. episcopacy 2. syl e:pis+co+pa+cy pron pos n. def another word for {episcopate}. episcopal ety C15: from Church Latin episcop*_alis, from episcopus #7bishop episcopal 0. syl e:pis+co+pal pron pos adj. def of, denoting, governed by, or relating to a bishop or bishops. episcopally sub head episcopal syl e:1pis+co+pal+ly pos adv. Episcopal 0. syl E:pis+co+pal pron pos adj. def belonging to or denoting the Episcopal Church. Episcopally sub head Episcopal syl E:1pis+co+pal+ly pos adv. Episcopal Church 0. syl E:pis+co+pal Church pos n. def an autonomous branch of the Anglican Communion in Scotland and the U.S. episcopalian 1. syl e:pis+co+pa+li:an pron pos adj. usage also def practising or advocating the principle of Church government by bishops. episcopalian 2. syl e:pis+co+pa+li:an pron pos n. usage also def an advocate of such Church government. episcopalianism sub head episcopalian syl e:2pis+co+1pa+li:an+ism pos n. Episcopalian 1. syl E:pis+co+pa+li:an pron pos adj. def belonging to or de?!noting the Episcopal Church. Episcopalian 2. syl E:pis+co+pa+li:an pron pos n. def a member or adherent of this Church. episcopalism 0. syl e:pis+co+pal+ism pron pos n. def the belief that a Church should be governed by bishops. episcopate 1. syl e:pis+co+pate pron , <-2pAt> pos n. def the office, status, or term of office of a bishop. episcopate 2. syl e:pis+co+pate pron , <-2pAt> pos n. def bishops collectively. episcope 0. syl ep:i+scope pron <1epi2sk*up> pos n. qual Brit. def an optical device that projects an enlarged image of an opaque object, such as a printed page or photographic print, onto a screen by means of reflected light. U.S. name: {opaque projector}. See also {epidiascope}. episematic 0. syl ep:i+se:mat+ic pron <2episi1m@tik> pos adj. usage Zoology. esp. of coloration def aiding recognition between animals of the same species. episiotomy ety C20: from episio-, from Greek epision pubic region+-#7tomy episiotomies infl head episiotomy syl ep:i+si+ot:o+mies. pos n. mod pl. episiotomy 0. syl ep:i+si+ot:o+my pron <*2pEzi1ot*mi> pos n. def surgical incision into the perineum during the late stages of labour to prevent its laceration during childbirth. episode ety C17: from Greek epeisodion something added, from epi- (in addition)+ eisodios coming in, from eis- in+ hodos road episode 1. syl ep:i+sode pron <1epi2s*ud> pos n. def an incident, event, or series of events. episode 2. syl ep:i+sode pron <1epi2s*ud> pos n. def any one of the sections into which a serialized novel or radio or television programme is divided. episode 3. syl ep:i+sode pron <1epi2s*ud> pos n. def an incident, sequence, or scene that forms part of a narrative but may be a digression from the main story. episode 4. syl ep:i+sode pron <1epi2s*ud> pos n. usage in ancient Greek tragedy def a section between two choric songs. episode 5. syl ep:i+sode pron <1epi2s*ud> pos n. qual Music. def a contrasting section between statements of the subject, as in a fugue or rondo. episodical alt head episodic or episodic syl ep:i+sod:i+cal pos adj. episodic 1. or episodical syl ep:i+sod+ic pron <2epi1sodik> pos adj. def resembling or relating to an episode. episodic 2. or episodical syl ep:i+sod+ic pron <2epi1sodik> pos adj. def divided into or composed of episodes. episodic 3. or episodical syl ep:i+sod+ic pron <2epi1sodik> pos adj. def irregular, occasional, or sporadic. episodically sub head episodic syl ep:i+1sod:i+cal+ly pos adv. episome 0. syl ep:i+some pron <1epi2s*um> pos n. def any of various genetic particles, esp. viruses, that occur in bacteria and replicate either independ?!ently or in association with the chromosome. epispastic ety C17: from Greek epispastikos, from epispan to attract, from span to draw; alluding to the ancient belief that blisters consisted of humours drawn to the surface of the skin infl head epispastic syl ~ pos adj. qual Med. epispastic 1. syl ep:i+spas+tic pron <2epi1sp@stik> pos adj. def producing a serous discharge or a blister. {~} epispastic 2. syl ep:i+spas+tic pron <2epi1sp@stik> pos adj. def an epispastic agent. Epist 0. syl Epist. qual Bible. abbrev. for def Epistle. epistasis ety C19: from Greek: a stopping, from ephistanai to stop, from #7epi -#7+ histanai to put epistasis 1. syl e:pi+sta+sis pron pos n. def scum on the surface of a liquid, esp. on an old specimen of urine. epistasis 2. syl e:pi+sta+sis pron pos n. qual Med. def the arrest or checking of a bodily discharge, esp. bleeding. epistasis 3. syl e:pi+sta+sis pron pos n. def Also called: {hypostasis}. the suppression by a gene of the effect of another gene that is not its allele. epistatic sub head epistasis syl ep:i+stat+ic pron <2epi1st@tik> pos adj. epistaxis ety C18: from Greek: a dropping, from epistazein to drop on, from stazein to drip epistaxis 0. syl e:pi+stax+is pron <2epi1st@ksis> pos n. def the technical name for {nosebleed}. epistemic ety C20: from Greek epist*_em*_e knowledge &- @!ep+is+#!tem@.i+cal+ly adv. epistemic 1. syl ep+is+tem+ic pron <2epi1stEmik> pos adj. def of or relating to knowledge or epistemology. epistemic 2. syl ep+is+tem+ic pron <2epi1stEmik> pos adj. def denoting the branch of modal logic that deals with the formalization of certain epistemological concepts, such as knowledge, certainty, and ignorance. {~} See also {doxastic}. epistemology ety C19: from Greek epist*_em*_e knowledge epistemology 0. syl e:pis+te:mol+o:gy pron pos n. def the theory of knowledge, esp. the critical study of its validity, methods, and scope. epistemological sub head epistemology syl e:pis+te:mo+log:i+cal pron pos adj. epistemologically sub head epistemology syl e:2pis+te:mo+1log:i+cal+ly pos adv. epistemologist sub head epistemology syl e:2pis+te:1mol:o+gist pos n. episterna infl head episternum syl ep:i+ster+na pron <-n*> pos n. mod pl. episternum 1. syl ep:i+ster+num pron <2epi1stR:n*m> pos n. def the manubrium of the sternum in mammals. episternum 2. syl ep:i+ster+num pron <2epi1stR:n*m> pos n. def another name for {interclavicle}. &- {@!ep@.i+#!ster+nal} epistle ety Old English epistol, via Latin from Greek epistol*_e, from epistellein to send to, from stellein to prepare, send epistle 1. syl e:pis+tle pron pos n. def a letter, esp. one that is long, formal, or didactic. epistle 2. syl e:pis+tle pron pos n. def a literary work in letter form, esp. a dedicatory verse letter of a type originated by Horace. Epistle 1. syl E:pis+tle pron pos n. qual New Testament. def any of the apostolic letters of Saints Paul, Peter, James, Jude, or John. Epistle 2. syl E:pis+tle pron pos n. def a reading from one of the Epistles, forming part of the Eucharistic service in many Christian Churches. epistoler infl head epistler or epistolist syl e:pis+to+ler pron pos n. epistolist infl head epistler or epistoler syl e:pis+to+list pos n. epistler 1. syl e:pis+tler pron , pos n. usage often cap. def a writer of an epistle or epistles. epistler 2. syl e:pis+tler pron , pos n. usage often cap. def the person who reads the Epistle in a Christian religious service. epistolic infl head epistolary or epistolatory syl ep:i+stol+ic pron <2epi1stolik> pos adj. epistolatory infl head epistolary or epistolic syl e:pis+to+la+to:ry pos adj. epistolary 1. syl e:pis+to+lar:y pron pos adj. def relating to, denoting, conducted by, or contained in letters. epistolary 2. syl e:pis+to+lar:y pron pos adj. usage of a novel or other work def constructed in the form of a series of letters. epistrophe ety C17: New Latin, from Greek, from #7epi- + stroph*_e a turning epistrophe 0. syl e:pis+tro+phe pron pos n. qual Rhetoric. def repetition of a word at the end of successive clauses or sentences. epistyle ety C17: via Latin epist*_ylium from Greek epistulion, from #7epi -#7+ stulos column, #7style epistyle 0. syl ep:i+style pron <1epi2stIl> pos n. def another name for { {architrave} (sense 1).} epitaph ety C14: via Latin from Greek epitaphion, from epitaphios over a tomb, from #7epi -#7+ taphos tomb epitaph 1. syl ep:i+taph pron <1epi2ta:f>, <-2t@f> pos n. def a commemorative inscription on a tombstone or monument. epitaph 2. syl ep:i+taph pron <1epi2ta:f>, <-2t@f> pos n. def a speech or written passage composed in commemoration of a dead person. epitaph 3. syl ep:i+taph pron <1epi2ta:f>, <-2t@f> pos n. def a final judgment on a person or thing. epitaphic sub head epitaph syl ep:i+taph+ic pron <2epi1t@fik> pos adj. epitaphist sub head epitaph syl ep:i+2taph+ist pos n. epitasis ety C16: from Greek: a stretching, intensification, from teinein to stretch epitasis 0. syl e:pit:a+sis pron pos n. usage in classical drama def the part of a play in which the main action develops. Compare {protasis, {catastrophe} (sense 2).} epitaxial transistor 0. syl ep:i+tax+i:al tran+sis+tor pron <2epi1t@ksi*l> pos n. def a transistor made by depositing a thin pure layer of semiconductor material ({epitaxial layer}) onto a crystalline support by epitaxy. The layer acts as one of the electrode regions, usually the collector. epitaxis alt head epitaxy or epitaxy syl ep:i+tax+is pos n. epitaxy 0. or epitaxis syl ep:i+tax:y pron <1epi2t@ksi> pos n. def the growth of a thin layer on the surface of a crystal so that the layer has the same structure as the underlying crystal. &- {ep@.i+tax+i@.al} (@!$ep$I#!t@aks?!$I$$l) epithalamium ety C17: from Latin, from Greek epithalamion marriage song, from thalamos bridal chamber epithalamion alt head epithalamium or epithalamium syl ep:i+tha+la+mi+on pron <-mi*> pos n. epithalamia infl head epithalamium syl ep:i+tha+la+mi:a pron <-mi*> pos n. mod pl. epithalamium 0. or epithalamion syl ep:i+tha+la+mi:um pron <2epiT*1lAmi*m> pos n. def a poem or song written to celebrate a marriage; nuptial ode. epithalamic sub head epithalamium syl ep:i+tha+lam+ic pron <2epiT*1l@mik> pos adj. epitheliomas infl head epithelioma or epitheliomata syl ep:i+the:li:o+mas pron <-m*t*> pos n. mod pl. epitheliomata infl head epithelioma or epitheliomas syl ep:i+the:li:o+ma+ta pron <-m*t*> pos n. mod pl. epithelioma 0. syl ep:i+the:li:o+ma pron <2epi2TEli1*um*> pos n. qual Pathol. def a malignant tumour of epithelial tissue. epitheliomatous sub head epithelioma syl ep:i+the:li+om:a+tous pron <2ep*2TEli1om*t*s> pos adj. epithelium ety C18: New Latin, from #7epi -#7+ Greek th*_el*_e nipple epitheliums infl head epithelium or epithelia syl ep:i+the:li+ums pron <-li*> pos n. mod pl. epithelia infl head epithelium or epitheliums syl ep:i+the:li:a pron <-li*> pos n. mod pl. epithelium 0. syl ep:i+the:li:um pron <2epi1TEli*m> pos n. def an animal tissue consisting of one or more layers of closely packed cells covering the external and internal surfaces of the body. The cells vary in structure according to their function, which may be protective, secretory, or absorptive. epithelial sub head epithelium or epithelioid syl ep:i+1the:li:al pos adj. epithelioid sub head epithelium or epithelial syl ep:i+1the:li+1oid pos adj. epithet ety C16: from Latin epitheton, from Greek, from epitithenai to add, from tithenai to put epithet 0. syl ep:i+thet pron <1epi2Tet> pos n. def a descriptive word or phrase added to or substituted for a person's name. exam 1 @6Lackland@9 is an epithet for King John. epithetic sub head epithet or epithetical syl ep:i+1thet+ic pos adj. epithetical sub head epithet or epithetic syl ep:i+1thet:i+cal pos adj. epitome ety C16: via Latin from Greek epitom*_e, from epitemnein to abridge, from #7epi -#7+ temnein to cut epitome 1. syl e:pit:o+me pron pos n. def a typical example of a characteristic or class; embodiment; personification. exam 1 he is the epitome of sloth. epitome 2. syl e:pit:o+me pron pos n. def a summary of a written work; abstract. epitomical sub head epitome or epitomic syl ep:i+tom:i+cal pron <2epi1tomikL> pos adj. epitomic sub head epitome or epitomical syl 2ep:i+1tom+ic pos adj. epitomise alt head epitomize or epitomize syl e:pit:o+mise pron pos vb. mod tr. epitomize 1. or epitomise syl e:pit:o+mize pron pos vb. mod tr. def to be a personification of; typify. epitomize 2. or epitomise syl e:pit:o+mize pron pos vb. mod tr. def to make an epitome of. epitomist sub head epitomize syl e:1pit:o+mist pos n. epitomization sub head epitomize or epitomisation syl e:2pit:o+mi+1za+tion pos n. epitomisation sub head epitomize or epitomization syl e:2pit:o+mi+1sa+tion pos n. epitomizer sub head epitomize or epitomiser syl e:1pit:o+2miz+er pos n. epitomiser sub head epitomize or epitomizer syl e:1pit:o+2mis+er pos n. epizoic 0. syl ep:i+zo+ic pron <2epi1z*uik> pos adj. usage of an animal or plant def growing or living on the exterior of a living animal. epizoism sub head epizoic syl ep:i+1zo+ism pos n. epizoite sub head epizoic syl ep:i+zo+ite pron <2epi1z*uIt> pos n. epizoon ety C19: New Latin, from #7epi -#7+ Greek z*_oion animal epizoa infl head epizoon syl ep:i+zo:a pron <-1z*u*> pos n. mod pl. epizoon 0. syl ep:i+zo+on pron <2epi1z*uon> pos n. def an animal, such as a parasite, that lives on the body of another animal. epizootic 1. syl ep:i+zo+ot+ic pron <2epiz*u1otik> pos adj. usage of a disease def suddenly and temporarily affecting a large number of animals. {~} epizootic 2. syl ep:i+zo+ot+ic pron <2epiz*u1otik> pos adj. def an epizootic disease. Compare {enzootic}. epizootically sub head epizootic syl ep:i+zo+1ot:i+cal+ly pos adv. EPNS 0. syl E.P.N.S. qual abbrev. for def electroplated nickel silver. epoch ety C17: from New Latin epocha, from Greek epokh*_e cessation; related to ekhein to hold, have epoch 1. syl e:poch pron <1Epok> pos n. def a point in time beginning a new or distinctive period. exam 1 the invention of nuclear weapons marked an epoch in the history of warfare. epoch 2. syl e:poch pron <1Epok> pos n. def a long period of time marked by some predominant or typical characteristic; era. epoch 3. syl e:poch pron <1Epok> pos n. qual Astronomy. def a precise date to which information, such as coordinates, relating to a celestial body is referred. epoch 4. syl e:poch pron <1Epok> pos n. qual Geology. def a unit of geological time within a period during which a series of rocks is formed. exam 1 the Pleistocene epoch. epoch 5. syl e:poch pron <1Epok> pos n. qual Physics. def the displacement of an oscillating or vibrating body at zero time. epochal sub head epoch syl ep+och+al pron <1ep2okL> pos adj. epochally sub head epoch syl ep+2och+al+ly pos adv. epoch-making 0. syl e:poch-mak:ing pos adj. def of great importance; momentous. epode ety C16: via Latin from Greek ep*_oidos a singing after, from epaidein to sing after, from aidein to sing epode 1. syl ep+ode pron <1ep*ud> pos n. qual Greek prosody. def the part of a lyric ode that follows the strophe and the antistrophe. epode 2. syl ep+ode pron <1ep*ud> pos n. qual Greek prosody. def a type of lyric poem composed of couplets in which a long line is followed by a shorter one, invented by Archilochus. eponym ety C19: from Greek ep*_onumos giving a significant name &- e@.pon@.y+mous ($I#!p$An$Im$$s) or @!ep@.o+#!nym+ic adj. &- e@.#!pon@.y+mous+ly or @!ep@.o+#!nym+i@.cal+ly adv. eponym 1. syl ep:o+nym pron <1ep*nim> pos n. def a name, esp. a place name, derived from the name of a real or mythical person, as for example from eponym 2. syl ep:o+nym pron <1ep*nim> pos n. def the name of the person from which such a name is derived. exam 1 in the Middle Ages, @6Brutus@9 was thought to be the eponym of @6Britain.@9 eponymy 0. syl e:pon:y+my pron pos n. def the derivation of names of places, etc., from those of persons. 'epop'ee ety C17: from French *'epop*'ee, from Greek epopoiia, from #7epos + poiein to make 'epopoeia alt head 'epop'ee or 'epop'ee syl *'ep:o+poe:ia pron <2ep*1pE*> pos n. 'epop'ee 1. or 'epopoeia syl *'ep:o+p*'ee pron <1ep*u2pE>, French pos n. def an epic poem. 'epop'ee 2. or 'epopoeia syl *'ep:o+p*'ee pron <1ep*u2pE>, French pos n. def epic poetry in general. epos ety C19: via Latin from Greek: speech, word, epic poem, song; related to Latin v*_ox #7voice epos 1. syl ep:os pron <1epos> pos n. def a body of poetry in which the tradition of a people is conveyed, esp. a group of poems concerned with a common epic theme. epos 2. syl ep:os pron <1epos> pos n. def another word for {epic} (sense 1). epoxide ety C20: from #7epi- +#7oxide epoxide 0.a. syl e:pox+ide pron pos n. def a compound containing an oxygen atom joined to two different groups that are themselves joined to other groups. epoxide 0.b. syl e:pox+ide pron pos n. usage as modifier exam 1 epoxide resin. epoxy ety C20: from #7epi -#7+oxy - epoxy 1. syl e:pox:y pron pos adj. qual Chem. def of, consisting of, or containing an oxygen atom joined to two different groups that are themselves joined to other groups. exam 1 epoxy group. epoxy 2. syl e:pox:y pron pos adj. qual Chem. def of, relating to, or consisting of an epoxy resin. {~} {e@.pox@.ies}. epoxy 3. syl e:pox:y pron pos adj. qual Chem. def short for {epoxy resin}. epoxide resin alt head epoxy or epoxy syl e:pox+ide res+in pos n. epoxy 0. or epoxide resin syl e:pox:y pos n. def any of various tough resistant thermosetting synthetic resins containing epoxy groups: used in surface coatings, laminates, and adhesives. Epping Forest 0. syl Ep+ping For+est pron <1epiG> pos n. def a forest in E England, northeast of London: formerly a royal hunting ground. EPROM 0. syl EPROM pron <1Eprom> qual Computer technol. n. acronym for def erasable programmable read only memory. epsilon ety Greek e psilon, literally: simple e epsilon 0. syl ep+si+lon pron <1epsi2lon>, pos n. def the fifth letter of the Greek alphabet (#GE, #Ge), a short vowel, transliterated as Epsilon 0. syl Ep+si+lon pron <1epsi2lon>, pos n. usage foll. by the genitive case of a specified constellation def the fifth brightest star in a constellation. exam 1 Epsilon Aurigae. Epsom 0. syl Ep+som pron <1eps*m> pos n. def a town in SE England, in Surrey: famous for its mineral springs and for horse racing. Pop. (with Ewell): 72054 (1971). Epsom salts ety C18: named after E#7psom , where they occur naturally in the water Epsom salts 0. syl Ep+som salts pos n. def a medicinal preparation of hydrated magnesium sulphate, used as a purgative, to reduce inflammation, etc. Epstein 0. syl Ep:stein pron <1epstIn> pos n. def Sir {Ja@.cob}. 1880-1959, British sculptor, born in the U.S. of Russo-Polish parents. epyllion ety C19: from Greek, diminutive of #7epos epyllia infl head epyllion syl e:pyl+li:a pron <-li*> pos n. mod pl. epyllion 0. syl e:pyl+li+on pron pos n. def a miniature epic. eq 1. syl eq. qual abbrev. for: def equal. eq 2. syl eq. qual abbrev. for: def equation. eq 3. syl eq. qual abbrev. for: def equivalent. equable ety C17: from Latin aequ*_abilis, from aequ*_are to make equal equable 1. syl eq+ua:ble pron <1ekw*bL> pos adj. def even-tempered; placid. equable 2. syl eq+ua:ble pron <1ekw*bL> pos adj. def unvarying; uniform. exam 1 an equable climate. equability sub head equable or equableness syl eq+ua:1bil+i:ty pos n. equableness sub head equable or equability syl eq+ua:ble+ness pos n. equably sub head equable syl eq+ua:bly pos adv. equal ety C14: from Latin aequ*_alis, from aequus level, of obscure origin equal 1. syl e:qual pron <1Ekw*l> pos adj. usage often foll. by to or with def identical in size, quantity, degree, intensity, etc.; the same (as). equal 2. syl e:qual pron <1Ekw*l> pos adj. def having identical privileges, rights, status, etc.. exam 1 all men are equal before the law. equal 3. syl e:qual pron <1Ekw*l> pos adj. def having uniform effect or application. exam 1 equal opportunities. equal 4. syl e:qual pron <1Ekw*l> pos adj. def evenly balanced or proportioned. exam 1 the game was equal between the teams. equal 5. syl e:qual pron <1Ekw*l> pos adj. usage usually foll. by to def having the necessary or adequate strength, ability, means, etc. (for). exam 1 to be equal to one's work. equal 6. syl e:qual pron <1Ekw*l> pos adj. def another word for { {equivalent} (sense 3a.}). equal 7. syl e:qual pron <1Ekw*l> pos adj. qual Archaic. def tranquil; placid. equal 8. syl e:qual pron <1Ekw*l> pos n. def a person or thing equal to another, esp. in merit, ability, etc.. exam 1 he has no equal when it comes to boxing. equal 9. syl e:qual pron <1Ekw*l> pos n. mod tr. def to be equal to; correspond to; match. exam 1 my offer equals his. equal 10. syl e:qual pron <1Ekw*l> pos n. mod intr. usage usually foll. by out def to become equal or level. equal 11. syl e:qual pron <1Ekw*l> pos n. mod tr. def to make, perform, or do something equal to. exam 1 to equal the world record. equal 12. syl e:qual pron <1Ekw*l> pos n. mod tr. qual Archaic. def to make equal. equally sub head equal syl e:qual+ly pos adv. equal-area 0. syl e:qual-ar:e:a pos n. usage modifier; of a map projection def showing area accurately and therefore distorting shape and direction. Also: {homolographic}. equalitarian 0. syl e:qual:i+tar+i:an pron pos adj. n. def a less common word for {egalitarian}. equalitarianism sub head equalitarian syl e:2qual:i+1tar:i+an+ism pos n. equalities infl head equality syl e:qual:i+ties. pos n. mod pl. equality 1. syl e:qual:i+ty pron pos n. def the state of being equal. equality 2. syl e:qual:i+ty pron pos n. qual Maths. def a statement, usually an equation, indicating that quantities or expressions on either side of an equal sign are equal in value. equalise alt head equalize or equalize syl e:qual+ise pron <1Ekw*2lIz> pos vb. equalize 1. or equalise syl e:qual+ize pron <1Ekw*2lIz> pos vb. mod tr. def to make equal or uniform; regularize. equalize 2. or equalise syl e:qual+ize pron <1Ekw*2lIz> pos vb. mod intr. usage in sports def to reach the same score as one's opponent or opponents. equalization sub head equalize or equalisation syl e:qual:i+1za+tion pos n. equalisation sub head equalize or equalization syl e:qual:i+1sa+tion pos n. equaliser alt head equalizer or equalizer syl e:qual+is+er pron <1Ekw*2lIz*> pos n. equalizer 1. or equaliser syl e:qual+iz+er pron <1Ekw*2lIz*> pos n. def a person or thing that equalizes, esp. a device to counterbalance opposing forces. equalizer 2. or equaliser syl e:qual+iz+er pron <1Ekw*2lIz*> pos n. def an electronic network introduced into a transmission circuit to alter its response, esp. to reduce distortion by equalizing its response over a specified frequency range. equalizer 3. or equaliser syl e:qual+iz+er pron <1Ekw*2lIz*> pos n. qual Sport. def a goal, point, etc., that levels the score. equalizer 4. or equaliser syl e:qual+iz+er pron <1Ekw*2lIz*> pos n. qual U.S. slang. def a weapon, esp. a gun. equals sign alt head equal sign or equal sign syl e:quals sign pos n. equal sign 0. or equals sign syl e:qual sign pos n. def the symbol =, used to indicate a mathematical equality. equanimity ety C17: from Latin aequanimit*_as, from aequus even, #7equal+ animus mind, spirit equanimity 0. syl e:qua+nim+i:ty pron <2Ekw*1nimiti>, <2ekw*-> pos n. def calmness of mind or temper; composure. equanimous sub head equanimity syl e:quan:i+mous pron pos adj. equanimously sub head equanimity syl e:1quan:i+mous+ly pos adv. equate ety C15: from Latin aequ*_are to make #7equal equate 1. syl e:quate pron pos vb. mod mainly; tr. def to make or regard as equivalent or similar, esp. in order to compare or balance. equate 2. syl e:quate pron pos vb. mod mainly; tr. qual Maths. def to indicate the equality of; form an equation from. equate 3. syl e:quate pron pos vb. mod intr. def to be equal; correspond. equatable sub head equate syl e:1quat+a:ble pos adj. equatability sub head equate syl e:2quat+a:1bil+i:ty pos n. equatable sub head equate syl e:1quat+a:ble pos adj. equatability sub head equate syl e:2quat+a:1bil+i:ty pos n. equation 1. syl e:qua+tion pron , <-S*n> pos n. def a mathematical statement that two expressions are equal: it is either an {identity}, in which the variables can assume any value, or a {conditional equation}, in which the variables have only certain values (roots). equation 2. syl e:qua+tion pron , <-S*n> pos n. def the act of regarding as equal; equating. equation 3. syl e:qua+tion pron , <-S*n> pos n. def the act of making equal or balanced; equalization. equation 4. syl e:qua+tion pron , <-S*n> pos n. def the state of being equal, equivalent, or equally balanced. equation 5. syl e:qua+tion pron , <-S*n> pos n. def See {chemical equation}. equation 6. syl e:qua+tion pron , <-S*n> pos n. qual Astronomy. def See {personal equation}. equational sub head equation syl e:1qua+tion+al pos adj. equationally sub head equation syl e:1qua+tion+al+ly pos adv. equation of time 0. syl e:qua+tion of time pos n. def the difference between apparent solar time and mean solar time, being at a maximum in February (over 14 minutes) and November (over 16 minutes). equator ety C14: from Medieval Latin (circulus) aequ*_ator (diei et noctis) (circle) that equalizes (the day and night), from Latin aequ*_are to make #7equal equator 1. syl e:qua+tor pron pos n. def the great circle of the earth with a latitude of 0?%, lying equidistant from the poles; dividing the N and S hemispheres. equator 2. syl e:qua+tor pron pos n. def a circle dividing a sphere or other surface into two equal symmetrical parts. equator 3. syl e:qua+tor pron pos n. def See {magnetic equator}. equator 4. syl e:qua+tor pron pos n. qual Astronomy. def See {celestial equator}. equatorial 1. syl e:qua+to+ri:al pron <2ekw*1tc:ri*l> pos adj. def of, like, or existing at or near the equator. equatorial 2. syl e:qua+to+ri:al pron <2ekw*1tc:ri*l> pos adj. qual Astronautics. def lying in the plane of the equator. exam 1 an equatorial orbit. equatorial 3. syl e:qua+to+ri:al pron <2ekw*1tc:ri*l> pos n. def an equatorial telescope or the mounting of such a telescope. equatorially sub head equatorial syl e:qua+1to+ri+al+ly pos adv. Equatorial Guinea 0. syl E:qua+to+ri:al Guin:ea pos n. def a republic of W Africa, consisting of R*'io Muni on the mainland and the island of Macias Nguema in the Gulf of Guinea, with four smaller islands: ceded by Portugal to Spain in 1778; gained independence in 1968. Official language: Spanish. Currency: peseta. Capital: Malabo. Pop.: 310000 (1975 UN est.). Area: 28049 sq. km (10830 sq. miles). Former name (until 1964): {Spanish Guinea}. equatorial telescope 0. syl e:qua+to+ri:al tel:e+scope pos n. def an astronomical telescope that is mounted on two mutually perpendicular axes, one of which is parallel to the earth's axis. equerry ety C16: alteration (through influence of Latin equus horse) of earlier escuirie, from Old French: stable, group of squires, from escuyer #7squire equerries infl head equerry syl eq+uer+ries. pos n. mod pl. equerry 1. syl eq+uer+ry pron pos n. def an officer attendant upon the British sovereign. equerry 2. syl eq+uer+ry pron pos n. def an officer in a royal household responsible for the horses. equestrian ety C17: from Latin equestris, from eques horseman, knight, from equus horse equestrian 1. syl e:ques+tri:an pron pos adj. def of or relating to horses and riding. equestrian 2. syl e:ques+tri:an pron pos adj. def on horseback; mounted. equestrian 3. syl e:ques+tri:an pron pos adj. def depicting or representing a person on horseback. exam 1 an equestrian statue. equestrian 4. syl e:ques+tri:an pron pos adj. def of, relating to, or composed of Roman equites. equestrian 5. syl e:ques+tri:an pron pos adj. def of, relating to, or composed of knights, esp. the imperial free knights of the Holy Roman Empire. equestrian 6. syl e:ques+tri:an pron pos n. def a person skilled in riding and horsemanship. equestrianism sub head equestrian syl e:1ques+tri+an+ism pos n. equestrienne 0. syl e:ques+tri+enne pron pos n. def a female rider on horseback, esp. one in a circus who performs acrobatics. equi- 0. syl eq:ui- usage combining form. def equal or equally. exam 1 equidistant; exam 2 equi?!lateral. equiangular 0. syl e:qui+an+gu+lar pron <2Ekwi1@Ggjul*> pos adj. def having all angles equal. equidistant 0. syl e:qui+dis+tant pron <2Ekwi1dist*nt> pos adj. def distant by equal amounts from two or more places. equidistance sub head equidistant syl e:qui+1dis+tance pos n. equidistantly sub head equidistant syl e:qui+1dis+tant+ly pos adv. equilateral 1. syl e:qui+lat+e:ral pron <2Ekwi1l@t*r*l> pos adj. def having all sides of equal length. exam 1 an equilateral triangle. equilateral 2. syl e:qui+lat+e:ral pron <2Ekwi1l@t*r*l> pos n. def a geometric figure having all its sides of equal length. equilateral 3. syl e:qui+lat+e:ral pron <2Ekwi1l@t*r*l> pos n. def a side that is equal in length to other sides. equilaterally sub head equilateral syl e:qui+1lat+er+al+ly pos adv. equilibrant 0. syl e:quil:i+brant pron pos n. def a force capable of balancing another force and producing equilibrium. equilibrate ety C17: from Late Latin aequil*_ibr*_are, from aequil*_ibris in balance; see #7equilibrium equilibrate 0. syl e:quil:i+brate pron <2Ekw*1lIbrAt>, pos vb. def to bring to or be in equilibrium; balance. equilibration sub head equilibrate syl e:qui+li+bra+tion pron <2EkwilI1brAS*n>, pos n. equilibrator sub head equilibrate syl e:qui+li+bra+tor pron pos n. equilibrist 0. syl e:quil:i+brist pron pos n. def a person who performs balancing feats, esp. on a high wire. equilibristic sub head equilibrist syl e:2quil:i+1bris+tic pos adj. equilibrium ety C17: from Latin aequil*_ibrium, from aequi- #7equi -#7+ l*_ibra pound, balance equilibriums infl head equilibrium or equilibria syl e:qui+lib+ri:ums pron <-ri*> pos n. mod pl. equilibria infl head equilibrium or equilibriums syl e:qui+lib+ri:a pron <-ri*> pos n. mod pl. equilibrium 1. syl e:qui+lib+ri:um pron <2Ekwi1libri*m> pos n. def a stable condition in which forces cancel one another. equilibrium 2. syl e:qui+lib+ri:um pron <2Ekwi1libri*m> pos n. def any unchanging condition or state of a body, system, etc., resulting from the balance or cancelling out of the influences or processes to which it is subjected. See {thermodynamic equilibrium}. equilibrium 3. syl e:qui+lib+ri:um pron <2Ekwi1libri*m> pos n. qual Physics. def a state of rest or uniform motion in which there is no resultant force on a body. equilibrium 4. syl e:qui+lib+ri:um pron <2Ekwi1libri*m> pos n. qual Chem. def the condition existing when a chemical reaction and its reverse reaction take place at equal rates. equilibrium 5. syl e:qui+lib+ri:um pron <2Ekwi1libri*m> pos n. qual Physics. def the condition of a system that has its total energy distributed among its component parts in the statistically most probable manner. equilibrium 6. syl e:qui+lib+ri:um pron <2Ekwi1libri*m> pos n. qual Physiol. def a state of bodily balance, maintained primarily by special receptors in the inner ear. equilibrium 7. syl e:qui+lib+ri:um pron <2Ekwi1libri*m> pos n. def the economic condition in which there is neither excess demand nor excess supply in a market. equimolecular 0. syl e:qui+mo+lec:u+lar pron <2Ekwim*1lekjul*> pos adj. usage of substances, solutions, etc. def containing equal numbers of molecules. equine ety C18: from Latin equ*_inus, from equus horse equine 1. syl eq:uine pron <1ekwIn> pos adj. def of, relating to, or resembling a horse. equine 2. syl eq:uine pron <1ekwIn> pos adj. def of, relating to, or belonging to the family which comprises horses, zebras, and asses. equinely sub head equine syl eq:uine+ly pos adv. equinity sub head equine syl e:1quin+i:ty pos n. equine distemper 0. syl eq:uine dis+tem+per pos n. def another name for {strangles}. equinoctial ety C14: from Latin aequinocti*_alis concerning the #7equinox equinoctial 1. syl e:qui+noc+tial pron <2Ekwi1nokS*l> pos adj. def relating to or occurring at either or both equinoxes. equinoctial 2. syl e:qui+noc+tial pron <2Ekwi1nokS*l> pos adj. usage of a plant def having flowers that open and close at specific regular times. equinoctial 3. syl e:qui+noc+tial pron <2Ekwi1nokS*l> pos adj. qual Astronomy. def of or relating to the celestial equator. equinoctial 4. syl e:qui+noc+tial pron <2Ekwi1nokS*l> pos n. def a storm or gale at or near an equinox. equinoctial 5. syl e:qui+noc+tial pron <2Ekwi1nokS*l> pos n. def another name for {celestial equator}. line alt head equinoctial circle or equinoctial circle syl line pos n. equinoctial circle 0. or line syl e:qui+noc+tial cir+cle pos n. def another name for {celestial equator}. equinoctial point 0. syl e:qui+noc+tial point pos n. def either of the two points at which the celestial equator intersects the ecliptic. equinoctial year 0. syl e:qui+noc+tial year pos n. def another name for {solar year}. See {year} (sense 4). equinox ety C14: from Medieval Latin equinoxium, changed from Latin aequinoctium, from aequi- #7equi -#7+ nox night equinox 1. syl e:qui+nox pron <1Ekwi2noks> pos n. def either of the two occasions, six months apart, when day and night are of equal length. See {vernal equinox, autumnal equinox}. equinox 2. syl e:qui+nox pron <1Ekwi2noks> pos n. def another name for {equinoctial point}. equi-NP-deletion 0. syl e:qui-NP-de:le:tion pos n. usage in transformational grammar def a rule that deletes repeated noun phrases in complement clauses, thus deriving a sentence like from some such structure as Often shortened to {equi}. equip ety C16: from Old French eschiper to embark, fit out (a ship), of Germanic origin; compare Old Norse skipa to put in order, skip #7ship equips infl head equip syl e:quips pos vb. mod tr. equipping infl head equip syl e:quip+ping pos vb. mod tr. equipped infl head equip syl e:quipped. pos vb. mod tr. equip 1. syl e:quip pron pos vb. mod tr. def to furnish with (necessary supplies, etc.). equip 2. syl e:quip pron pos vb. mod tr. usage usually passive def to provide with abilities, understanding, etc.. exam 1 her son was never equipped to be a scholar. equip 3. syl e:quip pron pos vb. mod tr. def to dress out; attire. equipment sub head equip syl e:1quip+ment pos n. equipage 1. syl eq:ui+page pron <1ekwipiJ> pos n. def a horse-drawn carriage, esp. one elegantly equipped and attended by liveried footmen. equipage 2. syl eq:ui+page pron <1ekwipiJ> pos n. def the stores and equipment of a military unit. equipage 3.a. syl eq:ui+page pron <1ekwipiJ> pos n. def a set of useful articles. equipage 3.b. syl eq:ui+page pron <1ekwipiJ> pos n. def a group of attendants; retinue. equipartition 0. syl eq:ui+par+ti+tion pron <2ekwipa:1tiS*n> pos n. def the equal division of the energy of a system in thermal equilibrium between different degrees of freedom. equipoise 1. syl eq:ui+poise pron <1ekwi2pciz> pos n. def even balance of weight or other forces; equilibrium. equipoise 2. syl eq:ui+poise pron <1ekwi2pciz> pos n. def a counterbalance; counterpoise. equipoise 3. syl eq:ui+poise pron <1ekwi2pciz> pos vb. mod tr. def to offset or balance in weight or force; balance. equipollent ety C15: from Latin aequipoll*_ens of equal importance, from #7equi -#7+ poll*_ere to be able, be strong equipollent 1. syl e:qui+pol+lent pron <2Ekwi1pol*nt> pos adj. def equal or equivalent in significance, power, or effect. equipollent 2. syl e:qui+pol+lent pron <2Ekwi1pol*nt> pos adj. usage Logic. of two propositions def logically deducible from each other. {~} equipollent 3. syl e:qui+pol+lent pron <2Ekwi1pol*nt> pos adj. def something that is equipollent. equipollence sub head equipollent or equipollency syl e:qui+1pol+lence pos n. equipollency sub head equipollent or equipollence syl e:qui+1pol+len+cy pos n. equipollently sub head equipollent syl e:qui+1pol+lent+ly pos adv. equiponderate ety C17: from Medieval Latin aequiponder*_are, from Latin #7equi -#7+ ponder*_are to weigh equiponderate 0. syl e:qui+pon+der+ate pron <2Ekwi1pond*2rAt> pos vb. mod tr. def to equal or balance in weight, power, force, etc.; offset; counterbalance. equiponderance sub head equiponderate or equiponderancy syl e:qui+1pon+der+ance pos n. equiponderancy sub head equiponderate or equiponderance syl e:qui+1pon+der+an+cy pos n. equiponderant sub head equiponderate syl e:qui+1pon+der+ant pos adj. equipotential 1. syl e:qui+po+ten+tial pron <2Ekwip*1tenS*l> pos adj. def having the same electric potential or uniform electric potential. equipotential 2. syl e:qui+po+ten+tial pron <2Ekwip*1tenS*l> pos adj. def Also: {e@.qui+po+tent} (@!i$:kw$I#!p$$$ut#Nt). equivalent in power or effect. {~} equipotential 3. syl e:qui+po+ten+tial pron <2Ekwip*1tenS*l> pos adj. def an equipotential line or surface. equipotentiality sub head equipotential syl e:qui+po+2ten+ti+1al+i:ty pos n. equiprobable 0. syl e:qui+prob+a:ble pron <2Ekwi1prob*bL> pos adj. def equally probable. &- {@!e@.qui+@!prob@.a+#!bil+i@.ty} equisetum ety C19: New Latin, changed from Latin equisaetum, from equus horse+ saeta bristle equisetums infl head equisetum or equiseta syl eq:ui+se:tums pron <-t*> pos n. mod pl. equiseta infl head equisetum or equisetums syl eq:ui+se:ta pron <-t*> pos n. mod pl. equisetum 0. syl eq:ui+se:tum pron <2ekwi1sEt*m> pos n. def any pteridophyte plant of the genus which comprises the horsetails. equitable ety C17: from French *'equitable, from *'equit*'e #7equity equitable 1. syl eq:ui+ta:ble pron <1ekwit*bL> pos adj. def impartial or reasonable; fair; just. exam 1 an equitable decision. equitable 2. syl eq:ui+ta:ble pron <1ekwit*bL> pos adj. qual Law. def relating to or valid in equity, as distinct from common law or statute law. equitable 3. syl eq:ui+ta:ble pron <1ekwit*bL> pos adj. usage Law. formerly def recognized in a court of equity only, as claims, rights, etc. equitableness sub head equitable syl eq:ui+ta:ble+ness pos n. equitably sub head equitable syl eq:ui+ta:bly pos adv. equitant ety C19: from Latin equit*_ans riding, from equit*_are to ride, from equus horse equitant 0. syl eq:ui+tant pron <1ekwitNt> pos adj. usage of a leaf def having the base folded around the stem so that it overlaps the leaf above and opposite. equitation ety C16: from Latin equit*_ati*_o, from equit*_are to ride, from equus horse equitation 0. syl eq:ui+ta+tion pron <2ekwi1tAS*n> pos n. def the study and practice of riding and horsemanship. equites ety from Latin, plural of eques horseman, from equus horse equites 1. syl eq:ui+tes pron <1ekwi2tEz> pos n. mod pl. usage in ancient Rome def the cavalry. equites 2. syl eq:ui+tes pron <1ekwi2tEz> pos n. mod pl. usage in ancient Rome def members of a social order distinguished by wealth and ranking just below the senators. {~} Also called: {knights}. equities 0. syl eq:ui+ties pron <1ekwitiz> pos n. mod pl. def another name for {ordinary shares}. equity ety C14: from Old French equite, from Latin aequit*_as, from aequus level, #7equal equities infl head equity syl eq:ui+ties. pos n. mod pl. equity 1. syl eq:ui+ty pron <1ekwiti> pos n. def the quality of being impartial or reasonable; fairness. equity 2. syl eq:ui+ty pron <1ekwiti> pos n. def an impartial or fair act, decision, etc. equity 3. syl eq:ui+ty pron <1ekwiti> pos n. qual Law. def a system of jurisprudence founded on principles of natural justice and fair conduct. It supplements the common law and mitigates its inflexibility, as by providing a remedy where none exists at law. equity 4. syl eq:ui+ty pron <1ekwiti> pos n. qual Law. def an equitable right or claim. exam 1 equity of redemption. equity 5. syl eq:ui+ty pron <1ekwiti> pos n. def the interest of ordinary shareholders in a company. equity 6. syl eq:ui+ty pron <1ekwiti> pos n. def the market value of a debtor's property in excess of all debts to which it is liable. Equity 0. syl Eq:ui+ty pron <1ekwiti> pos n. qual Brit. def the actors' trade union. Full name: {Actors' Equity Association}. equity of redemption 0. syl eq:ui+ty of re+demp+tion pos n. qual Property law. def the right that a mortgager has in equity to redeem his property on payment of the sum owing, even though the sum is overdue. See also {foreclose}. equiv 0. syl equiv. qual abbrev. for def equivalent. equivalency alt head equivalence or equivalence syl e:quiv:a+len+cy pos n. equivalence 1. or equivalency syl e:quiv:a+lence pron pos n. def the state of being equivalent or interchangeable. equivalence 2. or equivalency syl e:quiv:a+lence pron pos n. qual Maths, logic. def a relation, interpreted as meaning between two single or compound propositions, which are either both true or both false and such that each implies the other. Symbol: $=#800281 or $>#800282#800283, as in &- $V#800284 $=#800285&- $V#800286&- or $>#800287#800288 equivalence 3. or equivalency syl e:quiv:a+lence pron pos n. qual Logic. def a function of two propositions that takes the value either when both propositions are true or both are false, and the value otherwise. {~} Also called (for senses 2, 3): {biconditional}. equivalence alt head equivalency or equivalency syl eq:ui+va+lence pos n. equivalency 0. or equivalence syl eq:ui+va+len+cy pron <2ekwi1vAl*nsi> pos n. qual Chem. def the state of having equal valencies. equivalent sub head equivalency syl eq:ui+1va+lent pos adj. equivalent ety C15: from Late Latin aequival*_ens, from aequival*_ere to be equally significant, from Latin aequi- #7equi -#7+ val*_ere to be worth equivalent 1. syl e:quiv:a+lent pron pos adj. def equal or interchangeable in value, quantity, significance, etc. equivalent 2. syl e:quiv:a+lent pron pos adj. def having the same or a similar effect or meaning. equivalent 3.a. syl e:quiv:a+lent pron pos adj. usage of two geometric figures def having a particular property in common; equal. equivalent 3.b. syl e:quiv:a+lent pron pos adj. usage of two equations or inequalities def having the same set of solutions. equivalent 3.c. syl e:quiv:a+lent pron pos adj. usage of two sets def having the same cardinal number. equivalent 4. syl e:quiv:a+lent pron pos adj. usage Maths, logic. of two propositions def having an equivalence between them. equivalent 5. syl e:quiv:a+lent pron pos n. def something that is equivalent. equivalent 6. syl e:quiv:a+lent pron pos n. def short for {equivalent weight}. equivalently sub head equivalent syl e:1quiv:a+lent+ly pos adv. equivalent circuit 0. syl e:quiv:a+lent cir+cuit pos n. def an arrangement of simple electrical components that is electrically equivalent to a complex circuit and is used to simplify circuit analysis. equivalent focal length 0. syl e:quiv:a+lent fo+cal length pos n. qual Optics. def the ratio of the size of an image of a small distant object near the optical axis to the angular distance of the object in radians. equivalent weight 0. syl e:quiv:a+lent weight pos n. def the weight of an element or compound that will combine with or displace 8 grams of oxygen or 1.00797 grams of hydrogen. Also called: {gram equivalent}. equivocal ety C17: from Late Latin aequivocus, from Latin #7equi -#7+ v*_ox voice equivocal 1. syl e:quiv:o+cal pron pos adj. def capable of varying interpre?!tations; ambiguous. equivocal 2. syl e:quiv:o+cal pron pos adj. def deliberately misleading or vague; evasive. equivocal 3. syl e:quiv:o+cal pron pos adj. def of doubtful character or sincerity; dubious. equivocally sub head equivocal syl e:1quiv:o+cal+ly pos adv. equivocality sub head equivocal or equivocacy syl e:2quiv:o+1cal+i:ty pron pos n. equivocacy sub head equivocal or equivocality syl e:quiv:o+ca+cy pron pos n. equivocalness sub head equivocal syl e:1quiv:o+cal+ness pos n. equivocate ety C15: from Medieval Latin aequivoc*_are, from Late Latin aequivocus ambiguous, #7equivocal equivocate 0. syl e:quiv:o+cate pron pos vb. mod intr. def to use vague or ambiguous language, esp. in order to avoid speaking directly or honestly; hedge. equivocatingly sub head equivocate syl e:1quiv:o+2cat+ing+ly pos adv. equivocatory sub head equivocate syl e:1quiv:o+ca+to:ry pos adj. equivoque ety C14 equivoc #7equivocal equivoke alt head equivoque or equivoque syl eq:ui+voke pron <1ekwi2v*uk> pos n. equivoque 1. or equivoke syl eq:ui+voque pron <1ekwi2v*uk> pos n. def a play on words; pun. equivoque 2. or equivoke syl eq:ui+voque pron <1ekwi2v*uk> pos n. def an ambiguous phrase or expression. equivoque 3. or equivoke syl eq:ui+voque pron <1ekwi2v*uk> pos n. def double meaning; ambiguity. Equuleus ety from Latin: a young horse, from equus horse Equulei infl head Equuleus syl E:quul:e:i pron pos n. qual Latin genitive Equuleus 0. syl E:quul+e:us pron pos n. def a small faint constellation in the N hemisphere between Pegasus and Aquarius. er 0. syl er pron <*>, pos interj. def a sound made when hesitating in speech. Er 0. syl Er usage the chemical symbol for def erbium. ER ety Latin: Queen Elizabeth ER ety Latin: King Edward ER 1. syl E.R. qual abbrev. for: def Elizabeth Regina. ER 2. syl E.R. qual abbrev. for: def Eduardus Rex. -er ety Old English -ere; related to German -er, Latin -*_arius -er H1.0. syl -er exam 1 suffix forming nouns. -er H1.1. syl -er def a person or thing that performs a specified action. exam 1 reader; exam 2 decanter; exam 3 lighter. -er H1.2. syl -er def a person engaged in a profession, occupation, etc.. exam 1 writer; exam 2 baker; exam 3 bootlegger. -er H1.3. syl -er def a native or inhabitant of. exam 1 islander; exam 2 Londoner; exam 3 villager. -er H1.4. syl -er def a person or thing having a certain characteristic. exam 1 newcomer; exam 2 double-decker; exam 3 fiver. -er ety Old English -rd, -re (adj.), -or (adv.) -er H2.0. syl -er pos suffix. def forming the comparative degree of adjectives etc.) and adverbs etc.) era ety C17: from Latin aera counters, plural of aes brass, pieces of brass money era 1. syl e:ra pron <1i*r*> pos n. def a period of time considered as being of a distinctive character; epoch. era 2. syl e:ra pron <1i*r*> pos n. def an extended period of time the years of which are numbered from a fixed point or event. exam 1 the Christian era. era 3. syl e:ra pron <1i*r*> pos n. def a point in time, esp. one beginning a new or distinctive period. exam 1 the discovery of antibiotics marked an era in modern medicine. era 4. syl e:ra pron <1i*r*> pos n. qual Geology. def a major division of geological time, divided into several periods. exam 1 the Mesozoic era. eradiate 0. syl e:ra+di+ate pron pos vb. def a less common word for {radiate}. Compare {irradiate}. eradiation sub head eradiate syl e:2ra+di:1a+tion pos n. eradicate ety C16: from Latin *_er*_ad*_ic*_are to uproot, from #7ex -#7+ r*_ad*_ix root eradicate 1. syl e:rad:i+cate pron pos vb. mod tr. def to obliterate; stamp out. eradicate 2. syl e:rad:i+cate pron pos vb. mod tr. def to pull or tear up by the roots. eradicable sub head eradicate syl e:1rad:i+ca:ble pos adj. eradicably sub head eradicate syl e:1rad:i+ca:bly pos adv. eradication sub head eradicate syl e:2rad:i+1ca+tion pos n. eradicative sub head eradicate syl e:1rad:i+ca+tive pos adj. eradicator sub head eradicate syl e:1rad:i+2ca+tor pos n. erase ety C17: from Latin *_er*_adere to scrape off, from #7ex -#7+ r*_adere to scratch, scrape erase 1. syl e:rase pron pos vb. def to obliterate or rub out (something written, typed, etc.). erase 2. syl e:rase pron pos vb. mod tr. def to destroy all traces of; remove completely. exam 1 time erases grief. erase 3. syl e:rase pron pos vb. def to remove (a recording) from (magnetic tape). erase 4. syl e:rase pron pos vb. mod tr. qual Computer technol. def to replace (data) on a storage device with characters representing an absence of data. erasable sub head erase syl e:1ras+a:ble pos adj. eraser 0. syl e:ras+er pron pos n. def an object, such as a piece of rubber or felt, used for erasing something written, typed, etc.. exam 1 a pencil eraser. erasion 1. syl e:ra+sion pron pos n. def the act of erasing; erasure. erasion 2. syl e:ra+sion pron pos n. def the surgical scraping away of tissue, esp. of bone. Desiderius infl head Erasmus syl Des:i:der:i:us pron <2dezi1di*ri*s> pos n. Erasmus 0. syl E:ras:mus pron pos n. def original name ??1466-1536, Dutch humanist, the leading scholar of the Renaissance in northern Europe. He published the first Greek edition of the New Testament in 1516; his other works include the satirical (1509); (1519), a series of dialogues; and an attack on the theology of Luther, (1524). Erastianism ety C17: named after Thomas Erastus (1524-83), Swiss theologian to whom such views were attributed Erastianism 0. syl E:ras+ti+an+ism pron pos n. def the theory that the state should have authority over the church in ecclesiastical matters. Erastian sub head Erastianism syl E:1ras+ti:an pos adj. erasure 1. syl e:ras+ure pron pos n. def the act or an instance of erasing. erasure 2. syl e:ras+ure pron pos n. def the place or mark, as on a piece of paper, where something has been erased. Erato 0. syl Er:a:to pron <1er*2t*u> pos n. qual Greek myth. def the Muse of love poetry. Eratosthenes 0. syl Er:a:tos:the:nes pron <2er*1tosTi2nEz> pos n. def ??276-??194 #7b.c., Greek mathematician and astronomer, who calculated the circumference of the earth by observing the angle of the sun's rays at different places. Irbil infl head Erbil or Arbil syl Ir+bil pron <1R:bil> pos n. Arbil infl head Erbil or Irbil syl Ar+bil pos n. Erbil 0. syl Er+bil pron <1R:bil> pos n. def a city in N Iraq: important in Assyrian times. Pop.: 107400 (1970 est.). Ancient name: {Arbela}. erbium ety C19: from New Latin, from (Ytt) erb (y) , Sweden, where it was first found+-#7ium erbium 0. syl er+bi:um pron <1R:bi*m> pos n. def a soft malleable silvery-white element of the lanthanide series of metals: used in special alloys, room-temperature lasers, and as a pigment. Symbol: Er; atomic no.: 68; atomic wt.: 167.26; valency: 3; relative density: 9.045; melting pt.: 1522?%C; boiling pt.: 2510?%C. Erciyas Daugi 0. syl Er+ci+yas Da:*ugi pron Turkish <1erJijas> pos n. def an extinct volcano in central Turkey. Height 3916 m (12923 ft.). ere ety Old English *_@ar; related to Old Norse *_ar early, Gothic airis earlier, Old High German *_er earlier, Greek eri early ere 0. syl ere pron pos conj. prep. def a poetic word for {before}. Erebus H1.1. syl Er:e:bus pron <1erib*s> pos n. qual Greek myth. def the god of darkness, son of Chaos and brother of Night. Erebus H1.2. syl Er:e:bus pron <1erib*s> pos n. qual Greek myth. def the darkness below the earth, thought to be the abode of the dead or the region they pass through on their way to Hades. Mount infl head Erebus syl Mount. pos n. Erebus H2.0. syl Er+e:bus pron <1erib*s> pos n. def a volcano in Antarctica, on Ross Island: discovered by Sir James Ross in 1841 and named after his ship. Height: 3794 m (12520 ft.). Erechtheion alt head Erechtheum or Erechtheum syl E:rech+thei+on pron , <2er*k1TE*n> pos n. Erechtheum 0. or Erechtheion syl E:rech+the:um pron , <2er*k1TE*m> pos n. def a temple on the Acropolis at Athens, which has a porch of caryatids. Erechtheus 0. syl E:rech:theus pron , <-Ti*s> pos n. qual Greek myth. def a king of Athens who sacrificed one of his daughters because the oracle at Delphi said this was the only way to win the war against the Eleusinians. erect ety C14: from Latin *_erigere to set up, from regere to control, govern erect 1. syl e:rect pron pos adj. def upright in posture or position; not bent or leaning. exam 1 an erect stance. erect 2. syl e:rect pron pos adj. usage of an optical image def having the same orientation as the object; not inverted. erect 3. syl e:rect pron pos adj. usage Physiol. of the penis, clitoris, or nipples def firm or rigid after swelling with blood, esp. as a result of sexual excitement. erect 4. syl e:rect pron pos adj. usage of plant parts def growing vertically or at right angles to the parts from which they arise. erect 5. syl e:rect pron pos vb. mod mainly; tr. def to put up; construct; build. erect 6. syl e:rect pron pos vb. mod mainly; tr. def to raise to an upright position; lift up. exam 1 to erect a flagpole. erect 7. syl e:rect pron pos vb. mod mainly; tr. def to found or form; set up. erect 8. syl e:rect pron pos vb. mod also; intr. qual Physiol. def to become or cause to become firm or rigid by filling with blood. erect 9. syl e:rect pron pos vb. mod mainly; tr. def to hold up as an ideal; exalt. erect 10. syl e:rect pron pos vb. mod mainly; tr. qual Optics. def to change (an inverted image) to an upright position. erect 11. syl e:rect pron pos vb. mod mainly; tr. def to draw or construct (a line, figure, etc.) on a given line or figure, esp. at right angles to it. erectable sub head erect syl e:1rect+a:ble pos adj. erecter sub head erect syl e:1rect+er pos n. erectly sub head erect syl e:1rect+ly pos adv. erectness sub head erect syl e:1rect+?!ness pos n. erectile 1. syl e:rec+tile pron pos adj. usage Physiol. of tissues or organs, such as the penis or clitoris def capable of becoming rigid or erect as the result of being filled with blood. erectile 2. syl e:rec+tile pron pos adj. def capable of being erected. erectility sub head erectile syl e:rec+til+i:ty pron , <2Erek-> pos n. erection 1. syl e:rec+tion pron pos n. def the act of erecting or the state of being erected. erection 2. syl e:rec+tion pron pos n. def something that has been erected; a building or construction. erection 3. syl e:rec+tion pron pos n. qual Physiol. def the enlarged state or condition of erectile tissues or organs, esp. the penis, when filled with blood. erection 4. syl e:rec+tion pron pos n. def an erect penis. erecter alt head erector or erector syl e:rect+er pron pos n. erector 1. or erecter syl e:rec+tor pron pos n. qual Anatomy. def any muscle that raises a part or makes it erect. erector 2. or erecter syl e:rec+tor pron pos n. def a person or thing that erects. layer alt head E region or E region syl lay+er pos n. E region 0. or layer syl E re+gion pos n. def a region of the ionosphere, extending from a height of 90 to about 150 kilometres. It reflects radio waves of medium wavelength. Also called: {Heaviside layer, Kennelly-Heaviside layer}. See also {ionosphere}. erelong 0. syl ere+long pron pos adv. qual Archaic or poetic. def before long; soon. eremite ety C13: see #7hermit eremite 0. syl er+e:mite pron <1eri2mIt> pos n. def a Christian hermit or recluse. Compare {coenobite}. eremitic sub head eremite syl er+e:mit+ic pron <2eri1mitik> eremitism sub head eremite syl er+e:mit+ism pron <1erimI2tiz*m> pos n. Erenburg 0. syl E:ren:burg pron <1er*nbR:g>, Russian pos n. def a variant spelling of (Ilya Grigorievich) {Ehrenburg}. erepsin ety C20: er-, from Latin *_eripere to snatch (from rapere to seize)+(#7p) #7epsin erepsin 0. syl e:rep+sin pron pos n. def a mixture of proteolytic enzymes secreted by the small intestine. erethism ety C18: from French *'er*'ethisme, from Greek erethismos irritation, from erethizein to excite, irritate erethism 1. syl er+e:thism pron <1eri2Tiz*m> pos n. qual Physiol. def an abnormally high degree of irritability or sensitivity in any part of the body. erethism 2. syl er+e:thism pron <1eri2Tiz*m> pos n. qual Pyschiatry. def an abnormal tendency to become aroused quickly, esp. sexually, as the result of a verbal or psychic stimulus. erethismic sub head erethism syl er+e:1this+mic pos adj. erethistic sub head erethism or erethitic syl er+e:1this+tic pos adj. erethitic sub head erethism or erethistic syl er+e:1thit+ic pos adj. Erevan 0. syl E:re+van pron Russian pos n. def a variant spelling of {Yerevan}. erewhiles alt head erewhile or erewhile syl ere+whiles pos adv. erewhile 0. or erewhiles syl ere+while pron pos adv. qual Archaic. def a short time ago; a little while before. Erfurt 0. syl Er+furt pron German <1erfurt> pos n. def an industrial city in SW East Germany: university (1392). Pop.: 203190 (1975 est.). erg ety C19: from Greek ergon work erg H1.0. syl erg pron pos n. def the cgs unit of work or energy; the work done when the point of application of a force of 1 dyne is displaced through 1 centimetre in the direction of the force. 1 erg is equivalent to 10-%7 joule. erg ety C19: from Arabic `irj ergs infl head erg or areg syl ergs pos n. mod pl. areg infl head erg or ergs syl a:reg. pos n. mod pl. erg H2.0. syl erg pron pos n. def an area of shifting sand dunes in a desert, esp. the Sahara. ergastoplasm 0. syl er+gas+to+plasm pron pos n. def a former name for {endoplasmic reticulum}. ergatocracy ety C20: from Greek ergat*_es a workman, from ergon work, deed+-#7cracy ergatocracies infl head ergatocracy syl er+ga+toc+ra+cies. pos n. mod pl. ergatocracy 0. syl er+ga+toc+ra+cy pron <2R:g*1tokr*si> pos n. qual Rare. def government by the workers. ergo ety C14: from Latin: therefore ergo 0. syl er:go pron <1R:g*u> usage sentence connector. def therefore; hence. ergograph 0. syl er+go+graph pron <1R:g*2gra:f>, <-2gr@f> pos n. def an instrument that measures and records the amount of work a muscle does during contraction, its rate of fatigue, etc. ergometer ety C20: from Greek ergon work+-#7meter ergometer 0. syl er+gom+e:ter pron pos n. def a dynamometer. ergonomics ety C20: from Greek ergon work+(#7eco) #7nomics &- @!er+go+#!nom+ic adj. &- er+gon@.o+mist ($z$:#!g$An$$m$Ist) n. ergonomics 0. syl er+go+nom+ics pron <2R:g*1nomiks> pos n. mod functioning as; sing. def the study of the relationship between workers and their environment. U.S. name: {biotechnology}. ergosterol 0. syl er+gos+te:rol pron pos n. def a plant sterol that is converted into vitamin D by the action of ultraviolet radiation. Formula: C\2\8H\4\3OH. ergot ety C17: from French: spur (of a cock), of unknown origin ergot 1. syl er+got pron <1R:g*t>, <-got> pos n. def a disease of cereals and other grasses caused by ascomycete fungi of the genus esp. in which the seeds or grain of the plants are replaced by the spore-containing bodies (sclerotia) of the fungus. ergot 2. syl er+got pron <1R:g*t>, <-got> pos n. def any fungus causing this disease. ergot 3. syl er+got pron <1R:g*t>, <-got> pos n. def the dried sclerotia of used as the source of certain alkaloids used to treat haemorrhage, facilitate uterine contraction in childbirth, etc. ergotism 0. syl er+got+ism pron <1R:g*2tiz*m> pos n. def ergot poisoning, producing either burning pains and eventually gangrene in the limbs or itching skin and convulsions. Also called: {Saint Anthony's fire}. Ludwig infl head Erhard syl Lud:wig pron <1lu:tvi*,c> pos n. Erhard 0. syl Er:hard pron German <1A:rhart> pos n. def 1897-1977, German statesman: chief architect of the (@6economic miracle@9) of West Germany's recovery after World War II; chancellor (1963-66). eric ety C16: from Irish eiric eriach alt head eric or eric syl er+iach pron <1erik> pos n. eric 0. or eriach syl er:ic pron <1erik> pos n. usage in old Irish law def a fine paid by a murderer to the family of his victim. Compare {wergild}. erica ety C19: via Latin from Greek ereik*_e heath erica 0. syl er:i+ca pron <1erik*> pos n. def any shrub of the ericaceous genus including the heaths and some heathers. ericaceous ety C19: from New Latin Er*_ic*_aceae, from Latin er*_ica heath, from Greek ereik*_e ericaceous 0. syl er:i+ca+ceous pron <2eri1kAS*s> pos adj. def of, relating to, or belonging to the a family of trees and shrubs with typically bell-shaped flowers: includes heather, rhododendron, azalea, and arbutus. Ericsson alt head Ericson or Ericson syl Er:ics:son pron <1eriksN> pos n. Leif infl head Ericson syl Leif pron pos n. Ericson 0. or Ericsson syl Er:ic:son pron <1eriksN> pos n. def 10th-11th centuries #7a.d., Norse navigator, who discovered Vinland (??1000), variously identified as the coast of New England, Labrador, or Newfoundland; son of Eric the Red. Eric the Red 0. syl Er:ic the Red pron <1erik> pos n. def ??940-??1010 #7a.d., Norse navigator: discovered and colonized Greenland; father of Leif Ericson. Eridanus ety from Greek Eridanos river in Italy (sometimes identified with the Po) into which, according to legend, Pha*"ethon fell Eridani infl head Eridanus syl E:rid:a+ni pron pos n. qual Latin genitive Eridanus 0. syl E:rid:a+nus pron pos n. def a long twisting constellation in the S hemisphere extending from Orion to Hydrus and containing the first magnitude star Achernar. Erie H1.1. or Eries syl E:rie pron <1i*ri> pos n. mod pl. def a member of a North American Indian people formerly living in the region south of Lake Erie. Erie H1.2. syl E:rie pron <1i*ri> pos n. def the language of this people, belonging to the Iroquoian family. Lake 1. head Erie syl Lake. def a lake between the U.S. and Canada: the southernmost and the shallowest of the Great Lakes; empties by the Niagara River into Lake Ontario. Area: 25718 sq. km (9930 sq. miles). Erie H2.2. syl E:rie pron <1i*ri> pos n. def a port in NW Pennsylvania, on Lake Erie. Pop.: 130084 (1973 est.). Erie Canal 0. syl E:rie Ca+nal pos n. def a canal in New York State between Albany and Buffalo, linking the Hudson River with Lake Erie. Length: 579 km (360 miles). erigeron ety C17: via Latin from Greek, from *_eri early+ ger*_on old man; from the white down characteristic of some species erigeron 0. syl e:rig+er+on pron , <-1rig-> pos n. def any plant of the genus whose flowers resemble asters but have narrower rays: family (composites). See also { {fleabane} (sense 1)}. Erin ety from Old Irish *_Erinn, dative of *_Eriu Ireland Erin 0. syl E:rin pron <1i*rin>, <1e*rin> pos n. def an archaic or poetic name for {Ireland}. erinaceous ety C18: from Latin *_erin*_aceus hedgehog erinaceous 0. syl er:i+na+ceous pron <2eri1nAS*s> pos adj. def of, relating to, or resembling hedgehogs. eringoes infl head eringo or eringos syl e:rin+goes pos n. mod pl. eringos infl head eringo or eringoes syl e:rin+gos. pos n. mod pl. eringo 0. syl e:rin+go pron pos n. def a variant spelling of {eryngo}. Erinys infl head Erinyes syl E:rin+ys pron , pos n. mod sing. Erinyes 0. syl E:rin:y+es pron pos n. mod pl. qual Myth. def another name for the {Furies}. Eris 0. syl Er:is pron <1eris> pos n. qual Greek myth. def the goddess of discord, sister of Ares. eristic ety C17: from Greek eristikos, from erizein to wrangle, from eris discord eristic 1. syl er+is+tic pron pos adj. usage also def of, relating, or given to controversy or logical disputation, esp. for its own sake. eristic 2. syl er+is+tic pron pos n. usage also def a person who engages in logical disputes; a contro?!versialist. eristic 3. syl er+is+tic pron pos n. usage also def the art or practice of logical disputation, esp. if specious. Eritrea 0. syl Er:i+tre:a pron <2eri1trA*> pos n. def a province of N Ethiopia, on the Red Sea: became an Italian colony in 1890; federated with Ethiopia in 1952; secessionist movements have been engaged in civil war with the government since 1974; consists of hot and arid coastal lowlands, rising to the foothills of the Ethiopian highlands. Capital: Asmara. Pop.: 1837000 (1970 est.). Area: 117600 sq. km (45405 sq. miles). &- {@!Er@.i+#!tre@.an} Erivan 0. syl E:ri+van pron Russian pos n. def a variant spelling of {Yerevan}. erk ety C20: perhaps a corruption of A.C. (aircraftman) erk 0. syl erk pron pos n. qual Brit. slang. def an aircraftman or naval rating. Erlang ety C20: named after A. K. Erlang (died 1929), Danish mathematician Erlang 0. syl Er+lang pron <1R:l@G> pos n. def a unit of traffic intensity in a telephone system equal to the intensity for a specific period when the average number of simultaneous calls is unity. Erlangen 0. syl Er+lan+gen pron German <1erlaG*n> pos n. def a town in SW West Germany, in Bavaria: university (1743). Pop.: 85100 (1970). Joseph infl head Erlanger syl Jo:seph. pos n. Erlanger 0. syl Er:lang:er pron <1R:l@G*> pos n. def 1874-1965, U.S. physiologist. He shared a Nobel prize for medicine (1944) with Gasser for their work on the electrical signs of nervous activity. Erlenmeyer flask ety C19: named after Emil Erlenmeyer (1825-1909), German chemist Erlenmeyer flask 0. syl Er:len:mey:er flask pron <1R:l*n2mI*> pos n. def a flask, for use in a laboratory, with a narrow neck, wide base, and conical shape; conical flask. erlking ety C18: from German Erlk*"onig, literally: alder king, coined in 1778 by Herder, a mistranslation of Danish ellerkonge king of the elves erlking 0. syl erl+king pron <1R:l2kiG> pos n. qual German myth. def a malevolent spirit who carries children off to death. Ermanaric 0. syl Er:man:a:ric pron <*1m@n*rik> pos n. def died ??375 #7a.d., king of the Ostrogoths: ruled an extensive empire in eastern Europe, which was overrun by the Huns in the 370s. ermine ety C12: from Old French hermine, from Medieval Latin Armenius (m*_us) Arme?!nian (mouse) ermines infl head ermine or ermine syl er+mines pos n. mod pl. ermine infl or ermines syl er+mine. pos n. mod pl. ermine 1. syl er+mine pron <1R:min> pos n. def the stoat in northern regions, where it has a white winter coat with a black-tipped tail. ermine 2. syl er+mine pron <1R:min> pos n. def the fur of this animal. ermine 3. syl er+mine pron <1R:min> pos n. def one of the two principal furs used on heraldic shields, conventionally represented by a white field flecked with black ermine tails. Compare {vair}. ermine 4. syl er+mine pron <1R:min> pos n. def the dignity or office of a judge, noble, or king. erne ety Old English earn; related to Old Norse *"orn eagle, Old High German aro eagle, Greek ornis bird ern alt head erne or erne syl ern pron pos n. erne 0. or ern syl erne pron pos n. def another name for the (European) {sea eagle }. Erne 0. syl Erne pron pos n. def a river in N central Ireland, rising in County Cavan and flowing north across the border, through {Upper Lough Erne} and {Lower Lough Erne}, and then west to Donegal Bay. Length: about 96 km (60 miles). Ernie ety C20: acronym of Electronic Random Number Indicator Equipment Ernie 0. syl Er+nie pron <1R:ni> pos n. usage in Britain def a computer that randomly selects winning numbers of Premium Bonds. Max infl head Ernst syl Max pos n. erode ety C17: from Latin *_er*_odere, from #7ex -#7+ r*_odere to gnaw erode 1. syl e:rode pron pos vb. def to grind or wear down or away or become ground or worn down or away. erode 2. syl e:rode pron pos vb. def to deteriorate or cause to deteriorate. exam 1 jealousy eroded the relationship. erode 3. syl e:rode pron pos vb. mod tr. qual Pathol. usage usually passive def to remove (tissue) by ulceration. erodent sub head erode syl e:1rod+ent pos adj. erogenous ety C19: from Greek er*_os love, desire+-#7genous erogenic alt head erogenous or erogenous syl er:o+gen+ic pron <2er*1Jenik> pos adj. erogenous 1. or erogenic syl e:rog+e:nous pron pos adj. def sensitive to sexual stimulation. exam 1 erogenous zones of the body. erogenous 2. or erogenic syl e:rog+e:nous pron pos adj. def arousing sexual desire or giving sexual pleasure. erogeneity sub head erogenous syl e:ro+ge:ne:i+ty pron <2er*Ji?!1nEiti> pos n. Eros ety Greek: desire, sexual love Eros H1.1. syl E:ros pron <1i*ros>, <1eros> pos n. qual Greek myth. def the god of love, son of Aphrodite. Roman counterpart: {Cupid}. Eros H1.2. syl E:ros pron <1i*ros>, <1eros> pos n. def Also called: {life instinct}. (in Freudian theory) the group of instincts, esp. sexual, that govern acts of self-preservation and that tend towards uninhibited enjoyment of life. Compare {Thanatos}. Eros H2.0. syl E:ros pron <1i*ros>, <1eros> pos n. def an asteroid with a mean distance from the earth of 217 million kilometres, though it may come within 25 million kilometres. erose ety C18: from Latin *_er*_osus eaten away, from *_er*_odere to #7erode erose 0. syl e:rose pron , <-1r*uz> pos adj. def jagged or uneven, as though gnawed or bitten. exam 1 erose leaves. erosely sub head erose syl e:1rose+ly pos adv. erosion 1. syl e:ro+sion pron pos n. def the wearing away of rocks and other deposits on the earth's surface by the action of water, ice, wind, etc. erosion 2. syl e:ro+sion pron pos n. def the act or process of eroding or the state of being eroded. &- {e@.#!ro+sive} {e@.#!ro+sion+al} erotema ety C16: New Latin, from Greek, from er*_otaein to ask eroteme infl head erotema or erotesis syl er:o+teme pron <1er*u2tEm> pos n. erotesis infl head erotema or eroteme syl er:o+te:sis pron <2er*u1tEsis> pos n. erotema 0. syl er:o+te:ma pron <2er*u1tEm*> pos n. qual Rhetoric. def a rhetorical question. erotematic sub head erotema or erotetic syl er:o+te:mat+ic pron pos adj. erotetic sub head erotema or erotematic syl er:o+tet+ic pron <2er*u1tetik> pos adj. erotic ety C17: from Greek er*_otikos of love, from er*_os love erotic 1. syl e:rot+ic pron pos adj. usage also def of, concerning, or arousing sexual desire or giving sexual pleasure. erotic 2. syl e:rot+ic pron pos adj. usage also def marked by strong sexual desire or being especially sensitive to sexual stimulation. erotic 3. syl e:rot+ic pron pos n. usage also def a person who has strong sexual desires or is especially responsive to sexual stimulation. erotically sub head erotic syl e:1rot:i+cal+ly pos adv. erotica ety C19: from Greek er*_otika, neuter plural of er*_otikos #7erotic erotica 0. syl e:rot:i+ca pron pos n. def explicitly sexual literature or art. erotism alt head eroticism or eroticism syl er:o+tism pron <1er*2tiz*m> pos n. eroticism 1. or erotism syl e:rot:i+cism pron pos n. def erotic quality or nature. eroticism 2. or erotism syl e:rot:i+cism pron pos n. def the use of sexually arousing or pleasing symbolism in literature or art. eroticism 3. or erotism syl e:rot:i+cism pron pos n. def sexual excitement or desire. eroticism 4. or erotism syl e:rot:i+cism pron pos n. def a tendency to exalt sex. eroticism 5. or erotism syl e:rot:i+cism pron pos n. qual Psychol. def an overt display of sexual behaviour. eroto- ety from Greek er*_ot-, er*_os love eroto- 0. syl e:ro:to- usage combining form. def denoting erotic desire, excitement, etc.. exam 1 erotogenic; exam 2 erotology. erotogenic 0. syl e:ro+to+gen+ic pron pos adj. def originating from or causing sexual stimulation; erogenous. erotology 1. syl e:rot+ol+o:gy pron <2er*1tol*Ji> pos n. def the study of erotic stimuli and sexual behaviour. erotology 2. syl e:rot+ol+o:gy pron <2er*1tol*Ji> pos n. def a description of such stimuli and behaviour. &- {e@.rot@.o+log@.i+cal} (@!$er$$t$$#!l$Ad#f$Ik%@l) &- {@!e@.rot+#!ol@.o+gist} erotomania 0. syl e:ro+to+ma+ni:a pron pos n. def abnormally strong sexual desire. erotomaniac sub head erotomania syl e:2ro+to+1ma+ni+ac pos n. err ety C14 erren to wander, stray, from Old French errer, from Latin err*_are err 1. syl err pron pos vb. mod intr. def to make a mistake; be incorrect. err 2. syl err pron pos vb. mod intr. def to act with bias, esp. favourable bias. exam 1 to err on the side of justice. errancies infl head errancy syl er+ran+cies. pos n. mod pl. errancy 1. syl er+ran+cy pron <1er*nsi> pos n. def the state or an instance of erring or a tendency to err. errancy 2. syl er+ran+cy pron <1er*nsi> pos n. qual Christianity. def the holding of views at variance with accepted doctrine. errand ety Old English *_@arende; related to *_ar messenger, Old Norse erendi message, Old High German *_arunti, Swedish *"arende errand 1. syl er+rand pron <1er*nd> pos n. def a short trip undertaken to perform a necessary task or commission (esp. in the phrase {run errands}) . errand 2. syl er+rand pron <1er*nd> pos n. def the purpose or object of such a trip. errand boy 0. syl er+rand boy pos n. usage in Britain, esp. formerly def a boy employed by a shopkeeper to deliver goods and run other errands. errant ety C14: from Old French: journeying, from Vulgar Latin iter*_are (unattested), from Latin iter journey; influenced by Latin err*_are to #7err errant 1. syl er+rant pron <1er*nt> pos adj. qual Archaic or literary. usage often postpositive def wandering in search of adventure. errant 2. syl er+rant pron <1er*nt> pos adj. usage often postpositive def erring or straying from the right course or accepted standards. errantly sub head errant syl er+rant+ly pos adv. ries infl head errantry syl +ries. pos n. mod pl. errantry 0. syl er+rant+ry pron <1er*ntri> pos n. def the way of life of a knight errant. errata 0. syl er+ra+ta pron pos n. def the plural of {erratum.#eUsage}. is sometimes used to mean a list of errata (in a book). Careful writers and speakers usually treat the word as plural. exam 1 the errata for this book are erratic ety C14: from Latin err*_aticus, from err*_are to wander, #7err &- er+#!rat@.i+cal+ly adv. erratic 1. syl er+rat+ic pron pos adj. def irregular in performance, behaviour, or attitude; inconsistent and unpredictable. erratic 2. syl er+rat+ic pron pos adj. def having no fixed or regular course; wandering. erratic 3. syl er+rat+ic pron pos n. def a piece of rock that differs in composition, shape, etc., from the rock surrounding it, having been transported from its place of origin, esp. by glacial action. erratic 4. syl er+rat+ic pron pos n. def an erratic person or thing. erratum ety C16: from Latin: mistake, from err*_are to #7err errata infl head erratum syl er+ra+ta pron <-t*> pos n. mod pl. erratum 1. syl er+ra+tum pron pos n. def an error in writing or printing. erratum 2. syl er+ra+tum pron pos n. def another name for {corrigendum}. errhine ety C17: from Greek errhinos, from #7{en -%2}#7+ rhis nose errhine 1. syl er+rhine pron <1erIn>, <1erin> pos adj. qual Med. def causing nasal secretion. errhine 2. syl er+rhine pron <1erIn>, <1erin> pos n. qual Med. def an errhine drug or agent. Er Rif 0. syl Er Rif pron <1rif> pos n. def a mountainous region of N Morocco, near the Mediterranean coast. erroneous ety C14 (in the sense: deviating from what is right), from Latin err*_oneus, from err*_are to wander erroneous 0. syl er+ro+ne:ous pron pos adj. def based on or containing error; mistaken; incorrect. erroneously sub head erroneous syl er+1ro+ne:ous+ly pos adv. erroneousness sub head erroneous syl er+1ro+ne:ous+ness pos n. error ety C13: from Latin, from err*_are to #7err &- #!er@.ror-@!free adj. error 1. syl er+ror pron <1er*> pos n. def a mistake or inaccuracy, as in action or speech. exam 1 a typing error. error 2. syl er+ror pron <1er*> pos n. def an incorrect belief or wrong judgment. error 3. syl er+ror pron <1er*> pos n. def the condition of deviating from accuracy or correctness, as in belief, action, or speech. exam 1 he was in error about the train times. error 4. syl er+ror pron <1er*> pos n. def deviation from a moral standard; wrongdoing. exam 1 he saw the error of his ways. error of closure 0. syl er+ror of clo+sure pos n. qual Surveying. def the amount by which a computed, plotted, or observed quantity or position differs from the true or established one, esp. when plotting a closed traverse. Also called: {closing error}. ERS 0. syl ERS qual abbrev. for def earnings related supplement. ersatz ety C20: German, from ersetzen to substitute ersatz 1. syl er+satz pron <1e*z@ts>, <1R:-> pos adj. def made in imitation of some natural or genuine product; artificial. ersatz 2. syl er+satz pron <1e*z@ts>, <1R:-> pos n. def an ersatz substance or article. Erse ety C14: from Lowland Scots Erisch Irish; Irish being regarded as the literary form of Gaelic Erse 1. syl Erse pron pos n. def another name for {Gaelic}. Erse 2. syl Erse pron pos adj. def of or relating to the Gaelic language. Thomas infl head Erskine syl Thom:as pos n. Erskine 0. syl Er:skine pron <1R:skin> pos n. def 1st Baron Erskine. 1750-1823, Scottish lawyer: noted as a defence advocate, esp. in cases involving civil liberties. erst ety Old English *_@arest earliest, superlative of *_@ar early; see #7ere ; related to Old High German *_erist, Dutch eerst erst 1. syl erst pron pos adv. qual Archaic. def long ago; formerly. erst 2. syl erst pron pos adv. qual Archaic. def at first. erstwhile 1. syl erst+while pron <1R:st2wIl> pos adj. def former; one-time. exam 1 my erstwhile companions. erstwhile 2. syl erst+while pron <1R:st2wIl> pos adv. qual Archaic. def long ago; formerly. erubescence ety C18: from Latin *_erubescentia blushing, from rub*_escere to grow red, from ruber red erubescence 0. syl er:u+bes+cence pron <2eru1besNs> pos n. def the process of growing red or a condition of redness. erubescent sub head erubescence syl er:u+1bes+cent pos adj. eruct ety C17: from Latin *_eruct*_are, from ruct*_are to belch eructate alt head eruct or eruct syl e:ruc+tate pos vb. eruct 1. or eructate syl e:ruct pron pos vb. def to raise (gas and often a small quantity of acid) from the stomach; belch. eruct 2. or eructate syl e:ruct pron pos vb. usage of a volcano def to pour out (fumes or volcanic matter). eructation sub head eruct syl e:ruc+ta+tion pron , <2Er^k-> pos n. eructative sub head eruct syl e:ruc+ta+tive pron pos adj. erudite ety C15: from Latin *_erud*_itus, from *_erud*_ire to polish, from #7ex -#7+ rudis unpolished, rough erudite 0. syl er:u+dite pron <1eru2dIt> pos adj. def having or showing extensive scholarship; learned. eruditely sub head erudite syl er:u+2dite+ly pos adv. erudition sub head erudite or eruditeness syl er:u+di+tion pron <2eru1diS*n> pos n. eruditeness sub head erudite or erudition syl er:u+2dite+ness pos n. erumpent ety C17: from Latin *_erumpere to burst forth, from rumpere to shatter, burst erumpent 0. syl e:rum+pent pron pos adj. def bursting out or (esp. of plant parts) developing as though bursting through an overlying structure. erupt ety C17: from Latin *_eruptus having burst forth, from *_erumpere, from rumpere to burst erupt 1. syl e:rupt pron pos vb. def to eject (steam, water, and volcanic material such as lava and ash) violently or (of volcanic material, etc.) to be so ejected. erupt 2. syl e:rupt pron pos vb. mod intr. usage of a skin blemish def to appear on the skin; break out. erupt 3. syl e:rupt pron pos vb. mod intr. usage of a tooth def to emerge through the gum and become visible during the normal process of tooth development. erupt 4. syl e:rupt pron pos vb. mod intr. def to burst forth suddenly and violently, as from restraint. exam 1 to erupt in anger. eruptible sub head erupt syl e:1rupt+i:ble pos adj. eruptive 1. syl e:rup+tive pron pos adj. def erupting or tending to erupt. eruptive 2. syl e:rup+tive pron pos adj. def resembling or of the nature of an eruption. eruptive 3. syl e:rup+tive pron pos adj. usage of rocks def formed by solidification of magma; igneous. eruptive 4. syl e:rup+tive pron pos adj. usage of a disease def characterized by skin eruptions. eruptively sub head eruptive syl e:1rup+tive+ly pos adv. eruptivity sub head eruptive or eruptiveness syl e:2rup+1tiv+i:ty pos n. eruptiveness sub head eruptive or eruptivity syl e:1rup+tive+ness pos n. -ery ety from Old French -erie; see -#7{er %1}#7, -#7{y %3} -ry alt head -ery or -ery syl -ry -ery 0. or -ry syl -er:y exam 1 suffix forming nouns. -ery 1. or -ry syl -er:y def indicating a place of business or some other activity. exam 1 bakery; exam 2 brewery; exam 3 refinery. -ery 2. or -ry syl -er:y def indicating a class or collection of things. exam 1 cutlery; exam 2 greenery. -ery 3. or -ry syl -er:y def indicating qualities or actions collectively. exam 1 snobbery; exam 2 trickery. -ery 4. or -ry syl -er:y def indicating a practice or occupation. exam 1 husbandry. -ery 5. or -ry syl -er:y def indicating a state or condition. exam 1 slavery. Erymanthian boar 0. syl Er:y+man+thi:an boar pron <2eri1m@nTi*n> pos n. qual Greek myth. def a wild boar that savaged the district around Mount Erymanthus: captured by Hercules as his fourth labour. Mount infl head Erymanthus syl Mount. pos n. Erymanthus 0. syl Er:y+man+thus pron <2eri1m@nT*s> pos n. def a mountain in SW Greece, in the NW Pelopponese. Height: 2224 m (7339 ft.). Modern Greek name: {E@.r*'i+man+thos} (e#!riman#Gg@$s). eryngo ety C16: from Latin *_eryngion variety of thistle, from Greek *_erungion, diminutive of *_erungos thistle eringo alt head eryngo or eryngo syl e:rin+go pron pos n. eryngoes infl head eryngo or eryngos syl e:ryn+goes pos n. mod pl. eryngos infl head eryngo or eryngoes syl e:ryn+gos. pos n. mod pl. eryngo 0. or eringo syl e:ryn+go pron pos n. def any umbelliferous plant of the genus such as the sea holly, having toothed or lobed leaves. erysipelas ety C16: from Latin, from Greek erusipelas, from Greek erusi- red+ -pelas skin erysipelas 0. syl er:y+sip+e:las pron <2eri1sipil*s> pos n. def an acute streptococcal infectious disease of the skin, characterized by fever, headache, vomiting, and purplish raised lesions, esp. on the face. Also called: {Saint Anthony's fire}. erysipelatous sub head erysipelas syl er:y+si+pel:a+tous pron <2erisi?!1pel*t*s> pos adj. erysipeloid 0. syl er:y+sip+e:loid pron <2eri1sipi2lcid> pos n. def an infective dermatitis mainly affecting the hands, characterized by inflammation and caused by the microorganism on contaminated meat, poultry, or fish: most prevalent among fishermen and butchers. erythema ety C18: from New Latin, from Greek eruth*_ema, from eruthros red erythema 0. syl er:y+the:ma pron <2eri1TEm*> pos n. qual Pathol. def redness of the skin, usually occurring in patches, caused by irritation or injury to the tissue. erythematic sub head erythema syl er:y+the:mat+ic pron <2eriTi1m@tik> pos adj. erythematous sub head erythema or erythemal syl er:y+them:a+tous pron <2eri1TEm*t*s> pos adj. erythemal sub head erythema or erythematous syl er:y+1the:mal pos adj. erythrism 0. syl e:ryth+rism pron pos n. def abnormal red coloration, as in plumage or hair. erythrismal sub head erythrism syl er:y+thris+mal pron <2eri1Trizm*l> pos adj. erythrite 1. syl e:ryth+rite pron pos n. def Also called: {cobalt bloom}. a pink to purple secondary mineral consisting of hydrated cobalt arsenate in monoclinic crystalline form. Formula: Co\3?!(AsO\4)\2.8H\2O. erythrite 2. syl e:ryth+rite pron pos n. def another name for {erythritol}. erythrite alt head erythritol or erythritol syl e:ryth+rite pos n. erythritol 0. or erythrite syl e:ryth+ri+tol pron pos n. def a sweet crystalline compound extracted from certain algae and lichens and used in medicine to dilate the blood vessels of the heart; 1,2,3,4-butanetetrol. Formula: C\4H\1\0O\4. erythro- ety from Greek eruthros red erythroblast 0. syl e:ryth+ro+blast pron pos n. def a nucleated cell in bone marrow that develops into an erythrocyte. erythroblastic sub head erythroblast syl e:2ryth+ro+1blas+tic pos adj. erythroblastosis 1. syl e:ryth+ro+blas+to+sis pron pos n. def the abnormal presence of erythroblasts in the circulating blood. erythroblastosis 2. syl e:ryth+ro+blas+to+sis pron pos n. def an anaemic blood disease of a fetus or newborn child, characterized by erythroblasts in the circulating blood: caused by a blood incompatibility between mother and fetus. erythrocyte 0. syl e:ryth+ro+cyte pron pos n. def a blood cell of vertebrates that transports oxygen and carbon dioxide, combined with the red pigment haemoglobin, to and from the tissues. Also called: {red blood cell}. erythrocytic sub head erythrocyte syl e:ryth+ro+cyt+ic pron pos adj. erythrocytometer 0. syl e:ryth+ro+cy+tom+e:ter pron pos n. def an instrument for counting the number or measuring the size of red blood cells in a sample of blood. erythrocytometry sub head erythrocytometer syl e:2ryth+ro+cy+1tom+e:try pos n. erythromycin 0. syl e:ryth+ro+my+cin pron pos n. def an antibiotic used in treating infections caused by Gram-positive bacteria. It is obtained from the bacterium Formula: C\3\7M\6\7NO\1\3. erythropoiesis ety C19: from #7erythro -#7+ Greek poi*_esis a making, from poiein to make erythropoiesis 0. syl e:ryth+ro+poi+e:sis pron pos n. qual Physiol. def the formation of red blood cells. erythropoietic sub head erythropoiesis syl e:2ryth+ro+poi+1et+ic pos adj. Erzgebirge 0. syl Erz+ge+bir+ge pron German <1ertsg*2birg*> pos n. mod pl. def a mountain range on the border between East Germany and Czechoslovakia: formerly rich in mineral resources. Highest peak: Mount Kl*'inovec (Keilberg), 1244 m (4105 ft.). Czech name: {Kru*vsn*'e Hory}. Also called: {Ore Mountains}. Erzurum 0. syl Er+zu+rum pron <1e*zurum> pos n. def a city in E Turkey: a strategic centre; scene of two major battles against Russian forces (1877 and 1916); important military base and a closed city to unofficial visitors. Pop.: 162973 (1975). Es 0. syl Es usage the chemical symbol for def einsteinium. -es 1. syl -es pos suffix. def variant of {-s%1} for nouns ending in postconsonantal for some nouns ending in a vowel, and nouns in with in the plural. exam 1 ashes; exam 2 heroes; exam 3 calves. -es 2. syl -es pos suffix. def variant of {-s%2} for verbs ending in postconsonantal or a vowel. exam 1 preaches; exam 2 steadies; exam 3 echoes. Esaki diode ety named after L. Esaki, its Japanese designer Esaki diode 0. syl E:sa:ki di+ode pron pos n. def another name for {tunnel diode}. Esau 0. syl E:sau pron <1Esc:> pos n. qual Bible. def son of Isaac and Rebecca and twin brother of Jacob, to whom he sold his birthright (Genesis 25). ESB 0. syl ESB qual abbrev for def electrical stimulation of the brain. Esbjerg 0. syl Es+bjerg pron Danish <1esbjer> pos n. def a port in SW Denmark, in Jutland on the North Sea: Denmark's chief fishing port. Pop.: 63906 (1970). escadrille ety from French: flotilla, from Spanish escuadrilla, from escuadra #7squadron escadrille 1. syl es+ca+drille pron <2esk*1dril>, French pos n. def a French squadron of aircraft, esp. in World War I. escadrille 2. syl es+ca+drille pron <2esk*1dril>, French pos n. def a small squadron of ships. escalade ety C16: from French, from Italian scalata, from scalare to mount, {#7scale %3} escalade 1. syl es+ca+lade pron <2esk*1lAd> pos n. def an assault by the use of ladders, esp. on a fortification. escalade 2. syl es+ca+lade pron <2esk*1lAd> pos vb. def to gain access to (a place) by the use of ladders. escalader sub head escalade syl es+ca+1lad+er pos n. escalate ety C20: back formation from #7escalator escalate 0. syl es+ca+late pron <1esk*2lAt> pos vb. def to increase or be increased in extent, intensity, or magnitude. exam 1 to escalate a war; exam 2 prices escalated because of inflation. escalation sub head escalate syl es+ca+1la+tion escalator ety C20: originally a trademark escalator 1. syl es+ca+la+tor pron <1esk*2lAt*> pos n. def a moving staircase consisting of stair treads fixed to a conveyor belt, for transporting passengers between levels, esp. between the floors of a building. escalator 2. syl es+ca+la+tor pron <1esk*2lAt*> pos n. def short for {escalator clause}. escalator clause 0. syl es+ca+la+tor clause pos n. def a clause in a contract stipulating an adjustment in wages, prices, etc., in the event of specified changes in conditions, such as a large rise in the cost of living or price of raw materials. Compare {threshold agreement}. escallonia ety C19: from Escallon, 18th-century Spanish traveller who discovered it escallonia 0. syl es+cal+lo+ni:a pron <2esk*1l*uni*> pos n. def any evergreen shrub of the South American saxifragaceous genus with white or red flowers: cultivated for ornament. escallop 0. syl es+cal+lop pron , pos n. vb. def another word for {scallop}. escalope ety from Old French: shell escalope 0. syl es+ca+lope pron <1esk*2lop> pos n. def a thin slice of meat, usually veal, coated with egg and breadcrumbs, fried, and served with a rich sauce. escapade ety C17: from French, from Old Italian scappata, from Vulgar Latin ex?!capp*_are (unattested) to #7escape escapade 1. syl es+ca+pade pron <1esk*2pAd>, <2esk*1pAd> pos n. def a wild or exciting adventure, esp. one that is mischievous or unlawful; scrape. escapade 2. syl es+ca+pade pron <1esk*2pAd>, <2esk*1pAd> pos n. def any lighthearted or carefree episode; prank; romp. escape ety C14: from Old Northern French escaper, from Vulgar Latin excapp*_are (unattested) to escape (literally: to remove one's cloak, hence free oneself), from #7ex -%1#7+ Late Latin cappa cloak escape 1. syl es+cape pron pos vb. def to get away or break free from (confinements, captors, etc.). exam 1 the lion escaped from the zoo. escape 2. syl es+cape pron pos vb. def to manage to avoid (imminent danger, punishment, evil, etc.). exam 1 to escape death. escape 3. syl es+cape pron pos vb. mod intr. usage usually foll. by from; of gases, liquids, etc. def to issue gradually, as from a crack or fissure; seep; leak. exam 1 water was escaping from the dam. escape 4. syl es+cape pron pos vb. mod tr. def to elude; be forgotten by. exam 1 the actual figure escapes me. escape 5. syl es+cape pron pos vb. mod tr. def to be articu?!lated inadvertently or involuntarily. exam 1 a roar escaped his lips. escape 6. syl es+cape pron pos vb. mod intr. usage of cultivated plants def to grow wild. escape 7. syl es+cape pron pos n. def the act of escaping or state of having escaped. escape 8. syl es+cape pron pos n. def avoidance of injury, harm, etc.. exam 1 a narrow escape. escape 9.a. syl es+cape pron pos n. def a means or way of escape. escape 9.b. syl es+cape pron pos n. usage as modifier exam 1 an escape route. escape 10. syl es+cape pron pos n. def a means of distraction or relief, esp. from reality or boredom. exam 1 angling provides an escape for many city dwellers. escape 11. syl es+cape pron pos n. def a gradual outflow; leakage; seepage. escape 12. syl es+cape pron pos n. def Also called: {escape valve, escape cock}. a valve that releases air, steam, etc., above a certain pressure; relief valve. escape 13. syl es+cape pron pos n. def a plant that was originally cultivated but is now growing wild. escapable sub head escape syl es+1cap+a:ble pos adj. escaper sub head escape syl es+1cap+er pos n. escape clause 0. syl es+cape clause pos n. def a clause in a contract freeing one of the parties from his obligations in certain circumstances. escapee 0. syl es+cap:ee pron pos n. def a person who has escaped, esp. an escaped prisoner. escape hatch 0. syl es+cape hatch pos n. def a means of escape in an emergency, esp. from a submarine. escape mechanism 0. syl es+cape mech+an+ism pos n. qual Psychol. def any emotional or mental mechanism that enables a person to avoid acknowledging unpleasant or threatening realities. See also {escapism}. escapement 1. syl es+cape+ment pron pos n. qual Horology. def a mechanism consisting of an escape wheel and anchor, used in timepieces to provide periodic impulses to the pendulum or balance. escapement 2. syl es+cape+ment pron pos n. def any similar mechanism that regulates movement, usually consisting of toothed wheels engaged by rocking levers. escapement 3. syl es+cape+ment pron pos n. def an overflow channel. escapement 4. syl es+cape+ment pron pos n. qual Rare. def an act or means of escaping. escape pipe 0. syl es+cape pipe pos n. def a pipe for overflowing water, escaping steam, etc. escape road 0. syl es+cape road pos n. def a road, usually ending in a pile of sand, provided on a hill for a driver to drive into if his brakes fail or on a bend if he loses control of the turn. escape shaft 0. syl es+cape shaft pos n. def a shaft in a mine through which miners can escape if the regular shaft is blocked. escape velocity 0. syl es+cape ve+loc+i:ty pos n. def the minimum velocity that a body must have in order to escape from the gravitational field of the earth or other celestial body. escape wheel 0. syl es+cape wheel pos n. qual Horology. def a toothed wheel that engages intermittently with a balance wheel or pendulum, causing the mechanism to oscillate and thereby moving the hands of a clock or watch. Also called: {scapewheel}. escapism 0. syl es+cap+ism pron pos n. def an inclination to or habit of retreating from unpleasant reality, as through diversion or fantasy. &- {es+#!cap+ist} escapologist 0. syl es+ca+pol:o+gist pron <2esk*1pol*Jist> pos n. def an entertainer who specializes in freeing himself from confinement. Also called: {escape artist}. escapology sub head escapologist syl es+ca+1pol+o:gy pos n. escargot 0. syl es+car+got pron French. pos n. def a variety of edible snail, usually eaten with a sauce made of melted butter and garlic. escarp ety C17: from French escarpe; see #7scarp escarp 1. syl es+carp pron pos n. qual Fortifications. def the inner side of the ditch separating besiegers and besieged. Compare {counterscarp}. escarp 2. syl es+carp pron pos vb. def a rare word for { {scarp} (sense 3)}. escarpment 1.a. syl es+carp+ment pron pos n. def the long continuous steep face of a ridge or plateau formed by erosion; scarp. escarpment 1.b. syl es+carp+ment pron pos n. def any steep slope, such as one resulting from faulting. escarpment 2. syl es+carp+ment pron pos n. def a steep artificial slope made around a fortified place. Escaut 0. syl Es+caut pron pos n. def the French name for the {Scheldt}. -escent ety via Old French from Latin -*_escent-, stem of present participial suffix of -*_escere, ending of inceptive verbs -escent 0. syl -es:cent usage suffix forming adjectives. def beginning to be, do, show, etc.. exam 1 convalescent; exam 2 luminescent. -escence sub head -escent syl -es:cence eschalot ety C18: from Old French eschalotte a little #7scallion eschalot 0. syl esch:a+lot pron <1eS*2lot>, <2eS*1lot> pos n. def another name for a {shallot}. eschar ety C16: from Late Latin eschara scab, from Greek eskhara hearth, pan of hot coals (which could inflict burns); see {#7scar %1} eschar 0. syl es+char pron <1eska:> pos n. def a dry scab or slough, esp. one following a burn or cauterization of the skin. escharotic 1. syl es+cha+rot+ic pron <2esk*1rotik> pos adj. qual Med. def capable of produc?!ing an eschar. escharotic 2. syl es+cha+rot+ic pron <2esk*1rotik> pos n. qual Med. def a caustic or corrosive agent. eschatology ety C19: from Greek eskhatos last eschatology 0. syl es+cha+tol+o:gy pron <2esk*1tol*Ji> pos n. def the branch of theology or biblical exegesis concerned with the end of the world. eschatological sub head eschatology syl es+cha+to+log:i+cal pron <2esk*t*1loJi?!kL> pos adj. eschatologically sub head eschatology syl es+cha+to+1log:i+cal+ly pos adv. eschatologist sub head eschatology syl es+cha+1tol:o+gist pos n. escheat ety C14: from Old French eschete, from escheoir to fall to the lot of, from Late Latin excadere (unattested), from Latin cadere to fall escheat 1. syl es+cheat pron pos n. qual Law. usage before 1926 def the reversion of property to the Crown in the absence of legal heirs. escheat 2. syl es+cheat pron pos n. qual Law. usage in feudal times def the reversion of property to the feudal lord in the absence of legal heirs or upon outlawry of the tenant. escheat 3. syl es+cheat pron pos n. qual Law. def the property so reverting. escheat 4. syl es+cheat pron pos vb. qual Law. def to take (land) by escheat or (of land) to revert by escheat. escheatable sub head escheat syl es+1cheat+a:ble pos adj. escheatage sub head escheat syl es+1cheat+age pos n. eschew ety C14: from Old French eschiver, of Germanic origin; compare Old High German skiuhan to frighten away; see {#7shy %1#7}, skew eschew 0. syl es+chew pron pos vb. mod tr. def to keep clear of or abstain from (something disliked, injurious, etc.); shun; avoid. eschewal sub head eschew syl es+1chew+al pos n. eschewer sub head eschew syl es+1chew+er pos n. Auguste infl head Escoffier syl Au:guste pron pos n. Escoffier 0. syl Es:cof:fier pron French pos n. def 1846-1935, French chef at the Savoy Hotel, London (1890-99). escolar ety from Spanish: #7scholar ; so called from the rings round its eyes, suggestive of spectacles escolars infl head escolar or escolar syl es+co+lars pos n. mod pl. escolar infl or escolars syl es+co+lar. pos n. mod pl. escolar 0. syl es+co+lar pron <2esk*1la:> pos n. def any slender spiny-finned fish of the family of warm and tropical seas: similar and closely related to the scombroid fishes. Also called: {snake mackerel}. Escurial alt head Escorial or Escorial syl Es+cu+ri:al pos n. Escorial 0. or Escurial syl Es+co+ri:al pron <2eskori1a:l>, pos n. def a village in central Spain, northwest of Madrid: site of an architectural complex containing a monastery, palace, and college, built by Philip II between 1563 and 1584. escort ety C16: from French escorte, from Italian scorta, from scorgere to guide, from Latin corrigere to straighten; see #7correct escort 1. syl es+cort pron <1eskc:t> pos n. def one or more persons, soldiers, vehicles, etc., accompanying another or others for protection or guidance or as a mark of honour. escort 2. syl es+cort pron <1eskc:t> pos n. def a man or youth who accompanies a woman or girl. exam 1 he was her escort for the evening. escort 3.a. syl es+cort pron <1eskc:t> pos n. def a person, esp. a young woman, who may be hired to accompany another for entertainment, etc. escort 3.b. syl es+cort pron <1eskc:t> pos n. usage as modifier exam 1 an escort agency. escort 4. syl es+cort pron pos vb. mod tr. def to accompany or attend as an escort. escribe ety C16 (meaning: to write out): from #7ex -%1+ Latin scribere to write escribe 0. syl e:scribe pron pos vb. mod tr. def to draw (a circle) so that it is tangential to one side of a triangle and to the other two sides produced. escritoire ety C18: from French, from Medieval Latin script*_orium writing room in a monastery, from Latin scr*_ibere to write escritoire 0. syl es+cri+toire pron <2eskri1twa:> pos n. def a writing desk with compartments and drawers, concealed by a hinged flap, on a chest of drawers or plain stand. escrow ety C16: from Old French escroe, of Germanic origin; see #7screed, shred, scroll escrow 1. syl es+crow pron <1eskr*u>, pos n. qual Law. def money, goods, or a written document, such as a contract bond, delivered to a third party and held by him pending fulfilment of some condition. escrow 2. syl es+crow pron <1eskr*u>, pos n. qual Law. def the state or condition of being an escrow (esp. in the phrase {in escrow) . ~} escrow 3. syl es+crow pron <1eskr*u>, pos n. qual Law. def to place (a document, etc.) in escrow. escuage ety C16: from Old French, from escu shield, from Latin sc*_utum escuage 0. syl es+cu+age pron <1eskjuiJ> pos n. usage in medieval Europe def another word for {scutage}. escudo ety C19: Spanish, literally: shield, from Latin sc*_utum escudos infl head escudo syl es+cu+dos pron <-d*uz>, Portuguese <-duS> pos n. mod pl. infl head escudo syl . pos n. mod pl. escudo 1. syl es+cu+do pron , Portuguese , Portuguese <-duS> pos n. def the standard monetary unit of Portugal, divided into 100 centavos. escudo 2. syl es+cu+do pron , Portuguese , Portuguese <-duS> pos n. def the standard monetary unit of Chile, divided into 100 centesimos. escudo 3. syl es+cu+do pron , Portuguese , Portuguese <-duS> pos n. def an old Spanish silver coin worth 10 reals. esculent ety C17: from Latin *_esculentus good to eat, from *_esca food, from edere to eat esculent 1. syl es+cu+lent pron <1eskjul*nt> pos n. def any edible substance. esculent 2. syl es+cu+lent pron <1eskjul*nt> pos adj. def edible. Escurial 0. syl Es+cu+ri:al pron , pos n. def a variant of {Escorial}. escutcheon ety C15: from Old Northern French escuchon, ultimately from Latin sc*_utum shield escutcheon 1. syl es+cutch+eon pron pos n. def a shield, esp. a heraldic one that displays a coat of arms. escutcheon 2. syl es+cutch+eon pron pos n. def Also called: {escutcheon plate}. a plate or shield that surrounds a keyhole, door handle, light switch, etc., esp. an ornamental one protecting a door or wall surface. escutcheon 3. syl es+cutch+eon pron pos n. def the place on the stern or transom of a vessel where the name is shown. blot on one's escutcheon 4. head escutcheon syl blot on one's escutcheon. def a stain on one's honour. escutcheoned sub head escutcheon syl es+1cutch+eoned pos adj. Esd 0. syl Esd. qual Bible. abbrev. for def Esdras. Esdraelon 0. syl Es+dra+e:lon pron <2esdrA1Elon> pos n. def a plain in N Israel, east of Mount Carmel. Also called: (Plain of) {Jezreel}. Esdras 1. syl Es:dras pron <1ezdr@s> pos n. def either of two books of the Apocrypha, {I} and {II Esdras}, called {III} and {IV Esdras} in the Douay Bible. Esdras 2. syl Es:dras pron <1ezdr@s> pos n. def either of two books of the Douay Bible Old Testament, {I} and {II Esdras}, corresponding to the books of Ezra and Nehemiah in the Authorized Version. ESE 0. syl ESE qual abbrev. for def east-southeast. -ese 0. syl -ese usage suffix forming adjectives and nouns. def indicating place of origin, language, or style. exam 1 Cantonese; exam 2 Japanese; exam 3 journalese. esemplastic ety C19 (first used by Samuel Taylor Coleridge): from Greek es, eis into+ em, from hen, neuter of heis one+-#7plastic esemplastic 0. syl es+em+plas+tic pron <2esem1pl@stik> pos adj. qual Literature. def making into one; unifying. eserine ety C19: eser-, of African origin+-#7ine %2 eserine 0. syl es+er+ine pron <1es*rEn>, <-rin> pos n. def another name for {physostigmine}. Esfahan 0. syl E*,s+fa+han pron <2eSf*1ha:n> pos n. def a variant spelling of {Isfahan}. Esher 0. syl E:sher pron <1ES*> pos n. def a town in SE England, in NE Surrey near London: racecourse. Pop.: 64186 (1971). esker ety C19: from Old Irish escir ridge eskar alt head esker or esker syl es+kar pron <1eska:>, <-k*> pos n. esker 0. or eskar syl es+ker pron <1esk*> pos n. def a long winding ridge of gravel, sand, etc., originally deposited by a meltwater stream running under a glacier. Also called: {os}. Eskilstuna 0. syl E:skils+tu+na pron Swedish <1eskilstu:na> pos n. def an industrial city in SE Sweden. Pop.: 94076 (1970). Eskimo ety C18 Esquimawes: related to Abnaki esquimantsic eaters of raw flesh Eskimos infl head Eskimo or Eskimo syl Es+ki+mos pos n. mod pl. Eskimo infl or Eskimos syl Es+ki+mo pos n. mod pl. Eskimo 1. syl Es+ki+mo pron <1eski2m*u> pos n. def a member of a group of peoples inhabiting N Canada, Greenland, Alaska, and E Siberia, having a material culture adapted to an extremely cold climate. Eskimo 2. syl Es+ki+mo pron <1eski2m*u> pos n. def the language of these peoples. Eskimo 3. syl Es+ki+mo pron <1eski2m*u> pos n. def a family of languages that includes Eskimo and Aleut. Eskimo 4. syl Es+ki+mo pron <1eski2m*u> pos adj. def relating to, denoting, or characteristic of the Eskimos. Eskimo xref syl Es+ki+mo pron <1eski2m*u> pos n. def Former spelling: {Esquimau}. Eskimo dog 0. syl Es+ki+mo dog pos n. def a large powerful breed of sled dog with a long thick coat and curled tail. Eskisehir 0. syl Es+ki+*,se:hir pron Turkish pos n. def an industrial city in NW Turkey: founded around hot springs in Byzantine times. Pop.: 259952 (1975). Esky ety C20: from E#7skimo , alluding to the Eskimos' cold habitat Eskies infl head Esky syl Es:kies. pos n. mod pl. Esky 0. syl Es:ky pron <1eski> pos n. qual Austral. trademark. usage sometimes not cap. def a portable insulated container for keeping food and drink cool. ESN 0. syl E.S.N. qual abbrev. for def educationally subnormal; used to designate a person of limited intelligence who needs special schooling. esophagi infl head esophagus or esophaguses syl e:soph:a+gi pron <-2JI> pos n. mod pl. esophaguses infl head esophagus or esophagi syl e:soph:a+gus:es. pos n. mod pl. esophagus 0. syl e:soph:a+gus pron pos n. def the U.S. spelling of {oesophagus}. esophageal sub head esophagus syl e:soph:a+ge:al pron pos adj. esoteric ety C17: from Greek es*_oterikos, from es*_oter*_o inner esoteric 1. syl es:o+ter+ic pron <2es*u1terik> pos adj. def restricted to or intended for an enlightened or initiated minority, esp. because of abstruseness or obscurity. exam 1 an esoteric cult. esoteric 2. syl es:o+ter+ic pron <2es*u1terik> pos adj. def difficult to understand; abstruse. exam 1 an esoteric statement. esoteric 3. syl es:o+ter+ic pron <2es*u1terik> pos adj. def not openly admitted; private. exam 1 esoteric aims. esoterically sub head esoteric syl es:o+1ter:i+cal+ly pos adv. esotericism sub head esoteric syl es:o+1ter:i+2cism pos n. ESP 0. syl E.S.P. qual abbrev. for def extrasensory perception. esp 0. syl esp. qual abbrev. for def especially. espadrille ety C19: from French, from Proven*,cal espardilho, diminutive of espart #7esparto ; so called from the use of esparto for the soles of such shoes espadrille 0. syl es+pa+drille pron <2esp*1dril> pos n. def a light shoe with a canvas upper, esp. with a braided cord sole. espalier ety C17: from French: trellis, from Old Italian: shoulder supports, from spalla shoulder, from Late Latin #7spatula espalier 1. syl es+pal+ier pron pos n. def an ornamental shrub or fruit tree that has been trained to grow flat, as against a wall. espalier 2. syl es+pal+ier pron pos n. def the trellis, framework, or arrangement of stakes on which such plants are trained. espalier 3. syl es+pal+ier pron pos n. def the method used to produce such plants. espalier 4. syl es+pal+ier pron pos vb. mod tr. def to train (a plant) on an espalier. Espana 0. syl Es+pa+*~na pron pos n. def the Spanish name for {Spain}. esparto ety C18: from Spanish, via Latin from Greek sparton rope made of rushes, from spartos a kind of rush esparto grass alt head esparto or esparto syl es+par+to grass pron pos n. espartos infl head esparto syl es+par+tos. pos n. mod pl. esparto 0. or esparto grass syl es+par+to pron pos n. def any of various grasses, esp. of S Europe and N Africa, that yield a fibre used to make ropes, mats, etc. especial ety C14: from Old French, from Latin speci*_alis individual; see #7special &- es+#!pe+cial+ly adv. #e Usage. Especial and especially have a more limited use than special and specially. Special is always used in preference to especial when the sense is one of being out of the ordinary: a special lesson; he has been specially trained. Special is also used when something is referred to as being for a particular purpose: the word was specially underlined for you. Where an idea of preeminence or individuality is involved, either especial or special may be used: he is my especial (or special) friend; he is especially (or specially) good at his job. In informal English, however, special is usually preferred in all contexts. especial 1. syl es+pe+cial pron pos adj. usage prenominal def unusual; notable; exceptional. exam 1 he paid especial attention to her that evening. especial 2. syl es+pe+cial pron pos adj. usage prenominal def applying to one person or thing in particular; not general; specific; peculiar. exam 1 he had an especial dislike of relatives. esperance ety C15: from Old French, from Vulgar Latin sperantia (unattested), from Latin sp*_er*_are to hope, from sp*_es hope esperance 0. syl es+per+ance pron <1esp*r*ns> pos n. qual Archaic. def hope or expectation. Esperanto ety C19: literally: the one who hopes, pseudonym of Dr. L. L. Zamenhof (1859-1917), Polish philologist who invented it &- @!Es+pe+#!ran+tist n., adj. Esperanto 0. syl Es+pe+ran+to pron <2esp*1r@nt*u> pos n. def an artificial language based on words common to the chief European languages, invented in 1887. espial 1. syl es+pi:al pron pos n. qual Archaic. def the act or fact of being seen or discovered. espial 2. syl es+pi:al pron pos n. qual Archaic. def the act of noticing. espial 3. syl es+pi:al pron pos n. qual Archaic. def the act of spying upon; secret observation. espionage ety C18: from French espionnage, from espionner to spy, from espion spy, from Old Italian spione, of Germanic origin; compare German sp*"ahen to #7spy espionage 1. syl es+pi:o+nage pron <2espi*1na:Z>, <1espi*2na:Z>, <1espi*niJ> pos n. def the systematic use of spies to obtain secret information, esp. by governments to discover military or political secrets. espionage 2. syl es+pi:o+nage pron <2espi*1na:Z>, <1espi*2na:Z>, <1espi*niJ> pos n. def the act or practice of spying. Esp'irito Santo 0. syl Es+p*'i+ri+to San+to pron Portuguese <1s*ntu> pos n. def a state of E Brazil, on the Atlantic: swampy coastal plain with mountains in the west; heavily forested. Capital: Vit*'oria. Pop.: 1599333 (1970). Area: 45597 sq. km (17782 sq. miles). Esp'iritu Santo 0. syl Es+p*'i+ri+tu San+to pron <1s@nt*u> pos n. def an island in the SW Pacific: the largest and westernmost of the New Hebrides Islands. Area: 4856 sq. km (1875 sq. miles). esplanade ety C17: from French, from Old Italian spianata, from spianare to make level, from Latin expl*_an*_are; see #7explain esplanade 1. syl es+pla+nade pron <2espl*1nAd> pos n. def a long open level stretch of ground for walking along, esp. beside the sea shore. Compare { {promenade} (sense 1)}. esplanade 2. syl es+pla+nade pron <2espl*1nAd> pos n. def an open area in front of a fortified place, in which attackers are exposed to the defenders' fire. Espoo 0. syl Es+poo pron Finnish <1espo:> pos n. def a city in S Finland. Pop.: 110107 (1973 est.). espousal 1. syl es+pous+al pron pos n. def adoption or support. exam 1 an espousal of new beliefs. espousal 2. syl es+pous+al pron pos n. mod sometimes; pl. qual Archaic. def a marriage or betrothal ceremony. espouse ety C15: from Old French espouser, from Latin sp*_ons*_are to affiance, espouse espouse 1. syl es+pouse pron pos vb. mod tr. def to adopt or give support to (a cause, ideal, etc.). exam 1 to espouse socialism. espouse 2. syl es+pouse pron pos vb. mod tr. usage Archaic. esp. of a man def to take as spouse; marry. espouser sub head espouse syl es+1pous+er pos n. espresso ety Italian, short for caff*`e espresso, literally: pressed coffee espressos infl head espresso syl es+pres+sos. pos n. mod pl. espresso 1. syl es+pres+so pron pos n. def strong coffee made by forcing steam or boiling water through ground coffee beans. espresso 2. syl es+pres+so pron pos n. def an apparatus for making coffee in this way. esprit ety C16: from French, from Latin sp*_iritus a breathing, #7spirit esprit 0. syl es+prit pron pos n. def spirit and liveliness, esp. in wit. esprit de corps 0. syl es+prit de corps pron <1kc:>, French <1kc:r> pos n. def consciousness of and pride in belonging to a particular group; the sense of shared purpose and fellowship. espy ety C14: from Old French espier to #7spy, of Germanic origin espies infl head espy syl es:pies pos vb. mod tr. espying infl head espy syl es:py+ing pos vb. mod tr. espied infl head espy syl es:pied. pos vb. mod tr. espy 0. syl es:py pron pos vb. mod tr. def to catch sight of or perceive (something distant or previously unnoticed); detect. exam 1 to espy a ship on the horizon. espier sub head espy syl es+1pi+er pos n. Esq 0. syl Esq. qual abbrev. for def esquire: used esp. in correspondence. -esque ety via French from Italian -esco, of Germanic origin; compare -#7ish -esque 0. syl -esque usage suffix forming adjectives. def indicating a specified character, manner, style, or resemblance. exam 1 picturesque; exam 2 Romanesque; exam 3 statuesque; exam 4 Chaplinesque. Esquiline 0. syl Es+qui+line pron <1eskw*2lIn> pos n. def one of the seven hills on which ancient Rome was built. Esquimaus infl head Esquimau or Esquimau syl Es+qui+maus pos adj. mod pl. Esquimau infl or Esquimaus syl Es+qui+mau pos adj. mod pl. Esquimau 0. syl Es+qui+mau pron <1eski2m*u> pos n. def a former spelling of {Eskimo}. esquire ety C15: from Old French escuier, from Late Latin sc*_ut*_arius shield bearer, from Latin sc*_utum shield esquire 1. syl es+quire pron pos n. qual Chiefly Brit. def a title of respect, usually abbreviated placed after a man's name. esquire 2. syl es+quire pron pos n. usage in medieval England def the attendant and shield bearer of a knight, subsequently often knighted himself. esquire 3. syl es+quire pron pos n. qual Rare. def a male escort. esquire 4. syl es+quire pron pos vb. mod tr. qual Rare. def to escort (a woman). ESR 0. syl ESR qual abbrev. for def electron spin resonance. ESRO 0. syl ESRO pron <1ezr*u> pos n. usage acronym for def European Space Research Organization. -ess ety via Old French from Late Latin -issa, from Greek -ess 0. syl -ess usage suffix forming nouns. def indicating a female. exam 1 actress; exam 2 lioness. Essaouira 0. syl Es+sa+oui+ra pron <2es*1wi*r*> pos n. def a port in SW Morocco on the Atlantic. Pop.: 30061 (1971). Former name (until 1956): {Mogador}. essay ety C15: from Old French essaier to attempt, from essai an attempt, from Late Latin exagium a weighing, from Latin agere to do, compel, influenced by exigere to investigate essay 1. syl es+say pron <1esA>, <2,3> pos n. def a short literary composition dealing with a subject analytically or specula?!tively. essay 2. syl es+say pron <1esA>, <2,3> pos n. def an attempt or endeavour; effort. essay 3. syl es+say pron <1esA>, <2,3> pos n. def a test or trial. essay 4. syl es+say pron pos vb. mod tr. def to attempt or endeavour; try. essay 5. syl es+say pron pos vb. mod tr. def to test or try out. essayist 0. syl es+say+ist pron <1esAist> pos n. def a person who writes essays. Essen 0. syl Es+sen pron German <1esN> pos n. def a city in W West Germany, in North Rhine-Westphalia: the leading industrial centre of the Ruhr, with extensive iron and steel factories. Pop.: 674000 (1974 est.). essence ety C14: from Medieval Latin essentia, from Latin: the being (of something), from esse to be essence 1. syl es+sence pron <1esNs> pos n. def the characteristic or intrinsic feature of a thing, which determines its identity; fundamental nature. essence 2. syl es+sence pron <1esNs> pos n. def the most distinctive element of a thing. exam 1 the essence of a problem. essence 3. syl es+sence pron <1esNs> pos n. def a perfect or complete form of something, esp. a person who typifies an abstract quality. exam 1 he was the essence of gentility. essence 4. syl es+sence pron <1esNs> pos n. qual Philosophy. def the unchanging inward nature of something as opposed to its attributes and existence. essence 5. syl es+sence pron <1esNs> pos n. qual Theol. def an immaterial or spiritual entity. essence 6.a. syl es+sence pron <1esNs> pos n. def the constituent of a plant, usually an oil, alkaloid, or glycoside, that determines its chemical or pharmacological properties. essence 6.b. syl es+sence pron <1esNs> pos n. def an alcoholic solution of such a substance. essence 7. syl es+sence pron <1esNs> pos n. def a rare word for {perfume}. Essene 0. syl Es+sene pron <1esEn>, pos n. qual Judaism. def a member of an ascetic sect that flourished in Palestine from the second century #7b.c. to the second century #7a.d., living in strictly organized communities. Essenian sub head Essene or Essenic syl Es+se+ni:an pron pos adj. Essenic sub head Essene or Essenian syl Es+sen+ic pron pos adj. essential 1. syl es+sen+tial pron pos adj. def vitally important; absolutely necessary. essential 2. syl es+sen+tial pron pos adj. def basic; fundamental. exam 1 the essential feature. essential 3. syl es+sen+tial pron pos adj. def completely realized; absolute; perfect. exam 1 essential beauty. essential 4. syl es+sen+tial pron pos adj. usage Biochem. of an amino acid def necessary for the normal growth of an organism but not synthesized by the organism. essential 5. syl es+sen+tial pron pos adj. def derived from or relating to an extract of a plant, drug, etc.. exam 1 an essential oil. essential 6. syl es+sen+tial pron pos adj. qual Music. def denoting or relating to a note that belongs to the fundamental harmony of a chord or piece. essential 7. syl es+sen+tial pron pos n. def something fundamental or indispensable. exam 1 a sharp eye is an essential for a printer. essential 8. syl es+sen+tial pron pos n. qual Music. def an essential note. essentiality sub head essential or essentialness syl es+sen+ti:al+i:ty pron pos n. essentialness sub head essential or essentiality syl es+1sen+tial+ness pos n. essentially sub head essential syl es+1sen+tial+ly pos adv. essentialism 1. syl es+sen+tial+ism pron pos n. qual Philosophy. def the doctrine that material objects have an essence that is distinguishable from their perceivable attributes and their existence. essentialism 2. syl es+sen+tial+ism pron pos n. def the doctrine that education should concentrate on teaching basic skills and encouraging intellectual self-discipline. essentialist sub head essentialism syl es+1sen+tial+ist pos n. essential oil 0. syl es+sen+tial oil pos n. def any of various volatile organic oils present in plants, usually containing terpenes and esters and having the odour or flavour of the plant from which they are extracted: used in flavouring and perfumery. Compare {fixed oil}. See also {oleoresin}. Essequibo 0. syl Es+se:qui+bo pron <2esi1kwEb*u> pos n. def a river in Guyana, rising near the Brazilian border and flowing north to the Atlantic: drains over half of Guyana. Length: 1014 km (630 miles). Essex H1.1. syl Es+sex pron <1esiks> pos n. def a county of SE England, on the North Sea and the Thames estuary. Administrative centre: Chelmsford. Pop.: 1426200 (1976 est.). Area: 3957 sq. km (1528 sq. miles). Essex H1.2. syl Es+sex pron <1esiks> pos n. def an Anglo-Saxon kingdom that in the early 7th century #7a.d. comprised the modern county of Essex and much of Hertfordshire and Surrey. By the late 8th century, Essex had become a dependency of the kingdom of Mercia. Earl of infl head Essex syl Earl of pos n. Essex H2.0. syl Es:sex pron <1esiks> pos n. def title of ??1566-1601, English soldier and favourite of Queen Elizabeth I; executed for treason. essonite 0. syl es+so+nite pron <1es*2nIt> pos n. def a variant spelling of {hessonite}. Essonne 0. syl Es+sonne pron French pos n. def a department of N France, south of Paris in *^Ile-de-France region: formed in 1964. Capital: Ivry. Pop.: 932619 (1975). Area: 1811 sq. km (706 sq. miles). EST 1. syl E.S.T. qual abbrev. for: usage in the U.S. def Eastern Standard Time. EST 2. syl E.S.T. qual abbrev. for: def electric-shock treatment. est 1. syl est. qual abbrev. for: def Also: {estab}. established. est 2. syl est. qual abbrev. for:; Law. def estate. est 3. syl est. qual abbrev. for: def estimate(d). est 4. syl est. qual abbrev. for: def estuary. -est ety Old English -est, -ost -est H1.0. syl -est pos suffix. def forming the superlative degree of adjectives and adverbs. exam 1 shortest; exam 2 fastest. -est ety Old English -est, -ast -st alt head -est or -est syl -st pos suffix. -est H2.0. or -st syl -est pos suffix. def forming the archaic second person singular present and past indicative tense of verbs. exam 1 thou goest; exam 2 thou hadst. establish ety C14: from Old French establir, from Latin stabil*_ire to make firm, from stabilis {#7stable %2} establish 1. syl es+tab+lish pron pos vb. mod tr. def to make secure or permanent in a certain place, condition, job, etc.. exam 1 to establish one's usefulness; exam 2 to establish a house. establish 2. syl es+tab+lish pron pos vb. mod tr. def to create or set up (an organi?!zation, etc.) on or as if on a permanent basis. exam 1 to establish a company. establish 3. syl es+tab+lish pron pos vb. mod tr. def to prove correct or free from doubt; validate. exam 1 to establish a fact. establish 4. syl es+tab+lish pron pos vb. mod tr. def to cause (a principle, theory, etc.) to be widely or permanently accepted. exam 1 to establish a precedent. establish 5. syl es+tab+lish pron pos vb. mod tr. def to give (a Church) the status of a national institution. establish 6. syl es+tab+lish pron pos vb. mod tr. qual Cards. def to make winners of (the remaining cards of a suit) by forcing out opponents' top cards. establisher sub head establish syl es+1tab+lish+er pos n. Established Church 0. syl Es+tab+lished Church pos n. def a Church that is officially recognized as a national institution, esp. the Church of England. establishment 1. syl es+tab+lish+ment pron pos n. def the act of establishing or state of being established. establishment 2.a. syl es+tab+lish+ment pron pos n. def a business organization or other large institution. establishment 2.b. syl es+tab+lish+ment pron pos n. def the place where a business is carried on. establishment 3. syl es+tab+lish+ment pron pos n. def the staff and equipment of a commercial or other organization. establishment 4. syl es+tab+lish+ment pron pos n. def any large organization, institution, or system. establishment 5. syl es+tab+lish+ment pron pos n. def a household or place of residence. establishment 6. syl es+tab+lish+ment pron pos n. def a body of employees or servants. the infl head Establishment syl the. pos n. Establishment 0. syl Es+tab+lish+ment pron pos n. def a group or class of people having institutional authority within a society, esp. those who control the civil service, the government, the armed forces, and the Church: usually identified with a conservative outlook. establishmentarian 1. syl es+tab+lish+men+tar+i:an pron pos adj. def denot?!ing or relating to an Established Church, esp. the Church of England. establishmentarian 2. syl es+tab+lish+men+tar+i:an pron pos adj. def denoting or relating to the principle of a Church being officially recognized as a national institution. establishmentarian 3. syl es+tab+lish+men+tar+i:an pron pos n. def an upholder of this principle, esp. as applied to the Church of England. establishmentarianism sub head establishmentarian syl es+2tab+lish+men+1tar:i+an+ism pos n. estaminet ety C19: from French, perhaps from Walloon dialect staminet manger estaminet 0. syl es+ta+mi+net pron French. pos n. def a small caf*'e, bar, or bistro, esp. a shabby one. estancia ety C18: from American Spanish, from Spanish: dwelling, from Vulgar Latin stantia (unattested) a remaining, from Latin st*_are to stand estancia 0. syl es+tan+ci:a pron , Spanish pos n. usage in Spanish America def a large estate or cattle ranch. estate ety C13: from Old French estat, from Latin status condition, #7state estate 1. syl es+tate pron pos n. def a large piece of landed property, esp. in the country. estate 2. syl es+tate pron pos n. qual Chiefly Brit. def a large area of property development, esp. of new houses or ({trading estate}) of factories. estate 3.a. syl es+tate pron pos n. def property or possessions. estate 3.b. syl es+tate pron pos n. def the nature of interest that a person has in land or other property, esp. in relation to the right of others. estate 3.c. syl es+tate pron pos n. def the total extent of the real and personal property of a deceased person or bankrupt. estate 4. syl es+tate pron pos n. def Also called: {estate of the realm}. an order or class of persons in a political community, regarded collectively as a part of the body politic: usually regarded as being the lords temporal (peers), lords spiritual and commons. See also {States General, fourth estate}. estate 5. syl es+tate pron pos n. def state, period, or position in life, esp. with regard to wealth or social standing. exam 1 youth's estate; exam 2 a poor man's estate. estate 6. syl es+tate pron pos n. qual Archaic. def pomp; ceremony; grandeur. estate agent 1. syl es+tate a:gent pos n. qual Brit. def an agent concerned with the valuation, management, lease, and sale of property. Usual U.S. name: {realtor}. estate agent 2. syl es+tate a:gent pos n. def the administrator of a large landed property, acting on behalf of its owner; estate manager. estate car 0. syl es+tate car pos n. qual Brit. def a car with a comparatively long body containing a large carrying space, reached through a rear door: usually the back seats can be folded forward to increase the carrying space. Also called (esp. U.S.): {station wagon}. estate duty 0. syl es+tate du:ty pos n. def another name for {death duty}. Estates General 0. syl Es+tates Gen+er+al pos n. def See {States General}. Este 0. syl Es:te pron <1este> pos n. def a noble family of Italy founded by Alberto Azzo II (996-1097), who was invested with the town of Este in NE Italy as a fief of the Holy Roman Empire. The family governed Ferrara (13th-16th centuries), Modena, and Reggio (13th-18th centuries). esteem ety C15: from Old French estimer, from Latin aestim*_are #7estimate esteem 1. syl es+teem pron pos vb. mod tr. def to have great respect or high regard for. exam 1 to esteem a colleague. esteem 2. syl es+teem pron pos vb. mod tr. qual Formal. def to judge or consider; deem. exam 1 to esteem an idea improper. esteem 3. syl es+teem pron pos n. mod tr. def high regard or respect; good opinion. esteem 4. syl es+teem pron pos n. mod tr. qual Archaic. def judgment; opinion. ester ety C19: from German, probably a contraction of Essig*"ather acetic ether, from essig vinegar (ultimately from Latin ac*_etum) +*"ather #7ether ester 0. syl es+ter pron <1est*> pos n. qual Chem. def any of a class of compounds produced by reaction between acids and alcohols with the elimination of water. Esters with low molecular weights, such as ethyl acetate, are usually volatile fragrant liquids; fats are solid esters. esterase 0. syl es+ter+ase pron <1est*2rAs>, <-2rAz> pos n. def any of a group of enzymes that hydrolyse esters into alcohols and acids. esterifies infl head esterify syl es+ter:i+fies pos vb. esterifying infl head esterify syl es+ter:i+fy+ing pos vb. esterified infl head esterify syl es+ter:i+fied. pos vb. esterify 0. syl es+ter:i+fy pron pos vb. qual Chem. def to change or cause to change into an ester. esterification sub head esterify syl es+2ter:i+fi+1ca+tion pos n. Esth 0. syl Esth. qual Bible. abbrev. for def Esther. Esther 1. syl Es:ther pron <1est*> pos n. qual Old Testament. def a beautiful Jewess who became queen of Persia and saved her people from massacre. Esther 2. syl Es:ther pron <1est*> pos n. qual Old Testament. def the book in which this episode is recounted. esthesia 0. syl es+the:si:a pron pos n. def a U.S. spelling of {aesthesia}. esthete 0. syl es+thete pron <1EsTEt> pos n. def a U.S. spelling of {aesthete}. esthetic sub head esthete or esthetical syl es+thet+ic pron pos adj. esthetical sub head esthete or esthetic syl es+1thet:i+cal pos adj. esthetically sub head esthete syl es+1thet:i+cal+ly pos adv. esthetician sub head esthete syl es+the:ti+cian pron <2EsTi1tiS*n> estheticism sub head esthete syl es:1thet:i+2cism pos n. esthetics sub head esthete syl es+1thet+ics pos n. Esthonia 0. syl Es+tho+ni:a pron , pos n. def See {Estonian Soviet Socialist Republic}. 'Etienne alt head Estienne or Estienne syl *'E:tienne pron French pos n. Estienne 0. or 'Etienne syl Es:tienne pron French pos n. def a family of French printers, scholars, and dealers in books, including {Hen@.ri} (?~a#!ri), ??1460-1520, who founded the printing business in Paris, his son {Ro@.bert} (r@$#!b$e$:r), 1503-59, and his grandson {Hen@.ri}, 1528-98. estimable 1. syl es+ti+ma:ble pron <1estim*bL> pos adj. def worthy of respect; deserving of admiration. exam 1 my estimable companion. estimable 2. syl es+ti+ma:ble pron <1estim*bL> pos adj. usage Rare. of amounts, numbers, etc. def capable of being calculated. estimableness sub head estimable syl es+ti+ma:ble+ness pos n. estimably sub head estimable syl es+ti+ma:bly pos adv. estimate ety C16: from Latin aestim*_are to assess the worth of, of obscure origin estimate 1. syl es+ti+mate pron <1esti2mAt> pos vb. def to form an approximate idea of (distance, size, cost, etc.); calculate roughly; gauge. estimate 2. syl es+ti+mate pron <1esti2mAt> pos vb. mod tr. usage may take a clause as object def to form an opinion about; judge. exam 1 to estimate one's chances. estimate 3. syl es+ti+mate pron <1esti2mAt> pos vb. def to submit (an approximate price) for (a job) to a prospective client. estimate 4. syl es+ti+mate pron <1esti2mAt> pos vb. mod tr. def to derive a statistical estimate for (a population parameter). estimate 5. syl es+ti+mate pron <1estimit> pos n. def an approximate calculation. estimate 6. syl es+ti+mate pron <1estimit> pos n. def a statement indicating the likely charge for or cost of certain work. estimate 7. syl es+ti+mate pron <1estimit> pos n. def a judgment; appraisal; opinion. estimator sub head estimate syl es+ti+2ma+tor pos n. estimative sub head estimate syl es+ti+ma+tive pos adj. estimation 1. syl es+ti+ma+tion pron <2esti1mAS*n> pos n. def a considered opinion; judgment. exam 1 what is your estimation of the situation?? estimation 2. syl es+ti+ma+tion pron <2esti1mAS*n> pos n. def esteem; respect. estimation 3. syl es+ti+ma+tion pron <2esti1mAS*n> pos n. def the act of estimating. estipulate 0. syl e:stip:u+late pron , <-2lAt> pos adj. def a variant spelling of {ex?!stipulate}. estival 0. syl es+ti+val pron , <1esti-> pos adj. def the usual U.S. spelling of {aestival}. estivate 0. syl es+ti+vate pron <1Esti2vAt>, <1es-> pos vb. mod intr. def the usual U.S. spelling of {aestivate}. estivator sub head estivate syl es+ti+2va+tor pos n. estivation 0. syl es+ti+va+tion pron <2Esti1vAS*n>, <2es-> pos n. def the usual U.S. spelling of {aestivation}. Esthonian alt head Estonian or Estonian syl Es+tho+ni:an pron , pos adj. Estonian 1. or Esthonian syl Es+to+ni:an pron , pos adj. def of, relating to, or characteristic of the Estonian SSR, its people, or their language. Estonian 2. or Esthonian syl Es+to+ni:an pron , pos n. def an official language of the Estonian SSR, along with Russian: belongs to the Finno-Ugric family. Estonian 3. or Esthonian syl Es+to+ni:an pron , pos n. def a native or inhabitant of Estonia. Estonian Soviet Socialist Republic 0. syl Es+to+ni:an So+vi+et So+cial+ist Re+pub+lic pos n. def a constituent republic of the W Soviet Union, on the Gulf of Finland and the Baltic: low-lying with many lakes and forests. As {Es+to+ni@.a} or {Es+tho+ni@.a} it was under Scandinavian and Teutonic rule from the 13th century to 1721, when it passed to Russia: it was an independent republic from 1920 to 1940, when it was annexed by the Soviet Union. Capital: Tallinn. Pop.: 1356079 (1970). Area: 45100 sq. km (17410 sq. miles). estop ety C15: from Old French estoper to plug, ultimately from Latin stuppa tow; see #7stop estops infl head estop syl es+tops pos vb. mod tr. estopping infl head estop syl es+top+ping pos vb. mod tr. estopped infl head estop syl es+topped. pos vb. mod tr. estop 1. syl es+top pron pos vb. mod tr. qual Law. def to preclude by estoppel. estop 2. syl es+top pron pos vb. mod tr. qual Archaic. def to stop. estoppage sub head estop syl es+1top+page pos n. estoppel ety C16: from Old French estoupail plug, from estoper to stop up; see #7estop estoppel 0. syl es+top+pel pron pos n. qual Law. def a rule of evidence whereby a person is precluded from denying the truth of a statement of facts he has previously asserted. See also {conclusion}. estovers ety C15: from Anglo-French, plural of estover, n. use of Old French estovoir to be necessary, from Latin est opus there is need estovers 0. syl es+to+vers pron pos n. mod pl. qual Law. def necessaries allowed by law to tenant of land, esp. wood for fuel and repairs. estrade ety C17: from French, from Spanish estrado carpeted floor, from Latin: #7stratum estrade 0. syl es+trade pron pos n. def a dais or raised platform. estradiol 0. syl es+tra+di+ol pron <2estr*1dIol>, <2Estr*-> pos n. def the usual U.S. spelling of {oestradiol}. estragon 0. syl es+tra+gon pron <1estr*2gon> pos n. def another name for {tarragon}. estrange ety C15: from Old French estranger, from Late Latin extr*_ane*_are to treat as a stranger, from Latin extr*_aneus foreign; see #7strange estrange 0. syl es+trange pron pos vb. mod tr. def to antagonize or lose the affection of (someone previously friendly); alienate. estrangement sub head estrange syl es+1trange+ment pos n. estranger sub head estrange syl es+1trang+er pos n. estray ety C16: from Anglo-French, from Old French estraier to #7stray estray 0. syl es+tray pron pos n. qual Law. def a stray domestic animal of unknown ownership. estreat ety C14: from Old French estraite, femi?!nine of estrait extracted, from estraire to #7extract estreat 1. syl es+treat pron pos n. qual Law. def a true copy of or extract from a court record. estreat 2. syl es+treat pron pos vb. mod tr. qual Law. def to enforce (a recognizance that has been forfeited) by sending an extract of the court record to the proper authority. Estremadura 1. syl Es+tre+ma+du+ra pron Portuguese <2iStr*m*1dur*> pos n. def a region of W Spain: arid and sparsely populated except in the valleys of the Tagus and Guadiana Rivers. Area: 41593 sq. km (16059 sq. miles). Spanish name: {Extremadura}. Estremadura 2. syl Es+tre+ma+du+ra pron Portuguese <2iStr*m*1dur*> pos n. def a province in Portugal around Lisbon. Pop.: 1600000 (1970 est.). Area: 5348 sq. km (2065 sq. miles). estrin 0. syl es+trin pron <1estrin>, <1Estrin> pos n. def the U.S. spelling of {oestrin}. estriol 0. syl es+tri+ol pron <1estri2ol>, <1Estri-> pos n. def the usual U.S. spelling of {oestriol}. estrogen 0. syl es+tro+gen pron <1estr*J*n>, <1Estr*-> pos n. def the usual U.S. spelling of {oestrogen}. estrogenic sub head estrogen syl es+tro+gen+ic pron <2estr*1Jenik>, <2Estr*-> pos adj. estrogenically sub head estrogen syl es+tro+1gen:i+cal+ly pos adv. estrone 0. syl es+trone pron <1estr*un>, <1Estr*un> pos n. def the usual U.S. spelling of {oestrone}. estrus 0. syl es+trus pron <1estr*s>, <1Estr*s> pos n. def the usual U.S. spelling of {oestrus}. estrous sub head estrus syl es+trous pos adj. estuarine 1. syl es+tu:a+rine pron <1estju*2rIn>, <-rin> pos adj. def formed or deposited in an estuary. exam 1 estuarine muds. estuarine 2. syl es+tu:a+rine pron <1estju*2rIn>, <-rin> pos adj. def growing in, inhabiting, or found in an estuary. exam 1 an estuarine fauna. estuary ety C16: from Latin aestu*_arium marsh, channel, from aestus tide, billowing movement, related to aest*_as summer estuaries infl head estuary syl es+tu+ar:ies. pos n. mod pl. estuary 1. syl es+tu+ar:y pron <1estju*ri> pos n. def the widening channel of a river where it nears the sea, with a mixing of fresh water and salt (tidal) water. estuary 2. syl es+tu+ar:y pron <1estju*ri> pos n. def an inlet of the sea. estuarial sub head estuary syl es+tu+ar+i:al pron <2estju?!1e*ri*l> pos adj. ESU alt head esu or esu syl E.S.U. esu 0. or ESU syl e.s.u. qual abbrev. for def electrostatic unit. esurient ety C17: from Latin *_esur*_ire to be hungry, from edere to eat esurient 0. syl e:su+ri+ent pron pos adj. def greedy; voracious. esurience sub head esurient or esuriency syl e:1su+ri+ence pos n. esuriency sub head esurient or esurience syl e:1su+ri+en+cy pos n. esuriently sub head esurient syl e:1su+ri+ent+ly pos adv. Et 0. syl Et usage the chemical symbol for def ethyl. -et ety from Old French -et, -ete -et 0. syl -et usage suffix of nouns. def small or lesser. exam 1 islet; exam 2 baronet. eta ety Greek, of Phoenician origin; compare Hebrew #7heth eta H1.0. syl e:ta pron <1Et*> pos n. def the seventh letter in the Greek alphabet (#GH, #Gh), a long vowel sound, transliterated as or eta ety Japanese eta H2.0. syl e:ta pron <1At*> pos n. mod pl. def or {e@.tas}. (in Japan, formerly) a member of a class of outcasts who did menial and dirty tasks. ETA 0. syl E.T.A. qual abbrev. for def estimated time of arrival. etaerio ety C19: from French etairion, from Greek hetaireia association etaerio 0. syl e:tae+ri:o pron pos n. def an aggregate fruit, as one consisting of drupes (raspberry) or achenes (traveller's joy). 'etagere ety C19: from French, from *'etage shelf; see #7stage 'etagere 0. syl *'e:ta+g*`ere pron French. pos n. def a stand with open shelves for displaying ornaments, etc. et al ety Latin: and elsewhere et al ety Latin: and others et al 1. syl et al. qual abbrev. for: def et alibi. et al 2. syl et al. qual abbrev. for: def et alii. etalon ety C20: French *'etalon a fixed standard of weights and measures, from Old French estalon; see also #7stallion etalon 0. syl et:a+lon pron <1et*2lon> pos n. qual Physics. def a device used in spectroscopy to measure wavelengths by interference effects produced by multiple reflections between parallel half-silvered glass or quartz plates. etamine ety C18: from French, from Latin st*_aminea, from st*_amineus made of threads, from stamen thread, warp etamin alt head etamine or etamine syl et:a+min pron <1et*min> pos n. etamine 0. or etamin syl et:a+mine pron <1et*2mEn> pos n. def a cotton or worsted fabric of loose weave, used for clothing, curtains, etc. etaoin shrdlu 0. syl et:a+oin shrd+lu pron <1eti2cin> <1SR:dlu:> pos n. qual Printing. def a Linotype slug, used as a marker, produced by running the fingers down the first two rows of the keyboard. etc 0. syl etc. qual abbrev. for def et cetera. et cetera ety from Latin, from et and+ cetera the other (things)#e Usage. Since et cetera (or etc.) means and other things, careful writers do not use the expression and etc. because and is redundant. The repetition of etc., as in he brought paper, ink, notebooks, etc., etc., is avoided except in informal contexts. et cetera 1. syl et cet+er:a pron <1setr*> def and the rest; and others; and so forth: used at the end of a list to indicate that other items of the same class or type should be considered or included. et cetera 2. syl et cet+er:a pron <1setr*> def or the like; or something else similar. Abbrev.: {etc., ?󃘢} etceteras 0. syl et+cet+er:as pron pos n. mod pl. def miscellaneous extra things or persons. etch ety C17: from Dutch etsen, from Old High German azzen to feed, bite etch 1. syl etch pron pos vb. mod tr. def to wear away the surface of (a metal, glass, etc.) by chemical action, esp. the action of an acid. etch 2. syl etch pron pos vb. def to cut or corrode (a design, decoration, etc.) on (a metal or other plate to be used for printing) by using the action of acid on parts not covered by wax or other acid-resistant coating. etch 3. syl etch pron pos vb. mod tr. def to cut with or as if with a sharp implement. exam 1 he etched his name on the table. etch 4. syl etch pron pos vb. mod tr. usage usually passive def to imprint vividly. exam 1 the event was etched on her memory. etcher sub head etch syl etch+er pos n. etchant 0. syl etch+ant pron <1eC*nt> pos n. def any acid or corrosive used for etching. etching 1. syl etch+ing pron <1eCiG> pos n. def the art, act, or process of preparing etched surfaces or of printing designs from them. etching 2. syl etch+ing pron <1eCiG> pos n. def an etched plate. etching 3. syl etch+ing pron <1eCiG> pos n. def an impression made from an etched plate. ETD 0. syl E.T.D. qual abbrev. for def estimated time of departure. Eteocles 0. syl E:te:o:cles pron , <1eti*-> pos n. qual Greek myth. def a son of Oedipus and Jocasta. He expelled his brother Polynices from Thebes; they killed each other in single combat when Polynices re?!turned as leader of the Seven against Thebes. eternal ety C14: from Late Latin aetern*_alis, from Latin aeternus; related to Latin aevum age eternal 1.a. syl e:ter+nal pron pos adj. def without beginning or end; lasting for ever. exam 1 eternal life. eternal 1.b. syl e:ter+nal pron pos as; n. exam 1 the eternal. eternal 2. syl e:ter+nal pron pos adj. usage often cap. def denoting or relating to that which is without beginning and end, regarded as an attribute of God. eternal 3. syl e:ter+nal pron pos adj. def unchanged by time, esp. being true or valid for all time; immutable. exam 1 eternal truths. eternal 4. syl e:ter+nal pron pos adj. def seemingly unceasing; occurring again and again. exam 1 eternal bickering. eternality sub head eternal or eternalness syl e:ter+1nal+i:ty pos n. eternalness sub head eternal or eternality syl e:1ter+nal+ness pos n. eternally sub head eternal syl e:1ter+nal+ly pos adv. Eternal City 0. syl E:ter+nal Cit:y pos n. def Rome. eternize infl head eternalize or eternalise syl e:ter+nize pron pos vb. mod tr. eternalise infl head eternalize or eternize syl e:ter+nal+ise pos vb. mod tr. eternise infl head eternalize syl e:ter+nise pos vb. mod tr. eternalize 1. syl e:ter+nal+ize pron pos vb. mod tr. def to make eternal. eternalize 2. syl e:ter+nal+ize pron pos vb. mod tr. def to make famous for ever; immortalize. eternalization sub head eternalize or eternalisation syl e:2ter+nal:i+1za+tion pos n. eternization sub head eternalize or eternisation syl e:2ter+ni+1za+tion pos n. eternalisation sub head eternalize or eternalization syl e:2ter+nal:i+1sa+tion pos n. eternisation sub head eternalize or eternization syl e:2ter+ni+1sa+tion pos n. eternal triangle 0. syl e:ter+nal tri+an+gle pos n. def an emotional relationship in which there are conflicts involving a man and two women or a woman and two men. eterne ety C14: from Old French, from Latin aeternus eterne 0. syl e:terne pron pos adj. def an archaic or poetic word for {eternal}. ties infl head eternity syl :ties. pos n. mod pl. eternity 1. syl e:ter+ni:ty pron pos n. def endless or infinite time. eternity 2. syl e:ter+ni:ty pron pos n. def the quality, state, or condition of being eternal. eternity 3. syl e:ter+ni:ty pron pos n. mod usually; pl. def any of the aspects of life and thought that are considered to be timeless, esp. timeless and true. eternity 4. syl e:ter+ni:ty pron pos n. qual Theol. def the condition of timeless existence, believed by some to characterize the after?!life. eternity 5. syl e:ter+ni:ty pron pos n. def a seemingly endless period of time. exam 1 an eternity of waiting. eternity ring 0. syl e:ter+ni:ty ring pos n. def a ring given as a token of lasting affection, esp. one set all around with stones to symbolize continuity. etesian ety C17: from Latin et*_esius yearly, from Greek et*_esios, from etos year etesian 0. syl e:te+si:an pron pos adj. usage of NW winds def recurring annually in the summer in the E Mediterranean. eth 0. syl eth pron , pos n. def a variant spelling of {edh}. Eth 1. syl Eth. qual abbrev. for: def Ethiopia(n). Eth 2. syl Eth. qual abbrev. for: def Ethiopic. -eth ety Old English -eth, -th -eth H1.0. syl -eth pos suffix. def forming the archaic third person singular present indicative tense of verbs. exam 1 goeth; exam 2 taketh. -th alt head -eth or -eth syl -th -eth H2.0. or -th syl -eth usage suffix forming ordinal numbers. def variant of {-th%2}. exam 1 twentieth. ethane ety C19: from #7eth (#7yl) #7+ -#7ane ethane 0. syl e:thane pron <1ETAn>, <1eT-> pos n. def a colourless odourless flammable gaseous alkane obtained from natural gas and petroleum: used as a fuel and in the manufacture of organic chemicals. Formula: C\2H\6. ethanedioic acid ety C20: from #7ethane+{di -%1}#7+ -#7oic ethanedioic acid 0. syl e:thane+di:o+ic ac:id pron <2ETAndI1*uik>, <2eT-> pos n. def the technical name for {oxalic acid}. ethanediol ety C20: from #7ethane+{di -%1}#7+{ -#7ol %1} ethanediol 0. syl e:thane+di+ol pron <1ETAn2dIol>, <1eT-> pos n. def a clear colourless syrupy soluble liquid substance, used as an antifreeze and solvent. Formula: CH\2OHCH\2OH. Also called: {glycol, ethylene glycol}. ethanol 0. syl eth:a+nol pron <1eT*2nol>, <1ET*-> pos n. def the technical name for {alcohol} (sense 1). Ethelbert thelbert alt head Ethelbert or Ethelbert syl Eth:el:bert+800291 th:el:bert pron <1@T*l2bR:t> pos n. Ethelbert 0. or Ethelbert thelbert syl Eth:el:bert pron <1eT*l2bR:t> pos n. def ??552-616 #7a.d., king of Kent (560-616): converted to Christianity by St. Augustine; issued the earliest known code of English laws. Ethelred II thelred alt head Ethelred II or Ethelred II syl Eth:el:red II+800292 th:el:red pron <1@T*l2red> pos n. Ethelred II 0. or Ethelred II thelred syl Eth:el:red II pron <1eT*l2red> pos n. def known as ??968-1016 #7a.d., king of England (978-1016). He was temporarily deposed by the Danish king Sweyn (1013) but was recalled on Sweyn's death (1014). ethene 0. syl eth+ene pron <1eTEn> pos n. def the technical name for {ethylene}. ether ety C17: from Latin aether, from Greek aith*_er, from aithein to burn ether 1. syl e:ther pron <1ET*> pos n. def Also called: {diethyl ether, ethyl ether, ethoxyethane}. a colourless volatile highly flammable liquid with a characteristic sweetish odour, made by the reaction of sulphuric acid with ethanol: used as a solvent and anaesthetic. Formula: C\2H\5OC\2H\5. ether 2. syl e:ther pron <1ET*> pos n. def any of a class of organic compounds with the general formula ROR@', as in diethyl ether C\2H\5OC\2H\5. the ether 3. head ether syl the ether. def the hypothetical medium formerly believed to fill all space and to support the propagation of electromagnetic waves. ether 4. syl e:ther pron <1ET*> pos n. qual Greek myth. def the upper regions of the atmosphere; clear sky or heaven. ether 5. syl e:ther pron <1ET*> pos n. def a rare word for {air}. ether xref syl e:ther pron <1ET*> pos n. def Also (for senses 3-5): {aether}. etheric sub head ether syl e:ther+ic pron pos adj. ethereal ety C16: from Latin aethereus, from Greek aitherios, from aith*_er #7ether ethereal 1. syl e:the+re:al pron pos adj. def extremely delicate or refined; exquisite. ethereal 2. syl e:the+re:al pron pos adj. def almost as light as air; impalpable; airy. ethereal 3. syl e:the+re:al pron pos adj. def celestial or spiritual. ethereal 4. syl e:the+re:al pron pos adj. def of, containing, or dissolved in an ether, esp. diethyl ether. exam 1 an ethereal solution. ethereal 5. syl e:the+re:al pron pos adj. def of or relating to the ether. ethereality sub head ethereal or etherealness syl e:2the+re:1al+i:ty pos n. etherealness sub head ethereal or ethereality syl e:1the+re:al+ness pos n. ethereally sub head ethereal syl e:1the+re:al+ly pos adv. etherealise alt head etherealize or etherealize syl e:the+re:al+ise pron pos vb. mod tr. etherealize 1. or etherealise syl e:the+re:al+ize pron pos vb. mod tr. def to make or regard as being ethereal. etherealize 2. or etherealise syl e:the+re:al+ize pron pos vb. mod tr. def to add ether to or make into ether or something resembling ether. etherealization sub head etherealize or etherealisation syl e:2the+re:al:i+1za+tion pos n. etherealisation sub head etherealize or etherealization syl e:2the+re:al:i+1sa+tion pos n. Etherege 0. syl Eth:er:ege pron <1eT*riJ> pos n. def Sir {George}. ??1635-??92, English Restoration dramatist; author of the comedies (1664), (1668), and (1676). etherifies infl head etherify syl e:ther:i+fies pos vb. mod tr. etherifying infl head etherify syl e:ther:i+fy+ing pos vb. mod tr. etherified infl head etherify syl e:ther:i+fied. pos vb. mod tr. etherify 0. syl e:ther:i+fy pron <1ET*ri2fI>, pos vb. mod tr. def to change (a compound, such as an alcohol) into an ether. etherification sub head etherify syl e:2ther:i+fi+1ca+tion pos n. etherise alt head etherize or etherize syl e:ther+ise pron <1ET*2rIz> pos vb. mod tr. etherize 0. or etherise syl e:ther+ize pron <1ET*2rIz> pos vb. mod tr. qual Obsolete. def to subject (a patient, etc.) to the anaesthetic influence of ether fumes; anaesthetize. etherization sub head etherize or etherisation syl e:ther:i+1za+tion pos n. etherisation sub head etherize or etherization syl e:ther:i+1sa+tion pos n. etherizer sub head etherize or etheriser syl e:ther+2iz+er pos n. etheriser sub head etherize or etherizer syl e:ther+2is+er pos n. ethic ety C15: from Latin *_ethicus, from Greek *'ethikos, from *_ethos custom; see #7ethos ethic 1. syl eth+ic pron <1eTik> pos n. def a moral principle or set of moral values held by an individual or group. exam 1 the Puritan ethic. ethic 2. syl eth+ic pron <1eTik> pos adj. def another word for {ethical}. ethical 1. syl eth:i+cal pron <1eTikL> pos adj. def in accordance with principles of conduct that are considered correct, esp. those of a given profession or group. ethical 2. syl eth:i+cal pron <1eTikL> pos adj. def of or relating to ethics. ethical 3. syl eth:i+cal pron <1eTikL> pos adj. usage of a medicinal agent def available legally only with a doctor's prescription or consent. ethically sub head ethical syl eth:i+cal+ly pos adv. ethicalness sub head ethical or ethicality syl eth:i+cal+ness pos n. ethicality sub head ethical or ethicalness syl eth:i+1cal:i+ty pos n. ethicise alt head ethicize or ethicize syl eth:i+cise pron <1eTi2sIz> pos vb. mod tr. ethicize 0. or ethicise syl eth:i+cize pron <1eTi2sIz> pos vb. mod tr. def to make or consider as ethical. ethics 1. syl eth+ics pron <1eTiks> pos n. mod functioning as; sing. def the philosophical study of the moral value of human conduct and of the rules and principles that ought to govern it; moral philosophy. ethics 2. syl eth+ics pron <1eTiks> pos n. mod functioning as; pl. def a social, religious, or civil code of behaviour considered correct, esp. that of a particular group, profession, or individual. ethics 3. syl eth+ics pron <1eTiks> pos n. mod functioning as; pl. def the moral fitness of a decision, course of action, etc.. exam 1 he doubted the ethics of their verdict. ethicist sub head ethics syl eth:i+cist pos n. Ethiope alt head Ethiop or Ethiop syl E:thi+ope pron <1ETi2*up> pos adj. Ethiop 0. or Ethiope syl E:thi+op pron <1ETi2op> pos adj. def an archaic word for {Negro}. Ethiopia 0. syl E:thi:o+pi:a pron <2ETi1*upi*> pos n. def a state in NE Africa, on the Red Sea: consolidated as an empire under Menelik II (1889-1913); federated with Eritrea in 1952; Emperor Haile Selassie was deposed by the military in 1974 and the monarchy was abolished in 1975; secessionist movements in Eritrea have been engaged in civil war with the government since 1974; lies along the Great Rift Valley and consists of deserts in the southeast and northeast and a high central plateau with many rivers (including the Blue Nile) and mountains rising over 4500 m (15000 ft.); the main export is coffee. Official language: Amharic. Currency: birr. Capital: Addis Ababa. Pop.: 27946000 (1975 #7un est.). Area: 1221894 sq. km (471776 sq. miles). Former name: {Abyssinia}. Ethiopian 1. syl E:thi:o+pi:an pron <2ETi1*upi*n> pos adj. def of, relating to, or characteristic of Ethiopia, its people, or any of their languages. Ethiopian 2. syl E:thi:o+pi:an pron <2ETi1*upi*n> pos adj. def of or denoting a zoogeographical region consisting of Africa south of the Sahara. Ethiopian 3. syl E:thi:o+pi:an pron <2ETi1*upi*n> pos adj. qual Anthropol., obsolete. def of or belonging to a postulated racial group characterized by dark skin, an oval elongated face, and thin lips, living chiefly in Africa south of the Sahara. Ethiopian 4. syl E:thi:o+pi:an pron <2ETi1*upi*n> pos n. def a native or inhabitant of Ethiopia. Ethiopian 5. syl E:thi:o+pi:an pron <2ETi1*upi*n> pos n. def any of the languages of Ethiopia, esp. Amharic. {~} Ethiopian 6. syl E:thi:o+pi:an pron <2ETi1*upi*n> pos n. def an archaic word for {Negro}. Ethiopic 1. syl E:thi:o+pic pron <2ETi1opik>, <-1*upik> pos n. def the ancient language of Ethiopia, belonging to the Semitic subfamily of the Afro-Asiatic family: a Christian liturgical language. See also {Ge'ez}. Ethiopic 2. syl E:thi:o+pic pron <2ETi1opik>, <-1*upik> pos n. def the group of languages developed from this language, including Amharic, Tigre, and Tigrinya. Ethiopic 3. syl E:thi:o+pic pron <2ETi1opik>, <-1*upik> pos adj. def denoting or relating to this language or group of languages. Ethiopic 4. syl E:thi:o+pic pron <2ETi1opik>, <-1*upik> pos adj. def a less common word for {Ethiopian}. ethmoid ety C18: from Greek *_ethmoeid*_es like a sieve, from *_ethmos sieve, from *_ethein to sift ethmoid 1. syl eth+moid pron <1eTmcid> pos adj. qual Anatomy. usage also def denot?!ing or relating to a bone of the skull that forms part of the eye socket and the nasal cavity. ethmoid 2. syl eth+moid pron <1eTmcid> pos n. usage also def the ethmoid bone. ethnarch ety C17: from Greek ethnarkh*_es, from ethnos nation+ arkhein to rule ethnarch 0. syl eth+narch pron <1eTna:k> pos n. def the ruler of a people or province, as in parts of the Roman and Byzantine Empires. ethnarchy sub head ethnarch syl eth+nar+chy pos n. ethnic ety C14 (in the senses: heathen, Gentile): from Late Latin ethnicus, from Greek ethnikos, from ethnos race ethnical alt head ethnic or ethnic syl eth+ni+cal pos adj. ethnic 1. or ethnical syl eth+nic pron <1eTnik> pos adj. def relating to or characteristic of a human group having racial, religious, linguistic, and certain other traits in common. ethnic 2. or ethnical syl eth+nic pron <1eTnik> pos adj. def relating to the classification of mankind into groups, esp. on the basis of racial characteristics. ethnic 3. or ethnical syl eth+nic pron <1eTnik> pos adj. def denoting or deriving from the cultural traditions of a group of people. exam 1 the ethnic dances of Bosnia. ethnically sub head ethnic syl eth+ni+cal+ly pos adv. ethno- ety via French from Greek ethnos race ethno- 0. syl eth:no- usage combining form. def indicating race, people, or culture. exam 1 ethnology. ethnobotany 0. syl eth+no+bot:a+ny pron <2eTn*u1bot*ni> pos n. def the branch of botany concerned with the use of plants in folklore, religion, etc. ethnocentrism 0. syl eth+no+cen+trism pron <2eTn*u1sen2triz*m> pos n. def belief in the intrinsic superiority of the nation, culture, or group to which one belongs, often accompanied by feelings of dislike and contempt for other groups. ethnocentric sub head ethnocentrism syl eth+no+1cen+tric pos adj. ethnocentrically sub head ethnocentrism syl eth+no+1cen+tri+cal+ly pos adv. ethnocentricity sub head ethnocentrism syl eth+no+cen+1tric+i:ty pos n. ethnogeny 0. syl eth+nog+e:ny pron pos n. def the branch of ethnology that deals with the origin of races or peoples. ethnogenic sub head ethnogeny syl eth+no+gen+ic pron <2eTn*u1Jenik> pos adj. ethnogenist sub head ethnogeny syl eth+1nog+e:nist pos n. ethnography 0. syl eth+nog+ra+phy pron pos n. def the branch of anthropology that deals with the scientific description of individual human societies. &- {@!eth+#!nog+ra+pher} ethnographic sub head ethnography or ethnographical syl eth+no+graph+ic pron <2eTn*u?!1gr@fik> pos adj. ethnographical sub head ethnography or ethnographic syl eth+no+1graph:i+cal pos adj. ethnographically sub head ethnography syl eth+no+1graph:i+cal+ly pos adv. ethnol 0. syl ethnol. qual abbrev. for def ethnology. ethnology 0. syl eth+nol+o:gy pron pos n. def the branch of anthropology that deals with races and peoples, their relations to one another, their origins, and their distinctive characteristics. ethnologic sub head ethnology or ethnological syl eth+no+log+ic pron <2eTn*1loJik> pos adj. ethnological sub head ethnology or ethnologic syl eth+no+1log:i+cal pos adj. ethnologically sub head ethnology syl eth+no+1log:i+cal+ly pos adv. ethnologist sub head ethnology syl eth+1nol:o+gist pos n. ethology ety C17 (in the sense: mimicry): via Latin from Greek *_ethologia, from *_ethos character; current sense, C19 &- eth@.o+log@.i+cal (@!$e#Gg$$#!l$Ad#f$Ik%@l) adj. ethology 0. syl e:thol+o:gy pron pos n. def the study of the behaviour of animals in their normal environment. ethologically sub head ethology syl eth:o+1log:i+cal+ly pos adv. ethologist sub head ethology syl e:1thol:o+gist pos n. ethonone 0. syl eth:o+none pron <1eT*2n*un> pos n. def another name for {ketene}. ethos ety C19: from Late Latin: habit, from Greek ethos 0. syl e:thos pron <1ETos> pos n. def the distinctive character, spirit, and attitudes of a people, culture, era, etc.. exam 1 the revolutionary ethos. ethoxide ety C20: @T from@T ethox (yl) @T (from @T #7eth (#7yl) #7+ox (#7ygen) #7+ -#7yl) #7+ -#7ide ethoxide 0. syl eth+ox+ide pron pos n. def any of a class of saltlike compounds with the formula MOC\2H\5, where M is a metal atom. Also called:@T {ethylate}. ethoxyethane ety C20: from #7eth (#7yl) #7+oxy - #7+ethane ethoxyethane 0. syl eth+ox:y+e:thane pron pos n. def the technical name for {ether} (sense 1). ethyl ety C19: from #7eth (#7er) #7+ -#7yl ethyl 0. syl e:thyl pron <1ETIl>, <1eTil> pos n. usage modifier def of, consisting of, or containing the monovalent group C\2H\5-. exam 1 ethyl group or radical. ethylic sub head ethyl syl e:thyl+ic pron pos adj. ethyl acetate 0. syl e:thyl ac+e:tate pos n. def a colourless volatile flammable fragrant liquid ester, made from acetic acid and ethanol: used in perfumes and flavourings and as a solvent for plastics, lacquers, etc. Formula: CH\3COOC\2H\5. ethyl alcohol 0. syl e:thyl al+co+hol pos n. def another name for { {alcohol} (sense 1)}. ethylate 1. syl eth+yl+ate pron <1eTi2lAt> pos vb. def to undergo or cause to undergo a chemical reaction in which an ethyl group is introduced into a molecule. ethylate 2. syl eth+yl+ate pron <1eTi2lAt> pos n. def another name for an {ethoxide}. ethylation sub head ethylate syl eth+yl:1a+tion pos n. ethyl carbamate 0. syl e:thyl car+ba+mate pos n. def a colourless odourless crystalline ester used in the manufacture of pesticides, fungicides, and pharma?!ceuticals. Formula: CO(NH\2)OC\2H\5. Also called: {urethane}. ethene alt head ethylene or ethylene syl eth+ene pron <1eTEn> pos n. ethylene 0. or ethene syl eth+yl+ene pron <1eTi2lEn> pos n. def a colourless flammable gaseous alkene with a sweet odour, obtained from petroleum and natural gas and used in the manufacture of polythene and many other chemicals. Formula: CH\2:CH\2. Also called: {ethene}. ethylenic sub head ethylene syl eth+yl+e:nic pron <2eTi1lEnik> pos adj. ethylene glycol 0. syl eth+yl+ene gly+col pos n. def another name for {ethanediol}. ethylene gradical alt head ethylene group or ethylene group syl eth+yl+ene grad:i+cal pos n. ethylene group 0. or ethylene gradical syl eth+yl+ene group pos n. qual Chem. def the divalent group, -CH\2CH\2-, derived from ethylene. ethylene series 0. syl eth+yl+ene se+ries pos n. qual Chem. def the homologous series of unsaturated hydrocarbons that contain one double bond and have the general formula, C H\2 ; alkene series. ethyl ether 0. syl e:thyl e:ther pos n. def a more formal name for { {ether} (sense 1)}. ethyne ety C20: from #7ethyl+ -#7ine ethyne 0. syl e:thyne pron <1ETIn>, <1eTIn> pos n. def another name for {acetylene}. 'Etienne 0. syl *'E:tienne pron French pos n. def a variant spelling of {Estienne}. etiolate ety C18: from French *'etioler to make pale, probably from Old French estuble straw, from Latin stipula etiolate 1. syl e:ti:o+late pron <1Eti*u2lAt> pos vb. qual Botany. def to whiten (a green plant) through lack of sunlight. etiolate 2. syl e:ti:o+late pron <1Eti*u2lAt> pos vb. def to become or cause to become pale and weak, as from malnutrition. etiolation sub head etiolate syl e:ti:o+1la+tion pos n. etiologies infl head etiology syl e:ti+ol+o:gies. pos n. mod pl. etiology 0. syl e:ti+ol+o:gy pron <2Eti1ol*Ji> pos n. def the usual U.S. spelling of {aetiology}. etiological sub head etiology syl e:ti:o+log:i+cal pron <2Eti*1loJikL> pos adj. etiologically sub head etiology syl e:ti:o+1log:i+cal+ly pos adv. etiologist sub head etiology syl e:ti+1ol:o+gist pos n. etiquette ety C18: from French, from Old French estiquette label, from estiquier to attach; see #7{stick %2} etiquette 1. syl et:i+quette pron <1eti2ket>, <2eti1ket> pos n. def the customs or rules governing behaviour regarded as correct or acceptable in social or official life. etiquette 2. syl et:i+quette pron <1eti2ket>, <2eti1ket> pos n. def a conventional but unwritten code of practice followed by members of any of certain professions or groups. exam 1 medical etiquette. Mount infl head Etna syl Mount. pos n. Etna 0. syl Et:na pron <1etn*> pos n. def an active volcano in E Sicily: the highest volcano in Europe and the highest peak in Italy south of the Alps. Height: 3263 m (10500 ft.). Eton 1. syl E:ton pron <1EtN> pos n. def a town in S England, in Berkshire near the River Thames: site of {Eton College}, a public school for boys founded in 1440. Pop.: 3954 (1971). Eton 2. syl E:ton pron <1EtN> pos n. def this college. Etonian sub head Eton syl E:to+ni:an pron pos adj. n. Eton collar 0. syl E:ton col+lar pos n. def a broad stiff white collar worn outside an Eton jacket. Eton crop 0. syl E:ton crop pos n. def a very short mannish hair style worn by women in the 1920s. Eton jacket 0. syl E:ton jack+et pos n. def a waist-length jacket with a V-shaped back, open in front, formerly worn by pupils of Eton College. 'etrier ety French: stirrup 'etrier 0. syl *'e:tri+er pron French pos n. qual Mountaineering. def a short rope ladder with two or three wooden or metal rungs. Etruria 0. syl E:tru+ri:a pron pos n. def an ancient country of central Italy, between the Rivers Arno and Tiber, roughly corresponding to present-day Tuscany and part of Umbria. Etrurian alt head Etruscan or Etruscan syl E:tru+ri:an pron pos n. Etruscan 1. or Etrurian syl E:trus+can pron pos n. def a member of an ancient people of central Italy whose civilization greatly influenced the Romans, who had suppressed them by about 200 #7b.c. Etruscan 2. or Etrurian syl E:trus+can pron pos n. def the non-Indo-European language of the ancient Etruscans, whose few surviving records have not been fully interpreted. Etruscan 3. or Etrurian syl E:trus+can pron pos adj. def of, relating to, or characteristic of Etruria, the Etruscans, their culture, or their language. et seq ety Latin: and the following et seq ety Latin: and those that follow et seq 1. syl et seq. qual abbrev. for: def et sequens et seq 2. syl et seq. qual abbrev. for: def Also: {et seqq}. et sequentia -ette ety from French, feminine of -#7et -ette 0. syl -ette exam 1 suffix of nouns. -ette 1. syl -ette def small. exam 1 cigarette; exam 2 kitchenette. -ette 2. syl -ette def female. exam 1 majorette; exam 2 suffragette. -ette 3. syl -ette usage esp. in trade names def imitation. exam 1 Leatherette. 'etude ety French: #7study 'etude 0. syl *'e:tude pron <1Atju:d>, French pos n. def a short musical composition for a solo instrument, esp. one designed as an exercise or exploiting technical virtuosity. 'etui ety C17: from French, from Old French estuier to enclose; see #7tweezers 'etuis infl head 'etui syl *'e:tuis. pos n. mod pl. 'etui 0. syl *'e:tui pron pos n. def a small usually ornamented case for holding needles, cosmetics, or other small articles. etym infl head ety or etymol syl etym. etymol infl head ety or etym syl etymol. ety 1. syl ety. qual abbrev. for: def etymological. ety 2. syl ety. qual abbrev. for: def etymology. etymologise alt head etymologize or etymologize syl et:y+mol:o+gise pron <2eti1mol*2JIz> pos vb. etymologize 0. or etymologise syl et:y+mol:o+gize pron <2eti1mol*2JIz> pos vb. def to trace, state, or suggest the etymology of (a word). etymology ety C14: via Latin from Greek etumologia; see #7etymon, -#7logy etymologies infl head etymology syl et:y+mol+o:gies. pos n. mod pl. etymology 1. syl et:y+mol+o:gy pron <2eti1mol*Ji> pos n. def the study of the sources and development of words and morphemes. etymology 2. syl et:y+mol+o:gy pron <2eti1mol*Ji> pos n. def an account of the source and development of a word or morpheme. etymological sub head etymology syl et:y+mo+log:i+cal pron <2etim*1loJikL> pos adj. etymologically sub head etymology syl et:y+mo+1log:i+cal+ly pos adv. etymologist sub head etymology syl et:y+1mol:o+gist pos n. etymon ety C16: via Latin, from Greek etumon basic meaning, from etumos true, actual etymons infl head etymon or etyma syl et:y+mons pron <-m*> pos n. mod pl. etyma infl head etymon or etymons syl et:y+ma pron <-m*> pos n. mod pl. etymon 0. syl et:y+mon pron <1eti2mon> pos n. def a form of a word or morpheme, usually the earliest recorded form or a reconstructed form, from which another word or morpheme is derived. exam 1 the etymon of English @6 ewe@9 is Indo-European @6 Etzel 0. syl Et:zel pron <1etsL> pos n. qual German legend. def a great king who, according to the was the second husband of Kriemhild after the death of Siegfried: identified with Attila the Hun. Compare {Atli}. Eu 0. syl Eu usage the chemical symbol for def europium. eu- ety via Latin from Greek, from eus good eu- 0. syl eu- pos prefix. def well, pleasant, or good. exam 1 eupeptic; exam 2 euphony. eubacteria ety C20: via New Latin from Greek, from #7eu - (in the sense: true)+#7bacterium eubacterium infl head eubacteria syl eu:bac+te+ri:um pron <-ri*m> pos n. mod sing. eubacteria 0. syl eu:bac+te+ri:a pron <2ju:b@k1ti*ri*> pos n. mod pl. def a large group of bacteria characterized by a rigid cell wall and, in motile types, flagella; the true bacteria. Euboea 0. syl Eu:boe:a pron pos n. def an island in the W Aegean Sea: the largest island after Crete of the Greek archipelago; linked with the mainland by a bridge across the Euripus channel. Capital: Chalcis. Pop.: 165369 (1971). Area: 3908 sq. km (1524 sq. miles). Modern Greek name: {*'Evvoia}. Former English name: {Negropont}. Euboean sub head Euboea syl Eu:1boe:an pos adj. n. eucaine 0. syl eu:caine pron pos n. def a crystalline optically active substance formerly used as a local anaesthetic. Formula: C\1\5H\2\1NO\2. eucalyptole alt head eucalyptol or eucalyptol syl eu:ca+lyp+tole pron <2ju:k*1lipt*ul> pos n. eucalyptol 0. or eucalyptole syl eu:ca+lyp+tol pron <2ju:k*1liptol> pos n. def a colourless oily liquid with a camphor-like odour and a spicy taste, obtained from eucalyptus oil and used in perfumery and as a flavouring. Formula: C\1\0H\1\8O. Also called: {cineol}. eucalyptus ety C19: New Latin, from #7eu -#7+ Greek kaluptos covered, from kaluptein to cover, hide eucalypt alt head eucalyptus or eucalyptus syl eu:ca+lypt pron <1ju:k*2lipt> pos n. eucalyptuses infl head eucalyptus syl eu:ca+lyp+tus:es pron <-1liptI> pos n. mod pl. eucalypti infl head eucalyptus or eucalypts syl eu:ca+lyp+ti pron <-1liptI> pos n. mod pl. eucalypts infl head eucalyptus or eucalypti syl eu:ca+lypts. pos n. mod pl. eucalyptus 0. or eucalypt syl eu:ca+lyp+tus pron <2ju:k*1lipt*s> pos n. def any myrtaceous tree of the mostly Australian genus such as the blue gum and ironbark, widely cultivated for the medicinal oil in their leaves ({eucalyptus oil}) , timber, and ornament. eucharis ety C19: New Latin, from Late Latin: charm?!ing, from Greek eukharis, from #7eu -#7+ kharis grace eucharis 0. syl eu:cha+ris pron <1ju:k*ris> pos n. def any amaryllidaceous plant of the South American genus cultivated for their large white fragrant flowers. Eucharist ety C14: via Church Latin from Greek eukharistia, from eukharistos thankful, from #7eu -#7+ khariz?!esthai to show favour, from kharis favour Eucharist 1. syl Eu:cha+rist pron <1ju:k*rist> pos n. def the Christian sacrament in which Christ's Last Supper is commemorated by the consecration of bread and wine. Eucharist 2. syl Eu:cha+rist pron <1ju:k*rist> pos n. def the consecrated elements of bread and wine offered in the sacrament. Eucharistic sub head Eucharist or Eucharistical syl Eu:cha+1ris+tic pos adj. Eucharistical sub head Eucharist or Eucharistic syl Eu:cha+1ris+ti+cal pos adj. Eucharistically sub head Eucharist syl Eu:cha+1ris+ti+cal+ly pos adv. euchlorin alt head euchlorine or euchlorine syl eu:chlo+rin pron pos n. euchlorine 0. or euchlorin syl eu:chlo+rine pron pos n. def an explosive gaseous mixture of chlorine and chlorine dioxide. euchre ety C19: of unknown origin euchre 1. syl eu:chre pron <1ju:k*> pos n. def a U.S. card game similar to *'ecart*'e for two, three, or four players, using a poker pack with joker and jack high. euchre 2. syl eu:chre pron <1ju:k*> pos n. def an instance of euchring another player, preventing him from making his contracted tricks. euchre 3. syl eu:chre pron <1ju:k*> pos vb. mod tr. def to prevent (a player) from making his contracted tricks. euchre 4. syl eu:chre pron <1ju:k*> pos vb. mod tr. qual U.S. informal. usage usually foll. by out def to outwit or cheat. euchre 5. syl eu:chre pron <1ju:k*> pos vb. mod tr. qual Austral. informal. def to ruin or exhaust. euchromatin 0. syl eu:chro+ma+tin pron pos n. def the part of a chromosome that constitutes the major genes and does not stain strongly with basic dyes when the cell is not dividing. Compare {heterochromatin}. euchromatic sub head euchromatin syl eu:chro+mat+ic pron <2ju:kr*u1m@tik> pos adj. Rudolph Christoph infl head Eucken syl Ru:dolph Chris:toph pron <1ru:dclf> <1kristcf> pos n. Eucken 0. syl Euc:ken pron German <1cikN> pos n. def 1846-1926, German idealist philosopher: Nobel prize for literature 1908. Euclid 1. syl Eu:clid pron <1ju:klid> pos n. def 3rd century #7b.c., Greek mathematician of Alexandria; author of which sets out the principles of geometry and remained a text until the 19th century at least. Euclid 2. syl Eu:clid pron <1ju:klid> pos n. def the works of Euclid, esp. his system of geometry. &- {Eu@.clid+e@.an} {Eu@.clid+i@.an} (ju$:#!kl$Id$I$$n) eudemon ety C17: from Greek eudaim*_on, from #7eu -#7+ daim*_on in-dwelling spirit; see #7demon eudaemon alt head eudemon or eudemon syl eu:dae:mon pron pos n. eudemon 0. or eudaemon syl eu:de:mon pron pos n. def a benevolent spirit or demon. eudaemonia alt head eudemonia or eudemonia syl eu:dae:mo+ni:a pron <2ju:di1m*uni*> pos n. eudemonia 0. or eudaemonia syl eu:de:mo+ni:a pron <2ju:di1m*uni*> pos n. def happiness, esp. (in the philosophy of Aristotle) that resulting from a rational active life. eudaemonics alt head eudemonics or eudemonics syl eu:dae:mon+ics pron <2ju:di1moniks> pos n. mod functioning as; sing. eudemonics 1. or eudaemonics syl eu:de:mon+ics pron <2ju:di1moniks> pos n. mod functioning as; sing. def the art or theory of happiness. eudemonics 2. or eudaemonics syl eu:de:mon+ics pron <2ju:di1moniks> pos n. mod functioning as; sing. def another word for {eudemonism}. &- {@!eu@.de@.#!mon+ic} {@!eu@.dae@.#!mon+ic} eudemonist sub head eudemonism or eudaemonist syl eu:1de:mon+ist pos n. eudaemonist sub head eudemonism or eudemonist syl eu+1dae:mon+ist pos n. eudemonistic sub head eudemonism or eudemonistical syl eu:2de:mon+1is+tic pos adj. eudaemonistic sub head eudemonism or eudaemonistical syl eu:2dae:mon+1is+tic pos adj. eudemonistical sub head eudemonism or eudemonistic syl eu:2de:mon+1is+ti+cal pos adj. eudaemonistical sub head eudemonism or eudaemonistic syl eu:2dae:mon+1is+ti+cal pos adj. eudemonistically sub head eudemonism or eudaemonistically syl eu:2de:mon+1is+ti+cal+ly pos adv. eudaemonistically sub head eudemonism or eudemonistically syl eu:2dae:mon+1is+ti+cal+ly pos adv. eudiometer ety C18: from Greek eudios, literally: clear skied (from #7eu -#7+ Dios , genitive of Zeus god of the heavens)+-#7meter eudiometer 0. syl eu:di+om+e:ter pron <2ju:di1omit*> pos n. def a graduated glass tube used in the study and volumetric analysis of gas reactions. eudiometric sub head eudiometer or eudiometrical syl eu:di:o+met+ric pron <2ju:di*1metrik> pos adj. eudiometrical sub head eudiometer or eudiometric syl eu:di:o+1met+ri+cal pos adj. eudiometrically sub head eudiometer syl eu:di:o+1met+ri+cal+ly pos adv. eudiometry sub head eudiometer syl eu:di+1om+e:try pos n. Eudoxus of Cnidus 0. syl Eu:dox:us of Cni+dus pron <1nId*s> pos n. def ??406-??355 #7b.c., Greek astronomer and mathematician; believed to have calculated the length of the solar year. Prince infl head Eugene syl Prince pos n. Eugene 0. syl Eu:g*`ene pron French <$o1Zen> pos n. def title of 1663-1736, Austrian general, born in France: with Marlborough defeated the French at Blenheim (1704), Oudenaarde (1708), and Malplaquet (1709). eugenics ety C19: from Greek eugen*_es wellborn, from #7eu- +-gen*_es born; see #7-gen &- eu@.#!gen+ic adj. &- eu@.#!gen@.i+cal+ly adv. eugenics 0. syl eu:gen+ics pron pos n. mod functioning as; sing. def the study of methods of improving the quality of the human race, esp. by selective breeding. eugenicist sub head eugenics syl eu:1gen:i+cist pos n. Eug'enie 0. syl Eu:g*'e:nie pron French <$oZA1ni> pos n. def original name 1826-1920, Empress of France (1853-71) as wife of Napoleon III. eugenol ety C19: eugen-, from Eugenia caryophyllata kind of clove from which oil may be obtained+-#7ol eugenol 0. syl eu:ge:nol pron <1ju:Ji2nol> pos n. def a colourless or pale yellow oily liquid substance with a spicy taste and an odour of cloves, used in perfumery; 4-allyl-2-methoxyphenol. Formula: C\1\0H\1\2O\2. euglena ety C19: from New Latin, from #7eu -#7+ Greek gl*_en*_e eyeball, socket of a joint euglena 0. syl eu:gle:na pron pos n. def any freshwater flagellate protozoan of the genus typically having holophytic nutrition. Because it has some plant characteristics is sometimes classified as an alga. euhemerism ety C19: named after Euhemerus (??300 #7b.c.) #7, Greek philosopher who propound?!ed this theory euhemerism 1. syl eu:he+mer+ism pron pos n. def the theory that gods arose out of the deification of historical heroes. euhemerism 2. syl eu:he+mer+ism pron pos n. def any interpre?!tation of myths that derives the gods from outstanding men and seeks the source of mythology in history. euhemerist sub head euhemerism syl eu:1he+mer+ist pos n. euhemeristic sub head euhemerism syl eu:2he+mer+1is+tic pos adj. euhemeristically sub head euhemerism syl eu:2he+mer+1is+ti+cal+ly pos adv. euhemerise alt head euhemerize or euhemerize syl eu:he+mer+ise pron pos vb. euhemerize 0. or euhemerise syl eu:he+mer+ize pron pos vb. def to deal with or explain (myths) by euhemerism. eulachon ety from Chinook Jargon ul*^ak*^an eulachan alt head eulachon or eulachon syl eu:la+chan pos n. eulachons infl head eulachon or eulachans syl eu:la+chons pos n. mod pl. eulachon infl or eulachan syl eu:la+chon pos n. mod pl. eulachans infl head eulachon or eulachons syl eu:la+chans pos n. mod pl. eulachan infl head eulachon or eulachon syl eu:la+chan. pos n. mod pl. eulachon 0. or eulachan syl eu:la+chon pron <1ju:l*2kon> pos n. def another name for {candlefish}. Leonhard infl head Euler syl Le:on:hard pron <1lA:cn2hart> pos n. Euler 0. syl Eu:ler pron German <1cil*r> pos n. def 1707-83, Swiss mathematician, noted esp. for his work on the calculus of variation: considered the founder of modern mathematical analysis. eulogia ety C18: from Greek: blessing; see #7eulogy eulogia 1. syl eu:lo+gi:a pron pos n. qual Eastern Christian Church. def blessed bread distributed to members of the congregation after the liturgy, esp. to those who have not communed. eulogia 2. syl eu:lo+gi:a pron pos n. qual Archaic. def a blessing or something blessed. eulogise alt head eulogize or eulogize syl eu:lo+gise pron <1ju:l*2JIz> pos vb. eulogize 0. or eulogise syl eu:lo+gize pron <1ju:l*2JIz> pos vb. def to praise (a person or thing) highly in speech or writing. eulogist sub head eulogize syl eu:lo+gist pos n. eulogizer sub head eulogize or eulogiser syl eu:lo+2giz+er pos n. eulogiser sub head eulogize or eulogizer syl eu:lo+2gis+er pos n. eulogistic sub head eulogize or eulogistical syl eu:lo+1gis+tic pos adj. eulogistical sub head eulogize or eulogistic syl eu:lo+1gis+ti+cal pos adj. eulogistically sub head eulogize syl eu:lo+1gis+ti+cal+ly pos adv. eulogy ety C16: from Late Latin eulogia, from Greek: praise, from #7eu -#7+ -#7logy ; influenced by Latin *_elogium short saying, inscription eulogies infl head eulogy syl eu:lo:gies. pos n. mod pl. eulogy 1. syl eu:lo:gy pron <1ju:l*2Ji> pos n. def a formal speech or piece of writing praising a person or thing, esp. a person who has recently died. eulogy 2. syl eu:lo:gy pron <1ju:l*2Ji> pos n. def high praise or commendation. {~} Also called (archaic): {eu@.lo+gi@.um} (ju$:#!l$$$ud#f$I$$m). Eumenides ety from Greek, literally: the benevolent ones, from eumen*_es benevolent, from #7eu -#7+ menos spirit Eumenides 0. syl Eu:men:i+des pron pos n. mod pl. def another name for the {Furies}, used by the Greeks as a euphemism. eunuch ety C15: via Latin from Greek eunoukhos attendant of the bedchamber, from eun*_e bed+ ekhein to have, keep eunuch 1. syl eu:nuch pron <1ju:n*k> pos n. def a man who has been castrated, esp. (formerly) for some office such as a guard in a harem. eunuch 2. syl eu:nuch pron <1ju:n*k> pos n. qual Informal. def an ineffective man. exam 1 a political eunuch. euonymus ety C18: from Latin: spindle tree, from Greek eu*_onumos fortunately named, from #7eu -#7+ onoma #7name evonymus alt head euonymus or euonymus syl e:von:y+mus pos n. euonymus 0. or evonymus syl eu:on:y+mus pron pos n. def any tree or shrub of the N temperate genus such as the spindle tree, whose seeds are each enclosed in a fleshy, typically red, aril: family eupatorium ety C16: from New Latin, from Greek eupatorion hemp agrimony, from Eupator surname of Mithridates VI, king of Pontus and traditionally the first to have used it medicinally eupatorium 0. syl eu:pa+to+ri:um pron <2ju:p*1tc:ri*m> pos n. def any plant of the genus of tropical America and the West Indies: cultivated for their ornamental clusters of purple, pink, or white flowers: family (composites). eupatrid ety C19: via Latin from Greek eupatrid*_es, literally: having a good father, from #7eu -#7+ pat*_er father eupatridae infl head eupatrid or eupatrids syl eu:pat+ri+dae pron <-1p@tri2dE> pos n. mod pl. eupatrids infl head eupatrid or eupatridae syl eu:pat+rids. pos n. mod pl. eupatrid 0. syl eu:pat+rid pron pos n. usage in ancient Greece def a hereditary noble or landowner. Eupen and Malm'edy 0. syl Eu:pen and Mal+m*'e+dy pron French <$o1pen> pos n. def a region of Belgium in Li*`ege province: ceded by Germany in 1919. Pop.: of Eupen 14879 (1970); of Malm*'edy 6464 (1970). eupepsia ety C18: from New Latin, from Greek, from #7eu -#7+ pepsis digestion, from peptein to digest &- eu@.pep+tic (ju$:#!p$ept$Ik) adj. eupepsy alt head eupepsia or eupepsia syl eu:pep+sy pron pos n. eupepsia 0. or eupepsy syl eu:pep+si:a pron pos n. qual Physiol. def good digestion. euphausiid ety C19: from New Latin Euphausiacea, perhaps from Greek #7eu -#7+ pha- from phainein to reveal, show+ ousia substance, stuff euphausiid 0. syl eu:phau+si+id pron pos n. def any small pelagic shrimplike crustacean of the order an important constituent of krill. euphemism ety C17: from Greek euph*_emismos, from #7eu -#7+ ph*_em*_e speech euphemism 1. syl eu:phe:mism pron <1ju:fi2miz*m> pos n. def an inoffensive word or phrase substituted for one considered offensive or hurtful, esp. one concerned with religion, sex, death, or excreta. Examples of euphemisms are. exam 1 sleep with euphemism 2. syl eu:phe:mism pron <1ju:fi2miz*m> pos n. def the use of such inoffensive words or phrases. euphemist sub head euphemism syl eu:phe:mist pos n. euphemistic sub head euphemism syl eu:phe:1mis+tic pos adj. euphemistically sub head euphemism syl eu:phe:1mis+ti+cal+ly pos adv. euphemise alt head euphemize or euphemize syl eu:phe:mise pron <1ju:fi2mIz> pos vb. euphemize 0. or euphemise syl eu:phe:mize pron <1ju:fi2mIz> pos vb. def to speak in euphemisms or refer to by means of a euphemism. euphemizer sub head euphemize or euphemiser syl eu:phe:2miz+er pos n. euphemiser sub head euphemize or euphemizer syl eu:phe:2mis+er pos n. euphonious alt head euphonic or euphonic syl eu:pho+ni+ous pron pos adj. euphonic 1. or euphonious syl eu:phon+ic pron pos adj. def denoting or relating to euphony; pleasing to the ear. euphonic 2. or euphonious syl eu:phon+ic pron pos adj. usage of speech sounds def altered for ease of pronunciation. euphonically sub head euphonic or euphoniously syl eu:1phon:i+cal+ly pos adv. euphoniously sub head euphonic or euphonically syl eu:1pho+ni+ous+ly pos adv. euphonium ety C19: New Latin, from #7euph (#7ony+harm) #7onium euphonium 0. syl eu:pho+ni:um pron pos n. def a brass musical instrument with four valves; the tenor of the tuba family. It is used mainly in brass bands. euphonise alt head euphonize or euphonize syl eu:pho+nise pron <1ju:f*2nIz> pos vb. euphonize 1. or euphonise syl eu:pho+nize pron <1ju:f*2nIz> pos vb. def to make pleasant to hear; render euphonious. euphonize 2. or euphonise syl eu:pho+nize pron <1ju:f*2nIz> pos vb. def to change (speech sounds) so as to facilitate pronunciation. euphony ety C17: from Late Latin euph*_onia, from Greek, from #7eu -#7+ ph*_on*_e voice euphonies infl head euphony syl eu:pho+nies. pos n. mod pl. euphony 1. syl eu:pho+ny pron <1ju:f*ni> pos n. def the alteration of speech sounds, esp. by assimilation, so as to make them easier to pronounce. euphony 2. syl eu:pho+ny pron <1ju:f*ni> pos n. def a pleasing sound, esp. in speech. euphorbia ety C14: euforbia, from Latin euphorbea African plant named after Euphorbus, first-century #7a.d. Greek physician euphorbia 0. syl eu:phor+bi:a pron pos n. def any plant of the genus such as the spurges and poinsettia: family euphorbiaceous 0. syl eu:phor+bi:a+ceous pron pos adj. def of, relating to, or belonging to the a family of plants typically having capsular fruits: includes the spurges, the castor oil and cassava plants, cascarilla, and poinsettia. euphoria ety C19: from Greek: good ability to endure, from #7eu -#7+ pherein to bear euphoria 0. syl eu:pho+ri:a pron pos n. def a feeling of great elation, esp. when exaggerated. euphoric sub head euphoria syl eu:phor+ic pron pos adj. euphoriant 1. syl eu:pho+ri+ant pron pos adj. def relating to or able to produce euphoria. euphoriant 2. syl eu:pho+ri+ant pron pos n. def a euphoriant drug or agent. euphotic ety C20: from #7eu -#7+photic euphotic 0. syl eu:pho+tic pron , <-1fot-> pos adj. qual Ecology. def denoting or relating to the uppermost part of a sea or lake down to about 100 metres depth, which receives enough light to enable photo?!synthesis to take place. euphrasy ety C15 eufrasie, from Medieval Latin eufrasia, from Greek euphrasia gladness, from euphrainein to make glad, from #7eu -#7+ phr*_en mind euphrasies infl head euphrasy syl eu:phra+sies. pos n. mod pl. euphrasy 0. syl eu:phra+sy pron <1ju:fr*si> pos n. def another name for {eyebright}. Euphrates 0. syl Eu:phra+tes pron pos n. def a river in SW Asia, rising in E Turkey and flowing south across Syria and Iraq to join the Tigris, forming the Shatt-al-Arab, which flows to the head of the Persian Gulf: important in ancient times for the extensive irrigation of its valley (in Mesopotamia). Length: 3598 km (2235 miles). euphroe ety C19: from Dutch juffrouw maiden, earlier joncfrouwe (from jonc #7young+ frouwe woman) euphroe alt or euphroe syl eu:phroe pron <1ju:fr*u>, <-vr*u> pos n. euphroe 0. or euphroe syl eu:phroe pron <1ju:fr*u>, <-vr*u> pos n. qual Nautical. def a wooden block with holes through which the lines of a crowfoot are rove. Euphrosyne 0. syl Eu:phros:y:ne pron pos n. qual Greek myth. def one of the three Graces. euphuism ety C16: after Ephues, prose romance by John Lyly euphuism 1. syl eu:phu:ism pron <1ju:fju:2iz*m> pos n. def an artificial prose style of the Elizabethan period, marked by extreme use of antithesis, alliteration, and extended similes and allusions. euphuism 2. syl eu:phu:ism pron <1ju:fju:2iz*m> pos n. def any stylish affectation in speech or writing, esp. a rhetorical device or expression. euphuist sub head euphuism syl eu:phu+ist pos n. euphuistic sub head euphuism or euphuistical syl eu:phu+1is+tic pos adj. euphuistical sub head euphuism or euphuistic syl eu:phu+1is+ti+cal pos adj. euphuistically sub head euphuism syl eu:phu+1is+ti+cal+ly pos adv. euplastic ety C19: from Greek euplastos readily moulded; see #7eu -#7, plastic euplastic 0. syl eu:plas+tic pron pos adj. def healing quickly and well. euploid ety C20: from #7eu -#7+ -ploid, as in #7haploid &- #!eu@.ploid@.y n. euploid 1. syl eu:ploid pron <1ju:plcid> pos adj. qual Biology. def having chromosomes present in an exact multiple of the haploid number. {~} euploid 2. syl eu:ploid pron <1ju:plcid> pos adj. qual Biology. def a euploid cell or individual. euploid xref syl eu:ploid pron <1ju:plcid> qual Biology. def Compare {aneuploid}. eupnoea ety C18: from New Latin, from Greek eupnoia, from eupnous breathing easily, from #7eu -#7+ pno*_e, from pnein to breathe eupnea alt head eupnoea or eupnoea syl eup+ne:a pron pos n. qual U.S. eupnoea 0. or eupnea syl eup+noe:a pron pos n. qual Physiol. def normal relaxed breathing. Compare {dyspnoea}. eupnoeic sub head eupnoea or eupneic syl eup+1noe+ic pos adj. eupneic sub head eupnoea or eupnoeic syl eup+1ne+ic pos adj. qual U.S. Eur 0. syl Eur. qual abbrev. for def Europe(an). Eur- 0. syl Eur- usage combining form. def variant of {Euro-} before a vowel. Eurasia 0. syl Eur:a+sia pron , <-Z*> pos n. def the continents of Europe and Asia considered as a whole. Eurasian 1. syl Eur:a+sian pron , <-Z*n> pos adj. def of or relating to Eurasia. Eurasian 2. syl Eur:a+sian pron , <-Z*n> pos adj. def of mixed European and Asian descent. Eurasian 3. syl Eur:a+sian pron , <-Z*n> pos n. def a person of mixed European and Asian descent. Euratom 0. syl Eur+at+om pron pos n. def short for {European Atomic Energy Commission}; an authority established by the Common Market to develop peaceful uses of nuclear energy. Eure 0. syl Eure pron French <@o:r> pos n. def a department of N France, in Haute-Normandie region. Capital: *'Evreux. Pop.: 433529 (1975). Area: 6037 sq. km (2354 sq. miles). Eure-et-Loir 0. syl Eure-et-Loir qual French def @or e #!lwa$:r) a department of N central France, in Centre region. Capital: Chartres. Pop.: 342281 (1975). Area: 5940 sq. km (2317 sq. miles). eureka ety C17: from Greek heur*_eka I have found (it), from heuriskein to find; traditionally the exclamation of Archimedes when he realized, during bathing, that the volume of an irregular solid could be calculated by measuring the water displaced when it was immersed eureka 0. syl eu:re:ka pron pos interj. def an exclamation of triumph on discovering or solving something. Eureka Stockade 0. syl Eu:re:ka Stock+ade pos n. def a violent incident in Ballarat, Australia, in 1854 between gold miners and the military, as a result of which the miners won their democratic rights in the state parliament. eurhythmical infl head eurhythmic syl eu:rhyth+mi+cal eurhythmic 1. syl eu:rhyth+mic pron usage esp. U.S. def having a pleasing and harmonious rhythm, order, or structure. eurhythmic 2. syl eu:rhyth+mic pron usage esp. U.S. def of or relating to eurhythmics. eurhythmics 1. syl eu:rhyth+mics usage esp. U.S. def a system of training through physical movement to music, originally taught by *'Emile Jaques-Dalcroze, to develop grace and musical understanding. eurhythmics 2. syl eu:rhyth+mics usage esp. U.S. def dancing of this style, expressing the rhythm and spirit of the music through body movements. eurhythmy ety C17: from Latin eurythmia, from Greek eurhuthmia, from #7eu -#7+ rhuthmos proportion, #7rhythm eurhythmy 1. syl eu:rhyth+my usage esp. U.S. or def rhythmical movement. eurhythmy 2. syl eu:rhyth+my usage esp. U.S. or def harmonious structure. Euripides 0. syl Eu:rip:i:des pron pos n. def ??480-406 #7b.c., Greek tragic dramatist. His plays, 18 of which are extant, include and euripus ety C17: from Latin, from Greek Euripos the strait between Boeotia and Euboea, from rip*_e force, rush euripi infl head euripus syl eu:ri+pi pron <-pI> pos n. mod pl. euripus 1. syl eu:ri+pus pron pos n. def a strait or channel with a strong current or tide. euripus 2. syl eu:ri+pus pron pos n. qual Rare. def a state of violent fluctuation. Euroclydon ety C17: from Greek euroklud*_on, from Euros E#7urus+ Greek akul*_on (unattested) north wind, from Latin aquil*_o Euroclydon 1. syl Eu:roc+ly+don pron pos n. def a stormy wind from the north or northeast that occurs in the Levant, which caused the ship in which St. Paul was travelling to be wrecked (Acts 27:14). Euroclydon 2. syl Eu:roc+ly+don pron pos n. def any stormy wind. Eurocommunism 0. syl Eu:ro+com+mun+ism pron <2ju*r*u1komju2niz*m> pos n. def the policies, doctrines, and practices of Communist Parties in Western Europe, esp. insofar as these favour nonalignment with Russia or China. &- {@!Eu@.ro+#!com+mun+ist} Eurocrat 0. syl Eu:ro+crat pron <1ju*r*2kr@t> pos n. def a member, esp. a senior member, of the administration of the Common Market. Eurodollar 0. syl Eu:ro+dol+lar pron <1ju*r*u2dol*> pos n. def a U.S. dollar as part of a European holding: they are used as a source of short or medium-term finance, esp. in international trade, because of their easy convertibility. Euromart alt head Euromarket or Euromarket syl Eu:ro+mart pos n. Euromarket 0. or Euromart syl Eu:ro+mar+ket pron <1ju*r*u2ma:kit> pos n. def other names for the {Common Market}. Europa H1.0. syl Eu:ro:pa pron pos n. qual Greek myth. def a Phoenician princess who had three children by Zeus in Crete, where he had taken her after assuming the guise of a white bull. Their offspring were Rhadamanthys, Minos, and Sarpedon. Europa H2.0. syl Eu+ro+pa pron pos n. def the fourth largest of the twelve satellites of Jupiter and the third nearest to the planet. Europe 1. syl Eu:rope pron <1ju*r*p> pos n. def the second smallest continent, forming the W peninsula of the land mass of Eurasia: the border with Asia runs from the Urals to the Caspian and the Black Sea. The coastline is generally extremely indented and there are several peninsulas (notably Scandinavia, Italy, and Iberia) and offshore islands (including the British Isles and Iceland). It contains a series of great mountain systems in the south (Pyrenees, Alps, Apennines, Carpathians, Caucasus), a large central plain, and a N region of lakes and mountains in Scandinavia. Pop.: 458067000 (1969 est.). Area: about 10400000 sq. km (4000000 sq. miles). Europe 2. syl Eu:rope pron <1ju*r*p> pos n. qual Brit. def the continent of Europe except for the British Isles. exam 1 we're going to Europe for our holiday. Europe 3. syl Eu:rope pron <1ju*r*p> pos n. qual Brit. def the Common Market. exam 1 when did Britain go into Europe?? European 1. syl Eu:ro+pe:an pron <2ju*r*1pi*n> pos adj. def of or relating to Europe or its inhabitants. European 2. syl Eu:ro+pe:an pron <2ju*r*1pi*n> pos adj. def native to or derived from Europe. European 3. syl Eu:ro+pe:an pron <2ju*r*1pi*n> pos n. def a native or inhabitant of Europe. European 4. syl Eu:ro+pe:an pron <2ju*r*1pi*n> pos n. def a person of European descent. Europeanism sub head European syl Eu:ro+1pe:an+ism pos n. European Economic Community 0. syl Eu:ro+pe:an E:co+nom+ic Com+mu+ni:ty pos n. def the official name for the {Common Market}. Abbrev.: {EEC} European Free Trade Association 0. syl Eu:ro+pe:an Free Trade As+so+ci:a+tion pos n. def See {EFTA}. Europeanise alt head Europeanize or Europeanize syl Eu:ro+pe:an+ise pron <2ju*r*1pi*2nIz> pos vb. mod tr. Europeanize 1. or Europeanise syl Eu:ro+pe:an+ize pron <2ju*r*1pi*2nIz> pos vb. mod tr. def to make European in culture, dress, etc. Europeanize 2. or Europeanise syl Eu:ro+pe:an+ize pron <2ju*r*1pi*2nIz> pos vb. mod tr. def to integrate (a country, economy, etc.) into the Common Market. Europeanization sub head Europeanize or Europeanisation syl Eu:ro+2pe:an:i+1za+tion pos n. Europeanisation sub head Europeanize or Europeanization syl Eu:ro+2pe:an:i+1sa+tion pos n. European letter telegram 0. syl Eu:ro+pe:an let+ter tel:e+gram pos n. def a letter telegram sent from the U.K. to a European country. Abbrev.: {ELT} European plan 0. syl Eu:ro+pe:an plan pos n. qual U.S. def a hotel rate of charging covering room and service but not meals. Compare {American plan}. European Recovery Programme 0. syl Eu:ro+pe:an Re+cov+er:y Pro+gramme pos n. def the official name for the {Marshall Plan}. europium ety C20: named after E#7urope+ -#7ium europium 0. syl eu:ro+pi:um pron pos n. def a soft ductile reactive silvery-white element of the lanthanide series of metals: used as the red phosphor in colour television and in lasers. Symbol: Eu; atomic no.: 63; atomic wt.: 151.96; valency: 2 or 3; relative density: 5.25; melting pt.: 826?%C; boiling pt.: 1439?%C. Europoort 0. syl Eu:ro+poort pron Dutch <1$o:ro:po:rt> pos n. def a port in the Netherlands near Rotterdam: developed in the 1960s; handles chiefly oil. Eurovision 0.a. syl Eu:ro+vis+ion pron <1ju*r*u2viZ*n> pos n. def the network of the European Broadcasting Union for the exchange of news and television programmes amongst its member organizations and for the relay of news and programmes from outside the network. Eurovision 0.b. syl Eu:ro+vis+ion pron <1ju*r*u2viZ*n> pos n. usage as modifier def . exam 1 the Eurovision song contest. Eurus ety Latin, from Greek euros Eurus 0. syl Eu:rus pron <1ju*r*s> pos n. qual Greek myth. def the east or southeast wind personified. eury- ety New Latin, from Greek, from eurus wide eury- 0. syl eu:ry- usage combining form. def broad or wide. exam 1 eurythermal. Euryale 0. syl Eu:ry:a:le pron pos n. qual Greek myth. def one of the three Gorgons. Eurydice 0. syl Eu:ryd:i:ce pron pos n. qual Greek myth. def a dryad married to Orpheus, who sought her in Hades after she died. She would have been able to leave Hades with him had he not broken his pact and looked back at her. eurypterid ety C19: from New Latin Eurypterida, from #7eury -#7+ Greek pteron wing, feather eurypterid 0. syl eu:ryp+ter+id pron pos n. def any large extinct scorpion-like aquatic arthropod of the group of Palaeozoic times, thought to be related to the horseshoe crabs. Eurystheus 0. syl Eu:rys:theus pron , <-Ti*s> pos n. qual Greek myth. def a grandson of Perseus, who, through the favour of Hera, inherited the kingship of Mycenae, which Zeus had intended for Hercules. eurythermic infl head eurythermal or eurythermous syl eu:ry+ther+mic pos adj. eurythermous infl head eurythermal or eurythermic syl eu:ry+ther+mous pos adj. eurythermal 0. syl eu:ry+ther+mal pron <2ju*ri1TR:m*l> pos adj. usage of organisms def able to tolerate a wide range of temperatures in the environment. eurythmics 0. syl eu:ryth+mics pron pos n. def a variant spelling (esp. U.S.) of {eurhythmics}. &- {eu@.#!ryth+mic} {eu@.#!ryth+mi+cal} &- {eu@.#!ryth+my} eurytropic ety C20: from #7eury -#7+ -#7tropic eurytropic 0. syl eu:ry+trop+ic pron <2ju*ri1tropik> pos adj. usage Ecology. of a species, etc. def able to tolerate a wide range of environmental changes. Compare {stenotropic}. Eusebius 0. syl Eu:se:bi:us pron pos n. def ??265-??340 #7a.d., bishop of Caesarea: author of a history of the Christian Church to 324 #7a.d. eusporangiate ety from New Latin eusporangi*_atus (unattested), from #7eu -#7+sporangium eusporangiate 0. syl eu:spo+ran+gi+ate pron <2ju:spc:1r@nJiit> pos adj. usage of ferns def having each sporangium developing from a group of cells rather than a single cell. Eustachian tube ety C18: named after Bartolomeo Eustachio, 16th-century Italian anatomist Eustachian tube 0. syl Eu:sta+chian tube pron pos n. def a tube that connects the middle ear with the nasopharynx and equalizes the pressure between the two sides of the eardrum. eustatic ety C20: from Greek, from #7eu -#7+static eustatic 0. syl eu:stat+ic pron pos adj. def denoting or relating to worldwide changes in sea level, caused by the melting of ice sheets, movements of the ocean floor, sedimentation, etc. eustasy sub head eustatic syl eu:sta+sy pron <1ju:st*si> pos n. eustatically sub head eustatic syl eu:1stat:i+cal+ly pos adv. eutectic ety C19: from Greek eut*_ektos melting readily, from #7eu -#7+ t*_ekein to melt eutectic 1. syl eu:tec+tic pron pos adj. usage of a mixture of substances, esp. an alloy def having the lowest freezing point of all possible mixtures of the substances. eutectic 2. syl eu:tec+tic pron pos adj. def concerned with or suitable for the formation of eutectic mixtures. eutectic 3. syl eu:tec+tic pron pos n. def a eutectic mixture. eutectic 4. syl eu:tec+tic pron pos n. def the temperature on a phase diagram at which a eutectic mixture forms. eutectoid 0. syl eu:tec+toid pron pos adj. def another word for {eutectic}. Euterpe 0. syl Eu:ter:pe pron pos n. qual Greek myth. def the Muse of lyric poetry and music. Euterpean sub head Euterpe syl Eu:1ter+pe:an pos adj. euthanasia ety C17: via New Latin from Greek: easy death, from #7eu -#7+ thanatos death euthanasia 0. syl eu:tha+na+si:a pron <2ju:T*1nAzi*> pos n. def the act of killing someone painlessly, esp. to relieve suffering from an incurable illness. Also called: {mercy killing}. euthenics ety C20: from Greek euth*_enein to thrive euthenics 0. syl eu:then+ics pron pos n. mod functioning as; sing. def the study of the control of the environment, esp. with a view to improving the health and living standards of the human race. euthenist sub head euthenics syl eu:1then+ist pos n. eutherian ety C19: from New Latin Euth*_eria, from Greek #7eu -#7+ th*_eria, plural of th*_erion beast eutherian 1. syl eu:the+ri:an pron pos adj. def of, relating to, or belonging to the a subclass of mammals all of which have a placenta and reach an advanced state of development before birth. The group includes all mammals except monotremes and marsupials. eutherian 2. syl eu:the+ri:an pron pos n. def any eutherian mammal. eutherian xref syl eu:the+ri:an pron pos adj. def Compare {metatherian, prototherian}. eutrophic ety C18: probably from eutrophy, from Greek eutrophia sound nutrition, from eutrophos well-fed, from #7eu -#7+ trephein to nourish eutrophic 0. syl eu:troph+ic pron , <-1tr*u-> pos adj. usage of lakes, etc. def rich in organic and mineral nutrients and supporting an abundant plant life. Compare {oligotrophic}. eutrophication sub head eutrophic syl eu:2troph:i+1ca+tion pos n. euxenite ety C19: from Greek euxenos hospitable (literally: well-disposed to strangers), from #7eu -#7+ xenos stranger; from its containing a number of rare elements euxenite 0. syl eux+e:nite pron <1ju:ksi2nIt> pos n. def a rare brownish-black mineral containing erbium, cerium, uranium, columbium, and yttrium. Euxine Sea 0. syl Eux+ine Sea pron <1ju:ksIn> pos n. def another name for the {Black Sea}. eV 0. syl eV qual abbrev. for def electronvolt. EV 0. syl E.V. qual abbrev. for def English Version (of the Bible). EVA 0. syl EVA qual Astronautics. abbrev. for def extravehicular activity. evacuant 1. syl e:vac:u+ant pron pos adj. def serving to promote excretion, esp. of the bowels. evacuant 2. syl e:vac:u+ant pron pos n. def an evacuant agent. evacuate ety C16: from Latin *_evacu*_are to void, from vacuus empty &- e@.@!vac@.u+#!a@.tion n. &- e@.#!vac@.u+a@.tive adj. evacuate 1. syl e:vac:u+ate pron pos vb. mod also; intr. def to withdraw or cause to withdraw from (a place of danger) to a place of greater safety. evacuate 2. syl e:vac:u+ate pron pos vb. mod mainly; tr. def to make empty by removing the contents of. evacuate 3.a. syl e:vac:u+ate pron pos vb. mod mainly; tr. def to eliminate or excrete (faeces); defecate. evacuate 3.b. syl e:vac:u+ate pron pos vb. mod mainly; tr. def to discharge (any waste product) from (a part of the body). evacuate 4. syl e:vac:u+ate pron pos vb. mod tr. def to create a vacuum in (a bulb, flask, reaction vessel, etc.). evacuator sub head evacuate syl e:1vac:u+2a:tor pos n. evacuee 0. syl e:vac+u:ee pron pos n. def a person evacuated from a place of danger, esp. in wartime. evade ety C16: from French *'evader, from Latin *_ev*_adere to go forth, from v*_adere to go evade 1. syl e:vade pron pos vb. mod mainly; tr. def to get away from or avoid (imprisonment, captors, etc.); escape. evade 2. syl e:vade pron pos vb. mod mainly; tr. def to get around, shirk, or dodge (the law, a duty, etc.). evade 3. syl e:vade pron pos vb. mod also; intr. def to avoid answering (a question). evadable sub head evade syl e:1vad+a:ble pos adj. evader sub head evade syl e:1vad+er pos n. evadingly sub head evade syl e:1vad+ing+ly pos adv. evaginate ety C17: from Late Latin *_ev*_ag*_in*_are to unsheath, from v*_ag*_ina sheath evaginate 0. syl e:vag:i+nate pron pos vb. mod tr. qual Med. def to turn (an organ or part) inside out; turn the outer surface (of an organ or part) back on itself. evagination sub head evaginate syl e:2vag:i+1na+tion pos n. evaluate ety C19: back formation from evaluation, from French, from evaluer to evaluate; see #7value evaluate 1. syl e:val:u+ate pron pos vb. mod tr. def to ascertain or set the amount or value of. evaluate 2. syl e:val:u+ate pron pos vb. mod tr. def to judge or assess the worth of; appraise. evaluation sub head evaluate syl e:2val:u+1a:tion pos n. evaluative sub head evaluate syl e:1val:u+a:tive pos adj. evaluator sub head evaluate syl e:1val:u+2a:tor pos n. evanesce ety C19: from Latin *_ev*_an*_escere to disappear; see #7vanish evanesce 0. syl ev:a+nesce pron <2ev*1nes> pos vb. mod intr. usage of smoke, mist, etc. def to fade gradually from sight; vanish. evanescent 1. syl ev:a+nes+cent pron <2ev*1nesNt> pos adj. def passing out of sight; fading away; vanishing. evanescent 2. syl ev:a+nes+cent pron <2ev*1nesNt> pos adj. def ephemeral or transitory. evanescently sub head evanescent syl ev:a+1nes+cent+ly pos adv. evanescence sub head evanescent syl ev:a+1nes+cence pos n. evan alt head evang or evang syl evan. evang 0. or evan syl evang. qual abbrev. for usage often cap. def evangelical. evangel ety C14: from Church Latin *_evangelium, from Greek evangelion good news, from #7eu -#7+ angelos messenger; see #7angel evangel 1. syl e:van+gel pron pos n. qual Archaic. def the gospel of Christian?!ity. evangel 2. syl e:van+gel pron pos n. usage often cap. def any of the four Gospels of the New Testament. evangel 3. syl e:van+gel pron pos n. def any body of teachings regarded as central or basic. evangel 4. syl e:van+gel pron pos n. def a rare word for {evangelist}. infl head evangelical syl ~ pos adj. qual Christianity. evangelical 1. syl e:van+gel:i+cal pron <2Ev@n1JelikL> pos adj. def of, based upon, or following from the Gospels. evangelical 2. syl e:van+gel:i+cal pron <2Ev@n1JelikL> pos adj. def denoting or relating to any of certain Protestant sects or parties, which emphasize the importance of personal conversion and faith in atonement through the death of Christ as a means of salvation. evangelical 3. syl e:van+gel:i+cal pron <2Ev@n1JelikL> pos adj. def another word for {evangelistic}. evangelical 4. syl e:van+gel:i+cal pron <2Ev@n1JelikL> pos n. def an upholder of evangelical doctrines or a member of an evangelical sect or party, esp. the Low-Church party of the Church of England. &- {@!e@.van+#!gel@.i+cal+ism} evangelically sub head evangelical syl e:van+1gel:i+cal+ly pos adv. evangelism 1. syl e:van+ge:lism pron pos n. def the practice of spreading the Christian gospel. evangelism 2. syl e:van+ge:lism pron pos n. def ardent or missionary zeal for a cause. evangelism 3. syl e:van+ge:lism pron pos n. def the work, methods, or characteristic outlook of a revivalist or evangelist preacher. evangelism 4. syl e:van+ge:lism pron pos n. def a less common word for {evangelicalism}. evangelist 1. syl e:van+ge:list pron pos n. def an occasional preacher, sometimes itinerant and often preaching at meetings in the open air. evangelist 2. syl e:van+ge:list pron pos n. def a preacher of the Christian gospel. evangelist 3. syl e:van+ge:list pron pos n. def any zealous advocate of a cause. evangelist 4. syl e:van+ge:list pron pos n. def another word for {{revivalist} (sense 1)}. Evangelist 1. syl E:van+ge:list pron pos n. def any of the writers of the New Testament Gospels: Matthew, Mark, Luke, or John. Evangelist 2. syl E:van+ge:list pron pos n. def a senior official or dignitary of the Mormon Church. evangelistic 1. syl e:van+ge:lis+tic pron pos adj. def denoting, resembling, or relating to evangelists or their methods and attitudes. exam 1 evangelistic zeal. evangelistic 2. syl e:van+ge:lis+tic pron pos adj. def zealously advocating a cause. evangelistic 3. syl e:van+ge:lis+tic pron pos adj. usage often cap. def of or relating to all or any of the four Evangelists. evangelistically sub head evangelistic syl e:2van+ge:1lis+ti+cal+ly pos adv. evangelise alt head evangelize or evangelize syl e:van+ge:lise pron pos vb. evangelize 1. or evangelise syl e:van+ge:lize pron pos vb. def to preach the Christian gospel or a particular interpretation of it (to). evangelize 2. or evangelise syl e:van+ge:lize pron pos vb. mod intr. def to advocate a cause with the object of making converts. evangelization sub head evangelize or evangelisation syl e:2van+ge:li+1za+tion pos n. evangelisation sub head evangelize or evangelization syl e:2van+ge:li+1sa+tion pos n. evangelizer sub head evangelize or evangeliser syl e:1van+ge:2liz+er pos n. evangeliser sub head evangelize or evangelizer syl e:1van+ge:2lis+er pos n. evanish ety C15: from Old French esvanir, from Latin *_ev*_an*_escere to #7vanish evanish 0. syl e:van+ish pron pos vb. def a poetic word for {vanish}. evanishment sub head evanish syl e:1van+ish+ment pos n. Evans 1. syl Ev:ans pron <1ev*nz> pos n. def Sir {Ar@.thur John}. 1851-1941, English archaeologist, whose excavations of the palace of Knossos in Crete provided evidence for the existence of the Minoan civilization. (Arthur) Mostyn 2. head Evans syl (Arthur) Mos:tyn def known as born 1925, British trade-union leader; general secretary of the Transport and General Workers' Union since 1978. Evans 3. syl Ev:ans pron <1ev*nz> pos n. def Dame {E@.dith}. 1888-1976, English actress. Evans 4. syl Ev:ans pron <1ev*nz> pos n. def Sir {Ger@.aint (Llewellyn) }. born 1922, Welsh operatic baritone. Herbert McLean 5. head Evans syl Her:bert Mc:Lean. def 1882-1971, U.S. anatomist and embryologist; discoverer of vitamin E (1922). Mary Ann 6. head Evans syl Mar:y Ann. def original name of (George) {Eliot}. Evanston 0. syl Ev+ans+ton pron <1ev*nst*n> pos n. def a city in NE Illinois, on Lake Michigan north of Chicago: Northwestern University (1851). Pop.: 79808 (1970). Evansville 0. syl Ev+ans+ville pron <1ev*nz2vil> pos n. def a city in SW Indiana, on the Ohio River. Pop.: 136165 (1973 est.). evaporate ety C16: from Late Latin *_evap*_or*_are, from Latin vapor steam; see #7vapour &- e@.#!vap@.o+ra@.ble adj. &- e@.@!vap@.o+ra@.#!bil+i@.ty n. &- e@.@!vap@.o+#!ra+tion n. &- e@.#!vap@.o+ra+tive adj. evaporate 1. syl e:vap:o+rate pron pos vb. def to change or cause to change from a liquid or solid state to a vapour. Compare {boil} %1 (sense 1). evaporate 2. syl e:vap:o+rate pron pos vb. def to lose or cause to lose liquid by vaporization leaving a more concentrated residue. evaporate 3. syl e:vap:o+rate pron pos vb. def to disappear or cause to dis?!appear; fade away or cause to fade away. exam 1 all her doubts evaporated. evaporate 4. syl e:vap:o+rate pron pos vb. mod tr. def to deposit (a film, metal, etc.) by vapori?!zation of a liquid or solid and the subsequent condensation of its vapour. evaporator sub head evaporate syl e:1vap:o+2ra+tor pos n. evaporated milk 0. syl e:vap:o+rat+ed milk pos n. def thick unsweetened tinned milk from which some of the water has been evaporated. evaporometer alt head evaporimeter or evaporimeter syl e:vap:o+rom+e:ter pron pos n. evaporimeter 0. or evaporometer syl e:vap:o+rim+e:ter pron pos n. def another name for {atmometer}. evaporite ety C20: #7evaporation+ -#7{ite %1} evaporite 0. syl e:vap:o+rite pron pos n. def any sedimentary rock, such as rock salt, gypsum, or anhydrite, formed by evaporation of former seas or salt-water lakes. evapotranspiration 0. syl e:vap:o+tran+spi+ra+tion pron pos n. def the return of water vapour to the atmosphere by evaporation from land and water surfaces and by the transpiration of vegetation. evasion ety C15: from Late Latin *_ev*_asi*_o, from Latin *_ev*_adere to go forth; see #7evade evasion 1. syl e:va+sion pron pos n. def the act of evading or escaping, esp. from a distasteful duty, responsibility, etc., by trickery, cunning, or illegal means. exam 1 tax evasion. evasion 2. syl e:va+sion pron pos n. def trickery, cunning, or deception used to dodge a question, duty, etc.; means of evading. evasive 1. syl e:va+sive pron pos adj. def tending or seeking to evade; avoiding the issue; not straightforward. evasive 2. syl e:va+sive pron pos adj. def avoiding or seeking to avoid trouble or difficulties. exam 1 to take evasive action. evasive 3. syl e:va+sive pron pos adj. def hard to catch or obtain; elusive. evasively sub head evasive syl e:1va+sive+ly pos adv. evasiveness sub head evasive syl e:1va+sive+ness pos n. eve ety C13: variant of #7even %2 eve 1.a. syl eve pron pos n. def the evening or day before some special event or festival. eve 1.b. syl eve pron pos n. usage cap. when part of a name exam 1 New Year's Eve. eve 2. syl eve pron pos n. def the period immediately before an event. exam 1 on the eve of civil war. eve 3. syl eve pron pos n. def an archaic word for {evening}. Eve 0. syl Eve pron pos n. qual Old Testament. def the first woman; mother of the human race, fashioned by God from the rib of Adam (Genesis 2:18-25). evection ety C17: from Latin *_evecti*_o a going up, from *_evehere to lead forth, from vehere to carry evection 0. syl e:vec+tion pron pos n. def irregularity in the moon's motion caused by perturbations of the sun and planets. evectional sub head evection syl e:1vec+tion+al pos adj. John infl head Evelyn syl John. pos n. Evelyn 0. syl Eve:lyn pron <1Evlin>, <1ev-> pos n. def 1620-1706, English author, noted chiefly for his diary (1640-1706). even ety Old English efen; related to Old Norse jafn even, equal, Gothic ibns, Old High German eban even H1.1. syl e:ven pron <1EvN> pos adj. def level and regular; flat. exam 1 an even surface. even H1.2. syl e:ven pron <1EvN> pos adj. usage postpositive; foll. by with def on the same level or in the same plane (as). exam 1 one surface even with another. even H1.3. syl e:ven pron <1EvN> pos adj. def without variation or fluctuation; regular; constant. exam 1 an even rate of progress. even H1.4. syl e:ven pron <1EvN> pos adj. def not readily moved or excited; placid; calm. exam 1 an even temper. even H1.5. syl e:ven pron <1EvN> pos adj. def equally balanced between two sides. exam 1 an even game. even H1.6. syl e:ven pron <1EvN> pos adj. def equal or identical in number, quantity, etc.. exam 1 two even spoonfuls of sugar. even H1.7.a. syl e:ven pron <1EvN> pos adj. usage of a number def divisible by two. even H1.7.b. syl e:ven pron <1EvN> pos adj. def characterized or indicated by such a number. exam 1 maps are on the even pages. even H1.8. syl e:ven pron <1EvN> pos adj. def relating to or denoting two or either of two alternatives, events, etc., that have an equal probability. exam 1 an even chance of missing or catching a train. even H1.9. syl e:ven pron <1EvN> pos adj. def having no balance of debt; neither owing nor being owed. even H1.10. syl e:ven pron <1EvN> pos adj. def just and impartial; fair. exam 1 an even division. even H1.11. syl e:ven pron <1EvN> pos adj. def exact in number, amount, or extent. exam 1 an even pound. even H1.12. syl e:ven pron <1EvN> pos adj. def equal, as in score; level. exam 1 now the teams are even. even H1.13. syl e:ven pron <1EvN> pos adj. usage Maths. of a function def unchanged in value when the sign of the independent variable is changed, as in = Compare { {odd} (sense 8)}. even H1.14.a. syl e:ven pron <1EvN> pos adj. def a bet that wins an identical sum if it succeeds. even H1.14.b. syl e:ven pron <1EvN> pos adj. usage as modifier def . exam 1 the even-money favourite. get even (with) 15. head even syl get even (with) qual Informal. def to exact revenge (on). of even date 16. head even syl of even date. qual Legal, formal, or obsolete. def of the same or today's date. {~} even H1.18. syl e:ven pron <1EvN> pos adj. usage intensifier; used with comparative forms exam 1 this is even better. even H1.19. syl e:ven pron <1EvN> pos adj. def notwithstand?!ing; in spite of. exam 1 even with his head start she soon caught him up. even H1.20. syl e:ven pron <1EvN> pos adj. def used to introduce a more precise version of a word, phrase, or statement. exam 1 he is base, even depraved. even H1.21. syl e:ven pron <1EvN> pos adj. def used preceding a clause of supposition or hypothesis to emphasize the implication that whether or not the condition in it is fulfilled, the statement in the main clause remains valid. exam 1 even if she died he wouldn't care. even H1.22. syl e:ven pron <1EvN> pos adj. qual Archaic. def that is to say; namely (used for emphasis). exam 1 he, even he, hath spoken these things. even H1.23. syl e:ven pron <1EvN> pos adj. qual Archaic. def all the way; fully. exam 1 I love thee even unto death. even as 24. head even syl even as. pos conj. def at the very same moment or in the very same way that. exam 1 even as I spoke, it thundered. even H1.25.a. syl e:ven pron <1EvN> pos adj. def in spite of any assertion to the contrary: nevertheless. even H1.25.b. syl e:ven pron <1EvN> pos adj. qual Archaic. def yes; (that is) correct. even xref syl e:ven pron <1EvN> pos adj. def See also {break even, even out, even up}. evener sub head even syl e:ven+er pos n. evenly sub head even syl e:ven+ly pos adv. evenness sub head even syl e:ven+ness pos n. even ety Old English *_@afen; related to Old Frisian *_evend, Old High German *_aband even H2.0. syl e:ven pron <1EvN> pos n. def an archaic word for {eve} or {evening}. evenfall 0. syl e:ven+fall pron <1EvN2fc:l> pos n. qual Archaic. def early evening; dusk. even-handed 0. syl e:ven-hand:ed pos adj. def dealing fairly with all; impartial. even-handedly sub head even-handed syl e:ven-1hand:ed+ly pos adv. even-handedness sub head even-handed syl e:ven-1hand:ed+ness pos n. evening ety Old English *_@afnung; related to Old Frisian *_evend, Old High German *_aband evening 1. syl eve+ning pron <1EvniG> pos n. def the latter part of the day, esp. from late afternoon until nightfall. evening 2. syl eve+ning pron <1EvniG> pos n. def the latter or concluding period. exam 1 the evening of one's life. evening 3. syl eve+ning pron <1EvniG> pos n. def the early part of the night spent in a specified way. exam 1 an evening at the theatre. evening 4. syl eve+ning pron <1EvniG> pos n. def an entertainment, meeting, or reception held in the early part of the night. evening 5. syl eve+ning pron <1EvniG> pos n. qual Southern U.S. and Brit. dialect. def the period between noon and sunset. evening 6. syl eve+ning pron <1EvniG> pos n. usage modifier def of, used, or occurring in the evening. exam 1 the evening papers. evening class 0. syl eve+ning class pos n. def a class held in the evenings at certain colleges, normally for adults. evening dress 0. syl eve+ning dress pos n. def attire for wearing at a formal occasion during the evening, esp. (for men) a dinner jacket and black tie, or (less commonly, for women) a floor-length gown. evening primrose 0. syl eve+ning prim+rose pos n. def any onagraceous plant of the American genus esp. typically having yellow flowers that open in the evening. evenings 0. syl eve+nings pron <1EvniGz> pos adv. qual Informal. def in the evening, esp. regularly. evening star 0. syl eve+ning star pos n. def a planet, usually Venus, seen shining brightly in the west just after sunset. Compare {morning star}. even out 0. syl e:ven out pos vb. adv. def to make or become even, as by the removal of bumps, inequalities, etc.. exam 1 the land evens out beyond that rise. evens 1. syl e:vens pron <1Ev*nz> pos adj. adv. usage of a bet def winning an identical sum if successful. evens 2. syl e:vens pron <1Ev*nz> pos adj. adv. usage of a runner def offered at such odds. evensong 1. syl e:ven+song pron <1EvN2soG> pos n. def Also called: {Evening Prayer}. the daily evening service of Bible readings and prayers prescribed in the Book of Common Prayer. evensong 2. syl e:ven+song pron <1EvN2soG> pos n. qual Archaic. def another name for {vespers}. evensong 3. syl e:ven+song pron <1EvN2soG> pos n. def an archaic or poetic word for {evening}. event ety C16: from Latin *_eventus a happening, from *_even*_ire to come forth, happen, from ven*_ire to come event 1. syl e:vent pron pos n. def anything that takes place or happens, esp. something important; happening; incident. event 2. syl e:vent pron pos n. def the actual or final outcome; result (esp. in the phrases {in the event, after the event) }. event 3. syl e:vent pron pos n. def any one contest in a programme of sporting or other contests. exam 1 the high jump is his event. event 4. syl e:vent pron pos n. qual Philosophy. def an occurrence not caused by human agency. Compare { {act} (sense 8)}. at all events 5. head event or in any event syl at all events def regardless of circumstances; in any case. in the event of 6. head event syl in the event of. def in case of; if (such a thing) happens. exam 1 in the event of rain the race will be cancelled. in the event that 7. head event syl in the event that. def if it should happen that. even-tempered 0. syl e:ven-tem:pered pos adj. def not easily angered or excited; calm. eventful 0. syl e:vent+ful pron pos adj. def full of events or incidents. exam 1 an eventful day. ?- eventfulness sub head eventful syl e:1vent+ful+ness pos n. event horizon 0. syl e:vent ho+ri+zon pos n. qual Astronomy. def the spherical surface around a black hole enclosing the space from which electromagnetic radiation cannot escape due to excessive gravitational attraction. The radius is proportional to the mass of the black hole. eventide 0. syl e:ven+tide pron <1EvN2tId> pos n. qual Archaic or poetic. def another word for {evening}. eventual 1. syl e:ven+tu:al pron pos adj. usage prenominal def happening in due course of time; ultimate. exam 1 the eventual outcome was his defeat. eventual 2. syl e:ven+tu:al pron pos adj. qual Archaic. def contingent or possible. eventualities infl head eventuality syl e:ven+tu+al+i:ties. pos n. mod pl. eventuality 0. syl e:ven+tu+al+i:ty pron pos n. def a possible event, occurrence, or result; contingency. eventually 1. syl e:ven+tu+al+ly pron pos adv. def at the very end; finally. eventually 2. syl e:ven+tu+al+ly pron pos adv. usage as sentence modifier def after a long time or long delay. exam 1 eventually, he arrived. eventuate 1. syl e:ven+tu+ate pron pos vb. mod intr. usage often foll. by in def to result ultimately (in). eventuate 2. syl e:ven+tu+ate pron pos vb. mod intr. def to come about as a result. exam 1 famine eventuated from the crop failure. eventuation sub head eventuate syl e:2ven+tu:1a+tion pos n. even up 0. syl e:ven up pos vb. adv. def to make or become equal, esp. in respect of claims or debts; settle or balance. ever ety Old English *_@afre, of un?!certain origin ever 1. syl ev:er pron <1ev*> pos adv. def at any time. exam 1 have you ever seen it?? ever 2. syl ev:er pron <1ev*> pos adv. def by any chance; in any case. exam 1 how did you ever find out?? ever 3. syl ev:er pron <1ev*> pos adv. def at all times; always. exam 1 ever busy. ever 4. syl ev:er pron <1ev*> pos adv. def in any possible way or manner. exam 1 come as fast as ever you can. ever so infl head ever syl ever so pos adv. ever such infl head ever syl ever such pos adv. ever such a) infl head ever syl ever such a) pos adv. ever and again 6. head ever or anon syl ever and again qual Archaic. def now and then; from time to time. is he 7. head ever or she ever syl is he qual U.S. slang. def he she displays the quality concerned in abundance. {~} See also {for ever}. Everest ety C19: named after Sir G. Everest (died 1866), Surveyor-General of India Mount 1. head Everest syl Mount. def a mountain in S Asia on the border between Nepal and Tibet, in the Himalayas: the highest mountain in the world; first climbed by a British expedition (1953). Height: 8708 m (29028 ft.). Everest 2. syl Ev+er+est pron <1ev*rist> pos n. def any high point of ambition or achievement. the infl head Everglades syl the. pos n. Everglades 0. syl Ev:er+glades pron <1ev*2glAdz> pos n. mod pl. def a subtropical marshy region of Florida, south of Lake Okeechobee: contains the {Everglades National Park}, established to preserve the flora and fauna of the swamps. Area: over 13000 sq. km (5000 sq. miles). evergreen 1. syl ev:er+green pron <1ev*2grEn> pos adj. usage of certain trees and shrubs def bearing foliage throughout the year; continually shedding and replacing leaves. Compare {deciduous}. evergreen 2. syl ev:er+green pron <1ev*2grEn> pos adj. def remaining fresh and vital. evergreen 3. syl ev:er+green pron <1ev*2grEn> pos n. def an evergreen tree or shrub. everlasting 1. syl ev:er+last:ing pron <2ev*1la:stiG> pos adj. def never coming to an end; eternal. everlasting 2. syl ev:er+last:ing pron <2ev*1la:stiG> pos adj. def lasting for an indefinitely long period. everlasting 3. syl ev:er+last:ing pron <2ev*1la:stiG> pos adj. def lasting so long or occurring so often as to become tedious; incessant. exam 1 I cannot bear her everlasting complaints. everlasting 4. syl ev:er+last:ing pron <2ev*1la:stiG> pos n. def endless duration; eternity. everlasting 5. syl ev:er+last:ing pron <2ev*1la:stiG> pos n. def Also called: {everlasting flower}. another name for {immortelle}. everlastingly sub head everlasting syl ev:er+1last:ing+ly pos adv. everlastingness sub head everlasting syl ev:er+1last:ing+ness pos n. evermore 0. syl ev:er+more pron <2ev*1mc:> pos adv. usage often preceded by for def all time to come. evert ety C16: from Latin *_evertere to overthrow, from vertere to turn evert 0. syl e:vert pron pos vb. mod tr. def to turn (an eyelid, the intestines, or some other bodily part) outwards or inside out. eversible sub head evert syl e:1ver+si:ble pos adj. eversion sub head evert syl e:1ver+sion pos n. Christine infl head Evert syl Chris:tine pos n. Evert 0. syl Ev:ert pron <1ev*t> pos n. def known as born 1954, U.S. tennis player: Wimbledon champion 1974 and 1976; U.S. champion 1975-78. evertor 0. syl e:vert+or pron pos n. def any muscle that turns a part outwards. every ety C15 everich, from Old English *_@afre *_@alc, from *_@afre #7ever+ *_@alc #7each every 1. syl eve:ry pron <1evri> pos determiner. def each one (of the class specified), without exception. exam 1 every child knows it. every 2. syl eve:ry pron <1evri> pos determiner. usage not used with a negative def the greatest or best possible. exam 1 every hope of success. every 3. syl eve:ry pron <1evri> pos determiner. def each: used before a noun phrase to indicate the recurrent, intermittent, or serial nature of a thing. exam 1 every third day; exam 2 every now and then; exam 3 every so often. every bit 4. head every syl every bit. usage used in comparisons with as def quite; just; equally. exam 1 every bit as funny as the other show. every other 5. head every syl every other. def each alternate; every second. exam 1 every other day. every 6.a. syl eve:ry pron <1evri> pos determiner. def in all directions; everywhere. exam 1 I looked every which way for you. every 6.b. syl eve:ry pron <1evri> pos determiner. def from all sides. exam 1 stones coming at me every which way. everybody 0. syl eve:ry+bod:y pron <1evri2bodi> pos pron. def every person; everyone.#e {Usage}. See at {everyone}. everyday 1. syl eve:ry+day pron <1evri2dA> pos adj. def happening each day; daily. everyday 2. syl eve:ry+day pron <1evri2dA> pos adj. def commonplace or usual; ordinary. everyday 3. syl eve:ry+day pron <1evri2dA> pos adj. def suitable for or used on ordinary days as distinct from Sundays or special days. Everyman 1. syl Eve:ry+man pron <1evri2m@n> pos n. def a medieval English morality play in which the central figure represents mankind, whose earthly destiny is dramatized from the Christian viewpoint. Everyman 2. syl Eve:ry+man pron <1evri2m@n> pos n. usage often not cap. def the ordinary person; common man. every one 0. syl eve:ry one pos pron. def each person or thing in a group, without exception. exam 1 every one of the large cats is a fast runner. everyone 0. syl eve:ry+one pron <1evri2w^n>, <-w*n> pos pron. def every person; everybody.#e {Usage}. and are interchangeable, as are and and and and function as singular in careful English. exam 1 everyone nodded his head everyplace 0. syl eve:ry+place pron <1evri2plAs> pos adv. qual U.S. def an informal word for {everywhere}. everything 1. syl eve:ry+thing pron <1evri2TiG> pos pron. def the entirety of a specified or implied class. exam 1 she lost everything in the War. everything 2. syl eve:ry+thing pron <1evri2TiG> pos pron. def a great deal, esp. of something very important. exam 1 she means everything to me. everywhere 0. syl eve:ry+where pron <1evri2we*> pos adv. def to or in all parts or places. Evesham 0. syl Eve+sham pron <1EvS*m> pos n. def a town in W central England, in E Hereford and Worcester, on the River Avon: scene of the Battle of Evesham in 1265 (Lord Edward's defeat of Simon de Montfort and the barons); centre of the {Vale of Evesham}, famous for market gardens and orchards. Pop.: 13847 (1971). Eve's pudding 0. syl Eve's pud+ding pos n. qual Brit. def a baked sponge pudding with a layer of fruit at the bottom. evict ety C15: from Late Latin *_evincere, from Latin: to vanquish utterly, from vincere to conquer evict 1. syl e:vict pron pos vb. mod tr. def to expel (a tenant) from property by process of law. evict 2. syl e:vict pron pos vb. mod tr. def to recover (property or the title to property) by judicial process or by virtue of a superior title. eviction sub head evict syl e:1vic+tion pos n. evictor sub head evict syl e:1vic+tor pos n. evidence 1. syl ev:i+dence pron <1evid*ns> pos n. def ground for belief or disbelief; data on which to base proof or to establish truth or falsehood. evidence 2. syl ev:i+dence pron <1evid*ns> pos n. def a mark or sign that makes evident; indication. exam 1 his pallor was evidence of ill health. evidence 3. syl ev:i+dence pron <1evid*ns> pos n. qual Law. def matter produced before a court of law in an attempt to prove or disprove a point in issue, such as the statements of witnesses, documents, material objects, etc. See also {circumstantial evidence, direct evidence}. state's) evidence infl head evidence syl state's) evidence. turn queen's (king's 4. head evidence syl turn queen's (king's usage of an accomplice def to act as witness for the prosecution and testify against those associated with him in crime. in evidence 5. head evidence syl in evidence. def on display; apparent; con?!spicuous. exam 1 her engagement ring was in evidence. evidence 6. syl ev:i+dence pron <1evid*ns> pos vb. mod tr. def to make evident; show clearly. evidence 7. syl ev:i+dence pron <1evid*ns> pos vb. mod tr. def to give proof of or evidence for. evident ety C14: from Latin *_evid*_ens, from vid*_ere to see evident 0. syl ev:i+dent pron <1evid*nt> pos adj. def easy to see or understand; readily apparent. evidential 0. syl ev:i+den+tial pron <2evi1denS*l> pos adj. def relating to, serving as, or based on evidence. evidentially sub head evidential syl ev:i+1den+tial+ly pos adv. evidently 1. syl ev:i+dent+ly pron <1evid*ntli> pos adv. def without question; clearly; undoubtedly. evidently 2. syl ev:i+dent+ly pron <1evid*ntli> pos adv. def to all appearances; apparently. exam 1 they are evidently related. evil ety Old English yfel, of Germanic origin; compare Old Frisian evel, Old High German ubil evil, Old Irish adbal excessive evil 1. syl e:vil pron <1EvL> pos adj. def morally wrong or bad; wicked. exam 1 an evil ruler. evil 2. syl e:vil pron <1EvL> pos adj. def causing harm or injury; harmful. exam 1 an evil plan. evil 3. syl e:vil pron <1EvL> pos adj. def marked or accompanied by misfortune; unlucky. exam 1 an evil fate. evil 4. syl e:vil pron <1EvL> pos adj. usage of temper, disposition, etc. def characterized by anger or spite. evil 5. syl e:vil pron <1EvL> pos adj. def not in high esteem; infamous. exam 1 an evil reputation. evil 6. syl e:vil pron <1EvL> pos adj. def offensive or unpleasant. exam 1 an evil smell. evil 7. syl e:vil pron <1EvL> pos n. def the quality or an instance of being morally wrong; wickedness. exam 1 the evils of war. evil 8. syl e:vil pron <1EvL> pos n. usage sometimes cap. def a force or power that brings about wickedness or harm. exam 1 evil is strong in the world. evil 9. syl e:vil pron <1EvL> pos n. qual Archaic. def an illness or disease, esp. scrofula (the {king's evil) }. evil 10. syl e:vil pron <1EvL> pos adv. usage now usually in combination def in an evil manner; badly. exam 1 evil-smelling. evilly sub head evil syl e:vil+ly pos adv. evilness sub head evil syl e:vil+ness pos n. evildoer 0. syl e:vil+do:er pron <1EvL2du:*> pos n. def a person who does evil. evildoing sub head evildoer syl e:vil+2do:ing pos n. the infl head evil eye syl the. pos n. evil eye 1. syl e:vil eye pos n. def a look or glance superstitiously supposed to have the power of inflicting harm or injury. evil eye 2. syl e:vil eye pos n. def the power to inflict harm, etc., by such a look. evil-eyed sub head evil eye syl e:vil-1eyed pos adj. evil-minded 0. syl e:vil-mind:ed pos adj. def inclined to evil thoughts; malicious or spiteful. evil-mindedly sub head evil-minded syl e:vil-1mind:ed+ly pos adv. evil-mindedness sub head evil-minded syl e:vil-1mind:ed+ness pos n. the infl head Evil One syl the. pos n. Evil One 0. syl E:vil One pos n. def the devil; Satan. evince ety C17: from Latin *_evincere to overcome; see #7evict evince 0. syl e:vince pron pos vb. mod tr. def to make evident; show (something, such as an emotion) clearly. evincible sub head evince syl e:1vin+ci:ble pos adj. evincive sub head evince syl e:1vin+cive pos adj. eviscerate ety C17: from Latin *_eviscer*_are to disembowel, from viscera entrails eviscerate 1. syl e:vis+cer+ate pron pos vb. mod tr. def to remove the internal organs of; disembowel. eviscerate 2. syl e:vis+cer+ate pron pos vb. mod tr. def to deprive of meaning or signifi?!cance. eviscerate 3. syl e:vis+cer+ate pron pos vb. mod tr. qual Surgery. def to remove the contents of (the eyeball or other organ). eviscerate 4. syl e:vis+cer+ate pron pos vb. mod intr. usage Surgery. of the viscera def to protrude through a weakened abdominal incision after an operation. eviscerate 5. syl e:vis+cer+ate pron pos adj. def having been disembowelled. evisceration sub head eviscerate syl e:2vis+cer:1a+tion pos n. eviscerator sub head eviscerate syl e:1vis+cer:2a+tor pos n. evitable ety C16: from Latin *_ev*_it*_abilis, from *_ev*_it*_are, from v*_it*_are to avoid evitable 0. syl ev:i+ta:ble pron <1evit*bL> pos adj. qual Rare. def able to be avoided. evite 0. syl e:vite pron pos vb. mod tr. def an archaic word for {avoid}. evocation ety C17: from Latin *_evoc*_ati*_o a calling forth, from *_evoc*_are to #7evoke evocation 1. syl ev:o+ca+tion pron <2ev*1kAS*n> pos n. def the act or an instance of evoking. evocation 2. syl ev:o+ca+tion pron <2ev*1kAS*n> pos n. qual French law. def the transference of a case from an inferior court for adjudication by a higher tribunal. evocation 3. syl ev:o+ca+tion pron <2ev*1kAS*n> pos n. def another word for { {induction} (sense 5)}. evocative 0. syl e:voc:a+tive pron pos adj. def tending or serving to evoke. evocatively sub head evocative syl e:1voc:a+tive+ly pos adv. evocativeness sub head evocative syl e:1voc:a+tive+ness pos n. evocator 1. syl ev:o+ca+tor pron <1ev*2kAt*> pos n. def a person or thing that evokes. evocator 2. syl ev:o+ca+tor pron <1ev*2kAt*> pos n. qual Embryol. def a substance or tissue that induces morphogenesis. evoke ety C17: from Latin *_evoc*_are to call forth, from voc*_are to call evoke 1. syl e:voke pron pos vb. mod tr. def to call or summon up (a memory, feeling, etc.), esp. from the past. evoke 2. syl e:voke pron pos vb. mod tr. def to call forth or provoke; produce; elicit. exam 1 his words evoked an angry reply. evoke 3. syl e:voke pron pos vb. mod tr. def to cause (spirits) to appear; conjure up. evocable sub head evoke syl ev:o+ca:ble pron <1ev*k*bL> pos adj. evoker sub head evoke syl e:1vok+er pos n. evolute ety C19: from Latin *_evol*_utus unrolled, from *_evolvere to roll out, #7evolve evolute 0. syl ev:o+lute pron <1ev*2lu:t> pos n. def a geometric curve that describes the locus of the centres of curvature of another curve (the {involute}) . The tangents to the evolute are normal to the involute. evolution ety C17: from Latin *_evol*_uti*_o an unrolling, from *_evolvere to #7evolve evolution 1. syl e:vo+lu+tion pron <2Ev*1lu:S*n> pos n. qual Biology. def a gradual change in the characteristics of a population of animals or plants over successive generations: accounts for the origin of existing species from ancestors unlike them. See also {natural selection}. evolution 2. syl e:vo+lu+tion pron <2Ev*1lu:S*n> pos n. def a gradual development, esp. to a more complex form. exam 1 the evolution of modern art. evolution 3. syl e:vo+lu+tion pron <2Ev*1lu:S*n> pos n. def the act of throwing off, as heat, gas, vapour, etc. evolution 4. syl e:vo+lu+tion pron <2Ev*1lu:S*n> pos n. def a pattern formed by a series of movements or something similar. evolution 5. syl e:vo+lu+tion pron <2Ev*1lu:S*n> pos n. def an algebraic operation in which the root of a number, expression, etc., is extracted. Compare { {involution} (sense 6)}. evolution 6. syl e:vo+lu+tion pron <2Ev*1lu:S*n> pos n. qual Military. def an exercise carried out in accordance with a set procedure or plan. evolutionary sub head evolution or evolutional syl e:vo+1lu+tion+ar:y pos adj. evolutional sub head evolution or evolutionary syl e:vo+1lu+tion+al pos adj. evolutionist 1. syl e:vo+lu+tion+ist pron <2Ev*1lu:S*nist> pos n. def a person who believes in a theory of evolution, esp. Darwin's theory of the evolution of plant and animal species. evolutionist 2. syl e:vo+lu+tion+ist pron <2Ev*1lu:S*nist> pos adj. def of or relating to a theory of evolution. evolutionism sub head evolutionist syl e:vo+1lu+tion+ism pos n. evolutionistic sub head evolutionist syl e:vo+lu+tion+1is+tic pos adj. evolve ety C17: from Latin *_evolvere to unfold, from volvere to roll evolve 1. syl e:volve pron pos vb. def to develop or cause to develop gradually. evolve 2. syl e:volve pron pos vb. usage of animal or plant species def to undergo evolution of (organs or parts). evolve 3. syl e:volve pron pos vb. mod tr. def to yield, emit, or give off (heat, gas, vapour, etc.). evolvable sub head evolve syl e:1volv+a:ble pos adj. evolvement sub head evolve syl e:1volve+ment pos n. evolver sub head evolve syl e:1volv+er pos n. evonymus 0. syl e:von:y+mus pron pos n. def another name for {euonymus}. 'Evora 0. syl *'E:vo+ra pron Portuguese <1evura> pos n. def a city in S central Portugal: ancient Roman settlement; occupied by the Moors from 712 to 1166; residence of the Portuguese court in 15th and 16th centuries. Pop.: 50235 (1970). Ancient name: {Ebora}. 'Evreux 0. syl *'E:vreux pron French pos n. def an industrial town in NW France: severely damaged in World War II; cathedral (12th-16th centuries). Pop.: 50358 (1975). 'Evros 0. syl *'Ev+ros pron <1evrcs> pos n. def transliteration of the Modern Greek name for the (River) {Maritsa}. evulsion ety C17: from Latin *_evulsi*_o, from *_evellere, from vellere to pluck evulsion 0. syl e:vul+sion pron pos n. qual Rare. def the act of extracting by force. 'Evvoia 0. syl *'Ev+voi:a pron <1evia> pos n. def transliteration of the Modern Greek name for {Euboea}. evzone ety C19: from Modern Greek, from Greek euz*_onos literally: well-girt, from #7eu -#7+ z*_one girdle evzone 0. syl ev+zone pron <1evz*un> pos n. def a soldier in an elite Greek infantry regiment. ewe ety Old English *_eowu; related to Old Norse *_@ar ewe, Old High German ou, Latin ovis sheep, Sanskrit avi ewe 0.a. syl ewe pron pos n. def a female sheep. ewe 0.b. syl ewe pron pos n. usage as modifier exam 1 a ewe lamb. Ewe 1. or Ewes syl E:we pron <1ewe> pos n. mod pl. def a member of a Negroid people of W Africa living chiefly in the forests of E Ghana, Togo, and Benin. Ewe 2. syl E:we pron <1ewe> pos n. def the language of this people, belonging to the Kwa branch of the Niger-Congo family. ewe-neck 1. syl ewe-neck pos n. def a condition in horses in which the neck is straight and sagging rather than arched. ewe-neck 2. syl ewe-neck pos n. def a horse or other animal with this condition. ewe-necked sub head ewe-neck syl ewe-2necked pos adj. ewer ety C14: from Old French evier, from Latin aqu*_arius water carrier, from aqua water ewer 0. syl ew:er pron <1ju:*> pos n. def a large jug or pitcher with a wide mouth. ex ety C19: from Latin: out of, from ex H1.1. syl ex pron pos prep. qual Finance. def not participating in; excluding; without. exam 1 ex dividend; exam 2 ex interest. ex H1.2. syl ex pron pos prep. qual Commerce. def without charge to the buyer until removed from. exam 1 ex warehouse. ex H2.0. syl ex pron pos n. qual Informal. def short for {ex-wife, ex-husband, ex-girlfriend}, etc. ex- ety from Latin, from ex (prep.), identical in meaning and origin with Greek ex, ek; see #7ec - ex- H1.1. syl ex- pos prefix. def out of; outside of; from. exam 1 exclosure; exam 2 exurbia. ex- H1.2. syl ex- pos prefix. def former. exam 1 ex-wife. ex- H2.0. syl ex- usage combining form. def variant of {exo-} before a vowel. exam 1 exergonic. ex 1. syl ex. qual abbrev. for: def examination. ex 2. syl ex. qual abbrev. for: def examined. ex 3. syl ex. qual abbrev. for: def example. ex 4. syl ex. qual abbrev. for: def except(ed). ex 5. syl ex. qual abbrev. for: def exception. ex 6. syl ex. qual abbrev. for: def exchange. ex 7. syl ex. qual abbrev. for: def excursion. ex 8. syl ex. qual abbrev. for: def ex?!ecuted. ex 9. syl ex. qual abbrev. for: def executive. ex 10. syl ex. qual abbrev. for: def express. ex 11. syl ex. qual abbrev. for: def extra. Ex 0. syl Ex. qual Bible. abbrev. for def Exodus. exa- 0. syl exa- pos prefix. def denoting 10%1%8. exam 1 exametres. exacerbate ety C17: from Latin exacerb*_are to irritate, from acerbus bitter exacerbate 1. syl ex+ac+er+bate pron , pos vb. mod tr. def to make (pain, disease, emotion, etc.) more intense; aggravate. exacerbate 2. syl ex+ac+er+bate pron , pos vb. mod tr. def to exasperate or irritate (a person). exacerbatingly sub head exacerbate syl ex+1ac+er+2bat+ing+ly pos adv. exacerbation sub head exacerbate syl ex+2ac+er+1ba+tion pos n. exact ety C16: from Latin exactus driven out, from exigere to drive forth, from agere to drive exact 1. syl ex+act pron pos adj. def correct in every detail; strictly accurate. exam 1 an exact copy. exact 2. syl ex+act pron pos adj. def precise, as opposed to approximate; neither more nor less. exam 1 the exact sum. exact 3. syl ex+act pron pos adj. usage prenominal def specific; particu?!lar. exam 1 this exact spot. exact 4. syl ex+act pron pos adj. def operating with very great precision. exam 1 exact instruments. exact 5. syl ex+act pron pos adj. def allowing no deviation from a standard; rigorous; strict. exam 1 an exact mind. exact 6. syl ex+act pron pos adj. def based mainly on measurement and the formulation of laws, as opposed to description and classification. exam 1 physics is an exact science. exact 7. syl ex+act pron pos vb. mod tr. def to force or compel (payment or performance); extort. exam 1 to exact tribute. exact 8. syl ex+act pron pos vb. mod tr. def to demand as a right; insist upon. exam 1 to exact respect from one's employees. exact 9. syl ex+act pron pos vb. mod tr. def to call for or require. exam 1 this work exacts careful effort. exactable sub head exact syl ex+1act+a:ble pos adj. exactness sub head exact syl ex+1act+ness pos n. exactor sub head exact or exacter syl ex+1ac+tor pos n. exacter sub head exact or exactor syl ex+1act+er pos n. exacting 0. syl ex+act+ing pron pos adj. def making rigorous or excessive demands. exam 1 an exacting job. exactingly sub head exacting syl ex+1act+ing+ly pos adv. exactingness sub head exacting syl ex+1act+ing+ness pos n. exaction 1. syl ex+ac+tion pron pos n. def the act or an instance of exacting, esp. money. exaction 2. syl ex+ac+tion pron pos n. def an excessive or harsh demand, esp. for money; extortion. exaction 3. syl ex+ac+tion pron pos n. def a sum or payment exacted. exactitude 0. syl ex+act:i+tude pron pos n. def the quality of being exact; precision; accuracy. exactly 1. syl ex+act+ly pron pos adv. def in an exact manner; accurately or precisely. exactly 2. syl ex+act+ly pron pos adv. def in every respect; just. exam 1 it is exactly what he wants. exactly 3. syl ex+act+ly pron pos interj. def just so&! precisely&! not exactly 4. head exactly syl not exactly. qual Ironical. def not at all; by no means. exaggerate ety C16: from Latin exagger*_are to magnify, from agger*_are to heap, from agger heap exaggerate 1. syl ex+ag+ger+ate pron pos vb. def to regard or represent as larger or greater, more important or more successful, etc., than is true. exaggerate 2. syl ex+ag+ger+ate pron pos vb. mod tr. def to make greater, more noticeable, etc., than usual. exam 1 his new clothes exaggerated his awkwardness. exaggeratingly sub head exaggerate syl ex+1ag+ger+2at+ing+ly pos adv. exaggeration sub head exaggerate syl ex+2ag+ger:1a+tion pos n. exaggerative sub head exaggerate or exaggeratory syl ex+1ag+ger:a+tive pos adj. exaggeratory sub head exaggerate or exaggerative syl ex+1ag+ger:a+to:ry pos adj. exaggerator sub head exaggerate syl ex+1ag+ger:2a+tor pos n. exaggerated 1. syl ex+ag+ger+at+ed pron pos adj. def unduly or excessively magnified; enlarged beyond truth or reasonableness. exaggerated 2. syl ex+ag+ger+at+ed pron pos adj. qual Pathol. def abnormally enlarged. exam 1 an exaggerated spleen. exaggeratedly sub head exaggerated syl ex+1ag+ger+2at+ed+ly pos adv. exalt ety C15: from Latin exalt*_are to raise, from altus high exalt 1. syl ex+alt pron pos vb. mod tr. def to raise or elevate in rank, position, dignity, etc. exalt 2. syl ex+alt pron pos vb. mod tr. def to praise highly; glorify; extol. exalt 3. syl ex+alt pron pos vb. mod tr. def to stimulate the mind or imagination of; excite. exalt 4. syl ex+alt pron pos vb. mod tr. def to increase the intensity of (a colour, etc.). exalt 5. syl ex+alt pron pos vb. mod tr. def to fill with joy or delight; elate. exalt 6. syl ex+alt pron pos vb. mod tr. qual Obsolete. def to lift up physically. exalter sub head exalt syl ex+1alt+er pos n. exaltation 1. syl ex+al+ta+tion pron <2egzc:l1tAS*n> pos n. def the act of exalting or state of being exalted. exaltation 2. syl ex+al+ta+tion pron <2egzc:l1tAS*n> pos n. def a feeling of intense well-being or exhilaration; elation; rapture. exaltation 3. syl ex+al+ta+tion pron <2egzc:l1tAS*n> pos n. def a flock of larks. exalted 1. syl ex+alt+ed pron pos adj. def high or elevated in rank, position, dignity, etc. exalted 2. syl ex+alt+ed pron pos adj. def elevated in character; noble; lofty. exam 1 an exalted ideal. exalted 3. syl ex+alt+ed pron pos adj. qual Informal. def excessively high; inflated. exam 1 he has an exalted opinion of himself. exalted 4. syl ex+alt+ed pron pos adj. def intensely excited; elated. exaltedly sub head exalted syl ex+1alt+ed+ly pos adv. exaltedness sub head exalted syl ex+1alt+ed+ness pos n. exam 0. syl ex:am pron pos n. def short for {examination}. examen ety C17: from Latin: tongue of a balance, from exigere to thrust out, from agere to thrust examen 0. syl ex:a+men pron pos n. qual R.C. Church. def an examination of conscience, usually made daily by Jesuits and others. examination 1. syl ex+am:i+na+tion pron pos n. def the act of examining or state of being examined. examination 2.a. syl ex+am:i+na+tion pron pos n. def written exercises, oral questions, or practical tasks, set to test a candidate's knowledge and skill. examination 2.b. syl ex+am:i+na+tion pron pos n. usage as modifier exam 1 an examination paper. examination 3.a. syl ex+am:i+na+tion pron pos n. def physical inspection of a patient or parts of his body, in order to verify health or diagnose disease. examination 3.b. syl ex+am:i+na+tion pron pos n. def laboratory study of secretory or excretory products, tissue samples, etc., esp. in order to diagnose disease. examination 4. syl ex+am:i+na+tion pron pos n. qual Law. def the formal interrogation of a person on oath, esp. of an accused or a witness. examinational sub head examination syl ex+2am:i+1na+tion+al pos adj. examine ety C14: from Old French examiner, from Latin ex*_amin*_are to weigh, from ex*_amen means of weighing; see #7examen examine 1. syl ex+am+ine pron pos vb. mod tr. def to look at, inspect, or scrutinize carefully or in detail; investigate. examine 2. syl ex+am+ine pron pos vb. mod tr. qual Education. def to test the knowledge or skill of (a candidate) in (a subject or activity) by written or oral questions or by practical tests. examine 3. syl ex+am+ine pron pos vb. mod tr. qual Law. def to interrogate (a witness or accused person) formally on oath. examine 4. syl ex+am+ine pron pos vb. mod tr. qual Med. def to investigate the state of health of (a patient). examinable sub head examine syl ex+1am+in+a:ble pos adj. examiner sub head examine syl ex+1am+in+er pos n. examinee 0. syl ex+am:i+nee pron pos n. def a person who takes an examination. examine-in-chief 0. syl ex:am:ine-in-chief pos vb. mod tr. qual Law. def to examine (one's own witness) in attempting to adduce a case. Compare {cross-examine}. &- {ex+@!am@.i+#!na@.tion-in-chief} example ety C14: from Old French, from Latin exemplum pattern, from eximere to take out, from #7ex -#7+ emere to purchase example 1. syl ex+am+ple pron pos n. def a specimen or instance that is typical of the group or set of which it forms part; sample. example 2. syl ex+am+ple pron pos n. def a person, action, thing, etc., that is worthy of imitation; pattern. exam 1 you must set an example to the younger children. example 3. syl ex+am+ple pron pos n. def a precedent, illustration of a principle, or model. exam 1 an example in a maths book. example 4. syl ex+am+ple pron pos n. def a punishment or the recipient of a punishment serving or intended to serve as a warning. exam 1 the headmaster made an example of him. for example 5. head example syl for example. def as an illustration; for instance. {~} example 6. syl ex+am+ple pron pos n. mod tr. usage now usually passive def to present an example of; exemplify. exanimate ety C16: from Latin exanim*_are to deprive of air, kill, from anima breath, spirit exanimate 0. syl ex+an:i+mate pron , <-2mAt> pos adj. qual Rare. def lacking life; in?!animate. exanimation sub head exanimate syl ex+2an:i+1ma+tion pos n. exanthema ety C17: via Late Latin from Greek, from exanthein to burst forth, from anthein to blossom, from anthos flower &- ex+an+the@.ma+tous (@!$eks@an#!#Gg$em$$t$$s) or ex+an+the@.mat+ic ($ek@!s@an#Gg$I#!m@at$Ik) adj. exanthem alt head exanthema or exanthema syl ex+an+them pron pos n. exanthemata infl head exanthema syl ex+an+the:ma+ta pron <-1TEm*t*> pos n. mod pl. exanthemas infl head exanthema or exanthems syl ex+an+the:mas pos n. mod pl. exanthems infl head exanthema or exanthemas syl ex+an+thems. pos n. mod pl. exanthema 0. or exanthem syl ex+an+the:ma pron <2eks@n1TEm*> pos n. def a skin eruption or rash occurring as a symptom in a disease such as measles or scarlet fever. exarate ety C19: from Latin ex*_ar*_atus, literally: ploughed up (apparently referring to the way this type of pupa throws off the larval skin), from ex*_ar*_are, from *_ar*_a plough exarate 0. syl ex:a+rate pron <1eks*2rAt> pos adj. usage of the pupa of such insects as ants and bees def having the legs, wings, antennae, etc., free and movable. exarch ety C16: from Late Latin exarchus overseer, from Greek exarkhos, from exarkhein to take the lead, from arkhein to rule exarch H1.1. syl ex+arch pron <1eksa:k> pos n. def the head of certain autonomous Orthodox Christian Churches, such as that of Bulgaria and Cyprus. exarch H1.2. syl ex+arch pron <1eksa:k> pos n. def any of certain Eastern Orthodox bishops, lower in rank than a patriarch but higher than a metropolitan. exarch H1.3. syl ex+arch pron <1eksa:k> pos n. def the governor of a province in the Byzantine Empire. exarchal sub head exarch syl ex+1arch+al pos adj. exarch H2.0. syl ex+arch pron <1eksa:k> pos adj. usage Botany. of a xylem strand def having the first-formed xylem external to that formed later. Compare {endarch, {mesarch}. [C19: from #7ex} - (outside)+Greek beginning, origin] exarchy alt head exarchate or exarchate syl ex+ar+chy pron <1eksa:ki> pos n. exarchates infl head exarchate or exarchies syl ex+ar+chates pos n. mod pl. exarchies infl head exarchate or exarchates syl ex+ar+chies. pos n. mod pl. exarchate 0. or exarchy syl ex+ar+chate pron <1eksa:2kAt>, pos n. def the office, rank, or jurisdiction of an exarch. exasperate ety C16: from Latin exasper*_are to make rough, from asper rough exasperate 1. syl ex+as+per+ate pron pos vb. mod tr. def to cause great irritation or anger to; infuriate. exasperate 2. syl ex+as+per+ate pron pos vb. mod tr. def to cause (an unpleasant feeling, condition, etc.) to worsen; aggravate. exasperate 3. syl ex+as+per+ate pron pos adj. mod tr. qual Botany. def having a rough prickly surface because of the presence of hard projecting points. exasperatedly sub head exasperate syl ex+1as+per+2at+ed+ly pos adv. exasperater sub head exasperate syl ex+1as+per+2at+er pos n. exasperatingly sub head exasperate syl ex+1as+per+2at+ing+ly pos adv. exc 1. syl exc. qual abbrev. for: def excellent. exc 2. syl exc. qual abbrev. for: def except(ed). exc 3. syl exc. qual abbrev. for: def exception. exc 4. syl exc. qual abbrev. for: def excursion. Exc 0. syl Exc. qual abbrev. for def Excellency. Excalibur ety C14: from Old French Escalibor, from Medieval Latin Caliburnus, from Welsh Caledvwlch, perhaps related to Irish Caladbolg a legendary sword (literally: hard belly, hence, voracious) Excalibur 0. syl Ex+cal:i+bur pron pos n. usage in Arthurian legend def the magic sword of King Arthur. ex cathedra ety Latin, literally: from the chair ex cathedra 1. syl ex ca+the:dra pron pos adj. adv. def with authority. ex cathedra 2. syl ex ca+the:dra pron pos adj. adv. usage R.C. Church. of doctrines of faith or morals def defined by the pope as infallibly true, to be accepted by all Catholics. excaudate 0. syl ex+cau+date pron pos adj. qual Zoology. def having no tail or tail-like process; tailless. excavate ety C16: from Latin excav*_are, from cav*_are to make hollow, from cavus hollow &- @!ex+ca+#!va+tion n. excavate 1. syl ex+ca+vate pron <1eksk*2vAt> pos vb. def to remove (soil, earth, etc.) by digging; dig out. excavate 2. syl ex+ca+vate pron <1eksk*2vAt> pos vb. def to make (a hole, cavity, or tunnel) in (solid matter) by hollowing or removing the centre or inner part. exam 1 to excavate a tooth. excavate 3. syl ex+ca+vate pron <1eksk*2vAt> pos vb. def to unearth (buried objects) methodically in an attempt to discover information about the past. excavator 1. syl ex+ca+va+tor pron <1eksk*2vAt*> pos n. def a powered machine for digging earth,@T gravel,@T sand,@T etc.,@T esp. @T a@T caterpillar@T tractor@T so equipped. excavator 2. syl ex+ca+va+tor pron <1eksk*2vAt*> pos n. def any person, animal, or thing that excavates. exceed ety C14: from Latin exc*_edere to go beyond, from c*_edere to go exceed 1. syl ex+ceed pron pos vb. def to be superior to (a person or thing), esp. in size or quality; excel. exceed 2. syl ex+ceed pron pos vb. mod tr. def to go beyond the limit or bounds of. exam 1 to exceed one's income; exam 2 exceed a speed limit. exceed 3. syl ex+ceed pron pos vb. def to be greater in degree or quantity than (a person or thing). exceedable sub head exceed syl ex+1ceed+a:ble pos adj. exceeder sub head exceed syl ex+1ceed+er pos n. exceeding 1. syl ex+ceed+ing pron pos adj. def very great; exceptional or excessive. exceeding 2. syl ex+ceed+ing pron pos adv. def an archaic word for {exceedingly}. exceedingly 0. syl ex+ceed+ing+ly pron pos adv. def to a very great or unusual degree; extremely; exceptionally. excel ety C15: from Latin excellere to rise up excels infl head excel syl ex+cels pos vb. excelling infl head excel syl ex+cel+ling pos vb. excelled infl head excel syl ex+celled. pos vb. excel 1. syl ex+cel pron pos vb. def to be superior to (another or others); surpass. excel 2. syl ex+cel pron pos vb. mod intr. usage foll. by in or at def to be outstandingly good or proficient. exam 1 he excels at tennis. excellence 1. syl ex+cel+lence pron <1eks*l*ns> pos n. def the state or quality of excelling or being exceptionally good; extreme merit; superiority. excellence 2. syl ex+cel+lence pron <1eks*l*ns> pos n. def an action, characteristic, feature, etc., in which a person excels. &- {#!ex+cel+lent} &- {#!ex+cel+lent+ly} Excellence alt head Excellency or Excellency syl Ex+cel+lence pos n. Excellencies infl head Excellency or Excellences syl Ex+cel+len+cies pos n. mod pl. Excellences infl head Excellency or Excellencies syl Ex+cel+lenc:es. pos n. mod pl. Excellency 1. or Excellence syl Ex+cel+len+cy pron <1eks*l*nsi> pos n. qual Her usage usually preceded by; Your, His or def a title used to address or refer to a high-ranking official, such as an ambassador or governor. Excellency 2. or Excellence syl Ex+cel+len+cy pron <1eks*l*nsi> pos n. qual R.C. Church. def a title of bishops and archbishops in many non-English-speaking countries. excelsior ety C19: from Latin: higher excelsior 1. syl ex+cel+si+or pron pos interj. adv. n. def excellent: used as a motto and as a trademark for various products. excelsior 2. syl ex+cel+si+or pron pos interj. adv. n. def upwards. except ety C14: from Old French excepter to leave out, from Latin except*_are, from excipere to take out, from capere to take except 1. syl ex+cept pron pos prep. def Also: {except for}. other than; apart from; with the exception of. exam 1 he likes everyone except you; exam 2 except for this mistake, you did very well. except that 2. head except syl except that. pos conj. def but for the fact that; were it not true that. {~} except 3. syl ex+cept pron pos prep. def an archaic word for {unless}. except 4. syl ex+cept pron pos prep. qual Informal; not standard in the U.S. def except that; but for the fact that. exam 1 I would have arrived earlier, except I lost my way. except 5. syl ex+cept pron pos prep. mod tr. def to leave out; omit; exclude. except 6. syl ex+cept pron pos prep. mod intr. qual Rare. usage often foll. by to def to take exception; object. exceptable sub head except syl ex:1cept+a:ble pos adj. excepting 1. syl ex+cept+ing pron pos prep. def excluding; except; except for (esp. in the phrase {not excepting) }. excepting 2. syl ex+cept+ing pron pos conj. def an archaic word for {unless}. exception 1. syl ex+cep+tion pron pos n. def the act of excepting or fact of being excepted; omission. exception 2. syl ex+cep+tion pron pos n. def anything excluded from or not in conformance with a general rule, principle, class, etc. exception 3. syl ex+cep+tion pron pos n. def criticism, esp. when it is adverse; objection. exception 4. syl ex+cep+tion pron pos n. usage Law. formerly def a formal objection in the course of legal proceedings. exception 5. syl ex+cep+tion pron pos n. qual Law. def a clause or term in a document that restricts the usual legal effect of the document. exception 6.a. syl ex+cep+tion pron pos n. usage usually foll. by to def to make objections (to); demur (at). exception 6.b. syl ex+cep+tion pron pos n. usage often foll. by at def to be offended (by); be resentful (at). exceptionable 0. syl ex+cep+tion+a:ble pron pos adj. def open to or subject to objection; objectionable. exceptionableness sub head exceptionable syl ex+1cep+tion+a:ble+ness pos n. exceptionably sub head exceptionable syl ex+1cep+tion+a:bly pos adv. exceptional 1. syl ex+cep+tion+al pron pos adj. def forming an exception; not ordinary. exceptional 2. syl ex+cep+tion+al pron pos adj. def having much more than average intelligence, ability, or skill. exceptionally sub head exceptional syl ex+1cep+tion+al+ly pos adv. exceptive 1. syl ex+cep+tive pron pos adj. def relating to or forming an exception. exceptive 2. syl ex+cep+tive pron pos adj. qual Rare. def tending to take exception or find fault. excerpt ety C17: from Latin excerptum, literally: (something) picked out, from excerpere to select, from carpere to pluck excerpt 1. syl ex+cerpt pron <1eksR:pt> pos n. def a part or passage taken from a book, speech, play, etc., and considered on its own; extract. excerpt 2. syl ex+cerpt pron pos vb. mod tr. def to take (a part or passage) from a book, speech, play, etc. excerpter sub head excerpt or excerptor syl ex+1cerpt+er pos n. excerptor sub head excerpt or excerpter syl ex+1cerp+tor pos n. excerptible sub head excerpt syl ex+1cerpt+i:ble pos adj. excerption sub head excerpt syl ex+1cerp+tion pos n. excess ety C14: from Latin excessus, from exc*_edere to go beyond; see #7exceed excess 1. syl ex+cess pron , <1ekses> pos n. def the state or act of going beyond normal, sufficient, or permitted limits. excess 2. syl ex+cess pron , <1ekses> pos n. def an immoderate or abnormal amount, number, extent, or degree too much or too many. exam 1 an excess of tolerance. excess 3. syl ex+cess pron , <1ekses> pos n. def the amount, number, extent, or degree by which one thing exceeds another. excess 4. syl ex+cess pron , <1ekses> pos n. qual Chem. def a quantity of a reagent that is greater than the quantity required to complete a reaction. exam 1 add an excess of acid. excess 5. syl ex+cess pron , <1ekses> pos n. def overindulgence or intemperance. excess 6. syl ex+cess pron , <1ekses> pos n. qual Insurance, chiefly Brit. def a specified contribution towards the cost of a claim, stipulated on certain insurance policies as being payable by the policyholder. in excess of 7. head excess syl in excess of. def of more than; over. exam 1 baggage in excess of 40 kilos is charged extra. to excess 8. head excess syl to excess. def to an inordinate extent; im?!moderately. exam 1 he drinks to excess. excess 9. syl ex+cess pron <1ekses>, pos adj. usage usually prenominal def more than normal, necessary, or permitted; surplus. exam 1 excess weight. excess 10. syl ex+cess pron <1ekses>, pos adj. usage usually prenominal def payable as a result of previous underpayment. exam 1 excess postage; exam 2 an excess fare for a railway journey. excess demand 0. syl ex+cess de+mand pos n. qual Economics. def a situation in which the market demand for a commodity is greater than its market supply, thus causing its market price to rise. excessive 0. syl ex+ces+sive pron pos adj. def exceeding the normal or permitted extents or limits; immoderate; inordinate. excessively sub head excessive syl ex+1ces+sive+ly pos adv. excessiveness sub head excessive syl ex+1ces+sive+ness pos n. excess supply 0. syl ex+cess sup+ply pos n. qual Economics. def a situation in which the market supply of a commodity is greater than the market demand for it, thus causing its market price to fall. exch 1. syl exch. qual abbrev. for: def exchange. exch 2. syl exch. qual abbrev. for: def exchequer. exchange ety C14: from Anglo-French eschaungier, from Vulgar Latin excambi*_are (unattested), from Latin camb*_ire to barter exchange 1. syl ex+change pron pos vb. mod tr. def to give up, part with, or transfer (one thing) for an equivalent. exam 1 to exchange gifts; exam 2 to exchange francs for dollars. exchange 2. syl ex+change pron pos vb. mod tr. def to give and receive (information, ideas, etc.); interchange. exchange 3. syl ex+change pron pos vb. mod tr. def to replace (one thing) with another, esp. to replace unsatisfactory goods. exchange 4. syl ex+change pron pos vb. def to transfer or hand over (goods) in return for the equivalent value in kind rather than in money; barter; trade. exchange 5. syl ex+change pron pos vb. mod tr. qual Chess. def to capture and surrender (pieces, usually of the same value) in a single sequence of moves. exchange 6. syl ex+change pron pos n. def the act or process of exchanging. exchange 7.a. syl ex+change pron pos n. def anything given or received as an equivalent, replacement, or substitute for something else. exchange 7.b. syl ex+change pron pos n. usage as modifier exam 1 an exchange student. exchange 8. syl ex+change pron pos n. def an argument or quarrel; altercation. exam 1 the two men had a bitter exchange. exchange 9. syl ex+change pron pos n. def Also called: {telephone exchange}. a switching centre in which telephone lines are interconnected. exchange 10.a. syl ex+change pron pos n. def a place where securities or commodities are sold, bought, or traded, esp. by brokers or merchants. exam 1 a stock exchange; exam 2 a corn exchange. exchange 10.b. syl ex+change pron pos n. usage as modifier exam 1 an exchange broker. exchange 11.a. syl ex+change pron pos n. def the system by which commercial debts between parties in different places are settled by commercial documents, esp. bills of exchange, instead of by direct payment of money. exchange 11.b. syl ex+change pron pos n. def the percentage or fee charged for accepting payment in this manner. exchange 12. syl ex+change pron pos n. def a transfer or interchange of sums of money of equivalent value, as between different national currencies or different issues of the same currency. exchange 13. syl ex+change pron pos n. mod often; pl. def the cheques, drafts, bills, etc., exchanged or settled between banks in a clearing house. exchange 14. syl ex+change pron pos n. qual Chess. def the capture by both players of pieces of equal value, usually on consecutive moves. win 15. head exchange or lose the exchange syl win qual Chess. def to win (or lose) a rook in return for a bishop or knight. exchange 16. syl ex+change pron pos n. qual Med. def another word for { {transfusion} (sense 2)}. exchange 17. syl ex+change pron pos n. qual Physics. def a process in which a particle is transferred between two nucleons, such as the transfer of a meson between two nucleons. {~} See also {bill of exchange, exchange rate, foreign ex?!change, labour exchange}. exchangeable sub head exchange syl ex+1change+a:ble pos adj. exchangeability sub head exchange syl ex+2change+a:1bil+i:ty pos n. exchangeably sub head exchange syl ex+1change+a:bly pos adv. exchanger sub head exchange syl ex+1chang+er pos n. exchange force 1. syl ex+change force pos n. qual Physics. def a force between two elementary particles resulting from the exchange of a virtual particle. exchange force 2. syl ex+change force pos n. qual Physics. def the force causing the alignment of the magnetic dipole moments of atoms in ferromagnetic materials. exchange rate 0. syl ex+change rate pos n. def the rate at which the currency unit of one country may be exchanged for that of another. exchequer ety C13 (in the sense: chessboard, counting table): from Old French eschequier, from eschec #7check exchequer 1. syl ex+cheq+uer pron pos n. usage often cap.; Government. in Britain and certain other countries def the accounting department of the Treasury, responsible for receiving and issuing funds. exchequer 2. syl ex+cheq+uer pron pos n. qual Informal. def personal funds; finances. Exchequer 0. syl Ex+cheq+uer pron pos n. def See {Court of Exchequer}. excide ety C18: from Latin exc*_idere to cut off, from caedere to cut excide 0. syl ex+cide pron pos vb. mod tr. qual Rare. def to cut out; excise. excipient ety C18: from Latin excipi*_ens excepting, from excipere to #7except excipient 0. syl ex+cip:i+ent pron pos n. def an inert substance, such as sugar or gum, used to prepare drugs in a form suitable for oral adminis?!tration. excisable 0. syl ex+cis+a:ble pron pos adj. def liable to an excise tax. excise ety C15: probably from Middle Dutch excijs, probably from Old French assise a sitting, assessment, from Latin assid*_ere to sit beside, assist in judging, from sed*_ere to sit excise H1.1. syl ex+cise pron <1eksIz>, pos n. def Also called: {excise tax}. a tax on goods, such as spirits, produced for the home market. excise H1.2. syl ex+cise pron <1eksIz>, pos n. def a tax paid for a licence to carry out various trades, sports, etc. excise H1.3. syl ex+cise pron <1eksIz>, pos n. qual Brit. def that section of the government service responsible for the collection of excise, now the Board of Customs and Excise. excise H1.4. syl ex+cise pron pos vb. mod tr. qual Rare. def to compel (a person) to pay excise. excision sub head excise syl ex+ci+sion pron pos n. excise ety C16: from Latin exc*_idere to cut down; see #7excide excise H2.1. syl ex+cise pron pos vb. mod tr. def to delete (a passage, sentence, etc.); expunge. excise H2.2. syl ex+cise pron pos vb. mod tr. def to remove (an organ, structure, or part) surgically. excisable sub head excise syl ex+1cis+a:ble pos adj. excisemen infl head exciseman syl ex+cise+men. pos n. mod pl. exciseman 0. syl ex+cise+man pron <1eksIz2m@n> pos n. usage Brit. formerly def a government agent whose function was to collect excise and prevent smuggling. excitable 1. syl ex+cit+a:ble pron pos adj. def easily excited; volatile. excitable 2. syl ex+cit+a:ble pron pos adj. usage esp. of a nerve def ready to respond to a stimulus. excitability sub head excitable or excitableness syl ex+2cit+a:1bil+i:ty pos n. excitableness sub head excitable or excitability syl ex+1cit+a:ble+ness pos n. excitably sub head excitable syl ex+1cit+a:bly pos adv. excitant 1. syl ex+cit+ant pron , <1eksit*nt> pos adj. usage also def able to excite or stimulate. excitant 2. syl ex+cit+ant pron , <1eksit*nt> pos n. usage also def something, such as a drug or other agent, able to excite; stimulant. excitation 1. syl ex+ci+ta+tion pron <2eksi1tAS*n> pos n. def the act or process of exciting or state of being excited. excitation 2. syl ex+ci+ta+tion pron <2eksi1tAS*n> pos n. def a means of exciting or cause of excitement. excitation 3.a. syl ex+ci+ta+tion pron <2eksi1tAS*n> pos n. def the current in a field coil of a generator, motor, etc., or the magnetizing current in a transformer. excitation 3.b. syl ex+ci+ta+tion pron <2eksi1tAS*n> pos n. usage as modifier exam 1 an excitation current. excitation 4. syl ex+ci+ta+tion pron <2eksi1tAS*n> pos n. def the action of a stimulus on an animal or plant organ, inducing it to respond. excite ety C14: from Latin excit*_are, from exci*_ere to stimulate, from ci*_ere to set in motion, rouse excite 1. syl ex+cite pron pos vb. mod tr. def to arouse (a person) to strong feeling, esp. to pleasurable anticipation or nervous agitation. excite 2. syl ex+cite pron pos vb. mod tr. def to arouse or elicit (an emotion, response, etc.); evoke. exam 1 her answers excited curiosity. excite 3. syl ex+cite pron pos vb. mod tr. def to cause or bring about; stir up. exam 1 to excite a rebellion. excite 4. syl ex+cite pron pos vb. mod tr. def to arouse sexually. excite 5. syl ex+cite pron pos vb. mod tr. qual Physiol. def to cause a response in or increase the activity of (an organ, tissue, or part); stimulate. excite 6. syl ex+cite pron pos vb. mod tr. def to raise (an atom, molecule, electron, nucleus, etc.) from the ground state to a higher energy level. excite 7. syl ex+cite pron pos vb. mod tr. def to supply electricity to (the coils of a generator or motor) in order to create a magnetic field. excite 8. syl ex+cite pron pos vb. mod tr. def to supply a signal to a stage of a valve or transistor circuit. excited 1. syl ex+cit+ed pron pos adj. def emotionally aroused, esp. to pleasure or agitation. excited 2. syl ex+cit+ed pron pos adj. def characterized by excitement. exam 1 an excited dance. excited 3. syl ex+cit+ed pron pos adj. def sexually aroused. excited 4. syl ex+cit+ed pron pos adj. usage of an atom, molecule, etc. def having an energy level above the ground state. excitedly sub head excited syl ex+1cit+ed+ly pos adv. excitedness sub head excited syl ex+1cit+ed+ness pos n. excitement 1. syl ex+cite+ment pron pos n. def the state of being excited. excitement 2. syl ex+cite+ment pron pos n. def a person or thing that excites; stimulation or thrill. exciter 1. syl ex+cit+er pron pos n. def a person or thing that excites. exciter 2. syl ex+cit+er pron pos n. def a small generator that excites a larger machine. exciter 3. syl ex+cit+er pron pos n. def an oscillator producing a transmitter's carrier wave. exciting 0. syl ex+cit+ing pron pos adj. def causing excitement; stirring; stimulating. excitingly sub head exciting syl ex+1cit+ing+ly pos adv. exciton ety C20: from #7excit (#7ation) #7+ -#7on exciton 0. syl ex+ci+ton pron <1eksI2ton> pos n. def a mobile neutral entity in a crystalline solid consisting of an excited electron bound to the hole produced by its excitation. excitor 1. syl ex+ci+tor pron pos n. def a nerve that, when stimulated, causes increased activity in the organ or part it supplies. excitor 2. syl ex+ci+tor pron pos n. def a variant spelling of {exciter}. excl 1. syl excl. qual abbrev. for: def exclamation. excl 2. syl excl. qual abbrev. for: def excluding. excl 3. syl excl. qual abbrev. for: def exclusive. exclaim ety C16: from Latin excl*_am*_are, from cl*_am*_are to shout exclaim 0. syl ex+claim pron pos vb. def to cry out or speak suddenly or excitedly, as from surprise, delight, horror, etc. exclaimer sub head exclaim syl ex+1claim+er pos n. exclamation 1. syl ex+cla+ma+tion pron <2ekskl*1mAS*n> pos n. def an abrupt, emphatic, or excited cry or utterance; interjection; ejaculation. exclamation 2. syl ex+cla+ma+tion pron <2ekskl*1mAS*n> pos n. def the act of exclaiming. exclamational sub head exclamation syl ex+cla+1ma+tion+al pos adj. point alt head exclamation mark or exclamation mark syl point pos n. qual U.S. exclamation mark 1. or point syl ex+cla+ma+tion mark pos n. def the punctuation mark {&}! used after exclamations and vehement commands. exclamation mark 2. or point syl ex+cla+ma+tion mark pos n. def this mark used for any other purpose, as to draw attention to an obvious mistake, in road warning signs, (in chess commentaries) beside the notation of a move considered a good one, (in mathematics) as a symbol of the factorial function, or (in logic) occurring with an existential quantifier. exclamatory 0. syl ex+clam:a+to:ry pron , <-tri> pos adj. def using, containing, or relating to exclamations. exclamatorily sub head exclamatory syl ex+1clam:a+to+ri+ly pos adv. exclaustration 0. syl ex+claus+tra+tion pron <2eksklc:1strAS*n> pos n. def the return of a monk or nun to the outside world after being released from his or her religious vows. exclave ety C20: from #7ex -%1#7+ -clave, on the model of #7enclave exclave 0. syl ex+clave pron <1eksklAv> pos n. def a part of a country entirely surrounded by foreign territory: viewed from the position of the home country. Compare {enclave}. exclosure 0. syl ex+clo+sure pron pos n. def an area of land, esp. in a forest, fenced round to keep out unwanted animals. exclude ety C14: from Latin excl*_udere, from claudere to shut exclude 1. syl ex+clude pron pos vb. mod tr. def to keep out; prevent from entering. exclude 2. syl ex+clude pron pos vb. mod tr. def to reject or not consider; leave out. exclude 3. syl ex+clude pron pos vb. mod tr. def to expel forcibly; eject. excludable sub head exclude or excludible syl ex+1clud+a:ble pos adj. excludible sub head exclude or excludable syl ex+1clud+i:ble pos adj. excluder sub head exclude syl ex+1clud+er pos n. exclusion 0. syl ex+clu+sion pron pos n. def the act or an instance of excluding or the state of being excluded. exclusionary sub head exclusion syl ex+1clu+sion+ar:y pos adj. exclusionist 1. syl ex+clu+sion+ist pron pos adj. qual Chiefly U.S. def denoting or relating to a policy of excluding various types of immigrants, imports, etc. exclusionist 2. syl ex+clu+sion+ist pron pos n. def a supporter of a policy of exclusion. exclusionism sub head exclusionist syl ex+1clu+sion+2ism pos n. exclusion principle 0. syl ex+clu+sion prin+ci+ple pos n. def See {Pauli exclusion principle}. exclusive 1. syl ex+clu+sive pron pos adj. def excluding all else; rejecting other considerations, possibilities, events, etc.. exam 1 an exclusive preoccupation with money. exclusive 2. syl ex+clu+sive pron pos adj. def belonging to a particular individual or group and to no other; not shared. exam 1 exclusive rights; exam 2 an exclusive story. exclusive 3. syl ex+clu+sive pron pos adj. def belonging to or catering for a privileged minority, esp. a fashionable clique. exam 1 an exclusive restaurant. exclusive 4. syl ex+clu+sive pron pos adj. usage postpositive; foll. by to def limited (to); found only (in). exam 1 the kilt is exclusive to Scotland. exclusive 5. syl ex+clu+sive pron pos adj. def single; unique; only. exam 1 the exclusive means of transport on the island was the bicycle. exclusive 6. syl ex+clu+sive pron pos adj. def separate and incompatible. exam 1 mutually exclusive principles. exclusive 7. syl ex+clu+sive pron pos adj. usage immediately postpositive def not including the numbers, dates, letters, etc., mentioned. exam 1 1980-84 exclusive. exclusive 8. syl ex+clu+sive pron pos adj. usage postpositive; foll. by of def except (for); not taking account (of). exam 1 exclusive of bonus payments, you will earn this amount. exclusive 9. syl ex+clu+sive pron pos adj. usage Commerce. of a contract, agreement, etc. def binding the parties to do business only with each other with respect to a class of goods or services. exclusive 10. syl ex+clu+sive pron pos adj. usage Logic. of a disjunction def true if only one rather than both of its component propositions is true. Compare { {inclusive} (sense 4)}. exclusive 11. syl ex+clu+sive pron pos n. def an exclusive story; a story reported in only one newspaper. exclusively sub head exclusive syl ex+1clu+sive+ly pos adv. exclusiveness sub head exclusive or exclusivity syl ex+1clu+sive+ness pron <2eksklu:1siviti> pos n. exclusivity sub head exclusive or exclusiveness syl ex+clu+siv:i+ty pron <2eksklu:1siviti> pos n. Exclusive Brethren 0. syl Ex+clu+sive Breth+ren pos n. mod pl. def one of the two main divisions of the Plymouth Brethren, which, in contrast to the Open Brethren, restricts its members' contacts with those outside the sect. exclusive or 0. syl ex+clu+sive or pos n. qual Logic. def the connective that gives the value to a disjunction if one or other, but not both, of the disjuncts are true. Also called: {exclusive disjunction}. Compare {inclusive or}. gate alt head exclusive OR circuit or exclusive OR circuit syl gate pos n. exclusive OR circuit 0. or gate syl ex+clu+sive OR cir+cuit pos n. qual Electronics. def a computer logic circuit having two or more input wires and one output wire and giving a high-voltage output signal if a low-voltage signal is fed to one or more, but not all, of the input wires. Compare {OR circuit}. excogitate ety C16: from Latin exc*_ogit*_are, from c*_ogit*_are to ponder, #7cogitate &- ex+#!cog@.i+ta@.ble adj. excogitate 1. syl ex+cog:i+tate pron pos vb. mod tr. def to devise, invent, or contrive. excogitate 2. syl ex+cog:i+tate pron pos vb. mod tr. def to think out in detail. excogitation sub head excogitate syl ex+2cog+i:1ta+tion pos n. excogitative sub head excogitate syl ex+1cog:i+ta+tive pos adj. excogitator sub head excogitate syl ex+1cog:i+2ta+tor pos n. excommunicate ety C15: from Late Latin excomm*_unic*_are, literally: to exclude from the commu?!nity, from Latin comm*_unis #7common infl head excommunicate syl ~ pron <2eksk*1mju:ni2kAt> pos vb. qual R.C. Church. excommunicate 1. syl ex+com+mun:i+cate pron <2eksk*1mju:ni2kAt> pos vb. mod tr. def to sentence (a member of the Church) to exclusion from the communion of believers and from the privileges and public prayers of the Church. {~} (@!$eksk$$#!mju$:n$Ik$It, -@!ke$It). excommunicate 2. syl ex+com+mun:i+cate pron <2eksk*1mju:ni2kAt> pos vb. def having incurred such a sentence. excommunicate 3. syl ex+com+mun:i+cate pron <2eksk*?!1mju:nikit>, <-2kAt> pos n. def an excommunicated person. excommunicable sub head excommunicate syl ex+com+1mun:i+ca:ble pos adj. excommunicative sub head excommunicate or excommunicatory syl ex+com+1mu+ni+ca+tive pos adj. excommunicatory sub head excommunicate or excommunicative syl ex+com+1mu+ni+ca+to:ry pos adj. excoriate ety C15: from Late Latin excori*_are to strip, flay, from Latin corium skin, hide excoriate 1. syl ex+co+ri+ate pron pos vb. mod tr. def to strip (the skin) from (a person or animal); flay. excoriate 2. syl ex+co+ri+ate pron pos vb. mod tr. def to denounce vehemently; censure severely. excoriation sub head excoriate syl ex+2co+ri:1a+tion pos n. excrement ety C16: from Latin excr*_ementum, from excernere to sift, #7excrete excrement 0. syl ex+cre+ment pron <1ekskrim*nt> pos n. def waste matter discharged from the body, esp. faeces; excreta. excremental sub head excrement or excrementitious syl ex+cre+men+tal pron <2ekskri?!1mentL> pos adj. excrementitious sub head excrement or excremental syl ex+cre+men+ti+tious pron <2ekskrimen1tiS*s> pos adj. excrementally sub head excrement syl ex+cre+1men+tal+ly pos adv. excrescence 0. syl ex+cres+cence pron pos n. def a projection or protuberance, esp. an outgrowth from an organ or part of the body. &- {ex+cres+cen+tial} (@!$ekskr$I#!s$en#s$$l) cies infl head excrescency syl +cies. pos n. mod pl. excrescency 1. syl ex+cres+cen+cy pron pos n. def the state or condition of being excrescent. excrescency 2. syl ex+cres+cen+cy pron pos n. def another word for {excrescence}. excrescent ety C17: from Latin excr*_esc*_ens, from excr*_escere, from cr*_escere to grow excrescent 1. syl ex+cres+cent pron pos adj. def denoting, relating to, or resembling an abnormal outgrowth. excrescent 2. syl ex+cres+cent pron pos adj. def uselessly added; not essential; superfluous. excrescent 3. syl ex+cres+cent pron pos adj. def denoting or relating to a speech sound or letter inserted into a word without etymological justification, such as the in excrescently sub head excrescent syl ex+1cres+cent+ly pos adv. excreta ety C19: New Latin, from Latin excernere to #7excrete excreta 0. syl ex+cre+ta pron pos n. mod pl. def waste matter, such as urine, faeces, or sweat, discharged from the body; excrement. excretal sub head excreta syl ex+1cre+tal pos adj. excrete ety C17: from Latin excernere to separate, discharge, from cernere to sift excrete 1. syl ex+crete pron pos vb. def to discharge (waste matter, such as urine, sweat, carbon dioxide, or faeces) from the body through the kidneys, skin, lungs, bowels, etc. excrete 2. syl ex+crete pron pos vb. usage of plants def to eliminate (waste matter, such as carbon dioxide and salts) through the leaves, roots, etc. excreter sub head excrete syl ex+1cret+er pos n. excretive sub head excrete or excretory syl ex+1cre+tive pos adj. excretory sub head excrete or excretive syl ex+1cre+to:ry pos adj. excruciate ety C16: from Latin excruci*_are, from cruci*_are to crucify, from crux cross excruciate 1. syl ex+cru+ci+ate pron pos vb. mod tr. def to inflict mental suffering on; torment. excruciate 2. syl ex+cru+ci+ate pron pos vb. mod tr. qual Obsolete. def to inflict physical pain on; torture. excruciation sub head excruciate syl ex+2cru+ci:1a+tion pos n. excruciating 1. syl ex+cru+ci+at+ing pron pos adj. def unbearably painful; agonizing. excruciating 2. syl ex+cru+ci+at+ing pron pos adj. def intense; extreme. exam 1 he took excruciating pains to do it well. excruciating 3. syl ex+cru+ci+at+ing pron pos adj. qual Informal. def irritating; trying. excruciatingly sub head excruciating syl ex+1cru+ci+2at+ing+ly pos adv. exculpate ety C17: from Medieval Latin exculp*_are, from Latin #7ex -%1#7+ culp*_are to blame, from culpa fault, blame exculpate 0. syl ex+cul+pate pron <1eksk^l2pAt>, pos vb. mod tr. def to free from blame or guilt; vindicate or exonerate. exculpable sub head exculpate syl ex+cul+pa:ble pron pos adj. exculpation sub head exculpate syl ex+cul+1pa+tion pos n. excurrent ety C19: from Latin excurrere to run forth; see #7excursion excurrent 1. syl ex+cur+rent pron pos adj. qual Zoology. def having an outward flow, as certain pores in sponges, ducts, etc. excurrent 2.a. syl ex+cur+rent pron pos adj. usage of veins def extending beyond the margin of the leaf. excurrent 2.b. syl ex+cur+rent pron pos adj. def having an undivided main stem or trunk, as the spruce and other conifers. excurrent 3. syl ex+cur+rent pron pos adj. def flowing or running in an outward direction. excursion ety C16: from Latin excursi*_o an attack, from excurrere to run out, from currere to run excursion 1. syl ex+cur+sion pron , <-Z*n> pos n. def a short outward and return journey, esp. for relaxation, sightseeing, etc.; outing. excursion 2. syl ex+cur+sion pron , <-Z*n> pos n. def a group of people going on such a journey. excursion 3. syl ex+cur+sion pron , <-Z*n> pos n. usage modifier def of or relating to special reduced rates offered on certain journeys by rail. exam 1 an excursion ticket. excursion 4. syl ex+cur+sion pron , <-Z*n> pos n. def a digression or deviation; diversion. exam 1 an excursion into politics. excursion 5. syl ex+cur+sion pron , <-Z*n> pos n. usage formerly def a raid or attack. excursion 6.a. syl ex+cur+sion pron , <-Z*n> pos n. def a movement from an equilibrium position, as in an oscillation. excursion 6.b. syl ex+cur+sion pron , <-Z*n> pos n. def the magnitude of this displacement. excursion 7. syl ex+cur+sion pron , <-Z*n> pos n. def the normal movement of a movable bodily organ or part from its resting position, such as the lateral movement of the lower jaw. excursion 8. syl ex+cur+sion pron , <-Z*n> pos n. qual Machinery. def the locus of a point on a moving part, esp. the deflection of a whirling shaft. excursionist 0. syl ex+cur+sion+ist pron , <-Z*nist> pos n. def a person who goes on an excursion. excursive ety C17: from Latin excursus, from excurrere to run forth excursive 1. syl ex+cur+sive pron pos adj. def tending to digress. excursive 2. syl ex+cur+sive pron pos adj. def involving detours; rambling. excursively sub head excursive syl ex+1cur+sive+ly pos adv. excursiveness sub head excursive syl ex+1cur+sive+ness pos n. excursus ety C19: from Latin: a running forth, from excurrere to run out excursuses infl head excursus or excursus syl ex+cur+sus:es pos n. mod pl. excursus infl or excursuses syl ex+cur+sus. pos n. mod pl. excursus 0. syl ex+cur+sus pron pos n. def an incidental digression from the main topic under discussion or from the main story in a narrative. excusatory 0. syl ex+cus:a+to:ry pron , <-tri> pos adj. def tending to or intended to excuse; apologetic. excuse ety C13: from Latin excus*_are, from #7ex -%1#7+ -c*_usare, from causa cause, accusation excuse 1. syl ex+cuse pron pos vb. mod tr. def to pardon or forgive. exam 1 he always excuses her unpunctuality. excuse 2. syl ex+cuse pron pos vb. mod tr. def to seek pardon or exemption for (a person, esp. oneself). exam 1 to excuse oneself for one's mistakes. excuse 3. syl ex+cuse pron pos vb. mod tr. def to make allowances for; judge leniently. exam 1 to excuse someone's ignorance. excuse 4. syl ex+cuse pron pos vb. mod tr. def to serve as an apology or explanation for; vindicate or justify. exam 1 her age excuses her behaviour. excuse 5. syl ex+cuse pron pos vb. mod tr. def to exempt from a task, obligation, etc.. exam 1 you are excused making breakfast. excuse 6. syl ex+cuse pron pos vb. mod tr. def to dismiss or allow to leave. exam 1 he asked them to excuse him. excuse 7. syl ex+cuse pron pos vb. mod tr. def to seek permission for (someone, esp. oneself) to leave. exam 1 he excused himself and left. be excused 8. head excuse syl be excused. qual Euphemistic. def to go to the lavatory. excuse me 9. head excuse syl excuse me&! def an expression used to catch someone's attention or to apologize for an interruption, disagreement, or social indiscretion. excuse 10. syl ex+cuse pron pos n. mod tr. def an explanation offered in defence of some fault or offensive behaviour or as a reason for not fulfilling an obligation, etc.. exam 1 he gave no excuse for his rudeness. excuse 11. syl ex+cuse pron pos n. mod tr. qual Informal. def an inferior example of something specified; makeshift substitute. exam 1 she is a poor excuse for a hostess. excuse 12. syl ex+cuse pron pos n. mod tr. def the act of excusing. excusable sub head excuse syl ex+1cus+a:ble pos adj. excusableness sub head excuse syl ex+1cus+a:ble+ness pos n. excusably sub head excuse syl ex+1cus+a:bly pos adv. excuse-me 0. syl ex:cuse-me pos n. def a dance in which a person may take another's partner. ex-directory 0. syl ex-di:rec:to:ry pos adj. qual Chiefly Brit. def not listed in a telephone directory, by request, and not disclosed to enquirers. U.S. term: {unlisted}. ex div 0. syl ex div. qual abbrev. for def ex dividend. ex dividend 0. syl ex div:i+dend def without the right to the current dividend. exam 1 to quote shares ex dividend. exeat ety C18: Latin, literally: he may go out, from ex*_ire exeat 1. syl ex+e:at pron <1eksi*t> pos n. qual Brit. def leave of absence from school or some other institution. exeat 2. syl ex+e:at pron <1eksi*t> pos n. qual Brit. def a bishop's permission for a priest to leave his diocese in order to take up an appointment elsewhere. exec 1. syl exec. qual abbrev. for: def executive. exec 2. syl exec. qual abbrev. for: def executor. execrable ety C14: from Latin exsecr*_abilis, from exsecr*_ar*_i to #7execrate execrable 1. syl ex+e:cra:ble pron <1eksikr*bL> pos adj. def deserving to be execrated; abhorrent. execrable 2. syl ex+e:cra:ble pron <1eksikr*bL> pos adj. def of very poor quality. exam 1 an execrable meal. execrableness sub head execrable syl ex+e:cra:ble+ness pos n. execrably sub head execrable syl ex+e:cra:bly pos adv. execrate ety C16: from Latin exsecr*_ar*_i to curse, from #7ex -%1#7+ -secr*_ar*_i from sacer #7sacred &- @!ex+e@.#!cra+tion n. execrate 1. syl ex+e:crate pron <1eksi2krAt> pos vb. mod tr. def to loathe; detest; abhor. execrate 2. syl ex+e:crate pron <1eksi2krAt> pos vb. mod tr. def to profess great abhorrence for; denounce; deplore. execrate 3. syl ex+e:crate pron <1eksi2krAt> pos vb. def to curse (a person or thing); damn. execrative sub head execrate or execratory syl ex+e:2cra+tive pos adj. execratory sub head execrate or execrative syl ex+e:2cra+to:ry pos adj. execratively sub head execrate syl ex+e:2cra+tive+ly pos adv. executant 0. syl ex+ec:u+tant pron pos n. def a performer, esp. of musical works. execute ety C14: from Old French executer, back formation from executeur #7executor execute 1. syl ex+e:cute pron <1eksi2kju:t> pos vb. mod tr. def to put (a condemned person) to death; inflict capital punishment upon. execute 2. syl ex+e:cute pron <1eksi2kju:t> pos vb. mod tr. def to carry out; complete; perform; do. exam 1 to execute an order. execute 3. syl ex+e:cute pron <1eksi2kju:t> pos vb. mod tr. def to perform; accomplish; effect. exam 1 to execute a pirouette. execute 4. syl ex+e:cute pron <1eksi2kju:t> pos vb. mod tr. def to make or produce. exam 1 to execute a drawing. execute 5. syl ex+e:cute pron <1eksi2kju:t> pos vb. mod tr. def to carry into effect (a judicial sentence, the law, etc.); enforce. execute 6. syl ex+e:cute pron <1eksi2kju:t> pos vb. mod tr. qual Law. def to comply with legal formalities in order to render (a deed, etc.) effective, as by signing, sealing, and delivering. execute 7. syl ex+e:cute pron <1eksi2kju:t> pos vb. mod tr. def to sign (a will) in the presence of witnesses and in accordance with other legal formalities. execute 8. syl ex+e:cute pron <1eksi2kju:t> pos vb. mod tr. def to carry out the terms of (a contract, will, etc.). executable sub head execute syl ex+e:2cut+a:ble pos adj. executer sub head execute syl ex+e:2cut+er pos n. execution 1. syl ex+e:cu+tion pron <2eksi1kju:S*n> pos n. def the act or process of executing. execution 2. syl ex+e:cu+tion pron <2eksi1kju:S*n> pos n. def the carrying out or undergoing of a sentence of death. execution 3. syl ex+e:cu+tion pron <2eksi1kju:S*n> pos n. def the style or manner in which something is accomplished or performed; technique. exam 1 as a pianist his execution is poor. execution 4.a. syl ex+e:cu+tion pron <2eksi1kju:S*n> pos n. def the enforcement of the judgment of a court of law. execution 4.b. syl ex+e:cu+tion pron <2eksi1kju:S*n> pos n. def the writ ordering such enforcement. executioner 1. syl ex+e:cu+tion+er pron <2eksi1kju:S*n*> pos n. def an official charged with carrying out the death sentence passed upon a condemned person. executioner 2. syl ex+e:cu+tion+er pron <2eksi1kju:S*n*> pos n. def an assassin, esp. one appointed by a political or criminal organization. executive 1.a. syl ex+ec:u+tive pron pos n. def a person or group responsible for the administration of a project, activity, or business. executive 1.b. syl ex+ec:u+tive pron pos n. usage as modifier exam 1 executive duties; exam 2 an executive position. executive 2.a. syl ex+ec:u+tive pron pos n. def the branch of government responsible for carrying out laws, decrees, etc.; administration. executive 2.b. syl ex+ec:u+tive pron pos n. def any administration. Compare {judiciary, legislature}. executive 3. syl ex+ec:u+tive pron pos adj. def having the function or purpose of carrying plans, orders, laws, etc., into practical effect. executively sub head executive syl ex+1ec:u+tive+ly pos adv. Executive Council 0. syl Ex+ec:u+tive Coun+cil pos n. usage in Australia def a body consisting of ministers of the Crown presided over by the Governor or Governor-General that formally approves Cabinet decisions, etc. executive officer 1. syl ex+ec:u+tive of+fic+er pos n. def the second-in-command of any of certain military units. executive officer 2. syl ex+ec:u+tive of+fic+er pos n. usage formerly def a specialist seaman officer of the British and certain other navies. executive session 0. syl ex+ec:u+tive ses+sion pos n. qual U.S. government. def a session of the Senate for the discussion of executive business, such as the ratification of treaties: formerly held in secret. executor 1. syl ex+ec:u+tor pron pos n. qual Law. def a person appointed by a testator to carry out the wishes expressed in his will. executor 2. syl ex+ec:u+tor pron pos n. def a person who executes. &- {ex+@!ec@.u+#!to+ri@.al} executorship sub head executor syl ex+1ec:u+tor+2ship pos n. executory 1. syl ex+ec:u+to:ry pron , <-tri> pos adj. usage of a law, agreement, etc. def coming into operation at a future date; not yet effective. exam 1 an executory contract. executory 2. syl ex+ec:u+to:ry pron , <-tri> pos adj. def executive; administrative. executrices infl head executrix or executrixes syl ex+ec:u+tri+ces pron pos n. mod pl. executrixes infl head executrix or executrices syl ex+ec:u+trix:es. pos n. mod pl. executrix 0. syl ex+ec:u+trix pron pos n. qual Law. def a female executor. exedra ety C18: via Latin from Greek, from hedra seat exedra 1. syl ex+e:dra pron <1eksidr*>, pos n. def a building, room, portico, or apse containing a continuous bench, used in ancient Greece and Rome for holding discussions. exedra 2. syl ex+e:dra pron <1eksidr*>, pos n. def an outdoor bench in a recess. exegesis ety C17: from Greek, from ex*_egeisthai to interpret, from #7ex -#7%1+ h*_egeisthai to guide exegeses infl head exegesis syl ex+e:ge:ses pron <-sEz> pos n. mod pl. exegesis 0. syl ex+e:ge:sis pron <2eksi1JEsis> pos n. def explanation or critical interpretation of a text, esp. of the Bible. Compare {eisegesis}. exegete ety C18: from Greek ex*_eg*_et*_es, from ex*_egeisthai to interpret; see #7exegesis exegetist alt head exegete or exegete syl ex+e:ge:tist pron <2eksi1JEtist>, <-1Jet-> pos n. exegete 0. or exegetist syl ex+e:gete pron <1eksi2JEt> pos n. def a person who practises exegesis. exegetical alt head exegetic or exegetic syl ex+e:get:i+cal pos adj. exegetic 0. or exegetical syl ex+e:get+ic pron <2eksi1Jetik> pos adj. def of or relating to exegesis; expository. exegetically sub head exegetic syl ex+e:1get:i+cal+ly pos adv. exegetics 0. syl ex+e:get+ics pron <2eksi1Jetiks> pos n. mod functioning as; sing. def the scien?!tific study of exegesis and exegetical methods. exemplar ety C14: from Latin exemplarium model, from exemplum #7example exemplar 1. syl ex+em+plar pron , <-pla:> pos n. def a person or thing to be copied or imitated; model. exemplar 2. syl ex+em+plar pron , <-pla:> pos n. def a typical specimen or instance; example. exemplar 3. syl ex+em+plar pron , <-pla:> pos n. def a copy of a book or text on which further printings have been based. exemplary 1. syl ex+em+pla+ry pron pos adj. def fit for imitation; model. exam 1 an exemplary performance. exemplary 2. syl ex+em+pla+ry pron pos adj. def serving as a warning; admonitory. exam 1 an exemplary jail sentence. exemplary 3. syl ex+em+pla+ry pron pos adj. def representative; typical. exam 1 an action exemplary of his conduct. exemplarily sub head exemplary syl ex+1em+pla+ri+ly pos adv. exemplariness sub head exemplary syl ex+1em+pla+ri+ness pos n. exemplary damages 0. syl ex+em+pla+ry dam+ag+es pos n. mod pl. qual Law. def damages awarded to a plaintiff above the value of actual loss sustained so that they serve also as a punishment to the defendant and a deterrent to others. exemplify ety C15: via Old French from Medieval Latin exemplific*_are, from Latin exemplum #7example+ facere to make exemplifies infl head exemplify syl ex+em+pli+fies pos vb. mod tr. exemplifying infl head exemplify syl ex+em+pli+fy+ing pos vb. mod tr. exemplified infl head exemplify syl ex+em+pli+fied. pos vb. mod tr. exemplify 1. syl ex+em+pli+fy pron pos vb. mod tr. def to show by example. exemplify 2. syl ex+em+pli+fy pron pos vb. mod tr. def to serve as an example of. exemplify 3.a. syl ex+em+pli+fy pron pos vb. mod tr. def to make an official copy of (a document from public records) under seal. exemplify 3.b. syl ex+em+pli+fy pron pos vb. mod tr. def to transcribe (a legal document). exemplifiable sub head exemplify syl ex+1em+pli+2fi+a:ble pos adj. exemplifier sub head exemplify syl ex+1em+pli+2fi+er pos n. exempli gratia 0. syl ex+em+pli gra+ti:a pron Latin. <1gra:ti2a:> def for the sake of example. Abbrev.: {e.g}. exemplum ety from Latin: #7example exempla infl head exemplum syl ex+em+pla pron <-pl*> pos n. mod pl. exemplum 1. syl ex+em+plum pron pos n. def an anecdote that supports a moral point or sustains an argument, used esp. in medieval sermons. exemplum 2. syl ex+em+plum pron pos n. def an example or illustration. exempt ety C14: from Latin exemptus removed, from eximere to take out, from emere to buy, obtain exempt 1. syl ex+empt pron pos vb. mod tr. def to release from an obligation, liability, tax, etc.; excuse. exam 1 to exempt a soldier from drill. exempt 2. syl ex+empt pron pos adj. usage postpositive def freed from or not subject to an obligation, liability, tax, etc.; excused. exempt 3. syl ex+empt pron pos adj. qual Obsolete. usage postpositive def set apart; remote. exempt 4. syl ex+empt pron pos n. def a person who is exempt from an obligation, tax, etc. exemptible sub head exempt syl ex+1empt+i:ble pos adj. exenterate ety C17: from Latin exenter*_are, from #7ex -%1#7+ Greek enteron intestine exenterate 1. syl ex+en+ter+ate pron pos vb. mod tr. qual Surgery. def to remove (internal organs, an eyeball, etc.); eviscerate. exenterate 2. syl ex+en+ter+ate pron pos vb. mod tr. def a rare word for {disembowel}. exenterate 3. syl ex+en+ter+ate pron , <-rit> pos adj. mod tr. qual Rare. def having been disembowelled. exenteration sub head exenterate syl ex+2en+ter:1a+tion pos n. exequatur ety C18: from Latin, literally: let him perform, from exequ*_i to perform, from #7ex -%1#7+ sequ*_i to follow exequatur 1. syl ex+e:qua+tur pron <2eksi1kwAt*> pos n. def an official authorization issued by a host country to a consular agent, permitting him to perform his official duties. exequatur 2. syl ex+e:qua+tur pron <2eksi1kwAt*> pos n. def an act by which the civil governments of certain nations permit the laws of the Roman Catholic Church to take effect in their territories. exequies ety C14: from Latin exequiae (plural) funeral procession, rites, from exequ*_i to follow to the end, from sequ*_i to follow exequy infl head exequies syl ex+e:quy. pos n. mod sing. exequies 0. syl ex+e:quies pron <1eksikwiz> pos n. mod pl. def the rites and ceremonies used at funerals. exercise ety C14: from Old French exercice, from Latin exercitium, from exerc*_ere to drill, from #7ex -%1#7+ arc*_ere to ward off exercise 1. syl ex+er+cise pron <1eks*2sIz> pos vb. mod mainly; tr. def to put into use; employ. exam 1 to exercise tact. exercise 2. syl ex+er+cise pron <1eks*2sIz> pos vb. mod intr. def to take exercise or perform exercises; exert one's muscles, etc., esp. in order to keep fit. exercise 3. syl ex+er+cise pron <1eks*2sIz> pos vb. mod mainly; tr. def to practise using in order to develop or train. exam 1 to exercise one's voice. exercise 4. syl ex+er+cise pron <1eks*2sIz> pos vb. mod mainly; tr. def to perform or make proper use of. exam 1 to exercise one's rights. exercise 5. syl ex+er+cise pron <1eks*2sIz> pos vb. mod mainly; tr. def to bring to bear; exert. exam 1 to exercise one's influence. exercise 6. syl ex+er+cise pron <1eks*2sIz> pos vb. mod mainly; tr. usage often passive def to occupy the attentions of, esp. so as to worry or vex. exam 1 to be exercised about a decision. exercise 7. syl ex+er+cise pron <1eks*2sIz> pos vb. mod mainly; tr. qual Military. def to carry out or cause to carry out practice, manoeuvres, drill, etc. exercise 8. syl ex+er+cise pron <1eks*2sIz> pos n. mod mainly; tr. def physical exertion, esp. for the purpose of development, training, or keeping fit. exercise 9. syl ex+er+cise pron <1eks*2sIz> pos n. mod mainly; tr. def mental or other activity or practice, esp. in order to develop a skill. exercise 10. syl ex+er+cise pron <1eks*2sIz> pos n. mod mainly; tr. def a set of movements, questions, tasks, etc., designed to train, improve, or test one's ability in a particular field. exam 1 piano exercises. exercise 11. syl ex+er+cise pron <1eks*2sIz> pos n. mod mainly; tr. def a performance or work of art done as practice or to demonstrate a tech?!nique. exercise 12. syl ex+er+cise pron <1eks*2sIz> pos n. mod mainly; tr. def the performance of a function; discharge. exam 1 the exercise of one's rights; exam 2 the object of the exercise is to win. exercise 13. syl ex+er+cise pron <1eks*2sIz> pos n. mod usually; pl. qual Military. def practice, manoeuvres, or drill carried out to increase efficiency. exercise 14. syl ex+er+cise pron <1eks*2sIz> pos n. mod usually; pl. qual U.S. def a ceremony, usually including speeches, formal processions, etc., at the graduation of students. exam 1 graduation exercises. exercise 15. syl ex+er+cise pron <1eks*2sIz> pos n. mod mainly; tr. qual Gymnastics. def a particular type of event, such as performing on the horizontal bar. exercisable sub head exercise syl ex+er+2cis+a:ble pos adj. exerciser 1. syl ex+er+cis+er pron <1eks*2sIz*> pos n. def a device with springs or elasticated cords for muscular exercise. exerciser 2. syl ex+er+cis+er pron <1eks*2sIz*> pos n. def a person or thing that exercises. exercitation ety C14: from Latin exercit*_ati*_o, from exercit*_are frequentative of exerc*_ere to #7exercise exercitation 0. syl ex+er+ci+ta+tion pron pos n. def a rare word for {exercise}. exergue ety C17: from French, from Medieval Latin exergum, from Greek ex outside+ ergon work exergue 0. syl ex+ergue pron pos n. def a space on the reverse of a coin or medal below the central design, often containing the date, place of minting, etc. exergual sub head exergue syl ex+1ergu:al pos adj. exert ety C17 (in the sense: push forth, emit): from Latin exserere to thrust out, from #7ex -%1#7+ serere to bind together, entwine &- ex+#!er+tion n. exert 0. syl ex+ert pron pos vb. mod tr. def to apply (oneself) diligently; make a strenuous effort. exertive sub head exert syl ex+1er+tive pos adj. Exeter 0. syl Ex+e:ter pron <1eksit*> pos n. def a city in SW England, administrative centre of Devon; university (1955). Pop.: 95598 (1971). exeunt 0. syl ex+e:unt pron <1eksi2^nt> qual Latin. def they go out: used as a stage direction. exeunt omnes 0. syl ex:e+unt om+nes pron <1eksi2^nt> <1omnAz> qual Latin. def they all go out: used as a stage direction. exfoliate ety C17: from Late Latin exfoli*_are to strip off leaves, from Latin folium leaf exfoliate 1. syl ex+fo+li+ate pron pos vb. usage of bark, skin, etc. def to peel off in (layers, flakes, or scales). exfoliate 2. syl ex+fo+li+ate pron pos vb. mod intr. usage of rocks or minerals def to shed the thin outermost layer because of weathering or heating. exfoliate 3. syl ex+fo+li+ate pron pos vb. usage of some minerals, esp. mica def to split or cause to split into thin flakes. exam 1 a factory to exfoliate vermiculite. exfoliation sub head exfoliate syl ex+2fo+li:1a+tion pos n. exfoliative sub head exfoliate syl ex+1fo+li:a+tive pos adj. ex gratia ety New Latin, literally: out of kindness ex gratia 0. syl ex gra+tia pron <1grAS*> pos adj. def given as a favour or gratuitously where no legal obligation exists. exam 1 an ex gratia payment. exhalant 1. syl ex+hal+ant pron , pos adj. def emitting a vapour or liquid; exhaling. exam 1 an exhalant siphon; exam 2 exhalant duct. exhalant 2. syl ex+hal+ant pron , pos n. def an organ or vessel that emits a vapour or liquid. exhale ety C14: from Latin exh*_al*_are to breathe out, from h*_al*_are to breathe exhale 1. syl ex+hale pron , pos vb. def to expel (breath, tobacco smoke, etc.) from the lungs; breathe out. exhale 2. syl ex+hale pron , pos vb. def to give off (air, vapour, fumes, etc.) or (of air, etc.) to be given off; emanate. exhalable sub head exhale syl ex+1hal+a:ble pos adj. exhaust ety C16: from Latin exhaustus made empty, from exhaur*_ire to draw out, from haur*_ire to draw, drain exhaust 1. syl ex+haust pron pos vb. mod mainly; tr. def to drain the energy of; tire out. exam 1 to exhaust someone by constant questioning. exhaust 2. syl ex+haust pron pos vb. mod mainly; tr. def to deprive of resources, etc.. exam 1 a nation exhausted by war. exhaust 3. syl ex+haust pron pos vb. mod mainly; tr. def to deplete totally; expend; consume. exam 1 to exhaust food supplies. exhaust 4. syl ex+haust pron pos vb. mod mainly; tr. def to empty (a container) by drawing off or pumping out (the contents). exhaust 5. syl ex+haust pron pos vb. mod mainly; tr. def to develop or discuss thoroughly so that no further interest remains. exam 1 to exhaust a topic of conversation. exhaust 6. syl ex+haust pron pos vb. mod mainly; tr. def to remove gas from (a vessel, etc.) in order to reduce the pressure or create a vacuum; evacuate. exhaust 7. syl ex+haust pron pos vb. mod mainly; tr. def to remove or use up the active ingredients from (a drug, solution, etc.). exhaust 8. syl ex+haust pron pos vb. mod mainly; tr. def to destroy the fertility of (soil) by excessive cultivation. exhaust 9. syl ex+haust pron pos vb. mod intr. usage of steam or other gases def to be emitted or to escape from an engine after being expanded. exhaust 10. syl ex+haust pron pos n. mod mainly; tr. def gases ejected from an engine as waste products. exhaust 11.a. syl ex+haust pron pos n. mod mainly; tr. def the expulsion of expanded gas or steam from an engine. exhaust 11.b. syl ex+haust pron pos n. mod mainly; tr. usage as modifier exam 1 exhaust stroke. exhaust 12.a. syl ex+haust pron pos n. mod mainly; tr. def the parts of an engine through which the exhausted gases or steam pass. exhaust 12.b. syl ex+haust pron pos n. mod mainly; tr. usage as modifier exam 1 exhaust valve; exam 2 exhaust pipe. exhauster sub head exhaust syl ex+1haust+er pos n. exhaustible sub head exhaust syl ex+1haust+i:ble pos adj. exhaustibility sub head exhaust syl ex+2haust+i:1bil+i:ty pos n. exhaustion 1. syl ex+haus+tion pron pos n. def extreme tiredness; fatigue. exhaustion 2. syl ex+haus+tion pron pos n. def the condition of being used up; consumption. exam 1 exhaustion of the earth's resources. exhaustion 3. syl ex+haus+tion pron pos n. def the act of exhausting or the state of being exhausted. exhaustive 1. syl ex+haus+tive pron pos adj. def comprehensive in scope; thorough. exam 1 an exhaustive survey. exhaustive 2. syl ex+haus+tive pron pos adj. def tending to exhaust. exhaustively sub head exhaustive syl ex+1haust+ive+ly pos adv. exhaustiveness sub head exhaustive syl ex+1haust+ive+ness pos n. exhibit ety C15: from Latin exhib*_ere to hold forth, from hab*_ere to have exhibit 1. syl ex+hib+it pron pos vb. mod also; intr. def to display (something) to the public for interest or instruction. exam 1 this artist exhibits all over the world. exhibit 2. syl ex+hib+it pron pos vb. mod mainly; tr. def to manifest; display; show. exam 1 the child exhibited signs of distress. exhibit 3. syl ex+hib+it pron pos vb. mod mainly; tr. qual Law. def to produce (a document or object) in court to serve as evidence. exhibit 4. syl ex+hib+it pron pos n. mod mainly; tr. def an object or collection exhibited to the public. exhibit 5. syl ex+hib+it pron pos n. mod mainly; tr. qual Law. def a document or object produced in court and referred to or identified by a witness in giving evidence. exhibitory sub head exhibit syl ex+1hib:i+to:ry pos adj. exhibition 1. syl ex+hi+bi+tion pron <2eksi1biS*n> pos n. def a public display of art, products, skills, activities, etc.. exam 1 a judo exhibition. exhibition 2. syl ex+hi+bi+tion pron <2eksi1biS*n> pos n. def the act of exhibiting or the state of being exhibited. make an exhibition of oneself 3. head exhibition syl make an exhibition of oneself. def to behave so foolishly in public that one excites notice or ridicule. exhibition 4. syl ex+hi+bi+tion pron <2eksi1biS*n> pos n. qual Brit. def an allowance or scholarship awarded to a student at a university or school. exhibitioner 0. syl ex+hi+bi+tion+er pron <2eksi1biS*n*> pos n. qual Brit. def a student who has been awarded an exhibition. exhibitionism 1. syl ex+hi+bi+tion+ism pron <2eksi1biS*2niz*m> pos n. qual Psychiatry. def a compulsive desire to attract attention to oneself, esp. by absurd or exaggerated behaviour or boasting. exhibitionism 2. syl ex+hi+bi+tion+ism pron <2eksi1biS*2niz*m> pos n. qual Psychiatry. def a compulsive desire to expose one's genital organs publicly. exhibitionist sub head exhibitionism syl ex+hi+1bi+tion+ist pos n. exhibitionistic sub head exhibitionism syl ex+hi+2bi+tion+1is+tic pos adj. exhibitive 0. syl ex+hib:i+tive pron pos adj. usage usually postpositive and foll. by of def illustrative or demonstrative. exam 1 a masterpiece exhibitive of his talent. exhibitively sub head exhibitive syl ex+1hib:i+tive+ly pos adv. exhibitor 1. syl ex+hib:i+tor pron pos n. def a person or thing that exhibits. exhibitor 2. syl ex+hib:i+tor pron pos n. def an individual or company that shows films, esp. the manager or owner of a cinema. exhilarant 1. syl ex+hil+ar+ant pron pos adj. def exhilarating; invigorating. exhilarant 2. syl ex+hil+ar+ant pron pos n. def something that exhilarates. exhilarate ety C16: from Latin exhilar*_are, from hilar*_are to cheer; see #7hilarity exhilarate 0. syl ex+hil:a+rate pron pos vb. mod tr. def to make lively and cheerful; gladden; elate. exhilaratingly sub head exhilarate syl ex+1hil+a:2rat+ing+ly pos adv. exhilarative sub head exhilarate or exhilaratory syl ex+1hil:a+ra+tive pos adj. exhilaratory sub head exhilarate or exhilarative syl ex+1hil:a+ra+to:ry pos adj. exhilarator sub head exhilarate syl ex+1hil:a+2ra+tor pos n. exhort ety C14: from Latin exhort*_ar*_i, from hort*_ar*_i to urge exhort 0. syl ex+hort pron pos vb. def to urge or persuade (someone) earnestly; advise strongly. exhortative sub head exhort or exhortatory syl ex+hor+ta+tive pron pos adj. exhortatory sub head exhort or exhortative syl ex+1hor+ta+to:ry pos adj. exhorter sub head exhort syl ex+1hort+er pos n. exhortation 1. syl ex+hor+ta+tion pron <2egzc:1tAS*n> pos n. def the act or process of ex?!horting. exhortation 2. syl ex+hor+ta+tion pron <2egzc:1tAS*n> pos n. def a speech or written passage intended to persuade, inspire, or encourage. exhume ety C18: from Medieval Latin exhum*_are, from Latin #7ex -%1#7+ hum*_are to bury, from humus the ground exhume 1. syl ex+hume pron pos vb. mod tr. def to dig up (something buried, esp. a corpse); disinter. exhume 2. syl ex+hume pron pos vb. mod tr. def to reveal; disclose; unearth. exam 1 don't exhume that old argument. exhumation sub head exhume syl ex+hu+ma+tion pron <2ekshju1mAS*n> pos n. exhumer sub head exhume syl ex+1hum+er pos n. ex hypothesi ety C17: New Latin ex hypothesi 0. syl ex hy+poth+e:si pron pos adv. def in accordance with or following from the hypothesis stated. exigence alt head exigency or exigency syl ex:i+gence pron <1eksi?!J*ns> pos n. exigencies infl head exigency or exigences syl ex:i+gen+cies pos n. mod pl. exigences infl head exigency or exigencies syl ex:i+genc:es. pos n. mod pl. exigency 1. or exigence syl ex:i+gen+cy pron <1eksiJ*nsi>, pos n. def the state of being exigent; urgency. exigency 2. or exigence syl ex:i+gen+cy pron <1eksiJ*nsi>, pos n. mod often; pl. def an urgent demand; pressing requirement. exigency 3. or exigence syl ex:i+gen+cy pron <1eksiJ*nsi>, pos n. def an emergency. exigent ety C15: from Latin exigere to drive out, weigh out, from agere to drive, compel exigent 1. syl ex:i+gent pron <1eksiJ*nt> pos adj. def urgent; pressing. exigent 2. syl ex:i+gent pron <1eksiJ*nt> pos adj. def exacting; demanding. exigently sub head exigent syl ex:i+gent+ly pos adv. exigible ety C17: from French, from exiger to demand, from Latin exigere; see #7exigent exigible 0. syl ex:i+gi:ble pron <1eksiJ*bL> pos adj. def liable to be exacted or required. exam 1 part of the debt is exigible this month. exiguous ety C17: from Latin exiguus, from exigere to weigh out; see #7exigent exiguous 0. syl ex+ig:u+ous pron , pos adj. def scanty or slender; meagre. exam 1 an exiguous income. exiguity sub head exiguous or exiguousness syl ex:i+gu+i:ty pron <2eksi1gju:iti> pos n. exiguousness sub head exiguous or exiguity syl ex+1ig:u+ous+ness pos n. exiguously sub head exiguous syl ex+1ig:u+ous+ly pos adv. exile ety C13: from Latin exsilium banishment, from exsul banished person; perhaps related to Greek alasthai to wander exile 1. syl ex+ile pron <1egzIl>, <1eksIl> pos n. def a prolonged, usually enforced absence from one's home or country; banishment. exile 2. syl ex+ile pron <1egzIl>, <1eksIl> pos n. def the ex?!pulsion of a person from his native land by official decree. exile 3. syl ex+ile pron <1egzIl>, <1eksIl> pos n. def a person banished or living away from his home or country; expatriate. exile 4. syl ex+ile pron <1egzIl>, <1eksIl> pos vb. def to expel from home or country, esp. by official decree as a punishment; banish. exilic sub head exile or exilian syl ex+il+ic pron , pos adj. exilian sub head exile or exilic syl ex+1il+i:an pos adj. the infl head Exile syl the. pos n. Exile 0. syl Ex+ile pron <1egzIl>, <1eksIl> pos n. def another name for the {Babylonian captivity} (of the Jews). eximious ety C16: from Latin eximius, from eximere to take out, from emere to purchase eximious 0. syl ex+im:i+ous pron pos adj. qual Rare. def select and distinguished; eminent. eximiously sub head eximious syl ex+1im:i+ous+ly pos adv. exine 0. syl ex+ine pron <1eksin>, <-In> pos n. def another name for {extine}. ex int ety Latin ex interest. ex int 0. syl ex int. qual Banking. abbrev. for def without exist ety C17: from Latin exsistere to step forth, from #7ex -%1#7+ sistere to stand exist 1. syl ex+ist pron pos vb. mod intr. def to have being or reality; to be. exist 2. syl ex+ist pron pos vb. mod intr. def to eke out a living; stay alive; survive. exam 1 he could barely exist on such a low wage. exist 3. syl ex+ist pron pos vb. mod intr. def to be living; live. exist 4. syl ex+ist pron pos vb. mod intr. def to be present under specified conditions or in a specified place. exam 1 sharks exist in the Pacific. exist 5. syl ex+ist pron pos vb. mod intr. qual Philosophy. def to have contingent being while free, responsible, and aware of one's situation. existence 1. syl ex+ist+ence pron pos n. def the fact or state of existing; being. existence 2. syl ex+ist+ence pron pos n. def the continuance or maintenance of life; living, esp. in adverse circumstances. exam 1 a struggle for existence; exam 2 she has a wretched existence. existence 3. syl ex+ist+ence pron pos n. def something that exists; a being or entity. existence 4. syl ex+ist+ence pron pos n. def everything that exists, esp. that is living. existent 1. syl ex+ist+ent pron pos adj. def in existence; extant; current. existent 2. syl ex+ist+ent pron pos adj. def having existence; living. existent 3. syl ex+ist+ent pron pos n. def a person or a thing that exists.#e {Usage}. See at {extant}. existential 1. syl ex+is+ten+tial pron <2egzi1stenS*l> pos adj. def of or relating to existence, esp. human existence. existential 2. syl ex+is+ten+tial pron <2egzi1stenS*l> pos adj. qual Philosophy. def based on personal experience; empirical as opposed to theoretical; concrete as opposed to abstract. existential 3. syl ex+is+ten+tial pron <2egzi1stenS*l> pos adj. qual Logic. def denoting or relating to a formula or proposition asserting the existence of at least one object fulfilling a given condition. existential 4. syl ex+is+ten+tial pron <2egzi1stenS*l> pos adj. def of or relating to existentialism. existentially sub head existential syl ex+is+1ten+tial+ly pos adv. existentialism 0. syl ex+is+ten+tial+ism pron <2egzi1stenS*2liz*m> pos n. def a modern philosophical movement stressing the importance of personal experience and responsibility and the demands that they make on the individual, who is seen as a free agent in a deterministic and seemingly meaningless universe. existentialist sub head existentialism syl ex+is+1ten+tial+ist pos adj. n. exit ety C17: from Latin exitus a departure, from ex*_ire to go out, from #7ex -%1#7+ *_ire to go exit 1. syl ex:it pron <1egzit>, <1eksit> pos n. def a way out; door or gate by which people may leave. exit 2. syl ex:it pron <1egzit>, <1eksit> pos n. def the act or an instance of going out; departure. exit 3.a. syl ex:it pron <1egzit>, <1eksit> pos n. def the act of leaving or right to leave a particular place. exit 3.b. syl ex:it pron <1egzit>, <1eksit> pos n. usage as modifier exam 1 an exit visa. exit 4. syl ex:it pron <1egzit>, <1eksit> pos n. def departure from life; death. exit 5. syl ex:it pron <1egzit>, <1eksit> pos n. qual Theatre. def the act of going offstage. exit 6.a. syl ex:it pron <1egzit>, <1eksit> pos n. def the act of losing the lead deliberately. exit 6.b. syl ex:it pron <1egzit>, <1eksit> pos n. def a card enabling one to do this. exit 7. syl ex:it pron <1egzit>, <1eksit> pos vb. mod intr. def to go away or out; depart; leave. exit 8. syl ex:it pron <1egzit>, <1eksit> pos vb. mod intr. qual Theatre. def to go offstage: used as a stage direction. exam 1 exit Hamlet. exit 9. syl ex:it pron <1egzit>, <1eksit> pos vb. mod intr. qual Bridge, whist, etc. def to lose the lead deliberately. exitance 0. syl ex:i+tance pron <1eksit*ns> pos n. def a measure of the ability of a surface to emit radiation. See {luminous exitance, radiant exitance}. ex lib 0. syl ex. lib. qual abbrev. for def ex libris. ex libris ety C19: from Latin, literally: from the books (of) ex libris 1. syl ex li+bris pron <1lEbris> def from the collection or library of: frequently printed on bookplates. {~} {ex-li@.bris}. ex libris 2. syl ex li+bris pron <1lEbris> def a bookplate bearing the owner's name, coat of arms, etc. Exmoor 1. syl Ex+moor pron <1eks2mu*>, <-2mc:> pos n. def a high moorland in SW England, in NW Somerset and Devon: largely forested until the 19th century, now chiefly grazing ground for Exmoor ponies, sheep, and red deer. Exmoor 2. syl Ex+moor pron <1eks2mu*>, <-2mc:> pos n. def a small stocky breed of pony with a fawn-coloured nose, originally from Exmoor. exo- ety from Greek ex*_o outside exo- 0. syl ex:o- usage combining form. def external, outside, or beyond. exam 1 exobiology; exam 2 exothermal. exobiology 0. syl ex:o+bi+ol+o:gy pron <2eks*ubI1ol*Ji> pos n. def another name for {astrobiology}. exobiologist sub head exobiology syl ex:o+bi+1ol:o+gist pos n. exocarp 0. syl ex:o+carp pron <1eks*u2ka:p> pos n. def another name for {epicarp}. exocentric 0. syl ex:o+cen+tric pron <2eks*u1sentrik> pos adj. usage Grammar. of a construction def not fulfilling the grammatical role of any of its con?!stituents; as in where the constituents are prepositional, adjectival, and nominal, while the whole construction is adverbial. Compare {endocentric}. exocrine ety C20: #7exo -#7+ -crine from Greek krinein to sepa?!rate exocrine 1. syl ex:o+crine pron <1eks*u2krIn> pos adj. def of or relating to exocrine glands or their secretions. exocrine 2. syl ex:o+crine pron <1eks*u2krIn> pos n. def an exocrine gland. exocrine xref syl ex:o+crine pron <1eks*u2krIn> pos adj. def Compare {endocrine}. exocrine gland 0. syl ex:o+crine gland pos n. def any gland, such as a salivary or sweat gland, that secretes its products through a duct onto an epithelial surface. Exod 0. syl Exod. qual Bible. abbrev. for def Exodus. exoderm 0. syl ex:o+derm pron <1eks*u2dR:m> pos n. qual Embryol. def another name for {ectoderm}. exodontics ety C20: New Latin, from #7ex -%1#7+ -odontia, from Greek od*_on tooth exodontics 0. syl ex:o+don+tics pron <2eks*u1dontiks> pos n. def the branch of dental surgery concerned with the extraction of teeth. exodontist sub head exodontics syl ex:o+1don+tist pos n. exodus ety C17: via Latin from Greek exodos from #7ex -%1#7+ hodos way exodus 0. syl ex:o+dus pron <1eks*d*s> pos n. def the act or an instance of going out. the 1. head Exodus syl the. def the departure of the Israelites from Egypt led by Moses. Exodus 2. syl Ex:o+dus pron <1eks*d*s> pos n. def the second book of the Old Testament, recounting the events connected with this and the divine visitation of Moses at Mount Sinai. exoenzyme 1. syl ex:o+en+zyme pron <2eks*u1enzIm> pos n. def any enzyme, esp. an exopeptidase, that acts upon terminal chemical bonds in a chain of molecules. Compare {{endoenzyme} (sense 1)}. exoenzyme 2. syl ex:o+en+zyme pron <2eks*u1enzIm> pos n. def another name for {ectoenzyme}. exoergic ety #7exo -#7+ -ergic, from Greek ergon work exoergic 0. syl ex:o+er+gic pron <2eks*u1R:Jik> pos adj. usage of a nuclear reaction def occurring with evolution of energy. Compare {endoergic, exothermic}. ex officio 0. syl ex of+fi+ci:o pron <1eks> <*1fiSi*u>, <*1fisi*u> pos adv. adj. def by right of position or office. Abbrev.: {ex. off}. exogamy 1. syl ex+og:a+my pron pos n. qual Sociol, anthropol. def the custom or an act of marrying a person belonging to another tribe, clan, or similar social unit. Compare {endogamy}. exogamy 2. syl ex+og:a+my pron pos n. qual Biology. def fusion of gametes from parents that are not closely related. exogamous sub head exogamy or exogamic syl ex+og:a+mous pron pos adj. exogamic sub head exogamy or exogamous syl ex:o+gam+ic pron <2eks*u1g@mik> pos adj. exogenous 1. syl ex+og+e:nous pron pos adj. def having an external origin. exogenous 2.a. syl ex+og+e:nous pron pos adj. def developing or originating outside an organism or part of an organism. exogenous 2.b. syl ex+og+e:nous pron pos adj. def of or relating to external factors, such as light, that influence an organism. exogenously sub head exogenous syl ex+1og+e:nous+ly pos adv. exon ety C17: a pronunciation spelling of French exempt #7exempt exon 0. syl ex:on pron <1ekson> pos n. qual Brit. def one of the four officers who command the Yeomen of the Guard. exonerate ety C16: from Latin exoner*_are to free from a burden, from onus a burden exonerate 1. syl ex+on+er+ate pron pos vb. mod tr. def to clear or absolve from blame or a criminal charge. exonerate 2. syl ex+on+er+ate pron pos vb. mod tr. def to relieve from an obligation or task; exempt. exoneration sub head exonerate syl ex+2on+er:1a+tion pos n. exonerative sub head exonerate syl ex+1on+er:a+tive pos adj. exonerator sub head exonerate syl ex+1on+er:2a+tor pos n. exonym ety C20: from Greek #7ex- %1 +-#7onym exonym 0. syl ex:o+nym pron <1eks*2nim> pos n. def a name given to a place by foreigners. exam 1 Londres is an exonym of London. exopeptidase 0. syl ex:o+pep+ti+dase pron <2eks*u1pepti2dAz> pos n. def any proteolytic enzyme, such as erepsin, that acts on the terminal bonds in a peptide chain. Compare {endopeptidase}. exophthalmic goitre 0. syl ex+oph+thal+mic goi+tre pos n. def a form of hyperthyroidism characterized by enlargement of the thyroid gland, protrusion of the eyeballs, increased basal metabolic rate, and weight loss. Also called: {Graves' disease}. exophthalmos ety C19: via New Latin from Greek, from #7ex -%1#7+ ophthalmos eye exophthalmus infl head exophthalmos or exophthalmia syl ex+oph+thal+mus pron <2eksof?!1T@lm*s> pos n. exophthalmia infl head exophthalmos or exophthalmus syl ex+oph+thal+mi:a pron <2eksof1T@lmi*> pos n. exophthalmos 0. syl ex+oph+thal+mos pron <2eksof1T@lmos> pos n. def abnormal protrusion of the eyeball, as caused by hyperthyroidism. Also called: {proptosis, ocular proptosis}. exophthalmic sub head exophthalmos syl ex+oph+1thal+mic pos adj. exoplasm 0. syl ex:o+plasm pron <1eks*u2pl@z*m> pos n. def another name for {ectoplasm}. exor 0. syl exor. pron <1eksc:> qual Brit. abbrev. for def executor. exorable ety C16: from Latin ex*_or*_abilis, from ex*_or*_are to persuade, from *_or*_are to beseech exorable 0. syl ex:o+ra:ble pron <1eks*r*bL> pos adj. def able to be persuaded or moved by pleading. exorability sub head exorable syl ex:o+ra:1bil+i:ty pos n. exorbitant ety C15: from Late Latin exorbit*_are to deviate, from Latin orbita track exorbitant 0. syl ex+or+bi+tant pron pos adj. usage of prices, demands, etc. def in excess of what is reasonable; excessive; extravagant; immoderate. exorbitance sub head exorbitant syl ex+1or+bi+tance pos n. exorbitantly sub head exorbitant syl ex+1or+bi+tant+ly pos adv. exorcise ety C15: from Late Latin exorciz*_are, from Greek exorkizein, from #7ex -%1#7+ horkizein to adjure exorcize alt head exorcise or exorcise syl ex+or+cize pron <1eksc:2sIz> pos vb. mod tr. exorcise 0. or exorcize syl ex+or+cise pron <1eksc:2sIz> pos vb. mod tr. def to expel or attempt to expel (one or more evil spirits) from (a person or place believed to be possessed or haunted), by prayers, adjurations, and religious rites. exorciser sub head exorcise or exorcizer syl ex+or+2cis+er pos n. exorcizer sub head exorcise or exorciser syl ex+or+2ciz+er pos n. exordium ety C16: from Latin, from ex*_ord*_ir*_i to begin, from *_ord*_ir*_i to begin exordiums infl head exordium or exordia syl ex+or+di:ums pron <-di*> pos n. mod pl. exordia infl head exordium or exordiums syl ex+or+di:a pron <-di*> pos n. mod pl. exordium 0. syl ex+or+di:um pron pos n. def an introductory part or beginning, esp. of an oration or discourse. exordial sub head exordium syl ex+1or+di:al pos adj. exoskeleton 0. syl ex:o+skel+e:ton pron <2eks*u1skelitN> pos n. def the protective or support?!ing structure covering the outside of the body of many animals, such as the thick cuticle of arthropods. Compare {endoskeleton}. exoskeletal sub head exoskeleton syl ex:o+1skel+e:tal pos adj. exosmosis 0. syl ex+os+mo+sis pron <2eksoz1m*usis>, <-sos-> pos n. qual Biology. def osmosis in which water flows from a cell or organism into the surrounding solution. Compare {endosmosis}. exosmotic sub head exosmosis or exosmic syl ex+os+mot+ic pron <2eksoz1mot?!ik>, <-sos-> pos adj. exosmic sub head exosmosis or exosmotic syl ex+os+mic pron , <-1sos-> pos adj. exosphere 0. syl ex:o+sphere pron <1eks*u2sfi*> pos n. def the outermost layer of the earth's atmosphere. It extends from about 400 kilometres above the earth's surface. exospore 0. syl ex:o+spore pron <1eks*u2spc:> pos n. def the outer layer of the spores of some algae and fungi. exosporous sub head exospore syl ex:o+1spor+ous pos adj. exostosis ety C18: via New Latin from Greek, from #7ex -%1#7+ osteon bone exostoses infl head exostosis syl ex+os+to+ses pron <-sEz> pos n. mod pl. exostosis 0. syl ex+os+to+sis pron <2ekso1st*usis> pos n. def an abnormal bony outgrowth from the surface of a bone. exoteric ety C17: from Latin ex*_otericus external, from Greek ex*_oterikos, from ex*_oter*_o further outside; see #7exo - exoteric 1. syl ex:o+ter+ic pron <2eks*u1terik> pos adj. def intelligible to or intended for more than a select or initiated minority. exam 1 an exoteric account of a philosophical doctrine. exoteric 2. syl ex:o+ter+ic pron <2eks*u1terik> pos adj. def external; exterior. exoterically sub head exoteric syl ex:o+1ter:i+cal+ly pos adv. exotericism sub head exoteric syl ex:o+1ter:i+2cism pos n. exothermal alt head exothermic or exothermic syl ex:o+ther+mal pos adj. exothermic 0. or exothermal syl ex:o+ther+mic pron <2eks*u1TR:mik> pos adj. usage of a chemical reaction or compound def occurring or formed with the evolution of heat. Compare {endothermic, exoergic}. exothermically sub head exothermic or exothermally syl ex:o+1ther+mi+cal+ly pos adv. exothermally sub head exothermic or exothermically syl ex:o+1ther+mal+ly pos adv. exotic ety C16: from Latin ex*_oticus, from Greek ex*_otikos foreign, from ex*_o outside exotic 1. syl ex+ot+ic pron pos adj. def originating in a foreign country, esp. one in the tropics; not native. exam 1 an exotic plant. exotic 2. syl ex+ot+ic pron pos adj. def having a strange or bizarre allure, beauty, or quality. exotic 3. syl ex+ot+ic pron pos n. def an exotic person or thing. exotically sub head exotic syl ex+1ot:i+cal+ly pos adv. exoticism sub head exotic syl ex+1ot:i+2cism pos n. exoticness sub head exotic syl ex+1ot+ic+ness pos n. exotica ety C19: Latin, neuter plural of ex*_oticus; see #7exotic exotica 0. syl ex+ot:i+ca pron pos n. mod pl. def exotic objects, esp. when forming a collection. exotic dancer 0. syl ex+ot+ic danc+er pos n. def a striptease dancer or belly dancer. exotoxin 0. syl ex:o+tox+in pron <2eks*u1toksin> pos n. def a toxin produced by a micro?!organism and secreted into the surrounding medium. exotoxic sub head exotoxin syl ex:o+1tox+ic pos adj. exp 0. syl exp qual Maths. abbrev. for def exponential (sense 2). exp 1. syl exp. qual abbrev. for: def expenses. exp 2. syl exp. qual abbrev. for: def experiment(al). exp 3. syl exp. qual abbrev. for: def expired. exp 4. syl exp. qual abbrev. for: def export(ed). exp 5. syl exp. qual abbrev. for: def exporter. exp 6. syl exp. qual abbrev. for: def express. expand ety C15: from Latin expandere to spread out, from pandere to spread, extend expand 1. syl ex+pand pron pos vb. def to make or become greater in extent, volume, size, or scope; increase. expand 2. syl ex+pand pron pos vb. def to spread out or be spread out; unfold; stretch out. expand 3. syl ex+pand pron pos vb. mod intr. usage often foll. by on def to enlarge or expatiate on (a story, topic, etc.) in detail. expand 4. syl ex+pand pron pos vb. mod intr. def to become increasingly relaxed, friendly, or talkative. expand 5. syl ex+pand pron pos vb. qual Maths. def to express (a function or expression) as the sum or product of terms. expandable sub head expand or expandible syl ex+1pand+a:ble pos adj. expandible sub head expand or expandable syl ex+1pand+i:ble pos adj. expander sub head expand syl ex+1pand+er pos n. expanded 1. syl ex+pand+ed pron pos adj. def Also: {extended}. (of printer's type) wider than usual for a particular height. Compare {con?!densed}. expanded 2. syl ex+pand+ed pron pos adj. usage of a plastic def having been foamed during manufacture by the introduction of a gas in order to make a light packaging material or heat insulator. exam 1 expanded polystyrene. expanded metal 0. syl ex+pand+ed met+al pos n. def an open mesh of metal produced by stamping out alternating slots in a metal sheet and stretching it into an open pattern. It is used for reinforcing brittle or friable materials and in fencing. expander 1. syl ex+pand+er pron pos n. def a device for exercising and developing the muscles of the body. exam 1 a chest expand?!er. expander 2. syl ex+pand+er pron pos n. def an electronic device for increasing the variations in signal amplitude in a transmission system according to a specified law. Compare { {compressor} (sense 5)}, {compander}. expanding universe theory 0. syl ex+pand+ing u:ni+verse the:o+ry pos n. def the theory, developed from the observed red shifts of celestial bodies, that all the galaxies are receding from each other at velocities that increase as the distance from earth increases. See also {oscillating universe theory}. expanse ety C17: from New Latin expansum the heavens, from Latin expansus spread out, from expandere to #7expand expanse 1. syl ex+panse pron pos n. def an uninterrupted surface of something that spreads or extends, esp. over a wide area; stretch. exam 1 an expanse of water. expanse 2. syl ex+panse pron pos n. def expansion or extension. expansible 0. syl ex+pan+si:ble pron pos adj. def able to expand or be ex?!panded. expansibility sub head expansible syl ex+2pan+si:1bil+i:ty pos n. expansile 1. syl ex+pan+sile pron pos adj. def able to expand or cause expansion. expansile 2. syl ex+pan+sile pron pos adj. def of or relating to expansion. expansion 1. syl ex+pan+sion pron pos n. def the act of expanding or the state of being expanded. expansion 2. syl ex+pan+sion pron pos n. def something expanded; an expanded surface or part. expansion 3. syl ex+pan+sion pron pos n. def the degree, extent, or amount by which something expands. expansion 4. syl ex+pan+sion pron pos n. def an increase, enlargement, or development, esp. in the activities of a company. expansion 5.a. syl ex+pan+sion pron pos n. def the form of an expression or function when it is written as the sum or product of its terms. expansion 5.b. syl ex+pan+sion pron pos n. def the act or process of determining this expanded form. expansion 6. syl ex+pan+sion pron pos n. def the part of an engine cycle in which the working fluid does useful work by increasing in volume. expansion 7. syl ex+pan+sion pron pos n. def the increase in the dimensions of a body or substance when subjected to an increase in temperature, internal pressure, etc. &- {ex+#!pan+sion+ar@.y} expansion bolt 0. syl ex+pan+sion bolt pos n. def a bolt that expands on tightening, enabling it to be secured into an unthreaded hole. expansionism 0. syl ex+pan+sion+ism pron pos n. def the doctrine or practice of expanding the economy or territory of a country. expansionist sub head expansionism syl ex+1pan+sion+ist pos n. adj. expansionistic sub head expansionism syl ex+2pan+sion+1is+tic pos adj. expansive 1. syl ex+pan+sive pron pos adj. def able or tending to expand or characterized by expansion. expansive 2. syl ex+pan+sive pron pos adj. def wide; extensive. expansive 3. syl ex+pan+sive pron pos adj. def friendly, open, or talkative. exam 1 an expansive person. expansive 4. syl ex+pan+sive pron pos adj. def grand or extravagant. exam 1 an expansive way of life. expansive 5. syl ex+pan+sive pron pos adj. qual Psychiatry. def lacking restraint in the expression of feelings, esp. in having delusions of grandeur or being inclined to overvalue oneself or one's work. expansively sub head expansive syl ex+1pan+sive+ly pos adv. expansiveness sub head expansive or expansivity syl ex+1pan+sive+ness pron <2eksp@n1siviti> pos n. expansivity sub head expansive or expansiveness syl ex+pan+siv+it:y pron <2eksp@n1siviti> pos n. ex parte 0. syl ex par+te pron <1pa:ti> pos adj. usage Law. of an application in a judicial proceeding def on behalf of one side or party only. exam 1 an ex parte injunction. expatiate ety C16: from Latin exspati*_ar*_i to digress, from spati*_ar*_i to walk about expatiate 1. syl ex+pa+ti+ate pron pos vb. mod intr. usage foll. by on or upon def to enlarge (on a theme, topic, etc.) at length or in detail; elaborate (on). expatiate 2. syl ex+pa+ti+ate pron pos vb. mod intr. qual Rare. def to wander about. expatiation sub head expatiate syl ex+2pa+ti:1a+tion pos n. expatiator sub head expatiate syl ex+1pa+ti:2a+tor pos n. expatriate ety C18: from Medieval Latin expatri*_are, from Latin #7ex -%1#7+ patria native land &- ex+@!pat+ri@.#!a+tion n. expatriate 1. syl ex+pat+ri+ate pron , <-2At> pos adj. def exiled or banished from one's native country. exam 1 an expatriate American. expatriate 2. syl ex+pat+ri+ate pron , <-2At> pos n. def an exile; expatriate person. {~} ($eks?!#!p@atr$I@!e$It). expatriate 3. syl ex+pat+ri+ate pron , <-2At> pos n. def to exile (oneself) from one's native country or cause (another) to go into exile. expatriate 4. syl ex+pat+ri+ate pron , <-2At> pos n. def to deprive (oneself or another) of citizenship. expect ety C16: from Latin exspect*_are to watch for, from spect*_are to look at expect 1. syl ex+pect pron pos vb. mod tr. usage an infinitive def to regard as probable or likely; anticipate. exam 1 he expects to win. expect 2. syl ex+pect pron pos vb. mod tr. usage an infinitive def to look forward to or be waiting for. exam 1 we expect good news today. expect 3. syl ex+pect pron pos vb. mod tr. usage an infinitive def to decide that (something) is requisite or necessary; require. exam 1 the teacher expects us to work late today. expectable sub head expect syl ex+1pect+a:ble pos adj. expectably sub head expect syl ex+1pect+a:bly pos adv. expectance alt head expectancy or expectancy syl ex+pec+tance pos n. expectancy 1. or expectance syl ex+pec+tan+cy pron pos n. def some?!thing expected, esp. on the basis of a norm or average. exam 1 his life expectancy was 30 years. expectancy 2. or expectance syl ex+pec+tan+cy pron pos n. def anticipation; expectation. expectancy 3. or expectance syl ex+pec+tan+cy pron pos n. def the prospect of a future interest or possession, esp. in property. exam 1 an estate in expectancy. expectant 1. syl ex+pec+tant pron pos adj. def expecting, anticipating, or hopeful. exam 1 an expectant glance. expectant 2. syl ex+pec+tant pron pos adj. def having expectations, esp. of possession of something or prosperity. expectant 3. syl ex+pec+tant pron pos adj. def pregnant. exam 1 an expectant mother. expectant 4. syl ex+pec+tant pron pos n. def a person who expects something. expectant 5. syl ex+pec+tant pron pos n. qual Obsolete. def a candidate for office, esp. for ecclesiastical preferment. expectantly sub head expectant syl ex+1pect+ant+ly pos adv. expectation 1. syl ex+pec+ta+tion pron <2ekspek1tAS*n> pos n. def the act or state of expect?!ing or the state of being expected. expectation 2. syl ex+pec+ta+tion pron <2ekspek1tAS*n> pos n. mod usually; pl. def something looked forward to, whether feared or hoped for. exam 1 we have great expectations for his future; exam 2 their worst expectations. expectation 3. syl ex+pec+ta+tion pron <2ekspek1tAS*n> pos n. def an attitude of expectancy or hope; anticipation. exam 1 to regard something with expectation. expectation 4.a. syl ex+pec+ta+tion pron <2ekspek1tAS*n> pos n. def the numerical probability that an event will occur. expectation 4.b. syl ex+pec+ta+tion pron <2ekspek1tAS*n> pos n. def another term for {expected value}. expectative sub head expectation syl ex+pec+ta+tive pron pos adj. expected value 0. syl ex+pect+ed val:ue pos n. qual Statistics. def the sum or integral of all possible values of a variable multiplied by their respective probabilities. It is equivalent to the mean of the distribution of the variable. Also called: {mathematical expectation}. expecting 0. syl ex+pect+ing pron pos adj. qual Informal. def pregnant. expectorant 1. syl ex+pec+to+rant pron pos adj. qual Med. def promoting the secretion, liquefaction, or expulsion of sputum from the respiratory passages. expectorant 2. syl ex+pec+to+rant pron pos n. qual Med. def an expectorant drug or agent. expectorate ety C17: from Latin expector*_are, literally: to drive from the breast, expel, from pectus breast expectorate 0. syl ex+pec+to+rate pron pos vb. def to cough up and spit out (sputum from the respiratory passages). expectoration sub head expectorate syl ex+2pec+to+1ra+tion pos n. expectorator sub head expectorate syl ex+1pec+to+2ra+tor pos n. expedience alt head expediency or expediency syl ex+pe:di+ence pos n. expediencies infl head expediency or expediences syl ex+pe:di+en+cies pos n. mod pl. expediences infl head expediency or expediencies syl ex+pe:di+enc:es. pos n. mod pl. expediency 1. or expedience syl ex+pe:di+en+cy pron pos n. def appropriateness; suitability. expediency 2. or expedience syl ex+pe:di+en+cy pron pos n. def the use of or inclination towards methods that are advantageous rather than fair or just. expediency 3. or expedience syl ex+pe:di+en+cy pron pos n. def another word for {expedient} (sense 3). expedient ety C14: from Latin expedi*_ens setting free; see #7expedite expedient 1. syl ex+pe:di+ent pron pos adj. def suitable to the circum?!stances; appropriate. expedient 2. syl ex+pe:di+ent pron pos adj. def inclined towards methods or means that are advantageous rather than fair or just. expedient 3. syl ex+pe:di+ent pron pos n. usage also def something suitable or appropriate, esp. something used during an urgent situation. expediently sub head expedient syl ex+1pe:di+ent+ly pos adv. expediential 0. syl ex+pe:di+en+tial pron pos adj. def denoting, based on, or involving expediency. expedientially sub head expediential syl ex+2pe:di+1en+tial+ly pos adv. expedite ety C17: from Latin exped*_ire, literally: to free the feet (as from a snare), hence, liberate, from #7ex -%1#7+ p*_es foot expedite 1. syl ex+pe:dite pron <1ekspi2dIt> pos vb. mod tr. def to facilitate the progress of; hasten or assist. expedite 2. syl ex+pe:dite pron <1ekspi2dIt> pos vb. mod tr. def to do or process (something, such as business matters) with speed and efficiency. expedite 3. syl ex+pe:dite pron <1ekspi2dIt> pos vb. mod tr. qual Rare. def to dispatch (documents, messages, etc.). expedite 4. syl ex+pe:dite pron <1ekspi2dIt> pos adj. mod tr. qual Obsolete. def unimpeded or prompt; expeditious. expedite 5. syl ex+pe:dite pron <1ekspi2dIt> pos adj. mod tr. qual Obsolete. def alert or prepared. expediter sub head expedite or expeditor syl ex+pe:2dit+er pos n. expeditor sub head expedite or expediter syl ex+pe:2di+tor pos n. expedition ety C15: from Latin exped*_iti*_o, from exped*_ire to prepare, #7expedite expedition 1. syl ex+pe:di+tion pron <2ekspi1diS*n> pos n. def an organized journey or voyage for a specific purpose, esp. for exploration or for a scientific or military purpose. expedition 2. syl ex+pe:di+tion pron <2ekspi1diS*n> pos n. def the people and equipment comprising an expedition. expedition 3. syl ex+pe:di+tion pron <2ekspi1diS*n> pos n. def a pleasure trip; excursion. expedition 4. syl ex+pe:di+tion pron <2ekspi1diS*n> pos n. def promptness in acting; dispatch. expeditionary 0. syl ex+pe:di+tion+ar:y pron <2ekspi1diS*n*ri> pos adj. def relating to or constituting an expedition, esp. a military one. exam 1 an expeditionary force. expeditious 0. syl ex+pe:di+tious pron <2ekspi1diS*s> pos adj. def characterized by or done with speed and efficiency; prompt; quick. expeditiously sub head expeditious syl ex+pe:1di+tious+ly pos adv. expeditiousness sub head expeditious syl ex+pe:1di+tious+ness pos n. expel ety C14: from Latin expellere to drive out, from pellere to thrust, drive expels infl head expel syl ex+pels pos vb. mod tr. expelling infl head expel syl ex+pel+ling pos vb. mod tr. expelled infl head expel syl ex+pelled. pos vb. mod tr. expel 1. syl ex+pel pron pos vb. mod tr. def to eject or drive out with force. expel 2. syl ex+pel pron pos vb. mod tr. def to deprive of participation in or membership of a school, club, etc. expellable sub head expel syl ex+1pel+la:ble pos adj. expellee sub head expel syl ex+pel+lee pron <2ekspe1lE> pos n. expeller sub head expel syl ex+1pel+ler pos n. expellent alt head expellant or expellant syl ex+pel+lent pron pos adj. expellant 1. or expellent syl ex+pel+lant pron pos adj. def forcing out or having the capacity to force out. expellant 2. or expellent syl ex+pel+lant pron pos n. def a medicine used to expel undesirable substances or organisms from the body, esp. worms from the digestive tract. expellers 0. syl ex+pel+lers pron pos n. mod pl. def the residue remaining after an oilseed has been crushed to expel the oil, used for animal fodder. exam 1 groundnut expellers. expend ety C15: from Latin expendere, from pendere to weigh expend 1. syl ex+pend pron pos vb. mod tr. def to spend; disburse. expend 2. syl ex+pend pron pos vb. mod tr. def to consume or use up. expender sub head expend syl ex+1pend+er pos n. expendable 1. syl ex+pend+a:ble pron pos adj. def that may be expended or used up. expendable 2. syl ex+pend+a:ble pron pos adj. def not essential; not worth preserving. expendable 3. syl ex+pend+a:ble pron pos adj. def able to be sacrificed to achieve an objective, esp. a military one. expendable 4. syl ex+pend+a:ble pron pos n. def something that is expendable. expendability sub head expendable syl ex+2pend+a:1bil+i:ty pos n. expenditure 1. syl ex+pend:i+ture pron pos n. def something expended, such as time or money. expenditure 2. syl ex+pend:i+ture pron pos n. def the act of expending. expense ety C14: from Late Latin exp*_ensa, from Latin exp*_ensus weighed out; see #7expend expense 1. syl ex+pense pron pos n. def a particular payment of money; expenditure. expense 2. syl ex+pense pron pos n. def money needed for individual purchases; cost; charge. expense 3. syl ex+pense pron pos n. mod pl. def incidental money spent in the performance of a job, commission, etc., usually reimbursed by an employer or allowable against tax. expense 4. syl ex+pense pron pos n. def something requiring money for its purchase or upkeep. exam 1 the car was more of an expense than he had expected. at the expense of 5. head expense syl at the expense of. def to the detriment of. exam 1 he succeeded at the expense of his health. expense 6. syl ex+pense pron pos vb. mod tr. qual U.S. def to treat as an expense for book-keeping or tax purposes. expense account 1. syl ex+pense ac+count pos n. def an arrangement by which expenses incurred in the course of a person's work are refunded by his employer or deducted from his income for tax purposes. expense account 2. syl ex+pense ac+count pos n. def a record of such expenses. expense account 3. syl ex+pense ac+count pos n. qual Informal. usage modifier def paid for by an employer or by money allowable against tax. exam 1 an expense-account lunch. expensive 0. syl ex+pen+sive pron pos adj. def high-priced; costly; dear. expensively sub head expensive syl ex+1pen+sive+ly pos adv. expensiveness sub head expensive syl ex+1pen+sive+ness pos n. experience ety C14: from Latin experientia, from exper*_ir*_i to prove; related to Latin per*_iculum #7peril &- ex+#!pe@.ri+ence+a@.ble adj. experience 1. syl ex+pe:ri+ence pron pos n. def direct personal participation or observation; actual knowledge or contact. exam 1 experience of prison life. experience 2. syl ex+pe:ri+ence pron pos n. def a particular incident, feeling, etc., that a person has undergone. exam 1 an experience to remember. experience 3. syl ex+pe:ri+ence pron pos n. def accumulated knowledge, esp. of practical matters. exam 1 a man of experience. experience 4. syl ex+pe:ri+ence pron pos n. def the impact made on an individual by the culture of a people, nation, etc.. exam 1 the American experience. experience 5. syl ex+pe:ri+ence pron pos n. qual Philosophy. def the totality of a person's perceptions, thoughts, memories, and encounters. experience 6. syl ex+pe:ri+ence pron pos vb. mod tr. def to participate in or undergo. experience 7. syl ex+pe:ri+ence pron pos vb. mod tr. def to be emotionally or aesthetically moved by; feel. exam 1 to experience beauty. experienced 0. syl ex+pe:ri+enced pron pos adj. def having become skilful or knowledgeable from extensive contact or participation or observation. experience table 0. syl ex+pe:ri+ence ta+ble pos n. qual Insurance. def an actuarial table, esp. a mortality table based on past statistics. experiential 0. syl ex+pe:ri+en+tial pron pos adj. def relating to or derived from experience; empirical. experientially sub head experiential syl ex+2pe:ri+1en+tial+ly pos adv. experientialism 0. syl ex+pe:ri+en+tial+ism pron pos n. def the philosophical doctrine that all knowledge is based on experience. Also called: {experiential philosophy}. &- {ex+@!pe@.ri+#!en+tial+ist} experiment ety C14: from Latin exper*_imentum proof, trial, from exper*_ir*_i to test; see #7experience experiment 1. syl ex+per:i+ment pron pos n. def a test or investigation, esp. one planned to provide evidence for or against a hypothesis. exam 1 a scientific experiment. experiment 2. syl ex+per:i+ment pron pos n. def the act of conducting such an investigation or test; experimentation; research. experiment 3. syl ex+per:i+ment pron pos n. def an attempt at something new or different; an effort to be original. exam 1 a poetic experiment. experiment 4. syl ex+per:i+ment pron pos n. def an obsolete word for {experience}. experiment 5. syl ex+per:i+ment pron pos vb. mod intr. def to make an experiment or experiments. experimenter sub head experiment syl ex+1per:i+2ment+er pos n. experimental 1. syl ex+per:i+men+tal pron pos adj. def relating to, based on, or having the nature of experiment. exam 1 an experimental study. experimental 2. syl ex+per:i+men+tal pron pos adj. def based on or derived from experience; empirical. exam 1 experimental evidence. experimental 3. syl ex+per:i+men+tal pron pos adj. def tending to experiment. exam 1 an experimental artist. experimental 4. syl ex+per:i+men+tal pron pos adj. def tentative or provisional. exam 1 an experimental rule in football. experimentally sub head experimental syl ex+2per:i+1men+tal+ly pos adv. experimentalism 0. syl ex+per:i+men+tal+ism pron pos n. def employment of or reliance upon experiments; empiricism. experimentalist sub head experimentalism syl ex+2per:i+1men+tal+ist pos n. experimentalise alt head experimentalize or experimentalize syl ex+per:i+men+tal+ise pron pos vb. mod intr. experimentalize 0. or experimentalise syl ex+per:i+men+tal+ize pron pos vb. mod intr. def to engage in experiments. experimentation 0. syl ex+per:i+men+ta+tion pron pos n. def the act, process, or practice of experimenting. experimenter effect 0. syl ex+per:i+ment+er ef+fect pos n. qual Psychol. def the influence of an experimenter's expectations on his results. expert ety C14: from Latin expertus known by experience, from exper*_ir*_i to test; see #7experience expert 1. syl ex+pert pron <1ekspR:t> pos n. def a person who has extensive skill or knowledge in a particular field. the expert 2. head expert syl the expert. qual Austral. informal. def the worker in a sheep-shearing shed responsible for the care of machinery. expert 3. syl ex+pert pron <1ekspR:t> pos adj. def skilful or knowl?!edgeable. expert 4. syl ex+pert pron <1ekspR:t> pos adj. def of, involving, or done by an expert. exam 1 an expert job. expertly sub head expert syl ex+pert+ly pos adv. expertness sub head expert syl ex+pert+ness pos n. expertise ety C19: from French: expert skill, from #7expert expertise 0. syl ex+per+tise pron <2ekspR:1tEz> pos n. def special skill, knowledge, or judgment; expertness. expertise alt head expertize or expertize syl ex+pert+ise pron <1ekspR:2tIz> pos vb. expertize 0. or expertise syl ex+pert+ize pron <1ekspR:2tIz> pos vb. qual U.S. def to act as an expert or give an expert opinion (on). expiable 0. syl ex+pi+a:ble pron <1ekspi*bL> pos adj. def capable of being expiated or atoned for. expiate ety C16: from Latin expi*_are, from pius dutiful; see #7pious expiate 0. syl ex+pi+ate pron <1ekspi2At> pos vb. mod tr. def to atone for or redress (sin or wrongdoing); make amends for. expiator sub head expiate syl ex+pi:2a+tor pos n. expiation 0. syl ex+pi:a+tion pron <2ekspi1AS*n> pos n. def the act, process, or a means of expiating; atonement. expiatory 1. syl ex+pi:a+to:ry pron <1ekspi*t*ri>, <-tri> pos adj. def capable of making expiation. expiatory 2. syl ex+pi:a+to:ry pron <1ekspi*t*ri>, <-tri> pos adj. def given or offered in expiation. expiration 1. syl ex+pi+ra+tion pron <2ekspi1rAS*n> pos n. def the finish of something; ending; expiry. expiration 2. syl ex+pi+ra+tion pron <2ekspi1rAS*n> pos n. def the act, process, or sound of breathing out. expiration 3. syl ex+pi+ra+tion pron <2ekspi1rAS*n> pos n. qual Rare. def a last breath; death. expiratory 0. syl ex+pir:a+to:ry pron , <-tri> pos adj. def relating to the expulsion of air from the lungs during respiration. expire ety C15: from Old French expirer, from Latin exsp*_ir*_are to breathe out, from sp*_ir*_are to breathe expire 1. syl ex+pire pron pos vb. mod intr. def to finish or run out; cease; come to an end. expire 2. syl ex+pire pron pos vb. def to breathe out (air); exhale. expire 3. syl ex+pire pron pos vb. mod intr. def to die. expirer sub head expire syl ex+1pir+er pos n. expiries infl head expiry syl ex+pi+ries. pos n. mod pl. expiry 1.a. syl ex+pi+ry pron pos n. def a coming to an end, esp. of a contract period; termination. exam 1 expiry of a lease. expiry 1.b. syl ex+pi+ry pron pos n. usage as modifier exam 1 the expiry date. expiry 2. syl ex+pi+ry pron pos n. def death. explain ety C15: from Latin expl*_an*_are to flatten, from pl*_anus level explain 1. syl ex+plain pron pos vb. mod when; tr. usage may take a clause as object def to make (something) comprehensible, esp. by giving a clear and detailed account of the relevant structure, operation, surrounding circumstances, etc. explain 2. syl ex+plain pron pos vb. mod tr. def to justify or attempt to justify (oneself) by giving reasons for one's actions or words. explainable sub head explain syl ex+1plain+a:ble pos adj. explainer sub head explain syl ex+1plain+er pos n. explain away 0. syl ex+plain a:way pos vb. adv. mod tr. def to offer excuses or reasons for (bad conduct, mistakes, etc.). explanation 1. syl ex+pla+na+tion pron <2ekspl*1nAS*n> pos n. def the act or process of explaining. explanation 2. syl ex+pla+na+tion pron <2ekspl*1nAS*n> pos n. def a statement or occurrence that explains. explanation 3. syl ex+pla+na+tion pron <2ekspl*1nAS*n> pos n. def a clarification of disputed terms or points; reconciliation. explanative alt head explanatory or explanatory syl ex+plan:a+tive pos adj. explanatory 0. or explanative syl ex+plan:a+to:ry pron , <-tri> pos adj. def serving or intended to serve as an explanation. explanatorily sub head explanatory syl ex+1plan:a+to+ri+ly pos adv. explant 1. syl ex+plant pron pos vb. def to transfer (living tissue) from its natural site to a culture medium. explant 2. syl ex+plant pron pos n. def a piece of tissue treated in this way. explantation sub head explant syl ex+plan+1ta+tion pos n. expletive ety C17: from Late Latin expl*_et*_ivus for filling out, from expl*_ere, from pl*_ere to fill expletive 1. syl ex+ple:tive pron pos n. def an exclamation or swearword; an oath or a sound expressing an emotional reaction rather than any particular meaning. expletive 2. syl ex+ple:tive pron pos n. def any syllable, word, or phrase conveying no independent meaning, esp. one inserted in a line of verse for the sake of the metre. {~} {ex+ple@.to@.ry} ($Ik#!spli$:t$$r$I). expletive 3. syl ex+ple:tive pron pos n. def expressing no particular meaning, esp. when filling out a line of verse. expletively sub head expletive syl ex+1ple:tive+ly pos adv. explicable 0. syl ex+pli+ca:ble pron <1eksplik*bL>, pos adj. def capable of being explained. explicate ety C16: from Latin explic*_are to unfold, from plic*_are to fold &- ex+pli+ca+tive ($Ik#!spl$Ik$$t$Iv) or ex+pli+ca+to@.ry ($Ik#!spl$Ik$$t$$r$I, -tr$I) adj. ?- #!ex+pli+@!ca+tor n. explicate 1. syl ex+pli+cate pron <1ekspli2kAt> pos vb. mod tr. qual Formal. def to make clear or explicit; explain. explicate 2. syl ex+pli+cate pron <1ekspli2kAt> pos vb. mod tr. qual Formal. def to formulate or develop (a theory, hypothesis, etc.). explication 1. syl ex+pli+ca+tion pron <2ekspli1kAS*n> pos n. def the act or process of explicating. explication 2. syl ex+pli+ca+tion pron <2ekspli1kAS*n> pos n. def analysis or interpretation, esp. of a literary passage or work or philosophical doctrine. explication 3. syl ex+pli+ca+tion pron <2ekspli1kAS*n> pos n. def a comprehensive exposition or description. explication de texte ety literally: explanation of (the) text explications de texte infl head explication de texte syl ex+pli+ca+tions de texte pron <1tekst> pos n. mod pl. explication de texte 0. syl ex+pli+ca+tion de texte pron French. <1tekst> pos n. def a close textual analysis of a literary work. explicit ety C17: from Latin explicitus unfolded, from explic*_are; see #7explicate explicit H1.1. syl ex+plic+it pron pos adj. def precisely and clearly expressed, leaving nothing to implication; fully stated. exam 1 explicit instructions. explicit H1.2. syl ex+plic+it pron pos adj. def openly expressed without reservations; unreserved. explicit H1.3. syl ex+plic+it pron pos adj. usage Maths. of a function def having an equation of the form in which is expressed directly in terms of as in Compare { {implicit} (sense 4)}. explicitly sub head explicit syl ex+1plic+it+ly pos adv. explicitness sub head explicit syl ex+1plic+it+ness pos n. explicit ety Late Latin, probably short for explicitus est liber the book is unfolded (or complete); shortened by analogy with #7incipit explicit H2.0. syl ex+plic+it pron def the end; an indication, used esp. by medieval scribes, of the end of a book, part of a manuscript, etc. explode ety C16: from Latin expl*_odere to drive off by clapping, hiss (an actor) off, from #7ex -%1#7+ plaudere to clap explode 1. syl ex+plode pron pos vb. def to burst or cause to burst with great violence as a result of internal pressure, esp. through the detonation of an explosive; blow up. explode 2. syl ex+plode pron pos vb. def to destroy or be destroyed in this manner. exam 1 to explode a bridge. explode 3. syl ex+plode pron pos vb. usage of a gas def to undergo or cause (a gas) to undergo a sudden violent expansion, accompanied by heat, light, a shock wave, and a loud noise, as a result of a fast uncontrolled exothermic chemical or nuclear reaction. explode 4. syl ex+plode pron pos vb. mod intr. def to react suddenly or violently with emotion, etc.. exam 1 to explode with anger. explode 5. syl ex+plode pron pos vb. mod intr. usage esp. of a population def to increase rapidly. explode 6. syl ex+plode pron pos vb. mod tr. def to show (a theory, etc.) to be baseless; refute and make obsolete. explode 7. syl ex+plode pron pos vb. mod tr. qual Phonetics. def to pronounce (a stop) with audible plosion. {~} Compare {implode}. exploder sub head explode syl ex+1plod+er pos n. exploded view 0. syl ex+plod+ed view pos n. def a drawing or photograph of a complicated mechanism that shows the individual parts separately, usually indicating their relative positions. exploding star 0. syl ex+plod+ing star pos n. def an irregular variable star, such as a nova, supernova, or flare star, in which rapid increases in luminosity occur, caused by some form of explosion. exploit ety C14: from Old French: accomplishment, from Latin explicitum (something) unfolded, from explic*_are to #7explicate exploit 1. syl ex+ploit pron <1eksplcit> pos n. def a notable deed or feat, esp. one that is noble or heroic. exploit 2. syl ex+ploit pron pos vb. mod tr. def to take advantage of (a person, situation, etc.), esp. unethically or unjustly for one's own advantage. exploit 3. syl ex+ploit pron pos vb. mod tr. def to make the best use of. exam 1 to exploit natural resources. exploitable sub head exploit syl ex+1ploit+a:ble pos adj. exploration 1. syl ex+plo+ra+tion pron <2ekspl*1rAS*n> pos n. def the act or process of exploring. exploration 2. syl ex+plo+ra+tion pron <2ekspl*1rAS*n> pos n. qual Med. def examination of an organ or part for diagnostic purposes. exploration 3. syl ex+plo+ra+tion pron <2ekspl*1rAS*n> pos n. def an organized trip into unfamiliar regions, esp. for scientific purposes; expedition. &- {ex+plor@.a+to@.ry} ($Ik#!spl$Ar$$t$$r$I, -tr$I) {ex+#!plor@.a+tive} explore ety C16: from Latin expl*_or*_are, from #7ex -%1#7+ pl*_or*_are to cry aloud; probably from the shouts of hunters sighting prey &- ex+#!plor+er n. explore 1. syl ex+plore pron pos vb. mod tr. def to examine or investigate, esp. systematically. explore 2. syl ex+plore pron pos vb. def to travel to or into (unfamiliar or unknown regions), esp. for organized scientific purposes. explore 3. syl ex+plore pron pos vb. mod tr. qual Med. def to examine (an organ or part) for diagnostic purposes. explore 4. syl ex+plore pron pos vb. mod tr. qual Obsolete. def to search for or out. Explorer H1.0. syl Ex+plor+er pron pos n. qual U.S. def a member of the senior branch of the Scouts. Brit. equivalent: {Venture Scout}. Explorer H2.0. syl Ex+plor+er pron pos n. def any of the first series of U.S. satellites. {Explorer 1}, launched in 1958, confirmed the existence of intense radiation belts around the earth. explosion ety C17: from Latin expl*_osi*_o, from expl*_odere to #7explode explosion 1. syl ex+plo+sion pron pos n. def the act or an instance of exploding. explosion 2. syl ex+plo+sion pron pos n. def a violent release of energy resulting from a rapid chemical or nuclear reaction, esp. one that produces a shock wave, loud noise, heat, and light. Compare {implosion}. explosion 3. syl ex+plo+sion pron pos n. def a sudden or violent outburst of activity, noise, emotion, etc. explosion 4. syl ex+plo+sion pron pos n. def a rapid increase, esp. in a population. explosion 5. syl ex+plo+sion pron pos n. qual Phonetics. def another word for {plosion}. explosive 1. syl ex+plo+sive pron pos adj. def of, involving, or characterized by an explosion or explosions. explosive 2. syl ex+plo+sive pron pos adj. def capable of exploding or tending to explode. explosive 3. syl ex+plo+sive pron pos adj. def potentially violent or hazardous; dangerous. exam 1 an explosive situation. explosive 4. syl ex+plo+sive pron pos adj. qual Phonetics. def another word for {plosive}. explosive 5. syl ex+plo+sive pron pos n. def a substance that decomposes rapidly under certain conditions with the production of gases, which expand by the heat of the reaction. The energy released is used in firearms, blasting, and rocket propulsion. explosive 6. syl ex+plo+sive pron pos n. def a plosive con?!sonant; stop. explosively sub head explosive syl ex+1plo+sive+ly pos adv. explosiveness sub head explosive syl ex+1plo+sive+ness pos n. explosiveness sub head explosive syl ex+1plo+sive+ness pos n. explosive 7. syl ex+plo+sive pron pos n. def a canvas shelter, mounted on a ship's bridge or over the companionway of a sailing yacht to protect the helmsman from bad weather. explosive 8. syl ex+plo+sive pron pos n. qual Dialect. def food, esp. bread. Charles Lutwidge infl head Dodgson syl Charles Lut:widge pron <1l^twiJ> pos n. Dodgson 0. syl Dodg:son pron <1doJs*n> pos n. def the original name of (Lewis) {Carroll}. dodgier infl head dodgy syl dodg:i+er pos adj. dodgiest infl head dodgy syl dodg:i+est. pos adj. dodgy 1. syl dodg:y pron <1doJi> pos adj. qual Brit. informal. def risky, difficult, or dangerous. dodgy 2. syl dodg:y pron <1doJi> pos adj. qual Brit. informal. def uncertain or unreliable; tricky. dodos infl head dodo or dodoes syl do:dos pos n. mod pl. dodoes infl head dodo or dodos syl do:does. pos n. mod pl. dodo 1. syl do:do pron <1d*ud*u> pos n. def any flightless bird, esp. of the recently extinct family of Mauritius and expos infl head expo syl ex:pos. pos n. mod pl. expo 0. syl ex:po pron <1eksp*u> pos n. qual Informal. def short for { {exposition} (sense 3)}. exponent ety C16: from Latin exp*_onere to set out, expound, from p*_onere to set, place exponent 1. syl ex+po+nent pron pos n. usage usually foll. by of def a person or thing that acts as an advocate (of an idea, cause, etc.). exponent 2. syl ex+po+nent pron pos n. def a person or thing that explains or interprets. exponent 3. syl ex+po+nent pron pos n. def a performer or interpretive artist, esp. a musician. exponent 4. syl ex+po+nent pron pos n. def Also called: {power, index}. a number or variable placed as a superscript to the right of another number or quantity indicating the number of times the number or quantity is to be multiplied by itself. {~} exponent 5. syl ex+po+nent pron pos n. def offering a declaration, explanation, or interpretation. exponential 1. syl ex+po+nen+tial pron <2eksp*u1nenS*l> pos adj. usage Maths. of a function, curve, series, or equation def of, containing, or involving one or more numbers or quantities raised to an exponent, esp. e exponential 2. syl ex+po+nen+tial pron <2eksp*u1nenS*l> pos adj. qual Maths. def raised to the power of e, the base of natural logarithms. Abbrev.: {exp} exponential 3. syl ex+po+nen+tial pron <2eksp*u1nenS*l> pos adj. def of or involving an exponent or exponents. exponential 4. syl ex+po+nen+tial pron <2eksp*u1nenS*l> pos n. qual Maths. def an exponential function, etc. exponentially sub head exponential syl ex+po+1nen+tial+ly pos adv. exponential distribution 0. syl ex+po+nen+tial dis+tri+bu+tion pos n. qual Statistics. def a continuous single-parameter distribution used esp. when making state?!ments about the length of life of certain materials. exponible 0. syl ex+pon+i:ble pron pos adj. usage of a proposition, etc. def requiring explanation or revision to be intelligible. export ety C15: from Latin export*_are to carry away, from port*_are to carry export 1.a. syl ex+port pron <1ekspc:t> pos n. def goods ({visible exports}) or services ({invisible exports}) sold to a foreign country or countries. export 1.b. syl ex+port pron <1ekspc:t> pos n. usage as modifier exam 1 an export licence; exam 2 export finance. export 2. syl ex+port pron , <1ekspc:t> pos vb. def to sell (goods or services) or ship (goods) to a foreign country or countries. export 3. syl ex+port pron , <1ekspc:t> pos vb. mod tr. def to transmit or spread (an idea, social institution, etc.) abroad. export xref syl ex+port pron <1ekspc:t> pos n. def Compare {import}. exportable sub head export syl ex+1port+a:ble pos adj. exportability sub head export syl ex+2port+a:1bil+i:ty pos n. exporter sub head export syl ex+1port+er pos n. exportation 1. syl ex+por+ta+tion pron <2ekspc:1tAS*n> pos n. def the act, business, or process of exporting goods or services. exportation 2. syl ex+por+ta+tion pron <2ekspc:1tAS*n> pos n. qual Chiefly U.S. def an exported product or service. export reject 0. syl ex+port re+ject pos n. def an article that fails to meet a standard of quality required for export and that is sold on the home market. expose ety C15: from Old French exposer, from Latin exp*_onere to set out; see #7exponent expose 1. syl ex+pose pron pos vb. mod tr. def to display for viewing; exhibit. expose 2. syl ex+pose pron pos vb. mod tr. def to bring to public notice; disclose; reveal. exam 1 to expose the facts. expose 3. syl ex+pose pron pos vb. mod tr. def to divulge the identity of; unmask. expose 4. syl ex+pose pron pos vb. mod tr. usage foll. by to def to make subject or susceptible (to attack, criticism, etc.). expose 5. syl ex+pose pron pos vb. mod tr. def to abandon (a child, animal, etc.) in the open to die. expose 6. syl ex+pose pron pos vb. mod tr. usage foll. by to def to introduce (to) or acquaint (with). exam 1 he was exposed to the classics at an early age. expose 7. syl ex+pose pron pos vb. mod tr. qual Photog. def to subject (a photographic film or plate) to light, x-rays, or some other type of actinic radiation. expose 8. syl ex+pose pron pos vb. mod tr. qual R.C. Church. def to exhibit (the consecrated Eucharistic Host or a relic) for public veneration. expose oneself 9. head expose syl expose oneself. def to display one's sexual organs in public. exposable sub head expose syl ex+1pos+a:ble pos adj. exposer sub head expose syl ex+1pos+er pos n. expos'e 1. syl ex+po+s*'e pron pos n. def the act or an instance of bringing a scandal, crime, etc., to public notice. expos'e 2. syl ex+po+s*'e pron pos n. def an article, book, or statement that discloses a scandal, crime, etc. exposed 1. syl ex+posed pron pos adj. def not concealed; displayed for viewing. exposed 2. syl ex+posed pron pos adj. def without shelter from the elements. exposed 3. syl ex+posed pron pos adj. def susceptible to attack or criticism; vulnerable. exposedness sub head exposed syl ex+pos+ed+ness pron pos n. exposition ety C14: from Latin expositi*_o a setting forth, from exp*_onere to display; see #7exponent exposition 1. syl ex+po+si+tion pron <2eksp*1ziS*n> pos n. def a systematic, usually written statement about, commentary on, or explanation of a specific subject. exposition 2. syl ex+po+si+tion pron <2eksp*1ziS*n> pos n. def the act of expounding or setting forth information or a viewpoint. exposition 3. syl ex+po+si+tion pron <2eksp*1ziS*n> pos n. def a large public exhibition, esp. of industrial products or arts and crafts. exposition 4. syl ex+po+si+tion pron <2eksp*1ziS*n> pos n. def the act of exposing or the state of being exposed. exposition 5. syl ex+po+si+tion pron <2eksp*1ziS*n> pos n. def the part of a play, novel, etc., in which the theme and main characters are introduced. exposition 6. syl ex+po+si+tion pron <2eksp*1ziS*n> pos n. qual Music. def the first statement of the subjects or themes of a movement in sonata form or a fugue. exposition 7. syl ex+po+si+tion pron <2eksp*1ziS*n> pos n. qual R.C. Church. def the exhibiting of the consecrated Eucharistic Host or a relic for public veneration. expositional sub head exposition syl ex+po+1si+tion+al pos adj. expositor 0. syl ex+pos:i+tor pron pos n. def a person who expounds. expositive alt head expository or expository syl ex+pos:i+tive pos adj. expository 0. or expositive syl ex+pos:i+to:ry pron , <-tri> pos adj. def of, involving, or assisting in exposition; explanatory. expositorily sub head expository or expositively syl ex+1pos:i+to+ri+ly pos adv. expositively sub head expository or expositorily syl ex+1pos:i+tive+ly pos adv. ex post facto ety C17: from Latin ex from+ post afterwards+ factus done, from facere to do ex post facto 0. syl ex post fac+to pron <1p*ust> <1f@kt*u> pos adj. def having retrospective effect. exam 1 an ex post facto law. expostulate ety C16: from Latin expostul*_are to require, from postul*_are to demand; see #7postulate expostulate 0. syl ex+pos+tu+late pron pos vb. mod intr. usage usually foll. by with def to argue or reason (with), esp. in order to dissuade from an action or intention. expostulatingly sub head expostulate syl ex+1pos+tu+2lat+ing+ly pos adv. expostulator sub head expostulate syl ex+1pos+tu+2la+tor pos n. expostulatory sub head expostulate or expostulative syl ex+1pos+tu+la+to:ry pos adj. expostulative sub head expostulate or expostulatory syl ex+1pos+tu+la+tive pos adj. exposure 1. syl ex+po+sure pron pos n. def the act of exposing or the condition of being exposed. exposure 2. syl ex+po+sure pron pos n. def the position or outlook of a house, building, etc.; aspect. exam 1 the bedroom has a southern exposure. exposure 3. syl ex+po+sure pron pos n. def lack of shelter from the weather, esp. the cold. exam 1 to die of exposure. exposure 4. syl ex+po+sure pron pos n. def a surface that is exposed. exam 1 an exposure of granite. exposure 5.a. syl ex+po+sure pron pos n. def the act of exposing a photographic film or plate to light, x-rays, etc. exposure 5.b. syl ex+po+sure pron pos n. def an area on a film or plate that has been exposed to light, etc. exposure 5.c. syl ex+po+sure pron pos n. usage as modifier exam 1 exposure control. exposure 6.a. syl ex+po+sure pron pos n. def the intensity of light falling on a photographic film or plate multiplied by the time for which it is exposed. exposure 6.b. syl ex+po+sure pron pos n. def a combination of lens aperture and shutter speed used in taking a photograph. exam 1 he used the wrong exposure. exposure 7. syl ex+po+sure pron pos n. def appearance or presentation before the public, as in a theatre, on television, or in films. exposure 8. syl ex+po+sure pron pos n. def See {indecent exposure}. exposure meter 0. syl ex+po+sure me+ter pos n. qual Photog. def an instrument for measuring the intensity of light, usually by means of a photocell, so that the suitable camera settings of shutter speed and f-number (or lens aperture) can be determined. Also called: {light meter}. expound ety C13: from Old French espondre, from Latin exp*_onere to set forth, from p*_onere to put expound 0. syl ex+pound pron pos vb. mod when; intr. usage foll. by on or about def to explain or set forth (an argument, theory, etc.) in detail. exam 1 to expound on one's theories; exam 2 he expounded his reasoning. expounder sub head expound syl ex+1pound+er pos n. express ety C14: from Latin expressus, literally: squeezed out, hence, prominent, from exprimere to force out, from #7ex -%1#7+ premere to press express 1. syl ex+press pron pos vb. mod tr. def to transform (ideas) into words; utter; verbalize. express 2. syl ex+press pron pos vb. mod tr. def to show or reveal; indicate. exam 1 tears express grief. express 3. syl ex+press pron pos vb. mod tr. def to communicate (emotion, etc.) without words, as through music, painting, etc. express 4. syl ex+press pron pos vb. mod tr. def to indicate through a symbol, formula, etc. express 5. syl ex+press pron pos vb. mod tr. def to force or squeeze out. exam 1 to express the juice from an orange. express 6. syl ex+press pron pos vb. mod tr. def to send by rapid transport or special messenger. express oneself 7. head express syl express oneself. def to communicate one's thoughts or ideas. express 8. syl ex+press pron pos adj. mod tr. usage prenominal def clearly indicated or shown; explicitly stated. exam 1 an express wish. express 9. syl ex+press pron pos adj. mod tr. usage prenominal def done or planned for a definite reason or goal; particular. exam 1 an express purpose. express 10. syl ex+press pron pos adj. mod tr. usage prenominal def of, concerned with, or designed for rapid transportation of people, merchandise, mail, money, etc.. exam 1 express delivery; exam 2 an express depot. express 11.a. syl ex+press pron pos adj. mod tr. usage prenominal def a system for sending merchandise, mail, money, etc., rapidly. express 11.b. syl ex+press pron pos adj. mod tr. usage prenominal def merchandise, mail, etc., conveyed by such a system. express 11.c. syl ex+press pron pos adj. mod tr. qual Chiefly U.S. usage prenominal def an enterprise operating such a system. express 12. syl ex+press pron pos adj. mod tr. usage prenominal def Also called: {express train}. a fast train stopping at none or only a few of the intermediate stations between its two termini. express 13. syl ex+press pron pos adj. mod tr. usage prenominal def See {express rifle}. express 14. syl ex+press pron pos adv. mod tr. def by means of a special delivery or express delivery. exam 1 it went express. expresser sub head express syl ex+1press+er pos n. expressible sub head express syl ex+1press+i:ble pos adj. expressage 1. syl ex+press+age pron pos n. def the conveyance of merchandise by express. expressage 2. syl ex+press+age pron pos n. def the fee charged for such conveyance. expression 1. syl ex+pres+sion pron pos n. def the act or an instance of transforming ideas into words. expression 2. syl ex+pres+sion pron pos n. def a manifestation of an emotion, feeling, etc., without words. exam 1 tears are an expression of grief. expression 3. syl ex+pres+sion pron pos n. def communication of emotion through music, painting, etc. expression 4. syl ex+pres+sion pron pos n. def a look on the face that indicates mood or emotion. exam 1 a joyful expression. expression 5. syl ex+pres+sion pron pos n. def the choice of words, phrases, syntax, intonation, etc., in communicating. expression 6. syl ex+pres+sion pron pos n. def a particular phrase used convention?!ally to express something. exam 1 a dialect expression. expression 7. syl ex+pres+sion pron pos n. def the act or process of forcing or squeezing out a liquid. expression 8. syl ex+pres+sion pron pos n. qual Maths. def a variable, function, or some combination of constants, variables, or functions. expression 9. syl ex+pres+sion pron pos n. qual Genetics. def the effect of a particular gene on the phenotype. expressional sub head expression syl ex+1pres+sion+al pos adj. expressionless sub head expression syl ex+1pres+sion+less pos adj. expressionlessly sub head expression syl ex+1pres+sion+less+ly pos adv. expressionism 0. syl ex+pres+sion+ism pron pos n. usage sometimes cap. def an artistic and literary movement originating in Germany at the beginning of the 20th century, which sought to express emotions rather than to represent external reality: characterized by the use of symbolism and of exaggeration and distortion. expressionist sub head expressionism syl ex+1pres+sion+ist pos n. adj. expressionistic sub head expressionism syl ex+2pres+sion+1is+tic pos adj. expression mark 0. syl ex+pres+sion mark pos n. def one of a set of musical directions, usually in Italian, indicating how a piece or passage is to be performed. expressive 1. syl ex+pres+sive pron pos adj. def of, involving, or full of expression. expressive 2. syl ex+pres+sive pron pos adj. usage postpositive; foll. by of def indicative or suggestive (of). exam 1 a look expressive of love. expressive 3. syl ex+pres+sive pron pos adj. def having a particular meaning, feeling, or force; significant. expressively sub head expressive syl ex+1pres+sive+ly pos adv. expressiveness sub head expressive syl ex+1pres+sive+ness pos n. expressivity 1. syl ex+pres+siv+i:ty pron <2ekspre1siviti> pos n. usage esp. of a work of art def the quality of being expressive. expressivity 2. syl ex+pres+siv+i:ty pron <2ekspre1siviti> pos n. qual Genetics. def the strength of the effect of a gene on the phenotype. expressly 1. syl ex+press+ly pron pos adv. def for an express purpose; with specific intentions. expressly 2. syl ex+press+ly pron pos adv. def plainly, exactly, or unmistakably. expresso 0. syl ex+press:o pron pos n. def variant of {espresso}. express rifle 0. syl ex+press ri+fle pos n. qual U.S. def a hunting rifle designed to kill large game at close range. expressway 0. syl ex+press+way pron pos n. qual Chiefly U.S. def an urban motorway. expropriate ety C17: from Medieval Latin expropri*_are to deprive of possessions, from proprius own expropriate 1. syl ex+pro+pri+ate pron pos vb. mod tr. def to deprive (an owner) of (property), esp. by taking it for public use. See also {eminent domain}. expropriable sub head expropriate syl ex+1pro+pri+a:ble pos adj. expropriation sub head expropriate syl ex+2pro+pri:1a+tion pos n. expropriator sub head expropriate syl ex+1pro+pri:2a+tor pos n. exptl 0. syl exptl. qual abbrev. for def experimental. expulsion ety C14: from Latin expulsi*_o a driving out, from expellere to #7expel expulsion 0. syl ex+pul+sion pron pos n. def the act of expelling or the fact or condition of being expelled. expulsive 0. syl ex+pul+sive pron pos adj. def tending or serving to expel. expunge ety C17: from Latin expungere to blot out, from pungere to prick &- ex+punc+tion ($Ik#!sp^&nk#s$$n) n. &- ex+#!pung+er n. expunge 1. syl ex+punge pron pos vb. mod tr. def to delete or erase; blot out; obliterate. expunge 2. syl ex+punge pron pos vb. mod tr. def to wipe out or destroy. expurgate ety C17: from Latin expurg*_are to clean out, from purg*_are to purify; see #7purge expurgate 0. syl ex+pur+gate pron <1eksp*2gAt> pos vb. mod tr. def to amend (a book, text, etc.) by removing (obscene or offensive sections). expurgation sub head expurgate syl ex+pur+1ga+tion pos n. expurgator sub head expurgate syl ex+pur+2ga+tor pos n. exquisite ety C15: from Latin exqu*_is*_itus excellent, from exqu*_irere to search out, from quaerere to seek exquisite 1. syl ex+quis+ite pron , <1ekskwizit> pos adj. def possessing qualities of unusual delicacy and fine craftsmanship. exam 1 jewels in an exquisite setting. exquisite 2. syl ex+quis+ite pron , <1ekskwizit> pos adj. def extremely beautiful and pleasing. exam 1 an exquisite face. exquisite 3. syl ex+quis+ite pron , <1ekskwizit> pos adj. def outstanding or excellent. exam 1 an exquisite victory. exquisite 4. syl ex+quis+ite pron , <1ekskwizit> pos adj. def sensitive; discriminating. exam 1 exquisite taste. exquisite 5. syl ex+quis+ite pron , <1ekskwizit> pos adj. def fastidious and refined. exquisite 6. syl ex+quis+ite pron , <1ekskwizit> pos adj. def intense or sharp in feeling. exam 1 exquisite pleasure. exquisite 7. syl ex+quis+ite pron , <1ekskwizit> pos adj. qual Obsolete. def a dandy. exquisitely sub head exquisite syl ex+1quis+ite+ly pos adv. exquisiteness sub head exquisite syl ex+1quis+ite+ness pos n. exr 0. syl exr. qual abbrev. for def executor. exsanguinate ety C19: from Latin exsanguin*_are &- ex+@!san+guin+#!a@.tion n. exsanguinate 0. syl ex+san+gui+nate pron pos vb. mod tr. qual Rare. def to drain the blood from. exsanguine ety C17: from Latin exsanguis, from sanguis blood exsanguinous alt head exsanguine or exsanguine syl ex+san+gui+nous pos adj. exsanguine 0. or exsanguinous syl ex+san+guine pron pos adj. def without blood; bloodless or anaemic. exsanguinity sub head exsanguine syl ex+san+1guin+i:ty pos n. exscind ety C17 exscind, from Latin exscindere to extirpate, destroy, from scindere to cut, tear, split exscind 0. syl ex+scind pron pos vb. mod tr. def to cut off or out; excise. exsect ety C17 exsect, from Latin exsec*_are to cut away, from sec*_are to cut &- ex+sec+tion ($ek#!s$ek#s$$n) n. exsect 0. syl ex+sect pron pos vb. mod tr. def to cut out. exsert ety C19: from Latin exserere to thrust out; see #7exert exsert 1. syl ex+sert pron pos vb. mod tr. def to thrust out; protrude. {~} {ex+sert+ed}. exsert 2. syl ex+sert pron pos vb. def protruded, stretched out, or (esp. of stamens) projecting beyond the corolla of a flower. exsertion sub head exsert syl ex+ser+tion pos n. exsertile sub head exsert syl ex+ser+tile pron pos adj. ex-service 0. syl ex-serv:ice pos adj. def having formerly served in the army, navy, or air force. ex-servicemen infl head ex-serviceman syl ex-serv:ice+men. pos n. mod pl. ex-serviceman 0. syl ex-serv:ice+man pos n. def a man who has served in the army, navy, or air force. exsiccate ety C15: from Latin exsicc*_are, from siccus dry exsiccate 0. syl ex+sic+cate pron <1eksi2kAt> pos vb. def to dry up; desiccate. exsiccation sub head exsiccate syl ex+sic+1ca+tion pos n. exsiccative sub head exsiccate syl ex+sic+ca+tive pos adj. exsiccator sub head exsiccate syl ex+sic+2ca+tor pos n. ex silentio ety literally: from silence ex silentio 0. syl ex si+len+ti:o pron Latin. pos adv. adj. usage of a theory, assumption, etc. def based on a lack of evidence to the contrary. estipulate alt head exstipulate or exstipulate syl es+tip:u+late pos adj. exstipulate 0. or estipulate syl ex+stip:u+late pron , <-2lAt> pos adj. usage of a flowering plant def having no stipules. exstrophy ety C19: from Greek #7ex -%1#7+ strophein to turn exstrophy 0. syl ex+stro+phy pron <1ekstr*fi> pos n. qual Med. def congenital eversion of a hollow organ, esp. the urinary bladder. ext 1. syl ext. qual abbrev. for: def extension. ext 2. syl ext. qual abbrev. for: def external(ly). ext 3. syl ext. qual abbrev. for: def extinct. ext 4. syl ext. qual abbrev. for: def extra. ext 5. syl ext. qual abbrev. for: def extract. extant ety C16: from Latin exst*_ans standing out, from exst*_are, from st*_are to stand#e Usage. Careful writers distinguish between extant and existent. Both are used of that which exists at the present time, but extant has a further connotation of survival. Extant is therefore used of that which still exists, although there would be reason for believing that it might have disappeared: the species was believed extinct, but a small population was found to be still extant in Africa; in the existent circumstances this is impossible. extant 1. syl ex+tant pron , <1ekst*nt> pos adj. def still in existence; surviv?!ing. extant 2. syl ex+tant pron , <1ekst*nt> pos adj. qual Archaic. def standing out; protruding. extemporary alt head extemporaneous or extemporaneous syl ex+tem+po+rar:y pron , <-pr*ri> pos adj. extemporaneous 1. or extemporary syl ex+tem+po+ra+ne:ous pron pos adj. def spoken, performed, etc., without planning or preparation; impromptu; extempore. extemporaneous 2. or extemporary syl ex+tem+po+ra+ne:ous pron pos adj. def done in a temporary manner; improvised. extemporaneously sub head extemporaneous or extemporarily syl ex+2tem+po+1ra+ne:ous+ly pos adv. extemporarily sub head extemporaneous or extemporaneously syl ex+1tem+po+rar:i+ly pos adv. extemporaneousness sub head extemporaneous or extemporariness syl ex+2tem+po+1ra+ne:ous+ness pos n. extemporariness sub head extemporaneous or extemporaneousness syl ex+1tem+po+rar:i+ness pos n. extempore ety C16: from Latin ex tempore instantaneously, from #7ex -%1 out of+ tempus time extempore 0. syl ex+tem+po+re pron pos adv. adj. def without planning or preparation; impromptu. extemporise alt head extemporize or extemporize syl ex+tem+po+rise pron pos vb. extemporize 1. or extemporise syl ex+tem+po+rize pron pos vb. def to perform, speak, or compose (an act, speech, piece of music, etc.) without planning or preparation. extemporize 2. or extemporise syl ex+tem+po+rize pron pos vb. def to use (a temporary solution) for an immediate need; improvise. extemporization sub head extemporize or extemporisation syl ex+2tem+po+ri+1za+tion pos n. extemporisation sub head extemporize or extemporization syl ex+2tem+po+ri+1sa+tion pos n. extemporizer sub head extemporize or extemporiser syl ex+1tem+po+2riz+er pos n. extemporiser sub head extemporize or extemporizer syl ex+1tem+po+2ris+er pos n. extend ety C14: from Latin extendere to stretch out, from tendere to stretch extend 1. syl ex+tend pron pos vb. def to draw out or be drawn out; stretch. extend 2. syl ex+tend pron pos vb. def to last for a certain time. exam 1 his schooling extended for three years. extend 3. syl ex+tend pron pos vb. mod intr. def to reach a certain point in time or dis?!tance. exam 1 the land extends five miles. extend 4. syl ex+tend pron pos vb. mod intr. def to exist or occur. exam 1 the trees extended throughout the area. extend 5. syl ex+tend pron pos vb. mod tr. def to increase (a building, etc.) in size or area; add to or enlarge. extend 6. syl ex+tend pron pos vb. mod tr. def to broaden the meaning or scope of. exam 1 the law was extended. extend 7. syl ex+tend pron pos vb. mod tr. def to put forth, present, or offer. exam 1 to extend greetings. extend 8. syl ex+tend pron pos vb. def to stretch forth (an arm, etc.). extend 9. syl ex+tend pron pos vb. mod tr. def to lay out (a body) at full length. extend 10. syl ex+tend pron pos vb. mod tr. def to strain or exert (a person or animal) to the maximum. extend 11. syl ex+tend pron pos vb. mod tr. def to prolong (the time originally set) for payment of (a debt or loan), completion of (a task), etc. extend 12.a. syl ex+tend pron pos vb. def to carry forward. extend 12.b. syl ex+tend pron pos vb. def to calculate the amount of (a total, balance, etc.). extend 13. syl ex+tend pron pos vb. mod tr. usage Law. formerly in England def to value or assess (land). extendible sub head extend or extendable syl ex+1tend+i:ble pos adj. extendable sub head extend or extendible syl ex+1tend+a:ble pos adj. extendibility sub head extend or extendability syl ex+2tend+i:1bil+i:ty pos n. extendability sub head extend or extendibility syl ex+2tend+a:1bil+i:ty pos n. extended 1. syl ex+tend+ed pron pos adj. def stretched out in time, space, influence, application, etc. extended 2. syl ex+tend+ed pron pos adj. usage of a horse's pace def free-moving and with long steps. exam 1 an extended trot. extended 3. syl ex+tend+ed pron pos adj. qual Printing. def another word for { {expanded} (sense 1)}. extendedly sub head extended syl ex+1tend+ed+ly pos adv. extendedness sub head extended syl ex+1tend+ed+ness pos n. extended family 0. syl ex+tend+ed fam:i+ly pos n. qual Sociol., anthropol. def a social unit that contains the nuclear family together with blood relatives, often spanning three or more generations. extended-play 0. syl ex+tend:ed-play pos adj. def denoting an EP record. extender 1. syl ex+tend+er pron pos n. def a person or thing that extends. extender 2. syl ex+tend+er pron pos n. def a substance, such as French chalk or china clay, added to paints to give them body and decrease their rate of settlement. extender 3. syl ex+tend+er pron pos n. def a substance added to glues and resins to dilute them or to modify their viscosity. extender 4. syl ex+tend+er pron pos n. def a substance added to elastomers to assist the plasticizer. extensile alt head extensible or extensible syl ex+ten+sile pron pos adj. extensible 0. or extensile syl ex+ten+si:ble pron pos adj. def capable of being extended. extensibility sub head extensible or extensibleness syl ex+2ten+si:1bil+i:ty pos n. extensibleness sub head extensible or extensibility syl ex+1ten+si:ble+ness pos n. extension ety C14: from Late Latin extensi*_o a stretching out; see #7extend extension 1. syl ex+ten+sion pron pos n. def the act of extending or the condition of being extended. extension 2. syl ex+ten+sion pron pos n. def something that can be ex?!tended or that extends another object. extension 3. syl ex+ten+sion pron pos n. def the length, range, etc., over which something is extended; extent. extension 4. syl ex+ten+sion pron pos n. def an additional telephone set connected to the same telephone line as another set or other sets. extension 5. syl ex+ten+sion pron pos n. def a room or rooms added to an existing building. extension 6. syl ex+ten+sion pron pos n. def a delay, esp. one agreed by all parties, in the date originally set for payment of a debt or completion of a contract. extension 7. syl ex+ten+sion pron pos n. def the property of matter by which it occupies space; size. extension 8.a. syl ex+ten+sion pron pos n. def the act of straightening or extending an arm or leg. extension 8.b. syl ex+ten+sion pron pos n. def its position after being straightened or extended. extension 9. syl ex+ten+sion pron pos n. qual Med. def a steady pull applied to a fractured or dislocated arm or leg to restore it to its normal position. See also { {traction} (sense 3)}. extension 10.a. syl ex+ten+sion pron pos n. def a service by which some of the facilities of an educational establishment, library, etc., are offered to outsiders. extension 10.b. syl ex+ten+sion pron pos n. usage as modifier exam 1 a university extension course. extension 11. syl ex+ten+sion pron pos n. def Also called: {denotation}. the class of entities to which a given word correctly applies: thus, the extension of is the set containing only Deimos and Phobos. Compare { {intension} (sense 1)}. extensional sub head extension syl ex+1ten+sion+al pos adj. extensionality sub head extension or extensionalism syl ex+2ten+sion+1al+i:ty pos n. extensionalism sub head extension or extensionality syl ex+1ten+sion+al+2ism pos n. extensionally sub head extension syl ex+1ten+sion+al+ly pos adv. extensity 1. syl ex+ten+si:ty pron pos n. qual Psychol. def that part of sensory perception relating to the spatial aspect of objects. extensity 2. syl ex+ten+si:ty pron pos n. qual Rare. def the condition of being extensive or extended. extensive 1. syl ex+ten+sive pron pos adj. def having a large extent, area, scope, degree, etc.; vast. exam 1 extensive deserts; exam 2 an extensive inheritance. extensive 2. syl ex+ten+sive pron pos adj. def widespread. exam 1 extensive coverage in the press. extensive 3. syl ex+ten+sive pron pos adj. qual Agriculture. def involving or farmed with minimum expenditure of capital or labour. Compare { {intensive} (sense 3)}. extensive 4. syl ex+ten+sive pron pos adj. qual Physics. def of or relating to a property, measurement, etc., that is dependent on mass. exam 1 heat is an extensive property. extensive 5. syl ex+ten+sive pron pos adj. def of or relating to logical extension. extensively sub head extensive syl ex+1ten+sive+ly pos adv. extensiveness sub head extensive syl ex+1ten+sive+ness pos n. extensimeter alt head extensometer or extensometer syl ex+ten+sim+e:ter pron <2eksten1simit*> pos n. extensometer 0. or extensimeter syl ex+ten+som+e:ter pron <2eksten1somit*> pos n. def an apparatus for studying small changes of length, as in the thermal expansion or mechanical compression of a solid. extensor ety C18: from New Latin, from Latin extensus stretched out extensor 0. syl ex+ten+sor pron , <-sc:> pos n. def any muscle that stretches or extends an arm, leg, or other bodily part. Compare {flexor}. extent ety C14: from Old French extente, from Latin extentus extensive, from extendere to #7extend extent 1. syl ex+tent pron pos n. def the range over which something extends; scope. exam 1 the extent of the damage. extent 2. syl ex+tent pron pos n. def an area or volume. exam 1 a vast extent of concrete. extent 3. syl ex+tent pron pos n. qual U.S. law. def a writ authorizing a person to whom a debt is due to assume temporary possession of his debtor's lands. extent 4. syl ex+tent pron pos n. qual Logic. def another word for { {extension} (sense 11)}. extenuate ety C16: from Latin extenu*_are to make thin, from tenuis thin, frail extenuate 1. syl ex+ten:u+ate pron pos vb. mod tr. def to represent (an offence, fault, etc.) as being less serious than it appears, as by showing mitigating circumstances. extenuate 2. syl ex+ten:u+ate pron pos vb. mod tr. def to cause to be or appear less serious; mitigate. extenuate 3. syl ex+ten:u+ate pron pos vb. mod tr. def to underestimate or make light of. extenuate 4.a. syl ex+ten:u+ate pron pos vb. mod tr. def to emaciate or weaken. extenuate 4.b. syl ex+ten:u+ate pron pos vb. mod tr. def to dilute or thin out. extenuatingly sub head extenuate syl ex+1ten:u+2at+ing+ly pos adv. extenuator sub head extenuate syl ex+1ten:u+2a:tor pos n. extenuatory sub head extenuate syl ex+1ten:u+a:to:ry pos adj. exterior ety C16: from Latin, comparative of exterus on the outside, from ex out of exterior 1. syl ex+te+ri+or pron pos n. def a part, surface, or region that is on the outside. exterior 2. syl ex+te+ri+or pron pos n. def the observable outward behaviour or appearance of a person. exterior 3. syl ex+te+ri+or pron pos n. def a film or scene shot outside a studio. exterior 4. syl ex+te+ri+or pron pos adj. def of, situated on, or suitable for the outside. exam 1 exterior cleaning. exterior 5. syl ex+te+ri+or pron pos adj. def coming or acting from without; external. exam 1 exterior complications. exterior 6. syl ex+te+ri+or pron pos adj. def of or involving foreign nations. exteriorly sub head exterior syl ex+1te+ri+or+ly pos adv. exterior angle 1. syl ex+te+ri+or an+gle pos n. def an angle of a polygon contained between one side extended and the adjacent side. exterior angle 2. syl ex+te+ri+or an+gle pos n. def any of the four angles made by a transversal that are outside the region between the two intersected lines. exteriorise alt head exteriorize or exteriorize syl ex+te+ri+or+ise pron pos vb. mod tr. exteriorize 1. or exteriorise syl ex+te+ri+or+ize pron pos vb. mod tr. qual Surgery. def to expose (an attached organ or part) outside a body cavity, esp. in order to remove it from an operating area. exteriorize 2. or exteriorise syl ex+te+ri+or+ize pron pos vb. mod tr. def another word for {externalize}. exteriorization sub head exteriorize or exteriorisation syl ex+2te+ri+or:i+1za+tion pos n. exteriorisation sub head exteriorize or exteriorization syl ex+2te+ri+or:i+1sa+tion pos n. exterminate ety C16: from Latin extermin*_are to drive away, from terminus boundary exterminate 0. syl ex+ter+mi+nate pron pos vb. mod tr. def to destroy (living things, esp. pests or vermin) completely; annihilate; eliminate. exterminable sub head exterminate syl ex+1ter+mi+na:ble pos adj. extermination sub head exterminate syl ex+2ter+mi+1na+tion pos n. exterminative sub head exterminate or exterminatory syl ex+1ter+mi+na+tive pos adj. exterminatory sub head exterminate or exterminative syl ex+1ter+mi+na+to:ry pos adj. extern ety C16: from Latin externus #7external externe alt head extern or extern syl ex+terne pron <1ekstR:n>, pos n. extern 0. or externe syl ex+tern pron <1ekstR:n>, pos n. qual U.S. def a person, such as a physician at a hospital, who has an official connection with an institution but does not reside in it. external ety C15: from Latin externus outward, from exterus on the outside, from ex out of external 1. syl ex+ter+nal pron pos adj. def of, situated on, or suitable for the outside; outer. external 2. syl ex+ter+nal pron pos adj. def coming or acting from without. exam 1 external evidence from an independent source. external 3. syl ex+ter+nal pron pos adj. def of or involving foreign nations; foreign. external 4. syl ex+ter+nal pron pos adj. def of, relating to, or designating a medicine that is applied to the outside of the body. external 5. syl ex+ter+nal pron pos adj. qual Anatomy. def situated on or near the outside of the body. exam 1 the external ear. external 6. syl ex+ter+nal pron pos adj. usage Philosophy. of objects, etc. def taken to exist independently of a perceiving mind. {~} external 7. syl ex+ter+nal pron pos adj. mod often; pl. def an external circumstance or aspect, esp. one that is superficial or inessential. externally sub head external syl ex+1ter+nal+ly pos adv. external-combustion engine 0. syl ex+ter:nal-com:bus+tion en+gine pos n. def an engine, such as a steam engine, in which the fuel is burned outside the com?!bustion chamber. external ear 0. syl ex+ter+nal ear pos n. def the part of the ear consisting of the auricle and the auditory canal. externalism 1. syl ex+ter+nal+ism pron pos n. def exaggerated emphasis on outward form, esp. in religious worship. externalism 2. syl ex+ter+nal+ism pron pos n. def a philosophical doctrine holding that only objects that can be perceived by the senses are real; phenomenalism. externalist sub head externalism syl ex+1ter+nal+ist pos n. externalities infl head externality syl ex+ter+nal+i:ties. pos n. mod pl. externality 1. syl ex+ter+nal+i:ty pron <2ekstR:1n@liti> pos n. def the state or condition of being external. externality 2. syl ex+ter+nal+i:ty pron <2ekstR:1n@liti> pos n. def something external. externality 3. syl ex+ter+nal+i:ty pron <2ekstR:1n@liti> pos n. qual Philosophy. def the quality of existing independently of a perceiving mind. exteriorize infl head externalize or externalise syl ex+te+ri+or+ize pron pos vb. mod tr. externalise infl head externalize or exteriorize syl ex+ter+nal+ise pos vb. mod tr. exteriorise infl head externalize syl ex+te+ri+or+ise pos vb. mod tr. externalize 1. syl ex+ter+nal+ize pron pos vb. mod tr. def to make ex?!ternal; give outward shape to. externalize 2. syl ex+ter+nal+ize pron pos vb. mod tr. qual Psychol. def to attribute (one's own feelings) to one's surroundings. externalization sub head externalize or externalisation syl ex+2ter+nal:i+1za+tion pos n. exteriorization sub head externalize or exteriorisation syl ex+2te+ri+or:i+1za+tion pos n. externalisation sub head externalize or externalization syl ex+2ter+nal:i+1sa+tion pos n. exteriorisation sub head externalize or exteriorization syl ex+2te+ri+or:i+1sa+tion pos n. exteroceptor ety C20: extero-, from Latin exterus #7exterior outward+(#7re) #7ceptor exteroceptor 0. syl ex+ter:o+cep+tor pron <1ekst*r*u2sept*> pos n. def any sensory organ or part of the body, such as the eye, able to receive stimuli from outside the body. exteroceptive sub head exteroceptor syl ex+ter:o+1cep+tive pos adj. exterritorial 0. syl ex+ter+ri+to+ri:al pron <2eksteri1tc:ri*l> pos adj. def a variant of {extra?!territorial}. exterritoriality sub head exterritorial syl ex+2ter+ri+2to+ri+1al+i:ty pos n. exterritorially sub head exterritorial syl ex+ter+ri+1to+ri+al+ly pos adv. extinct ety C15: from Latin exstinctus quenched, from exstinguere to #7extinguish extinct 1. syl ex+tinct pron pos adj. usage of an animal or plant species def having no living representative; having died out. extinct 2. syl ex+tinct pron pos adj. def quenched or extinguished. extinct 3. syl ex+tinct pron pos adj. usage of a volcano def no longer liable to erupt; inactive. extinct 4. syl ex+tinct pron pos adj. def void or obsolete. exam 1 an extinct political office. extinction 1. syl ex+tinc+tion pron pos n. def the act of making extinct or the state of being extinct. extinction 2. syl ex+tinc+tion pron pos n. def the act of extinguishing or the state of being extinguished. extinction 3. syl ex+tinc+tion pron pos n. def complete destruction; annihilation. extinction 4. syl ex+tinc+tion pron pos n. qual Physics. def reduction of the intensity of radiation as a result of absorption or scattering by matter. extinction 5. syl ex+tinc+tion pron pos n. qual Astronomy. def the absorption of light from a planet or star by the earth's atmosphere. extinction 6. syl ex+tinc+tion pron pos n. qual Psychol. def a process in which the frequency or intensity of a response is decreased as a result of reinforcement being withdrawn. extinctive 0. syl ex+tinc+tive pron pos adj. def tending or serving to extinguish or make extinct. extine ety C19: from Latin extimus outermost+-#7ine %1 exine alt head extine or extine syl ex+ine pron <1eksin>, <-In> pos n. extine 0. or exine syl ex+tine pron <1ekstin>, <-tEn>, <-tIn> pos n. qual Botany. def the outermost coat of a pollen grain or a spore. Compare {intine}. extinguish ety C16: from Latin exstinguere, from stinguere to quench extinguish 1. syl ex+tin+guish pron pos vb. mod tr. def to put out or quench (a light, flames, etc.). extinguish 2. syl ex+tin+guish pron pos vb. mod tr. def to remove or destroy entirely; annihilate. extinguish 3. syl ex+tin+guish pron pos vb. mod tr. qual Archaic. def to eclipse or obscure by or as if by superior brilliance. extinguish 4. syl ex+tin+guish pron pos vb. mod tr. qual Law. def to discharge (a debt). extinguishable sub head extinguish syl ex+1tin+guish+a:ble pos adj. extinguishment sub head extinguish syl ex+1tin+guish+ment pos n. extinguishant 0. syl ex+tin+guish+ant pron pos n. def a substance, such as a liquid, foam, powder, etc., used in extinguishing fires. extirpate ety C16: from Latin exstirp*_are to root out, from stirps root, stock extirpate 1. syl ex+tir+pate pron <1ekst*2pAt> pos vb. mod tr. def to remove or destroy completely. extirpate 2. syl ex+tir+pate pron <1ekst*2pAt> pos vb. mod tr. def to pull up or out; uproot. extirpate 3. syl ex+tir+pate pron <1ekst*2pAt> pos vb. mod tr. def to remove (an organ or part) surgically. extirpation sub head extirpate syl ex+tir+1pa+tion pos n. extirpative sub head extirpate syl ex+tir+2pa+tive pos adj. extirpator sub head extirpate syl ex+tir+2pa+tor pos n. extol ety C15: from Latin extollere to elevate, from tollere to raise extoll alt head extol or extol syl ex+toll pron pos vb. mod tr. qual U.S. extols infl head extol or extolls syl ex+tols pos vb. mod tr. extolling infl head extol or extolling syl ex+tol+ling pos vb. mod tr. extolled infl head extol or extolled syl ex+tolled pos vb. mod tr. extolls infl head extol or extols syl ex+tolls pos vb. mod tr. qual U.S. extolling infl head extol or extolling syl ex+toll+ing pos vb. mod tr. qual U.S. extolled infl head extol or extolled syl ex+tolled. pos vb. mod tr. qual U.S. extol 0. or extoll syl ex+tol pron pos vb. mod tr. def to praise lavishly; exalt. extoller sub head extol syl ex+1tol+ler pos n. extollingly sub head extol syl ex+1tol+ling+ly pos adv. extolment sub head extol syl ex+1tol+ment pos n. extort ety C16: from Latin extortus wrenched out, from extorqu*_ere to wrest away, from torqu*_ere to twist, wrench &- ex+#!tor+tion n. &- ex+#!tor+tion+er, ex+#!tor+tion+ist, or ex+#!tort+er n. extort 1. syl ex+tort pron pos vb. mod tr. def to secure (money, favours, etc.) by intimidation, violence, or the misuse of influence or authority. extort 2. syl ex+tort pron pos vb. mod tr. def to obtain by importunate demands. exam 1 the children extorted a promise of a trip to the zoo. extort 3. syl ex+tort pron pos vb. mod tr. def to overcharge for (something, esp. interest on a loan). extortive sub head extort syl ex+1tor+tive pos adj. extortionate 1. syl ex+tor+tion+ate pron pos adj. usage of prices, etc. def excessive; exorbitant. extortionate 2. syl ex+tor+tion+ate pron pos adj. usage of persons def using extortion. extortionately sub head extortionate syl ex+1tor+tion+ate+ly pos adv. extra ety C18: perhaps shortened from #7extraordi?!nary extra 1. syl ex+tra pron <1ekstr*> pos adj. def being more than what is usual or expected; addi?!tional. extra 2. syl ex+tra pron <1ekstr*> pos n. def a person or thing that is additional. extra 3. syl ex+tra pron <1ekstr*> pos n. def something for which an additional charge is made. exam 1 the new car had many extras. extra 4. syl ex+tra pron <1ekstr*> pos n. def an additional edition of a newspaper, esp. to report a new development or crisis. extra 5. syl ex+tra pron <1ekstr*> pos n. qual Films. def an actor or person temporarily engaged, usually for crowd scenes. extra 6. syl ex+tra pron <1ekstr*> pos n. qual Cricket. def a run not scored from the bat, such as a wide, no-ball, bye, or leg bye. extra 7. syl ex+tra pron <1ekstr*> pos n. qual U.S. def something that is better than usual in quality. {~} extra 8. syl ex+tra pron <1ekstr*> pos n. def unusually; exceptionally. exam 1 an extra fast car. extra- ety from Latin extr*_a outside, beyond, changed from extera, from exterus outward extra- 0. syl ex:tra- pos prefix. def outside or beyond an area or scope. exam 1 extra?!sensory; exam 2 extraterritorial. extracanonical 0. syl ex:tra+ca+non:i+cal pron <2ekstr*k*1nonikL> pos adj. qual Christianity. def not included in the canon of Scripture. extracellular 0. syl ex:tra+cel+lu+lar pron <2ekstr*1seljul*> pos adj. qual Biology. def situated or occurring outside a cell or cells. extracellularly sub head extracellular syl ex:tra+1cel+lu+lar+ly pos adv. extracorporeal 0. syl ex:tra+cor+por+e:al pron <2ekstr*kc:1pc:ri*l> pos adj. def outside the body. extra cover 0. syl ex+tra cov+er pos n. qual Cricket. def a fielding position between cover and mid-off. extract ety C15: from Latin extractus drawn forth, from extrahere, from trahere to drag extract 1. syl ex+tract pron pos vb. mod tr. def to withdraw, pull out, or uproot by force. extract 2. syl ex+tract pron pos vb. mod tr. def to remove or separate. extract 3. syl ex+tract pron pos vb. mod tr. def to derive (pleasure, information, etc.) from some source or situation. extract 4. syl ex+tract pron pos vb. mod tr. def to deduce or develop (a doctrine, policy, etc.). extract 5. syl ex+tract pron pos vb. mod tr. qual Informal. def to extort (money, etc.). extract 6. syl ex+tract pron pos vb. mod tr. def to obtain (a substance) from a mixture or material by a chemical or physical process, such as digestion, distillation, the action of a solvent, or mechanical separation. extract 7. syl ex+tract pron pos vb. mod tr. def to cut out or copy out (an article, passage, quotation, etc.) from a publication. extract 8. syl ex+tract pron pos vb. mod tr. def to determine the value of (the root of a number). {~} (#!$ekstr@akt). extract 9. syl ex+tract pron pos vb. mod tr. def something extracted, such as a part or passage from a book, speech, etc. extract 10. syl ex+tract pron pos vb. mod tr. def a preparation containing the active principle or concentrated essence of a material. exam 1 beef extract; exam 2 yeast extract. extract 11. syl ex+tract pron pos vb. mod tr. qual Pharmacol. def a solution of plant or animal tissue containing the active principle. extractable sub head extract syl ex+1tract+a:ble pos adj. extractability sub head extract syl ex+2tract+a:1bil+i:ty pos n. extraction 1. syl ex+trac+tion pron pos n. def the act of extracting or the condition of being extracted. extraction 2. syl ex+trac+tion pron pos n. def something extracted; an extract. extraction 3.a. syl ex+trac+tion pron pos n. def the act or an instance of extracting a tooth or teeth. extraction 3.b. syl ex+trac+tion pron pos n. def a tooth or teeth extracted. extraction 4. syl ex+trac+tion pron pos n. def origin, descent, lineage, or ancestry. exam 1 of German extraction. extractions 0. syl ex+trac+tions pron pos n. mod pl. def the residue remaining after an oilseed has had the oil extracted by a solvent. Used as a feed for animals. exam 1 groundnut extractions. extractive 1. syl ex+trac+tive pron pos adj. def tending or serving to extract. extractive 2. syl ex+trac+tive pron pos adj. def of, involving, or capable of extraction. extractive 3. syl ex+trac+tive pron pos n. def something extracted or capable of being extracted. extractive 4. syl ex+trac+tive pron pos n. def the part of an extract that is insoluble. extractor 1. syl ex+trac+tor pron pos n. def a person or thing that extracts. extractor 2. syl ex+trac+tor pron pos n. def an instrument for pulling something out or removing tight-fitting components. extractor 3. syl ex+trac+tor pron pos n. def a device for extracting liquid from a solid, esp. a centrifugal dryer. extractor 4. syl ex+trac+tor pron pos n. def Also called: {extractor fan}. a device for extracting air or other gases from a room, building, etc. extracurricular 1. syl ex:tra+cur+ric:u+lar pron <2ekstr*k*1rikjul*> pos adj. def taking place outside the normal school timetable. exam 1 extracurricular activities. extracurricular 2. syl ex:tra+cur+ric:u+lar pron <2ekstr*k*1rikjul*> pos adj. def beyond the regular duties, schedule, etc. extraditable 1. syl ex:tra+dit+a:ble pron <1ekstr*2dIt*bL> pos adj. usage of a crime, etc. def rendering the offender liable to extradition. exam 1 an extraditable offence. extraditable 2. syl ex:tra+dit+a:ble pron <1ekstr*2dIt*bL> pos adj. usage of a person def subject to extradition. extradite ety C19: back formation from #7extradition extradite 1. syl ex:tra+dite pron <1ekstr*2dIt> pos vb. mod tr. def to surrender (an alleged offender) for trial to a foreign state. extradite 2. syl ex:tra+dite pron <1ekstr*2dIt> pos vb. mod tr. def to procure the extradition of. extradition ety C19: from French, from Latin tr*_aditi*_o a handing over; see #7tradition extradition 0. syl ex:tra+di+tion pron <2ekstr*1diS*n> pos n. def the surrender of an alleged offender or fugitive to the state in whose territory the alleged offence was committed. extrados ety C18: from French, from #7extra -#7+ dos back, from Latin dorsum extrados infl or extradoses syl ex:tra+dos pron <-d*uz> pos n. mod pl. extradoses infl head extrados or extrados syl ex:tra+dos:es. pos n. mod pl. extrados 0. syl ex:tra+dos pron pos n. qual Architect. def the outer curve or surface of an arch or vault. Compare {intrados}. extragalactic 0. syl ex:tra+ga+lac+tic pron <2ekstr*g*1l@ktik> pos adj. def occurring or existing beyond the Galaxy. extragalactic nebula 0. syl ex:tra+ga+lac+tic neb:u+la pos n. def the former name for {galaxy}. extrajudicial 1. syl ex:tra+ju+di+cial pron <2ekstr*Ju:1diS*l> pos adj. def outside the ordinary course of legal proceedings. exam 1 extrajudicial evidence. extrajudicial 2. syl ex:tra+ju+di+cial pron <2ekstr*Ju:1diS*l> pos adj. def beyond the jurisdiction or authority of the court. exam 1 an extrajudicial opinion. extrajudicially sub head extrajudicial syl ex:tra+ju+1di+cial+ly pos adv. extramarital 0. syl ex:tra+mar:i+tal pron <2ekstr*1m@ritL> pos adj. usage esp. of sexual relations def occurring outside marriage. extramundane 0. syl ex:tra+mun+dane pron <2ekstr*1m^ndAn> pos adj. def not of the physical world or universe. extramural 1. syl ex:tra+mu+ral pron <2ekstr*1mju*r*l> pos adj. def connected with but outside the normal courses or programme of a university, college, etc.. exam 1 extramural studies. extramural 2. syl ex:tra+mu+ral pron <2ekstr*1mju*r*l> pos adj. def located beyond the bounda?!ries or walls of a city, castle, etc. extramurally sub head extramural syl ex:tra+1mu+ral+ly pos adv. extraneous ety C17: from Latin extr*_aneus external, from extr*_a outside extraneous 1. syl ex:tra+ne:ous pron pos adj. def not essential. extraneous 2. syl ex:tra+ne:ous pron pos adj. def not pertinent or applicable; irrelevant. extraneous 3. syl ex:tra+ne:ous pron pos adj. def coming from without; of external origin. extraneous 4. syl ex:tra+ne:ous pron pos adj. def not belonging; unrelated to that to which it is added or in which it is contained. extraneously sub head extraneous syl ex:1tra+ne:ous+ly pos adv. extraneousness sub head extraneous syl ex:1tra+ne:ous+ness pos n. extranuclear 0. syl ex:tra+nu+cle:ar pron <2ekstr*1nju:kli*> pos adj. qual Biology. def situated or occurring in part of a cell outside the nucleus. extraordinary ety C15: from Latin extraordin*_arius beyond what is usual; see #7ordinary extraordinary 1. syl ex:traor+di+nar:y pron , <-dN*ri> pos adj. def very unusual, remarkable, or surprising. extraordinary 2. syl ex:traor+di+nar:y pron , <-dN*ri> pos adj. def not in an established manner, course, or order. extraordinary 3. syl ex:traor+di+nar:y pron , <-dN*ri> pos adj. def employed for particular events or purposes. extraordinary 4. syl ex:traor+di+nar:y pron , <-dN*ri> pos adj. usage usually postpositive; of an official, etc. def addition?!al or subordinate to the usual one. exam 1 a minister extraordinary. extraordinarily sub head extraordinary syl ex:1traor+di+nar:i+ly pos adv. extraordinariness sub head extraordinary syl ex:1traor+di+nar:i+ness pos n. extraordinary ray 0. syl ex:traor+di+nar:y ray pos n. qual Optics. def the plane-polarized ray of light that does not obey the laws of refraction in a doubly refracting crystal. See {double refraction}. Compare {ordinary ray}. extrapolate ety C19: #7extra+ -polate, as in #7interpolate extrapolate 1. syl ex+trap:o+late pron pos vb. qual Maths. def to estimate (a value of a function or measurement) beyond the values already known, by the extension of a curve. Compare { {interpolate} (sense 4)}. extrapolate 2. syl ex+trap:o+late pron pos vb. def to infer (something not known) by using but not strictly deducing from the known facts. extrapolation sub head extrapolate syl ex+2trap:o+1la+tion pos n. extrapolative sub head extrapolate or extrapolatory syl ex+1trap:o+la+tive pos adj. extrapolatory sub head extrapolate or extrapolative syl ex+1trap:o+la+to:ry pos adj. extrapolator sub head extrapolate syl ex+1trap:o+2la+tor pos n. extraposition 1. syl ex:tra+po+si+tion pron <2ekstr*p*1ziS*n> pos n. def placement of some?!thing outside something else. extraposition 2. syl ex:tra+po+si+tion pron <2ekstr*p*1ziS*n> pos n. qual Transformational grammar. def a rule that moves embedded clauses out to the end of the main clause, converting, for example, into extrasensory 0. syl ex:tra+sen+so+ry pron <2ekstr*1sens*ri> pos adj. def of or relating to extrasensory perception. extrasensory perception 0. syl ex:tra+sen+so+ry per+cep+tion pos n. def the supposed ability of certain individuals to obtain information about the environment without the use of normal sensory channels. Also called: {cryptaesthesia}. See also {clairvoyance, telepathy}. Abbrev.: {ESP} extraterrestrial 0. syl ex:tra+ter+res+tri:al pron <2ekstr*ti1restri*l> pos adj. def occurring or exist?!ing beyond the earth's atmosphere. exterritorial alt head extraterritorial or extraterritorial syl ex+ter+ri+to+ri:al pos adj. extraterritorial 1. or exterritorial syl ex:tra+ter+ri+to+ri:al pron <2ekstr*2teri1tc:ri*l> pos adj. def beyond the limits of a country's territory. extraterritorial 2. or exterritorial syl ex:tra+ter+ri+to+ri:al pron <2ekstr*2teri1tc:ri*l> pos adj. def of, relating to, or possessing extraterritoriality. extraterritorially sub head extraterritorial or exterritorially syl ex:tra+2ter+ri+1to+ri+al+ly pos adv. exterritorially sub head extraterritorial or extraterritorially syl ex+ter+ri+1to+ri+al+ly pos adv. extraterritoriality 1. syl ex:tra+ter+ri+to+ri+al+i:ty pron <2ekstr*2teri2tc:ri1@liti> pos n. qual International law. def the privilege granted to some aliens, esp. diplomats, of being exempt from the jurisdiction of the state in which they reside. extraterritoriality 2. syl ex:tra+ter+ri+to+ri+al+i:ty pron <2ekstr*2teri2tc:ri1@liti> pos n. qual International law. def the right or privilege of a state to exercise authority in certain circumstances beyond the limits of its territory. extra time 0. syl ex+tra time pos n. qual Sport. def an additional period played at the end of a match, to compensate for time lost through injury or (in certain circumstances) to allow the teams to achieve a conclusive result. extrauterine 0. syl ex:tra+u:ter+ine pron <2ekstr*1ju:t*2rIn> pos adj. def situated or developing outside the cavity of the uterus. extravagance 1. syl ex+trav:a+gance pron pos n. def excessive outlay of money; wasteful spending. extravagance 2. syl ex+trav:a+gance pron pos n. def immoderate or absurd speech or behaviour. extravagant ety C14: from Medieval Latin extravag*_ans, from Latin #7extra -#7+ vag*_ar*_i to wander extravagant 1. syl ex+trav:a+gant pron pos adj. def spending money excessively or immoderately. extravagant 2. syl ex+trav:a+gant pron pos adj. def going beyond usual bounds; unrestrained. exam 1 extravagant praise. extravagant 3. syl ex+trav:a+gant pron pos adj. def ostentatious; showy. extravagant 4. syl ex+trav:a+gant pron pos adj. def exorbitant in price; overpriced. extravagantly sub head extravagant syl ex+1trav:a+gant+ly pos adv. extravaganza ety C18: from Italian: #7extravagance extravaganza 1. syl ex+trav:a+gan+za pron pos n. def an elaborately staged and costumed light entertainment. extravaganza 2. syl ex+trav:a+gan+za pron pos n. def any lavish or fanciful display, literary or other composition, etc. extravagate ety C17: from Latin extravag*_ar*_i; see #7extravagant extravagate 1. syl ex+trav:a+gate pron pos vb. mod intr. qual Archaic. def to exceed normal limits or propriety. extravagate 2. syl ex+trav:a+gate pron pos vb. mod intr. qual Archaic. def to roam at will. extravagation sub head extravagate syl ex+2trav:a+1ga+tion pos n. extravasate ety C17: from Latin #7extra -#7+ v*_as vessel &- ex+@!trav@.a+#!sa+tion n. extravasate 1. syl ex+trav:a+sate pron pos vb. qual Pathol. def to cause (blood or lymph) to escape or (of blood or lymph) to escape into the surrounding tissues from their proper vessels. extravasate 2. syl ex+trav:a+sate pron pos vb. def to exude (molten material, such as lava) or (of molten material) to be exuded. extravasate 3. syl ex+trav:a+sate pron pos n. qual Pathol. def the material extravasated. extravascular 0. syl ex:tra+vas+cu+lar pron <2ekstr*1v@skjul*> pos adj. qual Anatomy. def situated or occurring outside a lymph or blood vessel. extravehicular 0. syl ex:tra+ve:hic:u+lar pron <2ekstr*vE1hikjul*> pos adj. def occurring or used outside a spacecraft, either in space or on the surface of the moon or another planet. exam 1 extravehicular activity. extraversion 0. syl ex:tra+ver+sion pron <2ekstr*1vR:S*n> pos n. def a variant spelling of {extroversion}. extraversive sub head extraversion syl ex:tra+1ver+sive pos adj. extravert 0. syl ex:tra+vert pron <1ekstr*2vR:t> pos n. def a variant spelling of {extrovert}. Extremadura 0. syl Ex+tre+ma+du+ra pron <2AstrAma1Dura> pos n. def the Spanish name for {Estremadura}. extreme ety C15: from Latin extr*_emus outermost, from exterus on the outside; see #7exterior extreme 1. syl ex+treme pron pos adj. def being of a high or of the highest degree or intensity. exam 1 extreme cold; exam 2 extreme difficulty. extreme 2. syl ex+treme pron pos adj. def exceeding what is usual or reasonable; immoderate. exam 1 extreme behaviour. extreme 3. syl ex+treme pron pos adj. def very strict, rigid, or severe; drastic. exam 1 an extreme measure. extreme 4. syl ex+treme pron pos adj. usage prenominal def farthest or outermost in direction. exam 1 the extreme boundary. extreme 5. syl ex+treme pron pos adj. qual Meteorol. def of, relating to, or characteristic of a { {continental climate}}. extreme 6. syl ex+treme pron pos n. def the highest or furthest degree (often in the phrases {in the extreme, go to extremes) }. extreme 7. syl ex+treme pron pos n. mod often; pl. def either of the two limits or ends of a scale or range of possibilities. exam 1 extremes of temperature. extreme 8.a. syl ex+treme pron pos n. def the first or last term of a series or a proportion. extreme 8.b. syl ex+treme pron pos n. def a maximum or minimum value of a function. extreme 9. syl ex+treme pron pos n. qual Logic. def the subject or predicate of the conclusion of a syllogism. extremeness sub head extreme syl ex+1treme+ness pos n. extremely 1. syl ex+treme+ly pron pos adv. def to the extreme; exceed?!ingly. Usage infl head extremely syl Usage. pos adv. very infl head extremely syl very. pos adv. extremely high frequency 0. syl ex+treme+ly high fre+quen+cy pos n. def a radio frequency between 30000 and 300000 megahertz. Abbrev.: {EHF} extreme unction 0. syl ex+treme unc+tion pos n. qual R.C. Church. def a sacrament in which a person who is seriously ill or dying is anointed by a priest with consecrated oil. extremist 1. syl ex+trem+ist pron pos n. def a person who favours or resorts to immoderate, uncompromising, or fanatical methods or behaviour, esp. in being politically radical. extremist 2. syl ex+trem+ist pron pos adj. def of, relating to, or characterized by immoderate or excessive actions, opinions, etc. extremism sub head extremist syl ex+1trem+ism pos n. extremities infl head extremity syl ex+trem+i:ties. pos n. mod pl. extremity 1. syl ex+trem+i:ty pron pos n. def the farthest or outermost point or section; termination. extremity 2. syl ex+trem+i:ty pron pos n. def the greatest or most intense degree. extremity 3. syl ex+trem+i:ty pron pos n. def an extreme condition or state, as of ad?!versity or disease. extremity 4. syl ex+trem+i:ty pron pos n. def a limb, such as a leg, arm, or wing, or the part of such a limb farthest from the trunk. extremity 5. syl ex+trem+i:ty pron pos n. mod usually; pl. qual Archaic. def a drastic or severe measure. extricate ety C17: from Latin extr*_ic*_are to disentangle, from #7ex -%1#7+ tr*_icae trifles, vexations extricate 1. syl ex+tri+cate pron <1ekstri2kAt> pos vb. mod tr. def to remove or free from complication, hindrance, or difficulty; disentangle. extricate 2. syl ex+tri+cate pron <1ekstri2kAt> pos vb. mod tr. qual Rare. def to free (a substance, gas, liquid, etc.) from chemical combination; liberate. extricable sub head extricate syl ex+tri+ca:ble pos adj. extrication sub head extricate syl ex+tri+1ca+tion pos n. extrinsic ety C16: from Late Latin extrinsecus (adj.) outward, from Latin (adv.) from without, on the outward side, from exter outward+ secus alongside, related to sequ*_i to follow extrinsic 1. syl ex+trin+sic pron pos adj. def not contained or included within; extraneous. extrinsic 2. syl ex+trin+sic pron pos adj. def originating or acting from outside; external. extrinsically sub head extrinsic syl ex+1trin+si+cal+ly pos adv. extrorse ety C19: from Late Latin extrorsus in an outward direction, from Latin #7extra -#7+ versus turned towards extrorsal alt head extrorse or extrorse syl ex+tror+sal pos adj. extrorse 0. or extrorsal syl ex+trorse pron pos adj. qual Botany. def turned or opening outwards or away from the axis. exam 1 extrorse anthers. extroversion ety C17: from extro- (variant of #7extra -#7, contrasting with #7intro -)#7+ -version, from Latin vertere to turn extraversion alt head extroversion or extroversion syl ex:tra+ver+sion pron <2ekstr*1vR:S*n> pos n. extroversion 1. or extraversion syl ex:tro+ver+sion pron <2ekstr*1vR:S*n> pos n. qual Psychol. def the directing of one's interest outwards, esp. towards social contacts. extroversion 2. or extraversion syl ex:tro+ver+sion pron <2ekstr*1vR:S*n> pos n. qual Pathol. def a turning inside out of an organ or part. extroversion xref or extraversion syl ex:tro+ver+sion pron <2ekstr*1vR:S*n> pos n. def Compare {introversion}. extroversive sub head extroversion or extraversive syl ex:tro+1ver+sive pos adj. extraversive sub head extroversion or extroversive syl ex:tra+1ver+sive pos adj. extroversively sub head extroversion or extraversively syl ex:tro+1ver+sive+ly pos adv. extraversively sub head extroversion or extroversively syl ex:tra+1ver+sive+ly pos adv. extrovert ety C20: from extro- (variant of #7extra -#7, contrasting with #7intro -)#7+ -vert, from Latin vertere to turn extravert alt head extrovert or extrovert syl ex:tra+vert pron <1ekstr*2vR:t> extrovert 1. or extravert syl ex:tro+vert pron <1ekstr*2vR:t> pos n. qual Psychol. def a person concerned more with external reality than inner feelings. extrovert 2. or extravert syl ex:tro+vert pron <1ekstr*2vR:t> pos adj. qual Psychol. def of or characterized by extroversion. exam 1 extrovert tendencies. extrovert xref or extravert syl ex:tro+vert pron <1ekstr*2vR:t> qual Psychol. def Compare {introvert}. extroverted sub head extrovert or extraverted syl ex:tro+2vert+ed pos adj. extraverted sub head extrovert or extroverted syl ex:tra+2vert+ed pos adj. extrude ety C16: from Latin extr*_udere to thrust out, from tr*_udere to push, thrust extrude 1. syl ex+trude pron pos vb. mod tr. def to squeeze or force out. extrude 2. syl ex+trude pron pos vb. mod tr. def to produce (moulded sections of plastic, metal, etc.) by ejection under pressure from a suitably shaped nozzle or die. extrude 3. syl ex+trude pron pos vb. def a less common word for {protrude}. extrusion ety C16: from Medieval Latin extr*_usi*_o, from extr*_udere to #7extrude &- ex+#!tru+si@.ble adj. extrusion 1. syl ex+tru+sion pron pos n. def the act or process of extruding. extrusion 2.a. syl ex+tru+sion pron pos n. def the movement of magma through volcano craters and cracks in the earth's crust, forming igneous rock. extrusion 2.b. syl ex+tru+sion pron pos n. def any igneous rock formed in this way. extrusive 1. syl ex+tru+sive pron pos adj. def tending to extrude. extrusive 2. syl ex+tru+sive pron pos adj. usage of igneous rocks def formed from magma issuing from volcanoes or cracks@T in@T the@T earth's@T crust; @T volcanic. Compare @T { {intrusive@T} (sense 2)}. exuberant ety C15: from Latin ex*_uber*_ans, from *_uber*_are to be fruitful, from *_uber fertile exuberant 1. syl ex:u+ber+ant pron pos adj. def abounding in vigour and high spirits; full of vitality. exuberant 2. syl ex:u+ber+ant pron pos adj. def lavish or effusive; excessively elaborate. exam 1 exuberant compliments. exuberant 3. syl ex:u+ber+ant pron pos adj. def growing luxuriantly or in profusion. exuberance sub head exuberant syl ex:1u+ber+ance pos n. exuberantly sub head exuberant syl ex:1u+ber+ant+ly pos adv. exuberate ety C15: from Latin ex*_uber*_are to be abundant; see #7exuberant exuberate 1. syl ex:u+ber+ate pron pos vb. mod intr. qual Rare. def to be exuberant. exuberate 2. syl ex:u+ber+ate pron pos vb. mod intr. qual Rare. def to abound or grow in profusion. exudation 1. syl ex:u+da+tion pron <2eksju1dAS*n> pos n. def the act of exuding or oozing out. exudation 2. syl ex:u+da+tion pron <2eksju1dAS*n> pos n. def Also called: {ex@.u+date} (#!$eksj$u@!de$It). an exuded substance, such as sweat or cellular debris. exudative sub head exudation syl ex:u+da+tive pron pos adj. exude ety C16: from Latin exs*_ud*_are, from s*_ud*_are to sweat exude 1. syl ex+ude pron pos vb. def to release or be released through pores, incisions, etc., as sweat from the body or sap from trees. exude 2. syl ex+ude pron pos vb. mod tr. def to make apparent by mood or behaviour. exam 1 he exuded confidence. exult ety C16: from Latin exsult*_are to jump or leap for joy, from salt*_are to leap exult 1. syl ex+ult pron pos vb. mod intr. def to be joyful or jubilant, esp. because of triumph or success; rejoice. exult 2. syl ex+ult pron pos vb. mod intr. usage often foll. by over def to triumph (over); show or take delight in the defeat or discomfiture (of). exultation sub head exult syl ex+ul+ta+tion pron <2egz^l1tAS*n> pos n. exultingly sub head exult syl ex+1ult+ing+ly pos adv. exultant 0. syl ex+ult+ant pron pos adj. def elated or jubilant, esp. because of triumph or success. exultantly sub head exultant syl ex+1ult+ant+ly pos adv. exurbia 0. syl ex+ur+bi:a pron pos n. qual U.S. def the region outside the suburbs of a city, consisting of residential areas ({exurbs}) that are occupied predominantly by rich commuters ({exurbanites}) . Compare {stockbroker belt}. &- {ex+#!ur+ban} exuviae ety C17: from Latin: something stripped off (the body), from exuere to strip off exuviae 0. syl ex:u+vi:ae pron pos n. mod pl. def layers of skin or cuticle shed by animals during ecdysis. exuvial sub head exuviae syl ex:1u+vi:al pos adj. exuviate 0. syl ex:u+vi+ate pron pos vb. def to shed (a skin or similar outer covering). exuviation sub head exuviate syl ex:2u+vi:1a+tion pos n. ex voto 0. syl ex vo:to pron Latin. pos adv. adj. def in accordance with a vow. (ex-works infl head ex works syl (ex-works pos adv. adj. ex works 0. syl ex works pos adv. adj. usage when prenominal) Brit. def (of a price, value, etc.) excluding the cost of delivery from the factory and sometimes excluding the commission or profit of the distributor or retailer. exam 1 the price is @P#800295 500 ex works. -ey 0. syl -ey pos suffix. def variant of { {-y%1}} and { {-y%2}}. eyas ety C15: mistaken division of earlier a nyas, from Old French niais nestling, from Latin n*_idus nest eyas 0. syl ey:as pron <1I*s> pos n. def a nestling hawk or falcon, esp. one reared for training in falconry. eye ety Old English *_eage; related to Old Norse auga, Old High German ouga, Sanskrit aksi eye H1.1. syl eye pron pos n. def the organ of sight of animals, containing light-sensitive cells associated with nerve fibres, so that light entering the eye is converted to nervous impulses that reach the brain. In man and other vertebrates the iris controls the amount of light entering the eye and the lens focuses the light onto the retina. Related adjs.: {ocular, ophthalmic}. eye H1.2. syl eye pron pos n. mod often; pl. def the ability to see; sense of vision. exam 1 weak eyes. eye H1.3. syl eye pron pos n. def the visible external part of an eye, often including the area around it. exam 1 heavy-lidded eyes; exam 2 piercing eyes. eye H1.4. syl eye pron pos n. def a look, glance, expression, or gaze. exam 1 a stern eye. eye H1.5. syl eye pron pos n. def a sexually inviting or provocative look (esp. in the phrases {give (someone) the (glad) eye; make eyes at) }. eye H1.6. syl eye pron pos n. def attention or observation (often in the phrases {catch someone's eye; keep an eye on; cast an eye over}) . eye H1.7. syl eye pron pos n. def ability to recognize, judge, or appreciate. exam 1 an eye for antiques. eye H1.8. syl eye pron pos n. mod often; pl. def opinion, judgment, point of view, or authority. exam 1 in the eyes of the law. eye H1.9. syl eye pron pos n. def a structure or marking having the appearance of an eye, such as the bud on a twig or potato tuber or a spot on a butterfly wing. eye H1.10. syl eye pron pos n. def a small loop or hole, as at one end of a needle. eye H1.11. syl eye pron pos n. def a small area of low pressure and calm in the centre of a tornado. eye H1.12. syl eye pron pos n. def See {electric eye}. eye H1.13. syl eye pron pos n. qual Informal. def See {private eye}. all eyes 14. head eye syl all eyes. qual Informal. def acutely vigilant or observant. exam 1 the children were all eyes. (all) my eye 15. head eye syl (all) my eye. qual Informal. def rubbish; nonsense. an eye for an eye 16. head eye syl an eye for an eye. def retributive or vengeful justice; retaliation. at infl head eye or on (someone) syl at on (someone) infl head eye or at syl on (someone) cut one's eye after 17. head eye syl cut one's eye after qual Caribbean. def to look rudely at (a person) and then turn one's face away sharply while closing one's eyes: a gesture of contempt. get one's eye in 18. head eye syl get one's eye in. qual Chiefly sports. def to become accustomed to the conditions, light, etc., with a consequent improvement in one's performance. eye H1.19.a. syl eye pron pos n. def a modicum of perceptiveness. exam 1 anyone with half an eye can see she's in love. eye H1.19.b. syl eye pron pos n. def continuing unobtrusive observation or awareness. exam 1 the dog had half an eye on the sheep. have eyes for 20. head eye syl have eyes for. def to be interested in. exam 1 she has eyes only for him. in one's mind's eye 21. head eye syl in one's mind's eye. def pictured within the mind; imagined or remembered vividly. in the public eye 22. head eye syl in the public eye. def exposed to public curiosity or publicity. keep an eye open 23. head eye or out (for) syl keep an eye open def to watch with special attention (for). keep one's eyes skinned 24. head eye syl keep one's eyes skinned. def to watch vigilantly. clap infl head eye or set eyes on syl clap set eyes on infl head eye or clap syl set eyes on. lay 25. head eye syl lay usage usually used with a negative def to see. exam 1 she had never laid eyes on him before. look (someone) in the eye 26. head eye syl look (someone) in the eye. def to look openly and without shame or embarrassment at. make sheep's eyes (at) 27. head eye syl make sheep's eyes (at) qual Archaic. def to ogle amorously. more than meets the eye 28. head eye syl more than meets the eye. def hidden motives, meaning, or facts. pick the eyes out (of) 29. head eye syl pick the eyes out (of). qual Austral. def to select the best parts or pieces (of). see eye to eye (with) 30. head eye syl see eye to eye (with) def to agree (with). shut one's eyes to 31. head eye or turn a blind eye to syl shut one's eyes to def to overlook or ignore deliberately. the eye of the wind 32. head eye syl the eye of the wind. qual Nautical. def the direction from which the wind is blowing. up to one's eyes (in) 33. head eye syl up to one's eyes (in) def extremely busy (with). with aeeye 34. head eye syl with a&eeye. def in a&emanner. exam 1 he regards our success with a jealous eye. eye H1.35.a. syl eye pron pos n. def regarding; with reference to. exam 1 with an eye to one's own interests. eye H1.35.b. syl eye pron pos n. def with the intention or purpose of. exam 1 with an eye to reaching agreement. with one's eyes open 36. head eye syl with one's eyes open. def in the full knowledge of all relevant facts. eye H1.37.a. syl eye pron pos n. def with great ease, esp. as a result of thorough familiarity. exam 1 I could drive home with my eyes shut. eye H1.37.b. syl eye pron pos n. def without being aware of all the facts. {~} {eyes, eye+ing} {ey+ing, eyed}. eye H1.38. syl eye pron pos n. def to look at carefully or warily. eye H1.39. syl eye pron pos n. def to look at in a manner indicating sexual interest; ogle. {~} See also {eyes}. eyeless sub head eye syl eye+less pos adj. eyelike sub head eye syl eye+2like pos adj. eye H2.0. syl eye pron pos n. def another word for {nye}. eyeball 1. syl eye+ball pron <1I2bc:l> pos n. def the entire ball-shaped part of the eye. eyeball to eyeball 2. head eyeball syl eyeball to eyeball. def in close confrontation. eyebath 0. syl eye+bath pron <1I2ba:T> pos n. def a small vessel with a rim shaped to fit round the eye, used for applying medicated or cleansing solutions to the eyeball. eyeblack 0. syl eye+black pron <1I2bl@k> pos n. def another name for {mascara}. eyebolt 0. syl eye+bolt pron <1I2b*ult> pos n. def a threaded bolt, the head of which is formed into a ring or eye for lifting, pulling, or securing. eyebright 0. syl eye+bright pron <1I2brIt> pos n. def any scrophulariaceous annual plant of the genus esp. having small white-and-purple two-lipped flowers: formerly used in the treatment of eye disorders. Also called: {euphrasy}. eyebrow 1. syl eye+brow pron <1I2brau> pos n. def the transverse bony ridge over each eye. eyebrow 2. syl eye+brow pron <1I2brau> pos n. def the arch of hair that covers this ridge. eye-catching 0. syl eye-catch:ing pos adj. def tending to attract attention; striking. eye-catcher sub head eye-catching syl eye-2catch:er pos n. eyecup 0. syl eye+cup pron <1I2k^p> pos n. def a U.S. name for an {eyebath}. eyed 0.a. syl eyed pron pos adj. def having an eye or eyes (as specified). eyed 0.b. syl eyed pron pos adj. usage in combination exam 1 one-eyed; exam 2 brown-eyed. eyeful 1. syl eye+ful pron <1I2ful> pos n. qual Informal. def a view, glance, or gaze. exam 1 he got an eyeful of the secret before they blindfolded him. eyeful 2. syl eye+ful pron <1I2ful> pos n. qual Informal. def a very beautiful or attractive sight, esp. a woman. eyeglass 1. syl eye+glass pron <1I2gla:s> pos n. def a lens for aiding or correcting defective vision, esp. a monocle. eyeglass 2. syl eye+glass pron <1I2gla:s> pos n. def another word for {eyepiece} or {eyebath}. eyeglasses 0. syl eye+glass:es pron <1I2gla:siz> pos n. mod pl. qual Now chiefly U.S. def another word for {spectacles}. eyehole 1. syl eye+hole pron <1I2h*ul> pos n. def a hole through which something, such as a rope, hook, or bar, is passed. eyehole 2. syl eye+hole pron <1I2h*ul> pos n. qual Informal. def the cavity that contains the eyeball; eye socket. eyehole 3. syl eye+hole pron <1I2h*ul> pos n. def another word for {peephole}. eyehook 0. syl eye+hook pron <1I2huk> pos n. def a hook attached to a ring at the extremity of a rope or chain. eyelash 1. syl eye+lash pron <1I2l@S> pos n. def any one of the short curved hairs that grow from the edge of the eyelids. eyelash 2. syl eye+lash pron <1I2l@S> pos n. def a row or fringe of these hairs. eyelet ety C14: from Old French oillet, literally: a little eye, from oill eye, from Latin oculus eye; see #7eye eyelet 1. syl eye+let pron <1Ilit> pos n. def a small hole for a lace or cord to be passed through or for a hook to be inserted into. eyelet 2. syl eye+let pron <1Ilit> pos n. def a small metal ring or tube with flared ends bent back, reinforcing an eyehole in fabric. eyelet 3. syl eye+let pron <1Ilit> pos n. def a chink or small opening, such as a peephole in a wall. eyelet 4.a. syl eye+let pron <1Ilit> pos n. def a small hole with finely stitched edges, forming part of an ornamental pattern. eyelet 4.b. syl eye+let pron <1Ilit> pos n. def Also called: {eyelet embroidery}. a piece of embroidery decorated with such work. eyelet 5. syl eye+let pron <1Ilit> pos n. def fabric decorated with such work produced by machine. eyelet 6. syl eye+let pron <1Ilit> pos n. def a small eye or eyelike marking. eyelet 7. syl eye+let pron <1Ilit> pos vb. mod tr. def to supply with an eyelet or eyelets. eyeleteer 0. syl eye+let+eer pron <2Ili1ti*> pos n. def a small bodkin or other pointed tool for making eyelet holes. eyelid 1. syl eye+lid pron <1I2lid> pos n. def either of the two muscular folds of skin that can be moved to cover the exposed portion of the eyeball. eyelid 2. syl eye+lid pron <1I2lid> pos n. def Also called: {clamshell}. a set of movable parts at the rear of a jet engine that redirect the exhaust flow to assist braking during landing. eyeliner 0. syl eye+lin:er pron <1I2lIn*> pos n. def a cosmetic used to outline the eyes. eye of day 0. syl eye of day pos n. qual Poetic. def the sun. eye-opener 1. syl eye-o:pen:er pos n. qual Informal. def something startling or revealing. eye-opener 2. syl eye-o:pen:er pos n. qual Informal.; U.S. def an alcoholic drink taken early in the morning. eyepiece 0. syl eye+piece pron <1I2pEs> pos n. def the lens or combination of lenses in an optical instrument nearest the eye of the observer. eye rhyme 0. syl eye rhyme pos n. def a rhyme involving words that are similar in spelling but not in sound, such as and eyes 0. syl eyes pron pos n. mod pl. qual Nautical. def the part of the bows of a ship that are furthest forward at the level of the main deck. eyes front 1. syl eyes front pos interj. qual Military. def a command to troops to look ahead. eyes front 2. syl eyes front pos interj. def a demand for attention. eyeshade 0. syl eye+shade pron <1I2SAd> pos n. def an opaque or tinted translucent visor, worn on the head like a cap to protect the eyes from glare. eye shadow 0. syl eye shad+ow pos n. def a coloured cosmetic put around the eyes so as to enhance their colour or shape. eyeshot 0. syl eye+shot pron <1I2Sot> pos n. def range of vision; view. eyesight 0. syl eye+sight pron <1I2sIt> pos n. def the ability to see; faculty of sight. eyes left 0. syl eyes left pos interj. qual Military. def a command to troops to look left, esp. as a salute when marching. eye socket 0. syl eye sock+et pos n. def the nontechnical name for { {orbit} (sense 3)}. eyesore 0. syl eye+sore pron <1I2sc:> pos n. def something very ugly. eye splice 0. syl eye splice pos n. def an eye formed in a rope by splicing the end into its standing part. eyespot 1. syl eye+spot pron <1I2spot> pos n. def a small area of light-sensitive pigment in some protozoans and algae and in other simple organisms. eyespot 2. syl eye+spot pron <1I2spot> pos n. def an eyelike marking, as on the wings of certain butterflies. eyes right 0. syl eyes right pos interj. qual Military. def a command to troops to look right, esp. as a salute when marching. eyestalk 0. syl eye+stalk pron <1I2stc:k> pos n. def a movable stalk bearing a compound eye at its tip: occurs in crustaceans and some molluscs. eyestrain 0. syl eye+strain pron <1I2strAn> pos n. def fatigue or irritation of the eyes, result?!ing from excessive use, as from prolonged reading of small print, or uncorrected defects of vision. Eyetie ety C20: based on a jocular mispronunciation of Italian Eyetie 0. syl Eye+tie pron <1ItI> pos n. adj. qual Brit. slang, offensive. def Italian. eyeteeth infl head eyetooth syl eye+teeth. pos n. mod pl. eyetooth 1. syl eye+tooth pron <1I2tu:T> pos n. def either of the two canine teeth in the upper jaw. give one's eyeteeth for 2. head eyetooth syl give one's eyeteeth for. qual Informal. def to go to any lengths to achieve or obtain (something). exam 1 I'd give my eyeteeth for a radio as good as that. eyewash 1. syl eye+wash pron <1I2woS> pos n. def a mild solution for applying to the eyes for relief of irritation, etc. eyewash 2. syl eye+wash pron <1I2woS> pos n. qual Informal. def nonsense; rubbish. eyewitness 0.a. syl eye+wit:ness pron <1I2witnis> pos n. def a person present at an event who can describe what happened. eyewitness 0.b. syl eye+wit:ness pron <1I2witnis> pos n. usage as modifier exam 1 an eye?!witness account. eyot ety variant of #7ait eyot 0. syl eyot pron pos n. qual Brit., obsolete except in placenames. def island. eyra ety from American Spanish, from Tupi eirara eyra 0. syl ey:ra pron <1e*r*>, <1I*r*> pos n. def a reddish-brown variety of the jaguarondi. eyre ety C13: from Old French erre journey, from errer to travel, from Latin err*_are to wander eyre 1. syl eyre pron pos n. qual English legal history. def any of the circuit courts held in each shire from 1176 until the late 13th century. justices in eyre 2. head eyre syl justices in eyre. qual English legal history. def the justices travelling on circuit and presiding over such courts. Eyre ety C19: named after E. J. Eyre (1815-1901), English explorer, who discovered it Lake infl head Eyre syl Lake. pos n. Eyre 0. syl Eyre pron pos n. def a shallow salt lake in NE central South Australia, about 10 m (35 ft.) below sea level. Area: 9600 sq. km (3700 sq. miles). Eyre Peninsula 0. syl Eyre Pen+in+su+la pos n. def a peninsula of South Australia, between the Great Australian Bight and Spencer Gulf. eyrie ety C16: from Medieval Latin airea, from Latin *_area open field, hence nest aerie alt head eyrie or eyrie syl aer:ie pos n. eyrie 1. or aerie syl ey+rie pron <1i*ri>, <1e*ri>, <1I*ri> pos n. def the nest of an eagle or other bird of prey, built in a high inaccessible place. eyrie 2. or aerie syl ey+rie pron <1i*ri>, <1e*ri>, <1I*ri> pos n. def the brood of a bird of prey, esp. an eagle. eyrie 3. or aerie syl ey+rie pron <1i*ri>, <1e*ri>, <1I*ri> pos n. def any high isolated position or place. eyrir ety Old Norse: ounce (of silver), money; related to Latin aureus golden aurar infl head eyrir syl au:rar pron <1cira:> pos n. mod pl. eyrir 0. syl ey+rir pron <1Ari*> pos n. def an Icelandic monetary unit worth one hundredth of a krona. Hans Jurgen infl head Eysenck syl Hans J*"ur:gen pron <1jR:g*n> pos n. Eysenck 0. syl Ey:senck pron <1IzeGk> pos n. def born 1916, British psychologist, born in Germany, who developed a dimensional theory of personality that stressed the influence of heredity. Ezr alt head Ez or Ez syl Ezr. Ez 0. or Ezr syl Ez. qual Bible. abbrev. for def Ezra. Ezek 0. syl Ezek. qual Bible. abbrev. for def Ezekiel. Ezekiel 1. syl E:ze:ki:el pron pos n. qual Old Testament. def a Hebrew prophet of the 6th century #7b.c., exiled to Babylon in 597 #7b.c. Ezekiel 2. syl E:ze:ki:el pron pos n. qual Old Testament. def the book containing his oracles, which describe the downfall of Judah and Jerusalem and their subsequent restoration. Douay spelling: {E@.ze@.chi@.el}. Ezra 1. syl Ez:ra pron <1ezr*> pos n. qual Old Testament. def a Jewish priest of the 5th century #7b.c., who was sent from Babylon by the Persian king Artaxerxes I to reconstitute observance of the Jewish law and worship in Jerusalem after the captivity. Ezra 2. syl Ez:ra pron <1ezr*> pos n. qual Old Testament. def the book recount?!ing his efforts to perform this task. ********************************************************************** captivity. Ezra 3. syl Ez:ra pron <1ezr*> pos n. qual Old Testament. def the book recount?!ing his efforts to perform this task. ********************************************************************** F alt head f or f syl F pron pos n. f's infl head f syl f's pos n. mod pl. F's infl head f or Fs syl F's pos n. mod pl. Fs infl head f or F's syl Fs. pos n. mod pl. f 1. or F syl f pron pos n. def the sixth letter and fourth consonant of the modern English alphabet. f 2. or F syl f pron pos n. def a speech sound represented by this letter, usually a voiceless labio-dental fricative, as in f ety from Dutch: florin f 1. syl f qual symbol for:; Music. def forte: an instruction to play loudly. f 2. syl f qual symbol for:; Physics. def frequency. f 3. syl f qual symbol for: usage in the Netherlands def guilder. f 4. syl f qual symbol for:; Maths. def function (of). f 5. syl f qual symbol for:; Physics. def femto-. f infl or f syl f/ f infl or f syl f: f 0. syl f qual symbol for def f number. F alt head f or f syl F. f 1. or F syl f. qual abbrev. for: def female. f 2. or F syl f. qual abbrev. for:; Grammar. def feminine. f 3. or F syl f. qual abbrev. for:; Metallurgy. def fine. f 4. or F syl f. qual abbrev. for: def filly. ff infl head f or FF syl ff. mod pl. FF infl head f or ff syl FF. mod pl. f 5. or F syl f. qual abbrev. for: def folio. ff infl head f syl ff. mod pl. f 6. or F syl f. qual abbrev. for: def following (page). f 7. or F syl f. qual abbrev. for: def franc(s). f 8. or F syl f. qual abbrev. for:; Sport. def foul. F 1.a. syl F qual symbol for: def a note having a frequency of 349.23 hertz ({F above middle C}) or this value multiplied or divided by any power of 2; the fourth note of the scale of C major. F 2. syl F qual symbol for: def Fahrenheit. F 3. syl F qual symbol for: def Fellow. F 4. syl F qual symbol for:; Chem. def fluorine. F 5. syl F qual symbol for: def Helmholtz function. F 6. syl F qual symbol for:; Physics. def force. F 7. syl F qual symbol for: def farad(s). F 8. syl F qual symbol for:; Genetics. def a generation of filial offspring, F\1 being the first generation of offspring, F\2 being the second generation, etc. {~} F 9. syl F qual symbol for: usage international car registration for def France. F- 0. syl F- qual abbrev. for usage of U.S. military aircraft def fighter. exam 1 F-106. fa ety C14: see #7gamut fah alt head fa or fa syl fah pron fa 1. or fah syl fa pron qual Music. usage in the fixed system of solmization def the note F. fa 2. or fah syl fa pron qual Music. usage in tonic sol-fa def the fourth degree of any major scale; subdominant. FA 1. syl FA qual abbrev. for:; Military. def field artillery. FA 2. syl FA qual abbrev. for: usage in Britain def Football Association. See also {FA Cup}. FA alt head fa or fa syl F.A. fa 1. or FA syl f.a. qual abbrev. for: def freight agent. fa 2. or FA syl f.a. qual abbrev. for: def fanny adams. fab 0. syl fab pron pos adj. interj. qual Informal, chiefly Brit. def short for {fabulous}: an expression of approval or enthusiasm. fabaceous ety C18: from Late Latin fab*_aceus of beans, from Latin faba bean fabaceous 0. syl fa+ba+ceous pron pos adj. def a less common term for {legumi?!nous}. Peter Carl infl head Faberg'e syl Pe:ter Carl. pos n. Faberg'e 0. syl Fa:ber:g*'e pron <1f@b*2ZA> pos n. def 1846-1920, Russian gold?!smith, known for the golden Easter eggs and other ornate and fanciful objects that he created for the Russian and other royal families. Fabian ety C19: from Latin Fabi*_anus of Fabius Fabian 1. syl Fa+bi:an pron <1fAbi*n> pos adj. def of, relating to, or resembling the delaying tactics of Q. Fabius Maximus; cautious; circumspect. Fabian 2. syl Fa+bi:an pron <1fAbi*n> pos n. def a member of or sympathizer with the Fabian Society. Fabianism 0. syl Fa+bi+an+ism pron <1fAbi*2niz*m> pos n. def the beliefs, principles, or practices of the Fabian Society. &- {#!Fa+bi+an+ist} Fabian Society 0. syl Fa+bi:an So+ci+e:ty pos n. def an association of British socialists advocating the establishment of democratic socialism by gradual reforms within the law: founded in 1884. Fabius Maximus 0. syl Fa:bi:us Max:i:mus pron <1fAbi*s> <1m@ksim*s> pos n. def full name called (the delayer). died 203 #7b.c., Roman general and statesman. As commander of the Roman army during the Second Punic War, he withstood Hannibal by his strategy of harassing the Carthaginians while avoiding a pitched battle. fable ety C13: from Latin f*_abula story, narrative, from f*_ar*_i to speak, say fable 1. syl fa+ble pron <1fAbL> pos n. def a short moral story, esp. one with animals as characters. fable 2. syl fa+ble pron <1fAbL> pos n. def a false, fictitious, or improbable account; fiction or lie. fable 3. syl fa+ble pron <1fAbL> pos n. def a story or legend about supernatural or mythical characters or events. fable 4. syl fa+ble pron <1fAbL> pos n. def legends or myths collectively. fable 5. syl fa+ble pron <1fAbL> pos n. qual Archaic. def the plot of a play or of an epic or dramatic poem. fable 6. syl fa+ble pron <1fAbL> pos vb. def to relate or tell (fables). fable 7. syl fa+ble pron <1fAbL> pos vb. mod intr. def to speak untruthfully; tell lies. fable 8. syl fa+ble pron <1fAbL> pos vb. mod tr. def to talk about or describe in the manner of a fable. exam 1 ghosts are fabled to appear at midnight. fabler sub head fable syl fa+bler pos n. fabled 1. syl fa+bled pron <1fAbLd> pos adj. def made famous in fable. fabled 2. syl fa+bled pron <1fAbLd> pos adj. def fictitious. fabliau ety C19: from French: a little tale, from fable tale fabliaux infl head fabliau syl fab+li:aux pron <1f@bli2*uz>, French pos n. mod pl. fabliau 0. syl fab+li:au pron <1f@bli2*u>, French , French pos n. def a comic usually ribald verse tale, of a kind popular in France in the 12th and 13th centuries. Jean Henri infl head Fabre syl Jean Hen:ri pron pos n. Fabre 0. syl Fa:bre pron French <1fabr> pos n. def 1823-1915, French entomologist; author of many works on insect life, remarkable for their vivid and minute observation, esp. (1879-1907). Nobel prize for literature 1910. fabric ety C15: from Latin fabrica workshop, from faber craftsman fabric 1. syl fab+ric pron <1f@brik> pos n. def any cloth made from yarn or fibres by weaving, knitting, felting, etc. fabric 2. syl fab+ric pron <1f@brik> pos n. def the texture of a cloth. fabric 3. syl fab+ric pron <1f@brik> pos n. def a structure or framework. exam 1 the fabric of society. fabric 4. syl fab+ric pron <1f@brik> pos n. def a style or method of construction. fabric 5. syl fab+ric pron <1f@brik> pos n. qual Rare. def a building. fabric 6. syl fab+ric pron <1f@brik> pos n. def the texture, arrangement, and orientation of the constituents of a rock. fabricant 0. syl fab+ri+cant pron <1f@brik*nt> pos n. qual Archaic. def a manufacturer. fabricate ety C15: from Latin fabric*_are to build, make, from fabrica workshop; see #7fabric &- @!fab+ri+#!ca+tion n. &- #!fab+ri+ca+tive adj. fabricate 1. syl fab+ri+cate pron <1f@bri2kAt> pos vb. mod tr. def to make, build, or construct. fabricate 2. syl fab+ri+cate pron <1f@bri2kAt> pos vb. mod tr. def to devise, invent, or concoct (a story, lie, etc.). fabricate 3. syl fab+ri+cate pron <1f@bri2kAt> pos vb. mod tr. def to fake or forge. fabricator sub head fabricate syl fab+ri+2ca+tor pos n. Fabrikoid 0. syl Fab+ri+koid pron <1f@bri2kcid> pos n. qual Trademark. def a waterproof fabric made of cloth coated with pyroxylin. fabulist 1. syl fab:u+list pron <1f@bjulist> pos n. def a person who invents or recounts fables. fabulist 2. syl fab:u+list pron <1f@bjulist> pos n. def a person who lies or falsifies. fabulous ety C15: from Latin f*_abul*_osus celebrated in fable, from f*_abula #7fable fabulous 1. syl fab:u+lous pron <1f@bjul*s> pos adj. def almost unbelievable; astounding; legendary. exam 1 fabulous wealth. fabulous 2. syl fab:u+lous pron <1f@bjul*s> pos adj. qual Informal. def extremely good. exam 1 a fabulous time at the party. fabulous 3. syl fab:u+lous pron <1f@bjul*s> pos adj. def of, relating to, or based upon fable. exam 1 a fabulous beast. fabulously sub head fabulous syl fab:u+lous+ly pos adv. fabulousness sub head fabulous syl fab:u+lous+ness pos n. fac 1. syl fac. qual abbrev. for: def facsimile. fac 2. syl fac. qual abbrev. for: def factor. fac 3. syl fac. qual abbrev. for: def factory. facade ety C17: from French, from Italian facciata, from faccia #7face facade alt or facade syl fa+cade pron , pos n. facade 1. or facade syl fa+*,cade pron , pos n. def the face of a building, esp. the main front. facade 2. or facade syl fa+*,cade pron , pos n. def a front or outer appearance, esp. a deceptive one. face ety C13: from Old French, from Vulgar Latin facia (unattested), from Latin faci*_es form, related to facere to make face 1.a. syl face pron pos n. def the front of the head from the forehead to the lower jaw; visage. face 1.b. syl face pron pos n. usage as modifier def . exam 1 face flannel; exam 2 face cream. face 2.a. syl face pron pos n. def the expression of the countenance; look. exam 1 a sad face. face 2.b. syl face pron pos n. def a distorted expression, esp. to indicate disgust; grimace. exam 1 she made a face. face 3. syl face pron pos n. qual Informal. def make-up (esp. in the phrase {put one's face on}.) face 4. syl face pron pos n. def outward appearance. exam 1 the face of the countryside is changing. face 5. syl face pron pos n. def appearance or pretence (esp. in the phrases {put a bold, good, bad}, etc., {face on) }. face 6. syl face pron pos n. def worth in the eyes of others; dignity (esp. in the phrases {lose} or {save face}) . face 7. syl face pron pos n. qual Informal. def impudence or effrontery. face 8. syl face pron pos n. def the main side of an object, building, etc., or the front. exam 1 the face of a palace; exam 2 a cliff face. face 9. syl face pron pos n. def the marked surface of an instrument, esp. the dial of a timepiece. face 10. syl face pron pos n. def the functional or working side of an object, as of a tool or playing card. face 11.a. syl face pron pos n. def the exposed area of a mine from which coal, ore, etc., may be mined. face 11.b. syl face pron pos n. usage as modifier def . exam 1 face worker. face 12. syl face pron pos n. def the uppermost part or surface. exam 1 the face of the earth. face 13. syl face pron pos n. def Also called: {side}. any one of the plane surfaces of a crystal or other solid figure. face 14. syl face pron pos n. def either of the surfaces of a coin, esp. the one that bears the head of a ruler. face 15. syl face pron pos n. def Also called: {typeface}. face 15.a. syl face pron pos n. def the printing surface of any type character. face 15.b. syl face pron pos n. def the style, the design, or sometimes the size of the character on the type. face 15.c. syl face pron pos n. def the print made from the type. face 16. syl face pron pos n. qual Nautical, aeronautics. def the aft or near side of a propeller blade. face to face 17. head face syl face to face. def in confrontation. fly in the face of 18. head face syl fly in the face of. def to act in defiance of. in one's face 19. head face syl in one's face. def directly opposite or against one. in (the) face of 20. head face syl in (the) face of. def despite. look (someone) in the face 21. head face syl look (someone) in the face. def look directly at a person without fear or shame. on the face of it 22. head face syl on the face of it. def to all appearances. set one's face against 23. head face syl set one's face against. def to oppose with determination. show one's face 24. head face syl show one's face. def to make an appearance. to someone's face 25. head face syl to someone's face. def in someone's presence; directly and openly. exam 1 I told him the truth to his face. face 26. syl face pron pos vb. mod when; intr. usage often foll. by to, towards, or on def to look or be situated or placed (in a specified direction). exam 1 the house faces on the square. face 27. syl face pron pos vb. def to be opposite. exam 1 facing page 9. face 28. syl face pron pos vb. mod tr. def to meet or be confronted by. exam 1 in his work he faces many problems. face 29. syl face pron pos vb. mod tr. def to provide with a surface of a different material. exam 1 the cuffs were faced with velvet. face 30. syl face pron pos vb. def to dress the surface of (stone or other material). face 31. syl face pron pos vb. mod tr. def to expose (a card) with the face uppermost. face 32. syl face pron pos vb. qual Military, chiefly U.S. def to order (a formation) to turn in a certain direction or (of a formation) to turn as required. exam 1 right face&! face 33.a. syl face pron pos vb. usage of the referee def to drop (the puck) between two opposing players, as when starting or restarting play. See also {face-off}. face 33.b. syl face pron pos vb. def to start or restart play in this manner. face the music 34. head face syl face the music. qual Informal. def to confront the consequences of one's actions. {~} See also {face out, face up to}. faceable sub head face syl face+a:ble pos adj. face-ache 1. syl face-ache pos n. def neuralgia. face-ache 2. syl face-ache pos n. qual Slang. def an ugly or miserable-looking person. facebar 0. syl face+bar pron <1fAs2ba:> pos n. def a wrestling hold in which a wrestler stretches the skin on his opponent's face backwards. face card 0. syl face card pos n. def the usual U.S. term for {court card}. face-centred 0. syl face-cen:tred pos adj. usage of a crystal def having a lattice point at the centre of each face of each unit cell as well as at the corners. Compare {body-centred}. face cloth 0. syl face cloth pos n. def a flannel used to wash the face and hands. face-harden 0. syl face-hard:en pos vb. mod tr. def to harden the surface of (steel or iron) by the addition of carbon at high temperature. faceless 1. syl face+less pron <1fAslis> pos adj. def without a face. faceless 2. syl face+less pron <1fAslis> pos adj. def without identity; anonymous. facelessness sub head faceless syl face+less+ness pos n. face-lift 1. syl face-lift pos n. def cosmetic surgery for tightening sagging skin and smoothing unwanted wrinkles on the face. face-lift 2. syl face-lift pos n. def any improvement or renovation, as of a building, etc. face-off 1. syl face-off pos n. qual Ice hockey, etc. def the method of starting a game, in which the referee drops the puck, etc. between two opposing players. face off infl head face-off syl face off. pos adv. face-off 2. syl face-off pos vb. qual Ice hockey, etc. def to start play by (a face-off). face out 1. syl face out pos vb. adv. mod tr. def to endure (trouble). face out 2. syl face out pos vb. adv. mod tr. def to defy or act boldly in spite of (criticism, blame, etc.). face out 3. syl face out pos vb. adv. mod tr. def Also : {face down}. to cause to concede by a bold stare. face pack 0. syl face pack pos n. def a cream treatment that cleanses and tones the skin. faceplate 1. syl face+plate pron <1fAs2plAt> pos n. def a perforated circular metal plate, attached to the headstock of a lathe, on which a workpiece can be mounted. faceplate 2. syl face+plate pron <1fAs2plAt> pos n. def Also called: {surface plate}. a flat rigid plate used to check the the flatness and squareness of the faces of a component. face powder 0. syl face pow+der pos n. def a flesh-tinted cosmetic powder worn to make the face look less shiny, softer, etc. facer 1. syl fac+er pron <1fAs*> pos n. def a person or thing that faces. facer 2. syl fac+er pron <1fAs*> pos n. def a lathe tool used to turn a face perpendicular to the axis of rotation. facer 3. syl fac+er pron <1fAs*> pos n. qual Brit. informal. def a difficulty or problem. face-saving 0. syl face-sav:ing pos adj. def maintaining dignity or prestige. facet ety C17: from French facette a little #7face facet 1. syl fac+et pron <1f@sit> pos n. def any of the surfaces of a cut gemstone. facet 2. syl fac+et pron <1f@sit> pos n. def an aspect or phase, as of a subject or personality. facet 3. syl fac+et pron <1f@sit> pos n. qual Architect. def the raised surface between the flutes of a column. facet 4. syl fac+et pron <1f@sit> pos n. def any of the lenses that make up the compound eye of an insect or other arthropod. facet 5. syl fac+et pron <1f@sit> pos n. qual Anatomy. def any small smooth area on a hard surface, as on a bone. facets infl head facet or facets syl fac+ets pos vb. faceting infl head facet or facetting syl fac+et+ing pos vb. faceted infl head facet or facetted syl fac+et+ed pos vb. facetting infl head facet or faceting syl fac+et+ting pos vb. facetted infl head facet or faceted syl fac+et+ted. pos vb. facet 6. syl fac+et pron <1f@sit> pos vb. mod tr. def to cut facets in (a gemstone). facetiae ety C17: from Latin: jests, plural of fac*_etia witticism, from fac*_etus elegant facetiae 1. syl fa+ce:ti:ae pron pos n. mod pl. def humorous or witty sayings. facetiae 2. syl fa+ce:ti:ae pron pos n. mod pl. def obscene or coarsely witty books. facetious ety C16: from Old French facetieux, from facetie witty saying; see #7facetiae facetious 1. syl fa+ce:tious pron pos adj. def characterized by levity of attitude and love of joking. exam 1 a facetious person. facetious 2. syl fa+ce:tious pron pos adj. def jocular or amusing, esp. at inappropriate times. exam 1 facetious remarks. facetiously sub head facetious syl fa+1ce:tious+ly pos adv. facetiousness sub head facetious syl fa+1ce:tious+ness pos n. face up to 0. syl face up to pos vb. adv. +; prep. mod intr. def to accept (an unpleasant fact, reality, etc.). face validity 0. syl face va+lid+i:ty pos n. qual Psychol. def the extent to which a psychological test appears to measure what it is intended to measure. face value 1. syl face val:ue pos n. def the value written or stamped on the face of a commercial paper or coin. face value 2. syl face val:ue pos n. def apparent worth or value, as opposed to real worth. facia 0. syl fa+ci:a pron <1fASi*> pos n. def a variant spelling of {fascia}. facial sub head facia syl fa+ci:al pos adj. facial 1. syl fa+cial pron <1fAS*l> pos adj. def of or relating to the face. facial 2. syl fa+cial pron <1fAS*l> pos n. def a beauty treatment for the face, involving cleansing, massage, and cosmetic packs. facially sub head facial syl fa+cial+ly pos adv. facial angle 0. syl fa+cial an+gle pos n. def the angle formed between a line from the base of the nose to the opening of the ear and a line from the base of the nose to the most prominent part of the forehead: often used in comparative anthropology. facial index 0. syl fa+cial in+dex pos n. def the ratio of the length of the face to the width of the face multiplied by 100: often used in comparative anthropology. Compare {cranial index}. facial nerve 0. syl fa+cial nerve pos n. def the seventh cranial nerve, supplying the muscles controlling facial expression, glands of the palate and nose, and the taste buds in the anterior two-thirds of the tongue. -facient ety from Latin facient-, faci*_ens, present participle of facere to do -facient 0. syl -fa:cient usage suffix forming adjectives and nouns. def indicating a state or quality. exam 1 absorbefacient; exam 2 rubefacient. facies ety C17: from Latin: appearance, #7face facies infl syl fa+ci:es. pos n. mod pl. facies 1. syl fa+ci:es pron <1fASi2Ez> pos n. def the general form and appearance of an individual or a group of plants or animals. facies 2. syl fa+ci:es pron <1fASi2Ez> pos n. def the characteristics of a rock or series of rocks reflecting their appearance, composition, and conditions of formation. facies 3. syl fa+ci:es pron <1fASi2Ez> pos n. qual Med. def the general facial expression of a patient, esp. when typical of a specific disease or disorder. facile ety C15: from Latin facilis easy, from facere to do facile 1. syl fac+ile pron <1f@sIl> pos adj. def easy to perform or achieve. facile 2. syl fac+ile pron <1f@sIl> pos adj. def working or moving easily or smoothly. facile 3. syl fac+ile pron <1f@sIl> pos adj. def without depth; superficial. exam 1 a facile solution. facile 4. syl fac+ile pron <1f@sIl> pos adj. def relaxed in manner; easygoing. facilely sub head facile syl fac+ile+ly pos adv. facileness sub head facile syl fac+ile+ness pos n. facile princeps ety literally: easily first facile princeps 0. syl fac+ile prin+ceps pron Latin. <1f@sili> <1prinseps> pos n. def an obvious leader. facilitate 0. syl fa+cil:i+tate pron pos vb. mod tr. def to make easier; assist the progress of. facilitative sub head facilitate syl fa+1cil:i+ta+tive pos adj. facilitator sub head facilitate syl fa+1cil:i+2ta+tor pos n. facilitation 1. syl fa+cil:i+ta+tion pron pos n. def the act or process of facilitating. facilitation 2. syl fa+cil:i+ta+tion pron pos n. qual Physiol. def the increased ease of transmission of impulses in a nerve fibre, caused by prior excitation. facility ety C15: from Latin facilit*_as, from facilis easy; see #7facile facilities infl head facility syl fa+cil+i:ties. pos n. mod pl. facility 1. syl fa+cil+i:ty pron pos n. def ease of action or performance; freedom from difficulty. facility 2. syl fa+cil+i:ty pron pos n. def ready skill or ease deriving from practice or familiarity. facility 3. syl fa+cil+i:ty pron pos n. mod often; pl. def the means or equipment facilitating the performance of an action. facility 4. syl fa+cil+i:ty pron pos n. qual Rare. def easy-going disposition. facility 5. syl fa+cil+i:ty pron pos n. qual Military. def an organization or building offering supporting capability. facility 6. syl fa+cil+i:ty pron pos n. mod usually; pl. def a euphemistic word for {lavatory}. facing 1. syl fac+ing pron <1fAsiG> pos n. def a piece of material used esp. to conceal the seam of a garment and prevent fraying. facing 2. syl fac+ing pron <1fAsiG> pos n. mod usually; pl. def a piece of additional cloth, esp. in a different colour, the collar, cuffs, etc., of the jacket of a military uniform. facing 3. syl fac+ing pron <1fAsiG> pos n. def an outer layer or coat of material applied to the surface of a wall. facsimile ety C17: from Latin fac simile&! make something like it&!, from facere to make+ similis similar, like facsimile 1.a. syl fac+sim:i+le pron pos n. def an exact copy or reproduction. facsimile 1.b. syl fac+sim:i+le pron pos n. usage as modifier def . exam 1 a facsimile publication. facsimile 2. syl fac+sim:i+le pron pos n. def a telegraphic system in which a written, printed, or pictorial document is scanned photoelectrically, the resulting signals being transmitted and reproduced photographically after reception. facsimile 3. syl fac+sim:i+le pron pos n. def an image produced by this means. {~} {+les, +le+ing, +led}. facsimile 4. syl fac+sim:i+le pron pos n. mod tr. def to make an exact copy of. fact ety C16: from Latin factum something done, from factus made, from facere to make fact 1. syl fact pron pos n. def an event or thing known to have happened or existed. fact 2. syl fact pron pos n. def a truth verifiable from experience or observation. fact 3. syl fact pron pos n. def a piece of information. exam 1 get me all the facts of this case. fact 4. syl fact pron pos n. qual Law. (often pl. def an actual event, happening, etc., as distinguished from its legal consequences. Questions of fact are decided by the jury, questions of law by the court or judge. fafter 5. head fact or before the fact syl fafter qual Criminal law. def after (or before) the commission of the offence. exam 1 an accessory after the fact. in fact infl head fact syl in fact in point of fact infl head fact syl in point of fact. as a matter of fact 6. head fact syl as a matter of fact def in reality or actuality. fact of life 7. head fact syl fact of life. def an inescapable truth, esp. an unpleasant one. the fact of the matter 8. head fact syl the fact of the matter. def the truth. factful sub head fact syl fact+ful pos adj. factice 0. syl fac+tice pron <1f@ktis> pos n. def a soft rubbery material made by reacting sulphur or sulphur chloride with vegetable oil. faction ety C16: from Latin facti*_o a making, from facere to make, do faction 1. syl fac+tion pron <1f@kS*n> pos n. def a group of people forming a minority within a larger body, esp. a dissentious group. faction 2. syl fac+tion pron <1f@kS*n> pos n. def strife or dissension within a group. factional sub head faction syl fac+tion+al pos adj. factionalism sub head faction syl fac+tion+al+2ism pos n. factionalist sub head faction syl fac+tion+al+ist pos n. factious 0. syl fac+tious pron <1f@kS*s> pos adj. def given to, producing, or characterized by faction. factiously sub head factious syl fac+tious+ly pos adv. factiousness sub head factious syl fac+tious+ness pos n. factitious ety C17: from Latin fact*_icius, from facere to make, do factitious 1. syl fac+ti+tious pron pos adj. def artificial rather than natural. exam 1 factitious demands created by the mass media. factitious 2. syl fac+ti+tious pron pos adj. def not genuine; sham. exam 1 factitious enthusiasm. factitiously sub head factitious syl fac+1ti+tious+ly pos adv. factitiousness sub head factitious syl fac+1ti+tious+ness pos n. factitive ety C19: from New Latin factit*_ivus, from Latin factit*_are to do frequently, from facere to do factitive 0. syl fac+ti+tive pron <1f@ktitiv> pos adj. qual Grammar. def denoting a verb taking a direct object as well as a noun in apposition, as for example in where is the direct object and is the complement. factitively sub head factitive syl fac+ti+tive+ly pos adv. factor ety C15: from Latin: one who acts, from facere to do factor 1. syl fac+tor pron <1f@kt*> pos n. def an element or cause that contributes to a result. factor 2.a. syl fac+tor pron <1f@kt*> pos n. def one of two or more integers or polynomials whose product is a given integer or polynomial. exam 1 2 and 3 are factors of 6. factor 2.b. syl fac+tor pron <1f@kt*> pos n. def an integer or polynomial that can be exactly divided into another integer or polynomial. exam 1 1, 2, 3, and 6 are all factors of 6. factor 3. syl fac+tor pron <1f@kt*> pos n. def a person who acts on another's behalf, esp. one who transacts business for another. factor 4. syl fac+tor pron <1f@kt*> pos n. qual Commerce. def a business that makes loans in return for or on security of trade debts. factor 5. syl fac+tor pron <1f@kt*> pos n. def former name for a {gene}. factor 6. syl fac+tor pron <1f@kt*> pos n. qual Commercial law. def a person to whom goods are consigned for sale and who is paid a factorage. factor 7. syl fac+tor pron <1f@kt*> pos n. usage in Scotland def the manager of an estate. factor 8. syl fac+tor pron <1f@kt*> pos vb. mod intr. def to engage in the business of a factor. factorable sub head factor syl fac+tor+a:ble pos adj. factorability sub head factor syl fac+tor+a:1bil+i:ty pos n. factorship sub head factor syl fac+tor+2ship pos n. factorage 0. syl fac+tor+age pron <1f@kt*riJ> pos n. def the commission payable to a factor. factor analysis 0. syl fac+tor a:nal:y+sis pos n. qual Statistics. def any of several techniques for deriving from a number of given variables a smaller number of different, more useful, variables. factor cost 0. syl fac+tor cost pos n. usage in social accounting def valuation of goods and services at their overall commercial cost, including markups but excluding indirect taxes and subsidies. factorial 1. syl fac+to:ri:al pron pos n. qual Maths. def the product of all the positive integers from one up to and including a given integer. Factorial zero is assigned the value of one. exam 1 factorial four is 1 factorial 2. syl fac+to:ri:al pron pos adj. qual Maths. def of or involving factorials or factors. factorially sub head factorial syl fac+1to+ri+al+ly pos adv. factoring 0. syl fac+tor+ing pron <1f@kt*riG> pos n. def the business of a factor. factorise alt head factorize or factorize syl fac+tor+ise pron <1f@kt*2rIz> pos vb. mod tr. factorize 0. or factorise syl fac+tor+ize pron <1f@kt*2rIz> pos vb. mod tr. qual Maths. def to resolve (an integer or polynomial) into factors. factorization sub head factorize or factorisation syl fac+tor:i+1za+tion pos n. factorisation sub head factorize or factorization syl fac+tor:i+1sa+tion pos n. factor of production 0. syl fac+tor of pro+duc+tion pos n. def a resource or input entering the production of wealth, such as land, labour, capital, etc. Also called: {agent of production}. factor of safety 0. syl fac+tor of safe+ty pos n. def the ratio of the breaking stress of a material or structure to the calculated maximum stress when in use. Also called: {safety factor}. factory ety C16: from Late Latin factorium ; see #7factor factories infl head factory syl fac+to+ries. pos n. mod pl. factory 1.a. syl fac+to+ry pron <1f@kt*ri> pos n. def a building or group of buildings containing a plant assembly for the manufacture of goods. factory 1.b. syl fac+to+ry pron <1f@kt*ri> pos n. usage as modifier exam 1 a factory worker. factory 2. syl fac+to+ry pron <1f@kt*ri> pos n. qual Rare. def a trading station maintained by factors in a foreign country. factory-like sub head factory syl fac:to:ry-2like pos adj. factory farm 0. syl fac+to+ry farm pos n. def a farm in which animals are bred and fattened using modern industrial methods. factory farming sub head factory farm syl fac+to+ry farm+ing pos n. factory ship 0. syl fac+to+ry ship pos n. qual Whaling. def a vessel that processes whale carcasses supplied by a whale catcher. factotum ety C16: from Medieval Latin, from Latin fac&! do&!+ t*_otum, from t*_otus (adj.) all factotum 0. syl fac+to+tum pron pos n. def a person employed to do all kinds of work. facts and figures 0. syl facts and fig+ures pos n. mod pl. def details; precise information. facthe infl head facts of life syl facthe. pos n. facts of life 0. syl facts of life pos n. mod pl. def the details of sexual behaviour and reproduction, esp. as told to children. factual 1. syl fac+tu:al pron <1f@kCu*l> pos adj. def of, relating to, or characterized by facts. factual 2. syl fac+tu:al pron <1f@kCu*l> pos adj. def of the nature of fact; real; actual. factualism sub head factual syl fac+tu+al+ism pos n. factualist sub head factual syl fac+tu+al+ist pos n. factualistic sub head factual syl fac+tu+al+1is+tic pos adj. factually sub head factual syl fac+tu+al+ly pos adv. factualness sub head factual or factuality syl fac+tu+al+ness pos n. factuality sub head factual or factualness syl fac+tu+1al+i:ty pos n. facture ety C15: from Old French, from Latin fact*_ura facture 1. syl fac+ture pron <1f@kC*> pos n. qual Rare. def construction. facture 2. syl fac+ture pron <1f@kC*> pos n. qual Rare. def workmanship; quality. facula ety C18: from Latin: little torch, from fax torch faculae infl head facula syl fac:u+lae pron <-2lE> pos n. mod pl. facula 0. syl fac:u+la pron <1f@kjul*> pos n. def any of the bright areas on the sun's surface, usually appearing just before a sunspot and subject to the same 11-year cycle. facular sub head facula syl fac:u+lar pos adj. facultative 1. syl fac+ul+ta+tive pron <1f@kLt*tiv> pos adj. def empowering but not compelling the doing of an act. facultative 2. syl fac+ul+ta+tive pron <1f@kLt*tiv> pos adj. qual Philosophy. def that may or may not occur. facultative 3. syl fac+ul+ta+tive pron <1f@kLt*tiv> pos adj. qual Biology. def able to exist under more than one set of environmental conditions. exam 1 a facultative parasite can exist as a parasite or a saprophyte. facultative 4. syl fac+ul+ta+tive pron <1f@kLt*tiv> pos adj. def of or relating to a faculty. facultatively sub head facultative syl fac+ul+ta+tive+ly pos adv. faculty ety C14 (in the sense: department of learning): from Latin facult*_as capability; related to Latin facilis easy faculties infl head faculty syl fac+ul+ties. pos n. mod pl. faculty 1. syl fac+ul+ty pron <1f@kLti> pos n. def one of the inherent powers of the mind or body, such as reason, memory, sight, or hearing. faculty 2. syl fac+ul+ty pron <1f@kLti> pos n. def any ability or power, whether acquired or inherent. faculty 3. syl fac+ul+ty pron <1f@kLti> pos n. def a conferred power or right. faculty 4.a. syl fac+ul+ty pron <1f@kLti> pos n. def a department within a university or college devoted to a particular branch of knowledge. faculty 4.b. syl fac+ul+ty pron <1f@kLti> pos n. def the staff of such a department. faculty 4.c. syl fac+ul+ty pron <1f@kLti> pos n. qual Chiefly U.S. def all admini?!strative and teaching staff at a university, college, school, etc. faculty 5. syl fac+ul+ty pron <1f@kLti> pos n. def all members of a learned profession. faculty 6. syl fac+ul+ty pron <1f@kLti> pos n. qual Archaic. def occupation. Faculty of Advocates 0. syl Fac+ul+ty of Ad+vo+cates pos n. qual Law. def the college or society of advocates in Scotland. FA Cup 1. syl FA Cup pos n. usage Soccer. in England def an annual knockout competition for a silver trophy, open to all member teams of the Football Association. FA Cup 2. syl FA Cup pos n. usage Soccer. in England def the trophy itself. fad ety C19: of uncertain origin &- #!fad+dish or #!fad+dy adj. &- #!fad+dish+ness n. &- #!fad+dism n. fad 1. syl fad pron pos n. qual Informal. def an intense but short-lived fashion; craze. fad 2. syl fad pron pos n. qual Informal. def a personal idiosyncrasy or whim. faddist sub head fad syl fad+dist pos n. FAD 0. syl FAD pos n. qual Biochem. def flavin adenine dinucleotide: an ester of riboflavin with ADP that acts as the prosthetic group for many flavoproteins. See also {FMN}. Fadden 0. syl Fad:den pron <1f@dN> pos n. def Sir {Ar@.thur Wil@.liam}. 1895-1973, Australian statesman; prime minister of Australia (1941). fade ety C14: from fade (adj.) dull, from Old French, from Vulgar Latin fatidus (unattested), probably blend of Latin vapidus #7vapid+ Latin fatuus #7fatuous fade 1. syl fade pron pos vb. def to lose or cause to lose brightness, colour, or clarity. fade 2. syl fade pron pos vb. mod intr. def to lose freshness, vigour, or youth; wither. fade 3. syl fade pron pos vb. mod intr. usage usually foll. by away or out def to vanish slowly; die out. fade 4. syl fade pron pos vb. def to decrease the brightness or volume of (a television or radio programme or film sequence) or (of a television programme, etc.) to decrease in this way. fade 5. syl fade pron pos vb. mod intr. usage of the brakes of a vehicle def to lose power. fade 6. syl fade pron pos vb. def to cause (a golf ball) to veer from a straight line or (of a golf ball) to veer from a straight flight. fade 7. syl fade pron pos n. def the act or an instance of fading. fadable sub head fade syl fad+a:ble pos adj. fadedness sub head fade syl fad+ed+ness pos n. fader sub head fade syl fad+er pos n. fade-in 1. syl fade-in pos n. qual Films. def an optical effect in which a shot appears gradually out of darkness. fade-in 2. syl fade-in pos n. def a gradual increase in the volume in a radio or television broadcast. fade in infl head fade-in syl fade in pos adv. fade-in 3. syl fade-in pos vb. def Also: {fade up}. to increase or cause to increase gradually, as vision or sound in a film or broadcast. fadeless 0. syl fade+less pron <1fAdlis> pos adj. def not subject to fading. fade-out 1. syl fade-out pos n. qual Films. def an optical effect in which a shot slowly disappears into darkness. fade-out 2. syl fade-out pos n. def a gradual reduction in signal strength in a radio or television broadcast. fade-out 3. syl fade-out pos n. def a gradual and temporary loss of a received radio or television signal due to atmospheric disturbances, magnetic storms, etc. fade-out 4. syl fade-out pos n. def a slow or gradual disappearance. fade out infl head fade-out syl fade out. pos adv. fade-out 5. syl fade-out pos vb. def to decrease or cause to decrease gradually, as vision or sound in a film or broadcast. fadge ety C16: of uncertain origin fadge 1. syl fadge pron pos vb. mod intr. qual Archaic or Brit. dialect. def to agree. fadge 2. syl fadge pron pos vb. mod intr. qual Archaic or Brit. dialect. def to succeed. fading 0. syl fad+ing pron <1fAdiG> pos n. def a variation in the strength of received radio signals due to variations in the conditions of the transmission medium. fado ety literally: #7fate fado 0. syl fa:do pron Portuguese. <1fadu> pos n. def a type of melancholy Portuguese folk song. faeces ety C15: from Latin faec*_es, plural of faex sediment, dregs faena ety literally: task, from obsolete Catalan (modern feina) , from Latin facienda things to be done, from facere to do faena 0. syl fa+e:na pron Spanish. pos n. qual Bullfighting. def the matador's final series of passes with sword and cape before the kill. Faenza 0. syl Fa+en+za pron Italian pos n. def a city in N Italy, in Emilia-Romagna: famous in the 15th and 16th centuries for its majolica earthenware, esp. faience. Pop.: 54703 (1971). faery alt head faerie or faerie syl fa:e+ry pron <1fA*ri>, <1fe*ri> pos n. faeries infl head faerie syl fa:e+ries. pos n. mod pl. faerie 1. or faery syl fa:e+rie pron <1fA*ri>, <1fe*ri> pos n. qual Archaic or poetic. def the land of fairies. faerie 2. or faery syl fa:e+rie pron <1fA*ri>, <1fe*ri> pos n. qual Archaic or poetic. def enchantment. faerie 3. or faery syl fa:e+rie pron <1fA*ri>, <1fe*ri> pos adj. n. qual Archaic or poetic. def a variant spelling of {fairy}. Faroes alt head Faeroes or Faeroes syl Fa+roes pron <1fe*r*uz> pos n. mod pl. Faeroes 0. or Faroes syl Fae+roes pron <1fe*r*uz> pos n. mod pl. def a group of 21 basalt islands in the North Atlantic between Iceland and the Shetland Islands: a self-governing community within the kingdom of Denmark; fishing. Capital: Thorshavn. Pop.: 41000 (1975 est.). Area: 1400 sq. km (540 sq. miles). Also called: {Faeroe Islands} or {Faroe Islands}. Faroese alt head Faeroese or Faeroese syl Far:o+ese pron <2fe*r*u1Ez> pos adj. Faeroese 1. or Faroese syl Faer:o+ese pron <2fe*r*u1Ez> pos adj. def of, relating to, or characteristic of the Faeroes, their inhabitants, or their language. Faeroese 2. or Faroese syl Faer:o+ese pron <2fe*r*u1Ez> pos n. def the chief language of the Faeroes, closely related to Icelandic, although they are not mutually intelligible. Faeroese infl syl Faer:o+ese pos n. mod pl. Faeroese 3. or Faroese syl Faer:o+ese pron <2fe*r*u1Ez> pos n. def a native or inhabitant of the Faeroes. faff 0. syl faff pron pos vb. mod intr. qual Brit. informal. usage often foll. by about def to dither or fuss. Fafnir 0. syl Faf:nir pron <1f@fni*>, <1f@v-> pos n. qual Norse myth. def the son of Hreidmar, whom he killed to gain the cursed treasure of Andvari. He became a dragon and was slain by Sigurd while guarding the treasure. fag ety C18: of obscure origin fag H1.1. syl fag pron pos n. qual Informal. def a boring or wearisome task. exam 1 it's a fag having to walk all that way. fag H1.2. syl fag pron pos n. usage Brit. esp. formerly def a young public school boy who performs menial chores for an older boy or prefect. fags infl head fag syl fags pos vb. fagging infl head fag syl fag+ging pos vb. fagged infl head fag syl fagged. pos vb. fag H1.3. syl fag pron pos vb. mod when; tr. qual Informal. usage often foll. by out def to become or cause to become exhausted by hard toil or work. fag H1.4. syl fag pron pos vb. mod usually; intr. qual Brit. def to do or cause to do menial chores in a public school.. exam 1 Brown fags for Lee. fag ety C16 (in the sense: something hanging loose, flap): of obscure origin fag H2.1. syl fag pron pos n. qual Brit. def a slang word for {cigarette}. fag H2.2. syl fag pron pos n. def a fag end, as of cloth. fag H3.0. syl fag pron pos n. qual Slang, chiefly U.S. def short for {faggot} %2. fagaceous ety C19: from New Latin F*_ag*_aceae, from Latin f*_agus beech fagaceous 0. syl fa+ga+ceous pron pos adj. def of, relating to, or belonging to the a family of trees, including beech, oak, and chestnut, whose fruit is partly or wholly enclosed in a husk (cupule). fag end ety C17: see #7fag %2 fag end 1. syl fag end pos n. def the last and worst part, esp. when it is of little use. fag end 2. syl fag end pos n. qual Brit. informal. def the stub of a cigarette. faggot ety C14: from Old French, perhaps from Greek phakelos bundle faggot H1.1. syl fag+got usage esp. U.S. def a bundle of sticks or twigs, esp. when bound together and used as fuel. faggot H1.2. syl fag+got usage esp. U.S. def a bundle of iron bars, esp. a box formed by four pieces of wrought iron and filled with scrap to be forged into wrought iron. faggot H1.3. syl fag+got usage esp. U.S. def a ball of chopped meat, usually pork liver, bound with herbs and bread and eaten fried. faggot H1.4. syl fag+got usage esp. U.S. def a bundle of anything. {~} faggot H1.5. syl fag+got usage esp. U.S. def to collect into a bundle or bundles. faggot H1.6. syl fag+got qual Needlework. usage esp. U.S. def to do faggoting on (a garment, piece of cloth, etc.). faggot ety C20: special use of #7faggot %1 faggot H2.0. syl fag+got pron <1f@g*t> pos n. qual Slang, chiefly U.S. def a male homosexual. Often shortened to {fag}. faggoting 1. syl fag+got+ing usage esp. U.S. def decorative needlework done by tying vertical threads together in bundles. faggoting 2. syl fag+got+ing usage esp. U.S. def a decorative way of joining two hems by crisscross stitches. Fahr alt head Fah or Fah syl Fahr. Fah 0. or Fahr syl Fah. qual abbrev. for def Fahrenheit. fahlband ety C19: from German: pale band fahlband 0. syl fahl+band pron <1fa:l2b@nd> pos n. def a thin bed of schistose rock impregnated with metallic sulphides. Fahrenheit H1.0. syl Fahr+en+heit pron <1f@r*n2hIt> pos adj. def of or measured according to the Fahrenheit scale of temperature. Symbol: {F} Gabriel Daniel infl head Fahrenheit syl Ga:bri:el Da:ni:el pron <1ga:bri2A:l> <1da:njA:l> pos n. Fahrenheit H2.0. syl Fahr:en:heit pron German <1fa:r*n2hIt> pos n. def 1686-1736, German physicist, who in?!vented the mercury thermometer and devised the temperature scale that bears his name. Fahrenheit scale 0. syl Fahr+en+heit scale pos n. def a scale of temperatures in which 32?% represents the melting point of ice and 212?% represents the boiling point of pure water under standard atmospheric pressure. Compare {Celsius scale}. Fayal alt head Faial or Faial syl Fay+al pron Portuguese pos n. Faial 0. or Fayal syl Fai+al pron Portuguese pos n. def an island in the central Azores archipelago. Chief town: Horta. Area: 171 sq. km (66 sq. miles). faience ety C18: from French, strictly: pottery from F#7aenza faience 0.a. syl fa*"i+ence pron , pos n. def tin-glazed earthenware, usually that of French, German, Italian, or Scandinavian origin. faience 0.b. syl fa*"i+ence pron , pos n. usage as modifier exam 1 a fa*"ience cup. fail ety C13: from Old French faillir, ultimately from Latin fallere to disappoint; probably related to Greek ph*_elos deceitful fail 1. syl fail pron pos vb. def to be unsuccessful in an attempt (at something or to do something). fail 2. syl fail pron pos vb. mod intr. def to stop operating or working properly. exam 1 the steering failed suddenly. fail 3. syl fail pron pos vb. def to judge or be judged as being below the officially accepted standard required for success in (a course, examination, etc.). fail 4. syl fail pron pos vb. mod tr. def to prove dis?!appointing, undependable, or useless to (someone). fail 5. syl fail pron pos vb. mod tr. def to neglect or be unable (to do something). fail 6. syl fail pron pos vb. mod intr. def to prove partly or completely insufficient in quantity, duration, or extent. fail 7. syl fail pron pos vb. mod intr. def to weaken; fade away. fail 8. syl fail pron pos vb. mod intr. def to go bankrupt or become insolvent. fail 9. syl fail pron pos n. def a failure to attain the required standard, as in an examination. without fail 10. head fail syl without fail. def definitely; with certainty. failing 1. syl fail+ing pron <1fAliG> pos n. def a weak point; flaw. failing 2. syl fail+ing pron <1fAliG> pos prep. usage used to express a condition def in default of. exam 1 failing a solution this afternoon, the problem will have to wait until Monday. failingly sub head failing syl fail+ing+ly pos adv. faille ety C16: from French: head covering, hence, fabric used for this, of obscure origin faille 0. syl faille pron , French pos n. def a soft light ribbed fabric of silk, rayon, or taffeta. fail-safe 1. syl fail-safe pos adj. def able to return to a safe condition in the event of a failure or malfunction. fail-safe 2. syl fail-safe pos adj. usage of a nuclear weapon def capable of being deactivated in the event of failure or accident. failure 1. syl fail+ure pron <1fAlj*> pos n. def the act or an instance of failing. failure 2. syl fail+ure pron <1fAlj*> pos n. def a person or thing that is unsuccessful or disappointing. exam 1 the evening was a failure. failure 3. syl fail+ure pron <1fAlj*> pos n. def nonperformance of something required or expected. exam 1 failure to attend will be punished. failure 4. syl fail+ure pron <1fAlj*> pos n. def cessation of normal operation; breakdown. exam 1 a power failure. failure 5. syl fail+ure pron <1fAlj*> pos n. def an insufficiency or shortage. exam 1 a crop failure. failure 6. syl fail+ure pron <1fAlj*> pos n. def a decline or loss, as in health or strength. failure 7. syl fail+ure pron <1fAlj*> pos n. def the fact of not reaching the required standard in an examination, test, course, etc. failure 8. syl fail+ure pron <1fAlj*> pos n. def the act or process of becoming bankrupt or the state of being bankrupt. fain ety Old English f@agen; related to Old Norse fegiun happy, Old High German gifehan to be glad, Gothic fahehs joy; see #7fawn %2 fain 1. syl fain pron pos adv. qual Archaic. usage usually with would def willingly; gladly. exam 1 she would fain be dead. fain 2.a. syl fain pron pos adj. def willing or eager. fain 2.b. syl fain pron pos adj. def compelled. fain'eant ety C17: from French, modification of earlier fait-nient (he) does nothing, by folk etymology from Old French faignant shirker, from faindre to be lazy fain'eant 1. syl fai+n*'e+ant pron <1fAni*nt>, French pos n. def a lazy person; idler. fain'eant 2. syl fai+n*'e+ant pron <1fAni*nt>, French pos adj. def indolent. faineance sub head fain'eant or faineancy syl fai+ne+ance pos n. faineancy sub head fain'eant or faineance syl fai+ne+an+cy pos n. faint ety C13: from Old French, from faindre to be idle faint 1. syl faint pron pos adj. def lacking clarity, brightness, volume, etc.. exam 1 a faint noise. faint 2. syl faint pron pos adj. def lacking conviction or force; weak. exam 1 faint praise. faint 3. syl faint pron pos adj. def feeling dizzy or weak as if about to lose consciousness. faint 4. syl faint pron pos adj. def without boldness or courage; timid (esp. in the combination {faint-hearted) }. faint 5. syl faint pron pos vb. mod intr. def to lose consciousness, esp. momentarily, as through weakness. faint 6. syl faint pron pos vb. mod intr. qual Archaic or poetic. def to fail or become weak, esp. in hope or courage. faint 7. syl faint pron pos n. def a sudden spontaneous loss of consciousness, usually momentary, caused by an insufficient supply of blood to the brain. Technical name: {syncope}. fainter sub head faint syl faint+er pos n. faintingly sub head faint syl faint+ing+ly pos adv. faintish sub head faint syl faint+ish pos adj. faintishness sub head faint syl faint+ish+ness pos n. faintly sub head faint syl faint+ly pos adv. faintness sub head faint syl faint+ness pos n. faints 0. syl faints pron pos n. mod pl. def a variant spelling of {feints}. fair ety Old English f@ager; related to Old Norse fagr, Old Saxon, Old High German fagar, Gothic fagrs suitable fair H1.1. syl fair pron pos adj. def free from discrimination, dishonesty, etc.; just; impartial. fair H1.2. syl fair pron pos adj. def in conformity with rules or standards; legitimate. exam 1 a fair fight. fair H1.3. syl fair pron pos adj. usage of the hair or complexion def light in colour. fair H1.4. syl fair pron pos adj. def beautiful or lovely to look at. fair H1.5. syl fair pron pos adj. def moderately or quite good. exam 1 a fair piece of work. fair H1.6. syl fair pron pos adj. def unblemished; untainted. fair H1.7. syl fair pron pos adj. usage of the tide or wind def favourable to the passage of a vessel. fair H1.8. syl fair pron pos adj. def sunny, fine, or cloudless. fair H1.9. syl fair pron pos adj. qual Informal. usage prenominal def thorough; real. exam 1 a fair battle to get to the counter. fair H1.10. syl fair pron pos adj. def pleasant or courteous. fair H1.11. syl fair pron pos adj. def apparently good or valuable, but really false. exam 1 fair words. fair H1.12. syl fair pron pos adj. def open or unobstructed. exam 1 a fair passage. fair H1.13. syl fair pron pos adj. usage of handwriting, etc. def clear and legible. fair and square 14. head fair syl fair and square. def in a correct or just way. fair enough 15. head fair syl fair enough&! def an expression of agreement. fair to middling 16. head fair syl fair to middling. def about average. fair go 17. head fair syl fair go. qual Austral. def fair treatment or a fair chance. fair H1.18. syl fair pron pos adv. def in a fair way; correctly. exam 1 act fair, now&! fair H1.19. syl fair pron pos adv. def absolutely or squarely; quite. exam 1 the question caught him fair off his guard. fair H1.20. syl fair pron pos adv. qual Austral. def really or very. exam 1 fair tired. fair H1.21. syl fair pron pos vb. mod intr. usage Dialect. of the weather def to become fine and mild. fair H1.22. syl fair pron pos n. qual Archaic. def a person or thing that is beautiful or valuable, esp. a woman. fairness sub head fair syl fair+ness pos n. fair ety C13: from Old French feire, from Late Latin f*_eria holiday, from Latin f*_eriae days of rest: related to festus #7festal fair H2.1. syl fair pron pos n. def a travelling entertainment with sideshows, rides, etc., esp. one that visits places at the same time each year. fair H2.2. syl fair pron pos n. def a gathering of producers of and dealers in a given class of products to facilitate business. exam 1 a world fair. fair H2.3. syl fair pron pos n. def an event including sale of goods and amusements, esp. for a charity; bazaar. fair H2.4. syl fair pron pos n. def a regular assembly at a specific place for the sale of goods, esp. livestock. Fairbanks H1.0. syl Fair+banks pron <1fe*2b@Gks> pos n. def a city in central Alaska, at the terminus of the Alaska Highway. Pop.: 14771 (1970). Douglas 1. head Fairbanks syl Doug:las. def 1883-1939, U.S. film actor. Jnr infl head Fairbanks syl Jnr. Douglas 2. head Fairbanks syl Doug:las def born 1909, U.S. film actor, son of Douglas Fairbanks. fair copy 0. syl fair cop:y pos n. def a clean copy of a document on which all corrections have been made. Thomas infl head Fairfax syl Thom:as pos n. Fairfax 0. syl Fair:fax pron <1fe*f@ks> pos n. def 3rd Baron Fairfax. 1612-71, English general and statesman: commanded the Parliamentary army (1645-50), defeating Charles I at Naseby (1645). He was instrumental in restoring Charles II to the throne (1660). fair game 1. syl fair game pos n. def a legitimate object for ridicule or attack. fair game 2. syl fair game pos n. qual Hunting, archaic. def quarry that may legitimately be pursued according to the rules of a particular sport. fairground 0. syl fair+ground pron <1fe*2graund> pos n. def an open space used for a fair or exhibition. fair-haired boy 0. syl fair-haired boy pos n. def the usual U.S. name for {blue-eyed boy}. fairing ety C20: #7fair %1#7+ -#7ing %1 fairing H1.0. syl fair+ing pron <1fe*riG> pos n. def an external metal structure fitted around parts of an aircraft, car, vessel, etc., to reduced drag. Also called: {fillet}. Compare {cowling}. fairing H2.1. syl fair+ing pron <1fe*riG> pos n. qual Archaic. def a present, esp. from a fair. fairing H2.2. syl fair+ing pron <1fe*riG> pos n. def a sweet circular biscuit made with butter. fairish 1. syl fair+ish pron <1fe*riS> pos adj. def moderately good, well, etc. fairish 2. syl fair+ish pron <1fe*riS> pos adj. usage of the hair, complexion, etc. def moderately light in colour. Fair Isle ety C19: named after one of the Shetland Islands where the pattern originated Fair Isle 0. syl Fair Isle pos n. def an intricate multicoloured pattern knitted with Shetland wool into various garments, such as sweaters. fairleader alt head fairlead or fairlead syl fair+lead:er pos n. fairlead 0. or fairleader syl fair+lead pron <1fe*2lEd> pos n. qual Nautical. def a block or ring through which a line is rove to keep it clear of obstructions, prevent chafing, or maintain it at an angle. fairly 1. syl fair+ly pron <1fe*li> pos adv. usage not used with a negative def moderately. fairly 2. syl fair+ly pron <1fe*li> pos adv. def as deserved; justly. fairly 3. syl fair+ly pron <1fe*li> pos adv. usage not used with a negative def positively; absolutely. exam 1 the hall fairly rang with applause. fairly 4. syl fair+ly pron <1fe*li> pos adv. qual Archaic. def clearly. fairly 5. syl fair+ly pron <1fe*li> pos adv. qual Obsolete. def courteously. fair-minded 0. syl fair-mind:ed pos adj. def just or impartial. fair-mindedness sub head fair-minded syl fair-1mind:ed+ness pos n. fair play 1. syl fair play pos n. def an established standard of decency, honesty, etc. fair play 2. syl fair play pos n. def abidance by this standard. the infl head fair sex syl the. pos n. fair sex 0. syl fair sex pos n. def women collectively. fair-spoken 0. syl fair-spo:ken pos adj. def civil, courteous, or elegant in speech. fair-spokenness sub head fair-spoken syl fair-1spo:ken+ness pos n. fairway 0. syl fair+way pron <1fe*2wA> pos n. def Also called: {fair green}. fairway 1. syl fair+way pron <1fe*2wA> pos n. usage on a golf course def the areas of shorter grass between the tees and greens, esp. the avenue approaching a green bordered by rough. $D. fairway 1.a. syl fair+way pron <1fe*2wA> pos n. def the navigable part of a river, harbour, etc. fairway 1.b. syl fair+way pron <1fe*2wA> pos n. def the customary course followed by vessels. fair-weather 1. syl fair-weath:er pos adj. def suitable for use in fair weather only. fair-weather 2. syl fair-weath:er pos adj. def not reliable or present in situations of hardship or difficulty (esp. in the phrase {fair-weather friend}) . Mount infl head Fairweather syl Mount. pos n. Fairweather 0. syl Fair+weath:er pron <1fe*2weD*> pos n. def a mountain in W North America, on the border between Alaska and British Columbia. Height: 4596 m (15320 ft.). fairy ety C14: from Old French faerie fairyland, from feie fairy, from Latin F*_ata the Fates; see #7fate, fay %1 fairies infl head fairy syl fair:ies. pos n. mod pl. fairy 1. syl fair:y pron <1fe*ri> pos n. def an imaginary supernatural being, usually represented in diminutive human form and characterized as clever, playful, and having magical powers. fairy 2. syl fair:y pron <1fe*ri> pos n. qual Slang. def a male homosexual. fairy 3. syl fair:y pron <1fe*ri> pos adj. usage prenominal def of or relating to a fairy or fairies. fairy 4. syl fair:y pron <1fe*ri> pos adj. usage prenominal def resembling a fairy or fairies, esp. in being enchanted or delicate. fairy-like sub head fairy syl fair:y-2like pos adj. fairy cycle 0. syl fair:y cy+cle pos n. def a child's bicycle. fairyfloss 0. syl fair:y+floss pron <1fe*ri2flos> pos n. def the Australian word for {candyfloss}. fairy godmother 1. syl fair:y god+mo:ther pos n. def a character in certain fairy stories who brings unexpected benefits to the hero or heroine. fairy godmother 2. syl fair:y god+mo:ther pos n. def any benefactress, esp. an unknown one. fairyland 1. syl fair:y+land pron <1fe*ri2l@nd> pos n. def the imaginary domain of the fairies; an enchanted or wonderful place. fairyland 2. syl fair:y+land pron <1fe*ri2l@nd> pos n. def a fantasy world, esp. one resulting from a person's wild imaginings. fairy penguin 0. syl fair:y pen+guin pos n. def a small penguin, with a bluish head and back, found on the Australian coast. Also called: {little} or {blue penguin}. fairy ring 0. syl fair:y ring pos n. def a ring of dark luxuriant vegetation in grassy ground corresponding to the outer edge of an underground fungal mycelium: seasonally marked by a ring of mushrooms. fairy shrimp 0. syl fair:y shrimp pos n. def any small freshwater branchiopod crustacean of the genera etc., having a trans?!parent body with many appendages and habitually swimming on its back: order fairy swallow 0. syl fair:y swal+low pos n. usage sometimes cap. def a variety of domestic fancy pigeon having blue-and-white plumage and heavily muffed feet. story alt head fairy tale or fairy tale syl sto+ry pos n. fairy tale 1. or story syl fair:y tale pos n. def a story about fairies or other mythical or magical beings, esp. one of traditional origin told to children. fairy tale 2. or story syl fair:y tale pos n. def a highly improbable account. Feisal I alt head Faisal I or Faisal I syl Fei:sal I pron <1fIsL> pos n. Faisal I 0. or Feisal I syl Fai:sal I pron <1fIsL> pos n. def 1885-1933, king of Syria (1920) and first king of Iraq (1921-33). Feisal II alt head Faisal II or Faisal II syl Fei:sal II pos n. Faisal II 0. or Feisal II syl Fai:sal II pos n. def 1935-58, last king of Iraq (1939-58). fait accompli ety literally: accomplished fact faits accomplis infl head fait accompli syl faits ac+com+plis pron pos n. mod pl. fait accompli 0. syl fait ac+com+pli pron French. pos n. def something already done and beyond alteration. faites vos jeux 0. syl faites vos jeux pron French. , French. <1Z$o> def place your bets&! (a phrase used by croupiers in roulette and other casino gambling games). faith ety C12: from Anglo-French feid, from Latin fid*_es trust, confidence faith 1. syl faith pron pos n. def strong or unshakeable belief in something, esp. without proof or evidence. faith 2. syl faith pron pos n. def a specific system of religious beliefs. exam 1 the Jewish faith. faith 3. syl faith pron pos n. qual Christianity. def trust in God and in his actions and promises. faith 4. syl faith pron pos n. def a conviction of the truth of certain doctrines of religion, esp. when this is not based on reason. faith 5. syl faith pron pos n. def complete confidence or trust in a person, remedy, etc. faith 6. syl faith pron pos n. def any set of firmly held principles or beliefs. faith 7. syl faith pron pos n. def allegiance or loyalty, as to a person or cause (esp. in the phrases {keep faith, break faith) }. bad faith 8. head faith syl bad faith. def insincerity or dishonesty. good faith 9. head faith syl good faith. def honesty or sincerity, as of intention in business (esp. in the phrase {in good faith) }. faith 10. syl faith pron pos n. usage modifier def using, concerned with, or relating to the supposed ability to cure bodily ailments by means of religious faith. exam 1 a faith cure; exam 2 a faith healer. faith 11. syl faith pron pos interj. qual Archaic. def indeed; really (also in the phrases {by my faith, in faith) }. faithful 1. syl faith+ful pron <1fATful> pos adj. def having faith; remaining true, constant, or loyal. faithful 2. syl faith+ful pron <1fATful> pos adj. def maintaining sexual loyalty to one's lover or spouse. faithful 3. syl faith+ful pron <1fATful> pos adj. def consistently reliable. exam 1 a faithful worker. faithful 4. syl faith+ful pron <1fATful> pos adj. def reliable or truthful. exam 1 a faithful source. faithful 5. syl faith+ful pron <1fATful> pos adj. def accurate in detail. exam 1 a faithful translation. faithful 6.a. syl faith+ful pron <1fATful> pos adj. def the believers in and loyal adherents of a religious faith, esp. Christianity. faithful 6.b. syl faith+ful pron <1fATful> pos adj. def any group of loyal and steadfast followers. faithfully sub head faithful syl faith+ful+ly pos adv. faithfulness sub head faithful syl faith+ful+ness pos n. faithless 1. syl faith+less pron <1fATlis> pos adj. def unreliable or treacherous. faithless 2. syl faith+less pron <1fATlis> pos adj. def dishonest or disloyal. faithless 3. syl faith+less pron <1fATlis> pos adj. def having no faith or trust. faithless 4. syl faith+less pron <1fATlis> pos adj. def lacking faith, esp. religious faith. faithlessly sub head faithless syl faith+less+ly pos adv. faithlessness sub head faithless syl faith+less+ness pos n. faitour ety C14: from Anglo-French: cheat, from Old French faitor, from Latin: #7factor faitour 0. syl fai+tour pron <1fAt*> pos n. qual Obsolete. def an imposter. Fayum alt head Faiyum or Faiyum syl Fa+yum pron pos n. Faiyum 0. or Fayum syl Fai+yum pron pos n. def See {El Faiyum}. Faizabad 1. syl Faiz:a+bad pron <2fIz*1b@d> pos n. def a city in NE Afghanistan. Pop.: 65000 (1971 est.). Faizabad 2. syl Faiz:a+bad pron <2fIz*1b@d> pos n. def a variant spelling of {Fyzabad}. fake ety C19: of uncertain origin fake H1.1. syl fake pron pos vb. mod tr. def to cause (something inferior or not genuine) to appear more valuable, desirable, or real by fraud or pretence. fake H1.2. syl fake pron pos vb. def to pretend to have (an illness, emotion, etc.). exam 1 to fake a headache. fake H1.3. syl fake pron pos vb. def to improvise (music, stage dialogue, etc.). fake H1.4. syl fake pron pos n. def an object, person, or act that is not genuine; sham, counterfeit, or forgery. fake H1.5. syl fake pron pos adj. def not genuine; spurious. faker sub head fake syl fak+er pos n. fake ety Middle English faken infl head fake syl ~ pos vb. qual Nautical. fake H2.1. syl fake pron pos vb. mod tr. usage usually foll. by down def to coil (a rope) on deck. {~} fake H2.2. syl fake pron pos vb. def one round of a coil of rope. fakir ety C17: from Arabic faq*_ir poor faqir infl head fakir or fakeer syl fa+qir pron , <1fAk*> pos n. fakeer infl head fakir or faqir syl fa+keer pron pos n. fakir 1. syl fa+kir pron , <1fAk*> pos n. def a member of any religious order of Islam. fakir 2. syl fa+kir pron , <1fAk*> pos n. def a Hindu ascetic mendicant or holy man. fal la alt head fa-la or fa-la syl fal la pron pos n. fa-la 0. or fal la syl fa-la pron pos n. usage esp. in 16th-century songs def a refrain sung to the syllables Falange ety Spanish: #7phalanx &- Fa+#!lan+gist n., adj. Falange 0. syl Fa+lange pron <1f@l@nJ>, Spanish pos n. def the Fascist movement founded in Spain in 1933; the one legal party in Spain under the Franco regime. falbala ety C18: from French, from (dialect) ferbel*`a; see #7furbelow falbala 0. syl fal+ba+la pron <1f@lb*l*> pos n. def a gathered flounce, frill, or ruffle. falcate ety C19: from Latin falc*_atus, from falx sickle falciform alt head falcate or falcate syl fal+ci+form pron <1f@lsi2fc:m> pos adj. falcate 0. or falciform syl fal+cate pron <1f@lkAt> pos adj. qual Biology. def shaped like a sickle. falchion ety C14: from Italian falcione, from falce, from Latin falx sickle falchion 1. syl fal+chion pron <1fc:lC*n>, <1fc:lS*n> pos n. def a short and slightly curved medieval sword. falchion 2. syl fal+chion pron <1fc:lC*n>, <1fc:lS*n> pos n. def an archaic word for {sword}. falcon ety C13: from Old French faucon, from Late Latin falc*_o hawk, probably of Germanic origin; perhaps related to Latin falx sickle falcon 1. syl fal+con pron <1fc:lk*n>, <1fc:k*n> pos n. def any diurnal bird of prey of the family esp. any of the genus (gyrfalcon, peregrine falcon, etc.), typically having pointed wings and a long tail. falcon 2.a. syl fal+con pron <1fc:lk*n>, <1fc:k*n> pos n. def any of these or related birds, trained to hunt small game. falcon 2.b. syl fal+con pron <1fc:lk*n>, <1fc:k*n> pos n. def the female of such a bird (compare {tercel) }. falcon 3. syl fal+con pron <1fc:lk*n>, <1fc:k*n> pos n. def a light-medium cannon used from the 15th to 17th centuries. falconer 0. syl fal+con+er pron <1fc:lk*n*>, <1fc:k*-> pos n. def a person who breeds or trains hawks or who follows the sport of falconry. falconet 1. syl fal+con+et pron <1fc:lk*2net>, <1fc:k*-> pos n. def any of various small falcons, esp. any of the Asiatic genus falconet 2. syl fal+con+et pron <1fc:lk*2net>, <1fc:k*-> pos n. def a small light cannon used from the 15th to 17th centuries. falcon-gentle ety C14: from Old French faucon-gentil literally: noble falcon falcon-gentil alt head falcon-gentle or falcon-gentle syl fal:con-gen:til pos n. falcon-gentle 0. or falcon-gentil syl fal:con-gen:tle pos n. qual Falconry. def a female falcon, esp. a female peregrine falcon. falconiform 0. syl fal+con:i+form pron pos adj. def of, relating to, or belonging to the order which includes the vultures, hawks, eagles, buzzards, and falcons. falconine 1. syl fal+con+ine pron <1fc:lk*2nIn>, <1fc:k*-> pos adj. def of, relating to, or resembling a falcon. falconine 2. syl fal+con+ine pron <1fc:lk*2nIn>, <1fc:k*-> pos adj. def of, relating to, or belonging to the family which includes the falcons. falconry 1. syl fal+con+ry pron <1fc:lk*nri>, <1fc:k*n-> pos n. def the art of keeping falcons and training them to return from flight to a lure or to hunt quarry. falconry 2. syl fal+con+ry pron <1fc:lk*nri>, <1fc:k*n-> pos n. def the sport of causing falcons to return from flight to their trainer and to hunt quarry under his direction. falderol infl head falderal or folderol syl fal+de:rol pron <1f@ldi2rol> pos n. folderol infl head falderal or falderol syl fol+de:rol pron <1foldi2rol> pos n. falderal 1. syl fal+de:ral pron <1f@ldi2r@l> pos n. def a showy but worthless trifle. falderal 2. syl fal+de:ral pron <1f@ldi2r@l> pos n. def foolish non?!sense. falderal 3. syl fal+de:ral pron <1f@ldi2r@l> pos n. def a nonsensical refrain in old songs. faldstool ety C11 fyldestol, probably a translation of Medieval Latin faldistolium folding stool, of Germanic origin; compare Old High German faldstuol faldstool 0. syl fald+stool pron <1f*uld2stu:l> pos n. def a backless seat, sometimes capable of being folded, used by bishops and certain other prelates. Falerii 0. syl Fa+le:ri:i pron pos n. def an ancient city of S Italy, in Latium: important in pre-Roman times. Faliscan 0. syl Fa+lis+can pron pos n. def an ancient language of Italy, spoken in the area north of the Tiber. It was closely related to Latin, which displaced it before 200 #7b.c. Falkirk 0. syl Fal+kirk pron <1fc:lkR:k> pos n. def a town in Scotland, in the Central region: scene@T of@T Edward@T I's@T defeat@T of@T Wallace@T (1298)@T and @T Prince Charles Edward's defeat of General Hawley (1746); iron works. Pop.: 37587 (1971). Falkland Islands 0. syl Falk+land Is+lands pron <1fc:kl*nd> pos n. def a group of over 100 islands in the S Atlantic: a British crown colony. Chief town: Stanley. Pop.: 2045 (1970). Area: about 12200 sq. km (4700 sq. miles). Spanish name: {Islas Malvinas}. Falkland Islands Dependencies 0. syl Falk+land Is+lands De+pend+en+cies pos n. def a group of almost uninhabited islands south of the Falkland Islands: consisting of the South Sandwich Islands and South Georgia. Area: 4090 sq. km (1580 sq. miles). Falkner 0. syl Falk:ner pron <1fc:kn*> pos n. def a variant spelling of (William) {Faulkner}. fall ety Old English feallan; related to Old Norse falla, Old Saxon, Old High German fallan to fall; see #7fell %2 falls infl head fall syl falls pos vb. mod mainly; intr. falling infl head fall syl fall+ing pos vb. mod mainly; intr. fell infl head fall syl fell pos vb. mod mainly; intr. fallen infl head fall syl fall+en. pos vb. mod mainly; intr. fall 1. syl fall pron pos vb. mod mainly; intr. def to descend by the force of gravity from a higher to a lower place. fall 2. syl fall pron pos vb. mod mainly; intr. def to drop suddenly from an erect position. fall 3. syl fall pron pos vb. mod mainly; intr. def to collapse to the ground, esp. in pieces. fall 4. syl fall pron pos vb. mod mainly; intr. def to become less or lower in number, quality, etc.. exam 1 prices fell in the summer. fall 5. syl fall pron pos vb. mod mainly; intr. def to become lower in pitch. fall 6. syl fall pron pos vb. mod mainly; intr. def to extend downwards. exam 1 her hair fell to her waist. fall 7. syl fall pron pos vb. mod mainly; intr. def to be badly wounded or killed. fall 8. syl fall pron pos vb. mod mainly; intr. def to slope in a downward direction. fall 9. syl fall pron pos vb. mod mainly; intr. qual Christianity. def to yield to temptation or sin. fall 10. syl fall pron pos vb. mod mainly; intr. def to diminish in status, estimation, etc. fall 11. syl fall pron pos vb. mod mainly; intr. def to yield to attack. exam 1 the city fell under the assault. fall 12. syl fall pron pos vb. mod mainly; intr. def to lose power. exam 1 the government fell after the riots. fall 13. syl fall pron pos vb. mod mainly; intr. def to pass into or take on a specified condition. exam 1 to fall asleep; exam 2 fall in love. fall 14. syl fall pron pos vb. mod mainly; intr. def to adopt a despondent expression. exam 1 her face fell. fall 15. syl fall pron pos vb. mod mainly; intr. def to be averted. exam 1 her gaze fell. fall 16. syl fall pron pos vb. mod mainly; intr. def to come by chance or presumption. exam 1 suspicion fell on the butler. fall 17. syl fall pron pos vb. mod mainly; intr. def to occur; take place. exam 1 night fell; exam 2 Easter falls early this year. fall 18. syl fall pron pos vb. mod mainly; intr. usage of payments def to be due. fall 19. syl fall pron pos vb. mod mainly; intr. def to be directed to a specific point. fall 20. syl fall pron pos vb. mod mainly; intr. usage foll. by back, behind, etc. def to move in a specified direction. fall 21. syl fall pron pos vb. mod mainly; intr. def to occur at a specified place. exam 1 the accent falls on the last syllable. fall 22. syl fall pron pos vb. mod mainly; intr. usage foll. by to def to return (to); be inherited (by). exam 1 the estate falls to the eldest son. fall 23. syl fall pron pos vb. mod mainly; intr. usage often foll. by into, under, etc. def to be classified or included. exam 1 the subject falls into two main areas. fall 24. syl fall pron pos vb. mod mainly; intr. def to issue forth. exam 1 a curse fell from her lips. fall 25. syl fall pron pos vb. mod mainly; intr. usage of animals, esp. lambs def to be born. fall 26. syl fall pron pos vb. mod mainly; intr. qual Brit. dialect. def to become pregnant. fall 27. syl fall pron pos vb. mod tr. qual Austral. and dialect. def to fell (trees). fall 28. syl fall pron pos vb. mod mainly; intr. usage Cricket. of a batsman's wicket def to be taken by the bowling side. exam 1 the sixth wicket fell for 96. fall 29. syl fall pron pos vb. mod mainly; intr. qual Archaic. def to begin to do. exam 1 fall a-doing; exam 2 fall to doing. fall flat 30. head fall syl fall flat. def to fail to achieve a desired effect. fall 31.a. syl fall pron pos vb. mod mainly; intr. qual Nautical. def to come into collision with. fall 31.b. syl fall pron pos vb. mod mainly; intr. def to come into conflict with. fall 32.a. syl fall pron pos vb. mod mainly; intr. def to prove inadequate. fall 32.b. syl fall pron pos vb. mod mainly; intr. usage often foll. by of def to fail to reach or measure up to (a standard). fall 33. syl fall pron pos n. mod mainly; intr. def an act or instance of falling. fall 34. syl fall pron pos n. mod mainly; intr. def something that falls. exam 1 a fall of snow. fall 35. syl fall pron pos n. mod mainly; intr. qual Chiefly U.S. def autumn. fall 36. syl fall pron pos n. mod mainly; intr. def the distance that something falls. exam 1 a hundred-foot fall. fall 37. syl fall pron pos n. mod mainly; intr. def a sudden drop from an upright position. fall 38.a. syl fall pron pos n. mod mainly; intr. def a waterfall or cataract. fall 38.b. syl fall pron pos n. mod mainly; intr. usage cap. when part of a name exam 1 Niagara Falls. fall 39. syl fall pron pos n. mod mainly; intr. def a downward slope or decline. fall 40. syl fall pron pos n. mod mainly; intr. def a decrease in value, number, etc. fall 41. syl fall pron pos n. mod mainly; intr. def a decline in status or importance. fall 42. syl fall pron pos n. mod mainly; intr. def a moral lapse or failing. fall 43. syl fall pron pos n. mod mainly; intr. def a capture or overthrow. exam 1 the fall of the city. fall 44. syl fall pron pos n. mod mainly; intr. def a long false hairpiece; switch. fall 45. syl fall pron pos n. mod mainly; intr. def a piece of loosely hanging material, such as a veil on a hat. fall 46. syl fall pron pos n. mod mainly; intr. qual Machinery, nautical. def the end of a tackle to which power is applied to hoist it. fall 47. syl fall pron pos n. mod mainly; intr. qual Nautical. def one of the lines of a davit for holding, lowering, or raising a boat. fall 48. syl fall pron pos n. mod mainly; intr. def Also called: {pinfall}. a scoring move, pinning both shoulders of one's opponent to the floor for a specified period. fall 49.a. syl fall pron pos n. mod mainly; intr. def another word for {deadfall}. fall 49.b. syl fall pron pos n. mod mainly; intr. usage as modifier exam 1 a fall trap. fall 50.a. syl fall pron pos n. mod mainly; intr. def the birth of an animal. fall 50.b. syl fall pron pos n. mod mainly; intr. def the animals produced at a single birth. {~} See also {fall about, fall among, fall away, fall back, fall behind, fall down, fall for, fall in, fall off, fall on, fallout, fall over, fall through, fall to}. the infl head Fall syl the. pos n. Fall 0. syl Fall pron pos n. qual Theol. def Adam's sin of disobedience and the state of innate sinfulness ensuing from this for himself and all mankind. See also {original sin}. Manuel de infl head Falla syl Ma:nuel de pron pos n. Falla 0. syl Fal:la pron Spanish <1fa$ya> pos n. def 1876-1946, Spanish composer and pianist, composer of the opera (1905), the ballet (1919), guitar and piano music, and songs. fall about 0. syl fall a:bout pos vb. adv. mod intr. def to behave in an uncontrolled manner. exam 1 we fell about laughing when we saw him. fallacious 1. syl fal+la+cious pron pos adj. def containing or involving a fallacy; illogical; erroneous. fallacious 2. syl fal+la+cious pron pos adj. def tending to mislead. fallacious 3. syl fal+la+cious pron pos adj. def delusive or dis?!appointing. exam 1 a fallacious hope. fallaciously sub head fallacious syl fal+1la+cious+ly pos adv. fallaciousness sub head fallacious syl fal+1la+cious+ness pos n. fallacy ety C15: from Latin fall*_acia, from fallax deceitful, from fallere to deceive fallacies infl head fallacy syl fal+la+cies. pos n. mod pl. fallacy 1. syl fal+la+cy pron <1f@l*si> pos n. def an incorrect or misleading notion or opinion based on inaccurate facts or invalid reasoning. fallacy 2. syl fal+la+cy pron <1f@l*si> pos n. def unsound or invalid reasoning. fallacy 3. syl fal+la+cy pron <1f@l*si> pos n. def the tendency to mislead. fallacy 4. syl fal+la+cy pron <1f@l*si> pos n. qual Logic. def an error in reasoning that renders an argument logically invalid. fallal ety C18: perhaps based on #7falbala fallal 0. syl fal+lal pron pos n. def a showy ornament, trinket, or article of dress. fallalery sub head fallal syl fal+1lal+er:y pos n. fall among 0. syl fall a:mong pos vb. prep. mod intr. def to enter the company of (a group of people), esp. by chance. exam 1 he fell among thieves. fall away 1. syl fall a:way pos vb. adv. mod intr. usage of friendship, etc. def to be withdrawn. fall away 2. syl fall a:way pos vb. adv. mod intr. def to slope down. fall back 1. syl fall back pos vb. adv. mod intr. def to recede or retreat. fall back 2. syl fall back pos vb. adv. mod intr. usage foll. by on or upon def to have recourse (to). fall-back infl head fall back syl fall-back. pos n. fall back 3. syl fall back pos n. mod intr. def a retreat. fall back 4. syl fall back pos n. mod intr. def a reserve, esp. money, that can be called upon in need. fall behind 1. syl fall be+hind pos vb. adv. mod intr. def to drop back; fail to keep up. fall behind 2. syl fall be+hind pos vb. adv. mod intr. def to be in arrears, as with a payment. fall down 1. syl fall down pos vb. adv. mod intr. def to drop suddenly or collapse. fall down 2. syl fall down pos vb. adv. mod intr. qual Informal. usage often foll. by on def to prove unsuccessful; fail. fallen 1. syl fall+en pron <1fc:l*n> pos vb. def the past participle of {fall}. fallen 2. syl fall+en pron <1fc:l*n> pos adj. def having sunk in reputation or honour. exam 1 a fallen woman. fallen 3. syl fall+en pron <1fc:l*n> pos adj. def killed in battle with glory. exam 1 our fallen heroes. fallen 4. syl fall+en pron <1fc:l*n> pos adj. def defeated. fallen arch 0. syl fall+en arch pos n. def collapse of the arch formed by the instep of the foot, resulting in flat feet. faller 1. syl fall+er pron <1fc:l*> pos n. def any device that falls or operates machinery by falling, as in a spinning machine. faller 2. syl fall+er pron <1fc:l*> pos n. def one that falls, esp. a horse that falls at a fence in a steeplechase. faller 3. syl fall+er pron <1fc:l*> pos n. qual Austral. def a person who fells trees. fallfish infl or fallfishes syl fall+fish pos n. mod pl. fallfishes infl head fallfish or fallfish syl fall+fish:es. pos n. mod pl. fallfish 0. syl fall+fish pron <1fc:l2fiS> pos n. def a large North American freshwater cyprinid fish, resembling the chub. fall for 1. syl fall for pos vb. prep. mod intr. def to become infatuated with (a person). fall for 2. syl fall for pos vb. prep. mod intr. def to allow oneself to be deceived by (a lie, trick, etc.). fall guy 0. syl fall guy pos n. qual Informal, chiefly U.S. def a person who is the victim of a confidence trick. fallible ety C15: from Medieval Latin fallibilis, from Latin fallere to deceive fallible 1. syl fal+li:ble pron <1f@libL> pos adj. def capable of being mistaken; erring. fallible 2. syl fal+li:ble pron <1f@libL> pos adj. def liable to mislead. fallibility sub head fallible or fallibleness syl fal+li:1bil+i:ty pos n. fallibleness sub head fallible or fallibility syl fal+li:ble+ness pos n. fallibly sub head fallible syl fal+li:bly pos adv. fall in 1. syl fall in pos vb. adv. mod intr. def to collapse; no longer act as a support. fall in 2. syl fall in pos vb. adv. mod intr. def to adopt a military formation, esp. as a soldier taking his place in a line. fall in 3. syl fall in pos vb. adv. mod intr. usage of a lease def to expire. fall in 4. syl fall in pos vb. adv. mod intr. usage of land def to come into the owner's possession on the expiry of the lease. fall in 5.a. syl fall in pos vb. adv. mod intr. def to meet and join. fall in 5.b. syl fall in pos vb. adv. mod intr. def to agree with or support a person, suggestion, etc. fall in 6. syl fall in pos vb. adv. mod intr. qual Austral. def to make a mistake or come to grief. falling band 0. syl fall+ing band pos n. def a man's large flat collar, often lace-trimmed, worn during the 17th century. falling sicknevil alt head falling sickness or falling sickness syl fall+ing sick+ne:vil pos n. falling sickness 0. or falling sicknevil syl fall+ing sick+ness pos n. def a former name (nontechnical) for {epilepsy}. falling star 0. syl fall+ing star pos n. def an informal name for {meteor}. fall line 1. syl fall line pos n. qual Skiing. def the natural downward course between two points on a slope. fall line 2. syl fall line pos n. def the edge of a plateau. Fall Line 0. syl Fall Line pos n. def a natural junction, running parallel to the E coast of the U.S., between the hard rocks of the Appalachians and the softer coastal plain, along which rivers form falls and rapids. fall off 1. syl fall off pos vb. mod intr. def to drop unintentionally to the ground from (a high object, bicycle, etc.), esp. after losing one's balance. fall off 2. syl fall off pos adv. mod intr. def to diminish in size, intensity, etc.; decline or weaken. exam 1 business fell off after Christmas. fall off 3. syl fall off pos adv. mod intr. qual Nautical. def to allow or cause a vessel to sail downwind of her former heading. fall on 1. syl fall on pos vb. prep. mod intr. def Also: {fall upon}. to attack or snatch (an army, booty, etc.). fall flat on one's face 2. head fall on syl fall flat on one's face. def to fail, esp. in a ridiculous or humiliating manner. fall on one's feet 3. head fall on syl fall on one's feet. def to emerge unexpectedly well from a difficult situation. Fallopian tube ety C18: named after Gabriello Fallopio (1523-62), Italian anatomist who first described the tubes Fallopian tube 0. syl Fal+lo+pi:an tube pron pos n. def either of a pair of slender tubes through which ova pass from the ovaries to the uterus in female mammals. See {oviduct}. fallout 1. syl fall+out pron <1fc:l2aut> pos n. def the descent of solid material in the atmosphere onto the earth, esp. of radioactive material following a nuclear explosion. fallout 2. syl fall+out pron <1fc:l2aut> pos n. def any solid particles that so descend. {~} {fall out}. to quarrel or disagree. fallout 3. syl fall+out pron <1fc:l2aut> pos n. mod intr. def to happen or occur. fallout 4. syl fall+out pron <1fc:l2aut> pos n. qual Military. def to leave a parade or disciplinary formation. fall over 1. syl fall o:ver pos vb. adv. mod intr. def to lose one's balance and collapse to the ground. fall over 2. syl fall o:ver pos vb. adv. mod intr. def to fall from an upright position. exam 1 the vase fell over. fall over oneself 3. head fall over syl fall over oneself. def to do everything within one's power. exam 1 he fell over himself to be as helpful as possible. fallow ety Old English fealga; related to Greek polos ploughed field fallow H1.1. syl fal+low pron <1f@l*u> pos adj. usage of land def left unseeded after being ploughed and harrowed to regain fertility for a crop. fallow H1.2. syl fal+low pron <1f@l*u> pos adj. usage of an idea, state of mind, etc. def undeveloped or inactive, but potentially useful. fallow H1.3. syl fal+low pron <1f@l*u> pos n. def land treated in this way. fallow H1.4. syl fal+low pron <1f@l*u> pos vb. mod tr. def to leave (land) unseeded after ploughing and harrowing it. fallowness sub head fallow syl fal+low+ness pos n. fallow ety Old English fealu; related to Old Norse f*"olr, Old Saxon, Old High German falo, Latin pallidus Greek polios grey fallow H2.0. syl fal+low pron <1f@l*u> pos adj. def of a light yellowish-brown colour. fallow deer 0. syl fal+low deer pos n. def either of two deer, or native to the Mediterranean region and Persia respectively. The antlers are flattened and the summer coat is reddish with white spots. fall through 0. syl fall through pos vb. adv. mod intr. def to miscarry or fail. fall to 1. syl fall to pos adv. mod intr. def to begin some activity, as eating, working, or fighting. fall to 2. syl fall to pos prep. mod intr. def to devolve on (a person). exam 1 the task fell to me. fall to the ground 3. head fall to syl fall to the ground. usage of a plan, theory, etc. def to be rendered invalid, esp. because of lack of necessary information. Falmouth 0. syl Fal+mouth pron <1f@lm*T> pos n. def a port and resort in SW England, in S Cornwall. Pop.: 17883 (1971). false ety Old English fals, from Latin falsus, from fallere to deceive false 1. syl false pron pos adj. def not in accordance with the truth or facts. false 2. syl false pron pos adj. def irregular or invalid. exam 1 a false argument; exam 2 a false start. false 3. syl false pron pos adj. def untruthful or lying. exam 1 a false account. false 4. syl false pron pos adj. def not genuine, real, or natural; artificial; fake. exam 1 false eyelashes. false 5. syl false pron pos adj. def being or intended to be misleading or deceptive. exam 1 a false rumour; exam 2 a false alarm. false 6. syl false pron pos adj. def disloyal or treacherous. exam 1 a false friend. false 7. syl false pron pos adj. def based on mistaken or irrelevant ideas or facts. exam 1 false pride; exam 2 a false hope. false 8. syl false pron pos adj. usage pre?!nominal; esp. of plants def superficially resembling the species specified. exam 1 false hellebore. false 9. syl false pron pos adj. def serving to supplement or replace, often temporarily. exam 1 a false keel. false 10.a. syl false pron pos adj. usage of a note, interval, etc. def out of tune. false 10.b. syl false pron pos adj. usage of the interval of a perfect fourth or fifth def decreased by a semitone. false 10.c. syl false pron pos adj. usage of a cadence def interrupted or imperfect. false 11. syl false pron pos adv. def in a false or dishonest manner (esp. in the phrase {play (someone) false) }. falsely sub head false syl false+ly pos adv. falseness sub head false syl false+ness pos n. False Bay 0. syl False Bay pos n. def a bay in SW South Africa, near the Cape of Good Hope. false bedding 0. syl false bed+ding pos n. def another name for {cross bedding}. false-card 0. syl false-card pron <1fc:ls2ka:d> pos vb. mod intr. qual Bridge. def to play a misleading card, esp. a high loser, in order to deceive an opponent. false cirrus 0. syl false cir+rus pos n. def a type of thick cirrus cloud spreading from the top of a cumulonimbus cloud. false colours 1. syl false col+ours pos n. mod pl. def a flag to which one is not entitled, flown esp. in order to deceive. exam 1 the ship was sailing under false colours. false colours 2. syl false col+ours pos n. mod pl. def an assumed or misleading name or guise. exam 1 to trade under false colours. false dawn 0. syl false dawn pos n. def zodiacal light appearing just before sunrise. false fruit 0. syl false fruit pos n. def another name for {pseudocarp}. falsehood 1. syl false+hood pron <1fc:ls2hud> pos n. def the quality of being untrue. falsehood 2. syl false+hood pron <1fc:ls2hud> pos n. def an untrue statement; lie. falsehood 3. syl false+hood pron <1fc:ls2hud> pos n. def the act of deceiving or lying. false imprisonment 0. syl false im+pris+on+ment pos n. qual Law. def the restraint of a person's liberty without lawful authority. false keel 0. syl false keel pos n. def an extension to the keel of a vessel either for protecting the keel from damage or for reducing leeway. false position 0. syl false po+si+tion pos n. def a situation in which a person is forced to act or seems to be acting against his principles or interests. false pretences 1. syl false pre+tenc:es pos n. mod pl. qual Criminal law. def a former name for {deception} (see {obtaining by deception}) . false pretences 2. syl false pre+tenc:es pos n. mod pl. def a similar misrep?!resentation used to obtain anything, such as trust or affection (esp. in the phrase {under false pretences) }. false relation 0. syl false re+la+tion pos n. qual Music. def a harmonic clash that occurs when a note in one part sounds simultaneously with or immediately before or after its chromatically altered (sharpened or flattened) equivalent appearing in another part. Also called (esp. U.S.): {cross relation}. false ribs 0. syl false ribs pos n. mod pl. def any of the lower five pairs of ribs in man, attached behind to the thoracic vertebrae but in front not attached directly to the breastbone. See {floating rib}. false step 1. syl false step pos n. def an unwise action. false step 2. syl false step pos n. def a stumble; slip. false teeth 0. syl false teeth pos n. mod pl. def a denture, esp. a removable complete set of artificial teeth for one or both jaws. falsetto ety C18: from Italian, from falso #7false falsettos infl head falsetto syl fal+set+tos. pos n. mod pl. falsetto 0. syl fal+set+to pron pos n. def a form of vocal production used by male singers to extend their range upwards beyond its natural compass by limiting the vibration of the vocal cords. false vampire 0. syl false vam+pire pos n. def any large insectivorous bat of of the family of Africa, S and SE Asia, and Australia. They eat insects and small vertebrates but do not feed on blood. falsework 0. syl false+work pron <1fc:ls2wR:k> pos n. def a framework supporting something under construction. falsies 0. syl fal+sies pron <1fc:lsiz> pos n. mod pl. qual Informal. def pads of soft material, such as foam rubber, worn to exaggerate the size of or simulate the appearance of a woman's breasts. falsify ety C15: from Old French falsifier, from Late Latin falsific*_are, from Latin falsus #7false+ facere to make falsifies infl head falsify syl fal+si+fies pos vb. falsifying infl head falsify syl fal+si+fy+ing pos vb. falsified infl head falsify syl fal+si+fied. pos vb. falsify 1. syl fal+si+fy pron <1fc:lsi2fI> pos vb. mod tr. def to make (a report, evidence, accounts, etc.) false or inaccurate by alteration. falsify 2. syl fal+si+fy pron <1fc:lsi2fI> pos vb. def to render (the truth or facts) false or inaccurate in order to deceive; misrepresent; distort. falsify 3. syl fal+si+fy pron <1fc:lsi2fI> pos vb. mod tr. def to prove false; disprove or disappoint. falsifiable sub head falsify syl fal+si+2fi+a:ble pos adj. falsification sub head falsify syl fal+si+fi+ca+tion pron <2fc:lsifi1kAS*n> pos n. falsifier sub head falsify syl fal+si+2fi+er pos n. falsities infl head falsity syl fal+si:ties. pos n. mod pl. falsity 1. syl fal+si:ty pron <1fc:lsiti> pos n. def the state of being false or untrue. falsity 2. syl fal+si:ty pron <1fc:lsiti> pos n. def something false; a lie or deception. Falstaffian ety C19: after Sir John Falstaff, a character in Shakespeare's play Henry IV 1597-98 Falstaffian 0. syl Fal+staff:ian pron pos adj. def jovial, plump, and dissolute. Falster 0. syl Fal+ster pron <1fa:lst*> pos n. def an island in the Baltic Sea, part of SE Denmark. Chief town: Nyko@b/bing. Pop.: 44697 (1970). Area: 513 sq. km (198 sq. miles). faltboat ety German Faltboot, from falten to #7fold+ Boot #7boat faltboat 0. syl falt+boat pron <1f@lt2b*ut> pos n. def a collapsible boat made of waterproof material stretched over a light framework. falter ety C14: probably of Scandinavian origin; compare Ice?!landic faltrast falter 1. syl fal+ter pron <1fc:lt*> pos vb. mod intr. def to be hesitant, weak, or unsure; waver. falter 2. syl fal+ter pron <1fc:lt*> pos vb. mod intr. def to move unsteadily or hesitantly; stumble. falter 3. syl fal+ter pron <1fc:lt*> pos vb. def to utter haltingly or hesitantly; stammer. falter 4. syl fal+ter pron <1fc:lt*> pos n. def uncertainty or hesitancy in speech or action. falter 5. syl fal+ter pron <1fc:lt*> pos n. def a quavering or irregular sound. falterer sub head falter syl fal+ter+er pos n. falteringly sub head falter syl fal+ter+ing+ly pos adv. Falun 0. syl Fa+lun pron <2fa:1l^n> pos n. def a city in central Sweden: iron and pyrites mines. Pop.: 46846 (1970). fam 1. syl fam. qual abbrev. for: def familiar. fam 2. syl fam. qual abbrev. for: def family. FAM 0. syl F.A.M. qual abbrev. for def Free and Accepted Masons. See {Freemason}. Famagusta 0. syl Fa+ma+gu+sta pron <2f@m*1gust*> pos n. def a port in E Cyprus, on {Famagusta Bay}: became one of the richest cities in Christendom in the 14th century. Pop.: 38960 (1973). fame ety C13: from Latin f*_ama report; related to f*_ar*_i to say fame 1. syl fame pron pos n. def the state of being widely known or recognized; renown; celebrity. fame 2. syl fame pron pos n. qual Archaic. def rumour or public report. fame 3. syl fame pron pos vb. mod tr. usage now usually passive def to make known or famous; celebrate. exam 1 he was famed for his ruthlessness. fameless sub head fame syl fame+less pos adj. familial 1. syl fa+mil+i:al pron pos adj. def of or relating to the family. familial 2. syl fa+mil+i:al pron pos adj. def transmitted between individuals of a family. exam 1 a familial disease. familiar ety C14: from Latin famili*_aris domestic, from familia #7family familiar 1. syl fa+mil:i+ar pron pos adj. def well-known; easily recognized. exam 1 a familiar figure. familiar 2. syl fa+mil:i+ar pron pos adj. def frequent or customary. exam 1 a familiar excuse. familiar 3. syl fa+mil:i+ar pron pos adj. usage postpositive; foll. by with def acquainted. familiar 4. syl fa+mil:i+ar pron pos adj. def friendly; informal. familiar 5. syl fa+mil:i+ar pron pos adj. def close; intimate. familiar 6. syl fa+mil:i+ar pron pos adj. def more intimate than is acceptable; presumptuous. familiar 7. syl fa+mil:i+ar pron pos adj. def an archaic word for {familial}. familiar 8. syl fa+mil:i+ar pron pos n. def Also called: {familiar spirit}. a supernatural spirit often assuming animal form, supposed to attend and aid a witch, wizard, etc. familiar 9. syl fa+mil:i+ar pron pos n. def a person, attached to the household of the pope or a bishop, who renders service in return for support. familiar 10. syl fa+mil:i+ar pron pos n. def an officer of the Inquisition who arrested accused persons. familiar 11. syl fa+mil:i+ar pron pos n. def a friend or frequent companion. familiarly sub head familiar syl fa+1mil:i+ar+ly pos adv. familiarness sub head familiar syl fa+1mil:i+ar+ness pos n. familiarities infl head familiarity syl fa+mil:i+ar+i:ties. pos n. mod pl. familiarity 1. syl fa+mil:i+ar+i:ty pron pos n. def reasonable knowl?!edge or acquaintance, as with a subject or place. familiarity 2. syl fa+mil:i+ar+i:ty pron pos n. def close acquaintanceship or intimacy. familiarity 3. syl fa+mil:i+ar+i:ty pron pos n. def undue intimacy. familiarity 4. syl fa+mil:i+ar+i:ty pron pos n. mod some?!times; pl. def an instance of unwarranted intimacy. familiarise alt head familiarize or familiarize syl fa+mil+iar+ise pron pos vb. mod tr. familiarize 1. or familiarise syl fa+mil+iar+ize pron pos vb. mod tr. def to make (oneself or someone else) familiar, as with a particular subject. familiarize 2. or familiarise syl fa+mil+iar+ize pron pos vb. mod tr. def to make (something) generally known or accepted. familiarization sub head familiarize or familiarisation syl fa+2mil+iar:i+1za+tion pos n. familiarisation sub head familiarize or familiarization syl fa+2mil+iar:i+1sa+tion pos n. familiarizer sub head familiarize or familiariser syl fa+1mil+iar+2iz+er pos n. familiariser sub head familiarize or familiarizer syl fa+1mil+iar+2is+er pos n. Familist 0. syl Fam:i+list pron <1f@milist> pos n. def a member of the Family of Love, a mystical Christian religious sect of the 16th and 17th centuries based upon love. Familism sub head Familist syl Fam:i+lism pos n. famille ety C19: literally: family famille 0. syl fa+mille pron French. pos n. def a type of Chinese porcelain characterized either by a design on a background of yellow ({famille jaune}) or black ({famille noire}) or by a design in which the predominant colour is pink ({famille rose}) or green ({famille verte) }. family ety C15: from Latin familia a household, servants of the house, from famulus servant families infl head family syl fam:i+lies. pos n. mod pl. family 1.a. syl fam:i+ly pron <1f@mili>, <1f@mli> pos n. def a primary social group consisting of parents and their offspring, the principle function of which is provision for its members. family 1.b. syl fam:i+ly pron <1f@mili>, <1f@mli> pos n. usage as modifier exam 1 family quarrels; exam 2 a family unit. family 2. syl fam:i+ly pron <1f@mili>, <1f@mli> pos n. def one's wife or husband and one's children. family 3. syl fam:i+ly pron <1f@mili>, <1f@mli> pos n. def one's children, as distinguished from one's husband or wife. family 4. syl fam:i+ly pron <1f@mili>, <1f@mli> pos n. def a group of persons related by blood; a group descended from a common ancestor. Compare {extended family}. family 5. syl fam:i+ly pron <1f@mili>, <1f@mli> pos n. def all the persons living together in one household. family 6. syl fam:i+ly pron <1f@mili>, <1f@mli> pos n. def any group of related things or beings, esp. when scientifically categorized. family 7. syl fam:i+ly pron <1f@mili>, <1f@mli> pos n. qual Biology. def any of the taxonomic groups into which an order is divided and which contains one or more genera. (cat family) and (dog family) are two families of the order family 8. syl fam:i+ly pron <1f@mili>, <1f@mli> pos n. qual Ecology. def a group of organisms of the same species living together in a community. family 9. syl fam:i+ly pron <1f@mili>, <1f@mli> pos n. def a group of historically related languages assumed to derive from one original language. family 10. syl fam:i+ly pron <1f@mili>, <1f@mli> pos n. qual Chiefly U.S. def an independent local group of the Mafia. family 11. syl fam:i+ly pron <1f@mili>, <1f@mli> pos n. qual Maths. def a group of curves or surfaces whose equations differ from a given equation only in the values assigned to one or more constants in each curve. exam 1 a family of concentric circles. in the family way 12. head family syl in the family way. qual Informal. def pregnant. family allowance 0. syl fam:i+ly al+low+ance pos n. usage in Britain def a former name for {child benefit}. family Bible 0. syl fam:i+ly Bi+ble pos n. def a large Bible used for family worship in which births, marriages, and deaths are recorded. family circle 1. syl fam:i+ly cir+cle pos n. def members of a family regarded as a closed group. family circle 2. syl fam:i+ly cir+cle pos n. qual Chiefly U.S. def the cheap seating area in a theatre behind or above the dress circle. Family Compacthe 1. head Family Compact syl Fam:i+ly Com+pacthe. qual Canadian. def the ruling oligarchy in Upper Canada in the early 19th century. Family Compact 2. syl Fam:i+ly Com+pact pos n. qual Canadian. usage often not cap. def any influential clique. Family Division 0. syl Fam:i+ly Di+vi+sion pos n. qual Brit. law. def a division of the High Court of Justice dealing with divorce, the custody of and rights of access to children, etc. family doctor 0. syl fam:i+ly doc+tor pos n. def See {general practitioner}. family grouping 0. syl fam:i+ly group+ing pos n. def a system, used usually in the infant school, of grouping children of various ages together, esp. for project work. Also called: {vertical grouping}. family man 0. syl fam:i+ly man pos n. def a man who is married and has children, esp. one who is devoted to his family. family name 1. syl fam:i+ly name pos n. def a surname, esp. when regarded as representing the family honour. family name 2. syl fam:i+ly name pos n. def a first or middle name frequently used in a family, often originally a surname. family planning 0. syl fam:i+ly plan+ning pos n. def the control of the number of children in a family and of the intervals between them, esp. by the use of contraceptives. See also {birth control}. family skeleton 0. syl fam:i+ly skel+e:ton pos n. def a closely guarded family secret. family tree 0. syl fam:i+ly tree pos n. def a chart showing the genealogical relationships and lines of descent of a family. Also called: {genealogical tree}. famine ety C14: from Old French, via Vulgar Latin, from Latin fam*_es hunger famine 1. syl fam+ine pron <1f@min> pos n. def a severe shortage of food, as through crop failure or overpopulation. famine 2. syl fam+ine pron <1f@min> pos n. def acute shortage of anything. famine 3. syl fam+ine pron <1f@min> pos n. def violent hunger. famish ety C14: from Old French afamer, via Vulgar Latin, from Latin fam*_es #7famine famish 1. syl fam+ish pron <1f@miS> pos vb. usage now usually passive def to be or make very hungry or weak. famish 2. syl fam+ish pron <1f@miS> pos vb. qual Archaic. def to die or cause to die from starvation. famishment sub head famish syl fam+ish+ment pos n. famous ety C14: from Latin f*_am*_osus; see #7fame famous 1. syl fa+mous pron <1fAm*s> pos adj. def known to or recognized by many people; renowned. famous 2. syl fa+mous pron <1fAm*s> pos adj. qual Informal. def excellent; splendid. famous 3. syl fa+mous pron <1fAm*s> pos adj. qual Archaic. def of ill repute. famously sub head famous syl fa+mous+ly pos adv. famousness sub head famous syl fa+mous+ness pos n. famulus ety C19: from Latin: servant famuli infl head famulus syl fam:u+li pron <-2lI> pos n. mod pl. famulus 0. syl fam:u+lus pron <1f@mjul*s> pos n. usage formerly def the attendant of a sorcerer or scholar. fan ety Old English fann, from Latin vannus fan H1.1.a. syl fan pron pos n. def any device for creating a current of air by movement of a surface or number of surfaces, esp. a rotating device consisting of a number of blades attached to a central hub. fan H1.1.b. syl fan pron pos n. def a machine that rotates such a device. fan H1.2. syl fan pron pos n. def any of various hand-agitated devices for cooling onself, esp. a collapsible semicircular series of flat segments of paper, ivory, etc. fan H1.3. syl fan pron pos n. def something shaped like such a fan, such as the tail of certain birds. fan H1.4.a. syl fan pron pos n. def a kind of basket formerly used for winnowing grain. fan H1.4.b. syl fan pron pos n. def a machine equipped with a fan for winnowing or cleaning grain. fans infl head fan syl fans pos vb. mod mainly; tr. fanning infl head fan syl fan+ning pos vb. mod mainly; tr. fanned infl head fan syl fanned. pos vb. mod mainly; tr. fan H1.5. syl fan pron pos vb. mod mainly; tr. def to cause a current of air, esp. cool air, to blow upon, as by means of a fan. exam 1 to fan one's face. fan H1.6. syl fan pron pos vb. mod mainly; tr. def to agitate or move (air, smoke, etc.) with or as if with a fan. fan H1.7. syl fan pron pos vb. mod mainly; tr. def to make fiercer, more ardent, etc.. exam 1 fan one's passion. fan H1.8. syl fan pron pos vb. mod also; intr. usage often foll. by out def to spread out or cause to spread out in the shape of a fan. fan H1.9.a. syl fan pron pos vb. mod mainly; tr. def to fire (an automatic gun) continuously by keeping the trigger depressed. fan H1.9.b. syl fan pron pos vb. mod mainly; tr. def to fire (a nonautomatic gun) several times by repeatedly chopping back the hammer with the palm. fan H1.10. syl fan pron pos vb. mod mainly; tr. def to winnow (grain) by blowing the chaff away from it. fanlike sub head fan syl fan+like pos adj. fanner sub head fan syl fan+ner pos n. fan H2.1. syl fan pron pos n. def an ardent admirer of a pop star, film actor, football team, etc. fan H2.2. syl fan pron pos n. def a devotee of a sport, hobby, etc. Fanagalo ety C20: from Fanagalo fana ga lo, literally: do it like this; compare Zulu fana, be like, ka-lo of this Fanakalo alt head Fanagalo or Fanagalo syl Fan:a+ka+lo pos n. Fanagalo 0. or Fanakalo syl Fan:a+ga+lo pron <1f@n*g*l*u> pos n. def a pidgin language widely used in southern Africa, having English, Afrikaans, and Zulu components. fanatic ety C16: from Latin f*_an*_aticus belonging to a temple, hence, inspired by a god, frenzied, from f*_anum temple fanatic 1. syl fa+nat+ic pron pos n. def a person whose enthusiasm or zeal for something is extreme or beyond normal limits. fanatic 2. syl fa+nat+ic pron pos n. qual Informal. def a person devoted to a particular hobby or pastime; fan. exam 1 a jazz fanatic. fanatic 3. syl fa+nat+ic pron pos adj. def a variant of {fanatical}. fanatical 0. syl fa+nat:i+cal pron pos adj. def surpassing what is normal or accepted in enthusiasm for or belief in something; excessively or unusually dedicated or devoted. fanatically sub head fanatical syl fa+1nat:i+cal+ly pos adv. fanaticism 0. syl fa+nat:i+cism pron pos n. def wildly excessive or irrational devotion, dedication, or enthusiasm. fanaticise alt head fanaticize or fanaticize syl fa+nat:i+cise pron pos vb. fanaticize 0. or fanaticise syl fa+nat:i+cize pron pos vb. def to make or become fanatical. fan belt 0. syl fan belt pos n. def any belt that drives a fan, esp. the belt that drives a cooling fan together with a dynamo or alternator in a car engine. fancied 1. syl fan+cied pron <1f@nsid> pos adj. def imaginary; unreal. fancied 2. syl fan+cied pron <1f@nsid> pos adj. def thought likely to win or succeed. exam 1 a fancied runner. fancier 1. syl fan+ci+er pron <1f@nsi*> pos n. def a person with a special interest in something. fancier 2. syl fan+ci+er pron <1f@nsi*> pos n. def a person who breeds plants or animals, often as a pastime. exam 1 a bird fancier. fanciful 1. syl fan+ci+ful pron <1f@nsiful> pos adj. def not based on fact; dubious or imaginary. exam 1 fanciful notions. fanciful 2. syl fan+ci+ful pron <1f@nsiful> pos adj. def made or designed in a curious, intricate, or imaginative way. fanciful 3. syl fan+ci+ful pron <1f@nsiful> pos adj. def indulging in or influenced by fancy; whimsical. fancifully sub head fanciful syl fan+ci+ful+ly pos adv. fancifulness sub head fanciful syl fan+ci+ful+ness pos n. fancy ety C15 fantsy, shortened from fantasie; see #7fantasy fancier infl head fancy syl fan+ci+er pos adj. fanciest infl head fancy syl fan+ci+est. pos adj. fancy 1. syl fan+cy pron <1f@nsi> pos adj. def not plain; ornamented or decorative. exam 1 a fancy cake; exam 2 fancy clothes. fancy 2. syl fan+cy pron <1f@nsi> pos adj. def requiring skill to perform; intricate. exam 1 a fancy dance routine. fancy 3. syl fan+cy pron <1f@nsi> pos adj. def arising in the imagination; capricious or illusory. fancy 4. syl fan+cy pron <1f@nsi> pos adj. usage often used ironically def superior in quality or impressive. exam 1 a fancy course in business administration. fancy 5. syl fan+cy pron <1f@nsi> pos adj. def higher than expected. exam 1 fancy prices. fancy 6. syl fan+cy pron <1f@nsi> pos adj. usage of a domestic animal def bred for particular qualities. fancies infl head fancy syl fan+cies. pos n. mod pl. fancy 7. syl fan+cy pron <1f@nsi> pos n. def a sudden capricious idea; whim. fancy 8. syl fan+cy pron <1f@nsi> pos n. def a sudden or irrational liking for a person or thing. fancy 9. syl fan+cy pron <1f@nsi> pos n. def the power to conceive and represent decorative and novel imagery, esp. in poetry. Fancy was held by Coleridge to be more casual and superficial than imagination. See {{imagination} (sense 4)}. fancy 10. syl fan+cy pron <1f@nsi> pos n. def an idea or thing produced by this. fancy 11. syl fan+cy pron <1f@nsi> pos n. def a mental image. fancy 12. syl fan+cy pron <1f@nsi> pos n. def taste or judgment, as in art of dress. fancy 13. syl fan+cy pron <1f@nsi> pos n. def Also called: {fantasy, fantasia}. a composition for solo lute, keyboard, etc, current during the 16th and 17th centuries. the fancy 14. head fancy syl the fancy. qual Archaic. def those who follow a particular sport, esp. prize fighting. {~} {+cies, +cy+ing, +cied}. fancy 15. syl fan+cy pron <1f@nsi> pos n. def to picture in the imagination. fancy 16. syl fan+cy pron <1f@nsi> pos n. def to suppose; imagine. exam 1 I fancy it will rain. fancy 17. syl fan+cy pron <1f@nsi> pos n. usage often used with a negative def to like. exam 1 I don't fancy your chances&! fancy 18. syl fan+cy pron <1f@nsi> pos n. usage reflexive def to have a high or ill-founded opinion of oneself. exam 1 he fancied himself as a doctor. fancy 19. syl fan+cy pron <1f@nsi> pos n. qual Informal. def to have a wish for; desire. exam 1 she fancied some chocolate. fancy 20. syl fan+cy pron <1f@nsi> pos n. qual Brit. informal. def to be physically attracted to (another person). fancy 21. syl fan+cy pron <1f@nsi> pos n. def to breed (animals) for particular characteristics. fancy 22. syl fan+cy pron <1f@nsi> pos interj. def Also: {fancy that&}! an exclamation of surprise or disbelief. fancily sub head fancy syl fan+ci+ly pos adv. fanciness sub head fancy syl fan+ci+ness pos n. fancy dress 0.a. syl fan+cy dress pos n. def costume worn at masquerades, etc., usually representing a particular role, historical figure, etc. fancy dress 0.b. syl fan+cy dress pos n. usage as modifier exam 1 a fancy-dress ball. fancy-free 0. syl fan:cy-free pos adj. def having no commitments; carefree. fancy goods 0. syl fan+cy goods pos n. mod pl. def small decorative gifts; knickknacks. fancy man 1. syl fan+cy man pos n. qual Slang. def a woman's lover. fancy man 2. syl fan+cy man pos n. qual Slang. def a pimp. fancy woman 0. syl fan+cy wom+an pos n. qual Slang. def a mistress or prostitute. fancywork 0. syl fan:cy+work pron <1f@nsi2wR:k> pos n. def any ornamental needlework, such as embroidery or crochet. fan dance 0. syl fan dance pos n. def a dance in which large fans are manipulated in front of the body, partially revealing or suggesting nakedness. fandangle ety C19: perhaps from #7fandango fandangle 1. syl fan+dan+gle pron pos n. qual Informal. def elaborate ornament. fandangle 2. syl fan+dan+gle pron pos n. qual Informal. def nonsense. fandango ety C18: from Spanish, of uncertain origin fandangos infl head fandango syl fan+dan+gos. pos n. mod pl. fandango 1. syl fan+dan+go pron pos n. def an old Spanish courtship dance in triple time between a couple who dance closely and provocatively. fandango 2. syl fan+dan+go pron pos n. def a piece of music composed for or in the rhythm of this dance. fane ety C14: from Latin f*_anum fane 0. syl fane pron pos n. qual Archaic or poetic. def a temple or shrine. Amintore infl head Fanfani syl A:min:to:re pron pos n. Fanfani 0. syl Fan:fa:ni pron Italian pos n. def born 1908, Italian statesman; premier 1954, 1958-59, 1960-63. fanfare ety C17: from French, back formation from fanfarer to play a flourish on trumpets; see #7fanfaronade fanfare 1. syl fan+fare pron <1f@nfe*> pos n. def a flourish or short tune played on brass instruments, used as a military signal, at a ceremonial event, etc. fanfare 2. syl fan+fare pron <1f@nfe*> pos n. def an ostentatious flourish or display. fanfaronade ety C17: via French from Spanish fanfaronada, from fanfarron boaster, from Arabic farf*_ar garrulous fanfaronade 0. syl fan+fa+ro+nade pron <2f@nf*r*1na:d> pos n. qual Rare. def boasting or flaunting behaviour; bluster. fang ety Old English fang what is caught, prey; related to Old Norse fang a grip, German Fang booty fang 1. syl fang pron pos n. def the long pointed hollow or grooved tooth of a venomous snake through which venom is injected. fang 2. syl fang pron pos n. def any large pointed tooth, esp. the canine or carnassial tooth of a carnivorous mammal. fang 3. syl fang pron pos n. def the root of a tooth. fang 4. syl fang pron pos n. mod usually; pl. qual Brit. informal. def tooth. exam 1 clean your fangs. fanged sub head fang syl fanged pos adj. fangless sub head fang syl fang+less pos adj. fanglike sub head fang syl fang+2like pos adj. Fang 1. or Fangs syl Fang pron , pos n. mod pl. def a member of a Negroid people of W Africa, living chiefly in the rain forests of Gabon and Rio Muni: noted for their use of iron and copper money and for their sculpture. Fang 2. syl Fang pron , pos n. def the language of this people, belonging to the Bantu group of the Niger-Congo family. Juan Manuel infl head Fangio syl Juan Ma:nuel pron <$xwan ma1nwAl). born 1911, ArgAntinian racing drivAr who won thA World Championship fivA timAs bAtwAAn 1951 and 1957> pos n. fango ety from Italian fango 0. syl fan+go pron <1f@Gg*u> pos n. def mud from thermal springs in Italy, used in the treatment of rheumatic disease. fan heater 0. syl fan heat+er pos n. def a space heater consisting of an electrically heated element with an electrically driven fan to disperse the heat by forced convection. fanion ety C18: from French, from fanon maniple, of Germanic origin fanion 0. syl fan+ion pron <1f@nj*n> pos n. def a small flag used by surveyors to mark stations. fanjet 0. syl fan+jet pron <1f@n2Jet> pos n. def another name for {{turbofan} (senses 1, 2)}. fankle ety from fank a coil of rope, from fang an obsolete variant of #7vang fankle 0. syl fan+kle pron <1f@GkL> pos vb. mod tr. qual Scot. dialect. def to entangle. fanlight 1. syl fan+light pron <1f@n2lIt> pos n. def a semicircular window over a door or window, often having sash bars like the ribs of a fan. fanlight 2. syl fan+light pron <1f@n2lIt> pos n. def a small rectangular window over a door. U.S name: {transom}. fanlight 3. syl fan+light pron <1f@n2lIt> pos n. def another name for {skylight}. fan mail 0. syl fan mail pos n. def mail sent to a famous person, such as a pop musician or film star, by admirers. fanny ety C20: perhaps from Fanny, pet name from Frances fannies infl head fanny syl fan+nies. pos n. mod pl. fanny 1. syl fan+ny pron <1f@ni> pos n. qual Slang.; Taboo, Brit. def the female pudendum. fanny 2. syl fan+ny pron <1f@ni> pos n. qual Slang.; Chiefly U.S. def the buttocks. fanny adams ety C19: from the name of a young murder victim whose body was cut up into small pieces. For sense 1: a euphemism for fuck all fanny adams 1. syl fan+ny ad+ams pos n. qual Brit. slang. usage usually preceded by sweet def absolutely nothing at all. Often shortened to {f.a}. fanny adams 2. syl fan+ny ad+ams pos n. qual Brit. slang. usage Chiefly nautical. formerly def tinned meat, esp. mutton. fanon ety Middle English, of Germanic origin; related to Old High German fano cloth fanon 1. syl fan+on pron <1f@n*n> pos n. qual R.C. Church. def a collar-shaped vestment worn by the pope when celebrating mass. fanon 2. syl fan+on pron <1f@n*n> pos n. qual R.C. Church. usage formerly def various pieces of embroidered fabric used in the liturgy. fan palm 0. syl fan palm pos n. def any of various palm trees, such as the talipot and palmetto, that have fan-shaped leaves. Compare {feather palm}. fantail 1. syl fan+tail pron <1f@n2tAl> pos n. def a breed of domestic pigeon having a large tail that can be opened like a fan. fantail 2. syl fan+tail pron <1f@n2tAl> pos n. def any Old World flycatcher of the genus of Australia and SE Asia, having a broad fan-shaped tail. fantail 3. syl fan+tail pron <1f@n2tAl> pos n. def a tail shaped like an outspread fan. fantail 4. syl fan+tail pron <1f@n2tAl> pos n. qual Architect. def a part or structure having a number of components radiating from a common centre. fantail 5. syl fan+tail pron <1f@n2tAl> pos n. def a burner that ejects fuel to produce a wide flat flame in a lamp or furnace. fantail 6. syl fan+tail pron <1f@n2tAl> pos n. def a flat jet of air and coal dust projected into the air stream of a pulverized-coal furnace. fantail 7. syl fan+tail pron <1f@n2tAl> pos n. def an auxiliary sail on the upper portion of a windmill that turns the mill to face the wind. fantail 8. syl fan+tail pron <1f@n2tAl> pos n. qual U.S. def a curved part of the deck projecting aft of the sternpost of a ship. fan-tailed sub head fantail syl fan-2tailed pos adj. fan-tan ety C19: from Chinese (Cantonese) fan t'an repeated divisions, from fan times+ t'an division fan-tan 1. syl fan-tan pos n. def a Chinese gambling game in which a random number of counters are placed under a bowl and wagers laid on how many will remain after they have been divided by four. fan-tan 2. syl fan-tan pos n. def a card game played in sequence, the winner being the first to use up all his cards. fantasia ety C18: from Italian: fancy; see #7fantasy fantasia 1. syl fan+ta+si:a pron , <2f@nt*1zi*> pos n. def any musical composition of a free or improvisatory nature. fantasia 2. syl fan+ta+si:a pron , <2f@nt*1zi*> pos n. def a potpourri of popular tunes woven freely into a loosely bound composition. fantasia 3. syl fan+ta+si:a pron , <2f@nt*1zi*> pos n. def another word for {{fancy} (sense 13)}. fantasise alt head fantasize or fantasize syl fan+ta+sise pron <1f@nt*2sIz> pos vb. fantasize 1. or fantasise syl fan+ta+size pron <1f@nt*2sIz> pos vb. mod when; tr. usage takes a clause as object def to conceive extravagant or whimsical ideas, images, etc. fantasize 2. or fantasise syl fan+ta+size pron <1f@nt*2sIz> pos vb. mod intr. def to conceive pleasant or satisfying mental images. fantasm 0. syl fan+tasm pron <1f@nt@z*m> pos n. def an archaic spelling of {phantasm}. fantasmal sub head fantasm or fantasmic syl fan+1tas+mal pos adj. fantasmic sub head fantasm or fantasmal syl fan+1tas+mic pos adj. fantasmally sub head fantasm or fantasmically syl fan+1tas+mal+ly pos adv. fantasmically sub head fantasm or fantasmally syl fan+1tas+mi+cal+ly pos adv. fantast ety C16: from German Phantast, from Greek phantast*_es boaster; English word influenced in meaning by #7fantastic fantast 0. syl fan+tast pron <1f@nt@st> pos n. def a dreamer or visionary. fantastic ety C14 fantastik imaginary, via Late Latin from Greek phantastikos capable of imagining, from phantazein to make visible &- @!fan+tas+ti+#!cal+i@.ty or fan+#!tas+ti+cal+ness n. fantastic 1. syl fan+tas+tic pron pos adj. usage also def strange, weird, or fanciful in appearance, conception, etc. fantastic 2. syl fan+tas+tic pron pos adj. usage also def created in the mind; illusory. fantastic 3. syl fan+tas+tic pron pos adj. usage also def extravagantly fanciful; unrealistic. exam 1 fantastic plans. fantastic 4. syl fan+tas+tic pron pos adj. usage also def incredible or preposterous; absurd. exam 1 a fantastic verdict. fantastic 5. syl fan+tas+tic pron pos adj. qual Informal. usage also def very large or extreme; great. exam 1 a fantastic fortune; exam 2 he suffered fantastic pain. fantastic 6. syl fan+tas+tic pron pos adj. qual Informal. usage also def very good; excellent. fantastic 7. syl fan+tas+tic pron pos adj. usage also def of, given to, or characterized by fantasy. fantastic 8. syl fan+tas+tic pron pos adj. usage also def not constant; capricious; fitful. exam 1 given to fantastic moods. fantastic 9. syl fan+tas+tic pron pos n. qual Archaic. usage also def a person who dresses or behaves eccentrically. fantastically 1. syl fan+tas+ti+cal+ly pron pos adv. def in a fantastic manner. fantasy ety C14 fantasie, from Latin phantasia, from Greek phantazein to make visible phantasy alt head fantasy or fantasy syl phan+ta+sy pron <1f@nt*si> pos n. fantasies infl head fantasy syl fan+ta+sies. pos n. mod pl. fantasy 1.a. or phantasy syl fan+ta+sy pron <1f@nt*si> pos n. def imagination unrestricted by reality. fantasy 1.b. or phantasy syl fan+ta+sy pron <1f@nt*si> pos n. usage as modifier exam 1 a fantasy world. fantasy 2. or phantasy syl fan+ta+sy pron <1f@nt*si> pos n. def a creation of the imagination, esp. a weird or bizarre one. fantasy 3.a. or phantasy syl fan+ta+sy pron <1f@nt*si> pos n. def a series of pleasing mental images, usually serving to fulfil a need not gratified in reality. fantasy 3.b. or phantasy syl fan+ta+sy pron <1f@nt*si> pos n. def the activity of forming such images. fantasy 4. or phantasy syl fan+ta+sy pron <1f@nt*si> pos n. def a whimsical or far-fetched notion. fantasy 5. or phantasy syl fan+ta+sy pron <1f@nt*si> pos n. def an illusion, hallucination, or phantom. fantasy 6. or phantasy syl fan+ta+sy pron <1f@nt*si> pos n. def a highly elaborate imaginative design or creation. fantasy 7. or phantasy syl fan+ta+sy pron <1f@nt*si> pos n. qual Music. def another word for {{fantasia} (senses 1, 2)}, { {fancy} (sense 13)}, or (rare) {{development} (sense 5)}. fantasy 8.a. or phantasy syl fan+ta+sy pron <1f@nt*si> pos n. def literature having a large fantasy content. fantasy 8.b. or phantasy syl fan+ta+sy pron <1f@nt*si> pos n. def a prose or dramatic composition of this type. fantasies infl head fantasy syl fan+ta+sies pos vb. fantasying infl head fantasy syl fan+ta+sy+ing pos vb. fantasied infl head fantasy syl fan+ta+sied. pos vb. fantasy 9. or phantasy syl fan+ta+sy pron <1f@nt*si> pos vb. def a less common word for {fantasize}. Fanti 1. syl Fan+ti pron <1f@nti> pos n. def a language of Ghana: one of the two chief dialects of Akan. Compare {Twi}. Fantis infl head Fanti or Fanti syl Fan+tis pos n. mod pl. Fanti infl or Fantis syl Fan+ti pos n. mod pl. Fanti 2. syl Fan+ti pron <1f@nti> pos n. def a member of a Negroid people who speak this language, inhabiting the rain forests of Ghana and the Ivory Coast. (Ignace) Henri (Joseph Th'eodore) infl head Fantin-Latour syl (Ignace) Hen:ri (Joseph Th*'eodore) pron pos n. Fantin-Latour 0. syl Fan:tin-La:tour pron French pos n. def 1836-1904, French painter, noted for his still-lifes and portrait groups. fantoccini ety C18: from Italian: little puppets, plural of fantoccino, from fantoccio puppet, from fante boy, from Latin inf*_ans #7infant fantoccini 1. syl fan+toc+ci+ni pron <2f@nt*1CEni> pos n. mod pl. def marionettes. fantoccini 2. syl fan+toc+ci+ni pron <2f@nt*1CEni> pos n. mod pl. def puppet shows in which they are used. fantod ety C19: of uncertain origin fantod 1. syl fan+tod pron <1f@nt*d> pos n. def crotchety or faddish behaviour. fantod 2. syl fan+tod pron <1f@nt*d> pos n. mod pl. def a state of restlessness or unease. fantom 0. syl fan+tom pron <1f@nt*m> pos n. def an archaic spelling of {phantom}. fan tracery 0. syl fan trac+er:y pos n. qual Architect. def the carved ornamentation on fan vaulting. fan vaulting 0. syl fan vault+ing pos n. qual Architect. def vaulting having ribs that radiate like those of a fan and spring from the top of a capital or corbel. Also called: {palm vaulting}. fan worm 0. syl fan worm pos n. def any tube-dwelling polychaete worm of the family having long tentacles that spread into a fan when the worm emerges from its tube. FAO 0. syl FAO qual abbrev. for def Food and Agriculture Organization (of the United Nations). faq 0. syl f.a.q. qual Austral. informal. abbrev. for def fair average quality. faqir 0. syl fa+qir pron , <1fAik*> pos n. def a variant spelling of {fakir}. far ety Old English feorr; related to Old Frisian f*_ir, Old High German ferro, Latin porro forwards, Greek pera further farther infl head far or further syl far+ther pos adv. further infl head far or farther syl fur+ther pos adv. farthest infl head far or furthest syl far+thest pos adv. furthest infl head far or farthest syl fur+thest. pos adv. far 1. syl far pron pos adv. adj. def at, to, or from a great distance. far 2. syl far pron pos adv. adj. def at or to a remote time. exam 1 far in the future. far 3. syl far pron pos adv. adj. def to a considerable degree; very much. exam 1 a far better plan. far 4.a. syl far pron pos adv. adj. def to the degree or extent that. far 4.b. syl far pron pos adv. adj. def to the distance or place of. by far 5. head far syl by far. def by a considerable margin. far and away 6. head far syl far and away. def by a very great margin. far and wide 7. head far syl far and wide. def over great distances; everywhere. far be it from me 8. head far syl far be it from me. def I would not presume; on no account. exam 1 far be it from me to tell you what to do. far 9.a. syl far pron pos adv. adj. def in an advanced state of deterioration. far 9.b. syl far pron pos adv. adj. qual Informal. def extremely drunk. few and far between 10. head far syl few and far between. def in?!frequent. far 11.a. syl far pron pos adv. adj. def to be successful; achieve much. exam 1 your son will go far. far 11.b. syl far pron pos adv. adj. def to be sufficient or last long. exam 1 the wine didn't go far. go too far 12. head far syl go too far. def to exceed reasonable limits. how far 13. head far syl how far?? def to what extent, distance, or degree?? in so far 14. head far syl in so far. def a variant form (esp. Brit.) of {insofar}. far 15.a. syl far pron pos adv. adj. def up to the present moment. far 15.b. syl far pron pos adv. adj. def up to a certain point, extent, degree, etc. so good infl head far syl so good. so far 16. head far syl so far def an expression of satisfaction with progress made. far 17. syl far pron pos adj. usage prenominal def remote in space or time. exam 1 a far country; exam 2 in the far past. far 18. syl far pron pos adj. usage prenominal def extending a great distance; long. far 19. syl far pron pos adj. usage prenominal def more distant. exam 1 the far end of the room. a far cry 20. head far syl a far cry. usage prenominal def very different. far from 21. head far syl far from. usage prenominal def in a degree, state, etc., remote from. exam 1 he is far from happy. farness sub head far syl far+ness pos n. farad ety C19: named after Michael F#7araday farad 0. syl far+ad pron <1f@r*d>, <-@d> pos n. qual Physics. def the derived SI unit of electric capacitance; the capacitance of a capacitor between the plates of which a potential of 1 volt is created by a charge of 1 coulomb. Symbol: F faraday ety C20: named after Michael F#7araday faraday 0. syl far:a+day pron <1f@r*2dA> pos n. def a quantity of electricity, used in electrochemical calculations, equivalent to unit amount of substance of electrons. It is equal to the product of the Avogadro number and the charge on the electron and has the value 96487 coulombs per mole. Symbol. exam 1 F Michael infl head Faraday syl Mi:chael. pos n. Faraday 0. syl Far:a:day pron <1f@r*2dA> pos n. def 1791-1867, English physicist and chemist who discovered electromagnetic induction, leading to the invention of the dynamo. He also carried out research into the principles of electrolysis. faradic ety C19: from French faradique, from Michael F#7araday faradic 0. syl fa+rad+ic pron pos adj. def of or concerned with an intermittent asymmetric alternating current such as that induced in the secondary winding of an induction coil. faradism 0. syl far:a+dism pron <1f@r*2diz*m> pos n. def the therapeutic use of faradic currents. faradise alt head faradize or faradize syl far:a+dise pron <1f@r*2dIz> pos vb. mod tr. faradize 0. or faradise syl far:a+dize pron <1f@r*2dIz> pos vb. mod tr. def to treat (an organ or part) with faradic currents. faradization sub head faradize or faradisation syl far:a+di+1za+tion pos n. faradisation sub head faradize or faradization syl far:a+di+1sa+tion pos n. faradizer sub head faradize or faradiser syl far:a+2diz+er pos n. faradiser sub head faradize or faradizer syl far:a+2dis+er pos n. farandole ety C19: from French, from Proven*,cal farandoulo, of uncertain origin; compare Spanish far*'andula itinerant group of actors farandole 1. syl far+an+dole pron <1f@r*n2d*ul>, French pos n. def a lively dance in six-eight or four-four time from Provence. farandole 2. syl far+an+dole pron <1f@r*n2d*ul>, French pos n. def a piece of music composed for or in the rhythm of this dance. (far away infl head faraway syl (far a:way pos adj. faraway 0. syl far+a:way pron <1fa:r*2wA> pos adj. exam 1 when postpositive) . faraway 1. syl far+a:way pron <1fa:r*2wA> pos adj. def very distant; remote. faraway 2. syl far+a:way pron <1fa:r*2wA> pos adj. def dreamy or absent-minded. farce ety C14 (in the sense: stuffing): from Old French, from Latin farc*_ire to stuff, interpolate passages (in the mass, in religious plays, etc.) farce 1. syl farce pron pos n. def a broadly humorous play based on the exploitation of improbable situations. farce 2. syl farce pron pos n. def the genre of comedy represented by works of this kind. farce 3. syl farce pron pos n. def a ludicrous situation or action. farce 4. syl farce pron pos n. def Also: {farcemeat}. another name for {forcemeat}. farce 5. syl farce pron pos vb. mod tr. qual Obsolete. def to enliven (a speech, etc.) with jokes. farce 6. syl farce pron pos vb. mod tr. qual Obsolete. def to stuff (meat, fowl, etc.) with forcemeat. farceur 1. syl far+ceur pron French pos n. def a writer of or performer in farces. farceur 2. syl far+ceur pron French pos n. def a joker. farceuse sub head farceur syl far+1ceuse pos n. mod fem. farci ety French: stuffed; see #7farce farci 0. syl far+ci pron pos adj. usage of food def stuffed. farcical 1. syl far+ci+cal pron <1fa:sikL> pos adj. def ludicrous; absurd. farcical 2. syl far+ci+cal pron <1fa:sikL> pos adj. def of or relating to farce. farcicality sub head farcical or farcicalness syl far+ci+1cal+i:ty pos n. farcicalness sub head farcical or farcicality syl far+ci+cal+ness pos n. farcically sub head farcical syl far+ci+cal+ly pos adv. farcy ety C15: from Old French farcin, from Late Latin farc*_iminum glanders, from Latin farc*_imen a sausage, from farc*_ire to stuff farcies infl head farcy syl far+cies. pos n. mod pl. farcy 0. syl far+cy pron <1fa:si> pos n. qual Vet. science. def a form of glanders in which lymph vessels near the skin become thickened, with skin lesions and abscess-forming nodules. fard ety C15: from Old French farder to use facial cosmetics, of Germanic origin fard 0. syl fard pron pos n. qual Archaic. def paint for the face, esp. white paint. fardel ety C13: from Old French farde, ultimately from Arabic fardah fardel 0. syl far+del pron <1fa:dL> pos n. qual Archaic. def a bundle or burden. fare ety Old English faran; related to Old Norse fara to travel, Old High German faran to go, Greek poros ford fare 1. syl fare pron pos n. def the sum charged or paid for conveyance in a bus, train, aeroplane, etc. fare 2. syl fare pron pos n. def a paying passenger, esp. when carried by taxi. fare 3. syl fare pron pos n. def a range of food and drink; diet. {~} fare 4. syl fare pron pos n. def to get on (as specified); manage. exam 1 he fared well. fare 5. syl fare pron pos n. usage with it as a subject def to turn out or happen as specified. exam 1 it fared badly with him. fare 6. syl fare pron pos n. qual Archaic. def to eat. exam 1 we fared sumptuously. fare 7. syl fare pron pos n. qual Archaic. usage often foll. by forth def to go or travel. farer sub head fare syl far+er pos n. Far Easthe infl head Far East syl Far Easthe. pos n. Far East 0. syl Far East pos n. def the countries of E Asia, including China, Japan, North and South Korea, E Siberia, Indochina, and adjacent islands: sometimes extended to include all territories east of Afghanistan. Far Eastern sub head Far East syl Far East+ern pos adj. Fareham 0. syl Fare+ham pron <1fe*r*m> pos n. def a market town in S England, in S Hampshire. Pop.: 80296 (1971). fare-you-well alt head fare-thee-well or fare-thee-well syl fare-you-well pos n. fare-thee-well 0. or fare-you-well syl fare-thee-well pos n. qual Informal. def a state of perfection. exam 1 the steak was cooked to a fare-thee-well. farewell 0. syl fare+well pron <2fe*1wel> exam 1 sentence substitite. farewell 1. syl fare+well pron <2fe*1wel> def goodbye; adieu. farewell 2. syl fare+well pron <2fe*1wel> pos n. def a parting salutation. farewell 3. syl fare+well pron <2fe*1wel> pos n. def an act of departure; leave-taking. farewell 4. syl fare+well pron <2fe*1wel> pos n. usage modifier def expressing leave-taking. exam 1 a farewell speech. farewell 5. syl fare+well pron <2fe*1wel> pos n. qual Austral. def to honour (a person) at his departure, retirement, etc. far-fetched 0. syl far-fetched pos adj. def improbable in nature; unlikely. far-flung 1. syl far-flung pos adj. def widely distributed. far-flung 2. syl far-flung pos adj. def far distant; remote. farina ety C18: from Latin f*_ar spelt, coarse meal farina 1. syl fa+ri+na pron pos n. def flour or meal made from any kind of cereal grain. farina 2. syl fa+ri+na pron pos n. qual Chiefly Brit. def starch, esp. prepared from potato flour. farinaceous 1. syl far:i+na+ceous pron <2f@ri1nAS*s> pos adj. def consisting or made of starch, such as bread, macaroni, and potatoes. farinaceous 2. syl far:i+na+ceous pron <2f@ri1nAS*s> pos adj. def having a mealy texture or appearance. farinaceous 3. syl far:i+na+ceous pron <2f@ri1nAS*s> pos adj. def containing starch. exam 1 farinaceous seeds. farinose 1. syl far:i+nose pron <1f@ri2n*us>, <-2n*uz> pos adj. def similar to or yielding farina. farinose 2. syl far:i+nose pron <1f@ri2n*us>, <-2n*uz> pos adj. qual Botany. def covered with very short hairs resembling a whitish mealy dust. farinosely sub head farinose syl far:i+2nose+ly pos adv. farl ety C18: from earlier fardel fourth part, from Old English f*_eortha fourth+Middle English del part farle alt head farl or farl syl farle pron pos n. farl 0. or farle syl farl pron pos n. def a thin cake of oatmeal, often triangular in shape. farm ety C13: from Old French ferme rented land, ultimately from Latin firm*_are to settle farm 1.a. syl farm pron pos n. def a tract of land, usually with house and buildings, cultivated as a unit or used to rear livestock. farm 1.b. syl farm pron pos n. usage as modifier exam 1 farm produce. farm 1.c. syl farm pron pos n. usage in combination exam 1 farmland. farm 2. syl farm pron pos n. def a unit of land or water devoted to the growing or rearing of some particular type of vegetable, fruit, animal, or fish. exam 1 a fish farm. farm 3. syl farm pron pos n. def an installation for storage. farm 4. syl farm pron pos n. def a district of which one or more taxes are leased. farm 5.a. syl farm pron pos n. def a fixed sum paid by an individual or group for the right of collecting and retaining taxes, rents, etc. farm 5.b. syl farm pron pos n. def a fixed sum paid regularly by a town, county, etc., in lieu of taxes. farm 5.c. syl farm pron pos n. def the leasing of a source of revenue to an individual or group. farm 5.d. syl farm pron pos n. def a fixed tax, rent, etc., paid regularly. farm 6.a. syl farm pron pos vb. def to cultivate (land). farm 6.b. syl farm pron pos vb. def to rear (stock, etc.) on a farm. farm 7. syl farm pron pos vb. mod intr. def to engage in agricultural work, esp. as a way of life. farm 8. syl farm pron pos vb. mod tr. def to look after a child for a fixed sum. farm 9.a. syl farm pron pos vb. def to collect the moneys due and retain the profits from (a tax district, business, etc.) for a specified period on payment of a sum or sums. farm 9.b. syl farm pron pos vb. def to operate (a franchise) under similar conditions. farm xref syl farm pron pos n. def See also {farm out}. farmable sub head farm syl farm+a:ble pos adj. farmer 1. syl farm+er pron <1fa:m*> pos n. def a person who operates or manages a farm. farmer 2. syl farm+er pron <1fa:m*> pos n. def a person who obtains the right to collect and retain a tax, rent, etc., or operate a franchise for a specified period on payment of a fee. farmer 3. syl farm+er pron <1fa:m*> pos n. def a person who looks after a child for a fixed sum. John infl head Farmer syl John. pos n. Farmer 0. syl Far:mer pron <1fa:m*> pos n. def ??1565-1605, English madrigal composer and organist. farmers-general infl head farmer-general syl farm:ers-gen:e:ral. pos n. mod pl. farmer-general 0. syl farm:er-gen:e:ral pos n. usage in France before 1789 def a member of a group allowed to farm certain taxes. farmer-generalship sub head farmer-general syl farm:er-1gen:er:al+2ship pos n. farm hand 0. syl farm hand pos n. def a person who is hired to work on a farm. farmhouse 1. syl farm+house pron <1fa:m2haus> pos n. def a house attached to a farm, esp. the dwelling from which the farm is managed. farmhouse 2. syl farm+house pron <1fa:m2haus> pos n. def Also called: {farmhouse loaf}. a large white loaf, baked in a tin, with slightly curved sides and top. farming 0.a. syl farm+ing pron <1fa:miG> pos n. def the business, art, or skill of agriculture. farming 0.b. syl farm+ing pron <1fa:miG> pos n. usage as modifier exam 1 farming methods. farmland 0. syl farm+land pron <1fa:m2l@nd> pos n. def land used or suitable for farming. farm out 1. syl farm out pos vb. adv. mod tr. def to send (work) to be done by another person, firm, etc.; subcontract. farm out 2. syl farm out pos vb. adv. mod tr. def to put (a child, etc.) into the care of a private individual; foster. farm out 3. syl farm out pos vb. adv. mod tr. def to lease to another for a rent or fee the right to operate (a business for profit, land, etc.) or the right to collect (taxes). farmstead 0. syl farm+stead pron <1fa:m2sted> pos n. def a farm or the part of a farm comprising its main buildings together with adjacent grounds. farmyard 0.a. syl farm+yard pron <1fa:m2ja:d> pos n. def an area surrounded by or adjacent to farm buildings. farmyard 0.b. syl farm+yard pron <1fa:m2ja:d> pos n. usage as modifier exam 1 farmyard animals. Farnborough 0. syl Farn+bor+ough pron <1fa:nb*r*>, <-br*> pos n. def a town in S England, in NE Hampshire: military base, with an aeronautical research centre. Pop.: 41233 (1971). Alessandro 1. head Farnese syl A:les:san:dro pron <2alAs1sandro> def original name of (Pope) {Paul III}. Alessandro 2. head Farnese syl A:les:san:dro def duke of Parma and Piacenza. 1545-92, Italian general, statesman, and diplomat in the service of Philip II of Spain. As governor of the Netherlands (1578-92) , he successfully suppressed revolts against Spanish rule. farnesol ety C20: from New Latin (Acacia) farnesi*_ana; named after Odoardo Farnese, C17 Italian cardinal farnesol 0. syl far+ne:sol pron <1fa:ni2sol> pos n. def a colourless aromatic sesquiterpene alcohol found in many essential oils and used in the form of its derivatives in perfumery; 3,7,11-trimethyl-2,6,10-dodecatrienol. Formula: C\1\5H\2\6O. Farnham 0. syl Farn+ham pron <1fa:n*m> pos n. def a town in S England, in NW Surrey. Pop.: 31175 (1971). Far Northe infl head Far North syl Far Northe. pos n. Far North 0. syl Far North pos n. def the Arctic and sub-Arctic regions of the world. faro ety C18: probably spelling variant of Pharoah faro 0. syl far:o pron <1fe*r*u> pos n. def a gambling game in which players bet against the dealer on what cards he will turn up. Faroes 0. syl Far:oes pron <1fe*r*uz> pos n. def a variant spelling of {Faeroes}. Faroese sub head Faroes syl Far:o+ese pron <2fe*r*u1Ez> pos adj. n. (far off infl head far-off syl (far off pos adj. far-off 0. syl far-off pos adj. usage when postpositive) . def remote in space or time; distant. farouche ety C18: from French, from Old French faroche, from Late Latin forasticus from without, from Latin foras out of doors farouche 0. syl fa+rouche pron French. pos adj. def sullen or remote. Faruk I alt head Farouk I or Farouk I syl Fa:ruk I pron pos n. Farouk I 0. or Faruk I syl Fa:rouk I pron pos n. def 1920-65, last king of Egypt (1936-52). He was forced to abdicate (1952). (far out infl head far-out syl (far out pos adj. far-out xref syl far-out pos adj. qual Slang. exam 1 when postpositive) far-out 1. syl far-out pos adj. qual Slang. def bizarre or avant-garde. far-out 2. syl far-out pos adj. qual Slang. def excellent; wonderful. far out infl head far-out syl far out. pos interj. far-out 3. syl far-out pos interj. qual Slang. def an expression of amazement or delight. George infl head Farquhar syl George. pos n. Farquhar 0. syl Far:quhar pron <1fa:kw*>, <-k*> pos n. def 1678-1707, Irish-born dramatist; author of comedies such as (1706) and (1707). Farquhar Islands 0. syl Far+quhar Is+lands pron <1fa:kw*>, <-k*> pos n. def an island group in the Indian Ocean: administratively part of the Seychelles. farrago ety C17: from Latin: mash for cattle (hence, a mixture), from f*_ar spelt farragoes infl head farrago syl far+ra+goes. pos n. mod pl. farrago 0. syl far+ra+go pron pos n. def a hotchpotch. farraginous sub head farrago syl far+rag:i+nous pron pos adj. far-reaching 0. syl far-reach:ing pos adj. def extensive in influence, effect, or range. farrier ety C16: from Old French ferrier, from Latin ferr*_arius smith, from ferrum iron farrier 1. syl far+ri+er pron <1f@ri*> pos n. qual Chiefly Brit. def a person who shoes horses. farrier 2. syl far+ri+er pron <1f@ri*> pos n. qual Chiefly Brit. def another name for {veterinary surgeon}. farrier 3. syl far+ri+er pron <1f@ri*> pos n. qual Chiefly Brit.; Military. def a noncommissioned officer who looks after horses. farrieries infl head farriery syl far+ri+er:ies. pos n. mod pl. farriery 0. syl far+ri+er:y pron <1f@ri*ri> pos n. qual Chiefly Brit. def the art, work, or establishment of a farrier. farrow ety Old English fearh; related to Old High German farah young pig, Latin porcus pig, Greek porkos farrow H1.1. syl far+row pron <1f@r*u> pos n. def a litter of piglets. farrow H1.2. syl far+row pron <1f@r*u> pos vb. usage of a sow def to give birth to (a litter). farrow ety C15: from Middle Dutch verwe- (unattested) cow that has ceased to bear; compare Old English fearr ox farrow H2.0. syl far+row pron <1f@r*u> pos adj. usage of a cow def not calving in a given year. far-seeing 0. syl far-see:ing pos adj. def having shrewd judgment; far-sighted. far-sighted 1. syl far-sight:ed pos adj. def possessing prudence and foresight. far-sighted 2. syl far-sight:ed pos adj. qual Med. def of, relating to, or suffering from hyperopia. far-sighted 3. syl far-sight:ed pos adj. def another word for {long-sighted}. far-sightedly sub head far-sighted syl far-1sight:ed+ly pos adv. far-sightedness sub head far-sighted syl far-?!1sight:ed+ness pos n. fart ety Middle English farten; related to Old Norse freta, Old High German ferzan to break wind, Sanskrit pardat*_e he breaks wind fart 1. syl fart pron pos n. qual Taboo. def an emission of intestinal gas from the anus, esp. an audible one. fart 2. syl fart pron pos n. qual Taboo.; Slang. def a contemptible person. fart 3. syl fart pron pos vb. mod intr. qual Taboo. def to expel intestinal gas from the anus; to break wind. fart 4.a. syl fart pron pos vb. mod intr. qual Taboo. def to behave foolishly or aimlessly. fart 4.b. syl fart pron pos vb. mod intr. qual Taboo. def to waste time. farther ety C13: see #7far, further #e Usage. In careful usage, farther and farthest are preferred when referring to literal distance: the farthest planet. Further and furthest are regarded as more correct for figurative sense denoting greater or additional amount, time, etc.: further to my letter. Further and furthest are also preferred for figurative distance. farther 1. syl far+ther pron <1fa:D*> pos adv. def to or at a greater distance in space or time. farther 2. syl far+ther pron <1fa:D*> pos adv. def in addition. farther 3. syl far+ther pron <1fa:D*> pos adj. def more distant or remote in space or time. farther 4. syl far+ther pron <1fa:D*> pos adj. def additional. farthermost 0. syl far:ther+most pron <1fa:D*2m*ust> pos adj. def most distant or remote. farthest ety C14 ferthest, from ferther #7further farthest 1. syl far+thest pron <1fa:Dist> pos adv. def to or at the greatest distance in space or time. farthest 2. syl far+thest pron <1fa:Dist> pos adj. def most distant in space or time. farthest 3. syl far+thest pron <1fa:Dist> pos adj. def most extended. farthing ety Old English f*_eorthing from f*_eortha #7fourth+ -#7ing %1 farthing 1. syl far+thing pron <1fa:DiG> pos n. def a former British bronze coin worth a quarter of an old penny that ceased to be legal tender in 1961. farthing 2. syl far+thing pron <1fa:DiG> pos n. def something of negligible value; jot. farthingale ety C16: from French verdugale, from Old Spanish verdugado, from verdugo rod farthingale 0. syl far+thin+gale pron <1fa:DiG2gAl> pos n. def a hoop or framework worn under skirts, esp. in the Elizabethan period, to shape and spread them. fartlek ety Swedish, literally: speed play fartlek 0. syl fart+lek pron <1fa:tlek> pos n. qual Sport. def another name for {interval training}. Faruk I 0. syl Fa:ruk I pron pos n. def a variant spelling of {Farouk I}. fas alt head FAS or FAS syl f.a.s. FAS 0. or fas syl F.A.S. qual abbrev. for def free alongside ship. fasces ety C16: from Latin, plural of fascis bundle fascis infl head fasces syl fas+cis pron <-sis> pos n. mod sing. fasces 1. syl fas+ces pron <1f@sEz> pos n. mod pl. usage in ancient Rome def one or more bundles of rods containing an axe with its blade protruding; a symbol of a magistrate's power. fasces 2. syl fas+ces pron <1f@sEz> pos n. mod pl. usage in modern Italy def such an object used as the symbol of Fascism. fascia ety C16: from Latin: band: related to fascis bundle; see #7fasces facia alt head fascia or fascia syl fa+ci:a pron <1fASi*> pos n. fasciae infl head fascia syl fas+ci:ae pron <-Si2E> pos n. mod pl. fascia 1. or facia syl fas+ci:a pron <1fASi*> pos n. def the flat surface above a shop window. fascia 2. or facia syl fas+ci:a pron <1fASi*> pos n. qual Architect. def a flat band or surface, esp. a part of an architrave or cornice. fascia 3. or facia syl fas+ci:a pron <1f@Si*> pos n. def fibrous connective tissue occurring in sheets beneath the surface of the skin and between muscles and groups of muscles. fascia 4. or facia syl fas+ci:a pron <1fASi*> pos n. qual Biology. def a distinctive band of colour, as on an insect or plant. fascia 5. or facia syl fas+ci:a pron <1fASi*> pos n. qual Brit. def a less common name for {{dashboard} (sense 1)}. fascial sub head fascia or facial syl fas+ci:al pos adj. facial sub head fascia or fascial syl fa+ci:al pos adj. fasciate ety C17: probably from New Latin fasci*_atus (unattested) having bands; see #7fascia fasciated alt head fasciate or fasciate syl fas+ci+at+ed pos adj. fasciate 1.a. or fasciated syl fas+ci+ate pron <1f@Si2At> pos adj. usage of stems and branches def abnormally flattened due to coalescence. fasciate 1.b. or fasciated syl fas+ci+ate pron <1f@Si2At> pos adj. def growing in a bundle. fasciate 2. or fasciated syl fas+ci+ate pron <1f@Si2At> pos adj. usage of birds, insects, etc. def marked by distinct bands of colour. fasciately sub head fasciate syl fas+ci+2ate+ly pos adv. fasciation 0. syl fas+ci:a+tion pron <2f@Si1AS*n> pos n. qual Botany. def an abnormal flattening of stems due to failure of the lateral branches to separate from the main stem. fascicle ety C15: from Latin fasciculus a small bundle, from fascis a bundle fascicle 1. syl fas+ci+cle pron <1f@sikL> pos n. def a bundle or cluster of branches, leaves, etc. fascicle 2. syl fas+ci+cle pron <1f@sikL> pos n. def Also called: {fasciculus}. a small bundle of fibres, esp. nerve fibres. fascicle 3. syl fas+ci+cle pron <1f@sikL> pos n. qual Printing. def another name for {fas?!cicule}. fascicle 4. syl fas+ci+cle pron <1f@sikL> pos n. def any small bundle or cluster. fascicled sub head fascicle syl fas+ci+cled pos adj. fasciculation sub head fascicle syl fas+2cic:u+1la+tion pos n. fascicule 0. syl fas+ci+cule pron <1f@si2kju:l> pos n. def one part of a printed work that is published in instalments. Also called: {fascicle, fasciculus}. fasciculi infl head fasciculus syl fas+ci+cu+li pron <-2lI> pos n. mod pl. fasciculus 0. syl fas+ci+cu+lus pron pos n. def another name for {{fascicle} (sense 2)} or {fascicule}. fascinate ety C16: from Latin fascin*_are, from fascinum a bewitching fascinate 1. syl fas+ci+nate pron <1f@si2nAt> pos vb. mod mainly; tr. def to attract and delight by arousing interest or curiosity. exam 1 his stories fascinated me for hours. fascinate 2. syl fas+ci+nate pron <1f@si2nAt> pos vb. mod mainly; tr. def to render motionless, as with a fixed stare or by arousing terror or awe. fascinate 3. syl fas+ci+nate pron <1f@si2nAt> pos vb. mod mainly; tr. qual Archaic. def to put under a spell. fascinatedly sub head fascinate syl fas+ci+2nat+ed+ly pos adv. fascinative sub head fascinate syl fas+ci+na+tive pos adj. fascinating 1. syl fas+ci+nat+ing pron <1f@si2nAtiG> pos adj. def arousing great interest. fascinating 2. syl fas+ci+nat+ing pron <1f@si2nAtiG> pos adj. def enchanting or alluring. exam 1 a fascinating woman. fascinatingly sub head fascinating syl fas+ci+2nat+ing+ly pos adv. fascinator 0. syl fas+ci+na+tor pron <1f@si2nAt*> pos n. qual Rare. def a lace or crocheted head covering for women. fascine ety C17: from French, from Latin fasc*_ina; see #7fasces fascine 0. syl fas+cine pron , pos n. def a bundle of long sticks used in the construction of embankments, roads, fortifications, etc. fascism ety C20: from Italian fascismo, from fascio political group, from Latin fascis bundle; see #7fasces fascism 1. syl fas+cism pron <1f@Siz*m> pos n. usage sometimes cap. def any ideology or movement inspired by Italian Fascism, such as German National Socialism; any right-wing nationalist ideology or movement with an authoritarian and hierarchical structure that is fundamentally opposed to democracy and liberalism. fascism 2. syl fas+cism pron <1f@Siz*m> pos n. usage sometimes cap. def any ideology, movement, programme, tendency, etc., that may be characterized as right-wing, chauvinist, authoritarian, etc. Fascism 0. syl Fas+cism pron <1f@Siz*m> pos n. def the political movement, doctrine, system, or regime of Benito Mussolini. Fascism encouraged militarism and nationalism, organizing the country along hierarchical authoritarian lines. fascist 1. syl fas+cist pron <1f@Sist> pos n. usage sometimes cap. def an adherent or practitioner of fascism. fascist 2. syl fas+cist pron <1f@Sist> pos n. usage sometimes cap. def any person regarded as having right-wing authoritarian views. fascist 3. syl fas+cist pron <1f@Sist> pos adj. usage sometimes cap.; also def characteristic of or relating to fascism. fascistically sub head fascist syl fa+1scis+ti+cal+ly pos adv. Fascist 1. syl Fas+cist pron <1f@Sist> pos n. def a supporter or member of the Italian Fascist movement. Fascist 2. syl Fas+cist pron <1f@Sist> pos adj. def of or relating to Italian Fascism. fash ety C16: from obsolete French fascher to annoy, ultimately from Latin fast*_idium disgust, aversion fash 1. syl fash pron pos n. qual Scot. def worry; trouble; bother. fash 2. syl fash pron pos vb. qual Scot. def to trouble; bother; annoy. fashion ety C13 facioun form, manner, from Old French faceon, from Latin facti*_o a making, from facere to make &- #!fash+ion+er n. fashion 1.a. syl fash+ion pron <1f@S*n> pos n. def style in clothes, cosmetics, behaviour, etc., esp. the latest or most admired style. fashion 1.b. syl fash+ion pron <1f@S*n> pos n. usage as modifier exam 1 a fashion magazine. fashion 2.a. syl fash+ion pron <1f@S*n> pos n. def manner of performance; mode; way. exam 1 in a striking fashion. fashion 2.b. syl fash+ion pron <1f@S*n> pos n. usage in combination exam 1 crab-fashion. fashion 3. syl fash+ion pron <1f@S*n> pos n. def a way of life that revolves around the activities, dress, interests, etc., that are most fashionable. fashion 4. syl fash+ion pron <1f@S*n> pos n. def shape, appearance, or form. fashion 5. syl fash+ion pron <1f@S*n> pos n. def sort; kind; type. fashion 6.a. syl fash+ion pron <1f@S*n> pos n. def in some manner, but not very well. exam 1 I mended it, after a fashion. fashion 6.b. syl fash+ion pron <1f@S*n> pos n. def of a low order; of a sort. exam 1 he is a poet, after a fashion. after the fashion of 7. head fashion syl after the fashion of. def like; similar to. of fashion 8. head fashion syl of fashion. def of high social standing. fashion 9. syl fash+ion pron <1f@S*n> pos vb. mod tr. def to give a particular form to. fashion 10. syl fash+ion pron <1f@S*n> pos vb. mod tr. def to make suitable or fitting. fashion 11. syl fash+ion pron <1f@S*n> pos vb. mod tr. qual Obsolete. def to contrive; manage. fashionable 1. syl fash+ion+a:ble pron <1f@S*n*bL> pos adj. def conforming to fashion; in vogue. fashionable 2. syl fash+ion+a:ble pron <1f@S*n*bL> pos adj. def of, characteristic of, or patronized by people of fashion. exam 1 a fashionable caf*'e. fashionable 3. syl fash+ion+a:ble pron <1f@S*n*bL> pos adj. usage usually foll. by with def patronized (by); popular (with). fashionableness sub head fashionable syl fash+ion+a:ble+ness pos n. fashionably sub head fashionable syl fash+ion+a:bly pos adv. fashion house 0. syl fash+ion house pos n. def an establishment in which fashionable clothes are designed, made, and sold. fashion plate 0. syl fash+ion plate pos n. def an illustration of the latest fashion in dress. Fashoda 0. syl Fa+sho+da pron pos n. def a small town in SE Sudan: scene of an incident (1898) that caused a crisis between France and England. Modern name: {Kodok}. Rainer Werner infl head Fassbinder syl Rai:ner Wer:ner pron <1rIn*r> <1vern*r> pos n. Fassbinder 0. syl Fass:bin:der pron German pos n. def born 1946, West German film director. His films include (1972), (1973), and (1974). fast ety Old English f@ast strong, tight; related to Old High German festi firm, Old Norse fastr fast H1.1. syl fast pron pos adj. def acting or moving or capable of acting or moving quickly; swift. fast H1.2. syl fast pron pos adj. def accomplished in or lasting a short time. exam 1 fast work; exam 2 a fast visit. fast H1.3. syl fast pron pos adj. usage prenominal def adapted to or facilitating rapid movement. exam 1 the fast lane of a motorway. fast H1.4. syl fast pron pos adj. def requiring rapidity of action or movement. exam 1 a fast sport. fast H1.5. syl fast pron pos adj. usage of a clock, etc. def indicating a time in advance of the correct time. fast H1.6. syl fast pron pos adj. def given to an active dissipated life. fast H1.7. syl fast pron pos adj. def of or characteristic of such activity. exam 1 a fast life. fast H1.8. syl fast pron pos adj. def not easily moved; firmly fixed; secure. fast H1.9. syl fast pron pos adj. def firmly fastened, secured, or shut. fast H1.10. syl fast pron pos adj. def steadfast; constant (esp. in the phrase {fast friends) }. fast H1.11. syl fast pron pos adj. usage Sport. of a playing surface, running track, etc. def conducive to rapid speed, as of a ball used on it or of competitors playing or racing on it. fast H1.12. syl fast pron pos adj. def that will not fade or change colour readily. exam 1 a fast dye. fast H1.13.a. syl fast pron pos adj. def proof against fading. exam 1 the colour is fast to sunlight. fast H1.13.b. syl fast pron pos adj. usage in combination exam 1 washfast. fast H1.14.a. syl fast pron pos adj. def requiring a relatively short time of exposure to produce a given density. exam 1 a fast film. fast H1.14.b. syl fast pron pos adj. def permitting a short exposure time. exam 1 a fast shutter. fast H1.15. syl fast pron pos adj. usage Cricket. of a bowler def characteristically delivering the ball rapidly. fast H1.16. syl fast pron pos adj. qual Informal. def glib or unreliable; deceptive. exam 1 a fast talker. fast H1.17. syl fast pron pos adj. qual Archaic. def sound; deep. exam 1 a fast sleep. a fast one 18. head fast syl a fast one. qual Informal. def a deceptive or unscrupulous trick (esp. in the phrase {pull a fast one}) . fast worker 19. head fast syl fast worker. def a person who achieves results quickly, esp. in seductions. {~} fast H1.20. syl fast pron pos adj. def quickly; rapidly. fast H1.21. syl fast pron pos adj. def soundly; deeply. exam 1 fast asleep. fast H1.22. syl fast pron pos adj. def firmly; tightly. fast H1.23. syl fast pron pos adj. def in quick succession. fast H1.24. syl fast pron pos adj. def in advance of the correct time. exam 1 my watch is running fast. fast H1.25. syl fast pron pos adj. def in a reckless or dissipated way. fast by 26. head fast or beside syl fast by qual Archaic. def close or hard by; very near. play fast and loose 27. head fast syl play fast and loose. qual Informal. def to behave in an insincere or unreliable manner. fast H1.28. syl fast pron pos interj. usage Archery. said by the Field Captain to archers def stop shooting&! fast ety Old English f@astan; related to Old High German fast*_en to fast, Gothic fastan fast H2.1. syl fast pron pos vb. mod intr. def to abstain from eating all or certain foods or meals, esp. as a religious observance. fast H2.2. syl fast pron pos n. def an act or period of fasting. faster sub head fast syl fast+er pos n. fastback 1. syl fast+back pron <1fa:st2b@k> pos n. def a car having a back that forms one continuous slope from roof to rear. fastback 2. syl fast+back pron <1fa:st2b@k> pos n. qual Brit. def a type of pig developed from the landrace or large white and bred for lean meat. fast-breeder reactor 0. syl fast-breed:er re+ac+tor pos n. def a nuclear reactor that uses little or no moderator and produces more fissionable material than it consumes. See also {breeder reactor, fast reactor}. fasten ety Old English f@astnian; related to Old Norse fastna to pledge, Old High German fastin*_on to make fast; see #7fast %1 &- #!fas+ten+er n. fasten 1. syl fas+ten pron <1fa:sN> pos vb. def to make or become fast or secure. fasten 2. syl fas+ten pron <1fa:sN> pos vb. def to make or become attached or joined. fasten 3. syl fas+ten pron <1fa:sN> pos vb. def to close or become closed by fixing firmly in place, locking, etc. fasten 4. syl fas+ten pron <1fa:sN> pos vb. mod tr. usage foll. by in or up def to enclose or imprison. fasten 5. syl fas+ten pron <1fa:sN> pos vb. mod tr. usage usually foll. by on def to cause (blame, a nickname, etc.) to be attached (to); place (on) or impute (to). fasten 6. syl fas+ten pron <1fa:sN> pos vb. usage usually foll. by on or upon def to direct or be directed in a concentrated way; fix. exam 1 he fastened his gaze on the girl. fasten 7. syl fas+ten pron <1fa:sN> pos vb. mod intr. usage usually foll. by on def take firm hold (of). fastening 0. syl fas+ten+ing pron <1fa:sNiG> pos n. def something that fastens, such as a clasp or lock. fastidious ety C15: from Latin fast*_idi*_osus scornful, from fast*_idium loathing, from fastus pride, + taedium weariness fastidious 1. syl fas+tid:i+ous pron pos adj. def very critical; hard to please. fastidious 2. syl fas+tid:i+ous pron pos adj. def excessively particular about details. fastidious 3. syl fas+tid:i+ous pron pos adj. def exceedingly delicate; easily disgusted. fastidiously sub head fastidious syl fas+1tid:i+ous+ly pos adv. fastidiousness sub head fastidious syl fas+1tid:i+ous+ness pos n. fastigiate ety C17: from Medieval Latin fast*_igi*_atus lofty, from Latin fast*_igium height fastigiated alt head fastigiate or fastigiate syl fas+tig:i+at+ed pos adj. fastigiate 1. or fastigiated syl fas+tig:i+ate pron , <-2At> pos adj. qual Biol?!ogy. usage of plants def having erect branches, often appearing to form a single column with the stem. fastigiate 2. or fastigiated syl fas+tig:i+ate pron , <-2At> pos adj. qual Biol?!ogy. usage of parts or organs def united in a tapering group. fast motion 0. syl fast mo+tion pos n. qual Films. def action that appears to have occurred at a faster speed than that at which it was filmed. Compare {{slow motion} (sense 1)}. fastness ety Old English f@astnes; see #7fast %1 fastness 1. syl fast+ness pron <1fa:stnis> pos n. def a stronghold; fortress. fastness 2. syl fast+ness pron <1fa:stnis> pos n. def the state or quality of being firm or secure. fastness 3. syl fast+ness pron <1fa:stnis> pos n. def the ability of a dye to remain permanent and not run or fade. fastness 4. syl fast+ness pron <1fa:stnis> pos n. qual Archaic. def swiftness. fast neutron 0.a. syl fast neu+tron pos n. qual Physics. def a neutron produced by nuclear fission that has lost little energy by collision; a neutron with a kinetic energy in excess of 0.1 MeV. fast neutron 0.b. syl fast neu+tron pos n. qual Physics. def a neutron with a kinetic energy in excess of 1.5 MeV, the fission threshold of ura?!nium-238. fast reactor 0. syl fast re+ac+tor pos n. def a nuclear reactor using little or no moderator, fission being caused by fast neutrons. fast talk 1. syl fast talk pos n. qual Slang. def fervent, deceptive patter. {~} {fast-talk}. fast talk 2. syl fast talk pos n. qual Slang. def to influence (a person) by means of such patter. fat ety Old English f*_@att, past participle of f*_@atan to cram; related to Old Norse feita, Old High German feizen to fatten; compare Gothic f*_etjan to adorn fat 1. syl fat pron pos n. def any of a class of naturally occurring soft greasy solids that are esters of glycerol and certain fatty acids. They are present in some plants and in the adipose tissue of animals, forming a reserve energy source, and are used in making soap and paint and in the food industry. See also {{oil} (sense 1)}. fat 2. syl fat pron pos n. def vegetable or animal tissue containing fat. fat 3. syl fat pron pos n. def corpulence, obesity, or plumpness. fat 4. syl fat pron pos n. def the best or richest part of something. fat 5. syl fat pron pos n. def a part in a play that gives an actor a good opportunity to show his talents. chew the fat 6. head fat syl chew the fat. qual Slang. def to chat. the fat is in the fire 7. head fat syl the fat is in the fire. def an irrevocable action has been taken, esp. one from which dire consequences are expected. the fat of the land 8. head fat syl the fat of the land. def the best that is obtainable. fatter infl head fat syl fat+ter pos adj. fattest infl head fat syl fat+test. pos adj. fat 9. syl fat pron pos adj. def having much or too much flesh or fat. fat 10. syl fat pron pos adj. def consisting of or containing fat; greasy. exam 1 fat pork. fat 11. syl fat pron pos adj. def profitable; lucrative. exam 1 a fat year. fat 12. syl fat pron pos adj. def affording great opportunities. exam 1 a fat part in the play. fat 13. syl fat pron pos adj. def fertile or pro?!ductive. exam 1 a fat land. fat 14. syl fat pron pos adj. def thick, broad, or extended. exam 1 a fat log of wood. fat 15. syl fat pron pos adj. def having a high content of a particular material or ingredient, such as resin in wood or oil in paint. fat 16. syl fat pron pos adj. def plentifully supplied. exam 1 a fat larder. fat 17. syl fat pron pos adj. qual Slang. def empty; stupid. exam 1 get this into your fat head. fat 18. syl fat pron pos adj. qual Slang. def very little or none; minimal (in phrases such as {a fat chance, a fat lot of good}, etc.). fats infl head fat syl fats pos vb. fatting infl head fat syl fat+ting pos vb. fatted infl head fat syl fat+ted. pos vb. fat 19. syl fat pron pos vb. def to make or become fat; fatten. fatless sub head fat syl fat+less pos adj. fatlike sub head fat syl fat+2like pos adj. fatly sub head fat syl fat+ly pos adv. fatness sub head fat syl fat+ness pos n. fattish sub head fat syl fat+tish pos adj. Al infl head Fatah syl Al. pos n. Fatah 0. syl Fa+tah pron <1f@t*> pos n. def a Palestinian terrorist organization, founded in 1956, with the aim of destroying the state of Israel. fatal 1. syl fa+tal pron <1fAtL> pos adj. def resulting in or capable of causing death. exam 1 a fatal accident. fatal 2. syl fa+tal pron <1fAtL> pos adj. def bringing ruin; disastrous. fatal 3. syl fa+tal pron <1fAtL> pos adj. def decisively important; fateful. fatal 4. syl fa+tal pron <1fAtL> pos adj. def decreed by fate; destined; inevitable. fatalism 1. syl fa+tal+ism pron <1fAt*2liz*m> pos n. def the philosophical doctrine that all events are predetermined so that man is powerless to alter his destiny. fatalism 2. syl fa+tal+ism pron <1fAt*2liz*m> pos n. def the acceptance of and submission to this doctrine. fatalism 3. syl fa+tal+ism pron <1fAt*2liz*m> pos n. def a lack of effort or action in the face of difficulty. fatalist sub head fatalism syl fa+tal+ist pos n. fatalistic sub head fatalism syl fa+tal+1is+tic pos adj. fatalistically sub head fatalism syl fa+tal+1is+ti+cal+ly pos adv. fatalities infl head fatality syl fa+tal+i:ties. pos n. mod pl. fatality 1. syl fa+tal+i:ty pron pos n. def an accident or disaster resulting in death. fatality 2. syl fa+tal+i:ty pron pos n. def a person killed in an accident or disaster. fatality 3. syl fa+tal+i:ty pron pos n. def the power of causing death or disaster; deadliness. fatality 4. syl fa+tal+i:ty pron pos n. def the quality or condition of being fated. fatality 5. syl fa+tal+i:ty pron pos n. def something caused or dictated by fate. fatally 1. syl fa+tal+ly pron <1fAt*li> pos adv. def resulting in death or disaster. fatally 2. syl fa+tal+ly pron <1fAt*li> pos adv. def as decreed by fate; inevitably. Fata Morgana ety C19: from Italian: M#7organ le F#7ay Fata Morgana 0. syl Fa:ta Mor:ga:na pron Italian. <1fata> pos n. def a mirage, esp. one in the Strait of Messina attributed to the sorcery of Morgan le Fay. fatback 0. syl fat+back pron <1f@t2b@k> pos n. def the fat, usually salted, from the upper part of a side of pork. fat cat 0. syl fat cat pos n. qual Slang, chiefly U.S. def a very wealthy or influential person. fate ety C14: from Latin f*_atum oracular utterance, from f*_ar*_i to speak fate 1. syl fate pron pos n. def the ultimate agency that predetermines the course of events. fate 2. syl fate pron pos n. def the inevitable fortune that befalls a person or thing; destiny. fate 3. syl fate pron pos n. def the end or final result. fate 4. syl fate pron pos n. def a calamitous or unfavourable outcome or result; death, destruction, or downfall. fate 5. syl fate pron pos vb. mod tr. usage usually passive def to predetermine; doom. exam 1 he was fated to lose the game. fated 1. syl fat+ed pron <1fAtid> pos adj. def destined. fated 2. syl fat+ed pron <1fAtid> pos adj. def doomed to death or destruction. fateful 1. syl fate+ful pron <1fAtful> pos adj. def having important consequences; decisively important. fateful 2. syl fate+ful pron <1fAtful> pos adj. def bringing death or disaster. fateful 3. syl fate+ful pron <1fAtful> pos adj. def controlled by or as if by fate. fateful 4. syl fate+ful pron <1fAtful> pos adj. def prophetic. fatefully sub head fateful syl fate+ful+ly pos adv. fatefulness sub head fateful syl fate+ful+ness pos n. Fates 1. syl Fates pron pos n. mod pl. qual Greek myth. def the three goddesses who control the destinies of the lives of man, which are likened to skeins of thread that they spin, measure out, and at last cut. See {Atropos, Clotho, Lachesis}. Norse myth 2. head Fates syl Norse myth. def another name for the {Norns}. fath 0. syl fath. qual abbrev. for def fathom. fathead 0. syl fat+head pron <1f@t2hed> pos n. qual Informal. def a stupid person; fool. fatheaded sub head fathead syl fat+2head:ed pos adj. fat hen 0. syl fat hen pos n. def a common plant, with small green flowers and whitish scales on the stem and leaves: family (chenopods). Also called (U.S.): {pigweed, lamb's-quarters}. father ety Old English f@ader; related to Old Norse fathir, Old Frisian feder, Old High German fater, Latin pater, Greek pat*_er, Sanskrit pitr father 1. syl fa+ther pron <1fa:D*> pos n. def a male parent. father 2. syl fa+ther pron <1fa:D*> pos n. def a person who founds a line or family; forefather. father 3. syl fa+ther pron <1fa:D*> pos n. def any male acting in a paternal capacity. father 4. syl fa+ther pron <1fa:D*> pos n. usage often cap. def a respectful term of address for an old man. father 5. syl fa+ther pron <1fa:D*> pos n. def a male who originates something. exam 1 the father of modern psychology. father 6. syl fa+ther pron <1fa:D*> pos n. def a leader of an association, council, etc.; elder. exam 1 a city father. father 7. syl fa+ther pron <1fa:D*> pos n. qual Brit. def the eldest or most senior member in a society, profession, etc.. exam 1 father of the House. father 8. syl fa+ther pron <1fa:D*> pos n. mod often; pl. def a senator or patrician in ancient Rome. the father of 9. head father syl the father of. qual Informal. def a very large, severe, etc., example of a specified kind. exam 1 the father of a whipping. father 10. syl fa+ther pron <1fa:D*> pos n. def to procreate or generate (offspring); beget. father 11. syl fa+ther pron <1fa:D*> pos n. def to create, found, originate, etc. father 12. syl fa+ther pron <1fa:D*> pos n. def to act as a father to. father 13. syl fa+ther pron <1fa:D*> pos n. def to acknowledge oneself as father or originator of. father 14. syl fa+ther pron <1fa:D*> pos n. usage foll. by on or upon def to impose or place without a just reason. father-like sub head father syl fa:ther-2like pos adj. Father 1. syl Fa+ther pron <1fa:D*> pos n. def God, esp. when considered as the first person of the Christian Trinity. Father 2. syl Fa+ther pron <1fa:D*> pos n. def Also called: {Church Father}. any of the writers on Christian doctrine of the pre-Scholastic period. Father 3. syl Fa+ther pron <1fa:D*> pos n. def a title used for Christian priests. Father Christmas 0. syl Fa+ther Christ+mas pos n. def another name for {Santa Claus}. father confessor 1. syl fa+ther con+fes+sor pos n. qual Christianity. def a priest who hears confessions and advises on religious or moral matters. father confessor 2. syl fa+ther con+fes+sor pos n. def any person to whom one tells private matters. fatherhood 0. syl fa:ther+hood pron <1fa:D*2hud> pos n. def the state or responsibility of being a father. fathers-in-law infl head father-in-law syl fa:thers-in-law. pos n. mod pl. father-in-law 0. syl fa:ther-in-law pos n. def the father of one's wife or husband. fatherland 1. syl fa:ther+land pron <1fa:D*2l@nd> pos n. def a person's native country. fatherland 2. syl fa:ther+land pron <1fa:D*2l@nd> pos n. def the country of a person's ancestors. father lasher 0. syl fa+ther lash+er pos n. def a large sea scorpion, occurring in British and European coastal waters. Also called: {short-spined sea scorpion}. fatherless 0. syl fa+ther+less pron <1fa:D*lis> pos adj. def having no father. fatherly 0. syl fa+ther+ly pron <1fa:D*li> pos adj. def of, resembling, or suitable to a father. fatherliness sub head fatherly syl fa+ther+li+ness pos n. father of the chapel 0. syl fa:ther of the chap+el pos n. usage in British trade unions in the publishing and print?!ing industries def a shop steward. Abbrev.: F.o.C. Father's Day 0. syl Fa+ther's Day pos n. def the third Sunday in June, observed as a day in honour of fathers. Father Time 0. syl Fa+ther Time pos n. def time personified as an old bearded man, usually carrying a scythe and an hourglass. fathom ety Old English f@athm; related to Old Frisian fethem outstretched arms, Old Norse fathmr embrace, Old High German fadum cubit, Latin pat*_ere to gape fathom 1. syl fath+om pron <1f@D*m> pos n. def a unit of length equal to six feet, used to measure depths of water. fathom 2. syl fath+om pron <1f@D*m> pos n. qual Mining. def a unit of volume usually equal to six cubic feet, used in measuring ore bodies. fathom 3. syl fath+om pron <1f@D*m> pos vb. mod tr. def to measure the depth of, esp. with a sounding line; sound. fathom 4. syl fath+om pron <1f@D*m> pos vb. mod tr. def to penetrate (a mystery, problem, etc.); discover the meaning of. fathomable sub head fathom syl fath+om+a:ble pos adj. fathomer sub head fathom syl fath+om+er pos n. Fathometer 0. syl Fa+thom+e:ter pron pos n. qual Trademark. def a type of echo sound?!er used for measuring the depth of water. fathomless 0. syl fath+om+less pron <1f@D*mlis> pos adj. def another word for {unfathomable}. fathomlessly sub head fathomless syl fath+om+less+ly pos adv. fathomlessness sub head fathomless syl fath+om+less+ness pos n. fatidic ety C17: from Latin f*_atidicus, from f*_atum #7fate+ d*_icere to say fatidical alt head fatidic or fatidic syl fa+tid:i+cal pos adj. fatidic 0. or fatidical syl fa+tid+ic pron pos adj. qual Rare. def prophetic. fatidically sub head fatidic syl fa+1tid:i+cal+ly pos adv. fatigue ety C17: from French, from fatiguer to tire, from Latin fat*_ig*_are &- fa+tig+a@.ble (#!f@at$Ig$$b%@l) adj. &- fa+#!tigue+less adj. fatigue 1. syl fa+tigue pron pos n. def physical or mental exhaustion due to exertion. fatigue 2. syl fa+tigue pron pos n. def a tiring activity or effort. fatigue 3. syl fa+tigue pron pos n. qual Physiol. def the temporary inability of an organ or part to respond to a stimulus because of overactivity. fatigue 4. syl fa+tigue pron pos n. def the weakening of a material subjected to alternating stresses, esp. vibrations. fatigue 5.a. syl fa+tigue pron pos n. def any of the mainly domestic duties performed by military personnel, esp. as a punishment. fatigue 5.b. syl fa+tigue pron pos n. usage as modifier def . exam 1 fatigue duties. fatigue 6. syl fa+tigue pron pos n. mod pl. def special clothing worn by military personnel to carry out such duties. {~} {+tigues, +tigu+ing, +tigued}. fatigue 7. syl fa+tigue pron pos n. def to make or become weary or exhausted. fatigue 8. syl fa+tigue pron pos n. def to weaken or break (a material or part) by inducing fluctuating stresses in it, or (of a metal or part) to become weakened or fail as a result of fluctuating stresses. Fatima 0. syl Fat:i:ma pron <1f@tim*> pos n. def ??606-632 #7a.d., daughter of Mohammed; wife of Ali. F'atima 0. syl F*'at:i+ma pron Portuguese <1fatim*> pos n. def a village in central Portugal: Roman Catholic shrine and pilgrimage centre. Fatimid 1. syl Fat:i:mid pron <1f@timid> pos n. def a member of the Moslem dynasty, descended from Fatima and Ali, that ruled over North Africa and parts of Egypt and Syria (909-1171). Fatimid 2. syl Fat:i:mid pron <1f@timid> pos n. def Also called: {Fat@.i+mite} (#!f@at$I@!ma$It). a descendant of Fatima and Ali. fatling 0. syl fat+ling pron <1f@tliG> pos n. def a young farm animal fattened for killing. fat mouse 0. syl fat mouse pos n. def any nocturnal African mouse of the genus of dry regions: eaten as a delicacy by Africans because of their high fat content: family Fatshan 0. syl Fat+shan pron <1fa:t1Sa:n> pos n. def a city in SE China, in W Kwantung province. Pop.: 122500 (1953). Also called: {Namhoi}. fatsos infl head fatso or fatsoes syl fat+sos pos n. mod pl. fatsoes infl head fatso or fatsos syl fat+soes. pos n. mod pl. fatso 0. syl fat+so pron <1f@ts*u> pos n. qual Slang. def a fat person: used as an insulting or disparaging term of address. fat-soluble 0. syl fat-sol:u:ble pos adj. def soluble in nonpolar substances, such as ether, chloroform, and oils. Fat-soluble compounds are often insoluble in water. fat stock 0. syl fat stock pos n. def livestock fattened and ready for market. fatten 1. syl fat+ten pron <1f@tN> pos vb. def to grow or cause to grow fat or fatter. fatten 2. syl fat+ten pron <1f@tN> pos vb. mod tr. def to cause (an animal or fowl) to become fat by feeding it. fatten 3. syl fat+ten pron <1f@tN> pos vb. mod tr. def to make fuller or richer. fatten 4. syl fat+ten pron <1f@tN> pos vb. mod tr. def to enrich (soil) by adding fertilizing agents. fattenable sub head fatten syl fat+ten+a:ble pos adj. fattener sub head fatten syl fat+ten+er pos n. fattier infl head fatty syl fat+ti+er pos adj. fattiest infl head fatty syl fat+ti+est. pos adj. fatty 1. syl fat+ty pron <1f@ti> pos adj. def containing, consisting of, or derived from fat. fatty 2. syl fat+ty pron <1f@ti> pos adj. def having the properties of fat; greasy; oily. fatty 3. syl fat+ty pron <1f@ti> pos adj. usage esp. of tissues, organs, etc. def characterized by the excessive accumulation of fat. fatties infl head fatty syl fat+ties. pos n. mod pl. fatty 4. syl fat+ty pron <1f@ti> pos n. qual Informal. def a fat person. fattily sub head fatty syl fat+ti+ly pos adv. fattiness sub head fatty syl fat+ti+ness pos n. fatty acid 1. syl fat+ty ac:id pos n. def any of a class of aliphatic carboxylic acids, such as palmitic acid, stearic acid, and oleic acid, that form part of a lipid molecule. fatty acid 2. syl fat+ty ac:id pos n. def another name for {carboxylic acid}, esp. a naturally occurring one. fatty degeneration 0. syl fat+ty de+gen+er:a+tion pos n. qual Pathol. def the abnormal formation of tiny globules of fat within the cytoplasm of a cell. fatty oil 0. syl fat+ty oil pos n. def another name for {fixed oil}. fatuities infl head fatuity syl fa+tu+i:ties. pos n. mod pl. fatuity 1. syl fa+tu+i:ty pron pos n. def complacent foolishness; inanity. fatuity 2. syl fa+tu+i:ty pron pos n. def a fatuous remark, act, sentiment, etc. fatuity 3. syl fa+tu+i:ty pron pos n. qual Archaic. def idiocy. fatuitous sub head fatuity syl fa+1tu:i+tous pos adj. fatuous ety C17: from Latin fatuus; related to fatiscere to gape fatuous 0. syl fat:u+ous pron <1f@tju*s> pos adj. def complacently or inanely foolish. fatuously sub head fatuous syl fat:u+ous+ly pos adv. fatuousness sub head fatuous syl fat:u+ous+ness pos n. faubourg ety C15: from French fauxbourg, perhaps a modification through folk etymology of Old French forsborc, from Latin foris outside+Old French borc #7burg faubourg 0. syl fau+bourg pron <1f*ubu*g>, French pos n. def a suburb or quarter, esp. of a French city. faucial alt head faucal or faucal syl fau+cial pron <1fc:S*l> pos adj. faucal 1. or faucial syl fau+cal pron <1fc:kL> pos adj. qual Anatomy. def of or relating to the fauces. faucal 2. or faucial syl fau+cal pron <1fc:kL> pos adj. qual Phonetics. def articulated in that part of the vocal tract between the back of the mouth and the larynx; pharyngeal. fauces ety C16: from Latin: throat fauces infl syl fau+ces. pos n. mod pl. fauces 0. syl fau+ces pron <1fc:sEz> pos n. qual Anatomy. def the area between the cavity of the mouth and the pharynx, including the surround?!ing tissues. faucet 0. syl fau+cet pron <1fc:sit> pos n. def the U.S. name for a {tap}. faugh 0. syl faugh pron pos interj. def an exclamation of disgust, scorn, etc. Falkner alt head Faulkner or Faulkner syl Falk:ner pron <1fc:kn*> pos n. William infl head Faulkner syl Wil:liam. pos n. Faulkner 0. or Falkner syl Faulk:ner pron <1fc:kn*> pos n. def 1897-1962, U.S. novelist and short-story writer. Most of his works portray the problems of the southern U.S., esp. the novels set in the imaginary county of Yoknapatawpha in Mississippi. Other novels include (1929) and (1932): Nobel prize for literature 1949. fault ety C13: from Old French faute, from Vulgar Latin fallita (unattested), ultimately from Latin fallere to fail fault 1. syl fault pron pos n. def an imperfection; failing or defect; flaw. fault 2. syl fault pron pos n. def a mistake or error. fault 3. syl fault pron pos n. def an offence; misdeed. fault 4. syl fault pron pos n. def responsibility for a mistake or misdeed; culpability. fault 5. syl fault pron pos n. qual Electronics. def a defect in a circuit, component, or line, such as a short circuit. fault 6. syl fault pron pos n. qual Geology. def a fracture in the earth's crust resulting in the relative displacement and loss of continuity of the rocks on either side of it. fault 7. syl fault pron pos n. qual Tennis, squash, etc. def an invalid serve, such as one that lands outside a prescribed area. fault 8. syl fault pron pos n. usage in showjumping def a device that records foul jumps. fault 9. syl fault pron pos n. qual Hunting. def an instance of the hounds losing the scent. fault 10. syl fault pron pos n. def deficiency; lack; want. fault 11.a. syl fault pron pos n. def guilty of error; culpable. fault 11.b. syl fault pron pos n. def perplexed. fault 11.c. syl fault pron pos n. usage of hounds def having temporarily lost the scent. find fault (with) 12. head fault syl find fault (with) . def to seek out minor imperfections or errors (in); carp (at). to a fault 13. head fault syl to a fault. def excessively. fault 14. syl fault pron pos vb. qual Geology. def to undergo or cause to undergo a fault. fault 15. syl fault pron pos vb. mod tr. def to find a fault in, criticize, or blame. fault 16. syl fault pron pos vb. mod intr. def to commit a fault. fault-finding 1. syl fault-find:ing pos n. def continual and usually trivial criticism. fault-finding 2. syl fault-find:ing pos adj. def given to finding fault. &- {#!fault-@!find@.er} faultless 0. syl fault+less pron <1fc:ltlis> pos adj. def without fault; perfect or blameless. faultlessly sub head faultless syl fault+less+ly pos adv. faultlessness sub head faultless syl fault+less+ness pos n. fault plane 0. syl fault plane pos n. qual Geology. def the surface of a fault fracture along which the rocks have been displaced. faultier infl head faulty syl fault:i+er pos adj. faultiest infl head faulty syl fault:i+est. pos adj. faulty 1. syl fault:y pron <1fc:lti> pos adj. def defective or im?!perfect. faulty 2. syl fault:y pron <1fc:lti> pos adj. qual Archaic. def culpable. faultily sub head faulty syl fault:i+ly pos adv. faultiness sub head faulty syl fault:i+ness pos n. faun ety C14: back formation from Faunes (plural), from Latin F#7aunus faun 0. syl faun pron pos n. usage in Roman legend def a rural deity represented as a man with a goat's ears, horns, tail, and hind legs. faunlike sub head faun syl faun+2like pos adj. fauna ety C18: from New Latin, from Late Latin Fauna a goddess, sister of F#7aunus faunas infl head fauna or faunae syl fau+nas pron <-nE> pos n. mod pl. faunae infl head fauna or faunas syl fau+nae pron <-nE> pos n. mod pl. fauna 1. syl fau+na pron <1fc:n*> pos n. def all the animal life of a given place or time, esp. when distinguished from the plant life (flora). fauna 2. syl fau+na pron <1fc:n*> pos n. def a descriptive list of such animals. faunal sub head fauna syl fau+nal pos adj. faunally sub head fauna syl fau+nal+ly pos adv. Faunus 0. syl Fau:nus pron <1fc:n*s> pos n. def an ancient Italian deity of pastures and forests, later identified with the Greek Pan. Gabriel (Urbain) infl head Faur'e syl Ga:bri:el (Urbain) pron pos n. Faur'e 0. syl Fau:r*'e pron <1fc:rA>, French pos n. def 1845-1924, French composer and teacher, noted particularly for his song settings of French poems, esp. those of Verlaine, his piano music, and his (1887). Faustus alt head Faust or Faust syl Faust:us pron <1faust*s> pos n. Faust 0. or Faustus syl Faust pron pos n. qual German legend. def a magician and alchemist who sells his soul to the devil in exchange for knowledge and power. Faustian sub head Faust syl Faust+i:an pos adj. faute de mieux 0. syl faute de mieux pron French. , English <1f*ut d* 1mjR:> def for lack of anything better. fauteuil ety C18: from French, from Old French faudestuel, folding chair, of Germanic origin; see #7faldstool fauteuil 0. syl fau+teuil pron <1f*utR:i>, French pos n. def an armchair, the sides of which are not upholstered. Fauve ety C20: from French, literally: wild beast, alluding to the violence of colours, etc. Fauve 1. syl Fauve pron French pos n. def one of a group of French painters prominent from 1905, including Matisse, Vlaminck, and Derain, characterized by the use of bright colours and simplified forms. Fauve 2. syl Fauve pron French pos adj. usage often not cap. def of this group or its style. Fauvism sub head Fauve syl Fauv+ism pos n. Fauvist sub head Fauve syl Fauv+ist pos n. adj. faux-naif ety French: false na*"ive faux-naif 0. syl faux-na*"if qual French def fo na#!if) faux-naif 1. syl faux-na*"if qual French def appearing or seeking to appear simple and unsophisticated. exam 1 a faux-na*"if narration. faux-naif 2. syl faux-na*"if qual French def a person who pretends to be na*"ive. faux pas ety C17: from French: false step faux pas 0. syl faux pas pron <1pa:>, French <1pa>, <1pa:z>, <1pa:z>, French <1pa>, French <1pa> pos n. mod pl. def a social blunder or indiscretion. faveolate ety C19: from New Latin faveolus a little honeycomb, blend of Latin favus honeycomb+ alveolus a small hollow faveolate 0. syl fa+ve:o+late pron pos adj. def pitted with cell-like cavities. favonian ety C17: from Latin Fav*_oni*_anus favonian 1. syl fa+vo+ni:an pron pos adj. def of or relating to the west wind. favonian 2. syl fa+vo+ni:an pron pos adj. qual Poetic. def favourable. favorite son 0. syl fa+vor+ite son pos n. qual U.S. def a politician popular in his home state but little admired beyond it. favour ety C14: from Latin, from fav*_ere to protect favor alt head favour or favour syl fa+vor pron <1fAv*> pos n. qual U.S. favour 1. or favor syl fa+vour pron <1fAv*> pos n. def an approving attitude; good will. favour 2. or favor syl fa+vour pron <1fAv*> pos n. def an act performed out of good will, generosity, or mercy. favour 3. or favor syl fa+vour pron <1fAv*> pos n. def prejudice and partiality; favouritism. favour 4. or favor syl fa+vour pron <1fAv*> pos n. def a condition of being regarded with approval or good will (esp. in the phrases {in favour, out of favour) }. favour 5. or favor syl fa+vour pron <1fAv*> pos n. def a token of love, good will, etc. favour 6. or favor syl fa+vour pron <1fAv*> pos n. def a small gift or toy given to a guest at a party. favour 7. or favor syl fa+vour pron <1fAv*> pos n. qual History. def a badge or ribbon worn or given to indicate loyalty, often bestowed on a knight by a lady. favour 8. or favor syl fa+vour pron <1fAv*> pos n. qual Obsolete, chiefly Brit. def a communication, esp. a business letter. favour 9. or favor syl fa+vour pron <1fAv*> pos n. qual Archaic. def appear?!ance. find favour with 10. head favour syl find favour with. def to be approved of by someone. favour 11.a. or favor syl fa+vour pron <1fAv*> pos n. def approving. favour 11.b. or favor syl fa+vour pron <1fAv*> pos n. def to the benefit of. favour 11.c. or favor syl fa+vour pron <1fAv*> pos n. usage of a cheque, etc. def made out to. favour 11.d. or favor syl fa+vour pron <1fAv*> pos n. def in order to show preference for. exam 1 I rejected him in favour of George. favour 12. or favor syl fa+vour pron <1fAv*> pos vb. mod tr. def to regard with especial kindness or approval. favour 13. or favor syl fa+vour pron <1fAv*> pos vb. mod tr. def to treat with partiality or favourit?!ism. favour 14. or favor syl fa+vour pron <1fAv*> pos vb. mod tr. def to support; advocate. favour 15. or favor syl fa+vour pron <1fAv*> pos vb. mod tr. def to perform a favour for; oblige. favour 16. or favor syl fa+vour pron <1fAv*> pos vb. mod tr. def to help; facilitate. favour 17. or favor syl fa+vour pron <1fAv*> pos vb. mod tr. qual Informal. def to resemble. exam 1 he favours his father. favour 18. or favor syl fa+vour pron <1fAv*> pos vb. mod tr. def to wear habitually. exam 1 she favours red. favour 19. or favor syl fa+vour pron <1fAv*> pos vb. mod tr. def to treat gingerly or with tenderness; spare. exam 1 a footballer favouring an injured leg. favourer sub head favour or favorer syl fa+vour+er pos n. favorer sub head favour or favourer syl fa+vor+er pos n. qual U.S. favouringly sub head favour or favoringly syl fa+vour+ing+ly pos adv. favoringly sub head favour or favouringly syl fa+vor+ing+ly pos adv. qual U.S. favorable alt head favourable or favourable syl fa+vor+a:ble pron <1fAv*r*bL>, <1fAvr*-> pos adj. qual U.S. favourable 1. or favorable syl fa+vour+a:ble pron <1fAv*r*bL>, <1fAvr*-> pos adj. def encouraging or promising. favourable 2. or favorable syl fa+vour+a:ble pron <1fAv*r*bL>, <1fAvr*-> pos adj. def giving consent. favourableness sub head favourable or favorableness syl fa+vour+a:ble+ness pos n. favorableness sub head favourable or favourableness syl fa+vor+a:ble+ness pos n. qual U.S. favourably sub head favourable or favorably syl fa+vour+a:bly pos adv. favorably sub head favourable or favourably syl fa+vor+a:bly pos adv. qual U.S. -favoured 0. syl -fa:voured pos adj. usage in combination def having an appearance (as specified). exam 1 ill-favoured. favourite ety C16: from Italian favorito, from favorire to favour, from Latin fav*_ere favorite alt head favourite or favourite syl fa+vor+ite pron <1fAv*rit>, <1fAvrit> pos adj. qual U.S. favourite 1. or favorite syl fa+vour+ite pron <1fAv*rit>, <1fAvrit> pos adj. usage prenominal def most liked; preferred above all others. favourite 2.a. or favorite syl fa+vour+ite pron <1fAv*rit>, <1fAvrit> pos n. def a person or thing regarded with especial preference or liking. favourite 2.b. or favorite syl fa+vour+ite pron <1fAv*rit>, <1fAvrit> pos n. usage as modifier exam 1 a favourite book. favourite 3. or favorite syl fa+vour+ite pron <1fAv*rit>, <1fAvrit> pos n. qual Sport. def a competitor thought likely to win. favoritism alt head favouritism or favouritism syl fa+vor+it+ism pron <1fAv*ri2tiz*m>, <1fAvri-> pos n. qual U.S. favouritism 1. or favoritism syl fa+vour+it+ism pron <1fAv*ri2tiz*m>, <1fAvri-> pos n. def the practice of giving special treatment to a person or group. favouritism 2. or favoritism syl fa+vour+it+ism pron <1fAv*ri2tiz*m>, <1fAvri-> pos n. def the state of being treated as a favourite. favors alt head favours or favours syl fa+vors pron <1fAv*z> pos n. mod pl. qual U.S. favours 0. or favors syl fa+vours pron <1fAv*z> pos n. mod pl. def sexual intimacy, as when consented to by a woman. Favrile glass 0. syl Fav+rile glass pron pos n. def a type of iridescent glass developed by L.C. Tiffany. favus ety C19: from New Latin, from Latin: honeycomb favus 0. syl fa+vus pron <1fAv*s> pos n. def an infectious fungal skin disease of man and some domestic animals, characterized by formation of a honeycomb-like mass of roundish dry cup-shaped crusts. Guy infl head Fawkes syl Guy. pos n. Fawkes 0. syl Fawkes pron pos n. def 1570-1606, English conspirator, executed for his part in the Gunpowder Plot to blow up King James I and the Houses of Parliament (1605). Effigies of him, @6guys@9, are burnt in England on Guy Fawkes Day (Nov. 5). fawn ety C14: from Old French faon, from Latin f*_etus offspring; see #7fetus fawn H1.1. syl fawn pron pos n. def a young deer of either sex aged under one year. fawn H1.2.a. syl fawn pron pos n. def a light greyish-brown colour. fawn H1.2.b. syl fawn pron pos as; adj. exam 1 a fawn raincoat. in fawn 3. head fawn syl in fawn. usage of deer def pregnant. {~} fawn H1.4. syl fawn pron pos n. mod tr. usage of deer def to bear young. fawnlike sub head fawn syl fawn+2like pos adj. fawn ety Old English f@agnian to be glad, from f@agen glad; see #7fain fawn H2.1. syl fawn pron pos vb. mod intr. usage often foll. by on or upon def to seek attention and admiration (from) by cringing and flattering. fawn H2.2. syl fawn pron pos vb. mod intr. usage often foll. by on or upon; of animals, esp. dogs def to try to please by a show of extreme friendliness and fondness (towards). fawner sub head fawn syl fawn+er pos n. fawningly sub head fawn syl fawn+ing+ly pos adv. fawningness sub head fawn syl fawn+ing+ness pos n. fawn lily 0. syl fawn lil:y pos n. def another name for {dogtooth violet}. fay ety C14: from Old French feie, ultimately from Latin f*_atum #7fate fay H1.1. syl fay pron pos n. def a fairy or sprite. fay H1.2. syl fay pron pos adj. def of or resembling a fay. fay H1.3. syl fay pron pos adj. qual Informal. def pretentious or precious. fay ety Old English f*_egan to join; related to Old High German fuogen, Latin pangere to fasten fay H2.0. syl fay pron pos vb. def to fit or be fitted closely or tightly. fay ety C13: from Anglo-French feid; see #7faith fay H3.0. syl fay pron pos n. def an obsolete word for {faith}. Fayal 0. syl Fay+al pron Portuguese pos n. def a variant spelling of {Faial}. fayalite ety C19: named after #7fayal fayalite 0. syl fay+al+ite pron <1fA*2lIt>, pos n. def a rare brown or black mineral of the olivine group, consisting of iron silicate. Formula: Fe\2SiO\4. Fayum 0. syl Fa+yum pron pos n. def See {El Faiyum}. faze ety C19: variant of #7feeze faze 0. syl faze pron pos vb. mod tr. qual U.S. informal. def to disconcert; worry; disturb. FBA 0. syl F.B.A. qual abbrev. for def Fellow of the British Academy. FBI 0. syl F.B.I. qual abbrev. for usage in the U.S. def Federal Bureau of Investigation; an agency of the Justice Department responsible for investigat?!ing violations of Federal laws. fc 0. syl f.c. qual Printing. abbrev. for def follow copy. FC 0. syl F.C. qual abbrev. for usage in Britain def Football Club. FCA 0. syl F.C.A. qual abbrev. for usage in Britain def Fellow of the Institute of Chartered Accountants. F clef 0. syl F clef pos n. def another name for {bass clef}. FCO 0. syl F.C.O. qual abbrev. for def Foreign and Commonwealth Office. FD ety Latin: Defender of the Faith FD 0. syl F.D. qual abbrev. for def Fidei Defensor. F distribution 0. syl F dis+tri+bu+tion pos n. qual Statistics. def a continuous distribution obtained from the ratio of two chi-square distributions and used esp. to test the equality of the variances of two normally distributed variances. Fe ety from New Latin ferrum Fe 0. syl Fe usage the chemical symbol for def iron. feal ety C16: from Old French feeil, from Latin fid*_elis feal 0. syl feal pron pos adj. def an archaic word for {faithful}. fealty ety C14: from Old French fealte, from Latin fid*_elit*_as #7fidelity fealties infl head fealty syl fe+al+ties. pos n. mod pl. fealty 0. syl fe+al+ty pron <1fE*lti> pos n. usage in feudal society def the loyalty sworn to one's lord on becoming his vassal. See {{homage} (sense 2)}. fear ety Old English f*_@ar; related to Old High German f*_ara, Old Norse f*_ar hostility, Latin per*_iculum danger fear 1. syl fear pron pos n. def a feeling of distress, apprehension, or alarm caused by impending danger, pain, etc. fear 2. syl fear pron pos n. def a cause of this feeling. fear 3. syl fear pron pos n. def awe; reverence. exam 1 fear of God. fear 4. syl fear pron pos n. def concern; anxiety. fear 5. syl fear pron pos n. def possibility; chance. exam 1 there is no fear of that happening. that infl head fear or lest syl that lest infl head fear or that syl lest. for fear of 6. head fear syl for fear of def to forestall or avoid. no fear 7. head fear syl no fear. def certainly not. put the fear of God into 8. head fear syl put the fear of God into. def to frighten. {~} fear 9. syl fear pron pos n. def to be afraid (to do something) or of (a person or thing); dread. fear 10. syl fear pron pos n. mod tr. def to revere; respect. fear 11. syl fear pron pos n. mod tr. usage takes a clause as object def to be sorry: used to lessen the effect of an unpleasant statement. exam 1 I fear that you have not won. fear 12. syl fear pron pos n. mod intr. usage foll. by for def to feel anxiety about something. fear 13. syl fear pron pos n. def an archaic word for {frighten}. fearer sub head fear syl fear+er pos n. fearful 1. syl fear+ful pron <1fi*ful> pos adj. def having fear; afraid. fearful 2. syl fear+ful pron <1fi*ful> pos adj. def causing fear; frightening. fearful 3. syl fear+ful pron <1fi*ful> pos adj. qual Informal. def very unpleasant or annoying. exam 1 a fearful cold. fearfulness sub head fearful syl fear+ful+ness pos n. fearfully 1. syl fear+ful+ly pron <1fi*fuli> pos adv. def in a fearful manner. fearnaught alt head fearnought or fearnought syl fear+naught pron <1fi*2nc:t> pos n. fearnought 1. or fearnaught syl fear+nought pron <1fi*2nc:t> pos n. def a heavy woollen fabric. fearnought 2. or fearnaught syl fear+nought pron <1fi*2nc:t> pos n. def a coat made of such fabric. fearsome 1. syl fear+some pron <1fi*s*m> pos adj. def frightening. fearsome 2. syl fear+some pron <1fi*s*m> pos adj. def timorous; afraid. fearsomely sub head fearsome syl fear+some+ly pos adv. fearsomeness sub head fearsome syl fear+some+ness pos n. feasible ety C15: from Anglo-French faisible, from faire to do, from Latin facere feasible 1. syl fea+si:ble pron <1fEz*bL> pos adj. def able to be done or put into effect; possible. feasible 2. syl fea+si:ble pron <1fEz*bL> pos adj. def likely; probable. exam 1 a feasible excuse. feasibility sub head feasible or feasibleness syl fea+si:1bil+i:ty pos n. feasibleness sub head feasible or feasibility syl fea+si:ble+ness pos n. feasibly sub head feasible syl fea+si:bly pos adv. feast ety C13: from Old French feste, from Latin festa, neuter plural (later assumed to be feminine singular) of festus joyful; related to Latin f*_anum temple, f*_eriae festivals feast 1. syl feast pron pos n. def a large and sumptuous meal, usually given as an entertainment for several people. feast 2. syl feast pron pos n. def a periodic religious celebration. feast 3. syl feast pron pos n. def something extremely pleasing or sumptuous. exam 1 a feast for the eyes. moveable feast 4. head feast syl moveable feast. def a festival of variable date. feast 5.a. syl feast pron pos vb. def to eat a feast. feast 5.b. syl feast pron pos vb. usage usually foll. by on def to enjoy the eating (of), as if feasting. exam 1 to feast on cakes. feast 6. syl feast pron pos vb. mod tr. def to give a feast to. feast 7. syl feast pron pos vb. mod intr. usage foll. by on def to take great delight (in). exam 1 to feast on beautiful paintings. feast 8. syl feast pron pos vb. mod tr. def to regale or delight. exam 1 to feast one's mind or one's eyes. feaster sub head feast syl feast+er pos n. Feast of Dedication 0. syl Feast of Ded:i+ca+tion pos n. qual Judaism. def another name for {Hanukkah}. Feast of Lanterns 1. syl Feast of Lan+terns pos n. qual Hinduism. def a five-day festival usually taking place in October or November, dedicated to the goddess of wealth. Feast of Lanterns 2. syl Feast of Lan+terns pos n. def Also called: {Festival of Lanterns}. another name for {Bon}. Feast of Tabernacles 0. syl Feast of Tab+er+na+cles pos n. qual Judaism. def another name for {Sukkoth}. Feasthe infl head Feast of Weeks syl Feasthe. pos n. Feast of Weeks 0. syl Feast of Weeks pos n. qual Judaism. def another name for {Shabuoth}. feat ety C14: from Anglo-French fait, from Latin factum deed; see #7fact feat H1.0. syl feat pron pos n. def a remarkable, skilful, or daring action; exploit; achievement. exam 1 feats of strength. feat ety C14: from Old French fet, from Latin factus made, from facere to make feat H2.1. syl feat pron pos adj. qual Archaic. def another word for {skilful}. feat H2.2. syl feat pron pos adj. qual Archaic. def another word for {neat} or {suitable}. featly sub head feat syl feat+ly pos adv. feather ety Old English fether; related to Old Frisian fethere, Old Norse fj*"othr feather, Old High German fedara wing, Greek petesthai to fly, Sanskrit patati he flies feather 1. syl feath+er pron <1feD*> pos n. def any of the flat light waterproof epidermal structures forming the plumage of birds, each consisting of a hollow shaft having a vane of barbs on either side. They are essential for flight and help maintain body temperature. feather 2. syl feath+er pron <1feD*> pos n. def something resembling a feather, such as a tuft of hair or grass. feather 3.a. syl feath+er pron <1feD*> pos n. def a bird's feather or artificial substitute fitted to an arrow to direct its flight. feather 3.b. syl feath+er pron <1feD*> pos n. def the feathered end of an arrow, opposite the head. feather 4. syl feath+er pron <1feD*> pos n. def a strip, spline, or tongue of wood fitted into a groove. feather 5. syl feath+er pron <1feD*> pos n. def the wake created on the surface of the water by the raised periscope of a submarine. feather 6. syl feath+er pron <1feD*> pos n. qual Rowing. def the position of an oar turned parallel to the water between strokes. Compare {{square} (sense 6)}. feather 7. syl feath+er pron <1feD*> pos n. def a step in ballroom dancing in which a couple maintain the conventional hold but dance side by side. feather 8. syl feath+er pron <1feD*> pos n. def condition of spirits; fettle. exam 1 in fine feather. feather 9. syl feath+er pron <1feD*> pos n. def something of negligible value; jot. exam 1 I don't care a feather. birds of a feather 10. head feather syl birds of a feather. def people of the same type, character, or interests. feather in one's cap 11. head feather syl feather in one's cap. def a cause for pleasure at one's achievements. exam 1 your promotion is a feather in your cap. in full feather 12. head feather syl in full feather. def in good spirits. white feather 13. head feather syl white feather. def a sign of cowardice. feather 14. syl feath+er pron <1feD*> pos vb. mod tr. def to fit, cover, or supply with feathers. feather 15. syl feath+er pron <1feD*> pos vb. qual Rowing. def to turn (an oar) parallel to the water during recovery between strokes, principally in order to lessen wind resistance. Compare { {square} (sense 38)}. feather 16. syl feath+er pron <1feD*> pos vb. usage in canoeing def to turn (a paddle) parallel to the direction of the canoe between strokes, while keeping it in the water, principally in order to move silently. feather 17. syl feath+er pron <1feD*> pos vb. def to change the pitch of (an aircraft propeller) so that the chord lines of the blades are in line with the airflow. feather 18. syl feath+er pron <1feD*> pos vb. mod tr. def to join (two boards) by means of a tongue-and-groove joint. feather 19. syl feath+er pron <1feD*> pos vb. mod intr. usage of a bird def to grow feathers. feather 20. syl feath+er pron <1feD*> pos vb. mod intr. def to move or grow like feathers. feather one's nest 21. head feather syl feather one's nest. def to provide oneself with comforts, esp. financial. featherless sub head feather syl feath+er+less pos adj. feather-like sub head feather syl feath:er-2like pos adj. feathery sub head feather syl feath+er:y pos adj. feather bed 1. syl feath+er bed pos n. def a mattress filled with feathers or down. {~} {feath@.er+bed, +beds, +bed@.ding, +bed@.ded}. feather bed 2. syl feath+er bed pos n. mod tr. def to pamper; spoil. feather bed 3. syl feath+er bed pos n. qual U.S. def to be subject to or engage in feather bedding. featherbedding 0. syl feath:er+bed:ding pron <1feD*2bediG> pos n. def the practice of limiting production, duplicating work, or overmanning, esp. in accordance with a union contract, in order to prevent redundancies or create jobs. featherhead alt head featherbrain or featherbrain syl feath:er+head pos n. featherbrain 0. or featherhead syl feath:er+brain pron <1feD*2brAn> pos n. def a frivolous or forgetful person. featherbrained sub head featherbrain or featherheaded syl feath:er+2brained pos adj. featherheaded sub head featherbrain or featherbrained syl feath:er+2head:ed pos adj. featheredge 0. syl feath:er+edge pron <1feD*r2eJ> pos n. def a board or plank that tapers to a thin edge at one side. featheredged sub head featheredge syl feath:er+2edged pos adj. feather grass 0. syl feath+er grass pos n. def a perennial grass, native to the steppes of Europe and N Asia, cultivated as an ornament for its feathery inflorescence. feathering 0. syl feath+er+ing pron <1feD*riG> pos n. def the plumage of a bird; feathers. feather palm 0. syl feath+er palm pos n. def any of various palm trees, such as the wax palm and date palm, that have pinnate or feather-like leaves. Compare {fan palm}. feathers 1. syl feath+ers pron <1feD*z> pos n. mod pl. def the plumage of a bird. feathers 2. syl feath+ers pron <1feD*z> pos n. mod pl. def the long hair on the legs or tail of certain horses and dogs. feathers 3. syl feath+ers pron <1feD*z> pos n. mod pl. qual Informal. def dress; attire. exam 1 her best feathers. feather star 0. syl feath+er star pos n. def any free-swimming crinoid echinoderm of the genus and related genera, living on muddy sea bottoms and having ten feathery arms radiating from a small central disc. featherstitch 1. syl feath:er+stitch pron <1feD*2stiC> pos n. def a zigzag embroidery stitch. featherstitch 2. syl feath:er+stitch pron <1feD*2stiC> pos vb. def to decorate (cloth) with featherstitch. feather-veined 0. syl feath:er-veined pos adj. usage of a leaf def having a network of veins branching from the midrib to the margin. featherweight 1.a. syl feath:er+weight pron <1feD*2wAt> pos n. def something very light or of little importance. featherweight 1.b. syl feath:er+weight pron <1feD*2wAt> pos n. usage as modifier exam 1 featherweight considerations. featherweight 2.a. syl feath:er+weight pron <1feD*2wAt> pos n. def a professional boxer weighing 118-126 pounds (53.5-57 kg). featherweight 2.b. syl feath:er+weight pron <1feD*2wAt> pos n. def an amateur boxer weighing 54-57 kg (119-126 pounds). featherweight 2.c. syl feath:er+weight pron <1feD*2wAt> pos n. usage as modifier exam 1 the featherweight challenger. featherweight 3. syl feath:er+weight pron <1feD*2wAt> pos n. def a wrestler in a similar weight category (usually 126-139 pounds (57-63 kg)). featly 1. syl feat+ly pron <1fEtli> pos adv. qual Archaic. def neatly. featly 2. syl feat+ly pron <1fEtli> pos adv. qual Archaic. def fitly. featliness sub head featly syl feat+li+ness pos n. feature ety C14: from Anglo-French feture, from Latin fact*_ura a making, from facere to make feature 1. syl fea+ture pron <1fEC*> pos n. def any one of the parts of the face, such as the nose, chin, or mouth. feature 2. syl fea+ture pron <1fEC*> pos n. def a prominent or distinctive part or aspect, as of a landscape, building, book, etc. feature 3. syl fea+ture pron <1fEC*> pos n. def the principal film in a programme at a cinema. feature 4. syl fea+ture pron <1fEC*> pos n. def an item or article appearing at intervals in a newspaper, magazine, etc.. exam 1 a gardening feature. feature 5. syl fea+ture pron <1fEC*> pos n. def Also called: {feature story}. a prominent story in a newspaper, etc.. exam 1 a feature on prison reform. feature 6. syl fea+ture pron <1fEC*> pos n. def a programme given special prominence on radio or television as indicated by attendant publicity. feature 7. syl fea+ture pron <1fEC*> pos n. def an article offered for sale as a special attraction, as in a large retail establishment. feature 8. syl fea+ture pron <1fEC*> pos n. qual Archaic. def general form or make-up. feature 9. syl fea+ture pron <1fEC*> pos vb. mod tr. def to have as a feature or make a feature of. feature 10. syl fea+ture pron <1fEC*> pos vb. def to give prominence to (an actor, famous event, etc.) in a film or (of an actor, etc.) to have prominence in a film. feature 11. syl fea+ture pron <1fEC*> pos vb. mod tr. def to draw the main features or parts of. feature 12. syl fea+ture pron <1fEC*> pos vb. mod tr. qual U.S. informal. def to imagine; consider. exam 1 I can't feature that happening. feature 13. syl fea+ture pron <1fEC*> pos vb. mod tr. qual Informal. def to resemble in looks. feature 14. syl fea+ture pron <1fEC*> pos vb. mod intr. qual Slang. usage often foll. by with def to have sexual intercourse (with). -featured 0. syl -fea:tured pos adj. usage in combination def having features as specified. exam 1 heavy-featured. feature-length 0. syl fea:ture-length pos adj. usage of a film or programme def similar in extent to a feature although not classed as such. featureless 0. syl fea+ture+less pron <1fEC*lis> pos adj. def without distinctive points or qualities; undistinguished. featurelessness sub head featureless syl fea+ture+less+ness pos n. feaze ety C16: perhaps from obsolete Dutch vese fringe, from Middle Dutch vese, veze fringe; related to Old English f@as feaze H1.0. syl feaze pron pos vb. qual Nautical. def to make or become unravelled or frayed. feaze H2.0. syl feaze pron pos vb. n. n. def a variant of {feeze} or {faze}. Feb 0. syl Feb. qual abbrev. for def February. febri- ety from Latin febris fever febri- 0. syl feb:ri- usage combining form. def indicating fever. exam 1 febrifuge. febricity ety C19: from Medieval Latin febricit*_as, from Latin febris fever febricity 0. syl fe+bric+i:ty pron pos n. qual Rare. def the condition of having a fever. febrifacient 1. syl feb+ri+fa+cient pron <2febri1fAS*nt> pos adj. def producing fever. febrifacient 2. syl feb+ri+fa+cient pron <2febri1fAS*nt> pos n. def something that produces fever. febriferous alt head febrific or febrific syl fe+brif+er+ous pos adj. febrific 0. or febriferous syl fe+brif+ic pron pos adj. def causing or having a fever. febrifuge ety C17: from Medieval Latin febrifugia feverfew; see #7febri -#7, -#7fuge febrifuge 1. syl feb+ri+fuge pron <1febri2fju:J> pos n. def any drug or agent for reducing fever. febrifuge 2. syl feb+ri+fuge pron <1febri2fju:J> pos adj. def serving to reduce fever. febrifugal sub head febrifuge syl fe+brif:u+gal pron , <2febri1fju:gL> pos adj. febrile ety C17: from medical Latin febr*_ilis, from Latin febris fever febrile 0. syl fe+brile pron <1fEbrIl> pos adj. def of or relating to fever; feverish. febrility sub head febrile syl fe+bril+i:ty pron pos n. February ety C13: from Latin Febru*_arius m*_ensis month of expiation, from februa Roman festival of purification held on February 15, from plural of februum a purgation Februaries infl head February syl Feb+ru+ar:ies. pos n. mod pl. February 0. syl Feb+ru+ar:y pron <1febru*ri> pos n. def the second month of the year, consisting of 28 or (in a leap year) 29 days. February Revolution 0. syl Feb+ru+ar:y Rev:o+lu+tion pos n. def another name for the {{Russian Revolution} (sense 1)}. fec 0. syl fec. qual abbrev. for def fecit. fecal 0. syl fe+cal pron <1fEkL> pos adj. def the usual U.S. spelling of {faecal}. feces 0. syl fe+ces pron <1fEsEz> pos n. mod pl. def the usual U.S. spelling of {faeces}. Gustav Theodor infl head Fechner syl Gus:tav The:o:dor pron <1gustaf> <1tA:o2do:r> pos n. Fechner 0. syl Fech:ner pron German <1fe*,cn*r> pos n. def 1801-87, German physicist, philosopher, and psy?!chologist, noted particularly for his work on the relationship between physiology and psychology, (1860). fecit 0. syl fe+cit pron Latin. <1fAkit> usage he or she def made it: used formerly on works of art next to the artist's name. feck ety C15 (Scottish dialect) fek, short for #7effect feck 0.a. syl feck pron pos n. qual Scot. obsolete. def worth; value. feck 0.b. syl feck pron pos n. qual Scot. obsolete. def amount; quantity. feck 0.c. syl feck pron pos n. qual Scot. obsolete. def the greater part; the majority. feckless ety C16: from obsolete feck value, effect+-#7less feckless 0. syl feck+less pron <1feklis> pos adj. def feeble; weak; ineffectual. fecklessly sub head feckless syl feck+less+ly pos adv. fecklessness sub head feckless syl feck+less+ness pos n. fecula ety C17: from Latin: burnt tartar, appearing as a crust in wine, from faex sediment feculae infl head fecula syl fec:u+lae pron <-2lE> pos n. mod pl. fecula 1. syl fec:u+la pron <1fekjul*> pos n. def starch obtained by washing the crushed parts of plants, such as the potato. fecula 2. syl fec:u+la pron <1fekjul*> pos n. def faecal material, esp. of insects. feculent ety C15: from Latin faeculentus; see #7faeces feculent 1. syl fec:u+lent pron <1fekjul*nt> pos adj. def filthy, scummy, muddy, or foul. feculent 2. syl fec:u+lent pron <1fekjul*nt> pos adj. def of the nature of or containing waste matter. feculence sub head feculent syl fec:u+lence pos n. fecund ety C14: from Latin f*_ecundus; related to Latin f*_etus offspring fecund 1. syl fe+cund pron <1fEk*nd>, <1fek-> pos adj. def greatly productive; fertile. fecund 2. syl fe+cund pron <1fEk*nd>, <1fek-> pos adj. def intellectually productive; prolific. fecundate ety C17: from Latin f*_ecund*_are to fertilize fecundate 1. syl fe+cun+date pron <1fEk*n2dAt>, <1fek-> pos vb. mod tr. def to make fruitful. fecundate 2. syl fe+cun+date pron <1fEk*n2dAt>, <1fek-> pos vb. mod tr. def to fertilize; impregnate. fecundation sub head fecundate syl fe+cun+1da+tion pos n. fecundator sub head fecundate syl fe+cun+2da+tor pos n. fecundatory sub head fecundate syl fe+cun+da+to:ry pron , <-tri> pos adj. fecundity 1. syl fe+cun+di:ty pron pos n. def fertility; fruitfulness. fecundity 2. syl fe+cun+di:ty pron pos n. def intellectual fruitfulness; creativity. fed H1.1. syl fed pron pos vb. def the past tense or past participle of {feed}. fed to death 2. head fed or fed (up) to the (back) teeth syl fed to death qual Informal. def bored or annoyed. fed H2.0. syl fed pron pos n. qual U.S. slang. def an agent of the F.B.I. fed alt head Fed or Fed syl fed. Fed 1. or fed syl Fed. qual abbrev. for: def Federal. Fed 2. or fed syl Fed. qual abbrev. for: def Federation. Fed 3. or fed syl Fed. qual abbrev. for: def Feder?!ated. fedayee ety from Arabic fid*_a'i one who risks his life in a cause, from fid*_a' redemption fedayeen infl head fedayee syl fe+da+yeen pron <-jEn> pos n. mod pl. fedayee 0. syl fe+da+yee pron pos n. usage sometimes cap.; in Arab states def a commando, esp. one fighting against Israel. federal ety C17: from Latin foedus league federal 1. syl fed+er+al pron <1fed*r*l> pos adj. def of or relating to a form of government or a country in which power is divided between one central and several regional governments. federal 2. syl fed+er+al pron <1fed*r*l> pos adj. def of or relating to a treaty between provinces, states, etc., that establishes a political unit in which power is so divided. federal 3. syl fed+er+al pron <1fed*r*l> pos adj. def of or relating to the central government of a federation. federal 4. syl fed+er+al pron <1fed*r*l> pos adj. def of or relating to any union or association of parties or groups that retain some autonomy. federal 5. syl fed+er+al pron <1fed*r*l> pos n. def a supporter of federal union or federation. federally sub head federal syl fed+er+al+ly pos adv. Federal 1.a. syl Fed+er+al pron <1fed*r*l> pos adj. def of or relating to the Federalist party or Federalism. Federal 1.b. syl Fed+er+al pron <1fed*r*l> pos adj. def characteristic of or supporting the Union government during the American Civil War. Federal 2.a. syl Fed+er+al pron <1fed*r*l> pos n. def a supporter of the Union government during the American Civil War. Federal 2.b. syl Fed+er+al pron <1fed*r*l> pos n. def a Federalist. Federal Bureau of Investigation 0. syl Fed+er+al Bu+reau of In+ves+ti+ga+tion pos n. def See {F.B.I}. territory alt head federal district or federal district syl ter+ri+to:ry pos n. federal district 0. or territory syl fed+er+al dis+trict pos n. def an area used as the seat of central government in a federal system. federalism 1. syl fed+er+al+ism pron <1fed*r*2liz*m> pos n. def the principle or a system of federal union. federalism 2. syl fed+er+al+ism pron <1fed*r*2liz*m> pos n. def advocacy of federal union. &- {#!fed+er+al+ist} &- {@!fed+er+al+#!is+tic} Federalism 0. syl Fed+er+al+ism pron <1fed*r*2liz*m> pos n. qual U.S. history. def the principles and policies of the Federalist party. Federalist 1. syl Fed+er+al+ist pron <1fed*r*list> pos n. qual U.S. history. def a supporter or member of the Federalist party. Federalist 2. syl Fed+er+al+ist pron <1fed*r*list> pos adj. qual U.S. history. usage also def characteristic of the Federalists. Federal Party alt head Federalist Party or Federalist Party syl Fed+er+al Par+ty pos n. Federalist Party 0. or Federal Party syl Fed+er+al+ist Par+ty pos n. def the American political party founded in 1787 and led initially by Alexander Hamilton. It took an active part in the shaping of the U.S. Constitution and thereafter favoured strong centralized government and business interests. federalise alt head federalize or federalize syl fed+er+al+ise pron <1fed*r*2lIz> pos vb. mod tr. federalize 1. or federalise syl fed+er+al+ize pron <1fed*r*2lIz> pos vb. mod tr. def to unite in a federation or federal union; federate. federalize 2. or federalise syl fed+er+al+ize pron <1fed*r*2lIz> pos vb. mod tr. def to subject to federal control. federalization sub head federalize or federalisation syl fed+er+al:i+1za+tion pos n. federalisation sub head federalize or federalization syl fed+er+al:i+1sa+tion pos n. Federal Republic of Germany 0. syl Fed+er+al Re+pub+lic of Ger+ma+ny pos n. def the official name of {West Germany}. Federal Reserve note 0. syl Fed+er+al Re+serve note pos n. def a bank note issued by the Federal Reserve Banks and now serving as the prevailing paper currency in circulation in the U.S. Federal Reserve System 0. syl Fed+er+al Re+serve Sys+tem pos n. usage in the U.S. def a banking system consisting of twelve {Federal Reserve Districts}, each containing member banks regulated and served by a {Federal Reserve Bank}. It operates under the supervision of the {Federal Reserve Board} and performs functions similar to those of the Bank of England. federate 1. syl fed+er+ate pron <1fed*2rAt> pos vb. def to unite or cause to unite in a federal union. federate 2. syl fed+er+ate pron <1fed*rit> pos adj. def federal; federated. &- {#!fed+er@.a+tive} Federated Malay States 0. syl Fed+er+at+ed Ma+lay States pos n. def See {Malay States}. federation 1. syl fed+er:a+tion pron <2fed*1rAS*n> pos n. def the act of federating. federation 2. syl fed+er:a+tion pron <2fed*1rAS*n> pos n. def the union of several provinces, states, etc., to form a federal union. federation 3. syl fed+er:a+tion pron <2fed*1rAS*n> pos n. def a political unit formed in such a way. federation 4. syl fed+er:a+tion pron <2fed*1rAS*n> pos n. def any league, alliance, or confederacy. federation 5. syl fed+er:a+tion pron <2fed*1rAS*n> pos n. def a union of several parties, groups, etc. federation 6. syl fed+er:a+tion pron <2fed*1rAS*n> pos n. def any association or union for common action. Federation of Rhodesia and Nyasaland 0. syl Fed+er:a+tion of Rho+de:sia and Ny+as:a+land pos n. def a federation (1953-63) of Northern Rhodesia, Southern Rhodesia, and Nyasaland. fedora ety C19: allegedly named after F*'edora (1882), play by Victorien Sardou (1831-1908) fedora 0. syl fe+do+ra pron pos n. def a soft felt or velvet medium-brimmed hat, usually with a band. fed up 0. syl fed up pos adj. usage usually postpositive def annoyed or bored. exam 1 I'm fed up with your conduct. fee ety C14: from Old French fie, of Germanic origin; see #7fief fee 1. syl fee pron pos n. def a payment asked by professional people or public servants for their services. exam 1 a doctor's fee; exam 2 school fees. fee 2. syl fee pron pos n. def a charge made for a privilege. exam 1 an entrance fee. fee 3.a. syl fee pron pos n. def an interest in land capable of being inherited. See {fee simple, fee tail}. fee 3.b. syl fee pron pos n. def the land held in fee. fee 4. syl fee pron pos n. usage in feudal Europe def the land granted by a lord to his vassal. fee 5. syl fee pron pos n. def an obsolete word for a {gratuity}. fee 6.a. syl fee pron pos n. usage Law. of land def in absolute ownership. fee 6.b. syl fee pron pos n. qual Archaic. def in complete subjection. fees infl head fee syl fees pos vb. feeing infl head fee syl fee+ing pos vb. feed infl head fee syl feed. pos vb. fee 7. syl fee pron pos vb. qual Rare. def to give a fee to. fee 8. syl fee pron pos vb. qual Chiefly Scot. def to hire for a fee. feeless sub head fee syl fee+less pos adj. feeble ety C12: from Old French feble, fleible, from Latin fl*_ebilis to be lamented, from fl*_ere to weep feeble 1. syl fee+ble pron <1fEbL> pos adj. def lacking in physical or mental strength; frail; weak. feeble 2. syl fee+ble pron <1fEbL> pos adj. def inadequate; unconvincing. exam 1 feeble excuses. feeble 3. syl fee+ble pron <1fEbL> pos adj. def easily influenced or indecisive. feebleness sub head feeble syl fee+ble+ness pos n. feebly sub head feeble syl fee+bly pos adv. feeble-minded 1. syl fee:ble-mind:ed pos adj. def lacking in intelligence; stupid. feeble-minded 2. syl fee:ble-mind:ed pos adj. def mentally defective. feeble-minded 3. syl fee:ble-mind:ed pos adj. def lacking decision; irresolute. feeble-mindedly sub head feeble-minded syl fee:ble-1mind:ed+ly pos adv. feeble-mindedness sub head feeble-minded syl fee:ble-1mind:ed+ness pos n. feed ety Old English f*_edan; related to Old Norse f@otha to feed, Old High German fuotan, Gothic f*_othjan; see #7food, fodder feeds infl head feed syl feeds pos vb. mod mainly; tr. feeding infl head feed syl feed+ing pos vb. mod mainly; tr. fed infl head feed syl fed. pos vb. mod mainly; tr. feed 1. syl feed pron pos vb. mod mainly; tr. def to give food to. exam 1 to feed the cat. feed 2. syl feed pron pos vb. mod mainly; tr. def to give as food. exam 1 to feed meat to the cat. feed 3. syl feed pron pos vb. mod intr. def to eat food. exam 1 the horses feed at noon. feed 4. syl feed pron pos vb. mod mainly; tr. def to provide food for. exam 1 these supplies can feed 10 million people. feed 5. syl feed pron pos vb. mod mainly; tr. def to provide what is necessary for the existence or development of. exam 1 to feed one's imagination. feed 6. syl feed pron pos vb. mod mainly; tr. def to gratify; satisfy. exam 1 to feed one's eyes on a beautiful sight. feed 7. syl feed pron pos vb. mod also; intr. def to supply (a machine, furnace, etc.) with (the necessary materials or fuel) for its operation, or (of such materials) to flow or move forwards into a machine, etc. feed 8. syl feed pron pos vb. mod mainly; tr. def to use (land) as grazing. feed 9. syl feed pron pos vb. mod mainly; tr. qual Theatre, informal. def to cue (an actor, esp. a comedian) with lines or actions. feed 10. syl feed pron pos vb. mod mainly; tr. qual Sport. def to pass a ball to (a teammate). feed 11. syl feed pron pos vb. mod mainly; tr. qual Electronics. def to introduce (electrical energy) into a circuit, esp. by means of a feeder. feed 12. syl feed pron pos vb. mod also; intr. usage foll. by on or upon def to eat or cause to eat. feed 13. syl feed pron pos n. mod mainly; tr. def the act or an instance of feeding. feed 14. syl feed pron pos n. mod mainly; tr. def food, esp. that of animals or babies. feed 15. syl feed pron pos n. mod mainly; tr. def the process of supplying a machine or furnace with a material or fuel. feed 16. syl feed pron pos n. mod mainly; tr. def the quantity of material or fuel so supplied. feed 17. syl feed pron pos n. mod mainly; tr. def the rate of advance of a cutting tool in a lathe, drill, etc. feed 18. syl feed pron pos n. mod mainly; tr. def a mechanism that supplies material or fuel or controls the rate of advance of a cutting tool. feed 19. syl feed pron pos n. mod mainly; tr. qual Theatre, informal. def a performer, esp. a straight man, who provides cues. feed 20. syl feed pron pos n. mod mainly; tr. def an informal word for { {meal} %1}. feedable sub head feed syl feed+a:ble pos adj. feedback 1.a. syl feed+back pron <1fEd2b@k> pos n. def the return of part of the output of an electronic circuit, device, or mechanical system to its input, so modifying its characteristics. In {negative feedback} a rise in output energy reduces the input energy; in {positive feedback} an increase in output energy reinforces the input energy. feedback 1.b. syl feed+back pron <1fEd2b@k> pos n. def that part of the output signal fed back into the input. feedback 2. syl feed+back pron <1fEd2b@k> pos n. def the return of part of the sound output by a loudspeaker to the microphone, esp. in a public-address system, so that a high-pitched whistle is produced. feedback 3. syl feed+back pron <1fEd2b@k> pos n. def the whistling noise so produced. feedback 4.a. syl feed+back pron <1fEd2b@k> pos n. def the effect of a product or action in a cyclic biological reaction on another stage in the same reaction. feedback 4.b. syl feed+back pron <1fEd2b@k> pos n. def the substance or reaction causing such an effect, such as the release of a hormone in a biochemical pathway. feedback 5. syl feed+back pron <1fEd2b@k> pos n. def information in response to an enquiry, experiment, etc.. exam 1 there was little feedback from our questionnaire. feedback 6. syl feed+back pron <1fEd2b@k> pos n. mod tr. def to return (part of the output of a system) to its input. feedback 7. syl feed+back pron <1fEd2b@k> pos n. def to offer or suggest (information, ideas, etc.) in reaction to an enquiry, experiment, etc. feedbag 1. syl feed+bag pron <1fEd2b@g> pos n. def any bag in which feed for livestock is sacked. feedbag 2. syl feed+bag pron <1fEd2b@g> pos n. def the usual U.S. name for {nosebag}. feeder 1. syl feed+er pron <1fEd*> pos n. def a person or thing that feeds or is fed. feeder 2. syl feed+er pron <1fEd*> pos n. def a child's feeding bottle or bib. feeder 3. syl feed+er pron <1fEd*> pos n. qual Agriculture, chiefly U.S. def a head of livestock being fattened for slaughter. feeder 4. syl feed+er pron <1fEd*> pos n. def a person or device that feeds the working material into a system or machine. feeder 5. syl feed+er pron <1fEd*> pos n. def a tributary channel. feeder 6.a. syl feed+er pron <1fEd*> pos n. def a road, service, etc., that links secondary areas to the main traffic network. feeder 6.b. syl feed+er pron <1fEd*> pos n. usage as modifier def . exam 1 a feeder bus. feeder 7.a. syl feed+er pron <1fEd*> pos n. def a transmission line connecting an aerial to a transmitter or receiver. feeder 7.b. syl feed+er pron <1fEd*> pos n. def a power line for transmitting electrical power from a generating station to a distribution network. feeding bottle 0. syl feed+ing bot+tle pos n. def a bottle fitted with a rubber teat from which infants or young animals suck liquids. Also called: {nursing bottle}. feedlot 0. syl feed+lot pron <1fEd2lot> pos n. def an area or building where livestock are fattened rapidly for market. feel ety Old English f*_elan; related to Old High German fuolen, Old Norse f*_alma to grope, Latin palma {#7palm %1}#e Usage. The verbs feel, look, and smell can be followed by an adverb or an adjective according to the sense in which they are used. Where a quality of the subject is involved, an adjective is used: I feel sick; he looks strong; this medicine smells bad. For other senses an adverb would be used: she feels strongly about that; I must look closely at his record; this animal smells inefficiently although its sight is well developed. feels infl head feel syl feels pos vb. feeling infl head feel syl feel+ing pos vb. felt infl head feel syl felt. pos vb. feel 1. syl feel pron pos vb. def to perceive (something) by touching. feel 2. syl feel pron pos vb. def to have a physical or emotional sensation of (something). exam 1 to feel heat; exam 2 to feel anger. feel 3. syl feel pron pos vb. mod tr. def to examine (something) by touch. feel 4. syl feel pron pos vb. mod tr. def to find (one's way) by testing or cautious exploration. feel 5. syl feel pron pos vb. usage copula def to seem or appear in respect of the sensation given. exam 1 I feel tired; exam 2 it feels warm. feel 6. syl feel pron pos vb. def to have an indistinct, esp. emotional conviction; sense (esp. in the phrase {feel in one's bones}) . feel 7. syl feel pron pos vb. mod intr. usage foll. by for def to show sympathy or compassion (towards). exam 1 I feel for you in your sorrow. feel 8. syl feel pron pos vb. mod tr. qual Slang. def to pass one's hands over the sexual organs of. feel like 9. head feel syl feel like. def to have an inclination (for something or doing something). exam 1 I don't feel like going to the pictures. feel (quite) oneself 10. head feel syl feel (quite) oneself. def to be fit and sure of oneself. feel up to 11. head feel syl feel up to. usage in a question def to be fit enough for (something or doing something). exam 1 I don't feel up to going out tonight. feel 12. syl feel pron pos n. def the act or an instance of feeling, esp. by touching. feel 13. syl feel pron pos n. def the quality of or an impression from something perceived through feeling. exam 1 the house has a homely feel about it. feel 14. syl feel pron pos n. def the sense of touch. exam 1 the fabric is rough to the feel. feeler 1. syl feel+er pron <1fEl*> pos n. def a person or thing that feels. feeler 2. syl feel+er pron <1fEl*> pos n. def an organ in certain animals, such as an antenna or tentacle, that is sensitive to touch. feeler 3. syl feel+er pron <1fEl*> pos n. def a remark designed to probe the reactions or intentions of other people. feeler gauge 0. syl feel+er gauge pos n. def a thin metal strip of known thickness used to measure a narrow gap or to set a gap between two parts. feeling 1. syl feel+ing pron <1fEliG> pos n. def the sense of touch. feeling 2.a. syl feel+ing pron <1fEliG> pos n. def the ability to experience physical sensations, such as heat, pain, etc. feeling 2.b. syl feel+ing pron <1fEliG> pos n. def the sensation so experienced. feeling 3. syl feel+ing pron <1fEliG> pos n. def a state of mind. feeling 4. syl feel+ing pron <1fEliG> pos n. def a physical or mental impression. exam 1 a feeling of warmth. feeling 5. syl feel+ing pron <1fEliG> pos n. def fondness; sympathy. exam 1 to have a great deal of feeling for someone. feeling 6. syl feel+ing pron <1fEliG> pos n. def an ability to feel deeply. exam 1 a person of feeling. feeling 7. syl feel+ing pron <1fEliG> pos n. def a sentiment. exam 1 a feeling that the project is feasible. feeling 8. syl feel+ing pron <1fEliG> pos n. def an impression or mood; atmosphere. exam 1 the feeling of a foreign city. feeling 9. syl feel+ing pron <1fEliG> pos n. def an emotional disturbance, esp. anger or dislike. exam 1 a lot of bad feeling about the increase in taxes. feeling 10. syl feel+ing pron <1fEliG> pos n. def intuitive appreciation and understanding. exam 1 a feeling for words. feeling 11. syl feel+ing pron <1fEliG> pos n. def sensibility in the performance of something. feeling 12. syl feel+ing pron <1fEliG> pos n. mod pl. def emotional or moral sensitivity, as in relation to principles or personal dignity (esp. in the phrase {hurt} or {injure the feelings of}) . feeling 13. syl feel+ing pron <1fEliG> pos adj. def sentient; sensitive. feeling 14. syl feel+ing pron <1fEliG> pos adj. def expressing or containing emotion. feeling 15. syl feel+ing pron <1fEliG> pos adj. def warm-hearted; sympathetic. feelingly sub head feeling syl feel+ing+ly pos adv. fee simple ety C15: from Anglo-French: fee (or fief) simple fee simple 0. syl fee sim+ple pos n. qual Property law. def an absolute interest in land over which the holder has complete freedom of disposition during his life. Compare {fee tail}. feet 1. syl feet pron pos n. def the plural of {foot}. at (someone's) feet 2. head feet syl at (someone's) feet. def as someone's disciple. be run 3. head feet or rushed off one's feet syl be run def to be very busy. carry 4. head feet or sweep off one's feet syl carry def to fill with enthusiasm. feet of clay 5. head feet syl feet of clay. def a weakness that is not widely known. get one's feet wet 6. head feet syl get one's feet wet. def to begin to participate in something. have 7. head feet or keep one's feet on the ground syl have def to be practical and reliable. feet 8.a. syl feet pron pos n. def standing up. feet 8.b. syl feet pron pos n. def in good health. feet 8.c. syl feet pron pos n. usage of a business, company, etc. def thriving. put one's feet up 9. head feet syl put one's feet up. def to rest. to stand on one's own feet 10. head feet syl to stand on one's own feet. def to be independent. feetless sub head feet syl feet+less pos adj. fee tail ety C15: from Anglo-French fee tail*'e fee (or fief) determined, from taillier to cut fee tail 0.a. syl fee tail pos n. qual Property law. def a freehold interest in land restricted to a particular line of heirs. fee tail 0.b. syl fee tail pos n. qual Property law. def an estate in land subject to such restriction. Compare {fee simple}. feeze ety Old English f*_esian feaze alt head feeze or feeze syl feaze pron feeze 1. or feaze syl feeze pron pos vb. mod tr. qual Dialect. def to beat. feeze 2. or feaze syl feeze pron pos vb. qual Dialect. def to drive off. feeze 3. or feaze syl feeze pron pos vb. qual Dialect.; Chiefly U.S. def to disconcert; worry. feeze 4. or feaze syl feeze pron pos n. qual Dialect. def a rush. feeze 5. or feaze syl feeze pron pos n. qual Dialect.; Chiefly U.S. def a state of agitation. feign ety C13: from Old French feindre to pretend, from Latin fingere to form, shape, invent feign 1. syl feign pron pos vb. def to put on a show of (a quality or emotion); pretend. exam 1 to feign innocence. feign 2. syl feign pron pos vb. mod tr. def to make up; invent. exam 1 to feign an excuse. feign 3. syl feign pron pos vb. mod tr. def to copy; imitate. exam 1 to feign someone's laugh. feign 4. syl feign pron pos vb. mod tr. qual Archaic. def to portray. feigner sub head feign syl feign+er pos n. feigningly sub head feign syl feign+ing+ly pos adv. Lyonel infl head Feininger syl Ly:o:nel. pos n. Feininger 0. syl Fein:ing:er pron <1fIniG*> pos n. def 1871-1956, U.S. artist, who worked at the Bauhaus, noted for his use of superimposed translucent planes of colour. feint ety C17: from French feinte, from feint pretended, from Old French feindre to #7feign feint H1.1. syl feint pron pos n. def a mock attack or movement designed to distract an adversary, as in a military manoeuvre or in boxing, fencing, etc. feint H1.2. syl feint pron pos n. def a misleading action or appearance. feint H1.3. syl feint pron pos vb. mod intr. def to make a feint. feint ety C19: variant of #7faint feint xref syl feint pron pos n. qual Printing. def the narrowest rule used in the production of ruled paper. faints alt head feints or feints syl faints pron pos n. mod pl. feints 0. or faints syl feints pron pos n. mod pl. def the leavings of the second distillation of Scotch malt whisky. Feisal 0. syl Fei:sal pron <1fIsL> pos n. def a variant spelling of {Faisal}. feisty ety C19: from dialect feist, fist small dog; related to Old English f*_isting breaking wind feistier infl head feisty syl feist:i+er pos adj. feistiest infl head feisty syl feist:i+est. pos adj. feisty 1. syl feist:y pron <1fIsti> pos adj. qual U.S., chiefly south?!ern. def frisky. feisty 2. syl feist:y pron <1fIsti> pos adj. qual U.S., chiefly south?!ern. def irritable. felafel ety C20: from Arabic fel*_afil felafel 0. syl fel:a+fel pron pos n. def bread stuffed with spiced vegetables. feldsher ety C19: Russian, from German Feldscher a field surgeon, from Feld field+ Scherer, surgeon, from scheren to shear feldscher infl head feldsher or feldschar syl feld+scher pron <1feldS*> pos n. feldschar infl head feldsher or feldscher syl feld+schar pron <1feldS*> pos n. feldsher 0. syl feld+sher pron <1feldS*> pos n. usage in Russia def a medical doctor's assistant. felspar alt head feldspar or feldspar syl fel+spar pos n. feldspar 0. or felspar syl feld+spar pron <1feld2spa:>, <1fel2spa:> pos n. def any of a group of hard rock-forming minerals consisting of aluminium silicates of potassium, sodium, calcium, or barium: the principal constituents of igneous rocks. The group includes orthoclase, microcline, and the plagioclase minerals. feldspathic sub head feldspar syl feld+spath+ic pron , pos adj. feldspathose sub head feldspar or felspathic syl feld+spath+2ose pos adj. felspathic sub head feldspar or feldspathose syl fel+1spath+ic pos adj. felspathose sub head feldspar syl fel+spath+2ose pos adj. felicific ety C19: from Latin f*_elix happy+ facere to make felicific 0. syl fe+li+cif+ic pron <2fEli1sifik> pos adj. def making or tending to make happy. felicitate 1. syl fe+lic:i+tate pron pos vb. def to wish joy to; congratulate. felicitate 2. syl fe+lic:i+tate pron pos vb. qual Archaic. def to please. felicitator sub head felicitate syl fe+1lic:i+2ta+tor pos n. felicitation 0. syl fe+lic:i+ta+tion pron pos n. def a less common word for {congratulation}. felicitous 1. syl fe+lic:i+tous pron pos adj. def well-chosen; apt. felicitous 2. syl fe+lic:i+tous pron pos adj. def possessing an agreeable style. felicitous 3. syl fe+lic:i+tous pron pos adj. def producing or marked by happiness. felicitously sub head felicitous syl fe+1lic:i+tous+ly pos adv. felicitousness sub head felicitous syl fe+1lic:i+tous+ness pos n. felicity ety C14: from Latin f*_el*_icit*_as happiness, from f*_elix happy felicities infl head felicity syl fe+lic+i:ties. pos n. mod pl. felicity 1. syl fe+lic+i:ty pron pos n. def happiness; joy. felicity 2. syl fe+lic+i:ty pron pos n. def a cause of happiness. felicity 3. syl fe+lic+i:ty pron pos n. def an appropriate expression or style. felicity 4. syl fe+lic+i:ty pron pos n. def the quality or display of such expressions or style. feline ety C17: from Latin f*_el*_inus, from f*_el*_es cat feline 1. syl fe+line pron <1fElIn> pos adj. def of, relating to, or belonging to the a family of predatory mammals, including cats, lions, leopards, and cheetahs, typically having a round head and retractile claws: order (carnivores). feline 2. syl fe+line pron <1fElIn> pos adj. def resembling or suggestive of a cat, esp. in stealth or grace. feline 3. syl fe+line pron <1fElIn> pos n. usage also def any animal belonging to the family a cat. felinely sub head feline syl fe+line+ly pos adv. felineness sub head feline or felinity syl fe+line+ness pron pos n. felinity sub head feline or felineness syl fe+lin+i:ty pron pos n. fell H1.0. syl fell pron pos vb. def the past tense of {fall}. fell ety Old English fellan; related to Old Norse fella, Old High German fellen; see #7fall fell H2.1. syl fell pron pos vb. mod tr. def to cut or knock down. exam 1 to fell a tree; exam 2 to fell an opponent. fell H2.2. syl fell pron pos vb. mod tr. qual Needlework. def to fold the edges of a seam under and sew them flat. fell H2.3. syl fell pron pos n. mod tr. qual U.S. def the timber felled in one season. fell H2.4. syl fell pron pos n. mod tr. def a seam finished by felling. fellable sub head fell syl fell+a:ble pos adj. fell ety C13 fel, from Old French: cruel, from Medieval Latin fell*_o villain; see #7felon %1 fell H3.1. syl fell pron pos adj. qual Archaic. def cruel or fierce; terrible. fell H3.2. syl fell pron pos adj. qual Archaic. def destructive or deadly. exam 1 a fell disease. one fell swoop 3. head fell syl one fell swoop. def a single hasty action or occurrence. fellness sub head fell syl fell+ness pos n. fell ety Old English; related to Old High German fel skin, Old Norse berfjall bearskin, Latin pellis skin; see {#7peel %1} fell H4.0. syl fell pron pos n. def an animal skin or hide. fell ety C13: from Old Norse fjall; related to Old High German felis rock fell H5.0.a. syl fell pron pos n. mod often; pl. qual Northern Brit. def a mountain, hill, or moor. fell H5.0.b. syl fell pron pos n. mod often; pl. qual Northern Brit. usage in combination exam 1 fell-walking. fellah ety C18: from Arabic, dialect variant of fall*_ah, from falaha to cultivate fellahs infl head fellah syl fel+lahs pron <2fel*1hEn> pos n. mod pl. fellahin infl head fellah or fellaheen syl fel+la+hin pron <2fel*1hEn> pos n. mod pl. fellaheen infl head fellah or fellahin syl fel+la+heen pron <2fel*1hEn> pos n. mod pl. fellah 0. syl fel+lah pron <1fel*> pos n. def a peasant in Arab countries. fellatio ety C19: New Latin, from Latin fell*_are to suck &- fel+#!la+tor n. &- fel+#!la+trix fem. n. fellation alt head fellatio or fellatio syl fel+la+tion pos n. fellatio 0. or fellation syl fel+la+ti:o pron , pos n. def a sexual activity in which the penis is stimulated by the mouth. Compare {cunnilingus}. feller H1.1. syl fell+er pron <1fel*> pos n. def a person or thing that fells. feller H1.2. syl fell+er pron <1fel*> pos n. def an attachment on a sewing machine for felling seams. feller H2.0. syl fel+ler pron <1fel*> pos n. def a nonstandard spelling of {fellow}. Felling 0. syl Fel+ling pron <1feliG> pos n. def a coal-mining town in N England, in Tyneside. Pop.: 38595 (1971). Federico infl head Fellini syl Fe:de:ri:co pron <2fAdA1rEko> pos n. Fellini 0. syl Fel:li:ni pron pos n. def born 1920, Italian film director; his films include (1960) and (1963). fellmonger 0. syl fell+mon:ger pron <1fel2m^Gg*> pos n. def a person who deals in animal skins or hides. fellmongering sub head fellmonger or fellmongery syl fell+2mon:ger+ing pos n. fellmongery sub head fellmonger or fellmongering syl fell+2mon:ger:y pos n. felloe ety Old English felge; related to Old High German felga, Middle Dutch velge, of unknown origin felly alt head felloe or felloe syl fel+ly pos n. felloes infl head felloe or fellies syl fel+loes pos n. mod pl. fellies infl head felloe or felloes syl fel+lies. pos n. mod pl. felloe 0. or felly syl fel+loe pron <1fel*u> pos n. def a segment or the whole rim of a wooden wheel to which the spokes are attached and onto which a metal tyre is usually shrunk. fellow ety Old English f*_eolaga, from Old Norse f*_elagi, one who lays down money, from f*_e money+ lag a laying down fellow 1. syl fel+low pron <1fel*u> pos n. def a man or boy. fellow 2. syl fel+low pron <1fel*u> pos n. def an informal word for {boyfriend}. fellow 3. syl fel+low pron <1fel*u> pos n. qual Informal. def one or oneself. exam 1 a fellow has to eat. fellow 4. syl fel+low pron <1fel*u> pos n. def a person considered to be of little importance or worth. fellow 5.a. syl fel+low pron <1fel*u> pos n. mod often; pl. def a companion; comrade; associate. fellow 5.b. syl fel+low pron <1fel*u> pos n. usage as modifier exam 1 fellow travellers. fellow 6. syl fel+low pron <1fel*u> pos n. usage at Oxford and Cambridge universities def a member of the governing body of a college, who is usually a member of the teaching staff. fellow 7. syl fel+low pron <1fel*u> pos n. def a member of the governing body or established teaching staff at any of various universities or colleges. fellow 8. syl fel+low pron <1fel*u> pos n. def a postgraduate student employed, esp. for a fixed period, to undertake research and, often, to do some teaching. fellow 9.a. syl fel+low pron <1fel*u> pos n. def a person in the same group, class, or condition. exam 1 the surgeon asked his fellows. fellow 9.b. syl fel+low pron <1fel*u> pos n. usage as modifier exam 1 fellow students; exam 2 a fellow sufferer. fellow 10. syl fel+low pron <1fel*u> pos n. def one of a pair; counterpart; mate. exam 1 looking for the glove's fellow. fellow 11. syl fel+low pron <1fel*u> pos vb. mod tr. qual Rare. def to produce a counterpart for; match. fellow 12. syl fel+low pron <1fel*u> pos vb. mod tr. qual Rare. def to place on a par with; make equal to. Fellow 0. syl Fel+low pron <1fel*u> pos n. def a member of any of various learned societies. exam 1 Fellow of the British Academy. fellow feeling 1. syl fel+low feel+ing pos n. def mutual sympathy or friendship. fellow feeling 2. syl fel+low feel+ing pos n. def an opinion held in common. fellowship 1. syl fel+low+ship pron <1fel*u2Sip> pos n. def the state of sharing mutual interests, experiences, activities, etc. fellowship 2. syl fel+low+ship pron <1fel*u2Sip> pos n. def a society of people sharing mutual interests, experiences, activities, etc.; club. fellowship 3. syl fel+low+ship pron <1fel*u2Sip> pos n. def companionship; friendship. fellowship 4. syl fel+low+ship pron <1fel*u2Sip> pos n. def the state or relationship of being a fellow. fellowship 5.a. syl fel+low+ship pron <1fel*u2Sip> pos n. def mutual trust and charitableness between Christians. fellowship 5.b. syl fel+low+ship pron <1fel*u2Sip> pos n. def a Church or religious association. fellowship 6.a. syl fel+low+ship pron <1fel*u2Sip> pos n. def a financed research post providing study facilities, privileges, etc., often in return for teaching services. fellowship 6.b. syl fel+low+ship pron <1fel*u2Sip> pos n. def a foundation endowed to support a postgraduate research student. fellowship 6.c. syl fel+low+ship pron <1fel*u2Sip> pos n. def an honorary title carrying certain privileges awarded to a postgraduate student. fellowship 7. syl fel+low+ship pron <1fel*u2Sip> pos n. usage often cap. def the body of fellows in a college, university, etc. fellow traveller 1. syl fel+low trav+el+ler pos n. def a companion on a journey. fellow traveller 2. syl fel+low trav+el+ler pos n. def a non-Communist who sympathizes with Communism. felo de se ety C17: from Anglo-Latin, from fel*_o felon,+Latin d*_e of, + s*_e oneself felones de se infl head felo de se or felos de se syl fe+lo+nes de se pron <1fEl*u2nEz> <1sE>, <1fel-> pos n. mod pl. felos de se infl head felo de se or felones de se syl fe+los de se. pos n. mod pl. felo de se 0.a. syl fe:lo de se pron <1fEl*u> <1sE>, <1fel*u> pos n. qual Law. def suicide. felo de se 0.b. syl fe:lo de se pron <1fEl*u> <1sE>, <1fel*u> pos n. qual Law. def a person who commits suicide. felon ety C13: from Old French: villain, from Medieval Latin fell*_o, of uncertain origin felon H1.1. syl fel+on pron <1fel*n> pos n. usage Criminal law. formerly def a person who has committed a felony. felon H1.2. syl fel+on pron <1fel*n> pos n. qual Obsolete. def a wicked person. felon H1.3. syl fel+on pron <1fel*n> pos adj. qual Archaic or poetic. def evil; cruel. felon ety C12: from Medieval Latin fell*_o sore, perhaps from Latin fel poison felon H2.0. syl fel+on pron <1fel*n> pos n. def a purulent inflammation of the end joint of a finger, sometimes affecting the bone. felonious 1. syl fe+lo+ni+ous pron pos adj. qual Criminal law. def of, involving, or constituting a felony. felonious 2. syl fe+lo+ni+ous pron pos adj. qual Obsolete. def wicked; base. feloniously sub head felonious syl fe+1lo+ni+ous+ly pos adv. feloniousness sub head felonious syl fe+1lo+ni+ous+ness pos n. felonries infl head felonry syl fel+on+ries. pos n. mod pl. felonry 1. syl fel+on+ry pron <1fel*nri> pos n. def felons collectively. felonry 2. syl fel+on+ry pron <1fel*nri> pos n. usage formerly def the convict population of a penal colony, esp. in Australia. felonies infl head felony syl fel:o+nies. pos n. mod pl. felony 1. syl fel:o+ny pron <1fel*ni> pos n. usage Criminal law. formerly def a serious crime, such as murder or arson. All distinctions between felony and misdemeanour were abolished in England in 1967. felsite ety C18: #7fels (#7par) #7+ -#7ite %1 felstone alt head felsite or felsite syl fel+stone pron <1fel2st*un> pos n. felsite 0. or felstone syl fel+site pron <1felsIt> pos n. def any fine-grained igneous rock consisting essentially of quartz and feldspar. felsitic sub head felsite syl fel+sit+ic pron pos adj. felspar 0. syl fel+spar pron <1fel2spa:> pos n. def a variant spelling (esp. Brit.) of {feldspar}. felspathic sub head felspar or felspathose syl fel+spath+ic pron pos adj. felspathose sub head felspar or felspathic syl fel+spath+2ose pos adj. felt H1.0. syl felt pron pos vb. def the past tense or past participle of {feel}. felt ety Old English; related to Old Saxon filt, Old High German filz felt, Latin pellere to beat, Greek pelas close; see #7anvil, filter felt H2.1.a. syl felt pron pos n. def a matted fabric of wool, hair, etc., made by working the fibres together under pressure or by heat or chemical action. felt H2.1.b. syl felt pron pos n. usage as modifier exam 1 a felt hat. felt H2.2. syl felt pron pos n. def any material, such as asbestos, made by a similar process of matting. felt H2.3. syl felt pron pos vb. mod tr. def to make into or cover with felt. felt H2.4. syl felt pron pos vb. mod intr. def to become matted. felting 1. syl felt+ing pron <1feltiG> pos n. def felted material; felt. felting 2. syl felt+ing pron <1feltiG> pos n. def the process of making felt. felting 3. syl felt+ing pron <1feltiG> pos n. def materials for making felt. felucca ety C17: from Italian felucca, probably from obsolete Spanish faluca, probably from Arabic ful*_uk ships, from Greek epholkion small boat, from ephelkein to tow felucca 0. syl fe+luc+ca pron pos n. def a narrow lateen-rigged vessel of the Mediterranean. felwort ety Old English feldwyrt; see #7field, {wort } felwort 0. syl fel+wort pron <1fel2wR:t> pos n. def a biennial gentianaceous plant, of Europe and SW China, having purple flowers and rosettes of leaves. fem 1. syl fem. qual abbrev. for: def female. fem 2. syl fem. qual abbrev. for: def feminine. female ety C14: from earlier femelle (in?!fluenced by male) , from Latin f*_emella a young woman, from f*_emina a woman female 1. syl fe+male pron <1fEmAl> pos adj. def of, relating to, or designating the sex producing gametes (ova) that can be fertilized by male gametes (spermatozoa). female 2. syl fe+male pron <1fEmAl> pos adj. def of, relating to, or characteristic of a woman. exam 1 female charm. female 3. syl fe+male pron <1fEmAl> pos adj. def for or composed of women or girls. exam 1 female suffrage; exam 2 a female choir. female 4. syl fe+male pron <1fEmAl> pos adj. usage of reproductive organs such as the ovary and carpel def capable of producing female gametes. female 5. syl fe+male pron <1fEmAl> pos adj. usage of gametes such as the ovum def capable of being fertilized by a male gamete in sexual reproduction. female 6. syl fe+male pron <1fEmAl> pos adj. usage of flowers def lacking, or having nonfunctional, stamens. female 7. syl fe+male pron <1fEmAl> pos adj. def having an internal cavity into which a projecting male counterpart can be fitted. exam 1 a female thread. female 8.a. syl fe+male pron <1fEmAl> pos n. def a female animal or plant. female 8.b. syl fe+male pron <1fEmAl> pos n. qual Mildly offensive. def a woman or girl. femaleness sub head female syl fe+male+ness pos n. female impersonator 0. syl fe+male im+per+son:a+tor pos n. def a male theatrical performer who acts as a woman. female suffrage 0. syl fe+male suf+frage pos n. qual Chiefly U.S. def another name for {women's suffrage}. feme ety C16: from Anglo-French, ultimately from Latin f*_emina woman feme 0. syl feme pron pos n. qual Law. def a woman or wife. feme covert ety C16: from Anglo-French: a covered woman, one protected by marriage feme covert 0. syl feme cov+ert pos n. qual Law. def a married woman. feme sole ety C16: from Anglo-French: a woman alone feme sole 1. syl feme sole pos n. qual Law. def a single woman, whether spinster, widow, or divorcee. feme sole 2. syl feme sole pos n. qual Law. def a woman separated from her husband, or otherwise independent of him, as by owning her own property. femineity 0. syl fem+in+e:i:ty pron <2femi1nAiti> pos n. def the quality of being feminine; womanliness. feminine ety C14: from Latin f*_emin*_inus, from f*_emina woman feminine 1. syl fem:i+nine pron <1feminin> pos adj. def suitable to or characteristic of a woman. exam 1 a feminine fashion. feminine 2. syl fem:i+nine pron <1feminin> pos adj. def possessing qualities or characteristics considered typical of or appropriate to a woman. feminine 3. syl fem:i+nine pron <1feminin> pos adj. def effeminate; womanish. feminine 4.a. syl fem:i+nine pron <1feminin> pos adj. def denoting or belonging to a gender of nouns, occurring in many inflected languages, that includes all kinds of referents as well as some female animate referents. feminine 4.b. syl fem:i+nine pron <1feminin> pos as; n. usage German def Zeit Ehe femininely sub head feminine syl fem:i+nine+ly pos adv. feminineness sub head feminine syl fem:i+nine+ness pos n. feminine ending 0. syl fem:i+nine end+ing pos n. qual Prosody. def an unstressed syllable at the end of a line of verse. feminine rhyme 0. syl fem:i+nine rhyme pos n. qual Prosody. def a rhyme between words in which one, two, or more unstressed syllables follow a stressed one, as in or Compare {masculine rhyme}. femininity 1. syl fem:i+nin+i:ty pron <2femi1niniti> pos n. def the quality of being femi?!nine. femininity 2. syl fem:i+nin+i:ty pron <2femi1niniti> pos n. def womanhood. feminism 0. syl fem:i+nism pron <1femi2niz*m> pos n. def a doctrine or movement that advocates equal rights for women. feminist sub head feminism syl fem:i+nist pos n. adj. feminise alt head feminize or feminize syl fem:i+nise pron <1femi2nIz> pos vb. feminize 1. or feminise syl fem:i+nize pron <1femi2nIz> pos vb. def to make or become feminine. feminize 2. or feminise syl fem:i+nize pron <1femi2nIz> pos vb. def to cause (a male animal) to develop female characteristics. feminization sub head feminize or feminisation syl fem:i+ni+1za+tion pos n. feminisation sub head feminize or feminization syl fem:i+ni+1sa+tion pos n. femme 0. syl femme pron French. fam;; English pos n. def a woman or wife. femme de chambre ety C18: woman of the bedroom femmes de chambre infl head femme de chambre syl femmes de cham+bre pron pos n. mod pl. femme de chambre 1. syl femme de cham+bre pron French. pos n. def a chambermaid. femme de chambre 2. syl femme de cham+bre pron French. pos n. qual Rare. def a personal maid. femme fatale ety fatal woman femmes fatales infl head femme fatale syl femmes fa+tales pron , English <1fem f*1t@lz, -1ta:lz). an alluring or sAductivA woman, Asp. onA who causAs mAn to lovA hAr to thAir own distrAss> pos n. mod pl. femoral 0. syl fem:o+ral pron <1fem*r*l> pos adj. def of or relating to the thigh or femur. femto- ety from Danish or Norwegian femten fifteen femto- 0. syl fem:to- pos prefix. def denoting 10%-%1%5. exam 1 femtometer. femur ety C18: from Latin: thigh femurs infl head femur or femora syl fe+murs pron <1fem*r*> pos n. mod pl. femora infl head femur or femurs syl fem:o+ra pron <1fem*r*> pos n. mod pl. femur 1. syl fe+mur pron <1fEm*> pos n. def the longest thickest bone of the human skeleton, articulating with the pelvis above and the knee below. Nontechnical name: {thighbone}. femur 2. syl fe+mur pron <1fEm*> pos n. def the corresponding bone in other vertebrates. femur 3. syl fe+mur pron <1fEm*> pos n. def the segment of an insect's leg nearest to the body. fen ety Old English fenn; related to Old High German fenna, Old Norse fen, Gothic fani clay, Sanskrit panka mud &- fen+ny adj. fen H1.0. syl fen pron pos n. def low-lying flat land that is marshy or artificially drained. fen ety from Mandarin Chinese fen infl syl fen. pos n. mod pl. fen H2.0. syl fen pron pos n. def a monetary unit of the People's Republic of China worth one hundredth of a yuan. fence ety C14 fens, shortened from defens #7defence fence 1. syl fence pron pos n. def a structure that serves to enclose an area such as a garden or field, usually made of posts of timber, concrete, or metal connected by wire, netting, rails, or boards. fence 2. syl fence pron pos n. qual Slang. def a dealer in stolen property. fence 3. syl fence pron pos n. def an obstacle for a horse to jump in steeplechasing or showjumping. fence 4. syl fence pron pos n. qual Machinery. def a guard or guide, esp. in a circular saw or plane. fence 5. syl fence pron pos n. def a projection usually fitted to the top surface of a sweptback aircraft wing to prevent movement of the airflow towards the wing tips. mend one's fences 6. head fence syl mend one's fences. qual Chiefly U.S. def to restore a position or reputation that has been damaged, esp. in politics. (sit) on the fence 7. head fence syl (sit) on the fence. usage to be def unable or unwilling to commit oneself. fence 8. syl fence pron pos vb. mod tr. def to construct a fence on or around (a piece of land, etc.). fence 9. syl fence pron pos vb. mod tr. usage foll. by in or off def to close (in) or separate (off) with or as if with a fence. exam 1 he fenced in the livestock. fence 10. syl fence pron pos vb. mod intr. def to fight using swords or foils. fence 11. syl fence pron pos vb. mod intr. def to evade a question or argument, esp. by quibbling over minor points. fence 12. syl fence pron pos vb. mod intr. def to engage in skilful or witty debate, repartee, etc. fence 13. syl fence pron pos vb. mod intr. qual Slang. def to receive stolen property. fence 14. syl fence pron pos vb. mod tr. qual Archaic. def to ward off or keep out. fenceless sub head fence syl fence+less pos adj. fencelike sub head fence syl fence+2like pos adj. fencer 1. syl fenc+er pron <1fens*> pos n. def a person who fights with a sword, esp. one who practises the art of fencing. fencer 2. syl fenc+er pron <1fens*> pos n. qual Chiefly Australian. def a person who erects and repairs fences. fencible 1. syl fen+ci:ble pron <1fens*b*l> pos adj. def a Scot. word for {defensible}. fencible 2. syl fen+ci:ble pron <1fens*b*l> pos n. usage formerly def a person who undertook military service in immediate defence of his homeland only. fencing 1. syl fenc+ing pron <1fensiG> pos n. def the practice, art, or sport of fighting with swords, esp. the sport of using foils, *'ep*'ees, or sabres under a set of rules to score points. fencing 2.a. syl fenc+ing pron <1fensiG> pos n. def wire, stakes, etc., used as fences. fencing 2.b. syl fenc+ing pron <1fensiG> pos n. def fences collectively. fencing 3. syl fenc+ing pron <1fensiG> pos n. def skilful or witty debate. fencing 4. syl fenc+ing pron <1fensiG> pos n. def the avoidance of direct answers; evasiveness. fencing 5. syl fenc+ing pron <1fensiG> pos n. qual Slang. def the business of buying and selling stolen property. fend ety C13 fenden, shortened from defenden to #7defend fend 1. syl fend pron pos vb. mod tr. usage foll. by for def to give support (to someone, esp. oneself); provide (for). fend 2. syl fend pron pos vb. mod tr. usage usually foll. by off def to ward off or turn aside (blows, questions, attackers, etc.). fend 3. syl fend pron pos vb. mod tr. qual Archaic. def to defend or resist. fend 4. syl fend pron pos vb. mod intr. qual Scot. and northern English dialect. def to struggle; strive. fend 5. syl fend pron pos n. qual Scot. and northern English dialect. def a shift or effort. fender 1. syl fend+er pron <1fend*> pos n. def a low metal frame which confines falling coals to the hearth. fender 2. syl fend+er pron <1fend*> pos n. def a metal frame fitted to the front of locomotives to absorb shock, clear the track, etc. fender 3. syl fend+er pron <1fend*> pos n. def a cushion-like device, such as a bundle of rope or car tyre hung over the side of a vessel for protection against collision. fender 4. syl fend+er pron <1fend*> pos n. def the U.S. name for {{wing} (sense 10)} or {mudguard}. fendered sub head fender syl fend+ered pos adj. Francois de Salignac de La Mothe infl head F'enelon syl Fran:*,cois de Sa:li:gnac de La Mothe pron pos n. fenestella ety C18: from Latin: a little window, from fenestra window fenestellae infl head fenestella syl fen+es+tel+lae pos n. mod pl. infl head fenestella syl . pos n. mod pl. fenestella 1. syl fen+es+tel+la pron <2feni1stel*> pos n. qual R.C. Church. def a small aperture in the front of an altar, containing relics. fenestella 2. syl fen+es+tel+la pron <2feni1stel*> pos n. qual Ecclesiast. def a niche in the side wall of a chancel, in which the credence or piscina are set. fenestella 3. syl fen+es+tel+la pron <2feni1stel*> pos n. qual Architect. def a small window or an opening in a wall. fenestra ety C19: via New Latin from Latin: wall opening, window fenestrae infl head fenestra syl fe+nes+trae pron <-trE> pos n. mod pl. fenestra 1. syl fe+nes+tra pron pos n. qual Biology. def a small opening, esp. either of two openings between the middle and inner ears. fenestra 2. syl fe+nes+tra pron pos n. qual Zoology. def a transparent marking or spot, as on the wings of moths. fenestral sub head fenestra syl fe+1nes+tral pos adj. fenestrate alt head fenestrated or fenestrated syl fe+nes+trate pos adj. fenestrated 1. or fenestrate syl fe+nes+trat+ed pron , <1feni2strAtid> pos adj. qual Architect. def having windows or window-like openings. fenestrated 2. or fenestrate syl fe+nes+trat+ed pron , <1feni2strAtid> pos adj. qual Biology. def perforated or having fenestrae. fenestration 1. syl fen+es+tra+tion pron <2feni1strAS*n> pos n. def the arrangement and design of windows in a building. fenestration 2. syl fen+es+tra+tion pron <2feni1strAS*n> pos n. def a surgical operation to restore hearing by making an artificial opening into the labyrinth of the ear. Fenian ety C19: from Irish Gaelic f*_einne, plural of fiann band of Fenians, after Fiann Irish folk hero Fenian 1. syl Fe+ni:an pron <1fEni*n>, <1fenj*n> pos n. usage formerly def a member of an Irish revolutionary organization founded in the U.S. in the 19th century to fight for an independent Ireland. Fenian 2. syl Fe+ni:an pron <1fEni*n>, <1fenj*n> pos n. def Also called: {Fianna}. one of a legendary band of Irish warriors noted for their heroic exploits, attributed to the 2nd and 3rd centuries #7a.d. Fenian sub syl Fe+ni:an pron <1fEni*n>, <1fenj*n> pos adj. Fenian 3. syl Fe+ni:an pron <1fEni*n>, <1fenj*n> pos n. def of or relating to the Fenians. Fenianism sub head Fenian syl Fe+ni+an+ism pos n. fennec ety C18: from Arabic fenek fox fennec 0. syl fen+nec pron <1fenek> pos n. def a very small nocturnal fox, inhabiting deserts of N Africa and Arabia, having pale fur and enormous ears. fennel ety Old English fenol, from Latin faeniculum fennel, diminutive of faenum hay fennel 1. syl fen+nel pron <1fenL> pos n. def a strong-smelling yellow-flowered umbel?!liferous plant, whose seeds and feathery leaves are used to season and flavour food. See also {finochio}. dog fennel 2. head fennel syl dog fennel. def another name for {mayweed}. fennelflower 0. syl fen:nel+flow:er pron <1fenL2flau*> pos n. def any of various Mediterranean ranunculaceous plants of the genus having finely divided leaves and white, blue, or yellow flowers. See also {love-in-a-mist}. fenny 1. syl fen+ny pron <1feni> pos adj. def boggy or marshy. exam 1 fenny country. fenny 2. syl fen+ny pron <1feni> pos adj. def found in, characteristic of, or growing in fens. Fenris infl head Fenrir or Fenriswolf syl Fen:ris pron <1fenris> pos n. Fenriswolf infl head Fenrir or Fenris syl Fen:ris:wolf pron <1fenris?!2wulf> pos n. Fenrir 0. syl Fen:rir pron <1fenri*> pos n. qual Norse myth. def an enormous wolf, fathered by Loki, which killed Odin. the infl head Fens syl the. pos n. Fens 0. syl Fens pron pos n. mod pl. def a flat low-lying area of E England, west and south of the Wash: consisted of marshes until reclaimed in the 17th to 19th centuries. fenugreek ety Old English f*_enogr*_ecum, from Latin fenum Graecum literally: Greek hay fenugreek 0. syl fen:u+greek pron <1fenju2grEk> pos n. def an annual heavily scented Mediterranean leguminous plant, with hairy stems and white flowers: cultivated for forage and for its medicinal seeds. feoff ety C13: from Anglo-French feoffer, from feoff a #7fief feoff 1. syl feoff pron pos n. qual Medieval history. def a variant spelling of {fief}. feoff 2. syl feoff pron pos vb. mod tr. qual Medieval history. def to invest with a benefice or fief. feoffor sub head feoff or feoffer syl feof+for pos n. feoffer sub head feoff or feoffor syl feoff+er pos n. feoffee 0. syl feoff:ee pron , pos n. usage in feudal society def a vassal granted a fief by his lord. feoffment 0. syl feoff+ment pron <1fEfm*nt> pos n. usage in medieval Europe def a lord's act of granting a fief to his man. -fer ety from Latin, from ferre to bear -fer 0. syl -fer pos n. usage combining form. def indicating a person or thing that bears something specified. exam 1 crucifer; exam 2 conifer. feral ety C17: from Medieval Latin fer*_alis, from Latin fera a wild beast, from ferus savage &- fer+i@.ty (#!f$er$It$I) n. ferine alt head feral or feral syl fe+rine pron <1fi*r*l>, <1fer-> pos adj. feral H1.1. or ferine syl fe+ral pron <1fi*r*l>, <1fer-> pos adj. usage of animals and plants def existing in a wild or uncultivated state, esp. after being domestic or cultivated. feral H1.2. or ferine syl fe+ral pron <1fi*r*l>, <1fer-> pos adj. def savage; brutal. feral ety C17: from Latin f*_er*_alis relating to corpses; perhaps related to ferre to carry feral H2.1. syl fe+ral pron <1fi*r*l>, <1fer-> pos adj. qual Archaic.; Astrology. def associated with death. feral H2.2. syl fe+ral pron <1fi*r*l>, <1fer-> pos adj. qual Archaic. def gloomy; funereal. ferbam ety (CH\3)\2NCSS\3Fe. ferbam ety C20: from fer (ric dimethyldithiocar) bam (ate) ferbam 0. syl fer+bam pron <1fR:b@m> pos n. def a black slightly water-soluble fluffy powder used as a fungicide. Formula. fer-de-lance ety C19: from French, literally: iron (head) of a lance fer-de-lance 0. syl fer-de-lance pron <2fe*d*1la:ns> pos n. def a large highly venomous tropical American snake, (or with a greyish-brown mottled coloration: family (pit vi?!pers). Ferdinand 0. syl Fer:di:nand pron <1fR:di2n@nd>, German <1ferdi2nant> pos n. def See {Franz Ferdinand}. Ferdinand I 1. syl Fer:di:nand I pron <1fR:di2n@nd> pos n. def called ??1016-65, king of Castile (1035-65) and Le*'on (1037-65): achieved control of the Moorish kings of Saragossa, Seville, and Toledo. Ferdinand I 2. syl Fer:di:nand I pron <1fR:di2n@nd> pos n. def 1503-64, king of Hungary and Bohemia (1526-64); Holy Roman Emperor (1558-64), bringing years of religious warfare to an end. Ferdinand I 3. syl Fer:di:nand I pron <1fR:di2n@nd> pos n. def 1751-1825, king of the Two Sicilies (1816-25); king of Naples (1759-1806; 1815-25), as Ferdinand IV, being dis?!pos?!sessed by Napoleon (1806-15). Ferdinand I 4. syl Fer:di:nand I pron <1fR:di2n@nd> pos n. def 1793-1875, king of Hun?!ga?!ry (1830-48) and emperor of Austria (1835-48); abdicated after the Revolution of 1848 in favour of his nephew, Franz Josef I. Ferdinand I 5. syl Fer:di:nand I pron <1fR:di2n@nd> pos n. def 1861-1948, ruling prince of Bulgaria (1887-1908) and tsar from 1908 until his abdication in 1918. Ferdinand I 6. syl Fer:di:nand I pron <1fR:di2n@nd> pos n. def 1865-1927, king of Rumania (1914-27); sided with the Allies in World War I. Ferdinand II 1. syl Fer:di:nand II pos n. def 1578-1637, Holy Roman Emperor (1619-37); king of Bohemia (1617-19; 1620-37) and of Hungary (1617-37). His anti-Protestant policies led to the Thirty Years' War. Ferdinand II 2. syl Fer:di:nand II pos n. def title as king of Aragon and Sicily of {Ferdinand V}. Ferdinand III 1. syl Fer:di:nand III pos n. def 1608-57, Holy Roman Emperor (1637-57) and king of Hungary (1625-57); son of Ferdinand II. Ferdinand III 2. syl Fer:di:nand III pos n. def title as king of Naples of {Ferdinand V}. Ferdinand V 0. syl Fer:di:nand V pos n. def called 1452-1516, king of Castile (1474-1504); as Ferdinand II, king of Aragon (1479-1516) and Sicily (1468-1516); as Ferdinand III, king of Naples (1504-16). His marriage to Isabella I of Castile (1469) led to the union of Aragon and Castile and his reconquest of Granada from the Moors (1492) completed the unification of Spain. He introduced the Inquisition (1478), expelled the Jews from Spain (1492), and financed Columbus' voyage to the New World. fere ety Old English gef*_era, from f*_eran to travel; see #7fare fere 1. syl fere pron pos n. qual Archaic. def a companion. fere 2. syl fere pron pos n. qual Archaic. def a husband or wife. feretory ety C14: from Middle French fiertre, from Latin feretrum a bier, from Greek pheretron, from pherein to bear feretories infl head feretory syl fer+e:to:ries. pos n. mod pl. feretory 1. syl fer+e:to:ry pron <1ferit*ri>, <-tri> pos n. qual Chiefly R.C. Church. def a shrine, usually portable, for a saint's relics. feretory 2. syl fer+e:to:ry pron <1ferit*ri>, <-tri> pos n. qual Chiefly R.C. Church. def the chapel in which a shrine is kept. Ferghana alt head Fergana or Fergana syl Fer+gha+na pron pos n. Fergana 1. or Ferghana syl Fer+ga+na pron pos n. def a region of W central Asia, surrounded by high mountains and accessible only from the west; mainly in the Uzbek SSR and partly in the Tadzhik and Kirgiz SSRs. Fergana 2. or Ferghana syl Fer+ga+na pron pos n. def the chief city of this region, in the E Uzbek SSR. Pop.: 128000 (1975 est.). Fergus 0. syl Fer:gus pron <1fR:g*s> pos n. usage in Irish legend def a warrior king of Ulster, who was supplanted by Conchobar. feria ety C19: from Late Latin: day of the week (as in pr*_ima f*_eria Sunday), singular of Latin f*_eriae festivals ferias infl head feria or feriae syl fe+ri:as pron <-ri2E> pos n. mod pl. feriae infl head feria or ferias syl fe+ri:ae pron <-ri2E> pos n. mod pl. feria 0. syl fe+ri:a pron <1fi*ri*> pos n. qual R.C. Church. def a weekday, other than Saturday, on which no feast occurs. ferial 1. syl fe+ri:al pron <1fi*ri*l> pos adj. def of or relating to a feria. ferial 2. syl fe+ri:al pron <1fi*ri*l> pos adj. qual Rare. def of or relating to a holiday. ferine ety C17: from Latin fer*_inus of wild animals, from fera wild beast ferine 0. syl fe+rine pron <1fi*rIn> pos adj. def another word for {feral} %1. ferity ety C16: from Latin ferit*_as, from ferus savage, untamed ferities infl head ferity syl fer+i:ties. pos n. mod pl. ferity 1. syl fer+i:ty pron <1feriti> pos n. qual Rare. def the state of being wild or uncultivated. ferity 2. syl fer+i:ty pron <1feriti> pos n. qual Rare. def savagery; ferocity. Fermanagh 0. syl Fer+man+agh pron pos n. def a county of SW Northern Ireland: contains the Upper and Lower Lough Erne. County town: Enniskillen. Pop.: 49960 (1971). Area (excluding water): 1691 sq. km (653 sq. miles). Pierre de infl head Fermat syl Pierre de pron <1pje:r> pos n. Fermat 0. syl Fer:mat pron French , English pos n. def 1601-65, French mathematician, regarded as the founder of the modern theory of numbers. He studied the properties of whole numbers and, with Pascal, investigated the theory of probability. fermata ety from Italian, from fermare to stop, from Latin firm*_are to establish; see {#7firm %1} fermatas infl head fermata or fermate syl fer+ma+tas pron < -ti> pos n. mod pl. fermate infl head fermata or fermatas syl fer+ma+te pron < -ti> pos n. mod pl. pause infl head fermata syl {pause pos n. mod pl. Fermat's last theorem 0. syl Fer:mat's last the:o+rem pos n. usage in number theory def the hypoth?!esis that the equation + = has no integral solutions for greater than two. Fermat's principle 0. syl Fer:mat's prin+ci+ple pos n. qual Physics. def the principle that a ray of light passes from one point to another in such a way that the time taken is a minimum. ferment ety C15: from Latin fermentum yeast, from ferv*_ere to seethe ferment 1. syl fer+ment pron <1fR:ment> pos n. def any agent or substance, such as a bacterium, mould, yeast, or enzyme, that causes fermentation. ferment 2. syl fer+ment pron <1fR:ment> pos n. def another word for {fermentation}. ferment 3. syl fer+ment pron <1fR:ment> pos n. def commotion; unrest. ferment 4. syl fer+ment pron pos vb. def to undergo or cause to undergo fermentation. ferment 5. syl fer+ment pron pos vb. def to stir up or seethe with excitement. fermentable sub head ferment syl fer+1ment+a:ble pos adj. fermentability sub head ferment syl fer+2ment+a:1bil+i:ty pos n. fermenter sub head ferment syl fer+1ment+er pos n. fermentation 0. syl fer+men+ta+tion pron <2fR:men1tAS*n> pos n. def a chemical reaction in which a ferment causes an organic molecule to split into simpler substances, esp. the anaerobic conversion of sugar to ethyl alcohol by yeast. Also called: {ferment}. &- {fer+#!ment@.a+tive} &- {fer+#!ment@.a+tive+ly} &- {fer+#!ment@.a+tive+ness} fermentation lock 0. syl fer+men+ta+tion lock pos n. def a valve placed on the top of bottles of fermenting wine to allow bubbles to escape. fermi 0. syl fer+mi pron <1fR:mi> pos n. def a unit of length used in nuclear physics equal to 10%-%1%5 metre. Enrico infl head Fermi syl En:ri:co pron pos n. Fermi 0. syl Fer:mi pron <1fR:mi>, Italian <1fArmi> pos n. def 1901-54, Italian nuclear physicist, in the U.S. from 1939. He was awarded a Nobel prize for physics in 1938 for his work on radioactive substances and nuclear bombardment and headed the group that produced the first controlled nuclear reaction (1942). Fermi-Dirac statistics ety C20: named after Enrico F#7ermi and Paul D#7irac Fermi-Dirac statistics 0. syl Fer:mi-Di:rac sta+tis+tics pos n. qual Physics. def the branch of quantum statistics used to calculate the permitted energy arrangements of the particles in a system in terms of the exclusion principle. Compare {Bose-Einstein statistics}. fermion ety C20: named after Enrico F#7ermi ; see -#7on fermion 0. syl fer+mi+on pron <1fR:mi2on> pos n. def any of a group of elementary particles, such as a nucleon, that has half-integral spin and obeys Fermi-Dirac statistics. Compare {boson}. fermium ety C20: named after Enrico F#7ermi fermium 0. syl fer+mi:um pron <1fR:mi*m> pos n. def a transuranic element artificially produced by neutron bombardment of plutonium. Symbol: Fm; atomic no.: 100; half-life of most stable isotope, %2%5%7Fm: 80 days (approx.). fern ety Old English fearn; related to Old High German farn, Sanskrit parn*'a leaf fern 1. syl fern pron pos n. def any pteridophyte plant of the order having roots, stems, and fronds and reproducing by spores formed in structures (sori) on the fronds. See also {tree fern}. fern 2. syl fern pron pos n. def any of certain similar but unrelated plants, such as the sweet fern. fernlike sub head fern syl fern+2like pos adj. ferny sub head fern syl fern:y pos adj. Fernandel 0. syl Fer:nan:del pron French pos n. def original name 1903-71, French comic film actor. Fernando de Noronha 0. syl Fer+nan+do de No+ro+nha pron Portuguese , Portuguese pos n. def a volcanic island in the S Atlantic northeast of Cape S?~ao Roque: constitutes a federal territory of Brazil; a penal colony since the 18th century. Pop.: 1241 (1970). Area: 26 sq. km (10 sq. miles). Fernando Po 0. syl Fer+nan+do Po pron <1p*u> pos n. def the former name (until 1973) of {Mac*'ias Nguema}. ferneries infl head fernery syl fern+er:ies. pos n. mod pl. fernery 1. syl fern+er:y pron <1fR:n*ri> pos n. def a place where ferns are grown. fernery 2. syl fern+er:y pron <1fR:n*ri> pos n. def a collection of ferns grown in such a place. fern seed 0. syl fern seed pos n. def the minute particles by which ferns reproduce themselves, formerly thought to be invisible. Possession of them was thought to make a person invisible. ferocious ety C17: from Latin ferox fierce, untamable, warlike ferocious 0. syl fe+ro+cious pron pos adj. def savagely fierce or cruel. exam 1 a ferocious tiger; exam 2 a ferocious argument. ferociously sub head ferocious syl fe+1ro+cious+ly pos adv. ferocity sub head ferocious or ferociousness syl fe+roc+i:ty pron pos n. ferociousness sub head ferocious or ferocity syl fe+1ro+cious+ness pos n. -ferous ety from -#7fer+ -#7ous -ferous 0. syl -fer:ous pos adj. usage combining form. def bearing or producing. exam 1 conifer?!ous; exam 2 crystalliferous. Ferrara 0. syl Fer+ra+ra pron , Italian pos n. def a city in N Italy, in Emilia-Romagna: a centre of the Renaissance under the House of Este; university (1391). Pop.: 155175 (1975 est.). Enzo infl head Ferrari syl En:zo pron <1entso> pos n. Ferrari 0. syl Fer:ra:ri pron Italian pos n. def born 1898, Italian designer and manufacturer of racing cars. ferrate ety C19: from Latin ferrum iron ferrate 0. syl fer+rate pron <1ferAt> pos n. def a salt containing the divalent ion, FeO%2@b\4%#-#800300 . Ferrates are derivatives of the hypothetical acid H\2FeO\4. ferreous ety C17: from Latin ferreus made of iron, from ferrum iron ferreous 0. syl fer+re:ous pron <1feri*s> pos adj. def containing or resembling iron. exam 1 a ferreous alloy; exam 2 a ferreous substance. ferret ety C14: from Old French furet, from Latin fur thief ferret H1.1. syl fer+ret pron <1ferit> pos n. def a domesticated albino variety of the polecat bred for hunting rats, rabbits, etc. black-footed ferret 2. head ferret syl black-footed ferret. def a musteline mammal, of W North America, closely related to the weasels. ferret H1.3. syl fer+ret pron <1ferit> pos vb. def to hunt (rabbits, rats, etc.) with ferrets. ferret H1.4. syl fer+ret pron <1ferit> pos vb. mod tr. usage usually foll. by out def to drive from hiding. exam 1 to ferret out snipers. ferret H1.5. syl fer+ret pron <1ferit> pos vb. mod tr. usage usually foll. by out def to find by persistent investigation. ferret H1.6. syl fer+ret pron <1ferit> pos vb. mod intr. def to search around. ferreter sub head ferret syl fer+ret+er pos n. ferrety sub head ferret syl fer+ret:y pos adj. ferret ety C16: from Italian fioretti floss silk, plural of fioretto: a little flower, from fiore flower, from Latin fl*_os ferreting alt head ferret or ferret syl fer+ret+ing pron <1ferit> pos n. ferret H2.0. or ferreting syl fer+ret pron <1ferit> pos n. def silk binding tape. ferret badger 0. syl fer+ret badg+er pos n. def any small badger of the genus of SE Asia, resembling a ferret in appearance and smell. ferri- ety from Latin ferrum iron ferri- 0. syl fer:ri- usage combining form. def indicating the presence of iron, esp. in the trivalent state. exam 1 ferricyanide; exam 2 ferriferous. ferriage 1. syl fer+ri+age pron <1feriiJ> pos n. def transportation by ferry. ferriage 2. syl fer+ri+age pron <1feriiJ> pos n. def the fee charged for passage on a ferry. ferric ety C18: from Latin ferrum iron ferric 0. syl fer+ric pron <1ferik> pos adj. def of or containing iron in the trivalent state. exam 1 ferric oxide. ferric oxide 0. syl fer+ric ox+ide pos n. def a red crystalline insoluble oxide of iron that occurs as haematite and rust and is made by heating ferrous sulphate: used as a pigment and metal polish ({jewellers' rouge) }. Formula: Fe\2O\3. ferricyanic acid 0. syl fer+ri+cy+an+ic ac:id pron <2ferisI1@nik> pos n. def a brown soluble un?!sta?!ble solid tribasic acid, usually known in the form of ferricyanide salts. Formula: H\3Fe(CN)\6. ferricyanide 0. syl fer+ri+cy:a+nide pron <2feri1sI*2nId> pos n. def any salt of ferricyanic acid. ferriferous 0. syl fer+rif+er+ous pron pos adj. def producing or yielding iron; iron-bearing. exam 1 a ferriferous rock. ferrimagnetism 0. syl fer+ri+mag+net+ism pron <2feri1m@gni2tiz*m> pos n. def a phenomenon ex?!hib?!ited by certain substances, such as ferrites, in which the magnetic moments of neighbouring ions are antiparallel and unequal in magnitude. The substances behave like ferromagnetic materials. See also {antiferromagnetism}. ferrimagnetic sub head ferrimagnetism syl fer+ri+mag+1net+ic pron <2ferim@g1netik> pos adj. Ferris wheel ety C19: named after G.W.G. Ferris (1859-96), American engineer Ferris wheel 0. syl Fer:ris wheel pron <1feris> pos n. def a fairground wheel having seats freely suspended from its rim; the seats remain horizontal throughout its rotation. ferrite ety C19: from #7ferri -#7+ {-#7ite %1} ferrite 1. syl fer+rite pron <1ferIt> pos n. def any of a group of ferromagnetic highly resistive ceramic compounds with the formula MFe\2O\4, where M is usually a metal such as cobalt or zinc. ferrite 2. syl fer+rite pron <1ferIt> pos n. def any of the body-centred cubic allotropes of iron, such as alpha iron, occurring in steel, cast iron, etc. ferrite 3. syl fer+rite pron <1ferIt> pos n. def any of various microscopic grains, probably composed of iron compounds, in certain igneous rocks. ferrite-rod aerial 0. syl fer:rite-rod aer+i:al pos n. def a type of aerial, normally used in radio reception, consisting of a small coil of wire mounted on a ferrite core, the coil serving as a tuning inductance. ferritin ety C20: from #7ferrite+ -#7in ferritin 0. syl fer+ri+tin pron <1feritin> pos n. qual Biochem. def a protein that contains iron and plays a part in the storage of iron in the body. It occurs in the liver and spleen. ferro- ety from Latin ferrum iron ********************************************************************** ********************************************************************** ferrocyanide. Compare ferri-. ferro- ety from Latin ferrum iron ********************************************************************** ********************************************************************** ferro- 0. syl fer:ro- exam 1 combining form. ferro- 1. syl fer:ro- def indicating a property of iron or the presence of iron. exam 1 ferromagnetism; exam 2 ferromanganese. ferro- 2. syl fer:ro- def indicat?!ing the presence of iron in the divalent state. exam 1 ferrocyanide. ferrocene ety C20: from #7ferro -+#7c(yclopentadi)ene ferrocene 0. syl fer+ro+cene pron <1fer*u2sEn> pos n. def a reddish-orange insoluble crystalline compound. Its molecules have an iron atom sandwiched between two cyclopentadiene rings. Formula: Fe(C\5H\5)\2. ferrochrome alt head ferrochromium or ferrochromium syl fer+ro+chrome pos n. ferrochromium 0. or ferrochrome syl fer+ro+chro+mi:um pron <2fer*u1kr*umi*m> pos n. def an alloy of iron and chromium (60-72 per cent), used in the production of very hard steel. ferroconcrete 0. syl fer+ro+con+crete pron <2fer*u1koGkri:t> pos n. def another name for {re?!inforced concrete}. ferrocyanic acid 0. syl fer+ro+cy+an+ic ac:id pron <2fer*usI1@nik> pos n. def a white volatile unstable solid tetrabasic acid, usually known in the form of ferrocyanide salts. Formula: H\4Fe(CN)\6. ferrocyanide 0. syl fer+ro+cy:a+nide pron <2fer*u1sI*2nId> pos n. def any salt of ferrocyanic acid, such as potassium ferrocyanide, K\4Fe(CN)\6. ferroelectric 1. syl fer+ro+e:lec+tric pron <2fer*ui1lektrik> pos adj. usage of a substance def ex?!hib?!iting spontaneous polarization that can be reversed by the application of a suitable electric field. ferroelectric 2. syl fer+ro+e:lec+tric pron <2fer*ui1lektrik> pos adj. def of or relating to ferroelectric substances. ferroelectric 3. syl fer+ro+e:lec+tric pron <2fer*ui1lektrik> pos n. def a ferroelectric substance. ferroelectrically sub head ferroelectric syl fer+ro+e:1lec+tri+cal+ly pos adv. ferroelectricity sub head ferroelectric syl fer+ro+e:lec+tric+i:ty pron <2fer*u?!ilek1trisiti>, <-2Elek-> pos n. Ferrol 0. syl Fer+rol pron Spanish pos n. def See {El Ferrol}. ferromagnesian 0. syl fer+ro+mag+ne+sian pron <2fer*um@g1nEZ*n> pos adj. usage of minerals such as biotite def containing a high proportion of iron and magnesium. ferromagnetism 0. syl fer+ro+mag+net+ism pron <2fer*u1m@gni2tiz*m> pos n. def the phenomenon exhibited by substances, such as iron, that have relative per?!me?!abilities much greater than unity and increasing mag?!neti?!za?!tion with applied magnetizing field. Certain of these sub?!stances retain their magnetization in the absence of the ap?!plied field. The effect is caused by the alignment of electron spin in regions called domains. Compare {diamagnetism, para?!mag?!net?!ism}. See also {magnet, Curie-Weiss Law}. &- {fer+ro+mag+net+ic} (@!f$er$$$um@ag#!n$et$Ik) ferromanganese 0. syl fer+ro+man+ga+nese pron <2fer*u1m@Gg*2nEz> pos n. def an alloy of iron and manganese, used in making additions of manganese to cast iron and steel. ferrosilicon 0. syl fer+ro+sil:i+con pron <2fer*u1silik*n> pos n. def an alloy of iron and silicon, used in making cast iron and steel. ferrotype 1. syl fer+ro+type pron <1fer*u2tIp> pos n. def a photographic print produced directly in a camera by exposing a sheet of iron or tin coated with a sensitized enamel. ferrotype 2. syl fer+ro+type pron <1fer*u2tIp> pos n. def the process by which such a print is produced. {~} Also called: {tintype}. ferrous ety C19: from #7ferri -#7+ -#7ous ferrous 0. syl fer+rous pron <1fer*s> pos adj. def of or containing iron in the divalent state. ferrous sulphate 0. syl fer+rous sul+phate pos n. def an iron salt with a saline taste, usually obtained as greenish crystals of the heptahydrate, which are converted to the white monohydrate above 100?%C: used in inks, tanning, water purification, and in the treatment of anaemia. Formula: FeSO\4. Also called: {copperas, green vitriol}. ferruginous ety C17: from Latin ferr*_ugineus of a rusty colour, from ferr*_ug*_o iron rust, from ferrum iron ferruginous 1. syl fer+ru+gi+nous pron pos adj. usage of minerals, rocks, etc. def containing iron. exam 1 a ferruginous clay. ferruginous 2. syl fer+ru+gi+nous pron pos adj. def rust-coloured. ferruginous duck 0. syl fer+ru+gi+nous duck pos n. def a common European duck, having reddish-brown plumage with white wing bars. ferrule ety C17: from Middle English virole, from Old French virol, from Latin viriola a little bracelet, from viria bracelet; influenced by Latin ferrum iron ferule alt head ferrule or ferrule syl fer+ule pron <1feru:l>, <-r*l> pos n. ferrule 1. or ferule syl fer+rule pron <1feru:l>, <-r*l> pos n. def a metal ring, tube, or cap placed over the end of a stick, handle, or post for added strength or to increase wear. ferrule 2. or ferule syl fer+rule pron <1feru:l>, <-r*l> pos n. def a side opening in a pipe that gives access for inspection or cleaning. ferrule 3. or ferule syl fer+rule pron <1feru:l>, <-r*l> pos n. def a bush, gland, small length of tube, etc., esp. one used for making a joint. ferrule 4. or ferule syl fer+rule pron <1feru:l>, <-r*l> pos vb. mod tr. def to equip (a stick, etc.,) with a ferrule. ferry ety Old English ferian to carry, bring; related to Old Norse ferja to transport, Gothic farjan; see #7fare ferries infl head ferry syl fer+ries. pos n. mod pl. ferry 1. syl fer+ry pron <1feri> pos n. def Also called: {ferryboat}. a vessel for transporting passengers and usually vehicles across a body of water, esp. as a regular service. ferry 2.a. syl fer+ry pron <1feri> pos n. def such a service. ferry 2.b. syl fer+ry pron <1feri> pos n. usage in combination exam 1 a ferryman. ferry 3. syl fer+ry pron <1feri> pos n. def a legal right to charge for trans?!porting passengers by boat. ferry 4. syl fer+ry pron <1feri> pos n. def the act or method of delivering aircraft by flying them to their destination. ferries infl head ferry syl fer+ries pos vb. ferrying infl head ferry syl fer+ry+ing pos vb. ferried infl head ferry syl fer+ried. pos vb. ferry 5. syl fer+ry pron <1feri> pos vb. def to transport or go by ferry. ferry 6. syl fer+ry pron <1feri> pos vb. def to deliver (an aircraft) by flying it to its destination. ferry 7. syl fer+ry pron <1feri> pos vb. mod tr. def to convey (passengers, goods, etc.). exam 1 the guests were ferried to the church in taxis. fertile ety C15: from Latin fertilis, from ferre to bear fertile 1. syl fer+tile pron <1fR:tIl> pos adj. def capable of producing offspring. fertile 2.a. syl fer+tile pron <1fR:tIl> pos adj. usage of land def having nutrients capable of sustaining an abundant growth of plants. fertile 2.b. syl fer+tile pron <1fR:tIl> pos adj. usage of farm animals def capable of breeding stock. fertile 3.a. syl fer+tile pron <1fR:tIl> pos adj. def capable of undergoing growth and development. exam 1 fertile seeds; exam 2 fertile eggs. fertile 3.b. syl fer+tile pron <1fR:tIl> pos adj. usage of plants def capable of producing gametes, spores, seeds, or fruits. fertile 4. syl fer+tile pron <1fR:tIl> pos adj. def producing many offspring; prolific. fertile 5. syl fer+tile pron <1fR:tIl> pos adj. def highly productive; rich; abundant. exam 1 a fertile brain. fertile 6. syl fer+tile pron <1fR:tIl> pos adj. usage Physics. of a substance def able to be transformed into fissile or fissionable material, esp. in a nuclear reactor. fertile 7. syl fer+tile pron <1fR:tIl> pos adj. def conducive to productiveness. exam 1 fertile rain. fertilely sub head fertile syl fer+tile+ly pos adv. fertileness sub head fertile syl fer+tile+ness pos n. Fertile Crescent 0. syl Fer+tile Cres+cent pos n. def an area of fertile land in the Middle East, extending around the Rivers Tigris and Euphrates in a semi?!circle from Israel to the Persian Gulf, where the Sumerian, Babylonian, Assyrian, Phoenician, and Hebrew civilizations flourished. fertility 1. syl fer+til+i:ty pron pos n. def the ability to produce offspring, esp. abundantly. fertility 2. syl fer+til+i:ty pron pos n. def the state or quality of being fertile. fertility cult 0. syl fer+til+i:ty cult pos n. def the practice in some settled agricultural communities of performing religious or magical rites to ensure good weather and crops and the perpetuity of the tribe. fertility symbol 0. syl fer+til+i:ty sym+bol pos n. def an object, esp. a phallic symbol, used in fertility-cult ceremonies to symbolize regeneration. fertilisation alt head fertilization or fertilization syl fer+ti+li+sa+tion pron <2fR:tilI1zAS*n> pos n. fertilization 1. or fertilisation syl fer+ti+li+za+tion pron <2fR:tilI1zAS*n> pos n. def the union of male and female gametes, during sexual reproduction, to form a zygote. fertilization 2. or fertilisation syl fer+ti+li+za+tion pron <2fR:tilI1zAS*n> pos n. def the act or process of fertilizing. fertilization 3. or fertilisation syl fer+ti+li+za+tion pron <2fR:tilI1zAS*n> pos n. def the state of being fertilized. fertilise alt head fertilize or fertilize syl fer+ti+lise pron <1fR:ti2lIz> pos vb. mod tr. fertilize 1. or fertilise syl fer+ti+lize pron <1fR:ti2lIz> pos vb. mod tr. def to provide (an animal, plant, or egg cell) with sperm or pollen to bring about fertilization. fertilize 2. or fertilise syl fer+ti+lize pron <1fR:ti2lIz> pos vb. mod tr. def to supply (soil or water) with mineral and organic nutrients to aid the growth of plants. fertilize 3. or fertilise syl fer+ti+lize pron <1fR:ti2lIz> pos vb. mod tr. def to make fertile or productive. fertilizable sub head fertilize or fertilisable syl fer+ti+2liz+a:ble pos adj. fertilisable sub head fertilize or fertilizable syl fer+ti+2lis+a:ble pos adj. fertiliser alt head fertilizer or fertilizer syl fer+ti+lis+er pron <1fR:ti2lIz*> pos n. fertilizer 1. or fertiliser syl fer+ti+liz+er pron <1fR:ti2lIz*> pos n. def any substance, such as manure or a mixture of nitrates, added to soil or water to increase its productivity. fertilizer 2. or fertiliser syl fer+ti+liz+er pron <1fR:ti2lIz*> pos n. def an object or organism such as an insect that fertilizes an animal or plant. ferula ety C14: from Latin: giant fennel &- fer@.u+la+ceous (@!f$eru$:#!le$I#s$$s, @!f$erju$:-) adj. ferulas infl head ferula or ferulae syl fer:u+las pron <-2lE> pos n. mod pl. ferulae infl head ferula or ferulas syl fer:u+lae pron <-2lE> pos n. mod pl. ferula 1. syl fer:u+la pron <1ferul*>, <1ferju-> pos n. def any large umbelliferous plant of the Mediterranean genus having thick stems and dissected leaves: cultivated as the source of several strongly scented gum resins, such as galbanum. ferula 2. syl fer:u+la pron <1ferul*>, <1ferju-> pos n. def a rare word for {ferule} %1. ferule ety C16: from Latin ferula giant fennel, whip, rod; the stalk of the plant was used for punishment ferule H1.1. syl fer+ule pron <1feru:l>, <-r*l> pos n. def a flat piece of wood, such as a ruler, used in some schools to cane children on the hand. ferule H1.2. syl fer+ule pron <1feru:l>, <-r*l> pos vb. mod tr. qual Rare. def to punish with a ferule. ferule H2.0. syl fer+ule pron <1feru:l>, <-r*l> pos n. def a variant spelling of {ferrule}. fervencies infl head fervency syl fer+ven+cies. pos n. mod pl. fervency 0. syl fer+ven+cy pron <1fR:v*nsi> pos n. def another word for {fervour}. fervent ety C14: from Latin ferv*_ere to boil, glow fervid alt head fervent or fervent syl fer+vid pron <1fR:vid> pos adj. fervent 1. or fervid syl fer+vent pron <1fR:v*nt> pos adj. def intensely passionate; ardent. exam 1 a fervent desire to change society. fervent 2. or fervid syl fer+vent pron <1fR:v*nt> pos adj. qual Archaic or poetic. def boiling, burning, or glowing. exam 1 fervent heat. fervently sub head fervent or fervidly syl fer+vent+ly pos adv. fervidly sub head fervent or fervently syl fer+vid+ly pos adv. ferventness sub head fervent or fervidness syl fer+vent+ness pos n. fervidness sub head fervent or ferventness syl fer+vid+ness pos n. Fervidor ety probably from ferveur heat + T#7hermidor Fervidor 0. syl Fer+vi+dor pron French. pos n. def another name for {Thermidor}. fervour ety C14: from Latin: heat, from ferv*_ere to glow, boil fervor alt head fervour or fervour syl fer+vor pron <1fR:v*> pos n. qual U.S. fervour 1. or fervor syl fer+vour pron <1fR:v*> pos n. def great intensity of feeling or belief; ardour; zeal. fervour 2. or fervor syl fer+vour pron <1fR:v*> pos n. qual Rare. def intense heat. Fez alt head Fes or Fes syl Fez pos n. Fes 0. or Fez syl F*`es pron pos n. def a city in N central Morocco, traditional capital of the north: became an independent kingdom in the 11th century, at its height in the 14th century; religious centre; university (850). Pop.: 325327 (1971). Fescennine ety C17: from Latin Fescenn*_inus of Fescennia, a city in Etruria noted for the production of mocking or obscene verse Fescennine 0. syl Fes+cen+nine pron <1fesi2nIn> pos adj. qual Rare. def scurrilous or obscene. fescue ety C14: from Old French festu, ultimately from Latin fest*_uca stem, straw fescue grass alt head fescue or fescue syl fes+cue grass pos n. fescue 0. or fescue grass syl fes+cue pron <1feskju:> pos n. def any grass of the genus widely cultivated as pasture and lawn grasses, having stiff narrow leaves. See also {meadow fescue, sheep's fescue}. fesse ety C15: from Anglo-French fesse, from Latin fascia band, fillet fess alt head fesse or fesse syl fess pron pos n. fesse 0. or fess syl fesse pron pos n. qual Heraldry. def an ordinary consisting of a horizontal band across a shield, conventionally occupying a third of its length and being wider than a bar. fesse point 0. syl fesse point pos n. qual Heraldry. def the midpoint of a shield. festal ety C15: from Latin festum holiday, banquet; see #7feast festal 0. syl fes+tal pron <1festL> pos adj. def another word for {festive}. festally sub head festal syl fes+tal+ly pos adv. fester ety C13: from Old French festre suppurating sore, from Latin: #7fistula fester 1. syl fes+ter pron <1fest*> pos vb. def to form or cause to form pus. fester 2. syl fes+ter pron <1fest*> pos vb. mod intr. def to become rotten; decay. fester 3. syl fes+ter pron <1fest*> pos vb. def to become or cause to become bitter, irritated, etc., esp. over a long period of time; rankle. exam 1 resentment festered his imagination. fester 4. syl fes+ter pron <1fest*> pos vb. mod intr. qual Informal, chiefly Brit. def to be idle or inactive. fester 5. syl fes+ter pron <1fest*> pos n. def a small ulcer or sore containing pus. festination 0. syl fes+ti+na+tion pron <2festi1nAS*n> pos n. def an involuntary quickening of gait, as in some persons with Parkinson's disease. festival ety C14: from Church Latin f*_estiv*_alis of a feast, from Latin fest*_ivus #7festive festival 1. syl fes+ti+val pron <1festivL> pos n. def a day or period set aside for celebra?!tion or feasting, esp. one of religious significance. festival 2. syl fes+ti+val pron <1festivL> pos n. def any occasion for celebration, esp. one which commemorates an anniversary or other significant event. festival 3. syl fes+ti+val pron <1festivL> pos n. def an organized series of special events and performances, usually in one place. exam 1 a festival of drama. festival 4. syl fes+ti+val pron <1festivL> pos n. qual Archaic. def a time of revelry; merrymaking. festival 5. syl fes+ti+val pron <1festivL> pos n. usage modifier def relating to or characteristic of a festival. festive ety C17: from Latin fest*_ivus joyful, from festus of a #7feast festive 0. syl fes+tive pron <1festiv> pos adj. def appropriate to or characteristic of a holiday, etc.; merry. festively sub head festive syl fes+tive+ly pos adv. festiveness sub head festive syl fes+tive+ness pos n. festivities infl head festivity syl fes+tiv+i:ties. pos n. mod pl. festivity 1. syl fes+tiv+i:ty pron pos n. def merriment characteristic of a festival, party, etc. festivity 2. syl fes+tiv+i:ty pron pos n. def any festival or other celebration. festivity 3. syl fes+tiv+i:ty pron pos n. mod pl. def festive proceedings; celebrations. festoon ety C17: from French feston, from Italian festone ornament for a feast, from festa #7feast festoon 1. syl fes+toon pron pos n. def a decorative chain of flowers, ribbons, etc., suspended in loops; garland. festoon 2. syl fes+toon pron pos n. def a carved or painted representation of this, as in architecture, furniture, or pottery. festoon 3.a. syl fes+toon pron pos n. def the scalloped appearance of the gums where they meet the teeth. festoon 3.b. syl fes+toon pron pos n. def a design carved on the base material of a denture to simulate this. festoon 4. syl fes+toon pron pos vb. mod tr. def to decorate or join together with festoons. festoon 5. syl fes+toon pron pos vb. mod tr. def to form into festoons. festoonery 0. syl fes+toon+er:y pron pos n. def an arrangement of festoons. festschrift ety German, from Fest celebration, #7feast+ Schrift writing festschriften infl head festschrift or festschrifts syl fest+schrift+en pron <-2Srift*n> pos n. mod pl. festschrifts infl head festschrift or festschriften syl fest+schrifts. pos n. mod pl. festschrift 0. syl fest+schrift pron <1fest2Srift> pos n. def a collection of essays or learned papers contributed by a number of people to honour an eminent scholar, esp. a colleague. FET 0. syl FET qual abbrev. for def field-effect transistor. feta ety Modern Greek, from the phrase turi pheta, from turi cheese+ pheta, from Italian fetta a slice feta 0. syl fet:a pron <1fet*> pos n. def a white sheep or goat cheese popular in Greece. foetal alt head fetal or fetal syl foe+tal pron <1fEtL> pos adj. fetal 0. or foetal syl fe+tal pron <1fEtL> pos adj. def of, relating to, or resembling a fetus. fetal diagnosis 0. syl fe+tal di+ag+no+sis pos n. def prenatal determination of genetic or chemical abnormalities in a fetus, esp. by amniocentesis. foetation alt head fetation or fetation syl foe+ta+tion pron pos n. fetation 1. or foetation syl fe+ta+tion pron pos n. def the state of preg?!nancy. fetation 2. or foetation syl fe+ta+tion pron pos n. def the process of development of a fetus. fetch ety Old English feccan; related to Old Norse feta to step, Old High German sih fazz*_on to climb fetch H1.1. syl fetch pron pos vb. mod mainly; tr. def to go after and bring back; get. exam 1 to fetch help. fetch H1.2. syl fetch pron pos vb. mod mainly; tr. def to cause to come; bring or draw forth. exam 1 the noise fetched him from the cellar. fetch H1.3. syl fetch pron pos vb. mod also; intr. def to cost or sell for (a certain price). exam 1 the table fetched six hundred pounds. fetch H1.4. syl fetch pron pos vb. mod mainly; tr. def to utter (a sigh, groan, etc.). fetch H1.5. syl fetch pron pos vb. mod mainly; tr. qual Informal. def to deal (a blow, slap, etc.). fetch H1.6. syl fetch pron pos vb. mod also; intr. qual Nautical. def to arrive at or proceed by sailing. fetch H1.7. syl fetch pron pos vb. mod mainly; tr. qual Informal. def to attract. exam 1 to be fetched by an idea. fetch H1.8. syl fetch pron pos vb. mod mainly; tr. usage used esp. as a command to dogs def to retrieve (shot game, an object thrown, etc.). fetch H1.9. syl fetch pron pos vb. mod mainly; tr. qual Rare. def to draw in (a breath, gasp, etc.), esp. with difficulty. fetch and carry 10. head fetch syl fetch and carry. def to perform menial tasks or run errands. fetch H1.11. syl fetch pron pos n. mod mainly; tr. def the reach, stretch, etc., of a mechanism. fetch H1.12. syl fetch pron pos n. mod mainly; tr. def a trick or stratagem. fetcher sub head fetch syl fetch+er pos n. fetch ety C18: of unknown origin fetch H2.0. syl fetch pron pos n. def the ghost or apparition of a living person. fetching 1. syl fetch+ing pron <1feCiG> pos adj. qual Informal. def attractively befitting. exam 1 a fetching hat. fetching 2. syl fetch+ing pron <1feCiG> pos adj. qual Informal. def charming. exam 1 a fetching personality. fetchingly sub head fetching syl fetch+ing+ly pos adv. fetch up 1. syl fetch up pos vb. adv. mod intr. qual Informal. usage usually foll. by at or in def to arrive (at) or end up (in). exam 1 to fetch up in New York. fetch up 2. syl fetch up pos vb. adv. mod intr. qual Nautical. def to stop suddenly, as from running aground. exam 1 to fetch up on a rock. fetch up 3. syl fetch up pos vb. adv. qual Slang. def to vomit (food, etc.). fetch up 4. syl fetch up pos vb. adv. mod tr. qual Brit. dialect. def to rear (children, animals, etc.). fete ety C18: from French: #7feast fete alt or fete syl fete pron pos n. fete 1. or fete syl f*^ete pron pos n. def a gala, bazaar, or similar entertainment, esp. one held outdoors in aid of charity. fete 2. or fete syl f*^ete pron pos n. def a feast day or holiday, esp. one of religious significance. fete 3. or fete syl f*^ete pron pos n. qual Caribbean informal. def an organized group entertainment, esp. a party or a dance. fete 4. or fete syl f*^ete pron pos vb. mod tr. def to honour or entertain with or as if with a f*^ete. exam 1 the author was f*^eted by his publishers. fete 5. or fete syl f*^ete pron pos vb. mod intr. qual Caribbean informal. def to join in a f*^ete. fete champetre ety C18: from French, literally: country festival fetes champetres infl head fete champetre syl f*^etes cham+p*^e+tres pron pos n. mod pl. fete champetre 1. syl f*^ete cham+p*^e+tre pron French. pos n. def a garden party, picnic, or similar outdoor entertainment. fete champetre 2. syl f*^ete cham+p*^e+tre pron French. pos n. def Also called: {f*^ete ga+lante} (#!f$et ga#!l*~at). fete champetre 2.a. syl f*^ete cham+p*^e+tre pron French. pos n. def a genre of painting popular in France from the early 18th century, characterized by the depiction of figures in pastoral settings. Watteau was its most famous exponent. fete champetre 2.b. syl f*^ete cham+p*^e+tre pron French. pos n. def a painting in this genre. fetial ety C16: from Latin f*_eti*_alis, probably from Old Latin f*_etis treaty fetiales infl head fetial syl fe+ti:a+les pron <2fESi1AlEz> pos n. mod pl. fetial 1. syl fe+tial pron <1fES*l> pos n. usage in ancient Rome def any of the 20 priestly heralds involved in declarations of war and in peace negotiations. {~} fetial 2. syl fe+tial pron <1fES*l> pos n. def of or relating to the fetiales. fetial 3. syl fe+tial pron <1fES*l> pos n. def a less common word for {heraldic}. foeticide alt head feticide or feticide syl foe+ti+cide pron <1fEti2sId> pos n. feticide 0. or foeticide syl fe+ti+cide pron <1fEti2sId> pos n. def the destruction of a fetus in the uterus; aborticide. feticidal sub head feticide or foeticidal syl fe+ti+1cid+al pos adj. foeticidal sub head feticide or feticidal syl foe+ti+1cid+al pos adj. fetid ety C16: from Latin f*_etidus, from f*_et*_ere to stink; related to f*_umus smoke foetid alt head fetid or fetid syl foet+id pron <1fetid>, <1fE-> pos adj. fetid 0. or foetid syl fet+id pron <1fetid>, <1fE-> pos adj. def having a stale nauseating smell, as of decay. fetidly sub head fetid or foetidly syl fet+id+ly pos adv. foetidly sub head fetid or fetidly syl foet+id+ly pos adv. fetidness sub head fetid or foetidness syl fet+id+ness pos n. foetidness sub head fetid or fetidness syl foet+id+ness pos n. fetiparous ety C19: from #7fetus + -#7parous foetiparous alt head fetiparous or fetiparous syl foe+tip:a+rous pron pos adj. fetiparous 0. or foetiparous syl fe+tip:a+rous pron pos adj. usage of marsupials, such as the kangaroo def giving birth to incompletely developed offspring. fetish ety C17: from French f*'etiche, from Portuguese feiti*,co (n.) sorcery, from adj.: artificial, from Latin fact*_icius made by art, #7factitious fetich alt head fetish or fetish syl fet+ich pron <1fetiS>, <1fEtiS> pos n. fetish 1. or fetich syl fet+ish pron <1fetiS>, <1fEtiS> pos n. def something, esp. an in?!animate object, that is believed in certain cultures to be the embodiment or habitation of a spirit or magical powers. fetish 2.a. or fetich syl fet+ish pron <1fetiS>, <1fEtiS> pos n. def a form of behaviour involving fetishism. fetish 2.b. or fetich syl fet+ish pron <1fetiS>, <1fEtiS> pos n. def any object that is involved in fetishism. fetish 3. or fetich syl fet+ish pron <1fetiS>, <1fEtiS> pos n. def any object, activity, etc., to which one is excessively or irrationally devoted. exam 1 to make a fetish of cleanliness. fetish-like sub head fetish or fetich-like syl fet:ish-2like pos adj. fetich-like sub head fetish or fetish-like syl fet:ich-2like pos adj. fetichism alt head fetishism or fetishism syl fet+ich+ism pron <1feti2Siz*m>, <1fE-> pos n. fetishism 1. or fetichism syl fet+ish+ism pron <1feti2Siz*m>, <1fE-> pos n. def a condition in which the handling of an inanimate object or a specific part of the body other than the sexual organs is a source of sexual satisfaction. fetishism 2. or fetichism syl fet+ish+ism pron <1feti2Siz*m>, <1fE-> pos n. def belief in or recourse to a fetish for magical purposes. fetishism 3. or fetichism syl fet+ish+ism pron <1feti2Siz*m>, <1fE-> pos n. def excessive attention or attachment to something. fetishist sub head fetishism or fetichist syl fet+ish+ist pos n. fetichist sub head fetishism or fetishist syl fet+ich+ist pos n. fetishistic sub head fetishism or fetichistic syl fet+ish+1is+tic pos adj. fetichistic sub head fetishism or fetishistic syl fet+ich+1is+tic pos adj. fetlock ety C14 fetlak; related to Middle High German vizzeloch fetlock, from vizzel pastern+ -och; see #7foot fetterlock alt head fetlock or fetlock syl fet:ter+lock pos n. fetlock 1. or fetterlock syl fet+lock pron <1fet2lok> pos n. def a projection behind and above a horse's hoof: the part of the leg between the cannon bone and the pastern. fetlock 2. or fetterlock syl fet+lock pron <1fet2lok> pos n. def Also called: {fetlock joint}. the joint at this part of the leg. fetlock 3. or fetterlock syl fet+lock pron <1fet2lok> pos n. def the tuft of hair growing from this part. fetor ety C15: from Latin, from f*_et*_ere to stink foetor alt head fetor or fetor syl foe+tor pron <1fEt*>, <-tc:> pos n. fetor 0. or foetor syl fe+tor pron <1fEt*>, <-tc:> pos n. def an offensive stale or putrid odour; stench. fetter ety Old English fetor; related to Old Norse fj*"oturr fetter, Old High German fezzera, Latin pedica fetter, imped*_ire to hinder fetter 1. syl fet+ter pron <1fet*> pos n. mod often; pl. def a chain or bond fastened round the ankle; shackle. fetter 2. syl fet+ter pron <1fet*> pos n. mod usually; pl. def a check or restraint. exam 1 in fetters. fetter 3. syl fet+ter pron <1fet*> pos vb. mod tr. def to restrict or confine. fetter 4. syl fet+ter pron <1fet*> pos vb. mod tr. def to bind in fetters. fetterer sub head fetter syl fet+ter+er pos n. fetterless sub head fetter syl fet+ter+less pos adj. fetter bone 0. syl fet+ter bone pos n. def another name for { {pastern} (sense 2)}. fetterlock 0. syl fet:ter+lock pron <1fet*2lok> pos n. def another name for {fetlock}. fettle ety C14 (in the sense: to put in order): back formation from fetled girded up, from Old English fetel belt fettle 1. syl fet+tle pron <1fetL> pos vb. mod tr. def to remove (excess moulding material and casting irregularities) from a cast component. fettle 2. syl fet+tle pron <1fetL> pos vb. mod tr. def to line or repair (the walls of a furnace). fettle 3.a. syl fet+tle pron <1fetL> pos vb. mod tr. def to prepare or arrange (a thing, oneself, etc.), esp. to put a finishing touch to. fettle 3.b. syl fet+tle pron <1fetL> pos vb. mod tr. def to repair or mend (something). fettle 4. syl fet+tle pron <1fetL> pos n. mod tr. def state of health, spirits, etc. (esp. in the phrase {in fine fettle) }. fettle 5. syl fet+tle pron <1fetL> pos n. mod tr. def another name for {fettling}. fettling 0. syl fet+tling pron <1fetliG> pos n. def a refractory material used to line the hearth of puddling furnaces. Also called: {fettle}. fettucine ety Italian fettuccine, plural of fettuccina, diminutive of fetta slice fettuccine infl head fettucine or fettucini syl fet+tuc+ci+ne pron <2fetu:1CEni> pos n. fettucini infl head fettucine or fettuccine syl fet+tu+ci+ni pron <2fetu:1CEni> pos n. fettucine 0. syl fet+tu+ci+ne pron <2fetu:1CEni> pos n. def a type of pasta in the form of narrow ribbons. fetus ety C14: from Latin: offspring, brood foetus alt head fetus or fetus syl foe+tus pron <1fEt*s> pos n. fetus 0. or foetus syl fe+tus pron <1fEt*s> pos n. def the embryo of a mammal in the later stages of development, when it shows all the main recognizable features of the mature animal, esp. a human embryo from the end of the second month of pregnancy until birth. Compare { {embryo} (sense 2)}. feu ety C15: from Old French; see #7fee feu 0.a. syl feu pron pos n. qual Scot. legal history. def a feudal tenure of land for which rent was paid in money or grain instead of by the performance of military service. feu 0.b. syl feu pron pos n. qual Scot. legal history. def the land so held. feuar 0. syl feu+ar pron <1fju*> pos n. qual Scot. legal history. def the tenant of a feu. Lion infl head Feuchtwanger syl Li:on pron <1lEcn> pos n. Feuchtwanger 0. syl Feucht:wang:er pron German <1fci*,ctvaG*r> pos n. def 1884-1958, German novelist and dramatist, lived in the U.S. (1940-58): noted for his historical novels, including (1923) and (1925). feud ety C13 fede, from Old French feide, from Old High German f*_ehida; related to Old English f@ahth hostility; see #7foe feud H1.1. syl feud pron pos n. def long and bitter hostility between two families, clans, or individuals; vendetta. feud H1.2. syl feud pron pos n. def a quarrel or dispute. feud H1.3. syl feud pron pos vb. mod intr. def to take part in or carry on a feud. feud ety C17: from Medieval Latin feodum, of Germanic origin; see #7fee feod alt head feud or feud syl feod pron pos n. feud H2.0. or feod syl feud pron pos n. qual Feudal law. def land held in return for service. feudal ety C17: from Medieval Latin feud*_alis, from feudum #7feud %2 feudal H1.1. syl feu+dal pron <1fju:dL> pos adj. def of, resembling, relating to, or characteristic of feudalism or its institutions. feudal H1.2. syl feu+dal pron <1fju:dL> pos adj. def of, characteristic of, or relating to a fief. Compare {allodial}. feudal H1.3. syl feu+dal pron <1fju:dL> pos adj. qual Disparaging. def old-fashioned, reactionary, etc. feudal H2.0. syl feu+dal pron <1fju:dL> pos adj. def of or relating to a feud or quarrel. feudalism 1. syl feu+dal+ism pron <1fju:d*2liz*m> pos n. def Also called: {feudal system}. the legal and social system that evolved in W Europe in the 8th and 9th centuries, in which vassals were protected and maintained by their lords, usually through the granting of fiefs, and were required to serve under them in war. See also {vassalage, fief}. feudalism 2. syl feu+dal+ism pron <1fju:d*2liz*m> pos n. def any social system or society, such as medieval Japan or Ptolemaic Egypt, that resembles medieval European feudalism. feudalist sub head feudalism syl feu+dal+ist pos n. feudalistic sub head feudalism syl feu+dal+1is+tic pos adj. feudalities infl head feudality syl feu+dal+i:ties. pos n. mod pl. feudality 1. syl feu+dal+i:ty pron pos n. def the state or quality of being feudal. feudality 2. syl feu+dal+i:ty pron pos n. def a fief or fee. feudalise alt head feudalize or feudalize syl feu+dal+ise pron <1fju:d*2lIz> pos vb. mod tr. feudalize 0. or feudalise syl feu+dal+ize pron <1fju:d*2lIz> pos vb. mod tr. def to make feudal; create feudal institutions in (a society, etc.). feudalization sub head feudalize or feudalisation syl feu+dal:i+1za+tion pos n. feudalisation sub head feudalize or feudalization syl feu+dal:i+1sa+tion pos n. feudatory ety C16: from Medieval Latin feud*_ator feudatory 1. syl feu+da+to:ry pron <1fju:d*t*ri>, <-tri> pos n. usage in feudal Europe def a person holding a fief; vassal. feudatory 2. syl feu+da+to:ry pron <1fju:d*t*ri>, <-tri> pos adj. usage in feudal Europe def relating to or characteristic of the relationship between lord and vassal. feudatory 3. syl feu+da+to:ry pron <1fju:d*t*ri>, <-tri> pos adj. usage in feudal Europe; esp. of a kingdom def under the overlordship of another sovereign. feudist 0. syl feud+ist pron <1fju:dist> pos n. qual U.S. def a person who takes part in a feud or quarrel. Ludwig Andreas infl head Feuerbach syl Lud:wig An:dre:as pron <1lu:tvi*,c> pos n. Feuerbach 0. syl Feu:er:bach pron German <1fci*rba$x> pos n. def 1804-72, German materialist philosopher: in (1841), translated into English by George Eliot (1853), he maintained that God is merely an outward projection of man's inner self. Feuillant ety from the convent of Notre Dame des Feuillants, where meetings were held Feuillant 0. syl Feuil+lant pron French. pos n. qual French history. def a member of a club formed in 1791 by Lafayette advocating a limited constitutional monarchy: forced to disband in 1792 as the revolution became more violent and antimonarchical. feuilleton ety C19: from French, from feuillet sheet of paper, diminutive of feuille leaf, from Latin folium feuilleton 1. syl feuil+le+ton pron <1fui2ton>, French pos n. def the part of a European newspaper carrying reviews, serialized fiction, etc. feuilleton 2. syl feuil+le+ton pron <1fui2ton>, French pos n. def such a review or article. feuilletonism sub head feuilleton syl feuil+le+ton+ism pos n. feuilletonist sub head feuilleton syl feuil+le+ton+ist pos n. feuilletonistic sub head feuilleton syl feuil+le+ton+1is+tic pos adj. fever ety Old English f*_efor, from Latin febris fever 1. syl fe+ver pron <1fEv*> pos n. def an abnormally high body temperature, accompanied by a fast pulse rate, dry skin, etc. Related adj.: {febrile}. fever 2. syl fe+ver pron <1fEv*> pos n. def any of various diseases, such as yellow fever or scarlet fever, characterized by a high temperature. fever 3. syl fe+ver pron <1fEv*> pos n. def intense nervous excitement or agitation. exam 1 she was in a fever about her party. fever 4. syl fe+ver pron <1fEv*> pos vb. mod tr. def to affect with or as if with fever. fevered sub head fever syl fe+vered pos adj. feverless sub head fever syl fe+ver+less pos adj. fever blisore alt head fever blister or fever blister syl fe+ver blisore pos n. fever blister 0. or fever blisore syl fe+ver blis+ter pos n. def another name for {cold sore}. feverfew ety Old English feferfuge, from Late Latin febrifugia, from Latin febris fever+ fug*_are to put to flight feverfew 0. syl fe+ver+few pron <1fEv*2fju:> pos n. def a bushy European strong-scented perennial plant, with white flower heads, formerly used medicinally: family (composites). feverous alt head feverish or feverish syl fe+ver+ous pos adj. feverish 1. or feverous syl fe+ver+ish pron <1fEv*riS> pos adj. def suffering from fever, esp. a slight fever. feverish 2. or feverous syl fe+ver+ish pron <1fEv*riS> pos adj. def in a state of restless excitement. feverish 3. or feverous syl fe+ver+ish pron <1fEv*riS> pos adj. def of, relating to, caused by, or causing fever. feverishly sub head feverish or feverously syl fe+ver+ish+ly pos adv. feverously sub head feverish or feverishly syl fe+ver+ous+ly pos adv. feverishness sub head feverish syl fe+ver+ish+ness pos n. fever pitch 0. syl fe+ver pitch pos n. def a state of intense excitement. exam 1 things were at fever pitch with the election coming up. fever therapy 0. syl fe+ver ther:a+py pos n. def a former method of treating disease by raising the body temperature. Compare {cryotherapy}. fever tree 1. syl fe+ver tree pos n. def any of several trees that produce a febrifuge or tonic, esp. a rubiaceous tree of SE North America. fever tree 2. syl fe+ver tree pos n. def a tall mimosaceous swamp tree, of southern Africa, with fragrant yellow flowers. feverwort 0. syl fe:ver+wort pron <1fEv*2wR:t> pos n. def any of several plants considered to have medicinal properties, such as horse gentian and boneset. few ety Old English f*_eawa; related to Old High German fao little, Old Norse f*_ar little, silent few 1.a. syl few pron pos determiner. def a small number of; hardly any. exam 1 few men are so cruel. few 1.b. syl few pron pos determiner. mod as pronoun; functioning as; pl. exam 1 many are called but few are chosen. few 2.a. syl few pron pos determiner. def a small number of. exam 1 a few drinks. few 2.b. syl few pron pos determiner. mod as pronoun; functioning as; pl. exam 1 a few of you. a good few 3. head few syl a good few. qual Informal. def several. few 4.a. syl few pron pos determiner. def at great intervals; widely spaced. few 4.b. syl few pron pos determiner. def not abundant; scarce. have a few (too many) 5. head few syl have a few (too many) def to consume several too many) alcoholic drinks. not 6. head few or quite a few syl not qual Informal. def several. the few 7. head few syl the few. def a small number of people considered as a class. exam 1 the few who fell at Thermopylae. fewness sub head few syl few+ness fey ety Old English f@age marked out for death; related to Old Norse feigr doomed, Old High German feigi &- #!fey+ness n. fey 1. syl fey pron pos adj. def interested in or believing in the supernatural; whimsical. fey 2. syl fey pron pos adj. def attuned to the supernatural; clairvoyant; visionary. fey 3. syl fey pron pos adj. qual Chiefly Scot. def fated to die; doomed. fey 4. syl fey pron pos adj. qual Chiefly Scot. def in a state of high spirits or unusual excitement, formerly believed to presage death. Georges infl head Feydeau syl Georges pron pos n. Feydeau 0. syl Fey:deau pron French pos n. def 1862-1921, French dramatist, noted for his farces, esp. (1899) and (1908). fez ety C19: via French from Turkish, from F#7ez fezzes infl head fez syl fez+zes. pos n. mod pl. fez 0. syl fez pron pos n. def an originally Turkish brimless felt or wool cap, shaped like a truncated cone, usually red and with a tassel. fezzed sub head fez syl fezzed pos adj. Fez 0. syl Fez pron pos n. def a variant spelling of {F*`es}. Fezzan 0. syl Fez+zan pron pos n. def a region of SW Libya, in the Sahara: a former province (until 1963). ff 0. syl ff qual Music. symbol for def fortissimo. See {f} ff 1. syl ff. qual abbrev. for def folios. ff 2. syl ff. qual symbol for def and the following (pages, lines, etc.). ffa 0. syl f.f.a. qual Commerce. abbrev. for def free from alongside (ship). FI 0. syl F.I. qual abbrev. for def Falkland Islands. fiacre ety C17: named after the Hotel de St. Fiacre, Paris, where these vehicles were first hired out fiacre 0. syl fi:a+cre pron pos n. def a small four-wheeled horse-drawn carriage, usually with a folding roof. fianc'e ety C19: from French, from Old French fiancier to promise, betroth, from fiance a vow, from fier to trust, from Latin f*_idere fianc'ee alt head fianc'e or fianc'e syl fi+an+c*'ee pron pos n. mod fem. fianc'e 0. or fianc'ee syl fi+an+c*'e pron pos n. def a person who is engaged to be married. Fianna 0. syl Fi+an+na pron <1fE*n*> pos n. qual Irish myth. def another word for { {Fenian} (sense 2)}. Fianna Fail ety Irish, from Fianna Fenians+ F*_ail of the earth, from f*_al earth, sod Fianna Fail 0. syl Fi+an+na Fail pron pos n. def one of the major Irish political parties, founded by de Valera in 1926 as an anti-British republican party. fiasco ety C19: from Italian, literally: {#7flask }; sense development obscure fiascos infl head fiasco or fiascoes syl fi+as+cos pos n. mod pl. fiascoes infl head fiasco or fiascos syl fi+as+coes. pos n. mod pl. fiasco 0. syl fi+as+co pron pos n. def a complete failure, esp. one that is ignominious or humiliating. fiat ety C17: from Latin, literally: let it be done, from fier*_i to become fiat 1. syl fi:at pron <1fI*t>, <-@t> pos n. def official sanction; authoritative permission. fiat 2. syl fi:at pron <1fI*t>, <-@t> pos n. def an arbitrary order or decree. fiat 3. syl fi:at pron <1fI*t>, <-@t> pos n. qual Chiefly literary. def any command, decision, or act of will that brings something about. fiat money 0. syl fi:at mon+ey pos n. qual Chiefly U.S. def money declared by a government to be legal tender though it is not convertible into standard specie. fib ety C17: perhaps from fibble-fable an unlikely story; see #7fable fib 1. syl fib pron pos n. def a trivial and harmless lie. fibs infl head fib syl fibs pos vb. fibbing infl head fib syl fib+bing pos vb. fibbed infl head fib syl fibbed. pos vb. fib 2. syl fib pron pos vb. mod intr. def to tell such a lie. fibber sub head fib syl fib+ber pos n. fiber 0. syl fi+ber pron <1fIb*> pos n. def the usual U.S. spelling of {fibre}. Fibonacci sequence ety named after Leonardo Fibonacci (??1170-??1250), Florentine mathematician Fibonacci series alt head Fibonacci sequence or Fibonacci sequence syl Fib:o:nac:ci se+ries pron <2fib*1na:Ci> pos n. Fibonacci sequence 0. or Fibonacci series syl Fib:o:nac:ci se+quence pron <2fib*1na:Ci> pos n. def the infinite sequence of numbers, 0, 1, 1, 2, 3, 5, 8, etc., in which each member ({Fibonacci number}) is the sum of the previous two. fibre ety C14: from Latin fibra filament, entrails fiber alt head fibre or fibre syl fi+ber pron <1fIb*> pos n. qual U.S. fibre 1. or fiber syl fi+bre pron <1fIb*> pos n. def a natural or synthetic filament that may be spun into yarn, such as cotton or nylon. fibre 2. or fiber syl fi+bre pron <1fIb*> pos n. def cloth or other material made from such yarn. fibre 3. or fiber syl fi+bre pron <1fIb*> pos n. def a long fine continuous thread or filament. fibre 4. or fiber syl fi+bre pron <1fIb*> pos n. def the structure of any material or substance made of or as if of fibres; texture. fibre 5. or fiber syl fi+bre pron <1fIb*> pos n. def essential substance or nature. exam 1 all the fibres of his being were stirred. fibre 6. or fiber syl fi+bre pron <1fIb*> pos n. def strength of character (esp. in the phrase {moral fibre) }. fibre 7.a. or fiber syl fi+bre pron <1fIb*> pos n. def a narrow elongated thick-walled cell: a constituent of sclerenchyma tissue. fibre 7.b. or fiber syl fi+bre pron <1fIb*> pos n. def such tissue extracted from flax, hemp, etc., used to make linen, rope, etc. fibre 7.c. or fiber syl fi+bre pron <1fIb*> pos n. def a very small root or twig. fibre 8. or fiber syl fi+bre pron <1fIb*> pos n. qual Anatomy. def any thread-shaped structure, such as a nerve fibre. fibred sub head fibre or fibered syl fi+bred pos adj. fibered sub head fibre or fibred syl fi+bered pos adj. qual U.S. fibreless sub head fibre or fiberless syl fi+bre+less pos adj. fiberless sub head fibre or fibreless syl fi+ber+less pos adj. qual U.S. fiberboard alt head fibreboard or fibreboard syl fi:ber+board pron <1fIb*2bc:d> pos n. qual U.S. fibreboard 0. or fiberboard syl fi:bre+board pron <1fIb*2bc:d> pos n. def a building material made of compressed wood or other plant fibres, esp. one in the form of a thin semirigid sheet. fiberfill alt head fibrefill or fibrefill syl fi:ber+fill pron <1fIb*2fil> pos n. qual U.S. fibrefill 0. or fiberfill syl fi:bre+fill pron <1fIb*2fil> pos n. def a synthetic fibre used as a filling for pillows, quilted materials, etc. fibreglass 1. syl fi:bre+glass pron <1fIb*2gla:s> pos n. def material consisting of matted fine glass fibres, used as insulation in buildings, in fireproof fabrics, etc. fibreglass 2. syl fi:bre+glass pron <1fIb*2gla:s> pos n. def a fabric woven from this material or a light strong material made by bonding fibreglass with a synthetic resin; used for car bodies, boat hulls, etc. fibre optics 0. syl fi+bre op+tics pos n. def the use of bundles of long transparent glass fibres in transmitting light, esp. optical images. fibriform 0. syl fi+bri+form pron <1fIbri2fc:m>, <1fib-> pos adj. def having the form of a fibre or fibres. fibril ety C17: from New Latin fibrilla a little #7fibre fibrilla alt head fibril or fibril syl fi+bril+la pron , pos n. fibrils infl head fibril or fibrillae syl fi+brils pron <-1brilE> pos n. mod pl. fibrillae infl head fibril or fibrils syl fi+bril+lae pron <-1brilE> pos n. mod pl. fibril 1. or fibrilla syl fi+bril pron <1fIbril> pos n. def a small fibre or part of a fibre. fibril 2. or fibrilla syl fi+bril pron <1fIbril> pos n. qual Biology. def a threadlike structure, such as a root hair or a thread of muscle tissue. fibrilar sub head fibril syl fi+bri+lar pos adj. fibrillar sub head fibril or fibrillose syl fi+1bril+lar pos adj. fibrillose sub head fibril or fibrillar syl fi+1bril+lose pos adj. fibrilliform sub head fibril syl fi+1bril+li+2form pos adj. fibrillation 1. syl fi+bril+la+tion pron <2fIbri1lAS*n>, <2fib-> pos n. def a local and uncontrollable twitching of muscle fibres, not affecting the entire muscle. fibrillation 2. syl fi+bril+la+tion pron <2fIbri1lAS*n>, <2fib-> pos n. def irregular twitchings of the muscular wall of the heart, often interfering with the normal rhythmical contractions. fibrin 0. syl fi+brin pron <1fibrin> pos n. def a white insoluble elastic protein formed from fibrinogen when blood clots: forms a network that traps red cells and platelets. fibrinogen 0. syl fi+brin:o+gen pron pos n. def a soluble protein, a globulin, in blood plasma, converted to fibrin by the action of the enzyme thrombin when blood clots. &- {fi+brin@.o+gen+ic} (@!fa$Ibr$In$$$u?!#!d#f$en$Ik) {fi+brin@.o+gen+ous} (@!fa$Ibr$I#!n$Ad#f$$n$$s) fibrinolysin 0. syl fi+bri+nol:y+sin pron <2fibri1nolisin> pos n. def a proteolytic enzyme that causes fibrinolysis in blood clots. Also called: {plasmin}. fibrinolysis 0. syl fi+bri+nol:y+sis pron <2fibri1nolisis> pos n. def the breakdown of fibrin in blood clots, esp. by enzymes. fibrinolytic sub head fibrinolysis syl fi+bri+no+lyt+ic pron <2fIbrin*u?!1litik> pos adj. fibrinous 0. syl fi+brin+ous pron <1fibrin*s> pos adj. def of, containing, or resembling fibrin. fibro 1.a. syl fi+bro pron <1fIbr*u> pos n. qual Austral. informal. def short for {fibrocement}. fibro 1.b. syl fi+bro pron <1fIbr*u> pos n. qual Austral. informal. usage as modifier exam 1 a fibro shack. fibro 2. syl fi+bro pron <1fIbr*u> pos n. qual Austral. informal. def a house built of fibrocement. fibro- ety from Latin fibra #7fibre fibro- 0. syl fi:bro- exam 1 combining form. fibro- 1. syl fi:bro- def indicating fibrous tissue. exam 1 fibroin; exam 2 fibrosis. fibro- 2. syl fi:bro- def indicating fibre. exam 1 fibrocement. fibroblast 0. syl fi+bro+blast pron <1fIbr*u2bl@st> pos n. def a cell in connective tissue that synthesizes collagen. fibroblastic sub head fibroblast syl fi+bro+1blas+tic pos adj. fibrocement 0. syl fi+bro+ce+ment pron <2fIbr*usi1ment> pos n. def cement combined with asbestos fibre, used esp. in sheets for building. fibroid 1. syl fi+broid pron <1fIbrcid> pos adj. usage Anatomy. of structures or tissues def containing or resembling fibres. fibroid 2. syl fi+broid pron <1fIbrcid> pos n. def another word for {fibroma}. fibroin 0. syl fi+bro+in pron <1fIbr*uin> pos n. def a tough elastic protein that is the principal component of spiders' webs and raw silk. fibromata infl head fibroma or fibromas syl fi+bro+ma+ta pron <-m*t*> pos n. mod pl. fibromas infl head fibroma or fibromata syl fi+bro+mas. pos n. mod pl. fibroma 0. syl fi+bro+ma pron pos n. def a benign tumour derived from fibrous connective tissue. fibromatous sub head fibroma syl fi+brom:a+tous pron pos adj. fibrosis 0. syl fi+bro+sis pron pos n. def the formation of an abnormal amount of fibrous tissue in an organ or part as the result of inflammation, irritation, or healing. fibrotic sub head fibrosis syl fi+brot+ic pron pos adj. fibrositis 0. syl fi+bro+si+tis pron <2fIbr*1sItis> pos n. def inflammation of white fibrous tissue, esp. that of muscle sheaths. fibrous 0. syl fi+brous pron <1fIbr*s> pos adj. def consisting of, containing, or resembling fibres. exam 1 fibrous tissue. fibrously sub head fibrous syl fi+brous+ly pos adv. fibrousness sub head fibrous syl fi+brous+ness pos n. fibrovascular 0. syl fi+bro+vas+cu+lar pron <2fIbr*u1v@skjul*> pos adj. usage Botany. of a vascular bundle def surrounded by sclerenchyma or within scleren?!chymatous tissue. fibula ety C17: from Latin: clasp, probably from f*_igere to fasten fibulae infl head fibula or fibulas syl fib:u+lae pron <-2lE> pos n. mod pl. fibulas infl head fibula or fibulae syl fib:u+las. pos n. mod pl. fibula 1. syl fib:u+la pron <1fibjul*> pos n. def the outer and thinner of the two bones between the knee and ankle of the human leg. Compare {tibia}. fibula 2. syl fib:u+la pron <1fibjul*> pos n. def the corresponding bone in other vertebrates. fibula 3. syl fib:u+la pron <1fibjul*> pos n. def a metal brooch resembling a safety pin, often highly decorated, common in Europe after 1300 #7b.c. fibular sub head fibula syl fib:u+lar pos adj. -fic ety from Latin -ficus, from facere to do, make -fic 0. syl -fic usage suffix forming adjectives. def causing, making, or producing. exam 1 honorific. fiche 0. syl fiche pron pos n. def See {microfiche} or {ultrafiche}. Johann Gottlieb infl head Fichte syl Jo:hann Gott:lieb pron <1jo:han> <1gctlEp> pos n. Fichte 0. syl Fich:te pron German <1fi*,ct*> pos n. def 1762-1814, German philosopher: expounded ethical idealism. fichu ety C19: from French: small shawl, from ficher to fix with a pin, from Latin f*_igere to fasten, #7fix fichu 0. syl fich:u pron <1fi:Su:> pos n. def a woman's shawl or scarf of some light material, worn esp. in the 18th century. Marsilio infl head Ficino syl Mar:si:lio pron pos n. Ficino 0. syl Fi:ci:no pron Italian pos n. def 1433-99, Italian Neoplatonist philosopher: attempted to integrate Platonism with Christianity. fickle ety Old English ficol deceitful; related to fician to wheedle, befician to deceive fickle 0. syl fick+le pron <1fikL> pos adj. def changeable in purpose, affections, etc.; capricious. fickleness sub head fickle syl fick+le+ness pos n. fico ety C16: from Italian: {#7fig %1} ficoes infl head fico syl fi:coes. pos n. mod pl. fico 1. syl fi:co pron <1fEk*u> pos n. qual Archaic. def a worthless trifle. fico 2. syl fi:co pron <1fEk*u> pos n. qual Archaic. def another word for { {fig} %1 (sense 7)}. fictile ety C17: from Latin fictilis that can be moulded, hence, made of clay, from fingere to shape fictile 1. syl fic+tile pron <1fiktIl> pos adj. def moulded or capable of being moulded from clay; plastic. fictile 2. syl fic+tile pron <1fiktIl> pos adj. def made of clay by a potter. fictile 3. syl fic+tile pron <1fiktIl> pos adj. def relating to the craft of pottery. fiction ety C14: from Latin ficti*_o a fashioning, hence something imaginary, from fingere to shape fiction 1. syl fic+tion pron <1fikS*n> pos n. def literary works invented by the imagination, such as novels or short stories. fiction 2. syl fic+tion pron <1fikS*n> pos n. def an invented story or explanation; lie. fiction 3. syl fic+tion pron <1fikS*n> pos n. def the act of inventing a story or explanation. fiction 4. syl fic+tion pron <1fikS*n> pos n. qual Law. def something assumed to be true for the sake of convenience, though probably false. fictional sub head fiction syl fic+tion+al pos adj. fictionally sub head fiction syl fic+tion+al+ly pos adv. fictionalise alt head fictionalize or fictionalize syl fic+tion+al+ise pron <1fikS*n*2lIz> pos vb. mod tr. fictionalize 0. or fictionalise syl fic+tion+al+ize pron <1fikS*n*2lIz> pos vb. mod tr. def to make into fiction or give a fictional aspect to. fictionalization sub head fictionalize or fictionalisation syl fic+tion+al:i+1za+tion pos n. fictionalisation sub head fictionalize or fictionalization syl fic+tion+al:i+1sa+tion pos n. fictitious 1. syl fic+ti+tious pron pos adj. def not genuine or authentic; assumed; false. exam 1 to give a fictitious address. fictitious 2. syl fic+ti+tious pron pos adj. def of, related to, or characteristic of fiction; created by the imagination. fictitiously sub head fictitious syl fic+1ti+tious+ly pos adv. fictitiousness sub head fictitious syl fic+1ti+tious+ness pos n. fictive 1. syl fic+tive pron <1fiktiv> pos adj. qual Rare. def of, relating to, or able to create fiction. fictive 2. syl fic+tive pron <1fiktiv> pos adj. def a rare word for {fictitious}. fictively sub head fictive syl fic+tive+ly pos adv. fid ety C17: of unknown origin fid 1. syl fid pron pos n. qual Nautical. def a spike for separating strands of rope in splicing. fid 2. syl fid pron pos n. qual Nautical. def a wooden or metal bar for supporting the heel of a topmast. -fid ety from Latin -fidus, from findere to split -fid 0. syl -fid pos adj. usage combining form. def divided into parts or lobes. exam 1 bifid; exam 2 pinnatifid. Fid Def 0. syl Fid. Def. qual abbrev. for def Fidei Defensor. fiddle ety Old English fithele, probably from Medieval Latin v*_itula, from Latin v*_itul*_ar*_i to celebrate; compare Old High German fidula fiddle; see {#7viola %1} fiddle 1. syl fid+dle pron <1fidL> pos n. qual Informal or disparaging. def any instrument of the viol or violin family, esp. the violin. fiddle 2. syl fid+dle pron <1fidL> pos n. def time-wasting or trifling behaviour; nonsense; triviality. fiddle 3. syl fid+dle pron <1fidL> pos n. qual Nautical. def a small railing around the top of a table to prevent objects from falling off it in bad weather. fiddle 4. syl fid+dle pron <1fidL> pos n. qual Brit. informal. def an illegal or fraudulent transaction or arrangement. face as long as a fiddle 5. head fiddle syl face as long as a fiddle. qual Informal. def a dismal or gloomy facial expression. fit as a fiddle 6. head fiddle syl fit as a fiddle. qual Informal. def in very good health. play second fiddle 7. head fiddle syl play second fiddle. qual Informal. def to be subordinate; play a minor part. fiddle 8. syl fid+dle pron <1fidL> pos vb. def to play (a tune) on the fiddle. fiddle 9. syl fid+dle pron <1fidL> pos vb. mod intr. usage often foll. by with def to make restless or aimless movements with the hands. fiddle 10. syl fid+dle pron <1fidL> pos vb. mod when; intr. qual Informal. usage often foll. by about or around def to spend (time) or act in a careless or inconsequential manner; waste (time). fiddle 11. syl fid+dle pron <1fidL> pos vb. qual Informal. usage often foll. by with def to tamper or interfere (with). fiddle 12. syl fid+dle pron <1fidL> pos vb. qual Informal. def to contrive to do (something) by illicit means or deception. exam 1 he fiddled his way into a position of trust. fiddle 13. syl fid+dle pron <1fidL> pos vb. mod tr. qual Informal. def to falsify (accounts, etc.); swindle. fiddle-back 1. syl fid:dle-back pos n. def a chair with a fiddle-shaped back. fiddle-back 2. syl fid:dle-back pos n. def a chasuble with a fiddle-shaped front. fiddlededee infl head fiddle-de-dee or fiddledeedee syl fid:dle+de+dee pron <2fidLdi?!1dE> pos interj. fiddledeedee infl head fiddle-de-dee or fiddlededee syl fid:dle+dee+dee pron <2fidLdi?!1dE> pos interj. fiddle-de-dee 0. syl fid:dle-de-dee pron <2fidLdi?!1dE> pos interj. qual Rare. def an exclamation of impatience, disbelief, or disagreement. fiddle-faddle ety C16: reduplication of #7fiddle fiddle-faddle 1. syl fid:dle-fad:dle pron <1fidL2f@dL> pos n. interj. def trivial matter; nonsense. fiddle-faddle 2. syl fid:dle-fad:dle pron <1fidL2f@dL> pos vb. mod intr. def to fuss or waste time, esp. over trivial matters. fiddle-faddler sub head fiddle-faddle syl fid:dle-2fad:dler pos n. fiddleneck alt head fiddlehead or fiddlehead syl fid:dle+neck pos n. fiddlehead 1. or fiddleneck syl fid:dle+head pron <1fidL2hed> pos n. qual Nautical. def an ornamental carving, in the shape of the scroll at the head end of a fiddle, fitted to the top of the stem or cutwater. fiddlehead 2. or fiddleneck syl fid:dle+head pron <1fidL2hed> pos n. qual U.S. def the edible coiled tip of a young fern frond. fiddle pattern 0. syl fid+dle pat+tern pos n. def the style of a spoon or fork with a violin-shaped handle. fiddler 1. syl fid+dler pron <1fidl*> pos n. def a person who plays the fiddle, esp. in folk music. fiddler 2. syl fid+dler pron <1fidl*> pos n. def See {fiddler crab}. fiddler 3. syl fid+dler pron <1fidl*> pos n. def a person who wastes time or acts aimlessly. fiddler 4. syl fid+dler pron <1fidl*> pos n. qual Informal. def a cheat or petty rogue. fiddler crab ety C19: referring to the rapid fiddling movement of the enlarged anterior claw of the males, used to attract females fiddler crab 0. syl fid+dler crab pos n. def any of various burrowing crabs of the genus of American coastal regions, the males of which have one of their anterior pincer-like claws very much enlarged. fiddlestick 1. syl fid:dle+stick pron <1fidL2stik> pos n. qual Informal. def a violin bow. fiddlestick 2. syl fid:dle+stick pron <1fidL2stik> pos n. def any meaningless or inconsequential thing; trifle. fiddlestick 3. syl fid:dle+stick pron <1fidL2stik> pos interj. mod pl. def used to express annoyance or disagreement. fiddlewood 1. syl fid:dle+wood pron <1fidL2wud> pos n. def any of various tropical American verbenaceous trees of the genus and related genera. fiddlewood 2. syl fid:dle+wood pron <1fidL2wud> pos n. def the hard durable wood of any of these trees. fiddling 0. syl fid+dling pron <1fidliG> pos adj. def trifling or insignificant; petty. fiddlier infl head fiddly syl fid+dli+er pos adj. fiddliest infl head fiddly syl fid+dli+est. pos adj. fiddly 0. syl fid+dly pos adj. def small and awkward to do or handle. FIDE 0. syl F.I.D.E. qual abbrev. for def F*'ed*'eration Internationale des Echecs: International Chess Federation. fideicommissaries infl head fideicommissary syl fid+e:i+com+mis+sar:ies. qual Civil law. n., pl. fideicommissary 1. syl fid+e:i+com+mis+sar:y pron <2fidiI1komis*ri> def a person who receives a fideicommissum. fideicommissary 2. syl fid+e:i+com+mis+sar:y pron <2fidiI1komis*ri> pos adj. def of, relating to, or resembling a fideicommissum. fideicommissum ety C18: from Late Latin: (something) bequeathed in trust, from Latin fid*_es trust, faith+ committere to entrust fideicommissa infl head fideicommissum syl fid+e:i+com+mis+sa pron <-s*> pos n. mod pl. fideicommissum 0. syl fid+e:i+com+mis+sum pron <2fidiIk*1mis*m> pos n. qual Civil law. def a gift of property, usually by will, to be held on behalf of another who cannot receive the gift directly. Fidei Defensor 0. syl Fi+de:i De+fen+sor pron Latin. <1fIdi2I> pos n. def defender of the faith; a title given to Henry VIII by Pope Leo X, and appearing on Brit. coins as FID DEF (before decimalization) or FD (after decimalization). fideism ety C19: from Latin fid*_es faith fideism 0. syl fi+de:ism pron <1fEdA2iz*m> pos n. def trust placed in faith rather than in reason. fideist sub head fideism syl fi+de:ist pos n. fideistic sub head fideism syl fi+de:1is+tic pos adj. Fidelism 0. syl Fi+del+ism pron pos n. def belief in, adherence to, or advocacy of the principles of Fidel Castro. Also called: {Castroism}. &- {Fi+#!del+ist} fidelity ety C15: from Latin fid*_elit*_as, from fid*_elis faithful, from fid*_es faith, loyalty fidelities infl head fidelity syl fi+del+i:ties. pos n. mod pl. fidelity 1. syl fi+del+i:ty pron pos n. def devotion to duties, obligations, etc.; faithfulness. fidelity 2. syl fi+del+i:ty pron pos n. def loyalty or devotion, as to a person or cause. fidelity 3. syl fi+del+i:ty pron pos n. def faithfulness to one's spouse, lover, etc. fidelity 4. syl fi+del+i:ty pron pos n. def adherence to truth; accuracy in reporting detail. fidelity 5. syl fi+del+i:ty pron pos n. qual Electronics. def the degree to which the output of a system, such as an amplifier or radio, accurately reproduces the characteristics of the input signal. See also {high fidelity}. fidge ety C18: probably variant of dialect fitch to #7fidget fidge 0. syl fidge pron pos vb. mod intr. def an obsolete word for {fidget}. fidget ety C17: from earlier fidge, probably from Old Norse f*_ikjast to desire eagerly fidget 1. syl fidg+et pron <1fiJit> pos vb. mod intr. def to move about restlessly. fidget 2. syl fidg+et pron <1fiJit> pos vb. mod intr. usage often foll. by with def to make restless or uneasy movements (with something); fiddle. exam 1 he fidgeted with his pen. fidget 3. syl fidg+et pron <1fiJit> pos vb. mod tr. def to cause to fidget. fidget 4. syl fidg+et pron <1fiJit> pos n. mod often; pl. def a state of restlessness or unease, esp. as expressed in continual motion. exam 1 he's got the fidgets. fidget 5. syl fidg+et pron <1fiJit> pos n. def a person who fidgets. fidgetingly sub head fidget syl fidg+et+ing+ly pos adv. fidgety sub head fidget syl fidg+et:y pos adj. fiducial ety C17: from Late Latin f*_id*_uci*_alis, from Latin f*_id*_ucia confidence, reliance, from f*_idere to trust fiducial 1. syl fi+du+ci:al pron pos adj. qual Physics. def used as a standard of reference or measurement. exam 1 a fiducial point. fiducial 2. syl fi+du+ci:al pron pos adj. def of or based on trust or faith. fiducial 3. syl fi+du+ci:al pron pos adj. qual Law. def a less common word for {fiduciary}. fiducially sub head fiducial syl fi+1du+ci+al+ly pos adv. fiduciary ety C17: from Latin f*_id*_uci*_arius relating to something held in trust, from f*_id*_ucia trust; see #7fiducial fiduciary 1. syl fi+du+ci+ar:y pron pos n. qual Law. def a person bound to act for another's benefit, as a trustee in relation to his beneficiary. fiduciary 2.a. syl fi+du+ci+ar:y pron pos adj. qual Law. def having the nature of a trust. fiduciary 2.b. syl fi+du+ci+ar:y pron pos adj. qual Law. def of or relating to a trust or trustee. fiduciarily sub head fiduciary syl fi+1du+ci+ar:i+ly pos adv. fiduciary issue 0. syl fi+du+ci+ar:y is+sue pos n. def an issue of bank notes not backed by gold. fidus Achates ety Latin, literally: faithful Achates, the name of the faithful companion of Aeneas in Virgil's Aeneid fidus Achates 0. syl fi+dus A:cha+tes pron <1fId*s> <*1kAtEz> pos n. def a faithful friend or companion. fie ety C13: from Old French fi, from Latin f*_i, exclamation of disgust fie 0. syl fie pron pos interj. qual Obsolete or facetious. def an exclamation of distaste or mock dismay. fief ety C17: from Old French fie, of Germanic origin; compare Old English f*_eo cattle, money, Latin pecus cattle, pec*_unia money, Greek pokos fleece feoff alt head fief or fief syl feoff pron pos n. fief 0. or feoff syl fief pron pos n. usage in feudal Europe def the property or fee granted to a vassal for his maintenance by his lord in return for service. field ety Old English feld; related to Old Saxon, Old High German feld, Old English fold earth, Greek platus broad field 1. syl field pron pos n. def an open tract of uncultivated grassland; meadow. Related adj.: {campestral}. field 2. syl field pron pos n. def a piece of land cleared of trees and undergrowth, usually enclosed with a fence or hedge and used for pasture or growing crops. exam 1 a field of barley. field 3. syl field pron pos n. def a limited or marked off area, usually of mown grass, on which any of various sports, athletic competitions, etc., are held. exam 1 a soccer field. field 4. syl field pron pos n. def an area that is rich in minerals or other natural resources. exam 1 a coalfield. field 5. syl field pron pos n. def short for {battlefield} and {airfield}. field 6. syl field pron pos n. def the mounted followers that hunt with a pack of hounds. field 7. syl field pron pos n. qual Horse racing. def all the runners in a particular race. field 8. syl field pron pos n. qual Cricket. def the fielders collectively, esp. with regard to their positions. field 9. syl field pron pos n. def a wide or open expanse. exam 1 a field of snow. field 10.a. syl field pron pos n. def an area of human activity. exam 1 the field of human knowledge. field 10.b. syl field pron pos n. def a sphere or division of knowledge, interest, etc.. exam 1 his field is physics. field 11.a. syl field pron pos n. def a place away from the laboratory, office, library, etc., usually out of doors, where practical work is done or original material or data collected. field 11.b. syl field pron pos n. usage as modifier exam 1 a field course. field 12. syl field pron pos n. def the surface or background, as of a flag, coin, or heraldic shield, on which a design is displayed. field 13. syl field pron pos n. def Also called: {field of view}. the area within which an object may be observed with a telescope, microscope, etc. field 14.a. syl field pron pos n. def See {field of force}. field 14.b. syl field pron pos n. def a region of space that is a vector field. field 14.c. syl field pron pos n. def a region of space under the influence of some scalar quantity, such as temperature. field 15.a. syl field pron pos n. def a set of numbers in which the sum, difference, product, and quotient of any two members, excluding division by zero, are themselves members of the set. field 15.b. syl field pron pos n. def a set of entities subject to two binary operations, addition and multiplication, such that the set is a commutative group under addition and the set, minus the zero, is a commutative group under multiplication. field 16.a. syl field pron pos n. def a set of one or more characters comprising a unit of information. field 16.b. syl field pron pos n. def the characters in a vertical column of a punched card. field 17. syl field pron pos n. qual Obsolete. def the open country. exam 1 beasts of the field. hold 18. head field or keep the field syl hold def to maintain one's position in the face of opposition. field 19.a. syl field pron pos n. qual Military. def in an area in which operations are in progress. field 19.b. syl field pron pos n. def actively or closely involved with or working on something (rather than being in a more remote or administrative position). leave the field 20. head field syl leave the field. qual Informal. def to back out of a competition, contest, etc. take the field 21. head field syl take the field. def to begin or carry on activity, esp. in sport or military operations. play the field 22. head field syl play the field. qual Informal. def to disperse one's interests or attentions among a number of activities, people, or objects. field 23. syl field pron pos n. qual Military. usage modifier def of or relating to equipment, personnel, etc., specifically designed or trained for operations in the field. exam 1 a field gun; exam 2 a field army. field 24. syl field pron pos vb. mod tr. qual Sport. def to stop, catch, or return (the ball) as a fielder. field 25. syl field pron pos vb. mod tr. qual Sport. def to send (a player or team) onto the field to play. field 26. syl field pron pos vb. mod intr. usage Sport. of a player or team def to act or take turn as a fielder or fielders. field 27. syl field pron pos vb. mod tr. qual Informal. def to deal with or handle, esp. adequately and by making a reciprocal gesture. exam 1 to field a question. John infl head Field syl John. pos n. Field 0. syl Field pron pos n. def 1782-1837, Irish composer and pianist, lived in Russia from 1803: invented the nocturne. field artillery 0. syl field ar+til+ler:y pos n. def artillery capable of deployment in support of front-line troops, due mainly to its mobility. field battery 0. syl field bat+ter:y pos n. def a small unit of usually four field guns. field boot 0. syl field boot pos n. def a close-fitting knee-length boot. field captain 0. syl field cap+tain pos n. def the senior official at an archery meeting, responsible for safety. field corn 0. syl field corn pos n. qual U.S. def any variety of corn that is grown as a feed for livestock. field day 1. syl field day pos n. def a day spent in some special outdoor activity, such as nature study or sport. field day 2. syl field day pos n. def a day-long competition between amateur radio operators using battery or generator power, the aim being to make the most contacts with other operators around the world. field day 3. syl field day pos n. qual Military. def a day devoted to manoeuvres or exercises, esp. before an audience. field day 4. syl field day pos n. qual Informal. def a day or time of exciting or successful activity. exam 1 the children had a field day with their new toys. field-effect transistor 0. syl field-ef:fect tran+sis+tor pos n. def a unipolar transistor consisting of three or more electrode regions, the source, one or more gates, and the drain. A current flowing in a channel between the highly doped source and drain is controlled by the electric field arising from a voltage applied between source and gate. Abbrev.: {FET}. See also {JUGFET, IGFET}. field emission 0. syl field e:mis+sion pos n. def the emission of electrons from a solid or liquid subjected to a high electric field. fielder 0.a. syl field+er pron <1fEld*> pos n. qual Cricket, baseball, etc. def a player in the field. fielder 0.b. syl field+er pron <1fEld*> pos n. qual Cricket, baseball, etc. def a member of the fielding rather than the batting side. field event 0. syl field e:vent pos n. def a competition, such as the discus, high jump, etc., that takes place on a field or similar area as opposed to those on the running track. fieldfare ety Old English feldefare; see #7field, fare fieldfare 0. syl field+fare pron <1fEld2fe*> pos n. def a large Old World thrush, having a pale grey head and rump, brown wings and back, and a blackish tail. field glasses 0. syl field glass:es pos n. mod pl. def another name for {binoculars}. field goal 1. syl field goal pos n. qual Basketball. def a goal worth two points scored while the ball is in normal play rather than from a free throw. field goal 2. syl field goal pos n. qual American football. def a score of three points made by kicking the ball over the opponent's crossbar. field guidance 0. syl field guid+ance pos n. def a method of guiding a missile to a point within a gravitational or radio field by means of the properties of the field. field gun 0. syl field gun pos n. def a gun specially designed for service in direct support of front-line troops. field hockey 0. syl field hock+ey pos n. qual Chiefly U.S. def hockey played on a field, as distinguished from ice hockey. field-holler 0. syl field-hol:ler pos n. def a cry employing falsetto, portamento, and sudden changes of pitch, used in Negro work songs, later integrated into the techniques of the blues. field hospital 0. syl field hos+pi+tal pos n. def a temporary hospital set up on an isolated battle field for emergency treatment; first-aid station. Henry infl head Fielding syl Hen:ry. pos n. Fielding 0. syl Field:ing pron <1fEldiG> pos n. def 1707-54, English novelist and dramatist, noted particularly for his picaresque novel (1749), which he described as @6a comic epic poem in prose@9, (1742), which starts as a parody of Richardson's and (1751). field magnet 0. syl field mag+net pos n. def a permanent magnet or an electromagnet that produces the magnetic field in a generator, electric motor, or similar device. field marshal 0. syl field mar+shal pos n. def an officer holding the highest rank in the British and certain other armies. fieldmice infl head fieldmouse syl field+mice. pos n. mod pl. fieldmouse 1. syl field+mouse pron <1fEld2maus> pos n. def any nocturnal mouse of the genus inhabiting woods, fields, and gardens of the Old World: family They have yellowish-brown fur and feed on fruit, vegetables, seeds, etc. fieldmouse 2. syl field+mouse pron <1fEld2maus> pos n. def a former name for {vole}. field officer 0. syl field of+fic+er pos n. def an officer holding {field rank}, namely that of major, lieutenant colonel, or colonel. field of force 0. syl field of force pos n. def the region of space surrounding a body, such as a charged particle or a magnet, within which it can exert a force on another similar body not in contact with it. See also {electric field, magnetic field, gravitational field}. field of honour 0. syl field of hon+our pos n. def the place or scene of a battle or duel, esp. of jousting tournaments in medieval times. fieldpiece 0. syl field+piece pron <1fEld2pEs> pos n. usage formerly def a field gun. field poppy 0. syl field pop+py pos n. def another name for {corn poppy}. Gracie 1. head Fields syl Gra:cie. def original name born 1898, English popular singer and comedienne. W C 2. head Fields syl W. C. def original name 1880-1946, U.S. film actor, noted for his portrayal of comic roles. fieldsmen infl head fieldsman syl fields+men. pos n. mod pl. fieldsman 0. syl fields+man pron <1fEldzm*n> pos n. qual Cricket. def another name for {fielder}. field spaniel 0. syl field span+iel pos n. def a breed of spaniel developed by crossing the cocker spaniel with the Sussex spaniel. field sports 0. syl field sports pos n. mod pl. def sports carried on in the open countryside, such as hunting, shooting, or fishing. fieldstone 0. syl field+stone pron <1fEld2st*un> pos n. def building stone found in fields. field trial 1. syl field tri+al pos n. qual Hunting. def a test of or contest between gun dogs to determine their proficiency and standard of training in retrieving or pointing. field trial 2. syl field tri+al pos n. mod often; pl. def a test to display performance, efficiency, or durability, as of a vehicle or invention. field trip 0. syl field trip pos n. def an expedition, as by a group of students or research workers, to study something at first hand. field winding 0. syl field wind+ing pron <1wIndiG> pos n. def the insulated current-carrying coils on a field magnet that produce the magnetic field intensity required to set up the electrical excitation in a generator or motor. fieldwork 0. syl field+work pron <1fEld2wR:k> pos n. qual Military. def a temporary structure used in defending or fortifying a place or position. field work 0. syl field work pos n. def an investigation or search for material, data, etc., made in the field as opposed to the classroom, laboratory, or official headquarters. &- {field work+er} fiend ety Old English f*_eond; related to Old Norse fj*_andi enemy, Gothic fijands, Old High German f*_iant fiend 1. syl fiend pron pos n. def an evil spirit; demon; devil. fiend 2. syl fiend pron pos n. def a person who is extremely wicked, esp. in being very cruel or brutal. fiend 3.a. syl fiend pron pos n. def a person who is intensely interested in or fond of something. exam 1 a fresh-air fiend; exam 2 he is a fiend for cards. fiend 3.b. syl fiend pron pos n. def an addict. exam 1 a drug fiend. fiend 4. syl fiend pron pos n. qual Informal. def a mischievous or spiteful person, esp. a child. fiendlike sub head fiend syl fiend+2like pos adj. the infl head Fiend syl the. pos n. Fiend 0. syl Fiend pron pos n. def the devil; Satan. fiendish 1. syl fiend+ish pron <1fEndiS> pos adj. def of or like a fiend. fiendish 2. syl fiend+ish pron <1fEndiS> pos adj. def diabolically wicked or cruel. fiendish 3. syl fiend+ish pron <1fEndiS> pos adj. qual Informal. def extremely difficult or unpleasant. exam 1 a fiendish problem. fiendishly sub head fiendish syl fiend+ish+ly pos adv. fiendishness sub head fiendish syl fiend+ish+ness pos n. fierce ety C13: from Old French fiers, from Latin ferus fierce 1. syl fierce pron pos adj. def having a violent and unrestrained nature; savage. exam 1 a fierce dog. fierce 2. syl fierce pron pos adj. def wild or turbulent in force, action, or intensity. exam 1 a fierce storm. fierce 3. syl fierce pron pos adj. def vehement, intense, or strong. exam 1 fierce competition. fierce 4. syl fierce pron pos adj. qual Informal. def very disagreeable or unpleasant. fiercely sub head fierce syl fierce+ly pos adv. fierceness sub head fierce syl fierce+ness pos n. fieri facias ety C15: from Latin, literally: cause (it) to be done fieri facias 0. syl fi+er:i fa+ci+as pron <1fI*2rI> <1fASi*s> pos n. qual Law. def a writ ordering a levy on the belongings of an adjudged debtor to satisfy the debt. fiery 1. syl fier:y pron <1fI*ri> pos adj. def of, containing, or composed of fire. fiery 2. syl fier:y pron <1fI*ri> pos adj. def resembling fire in heat, colour, ardour, etc.. exam 1 a fiery desert wind; exam 2 a fiery speaker. fiery 3. syl fier:y pron <1fI*ri> pos adj. def easily angered or aroused. exam 1 a fiery temper. fiery 4. syl fier:y pron <1fI*ri> pos adj. usage of food def producing a burning sensation. exam 1 a fiery curry. fiery 5. syl fier:y pron <1fI*ri> pos adj. usage of the skin or a sore def inflamed. fiery 6. syl fier:y pron <1fI*ri> pos adj. def flammable or containing flammable gas. fiery 7. syl fier:y pron <1fI*ri> pos adj. usage of a cricket pitch def making the ball bounce dangerously high. fiery cross 1. syl fier:y cross pos n. def a burning cross, used as a symbol by the Ku Klux Klan. fiery cross 2. syl fier:y cross pos n. def a wooden cross with ends charred or dipped in blood formerly used by Scottish Highlanders to summon the clans to battle. Fiesole H1.0. syl Fie+so+le pron Italian <1fje:zolA> pos n. def a town in central Italy, in Tuscany near Florence: Etruscan and Roman remains. Pop.: 114111 (1971). Ancient name: {Faesulae}. Giovanni da infl head Fiesole syl Gio:van:ni da pron , pos n. Fiesole H2.0. syl Fie:so:le pron Italian <1fje:zolA>, , pos n. def the monastic name of (Fra) {Angelico}. fiesta ety Spanish, from Latin festa, plural of festum festival; see #7feast fiesta 1. syl fi+es+ta pron , Spanish <1fjAsta> pos n. usage esp. in Spain and Latin America def a religious festival or celebration, esp. on a saint's day. fiesta 2. syl fi+es+ta pron , Spanish <1fjAsta> pos n. usage esp. in Spain and Latin America def a holiday or carnival. FIFA ety from French FIFA 0. syl FIFA pron <1fEf*> pos n. usage acronym for def F*'ed*'eration Internationale de Football Association. fife ety C16: from Old High German pf*_ifa; see {#7pipe %1} fife 1. syl fife pron pos n. def a small high-pitched flute similar to the piccolo and usually having no keys, used esp. in military bands. fife 2. syl fife pron pos vb. def to play (music) on a fife. fifer sub head fife syl fif+er pos n. Fife 1. syl Fife pron pos n. def a local government region of E central Scotland, bordering on the North Sea between the Firths of Tay and Forth: coastal lowlands in the north and east, with several ranges of hills; mainly agricultural. Administrative centre: Cupar. Pop.: 338734 (1976 est.). Area: 1305 sq. km (504 sq. miles). Fife 2. syl Fife pron pos n. usage until 1975 def a county of E central Scotland, co?!extensive with Fife region. fife rail ety C18: of unknown origin fife rail 0. syl fife rail pos n. qual Nautical. def a rail at the base of a mast of a sailing vessel, fitted with pins for belaying running rigging. Compare {pin rail}. fifteen ety Old English f*_ift*_ene fifteen 1. syl fif+teen pron <1fif1tEn> pos n. def the cardinal number that is the sum of ten and five. fifteen 2. syl fif+teen pron <1fif1tEn> pos n. def a numeral 15, XV, etc., representing this number. fifteen 3. syl fif+teen pron <1fif1tEn> pos n. def something represented by, representing, or consist?!ing of 15 units. fifteen 4. syl fif+teen pron <1fif1tEn> pos n. def a rugby football team. {~} fifteen 5.a. syl fif+teen pron <1fif1tEn> pos n. def amounting to fifteen. exam 1 fifteen jokes. fifteen 5.b. syl fif+teen pron <1fif1tEn> pos n. usage as pronoun exam 1 fifteen of us danced. fifteenth 1.a. syl fif+teenth pron <1fif1tEnT> pos adj. def coming after the fourteenth in order, position, time, etc. Often written 15th. fifteenth 1.b. syl fif+teenth pron <1fif1tEnT> pos as; n. exam 1 the fifteenth of the month. fifteenth 2.a. syl fif+teenth pron <1fif1tEnT> pos n. def one of 15 equal or nearly equal parts of something. fifteenth 2.b. syl fif+teenth pron <1fif1tEnT> pos n. usage as modifier exam 1 a fifteenth part. fifteenth 3. syl fif+teenth pron <1fif1tEnT> pos n. def the fraction equal to one divided by 15 (1/15#800301 #800302) . fifteenth 4.a. syl fif+teenth pron <1fif1tEnT> pos n. def an inter?!val of two octaves. fifteenth 4.b. syl fif+teenth pron <1fif1tEnT> pos n. def one of two notes constituting such an interval in relation to the other, esp. the one higher in pitch. fifteenth 4.c. syl fif+teenth pron <1fif1tEnT> pos n. def an organ stop of diapason quality sounding a note two octaves higher than that normally produced by the key depressed; a two-foot stop. fifth ety Old English f*_ifta fifth 1.a. syl fifth pron pos adj. usage usually prenominal def coming after the fourth in order, position, time, etc. Often written 5th. fifth 1.b. syl fifth pron pos as; n. usage usually prenominal exam 1 he came on the fifth. fifth 2.a. syl fifth pron pos n. usage usually prenominal def one of five equal or nearly equal parts of an object, quantity, measurement, etc. fifth 2.b. syl fifth pron pos n. usage usually prenominal; as modifier def . exam 1 a fifth part. fifth 3. syl fifth pron pos n. usage usually prenominal def the fraction equal to one divided by five (1/5) . fifth 4.a. syl fifth pron pos n. usage usually prenominal def the interval between one note and another five notes away from it counting inclusively along the diatonic scale. fifth 4.b. syl fifth pron pos n. usage usually prenominal def one of two notes constituting such an interval in relation to the other. See also { {perfect} (sense 9)}, { {diminished} (sense 2)}, { {interval} (sense 5)}. fifth 5. syl fifth pron pos n. usage usually prenominal def an additional high gear fitted to some vehicles, esp. certain sports cars. fifth 6. syl fifth pron pos adv. usage usually prenominal def Also: {fifthly}. after the fourth person, position, event, etc. {~} fifth 7. syl fifth pron pos adv. usage usually prenominal def Also: {fifthly}. as the fifth point: linking what follows with the previous statements, as in a speech or argument. fifth column 1. syl fifth col+umn pos n. usage originally def a group of Falangist sympa?!th?!iz?!ers in Madrid during the Spanish Civil War who were prepared to join the four columns of insurgents marching on the city. fifth column 2. syl fifth col+umn pos n. def any group of hostile or subversive infiltrators; an enemy in one's midst. fifth columnist sub head fifth column syl fifth col+umn+ist pos n. Fifth Republic 0. syl Fifth Re+pub+lic pos n. def the French republic established in 1958 as the successor to the Fourth Republic. Its constitution is characterized by the strong position of the president. fifth wheel 1. syl fifth wheel pos n. def a spare wheel for a four-wheeled vehicle. fifth wheel 2. syl fifth wheel pos n. def a steering bearing that enables the front axle of a horse-drawn vehicle to rotate relative to the body. fifth wheel 3. syl fifth wheel pos n. def a superfluous or unnecessary person or thing. fiftieth 1.a. syl fif+ti+eth pron <1fiftiiT> pos adj. def being the ordinal number of in order, position, time, etc. Often written 50th. fiftieth 1.b. syl fif+ti+eth pron <1fiftiiT> pos as; n. exam 1 the fiftieth in the series. fiftieth 2.a. syl fif+ti+eth pron <1fiftiiT> pos n. def one of 50 equal or approximate?!ly equal parts of something. fiftieth 2.b. syl fif+ti+eth pron <1fiftiiT> pos n. usage as modifier exam 1 a fiftieth part. fiftieth 3. syl fif+ti+eth pron <1fiftiiT> pos n. def the fraction equal to one divided by 50 (1/50#800304 #800305) . fifty ety Old English f*_iftig fifties infl head fifty syl fif+ties. pos n. mod pl. fifty 1. syl fif+ty pron <1fifti> pos n. def the cardinal number that is the product of ten and five. fifty 2. syl fif+ty pron <1fifti> pos n. def a numeral 50, L, etc., representing this number. fifty 3. syl fif+ty pron <1fifti> pos n. def something represented by, representing, or consisting of 50 units. fifty 4.a. syl fif+ty pron <1fifti> pos determiner. def amounting to fifty. exam 1 fifty people. fifty 4.b. syl fif+ty pron <1fifti> pos determiner. usage as pronoun exam 1 fifty should be sufficient. fifty-fifty 0. syl fif:ty-fif:ty pos adj. adv. qual Informal. def shared or sharing equally; in equal parts. fig ety C13: from Old French figue, from Old Proven*,cal figa, from Latin f*_icus fig tree fig H1.1. syl fig pron pos n. def any moraceous tree or shrub of the tropical and subtropical genus that produces a closed pear-shaped receptacle which becomes fleshy and edible when mature. fig H1.2. syl fig pron pos n. def the receptacle of any of these trees, esp. of having sweet flesh containing numerous seedlike fruits. fig H1.3. syl fig pron pos n. def any of various plants or trees having a fruit similar to this. Hottentot 4. head fig or sour fig syl Hottentot def a succulent plant, of southern Africa, having a capsular fruit containing edible pulp: family fig H1.5. syl fig pron pos n. usage used with a negative def something of negligible value; jot. exam 1 I don't care a fig for your opinion. fig H1.6. syl fig pron pos n. def Also: {feg}. a piece or segment from an orange. fig H1.7. syl fig pron pos n. def Also called: {fico}. an insulting gesture made with the thumb between the first two fingers or under the upper teeth. fig ety C17 feague, of uncertain origin figs infl head fig syl figs pos vb. mod tr. figging infl head fig syl fig+ging pos vb. mod tr. figged infl head fig syl figged. pos vb. mod tr. fig H2.1. syl fig pron pos vb. mod tr. qual Slang. usage foll. by out or up def to dress (up) or rig (out). fig H2.2. syl fig pron pos vb. mod tr. qual Slang. def to administer stimulating drugs to (a horse). fig H2.3. syl fig pron pos n. qual Slang. def dress, appearance, or array (esp. in the phrase {in full fig) }. fig H2.4. syl fig pron pos n. qual Slang. def physical condition or form. exam 1 in bad fig. fig 1. syl fig. qual abbrev. for: def figurative(ly). fig 2. syl fig. qual abbrev. for: def figure. fig-bird 0. syl fig-bird pos n. def any Australian oriole of the genus feeding on figs and other fruit. fight ety Old English feohtan; related to Old Frisian fiuchta, Old Saxon, Old High German fehtan to fight fights infl head fight syl fights pos vb. fighting infl head fight syl fight+ing pos vb. fought infl head fight syl fought. pos vb. fight 1. syl fight pron pos vb. def to oppose or struggle against (an enemy) in battle. fight 2. syl fight pron pos vb. def to oppose or struggle against (a person, thing, cause, etc.) in any manner. fight 3. syl fight pron pos vb. mod tr. def to engage in or carry on (a battle, contest, etc.). fight 4. syl fight pron pos vb. mod when; intr. usage often foll. by for def to uphold or maintain (a cause, ideal, etc.) by fighting or struggling. exam 1 to fight for freedom. fight 5. syl fight pron pos vb. mod tr. def to make or achieve (a way) by fighting. fight 6.a. syl fight pron pos vb. def to box, as for a living. fight 6.b. syl fight pron pos vb. def to use aggressive rough tactics. fight 7. syl fight pron pos vb. def to engage (another or others) in combat. fight it out 8. head fight syl fight it out. def to contend or struggle until a decisive result is obtained. fight shy 9. head fight syl fight shy. def to keep aloof from. fight 10. syl fight pron pos n. def a battle, struggle, or physical combat. fight 11. syl fight pron pos n. def a quarrel, dispute, or contest. fight 12. syl fight pron pos n. def resistance (esp. in the phrase {to put up a fight}) . fight 13. syl fight pron pos n. def the desire to take part in physical combat (esp. in the phrase {to show fight}) . $D. a boxing match. fighter 1. syl fight+er pron <1fIt*> pos n. def a person who fights, esp. a professional boxer. fighter 2. syl fight+er pron <1fIt*> pos n. def a person who has determination. fighter 3. syl fight+er pron <1fIt*> pos n. qual Military. def an armed aircraft designed for destroying other aircraft. fighter-bomber 0. syl fight:er-bomb:er pos n. def a high-performance aircraft that combines the roles of fighter and bomber. fighting chance 0. syl fight+ing chance pos n. def a slight chance of success dependent on a struggle. fighting cock 1. syl fight+ing cock pos n. def another name for {gamecock}. fighting cock 2. syl fight+ing cock pos n. def a pugnacious person. fighting fish 0. syl fight+ing fish pos n. def any of various labyrinth fishes of the genus esp. the Siamese fighting fish. fighting top 0. syl fight+ing top pos n. def one of the gun platforms on the lower masts of sailing men-of-war, used for observation. fight off 0. syl fight off pos vb. adv. mod tr. def to struggle to avoid or repress. exam 1 to fight off a cold. fig leaf 1. syl fig leaf pos n. def a leaf from a fig tree. fig leaf 2. syl fig leaf pos n. def a representation of a fig leaf used in painting or sculpture to cover the genitals of nude figures. fig leaf 3. syl fig leaf pos n. def a device intended to conceal something regarded as shameful or indecent. fig marigold 0. syl fig mar:i+gold pos n. def any plant of the genus of southern Africa, having white, yellow, or pink flowers and fleshy leaves: family figment ety C15: from Late Latin figmentum a fiction, from Latin fingere to shape figment 0. syl fig+ment pron <1figm*nt> pos n. def a fantastic notion, invention, or fabrication. exam 1 a figment of the imagination. figuline ety C17: from Latin figul*_inus of a potter, from figulus a potter, from fingere to mould figuline 1. syl fig:u+line pron <1figju2lIn> pos adj. qual Rare. def of or resembling clay. figuline 2. syl fig:u+line pron <1figju2lIn> pos n. qual Rare. def an article made of clay. figural 0. syl fig:u+ral pron <1fig*r*l> pos adj. def composed of or relating to human or animal figures. figurant ety C18: from French, from figurer to represent, appear, #7figure figurant 1. syl fig:u+rant pron <1figjur*nt> pos n. def a ballet dancer who does group work but no solo roles. figurant 2. syl fig:u+rant pron <1figjur*nt> pos n. qual Theatre. def a minor character, esp. one who does not speak. figurante sub head figurant syl fig:u+rante pron <2figju1ront> pos n. mod fem. figurate ety C15: from Latin fig*_ur*_are to shape figurate 1. syl fig+ur+ate pron <1figjurit> pos adj. qual Music. def exhibiting or produced by figuration; florid or decorative. figurate 2. syl fig+ur+ate pron <1figjurit> pos adj. def having a definite or particu?!lar shape or figure. figurately sub head figurate syl fig+ur+ate+ly pos adv. figuration 1.a. syl fig+ur:a+tion pron <2fig*1rAS*n> pos n. def the employment of characteristic patterns of notes, esp. in variations on a theme. figuration 1.b. syl fig+ur:a+tion pron <2fig*1rAS*n> pos n. def decoration or florid ornamentation in general. figuration 2. syl fig+ur:a+tion pron <2fig*1rAS*n> pos n. def the act or an instance of representing figuratively, as by means of allegory or emblem. figuration 3. syl fig+ur:a+tion pron <2fig*1rAS*n> pos n. def a figurative or emblematic representation. figuration 4. syl fig+ur:a+tion pron <2fig*1rAS*n> pos n. def the act of decorating with a design. figurative 1. syl fig+ur:a+tive pron <1fig*r*tiv> pos adj. def of the nature of, resembling, or involving a figure of speech; not literal; metaphorical. figurative 2. syl fig+ur:a+tive pron <1fig*r*tiv> pos adj. def using or filled with figures of speech. figurative 3. syl fig+ur:a+tive pron <1fig*r*tiv> pos adj. def representing by means of an emblem, likeness, figure, etc. figurative 4. syl fig+ur:a+tive pron <1fig*r*tiv> pos adj. usage in painting, sculpture, etc. def of, relating to, or characterized by the naturalistic representation of the external world. figuratively sub head figurative syl fig+ur:a+tive+ly pos adv. figurativeness sub head figurative syl fig+ur:a+tive+ness pos n. figure ety C13: from Latin fig*_ura a shape, from fingere to mould figure 1. syl fig+ure pron <1fig*>, U.S. <1figj*r> pos n. def any written symbol other than a letter, esp. a whole number. figure 2. syl fig+ure pron <1fig*>, U.S. <1figj*r> pos n. def another name for { {digit} (sense 2)}. figure 3. syl fig+ure pron <1fig*>, U.S. <1figj*r> pos n. def an amount expressed numerically. exam 1 a figure of @P#800306 1800 was suggested. figure 4. syl fig+ure pron <1fig*>, U.S. <1figj*r> pos n. mod pl. def calculations with numbers. exam 1 he's good at figures. figure 5. syl fig+ure pron <1fig*>, U.S. <1figj*r> pos n. def visible shape or form; outline. figure 6. syl fig+ure pron <1fig*>, U.S. <1figj*r> pos n. def the human form, esp. as regards size or shape. exam 1 a girl with a slender figure. figure 7. syl fig+ure pron <1fig*>, U.S. <1figj*r> pos n. def a slim bodily shape (esp. in the phrases {keep} {lose one's figure}) . figure 8. syl fig+ure pron <1fig*>, U.S. <1figj*r> pos n. def a character or personage, esp. a prominent or notable one; personality. exam 1 a figure in politics. figure 9. syl fig+ure pron <1fig*>, U.S. <1figj*r> pos n. def the impression created by a person through behaviour (esp. in the phrase {to cut a fine, bold}, etc., {figure) }. figure 10.a. syl fig+ure pron <1fig*>, U.S. <1figj*r> pos n. def a person as impressed on the mind. exam 1 the figure of Napoleon. figure 10.b. syl fig+ure pron <1fig*>, U.S. <1figj*r> pos n. usage in combination def . exam 1 father-figure. figure 11. syl fig+ure pron <1fig*>, U.S. <1figj*r> pos n. def a representation in painting or sculpture, esp. of the human form. figure 12. syl fig+ure pron <1fig*>, U.S. <1figj*r> pos n. def a representative object or symbol; emblem. figure 13. syl fig+ure pron <1fig*>, U.S. <1figj*r> pos n. def a pattern or design, as on fabric or in wood. figure 14. syl fig+ure pron <1fig*>, U.S. <1figj*r> pos n. def a predetermined set of movements in dancing or skating. figure 15. syl fig+ure pron <1fig*>, U.S. <1figj*r> pos n. qual Geom. def any combination of points, lines, curves, or planes. A {plane figure}, such as a circle, encloses an area; a {solid figure}, such as a sphere, encloses a volume. figure 16. syl fig+ure pron <1fig*>, U.S. <1figj*r> pos n. qual Rhetoric. def See {figure of speech}. figure 17. syl fig+ure pron <1fig*>, U.S. <1figj*r> pos n. qual Logic. def one of four possible arrangements of the terms in the major and minor premisses of a syllogism that give the same conclusion. figure 18.a. syl fig+ure pron <1fig*>, U.S. <1figj*r> pos n. def a numeral written above or below a note in a part. See {figured bass, thorough bass}. figure 18.b. syl fig+ure pron <1fig*>, U.S. <1figj*r> pos n. def a characteristic short pattern of notes. figure 19. syl fig+ure pron <1fig*>, U.S. <1figj*r> pos vb. mod when; tr. usage often foll. by up def to calculate or compute (sums, amounts, etc.). figure 20. syl fig+ure pron <1fig*>, U.S. <1figj*r> pos vb. mod tr. qual Informal, chiefly U.S. usage usually takes a clause as object def to think or conclude; consider. figure 21. syl fig+ure pron <1fig*>, U.S. <1figj*r> pos vb. mod tr. def to represent by a diagram or illustration. figure 22. syl fig+ure pron <1fig*>, U.S. <1figj*r> pos vb. mod tr. def to pattern or mark with a design. figure 23. syl fig+ure pron <1fig*>, U.S. <1figj*r> pos vb. mod tr. def to depict or portray in a painting, etc. figure 24. syl fig+ure pron <1fig*>, U.S. <1figj*r> pos vb. mod tr. qual Rhetoric. def to express by means of a figure of speech. figure 25. syl fig+ure pron <1fig*>, U.S. <1figj*r> pos vb. mod tr. def to imagine. figure 26.a. syl fig+ure pron <1fig*>, U.S. <1figj*r> pos vb. def to decorate (a melody line or part) with ornamentation. figure 26.b. syl fig+ure pron <1fig*>, U.S. <1figj*r> pos vb. def to provide figures above or below (a bass part) as an indication of the accompanying harmonies required. See {figured bass, thorough bass}. figure 27. syl fig+ure pron <1fig*>, U.S. <1figj*r> pos vb. mod intr. usage usually foll. by in def to be included. exam 1 his name figures in the article. figure 28. syl fig+ure pron <1fig*>, U.S. <1figj*r> pos vb. mod intr. qual Informal. def to accord with expectation; be logical. exam 1 it figures that he wouldn't come. figureless sub head figure syl fig+ure+less pos adj. figurer sub head figure syl fig+ur+er pos n. figured 1. syl fig+ured pron <1fig*d> pos adj. def depicted as a figure in graphic art, painting, or sculpture. figured 2. syl fig+ured pron <1fig*d> pos adj. def decorated or patterned with a design. figured 3. syl fig+ured pron <1fig*d> pos adj. def having a form. figured 4.a. syl fig+ured pron <1fig*d> pos adj. def ornamental. figured 4.b. syl fig+ured pron <1fig*d> pos adj. usage of a bass part def provided with numerals indicating accompanying harmonies. figured bass 0. syl fig+ured bass pron pos n. def a shorthand method of indicating a thorough-bass part in which each bass note is accompanied by figures indicating the intervals to be played in the chord above it in the realization. figure-ground 0. syl fig:ure-ground pos n. def a concept in Gestalt psychology referring to the way in which a perceptual field is divided into an inseparable outstanding object and a background that form the basis of various optical illusions. figurehead 1. syl fig:ure+head pron <1fig*2hed> pos n. def a person nominally having a prominent position, but no real authority. figurehead 2. syl fig:ure+head pron <1fig*2hed> pos n. def a carved bust or full-length figure at the upper end of the stems of some sailing vessels. figure eight alt head figure of eight or figure of eight syl fig+ure eight pos n. figure of eight 1. or figure eight syl fig+ure of eight pos n. def an outline of the number 8 traced on ice by a skater. figure of eight 2. or figure eight syl fig+ure of eight pos n. def a flight manoeuvre by an aircraft outlining a figure 8. figure of eight 3. or figure eight syl fig+ure of eight pos n. def a knot in the shape of a figure 8 made to prevent the unreeving of a rope. figure of speech 0. syl fig+ure of speech pos n. def an expression of language, such as simile, metaphor, or personification, by which the usual or literal meaning of a word is abandoned. figupon alt head figure on or figure on syl fig+up:on pos vb. prep. mod intr. figure on 1. or figupon syl fig+ure on pos vb. prep. mod intr. qual Informal, chiefly U.S. def to depend on (support or help.) figure on 2. or figupon syl fig+ure on pos vb. prep. mod intr. qual Informal, chiefly U.S. def to take into consideration. figure out 1. syl fig+ure out pos vb. adv. mod tr. qual Informal. usage may take a clause as object def to calculate or reckon. figure out 2. syl fig+ure out pos vb. adv. mod tr. qual Informal. usage may take a clause as object def to understand. figure skating 0. syl fig+ure skat+ing pos n. def ice skating in which the skater traces outlines of selected patterns. figure skater sub head figure skating syl fig+ure skat+er pos n. figurine ety C19: from French, from Italian figurina a little #7figure figurine 0. syl fig:u+rine pron <2fig*1rEn> pos n. def a small carved or moulded figure; statuette. figwort 0. syl fig+wort pron <1fig2wR:t> pos n. def any scrophulariaceous plant of the N temperate genus having square stems and small greenish flowers. Fiji 1. syl Fi:ji pron <1fEJE>, pos n. def an independent state within the British Commonwealth, consisting of 844 islands (chiefly Viti Levu and Vanua Levu) in the SW Pacific: a British colony (1874-1970); the large islands are of volcanic origin, surround?!ed by coral reefs; smaller ones are of coral. Official language: English. Religion: Christian and Hindu. Currency: dollar. Capital: Suva. Pop.: 588068 (1976). Area: 18272 sq. km (7055 sq. miles). Fiji 2. syl Fi:ji pron <1fEJE>, pos also; adj. def another word for {Fijian}. Fijian 1. syl Fi+ji:an pron pos n. def a member of the indigenous people of mixed Melanesian and Polynesian descent inhabiting Fiji. Fijian 2. syl Fi+ji:an pron pos n. def the language of this people, belonging to the Malayo-Polynesian family. Fijian 3. syl Fi+ji:an pron pos adj. def of, relating to, or characteristic of Fiji or its inhabitants. Fijian xref syl Fi+ji:an pron pos n. def Also: {Fiji}. filagree 0. syl fil:a+gree pron <1fil*2grE> pos n. adj. vb. def a less common spelling of {filigree}. filament ety C16: from New Latin f*_il*_amentum, from Medieval Latin f*_il*_are to spin, from Latin f*_ilum thread filament 1. syl fil:a+ment pron <1fil*m*nt> pos n. def the thin wire, usually tungsten, inside a light bulb that emits light when heated to incandescence by an electric current. filament 2. syl fil:a+ment pron <1fil*m*nt> pos n. qual Electronics. def a high-resist?!ance wire or ribbon, forming the cathode in some valves. filament 3. syl fil:a+ment pron <1fil*m*nt> pos n. def a single strand of a natural or synthetic fibre; fibril. filament 4.a. syl fil:a+ment pron <1fil*m*nt> pos n. def the stalk of a stamen. filament 4.b. syl fil:a+ment pron <1fil*m*nt> pos n. def any of the long slender chains of cells into which some algae and fungi are divided. filament 5. syl fil:a+ment pron <1fil*m*nt> pos n. qual Ornithol. def the barb of a down feather. filament 6. syl fil:a+ment pron <1fil*m*nt> pos n. qual Anatomy. def any slender structure or part, such as the tail of a spermatozoon; filum. filamentary sub head filament or filamentous syl fil:a+men+ta:ry pron <2fil*1ment*ri>, <-tri> pos adj. filamentous sub head filament or filamentary syl fil:a+1men+tous pos adj. filar ety C19: from Latin f*_ilum thread filar 1. syl fi+lar pron <1fIl*> pos adj. def of thread. filar 2. syl fi+lar pron <1fIl*> pos adj. usage of an optical instrument def having fine threads across the eyepiece forming a reticle or set of cross wires. filaria ety C19: New Latin (former name of genus), from Latin f*_ilum thread filariae infl head filaria syl fi+lar:i:ae pron <-i2E> pos n. mod pl. filaria 0. syl fi+lar:i:a pron pos n. def any parasitic nematode worm of the family living in the blood and tissues of vertebrates and transmitted by insects: the cause of filariasis. filarial sub head filaria or filarian syl fi+1lar+i:al pos adj. filarian sub head filaria or filarial syl fi+1lar+i:an pos adj. filariasis ety C19: from New Latin; see #7filaria filariasis 0. syl fil:a+ri:a+sis pron <2fil*1rI*sis>, pos n. def a disease common in tropical and subtropical countries resulting from infestation of the lymphatic system with the nematode worms or transmitted by mosquitoes: characterized by inflammation and obstruction of the lymphatic vessels. See also {elephantiasis}. filature ety C18: from Medieval Latin f*_il*_at*_ura the art of spinning, from f*_il*_are to spin thread; see #7filament filature 1. syl fil:a+ture pron <1fil*C*> pos n. def the act or process of spinning silk, etc., into threads. filature 2. syl fil:a+ture pron <1fil*C*> pos n. def the reel used for this. filature 3. syl fil:a+ture pron <1fil*C*> pos n. def a place where such spinning or reeling is done. filbert ety C14: named after St. Philbert, 7th-century Frankish abbot, because the nuts are ripe around his feast day, Aug. 22 filbert 1. syl fil+bert pron <1filb*t> pos n. def any of several N temperate shrubs of the genus esp. that have edible rounded brown nuts: family filbert 2. syl fil+bert pron <1filb*t> pos n. def Also called: {hazelnut}, and in the U.S.: {cobnut}. the nut of any of these shrubs. filbert xref syl fil+bert pron <1filb*t> pos n. def See also { {hazel} (sense 1)}. filch ety C16 filchen to steal, attack, perhaps from Old English gefylce band of men filch 0. syl filch pron pos vb. mod tr. def to steal or take surreptitiously in small amounts; pilfer. filcher sub head filch syl filch+er pos n. file ety C16 (in the sense: string on which documents are hung): from Old French filer, from Medieval Latin f*_il*_are; see #7filament file H1.1. syl file pron pos n. def a folder, box, etc., used to keep documents or other items in order. file H1.2. syl file pron pos n. def the documents, etc., kept in this way. file H1.3. syl file pron pos n. def documents or information about a specific subject, person, etc.. exam 1 we have a file on every known thief. file H1.4. syl file pron pos n. def an orderly line or row. file H1.5. syl file pron pos n. def a line of people in marching formation, one behind another. Compare { {rank} %1 (sense 4)}. file H1.6. syl file pron pos n. def any of the eight vertical rows of squares on a chessboard. file H1.7. syl file pron pos n. def Also called: {data set}. a block of data that can be accessed by means of its unique address from a storage device. file H1.8. syl file pron pos n. qual Obsolete. def a list or catalogue. on file 9. head file syl on file. def recorded or catalogued for reference, as in a file. file H1.10. syl file pron pos vb. def to place (a document, letter, etc.) in a file. file H1.11. syl file pron pos vb. mod tr. def to put on record, esp. to place (a legal document) on public or official record; register. file H1.12. syl file pron pos vb. mod tr. def to bring (a suit, esp. a divorce suit) in a court of law. file H1.13. syl file pron pos vb. mod tr. def to submit (copy) to a newspaper or news agency. file H1.14. syl file pron pos vb. mod intr. def to march or walk in a file or files. exam 1 the ants filed down the hill. filer sub head file syl fil+er pos n. file ety Old English f*_il; related to Old Saxon f*_ila, Old High German f*_ihala file, Greek pikros bitter, sharp file H2.1. syl file pron pos n. def a hand tool consisting essentially of a steel blade with small cutting teeth on some or all of its faces. It is used for shaping or smoothing metal, wood, etc. file H2.2. syl file pron pos n. qual Rare, Brit. slang. def a cunning or deceitful person. file H2.3. syl file pron pos vb. mod tr. def to shape or smooth (a surface) with a file. filer sub head file syl fil+er pos n. file ety Old English f*_ylan; related to Middle Low German v*"ulen; see #7defile, filth, foul file H3.0. syl file pron pos vb. mod tr. qual Obsolete. def to pollute or defile. filecard 0. syl file+card pron <1fIl2ka:d> pos n. def a type of brush with sharp steel bristles, used for cleaning the teeth of a file. filefish ety C18: referring to its file-like scales filefish infl or filefishes syl file+fish pos n. mod pl. filefishes infl head filefish or filefish syl file+fish:es. pos n. mod pl. filefish 0. syl file+fish pron <1fIl2fiS> pos n. def any tropical triggerfish, such as having a narrow compressed body and a very long dorsal spine. filet ety C20: from French: net, from Old Proven*,cal filat, from fil thread, from Latin f*_ilum filet 0. syl fi+let pron <1filit>, <1filA>, French pos n. def a variant spelling of { {fillet} (senses 1-3)}. filet mignon ety from French, literally: dainty fillet filet mignon 0. syl fi+let mi+gnon pron <1filA> <1mEnjon> pos n. def a small tender boneless cut of beef from the inside of the loin. filial ety C15: from Late Latin f*_ili*_alis, from Latin f*_ilius son filial 1. syl fil+ial pron <1filj*l> pos adj. def of, resembling, or suitable to a son or daughter. exam 1 filial affection. filial 2. syl fil+ial pron <1filj*l> pos adj. qual Genetics. def designating any of the generations following the parental generation. Abbrev.: F; F\1 indicates the first filial generation, F\2 the second, etc. filially sub head filial syl fil+ial+ly pos adv. filialness sub head filial syl fil+ial+ness pos n. filiate ety C18: from Medieval Latin f*_ili*_atus acknowledged as a son, from Latin f*_ilius son filiate 1. syl fil:i+ate pron <1fili2At> pos vb. mod tr. qual Law. def to fix judicially the paternity of (a child, esp. one born out of wedlock). filiate 2. syl fil:i+ate pron <1fili2At> pos vb. mod tr. qual Law. def a less common word for {affiliate}. filiate 3. syl fil:i+ate pron <1fili2At> pos vb. mod tr. qual Archaic. def to affiliate or associate. filiation 1. syl fil:i+a:tion pron <2fili1AS*n> pos n. def line of descent; lineage; derivation. filiation 2. syl fil:i+a:tion pron <2fili1AS*n> pos n. def the fact of being the child of certain parents. filiation 3. syl fil:i+a:tion pron <2fili1AS*n> pos n. qual Law. def the act or process of filiating. filiation 4. syl fil:i+a:tion pron <2fili1AS*n> pos n. qual Law. def a less common word for {affiliation}. filiation 5. syl fil:i+a:tion pron <2fili1AS*n> pos n. def the set of rules governing the attachment of children to their parents and its social consequences. filibeg ety C18: from Scottish Gaelic f*_eileadh?!beag, from f*_eileadh kilt+ beag small fillibeg infl head filibeg or philibeg syl fil+li+beg pron <1fili2beg> pos n. philibeg infl head filibeg or fillibeg syl phil:i+beg pron <1fili2beg> pos n. filibeg 0. syl fil:i+beg pron <1fili2beg> pos n. def the kilt worn by Scottish Highlanders. filibuster ety C16: from Spanish filibustero, from French flibustier, probably from Dutch vrijbuiter pirate, literally: one plundering freely; see #7freebooter filibuster 1. syl fil:i+bus+ter pron <1fili2b^st*> pos n. qual Chiefly U.S. def the process or an instance of obstructing legislation by means of long speeches and other delaying tactics. filibuster 2. syl fil:i+bus+ter pron <1fili2b^st*> pos n. def Also called: {filibusterer}. a legislator who engages in such obstruction. filibuster 3. syl fil:i+bus+ter pron <1fili2b^st*> pos n. def a buccaneer, freebooter, or irregular military adventurer, esp. a revolutionary in a foreign country. filibuster 4. syl fil:i+bus+ter pron <1fili2b^st*> pos vb. qual Chiefly U.S. def to obstruct (legislation) with delaying tactics. filibuster 5. syl fil:i+bus+ter pron <1fili2b^st*> pos vb. mod intr. def to engage in unlawful and private military action. filibusterer sub head filibuster syl fil:i+2bus+ter+er pos n. filibusterism sub head filibuster syl fil:i+2bus+ter+ism pos n. filicide ety C17: from Latin f*_ilius son or f*_ilia daughter+-#7cide filicide 1. syl fil:i+cide pron <1fili2sId> pos n. def the act of killing one's own son or daughter. filicide 2. syl fil:i+cide pron <1fili2sId> pos n. def a person who does this. filicidal sub head filicide syl fil:i+1cid+al pos adj. filiform ety C18: from Latin f*_ilum thread filiform 0. syl fil:i+form pron <1fili2fc:m>, <1fI-> pos adj. qual Biology. def having the form of a thread. filigree ety C17: from earlier filigreen, from French filigrane, from Latin f*_ilum thread+ gr*_anum #7grain filagree infl head filigree or fillagree syl fil:a+gree pos n. fillagree infl head filigree or filagree syl fill:a+gree pos n. filigree 1. syl fil:i+gree pron <1fili2grE> pos n. def delicate ornamental work of twisted gold, silver, or other wire. filigree 2. syl fil:i+gree pron <1fili2grE> pos n. def any fanciful delicate ornamentation. filigree 3. syl fil:i+gree pron <1fili2grE> pos adj. def made of or as if with filigree. filigrees infl head filigree syl fil:i+grees pos vb. filigreeing infl head filigree syl fil:i+gree+ing pos vb. filigreed infl head filigree syl fil:i+greed. pos vb. filigree 4. syl fil:i+gree pron <1fili2grE> pos vb. mod tr. def to decorate with or as if with filigree. filing clerk 0. syl fil+ing clerk pos n. def an employee who maintains office files. filings 0. syl fil+ings pron <1fIliGz> pos n. mod pl. def shavings or particles removed by a file. exam 1 iron filings. Filipinos infl head Filipino syl Fil:i+pi+nos. pos n. mod pl. Filipino 1. syl Fil:i+pi+no pron <2fili1pEn*u> pos n. def a native or inhabitant of the Philippines. Filipino 2. syl Fil:i+pi+no pron <2fili1pEn*u> pos n. def another name for {Tagalog}. Filipino 3. syl Fil:i+pi+no pron <2fili1pEn*u> pos adj. def of or relating to the Philippines or their inhabitants. fill ety Old English fyllan; related to Old Frisian fella, Old Norse fylla, Gothic fulljan, Old High German fullen; see {#7full %1#7}, fulfil fill 1. syl fill pron pos vb. mod also; intr. usage often foll. by up def to make or become full. exam 1 to fill up a bottle; exam 2 the bath fills in two minutes. fill 2. syl fill pron pos vb. mod mainly; tr. usage often foll. by up def to occupy the whole of. exam 1 the party filled two floors of the house. fill 3. syl fill pron pos vb. mod mainly; tr. usage often foll. by up def to plug (a gap, crevice, cavity, etc.). fill 4. syl fill pron pos vb. mod mainly; tr. usage often foll. by up def to meet (a requirement or need) satisfactorily. fill 5. syl fill pron pos vb. mod mainly; tr. usage often foll. by up def to cover (a page or blank space) with writing, drawing, etc. fill 6. syl fill pron pos vb. mod mainly; tr. usage often foll. by up def to hold and perform the duties of (an office or position). fill 7. syl fill pron pos vb. mod mainly; tr. usage often foll. by up def to appoint or elect an occupant to (an office or position). fill 8. syl fill pron pos vb. mod mainly; tr. qual Building trades. usage often foll. by up def to build up (ground) with fill. fill 9. syl fill pron pos vb. mod also; intr. usage often foll. by up def to swell or cause to swell with wind, as in manoeuvring the sails of a sailing vessel. fill 10. syl fill pron pos vb. mod mainly; tr. usage often foll. by up def to increase the bulk of by adding an inferior substance. fill 11. syl fill pron pos vb. mod mainly; tr. qual Poker. usage often foll. by up def to complete (a full house, etc.) by drawing the cards needed. fill 12. syl fill pron pos vb. mod mainly; tr. qual Chiefly U.S. usage often foll. by up def to put together the necessary materials for (a prescription or order). fill the bill 13. head fill syl fill the bill. qual Informal. usage often foll. by up def to serve or perform adequately. fill 14. syl fill pron pos n. mod mainly; tr. usage often foll. by up def material such as gravel, stones, etc., used to bring an area of ground up to a required level. one's fill 15. head fill syl one's fill. usage often foll. by up def the quantity needed to satisfy one. exam 1 to eat your fill. fillagree 0. syl fill:a+gree pron <1fil*2grE> pos n. adj. vb. def a less common spelling of {filigree}. fill away 0. syl fill a:way pos vb. adv. mod intr. qual Nautical. def to cause a vessel's sails to fill, either by steering it off the wind or by bracing the yards. fille de joie ety girl of pleasure filles de joie infl head fille de joie syl filles de joie pron pos n. mod pl. filled gold 0. syl filled gold pos n. def another name (esp. U.S.) for {rolled gold}. filler 1. syl fill+er pron <1fil*> pos n. def a person or thing that fills. filler 2. syl fill+er pron <1fil*> pos n. def an object or substance used to add weight or size to something or to fill in a gap. filler 3. syl fill+er pron <1fil*> pos n. def a paste, used for filling in cracks, holes, etc., in a surface before painting. filler 4. syl fill+er pron <1fil*> pos n. qual Architect. def a small joist inserted between and supported by two beams. filler 5.a. syl fill+er pron <1fil*> pos n. def the inner portion of a cigar. filler 5.b. syl fill+er pron <1fil*> pos n. def the cut tobacco for making cigarettes. filler 6. syl fill+er pron <1fil*> pos n. qual Journalism. def articles, photographs, etc., to fill space between more important articles in the layout of a newspaper or magazine. filler 7. syl fill+er pron <1fil*> pos n. qual Informal. def something, such as a musical selection, to fill time in a broadcast or stage presentation. filler cap 0. syl fill+er cap pos n. def a device sealing the filling pipe to the petrol tank in a motor vehicle. fillet ety C14: from Old French filet, from fil thread, from Latin f*_ilum fillet 1.a. syl fil+let pron <1filit> pos n. def Also called: {fillet steak}. a strip of boneless meat, esp. the undercut of a sirloin of beef. fillet 1.b. syl fil+let pron <1filit> pos n. def the boned side of a fish. fillet 1.c. syl fil+let pron <1filit> pos n. def the white meat of breast and wing of a chicken. fillet 2. syl fil+let pron <1filit> pos n. def a narrow strip of any material. fillet 3. syl fil+let pron <1filit> pos n. def a thin strip of ribbon, lace, etc., worn in the hair or around the neck. fillet 4. syl fil+let pron <1filit> pos n. def a narrow flat moulding, esp. one between other mouldings. fillet 5. syl fil+let pron <1filit> pos n. def a narrow band between two adjacent flutings on the shaft of a column. fillet 6. syl fil+let pron <1filit> pos n. def a narrow strip of welded metal used to join steel members. fillet 7. syl fil+let pron <1filit> pos n. qual Heraldry. def a horizontal division of a shield, one quarter of the depth of the chief. fillet 8. syl fil+let pron <1filit> pos n. def Also called: {listel, list}. the top member of a cornice. fillet 9. syl fil+let pron <1filit> pos n. qual Anatomy. def a band of sensory nerve fibres in the brain connected to the thalamus. Technical name: {lemniscus}. fillet 10.a. syl fil+let pron <1filit> pos n. def a narrow decorative line, impressed on the cover of a book. fillet 10.b. syl fil+let pron <1filit> pos n. def a wheel tool used to impress such lines. fillet 11. syl fil+let pron <1filit> pos n. def another name for {fairing} %1. fillet 12. syl fil+let pron <1filit> pos vb. mod tr. def to cut or prepare (meat or fish) as a fillet. fillet 13. syl fil+let pron <1filit> pos vb. mod tr. def to cut fillets from (meat or fish). fillet 14. syl fil+let pron <1filit> pos vb. mod tr. def to bind or decorate with or as if with a fillet. {~} Also (for senses 1-3): {filet}. fill in 1. syl fill in pos vb. adv. mod tr. def to complete (a form, drawing, etc.). fill in 2. syl fill in pos vb. adv. mod intr. def to act as a substitute. exam 1 a girl is filling in while the typist is away. fill in 3. syl fill in pos vb. adv. mod tr. def to put material into (a hole or cavity), esp. so as to make it level with a surface. fill in 4. syl fill in pos vb. adv. mod tr. qual Informal. def to inform with facts or news. fill in 5. syl fill in pos vb. adv. mod tr. qual Brit. slang. def to attack and injure severely. {~} {fill-in}. fill in 6. syl fill in pos vb. adv. def a substitute. fill in 7. syl fill in pos vb. adv. qual U.S. informal. def a briefing to complete one's understanding. filling 1. syl fill+ing pron <1filiG> pos n. def the substance or thing used to fill a space or container. exam 1 pie filling. filling 2. syl fill+ing pron <1filiG> pos n. qual Dentistry. def any of various substances (metal, plastic, etc.) for inserting into the prepared cavity of a tooth. filling 3. syl fill+ing pron <1filiG> pos n. qual Textiles. def another term for {weft}. filling station 0. syl fill+ing sta+tion pos n. def a place where petrol and other supplies for motorists are sold. fillip ety C15: philippe, of imitative origin fillip 1. syl fil+lip pron <1filip> pos n. def something that adds stimulation or enjoyment. fillip 2. syl fil+lip pron <1filip> pos n. def the action of holding a finger towards the palm with the thumb and suddenly releasing it outwards to produce a snapping sound. fillip 3. syl fil+lip pron <1filip> pos n. def a quick blow or tap made by a finger snapped in this way. fillip 4. syl fil+lip pron <1filip> pos vb. mod tr. def to stimulate or excite. fillip 5. syl fil+lip pron <1filip> pos vb. mod tr. def to strike or project sharply with a fillip. fillip 6. syl fil+lip pron <1filip> pos vb. mod intr. def to make a fillip. fillister ety C19: of unknown origin filister infl head fillister or fillester syl fil+is+ter pron <1filist*> pos n. fillester infl head fillister or filister syl fil+les+ter pron <1filist*> pos n. fillister 1. syl fil+lis+ter pron <1filist*> pos n. def Also called: {fillister plane}. an adjustable plane for cutting rabbets, grooves, etc. fillister 2. syl fil+lis+ter pron <1filist*> pos n. def Also called: {sash fillister}. a rabbet or groove, esp. one in a window sash bar for a pane of glass. Millard infl head Fillmore syl Mil:lard. pos n. Fillmore 0. syl Fill:more pron <1filmc:> pos n. def 1800-74, 13th president of the U.S. (1850-53); a leader of the Whig Party. fill out 1. syl fill out pos vb. adv. def to make or become fuller, thicker, or rounder. exam 1 her figure has filled out since her marriage. fill out 2. syl fill out pos vb. adv. def to make more substantial. exam 1 the writers were asked to fill their stories out. fill out 3. syl fill out pos vb. adv. mod tr. qual U.S. def to complete (a form, application, etc.). fill up 1. syl fill up pos vb. adv. mod tr. def to complete (a form, application, etc.). fill up 2. syl fill up pos vb. adv. def to make or become completely full. {~} {fill-up}. fill up 3. syl fill up pos vb. adv. def the act of filling something completely, esp. the petrol tank of a car. filly ety C15: from Old Norse fylja; related to Old High German fulihha; see #7foal fillies infl head filly syl fil+lies. pos n. mod pl. filly 1. syl fil+ly pron <1fili> pos n. def a female horse or pony under the age of four. filly 2. syl fil+ly pron <1fili> pos n. qual Informal, rare. def a spirited girl or young woman. film ety Old English filmen membrane; related to Old Frisian filmene, Greek pelma sole of the foot; see {#7fell %4} film 1.a. syl film pron pos n. def a sequence of images of moving objects photographed by a camera and providing the optical illusion of continuous movement when projected onto a screen. film 1.b. syl film pron pos n. def a form of entertainment, information, etc., composed of such a sequence of images and shown in a cinema, etc. film 1.c. syl film pron pos n. usage as modifier exam 1 film techniques. film 2. syl film pron pos n. def a thin flexible strip of cellulose coated with a photographic emulsion, used to make negatives and transparencies. film 3. syl film pron pos n. def a thin coating or layer. film 4. syl film pron pos n. def a thin sheet of any material, as of plastic for packaging. film 5. syl film pron pos n. def a fine haze, mist, or blur. film 6. syl film pron pos n. def a gauzy web of filaments or fine threads. film 7. syl film pron pos n. qual Pathol. def an abnormally opaque tissue, such as the cornea in some eye diseases. film 8.a. syl film pron pos vb. def to photograph with a cine camera. film 8.b. syl film pron pos vb. def to make a film of (a screenplay, event, etc.). film 9. syl film pron pos vb. def to cover or become covered or coated with a film. filmic sub head film syl film+ic pos adj. film library 0. syl film li+brar:y pos n. def a collection of films as archives or for loan or hire. filmography 1. syl fil+mog+ra+phy pron pos n. def a list of the films made by a particular director, actor, etc. filmography 2. syl fil+mog+ra+phy pron pos n. def any writing that deals with films or the cinema. film pack 0. syl film pack pos n. def a box containing several sheets of film for use in a plate camera. filmset 0. syl film+set pron <1film2set> pos vb. mod tr. qual Brit. def to set (type matter) by filmsetting. filmsetter sub head filmset syl film+2set:ter pos n. filmsetting 0. syl film+set:ting pron <1film2setiG> pos n. qual Brit., printing. def typesetting by exposing type characters onto photographic film from which printing plates are made. U.S. name: {photocomposition}. film star 0. syl film star pos n. def a popular film actor or actress. film strip 0. syl film strip pos n. def a strip of film composed of different images projected separately as slides. filmier infl head filmy syl film:i+er pos adj. filmiest infl head filmy syl film:i+est. pos adj. filmy 1. syl film:y pron <1filmi> pos adj. def composed of or resembling film; transparent or gauzy. filmy 2. syl film:y pron <1filmi> pos adj. def covered with or as if with a film; hazy; blurred. filmily sub head filmy syl film:i+ly pos adv. filminess sub head filmy syl film:i+ness pos n. filmy fern 0. syl film:y fern pos n. def any fern of the family growing in humid regions and having thin translucent leaves. filoplume ety C19: from New Latin f*_ilopl*_uma, from Latin f*_ilum thread+ pl*_uma feather filoplume 0. syl fil:o+plume pron <1fil*2plu:m>, <1fI-> pos n. qual Ornithol. def any of the hairlike feathers that lack vanes and occur between the contour feathers. filose ety C19: from Latin f*_ilum thread filose 0. syl fi+lose pron <1fIl*us>, <-l*uz> pos adj. qual Biology. def resembling or possessing a thread or threadlike process. exam 1 filose pseudopodia. filoselle ety C17: from French: silk, silkworm, from Italian filosello, perhaps from Latin foliculus little bag filoselle 0. syl fil:o+selle pron <2fil*u1sel> pos n. def soft silk thread, used esp. for embroidery. fils ety French: son fils H1.0. syl fils usage French. fis def an addition to a French surname to specify the son rather than the father of the same name. exam 1 a book by Dumas fils. fils ety from Arabic fil alt head fils or fils syl fil pron , , pos n. fils infl syl fils. pos n. mod pl. fils H2.0. or fil syl fils pron , , pos n. def a fractional monetary unit of Iraq, Jordan, Kuwait, and Southern Yemen worth one thousandth of a dinar. filter ety C16 filtre, from Medieval Latin filtrum piece of felt used as a filter, of Germanic origin; see {#7felt %2} filter 1. syl fil+ter pron <1filt*> pos n. def a porous substance, such as paper or sand, that allows fluid to pass but retains suspended solid particles: used to clean fluids or collect solid particles. filter 2. syl fil+ter pron <1filt*> pos n. def any device containing such a porous substance for separating suspensions from fluids. filter 3. syl fil+ter pron <1filt*> pos n. def any of various porous substances built into the mouth end of a cigarette or cigar for absorbing impurities such as tar. filter 4. syl fil+ter pron <1filt*> pos n. def any electronic, optical, or acoustic device that blocks signals or radiations of certain frequencies while allowing others to pass. See also {band-pass filter}. filter 5. syl fil+ter pron <1filt*> pos n. def any transparent disc of gelatin or glass used to eliminate or reduce the intensity of given frequencies from the light leaving a lamp, entering a camera, etc. filter 6. syl fil+ter pron <1filt*> pos n. qual Brit. def a traffic signal at a road junction consisting of a green arrow which when illuminated permits vehicles to turn either left or right when the main signals are red. filter 7. syl fil+ter pron <1filt*> pos vb. usage often foll. by out def to remove or separate (suspended particles, wavelengths of radiation, etc.) from (a liquid, gas, radiation, etc.) by the action of a filter. filter 8. syl fil+ter pron <1filt*> pos vb. mod tr. def to obtain by filtering. filter 9. syl fil+ter pron <1filt*> pos vb. mod intr. usage foll. by through def to pass (through a filter or something like a filter). exam 1 dust filtered through the screen. filter 10. syl fil+ter pron <1filt*> pos vb. mod intr. def to flow slowly; trickle. {~} See also {filter out}. filtrable alt head filterable or filterable syl fil+tra:ble pos adj. filterable 1. or filtrable syl fil+ter+a:ble pron <1filt*r*bL> pos adj. def capable of being filtered. filterable 2. or filtrable syl fil+ter+a:ble pron <1filt*r*bL> pos adj. usage of most viruses and certain bacteria def capable of passing through the pores of a fine filter. filterability sub head filterable or filterableness syl fil+ter+a:1bil+i:ty pos n. filterableness sub head filterable or filterability syl fil+ter+a:ble+ness pos n. filter bed 1. syl fil+ter bed pos n. def a layer of sand or gravel in a tank or reservoir through which a liquid is passed so as to purify it. Compare {bacteria bed}. filter bed 2. syl fil+ter bed pos n. def any layer of material through which a liquid is passed so as to filter it. through alt head filter out or filter out syl through pos vb. adv. mod intr. filter out 0. or through syl fil+ter out pos vb. adv. mod intr. def to become known gradually; leak. exam 1 rumours filtered out about the divorce. filter paper 0. syl fil+ter pa+per pos n. def a porous paper used for filtering liquids. filter press 0. syl fil+ter press pos n. def an apparatus used for filtration consisting of a set of frames covered with filter cloth on both sides, between which the liquid to be filtered is pumped. filter pump 0. syl fil+ter pump pos n. def a vacuum pump used to assist laboratory filtrations in which a jet of water inside a glass tube entrains air molecules from the system to be evacuated. filter tip 1. syl fil+ter tip pos n. def an attachment to the mouth end of a cigarette for trapping impurities such as tar during smoking. It consists of any of various dense porous substances, such as cotton. filter tip 2. syl fil+ter tip pos n. def a cigarette having such an attachment. filter-tipped sub head filter tip syl fil:ter-2tipped pos adj. filth ety Old English f*_ylth; related to Old Saxon, Old High German f*_ulitha; see #7foul, defile filth 1. syl filth pron pos n. def foul or disgusting dirt; refuse. filth 2. syl filth pron pos n. def extreme physical or moral uncleanliness; pollution. filth 3. syl filth pron pos n. def vulgarity or obscenity, as in language. filthier infl head filthy syl filth:i+er pos adj. filthiest infl head filthy syl filth:i+est. pos adj. filthy 1. syl filth:y pron <1filTi> pos adj. def characterized by or full of filth; very dirty or obscene. filthy 2. syl filth:y pron <1filTi> pos adj. def offensive or vicious. exam 1 that was a filthy trick to play. filthy 3. syl filth:y pron <1filTi> pos adj. qual Informal, chiefly Brit. def extremely unpleasant. exam 1 filthy weather. filthily sub head filthy syl filth:i+ly pos adv. filthiness sub head filthy syl filth:i+ness pos n. filtrate ety C17: from Medieval Latin filtr*_are to #7filter filtrate 1. syl fil+trate pron <1filtrAt> pos n. def a liquid or gas that has been filtered. filtrate 2. syl fil+trate pron <1filtrAt> pos vb. def another name for { {filter} (sense 7)}. filtratable sub head filtrate syl fil+trat+a:ble pos adj. filtration 0. syl fil+tra+tion pron pos n. def the act or process of filtering. filum ety Latin: thread, cord, fibre fila infl head filum syl fi+la pron <-l*> pos n. mod pl. filum 0. syl fi+lum pron <1fIl*m> pos n. qual Anatomy. def any threadlike structure or part. fimble ety C15: from Middle Dutch femeel, from Old French chanvre femelle female hemp, from chanvre hemp+ femelle #7female fimble 0. syl fim+ble pron <1fimbL> pos n. def the male plant of the hemp, which matures before the female plant. fimbria ety C18: from Late Latin, from Latin fimbriae threads, shreds fimbriae infl head fimbria syl fim+bri:ae pron <-bri2E> pos n. mod pl. fimbria 0. syl fim+bri:a pron <1fimbri*> pos n. qual Anatomy. def a fringe or fringelike margin or border, esp. at the opening of the Fallopian tubes. fimbrial sub head fimbria syl fim+bri:al pos adj. fimbriated infl head fimbriate or fimbrillate syl fim+bri+at+ed pron <1fimbrilit>, <-2lAt> pos adj. fimbrillate infl head fimbriate or fimbriated syl fim+bril+late pron <1fimbrilit>, <-2lAt> pos adj. fimbriate 0. syl fim+bri+ate pron <1fimbriit>, <-2At> pos adj. def having a fringed margin, as some petals, antennae, etc. fimbriation sub head fimbriate syl fim+bri:1a+tion pos n. fin ety Old English finn; related to Middle Dutch vinne, Old Swedish fina, Latin pinna wing &- #!fin+less adj. fin H1.1. syl fin pron pos n. def any of the firm appendages that are the organs of locomotion and balance in fishes and some other aquatic animals. Most fishes have paired and unpaired fins, the former corresponding to the limbs of higher vertebrates. fin H1.2. syl fin pron pos n. def a part or appendage that resembles a fin. fin H1.3.a. syl fin pron pos n. qual Brit. def a vertical surface to which the rudder is attached, usually placed at the rear of an aeroplane to give stability about the vertical axis. U.S. name: {vertical stabilizer}. fin H1.3.b. syl fin pron pos n. def an aerofoil fixed to a rocket or missile to give stability. fin H1.4. syl fin pron pos n. qual Nautical. def a fixed or adjustable blade projecting under water from the hull of a vessel to give it stability or control. fin H1.5. syl fin pron pos n. def a projecting rib to dissipate heat from the surface of an engine cylinder, motor casing, or radiator. fin H1.6. syl fin pron pos n. mod often; pl. def another name for { {flipper} (sense 2)}. fins infl head fin syl fins pos vb. finning infl head fin syl fin+ning pos vb. finned infl head fin syl finned. pos vb. fin H1.7. syl fin pron pos vb. mod tr. def to provide with fins. fin H1.8. syl fin pron pos vb. mod tr. def to remove the fins from (a dead fish). fin H1.9. syl fin pron pos vb. mod intr. usage esp. of a whale def to agitate the fins violently in the water. fin ety from Yiddish finf five, ultimately from Old High German funf, finf fin H2.0. syl fin pron pos n. qual U.S. slang. def a five-dollar bill. fin 1. syl fin. qual abbrev. for: def finance. fin 2. syl fin. qual abbrev. for: def financial. fin 3. syl fin. qual abbrev. for: def finish. Fin 1. syl Fin. qual abbrev. for: def Finland. Fin 2. syl Fin. qual abbrev. for: def Finnish. fineable alt head finable or finable syl fine+a:ble pron <1fIn*bL> pos adj. finable 0. or fineable syl fin+a:ble pron <1fIn*bL> pos adj. def liable to a fine. finableness sub head finable or fineableness syl fin+a:ble+ness pos n. fineableness sub head finable or finableness syl fine+a:ble+ness pos n. finagle ety C20: probably changed from #7fainaigue finagle 1. syl fi+na+gle pron pos vb. mod tr. qual Informal. def to get or achieve by trickery, craftiness, or persuasion; wangle. finagle 2. syl fi+na+gle pron pos vb. qual Informal. def to use trickery or craftiness on (a person). finagler sub head finagle syl fi+1na+gler pos n. final ety C14: from Latin f*_in*_alis, from f*_inis limit, boundary final 1. syl fi+nal pron <1fInL> pos adj. def of or occurring at the end; concluding; ultimate; last. final 2. syl fi+nal pron <1fInL> pos adj. def having no possibility for further discussion, action, or change; conclusive; decisive. exam 1 a final decree of judgment. final 3. syl fi+nal pron <1fInL> pos adj. def relating to or constituting an end or purpose. exam 1 a final clause may be introduced by @6in order to@9. final 4. syl fi+nal pron <1fInL> pos adj. qual Phonetics. def at the end of a word. exam 1 @6cat@9 has a final @6t@9. final 5. syl fi+nal pron <1fInL> pos adj. qual Music. def another word for { {perfect} (sense 9b.)}. final 6. syl fi+nal pron <1fInL> pos n. def a terminal or last thing; end. final 7. syl fi+nal pron <1fInL> pos n. def a deciding contest between the winners of previous rounds in a competition. final 8. syl fi+nal pron <1fInL> pos n. qual Music. def the tonic note of a church mode. final cause 0. syl fi+nal cause pos n. qual Philosophy. def the end or purpose of a thing or process. finale ety C18: from Italian, n. use of adj. finale, from Latin f*_in*_alis #7final finale 1. syl fi+na+le pron pos n. def the concluding part of any performance or presentation. finale 2. syl fi+na+le pron pos n. def the closing section or movement of a musical composition. finalism 0. syl fi+nal+ism pron <1fIn*2liz*m> pos n. qual Philosophy. def the doctrine that final causes determine the course of all events. &- {fi+na+#!lis+tic} finalist 0. syl fi+nal+ist pron <1fIn*list> pos n. def a contestant who has reached the last and decisive stage of a sports or other competition. finalities infl head finality syl fi+nal+i:ties. pos n. mod pl. finality 1. syl fi+nal+i:ty pron pos n. def the condition or quality of being final or settled; conclusiveness. exam 1 the finality of death. finality 2. syl fi+nal+i:ty pron pos n. def a final or conclusive act. finality 3. syl fi+nal+i:ty pron pos n. qual Metaphysics. def the doctrine of the efficacy of final causes. Compare {teleology}. finalise alt head finalize or finalize syl fi+nal+ise pron <1fIn*2lIz> pos vb. finalize 1. or finalise syl fi+nal+ize pron <1fIn*2lIz> pos vb. mod tr. def to put into final form; settle. exam 1 to finalize plans for the merger. finalize 2. or finalise syl fi+nal+ize pron <1fIn*2lIz> pos vb. mod intr. def to complete arrangements or negotiations; reach agreement on a transaction. finalization sub head finalize or finalisation syl fi+na+li+1za+tion finalisation sub head finalize or finalization syl fi+na+li+1sa+tion finally 1. syl fi+nal+ly pron <1fIn*li> pos adv. def after a long delay; at last; eventual?!ly. finally 2. syl fi+nal+ly pron <1fIn*li> pos adv. def at the end or final point; lastly. finally 3. syl fi+nal+ly pron <1fIn*li> pos adv. def completely; con?!clusively; irrevocably. finally xref syl fi+nal+ly pron <1fIn*li> pos adv. exam 1 sentence connector. finally 4. syl fi+nal+ly pron <1fIn*li> pos adv. def in the end; lastly. exam 1 finally, he put his tie on. finally 5. syl fi+nal+ly pron <1fIn*li> pos adv. def as the last or final point: linking what follows with the previous statements, as in a speech or argument. finals 1. syl fi+nals pron <1fInLz> pos n. mod pl. def the deciding part or parts of a sports or other competition. finals 2. syl fi+nals pron <1fInLz> pos n. mod pl. qual Education. def the last examination series in an academic or professional course. finance ety C14: from Old French, from finer to end, settle by payment finance 1. syl fi+nance pron , <1fIn@ns> pos n. def the system of money, credit, etc., esp. with respect to government revenues and expendi?!tures. finance 2. syl fi+nance pron , <1fIn@ns> pos n. def funds or the provision of funds. finance 3. syl fi+nance pron , <1fIn@ns> pos n. mod pl. def funds; financial condition. finance 4. syl fi+nance pron , <1fIn@ns> pos vb. mod tr. def to provide or obtain funds, capital, or credit for. finance 5. syl fi+nance pron , <1fIn@ns> pos vb. mod intr. def to manage or secure financial resources. finance bill 0. syl fi+nance bill pos n. def a legislative bill providing money for the public treasury. house alt head finance company or finance company syl house pos n. finance company 0. or house syl fi+nance com+pa+ny pos n. def an enterprise engaged in the loan of money against collateral or speculatively to manu?!facturers and retailers, esp. one specializing in the financing of hire-purchase contracts. financial 1. syl fi+nan+cial pron , pos adj. def of or relating to finance or finances. financial 2. syl fi+nan+cial pron , pos adj. def of or relating to persons who manage money, capital, or credit. financially sub head financial syl fi+1nan+cial+ly pos adv. financial year 1. syl fi+nan+cial year pos n. qual Brit. def any annual period at the end of which a firm's accounts are made up. financial year 2. syl fi+nan+cial year pos n. qual Brit. def the annual period ending April 5, over which Budget estimates are made by the British Government and which functions as the income-tax year. financial year xref syl fi+nan+cial year pos n. qual Brit. def U.S. equivalent: {fiscal year}. financier 0. syl fi+nan+ci+er pron , pos n. def a person who is engaged or skilled in large-scale financial operations. finback 0. syl fin+back pron <1fin2b@k> pos n. def another name for {rorqual}. finch ety Old English finc; related to Old High German finko, Middle Dutch vinker, Greek spingos finch 1. syl finch pron pos n. def any songbird of the family having a short stout bill for feeding on seeds and, in most species, a bright plumage in the male. Common examples are the goldfinch, bullfinch, chaffinch, siskin, and canary. finch 2. syl finch pron pos n. def any of various similar or related birds. Finchley 0. syl Finch+ley pron <1finCli> pos n. def a residential district of N London, part of the Greater London borough of Barnet since 1965. find ety Old English findan; related to Old Norse finna, Gothic finthan, Old High German fintan to find) finds infl head find syl finds pos vb. mod mainly; tr. finding infl head find syl find+ing pos vb. mod mainly; tr. found infl head find syl found. pos vb. mod mainly; tr. find 1. syl find pron pos vb. mod mainly; tr. def to meet with or discover by chance. find 2. syl find pron pos vb. mod mainly; tr. def to discover or obtain, esp. by search or effort. exam 1 to find happiness. find 3. syl find pron pos vb. mod mainly; tr. usage may take a clause as object def to become aware of; realize. exam 1 he found that nobody knew. find 4. syl find pron pos vb. mod mainly; tr. usage may take a clause as object def to regard as being; consider. exam 1 I find this wine a little sour. find 5. syl find pron pos vb. mod mainly; tr. def to look for and point out (something to be criticized). exam 1 to find fault. find 6. syl find pron pos vb. mod also; intr. qual Law. def to determine an issue after judicial inquiry and pronounce a verdict (upon). exam 1 the court found the accused guilty. find 7. syl find pron pos vb. mod mainly; tr. def to regain (something lost or not functioning). exam 1 to find one's tongue. find 8. syl find pron pos vb. mod mainly; tr. def to reach (a target). exam 1 the bullet found its mark. find 9. syl find pron pos vb. mod mainly; tr. def to provide, esp. with difficulty. exam 1 we'll find room for you too. find 10. syl find pron pos vb. mod mainly; tr. def to be able to pay. exam 1 I can't find that amount of money. find oneself 11. head find syl find oneself. def to accept and make use of one's personality and interests. find one's feet 12. head find syl find one's feet. def to become capable or confident, as in a new job. find 13. syl find pron pos n. mod mainly; tr. def a person, thing, etc., that is found, esp. a valuable or fortunate discovery. findable sub head find syl find+a:ble pos adj. finder 1. syl find+er pron <1fInd*> pos n. def a person or thing that finds. finder 2. syl find+er pron <1fInd*> pos n. qual Physics. def a small low-power wide-angle telescope fitted to a more powerful larger telescope, used to locate celestial objects to be studied by the larger instrument. finder 3. syl find+er pron <1fInd*> pos n. qual Photog. def short for {viewfinder}. finders keepers 4. head finder syl finders keepers. qual Informal. def whoever finds something has the right to keep it. fin de siecle 1. syl fin de si*`e+cle pron French. <1sjekl> pos n. def the end of the 19th century, when traditional social, moral, and artistic values were in transition. fin-de-siecle infl head fin de siecle syl fin-de-si*`e:cle. pos adj. fin de siecle 2. syl fin de si*`e+cle pron French. <1sjekl> pos adj. def of or relating to the close of the 19th century. fin de siecle 3. syl fin de si*`e+cle pron French. <1sjekl> pos adj. def decadent, esp. in artistic tastes. finding 1. syl find+ing pron <1fIndiG> pos n. def a thing that is found or discovered. finding 2. syl find+ing pron <1fIndiG> pos n. qual Law. def the conclusion reached after a judicial inquiry; verdict. finding 3. syl find+ing pron <1fIndiG> pos n. mod pl. def the tools and equipment of an artisan. find out 1. syl find out pos vb. adv. def to gain knowledge of (something); learn. exam 1 he found out what he wanted. find out 2. syl find out pos vb. adv. def to detect the crime, deception, etc., of (someone). find the lady 0. syl find the la:dy pos n. def another name for {three-card trick}. fine ety C13: from Old French fin, from Latin f*_inis end, boundary, as in f*_inis hon*_orum the highest degree of honour fine H1.1. syl fine pron pos adj. def excellent or choice in quality; very good of its kind. exam 1 a fine speech. fine H1.2. syl fine pron pos adj. def superior in skill, ability, or accomplish?!ment. exam 1 a fine violinist. fine H1.3. syl fine pron pos adj. usage of weather def clear and dry. fine H1.4. syl fine pron pos adj. def enjoyable or satisfying. exam 1 a fine time. fine H1.5. syl fine pron pos adj. qual Informal. usage postpositive def quite well; in satisfactory health. exam 1 I feel fine. fine H1.6. syl fine pron pos adj. def of delicate composition or careful workmanship. exam 1 fine crystal. fine H1.7. syl fine pron pos adj. usage of precious metals def pure or having a high or specified degree of purity. exam 1 fine silver; exam 2 gold 98 per cent fine. fine H1.8. syl fine pron pos adj. def subtle in perception; discriminating. exam 1 a fine eye for antique brasses. fine H1.9. syl fine pron pos adj. def abstruse or subtle. exam 1 a fine point in argument. fine H1.10. syl fine pron pos adj. def very thin or slender. exam 1 fine hair. fine H1.11. syl fine pron pos adj. def very small. exam 1 fine dust; exam 2 fine print. fine H1.12. syl fine pron pos adj. usage of edges, blades, etc. def sharp; keen. fine H1.13. syl fine pron pos adj. def ornate, showy, or smart. fine H1.14. syl fine pron pos adj. def good-looking; handsome. exam 1 a fine young woman. fine H1.15. syl fine pron pos adj. def polished, elegant, or refined. exam 1 a fine gentleman. fine H1.16. syl fine pron pos adj. def morally upright and com?!mendable. exam 1 a fine man. fine H1.17. syl fine pron pos adj. usage Cricket. of a fielding position def oblique to and behind the wicket. exam 1 fine leg. fine H1.18. syl fine pron pos adj. qual Informal. usage prenominal def disappointing or terrible. exam 1 a fine mess. fine H1.19. syl fine pron pos adv. qual Informal. def quite well; all right. exam 1 that suits me fine. fine H1.20. syl fine pron pos adv. def a nonstandard word for {finely}. fine H1.21. syl fine pron pos adv. usage Billiards, etc. of a stroke on the cue ball def so as to merely brush the object ball. cut it fine 22. head fine syl cut it fine. def to allow little margin of time, space, etc. fine H1.23. syl fine pron pos vb. def to make or become finer; refine. fine H1.24. syl fine pron pos vb. usage often foll. by down or away def to make or become smaller. fine H1.25. syl fine pron pos vb. mod tr. def to clarify (wine, etc.) by adding finings. fine H1.26. syl fine pron pos vb. mod tr. qual Billiards. def to hit (a cue ball) fine. fine H1.27. syl fine pron pos vb. mod intr. usage foll by up; Austral. informal. of the weather def to become fine. fine ety C12 (in the sense: conclusion, settlement): from Old French fin; see #7fine %1 fine H2.1. syl fine pron pos n. def a certain amount of money exacted as a penalty. exam 1 a parking fine. fine H2.2. syl fine pron pos n. def a payment made by a tenant at the start of his tenancy to reduce his subsequent rent; premium. fine H2.3. syl fine pron pos n. qual Feudal law. def a sum of money paid by a man to his lord, esp. for a privilege. fine H2.4. syl fine pron pos n. def a method of transferring land in England by bringing a fictitious law suit: abolished 1833. fine H2.5. syl fine pron pos n. qual Archaic. def a penalty of any sort. fine H2.6.a. syl fine pron pos n. def in short; briefly. fine H2.6.b. syl fine pron pos n. def in conclusion; finally. fine H2.7. syl fine pron pos vb. mod tr. def to impose a fine on. fine ety Italian, from Latin f*_inis end fine H3.1. syl fi:ne pron <1fEnA> pos n. qual Music. def the point at which a piece is to end, usually after a or fine H3.2. syl fi:ne pron <1fEnA> pos n. qual Music. def an ending or finale. fine ety literally: fine fine H4.0. syl fine pos French. fin; n. def brandy of ordinary quality. fineable 0. syl fine+a:ble pron <1fIn*bL> pos adj. def a variant spelling of {finable}. fineableness sub head fineable syl fine+a:ble+ness pos n. fine art 1. syl fine art pos n. def art produced chiefly for its aesthetic value, as opposed to applied art. fine art 2. syl fine art pos n. mod often; pl. def Also called: {beaux arts}. any of the fields in which such art is produced, such as paint?!ing, sculpture, and engraving. fine-cut 0. syl fine-cut pos adj. usage of tobacco def finely cut or shredded. fine-draws infl head fine-draw syl fine-draws pos vb. mod tr. fine-drawing infl head fine-draw syl fine-draw:ing pos vb. mod tr. fine-drew infl head fine-draw syl fine-drew pos vb. mod tr. fine-drawn infl head fine-draw syl fine-drawn. pos vb. mod tr. fine-draw 1. syl fine-draw pos vb. mod tr. def to sew together so finely that the join is scarcely noticeable. fine-draw 2. syl fine-draw pos vb. mod tr. def to carry out the last drawing-out operation on (wire, tube, etc.) to reduce its diameter. fine-drawn 1. syl fine-drawn pos adj. usage of arguments, distinctions, etc. def precise or subtle. fine-drawn 2. syl fine-drawn pos adj. usage of wire, etc. def drawn out until very fine; attenuated. fine-drawn 3. syl fine-drawn pos adj. usage of features, etc. def delicate or refined. Fine Gael 0. syl Fi:ne Gael pron <1fin*> <1gAl> pos n. def one of the major political parties in the Republic of Ireland. fine-grain 0. syl fine-grain pos adj. qual Photog. def having or producing an image with grain of inconspicuous size. exam 1 a fine-grain image; exam 2 a fine-grain developer. fine-grained 0. syl fine-grained pos adj. usage of wood, leather, etc. def having a fine smooth even grain. finely 1. syl fine+ly pron <1fInli> pos adv. def into small pieces; minutely. finely 2. syl fine+ly pron <1fInli> pos adv. def precisely or subtly. finely 3. syl fine+ly pron <1fInli> pos adv. def splendidly or delicately. fineness 1. syl fine+ness pron <1fInnis> pos n. def the state or quality of being fine. fineness 2. syl fine+ness pron <1fInnis> pos n. def a measurement of the purity of precious metal, expressed as the number of parts per thousand that is precious metal. fine print 0. syl fine print pos n. def matter set in small type, as in a contract, esp. considered as containing unfavourable conditions that the signer might overlook. Also called: {small print}. finery H1.0. syl fin+er:y pron <1fIn*ri> pos n. def elaborate or showy decoration, esp. clothing and jewellery. finery ety C17: from Old French finerie, from finer to refine; see #7fine %1 fineries infl head finery syl fin+er:ies. pos n. mod pl. finery H2.0. syl fin+er:y pron <1fIn*ri> pos n. def a hearth for converting cast iron into wrought iron. fines herbes 0. syl fines herbes qual French def fin #!z$erb) a mixture of finely chopped herbs, used to flavour omelettes, salads, etc. finespun 1. syl fine+spun pron <1fIn1sp^n> pos adj. def spun or drawn out to a fine thread. finespun 2. syl fine+spun pron <1fIn1sp^n> pos adj. def excessively subtle or refined; not practical. finesse ety C15: from Old French, from fin fine, delicate; see #7fine %1 finesse 1. syl fi+nesse pron pos n. def elegant skill in style or performance. finesse 2. syl fi+nesse pron pos n. def subtlety and tact in handling difficult situations. finesse 3. syl fi+nesse pron pos n. qual Bridge, whist. def an attempt to win a trick when opponents hold a high card in the suit led by playing a lower card, hoping the opponent who has already played holds the missing card. finesse 4. syl fi+nesse pron pos n. def a trick, artifice, or strategy. finesse 5. syl fi+nesse pron pos vb. def to manage or bring about with finesse. finesse 6. syl fi+nesse pron pos vb. def to play (a card) as a finesse. fine structure 0. syl fine struc+ture pos n. def the splitting of a spectral line into two or more closely spaced components as a result of interaction between the spin and orbital angular momenta of the atomic electrons. Compare {hyperfine structure}. fine-toothed comb alt head fine-tooth comb or fine-tooth comb syl fine-toothed comb pos n. fine-tooth comb 1. or fine-toothed comb syl fine-tooth comb pos n. def a comb with fine teeth set closely together. go over 2. head fine-tooth comb or fine-toothrough with a fine-tooth (ed) comb syl go over def to examine very thoroughly. finfoots infl head finfoot syl fin+foots. pos n. mod pl. finfoot 0. syl fin+foot pron <1fin2fut> pos n. def any aquatic bird of the tropical and subtropical family having broadly lobed toes, a long slender head and neck, and pale brown plumage: order (cranes, rails etc.). Also called: {sungrebe}. Fingal's Cave 0. syl Fin+gal's Cave pron <1fiGgLz> pos n. def a cave in W Scotland, on Staffa Island in the Inner Hebrides: basaltic pillars. Length: 68 m (227 ft.). Height: 35 m (117 ft.). finger ety Old English; related to Old Norse fingr, Gothic figgrs, Old High German fingar; see #7five, fist finger 1.a. syl fin+ger pron <1fiGg*> pos n. def any of the digits of the hand, often excluding the thumb. Technical name: {digitus manus}. finger 1.b. syl fin+ger pron <1fiGg*> pos n. usage as modifier exam 1 a finger bowl. finger 1.c. syl fin+ger pron <1fiGg*> pos n. usage in combination; a fingernail. def Related adj.: {digital}. finger 2. syl fin+ger pron <1fiGg*> pos n. def the part of a glove made to cover a finger. finger 3. syl fin+ger pron <1fiGg*> pos n. def something that resembles a finger in shape or function. exam 1 a finger of land. finger 4. syl fin+ger pron <1fiGg*> pos n. def Also called: {digit}. the length or width of a finger used as a unit of measurement. finger 5. syl fin+ger pron <1fiGg*> pos n. def a quantity of liquid in a glass, etc., as deep as a finger is wide; tot. finger 6. syl fin+ger pron <1fiGg*> pos n. def a projecting machine part, esp. one serving as an indicator. burn one's fingers 7. head finger syl burn one's fingers. def to suffer as a result of incautious or meddlesome action. finget 8. head finger or pull one's finger out syl fin+get qual Brit. informal. def to begin or speed up activity, esp. after initial delay or slackness. finger 9.a. syl fin+ger pron <1fiGg*> pos n. def to have an interest in or take part in some activity. finger 9.b. syl fin+ger pron <1fiGg*> pos n. def to meddle or interfere. lay a finger on 10. head finger syl lay a finger on. usage usually negative def to harm. lay 11. head finger or put one's finger on syl lay def to indicate, identify, or locate accurately. finot lift 12. head finger or raise a finger syl finot lift usage foll. by an infinitive def not to make any effort (to do something). let slip through one's fingers 13. head finger syl let slip through one's fingers. def to allow to escape; miss narrowly. twist 14. head finger or wrap around one's little finger syl twist def to have easy and complete control or influence over. finger 15.a. syl fin+ger pron <1fiGg*> pos n. def to inform on or identify, esp. for the police. finger 15.b. syl fin+ger pron <1fiGg*> pos n. def to choose (the victim or location of an intended crime). finger 16. syl fin+ger pron <1fiGg*> pos vb. mod tr. def to touch or manipulate with the fingers; handle. finger 17. syl fin+ger pron <1fiGg*> pos vb. mod tr. qual Informal, chiefly U.S. def to put the finger on (see {sense 15)}. finger 18. syl fin+ger pron <1fiGg*> pos vb. mod intr. def to extend like a finger. finger 19. syl fin+ger pron <1fiGg*> pos vb. def to use one's fingers in playing (an instrument, such as a piano or clarinet). finger 20. syl fin+ger pron <1fiGg*> pos vb. def to indicate on (a composition or part) the fingering required by a pianist, harpsichordist, etc. finger 21. syl fin+ger pron <1fiGg*> pos vb. mod tr. usage usually passive def to arrange the keys of (a clarinet, flute, etc.) for playing in a certain way. fingerer sub head finger syl fin+ger+er pos n. fingerless sub head finger syl fin+ger+less pos adj. fingerboard 0. syl fin:ger+board pron <1fiGg*2bc:d> pos n. def the long strip of hard wood on a violin, guitar, or related stringed instrument upon which the strings are stopped by the fingers. finger bowl 0. syl fin+ger bowl pos n. def a small bowl filled with water for rinsing the fingers at the table after a meal. finger's breadth alt head fingerbreadth or fingerbreadth syl fin+ger's breadth pos n. fingerbreadth 0. or finger's breadth syl fin:ger+breadth pron <1fiGg*2bredT>, <-2bretT> pos n. def the width of a finger, used as an indication of length. fingered 1. syl fin+gered pron <1fiGg*d> pos adj. def marked or dirtied by handling. fingered 2.a. syl fin+gered pron <1fiGg*d> pos adj. def having a finger or fingers. fingered 2.b. syl fin+gered pron <1fiGg*d> pos adj. usage in combination exam 1 nine-fingered; exam 2 red-fingered. fingered 3. syl fin+gered pron <1fiGg*d> pos adj. usage of a musical part def having numerals indicating the necessary fingering. fingering 1. syl fin+ger+ing pron <1fiGg*riG> pos n. def the technique or art of using one's fingers in playing a musical instrument, esp. the piano. fingering 2. syl fin+ger+ing pron <1fiGg*riG> pos n. def the numerals in a musical part indicating this. fingerling 1. syl fin+ger+ling pron <1fiGg*liG> pos n. def a very young fish, esp. the parr of salmon or trout. fingerling 2. syl fin+ger+ling pron <1fiGg*liG> pos n. def a diminutive creature or object. fingermark 0. syl fin:ger+mark pron <1fiGg*2ma:k> pos n. def a mark left by dirty or greasy fingers on paintwork, walls, etc. fingernail 0. syl fin:ger+nail pron <1fiGg*2nAl> pos n. def a thin horny translucent plate covering part of the dorsal surface of the end joint of each finger. finger painting 1. syl fin+ger paint+ing pos n. def the process or art of painting with {finger paints} of starch, glycerin, and pigments, using the fingers, hand, or arm. finger painting 2. syl fin+ger paint+ing pos n. def a painting made in this way. finger post 0. syl fin+ger post pos n. def a signpost showing a pointing finger or hand. fingerprint 1. syl fin:ger+print pron <1fiGg*2print> pos n. def an impression of the pattern of ridges on the palmar surface of the end joint of each finger and thumb. fingerprint 2. syl fin:ger+print pron <1fiGg*2print> pos n. def any identifying characteristic. fingerprint 3. syl fin:ger+print pron <1fiGg*2print> pos vb. mod tr. def to take an inked impression of the fingerprints of (a person). fingerstall 0. syl fin:ger+stall pron <1fiGg*2stc:l> pos n. def a protective covering for a finger. Also called: {cot, fingertip}. finger tight 0. syl fin+ger tight pos adj. def made as tight as possible by hand. fingertip 1. syl fin:ger+tip pron <1fiGg*2tip> pos n. def the end joint or tip of a finger. fingertip 2. syl fin:ger+tip pron <1fiGg*2tip> pos n. def another term for {fingerstall}. at one's fingertips 3. head fingertip syl at one's fingertips. def readily available and within one's mental grasp. finger wave 0. syl fin+ger wave pos n. qual Hairdressing. def a wave set in wet hair by using fingers and comb only. Fingo infl or Fingos syl Fin+go pos n. mod pl. Fingos infl head Fingo or Fingo syl Fin+gos. pos n. mod pl. Fingo 0. syl Fin+go pron <1fiGg*u> pos n. def a member of a Xhosa-speaking people settled in southern Africa in the Ciskei and Transkei: originally refugees from the Zulu wars of conquest. finial ety C14: from finial (adj.), variant of #7final finial 1. syl fi+ni:al pron <1fIni*l> pos n. def an ornament on top of a spire, gable, etc., esp. in the form of a foliated fleur-de-lis. finial 2. syl fi+ni:al pron <1fIni*l> pos n. def an ornament at the top of a piece of furniture, etc. finialed sub head finial syl fi+ni+aled pos adj. finicky ety C19: from finical, from #7fine %1 finicking alt head finicky or finicky syl fin+ick+ing pos adj. finicky 1. or finicking syl fin+ick:y pron <1finiki> pos adj. def excessively particu?!lar, as in tastes or standards; fussy. finicky 2. or finicking syl fin+ick:y pron <1finiki> pos adj. def full of trivial detail; overelaborate. fining ety C17: from #7fine %1 (in the sense: to clarify, refine) fining 1. syl fin+ing pron <1fIniG> pos n. def the process of removing undissolved gas bubbles from molten glass. fining 2. syl fin+ing pron <1fIniG> pos n. def the process of clarifying liquors by the addition of a coagulant. fining 3. syl fin+ing pron <1fIniG> pos n. mod pl. def a substance, such as isinglass, added to wine, beer, etc., to clarify it. finis ety C15: from Latin finis 0. syl fin+is pron <1finis> def the end; finish: used at the end of books, films, etc. finish ety C14: from Old French finir, from Latin f*_in*_ire see #7fine %1 finish 1. syl fin+ish pron <1finiS> pos vb. mod mainly; tr. def to bring to an end; complete, conclude, or stop. finish 2. syl fin+ish pron <1finiS> pos vb. mod intr. usage sometimes foll. by up def to be at or come to the end. finish 3. syl fin+ish pron <1finiS> pos vb. mod mainly; tr. def to bring to a desired or complete condition. finish 4. syl fin+ish pron <1finiS> pos vb. mod mainly; tr. def to put a particular surface texture on (wood, cloth, etc.). finish 5. syl fin+ish pron <1finiS> pos vb. mod mainly; tr. usage often foll. by off def to destroy or defeat completely. finish 6. syl fin+ish pron <1finiS> pos vb. mod mainly; tr. def to train (a person) in social graces and talents. finish 7.a. syl fin+ish pron <1finiS> pos vb. mod mainly; tr. def to end a relationship or association. finish 7.b. syl fin+ish pron <1finiS> pos vb. mod mainly; tr. def to stop punishing a person. exam 1 I haven't finished with you yet&! finish 8. syl fin+ish pron <1finiS> pos n. mod mainly; tr. def the final or last stage or part; end. finish 9.a. syl fin+ish pron <1finiS> pos n. mod mainly; tr. def the death, destruction, or absolute defeat of a person or one side in a conflict. exam 1 a fight to the finish. finish 9.b. syl fin+ish pron <1finiS> pos n. mod mainly; tr. def the person, event, or thing that brings this about. finish 10.a. syl fin+ish pron <1finiS> pos n. mod mainly; tr. def the surface texture or appearance of wood, cloth, etc.. exam 1 a rough finish. finish 10.b. syl fin+ish pron <1finiS> pos n. mod mainly; tr. def a preparation, such as varnish, used to produce such a texture. finish 11. syl fin+ish pron <1finiS> pos n. mod mainly; tr. def a thing, event, etc., that com?!pletes. finish 12. syl fin+ish pron <1finiS> pos n. mod mainly; tr. def completeness and high quality of workmanship. finish 13. syl fin+ish pron <1finiS> pos n. mod mainly; tr. def refinement in social graces. finish 14. syl fin+ish pron <1finiS> pos n. mod mainly; tr. qual Sport. def ability to sprint at the end of a race. exam 1 he has a good finish. finisher sub head finish syl fin+ish+er pos n. finished 1. syl fin+ished pron <1finiSt> pos adj. def perfected. finished 2. syl fin+ished pron <1finiSt> pos adj. usage predicative def at the end of a task, activity, etc.. exam 1 they were finished by four. finished 3. syl fin+ished pron <1finiSt> pos adj. usage predicative def without further hope of success or continuation. exam 1 she was finished as a prima ballerina. finishing school 0. syl fin+ish+ing school pos n. def a private school for girls that prepares them for society by teaching social graces and accomplishments. Finistere 0. syl Fin+is+t*`ere pron <2fini1ste*>, French pos n. def a department of NW France, at the tip of the Breton peninsula. Capital: Quimper. Pop.: 832158 (1975). Area: 7029 sq. km (2741 sq. miles). Cape 1. head Finisterre syl Cape. def a headland in NW Spain: the westernmost point of the Spanish mainland. Finisterre 2. syl Fin+is+terre pron <2fini1ste*> pos n. def an English name for {Finist*`ere}. finite ety C15: from Latin f*_in*_itus limited, from f*_in*_ire to limit, end finite 1. syl fi+nite pron <1fInIt> pos adj. def bounded in magnitude or spatial or temporal extent. exam 1 a finite difference. finite 2. syl fi+nite pron <1fInIt> pos adj. qual Maths. def having a limited or countable number of digits, terms, etc. Compare { {infinite} (sense 5b. and c.)}. finite 3.a. syl fi+nite pron <1fInIt> pos adj. def limited or restricted in nature. exam 1 human existence is finite. finite 3.b. syl fi+nite pron <1fInIt> pos as; n. exam 1 the finite. finite 4. syl fi+nite pron <1fInIt> pos adj. def denoting any form or occurrence of a verb inflected for grammatical features such as person, number, and tense. finitely sub head finite syl fi+nite+ly pos adv. finiteness sub head finite syl fi+nite+ness pos n. fink ety C20: of uncertain origin fink 1. syl fink pron pos n. qual Slang, chiefly U.S. def a strikebreaker; blackleg. fink 2. syl fink pron pos n. qual Slang, chiefly U.S. def an informer, such as one working for the police; spy. fink 3. syl fink pron pos n. qual Slang, chiefly U.S. def an unpleasant, disappointing, or contemptible person. fink 4. syl fink pron pos vb. mod intr. qual Slang, chiefly U.S. usage often foll. by on def to inform (on someone), as to the police. fin keel 0. syl fin keel pos n. def a projection from the keel of a vessel to give it additional stability. fink out 0. syl fink out pos vb. adv. mod intr. qual Slang, chiefly U.S. def to fail to carry something out or through; give up. Finland 1. syl Fin+land pron <1finl*nd> pos n. def a republic in N Europe, on the Baltic Sea: ceded to Russia by Sweden in 1809; gained independence in 1917; Soviet invasion successfully withstood in 1939-40, with the loss of Karelia. It is generally low-lying, with about 50000 lakes, extensive forests, and peat bogs. Official language: Finnish; Swedish is also widely spoken. Religion: chiefly Lutheran. Currency: markka. Capital: Helsinki. Pop.: 4707000 (1975 est.). Area: 337000 sq. km (130120 sq. miles). Finnish name: {Suomi}. Gulf of 2. head Finland syl Gulf of. def an arm of the Baltic Sea between Finland and the Soviet Union. Finn ety Old English Finnas (plural); related to Old Norse Finnr Finn, Latin Fenn*_i the Finns, Greek Phinnoi Finn H1.1. syl Finn pron pos n. def a native, inhabitant, or citizen of Finland. Finn H1.2. syl Finn pron pos n. def a speaker of a Finnic language, esp. one of the original inhabitants of Russia, who were pushed northwards during the Slav migrations. Finn H2.0. syl Finn pron pos n. def called (in Irish legend) chief of the Fianna, father of the heroic poet Ossian. finnan haddock ety C18: finnan after River Findhorn, confused with Findon, a village in the Grampian region of Scotland+#7haddock finnan haddie alt head finnan haddock or finnan haddock syl fin+nan had+die pos n. finnan haddock 0. or finnan haddie syl fin+nan had+dock pron <1fin*n> pos n. def smoked haddock. finned 0. syl finned pron pos adj. def having one or more fins or finlike parts. finner ety C18: from #7fin %1+-#7er %1 finner 0. syl fin+ner pron <1fin*> pos n. def another name for {rorqual}. Albert infl head Finney syl Al:bert. pos n. Finney 0. syl Fin:ney pron <1fini> pos n. def born 1936, English stage and film actor. Finnic 1. syl Finn+ic pron <1finik> pos n. def one of the two branches of the Finno-Ugric family of languages, including Finnish and several languages of the N Soviet Union in Europe. Compare {Ugric}. Finnic 2. syl Finn+ic pron <1finik> pos adj. def of or relating to this group of languages or to the Finns. Finnish 1. syl Finn+ish pron <1finiS> pos adj. def of, relating to, or characteristic of Finland, the Finns, or their language. Finnish 2. syl Finn+ish pron <1finiS> pos n. def the official language of Finland, also spoken in the NW Soviet Union, belonging to the Finno-Ugric family. Finnmark 0. syl Finn+mark pron <1fin2ma:k> pos n. def a county of N Norway: the largest, northernmost, and least populated county; mostly a barren plateau. Capital: Vadso@b/. Pop.: 76354 (1971). Area: 48649 sq. km (18973 sq. miles). Finno-Ugrian alt head Finno-Ugric or Finno-Ugric syl Fin:no-U:gri:an pos n. Finno-Ugric 1. or Finno-Ugrian syl Fin:no-U:gric pron <1fin*u1u:grik>, <-1ju:-> pos n. def a family of languages spoken in Scandinavia, Hungary, and the Soviet Union, including Finnish, Estonian, Hungarian, Ostyak, and Vogul: sometimes regarded as a subfamily of a Uralic family. See also {Ural-Altaic}. Finno-Ugric 2. or Finno-Ugrian syl Fin:no-U:gric pron <1fin*u1u:grik>, <-1ju:-> pos adj. def of, relating to, or belonging to this family of languages. finnier infl head finny syl fin+ni+er pos adj. finniest infl head finny syl fin+ni+est. pos adj. finny 1. syl fin+ny pron <1fini> pos adj. qual Poetic. def relating to or con?!taining many fishes. finny 2. syl fin+ny pron <1fini> pos adj. def having or resembling a fin or fins. fino ety from Spanish: #7fine %1 fino 0. syl fi:no pron <1fEn*u> pos n. def a very dry sherry. finochio ety C18: from Italian: #7fennel finocchio alt head finochio or finochio syl fi+noc+chi:o pron pos n. finochio 0. or finocchio syl fi+noch:i:o pron pos n. def a variety of fennel, with thickened stalks that resemble celery and are eaten as a vegetable, esp. in S Europe. Niels Ryberg infl head Finsen syl Niels Ry:berg pron <1rybAr> pos n. Finsen 0. syl Fin:sen pron Danish <1fAns*n> pos n. def 1860-1904, Danish physician; founder of phototherapy: Nobel prize for physiology or medicine 1903. Finsteraarhorn 0. syl Fin+ster+aar+horn pron <2finst*r1a:hc:n> pos n. def a mountain in S central Switzerland: highest peak in the Bernese Alps. Height: 4274 m (14014 ft.). fiord 0. syl fiord pron pos n. def a variant spelling of {fjord}. fiorin ety C19: from Irish Gaelic fiorthann wheat grass fiorin 0. syl fi:o+rin pron <1fI*rin> pos n. def a temperate perennial grass, Also called: {creeping bent grass}. See {bent grass}. fipple ety C17: of unknown origin fipple 1. syl fip+ple pron <1fipL> pos n. def a wooden plug forming a flue in the end of a pipe, as the mouthpiece of a recorder. fipple 2. syl fip+ple pron <1fipL> pos n. def a similar device in an organ pipe with a flutelike tone. fipple flute 0. syl fip+ple flute pos n. def an end-blown flute provided with a fipple, such as the recorder or flageolet. fir ety Old English furh; related to Old Norse fura, Old High German foraha fir, Latin quercus oak fir 1. syl fir pron pos n. def any pyramidal coniferous tree of the N temperate genus having single needle-like leaves and erect cones: family See also {red fir, silver fir, balsam fir}. fir 2. syl fir pron pos n. def any of various other trees of the family such as the Douglas fir. fir 3. syl fir pron pos n. def the wood of any of these trees. (Arthur Annesley) Ronald infl head Firbank syl (Arthur Annesley) Ro:nald. pos n. Firbank 0. syl Fir:bank pron <1fR:b@nk> pos n. def 1886-1926, English novelist, whose works include (1919), (1923), and (1926). Firdusi alt head Firdausi or Firdausi syl Fir:du:si pron pos n. Firdausi 0. or Firdusi syl Fir:dau:si pron pos n. def pen name of ??935-1020 #7a.d., Persian epic poet; author of a chronicle of the legends and history of Persia. fire ety Old English f*_yr; related to Old Saxon fiur, Old Norse f*_urr, Old High German f*_uir, Greek pur fire 1. syl fire pron pos n. def the state of combustion in which inflammable material burns, producing heat, flames, and often smoke. fire 2.a. syl fire pron pos n. def a mass of burning coal, wood, etc., used esp. in a hearth to heat a room. fire 2.b. syl fire pron pos n. usage in combination exam 1 firewood; exam 2 firelighter. fire 3. syl fire pron pos n. def a destructive conflagration, as of a forest, building, etc. fire 4. syl fire pron pos n. def a device for heating a room, etc. fire 5. syl fire pron pos n. def something resembling a fire in light or brilliance. exam 1 a diamond's fire. fire 6. syl fire pron pos n. def a flash or spark of or as if of fire. fire 7.a. syl fire pron pos n. def the act of discharging weapons, artillery, etc. fire 7.b. syl fire pron pos n. def the shells, etc., fired. fire 8. syl fire pron pos n. def a burst or rapid volley. exam 1 a fire of questions. fire 9. syl fire pron pos n. def intense passion; ardour. fire 10. syl fire pron pos n. def liveliness, as of imagination, thought, etc. fire 11. syl fire pron pos n. def a burning sensation sometimes produced by drinking strong alcoholic liquor. fire 12. syl fire pron pos n. def fever and inflammation. fire 13. syl fire pron pos n. def a severe trial or torment (esp. in the phrase {go through fire and water}) . between two fires 14. head fire syl between two fires. def under attack from two sides. catch fire 15. head fire syl catch fire. def to ignite. fire 16.a. syl fire pron pos n. def to delay firing. fire 16.b. syl fire pron pos n. def to delay or be delayed. no smoke without fire 17. head fire syl no smoke without fire. def the evidence strongly suggests something has indeed happened. fire 18.a. syl fire pron pos n. def in a state of ignition. fire 18.b. syl fire pron pos n. def ardent or eager. open fire 19. head fire syl open fire. def to start firing a gun, artillery, etc. play with fire 20. head fire syl play with fire. def to be involved in something risky. fire 21.a. syl fire pron pos n. def to ignite. fire 21.b. syl fire pron pos n. def to arouse or excite. set the world 22. head fire or the Thames on fire syl set the world qual Informal. def to cause a great sensation. under fire 23. head fire syl under fire. def being attacked, as by weapons or by harsh criticism. fire 24. syl fire pron pos n. qual Astrology. usage modifier def of or relating to a group of three signs of the zodiac, Aries, Leo, and Sagittarius. Compare { {earth} (sense 10)}, {{air} (sense 18)}, {{water} (sense 12)}. fire 25. syl fire pron pos vb. def to discharge (a firearm or projectile) or (of a firearm, etc.) to be discharged. fire 26. syl fire pron pos vb. def to detonate (an explosive charge or device), or (of such a charge or device) to be detonated. fire 27. syl fire pron pos vb. mod tr. qual Informal. def to dismiss from employment. fire 28. syl fire pron pos vb. mod tr. qual Ceramics. def to bake in a kiln to harden the clay, fix the glaze, etc. fire 29. syl fire pron pos vb. def to kindle or be kindled; ignite. fire 30. syl fire pron pos vb. mod tr. def to provide with fuel. exam 1 oil fires the heating system. fire 31. syl fire pron pos vb. mod intr. def to tend a fire. fire 32. syl fire pron pos vb. mod tr. def to subject to heat. fire 33. syl fire pron pos vb. mod tr. def to heat slowly so as to dry. fire 34. syl fire pron pos vb. mod tr. def to arouse to strong emotion. fire 35. syl fire pron pos vb. def to glow or cause to glow. fire 36. syl fire pron pos vb. mod intr. usage of grain def to become blotchy or yellow before matur?!ity. fire 37. syl fire pron pos vb. qual Vet. science. def another word for {cauterize}. fire 38. syl fire pron pos vb. mod intr. usage Austral. slang. of a sportsman, etc. def to play well or with enthusiasm. {~} fire 39. syl fire pron pos vb. def a cry to warn others of a fire. fireable sub head fire syl fire+a:ble pos adj. fireless sub head fire syl fire+less pos adj. firer sub head fire syl fir+er pos n. fire alarm 1. syl fire a:larm pos n. def a device to give warning of fire, esp. a bell, siren, or hooter. fire alarm 2. syl fire a:larm pos n. def a shout to warn that a fire has broken out. fire-and-brimstone 0. syl fire-and-brim:stone pos adj. usage of a sermon, preacher, etc. def zealous, esp. in threatening eternal damnation. fire ant 0. syl fire ant pos n. def any mound-building predatory ant of the genus of tropical and subtropical America, that can inflict a painful sting. firearm 0. syl fire+arm pron <1fI*r2a:m> pos n. def a weapon, esp. a portable gun or pistol, from which a projectile can be discharged by an explosion caused by igniting gunpowder, etc. fire away 0. syl fire a:way pos vb. adv. mod intr. qual Informal. usage often imperative def to begin to speak or to ask questions. fireback 1. syl fire+back pron <1fI*2b@k> pos n. def Also called: {reredos}. an ornamental iron slab against the back wall of a hearth. fireback 2. syl fire+back pron <1fI*2b@k> pos n. def any pheasant of the genus of SE Asia. fireball 1. syl fire+ball pron <1fI*2bc:l> pos n. def a ball-shaped discharge of lightning. fireball 2. syl fire+ball pron <1fI*2bc:l> pos n. def the bright spherical region of hot ionized gas at the centre of a nuclear explosion. fireball 3. syl fire+ball pron <1fI*2bc:l> pos n. qual Astronomy. def another name for {bolide}. fireball 4. syl fire+ball pron <1fI*2bc:l> pos n. qual Slang. def an energetic person. firebird 0. syl fire+bird pron <1fI*2bR:d> pos n. qual Chiefly U.S. def any of various songbirds having a bright red plumage, esp. the Baltimore oriole. fire blight 0. syl fire blight pos n. def a disease of apples, pears, and similar fruit trees, caused by the bacterium and characterized by blackening of the blossoms and leaves, and cankers on the branches. fireboat 0. syl fire+boat pron <1fI*2b*ut> pos n. def a motor vessel equipped with fire-fighting apparatus. firebomb 0. syl fire+bomb pron <1fI*2bom> pos n. def another name for {incendiary} (sense 6). firebox 1. syl fire+box pron <1fI*2boks> pos n. def the furnace chamber of a boiler in a steam locomotive. firebox 2. syl fire+box pron <1fI*2boks> pos n. def an obsolete word for {tinderbox}. firebrand 1. syl fire+brand pron <1fI*2br@nd> pos n. def a piece of burning or glowing wood or other material. firebrand 2. syl fire+brand pron <1fI*2br@nd> pos n. def a person who causes unrest or is very energetic. firebrat 0. syl fire+brat pron <1fI*2br@t> pos n. def a small primitive wingless insect, that occurs in warm buildings, feeding on starchy food scraps, fabric, etc.: order (bristletails). fireguard infl head firebreak or fire line syl fire+guard pron <1fI*2ga:d> pos n. fire line infl head firebreak or fireguard syl fire line pos n. firebreak 0. syl fire+break pron <1fI*2brAk> pos n. def a strip of open land in forest or prairie, serving to arrest the advance of a fire. firebrick 0. syl fire+brick pron <1fI*2brik> pos n. def a refractory brick made of fire clay, used for lining furnaces, flues, etc. fire brigade 0. syl fire bri+gade pos n. qual Chiefly Brit. def an organized body of firemen. firebug 0. syl fire+bug pron <1fI*2b^g> pos n. qual Informal. def a person who deliberately sets fire to property. fire clay 0. syl fire clay pos n. def a heat-resistant clay used in the making of firebricks, furnace linings, etc. fire company 1. syl fire com+pa+ny pos n. def an insurance company selling policies relating to fire risk. fire company 2. syl fire com+pa+ny pos n. qual U.S. def an organized body of firemen. fire control 0. syl fire con+trol pos n. qual Military. def the procedures by which weapons are brought to engage a target. firecracker 0. syl fire+crack:er pron <1fI*2kr@k*> pos n. def a small cardboard container filled with explosive powder and lit by a fuse. firecrest 0. syl fire+crest pron <1fI*2krest> pos n. def a small European warbler, having a crown striped with yellow, black, and white. fire-cure 0. syl fire-cure pos vb. usage tr def to cure (tobacco) by exposure to the smoke and heat of an open fire. firedamp 0. syl fire+damp pron <1fI*2d@mp> pos n. def a mixture of hydrocarbons, chiefly methane, formed in coal mines. It forms explosive mixtures with air. See also {afterdamp}. fire department 0. syl fire de+part+ment pos n. qual U.S. def the department of a local authority responsible for the prevention and extinguishing of fires. firedog 0. syl fire+dog pron <1fI*2dog> pos n. def either of a pair of decorative metal stands used to support logs in an open fire. firedragon alt head firedrake or firedrake syl fire+drag:on pron <1fI*2dr@g*n> pos n. firedrake 0. or firedragon syl fire+drake pron <1fI*2drAk> pos n. qual Myth. def a fire-breathing dragon. fire drill 0. syl fire drill pos n. def a rehearsal of duties or escape procedures to be followed in case of fire. fire-eater 1. syl fire-eat:er pos n. def a performer who simulates the swallowing of fire. fire-eater 2. syl fire-eat:er pos n. def a belligerent person. fire-eating sub head fire-eater syl fire-2eat:ing pos n. adj. fire engine 0. syl fire en+gine pos n. def a heavy road vehicle that carries firemen and fire-fighting equipment to a fire. fire escape 0. syl fire es+cape pos n. def a means of evacuating persons from a building in the event of fire, esp. a metal staircase outside the building. fire-extinguisher 0. syl fire-ex:tin:guish+er pos n. def a portable device for extinguishing fires, usually consisting of a canister with a directional nozzle used to direct a spray of water, chemically generated foam, inert gas, or fine powder onto the fire. fireflies infl head firefly syl fire+flies. pos n. mod pl. firefly 1. syl fire+fly pron <1fI*2flI> pos n. def any nocturnal beetle of the family common in warm and tropical regions, having luminescent abdominal organs. See also {glow-worm}. firefly 2. syl fire+fly pron <1fI*2flI> pos n. def any tropical American click beetle of the genus esp. that have luminescent thoracic organs. fireguard 1. syl fire+guard pron <1fI*2ga:d> pos n. def Also called: {fire screen}. a metal panel or meshed frame put before an open fire to protect against falling logs, sparks, etc. fireguard 2. syl fire+guard pron <1fI*2ga:d> pos n. def a less common word for {firebreak}. fire hydrant 0. syl fire hy+drant pos n. def a hydrant for use as an emergency supply for fighting fires, esp. one in a street. Also called (U.S.): {fireplug}. fire insurance 0. syl fire in+sur+ance pos n. def insurance covering damage or loss caused by fire or lightning. fire irons 0. syl fire i:rons pos n. mod pl. def metal fireside implements, such as poker, shovel, and tongs. fireless cooker 0. syl fire+less cook+er pos n. def an insulated container that retains enough heat to cook food or keep it warm. firelock 1. syl fire+lock pron <1fI*2lok> pos n. def an obsolete type of gunlock with a priming mechanism ignited by sparks. firelock 2. syl fire+lock pron <1fI*2lok> pos n. def a gun or musket having such a lock. firemen infl head fireman syl fire+men. pos n. mod pl. fireman 1. syl fire+man pron <1fI*m*n> pos n. def a person who fights fires, usually a trained volunteer or public employee. fireman 2.a. syl fire+man pron <1fI*m*n> pos n. usage on steam locomotives def the man who stokes the fire and controls the injectors feeding water to the boiler. fireman 2.b. syl fire+man pron <1fI*m*n> pos n. usage on diesel and electric locomotives def the driver's assistant. fireman 3. syl fire+man pron <1fI*m*n> pos n. def a man who tends furnaces; stoker. fireman 4. syl fire+man pron <1fI*m*n> pos n. def Also called: {deputy}. a mine official responsible for safety precautions. U.S. equivalent: {fire boss}. fireman 5. syl fire+man pron <1fI*m*n> pos n. qual U.S. Navy. def a junior rating who works on marine engineering equipment. fire marshal 1. syl fire mar+shal pos n. qual U.S. def a public official responsible for investigating the causes of fires, enforcing fire prevention laws, etc. fire marshal 2. syl fire mar+shal pos n. qual U.S. def the head of a fire prevention organization. Firenze 0. syl Fi+ren+ze pron pos n. def the Italian name for {Florence}. fire opal 0. syl fire o:pal pos n. def an orange-red translucent variety of opal, valued as a gemstone. firepan 0. syl fire+pan pron <1fI*2p@n> pos n. def a metal container for a fire in a room. fireplace 0. syl fire+place pron <1fI*2plAs> pos n. def an open recess in a wall of a room, at the base of a chimney, etc., for a fire; hearth. fireplug 0. syl fire+plug pron <1fI*2pl^g> pos n. qual U.S. def another name for {fire hydrant}. fire power 0. syl fire pow+er pos n. qual Military. def the capability of delivering fire. fireproof 1. syl fire+proof pron <1fI*2pru:f> pos adj. def capable of resisting damage by fire. fireproof 2. syl fire+proof pron <1fI*2pru:f> pos vb. mod tr. def to make resistant to fire. fire raiser 0. syl fire rais+er pos n. def a person who deliberately sets fire to property, etc. &- {fire rais+ing} fire screen 1. syl fire screen pos n. def a decorative screen placed in the hearth when there is no fire. fire screen 2. syl fire screen pos n. def a screen placed before a fire to protect the face from intense heat. fire ship 0. syl fire ship pos n. def a vessel loaded with explosives and used, esp. formerly, as a bomb by igniting it and directing it to drift among an enemy's warships. fireside 1. syl fire+side pron <1fI*2sId> pos n. def the hearth. fireside 2. syl fire+side pron <1fI*2sId> pos n. def family life; the home. fire station 0. syl fire sta+tion pos n. def a building where fire-fighting vehicles and equipment are stationed and where firemen on duty wait. Also called (U.S.): {firehouse, station house}. firestone 0. syl fire+stone pron <1fI*2st*un> pos n. def a sandstone that withstands intense heat, esp. one used for lining kilns, furnaces, etc. firestorm 0. syl fire+storm pron <1fI*2stc:m> pos n. def a storm in which violent winds are drawn into the column of rising hot air over an area that has been severely bombed. firethorn 0. syl fire+thorn pron <1fI*2Tc:n> pos n. def any rosaceous evergreen spiny shrub of the genus of SE Europe and Asia, having bright red or orange fruits: cultivated for ornament. firetrap 0. syl fire+trap pron <1fI*2tr@p> pos n. def a building that would burn easily or one without fire escapes. fire walking 0. syl fire walk+ing pos n. def a religious rite in which people walk barefoot over white-hot ashes, stones, etc. fire wall 0. syl fire wall pos n. def a fireproof wall or partition used to impede the progress of a fire, as from one room or compartment to another. firewarden 0. syl fire+ward:en pron <1fI*2wc:dN> pos n. qual U.S. def an officer responsible for fire prevention and control in an area, esp. in a forest. fire watcher 0. syl fire watch+er pos n. def a person who watches for fires, esp. those caused by aerial bombardment. firewater 0. syl fire+wa:ter pron <1fI*2wc:t*> pos n. def any strong spirit, esp. whisky. fireweed 1. syl fire+weed pron <1fI*2wEd> pos n. def any of various plants that appear as first vegetation in burnt-over areas. fireweed 2. syl fire+weed pron <1fI*2wEd> pos n. def Also called: {pilewort}. a weedy North American plant, having small white or greenish flowers: family (composites). fireweed 3. syl fire+weed pron <1fI*2wEd> pos n. def another name for {rosebay willowherb}. {See {rosebay} (sense 2)}. firework 0. syl fire+work pron <1fI*2wR:k> pos n. def a device, such as a Catherine wheel, Roman candle, or rocket, in which combustible materials are ignited and produce coloured flames, sparks, and smoke, sometimes accompanied by bangs. fireworks 1. syl fire+works pron <1fI*2wR:ks> pos n. mod pl. def a show in which large numbers of fireworks are let off simultaneously. fireworks 2. syl fire+works pron <1fI*2wR:ks> pos n. mod pl. qual Informal. def an exciting or spectacular exhibition, as of musical virtuosity or wit. fireworks 3. syl fire+works pron <1fI*2wR:ks> pos n. mod pl. qual Informal. def a burst of temper. firing 1. syl fir+ing pron <1fI*riG> pos n. def the process of baking ceramics, etc., in a kiln or furnace. exam 1 a second firing. firing 2. syl fir+ing pron <1fI*riG> pos n. def the act of stoking a fire or furnace. firing 3. syl fir+ing pron <1fI*riG> pos n. def a discharge of a firearm. firing 4. syl fir+ing pron <1fI*riG> pos n. def something used as fuel, such as coal or wood. firing 5. syl fir+ing pron <1fI*riG> pos n. qual U.S. def a scorching of plants, as a result of disease, drought, or heat. firing line 1.a. syl fir+ing line pos n. def the positions from which fire is delivered. firing line 1.b. syl fir+ing line pos n. def the soldiers occupying these positions. firing line 2. syl fir+ing line pos n. def the leading or most advanced position in an activity. firing order 0. syl fir+ing or+der pos n. def the sequence of ignition in the cylinders of an internal-combustion engine. firing party 1. syl fir+ing par+ty pos n. def a military detachment detailed to fire a salute at a funeral. firing party 2. syl fir+ing par+ty pos n. def another name for {firing squad}. firing pin 0. syl fir+ing pin pos n. def the part of the firing mechanism of a firearm that ignites the charge by striking the primer. firing squad 0. syl fir+ing squad pos n. def a small military detachment formed to implement a death sentence by shooting. firkin ety C14: fir, from Middle Dutch vierde #7fourth+ -#7kin firkin 1. syl fir+kin pron <1fR:kin> pos n. def a small wooden barrel or similar container. firkin 2. syl fir+kin pron <1fR:kin> pos n. qual Brit. def a unit of capacity equal to nine gallons. firm ety C14: from Latin firmus firm H1.1. syl firm pron pos adj. def not soft or yielding to a touch or pressure; rigid; solid. firm H1.2. syl firm pron pos adj. def securely in position; stable or stationary. firm H1.3. syl firm pron pos adj. def definitely established; decided; settled. firm H1.4. syl firm pron pos adj. def enduring or steady; constant. firm H1.5. syl firm pron pos adj. def having determination or strength; resolute. firm H1.6. syl firm pron pos adj. usage of prices, markets, etc. def tending to rise. {~} firm H1.7. syl firm pron pos adj. def in a secure, stable, or unyielding manner. exam 1 he stood firm over his obligation to pay. firm H1.8. syl firm pron pos vb. usage sometimes foll. by up def to make or become firm. firm H1.9. syl firm pron pos vb. mod intr. usage Austral. horse racing. of a horse def to shorten in odds. firmly sub head firm syl firm+ly pos adv. firmness sub head firm syl firm+ness pos n. firm ety C16 (in the sense: signature): from Spanish firma signature, title of a partnership or business concern, from firmar to sign, from Latin firm*_are to confirm, from firmus firm firm H2.1. syl firm pron pos n. def a commercial enterprise. firm H2.2. syl firm pron pos n. def a team of doctors and their assistants. firmament ety C13: from Late Latin firm*_amentum sky (considered as fixed above the earth), from Latin: prop, support, from firm*_are to make #7firm %1 firmament 0. syl fir+ma+ment pron <1fR:m*m*nt> pos n. def the expanse of the sky; heavens. firmamental sub head firmament syl fir+ma+men+tal pron <2fR:m*1mentL> pos adj. firmer chisel 0. syl fir+mer chis+el pron <1fR:m*> pos n. def a chisel or gouge with a thin blade, used on wood. Sometimes shortened to {firmer}. firmware 0. syl firm+ware pron <1fR:m2we*> pos n. qual Computer technol. def a series of fixed instructions that requires computer hardware to change it. firn ety C19: from German (Swiss dialect) firn of the previous year, from Old High German firni old firn 0. syl firn pron pos n. def another name for { {n*'ev*'e} (sense 1)}. firry 1. syl fir+ry pron <1fR:ri> pos adj. def of, relating to, or made from fir trees. firry 2. syl fir+ry pron <1fR:ri> pos adj. def abounding in or dominated by firs. first ety Old English fyrest; related to Old Saxon furist, Old Norse fyrstr, German F*"urst prince, one who is first in rank first 1.a. syl first pron pos adj. usage usually prenominal def coming before all others; earliest, best, or foremost. first 1.b. syl first pron pos as; n. usage usually prenominal exam 1 I was the first to arrive. first 2. syl first pron pos adj. usage usually prenominal def preceding all others in numbering or counting order; the ordinal number of Often written: 1st. first 3. syl first pron pos adj. usage usually prenominal def rated, graded, or ranked above all other levels. first 4. syl first pron pos adj. usage usually prenominal def denoting the lowest forward ratio of a gearbox in a motor vehicle. first 5.a. syl first pron pos adj. usage usually prenominal def denoting the highest part assigned to one of the voice parts in a chorus or one of the sections of an orchestra. exam 1 first soprano; exam 2 the first violins. first 5.b. syl first pron pos adj. usage usually prenominal def denoting the principal player in a specific orchestral section. exam 1 he plays first horn. first thing 6. head first syl first thing. usage usually prenominal def as the first action of the day. exam 1 I'll see you first thing tomorrow. first things first 7. head first syl first things first. usage usually prenominal def things must be done in order of priority. fidea infl head first syl fidea etc infl head first syl etc. the first thing 8. head first syl the first thing usage usually prenominal; in negative constructions def even one thing, etc.. exam 1 he doesn't know the first thing about me. first 9. syl first pron pos n. usage usually prenominal def the beginning; outset. exam 1 I knew you were a rogue from the first; exam 2 I couldn't see at first because of the mist. first 10. syl first pron pos n. qual Education, chiefly Brit. usage usually prenominal def an honours degree of the highest class. Full term: {first-class honours degree}. first 11. syl first pron pos n. usage usually prenominal def the lowest forward ratio of a gearbox in a motor vehicle; low gear. first 12.a. syl first pron pos n. usage usually prenominal def the highest part in a particular section of a chorus or orchestra. first 12.b. syl first pron pos n. usage usually prenominal def the instrument or voice taking such a part. first 12.c. syl first pron pos n. usage usually prenominal def the chief or leading player in a section of an orchestra; principal. first 13. syl first pron pos n. qual Music. usage usually prenominal def a rare word for {{prime} (sense 11)}. first 14. syl first pron pos adv. usage usually prenominal def Also: {firstly}. before anything else in order, time, preference, importance, etc.. exam 1 do this first. first and last 15. head first syl first and last. usage usually prenominal def on the whole; overall. from first to last 16. head first syl from first to last. usage usually prenominal def through?!out. first 17. syl first pron pos adv. usage usually prenominal def for the first time. exam 1 I've loved you since I first saw you. first 18. syl first pron pos adv. usage usually prenominal; sentence modifier def in the first place or beginning of a series of actions. exam 1 first I want to talk about criminality. first aid 1.a. syl first aid pos n. def immediate medical assistance given in an emergency. first aid 1.b. syl first aid pos n. usage as modifier exam 1 first-aid box. first aid 2. syl first aid pos n. usage in Barbados def a small shop that sells domestic items after hours. first base 1.a. syl first base pos n. def the base that a runner must reach safely to score a hit, and the first of the three bases he must reach safely on the way to home plate in order to score a run. first base 1.b. syl first base pos n. def the fielding position nearest this base. get to first base 2. head first base syl get to first base. qual Informal, chiefly U.S. def to accomplish the first step of an undertaking. first-born 1. syl first-born pos adj. def eldest of the children in a family. first-born 2. syl first-born pos n. def the eldest child in a family. first cause 1. syl first cause pos n. def a source or cause of something. first cause 2. syl first cause pos n. usage often caps.; esp. in philosophy def God considered as the uncaused creator of all beings apart from himself. first class 1. syl first class pos n. def the class or grade of the best or highest value, quality, etc. (first-class infl head first class syl (first-class pos adj. first class xref syl first class pos adj. exam 1 when prenominal) . first class 2. syl first class pos adj. def of the best or highest class or grade. exam 1 a first-class citizen. first class 3. syl first class pos adj. def excellent; first-rate. first class 4. syl first class pos adj. def of or denoting the most comfortable and expensive class of accommodation in a hotel, aircraft, train, etc. first class 5.a. syl first class pos adj. usage in Britain def of or relating to letters that are handled faster than second-class letters. first class 5.b. syl first class pos adj. usage in the U.S. and Canada def of or relating to mail that consists mainly of written letters, cards, etc. first class 6. syl first class pos adj. qual Education. def See { {first} (sense 10)}. first-class infl head first class syl first-class. pos adv. first class 7. syl first class pos adv. def by first-class mail, means of transportation, etc. first-day cover 0. syl first-day cov+er pos n. qual Philately. def a cover, usually an envelope, postmarked on the first day of the issue of its stamps. first-degree burn 0. syl first-de:gree burn pos n. qual Pathol. def See { {burn} %1 (sense 19)}. First Empire 0. syl First Em+pire pos n. def the period of imperial rule in France (1804-14) under Napoleon Bonaparte. first estate 0. syl first es+tate pos n. def the first of the three estates of the realm, such as the Lords Spiritual in England or the clergy in France until the revolution. first floor 1. syl first floor pos n. qual Brit. def the floor or storey of a building immediately above the ground floor. U.S. term: {second floor}. first floor 2. syl first floor pos n. qual U.S. def another term for {ground floor}. first-foot 1. syl first-foot pos n. qual Chiefly Scot. usage also def the first person to enter a household in the New Year. By Hogmanay tradition a dark-haired person who crosses the threshold at midnight brings good luck. first-foot 2. syl first-foot pos vb. qual Chiefly Scot. def to enter (a house) as first-foot. first-footing sub head first-foot syl first-1foot:ing pos n. first fruits 1. syl first fruits pos n. mod pl. def the first results, products, or profits of an undertaking. first fruits 2. syl first fruits pos n. mod pl. def fruit that ripens first. first-hand 1. syl first-hand pos adj. adv. def from the original source; direct or directly. exam 1 first-hand news; exam 2 he got the news first-hand. first-hat first hand 2. head first-hand syl first-hat first hand. def from the original source; directly. First International 0. syl First In+ter+na+tion+al pos n. def an association of socialists and labour leaders founded in London in 1864 and dissolved in Philadelphia in 1876. Official name: {International Workingmen's Association}. first lady 1. syl first la:dy pos n. qual U.S. usage often caps. def the wife or official hostess of a chief executive, esp. of a state governor or a president. first lady 2. syl first la:dy pos n. usage often caps. def a woman considered to be at the top of her profession or art. exam 1 the first lady of jazz. first lieutenant 1. syl first lieu+ten+ant pos n. def the officer responsible for the upkeep and maintenance of a warship, esp. the executive officer of a smaller ship in the Royal Navy. first lieutenant 2. syl first lieu+ten+ant pos n. def an officer holding commissioned rank in the U.S. Army, Air Force, Marine Corps, or in certain other forces, senior to a second lieutenant and junior to a captain. firstling 0. syl first+ling pron <1fR:stliG> pos n. def the first, esp. the first offspring. firstly 0. syl first+ly pron <1fR:stli> pos adv. def another word for { {first} (sense 14)}. first mate 0. syl first mate pos n. def an officer second in command to the captain of a merchant ship. Also called: {first officer}. first mortgage 0. syl first mort+gage pos n. def a mortgage that has priority over other mortgages on the same property, except for taxation and other statutory liabilities. first name 0. syl first name pos n. def another term for Christian name. first night 0.a. syl first night pos n. def the first public performance of a play or other production. first night 0.b. syl first night pos n. usage as modifier exam 1 first-night nerves. first-nighter 0. syl first-night:er pos n. def a member of an opening night audience, esp. one who habitually attends first nights. first offender 0. syl first of+fend+er pos n. def a person convicted of any criminal offence for the first time. first officer 1. syl first of+fic+er pos n. def another name for {first mate}. first officer 2. syl first of+fic+er pos n. def the member of an aircraft crew who is second in command to the captain. first-past-the-post 0. syl first-past-the-post usage modifier def of or relating to a voting system in which a candidate may be elected by a simple majority rather than an absolute majority. first person 0. syl first per+son pos n. def a grammatical category of pronouns and verbs used by the speaker to refer to or talk about himself, either alone ({first person singular}) or together with others ({first person plural) }. first post 0. syl first post pos n. qual Brit. def the first of two military bugle calls ordering or giving notice of the time to retire for the night. The second is called {last post}. first principle 0. syl first prin+ci+ple pos n. mod usually; pl. def one of the fundamental assumptions, axioms, laws, etc., that form the basis of a scientific, mathematical, or logical argument or theory. first quarter 0. syl first quar+ter pos n. def one of the four principal phases of the moon, occurring between new moon and full moon, when half of the lighted surface is visible from earth. Compare {last quarter}. first-rate 1. syl first-rate pos adj. def of the best or highest rated class or quality. first-rate 2. syl first-rate pos adj. qual Informal. def very good; excellent. first-rate 3. syl first-rate pos adv. qual Not standard. def very well; excellently. first reading 0. syl first read+ing pos n. def the introduction of a bill in a legislative assembly. first refusal 0. syl first re+fus+al pos n. def the chance of buying a house, merchandise, etc., before the offer is made to other potential buyers. First Republic 0. syl First Re+pub+lic pos n. def the republic in France, which lasted from the abolition of the monarchy in 1792 until Napoleon Bonaparte proclaimed himself emperor in 1804. firsts 0. syl firsts pron pos n. mod pl. def saleable goods of the highest quality. first school 0. syl first school pos n. qual Brit. def a school for children aged between 5 and 8 or 9. Compare {middle school}. first string 1. syl first string pos n. def the top player of a team in an individual sport, such as squash. first-string infl head first string syl first-string. pos adj. first string 2. syl first string pos adj. def being a regular member of a team rather than a substitute or reserve. first string 3. syl first string pos adj. def being the top player of a team in an individual sport. first string 4. syl first string pos adj. def of high rating; first-class. first water 1. syl first wa+ter pos n. def the finest quality of diamond or other precious stone. first water 2. syl first wa+ter pos n. def the highest grade or best quality. first water 3. syl first wa+ter pos n. def the most extreme kind. exam 1 a fool of the first water. First World War 0. syl First World War pos n. def another name for {World War I}. firth ety C15: from Old Norse fj*"orthr #7fiord frith alt head firth or firth syl frith pos n. firth 0. or frith syl firth pron pos n. def a relatively narrow inlet of the sea, esp. in Scotland. fisc ety C16: from Latin fiscus treasury, originally money-bag fisc 0. syl fisc pron pos n. qual Rare. def a state or royal treasury. fiscal ety C16: from Latin fisc*_alis concerning the state treasury, from fiscus public money; see #7fisc fiscal 1. syl fis+cal pron <1fiskL> pos adj. def of or relating to government finances, esp. tax revenues. fiscal 2. syl fis+cal pron <1fiskL> pos adj. def of or involving financial matters. fiscal 3.a. syl fis+cal pron <1fiskL> pos n. usage in some countries def a public prosecutor. fiscal 3.b. syl fis+cal pron <1fiskL> pos n. qual Scot. def short for {procurator fiscal}. fiscal 4. syl fis+cal pron <1fiskL> pos n. def a postage or other stamp signifying payment of a tax. fiscally sub head fiscal syl fis+cal+ly pos adv. fiscal year 0. syl fis+cal year pos n. def the U.S. term for {financial year}. Emil Hermann 1. head Fischer syl E:mil Her:mann pron <1A:mEl> <1herman> def 1852-1919, German chemist noted particularly for his work on synthetic sugars and the purine group: Nobel prize for chemistry 1902. Robert James infl head Fischer syl Rob:ert James pos n. Fischer 3. syl Fisch:er pron <1fiS*> pos n. def called born 1943, U.S. chess player; world champion 1972-75. Fischer-Dietrich infl head Fischer-Dieskau syl Fisch:er-Die:trich pron <1dEtri*,c> pos n. Fischer-Dieskau 0. syl Fisch:er-Die:skau pron German <1fiS*r> <1dEskau> pos n. def born 1925, German baritone, noted particularly for his interpretation of Schubert's song cycles. fish ety Old English fisc; related to Old Norse fiskr, Gothic fiscs, Russian piskar, Latin piscis fishes alt head fish or fish syl fish:es. pos n. mod pl. fish 1.a. or fishes syl fish pron pos n. mod pl. def any of a large group of cold-blooded aquatic vertebrates having jaws, gills, and usually fins and a skin covered in scales: includes the sharks and rays (class {cartilaginous fishes}) and the teleosts, lungfish, etc. (class {bony fishes) }. fish 1.b. or fishes syl fish pron pos n. mod pl. usage in combination; fishpond. def Related adj.: {piscine}. fish 2. or fishes syl fish pron pos n. mod pl. def any of various similar but jawless vertebrates, such as the hagfish and lamprey. fish 3. or fishes syl fish pron pos n. mod pl. usage not in technical use def any of various aquatic invertebrates, such as the cuttlefish, jellyfish, and crayfish. fish 4. or fishes syl fish pron pos n. mod pl. def the flesh of fish used as food. fish 5. or fishes syl fish pron pos n. mod pl. qual Informal. def a person of little emotion or intelligence. exam 1 a poor fish. fish 6. or fishes syl fish pron pos n. mod pl. def short for {fishplate}. fish 7. or fishes syl fish pron pos n. mod pl. def Also called: {tin fish}. an informal word for { {torpedo} (sense 1)}. a fine kettle of fish 8. head fish syl a fine kettle of fish. def a great problem; trouble. drink like a fish 9. head fish syl drink like a fish. def to drink to excess. have other fish to fry 10. head fish syl have other fish to fry. def to have other activities to do, esp. more important ones. like a fish out of water 11. head fish syl like a fish out of water. def out of one's usual place. flesh infl head fish syl flesh nor fowl infl head fish syl nor fowl. neither fish 12. head fish syl neither fish def neither this nor that. fish 13. or fishes syl fish pron pos vb. mod intr. def to attempt to catch fish, as with a line and hook or with nets, traps, etc. fish 14. or fishes syl fish pron pos vb. mod tr. def to fish in (a particular area of water). fish 15. or fishes syl fish pron pos vb. mod pl. def to search (a body of water) for something or to search for something, esp. in a body of water. fish 16. or fishes syl fish pron pos vb. mod intr. usage foll. by for def to seek something indirectly. exam 1 to fish for compliments. fish in troubled water 17. head fish syl fish in troubled water. def to try to take advantage of confusion or trouble. {~} See also {fish out}. fishable sub head fish syl fish+a:ble pos adj. fishlike sub head fish syl fish+2like pos adj. fish and chips 0. syl fish and chips pos n. def fish fillets coated with batter and deep-fried, eaten with potato chips. fish-and-chip shop 0. syl fish-and-chip shop pos n. usage in Britain def a place where fish and chips are cooked and sold. fishbolt 0. syl fish+bolt pron <1fiS2b*ult> pos n. def a bolt used for fastening a fishplate to a rail. fishbowl 0. syl fish+bowl pron <1fiS2b*ul> pos n. def another name for {goldfish bowl}. fish cake 0. syl fish cake pos n. def a fried ball of flaked fish mixed with mashed potatoes. fish eagle 0. syl fish ea:gle pos n. def another name for the {osprey}. fisher 1. syl fish+er pron <1fiS*> pos n. def a person who fishes; fisherman. fisher 2. syl fish+er pron <1fiS*> pos n. def Also called: {pekan}. fisher 2.a. syl fish+er pron <1fiS*> pos n. def a large North American marten, having thick dark brown fur. fisher 2.b. syl fish+er pron <1fiS*> pos n. def the fur of this animal. fisher of men 3. head fisher syl fisher of men. def an evangelist. Andrew 1. head Fisher syl An:drew. def 1862-1928, Australian statesman, born in Scotland: prime minister of Australia (1908-09; 1910-13; 1914-15). Geoffrey Francis 2. head Fisher syl Geof:frey Fran:cis def Baron Fisher of Lambeth. 1887-1972, archbishop of Canterbury (1945-61). Saint John 3. head Fisher syl Saint John. def ??1469-1535, English prelate and scholar: executed for refusing to acknowledge Henry VIII as supreme head of the church. Feast day: June 20. John Arbuthnot 4. head Fisher syl John Ar:buth:not def 1st Baron Fisher of Kilverstone. 1841-1920, British admiral; First Sea Lord (1904-10; 1914-15); introduced the dreadnought. fishermen infl head fisherman syl fish:er+men. pos n. mod pl. fisherman 1. syl fish:er+man pron <1fiS*m*n> pos n. def a person who fishes as a profession or for sport. fisherman 2. syl fish:er+man pron <1fiS*m*n> pos n. def a vessel used for fishing. fisherman's bend 0. syl fish:er+man's bend pos n. def a knot used to fasten a rope to an anchor, ring, or spar. fisheries infl head fishery syl fish+er:ies. pos n. mod pl. fishery 1.a. syl fish+er:y pron <1fiS*ri> pos n. def the industry of catching, processing, and selling fish. fishery 1.b. syl fish+er:y pron <1fiS*ri> pos n. def a place where this is carried on. fishery 2. syl fish+er:y pron <1fiS*ri> pos n. def a place where fish are reared. fishery 3. syl fish+er:y pron <1fiS*ri> pos n. def a fishing ground. fishery 4. syl fish+er:y pron <1fiS*ri> pos n. qual Law. def another word for {piscary}. the infl head Fishes syl the. pos n. Fishes 0. syl Fish:es pron <1fiSiz> pos n. def the constellation Pisces, the twelfth sign of the zodiac. fish-eye lens 0. syl fish-eye lens pos n. qual Photog. def a lens of small focal length, having a highly curved protruding front element, that covers an angle of view of almost 180?%. It yields a circular image having considerable linear distortion. fish stick alt head fishfinger or fishfinger syl fish stick pos n. qual U.S. fishfinger 0. or fish stick syl fish+fin:ger pron <1fiS1fiGg*> pos n. def an oblong piece of filleted or minced fish coated in breadcrumbs. fish flake 0. syl fish flake pos n. qual Canadian. def a platform on which fish are dried. fishgig ety C17: of uncertain origin; perhaps altered from Spanish fisga harpoon fishgig 0. syl fish+gig pron <1fiS2gig> pos n. def a pole with barbed prongs for impaling fish. Also: {fizgig}. fish hawk 0. syl fish hawk pos n. def another name for the {osprey}. fish-hook 0. syl fish-hook pos n. def a sharp hook used in angling, esp. one with a barb. fishing 1.a. syl fish+ing pron <1fiSiG> pos n. def the occupation of catching fish. fishing 1.b. syl fish+ing pron <1fiSiG> pos n. usage as modifier exam 1 a fishing match. fishing 2. syl fish+ing pron <1fiSiG> pos n. def another word for { {piscary} (sense 2)}. fishing rod 0. syl fish+ing rod pos n. def a long tapered flexible pole, often in jointed sections, for use with a fishing line and, usually, a reel. fishing tackle 0. syl fish+ing tack+le pos n. def all the equipment, such as rods, lines, bait, etc., used in angling. fish joint 0. syl fish joint pos n. def a connection formed by fishplates at the meeting point of two rails, beams, etc., as on a railway. fish ladder 0. syl fish lad+der pos n. def a row of ascending pools or weirs connected by short falls to allow fish to pass barrages or dams. fish louse 0. syl fish louse pos n. def any small flat rounded crustacean of the subclass having sucking mouth parts: parasites of fish. fish meal 0. syl fish meal pos n. def ground dried fish used as feed for farm animals, as a fertilizer, etc. fishmonger 0. syl fish+mon:ger pron <1fiS2m^Gg*> pos n. qual Chiefly Brit. def a retailer of fish. fishnet 1. syl fish+net pron <1fiS2net> pos n. qual Chiefly U.S. def a net for catching fish. fishnet 2.a. syl fish+net pron <1fiS2net> pos n. def an open mesh fabric resembling netting. fishnet 2.b. syl fish+net pron <1fiS2net> pos n. usage as modifier exam 1 fishnet tights. fish out 0. syl fish out pos vb. adv. mod tr. def to find or extract (something). exam 1 to fish keys out of a pocket. fishplate 0. syl fish+plate pron <1fiS2plAt> pos n. def a flat piece of metal joining one rail or beam to the next, esp. on railway tracks. fishskin disease 0. syl fish+skin dis+ease pron <1fiS2skin> pos n. qual Pathol. def a nontechnical name for {ichthyosis}. fishtail 1. syl fish+tail pron <1fiS2tAl> pos n. def an aeroplane manoeuvre in which the tail is moved from side to side to reduce speed. fishtail 2. syl fish+tail pron <1fiS2tAl> pos n. def a nozzle having a long narrow slot at the top, placed over a Bunsen burner to produce a thin fanlike flame. fishtail 3. syl fish+tail pron <1fiS2tAl> pos vb. mod intr. def to slow an aeroplane by moving the tail from side to side. fish tail 0. syl fish tail pos n. def a step in ballroom dancing in which the feet are quickly crossed. fishwives infl head fishwife syl fish+wives. pos n. mod pl. fishwife 1. syl fish+wife pron <1fiS2wIf> pos n. def a woman who sells fish. fishwife 2. syl fish+wife pron <1fiS2wIf> pos n. def a coarse scolding woman. fishier infl head fishy syl fish:i+er pos adj. fishiest infl head fishy syl fish:i+est. pos adj. fishy 1. syl fish:y pron <1fiSi> pos adj. def of, involving, or suggestive of fish. fishy 2. syl fish:y pron <1fiSi> pos adj. def abounding in fish. fishy 3. syl fish:y pron <1fiSi> pos adj. qual Informal. def suspicious, doubtful, or questionable. exam 1 their leaving at the same time looked fishy. fishy 4. syl fish:y pron <1fiSi> pos adj. def dull and lifeless. exam 1 a fishy look. fishily sub head fishy syl fish:i+ly pos adv. fishiness sub head fishy syl fish:i+ness pos n. fissi- ety from Latin fissus, past participle of findere to split fissi- 0. syl fis:si- usage combining form. def indicating a splitting or cleft. exam 1 fissi?!rostral. fissile ety C17: from Latin fissilis, from fissus split; see #7fissi - fissile 1. syl fis+sile pron <1fisIl> pos adj. qual Brit. def capable of undergoing nuclear fission as a result of the impact of slow neutrons. fissile 2. syl fis+sile pron <1fisIl> pos adj. def another word (esp. U.S.) for {fissionable}. fissile 3. syl fis+sile pron <1fisIl> pos adj. def tending to split or capable of being split. fissility sub head fissile syl fis+sil+i:ty pron pos n. fission ety C19: from Latin fissi*_o a cleaving fission 1. syl fis+sion pron <1fiS*n> pos n. def the act or process of splitting or breaking into parts. fission 2. syl fis+sion pron <1fiS*n> pos n. qual Biology. def a form of asexual reproduction in single-celled animals and plants involving a division into two or more equal parts that develop into new cells. fission 3. syl fis+sion pron <1fiS*n> pos n. def short for {nuclear fission}. fissionable 0. syl fis+sion+a:ble pron <1fiS*n*bL> pos adj. def capable of undergoing nuclear fission as a result of any process. Compare {fissile} (sense 1). fissionability sub head fissionable syl fis+sion+a:1bil+i:ty pos n. fission bomb 0. syl fis+sion bomb pos n. def a bomb in which the energy is supplied by nuclear fission. See {atom bomb}. fission-fusion bomb 0. syl fis:sion-fu:sion bomb pos n. def another name for {fusion bomb}. fission reactor 0. syl fis+sion re+ac+tor pos n. def a nuclear reactor in which a fission reaction takes place. fissipalmate 0. syl fis+si+pal+mate pron <2fisi1p@lmAt> pos adj. usage of some birds' feet def partially webbed, having lobes and fringes on separate toes. fissiparous 0. syl fis+sip:a+rous pron pos adj. qual Biology. def reproducing by fission. fissiparously sub head fissiparous syl fis+1sip:a+rous+ly pos adv. fissiparousness sub head fissiparous syl fis+1sip:a+rous+ness pos n. fissiped 1. syl fis+si+ped pron <1fisi2ped> pos adj. usage also def having toes that are separated from one another, as dogs, cats, bears, and similar carnivores. fissiped 2. syl fis+si+ped pron <1fisi2ped> pos n. usage also def a fissiped animal. fissiped xref syl fis+si+ped pron <1fisi2ped> pos adj. usage also def Compare {pinniped}. fissirostral 1. syl fis+si+ros+tral pron <2fisi1rostr*l> pos adj. usage of the beaks of some birds def broad and deeply cleft. fissirostral 2. syl fis+si+ros+tral pron <2fisi1rostr*l> pos adj. def having such a beak, as swifts and swallows. fissure ety C14: from medical Latin fiss*_ura, from Latin fissus split fissure 1. syl fis+sure pron <1fiS*> pos n. def any long narrow cleft or crack, esp. in a rock. fissure 2. syl fis+sure pron <1fiS*> pos n. def a weakness or flaw indicating impending disruption or discord. exam 1 fissures in a decaying empire. fissure 3. syl fis+sure pron <1fiS*> pos n. qual Anatomy. def a narrow split or groove that divides an organ such as the brain, lung, or liver into lobes. See also {sulcus}. fissure 4. syl fis+sure pron <1fiS*> pos n. def a small unnatural crack in the skin or mucous membrane, as between the toes or at the anus. fissure 5. syl fis+sure pron <1fiS*> pos n. def a minute crack in the surface of a tooth, caused by imperfect joining of enamel during development. fissure 6. syl fis+sure pron <1fiS*> pos vb. def to crack or split apart. fissure of Rolando ety C19: named after L. Rolando (died 1831), Italian anatomist fissure of Rolando 0. syl fis+sure of Ro:lan:do pron pos n. def another name for {central sulcus}. fissure of Sylvius ety named@T after Franciscus Sylvius (died 1652), German anatomist fissure of Sylvius 0. syl fis+sure of Syl:vi:us pron <1silvi*s> pos n. def a deep horizontal cleft in each cerebral hemisphere: marks the separation of the temporal lobe@T from@T the@T frontal@T and@T parietal@T lobes. @T fist ety Old English f*_yst; related to Old Frisian fest, Old Saxon, Old High German f*_ust; see #7five fist 1. syl fist pron pos n. def a hand with the fingers clenched into the palm, as for hitting. fist 2. syl fist pron pos n. def Also called: {fist+ful}. the quantity that can be held in a fist or hand. fist 3. syl fist pron pos n. def an informal word for {hand} or { {index} (sense 9)}. fist 4. syl fist pron pos vb. mod tr. def to hit with the fist. fistic 0. syl fist+ic pron <1fistik> pos adj. def of or relating to fisticuffs or boxing. fisticuffs ety C17: probably from fisty with the fist+{#7cuff %2} fisticuffs 0. syl fist:i+cuffs pron <1fisti2k^fs> pos n. mod pl. def combat with the fists. fistmele ety C17: from #7fist+ mele, variant of obsolete meal measure fistmele 0. syl fist+mele pron <1fist2mEl> pos n. qual Archery. def a measure of the width of a hand and the extended thumb, used to calculate the approximate height of the string of a braced bow. fistula ety C14: from Latin: pipe, tube, hollow reed, ulcer fistulas infl head fistula or fistulae syl fis+tu+las pron <-2lE> pos n. mod pl. fistulae infl head fistula or fistulas syl fis+tu+lae pron <-2lE> pos n. mod pl. fistula 1. syl fis+tu+la pron <1fistjul*> pos n. qual Pathol. def an ab?!normal opening between one hollow organ and another or between a hollow organ and the surface of the skin, caused by ulceration, congenital malformation, etc. fistula 2. syl fis+tu+la pron <1fistjul*> pos n. qual Obsolete. def any musical wind instrument; a pipe. fistular infl head fistulous or fistulate syl fis+tu+lar pron <1fistjulit> pos adj. fistulate infl head fistulous or fistular syl fis+tu+late pron <1fistjulit> pos adj. fistulous 1. syl fis+tu+lous pron <1fistjul*s> pos adj. qual Pathol. def containing, relating to, or resembling a fistula. fistulous 2. syl fis+tu+lous pron <1fistjul*s> pos adj. def hollow, esp. slender and hollow; reedlike or tubular. fistulous 3. syl fis+tu+lous pron <1fistjul*s> pos adj. def containing tubes or tubelike parts. fit ety C14: probably from Middle Dutch vitten; related to Old Norse fitja to knit fits infl head fit syl fits pos vb. fitting infl head fit syl fit+ting pos vb. fitted infl head fit syl fit+ted. pos vb. fit H1.1. syl fit pron pos vb. def to be appropriate or suitable for (a situation, etc.). fit H1.2. syl fit pron pos vb. def to be of the correct size or shape for (a connection, container, etc.). fit H1.3. syl fit pron pos vb. mod tr. def to adjust in order to render appropriate. exam 1 they had to fit the idea to their philosophy. fit H1.4. syl fit pron pos vb. mod tr. def to supply with that which is needed. fit H1.5. syl fit pron pos vb. mod tr. def to try clothes on (someone) in order to make adjustments if necessary. fit H1.6. syl fit pron pos vb. mod tr. def to make competent or ready. exam 1 the experience helped to fit him for the task. fit H1.7. syl fit pron pos vb. mod tr. def to locate with care. fit H1.8. syl fit pron pos vb. mod intr. def to correspond with the facts or circumstances. fitter infl head fit syl fit+ter pos adj. fittest infl head fit syl fit+test. pos adj. fit H1.9. syl fit pron pos adj. def suitable to a purpose or design; appropriate. fit H1.10. syl fit pron pos adj. def having the right qualifications; qualifying. fit H1.11. syl fit pron pos adj. def in good health. fit H1.12. syl fit pron pos adj. def worthy or deserving. exam 1 a book fit to be read. fit H1.13. syl fit pron pos adj. qual Informal. usage foll. by an infinitive def strongly disposed (to). exam 1 she was fit to scream. fit H1.14. syl fit pron pos n. def the manner in which something fits. fit H1.15. syl fit pron pos n. def the act or process of fitting. fit xref syl fit pron pos vb. def See also {fit in, fit out, fit up}. fitness sub head fit syl fit+ness pos n. fittable sub head fit syl fit+ta:ble pos adj. fit ety Old English fitt conflict; see #7fit %3 fit H2.1. syl fit pron pos n. qual Pathol. def a sudden attack or convulsion, such as an epileptic seizure. fit H2.2. syl fit pron pos n. def a sudden spell of emotion. exam 1 a fit of anger. fit H2.3. syl fit pron pos n. def an impulsive period of activity or lack of activity; mood. exam 1 a fit of laziness. by fits (and starts) 4. head fit syl by fits (and starts) . def in spasmodic spells; irregu?!larly. give (a person) a fit 5. head fit syl give (a person) a fit. def to surprise (a person) in an outrageous manner. have 6. head fit or throw a fit syl have qual Informal. def to become very angry or excited. fit ety Old English fitt; related to Old Norse fit hem, Old High German fizza yarn fit H3.0. syl fit pron pos n. qual Archaic. def a story or song or a section of a story or song. fitch ety C16: probably from ficheux #7fitchew fitchet alt head fitch or fitch syl fitch+et pron <1fiCit> pos n. fitch 1. or fitchet syl fitch pron pos n. def another name for { {polecat} (sense 1)}. fitch 2. or fitchet syl fitch pron pos n. def the fur of the polecat. fitchew ety C14 ficheux, from Old French ficheau, from Middle Dutch vitsau, of obscure origin fitchew 0. syl fitch+ew pron <1fiCu:> pos n. def an archaic name for {polecat}. fitful 0. syl fit+ful pron <1fitful> pos adj. def characterized by or occurring in irregular spells. exam 1 fitful sleep. fitfully sub head fitful syl fit+ful+ly pos adv. fitfulness sub head fitful syl fit+ful+ness pos n. fit in 1. syl fit in pos vb. mod tr. def to give a place or time to. exam 1 if my schedule allows it, I'll fit you in. fit in 2. syl fit in pos adv. mod intr. def to belong or conform, esp. after adjustment. exam 1 he didn't fit in with their plans. fitly 0. syl fit+ly pron <1fitli> pos adv. def in a proper manner or place or at a proper time. fitment 1. syl fit+ment pron <1fitm*nt> pos n. qual Machinery. def an accessory attached to an assembly of parts. fitment 2. syl fit+ment pron <1fitm*nt> pos n. qual Chiefly Brit. def a detachable part of the furnishings of a room. fit out 0. syl fit out pos vb. adv. mod tr. def to equip; supply with necessary or new equipment, clothes, etc. fitted 1. syl fit+ted pron <1fitid> pos adj. def designed for excellent fit. exam 1 a fitted suit. fitted 2. syl fit+ted pron <1fitid> pos adj. usage of a carpet def cut, sewn, or otherwise adapted to cover a floor completely. fitted 3. syl fit+ted pron <1fitid> pos adj. usage of furniture def built to fit a particular space. exam 1 a fitted cupboard. fitted 4. syl fit+ted pron <1fitid> pos adj. def having accessory parts. fitter 1. syl fit+ter pron <1fit*> pos n. def a person who fits a garment, esp. when it is made for a particular person. fitter 2. syl fit+ter pron <1fit*> pos n. def a person who is skilled in the assembly and adjustment of machinery, esp. of a specified sort. exam 1 an electrical fitter. fitter 3. syl fit+ter pron <1fit*> pos n. def a person who supplies something for an expedition, activity, etc. fitting 1. syl fit+ting pron <1fitiG> pos adj. def appropriate or proper; suitable. fitting 2. syl fit+ting pron <1fitiG> pos n. def an accessory or part. exam 1 an electrical fitting. fitting 3. syl fit+ting pron <1fitiG> pos n. mod pl. def furnishings or accessories in a building. fitting 4. syl fit+ting pron <1fitiG> pos n. def work carried out by a fitter. fitting 5. syl fit+ting pron <1fitiG> pos n. def the act of trying on clothes so that they can be adjusted to fit. fitting 6. syl fit+ting pron <1fitiG> pos n. qual Brit. def size in clothes or shoes. exam 1 a narrow fitting. fittingly sub head fitting syl fit+ting+ly pos adv. fittingness sub head fitting syl fit+ting+ness pos n. Emerson infl head Fittipaldi syl E:mer:son. pos n. Fittipaldi 0. syl Fit:ti:pal:di pron <2fiti1p@ldi> pos n. def born 1946, Brazilian motor-racing driver: world champion in 1972 and 1974. fit up 1. syl fit up pos adv. mod tr. usage often foll. by with def to equip or provide. exam 1 the optician will soon fit you up with a new pair of glasses. fit up 2. syl fit up pos vb. def a stage and accessories that can be erected quickly for plays. Edward 1. head Fitzgerald syl Ed:ward. def 1809-83, English poet, noted particularly for his free translation of the (1859). Ella 2. head Fitzgerald syl El:la. def born 1918, U.S. jazz singer, noted for her vocal range, clarity, and rhythm. F (rancis) Scott (Key) 3. head Fitzgerald syl F (rancis) Scott (Key) . def 1896-1940, U.S. novelist and short-story writer, noted particularly for his portrayal of the 1920s in (1925) and (1934). Bob infl head Fitzsimmons syl Bob. pos n. Fitzsimmons 0. syl Fitz:sim:mons pron <2fit1sim*nz> pos n. def 1862-1917, New Zealand boxer, born in England: world middleweight (1891-97), heavyweight (1897-99), and light-heavyweight (1903-05) champion. Fiume 0. syl Fiu+me pron <1fju:mA> pos n. def the Italian name for {Rijeka}. five ety Old English f*_if; related to Old Norse fimm, Gothic fimf, Old High German finf, Latin quinque, Greek pente, Sanskrit pa*_nca five 1. syl five pron pos n. def the cardinal number that is the sum of four and one. five 2. syl five pron pos n. def a numeral, 5, V, etc., representing this number. five 3. syl five pron pos n. def the amount or quantity that is one greater than four. five 4. syl five pron pos n. def something representing, represented by, or consisting of five units, such as a playing card with five symbols on it. five 5.a. syl five pron pos determiner. def amounting to five. exam 1 five minutes; exam 2 five nights. five 5.b. syl five pron pos determiner. usage as pronoun exam 1 choose any five you like. five xref syl five pron pos n. def Related prefixes: {penta-, quinque-}. five-eighth 0. syl five-eighth pos n. qual Austral., N.Z. def a rugby player positioned between the half-backs and three-quarters. five-faced bishop 0. syl five-faced bish+op pos n. qual Brit. def another name for {moschatel}. five-finger 0. syl five-fin:ger pos n. def any of various plants having five-petalled flowers or five lobed leaves, such as cinquefoil and Virginia creeper. fivefold 1. syl five+fold pron <1fIv2f*uld> pos adj. def equal to or having five times as many or as much. fivefold 2. syl five+fold pron <1fIv2f*uld> pos adj. def composed of five parts. fivefold 3. syl five+fold pron <1fIv2f*uld> pos adv. def by or up to five times as many or as much. five hundred 0. syl five hun+dred pos n. def a card game for three players, with 500 points for game. Five Nations 0. syl Five Na+tions pos n. mod pl. usage formerly def a confederacy of North American Indian peoples living mainly in and around present-day New York state, consisting of the Cayugas, Mohawks, Oneidas, Onondagas, and Senecas. Also called: {Iroquois}. See also {Six Nations}. five-o'clock shadow 0. syl five-o'clock shad+ow pos n. def beard growth visible late in the day on a man's shaven face. fivepenny 0. syl five+pen:ny pron <1fIfp*ni> pos adj. usage prenominal; U.S. of a nail def one and three-quarters of an inch in length. fivepins 0. syl five+pins pron <1fIv2pinz> pos n. mod functioning as; sing. def a bowling game using five pins, played esp. in Canada. fivepin sub head fivepins syl five+2pin pos adj. fiver 1. syl fiv+er pron <1fIv*> pos n. qual Informal.; Brit. def a five-pound note. fiver 2. syl fiv+er pron <1fIv*> pos n. qual Informal.; U.S. def a five-dollar bill. fives 0. syl fives pron pos n. mod functioning as; sing. def a ball game similar to squash but played with bats or the hands. five-spot 0. syl five-spot pos n. qual U.S. def a five-dollar bill. five-star 0. syl five-star pos adj. usage of a hotel, etc. def first class, top quality, or offering exceptional luxury. five stones 0. syl five stones pos n. def the game of jacks played with five stones. Five-Year Plan 0. syl Five-Year Plan pos n. usage in socialist economies def a government plan for economic development over a period of five years. fix ety C15: from Medieval Latin fix*_are, from Latin fixus fixed, from Latin f*_igere fix 1. syl fix pron pos vb. mod also; intr. def to make or become firm, stable, or secure. fix 2. syl fix pron pos vb. mod mainly; tr. def to attach or place permanently. exam 1 fix the mirror to the wall. fix 3. syl fix pron pos vb. mod mainly; tr. usage often foll. by up def to settle definitely; decide. exam 1 let us fix a date. fix 4. syl fix pron pos vb. mod mainly; tr. def to hold or direct (eyes, attention, etc.) steadily. exam 1 he fixed his gaze on the woman. fix 5. syl fix pron pos vb. mod mainly; tr. def to call to attention or rivet. fix 6. syl fix pron pos vb. mod mainly; tr. def to make rigid. exam 1 to fix one's jaw. fix 7. syl fix pron pos vb. mod mainly; tr. def to place or ascribe. exam 1 to fix the blame on someone. fix 8. syl fix pron pos vb. mod mainly; tr. def to mend or repair. fix 9. syl fix pron pos vb. mod mainly; tr. qual Informal. def to provide with. exam 1 how are you fixed for supplies?? fix 10. syl fix pron pos vb. mod mainly; tr. qual Informal. def to influence (a person, outcome of a contest, etc.) unfairly, as by bribery. fix 11. syl fix pron pos vb. mod mainly; tr. qual Slang. def to take revenge on; get even with, esp. by killing. fix 12. syl fix pron pos vb. mod mainly; tr. qual Informal. def to give (someone) his just deserts. exam 1 that'll fix him. fix 13. syl fix pron pos vb. mod mainly; tr. qual Informal, chiefly U.S. def to arrange or put in order. exam 1 to fix one's hair. fix 14. syl fix pron pos vb. mod mainly; tr. qual Informal, chiefly U.S. def to prepare. exam 1 to fix a meal. fix 15. syl fix pron pos vb. mod mainly; tr. qual Dialect or informal. def to spay or castrate (an animal). fix 16. syl fix pron pos vb. mod mainly; tr. qual U.S. dialect or informal. def to prepare oneself. exam 1 I'm fixing to go out. fix 17. syl fix pron pos vb. mod mainly; tr. qual Photog. def to treat (a film, plate, or paper) with fixer to make permanent the image rendered visible by developer. fix 18. syl fix pron pos vb. mod mainly; tr. qual Cytology. def to kill, preserve, and harden (tissue, cells, etc.) for subsequent microscopic study. fix 19. syl fix pron pos vb. mod mainly; tr. def to convert (atmospheric nitrogen) into nitrogen compounds, as in the manufacture of fertilizers or the action of bacteria in the soil. fix 20. syl fix pron pos vb. mod mainly; tr. def to reduce (a substance) to a solid or condensed state or a less volatile state. fix 21. syl fix pron pos vb. mod intr. qual Slang. def to inject a narcotic drug. fix 22. syl fix pron pos n. mod mainly; tr. qual Informal. def a predicament; dilemma. fix 23. syl fix pron pos n. mod mainly; tr. def the ascertaining of the navigational position, as of a ship, by radar, observation, etc. fix 24. syl fix pron pos n. mod mainly; tr. qual Slang. def an intravenous injection of a narcotic such as heroin. fix 25. syl fix pron pos n. mod mainly; tr. qual Informal. def an act or instance of bribery. {~} See also {fix up}. fixable sub head fix syl fix+a:ble pos adj. fixer sub head fix syl fix+er pos n. fixate ety C19: from Latin fixus fixed+-#7ate %1 fixate 1. syl fix+ate pron <1fiksAt> pos vb. def to become or cause to become fixed. fixate 2. syl fix+ate pron <1fiksAt> pos vb. qual Chiefly U.S. def to concentrate (the eyes, attention, etc.). fixate 3. syl fix+ate pron <1fiksAt> pos vb. qual Psychol. def to engage in fixation. fixate 4. syl fix+ate pron <1fiksAt> pos vb. mod tr. qual Informal. usage usually passive def to obsess or preoccupy. fixation 1. syl fix:a+tion pron pos n. def the act of fixing or the state of being fixed. fixation 2. syl fix:a+tion pron pos n. def a preoccupation or obsession. fixation 3.a. syl fix:a+tion pron pos n. def the situation of being set in a certain way of thinking or acting. fixation 3.b. syl fix:a+tion pron pos n. usage in psychoanalytical schools def a strong attachment of one person to another person or object in early life. fixation 4.a. syl fix:a+tion pron pos n. def the conversion of nitrogen in the air into a compound, esp. a fertilizer. fixation 4.b. syl fix:a+tion pron pos n. def the conversion of a free element into one of its compounds. fixation 5. syl fix:a+tion pron pos n. def the reduction of a substance from a volatile or fluid form to a nonvolatile or solid form. fixative 1. syl fix:a+tive pron <1fiks*tiv> pos adj. def serving or tending to fix. fixative 2. syl fix:a+tive pron <1fiks*tiv> pos n. def a fluid usually consisting of a transparent resin, such as shellac, dissolved in alcohol and sprayed over drawings to prevent smudging. fixative 3. syl fix:a+tive pron <1fiks*tiv> pos n. qual Cytology. def a fluid, such as formaldehyde or ethanol, that fixes tissues and cells for microscopic study. fixative 4. syl fix:a+tive pron <1fiks*tiv> pos n. def a substance added to a liquid, such as a perfume, to make it less volatile. fixed 1. syl fixed pron pos adj. def attached or placed so as to be immovable. fixed 2. syl fixed pron pos adj. def not subject to change; stable. exam 1 fixed prices. fixed 3. syl fixed pron pos adj. def steadily directed. exam 1 a fixed expression. fixed 4. syl fixed pron pos adj. def established as to relative position. exam 1 a fixed point. fixed 5. syl fixed pron pos adj. def not fluctuating; always at the same time. exam 1 a fixed holiday. fixed 6. syl fixed pron pos adj. usage of ideas, notions, etc. def firmly maintained. fixed 7. syl fixed pron pos adj. usage of an element def held in chemical combination. exam 1 fixed nitrogen. fixed 8. syl fixed pron pos adj. usage of a substance def nonvolatile. fixed 9. syl fixed pron pos adj. def arranged. fixed 10. syl fixed pron pos adj. qual Astrology. def of, relating to, or belonging to the group consisting of the four signs of the zodiac Taurus, Leo, Scorpio, and Aquarius, which are asso?!ci?!ated with stability. Compare { {cardinal} (sense 8)}, {{mutable} (sense 2)}}. fixed 11. syl fixed pron pos adj. qual Informal. def equipped or provided for, as with money, possessions, etc. fixed 12. syl fixed pron pos adj. qual Informal. def illegally arranged. exam 1 a fixed trial. fixedly sub head fixed syl fix+ed+ly pron <1fiksidli> pos adv. fixedness sub head fixed syl fix+ed+ness pos n. fixed assets 0. syl fixed as+sets pos n. mod pl. def nontrading business assets of a relatively permanent nature, such as plant, fixtures, or goodwill. Also called: {capital assets}. Compare {current assets}. fixed charge 1. syl fixed charge pos n. def an invariable expense usually at regular intervals, such as rent. fixed charge 2. syl fixed charge pos n. def a legal charge on specific assets or property, as of a company. fixed costs 1. syl fixed costs pos n. mod pl. def another name for {overheads}. fixed costs 2. syl fixed costs pos n. mod pl. def costs that do not vary with output. fixed-head coup'e 0. syl fixed-head cou+p*'e pos n. def another name (esp. Brit.) for { {coup*'e} (sense 1)}. fixed idea 0. syl fixed i:de:a pos n. def an idea, esp. one of an obsessional nature, that is persistently maintained and not subject to change. Also called: {id*'ee fixe}. fixed oil 0. syl fixed oil pos n. def a natural animal or vegetable oil that is not volatile: a mixture of esters of fatty acids, usually triglycerides. Also called: {fatty oil}. Compare {essential oil}. fixed point 1. syl fixed point pos n. qual Physics. def a reproducible invariant temperature; the boiling point, freezing point, or triple point of a substance, such as water, that is used to calibrate a thermometer or define a temperature scale. fixed point 2. syl fixed point pos n. qual Maths. def a point that is not moved by a given transformation. fixed-point representation 0. syl fixed-point rep+re+sen+ta+tion pos n. qual Computer technol. def the representation of numbers by a single set of digits such that the radix point has a predetermined location, the value of the number depending on the position of each digit relative to the radix point. Compare {floating-point representation}. fixed satellite 0. syl fixed sat+el+lite pos n. def a satellite revolving in a stationary orbit so that it appears to remain over a fixed point on the earth's surface. fixed star 1. syl fixed star pos n. def any of the stars in the Ptolemaic system, all of which were thought to be attached to an outer crystal sphere thus explaining their apparent lack of movement. fixed star 2. syl fixed star pos n. def an ex?!tremely distant star whose position appears to be almost stationary over a long period of time. fixer 1. syl fix+er pron <1fiks*> pos n. qual Photog. def a solution containing one or more chemical compounds that is used, in fixing, to dissolve un?!exposed silver halides. It sometimes has an additive to stop the action of developer. fixer 2. syl fix+er pron <1fiks*> pos n. qual Slang. def a person who makes arrange?!ments, esp. by underhand or illegal means. fixings 1. syl fix+ings pos n. mod pl. qual Chiefly U.S. def apparatus or equipment. fixings 2. syl fix+ings pos n. mod pl. qual Chiefly U.S. def accompaniments for a dish; trimmings. fixities infl head fixity syl fix+i:ties. pos n. mod pl. fixity 1. syl fix+i:ty pron <1fiksiti> pos n. def the state or quality of being fixed; stability. fixity 2. syl fix+i:ty pron <1fiksiti> pos n. def something that is fixed; a fixture. fixture ety C17: from Late Latin fix*_ura a fastening (with -t- by analogy with mixture) fixture 1. syl fix+ture pron <1fiksC*> pos n. def an object firmly fixed in place, esp. a household appliance. fixture 2. syl fix+ture pron <1fiksC*> pos n. def a person or thing regarded as fixed in a particular place or position. fixture 3. syl fix+ture pron <1fiksC*> pos n. qual Property law. def an article attached to land and regarded as part of it. fixture 4. syl fix+ture pron <1fiksC*> pos n. def a device to secure a workpiece in a machine tool. fixture 5.a. syl fix+ture pron <1fiksC*> pos n. def a sports match or social occasion. fixture 5.b. syl fix+ture pron <1fiksC*> pos n. def the date of such an event. fixture 6. syl fix+ture pron <1fiksC*> pos n. qual Rare. def the act of fixing. fixtureless sub head fixture syl fix+ture+less pos adj. fix up 1. syl fix up pos vb. adv. mod tr. def to arrange. exam 1 let's fix up a date. fix up 2. syl fix up pos vb. adv. mod tr. usage often foll. by with def to provide. exam 1 I'm sure we can fix you up with a room. fix up 3. syl fix up pos vb. adv. mod tr. qual Informal, chiefly U.S. def to repair or rearrange. exam 1 to fix up one's house. fizgig ety C16: probably from obsolete fise a breaking of wind+ gig girl fizgig 1. syl fiz+gig pron <1fiz2gig> pos n. def a frivolous or flirtatious girl. fizgig 2. syl fiz+gig pron <1fiz2gig> pos n. def a firework or whirling top that fizzes as it moves. fizgig 3. syl fiz+gig pron <1fiz2gig> pos n. def a variant spelling of {fishgig}. fizz ety C17: of imitative origin n. fizz 1. syl fizz pron pos vb. mod intr. def to make a hissing or bubbling sound. fizz 2. syl fizz pron pos vb. mod intr. usage of a drink def to produce bubbles of carbon dioxide, either through fermentation or artificially introduced. fizz 3. syl fizz pron pos n. mod intr. def a hissing or bubbling sound. fizz 4. syl fizz pron pos n. mod intr. def the bubbly quality of a drink; effervescence. fizz 5. syl fizz pron pos n. mod intr. def any effervescent drink. fizzy sub head fizz syl fizz:y pos adj. fizziness sub head fizz syl fizz:i+ness pos n. fizzer 1. syl fiz+zer pron <1fiz*> pos n. def anything that fizzes. fizzer 2. syl fiz+zer pron <1fiz*> pos n. qual Austral. slang. def a person or thing that disappoints, fails to succeed, etc.. exam 1 the horse proved to be a fizzer. fizzle ety C16: probably from obsolete fist to break wind fizzle 1. syl fiz+zle pron <1fizL> pos vb. mod intr. def to make a hissing or bubbling sound. fizzle 2. syl fiz+zle pron <1fizL> pos vb. mod intr. qual Informal. usage often foll. by out def to fail or die out, esp. after a promising start. fizzle 3. syl fiz+zle pron <1fizL> pos n. mod intr. def a hissing or bubbling sound; fizz. fizzle 4. syl fiz+zle pron <1fizL> pos n. mod intr. qual Informal. def an outright failure; fiasco. fjeld ety C19: Norwegian; related to Old Norse fjall mountain; see {#7fell %5} field alt head fjeld or fjeld syl field pron pos n. fjeld 0. or field syl fjeld pron pos n. def a high rocky plateau with little vegetation in Scandinavian countries. fjord ety C17: from Norwegian, from Old Norse fj*"orthr; see #7firth, ford fiord alt head fjord or fjord syl fiord pron pos n. fjord 0. or fiord syl fjord pron pos n. def a long narrow inlet of the sea between high steep cliffs. It is common in Norway and was probably formed by glacial action. FL ety from German F*"urstentum Liechtenstein Principality of Liechtenstein FL 0. syl FL usage international car registration for def Liechtenstein. fl 1. syl fl. qual abbrev. for: def floor. fl 2. syl fl. qual abbrev. for: def floruit. fl 3. syl fl. qual abbrev. for: def fluid. {?-$D}. (in the Netherlands) guilder. Fl 1. syl Fl. qual abbrev. for: def Flanders. Fl 2. syl Fl. qual abbrev. for: def Flemish. Fla 0. syl Fla. qual abbrev. for def Florida. flab ety C20: back formation from #7flabby flab 0. syl flab pron pos n. def unsightly or unwanted fat on the body; flabbiness. flabbergast ety C18: of uncertain origin flabbergast 0. syl flab+ber+gast pron <1fl@b*2ga:st> pos vb. mod tr. qual Informal. usage usually passive def to overcome with astonishment; amaze utterly; astound. flabby ety C17: alteration of #7flappy ; compare Dutch flabbe drooping lip flabbier infl head flabby syl flab+bi+er pos adj. flabbiest infl head flabby syl flab+bi+est. pos adj. flabby 1. syl flab+by pron <1fl@bi> pos adj. def lacking firmness; loose or yielding. exam 1 flabby muscles. flabby 2. syl flab+by pron <1fl@bi> pos adj. def having flabby flesh, esp. through being overweight. flabby 3. syl flab+by pron <1fl@bi> pos adj. def lacking vitality; weak; ineffectual. flabbily sub head flabby syl flab+bi+ly pos adv. flabbiness sub head flabby syl flab+bi+ness pos n. flabelliform alt head flabellate or flabellate syl fla+bel+li+form pron pos adj. flabellate 0. or flabelliform syl fla+bel+late pron , <-At> pos adj. qual Biology. def shaped like a fan. flabellum ety C19: from Latin: small fan, from fl*_abra breezes, from fl*_are to blow flabella infl head flabellum syl fla+bel+la pron <-l*> pos n. mod pl. flabellum 1. syl fla+bel+lum pron pos n. def a fan-shaped organ or part, such as the tip of the proboscis of a honeybee. flabellum 2. syl fla+bel+lum pron pos n. qual R.C. Church. def a large ceremonial fan. flaccid ety C17: from Latin flaccidus, from flaccus flaccid 0. syl flac+cid pron <1fl@sid> pos adj. def lacking firmness; soft and limp; flabby. flaccidity sub head flaccid or flaccidness syl flac+1cid+i:ty pos n. flaccidness sub head flaccid or flaccidity syl flac+cid+ness pos n. flaccidly sub head flaccid syl flac+cid+ly pos adv. flack 0. syl flack pron pos n. def a variant spelling of {flak}. flacon ety C19: from French; see #7flagon flacon 0. syl fla+con pron French pos n. def a small stoppered bottle or flask, such as one used for perfume. flag ety C16: of uncertain origin flag H1.1. syl flag pron pos n. def a piece of cloth, esp. bunting, often attached to a pole or staff, decorated with a design and used as an emblem, symbol, or standard or as a means of signalling. flag H1.2. syl flag pron pos n. qual Informal. def short for {flag officer} and {flagship}. flag H1.3. syl flag pron pos n. qual Journalism. def another name for { {masthead} (sense 2)}. flag H1.4. syl flag pron pos n. def the conspicuously marked or shaped tail of a deer or of certain dogs. flag H1.5. syl flag pron pos n. def a less common name for {bookmark}. flag H1.6. syl flag pron pos n. qual Brit., Austral. def the part of a taximeter that is raised when a taxi is for hire. flag H1.7.a. syl flag pron pos n. def to assert a claim, as to a territory or stretch of water, by military presence. flag H1.7.b. syl flag pron pos n. qual Informal. def to be present; make an appearance. flag H1.8.a. syl flag pron pos n. def to relinquish command, esp. of a ship. flag H1.8.b. syl flag pron pos n. def to submit or surrender. flags infl head flag syl flags pos vb. mod tr. flagging infl head flag syl flag+ging pos vb. mod tr. flagged infl head flag syl flagged. pos vb. mod tr. flag H1.9. syl flag pron pos vb. mod tr. def to decorate or mark with a flag or flags. flag H1.10. syl flag pron pos vb. mod tr. usage often foll. by down def to warn or signal (a vehicle) to stop. flag H1.11. syl flag pron pos vb. mod tr. def to send or communicate (messages, information, etc.) by flag. flag H1.12. syl flag pron pos vb. mod tr. def to decoy (game or wild animals) by waving a flag or similar object so as to attract their attention. flag H1.13. syl flag pron pos vb. mod tr. def to mark (a page in a book, card, etc.) for attention by attaching a small tab or flag. flagger sub head flag syl flag+ger pos n. flagless sub head flag syl flag+less pos adj. flag ety C14: probably of Scandinavian origin; compare Dutch flag, Danish fl@ag yellow iris flag H2.1. syl flag pron pos n. def any of various plants that have long swordlike leaves, esp. the iris ({yellow flag}) . flag H2.2. syl flag pron pos n. def the leaf of any such plant. flag xref syl flag pron pos n. def See also {sweet flag}. flag ety C16: of unknown origin flags infl head flag syl flags pos vb. mod intr. flagging infl head flag syl flag+ging pos vb. mod intr. flagged infl head flag syl flagged. pos vb. mod intr. flag H3.1. syl flag pron pos vb. mod intr. def to hang down; become limp; droop. flag H3.2. syl flag pron pos vb. mod intr. def to decline in strength or vigour; become weak or tired. flag H4.1. syl flag pron pos n. def short for {flagstone}. flags infl head flag syl flags pos vb. flagging infl head flag syl flag+ging pos vb. flagged infl head flag syl flagged. pos vb. flag H4.2. syl flag pron pos vb. mod tr. def to furnish (a floor, etc.) with flagstones. flag captain 0. syl flag cap+tain pos n. def the captain of a flagship. flag day 0. syl flag day pos n. def a day on which money is collected by a charity and small flags or emblems are given to contributors. Flag Day 0. syl Flag Day pos n. def June 14, the annual holiday in the U.S. to celebrate the adoption in 1777 of the Stars and Stripes. flagellant ety C16: from Latin flagell*_are to whip, from #7flagellum flagellator alt head flagellant or flagellant syl flag+el+la+tor pron <1fl@Ji?!2lAt*> pos n. flagellant 1. or flagellator syl flag+el+lant pron <1fl@Jil*nt>, pos n. def a person who whips himself or others either as part of a religious penance or for sexual gratification. flagellant 2. or flagellator syl flag+el+lant pron <1fl@Jil*nt>, pos n. usage often cap.; in medieval Europe def a member of a religious sect who whipped themselves in public. flagellantism sub head flagellant syl flag+el+lant+ism pos n. flagellate 1. syl flag+el+late pron <1fl@Ji2lAt> pos vb. mod tr. def to whip; scourge; flog. flagellate 2. syl flag+el+late pron <1fl@Jilit>, <-2lAt> pos adj. usage also def possessing one or more flagella. flagellate 3. syl flag+el+late pron <1fl@Jilit>, <-2lAt> pos adj. usage also def resembling a flagellum; whiplike. flagellate 4. syl flag+el+late pron <1fl@Jilit>, <-2lAt> pos n. def a flagellate organism, esp. any protozoan of the class flagellation sub head flagellate syl flag+el+1la+tion pos n. flagelliform 0. syl fla+gel+li+form pron pos adj. def slender, tapering, and whiplike, as the antennae of certain insects. flagellum ety C19: from Latin: a little whip, from flagrum a whip, lash flagella infl head flagellum or flagellums syl fla+gel+la pron <-l*> pos n. mod pl. flagellums infl head flagellum or flagella syl fla+gel+lums. pos n. mod pl. flagellum 1. syl fla+gel+lum pron pos n. qual Biology. def a long whiplike outgrowth from a cell that acts as an organ of locomotion: occurs in some protozoans, gametes, spores, etc. flagellum 2. syl fla+gel+lum pron pos n. qual Botany. def a long thin supple shoot or runner. flagellum 3. syl fla+gel+lum pron pos n. qual Entomol. def the terminal whiplike part of the antenna of many insects. flagellar sub head flagellum syl fla+1gel+lar pos adj. flageolet ety C17: from French, modification of Old French flajolet a little flute, from flajol flute, from Vulgar Latin flabeolum (unattested), from Latin fl*_are to blow flageolet 0. syl flag:eo+let pron <2fl@J*1let> pos n. def a high-pitched musical instrument of the recorder family having six or eight finger holes. flag fall 0. syl flag fall pos n. qual Austral. def the minimum charge for hiring a taxi. flagging 0. syl flag+ging pron <1fl@giG> pos n. def flagstones or a flagged area. flaggier infl head flaggy syl flag+gi+er pos adj. flaggiest infl head flaggy syl flag+gi+est. pos adj. flaggy H1.0. syl flag+gy pron <1fl@gi> pos adj. def drooping; limp. flaggy H2.0. syl flag+gy pron <1fl@gi> pos adj. def made of or similar to flagstone. flagitious ety C14: from Latin fl*_agiti*_osus infamous, from fl*_agitium a shameful act; related to Latin flagrum whip flagitious 0. syl fla+gi+tious pron pos adj. def atrociously wicked; vicious; outrageous. flagitiously sub head flagitious syl fla+1gi+tious+ly pos adv. flagitiousness sub head flagitious syl fla+1gi+tious+ness pos n. flag lieutenant 0. syl flag lieu+ten+ant pos n. def an admiral's A.D.C. flagmen infl head flagman syl flag+men. pos n. mod pl. flagman 0. syl flag+man pron <1fl@gm*n> pos n. def a person who has charge of, carries, or signals with a flag, esp. a railway employee. flag of convenience 0. syl flag of con+ven:i+ence pos n. def a national flag flown by a ship registered in that country to gain financial or legal advantage. flag officer 0. syl flag of+fic+er pos n. def an officer in certain navies of the rank of rear admiral or above and entitled to fly its flag. flag of truce 0. syl flag of truce pos n. def a white flag indicating the peaceful intent of its bearer or an invitation to an enemy to negotiate. flagon ety C15: from Old French flascon, from Late Latin flasc*_o, probably of Germanic origin; see #7flask flagon 1. syl flag+on pron <1fl@g*n> pos n. def a large bottle of wine, cider, etc. flagon 2. syl flag+on pron <1fl@g*n> pos n. def a vessel having a handle, spout, and narrow neck. flagstaff alt head flagpole or flagpole syl flag+staff pron <1fl@g2sta:f> pos n. flagpoles infl head flagpole syl flag+poles pron <-2stAvz> pos n. mod pl. flagstaffs infl head flagpole or flagstaves syl flag+staffs pron <-2stAvz> pos n. mod pl. flagstaves infl head flagpole or flagstaffs syl flag+staves pron <-2stAvz> pos n. mod pl. flagpole 0. or flagstaff syl flag+pole pron <1fl@g2p*ul> pos n. def a pole or staff on which a flag is hoisted and displayed. flag rank 0. syl flag rank pos n. def the rank of a flag officer. flagrant ety C15: from Latin flagr*_are to blaze, burn flagrant 1. syl fla+grant pron <1flAgr*nt> pos adj. def blatant; glaring; outrageous. flagrant 2. syl fla+grant pron <1flAgr*nt> pos adj. qual Obsolete. def burning or blazing. flagrancy sub head flagrant syl fla+gran+cy pos n. flagrance sub head flagrant or flagrantness syl fla+grance pos n. flagrantness sub head flagrant or flagrance syl fla+grant+ness pos n. flagrantly sub head flagrant syl fla+grant+ly pos adv. flagrante delicto ety from Latin: with the crime still blazing flagrante delicto 0. syl fla+gran+te de+lic+to pron pos adv. qual Chiefly law. def while committing the offence; red-handed. Also: {in flagrante delicto}. flags 0. syl flags pron pos n. mod pl. qual Rare. def the long feathers on the leg of a hawk or falcon. flagship 1. syl flag+ship pron <1fl@g2Sip> pos n. def a ship, esp. in a fleet, aboard which the commander of the fleet is quartered. flagship 2. syl flag+ship pron <1fl@g2Sip> pos n. def the most important ship belonging to a shipping company. Kirsten infl head Flagstad syl Kir:sten pron <1*,cirst*n> pos n. Flagstad 0. syl Flag:stad pron <1fl@gst@d>, Norwegian <1flaksta> pos n. def 1895-1962, Norwegian operatic soprano, noted particularly for her interpretations of Wagner. flagstone ety C15 flag (in the sense: sod, turf), from Old Norse flaga slab; compare Old English fl@acg plaster, poultice flag alt head flagstone or flagstone syl flag pos n. flagstone 1. or flag syl flag+stone pron <1fl@g2st*un> pos n. def a hard fine-textured rock, such as a sandstone or shale, that can be split up into slabs for paving. flagstone 2. or flag syl flag+stone pron <1fl@g2st*un> pos n. def a slab of such a rock. flag-waving 0.a. syl flag-wav:ing pos n. qual Informal. def an emotional appeal or display intended to arouse patriotic or nationalistic feeling. flag-waving 0.b. syl flag-wav:ing pos n. qual Informal. usage as modifier exam 1 a flag-waving speech. flag-waver sub head flag-waving syl flag-2wav:er pos n. flail ety C12 fleil, ultimately from Late Latin flagellum flail, from Latin: whip flail 1. syl flail pron pos n. def an implement used for threshing grain, consist?!ing of a wooden handle with a free-swinging metal or wooden bar attached to it. flail 2. syl flail pron pos n. def a weapon so shaped used in the Middle Ages. flail 3. syl flail pron pos vb. mod tr. def to beat or thrash with or as if with a flail. flail 4. syl flail pron pos vb. def to move or be moved like a flail; thresh about. exam 1 with arms flailing. flair ety C19: from French, literally: sense of smell, from Old French: scent, from flairier to give off a smell, ultimately from Latin fr*_agr*_are to smell sweet; see #7fragrant flair 1. syl flair pron pos n. def natural ability; talent; aptitude. flair 2. syl flair pron pos n. def instinctive discernment; perceptiveness. flair 3. syl flair pron pos n. qual Informal. def stylishness or elegance; dash. exam 1 to dress with flair. flair 4.a. syl flair pron pos n. def the scent left by quarry. flair 4.b. syl flair pron pos n. def the sense of smell of a hound. flak ety C20: from German Fl (ieger) a (bwehr) k (anone) literally: aircraft defence gun flack alt head flak or flak syl flack pron pos n. flak 1. or flack syl flak pron pos n. def antiaircraft fire or artillery. flak 2. or flack syl flak pron pos n. qual Informal. def a great deal of adverse criticism. flake ety C14: of Scandinavian origin; compare Norwegian flak disc, Middle Dutch vlacken to flutter flake H1.1. syl flake pron pos n. def a small thin piece or layer chipped off or detached from an object or substance; scale. flake H1.2. syl flake pron pos n. def a small piece or particle. exam 1 a flake of snow. flake H1.3. syl flake pron pos n. def a thin layer or stratum. flake H1.4.a. syl flake pron pos n. def a fragment removed by chipping or hammering from a larger stone used as a tool or weapon. See also {blade}. flake H1.4.b. syl flake pron pos n. usage as modifier exam 1 flake tool. flake H1.5. syl flake pron pos vb. def to peel or cause to peel off in flakes; chip. flake H1.6. syl flake pron pos vb. def to cover or become covered with or as with flakes. flake H1.7. syl flake pron pos vb. mod tr. def to form into flakes. flaker sub head flake syl flak+er pos n. flake ety C14: from Old Norse flaki; related to Dutch vlaak hurdle flake H2.0. syl flake pron pos n. def a rack for drying fish or other produce. flake H3.0. syl flake pron pos vb. qual Nautical. def another word for {fake} %2. flake out 0. syl flake out pos vb. adv. mod intr. qual Informal. def to become unconscious as through extreme exhaustion. flake white 0. syl flake white pos n. def a pigment made from flakes of white lead. flak jacket 0. syl flak jack+et pos n. def a reinforced sleeveless jacket for protection against gunfire worn by soldiers, policemen, etc. flakier infl head flaky syl flak:i+er pos adj. flakiest infl head flaky syl flak:i+est. pos adj. flaky 1. syl flak:y pron <1flAki> pos adj. def like or made of flakes. flaky 2. syl flak:y pron <1flAki> pos adj. def tending to peel off or break easily into flakes. flakily sub head flaky syl flak:i+ly pos adv. flakiness sub head flaky syl flak:i+ness pos n. flaky pastry 0. syl flak:y pas+try pos n. def a rich pastry in the form of very thin layers, used for making pies, small cakes, etc. flam ety C16: probably short for #7flimflam flam H1.1. syl flam pron pos n. qual Now chiefly dialect. def a falsehood, deception, or sham. flam H1.2. syl flam pron pos n. qual Now chiefly dialect. def nonsense; drivel. flams infl head flam syl flams pos vb. flamming infl head flam syl flam+ming pos vb. flammed infl head flam syl flammed. pos vb. flam H1.3. syl flam pron pos vb. mod tr. qual Now chiefly dialect. def to cheat or deceive. flam ety C18: probably imitative of the sound flam H2.0. syl flam pron pos n. def a drumbeat in which both sticks strike the head almost simultaneously but are heard to do so separately. flamb'e ety French, past participle of flamber to #7flame flamb'ee alt head flamb'e or flamb'e syl flam+b*'ee pron <1fla:mbA>, <1fl@m->, French pos adj. flamb'e 0. or flamb'ee syl flam+b*'e pron <1fla:mbA>, <1fl@m->, French pos adj. usage of food, such as steak or pancakes def served in flaming brandy, etc. flambeau ety C17: from Old French: torch, literally: a little flame, from flambe #7flame flambeaux infl head flambeau or flambeaus syl flam+beaux pron <-b*u>, <-b*uz> pos n. mod pl. flambeaus infl head flambeau or flambeaux syl flam+beaus. pos n. mod pl. flambeau 1. syl flam+beau pron <1fl@mb*u> pos n. def a burning torch, as used in night processions, etc. flambeau 2. syl flam+beau pron <1fl@mb*u> pos n. def a large ornamental candlestick. Flamborough Head 0. syl Flam+bor+ough Head pron <1fl@mb*r*> <-br*> pos n. def a chalk promontory in NE England, on the coast of Humberside. flamboyant ety C19: from French: flaming, from flamboyer to #7flame flamboyant 1. syl flam+boy+ant pron pos adj. def elaborate or extravagant; florid; showy. flamboyant 2. syl flam+boy+ant pron pos adj. def rich or brilliant in colour; resplendent. flamboyant 3. syl flam+boy+ant pron pos adj. def of, denoting, or relating to the French Gothic style of architecture characterized by flamelike tracery and elaborate carving. flamboyant 4. syl flam+boy+ant pron pos n. def another name for {royal poinciana}. flamboyance sub head flamboyant or flamboyancy syl flam+1boy+ance pos n. flamboyancy sub head flamboyant or flamboyance syl flam+1boy+an+cy pos n. flamboyantly sub head flamboyant syl flam+1boy+ant+ly pos adv. flame ety C14: from Anglo-French flaume, from Old French flambe, modification of flamble, from Latin flammula a little flame, from flamma flame flame 1. syl flame pron pos n. def a hot usually luminous body of burning gas often containing small incandescent particles, typically emanat?!ing in flickering streams from burning material or produced by a jet of ignited gas. flame 2. syl flame pron pos n. mod often; pl. def the state or condition of burning with flames. exam 1 to burst into flames. flame 3. syl flame pron pos n. def a brilliant light; fiery glow. flame 4.a. syl flame pron pos n. def a strong reddish-orange colour. flame 4.b. syl flame pron pos as; adj. exam 1 a flame carpet. flame 5. syl flame pron pos n. def intense passion or ardour; burning emotion. flame 6. syl flame pron pos n. qual Informal. def a lover or sweetheart (esp. in the phrase {an old flame}) . flame sub syl flame pron pos vb. flame 7. syl flame pron pos n. def to burn or cause to burn brightly; give off or cause to give off flame. flame 8. syl flame pron pos n. mod intr. def to burn or glow as if with fire; become red or fiery. exam 1 his face flamed with anger. flame 9. syl flame pron pos n. mod intr. def to show great emotion; become angry or excited. flame 10. syl flame pron pos n. mod tr. def to apply a flame to (something). flame 11. syl flame pron pos n. mod tr. qual Archaic. def to set on fire, either physically or with emotion. flamer sub head flame syl flam+er pos n. flameless sub head flame syl flame+less pos adj. flamelet sub head flame syl flame+let pos n. flamelike sub head flame syl flame+2like pos adj. flamy sub head flame syl flam:y pos adj. flame cell 0. syl flame cell pos n. def an organ of excretion in flatworms: a hollow cup-shaped cell containing a bunch of cilia, whose movement draws in waste products and wafts them to the outside through a connecting tubule. flame gun 0. syl flame gun pos n. def a type of flame-thrower for destroying garden weeds, etc. flamen ety C14: from Latin; probably related to Old English bl*_otan to sacrifice, Gothic blotan to worship flamens infl head flamen or flamines syl fla+mens pron <1fl@mi2nEz> pos n. mod pl. flamines infl head flamen or flamens syl fla+mi+nes pron <1fl@mi2nEz> pos n. mod pl. flamen 0. syl fla+men pron <1flAmen> pos n. usage in ancient Rome def any of 15 priests who each served a particu?!lar deity. flamenco ety from Spanish: like a gipsy, literally: Fleming, from Middle Dutch Vlaminc Fleming flamencos infl head flamenco syl fla+men+cos. pos n. mod pl. flamenco 1. syl fla+men+co pron pos n. def a type of dance music for vocal soloist and guitar, characterized by elaborate melody and sad mood. flamenco 2. syl fla+men+co pron pos n. def the dance performed to such music. flame-of-the-forest 1. syl flame-of-the-for:est pos n. usage esp. in Malaysia def another name for {royal poinciana}. flame-of-the-forest 2. syl flame-of-the-for:est pos n. def a papilionaceous tree, native to E India and Burma, having hanging clusters of scarlet flowers. flameout 1. syl flame+out pron <1flAm2aut> pos n. def the failure of an aircraft jet engine in flight due to extinction of the flame. flame out infl head flameout syl flame out. pos adv. flameout 2. syl flame+out pron <1flAm2aut> pos vb. usage of a jet engine def to fail in flight or to cause (a jet engine) to fail in flight. flameproof 1. syl flame+proof pron <1flAm2pru:f> pos adj. def not liable to catch fire or be damaged by fire. flameproof 2. syl flame+proof pron <1flAm2pru:f> pos adj. usage of electrical apparatus def designed so that an internal explosion will not ignite external flammable gas. flame test 0. syl flame test pos n. def a test for detecting the presence of certain metals in compounds by the coloration they give to a flame. Sodium, for example, turns a flame yellow. flame-thrower 0. syl flame-throw:er pos n. def a weapon that ejects a stream or spray of burning fluid. flame tree 0. syl flame tree pos n. def any of various tropical trees with red or orange flowers, such as flame-of-the-forest. flaming 1. syl flam+ing pron <1flAmiG> pos adj. def burning with or emitting flames. flaming 2. syl flam+ing pron <1flAmiG> pos adj. def glowing brightly; brilliant. flaming 3. syl flam+ing pron <1flAmiG> pos adj. def intense or ardent; vehement; passionate. exam 1 a flaming temper. flaming 5. syl flam+ing pron <1flAmiG> pos adj. def an obsolete word for {flagrant}. flamingly sub head flaming syl flam+ing+ly pos adv. flamingo ety C16: from Portuguese flamengo, from Proven*,cal flamenc, from Latin flamma flame+Germanic suffix -ing denoting descent from or membership of; compare {-#7ing %3} flamingos infl head flamingo or flamingoes syl fla+min+gos pos n. mod pl. flamingoes infl head flamingo or flamingos syl fla+min+goes. pos n. mod pl. flamingo 1. syl fla+min+go pron pos n. def any large wading bird of the family having a pink-and-red plumage and downward-bent bill and inhabiting brackish lakes: order flamingo 2.a. syl fla+min+go pron pos n. def a reddish-orange colour. flamingo 2.b. syl fla+min+go pron pos as; adj. exam 1 flamingo gloves. Flaminian Way 0. syl Fla+min+i:an Way pron pos n. def an ancient road in Italy, extending north from Rome to Rimini: constructed in 220 #7b.c. by Gaius Flaminius. Length: over 322 km (200 miles). Latin name: {Via Flaminia}. Titus Quinctius infl head Flamininus syl Ti:tus Quinc:ti:us pron <1tIt*s> <1kwiGkti*s> pos n. Flamininus 0. syl Flam:i:ni:nus pron <2fl@mi1nIn*s> pos n. def ??230-??174 #7b.c. Roman general and statesman: defeated Macedonia (197) and proclaimed the independence of the Greek states (196). Gaius infl head Flaminius syl Gai:us pron <1gI*s> pos n. Flaminius 0. syl Fla:min:i:us pron pos n. def died 217 #7b.c., Roman statesman and general: built the Flaminian Way; defeated by Hannibal at Trasimene (217). flammable 0. syl flam+ma:ble pron <1fl@m*bL> pos adj. def liable to catch fire; readily combustible; inflammable. flammability sub head flammable syl flam+ma:1bil+i:ty John infl head Flamsteed syl John. pos n. Flamsteed 0. syl Flam:steed pron <1fl@m2stEd> pos n. def 1646-1719, English astronomer: the first Astronomer Royal and first director of the Royal Observatory, Greenwich (1675). He increased the accuracy of existing stellar catalogues, greatly aiding navigation. flan ety C19: from French, from Old French flaon, from Late Latin flad*_o flat cake, of Germanic origin flan 1. syl flan pron pos n. def an open pastry or sponge tart filled with fruit or a savoury mixture. flan 2. syl flan pron pos n. def a piece of metal ready to receive the die or stamp in the production of coins; shaped blank; planchet. flanch 0. syl flanch pron pos n. def a variant spelling of {flaunch}. Flanders 0. syl Flan+ders pron <1fla:nd*z> pos n. def a powerful medieval principality in the SW part of the Low Countries, now in the Belgian provinces of East and West Flanders, the Netherlands province of Zeeland, and the French department of the Nord; scene of battles in many wars. Flanders poppy 0. syl Flan+ders pop+py pos n. def another name for {corn poppy}. flanerie ety C19: from fl*^aner to stroll, dawdle, ultimately from Old Norse flana to wander about flanerie 0. syl fl*^ane+rie pron French. pos n. def aimless strolling or lounging; idleness. flaneur ety C19: see #7fl*^anerie flaneur 0. syl fl*^a+neur pron French. pos n. def an idler or loafer. flange ety C17: probably changed from earlier flaunche curved segment at side of a heraldic field, from French flanc #7flank flange 1. syl flange pron pos n. def a radially projecting collar or rim on an object for locating or strengthening it or for attaching it to another object. flange 2. syl flange pron pos n. def a flat outer face of a rolled-steel joist, esp. of an I- or H-beam. flange 3. syl flange pron pos n. def a tool for forming a flange. flange 4. syl flange pron pos vb. mod tr. def to attach or provide (a component) with a flange. flange 5. syl flange pron pos vb. mod intr. def to take the form of a flange. flangeless sub head flange syl flange+less pos adj. flanger sub head flange syl flang+er pos n. flank ety C12: from Old French flanc, of Germanic origin; see #7lank flank 1. syl flank pron pos n. def the side of a man or animal between the ribs and the hip. flank 2. syl flank pron pos n. usage loosely def the outer part of the human thigh. flank 3. syl flank pron pos n. def a cut of beef from the flank. flank 4. syl flank pron pos n. def the side of anything, such as a mountain or building. flank 5. syl flank pron pos n. def the side of a naval or military formation. flank 6. syl flank pron pos vb. mod when; intr. usage often foll. by on or upon def to be located at the side of (an object, building, etc.). flank 7. syl flank pron pos vb. qual Military. def to position or guard on or beside the flank of (a formation, etc.). flank 8. syl flank pron pos vb. qual Military. def to move past or go round (a flank). flanker 1. syl flank+er pron <1fl@Gk*> pos n. def one of a detachment of soldiers detailed to guard the flanks, esp. of a formation. flanker 2. syl flank+er pron <1fl@Gk*> pos n. def a projecting fortifi?!cation, used esp. to protect or threaten a flank. flannel ety C14: probably variant of flanen sackcloth, from Welsh gwlanen woollen fabric, from gwl*^an wool flannel 1. syl flan+nel pron <1fl@nL> pos n. def a soft light woollen fabric with a slight nap, used for clothing, etc. flannel 2. syl flan+nel pron <1fl@nL> pos n. mod pl. def trousers or other garments made of flannel. flannel 3. syl flan+nel pron <1fl@nL> pos n. def See {cotton flannel}. flannel 4. syl flan+nel pron <1fl@nL> pos n. qual Brit. def a small piece of cloth used to wash the face and hands; face cloth. U.S. equivalent: {washcloth}. flannel 5. syl flan+nel pron <1fl@nL> pos n. qual Brit. informal. def indirect or evasive talk; deceiving flattery. flannels infl head flannel or flannels syl flan+nels pos vb. mod tr. qual U.S. flannelling infl head flannel or flanneling syl flan+nel+ling pos vb. mod tr. flannelled infl head flannel or flanneled syl flan+nelled pos vb. mod tr. flanneling infl head flannel or flannelling syl flan+nel+ing pos vb. mod tr. qual U.S. flanneled infl head flannel or flannelled syl flan+neled. pos vb. mod tr. qual U.S. flannel 6. syl flan+nel pron <1fl@nL> pos vb. def to cover or wrap with flannel. flannel 7. syl flan+nel pron <1fl@nL> pos vb. def to rub, clean, or polish with flannel. flannel 8. syl flan+nel pron <1fl@nL> pos vb. qual Brit. informal. def to talk evasively to; flatter in order to mislead. flannelly sub head flannel syl flan+nel+ly pos adj. flannelette 0. syl flan+nel+ette pron <2fl@n%@1let> pos n. def a cotton imitation of flannel. flannel flower 0. syl flan+nel flow+er pos n. def any Australian plant of the umbelliferous genus having white flannel-like bracts beneath the flowers. flap ety C14: probably of imitative origin flaps infl head flap syl flaps pos vb. flapping infl head flap syl flap+ping pos vb. flapped infl head flap syl flapped. pos vb. flap 1. syl flap pron pos vb. def to move (wings or arms) up and down, esp. in or as if in flying, or (of wings or arms) to move in this way. flap 2. syl flap pron pos vb. def to move or cause to move noisily back and forth or up and down. exam 1 the curtains flapped in the breeze. flap 3. syl flap pron pos vb. mod intr. qual Informal. def to become agitated or flustered; panic. flap 4. syl flap pron pos vb. def to deal (a person or thing) a blow with a broad flexible object. flap 5. syl flap pron pos vb. mod tr. usage sometimes foll. by down def to toss, fling, slam, etc., abruptly or noisily. flap 6. syl flap pron pos vb. mod tr. qual Phonetics. def to pronounce (an (r) sound) by allowing the tongue to give a single light tap against the alveolar ridge or uvula. flap 7. syl flap pron pos n. def the action, motion, or noise made by flapping. exam 1 with one flap of its wings the bird was off. flap 8. syl flap pron pos n. def a piece of material, etc., attached at one edge and usually used to cover an opening, as on a tent, envelope, or pocket. flap 9. syl flap pron pos n. def a blow dealt with a flat object; slap. flap 10. syl flap pron pos n. def a movable surface fixed to the trailing edge of an aircraft wing that increases lift during takeoff and drag during landing. flap 11. syl flap pron pos n. qual Surgery. def a piece of tissue partially connected to the body, either following an amputation or to be used as a graft. flap 12. syl flap pron pos n. qual Informal. def a state of panic, distress, or agitation. flap 13. syl flap pron pos n. qual Phonetics. def an (r) produced by allowing the tongue to give a single light tap against the alveolar ridge or uvula. flapdoodle ety C19: of unknown origin flapdoodle 0. syl flap+doo:dle pron <1fl@p2du:dL> pos n. qual Slang. def foolish talk; nonsense. flapjack 1. syl flap+jack pron <1fl@p2J@k> pos n. def a chewy biscuit made with rolled oats. flapjack 2. syl flap+jack pron <1fl@p2J@k> pos n. qual Chiefly U.S. def another word for {pancake}. flapper 1. syl flap+per pron <1fl@p*> pos n. def a person or thing that flaps. flapper 2. syl flap+per pron <1fl@p*> pos n. usage in the 1920s def a young woman, esp. one flaunting her unconventional dress and behaviour. flare ety C16 (to spread out): of unknown origin flare 1. syl flare pron pos vb. def to burn or cause to burn with an unsteady or sudden bright flame. flare 2. syl flare pron pos vb. def to spread or cause to spread outwards from a narrow to a wider shape. flare 3. syl flare pron pos vb. mod tr. def to make a conspicuous display of. flare 4. syl flare pron pos vb. def to increase the temperature of (a molten metal or alloy) until a gaseous constituent of the melt burns with a characteristic flame or (of a molten metal or alloy) to show such a flame. flare 5. syl flare pron pos n. def an unsteady flame. flare 6. syl flare pron pos n. def a sudden burst of flame. flare 7.a. syl flare pron pos n. def a blaze of light or fire used to illuminate, identify, alert, etc. flare 7.b. syl flare pron pos n. def the device producing such a blaze. flare 8. syl flare pron pos n. def a spreading shape or anything with a spreading shape. exam 1 a skirt with a flare. flare 9. syl flare pron pos n. def a sudden outburst, as of emotion. flare 10.a. syl flare pron pos n. def the unwanted light reaching the image region of an optical device by reflections inside the instrument, etc. flare 10.b. syl flare pron pos n. def the fogged area formed on a negative by such reflections. flare 11. syl flare pron pos n. qual Astronomy. def short for {solar flare}. flare star 0. syl flare star pos n. def a red dwarf star in which outbursts, thought to be analogous to solar flares, occur, increasing the luminosity by several magnitudes in a few minutes. flare-up 1. syl flare-up pos n. def a sudden burst of fire or light. flare-up 2. syl flare-up pos n. qual Informal. def a sudden burst of emotion or violence. flare up infl head flare-up syl flare up. pos adv. mod intr. flare-up 3. syl flare-up pos vb. mod intr. def to burst suddenly into fire or light. flare-up 4. syl flare-up pos vb. mod intr. qual Informal. def to burst into anger. flash ety C14 (in the sense: to rush, as of water): of unknown origin flash 1. syl flash pron pos n. def a sudden short blaze of intense light or flame. exam 1 a flash of sunlight. flash 2. syl flash pron pos n. def a sudden occurrence or display, esp. one suggestive of brilliance. exam 1 a flash of understanding. flash 3. syl flash pron pos n. def a very brief space of time. exam 1 over in a flash. flash 4. syl flash pron pos n. def an ostentatious display. exam 1 a flash of her diamonds. flash 5. syl flash pron pos n. def Also called: {news flash}. a short news announcement concerning a new event. flash 6. syl flash pron pos n. qual Chiefly Brit. def an insignia or emblem worn on a uniform, vehicle, etc., to identify its military formation. flash 7. syl flash pron pos n. def a patch of bright colour on a dark background, such as light marking on an animal. flash 8. syl flash pron pos n. def a volatile mixture of inorganic salts used to produce a glaze on bricks or tiles. flash 9.a. syl flash pron pos n. def a sudden rush of water down a river or watercourse. flash 9.b. syl flash pron pos n. def a device, such as a sluice, for producing such a rush. flash 10. syl flash pron pos n. qual Photog., informal. def short for { {flashlight} (sense 2)} or {flash photog?!raphy}. flash 11. syl flash pron pos n. def a ridge of thin metal or plastic formed on a moulded object by the extrusion of excess material between dies. flash 12. syl flash pron pos n. qual Yorkshire and Lancashire dialect. def a pond, esp. one produced as a consequence of subsidence. flash 13. syl flash pron pos n. usage modifier def involving, using, or produced by a flash of heat, light, etc.. exam 1 flash blindness; exam 2 flash distillation. flash in the pan 14. head flash syl flash in the pan. def a project, person, etc., that enjoys only short-lived success, notoriety, etc. flash 15. syl flash pron pos adj. qual Informal. def ostentatious or vulgar. flash 16. syl flash pron pos adj. qual Informal. def of or relating to gamblers and followers of boxing and racing. flash 17. syl flash pron pos adj. def sham or counterfeit. flash 18. syl flash pron pos adj. qual Informal. def relating to or characteristic of the criminal underworld. flash 19. syl flash pron pos vb. def to burst or cause to burst suddenly or intermittently into flame. flash 20. syl flash pron pos vb. def to emit or reflect or cause to emit or reflect light suddenly or intermittently. flash 21. syl flash pron pos vb. mod intr. def to move very fast. exam 1 he flashed by on his bicycle. flash 22. syl flash pron pos vb. mod intr. def to come rapidly (into the mind or vision). flash 23. syl flash pron pos vb. mod intr. usage foll. by out or up def to appear like a sudden light. exam 1 his anger really flashes out at times. flash 24.a. syl flash pron pos vb. def to signal or communicate very fast. exam 1 to flash a message. flash 24.b. syl flash pron pos vb. def to signal by use of a light, such as car headlights. flash 25. syl flash pron pos vb. mod tr. qual Informal. def to display ostentatiously. exam 1 to flash money around. flash 26. syl flash pron pos vb. mod tr. qual Informal. def to show suddenly and briefly. flash 27. syl flash pron pos vb. mod intr. qual Brit. slang. def to expose oneself indecently. flash 28. syl flash pron pos vb. mod tr. def to cover (a roof) with flashing. flash 29. syl flash pron pos vb. def to send a sudden rush of water down (a river, etc.), or to carry (a vessel) down by this method. flash 30. syl flash pron pos vb. usage in the making of glass def to coat (glass) with a thin layer of glass of a different colour. flash 31. syl flash pron pos vb. mod tr. def to subject to a brief pulse of heat or radiation. flash 32. syl flash pron pos vb. mod tr. def to change (a liquid) to a gas by causing it to hit a hot surface. flash 33. syl flash pron pos vb. qual Obsolete. def to splash or dash (water). flashback 1. syl flash+back pron <1fl@S2b@k> pos n. def a transition in a novel, film, etc., to an earlier scene or event. flash back infl head flashback syl flash back. pos vb. flashback 2. syl flash+back pron <1fl@S2b@k> pos adv. mod intr. def to return in a novel, film, etc., to a past event. flashboard 0. syl flash+board pron <1fl@S2bc:d> pos n. def a board or boarding that is placed along the top of a dam to increase its height and capacity. flashbulb 0. syl flash+bulb pron <1fl@S2b^lb> pos n. qual Photog. def a small expendable glass light bulb that is triggered, usually electrically to produce a bright flash of light. Also called: {photoflash}. Compare {electronic flash}. flash burn 0. syl flash burn pos n. qual Pathol. def a burn caused by momentary exposure to intense radiant heat. flash card 0. syl flash card pos n. def a card on which are written or printed words for children to look at briefly, used as an aid to learning. flashcube 0. syl flash+cube pron <1fl@S2kju:b> pos n. def a boxlike camera attachment, holding four flashbulbs, that turns so that each flashbulb can be used in quick succession. flasher 1. syl flash+er pron <1fl@S*> pos n. def something that flashes, such as a direction indicator on a vehicle. flasher 2. syl flash+er pron <1fl@S*> pos n. qual Brit. slang. def a person who indecently exposes himself. flash flood 0. syl flash flood pos n. def a sudden short-lived torrent, usually caused by a heavy storm, esp. in desert regions. flash gun 0. syl flash gun pos n. def a device, attachable to or sometimes incorporated in a camera, for holding and electrically firing a flashbulb as the shutter opens. Compare {electronic flash}. flashing 0. syl flash+ing pron <1fl@SiG> pos n. def a weatherproof material, esp. thin sheet metal, used to cover the valleys between the slopes of a roof, the junction between a chimney and a roof, etc. flashlight 1. syl flash+light pron <1fl@S2lIt> pos n. def another word (esp. U.S.) for {torch}. flashlight 2. syl flash+light pron <1fl@S2lIt> pos n. qual Photog. def the brief bright light emitted by a flashbulb or electronic flash. Sometimes shortened to {flash}. flashlight 3. syl flash+light pron <1fl@S2lIt> pos n. qual Chiefly U.S. def a bright flashing light or its source. flashover 0. syl flash+o:ver pron <1fl@S2*uv*> pos n. def an electric discharge over or around the surface of an insulator. flash photography 0. syl flash pho+tog+ra+phy pos n. def photography in which a flashbulb or electronic flash is used to provide momentary illumination of a dark or insufficiently lit subject. flash photolysis 0. syl flash pho+tol:y+sis pos n. qual Physics. def a technique for producing and investigating free radicals. A low-pressure gas is subjected to a flash of radiation to produce the radicals, subsequent flashes being used to identify them and assess their lifetimes by absorption spectroscopy. flashing point alt head flash point or flash point syl flash+ing point pos n. flash point 1. or flashing point syl flash point pos n. def the lowest temperature at which the vapour above a liquid can be ignited in air. flash point 2. or flashing point syl flash point pos n. def a critical moment beyond which a situation will inevitably erupt into violence. exam 1 the political mood has reached flash point. flashier infl head flashy syl flash:i+er pos adj. flashiest infl head flashy syl flash:i+est. pos adj. flashy 1. syl flash:y pron <1fl@Si> pos adj. def brilliant and dazzling, esp. for a short time or in a superficial way. flashy 2. syl flash:y pron <1fl@Si> pos adj. def cheap and ostentatious. flashily sub head flashy syl flash:i+ly pos adv. flashiness sub head flashy syl flash:i+ness pos n. flask ety C14: from Old French flasque, flaske, from Medieval Latin flasca, flasco, perhaps of Germanic origin; compare Old English flasce, flaxe flask 1. syl flask pron pos n. def a bottle with a narrow neck, esp. used in a laboratory or for wine, oil, etc. flask 2. syl flask pron pos n. def Also called: {hip flask}. a small flattened container of glass or metal designed to be carried in a pocket, esp. for liquor. flask 3. syl flask pron pos n. def See {powder flask}. flask 4. syl flask pron pos n. def a container packed with sand to form a mould in a foundry. flask 5. syl flask pron pos n. def See {vacuum flask}. flasket ety C15: from Old French flasquet a little #7flask flasket 1. syl flask+et pron <1fla:skit> pos n. def a long shallow basket. flasket 2. syl flask+et pron <1fla:skit> pos n. def a small flask. flat ety C14: from Old Norse flatr; related to Old High German flaz flat, Greek platus flat, broad flatter infl head flat syl flat+ter pos adj. flattest infl head flat syl flat+test. pos adj. flat H1.1. syl flat pron pos adj. def horizontal; level. exam 1 flat ground; exam 2 a flat roof. flat H1.2. syl flat pron pos adj. def even or smooth, without projections or depressions. exam 1 a flat surface. flat H1.3. syl flat pron pos adj. def lying stretched out at full length; prostrate. exam 1 he lay flat on the ground. flat H1.4. syl flat pron pos adj. def having little depth or thickness; shallow. exam 1 a flat dish. flat H1.5. syl flat pron pos adj. usage postpositive; often foll. by against def having a surface or side in complete contact with another surface. exam 1 flat against the wall. flat H1.6. syl flat pron pos adj. def spread out, unrolled, or levelled. flat H1.7. syl flat pron pos adj. usage of a tyre def deflated, either partially or completely. flat H1.8. syl flat pron pos adj. usage of shoes def having an unraised or only slightly raised heel. flat H1.9.a. syl flat pron pos adj. usage of races, racetracks, or race?!courses def not having obstacles to be jumped. flat H1.9.b. syl flat pron pos adj. def of, relating to, or connected with flat racing as opposed to steeplechasing and hurdling. exam 1 flat jockeys earn more. flat H1.10. syl flat pron pos adj. def without qualification; total. exam 1 a flat denial. flat H1.11. syl flat pron pos adj. def without possibility of change; fixed. exam 1 a flat rate. flat H1.12. syl flat pron pos adj. usage immediately postpositive def neither more nor less; exact. exam 1 he did the journey in thirty minutes flat; exam 2 a flat thirty minutes. flat H1.13. syl flat pron pos adj. def unexciting or lacking point or interest. exam 1 a flat joke. flat H1.14. syl flat pron pos adj. def without variation or resonance; monotonous. exam 1 a flat voice. flat H1.15. syl flat pron pos adj. usage of food def stale or tasteless. flat H1.16. syl flat pron pos adj. usage of beer, spark?!ling wines, etc. def having lost effervescence, as by exposure to air. flat H1.17. syl flat pron pos adj. usage of trade, business, a market, etc. def commercially inactive; sluggish. flat H1.18. syl flat pron pos adj. usage of a battery def fully discharged; dead. flat H1.19. syl flat pron pos adj. usage of a print, photograph, or painting def lacking contrast or shading between tones. flat H1.20. syl flat pron pos adj. usage of paint def without gloss or lustre; matt. flat H1.21. syl flat pron pos adj. usage of a painting def lacking perspective. flat H1.22.a. syl flat pron pos adj. usage immediately postpositive def denoting a note of a given letter name (or the sound it represents) that has been lowered in pitch by one chromatic semitone. exam 1 B flat. flat H1.22.b. syl flat pron pos adj. usage of an instrument, voice, etc. def out of tune by being too low in pitch. Compare { {sharp} (sense 12)}. flat H1.23. syl flat pron pos adj. qual Phonetics. def another word for {lenis}. flat H1.24.a. syl flat pron pos adj. def the vowel sound of as in the usual U.S. or S Brit. pronunciation of usually represented by the symbol (@a). flat H1.25. syl flat pron pos adv. def in or into a prostrate, level, or flat state or position. exam 1 he held his hand out flat. flat H1.26. syl flat pron pos adv. def completely or utterly; absolutely. exam 1 he went flat against the rules. flat H1.27.a. syl flat pron pos adv. def lower than a standard pitch. flat H1.27.b. syl flat pron pos adv. def too low in pitch. exam 1 she sings flat. fall flat 28. head flat syl fall flat. def to prove a failure, not amusing, etc. flat H1.29.a. syl flat pron pos adv. def with the maximum speed or effort. flat H1.29.b. syl flat pron pos adv. def totally exhausted. flat H1.30. syl flat pron pos n. def a flat object, surface, or part. flat H1.31. syl flat pron pos n. def a low-lying tract of land, esp. a marsh or swamp. flat H1.32. syl flat pron pos n. def a mud bank exposed at low tide. flat H1.33.a. syl flat pron pos n. def an accidental that lowers the pitch of the following note by one chromatic semitone. Usual symbol: ###800307 flat H1.33.b. syl flat pron pos n. def a note affected by this accidental. Compare { {sharp} (sense 17)}. flat H1.34. syl flat pron pos n. qual Theatre. def a rectangular wooden frame covered with painted canvas, etc., used to form part of a stage setting. flat H1.35. syl flat pron pos n. def a punctured car tyre. flat H1.36.a. syl flat pron pos n. def flat racing, esp. as opposed to steeplechasing and hurdling. flat H1.36.b. syl flat pron pos n. def the season of flat racing. flat H1.37. syl flat pron pos n. qual Nautical. def a flatboat or lighter. flats infl head flat syl flats pos vb. flatting infl head flat syl flat+ting pos vb. flatted infl head flat syl flat+ted. pos vb. flat H1.38. syl flat pron pos vb. def to make or become flat. flat H1.39. syl flat pron pos vb. qual Music. def the usual U.S. word for { {flatten} (sense 3)}. flatly sub head flat syl flat+ly pos adv. flatness sub head flat syl flat+ness pos n. flat ety Old English flett floor, hall, house; related to #7flat %1 flat H2.1. syl flat pron pos n. def a set of rooms comprising a residence entirely on one floor of a building. Usual U.S. name: {apartment}. flat H2.2. syl flat pron pos n. qual Canadian. def a set of rooms that is run-down, old-fashioned, not self-contained, or in an old building. {~} flat H2.3. syl flat pron pos n. qual Austral. informal. def to live in a flat (with someone). flat-bed press 0. syl flat-bed press pos n. def a printing machine on which the type forme is carried on a flat bed under a revolving paper-bearing cylinder. Also called: {cylinder press}. flatboat 0. syl flat+boat pron <1fl@t2b*ut> pos n. def any boat with a flat bottom, usually for transporting goods on a canal or river. flat cap 1. syl flat cap pos n. def another name for { {cloth cap} (sense 1)}. flat cap 2. syl flat cap pos n. def an Elizabethan man's hat with a narrow down-turned brim. flatette 0. syl flat+ette pron <2fl@t1et> pos n. qual Austral. def a small flat. flatfish infl or flatfishes syl flat+fish pos n. mod pl. flatfishes infl head flatfish or flatfish syl flat+fish:es. pos n. mod pl. flatfish 0. syl flat+fish pron <1fl@t2fiS> pos n. def any marine spiny-finned fish of the order including the halibut, plaice, turbot, and sole, all of which (when adult) swim along the sea floor on one side of the body, which is highly compressed and has both eyes on the uppermost side. flatfoot 1. syl flat+foot pron <1fl@t2fut> pos n. def a condition in which the entire sole of the foot is able to touch the ground because of flattening of the instep arch. flatfoots infl head flatfoot or flatfeet syl flat+foots pos n. mod pl. flatfeet infl head flatfoot or flatfoots syl flat+feet. pos n. mod pl. flatfoot 2. syl flat+foot pron <1fl@t2fut> pos n. def a slang word (usually de?!rogatory) for a {policeman}. flat-footed 1. syl flat-foot:ed pron <2fl@t1futid> pos adj. def having flatfoot. flat-footed 2.a. syl flat-foot:ed pron <2fl@t1futid> pos adj. def clumsy or awkward. flat-footed 2.b. syl flat-foot:ed pron <2fl@t1futid> pos adj. def downright and uncompromis?!ing. flat-footed 3. syl flat-foot:ed pron <2fl@t1futid> pos adj. qual Informal. def off guard or unawares (often in the phrase {catch flat-footed}) . flat-footedly sub head flat-footed syl flat-1foot:ed+ly pos adv. flat-footedness sub head flat-footed syl flat-1foot:ed+ness pos n. flathead infl or flatheads syl flat+head pos n. mod pl. flatheads infl head flathead or flathead syl flat+heads. pos n. mod pl. flathead 0. syl flat+head pron <1fl@t2hed> pos n. def any Pacific scorpaenoid food fish of the family which resemble gurnards. flatiron 0. syl flat+i:ron pron <1fl@t2I*n> pos n. usage formerly def an iron for pressing clothes that was heated by being placed on a stove, etc. flat knot 0. syl flat knot pos n. def another name for {reef knot}. flatlet 0. syl flat+let pron <1fl@tlit> pos n. def a flat having only a few rooms. flatling 1. syl flat+ling pron <1fl@tliG> pos adv. qual Archaic or dialect. def in a flat or prostrate position. flatling 2. syl flat+ling pron <1fl@tliG> pos adj. adv. qual Archaic or dialect. def with the flat side, as of a sword. flatling xref syl flat+ling pron <1fl@tliG> qual Archaic or dialect. def Also (for adv.): {flat+lings}. flatmate 0. syl flat+mate pron <1fl@t2mAt> pos n. qual Brit. def a person with whom one shares a flat. flat racing 0.a. syl flat rac+ing pos n. def the racing of horses on racecourses without jumps. flat racing 0.b. syl flat rac+ing pos n. usage as modifier exam 1 the flat-racing season. flats 0. syl flats pron pos n. mod pl. def shoes with a flat heel or no heel. flat spin 1. syl flat spin pos n. def an aircraft spin in which the longitudinal axis is more nearly horizontal than vertical. flat spin 2. syl flat spin pos n. qual Informal. def a state of confusion; dither. flatten 1. syl flat+ten pron <1fl@tN> pos vb. usage sometimes foll. by out def to make or become flat or flatter. flatten 2.a. syl flat+ten pron <1fl@tN> pos vb. def to knock down or injure; prostrate. flatten 2.b. syl flat+ten pron <1fl@tN> pos vb. def to crush or subdue. exam 1 failure will flatten his self-esteem. flatten 3. syl flat+ten pron <1fl@tN> pos vb. mod tr. qual Music. def to lower the pitch of (a note) by one chromatic semitone. Usual U.S. word: {flat}. flatten 4. syl flat+ten pron <1fl@tN> pos vb. mod intr. usage foll. by out def to manoeuvre an aircraft into horizontal flight, esp. after a dive. flattener sub head flatten syl flat+ten+er pos n. flatter ety C13: probably from Old French flater to lick, fawn upon, of Frankish origin flatter H1.1. syl flat+ter pron <1fl@t*> pos vb. def to praise insincerely, esp. in order to win favour or reward. flatter H1.2. syl flat+ter pron <1fl@t*> pos vb. def to show to advantage. exam 1 that dress flatters her. flatter H1.3. syl flat+ter pron <1fl@t*> pos vb. mod tr. def to make to appear more attractive, etc., than in reality. flatter H1.4. syl flat+ter pron <1fl@t*> pos vb. def to play upon or gratify the vanity of (a person). exam 1 it flatters her to be remembered. flatter H1.5. syl flat+ter pron <1fl@t*> pos vb. mod tr. def to beguile with hope; encourage, esp. falsely. exam 1 this success flattered him into believing himself a champion. flatter H1.6. syl flat+ter pron <1fl@t*> pos vb. mod tr. def to congratulate or deceive (oneself). exam 1 I flatter myself that I am the best. flatterable sub head flatter syl flat+ter+a:ble pos adj. flatterer sub head flatter syl flat+ter+er pos n. flatteringly sub head flatter syl flat+ter+ing+ly pos adv. flatter H2.1. syl flat+ter pron <1fl@t*> pos n. def a blacksmith's tool, resembling a flat-faced hammer, that is placed on forged work and struck to smooth the surface of the forging. flatter H2.2. syl flat+ter pron <1fl@t*> pos n. def a die with a narrow rectangular orifice for drawing flat sections. flatteries infl head flattery syl flat+ter:ies. pos n. mod pl. flattery 1. syl flat+ter:y pron <1fl@t*ri> pos n. def the act of flattering. flattery 2. syl flat+ter:y pron <1fl@t*ri> pos n. def excessive or insincere praise. flatting 0. syl flat+ting pron <1fl@tiG> pos n. qual Metallurgy. def the process of flattening metal into a sheet by rolling. flattish 0. syl flat+tish pron <1fl@tiS> pos adj. def somewhat flat. flattop 0. syl flat+top pron <1fl@t2top> pos n. qual U.S. def an informal name for {aircraft carrier}. flatulent ety C16: from New Latin fl*_atulentus, from Latin: #7flatus &- #!flat@.u+lence or #!flat@.u+len+cy n. ?- #!flat@.u+lent+ly adv. flatulent 1. syl flat:u+lent pron <1fl@tjul*nt> pos adj. def suffering from or caused by an excessive amount of gas in the alimentary canal, producing uncomfortable distension. flatulent 2. syl flat:u+lent pron <1fl@tjul*nt> pos adj. def generating excessive gas in the alimentary canal. flatulent 3. syl flat:u+lent pron <1fl@tjul*nt> pos adj. def pretentious or windy in style. flatus ety C17: from Latin: a blowing, snorting, from fl*_are to breathe, blow flatuses infl head flatus syl fla+tus:es. pos n. mod pl. flatus 0. syl fla+tus pron <1flAt*s> pos n. def gas generated in the alimentary canal. flatware 0. syl flat+ware pron <1fl@t2we*> pos n. def plates, saucers, etc. flatwise alt head flatways or flatways syl flat+wise pos adv. qual U.S. flatways 0. or flatwise syl flat+ways pron <1fl@t2wAz> pos adv. def with the flat or broad side down or in contact with another surface. flatworm 0. syl flat+worm pron <1fl@t2wR:m> pos n. def any parasitic or free-living invertebrate of the phylum including planarians, flukes, and tapeworms, having a flattened body with no circulatory system and only one opening to the intestine. flat-woven 0. syl flat-wo:ven pos adj. usage of a carpet def woven without pile. Gustave infl head Flaubert syl Gus:tave pron pos n. Flaubert 0. syl Flau:bert pron <1fl*ube*>, French pos n. def 1821-80, French novelist and short-story writer, regarded as a leader of the 19th-century naturalist school. His most famous novel, (1857), for which he was prosecuted (and acquitted) on charges of immorality, and (1869) deal with the conflict of romantic attitudes and bourgeois society. His other major works include (1862), (1874), and (1877). flaunch ety C18: variant of #7flange flaunch 0. syl flaunch pron pos n. def a cement or mortar slope around a chimney top, manhole, etc., to throw off water. Also called: {flaunching}. flaunt ety C16: perhaps of Scandinavian origin; compare Norwegian dialect flanta to wander about flaunt 1. syl flaunt pron pos vb. def to display (possessions, oneself, etc.) ostentatiously; show off. flaunt 2. syl flaunt pron pos vb. def to wave or cause to wave freely; flutter. flaunt 3. syl flaunt pron pos n. def the act of flaunting. flaunter sub head flaunt syl flaunt+er pos n. flauntingly sub head flaunt syl flaunt+ing+ly pos adv. flauntier infl head flaunty syl flaunt:i+er pos adj. flauntiest infl head flaunty syl flaunt:i+est. pos adj. flaunty 0. syl flaunt:y pron <1flc:nti> pos adj. qual Chiefly U.S. def characterized by or inclined to ostentatious display or flaunt?!ing. flauntily sub head flaunty syl flaunt:i+ly pos adv. flauntiness sub head flaunty syl flaunt:i+ness pos n. flautist ety C19: from Italian flautista, from flauto #7flute flutist alt head flautist or flautist syl flut+ist pron <1flu:tist> pos n. qual U.S. flautist 0. or flutist syl flau+tist pron <1flc:tist> pos n. def a player of the flute. flavescent ety C19: from Latin fl*_av*_escere to become yellow, from fl*_av*_ere to be yellow, from fl*_avus yellow flavescent 0. syl fla+ves+cent pron pos adj. def turning yellow; yellowish. flavin ety C19: from Latin fl*_avus yellow flavine alt head flavin or flavin syl fla+vine pron <1flAvin> pos n. flavin 1. or flavine syl fla+vin pron <1flAvin> pos n. def a heterocyclic ketone that forms the nucleus of certain natural yellow pigments, such as riboflavin. Formula: C\1\0H\6N\4O\2. See {flavoprotein}. flavin 2. or flavine syl fla+vin pron <1flAvin> pos n. def any yellow pigment based on flavin. flavin 3. or flavine syl fla+vin pron <1flAvin> pos n. def another name for {quercetin}. flavine 1. syl fla+vine pron <1flAvin> pos n. def another name for {acriflavine hydrochloride}. flavine 2. syl fla+vine pron <1flAvin> pos n. def a variant spelling of {flavin}. flavone ety C19: from German Flavon, from Latin fl*_avus yellow #7+ -#7one flavone 1. syl fla+vone pron <1flAv*un> pos n. def a crystalline compound occurring in plants. Formula: C\1\5H\1\0O\2. flavone 2. syl fla+vone pron <1flAv*un> pos n. def any of a class of yellow plant pigments derived from flavone. flavoprotein ety C20: from #7flavin +#7protein flavoprotein 0. syl fla+vo+pro+tein pron <2flAv*u1pr*utEn> pos n. def any of a group of enzymes that contain a derivative of riboflavin linked to a protein and catalyse oxidation in cells. Also called: {cytochrome reductase}. See also {FMN, FAD}. flavopurpurin ety C20: from Latin fl*_avus yellow+#7purpurin flavopurpurin 0. syl fla+vo+pur+pu+rin pron <2flAv*u1pR:pjurin> pos n. def a yellow crystalline dye derived from anthraquinone. Formula: C\1\4H\5O\2(OH)\3. flavorous 0. syl fla+vor+ous pron <1flAv*r*s> pos adj. def having flavour; tasty. flavour ety C14: from Old French flaour, from Late Latin fl*_ator (unattested) bad smell, breath, from Latin fl*_are to blow flavor alt head flavour or flavour syl fla+vor pron <1flAv*> pos n. qual U.S. flavour 1. or flavor syl fla+vour pron <1flAv*> pos n. def taste perceived in food or liquid in the mouth. flavour 2. or flavor syl fla+vour pron <1flAv*> pos n. def a substance added to food, etc., to impart a specific taste. flavour 3. or flavor syl fla+vour pron <1flAv*> pos n. def a distinctive quality or atmosphere; suggestion. exam 1 a poem with a Shakespearian flavour. flavour 4. or flavor syl fla+vour pron <1flAv*> pos vb. mod tr. def to impart a flavour, taste, or quality to. flavourer sub head flavour or flavorer syl fla+vour+er pos n. flavorer sub head flavour or flavourer syl fla+vor+er pos n. qual U.S. flavourless sub head flavour or flavorless syl fla+vour+less pos adj. flavorless sub head flavour or flavourless syl fla+vor+less pos adj. qual U.S. flavoursome sub head flavour or flavorsome syl fla+vour+some pos adj. flavorsome sub head flavour or flavoursome syl fla+vor+some pos adj. qual U.S. flavorful alt head flavourful or flavourful syl fla+vor+ful pron <1flAv*ful> pos adj. qual U.S. flavourful 0. or flavorful syl fla+vour+ful pron <1flAv*ful> pos adj. def having a full pleasant taste or flavour. flavourfully sub head flavourful or flavorfully syl fla+vour+ful+ly pos adv. flavorfully sub head flavourful or flavourfully syl fla+vor+ful+ly pos adv. qual U.S. flavoring alt head flavouring or flavouring syl fla+vor+ing pron <1flAv*riG> pos n. qual U.S. flavouring 0. or flavoring syl fla+vour+ing pron <1flAv*riG> pos n. def a substance used to impart a particular flavour to food. exam 1 rum flavouring. flaw ety C14: probably from Old Norse flaga stone slab; related to Swedish flaga chip, flake, flaw flaw H1.1. syl flaw pron pos n. def an imperfection, defect, or blemish. flaw H1.2. syl flaw pron pos n. def a crack, breach, or rift. flaw H1.3. syl flaw pron pos n. qual Law. def an invalidating fault or defect in a document or proceeding. flaw H1.4. syl flaw pron pos vb. def to make or become blemished, defective, or imperfect. flawless sub head flaw syl flaw+less pos adj. flawlessly sub head flaw syl flaw+less+ly pos adv. flawlessness sub head flaw syl flaw+less+ness pos n. flaw ety C16: of Scandinavian origin; related to Norwegian flaga squall, gust, Middle Dutch vl*_aghe flaw H2.1.a. syl flaw pron pos n. def a sudden short gust of wind; squall. flaw H2.1.b. syl flaw pron pos n. def a spell of bad, esp. windy, weather. flaw H2.2. syl flaw pron pos n. qual Obsolete. def an outburst of strong feeling. flawy sub head flaw syl flaw:y pos adj. flax ety Old English fleax; related to Old Frisian flax, Old High German flahs flax, Greek plekein to plait flax 1. syl flax pron pos n. def any herbaceous plant or shrub of the genus esp. which has blue flowers and is cultivated for its seeds (flaxseed) and for the fibres of its stems: family flax 2. syl flax pron pos n. def the fibre of this plant, made into thread and woven into linen fabrics. flax 3. syl flax pron pos n. def any of various similar plants. flaxy alt head flaxen or flaxen syl flax:y pos adj. flaxen 1. or flaxy syl flax+en pron <1fl@ks*n> pos adj. def of, relating to, or resembling flax. flaxen 2. or flaxy syl flax+en pron <1fl@ks*n> pos adj. def of a soft yellow colour. exam 1 flaxen hair. John infl head Flaxman syl John. pos n. Flaxman 0. syl Flax:man pron <1fl@ksm*n> pos n. def 1755-1826, English neoclassical sculptor and draughtsman, noted particularly for his monuments and his engraved illustrations for the the and works by Dante and Aeschylus. flaxseed 0. syl flax+seed pron <1fl@ks2sEd> pos n. def the seed of the flax plant, which yields linseed oil. Also called: {linseed}. flay ety Old English fl*_ean; related to Old Norse fl*_a to peel, Lithuanian pl*%e*vsti to tear flay 1. syl flay pron pos vb. mod tr. def to strip off the skin or outer covering of, esp. by whipping; skin. flay 2. syl flay pron pos vb. mod tr. def to attack with savage criticism. flay 3. syl flay pron pos vb. mod tr. def to strip of money or goods, esp. by cheating or extortion. flayer sub head flay syl flay+er pos n. fld 0. syl fld. qual abbrev. for def field. fl dr 0. syl fl. dr. qual abbrev. for def fluid dram. flea ety Old English fl*_eah; related to Old Norse fl*_o, Old High German fl*_oh flea 1. syl flea pron pos n. def any small wingless parasitic blood-sucking insect of the order living on the skin of mammals and birds and noted for their powers of leaping. flea 2. syl flea pron pos n. def any of various invertebrates that resemble fleas, such as the water flea and flea beetle. flea in one's ear 3. head flea syl flea in one's ear. qual Informal. def a sharp rebuke. fleabag 1. syl flea+bag pron <1flE2b@g> pos n. qual Slang.; Brit. def a dirty or unkempt person, esp. a woman. fleabag 2. syl flea+bag pron <1flE2b@g> pos n. qual Slang.; U.S. def a cheap or dirty hotel. fleabane 1. syl flea+bane pron <1flE2bAn> pos n. def any of several plants of the genus such as having purplish tubular flower heads with orange centres: family (composites). fleabane 2. syl flea+bane pron <1flE2bAn> pos n. def any of several plants of the related genus esp. the Eurasian which has yellow daisy-like flower heads. Canadian fleabane 3. head fleabane syl Canadian fleabane. def a related plant, (or with small white tubular flower heads. U.S. name: {horseweed}. fleabane 4. syl flea+bane pron <1flE2bAn> pos n. def any of various other plants reputed to ward off fleas. flea beetle 0. syl flea bee+tle pos n. def any small common beetle of the genera etc., having enlarged hind legs and capable of jumping: family The larvae of many species are very destructive to turnips and other cruciferous vegetables. fleabite 1. syl flea+bite pron <1flE2bIt> pos n. def the bite of a flea. fleabite 2. syl flea+bite pron <1flE2bIt> pos n. def a slight or trifling annoyance or discomfort. flea-bitten 1. syl flea-bit:ten pos adj. def bitten by or infested with fleas. flea-bitten 2. syl flea-bit:ten pos adj. qual Informal. def shabby or decrepit; mean. flea-bitten 3. syl flea-bit:ten pos adj. usage of the coat of a horse def having reddish-brown spots on a lighter background. fleam ety C16: from Old French flieme, alteration of Late Latin phlebotomus lancet (literally: vein cutter); see #7phlebotomy fleam 0. syl fleam pron pos n. def a lancet used for letting blood. flea market 0. syl flea mar+ket pos n. def an open-air market selling cheap and often second-hand goods. fleapit 0. syl flea+pit pron <1flE2pit> pos n. qual Informal. def a shabby cinema or theatre. fleawort 1. syl flea+wort pron <1flE2wR:t> pos n. def any of various plants of the genus esp. a European species with yellow daisy-like flowers and rosettes of downy leaves: family (composites). fleawort 2. syl flea+wort pron <1flE2wR:t> pos n. def a Eurasian plantain, (or whose seeds resemble fleas and were formerly used as a flea repellent. fleawort 3. syl flea+wort pron <1flE2wR:t> pos n. def another name for {ploughman's spikenard}. fleche ety C18: from French: spire (literally: arrow), probably of Germanic origin; related to Middle Low German flieke long arrow fleche 1. syl fl*`eche pron , pos n. def Also called: {spirelet}. a slender spire, esp. over the intersection of the nave and transept ridges of a church roof. fleche 2. syl fl*`eche pron , pos n. def a pointed part of a fortification directed towards the attackers. fl'echette ety from French; see #7fl*`eche fl'echette 0. syl fl*'e+chette pron pos n. def a steel dart or missile dropped from an aircraft, as in World War I. fleck ety C16: probably from Old Norse flekkr stain, spot; related to Old High German flec spot, plot of land fleck 1. syl fleck pron pos n. def a small marking or streak; speckle. fleck 2. syl fleck pron pos n. def a small particle; speck. exam 1 a fleck of dust. fleck 3. syl fleck pron pos vb. mod tr. def Also: {flecker}. to mark or cover with flecks; speckle. James Elroy infl head Flecker syl James El:roy. pos n. Flecker 0. syl Fleck:er pron <1flek*> pos n. def 1884-1915, English poet and dramatist; author of (1922). flection ety C17: from Latin flexi*_o a bending, from flectere to curve, bow flection 1. syl flec+tion pron <1flekS*n> pos n. def the act of bending or the state of being bent. flection 2. syl flec+tion pron <1flekS*n> pos n. def something bent; bend. flection 3. syl flec+tion pron <1flekS*n> pos n. qual Grammar. def a less common word for {inflection. ~} See also {flexion}. flectional sub head flection syl flec+tion+al pos adj. flectionless sub head flection syl flec+tion+less pos adj. fled 0. syl fled pron pos vb. def the past tense or past participle of {flee}. fledge ety Old English -flycge, as in unflycge unfledged; related to Old High German flucki able to fly; see {#7fly %1} fledge 1. syl fledge pron pos vb. mod tr. def to feed and care for (a young bird) until it is able to fly. fledge 2. syl fledge pron pos vb. mod tr. def Also called: {fletch}. to fit (something, esp. an arrow) with a feather or feathers. fledge 3. syl fledge pron pos vb. mod intr. usage of a young bird def to grow feathers. fledge 4. syl fledge pron pos vb. mod tr. def to cover or adorn with or as if with feathers. fledgeling alt head fledgling or fledgling syl fledge+ling pron <1fleJliG> pos n. fledgling 1. or fledgeling syl fledg+ling pron <1fleJliG> pos n. def a young bird that has just fledged. fledgling 2. or fledgeling syl fledg+ling pron <1fleJliG> pos n. def a young and inexperienced person. fledgier infl head fledgy syl fledg:i+er pos adj. fledgiest infl head fledgy syl fledg:i+est. pos adj. fledgy 0. syl fledg:y pron <1fleJi> pos adj. qual Rare. def feathery or feathered. flee ety Old English fl*_eon; related to Old Frisian fli*_a, Old High German fliohan, Gothic thliuhan flees infl head flee syl flees pos vb. fleeing infl head flee syl flee+ing pos vb. fled infl head flee syl fled. pos vb. flee 1. syl flee pron pos vb. def to run away from (a place, danger, etc.); fly. exam 1 to flee the country. flee 2. syl flee pron pos vb. mod intr. def to run or move quickly; rush; speed. exam 1 she fled to the door. fleer sub head flee syl fle+er pos n. fleece ety Old English fl*_eos; related to Middle High German vlius, Dutch vlies fleece, Latin pl*_uma feather, down fleece 1. syl fleece pron pos n. def the coat of wool that covers the body of a sheep or similar animal and consists of a mass of crinkly hairs. fleece 2. syl fleece pron pos n. def the wool removed from a single sheep. fleece 3. syl fleece pron pos n. def something resembling a fleece in texture or warmth. fleece 4. syl fleece pron pos n. def sheepskin or a fabric with soft pile, used as a lining for coats, etc. fleece 5. syl fleece pron pos vb. mod tr. def to defraud or charge exorbitantly; swindle. fleece 6. syl fleece pron pos vb. mod tr. def another term for { {shear} (sense 1)}. fleecier infl head fleecy syl fleec:i+er pos adj. fleeciest infl head fleecy syl fleec:i+est. pos adj. fleecy 0. syl fleec:y pron <1flEsi> pos adj. def of or resembling fleece; woolly. fleecily sub head fleecy syl fleec:i+ly pos adv. fleeciness sub head fleecy syl fleec:i+ness pos n. fleer ety C14: of Scandinavian origin; compare Norwegian flire to snigger fleer 1. syl fleer pron pos vb. qual Archaic. def to grin or laugh at; scoff; sneer. fleer 2. syl fleer pron pos n. qual Archaic. def a derisory glance or grin. fleeringly sub head fleer syl fleer+ing+ly pos adv. fleet ety Old English fl*_eot ship, flowing water, from fl*_eotan to #7float fleet H1.1. syl fleet pron pos n. def a number of warships organized as a tactical unit. fleet H1.2. syl fleet pron pos n. def all the warships of a nation. fleet H1.3. syl fleet pron pos n. def a number of aircraft ships, buses, etc., operating together or under the same ownership. fleet ety probably Old English fl*_eotan to float, glide rapidly; related to Old High German fliozzan to flow, Latin pluere to rain fleet H2.1. syl fleet pron pos adj. def rapid in movement; swift. fleet H2.2. syl fleet pron pos adj. qual Poetic. def fleeting; transient. fleet H2.3. syl fleet pron pos vb. mod intr. def to move rapidly. fleet H2.4. syl fleet pron pos vb. mod intr. qual Archaic. def to fade away smoothly; glide. fleet H2.5.a. syl fleet pron pos vb. def to change the position of (a hawser). fleet H2.5.b. syl fleet pron pos vb. def to pass (a messenger or lead) to a hawser from a winch for hauling in. fleet H2.5.c. syl fleet pron pos vb. def to spread apart (the blocks of a tackle). fleet H2.6. syl fleet pron pos vb. mod intr. qual Obsolete. def to float or swim. fleet H2.7. syl fleet pron pos vb. mod tr. qual Obsolete. def to cause (time) to pass rapidly. fleetly sub head fleet syl fleet+ly pos adv. fleetness sub head fleet syl fleet+ness pos n. fleet ety Old English fl*_eot flowing water; see #7fleet %1 fleet H3.0. syl fleet pron pos n. qual Chiefly southeastern Brit. def a small coastal inlet; creek. Fleethe infl head Fleet syl Fleethe. pos n. Fleet 1. syl Fleet pron pos n. def a stream that formerly ran into the Thames between Ludgate Hill and Fleet Street and is now a covered sewer. Fleet 2. syl Fleet pron pos n. def Also called: {Fleet Prison}. (formerly) a London prison, esp. used for holding debtors. fleet admiral 0. syl fleet ad+mi+ral pos n. def an officer holding the most senior commissioned rank in the U.S. and certain other navies. Fleet Air Arm 0. syl Fleet Air Arm pos n. usage formerly def the aviation branch of the Royal Navy. fleeting 0. syl fleet+ing pron <1flEtiG> pos adj. def rapid and transient. exam 1 a fleeting glimpse of the sea. fleetingly sub head fleeting syl fleet+ing+ly pos adv. fleetingness sub head fleeting syl fleet+ing+ness pos n. Fleet Street 1. syl Fleet Street pos n. def a street in central London in which many newspaper offices are situated. Fleet Street 2. syl Fleet Street pos n. def British journalism or journalists collectively. Fleetwood 0. syl Fleet+wood pron <1flEt2wud> pos n. def a fishing port in NW England, in Lancashire. Pop.: 28584 (1971). Fleetwood Mac 0. syl Fleet+wood Mac pron <1flEtwud> <1m@k> pos n. def Anglo-American rock group (formed 1967): comprising Mick Fleetwood (born 1947; drums), John McVie (born 1945; bass guitar), Christine McVie (born 1947; keyboard and vocals; joined 1971), Stevie Nicks (born 1948; vocals; joined 1975), and Lindsey Buckingham (born 1949; guitar; joined 1975). Former members include Peter Green (born 1946; guitar; quit 1970) and Jeremy Spencer (born 1948; slide guitar; quit 1971). Flem 0. syl Flem. qual abbrev. for def Flemish. Fleming ety C14: from Middle Dutch Vlaminc Fleming H1.0. syl Flem+ing pron <1flemiG> pos n. def a native or inhabitant of Flanders or a Flemish-speaking Belgian. Compare {Walloon}. Fleming H2.1. syl Flem:ing pron <1flemiG> pos n. def Sir {Al@.ex@.an@.der}. 1881-1955, Scottish bacteriologist: discovered lysozyme (1922) and penicillin (1928):@T shared@T the@T Nobel@T prize@T for @T medicine@T in @T 1945. {$D.@T I@.an (Lancaster) }. 1908-64, English author of spy novels; creator of the secret agent James Bond. Fleming H2.2. syl Flem:ing pron <1flemiG> pos n. def Sir {John Am@.brose}. 1849-1945, English electrical engineer: invented the thermionic valve (1904). Fleming's rules ety C19: named after Sir John Ambrose #7Fleming, who devised them Fleming's rules 0. syl Flem:ing's rules pos n. mod pl. qual Physics. def two rules used as mnemonics for the relationship between the directions of current flow, motion, and magnetic field in electromagnetic induction. The hand is held with the thumb, first, and second fingers at right angles, respectively indicating the directions of motion, field, and electric current. The left hand is used for electric motors and the right hand for dynamos. Flemish 1. syl Flem+ish pron <1flemiS> pos n. def one of the two official languages of Belgium, almost identical in form with Dutch. the 2. head Flemish syl the. mod functioning as; pl. def the Flemings collectively. Flemish 3. syl Flem+ish pron <1flemiS> pos adj. def of, relating to, or characteristic of Flanders, the Flemings, or their language. Flemish bond 0. syl Flem+ish bond pos n. def a bond used in brickwork that has alternat?!ing stretchers and headers in each course, each header being placed centrally over a stretcher. Flensburg 0. syl Flens+burg pron German <1flensburk> pos n. def a port in N West Germany, in Schleswig-Holstein: taken from Denmark by Prussia in 1864; voted to remain German in 1920. Pop.: 95400 (1970). flense ety C19: from Danish flense; related to Dutch flensen flench infl head flense or flinch syl flench pron pos vb. mod tr. flinch infl head flense or flench syl flinch pron pos vb. mod tr. flense 0. syl flense pron pos vb. mod tr. def to strip (a whale, seal, etc.) of (its blubber or skin). flenser sub head flense syl flens+er pos n. flencher sub head flense or flincher syl flench+er pos n. flincher sub head flense or flencher syl flinch+er pos n. flesh ety Old English fl*_@asc; related to Old Norse flesk ham, Old High German fleisk meat, flesh flesh 1. syl flesh pron pos n. def the soft part of the body of an animal or human, esp. muscular tissue, as distinct from bone and viscera. flesh 2. syl flesh pron pos n. qual Informal. def excess weight; fat. flesh 3. syl flesh pron pos n. qual Archaic. def the edible tissue of animals as opposed to that of fish or, sometimes, fowl; meat. flesh 4. syl flesh pron pos n. def the thick usually soft part of a fruit or vegetable, as distinct from the skin, core, stone, etc. flesh 5. syl flesh pron pos n. def the human body and its physical or sensual nature as opposed to the soul or spirit. Related adj.: {carnal}. flesh 6. syl flesh pron pos n. def mankind in general. flesh 7. syl flesh pron pos n. def animate crea?!tures in general. flesh 8. syl flesh pron pos n. def one's own family; kin (esp. in the phrase {one's own flesh and blood}) . flesh 9. syl flesh pron pos n. def a yellowish-pink to greyish-yellow colour. flesh 10. syl flesh pron pos n. qual Christian Science. def erroneous belief on the physical plane, esp. the belief that matter has sensation. flesh 11. syl flesh pron pos n. qual Tanning. usage modifier def of or relating to the inner or under layer of a skin or hide. exam 1 a flesh split. in the flesh 12. head flesh syl in the flesh. def in person; actually present. make one's flesh creep 13. head flesh syl make one's flesh creep. usage esp. of something ghostly def to frighten and horrify one. flesh 14. syl flesh pron pos vb. mod tr. qual Hunting. def to stimulate the hunting instinct of (hounds or falcons) by giving them small quantities of raw flesh. flesh 15. syl flesh pron pos vb. def to wound the flesh of with a weapon. flesh 16. syl flesh pron pos vb. qual Archaic or poetic. def to accustom or incite to bloodshed or battle by initial experience. flesh 17. syl flesh pron pos vb. qual Tanning. def to remove the flesh layer of (a hide or skin). flesh 18. syl flesh pron pos vb. def to fatten; fill out. flesher 1. syl flesh+er pron <1fleS*> pos n. def a person or machine that fleshes hides or skins. flesher 2. syl flesh+er pron <1fleS*> pos n. qual Scot. def a person who sells meat; butcher. flesh fly 0. syl flesh fly pos n. def any dipterous fly of the genus esp. whose larvae feed on carrion or the tissues of living animals: family fleshings 1. syl flesh+ings pron <1fleSiGz> pos n. mod pl. def flesh-coloured tights. fleshings 2. syl flesh+ings pron <1fleSiGz> pos n. mod pl. def bits of flesh scraped from the hides or skins of animals. fleshlier infl head fleshly syl flesh+li+er pos adj. fleshliest infl head fleshly syl flesh+li+est. pos adj. fleshly 1. syl flesh+ly pron <1fleSli> pos adj. def relating to the body, esp. its sensual nature; carnal. exam 1 fleshly desire. fleshly 2. syl flesh+ly pron <1fleSli> pos adj. def worldly as opposed to spiritual. fleshly 3. syl flesh+ly pron <1fleSli> pos adj. def fleshy; fat. fleshliness sub head fleshly syl flesh+li+ness pos n. fleshpots ety C16: from the Biblical use as applied to Egypt (Exodus 16:3) fleshpots 1. syl flesh+pots pron <1fleS2pots> pos n. mod pl. qual Often facetious. def luxurious or self-indulgent living. fleshpots 2. syl flesh+pots pron <1fleS2pots> pos n. mod pl. qual Often facetious. def places, such as striptease clubs, where bodily desires are gratified or titillated. flesh wound 0. syl flesh wound pron pos n. def a wound affecting superficial tissues. fleshier infl head fleshy syl flesh:i+er pos adj. fleshiest infl head fleshy syl flesh:i+est. pos adj. fleshy 1. syl flesh:y pron <1fleSi> pos adj. def fat; plump. fleshy 2. syl flesh:y pron <1fleSi> pos adj. def related to or resembling flesh. fleshy 3. syl flesh:y pron <1fleSi> pos adj. usage Botany. of some fruits, leaves, etc. def thick and pulpy. fleshiness sub head fleshy syl flesh:i+ness pos n. fletch ety C17: probably back formation from #7fletcher fletch 0. syl fletch pron pos vb. def another word for {fledge} (sense 2). fletcher ety C14: from Old French flechier, from fleche arrow; see #7fl*`eche fletcher 0. syl fletch+er pron <1fleC*> pos n. def a person who makes arrows. John infl head Fletcher syl John. pos n. Fletcher 0. syl Fletch:er pron <1fleC*> pos n. def 1579-1625, English Jacobean dramatist, noted for his romantic tragicomedies written in collaboration with Francis Beaumont, esp. (1610) and (1611). Fletcherism ety C20: named after Horace Fletcher (1849-1919), American nutritionist Fletcherism 0. syl Fletch+er+ism pron <1fleC*2riz*m> pos n. def the practice of chewing food thoroughly and drinking liquids in small sips to aid digestion. fletchings ety plural of fletching, from #7fletch fletchings 0. syl fletch+ings pron <1fleCiGz> pos n. mod pl. def arrow feathers. fleur-de-lis ety C19: from Old French flor de lis, literally: lily flower fleur-de-lys alt head fleur-de-lis or fleur-de-lis syl fleur-de-lys pron <2flR:d*1lE> pos n. fleurs-de-lis infl head fleur-de-lis or fleurs-de-lys syl fleurs-de-lis pron <2flR:d*1lEz> pos n. mod pl. fleurs-de-lys infl head fleur-de-lis or fleurs-de-lis syl fleurs-de-lys pron <2flR:d*1lEz> pos n. mod pl. fleur-de-lis 1. or fleur-de-lys syl fleur-de-lis pron <2flR:d*1lE> pos n. qual Heraldry. def a charge representing a lily with three distinct petals. fleur-de-lis 2. or fleur-de-lys syl fleur-de-lis pron <2flR:d*1lE> pos n. def another name for { {iris} (sense 2)}. fleurette ety C19: French, literally: a small flower, from fleur flower fleuret alt head fleurette or fleurette syl fleu+ret pron , pos n. fleurette 0. or fleuret syl fleu+rette pron , pos n. def an ornament or motif resembling a flower. fleuron ety C14: from French, from Old French floron, from flor #7flower fleuron 1. syl fleur+on pron <1flu*ron>, <-r*n>, <1flR:-> pos n. def another name for { {flower} (sense 8)}. fleuron 2. syl fleur+on pron <1flu*ron>, <-r*n>, <1flR:-> pos n. qual Cookery. def a decorative piece of pastry. Andr'e Hercule de infl head Fleury syl An:dr*'e Her:cule de pron pos n. flew H1.0. syl flew pron pos vb. def the past tense of { {fly} %1}. flew H2.0. syl flew pron pos n. def a variant spelling of { {flue} %3}. flews ety C16: of unknown origin flews 0. syl flews pron pos n. def the fleshy hanging upper lip of a bloodhound or similar dog. flex ety C16: from Latin flexus bent, winding, from flectere to bend, bow flex 1. syl flex pron pos n. qual Brit. def a flexible insulated electric cable, used esp. to connect appliances to mains. U.S. name: {cord}. flex 2. syl flex pron pos n. qual Informal. def flexibility or pliability. {~} flex 3. syl flex pron pos n. def to bend or be bent. exam 1 he flexed his arm; exam 2 his arm flexed. flex 4. syl flex pron pos n. def to contract (a muscle) or (of a muscle) to contract. flexible 1. syl flex+i:ble pron <1fleksibL> pos adj. def Also {flex+ile} (#!fl$eksa$Il). able to be bent easily without breaking; pliable. flexible 2. syl flex+i:ble pron <1fleksibL> pos adj. def adaptable or variable. exam 1 flexible working hours. flexible 3. syl flex+i:ble pron <1fleksibL> pos adj. def able to be persuaded easily; tractable. flexibility sub head flexible or flexibleness syl flex:i+1bil+i:ty pos n. flexibleness sub head flexible or flexibility syl flex+i:ble+ness pos n. flexibly sub head flexible syl flex+i:bly pos adv. flexion 1. syl flex+ion pron <1flekS*n> pos n. def the act of bending a joint or limb. flexion 2. syl flex+ion pron <1flekS*n> pos n. def the condition of the joint or limb so bent. flexion 3. syl flex+ion pron <1flekS*n> pos n. def a variant spelling of {flection}. flexional sub head flexion syl flex+ion+al pos adj. flexionless sub head flexion syl flex+ion+less pos adj. flexitime 0. syl flex:i+time pron <1fleksi2tIm> pos n. qual Brit. def a system permitting flexibility of working hours at the beginning or end of each day, provided an agreed number of hours ({core time}) are spent at work. flexo 0. syl flex:o pron <1fleks*u> pos n. adj. adv. def short for {flexography, flexographic}, or {flexographically}. flexography 1. syl flex+og+ra+phy pron pos n. def a method of rotary letterpress printing using a resilient printing plate and solvent-based ink: used characteristically for printing on metal foil or plastic. flexography 2. syl flex+og+ra+phy pron pos n. def matter printed by this method. {~} Abbrev.: {flexo}. &- {flex+o+graph+ic} (@!fl$eks$$#!gr@afik) &- {@!flex+o+#!graph+ic+al+ly} flexor ety C17: New Latin; see #7flex flexor 0. syl flex+or pron <1fleks*> pos n. def any muscle whose contraction serves to bend a joint or limb. Compare {extensor}. flexuous ety C17: from Latin flexu*_osus full of bends, tortuous, from flexus a bending; see #7flex flexuose alt head flexuous or flexuous syl flex:u+ose pron <1fleksju2*us> pos adj. flexuous 1. or flexuose syl flex:u+ous pron <1fleksju*s> pos adj. def full of bends or curves; winding. flexuous 2. or flexuose syl flex:u+ous pron <1fleksju*s> pos adj. def variable; unsteady. flexuously sub head flexuous syl flex:u+ous+ly pos adv. flexure 1. syl flex+ure pron <1flekS*> pos n. def the act of flexing or the state of being flexed. flexure 2. syl flex+ure pron <1flekS*> pos n. def a bend, turn, or fold. flexural sub head flexure syl flex+ur+al pos adj. fley ety Old English *_afl*_egan to put to flight; related to Old Norse fleygja flay alt head fley or fley syl flay pron pos vb. fley 1. or flay syl fley pron pos vb. qual Northern Brit. dialect. def to be afraid or cause to be afraid. fley 2. or flay syl fley pron pos vb. mod tr. qual Northern Brit. dialect. def to frighten away; scare. fleysome 0. syl fley+some pron <1flAs*m> pos adj. qual Northern Brit. dialect. def frightening. flibbertigibbet ety C15: of uncertain origin flibbertigibbet 0. syl flib+ber+ti+gib+bet pron <1flib*ti2Jibit> pos n. def an irresponsible, silly, or gossipy person. flick ety C15: of imitative origin; compare French flicflac flick H1.1. syl flick pron pos vb. mod tr. def to touch with or as if with the finger or hand in a quick jerky movement. flick H1.2. syl flick pron pos vb. mod tr. def to propel or remove by a quick jerky movement, usually of the fingers or hand. exam 1 to flick a piece of paper at someone. flick H1.3. syl flick pron pos vb. def to move or cause to move quickly or jerkily. flick H1.4. syl flick pron pos vb. usage intr.; foll. by through def to read or look at (a book, newspaper, etc.) quickly or idly. flick H1.5. syl flick pron pos vb. def to snap or click (the fingers) to produce a sharp sound. flick H1.6. syl flick pron pos n. def a tap or quick stroke with the fingers, a whip, etc. flick H1.7. syl flick pron pos n. def the sound made by such a stroke. flick H1.8. syl flick pron pos n. def a fleck, streak, or particle. flick H2.1. syl flick pron pos n. qual Slang. def a cinema film. the infl head flick syl the. pos n. mod pl. flick H2.2. syl flick pron pos n. qual Slang. def the cinema. exam 1 what's on at the flicks tonight?? flicker ety Old English flicorian; related to Dutch flikkeren, Old Norse fl*"okra to flutter flicker H1.1. syl flick+er pron <1flik*> pos vb. mod intr. def to shine with an unsteady or intermittent light. exam 1 a candle flickers. flicker H1.2. syl flick+er pron <1flik*> pos vb. mod intr. def to move quickly to and fro; quiver, flutter, or vibrate. flicker H1.3. syl flick+er pron <1flik*> pos vb. mod tr. def to cause to flicker. flicker H1.4. syl flick+er pron <1flik*> pos n. def an unsteady or brief light or flame. flicker H1.5. syl flick+er pron <1flik*> pos n. def a swift quivering or fluttering movement. flicker H1.6. syl flick+er pron <1flik*> pos n. def a visual sensation, often seen in a television image, produced by periodic fluctuations in the brightness of light at a frequency below that covered by the persistence of vision. flickeringly sub head flicker syl flick+er+ing+ly pos adv. flickery sub head flicker syl flick+er:y pos adj. flicker ety C19: perhaps imitative of the bird's call flicker H2.0. syl flick+er pron <1flik*> pos n. def any North American woodpecker of the genus esp. ({yellow-shafted flicker}) , which has a yellow undersurface to the wings and tail. flick knife 0. syl flick knife pos n. def a knife with a retractable blade that springs out when a button is pressed. U.S. word: {switchblade}. flyer alt head flier or flier syl fly+er pron <1flI*> pos n. flier 1. or flyer syl fli+er pron <1flI*> pos n. def a person or thing that flies or moves very fast. flier 2. or flyer syl fli+er pron <1flI*> pos n. def an aviator or pilot. flier 3. or flyer syl fli+er pron <1flI*> pos n. qual Informal. def a long flying leap; bound. flier 4. or flyer syl fli+er pron <1flI*> pos n. def a fast-moving machine part, esp. one having periodic motion. flier 5. or flyer syl fli+er pron <1flI*> pos n. def a rectangular step in a straight flight of stairs. Compare { {winder} (sense 5)}. flier 6. or flyer syl fli+er pron <1flI*> pos n. qual Athletics. def an informal word for {flying start}. flight ety Old English flyht; related to Middle Dutch vlucht, Old Saxon fluht flight H1.1. syl flight pron pos n. def the act, skill, or manner of flying. flight H1.2. syl flight pron pos n. def a journey made by a flying animal or object. flight H1.3. syl flight pron pos n. def a group of flying birds or aircraft. exam 1 a flight of swallows. flight H1.4. syl flight pron pos n. def the basic tactical unit of a military air force. flight H1.5. syl flight pron pos n. def a journey through space, esp. of a spacecraft. flight H1.6. syl flight pron pos n. def rapid movement or progress. flight H1.7. syl flight pron pos n. def a soaring mental journey above or beyond the normal everyday world. exam 1 a flight of fancy. flight H1.8.a. syl flight pron pos n. def a single line of hurdles across a track in a race. flight H1.8.b. syl flight pron pos n. def a series of such hurdles. flight H1.9. syl flight pron pos n. def a bird's wing or tail feather; flight feather. flight H1.10. syl flight pron pos n. def a feather or plastic attachment fitted to an arrow or dart to give it stability in flight. flight H1.11. syl flight pron pos n. def See {flight arrow}. flight H1.12. syl flight pron pos n. def the distance covered by a flight arrow. flight H1.13.a. syl flight pron pos n. def a flighted movement imparted to a ball, dart, etc. flight H1.13.b. syl flight pron pos n. def the ability to flight a ball. flight H1.14. syl flight pron pos n. qual Angling. def a device on a spinning lure that revolves rapidly. flight H1.15. syl flight pron pos n. def a set of steps or stairs between one landing or floor and the next. flight H1.16. syl flight pron pos n. def a large enclosed area attached to an aviary or pigeon loft where the birds may fly but not escape. flight H1.17. syl flight pron pos vb. mod tr. qual Sport. def to cause (a ball, dart, etc.) to float slowly or deceptively towards its target. flight H1.18. syl flight pron pos vb. mod intr. usage of wild fowl def to fly in groups. flight H1.19. syl flight pron pos vb. mod tr. def to shoot (a bird) in flight. flight H1.20. syl flight pron pos vb. mod tr. def to fledge (an arrow or dart). flight ety Old English flyht (unattested); related to Old Frisian flecht, Old High German fluht, Old Norse fl*_otti flight H2.1. syl flight pron pos n. def the act of fleeing or running away, as from danger. put to flight 2. head flight syl put to flight. def to cause to run away; rout. take (to) flight 3. head flight syl take (to) flight. def to run away or withdraw hastily; flee. flight arrow 0. syl flight ar+row pos n. def a long thin arrow used for shooting long distances. Often shortened to {flight}. flight deck 1. syl flight deck pos n. def the crew compartment in an airliner. Compare { {cockpit} (sense 1)}. flight deck 2. syl flight deck pos n. def the upper deck of an aircraft carrier from which aircraft take off and on which they land. flight engineer 0. syl flight en+gi+neer pos n. def the member of an aircraft crew who is responsible for the operation of the aircraft's systems, including the engines, during flight. flight feather 0. syl flight feath+er pos n. def any of the large stiff feathers that cover the wings and tail of a bird and are adapted for flying. flight formation 0. syl flight for+ma+tion pos n. def two or more aircraft flying together in a set pattern. flightless 0. syl flight+less pron <1flItlis> pos adj. usage of certain birds and insects def unable to fly. See also {ratite}. flight lieutenant 0. syl flight lieu+ten+ant pos n. def an officer holding a commissioned rank senior to a flying officer and junior to a squadron leader in the R.A.F. and certain other air forces. flight line 0. syl flight line pos n. def an area of an airfield or airport on which aircraft, esp. military aircraft, are parked and serviced. flight path 0. syl flight path pos n. def the course through the air of an aircraft, rocket, or projectile. Compare {approach} (sense 10) {, glide path}. flight plan 0. syl flight plan pos n. def a written statement of the details of a proposed aircraft flight. flight recorder 0. syl flight re+cord+er pos n. def an electronic device fitted to an aircraft for collecting and storing information concerning its performance in flight. It is often used to determine the cause of a crash. Also called: {black box}. flight simulator 0. syl flight sim:u+la+tor pos n. def a ground-training device that reproduces exactly the conditions experienced on the flight deck of an aircraft. Compare {Link trainer}. flight strip 1. syl flight strip pos n. def a strip of cleared land used as an emergency runway for aircraft. flight strip 2. syl flight strip pos n. def another name for { {runway} (sense 1)}. flight strip 3. syl flight strip pos n. def a strip of continuous aerial photographs. flight surgeon 0. syl flight sur+geon pos n. def a medical officer specializing in aviation medicine in the U.S. and certain other air forces. flightier infl head flighty syl flight:i+er pos adj. flightiest infl head flighty syl flight:i+est. pos adj. flighty 1. syl flight:y pron <1flIti> pos adj. def frivolous and irresponsible; capricious; volatile. flighty 2. syl flight:y pron <1flIti> pos adj. def mentally erratic, unstable, or wandering. flighty 3. syl flight:y pron <1flIti> pos adj. def flirtatious; coquettish. flightily sub head flighty syl flight:i+ly pos adv. flightiness sub head flighty syl flight:i+ness pos n. flimflam ety C16: probably of Scandinavian origin; compare Old Norse fl*_im mockery, Norwegian flire to giggle flimflam 1.a. syl flim+flam pron <1flim2fl@m> pos n. qual Informal. def nonsense; rubbish; foolishness. flimflam 1.b. syl flim+flam pron <1flim2fl@m> pos n. qual Informal. usage as modifier exam 1 flimflam arguments. flimflam 2. syl flim+flam pron <1flim2fl@m> pos n. qual Informal. def a deception; trick; swindle. flimflams infl head flimflam syl flim+flams pos vb. flimflamming infl head flimflam syl flim+flam+ming pos vb. flimflammed infl head flimflam syl flim+flammed. pos vb. flimflam 3. syl flim+flam pron <1flim2fl@m> pos vb. mod tr. qual Informal. def to deceive; trick; swindle; cheat. flimflammer sub head flimflam syl flim+2flam+mer pos n. flimsy ety C17: of uncertain origin flimsier infl head flimsy syl flim+si+er pos adj. flimsiest infl head flimsy syl flim+si+est. pos adj. flimsy 1. syl flim+sy pron <1flimzi> pos adj. def not strong or substantial; fragile. exam 1 a flimsy building. flimsy 2. syl flim+sy pron <1flimzi> pos adj. def light and thin. exam 1 a flimsy dress. flimsy 3. syl flim+sy pron <1flimzi> pos adj. def unconvincing or inadequate; weak. exam 1 a flimsy excuse. flimsy 4. syl flim+sy pron <1flimzi> pos n. def thin paper used for making carbon copies of a letter, etc. flimsy 5. syl flim+sy pron <1flimzi> pos n. def a copy made on such paper. flimsily sub head flimsy syl flim+si+ly pos adv. flimsiness sub head flimsy syl flim+si+ness pos n. flinch ety C16: from Old French flenchir; related to Middle High German lenken to bend, direct; see #7lank flinch H1.1. syl flinch pron pos vb. mod intr. def to draw back suddenly, as from pain, shock, etc.; wince. exam 1 he flinched as the cold water struck him. flinch H1.2. syl flinch pron pos vb. mod intr. usage often foll. by from def to avoid contact (with); shy away. exam 1 he never flinched from his duty. flinch H1.3. syl flinch pron pos n. mod intr. def the act or an instance of drawing back. flinch H1.4. syl flinch pron pos n. mod intr. def a card game in which players build se?!quences. flincher sub head flinch syl flinch+er pos n. flinchingly sub head flinch syl flinch+ing+ly pos adv. flinch H2.0. syl flinch pron pos vb. mod tr. def a variant spelling of {flense}. flinders ety C15: probably of Scandinavian origin; compare Norwegian flindra thin piece of stone flinders 0. syl flin+ders pron <1flind*z> pos n. mod pl. qual Rare. def small fragments or splinters (esp. in the phrase {fly into flinders}) . Flinders bar ety C19: named after Matthew Flinders (died 1814), English navigator Flinders bar 0. syl Flin+ders bar pron <1flind*z> pos n. qual Navigation. def a bar of soft iron mount?!ed on a binnacle to compensate for local magnetism causing error to the compass. Flinders Island 0. syl Flin+ders Is+land pron <1flind*z> pos n. def an island off the coast of NE Tasmania: the largest of the Furneaux Islands. Pop.: 967 (1971). Area: 2077 sq. km (802 sq. miles). Flinders Range 0. syl Flin+ders Range pos n. def a mountain range in E South Australia, between Lake Torrens and Lake Frome. Highest peak: 1170 m (3900 ft.). fling ety C13: of Scandinavian origin; related to Old Norse flengja to flog, Swedish fl*"anga, Danish fl*"ange flings infl head fling syl flings pos vb. mod mainly; tr. flinging infl head fling syl fling+ing pos vb. mod mainly; tr. flung infl head fling syl flung. pos vb. mod mainly; tr. fling 1. syl fling pron pos vb. mod mainly; tr. def to throw, esp. with force or abandon; hurl or toss. fling 2. syl fling pron pos vb. mod mainly; tr. def to put or send without warning or preparation. exam 1 to fling someone into jail. fling 3. syl fling pron pos vb. mod also; intr. def to move (oneself or a part of the body) with abandon or speed. exam 1 he flung himself into a chair. fling 4. syl fling pron pos vb. mod mainly; tr. usage usually foll. by into def to apply (oneself) diligently and with vigour (to). fling 5. syl fling pron pos vb. mod mainly; tr. def to cast aside; disregard. exam 1 she flung away her scruples. fling 6. syl fling pron pos vb. mod mainly; tr. def to utter violently or offensively. fling 7. syl fling pron pos vb. mod mainly; tr. qual Poetic. def to give out; emit. fling 8. syl fling pron pos n. mod mainly; tr. def the act or an instance of flinging; toss; throw. fling 9. syl fling pron pos n. mod mainly; tr. def a period or occasion of unrestrained, impulsive, or extravagant behaviour. exam 1 to have a fling. fling 10. syl fling pron pos n. mod mainly; tr. def any of various vigorous Scottish reels full of leaps and turns, such as the Highland fling. fling 11. syl fling pron pos n. mod mainly; tr. def a trial; try. exam 1 to have a fling at something different. flinger sub head fling syl fling+er pos n. flint ety Old English; related to Old High German flins, Old Swedish flinta splinter of stone, Latin splend*_ere to shine flint 1. syl flint pron pos n. def an impure opaque microcrystalline greyish-black form of quartz that occurs in chalk. It produces sparks when struck with steel and is used in the manufacture of pottery, flint glass, and road-construction materials. Formula: SiO\2. flint 2. syl flint pron pos n. def any piece of flint, esp. one used as a primitive tool or for striking fire. flint 3. syl flint pron pos n. def a small cylindrical piece of an iron alloy, used in cigarette lighters. flint 4. syl flint pron pos n. def Also called: {flint glass, white flint}. colourless glass other than plate glass. flint 5. syl flint pron pos n. def See {optical flint}. flint 6. syl flint pron pos vb. mod tr. def to fit or provide with a flint. Flint 1. syl Flint pron pos n. def a town in NE Wales, in Clwyd, on the Dee estuary. Pop.: 14660 (1971). Flint 2. syl Flint pron pos n. def a city in SE Michigan: car production. Pop.: 181684 (1973 est.). flint glass 0. syl flint glass pos n. def another name for {optical flint, flint} (sense 4). flintlock 1. syl flint+lock pron <1flint2lok> pos n. def an obsolete gunlock in which the charge is ignited by a spark produced by a flint in the hammer. flintlock 2. syl flint+lock pron <1flint2lok> pos n. def a firearm having such a lock. Flintshire 0. syl Flint+shire pron <1flinCi*>, <-S*> pos n. usage until 1974 def a county of NE Wales, now part of Clwyd. flintier infl head flinty syl flint:i+er pos adj. flintiest infl head flinty syl flint:i+est. pos adj. flinty 1. syl flint:y pron <1flinti> pos adj. def of, relating to, or resembling flint. flinty 2. syl flint:y pron <1flinti> pos adj. def hard or cruel; obdurate; unyielding. flintily sub head flinty syl flint:i+ly pos adv. flintiness sub head flinty syl flint:i+ness pos n. flip ety C16: probably of imitative origin; see #7fillip flips infl head flip syl flips pos vb. flipping infl head flip syl flip+ping pos vb. flipped infl head flip syl flipped. pos vb. flip 1. syl flip pron pos vb. def to throw (something light or small) carelessly or briskly; toss. exam 1 he flipped me an envelope. flip 2. syl flip pron pos vb. def to throw or flick (an object such as a coin) so that it turns or spins in the air. flip 3. syl flip pron pos vb. def to propel by a sudden movement of the finger; flick. exam 1 to flip a crumb across the room. flip 4. syl flip pron pos vb. usage foll. by through def to read or look at (a book, newspaper, etc.) quickly, idly, or incompletely. flip 5. syl flip pron pos vb. mod intr. usage of small objects def to move or bounce jerkily. flip 6. syl flip pron pos vb. mod intr. def to make a snapping movement or noise with the finger and thumb. flip 7. syl flip pron pos vb. mod intr. qual Slang, chiefly U.S. def to fly into a rage or an emotional outburst (also in the phrases {flip one's lid, flip one's top}) . $D. to become ecstatic or very excited. exam 1 he flipped over the jazz group. flip 8. syl flip pron pos n. def a snap or tap, usually with the fingers. flip 9. syl flip pron pos n. def a rapid jerk. flip 10. syl flip pron pos n. def a somersault, esp. one performed in the air, as in a dive, rather than from a standing position. flip 11. syl flip pron pos n. def any alcoholic drink containing beaten egg. flip 12. syl flip pron pos adj. qual U.S. informal. def impertinent, flippant, or pert. flip-flop ety C16: reduplication of #7flip flip-flop 1. syl flip-flop pos n. def a backward handspring. flip-flop 2. syl flip-flop pos n. def an electronic device or circuit that can assume either of two stable states by the application of a suitable pulse. flip-flop 3. syl flip-flop pos n. def a complete change of opinion, policy, etc. flip-flop 4. syl flip-flop pos n. def a repeated flapping or banging noise. flip-flop 5. syl flip-flop pos n. def Also called (esp. U.S.): {thong}. a rubber-soled sandal attached to the foot by a thong between the big toe and the next toe. {~} {-flops, -flop@.ping, -flopped}. flip-flop 6. syl flip-flop pos n. mod intr. def to move with repeated flaps. flip-flop 7. syl flip-flop pos adv. def with repeated flappings. exam 1 to go flip-flop. flippant ety C17: perhaps from #7flip flippant 1. syl flip+pant pron <1flip*nt> pos adj. def marked by inappropriate levity; frivolous or offhand. flippant 2. syl flip+pant pron <1flip*nt> pos adj. def impertinent; saucy. flippant 3. syl flip+pant pron <1flip*nt> pos n. qual Obsolete. def talkative or nimble. flippancy sub head flippant syl flip+pan+cy pos n. flippantly sub head flippant syl flip+pant+ly pos adv. flipper 1. syl flip+per pron <1flip*> pos n. def the flat broad limb of seals, whales, penguins, and other aquatic animals, specialized for swimming. flipper 2. syl flip+per pron <1flip*> pos n. mod often; pl. def Also called: {fin}. either of a pair of rubber paddle-like devices worn on the feet as an aid in swimming, esp. underwater. flipping ety C19: perhaps a euphemism for #7fucking flip side 0. syl flip side pos n. def the less important side of a pop record. flirt ety C16: of uncertain origin flirt 1. syl flirt pron pos vb. mod intr. def to behave or act amorously without emotional commitment; toy or play with another's affections; dally. flirt 2. syl flirt pron pos vb. mod intr. usage usually foll. by with def to deal playfully or carelessly (with something dangerous or serious); trifle. exam 1 the motorcyclist flirted with death. flirt 3. syl flirt pron pos vb. mod intr. usage usually foll. by with def to think casually (about); toy (with). exam 1 to flirt with the idea of leaving. flirt 4. syl flirt pron pos vb. mod intr. def to move jerkily; dart; flit. flirt 5. syl flirt pron pos vb. mod tr. def to subject to a sudden swift motion; flick or toss. flirt 6. syl flirt pron pos n. def a person who acts flirtatiously. flirter sub head flirt syl flirt+er pos n. flirtingly sub head flirt syl flirt+ing+ly pos adv. flirtation 1. syl flir+ta+tion pron pos n. def behaviour intended to arouse sexual feelings or advances without emotional commitment; coquetry. flirtation 2. syl flir+ta+tion pron pos n. def any casual involvement without commitment. exam 1 a flirtation with journalism. flirtatious 1. syl flir+ta+tious pron pos adj. def given to flirtation. flirtatious 2. syl flir+ta+tious pron pos adj. def expressive of playful sexual invitation. exam 1 a flirtatious glance. flirtatiously sub head flirtatious syl flir+1ta+tious+ly pos adv. flirtatiousness sub head flirtatious syl flir+1ta+tious+ness pos n. flit ety C12: from Old Norse flytja to carry flits infl head flit syl flits pos vb. mod intr. flitting infl head flit syl flit+ting pos vb. mod intr. flitted infl head flit syl flit+ted. pos vb. mod intr. flit 1. syl flit pron pos vb. mod intr. def to move along rapidly and lightly; skim or dart. flit 2. syl flit pron pos vb. mod intr. def to fly rapidly and lightly; flutter. flit 3. syl flit pron pos vb. mod intr. def to pass quickly; fleet. exam 1 a memory flitted into his mind. flit 4. syl flit pron pos vb. mod intr. qual Scot. and northern English dialect. def to move house. flit 5. syl flit pron pos vb. mod intr. qual Brit. informal. def to depart hurriedly and stealthily in order to avoid obligations. flit 6. syl flit pron pos vb. mod intr. def an informal word for {elope}. flit 7. syl flit pron pos n. mod intr. def the act or an instance of flitting. flit 8. syl flit pron pos n. mod intr. qual Slang, chiefly U.S. def a male homosexual. flit 9. syl flit pron pos n. mod intr. qual Brit. informal. def a hurried and stealthy departure in order to avoid obligations (esp. in the phrase {do a flit}) . moonlight flit 10. head flit syl moonlight flit. qual Brit. informal. def a departure in this manner at night, esp. from rented accommodation to avoid payment of rent owed. flitter sub head flit syl flit+ter pos n. flitch ety Old English flicce; related to Old Norse flikki, Middle Low German vlicke, Norwegian flika; see #7flesh flitch 1. syl flitch pron pos n. def a side of pork salted and cured. flitch 2. syl flitch pron pos n. def a steak cut from the side of certain fishes, esp. halibut. flitch 3. syl flitch pron pos n. def a piece of timber cut lengthways from a tree trunk, esp. one that is larger than 4 by 12 inches. flitch 4. syl flitch pron pos vb. mod tr. def to cut (a tree trunk) into flitches. flite ety Old English fl*_itan to wrangle, of Germanic origin; related to Old Frisian fl*_it strife, Old High German fl*_iz strife flyte alt head flite or flite syl flyte pron flite 1. or flyte syl flite pron pos vb. mod tr. qual Scot. and northern Brit. dialect. def to scold or rail at. flite 2. or flyte syl flite pron pos n. qual Scot. and northern Brit. dialect. def a dispute or scolding. flitter 0. syl flit+ter pron <1flit*> pos vb. def a less common word for {flutter}. flittermouse ety C16: translation of German Fledermaus; see #7flitter, mouse flittermice infl head flittermouse syl flit:ter+mice. pos n. mod pl. flittermouse 0. syl flit:ter+mouse pron <1flit*2maus> pos n. def a dialect name for { {bat} %2} (the animal). flivver ety C20: of unknown origin flivver 0. syl fliv+ver pron <1fliv*> pos n. def an old, cheap, or battered car. float ety Old English flotian; related to Old Norse flota, Old Saxon flot*_on; see {#7fleet %2} float 1. syl float pron pos vb. def to rest or cause to rest on the surface of a fluid or in a fluid or space without sinking; be buoyant or cause to exhibit buoyancy. exam 1 oil floats on water; exam 2 to float a ship. float 2. syl float pron pos vb. def to move or cause to move buoyantly, lightly, or freely across a surface or through air, water, etc.; drift. exam 1 fog floated across the road. float 3. syl float pron pos vb. def to move about aimlessly, esp. in the mind. exam 1 thoughts floated before him. float 4. syl float pron pos vb. def to suspend or be suspended without falling; hang. exam 1 lights floated above them. float 5.a. syl float pron pos vb. def to launch or establish (a commercial enterprise, etc.). float 5.b. syl float pron pos vb. def to offer for sale (stock or bond issues, etc.) on the stock market. float 6. syl float pron pos vb. mod tr. qual Finance. def to allow (a currency) to fluctuate against other currencies in accordance with market forces. float 7. syl float pron pos vb. mod tr. def to flood, inundate, or irrigate (land), either artificially or naturally. float 8. syl float pron pos vb. mod tr. def to spread, smooth, or level (a surface of plaster, rendering, etc.). float 9. syl float pron pos n. def something that floats. float 10. syl float pron pos n. qual Angling. def an indicator attached to a baited line that sits on the water and moves when a fish bites. float 11. syl float pron pos n. def a small hand tool with a rectangular blade used for floating plaster, etc. float 12. syl float pron pos n. qual Chiefly U.S. def any buoyant object, such as a platform or inflated tube, used offshore by swimmers or, when moored alongside a pier, as a dock by vessels. float 13. syl float pron pos n. def Also called: {paddle}. a blade of a paddle wheel. float 14. syl float pron pos n. qual Brit. def a buoyant garment or device to aid a person in staying afloat. float 15. syl float pron pos n. def a hollow watertight structure fitted to the underside of an aircraft to allow it to land on water. float 16. syl float pron pos n. def another name for { {air bladder} (sense 2)}. float 17. syl float pron pos n. def an exhibit carried in a parade, esp. a religious parade. float 18. syl float pron pos n. def a motor vehicle used to carry a tableau or exhibit in a parade, esp. a civic parade. float 19. syl float pron pos n. def a small delivery vehicle, esp. one powered by batteries. exam 1 a milk float. float 20. syl float pron pos n. qual Austral. def a vehicle for transporting horses. float 21. syl float pron pos n. qual Banking, chiefly U.S. def the total value of uncollected cheques and other commercial papers. float 22. syl float pron pos n. qual Chiefly U.S. def a sum to be applied to minor expenses; petty cash. float 23. syl float pron pos n. def a sum of money used by shopkeepers to provide change at the start of the day's business, this sum being subtracted from the total at the end of the day when calculating the day's takings. float 24. syl float pron pos n. def the hollow floating ball of a ballcock. float 25. syl float pron pos n. qual Chiefly U.S. def a milk shake or other drink with a scoop of ice cream in it. float 26. syl float pron pos n. usage in textiles def a single thread brought to or above the surface of a woven fabric, esp. to form a pattern. floatable sub head float syl float+a:ble pos adj. floatability sub head float syl float+a:1bil+i:ty pos n. floatage 0. syl float+age pron <1fl*utiJ> pos n. def a variant spelling of {flotage}. floatation 0. syl float:a+tion pron pos n. def a variant spelling of {flotation}. floater 1. syl float+er pron <1fl*ut*> pos n. def a person or thing that floats. floater 2.a. syl float+er pron <1fl*ut*> pos n. def a person of no fixed political opinion. floater 2.b. syl float+er pron <1fl*ut*> pos n. def a person who votes illegally in more than one district at one election. floater 2.c. syl float+er pron <1fl*ut*> pos n. def a voter who can be bribed. floater 3. syl float+er pron <1fl*ut*> pos n. def Also called: {floating policy}. a policy covering loss or theft of or damage to movable property, such as jewels or furs, regardless of its location. floater 4. syl float+er pron <1fl*ut*> pos n. qual U.S. informal. def a person who often changes employment, residence, etc.; drifter. float-feed 0. syl float-feed pos adj. usage of a fuel system def controlled by a float operating a needle valve. float glass 0. syl float glass pos n. def a type of flat polished transparent glass made by allowing the molten glass to harden as it floats on liquid of higher density. floating 1. syl float+ing pron <1fl*utiG> pos adj. def having little or no attachment. floating 2. syl float+ing pron <1fl*utiG> pos adj. usage of an organ or part def displaced from the normal position or ab?!normally movable. exam 1 a floating kidney. floating 3. syl float+ing pron <1fl*utiG> pos adj. def not definitely attached to one place or policy; uncommitted or unfixed. exam 1 floating voters. floating 4.a. syl float+ing pron <1fl*utiG> pos adj. usage of capital def not allocated or invested; available for current use. floating 4.b. syl float+ing pron <1fl*utiG> pos adj. usage of debt def short-term and unfunded, usually raised by a government or company to meet current expenses. floating 4.c. syl float+ing pron <1fl*utiG> pos adj. usage of a currency def free to fluctuate against other currencies in accordance with market forces. floating 5. syl float+ing pron <1fl*utiG> pos adj. qual Machinery. def operating smoothly through being free from external constraints. floating 6. syl float+ing pron <1fl*utiG> pos adj. usage of an electronic circuit or device def not connected to a source of voltage. floatingly sub head floating syl float+ing+ly pos adv. floating assets 0. syl float+ing as+sets pos n. mod pl. def another term for {current assets}. floating charge 0. syl float+ing charge pos n. qual Chiefly Brit. def an unsecured charge on the assets of an enterprise that allows such assets to be used commercially until the enterprise ceases to operate or the creditor intervenes to demand collateral. floating dock 0. syl float+ing dock pos n. def a large boxlike structure that can be sub?!merged to allow a vessel to enter it and then floated to raise the vessel out of the water for maintenance or repair. Also called: {floating dry dock}. floating heart 0. syl float+ing heart pos n. def any perennial aquatic freshwater plant of the genus esp. having floating heart-shaped leaves: family floating island 0. syl float+ing is+land pos n. def a mass of soil held together by vegetation and floating like an island. floating-point representation 0. syl float:ing-point rep+re+sen+ta+tion pos n. qual Computer technol. def the representation of numbers by two sets of digits the set indicating the significant digits, the set giving the position of the radix point. The number is the product where is the base of the number system used. Compare {fixed-point representation}. floating policy 1. syl float+ing pol:i+cy pos n. usage in marine insurance def a policy covering loss of or damage to specified goods irrespective of the ship in which they are consigned. floating policy 2. syl float+ing pol:i+cy pos n. def another term for {floater} (sense 3). floating rib 0. syl float+ing rib pos n. def any one of the lower two pairs of ribs in man, which are not attached to the breastbone. floats 0. syl floats pron pos n. mod pl. qual Theatre. def another word for {footlights}. floatier infl head floaty syl float:i+er pos adj. floatiest infl head floaty syl float:i+est. pos adj. floaty 1. syl float:y pron <1fl*uti> pos adj. def filmy and light. exam 1 floaty material. floaty 2. syl float:y pron <1fl*uti> pos adj. def capable of floating; buoyant. floaty 3. syl float:y pron <1fl*uti> pos adj. usage of a vessel def riding high in the water; of shallow draught. floc ety C20: from Latin floccus a tuft of wool, {#7flock %2} floc 0. syl floc pron pos n. def another word for {floccule}. floccose ety C18: from Latin flocc*_osus full of flocks of wool floccose 0. syl floc+cose pron <1flok*us> pos adj. def consisting of or covered with woolly tufts or hairs. exam 1 floccose growths of bacteria. flocculant 0. syl floc+cu+lant pron <1flokjul*nt> pos n. def a substance added to colloids to prevent coagulation of their suspended particles. flocculate 0. syl floc+cu+late pron <1flokju2lAt> pos vb. def to form or be formed into an aggregated flocculent mass. flocculation sub head flocculate syl floc+cu+1la+tion pos n. floccule ety C19: from Late Latin flocculus a little tuft; see {#7flock %2} flocculus infl head floccule syl floc+cu+lus pos n. flock infl head floccule or floc syl flock pos n. floc infl head floccule or flock syl floc pos n. floccule 1. syl floc+cule pron <1flokju:l> pos n. def a small aggregate of flocculent material. floccule 2. syl floc+cule pron <1flokju:l> pos n. def something resembling a tuft of wool. flocculent 1. syl floc+cu+lent pron <1flokjul*nt> pos adj. def like wool; fleecy. flocculent 2. syl floc+cu+lent pron <1flokjul*nt> pos adj. qual Chem. def aggregated in woolly cloudlike masses. exam 1 a flocculent precipitate. flocculent 3. syl floc+cu+lent pron <1flokjul*nt> pos adj. qual Biology. def covered with tufts or flakes of a waxy or wool-like substance. flocculence sub head flocculent or flocculency syl floc+cu+lence pos n. flocculency sub head flocculent or flocculence syl floc+cu+len+cy pos n. flocculently sub head flocculent syl floc+cu+lent+ly pos adv. flocculi infl head flocculus syl floc+cu+li pron <-2lI> pos n. mod pl. flocculus 1. syl floc+cu+lus pron <1flokjul*s> pos n. def a marking on the sun's surface or in its atmosphere, as seen on a spectroheliogram. It consists of calcium when lighter than the surround?!ings and of hydrogen when darker. flocculus 2. syl floc+cu+lus pron <1flokjul*s> pos n. qual Anatomy. def a tiny ovoid prominence on each side of the cerebellum. flocculus 3. syl floc+cu+lus pron <1flokjul*s> pos n. def another word for {floccule}. floccus ety C19: from Latin: tuft of hair or wool, #7flock %2 flocci infl head floccus syl floc+ci pron <1floksI> pos n. mod pl. floccus 1. syl floc+cus pron <1flok*s> pos n. def a downy or woolly covering, as on the young of certain birds. floccus 2. syl floc+cus pron <1flok*s> pos n. def a small woolly tuft of hair. floccus 3. syl floc+cus pron <1flok*s> pos adj. usage of a cloud def having the appearance of woolly tufts at odd intervals in its structure. flock ety Old English flocc; related to Old Norse flokkr crowd, Middle Low German vlocke flock H1.1. syl flock pron pos n. mod sometimes functioning as; pl. def a group of animals of one kind, esp. sheep or birds. flock H1.2. syl flock pron pos n. mod sometimes functioning as; pl. def a large number of people; crowd. flock H1.3. syl flock pron pos n. mod sometimes functioning as; pl. def a body of Christians regarded as the pastoral charge of a priest, a bishop, the pope, etc. flock H1.4. syl flock pron pos n. mod sometimes functioning as; pl. qual Rare. def a band of people; group. flock H1.5. syl flock pron pos vb. mod intr. def to gather together or move in a flock. flock H1.6. syl flock pron pos vb. mod intr. def to go in large numbers. exam 1 people flocked to the church. flock ety C13: from Old French floc, from Latin floccus; probably related to Old High German floccho down, Norwegian flugsa snowflake flock H2.1. syl flock pron pos n. def a tuft, as of wool, hair, cotton, etc. flock H2.2.a. syl flock pron pos n. def waste from fabrics such as cotton, wool, or other cloth used for stuffing mattresses, upholstered chairs, etc. flock H2.2.b. syl flock pron pos n. usage as modifier def . exam 1 flock mattress. flock H2.3. syl flock pron pos n. def very small tufts of wool applied to fabrics, wallpaper, etc., to give a raised pattern. flock H2.4. syl flock pron pos n. def another word for {floccule}. flock H2.5. syl flock pron pos vb. mod tr. def to fill, cover, or ornament with flock. flocky sub head flock syl flock:y pos adj. Flodden 0. syl Flod+den pron <1flodN> pos n. def a hill in Northumberland where invading Scots were defeated by the English in 1513 and James IV of Scotland was killed. Also called: {Flodden Field}. floe ety C19: probably from Norwegian flo slab, layer, from Old Norse; see {#7flaw %1} floe 0. syl floe pron pos n. def See {ice floe}. flog ety C17: probably from Latin flagell*_are; see #7flagellant flogs infl head flog syl flogs pos vb. flogging infl head flog syl flog+ging pos vb. flogged infl head flog syl flogged. pos vb. flog 1. syl flog pron pos vb. mod tr. def to beat harshly, esp. with a whip, strap, etc. flog 2. syl flog pron pos vb. qual Brit. slang. def to sell. flog 3. syl flog pron pos vb. mod intr. usage of a sail def to flap noisily in the wind. flog 4. syl flog pron pos vb. mod intr. def to make progress by painful work. flog a dead horse 5. head flog syl flog a dead horse. def to pursue a line of attack or argument from which no results can come. flog to death 6. head flog syl flog to death. def to persuade a person so persistently of the value of (an idea or venture) that he loses interest in it. flogger sub head flog syl flog+ger pos n. flong ety C20: variant of #7flan flong 1. syl flong pron pos n. qual Printing. def a material used for making moulds in stereotyping. flong 2. syl flong pron pos n. qual Journalism, slang. def material that is not urgently topical. flood ety Old English fl*_od; related to Old Norse fl*_oth, Gothic fl*_odus, Old High German fluot flood, Greek pl*_otos navigable; see #7flow, float flood 1.a. syl flood pos fl^d; n. def the inundation of land that is normally dry through the overflowing of a body of water, esp. a river. flood 1.b. syl flood pos fl^d; n. def the state of a river that is at an abnormally high level (esp. in the phrase {in flood}) . Related adj.: {diluvial}. flood 2. syl flood pos fl^d; n. def a great outpouring or flow. exam 1 a flood of words. flood 3.a. syl flood pos fl^d; n. def the rising of the tide from low to high water. flood 3.b. syl flood pos fl^d; n. usage as modifier; the flood tide. def Compare { {ebb} (sense 3)}. flood 4. syl flood pos fl^d; n. qual Theatre. def short for {floodlight}. flood 5. syl flood pos fl^d; n. qual Archaic. def a large body of water, as the sea or a river. flood 6. syl flood pos vb. usage of water def to inundate or submerge (land) or (of land) to be inundated or submerged. flood 7. syl flood pos vb. def to fill or be filled to overflowing, as with a flood. exam 1 the children's home was flooded with gifts. flood 8. syl flood pos vb. mod intr. def to flow; surge. exam 1 relief flooded through him. flood 9. syl flood pos vb. def to supply an excessive quantity of petrol to (a carburettor or petrol engine) or (of a carburettor, etc.) to be supplied with such an excess. flood 10. syl flood pos vb. mod intr. def to rise to a flood; overflow. flood 11.a. syl flood pos vb. def to bleed profusely from the uterus, as following childbirth. flood 11.b. syl flood pos vb. def to have an abnormally heavy flow of blood during a menstrual period. floodable sub head flood syl flood+a:ble pos adj. flooder sub head flood syl flood+er pos n. floodless sub head flood syl flood+less pos adj. the infl head Flood syl the. pos fl^d; n. qual Old Testament. Flood 0. syl Flood pos fl^d; n. def the flood extending over all the earth from which Noah and his family and livestock were saved in the ark. (Genesis 7-8); the Deluge. flood control 0. syl flood con+trol pos n. def the technique or practice of preventing or controlling floods with dams, artificial channels, etc. floodgate 1. syl flood+gate pron <1fl^d2gAt> pos n. def Also called: {head gate, water gate}. a gate in a sluice that is used to control the flow of water. See also {sluicegate}. floodgate 2. syl flood+gate pron <1fl^d2gAt> pos n. mod often; pl. def a control or barrier against an outpouring or flow. exam 1 to open the floodgates to immigration. floodlight 1. syl flood+light pron <1fl^d2lIt> pos n. def a broad intense beam of artificial light, esp. as used in the theatre or to illuminate the exterior of buildings. floodlight 2. syl flood+light pron <1fl^d2lIt> pos n. def the lamp or source producing such light. floodlights infl head floodlight syl flood+lights pos vb. floodlighting infl head floodlight syl flood+light+ing pos vb. floodlit infl head floodlight syl flood+lit. pos vb. floodlight 3. syl flood+light pron <1fl^d2lIt> pos vb. mod tr. def to illuminate by or as if by a floodlight. flood plain 0. syl flood plain pos n. def the flat area bordering a river, composed of sediment deposited during flooding. ********************************************************************** ********************************************************************** sediment deposited during flooding. ********************************************************************** ********************************************************************** floor ety Old English fl*_or; related to Old Norse fl*_orr, Middle Low German vl*_or floor, Latin pl*_anus level, Greek planan to cause to wander floor 1. syl floor pron pos n. def Also called: {flooring}. the inner lower surface of a room. floor 2. syl floor pron pos n. def a storey of a building. exam 1 the second floor. floor 3. syl floor pron pos n. def a flat bottom surface in or on any structure. exam 1 the floor of a lift; exam 2 a dance floor. floor 4. syl floor pron pos n. def the bottom surface of a tunnel, cave, river, sea, etc. floor 5. syl floor pron pos n. qual Mining. def an underlying stratum. floor 6. syl floor pron pos n. qual Nautical. def the bottom, or the lowermost framing members at the bottom, of a vessel. floor 7. syl floor pron pos n. def that part of a legislative hall in which debate and other business is conducted. floor 8. syl floor pron pos n. def the right to speak in a legislative or deliberative body (esp. in the phrases {get, have}, or {be given the floor}) . floor 9. syl floor pron pos n. def the room in a stock exchange where trading takes place. floor 10. syl floor pron pos n. def the earth; ground. floor 11. syl floor pron pos n. def a minimum price charged or paid. exam 1 a wage floor. take the floor 12. head floor syl take the floor. def to begin dancing on a dance floor. floor 13. syl floor pron pos vb. def to cover with or construct a floor. floor 14. syl floor pron pos vb. mod tr. def to knock to the floor or ground. floor 15. syl floor pron pos vb. mod tr. qual Informal. def to disconcert, confound, or defeat. exam 1 to be floored by a problem. floorage 0. syl floor+age pron <1flc:riJ> pos n. def an area of floor; floor space. floorboard 0. syl floor+board pron <1flc:2bc:d> pos n. def one of the boards forming a floor. flooring 1. syl floor+ing pron <1flc:riG> pos n. def the material used in making a floor, esp. the surface material. flooring 2. syl floor+ing pron <1flc:riG> pos n. def another word for { {floor} (sense 1).} flooring saw 0. syl floor+ing saw pos n. def a type of saw curved at the end for cutting through floorboards. floor leader 0. syl floor lead+er pos n. qual U.S. government. def a member of a legislative body who organizes his party's activities. floor manager 1. syl floor man+ag+er pos n. def the stage manager employed in the production of a television programme. floor manager 2. syl floor man+ag+er pos n. def a person in overall charge of one floor of a large shop or department store. floor plan 0. syl floor plan pos n. def a drawing to scale of the arrangement of rooms on one floor of a building. Compare { {elevation} (sense 5).} floor show 0. syl floor show pos n. def a series of entertainments, such as singing, dancing, and comedy acts, performed in a nightclub. floor-walker 0. syl floor-walker pos n. def the U.S. name for {shopwalker}. floozy ety C20: of unknown origin floozie infl head floozy or floosie syl floo+zie pron <1flu:zi> pos n. floosie infl head floozy or floozie syl floo+sie pron <1flu:zi> pos n. floozies infl head floozy or floosies syl floo+zies pos n. mod pl. floosies infl head floozy or floozies syl floo+sies. pos n. mod pl. floozy 0. syl floo+zy pron <1flu:zi> pos n. qual Slang. def a disreputable woman. flop ety C17: variant of #7flap flops infl head flop syl flops pos vb. flopping infl head flop syl flop+ping pos vb. flopped infl head flop syl flopped. pos vb. flop 1. syl flop pron pos vb. mod intr. def to bend, fall, or collapse loosely or carelessly. exam 1 his head flopped backwards. flop 2. syl flop pron pos vb. mod when; intr. usage often foll. by into, onto, etc. def to fall, cause to fall, or move with a sudden noise. exam 1 the books flopped onto the floor. flop 3. syl flop pron pos vb. mod intr. qual Informal. def to fail; be unsuccessful. exam 1 the scheme flopped. flop 4. syl flop pron pos vb. mod intr. def to fall flat onto the surface of water, hitting it with the front of the body. flop 5. syl flop pron pos vb. mod intr. qual Slang. usage often foll. by out def to go to sleep. flop 6. syl flop pron pos n. def the act of flopping. flop 7. syl flop pron pos n. qual Informal. def a complete failure. flop 8. syl flop pron pos n. qual U.S. slang. def a place to sleep. flop 9. syl flop pron pos n. qual Athletics. def See {Fosbury flop}. flophouse 0. syl flop+house pron <1flop2haus> pos n. qual Slang. def the U.S. word for {dosshouse}. floppier infl head floppy syl flop+pi+er pos adj. floppiest infl head floppy syl flop+pi+est. pos adj. floppy 0. syl flop+py pron <1flopi> pos adj. def limp or hanging loosely. exam 1 a dog with floppy ears. floppily sub head floppy syl flop+pi+ly pos adv. floppiness sub head floppy syl flop+pi+ness pos n. flor 0. syl flor. qual abbrev. for def floruit. flora ety C18: from New Latin, from Latin Fl*_ora goddess of flowers, from fl*_os #7flower floras infl head flora or florae syl flo+ras pron <-rE> pos n. mod pl. florae infl head flora or floras syl flo+rae pron <-rE> pos n. mod pl. flora 1. syl flo+ra pron <1flc:r*> pos n. def all the plant life of a given place or time. flora 2. syl flo+ra pron <1flc:r*> pos n. def a descriptive list of such plants, often including a key for identification. flora 3. syl flo+ra pron <1flc:r*> pos n. def short for {intestinal flora}. Flora ety C16: from Latin, from fl*_os flower Flora 0. syl Flo:ra pron <1flc:r*> pos n. def the Roman goddess of flowers. floral 1. syl flo+ral pron <1flc:r*l> pos adj. def decorated with or consisting of flowers or patterns of flowers. floral 2. syl flo+ral pron <1flc:r*l> pos adj. def of, relating to, or associated with flowers. exam 1 floral leaves. florally sub head floral syl flo+ral+ly pos adv. floral envelope 0. syl flo+ral en+ve+lope pos n. def the part of a flower that surrounds the stamens and pistil: the calyx and corolla (considered together) or the perianth. Flor'eal ety C19: ultimately from Latin fl*_oreus of flowers, from fl*_os a flower Flor'eal 0. syl Flo+r*'e:al pron French. pos n. def the month of flowers: the eighth month of the French revolutionary calendar, extending from April 21 to May 20. floreant infl head floreat syl flo+re:ant. pos vb. mod intr. pl. floreat 0. syl flo+re:at pron Latin. <1flori@t> pos vb. def may (a person, institution, etc.) flourish floreated 0. syl flo+re:at:ed pron <1flc:ri2Atid> pos adj. def a variant spelling of {floriated}. Florence 0. syl Flor+ence pron <1flor*ns> pos n. def a city in central Italy, on the River Arno in Tuscany: became an independent republic in the 14th century; under Austrian and other rule intermittently from 1737 to 1859; capital of Italy 1865-70. It was the major cultural and artistic centre of the Renaissance and is still one of the world's chief art centres. Pop.: 465823 (1975 est.). Ancient name: {Florentia}. Italian name: {Firenze}. Florence flask 0. syl Flor+ence flask pos n. def a round flat-bottomed glass flask with a long neck, used in chemical experiments. Florentine 1. syl Flor+en+tine pron <1flor*n2tIn> pos adj. def of or relating to Florence. Florentine 2. syl Flor+en+tine pron <1flor*n2tIn> pos adj. usage usually postpositive; of food def served or prepared with spinach. Florentine 3. syl Flor+en+tine pron <1flor*n2tIn> pos n. def a native or inhabitant of Florence. Florentine 4. syl Flor+en+tine pron <1flor*n2tIn> pos n. def a biscuit containing nuts and dried fruit and coated with chocolate. Florentine 5. syl Flor+en+tine pron <1flor*n2tIn> pos n. def a type of domestic fancy pigeon somewhat resembling the Modena. Flores 1. syl Flo+res pron <1flc:res> pos n. def an island in Indonesia, one of the Lesser Sunda Islands, between the Flores Sea and the Savu Sea: mountainous, with active volcanoes and unexplored forests. Chief town: Ende. Area: 17150 sq. km (6622 sq. miles). florescence ety C18: from New Latin fl*_or*_escentia, from Latin fl*_or*_escere to come into flower florescence 0. syl flo+res+cence pron pos n. def the process, state, or period of flowering. Flores Sea 0. syl Flo+res Sea pos n. def a part of the Pacific Ocean in Indonesia between Celebes and the Lesser Sunda Islands. floret ety C17: from Old French florete a little flower, from flor #7flower floret 0. syl flo+ret pron <1flc:rit> pos n. def a small flower, esp. one of many making up the head of a composite flower. Howard Walter infl head Florey syl How:ard Wal:ter pos n. Florey 0. syl Flo:rey pron <1flc:ri> pos n. def Baron Florey. 1898-1968, British pathologist: shared the Nobel prize for medicine (1945) with E. B. Chain and Alexander Fleming for their work on penicillin. Florian'opolis 0. syl Flo+ria+n*'op:o+lis pron Portuguese <2florj*1ncpulis> pos n. def a port in S Brazil, capital of Santa Caterina state, on the W coast of Santa Caterina Island. Pop.: 115665 (1970). floriated ety C19: from Latin fl*_os #7flower floreated alt head floriated or floriated syl flo+re:at:ed pron <1flc:ri2Atid> pos adj. floriated 0. or floreated syl flo+ri+at+ed pron <1flc:ri2Atid> pos adj. qual Architect. def having ornamentation based on flowers and leaves. floribunda ety C19: from New Latin, feminine of fl*_oribundus flowering freely floribunda 0. syl flo+ri+bun+da pron <2flc:ri1b^nd*> pos n. def any of several varieties of cultivated hybrid roses whose flowers grow in large sprays. floriculture 0. syl flo+ri+cul+ture pron <1flc:ri2k^lC*> pos n. def the cultivation of flowering plants. floricultural sub head floriculture syl flo+ri+1cul+tur+al pos adj. floriculturist sub head floriculture syl flo+ri+1cul+tur+ist pos n. florid ety C17: from Latin fl*_oridus blooming florid 1. syl flor+id pron <1florid> pos adj. def having a red or flushed complexion. florid 2. syl flor+id pron <1florid> pos adj. def excessively ornate; flowery. exam 1 florid architecture. florid 3. syl flor+id pron <1florid> pos adj. def an archaic word for {flowery}. floridity sub head florid or floridness syl flo+1rid+i:ty pos n. floridness sub head florid or floridity syl flor+id+ness pos n. floridly sub head florid syl flor+id+ly pos adv. Florida 1. syl Flor:i+da pron <1florid*> pos n. def a state of the southeastern U.S., between the Atlantic and the Gulf of Mexico: consists mostly of a low-lying peninsula ending in the {Florida Keys}, a chain of small islands off the coast of S Florida, extending southwest for over 160 km (100 miles). Capital: Tallahassee. Pop.: 6789443 (1970). Area: 143900 sq. km (55560 sq. miles). Abbrevs.: {Fla}. or (with zip code) {FL} Straits of 2. head Florida syl Straits of. def a sea passage between the Florida Keys and Cuba, linking the Atlantic with the Gulf of Mexico. &- {Flo+#!rid+i@.an} florigen ety C20: from Latin flor-, flos #7flower+ -#7gen florigen 0. syl flo+ri+gen pron <1floriJ*n> pos n. def the hypothetical plant hormone that induces flowering, thought to be synthesized in the leaves as a photoperiodic response and transmitted to the flower buds. florilegium ety C17: Modern Latin, from Latin florilegus flower-collecting, from flos flower+ legere to collect florilegia infl head florilegium syl flo+ri+le:gi:a pron <-Ji*> pos n. mod pl. florilegium 1. syl flo+ri+le:gi:um pron <2flc:ri1lEJi*m> pos n. usage formerly def a lavishly illustrated book on flowers. florilegium 2. syl flo+ri+le:gi:um pron <2flc:ri1lEJi*m> pos n. qual Rare. def an anthology. florin ety C14: from French, from Old Italian fiorino Florentine coin, from fiore flower, from Latin fl*_os florin 1. syl flor+in pron <1florin> pos n. def a former British coin, originally silver and later cupronickel, equivalent to ten (new) pence. florin 2. syl flor+in pron <1florin> pos n. usage formerly def another name for { {guilder} (sense 1).} florin 3. syl flor+in pron <1florin> pos n. def any of various gold coins of Florence, Britain, or Austria. John infl head Florio syl John. pos n. Florio 0. syl Flo:ri:o pron <1flc:ri2*u> pos n. def ??1553-??1625, English lexicographer, noted for his translation of Montaigne's (1603). florist 0. syl flo+rist pron <1florist> pos n. def a person who grows or deals in flowers. floristic 0. syl flo+ris+tic pron pos adj. def of or relating to flowers or a flora. floristically sub head floristic syl flo+1ris+ti+cal+ly pos adv. floristics 0. syl flo+ris+tics pron pos n. mod functioning as; sing. def the branch of botany concerned with the types, numbers, and distribution of plant species in a particular area. -florous 0. syl -flo:rous pos adj. usage combining form. def indicating number or type of flowers. exam 1 tubuliflorous. floruit 0. syl flo+ru+it pron Latin. <1floru:it> pos vb. usage he or she def flourished: used to indicate the period when a historical figure, whose birth and death dates are unknown, was most active. flory ety C15: from Old French flor*'e, from flor #7flower fleury alt head flory or flory syl fleu+ry pron <1flu*ri>, <1flR:ri> pos adj. flory 0. or fleury syl flo+ry pron <1flc:ri> pos adj. qual Heraldry. usage usually postpositive def containing a fleur-de-lis. flos ferri ety C18: from New Latin, literally: flower of iron flos ferri 0. syl flos fer+ri pron <1flos> <1feri> pos n. def a variety of aragonite that is deposited from hot springs in the form of a white branching mass. floss ety C18: perhaps from Old French flosche down floss 1. syl floss pron pos n. def the mass of fine silky fibres obtained from cotton and similar plants. floss 2. syl floss pron pos n. def any similar fine silky material, such as the hairlike styles and stigmas of maize or the fibres prepared from silkworm cocoons. floss 3. syl floss pron pos n. def untwisted silk thread used in embroidery, etc. floss 4. syl floss pron pos n. def Also called: {dental floss}. a waxed thread used to remove food particles from between teeth. flossier infl head flossy syl floss:i+er pos adj. flossiest infl head flossy syl floss:i+est. pos adj. flossy 1. syl floss:y pron <1flosi> pos adj. def consisting of or resembling floss. flossy 2. syl floss:y pron <1flosi> pos adj. usage U.S. slang. esp. of dress def showy. floatage alt head flotage or flotage syl float+age pron <1fl*utiJ> pos n. flotage 1. or floatage syl flo+tage pron <1fl*utiJ> pos n. def the act or state of floating; flotation. flotage 2. or floatage syl flo+tage pron <1fl*utiJ> pos n. def buoyancy; power or ability to float. flotage 3. or floatage syl flo+tage pron <1fl*utiJ> pos n. def objects or material that float on the surface of the water; flotsam. floatation alt head flotation or flotation syl float:a+tion pron pos n. flotation 1.a. or floatation syl flo+ta+tion pron pos n. def the launching or financing of a commercial enterprise by bond or share issues. flotation 1.b. or floatation syl flo+ta+tion pron pos n. def the raising of a loan or new capital by bond or share issues. flotation 2. or floatation syl flo+ta+tion pron pos n. def power or ability to float; buoyancy. flotation 3. or floatation syl flo+ta+tion pron pos n. def Also called: {froth flotation}. a process to concentrate the valuable ore in low-grade ores. The ore is ground to a powder, mixed with water containing surface-active chemicals, and vigorously aerated. The bubbles formed trap the required ore and carry them to the surface froth, which is then skimmed off. flotilla ety C18: from Spanish flota fleet, from French flotte, ultimately from Old Norse floti flotilla 0. syl flo+til+la pron pos n. def a small fleet or a fleet of small vessels. Friedrich von infl head Flotow syl Frie:drich von pron <1frEdri*,c> pos n. Flotow 0. syl Flo:tow pron German <1flo:to> pos n. def 1812-83, German composer of operas, esp. (1847). flotsam ety C16: from Anglo-French floteson, from floter to #7float flotsam 1. syl flot+sam pron <1flots*m> pos n. def wreckage from a ship found floating. Compare {jetsam, lagan}. flotsam 2. syl flot+sam pron <1flots*m> pos n. def useless or discarded objects; odds and ends (esp. in the phrase {flotsam and jetsam}) . flotsam 3. syl flot+sam pron <1flots*m> pos n. def vagrants. flounce ety C16: of Scandinavian origin; compare Norwegian flunsa to hurry, Swedish flunsa to splash flounce H1.1. syl flounce pron pos vb. mod intr. usage often foll. by about, away, out, etc. def to move or go with emphatic or impatient movements. flounce H1.2. syl flounce pron pos n. def the act of flouncing. flounce ety C18: from Old French fronce wrinkle, from froncir to wrinkle, of Germanic origin flounce H2.0. syl flounce pron pos n. def an ornamental gathered ruffle sewn to a garment by its top edge. flouncing 0. syl flounc+ing pron <1flaunsiG> pos n. def material, such as lace or embroidered fabric, used for making flounces. flounder ety C16: probably a blend of #7founder %2#7+blunder ; perhaps influenced by #7flounder %2 flounder H1.1. syl floun+der pron <1flaund*> pos vb. mod intr. def to struggle; to move with difficulty, as in mud. flounder H1.2. syl floun+der pron <1flaund*> pos vb. mod intr. def to behave awkwardly; make mistakes. flounder H1.3. syl floun+der pron <1flaund*> pos n. mod intr. def the act of floundering. flounder ety C14: probably of Scandinavian origin; compare Old Norse flythra, Norwegian flundra flounder infl or flounders syl floun+der pos n. mod pl. flounders infl head flounder or flounder syl floun+ders. pos n. mod pl. flounder H2.1. syl floun+der pron <1flaund*> pos n. def a European flatfish, having a greyish-brown body covered with prickly scales: family an important food fish. flounder H2.2. syl floun+der pron <1flaund*> pos n. qual U.S. def any flatfish of the families (turbot, etc.) and (plaice, halibut, sand dab, etc.). flour ety C13 flur finer portion of meal, #7flower &- #!flou@.r@.y adj. flour 1. syl flour pron <1flau*> pos n. def a powder, which may be either fine or coarse, prepared by sifting and grinding the meal of a grass, esp. wheat. flour 2. syl flour pron <1flau*> pos n. def any finely powdered substance. flour 3. syl flour pron <1flau*> pos vb. mod tr. def to make (grain, etc.) into flour. flour 4. syl flour pron <1flau*> pos vb. mod tr. def to dredge or sprinkle (food or cooking utensils) with flour. flour 5. syl flour pron <1flau*> pos vb. usage of mercury def to break into fine particles on the surface of a metal rather than amalgamating, or to produce such an effect on (a metal). The effect is caused by impurities, esp. sulphur. flourish ety C13: from Old French florir, ultimately from Latin fl*_or*_ere to flower, from fl*_os a flower flourish 1. syl flour+ish pron <1fl^riS> pos vb. mod intr. def to thrive; prosper. flourish 2. syl flour+ish pron <1fl^riS> pos vb. mod intr. def to be at the peak of condition. flourish 3. syl flour+ish pron <1fl^riS> pos vb. mod intr. def to be healthy. exam 1 plants flourish in the light. flourish 4. syl flour+ish pron <1fl^riS> pos vb. def to wave or cause to wave in the air with sweeping strokes. flourish 5. syl flour+ish pron <1fl^riS> pos vb. def to display or make a display. flourish 6. syl flour+ish pron <1fl^riS> pos vb. def to play (a fanfare, etc.) on a musical instrument. flourish 7. syl flour+ish pron <1fl^riS> pos vb. mod intr. def to embellish writing, characters, etc., with ornamental strokes. flourish 8. syl flour+ish pron <1fl^riS> pos vb. def to add decorations or embellishments to (speech or writing). flourish 9. syl flour+ish pron <1fl^riS> pos vb. mod intr. def an obsolete word for {blossom}. flourish 10. syl flour+ish pron <1fl^riS> pos n. def the act of waving or brandish?!ing. flourish 11. syl flour+ish pron <1fl^riS> pos n. def a showy gesture. exam 1 he entered with a flourish. flourish 12. syl flour+ish pron <1fl^riS> pos n. def an ornamental embellishment in writing. flourish 13. syl flour+ish pron <1fl^riS> pos n. def a display of ornamental language or speech. flourish 14. syl flour+ish pron <1fl^riS> pos n. def a grandiose passage of music. flourish 15. syl flour+ish pron <1fl^riS> pos n. def an ostentatious display or parade. flourish 16.a. syl flour+ish pron <1fl^riS> pos n. def the state of flourishing. flourish 16.b. syl flour+ish pron <1fl^riS> pos n. def the state of flowering. flourisher sub head flourish syl flour+ish+er pos n. flout ety C16: perhaps from Middle English flouten to play the flute, from Old French flauter; compare Dutch fluiten; see #7flute flout 0. syl flout pron pos vb. mod when; intr. usage usually foll. by at def to show contempt (for); scoff or jeer (at). flouter sub head flout syl flout+er pos n. floutingly sub head flout syl flout+ing+ly pos adv. flow ety Old English fl*_owan; related to Old Norse fl*_oa, Middle Low German vl*_oien, Greek plein to float, Sanskrit plavate he swims flow 1. syl flow pron pos vb. mod mainly; intr. usage of liquids def to move or be conveyed as in a stream. flow 2. syl flow pron pos vb. mod mainly; intr. usage of blood def to circulate around the body. flow 3. syl flow pron pos vb. mod mainly; intr. def to move or progress freely as if in a stream. exam 1 the crowd flowed into the building. flow 4. syl flow pron pos vb. mod mainly; intr. def to proceed or be produced con?!tinuously and effortlessly. exam 1 ideas flowed from her pen. flow 5. syl flow pron pos vb. mod mainly; intr. def to show or be marked by smooth or easy movement. flow 6. syl flow pron pos vb. mod mainly; intr. def to hang freely or loosely. exam 1 her hair flowed down her back. flow 7. syl flow pron pos vb. mod mainly; intr. def to be present in abundance. exam 1 wine flows at their parties. flow 8. syl flow pron pos vb. mod mainly; intr. def an informal word for {menstruate}. flow 9. syl flow pron pos vb. mod mainly; intr. usage of tide water def to advance or rise. Compare { {ebb} (sense 1).} flow 10. syl flow pron pos vb. mod tr. def to cover or swamp with liquid; flood. flow 11. syl flow pron pos vb. mod mainly; intr. usage of rocks such as slate def to yield to pressure without breaking so that the structure and arrangement of the constituent minerals are altered. flow 12. syl flow pron pos n. mod mainly; intr. def the act, rate, or manner of flowing. exam 1 a fast flow. flow 13. syl flow pron pos n. mod mainly; intr. def a continuous stream or discharge. flow 14. syl flow pron pos n. mod mainly; intr. def continuous progression. flow 15. syl flow pron pos n. mod mainly; intr. def the advancing of the tide. flow 16. syl flow pron pos n. mod mainly; intr. def a stream of molten or solidified lava. flow 17. syl flow pron pos n. mod mainly; intr. def the amount of liquid that flows in a given time. flow 18. syl flow pron pos n. mod mainly; intr. def an informal word for {menstruation}. flow 19.a. syl flow pron pos n. mod mainly; intr. def a marsh or swamp. flow 19.b. syl flow pron pos n. mod mainly; intr. def an inlet or basin of the sea. flow 19.c. syl flow pron pos n. mod mainly; intr. usage cap. when part of a name def . exam 1 Scapa Flow. flow of spirits 20. head flow syl flow of spirits. def natural happiness. flowage 1. syl flow+age pron <1fl*uiJ> pos n. def the act of flowing or overflowing or the state of having overflowed. flowage 2. syl flow+age pron <1fl*uiJ> pos n. def the liquid that flows or overflows. flowage 3. syl flow+age pron <1fl*uiJ> pos n. def a gradual deformation or motion of certain solids, such as asphalt, which flow without fracture. sheet alt head flow chart or flow chart syl sheet pos n. flow chart 0. or sheet syl flow chart pos n. def a diagrammatic representation of the sequence of operations or equipment in an industrial process, computer program, etc. flower ety C13: from Old French flor, from Latin fl*_os; see #7{blow %3} flower 1.a. syl flow+er pron <1flau*> pos n. def a bloom or blossom on a plant. flower 1.b. syl flow+er pron <1flau*> pos n. def a plant that bears blooms or blossoms. flower 2. syl flow+er pron <1flau*> pos n. def the reproductive structure of angiosperm plants, consisting of stamens and carpels surrounded by petals and sepals all borne on the receptacle. In some plants it is conspicuous and brightly coloured and attracts insects for pollination. Related adj.: {floral}. flower 3. syl flow+er pron <1flau*> pos n. def any similar reproductive structure in other plants. flower 4. syl flow+er pron <1flau*> pos n. def the prime; peak. exam 1 in the flower of his youth. flower 5. syl flow+er pron <1flau*> pos n. def the choice or finest product, part, or representative. exam 1 the flower of the young men. flower 6. syl flow+er pron <1flau*> pos n. def a decoration or embellishment. flower 7. syl flow+er pron <1flau*> pos n. qual Printing. def a type ornament, used with others in borders, chapter headings, etc. flower 8. syl flow+er pron <1flau*> pos n. def Also called: {fleuron}. an embellishment or ornamental symbol depicting a flower. flower 9. syl flow+er pron <1flau*> pos n. mod pl. def fine powder, usually produced by sublimation. exam 1 flowers of sulphur. flower 10. syl flow+er pron <1flau*> pos n. mod intr. def to produce flowers; bloom. flower 11. syl flow+er pron <1flau*> pos n. mod intr. def to reach full growth or maturity. flower 12. syl flow+er pron <1flau*> pos n. mod tr. def to deck or decorate with flowers or floral designs. flower-like sub head flower syl flow:er-2like pos adj. flowerage 1. syl flow+er+age pron <1flau*riJ> pos n. def a mass of flowers. flowerage 2. syl flow+er+age pron <1flau*riJ> pos n. qual Now rare. def the process or act of flowering. flowerbed 0. syl flow:er+bed pron <1flau*2bed> pos n. def a plot of ground in which flowers are grown in a garden, park, etc. flower-de-luce ety C16: anglicized variant of French fleur de lis flowers-de-luce infl head flower-de-luce syl flow:ers-de-luce. pos n. mod pl. flower-de-luce 0. syl flow:er-de-luce pron <1flau*d*1lu:s> pos n. def an archaic name for the { {iris} (sense 2)} and { {lily} (sense 1).} flowered 1. syl flow+ered pron <1flau*d> pos adj. def having or abounding in flowers. flowered 2. syl flow+ered pron <1flau*d> pos adj. def decorated with flowers or a floral design. flowerer 0. syl flow+er+er pron <1flau*r*> pos n. def a plant that flowers at a specified time or in a specified way. exam 1 a late flowerer. floweret 0. syl flow+er+et pron <1flau*rit> pos n. def another name for {floret}. flower girl 1. syl flow+er girl pos n. def a girl or woman who sells flowers in the street. flower girl 2. syl flow+er girl pos n. qual Chiefly U.S. def a young girl who carries flowers in a procession, esp. at weddings. flower head 0. syl flow+er head pos n. def an inflorescence in which stalkless florets are crowded together at the tip of the stem. flowering 0. syl flow+er+ing pron <1flau*riG> pos adj. usage of certain species of plants def capable of producing conspicuous flowers. exam 1 a flowering ash. flowering maple 0. syl flow+er+ing ma+ple pos n. def any tropical shrub of the malvaceous genus esp. having lobed leaves like those of the maple and brightly coloured flowers. flowerless 0. syl flow+er+less pron <1flau*lis> pos adj. def designating any plant that does not produce seeds. See {cryptogam}. flower-of-an-hour 0. syl flow:er-of-an-hour pos n. def a malvaceous Old World herbaceous plant, having pale yellow flowers with a bladder-like calyx. Also called: {bladder ketmia}. flower-pecker 0. syl flow:er-peck:er pos n. def any small songbird of the family of SE Asia and Australasia, typically feeding on nectar, berries, and insects. flowerpot 0. syl flow:er+pot pron <1flau*2pot> pos n. def a pot in which plants are grown. flower power 0. syl flow+er pow+er pos n. qual Informal. def a youth cult of the late 1960s advocating peace and love, using the flower as a symbol; associated with drug-taking. Its adherents were known as {flower children} or {flower people}. flowery 1. syl flow+er:y pron <1flau*ri> pos adj. def abounding in flowers. flowery 2. syl flow+er:y pron <1flau*ri> pos adj. def decorated with flowers or floral patterns. flowery 3. syl flow+er:y pron <1flau*ri> pos adj. def like or suggestive of flowers. exam 1 a flowery scent. flowery 4. syl flow+er:y pron <1flau*ri> pos adj. usage of language or style def elaborate; ornate. floweriness sub head flowery syl flow+er:i+ness pos n. flown H1.0. syl flown pron pos vb. def the past participle of {fly%1}. flown ety probably from the obsolete past participle of #7flow flown H2.0. syl flown pron pos adj. def relating to coloured (usually blue) decoration on porcelain that, during firing, has melted into the surround?!ing glaze giving a halo-like effect. flow-on 0. syl flow-on pos n. qual Austral. def a wage or salary increase granted to one group of workers as a consequence of a similar increase granted to another group. flow sheet 0. syl flow sheet pos n. def another name for {flow chart}. Floyd 0. syl Floyd pron pos n. def See {Pink Floyd}. fl oz 0. syl fl. oz. qual abbrev. for def fluid ounce. flu 1. syl flu pron pos n. qual Informal. usage often preceded by the def short for {influenza}. flu 2. syl flu pron pos n. qual Informal. def any of various viral infections, esp. a respiratory or intestinal infection. fluctuant 0. syl fluc+tu+ant pron <1fl^ktju*nt> pos adj. def inclined to vary or fluctuate; unstable. fluctuate ety C17: from Latin fluctu*_are, from fluctus a wave, from fluere to flow fluctuate 1. syl fluc+tu+ate pron <1fl^ktju2At> pos vb. def to change or cause to change position constantly; be or make unstable; waver or vary. fluctuate 2. syl fluc+tu+ate pron <1fl^ktju2At> pos vb. mod intr. def to rise and fall like a wave; undulate. fluctuation 1. syl fluc+tu:a+tion pron <2fl^ktju1AS*n> pos n. def constant change; vacillation; instability. fluctuation 2. syl fluc+tu:a+tion pron <2fl^ktju1AS*n> pos n. def undulation. fluctuation 3. syl fluc+tu:a+tion pron <2fl^ktju1AS*n> pos n. def a variation in an animal or plant that is determined by environment rather than heredity. flue ety C16: of unknown origin flue H1.1. syl flue pron pos n. def a shaft, tube, or pipe, esp. as used in a chimney, to carry off smoke, gas, etc. flue H1.2. syl flue pron pos n. qual Music. def the passage in an organ pipe or flute within which a vibrating air column is set up. See also {flue pipe}. flue ety C16: from Flemish vluwe, from Old French velu shaggy flue H2.0. syl flue pron pos n. def loose fluffy matter; down. fluey sub head flue syl flue:y pos adj. flue ety Middle English, from Middle Dutch vl*_uwe flew alt head flue or flue syl flew pron pos n. flue H3.0. or flew syl flue pron pos n. def a type of fishing net. flue H4.0. syl flue pron pos n. def another word for { {fluke%1} (senses 1, 3).} flued sub head flue syl flued pos adj. flue-cure 0. syl flue-cure pos vb. mod tr. def to cure (tobacco) by means of radiant heat from pipes or flues connected to a furnace. fluency 0. syl flu+en+cy pron <1flu:*nsi> pos n. def the quality of being fluent, esp. facility in speech or writing. fluent ety C16: from Latin: flowing, fluere to flow fluent 1. syl flu+ent pron <1flu:*nt> pos adj. def able to speak or write a specified foreign language with facility. fluent 2. syl flu+ent pron <1flu:*nt> pos adj. def spoken or written with facility. exam 1 his French is fluent. fluent 3. syl flu+ent pron <1flu:*nt> pos adj. def easy and graceful in motion or shape. fluent 4. syl flu+ent pron <1flu:*nt> pos adj. def flowing or able to flow freely. fluently sub head fluent syl flu+ent+ly pos adv. flue alt head flue pipe or flue pipe syl flue pos n. flue pipe 0. or flue syl flue pipe pos n. def an organ pipe or tubular instrument of the flute family whose sound is produced by the passage of air across a sharp-edged fissure in the side. This sets in motion a vibrating air column within the pipe or instrument. flue stop 0. syl flue stop pos n. def an organ stop controlling a set of flue pipes. fluff ety C18: perhaps from #7flue %2 fluff 1. syl fluff pos fl^f; n. def soft light particles, such as the down or nap of cotton or wool. fluff 2. syl fluff pos fl^f; n. def any light downy substance. fluff 3. syl fluff pos fl^f; n. def an object, matter, etc., of little importance; trifle. fluff 4. syl fluff pos fl^f; n. qual Informal. def a mistake, esp. in speaking or reading lines or performing music. fluff 5. syl fluff pos fl^f; n. qual Informal. def a young woman (esp. in the phrase {a bit of fluff) }. fluff 6. syl fluff pos vb. def to make or become soft and puffy by shaking or patting; puff up. fluff 7. syl fluff pos vb. qual Informal. def to make a mistake in performing (an action, dramatic speech, music, etc.). fluffier infl head fluffy syl fluff:i+er pos adj. fluffiest infl head fluffy syl fluff:i+est. pos adj. fluffy 1. syl fluff:y pron <1fl^fi> pos adj. def of, resembling, or covered with fluff. fluffy 2. syl fluff:y pron <1fl^fi> pos adj. def soft and light. exam 1 fluffy hair. fluffily sub head fluffy syl fluff:i+ly pos adv. fluffiness sub head fluffy syl fluff:i+ness pos n. flugelhorn ety German Fl*"ugelhorn, from Fl*"ugel wing+ Horn #7horn flugelhorn 0. syl flu+gel+horn pron <1flu:gL2hc:n> pos n. def a type of valved brass instrument consisting of a tube of conical bore with a cup-shaped mouthpiece, used esp. in brass bands. It is a transposing instrument in B flat or C, and has the same range as the cornet in B flat. fluid ety C15: from Latin fluidus, from fluere to flow fluid 1. syl flu+id pron <1flu:id> pos n. def a substance, such as a liquid or gas, that can flow, has no fixed shape, and offers little resistance to an external stress. fluid 2. syl flu+id pron <1flu:id> pos adj. def capable of flowing and easily changing shape. fluid 3. syl flu+id pron <1flu:id> pos adj. def of, concerned with, or using a fluid or fluids. fluid 4. syl flu+id pron <1flu:id> pos adj. def constantly changing or apt to change. fluid 5. syl flu+id pron <1flu:id> pos adj. def smooth in shape or movement; flowing. fluidal sub head fluid syl flu+id+al pos adj. fluidity sub head fluid or fluidness syl flu+1id+i:ty pos n. fluidness sub head fluid or fluidity syl flu+id+ness pos n. fluidly sub head fluid or fluidally syl flu+id+ly pos adv. fluidally sub head fluid or fluidly syl flu+id+al+ly pos adv. fluid dram 0. syl flu+id dram pos n. def another name for {drachm}. fluid drive 0. syl flu+id drive pos n. def a type of coupling for transmitting power from the engine of a motor vehicle to the transmission, using a torque converter. Also called: {fluid coupling, fluid clutch, fluid flywheel}. fluidextract 0. syl flu:id+ex:tract pron <1flu:id1ekstr@kt> pos n. def an alcoholic solution of a vegetable drug, one millilitre of which has an equivalent activity to one gram of the powdered drug. fluidics 0. syl flu+id+ics pron pos n. mod functioning as; sing. def the study and use of systems in which the flow of fluids in tubes simulates the flow of electricity in conductors. Such systems are used in place of electronics in certain applications, such as the control of apparatus. fluidic sub head fluidics syl flu+1id+ic pos adj. fluidise alt head fluidize or fluidize syl flu+id+ise pron <1flu:i2dIz> pos vb. mod tr. fluidize 0. or fluidise syl flu+id+ize pron <1flu:i2dIz> pos vb. mod tr. def to make fluid, esp. to make (solids) fluid by pulverizing them so that they can be transported in a stream of gas as if they were liquids. exam 1 fluidized coal. fluidization sub head fluidize or fluidisation syl flu+id:i+1za+tion pos n. fluidisation sub head fluidize or fluidization syl flu+id:i+1sa+tion pos n. fluidizer sub head fluidize or fluidiser syl flu+id+2iz+er pos n. fluidiser sub head fluidize or fluidizer syl flu+id+2is+er pos n. fluid mechanics 0. syl flu+id me+chan+ics pos n. mod functioning as; sing. def the study of the mechanical and flow properties of fluids, esp. as they apply to practical engineering. Also called: {hydraulics}. See also {hydrodynamics, hydrostatics, hydrokinetics}. fluid ounce 1. syl flu+id ounce pos n. qual Brit. def a unit of capacity equal to one twentieth of an Imperial pint. fluid ounce 2. syl flu+id ounce pos n. qual U.S. def a unit of capacity equal to one sixteenth of a U.S. pint. fluid pressure 0. syl flu+id pres+sure pos n. def the pressure exerted by a fluid at any point inside it, determined by the product of its density and the height of the fluid above the point. fluke ety C16: perhaps a special use of #7fluke %3 (in the sense: a flounder) fluke H1.1. syl fluke pron pos n. def Also called: {flue}. a flat bladelike projection at the end of the arm of an anchor. fluke H1.2. syl fluke pron pos n. def either of the two lobes of the tail of a whale or related animal. fluke H1.3. syl fluke pron pos n. def the barb or barbed head of a harpoon, arrow, etc. fluke ety C19: of unknown origin fluke H2.1. syl fluke pron pos n. def an accidental stroke of luck. fluke H2.2. syl fluke pron pos n. def any chance happening. fluke H2.3. syl fluke pron pos vb. mod tr. def to gain, make, or hit by a fluke. fluke ety Old English fl*_oc; related to Old Norse fl*_oki flounder, Old Saxon flaka sole, Old High German flah smooth fluke H3.0. syl fluke pron pos n. def any parasitic flatworm, such as the blood fluke and liver fluke, of the classes and (formerly united in a single class flukey alt head fluky or fluky syl fluk+ey pron <1flu:ki> pos adj. flukier infl head fluky syl fluk:i+er pos adj. flukiest infl head fluky syl fluk:i+est. pos adj. fluky 1. or flukey syl fluk:y pron <1flu:ki> pos adj. qual Informal. def done or gained by an accident, esp. a lucky one. fluky 2. or flukey syl fluk:y pron <1flu:ki> pos adj. qual Informal. def variable; uncertain. exam 1 fluky weather. flukiness sub head fluky syl fluk:i+ness pos n. flume ety C12: from Old French flum, ultimately from Latin fl*_umen stream, from fluere to flow flume 1. syl flume pron pos n. def a ravine through which a stream flows. flume 2. syl flume pron pos n. def a narrow artificial channel made for providing water for power, floating logs, etc. flume 3. syl flume pron pos vb. mod tr. def to transport (logs) in a flume. flummery ety C17: from Welsh llymru flummeries infl head flummery syl flum+mer:ies. pos n. mod pl. flummery 1. syl flum+mer:y pron <1fl^m*ri> pos n. qual Informal. def meaningless flattery; nonsense. flummery 2. syl flum+mer:y pron <1fl^m*ri> pos n. qual Chiefly Brit. def a cold pudding of oatmeal, etc. flummox ety C19: of unknown origin flummox 0. syl flum+mox pron <1fl^m*ks> pos vb. mod tr. def to perplex or bewilder. flung 0. syl flung pron pos vb. def the past tense or past participle of {fling}. flunk ety C19: perhaps from #7{flinch %1}#7+funk flunk 1. syl flunk pron pos vb. qual Informal, chiefly U.S. def to fail or cause to fail to reach the required standard in (an examination, course, etc.). flunk 2. syl flunk pron pos vb. mod intr. qual Informal, chiefly U.S. usage foll. by out def to be dismissed from a school or college through failure in examinations. {~} flunk 3. syl flunk pron pos vb. qual Informal, chiefly U.S. def a low grade below the pass standard. flunky ety C18: of unknown origin flunkey alt head flunky or flunky syl flunk+ey pron <1fl^Gki> pos n. flunkies infl head flunky or flunkeys syl flunk:ies pos n. mod pl. flunkeys infl head flunky or flunkies syl flunk+eys. pos n. mod pl. flunky 1. or flunkey syl flunk:y pron <1fl^Gki> pos n. def a servile or fawning person. flunky 2. or flunkey syl flunk:y pron <1fl^Gki> pos n. def a person who performs menial tasks. flunky 3. or flunkey syl flunk:y pron <1fl^Gki> pos n. qual Usually derogatory. def a manservant in livery. fluor ety C17: from Latin: a flowing; so called from its use as a metallurgical flux fluor 0. syl flu+or pron <1flu:c:> pos n. def another name for {fluorspar}. fluor- 0. syl flu:or- usage combining form. def variant of {fluoro-} before a vowel. exam 1 fluorene; exam 2 fluorine. fluorene 0. syl flu:o+rene pron <1flu*rEn> pos n. def a white insoluble crystalline solid used in making dyes. Formula: (C\6H\4)\2CH\2. fluoresce ety C19: back formation from #7fluorescence fluoresce 0. syl flu:o+resce pron <2flu*1res> pos vb. mod intr. def to exhibit fluorescence. fluoresceine alt head fluorescein or fluorescein syl flu:o+res+ce:ine pron <2flu*1resiin> pos n. fluorescein 0. or fluoresceine syl flu:o+res+ce:in pron <2flu*1resiin> pos n. def an orange-red crystalline compound that in aqueous solution exhibits a greenish-yellow fluorescence in reflected light and is reddish-orange in transmitted light: used as a marker in sea water and as an indicator. Formula: C\2\0H\1\2O\5. fluorescence ety C19: #7fluor+ -escence (as in opalescence) fluorescence 1.a. syl flu:o+res+cence pron <2flu*1res*ns> pos n. def the emission of light or other radiation from atoms or molecules that are bombarded by particles, such as electrons, or by radiation from a separate source. The bombarding radiation produces excited atoms, molecules, or ions and these emit photons as they fall back to the ground state. fluorescence 1.b. syl flu:o+res+cence pron <2flu*1res*ns> pos n. def such an emission of photons that ceases as soon as the bombarding radiation is discontinued. fluorescence 1.c. syl flu:o+res+cence pron <2flu*1res*ns> pos n. def such an emission of photons for which the average lifetime of the excited atoms and molecules is less than about 10%-%8 seconds. fluorescence 2. syl flu:o+res+cence pron <2flu*1res*ns> pos n. def the radiation emitted as a result of fluorescence. Compare {phosphorescence}. fluorescent 0. syl flu:o+res+cent pron <2flu*1resNt> pos adj. def exhibiting or having the property of fluorescence. fluorescent lamp 1. syl flu:o+res+cent lamp pos n. def a type of lamp in which an electrical gas discharge is maintained in a tube with a thin layer of phosphor on its inside surface. The gas, which is often mercury vapour, emits ultraviolet radiation causing the phosphor to fluoresce. fluorescent lamp 2. syl flu:o+res+cent lamp pos n. def a type of lamp in which an electrical discharge is maintained in a tube containing a gas such as neon, mercury vapour, or sodium vapour at low pressure. Gas atoms in the discharge are struck by electrons and fluoresce. fluoric 0. syl flu+or+ic pron pos adj. def of, concerned with, or produced from fluorine or fluorspar. fluoridate 0. syl fluor:i+date pron <1flu*ri2dAt> pos vb. def to subject (water) to fluoridation. fluoridation 0. syl fluor:i+da+tion pron <2flu*ri1dAS*n> pos n. def the addition of about one part per million of fluorides to the public water supply as a protection against tooth decay. fluoride 1. syl flu:o+ride pron <1flu*2rId> pos n. def any salt of hydrofluoric acid, containing the fluoride ion, F%-. fluoride 2. syl flu:o+ride pron <1flu*2rId> pos n. def any compound containing fluorine, such as methyl fluoride. fluorinate 0. syl fluor:i+nate pron <1flu*ri2nAt> pos vb. def to treat or combine with fluorine. fluorination sub head fluorinate syl fluor:i+1na+tion pos n. fluorin alt head fluorine or fluorine syl flu:o+rin pos n. fluorine 0. or fluorin syl flu:o+rine pron <1flu*rEn> pos n. def a toxic pungent pale yellow gas of the halogen group that is the most electronegative and reactive of all the elements, occurring principally in fluorspar and cryolite: used in the production of uranium, fluorocarbons, and other chemicals. Symbol: F; atomic no.: 9; atomic wt.: 18.998; valency: 1; density: 1.696 kg/m%3; freezing pt.: -219.62?%C; boiling pt.: -188.14?%C. fluorite 0. syl flu:o+rite pron <1flu*rIt> pos n. def the U.S. name for {fluorspar}. fluoro- 1. syl flu:o:ro- usage before a vowel def indicat?!ing the presence of fluorine. exam 1 fluorocarbon. fluoro- 2. syl flu:o:ro- usage before a vowel def indicating fluorescence. exam 1 fluoroscope. fluorocarbon 0. syl flu:o+ro+car+bon pron <2flu*r*u1ka:bN> pos n. def any compound derived by replacing all or some of the hydrogen atoms in hydrocarbons by fluorine atoms. Many of them are used as lubricants, solvents, and coatings. See also {Freon, polytetrafluoroethylene}. fluorimeter alt head fluorometer or fluorometer syl flu:o+rim+e:ter pron <2flu*1rimit*> pos n. fluorometer 1. or fluorimeter syl flu:o+rom+e:ter pron <2flu*1romit*> pos n. def an instrument for inducing fluorescence by irradiation and for examination of the emission spectrum of the resulting fluorescent light. fluorometer 2. or fluorimeter syl flu:o+rom+e:ter pron <2flu*1romit*> pos n. def a device for detecting and measuring ultraviolet radiation by determining the amount of fluorescence that it produces from a phosphor. fluorometric sub head fluorometer or fluorimetric syl flu:o+ro+met+ric pron <2flu*r*u?!1metrik> pos adj. fluorimetric sub head fluorometer or fluorometric syl flu:o+ri+met+ric pron <2flu*ri1metrik> pos adj. fluorometry sub head fluorometer or fluorimetry syl flu:o+1rom+e:try pos n. fluorimetry sub head fluorometer or fluorometry syl flu:o+1rim+e:try pos n. fluoroscope 0. syl fluor:o+scope pron <1flu*r*2sk*up> pos n. def a device consisting of a fluorescent screen and an x-ray source that enables an x-ray image of an object, person, or part to be observed directly. fluoroscopic sub head fluoroscope syl fluor:o+scop+ic pron <2flu*r*1skopik> pos adj. fluoroscopically sub head fluoroscope syl fluor:o+1scop:i+cal+ly pos adv. fluoroscopy 0. syl fluor+os+co+py pron pos n. def examination of a person or object by means of a fluoroscope. fluorosis 0. syl fluo+ro+sis pron pos n. def fluoride poisoning, due to ingestion of too much fluoride in drinking water over a long period or to ingestion of pesticides containing fluoride salts. Chronic fluorosis results in mottling of the teeth of children. fluor infl head fluorspar or fluorite syl flu+or pos n. fluorite infl head fluorspar or fluor syl flu:o+rite pos n. qual U.S. fluorspar 0. syl flu+or+spar pron <1flu*2spa:> pos n. def a soft often fluorescent mineral consisting of calcium fluoride in cubic crystalline form, widespread in veins of metallic ores or in sedimentary rock: the chief source of fluorine and its compounds. Formula: CaF\2. flurry ety C17: from obsolete flurr to scatter, perhaps formed on analogy with #7hurry flurries infl head flurry syl flur+ries. pos n. mod pl. flurry 1. syl flur+ry pron <1fl^ri> pos n. def a sudden commotion. flurry 2. syl flur+ry pron <1fl^ri> pos n. def a light gust of wind or rain or fall of snow. flurry 3. syl flur+ry pron <1fl^ri> pos n. qual Stock exchange. def a sudden brief increase in trading or fluctuation in stock prices. flurry 4. syl flur+ry pron <1fl^ri> pos n. def the death spasms of a harpooned whale. flurries infl head flurry syl flur+ries pos vb. flurrying infl head flurry syl flur+ry+ing pos vb. flurried infl head flurry syl flur+ried. pos vb. flurry 5. syl flur+ry pron <1fl^ri> pos vb. def to confuse or bewilder or be confused or bewildered. flush ety C16 (in the sense: to gush forth): perhaps from #7flush %3 flush H1.1. syl flush pron pos vb. def to blush or cause to blush. flush H1.2. syl flush pron pos vb. def to flow or flood or cause to flow or flood with or as if with water. flush H1.3. syl flush pron pos vb. def to glow or shine or cause to glow or shine with a rosy colour. flush H1.4. syl flush pron pos vb. def to send a volume of water quickly through (a pipe, channel, etc.) or into (a toilet) for the purpose of cleansing, emptying, etc. flush H1.5. syl flush pron pos vb. mod tr. usage usually passive def to excite or elate. {~} flush H1.6. syl flush pron pos vb. def a rosy colour, esp. in the cheeks; blush. flush H1.7. syl flush pron pos vb. def a sudden flow or gush, as of water. flush H1.8. syl flush pron pos vb. def a feeling of excitement or elation. exam 1 the flush of success. flush H1.9. syl flush pron pos vb. def early bloom; freshness. exam 1 the flush of youth. flush H1.10. syl flush pron pos vb. def redness of the skin, esp. of the face, as from the effects of a fever, alcohol, etc. flush H1.11. syl flush pron pos adj. def having a ruddy or heightened colour. flusher sub head flush syl flush+er pos n. flush ety C18: probably from #7flush %1 (in the sense: spring out) flush H2.1. syl flush pron pos adj. usage usually postpositive def level or even with another surface. flush H2.2. syl flush pron pos adj. usage usually postpositive def directly adjacent; continuous. flush H2.3. syl flush pron pos adj. qual Informal. usage usually postpositive def having plenty of money. flush H2.4. syl flush pron pos adj. qual Informal. usage usually postpositive def abundant or plentiful, as money. flush H2.5. syl flush pron pos adj. usage usually postpositive def full of vigour. flush H2.6. syl flush pron pos adj. usage usually postpositive def full to the brim or to the point of overflowing. flush H2.7. syl flush pron pos adj. qual Printing. usage usually postpositive def having an even margin, right or left, with no indentations. flush H2.8. syl flush pron pos adj. usage usually postpositive; of a blow def accurately delivered. flush H2.9. syl flush pron pos adj. usage usually postpositive; of a vessel def having no superstructure built above the flat level of the deck. flush H2.10. syl flush pron pos adv. usage usually postpositive def so as to be level or even. flush H2.11. syl flush pron pos adv. usage usually postpositive def directly or squarely. flush H2.12. syl flush pron pos vb. mod tr. usage usually postpositive def to cause (surfaces) to be on the same level or in the same plane. flush H2.13. syl flush pron pos vb. mod tr. usage usually postpositive def to enrich the diet of (a ewe) during the breeding season. flush H2.14. syl flush pron pos n. usage usually postpositive def a period of fresh growth of leaves, shoots, etc. flushness sub head flush syl flush+ness pos n. flush ety C13 flusshen, perhaps of imitative origin flush H3.0. syl flush pron pos vb. mod tr. def to rouse (game, wild creatures, etc.) and put to flight. flush ety C16: from Old French flus, from Latin fluxus #7flux flush H4.0. syl flush pron pos n. usage in poker and similar games def a hand containing only one suit. Flushing 0. syl Flush+ing pron <1fl^SiG> pos n. def a port in the SW Netherlands, in Zeeland province, on Walcheren Island, at the mouth of the West Scheldt river: the first Dutch city to throw off Spanish rule (1572). Pop.: 41085 (1971). Dutch name: {Vlissingen}. fluster ety C15: probably of Scandinavian origin; compare Icelandic flaustr to hurry, flaustra to bustle fluster 1. syl flus+ter pron <1fl^st*> pos vb. def to make or become confused, nervous, or upset. fluster 2. syl flus+ter pron <1fl^st*> pos n. def a state of confusion or agitation. flute ety C14: from Old French flahute, via Old Proven*,cal, from Vulgar Latin flabeolum (unattested); perhaps also influenced by Old Proven*,cal laut lute; see #7flageolet flute 1. syl flute pron pos n. def a wind instrument consisting of an open cylindrical tube of wood or metal having holes in the side stopped either by the fingers or by pads controlled by keys. The breath is directed across a mouth hole cut in the side, causing the air in the tube to vibrate. Range: about three octaves upwards from middle C. flute 2. syl flute pron pos n. def any pipe blown directly on the principle of a flue pipe, either by means of a mouth hole or through a fipple. flute 3. syl flute pron pos n. qual Architect. def a rounded shallow concave groove on the shaft of a column, pilaster, etc. flute 4. syl flute pron pos n. def a groove or furrow in cloth, etc. flute 5. syl flute pron pos n. def anything shaped like a flute. flute 6. syl flute pron pos vb. def to produce or utter (sounds) in the manner or tone of a flute. flute 7. syl flute pron pos vb. mod tr. def to make grooves or furrows in. flutelike sub head flute syl flute+2like pos adj. fluted 1. syl flut+ed pron <1flu:tid> pos adj. usage esp. of the shaft of a column def having flutes. fluted 2. syl flut+ed pron <1flu:tid> pos adj. def sounding like a flute. fluter 1. syl flut+er pron <1flu:t*> pos n. def a craftsman who makes flutes or fluting. fluter 2. syl flut+er pron <1flu:t*> pos n. def a tool used to make flutes or fluting. fluter 3. syl flut+er pron <1flu:t*> pos n. def a less common word, used esp. in folk music, for {flautist}. fluting 1. syl flut+ing pron <1flu:tiG> pos n. def a design or decoration of flutes on a column, pilaster, etc. fluting 2. syl flut+ing pron <1flu:tiG> pos n. def grooves or furrows, as in cloth. flutist 0. syl flut+ist pron <1flu:tist> pos n. qual Now chiefly U.S. def a variant spelling of {flautist}. flutter ety Old English floterian to float to and fro; related to German flattern; see #7float flutter 1. syl flut+ter pron <1fl^t*> pos vb. def to wave or cause to wave rapidly; flap. flutter 2. syl flut+ter pron <1fl^t*> pos vb. mod intr. usage of birds, butterflies, etc. def to flap the wings. flutter 3. syl flut+ter pron <1fl^t*> pos vb. mod intr. def to move, esp. downwards, with an irregular motion. flutter 4. syl flut+ter pron <1fl^t*> pos vb. mod intr. usage Pathol. of the auricles of the heart def to beat abnormally rapidly, esp. in a regular rhythm. flutter 5. syl flut+ter pron <1fl^t*> pos vb. def to be or make nervous or restless. flutter 6. syl flut+ter pron <1fl^t*> pos vb. mod intr. def to move about restlessly. flutter 7. syl flut+ter pron <1fl^t*> pos vb. qual Swimming. def to cause (the legs) to move up and down in a flutter kick or (of the legs) to move in this way. flutter 8. syl flut+ter pron <1fl^t*> pos vb. mod tr. qual Brit. informal. def to wager or gamble (a small amount of money). flutter 9. syl flut+ter pron <1fl^t*> pos n. def a quick flapping or vibrating motion. flutter 10. syl flut+ter pron <1fl^t*> pos n. def a state of nervous excitement or confusion. flutter 11. syl flut+ter pron <1fl^t*> pos n. def excited interest; sensation; stir. flutter 12. syl flut+ter pron <1fl^t*> pos n. qual Brit. informal. def a modest bet or wager. flutter 13. syl flut+ter pron <1fl^t*> pos n. qual Pathol. def an abnormally rapid beating of the auricles of the heart (200 to 400 beats per minute), esp. in a regular rhythm, sometimes resulting in heart block. flutter 14. syl flut+ter pron <1fl^t*> pos n. qual Electronics. def a slow variation in pitch in a sound-reproducing system, similar to wow but occurring at higher frequencies. flutter 15. syl flut+ter pron <1fl^t*> pos n. def a potentially dangerous oscillation of an aircraft, or part of an aircraft, caused by the interaction of aerodynamic forces, structural elastic reactions, and inertia. flutter 16. syl flut+ter pron <1fl^t*> pos n. qual Swimming. def See {flutter kick}. flutter 17. syl flut+ter pron <1fl^t*> pos n. def Also called: {flutter tonguing}. a method of sounding a wind instrument, esp. the flute, with a rolling movement of the tongue. flutterer sub head flutter syl flut+ter+er pos n. flutteringly sub head flutter syl flut+ter+ing+ly pos adv. fluttery sub head flutter syl flut+ter:y pos adj. flutterboard 0. syl flut:ter+board pron <1fl^t*2bc:d> pos n. qual U.S. def an oblong board or piece of polystyrene plastic used by swimmers in training or practice. Brit. word: {float}. flutter kick 0. syl flut+ter kick pos n. def a type of kick used in certain swimming strokes, such as the crawl, in which the legs are held straight and alternately moved up and down rapidly in the water. fluvial ety C14: from Latin fluvi*_alis, from fluvius river, from fluere to flow fluviatile alt head fluvial or fluvial syl flu+vi:a+tile pron <1flu:vi*2tIl>, <-til> pos adj. fluvial 0. or fluviatile syl flu+vi:al pron <1flu:vi*l> pos adj. def of, relating to, or occurring in a river. exam 1 fluvial deposits. fluviomarine ety C19: fluvio-, from Latin fluvius river+#7marine fluviomarine 1. syl flu+vi:o+ma+rine pron <2flu:vi2*um*1rEn> pos adj. usage of deposits def formed by joint action of the sea and a river or stream. fluviomarine 2. syl flu+vi:o+ma+rine pron <2flu:vi2*um*1rEn> pos adj. usage esp. of fish def able to live in both rivers and the sea. flux ety C14: from Latin fluxus a flow, from fluere to flow flux 1. syl flux pos fl^ks; n. def a flow or discharge. flux 2. syl flux pos fl^ks; n. def continuous change; instability. flux 3. syl flux pos fl^ks; n. def a substance, such as borax or salt, that gives a low melting-point mixture with a metal oxide. It is used for cleaning metal surfaces during soldering, etc., and for protect?!ing the surfaces of liquid metals. flux 4. syl flux pos fl^ks; n. qual Metallurgy. def a chemical used to increase the fluidity of refining slags in order to promote the rate of chemical reaction. flux 5. syl flux pos fl^ks; n. def a similar substance used in the making of glass. flux 6.a. syl flux pos fl^ks; n. def the rate of flow of particles, energy, or a fluid, such as that of neutrons ({neutron flux}) or of light energy ({luminous flux}) . flux 6.b. syl flux pos fl^ks; n. def the strength of a field in a given area expressed as the product of the area and the component of the field strength at right angles to the area. exam 1 magnetic flux; exam 2 electric flux. flux 7. syl flux pos fl^ks; n. qual Pathol. def an excessive discharge of fluid from the body, such as watery faeces in diarrhoea. flux 8. syl flux pos fl^ks; n. def the act or process of melting; fusion. flux 9. syl flux pos vb. def to make or become fluid. flux 10. syl flux pos vb. mod tr. def to apply flux to (a metal, soldered joint, etc.). flux 11. syl flux pos vb. mod tr. def an obsolete word for {purge}. flux density 0. syl flux den+si:ty pos n. qual Physics. def the amount of flux per unit of cross-sectional area. fluxion ety C16: from Late Latin fluxi*_o a flowing fluxion 1. syl flux+ion pron <1fl^kS*n> pos n. qual Maths, obsolete. def the rate of change of a function; derivative. fluxion 2. syl flux+ion pron <1fl^kS*n> pos n. def a less common word for { {flux} (senses 1, 2).} fluxional sub head fluxion or fluxionary syl flux+ion+al pos adj. fluxionary sub head fluxion or fluxional syl flux+ion+ar:y pos adj. fluxionally sub head fluxion syl flux+ion+al+ly pos adv. fluxmeter 0. syl flux+me:ter pron <1fl^ks2mEt*> pos n. def any instrument for measuring magnetic flux, usually by measuring the current that it induces in a coil. fly ety Old English fl*_eogan; related to Old Frisian fli*_aga, Old High German fliogan, Old Norse flj*_uga flies infl head fly syl flies pos vb. flying infl head fly syl fly+ing pos vb. flew infl head fly syl flew pos vb. flown infl head fly syl flown. pos vb. fly H1.1. syl fly pron pos vb. mod intr. usage of birds, aircraft, etc. def to move through the air in a controlled manner using aerodynamic forces. fly H1.2. syl fly pron pos vb. def to travel over (an area of land or sea) in an aircraft. fly H1.3. syl fly pron pos vb. def to operate (an aircraft or spacecraft). fly H1.4. syl fly pron pos vb. def to float, flutter, or be displayed in the air or cause to float, etc., in this way. exam 1 to fly a kite; exam 2 they flew the flag. fly H1.5. syl fly pron pos vb. def to transport or be transported by or through the air by aircraft, wind, etc. fly H1.6. syl fly pron pos vb. mod intr. def to move or be moved very quickly, forcibly, or suddenly. exam 1 she came flying towards me; exam 2 the door flew open. fly H1.7. syl fly pron pos vb. mod intr. def to pass swiftly. exam 1 time flies. fly H1.8. syl fly pron pos vb. def to escape from (an enemy, place, etc.); flee. exam 1 he flew the country. fly H1.9. syl fly pron pos vb. mod intr. usage may be foll. by at or upon def to attack a person. fly H1.10. syl fly pron pos vb. mod intr. def to have a sudden outburst. exam 1 he flew into a rage again. fly H1.11. syl fly pron pos vb. mod intr. usage of money, etc. def to vanish rapidly. fly H1.12. syl fly pron pos vb. mod tr. usage Falconry. of hawks def to fly at (quarry) in attack. exam 1 peregrines fly rooks. fly H1.13. syl fly pron pos vb. mod tr. qual Theatre. def to suspend (scenery) above the stage so that it may be lowered into view. fly H1.14.a. syl fly pron pos vb. def to procure money by an accommodation bill. fly H1.14.b. syl fly pron pos vb. def to experiment with something. fly H1.15.a. syl fly pron pos vb. def to have a high aim. fly H1.15.b. syl fly pron pos vb. def to prosper or flourish. fly in the face of 16. head fly syl fly in the face of. def See { {face} (sense 18).} fly off the handle 17. head fly syl fly off the handle. qual Informal. def to lose one's temper. fly the coop 18. head fly syl fly the coop. qual U.S. informal. def to leave suddenly. go fly a kite 19. head fly syl go fly a kite. qual U.S. informal. def go away. fly H1.20.a. syl fly pron pos vb. def to lose one's temper (with a person). exam 1 she really let fly at him. fly H1.20.b. syl fly pron pos vb. def to shoot or throw (an object). {~} {flies}. fly H1.21. syl fly pron pos vb. mod often; pl. def Also called: {fly front}. a closure that conceals a zip, buttons, or other fastening, by having one side overlapping, as on trousers. fly H1.22.a. syl fly pron pos vb. def a flap forming the entrance to a tent. fly H1.22.b. syl fly pron pos vb. def a piece of canvas drawn over the ridgepole of a tent to form an outer roof. fly H1.23. syl fly pron pos vb. def short for {flywheel}. fly H1.24. syl fly pron pos vb. def the horizontal weighted arm of a fly press. fly H1.25.a. syl fly pron pos vb. def the outer edge of a flag. fly H1.25.b. syl fly pron pos vb. def the distance from the outer edge of a flag to the staff. Compare { {hoist} (sense 8).} fly H1.26. syl fly pron pos vb. qual Brit. def a light one-horse covered carriage formerly let out on hire. fly H1.27.a. syl fly pron pos vb. def a device for transferring printed sheets from the press to a flat pile. fly H1.27.b. syl fly pron pos vb. def Also called: {flyhband}. a person who collects and stacks printed matter from a printing press. fly H1.27.c. syl fly pron pos vb. def a piece of paper folded once to make four pages, with printing only on the first page. fly H1.28. syl fly pron pos vb. mod pl. qual Theatre. def the space above the stage out of view of the audience, used for storing scenery, etc. fly H1.29. syl fly pron pos vb. qual Rare. def the act of flying. flyable sub head fly syl fly+a:ble pos adj. fly ety Old English fl*_eoge; related to Old Norse fluga, Old High German flioga; see #7fly %1 flies infl head fly syl flies. pos n. mod pl. fly H2.1. syl fly pron pos n. def any dipterous insect, esp. the housefly, characterized by active flight. See also {horsefly, blowfly, tsetse fly, crane fly}. fly H2.2. syl fly pron pos n. def any of various similar but unrelated insects, such as the caddis fly, firefly, dragonfly, and chalcid fly. fly H2.3. syl fly pron pos n. qual Angling. def a lure made from a fish-hook dressed with feathers, tinsel, etc., to resemble any of various flies or nymphs: used in fly-fishing. See also {dry fly, wet fly}. fly H2.4. syl fly pron pos n. usage in southern Africa def an area that is infested with the tsetse fly. drink with the flies 5. head fly syl drink with the flies. qual Austral. slang. def to drink alone. fly in the ointment 6. head fly syl fly in the ointment. qual Informal. def a slight flaw that detracts from value, completeness, or enjoyment. fly on the wall 7. head fly syl fly on the wall. def a person who watches others, while not being noticed himself. her infl head fly syl her there are no flies on him 8. head fly syl there are no flies on him def etc. he, she, etc., is no fool. flyless sub head fly syl fly+less pos adj. fly ety C19: of uncertain origin fly H3.0. syl fly pron pos adj. qual Slang, chiefly Brit. def knowing and sharp; smart. fly agaric ety so named from its use as a poison on flypaper fly agaric 0. syl fly ag:a+ric pos n. def a saprophytic agaricaceous woodland fungus, having a scarlet cap with white warts and white gills: poisonous but rarely fatal. See also {amanita}. fly ash 0. syl fly ash pos n. def fine solid particles of ash carried into the air during combustion, esp. the combustion of pulverized fuel in power stations. flyaway 1. syl fly+a:way pron <1flI*2wA> pos adj. usage of hair or clothing def loose and fluttering. flyaway 2. syl fly+a:way pron <1flI*2wA> pos adj. def frivolous or flighty; giddy. flyaway 3. syl fly+a:way pron <1flI*2wA> pos n. def a person who is frivolous or flighty. flyback 0. syl fly+back pron <1flI2b@k> pos n. def the fast return of the spot on a cathode-ray tube after completion of each trace. flyblows infl head flyblow syl fly+blows pos vb. flyblowing infl head flyblow syl fly+blow:ing pos vb. flyblew infl head flyblow syl fly+blew pos vb. flyblown infl head flyblow syl fly+blown. pos vb. flyblow 1. syl fly+blow pron <1flI2bl*u> pos vb. mod tr. def to contaminate, esp. with the eggs or larvae of the blowfly; taint. flyblow 2. syl fly+blow pron <1flI2bl*u> pos n. mod usually; pl. def the egg or young larva of a blowfly, deposited on meat, paper, etc. flyblown 1. syl fly+blown pron <1flI2bl*un> pos adj. def covered with flyblows. flyblown 2. syl fly+blown pron <1flI2bl*un> pos adj. def con?!taminated; tainted. flyboat 0. syl fly+boat pron <1flI2boat> pos n. def any small swift boat. flybook 0. syl fly+book pron <1flI2buk> pos n. def a small case or wallet used by anglers for storing artificial flies. flybys infl head flyby syl fly+bys. pos n. mod pl. flyby 0. syl fly+by pron <1flI2bI> pos n. def a flight past a particular position or target, esp. the close approach of a spacecraft to a planet or satellite for investigation of conditions. fly-by-night 1. syl fly-by-night pos adj. qual Informal. def unreliable or untrust?!worthy, esp. in finance. fly-by-night 2. syl fly-by-night pos adj. qual Informal. def brief; impermanent. fly-by-night 3. syl fly-by-night pos n. qual Informal. def an untrustworthy person, esp. one who departs secretly or by night to avoid paying debts. fly-by-night 4. syl fly-by-night pos n. qual Informal. def a person who goes out at night to places of entertainment. flycatcher 1. syl fly+catch:er pron <1flI2k@C*> pos n. def any small insectivorous songbird of the Old World subfamily having small slender bills fringed with bristles: family See also {spotted flycatcher}. flycatcher 2. syl fly+catch:er pron <1flI2k@C*> pos n. def any American passerine bird of the family flyer 0. syl fly+er pron <1flI*> pos n. def a variant spelling of {flier}. fly-fish 0. syl fly-fish pos vb. mod intr. qual Angling. def to fish using artificial flies as lures. See {dry fly, wet fly}. fly-fisher sub head fly-fish syl fly-2fish:er pos n. fly-fishing sub head fly-fish syl fly-2fish:ing pos n. fly half 0. syl fly half pos n. qual Rugby. def another name for {stand-off half}. flying 1. syl fly+ing pron <1flIiG> pos adj. usage prenominal def hurried; fleeting. exam 1 a flying visit. flying 2. syl fly+ing pron <1flIiG> pos adj. usage prenominal def designed for fast action. flying 3. syl fly+ing pron <1flIiG> pos adj. def hanging, waving, or floating freely. exam 1 flying hair. flying 4. syl fly+ing pron <1flIiG> pos adj. usage Nautical. of a sail def not hauled in tight against the wind. flying 5. syl fly+ing pron <1flIiG> pos n. def the act of piloting, navigating, or travelling in an aircraft. flying 6. syl fly+ing pron <1flIiG> pos n. usage modifier def relating to, capable of, accustomed to, or adapted for flight. exam 1 a flying machine. flying 7. syl fly+ing pron <1flIiG> pos n. usage modifier def moving or passing quickly on or as if on wings. exam 1 flying hours. flying 8. syl fly+ing pron <1flIiG> pos adv. qual Nautical. def freely flapping in the wind. flying boat 0. syl fly+ing boat pos n. def a seaplane in which the fuselage consists of a hull that provides buoyancy in the water. flying bridge 0. syl fly+ing bridge pos n. def an auxiliary bridge of a vessel, usually built above or far outboard of the main bridge. flying buttress 0. syl fly+ing but+tress pos n. def a buttress supporting a wall or other structure by an arch or part of an arch that transmits the thrust outwards and downwards. Also called: {arc-boutant}. flying circus 1. syl fly+ing cir+cus pos n. def an exhibition of aircraft aerobatics. flying circus 2. syl fly+ing cir+cus pos n. def the aircraft and men who take part in such exhibitions. flying colours 0. syl fly+ing col+ours pos n. mod pl. def conspicuous success; triumph. exam 1 he passed his test with flying colours. flying doctor 0. syl fly+ing doc+tor pos n. usage in areas of sparse or scattered population def a doctor who visits patients by aircraft. Flying Dutchman 1. syl Fly+ing Dutch+man pos n. qual Legend. def a phantom ship sighted in bad weather, esp. off the Cape of Good Hope. Flying Dutchman 2. syl Fly+ing Dutch+man pos n. qual Legend. def the captain of this ship. flying field 0. syl fly+ing field pos n. def a small airport; an airfield. flying fish 0. syl fly+ing fish pos n. def any marine teleost fish of the family common in warm and tropical seas, having enlarged winglike pectoral fins used for gliding above the surface of the water. flying fox 1. syl fly+ing fox pos n. def any large fruit bat, esp. any of the genus of tropical Africa and Asia: family flying fox 2. syl fly+ing fox pos n. qual Austral. def a cable mechanism used for transportation across a river, gorge, etc. flying frog 0. syl fly+ing frog pos n. def any of several tropical frogs of the family esp. of Malaya, that glide between trees by means of long webbed digits. flying gurnard 0. syl fly+ing gur+nard pos n. def any marine spiny-finned gurnard-like fish of the mostly tropical family having enlarged fan-shaped pectoral fins used to glide above the surface of the sea. flying jib 0. syl fly+ing jib pos n. def the jib set furthest forward or outboard on a vessel with two or more jibs. flying lemur 0. syl fly+ing le+mur pos n. def either of the two arboreal mammals of the genus family and order of S and SE Asia. They resemble lemurs but have a fold of skin between the limbs enabling movement by gliding leaps. Also called: {colugo}. flying lizardragon alt head flying lizard or flying lizard syl fly+ing liz+ardrag+on pos n. flying lizard 0. or flying lizardragon syl fly+ing liz+ard pos n. def any lizard of the genus of S and SE Asia, having an extensible fold of skin on each side of the body, used to make gliding leaps: family (agamas). flying mare 0. syl fly+ing mare pos n. def a wrestling throw in which a wrestler seizes his opponent's arm or head ({flying head mare}) and turns to throw him over his shoulder. flying officer 0. syl fly+ing of+fic+er pos n. def an officer holding commissioned rank senior to a pilot officer but junior to a flight lieutenant in the British and certain other air forces. flying phalanger 0. syl fly+ing pha+lan+ger pos n. def any nocturnal arboreal phalanger of the genus of E Australia and New Guinea, having black-striped greyish fur and moving with gliding leaps using folds of skin between the hind limbs and forelimbs. flying saucer 0. syl fly+ing sau+cer pos n. def any unidentified disc-shaped flying object alleged to come from outer space. flying squad 0. syl fly+ing squad pos n. def a small group of police, soldiers, etc., ready to move into action quickly. flying squirrel 0. syl fly+ing squir+rel pos n. def any nocturnal sciurine rodent of the subfamily of Asia and North America. Furry folds of skin between the forelegs and hind legs enable these animals to move by gliding leaps. flying start 1. syl fly+ing start pos n. def Also called (informal): {flier}. (in sprinting) a start by a competitor anticipating the starting signal. flying start 2. syl fly+ing start pos n. def a start to a race or time trial in which the competitor is already travelling at speed as he passes the starting line. flying start 3. syl fly+ing start pos n. def any promising beginning. flying start 4. syl fly+ing start pos n. def an initial advantage over others. flying wing 0. syl fly+ing wing pos n. def an aircraft consisting mainly of one large wing and no fuselage. flyleaves infl head flyleaf syl fly+leaves. pos n. mod pl. flyleaf 0. syl fly+leaf pron <1flI2lEf> pos n. def the inner leaf of the endpaper of a book, pasted to the first leaf. flyover 1. syl fly+o:ver pron <1flI2*uv*> pos n. def Also called: {overpass}. flyover 1.a. syl fly+o:ver pron <1flI2*uv*> pos n. def an intersection of two roads at which one is carried over the other by a bridge. flyover 1.b. syl fly+o:ver pron <1flI2*uv*> pos n. def such a bridge. flyover 2. syl fly+o:ver pron <1flI2*uv*> pos n. def the U.S. name for a {fly-past}. flypaper 0. syl fly+pa:per pron <1flI2pAp*> pos n. def paper with a sticky and poisonous coating, usually hung from the ceiling to trap flies. fly-past 0. syl fly-past pos n. def a ceremonial flight of aircraft over a given area. Also called (esp. in the U.S.): {flyover}. fly press 0. syl fly press pos n. def a hand-operated press in which a horizontal beam with heavy steel balls attached to the ends gives additional momentum to the descending member. Fly River 0. syl Fly Riv+er pos n. def a river in W Papua New Guinea, flowing southeast to the Gulf of Papua. Length: about 1300 km (800 miles). fly rod 0. syl fly rod pos n. def a light flexible rod, usually made of bamboo or split cane, used in fly-fishing. Flysch ety Swiss German Flysch 0. syl Flysch pron pos n. usage sometimes not cap. def deposits of late Cretaceous and early Tertiary age that occur in the Alps, consisting of sandstones, marls, shales, and clays. fly sheet 1.a. syl fly sheet pos n. def a flap forming the entrance to a tent. fly sheet 1.b. syl fly sheet pos n. def a piece of canvas drawn over the ridgepole of a tent to form an outer roof. fly sheet 2. syl fly sheet pos n. def a short handbill or circular. flyspeck 1. syl fly+speck pron <1flI2spek> pos n. def the small speck of the excrement of a fly. flyspeck 2. syl fly+speck pron <1flI2spek> pos n. def a small spot or speck. flyspeck 3. syl fly+speck pron <1flI2spek> pos vb. mod tr. def to mark with flyspecks. fly spray 0. syl fly spray pos n. def a liquid used to destroy flies and other insects, sprayed from an aerosol. flyte 0. syl flyte pron pos vb. def a variant spelling of {flite}. flytrap 1. syl fly+trap pron <1flI2tr@p> pos n. def any of various insectivorous plants, esp. Venus's flytrap. flytrap 2. syl fly+trap pron <1flI2tr@p> pos n. def a device for catching flies. fly way 0. syl fly way pos n. def the usual route used by birds when migrating. flyweight 1.a. syl fly+weight pron <1flI2wAt> pos n. def a professional boxer weighing not more than 112 pounds (51 kg). flyweight 1.b. syl fly+weight pron <1flI2wAt> pos n. def an amateur boxer weighing 48-51 kg (112-119 pounds). flyweight 1.c. syl fly+weight pron <1flI2wAt> pos n. usage as modifier exam 1 a flyweight contest. flyweight 2. syl fly+weight pron <1flI2wAt> pos n. usage in Olympic wrestling def a wrestler not more than 115 pounds (52 kg). flywheel 0. syl fly+wheel pron <1flI2wEl> pos n. def a heavy wheel that stores kinetic energy and smoothes the operation of a reciprocating engine by maintaining a constant speed of rotation over the whole cycle. Fm 0. syl Fm usage the chemical symbol for def fermium. FM 0. syl FM qual abbrev. for def frequency modulation. fm 1. syl fm. qual abbrev. for: def Also: {fm} fathom. fm 2. syl fm. qual abbrev. for: def from. FM 0. syl F.M. qual abbrev. for def Field Marshal. FMN 0. syl FMN pos n. qual Biochem. def flavin mononucleotide; a phosphoric ester of riboflavin that acts as the prosthetic group for many flavo?!proteins. See also {FAD}. f number alt head f-number or f-number syl f num+ber pos n. f-number 0. or f number syl f-num+ber pos n. qual Photog. def the numerical value of the relative aperture. If the relative aperture is f8, 8 is the f-number and indicates that the focal length of the lens is 8 times the size of the lens aperture. See also {T-number}. fo 0. syl fo. qual abbrev. for def folio. FO 1. syl F.O. qual abbrev. for:; Army. def Field Officer. FO 2. syl F.O. qual abbrev. for:; Air Force. def Flying Officer. FO 3. syl F.O. qual abbrev. for: def Foreign Office. foal ety Old English fola; related to Old Frisian fola, Old High German folo foal, Latin pullus young creature, Greek p*_olos foal foal 1. syl foal pron pos n. def the young of a horse or related animal. foal 2. syl foal pron pos vb. def to give birth to (a foal). foam ety Old English f*_am; related to Old High German feim, Latin sp*_uma, Sanskrit phena foam 1. syl foam pron pos n. def a mass of small bubbles of gas formed on the surface of a liquid, such as the froth produced by agitating a solution of soap or detergent in water. foam 2. syl foam pron pos n. def frothy saliva sometimes formed in and expelled from the mouth, as in rabies. foam 3. syl foam pron pos n. def the frothy sweat of a horse or similar animal. foam 4.a. syl foam pron pos n. def any of a number of light cellular solids made by creating bubbles of gas in the liquid material and solidifying it: used as insulators and in packaging. foam 4.b. syl foam pron pos n. usage as modifier exam 1 foam rubber; exam 2 foam plastic. foam 5. syl foam pron pos n. def a colloid consisting of a gas suspended in a liquid. foam 6. syl foam pron pos n. def a mixture of chemicals sprayed from a fire extinguisher onto a burning substance to create a stable layer of bubbles which smothers the flames. foam 7. syl foam pron pos n. def a poetic word for the {sea}. foam 8. syl foam pron pos vb. def to produce or cause to produce foam; froth. foam 9. syl foam pron pos vb. mod intr. def to be very angry (esp. in the phrase {foam at the mouth}) . foamless sub head foam syl foam+less pos adj. foamlike sub head foam syl foam+2like pos adj. foamflower 0. syl foam+flow:er pron <1f*um2flau*> pos n. def a perennial saxifragaceous plant, of North America and Asia, having spring-blooming white flowers. foamier infl head foamy syl foam:i+er pos adj. foamiest infl head foamy syl foam:i+est. pos adj. foamy 0. syl foam:y pron <1f*umi> pos adj. def of, resembling, consisting of, or covered with foam. foamily sub head foamy syl foam:i+ly pos adv. foaminess sub head foamy syl foam:i+ness pos n. fob ety C17: probably of Germanic origin; compare German dialect Fuppe pocket fob H1.1. syl fob pron pos n. def a chain or ribbon by which a pocket watch is attached to a waistcoat. fob H1.2. syl fob pron pos n. def any ornament hung on such a chain. fob H1.3. syl fob pron pos n. def a small pocket in a man's waistcoat, etc., for holding a watch. fob ety C15: probably from German foppen to trick fobs infl head fob syl fobs pos vb. mod tr. fobbing infl head fob syl fob+bing pos vb. mod tr. fobbed infl head fob syl fobbed. pos vb. mod tr. fob H2.0. syl fob pron pos vb. mod tr. def an archaic word for {cheat}. FOB alt head fob or fob syl F.O.B. fob 0. or FOB syl f.o.b. qual Commerce. abbrev. for def free on board. fob off 1. syl fob off pos vb. adv. mod tr. def to appease or trick (a person) with lies or excuses. fob off 2. syl fob off pos vb. adv. mod tr. def to dispose of (goods) by trickery. FoC 0. syl F.o.C. qual abbrev. for def father of the chapel. focal 1. syl fo+cal pron <1f*ukL> pos adj. def of or relating to a focus. focal 2. syl fo+cal pron <1f*ukL> pos adj. def situated at, passing through, or measured from the focus. focally sub head focal syl fo+cal+ly pos adv. focal infection 0. syl fo+cal in+fec+tion pos n. def a bacterial infection limited to a specific part of the body, such as the tonsils or a gland. focalise alt head focalize or focalize syl fo+cal+ise pron <1f*uk*2lIz> pos vb. focalize 0. or focalise syl fo+cal+ize pron <1f*uk*2lIz> pos vb. def a less common word for {focus}. focalization sub head focalize or focalisation syl fo+cal:i+1za+tion pos n. focalisation sub head focalize or focalization syl fo+cal:i+1sa+tion pos n. distance alt head focal length or focal length syl dis+tance pos n. focal length 0. or distance syl fo+cal length pos n. def the distance from the focal point of a lens or mirror to the reflecting surface of the mirror or the centre point of the lens. focal plane 1. syl fo+cal plane pos n. def the plane that is perpendicular to the axis of a lens or mirror and passes through the focal point. focal plane 2. syl fo+cal plane pos n. def the plane in a telescope, camera, or other optical instrument in which a real image is in focus. focal point 1. syl fo+cal point pos n. def Also called: {principal focus, focus}. the point on the axis of a lens or mirror to which parallel rays of light converge or from which they appear to diverge after refraction or reflection. focal point 2. syl fo+cal point pos n. def a central point of attention or interest. focal ratio 0. syl fo+cal ra+ti:o pos n. qual Photog. def another name for {f-number}. Ferdinand infl head Foch syl Fer:di:nand pron pos n. Foch 0. syl Foch pron French pos n. def 1851-1929, marshal of France; commander in chief of Allied armies on the Western front in World War I (1918). fo'c'sle alt head fo'c's'le or fo'c's'le syl fo'c'sle pron <1f*uksL> pos n. fo'c's'le 0. or fo'c'sle syl fo'c's'le pron <1f*uksL> pos n. def a variant spelling of {forecastle}. focus ety C17: via New Latin from Latin: hearth, fireplace focuses infl head focus or foci syl fo+cus:es pron <-sI> pos n. mod pl. foci infl head focus or focuses syl fo+ci pron <-sI> pos n. mod pl. focus 1. syl fo+cus pron <1f*uk*s> pos n. def a point of convergence of light or other electromagnetic radiation, particles, sound waves, etc., or a point from which they appear to diverge. focus 2. syl fo+cus pron <1f*uk*s> pos n. def another name for {focal point} or {focal length}. focus 3. syl fo+cus pron <1f*uk*s> pos n. qual Optics. def the state of an optical image when it is distinct and clearly defined or the state of an instrument producing this image. exam 1 the picture is in focus; exam 2 the telescope is out of focus. focus 4. syl fo+cus pron <1f*uk*s> pos n. def a point upon which attention, activity, etc., is directed or concentrated. focus 5. syl fo+cus pron <1f*uk*s> pos n. qual Geom. def a fixed reference point on the concave side of a conic section, used when defining its eccentricity. focus 6. syl fo+cus pron <1f*uk*s> pos n. def the point beneath the earth's surface at which an earthquake originates. focus 7. syl fo+cus pron <1f*uk*s> pos n. qual Pathol. def the main site of an infection or a localized region of diseased tissue. focuses infl head focus syl fo+cus:es pos vb. focusing infl head focus syl fo+cus+ing pos vb. focused infl head focus syl fo+cused. pos vb. focus 8. syl fo+cus pron <1f*uk*s> pos vb. def to bring or come to a focus or into focus. focus 9. syl fo+cus pron <1f*uk*s> pos vb. mod tr. usage often foll. by on def to fix attention (on); concentrate. focusable sub head focus syl fo+cus+a:ble pos adj. focuser sub head focus syl fo+cus+er pos n. fodder ety Old English f*_odor; related to Old Norse f*_othr, Old High German fuotar; see #7food, forage fodder 1. syl fod+der pron <1fod*> pos n. def bulk feed for livestock, esp. hay, straw, etc. fodder 2. syl fod+der pron <1fod*> pos n. def raw experience or material. exam 1 fodder for the imagination. fodder 3. syl fod+der pron <1fod*> pos vb. mod tr. def to supply (livestock) with fodder. foe ety Old English f*_ah hostile; related to Old High German f*_ehan to hate, Old Norse feikn dreadful; see #7{feud %1} foe 0. syl foe pron pos n. qual Formal or literary. def another word for {enemy}. foehn 0. syl foehn pron , German pos n. qual Meteorol. def a variant spelling of {f*"ohn}. foemen infl head foeman syl foe+men. pos n. mod pl. foeman 0. syl foe+man pron <1f*um*n> pos n. qual Archaic and poetic. def an enemy in war; foe. foetal 0. syl foe+tal pron <1fEtL> pos adj. def a variant spelling of {fetal}. foetation 0. syl foe+ta+tion pron pos n. def a variant spelling of {fetation}. foeticide 0. syl foe+ti+cide pron <1fEti2sId> pos n. def a variant spelling of {feticide}. foeticidal sub head foeticide syl foe+ti+1cid+al pos adj. foetid 0. syl foet+id pron <1fetid>, <1fE-> pos adj. def a variant spelling of {fetid}. foetidly sub head foetid syl foet+id+ly pos adv. foetidness sub head foetid syl foet+id+ness pos n. foetor 0. syl foe+tor pron <1fEt*> pos n. def a variant spelling of {fetor}. foetuses infl head foetus syl foe+tus:es. pos n. mod pl. foetus 0. syl foe+tus pron <1fEt*s> pos n. def a variant spelling of {fetus}. fog ety C16: perhaps back formation from foggy damp, boggy, from #7fog %2 fog H1.1. syl fog pron pos n. def a mass of droplets of condensed water vapour suspended in the air, often greatly reducing visibility, corresponding to a cloud but at a lower level. fog H1.2. syl fog pron pos n. def a cloud of any substance in the atmosphere reducing visibility. fog H1.3. syl fog pron pos n. def a state of mental uncertainty or obscurity. fog H1.4. syl fog pron pos n. qual Photog. def a blurred or discoloured area on a developed negative, print, or trans?!parency caused by the action of extraneous light, incorrect development, etc. fog H1.5. syl fog pron pos n. def a colloid or suspension consisting of liquid particles dispersed in a gas. fogs infl head fog syl fogs pos vb. fogging infl head fog syl fog+ging pos vb. fogged infl head fog syl fogged. pos vb. fog H1.6. syl fog pron pos vb. def to envelop or become enveloped with or as if with fog. fog H1.7. syl fog pron pos vb. def to confuse or become confused. exam 1 to fog an issue. fog H1.8. syl fog pron pos vb. qual Photog. def to produce fog on (a negative, print, or transparency) or (of a negative, print, or transparency) to be affected by fog. fog ety C14: probably of Scandinavian origin; compare Norwegian fogg rank grass fog H2.0.a. syl fog pron pos n. qual Chiefly northern Brit. def a second growth of grass after the first mowing. fog H2.0.b. syl fog pron pos n. qual Chiefly northern Brit. def grass left to grow long in winter. fog bank 0. syl fog bank pos n. def a distinct mass of fog, esp. at sea. fogbound 1. syl fog+bound pron <1fog2baund> pos adj. def prevented from operation by fog. exam 1 the airport was fogbound. fogbound 2. syl fog+bound pron <1fog2baund> pos adj. def obscured by or enveloped in fog. exam 1 the skyscraper was fogbound. fogbow 0. syl fog+bow pron <1fog2b*u> pos n. def a faint arc of light sometimes seen in a fog bank. Also called: {seadog, white rainbow}. fogdog 0. syl fog+dog pron <1fog2dog> pos n. def a whitish spot sometimes seen in fog near the horizon. Also called: {seadog}. foggy alt head fogged or fogged syl fog+gy pos adj. fogged 0. or foggy syl fogged pron pos adj. qual Photog. def affected or obscured by fog. Foggia 0. syl Fog+gia pron Italian <1fcdJa> pos n. def a city in SE Italy, in Apulia: seat of Emperor Frederick II; centre for Carbonari revolutionary societies in the revolts of 1820, 1848, and 1860. Pop.: 151203 (1975 est.). foggier infl head foggy syl fog+gi+er pos adj. foggiest infl head foggy syl fog+gi+est. pos adj. foggy 1. syl fog+gy pron <1fogi> pos adj. def thick with fog. foggy 2. syl fog+gy pron <1fogi> pos adj. def obscure or confused. foggy 3. syl fog+gy pron <1fogi> pos adj. def another word for {fogged}. &- {#!fog+gi+ly} fogginess sub head foggy syl fog+gi+ness pos n. foghorn 1. syl fog+horn pron <1fog2hc:n> pos n. def a mechanical instrument sounded at intervals to serve as a warning to vessels in fog. foghorn 2. syl fog+horn pron <1fog2hc:n> pos n. qual Informal. def a loud deep resounding voice. fog level 0. syl fog lev+el pos n. def the density produced by the development of photographic materials that have not been exposed to light or other actinic radiation. It forms part of the characteristic curve of a particular material. fog signal 0. syl fog sig+nal pos n. def a signal used to warn railway engine drivers in fog, consisting of a detonator placed on the line. fogy ety C18: of unknown origin fogey alt head fogy or fogy syl fo+gey pron <1f*ugi> pos n. fogies infl head fogy or fogeys syl fo:gies pos n. mod pl. fogeys infl head fogy or fogies syl fo:geys. pos n. mod pl. fogy 0. or fogey syl fo:gy pron <1f*ugi> pos n. def an extremely fussy, old-fashioned, or conservative person (esp. in the phrase {old fogy) }. fogyish sub head fogy or fogeyish syl fo+gy+ish pos adj. fogeyish sub head fogy or fogyish syl fo+gey+ish pos adj. fogyism sub head fogy or fogeyism syl fo+gy+ism pos n. fogeyism sub head fogy or fogyism syl fo+gey+ism pos n. fohn ety German, from Old High German ph*_onno, from Latin fav*_onius; related to fov*_ere to warm foehn alt head fohn or fohn syl foehn pron , German pos n. fohn 0. or foehn syl f*"ohn pron , German pos n. def a warm dry wind blowing down the northern slopes of the Alps. It originates as moist air blowing from the Mediterranean, rising on reaching the Alps and cooling at the saturated adiabatic lapse rate, and descend?!ing on the leeward side, warming at the dry adiabatic lapse rate, thus gaining heat. See also {lapse rate}. foible ety C17: from obsolete French, from obsolete adj.: #7feeble foible 1. syl foi+ble pron <1fcibL> pos n. def a slight peculiarity or minor weakness; idiosyncrasy. foible 2. syl foi+ble pron <1fcibL> pos n. def the most vulnerable part of a sword's blade, from the middle to the tip. Compare {forte} %1 (sense 2). foie gras 0. syl foie gras pron French pos n. def See {p*^at*'e de foie gras}. foil ety C13 foilen to trample, from Old French fouler, from Old French fuler tread down, #7{full %2} foil H1.1. syl foil pron pos vb. mod tr. def to baffle or frustrate (a person, attempt, etc.). foil H1.2. syl foil pron pos vb. mod tr. usage Hunting. of hounds, hunters, etc. def to obliterate the scent left by a hunted animal or (of a hunted animal) to run back over its own trail. foil H1.3. syl foil pron pos vb. mod tr. qual Archaic. def to repulse or defeat (an attack or assailant). foil H1.4. syl foil pron pos n. mod tr. qual Hunting. def any scent that obscures the trail left by a hunted animal. foil H1.5. syl foil pron pos n. mod tr. qual Archaic. def a setback or defeat. foilable sub head foil syl foil+a:ble pos adj. foil ety C14: from Old French foille, from Latin folia leaves, plural of folium foil H2.1. syl foil pron pos n. def metal in the form of very thin sheets. exam 1 gold foil; exam 2 tin foil. foil H2.2. syl foil pron pos n. def the thin metallic sheet forming the backing of a mirror. foil H2.3. syl foil pron pos n. def a thin leaf of shiny metal set under a gemstone to add brightness or colour. foil H2.4. syl foil pron pos n. def a person or thing that gives contrast to another. foil H2.5. syl foil pron pos n. qual Architect. def a small arc between cusps, esp. as used in Gothic window tracery. foil H2.6. syl foil pron pos n. def short for {aerofoil} or {hydrofoil}. foil H2.7. syl foil pron pos vb. mod tr. def to back or cover with foil. foil H2.8. syl foil pron pos vb. mod tr. def Also: {foliate}. to ornament (windows, etc.) with foils. foil H2.9. syl foil pron pos vb. mod tr. qual Rare. def to act as a foil to. foil ety C16: of unknown origin foil H3.0. syl foil pron pos n. def a light slender flexible sword tipped by a button and usually having a bell-shaped guard. foilsmen infl head foilsman syl foils+men. pos n. mod pl. foilsman 0. syl foils+man pron <1fcilzm*n> pos n. qual Fencing. def a person who uses or specializes in using a foil. foin ety C14: probably from Old French foine, from Latin fuscina trident foin 1. syl foin pron pos n. qual Archaic. def a thrust or lunge with a weapon. foin 2. syl foin pron pos vb. qual Archaic. def to thrust with a weapon. Foism ety from Mandarin Chinese fo B#7uddha Foism 0. syl Fo+ism pron <1f*u2iz*m> pos n. def Chinese Buddhism, the version introduced from India from the 4th century #7a.d. onwards and essentially belonging to the Mahayana school. Foist sub head Foism syl Fo+ist pos n. adj. foison ety C13: from Old French, from Latin f*_usi*_o a pouring out, from fundere to pour; see #7fusion foison 0. syl foi+son pron <1fcizN> pos n. qual Archaic or poetic. def a plentiful supply or yield. foist ety C16: probably from obsolete Dutch vuisten to enclose in one's hand, from Middle Dutch vuist fist foist 1. syl foist pron pos vb. mod tr. usage often foll. by off or on def to sell or pass off (something, esp. an inferior article) as genuine, valuable, etc. foist 2. syl foist pron pos vb. mod tr. usage usually foll. by in or into def to insert surreptitiously or wrongfully. Michel infl head Fokine syl Mi:chel pron pos n. Fokine 0. syl Fo:kine pron Russian <1fckin>, French pos n. def 1880-1942, Russian choreographer, regarded as the creator of modern ballet. He worked with Diaghilev as director of the Ballet Russe (1909-15), producing works such as and Anthony Herman Gerard infl head Fokker syl An:tho:ny Her:man Ge:rard pron <1herman> <1$xA:rart> pos n. Fokker 0. syl Fok:ker pron <1fok*>, Dutch <1fck*r> pos n. def 1890-1939, Dutch designer and builder of aircraft. fol 1. syl fol. qual abbrev. for: def folio. fol 2. syl fol. qual abbrev. for: def followed. fol 3. syl fol. qual abbrev. for: def following. folacin ety C20: from #7fol (#7ic) #7ac (#7id) #7+ -#7in folacin 0. syl fol:a+cin pron <1fol*sin> pos n. def another name for {folic acid}. fold ety Old English fealdan; related to Old Norse falda, Old High German faldan, Latin duplus double, Greek haploos simple fold H1.1. syl fold pron pos vb. def to bend or be bent double so that one part covers another. exam 1 to fold a sheet of paper. fold H1.2. syl fold pron pos vb. mod tr. def to bring together and intertwine (the arms, legs, etc.). exam 1 she folded her hands. fold H1.3. syl fold pron pos vb. mod tr. usage of birds, insects, etc. def to close (the wings) together from an extended position. fold H1.4. syl fold pron pos vb. mod tr. usage often foll. by up or in def to enclose in or as if in a surrounding material. fold H1.5. syl fold pron pos vb. mod tr. usage foll. by in def to clasp (a person) in the arms. fold H1.6. syl fold pron pos vb. mod tr. usage usually foll. by round, about, etc. def to wind (around); entwine. fold H1.7. syl fold pron pos vb. mod tr. qual Poetic. def to cover completely. exam 1 night folded the earth. fold H1.8. syl fold pron pos vb. def Also: {fold in}. to mix (a whisked mixture) with other ingredients by gently turning one part over the other with a spoon. fold H1.9. syl fold pron pos vb. def to produce a bend (in stratified rock) or (of stratified rock) to display a bend. fold H1.10. syl fold pron pos vb. mod intr. qual Informal. usage often foll. by up def to collapse; fail. exam 1 the business folded. fold H1.11. syl fold pron pos n. def a piece or section that has been folded. exam 1 a fold of cloth. fold H1.12. syl fold pron pos n. def a mark, crease, or hollow made by folding. fold H1.13. syl fold pron pos n. def a hollow in undulating terrain. fold H1.14. syl fold pron pos n. def a bend in stratified rocks that results from movements within the earth's crust and produces such structures as anticlines and synclines. fold H1.15. syl fold pron pos n. qual Anatomy. def another word for { {plica} (sense 1).} fold H1.16. syl fold pron pos n. def a coil, as in a rope, etc. fold H1.17. syl fold pron pos n. def an act of folding. foldable sub head fold syl fold+a:ble pos adj. fold ety Old English falod; related to Old Saxon faled, Middle Dutch vaelt fold H2.1.a. syl fold pron pos n. def a small enclosure or pen for sheep or other livestock, where they can be gathered. fold H2.1.b. syl fold pron pos n. def the sheep or other livestock gathered in such an enclosure. fold H2.1.c. syl fold pron pos n. def a flock of sheep. fold H2.2. syl fold pron pos n. def a church or the members of it. fold H2.3. syl fold pron pos n. def any group or community sharing a way of life or holding the same values. fold H2.4. syl fold pron pos vb. mod tr. def to gather or confine (sheep or other livestock) in a fold. -fold ety Old English -fald, -feald -fold 0. syl -fold usage suffix forming adjectives and adverbs. def having so many parts, being so many times as much or as many, or multiplied by so much or so many. exam 1 threefold; exam 2 three-hundredfold. foldaway 0. syl fold+a:way pron <1f*uld*2wA> pos adj. usage prenominal; of a bed, etc. def able to be folded and put away when not in use. foldboat 0. syl fold+boat pron <1f*uld2b*ut> pos n. def another name for {faltboat}. folded dipole 0. syl fold+ed di+pole pos n. def a type of aerial, widely used with television and frequency-modulated receivers, consisting of two parallel dipoles connected together at their outer ends and fed at the centre of one of them. The length is usually half the operating wavelength. folder 1. syl fold+er pron <1f*uld*> pos n. def a binder or file for holding loose papers, etc. folder 2. syl fold+er pron <1f*uld*> pos n. def a folded circular. folder 3. syl fold+er pron <1f*uld*> pos n. def a machine for folding printed sheets. folder 4. syl fold+er pron <1f*uld*> pos n. def a person or thing that folds. folderol 0. syl fol+de:rol pron <1fold*2rol> pos n. def a variant spelling of {falderal}. folding door 0. syl fold+ing door pos n. def a door in the form of two or more vertical hinged leaves that can be folded one against another. folding money 0. syl fold+ing mon+ey pos n. qual U.S. informal. def paper money. folding press 0. syl fold+ing press pos n. def a fall in wrestling won by folding one's opponent's legs up to his head and pressing his shoulders to the floor. foldout 0. syl fold+out pos n. qual Printing. def another name for {gatefold}. fold up 1. syl fold up pos vb. adv. mod tr. def to make smaller or more compact. fold up 2. syl fold up pos vb. adv. mod intr. def to collapse, as with laughter or pain. folia 0. syl fo+li:a pron <1f*uli*> pos n. def the plural of {folium}. foliaceous ety C17: from Latin foli*_aceus foliaceous 1. syl fo+li:a+ceous pron <2f*uli1AS*s> pos adj. def having the appearance of the leaf of a plant. foliaceous 2. syl fo+li:a+ceous pron <2f*uli1AS*s> pos adj. def bearing leaves or leaflike structures. foliaceous 3. syl fo+li:a+ceous pron <2f*uli1AS*s> pos adj. usage Geology. of certain rocks, esp. schists def consisting of thin layers. foliage ety C15: from Old French fuellage, from fuelle leaf; influenced in form by Latin folium foliage 1. syl fo+li+age pron <1f*uliiJ> pos n. def the green leaves of a plant. foliage 2. syl fo+li+age pron <1f*uliiJ> pos n. def sprays of leaves used for decoration. foliage 3. syl fo+li+age pron <1f*uliiJ> pos n. def an ornamental leaf-like design. foliaged sub head foliage syl fo+li+aged pos adj. foliar ety C19: from French foliaire, from Latin folium leaf foliar 0. syl fo+li+ar pron <1f*uli*> pos adj. def of or relating to a leaf or leaves. foliate ety C17: from Latin foli*_atus leaved, leafy foliate 1.a. syl fo+li+ate pron <1f*uliit>, <-2At> pos adj. def relating to, possessing, or resembling leaves. foliate 1.b. syl fo+li+ate pron <1f*uliit>, <-2At> pos adj. usage in combination exam 1 trifoliate. foliate 2. syl fo+li+ate pron <1f*uliit>, <-2At> pos adj. usage of certain metamorphic rocks, esp. schists def having the constituent minerals arranged in thin leaflike layers. foliate 3. syl fo+li+ate pron <1f*uli2At> pos vb. mod tr. def to ornament with foliage or with leaf forms such as foils. foliate 4. syl fo+li+ate pron <1f*uli2At> pos vb. def to hammer or cut (metal) into thin plates or foil. foliate 5. syl fo+li+ate pron <1f*uli2At> pos vb. mod tr. def to coat or back (glass, etc.) with metal foil. foliate 6. syl fo+li+ate pron <1f*uli2At> pos vb. mod tr. def to number the leaves of (a book, manuscript, etc.). Compare {paginate}. foliate 7. syl fo+li+ate pron <1f*uli2At> pos vb. mod intr. usage of plants def to grow leaves. foliated 1. syl fo+li+at+ed pron <1f*uli2Atid> pos adj. qual Architect. def ornamented with or made up of foliage or foils. foliated 2. syl fo+li+at+ed pron <1f*uli2Atid> pos adj. usage of rocks and minerals, esp. schists def composed of thin easily separable layers. foliated 3. syl fo+li+at+ed pron <1f*uli2Atid> pos adj. usage esp. of parts of animals or plants def resembling a leaf. foliation 1.a. syl fo+li:a+tion pron <2f*uli1AS*n> pos n. def the process of producing leaves. foliation 1.b. syl fo+li:a+tion pron <2f*uli1AS*n> pos n. def the state of being in leaf. foliation 1.c. syl fo+li:a+tion pron <2f*uli1AS*n> pos n. def the arrange?!ment of leaves in a leaf bud; vernation. foliation 2.a. syl fo+li:a+tion pron <2f*uli1AS*n> pos n. def ornamentation consist?!ing of foliage. foliation 2.b. syl fo+li:a+tion pron <2f*uli1AS*n> pos n. def ornamentation consist?!ing of cusps and foils. foliation 3. syl fo+li:a+tion pron <2f*uli1AS*n> pos n. def any decoration with foliage. foliation 4. syl fo+li:a+tion pron <2f*uli1AS*n> pos n. def the consecutive numbering of the leaves of a book. foliation 5. syl fo+li:a+tion pron <2f*uli1AS*n> pos n. qual Geology. def the arrangement of the constituents of a rock in leaflike layers, as in schists. folic acid ety C20: from Latin folium leaf; so called because it may be obtained from green leaves folic acid 0. syl fo+lic ac:id pron <1f*ulik>, <1fol-> pos n. def any of a group of vitamins of the B complex, including pteroylglutamic acid and its derivatives: used in the treatment of megaloblastic anaemia. Also called: {folacin}. folie a deux ety French: madness involving two (people) folie a deux 0. syl fo+lie *`a deux pron <1foli> <@> <1dR:> pos n. qual Psychiatry. def the occurrence of mental illness simultaneously in two persons who are close to each other. folie de grandeur ety literally: madness of grandeur folie de grandeur 0. syl fo+lie de gran+deur pron French. pos n. def delusions of grandeur. folio ety C16: from Latin phrase in foli*_o in a leaf, from folium leaf folios infl head folio syl fo+li:os. pos n. mod pl. folio 1. syl fo+li:o pron <1f*uli*u> pos n. def a sheet of paper folded in half to make two leaves for a book or manuscript. folio 2. syl fo+li:o pron <1f*uli*u> pos n. def a book or manuscript of the largest common size made up of such sheets. folio 3. syl fo+li:o pron <1f*uli*u> pos n. def a leaf of paper or parchment numbered on the front side only. folio 4. syl fo+li:o pron <1f*uli*u> pos n. qual Law. def a unit of measurement of the length of legal documents, determined by the number of words, generally 72 or 90 in Britain and 100 in the U.S. folio 5. syl fo+li:o pron <1f*uli*u> pos adj. def relating to or having the format of a folio. exam 1 a folio edition. folios infl head folio syl fo+li:os pos vb. folioing infl head folio syl fo+li:o+ing pos vb. folioed infl head folio syl fo+li:oed. pos vb. folio 6. syl fo+li:o pron <1f*uli*u> pos vb. mod tr. def to number the leaves of (a book) consecutively. foliolate ety C19: from Late Latin foliolum little leaf, from Latin folium leaf foliolate 0. syl fo+li:o+late pron <1f*uli*2lAt> , <-2lAt> pos adj. qual Botany. def possessing or relating to leaflets. foliose ety C18: from Latin foli*_osus full of leaves foliose 0. syl fo+li+ose pron <1f*uli2*us>, <-2*uz> pos adj. def another word for {foliaceous} (senses 1, 2). folium ety C19: from Latin, literally: leaf folia infl head folium syl fo+li:a pron <-li*> pos n. mod pl. folium 1. syl fo+li:um pron <1f*uli*m> pos n. def a plane geometrical curve consisting of a loop whose two ends, intersecting at a node,@T are@T asymptotic@T to@T the@T same @T line. Standard@T equation. exam 1 x folium 2. syl fo+li:um pron <1f*uli*m> pos n. def any thin leaflike layer, esp. of some metamorphic rocks. folk ety Old English folc; related to Old Saxon, Old Norse, Old High German folk folks alt head folk or folk syl folks. pos n. mod pl. folk 1. or folks syl folk pron pos n. mod functioning as; pl. often; pl. usage in form def people in general, esp. those of a particular group or class. exam 1 country folk. folk 2. or folks syl folk pron pos n. mod functioning as; pl. usually; pl. qual Informal. usage in form def members of a family. folk 3. or folks syl folk pron pos n. mod functioning as; sing. qual Informal. def short for {folk music}. folk 4. or folks syl folk pron pos n. mod pl. def a people or tribe. folk 5. or folks syl folk pron pos n. mod pl. usage modifier def relating to, originating from, or traditional to the common people of a country. exam 1 a folk song. folkish sub head folk syl folk+ish pos adj. folkishness sub head folk syl folk+ish+ness pos n. folk dance 1. syl folk dance pos n. def any of various traditional rustic dances often originating from festivals or rituals. folk dance 2. syl folk dance pos n. def a piece of music composed for such a dance. folk-dance infl head folk dance syl folk-dance. pos vb. folk dance 3. syl folk dance pos vb. def to perform a folk dance. folk dancing sub head folk dance syl folk danc+ing pos n. Folkestone 0. syl Folke+stone pron <1f*ukst*n> pos n. def a port and resort in SE England, in E Kent. Pop.: 43760 (1971). Folketing ety Danish, from folk the people, #7folk+ Old Norse thing assembly Folketing 0. syl Fol+ke:ting pron <1f*ulk*tiG>, Danish <1fclg*tAG> pos n. def the lower chamber of the Danish parliament. folk etymology 1. syl folk et:y+mol+o:gy pos n. def the gradual change in the form of a word through the influence of a more familiar word or phrase with which it becomes associated, as for example for folk etymology 2. syl folk et:y+mol+o:gy pos n. def a popular but erroneous conception of the origin of a word. folklore 1. syl folk+lore pron <1f*uk2lc:> pos n. def the unwritten literature of a people as expressed in folk tales, proverbs, riddles, songs, etc. folklore 2. syl folk+lore pron <1f*uk2lc:> pos n. def the anthropological discipline concerned with the study of such materials. folkloric sub head folklore syl folk+2lor+ic pos adj. folklorist sub head folklore syl folk+2lor+ist pos n. adj. folkloristic sub head folklore syl folk+lor+1is+tic pos adj. folk medicine 0. syl folk med:i+cine pos n. def the traditional art of medicine as practised among rustic communities and primitive peoples, consisting typically of the use of herbal remedies, fruits and vegetables thought to have healing power, etc. folk memory 0. syl folk mem:o+ry pos n. def the memory of past events as preserved in a community. folkmoot ety Old English folcm*_ot, from folc #7folk+ m*_ot from m*_@atan to #7meet folkmote infl head folkmoot or folkmot syl folk+mote pron <1f*uk2m*ut> pos n. folkmot infl head folkmoot or folkmote syl folk+mot pron <1f*uk2m*ut> pos n. folkmoot 0. syl folk+moot pron <1f*uk2mu:t> pos n. usage in early medieval England def an assembly of the people of a district, town, or shire. folk music 1. syl folk mu+sic pos n. def music that is passed on from generation to generation by oral tradition. Compare {art music}. folk music 2. syl folk mu+sic pos n. def any music composed in the idiom of this oral tradition. folk-rock 0. syl folk-rock pos n. def a combination of folk-orientated lyrics with a pop accompaniment. folk singer 0. syl folk sing+er pos n. def a person who sings folk songs or other songs in the folk idiom. folk singing sub head folk singer syl folk sing+ing pos n. folk song 1. syl folk song pos n. def a song of which the music and text have been handed down by oral tradition among the common people. folk song 2. syl folk song pos n. def a modern song which employs or reflects the folk idiom. folksier infl head folksy syl folk+si+er pos adj. folksiest infl head folksy syl folk+si+est. pos adj. folksy 1. syl folk+sy pron <1f*uksi> pos adj. qual Informal, chiefly U.S. def of or like ordinary people; sometimes used derogatorily to describe affected simplicity. folksy 2. syl folk+sy pron <1f*uksi> pos adj. qual Informal, chiefly U.S. def friendly; affable. folksy 3. syl folk+sy pron <1f*uksi> pos adj. qual Informal, chiefly U.S. def of or relating to folk art. folksiness sub head folksy syl folk+si+ness pos n. story alt head folk tale or folk tale syl sto+ry pos n. folk tale 0. or story syl folk tale pos n. def a tale or legend originating among a people and typically becoming part of an oral tradition. folkways 0. syl folk+ways pron <1f*uk2wAz> pos n. mod pl. qual Sociol. def traditional and customary ways of living. folk weave 0. syl folk weave pos n. def a type of fabric with a loose weave. foll 1. syl foll. qual abbrev. for: def followed. foll 2. syl foll. qual abbrev. for: def following. follicle ety C17: from Latin folliculus small bag, from follis pair of bellows, leather money-bag follicle 1. syl fol+li+cle pron <1folikL> pos n. def any small sac or cavity in the body having an excretory, secretory, or protective function. exam 1 a hair follicle. follicle 2. syl fol+li+cle pron <1folikL> pos n. qual Botany. def a dry fruit, formed from a single carpel, that splits along one side only to release its seeds: occurs in larkspur and columbine. follicular sub head follicle syl fol+lic:u+lar pron pos adj. folliculate sub head follicle or folliculated syl fol+lic:u+late pron pos adj. folliculated sub head follicle or folliculate syl fol+1lic:u+2lat+ed pos adj. follicle-stimulating hormone 0. syl fol:li:cle-stim:u:lat+ing hor+mone pos n. def a gonadotropic hormone secreted by the pituitary gland that stimulates maturation of ovarian follicles in female mammals and growth of seminif?!erous tubules in males. Abbrev.: {FSH}. See also {luteinizing hormone, prolactin}. folliculin 0. syl fol+lic:u+lin pron pos n. def another name for {oestrone}. follow ety Old English folgian; related to Old Frisian folgia, Old Saxon folg*_on, Old High German folg*_en follow 1. syl fol+low pron <1fol*u> pos vb. def to go or come after in the same direction. exam 1 he followed his friend home. follow 2. syl fol+low pron <1fol*u> pos vb. mod tr. def to accompany; attend. exam 1 she followed her sister everywhere. follow 3. syl fol+low pron <1fol*u> pos vb. def to come after as a logical or natural consequence. follow 4. syl fol+low pron <1fol*u> pos vb. mod tr. def to keep to the course or track of. exam 1 she followed the towpath. follow 5. syl fol+low pron <1fol*u> pos vb. mod tr. def to act in accordance with; obey. exam 1 to follow instructions. follow 6. syl fol+low pron <1fol*u> pos vb. mod tr. def to accept the ideas or beliefs of (a previous authority, etc.). exam 1 he followed Donne in most of his teachings. follow 7. syl fol+low pron <1fol*u> pos vb. def to understand (an explanation, argument, etc.). exam 1 the lesson was difficult to follow. follow 8. syl fol+low pron <1fol*u> pos vb. def to watch closely or continuously. exam 1 she followed his progress carefully. follow 9. syl fol+low pron <1fol*u> pos vb. mod tr. def to have a keen interest in. exam 1 to follow athletics. follow 10. syl fol+low pron <1fol*u> pos vb. mod tr. def to help in the cause of or accept the leadership of. exam 1 the men who followed Napoleon. follow 11. syl fol+low pron <1fol*u> pos vb. mod tr. qual Rare. def to earn a living at or in. exam 1 to follow the Navy. follow 12.a. syl fol+low pron <1fol*u> pos vb. qual Cards. def to play a card of the suit led. follow 12.b. syl fol+low pron <1fol*u> pos vb. def to do the same as someone else. follow 13.a. syl fol+low pron <1fol*u> pos n. def forward spin imparted to a cue ball causing it to roll after the object ball. follow 13.b. syl fol+low pron <1fol*u> pos n. def a shot made in this way. followable sub head follow syl fol+low+a:ble pos adj. follower 1. syl fol+low+er pron <1fol*u*> pos n. def a person who accepts the teachings of another; disciple; adherent. exam 1 a follower of Marx. follower 2. syl fol+low+er pron <1fol*u*> pos n. def an attendant or henchman. follower 3. syl fol+low+er pron <1fol*u*> pos n. def an enthusiast or supporter, as of a sport or team. follower 4. syl fol+low+er pron <1fol*u*> pos n. usage esp. formerly def a male admirer. follower 5. syl fol+low+er pron <1fol*u*> pos n. qual Rare. def a pursuer. follower 6. syl fol+low+er pron <1fol*u*> pos n. def a machine part that derives its motion by following the motion of another part. following 1.a. syl fol+low+ing pron <1fol*uiG> pos adj. usage prenominal def about to be mentioned, specified, etc.. exam 1 the following items. following 1.b. syl fol+low+ing pron <1fol*uiG> pos as; n. exam 1 will the following please raise their hands?? following 2. syl fol+low+ing pron <1fol*uiG> pos adj. usage of winds, currents, etc. def moving in the same direction as the course of a vessel. following 3. syl fol+low+ing pron <1fol*uiG> pos n. def a group of supporters or enthusiasts. exam 1 he attracted a large following wherever he played. follow-my-leader 0. syl fol:low-my-lead:er pos n. def a game in which the players must repeat the actions of the leader. U.S. name: {follow-the-leader}. follow-on 1. syl fol:low-on pos n. qual Cricket. def an immediate second innings forced on a team scoring a prescribed number of runs fewer than its opponents in the first innings. follow on infl head follow-on syl fol+low on. pos vb. follow-on 2. syl fol:low-on pos adv. mod intr. qual Cricket. usage of a team def to play a follow-on. follow out 0. syl fol+low out pos vb. adv. mod tr. def to implement (an idea or action) to a conclusion. follow through 1. syl fol+low through pos vb. adv. qual Sport. def to complete (a stroke or shot) by continuing the movement to the end of its arc. follow through 2. syl fol+low through pos vb. adv. mod tr. def to pursue (an aim) to a conclusion. follow-through infl head follow through syl fol:low-through. pos n. follow through 3.a. syl fol+low through pos n. def the act of following through. follow through 3.b. syl fol+low through pos n. def the part of the stroke after the ball has been hit. follow through 4. syl fol+low through pos n. def the completion of a procedure, esp. after a first action. follow up 1. syl fol+low up pos vb. adv. mod tr. def to pursue or investigate (a person, evidence, etc.) closely. follow up 2. syl fol+low up pos vb. adv. mod tr. def to continue (action) after a beginning, esp. to increase its effect. follow-up infl head follow up syl fol:low-up. pos n. follow up 3.a. syl fol+low up pos n. mod tr. def something done to reinforce an initial action. follow up 3.b. syl fol+low up pos n. mod tr. usage as modifier exam 1 a follow-up letter. follow up 4. syl fol+low up pos n. mod tr. qual Med. def a routine examination of a patient at various intervals after medical or surgical treatment. folly ety C13: from Old French folie madness, from fou mad; see #7fool %1 follies infl head folly syl fol+lies. pos n. mod pl. folly 1. syl fol+ly pron <1foli> pos n. def the state or quality of being foolish; stupidity; rashness. folly 2. syl fol+ly pron <1foli> pos n. def a foolish action, mistake, idea, etc. folly 3. syl fol+ly pron <1foli> pos n. def a building in the form of a castle, temple, etc., built to satisfy a fancy or conceit, often of an eccentric kind. folly 4. syl fol+ly pron <1foli> pos n. mod pl. qual Theatre. def an elaborately costumed review. folly 5.a. syl fol+ly pron <1foli> pos n. def evil; wickedness. folly 5.b. syl fol+ly pron <1foli> pos n. def lewdness; wantonness. Folsom man ety C20: named after Folsom, a settlement in New Mexico, where archaeological evidence was found Folsom man 0. syl Fol+som man pron <1fols*m> pos n. def a type of early man from a North American culture of the Pleistocene period, thought to have used flint tools and to have subsisted mainly by hunting bison. Fomalhaut ety C16: from Arabic fum'l-h*_ut mouth of the fish, referring to its position in the constellation Fomalhaut 0. syl Fo+mal+haut pron <1f*um*2l*ut> pos n. def the brightest star in the constellation Piscis Austrinus. Distance: 24 light years. foment ety C15: from Late Latin f*_oment*_are, from Latin f*_omentum a poultice, ultimately from fov*_ere to foster &- fo+men+ta+tion (@!f$$$um$en?!#!te$I#s$$n) n. ?- fo+#!ment+er n. foment 1. syl fo+ment pron pos vb. mod tr. def to encourage or instigate (trouble, discord, etc.); stir up. foment 2. syl fo+ment pron pos vb. mod tr. qual Med. def to apply heat and moisture to (a part of the body) to relieve pain and inflammation. fond ety C14 fonned, from fonnen to be foolish, from fonne a fool &- #!fond+ly adv. ?- #!fond+ness n. fond H1.1. syl fond pron pos adj. usage postpositive; foll. by of def predisposed (to); having a liking (for). fond H1.2. syl fond pron pos adj. def loving; tender. exam 1 a fond embrace. fond H1.3. syl fond pron pos adj. def indulgent; doting. exam 1 a fond mother. fond H1.4.a. syl fond pron pos adj. def foolish. fond H1.4.b. syl fond pron pos adj. def credulous. fond ety C17: from French, from Latin fundus bottom; see #7fund fond H2.1. syl fond pron , French pos n. def the background of a design, as in lace. fond H2.2. syl fond pron , French pos n. qual Obsolete. def fund; stock. Henry 1. head Fonda syl Hen:ry. def born 1905, U.S. film actor and director: films as an actor include (1940) and (1956) and, as a director, (1957). Fonda 2. syl Fon:da pron <1fond*> pos n. def his daughter {Jane}. born 1937, U.S. film actress, noted for her role in (1968), an extravaganza of sexual fantasy, and subsequent more serious roles in (1971) and (1977). Fonda 3. syl Fon:da pron <1fond*> pos n. def his son {Peter}. born 1939, U.S. film actor, who made his name in (1969). fondant ety C19: from French, literally: melting, from fondre to melt, from Latin fundere; see #7found %3 fondant 1. syl fon+dant pron <1fond*nt> pos n. def a thick flavoured paste of sugar and water, used in sweets and icings. fondant 2. syl fon+dant pron <1fond*nt> pos n. def a sweet made of this mixture. fondle ety C17: from (obsolete) vb. fond to fondle; see #7fond %1 fondle 1. syl fon+dle pron <1fondL> pos vb. mod tr. def to touch or stroke tenderly; caress. fondle 2. syl fon+dle pron <1fondL> pos vb. mod intr. qual Archaic. def to act in a loving manner. fondler sub head fondle syl fon+dler pos n. fondlingly sub head fondle syl fon+dling+ly pos adv. fondue ety C19: from French, feminine of fondu melted, from fondre to melt; see #7fondant fondue 0. syl fon+due pron <1fondju:>, French pos n. def a Swiss dish, consisting of cheese melted in white wine or cider, into which small pieces of bread are dipped and then eaten. fondue Bourguignonne ety French: Burgundy fondue fondue Bourguignonne 0. syl fon+due Bour+gui+gnonne pron <1bu*gi2njon>, French pos n. def a dish consisting of pieces of steak impaled on forks, cooked in oil at the table and dipped in sauces. Gulf of infl head Fonseca syl Gulf of. pos n. Fonseca 0. syl Fon+se:ca pron Spanish pos n. def an inlet of the Pacific Ocean in W Central America. fons et origo 0. syl fons et or:i+go pron Latin. <1orig*u> pos n. def the source and origin. font ety Old English, from Church Latin fons from Latin: fountain font H1.1. syl font pron pos n. def a large bowl for baptismal water, usually mounted on a pedestal. font H1.2. syl font pron pos n. def the reservoir for oil in an oil lamp. font H1.3. syl font pron pos n. qual Archaic or poetic. def a fountain or well. fontal sub head font syl font+al pos adj. font H2.0. syl font pron pos n. qual Printing. def another name (esp. in the U.S.) for {fount%2}. Fontainebleau 0. syl Fon+taine+bleau pron <1fontin2bl*u>, French pos n. def a town in N France, in the {Forest of Fontainebleau}: famous for its palace (now a museum), one of the largest royal residences in France, built largely by Francis I (16th century). Pop.: 19595 (1975). fontanelle ety C16 (in the sense: hollow between muscles): from Old French fontanele, literally: a little spring, from fontaine #7fountain fontanel alt head fontanelle or fontanelle syl fon+ta+nel pron <2font*1nel> pos n. fontanelle 0. or fontanel syl fon+ta+nelle pron <2font*1nel> pos n. qual Anatomy. def any of several soft membranous gaps between the bones of the skull in a fetus or infant. Fonteyn 0. syl Fon:teyn pron pos n. def Dame {Mar@.got}. original name born 1919, English classical ballerina. Fu-chou alt head Foochow or Foochow syl Fu-chou pron <1fu:1Cau> pos n. Foochow 0. or Fu-chou syl Foo+chow pron <1fu:1Cau> pos n. def a port in SE China, capital of Fukien province, on the Min Chiang: one of the original five treaty ports (1842). Pop.: 680000 (1970 est.). food ety Old English f*_oda; related to Old Frisian f*_odia to nourish, feed, Old Norse f@othi, Gothic f*_odeins food; see #7feed, fodder food 1. syl food pron pos n. def any substance containing nutrients, such as carbohydrates, proteins, and fats, that can be ingested by a living organism and metabolized into energy and body tissue. Related adj.: {alimentary}. food 2. syl food pron pos n. def nourishment in more or less solid form as opposed to liquid form. exam 1 food and drink. food 3. syl food pron pos n. def anything that provides mental nourishment or stimulus. foodless sub head food syl food+less pos adj. food chain 0. syl food chain pos n. qual Ecology. def a series of organisms in a community, each member of which feeds on another in the chain and is eaten in turn by another member. food poisoning 0. syl food poi+son+ing pos n. def an acute illness typically characterized by gastrointestinal inflammation, vomiting, and diarrhoea, caused by food that is either naturally poisonous or contaminated by pathogenic bacteria (esp. foodstuff 0. syl food+stuff pron <1fu:d2st^f> pos n. def any material, substance, etc., that can be used as food. fool ety C13: from Old French fol mad person, from Late Latin follis empty-headed fellow, from Latin: bellows; related to Latin fl*_are to blow fool H1.1. syl fool pron pos n. def a person who lacks sense or judgement. fool H1.2. syl fool pron pos n. def a person who is made to appear ridiculous. fool H1.3. syl fool pron pos n. usage formerly def a professional jester living in a royal or noble household. fool H1.4. syl fool pron pos n. qual Obsolete. def an idiot or imbecile. exam 1 the village fool. act 5. head fool or play the fool syl act def to deliberately act foolishly; indulge in buffoonery. form the fool 6. head fool syl form the fool. qual Caribbean. def to play the fool or behave irri?!tatingly. no fool 7. head fool syl no fool. def a wise or sensible person. fool H1.8. syl fool pron pos vb. mod tr. def to deceive (someone), esp. in order to make him look ridiculous. fool H1.9. syl fool pron pos vb. mod intr. qual Informal. usage foll. by with, around with, or about with def to act or play (with) irresponsibly or aimlessly. exam 1 to fool around with a woman. fool H1.10. syl fool pron pos vb. mod intr. def to speak or act in a playful, teasing, or jesting manner. fool H1.11. syl fool pron pos vb. mod tr. usage foll. by away def to squander; fritter. exam 1 he fooled away a fortune. fool along infl head fool syl fool along. pos vb. qual U.S. fool H1.12. syl fool pron pos vb. def to move or proceed in a leisurely way. fool H1.13. syl fool pron pos adj. qual Informal. def short for {foolish}. fool ety C16: perhaps from #7fool %1 fool H2.0. syl fool pron pos n. qual Chiefly Brit. def a dessert made from a pur*'ee of fruit with cream or custard. exam 1 gooseberry fool. fooleries infl head foolery syl fool+er:ies. pos n. mod pl. foolery 1. syl fool+er:y pron <1fu:l*ri> pos n. def foolish behaviour. foolery 2. syl fool+er:y pron <1fu:l*ri> pos n. def an instance of this, esp. a prank or trick. foolhardy ety C13: from Old French fol hardi, from fol foolish+ hardi bold foolhardier infl head foolhardy syl fool+hard:i+er pos adj. foolhardiest infl head foolhardy syl fool+hard:i+est. pos adj. foolhardy 0. syl fool+hard:y pron <1fu:l2ha:di> pos adj. def heedlessly rash or adventurous. foolhardily sub head foolhardy syl fool+2har+di+ly pos adv. foolhardiness sub head foolhardy syl fool+2har+di+ness pos n. foolish 1. syl fool+ish pron <1fu:liS> pos adj. def unwise; silly. foolish 2. syl fool+ish pron <1fu:liS> pos adj. def resulting from folly or stupidity. foolish 3. syl fool+ish pron <1fu:liS> pos adj. def ridiculous or absurd; not worthy of consideration. foolish 4. syl fool+ish pron <1fu:liS> pos adj. def weak-minded; simple. foolish 5. syl fool+ish pron <1fu:liS> pos adj. def an archaic word for {insignif?!icant}. foolishly sub head foolish syl fool+ish+ly pos adv. foolishness sub head foolish syl fool+ish+ness pos n. foolproof 1. syl fool+proof pron <1fu:l2pru:f> pos adj. qual Informal. def proof against failure; infallible. exam 1 a foolproof idea. foolproof 2. syl fool+proof pron <1fu:l2pru:f> pos adj. qual Informal. usage esp. of machines, etc. def proof against human misuse, error, etc. fool's cap 1. syl fool's cap pos n. def a hood or cap with bells or tassels, worn by court jesters. fool's cap 2. syl fool's cap pos n. def a dunce's cap. foolscap ety C17: see #7fool %1#7, {cap }; so called from the watermark formerly used on this kind of paper foolscap 1. syl fools+cap pron <1fu:lz2k@p> pos n. qual Chiefly Brit. def a size of writing or printing paper, 13@2#800308 by 17 inches or 13@1#800309 by 16@2#800310 inches. foolscap 2. syl fools+cap pron <1fu:lz2k@p> pos n. def a book size, 4@1#800311 by 6@3#800312 inches ({foolscap octavo}) or (chiefly Brit.) 6@3#800313 by 8@2#800314 inches ({foolscap quarto}) . foolscap 3. syl fools+cap pron <1fu:lz2k@p> pos n. def a variant spelling of {fool's cap}. fool's errand 0. syl fool's er+rand pos n. def a fruitless undertaking. fool's gold 0. syl fool's gold pos n. def any of various yellow minerals, esp. pyrite or chalcopyrite, that can be mistaken for gold. fool's paradise 0. syl fool's par:a+dise pos n. def illusory happiness. fool's-parsley 0. syl fool's-pars:ley pos n. def an evil-smelling Eurasian umbelliferous plant, with small white flowers: contains the poison coniine. foot ety Old English f*_ot; related to Old Norse f*_otr, Gothic f*_otus, Old High German fuoz, Latin p*_es, Greek pous, Sanskrit pad feet infl head foot syl feet pron pos n. mod pl. foot 1. syl foot pron pos n. def the part of the vertebrate leg below the ankle joint that is in contact with the ground during standing and walking. Related adj.: {pedal}. foot 2. syl foot pron pos n. def any of various organs of locomotion or attachment in invertebrates, including molluscs. foot 3. syl foot pron pos n. qual Botany. def the lower part of some plants or plant structures, as of developing moss or fern sporophytes. foot 4. syl foot pron pos n. def a unit of length equal to one third of a yard or 12 inches. 1 foot is equivalent to 0.3048 metre. foot 5. syl foot pron pos n. def any part resembling a foot in form or function. exam 1 the foot of a chair. foot 6. syl foot pron pos n. def the lower part of something; base; bottom. exam 1 the foot of the page; exam 2 the foot of a hill. foot 7. syl foot pron pos n. def the end of a series or group. exam 1 the foot of the list. foot 8. syl foot pron pos n. def manner of walking or moving; tread; step. exam 1 a heavy foot. foot 9.a. syl foot pron pos n. def infantry, esp. in the British army. foot 9.b. syl foot pron pos n. usage as modifier exam 1 a foot soldier. foot 10. syl foot pron pos n. def any of various attachments on a sewing machine that hold the fabric in position, such as a presser foot for ordinary sewing and a zipper foot. foot 11.a. syl foot pron pos n. def a unit used in classifying organ pipes according to their pitch, in terms of the length of an equivalent column of air. foot 11.b. syl foot pron pos n. def this unit applied to stops and registers on other instruments. foot 12.a. syl foot pron pos n. def the margin at the bottom of a page. foot 12.b. syl foot pron pos n. def the undersurface of a piece of type. foot 13. syl foot pron pos n. qual Prosody. def a group of two or more syllables in which one syllable has the major stress, forming the basic unit of poetic rhythm. a foot in the door 14. head foot syl a foot in the door. def an action, appointment, etc., that provides an initial step towards a desired goal, esp. one that is not easily attainable. have one's foot on the ground 15. head foot syl have one's foot on the ground. def to be practical. kick with the wrong foot 16. head foot syl kick with the wrong foot. qual Scot., Irish. def to be of the opposite religion to that of the person who is speaking. my foot 17. head foot syl my foot&! def an expression of disbelief, often of the speaker's own preceding statement. exam 1 he didn't know, my foot&! exam 2 Of course he did&! of foot 18. head foot syl of foot. qual Archaic. def in manner of movement. exam 1 fleet of foot. foot 19.a. syl foot pron pos n. def walking or running. foot 19.b. syl foot pron pos n. def in progress; astir; afoot. one foot in the grave 20. head foot syl one foot in the grave. qual Informal. def near to death. on the wrong 21. head foot or right foot syl on the wrong qual Informal. def in an inauspicious (or auspicious) manner. put a foot wrong 22. head foot syl put a foot wrong. def to make a mistake. foot 23.a. syl foot pron pos n. def to try to do one's best, esp. in order to give a good impression. foot 23.b. syl foot pron pos n. def to hurry. put one's foot down 24. head foot syl put one's foot down. qual Informal. def to act firmly. put one's foot in it 25. head foot syl put one's foot in it. qual Informal. def to blunder. set on foot 26. head foot syl set on foot. def to initiate or start (something). tread under foot 27. head foot syl tread under foot. def to oppress. under foot 28. head foot syl under foot. def on the ground; beneath one's feet. foot 29. syl foot pron pos vb. def to dance to music (esp. in the phrase {foot it}) . foot 30. syl foot pron pos vb. mod tr. def to walk over or set foot on; traverse (esp. in the phrase {foot it}) . foot 31. syl foot pron pos vb. mod tr. def to pay the entire cost of (esp. in the phrase {foot the bill}) . foot 32. syl foot pron pos vb. qual Archaic or dialect. usage usually foll. by up def to add up. footless sub head foot syl foot+less pos adj. Michael infl head Foot syl Mi:chael. pos n. Foot 0. syl Foot pron pos n. def born 1913, British Labour politician. A leader of the left-wing group, he has served as secretary of state for employment (1974-76) and leader of the House of Commons (since 1976). footage 1. syl foot+age pron <1futiJ> pos n. def a length or distance measured in feet. footage 2.a. syl foot+age pron <1futiJ> pos n. def the extent of film material shot and exposed. footage 2.b. syl foot+age pron <1futiJ> pos n. def the se?!quences of filmed material. footage 3.a. syl foot+age pron <1futiJ> pos n. def payment, by the linear foot of work done. footage 3.b. syl foot+age pron <1futiJ> pos n. def the amount paid. foot-and-mouth disease 0. syl foot-and-mouth dis+ease pos n. def an acute highly infectious viral disease of cattle, pigs, sheep, and goats, characterized by the formation of vesicular eruptions in the mouth and on the feet, esp. around the hoofs. Also called: {hoof-and-mouth disease}. football 1.a. syl foot+ball pron <1fut2bc:l> pos n. def any of various games played with a round or oval ball and usually based on two teams competing to kick, butt, carry, or otherwise propel the ball into each other's goal, territory, etc. See {association football, rugby, Australian football, American football, Gaelic football}. football 1.b. syl foot+ball pron <1fut2bc:l> pos n. usage as modifier exam 1 a football ground; exam 2 a football supporter. football 2. syl foot+ball pron <1fut2bc:l> pos n. def the ball used in any of these games or their variants. football 3. syl foot+ball pron <1fut2bc:l> pos n. def a problem, issue, etc., that is passed from one group or person to another. footballer sub head football syl foot+2ball+er pos n. footboard 1. syl foot+board pron <1fut2bc:d> pos n. def a treadle or foot-operated lever on a machine. footboard 2. syl foot+board pron <1fut2bc:d> pos n. def a vertical board at the foot of a bed. footboy 0. syl foot+boy pron <1fut2bci> pos n. def a boy servant; page. foot brake 0. syl foot brake pos n. def a brake operated by applying pressure to a foot pedal. Also called: {pedal brake}. footbridge 0. syl foot+bridge pron <1fut2briJ> pos n. def a narrow bridge for the use of pedestrians. foot-candle 0. syl foot-can:dle pos n. def a former unit of illumination, equal to one lumen per square foot or 10.764 lux. footcloth 1. syl foot+cloth pron <1fut2kloT> pos n. qual Archaic. def a carpet or rug. footcloth 2. syl foot+cloth pron <1fut2kloT> pos n. def an obsolete word for { {caparison} (sense 1).} -footed 1. syl -foot:ed pos adj. def having a foot or feet as specified. exam 1 four-footed. -footed 2. syl -foot:ed pos adj. def having a tread as specified. exam 1 heavy-footed. footer H1.1. syl foot+er pron <1fut*> pos n. qual Archaic. def a person who goes on foot; walker. footer H1.2. syl foot+er pron <1fut*> pos n. usage in combination def a person or thing of a specified length or height in feet. exam 1 a six-footer. footer H2.0. syl foot+er pron <1fut*> pos n. qual Brit. informal. def short for {football} (the game). footfall 0. syl foot+fall pron <1fut2fc:l> pos n. def the sound of a footstep. foot fault 0. syl foot fault pos n. qual Tennis. def a fault that occurs when the server fails to keep both feet behind the baseline until he has served. footgear 0. syl foot+gear pron <1fut2gi*> pos n. def another name for {footwear}. foothill 0. syl foot+hill pron <1fut2hil> pos n. mod often; pl. def a lower slope of a mountain or a relatively low hill at the foot of a mountain. foothold 1. syl foot+hold pron <1fut2h*uld> pos n. def a ledge, hollow, or other place affording a secure grip for the foot, as during climbing. foothold 2. syl foot+hold pron <1fut2h*uld> pos n. def a secure position from which further progress may be made. exam 1 a foothold for a successful career. footie 0. syl foot:ie pos n. def a variant spelling of {footy}. footing 1. syl foot+ing pron <1futiG> pos n. def the basis or foundation on which something is established. exam 1 the business was on a secure footing. footing 2. syl foot+ing pron <1futiG> pos n. def the relationship or status existing between two persons, groups, etc.. exam 1 the two countries were on a friendly footing. footing 3. syl foot+ing pron <1futiG> pos n. def a secure grip by or for the feet. footing 4. syl foot+ing pron <1futiG> pos n. def the lower part of a foundation of a column, wall, building, etc. footing 5.a. syl foot+ing pron <1futiG> pos n. def the act of adding a column of figures. footing 5.b. syl foot+ing pron <1futiG> pos n. def the total obtained. footing 6. syl foot+ing pron <1futiG> pos n. qual Rare. def a fee paid upon entrance into a craft, society, etc., or such an entrance itself. foot-lambert 0. syl foot-lam:bert pos n. def a former unit of luminance equal to the luminance of a surface emitting or reflecting 1 lumen per square foot. A completely reflecting surface illuminated by 1 foot-candle has a luminance of 1 foot-lambert. Symbol: {ft-L}. footle ety C19: probably from French foutre to copulate with, from Latin futuere footle 1. syl foot+le pron <1fu:tL> pos vb. mod intr. qual Informal. usage often foll. by around or about def to loiter aimlessly; potter. footle 2. syl foot+le pron <1fu:tL> pos vb. mod intr. qual Informal. def to talk nonsense. footle 3. syl foot+le pron <1fu:tL> pos n. qual Informal.; Rare. def foolishness. footlights 1. syl foot+lights pron <1fut2lIts> pos n. mod pl. qual Theatre. def lights set in a row along the front of the stage floor and shielded on the audience side. footlights 2. syl foot+lights pron <1fut2lIts> pos n. mod pl. qual Theatre.; Informal. def the acting profession; the stage. footling 0. syl foot+ling pron <1fu:tliG> pos adj. qual Informal. def silly, trivial, or petty. footloose 1. syl foot+loose pron <1fut2lu:s> pos adj. def free to go or do as one wishes. footloose 2. syl foot+loose pron <1fut2lu:s> pos adj. def eager to travel; restless. exam 1 to feel footloose. footmen infl head footman syl foot+men. pos n. mod pl. footman 1. syl foot+man pron <1futm*n> pos n. def a male servant, esp. one in livery. footman 2. syl foot+man pron <1futm*n> pos n. def a low four-legged metal stand used in a fireplace for utensils, etc. footman 3. syl foot+man pron <1futm*n> pos n. usage formerly def a foot soldier. footmark 0. syl foot+mark pron <1fut2ma:k> pos n. def a mark or trace of mud, wetness, etc., left by a person's foot on a surface. footnote 1. syl foot+note pron <1fut2n*ut> pos n. def a note printed at the bottom of a page, to which attention is drawn by means of a reference mark in the body of the text. footnote 2. syl foot+note pron <1fut2n*ut> pos n. def an additional comment, as to a main statement. footnote 3. syl foot+note pron <1fut2n*ut> pos vb. mod tr. def to supply (a page, book, etc.) with footnotes. footpace 1. syl foot+pace pron <1fut2pAs> pos n. def a normal or walking pace. footpace 2. syl foot+pace pron <1fut2pAs> pos n. def Also called (in the Roman Catholic Church): {predella}. the platform immediately before an altar at the top of the altar steps. footpad 0. syl foot+pad pron <1fut2p@d> pos n. qual Archaic. def a robber or highwayman, on foot rather than horseback. footpath 0. syl foot+path pron <1fut2pa:T> pos n. def a narrow path for walkers only. footplate 0.a. syl foot+plate pron <1fut2plAt> pos n. qual Chiefly Brit. def a platform in the cab of a locomotive on which the crew stand to operate the controls. footplate 0.b. syl foot+plate pron <1fut2plAt> pos n. qual Chiefly Brit. usage as modifier exam 1 a footplate man. foot-pound 0. syl foot-pound pos n. def an fps unit of work or energy equal to the work done when a force of 1 pound moves through a distance of 1 foot. Abbrev.: {ft-lb}. foot-poundal 0. syl foot-pound:al pos n. def a unit of work or energy equal to the work done when a force of one poundal moves through a distance of one foot: it is equal to 0.04214 joule. foot-pound-second 0. syl foot-pound-sec:ond pos n. def See {fps units}. footprint 1. syl foot+print pron <1fut2print> pos n. def an indentation or outline of the foot of a person or animal on a surface. footprint 2. syl foot+print pron <1fut2print> pos n. def an identifying characteristic on land or water, such as the area in which an aircraft's sonic boom can be heard or the area covered by the down-blast of a hovercraft. footrest 0. syl foot+rest pron <1fut2rest> pos n. def something that provides a support for the feet, such as a low stool, rail, etc. footrope 1. syl foot+rope pron <1fut2r*up> pos n. qual Nautical. def the part of a boltrope to which the foot of a sail is stitched. footrope 2. syl foot+rope pron <1fut2r*up> pos n. qual Nautical. def a rope fixed so as to hang below a yard to serve as a foothold. foot rot 0. syl foot rot pos n. qual Vet. science. def See {{rot} %1 (sense 11)}. foot rule 0. syl foot rule pos n. def a rigid measure, one foot in length. foots 0. syl foots pron pos n. mod pl. sometimes; sing. def the sediment that accumulates at the bottom of a vessel containing any of certain liquids, such as vegetable oil or varnish; dregs. footsie 0. syl foot+sie pron <1futsi> pos n. qual Informal. def flirtation involving the touching together of feet, knees, etc. (esp. in the phrase {play footsie) }. footslogs infl head footslog syl foot+slogs pos vb. mod intr. footslogging infl head footslog syl foot+slog+ging pos vb. mod intr. footslogged infl head footslog syl foot+slogged. pos vb. mod intr. footslog 0. syl foot+slog pron <1fut2slog> pos vb. mod intr. def to march; tramp. &- {#!foot+@!slog+ger} foot soldier 0. syl foot sol+dier pos n. def an infantryman. footsore 0. syl foot+sore pron <1fut2sc:> pos adj. def having sore or tired feet, esp. from much walking. footsoreness sub head footsore syl foot+2sore:ness pos n. footstalk 0. syl foot+stalk pron <1fut2stc:k> pos n. def a small supporting stalk in animals and plants; a pedicel, peduncle, or pedicle. footstall 1. syl foot+stall pron <1fut2stc:l> pos n. def the pedestal, plinth, or base of a column, pier, or statue. footstall 2. syl foot+stall pron <1fut2stc:l> pos n. def the stirrup on a sidesaddle. footstep 1. syl foot+step pron <1fut2step> pos n. def the action of taking a step in walking. footstep 2. syl foot+step pron <1fut2step> pos n. def the sound made by stepping or walking. footstep 3. syl foot+step pron <1fut2step> pos n. def the distance covered with a step; pace. footstep 4. syl foot+step pron <1fut2step> pos n. def a footmark. footstep 5. syl foot+step pron <1fut2step> pos n. def a single stair; step. follow in someone's footsteps 6. head footstep syl follow in someone's footsteps. def to continue the tradition or example of another. footstock 0. syl foot+stock pron <1fut2stok> pos n. def another name for {tailstock}. footstool 0. syl foot+stool pron <1fut2stu:l> pos n. def a low stool used for supporting or resting the feet of a seated person. foot-ton 0. syl foot-ton pos n. def a unit of work or energy equal to 2240 foot-pounds. footwall 0. syl foot+wall pron <1fut2wc:l> pos n. def the rocks on the lower side of an inclined fault plane or mineral vein. Compare {hanging wall}. footway 0. syl foot+way pron <1fut2wA> pos n. def a way or path for pedestrians, such as a raised walk along the edge of a bridge. footwear 0. syl foot+wear pron <1fut2we*> pos n. def anything worn to cover the feet. footwork 0. syl foot+work pron <1fut2wR:k> pos n. def skilful use of the feet, as in sports, dancing, etc. footworn 1. syl foot+worn pron <1fut2wc:n> pos adj. def Also: {foot+wear@.y}. footsore. footworn 2. syl foot+worn pron <1fut2wc:n> pos adj. def worn away by the feet. exam 1 a footworn staircase. footie alt head footy or footy syl foot:ie pron pos n. footy 0.a. or footie syl foot:y pron pos n. qual Informal, chiefly Austral. and N.Z. def football. footy 0.b. or footie syl foot:y pron pos n. qual Informal, chiefly Austral. and N.Z. usage as modifier exam 1 footy boots. foo yong ety from Chinese fu yung hibiscus foo yoong infl head foo yong syl foo yoong pron <1fu:> <1juG> pos n. foo yung infl head foo yong or fu yung syl foo yung pron <1fu:> <1juG> pos n. fu yung infl head foo yong or foo yung syl fu yung pron <1fu:> <1juG> pos n. foo yong 0. syl foo yong pron <1fu:> <1joG> pos n. def a Chinese dish made of eggs mixed with chicken, crab meat, etc., and cooked like an omelette. foozle ety C19: perhaps from German dialect fuseln to do slipshod work foozle 1. syl foo+zle pron <1fu:zL> pos vb. qual Chiefly golf. def to bungle (a shot, etc.). foozle 2. syl foo+zle pron <1fu:zL> pos n. qual Chiefly golf. def a bungled shot, etc. foozler sub head foozle syl foo+zler pos n. fop ety C15: related to German foppen to trick; see #7fob %2 fop 0. syl fop pron pos n. def a man who is excessively concerned with fashion and elegance. foppish sub head fop syl fop+pish pos adj. foppishly sub head fop syl fop+pish+ly pos adv. foppishness sub head fop syl fop+pish+ness pos n. fopperies infl head foppery syl fop+per:ies. pos n. mod pl. foppery 0. syl fop+per:y pron <1fop*ri> pos n. def the clothes, affectations, obsessions, etc., of or befitting a fop. for ety Old English; related to Old Norse fyr for, Old High German fora before, Latin per through, pr*_o before, Greek pro before, in front for 1. syl for pron , pos prep. def intended to reach; directed or belonging to. exam 1 there's a phone call for you. for 2. syl for pron , pos prep. def to the advantage of. exam 1 I only did it for you. for 3. syl for pron , pos prep. def in the direction of. exam 1 heading for the border. for 4. syl for pron , pos prep. def over a span of (time or distance). exam 1 working for six days; exam 2 the river ran for six miles. for 5. syl for pron , pos prep. def in favour of; in support of. exam 1 those for the proposal; exam 2 vote for me. for 6. syl for pron , pos prep. def in order to get or achieve. exam 1 I do it for money; exam 2 he does it for pleasure; exam 3 what did you do that for?? for 7. syl for pron , pos prep. def appropriate to; designed to meet the needs of; meant to be used in. exam 1 these kennels are for puppies. for 8. syl for pron , pos prep. def in exchange for; at a cost of; to the amount of. exam 1 I got it for hardly any money. for 9. syl for pron , pos prep. def such as explains or results in. exam 1 his reason for changing his job was not given. for 10. syl for pron , pos prep. def in place of. exam 1 a substitute for the injured player. for 11. syl for pron , pos prep. def because of; through. exam 1 she wept for pure relief. for 12. syl for pron , pos prep. def with regard or consideration to the usual characteristics of. exam 1 he's short for a man; exam 2 it's cool for this time of year. for 13. syl for pron , pos prep. def concerning; as regards. exam 1 desire for money. for 14. syl for pron , pos prep. def as being. exam 1 we took him for the owner; exam 2 I know that for a fact. for 15. syl for pron , pos prep. def at a specified time. exam 1 a date for the next evening. for 16. syl for pron , pos prep. def to do or partake of. exam 1 an appointment for supper. for 17. syl for pron , pos prep. def in the duty or task of. exam 1 that's for him to say. for 18. syl for pron , pos prep. def to allow of. exam 1 too big a job for us to handle. for 19. syl for pron , pos prep. def despite; notwithstanding. exam 1 she's a good wife, for all her nagging. for 20. syl for pron , pos prep. def in order to preserve, retain, etc.. exam 1 to fight for survival. for 21. syl for pron , pos prep. def as a direct equivalent to. exam 1 word for word; exam 2 weight for weight. for 22. syl for pron , pos prep. def in order to become or enter. exam 1 to go for a soldier; exam 2 to train for the priesthood. for 23. syl for pron , pos prep. def in recompense for. exam 1 I paid for it last week; exam 2 he took the punishment for his crime. for it 24. head for syl for it. qual Brit. informal. def liable for punishment or blame. exam 1 you'll be for it if she catches you. not long for this world 25. head for syl not long for this world. def almost dead. nothing for it 26. head for syl nothing for it. def it can't be helped; it must be so. {~} for 27. syl for pron , pos prep. usage coordinating def for the following reason; because; seeing that. exam 1 I couldn't stay, for the area was violent. for 1. syl for. qual abbrev. for: def foreign. for 2. syl for. qual abbrev. for: def forestry. FOR alt head for or for syl F.O.R. for 0. or FOR syl f.o.r. qual Commerce. abbrev. for def free on rail. for- ety Old English for-; related to German ver-, Latin per-, Greek peri- for- 1. syl for- pos prefix. def indicating rejection or prohibition. exam 1 forbear; exam 2 forbid. for- 2. syl for- pos prefix. def indicating falsity or wrongness. exam 1 forswear. for- 3. syl for- pos prefix. def used to give intensive force. exam 1 forgive; exam 2 forlorn. forage ety C14: from Old French fourrage, probably of Germanic origin; see #7food, fodder forage 1. syl for+age pron <1foriJ> pos n. def food for horses or cattle, esp. hay or straw. forage 2. syl for+age pron <1foriJ> pos n. def the act of searching for food or provisions. forage 3. syl for+age pron <1foriJ> pos n. qual Military. def a raid or incursion. forage 4. syl for+age pron <1foriJ> pos vb. def to search (the countryside or a town) for food, provisions, etc. forage 5. syl for+age pron <1foriJ> pos vb. mod intr. qual Military. def to carry out a raid. forage 6. syl for+age pron <1foriJ> pos vb. mod tr. def to obtain by searching about. forage 7. syl for+age pron <1foriJ> pos vb. mod tr. def to give food or other provisions to. forage 8. syl for+age pron <1foriJ> pos vb. mod tr. def to feed (cattle or horses) with such food. forager sub head forage syl for+ag+er pos n. forage cap 0. syl for+age cap pos n. def a soldier's undress cap. foramen ety C17: from Latin, from for*_are to bore, pierce foramina infl head foramen or foramens syl fo+ram:i+na pron <-1r@min*> pos n. mod pl. foramens infl head foramen or foramina syl fo+ra+mens. pos n. mod pl. foramen 0. syl fo+ra+men pron pos n. def a natural hole, esp. one in a bone through which nerves and blood vessels pass. foraminal sub head foramen syl fo+ram:i+nal pron pos adj. foramen magnum ety New Latin: large hole foramen magnum 0. syl fo+ra+men mag+num pos n. def the large opening at the base of the skull through which the spinal cord passes. foraminifer ety C19: from New Latin, from #7foramen+ -#7fer foraminifer 0. syl for:a+min:i+fer pron <2for*1minif*> pos n. def any rhizopod protozoan of the order having a shell with numerous openings through which the pseudopodia protrude. See also {globigerina, nummulite}. foraminiferal sub head foraminifer or foraminiferous syl fo+ram:i+nif+er+al pron pos adj. foraminiferous sub head foraminifer or foraminiferal syl fo+2ram?!:i+1nif?!+er+ous pos adj. forasmuch as 0. syl for+as+much as pron pos conj. qual Archaic or legal. usage subordinating def seeing that; since. foray ety C14: from forrayen to pillage, from Old French forreier, from forrier forager, from fuerre fodder; see #7forage foray 1. syl for+ay pron <1forA> pos n. def a short raid or incursion. foray 2. syl for+ay pron <1forA> pos n. def a first attempt or new undertaking. foray 3. syl for+ay pron <1forA> pos vb. def to raid or ravage (a town, district, etc.). forayer sub head foray syl for+ay+er pos n. forb ety C20: from Greek phorb*_e food, from pherbein to graze forb 0. syl forb pron pos n. def any herbaceous plant that is not a grass. forbad alt head forbade or forbade syl for+bad pron pos vb. forbade 0. or forbad syl for+bade pron , <-1bAd> pos vb. def the past tense of {forbid}. forbear ety Old English forberan; related to Gothic frabairan to endure forbears infl head forbear syl for+bears pos vb. forbearing infl head forbear syl for+bear+ing pos vb. forbore infl head forbear syl for+bore pos vb. forborne infl head forbear syl for+borne. pos vb. forbear H1.1. syl for+bear pron pos vb. mod when; intr. usage often foll. by from or an infinitive def to cease or refrain (from doing something). forbear H1.2. syl for+bear pron pos vb. qual Archaic. def to tolerate or endure (misbehaviour, mistakes, etc.). forbearer sub head forbear syl for+1bear+er pos n. forbearingly sub head forbear syl for+1bear+ing+ly pos adv. forbear H2.0. syl for+bear pron <1fc:2be*> pos n. def a variant spelling of {forebear}. forbearance 1. syl for+bear+ance pron pos n. def the act of forbearing. forbearance 2. syl for+bear+ance pron pos n. def self-control; patience. forbearance 3. syl for+bear+ance pron pos n. qual Law. def abstention from or postponement of the enforcement of a legal right, esp. by a creditor allowing his debtor time to pay. George William infl head Forbes syl George Wil:liam. pos n. Forbes 0. syl Forbes pron pos n. def 1869-1947, New Zealand statesman; prime minister of New Zealand (1930-35). forbid ety Old English forb*_eodan; related to Old High German farbiotan, Gothic faurbiudan; see #7for -#7, {bid } forbids infl head forbid syl for+bids pos vb. mod tr. forbidding infl head forbid or forbad syl for+bid+ding pos vb. mod tr. forbade infl head forbid or forbidden syl for+bade pos vb. mod tr. forbad infl head forbid or forbidding syl for+bad pos vb. mod tr. forbidden infl head forbid or forbid syl for+bid+den pos vb. mod tr. forbid infl or forbidden syl for+bid. pos vb. mod tr. forbid 1. syl for+bid pron pos vb. mod tr. def to prohibit (a person) in a forceful or authoritative manner (from doing something or having something). forbid 2. syl for+bid pron pos vb. mod tr. def to make impossible; hinder. forbid 3. syl for+bid pron pos vb. mod tr. def to shut out or exclude. God forbid 4. head forbid syl God forbid&! def may it not happen. forbiddance sub head forbid syl for+1bid+dance pos n. forbidder sub head forbid syl for+1bid+der pos n. forbidden 1. syl for+bid+den pron pos adj. def not permitted by order or law. forbidden 2. syl for+bid+den pron pos adj. qual Physics. def involving a change in quantum numbers that is not permitted by certain rules derived from quantum mechanics, esp. rules for changes in the electrical dipole moment of the system. Forbidden Cithe infl head Forbidden City syl For+bid+den Cithe. pos n. Forbidden City 1. syl For+bid+den Cit:y pos n. def Lhasa, Tibet: once famed for its inaccessibility and hostility to strangers. Forbidden City 2. syl For+bid+den Cit:y pos n. def a walled section of Peking, China, enclosing the Imperial Palace and associated buildings of the former Chinese Empire. forbidden fruit 0. syl for+bid+den fruit pos n. def any pleasure or enjoyment regarded as illicit, esp. sexual indulgence. forbidding 1. syl for+bid+ding pron pos adj. def hostile or unfriendly. forbidding 2. syl for+bid+ding pron pos adj. def dangerous or ominous. forbiddingly sub head forbidding syl for+1bid+ding+ly pos adv. forbiddingness sub head forbidding syl for+1bid+ding+ness pos n. forbore 0. syl for+bore pron pos vb. def the past tense of {forbear%1}. forborne 0. syl for+borne pron pos vb. def the past participle of {forbear%1}. forbye alt head forby or forby syl for+bye pron pos prep. adv. forby 1. or forbye syl for+by pron pos prep. adv. qual Scot. def besides; in addition (to). forby 2. or forbye syl for+by pron pos prep. adv. qual Scot.; Obsolete. def near; nearby. force ety C13: from Old French, from Vulgar Latin fortia (unattested), from Latin fortis strong force H1.1. syl force pron pos n. def strength or energy; might; power. exam 1 the force of the blow; exam 2 a gale of great force. force H1.2. syl force pron pos n. def exertion or the use of exertion against a person or thing that resists; coercion. force H1.3.a. syl force pron pos n. def a dynamic influence that changes a body from a state of rest to one of motion or changes its rate of motion. The magnitude of the force is equal to the product of the mass of the body and its acceleration. force H1.3.b. syl force pron pos n. def a static influence that produces an elastic strain in a body or system or bears weight. Symbol: {F} force H1.4. syl force pron pos n. qual Physics. def any operating influence that produces or tends to produce a change in a physical quantity. exam 1 electromotive force; exam 2 coercive force. force H1.5.a. syl force pron pos n. def intellectual, social, political, or moral influence or strength. exam 1 the force of his argument; exam 2 the forces of evil. force H1.5.b. syl force pron pos n. def a person or thing with such influence. exam 1 he was a force in the land. force H1.6. syl force pron pos n. def a group of persons organized for military or police functions. exam 1 armed forces. force H1.7. syl force pron pos n. qual Informal. usage sometimes cap.; preceded by the def the police force. force H1.8. syl force pron pos n. def a group of persons organized for particular duties or tasks. exam 1 a work force. force H1.9. syl force pron pos n. qual Criminal law. def violence unlawfully committed or threatened. force H1.10.a. syl force pron pos n. usage of a law def having legal validity or binding effect. force H1.10.b. syl force pron pos n. def in great strength or numbers. join forces 11. head force syl join forces. def to combine strengths, efforts, etc. {~} force H1.12. syl force pron pos n. def to compel or cause (a person, group, etc.) to do something through effort, superior strength, etc.; coerce. force H1.13. syl force pron pos n. def to acquire, secure, or produce through effort, superior strength, etc.. exam 1 to force a confession. force H1.14. syl force pron pos n. def to propel or drive despite resistance. exam 1 to force a nail into wood. force H1.15. syl force pron pos n. def to break down or open (a lock, safe, door, etc.). force H1.16. syl force pron pos n. def to impose or inflict. exam 1 he forced his views on them. force H1.17. syl force pron pos n. def to cause (plants or farm animals) to grow or fatten artificially at an increased rate. force H1.18. syl force pron pos n. def to strain or exert to the utmost. exam 1 to force the voice. force H1.19. syl force pron pos n. def to rape; ravish. force H1.20.a. syl force pron pos n. def to compel (a player) to trump in order to take a trick. force H1.20.b. syl force pron pos n. def to compel a player by the lead of a particular suit to play (a certain card). force H1.20.c. syl force pron pos n. usage in bridge def to induce (a bid) from one's partner by bidding in a certain way. force down 21. head force syl force down. def to compel an aircraft to land. force a smile 22. head force syl force a smile. def to make oneself smile. force the pace 23. head force syl force the pace. def to adopt a high speed or rate of procedure. forceable sub head force syl force+a:ble pos adj. forceless sub head force syl force+less pos adj. forcingly sub head force syl forc+ing+ly pos adv. force ety C17: from Old Norse fors force H2.0. syl force pron pos n. qual Northern Brit. def a waterfall. forced 1. syl forced pron pos adj. def done because of force; compulsory. exam 1 forced labour. forced 2. syl forced pron pos adj. def false or unnatural. exam 1 a forced smile. forced 3. syl forced pron pos adj. def due to an emergency or necessity. exam 1 a forced landing. forced 4. syl forced pron pos adj. qual Physics. def caused by an external agency. exam 1 a forced vibration; exam 2 a forced draught. forcedly sub head forced syl forc+ed+ly pron <1fc:sidli> pos adv. forcedness sub head forced syl forc+ed+ness pos n. forced march 0. syl forced march pos n. qual Military. def a march in which normal needs are subordinated to the need for speed. force-feeds infl head force-feed syl force-feeds pos vb. mod tr. force-feeding infl head force-feed syl force-feed:ing pos vb. mod tr. force-fed infl head force-feed syl force-fed. pos vb. mod tr. force-feed 1. syl force-feed pos vb. mod tr. def to force (a person or animal) to eat or swallow (food). force-feed 2. syl force-feed pos vb. mod tr. def to force (someone) to receive (opinions, propaganda, etc.). force feed infl head force-feed syl force feed. pos n. force-feed 3. syl force-feed pos n. mod tr. def a method of lubrication in which a pump forces oil into the bearings of an engine, etc. forceful 1. syl force+ful pron <1fc:sful> pos adj. def powerful. forceful 2. syl force+ful pron <1fc:sful> pos adj. def persuasive or effective. forcefully sub head forceful syl force+ful+ly pos adv. forcefulness sub head forceful syl force+ful+ness pos n. force majeure ety from French: superior force force majeure 0. syl force ma+jeure pron <1fc:s> , <-1Ju*> pos n. qual Law. def irresistible force or compulsion such as will excuse a party from performing his part of a contract. forcemeat ety C17: from force (see #7farce) #7+meat forcemeat 0. syl force+meat pron <1fc:s2mEt> pos n. def a mixture of chopped or minced ingredients used for stuffing. Also called: {farce, farcemeat}. forceps ety C17: from Latin, from formus hot+ capere to seize forceps infl or forcipes syl for+ceps pron <-si1pEz> pos n. mod pl. forcipes infl head forceps or forceps syl for+ci+pes pron <-si1pEz> pos n. mod pl. forceps 1.a. syl for+ceps pron <1fc:sips> pos n. def a surgical instrument in the form of a pair of pincers, used esp. in the delivery of babies. forceps 1.b. syl for+ceps pron <1fc:sips> pos n. usage as modifier exam 1 a forceps baby. forceps 2. syl for+ceps pron <1fc:sips> pos n. def any pincer-like instrument. forceps 3. syl for+ceps pron <1fc:sips> pos n. def any part or structure of an organism shaped like a forceps. forceps-like sub head forceps syl for:ceps-2like pos adj. force pump 0. syl force pump pos n. def a pump that ejects fluid under pressure. Compare {lift pump}. force-ripe 1. syl force-ripe pos adj. qual Caribbean. usage of fruit def prematurely picked and ripened by squeezing or warm storage. force-ripe 2. syl force-ripe pos adj. qual Caribbean. def precocious, esp. sexually. force-ripe 3. syl force-ripe pos vb. mod tr. qual Caribbean. def to ripen (prematurely picked fruit) by squeezing or warm storage. Forces 0. syl Forc:es pron <1fc:siz> pos n. mod pl. usage usually preceded by the def the armed services of a nation. forcible 1. syl for+ci:ble pron <1fc:s*bL> pos adj. def done by, involving, or having force. forcible 2. syl for+ci:ble pron <1fc:s*bL> pos adj. def convincing or effective. exam 1 a forcible argument. forcibly sub head forcible syl for+ci:bly pos adv. forcing bid 0. syl forc+ing bid pos n. qual Contract bridge. def a bid at a higher level than required, obliging the bidder's partner to reply. forcing house 0. syl forc+ing house pos n. def a place where growth or maturity (as of fruit, animals, etc.) is artificially hastened. ford ety Old English; related to Old Frisian forda, Old High German furt ford, Latin porta door, portus {#7port %1} ford 1. syl ford pron pos n. def a shallow area in a river that can be crossed by car, horseback, etc. ford 2. syl ford pron pos vb. mod tr. def to cross (a river, brook, etc.) over a shallow area. fordable sub head ford syl ford+a:ble pos adj. Ford Madox 1. head Ford syl Ford Mad:ox pron <1m@d*ks> def original name 1873-1939, English novelist, editor, and critic; works include (1915), the war tetralogy (1924-28). Gerald 2. head Ford syl Ger:ald. def born 1913, U.S. politician; 38th president of the U.S. (1974-77). Henry 3. head Ford syl Hen:ry. def 1863-1947, U.S. car manufacturer, who pioneered mass production. John 4. head Ford syl John. def 1586-??1639, English dramatist; author of revenge tragedies such as (1633). John 5. head Ford syl John. def 1895-1973, U.S. film director, esp. of Westerns such as (1939) and (1962). fordo ety Old English ford*_on; related to Old Saxon fard*_on, Old High German fartuon, Dutch verdoen; see #7for -#7, {do %1} foredo alt head fordo or fordo syl fore+do pron pos vb. mod tr. fordoes infl head fordo syl for+does pos vb. mod tr. fordoing infl head fordo syl for+do+ing pos vb. mod tr. fordid infl head fordo syl for+did pos vb. mod tr. fordone infl head fordo syl for+done. pos vb. mod tr. fordo 1. or foredo syl for+do pron pos vb. mod tr. qual Archaic. def to destroy. fordo 2. or foredo syl for+do pron pos vb. mod tr. qual Archaic. def to exhaust. foredone alt head fordone or fordone syl fore+done pron pos vb. fordone 0. or foredone syl for+done pron pos vb. def the past participle of {fordo}. fore ety Old English; related to Old Saxon, Old High German fora, Gothic faura, Greek para, Sanskrit pura fore H1.1. syl fore pron pos adj. usage usually in combination def located at, in, or towards the front. exam 1 the forelegs of a horse. fore H1.2. syl fore pron pos n. def the front part. fore H1.3. syl fore pron pos n. def something located at, in, or towards the front. fore H1.4. syl fore pron pos n. def short for {foremast}. fore and aft 5. head fore syl fore and aft. def located at or directed towards both ends of a vessel. exam 1 a fore-and-aft rig. to the fore 6. head fore syl to the fore. def to or into the front or conspicuous position. fore H1.7. syl fore pron pos adv. def at or towards a ship's bow. fore H1.8. syl fore pron pos adv. qual Obsolete. def before. fore H1.9. syl fore pron pos prep. conj. def a less common word for {before}. fore ety C19: probably short for #7before fore H2.0. syl fore pron pos interj. usage in golf def a warning shout made by a player about to make a shot. fore- ety Old English, from fore (adv.) fore- 1. syl fore- pos prefix. def before in time or rank. exam 1 foresight; exam 2 forefather; exam 3 foreman. fore- 2. syl fore- pos prefix. def at or near the front; before in place. exam 1 forehead; exam 2 forecourt. fore-and-after 1. syl fore-and-aft:er pos n. qual Nautical. def any vessel with a fore-and-aft rig. fore-and-after 2. syl fore-and-aft:er pos n. qual Nautical. def a double-ended vessel. forearm ety C18: from #7fore -+{#7arm %1} forearm H1.0. syl fore+arm pron <1fc:r2a:m> pos n. def the part of the arm from the elbow to the wrist. forearm ety C16: from #7fore -+{#7arm %2} forearm H2.0. syl fore+arm pron pos vb. mod tr. def to prepare or arm (someone, esp. oneself) in advance. forearm smash 0. syl fore+arm smash pos n. def a blow like a punch delivered with the forearm in certain types of wrestling. forbear alt head forebear or forebear syl for+bear pron <1fc:2be*> pos n. forebear 0. or forbear syl fore+bear pron <1fc:2be*> pos n. def an ancestor; forefather. forebode 1. syl fore+bode pron pos vb. def to warn of or indicate (an event, result, etc.) in advance. forebode 2. syl fore+bode pron pos vb. def to have an intuition or premonition of (an event). foreboder sub head forebode syl fore+1bod+er pos n. foreboding 1. syl fore+bod+ing pron pos n. def a feeling of impending evil, disaster, etc. foreboding 2. syl fore+bod+ing pron pos n. def an omen or portent. foreboding 3. syl fore+bod+ing pron pos adj. def presaging something. forebodingly sub head foreboding syl fore+1bod+ing+ly pos adv. forebodingness sub head foreboding syl fore+1bod+ing+ness pos n. forebrain 0. syl fore+brain pron <1fc:2brAn> pos n. def the nontechnical name for {prosencephalon}. forecasts infl head forecast syl fore+casts pos vb. forecasting infl head forecast syl fore+cast+ing pos vb. forecast infl or forecasted syl fore+cast pos vb. forecasted infl head forecast or forecast syl fore+cast+ed. pos vb. forecast 1. syl fore+cast pron <1fc:2ka:st> pos vb. def to predict or calculate (weather, events, etc.), in advance. forecast 2. syl fore+cast pron <1fc:2ka:st> pos vb. mod tr. def to serve as an early indication of. forecast 3. syl fore+cast pron <1fc:2ka:st> pos vb. mod tr. def to plan in advance. forecast 4. syl fore+cast pron <1fc:2ka:st> pos n. def a statement of probable future weather conditions calculated from meteorological data. forecast 5. syl fore+cast pron <1fc:2ka:st> pos n. def a prophecy or prediction. forecast 6. syl fore+cast pron <1fc:2ka:st> pos n. def the practice or power of forecasting. forecaster sub head forecast syl fore+2cast+er pos n. fo'c's'le infl head forecastle or fo'c'sle syl fo'c's'le pron <1f*uksL> pos n. fo'c'sle infl head forecastle or fo'c's'le syl fo'c'sle pron <1f*uksL> pos n. forecastle 0. syl fore+cas+tle pron <1f*uksL> pos n. def the part of a vessel at the bow where the crew is quartered and stores, machines, etc., may be stowed. foreclose ety C15: from Old French forclore, from for- out+ clore to close, from Latin claudere foreclose 1. syl fore+close pron pos vb. qual Law. def to deprive (a mortgagor, etc.) of the right to redeem (a mortgage or pledge). foreclose 2. syl fore+close pron pos vb. mod tr. def to shut out; bar. foreclose 3. syl fore+close pron pos vb. mod tr. def to prevent or hinder. foreclose 4. syl fore+close pron pos vb. mod tr. def to answer or settle (an obligation, promise, etc.) in advance. foreclose 5. syl fore+close pron pos vb. mod tr. def to make an exclusive claim to. foreclosable sub head foreclose syl fore+1clos+a:ble pos adj. foreclosure sub head foreclose syl fore+clo+sure pron pos n. forecourse 0. syl fore+course pron <1fc:2kc:s> pos n. qual Nautical. def the lowest foresail on a square-rigged vessel. forecourt 1. syl fore+court pron <1fc:2kc:t> pos n. def a courtyard in front of a building, as one in a filling station. forecourt 2. syl fore+court pron <1fc:2kc:t> pos n. def Also called: {front court}. the front section of the court in tennis, badminton, etc., esp. the area between the service line and the net. foredeck 0. syl fore+deck pron <1fc:2dek> pos n. qual Nautical. def the deck between the bridge and the forecastle. foredoes infl head foredo syl fore+does pos vb. mod tr. foredoing infl head foredo syl fore+do+ing pos vb. mod tr. foredid infl head foredo syl fore+did pos vb. mod tr. foredone infl head foredo syl fore+done. pos vb. mod tr. foredo 0. syl fore+do pron pos vb. mod tr. def a variant spelling of {fordo}. foredoom 0. syl fore+doom pron pos vb. mod tr. def to doom or condemn beforehand. fore-edge 0. syl fore-edge pos n. def the outer edge of the pages of a book. forefather 0. syl fore+fa:ther pron <1fc:2fa:@d*> pos n. def an ancestor, esp. a male. forefatherly sub head forefather syl fore+2fa:ther+ly pos adj. forefend 0. syl fore+fend pron pos vb. mod tr. def a variant spelling of {forfend}. forefinger 0. syl fore+fin:ger pron <1fc:2fiGg*> pos n. def the finger next to the thumb. Also called: {index finger}. forefeet infl head forefoot syl fore+feet. pos n. mod pl. forefoot 1. syl fore+foot pron <1fc:2fut> pos n. def either of the front feet of a quadruped. forefoot 2. syl fore+foot pron <1fc:2fut> pos n. qual Nautical. def the forward end of the keel. forefront 1. syl fore+front pron <1fc:2fr^nt> pos n. def the extreme front. forefront 2. syl fore+front pron <1fc:2fr^nt> pos n. def the position of most prominence, responsibility, or action. foregather 0. syl fore+gath:er pron pos vb. def a variant spelling of {forgather}. forego ety Old English foreg*_an foregoes infl head forego syl fore+goes pos vb. foregoing infl head forego syl fore+go+ing pos vb. forewent infl head forego syl fore+went pos vb. foregone infl head forego syl fore+gone. pos vb. forego H1.0. syl fore+go pron pos vb. def to precede in time, place, etc. foregoer sub head forego syl fore+1go+er pos n. foregoes infl head forego syl fore+goes pos vb. mod tr. foregoing infl head forego syl fore+go+ing pos vb. mod tr. forewent infl head forego syl fore+went pos vb. mod tr. foregone infl head forego syl fore+gone. pos vb. mod tr. forego H2.0. syl fore+go pron pos vb. mod tr. def a variant spelling of {forgo}. foregoer sub head forego syl fore+1go+er pos n. foregoing 0. syl fore+go:ing pron pos adj. usage prenominal; esp. of writing or speech def going before; preceding. foregone 0. syl fore+gone pron , <1fc:2gon> pos adj. def gone or completed; past. foregoneness sub head foregone syl fore+1gone+ness pos n. foregone conclusion 0. syl fore+gone con+clu+sion pos n. def an inevitable result or conclusion. foreground 1. syl fore+ground pron <1fc:2graund> pos n. def the part of a scene situated towards the front or nearest to the viewer. foreground 2. syl fore+ground pron <1fc:2graund> pos n. def the area of space in a perspective picture, depicted as nearest the viewer. foreground 3. syl fore+ground pron <1fc:2graund> pos n. def a conspicuous or active position. foregut 1. syl fore+gut pron <1fc:2g^t> pos n. def the anterior part of the digestive tract of vertebrates, between the buccal cavity and the bile duct. foregut 2. syl fore+gut pron <1fc:2g^t> pos n. def the anterior part of the digestive tract of arthropods. foregut xref syl fore+gut pron <1fc:2g^t> pos n. def See also {midgut, hindgut}. forehand 1.a. syl fore+hand pron <1fc:2h@nd> pos adj. usage prenominal; of a stroke def made with the palm of the hand facing the direction of the stroke. forehand 1.b. syl fore+hand pron <1fc:2h@nd> pos adj. usage prenominal def of or relating to the right side of a right-handed player or the left side of a left-handed player. forehand 2. syl fore+hand pron <1fc:2h@nd> pos adj. usage prenominal def foremost or paramount. forehand 3. syl fore+hand pron <1fc:2h@nd> pos adj. usage prenominal def done or given beforehand. forehand 4.a. syl fore+hand pron <1fc:2h@nd> pos n. usage prenominal def a forehand stroke. forehand 4.b. syl fore+hand pron <1fc:2h@nd> pos n. usage prenominal def the side on which such strokes are made. forehand 5. syl fore+hand pron <1fc:2h@nd> pos n. usage prenominal def the part of a horse in front of the saddle. forehand 6. syl fore+hand pron <1fc:2h@nd> pos n. usage prenominal def a frontal position. {~} forehand 7. syl fore+hand pron <1fc:2h@nd> pos n. qual Tennis, squash, etc. usage prenominal def with a forehand stroke. forehand 8. syl fore+hand pron <1fc:2h@nd> pos vb. usage prenominal def to play (a shot) forehand. forehanded 1.a. syl fore+hand:ed pron <2fc:1h@ndid> pos adj. def thrifty. forehanded 1.b. syl fore+hand:ed pron <2fc:1h@ndid> pos adj. def well-off. forehanded 2. syl fore+hand:ed pron <2fc:1h@ndid> pos adv. adj. qual Tennis, squash, etc. def a less common word for {forehand}. forehandedly sub head forehanded syl fore+1hand:ed+ly pos adv. forehandedness sub head forehanded syl fore+1hand:ed+ness pos n. forehead ety Old English forh*_eafod; related to Old Frisian forh*_afd, Middle Low German vorh*_oved forehead 0. syl fore+head pron <1forid> pos n. def the part of the face between the natural hair line and the eyes, formed skeletally by the frontal bone of the skull; brow. Related adj.: {frontal}. forehock 0. syl fore+hock pron <1fc:2hok> pos n. def a foreleg cut of bacon or pork. foreign ety C13: from Old French forain, from Vulgar Latin for*_anus (unattested) situated on the outside, from Latin foris outside foreign 1. syl for+eign pron <1forin> pos adj. def of, involving, located in, or coming from another country, area, people, etc.. exam 1 a foreign resident. foreign 2. syl for+eign pron <1forin> pos adj. def dealing or concerned with another country, area, people, etc.. exam 1 a foreign office. foreign 3. syl for+eign pron <1forin> pos adj. def not pertinent or related. exam 1 a matter foreign to the discussion. foreign 4. syl for+eign pron <1forin> pos adj. def not familiar: strange. foreign 5. syl for+eign pron <1forin> pos adj. def in an abnormal place or position. exam 1 foreign matter. foreign 6. syl for+eign pron <1forin> pos adj. qual Law. def outside the jurisdiction of a particular state; alien. foreignly sub head foreign syl for+eign+ly pos adv. foreignness sub head foreign syl for+eign+ness pos n. foreign affairs 1. syl for+eign af+fairs pos n. mod pl. def matters abroad that involve the homeland, such as relations with another country. foreign affairs 2. syl for+eign af+fairs pos n. mod pl. def matters that do not involve the homeland. foreign aid 0. syl for+eign aid pos n. def economic and other assistance given by one country to another. draft alt head foreign bill or foreign bill syl draft pos n. foreign bill 0. or draft syl for+eign bill pos n. def a bill of exchange that is drawn in one country and made payable in another: used extensively in foreign trade. Compare {inland bill}. foreign correspondent 0. syl for+eign cor+res+pond+ent pos n. qual Journalism. def a reporter who visits or resides in a foreign country in order to report on its affairs. foreigner 1. syl for+eign+er pron <1forin*> pos n. def a person from a foreign country; alien. foreigner 2. syl for+eign+er pron <1forin*> pos n. def an outsider or interloper. foreigner 3. syl for+eign+er pron <1forin*> pos n. def something from a foreign country, such as a ship or product. foreign exchange 1. syl for+eign ex+change pos n. def the system by which one currency is converted into another, enabling international transactions to take place without the physical transportation of gold. foreign exchange 2. syl for+eign ex+change pos n. def foreign bills and currencies. foreignism 1. syl for+eign+ism pron <1fori2niz*m> pos n. def a custom, mannerism, idiom, etc., that is foreign. foreignism 2. syl for+eign+ism pron <1fori2niz*m> pos n. def imitation of something foreign. foreign legion 0. syl for+eign le+gion pos n. def a body of foreign volunteers serving in an army, esp. that of France. foreign minisecretary alt head foreign minister or foreign minister syl for+eign min+isec+re+ta+ry pos n. foreign minister 0. or foreign minisecretary syl for+eign min+is+ter pos n. usage often caps. def a cabinet minister who is responsible for a country's dealings with other countries. U.S. equivalent: {secretary of state}. foreign ministry sub head foreign minister syl for+eign min+is+try pos n. foreign mission 1. syl for+eign mis+sion pos n. def a body of persons sent to a non-Christian country in order to propagate Christianity. foreign mission 2. syl for+eign mis+sion pos n. def a diplomatic or other mission sent by one country to another. foreign office 0. syl for+eign of+fice pos n. def the ministry of a country or state that is concerned with dealings with other states. U.S. equivalent: {state department}. foreign service 0. syl for+eign serv+ice pos n. qual Chiefly U.S. def the diplomatic and usually consular personnel of a foreign affairs ministry or foreign office collectively who represent their country abroad, deal with foreign diplomats at home, etc. forejudge H1.0. syl fore+judge pron pos vb. def to judge (someone or an event, circumstance, etc.) before the facts are known; prejudge. forejudge H2.0. syl fore+judge pron pos vb. qual Law. def a variant spelling of {forjudge}. forejudgement sub head forejudge syl fore+1judge+ment pos n. foreknows infl head foreknow syl fore+knows pos vb. mod tr. foreknowing infl head foreknow syl fore+know+ing pos vb. mod tr. foreknew infl head foreknow syl fore+knew pos vb. mod tr. foreknown infl head foreknow syl fore+known. pos vb. mod tr. foreknow 0. syl fore+know pron pos vb. mod tr. def to know in advance. foreknowable sub head foreknow syl fore+1know+a:ble pos adj. foreknowingly sub head foreknow syl fore+1know+ing+ly pos adv. foreland 1. syl fore+land pron <1fc:l*nd> pos n. def a headland, cape, or promontory. foreland 2. syl fore+land pron <1fc:l*nd> pos n. def land lying in front of something, such as water. Foreland 0. syl Fore+land pron <1fc:l*nd> pos n. def either of two headlands ({North Foreland} and {South Foreland}) in SE England, on the coast of Kent. foreleg 0. syl fore+leg pron <1fc:2leg> pos n. def either of the front legs of a horse, sheep, or other quadruped. forelimb 0. syl fore+limb pron <1fc:2lim> pos n. def either of the front or anterior limbs of a four-limbed vertebrate: a foreleg, flipper, or wing. forelock H1.1. syl fore+lock pron <1fc:2lok> pos n. def a lock of hair growing or falling over the forehead. forelock H1.2. syl fore+lock pron <1fc:2lok> pos n. def a lock of a horse's mane that grows forwards between the ears. forelock H2.1. syl fore+lock pron <1fc:2lok> pos n. def a wedge or peg passed through the tip of a bolt to prevent withdrawal. forelock H2.2. syl fore+lock pron <1fc:2lok> pos vb. mod tr. def to secure (a bolt) by means of a forelock. foremen infl head foreman syl fore+men. pos n. mod pl. foreman 1. syl fore+man pron <1fc:m*n> pos n. def a person, often experienced, who supervises other workmen. Female equivalent: {forewoman}. foreman 2. syl fore+man pron <1fc:m*n> pos n. qual Law. def the principal juror, who presides at the deliberations of a jury. foremanship sub head foreman syl fore+man+2ship pos n. foremast 0. syl fore+mast pron <1fc:2ma:st>, Nautical <1fc:m*st> pos n. def the mast nearest the bow on vessels with two or more masts. foremost ety Old English formest, from forma first; related to Old Saxon formo first, Old High German fruma advantage foremost 0. syl fore+most pron <1fc:2m*ust> pos adj. adv. def first in time, place, rank, etc. forename 0. syl fore+name pron <1fc:2nAm> pos n. def another term for {Christian name}. forenamed 0. syl fore+named pron <1fc:2nAmd> pos adj. usage prenominal def named or mentioned previously; aforesaid. forenoon 0.a. syl fore+noon pron <1fc:2nu:n> pos n. def the daylight hours before or just before noon. forenoon 0.b. syl fore+noon pron <1fc:2nu:n> pos n. usage as modifier exam 1 a forenoon conference. forensic ety C17: from Latin for*_ensis public, from #7forum forensic 0. syl fo+ren+sic pron pos adj. def relating to, used in, or connected with a court of law. exam 1 forensic science. forensicality sub head forensic syl fo+ren+si+cal+i:ty pron pos n. forensically sub head forensic syl fo+1ren+si+cal+ly pos adv. forensic medicine 0. syl fo+ren+sic med:i+cine pos n. def the applied use of medical knowl?!edge or practice, esp. pathology, to the purposes of the law, as in determining the cause of death. Also called: {medical jurisprudence, legal medicine}. forensics 0. syl fo+ren+sics pron pos n. mod functioning as; sing. pl. def the art or study of formal debating. foreordain 0. syl fore+or+dain pron <2fc:rc:1dAn> pos vb. mod tr. usage may take a clause as object def to determine (events, results, etc.) in the future. foreordainment sub head foreordain or foreordination syl fore+or+1dain+ment pron <2fc:rc:di1nAS*n> pos n. foreordination sub head foreordain or foreordainment syl fore+or+di+na+tion pron <2fc:rc:di1nAS*n> pos n. forepart 0. syl fore+part pron <1fc:2pa:t> pos n. def the first or front part in place, order, or time. forepaw 0. syl fore+paw pron <1fc:2pc:> pos n. def either of the front feet of most land mammals that do not have hoofs. forepeak 0. syl fore+peak pron <1fc:2pEk> pos n. qual Nautical. def the interior part of a vessel that is furthest forward. foreplay 0. syl fore+play pron <1fc:2plA> pos n. def mutual sexual stimulation preceding sexual intercourse. forequarter 0. syl fore+quar+ter pron <1fc:2kwc:t*> pos n. def the front portion, including the leg, of half of a carcass, as of beef or lamb. forequarters 0. syl fore+quar+ters pron <1fc:2kwc:t*z> pos n. mod pl. def the part of the body of a horse or similar quadruped that consists of the forelegs, shoulders, and adjoining parts. forereach 1. syl fore+reach pron pos vb. mod intr. qual Nautical. def to keep moving under momentum without engine or sails. forereach 2. syl fore+reach pron pos vb. mod tr. def to surpass or outdo. foreruns infl head forerun syl fore+runs pos vb. mod tr. forerunning infl head forerun syl fore+run+ning pos vb. mod tr. foreran infl head forerun syl fore+ran pos vb. mod tr. forerun infl syl fore+run. pos vb. mod tr. forerun 1. syl fore+run pron pos vb. mod tr. def to serve as a herald for. forerun 2. syl fore+run pron pos vb. mod tr. def to go before; precede. forerun 3. syl fore+run pron pos vb. mod tr. def to prevent or forestall. forerunner 1. syl fore+run+ner pron <1fc:2r^n*> pos n. def a person or thing that precedes another; precursor. forerunner 2. syl fore+run+ner pron <1fc:2r^n*> pos n. def a person or thing coming in advance to herald the arrival of someone or something; harbinger. forerunner 3. syl fore+run+ner pron <1fc:2r^n*> pos n. def an indication beforehand of something to follow; omen; portent. foresaid 0. syl fore+said pron <1fc:2sed> pos adj. def a less common word for {aforesaid}. foresail 1. syl fore+sail pron <1fc:2sAl>, Nautical <1fc:sL> pos n. qual Nautical. def the aftermost headsail of a fore-and-aft rigged vessel. foresail 2. syl fore+sail pron <1fc:2sAl>, Nautical <1fc:sL> pos n. qual Nautical. def the lowest sail set on the foremast of a square-rigged vessel. foresees infl head foresee syl fore+sees pos vb. mod tr. foreseeing infl head foresee syl fore+see+ing pos vb. mod tr. foresaw infl head foresee syl fore+saw pos vb. mod tr. foreseen infl head foresee syl fore+seen. pos vb. mod tr. foresee 0. syl fore+see pron pos vb. mod tr. usage may take a clause as object def to see or know beforehand. exam 1 he did not foresee that. foreseeable sub head foresee syl fore+1see+a:ble pos adj. foreseer sub head foresee syl fore+1se:er pos n. foreshadow 0. syl fore+shad+ow pron pos vb. mod tr. def to show, indicate, or suggest in advance; presage. foreshadower sub head foreshadow syl fore+1shad+ow+er pos n. foreshank 1. syl fore+shank pron <1fc:2S@nk> pos n. def the top of the front leg of an animal. foreshank 2. syl fore+shank pron <1fc:2S@nk> pos n. def a cut of meat from this part. foresheet 1. syl fore+sheet pron <1fc:2SEt> pos n. def the sheet of a foresail. foresheet 2. syl fore+sheet pron <1fc:2SEt> pos n. mod pl. def the part forward of the foremost thwart of a boat. foreshock 0. syl fore+shock pron <1fc:2Sok> pos n. qual Chiefly U.S. def a minor earthquake preceding and associated with a larger one. foreshore 0. syl fore+shore pron <1fc:2Sc:> pos n. def the part of the shore that lies between the limits for high and low tides. foreshorten 1. syl fore+short+en pron pos vb. mod tr. def to represent (a line, form, object, etc.) as shorter than actual length in order to give an illusion of recession or projection, in accordance with the laws of linear perspective. foreshorten 2. syl fore+short+en pron pos vb. mod tr. def to make shorter or more condensed; reduce or abridge. foreshows infl head foreshow syl fore+shows pos vb. mod tr. foreshowing infl head foreshow syl fore+show+ing pos vb. mod tr. foreshowed infl head foreshow syl fore+showed pos vb. mod tr. foreshown infl head foreshow syl fore+shown. pos vb. mod tr. foreshow 0. syl fore+show pron pos vb. mod tr. qual Archaic. def to indicate in advance; foreshadow. foreside 1. syl fore+side pron <1fc:2sId> pos n. def the front or upper side or part. foreside 2. syl fore+side pron <1fc:2sId> pos n. qual U.S. def land extending along the sea. foresight 1. syl fore+sight pron <1fc:2sIt> pos n. def provision for or insight into future problems, needs, etc. foresight 2. syl fore+sight pron <1fc:2sIt> pos n. def the act or ability of foreseeing. foresight 3. syl fore+sight pron <1fc:2sIt> pos n. def the act of looking forward. foresight 4. syl fore+sight pron <1fc:2sIt> pos n. qual Surveying. def a reading taken looking forwards to a new station, esp. in levelling from a point of known elevation to a point the elevation of which is to be determined. Compare {backsight}. foresight 5. syl fore+sight pron <1fc:2sIt> pos n. def a sight on a firearm's muzzle. foresighted sub head foresight syl fore+1sight:ed pos adj. foresightedly sub head foresight syl fore+1sight:ed+ly pos adv. foresightedness sub head foresight syl fore+1sight:ed+ness pos n. foreskin 0. syl fore+skin pron <1fc:2skin> pos n. qual Anatomy. def the nontechnical name for { {prepuce} (sense 1).} forespeaks infl head forespeak syl fore+speaks pos vb. mod tr. forespeaking infl head forespeak syl fore+speak+ing pos vb. mod tr. forespoke infl head forespeak syl fore+spoke pos vb. mod tr. forespoken infl head forespeak syl fore+spo+ken. pos vb. mod tr. forespeak 1. syl fore+speak pron pos vb. mod tr. qual Rare. def to predict; foresee. forespeak 2. syl fore+speak pron pos vb. mod tr. qual Rare. def to arrange or speak of in advance. forespent 0. syl fore+spent pron pos adj. def a variant spelling of {forspent}. forest ety C13: from Old French, from Medieval Latin forestis unfenced woodland, from Latin foris outside forest 1. syl for+est pron <1forist> pos n. def a large wooded area having a thick growth of trees and plants. forest 2. syl for+est pron <1forist> pos n. def the trees of such an area. forest 3. syl for+est pron <1forist> pos n. def something resembling a large wooded area, esp. in density. exam 1 a forest of telegraph poles. forest 4. syl for+est pron <1forist> pos n. usage Law. formerly def an area of woodland, esp. one owned by the sovereign and set apart as a hunting ground with its own laws and officers. Compare { {park} (sense 4).} forest 5. syl for+est pron <1forist> pos n. usage modifier def of, involving, or living in a forest or forests. exam 1 a forest glade. forest 6. syl for+est pron <1forist> pos vb. mod tr. def to create a forest; plant with trees. forestal sub head forest or foresteal syl for+est+al pron pos adj. foresteal sub head forest or forestal syl fo+res+te:al pron pos adj. forested sub head forest syl for+est+ed pos adj. forestless sub head forest syl for+est+less pos adj. forest-like sub head forest syl for:est-2like pos adj. forestall ety C14 forestallen to waylay, from Old English foresteall an ambush, from fore- in front of+ steall place forestall 1. syl fore+stall pron pos vb. mod tr. def to delay, stop, or guard against beforehand. forestall 2. syl fore+stall pron pos vb. mod tr. def to anticipate. forestall 3.a. syl fore+stall pron pos vb. mod tr. def to prevent or hinder sales at (a market, etc.) by buying up merchandise in advance, etc. forestall 3.b. syl fore+stall pron pos vb. mod tr. def to buy up merchandise for profitable resale. Compare { {corner} (sense 19).} forestaller sub head forestall syl fore+1stall+er pos n. forestalment sub head forestall syl fore+1stal+ment forestation 0. syl for+est:a+tion pron <2fori1stAS*n> pos n. def the planting of trees over a wide area. forestay 0. syl fore+stay pron <1fc:2stA> pos n. qual Nautical. def an adjustable stay leading from the truck of the foremast to the deck, stem, or bowsprit, for controlling the motion or bending of the mast. forestaysail 0. syl fore:stay+sail pron , Nautical pos n. qual Nautical. def the triangular headsail set aftermost on a vessel. forester 1. syl for+est+er pron <1forist*> pos n. def a person skilled in forestry or in charge of a forest. forester 2. syl for+est+er pron <1forist*> pos n. def any of various Old World moths of the genus characterized by brilliant metallic green wings: family forester 3. syl for+est+er pron <1forist*> pos n. def a person or animal that lives in a forest. forester 4. syl for+est+er pron <1forist*> pos n. usage cap. def a member of the Ancient Order of Foresters, a friendly society. C (ecil) S (cott) infl head Forester syl C (ecil) S (cott) . pos n. Forester 0. syl For:est:er pron <1forist*> pos n. def 1899-1966, English novelist; creator of in a series of novels on the Napoleonic Wars. forest ranger 0. syl for+est rang+er pos n. qual Chiefly U.S. def a government official who patrols and protects forests, wildlife, etc. forestry 1. syl for+est+ry pron <1foristri> pos n. def the science of planting and caring for trees. forestry 2. syl for+est+ry pron <1foristri> pos n. def the planting and management of forests. forestry 3. syl for+est+ry pron <1foristri> pos n. qual Rare. def forest land. foretaste 1. syl fore+taste pron <1fc:2tAst> pos n. def an early but limited experience or awareness of something to come. foretaste 2. syl fore+taste pron pos vb. mod tr. def to have a foretaste of. foretells infl head foretell syl fore+tells pos vb. mod tr. foretelling infl head foretell syl fore+tell+ing pos vb. mod tr. foretold infl head foretell syl fore+told. pos vb. mod tr. foretell 0. syl fore+tell pron pos vb. mod tr. usage may take a clause as object def to tell or indicate (an event, result, etc.) beforehand; predict. foreteller sub head foretell syl fore+1tell+er pos n. forethought 1. syl fore+thought pron <1fc:2Tc:t> pos n. def advance consideration or deliberation. forethought 2. syl fore+thought pron <1fc:2Tc:t> pos n. def thoughtful anticipation of future events. forethoughtful sub head forethought syl fore+1thought+ful pos adj. forethoughtfully sub head forethought syl fore+1thought+ful+ly pos adv. forethoughtfulness sub head forethought syl fore+1thought+ful+ness pos n. foretime 0. syl fore+time pron <1fc:2tIm> pos n. def time already gone; the past. foretoken 1. syl fore+to+ken pron <1fc:2t*uk*n> pos n. def a sign of a future event. foretoken 2. syl fore+to+ken pron pos vb. mod tr. def to foreshadow. foreteeth infl head foretooth syl fore+teeth. pos n. mod pl. foretooth 0. syl fore+tooth pron <1fc:2tu:T> pos n. qual Dentistry. def another word for an {incisor}. foretop 0. syl fore+top pron <1fc:2top>, Nautical <1fc:t*p> pos n. qual Nautical. def a platform at the top of the foremast. fore-topgallant 0. syl fore-top:gal+lant pron <2fc:top1g@l*nt>, Nautical <2fc:t*1g@l*nt> pos adj. qual Nautical. def of, relating to, or being the topmost portion of a foremast, above the topmast. exam 1 the fore-topgallant mast. fore-topmast 0. syl fore-top:mast pron , Nautical pos n. qual Nautical. def a mast stepped above a foremast. fore-topsail 0. syl fore-top:sail pron , Nautical pos n. qual Nautical. def a sail set on a fore-topmast. foretriangle 0. syl fore+tri+an+gle pron <1fc:trI2@GgL> pos n. def the triangular area formed by the deck, foremast, and headstay of a sailing vessel. forever alt head for ever or for ever syl for+ev:er pron , pos adv. for ever 1. or forever syl for ev:er pron , pos adv. def without end; everlastingly; eternally. for ever 2. or forever syl for ev:er pron , pos adv. def at all times; incessantly. for ever 3. or forever syl for ev:er pron , pos adv. qual Informal. def for a very long time. exam 1 he went on speaking for ever. forever infl head for ever syl for+ev:er. pos n. for ever 4. or forever syl for ev:er pron , pos n. qual Informal. usage as object def a very long time. exam 1 it took him forever to reply. efor ever 5. head for ever syl &efor ever&! def an exclamation expressing support or loyalty. exam 1 Scotland for ever&! forevermore alt head for evermore or for evermore syl for+ev:er+more pron , pos adv. for evermore 0. or forevermore syl for ev:er+more pron , pos adv. def a more emphatic or emotive term for {for ever}. forewarn 0. syl fore+warn pron pos vb. mod tr. def to warn beforehand. forewarner sub head forewarn syl fore+1warn+er pos n. forewarningly sub head forewarn syl fore+1warn+ing+ly pos adv. forewent 0. syl fore+went pron pos vb. def the past tense of {forego}. forewind 0. syl fore+wind pron <1fc:2wind> pos n. qual Nautical. def a favourable wind. forewing 0. syl fore+wing pron <1fc:2wiG> pos n. def either wing of the anterior pair of an insect's two pairs of wings. foreword ety C19: literal translation of German Vorwort foreword 0. syl fore+word pron <1fc:2wR:d> pos n. def an introductory statement to a book. foreworn 0. syl fore+worn pron pos adj. def a variant spelling of {forworn}. foreyard 0. syl fore+yard pron <1fc:2ja:d> pos n. qual Nautical. def a yard for supporting the foresail of a square-rigger. Forfar 1. syl For+far pron <1fc:f*r>, <-fa:> pos n. def a market town in E Scotland, in Tayside region: site of a castle, residence of Scottish kings between the 11th and 14th centuries. Pop.: 10349 (1971). forfeit ety C13: from Old French forfet offence, from forfaire to commit a crime, from Medieval Latin foris facere to act outside (what is lawful), from Latin foris outside+ facere to do forfeit 1. syl for+feit pron <1fc:fit> pos n. def something lost or given up as a penalty for a fault, mistake, etc. forfeit 2. syl for+feit pron <1fc:fit> pos n. def the act of losing or surrendering something in this manner. forfeit 3. syl for+feit pron <1fc:fit> pos n. qual Law. def something confiscated as a penalty for an offence, breach of contract, etc. forfeit 4.a. syl for+feit pron <1fc:fit> pos n. def a game in which a player has to give up an object, perform a specified action, etc., if he commits a fault. forfeit 4.b. syl for+feit pron <1fc:fit> pos n. def an object so given up. forfeit 5. syl for+feit pron <1fc:fit> pos vb. mod tr. def to lose or be liable to lose in consequence of a mistake, fault, etc. forfeit 6.a. syl for+feit pron <1fc:fit> pos vb. def to confiscate as punishment. forfeit 6.b. syl for+feit pron <1fc:fit> pos vb. def to surrender (something exacted as a penalty). forfeit 7. syl for+feit pron <1fc:fit> pos adj. def surrendered or liable to be surrendered as a penalty. forfeitable sub head forfeit syl for+feit+a:ble pos adj. forfeiter sub head forfeit syl for+feit+er pos n. forfeiture 1. syl for+fei+ture pron <1fc:fiC*> pos n. def something forfeited. forfeiture 2. syl for+fei+ture pron <1fc:fiC*> pos n. def the act of forfeiting or paying a penalty. forefend alt head forfend or forfend syl fore+fend pron pos vb. mod tr. forfend 1. or forefend syl for+fend pron pos vb. mod tr. qual U.S. def to protect or secure. forfend 2. or forefend syl for+fend pron pos vb. mod tr. qual Obsolete. def to prohibit or prevent. forficate ety C19: from Latin forfex scissors forficate 0. syl for+fi+cate pron <1fc:fikit>, <-2kAt> pos adj. usage esp. of the tails of certain birds def deeply forked. forgat 0. syl for+gat pron pos vb. qual Archaic. def a past tense of {forget}. foregather alt head forgather or forgather syl fore+gath+er pron pos vb. mod intr. forgather 1. or foregather syl for+gath+er pron pos vb. mod intr. def to gather together; assemble. forgather 2. or foregather syl for+gath+er pron pos vb. mod intr. qual Rare. def to meet, esp. unexpectedly. forgather 3. or foregather syl for+gath+er pron pos vb. mod intr. usage foll. by with def to socialize. forgave 0. syl for+gave pron pos vb. def the past tense of {forgive}. forge ety C14: from Old French forgier to construct, from Latin fabric*_are, from faber craftsman forge H1.1. syl forge pron pos n. def a place in which metal is worked by heating and hammering; smithy. forge H1.2. syl forge pron pos n. def a hearth or furnace used for heating metal. forge H1.3. syl forge pron pos n. def a machine used to shape metals by hammering. forge H1.4. syl forge pron pos vb. mod tr. def to shape (metal) by heating and hammering. forge H1.5. syl forge pron pos vb. mod tr. def to form, shape, make, or fashion (objects, articles, etc.). forge H1.6. syl forge pron pos vb. mod tr. def to invent or devise (an agreement, understanding, etc.). forge H1.7. syl forge pron pos vb. def to make or produce a fraudulent imitation of (a signature, banknote, etc.) or to commit forgery. forgeable sub head forge syl forge+a:ble pos adj. forger sub head forge syl forg+er pos n. forge ety C17: of unknown origin forge H2.1. syl forge pron pos vb. mod intr. def to move at a steady and persevering pace. forge ahead 2. head forge syl forge ahead. def to increase speed; spurt. forgeries infl head forgery syl for+ger:ies. pos n. mod pl. forgery 1. syl for+ger:y pron <1fc:J*ri> pos n. def the act of reproducing something for a deceitful or fraudulent purpose. forgery 2. syl for+ger:y pron <1fc:J*ri> pos n. def something forged, such as a work of art or an antique. forgery 3.a. syl for+ger:y pron <1fc:J*ri> pos n. def the false making or altering of a document, such as a cheque, banknote, etc., with intent to defraud. forgery 3.b. syl for+ger:y pron <1fc:J*ri> pos n. def something forged. forgery 4. syl for+ger:y pron <1fc:J*ri> pos n. qual Criminal law. def the counterfeiting of a seal or die with intention to defraud. forget ety Old English forgietan; related to Old Frisian forgeta, Old Saxon fargetan, Old High German firgezzan forgets infl head forget syl for+gets pos vb. forgetting infl head forget syl for+get+ting pos vb. forgot infl head forget syl for+got pos vb. forgotten infl head forget or forgot syl for+got+ten pos vb. forgot infl head forget or forgotten syl for+got. pos vb. forget 1. syl for+get pron pos vb. mod when; tr. usage an infinitive def to fail to recall (someone or something once known); be unable to remember. forget 2. syl for+get pron pos vb. mod tr. usage an infinitive def to neglect, usually as the result of an unintentional error. forget 3. syl for+get pron pos vb. mod tr. def to leave behind by mistake. forget 4. syl for+get pron pos vb. mod tr. def to disregard intentionally. forget 5. syl for+get pron pos vb. mod when; tr. usage may take a clause as object def to fail to mention. forget 6.a. syl for+get pron pos vb. def to act in an improper manner. forget 6.b. syl for+get pron pos vb. def to be unselfish. forget 6.c. syl for+get pron pos vb. def to be deep in thought. forget it 7. head forget syl forget it&! def an exclamation of annoyed or forgiving dismissal of a matter or topic. forgettable sub head forget syl for+1get+ta:ble pos adj. forgetter sub head forget syl for+1get+ter pos n. forgetful 1. syl for+get+ful pron pos adj. def tending to forget. forgetful 2. syl for+get+ful pron pos adj. usage often postpositive; foll. by of def inattentive (to) or neglectful (of). forgetful 3. syl for+get+ful pron pos adj. qual Poetic. def causing loss of memory. forgetfully sub head forgetful syl for+1get+ful+ly pos adv. forgetfulness sub head forgetful syl for+1get+ful+ness pos n. forget-me-not 0. syl for:get-me-not pos n. def any temperate low-growing plants of the mainly European boraginaceous genus esp. having clusters of small typically blue flowers. Also called: {scorpion grass}. forging 1. syl forg+ing pron <1fc:JiG> pos n. def the process of producing a metal component by hammering. forging 2. syl forg+ing pron <1fc:JiG> pos n. def the act of a forger. forging 3. syl forg+ing pron <1fc:JiG> pos n. def a metal component produced by this process. forging 4. syl forg+ing pron <1fc:JiG> pos n. def the collision of a horse's hind shoe and fore shoe. forgive ety Old English forgiefan; see #7for -#7, give &- for+#!giv+a@.ble adj. forgives infl head forgive syl for+gives pos vb. forgiving infl head forgive syl for+giv+ing pos vb. forgave infl head forgive syl for+gave pos vb. forgiven infl head forgive syl for+giv+en. pos vb. forgive 1. syl for+give pron pos vb. def to cease to blame or hold resentment against (someone or something). forgive 2. syl for+give pron pos vb. def to grant pardon for (a mistake, wrongdoing, etc.). forgive 3. syl for+give pron pos vb. mod tr. def to free or pardon (someone) from penalty. forgive 4. syl for+give pron pos vb. mod tr. def to free from the obligation of (a debt, payment, etc.). forgivably sub head forgive syl for+1giv+a:bly pos adv. forgiver sub head forgive syl for+1giv+er pos n. forgiven 0. syl for+giv+en pron pos vb. def the past participle of {forgive}. forgiveness 1. syl for+give+ness pron pos n. def the act of forgiving or the state of being forgiven. forgiveness 2. syl for+give+ness pron pos n. def willingness to forgive. forgiving 0. syl for+giv+ing pron pos adj. def willing to forgive; merciful. forgivingly sub head forgiving syl for+1giv+ing+ly pos adv. forgivingness sub head forgiving syl for+1giv+ing+ness pos n. forgo ety Old English forg*_an; see #7for -#7, go %1 forego alt head forgo or forgo syl fore+go pron pos vb. mod tr. forgoes infl head forgo syl for+goes pos vb. mod tr. forgoing infl head forgo syl for+go+ing pos vb. mod tr. forwent infl head forgo syl for+went pos vb. mod tr. forgone infl head forgo syl for+gone. pos vb. mod tr. forgo 1. or forego syl for+go pron pos vb. mod tr. def to give up or do without. forgo 2. or forego syl for+go pron pos vb. mod tr. qual Archaic. def to leave. forgoer sub head forgo or foregoer syl for+1go+er pos n. foregoer sub head forgo or forgoer syl fore+1go+er pos n. forgot 1. syl for+got pron pos vb. def the past tense of {forget}. forgot 2. syl for+got pron pos vb. qual Archaic or dialect. def a past participle of {forget}. forgotten 0. syl for+got+ten pron pos vb. def the past participle of {forget}. forint ety from Hungarian, from Italian fiorino #7florin forint 0. syl for+int pron Hungarian <1forint> pos n. def the standard monetary unit of Hungary, divided into 100 fill*'er. forejudge alt head forjudge or forjudge syl fore+judge pron pos vb. mod tr. forjudge 1. or forejudge syl for+judge pron pos vb. mod tr. qual Law. def to deprive of a right by the judgment of a court. forjudge 2. or forejudge syl for+judge pron pos vb. mod tr. qual Law.; Chiefly U.S. def to expel (an officer or attorney) from court for misconduct. forjudgment sub head forjudge or forejudgment syl for+1judg+ment pos n. forejudgment sub head forjudge or forjudgment syl fore+1judg+ment pos n. fork ety Old English forca, from Latin furca fork 1. syl fork pron pos n. def a small usually metal implement consisting of two, three, or four long thin prongs on the end of a handle, used for lifting food to the mouth or turning it in cooking, etc. fork 2. syl fork pron pos n. def an agricultural tool consisting of a handle and three or four metal prongs, used for lifting, digging, etc. fork 3. syl fork pron pos n. def a pronged part of any machine, device, etc. fork 4.a. syl fork pron pos n. def a division into two or more branches. fork 4.b. syl fork pron pos n. def the point where the division begins. fork 4.c. syl fork pron pos n. def such a branch. fork 5. syl fork pron pos n. qual Chiefly U.S. def the main tributary of a river. fork 6. syl fork pron pos n. qual Chess. def a position in which two pieces are forked. fork 7. syl fork pron pos vb. mod tr. def to pick up, dig, etc., with a fork. fork 8. syl fork pron pos vb. mod tr. qual Chess. def to place (two enemy pieces) under attack with one of one's own pieces, esp. a knight. fork 9. syl fork pron pos vb. mod tr. def to make into the shape of a fork. fork 10. syl fork pron pos vb. mod intr. def to be divided into two or more branches. fork 11. syl fork pron pos vb. def to take one or other branch at a fork in a road, river, etc. forkful sub head fork syl fork+ful pos n. forked 1.a. syl forked pron , <1fc:kid> pos adj. def having a fork or forklike parts. forked 1.b. syl forked pron , <1fc:kid> pos adj. usage in combination exam 1 two-forked. forked 2. syl forked pron , <1fc:kid> pos adj. def having sharp angles; zigzag. forked 3. syl forked pron , <1fc:kid> pos adj. def insincere or equivocal (esp. in the phrase {forked tongue}) . forkedly sub head forked syl fork+ed+ly pron <1fc:kidli> pos adv. forkedness sub head forked syl fork+ed+ness pos n. forked lightning 0. syl forked light+ning pos n. def a zigzag form of lightning. Also called: {chain lightning}. fork-lift truck 0. syl fork-lift truck pos n. def a vehicle having two power-operated horizontal prongs that can be raised and lowered for loading, transporting, and unloading goods, esp. goods that are stacked on wooden pallets. over infl head fork out or fork oup syl over pos vb. adv. fork oup infl head fork out or over syl fork oup pos vb. adv. fork out 0. syl fork out pos vb. adv. qual Slang. def to pay (money, goods, etc.), esp. with reluctance. Forli 0. syl For+l*`i pron Italian pos n. def a city in N Italy, in Emilia-Romagna. Pop.: 108888 (1975 est.). Ancient name: {Forum Livii}. forlorn ety Old English forloren lost, from forl*_eosan to lose; related to Old Saxon farliosan, Gothic fraliusan, Greek luein to release forlorn 1. syl for+lorn pron pos adj. def miserable, wretched, or cheerless; desolate. forlorn 2. syl for+lorn pron pos adj. def deserted; forsaken. forlorn 3. syl for+lorn pron pos adj. usage postpositive; foll. by of def destitute; bereft. exam 1 forlorn of hope. forlorn 4. syl for+lorn pron pos adj. def desperate. exam 1 the last forlorn attempt. forlornly sub head forlorn syl for+1lorn+ly pos adv. forlornness sub head forlorn syl for+1lorn+ness pos n. forlorn hope ety C16 (in the obsolete sense): changed (by folk etymology) from Dutch verloren hoop lost troop, from verloren, past participle of verliezen to lose+ hoop troop (literally: heap) forlorn hope 1. syl for+lorn hope pos n. def a hopeless or desperate enterprise. forlorn hope 2. syl for+lorn hope pos n. def a faint hope. forlorn hope 3. syl for+lorn hope pos n. qual Obsolete. def a group of soldiers assigned to an extremely dangerous duty. form ety C13: from Old French forme, from Latin forma shape, model form 1. syl form pron pos n. def the shape or configuration of something as distinct from its colour, texture, etc. form 2. syl form pron pos n. def the particular mode, appearance, etc., in which a thing or person manifests itself. exam 1 water in the form of ice; exam 2 in the form of a bat. form 3. syl form pron pos n. def a type or kind. exam 1 imprisonment is a form of punishment. form 4.a. syl form pron pos n. def a printed document, esp. one with spaces in which to insert facts or answers. exam 1 an application form. form 4.b. syl form pron pos n. usage as modifier exam 1 a form letter. form 5. syl form pron pos n. def physical or mental condition, esp. good condition, with reference to ability to perform. exam 1 off form. form 6. syl form pron pos n. def the previous record of a horse, athlete, etc., esp. with regard to fitness. form 7. syl form pron pos n. def style, arrangement, or design in the arts, as opposed to content. form 8. syl form pron pos n. def a fixed mode of artistic expression or representation in literary, musical, or other artistic works. exam 1 sonata form; exam 2 sonnet form. form 9. syl form pron pos n. def a mould, frame, etc., that gives shape to something. form 10. syl form pron pos n. qual Edu?!cation, chiefly Brit. def a group of children who are taught to?!geth?!er; class. form 11. syl form pron pos n. def manner, method, or style of doing some?!thing, esp. with regard to recognized standards. form 12. syl form pron pos n. def behaviour or procedure, esp. as governed by custom or etiquette. exam 1 good form. form 13. syl form pron pos n. def formality or ceremony. form 14. syl form pron pos n. def a prescribed set or order of words, terms, etc., as in a religious ceremony or legal document. form 15.a. syl form pron pos n. def the essence of something, esp. as distinguished from form 15.b. syl form pron pos n. usage in the philosophy of Aristotle def that which makes a thing belong to its particular class. form 16.a. syl form pron pos n. def the pattern of an argument by which the reasoning can be shown to be logically valid or invalid. form 16.b. syl form pron pos n. def the related pattern of a set of propositions or arguments all of which have different subject matter. form 17. syl form pron pos n. qual Brit. def a bench, esp. one that is long, low, and backless. form 18. syl form pron pos n. def the nest or hollow in which a hare lives. form 19. syl form pron pos n. def a group of organisms within a species that differ from similar groups by trivial differences, as of colour. form 20.a. syl form pron pos n. def the phonological or orthographic shape or appearance of a linguistic element, such as a word. form 20.b. syl form pron pos n. def a linguistic element considered from the point of view of its shape or sound rather than, for example, its meaning. form 21. syl form pron pos n. qual Crystallog. def See {crystal form. ~} form 22. syl form pron pos n. def to give shape or form to or to take shape or form, esp. a specified or particular shape. form 23. syl form pron pos n. def to come or bring into existence. exam 1 a scum formed on the surface. form 24. syl form pron pos n. def to make, produce, or construct or be made, produced, or constructed. form 25. syl form pron pos n. def to construct or develop in the mind. exam 1 to form an opinion. form 26. syl form pron pos n. mod tr. def to train, develop, or mould by instruction, discipline, or example. form 27. syl form pron pos n. mod tr. def to acquire, contract, or develop. exam 1 to form a habit. form 28. syl form pron pos n. mod tr. def to be an element of, serve as, or constitute. exam 1 this plank will form a bridge. form 29. syl form pron pos n. mod tr. def to draw up; organize. exam 1 to form a club. formable sub head form syl form+a:ble pos adj. Form 0. syl Form pron pos n. qual Philosophy. def a Platonic idea. See { {idea} (sense 7).} -form ety from New Latin -formis, from Latin, from f*_orma #7form -form 0. syl -form pos adj. usage combining form. def having the shape or form of or resembling. exam 1 cruciform; exam 2 vermiform. formal ety C14: from Latin form*_alis formal H1.1. syl for+mal pron <1fc:m*l> pos adj. def of, according to, or following established or prescribed forms, conventions, etc.. exam 1 a formal document. formal H1.2. syl for+mal pron <1fc:m*l> pos adj. def characterized by observation of conventional forms of ceremony, behaviour, dress, etc.. exam 1 a formal dinner. formal H1.3. syl for+mal pron <1fc:m*l> pos adj. def methodical, precise, or stiff. formal H1.4. syl for+mal pron <1fc:m*l> pos adj. def suitable for occasions organized according to conventional ceremony. exam 1 formal dress. formal H1.5. syl for+mal pron <1fc:m*l> pos adj. def denoting or characterized by idiom, vocabulary, etc., used by educated speakers and writers of a language. formal H1.6. syl for+mal pron <1fc:m*l> pos adj. def acquired by study in academic institutions. exam 1 a formal education. formal H1.7. syl for+mal pron <1fc:m*l> pos adj. def regular or symmetrical in form. exam 1 a formal garden. formal H1.8. syl for+mal pron <1fc:m*l> pos adj. def of or relating to the appearance, form, etc., of something as distinguished from its substance. formal H1.9. syl for+mal pron <1fc:m*l> pos adj. def logically deductive. exam 1 formal proof. formal H1.10.a. syl for+mal pron <1fc:m*l> pos adj. def of or relating to form as opposed to matter. formal H1.10.b. syl for+mal pron <1fc:m*l> pos adj. usage in the writings of Aristotle def essential. formal H1.11. syl for+mal pron <1fc:m*l> pos adj. def denoting a second-person pronoun in some languages used when the addressee is a stranger, social superior, etc.. exam 1 in French the pronoun formally sub head formal syl for+mal+ly pos adv. formalness sub head formal syl for+mal+ness pos n. formal ety C19: from #7form (#7ic) #7+{-#7al %3} formal H2.0. syl for+mal pron <1fc:m@l> pos n. def another name for {methylal}. formaldehyde ety C19: #7form (#7ic) #7+aldehyde ; on the model of German Formaldehyd formaldehyde 0. syl for+mal+de+hyde pron pos n. def a colourless poisonous irritating gas with a pungent characteristic odour, made by the oxidation of methanol and used as formalin and in the manufacture of synthetic resins. Formula: HCHO. Also called: {methanal}. formol alt head formalin or formalin syl for+mol pron <1fc:mol> pos n. formalin 0. or formol syl for+ma+lin pron <1fc:m*lin> pos n. def a 40-per-cent solution of formaldehyde in water, used as a disinfectant, preservative for biological specimens, etc. formalism 1. syl for+mal+ism pron <1fc:m*2liz*m> pos n. def scrupulous or excessive adherence to outward form at the expense of inner reality or content. formalism 2. syl for+mal+ism pron <1fc:m*2liz*m> pos n. def the mathematical or logical structure of a scientific argument as distinguished from its subject matter. formalism 3. syl for+mal+ism pron <1fc:m*2liz*m> pos n. qual Theatre. def a stylised mode of production. formalism 4. syl for+mal+ism pron <1fc:m*2liz*m> pos n. usage in Marxist criticism, etc. def excessive concern with artistic technique at the expense of social values, etc. formalism 5. syl for+mal+ism pron <1fc:m*2liz*m> pos n. def the philosophical theory that a mathematical statement has no meaning but that its symbols, regarded as physical objects, exhibit a structure that has useful applications. Compare {logicism, intuitionism}. formalist sub head formalism syl for+mal+ist pos n. formalistic sub head formalism syl for+mal+1is+tic pos adj. formalistically sub head formalism syl for+mal+1is+ti+cal+ly pos adv. formalities infl head formality syl for+mal+i:ties. pos n. mod pl. formality 1. syl for+mal+i:ty pron pos n. def a requirement of rule, custom, etiquette, etc. formality 2. syl for+mal+i:ty pron pos n. def the condition or quality of being formal or conventional. formality 3. syl for+mal+i:ty pron pos n. def strict or excessive observance of form, ceremony, etc. formality 4. syl for+mal+i:ty pron pos n. def an established, proper, or conventional method, act, or procedure. formalise alt head formalize or formalize syl for+mal+ise pron <1fc:m*2lIz> pos vb. formalize 1. or formalise syl for+mal+ize pron <1fc:m*2lIz> pos vb. def to be or make formal. formalize 2. or formalise syl for+mal+ize pron <1fc:m*2lIz> pos vb. mod tr. def to make official or valid. formalize 3. or formalise syl for+mal+ize pron <1fc:m*2lIz> pos vb. mod tr. def to give a definite shape or form to. formalization sub head formalize or formalisation syl for+mal:i+1za+tion pos n. formalisation sub head formalize or formalization syl for+mal:i+1sa+tion pos n. formalizer sub head formalize or formaliser syl for+mal+2iz+er pos n. formaliser sub head formalize or formalizer syl for+mal+2is+er pos n. formal language 0. syl for+mal lan+guage pos n. def a language designed for use in situations in which natural language is unsuitable, as for example in mathematics, logic, or computer programming. The symbols and formulas of such languages stand in precisely specified syntactic and semantic relations to one another. formal logic 0. syl for+mal log+ic pos n. def a branch of logic concerned with the analysis of the structure of propositions and with the deductive processes by which conclusions are drawn from propositions. See also {symbolic logic}. formant 0. syl for+mant pron <1fc:m*nt> pos n. qual Acoustics, phonetics. def any of several frequency ranges within which the partials of a sound, esp. a vowel sound, are at their strongest, thus imparting to the sound its own special quality, tone colour, or timbre. format ety C19: via French from German, from Latin liber form*_atus volume formed format 1. syl for+mat pron <1fc:m@t> pos n. def the general appearance of a publication, including type style, paper, binding, etc. format 2. syl for+mat pron <1fc:m@t> pos n. def an approximate indication of the size of a publication as determined by the number of times the original sheet of paper is folded to make a leaf. See also {duodecimo, quarto}. format 3. syl for+mat pron <1fc:m@t> pos n. def style, plan, or arrange?!ment, as of a television programme. format 4. syl for+mat pron <1fc:m@t> pos n. qual Computer technol. def the arrangement of data on magnetic tape, paper tape, etc., to comply with a computer's specific input device. {~} {+mats, +mat+ting, +mat+ted}. format 5. syl for+mat pron <1fc:m@t> pos n. def to arrange (a book, page, etc.) into a specified format. formate ety C19: from #7form (#7ic) #7+ {-#7ate %1} formate 0. syl for+mate pron <1fc:mAt> pos n. def any salt or ester of formic acid containing the ion HCOO%#- or the group HCOO-. formation 1. syl for+ma+tion pron pos n. def the act of giving or taking form, shape, or existence. formation 2. syl for+ma+tion pron pos n. def something that is formed. formation 3. syl for+ma+tion pron pos n. def the manner in which something is formed or arranged. formation 4. syl for+ma+tion pron pos n. def a formal arrangement of a number of persons or things acting as a unit, such as a troop of soldiers, aircraft in flight, or a football team. formation 5. syl for+ma+tion pron pos n. def a series of rocks with certain characteristics in common. formation 6. syl for+ma+tion pron pos n. qual Ecology. def a community of plants, such as a tropical rain forest, extending over a very large area. formational sub head formation syl for+1ma+tion+al pos adj. formative 1. syl form:a+tive pron <1fc:m*tiv> pos adj. def of or relating to formation, development, or growth. exam 1 formative years. formative 2. syl form:a+tive pron <1fc:m*tiv> pos adj. def shaping; moulding. exam 1 a formative experience. formative 3. syl form:a+tive pron <1fc:m*tiv> pos adj. usage of tissues and cells in certain parts of an organism def capable of growth and differentiation. formative 4. syl form:a+tive pron <1fc:m*tiv> pos adj. def functioning in the formation of derived, inflected, or compound words. formative 5. syl form:a+tive pron <1fc:m*tiv> pos n. def an inflectional or derivational affix. formative 6. syl form:a+tive pron <1fc:m*tiv> pos n. usage in generative grammar def any of the minimum units of a sentence that have syntactic function. formatively sub head formative syl form:a+tive+ly pos adv. formativeness sub head formative syl form:a+tive+ness pos n. form class 1. syl form class pos n. def another term for {part of speech}. form class 2. syl form class pos n. def a group of words distinguished by common inflections, such as the weak verbs of English. form drag 0. syl form drag pos n. def the drag on a body moving through a fluid as a result of the shape of the body. It can be reduced by streamlining. forme ety C15: from French: #7form form alt head forme or forme syl form pron pos n. qual U.S. forme 0. or form syl forme pron pos n. qual Printing. def type matter, blocks, etc., assembled in a chase and ready for printing. former H1.1. syl for+mer pron <1fc:m*> pos adj. usage prenominal def belonging to or occurring in an earlier time. exam 1 former glory. former H1.2. syl for+mer pron <1fc:m*> pos adj. usage prenominal def having been at a previous time. exam 1 a former colleague. former H1.3. syl for+mer pron <1fc:m*> pos adj. usage prenominal def denoting the first or first mentioned of two. exam 1 in the former case. former H1.4. syl for+mer pron <1fc:m*> pos adj. usage prenominal def near the beginning. the former 5. head former syl the former. usage prenominal def the first or first mentioned of two: distinguished from former H2.1. syl form+er pron <1fc:m*> pos n. def a person or thing that forms or shapes. former H2.2. syl form+er pron <1fc:m*> pos n. qual Electrical engineering. def a tool for giving a coil or winding the required shape, sometimes consisting of a frame on which the wire can be wound, the frame then being removed. formerly 1. syl for+mer+ly pron <1fc:m*li> pos adv. def at or in a former time; in the past. formerly 2. syl for+mer+ly pron <1fc:m*li> pos adv. qual Obsolete. def in the immediate past; just now. form genus 0. syl form ge+nus pos n. def a group of species ({form species}) that have similar structural characteristics but are not closely related. formic ety C18: from Latin form*_ica ant; the acid occurs naturally in ants formic 1. syl for+mic pron <1fc:mik> pos adj. def of, relating to, or derived from ants. formic 2. syl for+mic pron <1fc:mik> pos adj. def of, containing, or derived from formic acid. Formica 0. syl For+mi+ca pron pos n. qual Trademark. def any of various laminated plastic sheets, containing melamine, used esp. for heat-resistant surfaces that can be easily cleaned. formic acid 0. syl for+mic ac:id pos n. def a colourless corrosive liquid carboxylic acid found in some insects, esp. ants, and many plants: used in dyeing textiles and the manufacture of insecticides and refrigerants. Formula: HCOOH. formicary ety C19: from Medieval Latin form*_ic*_arium; see #7formic formicarium alt head formicary or formicary syl for+mi+car+i:um pron <-1ke*ri*> pos n. formicaries infl head formicary or formicaria syl for+mi+car:ies pron <-1ke*ri*> pos n. mod pl. formicaria infl head formicary or formicaries syl for+mi+car:i:a pron <-1ke*ri*> pos n. mod pl. formicary 0. or formicarium syl for+mi+car:y pron <1fc:mik*ri> pos n. def less common names for {ant hill}. formicate ety C17: from Latin form*_ic*_are, from form*_ica ant formicate 1. syl for+mi+cate pron <1fc:mi2kAt> pos vb. mod intr. qual Now rare. def to crawl around like ants. formicate 2. syl for+mi+cate pron <1fc:mi2kAt> pos vb. mod intr. qual Now rare. def to swarm with ants or other crawling things. formication 0. syl for+mi+ca+tion pron <2fc:mi1kAS*n> pos n. def a sensation of insects crawling on the skin; symptom of a nerve disorder. formidable ety C15: from Latin form*_id*_abilis, from form*_id*_are to dread, from form*_id*_o fear formidable 1. syl for+mi+da:ble pron <1fc:mid*bL> pos adj. def arousing or likely to inspire fear or dread. formidable 2. syl for+mi+da:ble pron <1fc:mid*bL> pos adj. def extremely difficult to defeat, overcome, manage, etc.. exam 1 a formidable problem. formidable 3. syl for+mi+da:ble pron <1fc:mid*bL> pos adj. def tending to inspire awe or admiration because of great size, strength, excellence, etc. formidability sub head formidable or formidableness syl for+mi+da:1bil+i:ty pos n. formidableness sub head formidable or formidability syl for+mi+da:ble+ness pos n. formidably sub head formidable syl for+mi+da:bly pos adv. formless 0. syl form+less pron <1fc:mlis> pos adj. def without a definite shape or form; amorphous. formlessly sub head formless syl form+less+ly pos adv. formlessness sub head formless syl form+less+ness pos n. form letter 0. syl form let+ter pos n. def a single copy of a letter that has been mechanically reproduced in large numbers for circulation. Formosa 0. syl For+mo+sa pron pos n. def the former name of {Taiwan}. Formosa Strait 0. syl For+mo+sa Strait pos n. def an arm of the Pacific between Taiwan and mainland China, linking the East and South China Seas. Also called: {Taiwan Strait}. formula ety C17: from Latin: diminutive of forma #7form &- for+mu+la@.ic (@!f@$$:mj$u#!le$I$Ik) adj. formulas infl head formula or formulae syl for+mu+las pron <-2lE> pos n. mod pl. formulae infl head formula or formulas syl for+mu+lae pron <-2lE> pos n. mod pl. formula 1. syl for+mu+la pron <1fc:mjul*> pos n. def an established form or set of words, as used in religious ceremonies, legal proceedings, etc. formula 2. syl for+mu+la pron <1fc:mjul*> pos n. qual Maths, physics. def a general relationship, principle, or rule stated, often as an equation, in the form of symbols. formula 3. syl for+mu+la pron <1fc:mjul*> pos n. qual Chem. def a representation of molecules, radicals, ions, etc., expressed in the symbols of the atoms of their constituent elements. See {molecular formula, empirical formula, structural formula}. formula 4. syl for+mu+la pron <1fc:mjul*> pos n. def a method or rule for doing or producing something, often one proved to be successful. formula 5.a. syl for+mu+la pron <1fc:mjul*> pos n. def a prescription for making up a medicine, baby's food, etc. formula 5.b. syl for+mu+la pron <1fc:mjul*> pos n. def a substance prepared according to such a prescription. formula 6. syl for+mu+la pron <1fc:mjul*> pos n. qual Motor racing. def the specific category in which a particu?!lar type of car competes, judged according to engine size, weight, and fuel capacity. formularise alt head formularize or formularize syl for+mu+lar+ise pron <1fc:mjul*2rIz> pos vb. formularize 0. or formularise syl for+mu+lar+ize pron <1fc:mjul*2rIz> pos vb. def a less common word for {formulate} (sense 1). formularization sub head formularize or formularisation syl for+mu+lar:i+1za+tion pos n. formularisation sub head formularize or formularization syl for+mu+lar:i+1sa+tion pos n. formularizer sub head formularize or formulariser syl for+mu+lar+2iz+er pos n. formulariser sub head formularize or formularizer syl for+mu+lar+2is+er pos n. formularies infl head formulary syl for+mu+lar:ies. pos n. mod pl. formulary 1. syl for+mu+lar:y pron <1fc:mjul*ri> pos n. def a book or system of prescribed formulas, esp. relating to religious procedure or doctrine. formulary 2. syl for+mu+lar:y pron <1fc:mjul*ri> pos n. def a formula. formulary 3. syl for+mu+lar:y pron <1fc:mjul*ri> pos n. qual Pharmacol. def a book containing a list of pharmaceutical products with their formulas and means of preparation. formulary 4. syl for+mu+lar:y pron <1fc:mjul*ri> pos adj. def of, relating to, or of the nature of a formula. formulate 1. syl for+mu+late pron <1fc:mju2lAt> pos vb. mod tr. def to put into or express in systematic terms; express in or as if in a formula. formulate 2. syl for+mu+late pron <1fc:mju2lAt> pos vb. mod tr. def to devise. formulation sub head formulate syl for+mu+1la+tion pos n. formulator sub head formulate syl for+mu+2la+tor pos n. formulism 0. syl for+mu+lism pron <1fc:mju2liz*m> pos n. def adherence to or belief in formulas. formulist sub head formulism syl for+mu+list pos n. adj. formulistic sub head formulism syl for+mu+1lis+tic pos adj. formwork 0. syl form+work pron <1fc:m2wR:k> pos n. def an arrangement of wooden boards, bolts, etc., used to shape reinforced concrete while it is setting. Also called (esp. Brit.): {shuttering}. formyl ety C19: from #7form (#7ic) #7+ -#7yl formyl 0. syl for+myl pron <1fc:mIl> pos n. usage modifier def of, consisting of, or containing the monovalent group HCO-. exam 1 a formyl group or radical. Fornax ety Latin: oven, kiln Fornacis infl head Fornax syl For+na+cis pron , <-1n@s-> pos n. qual Latin genitive Fornax 0. syl For+nax pron <1fc:n@ks> pos n. def a faint constellation in the S hemisphere lying between Cetus and Phoenix. fornenst ety from Scottish, from #7fore %1#7+ anenst a variant of archaic #7anent fornenst 0. syl for+nenst pron pos prep. qual Scot. and northeast English dialect. def situated against or facing towards fornicate ety C16: from Late Latin fornic*_ar*_i, from Latin fornix vault, brothel situated therein fornicate H1.0. syl for+ni+cate pron <1fc:ni2kAt> pos vb. mod intr. def to indulge in or commit fornication. fornicator sub head fornicate syl for+ni+2ca+tor pos n. fornicate ety C19: from Latin fornic*_atus arched, from fornix vault fornicated alt head fornicate or fornicate syl for+ni+cat+ed pron <1fc:nikit>, <-2kAt> pos adj. fornicate H2.0. or fornicated syl for+ni+cate pron <1fc:nikit>, <-2kAt> pos adj. qual Biology. def arched or hoodlike in form. fornication 1. syl for+ni+ca+tion pron <2fc:ni1kAS*n> pos n. def voluntary sexual intercourse outside marriage. fornication 2. syl for+ni+ca+tion pron <2fc:ni1kAS*n> pos n. qual Law. def voluntary sexual intercourse between two persons of the opposite sex, where one or both are unmarried. fornication 3. syl for+ni+ca+tion pron <2fc:ni1kAS*n> pos n. qual Bible. def sexual immorality in general, esp. adultery. fornix ety C17: from Latin; see #7fornicate %2 fornices infl head fornix syl for+ni+ces pron <-ni2sEz> pos n. mod pl. fornix 0. syl for+nix pron <1fc:niks> pos n. qual Anatomy. def any archlike structure, esp. the arched band of white fibres at the base of the brain. fornical sub head fornix syl for+ni+cal pos adj. John infl head Forrest syl John pos n. Forrest 0. syl For:rest pron <1forist> pos n. def 1st Baron Forrest. 1847-1918, Australian statesman and explorer; first prime minister of Western Australia (1890-1901). forsake ety Old English forsacan forsakes infl head forsake syl for+sakes pos vb. mod tr. forsaking infl head forsake syl for+sak+ing pos vb. mod tr. forsook infl head forsake syl for+sook pos vb. mod tr. forsaken infl head forsake syl for+sak+en. pos vb. mod tr. forsake 1. syl for+sake pron pos vb. mod tr. def to abandon. forsake 2. syl for+sake pron pos vb. mod tr. def to give up (something valued or enjoyed). forsaker sub head forsake syl for+1sak+er pos n. forsaken 1. syl for+sak+en pron pos vb. def the past participle of {forsake}. forsaken 2. syl for+sak+en pron pos adj. def completely deserted or helpless; abandoned. forsakenly sub head forsaken syl for+1sak+en+ly pos adv. forsakenness sub head forsaken syl for+1sak+en+ness pos n. forsook 0. syl for+sook pron pos vb. def the past tense of {forsake}. forsooth ety Old English fors*_oth forsooth 0. syl for+sooth pron pos adv. qual Archaic. def in truth; indeed. forspeaks infl head forspeak syl for+speaks pos vb. mod tr. forspeaking infl head forspeak syl for+speak+ing pos vb. mod tr. forspoke infl head forspeak syl for+spoke pos vb. mod tr. forspoken infl head forspeak syl for+spo+ken. pos vb. mod tr. forspeak 0. syl for+speak pron pos vb. mod tr. qual Scot. archaic. def to bewitch. forespent alt head forspent or forspent syl fore+spent pron pos adj. forspent 0. or forespent syl for+spent pron pos adj. qual Archaic. def tired out; exhausted. E (dward) M (organ) infl head Forster syl E (dward) M (organ) . pos n. Forster 0. syl For:ster pron <1fc:st*> pos n. def 1879-1970, English novelist, short-story writer, and essayist. His best-known novels are (1908), (1910), and (1924), in all of which he stresses the need for sincerity and sensitivity in human relationships and criticizes English middle-class values. forsterite ety C19: named after J. R. Forster (1729-98), German naturalist forsterite 0. syl for+ster+ite pron <1fc:st*2rIt> pos n. def a white, yellow, or green mineral of the olivine group consisting of magnesium silicate. Formula: Mg\2SiO\4. forswear ety Old English forswearian forswears infl head forswear syl for+swears pos vb. forswearing infl head forswear syl for+swear+ing pos vb. forswore infl head forswear syl for+swore pos vb. forsworn infl head forswear syl for+sworn. pos vb. forswear 1. syl for+swear pron pos vb. mod tr. def to reject or renounce with determination or as upon oath. forswear 2. syl for+swear pron pos vb. mod tr. def to deny or disavow absolutely or upon oath. exam 1 he forswore any knowledge of the crime. forswear 3. syl for+swear pron pos vb. def to perjure (oneself). forswearer sub head forswear syl for+1swear+er pos n. forsworn 0. syl for+sworn pron pos vb. def the past participle of {forswear}. forswornness sub head forsworn syl for+1sworn+ness pos n. forsythia ety C19: New Latin, named after William Forsyth (1737-1804), English botanist forsythia 0. syl for+syth:i:a pron pos n. def any oleaceous shrub of the genus native to China, Japan, and SE Europe but widely cultivated for its showy yellow bell-shaped flowers, which appear in spring before the foliage. Also called: {winter jasmine}. fort ety C15: from Old French, from fort (adj.) strong, from Latin fortis fort 1. syl fort pron pos n. def a fortified enclosure, building, or position able to be defended against an enemy. hold the fort 2. head fort syl hold the fort. qual Informal. def to maintain or guard something temporarily. fort 1. syl fort. qual abbrev. for: def fortification. fort 2. syl fort. qual abbrev. for: def fortified. Fortaleza 0. syl For+ta+le:za pron Portuguese <2forta1lAza> pos n. def a port in NE Brazil, capital of Cear*'a state. Pop.: 520175 (1970). Also called: {Cear*'a}. fortalice ety C15: from Medieval Latin fortalitia, from Latin fortis strong; see #7fortress fortalice 0. syl for+ta+lice pron <1fc:t*lis> pos n. def a small fort or outwork of a fortification. Fort-de-France 0. syl Fort-de-France pron French <1fr?~a:s> pos n. def the capital of Marti?!nique, a port on the W coast: commercial centre of the French Antilles. Pop.: 99051 (1967). forte ety C17: from French fort, from fort (adj.) strong, from Latin fortis forte H1.1. syl forte pron , <1fc:tA> pos n. def something at which a person excels; strong point. exam 1 cooking is my forte. forte H1.2. syl forte pron , <1fc:tA> pos n. qual Fencing. def the stronger section of a sword blade, between the hilt and the middle. Compare {foible}. forte ety C18: from Italian, from Latin fortis strong infl head forte syl ~ pos adj. adv. qual Music. forte H2.1. syl for+te pron <1fc:ti> pos adj. adv. def loud or loudly. {~} forte H2.2. syl for+te pron <1fc:ti> pos adj. adv. def a loud passage in music. Symbol. exam 1 f fortepiano ety from Italian, loud-soft fortepiano 0. syl for:te+pi:an:o pron <2fc:tipi1@n*u> pos n. def an early type of piano popular in the late 18th century. infl head forte-piano syl ~ pos adj. adv. qual Music. forte-piano 1. syl for:te-pia:no pron <2fc:ti1pja:n*u> pos adj. adv. def loud and then immediately soft. {~} forte-piano 2. syl for:te-pia:no pron <2fc:ti1pja:n*u> pos adj. adv. def a note played in this way. Symbol. exam 1 fp forth ety Old English; related to Middle High German vort; see #7for, further forth 1. syl forth pron pos adv. def forward in place, time, order, or degree. forth 2. syl forth pron pos adv. def out, as from concealment, seclusion, or inaction. forth 3. syl forth pron pos adv. def away, as from a place or country. and so forth 4. head forth syl and so forth. def and so on; etcetera. forth 5. syl forth pron pos prep. qual Archaic. def out of; away from. Firth of 1. head Forth syl Firth of. def an inlet of the North Sea in SE Scotland: spanned by a cantilever railway bridge 1600 m (almost exactly 1 mile) long (1889), and by a road bridge (1964). Forth 2. syl Forth pron pos n. def a river in S Scotland, flowing generally east to the Firth of Forth. Length: about 104 km (65 miles). forthcoming 1. syl forth+com+ing pron <1fc:T1k^miG> pos adj. def approaching in time. exam 1 the forthcoming debate. forthcoming 2. syl forth+com+ing pron <1fc:T1k^miG> pos adj. def about to appear. exam 1 his forthcoming book. forthcoming 3. syl forth+com+ing pron <1fc:T1k^miG> pos adj. def available or ready. exam 1 the money wasn't forthcoming. forthcoming 4. syl forth+com+ing pron <1fc:T1k^miG> pos adj. def open or sociable. forthcomingness sub head forthcoming syl forth+1com+ing+ness pos n. forthright 1. syl forth+right pron <1fc:T2rIt> pos adj. def direct and outspoken. forthright 2. syl forth+right pron <2fc:T1rIt>, <1fc:T2rIt> pos adv. usage also def in a direct manner; frankly. forthright 3. syl forth+right pron <2fc:T1rIt>, <1fc:T2rIt> pos adv. usage also def at once. forthrightness sub head forthright syl forth+2right+ness pos n. forthwith 0. syl forth+with pron <2fc:T1wiT>, <-1wi@d> pos adv. def at once; immediately. fortieth ety Old English f*_eowertigotha fortieth 1.a. syl for+ti+eth pron <1fc:tiiT> pos adj. def being the ordinal number of in numbering or counting order, position, time, etc.: often written 40th. fortieth 1.b. syl for+ti+eth pron <1fc:tiiT> pos as; n. exam 1 he was the fortieth. fortieth 2.a. syl for+ti+eth pron <1fc:tiiT> pos n. def one of 40 approximately equal parts of something. fortieth 2.b. syl for+ti+eth pron <1fc:tiiT> pos n. usage as modifier exam 1 a fortieth part. fortieth 3. syl for+ti+eth pron <1fc:tiiT> pos n. def the fraction equal to one divided by 40 (1/40#800316) . fortification 1. syl for+ti+fi+ca+tion pron <2fc:tifi1kAS*n> pos n. def the act, art, or science of fortifying or strengthening. fortification 2.a. syl for+ti+fi+ca+tion pron <2fc:tifi1kAS*n> pos n. def a wall, mound, etc., used to fortify a place. fortification 2.b. syl for+ti+fi+ca+tion pron <2fc:tifi1kAS*n> pos n. def such works collectively. fortification 3. syl for+ti+fi+ca+tion pron <2fc:tifi1kAS*n> pos n. def any place that can be militarily defended. fortified wine 0. syl for+ti+fied wine pos n. def wine treated by the addition of brandy or alcohol, such as port, marsala, and sherry. fortify ety C15: from Old French fortifier, from Late Latin fortific*_are, from Latin fortis strong+ facere to make fortifies infl head fortify syl for+ti+fies pos vb. mod mainly; tr. fortifying infl head fortify syl for+ti+fy+ing pos vb. mod mainly; tr. fortified infl head fortify syl for+ti+fied. pos vb. mod mainly; tr. fortify 1. syl for+ti+fy pron <1fc:ti2fI> pos vb. mod also; intr. def to make (a place) defensible, as by building walls, digging trenches, etc. fortify 2. syl for+ti+fy pron <1fc:ti2fI> pos vb. mod mainly; tr. def to strengthen physically, mentally, or morally. fortify 3. syl for+ti+fy pron <1fc:ti2fI> pos vb. mod mainly; tr. def to strengthen, support, or reinforce (a garment, structure, etc.). fortify 4. syl for+ti+fy pron <1fc:ti2fI> pos vb. mod mainly; tr. def to add spirits or alcohol to (wine), in order to produce sherry, port, etc. fortify 5. syl for+ti+fy pron <1fc:ti2fI> pos vb. mod mainly; tr. def to increase the nutritious value of (a food), as by adding vitamins and minerals. fortify 6. syl for+ti+fy pron <1fc:ti2fI> pos vb. mod mainly; tr. def to support or confirm. exam 1 to fortify an argument with facts. fortifiable sub head fortify syl for+ti+2fi+a:ble pos adj. fortifier sub head fortify syl for+ti+2fi+er pos n. fortifyingly sub head fortify syl for+ti+2fy+ing+ly pos adv. fortis ety Latin: strong fortis 1. syl for+tis pron <1fc:tis> pos adj. qual Phonetics. usage of a consonant def articu?!lated with considerable muscular tension of the speech organs or with a great deal of breath pressure or plosion. fortes infl head fortis syl for+tes pron <-tEz> pos n. mod pl. fortis 2. syl for+tis pron <-tEz> pos n. qual Phonetics. def a consonant, such as English or pro?!nounced with considerable muscular force or breath pressure. fortis xref syl for+tis pron <1fc:tis> qual Phonetics. def Compare {lenis}. fortissimo ety C18: from Italian, from Latin fortissimus, from fortis strong infl head fortissimo syl ~ pos adj. adv. qual Music. fortissimo 1. syl for+tis+si+mo pron pos adj. adv. def very loud. {~} fortissimo 2. syl for+tis+si+mo pron pos adj. adv. def a very loud passage in music. Symbol. exam 1 ff fortitude ety C15: from Latin fortit*_ud*_o courage fortitude 0. syl for+ti+tude pron <1fc:ti2tju:d> pos n. def strength and firmness of mind; resolute endurance. fortitudinous sub head fortitude syl for+ti+1tu+di+nous pos adj. Fort Knox 0. syl Fort Knox pron pos n. def a military reservation in N Kentucky: site of the U.S. Gold Bullion Depository. Pop.: 37608 (1970). Fort Lamy 0. syl Fort La:my pron <1fc:t> <1la:mi>, French pos n. def the former name (until 1973) of {Ndjamena}. Fort Lauderdale 0. syl Fort Lau+der+dale pron <1lc:d*2dAl> pos n. def a city in SE Florida, on the Atlantic. Pop.: 155605 (1973 est.). fortnight ety Old English f*_eowert*_iene niht fourteen nights fortnight 0. syl fort+night pron <1fc:t2nIt> pos n. def a period of 14 consecutive days; two weeks. fortnightly 1. syl fort+night+ly pron <1fc:t2nItli> pos adj. qual Chiefly Brit. def occurring or appearing once each fortnight. fortnightly 2. syl fort+night+ly pron <1fc:t2nItli> pos adv. qual Chiefly Brit. def once a fortnight. fortnightlies infl head fortnightly syl fort+night+lies. pos n. mod pl. fortnightly 3. syl fort+night+ly pron <1fc:t2nItli> pos n. qual Chiefly Brit. def a publication issued at intervals of two weeks. FORTRAN ety C20: from for (mula) tran (slation) FORTRAN 0. syl FORTRAN pron <1fc:tr@n> pos n. def a high-level computer programming language for mathematical and scientific purposes, designed to facilitate and speed up the solving of complex problems. fortress ety C13: from Old French forteresse, from Medieval Latin fortalitia, from Latin fortis strong fortress 1. syl for+tress pron <1fc:tris> pos n. def a large fort or fortified town. fortress 2. syl for+tress pron <1fc:tris> pos n. def a place or source of refuge or support. fortress 3. syl for+tress pron <1fc:tris> pos vb. mod tr. def to protect with or as if with a fortress. Fort Sumter 0. syl Fort Sum+ter pron <1s^mt*> pos n. def a fort in SE South Carolina, guarding Charleston Harbour. Its capture by Confederate forces (1861) was the first action of the Civil War. fortuitism 0. syl for+tu:i+tism pron pos n. qual Philosophy. def the doctrine that evolutionary adaptations are the result of chance. Compare {tychism}. fortuitist sub head fortuitism syl for+1tu:i+tist pos n. adj. fortuitous ety C17: from Latin fortuitus happening by chance, from forte by chance, from fors chance, luck fortuitous 0. syl for+tu:i+tous pron pos adj. def happening by chance, esp. by a lucky chance; unplanned; accidental. fortuitously sub head fortuitous syl for+1tu:i+tous+ly pos adv. fortuitousness sub head fortuitous syl for+1tu:i+tous+ness pos n. fortuities infl head fortuity syl for+tu+i:ties. pos n. mod pl. fortuity 1. syl for+tu+i:ty pron pos n. def a chance or accidental occurrence. fortuity 2. syl for+tu+i:ty pron pos n. def fortuitousness. fortuity 3. syl for+tu+i:ty pron pos n. def chance or accident. Fortuna 0. syl For:tu:na pron pos n. def the Roman goddess of fortune and good luck. Greek counterpart: {Tyche}. fortunate 1. syl for+tu+nate pron <1fc:C*nit> pos adj. def having good luck; lucky. fortunate 2. syl for+tu+nate pron <1fc:C*nit> pos adj. def occurring by or bringing good fortune or luck; auspicious. fortunately sub head fortunate syl for+tu+nate+ly pos adv. fortunateness sub head fortunate syl for+tu+nate+ness pos n. fortune ety C13: from Old French, from Latin fort*_una, from fors chance fortune 1. syl for+tune pron <1fc:C*n> pos n. def an amount of wealth or material prosperity, esp., when unqualified, a great amount. small fortune 2. head fortune syl small fortune. def a large sum of money. fortune 3. syl for+tune pron <1fc:C*n> pos n. def a power or force, often personalized, regarded as being responsible for human affairs; chance. fortune 4. syl for+tune pron <1fc:C*n> pos n. def luck, esp. when favourable. fortune 5. syl for+tune pron <1fc:C*n> pos n. mod often; pl. def a person's lot or destiny. fortune 6.a. syl for+tune pron <1fc:C*n> pos vb. mod tr. def to endow with great wealth. fortune 6.b. syl for+tune pron <1fc:C*n> pos vb. mod intr. def to happen by chance. fortuneless sub head fortune syl for+tune+less pos adj. fortune-hunter 0. syl for:tune-hunt:er pos n. def a person who seeks to secure a fortune, esp. through marriage. fortune-hunting sub head fortune-hunter syl for:tune-2hunt:ing pos adj. n. fortune-teller 0. syl for:tune-tell:er pos n. def a person who makes predictions about the future as by looking into a crystal ball, reading palms, etc. fortune-telling sub head fortune-teller syl for:tune-2tell:ing pos adj. n. Fort Wayne 0. syl Fort Wayne pron pos n. def a city in NE Indiana. Pop.: 185488 (1973 est.). Fort William 0. syl Fort Wil+liam pos n. def a town in W Scotland, in the Highland region at the head of Loch Linnhe: tourist centre; the fort itself, built in 1655 and renamed after William III in 1690, was demolished in 1866. Pop.: 4195 (1971). Fort Worth 0. syl Fort Worth pron pos n. def a city in N Texas, at the junction of the Clear and West forks of the Trinity River. Pop.: 359542 (1973 est.). forty ety Old English f*_eowertig forties infl head forty syl for+ties. pos n. mod pl. forty 1. syl for+ty pron <1fc:ti> pos n. def the cardinal number that is the product of ten and four. See also { {number} (sense 1).} forty 2. syl for+ty pron <1fc:ti> pos n. def a numeral, 40, XL, etc., representing this number. forty 3. syl for+ty pron <1fc:ti> pos n. def something represent?!ing, represented by, or consisting of 40 units. forty 4.a. syl for+ty pron <1fc:ti> pos determiner. def amounting to forty. exam 1 forty thieves. forty 4.b. syl for+ty pron <1fc:ti> pos determiner. usage as pronoun exam 1 there were forty in the herd. forty-five 1. syl for:ty-five pos n. def a gramophone record played at 45 revolutions per minute. forty-five 2. syl for:ty-five pos n. qual U.S. def a pistol having .45 calibre. Forthe infl head Forty-Five syl For:the. pos n. Forty-Five 0. syl For:ty-Five pos n. qual British history. def another name for the {Jacobite Rebellion}. forty-niner 0. syl for:ty-nin:er pos n. qual U.S. history. usage sometimes cap. def a prospector who took part in the California goldrush of 1849. forty winks 0. syl for+ty winks pos n. mod functioning as; sing. pl. qual Informal. def a short light sleep; nap. forum ety C15: from Latin: public place; related to Latin foris outside forums infl head forum or fora syl fo+rums pron <-r*> pos n. mod pl. fora infl head forum or forums syl fo+ra pron <-r*> pos n. mod pl. forum 1. syl fo+rum pron <1fc:r*m> pos n. def a meeting or assembly for the open discussion of subjects of public interest. forum 2. syl fo+rum pron <1fc:r*m> pos n. def a medium for open discussion, such as a magazine. forum 3. syl fo+rum pron <1fc:r*m> pos n. def a public meeting place for open discussion. forum 4. syl fo+rum pron <1fc:r*m> pos n. def a court; tribunal. forum 5. syl fo+rum pron <1fc:r*m> pos n. usage in ancient Italy def an open space, usually rectangular in shape, serving as a city's marketplace and centre of public business. Forum Romanum alt head Forum or Forum syl Fo+rum Ro+ma+num pron pos n. the infl head Forum syl the. pos n. Forum 0. or Forum Romanum syl Fo+rum pron pos n. def the main forum of ancient Rome, situated between the Capitoline and the Palatine Hills. forward ety Old English foreweard forward 1. syl for+ward pron <1fc:w*d> pos adj. def directed or moving ahead. forward 2. syl for+ward pron <1fc:w*d> pos adj. def lying or situated in or near the front part of something. forward 3. syl for+ward pron <1fc:w*d> pos adj. def presumptuous, pert, or impudent. exam 1 a forward remark. forward 4. syl for+ward pron <1fc:w*d> pos adj. def well developed or advanced, esp. in physical, material, or intellectual growth or development. exam 1 forward ideas. forward 5. syl for+ward pron <1fc:w*d> pos adj. usage often postpositive def ready, eager, or willing. forward 6.a. syl for+ward pron <1fc:w*d> pos adj. def of or relating to the future or favouring change; progressive. forward 6.b. syl for+ward pron <1fc:w*d> pos adj. usage in combination exam 1 forward-looking. forward 7.a. syl for+ward pron <1fc:w*d> pos n. def an attacking player in any of various sports, such as soccer, hockey, or basketball. forward 7.b. syl for+ward pron <1fc:w*d> pos n. usage in American football def a lineman. forward 8. syl for+ward pron <1fc:w*d> pos adv. def a variant of {forwards}. forward 9. syl for+ward pron <1fc:w*d>, Nautical <1for*d> pos adv. def towards the front or bow of an aircraft or ship. forward 10. syl for+ward pron <1fc:w*d> pos adv. def into prominence or a position of being subject to public scrutiny; out; forth. exam 1 the witness came forward. forward 11. syl for+ward pron <1fc:w*d> pos adv. def to send forward or pass on to an ultimate destination. exam 1 the letter was forwarded from a previous address. forward 12. syl for+ward pron <1fc:w*d> pos adv. def to advance, help, or promote. exam 1 to forward one's career. forward 13. syl for+ward pron <1fc:w*d> pos adv. qual Bookbinding. def to prepare (a book) for the finisher. forwardly sub head forward syl for+ward+ly pos adv. voltage alt head forward bias or forward bias syl volt+age pos n. forward bias 0. or voltage syl for+ward bi:as pos n. def a voltage applied to a circuit or device, esp. a semiconductor device, in the direction that produces the larger current. forward delivery 0. syl for+ward de+liv+er:y pos n. usage in commerce def delivery at a future date. forwarder 1. syl for+ward+er pron <1fc:w*d*> pos n. def a person or thing that forwards. forwarder 2. syl for+ward+er pron <1fc:w*d*> pos n. def a person engaged in the bookbinding process of forwarding. forwarder 3. syl for+ward+er pron <1fc:w*d*> pos n. def See {forwarding agent}. forwarding 0. syl for+ward+ing pron <1fc:w*diG> pos n. def all the processes involved in the binding of a book subsequent to cutting and up to the fitting of its cover. forwarding agent 0. syl for+ward+ing a:gent pos n. def a person, agency, or enterprise engaged in the collection, shipment, and delivery of goods. forwardness 1. syl for+ward+ness pron <1fc:w*dnis> pos n. def lack of modesty; presumption; boldness. forwardness 2. syl for+ward+ness pron <1fc:w*dnis> pos n. def willing readiness; eagerness. forwardness 3. syl for+ward+ness pron <1fc:w*dnis> pos n. def a state or condition of advanced progress or development. forward pass 0. syl for+ward pass pos n. qual Rugby. def an illegal pass towards the opponent's dead-ball line. Also called: {throw-forward}. forward quotation 0. syl for+ward quo+ta+tion pos n. usage in commerce def the price quoted for goods sent on forward delivery. forward roll 0. syl for+ward roll pos n. def a gymnastic movement in which the body is turned heels over head with the back of the neck resting on the ground. forward alt head forwards or forwards syl for+ward pos adv. forwards 1. or forward syl for+wards pron <1fc:w*dz> pos adv. def towards or at a place ahead or in advance, esp. in space but also in time. forwards 2. or forward syl for+wards pron <1fc:w*dz> pos adv. def towards the front. forwent 0. syl for+went pron pos vb. def the past tense of {forgo}. forwhy ety Old English for hw*_i forwhy 1. syl for+why pron pos adv. qual Archaic. def for what reason; why. forwhy 2. syl for+why pron pos conj. qual Archaic. usage subordinating def because. forworn ety C16: past participle of obsolete forwear to wear out, from Middle English forweren to hollow out foreworn alt head forworn or forworn syl fore+worn pron pos adj. forworn 0. or foreworn syl for+worn pron pos adj. qual Archaic. def weary. forzando 0. syl for+zan+do pron pos adj. adv. n. def another word for {sforzando}. Fosbury flop ety C20: named after Dick Fosbury, American winner of men's high jump at Mexico Olympics in 1968, who perfected the technique Fosbury flop 0. syl Fos:bur:y flop pron <1fozb*ri>, <-bri> pos n. qual Athletics. def a modern high-jumping technique whereby the jumper clears the bar headfirst and backwards. fossa ety C19: from Latin: ditch, from fossus dug up, from fodere to dig up fossae infl head fossa syl fos+sae pron <-sE> pos n. mod pl. fossa H1.0. syl fos+sa pron <1fos*> pos n. def an anatomical depression, trench, or hollow area. fossa ety from Malagasy fossa H2.0. syl fos+sa pron <1fos*> pos n. def a large primitive catlike viverrine mammal, inhabiting the forests of Madagascar: order (carnivores). It has thick reddish-brown fur and preys on lemurs, poultry, etc. fosse ety C14: from Old French, from Latin fossa; see #7fossa foss alt head fosse or fosse syl foss pron pos n. fosse 0. or foss syl fosse pron pos n. def a ditch or moat, esp. one dug as a fortification. fossette ety C19: from French: dimple, from fosse ditch fossette 1. syl fos+sette pron pos n. qual Anatomy. def a small depression or fossa, as in a bone. fossette 2. syl fos+sette pron pos n. qual Pathol. def a small deep ulcer of the cornea. Fosse Way 0. syl Fosse Way pron pos n. def a Roman road in Britain between Lincoln and Exeter, with a fosse on each side. fossick ety C19: Australian, probably from English dialect fussock to bustle about, from English #7fuss fossick 1. syl fos+sick pron <1fosik> pos vb. mod intr. qual Austral. def to search for gold or precious stones in abandoned workings, rivers, etc. fossick 2. syl fos+sick pron <1fosik> pos vb. qual Austral. def to rummage or search for (something). fossicker sub head fossick syl fos+sick+er pos n. fossil ety C17: from Latin fossilis dug up, from fodere to dig fossil 1.a. syl fos+sil pron <1fosL> pos n. def a relic, remnant, or representation of a plant or animal that existed in a past geological age, occurring in the form of mineralized bones, shells, etc., as casts, impressions, and moulds, and as frozen perfectly preserved organisms. fossil 1.b. syl fos+sil pron <1fosL> pos n. usage as modifier exam 1 fossil insects. fossil 2.a. syl fos+sil pron <1fosL> pos n. def a person, idea, thing, etc., that is outdated or incapable of change. fossil 2.b. syl fos+sil pron <1fosL> pos n. usage as modifier exam 1 fossil politicians. fossil 3. syl fos+sil pron <1fosL> pos n. qual Linguistics. def a form once current but now appearing only in one or two special contexts, as for example which is found now only in and in phrases like fossil 4. syl fos+sil pron <1fosL> pos n. qual Obsolete. def any rock or mineral dug out of the earth. fossil fuel 0. syl fos+sil fu:el pos n. def any naturally occurring carbon or hydrocarbon fuel, such as coal, petroleum, peat, and natural gas, formed by the decomposition of prehistoric organisms. fossiliferous 0. syl fos+sil+if+er+ous pron <2fosi1lif*r*s> pos adj. usage of sedimentary rocks def containing fossils. fossilise alt head fossilize or fossilize syl fos+sil+ise pron <1fosi2lIz> pos vb. fossilize 1. or fossilise syl fos+sil+ize pron <1fosi2lIz> pos vb. def to convert or be converted into a fossil. fossilize 2. or fossilise syl fos+sil+ize pron <1fosi2lIz> pos vb. def to become or cause to become antiquated or inflexible. fossilizable sub head fossilize or fossilisable syl fos+sil+2iz+a:ble pos adj. fossilisable sub head fossilize or fossilizable syl fos+sil+2is+a:ble pos adj. fossilization sub head fossilize or fossilisation syl fos+sil:i+1za+tion pos n. fossilisation sub head fossilize or fossilization syl fos+sil:i+1sa+tion pos n. fossorial ety C19: from Medieval Latin foss*_orius from Latin fossor digger, from fodere to dig fossorial 1. syl fos+so+ri:al pron pos adj. usage of the forelimbs and skeleton of burrowing animals def adapted for digging. fossorial 2. syl fos+so+ri:al pron pos adj. usage of burrowing animals, such as the mole and armadillo def having limbs of this type. foster ety Old English f*_ostrian to feed, from f*_ostor #7food foster 1. syl fos+ter pron <1fost*> pos vb. mod tr. def to promote the growth or development of. foster 2. syl fos+ter pron <1fost*> pos vb. mod tr. def to bring up (a child, etc.); rear. foster 3. syl fos+ter pron <1fost*> pos vb. mod tr. def to cherish (a plan, hope, etc.) in one's mind. foster 4.a. syl fos+ter pron <1fost*> pos vb. mod tr. def to place (a child) in the care of foster parents. foster 4.b. syl fos+ter pron <1fost*> pos vb. mod tr. def to bring up under fosterage. foster 5. syl fos+ter pron <1fost*> pos adj. mod tr. usage in combination def of or involved in the rearing of a child by persons other than his natural or adopted parents. exam 1 foster father; exam 2 foster home. fosterer sub head foster syl fos+ter+er pos n. fosteringly sub head foster syl fos+ter+ing+ly pos adv. Stephen Collins infl head Foster syl Ste:phen Col:lins. pos n. Foster 0. syl Fos:ter pron <1fost*> pos n. def 1826-64, U.S. composer of songs such as and fosterage 1. syl fos+ter+age pron <1fost*riJ> pos n. def the act of caring for or bringing up a foster child. fosterage 2. syl fos+ter+age pron <1fost*riJ> pos n. def the condition or state of being a foster child. fosterage 3. syl fos+ter+age pron <1fost*riJ> pos n. def the act of encouraging or promoting. foster child 0. syl fos+ter child pos n. def a child looked after temporarily or brought up by people other than its natural or adopted parents. fosterling 0. syl fos+ter+ling pron <1fost*liG> pos n. def a less common word for {foster child}. Fotheringhay 0. syl Foth+er+ing+hay pron <1fo@d*riG2gA> pos n. def a village in E England, in NE Northamptonshire: ruined castle, scene of the imprisonment and execution of Mary Queen of Scots (1587). Jean Bernard L'eon infl head Foucault syl Jean Ber:nard L*'e:on pron pos n. Foucault 0. syl Fou:cault pron French pos n. def 1819-68, French physicist. He determined the velocity of light and proved that light travels more slowly in water than in air (1850). He demonstrated by means of the pendulum named after him the rotation of the earth on its axis (1851) and invented the gyroscope (1852). Foucault current 0. syl Fou:cault cur+rent pos n. def another name for {eddy current}. Foucquet 0. syl Fouc:quet pron French pos n. def a variant spelling of (Nicolas) {Fouquet}. foudroyant ety C19: from French, from foudroyer to strike with lightning, from Old French foudre lightning, from Latin fulgur foudroyant 1. syl fou+droy+ant pron pos adj. usage of a disease def occurring suddenly and with great severity. foudroyant 2. syl fou+droy+ant pron pos adj. qual Rare. def stunning, dazzling, or overwhelming. fouett'e ety C19: French, past participle of fouetter to whip, from fouet a whip fouett'e 0. syl fouet+t*'e pron French. pos n. def a step in ballet in which the dancer stands on one foot and makes a whiplike movement with the other. fought 0. syl fought pron pos vb. def the past tense or past participle of {fight}. foul ety Old English f*_ul; related to Old Norse f*_ull, Gothic f*_uls smelling offensively, Latin p*_us #7pus, Greek puol pus foul 1. syl foul pron pos adj. def offensive to the senses; revolting. foul 2. syl foul pron pos adj. def offensive in odour; stinking. foul 3. syl foul pron pos adj. def charged with or full of dirt or offensive matter; filthy. foul 4. syl foul pron pos adj. usage of food def putrid; rotten. foul 5. syl foul pron pos adj. def morally or spi?!ritually offensive; wicked; vile. foul 6. syl foul pron pos adj. def obscene; vulgar. exam 1 foul language. foul 7. syl foul pron pos adj. def not in accordance with accepted standards or established rules; unfair. exam 1 to resort to foul means. foul 8. syl foul pron pos adj. usage esp. of weather def unpleasant or adverse. foul 9. syl foul pron pos adj. def blocked or obstructed with dirt or foreign matter. exam 1 a foul drain. foul 10. syl foul pron pos adj. def entangled or impeded. exam 1 a foul anchor. foul 11. syl foul pron pos adj. usage of the bottom of a vessel def covered with barnacles and other growth that slow forward motion. foul 12. syl foul pron pos adj. usage Printing. of a typecase def having type distributed in the wrong compartments. foul 13. syl foul pron pos adj. qual Informal. def unsatisfactory or uninteresting; bad. exam 1 a foul book. foul 14. syl foul pron pos adj. qual Archaic. def ugly. foul 15.a. syl foul pron pos n. def a violation of the rules. foul 15.b. syl foul pron pos n. usage as modifier exam 1 a foul shot; exam 2 a foul blow. foul 16. syl foul pron pos n. def something foul. foul 17. syl foul pron pos n. def an entanglement or collision, esp. in sailing or fishing. foul 18. syl foul pron pos vb. def to make or become dirty or polluted. foul 19. syl foul pron pos vb. def to become or cause to become entangled or snarled. foul 20. syl foul pron pos vb. mod tr. def to disgrace or dishonour. foul 21. syl foul pron pos vb. def to become or cause to become clogged or choked. foul 22. syl foul pron pos vb. mod tr. usage Nautical. of underwater growth def to cling to (the bottom of a vessel) so as to slow its motion. foul 23. syl foul pron pos vb. mod tr. qual Sport. def to commit a foul against (an opponent). foul 24. syl foul pron pos vb. mod tr. qual Baseball. def to hit (a ball) in an illegal manner. foul 25. syl foul pron pos vb. mod intr. qual Sport. def to infringe the rules. foul 26. syl foul pron pos vb. def to collide (with a boat, etc.). foul 27. syl foul pron pos adv. def in a foul or unfair manner. foul 28.a. syl foul pron pos adv. def to get into trouble with. foul 28.b. syl foul pron pos adv. usage of ships def to collide with. foully sub head foul syl foul+ly pos adv. foulard ety C19: from French, of unknown origin foulard 1. syl fou+lard pron , <1fu:la:> pos n. def a soft light fabric of plain-weave or twill-weave silk or rayon, usually with a printed design. foulard 2. syl fou+lard pron , <1fu:la:> pos n. def something made of this fabric, esp. a scarf or handkerchief. foul-mouthed 0. syl foul-mouthed pos adj. def given to using obscene, abusive, or blasphemous language. foulness 1. syl foul+ness pron <1faulnis> pos n. def the state or quality of being foul. foulness 2. syl foul+ness pron <1faulnis> pos n. def obscenity; vulgarity. foulness 3. syl foul+ness pron <1faulnis> pos n. def viciousness or inhumanity. foulness 4. syl foul+ness pron <1faulnis> pos n. def foul matter; filth. Foulness 0. syl Foul+ness pron pos n. def a flat marshy island in SE England, in Essex north of the Thames estuary. foul play 1. syl foul play pos n. def unfair or treacherous conduct esp. with vio?!lence. foul play 2. syl foul play pos n. def a violation of the rules in a game or sport. foul shot 0. syl foul shot pos n. qual Basketball. def another term (esp. U.S.) for {free throw}. foul up 1. syl foul up ~ pos vb. adv. mod tr. def to bungle; mismanage. foul up 2. syl foul up ~ pos vb. adv. mod tr. def to make dirty; contaminate. foul up 3. syl foul up ~ pos vb. adv. def to be or cause to be blocked, choked, or entangled. foul-up infl head foul up syl foul-up. pos n. foul up 4. syl foul up ~ pos n. qual U.S. def a confusion or botch. found H1.1. syl found pron pos vb. def the past tense or past participle of {find}. found H1.2. syl found pron pos adj. def furnished, or fitted out. exam 1 the boat is well found. found H1.3. syl found pron pos adj. qual Brit. def with meals, heating, bed linen, etc., provided without extra charge (esp. in the phrase {all found) }. found ety C13: from Old French fonder, from Latin fund*_are, from fundus bottom found H2.1. syl found pron pos vb. mod tr. def to bring into being, set up, or establish (something, such as an institution, society, etc.). found H2.2. syl found pron pos vb. mod tr. def to build or establish the foundation or basis of. found H2.3. syl found pron pos vb. mod also; intr. usage foll. by on or upon def to have a basis (in); depend (on). found ety C14: from Old French fondre, from Latin fundere to melt found H3.1. syl found pron pos vb. mod tr. def to cast (a material, such as metal or glass) by melting and pouring into a mould. found H3.2. syl found pron pos vb. mod tr. def to shape or make (articles) in this way; cast. foundation 1. syl foun+da+tion pron pos n. def that on which something is founded; basis. foundation 2. syl foun+da+tion pron pos n. mod often; pl. def a construction below the ground that distributes the load of a building, wall, etc. foundation 3. syl foun+da+tion pron pos n. def the base on which something stands. foundation 4. syl foun+da+tion pron pos n. def the act of founding or establishing or the state of being founded or established. foundation 5.a. syl foun+da+tion pron pos n. def an endowment or legacy for the perpetual support of an institution such as a school or hospital. on the foundation 5.b. head foundation syl on the foundation. def entitled to benefit from the funds of a foundation. foundation 6. syl foun+da+tion pron pos n. def an institution supported by an endowment, often one that provides funds for charities, research, etc. foundation 7. syl foun+da+tion pron pos n. def the charter incorporating or establishing a society or institution and the statutes or rules governing its affairs. foundation 8. syl foun+da+tion pron pos n. def a cosmetic in cream or cake form used as a base for make-up. foundation 9. syl foun+da+tion pron pos n. def See {foundation garment}. foundation 10. syl foun+da+tion pron pos n. qual Cards. def a card on which a sequence may be built. foundational sub head foundation syl foun+1da+tion+al pos adj. foundationally sub head foundation syl foun+1da+tion+al+ly pos adv. foundationary sub head foundation syl foun+1da+tion+ar:y pos adj. foundation garment 0. syl foun+da+tion gar+ment pos n. def a woman's undergarment worn to shape and support the figure; brassiere or corset. foundation stone 0. syl foun+da+tion stone pos n. def a stone laid at a ceremony to mark the foundation of a new building. founder ety C14: see #7found %2 founder H1.0. syl found+er pron <1faund*> pos n. def a person who establishes an institution, company, society, etc. founder ety C13: from Old French fondrer to submerge, from Latin fundus bottom; see #7found %2 founder H2.1. syl found+er pron <1faund*> pos vb. mod intr. usage of a ship, etc. def to sink. founder H2.2. syl found+er pron <1faund*> pos vb. mod intr. def to break down or fail. exam 1 the project foundered. founder H2.3. syl found+er pron <1faund*> pos vb. mod intr. def to sink into or become stuck in soft ground. founder H2.4. syl found+er pron <1faund*> pos vb. mod intr. def to fall in or give way; collapse. founder H2.5. syl found+er pron <1faund*> pos vb. mod intr. usage of a horse def to stumble or go lame. founder H2.6. syl found+er pron <1faund*> pos vb. mod intr. usage of animals, esp. livestock def to become ill from overeating. founder H2.7. syl found+er pron <1faund*> pos n. mod intr. qual Vet. science. def another name for {laminitis}. founder ety C15: see #7found %3 founder H3.0.a. syl found+er pron <1faund*> pos n. def a person who makes metal castings. founder H3.0.b. syl found+er pron <1faund*> pos n. usage in combination exam 1 an iron founder. founders' shares 0. syl foun+ders' shares pos n. mod pl. def shares awarded to the founders of a company and often granting special privileges. founder's type 0. syl found+er's type pos n. qual Printing. def type cast by a typefounder for hand composition. founding father 0. syl found+ing fa+ther pos n. usage often caps. def a person who founds or establishes an important institution, esp. a member of the U.S. Constitutional Convention (1787). foundling ety C13: foundeling; see #7find foundling 0. syl found+ling pron <1faundliG> pos n. def an abandoned infant whose parents are not known. foundry ety C17: from Old French fonderie, from fondre; see #7found %3 foundries infl head foundry syl found+ries. pos n. mod pl. foundry 1. syl found+ry pron <1faundri> pos n. def a place in which metal castings are produced. foundry 2. syl found+ry pron <1faundri> pos n. def the science or practice of casting metal. foundry 3. syl found+ry pron <1faundri> pos n. def cast-metal articles collectively. foundry proof 0. syl found+ry proof pos n. qual Printing. def a proof taken from a forme before duplicate plates are made from it. fount ety C16: back formation from #7fountain fount H1.1. syl fount pron pos n. qual Poetic. def a spring or fountain. fount H1.2. syl fount pron pos n. def source or origin. fount ety C16: from Old French fonte a founding, casting, from Vulgar Latin funditus (unattested) a casting, from Latin fundere to melt; see #7found %3 fount H2.0. syl fount pron , pos n. qual Printing. def a complete set of type of one style and size. Also called (esp. U.S.): {font}. fountain ety C15: from Old French fontaine, from Late Latin font*_ana, from Latin fons spring, source fountain 1. syl foun+tain pron <1f*untin> pos n. def a jet or spray of water or some other liquid. fountain 2. syl foun+tain pron <1f*untin> pos n. def a structure from which such a jet or a number of such jets spurt, often incorporating figures, basins, etc. fountain 3. syl foun+tain pron <1f*untin> pos n. def a natural spring of water, esp. the source of a stream. fountain 4. syl foun+tain pron <1f*untin> pos n. def a stream, jet, or cascade of sparks, lava, etc. fountain 5. syl foun+tain pron <1f*untin> pos n. def a principal source or origin. fountain 6. syl foun+tain pron <1f*untin> pos n. def a reservoir or supply chamber, as for oil in a lamp. fountain 7. syl foun+tain pron <1f*untin> pos n. def short for {drinking fountain} or {soda fountain}. fountained sub head fountain syl foun+tained pos adj. fountainless sub head fountain syl foun+tain+less pos adj. fountain-like sub head fountain syl foun:tain-2like pos adj. fountainhead 1. syl foun:tain+head pron <1fauntin2hed> pos n. def a spring that is the source of a stream. fountainhead 2. syl foun:tain+head pron <1fauntin2hed> pos n. def a principal or original source. fountain pen 0. syl foun+tain pen pos n. def a pen the nib of which is supplied with ink from a cartridge or a reservoir in its barrel. Friedrich Heinrich Karl infl head Fouqu'e syl Frie:drich Hein:rich Karl pron <1frEdri*,c> <1hainri*,c>, pos n. Fouqu'e 0. syl Fou:qu*'e pron German , pos n. def Baron de la Motte. 1777-1843, German romantic writer; author of (1811). Jean 1. head Fouquet syl Jean pron def ??1420-??80, French painter and miniaturist. Fouquet 2. syl Fou:quet pron French pos n. def Also: {Foucquet. Ni@.co@.las} (nik@$#!l$a), 1615-80, French statesman; superintendent of finance (1653-61) under Louis XIV. He was imprisoned for embezzlement, having been denounced by Colbert. Fouquier-Tinville 0. syl Fou:quier-Tin:ville qual French def fukje t?~$e#!vil) {An@.toine Quen@.tin} (?~atwan k?~a#!t*~$e). 1746-95, French revolutionary; as public prosecutor (1793-94) during the Reign of Terror, he sanctioned the guillotining of Desmoulins, Danton, and Robespierre. four ety Old English f*_eower; related to Old Frisian fi*_uwer, Old Norse fj*_orir, Old High German fior, Latin quattuor, Greek tessares, Sanskrit catur four 1. syl four pron pos n. def the cardinal number that is the sum of three and one. four 2. syl four pron pos n. def a numeral, 4, IV, etc., representing this number. four 3. syl four pron pos n. def something representing, represented by, or consisting of four units, such as a playing card with four symbols on it. four 4. syl four pron pos n. def Also called: {four o'clock}. four hours after noon or midnight. four 5.a. syl four pron pos n. def a shot that crosses the boundary after hitting the ground. four 5.b. syl four pron pos n. def the four runs scored for such a shot. four 6.a. syl four pron pos n. def a racing shell propelled by four oarsmen pulling one oar each, with or without a cox. four 6.b. syl four pron pos n. def the crew of such a shell. four 7.a. syl four pron pos determiner. def amounting to four. exam 1 four thousand eggs; exam 2 four times. four 7.b. syl four pron pos determiner. usage as pronoun exam 1 four are ready. four xref syl four pron pos n. def Related prefixes: {quadri-, tetra-}. four-ball 0. syl four-ball pos n. qual Golf. def a match for two pairs in which each of the four players tees off and after selecting the better drive the partners of each pair play each stroke alternately. fourchette ety C18: from French: a little fork, from Old French forche, from Latin furca #7fork fourchette 1. syl four+chette pron pos n. qual Anatomy. def the bandlike fold of skin, about one inch from the anus, forming the posterior margin of the vulva. fourchette 2. syl four+chette pron pos n. def a less common name for {furcula} or {{frog%3}}. four-colour 0. syl four-col:our pos n. usage modifier; of a print or photographic process def using the principle in which four colours (magenta, cyan, yellow, and black) are used in combination to produce almost any other colour. four-cycle 0. syl four-cy:cle pos n. usage modifier def the U.S. word for {four-stroke}. four-deal bridge 0. syl four-deal bridge pos n. def a version of bridge in which four hands only are played, the players then cutting for new partners. four-dimensional 0. syl four-di:men:sion+al pos adj. def having or specified by four dimensions, esp. the three spatial dimensions and the dimension of time. exam 1 a four-dimensional continuum. Fourdrinier ety C19: named after Henry (died 1854) and Sealy (died 1847) Fourdrinier, English paper-makers Fourdrinier 0. syl Four+drin:i+er pron pos n. def a particular type of paper-making machine that forms the paper in a continuous web. four-eyed fish 0. syl four-eyed fish pos n. def either of two viviparous tropical American freshwater cyprinodont fishes, or that swim at the surface of the water and have half of each eye specialized for seeing in air, the other half for seeing in water. four flush 1. syl four flush pos n. def a useless poker hand, containing four of a suit and one odd card. four-flush infl head four flush syl four-flush. pos vb. mod intr. four flush 2. syl four flush pos vb. mod intr. def to bid confident?!ly on a poor hand such as a four flush. four flush 3. syl four flush pos vb. mod intr. qual U.S. def a slang word for {bluff}. fourfold 1. syl four+fold pron <1fc:2f*uld> pos adj. def equal to or having four times as many or as much. fourfold 2. syl four+fold pron <1fc:2f*uld> pos adj. def composed of four parts. fourfold 3. syl four+fold pron <1fc:2f*uld> pos adv. def by or up to four times as many or as much. four-four time 0. syl four-four time pos n. qual Music. def a form of simple quadruple time in which there are four crotchets to the bar, indicated by the time signature %4@b\4#800317 . Often shortened to {four-four}. Also called: {common time}. fourgon ety C19: from French: from Old French forgon poker, from furgier to search, ultimately from Latin f*_ur thief fourgon 0. syl four+gon pron French. pos n. def a long covered wagon, used mainly for carrying baggage, supplies, etc. four-handed 1. syl four-hand:ed pos adj. usage of a card game def arranged for four players. four-handed 2. syl four-hand:ed pos adj. usage of a musical composition def written for two perform?!ers at the same piano. four-handedly sub head four-handed syl four-1hand:ed+ly pos adv. the infl head Four Hundred syl the. pos n. Four Hundred 0. syl Four Hun+dred pos n. qual U.S. def the most exclusive or affluent social clique in a particular place. (Francois Marie) Charles 1. head Fourier syl (Fran*,cois Marie) Charles pron def 1772-1837, French social reformer: propounded a system of cooperatives known as Fourierism, esp. in his work (1829-30). Jean Baptiste Joseph 2. head Fourier syl Jean Bap:tiste Jo:seph pron , def 1768-1830, French mathematician, Egyptologist, and administrator, noted particularly for his research on the theory of heat and the method of analysis named after him. Fourier analysis 0. syl Fou:ri:er a:nal:y+sis pos n. def the analysis of a periodic function into its simple sinusoidal or harmonic components, whose sum forms a Fourier series. Fourierism 0. syl Fou+ri+er+ism pron <1fu*ri*2riz*m> pos n. def the system of Charles Fourier under which society was to be organized into self-sufficient cooperatives. Fourierist sub head Fourierism or Fourierite syl Fou+ri+er+ist pron <1fu*ri*2rIt> pos n. adj. Fourierite sub head Fourierism or Fourierist syl Fou+ri+er+ite pron <1fu*ri*2rIt> pos n. adj. Fourieristic sub head Fourierism syl Fou+ri+er+1is+tic pos adj. Fourier series ety C19: named after Baron Jean Baptiste Joseph F#7ourier Fourier series 0. syl Fou:ri:er se+ries pos n. def an infinite trigonometric series of the form @2#800318 \0+ \1cos + \1sin + \2cos 2 + \2sin 2 +..., where \0, \1, \1, \2, \2 ... are the {Fourier coefficients}. It is used, esp. in mathematics and physics, to represent or approximate any single-valued periodic function by assigning suitable values to the coefficients. four-in-hand 1. syl four-in-hand pos n. def Also called: {tally-ho}. a road vehicle drawn by four horses and driven by one driver. four-in-hand 2. syl four-in-hand pos n. def a four-horse team in a coach or carriage. four-in-hand 3. syl four-in-hand pos n. def a long narrow tie formerly worn tied in a flat slipknot with ends dangling. four-leaved clover alt head four-leaf clover or four-leaf clover syl four-leaved clo+ver pos n. four-leaf clover 1. or four-leaved clover syl four-leaf clo+ver pos n. def a clover with four leaves rather than three, supposed to bring good luck. four-leaf clover 2. or four-leaved clover syl four-leaf clo+ver pos n. def another name for { {cloverleaf} (sense 1).} four-letter word 0. syl four-let:ter word pos n. def any of several short English words referring to sex or excrement: often used as swearwords and regarded generally as offensive or obscene. four-o'clock 1. syl four-o'clock pos n. def Also called: {marvel-of-Peru}. a tropical American nyctaginaceous plant, cultivated for its tubular yellow, red, or white flowers that open in late afternoon. four-o'clock 2. syl four-o'clock pos n. def an Australian name for {friarbird}, esp. the noisy friarbird four-part 0. syl four-part pos adj. qual Music. def arranged for four voices or instruments. fourpence 0. syl four+pence pron <1fc:p*ns> pos n. def a former English silver coin then worth four pennies. fourpenny one infl head fourpenny syl fourpenny one. pos adj. fourpenny 0. syl four+pen:ny pron <1fc:p*ni> pos adj. qual Brit. slang. def a blow, esp. with the fist. four-poster 0. syl four-post:er pos n. def a bed with posts at each corner supporting a canopy and curtains. Also called: {four-poster bed}. fourragere ety French, feminine adj. of fourrager relating to forage, from fourrage #7forage fourragere 0. syl four+ra+g*`ere pron <1fu*r*2Ze*>, French pos n. def an ornamental cord worn on the shoulder of a uniform for identification or as an award, esp. in the U.S. and French Armies. fourscore 0. syl four+score pron <2fc:1skc:> pos determiner. def an archaic word for {eighty}. foursome 1. syl four+some pron <1fc:s*m> pos n. def a set or company of four. foursome 2. syl four+some pron <1fc:s*m> pos n. def Also called: {fourball}. a game between two pairs of players, esp. in golf. foursome 3. syl four+some pron <1fc:s*m> pos n. usage modifier def of or performed by a company of four. exam 1 a foursome competition. foursquare 1. syl four+square pron <2fc:1skwe*> pos adv. def squarely; firmly. {~} foursquare 2. syl four+square pron <2fc:1skwe*> pos adv. def solid and strong. foursquare 3. syl four+square pron <2fc:1skwe*> pos adv. def forthright; honest. foursquare 4. syl four+square pron <2fc:1skwe*> pos adv. def a rare word for {square}. foursquarely sub head foursquare syl four+1square+ly pos adv. foursquareness sub head foursquare syl four+1square+ness pos n. four-stroke 0. syl four-stroke pos adj. def relating to or designating an internal-combustion engine in which the piston makes four strokes for every explosion. U.S. name: {four-cycle}. Compare {two-stroke}. fourteen ety Old English f*_eowert*_iene fourteen 1. syl four+teen pron <1fc:1tEn> pos n. def the cardinal number that is the sum of ten and four. fourteen 2. syl four+teen pron <1fc:1tEn> pos n. def a numeral, 14, XIV, etc., representing this number. fourteen 3. syl four+teen pron <1fc:1tEn> pos n. def something represented by, representing, or consist?!ing of 14 units. fourteen 4.a. syl four+teen pron <1fc:1tEn> pos determiner. def amounting to fourteen. exam 1 fourteen cats. fourteen 4.b. syl four+teen pron <1fc:1tEn> pos determiner. usage as pronoun exam 1 the fourteen who remained. Fourteen Points 0. syl Four+teen Points pos n. mod pl. def the principles expounded by President Wilson in 1918 as war aims of the U.S. fourteenth 1.a. syl four+teenth pron <1fc:1tEnT> pos adj. def coming after the thirteenth in order, position, time etc. Often written: 14th. fourteenth 1.b. syl four+teenth pron <1fc:1tEnT> pos as; n. exam 1 the fourteenth in succession. fourteenth 2.a. syl four+teenth pron <1fc:1tEnT> pos n. def one of 14 equal or nearly equal parts of something. fourteenth 2.b. syl four+teenth pron <1fc:1tEnT> pos n. usage as modifier exam 1 a fourteenth part. fourteenth 3. syl four+teenth pron <1fc:1tEnT> pos n. def the fraction equal to one divided by 14 (1/14). fourth 1.a. syl fourth pron pos adj. usage usually prenominal def coming after the third in order, position, time, etc. Often written: 4th. fourth 1.b. syl fourth pron pos as; n. usage usually prenominal exam 1 the fourth in succession. fourth 2. syl fourth pron pos adj. usage usually prenominal def denoting the highest forward ratio of a gearbox in most motor vehicles. fourth 3.a. syl fourth pron pos n. usage usually prenominal def the interval between one note and another four notes away from it counting inclusively along the diatonic scale. fourth 3.b. syl fourth pron pos n. usage usually prenominal def one of two notes constituting such an interval in relation to the other. See also { {perfect} (sense 9),} { {interval} (sense 5),} { {diminished} (sense 2).} fourth 4. syl fourth pron pos n. usage usually prenominal def the fourth forward ratio of a gearbox in a motor vehicle, usually the highest gear in cars; top gear. exam 1 he changed into fourth as soon as he had passed me. fourth 5. syl fourth pron pos n. usage usually prenominal def a less common word for {quarter} (sense 2). fourth 6. syl fourth pron pos adv. usage usually prenominal; also: def after the third person, position, event, etc. {~} {fourth+ly}. fourth 7. syl fourth pron pos adv. usage usually prenominal; also:; sentence connector. def as the fourth point: linking what follows with the previous statements, as in a speech or argument. fourth-class 1. syl fourth-class pos adj. qual U.S. def of or relating to mail that is carried at the lowest rate. fourth-class 2. syl fourth-class pos adv. qual U.S. def by fourth-class mail. fourth dimension 1. syl fourth di+men+sion pos n. def the dimension of time, which is necessary in addition to three spatial dimensions to specify fully the position and behaviour of a point or particle. fourth dimension 2. syl fourth di+men+sion pos n. def the concept in science fiction of a dimension in addition to three spatial dimensions, used to explain supranatural phenomena, events, etc. fourth-dimensional sub head fourth dimension syl fourth-di:1men:sion+al pos adj. fourth estate 0. syl fourth es+tate pos n. usage sometimes caps. def journalists or their profession; the press. See {estate} (sense 4). Fourth International 0. syl Fourth In+ter+na+tion+al pos n. def another name for any of the {Trotskyist Internationals}. Fourth of July 0. syl Fourth of Ju:ly pos n. usage preceded by the def a holiday in the United States, traditionally celebrated with fireworks: the day of the adoption of the Declaration of Independence in 1776. Official name: {Independence Day}. Fourth Republic 0. syl Fourth Re+pub+lic pos n. def the fourth period of republican government in France or the republic itself (1945-58). four-way 1. syl four-way pos adj. usage usually prenominal def giving passage in four directions. four-way 2. syl four-way pos adj. usage usually prenominal def made up of four elements. four-wheel drive 0. syl four-wheel drive pos n. def a system used in motor vehicles in which all four wheels are connected to the source of power. fovea ety C19: from Latin: a small pit foveae infl head fovea syl fo+ve:ae pron <-vi2E> pos n. mod pl. fovea 1. syl fo+ve:a pron <1f*uvi*> pos n. qual Anatomy. def any small pit or depression in the surface of a bodily organ or part. fovea 2. syl fo+ve:a pron <1f*uvi*> pos n. def See {fovea centralis}. foveal sub head fovea syl fo+ve:al pos adj. foveate sub head fovea or foveated syl fo+ve:ate pos adj. foveated sub head fovea or foveate syl fo+ve:2at+ed pos adj. fovea centralis ety C19: from New Latin: central fovea fovea centralis 0. syl fo+ve:a cen+tra+lis pron pos n. def a small depression in the back of the retina, in the centre, that contains only cone cells and is therefore the area of sharpest vision. foveola ety C19: from New Latin, diminutive of #7fovea foveolae infl head foveola syl fo+ve:o+lae pron <-2lE> pos n. mod pl. foveola 0. syl fo+ve:o+la pron pos n. qual Biology. def a small fovea. foveolar sub head foveola syl fo+1ve:o+lar pos adj. foveolate sub head foveola or foveolated syl fo+ve:o+late pron <1f*uvi*2lAt> pos adj. foveolated sub head foveola or foveolate syl fo+ve:o+2lat+ed pos adj. Fowey 0. syl Fowey pron pos n. def a resort and fishing village in SW England, in Cornwall, linked administratively with St. Austell in 1968. Pop. (with St. Austell): 32252 (1971). fowl ety Old English fugol; related to Old Frisian fugel, Old Norse fogl, Gothic fugls, Old High German fogal fowl 1. syl fowl pron pos n. def See {domestic fowl}. fowl 2. syl fowl pron pos n. def any other bird, esp. any gallinaceous bird, that is used as food or hunted as game. See also {waterfowl, wildfowl}. fowl 3. syl fowl pron pos n. def the flesh or meat of fowl, esp. of chicken. fowl 4. syl fowl pron pos n. def an archaic word for any {bird}. fowl 5. syl fowl pron pos vb. mod intr. def to hunt or snare wildfowl. Henry Watson infl head Fowler syl Hen:ry Wat:son. pos n. Fowler 0. syl Fow:ler pron <1faul*> pos n. def 1858-1933, English lexicographer and grammarian; compiler of (1926). Fou-liang alt head Fowliang or Fowliang syl Fou-liang pron <1fu:1lj@G> pos n. Fowliang 0. or Fou-liang syl Fow+liang pron <1fu:1lj@G> pos n. def a city in SE China, in NE Kiangsi province east of Lake Poyang: famous for its porcelain industry, established in the sixth century. Pop.: 92000 (1953 est.). fowling 0. syl fowl+ing pron <1fauliG> pos n. def the shooting or trapping of birds for sport or as a livelihood. fowler sub head fowling syl fowl+er pos n. fowl pest 1. syl fowl pest pos n. def an acute and usually fatal viral disease of domestic fowl, characterized by refusal to eat, high temperature, and discoloration of the comb and wattles. fowl pest 2. syl fowl pest pos n. def another name for {Newcastle disease}. fox ety Old English; related to Old High German fuhs, Old Norse f*_oa fox, Sanskrit puccha tail; see #7vixen foxes infl head fox or fox syl fox:es pos n. mod pl. fox infl or foxes syl fox. pos n. mod pl. fox 1. syl fox pron pos n. def any canine mammal of the genus and related genera. They are mostly predators that do not hunt in packs and typically have large pointed ears, a pointed muzzle, and a bushy tail. fox 2. syl fox pron pos n. def the fur of any of these animals, usually reddish-brown or grey in colour. fox 3. syl fox pron pos n. def a person who is cunning and sly. fox 4.a. syl fox pron pos n. def a jackal. fox 4.b. syl fox pron pos n. def an image of a false prophet. fox 5. syl fox pron pos n. qual Nautical. def small stuff made from yarns twisted together and then tarred. fox 6. syl fox pron pos vb. mod tr. qual Informal. def to perplex or confound. exam 1 to fox a person with a problem. fox 7. syl fox pron pos vb. def to cause (paper, wood, etc.) to become discoloured with spots, or (of paper, etc.) to become discoloured, as through mildew. fox 8. syl fox pron pos vb. mod tr. def to trick; deceive. fox 9. syl fox pron pos vb. mod intr. def to act deceitfully or craftily. fox 10. syl fox pron pos vb. mod tr. qual Austral. informal. def to pursue stealthily; tail. fox 11. syl fox pron pos vb. mod tr. qual Austral. informal. def to chase and retrieve (a ball). fox 12. syl fox pron pos vb. mod tr. qual Obsolete. def to befuddle with alcoholic drink. foxlike sub head fox syl fox+2like pos adj. Fox H1.1. or Foxes syl Fox pron pos n. mod pl. def a member of a North American Indian people formerly living west of Lake Michigan along the Fox River. Fox H1.2. syl Fox pron pos n. def the language of this people, belonging to the Algonquian family. Charles James 1. head Fox syl Charles James. def 1749-1806, English Whig statesman and orator. He opposed North over taxation of the American colonies and Pitt over British intervention against the French Revolution. He advocated parliamentary reform and the abolition of the slave trade. George 2. head Fox syl George. def 1624-91, English religious leader; founder (1647) of the Society of Friends (Quakers). Fox H2.3. syl Fox pron pos n. def Sir {Wil@.liam}. 1812-93, New Zealand statesman, born in England: prime minister of New Zealand (1856; 1861-62; 1869-72; 1873). John infl head Foxe syl John. pos n. Foxe 0. syl Foxe pron pos n. def 1516-87, English Protestant clergyman; author of (1563), popularly known as the Foxe Basin 0. syl Foxe Ba+sin pos n. def an arm of the Atlantic in NE Canada, between Melville Peninsula and Baffin Island. foxfire 0. syl fox+fire pron <1foks2fI*> pos n. def a luminescent glow emitted by certain fungi on rotting wood. See also {bioluminescence}. foxglove 0. syl fox+glove pron <1foks2gl^v> pos n. def any Eurasian scrophulariaceous plant of the genus esp. having spikes of purple or white thimble-like flowers. The soft wrinkled leaves are a source of digitalis. fox grape 0. syl fox grape pos n. def a common wild grape, of the northern U.S., having purplish-black fruit and woolly leaves: the source of many cultivated grapes, including the catawba. foxhole 0. syl fox+hole pron <1foks2h*ul> pos n. qual Military. def a small pit dug during an action to provide individual shelter against hostile fire. foxhound 0. syl fox+hound pron <1foks2haund> pos n. def either of two breeds (the English and the American) of short-haired hound, usually kept for hunting foxes. fox hunt 1.a. syl fox hunt pos n. def the hunting of foxes with hounds. fox hunt 1.b. syl fox hunt pos n. def an instance of this. fox hunt 2. syl fox hunt pos n. def an organization for fox hunting within a particular area. fox-hunting 0. syl fox-hunt:ing pos n. def a sport in which hunters follow a pack of hounds in pursuit of a fox. fox-hunter sub head fox-hunting syl fox-2hunt:er pos n. foxie 0. syl fox:ie pron <1foksi> qual Austral. def an informal name for {fox terrier}. foxing 0. syl fox+ing pron <1foksiG> pos n. def a piece of leather, etc., used to reinforce or trim part of the upper of a shoe. fox squirrel 0. syl fox squir+rel pos n. def a large squirrel, occurring in E North America. foxtail 1. syl fox+tail pron <1foks2tAl> pos n. def any grass of the genus esp. of Europe, Asia, and South America, having soft cylindrical spikes of flowers: cultivated as a pasture grass. foxtail 2. syl fox+tail pron <1foks2tAl> pos n. def any of various similar and related grasses, esp. any of the genus William Henry infl head Fox Talbot syl Wil:liam Hen:ry. pos n. Fox Talbot 0. syl Fox Tal:bot pron <1tc:lb*t> pos n. def 1800-77, English physicist; a pioneer of photography. fox terrier 0. syl fox ter+ri+er pos n. def either of two breeds of small black-and-white terrier, the wire-haired and the smooth. foxtrot 1. syl fox+trot pron <1foks2trot> pos n. def a ballroom dance in quadruple time, combining short and long steps in various sequences. {~} {+trots, +trot+ting, +trot+ted}. foxtrot 2. syl fox+trot pron <1foks2trot> pos n. mod intr. def to perform this dance. foxier infl head foxy syl fox:i+er pos adj. foxiest infl head foxy syl fox:i+est. pos adj. foxy 1. syl fox:y pron <1foksi> pos adj. def of or resembling a fox, esp. in craftiness. foxy 2. syl fox:y pron <1foksi> pos adj. def smelling strongly, like a fox. foxy 3. syl fox:y pron <1foksi> pos adj. def of a reddish-brown colour. foxy 4. syl fox:y pron <1foksi> pos adj. usage of paper, wood, etc. def spotted, esp. by mildew. foxy 5. syl fox:y pron <1foksi> pos adj. usage of wine def having the flavour of fox grapes. foxily sub head foxy syl fox:i+ly pos adv. foxiness sub head foxy syl fox:i+ness pos n. foyboat ety C19: from foy to provide aid for ships, esp. those in distress foyboat 0.a. syl foy+boat pron <1fci2b*ut> pos n. qual Tyneside dialect. def a small rowing boat. foyboat 0.b. syl foy+boat pron <1fci2b*ut> pos n. qual Tyneside dialect. usage in combination exam 1 a foyboatman. foyer ety C19: from French: fireplace, from Medieval Latin foc*_arius, from Latin focus fire foyer 0. syl foy+er pron <1fciA>, <1fci*> pos n. def a hall, lobby, or anteroom, used for reception and as a meeting place, as in a hotel, theatre, cinema, etc. fp 0. syl fp qual Music. abbrev. for def forte-piano. fp alt or fp syl fp fp 1. or fp syl f.p. qual abbrev. for: def freezing point. fp 2. or fp syl f.p. qual abbrev. for: def fine point. fp alt head FP or FP syl f.p. FP 1. or fp syl F.P. qual abbrev. for: def Also: {fp} freezing point. FP 2. or fp syl F.P. qual abbrev. for: def fully paid. FPA 0. syl F.P.A. qual abbrev. for def Family Planning Association. fps 1. syl f.p.s. qual abbrev. for: def feet per second. fps 2. syl f.p.s. qual abbrev. for: def foot-pound-second. fps 3. syl f.p.s. qual abbrev. for:; Photog. def frames per second. fps units 0. syl fps u:nits pos n. def an Imperial system of units based on the foot, pound, and second as the units of length, mass, and time. For scientific and most technical purposes these units have been replaced by SI units. Fr 0. syl Fr usage the chemical symbol for def francium. fr 1. syl fr. qual abbrev. for: def fragment. fr 2. syl fr. qual abbrev. for: def franc. fr 3. syl fr. qual abbrev. for: def from. Fr ety Latin: brother Fr ety from German Frau Fr 1.a. syl Fr. qual abbrev. for: def Father. Fr 1.b. syl Fr. qual abbrev. for: def Frater. Fr 1.c. syl Fr. qual abbrev. for: def Friar. Fr 2. syl Fr. qual abbrev. for: def France. Fr 3. syl Fr. qual abbrev. for: def French. {?-$D}. the German equivalent of {Mrs}. Fra ety Italian, short for frate brother (in either natural or religious sense), from Latin fr*_ater #7brother Fra 0. syl Fra pron pos n. def brother: a title given to an Italian monk or friar. fracas ety C18: from French, from fracasser to shatter, from Latin frangere to break, in?!fluenced by quass*_are to shatter fracas 0. syl fra+cas pron <1fr@ka:> pos n. def a noisy quarrel; brawl. fraction ety C14: from Late Latin fracti*_o a breaking into pieces, from Latin fractus broken, from frangere to break fraction 1.a. syl frac+tion pron <1fr@kS*n> pos n. def a ratio of two expressions or numbers other than zero. fraction 1.b. syl frac+tion pron <1fr@kS*n> pos n. def any rational number that can be expressed as the ratio of two integers, / , where does not equal 1, or 0, and does not equal 0. fraction 2. syl frac+tion pron <1fr@kS*n> pos n. def any part or subdivision. exam 1 a substantial fraction of the nation. fraction 3. syl frac+tion pron <1fr@kS*n> pos n. def a small piece; fragment. fraction 4. syl frac+tion pron <1fr@kS*n> pos n. qual Chem. def a component of a mixture separated by a fractional process, such as fractional distillation. fraction 5. syl frac+tion pron <1fr@kS*n> pos n. qual Christianity. def the formal breaking of the bread in Communion. fraction 6. syl frac+tion pron <1fr@kS*n> pos n. def the act of breaking. fraction 7. syl frac+tion pron <1fr@kS*n> pos vb. mod tr. def to divide. fractional 1. syl frac+tion+al pron <1fr@kS*nL> pos adj. def relating to, containing, or constituting one or more fractions. fractional 2. syl frac+tion+al pron <1fr@kS*nL> pos adj. def of or denoting a process in which components of a mixture are separated by exploiting differences in their physical properties, such as boiling points, solubility, etc.. exam 1 fractional distillation; exam 2 fractional crystallization. fractional 3. syl frac+tion+al pron <1fr@kS*nL> pos adj. def very small or insignificant. fractional 4. syl frac+tion+al pron <1fr@kS*nL> pos adj. def broken up; fragmented. fractional xref syl frac+tion+al pron <1fr@kS*nL> pos adj. def Also called: {frac+tion+ar@.y} (#!fr@ak#s$$n$$ri). fractionally sub head fractional syl frac+tion+al+ly pos adv. fractional currency 0. syl frac+tion+al cur+ren+cy pos n. def paper or metal money of smaller denomination than the standard monetary unit. fractional distillation 1. syl frac+tion+al dis+til+la+tion pos n. def the process of separating the constituents of a liquid mixture by heating it and condensing separately the components according to their different boiling points. fractional distillation 2. syl frac+tion+al dis+til+la+tion pos n. def a distillation in which the vapour is brought into contact with a countercurrent of condensed liquid to increase the purity of the final products. fractional distillation xref syl frac+tion+al dis+til+la+tion pos n. def Sometimes shortened to {distillation}. fractionate 1. syl frac+tion+ate pron <1fr@kS*2nAt> pos vb. def to separate or cause to separate into constituents or into fractions containing concentrated constituents. fractionate 2. syl frac+tion+ate pron <1fr@kS*2nAt> pos vb. mod tr. qual Chem. def to obtain (a constituent of a mixture) by a fractional process. fractionation sub head fractionate syl frac+tion:1a+tion pos n. fractionator sub head fractionate syl frac+tion:2a+tor pos n. fractionise alt head fractionize or fractionize syl frac+tion+ise pron <1fr@kS*2nIz> pos vb. fractionize 0. or fractionise syl frac+tion+ize pron <1fr@kS*2nIz> pos vb. def to divide (a number or quantity) into fractions. fractionization sub head fractionize or fractionisation syl frac+tion:i+1za+tion pos n. fractionisation sub head fractionize or fractionization syl frac+tion:i+1sa+tion pos n. fractious ety C18: from (obsolete) fraction discord+-#7ous fractious 1. syl frac+tious pron <1fr@kS*s> pos adj. def irritable. fractious 2. syl frac+tious pron <1fr@kS*s> pos adj. def unruly. fractiously sub head fractious syl frac+tious+ly pos adv. fractiousness sub head fractious syl frac+tious+ness pos n. fractocumulus ety C19: from Latin fractus broken+#7cumulus fractocumuli infl head fractocumulus syl frac+to+cu+mu+li pron <-2lI> pos n. mod pl. fractocumulus 0. syl frac+to+cu+mu+lus pron <2fr@kt*u1kju:mjul*s> pos n. def low ragged slightly bulbous cloud, often appearing below nimbo?!stratus clouds during rain. Also called: {fractocumulus cloud}. fractostratus ety C19: from Latin fractus broken+#7stratus ti infl head fractostratus syl +ti pron <-tI> pos n. mod pl. fractostratus 0. syl frac+to+stra+tus pron <2fr@kt*u1stra:t*s>, <-1str@t-> pos n. def low ragged layered cloud often appearing below nimbostratus clouds during rain. fracture ety C15: from Old French, from Latin fract*_ura, from frangere to break fracture 1. syl frac+ture pron <1fr@kC*> pos n. def the act of breaking or the state of being broken. fracture 2.a. syl frac+ture pron <1fr@kC*> pos n. def the breaking or cracking of a bone or the tearing of a cartilage. fracture 2.b. syl frac+ture pron <1fr@kC*> pos n. def the resulting condition. See also {Colles' fracture, comminuted fracture, compound fracture, greenstick fracture, impacted fracture, simple fracture}. fracture 3. syl frac+ture pron <1fr@kC*> pos n. def a division, split, or breach. fracture 4.a. syl frac+ture pron <1fr@kC*> pos n. def the characteristic appearance of the surface of a freshly broken mineral or rock. fracture 4.b. syl frac+ture pron <1fr@kC*> pos n. def the way in which a mineral or rock naturally breaks. fracture 5. syl frac+ture pron <1fr@kC*> pos vb. def to break or cause to break; split. fracture 6. syl frac+ture pron <1fr@kC*> pos vb. def to break or crack (a bone) or (of a bone) to become broken or cracked. fracture 7. syl frac+ture pron <1fr@kC*> pos vb. def to tear (a cartilage) or (of a cartilage) to become torn. fracturable sub head fracture syl frac+tur:a+ble pos adj. fractural sub head fracture syl frac+tur+al pos adj. frae 0. syl frae pron pos prep. def a Scot. word for {from}. fraenum ety C18: from Latin: bridle frenum alt head fraenum or fraenum syl fre+num pron <1frEn*m> pos n. fraena infl head fraenum syl frae+na pron <-n*> pos n. mod pl. fraenum 0. or frenum syl frae+num pron <1frEn*m> pos n. def a fold of membrane or skin, such as the fold beneath the tongue, that supports an organ. frag ety C20: short for fragmentation grenade, as used in Vietnam frags infl head frag syl frags pos vb. mod tr. fragging infl head frag syl frag+ging pos vb. mod tr. fragged infl head frag syl fragged. pos vb. mod tr. frag 0. syl frag pron pos vb. mod tr. qual U.S. military slang. def to kill or wound (a fellow soldier or superior officer) deliberately with an explosive device. fragging sub head frag syl frag+ging pos n. fragile ety C17: from Latin fragilis, from frangere to break fragile 1. syl frag+ile pron <1fr@JIl> pos adj. def able to be broken easily. fragile 2. syl frag+ile pron <1fr@JIl> pos adj. def in a weakened physical state. fragile 3. syl frag+ile pron <1fr@JIl> pos adj. def delicate; light. exam 1 a fragile touch. fragile 4. syl frag+ile pron <1fr@JIl> pos adj. def slight; tenuous. exam 1 a fragile link with the past. fragilely sub head fragile syl frag+ile+ly pos adv. fragility sub head fragile or fragileness syl fra+gil+i:ty pron pos n. fragileness sub head fragile or fragility syl fra+gile+ness pos n. fragment ety C15: from Latin fragmentum, from frangere to break fragment 1. syl frag+ment pron <1fr@gm*nt> pos n. def a piece broken off or detached. exam 1 fragments of rock. fragment 2. syl frag+ment pron <1fr@gm*nt> pos n. def an incomplete piece; portion. exam 1 fragments of a novel. fragment 3. syl frag+ment pron <1fr@gm*nt> pos n. def a scrap; morsel; bit. fragment 4. syl frag+ment pron pos vb. usage also U.S. def to break or cause to break into fragments. fragmental 1. syl frag+men+tal pron pos adj. usage of rocks or deposits def composed of fragments of pre-existing rocks and minerals. fragmental 2. syl frag+men+tal pron pos adj. def another word for {fragmentary}. fragmentally sub head fragmental syl frag+1men+tal+ly pos adv. fragmentary 0. syl frag+men+tar:y pron <1fr@gm*nt*ri>, <-tri> pos adj. def made up of fragments; disconnected; incomplete. Also: {fragmental}. fragmentarily sub head fragmentary syl frag+men+tar:i+ly pos adv. fragmentariness sub head fragmentary syl frag+men+tar:i+ness pos n. fragmentation 1. syl frag+men+ta+tion pron <2fr@gmen1tAS*n> pos n. def the act of fragment?!ing or the state of being fragmented. fragmentation 2. syl frag+men+ta+tion pron <2fr@gmen1tAS*n> pos n. def the disintegration of norms regulating behaviour, thought, and social relationships. fragmentation 3. syl frag+men+ta+tion pron <2fr@gmen1tAS*n> pos n. def the steel particles of an exploded projectile. fragmentation 4. syl frag+men+ta+tion pron <2fr@gmen1tAS*n> pos n. usage modifier def of or relating to a weapon designed to explode into many small pieces, esp. as an antipersonnel weapon. exam 1 a fragmentation bomb. Jean Honor'e infl head Fragonard syl Jean Ho:no:r*'e pron pos n. Fragonard 0. syl Fra:go:nard pron French pos n. def 1732-1806, French artist, noted for richly coloured paintings typifying the frivolity of 18th-century French court life. fragrancy alt head fragrance or fragrance syl fra+gran+cy pos n. fragrances infl head fragrance or fragrancies syl fra+granc:es pos n. mod pl. fragrancies infl head fragrance or fragrances syl fra+gran+cies. pos n. mod pl. fragrance 1. or fragrancy syl fra+grance pron <1frAgr*ns> pos n. def a pleasant or sweet odour; scent; perfume. fragrance 2. or fragrancy syl fra+grance pron <1frAgr*ns> pos n. def the state of being fragrant. fragrant ety C15: from Latin fr*_agr*_ans, from fr*_agr*_are to emit a smell fragrant 0. syl fra+grant pron <1frAgr*nt> pos adj. def having a pleasant or sweet smell. fragrantly sub head fragrant syl fra+grant+ly pos adv. frail ety C13: from Old French frele, from Latin fragilis, #7fragile frail H1.1. syl frail pron pos adj. def physically weak and delicate. frail H1.2. syl frail pron pos adj. def fragile. exam 1 a frail craft. frail H1.3. syl frail pron pos adj. def easily corrupted or tempted. frailly sub head frail syl frail+ly pos adv. frailness sub head frail syl frail+ness pos n. frail ety C13: from Old French fraiel, of uncertain origin frail H2.1. syl frail pron pos n. def a rush basket for figs or raisins. frail H2.2. syl frail pron pos n. def a quantity of raisins or figs equal to between 50 and 75 pounds. frailties infl head frailty syl frail+ties. pos n. mod pl. frailty 1. syl frail+ty pron <1frAlti> pos n. def physical or moral weakness. frailty 2. syl frail+ty pron <1frAlti> pos n. mod often; pl. def a fault symptomatic of moral weakness. fraise ety C18: from French: mesentery of a calf, from Old French fraiser to remove a shell, from Latin frendere to crush fraise 1. syl fraise pron pos n. def a neck ruff worn during the 16th century. fraise 2. syl fraise pron pos n. def a sloping or horizontal rampart of pointed stakes. fraise 3.a. syl fraise pron pos n. def a tool for enlarging a drill hole. fraise 3.b. syl fraise pron pos n. def a tool for cutting teeth on watch wheels. Fraktur ety German, from Latin fract*_ura a breaking, #7fracture ; from the curlicues that seem to interrupt the continuous line of a word Fraktur 0. syl Frak+tur pron German pos n. def a style of typeface, formerly used in German typesetting for many printed works. framboesia ety C19: from New Latin, from French framboise raspberry; see #7framboise ; so called because of its raspberry-like excrescences frambesia alt head framboesia or framboesia syl fram+be+si:a pron pos n. qual U.S. framboesia 0. or frambesia syl fram+boe+si:a pron pos n. qual Pathol. def another name for {yaws}. framboise ety C16: from Old French: raspberry, probably of Germanic origin framboise 0. syl fram+boise pron French. pos n. def a brandy distilled from raspberries in the Alsace-Lorraine region. frame ety Old English framiae to avail; related to Old Frisian framia to carry out, Old Norse frama frame 1. syl frame pron pos n. def an open structure that gives shape and support to something, such as the transverse stiffening ribs of a ship's hull or an aircraft's fuselage or the skeletal beams and uprights of a building. frame 2. syl frame pron pos n. def an enclosing case or border into which something is fitted. exam 1 the frame of a picture. frame 3. syl frame pron pos n. def the system around which something is built up. exam 1 the frame of government. frame 4. syl frame pron pos n. def the structure of the human body. frame 5. syl frame pron pos n. def a condition; state (esp. in the phrase {frame of mind) }. frame 6.a. syl frame pron pos n. def one of a series of individual exposures on a strip of film used in making motion pictures. frame 6.b. syl frame pron pos n. def an individual exposure on a film used in still photography. frame 6.c. syl frame pron pos n. def an individual picture in a comic strip. frame 7.a. syl frame pron pos n. def a television picture scanned by one or more electron beams at a particular frequency. frame 7.b. syl frame pron pos n. def the area of the picture so formed. frame 8.a. syl frame pron pos n. def the wooden triangle used to set up the balls. frame 8.b. syl frame pron pos n. def the balls when set up. frame 8.c. syl frame pron pos n. def a single game finished when all the balls have been potted. U.S. equivalent (for frame 8.a. syl frame pron pos n. def and {b}.) : { {rack} %1 (sense 6)}. frame 9. syl frame pron pos n. def short for {cold frame}. frame 10. syl frame pron pos n. def one of the sections of which a beehive is composed, esp. one designed to hold a honeycomb. frame 11. syl frame pron pos n. def a machine or part of a machine over which yarn is stretched in the production of textiles. frame 12. syl frame pron pos n. usage in language teaching, etc. def a syntactic construction with a gap in it, used for assigning words to syntactic classes by seeing which words may fill the gap. frame 13. syl frame pron pos n. usage in telecommunications, computers, etc. def one cycle of a regularly recurring number of pulses in a pulse train. frame 14. syl frame pron pos n. qual Slang. def another word for {frame-up}. frame 15. syl frame pron pos n. qual Obsolete. def shape; form. frame 16. syl frame pron pos vb. mod mainly; tr. def to construct by fitting parts together. frame 17. syl frame pron pos vb. mod mainly; tr. def to draw up the plans or basic details for; outline. exam 1 to frame a policy. frame 18. syl frame pron pos vb. mod mainly; tr. def to compose, contrive, or conceive. exam 1 to frame a reply. frame 19. syl frame pron pos vb. mod mainly; tr. def to provide, support, or enclose with a frame. exam 1 to frame a picture. frame 20. syl frame pron pos vb. mod mainly; tr. def to form (words) with the lips, esp. silently. frame 21. syl frame pron pos vb. mod mainly; tr. qual Slang. def to conspire to incriminate (someone) on a false charge. frame 22. syl frame pron pos vb. mod mainly; tr. qual Slang. def to contrive the dishonest outcome of (a contest, match, etc.); rig. frame 23.a. syl frame pron pos vb. mod mainly; tr. usage dependent imperative def to make an effort. frame 23.b. syl frame pron pos vb. mod mainly; tr. def to have ability. framable sub head frame or frameable syl fram+a:ble pos adj. frameable sub head frame or framable syl frame+a:ble pos adj. frameless sub head frame syl frame+less pos adj. framer sub head frame syl fram+er pos n. frame aerial 0. syl frame aer+i:al pos n. def another name for {loop aerial}. frame house 0. syl frame house pos n. def a house that has a structural framework of timber. frame line 0. syl frame line pos n. qual Films. def a black horizontal bar appearing between successive picture images. frame of reference 1. syl frame of ref+er+ence pos n. qual Sociol. def a set of basic assumptions or standards that determines and sanctions behaviour. frame of reference 2. syl frame of ref+er+ence pos n. def any set of planes or curves, such as the three coordinate axes, used to locate or measure movement of a point in space. frame-up 1. syl frame-up pos n. qual Slang. def a conspiracy to incriminate someone on a false charge. frame-up 2. syl frame-up pos n. qual Slang. def a plot to bring about a dishonest result, as in a contest. framework 1. syl frame+work pron <1frAm2wR:k> pos n. def a structural plan or basis of a project. framework 2. syl frame+work pron <1frAm2wR:k> pos n. def a structure or frame supporting or containing something. framework 3. syl frame+work pron <1frAm2wR:k> pos n. def frames collectively. framework 4. syl frame+work pron <1frAm2wR:k> pos n. def work such as embroidery or weaving done in or on a frame. framing 1. syl fram+ing pron <1frAmiG> pos n. def a frame, framework, or system of frames. framing 2. syl fram+ing pron <1frAmiG> pos n. def the way in which something is framed. franc ety C14: from Old French; from the Latin phrase Rex Franc*_orum King of the Franks, inscribed on 14th-century francs franc 1. syl franc pron , French pos n. def the standard monetary unit of France, French dependencies, and Monaco, divided into 100 centimes. franc 2. syl franc pron , French pos n. def the standard monetary and currency unit of Belgium and Luxembourg, divided into 100 centimes. franc 3. syl franc pron , French pos n. def the standard monetary and currency unit of Switzerland and Liechtenstein, divided into 100 centimes. franc 4. syl franc pron , French pos n. def the standard monetary and currency unit, comprising 100 centimes, of the following countries: Burundi, Cameroon, the Central African Republic, Chad, Dahomey, Gabon, Guinea, the Ivory Coast, Mauritania, the Malagasy Republic, Niger, the Republic of Congo, Senegal, Togo, Upper Volta, Mali, and Rwanda. franc 5. syl franc pron , French pos n. def a Moroccan monetary unit worth one hundredth of a dirham. France H1.0. syl France pron pos n. def a republic in W Europe, between the English Channel, the Mediterranean, and the Atlantic: the largest country wholly in Europe; became a republic in 1793 after the French Revolution and an empire in 1804 under Napoleon; reverted to a monarchy (1815-48), followed by the Second Republic (1848-52), the Second Empire (1852-70), the Third Republic (1870-1940), and the Fourth and Fifth Republics (1946 and 1958); a member of the Common Market. It is generally flat or undulating in the north and west and mountainous in the south and east. Language: French. Religion: mostly Roman Catholic. Currency: franc. Capital: Paris. Pop.: 52655802 (1975). Area: (including Corsica) 551600 sq. km (212973 sq. miles). Related adj.: {Gallic}. France H2.0. syl France qual French def fr?~as) {A@.na@.tole} (ana#!t@$l), pen name of 1844-1924, French novelist, short-story writer, and critic. His works include (1881), (1908), and (1914): Nobel prize for literature 1921. Francesca 0. syl Fran:ces:ca pron Italian pos n. def See {Piero della Francesca}. Franche-Comt'e 0. syl Franche-Com:t*'e pron French pos n. def a region of E France, covering the Jura and the low country east of the Sa*^one: part of the Kingdom of Burgundy (6th cent. #7a.d. -1137); autonomous as the Free County of Burgundy (1137-1384); under Burgundian rule again (1384-1477) and Hapsburg rule (1493-1674); annexed by France (1678). franchise ety C13: from Old French, from franchir to set free, from franc free; see #7frank franchise 1. syl fran+chise pron <1fr@nCIz> pos n. usage usually preceded by the def the right to vote, esp. for representatives in a legislative body; suffrage. franchise 2. syl fran+chise pron <1fr@nCIz> pos n. def any exemption, privilege, or right granted to an individual or group by a public authority, such as the right to use public property for a business. franchise 3. syl fran+chise pron <1fr@nCIz> pos n. qual Commerce. def authorization granted by a manufacturing enterprise to a distributor to market the manufacturer's products. franchise 4. syl fran+chise pron <1fr@nCIz> pos n. def the full rights of citizenship. franchise 5. syl fran+chise pron <1fr@nCIz> pos n. usage in marine insurance def a sum or percentage stated in a policy, below which the insurer disclaims all liability. franchise 6. syl fran+chise pron <1fr@nCIz> pos vb. mod tr. qual Commerce, chiefly U.S. def to grant (a person, firm, etc.) a franchise. franchise 7. syl fran+chise pron <1fr@nCIz> pos vb. def an obsolete word for {enfranchise}. franchisement sub head franchise syl fran+chise+ment pron <1fr@nCizm*nt> pos n. Francis I 1. syl Fran:cis I pron <1fra:nsis> pos n. def 1494-1547, king of France (1515-47). His reign was dominated by his rivalry with Emperor Charles V for the control of Italy. He was a noted patron of the arts and learning. Francis I 2. syl Fran:cis I pron <1fra:nsis> pos n. def title as emperor of Austria of {Francis II}. Francis II 0. syl Fran:cis II pos n. def 1768-1835, last Holy Roman Emperor (1792-1806) and, as Francis I, first emperor of Austria (1804-35). The Holy Roman Empire was dissolved (1806) following his defeat by Napoleon at Austerlitz. Franciscan 0. syl Fran+cis+can pron pos n. def a member of any of several Christian religious orders of mendicant friars or nuns tracing their origins back to Saint Francis of Assisi; a Grey Friar. Saint infl head Francis of Assisi syl Saint. pos n. Francis of Assisi 0. syl Fran:cis of As+si+si pos n. def original name ??1181-1226, Italian monk; founder of the Franciscan order of friars. He is remembered for his humility and love for all creation and, according to legend, he received the stigmata (1224). Feast day: Oct. 4. Francis of Saint infl head Francis of Sales syl Fran:cis of Saint. pos n. Francis of Sales 0. syl Fran:cis of Sales pos n. def 1567-1622, French ecclesiastic and theologian; bishop of Geneva (1602-22) and an opponent of Calvinism; author of (1609) and founder of the Order of the Visitation (1610). Feast day: Jan. 29. Saint infl head Francis Xavier syl Saint. pos n. Francis Xavier 0. syl Fran:cis Xa:vi:er pron <1zAvi*> pos n. def See (Saint Francis) {Xavier}. francium ety C20: from New Latin, from F#7rance+ -#7ium ; so-called because first found in France francium 0. syl fran+ci:um pron <1fr@nsi*m> pos n. def an unstable radioactive element of the alkali-metal group, occurring in minute amounts in uranium ores. Symbol: Fr; atomic no.: 87; half-life of most stable isotope, %2%2%3Fr: 22 minutes; valency: 1. Franck 1. syl Franck pos n. qual French def fr?~ak). {C*'e@.sar (Auguste}) (se#!za$:r). 1822-90, French composer, organist, and teacher, born in Belgium. His works, some of which make use of cyclic form, include a violin sonata, a string quartet, the (1888), and much organ music. James infl head Franck syl James. pos n. Franck 2. syl Franck pron pos n. def 1882-1964, U.S. physicist, born in Germany: shared Nobel prize for physics with Gustav Hertz (1925) for work on the quantum theory, particularly the effects of bombarding atoms with electrons. Francisco infl head Franco syl Fran:cis:co pron pos n. Franco 0. syl Fran:co pron <1fr@Gk*u>, Spanish <1fraGko> pos n. def called 1892-1975, Spanish general and statesman; head of state (1939-1975). He was commander-in-chief of the Falangists in the Spanish Civil War (1936-39), defeating the republican government and establishing a dictatorship (1939). He kept Spain neutral in World War II. Franco- ety from Medieval Latin Francus, from Late Latin: F#7rank Franco- 0. syl Fran:co- pron <1fr@Gk*u-> usage combining form. def indicating France or French. exam 1 Franco-Prussian. francolin ety C17: from French, from Old Italian francolino, of unknown origin francolin 0. syl fran+co+lin pron <1fr@Gk*ulin> pos n. def any African or Asian partridge of the genus Franconia 0. syl Fran+co+ni:a pron pos n. def a medieval duchy of Germany, inhabited by the Franks from the 7th century, now chiefly in Bavaria, Hesse, and Baden-W*"urttemberg. Franconian 1. syl Fran+co+ni:an pron pos n. def a group of medieval Germanic dialects spoken by the Franks in an area from N Bavaria and Alsace to the mouth of the Rhine. {Low Franconian} developed into Dutch, while {Upper Franconian} contributed to High German, of which it remains a recognizable dialect. See also {Old Low German, Old High German, Frankish}. Franconian 2. syl Fran+co+ni:an pron pos adj. def of or relating to Franconia, the Franks, or their languages. Francophil alt head Francophile or Francophile syl Fran+co+phil pron <1fr@Gk*ufil> pos n. Francophile 0. or Francophil syl Fran+co+phile pron <1fr@Gk*u2fIl> pos n. usage sometimes not cap. def a person who admires France and the French. Francophobe 0. syl Fran+co+phobe pron <1fr@Gk*u2f*ub> pos n. usage sometimes not cap. def a person who hates or despises France or its people. Francophone 1. syl Fran+co+phone pron <1fr@Gk*u2f*un> pos n. usage often not cap. def a person who speaks French, esp. a native speaker. Francophone 2. syl Fran+co+phone pron <1fr@Gk*u2f*un> pos adj. usage often not cap. def speaking French as a native language. Francophone 3. syl Fran+co+phone pron <1fr@Gk*u2f*un> pos adj. usage often not cap. def using French as a lingua franca. Francophone xref syl Fran+co+phone pron <1fr@Gk*u2f*un> usage often not cap. def Compare {Anglophone}. Franco-Prussian War 0. syl Fran:co-Prus:sian War pos n. def the war of 1870-71 between France and Prussia culminating in the fall of the French Second Empire and the founding of the German empire. franc-tireur ety C19: from franc free+ tireur shooter, from tirer to shoot, of unknown origin franc-tireur 1. syl franc-ti:reur pron French. pos n. def a sniper. franc-tireur 2. syl franc-ti:reur pron French. pos n. def a guerrilla or irregular soldier. franger ety C20: perhaps related to F#7rench letter franger 0. syl frang+er pron <1fr@G*> pos n. qual Austral. taboo slang. def a condom. frangible ety C15: from Old French, ultimately from Latin frangere to break frangible 0. syl fran+gi:ble pron <1fr@nJibL> pos adj. def breakable or fragile. frangibility sub head frangible or frangibleness syl fran+gi:1bil+i:ty pos n. frangibleness sub head frangible or frangibility syl fran+gi:ble+ness pos n. frangipane 1.a. syl fran+gi+pane pron <1fr@nJi2pAn> pos n. def a pastry filled with cream and flavoured with almonds. frangipane 1.b. syl fran+gi+pane pron <1fr@nJi2pAn> pos n. def a rich cake mixture containing ground almonds. frangipane 2. syl fran+gi+pane pron <1fr@nJi2pAn> pos n. def a variant spelling of {frangipani} (the perfume). frangipani ety C17: via French from Italian: perfume for scenting gloves, named after the Marquis Muzio Frangipani, 16th-century Roman nobleman who invented it frangipanis infl head frangipani or frangipani syl fran+gi+pan:is pos n. mod pl. frangipani infl or frangipanis syl fran+gi+pan:i. pos n. mod pl. frangipani 1. syl fran+gi+pan:i pron <2fr@nJi1pa:ni> pos n. def any tropical American apocynaceous shrub of the genus esp. cultivated for its waxy typically white or pink flowers, which have a sweet overpowering scent. frangipani 2. syl fran+gi+pan:i pron <2fr@nJi1pa:ni> pos n. def a perfume prepared from this plant or resembling the odour of its flowers. native frangipani 3. head frangipani syl native frangipani. qual Austral. def an Australian evergreen tree, with large fragrant yellow flowers: family Franglais ety C20: from French fran*,cais French+ anglais English Franglais 0. syl Frang+lais pron French pos n. def informal French containing a high proportion of words of English origin. frank ety C13: from Old French franc, from Medieval Latin francus free; identical with F#7rank (in Frankish Gaul only members of this people enjoyed full freedom) &- #!frank+a@.ble adj. &- #!frank+er n. frank 1. syl frank pron pos adj. def honest and straightforward in speech or attitude. exam 1 a frank person. frank 2. syl frank pron pos adj. def outspoken or blunt. frank 3. syl frank pron pos adj. def open and avowed; undisguised. exam 1 frank interest. frank 4. syl frank pron pos adj. def an obsolete word for {free} or {generous}. frank 5. syl frank pron pos vb. qual Chiefly Brit. def to put a mark on (a letter, parcel, etc.), either cancelling the postage stamp or in place of a stamp, ensuring free carriage. See also {postmark}. frank 6. syl frank pron pos vb. def to mark (a letter, parcel, etc.) with an official mark or signature, indicating the right of free delivery. frank 7. syl frank pron pos vb. mod tr. def to facilitate or assist (a person) to come and go, pass, or enter easily. frank 8. syl frank pron pos vb. mod tr. def to obtain immunity for or exempt (a person). frank 9. syl frank pron pos n. def an official mark or signature affixed to a letter, parcel, etc., ensuring free delivery or delivery without stamps. frank 10. syl frank pron pos n. def the privilege, issued to certain people and establishments, entitling them to delivery without postage stamps. frankness sub head frank syl frank+ness pos n. Frank ety Old English Franca; related to Old High German Franko; perhaps from the name of a typical Frankish weapon (compare Old English franca javelin) Frank H1.0. syl Frank pron pos n. def a member of a group of West Germanic peoples who spread from the east bank of the middle Rhine into the Roman Empire in the late 4th century #7a.d., gradually conquering most of Gaul and Germany. The Franks achieved their greatest power under Charlemagne. Anne infl head Frank syl Anne. pos n. Frank H2.0. syl Frank pron Dutch pos n. def 1929-45, Dutch Jewess, whose (1947) recorded the experiences of her family while in hiding from the Nazis in Amsterdam (1942-44). They were betrayed and she died in a concentration camp. frankalmoign ety C16: from Anglo-French fraunke almoigne, from fraunke #7frank#7+ almoign church treasury, alms chest frankalmoign 0. syl frank+al+moign pron <1fr@GkL2mcin> pos n. qual English legal history. def a form of tenure by which religious bodies held lands, esp. on condition of praying for the soul of the donor. Frankenstein ety C19: after Baron Frankenstein, who created a destructive monster from parts of corpses in the novel by Mary Shelley (1818) Frankenstein 1. syl Frank:en:stein pron <1fr@Gkin2stIn> pos n. def a person who creates something that brings about his ruin. Frankenstein 2. syl Frank:en:stein pron <1fr@Gkin2stIn> pos n. def Also called: {Frankenstein's monster}. a thing that destroys its creator. Frankfort 1. syl Frank+fort pron <1fr@Gkf*t> pos n. def a city in N Kentucky: the state capital. Pop.: 21356 (1970). Frankfort 2. syl Frank+fort pron <1fr@Gkf*t> pos n. qual Now rare. def an English spelling of {Frankfurt}. Fram Main) infl head Frankfurt syl Fram Main) pron German <1fraGkfurt am 1mIn> pos n. Frankfurt 0. syl Frank+furt pron German <1fraGkfurt am 1mIn> pos n. def a city in central West Germany, in Hesse on the Main River: a Roman settlement in the 1st century; a free imperial city (1372-1806); seat of the federal assembly (1815-66); university (1914); trade fairs since the 13th century. Pop.: 663422 (1974 est.). Fran der Oder) infl head Frankfurt syl Fran der O:der) pron German <1fraGkfurt an der 1o:d*r> pos n. Frankfurt 0. syl Frank+furt pron German <1fraGkfurt an der 1o:d*r> pos n. def a city in E East Germany on the Polish border: member of the Hanseatic League (1368-1450). Pop.: 65072 (1972 est.). frankfurter ety C20: short for German Frankfurter Wurst sausage from F#7rankfurt (#7am M#7ain) frankfurter 0. syl frank+fur+ter pron <1fr@Gk2fR:t*> pos n. def a light brown smoked sausage, made of finely minced pork or beef, often served in a bread roll. Frankfurter 0. syl Frank+fur+ter pron <1fr@Gk2fR:t*> pos n. def an inhabitant or native of Frankfurt. frankincense ety C14: from Old French franc free, pure+ encens #7incense ; see #7frank frankincense 0. syl frank+in+cense pron <1fr@Gkin2sens> pos n. def an aromatic gum resin obtained from trees of the burseraceous genus which occur in Asia and Africa. Also called: {olibanum}. Frankish 1. syl Frank+ish pron <1fr@GkiS> pos n. def the ancient West Germanic language of the Franks, esp. the dialect that contributed to the vocabulary of modern French. See also {Franconian, Old High German}. Frankish 2. syl Frank+ish pron <1fr@GkiS> pos adj. def of or relating to the Franks or their language. franklin ety C13: from Anglo-French fraunclein, from Old French franc free, on the model of #7chamberlain franklin 0. syl frank+lin pron <1fr@Gklin> pos n. usage in 14th- and 15th-century England def a substantial landholder of free but not noble birth. Franklin H1.0. syl Frank+lin pron <1fr@Gklin> pos n. def an administrative district of the Northwest Territories of Canada: consists mostly of Arctic islands; extends to the North Pole. Pop.: (mainly Eskimo) 7747 (1971). Area: 1422565 sq. km (549253 sq. miles). Aretha 1. head Franklin syl A:re:tha pron <*1rE$T*> def born 1942, U.S. soul singer, whose recordings include (1966), (1968), (1969), and (1977). Benjamin 2. head Franklin syl Ben:ja:min. def 1706-90, American statesman, scientist, and author. He helped draw up the Declaration of Independence (1776) and, as ambassador to France (1776-85), he negotiated an alliance with France and a peace settlement with Britain. As a scientist, he is noted particularly for his researches in electricity, esp. his invention of the lightning conductor. Franklin H2.3. syl Frank:lin pron <1fr@Gklin> pos n. def Sir {John}. 1786-1847, English explorer of the Arctic. franklinite ety C19: from Franklin, New Jersey, where it is found,+{-#7ite %1} franklinite 0. syl frank+lin+ite pron <1fr@Gkli2nIt> pos n. def a black mineral consisting of an oxide of iron, manganese, and zinc: a source of iron and zinc. Formula: (Fe,Mn,Zn)(Fe,Mn)\2O\4. frankly 1. syl frank+ly pron <1fr@Gkli> pos adv. usage sentence modifier def in truth; to be honest. exam 1 frankly, I can't bear him. frankly 2. syl frank+ly pron <1fr@Gkli> pos adv. def in a frank manner. frankpledge ety C15: via Anglo-French from Old French franc free (see #7frank) #7+ plege #7pledge frankpledge 1. syl frank+pledge pron <1fr@Gk2pleJ> pos n. usage in medieval England def the corporate responsibility of members of a tithing for the good behaviour of each other. frankpledge 2. syl frank+pledge pron <1fr@Gk2pleJ> pos n. usage in medieval England def a member of a tithing. frankpledge 3. syl frank+pledge pron <1fr@Gk2pleJ> pos n. usage in medieval England def a tithing itself. frantic ety C14: from Old French frenetique, from Latin phren*_eticus mad, #7frenetic frantic 1. syl fran+tic pron <1fr@ntik> pos adj. def distracted with fear, pain, joy, etc. frantic 2. syl fran+tic pron <1fr@ntik> pos adj. qual Archaic. def insane. frantically sub head frantic or franticly syl fran+ti+cal+ly pos adv. franticly sub head frantic or frantically syl fran+tic+ly pos adv. franticness sub head frantic syl fran+tic+ness pos n. Franz Ferdinand 0. syl Franz Fer:di:nand qual German def frants #!f$erdi@!nant) English name 1863-1914, archduke of Austria; heir apparent of Franz Josef I. His assassination contributed to the outbreak of World War I. Franz Josef I 0. syl Franz Jo:sef I qual German def frants #!jo$:z$ef) English name 1830-1916, emperor of Austria (1848-1916) and king of Hungary (1867-1916). Franz Josef Land 0. syl Franz Jo+sef Land pos n. def an archipelago of over 100 islands in the Arctic Ocean, administratively part of the Soviet Union. Area: about 21000 sq. km (8000 sq. miles). Russian name: {Zem@.lya Fran@.tsa Io@.si@.fa} (zji#!mlja #!frants$$ #!j@$sif$$). frap ety C14: from Old French fraper to hit, probably of imitative origin fraps infl head frap syl fraps pos vb. mod tr. frapping infl head frap syl frap+ping pos vb. mod tr. frapped infl head frap syl frapped. pos vb. mod tr. frap 0. syl frap pron pos vb. mod tr. qual Nautical. def to lash down or together. frapp'e ety C19: from French, from frapper to strike, hence, chill; see #7frap frapp'e 1. syl frap+p*'e pron <1fr@pA>, French pos n. def a drink consisting of a liqueur, etc., poured over crushed ice. frapp'e 2. syl frap+p*'e pron <1fr@pA>, French pos adj. usage postpositive; esp. of drinks def chilled; iced. Fraser H1.0. syl Fra+ser pron <1frAz*> pos n. def a river in SW Canada, in S central British Columbia, flowing northwest, south, and west through spectacular canyons in the Coast Mountains to the Strait of Georgia. Length: 1370 km (850 miles). (John) Malcolm 1. head Fraser syl (John) Mal:colm. def born 1930, Australian statesman; prime minister of Australia since 1975. Peter 2. head Fraser syl Pe:ter. def 1884-1950, New Zealand statesman, born in Scotland; prime minister (1940-49). frass ety C19: from German, from fressen to devour frass 0. syl frass pron pos n. def excrement or other refuse left by insects and insect larvae. fratchy ety C19: from obsolete fratch to make a harsh noise; perhaps of imitative origin fratchier infl head fratchy syl fratch:i+er pos adj. fratchiest infl head fratchy syl fratch:i+est. pos adj. fratchy 0. syl fratch:y pron <1fr@Ci> pos adj. qual Informal. def quarrelsome; irritable. frater ety C16: from Latin: #7brother frater H1.0. syl fra+ter pron <1frAt*> pos n. def a mendicant friar or a lay brother in a monastery or priory. frater ety C13: from Old French fraiteur, aphetic variant of refreitor, from Late Latin r*_efect*_orium #7refectory frater H2.0. syl fra+ter pron <1frAt*> pos n. qual Archaic. def a refectory. fraternal ety C15: from Latin fr*_aternus, from fr*_ater brother fraternal 1. syl fra+ter+nal pron pos adj. def of or suitable to a brother; brotherly. fraternal 2. syl fra+ter+nal pron pos adj. def of or relating to a fraternity. fraternal 3. syl fra+ter+nal pron pos adj. def designating either or both of a pair of twins of the same or opposite sex that developed from two separate fertilized ova. Compare { {identical} (sense 3).} fraternalism sub head fraternal syl fra+1ter+nal+ism pos n. fraternally sub head fraternal syl fra+1ter+nal+ly pos adv. fraternities infl head fraternity syl fra+ter+ni:ties. pos n. mod pl. fraternity 1. syl fra+ter+ni:ty pron pos n. def a body of people united in interests, aims, etc.. exam 1 the teaching fraternity. fraternity 2. syl fra+ter+ni:ty pron pos n. def brother?!hood. fraternity 3. syl fra+ter+ni:ty pron pos n. qual U.S. def a secret society joined by male students, usually functioning as a social club and bearing a name composed of Greek letters. fraternise alt head fraternize or fraternize syl frat+er+nise pron <1fr@t*2nIz> pos vb. fraternize 1. or fraternise syl frat+er+nize pron <1fr@t*2nIz> pos vb. mod intr. usage often foll. by with def to associate on friendly terms. fraternize 2. or fraternise syl frat+er+nize pron <1fr@t*2nIz> pos vb. mod tr. qual Rare. def to cause fraternal relations between. &- {@!frat+er+ni+#!za+tion} {@!frat+er+ni+#!sa+tion} fraternizer sub head fraternize or fraterniser syl frat+er+2niz+er pos n. fraterniser sub head fraternize or fraternizer syl frat+er+2nis+er pos n. fratricide ety C15: from Latin fr*_atric*_ida; see #7frater %1#7, -#7cide fratricide 1. syl frat+ri+cide pron <1fr@tri2sId>, <1frA-> pos n. def the act of killing one's brother. fratricide 2. syl frat+ri+cide pron <1fr@tri2sId>, <1frA-> pos n. def a person who kills his brother. fratricidal sub head fratricide syl frat+ri+1cid+al pos adj. Frau ety from Old High German frouwa; related to Dutch vrouw Frauen infl head Frau or Fraus syl Frau+en pron <1frau*n> pos n. mod pl. Fraus infl head Frau or Frauen syl Fraus. pos n. mod pl. Frau 0. syl Frau pron pos n. def a married German woman: usually used as a title equivalent to and sometimes extended to older unmarried women. fraud ety C14: from Old French fraude, from Latin fraus deception fraud 1. syl fraud pron pos n. def deliberate deception, trickery, or cheating intended to gain an advantage. fraud 2. syl fraud pron pos n. def an act or instance of such deception. fraud 3. syl fraud pron pos n. def something false or spurious. exam 1 his explanation was a fraud. fraud 4. syl fraud pron pos n. qual Informal. def a person who acts in a false or deceitful way. fraudulent ety C15: from Latin fraudulentus deceitful fraudulent 1. syl fraud:u+lent pron <1frc:djul*nt> pos adj. def acting with or having the intent to deceive. fraudulent 2. syl fraud:u+lent pron <1frc:djul*nt> pos adj. def relating to or proceeding from fraud or dishonest action. fraudulence sub head fraudulent or fraudulency syl fraud:u+lence pos n. fraudulency sub head fraudulent or fraudulence syl fraud:u+len+cy pos n. fraudulently sub head fraudulent syl fraud:u+lent+ly pos adv. Frauenfeld 0. syl Frau+en+feld pron German <1frau*n2felt> pos n. def a town in NE Switzerland, capital of Thurgau canton. Pop.: 17576 (1970). fraught ety C14: from Middle Dutch vrachten, from vracht #7freight fraught 1. syl fraught pron pos adj. usage usually postpositive and foll. by with def filled or charged; attended. exam 1 a venture fraught with peril. fraught 2. syl fraught pron pos adj. qual Archaic. (usually postpositive def and foll. by freighted. fraught 3. syl fraught pron pos n. def an obsolete word for {freight}. Fraulein ety from Middle High German vrouwel*_in, diminutive of vrouwe lady Fraulein infl or Frauleins syl Fr*"au+lein pos n. mod pl. Frauleins infl head Fraulein or Fraulein syl Fr*"au+leins. pos n. mod pl. qual English Fraulein 0. syl Fr*"au+lein pron German <1frcilIn>, English <1frc:lIn>, <1frau-> pos n. def an unmarried German woman: often used as a title equivalent to Abbrev.: {Frl}. Joseph von infl head Fraunhofer syl Jo:seph von pron <1jo:zef> pos n. Fraunhofer 0. syl Fraun:ho:fer pron German <1fraunho:f*r> pos n. def 1787-1826, German physicist and optician, who investigated spectra of the sun, planets, and fixed stars, and improved telescopes and other optical instruments. Fraunhofer lines 0. syl Fraun:ho:fer lines pos n. mod pl. def a set of dark lines appearing in the continuous emission spectrum of the sun. It is caused by the absorption of light of certain wavelengths coming from the hotter region of the sun by elements in the cooler outer at?!mosphere. fraxinella ety C17: from New Latin: a little ash tree, from Latin fr*_axinus ash fraxinella 0. syl frax:i+nel+la pron <2fr@ksi1nel*> pos n. def another name for {gas plant}. fray ety C14: short for #7affray fray H1.1. syl fray pron pos n. def a noisy quarrel. fray H1.2. syl fray pron pos n. def a fight or brawl. fray H1.3. syl fray pron pos n. def an archaic word for {fright}. fray H1.4. syl fray pron pos vb. mod intr. qual Archaic. def to fight or disturb the peace. fray H1.5. syl fray pron pos vb. mod tr. qual Archaic. def to frighten. fray ety C14: from French frayer to rub, from Latin fric*_are; see #7friction, friable fray H2.1. syl fray pron pos vb. def to wear or cause to wear away into tatters or loose threads, esp. at an edge or end. fray H2.2. syl fray pron pos vb. def to make or become strained or irritated. fray H2.3. syl fray pron pos vb. def to rub or chafe (another object) or (of two objects) to rub against one another. fray H2.4. syl fray pron pos n. def a frayed place, as in cloth. Frazer 0. syl Fra:zer pron <1frAz*> pos n. def Sir {James George}. 1854-1941, Scottish anthropologist; author of many works on primitive religion, and magic, esp. (1890). Joe infl head Frazier syl Joe. pos n. Frazier 0. syl Fra:zier pron <1frAzj*> pos n. def born 1944, U.S. boxer: won the world heavyweight title in 1970 and was the first to beat Muhammad Ali professionally (1971). frazil ety C19: from Canadian French frasil, from French fraisil cinders, ultimately from Latin fax torch ********************************************************************** ********************************************************************** cinders, ultimately from Latin fax torch ********************************************************************** ********************************************************************** frazil 0. syl fra+zil pron <1frAzil> pos n. def spikes of ice that form in water moving turbulently enough to prevent the formation of a sheet of ice. frazzle ety C19: probably from Middle English faselen to fray, from fasel fringe; influenced by {#7fray %2} frazzle 1. syl fraz+zle pron <1fr@zL> pos vb. qual Informal. def to make or become exhausted or weary; tire out. frazzle 2. syl fraz+zle pron <1fr@zL> pos vb. def a less common word for { {fray%2} (sense 1)}. frazzle 3. syl fraz+zle pron <1fr@zL> pos n. qual Informal. def the state of being frazzled or exhausted. frazzle 4. syl fraz+zle pron <1fr@zL> pos n. def a frayed end or remnant. to a frazzle 5. head frazzle syl to a frazzle. qual Informal. def absolutely; completely (esp. in the phrase {burnt to a frazzle}) . FRCM 0. syl F.R.C.M. qual abbrev. for usage in Britain def Fellow of the Royal College of Music. FRCO 0. syl F.R.C.O. qual abbrev. for usage in Britain def Fellow of the Royal College of Organists. FRCP 0. syl F.R.C.P. qual abbrev. for usage in Britain def Fellow of the Royal College of Physicians. FRCS 0. syl F.R.C.S. qual abbrev. for usage in Britain def Fellow of the Royal College of Surgeons. freak ety C16: of obscure origin freak H1.1. syl freak pron pos n. def a person, animal, or plant that is abnormal or deformed; monstrosity. freak H1.2.a. syl freak pron pos n. def an object, event, etc., that is abnormal or extremely unusual. freak H1.2.b. syl freak pron pos n. usage as modifier exam 1 a freak storm. freak H1.3. syl freak pron pos n. def a personal whim or caprice. freak H1.4. syl freak pron pos n. qual Slang. def a person who acts or dresses in a markedly unconventional or strange way. freak H1.5. syl freak pron pos n. qual Slang. def a person who is obsessed with something specified. exam 1 a jazz freak. freak H1.6. syl freak pron pos vb. def See {freak out}. freak ety C17: from earlier freaked, probably coined by Milton, based on #7streak+ obsolete freckt freckled; see #7freckle freak H2.1. syl freak pron pos n. qual Rare. def a fleck or streak of colour. freak H2.2. syl freak pron pos vb. mod tr. qual Rare. def to streak with colour; variegate. freakish 1. syl freak+ish pron <1frEkiS> pos adj. def of, related to, or characteristic of a freak; abnormal or unusual. freakish 2. syl freak+ish pron <1frEkiS> pos adj. def unpredictable or changeable. exam 1 freakish weather. freakishness sub head freakish syl freak+ish+ness pos n. freak out 1. syl freak out pos vb. adv. qual Informal. def to experience or cause to experience radically altered perception characterized by disorientation, hallucinations, etc., esp. under the influence of drugs. freak out 2. syl freak out pos vb. adv. qual Informal. def to be or cause to be in a heightened emotional state, such as that of anger, excitement, etc. freak out 3. syl freak out pos vb. adv. mod intr. qual Informal. def to withdraw from society and adopt an unconventional way of life. freakout infl head freak out syl freak+out. pos n. freak out 4. syl freak out pos n. qual Informal. def a wild experience, esp. one induced by hallucinogenic drugs. freakier infl head freaky syl freak:i+er pos adj. freakiest infl head freaky syl freak:i+est. pos adj. freaky 1. syl freak:y pron <1frEki> pos adj. qual Slang. def strange; unconventional; bizarre. freaky 2. syl freak:y pron <1frEki> pos adj. def another word for {freakish}. freakily sub head freaky syl freak:i+ly pos adv. freakiness sub head freaky syl freak:i+ness pos n. freckle ety C14: from Old Norse freknur freckles; related to Swedish fr*"akne, Danish fregne freckle 1. syl freck+le pron <1frekL> pos n. def a small brownish spot on the skin: a localized deposit of the pigment melanin, developed by exposure to sunlight. Technical name: {lentigo}. freckle 2. syl freck+le pron <1frekL> pos n. def any small area of discoloration; a spot. freckle 3. syl freck+le pron <1frekL> pos vb. def to mark or become marked with freckles or spots. freckled sub head freckle or freckly syl freck+led pos adj. freckly sub head freckle or freckled syl freck+ly pos adj. Fredericia 0. syl Fre+de+ri+cia pron Danish pos n. def a port in Denmark, in E Jutland at the N end of the Little Belt. Pop.: 33364 (1970). Frederick I 1. syl Fred:er:ick I pron <1fredrik> pos n. def See {Frederick Barbarossa}. Frederick I 2. syl Fred:er:ick I pron <1fredrik> pos n. def 1657-1713, first king of Prussia (1701-13); son of Frederick William. Frederick II 1. syl Fred:er:ick II pos n. def 1194-1250, Holy Roman Emperor (1220-50), king of Germany (1212-50), and king of Sicily (1198-1250). Frederick II 2. syl Fred:er:ick II pos n. def See {Frederick the Great}. Frederick III 0. syl Fred:er:ick III pos n. def called 1463-1525, elector of Saxony (1486-1525). He protected Martin Luther in Wartburg Castle after the Diet of Worms (1521). Frederick IX 0. syl Fred:er:ick IX pos n. def 1899-1972, king of Denmark (1947-72). Frederick Barbarossa 0. syl Fred:er:ick Bar:ba:ros:sa pron <2ba:b*1ros*> pos n. def official title ??1123-90, Holy Roman Emperor (1155-90), king of Germany (1152-90). His attempt to assert imperial rights in Italy ended in his defeat at Legnano (1176) and the independ?!ence of the Lombard cities (1183). Frederick the Great 0. syl Fred:er:ick the Great pos n. def official title 1712-86, king of Prussia (1740-86); son of Frederick William I. He gained Silesia during the War of Austrian Succession (1740-48) and his military genius during the Seven Years' War (1756-63) established Prussia as a European power. He was also a noted patron of the arts. Frederick William 0. syl Fred:er:ick Wil:liam pos n. def called 1620-88, elector of Brandenburg (1640-88). Frederick William I 0. syl Fred:er:ick Wil:liam I pos n. def 1688-1740, king of Prussia (1713-40); son of Frederick I: reformed the Prussian army. Frederick William III 0. syl Fred:er:ick Wil:liam III pos n. def 1770-1840, king of Prussia (1797-1840). Frederick William IV 0. syl Fred:er:ick Wil:liam IV pos n. def 1795-1861, king of Prussia (1840-61). He submitted to the 1848 Revolution but refused the imperial crown offered by the Frankfurt Parliament (1849). In 1857 he became insane and his brother, William I, became regent (1858-61). Fredericton 0. syl Fred+er+ic+ton pron <1fredrikt*n> pos n. def a city in SE Canada, capital of New Brunswick, on the St. John River. Pop.: 24254 (1971). Frederiksberg 0. syl Fred+er+iks+berg pron Danish <2freDrAgs1ber> pos n. def a city in E Denmark, within the area of greater Copenhagen: founded in 1651 by King Frederick III. Pop.: 101899 (1970). Fredrikstad 0. syl Fred+rik+stad pron Norwegian <1fredrik2sta> pos n. def a port in SE Norway at the entrance to Oslo Fjord. Pop.: 30009 (1970). free ety Old English fr*_eo; related to Old Saxon, Old High German fr*_i, Gothic freis free, Sanskrit priya dear ?-#! fre+er n. freer infl head free syl fre+er pos adj. freest infl head free syl fre+est. pos adj. free 1. syl free pron pos adj. def able to act at will; not under compulsion or restraint. free 2.a. syl free pron pos adj. def having personal rights or liberty; not enslaved or confined. free 2.b. syl free pron pos as; n. exam 1 land of the free. free 3. syl free pron pos adj. usage often postpositive and foll. by from def not subject (to) or restricted (by some regulation, constraint, etc.); exempt. exam 1 a free market; exam 2 free from pain. free 4. syl free pron pos adj. usage of a country, etc. def autonomous or independ?!ent. free 5. syl free pron pos adj. def exempt from external direction or restriction; not forced or induced. exam 1 free will. free 6. syl free pron pos adj. def not subject to conventional constraints. exam 1 free verse. free 7. syl free pron pos adj. usage of jazz def totally improvised, with no preset melodic, harmonic, or rhythmic basis. free 8. syl free pron pos adj. def not exact or literal. exam 1 a free translation. free 9. syl free pron pos adj. def costing nothing; provided without charge. exam 1 free entertainment. free 10.a. syl free pron pos adj. def not subject to payment of rent or performance of services; freehold. free 10.b. syl free pron pos adj. def not subject to any burden or charge, such as a mortgage or lien; unencumbered. free 11. syl free pron pos adj. usage postpositive; often foll. by of or with def ready or generous in using or giving; liberal; lavish. exam 1 free with advice. free 12. syl free pron pos adj. def unrestrained by propriety or good manners; licentious. free 13. syl free pron pos adj. def not occupied or in use; available. exam 1 a free cubicle. free 14. syl free pron pos adj. def open or available to all; public. free 15. syl free pron pos adj. def not fixed or joined; loose. exam 1 the free end of a chain. free 16. syl free pron pos adj. def without obstruction or impediment. exam 1 free passage. free 17. syl free pron pos adj. qual Chem. def chemically uncombined. exam 1 free nitrogen. free 18. syl free pron pos adj. qual Phonetics. def denoting a vowel that can occur in an open syllable, as the vowel in as opposed to the vowel in free 19. syl free pron pos adj. qual Grammar. def denoting a morpheme that can occur as a separate word. Compare { {bound%1} (sense 8)}. free 20. syl free pron pos adj. qual Logic. def denoting an occurrence of a variable not bound by a quantifier. Compare { {bound%1} (sense 9)}. free 21. syl free pron pos adj. usage of some materials, such as certain kinds of stone def easily worked. free 22. syl free pron pos adj. usage Nautical. of the wind def blowing from the quarter. free and easy 23. head free syl free and easy. def casual or tolerant; easy-going. for free 24. head free syl for free. qual Nonstandard. def without charge or cost. free 25. syl free pron pos adv. def in a free manner; freely. free 26. syl free pron pos adv. def without charge or cost. free 27. syl free pron pos adv. qual Nautical. def with the wind blowing from the quarter. exam 1 a yacht sailing free. make free with 28. head free syl make free with. def to take liberties with; behave too familiarly towards. frees infl head free syl frees pos vb. mod tr. freeing infl head free syl free+ing pos vb. mod tr. freed infl head free syl freed. pos vb. mod tr. free 29. syl free pron pos vb. mod tr. def to set at liberty; release. free 30. syl free pron pos vb. mod tr. def to remove obstructions, attachments, or impediments from; disengage. free 31. syl free pron pos vb. mod tr. usage often foll. by of or from def to relieve or rid (of obstacles, pain, etc.). freely sub head free syl free+ly pos adv. freeness sub head free syl free+ness pos n. -free 0. syl -free pron <-frE> pos adj. usage combining form. def free from. exam 1 trouble-free; exam 2 lead-free petrol. free agent 0. syl free a:gent pos n. def a person whose actions are not constrained by others. free alongside ship 0. syl free a:long+side ship pos adj. usage of a shipment of goods def delivered to the dock without charge to the buyer, but excluding the cost of loading onto the vessel. Compare {free on board}. Abbrevs.: {F.A.S., f.a.s}. Also: {free alongside vessel}. free association 1. syl free as+so+ci:a+tion pos n. qual Psychoanal. def a method of exploring a person's unconscious by eliciting words and thoughts that are associated with key words provided by a psychoanalyst. free association 2. syl free as+so+ci:a+tion pos n. def a spontaneous mental process whereby ideas, words, or images suggest other ideas, etc., in a nonlogical chain reaction. infl head freebie syl ~ pos n. qual U.S. slang. freebie 1. syl free+bie pron <1frEbi> pos n. def something provided without charge. {~} freebie 2. syl free+bie pron <1frEbi> pos n. def without charge; free. freeboard 0. syl free+board pron <1frE2bc:d> pos n. def the space or distance between the deck of a vessel and the waterline. freeboot 0. syl free+boot pron <1frE2bu:t> pos vb. mod intr. def to act as a freebooter; pillage. freebooter ety C16: from Dutch vrijbuiter, from vrijbuit booty; see #7filibuster freebooter 1. syl free+boot:er pron <1frE2bu:t*> pos n. def a person, such as a pirate, living from plunder. freebooter 2. syl free+boot:er pron <1frE2bu:t*> pos n. qual Informal. def a person, esp. an itinerant, who seeks pleasure, wealth, etc., without responsibility. freeborn 1. syl free+born pron <1frE2bc:n> pos adj. def not born in slavery. freeborn 2. syl free+born pron <1frE2bc:n> pos adj. def of, relating to, or suitable for people not born in slavery. Free Church 1. syl Free Church pos n. qual Chiefly Brit. def any Protestant Church, esp. the Presbyterian, other than the Established Church. Free Church 2. syl Free Church pos n. usage as modifier def . exam 1 Free-Church attitudes. free city 0. syl free cit:y pos n. def a sovereign or autonomous city; city-state. free coinage 0. syl free coin+age pos n. qual U.S. def coinage of bullion brought to the mint by any individual. free companion 0. syl free com+pan+ion pos n. usage in medieval Europe def a member of a company of mercenary soldiers. free company 0. syl free com+pan:y pos n. qual European history. def a band of mercenary soldiers during the Middle Ages. freedmen infl head freedman syl freed+men. pos n. mod pl. freedman 0. syl freed+man pron <1frEd2m@n> pos n. def a man who has been freed from slavery. freedwoman sub head freedman syl freed+2wom:an pos n. mod fem. freedom ety Old English fr*_eod*_om freedom 1. syl free+dom pron <1frEd*m> pos n. def personal liberty, as from slavery, bondage, serfdom, etc. freedom 2. syl free+dom pron <1frEd*m> pos n. def liberation or deliverance, as from confinement or bondage. freedom 3. syl free+dom pron <1frEd*m> pos n. def the quality or state of being free, esp. to enjoy political and civil liberties. freedom 4. syl free+dom pron <1frEd*m> pos n. usage usually foll. by from def the state of being without something unpleasant or bad; exemption or immunity. exam 1 freedom from taxation. freedom 5. syl free+dom pron <1frEd*m> pos n. def the right or privilege of unrestricted use or access. exam 1 the freedom of a city. freedom 6. syl free+dom pron <1frEd*m> pos n. def autonomy, self-government, or independence. freedom 7. syl free+dom pron <1frEd*m> pos n. def the power or liberty to order one's own actions. freedom 8. syl free+dom pron <1frEd*m> pos n. qual Philosophy. def the quality, esp. of the will or the individual, of being unrestrained by physical determinants, destiny, etc. freedom 9. syl free+dom pron <1frEd*m> pos n. def ease or frankness of manner; candour. exam 1 she talked with complete freedom. freedom 10. syl free+dom pron <1frEd*m> pos n. def excessive familiarity of manner; boldness. freedom 11. syl free+dom pron <1frEd*m> pos n. def ease and grace, as of movement; lack of effort. freedom fighter 0. syl free+dom fight+er pos n. def a militant revolutionary. Freedomites 0. syl Free+dom+ites pron <1frEd*2mIts> pos n. mod pl. def another name for {Sons of Freedom}. freedom of the seas 1. syl free+dom of the seas pos n. qual International law. def the right of ships of all nations to sail the high seas in peacetime. freedom of the seas 2. syl free+dom of the seas pos n. qual International law. usage in wartime def the immunity accorded to neutral ships from attack. freedom of the seas 3. syl free+dom of the seas pos n. qual International law. def the exclusive jurisdiction possessed by a state over its own ships sailing the high seas in peacetime. freedom rider 0. syl free+dom rid+er pos n. qual U.S. def a person who participated, esp. in the 1960s, in an organized tour, usually by public transport in the South, in order to protest against racialism and put federal laws on integration to the test. free energy 0. syl free en+er+gy pos n. def a thermodynamic property that expresses the capacity of a system to perform work under certain conditions. See {Gibbs function, Helmholtz function}. free enterprise 0. syl free en+ter+prise pos n. def an economic system in which commercial organizations compete for profit with little state control. free fall 1. syl free fall pos n. def free descent of a body in which the gravitational force is the only force acting on it. free fall 2. syl free fall pos n. def the part of a parachute descent before the parachute opens. free flight 0. syl free flight pos n. def the flight of a rocket, missile, etc., when its engine has ceased to produce thrust. free-floating 0. syl free-float:ing pos adj. def unattached or uncommitted, as to a cause, a party, etc. free-floater sub head free-floating syl free-1float:er pos n. free-for-all 0. syl free-for-all pos n. qual Informal. def a disorganized brawl or argument, usually involving all those present. infl head free form syl ~ pos n. qual Arts. free form 1. syl free form pos n. def an irregular flowing shape, often used in industrial or fabric design. free-form infl head free form syl free-form. pos adj. free form 2. syl free form pos adj. def freely flowing, spontaneous. free gift 0. syl free gift pos n. def something given away, esp. as an incentive to a purchaser. free gold 1. syl free gold pos n. def gold, uncombined with other minerals, found in a pure state. free gold 2. syl free gold pos n. qual U.S. def the excess of gold held by the Federal Reserve Banks over the legal reserve. free hand 1. syl free hand pos n. def unrestricted freedom to act (esp. in the phrase {give (someone) a free hand}) . freehand infl head free hand syl free+hand. pos adj. adv. free hand 2. syl free hand pos adj. adv. usage done def by hand without the use of guiding instruments. exam 1 a freehand drawing. free-handed 0. syl free-hand:ed pos adj. def generous or liberal; unstinting. free-handedly sub head free-handed syl free-1hand:ed+ly pos adv. free-handedness sub head free-handed syl free-1hand:ed+ness pos n. free-hearted 0. syl free-heart:ed pos adj. def frank and spontaneous; open; generous. free-heartedly sub head free-hearted syl free-1heart:ed+ly pos adv. free-heartedness sub head free-hearted syl free-1heart:ed+ness pos n. freehold 1.a. syl free+hold pron <1frE2h*uld> pos n. qual Property law. def tenure by which land is held in fee simple, fee tail, or for life. freehold 1.b. syl free+hold pron <1frE2h*uld> pos n. qual Property law. def an estate held by such tenure. freehold 2. syl free+hold pron <1frE2h*uld> pos adj. qual Property law. def relating to or having the nature of freehold. freeholder 0. syl free+hold:er pron <1frE2h*uld*> pos n. qual Property law. def a person in possession of a freehold building or estate in land. free house 0. syl free house pos n. qual Brit. def a public house not bound to sell only one brewer's products. free kick 0. syl free kick pos n. qual Soccer. def a place kick awarded for a foul or infringement, either direct, from which a goal may be scored, or indirect, from which the ball must be touched by at least one other player for a goal to be allowed. free labour 1. syl free la+bour pos n. def the labour of workers who are not members of trade unions. free labour 2. syl free la+bour pos n. def such workers collectively. freelance ety C19 (in sense 3): later applied to politicians, writers, etc. freelance 1.a. syl free+lance pron <1frE2la:ns> pos n. def Also called: {freelancer}. a self-employed person, esp. a writer or artist, who is not employed continuously but hired to do specific assignments. freelance 1.b. syl free+lance pron <1frE2la:ns> pos n. usage as modifier exam 1 a freelance journalist. freelance 2. syl free+lance pron <1frE2la:ns> pos n. def a person, esp. a politician, who supports several causes or parties without total commitment to any one. freelance 3. syl free+lance pron <1frE2la:ns> pos n. usage in medieval Europe def a mercenary soldier or adventurer. freelance 4. syl free+lance pron <1frE2la:ns> pos vb. def to work as a freelance on (an assignment, etc.). freelance 5. syl free+lance pron <1frE2la:ns> pos adv. def as a freelance. free list 1. syl free list pos n. qual Commerce, chiefly U.S. def a list of commodities not subject to tariffs. free list 2. syl free list pos n. def a list of people admitted free. free-living 1. syl free-liv:ing pos adj. def given to ready indulgence of the appetites. free-living 2. syl free-liv:ing pos adj. usage of animals and plants def not parasitic; existing independ?!ently. free-liver sub head free-living syl free-1liv:er pos n. freeload 0. syl free+load pron <1frE2l*ud> pos vb. mod intr. qual U.S. slang. def to act as a freeloader; sponge. freeloader 0. syl free+load:er pron <1frE2l*ud*> pos n. qual U.S. slang. def a person who habitually depends on the charity of others for food, shelter, etc. freeloading sub head freeloader syl free+2load:ing pos n. free love 0. syl free love pos n. def the practice of sexual relationships without fidelity to a single partner or without formal or legal ties. freemen infl head freeman syl free+men. pos n. mod pl. freeman 1. syl free+man pron <1frEm*n> pos n. def a person who is not a slave or in bondage. freeman 2. syl free+man pron <1frEm*n> pos n. def a person who enjoys political and civil liberties; citizen. freeman 3. syl free+man pron <1frEm*n> pos n. def a person who enjoys a privilege or franchise, such as the freedom of a city. freemartin ety C17: of uncertain origin freemartin 0. syl free+mar:tin pron <1frE2ma:tin> pos n. def the female of a pair of twin calves of unlike sex that is imperfectly developed and sterile, probably due to the influence of the male hormones of its twin during development in the uterus. freemason 0. syl free+ma:son pron <1frE2mAsN> pos n. qual Medieval history. def a member of a guild of itinerant skilled stonemasons, who had a system of secret signs and passwords with which they recognized each other. freemasonic sub head freemason syl free+ma:son:ic pron <2frEm*1sonik> pos adj. Freemason 0. syl Free+ma:son pron <1frE2mAsN> pos n. def a member of the widespread secret order, founded in London in 1717, of {Free and Accepted Masons}, pledged to brotherliness and mutual aid. Freemasonic sub head Freemason syl Free+ma:son:ic pron <2frEm*1sonik> pos adj. freemasonry 0. syl free+ma:son:ry pron <1frE2mAsNri> pos n. def natural or tacit sympathy and understanding. Freemasonry 1. syl Free+ma:son:ry pron <1frE2mAsNri> pos n. def the institutions, rites, practices, etc., of Freemasons. Freemasonry 2. syl Free+ma:son:ry pron <1frE2mAsNri> pos n. def Freemasons collectively. free on board 0. syl free on board pos adj. usage of a shipment of goods def delivered on board ship or other carrier without charge to the buyer. Compare {free alongside ship}. Abbrevs.: {F.O.B., f.o.b}. free on rail 0. syl free on rail pos adj. usage of a consignment of goods def delivered to a railway station and loaded onto a train without charge to the buyer. Abbrevs.: {F.O.R., f.o.r}. free port 1. syl free port pos n. def a port open to all commercial vessels on equal terms. free port 2. syl free port pos n. def Also called: {free zone}. a zone adjoining a port that permits the duty-free entry of foreign goods intended for re-export. free radical 0. syl free rad:i+cal pos n. def an atom or group of atoms containing at least one unpaired electron and existing for a brief period of time before reacting to produce a stable molecule. Sometimes shortened to {radical}. Compare { {group} (sense 10)}. free-range 0. syl free-range pos adj. qual Chiefly Brit. def kept or produced in natural nonintensive conditions. exam 1 free-range hens; exam 2 free-range eggs. free-select 0. syl free-se:lect pos vb. mod tr. qual Austral. history. def to select (areas of crown land) and acquire the freehold by a series of annual payments. &- {#!free-se@.#!lec+tion} &- {#!free-se@.#!lec+tor} freesheet 0. syl free+sheet pron <1frE2SEt> pos n. def a newspaper that is distributed free, paid for by its advertisers. Also called: {giveaway}. freesia ety C19: New Latin, named after F. H. T. Freese (died 1876), German physician freesia 0. syl free+si:a pron <1frEzi*> pos n. def any iridaceous plant of the genus of southern Africa, cultivated for their white, yellow, or pink tubular fragrant flowers. free silver 0. syl free sil+ver pos n. def the unlimited minting of silver coins, esp. when at a fixed ratio to gold. Free Soil Party 0. syl Free Soil Par+ty pos n. def a former U.S. political party opposing slavery from 1848 until 1854 when it merged with the Republican party. free speech 0. syl free speech pos n. def the right to express one's opinions publicly. free-spoken 0. syl free-spo:ken pos adj. def speaking frankly or without restraint. free-spokenly sub head free-spoken syl free-1spo:ken+ly pos adv. free-spokenness sub head free-spoken syl free-1spo:ken+ness pos n. freestanding 0. syl free+stand:ing pron <2frE1st@ndiG> pos adj. def standing apart; not attached to or supported by another object. Free State 2. syl Free State pos n. def short for the {Irish Free State}. freestone 1.a. syl free+stone pron <1frE2st*un> pos n. def any fine-grained stone, esp. sandstone or limestone, that can be cut and worked in any direction without breaking. freestone 1.b. syl free+stone pron <1frE2st*un> pos n. usage as modifier exam 1 a freestone house. freestone 2.a. syl free+stone pron <1frE2st*un> pos n. def a fruit, such as a peach, in which the flesh separates readily from the stone. freestone 2.b. syl free+stone pron <1frE2st*un> pos n. usage as modifier; a freestone peach. def Compare {clingstone}. freestyle 1. syl free+style pron <1frE2stIl> pos n. def a competition or race, as in swimming, in which each participant may use a style of his or her choice instead of a specified style. freestyle 2. syl free+style pron <1frE2stIl> pos n. def a wrestling style in which any hold or throw is permitted. freestyle 3. syl free+style pron <1frE2stIl> pos n. def a series of acrobatics per?!formed in skiing, skateboarding, etc. freestyle 4. syl free+style pron <1frE2stIl> pos n. usage as modifier exam 1 a free?!style event. free-swimming 0. syl free-swim:ming pos adj. usage of aquatic animals or larvae def not sessile or attached to any object and therefore able to swim freely in the water. free-swimmer sub head free-swimming syl free-1swim:mer pos n. freethinker 0. syl free+think:er pron <2frE1TiGk*> pos n. def a person who forms his ideas and opinions independently of authority or accepted views, esp. in matters of religion. freethinking sub head freethinker syl free+1think:ing pos n. adj. free thought 0. syl free thought pos n. def thought unrestrained and uninfluenced by dogma or authority, esp. in religious matters. free throw 0. syl free throw pos n. qual Basketball. def an unimpeded shot at the basket from the {free-throw line}, given for a technical fault (one free shot) or a foul (two free shots). Freetown 0. syl Free+town pron <1frE2taun> pos n. def the capital and chief port of Sierra Leone: founded in 1787 for slaves freed and destitute in England. Pop.: 178600 (1970 est.). free trade 1. syl free trade pos n. def international trade that is free of such government interference as import quotas, export subsidies, protective tariffs, etc. Compare { {protection} (sense 3)}. free trade 2. syl free trade pos n. qual Archaic. def illicit trade; smuggling. free-trader 1. syl free-trad:er pos n. def a person who supports or advocates free trade. free-trader 2. syl free-trad:er pos n. qual Archaic. def a smuggler or smuggling vessel. free verse 0. syl free verse pos n. def unrhymed verse without a metrical pattern. free vote 0. syl free vote pos n. qual Chiefly Brit. def a parliamentary division in which members are not constrained by a party whip. freeway 0. syl free+way pron <1frE2wA> pos n. qual U.S. def a major road that can be used without paying a toll. freewheel 1. syl free+wheel pron <2frE1wEl> pos n. def a ratchet device in the rear hub of a bicycle wheel that permits the wheel to rotate freely while the pedals are stationary. freewheel 2. syl free+wheel pron <2frE1wEl> pos n. def a device in the transmission of some vehicles that automatically disengages the drive shaft when it rotates more rapidly than the engine shaft, so that the drive shaft can turn freely. freewheel 3. syl free+wheel pron <2frE1wEl> pos vb. mod intr. def to coast in a vehicle or on a bicycle using the freewheel. freewheeling 1. syl free+wheel:ing pron <2frE1wEliG> pos adj. def relating to, operating as, or having a freewheel; coasting. freewheeling 2. syl free+wheel:ing pron <2frE1wEliG> pos adj. qual Informal, chiefly U.S. def free of restraints; carefree or uninhibited. free will 1.a. syl free will pos n. def the apparent human ability to make choices that are not externally determined. free will 1.b. syl free will pos n. def the doctrine that human beings have such freedom of choice. Compare {determinism}. free will 1.c. syl free will pos n. usage as modifier exam 1 a free-will decision. free will 2. syl free will pos n. def the ability to make a choice without outside coercion. exam 1 he left of his own free will: I did not influence him. the infl head Free World syl the. pos n. Free World 0. syl Free World pos n. def the non-Communist countries collectively, esp. those that are actively anti-Communist. freeze ety Old English fr*_eosan; related to Old Norse frj*_osa, Old High German friosan, Latin pr*_ur*_ire to itch; see #7frost freezes infl head freeze syl freez:es pos vb. freezing infl head freeze syl freez+ing pos vb. froze infl head freeze syl froze pos vb. frozen infl head freeze syl fro+zen. pos vb. freeze 1. syl freeze pron pos vb. def to change (a liquid) into a solid as a result of a reduction in temperature, or (of a liquid) to solidify in this way, esp. to convert or be converted into ice. freeze 2. syl freeze pron pos vb. mod when; intr. usage sometimes foll. by over or up def to cover, clog, or harden with ice, or become so covered, clogged, or hardened. exam 1 the lake froze over last week. freeze 3. syl freeze pron pos vb. def to fix fast or become fixed (to something) because of the action of frost. freeze 4. syl freeze pron pos vb. mod tr. def to preserve (food) by subjection to extreme cold, as in a freezer. freeze 5. syl freeze pron pos vb. def to feel or cause to feel the sensation or effects of extreme cold. freeze 6. syl freeze pron pos vb. def to die or cause to die of frost or extreme cold. freeze 7. syl freeze pron pos vb. def to become or cause to become paralysed, fixed, or motionless, esp. through fear, shock, etc.. exam 1 he froze in his tracks. freeze 8. syl freeze pron pos vb. mod tr. def to cause (moving film) to stop at a particular frame. freeze 9. syl freeze pron pos vb. def to decrease or cause to decrease in animation or vigour. freeze 10. syl freeze pron pos vb. def to make or become formal, haughty, etc., in manner. freeze 11. syl freeze pron pos vb. mod tr. def to fix (prices, incomes, etc.) at a particular level, usually by government direction. freeze 12. syl freeze pron pos vb. mod tr. def to forbid by law the exchange, liquidation, or collection of (loans, assets, etc.). freeze 13. syl freeze pron pos vb. mod tr. def to prohibit the manufacture, sale, or use of (something specified). freeze 14. syl freeze pron pos vb. mod tr. def to stop (a process) at a particu?!lar stage of development. freeze 15. syl freeze pron pos vb. mod tr. qual Informal. def to render (tissue or a part of the body) insensitive, as by the application or injection of a local anaesthetic. freeze 16. syl freeze pron pos vb. mod intr. qual Informal, chiefly U.S. usage foll. by onto def to cling. freeze 17. syl freeze pron pos n. def the act of freezing or state of being frozen. freeze 18. syl freeze pron pos n. qual Meteorol. def a spell of temperatures below freezing point, usually over a wide area. freeze 19. syl freeze pron pos n. def the fixing of incomes, prices, etc., by legislation. freeze 20. syl freeze pron pos n. def another word for {frost}. freezable sub head freeze syl freez+a:ble pos adj. freeze-dries infl head freeze-dry syl freeze-dries pos vb. mod tr. freeze-drying infl head freeze-dry syl freeze-dry:ing pos vb. mod tr. freeze-dried infl head freeze-dry syl freeze-dried. pos vb. mod tr. freeze-dry 0. syl freeze-dry pos vb. mod tr. def to preserve (a substance) by rapid freezing and subsequently drying in a vacuum. freeze out 0. syl freeze out pos vb. adv. mod tr. qual Informal, chiefly U.S. def to force or exclude, as by unfriendly behaviour, boycotting, etc. freezer 1. syl freez+er pron <1frEz*> pos n. def Also called: {deepfreeze}. a device that freezes or chills, esp. an insulated cold-storage cabinet for long-term storage of perishable foodstuffs. freezer 2. syl freez+er pron <1frEz*> pos n. def a former name for a {refrigerator}. freeze-up 1. syl freeze-up pos n. qual Informal. def a period of freezing or extremely cold weather. freeze-up 2.a. syl freeze-up pos n. qual Informal. def the freezing of lakes, rivers, and topsoil in autumn or early winter. freeze-up 2.b. syl freeze-up pos n. qual Informal. def the time of year when this occurs. Compare {break-up}. freezing mixture 0. syl freez+ing mix+ture pos n. def a mixture of two substances, usually salt and ice, to give a temperature below 0?%C. freezing point 0. syl freez+ing point pos n. def the temperature below which a liquid turns into a solid. It is equal to the melting point. freezing works 0. syl freez+ing works pos n. qual Austral. def a slaughterhouse at which animal carcasses are frozen for export. free zone 0. syl free zone pos n. def an area at a port where certain customs restrictions are not implemented. See also {free port}. F region 0. syl F re+gion pos n. def the highest region of the ionosphere, extending from a height of about 150 kilometres to about 1000 kilometres. It contains the highest proportion of free electrons and is the most useful region for long-range radio transmission. Also called: {Appleton layer}. See also {ionosphere}. Frei 0. syl Frei qual Spanish def frej) {E@.duar@.do} (e#!$dwar$do). born 1911, Chilean Christian-Democrat statesman; president (1964-70). Freiburg 1. syl Frei+burg pron German <1frIburk> pos n. def a city in West Germany, in SW Baden-W*"urttemberg: under Austrian rule (1368-1805); university (1457). Pop.: 174997 (1974 est.). Official name: {Frei+burg im Breis+gau} (@!$Im #!bra$Isga$u). Freiburg 2. syl Frei+burg pron German <1frIburk> pos n. def the German name for {Fribourg}. freight ety C16: from Middle Dutch vrecht; related to French fret, Spanish flete, Portuguese frete freight 1.a. syl freight pron pos n. def commercial transport that is slower and cheaper than express. freight 1.b. syl freight pron pos n. def the price charged for such transport. freight 1.c. syl freight pron pos n. def goods transported by this means. freight 1.d. syl freight pron pos n. usage as modifier exam 1 freight transport. freight 2. syl freight pron pos n. qual Chiefly Brit. def a ship's cargo or part of it. freight 3. syl freight pron pos vb. mod tr. def to load with goods for transport. freight 4. syl freight pron pos vb. mod tr. qual Chiefly U.S. def to convey commercially as or by freight. freight 5. syl freight pron pos vb. mod tr. def to load or burden; charge. freightless sub head freight syl freight+less pos adj. freightage 1. syl freight+age pron <1frAtiJ> pos n. def the commercial conveyance of goods. freightage 2. syl freight+age pron <1frAtiJ> pos n. def the goods so transported. freightage 3. syl freight+age pron <1frAtiJ> pos n. def the price charged for such conveyance. freighter 1. syl freight+er pron <1frAt*> pos n. def a ship or aircraft designed for trans?!porting cargo. freighter 2. syl freight+er pron <1frAt*> pos n. def a person concerned with the loading or chartering of a ship. freightliner 0. syl freight+lin:er pron <1frAt2lIn*> pos n. def a type of goods train carrying containers that can be transferred onto lorries or ships. freight ton 0. syl freight ton pos n. def the full name for { {ton%1} (sense 4)}. Fremantle 0. syl Fre+man+tle pron <1frE2m@ntL> pos n. def a port in SW Western Australia, on the Indian Ocean. Pop.: 25990 (1971). fremd ety Old English fremde; related to Old High German fremidi fremd 0. syl fremd pron , pos adj. qual Archaic. def alien or strange. fremitus ety C19: from Latin: a roaring sound, a humming, from fremere to make a low roaring, murmur fremitus infl syl frem:i+tus. pos n. mod pl. fremitus 0. syl frem:i+tus pron <1fremit*s> pos n. qual Med. def a vibration felt by the hand when placed on a part of the body, esp. the chest, when the patient is speaking or coughing. French ety Old English Frencisc French, Frankish; see F#7rank &- #!French+ness n. French H1.1. syl French pron pos n. def the official language of France: also an official language of Switzerland, Belgium, Canada, and certain other countries. It is the native language of approximately 70 million people; also used for diplomacy. Historically, French is an Indo-European language belonging to the Romance group. See also {Old French, Anglo-French}. French H1.2. syl French pron pos n. mod preceded by the; functioning as; pl. def the natives, citizens, or inhabitants of France collectively. French H1.3. syl French pron pos n. def See {French vermouth}. French H1.4. syl French pron pos adj. def relat?!ing to, denoting, or characteristic of France, the French, or their language. French H2.0. syl French pron pos n. def Sir {John Den@.ton Pink@.stone}, 1st Earl of Ypres. 1852-1925, British field marshal in World War I: commanded the British Expeditionary Force in France and Belgium (1914-15); Lord Lieutenant of Ireland (1918-21). French Academy 0. syl French A:cad+e:my pos n. def an association of 40 French scholars and writers, founded by Cardinal Richelieu in 1635, devoted chiefly to preserving the purity of the French language. French and Indian War 0. syl French and In+di:an War pos n. def the war (1755-60) between the French and British, each aided by different Indian tribes, that formed part of the North American Seven Years' War. French bean 1. syl French bean pos n. def a small twining bushy or annual bean plant, with white or lilac flowers and slender green edible pods. French bean 2. syl French bean pos n. def the pod of this plant. See also {haricot}. French bean xref syl French bean pos n. def Also called: {dwarf bean, kidney bean}. French bread 0. syl French bread pos n. def white bread in a long slender loaf that is made from a water dough and has a crisp brown crust. French bulldog 0. syl French bull+dog pos n. def a small stocky breed of dog with a sleek coat and a large square head. French Cameroons 0. syl French Cam+e:roons pos n. mod pl. def the part of Cameroon formerly administered by France (1919-60). French Canada 0. syl French Can:a+da pos n. def the areas of Canada, esp. in the province of Quebec, where French Canadians predominate. French Canadian 1. syl French Ca+na+di:an pos n. def a Canadian citizen whose native language is French. French-Canadian infl head French Canadian syl French-Ca:na:di:an. pos adj. French Canadian 2. syl French Ca+na+di:an pos adj. def of or relating to French Canadians or their language. French chalk 0. syl French chalk pos n. def a compact variety of talc used to mark cloth or remove grease stains from materials. French Community 0. syl French Com+mun+i:ty pos n. def an international association consist?!ing of France and a number of former French colonies: found?!ed in 1958 as a successor to the French Union. French cricket 0. syl French crick+et pos n. def a child's game resembling cricket, in which the batsman's legs are used as the wicket. French cuff 0. syl French cuff pos n. def a double cuff formed by a backward fold of the material. French curve 0. syl French curve pos n. def a thin plastic sheet with profiles of several curves, used by draughtsmen for drawing curves. French doors 0. syl French doors pos n. mod pl. def the U.S. name for {French windows}. French dressing 0. syl French dress+ing pos n. def a salad dressing made from oil and vinegar with seasonings. French Equatorial Africa 0. syl French E:qua+to+ri:al Af+ri+ca pos n. def the former French overseas territories of Chad, Gabon, Middle Congo, and Ubangi-Shari (1910-58). French Foreign Legion 0. syl French For+eign Le+gion pos n. def a unit of the French Army serving outside France, esp. formerly in French North African colonies. It is largely recruited from foreigners. French fried potatoes 0. syl French fried po+ta+toes pos n. mod pl. def a more formal name for {chips}. Also called (U.S.): {French fries}. French Guiana 0. syl French Gui+an:a pos n. def a French overseas region in NE South America, on the Atlantic: colonized by the French in about 1637; tropical forests. Capital: Cayenne. Pop.: 52000 (1975). Area: about 91000 sq. km (23000 sq. miles). French Guianese sub head French Guiana or French Guianan syl French Gui:a+nese pos adj. n. French Guianan sub head French Guiana or French Guianese syl French Gui+an+an pos adj. n. French Guinea 0. syl French Guin:ea pos n. def a former French territory of French West Africa: became independent as Guinea in 1958. French heel 0. syl French heel pos n. def a fairly high and narrow-waisted heel on women's shoes. French-heeled sub head French heel syl French-1heeled pos adj. French horn 0. syl French horn pos n. qual Music. def a valved brass instrument with a funnel-shaped mouthpiece and a tube of conical bore coiled into a spiral. It is a transposing instrument in F. Range: about three and a half octaves upwards from B on the second leger line below the bass staff. See {horn}. Frenchifies infl head Frenchify syl French:i+fies pos vb. Frenchifying infl head Frenchify syl French:i+fy+ing pos vb. Frenchified infl head Frenchify syl French:i+fied. pos vb. Frenchify 0. syl French:i+fy pron <1frenCi2fI> pos vb. qual Informal. def to make or become French in appearance, behaviour, etc. Frenchification sub head Frenchify syl French:i+fi+1ca+tion pos n. French India 0. syl French In+di:a pos n. def a former French overseas territory in India, including Chandernagore and Pondicherry: restored to India between 1949 and 1954. French Indochina 0. syl French In+do+chi+na pos n. def the territories of SE Asia that were colonized by France and held mostly until 1954: included Cochin China, Annam, and Tonkin (now largely Vietnam), Cambodia, Laos, and Kuang-Chou Wan (returned to China in 1945, now Chan Chiang). French kiss 0. syl French kiss pos n. def a kiss involving insertion of the tongue into the partner's mouth. French knickers 0. syl French knick+ers pos n. mod pl. def women's wide-legged underpants. French knot 0. syl French knot pos n. def an ornamental stitch made by looping the thread three or four times around the needle before putting it into the fabric. French leave ety C18: alluding to a custom in France of leaving without saying goodbye to one's host or hostess French leave 0. syl French leave pos n. def an unauthorized or unannounced absence or departure. French letter 0. syl French let+ter pos n. qual Brit. def a slang term for {condom}. French lilac 0. syl French li+lac pos n. def another name for { {goat's-rue} (sense 1)}. Frenchmen infl head Frenchman syl French+men. pos n. mod pl. Frenchman 0. syl French+man pron <1frenCm*n> pos n. def a native, citizen, or inhabitant of France. Frenchwoman sub head Frenchman syl French+2wom:an pos n. mod fem. French Morocco 0. syl French Mo+roc+co pos n. def a former French protectorate in NW Africa, united in 1956 with Spanish Morocco and Tangier to form the kingdom of Morocco. French mustard 0. syl French mus+tard pos n. def a mild mustard paste made with vinegar rather than water. French navy 0.a. syl French na:vy pos n. def a dark dull navy blue. French navy 0.b. syl French na:vy pos as; adj. exam 1 a French-navy dress. French North Africa 0. syl French North Af+ri+ca pos n. def the former French possessions of Algeria, French Morocco, and Tunisia. French Oceania 0. syl French O:ce:an:i:a pos n. def a former name of {French Polynesia}. French pastry 0. syl French pas+try pos n. def a rich pastry made esp. from puff pastry and filled with cream, fruit, etc. Froll alt head French pleat or French pleat syl Froll pos n. French pleat 0. or Froll syl French pleat pos n. def a woman's hair style with the hair gathered at the back into a cylindrical roll. French-polish 0. syl French-pol:ish pos vb. def to treat with French polish or give a French polish (to). French polish 1. syl French pol+ish pos n. def a varnish for wood consisting of shellac dissolved in alcohol. French polish 2. syl French pol+ish pos n. def the gloss finish produced by repeated applications of this polish. French Polynesia 0. syl French Pol:y+ne:sia pos n. def a French Overseas Territory in the S Pacific Ocean, including the Society Islands, the Tuamotu group, the Gambier group, the Tubuai Islands, and the Marquesas Islands. Capital: Papeete, on Tahiti. Pop.: 113279 (1971). Area: about 4000 sq. km (1500 sq. miles). Former name (until 1958): {French Oceania}. French Revolution 0. syl French Rev:o+lu+tion pos n. def the anticlerical and republican revolution in France from 1789 until 1799, when Napoleon seized power. French Revolutionary calendar 0. syl French Rev:o+lu+tion+ar:y cal+en+dar pos n. def the full name for the {Revolutionary calendar}. French seam 0. syl French seam pos n. def a seam in which the edges are not visible. French sixth 0. syl French sixth pos n. usage in musical harmony def an augmented sixth chord having a major third and an augmented fourth between the root and the augmented sixth. French Somaliland 0. syl French So+ma+li+land pos n. def a former name (until 1967) of {Djibouti}. French stick 0. syl French stick pos n. qual Brit. def a long straight notched stick loaf. Also called: {French stick loaf}. French Sudan 0. syl French Su+dan pos n. def a former name (1898-1959) of {Mali}. French toast 1. syl French toast pos n. qual Brit. def toast cooked on one side only. French toast 2. syl French toast pos n. def bread dipped in beaten egg and lightly fried. French Togoland 0. syl French To+go+land pos n. def a former United Nations Trust Territory in W Africa, administered by France (1946-60), now the independent republic of Togo. French Union 0. syl French Un+ion pos n. def a union of France with its dependencies (1946-58): replaced by the French Community. French vermouth 0. syl French ver+mouth pos n. def a dry aromatic white wine. Also called: {French}. French West Africa 0. syl French West Af+ri+ca pos n. def a former group (1895-1960) of French Overseas Territories: consisted of Senegal, Mauritania, French Sudan, Upper Volta, Niger, French Guinea, the Ivory Coast, and Dahomey. French Westhe infl head French West Indies syl French Westhe. pos n. French West Indies 0. syl French West In+dies pos n. mod pl. def a group of islands in the Lesser Antilles, administered by France. Pop.: 632754 (1967). Area: 2792 sq. km (1077 sq. miles). French windows 0. syl French win+dows pos n. mod pl. sometimes; sing. qual Brit. def a pair of casement windows extending to floor level and opening onto a balcony, garden, etc. U.S. name: {French doors}. Frenchier infl head Frenchy syl French:i+er pos adj. Frenchiest infl head Frenchy syl French:i+est. pos adj. Frenchy 1. syl French:y pron <1frenCi> pos adj. qual Informal. def characteristic of or resembling the French. Frenchies infl head Frenchy syl French:ies. pos n. mod pl. Frenchy 2. syl French:y pron <1frenCi> pos n. def an informal word for {Frenchman}. frenetic ety C14: via Old French frenetique from Latin phren*_eticus, from Greek phrenetikos, from phrenitis insanity, from phr*_en mind frenetic 0. syl fre+net+ic pron pos adj. def distracted or frantic; frenzied. frenetically sub head frenetic syl fre+1net:i+cal+ly pos adv. freneticness sub head frenetic syl fre+1net+ic+ness pos n. frenulum ety C18: New Latin, diminutive of Latin fr*_enum bridle frenula infl head frenulum syl fren:u+la pron <-l*> pos n. mod pl. frenulum 1. syl fren:u+lum pron <1frenjul*m> pos n. def a strong bristle or group of bristles on the hindwing of some moths and other insects, by which the forewing and hindwing are united during flight. frenulum 2. syl fren:u+lum pron <1frenjul*m> pos n. def a small fraenum. frena infl head frenum syl fre+na pron <-n*> pos n. mod pl. frenum 0. syl fre+num pron <1frEn*m> pos n. def a variant spelling (esp. U.S.) of {fraenum}. frenzied 0. syl fren+zied pron <1frenzid> pos adj. def filled with or as if with frenzy; wild; frantic. frenziedly sub head frenzied syl fren+zied+ly pos adv. frenzy ety C14: from Old French frenesie, from Late Latin phr*_en*_esis madness, delirium, from Late Greek, ultimately from Greek phr*_en mind; compare #7frenetic frenzies infl head frenzy syl fren+zies. pos n. mod pl. frenzy 1. syl fren+zy pron <1frenzi> pos n. def violent mental derangement. frenzy 2. syl fren+zy pron <1frenzi> pos n. def wild excitement or agitation; distraction. frenzies infl head frenzy syl fren+zies pos vb. frenzying infl head frenzy syl fren+zy+ing pos vb. frenzied infl head frenzy syl fren+zied. pos vb. frenzy 3. syl fren+zy pron <1frenzi> pos vb. mod tr. def to make frantic; drive into a frenzy. Freon 0. syl Fre+on pron <1frEon> pos n. qual Trademark. def any of a group of chemically unreactive gaseous or liquid derivatives of methane in which hydrogen atoms have been replaced by chlorine and fluorine atoms: used as aerosol propellants, refrigerants, and solvents. freq 1. syl freq. qual abbrev. for: def frequent(ly). freq 2. syl freq. qual abbrev. for: def frequentative. frequency ety C16: from Latin frequentia a large gathering, from frequ*_ens numerous, crowd?!ed frequencies infl head frequency syl fre+quen+cies. pos n. mod pl. frequency 1. syl fre+quen+cy pron <1frEkw*nsi> pos n. def the state of being frequent; frequent occurrence. frequency 2. syl fre+quen+cy pron <1frEkw*nsi> pos n. def the number of times that an event occurs within a given period; rate of recurrence. frequency 3.a. syl fre+quen+cy pron <1frEkw*nsi> pos n. def the number of times that a periodic function or vibration repeats itself in a specified time, often 1 second. It is usually measured in hertz. Symbol. exam 1 #Gn frequency 3.b. syl fre+quen+cy pron <1frEkw*nsi> pos n. def the quotient of the length of the given time interval to the period of the function. frequency 4.a. syl fre+quen+cy pron <1frEkw*nsi> pos n. def the number of individuals in a class ({absolute frequency}) . frequency 4.b. syl fre+quen+cy pron <1frEkw*nsi> pos n. def the ratio of this number to the total number of individuals under survey ({relative frequency}) . {~} Also called (for senses 1, 2): {frequence}. frequency band 0. syl fre+quen+cy band pos n. def a continuous range of frequencies, esp. in the radio spectrum, between two limiting frequencies. frequency distribution 0. syl fre+quen+cy dis+tri+bu+tion pos n. qual Statistics. def a set of values of a variable divided into classes with associated frequencies. frequency modulation 0. syl fre+quen+cy mod:u+la+tion pos n. def a method of transmitting information using a radio-frequency carrier wave. The frequency of the carrier wave is varied in accordance with the amplitude and polarity of the input signal, the amplitude of the carrier remaining unchanged. Abbrevs.: {FM, fm}. Compare {amplitude modulation}. frequent ety C16: from Latin frequ*_ens numerous; perhaps related to Latin farc*_ire to stuff frequent 1. syl fre+quent pron <1frEkw*nt> pos adj. def recurring at short intervals. frequent 2. syl fre+quent pron <1frEkw*nt> pos adj. def constant or habitual. frequent 3. syl fre+quent pron pos vb. mod tr. def to visit repeatedly or habitually. frequentable sub head frequent syl fre+1quent+a:ble pos adj. frequenter sub head frequent syl fre+1quent+er pos n. frequentness sub head frequent syl fre+quent+ness pos n. frequentation 0. syl fre+quen+ta+tion pron <2frEkwen1tAS*n> pos n. def the act or practice of frequenting or visiting often. frequentative 1. syl fre+quen+ta+tive pron pos adj. qual Grammar. def denot?!ing an aspect of verbs in some languages used to express repeated or habitual action. frequentative 2. syl fre+quen+ta+tive pron pos adj. qual Grammar. usage in English def denoting a verb or an affix having meaning that involves repeated or habitual action, such as the verb from frequentative 3.a. syl fre+quen+ta+tive pron pos n. qual Grammar. def a frequentative verb or affix. frequentative 3.b. syl fre+quen+ta+tive pron pos n. qual Grammar. def the frequentative aspect of verbs. fresco ety C16: from Italian: fresh plaster, coolness, from fresco (adj.) fresh, cool, of Germanic origin frescoes infl head fresco or frescos syl fres+coes pos n. mod pl. frescos infl head fresco or frescoes syl fres+cos. pos n. mod pl. fresco 1. syl fres+co pron <1fresk*u> pos n. def a very durable method of wall-painting using watercolours on wet plaster or, less properly, dry plaster ({fresco secco}) , with a less durable result. fresco 2. syl fres+co pron <1fresk*u> pos n. def a painting done in this way. Girolamo infl head Frescobaldi syl Gi:ro:la:mo pron pos n. Frescobaldi 0. syl Fres:co:bal:di pron Italian pos n. def 1583-1643, Italian organist and composer, noted esp. for his organ and harpsichord music. fresh ety Old English fersc fresh, unsalted; related to Old High German frisc, Old French freis, Old Norse ferskr fresh 1. syl fresh pron pos adj. def not stale or deteriorated; newly made, harvested, etc.. exam 1 fresh bread; exam 2 fresh strawberries. fresh 2. syl fresh pron pos adj. def newly acquired, created, found, etc.. exam 1 fresh publications. fresh 3. syl fresh pron pos adj. def novel; original. exam 1 a fresh outlook. fresh 4. syl fresh pron pos adj. def latest; most recent. exam 1 fresh developments. fresh 5. syl fresh pron pos adj. def further; additional; more. exam 1 fresh supplies. fresh 6. syl fresh pron pos adj. def not canned, frozen, or otherwise preserved. exam 1 fresh fruit. fresh 7. syl fresh pron pos adj. usage of water def not salt. fresh 8. syl fresh pron pos adj. def bright or clear. exam 1 a fresh morning. fresh 9. syl fresh pron pos adj. def chilly or invigorating. exam 1 a fresh breeze. fresh 10. syl fresh pron pos adj. def not tired; alert; re?!freshed. fresh 11. syl fresh pron pos adj. def not worn or faded. exam 1 fresh colours. fresh 12. syl fresh pron pos adj. def having a healthy or ruddy appearance. fresh 13. syl fresh pron pos adj. def newly or just arrived; straight. exam 1 fresh from the presses. fresh 14. syl fresh pron pos adj. def youthful or inexperienced. fresh 15. syl fresh pron pos adj. qual Chiefly U.S. def designating a female farm animal, esp. a cow, that has recently given birth. fresh 16. syl fresh pron pos adj. qual Informal. def presumptuous or disrespectful; forward. fresh 17. syl fresh pron pos adj. qual Northern English dialect. def partially intoxicated; tipsy. fresh out of 18. head fresh syl fresh out of. qual Informal, chiefly U.S. def having just run out of supplies of. fresh 19. syl fresh pron pos n. def the fresh part or time of something. fresh 20. syl fresh pron pos n. def another name for {freshet}. fresh 21. syl fresh pron pos vb. qual Obsolete. def to make or become fresh; freshen. fresh 22. syl fresh pron pos adv. def in a fresh manner; freshly. freshly sub head fresh syl fresh+ly pos adv. freshness sub head fresh syl fresh+ness pos n. fresh breeze 0. syl fresh breeze pos n. def a fairly strong breeze of force five on the Beaufort scale. freshen 1. syl fresh+en pron <1freS*n> pos vb. def to make or become fresh or fresher. freshen 2. syl fresh+en pron <1freS*n> pos vb. usage often foll. by up def to refresh (oneself), esp. by washing. freshen 3. syl fresh+en pron <1freS*n> pos vb. mod intr. usage of the wind def to increase. freshen 4. syl fresh+en pron <1freS*n> pos vb. def to lose or cause to lose saltiness. freshen 5.a. syl fresh+en pron <1freS*n> pos vb. usage of farm animals def to give birth. freshen 5.b. syl fresh+en pron <1freS*n> pos vb. usage of cows def to commence giving milk after calving. freshener sub head freshen syl fresh+en+er pos n. freshman alt head fresher or fresher syl fresh+man pron <1freSm*n> pos n. freshers infl head fresher or freshmen syl fresh+ers pos n. mod pl. freshmen infl head fresher or freshers syl fresh+men. pos n. mod pl. fresher 0. or freshman syl fresh+er pron <1freS*> pos n. def a first-year student at college or university. freshet 1. syl fresh+et pron <1freSit> pos n. def the sudden overflowing of a river caused by heavy rain or melting snow. freshet 2. syl fresh+et pron <1freSit> pos n. def a stream of fresh water emptying into the sea. fresh gale 0. syl fresh gale pos n. def a gale of force eight on the Beaufort scale. fresh-run 0. syl fresh-run pos adj. usage of fish def newly migrated upstream from the sea, esp. to spawn. freshwater 1. syl fresh+wa:ter pron <1freS2wc:t*> pos n. usage modifier def of, relating to, or living in fresh water. freshwater 2. syl fresh+wa:ter pron <1freS2wc:t*> pos n. usage modifier; esp. of a sailor who has not sailed on the sea def unskilled or inexperienced. freshwater 3. syl fresh+wa:ter pron <1freS2wc:t*> pos n. qual U.S. usage modifier def small and little known. exam 1 a freshwater school. fresnel ety C20: named after A. J. F#7resnel fresnel 0. syl fres+nel pron <1frAnel>, French pos n. def a unit of frequency equivalent to 10%1%2 hertz. Augustin Jean infl head Fresnel syl Au:gus:tin Jean pron <1Z?~a> pos n. Fresnel 0. syl Fres:nel pron French pos n. def 1788-1827, French physicist: worked on the interference of light, contributing to the wave theory of light. Fresnel lens ety C20: named after A. J. F#7resnel Fresnel lens 0. syl Fres+nel lens pos n. def a lens consisting of a number of smaller lenses arranged to give a flat surface of short focal length. Fresno 0. syl Fres+no pron <1frezn*u> pos n. def a city in central California, in the San Joaquin Valley. Pop.: 174882 (1973 est.). fret ety Old English fretan to #7eat; related to Old High German frezzan, Gothic fraitan, Latin peredere frets infl head fret syl frets pos vb. fretting infl head fret syl fret+ting pos vb. fretted infl head fret syl fret+ted. pos vb. fret H1.1. syl fret pron pos vb. def to distress or be distressed; worry. fret H1.2. syl fret pron pos vb. def to rub or wear away. fret H1.3. syl fret pron pos vb. def to irritate or be irritated; feel or give annoyance or vexation. fret H1.4. syl fret pron pos vb. def to eat away or be eaten away by chemical action; corrode. fret H1.5. syl fret pron pos vb. mod intr. usage of a road surface def to become loose so that potholes develop; scab. fret H1.6. syl fret pron pos vb. def to agitate (water) or (of water) to be agitated. fret H1.7. syl fret pron pos vb. mod tr. def to make by wearing away; erode. fret H1.8. syl fret pron pos n. def a state of irritation or anxiety. fret H1.9. syl fret pron pos n. def the result of fretting; corrosion. fret H1.10. syl fret pron pos n. def a hole or channel caused by fretting. fret ety C14: from Old French frete interlaced design used on a shield, probably of Germanic origin fret H2.1. syl fret pron pos n. def a repetitive geometrical figure, esp. one used as an ornamental border. fret H2.2. syl fret pron pos n. def such a pattern made in relief and with numerous small openings; fretwork. fret H2.3. syl fret pron pos n. qual Heraldry. def a charge on a shield consisting of a mascle crossed by a saltire. frets infl head fret syl frets pos vb. fretting infl head fret syl fret+ting pos vb. fretted infl head fret syl fret+ted. pos vb. fret H2.4. syl fret pron pos vb. mod tr. def to ornament with fret or fretwork. fretless sub head fret syl fret+less pos adj. fret ety C16: of unknown origin fret H3.0. syl fret pron pos n. def any of several small metal bars set across the fingerboard of a musical instrument of the lute, guitar, or viol family at various points along its length so as to produce the desired notes when the strings are stopped by the fingers. fretless sub head fret syl fret+less pos adj. fretful 0. syl fret+ful pron <1fretful> pos adj. def peevish, irritable, or upset. fretfully sub head fretful syl fret+ful+ly pos adv. fretfulness sub head fretful syl fret+ful+ness pos n. fret saw 0. syl fret saw pos n. def a fine-toothed saw with a long thin narrow blade, used for cutting designs in thin wood or metal. fretted 1. syl fret+ted pron <1fretid> pos adj. def ornamented with angular designs or frets. fretted 2. syl fret+ted pron <1fretid> pos adj. def decorated with fretwork. fretwork 1. syl fret+work pron <1fret2wR:k> pos n. def decorative geometrical carving or openwork. fretwork 2. syl fret+work pron <1fret2wR:k> pos n. def any similar pattern of light and dark. fretwork 3. syl fret+work pron <1fret2wR:k> pos n. def ornamental work of three-dimensional frets. Sigmund infl head Freud syl Sig:mund pron <1zikmunt> pos n. Freud 0. syl Freud pron pos n. def 1856-1939, Austrian psychiatrist; originator of psychoanalysis, based on free association of ideas and analysis of dreams. He stressed the importance of infantile sexuality in later development, evolving the concept of the Oedipus complex. His works include (1900) and (1923). Freudian 1. syl Freud+i:an pron <1frcidi*n> pos adj. def of or relating to Sigmund Freud or his ideas. Freudian 2. syl Freud+i:an pron <1frcidi*n> pos n. def a person who follows or believes in the basic ideas of Sigmund Freud. Freudianism sub head Freudian syl Freud:i+an+ism pos n. Freudian slip 0. syl Freud+i:an slip pos n. def any action, such as a slip of the tongue, that may reveal an unconscious thought. Freyr alt head Frey or Frey syl Freyr pron pos n. Frey 0. or Freyr syl Frey pron pos n. qual Norse myth. def the god of earth's fertility and dispenser of prosperity. Freyja alt head Freya or Freya syl Frey:ja pron <1frA*> pos n. Freya 0. or Freyja syl Frey:a pron <1frA*> pos n. qual Norse myth. def the goddess of love and fecundity, sister of Frey. Gustav infl head Freytag syl Gus:tav pron <1gustaf> pos n. Freytag 0. syl Frey:tag pron German <1frIta:k> pos n. def 1816-95, German novelist and dramatist; author of the comedy (1853) and (1855), a novel about German commercial life. FRGS 0. syl F.R.G.S. qual abbrev. for usage in Britain def Fellow of the Royal Geographical Society. Fri 0. syl Fri. qual abbrev. for def Friday. friable ety C16: from Latin fri*_abilis, from fri*_are to crumble; related to Latin fric*_are to rub down friable 0. syl fri+a:ble pron <1frI*bL> pos adj. def easily broken up; crumbly. friability sub head friable or friableness syl fri+a:1bil+i:ty pos n. friableness sub head friable or friability syl fri+a:ble+ness pos n. friar ety C13 frere, from Old French: brother, from Latin fr*_ater #7brother &- #!fri+ar+ly adj. friar 0. syl fri+ar pron <1frI*> pos n. def a member of any of various chiefly mendicant religious orders of the Roman Catholic Church, the main orders being the {Black Friars} (Dominicans), {Grey Friars} (Franciscans), {White Friars} (Carmelites), and {Austin Friars} (Augustinians). friarbird 0. syl fri:ar+bird pron <1frI*2bR:d> pos n. def any of various Australian honeyeaters of the genus having a naked head. Friars Minor infl head Friar Minor syl Fri+ars Mi+nor. pos n. mod pl. Friar Minor 0. syl Fri+ar Mi+nor pos n. qual Christianity. def a member of either of two of the three orders into which the order founded by St. Francis of Assisi came to be divided, namely the {Order of Friars Minor} and the {Order of Friars Minor Conventual}. Compare {Capuchin}. friar's balsam 0. syl fri+ar's bal+sam pos n. def a compound containing benzoin, mixed with hot water and used as an inhalant to relieve colds and sore throats. friar's lantern 0. syl fri+ar's lan+tern pos n. def another name for {will-o'-the-wisp}. Friar Tuck 0. syl Fri+ar Tuck pos n. qual English legend. def a jolly friar who joined Robin Hood's band and aided their exploits. friaries infl head friary syl fri+ar:ies. pos n. mod pl. friary 0. syl fri+ar:y pron <1frI*ri> pos n. qual Christianity. def a convent or house of friars. fribble ety C17: of unknown origin fribble 1. syl frib+ble pron <1fribL> pos vb. mod tr. def to fritter away; waste. fribble 2. syl frib+ble pron <1fribL> pos vb. mod intr. def to act frivolously; trifle. fribble 3. syl frib+ble pron <1fribL> pos n. def a wasteful or frivolous person or action. fribble 4. syl frib+ble pron <1fribL> pos adj. def frivolous; trifling. fribbler sub head fribble syl frib+bler pos n. Fribourg 1. syl Fri+bourg pron French pos n. def a canton in W Switzerland. Capital: Fribourg. Pop.: 180309 (1970). Area: 1676 sq. km (645 sq. miles). Fribourg 2. syl Fri+bourg pron French pos n. def a town in W Switzerland, capital of Fribourg canton: university (1889). Pop.: 39695 (1970). Fribourg xref syl Fri+bourg pron French pos n. def German name: {Freiburg}. fricandeau ety C18: from Old French, probably based on #7fricassee fricando alt head fricandeau or fricandeau syl fric+an+do pron <1frik*n2d*u> pos n. fricandeaus infl head fricandeau syl fric+an+deaus pron <-2d*uz> pos n. mod pl. fricandeaux infl head fricandeau or fricandoes syl fric+an+deaux pron <-2d*uz> pos n. mod pl. fricandoes infl head fricandeau or fricandeaux syl fric+an+does pron <-2d*uz> pos n. mod pl. fricandeau 0. or fricando syl fric+an+deau pron <1frik*n2d*u> pos n. def a larded and braised veal fillet. fricassee ety C16: from Old French, from fricasser to fricassee; probably related to frire to {#7fry %1} fricassee 1. syl fric+as+see pron <2frik*1sE>, <1frik*si>, <1frik*2sA> pos n. def stewed meat, esp. chicken or veal, and vegetables, served in a thick white sauce. fricassees infl head fricassee syl fric+as+sees pos vb. fricasseeing infl head fricassee syl fric+as+see+ing pos vb. fricasseed infl head fricassee syl fric+as+seed. pos vb. fricassee 2. syl fric+as+see pron <2frik*1sE>, <1frik*si>, <1frik*2sA> pos vb. mod tr. def to prepare (meat, etc.) as a fricassee. fricative ety C19: from New Latin fric*_ativus, from Latin fric*_are to rub fricative 1. syl fric:a+tive pron <1frik*tiv> pos n. def a continuant consonant produced by partial occlusion of the airstream, such as (f) or (z). {~} fricative 2. syl fric:a+tive pron <1frik*tiv> pos n. def relating to or denoting a fricative. friction ety C16: from French, from Latin fricti*_o a rubbing, from fric*_are to rub, rub down; related to Latin fri*_are to crumble &- #!fric+tion+al adj. &- #!fric+tion+less adj. friction 1. syl fric+tion pron <1frikS*n> pos n. def a resistance encountered when one body moves relative to another body with which it is in contact. friction 2. syl fric+tion pron <1frikS*n> pos n. def the act, effect, or an instance of rubbing one object against another. friction 3. syl fric+tion pron <1frikS*n> pos n. def disagreement or conflict; discord. friction 4. syl fric+tion pron <1frikS*n> pos n. qual Phonetics. def the hissing element of a speech sound, such as a fricative. friction 5. syl fric+tion pron <1frikS*n> pos n. def perfumed alcohol used on the hair to stimulate the scalp. friction clutch 0. syl fric+tion clutch pos n. def a mechanical clutch in which the drive is transmitted by the friction between surfaces, lined with cork, asbestos, or other fibrous materials, attached to the driving and driven shafts. friction match 0. syl fric+tion match pos n. def a match that ignites as a result of the heat produced by friction when it is struck on a rough surface. See also {safety match}. friction tape 0. syl fric+tion tape pos n. def the U.S. name for {insulating tape}. Friday ety Old English Fr*_iged@ag, literally: Freya's day; related to Old Frisian fr*_iadei, Old High German fr*_iatag Friday 0. syl Fri+day pron <1frIdi> pos n. def the sixth day of the week; fifth day of the working week. fridge 0. syl fridge pron pos n. qual Informal. def short for {refrigerator}. fried 0. syl fried pron pos vb. def the past tense or past participle of { {fry%1}}. Caspar David infl head Friedrich syl Cas:par Da:vid pron <1kaspar> <1da:fit> pos n. Friedrich 0. syl Frie:drich pron German <1frEdri*,c> pos n. def 1774-1840, German romantic landscape painter, noted for his skill in rendering changing effects of light. friend ety Old English fr*_eond; related to Old Saxon friund, Old Norse fr*_@andi, Gothic frij*_onds, Old High German friunt friend 1. syl friend pron pos n. def a person known well to another and regarded with liking, affection, and loyalty; an intimate. friend 2. syl friend pron pos n. def an acquaintance or associate. friend 3. syl friend pron pos n. def an ally in a fight or cause; supporter. friend 4. syl friend pron pos n. def a fellow member of a party, society, etc. friend 5. syl friend pron pos n. def a patron or supporter. exam 1 a friend of the opera. be friends (with) 6. head friend syl be friends (with) . def to be friendly (with). make friends (with) 7. head friend syl make friends (with) . def to become friendly (with). friend 8. syl friend pron pos vb. mod tr. def an archaic word for {befriend}. friendless sub head friend syl friend+less pos adj. friendlessness sub head friend syl friend+less+ness pos n. Friend 0. syl Friend pron pos n. def a member of the Society of Friends; Quaker. friend at court 0. syl friend at court pos n. def an influential acquaintance who can promote one's interests. friendlier infl head friendly syl friend+li+er pos adj. friendliest infl head friendly syl friend+li+est. pos adj. friendly 1. syl friend+ly pron <1frendli> pos adj. def showing or expressing liking, goodwill, or trust. exam 1 a friendly smile. friendly 2. syl friend+ly pron <1frendli> pos adj. def tending or disposed to help or support; favourable. exam 1 a friendly breeze helped them escape. friendly 3. syl friend+ly pron <1frendli> pos adj. def Also called: {friendly match}. a match played for its own sake, and not as part of a competition, etc. &- {#!friend+li+ly} friendliness sub head friendly syl friend+li+ness pos n. Friendly Islands 0. syl Friend+ly Is+lands pos n. mod pl. def another name for {Tonga%2}. friendly society 0. syl friend+ly so+ci+e:ty pos n. qual Brit. def an association of people who pay regular dues or other sums in return for old-age pensions, sickness benefits, etc. U.S. term: {benefit society}. frier 0. syl fri+er pron <1frI*> pos n. def a variant spelling of {fryer}. Friesian H1.0. syl Frie+sian pron <1frEZ*n> pos n. qual Brit. def any of several breeds of black-and-white dairy cattle having a high milk yield. Usual U.S. name: {Holstein}. Friesian H2.0. syl Frie+sian pron <1frEZ*n> pos n. adj. adj. def a variant spelling of {Frisian}. Friesland 0. syl Fries+land pron <1frEzl*nd>, Dutch <1frEs2lant> pos n. def a province of the N Netherlands, on the IJsselmeer and the North Sea: includes four of the West Frisian Islands; flat, with sand dunes and fens (under reclamation), canals, and lakes. Capital: Leeuwarden. Pop.: 539200 (1973 est.). Area: 3319 sq. km (1294 sq. miles). frieze ety C16: from French frise, perhaps from Medieval Latin frisium, changed from Latin Phrygium Phrygian (work), from Phrygia Phrygia, famous for embroidery in gold frieze H1.1.a. syl frieze pron pos n. def the horizontal band between the architrave and cornice of a classical entablature, esp. one that is decorated with sculpture. frieze H1.1.b. syl frieze pron pos n. def the upper part of the wall of a room, below the cornice, esp. one that is decorated. frieze H1.2. syl frieze pron pos n. def any ornamental band or strip on a wall. frieze ety C15: from Old French frise, from Middle Dutch friese, vriese, perhaps from Vriese Frisian frieze H2.0. syl frieze pron pos n. def a heavy woollen fabric with a long nap, used for coats, etc. frig ety C15 (in the sense: to wriggle): of uncertain origin; perhaps related to obsolete frike strong, or to Old English fr*_igan to love frigs infl head frig syl frigs pos vb. frigging infl head frig syl frig+ging pos vb. frigged infl head frig syl frigged. pos vb. frig 1. syl frig pron pos vb. qual Taboo slang. def to have sexual intercourse with. frig 2. syl frig pron pos vb. qual Taboo slang. def to masturbate. frig 3. syl frig pron pos vb. mod intr. qual Taboo slang. usage foll. by around, etc. def to behave foolishly or aimlessly. frigate ety C16: from French fr*'egate, from Italian fregata, of unknown origin frigate 1. syl frig+ate pron <1frigit> pos n. def a medium-sized square-rigged warship of the 18th and 19th centuries. frigate 2.a. syl frig+ate pron <1frigit> pos n. qual Brit. def a warship larger than a corvette and smaller than a destroyer. frigate 2.b. syl frig+ate pron <1frigit> pos n. qual U.S. def a warship larger than a destroyer and smaller than a cruiser. frigate bird 0. syl frig+ate bird pos n. def any bird of the genus and family of tropical and subtropical seas, having a long bill with a downturned tip, a wide wingspan, and a forked tail: order (pelicans, cormorants, etc.). Also called: {man-of-war bird}. Frigga alt head Frigg or Frigg syl Frig:ga pron <1frig*> pos n. Frigg 0. or Frigga syl Frigg pron pos n. qual Norse myth. def the wife of Odin; goddess of the heavens and married love. frigging 0. syl frig+ging pron <1frigiG> pos adj. usage Taboo slang. intensifier, used as a milder word for fucking def . exam 1 you frigging idiot. fright ety Old English fryhto; related to Gothic faurhtei, Old Frisian fruchte, Old High German forhta fright 1. syl fright pron pos n. def sudden intense fear or alarm. fright 2. syl fright pron pos n. def a sudden alarming shock. fright 3. syl fright pron pos n. qual Informal. def a horrifying, grotesque, or ludicrous person or thing. exam 1 she looks a fright in that hat. take fright 4. head fright syl take fright. def to become frightened. {~} fright 5. syl fright pron pos n. mod tr. def a poetic word for {frighten}. frighten 1. syl fright+en pron <1frItN> pos vb. mod tr. def to cause fear in; terrify; scare. frighten 2. syl fright+en pron <1frItN> pos vb. mod tr. def to drive or force to go (away, off, out, in, etc.) by making afraid. frightenable sub head frighten syl fright+en+a:ble pos adj. frightener sub head frighten syl fright+en+er pos n. frighteningly sub head frighten syl fright+en+ing+ly pos adv. frightful 1. syl fright+ful pron <1frItful> pos adj. def very alarming, distressing, or horrifying. frightful 2. syl fright+ful pron <1frItful> pos adj. def unpleasant, annoying, or extreme. exam 1 a frightful hurry. frightfulness sub head frightful syl fright+ful+ness pos n. frigid ety C15: from Latin frigidus cold, from fr*_ig*_ere to be cold, freeze; related to Latin fr*_igus frost frigid 1. syl frig+id pron <1friJid> pos adj. def formal or stiff in behaviour or temperament; lacking in affection or warmth. frigid 2.a. syl frig+id pron <1friJid> pos adj. def lacking sexual responsiveness. frigid 2.b. syl frig+id pron <1friJid> pos adj. def averse to sexual intercourse or unable to achieve orgasm during intercourse. frigid 3. syl frig+id pron <1friJid> pos adj. def characterized by physical coldness. exam 1 a frigid zone. frigidity sub head frigid or frigidness syl fri+1gid+i:ty pos n. frigidness sub head frigid or frigidity syl frig+id+ness pos n. frigidly sub head frigid syl frig+id+ly pos adv. Frigid Zone 0. syl Frig+id Zone pos n. def the cold region inside the Arctic or Antarctic Circle where the sun's rays are very oblique. frigorific ety C17: from French frigorifique, from Latin fr*_igorificus, from fr*_igus cold, coldness+ facere to make frigorific 0. syl frig:o+rif+ic pron <2frig*1rifik> pos adj. qual Obsolete. def causing cold or freezing. frijol ety C16: from Spanish, ultimately from Latin phaseolus, diminutive of phas*_elus, from Greek phas*_elos bean with edible pod frijoles infl head frijol syl fri+joles pron <-h*ulz>, Spanish <-1$xolAs> pos n. mod pl. frijol 0. syl fri+jol pron <1frEh*ul>, Spanish , Spanish <-1$xolAs> pos n. def a variety of bean, esp. of the French bean, extensively cultivated for food in Mexico. frill ety C14: perhaps of Flemish origin &- #!frill@.i+ness n. &- #!frill@.y adj. frill 1. syl frill pron pos n. def a gathered, ruched, or pleated strip of cloth sewn on at one edge only, as on garments, as ornament, or to give extra body. frill 2. syl frill pron pos n. def a ruff of hair or feathers around the neck of a dog or bird or a fold of skin around the neck of a reptile or amphibian. frill 3. syl frill pron pos n. def Full name: {oriental frill}. a variety of domestic fancy pigeon having a ruff of curled feathers on the chest and crop. frill 4. syl frill pron pos n. qual Photog. def a wrinkling or loosening of the emulsion at the edges of a negative or print. frill 5. syl frill pron pos n. mod often; pl. qual Informal. def a superfluous or pretentious thing or manner; affectation. exam 1 he made a plain speech with no frills. frill 6. syl frill pron pos vb. mod tr. def to adorn or fit with a frill or frills. frill 7. syl frill pron pos vb. def to form into a frill or frills. frill 8. syl frill pron pos vb. mod intr. usage Photog. of an emulsion def to develop a frill. frilled lizard 0. syl frilled liz+ard pos n. def a large arboreal insectivorous Australian lizard, having an erectile fold of skin around the neck: family (agamas). Frimaire ety C19: from French, from frimas hoarfrost, from Old French frim, of Germanic origin; related to Old Norse hr*_im {#7rime %1} Frimaire 0. syl Fri+maire pron French. pos n. def the frosty month: the third month of the French Revolutionary calendar, extending from Nov. 22 to Dec. 21. fringe ety C14: from Old French frenge, ultimately from Latin fimbria fringe, border; see #7fimbria fringe 1. syl fringe pron pos n. def an edging consisting of hanging threads, tassels, etc. fringe 2.a. syl fringe pron pos n. def an outer edge; periphery. fringe 2.b. syl fringe pron pos n. usage as modifier exam 1 fringe dwellers; exam 2 a fringe area. fringe 3. syl fringe pron pos n. usage modifier def unofficial; not conventional in form. exam 1 fringe theatre. fringe 4. syl fringe pron pos n. qual Chiefly Brit. def a section of the front hair cut short over the forehead. fringe 5. syl fringe pron pos n. def an ornamental border or margin. fringe 6. syl fringe pron pos n. qual Physics. def any of the light and dark or coloured bands produced by diffraction or interference of light. fringe 7. syl fringe pron pos vb. mod tr. def to adorn or fit with a fringe or fringes. fringe 8. syl fringe pron pos vb. mod tr. def to be a fringe for. exam 1 fur fringes the satin. fringeless sub head fringe syl fringe+less pos adj. fringy sub head fringe syl fring:y pos adj. fringe benefit 0. syl fringe ben+e:fit pos n. def an incidental or additional advantage, esp. a benefit provided by an employer to supplement an employee's regular pay, such as a pension. fringed orchis 0. syl fringed or+chis pos n. def any orchid of the genus having yellow, white, purple, or greenish flowers with fringed petals. See also {purple-fringed orchid}. fringe tree 0. syl fringe tree pos n. def either of two ornamental oleaceous shrubs or small trees of the genus of North America and China, having clusters of white narrow-petalled flowers. fringilline ety C19: from New Latin Fringilla type genus, from Latin fringilla a small bird, perhaps a chaffinch fringillid alt head fringilline or fringilline syl frin+gil+lid pron pos adj. fringilline 0. or fringillid syl frin+gil+line pron , <-in> pos adj. def of, relating to, or belonging to the a family of songbirds that includes the finches. fringing reef 0. syl fring+ing reef pos n. def a coral reef close to the shore to which it is attached, having a steep seaward edge. frippery ety C16: from Old French freperie, from frepe frill, rag, old garment, from Medieval Latin faluppa a straw, splinter, of obscure origin fripperies infl head frippery syl frip+per:ies. pos n. mod pl. frippery 1. syl frip+per:y pron <1frip*ri> pos n. def ornate or showy clothing or adornment. frippery 2. syl frip+per:y pron <1frip*ri> pos n. def showiness; ostentation. frippery 3. syl frip+per:y pron <1frip*ri> pos n. def unimportant considerations; trifles; trivia. frippet ety C20: of uncertain origin frippet 1. syl frip+pet pron <1fripit> pos n. def a frivolous or flamboyant young woman. frippet 2. syl frip+pet pron <1fripit> pos n. qual Informal. def young womanhood (esp. in the phrase {a (nice) bit of frippet}) . Fris 0. syl Fris. qual abbrev. for def Frisian. Frisbee 0. syl Fris+bee pron <1frizbE> pos n. qual Trademark. def a light plastic disc, usually 20-25 centimetres in diameter, thrown with a spinning motion for recreation or in competition. Max 1. head Frisch syl Max usage maks). born 1911, Swiss dramatist and novelist. His works are predominantly satirical and include the plays; Biedermann und die Brandstifter 1953 def and (1961), and the novel (1954). Otto 2. head Frisch syl Ot:to. def born 1904, British nuclear physicist, born in Austria. Frisches Haff 0. syl Frisch+es Haff pron <1friS*s> <1haf> pos n. def the German name for {{Vistula} (sense 2)}. Frisco 0. syl Fris+co pron <1frisk*u> pos n. def an informal name for {San Francisco}. fris'e ety from French, literally: curled fris'e 0. syl fri+s*'e pron <1frEzA> pos n. def a fabric with a long normally uncut nap used for upholstery and rugs. frisette ety C19: from French, literally: little curl, from friser to curl, shrivel up, probably from frire to {fry%1} frizette alt head frisette or frisette syl fri+zette pron pos n. frisette 0. or frizette syl fri+sette pron pos n. def a curly or frizzed fringe, often an artificial hairpiece, worn by women on the forehead. friseur ety C18: literally: one who curls (hair); see #7frisette friseur 0. syl fri+seur pron French. pos n. def a hairdresser. Frisian ety C16: from Latin Fr*_isi*_i people of northern Germany Friesian alt head Frisian or Frisian syl Frie+sian pos n. Frisian 1. or Friesian syl Fri+sian pron <1friZ*n> pos n. def a language spoken in the NW Netherlands and adjacent islands, belonging to the West Germanic branch of the Indo-European family: the nearest relative of the English language. Frisian 2. or Friesian syl Fri+sian pron <1friZ*n> pos n. def a speaker of this language; a native or inhabitant of Friesland. Frisian 3. or Friesian syl Fri+sian pron <1friZ*n> pos adj. def of or relating to this language or its speakers. Frisian Islands 0. syl Fri+sian Is+lands pos n. mod pl. def a chain of islands in the North Sea along the coasts of the Netherlands, West Germany, and Denmark: separated from the mainland by shallows. frisk ety C16: from Old French frisque, of Germanic origin; related to Old High German frisc lively, #7fresh frisk 1. syl frisk pron pos vb. mod intr. def to leap, move about, or act in a playful manner; frolic. frisk 2. syl frisk pron pos vb. mod tr. usage esp. of animals def to whisk or wave briskly. exam 1 the dog frisked its tail. frisk 3.a. syl frisk pron pos vb. def to search (someone) by feeling for concealed weapons, etc. frisk 3.b. syl frisk pron pos vb. def to rob by searching in this way. frisk 4. syl frisk pron pos n. def a playful antic or movement; frolic. frisk 5. syl frisk pron pos n. qual Informal. def the act or an instance of frisking a person. frisker sub head frisk syl frisk+er pos n. friskingly sub head frisk syl frisk+ing+ly pos adv. frisket ety C17: from French frisquette, of obscure origin frisket 0. syl frisk+et pron <1friskit> pos n. qual Printing. def a light rectangular frame, attached to the tympan of a hand-printing press, that carries a parchment sheet to protect the non-printing areas. friskier infl head frisky syl frisk:i+er pos adj. friskiest infl head frisky syl frisk:i+est. pos adj. frisky 0. syl frisk:y pron <1friski> pos adj. def lively, high-spirited, or playful. friskily sub head frisky syl frisk:i+ly pos adv. friskiness sub head frisky syl frisk:i+ness pos n. frisson ety C18 (but in common use only from C20): literally: shiver frisson 0. syl fris+son pron French. pos n. def a shudder or shiver; thrill. frit ety C17: from Italian fritta, literally: fried, from friggere to fry, from Latin fr*_igere fritt alt head frit or frit syl fritt pron pos n. frit 1.a. or fritt syl frit pron pos n. def the basic materials, partially or wholly fused, for making glass, glazes for pottery, enamel, etc. frit 1.b. or fritt syl frit pron pos n. def a glassy substance used in some soft-paste porcelain. frit 2. or fritt syl frit pron pos n. def the material used for making the glaze for artificial teeth. frits infl head frit or fritts syl frits pos vb. fritts infl head frit or frits syl fritts pos vb. fritting infl head frit syl frit+ting pos vb. fritted infl head frit syl frit+ted. pos vb. frit 3. or fritt syl frit pron pos vb. mod tr. def to fuse (materials) in making frit. frit fly 0. syl frit fly pos n. def a small black dipterous fly, whose larvae are destructive to barley, wheat, rye, oats, etc.: family fritillary ety C17: from New Latin fritill*_aria, from Latin fritillus dice box; probably with reference to the spotted markings fritillaries infl head fritillary syl fri+til+lar:ies. pos n. mod pl. fritillary 1. syl fri+til+lar:y pron pos n. def any N temperate liliaceous plant of the genus having purple or white drooping bell-shaped flowers, typically marked in a chequered pattern. See also {snake's head}. fritillary 2. syl fri+til+lar:y pron pos n. def any of various nymphalid butterflies of the genera etc., having brownish wings chequered with black and silver. fritter ety C18: probably from obsolete fitter to break into small pieces, ultimately from Old English fitt a piece fritter H1.1. syl frit+ter pron <1frit*> pos vb. mod tr. usage usually foll. by away def to waste or squander. exam 1 to fritter away time. fritter H1.2. syl frit+ter pron <1frit*> pos vb. mod tr. def to break or tear into small pieces; shred. fritter H1.3. syl frit+ter pron <1frit*> pos n. mod tr. def a small piece; shred. fritterer sub head fritter syl frit+ter+er pos n. fritter ety C14: from Old French friture, from Latin frictus fried, roasted, from fr*_igere to fry, parch fritter H2.0. syl frit+ter pron <1frit*> pos n. def a piece of food, such as apple or clam, that is dipped in batter and fried in deep fat. Friuli 0. syl Fri:u+li pron Italian pos n. def a historic region of SW Europe, between the Carnic Alps and the Gulf of Venice: the W part ({Venetian Friuli}) was ceded by Austria to Italy in 1866 and {Eastern Friuli} in 1919; in 1947 Eastern Friuli (except Gorizia) was ceded to Yugoslavia. Friulian 1. syl Fri:u+li:an pron pos n. def the Rhaetian dialect spoken in parts of Friuli. See also {Ladin, Romansch}. Friulian 2. syl Fri:u+li:an pron pos n. def an inhabitant of Friuli or a speaker of Friulian. Friulian 3. syl Fri:u+li:an pron pos adj. def of or relating to Friuli, its inhabitants, or their language. Friuli-Venezia Giulia 0. syl Fri:u:li-Ve:ne:zi:a Giu+lia pron Italian <1Ju:lja> pos n. def a region of NE Italy, formed in 1947 from {Venetian Friuli} and part of {Eastern Friuli}. Capital: Trieste. Pop.: 1209810 (1971). Area: 7851 sq. km (3031 sq. miles). frivol ety C19: back formation from #7frivolous frivols infl head frivol or frivols syl friv+ols pos vb. qual U.S. frivolling infl head frivol or frivoling syl friv+ol+ling pos vb. frivolled infl head frivol or frivoled syl friv+olled pos vb. frivoling infl head frivol or frivolling syl friv+ol+ing pos vb. qual U.S. frivoled infl head frivol or frivolled syl friv+oled. pos vb. qual U.S. frivol 1. syl friv+ol pron <1frivL> pos vb. mod intr. qual Informal. def to behave frivolously; trifle. frivol 2. syl friv+ol pron <1frivL> pos vb. mod tr. qual Informal. usage often foll. by away def to waste on frivolous pursuits. frivoller sub head frivol or frivoler syl friv+ol+ler pos n. frivoler sub head frivol or frivoller syl friv+ol+er pos n. qual U.S. frivolous ety C15: from Latin fr*_ivolus silly, worthless frivolous 1. syl friv:o+lous pron <1friv*l*s> pos adj. def not serious or sensible in content, attitude, or behaviour; silly. exam 1 a frivolous remark. frivolous 2. syl friv:o+lous pron <1friv*l*s> pos adj. def unworthy of serious or sensible treatment; unimportant. exam 1 frivolous details. frivolously sub head frivolous syl friv:o+lous+ly pos adv. frivolousness sub head frivolous or frivolity syl friv:o+lous+ness pron pos n. frivolity sub head frivolous or frivolousness syl fri+vol+i:ty pron pos n. frizette 0. syl fri+zette pron pos n. def a variant spelling of {frisette}. frizz ety C19: from French friser to curl, shrivel up (see #7frisette) : influenced by {#7frizzle %1} frizz 1. syl frizz pron pos vb. usage of the hair, nap, etc. def to form or cause (the hair, etc.) to form tight wiry curls or crisp tufts. frizz 2. syl frizz pron pos n. def hair that has been frizzed. frizz 3. syl frizz pron pos n. def the state of being frizzed. frizzer sub head frizz syl frizz+er pos n. frizzle ety C16: probably related to Old English fr*_is curly, Old Frisian fr*_esle curl, ringlet frizzle H1.1. syl friz+zle pron <1frizL> pos vb. def to form (the hair) into tight crisp curls; frizz. frizzle H1.2. syl friz+zle pron <1frizL> pos n. def a tight crisp curl. frizzler sub head frizzle syl friz+zler pos n. frizzle ety C16: probably blend of {#7fry %1}#7+sizzle frizzle H2.1. syl friz+zle pron <1frizL> pos vb. def to scorch or be scorched, esp. with a sizzling noise. frizzle H2.2. syl friz+zle pron <1frizL> pos vb. mod tr. def to fry (bacon, etc.) until crisp. frizzly alt head frizzy or frizzy syl friz+zly pron <1frizli> pos adj. frizzier infl head frizzy or frizzlier syl friz+zi+er pos adj. frizziest infl head frizzy or frizzliest syl friz+zi+est pos adj. frizzlier infl head frizzy or frizzier syl friz+zli+er pos adj. frizzliest infl head frizzy or frizziest syl friz+zli+est. pos adj. frizzy 0. or frizzly syl friz+zy pron <1frizi> pos adj. usage of the hair def in tight crisp wiry curls. frizzily sub head frizzy syl friz+zi+ly pos adv. frizziness sub head frizzy or frizzliness syl friz+zi+ness pos n. frizzliness sub head frizzy or frizziness syl friz+zli+ness pos n. Frl ety German: Miss Frl 0. syl Frl. qual abbrev. for def Fr*"aulein. fro ety C12: from Old Norse fr*_a; related to Old English fram #7from fro 0. syl fro pron pos adv. def back or from. See {to and fro}. Frobisher 0. syl Fro:bish:er pron <1fr*ubiS*> pos n. def Sir {Mar@.tin}. ??1535-94, English navigator and explorer: made three unsuccessful voyages in search of the Northwest Passage (1576; 1577; 1578), visiting Labrador and Baffin Island. Frobisher Bay 0. syl Fro:bish:er Bay pos n. def an inlet of the Atlantic in NE Canada, in the SE coast of Baffin Island. frock ety C14: from Old French froc; related to Old Saxon, Old High German hroc coat frock 1. syl frock pron pos n. def a girl's or woman's dress. frock 2. syl frock pron pos n. def a loose garment of several types, such as a peasant's smock. frock 3. syl frock pron pos n. def a coarse wide-sleeved outer garment worn by members of some religious orders. frock 4. syl frock pron pos vb. mod tr. def to invest (a person) with the office or status of a cleric. frock coat 0. syl frock coat pos n. def a man's single- or double-breasted skirted coat, as worn in the 19th century. frocking 0. syl frock+ing pron <1frokiG> pos n. def coarse material suitable for making frocks or work clothes. frow alt head froe or froe syl frow pron pos n. froe 0. or frow syl froe pron pos n. def a cutting tool with handle and blade at right angles, used for stripping young trees, etc. Frobel alt head Froebel or Froebel syl Fr*"o:bel pron German <1fr$o:bL> pos n. Friedrich (Wilhelm August) infl head Froebel syl Frie:drich (Wilhelm August) pron <1frEdri*,c> pos n. Froebel 0. or Frobel syl Froe:bel pron German <1fr$o:bL> pos n. def 1782-1852, German educator: founded the first kindergarten (1840). frog ety Old English frogga; related to Old Norse froskr, Old High German forsk frog H1.1. syl frog pron pos n. def any insectivorous anuran amphibian of the family such as of Europe, having a short squat tailless body with a moist smooth skin and very long hind legs specialized for hopping. frog H1.2. syl frog pron pos n. def any of various similar amphibians of related families, such as the tree frog. frog H1.3. syl frog pron pos n. def any spiked or perforated object used to support plant stems in a flower arrangement. frog H1.4. syl frog pron pos n. def a recess in a brick to reduce its weight. a frog in one's throat 5. head frog syl a frog in one's throat. def phlegm on the vocal cords that affects one's speech. frogs infl head frog syl frogs pos vb. frogging infl head frog syl frog+ging pos vb. frogged infl head frog syl frogged. pos vb. frog H1.6. syl frog pron pos vb. mod intr. def to hunt or catch frogs. froggy sub head frog syl frog+gy pos adj. frog ety C18: perhaps ultimately from Latin floccus tuft of hair, {#7flock %2} frog H2.1. syl frog pron pos n. mod often; pl. def a decorative fastening of looped braid or cord, as on the front of a 19th-century military uniform. frog H2.2. syl frog pron pos n. def a loop or other attachment on a belt to hold the scabbard of a sword, etc. frog H2.3. syl frog pron pos n. qual Music. def another name (esp. U.S.) for { {nut} (sense 10)}. frog ety C17: of uncertain origin frog H3.0. syl frog pron pos n. def a tough elastic horny material in the centre of the sole of a horse's foot. frog ety C19: of uncertain origin; perhaps a special use of {#7frog %1} frog H4.0. syl frog pron pos n. def a grooved plate of iron or steel placed to guide train wheels over an intersection of railway lines. Froggy alt head Frog or Frog syl Frog+gy pron <1frogi> pos n. Frogs infl head Frog or Froggies syl Frogs pos n. mod pl. Froggies infl head Frog or Frogs syl Frog+gies. pos n. mod pl. Frog 0. or Froggy syl Frog pron pos n. qual Brit. slang. def a derogatory word for a French person. frog-bit 0. syl frog-bit pos n. def a floating aquatic Eurasian plant, with heart-shaped leaves and white flowers: family frogfish infl or frogfishes syl frog+fish pos n. mod pl. frogfishes infl head frogfish or frogfish syl frog+fish:es. pos n. mod pl. frogfish 0. syl frog+fish pron <1frog2fiS> pos n. def any angler (fish) of the family in which the body is covered with fleshy processes, including a fleshy lure on top of the head. frogged 0. syl frogged pron pos adj. usage of a coat def fitted with ornamental frogs. frogging 0. syl frog+ging pron <1frogiG> pos n. def the ornamental frogs on a coat collective?!ly. froghopper 0. syl frog+hop:per pron <1frog2hop*> pos n. def any small leaping herbivorous homopterous insect of the family whose larvae secrete a protective spittle-like substance around themselves. Also called: {spittle insect, spittlebug}. frog kick 0. syl frog kick pos n. def a type of kick used in swimming, as in the breast stroke, in which the legs are simultaneously drawn towards the body and bent at the knees with the feet together, straightened out with the legs apart, and then brought together again quickly. frogmen infl head frogman syl frog+men. pos n. mod pl. frogman 0. syl frog+man pron <1frogm*n> pos n. def a swimmer equipped with a rubber suit, flippers, and breathing equipment for working underwater. frogmarch 1. syl frog+march pron <1frog2ma:C> pos n. qual Chiefly Brit. def a method of carrying a resisting person in which each limb is held by one person and the victim is carried horizontally and face downwards. frogmarch 2. syl frog+march pron <1frog2ma:C> pos n. qual Chiefly Brit. def any method of making a resisting person move forward against his will. frogmarch 3. syl frog+march pron <1frog2ma:C> pos vb. mod tr. qual Chiefly Brit. def to carry in a frogmarch or cause to move forward unwillingly. frogmouth 0. syl frog+mouth pron <1frog2mauT> pos n. def any nocturnal insectivorous bird of the genera and of SE Asia and Australia, similar to the nightjars: family order frogspawn 0. syl frog+spawn pron <1frog2spc:n> pos n. def a mass of fertilized frogs' eggs or developing tadpoles, each egg being surrounded by a protective nutrient jelly. frog spittle alt head frog spit or frog spit syl frog spit+tle pos n. frog spit 1. or frog spittle syl frog spit pos n. def another name for {cuckoo spit}. frog spit 2. or frog spittle syl frog spit pos n. def a foamy mass of threadlike green algae floating on ponds. Jean infl head Froissart syl Jean pron pos n. Froissart 0. syl Frois:sart pron French pos n. def ??1333-??1400, French chronicler and poet, noted for his a vivid history of Europe from 1325 to 1400. frolic ety C16: from Dutch vrolijk, from Middle Dutch vro happy, glad; related to Old High German fr*_o happy frolic 1. syl frol+ic pron <1frolik> pos n. def a gay or light-hearted entertainment or occasion. frolic 2. syl frol+ic pron <1frolik> pos n. def light-hearted activity; gaiety; merriment. frolics infl head frolic syl frol+ics pos vb. frolicking infl head frolic syl frol+ick+ing pos vb. frolicked infl head frolic syl frol+icked. pos vb. frolic 3. syl frol+ic pron <1frolik> pos vb. mod intr. def to caper about; act or behave playfully. frolic 4. syl frol+ic pron <1frolik> pos adj. qual Archaic or literary. def full of merriment or fun; gay. frolicker sub head frolic syl frol+ick+er pos n. frolicky alt head frolicsome or frolicsome syl frol+ick:y pos adj. frolicsome 0. or frolicky syl frol+ic+some pron <1froliks*m> pos adj. def given to frolicking; merry and playful. frolicsomely sub head frolicsome syl frol+ic+some+ly pos adv. frolicsomeness sub head frolicsome syl frol+ic+some+ness pos n. from ety Old English fram; related to Old Norse fr*_a, Old Saxon, Old High German, Gothic fram from, Greek promos foremost#e Usage. See at off. from 1. syl from pron , pos prep. def used to indicate the original location, situation, etc.. exam 1 from Paris to Rome; exam 2 from behind the bushes; exam 3 from childhood to adulthood. from 2. syl from pron , pos prep. def in a period of time starting at. exam 1 he lived from 1910 to 1970. from 3. syl from pron , pos prep. def used to indicate the distance between two things or places. exam 1 a hundred miles from here. from 4. syl from pron , pos prep. def used to indicate a lower amount. exam 1 from five to fifty pounds. from 5. syl from pron , pos prep. def showing the model of. exam 1 painted from life. from 6. syl from pron , pos prep. def used with the gerund to mark prohibition, restraint, etc.. exam 1 nothing prevents him from leaving. from 7. syl from pron , pos prep. def because of. exam 1 exhausted from his walk. Lake infl head Frome syl Lake. pos n. Frome 0. syl Frome pron pos n. def a shallow salt lake in NE South Australia: intermittently filled with water. Length: 100 km (60 miles). Width: 48 km (30 miles). fromenty 0. syl fro+men+ty pron <1fr*um*nti> pos n. def a variant spelling of {frumenty}. Erich infl head Fromm syl Er:ich pron <1A:ri*,c> pos n. Fromm 0. syl Fromm pron pos n. def born 1900, U.S. psychoanalyst and sociologist born in Germany. His works include (1941) and (1955). frond ety C18: from Latin fr*_ons frond 1. syl frond pron pos n. def the compound leaf of a fern. frond 2. syl frond pron pos n. def the leaf of a palm or a cycad. frond 3. syl frond pron pos n. def the thallus of a seaweed or a lichen. fronded sub head frond syl frond+ed pos adj. frondless sub head frond syl frond+less pos adj. Fronde ety C18: from French, literally: sling, the insurgent parliamentarians being likened to naughty schoolboys using slings Fronde 0. syl Fronde pron , French pos n. qual French history. def either of two rebellious movements against the ministry of Cardinal Mazarin in the reign of Louis XIV, the first led by the parlement of Paris (1648-49) and the second by the princes (1650-53). frondescence ety C19: from New Latin frond*_escentia, from Latin frond*_escere to put forth leaves, from fr*_ons foliage; see #7frond frondescence 1. syl fron+des+cence pron pos n. def the process or state of producing leaves. frondescence 2. syl fron+des+cence pron pos n. def a less common name for {foliage}. frondescent sub head frondescence syl fron+1des+cent pos adj. frondose sub head frondescence or frondous syl fron+dose pos adj. frondous sub head frondescence or frondose syl fron+dous pos adj. Frondeur 1. syl Fron+deur pron , French pos n. qual French history. def a member of the Fronde. Frondeur 2. syl Fron+deur pron , French pos n. def any malcontent or troublemaker. frons ety C19: from Latin: forehead, brow, #7front frontes infl head frons syl fron+tes pron <1frontEz> pos n. mod pl. frons 0. syl frons pron pos n. def an anterior cuticular plate on the head of some insects, in front of the clypeus. front ety C13 (in the sense: forehead, face): from Latin fr*_ons forehead, foremost part front 1. syl front pos fr^nt; n. def that part or side that is forward, prominent, or most often seen or used. front 2. syl front pos fr^nt; n. def a position or place directly before or ahead. exam 1 a fountain stood at the front of the building. front 3. syl front pos fr^nt; n. def the beginning, opening, or first part. exam 1 the front of the book. front 4. syl front pos fr^nt; n. def the position of leadership; forefront; vanguard. exam 1 in the front of scientific knowledge. front 5. syl front pos fr^nt; n. def land bordering a lake, street, etc. front 6. syl front pos fr^nt; n. def land along a seashore or large lake, esp. a promenade. front 7.a. syl front pos fr^nt; n. def the total area in which opposing armies face each other. front 7.b. syl front pos fr^nt; n. def the lateral space in which a military unit or formation is operating. exam 1 to advance on a broad front. front 8. syl front pos fr^nt; n. qual Meteorol. def the dividing line or plane between two air masses of different origins and having different characteristics. See also {warm front, cold front}. front 9. syl front pos fr^nt; n. def outward aspect or bearing, as when dealing with a situation. exam 1 a bold front. front 10. syl front pos fr^nt; n. def assurance, over-confidence, or effrontery. front 11. syl front pos fr^nt; n. qual Informal. def a business or other activity serving as a respectable cover for another, usually criminal, organi?!zation. front 12. syl front pos fr^nt; n. qual Chiefly U.S. def a nominal leader of an organization, etc., who lacks real power or authority; figurehead. front 13. syl front pos fr^nt; n. qual Informal. def outward appearance of rank or wealth. front 14. syl front pos fr^nt; n. def a particular field of activity involving some kind of struggle. exam 1 on the wages front. front 15. syl front pos fr^nt; n. def a group of people with a common goal. exam 1 a national liberation front. front 16. syl front pos fr^nt; n. def a false fill-in for a jacket; a dickey. front 17. syl front pos fr^nt; n. qual Archaic. def the forehead or the face. front 18. syl front pos adj. usage prenominal def of, at, or in the front. exam 1 a front seat. front 19. syl front pos adj. qual Phonetics. usage prenominal def of, relating to, or denoting a vowel articulated with the blade of the tongue brought forward and raised towards the hard palate, as for the sound of in English or in English front 20. syl front pos vb. mod when; intr. usage foll. by on or onto def to be opposite (to); face (onto). exam 1 this house fronts the river. front 21. syl front pos vb. mod tr. def to be a front of or for. front 22. syl front pos vb. mod tr. def to confront, esp. in hostility or opposition. front 23. syl front pos vb. def to supply a front for. front 24. syl front pos vb. mod intr. qual Austral. informal. usage often foll. by up def to appear (at). exam 1 to front up at the police station. frontless sub head front syl front+less pos adj. front 0. syl front. qual abbrev. for def frontispiece. frontage 1. syl front+age pron <1fr^ntiJ> pos n. def the fa*,cade of a building or the front of a plot of ground. frontage 2. syl front+age pron <1fr^ntiJ> pos n. def the extent of the front of a shop, plot of land, etc., esp. along a street, river, etc. frontage 3. syl front+age pron <1fr^ntiJ> pos n. def the direction in which a building faces. exam 1 a frontage on the river. frontal ety C14 (in the sense: adornment for forehead, altarcloth): via Old French frontel, from Latin front*_alia (pl.) ornament worn on forehead, frontellum altarcloth, both from fr*_ons forehead, #7front frontal 1. syl front+al pron <1fr^ntL> pos adj. def of, at, or in the front. frontal 2. syl front+al pron <1fr^ntL> pos adj. def of or relating to the forehead. exam 1 frontal artery. frontal 3. syl front+al pron <1fr^ntL> pos adj. qual Meteorol. def of, relating to, or resulting from a front or its passage. exam 1 frontal rainfall. frontal 4. syl front+al pron <1fr^ntL> pos n. def a decorative hanging for the front of an altar. frontal 5. syl front+al pron <1fr^ntL> pos n. def See {frontal lobe, frontal bone}. frontal 6. syl front+al pron <1fr^ntL> pos n. def another name for {frontlet} (sense 1). frontally sub head frontal syl fron+tal+ly pos adv. frontal bone 0. syl front+al bone pos n. def the bone that forms the front part of the skull. frontality 0. syl fron+tal+i:ty pron pos n. qual Fine arts. def a frontal view, as in a painting or other work of art. frontal lobe 0. syl front+al lobe pos n. qual Anatomy. def the anterior portion of each cer?!ebral hemisphere, situated in front of the central sulcus. front bench 0.a. syl front bench pos n. qual Brit. def the foremost bench of either the Government or Opposition in the House of Commons. front bench 0.b. syl front bench pos n. qual Brit. def the leadership ({frontbenchers}) of either group, who occupy this bench. front bench 0.c. syl front bench pos n. qual Brit. usage as modifier exam 1 a front-bench decision. front door 1. syl front door pos n. def the main entrance to a house. front door 2. syl front door pos n. def an open legitimate means of obtaining a job, position, etc.. exam 1 to get in by the front door. Comte de infl head Frontenac syl Comte de pron pos et Palluau; n. Frontenac 0. syl Fronte:nac pron French pos et Palluau; n. def title of 1620-98, governor of New France (1672-82; 1689-98). frontier ety C14: from Old French frontiere, from front (in the sense: part which is opposite); see #7front frontier 1.a. syl fron+tier pron <1fr^nti*>, pos n. def the region of a country bordering on another or a line, barrier, etc., marking such a boundary. frontier 1.b. syl fron+tier pron <1fr^nti*>, pos n. usage as modifier exam 1 a frontier post. frontier 2.a. syl fron+tier pron <1fr^nti*>, pos n. def the edge of the settled area of a country. frontier 2.b. syl fron+tier pron <1fr^nti*>, pos n. usage as modifier exam 1 the frontier spirit. frontier 3. syl fron+tier pron <1fr^nti*>, pos n. mod often; pl. def the limit of knowledge in a particular field. exam 1 the frontiers of physics have been pushed back. frontier 4. syl fron+tier pron <1fr^nti*>, pos n. qual Maths. def the part of the closure of a topological set that lies outside its interior. frontiersmen infl head frontiersman syl fron+tiers+men. pos n. mod pl. frontiersman 0. syl fron+tiers+man pron <1fr^nti*zm*n>, pos n. usage former?!ly def a man living on a frontier, esp. in a newly pioneered territory of the U.S. frontispiece ety C16 frontispice, from French, from Late Latin frontis?!picium fa*,cade, inspection of the forehead, from Latin fr*_ons forehead+ specere to look at; influenced by #7piece frontispiece 1. syl fron+tis+piece pron <1fr^ntis2pEs> pos n. def an illustration facing the title page of a book. frontispiece 2. syl fron+tis+piece pron <1fr^ntis2pEs> pos n. def the principal fa*,cade of a building; front. frontispiece 3. syl fron+tis+piece pron <1fr^ntis2pEs> pos n. def a pediment, esp. an ornamented one, over a door, window, etc. frontlet ety C15: from Old French frontelet a little #7frontal frontlet 1. syl front+let pron <1fr^ntlit> pos n. def Also called: {frontal}. a small decorative loop worn on a woman's forehead, projecting from under her headdress, in the 15th century. frontlet 2. syl front+let pron <1fr^ntlit> pos n. def the forehead of an animal, esp. of a bird when it is a different colour from the rest of the head. frontlet 3. syl front+let pron <1fr^ntlit> pos n. def the decorated border of an altar frontal. frontlet 4.a. syl front+let pron <1fr^ntlit> pos n. def a band worn on the forehead to bind a phylactery in position. frontlet 4.b. syl front+let pron <1fr^ntlit> pos n. def a phylactery attached to the forehead. front line 1. syl front line pos n. qual Military. def the most advanced military units or elements in a battle. front line 2. syl front line pos n. def the most advanced, exposed, or conspicuous element in any activity or situation. front line 3.a. syl front line pos n. def of, relating to, or suitable for the front line of a military formation. exam 1 frontline troops. front line 3.b. syl front line pos n. def to the fore; advanced, conspicuous, etc.. exam 1 frontline news. front man 0. syl front man pos n. qual Informal. def a nominal leader of an organization, etc., who lacks real power or authority, esp. one who lends respectibility to some nefarious activity. front matter 0. syl front mat+ter pos n. def another name for { {prelims} (sense 1)}. front of house 0. syl front of house pos n. def the areas of a theatre, opera house, etc., used by the audience. frontogenesis 0. syl fron+to+gen+e:sis pron <2fr^nt*u1Jenisis> pos n. qual Meteorol. def the formation or development of a front through the meeting of air masses from different origins. &- {fron+to+ge@.net+ic} (@!fr^nt$$$udz$$#!n$et$Ik) &- {@!fron+to+ge@.#!net+ic+al+ly} frontolysis 0. syl fron+tol:y+sis pron pos n. qual Meteorol. def the weakening or dissipation of a front. fronton ety C17: from Spanish front*'on, from frente forehead, from Latin fr*_ons fronton 0. syl fron+ton pron <1fronton>, pos n. def a wall against which pelota or jai alai is played. front-page 0. syl front-page pos n. usage modifier def important or newsworthy enough to be put on the front page of a newspaper. frontrunner 0. syl front+run:ner pron <1fr^nt2r^n*> pos n. qual Informal. def the leader or a favoured contestant in a race, election, etc. frontward alt head frontwards or frontwards syl front+ward pos adv. frontwards 0. or frontward syl front+wards pron <1fr^ntw*dz> pos adv. def towards the front. frore ety C13 froren, past participle of Old English fr*_eosan to #7freeze frore 0. syl frore pron pos adj. qual Archaic. def very cold or frosty. frost ety Old English frost; related to Old Norse, Old Saxon, Old High German frost; see #7freeze frost 1. syl frost pron pos n. def a white deposit of ice particles, esp. one formed on objects out of doors at night. See also {hoarfrost}. frost 2. syl frost pron pos n. def an atmospheric temperature of below freezing point, characterized by the production of this deposit. degrees of frost 3. head frost syl degrees of frost. def degrees below freezing point: eight degrees of frost indicates a temperature of either -8?%C or 24?%F. frost 4. syl frost pron pos n. qual Informal. def something given a cold reception; failure. frost 5. syl frost pron pos n. qual Informal. def coolness of manner. frost 6. syl frost pron pos n. def the act of freezing. frost 7. syl frost pron pos vb. def to cover or be covered with frost. frost 8. syl frost pron pos vb. mod tr. def to give a frostlike appearance to (glass, etc.), as by means of a fine-grained surface. frost 9. syl frost pron pos vb. mod tr. qual Chiefly U.S. def to decorate (cakes, etc.) with icing or frosting. frost 10. syl frost pron pos vb. mod tr. def to kill or damage (crops, etc.) with frost. frostlike sub head frost syl frost+2like pos adj. Robert (Lee) infl head Frost syl Rob:ert (Lee) . pos n. Frost 0. syl Frost pron pos n. def 1874-1963, U.S. poet, noted for his lyrical verse on country life in New England. His books include (1913), (1914), and (1923). frostbite 0. syl frost+bite pron <1frost2bIt> pos n. def destruction of tissues, esp. those of the fingers, ears, toes, and nose, by freezing, characterized by tingling, blister formation, and gangrene. frostbitten 0. syl frost+bit:ten pron <1frost2bitN> pos adj. def of or affected with frostbite. frosted 1. syl frost+ed pron <1frostid> pos adj. def covered or injured by frost. frosted 2. syl frost+ed pron <1frostid> pos adj. def covered with icing, as a cake. frosted 3. syl frost+ed pron <1frostid> pos adj. usage of glass, etc. def having a surface roughened, as if covered with frost, to prevent clear vision through it. frost heave 0. syl frost heave pos n. def the upthrust and cracking of a ground surface through the freezing and expansion of water underneath. Also called: {frost heaving}. frosting 1. syl frost+ing pron <1frostiG> pos n. def a soft icing based on sugar and egg whites. frosting 2. syl frost+ing pron <1frostiG> pos n. def another word (esp. U.S.) for {icing}. frosting 3. syl frost+ing pron <1frostiG> pos n. def a rough or matt finish on glass, silver, etc. frost line 1. syl frost line pos n. def the deepest point in the ground to which frost will penetrate. frost line 2. syl frost line pos n. def the limit towards the equator beyond which frosts do not occur. frostwork 1. syl frost+work pron <1frost2wR:k> pos n. def the patterns made by frost on glass, metal, etc. frostwork 2. syl frost+work pron <1frost2wR:k> pos n. def similar artificial ornamentation. frostier infl head frosty syl frost:i+er pos adj. frostiest infl head frosty syl frost:i+est. pos adj. frosty 1. syl frost:y pron <1frosti> pos adj. def characterized by frost. exam 1 a frosty night. frosty 2. syl frost:y pron <1frosti> pos adj. def covered by or decorated with frost. frosty 3. syl frost:y pron <1frosti> pos adj. def lacking warmth or enthusiasm. exam 1 the new plan had a frosty reception. frosty 4. syl frost:y pron <1frosti> pos adj. def like frost in appearance or colour; hoary. frostily sub head frosty syl frost:i+ly pos adv. frostiness sub head frosty syl frost:i+ness pos n. froth ety C14: from Old Norse frotha or frauth; related to Old English *_afr*_eothan to foam, Sanskrit prothati he snorts &- #!froth@.y adj. &- #!froth@.i+ly adv. &- #!froth@.i+ness n. froth 1. syl froth pron pos n. def a mass of small bubbles of air or a gas in a liquid, produced by fermentation, detergent, etc. froth 2. syl froth pron pos n. def a mixture of saliva and air bubbles formed at the lips in certain diseases, such as rabies. froth 3. syl froth pron pos n. def trivial ideas, talk, or entertainment. froth 4. syl froth pron pos vb. def to produce or cause to produce froth. froth 5. syl froth pron pos vb. mod tr. def to give out in the form of froth. froth 6. syl froth pron pos vb. mod tr. def to cover with froth. froth flotation 0. syl froth flo+ta+tion pos n. def another name for {flotation} (in metallurgy). frottage ety French, from frotter to rub frottage 1. syl frott+age pron <1frota:Z>, French pos n. def the act or process of taking a rubbing from a rough surface, such as wood, for a work of art. frottage 2. syl frott+age pron <1frota:Z>, French pos n. def sexual excitement obtained by rubbing against another person's clothed body. James Anthony infl head Froude syl James An:tho:ny. pos n. Froude 0. syl Froude pron pos n. def 1818-94, English historian; author of a controversial biography (1882-84) of Carlyle. froufrou ety C19: from French, of imitative origin froufrou 1. syl frou+frou pron <1fru:2fru:> pos n. def a swishing sound, as made by a long silk dress. froufrou 2. syl frou+frou pron <1fru:2fru:> pos n. def elaborate dress or ornamentation, esp. worn by women. frow 0. syl frow pron pos n. def a variant spelling of {froe}. froward ety C14: see #7fro, -#7ward froward 0. syl fro+ward pron <1fr*u*d> pos adj. def obstinate; contrary. frowardly sub head froward syl fro+ward+ly pos adv. frowardness sub head froward syl fro+ward+ness pos n. frown ety C14: from Old French froigner, of Celtic origin; compare Welsh ffroen nostril, Middle Breton froan frown 1. syl frown pron pos vb. mod intr. def to draw the brows together and wrinkle the forehead, esp. in worry, anger, or concentration. frown 2. syl frown pron pos vb. mod intr. usage foll. by on or upon def to have a dis?!like (of); look disapprovingly (upon). exam 1 the club frowned upon political activity by its members. frown 3. syl frown pron pos vb. mod tr. def to express (worry, etc.) by frowning. frown 4. syl frown pron pos vb. mod tr. usage often foll. by down def to force, silence, etc., by a frowning look. frown 5. syl frown pron pos n. def the act of frowning. frown 6. syl frown pron pos n. def a show of dislike or displeasure. frowner sub head frown syl frown+er pos n. frowningly sub head frown syl frown+ing+ly pos adv. frowst ety C19: back formation from frowsty musty, stuffy, variant of #7frowzy frowst 0. syl frowst pron pos n. qual Brit. informal. def a hot and stale atmosphere; fug. frowsty 0. syl frows+ty pron <1frausti> pos adj. def ill-smelling; stale; musty. frowzy ety C17: of unknown origin frouzy infl head frowzy or frowsy syl frouz:y pron <1frauzi> pos adj. frowsy infl head frowzy or frouzy syl frows:y pron <1frauzi> pos adj. frowzier infl head frowzy syl frowz:i+er pos adj. frowziest frouzier infl head frowzy or frowsier syl frowz:i+est; frouz:i+er pos adj. frouziest infl head frowzy or frowsiest syl frouz:i+est; pos adj. frowsier infl head frowzy or frowziest frouzier syl frows:i+er pos adj. frowsiest infl head frowzy or frouziest syl frows:i+est. pos adj. frowzy 1. syl frowz:y pron <1frauzi> pos adj. def untidy or unkempt in appearance; shabby. frowzy 2. syl frowz:y pron <1frauzi> pos adj. def ill-smelling; frowsty. frowziness sub head frowzy syl frowz:i+ness pos n. frouziness sub head frowzy or frowsiness syl frouz:i+ness pos n. frowsiness sub head frowzy or frouziness syl frows:i+ness pos n. froze 0. syl froze pron pos vb. def the past tense of {freeze}. frozen 1. syl fro+zen pron <1fr*uzN> pos vb. def the past participle of {freeze}. frozen 2. syl fro+zen pron <1fr*uzN> pos adj. def turned into or covered with ice. frozen 3. syl fro+zen pron <1fr*uzN> pos adj. def obstructed or blocked by ice. frozen 4. syl fro+zen pron <1fr*uzN> pos adj. def killed, injured, or stiffened by extreme cold. frozen 5. syl fro+zen pron <1fr*uzN> pos adj. usage of a region or climate def icy or snowy. frozen 6. syl fro+zen pron <1fr*uzN> pos adj. usage of food def preserved by a freezing process. frozen 7.a. syl fro+zen pron <1fr*uzN> pos adj. usage of prices, wages, etc. def arbitrarily pegged at a certain level. frozen 7.b. syl fro+zen pron <1fr*uzN> pos adj. usage of business assets def not convertible into cash, as by government direction or business conditions. frozen 8. syl fro+zen pron <1fr*uzN> pos adj. def frigid, unfeeling, or disdainful in manner. frozen 9. syl fro+zen pron <1fr*uzN> pos adj. def motionless or unyielding. exam 1 he was frozen with horror. frozenly sub head frozen syl fro+zen+ly pos adv. frozenness sub head frozen syl fro+zen+ness pos n. Frs 0. syl Frs. qual abbrev. for def Frisian. FRS 0. syl F.R.S. qual abbrev. for usage in Britain def Fellow of the Royal Society. frt 0. syl frt. qual abbrev. for def freight. Fructidor ety C18: from Latin fr*_uctus fruit+Greek d*_oron gift Fructidor 0. syl Fruc+ti+dor pron French. pos n. def the month of fruit: the twelfth month of the French Revolutionary calendar, extending from Aug. 19 to Sept. 22. fructiferous 0. syl fruc+tif+er+ous pron , pos adj. usage of plants or trees def bearing or yielding fruit. fructiferously sub head fructiferous syl fruc+1tif+er+ous+ly pos adv. fructification 1. syl fruc+ti+fi+ca+tion pron <2fr^ktifi1kAS*n>, <2fruk-> pos n. def the act or state of fructifying. fructification 2. syl fruc+ti+fi+ca+tion pron <2fr^ktifi1kAS*n>, <2fruk-> pos n. def the fruit of a seed-bearing plant. fructification 3. syl fruc+ti+fi+ca+tion pron <2fr^ktifi1kAS*n>, <2fruk-> pos n. def any spore-bearing structure in ferns, mosses, fungi, etc. fructify ety C14: from Old French fructifier, from Late Latin fr*_uctific*_are to bear fruit, from Latin #7fructi -#7+ facere to make, produce fructifies infl head fructify syl fruc+ti+fies pos vb. fructifying infl head fructify syl fruc+ti+fy+ing pos vb. fructified infl head fructify syl fruc+ti+fied. pos vb. fructify 1. syl fruc+ti+fy pron <1fr^kti2fI>, <1fruk-> pos vb. def to bear or cause to bear fruit. fructify 2. syl fruc+ti+fy pron <1fr^kti2fI>, <1fruk-> pos vb. def to make or become productive or fruitful. fructifier sub head fructify syl fruc+ti+2fi+er pos n. fructose ety C19: from #7fructi -#7+ -{#7ose %2} fructose 0. syl fruc+tose pron <1fr^kt*us>, <-t*uz>, <1fruk-> pos n. def a white crystalline water-soluble sugar occurring in honey and many fruits. Formula: C\6H\1\2O\6. Also called: {laevulose, fruit sugar}. fructuous ety C14: from Latin fr*_uctu*_osus, from fr*_uctus fruit+-#7ous fructuous 0. syl fruc+tu+ous pron <1fr^ktju*s>, <1fruk-> pos adj. def productive or fruitful; fertile. fructuously sub head fructuous syl fruc+tu+ous+ly pos adv. fructuousness sub head fructuous syl fruc+tu+ous+ness pos n. frugal ety C16: from Latin fr*_ug*_alis, from fr*_ug*_i useful, temperate, from frux fruit frugal 1. syl fru+gal pron <1fru:gL> pos adj. def practising economy; living without waste; thrifty. frugal 2. syl fru+gal pron <1fru:gL> pos adj. def not costly; meagre. frugality sub head frugal or frugalness syl fru+1gal+i:ty pos n. frugalness sub head frugal or frugality syl fru+gal+ness pos n. frugally sub head frugal syl fru+gal+ly pos adv. frugivorous ety C18: from frugi- (as in #7frugal) #7+ -#7vorous frugivorous 0. syl fru+giv+or+ous pron pos adj. def feeding on fruit; fruit-eating. fruit ety C12: from Old French, from Latin fr*_uctus enjoyment, profit, fruit, from fr*_u*_i to enjoy fruit 1. syl fruit pron pos n. qual Botany. def the ripened ovary of a flowering plant, containing one or more seeds. It may be dry, as in the poppy, or fleshy, as in the peach. fruit 2. syl fruit pron pos n. def any fleshy part of a plant, other than the above structure, that supports the seeds and is edible, such as the strawberry. fruit 3. syl fruit pron pos n. def the spore-producing structure of plants that do not bear seeds. fruit 4. syl fruit pron pos n. def any plant product useful to man, including grain, vegetables, etc. fruit 5. syl fruit pron pos n. mod often; pl. def the result or consequence of an action or effort. fruit 6. syl fruit pron pos n. qual Brit. slang, old-fashioned. def chap; fellow: used as a term of address. fruit 7. syl fruit pron pos n. qual Slang, chiefly Brit. def a person considered to be eccentric or insane. fruit 8. syl fruit pron pos n. qual Slang, chiefly U.S. def a male homosexual. fruit 9. syl fruit pron pos n. qual Archaic. def offspring of man or animals; progeny. fruit 10. syl fruit pron pos vb. def to bear or cause to bear fruit. fruitlike sub head fruit syl fruit+2like pos adj. fruitage 1. syl fruit+age pron <1fru:tiJ> pos n. def the process, state, or season of producing fruit. fruitage 2. syl fruit+age pron <1fru:tiJ> pos n. def fruit collectively. fruitarian 1. syl frui+tar+i:an pron pos n. def a person who eats only fruit. {~} fruitarian 2. syl frui+tar+i:an pron pos n. def of or relating to a fruitarian. exam 1 a fruitarian diet. fruit bat 0. syl fruit bat pos n. def any large Old World bat of the suborder occurring in tropical and subtropical regions and feeding on fruit. Compare {insectivorous bat}. fruit body 0. syl fruit bod:y pos n. def the part of a fungus in which the spores are produced. fruitcake 1. syl fruit+cake pron <1fru:t2kAk> pos n. def a rich cake containing mixed dried fruit, lemon peel, nuts, etc. fruitcake 2. syl fruit+cake pron <1fru:t2kAk> pos n. qual Slang, chiefly Brit. def a person considered to be eccentric or insane. fruit cocktail 0. syl fruit cock+tail pos n. def fruit salad consisting of small or diced fruits. fruit cup 0. syl fruit cup pos n. def a variety of fruits served in a cup or glass as an appetizer or dessert. fruiter 1. syl fruit+er pron <1fru:t*> pos n. def a fruit grower. fruiter 2. syl fruit+er pron <1fru:t*> pos n. def any tree that bears fruit, esp. edible fruit. fruiterer 0. syl fruit+er+er pron <1fru:t*r*> pos n. qual Chiefly Brit. def a fruit dealer or seller. fruit fly 1. syl fruit fly pos n. def any small dipterous fly of the family which feed on and lay their eggs in plant tissues. See also {gallfly}. fruit fly 2. syl fruit fly pos n. def any dipterous fly of the genus See {drosophila}. fruitful 1. syl fruit+ful pron <1fru:tful> pos adj. def bearing fruit in abundance. fruitful 2. syl fruit+ful pron <1fru:tful> pos adj. def productive or prolific, esp. in bearing offspring. fruitful 3. syl fruit+ful pron <1fru:tful> pos adj. def causing or assisting prolific growth. fruitful 4. syl fruit+ful pron <1fru:tful> pos adj. def producing results or profits. exam 1 a fruitful discussion. fruitfully sub head fruitful syl fruit+ful+ly pos adv. fruitfulness sub head fruitful syl fruit+ful+ness pos n. fruition ety C15: from Late Latin fruiti*_o enjoyment, from Latin fru*_i to enjoy fruition 1. syl fru:i+tion pron pos n. def the attainment or realization of something worked for or desired; fulfilment. fruition 2. syl fru:i+tion pron pos n. def enjoyment of this. fruition 3. syl fru:i+tion pron pos n. def the act or condition of bearing fruit. fruit knife 0. syl fruit knife pos n. def a small stainless knife for cutting fruit. fruitless 1. syl fruit+less pron <1fru:tlis> pos adj. def yielding nothing or nothing of value; unproductive; ineffectual. fruitless 2. syl fruit+less pron <1fru:tlis> pos adj. def without fruit. fruitlessly sub head fruitless syl fruit+less+ly pos adv. fruitlessness sub head fruitless syl fruit+less+ness pos n. fruit machine 0. syl fruit ma+chine pos n. qual Brit. def a gambling machine that pays out when certain combinations of diagrams, usually of fruit, appear on a dial. fruit salad 0. syl fruit sal+ad pos n. def a dish consisting of sweet fruits cut up and served in their juice: often sold canned. fruit sugar 0. syl fruit sug+ar pos n. def another name for {fructose}. fruit tree 0. syl fruit tree pos n. def any tree that bears edible fruit. fruitier infl head fruity syl fruit:i+er pos adj. fruitiest infl head fruity syl fruit:i+est. pos adj. fruity 1. syl fruit:y pron <1fru:ti> pos adj. def of or resembling fruit. fruity 2. syl fruit:y pron <1fru:ti> pos adj. usage of a voice def mellow or rich. fruity 3. syl fruit:y pron <1fru:ti> pos adj. def ingratiating or unctuous. fruity 4. syl fruit:y pron <1fru:ti> pos adj. qual Informal, chiefly Brit. def erotically stimulating; salacious. fruity 5. syl fruit:y pron <1fru:ti> pos adj. qual Slang. def eccentric or insane. fruity 6. syl fruit:y pron <1fru:ti> pos adj. qual Chiefly U.S. def a slang word for {homosexual}. fruitiness sub head fruity syl fruit:i+ness pos n. frumentaceous ety C17: from Late Latin fr*_ument*_aceus, from Latin fr*_umentum corn, grain frumentaceous 0. syl fru+men+ta+ceous pron <2fru:men1tAS*s> pos adj. def resembling or made of wheat or similar grain. frumenty ety C14: from Old French frumentee, from frument grain, from Latin fr*_umentum fromenty infl head frumenty or furmenty syl fro+men+ty pos n. furmenty infl head frumenty or fromenty syl fur+men+ty pos n. frumenty 0. syl fru+men+ty pron <1fru:m*nti> pos n. qual Brit. def a kind of porridge made from hulled wheat boiled with milk, sweetened, and spiced. frump ety C16 (in the sense: to be sullen; C19: dowdy woman): from Middle Dutch verrompelen to wrinkle, #7rumple frump 0. syl frump pos fr^mp; n. def a woman who is dowdy, drab, or unattractive. frumpish sub head frump or frumpy syl frump+ish pos adj. frumpy sub head frump or frumpish syl frump:y pos adj. frumpishly sub head frump or frumpily syl frump+ish+ly pos adv. frumpily sub head frump or frumpishly syl frump:i+ly pos adv. frumpishness sub head frump or frumpiness syl frump+ish+ness pos n. frumpiness sub head frump or frumpishness syl frump:i+ness pos n. Frunze 0. syl Frun+ze pron Russian <1frunzi> pos n. def a city in the SW Soviet Union, capital of the Kirghiz SSR. Pop.: 486000 (1975 est.). Former name (until 1926): {Pishpek}. frustrate ety C15: from Latin frustr*_are to cheat, from frustr*_a in error frustrate 1. syl frus+trate pron pos vb. mod tr. def to hinder or prevent (the efforts, plans, or desires) of; thwart. frustrate 2. syl frus+trate pron pos vb. mod tr. def to upset, agitate, or tire. exam 1 her constant complaints began to frustrate him. frustrate 3. syl frus+trate pron pos adj. mod tr. qual Archaic. def frustrated or thwarted; baffled. frustrater sub head frustrate syl frus+1trat+er pos n. frustration 1. syl frus+tra+tion pron pos n. def the condition of being frustrated. frustration 2. syl frus+tra+tion pron pos n. def something that frustrates. frustration 3.a. syl frus+tra+tion pron pos n. def the prevention or hindering of a potentially satisfying activity. frustration 3.b. syl frus+tra+tion pron pos n. def the emotional reaction to such prevention that may involve aggression. frustule ety C19: from French, from Late Latin frustulum a small piece, from frustum a bit frustule 0. syl frus+tule pron <1fr^stju:l> pos n. qual Botany. def the hard siliceous cell wall of a diatom. frustum ety C17: from Latin: piece; probably related to Old English br*_ysan to crush, #7bruise frustums infl head frustum or frusta syl frus+tums pron <-t*> pos n. mod pl. frusta infl head frustum or frustums syl frus+ta pron <-t*> pos n. mod pl. frustum 1.a. syl frus+tum pron <1fr^st*m> pos n. def the part of a solid, such as a cone or pyramid, contained between the base and a plane parallel to the base that intersects the solid. frustum 1.b. syl frus+tum pron <1fr^st*m> pos n. def the part of such a solid contained between two parallel planes intersecting the solid. frustum 2. syl frus+tum pron <1fr^st*m> pos n. qual Architect. def a single drum of a column or a single stone used to construct a pier. frutescent ety C18: from Latin frutex shrub, bush fruticose alt head frutescent or frutescent syl fru+ti+cose pron <1fru:ti2k*us>, <-2k*uz> pos adj. frutescent 0. or fruticose syl fru+tes+cent pron pos adj. def having the appearance or habit of a shrub; shrubby. frutescence sub head frutescent syl fru+1tes+cence pos n. fry ety C13: from Old French frire, from Latin fr*_igere to roast, fry fries infl head fry syl fries pos vb. frying infl head fry syl fry+ing pos vb. fried infl head fry syl fried. pos vb. fry H1.1. syl fry pron pos vb. mod when; tr. usage sometimes foll. by up def to cook or be cooked in fat, oil, etc., usually over direct heat. fry H1.2. syl fry pron pos vb. mod intr. qual Informal. def to be excessively hot. fry H1.3. syl fry pron pos vb. qual Slang, chiefly U.S. def to kill or be killed by electrocution, esp. in the electric chair. fries infl head fry syl fries. pos n. mod pl. fry H1.4. syl fry pron pos n. def a dish of something fried, esp. the offal of a specified animal. exam 1 pig's fry. fry H1.5. syl fry pron pos n. qual U.S. def a social occasion, often outdoors, at which the chief food is fried. fry-up 6. head fry syl fry-up. qual Brit. informal. def the act of preparing a mixed fried dish or the dish itself. fry ety C14 (in the sense: young, offspring): perhaps via Norman French from Old French freier to spawn, rub, from Latin fric*_are to rub fry H2.1. syl fry pron pos n. mod pl. def the young of various species of fish. fry H2.2. syl fry pron pos n. mod pl. def the young of certain other animals, such as frogs. fry H2.3. syl fry pron pos n. mod pl. def young children. fry xref syl fry pron pos n. mod pl. def See also {small fry}. Christopher 1. head Fry syl Chris:to:pher. def born 1907, English dramatist; author of the verse dramas (1946), (1948) and (1950). Elizabeth 2. head Fry syl E:liz:a:beth. def 1780-1845, English prison reformer and Quaker. Roger Eliot 3. head Fry syl Rog:er El:i:ot. def 1866-1934, English art critic and painter who helped to introduce the post-impressionists to Britain. His books include (1920) and (1927). frier alt head fryer or fryer syl fri+er pron <1frI*> pos n. fryer 1. or frier syl fry+er pron <1frI*> pos n. def a person or thing that fries. fryer 2. or frier syl fry+er pron <1frI*> pos n. def a young chicken suitable for frying. fry-pan alt head frying pan or frying pan syl fry-pan pos n. qual U.S. frying pan 1. or fry-pan syl fry+ing pan pos n. def a long-handled shallow pan used for frying. out of the frying pan into the fire 2. head frying pan syl out of the frying pan into the fire. def from a bad situation to a worse one. fs 0. syl f.s. qual abbrev. for def foot-second. FSA 0. syl F.S.A. qual abbrev. for def Fellow of the Society of Antiquaries. FSH 0. syl FSH qual abbrev. for def follicle-stimulating hormone. FSK 0. syl FSK qual Computer technol. abbrev. for def Frequency Shift Keying. ft 1. syl ft. qual abbrev. for: def foot feet. ft 2. syl ft. qual abbrev. for: def fort. ft 3. syl ft. qual abbrev. for: def fortification. fthm alt head fth or fth syl fthm. fth 0. or fthm syl fth. qual abbrev. for def fathom. ft-lb 0. syl ft-lb qual abbrev. for def foot-pound. Fuad I 0. syl Fu:ad I pron pos n. def original name 1868-1936, sultan of Egypt (1917-22) and king (1922-36). fubsy ety C18: from obsolete fubs plump person fubsier infl head fubsy syl fub+si+er pos adj. fubsiest infl head fubsy syl fub+si+est. pos adj. fubsy 0. syl fub+sy pron <1f^bzi> pos adj. qual Archaic or dialect. def short and stout; squat. Fu-chou 0. syl Fu-chou pron <1fu:1Cau> pos n. def a variant spelling of {Foochow}. Klaus Emil 1. head Fuchs syl Klaus E:mil pron <1Amil> def born 1911, East German physicist. He was born in Germany, became a British citizen (1942), and was imprisoned (1950-59) for giving secret atomic research information to the Soviet Union. Fuchs 2. syl Fuchs pron , pos n. def Sir {Viv@.i@.an Er@.nest}. born 1908, English explorer and geologist: led the Commonwealth Trans-Antarctic Expedition (1955-58). fuchsia ety C18: from New Latin, named after Leonhard Fuchs (1501-66), German botanist fuchsia 1. syl fuch+sia pron <1fju:S*> pos n. def any onagraceous shrub of the mostly tropical genus widely cultivated for their showy drooping purple, red, or white flowers. fuchsia 2. syl fuch+sia pron <1fju:S*> pos n. def Also called: {California fuchsia}. a North American onagraceous plant, with tubular scarlet flowers. fuchsia 3.a. syl fuch+sia pron <1fju:S*> pos n. def a reddish-purple to purplish-pink colour. fuchsia 3.b. syl fuch+sia pron <1fju:S*> pos as; adj. exam 1 a fuchsia dress. fuchsin ety C19: from #7fuchs (#7ia) #7+ -#7in ; from its similarity in colour to the flower fuchsine alt head fuchsin or fuchsin syl fuch+sine pron <1fu:ksEn>, <-sin> pos n. fuchsin 0. or fuchsine syl fuch+sin pron <1fu:ksin> pos n. def a greenish crystalline substance, the quaternary chloride of rosaniline, forming a red solution in water: used as a textile dye and a biological stain. Formula: C\2\0H\1\9N\3HCl. Also called: {magenta}. fuck ety C16: of Germanic origin; related to Middle Dutch fokken to strike fuck 1. syl fuck pos vb. qual Taboo. usage f^k def to have sexual intercourse with (someone). fuck 2. syl fuck pos n. qual Taboo. usage f^k def an act of sexual intercourse. fuck 3. syl fuck pos n. qual Taboo.; Slang. usage f^k def a partner in sexual intercourse, esp. one of specified competence or experience. exam 1 she was a good fuck. not care 4. head fuck or give a fuck syl not care qual Taboo. usage f^k def not to care at all. fuck 5. syl fuck pos interj. qual Taboo.; Offensive. usage f^k def an expression of strong disgust or anger (often in exclamatory phrases such as {fuck you&! fuck it&}! etc.). fuck around alt head fuck about or fuck about syl fuck a:round pos vb. adv. fuck about 1. or fuck around syl fuck a:bout pos vb. adv. mod intr. qual Offensive taboo slang. def to act in a stupid or aimless manner. fuck about 2. or fuck around syl fuck a:bout pos vb. adv. mod tr. qual Offensive taboo slang. def to treat (someone) in an inconsiderate or selfish way. fucker 1. syl fuck+er pron <1f^k*> pos n. qual Taboo.; Slang. def a despicable or obnoxious person. fucker 2. syl fuck+er pron <1f^k*> pos n. qual Taboo.; Slang. def a person; fellow. fucker 3. syl fuck+er pron <1f^k*> pos n. qual Taboo. def a person who fucks. fuck off 1. syl fuck off pos interj. qual Offensive taboo slang. def a forceful expression of dismissal or contempt. fuck off 2. syl fuck off pos adv. mod intr. qual Offensive taboo slang. def to go away. infl head fuck up syl ~ pos vb. adv. mod tr. qual Offensive taboo slang. fuck up 1. syl fuck up pos vb. adv. mod tr. def to damage or bungle. exam 1 to fuck up a machine. fuck up 2. syl fuck up pos vb. adv. mod tr. def to make confused. {~} {fuck-up}. fuck up 3. syl fuck up pos vb. adv. mod tr. def an act or an instance of bungling. fuckwit 0. syl fuck+wit pron <1f^kwit> pos n. qual Austral. taboo slang. def a fool or idiot. fucoid 1. syl fu+coid pron <1fju:kcid> pos adj. usage also def of, relating to, or resembling seaweeds of the genus fucoid 2. syl fu+coid pron <1fju:kcid> pos n. usage also def any seaweed of the genus fucus ety C16: from Latin: rock lichen, from Greek phukos seaweed, dye, of Semitic origin fuci infl head fucus or fucuses syl fu+ci pron <-sI> pos n. mod pl. fucuses infl head fucus or fuci syl fu+cus:es. pos n. mod pl. fucus 0. syl fu+cus pron <1fju:k*s> pos n. def any seaweed of the genus common in the intertidal regions of many shores and typically having greenish-brown slimy fronds. See also { {wrack%2} (sense 2)}. fuddle ety C16: of unknown origin fuddle 1. syl fud+dle pron <1f^dL> pos vb. mod tr. usage often passive def to cause to be confused or intoxicated. fuddle 2. syl fud+dle pron <1f^dL> pos vb. mod intr. def to drink excessively; tipple. fuddle 3. syl fud+dle pron <1f^dL> pos n. def a muddled or confused state. fuddy-duddy ety C20: of uncertain origin dies infl head fuddy-duddy syl :dies. pos n. mod pl. fuddy-duddy 0. syl fud:dy-dud:dy pron <1f^di2d^di> pos n. qual Informal. def a person, esp. an elderly one, who is extremely conservative or dull. fudge ety C19: of unknown origin fudge H1.0. syl fudge pron pos n. def a soft variously flavoured sweet made from sugar, butter, cream, etc. fudge ety C18: of uncertain origin fudge H2.1. syl fudge pron pos n. def foolishness; nonsense. fudge H2.2. syl fudge pron pos interj. def a mild exclamation of annoyance. fudge H2.3. syl fudge pron pos vb. mod intr. def to talk foolishly or emptily. fudge ety C19: see #7fadge fudge H3.1. syl fudge pron pos n. def a small section of type matter in a box in a newspaper allowing late news to be included without the whole page having to be remade. fudge H3.2. syl fudge pron pos n. def the box in which such type matter is placed. fudge H3.3. syl fudge pron pos n. def the late news so inserted. fudge H3.4. syl fudge pron pos n. def a machine attached to a newspaper press for printing this. fudge H3.5. syl fudge pron pos vb. mod tr. def to make or adjust in a false or clumsy way. fudge H3.6. syl fudge pron pos vb. def to misrepresent; falsify. fudge H3.7. syl fudge pron pos vb. def to evade (a problem, issue, etc.); dodge; avoid. Fuegian 1. syl Fu+eg+i:an pron , <1fwAJ-> pos adj. def of or relating to Tierra del Fuego or its indigenous Indians. Fuegian 2. syl Fu+eg+i:an pron , <1fwAJ-> pos n. def an Indian of Tierra del Fuego. fuel ety C14: from Old French feuaile, from feu fire, ultimately from Latin focus fireplace, hearth fuel 1. syl fuel pron pos n. def any substance burned as a source of heat or power, such as coal or petrol. fuel 2. syl fuel pron pos n. def the material, containing a fissile substance such as uranium-235, that produces energy in a nuclear reactor. fuel 3. syl fuel pron pos n. def something that nourishes or builds up emotion, action, etc. fuels infl head fuel or fuels syl fuels pos vb. qual U.S. fuelling infl head fuel or fueling syl fuel+ling pos vb. fuelled infl head fuel or fueled syl fuelled pos vb. fueling infl head fuel or fuelling syl fuel+ing pos vb. qual U.S. fueled infl head fuel or fuelled syl fueled. pos vb. qual U.S. fuel 4. syl fuel pron pos vb. def to supply with or receive fuel. fueller sub head fuel or fueler syl fuel+ler pos n. fueler sub head fuel or fueller syl fuel+er pos n. qual U.S. fuel cell 0. syl fuel cell pos n. def a cell in which the energy produced by oxidation of a fuel is converted directly into electrical energy. fuel element 0. syl fuel el+e:ment pos n. def a can containing nuclear fuel for use in a reactor. fuel injection 0. syl fuel in+jec+tion pos n. def a system for introducing atomized liquid fuel under pressure directly into the combustion chambers of an internal-combustion engine without the use of a carburettor. fuel oil 0. syl fuel oil pos n. def a liquid petroleum product having a flash point above 37.8?%C: used as a substitute for coal in industrial furnaces, domestic heaters, ships, and locomotives. fug ety C19: perhaps variant of {#7fog %1} fug 0. syl fug pos f^g; n. qual Chiefly Brit. def a hot, stale, or suffocating atmosphere. fuggy sub head fug syl fug+gy pos adj. fugacious ety C17: from Latin fugax inclined to flee, swift, from fugere to flee; see #7fugitive fugacious 1. syl fu+ga+cious pron pos adj. def passing quickly away; transi?!tory; fleeting. fugacious 2. syl fu+ga+cious pron pos adj. qual Botany. def lasting for only a short time. exam 1 fugacious petals. fugaciously sub head fugacious syl fu+1ga+cious+ly pos adv. fugaciousness sub head fugacious syl fu+1ga+cious+ness pos n. fugacity 1. syl fu+gac+i:ty pron pos n. def Also called: {escaping tendency}. a property of a gas that expresses its tendency to escape or expand, given by d(log\e =d#Gm/RT, where #Gm is the chemical potential, the gas constant, and the thermo?!dynamic temperature. Symbol. exam 1 f fugacity 2. syl fu+gac+i:ty pron pos n. def the state or quality of being fugacious. fugal 0. syl fu+gal pron <1fju:gL> pos adj. def of, relating to, or in the style of a fugue. fugally sub head fugal syl fu+gal+ly pos adv. Athol infl head Fugard syl A:thol pron <1@$T*l> pos n. Fugard 0. syl Fu:gard pron <1fu:ga:d> pos n. def born 1932, South African dramatist and theatre director. His plays include (1961), (1966), (1973), (1974), and (1976). fugato ety C19: from Italian, from fugare to compose in the style of a #7fugue infl head fugato syl ~ pos adv. adj. qual Music. fugato 1. syl fu+ga+to pron pos adv. adj. def in the manner or style of a fugue. fugato 2. syl fu+ga+to pron pos n. def a movement, section, or piece in this style. -fuge ety from Latin fug*_are to expel, put to flight -fuge 0. syl -fuge pos n. usage combining form. def indicating an agent or substance that expels or drives away. exam 1 vermifuge. -fugal sub head -fuge syl -fu:gal pos adj. Fugger 0. syl Fug:ger pron German <1fug*r> pos n. def a German family of merchants and bankers, prominent in 15th- and 16th-century Europe. fugio ety C18: Latin: I flee; one of the words inscribed on the coin fugios infl head fugio syl fu+gi:os. pos n. mod pl. fugio 0. syl fu+gi:o pron <1fju:Ji*u> pos n. def a former U.S. copper coin worth one dollar, the first authorized by Congress (1787). fugitive ety C14: from Latin fugit*_ivus fleeing away, from fugere to take flight, run away fugitive 1. syl fu+gi+tive pron <1fju:Jitiv> pos n. def a person who flees. fugitive 2. syl fu+gi+tive pron <1fju:Jitiv> pos n. def a thing that is elusive or fleeting. fugitive 3. syl fu+gi+tive pron <1fju:Jitiv> pos adj. def fleeing, esp. from arrest or pursuit. fugitive 4. syl fu+gi+tive pron <1fju:Jitiv> pos adj. def not permanent; fleeting; transient. fugitive 5. syl fu+gi+tive pron <1fju:Jitiv> pos adj. def moving or roving about. fugitively sub head fugitive syl fu+gi+tive+ly pos adv. fugitiveness sub head fugitive syl fu+gi+tive+ness pos n. fugleman ety C19: from German Fl*"ugelmann, from Fl*"ugel wing, flank+ Mann {#7man } fuglemen infl head fugleman syl fu:gle+men. pos n. mod pl. fugleman 1. syl fu:gle+man pron <1fju:gLm*n> pos n. usage formerly def a soldier used as an example for those learning drill. fugleman 2. syl fu:gle+man pron <1fju:gLm*n> pos n. def any person who acts as a leader or example. fugue ety C16: from French, from Italian fuga, from Latin: a running away, flight fugue 1. syl fugue pron pos n. def a musical form consisting essentially of a theme repeated a fifth above or a fourth below the continuing first statement. fugue 2. syl fugue pron pos n. qual Psychiatry. def a dreamlike altered state of consciousness, lasting from a few hours to several days, during which a person wanders away with loss of memory. fuguelike sub head fugue syl fugue+2like pos adj. fuguist 0. syl fu+guist pron <1fju:gist> pos n. def a composer of fugues. Fuhrer ety German, from f*"uhren to lead Fuehrer alt head Fuhrer or Fuhrer syl Fueh+rer pron German. <1fy:r*r>, English <1fju*r*> pos n. Fuhrer 0. or Fuehrer syl F*"uh+rer pron German. <1fy:r*r>, English <1fju*r*> pos n. def a leader: applied esp. to Adolf Hitler ({der F*"uhrer}) while he was Chancellor. Mount infl head Fuji syl Mount. pos n. Fuji 0. syl Fu:ji pron <1fu:JE> pos n. def an extinct volcano in central Japan, in S central Honshu: the highest mountain in Japan, famous for its symmetrical snow-capped cone. Height: 3776 m (12388 ft.). Also called: {Fujiyama} or {Fuji-san}. Fukien 1. syl Fu+kien pron <1fu:1kjen> pos n. def a province of SE China: mountainous and forested, drained chiefly by the Min River; noted for the production of flower-scented teas. Capital: Foochow. Pop.: 18000000 (1967-71 est.). Area: 123000 sq. km (47970 sq. miles). Fukien 2. syl Fu+kien pron <1fu:1kjen> pos n. def any of the Chinese dialects of this province. See also {Min}. Takeo infl head Fukuda syl Ta:ke:o pron <1t@kA*u> pos n. Fukuda 0. syl Fu:ku:da pron <1fu:ku:d*> pos n. def born 1905, Japanese statesman; prime minister (1976-78). Fukuoka 0. syl Fu+ku:o+ka pron < 2fu:ku:1*uk*> pos n. def an industrial city and port in SW Japan, in N Kyushu: an important port in ancient times; site of Kyushu university. Pop.: 1000000 (1975). Fukushima 0. syl Fu+ku+shi+ma pron <2fu:ku:1SEm*> pos n. def a city in Japan, in N central Honshu. Pop.: 243083 (1974 est.). -ful ety Old English -ful, -full, from #7full #e Usage. Where the amount held by a spoon, etc., is used as a rough unit of measurement, the correct form is spoonful, etc.: take a spoonful of this medicine every day. Spoon full is used in a sentence such as he left a spoon full of treacle, where full of describes the spoon. The plural of a word like spoonful is spoonfuls and not spoonsful. -ful 1. syl -ful pos suffix. usage forming adjectives def full of or characterized by. exam 1 painful; exam 2 spiteful; exam 3 restful. -ful 2. syl -ful pos suffix. usage forming adjectives def able or tending to. exam 1 helpful; exam 2 useful. -ful 3. syl -ful pos suffix. usage forming nouns def indicating as much as will fill the thing specified. exam 1 mouthful; exam 2 spoonful. Fulah alt head Fula or Fula syl Fu+lah pron <1fu:la:> pos n. Fula infl or Fulah syl Fu:la pos n. mod pl. Fulas infl head Fula or Fulahs syl Fu:las pos n. mod pl. Fulah infl head Fula or Fula syl Fu:lah pos n. mod pl. Fulahs infl head Fula or Fulas syl Fu:lahs pos n. mod pl. Fula 1. or Fulah syl Fu:la pron <1fu:l*> pos n. def a member of a pastoral nomadic people of W and central Africa, living chiefly in the sub-Sahara region from Senegal to N Cameroon: a racial mixture of light-skinned Berber peoples of the North and darker-skinned W Africans. Fula 2. or Fulah syl Fu:la pron <1fu:l*> pos n. def the language of this people; Fulani. Fulani 1. syl Fu+la+ni pron , <1fu:l*ni> pos n. def the language of the Fula, belonging to the West Atlantic branch of the Niger-Congo family, widely used as a trade pidgin in W Africa. Fulani 2. syl Fu+la+ni pron , <1fu:l*ni> pos n. def another name for {Fula} (the people). Fulani 3. syl Fu+la+ni pron , <1fu:l*ni> pos n. def a humped breed of cattle from W Africa. Fulani 4. syl Fu+la+ni pron , <1fu:l*ni> pos adj. def of or relating to the Fula or their language. fulcrum ety C17: from Latin: foot of a couch, bedpost, from fulcire to prop up fulcrums infl head fulcrum or fulcra syl ful+crums pron <-kr*> pos n. mod pl. fulcra infl head fulcrum or fulcrums syl ful+cra pron <-kr*> pos n. mod pl. fulcrum 1. syl ful+crum pron <1fulkr*m>, <1f^l-> pos n. def the pivot about which a lever turns. fulcrum 2. syl ful+crum pron <1fulkr*m>, <1f^l-> pos n. def something that supports or sustains; prop. fulcrum 3. syl ful+crum pron <1fulkr*m>, <1f^l-> pos n. def a spinelike scale occurring in rows along the anterior edge of the fins in primitive bony fishes such as the sturgeon. fulfil ety Old English fulfyllan fulfill alt head fulfil or fulfil syl ful+fill pron pos vb. mod tr. qual U.S. fulfils infl head fulfil or fulfills syl ful+fils pos vb. mod tr. fulfills infl head fulfil or fulfils syl ful+fills pos vb. mod tr. qual U.S. fulfilling infl head fulfil syl ful+fil+ling pos vb. mod tr. qual U.S. fulfilled infl head fulfil syl ful+filled. pos vb. mod tr. qual U.S. fulfil 1. or fulfill syl ful+fil pron pos vb. mod tr. def to bring about the completion or achievement of (a desire, promise, etc.). fulfil 2. or fulfill syl ful+fil pron pos vb. mod tr. def to carry out or execute (a request, etc.). fulfil 3. or fulfill syl ful+fil pron pos vb. mod tr. def to conform with or satisfy (regulations, demands, etc.). fulfil 4. or fulfill syl ful+fil pron pos vb. mod tr. def to finish or reach the end of. exam 1 he fulfilled his prison sentence. fulfil oneself 5. head fulfil syl fulfil oneself. def to achieve one's potentials or desires. fulfiller sub head fulfil syl ful+1fil+ler pos n. fulfilment sub head fulfil or fulfillment syl ful+1fil+ment pos n. fulfillment sub head fulfil or fulfilment syl ful+1fill+ment pos n. qual U.S. fulgent ety C15: from Latin fulg*_ere to shine, flash fulgid alt head fulgent or fulgent syl ful+gid pron <1f^lJid> pos adj. fulgent 0. or fulgid syl ful+gent pron <1f^lJ*nt> pos adj. qual Poetic. def shining brilliantly; resplendent; gleaming. fulgently sub head fulgent syl ful+gent+ly pos adv. fulgurate ety C17: from Latin fulgur*_are, from fulgur lightning fulgurate 0. syl ful+gu+rate pron <1f^lgju2rAt> pos vb. mod intr. qual Rare. def to flash like lightning. fulgurant sub head fulgurate syl ful+gu+rant pron <1f^lgjur*nt> pos adj. fulgurating 1. syl ful+gu+rat+ing pron <1f^lgju2rAtiG> pos adj. usage Pathol. of pain def sudden and sharp; piercing. fulgurating 2. syl ful+gu+rat+ing pron <1f^lgju2rAtiG> pos adj. qual Surgery. def of or relating to fulguration. fulguration 0. syl ful+gu+ra+tion pron <2f^lgju1rAS*n> pos n. qual Surgery. def destruction of tissue by means of high-frequency (more than 10000 per second) electric sparks. fulgurite ety C19: from Latin fulgur lightning fulgurite 0. syl ful+gu+rite pron <1f^lgju2rIt> pos n. def a tube of glassy mineral matter found in sand and rock, formed by the action of lightning. fulgurous ety C17: from Latin fulgur lightning fulgurous 0. syl ful+gu+rous pron <1f^lgjur*s> pos adj. qual Rare. def flashing like or resembling lightning; fulgurant. Fulham 0. syl Ful+ham pron <1ful*m> pos n. def a district of the Greater London borough of Hammersmith (since 1965): contains {Fulham Palace} (16th century), residence of the Bishop of London. fuliginous ety C16: from Late Latin f*_ul*_igin*_osus full of soot, from Latin f*_ul*_ig*_o soot fuliginous 1. syl fu+lig:i+nous pron pos adj. def sooty or smoky. fuliginous 2. syl fu+lig:i+nous pron pos adj. def of the colour of soot; dull greyish-black or brown. fuliginously sub head fuliginous syl fu+1lig:i+nous+ly pos adv. fuliginousness sub head fuliginous syl fu+1lig:i+nous+ness pos n. full ety Old English; related to Old Norse fullr, Old High German foll, Latin pl*_enus, Greek pl*_er*_es; see #7fill full H1.1. syl full pron pos adj. def holding or containing as much as possible; filled to capacity or near capacity. full H1.2. syl full pron pos adj. def abundant in supply, quantity, number, etc.. exam 1 full of energy. full H1.3. syl full pron pos adj. def having consumed enough food or drink. full H1.4. syl full pron pos adj. usage esp. of the face or figure def rounded or plump; not thin. full H1.5. syl full pron pos adj. usage prenominal def with no part lacking; complete. exam 1 a full dozen. full H1.6. syl full pron pos adj. usage prenominal def with all privileges, rights, etc.; not restricted. exam 1 a full member. full H1.7. syl full pron pos adj. usage prenominal def of, relating to, or designating a relationship established by descent from the same parents. exam 1 full brother. full H1.8. syl full pron pos adj. def filled with emotion or sentiment. exam 1 a full heart. full H1.9. syl full pron pos adj. usage postpositive; foll. by of def occupied or engrossed (with). exam 1 full of his own projects. full H1.10.a. syl full pron pos adj. def powerful or rich in volume and sound. full H1.10.b. syl full pron pos adj. def completing a piece or section; concluding. exam 1 a full close. full H1.11. syl full pron pos adj. usage of a garment, esp. a skirt def containing a large amount of fabric; of ample cut. full H1.12. syl full pron pos adj. usage of sails, etc. def distended by wind. full H1.13. syl full pron pos adj. usage of wine, such as a burgundy def having a heavy body. full H1.14. syl full pron pos adj. usage of a colour def containing a large quantity of pure hue as opposed to white or grey; rich; saturated. full H1.15. syl full pron pos adj. qual Austral. informal. def drunk. full and by 16. head full syl full and by. qual Nautical. def another term for {close-hauled}. full of oneself 17. head full syl full of oneself. def full of pride or conceit; egoistic. full up 18. head full syl full up. def filled to capacity. exam 1 the cinema was full up. in full cry 19. head full syl in full cry. usage of a pack of hounds def in full pursuit of quarry. in full swing 20. head full syl in full swing. def at the height of activity. exam 1 the party was in full swing. full H1.21.a. syl full pron pos adv. def completely; entirely. full H1.21.b. syl full pron pos adv. usage in combination exam 1 full-grown; exam 2 full-fledged. full H1.22. syl full pron pos adv. def exactly; directly; right. exam 1 he hit him full in the stomach. full H1.23. syl full pron pos adv. def very; extremely (esp. in the phrase {full well) }. full out 24. head full syl full out. def with maximum effort or speed. full H1.25. syl full pron pos n. def the greatest degree, extent, etc. full H1.26. syl full pron pos n. qual Brit. def a ridge of sand or shingle along a sea shore. in full 27. head full syl in full. def without omitting, decreasing, or shortening. exam 1 we paid in full for our mistake. to the full 28. head full syl to the full. def to the greatest extent; thoroughly; fully. full H1.29. syl full pron pos vb. mod tr. qual Needlework. def to gather or tuck. full H1.30. syl full pron pos vb. mod intr. usage of the moon def to be fully illuminated. fullness sub head full syl full+ness full ety C14: from Old French fouler, ultimately from Latin full*_o a #7fuller %1 full H2.0. syl full pron pos vb. usage of cloth, yarn, etc. def to become or to make (cloth, yarn, etc.) heavier and more compact during manufacture through shrinking and beating or pressing. fullback 1. syl full+back pron <1ful2b@k> pos n. qual Soccer, hockey. def one of two defensive players positioned in front of the goalkeeper. fullback 2. syl full+back pron <1ful2b@k> pos n. qual Rugby. def a defensive player positioned close to his own line. fullback 3. syl full+back pron <1ful2b@k> pos n. def the position held by any of these players. full blood 1. syl full blood pos n. def an individual, esp. a horse or similar domestic animal, of unmixed race or breed. full blood 2. syl full blood pos n. def the relationship between individuals having the same parents. full-blooded 1. syl full-blood:ed pos adj. usage esp. of horses def of unmixed ancestry; thoroughbred. full-blooded 2. syl full-blood:ed pos adj. def having great vigour or health; hearty; virile. full-bloodedness sub head full-blooded syl full-1blood:ed+ness pos n. full-blown 1. syl full-blown pos adj. def characterized by the fullest, strongest, or best development. full-blown 2. syl full-blown pos adj. def in full bloom. full board 0.a. syl full board pos n. def the provision by a hotel of a bed and all meals. full board 0.b. syl full board pos n. usage as modifier exam 1 full board accommodation. full-bodied 0. syl full-bod:ied pos adj. def having a full rich flavour or quality. full-bottomed 0. syl full-bot:tomed pos adj. usage of a wig def long at the back. full-cream 0. syl full-cream pos adj. def denoting or made with whole unskimmed milk. full dress 0.a. syl full dress pos n. def a formal or ceremonial style of dress, such as white tie and tails for a man and a full-length evening dress for a woman. full dress 0.b. syl full dress pos n. usage as modifier def . exam 1 full-dress uniform. fuller ety Old English fullere, from Latin full*_o fuller H1.0. syl full+er pron <1ful*> pos n. def a person who fulls cloth for his living. fuller ety C19: perhaps from the name Fuller fuller H2.1. syl full+er pron <1ful*> pos n. def Also called: {fullering tool}. a tool for forging a groove. fuller H2.2. syl full+er pron <1ful*> pos n. def a tool for caulking a riveted joint. fuller H2.3. syl full+er pron <1ful*> pos vb. mod tr. def to forge (a groove) or caulk (a riveted joint) with a fuller. (Richard) Buckminster 1. head Fuller syl (Richard) Buck:min:ster. def born 1895, U.S. architect and engineer: developed the geodesic dome. Roy 2. head Fuller syl Roy. def born 1912, English poet, whose collections of poetry include (1942) and (1944), both of which are concerned with World War II, and (1949), (1957), and (1968). Thomas 3. head Fuller syl Thom:as. def 1608-61, English clergyman and antiquarian; author of (1662). fuller's earth 0. syl full+er's earth pos n. def a natural absorbent clay used, after heating, for decolorizing oils and fats, fulling cloth, etc. fuller's teasel 1. syl full+er's tea+sel pos n. def a Eurasian teasel plant, whose prickly flower heads are used for raising the nap on woollen cloth. fuller's teasel 2. syl full+er's tea+sel pos n. def a similar and related plant, full-faced 1. syl full-faced pos adj. def having a round full face. full-faced 2. syl full-faced pos adj. def facing towards the spectator or in a specific direction. full-faced 3. syl full-faced pos adj. def another name for {bold face}. fullface sub head full-faced syl full+1face pos n. adv. full-fledged 0. syl full-fledged pos adj. def See {fully fledged}. full-frontal 1. syl full-fron:tal pos adj. usage Informal. of a nude person or a photograph of a nude person def exposing the genitals to full view. full frontal infl head full-frontal syl full fron+tal. pos n. full-frontal 2. syl full-fron:tal pos n. def a full-frontal photograph. full house 1. syl full house pos n. qual Poker. def a hand with three cards of the same value and another pair. full house 2. syl full house pos n. def a theatre, etc., filled to capacity. full house 3. syl full house pos n. usage in bingo, etc. def the set of numbers needed to win. full-length 1. syl full-length pos n. usage modifier def extending to or showing the complete length. exam 1 a full-length mirror. full-length 2. syl full-length pos n. usage modifier def of the original or normal length; not abridged. full moon 1. syl full moon pos n. def one of the four phases of the moon, occurring when the earth lies between the sun and the moon so that the moon is visible as a fully illuminated disc. full moon 2. syl full moon pos n. def the moon in this phase. full moon 3. syl full moon pos n. def the time at which this occurs. full-mouthed 1. syl full-mouthed pos adj. usage of livestock def having a full adult set of teeth. full-mouthed 2. syl full-mouthed pos adj. def uttered loudly. exam 1 a full-mouthed oath. full nelson 0. syl full nel+son pos n. def a wrestling hold, illegal in amateur wrestling, in which a wrestler places both arms under his opponent's arms from behind and exerts pressure with both palms on the back of the neck. Compare {half-nelson}. full toss alt head full pitch or full pitch syl full toss pos n. full pitch 0. or full toss syl full pitch pos n. qual Cricket. def a bowled ball that reaches the batsman without bouncing. full professor 0. syl full pro+fes+sor pos n. qual U.S. def another name for {professor} (sense 1). full radiator 0. syl full ra+di+a:tor pos n. qual Physics. def another name for {black body}. full-rigged 1. syl full-rigged pos adj. usage of a sailing vessel def having three or more masts rigged square. full-rigged 2. syl full-rigged pos adj. qual Rare. def fully equipped. full sail 1. syl full sail pos adv. def at top speed. full sail 2. syl full sail pos adj. postpositive; adv. def with all sails set. full-sailed sub head full sail syl full-1sailed pos adj. full-scale 1. syl full-scale pos n. usage modifier; of a plan, etc. def of actual size; having the same dimensions as the original. full-scale 2. syl full-scale pos n. usage modifier def done with thoroughness or urgency; using all resources; all-out. full score 0. syl full score pos n. def the entire score of a musical composition, showing each part separately. full point alt head full stop or full stop syl full point pos n. full stop 0. or full point syl full stop pos n. def the punctuation mark ({}.) used at the end of a sentence that is not a question or exclamation, after abbreviations, etc. U.S. term: {period}. full time 0. syl full time pos n. def the end of a football or other match. Compare {half time}. full-time 1. syl full-time pos adj. def for the entire time appropriate to an activity. exam 1 a full-time job; exam 2 a full-time student. full time infl head full-time syl full time. pos adv. full-time 2. syl full-time pos adv. def on a full-time basis. exam 1 he works full time. full-time xref syl full-time pos adj. def Compare {part-time. &- full-#!tim+er} full toss 0. syl full toss pos n. qual Cricket. def another term for {full pitch}. fully 1. syl ful+ly pron <1fuli> pos adv. def to the greatest degree or extent; totally; entirely. fully 2. syl ful+ly pron <1fuli> pos adv. def amply; sufficiently; adequately. exam 1 they were fully fed. fully 3. syl ful+ly pron <1fuli> pos adv. def at least. exam 1 it was fully an hour before she came. fully fashioned 0. syl ful+ly fash+ioned pos adj. usage of stockings, seams, knitwear, etc. def shaped so as to fit closely. full-fledged alt head fully fledged or fully fledged syl full-fledged pos adj. fully fledged 1. or full-fledged syl ful+ly fledged pos adj. usage of a young bird def having acquired its adult feathers and thus able to fly. fully fledged 2. or full-fledged syl ful+ly fledged pos adj. def developed or matured to the fullest degree. fully fledged 3. or full-fledged syl ful+ly fledged pos adj. def of full rank or status. fulmar ety C17: of Scandinavian origin; related to Old Norse f*_ulm*_ar, from f*_ull foul+ m*_ar gull fulmar 0. syl ful+mar pron <1fulm*> pos n. def any heavily built short-tailed oceanic bird of the genus and related genera, of polar regions: family order (petrels). fulminant ety C17: from Latin fulmin*_are to cause lightning, from fulmen lightning that strikes fulminant 1. syl ful+mi+nant pron <1f^lmin*nt>, <1ful-> pos adj. def sudden and violent; fulminating. fulminant 2. syl ful+mi+nant pron <1f^lmin*nt>, <1ful-> pos adj. usage Pathol. of pain def sudden and sharp; piercing. fulminate ety C15: from Medieval Latin fulmin*_are; see #7fulminant fulminate 1. syl ful+mi+nate pron <1f^lmi2nAt>, <1ful-> pos vb. mod intr. usage often foll. by against def to make severe criticisms or denunciations; rail. fulminate 2. syl ful+mi+nate pron <1f^lmi2nAt>, <1ful-> pos vb. def to explode with noise and violence. fulminate 3. syl ful+mi+nate pron <1f^lmi2nAt>, <1ful-> pos vb. mod intr. qual Archaic. def to thunder and lighten. fulminate 4. syl ful+mi+nate pron <1f^lmi2nAt>, <1ful-> pos n. def any salt or ester of fulminic acid, esp. the mercury salt, which is used as a detonator. fulmination sub head fulminate syl ful+mi+1na+tion pos n. fulminator sub head fulminate syl ful+mi+2na+tor pos n. fulminatory sub head fulminate syl ful+mi+2na+to:ry pos adj. fulminating powder 0. syl ful+mi+nat+ing pow+der pos n. def powder that detonates by percussion. fulminic acid ety C19: from Latin fulmen lightning fulminic acid 0. syl ful+min+ic ac:id pron , pos n. def an unstable volatile acid known only in solution and in the form of its salts and esters. Formula: HONC. Compare {cyanic acid}. fulminous 1. syl ful+mi+nous pron <1f^lmin*s>, <1ful-> pos adj. qual Rare. def harshly critical. fulminous 2. syl ful+mi+nous pron <1f^lmin*s>, <1ful-> pos adj. qual Rare. def of, involving, or resembling thunder and lightning. fulsome 1. syl ful+some pron <1fuls*m> pos adj. def excessive or insincere, esp. in an offensive or distasteful way. exam 1 fulsome compliments. fulsome 2. syl ful+some pron <1fuls*m> pos adj. qual Archaic. def disgusting; loathsome. fulsomely sub head fulsome syl ful+some+ly pos adv. fulsomeness sub head fulsome syl ful+some+ness pos n. Robert infl head Fulton syl Rob:ert. pos n. Fulton 0. syl Ful:ton pron <1fultN> pos n. def 1765-1815, U.S. engineer and inventor: designed the first commercially successful steamboat (1807) and the first steam warship (1814). fulvous ety C17: from Latin fulvus reddish yellow, gold-coloured, tawny; probably related to fulg*_ere to shine fulvous 0. syl ful+vous pron <1f^lv*s>, <1ful-> pos adj. def of a dull brownish-yellow colour; tawny. fumaric acid ety C19: from New Latin Fum*_aria name of genus, from Late Latin: fumitory, from Latin f*_umus smoke fumaric acid 0. syl fu+mar+ic ac:id pron pos n. def a colourless crystalline acid with a fruity taste, found in some plants and manufactured from benzene; butenedioic acid: used esp. in synthetic resins. Formula: HCOOCH:CHCOOH. fumarole ety C19: from French fumerolle, from Late Latin f*_um*_ariolum smoke hole, from Latin f*_umus smoke fumarole 0. syl fu+ma+role pron <1fju:m*2r*ul> pos n. def a vent in or near a volcano from which hot gases, esp. steam, are emitted. fumarolic sub head fumarole syl fu+ma+rol+ic pron <2fju:m*1rolik> pos adj. fumatorium ety New Latin, from Latin f*_um*_are to smoke fumatoriums infl head fumatorium or fumatoria syl fu+ma+to+ri:ums pron <-ri*> pos n. mod pl. fumatoria infl head fumatorium or fumatoriums syl fu+ma+to+ri:a pron <-ri*> pos n. mod pl. fumatorium 0. syl fu+ma+to+ri:um pron <2fju:m*1tc:ri*m> pos n. def an airtight chamber in which insects and fungi on organic matter or plants are destroyed by fumigation. Also called: {fumatory}. fumatory 1. syl fu+ma+to:ry pron <1fju:m*t*ri>, <-tri> pos adj. def of or relating to smoking or fumigation. fumatories infl head fumatory syl fu+ma+to:ries. pos n. mod pl. fumatory 2. syl fu+ma+to:ry pron <1fju:m*t*ri>, <-tri> pos n. def another name for a {fu?!ma?!torium}. fumble ety C16: probably of Scandinavian origin; related to Swedish fumla fumble 1. syl fum+ble pron <1f^mbL> pos vb. mod intr. usage often foll. by for or with def to grope about clumsily or blindly, esp. in searching. exam 1 he was fumbling in the dark for the money he had dropped. fumble 2. syl fum+ble pron <1f^mbL> pos vb. mod intr. usage foll. by at or with def to finger or play with, esp. in an absent-minded way. fumble 3. syl fum+ble pron <1f^mbL> pos vb. def to say or do hesitantly or awkwardly. exam 1 he fumbled the introduction badly. fumble 4. syl fum+ble pron <1f^mbL> pos vb. def to fail to catch or grasp (a ball, etc.) cleanly. fumble 5. syl fum+ble pron <1f^mbL> pos n. def the act of fumbling. fumbler sub head fumble syl fum+bler pos n. fumblingly sub head fumble syl fum+bling+ly pos adv. fumblingness sub head fumble syl fum+bling+ness pos n. fume ety C14: from Old French fum, from Latin f*_umus smoke, vapour fume 1. syl fume pron pos vb. mod intr. def to be overcome with anger or fury; rage. fume 2. syl fume pron pos vb. def to give off (fumes) or (of fumes) to be given off, esp. during a chemical reaction. fume 3. syl fume pron pos vb. mod tr. def to subject to or treat with fumes; fumigate. fume 4. syl fume pron pos n. mod often; pl. def a pungent or toxic vapour, gas, or smoke. fume 5. syl fume pron pos n. def a sharp or pungent odour. fume 6. syl fume pron pos n. def a condition of anger or fury. fumeless sub head fume syl fume+less pos adj. fumelike sub head fume syl fume+2like pos adj. fumer sub head fume syl fum+er pos n. fumingly sub head fume syl fum+ing+ly pos adv. fume cupboard 0. syl fume cup+board pos n. def a ventilated enclosure for storing or experimenting with chemicals with harmful vapours. fumed 0. syl fumed pron pos adj. usage of wood, esp. oak def having a dark colour and distinctive grain from exposure to ammonia fumes. fumigant 0. syl fu+mi+gant pron <1fju:mig*nt> pos n. def a substance used for fumigating. fumigate ety C16: from Latin f*_umig*_are to smoke, steam, from f*_umus smoke+ agere to drive, produce fumigate 0. syl fu+mi+gate pron <1fju:mi2gAt> pos vb. def to treat (something contaminated or infected) with fumes or smoke. fumigation sub head fumigate syl fu+mi+1ga+tion pos n. fumigator sub head fumigate syl fu+mi+2ga+tor pos n. fuming sulphuric acid 0. syl fum+ing sul+phur+ic ac:id pos n. def a mixture of pyrosulphuric acid, H\2S\2O\7, and other condensed acids, made by dissolving sulphur trioxide in concentrated sulphuric acid. Also called: {oleum, Nordhausen acid}. fumitory ety C14: from Old French fumetere, from Medieval Latin f*_umus terrae, literally: smoke of the earth; see #7fume fumitories infl head fumitory syl fu+mi+to:ries. pos n. mod pl. fumitory 0. syl fu+mi+to:ry pron <1fju:mit*ri>, <-tri> pos n. def any plant of the chiefly European genus esp. having spurred flowers and formerly used medicinally: family fun ety C17: perhaps from obsolete fon to make a fool of; see {#7fond %1} fun 1. syl fun pos f^n; n. def a source of enjoyment, amusement, diversion, etc. fun 2. syl fun pos f^n; n. def pleasure, gaiety, or merriment. fun 3. syl fun pos f^n; n. def jest or sport (esp. in the phrases {in} or {for fun}) . fun and games 4. head fun syl fun and games. qual Ironic or facetious. def gay amusement; frivolous activity. like fun 5. head fun syl like fun. pos interj. qual U.S. informal. def not at all&! certainly not&! make fun of 6. head fun syl make fun of def or {poke fun at}. to ridicule or deride. fun 7. syl fun pos f^n; n. usage modifier def full of amusement, diversion, gaiety, etc.. exam 1 a fun sport. funs infl head fun syl funs pos vb. funning infl head fun syl fun+ning pos vb. funned infl head fun syl funned. pos vb. fun 8. syl fun pos vb. mod intr. qual Informal. def to act or say in a joking or sporting manner. funambulist ety C18: from Latin f*_unambulus rope-dancer, from f*_unis rope+ambu?!l*_are to walk funambulist 0. syl fu+nam+bu+list pron pos n. def a tightrope walker. funambulism sub head funambulist syl fu+1nam+bu+lism pos n. Funchal 0. syl Fun+chal pron Portuguese pos n. def the capital and chief port of the Madeira Islands, on the S coast of Madeira. Pop.: 105791 (1970). function ety C16: from Latin functi*_o, from fung*_i to perform, discharge function 1. syl func+tion pron <1f^GkS*n> pos n. def the natural action or intended purpose of a person or thing in a specific role. exam 1 the function of a hammer is to hit nails into wood. function 2. syl func+tion pron <1f^GkS*n> pos n. def an official or formal social gathering or ceremony. function 3. syl func+tion pron <1f^GkS*n> pos n. def a factor dependent upon another or other factors. exam 1 whether he comes to the party is a function of whether his wife is well enough. function 4.a. syl func+tion pron <1f^GkS*n> pos n. def a variable or expression that can take a set of values each of which is associated with the value of an independent variable or variables. exam 1 y is a function of x, written y= function 4.b. syl func+tion pron <1f^GkS*n> pos n. def Also called: {map, mapping}. a relation between two sets such that a member of one set (the range) can be associated with a member of the other (the domain). function 5. syl func+tion pron <1f^GkS*n> pos vb. mod intr. def to operate or perform as specified; work properly. function 6. syl func+tion pron <1f^GkS*n> pos vb. mod intr. usage foll. by as def to perform the action or role (of something or someone else). exam 1 a coin may function as a screwdriver. functionless sub head function syl func+tion+less pos adj. functional 1. syl func+tion+al pron <1f^GkS*nL> pos adj. def of, involving, or containing a function or functions. functional 2. syl func+tion+al pron <1f^GkS*nL> pos adj. def practical rather than decorative; utilitarian. exam 1 functional architecture. functional 3. syl func+tion+al pron <1f^GkS*nL> pos adj. def capable of functioning; working. functional 4.a. syl func+tion+al pron <1f^GkS*nL> pos adj. def relating to the purpose or context of a behaviour. functional 4.b. syl func+tion+al pron <1f^GkS*nL> pos adj. def denoting a disorder without structural change. functional 5. syl func+tion+al pron <1f^GkS*nL> pos n. qual Maths. def a function whose domain is a set of functions and whose range is another set of functions that can be a set of numbers. functionally sub head functional syl func+tion+al+ly pos adv. functional calculus 0. syl func+tion+al cal+cu+lus pos n. def another name for {predicate calculus}. functional disease 0. syl func+tion+al dis+ease pos n. def a disease in which there is no observ?!able change in the structure of an organ or part. Compare {organic disease}. functional group 0. syl func+tion+al group pos n. qual Chem. def the group of atoms in a compound, such as the hydroxyl group in an alcohol, that determines the chemical behaviour of the compound. functional illiterate 0. syl func+tion+al il+lit+er+ate pos n. def a person whose literacy is insufficient for most work and normal daily situations. functional illiteracy sub head functional illiterate syl func+tion+al il+lit+er:a+cy pos n. functionalism 1. syl func+tion+al+ism pron <1f^GkS*n*2liz*m> pos n. def the theory of design that the form of a thing should be determined by its use. functionalism 2. syl func+tion+al+ism pron <1f^GkS*n*2liz*m> pos n. def any doctrine that stresses utility or purpose. functionalism 3. syl func+tion+al+ism pron <1f^GkS*n*2liz*m> pos n. qual Psychol. def a system of thought based on the premise that all mental processes derive from their usefulness to the organism in adapting to the environment. functionalist sub head functionalism syl func+tion+al+ist pos n. adj. functionaries infl head functionary syl func+tion+ar:ies. pos n. mod pl. functionary 1. syl func+tion+ar:y pron <1f^GkS*n*ri> pos n. def a person acting in an official capacity, as for a government; an official. functionary 2. syl func+tion+ar:y pron <1f^GkS*n*ri> pos adj. def a less common word for {functional} or {official}. funchange alt head function shift or function shift syl funchange pos n. function shift 1. or funchange syl func+tion shift pos n. qual Grammar. def a change in the syntactic function of a word, as when the noun is used as an intransitive verb. function shift 2. or funchange syl func+tion shift pos n. qual Linguistics. def sound change involving a realignment of the phonemic system of a language. function word 0. syl func+tion word pos n. qual Grammar. def a word, such as with a particular grammatical role but little identifiable meaning. Compare {content word, grammatical meaning}. fund ety C17: from Latin fundus the bottom, piece of land, estate; compare #7fond %2 fund 1. syl fund pos f^nd; n. def a reserve of money, etc., set aside for a certain purpose. fund 2. syl fund pos f^nd; n. def a supply or store of something; stock. exam 1 it exhausted his fund of wisdom. fund 3. syl fund pos vb. mod tr. def to furnish money to in the form of a fund. fund 4. syl fund pos vb. mod tr. def to place or store up in a fund. fund 5. syl fund pos vb. mod tr. def to convert (short-term floating debt) into long-term debt bearing fixed interest and represented by bonds. fund 6. syl fund pos vb. mod tr. def to provide a fund for the redemption of principal or payment of interest. fund 7. syl fund pos vb. mod tr. def to accumulate a fund for the discharge of (a recurrent liability). exam 1 to fund a pension plan. fund 8. syl fund pos vb. mod tr. def to invest (money) in government securities. fundament ety C13: from Latin fund*_amentum foundation, from fund*_are to {#7found %2} fundament 1. syl fun+da+ment pron <1f^nd*m*nt> pos n. qual Euphemistic or facetious. def the buttocks. fundament 2. syl fun+da+ment pron <1f^nd*m*nt> pos n. def the natural features of the earth's surface, un?!altered by man. fundament 3. syl fun+da+ment pron <1f^nd*m*nt> pos n. def a base or foundation, esp. of a building. fundament 4. syl fun+da+ment pron <1f^nd*m*nt> pos n. def a theory, principle, or underlying basis. fundamental 1. syl fun+da+men+tal pron <2f^nd*1mentL> pos adj. def of, involving, or comprising a foundation; basic. fundamental 2. syl fun+da+men+tal pron <2f^nd*1mentL> pos adj. def of, involving, or comprising a source; primary. fundamental 3. syl fun+da+men+tal pron <2f^nd*1mentL> pos adj. qual Music. def denoting or relating to the principal or lowest note of a harmonic series. fundamental 4. syl fun+da+men+tal pron <2f^nd*1mentL> pos adj. def of or concerned with the component of lowest frequency in a complex vibration. fundamental 5. syl fun+da+men+tal pron <2f^nd*1mentL> pos n. def a principle, law, etc., that serves as the basis of an idea or system. fundamental 6.a. syl fun+da+men+tal pron <2f^nd*1mentL> pos n. def the principal or lowest note of a harmonic series. fundamental 6.b. syl fun+da+men+tal pron <2f^nd*1mentL> pos n. def the bass note of a chord in root position. fundamental 7. syl fun+da+men+tal pron <2f^nd*1mentL> pos n. def Also called: {fundamental frequency, first harmonic}. fundamental 7.a. syl fun+da+men+tal pron <2f^nd*1mentL> pos n. def the component of lowest frequency in a complex vibration. fundamental 7.b. syl fun+da+men+tal pron <2f^nd*1mentL> pos n. def the frequency of this component. fundamentality sub head fundamental or fundamentalness syl fun+da+men+1tal+i:ty pos n. fundamentalness sub head fundamental or fundamentality syl fun+da+1men+tal+ness pos n. fundamentally sub head fundamental syl fun+da+1men+tal+ly pos adv. fundamentalism 0. syl fun+da+men+tal+ism pron <2f^nd*1ment*2liz*m> pos n. usage Christianity. esp. among certain Protestant sects def interpretation of every word of the Bible as literal truth. fundamentalist sub head fundamentalism syl fun+da+1men+tal+ist pos n. adj. fundamentalistic sub head fundamentalism syl fun+da+2men+tal+1is+tic pos adj. fundamental law 0. syl fun+da+men+tal law pos n. def the law determining the constitution of the government of a state; organic law. fundamental particle 0. syl fun+da+men+tal par+ti+cle pos n. def another name for {elementary particle}. fundamental unit 0. syl fun+da+men+tal u:nit pos n. def one of a set of unrelated units that form the basis of a system of units. For example, the metre, kilogram, and second are fundamental units of the SI system. funded debt 0. syl fund+ed debt pos n. def a long-term bonded debt with at least a year to maturity, issued usually by the government. fundi ety C20: from Swahili fundi 0. syl fun+di pron <1fundE> pos n. qual E. African. def a person skilled in repairing or maintaining machinery; mechanic. funds 1. syl funds pos n. mod f^ndz; pl. def money that is readily available. funds 2. syl funds pos n. mod f^ndz; pl. def British government securities representing national debt. fundus ety C18: from Latin, literally: the bottom, a farm, estate fundi infl head fundus syl fun+di pron <-dI> pos n. mod pl. fundus 0. syl fun+dus pron <1f^nd*s> pos n. qual Anatomy. def the base of an organ or the part farthest away from its opening. fundic sub head fundus syl fun+dic pos adj. Bay of infl head Fundy syl Bay of. pos n. Fundy 0. syl Fun+dy pron <1f^ndi> pos n. def an inlet of the Atlantic in SE Canada, between S New Brunswick and W Nova Scotia: remarkable for its swift tides of up to 21 m (70 ft.). Funen 0. syl F*"u+nen pron <1fy:n*n> pos n. def the German name for {Fyn}. funeral ety C14: from Medieval Latin f*_uner*_alia, from Late Latin f*_uner*_alis (adj.), from Latin f*_unus funeral funeral 1.a. syl fu+ner+al pron <1fju:n*r*l> pos n. def a ceremony at which a dead person is buried or cremated. funeral 1.b. syl fu+ner+al pron <1fju:n*r*l> pos n. usage as modifier exam 1 a funeral service. funeral 2. syl fu+ner+al pron <1fju:n*r*l> pos n. def a procession of people escorting a corpse to burial. funeral 3. syl fu+ner+al pron <1fju:n*r*l> pos n. qual Informal. def worry; concern; affair. exam 1 that's your funeral. funeral director 0. syl fu+ner+al di+rec+tor pos n. def an undertaker. funeral parlour 0. syl fu+ner+al par+lour pos n. def a place where the dead are prepared for burial or cremation. Usual U.S. name: {funeral home}. funerary 0. syl fu+ner+ar:y pron <1fju:n*r*ri> pos adj. def of, relating to, or for a funeral. funereal ety C18: from Latin f*_unereus funereal 0. syl fu+ne:re:al pron pos adj. def suggestive of a funeral; gloomy or mournful. Also: {funebrial}. funereally sub head funereal syl fu+1ne:re:al+ly pos adv. funfair 0. syl fun+fair pron <1f^n2fe*> pos n. qual Brit. def an amusement park or fairground. fungal 0. syl fun+gal pron <1f^GgL> pos adj. def of, derived from, or caused by a fungus or fungi. exam 1 fungal spores; exam 2 a fungal disease. fungi 0. syl fun+gi pron <1f^nJI>, <1f^GgI> pos n. def the plural of {fungus}. fungible ety C18: from Medieval Latin fungibilis, from Latin fung*_i to perform; see #7function fungible 1. syl fun+gi:ble pron <1f^nJibL> pos n. mod often; pl. qual Law. def moveable perishable goods of a sort that may be estimated by number or weight, such as grain, wine, etc. fungible 2. syl fun+gi:ble pron <1f^nJibL> pos adj. qual Law. def having the nature or quality of fungibles. fungibility sub head fungible syl fun+gi:1bil+i:ty pos n. fungicide 0. syl fun+gi+cide pron <1f^nJi2sId> pos n. def a substance or agent that destroys or is capable of destroying fungi. fungicidal sub head fungicide syl fun+gi+1cid+al pos adj. fungicidally sub head fungicide syl fun+gi+1cid+al+ly pos adv. fungiform 0. syl fun+gi+form pron <1f^nJi2fc:m> pos adj. def shaped like a mushroom or similar fungus. exam 1 the fungiform papillae of the tongue. fungistat 0. syl fun+gi+stat pron <1f^nJi2st@t> pos n. def a substance that inhibits the growth of fungi. fungistatic sub head fungistat syl fun+gi+1stat+ic pos adj. fungoid 0. syl fun+goid pron <1f^Ggcid> pos adj. def resembling a fungus or fungi. exam 1 a fungoid growth. fungous 1. syl fun+gous pron <1f^Gg*s> pos adj. def appearing suddenly and spreading quickly like a fungus, but not lasting. fungous 2. syl fun+gous pron <1f^Gg*s> pos adj. def a less common word for {fungal}. fungus ety C16: from Latin: mush?!room, fungus; probably related to Greek spongos #7sponge fungi infl head fungus or funguses syl fun+gi pron <1f^nJI>, <1f^GgI>, <1f^Ggi:> pos n. mod pl. funguses infl head fungus or fungi syl fun+gus:es. pos n. mod pl. fungus 1. syl fun+gus pron <1f^Gg*s> pos n. def any plant of the division lacking chlorophyll, leaves, true stems, and roots, reproducing by spores, and living as a saprophyte or parasite. The group includes moulds, mildews, rusts, yeasts, and mushrooms. fungus 2. syl fun+gus pron <1f^Gg*s> pos n. def something resem?!bling a fungus, esp. in suddenly growing and spreading rapid?!ly. fungus 3. syl fun+gus pron <1f^Gg*s> pos n. qual Pathol. def any soft tumorous growth. fungic sub head fungus syl fun+gic pron <1f^nJik> pos adj. fungus-like sub head fungus syl fun:gus-2like pos adj. funicle ety C17: from Latin f*_uniculus a thin rope, from f*_unis rope funicle 0. syl fu+ni+cle pron <1fju:nikL> pos n. qual Botany. def the stalk that attaches an ovule or seed to the wall of the ovary. Also called: {funiculus}. funiculate sub head funicle syl fu+nic:u+late pron , <-2lAt> pos adj. funicular 1. syl fu+nic:u+lar pron pos n. def Also called: {funicular railway}. a railway up the side of a mountain, consisting of two counterbalanced cars at either end of a cable passing round a driving wheel at the summit. funicular 2. syl fu+nic:u+lar pron pos adj. def relating to or operated by a rope, cable, etc. funicular 3. syl fu+nic:u+lar pron pos adj. def of or relating to a funicle. funiculus ety C17: from Latin; see #7funicle funiculi infl head funiculus syl fu+nic:u+li pron <-2lI> pos n. mod pl. funiculus 1. syl fu+nic:u+lus pron pos n. qual Anatomy. def a cordlike part or structure, esp. a small bundle of nerve fibres in the spinal cord. funiculus 2. syl fu+nic:u+lus pron pos n. def a variant of {funicle}. funk ety C18: university slang, perhaps related to #7funk %2 funk H1.1. syl funk pron pos n. qual Informal, chiefly Brit. def Also called: {blue funk}. a state of nervousness, fear, or depression (esp. in the phrase {in a funk) }. funk H1.2. syl funk pron pos n. qual Informal, chiefly Brit. def a coward. funk H1.3. syl funk pron pos vb. qual Informal, chiefly Brit. def to flinch from (responsibility, etc.) through fear. funk H1.4. syl funk pron pos vb. mod tr. qual Informal, chiefly Brit. usage usually passive def to make afraid. funker sub head funk syl funk+er pos n. funk ety C17 (in the sense: tobacco smoke): from funk (vb.) to smoke (tobacco), probably of French dialect origin; compare Old French funkier to smoke, from Latin f*_umig*_are funk H2.0. syl funk pron pos n. qual U.S. slang. def a strong foul odour. Casimir infl head Funk syl Cas:i:mir pron <1k@zi2mi*> pos n. Funk 0. syl Funk pron pos n. def 1884-1967, U.S. bio?!chemist, born in Poland: studied and named vitamins. funk hole 1. syl funk hole pos n. qual Informal.; Military. def a dugout. funk hole 2. syl funk hole pos n. qual Informal. def a job that affords exemption from military service. funky ety C20: from #7funk %2#7, perhaps alluding to music that was smelly, that is, earthy (like the early blues) funkier infl head funky syl funk:i+er pos adj. funkiest infl head funky syl funk:i+est. pos adj. funky H1.1. syl funk:y pron <1f^Gki> pos adj. qual Informal. usage of jazz, pop, etc. def passionate and soulful, reminiscent of early blues. funky H1.2. syl funk:y pron <1f^Gki> pos adj. qual Informal. def pleasing or attractive, esp. in an exaggerated or camp manner. funky ety C18: from #7funk %2 funkier infl head funky syl funk:i+er pos adj. funkiest infl head funky syl funk:i+est. pos adj. funky H2.0. syl funk:y pron <1f^Gki> pos adj. qual Slang, chiefly U.S. def evil-smelling; foul. funnel ety C15: from Old Proven*,cal fonilh, ultimately from Latin infundibulum funnel, hopper (in a mill), from infundere to pour in funnel 1. syl fun+nel pron <1f^nL> pos n. def a hollow utensil with a wide mouth tapering to a small hole, used for pouring liquids, powders, etc., into a narrow-necked vessel. funnel 2. syl fun+nel pron <1f^nL> pos n. def something resembling this in shape or function. funnel 3. syl fun+nel pron <1f^nL> pos n. def a smokestack for smoke and exhaust gases, as on a steamship or steam locomotive. funnel 4. syl fun+nel pron <1f^nL> pos n. def a shaft or tube, as in a building, for ventilation. funnels infl head funnel or funnels syl fun+nels pos vb. qual U.S. funnelling infl head funnel or funneling syl fun+nel+ling pos vb. funnelled infl head funnel or funneled syl fun+nelled pos vb. funneling infl head funnel or funnelling syl fun+nel+ing pos vb. qual U.S. funneled infl head funnel or funnelled syl fun+neled. pos vb. qual U.S. funnel 5. syl fun+nel pron <1f^nL> pos vb. def to move or cause to move or pour through or as if through a funnel. funnel 6. syl fun+nel pron <1f^nL> pos vb. def to concentrate or focus or be concentrated or focused in a particular direction. exam 1 they funnelled their attention on the problem. funnel 7. syl fun+nel pron <1f^nL> pos vb. mod intr. def to take on a funnel-like shape. funnel-like sub head funnel syl fun:nel-2like pos adj. funnel cloud 0. syl fun+nel cloud pos n. def a whirling column of cloud extending downwards from the base of a cumulonimbus cloud: part of a waterspout or tornado. funnel-web 0. syl fun:nel-web pos n. qual Austral. def any large poisonous black spider of the family constructing funnel-shaped webs. funnies 0. syl fun+nies pron <1f^niz> pos n. mod pl. qual U.S. informal. def comic strips in a newspaper. funnier infl head funny syl fun+ni+er pos adj. funniest infl head funny syl fun+ni+est. pos adj. funny 1. syl fun+ny pron <1f^ni> pos adj. def causing amusement or laughter; humorous; comical. funny 2. syl fun+ny pron <1f^ni> pos adj. def peculiar; odd. funny 3. syl fun+ny pron <1f^ni> pos adj. def suspicious or dubious (esp. in the phrase {funny business) }. funny 4. syl fun+ny pron <1f^ni> pos adj. qual Informal. def faint or ill. exam 1 to feel funny. funnies infl head funny syl fun+nies. pos n. mod pl. funny 5. syl fun+ny pron <1f^ni> pos n. qual Informal. def a joke or witticism. funnily sub head funny syl fun+ni+ly pos adv. funniness sub head funny syl fun+ni+ness pos n. funny bone 0. syl fun+ny bone pos n. def the area near the elbow where the ulnar nerve is close to the surface of the skin: when it is struck, a sharp tingling sensation is experienced along the forearm. Also called (U.S.): {crazy bone}. funny farm 0. syl fun+ny farm pos n. qual Facetious. def a mental institution. funny paper 0. syl fun+ny pa+per pos n. qual U.S. def a section or separate supplement of a newspaper, etc., containing comic strips. fur ety C14: from Old French forrer to line a garment, from fuerre sheath, of Germanic origin; related to Old English f*_odder case, Old Frisian f*_oder coat lining fur 1. syl fur pron pos n. def the dense coat of fine silky hairs on such mammals as the cat, seal, and mink. fur 2.a. syl fur pron pos n. def the dressed skin of certain fur-bearing animals, with the hair left on. fur 2.b. syl fur pron pos n. usage as modifier exam 1 a fur coat. fur 3. syl fur pron pos n. def a garment made of fur, such as a coat or stole. fur 4.a. syl fur pron pos n. def a pile fabric made in imitation of animal fur. fur 4.b. syl fur pron pos n. def a garment made from such a fabric. fur 5. syl fur pron pos n. qual Heraldry. def any of various stylized representations of animal pelts or their tinctures, esp. ermine or vair, used in coats of arms. make the fur fly 6. head fur syl make the fur fly. def to cause a scene or disturbance. fur 7. syl fur pron pos n. qual Informal. def a whitish coating of cellular debris on the tongue, caused by excessive smoking, an upset stomach, etc. fur 8. syl fur pron pos n. qual Brit. def a whitish-grey deposit consisting chiefly of calcium carbonate precipitated from hard water onto the insides of pipes, boilers, and kettles. furs infl head fur syl furs pos vb. furring infl head fur syl fur+ring pos vb. furred infl head fur syl furred. pos vb. fur 9. syl fur pron pos vb. mod tr. def to line or trim a garment, etc., with fur. fur 10. syl fur pron pos vb. usage often foll. by up def to cover or become covered with a furlike lining or deposit. fur 11. syl fur pron pos vb. mod tr. def to clothe (a person) in a fur garment or garments. furless sub head fur syl fur+less pos adj. fur 0. syl fur. qual abbrev. for def furlong. furaldehyde ety C20: shortened from furfuraldehyde, from furfurol (see #7furfur, -{#7ol %1)}#7+aldehyde furaldehyde 0. syl fur+al+de+hyde pron pos n. def either of two aldehydes derived from furan, esp. {2-furaldehyde} (see {furfuraldehyde}) . furan ety C19: shortened form of furfuran, from #7furfur furan 0. syl fu+ran pron <1fju*r@n>, pos n. def a colourless flammable toxic liquid heterocyclic compound, used in the synthesis of nylon. Formula: C\4H\4O. Also called: {furfuran}. furbelow ety C18: by folk etymology from French dialect farbella; see #7falbala furbelow 1. syl fur+be:low pron <1fR:bi2l*u> pos n. def a flounce, ruffle, or other ornamental trim. furbelow 2. syl fur+be:low pron <1fR:bi2l*u> pos n. mod often; pl. def showy ornamentation. furbelow 3. syl fur+be:low pron <1fR:bi2l*u> pos vb. mod tr. def to put a furbelow on (a garment, etc.). furbish ety C14: from Old French fourbir to polish, of Germanic origin furbish 1. syl fur+bish pron <1fR:biS> pos vb. mod tr. def to make bright by polishing; burnish. furbish 2. syl fur+bish pron <1fR:biS> pos vb. mod tr. usage often foll. by up def to improve the appearance or condition of; renovate; restore. furbisher sub head furbish syl fur+bish+er pos n. fur brigade 0. syl fur bri+gade pos n. usage Canadian. formerly def a convoy of canoes, horses, or dog sleighs that transported furs and other goods between trading posts and towns or factories. furcate ety C19: from Late Latin furc*_atus forked, from Latin furca a fork furcate 1. syl fur+cate pron <1fR:kAt> pos vb. def to divide into two parts; fork. furcation sub head furcate syl fur+1ca+tion pos n. furcula ety C19: from Latin: a forked support for a wall, diminutive of furca fork furculum alt head furcula or furcula syl fur+cu+lum pron <1fR:kjul*m> pos n. furculae infl head furcula or furcula syl fur+cu+lae pron <-2lE> pos n. mod pl. furcula infl or furculae syl fur+cu+la pron <-l*> pos n. mod pl. furcula 0. or furculum syl fur+cu+la pron <1fR:kjul*> pos n. def any forklike part or organ, esp. the fused clavicles (wishbone) of birds. furfur ety C17: from Latin: bran, scurf furfures infl head furfur syl fur+fur:es pron <1fR:fju2rEz>, <-f*2rEz> pos n. mod pl. furfur 1. syl fur+fur pron <1fR:f*> pos n. def a scaling of the skin; dandruff. furfur 2. syl fur+fur pron <1fR:f*> pos n. def any scale of the epidermis. furfuraceous 1. syl fur+fu+ra+ceous pron <2fR:fju1rAS*s>, <-f*1rA-> pos adj. def relating to or resembling bran. furfuraceous 2. syl fur+fu+ra+ceous pron <2fR:fju1rAS*s>, <-f*1rA-> pos adj. qual Med. def resembling dandruff; scaly. &- {@!fur+fu+#!ra+ceous+ly} furfuraldehyde 0. syl fur+fur+al+de+hyde pron <2fR:fj*1r@ld*2hId> pos n. def a colourless flammable soluble mobile liquid with a penetrating odour, present in oat and rice hulls; 2-furaldehyde: used as a solvent and in the manufacture of resins. Formula: C\5H\4O\2. Also called: {furfural}. furfuran 0. syl fur+fu+ran pron <1fR:f*2r@n>, <1fR:fju-> pos n. def another name for {furan}. Fury infl head Furies syl Fu:ry. pos n. mod sing. Furies 0. syl Fu:ries pron <1fju*riz> pos n. mod pl. qual Classical myth. def the snake-haired goddesses of vengeance, usually three in number, who pursued unpunished criminals. Also called: {Erinyes, Eumenides}. furioso ety C19: Italian, literally: furious; see #7fury infl head furioso syl ~ pos adj. adv. qual Music. furioso 1. syl fu+ri:o+so pron <2fju*ri1*us*u> pos adj. adv. def in a frantically rushing manner. {~} furioso 2. syl fu+ri:o+so pron <2fju*ri1*us*u> pos adj. adv. def a passage or piece to be performed in this way. furious 1. syl fu+ri+ous pron <1fju*ri*s> pos adj. def extremely angry or annoyed; raging. furious 2. syl fu+ri+ous pron <1fju*ri*s> pos adj. def violent, wild, or unrestrained, as in speed, vigour, energy, etc. furiously sub head furious syl fu+ri+ous+ly pos adv. furiousness sub head furious syl fu+ri+ous+ness pos n. furl ety C16: from Old French ferlier to bind tightly, from ferm tight (from Latin firmus {#7firm %1)}#7+ lier to tie, bind, from Latin lig*_are furl 1. syl furl pron pos vb. def to roll up (an umbrella, flag, etc.) neatly and securely or (of an umbrella, flag, etc.) to be rolled up in this way. furl 2. syl furl pron pos vb. mod tr. qual Nautical. def to gather in (a square sail). furl 3. syl furl pron pos vb. mod intr. qual Rare. def to disappear; vanish. furl 4. syl furl pron pos n. def the act or an instance of furling. furl 5. syl furl pron pos n. def a single rolled-up section. furlable sub head furl syl furl+a:ble pos adj. furler sub head furl syl furl+er pos n. furlong ety Old English furlang, from furh #7furrow+ lang #7long furlong 0. syl fur+long pron <1fR:2loG> pos n. def a unit of length equal to 220 yards (201.168 metres). furlough ety C17: from Dutch verlof, from ver- #7for -#7+ lof leave, permission; related to Swedish f*"orlof furlough 1. syl fur+lough pron <1fR:l*u> pos n. qual U.S. def leave of absence from military duty. furlough 2. syl fur+lough pron <1fR:l*u> pos n. qual U.S. def a temporary laying off of employees, usually because there is insufficient work to occupy them. furlough 3. syl fur+lough pron <1fR:l*u> pos vb. mod tr. qual U.S. def to grant a furlough to. furlough 4. syl fur+lough pron <1fR:l*u> pos vb. mod tr. qual U.S. def to lay off (staff) temporarily. furmety alt head furmenty or furmenty syl fur+me:ty pron <1fR:miti> pos n. furmenty 0. or furmety syl fur+men+ty pron <1fR:m*nti> pos n. def variants of {frumenty}. furnace ety C13: from Old French fornais, from Latin fornax oven, furnace; related to Latin formus warm furnace 1. syl fur+nace pron <1fR:nis> pos n. def an enclosed chamber in which heat is produced to generate steam, destroy refuse, smelt or refine ores, etc. furnace 2. syl fur+nace pron <1fR:nis> pos n. def a very hot or stifling place. furnace-like sub head furnace syl fur:nace-2like pos adj. Furness 0. syl Fur+ness pron <1fR:nis> pos n. def a region in NW England in Cumbria, forming a peninsula between the Irish Sea and Morecambe Bay. furnish ety C15: from Old French fournir, of Germanic origin; related to Old High German frummen to carry out furnish 1. syl fur+nish pron <1fR:niS> pos vb. mod tr. def to provide (a house, room, etc.) with furniture, carpets, etc. furnish 2. syl fur+nish pron <1fR:niS> pos vb. mod tr. def to equip with what is necessary; fit out. furnish 3. syl fur+nish pron <1fR:niS> pos vb. mod tr. def to give; supply. exam 1 the records furnished the information required. furnisher sub head furnish syl fur+nish+er pos n. furnishings 1. syl fur+nish+ings pron <1fR:niSiGz> pos n. mod pl. def furniture and accessories, including carpets and curtains, with which a room, house, etc., is furnished. furnishings 2. syl fur+nish+ings pron <1fR:niSiGz> pos n. mod pl. qual U.S. def articles of dress and accessories. furniture ety C16: from French fourniture, from fournir to equip, #7furnish furniture 1. syl fur+ni+ture pron <1fR:niC*> pos n. def the movable, generally functional, articles that equip a room, house, etc. furniture 2. syl fur+ni+ture pron <1fR:niC*> pos n. def the equipment necessary for a ship, factory, etc. furniture 3. syl fur+ni+ture pron <1fR:niC*> pos n. qual Printing. def lengths of wood, plastic, or metal, used in assembling formes to create the blank areas and to surround the type. furniture 4. syl fur+ni+ture pron <1fR:niC*> pos n. qual Obsolete. def the full armour, trappings, etc., for a man and horse. furniture 5. syl fur+ni+ture pron <1fR:niC*> pos n. def Also called: {door furniture}. locks, handles, etc., designed for use on doors. Frederick James infl head Furnivall syl Fred:er:ick James. pos n. Furnivall 0. syl Fur:ni:vall pron <1fR:nivL> pos n. def 1825-1910, English philologist: founder of the Early English Text Society and one of the founders of the furore ety C15: from Latin: frenzy, rage, from furere to rave furore 1. syl fu+ro+re pron usage esp. U.S. def a public outburst, esp. of protest; uproar. furore 2. syl fu+ro+re pron usage esp. U.S. def a sudden widespread enthusiasm for something; craze. furore 3. syl fu+ro+re pron usage esp. U.S. def frenzy; rage; madness. furphy ety C20: from Furphy carts (used for water or sewage in World War I), made at a foundry established by the Furphy family furphies infl head furphy syl fur+phies. pos n. mod pl. furphy 0. syl fur+phy pron <1fR:fi> pos n. qual Austral. slang. def a rumour or fictitious story. furred 1. syl furred pron pos adj. def made of, lined with, or covered in fur. furred 2. syl furred pron pos adj. def wearing fur. furred 3. syl furred pron pos adj. usage of animals def having fur. furred 4. syl furred pron pos adj. def another word for {furry} (sense 4). furred 5. syl furred pron pos adj. def Also: {furry}. provided with furring strips. furred 6. syl furred pron pos adj. usage of a pipe, kettle, etc. def lined with hard lime or other salts deposited from water. furrier ety C14: furour, from Old French fourrer to trim or line with #7fur furrier 0. syl fur+ri+er pron <1f^ri*> pos n. def a person whose occupation is selling, making, dressing, or repairing fur garments. furrieries infl head furriery syl fur+ri+er:ies. pos n. mod pl. furriery 1. syl fur+ri+er:y pron <1f^ri*ri> pos n. def the occupation of a furrier. furriery 2. syl fur+ri+er:y pron <1f^ri*ri> pos n. def furs worn as a garment or trim collectively. furring 1.a. syl fur+ring pron <1fR:riG> pos n. def short for {furring strip}. furring 1.b. syl fur+ring pron <1fR:riG> pos n. def the fixing of furring strips. furring 1.c. syl fur+ring pron <1fR:riG> pos n. def furring strips collectively. furring 2. syl fur+ring pron <1fR:riG> pos n. def the formation of fur on the tongue. furring 3. syl fur+ring pron <1fR:riG> pos n. def trimming of animal fur, as on a coat or other garment, or furs collectively. furring strip 0. syl fur+ring strip pos n. def a strip of wood or metal fixed to a wall, floor, or ceiling to provide a surface for the fixing of plasterboard, floorboards, etc. Sometimes shortened to {furring}. furrow ety Old English furh; related to Old Frisian furch, Old Norse for, Old High German furuh furrow, Latin porca ridge between furrows furrow 1. syl fur+row pron <1f^r*u> pos n. def a long narrow trench made in the ground by a plough or a trench resembling this. furrow 2. syl fur+row pron <1f^r*u> pos n. def any long deep groove, esp. a deep wrinkle on the forehead. furrow 3. syl fur+row pron <1f^r*u> pos vb. def to develop or cause to develop furrows or wrinkles. furrow 4. syl fur+row pron <1f^r*u> pos vb. def to make a furrow or furrows in (land). furrower sub head furrow syl fur+row+er pos n. furrow-like sub head furrow or furrowy syl fur:row-2like pos adj. furrowy sub head furrow or furrow-like syl fur+row:y pos adj. furrier infl head furry syl fur+ri+er pos adj. furriest infl head furry syl fur+ri+est. pos adj. furry 1. syl fur+ry pron <1fR:ri> pos adj. def covered with fur or something furlike. furry 2. syl fur+ry pron <1fR:ri> pos adj. def of, relating to, or resembling fur. furry 3. syl fur+ry pron <1fR:ri> pos adj. def another word for {furred} (sense 5). furry 4. syl fur+ry pron <1fR:ri> pos adj. def Also: {furred}. (of the tongue) coated with whitish cellular debris. furrily sub head furry syl fur+ri+ly pos adv. furriness sub head furry syl fur+ri+ness pos n. fur seal 0. syl fur seal pos n. def any of various eared seals, esp. of the genus that have a fine dense underfur and are hunted as a source of sealskin. Fur Seal Islands 0. syl Fur Seal Is+lands pos n. mod pl. def another name for the {Pribilof Islands}. Furth 0. syl F*"urth qual German def fyrt) a city in S West Germany, in Bavaria northwest of Nuremberg. Pop.: 103559 (1974 est.). further ety Old English furthor; related to Old Frisian further, Old Saxon furthor, Old High German furdar; see #7forth further 1. syl fur+ther pron <1fR:@d*> pos adv. def in addition; furthermore. further 2. syl fur+ther pron <1fR:@d*> pos adv. def to a greater degree or extent. further 3. syl fur+ther pron <1fR:@d*> pos adv. def to or at a more advanced point. further 4. syl fur+ther pron <1fR:@d*> pos adv. def to or at a greater distance in time or space; farther. further 5. syl fur+ther pron <1fR:@d*> pos adj. def additional; more. further 6. syl fur+ther pron <1fR:@d*> pos adj. def more distant or remote in time or space; farther. further 7. syl fur+ther pron <1fR:@d*> pos vb. mod tr. def to assist the progress of; promote. further xref syl fur+ther pron <1fR:@d*> pos adv. def See also {far, furthest}. furtherer sub head further syl fur+ther+er furtherance 1. syl fur+ther+ance pron <1fR:@d*r*ns> pos n. def the act of furthering; advance?!ment. furtherance 2. syl fur+ther+ance pron <1fR:@d*r*ns> pos n. def something that furthers or advances. further education 0. syl fur+ther ed:u+ca+tion pos n. usage in Britain def formal education beyond school other than at a university or polytechnic. furthermore 0. syl fur:ther+more pron <1fR:@d*2mc:> pos adv. def in addition; moreover. furthermost 0. syl fur:ther+most pron <1fR:@d*2m*ust> pos adj. def most distant; furthest. furthest 1. syl fur+thest pron <1fR:@dist> pos adv. def to the greatest degree or extent. furthest 2. syl fur+thest pron <1fR:@dist> pos adv. def to or at the greatest distance in time or space; farthest. furthest 3. syl fur+thest pron <1fR:@dist> pos adj. def most distant or remote in time or space; farthest. furtive ety C15: from Latin furt*_ivus stolen, clandestine, from furtum a theft, from f*_ur a thief; related to Greek ph*_or thief furtive 0. syl fur+tive pron <1fR:tiv> pos adj. def characterized by stealth; sly and secretive. furtively sub head furtive syl fur+tive+ly pos adv. furtiveness sub head furtive syl fur+tive+ness pos n. Wilhelm infl head Furtwangler syl Wil:helm pron <1vilhelm> pos n. Furtwangler 0. syl Furt:w*"ang:ler pron German <1furt2veGgl*r> pos n. def 1886-1954, German conductor, noted for his interpretations of Wagner. furuncle ety C17: from Latin f*_urunculus pilferer, petty thief, sore on the body, from f*_ur thief furuncle 0. syl fu+run+cle pron <1fju*r^GkL> pos n. qual Pathol. def the technical name for { {boil%2}}. furuncular sub head furuncle or furunculous syl fu+run+cu+lar pron pos adj. furunculous sub head furuncle or furuncular syl fu+1run+cu+lous pos adj. furunculosis 0. syl fu+run+cu+lo+sis pron pos n. def a skin condition characterized by the presence of multiple boils. fury ety C14: from Latin furia rage, from furere to be furious furies infl head fury syl fu:ries. pos n. mod pl. fury 1. syl fu:ry pron <1fju*ri> pos n. def violent or uncontrolled anger; wild rage. fury 2. syl fu:ry pron <1fju*ri> pos n. def an outburst of such anger. fury 3. syl fu:ry pron <1fju*ri> pos n. def a person, esp. a woman, with a violent temper. fury 4. syl fu:ry pron <1fju*ri> pos n. def See {Furies}. like fury 5. head fury syl like fury. qual Informal. def violently; furiously. exam 1 they rode like fury. furze ety Old English fyrs furze 0. syl furze pron pos n. def another name for {gorse}. furzy sub head furze syl furz:y pos adj. fusain ety C19: from French: spindle tree or charcoal made from it, from Vulgar Latin f*_us*_ag*_o (unattested) a spindle (generally made from the spindle tree), from Latin f*_usus fusain 1. syl fu+sain pron , French pos n. def a fine charcoal pencil or stick made from the spindle tree. fusain 2. syl fu+sain pron , French pos n. def a drawing done with such a pencil. fusain 3. syl fu+sain pron , French pos n. def a dull black brittle form of carbon resembling charcoal, found in certain coals. fuscous ety C17: from Latin fuscus dark, swarthy, tawny fuscous 0. syl fus+cous pron <1f^sk*s> pos adj. def of a brownish-grey colour. fuse ety C17: from Italian fuso spindle, from Latin f*_usus fuze alt head fuse or fuse syl fuze pron pos n. qual U.S. fuse H1.1. or fuze syl fuse pron pos n. def a lead of combustible black powder in a waterproof covering ({safety fuse}) , or a lead containing an explosive ({detonating fuse}) , used to fire an explosive charge. fuse H1.2. or fuze syl fuse pron pos n. def any device by which an explosive charge is ignited. fuse H1.3. or fuze syl fuse pron pos vb. mod tr. def to provide or equip with such a fuse. fuseless sub head fuse syl fuse+less pos adj. fuse ety C17: from Latin f*_usus melted, cast, poured out, from fundere to pour out, shed; sense 5 influenced by #7fuse %1 fuse H2.1. syl fuse pron pos vb. def to unite or become united by melting, esp. by the action of heat. exam 1 to fuse borax and copper sulphate at a high temperature. fuse H2.2. syl fuse pron pos vb. def to become or cause to become liquid, esp. by the action of heat; melt. fuse H2.3. syl fuse pron pos vb. def to join or become combined; integrate. fuse H2.4. syl fuse pron pos vb. mod tr. def to equip (an electric circuit, plug, etc.) with a fuse. fuse H2.5. syl fuse pron pos vb. qual Brit. def to fail or cause to fail as a result of the blowing of a fuse. exam 1 the lights fused. fuse H2.6.a. syl fuse pron pos n. def a protective device for safeguarding electric circuits, etc., containing a wire that melts and breaks the circuit when the current exceeds a certain value. fuse H2.6.b. syl fuse pron pos n. def any device performing a similar function, such as a switch that automatically breaks the circuit when the load is excessive. fuse box 0. syl fuse box pos n. def a housing for electric fuses. fusee ety C16: from French fus*'ee spindleful of thread, from Old French fus spindle, from Latin f*_usus fuzee alt head fusee or fusee syl fu+zee pron pos n. fusee 1. or fuzee syl fu+see pron pos n. usage in early clocks and watches def a spirally grooved spindle, functioning as an equalizing force on the unwinding of the mainspring. fusee 2. or fuzee syl fu+see pron pos n. def a friction match with a large head, capable of remaining alight in a wind. fusee 3. or fuzee syl fu+see pron pos n. def an explosive fuse. fuselage ety C20: from French, from fuseler to shape like a spindle, from Old French fusel spindle; see #7fusee fuselage 0. syl fu+se:lage pron <1fju:zi2la:Z> pos n. def the main body of an aircraft, excluding the wings, tailplane, and fin. fusel alt head fusel oil or fusel oil syl fu+sel pron <1fju:zL> pos n. fusel oil 0. or fusel syl fu+sel oil pron <1fju:zL> pos n. def a mixture of amyl alcohols, propanol, and butanol: a by-product in the distillation of fermented liquors used as a source of amyl alcohols. Fu-shih alt head Fushih or Fushih syl Fu-shih pron <1fu:1SE> pos n. Fushih 0. or Fu-shih syl Fu+shih pron <1fu:1SE> pos n. def another name for {Yenan}. Fushun 0. syl Fu+shun pron <1fu:1S^n> pos n. def a city in NE China, in central Liaoning province near Shenyang: situated on one of the richest coalfields in the world; site of the largest thermal power plant in NE Asia. Pop.: 1000000 (1965 Western est.). fusible 0. syl fu+si:ble pron <1fju:z*bL> pos adj. def capable of being fused or melted. fusibility sub head fusible or fusibleness syl fu+si:1bil+i:ty pos n. fusibleness sub head fusible or fusibility syl fu:si:ble+ness pos n. fusibly sub head fusible syl fu+si:bly pos adv. fusible metalloy alt head fusible metal or fusible metal syl fu+si:ble met+al+loy pos n. fusible metal 0. or fusible metalloy syl fu+si:ble met+al pos n. def any of various alloys with low melting points that contain bismuth, lead, and tin. They are used as solders and in safety devices. fusiform ety C18: from Latin f*_usus spindle fusiform 0. syl fu+si+form pron <1fju:zi2fc:m> pos adj. def elongated and tapering at both ends; spindle-shaped. fusil ety C16 (in the sense: steel for a tinderbox): from Old French fuisil, from Vulgar Latin foc*_ilis (unattested), from Latin focus fire fusil H1.0. syl fu+sil pron <1fju:zil> pos n. def a light flintlock musket. fusil ety C15: from Old French fusel, ultimately from Latin f*_usus spindle, #7fuse %1 (the heraldic lozenge originally represent?!ed a spindle covered with tow for spinning) fusil H2.0. syl fu+sil pron <1fju:zil> pos n. qual Heraldry. def a charge shaped like a lengthened lozenge. fusil H3.0. syl fu+sil pron <1fju:zil> pos adj. def a variant spelling of {fusile}. fusile ety C14: from Latin f*_usilis molten, from fundere to pour out, melt fusil alt head fusile or fusile syl fu+sil pos adj. fusile 1. or fusil syl fu+sile pron <1fju:zIl> pos adj. def easily melted; fusible. fusile 2. or fusil syl fu+sile pron <1fju:zIl> pos adj. def formed by casting or melting; founded. fusilier ety C17: from French; see #7fusil %1 fusilier 1. syl fu+si+lier pron <2fju:zi1li*> pos n. usage formerly def an infantryman armed with a light musket. fusilier 2. syl fu+si+lier pron <2fju:zi1li*> pos n. def Also: {fusileer}. fusilier 2.a. syl fu+si+lier pron <2fju:zi1li*> pos n. def a soldier, esp. a private, serving in any of certain British or other infantry regiments. fusilier 2.b. syl fu+si+lier pron <2fju:zi1li*> pos n. mod pl. usage cap. when part of a name exam 1 the Royal Welsh Fusiliers. fusillade ety C19: from French, from fusiller to shoot; see #7fusil %1 fusillade 1. syl fu+sil+lade pron <2fju:zi1lAd>, <-1la:d> pos n. def a simultaneous or rapid continual discharge of firearms. fusillade 2. syl fu+sil+lade pron <2fju:zi1lAd>, <-1la:d> pos n. def a sudden outburst, as of criticism. fusillade 3. syl fu+sil+lade pron <2fju:zi1lAd>, <-1la:d> pos vb. mod tr. def to attack with a fusillade. fusion ety C16: from Latin f*_usi*_o a pouring out, melting, casting, from fundere to pour out, #7found %3 fusion 1. syl fu+sion pron <1fju:Z*n> pos n. def the act or process of fusing or melting together; union. fusion 2. syl fu+sion pron <1fju:Z*n> pos n. def the state of being fused. fusion 3. syl fu+sion pron <1fju:Z*n> pos n. def something produced by fusing. fusion 4. syl fu+sion pron <1fju:Z*n> pos n. def See {nuclear fusion}. fusion 5. syl fu+sion pron <1fju:Z*n> pos n. def the merging of juxtaposed speech sounds, morphemes, or words. fusion 6. syl fu+sion pron <1fju:Z*n> pos n. def a coalition of political parties or other groups, esp. to support common candidates at an election. fusion 7. syl fu+sion pron <1fju:Z*n> pos n. qual Psychol. def the combination of two or more perceptual elements in which the original elements cannot be distinguished. fusion bomb 0. syl fu+sion bomb pos n. def a type of bomb in which most of the energy is provided by nuclear fusion, esp. the fusion of hydrogen iso?!topes. Also called: {thermonuclear bomb, fission-fusion bomb}. See also {hydrogen bomb}. fusionism 0. syl fu+sion+ism pron <1fju:Z*2niz*m> pos n. def the favouring of coalitions among political groups. fusionist sub head fusionism syl fu+sion+ist pos n. adj. fusion reactor 0. syl fu+sion re+ac+tor pos n. def a nuclear reactor in which a thermo?!nuclear fusion reaction takes place. fuss ety C18: of uncertain origin fuss 1. syl fuss pos f^s; n. def nervous activity or agitation, esp. when dis?!proportionate or unnecessary. fuss 2. syl fuss pos f^s; n. def complaint or objection. exam 1 he made a fuss over the bill. fuss 3. syl fuss pos f^s; n. def an exhibition of affection or admiration, esp. if excessive. exam 1 they made a great fuss over the new baby. fuss 4. syl fuss pos f^s; n. def a quarrel; dispute. fuss 5. syl fuss pos vb. mod intr. def to worry unnecessarily. fuss 6. syl fuss pos vb. mod intr. def to be excessively concerned over trifles. fuss 7. syl fuss pos vb. mod when; intr. usage usually foll. by over def to show great or excessive concern, affection, etc. (for). fuss 8. syl fuss pos vb. mod intr. qual Jamaican. usage foll. by with def to quarrel violently. fuss 9. syl fuss pos vb. mod tr. def to bother (a person). fusser sub head fuss syl fuss+er pos n. fusspot 0. syl fuss+pot pron <1f^s2pot> pos n. qual Brit. informal. def a person who fusses unnecessarily. Also called (U.S.): {fuss-budg@.et}. fussier infl head fussy syl fuss:i+er pos adj. fussiest infl head fussy syl fuss:i+est. pos adj. fussy 1. syl fuss:y pron <1f^si> pos adj. def inclined to fuss over minor points. fussy 2. syl fuss:y pron <1f^si> pos adj. def very particular about detail. fussy 3. syl fuss:y pron <1f^si> pos adj. def characterized by overelaborate detail. exam 1 the furniture was too fussy to be elegant. fussily sub head fussy syl fuss:i+ly pos adv. fussiness sub head fussy syl fuss:i+ness pos n. fustanella ety C19: from Italian, from Modern Greek phoustani, probably from Italian fustagno #7fustian fustanelle alt head fustanella or fustanella syl fus+ta+nelle pos n. fustanella 0. or fustanelle syl fus+ta+nel+la pron <2f^st*1nel*> pos n. def a white knee-length pleated skirt worn by men in Greece and Albania. fustian ety C12: from Old French fustaigne, from Medieval Latin fust*_aneum, from Latin fustis cudgel fustian 1.a. syl fus+ti:an pron <1f^sti*n> pos n. def a hard-wearing fabric of cotton mixed with flax or wool with a slight nap. fustian 1.b. syl fus+ti:an pron <1f^sti*n> pos n. usage as modifier exam 1 a fustian jacket. fustian 2. syl fus+ti:an pron <1f^sti*n> pos n. def pompous or pretentious talk or writing. fustian 3. syl fus+ti:an pron <1f^sti*n> pos adj. def cheap; worthless. fustian 4. syl fus+ti:an pron <1f^sti*n> pos adj. def pompous; bombastic. fustic ety C15: from French fustoc, from Spanish, from Arabic fustuq, from Greek pistak*_e pistachio tree fustic 1. syl fus+tic pron <1f^stik> pos n. def Also called: {old fustic}. a large tropical American moraceous tree, fustic 2. syl fus+tic pron <1f^stik> pos n. def the yellow dye obtained from the wood of this tree. fustic 3. syl fus+tic pron <1f^stik> pos n. def any of various trees or shrubs that yield a similar dye, esp. ({young fustic}) , a European sumach. fustigate ety C17: from Late Latin f*_ust*_ig*_are to cudgel to death, from Latin f*_ustis cudgel fustigate 0. syl fus+ti+gate pron <1f^sti2gAt> pos vb. mod tr. qual Archaic. def to beat; cudgel. fustigation sub head fustigate syl fus+ti+1ga+tion pos n. fustigator sub head fustigate syl fus+ti+2ga+tor pos n. fustigatory sub head fustigate syl fus+ti+1ga+to:ry pos adj. fusty ety C14: from fust wine cask, from Old French: cask, tree trunk, from Latin f*_ustis cudgel, club fustier infl head fusty syl fus+ti+er pos adj. fustiest infl head fusty syl fus+ti+est. pos adj. fusty 1. syl fus+ty pron <1f^sti> pos adj. def smelling of damp or mould; musty. fusty 2. syl fus+ty pron <1f^sti> pos adj. def old-fashioned in attitude. fustily sub head fusty syl fus+ti+ly pos adv. fustiness sub head fusty syl fus+ti+ness pos n. fut 0. syl fut. qual abbrev. for def future. futhark ety C19: from the first six letters: f, u, th, a, r, k; compare #7alphabet futharc alt head futhark or futhork syl fu+tharc pron <1fu:Ta:k> pos n. futhorc infl head futhark or futhark syl fu+thorc pron <1fu:Tc:k> pos n. futhork infl head futhark or futharc syl fu+thork pron <1fu:Tc:k> pos n. futhark 0. or futhorc syl fu+thark pron <1fu:Ta:k> pos n. def a phonetic alphabet consisting of runes. futile ety C16: from Latin futtilis pouring out easily, worthless, from fundere to pour out futile 1. syl fu+tile pron <1fju:tIl> pos adj. def having no effective result; unsuccessful. futile 2. syl fu+tile pron <1fju:tIl> pos adj. def pointless; unimportant; trifling. futile 3. syl fu+tile pron <1fju:tIl> pos adj. def inane or foolish. exam 1 don't be so futile&! futilely sub head futile syl fu+tile+ly pos adv. futileness sub head futile syl fu+tile+ness pos n. futilitarian ety C19: facetious coinage from #7futile + #7utilitarian futilitarian 1. syl fu+til:i+tar+i:an pron pos adj. def of or relating to the belief that human endeavour can serve no useful purpose. futilitarian 2. syl fu+til:i+tar+i:an pron pos n. def one who holds this belief. futilitarianism sub head futilitarian syl fu+2til:i+1tar:i+an+ism pos n. futilities infl head futility syl fu+til+i:ties. pos n. mod pl. futility 1. syl fu+til+i:ty pron pos n. def lack of effectiveness or success. futility 2. syl fu+til+i:ty pron pos n. def lack of purpose or meaning. futility 3. syl fu+til+i:ty pron pos n. def something futile. futtock ety C13: perhaps variant of foothook futtock 0. syl fut+tock pron <1f^t*k> pos n. qual Nautical. def one of the ribs in the frame of a wooden vessel. futtock plate 0. syl fut+tock plate pos n. qual Nautical. def a horizontal metal disc fixed at the top of a lower mast for holding the futtock shrouds. futtock shroud 0. syl fut+tock shroud pos n. qual Nautical. def any of several metal rods serving as a brace between the futtock plate on a lower mast and the topmast. future ety C14: from Latin f*_ut*_urus about to be, from esse to be future 1. syl fu+ture pron <1fju:C*> pos n. def the time yet to come. future 2. syl fu+ture pron <1fju:C*> pos n. def undetermined events that will occur in that time. future 3. syl fu+ture pron <1fju:C*> pos n. def the condition of a person or thing at a later date. exam 1 the future of the school is undecided. future 4. syl fu+ture pron <1fju:C*> pos n. def likelihood of later improvement or advancement. exam 1 he has a future as a singer. future 5.a. syl fu+ture pron <1fju:C*> pos n. def a tense of verbs used when the action or event described is to occur after the time of utterance. future 5.b. syl fu+ture pron <1fju:C*> pos n. def a verb in this tense. in future 6. head future syl in future. def from now on; henceforth. future 7. syl fu+ture pron <1fju:C*> pos adj. def that is yet to come or be. future 8. syl fu+ture pron <1fju:C*> pos adj. def of or expressing time yet to come. future 9. syl fu+ture pron <1fju:C*> pos adj. usage prenominal def destined to become. exam 1 a future president. future 10. syl fu+ture pron <1fju:C*> pos adj. qual Grammar. def in or denoting the future as a tense of verbs. futureless sub head future syl fu+ture+less pos adj. future life 0. syl fu+ture life pos n. def a life after death; afterlife. future perfect 1. syl fu+ture per+fect pos adj. qual Grammar. def denoting a tense of verbs describing an action that will have been performed by a certain time. In English this is formed with or plus the past participle. future perfect 2.a. syl fu+ture per+fect pos n. qual Grammar. def the future perfect tense. future perfect 2.b. syl fu+ture per+fect pos n. qual Grammar. def a verb in this tense. futures 0. syl fu+tures pron <1fju:C*z> pos n. mod pl. def commodities bought or sold at an agreed price for delivery at a specified future date. futurism 0. syl fu+tur+ism pron <1fju:C*2riz*m> pos n. def an artistic movement that arose in Italy in 1909 to replace traditional aesthetic values with the characteristics of the machine age. futurist sub head futurism syl fu+tur+ist pos n. adj. futuristic 1. syl fu+tur+is+tic pron <2fju:C*1ristik> pos adj. def denoting or relating to design, technology, etc., that is thought likely to be current or fashionable at some future time; ultramodern. futuristic 2. syl fu+tur+is+tic pron <2fju:C*1ristik> pos adj. def of or relating to futurism. futuristically sub head futuristic syl fu+tur+1is+ti+cal+ly pos adv. futurities infl head futurity syl fu+tur+i:ties. pos n. mod pl. futurity 1. syl fu+tur+i:ty pron pos n. def a less common word for {future}. futurity 2. syl fu+tur+i:ty pron pos n. def the quality of being in the future. futurity 3. syl fu+tur+i:ty pron pos n. def a future event. futurology 0. syl fu+tur+ol+o:gy pron <2fju:C*1rol*Ji> pos n. def the study or prediction of the future of mankind. futurologist sub head futurology syl fu+tur+1ol:o+gist pos n. fuze 0. syl fuze pron pos n. qual U.S. def a variant spelling of {fuse%1}. fuzee 0. syl fu+zee pron pos n. def a variant spelling of {fusee}. fuzz ety C17: perhaps from Low German fussig loose fuzz H1.1. syl fuzz pos f^z; n. def a mass or covering of fine or curly hairs, fibres, etc. fuzz H1.2. syl fuzz pos f^z; n. def a blur. fuzz H1.3. syl fuzz pos f^z; n. usage Informal. in pop music def a distortion of sound produced by adding overtones in an electronic device ({fuzz box) }. fuzz H1.4. syl fuzz pos vb. def to make or become fuzzy. fuzz H1.5. syl fuzz pos vb. def to make or become indistinct; blur. fuzz ety C20: of uncertain origin fuzz H2.0. syl fuzz pos f^z; n. def a slang word for {police} or {policeman}. fuzzier infl head fuzzy syl fuzz:i+er pos adj. fuzziest infl head fuzzy syl fuzz:i+est. pos adj. fuzzy 1. syl fuzz:y pron <1f^zi> pos adj. def of, resembling, or covered with fuzz. fuzzy 2. syl fuzz:y pron <1f^zi> pos adj. def indistinct; unclear or distorted. fuzzy 3. syl fuzz:y pron <1f^zi> pos adj. def not clearly thought out or expressed. fuzzy 4. syl fuzz:y pron <1f^zi> pos adj. usage of the hair def tightly curled or very wavy. fuzzily sub head fuzzy syl fuzz:i+ly pos adv. fuzziness sub head fuzzy syl fuzz:i+ness pos n. ies infl head fuzzy-wuzzy or fuzzy-wuzzy syl :ies pos n. mod pl. fuzzy-wuzzy infl or ies syl fuzz:y-wuzz:y. pos n. mod pl. fuzzy-wuzzy 1. syl fuzz:y-wuzz:y pron <1f^zi2w^zi> pos n. usage Informal. formerly def a Sudanese soldier. fuzzy-wuzzy 2. syl fuzz:y-wuzz:y pron <1f^zi2w^zi> pos n. qual Slang. def a coloured fuzzy-haired native of any of certain areas of the world. fv ety Latin: on the reverse (that is left-hand) page fv 0. syl f.v. qual abbrev. for def folio verso. fwd 0. syl fwd. qual abbrev. for def forward. fwd 1. syl f.w.d. qual abbrev. for: def four-wheel drive. fwd 2. syl f.w.d. qual abbrev. for: def front-wheel drive. -fy ety from Old French -fier, from Latin -fic*_are, verbal ending formed from -ficus -#7fic -fy 0. syl -fy usage suffix forming verbs. def to make or become. exam 1 beautify; exam 2 simplify; exam 3 liquefy. fyke ety C19: from Middle Dutch fuycke fyke 0. syl fyke pron pos n. qual U.S. def a fish trap consisting of a net suspended over a series of hoops, laid horizontally in the water. Fylde 0. syl Fylde pron pos n. def a region in NW England in Lancashire between the Wyre and Ribble estuaries. fylfot ety C16 (apparently meaning: a sign or device for the lower part or foot of a painted window): from fillen to #7fill+ fot #7foot fylfot 0. syl fyl+fot pron <1fIlfot> pos n. def a rare word for {swastika}. Fyn 0. syl Fyn pron Danish pos n. def the second largest island of Denmark, between the Jutland peninsula and the island of Sj@alland. Pop.: 398255 (1970). Area: 3481 sq. km (1344 sq. miles). German name: {F*"unen}. fyrd 0. syl fyrd pron , pos n. qual History. def the local militia of an Anglo-Saxon shire, in which all freemen had to serve. Faizabad alt head Fyzabad or Fyzabad syl Faiz:a+bad pron <2fIz*1b@d> pos n. Fyzabad 0. or Faizabad syl Fyz:a+bad pron <2fIz*1b@d> pos n. def a city in N India, in E central Uttar Pradesh on the Gogra River. Pop.: 102835 (1971). FZS 0. syl F.Z.S. qual abbrev. for def Fellow of the Zoological Society. ********************************************************************** ********************************************************************** FZS 0. syl F.Z.S. qual abbrev. for def Fellow of the Zoological Society. ********************************************************************** ********************************************************************** research information to the Soviet Union. FZS 1. syl F.Z.S. qual abbrev. for def Sir {Viv@.i@.an Er@.nest}. born ********************************************************************** Athol infl head Fugard syl A:thol pron <1@$T*l> pos n. Fugard 0. syl Fu:gard pron <1fu:ga:d> pos n. def born 1932, South African dramatist and theatre director. His plays include (1961), (1966), (1973), (1974), and (1976). ********************************************************************** Takeo infl head Fukuda syl Ta:ke:o pron <1t@kA*u> pos n. Fukuda 0. syl Fu:ku:da pron <1fu:ku:d*> pos n. def born 1905, Japanese statesman; prime minister (1976-78). ********************************************************************** Fukuda 0.b. syl Fu:ku:da pron <1fu:ku:d*> pos n. usage as modifier exam 1 full board accommodation. ********************************************************************** ********************************************************************** geodesic dome. Roy 1. head Fukuda syl Roy. def born 1912, English poet, whose collections of poetry include (1942) and (1944), both of which are concerned with World War II, and (1949), (1957), and (1968). ********************************************************************** (sense 1). ********************************************************************** ********************************************************************** Fukuda 1.a. syl Fu:ku:da pron <1fu:ku:d*> pos n. def relating to the purpose or context of a behaviour. Fukuda 1.b. syl Fu:ku:da pron <1fu:ku:d*> pos n. def denoting a disorder without structural change. ********************************************************************** Also called: {fundamental frequency, first harmonic. ********************************************************************** **********************************************************************} funnel-web 0. syl fun:nel-web pos n. qual Austral. def any large poisonous black spider of the family constructing funnel-shaped webs. ********************************************************************** fur. funnel-web 1. syl fun:nel-web pos n. qual Austral. def another word for {furry} (sense 4). funnel-web 2. syl fun:nel-web pos n. qual Austral. def Also: ********************************************************************** ********************************************************************** Islands. ********************************************************************** ********************************************************************** official ********************************************************************** ********************************************************************** freedom fighter ety C19: ********************************************************************** ********************************************************************** g,B,!@_~   freedom fighter 0. syl free+dom fight+er pos n. def a militant revolutionary. ********************************************************************** ********************************************************************** (Carmelites), and ********************************************************************** ********************************************************************** to foam, ********************************************************************** ********************************************************************** the act or ********************************************************************** ********************************************************************** fried, esp. the offal of a specified animal. exam 1 pig's fry. ********************************************************************** ********************************************************************** G alt head g or g syl G pron pos n. g's infl head g syl g's pos n. mod pl. G's infl head g or Gs syl G's pos n. mod pl. Gs infl head g or G's syl Gs. pos n. mod pl. g 1. or G syl g pron pos n. def the seventh letter and fifth consonant of the modern English alphabet. g 2. or G syl g pron pos n. def a speech sound represented by this letter, in English usually either a voiced velar stop, as in or a voiced palato-alveolar affricate, as in g 1. syl g qual symbol for: def gallon(s). g 2. syl g qual symbol for: def gram(s). g 3. syl g qual symbol for: def acceleration of free fall (due to gravity). G 1.a. syl G qual symbol for: def a note having a frequency of 392 hertz ({G above middle C}) or this value multiplied or divided by any power of 2; the fifth note of the scale of C major. G 1.b. syl G qual symbol for: def a key, string, or pipe producing this note. G 1.c. syl G qual symbol for: def the major or minor key having this note as its tonic. G 2. syl G qual symbol for: def gravitational constant. G 3. syl G qual symbol for:; Physics. def conductance. G 4. syl G qual symbol for: def German. G 5. syl G qual symbol for: def giga. G 6. syl G qual symbol for: def good. G 7. syl G qual symbol for:; Slang, chiefly U.S. def grand (a thousand dollars or pounds). g alt head G or G syl g. G 1. or g syl G. qual abbrev. for: def gauges. G 2. or g syl G. qual abbrev. for: def gauss. G 3. or g syl G. qual abbrev. for: def gelding. G 4. or g syl G. qual abbrev. for: def Gulf. G 5. or g syl G. qual abbrev. for: def guilder(s). G 6. or g syl G. qual abbrev. for: def guinea(s). Ga 0. syl Ga usage the chemical symbol for def gallium. Ga alt or Ga syl G*~a pron pos n. Gas infl head Ga or Gas syl Gas pos n. mod pl. Gas infl head Ga or Gas syl G*~as pos n. mod pl. Ga 1. or Ga syl Ga pron pos n. mod pl. def a member of a Negroid people of W Africa living chiefly in S Ghana. Ga 2. or Ga syl Ga pron pos n. def the language of this people, belonging to the Kwa branch of the Niger-Congo family. Ga 0. syl Ga. qual abbrev. for def Georgia. GA 1. syl G.A. qual abbrev. for: def General Assembly (of the United Na?!tions). GA 2. syl G.A. qual abbrev. for: def general average. gab ety C18: variant of Northern dialect gob mouth, probably from Irish Gaelic gob beak, mouth gabs infl head gab syl gabs pos vb. gabbing infl head gab syl gab+bing pos vb. gabbed infl head gab syl gabbed. pos vb. gab H1.1. syl gab pron pos vb. mod intr. qual Informal. def to talk excessively or idly, esp. about trivial matters; gossip; chatter. gab H1.2. syl gab pron pos n. qual Informal. def idle or trivial talk. gift of the gab 3. head gab syl gift of the gab. qual Informal. def ability to speak effortlessly, glibly, or persuasively. gabber sub head gab syl gab+ber pos n. gab ety C18: probably from Flemish gabbe notch, gash gab H2.0. syl gab pron pos n. def a fork, prong, or toothed part that engages periodically with a slotted link or rod in a mechanism. Gheber infl head Gabar or Ghebre syl Ghe+ber pos n. Ghebre infl head Gabar or Gheber syl Ghe+bre pos n. Gabar 1. syl Ga+bar pron <1ga:b*> pos n. def a member of an Iranian religious sect practising a modern version of Zoroastrianism. Gabar 2. syl Ga+bar pron <1ga:b*> pos adj. def of, relating to, or characterizing the Gabar sect or its beliefs. gabardine 0. syl gab+ar+dine pron <1g@b*2dEn>, <2g@b*1dEn> pos n. def a variant spelling of {gaberdine} (esp. sense 2). gabble ety C17: from Middle Dutch gabbelen, of imitative origin gabble 1. syl gab+ble pron <1g@bL> pos vb. def to utter (words, etc.) rapidly and indistinctly; jabber. gabble 2. syl gab+ble pron <1g@bL> pos vb. mod intr. usage of geese and some other birds or animals def to utter rapid cackling noises. gabble 3. syl gab+ble pron <1g@bL> pos n. def rapid and indistinct speech or noises. gabbler sub head gabble syl gab+bler pos n. gabbro ety C19: from Italian, probably from Latin glaber smooth, bald gabbros infl head gabbro syl gab+bros. pos n. mod pl. gabbro 0. syl gab+bro pron <1g@br*u> pos n. def a dark coarse-grained basic plutonic igneous rock consisting of plagioclase feldspar, pyroxene, and often olivine. gabbroic sub head gabbro or gabbroitic syl gab+1bro+ic pos adj. gabbroitic sub head gabbro or gabbroic syl gab+bro+1it+ic pos adj. gabbier infl head gabby syl gab+bi+er pos adj. gabbiest infl head gabby syl gab+bi+est. pos adj. gabby 0. syl gab+by pron <1g@bi> pos adj. qual Informal. def inclined to chatter; talkative. gabelle ety C15: from Old Italian gabella, from Arabic qab*_alah tribute, from qabala he received gabelle 0. syl ga+belle pron pos n. qual French history. def a salt tax levied until 1790. gabelled sub head gabelle syl ga+1belled pos adj. gaberdine ety C16: from Old French gauvardine pilgrim's garment, from Middle High German wallewart pilgrimage; related to Spanish gabardina gaberdine 1. syl gab+er+dine pron <1g@b*2dEn>, <2g@b*1dEn> pos n. def a twill-weave worsted, cotton, or spun-rayon fabric. gaberdine 2. syl gab+er+dine pron <1g@b*2dEn>, <2g@b*1dEn> pos n. def Also called: {gabardine}. an ankle-length loose coat or frock worn by men, esp. by Jews, in the Middle Ages. gaberdine 3. syl gab+er+dine pron <1g@b*2dEn>, <2g@b*1dEn> pos n. def any of various other garments made of gaberdine, esp. a child's raincoat. gaberlunzie ety C16: variant of earlier gaberlungy gaberlunzie 0. syl gab+er+lun+zie pron <2g@b*1l^nzi>, <-1lu:nji> pos n. qual Scot. archaic or literary. def a wandering beggar. Also: {gaberlunzie-man}. Gaberones 0. syl Gab+e:ro+nes pron <2g@b*1r*unes> pos n. def the former name for {Gaborone}. Gabes 1. syl Ga+b*`es pron <1ga:bes>, French pos n. def a port in E Tunisia. Pop.: 76356 (1966). Ancient name: {Tacape}. Gulf of 2. head Gabes syl Gulf of. def an inlet of the Mediterranean on the E coast of Tunisia. Ancient name: {Syrtis Minor}. gabfest 1. syl gab+fest pron <1g@bfest> pos n. qual Informal, chiefly U.S. def prolonged gossiping or conversation. gabfest 2. syl gab+fest pron <1g@bfest> pos n. qual Informal, chiefly U.S. def an informal gathering for conversation. gabion ety C16: from French: basket, from Italian gabbione, from gabbia cage, from Latin cavea; see #7cage gabion 1. syl ga+bi+on pron <1gAbi*n> pos n. def a cylindrical metal container filled with stones, used in the construction of underwater founda?!tions. gabion 2. syl ga+bi+on pron <1gAbi*n> pos n. def a wickerwork basket filled with stones or earth, used (esp. formerly) as part of a fortification. gabionade ety C18: from French; see #7gabion gabionnade alt head gabionade or gabionade syl ga+bi+on+nade pron <2gAbi*1nAd> pos n. gabionade 1. or gabionnade syl ga+bi+on+ade pron <2gAbi*1nAd> pos n. def a row of gabions submerged in a waterway, stream, river, etc., to control the flow of water. gabionade 2. or gabionnade syl ga+bi+on+ade pron <2gAbi*1nAd> pos n. def a fortification constructed of gabions. gable ety C14: Old French gable, probably from Old Norse gafl; related to Old English geafol fork, Old High German gibil gable gable 1. syl ga+ble pron <1gAbL> pos n. def Also called: {gable end}. the triangular upper part of a wall between the sloping ends of a pitched roof ({gable roof) }. gable 2. syl ga+ble pron <1gAbL> pos n. def a triangular ornamental feature in the form of a gable, esp. as used over a door or window. gable 3. syl ga+ble pron <1gAbL> pos n. def the triangular wall on both ends of a gambrel roof. gabled sub head gable syl ga+bled pos adj. gable-like sub head gable syl ga:ble-2like pos adj. Clark infl head Gable syl Clark. pos n. Gable 0. syl Ga:ble pron <1gAbL> pos n. def 1901-60, U.S. film actor; his films include (1934), (1939), (1953), (1957), and (1960). gablet 0. syl ga+blet pron <1gAblit> pos n. def a small gable. gable window 0. syl ga+ble win+dow pos n. def a window positioned in a gable or having a small gable over it. Naum infl head Gabo syl Naum pron pos n. Gabo 0. syl Ga:bo pron <1ga:b*u>, <-b*> pos n. def born 1890, U.S. sculptor born in Russia: a leading constructivist. Gabon 0. syl Ga+bon pron , French pos n. def a republic in W central Africa, on the Atlantic: settled by the French in 1839; made part of the French Congo in 1888; became independent in 1960; almost wholly forested. Official language: French. Religion: Christian and animist. Currency: franc. Capital: Libreville. Pop.: 530000 (1975 UN est.). Area: 267675 sq. km (103350 sq. miles). Gabonese sub head Gabon syl Gab:o+nese pron <2g@b*1nEz> pos adj. n. Dennis infl head Gabor syl Den:nis. pos n. Gabor 0. syl Ga:bor pron pos n. def born 1900, British electrical engineer, born in Hungary. He invented holography: Nobel prize for physics 1971. Gaborone 0. syl Gab:o+ro+ne pron <2g@b*1r*uni> pos n. def the capital of Botswana (since 1964), in the extreme southeast. Pop.: 17718 (1971). Former name: {Gaberones}. Gabriel H1.0. syl Ga:bri:el pron <1gAbri*l> pos n. qual Bible. def one of the archangels, the messenger of good news (Daniel 8:16-26; Luke 1:11-20, 26-38). Jacques-Ange infl head Gabriel syl Jacques-Ange pron <1?~a:Z> pos n. Gabriel H2.0. syl Ga:bri:el pron French pos n. def 1698-1782, French architect: designed the Petit Trianon at Versailles. gabies infl head gaby syl ga:bies. pos n. mod pl. gaby 0. syl ga:by pron <1gAbi> pos n. qual Informal, chiefly Brit. def a simpleton. gad ety C15: back formation from obsolete gadling companion, from Old English, from g@ad fellowship; related to Old High German gatuling gads infl head gad syl gads pos vb. gadding infl head gad syl gad+ding pos vb. gadded infl head gad syl gad+ded. pos vb. gad H1.1. syl gad pron pos vb. mod intr. usage often foll. by about or around def to go out in search of pleasure, esp. in an aimless manner; gallivant. gad H1.2. syl gad pron pos n. def carefree adventure (esp. in the phrase {on} {upon the gad) }. gadder sub head gad syl gad+der pos n. gad ety C13: from Old Norse gaddr spike; related to Old High German gart, Gothic gazds spike gad H2.1. syl gad pron pos n. qual Mining. def a short chisel-like instrument for breaking rock or coal from the face. gad H2.2. syl gad pron pos n. def a goad for driving cattle. gad H2.3. syl gad pron pos n. def a western U.S. word for { {spur} (sense 1)}. gads infl head gad syl gads pos vb. gadding infl head gad syl gad+ding pos vb. gadded infl head gad syl gad+ded. pos vb. gad H2.4. syl gad pron pos vb. mod tr. qual Mining. def to break up or loosen with a gad. Gad H1.0. syl Gad pron pos n. interj. interj. def an archaic euphemism for {God}: used as or in an oath. Gad H2.1.a. syl Gad pron pos n. qual Old Testament. def Jacob's sixth son, whose mother was Zilpah, Leah's maid. Gad H2.1.b. syl Gad pron pos n. qual Old Testament. def the Israelite tribe descend?!ed from him. Gad H2.1.c. syl Gad pron pos n. qual Old Testament. def the territory of this tribe, lying to the east of the Jordan and extending southwards from the Sea of Galilee. Gad H2.2. syl Gad pron pos n. qual Old Testament. def a prophet and admonisher of David (I Samuel 22; II Samuel 24). gadabout 0. syl gad+a:bout pron <1g@d*2baut> pos n. qual Informal. def a person who restlessly seeks amusement, etc. Gadarene ety C19: via Late Latin from Greek Gadar*_enos, of Gadara (Palestine), alluding to the Biblical Gadarene swine (Matthew 8:28ff.) Gadarene 0. syl Gad:a+rene pron <1g@d*2rEn> pos adj. def relating to or engaged in a headlong rush. Qaddafi alt head Gaddafi or Gaddafi syl Qad:da:fi pron pos n. Moamar al infl head Gaddafi syl Mo:a:mar al pron <1m*u*2ma:> <2@l> pos n. Gaddafi 0. or Qaddafi syl Gad:da:fi pron pos n. def born 1942, Libyan army officer and statesman; chairman of the Revolutionary Command Council of Libya since 1969. gadfly ety C16: from #7gad %2 (sting)+#7fly gadflies infl head gadfly syl gad+flies. pos n. mod pl. gadfly 1. syl gad+fly pron <1g@d2flI> pos n. def any of various large dipterous flies, esp. the horsefly, that annoy livestock by sucking their blood. gadfly 2. syl gad+fly pron <1g@d2flI> pos n. def a constantly irritating or harassing person. gadget ety C19: of uncertain origin gadget 1. syl gadg+et pron <1g@Jit> pos n. def a small mechanical device or appli?!ance. gadget 2. syl gadg+et pron <1g@Jit> pos n. def any object that is interesting for its ingenuity or novelty rather than for its practical use. gadgety sub head gadget syl gadg+et:y pos adj. gadgeteer 0. syl gadg+e:teer pron <2g@Ji1ti*> pos n. def a person who delights in gadgetry. gadgetry 1. syl gadg+et+ry pron <1g@Jitri> pos n. def gadgets collectively. gadgetry 2. syl gadg+et+ry pron <1g@Jitri> pos n. def use of or preoccupation with gadgets and their design. Gadhelic ety from Irish Gaedheal Gael Gadhelic 0. syl Gad+hel+ic pron pos n. adj. def another term for {Gaelic}. gadid ety C19: see #7gadoid gadid 1. syl ga+did pron <1gAdid> pos n. def any marine teleost fish of the family which includes the cod, haddock, whiting, and pollack. gadid 2. syl ga+did pron <1gAdid> pos adj. def of, relating to, or belonging to the gadoid ety C19: from New Latin Gadidae, from gadus cod; see -#7oid gadoid 1. syl ga+doid pron <1gAdcid> pos adj. def of, relating to, or belonging to the an order of marine soft-finned fishes typically having the pectoral and pelvic fins close together and small cycloid scales. The group includes gadish fishes and hake. gadoid 2. syl ga+doid pron <1gAdcid> pos n. def any gadoid fish. gadolinite ety C19: named after Johan Gadolin (1760-1852), Finnish mineralogist gadolinite 0. syl gad:o+lin+ite pron <1g@d*li2nIt> pos n. def a rare brown or black mineral consisting of a silicate of iron, beryllium, and yttrium in monoclinic crystalline form. Formula: 2BeO.FeO.Y\2O\3.2SiO\2. Also called: {ytterbite}. gadolinium ety C19: New Latin, from #7gadolinite gadolinium 0. syl gad:o+lin+i:um pron <2g@d*1lini*m> pos n. def a ductile malleable silvery-white ferromagnetic element of the lanthanide series of metals: occurs principally in monazite and bastnaesite. Symbol: Gd; atomic no.: 64; atomic wt.: 157.25; valency: 3; relative density: 7.898; melting pt.: 1312?%C; boiling pt.: 3000?%C (approx.). gadolinic sub head gadolinium syl gad:o+1lin+ic pos adj. gadroon ety C18: from French godron, perhaps from Old French godet cup, goblet, drinking vessel godroon alt head gadroon or gadroon syl go+droon pron pos n. gadroon 1. or godroon syl ga+droon pron pos n. def a moulding composed of a series of convex flutes and curves joined to form a decorative pattern, used esp. as an edge to silver articles. gadroon 2. or godroon syl ga+droon pron pos n. qual Architect. def a carved ornamental moulding having a convex cross section. gadrooned sub head gadroon or godrooned syl ga+1drooned pos adj. godrooned sub head gadroon or gadrooned syl go+1drooned pos adj. Gadsden Purchase 0. syl Gads:den Pur+chase pron <1g@dzd*n> pos n. def an area of about 30000 square miles (77000 square kilometres) in present-day Arizona and New Mexico, bought by the U.S. from Mexico for 10 million dollars in 1853. The purchase was negotiated by James Gadsden (1788-1858), U.S. diplomat. gadwall ety C17: of unknown origin gadwalls infl head gadwall or gadwall syl gad+walls pos n. mod pl. gadwall infl or gadwalls syl gad+wall. pos n. mod pl. gadwall 0. syl gad+wall pron <1g@d2wc:l> pos n. def a duck, related to the mallard. The male has a grey body and black tail. gadzooks ety C17: perhaps from God's hooks (the nails of the cross); see G#7ad %1 gadzooks 0. syl gad+zooks pron pos interj. qual Archaic. def a mild oath. Gaea ety from Greek gaia earth Gaia infl head Gaea or Ge syl Gai:a pron <1gA*> pos n. Ge infl head Gaea or Gaia syl Ge pron , pos n. Gaea 0. syl Gae:a pron <1JE*> pos n. qual Greek myth. def the goddess of the earth, who bore Uranus and by him Oceanus, Cronus and the Titans. Gaekwar ety C19: from Marathi Gaekv*_ad, literally: Guardian of the Cows, from Sanskrit gauh cow+ -vad guardian Gaikwar alt head Gaekwar or Gaekwar syl Gaik+war pron <1gIkwa:> pos n. Gaekwar 0. or Gaikwar syl Gaek+war pron <1gIkwa:> pos n. qual History. def the title of the ruler of the former native state of Baroda in India. Gael ety C19: from Gaelic Gaidheal; related to Old Irish goidel, Old Welsh gwyddel Irishman &- #!Gael+dom n. Gael 0. syl Gael pron pos n. def a person who speaks a Gaelic language, esp. a Highland Scot or a southern Irishman. Gaelic 1. syl Gael+ic pron <1gAlik> pos n. def any of the closely related languages of the Celts in Ireland, Scotland, or (formerly) the Isle of Man. Compare {Goidelic}. Gaelic 2. syl Gael+ic pron <1gAlik> pos adj. def of, denoting, or relating to the Celtic people of Ireland, Scotland, or the Isle of Man or their language or customs. Gaelic coffee 0. syl Gael+ic cof+fee pos n. def coffee with Irish whisky and cream. Gaelic football 0. syl Gael+ic foot+ball pos n. def a game played in Eire and parts of the U.S. with 15 men on each side and goals resembling rugby posts with a net on the bottom part. Players are allowed to kick, punch, and bounce the ball and attempt to get it over the bar or in the net. Gaeltacht ety C20: from Irish Gaeltacht 0. syl Gael+tacht pron <1gAl2ta:$xt> pos n. def any of the regions in Ireland in which Irish is the vernacular speech. gaff ety C13: from French gaffe, from Proven*,cal gaf boat hook gaff H1.1. syl gaff pron pos n. qual Angling. def a stiff pole with a stout prong or hook attached for landing large fish. gaff H1.2. syl gaff pron pos n. qual Nautical. def a boom hoisted aft of a mast to support a gaffsail. gaff H1.3. syl gaff pron pos n. def a metal spur fixed to the leg of a gamecock. gaff H1.4. syl gaff pron pos vb. mod tr. qual Angling. def to hook or land (a fish) with a gaff. gaff H1.5. syl gaff pron pos vb. mod tr. qual Slang. def to cheat; hoax. gaff ety C19: of unknown origin gaff H2.1. syl gaff pron pos n. qual Slang. def foolish talk; nonsense. blow the gaff 2. head gaff syl blow the gaff. qual Brit. slang. def to divulge a secret. stand the gaff 3. head gaff syl stand the gaff. qual Slang, chiefly U.S. def to endure ridicule, difficulties, etc. gaff ety C18: of unknown origin gaff H3.1. syl gaff pron pos n. qual Brit. slang, archaic. def a person's home, esp. a flat. gaff H3.2. syl gaff pron pos n. qual Brit. slang, archaic. def Also called: {penny-gaff}. a cheap or low-class place of entertainment, esp. a cheap theatre or music hall in Victorian England. gaffe ety C19: from French gaffe 0. syl gaffe pron pos n. def a social blunder, esp. a tactless remark. gaffer ety C16: alteration of #7godfather gaffer 1. syl gaf+fer pron <1g@f*> pos n. def an old man, esp. one living in the country: often used affectionately or patronizingly. Compare {gammer}. gaffer 2. syl gaf+fer pron <1g@f*> pos n. qual Informal, chiefly Brit. def a boss, foreman, or owner of a factory, etc. $D. the senior electrician on a television or film set. gaff-rigged 0. syl gaff-rigged pos adj. usage of a sailing vessel def rigged with one or more gaffsails. gaffsail 0. syl gaff+sail pron <1g@f2sAl>, <-s*l> pos n. def a quadrilateral fore-and-aft sail on a sailing vessel. gaff-topsail 0. syl gaff-top:sail pos n. def a sail set above a gaffsail. gag ety C15 gaggen; perhaps imitative of a gasping sound gags infl head gag syl gags pos vb. gagging infl head gag syl gag+ging pos vb. gagged infl head gag syl gagged. pos vb. gag H1.1. syl gag pron pos vb. mod tr. def to stop up (a person's mouth), esp. with a piece of cloth, etc., to prevent him from speaking or crying out. gag H1.2. syl gag pron pos vb. mod tr. qual Informal. def to suppress or censor (free expression, information, etc.). gag H1.3. syl gag pron pos vb. qual Slang. def to retch or cause to retch. gag H1.4. syl gag pron pos vb. mod intr. qual Slang. def to struggle for breath; choke. gag H1.5. syl gag pron pos vb. mod tr. def to hold (the jaws) of (a person or animal) apart with a surgical gag. gag H1.6. syl gag pron pos vb. mod tr. def to apply a gag-bit to (a horse). gag H1.7. syl gag pron pos n. def a piece of cloth, rope, etc., stuffed into or tied across the mouth. gag H1.8. syl gag pron pos n. qual Informal. def any restraint on or suppression of information, free speech, etc. gag H1.9. syl gag pron pos n. def a surgical device for keeping the jaws apart, as during a tonsillectomy. gag H1.10. syl gag pron pos n. qual Parliamentary procedure. def another word for { {closure} (sense 4)}. gag ety C19: perhaps special use of #7gag %1 gag H2.1. syl gag pron pos n. qual Slang. def a joke or humorous story, esp. one told by a professional comedian. gag H2.2. syl gag pron pos n. qual Slang. def a hoax, practical joke, etc.. exam 1 he did it for a gag. gags infl head gag syl gags pos vb. gagging infl head gag syl gag+ging pos vb. gagged infl head gag syl gagged. pos vb. gag H2.3. syl gag pron pos vb. mod intr. qual Slang. def to tell jokes or funny stories, as comedians in nightclubs, etc. gag H2.4.a. syl gag pron pos vb. qual Slang. def to interpolate lines or business not in the actor's stage part, usually comic and improvised. gag H2.4.b. syl gag pron pos vb. qual Slang. def to perform a stage jest, either spoken or based on movement. gaga ety C20: from French, of imitative origin gaga 1. syl ga:ga pron <1ga:ga:> pos adj. qual Slang. def senile; doting. gaga 2. syl ga:ga pron <1ga:ga:> pos adj. qual Slang. def slightly crazy. Yuri infl head Gagarin syl Yu:ri pron <1juri> pos n. Gagarin 0. syl Ga:ga:rin pron Russian pos n. def 1934-68, Soviet cosmonaut: made the first manned space flight (1961). Gagauzi 0. syl Ga+gau+zi pron pos n. def a language spoken in the Soviet Union, chiefly on the NW coast of the Black Sea, belonging to the Turkic branch of the Altaic family. gag-bit 0. syl gag-bit pos n. def a powerful type of bit used in breaking horses. gage ety C14: from Old French gage, of Germanic origin; compare Gothic wadi pledge gage H1.1. syl gage pron pos n. def something deposited as security against the fulfilment of an obligation; pledge. gage H1.2. syl gage pron pos n. usage formerly def a glove or other object thrown down to indicate a challenge to combat. {~} gage H1.3. syl gage pron pos n. mod tr. qual Archaic. def to stake, pledge, or wager. gage H2.0. syl gage pron pos n. def short for {greengage}. gage ety C20: of uncertain origin; compare #7ganja gage H3.0. syl gage pron pos n. qual Slang, chiefly U.S. def marijuana or a marijuana cigarette. gage H4.0. syl gage pron pos n. vb. vb. qual U.S. def a variant spelling (esp. in technical senses) of {gauge}. Thomas infl head Gage syl Thom:as. pos n. Gage 0. syl Gage pron pos n. def 1721-87, British general and governor in America; commander in chief of British forces at Bunker Hill (1775). gager 0. syl gag+er pron <1gAJ*> pos n. def a variant spelling of {gauger}. gagger 1. syl gag+ger pron <1g@g*> pos n. def a person or thing that gags. gagger 2. syl gag+ger pron <1g@g*> pos n. def a wedge for a core in a casting mould. gaggle ety C14: of Germanic origin; compare Old Norse gagl gosling, Dutch gaggelen to cackle, all of imitative origin gaggle 1. syl gag+gle pron <1g@gL> pos vb. mod intr. usage of geese def to cackle. {~} gaggle 2. syl gag+gle pron <1g@gL> pos vb. def a flock of geese. gaggle 3. syl gag+gle pron <1g@gL> pos vb. qual Informal. def a disorderly group of people. gaggle 4. syl gag+gle pron <1g@gL> pos vb. def a gabbling or cackling sound. gag resolution alt head gag rule or gag rule syl gag res:o+lu+tion pos n. gag rule 0. or gag resolution syl gag rule pos n. qual U.S. def any closure regulation adopted by a deliberative body. gahnite ety C19: named after J. G. Gahn (1745-1818), Swedish chemist; see -#7ite %1 gahnite 0. syl gahn+ite pron <1ga:nIt> pos n. def a dark green mineral of the spinel group consisting of zinc aluminium oxide. Formula: ZnAl\2O\4. Gaia 0. syl Gai:a pron <1gA*> pos n. def a variant spelling of {Gaea}. gaieties infl head gaiety syl gai+e:ties. pos n. mod pl. gaiety 1. syl gai+e:ty pron <1gA*ti> pos n. def the state or condition of being gay. gaiety 2. syl gai+e:ty pron <1gA*ti> pos n. def festivity; merrymaking. gaiety 3. syl gai+e:ty pron <1gA*ti> pos n. def colourful bright appearance. {~} Also: {gayety}. Gaikwar 0. syl Gaik+war pron <1gIkwa:> pos n. def a variant spelling of {Gaekwar}. Gaillard Cut ety C19: named after David Du Bose Gaillard (1859-1913), American army engineer in charge of the work Gaillard Cut 0. syl Gail+lard Cut pron , <1gAla:d> pos n. def the SE section of the Panama Canal, cut through Culebra Mountain. Length: about 13 km (8 miles). Former name: {Culebra Cut}. gaillardia ety C19: from New Latin, named after Gaillard de Marentonneau, 18th-century French amateur botanist gaillardia 0. syl gail+lar+di:a pron pos n. def any plant of the North American genus having ornamental flower heads with yellow or red rays and purple discs: family (composites). gaily 1. syl gai+ly pron <1gAli> pos adv. def in a gay manner; merrily. gaily 2. syl gai+ly pron <1gAli> pos adv. def with bright colours; showily. gain ety C15: from Old French gaaignier, of Germanic origin; related to Old High German weidenen to forage, hunt &- #!gain+a@.ble adj. gain H1.1. syl gain pron pos vb. mod tr. def to acquire (something desirable); obtain. gain H1.2. syl gain pron pos vb. mod tr. def to win in competition. exam 1 to gain the victory. gain H1.3. syl gain pron pos vb. def to increase, improve, or advance. exam 1 the car gained speed; exam 2 the shares gained in value. gain H1.4. syl gain pron pos vb. mod tr. def to earn (a wage, living, etc.). gain H1.5.a. syl gain pron pos vb. def to get nearer (to) or catch up (on). gain H1.5.b. syl gain pron pos vb. def to get farther away (from). gain H1.6. syl gain pron pos vb. mod tr. usage esp. of ships def to get to; reach. exam 1 the steamer gained port. gain H1.7. syl gain pron pos vb. usage of a timepiece def to operate too fast, so as to indicate a time ahead of the true time. exam 1 this watch gains; exam 2 it gains ten minutes a day. gain ground 8. head gain syl gain ground. def to make progress or obtain an advantage. gain time 9. head gain syl gain time. def to obtain extra time by a delay or postponement. gain H1.10. syl gain pron pos n. def something won, acquired, earned, etc.; profit; advantage. gain H1.11. syl gain pron pos n. def an increase in size, amount, etc. gain H1.12. syl gain pron pos n. def the act of gaining; attainment; acquisition. gain H1.13. syl gain pron pos n. def Also called: {amplification}. the ratio of the output power of an amplifier to the power fed into it, usually measured in decibels. gain ety C17: of obscure origin gain H2.1. syl gain pron pos n. def a notch, mortise, or groove, esp. one cut to take the flap of a butt hinge. gain H2.2. syl gain pron pos vb. mod tr. def to cut a gain or gains in. gainer 1. syl gain+er pron <1gAn*> pos n. def a person or thing that gains. gainer 2. syl gain+er pron <1gAn*> pos n. def Also called: {full gainer}. a type of dive in which the diver leaves the board facing forward and completes a full backward somersault to enter the water feet first with his back to the diving board. Compare {half gainer}. gainful 0. syl gain+ful pron <1gAnful> pos adj. def profitable; lucrative. exam 1 gainful employment. gainfully sub head gainful syl gain+ful+ly pos adv. gainfulness sub head gainful syl gain+ful+ness pos n. gainings 0. syl gain+ings pron <1gAniGz> pos n. mod pl. def profits or earnings. gainly 1. syl gain+ly pron <1gAnli> pos adj. qual Obsolete or dialect. def graceful or well-formed; shapely. gainly 2. syl gain+ly pron <1gAnli> pos adv. qual Obsolete or dialect. def conveniently or suitably. gainliness sub head gainly syl gain+li+ness pos n. gains 0. syl gains pron pos n. mod pl. def profits or winnings. exam 1 ill-gotten gains. gainsay ety C13 gainsaien, from gain- #7against+ saien to #7say gainsays infl head gainsay syl gain+says pos vb. mod tr. gainsaying infl head gainsay syl gain+say+ing pos vb. mod tr. gainsaid infl head gainsay syl gain+said. pos vb. mod tr. gainsay 0. syl gain+say pron pos vb. mod tr. qual Archaic or literary. def to deny (an allegation, statement, etc.); contradict. gainsayer sub head gainsay syl gain+1say+er pos n. Thomas infl head Gainsborough syl Thom:as. pos n. Gainsborough 0. syl Gains:bor:ough pron <1gAnzb*r*>, <-br*> pos n. def 1727-88, English painter, noted particularly for his informal portraits and for his naturalistic landscapes. 'gainst alt or 'gainst syl 'gainst pron , pos prep. 'gainst 0. or 'gainst syl 'gainst pron , pos prep. qual Poetic. def short for {against}. Gaiseric 0. syl Gai:ser:ic pron <1gIz*rik> pos n. def a variant of {Genseric}. gait ety C16: variant of #7gate %1 gait 1. syl gait pron pos n. def manner of walking or running, esp. the manner in which a horse walks or runs, as the walk, trot, canter, etc. {~} gait 2. syl gait pron pos n. mod tr. def to teach (a horse) a particular gait. -gaited 0. syl -gait:ed pron <-1gAtid> pos adj. usage in combination def having a gait as specified. exam 1 slow-gaited. gaiter ety C18: from French gu*^etre, probably of Germanic origin and related to #7wrist gaiter 1. syl gait+er pron <1gAt*> pos n. mod often; pl. def a cloth or leather covering for the leg or ankle buttoned on one side and usually strapped under the foot. gaiter 2. syl gait+er pron <1gAt*> pos n. mod often; pl. def Also called: {spat}. a similar covering extend?!ing from the ankle to the instep. gaiterless sub head gaiter syl gait+er+less pos adj. Hugh Todd Naylor infl head Gaitskell syl Hugh Todd Nay:lor. pos n. Gaitskell 0. syl Gait:skell pron <1gAtskil> pos n. def 1906-63, English politician; leader of the Labour Party (1955-63). Caius alt head Gaius or Gaius syl Cai:us pos n. Gaius 1. or Caius syl Gai:us pron <1gI*s> pos n. def ??110-??180 #7a.d., Roman jurist. His were later used as the basis for those of Justinian. Gaius Caesar 2. head Gaius syl Gaius Caesar. def See {Caligula}. gal H1.0. syl gal pron pos n. qual Slang. def a girl. gal ety C20: named after G#7alileo gal H2.0. syl gal pron pos n. def a unit of acceleration equal to 1 centimetre per second per second. gal alt or gal syl gal. gal 0. or gal syl gal qual abbrev. for def gallon. Gal 0. syl Gal. qual abbrev. for def Galatians. gala ety C17: from French or Italian, from Old French gale pleasure, from Old French galer to make merry, probably of Germanic origin; compare #7gallant gala 1.a. syl ga:la pron <1ga:l*>, <1gAl*> pos n. def a celebration; festive occasion. gala 1.b. syl ga:la pron <1ga:l*>, <1gAl*> pos n. usage as modifier exam 1 a gala occasion. gala 2. syl ga:la pron <1ga:l*>, <1gAl*> pos n. qual Chiefly Brit. def a sporting occasion involving competitions in several events. exam 1 a swimming gala. galactagogue ety C19: from #7galact -#7+ -#7agogue galactagogue 1. syl ga+lac+ta+gogue pron pos adj. def inducing milk secretion. galactagogue 2. syl ga+lac+ta+gogue pron pos n. def a galactagogue agent. galactic ety C19: from Greek galaktikos; see #7galaxy galactic 1. syl ga+lac+tic pron pos adj. qual Astronomy. def of or relating to a galaxy, esp. the Galaxy. exam 1 the galactic plane. galactic 2. syl ga+lac+tic pron pos adj. qual Med. def of or relating to milk. circle alt head galactic equator or galactic equator syl cir+cle pos n. galactic equator 0. or circle syl ga+lac+tic e:qua+tor pos n. def the great circle on the celestial sphere containing the galactic plane. galactic plane 0. syl ga+lac+tic plane pos n. def the plane passing through the spiral arms of the Galaxy. galactic poles 0. syl ga+lac+tic poles pos n. mod pl. def the two points on the celestial sphere, diametrically opposite each other, that can be joined by an imaginary line perpendicular to the galactic plane. galacto- ety from Greek galakt-, gala galactometer 0. syl gal+ac+tom+e:ter pron <2g@l*k1tomit*> pos n. def an instrument, similar to a hydrometer, for measuring the relative density of milk. It is used to determine the fat content. galactometry sub head galactometer syl gal+ac+1tom+e:try pos n. galactopoietic 1. syl ga+lac+to+poi+et:ic pron pos adj. def inducing or increasing the secretion of milk. galactopoietic 2. syl ga+lac+to+poi+et:ic pron pos n. def a galactopoietic agent. galactopoiesis sub head galactopoietic syl ga+lac+to+poi+e:sis pron pos n. galactose 0. syl ga+lac+tose pron , <-*us> pos n. def a white water-soluble mono?!saccharide found in lactose. Formula: C\6H\1\2O\6. galago ety C19: from New Latin, perhaps from Wolof golokh monkey galagos infl head galago syl ga+la+gos. pos n. mod pl. galago 0. syl ga+la+go pron pos n. def another name for {bushbaby}. galah ety C19: from a native Australian language galah 1. syl ga+lah pron pos n. def an Australian cockatoo, having grey wings, back, and crest and a pink body. galah 2. syl ga+lah pron pos n. qual Austral. slang. def a fool or simpleton. Sir 1. head Galahad syl Sir. usage in Arthurian legend def the most virtuous knight of the Round Table, destined to regain the Holy Grail; son of Lancelot and Elaine. Galahad 2. syl Gal:a:had pron <1g@l*2h@d> pos n. def a pure or noble man. galangal 1. syl ga+lan+gal pron pos n. def another name for {galingale}. galangal 2. syl ga+lan+gal pron pos n. def a zingiberaceous plant, of China and the East Indies. galangal 3. syl ga+lan+gal pron pos n. def the pungent aromatic root of this plant, dried and used as a seasoning and in medicine. galantine ety C14: from Old French, from Medieval Latin galatina, probably from Latin gel*_atus frozen, set; see #7gelatin galantine 0. syl gal+an+tine pron <1g@l*n2tEn> pos n. def a cold dish of meat or poultry, which is boned, cooked, stuffed, then pressed into a neat shape and glazed. galanty show ety C19: perhaps from Italian galante #7gallant galanty show 0. syl ga+lan+ty show pron pos n. usage formerly def a pantomime shadow play, esp. one in miniature using figures cut from paper. Gal'apagos Islands 0. syl Ga+l*'a+pa+gos Is+lands pron , Spanish pos n. mod pl. def a group of 15 islands in the Pacific west of Ecuador, of which they form a province: discovered (1535) by the Spanish; main settlement on San Crist*'obal. Pop.: 4000 (1973 est.). Area: 7844 sq. km (3059 sq. miles). Official Spanish name: {Archipi*'elago de Col*'on}. Galashiels 0. syl Gal:a+shiels pron <2g@l*1SElz> pos n. def a town in SE Scotland, in the central Borders region. Pop.: 12605 (1971). Galata 0. syl Ga+la+ta pron <1g@l*t*> pos n. def a port in NW Turkey, a suburb and the chief business section of Istanbul. galatea ety C19: named after the man-of-war H.M.S. Galatea, (the fabric was at one time in demand for children's sailor suits) galatea 0. syl gal:a+te:a pron <2g@l*1ti*> pos n. def a strong twill-weave cotton fabric, striped or plain, for clothing. Galatea 0. syl Gal:a:te:a pron <2g@l*1ti*> pos n. qual Greek myth. def a statue of a maiden brought to life by Aphrodite in response to the prayers of the sculptor Pygmalion, who had fallen in love with his creation. Galati 0. syl Ga+la*,ti pron Rumanian pos n. def an inland port in SE Rumania, on the River Danube. Pop.: 197853 (1974 est.). Galatia 0. syl Ga+la+tia pron , <-Si*> pos n. def an ancient region in central Asia Minor, conquered by Gauls 278-277 #7b.c. : later a Roman province. Galatian sub head Galatia syl Ga+1la+tian pos adj. n. Galatians 0. syl Ga+la+tians pron , <-Si*nz> pos n. mod functioning as; sing. def a book of the New Testament (in full {The Epistle of Paul the Apostle to the Galatians}) . galaxy ety C14 (in the sense: the Milky Way), from Medieval Latin galaxia, from Latin galaxias, from Greek, from gala milk; related to Latin lac milk galaxies infl head galaxy syl gal+ax:ies. pos n. mod pl. galaxy 1. syl gal+ax:y pron <1g@l*ksi> pos n. def any of a vast number of star systems held together by gravitational attraction in an asymmetric shape (an {irregular galaxy}) or, more usually, in a symmetrical shape (a {regular galaxy) }, which is either a spiral or an ellipse. Former names: {island universe, extragalactic nebula}. galaxy 2. syl gal+ax:y pron <1g@l*ksi> pos n. def a splendid gathering, esp. one of famous or distinguished people. the infl head Galaxy syl the. pos n. Galaxy 0. syl Gal+ax:y pron <1g@l*ksi> pos n. def the spiral galaxy, approximately 100000 light years in diameter, that contains the solar system about three fifths of the distance from its centre. Also called: the {Milky Way System}. See also {Magellanic Cloud}. Servius Sulpicius infl head Galba syl Ser:vi:us Sul:pi:cius pron <1sR:vi*s> pos n. Galba 0. syl Gal:ba pron <1g@lb*> pos n. def ??3 #7b.c.- 69 #7a.d., Roman emperor (68-69) after the assassination of Nero. galbanum ety C14: from Latin, from Greek khalban*_e, from Hebrew helben*_ah galbanum 0. syl gal+ba+num pron <1g@lb*n*m> pos n. def a bitter aromatic gum resin extracted from any of several Asian umbelliferous plants of the genus esp. and used in incense and medicinally as a counterirritant. John Kenneth infl head Galbraith syl John Ken:neth. pos n. Galbraith 0. syl Gal:braith pron <1g@lbrAT> pos n. def born 1908, U.S. economist and diplomat; author of (1958) and (1967). gale ety C16: of unknown origin gale H1.1. syl gale pron pos n. def a strong wind, specifically one of force seven to ten on the Beaufort scale or from 45 to 90 kilometres per hour. gale H1.2. syl gale pron pos n. mod often; pl. qual Informal. def a loud outburst, esp. of laughter. gale H1.3. syl gale pron pos n. qual Archaic and poetic. def a gentle breeze. gale ety Old English gagel; related to Middle Low German gagel gale H2.0. syl gale pron pos n. def short for {sweet gale}. galea ety C18: from Latin: helmet galeae infl head galea syl ga+le:ae pron <-li2E> pos n. mod pl. galea 0. syl ga+le:a pron <1gAli*> pos n. def a part or organ shaped like a helmet or hood, such as the petals of certain flowers. galeate sub head galea or galeated syl ga+le:2ate pos adj. galeated sub head galea or galeate syl ga+le:2at+ed pos adj. galeiform sub head galea syl ga+le:i+2form pos adj. Galen 0. syl Ga:len pron <1gAl*n> pos n. def Latin name ??130-??200 #7a.d., Greek physician, anatomist, and physiologist. He codified existing medical knowledge and his authority continued until the Renaissance. galena ety C17: from Latin: lead ore, dross left after melting lead galenite alt head galena or galena syl ga+le:nite pron pos n. galena 0. or galenite syl ga+le:na pron pos n. def a soft heavy bluish-grey or black mineral consisting of lead sulphide in cubic crystalline form, found principally in ore veins: the chief source of lead. Formula: PbS. Galenic 0. syl Ga+len+ic pron , pos adj. def of or relating to Galen or his teachings or methods. galenical ety C17: after G#7alen galenical 1. syl ga+len:i+cal pron , pos n. qual Pharmacol. def any drug obtained from plant or animal tissue, esp. vegetables, rather than being chemically synthesized. galenical 2. syl ga+len:i+cal pron , pos adj. qual Pharmacol. def denoting or belonging to this group of drugs. Galenism 0. syl Ga+len+ism pron <1gAli2niz*m> pos n. def a system of medicine based on the 84 surviving technical treatises of Galen, including the theory of the four bodily humours. Galenist sub head Galenism syl Ga+len+ist pos adj. n. galere ety C18: literally: a galley galere 1. syl ga+l*`ere pron French. pos n. def a group of people having a common interest, esp. a coterie of undesirable people. galere 2. syl ga+l*`ere pron French. pos n. def an unpleasant situation. Galibi infl or Galibis syl Ga+li+bi pos n. mod pl. Galibis infl head Galibi or Galibi syl Ga+li+bis pos n. mod pl. Galibi 1. syl Ga+li+bi pron pos n. def a member of an American Indian people of French Guiana. Galibi 2. syl Ga+li+bi pron pos n. def the language of this people, belonging to the Carib family. Galicia 1. syl Ga+li+ci:a pron , <-1liS*> pos n. def a region of E central Europe on the N side of the Carpathians, now in SE Poland and the SW Soviet Union. Galicia 2. syl Ga+li+ci:a pron Spanish pos n. def a region and former kingdom of NW Spain, on the Bay of Biscay and the Atlantic. Galician 1. syl Ga+li+ci:an pron , <-S*n> pos adj. def of or relating to Galicia in E central Europe. Galician 2. syl Ga+li+ci:an pron , <-S*n> pos adj. def of or relating to Galicia in NW Spain. Galician 3. syl Ga+li+ci:an pron , <-S*n> pos n. def a native or inhabitant of either Galicia. Galician 4. syl Ga+li+ci:an pron , <-S*n> pos n. def the Romance language or dialect of Spanish Galicia, sometimes regarded as a dialect of Spanish, although historically it is more closely related to Portuguese. Galilean H1.1. syl Gal:i+le:an pron <2g@li1lE*n> pos n. def a native or inhabitant of Galilee. the 2.a. head Galilean syl the. def an epithet of Jesus Christ. Galilean H1.2.b. syl Gal:i+le:an pron <2g@li1lE*n> pos n. mod often; pl. def a Christian. Galilean H1.3. syl Gal:i+le:an pron <2g@li1lE*n> pos adj. def of Galilee. Galilean H2.0. syl Gal:i+le:an pron <2g@li1lA*n> pos adj. def of or relating to Galileo. Galilean telescope 0. syl Gal:i+le:an tel:e+scope pos n. def a type of telescope with a convex objective lens and a concave eyepiece; it produces an erect image and is suitable for terrestrial use. galilee 0. syl gal:i+lee pron <1g@li2lE> pos n. def a porch or chapel at the entrance to some medieval churches and cathedrals in England. Sea of 1. head Galilee syl Sea of. def Also called: Lake {Tiberias}. a lake in NE Israel, 209 m (696 ft.) below sea level, through which the River Jordan flows. Area: 165 sq. km (64 sq. miles). Galilee 2. syl Gal:i+lee pron <1g@li2lE> pos n. def a northern region of Israel: scene of Christ's early ministry. Galileo 0. syl Gal:i:le:o pron <2g@li1lA*u> pos n. def full name 1564-1642, Italian mathematician, astronomer and physicist. He discovered the isochronism of the pendulum and demonstrated that falling bodies of different weights descend at the same rate. He perfected the refracting telescope, which led to his discovery of Jupiter's satellites, sunspots, and craters on the moon. He was forced by the Inquisition to recant his support of the Copernican system. galimatias ety C17: from French, of unknown origin galimatias 0. syl gal:i+ma+ti+as pron <2g@li1mASi*s>, <-1m@ti*s> pos n. qual Rare. def confused talk; gibberish. galingale ety C13: from Old French galingal, from Arabic khalanj*_an, from Chinese kaoliang-chiang, from Kaoliang district in Kwangtung province+ chiang ginger galangal alt head galingale or galingale syl ga+lan+gal pos n. galingale 0. or galangal syl gal+in+gale pron <1g@liG2gAl> pos n. def a European cyperaceous plant, with rough-edged leaves, reddish spikelets of flowers, and aromatic roots. galiot ety C14: from Old French galiote, from Italian galeotta, from Medieval Latin galea #7galley galliot alt head galiot or galiot syl gal+li+ot pron <1g@li*t> pos n. galiot 1. or galliot syl gal:i+ot pron <1g@li*t> pos n. def a small swift galley formerly sailed on the Mediterranean. galiot 2. or galliot syl gal:i+ot pron <1g@li*t> pos n. def a shallow-draught ketch formerly used along the coasts of Germany and the Netherlands. galipot ety C18: from French, of unknown origin gallipot alt head galipot or galipot syl gal+li+pot pron <1g@li2pot> pos n. galipot 0. or gallipot syl gal:i+pot pron <1g@li2pot> pos n. def a resin obtained from several species of pine, esp. from the S European gall ety from Old Norse, replacing Old English gealla; related to Old High German galla, Greek khol*_e gall H1.1. syl gall pron pos n. qual Informal. def impudence. gall H1.2. syl gall pron pos n. def bitterness; rancour. gall H1.3. syl gall pron pos n. def something bitter or disagreeable. gall H1.4. syl gall pron pos n. qual Physiol. def an obsolete term for {bile}. gall H1.5. syl gall pron pos n. def an obsolete term for {gall bladder}. gall ety C14: of Germanic origin; related to Old English gealla sore on a horse, and perhaps to #7gall %1 gall H2.1. syl gall pron pos n. def a sore on the skin caused by chafing. gall H2.2. syl gall pron pos n. def something that causes vexation or annoyance. exam 1 a gall to the spirits. gall H2.3. syl gall pron pos n. def irritation; exasperation. gall H2.4. syl gall pron pos vb. qual Pathol. def to abrade (the skin, etc.) as by rubbing. gall H2.5. syl gall pron pos vb. mod tr. def to irritate or annoy; vex. gall ety C14: from Old French galle, from Latin galla gall H3.0. syl gall pron pos n. def an abnormal outgrowth in plant tissue caused by certain parasitic insects, fungi, bacteria, or mechanical injury. gall 0. syl gall. qual abbrev. for def gallon. Gallas infl head Galla or Galla syl Gal+las pos n. mod pl. Galla infl or Gallas syl Gal+la pos n. mod pl. Galla 1. syl Gal+la pron <1g@l*> pos n. def a member of a tall dark-skinned people inhabiting Somalia and SE Ethiopia. Galla 2. syl Gal+la pron <1g@l*> pos n. def the language of this people, belonging to the Cushitic subfamily of the Afro-Asiatic family of languages. gallant ety C15: from Old French galant, from galer to make merry, from gale enjoyment, pleasure, of Germanic origin; related to Old English wela #7weal %2 gallant 1. syl gal+lant pron <1g@l*nt> pos adj. def brave and high-spirited; courageous and honourable; dashing. exam 1 a gallant warrior. gallant 2. syl gal+lant pron , <1g@l?!*nt> pos adj. usage of a man def attentive to women; chivalrous. gallant 3. syl gal+lant pron <1g@l*nt> pos adj. def imposing; dignified; stately. exam 1 a gallant ship. gallant 4. syl gal+lant pron <1g@l*nt> pos adj. qual Archaic. def showy in dress. gallant 5. syl gal+lant pron <1g@l*nt>, pos n. def a woman's lover or suitor. gallant 6. syl gal+lant pron <1g@l*nt>, pos n. def a dashing or fashionable young man, esp. one who pursues women. gallant 7. syl gal+lant pron <1g@l*nt>, pos n. def a brave, high-spirited, or adventurous man. gallant 8. syl gal+lant pron , <1g@l*nt> pos vb. mod when; intr. qual Rare. usage usually foll. by with def to court or flirt (with). gallant 9. syl gal+lant pron , <1g@l*nt> pos vb. mod tr. qual Rare. def to attend or escort (a woman). gallantly sub head gallant syl gal+lant+ly pos adv. gallantness sub head gallant syl gal+lant+ness pos n. gallantries infl head gallantry syl gal+lant+ries. pos n. mod pl. gallantry 1. syl gal+lant+ry pron <1g@l*ntri> pos n. def conspicuous courage, esp. in war. exam 1 the gallantry of the troops. gallantry 2. syl gal+lant+ry pron <1g@l*ntri> pos n. def polite attentiveness to women. gallantry 3. syl gal+lant+ry pron <1g@l*ntri> pos n. def a gallant action, speech, etc. gallant soldier ety C20: by folk etymology from New Latin Galinsoga gallant soldier 0. syl gal+lant sol+dier pos n. def a South American plant, widely distributed as a weed, having small daisy-like flowers surrounded by silvery scales: family (composites). Also called: {Joey Hooker}. gall bladder 0. syl gall blad+der pos n. def a muscular sac, attached to the right lobe of the liver, that stores bile and ejects it into the duodenum. Galle 0. syl Gal+le pron <1ga:l*> pos n. def a port in SW Sri Lanka. Pop.: 73000 (1971). Former name: {Point de Galle}. galleass ety C16: from French galleasse, from Italian galeazza, from galea #7galley galliass alt head galleass or galleass syl gal+li+ass pron <1g@li2@s> pos n. galleass 0. or galliass syl gal+le:ass pron <1g@li2@s> pos n. qual Nautical. def a three-masted lateen-rigged galley used as a warship in the Mediterranean from the 15th to the 18th centuries. galleon ety C16: from Spanish gale*'on, from French galion, from Old French galie #7galley galleon 0. syl gal+le:on pron <1g@li*n> pos n. qual Nautical. def a large sailing ship having three or more masts, lateen-rigged on the after masts and square-rigged on the foremast and mainmast, used as a warship or trader from the 15th to the 18th centuries. gallery ety C15: from Old French galerie, from Medieval Latin galeria, probably from galilea #7galilee galleries infl head gallery syl gal+ler:ies. pos n. mod pl. gallery 1. syl gal+ler:y pron <1g@l*ri> pos n. def a covered passageway open on one side or on both sides. See also { {colonnade} (sense 1)}. gallery 2.a. syl gal+ler:y pron <1g@l*ri> pos n. def a balcony running along or around the inside wall of a church, hall, etc. gallery 2.b. syl gal+ler:y pron <1g@l*ri> pos n. def a covered balcony, sometimes with columns on the outside. gallery 3.a. syl gal+ler:y pron <1g@l*ri> pos n. def an upper floor that projects from the rear over the main floor and contains the cheapest seats. gallery 3.b. syl gal+ler:y pron <1g@l*ri> pos n. def the seats there. gallery 3.c. syl gal+ler:y pron <1g@l*ri> pos n. def the audience seated there. gallery 4. syl gal+ler:y pron <1g@l*ri> pos n. def a long narrow room, esp. one used for a specific purpose. exam 1 a shooting gallery. gallery 5. syl gal+ler:y pron <1g@l*ri> pos n. def a room or building for exhibiting works of art. gallery 6. syl gal+ler:y pron <1g@l*ri> pos n. qual Chiefly U.S. def a building or room where articles are sold at auction. gallery 7. syl gal+ler:y pron <1g@l*ri> pos n. def an underground passage, as in a mine, the burrow of an animal, etc. gallery 8. syl gal+ler:y pron <1g@l*ri> pos n. qual Theatre. def a narrow raised platform at the side or along the back of the stage for the use of technicians and stagehands. gallery 9. syl gal+ler:y pron <1g@l*ri> pos n. qual Nautical. def a balcony or platform at the quarter or stern of a ship, sometimes used as a gun emplacement. gallery 10. syl gal+ler:y pron <1g@l*ri> pos n. def a small ornamental metal or wooden balustrade or railing on a piece of furniture, esp. one surrounding the top of a desk, table, etc. gallery 11. syl gal+ler:y pron <1g@l*ri> pos n. def any group of spectators, as at a golf match. play to the gallery 12. head gallery syl play to the gallery. def to try to gain popular favour, esp. by crude appeals. galleried sub head gallery syl gal+ler+ied pos adj. gallery forest 0. syl gal+ler:y for+est pos n. def a stretch of forest along a river in an area of otherwise open country. galley ety C13: from Old French galie, from Medieval Latin galea, from Greek galaia, of unknown origin; the sense development apparently is due to the association of a galley or slave ship with a ship's kitchen and hence with a hot furnace, trough, printer's tray, etc. galley 1. syl gal+ley pron <1g@li> pos n. def any of various kinds of ship propelled by oars or sails used in ancient or medieval times as a warship or as a trader. galley 2. syl gal+ley pron <1g@li> pos n. def the kitchen of a ship, boat, or aircraft. galley 3. syl gal+ley pron <1g@li> pos n. def any of various long rowing boats. galley 4.a. syl gal+ley pron <1g@li> pos n. usage in hot-metal composition def a tray open at one end for holding composed type. galley 4.b. syl gal+ley pron <1g@li> pos n. def short for {galley proof}. galley proof 0. syl gal+ley proof pos n. def a printer's proof, esp. one taken on a long strip of paper from type in a galley, used to make corrections before the matter has been split into pages. Often shortened to {galley}. galley slave 1. syl gal+ley slave pos n. def a criminal or slave condemned to row in a galley. galley slave 2. syl gal+ley slave pos n. qual Informal. def a drudge. galley-west ety C19: from English dialect colly-west awry, perhaps from Collyweston, a village in North?!amptonshire galley-west 0. syl gal:ley-west pos adv. qual Slang, chiefly U.S. def into confusion, inaction, or unconsciousness (esp. in the phrase {knock (someone} {something) galley-west}) . gallflies infl head gallfly syl gall+flies. pos n. mod pl. gallfly 0. syl gall+fly pron <1gc:l2flI> pos n. def any of several small insects that produce galls in plant tissues, such as the gall wasp and gall midge. Gallia 0. syl Gal+li:a pron <1g@li*> pos n. def the Latin name of {Gaul}. galliambic ety C19: from Latin galliambus song of the Galli (priests of Cybele) infl head galliambic syl ~ pos adj. qual Prosody. galliambic 1. syl gal+li+am+bic pron <2g@li1@mbik> pos adj. def of or relating to a metre consisting of four lesser Ionics, used by Callimachus and Catullus and imitated by Tennyson in {~} galliambic 2. syl gal+li+am+bic pron <2g@li1@mbik> pos adj. def a verse in this metre. galliard ety C14: from Old French gaillard valiant, perhaps of Celtic origin galliard 1. syl gal+liard pron <1g@lj*d> pos n. def a spirited dance in triple time for two persons, popular in the 16th and 17th centuries. galliard 2. syl gal+liard pron <1g@lj*d> pos n. def a piece of music composed for this dance. galliard 3. syl gal+liard pron <1g@lj*d> pos adj. qual Archaic. def lively; spirited. gallic ety C18: from #7gall (#7ium) #7+ -#7ic gallic H1.0. syl gal+lic pron <1g@lik> pos adj. def of or containing gallium in the trivalent state. gallic ety C18: from French gallique; see #7gall %3 gallic H2.0. syl gal+lic pron <1g@lik> pos adj. def of, relating to, or derived from plant galls. Gallic 1. syl Gal+lic pron <1g@lik> pos adj. def of or relating to France. Gallic 2. syl Gal+lic pron <1g@lik> pos adj. def of or relating to ancient Gaul or the Gauls. gallic acid 0. syl gal+lic ac:id pos n. def a colourless crystalline compound obtained from tannin: used as a tanning agent and in making inks, paper, and pyrogallol; 3,4,5-trihydroxybenzoic acid. Formula: C\6H\2(OH)\3COOH. Gallican 1. syl Gal+li+can pron <1g@lik*n> pos adj. def of or relating to Gallicanism. Gallican 2. syl Gal+li+can pron <1g@lik*n> pos n. def an upholder of Gallicanism. Gallicanism 0. syl Gal+li+can+ism pron <1g@lik*2niz*m> pos n. def a movement among French Roman Catholic clergy that favoured the restriction of papal control and greater autonomy for the French church. Compare {ultramontanism}. Gallice ety C19: from Latin Gallice 0. syl Gal+li:ce pron <1g@lisi> pos adv. def in French. Gallicism 0. syl Gal+li+cism pron <1g@li2siz*m> pos n. def a word or idiom borrowed from French. Gallicise alt head Gallicize or Gallicize syl Gal+li+cise pron <1g@li2sIz> pos vb. Gallicize 0. or Gallicise syl Gal+li+cize pron <1g@li2sIz> pos vb. def to make or become French in attitude, language, etc. Gallicization sub head Gallicize or Gallicisation syl Gal+li+ci+1za+tion pos n. Gallicisation sub head Gallicize or Gallicization syl Gal+li+ci+1sa+tion pos n. Gallicizer sub head Gallicize or Galliciser syl Gal+li+2ciz+er pos n. Galliciser sub head Gallicize or Gallicizer syl Gal+li+2cis+er pos n. galligaskins ety C16: from obsolete French garguesques, from Italian grechesco Greek, from Latin Graecus gallygaskins alt head galligaskins or galligaskins syl gal+ly+gas+kins pron <2g@li1g@skinz> pos n. mod pl. galligaskins 1. or gallygaskins syl gal+li+gas+kins pron <2g@li1g@skinz> pos n. mod pl. def loose wide breeches or hose, esp. as worn by men in the 17th century. galligaskins 2. or gallygaskins syl gal+li+gas+kins pron <2g@li1g@skinz> pos n. mod pl. def leather leggings, as worn in the 19th century. gallimaufry ety C16: from French galimafr*'ee ragout, hash, of unknown origin gallimaufries infl head gallimaufry syl gal+li+mau+fries. pos n. mod pl. gallimaufry 0. syl gal+li+mau+fry pron <2g@li1mc:fri> pos n. qual Chiefly U.S. def a jumble; hotchpotch. gallinacean 0. syl gal+li+na+cean pron <2g@li1nAS*n> pos n. def any gallinaceous bird. gallinaceous ety C18: from Latin gall*_in*_aceus, from gall*_ina hen gallinaceous 1. syl gal+li+na+ceous pron <2g@li1nAS*s> pos adj. def of, relating to, or belong?!ing to the an order of birds, including domestic fowl, pheasants, grouse, etc., having a heavy rounded body, short bill, and strong legs. gallinaceous 2. syl gal+li+na+ceous pron <2g@li1nAS*s> pos adj. def of, relating to, or resembling the domestic fowl. Gallinas Point 0. syl Ga+lli+nas Point pron pos n. def a cape in NE Colombia: the northernmost point of South America. Spanish name: {Pun+ta Ga+lli+nas} (#!punta ga#!jinas). galling 1. syl gall+ing pron <1gc:liG> pos adj. def irritating, exasperating, or bitterly humiliating. galling 2. syl gall+ing pron <1gc:liG> pos adj. qual Obsolete. def rubbing painfully; chafing. gallingly sub head galling syl gall+ing+ly pos adv. gallinule ety C18: from New Latin Gall*_inula genus name, from Late Latin: pullet, chicken, from Latin gall*_ina hen gallinule 1. syl gal+li+nule pron <1g@li2nju:l> pos n. def any of various aquatic birds of the genera and typically having a dark plumage, red bill, and a red shield above the bill: family (rails). common gallinule 2. head gallinule syl common gallinule. def the U.S. name for { {moorhen} (sense 1)}. galliot 0. syl gal+li+ot pron <1g@li*t> pos n. def a variant spelling of {galiot}. Gallipoli 1. syl Gal+lip:o+li pron pos n. def a peninsula in NW Turkey, between the Dardanelles and the Gulf of Saros: scene of a costly but unsuccessful Allied campaign in World War I. Gallipoli 2. syl Gal+lip:o+li pron pos n. def a port in NW Turkey, at the entrance to the Sea of Marmara: historically important for its strategic position. Pop.: 14600 (1970). Turkish name: {Gelibolu}. gallipot ety C16: probably from #7galley+{pot %1}; so called because imported in galleys gallipot H1.0. syl gal+li+pot pron <1g@li2pot> pos n. def a small earthenware pot used by pharmacists as a container for ointments, etc. gallipot H2.0. syl gal+li+pot pron <1g@li2pot> pos n. def a variant spelling of {galipot}. gallium ety C19: from New Latin, from Latin gallus cock, translation of French coq in the name of its discoverer, Lecoq de Boisbaudran, 19th-century French chemist gallium 0. syl gal+li:um pron <1g@li*m> pos n. def a silvery metallic element that is liquid for a wide temperature range. It occurs in trace amounts in some ores and is used in high-temperature thermometers, semiconductors, and low-melting alloys. Symbol: Ga; atomic no.: 31; atomic wt.: 69.72; valency: 2 or 3; relative density: 5.91; melting pt.: 29.78?%C; boiling pt.: 2403?%C. gallivant ety C19: perhaps whimsical modification of #7gallant galivant infl head gallivant or galavant syl gal:i+vant pron <1g@li2v@nt> pos vb. mod intr. galavant infl head gallivant or galivant syl gal:a+vant pron <1g@li2v@nt> pos vb. mod intr. gallivant 0. syl gal+li+vant pron <1g@li2v@nt> pos vb. mod intr. def to go about in search of pleasure, etc.; gad about. Gallivare 0. syl G*"al+li+va+re pron Swedish <1jeli2va:r*> pos n. def a town in N Sweden, within the Arctic Circle: iron mines. Pop.: 25417 (1970). galliwasp ety C18: of unknown origin galliwasp 0. syl gal+li+wasp pron <1g@li2wosp> pos n. def any lizard of the Central American genus esp. of the West Indies: family gall midge 0. syl gall midge pos n. def any of various small fragile mosquito-like dipterous flies constituting the widely distributed family many of which have larvae that produce galls on plants. Also called: {gallfly, gall gnat}. See also {Hessian fly}. gall-apple alt head gallnut or gallnut syl gall-ap:ple pos n. gallnut 0. or gall-apple syl gall+nut pron <1gc:l2n^t> pos n. def a type of plant gall that resembles a nut. Gallo- ety from Latin Gallus a Gaul Gallo- 0. syl Gal:lo- pron <1g@l*u-> usage combining form. def denoting Gaul or France. exam 1 Gallo-Roman. galloglass ety C16: from Irish Gaelic gall*'oglach, from gall foreigner+ *'oglach, servant gallowglass alt head galloglass or galloglass syl gal+low+glass pron <1g@l*u2gla:s> pos n. galloglass 0. or gallowglass syl gal+lo+glass pron <1g@l*u2gla:s> pos n. def any heavily armed military retainer of a chieftain in a Celtic country, esp. in Ireland from the 14th to the 16th century. gallon ety C13: from Old Northern French galon (Old French jalon) , perhaps of Celtic origin gallon 1. syl gal+lon pron <1g@l*n> pos n. def Also called: {imperial gallon}. a unit of capacity equal to 277.42 cubic inches. 1 Brit. gallon is equivalent to 1.20 U.S. gallons or 4.55 litres. gallon 2. syl gal+lon pron <1g@l*n> pos n. qual U.S. def a unit of capacity equal to 231 cubic inches. 1 U.S. gallon is equivalent to 0.83 Brit. gallon or 3.79 litres. gallonage 1. syl gal+lon+age pron <1g@l*niJ> pos n. def a capacity measured in gallons. gallonage 2. syl gal+lon+age pron <1g@l*niJ> pos n. def the rate of pumping, transmission, or consumption of a fluid in gallons per unit of time. galloon ety C17: from French galon, from Old French galonner to trim with braid, of unknown origin galloon 0. syl gal+loon pron pos n. def a narrow band of cord, embroidery, silver or gold braid, etc., used on clothes and furniture. gallooned sub head galloon syl gal+1looned pos adj. galloot 0. syl gal+loot pron pos n. def a variant spelling of {galoot}. gallop ety C16: from Old French galoper, of un?!certain origin gallop 1. syl gal+lop pron <1g@l*p> pos vb. usage of a horse or other quadruped def to run fast with a two-beat stride in which all four legs are off the ground at once. gallop 2. syl gal+lop pron <1g@l*p> pos vb. def to ride (a horse, etc.) at a gallop. gallop 3. syl gal+lop pron <1g@l*p> pos vb. mod intr. qual Informal. def to move, read, talk, etc., rapidly; hurry. gallop 4. syl gal+lop pron <1g@l*p> pos n. def the fast two-beat gait of horses and other quadrupeds. gallop 5. syl gal+lop pron <1g@l*p> pos n. def an instance of galloping. galloper sub head gallop syl gal+lop+er pos n. galopade alt head gallopade or gallopade syl gal+o+pade pron <2g@l*1pAd> pos n. gallopade 0. or galopade syl gal+lo+pade pron <2g@l*1pAd> pos n. def another word for {galop}. galloping 0. syl gal+lop+ing pron <1g@l*piG> pos adj. usage prenominal def progressing at or as if at a gallop. exam 1 galloping consumption. Gallo-Roman alt head Gallo-Romance or Gallo-Romance syl Gal:lo-Ro:man pos n. Gallo-Romance 1. or Gallo-Roman syl Gal:lo-Ro:mance pos n. def the vernacular language or group of dialects, of which few records survive, spoken in France between about 600 #7a.d. and 900 #7a.d. ; the intermediate stage between Vulgar Latin and Old French. Gallo-Romance 2. or Gallo-Roman syl Gal:lo-Ro:mance pos adj. def denoting or relating to this language or the period during which it was spoken. gallous 0. syl gal+lous pron <1g@l*s> pos adj. def of or containing gallium in the divalent state. Galloway 1. syl Gal+lo+way pron <1g@l*2wA> pos n. def an area of SW Scotland, on the Solway Firth: consists of the former counties of Kirkcudbright and Wigtown, now part of Dumfries and Galloway region; in the west is a large peninsula, the {Rhinns of Galloway}, with the {Mull of Galloway}, a promontory, at the south end of it (the southernmost point of Scotland). Related adj.: {Galwegian}. Galloway 2. syl Gal+lo+way pron <1g@l*2wA> pos n. def a breed of hardy black cattle originally bred in Galloway. gallows ety C13: from Old Norse galgi, replacing Old English gealga; related to Old High German galgo gallowses infl head gallows or gallows syl gal+lows:es pos n. mod pl. gallows infl or gallowses syl gal+lows. pos n. mod pl. gallows 1. syl gal+lows pron <1g@l*uz> pos n. def a wooden structure usually consisting of two upright posts with a crossbeam from which a rope is suspended, used for hanging criminals. gallows 2. syl gal+lows pron <1g@l*uz> pos n. def any timber structure resembling this, such as (in Australia) a frame for hoisting up the bodies of slaughtered cattle. the gallows 3. head gallows syl the gallows. def execution by hanging. gallows bird 0. syl gal+lows bird pos n. qual Informal. def a person considered deserving of hanging. gallows humour 0. syl gal+lows hu+mour pos n. def sinister and ironic humour. gallow tree alt head gallows tree or gallows tree syl gal+low tree pos n. gallows tree 0. or gallow tree syl gal+lows tree pos n. def another name for {gallows}. gallstone 0. syl gall+stone pron <1gc:l2st*un> pos n. qual Pathol. def a small hard concretion of cholesterol, bile pigments, and lime salts, formed in the gall bladder or its ducts. Also called: {bilestone}. George Horace infl head Gallup syl George Hor:ace. pos n. Gallup 0. syl Gal:lup pron <1g@l*p> pos n. def born 1901, U.S. statistician: devised the Gallup Poll; founded the American Institute of Public Opinion (1935) and its British counterpart (1936). Gallup Poll 0. syl Gal+lup Poll pron <1g@l*p> pos n. def a sampling by the American Institute of Public Opinion or its British counterpart of the views of a representative cross-section of the population, used esp. as a means of forecasting voting. galluses ety C18: variant spelling of gallowses, from #7gallows (in the obsolete sense: braces) galluses 0. syl gal+lus:es pron <1g@l*siz> pos n. mod pl. qual Dialect. def braces for trousers. gall wasp 0. syl gall wasp pos n. def any small solitary wasp of the family and related families that produces galls in plant tissue, which provide shelter and food for the larvae. Galois theory ety C19: named after *'Evariste Galois (1811-32), French mathematician Galois theory 0. syl Gal:ois the:o+ry pron <1g@lwa:> pos n. qual Maths. def the theory applying group theory to solving algebraic equations. galoot ety C19: of unknown origin galloot alt head galoot or galoot syl gal+loot pron pos n. galoot 0. or galloot syl ga+loot pron pos n. qual Slang, chiefly U.S. def a clumsy or uncouth person. galop ety C19: from French; see #7gallop galop 1. syl gal+op pron <1g@l*p> pos n. def a 19th-century couple dance in quick duple time. galop 2. syl gal+op pron <1g@l*p> pos n. def a piece of music composed for this dance. galop xref syl gal+op pron <1g@l*p> pos n. def Also: {gallopade}. galore ety C17: from Irish Gaelic go le*'or to sufficiency galore 0. syl ga+lore pron pos determiner. qual Informal. usage immediately postpositive def in great numbers or quantity. exam 1 there were daffodils galore in the park. galoshes ety C14 (in the sense: wooden shoe): from Old French galoche, from Late Latin gallicula Gallic shoe goloshes alt head galoshes or galoshes syl go+losh:es pron pos n. mod pl. sometimes; sing. galoshes 0. or goloshes syl ga+losh:es pron pos n. mod pl. sometimes; sing. def a pair of waterproof overshoes. John infl head Galsworthy syl John. pos n. Galsworthy 0. syl Gals:wor:thy pron <1gc:lz2wR:Di> pos n. def 1867-1933, English novelist and dramatist, noted for (1906-28): Nobel prize for literature 1932. Galton 0. syl Gal:ton pron <1gc:lt*n> pos n. def Sir {Fran@.cis}. 1822-1911, English explorer and scientist, a cousin of Charles Darwin, noted for his researches in heredity, meteorology, and statistics. He found?!ed the study of eugenics and the theory of anticyclones. galumph ety C19 (coined by Lewis Carroll): probably a blend of #7gallop+triumph galumph 0. syl ga+lumph pron , <-1l^mf> pos vb. mod intr. qual Informal. def to leap or move about clumsily or joyfully. galv 1. syl galv. qual abbrev. for: def galvanic. galv 2. syl galv. qual abbrev. for: def galvanism. Luigi infl head Galvani syl Lu:i:gi pron pos n. Galvani 0. syl Gal:va:ni pron Italian pos n. def 1737-98, Italian physiologist: observed that muscles contracted on contact with dissimilar metals. This led to the galvanic cell and the electrical theory of muscle control by nerves. galvanical alt head galvanic or galvanic syl gal+van:i+cal pos adj. galvanic 1. or galvanical syl gal+van+ic pron pos adj. def Also called: {voltaic}. of, producing, or concerned with an electric current, esp. a direct current produced chemically. exam 1 a galvanic cell. galvanic 2. or galvanical syl gal+van+ic pron pos adj. qual Informal. def resembling the effect of an electric shock; convulsive, startling, or energetic. exam 1 galvanic reflexes. galvanically sub head galvanic syl gal+1van:i+cal+ly pos adv. galvanic pile 0. syl gal+van+ic pile pos n. def another name for {voltaic pile}. galvanism ety C18: via French from Italian galvanismo, after G#7alvani galvanism 1. syl gal+va+nism pron <1g@lv*2niz*m> pos n. qual Obsolete. def electricity, esp. when produced by chemical means as in a cell or battery. galvanism 2. syl gal+va+nism pron <1g@lv*2niz*m> pos n. qual Med. def treatment involving the application of electric currents to tissues. galvanise alt head galvanize or galvanize syl gal+va+nise pron <1g@lv*2nIz> pos vb. mod tr. galvanize 1. or galvanise syl gal+va+nize pron <1g@lv*2nIz> pos vb. mod tr. def to stimulate to action; excite; startle. galvanize 2. or galvanise syl gal+va+nize pron <1g@lv*2nIz> pos vb. mod tr. def to cover (iron, steel, etc.) with a protective zinc coating by dipping into molten zinc or by electrodeposition. galvanize 3. or galvanise syl gal+va+nize pron <1g@lv*2nIz> pos vb. mod tr. def to stimulate by application of an electric current. galvanize 4. or galvanise syl gal+va+nize pron <1g@lv*2nIz> pos n. mod tr. qual Caribbean. def galvanized iron, usually in the form of corrugated sheets as used in roofing. galvanization sub head galvanize or galvanisation syl gal+va+ni+1za+tion pos n. galvanisation sub head galvanize or galvanization syl gal+va+ni+1sa+tion pos n. galvanizer sub head galvanize or galvaniser syl gal+va+2niz+er pos n. galvaniser sub head galvanize or galvanizer syl gal+va+2nis+er pos n. galvano- 0. syl gal:van:o- usage combining form. def indicating a galvanic current. exam 1 galvanometer. galvanometer 0. syl gal+va+nom+e:ter pron <2g@lv*1nomit*> pos n. def any sensitive instrument for detecting or measuring small electric currents. galvanometric sub head galvanometer or galvanometrical syl gal+va+no+met+ric pron <2g@lv*n*u1metrik>, pos adj. galvanometrical sub head galvanometer or galvanometric syl gal+va+no+1met+ri+cal pos adj. galvanometrically sub head galvanometer syl gal+va+no+1met+ri+cal+ly pos adv. galvanometry sub head galvanometer syl gal+va+1nom+e:try pos n. galvanoscope 0. syl gal+va+no+scope pron <1g@lv*n*2sk*up>, pos n. def a galvanometer that depends for its action on the deflection of a magnetic needle in a magnetic field produced by the electric current that is to be detected. galvanoscopic sub head galvanoscope syl gal+va+no+scop+ic pron <2g@lv*n*1skopik>, pos adj. galvanoscopy sub head galvanoscope syl gal+va+1nos+co+py pos n. galvanotropism 0. syl gal+va+not+ro+pism pron <2g@lv*1notr*2piz*m> pos n. def the directional growth of an organism, esp. a plant, in response to an electrical stimulus. galvanotropic sub head galvanotropism syl gal+va+no+trop+ic pron <2g@lv*n*u1tropik>, pos adj. Galveston plan 0. syl Gal+ves+ton plan pron <1g@lvist*n> pos n. def another term for {commission plan}. galvos infl head galvo syl gal+vos. pos n. mod pl. galvo 0. syl gal+vo pron <1g@lv*u> pos n. def an informal name for a {galva?!nometer}. Galway H1.1. syl Gal+way pron <1gc:lwA> pos n. def a county of W Ireland, in S Connacht, on {Galway Bay} and the Atlantic: it has a deeply indented coastline and many offshore islands, including the Aran Islands. County town: Galway. Pop.: 149223 (1971). Area: 5939 sq. km (2293 sq. miles). Galway H1.2. syl Gal+way pron <1gc:lwA> pos n. def a port in W Ireland, county town of Co. Galway, on Galway Bay: important fisheries (esp. for salmon). Pop.: 27726 (1971). James infl head Galway syl James. pos n. Galway H2.0. syl Gal:way pron <1gc:lwA> pos n. def born 1939, Irish flautist. Galwegian ety C18: influ?!enced by Norway, Norwegian Galwegian 1. syl Gal+we+gian pron pos n. def a native or inhabitant of Galloway. Galwegian 2. syl Gal+we+gian pron pos adj. def of or relating to Galloway. galyak ety from Russian (Uzbekistan dialect) galyac alt head galyak or galyak syl gal+yac pron <1g@lj@k>, pos n. galyak 0. or galyac syl gal+yak pron <1g@lj@k>, pos n. def a smooth glossy fur obtained from the skins of newborn or premature lambs and kids. gam ety C19: perhaps dialect variant of {#7game %1} gam H1.1. syl gam pron pos n. def a school of whales. gam H1.2. syl gam pron pos n. qual Nautical. def an informal visit between crew members of whalers. gams infl head gam syl gams pos vb. gamming infl head gam syl gam+ming pos vb. gammed infl head gam syl gammed. pos vb. gam H1.3. syl gam pron pos vb. mod intr. usage of whales def to form a school. gam H1.4. syl gam pron pos vb. usage Nautical. of members of the crews of whalers def to visit (each other) informally. gam H1.5. syl gam pron pos vb. mod tr. qual U.S. informal. def to visit or exchange visits with. gam ety C18: probably from Old Northern French gambe; see #7jamb gam H2.0. syl gam pron pos n. qual Slang. def a leg, esp. a woman's shapely leg. Vasco da infl head Gama syl Vas:co da pron <1v@sk*u> pos n. Gama 0. syl Ga:ma pron <1ga:m*> pos n. def ??1469-1524, Portuguese navigator, who discovered the sea route from Portugal to India around the Cape of Good Hope (1498). gama grass ety C19: gama, probably changed from #7grama gama grass 0. syl ga:ma grass pron <1ga:m*> pos n. def a tall perennial grass, of SE North America: cultivated for fodder. gamba 0. syl gam+ba pron <1g@mb*> pos n. def short for {viola da gamba}. gambado ety C17: from Italian gamba leg, from Late Latin: leg, hoof; see {#7jamb} gambados infl head gambado or gambadoes syl gam+ba+dos pos n. mod pl. gambadoes infl head gambado or gambados syl gam+ba+does. pos n. mod pl. gambado H1.1. syl gam+ba+do pron pos n. def either of two leather holders for the feet attached to a horse's saddle like stirrups. gambado H1.2. syl gam+ba+do pron pos n. def either of a pair of leggings. gambado ety C19: from French gambade spring (of a horse), ultimately from Spanish or Italian gamba leg gambade alt head gambado or gambado syl gam+bade pron , , <-1ba:d>, , <-1ba:d> pos n. gambados infl head gambado syl gam+ba+dos pos n. mod pl. gambadoes infl head gambado or gambades syl gam+ba+does pos n. mod pl. gambades infl head gambado or gambadoes syl gam+bades. pos n. mod pl. gambado H2.1. or gambade syl gam+ba+do pron pos n. qual Dressage. def another word for {curvet}. gambado H2.2. or gambade syl gam+ba+do pron pos n. def a leap or gambol; caper. gamba stop 0. syl gam+ba stop pron <1g@mb*> pos n. def an organ stop with a tone resembling that of stringed instruments. gambeson ety C13: from Old French, of Germanic origin; related to Old High German wamba belly; see #7womb gambeson 0. syl gam+be:son pron <1g@mbisN> pos n. def a quilted and padded or stuffed leather or cloth garment worn under chain mail in the Middle Ages and later as a doublet by men and women. L'eon infl head Gambetta syl L*'e:on pron pos n. Gambetta 0. syl Gam:bet:ta pron , French pos n. def 1838-82, French statesman; prime minister (1881-82). He organized resistance during the Franco-Prussian War (1870-71) and was a founder of the Third Republic (1871). Gambia 0. syl Gam+bi:a pron <1g@mbi*> pos n. def a republic in W Africa, entirely sur?!rounded by Senegal except for an outlet to the Atlantic: sold to English merchants by the Portuguese in 1588; became a British colony in 1843; gained independence within the Commonwealth in 1965; consists of a strip of land about 16 km (10 miles) wide, on both banks of the {Gambia River}, extending inland for about 480 km (300 miles). Official language: English. Religion: Muslim majority. Currency: dalasi. Capital: Banjul. Pop.: 493197 (1973). Area: 11295 sq. km (4361 sq. miles). Official name: {The Gambia}. Gambian sub head Gambia syl Gam+bi:an pos adj. n. gambier ety C19: from Malay gambir alt head gambier or gambier syl gam+bir pron <1g@mbi*> pos n. gambier 0. or gambir syl gam+bier pron <1g@mbi*> pos n. def an astringent resinous substance obtained from a rubiaceous tropical Asian woody climbing plant, (or : used as an astringent and tonic and in tanning. Gambier Islands 0. syl Gam+bier Is+lands pron <1g@mbi*> pos n. mod pl. def a group of islands in the S Pacific Ocean, in French Polynesia. Chief settlement: Rikit*'ea. Pop.: 1562 (1971). Area: 30 sq. km (11 sq. miles). gambit ety C17: from French, from Italian gambetto a tripping up, from gamba leg gambit 1. syl gam+bit pron <1g@mbit> pos n. qual Chess. def an opening move in which a chessman, usually a pawn, is sacrificed to secure an advantageous position. gambit 2. syl gam+bit pron <1g@mbit> pos n. def an opening comment, manoeuvre, etc., intended to secure an advantage or promote a point of view. gamble ety C18: probably variant of #7game %1 gamble 1. syl gam+ble pron <1g@mbL> pos vb. mod intr. def to play games of chance to win money, etc. gamble 2. syl gam+ble pron <1g@mbL> pos vb. def to risk or bet (money, etc.) on the outcome of an event, sport, etc. gamble 3. syl gam+ble pron <1g@mbL> pos vb. mod intr. usage often foll. by on def to act with the expectation of. exam 1 to gamble on its being a sunny day. gamble 4. syl gam+ble pron <1g@mbL> pos vb. usage often foll. by away def to lose by or as if by betting; squander. gamble 5. syl gam+ble pron <1g@mbL> pos n. def a risky act or venture. gamble 6. syl gam+ble pron <1g@mbL> pos n. def a bet, wager, or other risk or chance taken for possible monetary gain. gambler sub head gamble syl gam+bler pos n. gambling sub head gamble syl gam+bling pos n. gamboge ety C18: from New Latin gambaugium, from C#7ambodia gamboge 1.a. syl gam+boge pron , <-1bu:Z> pos n. def a gum resin used as the source of a yellow pigment and as a purgative. gamboge 1.b. syl gam+boge pron , <-1bu:Z> pos n. def the pigment made from this resin. gamboge tree 2. head gamboge syl gamboge tree. def any of several tropical Asian trees of the genus esp. that yield this resin: family gamboge 3. syl gam+boge pron , <-1bu:Z> pos n. def a strong yellow colour. {~} Also called (for senses 1, 2): {cambogia}. gambogian sub head gamboge syl gam+1bo+gi:an pos adj. gambol ety C16: from French gambade; see {#7gambado %2}, {#7jamb } gambols infl head gambol or gambols syl gam+bols pos vb. qual U.S. gambolling infl head gambol or gamboling syl gam+bol+ling pos vb. gambolled infl head gambol or gamboled syl gam+bolled pos vb. gamboling infl head gambol or gambolling syl gam+bol+ing pos vb. qual U.S. gamboled infl head gambol or gambolled syl gam+boled. pos vb. qual U.S. gambol 1. syl gam+bol pron <1g@mbL> pos vb. mod intr. def to skip or jump about in a playful manner; frolic. gambol 2. syl gam+bol pron <1g@mbL> pos n. def a playful antic; frolic. gambrel ety C16: from Old Northern French gamberel, from gambe leg gambrel 1. syl gam+brel pron <1g@mbr*l> pos n. def the hock of a horse or similar animal. gambrel 2. syl gam+brel pron <1g@mbr*l> pos n. def a frame of wood or metal shaped like a horse's hind leg, used by butchers for suspending carcasses of meat. gambrel 3. syl gam+brel pron <1g@mbr*l> pos n. def short for {gambrel roof}. gambrel roof 1. syl gam+brel roof pos n. qual Chiefly Brit. def a hipped roof having a small gable at both ends. gambrel roof 2. syl gam+brel roof pos n. qual Chiefly U.S. def a roof having two slopes on both sides, the lower slopes being steeper than the upper. Compare { {mansard} (sense 1)}. gambrel roof xref syl gam+brel roof pos n. def Sometimes shortened to {gambrel}. gambrel-roofed sub head gambrel roof syl gam:brel-2roofed pos adj. Gambrinus 0. syl Gam:bri:nus pron pos n. def a legendary Flemish king who was said to have invented beer. game ety Old English gamen; related to Old Norse gaman, Old High German gaman amusement game H1.1. syl game pron pos n. def an amusement or pastime; diversion. game H1.2. syl game pron pos n. def a contest with rules, the result being determined by skill, strength, or chance. game H1.3. syl game pron pos n. def a single period of play in such a contest, sport, etc. game H1.4. syl game pron pos n. def the score needed to win a contest. game H1.5. syl game pron pos n. def a single contest in a series; match. game H1.6. syl game pron pos n. def equipment needed for playing certain games. game H1.7. syl game pron pos n. def style or ability in playing a game. exam 1 he is a keen player but his game is not good. game H1.8. syl game pron pos n. def a scheme, proceeding, etc., practised like a game. exam 1 the game of politics. game H1.9. syl game pron pos n. def an activity undertaken in a spirit of levity; joke. exam 1 marriage is just a game to him. game H1.10.a. syl game pron pos n. def wild animals, including birds and fish, hunted for sport, food, or profit. game H1.10.b. syl game pron pos n. usage as modifier exam 1 game laws. game H1.11. syl game pron pos n. def the flesh of such animals, used as food. game H1.12. syl game pron pos n. def an object of pursuit; quarry; prey (esp. in the phrase {fair game) }. game H1.13. syl game pron pos n. qual Informal. def work or occupation. game H1.14. syl game pron pos n. qual Informal. def a trick, strategy, or device. exam 1 I can see through your little game. game H1.15. syl game pron pos n. qual Obsolete. def pluck or courage; bravery. game H1.16. syl game pron pos n. qual Slang, chiefly Brit. def prostitution (esp. in the phrase {on the game) }. give the game away 17. head game syl give the game away. def to reveal one's intentions or a secret. make (a) game of 18. head game syl make (a) game of. def to make fun of; ridicule; mock. on 19. head game or off one's game syl on def playing well (or badly). play the game 20. head game syl play the game. qual Informal. def to behave fairly or in accordance with rules. the game is up 21. head game syl the game is up. def there is no longer a chance of success. game H1.22. syl game pron pos adj. qual Informal. def full of fighting spirit; plucky; brave. game H1.23. syl game pron pos adj. qual Informal. usage usually foll. by for def prepared or ready; willing. exam 1 I'm game for a try. game H1.24. syl game pron pos vb. mod intr. def to play games of chance for money, stakes, etc.; gamble. gamelike sub head game syl game+2like pos adj. gamely sub head game syl game+ly pos adv. gameness sub head game syl game+ness pos n. game ety C18: of unknown origin game H2.0. syl game pron pos adj. def a less common word for {lame} (esp. in the phrase {game leg}) . game bird 0. syl game bird pos n. def a bird of any species hunted as game. game chips 0. syl game chips pos n. mod pl. def round thin potato chips served with game. gamecock 0. syl game+cock pron <1gAm2kok> pos n. def a cock bred and trained for fighting. Also called: {fighting cock}. game fish 0. syl game fish pos n. def any fish providing sport for the angler. game fowl 0. syl game fowl pos n. def any of several breeds of domestic fowl reared for cock-fighting. gamekeeper 0. syl game+keep:er pron <1gAm2kEp*> pos n. def a person employed to take care of game and wildlife, as on an estate. gamekeeping sub head gamekeeper syl game+2keep:ing pos n. gamelan ety from Javanese gamelan 0. syl gam+e:lan pron <1g@mi2l@n> pos n. def a type of percussion orchestra common in the East Indies. game laws 0. syl game laws pos n. mod pl. def laws governing the hunting and preservation of game. gamely 0. syl game+ly pron <1gAmli> pos adv. def in a brave or sporting manner. gameness 0. syl game+ness pron <1gAmnis> pos n. def courage or bravery; pluck. game point 0. syl game point pos n. qual Tennis, etc. def a point that would enable one player or side to win a game. gamesmanship 0. syl games+man+ship pron <1gAmzm*n2Sip> pos n. qual Informal. def the art of winning games or defeating opponents by clever or cunning practices without actually cheating. &- {#!games+man} gamesome 0. syl game+some pron <1gAms*m> pos adj. def full of merriment; sportive. gamesomely sub head gamesome syl game+some+ly pos adv. gamesomeness sub head gamesome syl game+some+ness pos n. gamester 0. syl game+ster pron <1gAmst*> pos n. def a person who habitually plays games for money; gambler. games theory 0. syl games the:o+ry pos n. def a mathematical theory concerned with the optimum choice of strategy in situations involving a conflict of interest. Also called: {theory of games}. gametangium ety C19: New Latin, from #7gameto -#7+ Greek angeion vessel gametangia infl head gametangium syl gam+e:tan+gi:a pron <-Ji*> pos n. mod pl. gametangium 0. syl gam+e:tan+gi:um pron <2g@mi1t@nJi*m> pos n. qual Botany. def an organ or cell in which gametes are produced, esp. in algae and fungi. gametangial sub head gametangium syl gam+e:1tan+gi:al pos adj. gamete ety C19: from New Latin, from Greek gamet*_e wife, from gamos marriage gamete 0. syl gam+ete pron <1g@mEt>, pos n. def a haploid reproductive cell, such as a spermatozoon or ovum, that can undergo fertilization. gametal sub head gamete or gametic syl ga+1met+al pron pos adj. gametic sub head gamete or gametal syl ga+met+ic pron pos adj. gametocyte 0. syl ga+me:to+cyte pron pos n. def an animal or plant cell that develops into gametes by meiosis. See also {oocyte, spermatocyte}. gametogeny alt head gametogenesis or gametogenesis syl gam+e:tog+e:ny pron <2g@mi1toJini> pos n. gametogenesis 0. or gametogeny syl gam+e:to+gen+e:sis pron <2g@mit*u1Jenisis> pos n. def the formation and maturation of gametes. See also {spermatogenesis, oogenesis}. gametogenic sub head gametogenesis or gametogenous syl gam+e:to+1gen+ic pos adj. gametogenous sub head gametogenesis or gametogenic syl gam+e:1tog+e:nous pos adj. gametophore 0. syl ga+me:to+phore pron pos n. def the part of a plant that bears the reproductive organs. gametophoric sub head gametophore syl ga+2me:to+1phor+ic pos adj. gametophyte 0. syl ga+me:to+phyte pron pos n. def the plant body, in species showing alternation of generations, that produces the gametes. Compare {sporophyte}. gametophytic sub head gametophyte syl gam+e:to+phyt+ic pron <2g@mit*u1fitik> pos adj. game warden 0. syl game war+den pos n. def a person who looks after game, as in a game reserve. gamic ety C19: from Greek gamikos of marriage; see #7gamete gamic 0. syl gam+ic pron <1g@mik> pos adj. usage esp. of reproduction def requiring the fusion of gametes; sexual. gamin ety from French gamin 0. syl gam+in pron <1g@min>, French pos n. def a street urchin; waif. gamine ety from French gamine 0. syl gam+ine pron <1g@mEn>, French pos n. def a slim and boyish girl or young woman; an elfish tomboy. gaming 0.a. syl gam+ing pron <1gAmiG> pos n. def gambling on games of chance. gaming 0.b. syl gam+ing pron <1gAmiG> pos n. usage as modifier exam 1 gaming house; exam 2 gaming losses. gamma ety C14: from Greek; related to Hebrew g*_imel third letter of the Hebrew alphabet (probably: camel) gamma 1. syl gam+ma pron <1g@m*> pos n. def the third letter in the Greek alphabet (#GL, #Gl), a consonant, transliterated as When double, it is transcribed and pronounced as gamma 2. syl gam+ma pron <1g@m*> pos n. def the third highest grade or mark, as in an examination. gamma 3. syl gam+ma pron <1g@m*> pos n. def a unit of magnetic field strength equal to 10%#-%5 oersted. 1 gamma is equivalent to 0.795775#M10%#-%3 ampere per metre. gamma 4. syl gam+ma pron <1g@m*> pos n. qual Photog. def the numerical value of the slope of the characteristic curve of a photographic emulsion; a measure of the contrast reproduced in a photographic image. gamma 5.a. syl gam+ma pron <1g@m*> pos n. def involving or relating to photons of very high energy. exam 1 a gamma detector. gamma 5.b. syl gam+ma pron <1g@m*> pos n. def relating to one of two or more allotropes or crystal structures of a solid. exam 1 gamma iron. gamma 5.c. syl gam+ma pron <1g@m*> pos n. def relating to one of two or more isomeric forms of a chemical compound, esp. one in which a group is attached to the carbon atom next but one to the atom to which the principal group is attached. Gamma 0. syl Gam+ma pron <1g@m*> pos n. usage foll. by the genitive case of a specified constellation def the third brightest star in a constellation. exam 1 Gamma Leonis. gammadion ety C19: from Late Greek, literally: little #7gamma gammadia infl head gammadion syl gam+ma+di:a pron <-di*> pos n. mod pl. gammadion 0. syl gam+ma+di+on pron pos n. def a decorative figure composed of a number of Greek capital gammas, esp. radiating from a centre, as in a swastika. gamma distribution 0. syl gam+ma dis+tri+bu+tion pos n. qual Statistics. def a continuous two-parameter distribution from which the chi-square and exponential distributions are derived. gamma globulin 0. syl gam+ma glob:u+lin pos n. def any of a group of proteins in blood plasma that includes most known antibodies. gamma iron 0. syl gam+ma i:ron pos n. def an allotrope of iron that is nonmagnetic and exists between 910?%C and 1400?%C. gamma radiation 0. syl gam+ma ra+di:a+tion pos n. def electromagnetic radiation of shorter wavelength and higher energy than x-rays, esp. the portion of the electromagnetic spectrum with a frequency greater than about 3#M10%1%9 hertz. gamma rays 0. syl gam+ma rays pos n. mod pl. def streams of gamma radiation. gammer ety C16: probably alteration of #7godmother or #7grandmother gammer 0. syl gam+mer pron <1g@m*> pos n. qual Rare, chiefly Brit. def a dialect word for an old woman: now chiefly humorous or contemptuous. Compare {gaffer} (sense 1). gammon ety C18: probably special use of Middle English gamen #7game %1 ********************************************************************** ********************************************************************** ********************************************************************** ********************************************************************** ********************************************************************** ********************************************************************** Also called: Lake Tiberias. a lake in NE ********************************************************************** ********************************************************************** popular in the 16th and 17th centuries. gammon H1.1. syl gam+mon pron <1g@m*n> pos n. qual Archaic. def the game of backgammon. gammon H1.2. syl gam+mon pron <1g@m*n> pos n. def a double victory in backgammon in which one player throws off all his pieces before his opponent throws any. gammon H1.3. syl gam+mon pron <1g@m*n> pos vb. mod tr. def to score such a victory over. gammon H1.4. syl gam+mon pron <1g@m*n> pos vb. def a piece of ********************************************************************** ********************************************************************** Also called: {imperial gallon}. a unit of capacity ********************************************************************** ********************************************************************** this, such as (in Australia) a frame for hoisting up the bodies of slaughtered cattle. James infl head Galway syl James. pos n. Galway H2.0. syl Gal:way pron <1gc:lwA> pos n. def born 1939, Irish flautist. ********************************************************************** {#7jamb }] ********************************************************************** ********************************************************************** cunning practices without actually cheating. &- {#!games+man} {#!games+man} gammon ety C15: from Old Northern French gambon, from gambe leg; see #7gambrel gammon H2.1. syl gam+mon pron <1g@m*n> pos n. def a cured or smoked ham. gammon H2.2. syl gam+mon pron <1g@m*n> pos n. def the hindquarter of a side of bacon, cooked either whole or cut into large rashers. gammon ety C18: perhaps special use of #7gammon %1 gammon H3.1. syl gam+mon pron <1g@m*n> pos n. qual Brit. informal. def deceitful nonsense; humbug. gammon H3.2. syl gam+mon pron <1g@m*n> pos vb. qual Brit. informal. def to deceive (a person). gammoner sub head gammon syl gam+mon+er pos n. gammon ety C18: perhaps related to #7gammon %2#7, with reference to the tying up of a ham gammon H4.0. syl gam+mon pron <1g@m*n> pos vb. mod tr. qual Nautical. def to fix (a bowsprit) to the stemhead of a vessel. gammy ety C19: dialect variant of {#7game %2} gammier infl head gammy syl gam+mi+er pos adj. gammiest infl head gammy syl gam+mi+est. pos adj. gammy 0. syl gam+my pron <1g@mi> pos adj. usage Brit. slang. esp. of the leg def malfunctioning, injured, or lame; game. U.S. equivalent: {gimpy}. gamo- ety from Greek gamos marriage gamo- 1. syl gam:o- usage before a vowel def indicating sexual union or reproduction. exam 1 gamogenesis. gamo- 2. syl gam:o- usage before a vowel def united or fused. exam 1 gamopetalous. gamogenesis 0. syl gam:o+gen+e:sis pron <2g@m*u1Jenisis> pos n. def another name for {sexual reproduction}. gamogenetic sub head gamogenesis or gamogenetical syl gam:o+ge:net+ic pron <2g@m*uJi1netik> pos adj. gamogenetical sub head gamogenesis or gamogenetic syl gam:o+ge:1net:i+cal pos adj. gamogenetically sub head gamogenesis syl gam:o+ge:1net:i+cal+ly pos adv. gamopetalous 0. syl gam:o+pet+al+ous pron <2g@m*u1pet*l*s> pos adj. usage of flowers def having petals that are united or partly united, as the primrose. Also: {sympetalous}. Compare {polypetalous}. gamophyllous 0. syl gam:o+phyl+lous pron <2g@m*u1fil*s> pos adj. usage of flowers def having united leaves or perianth segments. gamosepalous 0. syl gam:o+sep+al+ous pron <2g@m*u1sep*l*s> pos adj. usage of flowers def having sepals that are united or partly united, as the primrose. Compare {polysepalous}. gamp ety C19: after Mrs. Sarah Gamp, a nurse in Dickens' Martin Chuzzlewit, who carried a faded cotton umbrella gamp 0. syl gamp pron pos n. qual Brit. informal. def an umbrella. gamut ety C15: from Medieval Latin, changed from gamma ut, from gamma, the lowest note of the hexachord as established by Guido d'Arezzo+ ut (now, doh) , the first of the notes of the scale ut, re, mi, fa, sol, la, si, derived from a Latin hymn to St. John: Ut queant laxis re sonare fibris, Mi ra gestorum fa muli tuorum, Sol ve polluti la bi reatum, S ancte I ohannes gamut 1. syl gam+ut pron <1g@m*t> pos n. def entire range or scale, as of emotions. gamut 2.a. syl gam+ut pron <1g@m*t> pos n. def a scale, esp. (in medieval theory) one starting on the G on the bottom line of the bass staff. gamut 2.b. syl gam+ut pron <1g@m*t> pos n. def the whole range of notes. gamey alt head gamy or gamy syl gam+ey pron <1gAmi> pos adj. gamier infl head gamy syl gam:i+er pos adj. gamiest infl head gamy syl gam:i+est. pos adj. gamy 1. or gamey syl gam:y pron <1gAmi> pos adj. def having the smell or flavour of game, esp. high game. gamy 2. or gamey syl gam:y pron <1gAmi> pos adj. qual Informal. def spirited; plucky; brave. gamily sub head gamy syl gam:i+ly pos adv. gaminess sub head gamy syl gam:i+ness pos n. -gamy ety from Greek -gamia, from gamos marriage -gamy 0. syl -ga:my pos n. usage combining form. def denoting marriage or sexual union. exam 1 bigamy. -gamous sub head -gamy syl -ga:mous pos adj. gan H1.0. syl gan pron pos vb. qual Archaic or poetic. def a past tense of {begin}. gan ety from Old English gangan; related to Old Norse ganga. See #7gang %1 gans infl head gan syl gans pos vb. mod intr. ganning infl head gan syl gan+ning pos vb. mod intr. ganned infl head gan syl ganned. pos vb. mod intr. gan H2.0. syl gan pron pos vb. mod intr. qual Northeast English dialect. def to go. Abel infl head Gance syl A:bel pron pos n. Gance 0. syl Gance pron French pos n. def born 1889, French film director, whose works include (1919, 1937) and (1926), which introduced the split-screen technique. Gand 0. syl Gand pos g?~a; n. def the French name for {Ghent}. Gandas infl head Ganda or Ganda syl Gan+das pos n. mod pl. Ganda infl or Gandas syl Gan+da pos n. mod pl. Ganda 1. syl Gan+da pron <1g@nd*> pos n. def a member of the Buganda people of Uganda, whose kingdom was formerly the largest in E Africa. See also {Luganda}. Ganda 2. syl Gan+da pron <1g@nd*> pos n. def the Luganda language of this people. gander ety Old English gandra, ganra; related to Low German and Dutch gander and to #7gannet gander 1. syl gan+der pron <1g@nd*> pos n. def a male goose. gander 2. syl gan+der pron <1g@nd*> pos n. qual Informal. def a quick look (esp. in the phrase {take} {have) a gander) }. gander 3. syl gan+der pron <1g@nd*> pos n. qual Informal. def a simpleton. Gandhi 1. syl Gan:dhi pron <1g@ndi> pos n. def Mrs. {In@.di@.ra} ($In#!d$I$$r$$, #!$Ind$$r$$), daughter of Jawaharlal Nehru. born 1917, Indian stateswoman; prime minister of India (1966-77). Mohandas Karamchand 2. head Gandhi syl Mo:han:das Kar:am:chand pron <2m*uh*n1d^s> <2k^r*m1C^nd> def known as 1869-1948, Indian political and spiritual leader and social reformer. He played a major part in India's struggle for home rule and was frequently imprisoned by the British for organizing acts of civil disobedience. He advocated passive resistance and hunger strikes as means of achieving reform, campaigned for the untouchables, and attempted to unite Muslims and Hindus. He was assassinated by a Hindu extremist. &- {Gan+dhi@.an} (#!g@and$I$$n) Gandhi cap 0. syl Gan:dhi cap pos n. def a cap made of white hand-woven cloth worn by some men in India. Gandhism alt head Gandhiism or Gandhiism syl Gan+dhism pos n. Gandhiism 0. or Gandhism syl Gan+dhi+ism pron <1g@ndi2iz*m> pos n. def the political principles of M. K. Gandhi, esp. civil disobedience and passive resistance as means of achieving reform. gandy dancer ety C20: of uncertain origin gandy dancer 0. syl gan+dy danc+er pron <1g@ndi> pos n. qual Slang. def a railway track maintenance worker. Gandzha 0. syl Gan+dzha pron Russian pos n. def a former name (until 1813 and 1920-35) of {Kirovabad}. ganef ety from Yiddish, from Hebrew gann*_abh thief, from g*_annabh he stole ganev infl head ganef syl ga+nev pron <1ga:n*f> pos n. ganof infl head ganef syl ga+nof pron <1ga:n*f> pos n. gonif infl head ganef or gonof syl gon+if pos n. gonof infl head ganef or gonif syl gon+of pos n. ganef 0. syl ga+nef pron <1ga:n*f> pos n. qual U.S. slang. def an unscrupulous opportunist who stoops to sharp practice. Ganesa 0. syl Ga:ne:sa pron pos n. def the Hindu god of prophecy, represented as having an elephant's head. gang ety Old English gang journey; related to Old Norse gangr, Old High German gang, Sanskrit jangha foot gang H1.1. syl gang pron pos n. def a group of people who associate together or act as an organized body, esp. for criminal or illegal purposes. gang H1.2. syl gang pron pos n. def an organized group of workmen. gang H1.3. syl gang pron pos n. def a herd of buffalos or elks or a pack of wild dogs. gang H1.4.a. syl gang pron pos n. def a series of similar tools arranged to work simultaneously in parallel. gang H1.4.b. syl gang pron pos n. usage as modifier exam 1 a gang saw. gang H1.5. syl gang pron pos vb. def to form into, become part of, or act as a gang. gang H1.6. syl gang pron pos vb. mod tr. qual Electronics. def to mount (two or more components, such as variable capacitors) on the same shaft, permitting adjustment by a single control. {~} See also {gang up}. ganged sub head gang syl ganged pos adj. gang H2.0. syl gang pron pos n. def a variant spelling of {gangue}. Ganga jal ety Hindi, from Ganga G#7anges+ jal water Ganga jal 0. syl Gan+ga jal pron <1g^Gga:> <1J^l> pos n. def sacred water from the River Ganges in India. gangbang 1. syl gang+bang pron <1g@G2b@G> pos n. qual Slang. def an instance of sexual intercourse between one woman and several men one after the other, esp. against her will. {~} gangbang 2. syl gang+bang pron <1g@G2b@G> pos n. mod tr. qual Slang. def to force (a woman) to take part in a gangbang. gangbang 3. syl gang+bang pron <1g@G2b@G> pos n. mod intr. qual Slang. def to take part in a gangbang. {~} Also called: {gang+shag}. ganger 0. syl gang+er pron <1g@G*> pos n. qual Chiefly Brit. def the foreman of a gang of labourers. Ganges 0. syl Gan+ges pron <1g@nJEz> pos n. def the great river of N India and central Bangladesh: rises in two headstreams in the Himalayas and flows southeast to Allahabad, where it is joined by the Jumna; continues southeast into Bangladesh, where it enters the Bay of Bengal in a great delta; the most sacred river to Hindus, with many places of pilgrimage, esp. Varanasi. Length: 2507 km (1557 miles). Hindi name: {Gan+ga} (#!g^&ng$$, #!g$a$:&n-). &- {Gan+get+ic} (g@an#!d#f$et$Ik) gangland 0. syl gang+land pron <1g@G2l@nd>, <-l*nd> pos n. qual Informal. def the criminal underworld. gangling ety perhaps related to #7gangrel; see #7gang %1 gangly alt head gangling or gangling syl gan+gly pos adj. gangling 0. or gangly syl gan+gling pron <1g@GgliG> pos adj. def tall, lanky, and awkward in movement. ganglion ety C17: from Late Latin: swelling, from Greek: cystic tumour ganglia infl head ganglion or ganglions syl gan+gli:a pron <-gli*> pos n. mod pl. ganglions infl head ganglion or ganglia syl gan+gli+ons. pos n. mod pl. ganglion 1. syl gan+gli+on pron <1g@Ggli*n> pos n. def an encapsulated collection of nerve-cell bodies, usually located outside the brain and spinal cord. ganglion 2. syl gan+gli+on pron <1g@Ggli*n> pos n. def any concentration or centre of energy, activity, or strength. ganglion 3. syl gan+gli+on pron <1g@Ggli*n> pos n. def a cystic tumour on a tendon sheath or joint capsule. ganglial sub head ganglion or gangliar syl gan+gli:al pos adj. gangliar sub head ganglion or ganglial syl gan+gli+ar pos adj. ganglionic sub head ganglion or gangliated syl gan+gli+1on+ic pos adj. gangliated sub head ganglion or ganglionic syl gan+gli+2at+ed pos adj. the infl head Gang of Four syl the. pos n. Gang of Four 0. syl Gang of Four pos n. def a radical faction within the Chinese Communist Party that emerged as a political force in the spring of 1976 and was suppressed in the following October. Its members were Chang Ch'un-ch'iao, Wong Hung-wen, Yao Wen-yan, and Chiang Ch'ing. gangway alt head gangplank or gangplank syl gang+way pos n. gangplank 0. or gangway syl gang+plank pron <1g@G2pl@Gk> pos n. qual Nautical. def a portable bridge for boarding and leaving a vessel at dockside. gang plough 0. syl gang plough pos n. def a plough having two or more shares, coulters, and mouldboards designed to work simultaneously. gangrel ety C16: from Old English gangan to #7go gangrel 1. syl gan+grel pron <1g@Ggr*l>, <1g@Gr*l> pos n. qual Scot. archaic or literary. def a wandering beggar. gangrel 2. syl gan+grel pron <1g@Ggr*l>, <1g@Gr*l> pos n. qual Scot. archaic or literary. def a child just able to walk; toddler. gangrene ety C16: from Latin gangraena, from Greek gangraina an eating sore; related to Greek gran to gnaw gangrene 1. syl gan+grene pron <1g@GgrEn> pos n. def death and decay of tissue as the result of interrupted blood supply, disease, or injury. gangrene 2. syl gan+grene pron <1g@GgrEn> pos n. def moral decay or corruption. gangrenous sub head gangrene syl gan+gre+nous pron <1g@Ggrin*s> pos adj. gang saw 0. syl gang saw pos n. def a saw having several parallel blades making simultaneous cuts. gang sawyer sub head gang saw syl gang saw+yer pos n. gangster 0. syl gang+ster pron <1g@Gst*> pos n. def a member of an organized gang of criminals, esp. one who resorts to violence. Gangtok 0. syl Gang+tok pron <1g^Gtok> pos n. def a city in NE India: capital of Sikkim state. Pop.: 9000 (1968 est.). gangue ety C19: from French gangue, from German Gang vein of metal, course; see #7gang %1 gang alt head gangue or gangue syl gang pron pos n. gangue 0. or gang syl gangue pron pos n. def valueless and undesirable material, such as quartz in small quantities, in an ore. gang up 0. syl gang up pos vb. qual Informal. usage often foll. by on or against def to combine in a group (against). gangway 1. syl gang+way pron <1g@G2wA> pos n. def Also called: {logway}. a ramp for logs leading into a sawmill. gangway 2. syl gang+way pron <1g@G2wA> pos n. def another word for {gangplank}. gangway 3. syl gang+way pron <1g@G2wA> pos n. qual Brit. def an aisle between rows of seats. gangway 4. syl gang+way pron <1g@G2wA> pos n. def a main passage in a mine. gangway 5. syl gang+way pron <1g@G2wA> pos n. def temporary planks over mud or earth, as on a building site. gangway 6. syl gang+way pron <1g@G2wA> pos interj. def clear a path&! ganister ety C19: of unknown origin gannister alt head ganister or ganister syl gan+nis+ter pron <1g@nist*> pos n. ganister 1. or gannister syl gan+is+ter pron <1g@nist*> pos n. def a highly refractory siliceous sedimentary rock occurring beneath coal seams: used for lining furnaces. ganister 2. or gannister syl gan+is+ter pron <1g@nist*> pos n. def a similar material synthesized from ground quartz and fireclay. ganja ety from Hindi g*_a#800334 j*_a, from Sanskrit gr?~nja ganja 0. syl gan+ja pron <1ga:nJ*> pos n. def a highly potent form of cannabis, usually used for smoking. gannet ety Old English ganot; related to Old High German gannazzo gander gannet 0. syl gan+net pron <1g@nit> pos n. def any of several heavily built marine birds of the genus (or having a long stout bill and typically white plumage with dark markings: family order (pelicans, cormorants, etc.). See also { {booby} (sense 3).} ganof 0. syl ga+nof pron <1ga:n*f> pos n. def a variant spelling of {ganef}. ganoid ety C19: from French gano*"ide, from Greek ganos brightness+-#7oid ganoid 1. syl gan+oid pron <1g@ncid> pos adj. usage of the scales of certain fishes def consisting of an inner bony layer and an outer layer of an enamel-like substance (ganoin). ganoid 2. syl gan+oid pron <1g@ncid> pos adj. def denoting fishes, including the sturgeon and bowfin, having such scales. ganoid 3. syl gan+oid pron <1g@ncid> pos n. def a ganoid fish. gansey ety from the island of G#7uernsey gansey 0. syl gan+sey pron <1g@nzi> pos n. qual Brit. dialect. def a jersey or pullover. gantlet ety C17 gantlope (modern spelling influenced by {#7gauntlet %1})#7, from Swedish gatlopp, literally: passageway, from gata way (related to {#7gate %3})#7+ lop course gantlet H1.1. syl gant+let pron <1g@ntlit>, <1gc:nt-> pos n. def a section of a railway where two tracks overlap. gantlet H1.2. syl gant+let pron <1g@ntlit>, <1gc:nt-> pos n. qual U.S. def a variant spelling of { {gauntlet%2}}. gantlet H2.0. syl gant+let pron <1g@ntlit>, <1gc:nt-> pos n. def a variant spelling of { {gauntlet%1}}. gantline ety C19: variant of girtline; see {#7girt %1}#7, line gantline 0. syl gant+line pron <1g@nt2lIn>, <-lin> pos n. qual Nautical. def a line rove through a sheave for hoisting men or gear. gantry ety C16 (in the sense: wooden platform for barrels): from Old French chantier, from Medieval Latin cant*_arius, changed from Latin canth*_erius supporting frame, pack ass; related to Greek kanth*_elios pack ass gauntry alt head gantry or gantry syl gaun+try pos n. gantries infl head gantry syl gan+tries. pos n. mod pl. gantry 1. or gauntry syl gan+try pron <1g@ntri> pos n. def a bridgelike framework used to support a travelling crane, signals over a railway track, etc. gantry 2. or gauntry syl gan+try pron <1g@ntri> pos n. def Also called: {gantry scaffold}. the framework tower used to attend to a large rocket on its launch?!ing pad. gantry 3. or gauntry syl gan+try pron <1g@ntri> pos n. def a supporting framework for a barrel or cask. Ganymede H1.0. syl Gan:y:mede pron <1g@ni2mEd> pos n. qual Classical myth. def a beautiful Trojan youth who was abducted by Zeus to Olympus and made the cupbearer of the gods. Ganymede H2.0. syl Gan:y+mede pron <1g@ni2mEd> pos n. def the largest of the 13 satellites of Jupiter and the fourth nearest to the planet. Approximate diameter: 5000 km (3100 miles). Gao 0. syl Ga:o pron <1ga:*u>, pos n. def a town in E Mali, on the River Niger: a small river port. Pop.: 15400 (1967 est.). gaol 0. syl gaol pron pos n. vb. qual Brit. def a variant spelling of {jail}. gaoler sub head gaol syl gaol+er pos n. gap ety C14: from Old Norse gap chasm; related to gapa to #7gape, Swedish gap, Danish gab open mouth, opening gap 1. syl gap pron pos n. def a break or opening in a wall, fence, etc. gap 2. syl gap pron pos n. def a break in continuity; interruption; hiatus. exam 1 there is a serious gap in the accounts. gap 3. syl gap pron pos n. def a break in a line of hills or mountains affording a route through. gap 4. syl gap pron pos n. qual Chiefly U.S. def a gorge or ravine. gap 5. syl gap pron pos n. def a divergence or difference; disparity. exam 1 there is a gap between his version of the event and hers; exam 2 the generation gap. gap 6.a. syl gap pron pos n. def a break in a magnetic circuit that increases the inductance and saturation point of the circuit. gap 6.b. syl gap pron pos n. def See {spark gap}. close infl head gap syl close fill infl head gap or stop a gap syl fill stop a gap infl head gap or fill syl stop a gap. bridge 7. head gap syl bridge def to remedy a deficiency. {~} {gaps, gap+ping, gapped}. gap 8. syl gap pron pos n. mod tr. def to make a breach or opening in. gapless sub head gap syl gap+less pos adj. gape ety C13: from Old Norse gapa; related to Middle Dutch gapen, Danish gabe gape 1. syl gape pron pos vb. mod intr. def to stare in wonder or amazement, esp. with the mouth open. gape 2. syl gape pron pos vb. mod intr. def to open the mouth wide, esp. involuntarily, as in yawning or hunger. gape 3. syl gape pron pos vb. mod intr. def to be or become wide open. exam 1 the crater gaped under his feet. gape 4. syl gape pron pos n. mod intr. def the act of gaping. gape 5. syl gape pron pos n. mod intr. def a wide opening; breach. gape 6. syl gape pron pos n. mod intr. def the width of the widely opened mouth of a vertebrate. gape 7. syl gape pron pos n. mod intr. def a stare or expression of astonishment. gaper sub head gape syl gap+er pos n. gapingly sub head gape syl gap+ing+ly pos adv. gapes 1. syl gapes pron pos n. mod functioning as; sing. def a disease of young domestic fowl, characterized by gaping or gasping for breath and caused by gapeworms. gapes 2. syl gapes pron pos n. mod functioning as; sing. qual Informal. def a fit of yawning. gapy sub head gapes syl gap:y pos adj. gapeworm 0. syl gape+worm pron <1gAp2wR:m> pos n. def a parasitic nematode worm, that lives in the trachea of birds and causes gapes in domestic fowl: family gapped scale 0. syl gapped scale pos n. qual Music. def a scale, such as a pentatonic scale, containing fewer than seven notes. gapping 0. syl gap+ping pron <1g@piG> pos n. usage in transformational grammar def a rule that deletes repetitions of a verb, as in the sentence gap-toothed 0. syl gap-toothed pos adj. def having wide spaces between the teeth. gars alt head gar or gar syl gars. pos n. mod pl. gar 0. or gars syl gar pron pos n. mod pl. def short for { {garpike} (sense 1).} GAR 0. syl G.A.R. qual abbrev. for def Grand Army of the Republic; an association of Unionist veterans of the American Civil War. garage ety C20: from French, from garer to dock (a ship), from Old French: to protect, from Old High German war*_on; see #7beware garage 1. syl gar+age pron <1g@ra:Z>, <-riJ> pos n. def a building or part of a building used to house a motor vehicle. garage 2. syl gar+age pron <1g@ra:Z>, <-riJ> pos n. def a commercial establishment in which motor vehicles are repaired, serviced, bought, and sold, and which usually also sells motor fuels. garage 3. syl gar+age pron <1g@ra:Z>, <-riJ> pos vb. mod tr. def to put into, keep in, or take to a garage. garam masala ety from Hindi garam masala 0. syl ga+ram ma+sa+la pron <1ga:r*m> pos n. def an aromatic mixture of spices, extensively used in curries, etc. Garamond 0. syl Gar:a+mond pron <1g@r*mond> pos n. def a typeface, designed by Claude Garamond (??1480-1561), French typefounder. Garand rifle ety C20: named after John C. Garand (1888-1974), U.S. gun designer Garand rifle 0. syl Gar+and ri+fle pron <1g@r*nd>, pos n. def another name for {M-1 rifle}. garb ety C16: from Old French garbe graceful contour, from Old Italian garbo grace, probably of Germanic origin garb 1. syl garb pron pos n. def clothes, esp. the distinctive attire of an occupation or profession. exam 1 clerical garb. garb 2. syl garb pron pos n. def style of dress; fashion. garb 3. syl garb pron pos n. def external appearance, covering, or attire. garb 4. syl garb pron pos vb. mod tr. def to clothe or cover; attire. garbless sub head garb syl garb+less pos adj. garbage ety C15: probably from Anglo-French garbelage removal of discarded matter, of uncertain origin; compare Old Italian garbuglio confusion garbage 1. syl gar+bage pron <1ga:biJ> pos n. def worthless, useless, or unwanted matter. garbage 2. syl gar+bage pron <1ga:biJ> pos n. def another word (esp. U.S.) for {rubbish}. garbage can 0. syl gar+bage can pos n. def a U.S. word for {dustbin}. Also called: {ash bin, ash can, trash can}. garbage truck 0. syl gar+bage truck pos n. def the U.S. name for {dustcart}. garbanzo ety C18: from Spanish, from arvan*,co, probably of Germanic origin; compare Old High German araweiz pea garbanzos infl head garbanzo syl gar+ban+zos. pos n. mod pl. garbanzo 0. syl gar+ban+zo pron pos n. def another name for {chickpea}. garble ety C15: from Old Italian garbellare to strain, sift, from Arabic gharbala, from ghirb*_al sieve, from Late Latin cr*_ibellum small sieve, from cr*_ibrum sieve garble 1. syl gar+ble pron <1ga:bL> pos vb. mod tr. def to jumble (a story, quotation, etc.), esp. unintentionally. garble 2. syl gar+ble pron <1ga:bL> pos vb. mod tr. def to distort the meaning of (an account, text, etc.), as by making misleading omissions; corrupt. garble 3. syl gar+ble pron <1ga:bL> pos vb. mod tr. qual Rare. def to select the best part of. garble 4.a. syl gar+ble pron <1ga:bL> pos n. mod tr. def the act of garbling. garble 4.b. syl gar+ble pron <1ga:bL> pos n. mod tr. def garbled matter. garbler sub head garble syl gar+bler pos n. garbo ety C20: from #7garbage garbos infl head garbo syl gar+bos. pos n. mod pl. garbo 0. syl gar+bo pron <1ga:b*u> pos n. qual Austral. informal. def a dustman. Greta infl head Garbo syl Gret:a pron <1gret*> pos n. Garbo 0. syl Gar:bo pron <1ga:b*u> pos n. def original name born 1905, U.S. film actress, born in Sweden: her films include (1932), (1933), (1935), (1936), and (1939). garboard ety C17: from Dutch gaarboord, probably from Middle Dutch gaderen to #7gather+ boord #7board garboard 0. syl gar+board pron <1ga:2bc:d> pos n. qual Nautical. def the bottommost plank of a vessel's hull. Also called: {garboard plank, garboard strake}. garboil ety C16: from Old French garbouil, from Old Italian garbuglio, ultimately from Latin bull*_ire to boil, hence, seethe with indignation garboil 0. syl gar+boil pron <1ga:bcil> pos n. qual Archaic. def confusion or disturbance; uproar. Garc'ia Lorca 0. syl Gar:c*'i:a Lor:ca pron Spanish <1lorka> pos n. def See (Federico Garc*'ia) {Lorca}. garcon ety C19: from Old French gars lad, probably of Germanic origin garcon 0. syl gar+*,con pron French pos n. def a waiter or male servant, esp. if French. Gard 0. syl Gard pron French pos n. def a department of S France, in Languedoc-Roussillon region. Capital: N*^imes. Pop.: 506607 (1975). Area: 5881 sq. km (2294 sq. miles). Lake infl head Garda syl Lake. pos n. Garda 0. syl Gar+da pron <1ga:d*> pos n. def a lake in N Italy: the largest lake in the country. Area: 370 sq. km (143 sq. miles). gardant 0. syl gar+dant pron <1ga:dNt> pos adj. def a less common spelling of {guardant}. garden ety C14: from Old French gardin, of Germanic origin; compare Old High German gart enclosure; see {#7yard %2 (sense 1)} &- #!gar+den+less adj. garden 1.a. syl gar+den pron <1ga:dN> pos n. def an area of land, usually planted with grass, trees, flowerbeds, etc., adjoining a house. U.S. word: {yard}. garden 1.b. syl gar+den pron <1ga:dN> pos n. usage as modifier exam 1 a garden chair. garden 2.a. syl gar+den pron <1ga:dN> pos n. def an area of land used for the cultivation of ornamental plants, herbs, fruit, vegetables, trees, etc. garden 2.b. syl gar+den pron <1ga:dN> pos n. usage as modifier; garden tools. def Related adj.: {horticultural}. garden 3. syl gar+den pron <1ga:dN> pos n. mod often; pl. def such an area of land that is open to the public, sometimes part of a park. exam 1 botanical gardens. garden 4.a. syl gar+den pron <1ga:dN> pos n. def a fertile and beautiful region. garden 4.b. syl gar+den pron <1ga:dN> pos n. usage as modifier exam 1 a garden paradise. garden 5. syl gar+den pron <1ga:dN> pos n. usage modifier def provided with or surrounded by a garden or gardens. exam 1 a garden flat. lead (a person) up the garden path 6. head garden syl lead (a person) up the garden path. qual Informal. def to mislead or deceive. common or garden 7. head garden syl common or garden. qual Informal. def ordinary or commonplace. garden 8. syl gar+den pron <1ga:dN> pos vb. def to work in, cultivate, or take care of (a garden, plot of land, etc.). garden-like sub head garden syl gar:den-2like pos adj. garden centre 0. syl gar+den cen+tre pos n. def a place where gardening tools and equipment, plants, seeds, etc., are sold. garden city 0. syl gar+den cit:y pos n. qual Brit. def a planned town of limited size surround?!ed by a rural belt. See also {garden suburb}. garden cress 0. syl gar+den cress pos n. def a pungent-tasting cruciferous plant, with white or reddish flowers: cultivated for salads, as a garnish, etc. gardener 1. syl gar+den+er pron <1ga:dn*> pos n. def a person who works in or takes care of a garden as an occupation or pastime. gardener 2. syl gar+den+er pron <1ga:dn*> pos n. def any bowerbird of the genus garden frame 0. syl gar+den frame pos n. def another name for a {cold frame}. gardenia ety C18: New Latin, named after Dr. Alexander Garden (1730-91), American botanist gardenia 1. syl gar+de:ni:a pron pos n. def any evergreen shrub or tree of the Old World tropical rubiaceous genus cultivated for their large fragrant waxlike typically white flowers. gardenia 2. syl gar+de:ni:a pron pos n. def the flower of any of these shrubs. Garden of Eden 0. syl Gar+den of E:den pos n. def the full name for {Eden}. garden party 0. syl gar+den par+ty pos n. def a social gathering held in the grounds of a house, school, etc., usually with light refreshments. garden suburb 0. syl gar+den sub+urb pos n. qual Brit. def a suburb of a large established town or city, planned along the lines of a garden city. garden warbler 0. syl gar+den war+bler pos n. def any of several small brownish-grey European songbirds of the genus (warblers), esp. common in woods and hedges: in some parts of Europe they are esteemed as a delicacy. garderobe ety C14: from French, from garder to keep+ robe dress, clothing; see #7wardrobe garderobe 1. syl garde+robe pron <1ga:d2r*ub> pos n. qual Archaic. def a wardrobe or the contents of a wardrobe. garderobe 2. syl garde+robe pron <1ga:d2r*ub> pos n. qual Archaic. def a bedroom or private room. Stephen infl head Gardiner syl Ste:phen. pos n. Gardiner 0. syl Gar:di:ner pron <1ga:dn*> pos n. def ??1483-1555, English bishop and statesman; lord chancellor (1553-55). He opposed Protestantism, supporting the anti-Reformation policies of Mary I. James Abram infl head Garfield syl James A:bram. pos n. Garfield 0. syl Gar:field pron <1ga:2fEld> pos n. def 1831-81, 20th president of the U.S. (1881); assassinated in office. garfish ety Old English g*_ar spear+#7fish garfish infl or garfishes syl gar+fish pos n. mod pl. garfishes infl head garfish or garfish syl gar+fish:es. pos n. mod pl. garfish 1. syl gar+fish pron <1ga:2fiS> pos n. def another name for {garpike}. garfish 2. syl gar+fish pron <1ga:2fiS> pos n. def an elongated European marine teleost fish, with long toothed jaws: related to the flying fishes. garganey ety C17: from Italian dialect garganei, of imitative origin garganey 0. syl gar+ga+ney pron <1ga:g*ni> pos n. def a small Eurasian duck, closely related to the mallard. The male has a white stripe over each eye. Gargantua 0. syl Gar:gan:tu:a pron pos n. def a gigantic king noted for his great capacity for food and drink, in Rabelais' satire (1534). gargantuan 0. syl gar+gan+tu:an pron pos adj. usage sometimes cap. def huge; enormous. garget ety C16 (in the sense: throat): from Old French gargate, perhaps from Latin gurges gulf garget 0. syl gar+get pron <1ga:git> pos n. def inflammation of the mammary gland of domestic animals, esp. cattle. gargety sub head garget syl gar+get:y pos adj. gargle ety C16: from Old French gargouiller to gargle, make a gurgling sound, from gargouille throat, perhaps of imitative origin gargle 1. syl gar+gle pron <1ga:gL> pos vb. def to rinse the mouth and throat with (a liquid, esp. a medicinal fluid) by slowly breathing through the liquid. gargle 2. syl gar+gle pron <1ga:gL> pos vb. def to utter (words, sounds, etc.) with the throaty bubbling noise of gargling. gargle 3. syl gar+gle pron <1ga:gL> pos n. def the liquid used for gargling. gargle 4. syl gar+gle pron <1ga:gL> pos n. def the sound produced by gargling. gargler sub head gargle syl gar+gler pos n. gargoyle ety C15: from Old French gargouille gargoyle, throat; see #7gargle gargoyle 1. syl gar+goyle pron <1ga:gcil> pos n. def a waterspout carved in the form of a grotesque face or creature and projecting from a roof gutter, esp. of a Gothic church. gargoyle 2. syl gar+goyle pron <1ga:gcil> pos n. def any grotesque ornament or projection, esp. on a building. gargoyle 3. syl gar+goyle pron <1ga:gcil> pos n. def a person with a grotesque appearance. gargoyled sub head gargoyle syl gar+goyled pos adj. garibaldi 1. syl gar:i+bal+di pron <2g@ri1bc:ldi> pos n. def a woman's loose blouse with long sleeves popular in the 1860s, copied from the red flannel shirt worn by Garibaldi's soldiers. garibaldi 2. syl gar:i+bal+di pron <2g@ri1bc:ldi> pos n. qual Brit. def a type of biscuit having a layer of currants in the centre. Giuseppe infl head Garibaldi syl Giu:sep:pe pron pos n. Garibaldi 0. syl Ga:ri:bal:di pron <2g@ri1bc:ldi> pos n. def 1807-82, Italian patriot; a leader of the Risorgimento. He fought against the Austrians and French in Italy (1848-49; 1859) and, with 1000 volunteers, conquered Sicily and Naples for the emerging kingdom of Italy (1860). garish ety C16: from earlier gaure to stare+-{#7ish } garish 0. syl gar+ish pron <1ge*riS> pos adj. def gay or colourful in a crude or vulgar manner; gaudy. garishly sub head garish syl gar+ish+ly pos adv. garishness sub head garish syl gar+ish+ness pos n. garland ety C14: from Old French garlande, perhaps of Germanic origin garland 1. syl gar+land pron <1ga:l*nd> pos n. def a wreath or festoon of flowers, leaves, etc., worn round the head or neck or hung up. garland 2. syl gar+land pron <1ga:l*nd> pos n. def a representation of such a wreath, as in painting, sculpture, etc. garland 3. syl gar+land pron <1ga:l*nd> pos n. def a collection of short literary pieces, such as ballads or poems; miscellany or anthology. garland 4. syl gar+land pron <1ga:l*nd> pos n. qual Nautical. def a ring or grommet of rope. garland 5. syl gar+land pron <1ga:l*nd> pos vb. mod tr. def to deck or adorn with a garland or garlands. garlic ety Old English g*_arl*_eac, from g*_ar spear+ l*_eac #7leek garlic 1. syl gar+lic pron <1ga:lik> pos n. def a hardy widely cultivated Asian alliaceous plant, having a stem bearing whitish flowers and bulbils. garlic 2.a. syl gar+lic pron <1ga:lik> pos n. def the bulb of this plant, made up of small segments (cloves) that have a strong odour and pungent taste and are used in cooking. garlic 2.b. syl gar+lic pron <1ga:lik> pos n. usage as modifier exam 1 a garlic taste. garlic 3. syl gar+lic pron <1ga:lik> pos n. def any of various other plants of the genus garlicky 0. syl gar+lick:y pron <1ga:liki> pos adj. def containing or resembling the taste or odour of garlic. garlic mustard 0. syl gar+lic mus+tard pos n. def a cruciferous plant, of N temperate regions, with small white flowers and an odour of garlic. Also called: {jack-by-the-hedge, hedge garlic}. Compare {garlic}. garment ety C14: from Old French garniment, from garnir to equip; see #7garnish garment 1. syl gar+ment pron <1ga:m*nt> pos n. mod often; pl. def an article of clothing. garment 2. syl gar+ment pron <1ga:m*nt> pos n. def outer covering. garment 3. syl gar+ment pron <1ga:m*nt> pos vb. mod tr. usage usually passive def to cover or clothe. garmentless sub head garment syl gar+ment+less pos adj. garner ety C12: from Old French gernier granary, from Latin gr*_an*_arium, from gr*_anum grain garner 1. syl gar+ner pron <1ga:n*> pos vb. mod tr. def to gather or store in or as if in a granary. garner 2. syl gar+ner pron <1ga:n*> pos n. mod tr. def an archaic word for {granary}. garner 3. syl gar+ner pron <1ga:n*> pos n. mod tr. def a place for storage or safekeeping. Erroll infl head Garner syl Er:roll. pos n. Garner 0. syl Gar:ner pron <1ga:n*> pos n. def 1921-77, U.S. jazz pianist and songwriter. garnet ety C13: from Old French grenat, from grenat (adj.) red, from pome grenate #7pomegranate garnet H1.0. syl gar+net pron <1ga:nit> pos n. def any of a group of hard glassy red, yellow, or green minerals consisting of the silicates of calcium, iron, manganese, chromium, magnesium, and aluminium in cubic crystalline form: used as a gemstone and abrasive. Formula: A\3B\2(SiO\4)\3 where A is a divalent metal and B is a trivalent metal. garnet-like sub head garnet syl gar:net-2like pos adj. garnet ety C15: probably from Middle Dutch garnaat garnet H2.0. syl gar+net pron <1ga:nit> pos n. qual Nautical. def a tackle used for lifting cargo. Constance infl head Garnett syl Con:stance. pos n. Garnett 0. syl Gar:nett pron <1ga:nit> pos n. def 1862-1946, English translator of Russian novels. garnierite ety C19: named after Jules Garnier (died 1904), French geologist garnierite 0. syl gar+ni+er+ite pron <1ga:ni*2rIt> pos n. def a green amorphous mineral consisting of hydrated nickel magnesium silicate: a source of nickel. garnish ety C14: from Old French garnir to adorn, equip, of Germanic origin; compare Old High German warn*_on to pay heed garnish 1. syl gar+nish pron <1ga:niS> pos vb. mod tr. def to decorate; trim. garnish 2. syl gar+nish pron <1ga:niS> pos vb. mod tr. def to add something to (food) in order to improve its appearance or flavour. garnish 3.a. syl gar+nish pron <1ga:niS> pos vb. mod tr. def to serve with notice of proceedings; warn. garnish 3.b. syl gar+nish pron <1ga:niS> pos vb. mod tr. qual Obsolete. def to summon to proceedings already in progress. garnish 3.c. syl gar+nish pron <1ga:niS> pos vb. mod tr. def to attach (a debt). garnish 4. syl gar+nish pron <1ga:niS> pos vb. mod tr. qual Slang. def to extort money from. garnish 5. syl gar+nish pron <1ga:niS> pos n. mod tr. def a decoration; trimming. garnish 6. syl gar+nish pron <1ga:niS> pos n. mod tr. def something, such as parsley, added to a dish for its flavour or decorative effect. garnish 7. syl gar+nish pron <1ga:niS> pos n. mod tr. qual Slang. def a payment illegally extorted, as from a prisoner by his jailer. garnisher sub head garnish syl gar+nish+er pos n. garnishee 1. syl gar+nish:ee pron <2ga:ni1SE> pos n. qual Law. def a person upon whom a garnishment has been served. garnishees infl head garnishee syl gar+nish:ees pos vb. mod tr. garnisheeing infl head garnishee syl gar+nish:ee+ing pos vb. mod tr. garnisheed infl head garnishee syl gar+nish:eed. pos vb. mod tr. garnishee 2. syl gar+nish:ee pron <2ga:ni1SE> pos vb. mod tr. qual Law. def to attach (a debt or other property) by garnishment. garnishee 3. syl gar+nish:ee pron <2ga:ni1SE> pos vb. mod tr. qual Law. def to serve (a person) with a garnishment. garnishment 1. syl gar+nish+ment pron <1ga:niSm*nt> pos n. def the act of garnishing. garnishment 2. syl gar+nish+ment pron <1ga:niSm*nt> pos n. def decoration or embellishment; garnish. garnishment 3.a. syl gar+nish+ment pron <1ga:niSm*nt> pos n. def a notice or warning. garnishment 3.b. syl gar+nish+ment pron <1ga:niSm*nt> pos n. def a summons to court proceedings already in progress. garnishment 3.c. syl gar+nish+ment pron <1ga:niSm*nt> pos n. def a notice warning a person holding money or property belonging to a debtor whose debt has been attached to hold such property until directed by the court to apply it. garniture ety C16: from French, from garnir to #7garnish garniture 0. syl gar+ni+ture pron <1ga:niC*> pos n. def decoration or embellishment. Garonne 0. syl Ga+ronne pron French pos n. def a river in SW France, rising in the central Pyrenees in Spain and flowing northeast then northwest into the Gironde estuary. Length: 580 km (360 miles). garotte 0. syl ga+rotte pron pos n. vb. def a variant spelling of {garrotte}. garotter sub head garotte syl ga+1rot+ter pos n. garpike 1. syl gar+pike pron <1ga:2pIk> pos n. def Also called: {garfish, gar}. any primitive freshwater elongated bony fish of the genus of North and Central America, having very long toothed jaws and a body covering of thick scales. garpike 2. syl gar+pike pron <1ga:2pIk> pos n. def another name for {garfish} (sense 2). garret ety C14: from Old French garite, watchtower, from garir to protect, of Germanic origin; see #7wary garret 0. syl gar+ret pron <1g@rit> pos n. def another word for { {attic} (sense 1).} David infl head Garrick syl Da:vid. pos n. Garrick 0. syl Gar:rick pron <1g@rik> pos n. def 1717-79, English actor and theatre manager. garrison ety C13: from Old French garison, from garir to defend, of Germanic origin; compare Old Norse verja to defend, Old English, Old High German werian garrison 1. syl gar+ri+son pron <1g@risN> pos n. def the troops who maintain and guard a base or fortified place. garrison 2.a. syl gar+ri+son pron <1g@risN> pos n. def the place itself. garrison 2.b. syl gar+ri+son pron <1g@risN> pos n. usage as modifier exam 1 garrison town. garrison 3. syl gar+ri+son pron <1g@risN> pos vb. mod tr. def to station (troops) in (a fort, etc.). garrotte ety C17: from Spanish garrote, perhaps from Old French garrot cudgel; of obscure origin garrote infl head garrotte or garotte syl gar+rote pron pos n. garotte infl head garrotte or garrote syl ga+rotte pron pos n. garrotte 1. syl gar+rotte pron pos n. def a Spanish method of execution by strangulation or by breaking the neck. garrotte 2. syl gar+rotte pron pos n. def the device, usually an iron collar, used in such executions. garrotte 3. syl gar+rotte pron pos n. qual Obsolete. def strangulation of one's victim while committing robbery. garrotte 4. syl gar+rotte pron pos vb. mod tr. def to execute by means of the garrotte. garrotte 5. syl gar+rotte pron pos vb. mod tr. def to strangle, esp. in order to commit robbery. garrotter sub head garrotte syl gar+1rott+er pos n. garroter sub head garrotte or garotter syl gar+1rot+er pos n. garotter sub head garrotte or garroter syl ga+1rott+er pos n. garrulous ety C17: from Latin garrulus, from garr*_ire to chatter garrulous 1. syl gar+ru+lous pron <1g@rul*s> pos adj. def given to constant and frivolous chatter; loquacious; talkative. garrulous 2. syl gar+ru+lous pron <1g@rul*s> pos adj. def wordy or diffuse; prolix. garrulously sub head garrulous syl gar+ru+lous+ly pos adv. garrulousness sub head garrulous or garrulity syl gar+ru+lous+ness pron pos n. garrulity sub head garrulous or garrulousness syl gar+ru+li:ty pron pos n. garrya ety C19: named after Nicholas Garry (1781-1856), an officer of the Hudson's Bay Company garrya 0. syl gar+ry:a pron <1g@ri*> pos n. def any ornamental catkin-bearing evergreen shrub of the North American genus family garter ety C14: from Old Northern French gartier, from garet bend of the knee, probably of Celtic origin garter 1. syl gar+ter pron <1ga:t*> pos n. def a band, usually of elastic, worn round the arm or leg to hold up a shirt sleeve, sock, or stocking. garter 2. syl gar+ter pron <1ga:t*> pos n. def the U.S. word for {suspender}. garter 3. syl gar+ter pron <1ga:t*> pos vb. mod tr. def to fasten, support, or secure with or as if with a garter. Garthe infl head Garter syl Gar+the. pos n. Garter 1. syl Gar+ter pron <1ga:t*> pos n. def See {Order of the Garter}. Garter 2.a. syl Gar+ter pron <1ga:t*> pos n. def the badge of this Order. Garter 2.b. syl Gar+ter pron <1ga:t*> pos n. def membership of this Order. garter snake 0. syl gar+ter snake pos n. def any nonvenomous North American colubrid snake of the genus typically marked with longitudinal stripes. garter stitch 0. syl gar+ter stitch pos n. def knitting in which all the rows are knitted in plain stitch instead of alternating with purl rows. garth ety C14: from Old Norse garthr; related to Old English geard {#7yard %2} garth H1.1. syl garth pron pos n. def a courtyard surrounded by a cloister. garth H1.2. syl garth pron pos n. qual Archaic. def a yard or garden. garth ety dialect variant of #7girth garth H2.0. syl garth pron pos n. qual Northern English dialect. def a child's hoop, often the rim of a bicycle wheel. Gary 0. syl Gar:y pron <1g@ri> pos n. def a port in NW Indiana, on Lake Michigan: a major world steel producer. Pop.: 177925 (1973 est.). gas ety C17 (coined by J. B. van Helmont (1577-1644), Flemish chemist): modification of Greek khaos atmosphere gases infl head gas or gasses syl gas:es pos n. mod pl. gasses infl head gas or gases syl gas+ses. pos n. mod pl. gas 1. syl gas pron pos n. def a substance in the physical state in which the attractive forces between its constituent atoms or molecules are not sufficiently strong to have a marked effect on their positions or mobility. gas 2. syl gas pron pos n. def any substance that is gaseous at room temperature and atmospheric pressure. gas 3. syl gas pron pos n. def any gaseous substance that is above its critical temperature and therefore not liquefiable by pressure alone. Compare { {vapour} (sense 2).} gas 4.a. syl gas pron pos n. def a fossil fuel in the form of a gas, used as a source of domestic and industrial heat. See also {coal gas, natural gas}. gas 4.b. syl gas pron pos n. usage as modifier exam 1 a gas cooker; exam 2 gas fire. gas 5. syl gas pron pos n. def a gaseous anaesthetic, such as nitrous oxide. gas 6. syl gas pron pos n. qual Mining. def firedamp or the explosive mixture of firedamp and air. gas 7. syl gas pron pos n. def the usual U.S. word for {petrol}. gas 8.a. syl gas pron pos n. def to increase the speed of a motor vehicle; accelerate. gas 8.b. syl gas pron pos n. def to hurry. gas 9. syl gas pron pos n. def a toxic, etc., substance in suspension in air used against an enemy, etc. gas 10.a. syl gas pron pos n. def idle talk or boasting. gas 10.b. syl gas pron pos n. qual Chiefly U.S. def a delightful or successful person or thing. exam 1 his latest record is a gas. gases infl head gas or gasses syl gas:es pos vb. gasses infl head gas or gases syl gas+ses pos vb. gassing infl head gas syl gas+sing pos vb. gassed infl head gas syl gassed. pos vb. gas 11. syl gas pron pos vb. mod tr. def to provide or fill with gas. gas 12. syl gas pron pos vb. mod tr. def to subject to gas fumes, esp. so as to asphyxiate or render unconscious. gas 13. syl gas pron pos vb. mod intr. def to give off gas, as in the charging of a battery. gas 14. syl gas pron pos vb. mod tr. usage in textiles def to singe (fabric) with a flame from a gas burner to remove unwanted fibres. gas 15. syl gas pron pos vb. mod intr. qual Informal. usage foll. by to def to talk in an idle or boastful way (to a person). gas 16. syl gas pron pos vb. mod tr. qual Slang, chiefly U.S. def to thrill or delight. gasless sub head gas syl gas+less pos adj. gasbag 0. syl gas+bag pron <1g@s2b@g> pos n. qual Slang. def a person who talks in a vapid or empty way. gas black 0. syl gas black pos n. def finely powdered carbon produced by burning natural gas. It is used as a pigment in paints, etc. gas burner 1. syl gas burn+er pos n. def Also called: {gas jet}. a jet or nozzle from which a combustible gas issues in order to form a stable flame. gas burner 2. syl gas burn+er pos n. def an assembly of such jets or nozzles, used esp. in cooking. oven alt head gas chamber or gas chamber syl ov:en pos n. gas chamber 0. or oven syl gas cham+ber pos n. def an airtight room into which poison gas is introduced to kill people or animals. gas chromatography 0. syl gas chro+ma+tog+ra+phy pos n. def a technique for analysing a mixture of volatile substances in which the mixture is carried by an inert gas through a column packed with a selective adsorbent and a detector records on a moving strip the conductivity of the gas leaving the tube. Peaks on the resulting graph indicate the presence of a particular component. Also called: {gas-liquid chromatography}. gas coal 0. syl gas coal pos n. def coal that is rich in volatile hydrocarbons, making it a suitable source of domestic gas. gascon ety C14: from Old French gascoun; compare Latin Vascon*_es Basque gascon 0. syl gas+con pron <1g@sk*n> pos n. qual Rare. def a boaster; braggart. Gascon 1. syl Gas+con pron <1g@sk*n> pos n. def a native or inhabitant of Gascony. Gascon 2. syl Gas+con pron <1g@sk*n> pos n. def the dialect of French spoken in Gascony. Gascon 3. syl Gas+con pron <1g@sk*n> pos adj. def of or relating to Gascony, its inhabitants, or their dialect of French. gasconade ety C18: from French gasconnade, from gasconner to chatter, boast like a G#7ascon gasconade 1. syl gas+con+ade pron <2g@sk*1nAd> pos n. qual Rare. def boastful talk, bragging, or bluster. gasconade 2. syl gas+con+ade pron <2g@sk*1nAd> pos vb. mod intr. qual Rare. def to boast, brag, or bluster. gasconader sub head gasconade syl gas+con+1ad+er pos n. gas constant 0. syl gas con+stant pos n. def the constant in the gas equation. It is equal to 8.3143 joules per kelvin per mole. Symbol. exam 1 R Gascony 0. syl Gas+co+ny pron <1g@sk*ni> pos n. def a former province of SW France. French name: {Gas+cogne} (ga#!sk@$$j) . gas-cooled reactor 0. syl gas-cooled re+ac+tor pos n. def a nuclear reactor using a gas as the coolant. In the Mark I type the coolant is carbon dioxide, the moderator is graphite, and the fuel is uranium cased in magnox. See also {advanced gas-cooled reactor}. gaselier 0. syl gas+e:lier pron <2g@s*1li*> pos n. def a variant spelling of {gasolier}. gas engine 0. syl gas en+gine pos n. def a type of internal-combustion engine using a flammable gas, such as coal gas or natural gas, as fuel. gaseous 0. syl gas+e:ous pron <1g@si*s>, <-S*s>, <-Si*s>, <1gA-> pos adj. def of, concerned with, or having the characteristics of a gas. gaseousness sub head gaseous syl gas+e:ous+ness pos n. gas equation 0. syl gas e:qua+tion pos n. def an equation, obtained by combining Boyle's and Charles' laws, that equates the product of the pressure and the volume of an ideal gas to the product of its thermodynamic temperature and the {gas constant}. Also called: {ideal gas equation} or {law}. gas fixture 0. syl gas fix+ture pos n. def a wall or ceiling attachment for holding a gaslight. gas gangrene 0. syl gas gan+grene pos n. def gangrene resulting from infection of a wound by anaerobic bacteria (esp. that cause gas bubbles and swelling in the surrounding tissues. gash ety C16: from Old French garser to scratch, wound, from Vulgar Latin chariss*_are (unattested), from Greek kharassein to scratch gash 1. syl gash pron pos vb. mod tr. def to make a long deep cut or wound in; slash. gash 2. syl gash pron pos n. def a long deep cut or wound. gasholder 1. syl gas+hold:er pron <1g@s2h*uld*> pos n. def Also called: {gasometer}. a large tank for storing coal gas or natural gas prior to distribution to users. gasholder 2. syl gas+hold:er pron <1g@s2h*uld*> pos n. def any vessel for storing or measuring a gas. gasiform 0. syl gas:i+form pron <1g@si2fc:m> pos adj. def in a gaseous form. gasifies infl head gasify syl gas:i+fies pos vb. gasifying infl head gasify syl gas:i+fy+ing pos vb. gasified infl head gasify syl gas:i+fied. pos vb. gasify 1. syl gas:i+fy pron <1g@si2fI> pos vb. def to make into or become a gas. gasify 2. syl gas:i+fy pron <1g@si2fI> pos vb. def to subject (coal, etc.) to destructive distillation to produce gas, esp. for use as a fuel. gasifiable sub head gasify syl gas:i+2fi+a:ble pos adj. gasification sub head gasify syl gas:i+fi+1ca+tion pos n. gasifier sub head gasify syl gas:i+2fi+er pos n. Mrs infl head Gaskell syl Mrs. pos n. Gaskell 0. syl Gas:kell pron <1g@skL> pos n. def married name of 1810-65, English novelist. Her novels include (1848), an account of industrial life in Manchester, and (1853), a social study of a country village. gasket ety C17 (in the sense: rope lashing a furled sail): probably from French garcette rope's end, literally: little girl, from Old French garce girl, feminine of gars boy, servant gasket 1. syl gas+ket pron <1g@skit> pos n. def a compressible packing piece of paper, rubber, asbestos, etc., sandwiched between the metal faces of a joint to provide a seal. gasket 2. syl gas+ket pron <1g@skit> pos n. qual Nautical. def a piece of line used as a sail stop. blow a gasket 3. head gasket syl blow a gasket. qual Slang. def to burst out in anger. gaskin ety C16: perhaps shortened from #7galligaskins gaskin 0. syl gas+kin pron <1g@skin> pos n. def the lower part of a horse's thigh, between the hock and the stifle. gas laws 0. syl gas laws pos n. mod pl. def the physical laws obeyed by gases, esp. Boyle's law and Charles' law. See also {gas equation}. gaslight 1. syl gas+light pron <1g@s2lIt> pos n. def a type of lamp in which the illumination is produced by an incandescent mantle heated by a jet of gas. gaslight 2. syl gas+light pron <1g@s2lIt> pos n. def the light produced by such a lamp. gas lighter 1. syl gas light+er pos n. def a device for igniting a jet of gas. gas lighter 2. syl gas light+er pos n. def a cigarette lighter using a gas as fuel. gas main 0. syl gas main pos n. def a large pipeline in which gas is carried for distribution through smaller pipes to consumers. gasmen infl head gasman syl gas+men. pos n. mod pl. gasman 0. syl gas+man pron <1g@s2m@n> pos n. def a man employed to read household gas meters, supervise gas fittings, etc. gas mantle 0. syl gas man+tle pos n. def a mantle for use in a gaslight. See { {mantle} (sense 3).} gas mask 0. syl gas mask pos n. def a mask fitted with a chemical filter to enable the wearer to breathe air free of poisonous or corrosive gases: used for military or industrial purposes. Also called (in Brit.): {respirator}. gas meter 0. syl gas me+ter pos n. def an apparatus for measuring and recording the amount of gas passed through it. gas oil 0. syl gas oil pos n. def a fuel oil obtained in the distillation of petroleum, intermediate in viscosity and boiling point between paraffin and lubricating oils. It boils above about 250?%C. gasolier ety C19: from #7gas+ (#7chand) #7elier gaselier alt head gasolier or gasolier syl gas+e:lier pron <2g@s*1li*> pos n. gasolier 0. or gaselier syl gas+o:lier pron <2g@s*1li*> pos n. def a branched hanging fitting for gaslights. gasolene alt head gasoline or gasoline syl gas:o+lene pron <1g@s*2lEn> pos n. gasoline 0. or gasolene syl gas:o+line pron <1g@s*2lEn> pos n. def the U.S. name for {petrol}. gasolinic sub head gasoline syl gas:o+lin+ic pron <2g@s*1linik> pos adj. gasometer 0. syl gas+om+e:ter pron pos n. def a nontechnical name for {gasholder}. gasometric sub head gasometer or gasometrical syl gas:o+met+ric pron <2g@s*1metrik> pos adj. gasometrical sub head gasometer or gasometric syl gas:o+1met+ri+cal pos adj. gasometry 0. syl gas+om+e:try pron pos n. def the measurement of quantities of gases. gas oven 1. syl gas ov:en pos n. def a domestic oven heated by gas. gas oven 2. syl gas ov:en pos n. def a gas-fuelled cremation chamber. gas oven 3. syl gas ov:en pos n. def another name for {gas chamber}. gasp ety C14: from Old Norse geispa to yawn; related to Swedish dialect gispa, Danish gispe gasp 1. syl gasp pron pos vb. mod intr. def to draw in the breath sharply, con?!vulsively, or with effort, esp. in expressing awe, horror, etc. gasp 2. syl gasp pron pos vb. mod intr. usage foll. by after or for def to crave. gasp 3. syl gasp pron pos vb. mod tr. usage often foll. by out def to utter or emit breathlessly. gasp 4. syl gasp pron pos n. def a short convulsive intake of breath. gasp 5. syl gasp pron pos n. def a short convulsive burst of speech. gasp 6.a. syl gasp pron pos n. def at the point of death. gasp 6.b. syl gasp pron pos n. def at the last moment. gaspingly sub head gasp syl gasp+ing+ly pos adv. Gaspar 0. syl Gas+par pron <1g@sp*>, <1g@spa:> pos n. def a variant of {Caspar}. Gasp'e Peninsula 0. syl Gas+p*'e Pen+in+su+la pron , French pos n. def a peninsula in E Canada, in SE Quebec between the St. Lawrence River and New Brunswick: mountainous and wooded with many lakes and rivers. Area: about 29500 sq. km (11400 sq. miles). gasper 1. syl gasp+er pron <1ga:sp*> pos n. def a person who gasps. gasper 2. syl gasp+er pron <1ga:sp*> pos n. qual Brit. slang. def a cheap cigarette. gas plant 0. syl gas plant pos n. def an aromatic white-flowered Eurasian rutaceous plant, that emits a vapour capable of being ignited. Also called: {burning bush, dittany, fraxinella}. gas poker 0. syl gas pok+er pos n. def a long tubular gas burner used to kindle a fire. gas ring 0. syl gas ring pos n. def a circular assembly of gas jets, used esp. for cooking. gasser 0. syl gas+ser pron <1g@s*> pos n. def a drilling or well that yields natural gas. Herbert Spencer infl head Gasser syl Her:bert Spen:cer. pos n. Gasser 0. syl Gas:ser pron <1g@s*> pos n. def 1888-1963, U.S. physi?!ologist: shared a Nobel prize for medicine (1944) with Erlanger for work on electrical signs of nervous activity. gassing 1. syl gas+sing pron <1g@siG> pos n. def the act or process of supplying or treating with gas. gassing 2. syl gas+sing pron <1g@siG> pos n. def the affecting or poisoning of persons with gas or fumes. gassing 3. syl gas+sing pron <1g@siG> pos n. def the evolution of a gas, esp. in electrolysis. gas station 0. syl gas sta+tion pos n. qual Chiefly U.S. def another term for {filling station}. gassier infl head gassy syl gas+si+er pos adj. gassiest infl head gassy syl gas+si+est. pos adj. gassy 1. syl gas+sy pron <1g@si> pos adj. def filled with, containing, or resembling gas. gassy 2. syl gas+sy pron <1g@si> pos adj. qual Slang. def full of idle or vapid talk. gassiness sub head gassy syl gas+si+ness pos n. gasteropod 0. syl gas+ter:o+pod pron <1g@st*r*2pod> pos n. adj. def a variant spelling of {gastropod}. gas thermometer 0. syl gas ther+mom+e:ter pos n. def a device for measuring temperature by observing the pressure of gas at a constant volume or the volume of a gas kept at a constant pressure. gastight 0. syl gas+tight pron <1g@s2tIt> pos adj. def not allowing gas to enter or escape. gastralgia 0. syl gas+tral+gi:a pron pos n. def pain in the stomach. gastralgic sub head gastralgia syl gas+1tral+gic pos adj. gastrectomies infl head gastrectomy syl gas+trec+to+mies. pos n. mod pl. gastrectomy 0. syl gas+trec+to+my pron pos n. def surgical removal of all or part of the stomach. gastric 0. syl gas+tric pron <1g@strik> pos adj. def of, relating to, near, or involving the stomach. exam 1 gastric pains. gastric juice 0. syl gas+tric juice pos n. def a digestive fluid secreted by the stomach, containing hydrochloric acid, pepsin, rennin, etc. gastric ulcer 0. syl gas+tric ul+cer pos n. def an ulcer of the mucous membrane lining the stomach. Compare {peptic ulcer}. gastrin 0. syl gas+trin pron <1g@strin> pos n. def a polypeptide hormone secreted by the stomach: stimulates secretion of gastric juice. gastritis 0. syl gas+tri+tis pron pos n. def inflammation of the stomach. gastritic sub head gastritis syl gas+trit+ic pron pos adj. gastro- ety from Greek gast*_er gastroenteric 0. syl gas+tro+en+ter+ic pron <2g@str*uen1terik> pos adj. def another word for {gastrointestinal}. gastroenteritis 0. syl gas+tro+en+ter:i+tis pron <2g@str*u2ent*1rItis> pos n. def inflammation of the stomach and intestines. gastroenteritic sub head gastroenteritis syl gas+tro+en+ter+it+ic pron <2g@str*u?!2ent*1ritik> pos adj. gastroenterology 0. syl gas+tro+en+ter+ol+o:gy pron <2g@str*u2ent*1rol*Ji> pos n. def the branch of medical science concerned with diseases of the stomach and intestines. gastroenterologist sub head gastroenterology syl gas:tro+2en+ter+1ol:o+gist pos n. gastroenterostomies infl head gastroenterostomy syl gas+tro+en+ter+os+to+mies. pos n. mod pl. gastroenterostomy 0. syl gas+tro+en+ter+os+to+my pron <2g@str*u2ent*1rost*mi> pos n. def surgical formation of an artificial opening between the stomach and the small intestine. gastrointestinal 0. syl gas+tro+in+tes+ti+nal pron <2g@str*uin1testinL> pos adj. def of or relating to the stomach and intestinal tract. gastrolith 0. syl gas+tro+lith pron <1g@str*liT> pos n. qual Pathol. def a stone in the stomach; gastric calculus. gastrology 0. syl gas+trol+o:gy pron pos n. def another name for {gastro?!enterol?!ogy}. gastrological sub head gastrology syl gas+tro+log:i+cal pron <2g@str*1loJikL> pos adj. gastrologist sub head gastrology syl gas+1trol:o+gist pos n. gastronomer infl head gastronome or gastronomist syl gas+tron:o+mer pron pos n. gastronomist infl head gastronome or gastronomer syl gas+tron:o+mist pos n. gastronome 0. syl gas+tro+nome pron <1g@str*2n*um> pos n. def less common words for {gourmet}. gastronomy ety C19: from French gastronomie, from Greek gastronomia, from gast*_er stomach; see -#7nomy gastronomy 1. syl gas+tron:o+my pron pos n. def the art of good eating. gastronomy 2. syl gas+tron:o+my pron pos n. def the type of cookery of a particular region. exam 1 the gastronomy of Provence. gastronomic sub head gastronomy or gastronomical syl gas+tro+nom+ic pron <2g@str*1nomik> pos adj. gastronomical sub head gastronomy or gastronomic syl gas+tro+1nom:i+cal pos adj. gastronomically sub head gastronomy syl gas+tro+1nom:i+cal+ly pos adv. gasteropod alt head gastropod or gastropod syl gas+ter:o+pod pron <1g@st*r*2pod> pos n. gastropod 1. or gasteropod syl gas+tro+pod pron <1g@str*2pod> pos n. def any mollusc of the class typically having a flattened muscular foot for locomotion and a head that bears stalked eyes. The class includes the snails, whelks, limpets, and slugs. gastropod 2. or gasteropod syl gas+tro+pod pron <1g@str*2pod> pos adj. def of, relating to, or belonging to the gastropodan sub head gastropod syl gas+trop:o+dan pron pos adj. n. gastropodous sub head gastropod syl gas+?!1trop:o+dous pos adj. gastroscope 0. syl gas+tro+scope pron <1g@str*2sk*up> pos n. def a medical instrument for examining the interior of the stomach. gastroscopic sub head gastroscope syl gas+tro+scop+ic pron <2g@str*1skopik> pos adj. gastroscopist sub head gastroscope syl gas+tros+co+pist pron pos n. gastroscopy sub head gastroscope syl gas+1tros+co+py pos n. gastrostomies infl head gastrostomy syl gas+tros+to+mies. pos n. mod pl. gastrostomy 0. syl gas+tros+to+my pron pos n. def surgical formation of an artificial opening into the stomach from the skin surface: used for feeding. gastrotomies infl head gastrotomy syl gas+tro+to+mies. pos n. mod pl. gastrotomy 0. syl gas+tro+to+my pron pos n. def surgical incision into the stomach. gastrotrich 0. syl gas+tro+trich pron <1g@str*trik> pos n. def any minute aquatic multicellular animal of the phylum having a wormlike body covered with cilia and bristles. gastrovascular 0. syl gas+tro+vas+cu+lar pron <2g@str*u1v@skjul*> pos adj. usage esp. of the body cavities of coelenterates def functioning in digestion and circulation. gastrula ety C19: New Latin: little stomach, from Greek gast*_er belly gastrulas infl head gastrula or gastrulae syl gas+tru+las pron <-2lE> pos n. mod pl. gastrulae infl head gastrula or gastrulas syl gas+tru+lae pron <-2lE> pos n. mod pl. gastrula 0. syl gas+tru+la pron <1g@strul*> pos n. def a saclike animal embryo consisting of three layers of cells (see {ectoderm, mesoderm}, and {endoderm}) surrounding a central cavity (archenteron) with a small opening (blastopore) to the exterior. gastrular sub head gastrula syl gas+tru+lar pos adj. gastrulation 0. syl gas+tru+la+tion pron <2g@stru1lAS*n> pos n. qual Embryol. def the process in which a gastrula is formed from a blastula by the inward migration of cells. gas turbine 0. syl gas tur+bine pos n. def an internal-combustion engine in which the expanding gases emerging from one or more combustion chambers drive a turbine. A rotary compressor driven by the turbine compresses the air used for combustion, power being taken either as torque from the turbine or thrust from the expanding gases. gas well 0. syl gas well pos n. def a well for obtaining natural gas. gasworks 0. syl gas+works pron <1g@s2wR:ks> pos n. mod functioning as; sing. def a plant in which gas, esp. coal gas, is made. gat H1.0. syl gat pron pos vb. qual Archaic. def a past tense of {get}. gat ety C20: shortened from G#7atling gun gat H2.0. syl gat pron pos n. qual Slang, chiefly U.S. def a pistol or revolver. gat ety C18: probably from Old Norse gat passage; related to #7gate %1 gat H3.0. syl gat pron pos n. def a narrow channel of water. gate ety Old English geat; related to Old Frisian jet opening, Old Norse gat opening, passage gate H1.1. syl gate pron pos n. def a movable barrier, usually hinged, for closing an opening in a wall, fence, etc. gate H1.2. syl gate pron pos n. def an opening to allow passage into or out of an enclosed place. gate H1.3. syl gate pron pos n. def any means of entrance or access. gate H1.4. syl gate pron pos n. def a mountain pass or gap, esp. one providing entry into another country or region. gate H1.5. syl gate pron pos n. def a valve with a sliding or swinging component that regulates the flow of a liquid or gas in a pipe, etc. gate H1.6.a. syl gate pron pos n. def the number of people admitted to a sporting event or entertainment. gate H1.6.b. syl gate pron pos n. def the total entrance money received from them. gate H1.7. syl gate pron pos n. usage in a large airport def any of the numbered exits leading to the airfield or aircraft. exam 1 passengers for Paris should proceed to gate 14. gate H1.8. syl gate pron pos n. qual Horse racing. def short for {starting gate}. gate H1.9.a. syl gate pron pos n. def a logic circuit having one or more input terminals and one output terminal, the output being switched between two voltage levels determined by the combination of input signals. gate H1.9.b. syl gate pron pos n. def a circuit used in radar, etc., that allows only a fraction of the input signal to pass. gate H1.10. syl gate pron pos n. def the electrode region or regions in a field-effect transistor that is biased to control the conductivity of the channel between the source and drain. gate H1.11. syl gate pron pos n. def a component in a motion-picture camera or projector that holds each frame flat and momentarily stationary behind the lens. gate H1.12. syl gate pron pos n. def a slotted metal frame that controls the positions of the gear lever in a motor vehicle. gate H1.13. syl gate pron pos n. qual Rowing. def a hinged clasp to prevent the oar from jumping out of a rowlock. gate H1.14. syl gate pron pos n. def a frame surrounding the blade or blades of a saw. gate H1.15. syl gate pron pos vb. mod tr. qual Brit. def to restrict (a student) to the school or college grounds as a punishment. gateless sub head gate syl gate+less pos adj. gatelike sub head gate syl gate+2like pos adj. gate ety C17: probably related to Old English gyte a pouring out, geotan to pour gate H2.1. syl gate pron pos n. qual Dialect. def the channels by which molten metal is poured into a mould. gate H2.2. syl gate pron pos n. qual Dialect. def the metal that solidifies in such channels. gate ety C13: from Old Norse gata path; related to Old High German gazza road, street gate H3.1. syl gate pron pos n. qual Archaic or northern English dialect. def a way, road, or path. gate H3.2. syl gate pron pos n. qual Archaic or northern English dialect. def a way or method of doing something. gateau ety French: cake gateaux infl head gateau syl g*^a+teaux pron <-t*uz> pos n. mod pl. gateau 0. syl g*^a+teau pron <1g@t*u> pos n. def any of various elaborate and rich cakes. gate-crash 0. syl gate-crash pos vb. qual Informal. def to gain entry to (a party, concert, etc.) without invitation or payment. &- {#!gate-@!crash@.er} gatefold 0. syl gate+fold pron <1gAt2f*uld> pos n. def an oversize page in a book or magazine that is folded in. Also called: {foldout}. gatehouse 1. syl gate+house pron <1gAt2haus> pos n. def a house built at or over a gateway, used as a fortification, etc. gatehouse 2. syl gate+house pron <1gAt2haus> pos n. def a structure that houses the controls operating lock gates or dam sluices. gatekeeper 1. syl gate+keep:er pron <1gAt2kEp*> pos n. def a person who has charge of a gate and controls who may pass through it. gatekeeper 2. syl gate+keep:er pron <1gAt2kEp*> pos n. def any of several Eurasian butterflies of the genus esp. having brown-bordered orange wings with a black-and-white eyespot on each forewing: family gate-legged table alt head gate-leg table or gate-leg table syl gate-legged ta+ble pos n. gate-leg table 0. or gate-legged table syl gate-leg ta+ble pos n. def a table with one or two drop leaves that are supported when in use by a hinged leg swung out from the frame. gate money 0. syl gate mon+ey pos n. def the total receipts taken for admission to a sporting event or other entertainment. gatepost 1.a. syl gate+post pron <1gAt2p*ust> pos n. def the post on which a gate is hung. gatepost 1.b. syl gate+post pron <1gAt2p*ust> pos n. def the post to which a gate is fastened when closed. me infl head gatepost syl me and the gatepost infl head gatepost syl and the gatepost. between you 2. head gatepost syl between you def confidentially. Horatio infl head Gates syl Ho:ra:ti:o. pos n. Gates 0. syl Gates pron pos n. def ??1728-1806, American Revolutionary general: defeated the British at Saratoga (1777). Gateshead 0. syl Gates+head pron <1gAts2hed> pos n. def a port in NE England, in Tyne and Wear: engineering works. Pop.: 94457 (1971). gateway 1. syl gate+way pron <1gAt2wA> pos n. def an entrance that may be closed by or as by a gate. gateway 2. syl gate+way pron <1gAt2wA> pos n. def a means of entry or access. exam 1 Bombay, gateway to India. Gath 0. syl Gath pron pos n. qual Old Testament. def one of the five cities of the Philistines, from which Goliath came (I Samuel 17:4) and near which Saul fell in battle (II Samuel 1:20). Douay spelling: {Geth} (g$e#Gg). Gatha ety from Avestan g*_ath*_a-; related to Sanskrit g*_ath*_a song Gatha 0. syl Ga+tha pron <1ga:t*> pos n. qual Zoroastrianism. def any of a number of versified sermons in the Avesta that are in a more ancient dialect than the rest. gather ety Old English gadrian; related to Old Frisian gaderia, Middle Low German gaderen gather 1. syl gath+er pron <1g@@d*> pos vb. def to assemble or cause to assemble. gather 2. syl gath+er pron <1g@@d*> pos vb. def to collect or be collected gradually; muster. gather 3. syl gath+er pron <1g@@d*> pos vb. mod tr. def to learn from information given; conclude or assume. gather 4. syl gath+er pron <1g@@d*> pos vb. mod tr. def to pick or harvest (flowers, fruit, etc.). gather 5. syl gath+er pron <1g@@d*> pos vb. mod tr. usage foll. by to or into def to clasp or embrace. exam 1 the mother gathered the child into her arms. gather 6. syl gath+er pron <1g@@d*> pos vb. mod tr. def to bring close (to) or wrap (around). exam 1 she gathered her shawl about her shoulders. gather 7. syl gath+er pron <1g@@d*> pos vb. def to increase or cause to increase gradually, as in force, speed, intensity, etc. gather 8. syl gath+er pron <1g@@d*> pos vb. def to contract (the brow) or (of the brow) to become contracted into wrinkles; knit. gather 9. syl gath+er pron <1g@@d*> pos vb. mod tr. def to assemble (sections of a book) in the correct sequence for binding. gather 10. syl gath+er pron <1g@@d*> pos vb. mod tr. def to collect by making a selection. gather 11. syl gath+er pron <1g@@d*> pos vb. mod tr. def to prepare or make ready. exam 1 to gather one's wits. gather 12. syl gath+er pron <1g@@d*> pos vb. def to draw (material) into a series of small tucks or folds by passing a thread through it and then pulling it tight. gather 13. syl gath+er pron <1g@@d*> pos vb. mod intr. usage Informal. of a boil or other sore def to come to a head; form pus. be gathered to one's fathers 14. head gather syl be gathered to one's fathers. qual Euphemistic. def to die. gather 15.a. syl gath+er pron <1g@@d*> pos n. def the act of gathering. gather 15.b. syl gath+er pron <1g@@d*> pos n. def the amount gath?!ered. gather 16. syl gath+er pron <1g@@d*> pos n. def a small fold in material, as made by a tightly pulled stitch; tuck. gather 17. syl gath+er pron <1g@@d*> pos n. qual Printing. def an informal name for {{section} (sense 15)}. gatherable sub head gather syl gath+er+a:ble pos adj. gatherer sub head gather syl gath+er+er pos n. gathering 1. syl gath+er+ing pron <1g@@d*riG> pos n. def a group of people, things, etc., that are gathered together; assembly. gathering 2. syl gath+er+ing pron <1g@@d*riG> pos n. qual Sewing. def a gather or series of gathers in material. gathering 3.a. syl gath+er+ing pron <1g@@d*riG> pos n. def the formation of pus in a boil. gathering 3.b. syl gath+er+ing pron <1g@@d*riG> pos n. def the pus so formed. gathering 4. syl gath+er+ing pron <1g@@d*riG> pos n. qual Printing. def an informal name for { {section} (sense 15).} Gatling gun ety C19: named after R. J. Gatling (1818-1903), U.S. inventor Gatling gun 0. syl Gat:ling gun pron <1g@tliG> pos n. def a machine-gun equipped with a rotating cluster of barrels that are fired in succession. GATT 0. syl GATT pron pos n. usage acronym for def General Agreement on Tariffs and Trade: a multilateral international treaty signed in 1947 to promote trade, esp. by means of the reduction and elimination of tariffs and import quotas. Gat'un Lake 0. syl Ga+t*'un Lake pron Spanish pos n. def a lake in the Canal Zone, part of the Panama Canal: formed in 1912 on the completion of the {Gat*'un Dam} across the Chagres River. Area: 424 sq. km (164 sq. miles). gauche ety C18: from French: awkward, left, from Old French gauchir to swerve, ultimately of Germanic origin; related to Old High German wank*_on to stagger gauche 0. syl gauche pron pos adj. def lacking ease of manner; tactless. gauchely sub head gauche syl gauche+ly pos adv. gaucheness sub head gauche syl gauche+ness pos n. gaucherie 1. syl gau+che:rie pron <2g*uS*1rE>, <1g*uS*ri>, French pos n. def the quality of being gauche. gaucherie 2. syl gau+che:rie pron <2g*uS*1rE>, <1g*uS*ri>, French pos n. def a gauche act. gaucho ety C19: from American Spanish, probably from Quechuan w*'ahcha orphan, vagabond gauchos infl head gaucho syl gau+chos. pos n. mod pl. gaucho 0. syl gau+cho pron <1gauC*u> pos n. def a cowboy of the South American pampas, usually one of mixed Spanish and Indian descent. gaud ety C14: probably from Old French gaudir to be joyful, from Latin gaud*_ere gaud 0. syl gaud pron pos n. def an article of cheap finery; trinket; bauble. gauderies infl head gaudery syl gaud+er:ies. pos n. mod pl. gaudery 0. syl gaud+er:y pron <1gc:d*ri> pos n. def cheap finery or display. Antonio infl head Gaud'i syl An:to:nio pron pos n. Gaud'i 0. syl Gau:d*'i pron <1gaudi>, Spanish pos n. def 1852-1926, Spanish architect, regarded as one of the most original exponents of art nouveau in Europe and noted esp. for the church of the Sagrada familia, Barcelona. Gaudier-Brzeska 0. syl Gau:dier-Brzes:ka qual French def godje b#f$es#!ka) {Hen@.ri} (?~a#!ri). 1891-1915, French vorticist sculptor. gaudy ety C16: from #7gaud gaudier infl head gaudy syl gaud:i+er pos adj. gaudiest infl head gaudy syl gaud:i+est. pos adj. gaudy H1.0. syl gaud:y pron <1gc:di> pos adj. def gay, bright, or colourful in a crude or vulgar manner; garish. gaudily sub head gaudy syl gaud:i+ly pos adv. gaudiness sub head gaudy syl gaud:i+ness pos n. gaudy ety C16: from Latin gaudium joy, from gaud*_ere to rejoice gaudies infl head gaudy syl gaud:ies. pos n. mod pl. gaudy H2.0. syl gaud:y pron <1gc:di> pos n. qual Brit. def a celebratory festival or feast held at some schools and colleges. gauffer 0. syl gauf+fer pron <1g*uf*> pos n. vb. def a less common spelling of {goffer}. gauge ety C15: from Old Northern French, probably of Germanic origin gage alt head gauge or gauge syl gage pron pos vb. mod tr. gauge 1. or gage syl gauge pron pos vb. mod tr. def to measure or determine the amount, quantity, size, condition, etc., of. gauge 2. or gage syl gauge pron pos vb. mod tr. def to estimate or appraise; judge. gauge 3. or gage syl gauge pron pos vb. mod tr. def to check for conformity or bring into conformity with a standard measurement, etc. gauge 4. or gage syl gauge pron pos n. mod tr. def a standard measurement, dimension, capacity, or quantity. gauge 5. or gage syl gauge pron pos n. mod tr. def any of various instruments for measuring a quantity. exam 1 a pressure gauge. gauge 6. or gage syl gauge pron pos n. mod tr. def any of various devices used to check for conformity with a standard measurement. gauge 7. or gage syl gauge pron pos n. mod tr. def a standard or means for assessing; test; criterion. gauge 8. or gage syl gauge pron pos n. mod tr. def scope, capacity, or extent. gauge 9. or gage syl gauge pron pos n. mod tr. def the diameter of the barrel of a gun, esp. a shotgun. gauge 10. or gage syl gauge pron pos n. mod tr. def the thickness of sheet metal or the diameter of wire. gauge 11. or gage syl gauge pron pos n. mod tr. def the distance between the rails of a railway track. gauge 12. or gage syl gauge pron pos n. mod tr. def the distance between two wheels on the same axle of a vehicle, truck, etc. gauge 13. or gage syl gauge pron pos n. mod tr. qual Nautical. def the position of a vessel in relation to the wind and another vessel. One vessel may be windward ({weather gauge}) or leeward ({lee gauge}) of the other. gauge 14. or gage syl gauge pron pos n. mod tr. def the proportion of plaster of Paris added to mortar to accelerate its setting. gauge 15. or gage syl gauge pron pos n. mod tr. def the distance between the nails securing the slates, tiles, etc., of a roof. gauge 16. or gage syl gauge pron pos n. mod tr. def a measure of the fineness of woven or knitted fabric, usually expressed as the number of needles used per inch. gauge 17. or gage syl gauge pron pos adj. mod tr. usage of a pressure measurement def measured on a pressure gauge that registers zero at atmospheric pressure; above or below atmospheric pressure. exam 1 5 bar gauge. gaugeable sub head gauge or gageable syl gauge+a:ble pos adj. gageable sub head gauge or gaugeable syl gage+a:ble pos adj. gaugeably sub head gauge or gageably syl gauge+a:bly pos adv. gageably sub head gauge or gaugeably syl gage+a:bly pos adv. gager alt head gauger or gauger syl gag+er pron <1gAJ*> pos n. gauger 1. or gager syl gaug+er pron <1gAJ*> pos n. def a person or thing that gauges. gauger 2. or gager syl gaug+er pron <1gAJ*> pos n. qual Chiefly Brit. def a customs officer who inspects bulk merchandise, esp. liquor casks, for excise duty purposes. gauger 3. or gager syl gaug+er pron <1gAJ*> pos n. def a collector of excise taxes. Paul infl head Gauguin syl Paul pron pos n. Gauguin 0. syl Gau:guin pron French pos n. def 1848-1903, French postimpressionist painter, who worked in the South Pacific from 1891. Inspired by primitive art, his work is characterized by flat contrasting areas of pure colours. Gauhati 0. syl Gau+ha+ti pron pos n. def a city in NE India, in Assam on the River Brahmaputra: centre of British administration in Assam (1826-74). Pop.: 123784 (1971). Gaul 1. syl Gaul pron pos n. def an ancient region of W Europe corresponding to N Italy, France, Belgium, part of Germany, and the S Netherlands: divided into Cisalpine Gaul, which became a Roman province before 100 #7b.c., and Transalpine Gaul, which was conquered by Julius Caesar (58-51 #7b.c.) #7. Latin name: {Gallia}. Gaul 2. syl Gaul pron pos n. def a native of ancient Gaul. Gaul 3. syl Gaul pron pos n. def a Frenchman. Gauleiter ety German, from Gau district+ Leiter #7leader Gauleiter 0. syl Gau+lei+ter pron <1gau2lIt*> pos n. def a provincial governor in Germany under Hitler. Gaulish 1. syl Gaul+ish pron <1gc:liS> pos n. def the extinct language of the pre-Roman Gauls, belonging to the Celtic branch of the Indo-European family. Gaulish 2. syl Gaul+ish pron <1gc:liS> pos adj. def of or relating to ancient Gaul, the Gauls, or their language. Charles de infl head Gaulle syl Charles de. pos n. Gaulle 0. syl Gaulle pron , , French pos n. def See (Charles) {de Gaulle}. Gaullism 1. syl Gaull+ism pron <1g*uliz*m>, <1gc:-> pos n. def the conservative French nationalist policies and principles associated with General de Gaulle. Gaullism 2. syl Gaull+ism pron <1g*uliz*m>, <1gc:-> pos n. def a political movement founded on and supporting General de Gaulle's principles and policies. Gaullist 1. syl Gaull+ist pron <1g*ulist>, <1gc:-> pos n. def a supporter of Gaullism. {~} Gaullist 2. syl Gaull+ist pron <1g*ulist>, <1gc:-> pos n. def of, characteristic of, supporting, or relating to Gaullism. gaultheria ety C19: New Latin, after Jean-Fran*,cois Gaultier, 18th-century Canadian physician and botanist gaultheria 0. syl gaul+the:ri:a pron pos n. def any aromatic evergreen shrub of the ericaceous genus of America, Asia, and Australia, esp. the wintergreen. gaumless 0. syl gaum+less pron < (1gc:mlis> pos adj. def a variant spelling of {gormless}. gaunt ety C15: perhaps of Scandinavian origin; compare Norwegian dialect gand tall lean person gaunt 1. syl gaunt pron pos adj. def bony and emaciated in appearance. gaunt 2. syl gaunt pron pos adj. usage of places def bleak or desolate. gauntly sub head gaunt syl gaunt+ly pos adv. gauntness sub head gaunt syl gaunt+ness pos n. gauntlet ety C15: from Old French gantelet, diminutive of gant glove, of Germanic origin gantlet alt head gauntlet or gauntlet syl gant+let pron <1gc:ntlit> pos n. gauntlet H1.1. or gantlet syl gaunt+let pron <1gc:ntlit> pos n. def a medieval armoured leather glove. gauntlet H1.2. or gantlet syl gaunt+let pron <1gc:ntlit> pos n. def a heavy glove with a long cuff. take up 3. head gauntlet or throw down) the gauntlet syl take up usage to accept (or offer def a challenge. gauntlet ety C15: changed (through influence of {#7gauntlet %1}) from earlier gantlope; see {#7gantlet %1} gauntlet H2.1. syl gaunt+let pron <1gc:ntlit> pos n. def a punishment in which the victim is forced to run between two rows of men who strike at him as he passes: formerly a military punishment. gauntlet H2.2.a. syl gaunt+let pron <1gc:ntlit> pos n. def to suffer this punishment. gauntlet H2.2.b. syl gaunt+let pron <1gc:ntlit> pos n. def to endure an onslaught or ordeal, as of criticism. gauntlet H2.3. syl gaunt+let pron <1gc:ntlit> pos n. def a testing ordeal; trial. gauntlet H2.4. syl gaunt+let pron <1gc:ntlit> pos n. def a variant spelling of { {gantlet%1} (sense 1).} gauntries infl head gauntry syl gaun+tries. pos n. mod pl. gauntry 0. syl gaun+try pron <1gc:ntri> pos n. def a variant spelling of {gantry}. gaup 0. syl gaup pron pos vb. def a variant spelling of {gawp}. gaur ety C19: from Hindi, from Sanskrit gaura gaur 0. syl gaur pron pos n. def a large wild member of the cattle tribe, inhabiting mountainous regions of S Asia. gauss ety after K.F. G#7auss gauss infl syl gauss. pos n. mod pl. gauss 0. syl gauss pron pos n. def the cgs unit of magnetic flux density; the flux density that will induce an emf of 1 abvolt (10%-%8 volt) per centimetre in a wire moving across the field at a velocity of 1 centimetre per second. 1 gauss is equivalent to 10%-%4 tesla. Karl Friedrich infl head Gauss syl Karl Frie:drich pron pos adj. Gaussian infl head Gauss syl Gauss+i:an pron <1gausi*n> pos adj. Gaussian distribution 0. syl Gauss+i:an dis+tri+bu+tion pos n. def another name for {normal distribution}. gaussmeter 0. syl gauss+me:ter pron <1gaus2mEt*> pos n. def an instrument for measuring the intensity of a magnetic field. Gautama 0. syl Gau:ta:ma pron <1gaut*m*> pos n. def the Sanskrit form of the name assumed by Siddhartha, the future Buddha, when he became a monk. Th'eophile infl head Gautier syl Th*'e:o:phile pron pos n. Gautier 0. syl Gau:tier pron French pos n. def 1811-72, French poet, novelist, and critic. His early extravagant romanticism gave way to a preocupation with poetic form and expression that anticipated the Parnassians. gauze ety C16: from French gaze, perhaps from G#7aza, where it was believed to originate gauze 1.a. syl gauze pron pos n. def a transparent cloth of loose plain or leno weave. gauze 1.b. syl gauze pron pos n. usage as modifier exam 1 a gauze veil. gauze 2. syl gauze pron pos n. def a surgical dressing of muslin or similar material. gauze 3. syl gauze pron pos n. def any thin open-work material, such as wire. gauze 4. syl gauze pron pos n. def a fine mist or haze. gauzier infl head gauzy syl gauz:i+er pos adj. gauziest infl head gauzy syl gauz:i+est. pos adj. gauzy 0. syl gauz:y pron <1gc:zi> pos adj. def resembling gauze; thin and transparent. gauzily sub head gauzy syl gauz:i+ly pos adv. gauziness sub head gauzy syl gauz:i+ness pos n. gavage ety C19: from French, from gaver, from Old French (dialect) gave throat gavage 0. syl ga+vage pron <1g@va:Z> pos n. def forced feeding by means of a tube inserted into the stomach through the mouth. gave 0. syl gave pron pos vb. def the past tense of {give}. gavel ety C19: of unknown origin gavel 1. syl gav+el pron <1g@vL> pos n. def a small hammer used by a chairman, auctioneer, etc., to call for order or attention. gavel 2. syl gav+el pron <1g@vL> pos n. def a hammer used by masons to trim rough edges off stones. gavelkind ety C13: from Old English gafol tribute+ gecynd {#7kind %2} gavelkind 1. syl gav+el+kind pron <1g@vL2kInd> pos n. def a former system of land tenure peculiar to Kent based on the payment of rent to the lord instead of the performance of services by the tenant. gavelkind 2. syl gav+el+kind pron <1g@vL2kInd> pos n. def the land subject to such tenure. gavelkind 3. syl gav+el+kind pron <1g@vL2kInd> pos n. usage English law. formerly def land held under this system. gavial ety C19: from French, from Hindi ghariy*_al gharial infl head gavial or garial syl ghar+i:al pron <1g@ri*l> pos n. garial infl head gavial or gharial syl gar+i:al pron <1g@ri*l> pos n. gavial 1. syl ga+vi:al pron <1gAvi*l> pos n. def a large fish-eating Indian crocodilian, with a very long slender snout: family false gavial 2. head gavial syl false gavial. def a SE Asian crocodile, similar to but smaller than the gavial. Gavle 0. syl G*"av+le pron Swedish <1je:vl*> pos n. def a port in E Sweden, on an inlet of the Gulf of Bothnia. Pop.: 84625 (1970). gavotte ety C17: from French, from Proven*,cal gavoto, from gavot, mountaineer, dweller in the Alps (where the dance originated), from gava goitre (widespread in the Alps), from Old Latin gaba (unattested) throat gavot alt head gavotte or gavotte syl ga+vot pron pos n. gavotte 1. or gavot syl ga+votte pron pos n. def an old formal dance in quadruple time. gavotte 2. or gavot syl ga+votte pron pos n. def a piece of music composed for or in the rhythm of this dance. gawk ety C18: from Old Danish gaukr; probably related to #7gape gawk 1. syl gawk pron pos n. def a clumsy stupid person; lout. gawk 2. syl gawk pron pos vb. mod intr. def to stare in a stupid way; gape. gawkish alt head gawky or gawky syl gawk+ish pos adj. gawkier infl head gawky syl gawk:i+er pos adj. gawkiest infl head gawky syl gawk:i+est. pos adj. gawky 1. or gawkish syl gawk:y pron <1gc:ki> pos adj. def clumsy or ungainly; awkward. gawky 2. or gawkish syl gawk:y pron <1gc:ki> pos adj. qual West Yorkshire dialect. def left-handed. gawkily sub head gawky or gawkishly syl gawk:i+ly pos adv. gawkishly sub head gawky or gawkily syl gawk+ish+ly pos adv. gawkiness sub head gawky or gawkishness syl gawk:i+ness pos n. gawkishness sub head gawky or gawkiness syl gawk+ish+ness pos n. gawp ety C14 galpen; probably related to Old English gielpan to boast, #7yelp. Compare Dutch galpen to yelp gaup alt head gawp or gawp syl gaup pron pos vb. mod intr. gawp 0. or gaup syl gawp pron pos vb. mod intr. qual Brit. slang. usage often foll. by at def to stare stupidly; gape. gay ety C13: from Old French gai, from Old Proven*,cal, of Germanic origin gay 1. syl gay pron pos adj. def carefree and merry. exam 1 a gay temperament. gay 2. syl gay pron pos adj. def brightly coloured; brilliant. exam 1 a gay hat. gay 3. syl gay pron pos adj. def given to pleasure, esp. in social entertainment. exam 1 a gay life. gay 4. syl gay pron pos adj. def rakish or dissolute; licentious. exam 1 a gay old dog. gay 5.a. syl gay pron pos adj. qual Informal. def homosexual (used esp. by homosexuals of themselves). gay 5.b. syl gay pron pos as; n. def . exam 1 a group of gays. gayness sub head gay syl gay+ness pos n. John infl head Gay syl John. pos n. Gay 0. syl Gay pron pos n. def 1685-1732, English poet and dramatist; author of (1728). Gaya 0. syl Ga:ya pron <1ga:j*>, <1gI*> pos n. def a city in NE India, in central Bihar: Hindu place of pilgrimage and one of the holiest sites of Buddhism. Pop.: 179884 (1971). Gay Gordons 0. syl Gay Gor+dons pron <1gc:dNz> pos n. qual Brit. def an old-time ballroom dance. Joseph Louis infl head Gay-Lussac syl Jo:seph Louis pron <1lwi> pos n. Gay-Lussac 0. syl Gay-Lus:sac pron <1gA> <1lu:s@k>, French pos n. def 1778-1850, French physicist and chemist: discovered the law named after him (1808). He also investigated the effects of terrestrial magnetism, isolated boron and cyanogen, and discovered new methods of manufacturing sulphuric and oxalic acids. Gay-Lussac's law 1. syl Gay-Lus:sac's law pos n. def the principle that gases react together in volumes (measured at the same temperature and pressure) that bear a simple ratio to each other and to the gaseous products. Gay-Lussac's law 2. syl Gay-Lus:sac's law pos n. def another name for {Charles' law}. Gayomart 0. syl Ga:yo:mart pron pos n. qual Zoroastrianism. def the first man, whose seed was buried in the earth for 40 years and then produced the first human couple. gaz 1. syl gaz. qual abbrev. for: def gazette. gaz 2. syl gaz. qual abbrev. for: def gazetteer. Gaza 0. syl Ga:za pron <1ga:z*> pos n. def a city in the Gaza Strip: a Philistine city in biblical times. It was under Egyptian administration from 1949 until occupied by Israel (1967). Pop.: 118272 (1967). Arabic name: {Ghazzah}. Gazankulu 0. syl Gaz+an+ku+lu pron <2gazaG1ku:lu:> pos n. def a Bantustan in South Africa: consists of four exclaves, three in N Transvaal and one in E Transvaal. Capital: Giyani. Gaza Strip 0. syl Ga:za Strip pos n. def a coastal region on the SE corner of the Mediterranean: administered by Egypt from 1949; occupied by Israel in 1967. Pop. (with North Sinai): 390700 (1967). gaze ety C14: from Swedish dialect gasa to gape at gaze 1. syl gaze pron pos vb. mod intr. def to look long and fixedly, esp. in wonder or admiration. gaze 2. syl gaze pron pos n. def a fixed look; stare. gazer sub head gaze syl gaz+er pos n. gazebo ety C18: perhaps a pseudo-Latin coinage based on #7gaze gazebos infl head gazebo or gazeboes syl ga+ze:bos pos n. mod pl. gazeboes infl head gazebo or gazebos syl ga+ze:boes. pos n. mod pl. gazebo 0. syl ga+ze:bo pron pos n. def a summerhouse, garden pavilion, or belvedere, sited to command a view. gazehound 0. syl gaze+hound pron <1gAz2haund> pos n. def a hound such as a greyhound that hunts by sight rather than by scent. gazelle ety C17: from Old French, from Arabic ghaz*_al gazelles infl head gazelle or gazelle syl ga+zelles pos n. mod pl. gazelle infl or gazelles syl ga+zelle. pos n. mod pl. gazelle 0. syl ga+zelle pron pos n. def any small graceful usually fawn-coloured antelope of the genera and of Africa and Asia, such as ({Thomson's gazelle}) . gazelle-like sub head gazelle syl ga:1zelle-2like pos adj. gazette ety C17: from French, from Italian gazzetta, from Venetian dialect gazeta news sheet costing one gazet small copper coin, perhaps from gaza magpie, from Latin gaia, gaius jay gazette 1.a. syl ga+zette pron pos n. def a newspaper or official journal. gazette 1.b. syl ga+zette pron pos n. usage cap. when part of the name of a newspaper, etc. exam 1 the Thame Gazette. gazette 2. syl ga+zette pron pos n. qual Brit. def an official document containing public no?!tices, appointments, etc. Abbrev.: {gaz}. gazette 3. syl ga+zette pron pos vb. mod tr. qual Brit. def to announce or report (facts or an event) in a gazette. gazetted officer 0. syl ga+zet+ted of+fic+er pos n. usage in India def a senior official whose appointment is published in the government gazette. gazetteer 1. syl gaz+et+teer pron <2g@zi1ti*> pos n. def a book or section of a book that lists and describes places. Abbrev.: {gaz}. gazetteer 2. syl gaz+et+teer pron <2g@zi1ti*> pos n. qual Archaic. def a writer for a gazette or newspaper; journalist. Gaziantep 0. syl Ga+zi+an+tep pron <2ga:zEa:n1tep> pos n. def a city in S Turkey: base for Ibrahim Pasha's campaign against the Turks (1839) and centre of Turkish resistance to French forces (1921). Pop.: 300882 (1975). Former name (until 1921): {Aintab}. gazpacho ety from Spanish gazpacho 0. syl gaz+pa+cho pron , pos n. def a Spanish soup made from tomatoes, peppers, etc., and served cold. gazump ety C20: of uncertain origin gazump 1. syl ga+zump pron pos vb. qual Brit. def to raise the price of something, esp. a house, after agreeing a price verbally with (an intending buyer). gazump 2. syl ga+zump pron pos vb. mod tr. qual Brit. def to swindle or overcharge. gazump 3. syl ga+zump pron pos n. qual Brit. def the act or an instance of gazumping. gazumper sub head gazump syl ga+1zump+er pos n. GB 0. syl GB usage international car registration for def Great Britain. GB 0. syl G.B. qual abbrev. for def Great Britain. GBA 0. syl GBA usage international car registration for def Alderney. GBE 0. syl G.B.E. usage abbrev. for Knight or Dame def Grand Cross of the British Empire (a Brit. title). GBG 0. syl GBG usage international car registration for def Guernsey. GBH 0. syl G.B.H. qual abbrev. for def grievous bodily harm. GBJ 0. syl GBJ usage international car registration for def Jersey. GBM 0. syl GBM usage international car registration for def Isle of Man. GBZ 0. syl GBZ usage international car registration for def Gibraltar. GC 0. syl G.C. qual abbrev. for def George Cross (a Brit. award for bravery). GCA 1. syl GCA qual Aeronautics. abbrev. for def ground control approach. GCA 2. syl GCA usage international car registration for def Guatemala. GCB 0. syl G.C.B. usage abbrev. for Knight def Grand Cross of the Bath (a Brit. title). GCE 1. syl GCE qual abbrev. for usage in Britain def General Certificate of Education: either of two public examinations in specified subjects taken as school-leaving qualifications or as qualifying examinations for entry into a university. See also {O level, A level, S level}. GCE 2. syl GCE pos n. qual Informal. def any subject taken for one of these examinations, esp. for O level. exam 1 how many GCEs have you got?? gcf alt head GCF or GCF syl g.c.f. GCF 0. or gcf syl G.C.F. qual abbrev. for def greatest common factor. G clef 0. syl G clef pos n. def another name for {treble clef}. gcm alt head GCM or GCM syl g.c.m. GCM 0. or gcm syl G.C.M. qual abbrev. for def greatest common measure. GCMG 0. syl G.C.M.G. usage abbrev. for Knight or Dame def Grand Cross of the Order of St. Michael and St. George (a Brit. title). GCVO alt or GCVO syl GCVO GCVO 0. or GCVO syl G.C.V.O. usage abbrev. for Knight or Dame def Grand Cross of the Royal Victorian Order (a Brit. title). Gd 0. syl Gd usage the chemical symbol for def gadolinium. Gda'nsk 0. syl Gda*'nsk qual Polish def gdajnsk) Gda'nsk 1. syl Gda*'nsk qual Polish def the chief port of Poland, on the Baltic: a member of the Hanseatic league; under Prussian rule (1793-1807 and 1814-1919); a free city under the League of Nations from 1919 until annexed by Germany in 1939; returned to Poland in 1945. Pop.: 402200 (1974 est.). German name: {Danzig}. Bay of 2. head Gda'nsk syl Bay of. qual Polish def a wide inlet of the Baltic sea on the N coast of Poland. Gdns 0. syl Gdns. qual abbrev. for def Gardens. GDR 0. syl GDR qual abbrev. for def German Democratic Republic. gds 0. syl gds. qual abbrev. for def goods. Gdynia 0. syl Gdy+nia pron Polish <1gdinja> pos n. def a port in N Poland, near Gda*'nsk: developed 1924-39 as the outlet for trade through the Polish Corridor; naval base. Pop.: 211900 (1974 est.). Ge 0. syl Ge usage the chemical symbol for def germanium. Ge 0. syl Ge pron pos n. def another name for {Gaea}. gean 0. syl gean pron pos n. def another name for {sweet cherry}. geanticline ety C19: from Greek g*_e earth, land+#7anticline geanticline 0. syl ge+an:ti+cline pron pos n. def a gently sloping anticline covering a large area. geanticlinal sub head geanticline syl ge+2an:ti+1cli+nal pos adj. gear ety C13: from Old Norse gervi; related to Old High German garaw*_i equipment, Old English gearwe gear 1. syl gear pron pos n. def a toothed wheel that engages with another toothed wheel or with a rack in order to change the speed or direction of transmitted motion. gear 2. syl gear pron pos n. def a mechanism for trans?!mitting motion by gears, esp. for a specific purpose. exam 1 the steering gear of a boat. gear 3. syl gear pron pos n. def the engagement or specific ratio of a system of gears. exam 1 in gear; exam 2 high gear. gear 4. syl gear pron pos n. def equipment and supplies for a particular operation, sport, etc.. exam 1 fishing gear. gear 5. syl gear pron pos n. qual Nautical. def all equipment or appurtenances belonging to a certain vessel, sailor, etc. gear 6. syl gear pron pos n. def short for {landing gear}. gear 7.a. syl gear pron pos n. def up-to-date clothes and accessories, esp. those bought by young people. gear 7.b. syl gear pron pos n. def stolen goods. gear 8. syl gear pron pos n. def a less common word for { {harness} (sense 1).} out of gear 9. head gear syl out of gear. def out of order; not functioning properly. gear 10. syl gear pron pos vb. mod tr. def to adjust or adapt (one thing) so as to fit in or work with another. exam 1 to gear our output to current demand. gear 11. syl gear pron pos vb. mod tr. def to equip with or connect by gears. gear 12. syl gear pron pos vb. mod intr. def to be or come into gear. gear 13. syl gear pron pos vb. mod tr. def to equip with harness. gearless sub head gear syl gear+less pos adj. gearbox 1. syl gear+box pron <1gi*2boks> pos n. def the metal casing within which a train of gears is sealed. gearbox 2. syl gear+box pron <1gi*2boks> pos n. def this metal casing and its contents, esp. in a motor vehicle. gear down 0. syl gear down pos vb. adv. def to adapt to a new situation by decreasing output, intensity of operations, etc. gearing 1. syl gear+ing pron <1gi*riG> pos n. def an assembly of gears designed to transmit motion. gearing 2. syl gear+ing pron <1gi*riG> pos n. def the act or technique of providing gears to transmit motion. gearing 3. syl gear+ing pron <1gi*riG> pos n. qual Accounting, Brit. def the ratio of a company's debt capital to its equity capital. gearshift alt head gear lever or gear lever syl gear+shift pron <1gi*2Sift> pos n. qual U.S. gear lever 0. or gearshift syl gear le+ver pron <1gi*2Sift> pos n. def a lever used to move gear wheels relative to each other, esp. in a motor vehicle. gear up 1. syl gear up pos vb. adv. mod tr. def to equip with gears. gear up 2. syl gear up pos vb. adv. def to prepare, esp. for greater efficiency. exam 1 is our industry geared up for the eighties?? gearwheel 0. syl gear+wheel pron <1gi*2wEl> pos n. def another name for {gear} (sense 1). Geber 0. syl Ge:ber pron <1JEb*> pos n. def Latinized form of Jabir, assumed in honour of {Jabir ibn Hayyan} by a 14th-century alchemist, probably Spanish: he described the preparation of nitric and sulphuric acids. gecko ety C18: from Malay ge'kok, of imitative origin geckos infl head gecko or geckoes syl geck:os pos n. mod pl. geckoes infl head gecko or geckos syl geck:oes. pos n. mod pl. gecko 0. syl geck:o pron <1gek*u> pos n. def any small insectivorous terrestrial lizard of the family of warm regions. The digits have adhesive pads, which enable these animals to climb on smooth surfaces. gedact ety (gedeckt) from German: covered, from decken to cover gedeckt alt head gedact or gedact syl ge+deckt pron pos n. gedact 0. or gedeckt syl ge+dact pron , <-1d@kt> pos n. qual Music. def a flutelike stopped metal diapason organ pipe. gee H1.1. syl gee pron pos interj. def Also: {gee up&}! an exclamation, as to a horse or draught animal, to encourage it to turn to the right, go on, or go faster. gees infl head gee syl gees pos vb. geeing infl head gee syl gee+ing pos vb. geed infl head gee syl geed. pos vb. gee H1.2. syl gee pron pos vb. usage usually foll. by up def to move (an animal, esp. a horse) ahead; urge on. gee H1.3. syl gee pron pos n. qual Slang. def See {gee-gee}. gee ety C20: euphemism for J#7esus gee H2.0. syl gee pron pos interj. qual U.S. informal. def a mild exclamation. Also: {gee whiz}. gee-gee ety C19: reduplication of #7gee %1 gee-gee 0. syl gee-gee pron <1JE2JE> pos n. qual Slang. def a horse. geek ety C19: probably variant of Scottish geck fool, from Middle Low German geck geek 0. syl geek pron pos n. def a sideshow performer who bites the heads off or eats live animals. Geelong 0. syl Gee+long pron pos n. def a port in SE Australia, in S Victoria on Port Phillip Bay. Pop.: 129651 (1975 est.). geepound ety C20: from gee, representing #7g (#7ravity) #7+{pound %2} geepound 0. syl gee+pound pron <1JE2paund> pos n. def another name for { {slug%2} (sense 1).} geese 0. syl geese pron pos n. def the plural of {goose}. geest ety C19: Low German Geest dry soil geest 0. syl geest pron pos n. def an area of sandy heathland in N Germany and adjacent areas. Ge'ez 0. syl Ge'ez pron <1gEez> pos n. def the classical form of the ancient Ethiopic language, having an extensive Christian literature and still used in Ethiopia as a liturgical language. geezer ety C19: probably from dialect pronunciation of guiser, from #7guise+ -{#7er %1} geezer 0. syl gee+zer pron <1gEz*> pos n. qual Informal. def a man, esp. an old one regarded as eccentric. gefilte fish ety Yiddish, literally: filled fish gefullte fish alt head gefilte fish or gefilte fish syl ge+f*"ull+te fish pron pos n. gefilte fish 0. or gefullte fish syl ge+fil+te fish pron pos n. qual Jewish cookery. def a dish consisting of fish and matzo meal rolled into balls and poached, formerly served stuffed into the skin of a fish. gegenschein ety German, from gegen against, opposite+ Schein light; see #7shine gegenschein 0. syl ge+gen+schein pron <1gAg*n2SIn> pos n. def a faint glow in the sky, just visible at a position opposite to that of the sun and having a similar origin to zodiacal light. Also called: {counterglow}. Gehenna ety C16: from Late Latin, from Greek Geena, from Hebrew G*^e' Hinn*_om, literally: valley of Hinnom, symbolic of hell Gehenna 1. syl Ge+hen+na pron pos n. qual Old Testament. def the valley below Jerusalem, where unclean things were burnt and where idolatry was practised (II Kings 23:10). Gehenna 2. syl Ge+hen+na pron pos n. qual New Testament, Judaism. def a place where the wicked are punished after death. Gehenna 3. syl Ge+hen+na pron pos n. def a place or state of pain and torment. gehlenite ety named after A.F. Gehlen (1775-1815), German chemist; see -#7ite %1 gehlenite 0. syl geh+len+ite pron <1gAl*2nIt> pos n. def a green mineral consisting of calcium aluminium silicate in tetragonal crystalline form. Formula: Ca\2Al\2SiO\7. Hans infl head Geiger syl Hans pos n. Geiger counter ety C20: named after Hans G#7eiger and W. M*"uller, 20th-century German physicist Geiger-Muller counter alt head Geiger counter or Geiger counter syl Gei:ger-M*"ul:ler count+er pron <1gIg*> <1mul*> pos n. Geiger counter 0. or Geiger-Muller counter syl Gei:ger count+er pron <1gIg*> <1mul*> pos n. def an instrument for detecting and measuring the intensity of high-energy radiation, consisting of a gas-filled tube containing two electrodes with a high potential difference between them. Each particle entering the tube causes gas atoms to ionize, the electrons liberated being attracted to the anode and registered by electronic equipment. Ernesto infl head Geisel syl Er:nes:to pron pos n. Geisel 0. syl Gei:sel pron Portuguese <1gIzel> pos n. def born 1907, Brazilian general and statesman; president of Brazil since 1974. geisha ety C19: from Japanese, from gei art +sha person, from Ancient Chinese ngi and che geisha infl or geishas syl gei+sha pos n. mod pl. geishas infl head geisha or geisha syl gei+shas. pos n. mod pl. geisha 0. syl gei+sha pron <1gAS*> pos n. def a professional female companion for men in Japan, trained in music, dancing, and the art of conversation. Geissler tube ety C19: named after Heinrich Geissler (1814-79), German mechanic Geissler tube 0. syl Geis:sler tube pron <1gIsl*> pos n. def a glass or quartz vessel, usually having two bulbs containing electrodes separated by a capillary tube, for maintaining an electric discharge in a low-pressure gas as a source of visible or ultraviolet light for spectroscopy, etc. gel ety C19: by shortening from #7gelatin gel 1. syl gel pron pos n. def a semirigid jelly-like colloid in which a liquid is dispersed in a solid. exam 1 nondrip paint is a gel. gel 2. syl gel pron pos n. qual Theatre, informal. def See {gelatin} (sense 4). gels infl head gel syl gels pos vb. gelling infl head gel syl gel+ling pos vb. gelled infl head gel syl gelled. pos vb. gel 3. syl gel pron pos vb. def to become or cause to become a gel. gel 4. syl gel pron pos vb. def a variant spelling of {jell}. gelada ety probably from Arabic qil*_adah mane gelada 0. syl ge+la+da pron <1Jel*d*>, <1gel-> , pos n. def a NE African baboon, with dark brown hair forming a mane over the shoulders, a bare red chest, and a ridge muzzle: family Also called: {gelada baboon}. gelandesprung ety from German Gel*"andesprung, from Gel*"ande terrain+ Sprung jump gelande jump alt head gelandesprung or gelandesprung syl ge+l*"an+de jump pos n. gelandesprung 0. or gelande jump syl ge+l*"an+de+sprung pron , German pos n. qual Skiing. def a jump made in downhill skiing, usually over an obstacle. gelatin ety C19: from French g*'elatine, from Medieval Latin gel*_atina, from Latin gel*_are to freeze gelatine alt head gelatin or gelatin syl gel:a+tine pron <1Jel*2tEn> pos n. gelatin 1. or gelatine syl gel:a+tin pron <1Jel*tin> pos n. def a colourless or yellowish water-soluble protein prepared by boiling animal hides and bones: used in foods, glue, photographic emulsions, etc. gelatin 2. or gelatine syl gel:a+tin pron <1Jel*tin> pos n. def an edible jelly made of this substance, sweetened and flavoured. gelatin 3. or gelatine syl gel:a+tin pron <1Jel*tin> pos n. def any of various substances that resemble gelatin. gelatin 4. or gelatine syl gel:a+tin pron <1Jel*tin> pos n. def Also called (informal): {gel}. a translucent substance used for colour effects in theatrical lighting. gelatinise alt head gelatinize or gelatinize syl ge+lat:i+nise pron pos vb. gelatinize 1. or gelatinise syl ge+lat:i+nize pron pos vb. def to make or become gelatinous. gelatinize 2. or gelatinise syl ge+lat:i+nize pron pos vb. mod tr. qual Photog. def to coat (glass, paper, etc.) with gelatin. gelatinization sub head gelatinize or gelatinisation syl ge+2lat:i+ni+1za+tion pos n. gelatinisation sub head gelatinize or gelatinization syl ge+2lat:i+ni+1sa+tion pos n. gelatinizer sub head gelatinize or gelatiniser syl ge+1lat:i+2niz+er pos n. gelatiniser sub head gelatinize or gelatinizer syl ge+1lat:i+2nis+er pos n. gelatinoid 1. syl ge+lat:i+noid pron pos adj. def resembling gelatin. gelatinoid 2. syl ge+lat:i+noid pron pos n. def a gelatinoid substance, such as collagen. gelatinous 1. syl ge+lat:i+nous pron pos adj. def consisting of or resembling jelly; viscous. gelatinous 2. syl ge+lat:i+nous pron pos adj. def of, containing, or resembling gelatin. gelatinously sub head gelatinous syl ge+1lat:i+nous+ly pos adv. gelatinousness sub head gelatinous syl ge+1lat:i+nous+ness pos n. gelation ety C19: from Latin gel*_ati*_o a freezing; see #7gelatin gelation H1.0. syl ge+la+tion pron pos n. def the act or process of freezing a liquid. gelation ety C20: from #7gel gelation H2.0. syl ge+la+tion pron pos n. def the act or process of forming into a gel. geld ety C13: from Old Norse gelda, from geldr barren gelds infl head geld syl gelds pos vb. mod tr. gelding infl head geld syl geld+ing pos vb. mod tr. gelded infl head geld or gelt syl geld+ed pos vb. mod tr. gelt infl head geld or gelded syl gelt. pos vb. mod tr. geld H1.1. syl geld pron pos vb. mod tr. def to castrate (a horse or other animal). geld H1.2. syl geld pron pos vb. mod tr. def to deprive of virility or vitality; emasculate; weaken. gelder sub head geld syl geld+er pos n. geld ety Old English gield service, tax; related to Old Norse gjald tribute, Old Frisian jeld, Old High German gelt retribution, income geld H2.0. syl geld pron pos n. def a tax on land levied in late Anglo-Saxon and Norman England. Guelderland alt head Gelderland or Gelderland syl Guel+der+land pron <1geld*2l@nd>, Dutch <1$xeld*r?!2lant> pos n. Gelderland 0. or Guelderland syl Gel+der+land pron <1geld*2l@nd>, Dutch <1$xeld*r?!2lant> pos n. def a province of the E Netherlands: formerly a duchy, belonging successively to several different European powers. Capital: Arnhem. Pop.: 1580000 (1973 est.). Area: 5014 sq. km (1955 sq. miles). Also called: {Guelders}. gelding ety C14: from Old Norse geldingr; see #7geld %1#7, -{#7ing %1} gelding 0. syl geld+ing pron <1geldiG> pos n. def a castrated male horse. Claude infl head Gel'ee syl Claude pron pos n. Gel'ee 0. syl Ge:l*'ee pron French pos n. def the original name of {Claude Lorrain}. Gelibolu 0. syl Ge+li+bo+lu pron pos n. def the Turkish name for {Gallipoli}. gelid ety C17: from Latin gelidus icy cold, from gelu frost gelid 0. syl gel+id pron <1Jelid> pos adj. def very cold, icy, or frosty. gelidity sub head gelid or gelidness syl ge+1lid+i:ty pos n. gelidness sub head gelid or gelidity syl gel+id+ness pos n. gelidly sub head gelid syl gel+id+ly pos adv. gelignite ety C19: from #7gel (#7atin) #7+ Latin ignis fire+-{#7ite %1} gelignite 0. syl gel+ig+nite pron <1Jelig2nIt> pos n. def a type of dynamite in which the nitrogelatin is absorbed in a base of wood pulp and potassium or sodium nitrate. Also called (informal): {gelly}. Gelligaer 0. syl Gel+li+gaer pron Welsh <2gehlE1gIr> pos n. def a town in S Wales, in Mid Glamorgan. Pop.: 33670 (1971). gelsemium ety C19: New Latin, from Italian gelsomino #7jasmine gelsemiums infl head gelsemium or gelsemia syl gel+se+mi:ums pron <-mi*> pos n. mod pl. gelsemia infl head gelsemium or gelsemiums syl gel+se+mi:a pron <-mi*> pos n. mod pl. gelsemium 1. syl gel+se+mi:um pron pos n. def any climbing shrub of the loganiaceous genus of SE Asia and North America, esp. the yellow jasmine, having fragrant yellow flowers. gelsemium 2. syl gel+se+mi:um pron pos n. def the powdered root of the yellow jasmine, formerly used as a sedative. Gelsenkirchen 0. syl Gel+sen+kir+chen pron German <2gelzN1kir*,cN> pos n. def an industrial city in W West Germany, in North Rhine-Westphalia. Pop.: 333202 (1974 est.). gelt H1.0. syl gelt pron pos vb. qual Archaic or dialect. def a past tense or past participle of {geld%1}. gelt ety C19: from Yiddish, from Old High German gelt reward gelt H2.0. syl gelt pron pos n. qual Slang, chiefly U.S. def cash or funds; money. gem ety C14: from Old French gemme, from Latin gemma bud, precious stone gem 1. syl gem pron pos n. def a precious or semiprecious stone used in jewellery as a decoration; jewel. gem 2. syl gem pron pos n. def a person or thing held to be a perfect example; treasure. gem 3. syl gem pron pos n. def a size of printer's type, approximately equal to 4 point. gems infl head gem syl gems pos vb. gemming infl head gem syl gem+ming pos vb. gemmed infl head gem syl gemmed. pos vb. gem 4. syl gem pron pos vb. mod tr. def to set or ornament with gems. gemlike sub head gem syl gem+2like pos adj. gemmy sub head gem syl gem+my pos adj. Gemara ety C17: from Aramaic gem*_ar*_a completion, from gem*_ar to complete Gemara 0. syl Ge+ma+ra pron , Hebrew pos n. qual Judaism. def the later main part of the Talmud, being a commentary on the Mishnah. Gemaric sub head Gemara syl Ge+1ma+ric pos adj. Gemarist sub head Gemara syl Ge+1ma+rist pos n. gemeinschaft ety German, literally: community gemeinschaften infl head gemeinschaft syl ge+mein+schaf+ten pron German <-2Saft*n> pos n. mod pl. gemeinschaft 0. syl ge+mein+schaft pron German pos n. usage often cap. def a social group united by common beliefs, family ties, etc. Compare: {gesellschaft}. geminate ety C17: from Latin gemin*_are to double, from geminus born at the same time, twin geminate 1. syl gem:i+nate pron <1Jeminit>, <-2nAt> pos adj. usage also def combined in pairs; doubled. exam 1 a geminate leaf; exam 2 a geminate consonant. geminate 2. syl gem:i+nate pron <1Jemi2nAt> pos vb. usage also def to arrange or be arranged in pairs. exam 1 the @6t@9s in Italian @6gatto@9 are geminated. geminately sub head geminate syl gem:i+nate+ly pos adv. gemination 1. syl gem:i+na+tion pron <2Jemi1nAS*n> pos n. def the act or state of being doubled or paired. gemination 2. syl gem:i+na+tion pron <2Jemi1nAS*n> pos n. def the doubling of a consonant. gemination 3. syl gem:i+na+tion pron <2Jemi1nAS*n> pos n. def the immediate repetition of a word, phrase, or clause for rhetorical effect. Geminorum infl head Gemini syl Gem:i+no+rum pron <2Jemi1nc:r*m> pos n. qual Latin genitive Gemini 1. syl Gem:i+ni pron <1Jemi2nI>, <-1nE> pos n. qual Astronomy. def a zodiacal constellation in the N hemisphere lying between Taurus and Cancer on the ecliptic and containing the stars Castor and Pollux. Gemini 2. syl Gem:i+ni pron <1Jemi2nI>, <-1nE> pos n. qual Classical myth. def another name for {Castor and Pollux}. Gemini 3. syl Gem:i+ni pron <1Jemi2nI>, <-1nE> pos n. qual Astronautics. def any of a series of manned U.S. spacecraft launched between the Mercury and Apollo projects to improve orbital rendezvous and docking techniques. Gemini 4.a. syl Gem:i+ni pron <1Jemi2nI>, <-1nE> pos n. def Also called: the {Twins}. the third sign of the zodiac, symbol ###800335 , having a mutable air classification and ruled by the planet Mercury. The sun is in this sign between about May 21 and June 20. Gemini 4.b. syl Gem:i+ni pron <1Jemi2nI>, <-1nE> pos n. def a person born when the sun is in this sign. Gemini 5. syl Gem:i+ni pron <1Jemi2nI>, <-1nE> pos adj. qual Astrology. def born under or characteristic of Gemini. Gemini xref syl Gem:i+ni pron <1Jemi2nI>, <-1nE> pos n. def Also (for senses 4b., 5): {Gem@.i+ni@.an} (@!d#f$em$I#!na$I$$n). gemma ety C18: from Latin: bud, #7gem gemmae infl head gemma syl gem+mae pron <-mE> pos n. mod pl. gemma 1. syl gem+ma pron <1Jem*> pos n. def a small asexual reproductive structure in liverworts, mosses, etc., that becomes detached from the parent and develops into a new individual. gemma 2. syl gem+ma pron <1Jem*> pos n. qual Zoology. def another name for {gemmule} (sense 1). gemmaceous sub head gemma syl gem+ma+ceous pron pos adj. gemmate 1. syl gem+mate pron <1JemAt> pos adj. usage of some plants and animals def having or reproducing by gemmae. gemmate 2. syl gem+mate pron <1JemAt> pos vb. mod intr. def to produce or reproduce by gemmae. gemmation sub head gemmate syl gem+1ma+tion pos n. gemmiparous 0. syl gem+mip:a+rous pron pos adj. usage of plants and animals def reproducing by gemmae or buds. gemmiparously sub head gemmiparous syl gem+1mip:a+rous+ly pos adv. gemmulation 0. syl gem+mu+la+tion pron <2Jemju1lAS*n> pos n. def the process of reproducing by or bearing gemmules. gemmule ety C19: from French, from Latin gemmula a little bud; see #7gem gemmule 1. syl gem+mule pron <1Jemju:l> pos n. qual Zoology. def a cell or mass of cells produced asexually by sponges and developing into a new individual; bud. gemmule 2. syl gem+mule pron <1Jemju:l> pos n. qual Botany. def a small gemma. gemmule 3. syl gem+mule pron <1Jemju:l> pos n. def a small hereditary particle postulated by Darwin in his theory of pangenesis. gemmology alt head gemology or gemology syl gem+mol+o:gy pron pos n. gemology 0. or gemmology syl gem+ol+o:gy pron pos n. def the branch of mineralogy that is concerned with gems and gemstones. gemological sub head gemology or gemmological syl gem:o+log:i+cal pron <2Jem*1loJikL> pos adj. gemmological sub head gemology or gemological syl gem+mo+log:i+cal pron <2Jem*1loJikL> pos adj. gemologist sub head gemology or gemmologist syl gem+1ol:o+gist pos n. gemmologist sub head gemology or gemologist syl gem+1mol:o+gist pos n. gemot ety Old English gem*_ot #7moot gemote alt head gemot or gemot syl ge+mote pron pos n. gemot 0. or gemote syl ge+mot pron pos n. usage in Anglo-Saxon England def a legal or administrative assembly of a community, such as a shire or hundred. gemsbok ety C18: from Afrikaans, from German Gemsbock, from Gemse chamois+ Bock {#7buck %1} gemsbuck alt head gemsbok or gemsbok syl gems+buck pron <1gemz2b^k> pos n. gemsbok infl or gemsbuck syl gems+bok pos n. mod pl. gemsboks infl head gemsbok or gemsbucks syl gems+boks pos n. mod pl. gemsbuck infl head gemsbok or gemsbok syl gems+buck pos n. mod pl. gemsbucks infl head gemsbok or gemsboks syl gems+bucks. pos n. mod pl. gemsbok 0. or gemsbuck syl gems+bok pron <1gemz2b^k> pos n. def an oryx, of southern Africa, marked with a broad black band along its flanks. gemstone 0. syl gem+stone pron <1Jem2st*un> pos n. def a precious or semiprecious stone, esp. one cut and polished for setting in jewellery. gemutlich 0. syl ge+m*"ut+lich pron German. pos adj. def having a feeling or atmosphere of warmth and friendliness; cosy. gen ety C20: from gen (eral information) gen 0. syl gen pron pos n. qual Brit. informal. def information. exam 1 give me the gen on your latest project. gen 1. syl gen. qual abbrev. for: def gender. gen 2. syl gen. qual abbrev. for: def general(ly). gen 3. syl gen. qual abbrev. for: def generator. gen 4. syl gen. qual abbrev. for: def generic. gen 5. syl gen. qual abbrev. for: def genitive. gen 6. syl gen. qual abbrev. for: def genus. Gen 1. syl Gen. qual abbrev. for: def General. Gen 2. syl Gen. qual abbrev. for:; Bible. def Genesis. -gen ety via French -g*`ene, from Greek -gen*_es born -gen 0. syl -gen exam 1 suffix forming nouns. -gen 1. syl -gen def producing or that which produces. exam 1 hydrogen. -gen 2. syl -gen def something produced. exam 1 antigen. genappe ety C19: from Genappe, Belgium, where originally manu?!factured genappe 0. syl ge+nappe pron pos n. def a smooth worsted yarn used for braid, etc. gendarme ety C16: from French, from gens d'armes people of arms gendarme 1. syl gen+darme pron <1Zonda:m>, French pos n. def a member of the police force in France or in countries influenced or controlled by France. gendarme 2. syl gen+darme pron <1Zonda:m>, French pos n. def a slang word for a {policeman}. gendarme 3. syl gen+darme pron <1Zonda:m>, French pos n. def a sharp pinnacle of rock on a mountain ridge. gendarmery alt head gendarmerie or gendarmerie syl gen+dar+me+ry pron , French pos n. gendarmerie 1. or gendarmery syl gen+dar+me+rie pron , French pos n. def the whole corps of gendarmes. gendarmerie 2. or gendarmery syl gen+dar+me+rie pron , French pos n. def the head?!quarters or barracks of a body of gendarmes. gender ety C14: from Old French gendre, from Latin genus kind gender 1. syl gen+der pron <1Jend*> pos n. def a set of two or more grammatical categories into which the nouns of certain languages are divided, sometimes but not necessarily corresponding to the sex of the referent when animate. See also {natural gender}. gender 2. syl gen+der pron <1Jend*> pos n. def any of the categories, such as masculine, feminine, neuter, or common, within such a set. gender 3. syl gen+der pron <1Jend*> pos n. qual Informal. def the state of being male, female, or neuter. gender 4. syl gen+der pron <1Jend*> pos n. qual Informal. def all the members of one sex. exam 1 the female gender. genderless sub head gender syl gen+der+less pos adj. gene ety C20: from German Gen, shortened from Pangen; see #7pan -#7, -#7gen gene 0. syl gene pron pos n. def a unit of heredity, capable of replication and mutation, occupying a fixed position on a chromosome and transmitted from parent to offspring during reproduction. It is thought to act by controlling the synthesis of a particular polypeptide chain in protein synthesis. -gene 0. syl -gene usage suffix forming nouns. def variant of {-gen}. geneal 0. syl geneal. qual abbrev. for def genealogy. genealogical tree 0. syl ge+ne:a+log:i+cal tree pos n. def another name for a {family tree}. genealogy ety C13: from Old French genealogie, from Late Latin gene*_alogia, from Greek, from genea race genealogies infl head genealogy syl ge+ne:al+o:gies. pos n. mod pl. genealogy 1. syl ge+ne:al+o:gy pron <2JEni1@l*Ji> pos n. def the direct descent of an individual or group from an ancestor. genealogy 2. syl ge+ne:al+o:gy pron <2JEni1@l*Ji> pos n. def the study of the evolutionary development of animals and plants from earlier forms. genealogy 3. syl ge+ne:al+o:gy pron <2JEni1@l*Ji> pos n. def a chart showing the relationships and descent of an individual, group, etc. genealogical sub head genealogy or genealogic syl ge+ne:a+log:i+cal pron <2JEni*1loJikL> pos adj. genealogic sub head genealogy or genealogical syl ge+ne:a+1log+ic pos adj. genealogically sub head genealogy syl ge+ne:a+1log:i+cal+ly pos adv. genealogist sub head genealogy syl ge+ne:1al:o+gist pos n. gene flow 0. syl gene flow pos n. def the movement and exchange of genes between interbreeding populations. gene frequency 0. syl gene fre+quen+cy pos n. def the frequency of occurrence of a particu?!lar gene in a population in relation to the frequency of its alleles. gene pool 0. syl gene pool pos n. def the sum of all the genes in an interbreeding population. genera 0. syl gen+er:a pron <1Jen*r*> pos n. def the plural of {genus}. generable ety C15: from Late Latin gener*_abilis, from Latin gener*_are to beget generable 0. syl gen+er+a:ble pron <1Jen*r*bL> pos adj. def able to be generated. general ety C13: from Latin gener*_alis of a particular kind, from genus kind general 1. syl gen+er+al pron <1Jen*r*l>, <1Jenr*l> pos adj. def common; widespread. exam 1 a general feeling of horror at the crime. general 2. syl gen+er+al pron <1Jen*r*l>, <1Jenr*l> pos adj. def of, including, applying to, or participated in by all or most of the members of a group, category, or community. general 3. syl gen+er+al pron <1Jen*r*l>, <1Jenr*l> pos adj. def relating to various branches of an activity, profession, etc.; not specialized. exam 1 general office work. general 4. syl gen+er+al pron <1Jen*r*l>, <1Jenr*l> pos adj. def including various or miscellaneous items. exam 1 general knowledge; exam 2 a general store. general 5. syl gen+er+al pron <1Jen*r*l>, <1Jenr*l> pos adj. def not specific as to detail; overall. exam 1 a general description of the merchandise. general 6. syl gen+er+al pron <1Jen*r*l>, <1Jenr*l> pos adj. def not definite; vague. exam 1 give me a general idea of when you will finish. general 7. syl gen+er+al pron <1Jen*r*l>, <1Jenr*l> pos adj. def applicable or true in most cases; usual. general 8. syl gen+er+al pron <1Jen*r*l>, <1Jenr*l> pos adj. usage immediately postpositive def having superior or extended authority or rank. exam 1 general manager; exam 2 consul general. general 9. syl gen+er+al pron <1Jen*r*l>, <1Jenr*l> pos adj. def Also: {pass}. designating a degree awarded at some universities, studied at a lower academic standard than an honours degree. See { {honours} (sense 2).} general 10. syl gen+er+al pron <1Jen*r*l>, <1Jenr*l> pos adj. qual Med. def relating to or involving the entire body or many of its parts; systemic. general 11. syl gen+er+al pron <1Jen*r*l>, <1Jenr*l> pos n. def an officer of a rank senior to lieutenant general, esp. one who commands a large military formation. general 12. syl gen+er+al pron <1Jen*r*l>, <1Jenr*l> pos n. def any person who applies strategy or tactics. general 13. syl gen+er+al pron <1Jen*r*l>, <1Jenr*l> pos n. def a general condition or principle: opposed to general 14. syl gen+er+al pron <1Jen*r*l>, <1Jenr*l> pos n. def a title for the head of a religious order, congregation, etc. general 15. syl gen+er+al pron <1Jen*r*l>, <1Jenr*l> pos n. qual Med. def short for {general anaesthetic}. general 16. syl gen+er+al pron <1Jen*r*l>, <1Jenr*l> pos n. qual Archaic. def the people; public. in general 17. head general syl in general. def generally; mostly or usually. generalness sub head general syl gen+er+al+ness pos n. general anaesthetic 0. syl gen+er+al an+aes+thet+ic pos n. def a drug producing anaesthesia of the entire body, with loss of consciousness. General Assembly 1. syl Gen+er+al As+sem+bly pos n. def the deliberative assembly of the United Nations. Abbrev.: {G.A}. General Assembly 2. syl Gen+er+al As+sem+bly pos n. def the parliament of New Zealand. General Assembly 3. syl Gen+er+al As+sem+bly pos n. def the supreme governing body of certain religious denominations, esp. of the Presbyterian Church. General Certificate of Education 0. syl Gen+er+al Cer+tif:i+cate of Ed:u+ca+tion pos n. def See general delivery 0. syl gen+er+al de+liv+er:y pos n. def the U.S. and Canadian equivalent of {poste restante}. general election 1. syl gen+er+al e:lec+tion pos n. def an election in which representatives are chosen in all constituencies of a state. general election 2. syl gen+er+al e:lec+tion pos n. qual U.S. def a final election from which successful candidates are sent to a legislative body. Compare {primary}. general election 3. syl gen+er+al e:lec+tion pos n. qual U.S. def a national or state election in contrast to a local election. general hospital 0. syl gen+er+al hos+pi+tal pos n. def a hospital not specializing in the treatment of particular illnesses or of patients of a particular sex or age group. generalissimo ety C17: from Italian, superlative of generale #7general generalissimos infl head generalissimo syl gen+er+al+is+si+mos. pos n. mod pl. generalissimo 0. syl gen+er+al+is+si+mo pron <2Jen*r*1lisi2m*u>, <2Jenr*-> pos n. def a supreme commander of combined military, naval, and air forces, esp. one who wields political as well as military power. generalist 0. syl gen+er+al+ist pron <1Jen*r*list>, <1Jenr*-> pos n. def a person who is knowl?!edgeable in many fields of study. Compare { {specialist} (sense 1).} generalities infl head generality syl gen+er+al+i:ties. pos n. mod pl. generality 1. syl gen+er+al+i:ty pron <2Jen*1r@liti> pos n. def a principle or observation having general application, esp. when imprecise or unable to be proved. generality 2. syl gen+er+al+i:ty pron <2Jen*1r@liti> pos n. def the state or quality of being general. generality 3. syl gen+er+al+i:ty pron <2Jen*1r@liti> pos n. qual Archaic. def the majority. generalisation alt head generalization or generalization syl gen+er+al:i+sa+tion pron <2Jenr*lI1zAS*n> pos n. generalization 1. or generalisation syl gen+er+al:i+za+tion pron <2Jenr*lI1zAS*n> pos n. def a principle, theory, etc., with general application. generalization 2. or generalisation syl gen+er+al:i+za+tion pron <2Jenr*lI1zAS*n> pos n. def the act or an instance of generalizing. generalization 3. or generalisation syl gen+er+al:i+za+tion pron <2Jenr*lI1zAS*n> pos n. qual Psychol. def the process of evoking by certain stimuli a response learned to a similar stimulus. See also {conditioning}. generalization 4. or generalisation syl gen+er+al:i+za+tion pron <2Jenr*lI1zAS*n> pos n. qual Logic. def a proposition assert?!ing the truth of something either for all members of a class ({universal generalization}) or for one or more particular members of a class ({existential generalization) }. generalise alt head generalize or generalize syl gen+er+al+ise pron <1Jenr*2lIz> pos vb. generalize 1. or generalise syl gen+er+al+ize pron <1Jenr*2lIz> pos vb. def to form (general principles or conclusions) from (detailed facts, experience, etc.); infer. generalize 2. or generalise syl gen+er+al+ize pron <1Jenr*2lIz> pos vb. mod intr. def to think or speak in generalities, esp. in a prejudiced way. generalize 3. or generalise syl gen+er+al+ize pron <1Jenr*2lIz> pos vb. mod tr. usage usually passive def to cause to become widely used or known. generalize 4.a. or generalise syl gen+er+al+ize pron <1Jenr*2lIz> pos vb. def to spread throughout the body. generalize 4.b. or generalise syl gen+er+al+ize pron <1Jenr*2lIz> pos vb. def to change from a localized infection or condition to a systemic one. generalizer sub head generalize or generaliser syl gen+er+al+2iz+er pos n. generaliser sub head generalize or generalizer syl gen+er+al+2is+er pos n. generalized other 0. syl gen+er+al+ized oth+er pos n. qual Psychol. def an individual's concept of other people. generally 1. syl gen+er+al+ly pron <1Jenr*li> pos adv. def usually; as a rule. generally 2. syl gen+er+al+ly pron <1Jenr*li> pos adv. def commonly or widely. generally 3. syl gen+er+al+ly pron <1Jenr*li> pos adv. def without reference to specific details or facts; broadly. general officer 0. syl gen+er+al of+fic+er pos n. def an officer holding a commission of brigadier's rank or above in the army, air force, or marine corps. general paralysis of the insane 0. syl gen+er+al pa+ral:y+sis of the in+sane pos n. def a disease of the central nervous system: a late manifestation of syphilis, often occurring up to 15 years after the original infection, characterized by mental deterioration, speech defects, and progressive paralysis. Abbrev.: {GPI} Also called: {general paresis, dementia paralytica}. General Post Office 1. syl Gen+er+al Post Of+fice pos n. usage in Britain until l969 def the department of the central Government that provided postal and telephone services. General Post Office 2. syl Gen+er+al Post Of+fice pos n. def the main post office in a locality. general practitioner 0. syl gen+er+al prac+ti+tion+er pos n. def a physician who does not specialize but has a medical practice ({general practice}) in which he treats all illnesses. Informal name: {family doctor}. Abbrev.: {G.P}. general semantics 0. syl gen+er+al se+man+tics pos n. mod functioning as; sing. def a school of thought, founded by Alfred Korzybski, that stresses the arbitrary nature of language and other symbols and the problems that result from misunderstanding their nature. generalship 1. syl gen+er+al+ship pron <1Jenr*l2Sip> pos n. def the art or duties of exercising command of a major military formation or formations. generalship 2. syl gen+er+al+ship pron <1Jenr*l2Sip> pos n. def tactical or administrative skill. general staff 0. syl gen+er+al staff pos n. def officers assigned to advise senior officers in the planning and execution of military policy. general strike 0. syl gen+er+al strike pos n. def a strike by all or most of the workers of a country, province, city, etc., esp. such a strike that took place in Britain in 1926. General Synod 0. syl Gen+er+al Syn+od pos n. def the governing body, under Parliament, of the Church of England, made up of the bishops and elected clerical and lay representatives. general theory of relativity 0. syl gen+er+al the:o+ry of rel:a+tiv+i:ty pos n. def the theory of gravitation, developed by Einstein in 1916, extending the special theory of relativity to include acceleration and leading to the conclusion that gravitational forces are equivalent to forces caused by acceleration. generate ety C16: from Latin gener*_are to beget, from genus kind generate 1. syl gen+er+ate pron <1Jen*2rAt> pos vb. mod mainly; tr. def to produce or bring into being; create. generate 2. syl gen+er+ate pron <1Jen*2rAt> pos vb. mod also; intr. def to produce (electricity), esp. in a power station. generate 3. syl gen+er+ate pron <1Jen*2rAt> pos vb. mod mainly; tr. def to produce (a substance) by a chemical process. generate 4. syl gen+er+ate pron <1Jen*2rAt> pos vb. mod mainly; tr. qual Mathematics, linguistics. def to provide a precise criterion or specification for membership in (a set). exam 1 these rules will generate all the noun phrases in English. generate 5. syl gen+er+ate pron <1Jen*2rAt> pos vb. mod mainly; tr. qual Geom. def to trace or form by moving a point, line, or plane in a specific way. exam 1 circular motion of a line generates a cylinder. generation 1. syl gen+er:a+tion pron <2Jen*1rAS*n> pos n. def the act or process of bringing into being; production or reproduction, esp. of offspring. generation 2. syl gen+er:a+tion pron <2Jen*1rAS*n> pos n. def a successive stage in natural descent of people or animals or the individuals produced at each stage. generation 3. syl gen+er:a+tion pron <2Jen*1rAS*n> pos n. def the normal or average time between two such generations of a species: about 35 years for humans. generation 4. syl gen+er:a+tion pron <2Jen*1rAS*n> pos n. def a phase or form in the life cycle of a plant or animal characterized by a particular type of reproduction. exam 1 the gametophyte generation. generation 5. syl gen+er:a+tion pron <2Jen*1rAS*n> pos n. def all the people of approximately the same age, esp. when considered as sharing certain attitudes, etc. generation 6. syl gen+er:a+tion pron <2Jen*1rAS*n> pos n. def production of electricity, heat, etc. generation 7. syl gen+er:a+tion pron <2Jen*1rAS*n> pos n. qual Physics. def a set of nuclei formed directly from a preceding set in a chain reaction. generation 8.a. syl gen+er:a+tion pron <2Jen*1rAS*n> pos n. def belonging to a generation specified as having been born in or as having parents, grandparents, etc., born in a given country. exam 1 a third-generation American. generation 8.b. syl gen+er:a+tion pron <2Jen*1rAS*n> pos n. def belonging to a specified stage of development in manufacture, usually implying improvement. exam 1 a second-generation computer. generation gap 0. syl gen+er:a+tion gap pos n. def the years separating one generation from the generation that precedes or follows it, esp. when regarded as representing the difference in outlook and the lack of understanding between them. generative 1. syl gen+er:a+tive pron <1Jen*r*tiv> pos adj. def of or relating to the production of offspring, parts, etc.. exam 1 a generative cell. generative 2. syl gen+er:a+tive pron <1Jen*r*tiv> pos adj. def capable of producing or originating. generative grammar 0. syl gen+er:a+tive gram+mar pos n. def a description of a language in terms of explicit rules that ideally generate all and only the grammatical sentences of the language. Compare {transformational grammar}. generative semantics 0. syl gen+er:a+tive se+man+tics pos n. mod functioning as; sing. def a school of semantic theory based on the doctrine that syntactic and semantic structure are of the same formal nature and that there is a single system of rules in the mind that relates surface structure to meaning. Compare {interpretive semantics}. generator 1.a. syl gen+er:a+tor pron <1Jen*2rAt*> pos n. def any device for converting mechanical energy into electrical energy by electromagnetic induction, esp. a large one as in a power station. generator 1.b. syl gen+er:a+tor pron <1Jen*2rAt*> pos n. def a device for producing a voltage electrostatically. generator 1.c. syl gen+er:a+tor pron <1Jen*2rAt*> pos n. def any device that converts one form of energy into another form. exam 1 an acoustic generator. generator 2. syl gen+er:a+tor pron <1Jen*2rAt*> pos n. def an apparatus for producing a gas. generator 3. syl gen+er:a+tor pron <1Jen*2rAt*> pos n. def a person or thing that generates. generatrices infl head generatrix syl gen+er:a+tri+ces pron <1Jen*?!2rAtri2sEz> pos n. mod pl. generatrix 0. syl gen+er:a+trix pron <1Jen*2rAtriks> pos n. def a point, line, or plane that is moved in a specific way to produce a geometric figure. generic ety C17: from French; see #7genus generical alt head generic or generic syl ge+ner:i+cal pos adj. generic 1. or generical syl ge+ner+ic pron pos adj. def applicable or referring to a whole class or group; general. generic 2. or generical syl ge+ner+ic pron pos adj. qual Biology. def of, relating to, or belonging to a genus. exam 1 the generic name. generic 3. or generical syl ge+ner+ic pron pos adj. usage of a drug def not having a trademark. generically sub head generic syl ge+1ner:i+cal+ly pos adv. generosities infl head generosity syl gen+er+os+i:ties. pos n. mod pl. generosity 1. syl gen+er+os+i:ty pron <2Jen*1rositi> pos n. def willingness and liberality in giving away one's money, time, etc.; magnanim?!ity. generosity 2. syl gen+er+os+i:ty pron <2Jen*1rositi> pos n. def freedom from pettiness in character and mind. generosity 3. syl gen+er+os+i:ty pron <2Jen*1rositi> pos n. def a generous act. generosity 4. syl gen+er+os+i:ty pron <2Jen*1rositi> pos n. def abundance; plenty. generous ety C16: via Old French from Latin gener*_osus nobly born, from genus race; see #7genus generous 1. syl gen+er+ous pron <1Jen*r*s>, <1Jenr*s> pos adj. def willing and liberal in giving away one's money, time, etc.; munificent. generous 2. syl gen+er+ous pron <1Jen*r*s>, <1Jenr*s> pos adj. def free from pettiness in character and mind. generous 3. syl gen+er+ous pron <1Jen*r*s>, <1Jenr*s> pos adj. def full or plentiful. exam 1 a generous portion. generous 4. syl gen+er+ous pron <1Jen*r*s>, <1Jenr*s> pos adj. usage of wine def rich in alcohol. generous 5. syl gen+er+ous pron <1Jen*r*s>, <1Jenr*s> pos adj. usage of a soil type def fertile. generously sub head generous syl gen+er+ous+ly pos adv. generousness sub head generous syl gen+er+ous+ness pos n. genesis ety Old English: via Latin from Greek; related to Greek gignesthai to be born geneses infl head genesis syl gen+e:ses pron <-2sEz> pos n. mod pl. genesis 0. syl gen+e:sis pron <1Jenisis> pos n. def a beginning or origin of anything. Genesis 0. syl Gen+e:sis pron <1Jenisis> pos n. def the first book of the Old Testament recounting the events from the Creation of the world to the sojourning of the Israelites in Egypt. -genesis ety New Latin, from Latin: #7genesis -genesis 0. syl -gen:e:sis pos n. usage combining form. def indicating genesis, development, or generation. exam 1 biogenesis; exam 2 parthenogenesis. -genetic sub head -genesis or -genic syl -ge:net:ic pos adj. -genic sub head -genesis or -genetic syl -gen:ic pos adj. genet ety C15: from Old French genette, from Arabic jarnayt genette alt head genet or genet syl ge+nette pron <1Jenit>, , pos n. genet H1.1. or genette syl gen+et pron <1Jenit> pos n. def any agile catlike viverrine mammal of the genus inhabiting wooded regions of Africa and S Europe, having an elongated head, thick spotted or blotched fur, and a very long tail. genet H1.2. or genette syl gen+et pron <1Jenit> pos n. def the fur of such an animal. genet H2.0. syl gen+et pron <1Jenit> pos n. def an obsolete spelling of {jennet}. Jean infl head Genet syl Jean pron pos n. Genet 0. syl Ge:net pron French pos n. def born 1910, French dramatist and novelist; his novels include (1944) and his plays, (1947) and (1956). genetic ety C19: from #7genesis genetical alt head genetic or genetic syl ge+net:i+cal pos adj. genetic 0. or genetical syl ge+net+ic pron pos adj. def of or relating to genetics, genes, or the origin of something. genetically sub head genetic syl ge+1net:i+cal+ly pos adv. genetic code 0. syl ge+net+ic code pos n. qual Biochem. def the order in which the nitrogenous bases of DNA are arranged in the molecule, which determines the type and amount of protein synthesized in the cell. The four bases are arranged in groups of three in a specific order, each group acting as a unit (codon), which specifies a particu?!lar amino acid. See also {messenger RNA, transfer RNA}. genetic engineering 0. syl ge+net+ic en+gi+neer+ing pos n. def alteration of the structure of the chromosomes in living organisms so as to produce effects beneficial to man in agriculture, medicine, etc. geneticist 0. syl ge+net:i+cist pron pos n. def a person who studies or specializes in genetics. genetics 1. syl ge+net+ics pron pos n. mod functioning as; sing. def the study of heredity and variation in organisms. genetics 2. syl ge+net+ics pron pos n. def the genetic features and constitution of a single organism, species, or group. Geneva 1. syl Ge+ne:va pron pos n. def a city in SW Switzerland, in the Rh*^one valley on Lake Geneva: centre of Calvinism; head?!quarters of the International Red Cross (1864), the International Labour Office (1925), the League of Nations (1929-46), the World Health Organization, and the European office of the United Nations; banking centre. Pop.: 159200 (1975 est.). Geneva 2. syl Ge+ne:va pron pos n. def a canton in SW Switzerland. Capital: Geneva. Pop.: 331599 (1970). Area: 282 sq. km (109 sq. miles). Lake 3. head Geneva syl Lake. def a lake between SW Switzerland and E France: fed and drained by the River Rh*^one, it is the largest of the Alpine lakes; the surface is subject to considerable changes of level. Area: 580 sq. km (224 sq. miles). French name: {Lac L*'eman}. German name: {Genfersee}. Geneva xref syl Ge+ne:va pron pos n. usage for senses 1 and 2 def French name: {Gen*`eve}; German name: {Genf}. Geneva bands ety C19: named after G#7eneva, where originally worn by Swiss Calvinist clergy Geneva bands 0. syl Ge+ne:va bands pos n. mod pl. def a pair of white lawn or linen strips hanging from the front of the neck or collar of some ecclesiastical and academic robes. Geneva Convention 0. syl Ge+ne:va Con+ven+tion pos n. def the international agreement, first formulated in 1864 at Geneva, establishing a code for wartime treatment of the sick or wounded: revised and extended on several occasions to cover maritime warfare and prisoners of war. Geneva gown ety C19: named after G#7eneva ; see G#7eneva bands Geneva gown 0. syl Ge+ne:va gown pos n. def a long loose black gown with very wide sleeves worn by academics or Protestant clerics. Genevese alt head Genevan or Genevan syl Gen+e:vese pron <2Jeni1vEz> pos adj. Genevan 1. or Genevese syl Ge+ne:van pron pos adj. def of, relating to, or characteristic of Geneva. Genevan 2. or Genevese syl Ge+ne:van pron pos adj. qual Theol. def of, adhering to, or relating to the teachings of Calvin or the Calvinists. Genevans infl head Genevan or Genevese syl Ge+ne:vans pos n. mod pl. Genevese infl head Genevan or Genevans syl Ge+ne:vese. pos n. mod pl. Genevan 3. or Genevese syl Ge+ne:van pron pos n. def a native or inhabitant of Geneva. Genevan 4. or Genevese syl Ge+ne:van pron pos n. def a less common name for a {Calvinist}. Geneve 0. syl Ge+n*`eve pron pos n. def the French name for {Geneva}. Saint infl head Genevieve syl Saint. pos n. Genevieve 0. syl Gen:e:vi*`eve pron <1Jeni2vEv>, French pos n. def ??422-??512 #7a.d., French nun; patron saint of Paris. Feast day: Jan. 3. Genf 0. syl Genf pron pos n. def the German name for {Geneva}. Genfersee 0. syl Genf+er+see pron <1genf*r2zA:> pos n. def the German name for (Lake) {Geneva}. Genghis Khan 0. syl Gen:ghis Khan pron <1geGgis> <1ka:n> pos n. def original name or ??1162-1227, Mongol ruler, whose empire stretched from the Black Sea to the Pacific. Also called: {Jinghis Khan, Jenghiz Khan}. genial ety C16: from Latin geni*_alis relating to birth or marriage, from genius tutelary deity; see #7genius genial H1.1. syl gen+ial pron <1JEnj*l>, <-ni*l> pos adj. def cheerful, easygoing, and warm in manner or behaviour. genial H1.2. syl gen+ial pron <1JEnj*l>, <-ni*l> pos adj. def pleasantly warm, so as to give life, growth, or health. exam 1 the genial sunshine. geniality sub head genial or genialness syl ge+ni+al+i:ty pron <2JEni1@liti> pos n. genialness sub head genial or geniality syl gen+ial+ness pos n. genially sub head genial syl gen+ial+ly pos adv. genial ety C19: from Greek geneion, from genus jaw genial H2.0. syl ge+ni:al pron pos adj. qual Anatomy. def of or relating to the chin. genic 0. syl gen+ic pron <1Jenik> pos adj. def of or relating to a gene or genes. -genic ety from -#7gen+ -#7ic -genic 0. syl -gen:ic pos adj. exam 1 combining form. -genic 1. syl -gen:ic pos adj. def relating to production or generation. exam 1 antigenic. -genic 2. syl -gen:ic pos adj. def well suited to or suitable for. exam 1 photogenic. geniculate ety C17: from Latin genicul*_atus jointed, from geniculum a little knee, small joint, from genu knee geniculate 1. syl ge+nic:u+late pron , <-2lAt> pos adj. qual Biology. def bent at a sharp angle. exam 1 geniculate antennae. geniculate 2. syl ge+nic:u+late pron , <-2lAt> pos adj. def having a joint or joints capable of bending sharply. geniculately sub head geniculate syl ge+1nic:u+late+ly pos adv. geniculation sub head geniculate syl ge+2nic:u+1la+tion pos n. genie ety C18: from French g*'enie, from Arabic jinni demon, influenced by Latin genius attendant spirit; see #7genius genie 1. syl ge+nie pron <1JEni> pos n. usage in fairy tales and stories def a servant who appears by magic and fulfils a person's wishes. genie 2. syl ge+nie pron <1JEni> pos n. def another word for {jinni}. genii 0. syl ge+ni:i pron <1JEni2I> pos n. def the plural of { {genius} (senses 5, 6).} genip ety C18: from Spanish genipa, from French, from Guarani genip 0. syl gen+ip pron <1Jenip> pos n. def another word for {genipap}. genipap ety C17: from Portuguese genipapo, from Tupi genip alt head genipap or genipap syl gen+ip pos n. genipap 1. or genip syl gen:i+pap pron <1Jeni2p@p> pos n. def an evergreen West Indian rubiaceous tree, with reddish-brown edible orange-like fruits. genipap 2. or genip syl gen:i+pap pron <1Jeni2p@p> pos n. def the fruit of this tree. genit 0. syl genit. qual abbrev. for def genitive. genital ety C14: from Latin genit*_alis concerning birth, from gignere to beget genital 1. syl gen:i+tal pron <1JenitL> pos adj. def of or relating to the sexual organs or to reproduction. genital 2. syl gen:i+tal pron <1JenitL> pos adj. qual Psychoanal. def relating to the mature stage of psychosexual development in which an affectionate relationship with one's sex partner is established. Compare { {anal} (sense 2),} { {oral} (sense 7)}, { {phallic} (sense 2).} genitalia alt head genitals or genitals syl gen:i+ta+li:a pron <2dzeni1tAli*>, <-1tAlj*> pos n. mod pl. genitals 0. or genitalia syl gen:i+tals pron <1JenitLz> pos n. mod pl. def the sexual organs; the testicles and penis of a male or the labia, clitoris, and vagina of a female. genitalic sub head genitals syl gen:i+tal+ic pron <2Jeni1t@lik> pos adj. genitive ety C14: from Latin genet*_ivus, relating to birth, from gignere to produce genitive 1. syl gen:i+tive pron <1Jenitiv> pos adj. qual Grammar. def denoting a case of nouns, pronouns, and adjectives in inflected languages used to indicate a relation of ownership or association, usually translated by English genitive 2.a. syl gen:i+tive pron <1Jenitiv> pos n. qual Grammar. def the genitive case. genitive 2.b. syl gen:i+tive pron <1Jenitiv> pos n. qual Grammar. def a word or speech element in this case. genitival sub head genitive syl gen:i+ti+val pron <2Jeni1tIvL> pos adj. genitivally sub head genitive syl gen:i+1ti+val+ly pos adv. genitor ety C15: from Latin, from gignere to beget genitor 0. syl gen:i+tor pron <1Jenit*>, <-tc:> pos n. def the biological father as distinguished from the pater or legal father. genitourinary 0. syl gen:i:to+u:ri+nar:y pron <2Jenit*u1ju*rin*ri> pos adj. def another name for {urogenital}. genius ety C16: from Latin, from gignere to beget geniuses infl head genius syl ge+ni+us:es pos n. mod pl. genius 1. syl ge+ni+us pron <1JEni*s>, <-nj*s> pos n. usage for defs. 5, 6 def a person with exceptional ability, esp. of a highly original kind. genius 2. syl ge+ni+us pron <1JEni*s>, <-nj*s> pos n. usage for defs. 5, 6 def such ability or capacity. exam 1 Mozart's musical genius. genius 3. syl ge+ni+us pron <1JEni*s>, <-nj*s> pos n. usage for defs. 5, 6 def the distinctive spirit or creative nature of a nation, era, language, etc. genius 4. syl ge+ni+us pron <1JEni*s>, <-nj*s> pos n. usage for defs. 5, 6 def a person considered as exerting great influence of a certain sort. exam 1 an evil genius. genius 5.a. syl ge+ni+us pron <1JEni*s>, <-nj*s> pos n. usage for defs. 5, 6 def the guiding spirit who attends a person from birth to death. genius 5.b. syl ge+ni+us pron <1JEni*s>, <-nj*s> pos n. usage for defs. 5, 6 def the guardian spirit of a place, group of people, or institution. genius 6. syl ge+ni+us pron <1JEni*s>, <-nj*s> pos n. qual Arabic myth. (usually pl. usage for defs. 5, 6 def a demon; jinn. genius loci ety genius of the place genius loci 1. syl ge+ni+us lo:ci pron Latin. <1JEni*s> <1l*usI> pos n. def the guardian spirit of a place. genius loci 2. syl ge+ni+us lo:ci pron Latin. <1JEni*s> <1l*usI> pos n. def the special atmosphere of a particular place. genizah ety C19: from Hebrew, literally: a hiding place, from g*_anaz to hide, set aside genizah 0. syl ge+ni+zah pron pos n. def a room in a synagogue for storing books, sacred objects, etc. Genck alt head Genk or Genk syl Genck pron Flemish pos n. Genk 0. or Genck syl Genk pron Flemish pos n. def a town in NE Belgium, in Limbourg province: coal-mining. Pop.: 57913 (1970). genl alt head Genl or Genl syl genl. Genl 0. or genl syl Genl. qual abbrev. for def General general. genoa 0. syl gen:o:a pron <1Jen*u*> pos n. qual Yachting. def a large triangular jib sail, often with a foot that extends as far aft as the clew of the mainsail. Also called: {genoa jib}. Sometimes shortened to {genny, jenny}. Genoa 0. syl Gen:o:a pron <1Jen*u*> pos n. def a port in NW Italy, capital of Liguria, on the {Gulf of Genoa}: Italy's main port; an independent commercial city with many colonies in the Middle Ages; university (1243); heavy industries. Pop.: 805855 (1975 est.). Italian name: {Genova}. Genoa cake 0. syl Gen:o:a cake pos n. def a rich fruit cake, usually decorated with almonds. genocide ety C20: from geno-, from Greek genos race+-#7cide genocide 0. syl gen:o+cide pron <1Jen*u2sId> pos n. def the policy of deliberately killing a nationality or ethnic group. genocidal sub head genocide syl gen:o+1cid+al pos adj. Genovese alt head Genoese or Genoese syl Gen:o+vese pron <2Jen*1vEz> pos n. Genoese infl or Genovese syl Gen:o+ese pos n. mod pl. Genovese infl head Genoese or Genoese syl Gen:o+vese. pos n. mod pl. Genoese 1. or Genovese syl Gen:o+ese pron <2Jen*u1Ez> pos n. def a native or inhabitant of Genoa. Genoese 2. or Genovese syl Gen:o+ese pron <2Jen*u1Ez> pos adj. def of or relating to Genoa or its inhabitants. genome ety C20: from German Genom, from Gen #7gene+ (#7chromos) #7ome genom alt head genome or genome syl ge+nom pron <1JEn*um> pos n. genome 0. or genom syl ge+nome pron <1JEn*um> pos n. def the complement of haploid chromosomes contained in a single gamete or nucleus. genotype 1. syl gen:o+type pron <1Jen*u2tIp> pos n. def the genetic constitution of an organism. genotype 2. syl gen:o+type pron <1Jen*u2tIp> pos n. def a group of organisms with the same genetic constitution. genotype xref syl gen:o+type pron <1Jen*u2tIp> pos n. def Compare {phenotype}. genotypic sub head genotype or genotypical syl gen:o+typ+ic pron <2Jen*u?!1tipik> pos adj. genotypical sub head genotype or genotypic syl gen:o+1typ:i+cal pos adj. genotypically sub head genotype syl gen:o+1typ:i+cal+ly pos adv. genotypicity sub head genotype syl gen:o+ty+pic+i:ty pron <2Jen*uti1pisiti> pos n. -genous ety from -#7gen+ -#7ous -genous 0. syl -gen:ous pos adj. exam 1 combining form. -genous 1. syl -gen:ous pos adj. def yielding or generating. exam 1 androgenous; exam 2 erogenous. -genous 2. syl -gen:ous pos adj. def generated by or issuing from. exam 1 endogenous. Genova 0. syl Ge+no+va pron <1Je:no2va> pos n. def the Italian name for {Genoa}. genre ety C19: from French, from Old French gendre; see #7gender genre 1. syl gen+re pron <1Za:nr*> pos n. def kind, category, or sort, esp. of literary or artistic work. genre 2.a. syl gen+re pron <1Za:nr*> pos n. def a category of painting in which domestic scenes or incidents from everyday life are depicted. genre 2.b. syl gen+re pron <1Za:nr*> pos n. usage as modifier exam 1 genre painting. genro ety C20: from Japanese, from Ancient Chinese nguan lao, from nguan first+ lao elder genro 1. syl gen+ro pron <1gen1r*u> pos n. mod functioning as; sing. pl. def a group of highly respected elder statesmen in late 19th- and early 20th-century Japan. genro 2. syl gen+ro pron <1gen1r*u> pos n. def a member of this group. gens ety C19: from Latin: race; compare #7genus, gender gentes infl head gens syl gen+tes pron <1JentEz> pos n. mod pl. gens 1. syl gens pron pos n. usage in ancient Rome def any of a group of aristocratic families, having a common name and claiming descent from a common ancestor in the male line. gens 2. syl gens pron pos n. qual Anthropol. def a group based on descent in the male line. Gaiseric alt head Genseric or Genseric syl Gai:ser:ic pos n. Genseric 0. or Gaiseric syl Gen:ser:ic pron <1gens*rik>, <1Jen-> pos n. def ??390-477 #7a.d., king of the Vandals (428-77). He seized Roman lands, esp. extensive parts of N Africa, and sacked Rome (455). Gent 0. syl Gent pron pos n. def the Flemish name for {Ghent}. gent 0. syl gent pron pos n. qual Informal. def short for {gentleman}. genteel ety C16: from French gentil well-born; see #7gentle genteel 1. syl gen+teel pron pos adj. def respectable, polite, and well-bred. exam 1 a genteel old lady. genteel 2. syl gen+teel pron pos adj. def appropriate to polite or fashionable society. exam 1 genteel behaviour. genteel 3. syl gen+teel pron pos adj. def affectedly proper or refined; excessively polite. genteelly sub head genteel syl gen+1teel+ly pos adv. genteelness sub head genteel syl gen+1teel+ness pos n. genteelism 0. syl gen+teel+ism pron pos n. def a word or phrase used in place of a less genteel one. gentian ety C14: from Latin genti*_ana; perhaps named after Gentius, a second-century #7b.c. Illyrian king, reputedly the first to use it medici?!nally gentian 1. syl gen+tian pron <1JenS*n> pos n. def any gentianaceous plant of the genus having blue, yellow, white, or red showy flowers. gentian 2. syl gen+tian pron <1JenS*n> pos n. def the bitter-tasting dried rhizome and roots of ({European} or {yellow gentian}) , which can be used as a tonic. gentian 3. syl gen+tian pron <1JenS*n> pos n. def any of several similar plants, such as the horse gentian. gentianaceous 0. syl gen+ti:a+na+ceous pron <2JenSi*1nAS*s> pos adj. def of, relating to, or belonging to the a family of flowering plants that includes centaury, felwort, and gentian. gentian blue 0.a. syl gen+tian blue pos n. def a purplish-blue colour. gentian blue 0.b. syl gen+tian blue pos as; adj. exam 1 gentian-blue shoes. gentianella ety C17: from New Latin, literally: a little #7gentian gentianella 0. syl gen+tian+el+la pron <2JenS*1nel*>, <-Si*-> pos n. def any of various gentiana?!ceous plants, esp. the alpine species which has showy blue flowers. gentian violet 0. syl gen+tian vi:o+let pos n. def a greenish crystalline substance, obtained from rosaniline, that forms a violet solution in water, used as an indicator, antiseptic, and in the treatment of burns. Also called: {crystal violet}. gentile ety C14: from Late Latin gent*_ilis, from Latin: one belonging to the same tribe or family; see #7gens gentile 1. syl gen+tile pron <1JentIl> pos adj. def denoting an adjective or proper noun used to designate a place or the inhabitants of a place, as and gentile 2. syl gen+tile pron <1JentIl> pos adj. def of or relating to a tribe or people. Gentile H1.1. syl Gen+tile pron <1JentIl> pos n. def a person, esp. a Christian, who is not a Jew. Gentile H1.2. syl Gen+tile pron <1JentIl> pos n. def a Christian, as contrasted with a Jew. Gentile H1.3. syl Gen+tile pron <1JentIl> pos n. def a person who is not a member of one's own church: used esp. by Mormons. Gentile H1.4. syl Gen+tile pron <1JentIl> pos n. def a heathen or pagan. Gentile H1.5. syl Gen+tile pron <1JentIl> pos adj. def of or relating to a race or religion that is not Jewish. Gentile H1.6. syl Gen+tile pron <1JentIl> pos adj. def Christian, as contrasted with Jewish. Gentile H1.7. syl Gen+tile pron <1JentIl> pos adj. def not being a member of one's own church: used esp. by Mormons. Gentile H1.8. syl Gen+tile pron <1JentIl> pos adj. def pagan or heathen. Giovanni infl head Gentile syl Gio:van:ni pron pos n. Gentile H2.0. syl Gen:ti:le pron Italian pos n. def 1875-1944, Italian Idealist philosopher and Fascist politician: minister of education (1922-24). gentilesse ety C14: from Old French gentillesse; see #7genteel gentilesse 0. syl gen+ti+lesse pron <1Jent%*!les> pos n. qual Archaic. def politeness or good breeding. gentility ety C14: from Old French gentilite, from Latin gent*_ilit*_as relationship of those belonging to the same tribe or family; see #7gens gentilities infl head gentility syl gen+til+i:ties. pos n. mod pl. gentility 1. syl gen+til+i:ty pron pos n. def respectability and polite good breeding. gentility 2. syl gen+til+i:ty pron pos n. def affected politeness. gentility 3. syl gen+til+i:ty pron pos n. def noble birth or ancestry. gentility 4. syl gen+til+i:ty pron pos n. def people of noble birth. gentle ety C13: from Old French gentil noble, from Latin gent*_ilis belonging to the same family; see #7gens &- #!gen+tly adv. gentle 1. syl gen+tle pron <1JentL> pos adj. def having a mild or kindly nature or character. gentle 2. syl gen+tle pron <1JentL> pos adj. def soft or temperate; mild; moderate. exam 1 a gentle scolding. gentle 3. syl gen+tle pron <1JentL> pos adj. def gradual. exam 1 a gentle slope. gentle 4. syl gen+tle pron <1JentL> pos adj. def easily controlled; tame. exam 1 a gentle horse. gentle 5. syl gen+tle pron <1JentL> pos adj. qual Archaic. def of good breeding; noble. exam 1 gentle blood. gentle 6. syl gen+tle pron <1JentL> pos adj. qual Archaic. def gallant; chivalrous. gentle 7. syl gen+tle pron <1JentL> pos vb. mod tr. def to tame or subdue (a horse, etc.). gentle 8. syl gen+tle pron <1JentL> pos vb. mod tr. def to appease or mollify. gentle 9. syl gen+tle pron <1JentL> pos vb. mod tr. qual Obsolete. def to ennoble or dignify. gentle 10. syl gen+tle pron <1JentL> pos n. def a maggot, esp. when used as bait in fishing. gentle 11. syl gen+tle pron <1JentL> pos n. qual Archaic. def a person who is of good breeding. gentle breeze 0. syl gen+tle breeze pos n. qual Meteorol. def a light breeze of force three on the Beaufort scale. gentlefolks alt head gentlefolk or gentlefolk syl gen:tle+folks pos n. mod pl. gentlefolk 0. or gentlefolks syl gen:tle+folk pron <1JentL2f*uk> pos n. mod pl. qual Chiefly U.S. def persons regarded as being of good breeding. gentlemen infl head gentleman syl gen:tle+men. pos n. mod pl. gentleman 1. syl gen:tle+man pron <1JentLm*n> pos n. def a man regarded as having qualities of refinement associated with a good family. gentleman 2. syl gen:tle+man pron <1JentLm*n> pos n. def a man who is cultured, courteous, and well-educated. gentleman 3. syl gen:tle+man pron <1JentLm*n> pos n. def a polite name for a man. gentleman 4. syl gen:tle+man pron <1JentLm*n> pos n. def the personal servant of a gentleman (esp. in the phrase {gentleman's gentleman) }. gentleman 5. syl gen:tle+man pron <1JentLm*n> pos n. qual British history. def a man of gentle birth, who was entitled to bear arms, ranking above a yeoman in social position. gentleman 6. syl gen:tle+man pron <1JentLm*n> pos n. usage formerly def a euphemistic word for a {smuggler}. gentlemanly sub head gentleman syl gen:tle+man+ly pos adj. gentlemanliness sub head gentleman syl gen:tle+man+li+ness pos n. gentlemen-at-arms infl head gentleman-at-arms syl gen:tle:men-at-arms. pos n. mod pl. gentleman-at-arms 0. syl gen:tle:man-at-arms pos n. def a member of the guard who attend the British sovereign on ceremonial and state occasions. gentlemen-farmers infl head gentleman-farmer syl gen:tle:men-farm:ers. pos n. mod pl. gentleman-farmer 1. syl gen:tle:man-farm:er pos n. def a person who engages in farming but does not depend on it for his living. gentleman-farmer 2. syl gen:tle:man-farm:er pos n. def a person who owns farmland but does not farm it personally. gentleman's agreement alt head gentlemen's agreement or gentlemen's agreement syl gen:tle+man's a:gree+ment pos n. gentlemen's agreement 0. or gentleman's agreement syl gen:tle+men's a:gree+ment pos n. def a personal understanding or arrangement based on honour and not legally binding. gentleness 1. syl gen+tle+ness pron <1JentLnis> pos n. def the quality of being gentle. gentleness 2. syl gen+tle+ness pron <1JentLnis> pos n. qual Physics. def a property of elementary particles, conserved in certain strong interactions. See also { {charm} (sense 7).} gentlewomen infl head gentlewoman syl gen:tle+wom:en. pos n. mod pl. gentlewoman 1. syl gen:tle+wom:an pron <1JentL2wum*n> pos n. def a woman regarded as being of good family or breeding; lady. gentlewoman 2. syl gen:tle+wom:an pron <1JentL2wum*n> pos n. def a woman who is cultured, courteous, and well-educated. gentlewomanly sub head gentlewoman syl gen:tle+2wom:an+ly pos adj. gentlewomanliness sub head gentlewoman syl gen:tle+2wom:an+li+ness pos n. Gentoo ety C17: from Portuguese gentio pagan (literally: #7gentile) Gentoos infl head Gentoo syl Gen+toos. pos n. mod pl. Gentoo 0. syl Gen+too pron <1Jentu:> pos n. qual Archaic. usage sometimes not cap. def a Hindu, esp. as distinguished from a Muslim. gentrification ety C20: from gentrify (to become #7gentry) gentrification 0. syl gen+tri+fi+ca+tion pron <2Jentrifi1kAS*n> pos n. qual Brit. def a process by which middle-class@T people@T take@T up@T residence @T in@T a@T traditionally working-class area of a city, changing the character of the area. gentry ety C14: from Old French genterie, from gentil #7gentle gentry 1. syl gen+try pron <1Jentri> pos n. def persons of high birth or social standing; aristocracy. gentry 2. syl gen+try pron <1Jentri> pos n. qual Brit. def persons just below the nobility in social rank. gents 0. syl gents pron pos n. mod functioning as; sing. qual Brit. informal. def a men's public lavatory. genu ety Latin: knee genua infl head genu syl gen:u:a pron <1Jenju*> pos n. mod pl. genu 1. syl gen:u pron <1Jenju:> pos n. qual Anatomy. def the technical name for the {knee}. genu 2. syl gen:u pron <1Jenju:> pos n. qual Anatomy. def any kneelike bend in a structure or part. genuflect ety C17: from Medieval Latin gen*_uflectere, from Latin genu knee+ flectere to bend genuflect 1. syl gen:u+flect pron <1Jenju2flekt> pos vb. mod intr. def to act in a servile or deferential manner. genuflect 2. syl gen:u+flect pron <1Jenju2flekt> pos vb. mod intr. qual R.C. Church. def to bend one or both knees as a sign of reverence, esp. when passing before the Blessed Sacrament. genuflection sub head genuflect or genuflexion syl gen:u+1flec+tion pos n. genuflexion sub head genuflect or genuflection syl gen:u+1flex+ion pos n. genuflector sub head genuflect syl gen:u+2flec+tor pos n. genuine ety C16: from Latin genu*_inus inborn, hence (in Late Latin) authentic, from gignere to produce genuine 1. syl gen:u+ine pron <1Jenjuin> pos adj. def not fake or counterfeit; original; real; authentic. genuine 2. syl gen:u+ine pron <1Jenjuin> pos adj. def not pretending; frank; sincere. genuine 3. syl gen:u+ine pron <1Jenjuin> pos adj. def being of authentic or original stock. genuinely sub head genuine syl gen:u+ine+ly pos adv. genuineness sub head genuine syl gen:u+ine+ness pos n. gens up infl head gen up syl gens up pos adv. mod tr. genning up infl head gen up syl gen+ning up pos adv. mod tr. genned up infl head gen up syl genned up. pos adv. mod tr. gen up 0. syl gen up pos vb. mod tr. qual Brit. informal. usage often passive def to brief (someone) in detail; give full information to. exam 1 I can only take over this job if I am properly genned up. genus ety C16: from Latin: race genera infl head genus or genuses syl gen+e:ra pron <1Jen*r*> pos n. mod pl. genuses infl head genus or genera syl ge+nus:es. pos n. mod pl. genus 1. syl ge+nus pron <1JEn*s> pos n. qual Biology. def any of the taxonomic groups into which a family is divided and which contains one or more species. For example, (foxes) is a genus of the dog family . genus 2. syl ge+nus pron <1JEn*s> pos n. qual Logic. def a class of objects or individuals that can be divided into two or more groups or species. genus 3. syl ge+nus pron <1JEn*s> pos n. def a class, group, etc., with common characteristics. -geny ety from Greek -geneia, from -gen*_es born -geny 0. syl -gen:y pos n. usage combining form. def indicating origin or manner of development. exam 1 phylogeny. -genic sub head -geny syl -gen:ic pos adj. geo- ety from Greek, from g*_e earth geo- 0. syl ge:o- usage combining form. def indicating earth. exam 1 geomorphology. geocentric 1. syl ge:o+cen+tric pron <2JE*u1sentrik> pos adj. def having the earth at its centre. exam 1 the Ptolemaic system postulated a geocentric uni?!verse. geocentric 2. syl ge:o+cen+tric pron <2JE*u1sentrik> pos adj. def measured from or relating to the centre of the earth. geocentrically sub head geocentric syl ge:o+1cen+tri+cal+ly pos adv. geocentric parallax 0. syl ge:o+cen+tric par+al+lax pos n. def See { {parallax} (sense 2).} geochemistry 0. syl ge:o+chem+is+try pron <2JE*u1kemistri> pos n. def the chemistry of the earth's crust. geochemical sub head geochemistry syl ge:o+chem:i+cal pron <2JE*u1kemikL> pos adj. geochemist sub head geochemistry syl ge:o+1chem+ist pos n. geochronology 0. syl ge:o+chro+nol+o:gy pron <2JE*ukr*1nol*Ji> pos n. def the branch of geology concerned with ordering events in the earth's history. geochronological sub head geochronology syl ge:o+chron:o+log:i+cal pron <2JE*u2kron%@1loJikL> pos adj. geod 1. syl geod. qual abbrev. for: def geodesy. geod 2. syl geod. qual abbrev. for: def geodetic. geode ety C17: from Latin ge*_od*_es a precious stone, from Greek: earthlike; see #7geo -#7, -{#7ode %1} geode 0. syl ge+ode pron <1JE*ud> pos n. def a cavity, usually lined with crystals, within a rock mass or nodule. geodic sub head geode syl ge+od+ic pron pos adj. geodesic 1. syl ge:o+des+ic pron <2JE*u1desik>, <-1dE-> pos adj. def Also: {geodetic, geo?!desical}. relating to or involving the geometry of curved surfaces. {~-} geodesic 2. syl ge:o+des+ic pron <2JE*u1desik>, <-1dE-> pos adj. def Also called: {geodesic line}. the shortest line between two points on a curved or plane surface. geodesic dome 0. syl ge:o+des+ic dome pos n. def a light structural framework arranged as a set of polygons in the form of a shell and covered with sheeting made of plastic, plywood, metal, etc. geodesy ety C16: from French g*'eod*'esie, from Greek ge*_odaisia, from #7geo -#7+ daiein to divide geodetics alt head geodesy or geodesy syl ge:o+det+ics pron <2dzE*u1detiks> pos n. geodesy 0. or geodetics syl ge:od+e:sy pron pos n. def the branch of science concerned with determining the exact position of geographical points and the shape and size of the earth. geodesist sub head geodesy syl ge+1od+e:sist pos n. geodetic 1. syl ge:o+det+ic pron <2JE*u1detik> pos adj. def of or relating to geodesy. geodetic 2. syl ge:o+det+ic pron <2JE*u1detik> pos adj. def another word for {geodesic}. geodetically sub head geodetic syl ge:o+1det:i+cal+ly pos adv. geodetic surveying 0. syl ge:o+det+ic sur+vey+ing pos n. def the surveying of the earth's surface, making allowance for its curvature and giving an accurate framework for lower-order surveys. geodynamics 0. syl ge:o+dy+nam+ics pron <2JE*udI1n@miks> pos n. mod functioning as; sing. def the study of the forces within the earth that affect the structure of the earth's crust. geodynamic sub head geodynamics syl ge:o+dy+1nam+ic pos adj. geodynamicist sub head geodynamics syl ge:o+dy+1nam:i+cist pos n. Geoffrey of Monmouth 0. syl Geof:frey of Mon+mouth pron <1Jefri> pos n. def ??1100-54, Welsh bishop and chronicler; author of the chief source of Arthurian legends. geog 1. syl geog. qual abbrev. for: def geographer. geog 2. syl geog. qual abbrev. for: def geographic(al). geog 3. syl geog. qual abbrev. for: def geog?!raphy. geognosy ety C18: from French g*'eognosie, from #7geo -#7+ Greek gn*_osis a seeking to know, knowledge geognosy 0. syl ge+og+no+sy pron pos n. def the study of the structure and composition of the earth. geognostic sub head geognosy syl ge+og+nos+tic pron <2JEog1nostik> pos adj. geographical determinism 0. syl ge:o+graph:i+cal de+ter+min+ism pos n. qual Sociol. def the theory that human activity is determined by geographical conditions. geographical mile 0. syl ge:o+graph:i+cal mile pos n. def another name for {nautical mile}. geographies infl head geography syl ge+og+ra+phies. pos n. mod pl. geography 1. syl ge+og+ra+phy pron pos n. def the study of the natural features of the earth's surface, including topography, climate, soil, vegetation, etc., and man's response to them. geography 2. syl ge+og+ra+phy pron pos n. def the natural features of a region. geography 3. syl ge+og+ra+phy pron pos n. def an arrangement of con?!stituent parts; plan; layout. geographer sub head geography syl ge+1og+ra+pher pos n. geographical sub head geography or geographic syl ge:o+?!graph:i+cal pron <2Ji*1gr@fikL> pos adj. geographic sub head geography or geographical syl ge:o+1graph+ic pos adj. geographically sub head geography syl ge:o+?!1graph:i+cal+ly pos adv. geoid 1. syl ge+oid pron <1JEcid> pos n. def a hypothetical surface that corresponds to mean sea level and extends at the same level under the continents. geoid 2. syl ge+oid pron <1JEcid> pos n. def the shape of the earth. geol 1. syl geol. qual abbrev. for: def geologic(al). geol 2. syl geol. qual abbrev. for: def geologist. geol 3. syl geol. qual abbrev. for: def geology. geologise alt head geologize or geologize syl ge+ol:o+gise pron pos vb. geologize 0. or geologise syl ge+ol:o+gize pron pos vb. def to study the geological features of (an area). geology 1. syl ge+ol+o:gy pron pos n. def the scientific study of the origin, history, structure, and composition of the earth. geology 2. syl ge+ol+o:gy pron pos n. def the geo?!logical features of a district or country. geological sub head geology or geologic syl ge:o+log:i+cal pron <2Ji*?!1loJikL> pos adj. geologic sub head geology or geological syl ge:o+1log+ic pos adj. geologically sub head geology syl ge:o+1log:i+cal+ly pos adv. geologist sub head geology or geologer syl ge+1ol:o+gist pos n. geologer sub head geology or geologist syl ge+1ol:o+ger pos n. geom 1. syl geom. qual abbrev. for: def geometric(al). geom 2. syl geom. qual abbrev. for: def geometry. geomagnetism 1. syl ge:o+mag+ne+tism pron <2JE*u1m@gni2tiz*m> pos n. def the magnetic field of the earth. geomagnetism 2. syl ge:o+mag+ne+tism pron <2JE*u1m@gni2tiz*m> pos n. def the branch of physics concerned with this. geomagnetic sub head geomagnetism syl ge:o+mag+net+ic pron <2JE*um@g1netik> pos adj. geomancy 0. syl ge:o+man+cy pron <1JE*u2m@nsi> pos n. def prophecy from the pattern made when a handful of earth is cast down or dots are drawn at random and connected with lines. geomancer sub head geomancy syl ge:o+2man+cer pos n. geomantic sub head geomancy syl ge:o+1man+tic pos adj. geomechanics 0. syl ge:o+me:chan+ics pron <2JE*umi1k@niks> pos n. mod functioning as; sing. def the study and application of rock and soil mechanics. geometrician alt head geometer or geometer syl ge+om+e:tri+cian pron , <2Jiomi-> pos n. geometer 0. or geometrician syl ge+om+e:ter pron pos n. def a person who is practised in or who studies geometry. geometrical alt head geometric or geometric syl ge:o+met+ri+cal pos adj. geometric 1. or geometrical syl ge:o+met+ric pron <2Ji*1metrik> pos adj. def of, relating to, or following the methods and principles of geometry. geometric 2. or geometrical syl ge:o+met+ric pron <2Ji*1metrik> pos adj. def consisting of, formed by, or characterized by points, lines, curves, or surfaces. exam 1 a geometric figure. geometric 3. or geometrical syl ge:o+met+ric pron <2Ji*1metrik> pos adj. usage of design or ornamentation def composed predominantly of simple geometric forms, such as circles, rectangles, triangles, etc. geometrically sub head geometric syl ge:o+1met+ri+cal+ly pos adv. geometric mean 0. syl ge:o+met+ric mean pos n. def the average value of a set of integers, terms, or quantities, expressed as the th root of their product. Compare {arithmetic mean}. geometric pace 0. syl ge:o+met+ric pace pos n. def a modern form of a Roman pace, a measure of length taken as 5 feet. geometric progression 0. syl ge:o+met+ric pro+gres+sion pos n. def a sequence of numbers, each of which differs from the succeeding one by a constant ratio, as 1, 2, 4, 8, ... Compare {arithmetic progression}. geometric series 0. syl ge:o+met+ric se+ries pos n. def a geometric progression written as a sum, as in 1+2+4+8. geometrid ety C19: from New Latin Ge*_ometridae, from Latin, from Greek geometr*_es: land measurer, from the looping gait of the larvae geometrid 1. syl ge+om+e:trid pron pos n. def any moth of the family the larvae of which are called measuring worms, inchworms, or loopers. {~} geometrid 2. syl ge+om+e:trid pron pos n. def of, relating to, or belonging to the geometrise alt head geometrize or geometrize syl ge+om+e:trise pron pos vb. mod intr. geometrize 1. or geometrise syl ge+om+e:trize pron pos vb. mod intr. def to use or apply geometric methods or principles. geometrize 2. or geometrise syl ge+om+e:trize pron pos vb. mod intr. def to represent in geometric form. geometry ety C14: from Latin ge*_ometria, from Greek, from ge*_ometrein to measure the land geometry 1. syl ge+om+e:try pron pos n. def the branch of mathematics concerned with the properties, relationships, and measurement of points, lines, curves, and surfaces. See also {analytical geometry, non-Euclidean geometry}. geometry 2.a. syl ge+om+e:try pron pos n. def any branch of geometry using a particular notation or set of assumptions. exam 1 analytical geometry. geometry 2.b. syl ge+om+e:try pron pos n. def any branch of geometry referring to a particular set of objects. exam 1 solid geometry. geometry 3. syl ge+om+e:try pron pos n. def a shape, configuration, or arrangement. geometry 4. syl ge+om+e:try pron pos n. qual Arts. def the shape of a solid or a surface. geomorphic 0. syl ge:o+mor+phic pron <2JE*u1mc:fik> pos adj. def of, relating to, or resembling the earth's surface. geomorphogeny alt head geomorphology or geomorphology syl ge:o+mor+phog+e:ny pron <2JE*umc:1foJ*ni> pos n. geomorphology 0. or geomorphogeny syl ge:o+mor+phol:o+gy pron <2JE*umc:1fol*Ji> pos n. def the branch of geology that is concerned with the structure, origin, and development of the topographical features of the earth's crust. geomorphological sub head geomorphology or geomorphologic syl ge:o+mor+pho+log:i+cal pron <2JE*u2mc:f*1loJikL> pos adj. geomorphologic sub head geomorphology or geomorphological syl ge:o+2mor+pho+1log+ic pos adj. geomorphologically sub head geomorphology syl ge:o+2mor+pho+1log:i+cal+ly pos adv. geophagia infl head geophagy or geophagism syl ge:o+pha+gia pron <2Ji*1fAJ*>, <-Ji*> pos n. geophagism infl head geophagy or geophagia syl ge+oph:a+gism pron pos n. geophagy 0. syl ge+oph:a+gy pron pos n. def the practice of eating earth, clay, chalk, etc., found in some primitive tribes. geophagist sub head geophagy syl ge+1oph:a+gist pos n. geophagous sub head geophagy syl ge+oph:a+gous pron pos adj. geophysics 0. syl ge:o+phys+ics pron <2JE*u1fiziks> pos n. mod functioning as; sing. def the branch of geology that uses physics to examine the properties of the earth. It includes seismology, meteorology, and ocean?!ography. geophysical sub head geophysics syl ge:o+1phys:i+cal pos adj. geophysicist sub head geophysics syl ge:o+1phys:i+cist pos n. geophyte 0. syl ge:o+phyte pron <1JE*u2fIt> pos n. def a perennial plant that propagates by means of buds below the soil surface. geophytic sub head geophyte syl ge:o+phyt+ic pron <2JE*u1fitik> pos adj. geopolitics 1. syl ge:o+pol:i+tics pron <2JE*u1politiks> pos n. mod functioning as; sing. def the study of the effect of geographical factors on politics, esp. international politics; political geography. geopolitics 2. syl ge:o+pol:i+tics pron <2JE*u1politiks> pos n. mod functioning as; pl. def the combination of geographical and political factors affecting a country or area. geopolitical sub head geopolitics syl ge:o+po+lit:i+cal pron <2JE*up*?!1litikL> pos adj. geopolitician sub head geopolitics syl ge:o+2pol:i+1ti+cian pos n. geoponic ety C17: from Greek ge*_oponikos concerning land cultivation, from ge*_oponein to till the soil, from #7geo -#7+ ponein to labour geoponic 1. syl ge:o+pon+ic pron <2JE*u1ponik> pos adj. def of or relating to agriculture, esp. as a science. geoponic 2. syl ge:o+pon+ic pron <2JE*u1ponik> pos adj. def rural; rustic. geoponics 0. syl ge:o+pon+ics pron <2JE*u1poniks> pos n. mod functioning as; sing. def the science of agriculture. Geordie ety C19: a diminutive of G#7eorge infl head Geordie syl ~ pos n. qual Brit. Geordie 1. syl Geor+die pron <1Jc:di> pos n. def a person who comes from or lives in Tyneside. Geordie 2. syl Geor+die pron <1Jc:di> pos n. def the dialect spoken by these people. {~} Geordie 3. syl Geor+die pron <1Jc:di> pos n. def of or relating to these people or their dialect. David Lloyd 1. head George syl Da:vid Lloyd. def See {Lloyd George}. Henry 2. head George syl Hen:ry. def 1839-97, U.S. economist: advocated a single tax on land values, esp. in (1879). Saint 3. head George syl Saint. def died ??303 #7a.d., Christian martyr, the patron saint of England; the hero of a legend in which he slew a dragon. Feast day: April 23. Stefan (Anton) infl head George syl Stef:an (Anton) pron <1Stefan> pos n. George H1.4. syl George pron German pos n. def 1868-1933, German poet and aesthete. Influenced by the French Symbolists, esp. Mallarm*'e and later by Nietzsche, he sought for an idealized purity of form in his verse. Refused Nazi honours and went into exile in 1933. George ety C20: originally a slang name for an airman George H2.0. syl George pron pos n. qual Brit. informal. def the automatic pilot in an aircraft. George I 0. syl George I pos n. def 1660-1727, first Hanoverian king of Great Britain (1714-27) and elector of Hanover (1698-1727). His depend?!ence in domestic affairs on his ministers led to the emergence of Walpole as the first prime minister. George II 1. syl George II pos n. def 1683-1760, king of Great Britain and elector of Hanover (1727-60); son of George I. His victory over the French at Dettingen (1743) in the War of the Austrian Succession was the last appearance on a battlefield by a British king. George II 2. syl George II pos n. def 1890-1947, king of Greece (1922-24; 1935-47). He was overthrown by the republicans (1924) and exiled during the German occupation of Greece (1941-45). George III 0. syl George III pos n. def 1738-1820, king of Great Britain and Ireland (1760-1820) and of Hanover (1815-20). During his reign the American colonies were lost. He became insane in 1811, and his son acted as regent for the rest of the reign. George IV 0. syl George IV pos n. def 1762-1830, king of Great Britain and Ireland (1820-30); regent (1811-20). He was on bad terms with his father (George III) because of his profligate ways, which undermined the prestige of the crown, and his association with the Whig opposition. George V 0. syl George V pos n. def 1865-1936, king of Great Britain and Northern Ireland and emperor of India (1910-36). George VI 0. syl George VI pos n. def 1895-1952, king of Great Britain and Northern Ireland (1936-52) and emperor of India (1936-47). The second son of George V, he succeeded to the throne after the abdication of his brother, Edward VIII. George Cross 0. syl George Cross pos n. def a British award for bravery. Abbrev.: {G.C}. George Town 0. syl George Town pos n. def a port in NW Malaysia, capital of Penang state, in NE Penang Island: the first chartered city of the Malayan federation. Pop.: 270019 (1970). Also called: {Penang}. Georgetown 1. syl George+town pron <1Jc:J2taun> pos n. def the capital and chief port of Guyana, at the mouth of the Demerara River: became capital of the Dutch colonies of Essequibo and Demerara in 1784; seat of the University of Guyana. Pop.: 63184 (1970). Former name (until 1812): {Stabroek}. Georgetown 2. syl George+town pron <1Jc:J2taun> pos n. def the capital of the Cayman Islands: a port on Grand Cayman Island. Pop.: 3975 (1970). georgette ety C20: from the name Mme. Georgette, a French modiste georgette crepe alt head georgette or georgette syl geor+gette crepe pron pos n. georgette 0.a. or georgette crepe syl geor+gette pron pos n. def a thin silk or cotton crepe fabric with a mat finish. georgette 0.b. or georgette crepe syl geor+gette pron pos n. usage as modifier exam 1 a georgette blouse. Georgia 1. syl Geor+gia pron <1Jc:Jj*> pos n. def a state of the southeastern U.S., on the Atlantic: consists of coastal plains with forests and swamps, rising to the Cumberland Plateau and the Appalachians in the northwest. Capital: Atlanta. Pop.: 4686000 (1970). Area: 152489 sq. km (58876 sq. miles). Abbrevs.: {Ga}. or (with zip code) {GA} Georgia 2. syl Geor+gia pron <1Jc:Jj*> pos n. def short for the {Georgian Soviet Socialist Republic}. Georgian 1. syl Geor+gian pron <1Jc:Jj*n> pos adj. def of, characteristic of, or relating to any or all of the four kings who ruled Great Britain from 1714 to 1830, or to their reigns. exam 1 Georgian architecture. Georgian 2. syl Geor+gian pron <1Jc:Jj*n> pos adj. def of or relating to George V of Great Britain or his reign (1910-36). exam 1 the Georgian poets. Georgian 3. syl Geor+gian pron <1Jc:Jj*n> pos adj. def of or relating to the Georgian SSR, its people, or their language. Georgian 4. syl Geor+gian pron <1Jc:Jj*n> pos adj. def of or relating to the American State of Georgia or its inhabitants. Georgian 5. syl Geor+gian pron <1Jc:Jj*n> pos adj. usage of furniture, furnishings, etc. def in or imitative of the style prevalent in England during the 18th century (reigns of George I, II, and III), represented typically by the designs of Sheraton. {~} Georgian 6. syl Geor+gian pron <1Jc:Jj*n> pos adj. def the official language of the Georgian SSR, belonging to the South Caucasian family. Georgian 7. syl Geor+gian pron <1Jc:Jj*n> pos adj. def a native or inhabitant of the Georgian SSR. Georgian 8. syl Geor+gian pron <1Jc:Jj*n> pos adj. def an aboriginal inhabitant of the Caucasus. Georgian 9. syl Geor+gian pron <1Jc:Jj*n> pos adj. def a native or inhabitant of the American State of Georgia. Georgian 10. syl Geor+gian pron <1Jc:Jj*n> pos adj. def a person belonging to or imitating the styles of either of the Georgian periods in England. Georgian Bay 0. syl Geor+gian Bay pos n. def a bay in S central Canada, in Ontario: the NE part of Lake Huron. Area: 15000 sq. km (5800 sq. miles). Georgia alt head Georgian Soviet Socialist Republic or Georgian Soviet Socialist Republic syl Geor+gia pos n. Georgian Soviet Socialist Republic 0. or Georgia syl Geor+gian So+vi+et So+cial+ist Re+pub+lic pos n. def an administrative division of the SW Soviet Union, on the Black Sea: an independent kingdom for over 2000 years, at its height in the 12th and 13th centuries; joined the Soviet Union in 1921; a major source of manganese, coal, and oil. Capital: Tbilisi. Pop.: 4686358 (1970). Area: 69700 sq. km (26900 sq. miles). georgic ety C16: from Latin ge*_orgicus, from Greek ge*_orgikos, from ge*_orgos farmer, from g*_e land, earth+ -ourgos, from ergon work georgic 1. syl geor+gic pron <1Jc:Jik> pos adj. qual Literary. def agricultural. {~} georgic 2. syl geor+gic pron <1Jc:Jik> pos adj. def a poem about rural or agricultural life. geoscience 1. syl ge:o+sci+ence pron <2JE*u1sI*ns> pos n. def any science, such as geology, geophysics, geochemistry, or geodesy, concerned with the earth; an earth science. geoscience 2. syl ge:o+sci+ence pron <2JE*u1sI*ns> pos n. def these sciences collectively. geosphere 0. syl ge:o+sphere pron <1JE*u2sfi*> pos n. def another name for {lithosphere}. geostatic 1. syl ge:o+stat+ic pron <2JE*u1st@tik> pos adj. def denoting or relating to the pressure exerted by a mass of rock or a similar substance. geostatic 2. syl ge:o+stat+ic pron <2JE*u1st@tik> pos adj. usage of a construction def able to resist the pressure of a mass of earth or similar material. geostatics 0. syl ge:o+stat+ics pron <2JE*u1st@tiks> pos n. mod functioning as; sing. def the branch of physics concerned with the statics of rigid bodies, esp. the balance of forces within the earth. geostrategy 0. syl ge:o+strat+e:gy pron <2JE*u1str@t*Ji> pos n. def the study of geopolitics and strategics, esp. as they affect the analysis of a region. geostrophic 0. syl ge:o+stroph+ic pron <2JE*u1strofik> pos adj. def of, relating to, or caused by the force produced by the rotation of the earth. exam 1 geostrophic wind. geosyncline 0. syl ge:o+syn+cline pron <2JE*u1sinklIn> pos n. def a broad elongated depression in the earth's crust containing great thicknesses of sediment. geosynclinal sub head geosyncline syl ge:o+syn+1cli+nal pos adj. geotaxis 0. syl ge:o+tax+is pron <2JE*u1t@ksis> pos n. def movement of an organism in response to the stimulus of gravity. geotactic sub head geotaxis syl ge:o+1tac+tic pos adj. geotactically sub head geotaxis syl ge:o+1tac+ti+cal+ly pos adv. geotectonic 0. syl ge:o+tec+ton+ic pron <2JE*utek1tonik> pos adj. def of or relating to the formation, arrangement, and structure of the rocks of the earth's crust. geothermic alt head geothermal or geothermal syl ge:o+ther+mic pos adj. geothermal 0. or geothermic syl ge:o+ther+mal pron <2JE*u1TR:m*l> pos adj. def of or relating to the heat in the interior of the earth. geotropism 0. syl ge+ot+ro+pism pron pos n. def the response of a plant part to the stimulus of gravity. Plant stems, which grow upwards irrespective of the position in which they are placed, show {negative geotropism}. geotropic sub head geotropism syl ge:o+trop+ic pron <2JE*u1tropik> pos adj. geotropically sub head geotropism syl ge:o+1trop:i+cal+ly pos adv. ger 1. syl ger. qual abbrev. for: def gerund. ger 2. syl ger. qual abbrev. for: def gerundive. Ger 1. syl Ger. qual abbrev. for: def German. Ger 2. syl Ger. qual abbrev. for: def Germany. Gera 0. syl Ge:ra pron German <1gA:ra> pos n. def an industrial city in S East Germany. Pop.: 114117 (1975 est.). gerah ety C16: from Hebrew g*_er*_ah bean gerah 1. syl ge+rah pron <1gi*r*> pos n. def an ancient Hebrew unit of weight. gerah 2. syl ge+rah pron <1gi*r*> pos n. def an ancient Hebrew coin equal to one twentieth of a shekel. geraniaceous ety C19: from New Latin Gerani*_aceae; see #7geranium geraniaceous 0. syl ge+ra+ni:a+ceous pron pos adj. def of, relating to, or belong?!ing to the a family of plants with typically hairy stems and beaklike fruits: includes the geranium, pelargonium, storksbill, and cranesbill. geranial ety C19: from #7gerani (#7um) #7+al (#7dehyde) geranial 0. syl ge+ra+ni:al pron pos n. def the isomer of citral. geraniol ety C19: from #7gerani (#7um+alcoh) #7ol geraniol 0. syl ge+ra+ni+ol pron , pos n. def a colourless or pale yellow terpine alcohol with an odour of roses, found in many essential oils: used in perfumery. Formula: C\1\0H\1\8O. geranium ety C16: from Latin: cranesbill, from Greek geranion, from geranos #7crane geranium 1. syl ge+ra+ni:um pron pos n. def any cultivated geraniaceous plant of the genus having scarlet, pink, or white showy flowers. See also {pelargonium, rose geranium, lemon geranium}. geranium 2. syl ge+ra+ni:um pron pos n. def any geraniaceous plant of the genus such as cranesbill and herb Robert, having divided leaves and pink or purplish flowers. geranium 3. syl ge+ra+ni:um pron pos n. def a strong red to a moderate or strong pink colour. geratology ety C19: from gerato-, from Greek g*_eras old age+-#7logy geratology 0. syl ger:a+tol+o:gy pron <2Jer*1tol*Ji> pos n. def the branch of medicine concerned with the elderly and the phenomena associated with ageing; geriatrics and gerontology. geratologic sub head geratology syl ger:a+to+log+ic pron <2Jer*t*1loJ?!ik> pos adj. gerbil ety C19: from French gerbille, from New Latin gerbillus a little #7jerboa gerbille alt head gerbil or gerbil syl ger+bille pron <1JR:bil> pos n. gerbil 0. or gerbille syl ger+bil pron <1JR:bil> pos n. def any burrowing rodent of the subfamily inhabiting hot dry regions of Asia and Africa and having soft pale fur: family gerent ety C16: from Latin ger*_ens managing, from gerere to bear gerent 0. syl ger+ent pron <1Jer*nt> pos n. qual Rare. def a person who rules or manages. gerenuk ety from Somali garanug gerenuk 0. syl ger+e:nuk pron <1geri2nuk> pos n. def a slender E African antelope, with a long thin neck and backward-curving horns. gerfalcon 0. syl ger+fal+con pron <1JR:2fc:lk*n>, <-2fc:k*n> pos n. def a variant spelling of {gyrfalcon}. geriatric ety C20: from Greek g*_eras old age+-#7iatric geriatric 1. syl ger:i+at+ric pron <2Jeri1@trik> pos adj. def of or relating to geriatrics or to elderly people. geriatric 2. syl ger:i+at+ric pron <2Jeri1@trik> pos n. def an elderly person. geriatrist alt head geriatrician or geriatrician syl ger:i+at+rist pron <2Jeri1@trist> pos n. geriatrician 0. or geriatrist syl ger:i:a+tri+cian pron <2Jeri*1triS*n> pos n. def a physician who specializes in geriatrics. geriatrics 0. syl ger:i+at+rics pron <2Jeri1@triks> pos n. mod functioning as; sing. def the branch of medical science concerned with the diagnosis and treatment of diseases affecting elderly people. Compare {gerontology}. (Jean Louis Andr'e) Th'eodore infl head G'ericault syl (Jean Louis Andr*'e) Th*'e:o:dore pron pos n. G'ericault 0. syl G*'e:ri:cault pron French pos n. def 1791-1824, French romantic painter, noted for his skill in capturing movement, esp. of horses. Gerlachovka 0. syl Ger+la+chov+ka pron Czech <1gerlaxcfka> pos n. def a mountain in E Czechoslovakia, in the Tatra Mountains: the highest peak of the Carpathian Mountains. Height: 2663 m (8736 ft.). germ ety C17: from French germe, from Latin germen sprig, bud, sprout, seed germ 1. syl germ pron pos n. def a microorganism, esp. one that produces disease in animals or plants. germ 2. syl germ pron pos n. mod often; pl. def the rudimentary or initial form of something. exam 1 the germs of revolution. germ 3. syl germ pron pos n. def a simple structure, such as a fertilized egg, that is capable of developing into a complete organism. german ety C19: shortened from German cotillion german H1.0. syl ger+man pron <1JR:m*n> pos n. qual U.S. def a dance consisting of complicated figures and changes of partners. german ety C14: via Old French germain, from Latin germ*_anus of the same race, from germen sprout, offshoot german H2.1.a. syl ger+man pron <1JR:m*n> pos adj. def having the same parents as oneself. exam 1 a brother-german. german H2.1.b. syl ger+man pron <1JR:m*n> pos adj. def having a parent that is a brother or sister of either of one's own parents. exam 1 cousin-german. german H2.2. syl ger+man pron <1JR:m*n> pos adj. def a less common word for {germane}. German 1. syl Ger+man pron <1JR:m*n> pos n. def the official language of East and West Germany and Austria and one of the official languages of Switzerland; the native language of approximately 100 million people. It is an Indo-European language belonging to the West Germanic branch, closely related to English and Dutch. There is considerable diversity of dialects; modern standard German is a development of Old High German, influenced by Martin Luther's translation of the Bible. See also {Low German}. German 2. syl Ger+man pron <1JR:m*n> pos n. def a native, inhabitant, or citizen of East or West Germany. German 3. syl Ger+man pron <1JR:m*n> pos n. def a person whose native language is German. exam 1 Swiss Germans; exam 2 Volga Germans. German 4. syl Ger+man pron <1JR:m*n> pos adj. def denoting, relating to, or using the German language. German 5. syl Ger+man pron <1JR:m*n> pos adj. def relating to, denoting, or characteristic of any German state or its people. German Baptist Brethren 0. syl Ger+man Bap+tist Breth+ren pos n. mod pl. def a Protestant sect founded in 1708 in Germany but who migrated to the U.S. in 1719-29, the members of which (Dunkers) insist on adult baptism by total immersion. Also called: {Church of the Brethren}. German cockroach 0. syl Ger+man cock+roach pos n. def a small cockroach, a common household pest. Also called (U.S.): {Croton bug}. German Democratic Republic 0. syl Ger+man Dem:o+crat+ic Re+pub+lic pos n. def the official name of {East Germany}. Abbrev.: {GDR}. germander ety C15: from Medieval Latin germandrea, from Late Greek khamandrua, from Greek khamaidrus, from khamai on the ground+ drus oak tree germander 0. syl ger+man+der pron pos n. def any of several plants of the genus esp. ({wall germander}) of Europe, having two-lipped flowers with a very small upper lip: family (labiates). germander speedwell 0. syl ger+man+der speed+well pos n. def a creeping scrophulariaceous Eurasian plant, naturalized in North America, having small bright blue flowers with white centres. Usual U.S. name: {bird's-eye speedwell}. germane ety variant of #7german %2 germane 0. syl ger+mane pron pos adj. usage postpositive; usually foll. by to def related (to the topic being considered); akin; relevant. exam 1 an idea germane to the conversation. germanely sub head germane syl ger+1mane+ly pos adv. germaneness sub head germane syl ger+1mane+ness pos n. German East Africa 0. syl Ger+man East Af+ri+ca pos n. def a former German territory in E Africa, consisting of Tanganyika and Ruanda-Urundi: divided in 1919 between Great Britain and Belgium; now in Tanzania, Rwanda, and Burundi. germanic 0. syl ger+man+ic pron pos adj. def of or containing germanium in the tetravalent state. Germanic 1. syl Ger+man+ic pron pos n. def a branch of the Indo-European family of languages that includes English, Dutch, German, the Scandinavian languages, and Gothic. See {East Germanic, West Germanic, North Germanic}. Abbrev.: {Gmc}. Germanic 2. syl Ger+man+ic pron pos n. def the unrecorded language from which all of these languages developed; Proto-Germanic. Germanic 3. syl Ger+man+ic pron pos adj. def of, denoting, or relating to this group of languages. Germanic 4. syl Ger+man+ic pron pos adj. def of, relating to, or characteristic of Germany, the German language, or any people that speaks a Germanic language. Germanicus Caesar 0. syl Ger:man:i:cus Cae:sar pron pos n. def 15 #7b.c. -19 #7a.d., Roman general; nephew of the emperor Tiberius; waged decisive campaigns against the Germans (14-16). Germanism 1. syl Ger+man+ism pron <1JR:m*2niz*m> pos n. def a word or idiom borrowed from or modelled on German. Germanism 2. syl Ger+man+ism pron <1JR:m*2niz*m> pos n. def a German custom, trait, practice, etc. Germanism 3. syl Ger+man+ism pron <1JR:m*2niz*m> pos n. def attachment to or high regard for German customs, institutions, etc. germanite ety from #7germanium+ -{#7ite %1} germanite 0. syl ger+man+ite pron <1JR:m*2nIt> pos n. def a mineral consisting of a complex copper arsenic sulphide containing germanium, gallium, iron, zinc, and lead: an ore of germanium and gallium. germanium ety C19: New Latin, named after G#7ermany germanium 0. syl ger+ma+ni:um pron pos n. def a brittle crystalline grey element that is a semiconducting metalloid, occurring principally in zinc ores and argyrodite: used in transistors, as a catalyst, and to strengthen and harden alloys. Symbol: Ge; atomic no.: 32; atomic wt.: 72.59; valency: 2 or 4; relative density: 5.32; melting pt.: 937.4?%C; boiling pt.: 2830?%C. Germanise alt head Germanize or Germanize syl Ger+man+ise pron <1JR:m*2nIz> pos vb. Germanize 0. or Germanise syl Ger+man+ize pron <1JR:m*2nIz> pos vb. def to adopt or cause to adopt German customs, speech, institutions, etc. Germanization sub head Germanize or Germanisation syl Ger+man:i+1za+tion pos n. Germanisation sub head Germanize or Germanization syl Ger+man:i+1sa+tion pos n. Germanizer sub head Germanize or Germaniser syl Ger+man+2iz+er pos n. Germaniser sub head Germanize or Germanizer syl Ger+man+2is+er pos n. German measles 0. syl Ger+man mea+sles pos n. def a nontechnical name for {rubella}. German Ocean 0. syl Ger+man O:cean pos n. def a former name for the {North Sea}. Germanophil alt head Germanophile or Germanophile syl Ger+man:o+phil pos n. Germanophile 0. or Germanophil syl Ger+man:o+phile pron pos n. def a person having admiration for or devotion to Germany and the Germans. Germanophilia sub head Germanophile syl Ger+man:o+phil:i:a pron pos n. Germanophobe 0. syl Ger+man:o+phobe pron pos n. def a person who hates Germany or its people. Germanophobia sub head Germanophobe syl Ger+2man:o+1pho+bi:a pos n. germanous 0. syl ger+man+ous pron pos adj. def of or containing germanium in the divalent state. German shepherd 0. syl Ger+man shep+herd pos n. def the U.S. name for { {Alsatian} (sense 1).} German silver 0. syl Ger+man sil+ver pos n. def another name for {nickel silver}. German sixth 0. syl Ger+man sixth pos n. usage in musical harmony def an augmented sixth chord having a major third and a perfect fifth between the root and the augmented sixth. Compare {Italian sixth, French sixth}. Germany 1. syl Ger+ma+ny pron <1JR:m*ni> pos n. def a country in central Europe: in the Middle Ages the centre of the Holy Roman Empire; dissolved into numerous principalities; united under the leadership of Prussia in 1871 after the Franco-Prussian War; became a republic with reduced size in 1919 after being defeated in World War I; under the dictatorship of Hitler from 1933 to 1945; defeated in World War II and divided by the Allied Powers into four zones, which became established as East and West Germany in the late 1940s. German name: {Deutschland}. See also {East Germany, West Germany}. Related adj.: {Teutonic}. Federal Republic of 2. head Germany syl Fed+er+al Re+pub+lic of. def the official name of {West Germany}. germ cell 0. syl germ cell pos n. def a sexual reproductive cell; gamete. Compare {somatic cell}. germen ety C17: from Latin; see #7germ germens infl head germen or germina syl ger+mens pron <-min*> pos n. mod pl. germina infl head germen or germens syl ger+mi+na pron <-min*> pos n. mod pl. germen 0. syl ger+men pron <1JR:m*n> pos n. qual Biology. def the mass of undifferentiated cells that gives rise to the germ cells. germicide 0. syl ger+mi+cide pron <1JR:mi2sId> pos n. def any substance that kills germs or other microorganisms. germicidal sub head germicide syl ger+mi+1cid+al pos adj. germinal ety C19: from New Latin germin*_alis, from Latin germen bud; see #7germ germinal 1. syl ger+mi+nal pron <1JR:minL> pos adj. def of, relating to, or like germs or a germ cell. germinal 2. syl ger+mi+nal pron <1JR:minL> pos adj. def of, or in the earliest stage of development; embryonic. germinally sub head germinal syl ger+mi+nal+ly pos adv. Germinal 0. syl Ger+mi+nal pron French. pos n. def the month of buds: the seventh month of the French revolutionary calendar, from March 22 to April 20. germinal disc 0. syl ger+mi+nal disc pos n. qual Embryol. def another name for {blastoderm}. germinal vesicle 0. syl ger+mi+nal ves:i+cle pos n. qual Biology. def the large nucleus of an oocyte before it develops into an ovum. germinant 0. syl ger+mi+nant pron <1JR:min*nt> pos adj. def in the process of germinating; sprouting. germinate ety C17: from Latin germin*_are to sprout; see #7germ germinate 1. syl ger+mi+nate pron <1JR:mi2nAt> pos vb. def to cause (seeds or spores) to sprout or (of seeds or spores) to sprout or form new tissue following increased metabolism. germinate 2. syl ger+mi+nate pron <1JR:mi2nAt> pos vb. def to grow or cause to grow; develop. germinate 3. syl ger+mi+nate pron <1JR:mi2nAt> pos vb. def to come or bring into existence; originate. exam 1 the idea germinated with me. germinable sub head germinate or germinative syl ger+mi+na:ble pos adj. germinative sub head germinate or germinable syl ger+mi+na+tive pos adj. germination sub head germinate syl ger+mi+1na+tion pos n. germinator sub head germinate syl ger+mi+2na+tor pos n. Germiston 0. syl Ger+mis+ton pron <1JR:mist*n> pos n. def a city in South Africa, in the S Transvaal, Southeast of Johannesburg: industrial centre, with the world's largest gold refinery, serving the Witwatersrand mines. Pop.: 139472 (1970). germ layer 0. syl germ lay+er pos n. qual Embryol. def any of the three layers of cells formed during gastrulation. See {ectoderm, mesoderm, endoderm}. germ plasm 1.a. syl germ plasm pos n. def the part of a germ cell that contains hereditary material; the chromosomes and genes. germ plasm 1.b. syl germ plasm pos n. def the germ cells collectively. Compare {somatoplasm}. germ plasm 2. syl germ plasm pos n. usage in early theories def a type of protoplasm found only in the germ cells that is transmitted unchanged from generation to generation and gives rise to the body cells. germ theory 1. syl germ the:o+ry pos n. def the theory that all infectious diseases are caused by microorganisms. germ theory 2. syl germ the:o+ry pos n. def the theory that living organisms develop from other living organisms by the growth and differentiation of germ cells. germ warfare 0. syl germ war+fare pos n. def the use of bacteria against an enemy. Gerona 0. syl Ge+ro+na pron Spanish <$xA1rona> pos n. def a city in NE Spain: city walls and 14th-century cathedral; often besieged, in particular by the French (1809). Pop.: 50338 (1970). Ancient name: {Gerunda}. Geronimo 1. syl Ge:ron:i:mo pron pos n. def 1829-1909, Apache Indian: led a campaign against the White settlers until his final capture in 1886. Geronimo 2. syl Ge:ron:i:mo pron pos interj. qual U.S. def a shout given by paratroopers as they jump into battle. geronto- ety from Greek ger*_on, geront- old man gerontocracies infl head gerontocracy syl ger+on+toc+ra+cies. pos n. mod pl. gerontocracy 1. syl ger+on+toc+ra+cy pron <2Jeron1tokr*si> pos n. def government by old men. gerontocracy 2. syl ger+on+toc+ra+cy pron <2Jeron1tokr*si> pos n. def a governing body of old men. gerontocratic sub head gerontocracy syl ge+ron+to+crat+ic pron pos adj. gerontology 0. syl ger+on+tol+o:gy pron <2Jeron1tol*Ji> pos n. def the scientific study of ageing and the problems associated with elderly people. Compare {geriatrics}. gerontological sub head gerontology syl ger+on+to+log:i+cal pron <2Jeront*1loJikL> pos adj. gerontologist sub head gerontology syl ger+on+1tol:o+gist pos n. -gerous ety from Latin -ger bearing+-#7ous -gerous 0. syl -ger:ous pos adj. usage combining form. def bearing or producing. exam 1 armig?!erous. gerrymander ety C19: from Elbridge Gerry, U.S. politician +(#7sala) #7mander ; from the salamander-like outline of an electoral district reshaped (1812) for political purposes while Gerry was governor of Massachusetts gerrymander 1. syl ger+ry+man+der pron <1Jeri2m@nd*> pos vb. def to divide the constituencies of (a voting area) so as to give one party an unfair advantage. gerrymander 2. syl ger+ry+man+der pron <1Jeri2m@nd*> pos vb. def to manipulate or adapt to one's advantage. gerrymander 3. syl ger+ry+man+der pron <1Jeri2m@nd*> pos n. def an act or result of gerrymandering. Gers 0. syl Gers pron French pos n. def a department of SW France, in Midi-Pyr*'en*'ees region. Capital: Auch. Pop.: 180501 (1975). Area: 6291 sq. km (2453 sq. miles). George infl head Gershwin syl George. pos n. Gershwin 0. syl Gersh:win pron <1gR:Swin> pos n. def 1898-1937, U.S. composer: incorporated jazz into works such as (1924) for piano and jazz band and the opera (1935). gerund ety C16: from Late Latin gerundium, from Latin gerundum something to be carried on, from gerere to wage gerund 0. syl ger+und pron <1Jer*nd> pos n. def a noun formed from a verb, denoting an action or state. In English, the gerund, like the present participle, is formed in gerundial sub head gerund syl ge+run+di:al pron pos adj. gerundive ety C17: from Late Latin gerund*_ivus, from gerundium #7gerund gerundive 1. syl ge+run+dive pron pos n. usage in Latin grammar def an adjective formed from a verb, expressing the desirability, etc., of the activity denoted by the verb. gerundive 2. syl ge+run+dive pron pos adj. def of or relating to the gerund or gerundive. gerundival sub head gerundive syl ger+un+di+val pron <2Jer*n1dIvL> pos adj. gerundively sub head gerundive syl ge+1run+dive+ly pos adv. Geryon 0. syl Ge:ry:on pron <1geri*n> pos n. qual Greek myth. def a winged monster with three bodies joined at the waist, killed by Hercules, who stole the monster's cattle as his tenth labour. gesellschaft ety German, literally: society gesellschaften infl head gesellschaft syl ge+sell+schaf+ten pron German <-2Saft*n> pos n. mod pl. gesellschaft 0. syl ge+sell+schaft pron German pos n. usage often cap. def a social group held together by practical concerns, formal and impersonal relationships, etc. Compare {gemeinschaft}. gesso ety C16: from Italian: chalk, #7gypsum gesso 1. syl ges+so pron <1Jes*u> pos n. def a white ground of plaster and size, used esp. in the Middle Ages and Renaissance to prepare panels or canvas for painting or gilding. gesso 2. syl ges+so pron <1Jes*u> pos n. def any white substance, esp. plaster of Paris, that forms a ground when mixed with water. gest ety C14: from Old French, from Latin gesta deeds, from gerere to carry out geste alt head gest or gest syl geste pron pos n. gest 1. or geste syl gest pron pos n. qual Archaic. def a notable deed or exploit. gest 2. or geste syl gest pron pos n. qual Archaic. def a tale of adventure or romance, esp. in verse. See also {Chanson de Geste}. gestalt ety C20: German: form, from Old High German stellen to shape gestalts infl head gestalt or gestalten syl ge+stalts pron <-1St@ltN> pos n. mod pl. gestalten infl head gestalt or gestalts syl ge+stal+ten pron <-1St@ltN> pos n. mod pl. gestalt 0. syl ge+stalt pron pos n. usage some?!times cap. def a perceptual pattern or structure possessing qualities as a whole that cannot be described merely as a sum of its parts. See also {Gestalt psychology}. Gestalt psychology 0. syl Ge+stalt psy+chol+o:gy pos n. def a system of thought, derived from experiments carried out by German psychologists, that regards all mental phenomena as being arranged in gestalts. Also called: {configurationism}. Gestapo ety from German Ge (heime) Sta (ats) po (lizei) literally: secret state police Gestapo 0. syl Ge+sta+po pron , German pos n. def the secret state police in Nazi Germany, noted for its brutal methods of interrogation. Gesta Romanorum ety Latin: deeds of the Romans Gesta Romanorum 0. syl Ges+ta Ro+ma+no+rum pron <1Jest*> <2r*um*1nc:r*m> pos n. def a popular collection of tales in Latin with moral applications, compiled in the late 13th century as a manual for preachers. gestate ety C19: back formation from #7gestation gestate 0. syl ges+tate pron <1JestAt> pos vb. def to carry (developing young) in the uterus during pregnancy. gestation ety C16: from Latin gest*_ati*_o a bearing, from gest*_are to bear, frequentative of gerere to carry gestation 1.a. syl ges+ta+tion pron pos n. def the development of the embryo of a viviparous mammal, between conception and birth: about 266 days in humans, 624 days in elephants, and 63 days in cats. gestation 1.b. syl ges+ta+tion pron pos n. usage as modifier exam 1 gestation period. gestation 2. syl ges+ta+tion pron pos n. def the development of an idea or plan in the mind. gestation 3. syl ges+ta+tion pron pos n. def the period of such a development. gestational sub head gestation or gestative syl ges+1ta+tion+al pron <1Jest*tiv>, pos adj. gestative sub head gestation or gestational syl ges+ta+tive pron <1Jest*tiv>, pos adj. gestatory sub head gestation syl ges+ta+to:ry pos adj. gestatorial chair 0. syl ges+ta+to+ri:al chair pron <2Jest*1tc:ri*l> pos n. def a ceremonial chair on which the pope is carried. gesticulate ety C17: from Latin gesticul*_ar*_i, from Latin gesticulus (unattested except in Late Latin) gesture, diminutive of gestus gesture, from gerere to bear, conduct gesticulate 0. syl ges+tic:u+late pron pos vb. def to express by or make gestures. gesticulative sub head gesticulate syl ges+1tic:u+la+tive pos adj. gesticulator sub head gesticulate syl ges+1tic:u+2la+tor pos n. gesticulation 1. syl ges+tic:u+la+tion pron pos n. def the act of gesticu?!lating. gesticulation 2. syl ges+tic:u+la+tion pron pos n. def an animated or expressive gesture. gesticulatory sub head gesticulation syl ges+1tic:u+la+to:ry pos adj. gesture ety C15: from Medieval Latin gest*_ura bearing, from Latin gestus, past participle of gerere to bear gesture 1. syl ges+ture pron <1JesC*> pos n. def a motion of the hands, head, or body to emphasize an idea or emotion, esp. while speaking. gesture 2. syl ges+ture pron <1JesC*> pos n. def something said or done as a formality or as an indication of intention. exam 1 a political gesture. gesture 3. syl ges+ture pron <1JesC*> pos n. qual Obsolete. def the manner in which a person bears himself; posture. gesture 4. syl ges+ture pron <1JesC*> pos vb. def to express by or make gestures; gesticulate. gestural sub head gesture syl ges+tur+al pos adj. gesturer sub head gesture syl ges+tur+er pos n. Carlo infl head Gesualdo syl Car:lo pron <1karlo> pos n. Gesualdo 0. syl Ge:su:al:do pron Italian <2JAzu1aldo> pos n. def Prince of Venosa. ??1560-1613, Italian composer, esp. of madrigals. gesundheit ety from gesund healthy+ -heit -#7hood ; see {#7sound %2} gesundheit 0. syl ge+sund+heit pron German pos interj. def an expression used to wish good health to someone who has just sneezed. get ety Old English gietan; related to Old Norse geta to get, learn, Old High German bigezzan to obtain gets infl head get syl gets pos vb. mod mainly; tr. getting infl head get syl get+ting pos vb. mod mainly; tr. got infl head get syl got. pos vb. mod mainly; tr. get 1. syl get pron pos vb. mod mainly; tr. def to come into possession of; receive or earn. get 2. syl get pron pos vb. mod mainly; tr. def to bring or fetch. get 3. syl get pron pos vb. mod mainly; tr. def to contract or be affected by. exam 1 he got a chill at the picnic. get 4. syl get pron pos vb. mod mainly; tr. def to capture or seize. exam 1 the police finally got him. get 5. syl get pron pos vb. mod also; intr. def to become or cause to become or act as specified. exam 1 to get a window open; exam 2 get one's hair cut; exam 3 get wet. get 6. syl get pron pos vb. mod intr. usage foll. by a preposition or adverbial particle def to succeed in going, coming, leaving, etc.. exam 1 get off the bus. get 7. syl get pron pos vb. mod mainly; tr. usage takes an infinitive def to manage or contrive. exam 1 how did you get to be captain?? get 8. syl get pron pos vb. mod mainly; tr. def to make ready or prepare. exam 1 to get a meal. get 9. syl get pron pos vb. mod mainly; tr. def to hear, notice, or understand. exam 1 I didn't get your meaning. get 10. syl get pron pos vb. mod mainly; tr. qual U.S. informal. def to learn or master by study. get 11. syl get pron pos vb. mod intr. usage often foll. by to def to come (to) or arrive (at). exam 1 we got home safely; exam 2 to get to London. get 12. syl get pron pos vb. mod mainly; tr. def to catch or enter. exam 1 to get a train. get 13. syl get pron pos vb. mod mainly; tr. def to induce or persuade. exam 1 get him to leave at once. get 14. syl get pron pos vb. mod mainly; tr. def to reach by calculation. exam 1 add 2 and 2 and you will get 4. get 15. syl get pron pos vb. mod mainly; tr. def to receive (a broadcast signal). get 16. syl get pron pos vb. mod mainly; tr. def to communicate with (a person or place), as by telephone. get 17. syl get pron pos vb. mod also; intr. qual Informal. usage foll. by to def to have an emotional effect (on). exam 1 that music really gets me. get 18. syl get pron pos vb. mod mainly; tr. qual Informal. def to annoy or irritate. exam 1 her high voice gets me. get 19. syl get pron pos vb. mod mainly; tr. qual Informal. def to bring a person into a difficult position from which he cannot escape. get 20. syl get pron pos vb. mod mainly; tr. qual Informal. def to hit. exam 1 the blow got him in the back. get 21. syl get pron pos vb. mod mainly; tr. qual Informal. def to be revenged on, esp. by killing. get 22.a. syl get pron pos vb. mod mainly; tr. usage foll. by to def to gain access (to a person) with the purpose of bribing him. get 22.b. syl get pron pos vb. mod mainly; tr. usage often foll. by to def to obtain access (to someone) and kill or silence him. get 23. syl get pron pos vb. mod mainly; tr. qual Informal. def to have the better of. exam 1 your extravagant habits will get you in the end. get 24. syl get pron pos vb. mod intr. qual Informal. usage foll. by present participle def to begin. exam 1 get moving. get 25. syl get pron pos vb. mod mainly; tr. qual Informal. usage used as a command def go&! leave now&! get 26. syl get pron pos vb. mod mainly; tr. qual Archaic. def to beget or conceive. get even with 27. head get syl get even with. qual Informal. def to settle an account with; pay back. get it (in the neck) 28. head get syl get it (in the neck) . qual Informal. def to suffer a reprimand, punishment, etc. get with it 29. head get syl get with it. qual Slang. def to allow oneself to respond to new ideas, styles, etc. get with child 30. head get syl get with child. qual Archaic. def to make pregnant. {~} get 31. syl get pron pos vb. mod mainly; tr. qual Rare. def the act of begetting. get 32. syl get pron pos vb. mod mainly; tr. qual Rare. def something begotten; offspring. get 33. syl get pron pos vb. mod mainly; tr. qual Brit. slang. def a variant of {git}. get 34. syl get pron pos vb. mod mainly; tr. usage Informal. in tennis, etc. def a successful return of a shot that was difficult to reach. {~} See also {get about, get across, get ahead, get along, get at, get away, get back, get by, get down, get in, get into, get off, get on, get onto, get out, get over, get round, get through, get-together, get up, got, gotten}. getable sub head get or gettable syl get+a:ble pos adj. gettable sub head get or getable syl get+ta:ble pos adj. get around alt head get about or get about syl get a:round pos vb. adv. mod intr. get about 1. or get around syl get a:bout pos vb. adv. mod intr. def to move around, as when recovering from an illness. get about 2. or get around syl get a:bout pos vb. adv. mod intr. def to be socially active. get about 3. or get around syl get a:bout pos vb. adv. mod intr. usage of news, rumour, etc. def to become known; spread. get across 1. syl get a:cross pos vb. def to cross or cause or help to cross. get across 2. syl get a:cross pos adv. def to be or cause to be readily understood. get across 3. syl get a:cross pos prep. mod intr. qual Informal. def to annoy. exam 1 her constant interference really got across him. get ahead 1. syl get a:head pos vb. mod intr. def to be successful; prosper. get ahead 2. syl get a:head pos vb. mod intr. usage foll. by of def to surpass or excel. get along 1. syl get a:long pos vb. adv. mod intr. usage often foll. by with def to be friendly or compatible. exam 1 my brother gets along well with everybody. get along 2. syl get a:long pos vb. adv. mod intr. def to manage, cope, or fare. exam 1 how are you getting along in your job?? get along 3. syl get a:long pos also; prep. mod intr. usage often imperative def to go or move away; leave. {~} get along 4. syl get a:long pos vb. adv. mod intr. qual Brit. informal. def an exclamation indicating mild disbelief. get around 0. syl get a:round pos vb. def See {get about, get round}. get at 1. syl get at pos vb. prep. mod intr. def to gain access to. exam 1 the dog could not get at the meat on the high shelf. get at 2. syl get at pos vb. prep. mod intr. def to mean or intend. exam 1 what are you getting at when you look at me like that?? get at 3. syl get at pos vb. prep. mod intr. def to irritate or annoy persistently; criticize. exam 1 she is always getting at him. get at 4. syl get at pos vb. prep. mod intr. def to influence or seek to influence, esp. illegally by bribery, intimidation, etc.. exam 1 someone had got at the witness before the trial. get-at-able 0. syl get-at-a:ble qual Informal. def accessible. get away 0. syl get a:way pos vb. adv. exam 1 mainly intr.) get away 1. syl get a:way pos vb. adv. def to make an escape; leave. get away 2. syl get a:way pos vb. adv. def to make a start. get away 3.a. syl get a:way pos vb. adv. def to steal and escape (with money, goods, etc.). get away 3.b. syl get a:way pos vb. adv. def to do (something wrong, illegal, etc.) without being discovered or punished or with only a minor punishment. {~} get away 4. syl get a:way pos vb. adv. def an exclamation indicating mild disbelief. {~} {get+a@.way}. get away 5. syl get a:way pos vb. adv. def the act of escaping, esp. by criminals. get away 6. syl get a:way pos vb. adv. def a start or acceleration. get away 7. syl get a:way pos vb. adv. usage modifier def used for escaping. exam 1 a getaway car. get back 1. syl get back pos vb. adv. mod tr. def to recover or retrieve. get back 2. syl get back pos vb. adv. mod intr. usage often foll. by to def to return, esp. to a former position or activity. exam 1 let's get back to the original question. get back 3. syl get back pos vb. adv. mod intr. usage foll. by at def to retaliate (against); wreak vengeance (on). get one's own back 4. head get back syl get one's own back. qual Informal. def to obtain one's revenge. get by 1. syl get by pos vb. def to pass; go past or overtake. get by 2. syl get by pos adv. mod intr. qual Informal. def to manage, esp. in spite of difficulties. exam 1 I can get by with little money. get by 3. syl get by pos vb. mod intr. def to be accepted or permitted. exam 1 that book will never get by the authorities. get down 1. syl get down pos also; prep. mod intr. def to dismount or descend. get down 2. syl get down pos also; prep. mod tr. def to bring down. exam 1 we could not get the wardrobe down the stairs. get down 3. syl get down pos vb. mainly; adv. mod tr. def to write down. get down 4. syl get down pos vb. mainly; adv. mod tr. def to make depressed. exam 1 your nagging gets me down. get down 5. syl get down pos vb. mainly; adv. mod tr. def to swallow. exam 1 he couldn't get the meal down. get down 6. syl get down pos vb. mainly; adv. mod intr. usage foll. by to def to attend seriously (to); concentrate (on) (esp. in the phrases {get down to business} {brass tacks}) . Gethsemane 0. syl Geth+sem:a+ne pron pos n. qual New Testament. def the garden in Jerusalem where Christ was betrayed on the night before his Crucifixion (Matthew 26:36-56). get in 1. syl get in pos vb. mainly; adv. mod intr. def to enter a car, train, etc. get in 2. syl get in pos vb. mainly; adv. mod intr. def to arrive, esp. at one's home or place of work. exam 1 I got in at midnight. get in 3. syl get in pos vb. mainly; adv. mod tr. def to bring in or inside. exam 1 get the milk in. get in 4. syl get in pos vb. mainly; adv. mod tr. def to insert or slip in. exam 1 he got his suggestion in before anyone else. get in 5. syl get in pos vb. mainly; adv. mod tr. def to gather or collect (crops, debts, etc.). get in 6. syl get in pos vb. mainly; adv. mod tr. def to ask (a person, esp. a specialist) to give a service. exam 1 shall I get the doctor in?? get in 7. syl get in pos vb. mainly; adv. def to be elected or cause to be elected. exam 1 he got in by 400 votes. get in 8. syl get in pos vb. mainly; adv. mod tr. def to succeed in doing (something), esp. during a specified period. exam 1 I doubt if I can get this task in today. get in 9. syl get in pos vb. mainly; adv. mod intr. def to obtain a place at university, college, etc. get in 10. syl get in pos vb. mainly; adv. usage foll. by on def to join or cause to join (an activity or organization). get in with 11. head get in syl get in with. def to be or cause to be on friendly terms with (a person). get in 12. syl get in pos prep. def See {get into}. get into 1. syl get in:to pos vb. prep. mod intr. def to enter. get into 2. syl get in:to pos vb. prep. mod intr. def to reach (a destination). exam 1 the train got into London at noon. get into 3. syl get in:to pos vb. prep. def to get dressed in (clothes). get into 4. syl get in:to pos vb. prep. mod intr. def to preoccupy or obsess (a person's emotions or thoughts). exam 1 what's got into him tonight?? get into 5. syl get in:to pos vb. prep. def to assume or cause to assume (a specified condition, habit, etc.). exam 1 to get into debt; exam 2 get a person into a mess. get into 6. syl get in:to pos vb. prep. def to be elected to or cause to be elected to. exam 1 to get into Parliament. get into 7. syl get in:to pos vb. prep. mod usually; intr. qual Informal. def to become or cause to become familiar with (a skill). exam 1 once you get into driving you'll enjoy it. get into 8. syl get in:to pos vb. prep. mod usually; intr. qual Informal. def to develop or cause to develop an absorbing interest in (a hobby, subject, or book). get off 1. syl get off pos adv. mod intr. def to escape the consequences of an action. exam 1 he got off very lightly in the accident. get off 2. syl get off pos adv. def to be or cause to be acquitted. exam 1 a good lawyer got him off. get off 3. syl get off pos adv. def to depart or cause to depart. exam 1 to get the children off to school. get off 4. syl get off pos vb. mod intr. def to descend (from a bus, train, etc.); dismount. exam 1 she got off at the terminus. get off 5. syl get off pos vb. def to move or cause to move to a distance (from). exam 1 get off the field. get off 6. syl get off pos vb. mod tr. def to remove; take off. exam 1 get your coat off. get off 7. syl get off pos adv. def to go or send to sleep. get off 8. syl get off pos adv. def to send (letters) or (of letters) to be sent. get off with 9. head get off syl get off with. qual Brit. informal. def to establish a sexual relationship (with). get off 10. syl get off pos adv. mod intr. qual Slang. def to become high on heroin or some other drug. tell (someone) where to get off 11. head get off syl tell (someone) where to get off. qual Informal. def to rebuke or criticize harshly. get on 1. syl get on pos vb. mainly; adv. def Also : {get onto}. to board or cause or help to board (a bus, train, etc.). get on 2. syl get on pos vb. mainly; adv. mod tr. def to dress in (clothes as specified). get on 3. syl get on pos vb. mainly; adv. mod intr. def to grow late or (of time) to elapse. exam 1 it's getting on and I must go. get on 4. syl get on pos vb. mainly; adv. mod intr. usage of a person def to grow old. get on 5. syl get on pos vb. mainly; adv. mod intr. usage foll. by for def to approach (a time, age, amount, etc.). exam 1 she is getting on for seventy. get on 6. syl get on pos vb. mainly; adv. mod intr. def to make progress, manage, or fare. exam 1 how did you get on in your exam?? get on 7. syl get on pos vb. mainly; adv. mod intr. usage often foll. by with def to establish a friendly relationship. exam 1 he gets on well with other people. get on 8. syl get on pos vb. mainly; adv. mod intr. usage foll. by with def to continue to do. exam 1 get on with your homework&! get on 9. syl get on pos vb. mainly; adv. mod intr. qual Slang. def to take drugs for the first time. {~} get on 10. syl get on pos vb. mainly; adv. def I don't believe you&! get onto 1. syl get on:to pos vb. prep. def Also: {get on}. to board or cause or help to board (a bus, train, etc.). get onto 2. syl get on:to pos vb. prep. mod intr. def to make contact with; communicate with. get onto 3. syl get on:to pos vb. prep. mod intr. def to become aware of (something illicit or secret). exam 1 the boss will get onto their pilfering unless they're careful. get onto 4. syl get on:to pos vb. prep. def to deliver a demand, request, or rebuke to. exam 1 I'll get onto the manufacturers to replace these damaged goods. get out 1. syl get out pos adv. def to leave or escape or cause to leave or escape: used in the imperative when dismissing a person. get out 2. syl get out pos adv. def to make or become known; publish or be published. get out 3. syl get out pos adv. mod tr. def to express with difficulty. get out 4. syl get out pos adv. mod tr. usage often foll. by of def to extract (information or money) (from a person). exam 1 to get a confession out of a criminal. get out 5. syl get out pos adv. mod tr. def to gain or receive something, esp. something of significance or value. exam 1 you get out of life what you put into it. get out 6. syl get out pos adv. usage foll. by of def to avoid or cause to avoid. exam 1 she always gets out of swimming. get out 7. syl get out pos adv. mod tr. def to solve (a puzzle or problem) successfully. get out 8. syl get out pos adv. qual Cricket. def to dismiss or be dismissed. {~} {get-out}. get out 9. syl get out pos adv. def an escape, as from a difficult situation. get over 1. syl get o:ver pos vb. def to cross or surmount (something). exam 1 get the children over the fence. get over 2. syl get o:ver pos prep. mod intr. def to recover from (an illness, shock, etc.). get over 3. syl get o:ver pos prep. mod intr. def to overcome or master (a problem). exam 1 you'll soon get over your shyness. get over 4. syl get o:ver pos prep. mod intr. def to appreciate fully. exam 1 I just can't get over seeing you again. get over 5. syl get o:ver pos adv. mod tr. def to communicate effectively. exam 1 he had difficulty getting the message over. get over 6. syl get o:ver pos adv. mod tr. usage sometimes foll. by with def to bring (something necessary but unpleasant) to an end. exam 1 let's get this job over with quickly. around alt head get round or get round syl a:round pos vb. mod intr. get round 1. or around syl get round pos prep. mod intr. def to circumvent or overcome. exam 1 he got round the problem by an ingenious trick. get round 2. or around syl get round pos prep. mod intr. qual Informal. def to have one's way with; cajole. exam 1 that girl can get round anyone. get round 3. or around syl get round pos prep. mod intr. def to evade (a law or rules). get round 4. or around syl get round pos adv. mod intr. def foll. by to reach or come to at length. exam 1 I'll get round to that job in an hour. getter 1. syl get+ter pron <1get*> pos n. def a person or thing that gets. getter 2. syl get+ter pron <1get*> pos n. def a substance, usually a metal such as titanium, evaporated onto the walls of a vacuum tube, vessel, etc., to adsorb the residual gas and lower the pressure. getter 3. syl get+ter pron <1get*> pos vb. mod tr. def to remove (a gas) by the action of a getter. get through 1. syl get through pos vb. def to succeed or cause or help to succeed in an examination, test, etc. get through 2. syl get through pos vb. def to bring or come to a destination, esp. after overcoming problems. exam 1 we got through the blizzards to the survivors. get through 3. syl get through pos adv. def to contact or cause to contact, as by telephone. get through 4. syl get through pos prep. mod intr. def to use, spend, or consume (money, supplies, etc.). get through 5. syl get through pos vb. def to complete or cause to complete (a task, process, etc.). exam 1 to get a bill through Parliament. get through 6. syl get through pos adv. def foll. by to reach the awareness and understanding (of a person). exam 1 I just can't get the message through to him. get through 7. syl get through pos adv. mod intr. qual U.S. slang. def to obtain drugs. get-together 1. syl get-to:geth+er pos n. qual Informal. def a small informal meeting or social gathering. get together infl head get-together syl get to+geth+er. pos adv. get-together 2. syl get-to:geth+er pos vb. mod tr. qual Informal. def to gather or collect. get-together 3. syl get-to:geth+er pos vb. mod intr. qual Informal. usage of people def to meet socially. get-together 4. syl get-to:geth+er pos vb. mod intr. qual Informal. def to discuss, esp. in order to reach an agreement. get-together 5.a. syl get-to:geth+er pos vb. qual Informal. def to achieve one's full potential, either generally as a person or in a particular field of activity. get-together 5.b. syl get-to:geth+er pos vb. qual Informal. def to achieve a harmonious frame of mind. J(ean) Paul infl head Getty syl J(ean) Paul. pos n. Getty 0. syl Get:ty pron <1geti> pos n. def 1892-1976, U.S. oil executive, millionaire, and art collector. Gettysburg 0. syl Get+tys+burg pron <1getiz2bR:g> pos n. def a small town in S Pennsylvania, southwest of Harrisburg: scene of a crucial battle (1863) during the American Civil War, in which Meade's Union forces defeated Lee's Confederate army; site of the national cemetery dedicated by President Lincoln. Pop.: 7275 (1970). Gettysburg Address 0. syl Get+tys+burg Ad+dress pos n. qual U.S. history. def the speech made by President Lincoln at the dedication of the national cemetery on the Civil War battlefield at Gettysburg in Nov. 1863. get up 1. syl get up pos vb. mainly; adv. def to wake and rise from one's bed or cause to wake and rise from bed. get up 2. syl get up pos vb. mainly; adv. mod intr. def to rise to one's feet; stand up. get up 3. syl get up pos also; prep. def to ascend or cause to ascend. exam 1 the old van couldn't get up the hill. get up 4. syl get up pos vb. mainly; adv. def to mount or help to mount (a bicycle, horse, etc.). get up 5. syl get up pos vb. mainly; adv. def to increase or cause to increase in strength. exam 1 the wind got up at noon. get up 6. syl get up pos vb. mainly; adv. mod tr. qual Informal. def to dress (oneself) in a particular way, esp. showily or elaborately. get up 7. syl get up pos vb. mainly; adv. mod tr. qual Informal. def to devise or create. exam 1 to get up an entertainment for Christmas. get up 8. syl get up pos vb. mainly; adv. mod tr. qual Informal. def to study or improve one's knowledge of. exam 1 I must get up my history. get up 9. syl get up pos vb. mainly; adv. mod intr. qual Informal. usage foll. by to def to be involved in. exam 1 he's always getting up to mischief. get up 10. syl get up pos vb. mainly; adv. qual Informal. def a costume or outfit, esp. one that is striking or bizarre. get up 11. syl get up pos vb. mainly; adv. qual Informal. def the arrangement or production of a book, etc. get-up-and-go 0. syl get-up-and-go pos n. qual Informal. def energy, drive, or ambition. geum ety C19: New Latin, from Latin: herb bennet, avens geum 0. syl ge:um pron <1JE*m> pos n. def any herbaceous plant of the rosaceous genus having compound leaves and red, orange, yellow, or white flowers. See also {avens}. GeV 0. syl GeV qual abbrev. for def giga-electronvolts (10%9 electronvolts). Some?!times written (esp. U.S.) {BeV} (billion electronvolts). gewgaw ety C15: of unknown origin gewgaw 1. syl gew+gaw pron <1gju:gc:>, <1gu:-> pos n. def a showy but valueless trinket. gewgaw 2. syl gew+gaw pron <1gju:gc:>, <1gu:-> pos adj. def showy and valueless; gaudy. gey ety variant of #7gay geyser ety C18: from Icelandic Geysir, from Old Norse geysa to gush geyser 1. syl gey+ser pron <1gEz*>, U.S. <1gIz*r> pos n. def a spring that discharges steam and hot water. geyser 2. syl gey+ser pron <1gEz*>, U.S. <1gIz*r> pos n. qual Brit. def a domestic gas water heater. geyserite 0. syl gey+ser+ite pron <1gEz*2rIt> pos n. def a mineral form of hydrated silica resembling opal, deposited from the waters of geysers and hot springs. Formula: SiO\2. H\2O. Gezira 0. syl Ge+zi+ra pron pos n. def a region of the E central Sudan between the Blue and White Niles: site of a large-scale irrigation system. GG 1. syl G.G. qual abbrev. for: def Girl Guides. GG 2. syl G.G. qual abbrev. for: def Governor-General. GH 0. syl GH usage international car registration for def Ghana. Ghana 0. syl Gha+na pron <1ga:n*> pos n. def a republic in W Africa, on the Gulf of Guinea: a powerful empire from the 4th to the 13th centuries; a major source of gold and slaves for Europeans after 1471; British colony of the Gold Coast established in 1874; united with British Togoland in 1957 and became a republic within the Commonwealth in 1960. Official language: English. Religions: Christian and animist. Currency: new cedi. Capital: Accra. Pop.: 8559313 (1970). Area: 238539 sq. km (92100 sq. miles). Ghanaian sub head Ghana or Ghanian syl Gha+na+ian pron pos adj. n. Ghanian sub head Ghana or Ghanaian syl Gha+ni:an pos adj. n. gharial 0. syl gha+ri:al pron <1g@ri*l> pos n. def another name for {gavial}. gharry ety C19: from Hindi g*_ar*_i gharri alt head gharry or gharry syl ghar+ri pron <1g@ri> pos n. gharries infl head gharry syl ghar+ries. pos n. mod pl. gharry 0. or gharri syl ghar+ry pron <1g@ri> pos n. def a horse-drawn vehicle used in India. ghastly ety Old English g*_astl*_ic spiritual; see #7ghostly ghastlier infl head ghastly syl ghast+li+er pos adj. ghastliest infl head ghastly syl ghast+li+est. pos adj. ghastly 1. syl ghast+ly pron <1ga:stli> pos adj. qual Informal. def very bad or unpleasant. ghastly 2. syl ghast+ly pron <1ga:stli> pos adj. def deathly pale; wan. ghastly 3. syl ghast+ly pron <1ga:stli> pos adj. qual Informal. def extremely unwell; ill. exam 1 they felt ghastly the day after the party. ghastly 4. syl ghast+ly pron <1ga:stli> pos adj. def terrifying; horrible. ghastly 5. syl ghast+ly pron <1ga:stli> pos adv. def unhealthily; sickly. exam 1 ghastly pale. ghastly 6. syl ghast+ly pron <1ga:stli> pos adv. qual Archaic. def in a horrible or hideous manner. ghastliness sub head ghastly syl ghast+li+ness pos n. ghat ety C17: from Hindi gh*_at, from Sanskrit ghatta ghat 1. syl ghat pron pos n. usage in India def stairs or a passage leading down to a river. ghat 2. syl ghat pron pos n. usage in India def a place for bathing on the bank of a river. ghat 3. syl ghat pron pos n. usage in India def a mountain pass or mountain range. Ghats 0. syl Ghats pron pos n. def See {Eastern Ghats} and {Western Ghats}. ghaut ety C17 gaot, a mountain pass, from Hindi: #7ghat ghaut 0. syl ghaut pos g^t; n. qual Caribbean. def a small cleft in a hill through which a rivulet runs down to the sea. ghazi ety C18: from Arabic, from ghaz*_a he made war ghazis infl head ghazi syl gha+zis. pos n. mod pl. ghazi 1. syl gha+zi pron <1ga:zi> pos n. def a Muslim fighter against infidels. ghazi 2. syl gha+zi pron <1ga:zi> pos n. usage often cap. def a Turkish warrior of high rank. Ghazzah 0. syl Ghaz+zah pron <1ga:z*>, <1g^z*> pos n. def transliteration of the Arabic name {Gaza}. Ghebre alt head Gheber or Gheber syl Ghe+bre pron <1gAb*>, <1gE-> pos n. Gheber 0. or Ghebre syl Ghe+ber pron <1gAb*>, <1gE-> pos n. def another word for {Gabar}. ghee ety C17: from Hindi gh*_i, from Sanskrit ghri sprinkle ghee 0. syl ghee pron pos n. def butter, clarified by boiling, used in Indian cookery. Ghent 0. syl Ghent pron pos n. def an industrial city and port in NW Belgium, capital of East Flanders province, at the confluence of the Rivers Lys and Scheldt: formerly famous for its cloth industry; university (1816). Pop.: 148166 (1971 est.). Flemish name: {Gent}. French name: {Gand}. gherao ety from Hindi gherna to besiege gherao 0. syl ghe+rao pron pos n. def a form of industrial action in India in which workers imprison their employers on the premises until their demands are met. gherkin ety C17: from early modern Dutch agurkkijn, diminutive of gurk, from Slavonic, ultimately from Greek angourion gherkin 1. syl gher+kin pron <1gR:kin> pos n. def the small immature fruit of any of various cucumbers, used for pickling. gherkin 2.a. syl gher+kin pron <1gR:kin> pos n. def a tropical American cucurbitaceous climbing plant, gherkin 2.b. syl gher+kin pron <1gR:kin> pos n. def the small spiny edible fruit of this plant. ghetto ety C17: from Italian, perhaps shortened from borghetto, diminutive of borgo settlement outside a walled city ghettos infl head ghetto or ghettoes syl ghet+tos pos n. mod pl. ghettoes infl head ghetto or ghettos syl ghet+toes. pos n. mod pl. ghetto 1. syl ghet+to pron <1get*u> pos n. qual Sociol. def a densely populated slum area of a city inhabited by a socially and economically deprived minority. ghetto 2. syl ghet+to pron <1get*u> pos n. def an area in a European city in which Jews were formerly required to live. Ghibelline ety C16: from Italian Ghibellino, probably from Middle High German Waiblingen, a Hohenstaufen estate Ghibelline 1. syl Ghib+el+line pron <1gibi2lIn>, <-2lEn> pos n. def a member of the political faction in medieval Italy originally based on support for the German emperor. Ghibelline 2. syl Ghib+el+line pron <1gibi2lIn>, <-2lEn> pos n. usage modifier def of or relating to the Ghibellines. Compare { {Guelph%1}}. Ghibellinism sub head Ghibelline syl Ghib+el+2lin+ism pos n. Lorenzo infl head Ghiberti syl Lo:ren:zo pron pos n. Ghiberti 0. syl Ghi:ber:ti pron Italian pos n. def 1378-1455, Italian sculptor, painter, and goldsmith of the quattrocento: noted esp. for the bronze doors of the baptistry of Florence Cathedral. ghibli ety C20: from Arabic gibliy south wind gibli alt head ghibli or ghibli syl gib+li pron <1gibli> pos n. ghibli 0. or gibli syl ghib+li pron <1gibli> pos n. def a fiercely hot wind of North Africa. ghillie ety from Scottish Gaelic gille boy ghillie 1. syl ghil+lie pron <1gili> pos n. def a type of tongueless shoe with lacing up the instep, originally worn by the Scots. ghillie 2. syl ghil+lie pron <1gili> pos n. def a variant spelling of {gillie}. Ghirlandajo alt head Ghirlandaio or Ghirlandaio syl Ghir:lan:da:jo pron Italian <2girlan1da:jo> pos n. Domenico infl head Ghirlandaio syl Do:me:ni:co pron pos n. Ghirlandaio 0. or Ghirlandajo syl Ghir:lan:da:io pron Italian <2girlan1da:jo> pos n. def original name 1449-94, Italian painter of frescoes. ghost ety Old English g*_ast; related to Old Frisian j*_est, Old High German geist spirit, Sanskrit h*_eda fury, anger ghost 1. syl ghost pron pos n. def the disembodied spirit of a dead person, supposed to haunt the living as a pale or shadowy vision; phantom. Related adj.: {spectral}. ghost 2. syl ghost pron pos n. def a haunting memory. exam 1 the ghost of his former life rose up before him. ghost 3. syl ghost pron pos n. def a faint trace or possibility of something; glimmer. exam 1 a ghost of a smile. ghost 4. syl ghost pron pos n. def the spirit; soul (archaic, except in the phrase {the Holy Ghost) }. ghost 5.a. syl ghost pron pos n. def a faint secondary image produced by an optical system. ghost 5.b. syl ghost pron pos n. def a similar image on a television screen, formed by reflection of the transmitting waves or by a defect in the receiver. ghost 6. syl ghost pron pos n. def See {ghost word}. ghost 7. syl ghost pron pos n. def Also called: {ghost edition}. an entry recorded in a bibliography, etc., of which no actual proof exists. ghost 8. syl ghost pron pos n. def See {ghostwriter}. give up the ghost 9. head ghost syl give up the ghost. def to die. ghost 10. syl ghost pron pos vb. def See {ghostwrite}. ghost 11. syl ghost pron pos vb. mod tr. def to haunt. ghostlike sub head ghost syl ghost+2like pos adj. ghost dance 0. syl ghost dance pos n. def a religious dance of certain North American Indians, connected with a political movement (from about 1888) that looked to reunion with the dead and a return to an idealized state of affairs before Europeans came. ghost gum 0. syl ghost gum pos n. qual Austral. def a eucalyptus tree with white trunk and branches. ghostlier infl head ghostly syl ghost+li+er pos adj. ghostliest infl head ghostly syl ghost+li+est. pos adj. ghostly 1. syl ghost+ly pron <1g*ustli> pos adj. def of or resembling a ghost; spectral. exam 1 a ghostly face appeared at the window. ghostly 2. syl ghost+ly pron <1g*ustli> pos adj. def suggesting the presence of ghosts; eerie. ghostly 3. syl ghost+ly pron <1g*ustli> pos adj. qual Archaic. def of or relating to the soul or spirit. ghostliness sub head ghostly syl ghost+li+ness pos n. ghost moth 0. syl ghost moth pos n. def any of various large pale moths of the family that are active at dusk. ghost town 0. syl ghost town pos n. def a deserted town, esp. one in the western U.S. that was formerly a boom town. ghost word 0. syl ghost word pos n. def a word that has entered the language through the perpetuation, in dictionaries, etc., of an error. ghostwrites infl head ghostwrite syl ghost+writes pos vb. ghostwriting infl head ghostwrite syl ghost+writ+ing pos vb. ghostwrote infl head ghostwrite syl ghost+wrote pos vb. ghostwritten infl head ghostwrite syl ghost+writ+ten. pos vb. ghostwrite 0. syl ghost+write pron <1g*ust2rIt> pos vb. def to write (an autobiographical or other article) on behalf of a person who is then credited as author. Often shortened to {ghost}. &- {#!ghost+@!writ+er} ghoul ety C18: from Arabic gh*_ul, from gh*_ala he seized ghoul 1. syl ghoul pron pos n. def a malevolent spirit or ghost. ghoul 2. syl ghoul pron pos n. def a person interested in morbid or disgusting things. ghoul 3. syl ghoul pron pos n. def a person who robs graves. ghoul 4. syl ghoul pron pos n. usage in Muslim legend def an evil demon thought to eat human bodies, either stolen corpses or children. ghoulish sub head ghoul syl ghoul+ish pos adj. ghoulishly sub head ghoul syl ghoul+ish+ly pos adv. ghoulishness sub head ghoul syl ghoul+ish+ness pos n. GHQ 0. syl G.H.Q. qual Military. abbrev. for def General Headquarters. ghyll 0. syl ghyll pron pos n. def a variant spelling of { {gill%3}}. gi 0. syl gi qual abbrev. for def gill (unit of measure). Gi 0. syl Gi qual Electronics. abbrev. for def gilbert. GI ety C20: abbrev. of government issue GIs infl head GI or GI's syl GIs pos n. mod pl. GI's infl head GI or GIs syl GI's pos n. mod pl. GI 1. syl GI pos n. qual U.S. informal. def a soldier in the U.S. Army, esp. an enlisted man. GI 2. syl GI pos adj. qual U.S. informal. def conforming to U.S. Army regulations; of standard government issue. gi alt head GI or GI syl g.i. GI 0. or gi syl G.I. qual abbrev. for def gastrointestinal. Alberto infl head Giacometti syl Al:ber:to pron pos n. Giacometti 0. syl Gia:co:met:ti pron Italian <2Jako1mAtti> pos n. def 1901-66, Swiss sculptor and painter, noted particularly for his long skeletal statues of isolated figures. giant ety C13: from Old French geant, from Vulgar Latin gag*_as (unattested), from Latin gigant-, gig*_as, from Greek giant 1. syl gi+ant pron <1JI*nt> pos n. def Also (fem.): {gi+ant+ess} (#!d#fa$I$$nt$Is). a mythical figure of superhuman size and strength, esp. in folklore or fairy tales. giant 2. syl gi+ant pron <1JI*nt> pos n. def a person or thing of exceptional size, reputation, etc.. exam 1 a giant in the world of nuclear physics. giant 3. syl gi+ant pron <1JI*nt> pos n. qual Greek myth. def any of the large and powerful offspring of Uranus (sky) and Gaea (earth) who rebelled against the Olympian gods but were defeated in battle. giant 4. syl gi+ant pron <1JI*nt> pos n. qual Pathol. def a person suffering from gigantism. giant 5. syl gi+ant pron <1JI*nt> pos n. qual Astronomy. def See {giant star}. giant 6. syl gi+ant pron <1JI*nt> pos n. qual Mining. def another word for { {monitor} (sense 6).} giant 7. syl gi+ant pron <1JI*nt> pos adj. def remarkably or supernaturally large. giant 8. syl gi+ant pron <1JI*nt> pos adj. qual Architect. def another word for {colossal}. giant-like sub head giant syl gi:ant-2like pos adj. giantism 0. syl gi+ant+ism pron <1JI*n2tiz*m> pos n. def another term for {gigantism}. giant killer 0. syl gi+ant kill+er pos n. def a person, sports team, etc., that defeats an apparently superior opponent. giant panda 0. syl gi+ant pan+da pos n. def See { {panda} (sense 1).} giant planet 0. syl gi+ant plan+et pos n. def any of the planets Jupiter, Saturn, Uranus, and Neptune, characterized by enormous mass, low density, and an extensive atmosphere. giant powder 0. syl gi+ant pow+der pos n. def dynamite composed of trinitroglycerin absorbed in kieselguhr. Giant's Causeway 0. syl Gi+ant's Cause+way pos n. def a promontory of columnar basalt on the N coast of Northern Ireland, in Co. Antrim: consists of several thousand pillars, mostly hexagonal, that were formed by the rapid cooling of lava flowing into the sea. giant star 0. syl gi+ant star pos n. def any of a class of very bright stars, such as Capella and Arcturus, having an absolute magnitude between +2 and -2, a diameter up to 100 times that of the sun, and an extremely low mean density. Sometimes shortened to {giant}. Compare {supergiant}. giant tortoise 0. syl gi+ant tor+toise pos n. def any of various very large tortoises of the genus of the Gal*'apagos, Seychelles, and certain other islands, weighing up to 225 kilograms (495 lbs.). giaour ety C16: from Turkish giaur unbeliever, from Persian gaur, variant of g*"abr giaour 0. syl gia+our pron <1Jau*> pos n. def a derogatory term for a non-Muslim, esp. a Christian, used esp. by the Turks. gib ety C18: of unknown origin gib H1.1. syl gib pron pos n. def a metal wedge, pad, or thrust bearing, esp. a brass plate let into a steam engine crosshead. gibs infl head gib syl gibs pos vb. gibbing infl head gib syl gib+bing pos vb. gibbed infl head gib syl gibbed. pos vb. gib H1.2. syl gib pron pos vb. mod tr. def to fasten or supply with a gib. gib ety C14: probably a shortening and alteration of the proper name Gilbert gib H2.0. syl gib pron pos n. def a male cat, esp. a castrated one. Gib 0. syl Gib pron def an informal name for {Gibraltar}. gibber ety C17: of imitative origin gibber H1.1. syl gib+ber pron <1Jib*> pos vb. def to utter rapidly and unintelligibly; prattle. gibber H1.2. syl gib+ber pron <1Jib*> pos vb. mod intr. usage of monkeys and related animals def to make characteristic chattering sounds. gibber H1.3. syl gib+ber pron <1Jib*> pos n. def a less common word for {gibberish}. gibber ety C19: from a native Australian language gibber H2.1. syl gib+ber pron <1Jib*> pos n. qual Austral. def a stone or boulder. gibber H2.2. syl gib+ber pron <1Jib*> pos n. qual Austral. usage modifier def of or relating to a dry flat area of land covered with wind-polished stones. exam 1 gibber plains. gibberellic acid 0. syl gib+ber+el+lic ac:id pron <2Jib*1relik> pos n. def a slightly soluble crystalline hormone extracted from fungi and other plants: a giberellin. Formula: C\1\9H\2\2O\6. gibberellin ety C20: from New Latin Gibberella, literally: a little hump, from Latin gibber hump+-#7in gibberellin 0. syl gib+ber+el+lin pron <2Jib*1relin> pos n. def any of several plant hormones isolated from the fungus whose main action is to cause elongation of the stem: used in promoting the growth of plants, in the malting of barley, etc. gibberish 1. syl gib+ber+ish pron <1Jib*riS> pos n. def rapid chatter like that of monkeys. gibberish 2. syl gib+ber+ish pron <1Jib*riS> pos n. def incomprehensible talk; nonsense. gibbet ety C13: from Old French gibet gallows, literally: little cudgel, from gibe cudgel; of un?!certain origin gibbet 1.a. syl gib+bet pron <1Jibit> pos n. def a wooden structure resembling a gallows, from which the bodies of executed criminals were formerly hung to public view. gibbet 1.b. syl gib+bet pron <1Jibit> pos n. def a gallows. gibbet 2. syl gib+bet pron <1Jibit> pos vb. mod tr. def to put to death by hanging on a gibbet. gibbet 3. syl gib+bet pron <1Jibit> pos vb. mod tr. def to hang (a corpse) on a gibbet. gibbet 4. syl gib+bet pron <1Jibit> pos vb. mod tr. def to expose to public ridicule. gibbon ety C18: from French, probably from an Indian dialect word gibbon 0. syl gib+bon pron <1gibN> pos n. def any small agile arboreal anthropoid ape of the genus inhabiting forests in S Asia. Edward infl head Gibbon syl Ed:ward. pos n. Gibbon 0. syl Gib:bon pron <1gibN> pos n. def 1737-94, English historian; author of (1776-88), controversial in its historical criticism of Christianity. Grinling 1. head Gibbons syl Grin:ling. def 1648-1721, English sculptor and wood-carver, noted for his delicate carvings of fruit, flowers, birds, etc. Orlando 2. head Gibbons syl Or:lan:do. def 1583-1625, English organist and composer, esp. of anthems, motets, and madrigals. gibbosities infl head gibbosity syl gib+bos+i:ties. pos n. mod pl. gibbosity 1. syl gib+bos+i:ty pron pos n. qual Rare. def the state of being gibbous. gibbosity 2. syl gib+bos+i:ty pron pos n. qual Rare.; Biology. def a bulge or protuberance. gibbous ety C17: from Late Latin gibb*_osus hump-backed, from Latin gibba hump gibbose alt head gibbous or gibbous syl gib+bose pron <1gib*us> pos adj. gibbous 1. or gibbose syl gib+bous pron <1gib*s> pos adj. usage of the moon or a planet def more than half but less than fully illuminated. gibbous 2. or gibbose syl gib+bous pron <1gib*s> pos adj. def having a hunchback; hunchbacked. gibbous 3. or gibbose syl gib+bous pron <1gib*s> pos adj. def bulging. gibbously sub head gibbous syl gib+bous+ly pos adv. gibbousness sub head gibbous syl gib+bous+ness pos n. Gibbs function ety C19: named after Josiah Willard Gibbs (1839-1903), American mathematician and physicist Gibbs function 0. syl Gibbs func+tion pron pos n. def a thermodynamic property of a system equal to the difference between its enthalpy and the product of its temperature and its entropy. It is usually measured in joules. Symbol. exam 1 G gibbsite ety C19: named after George Gibbs (died 1833), American mineralogist gibbsite 0. syl gibbs+ite pron <1gibzIt> pos n. def a mineral consisting of hydrated alu?!minium oxide: a constituent of bauxite and a source of alumina. Formula: Al(OH)\3. gibe ety C16: perhaps from Old French giber to treat roughly, of uncertain origin jibe alt head gibe or gibe syl jibe pron pos vb. gibe H1.1. or jibe syl gibe pron pos vb. def to make jeering or scoffing remarks at; taunt. gibe H1.2. or jibe syl gibe pron pos n. def a derisive or provoking remark. giber sub head gibe or jiber syl gib+er pos n. jiber sub head gibe or giber syl jib+er pos n. gibingly sub head gibe or jibingly syl gib+ing+ly pos adv. jibingly sub head gibe or gibingly syl jib+ing+ly pos adv. gibe H2.0. syl gibe pron pos vb. n. n. qual Nautical. def a variant spelling of {gybe}. Gibeon 0. syl Gib+e:on pron <1gibi*n> pos n. def an ancient town of Palestine probably about 9 kilometres (6 miles) northwest of Jerusalem. Gibeonite 0. syl Gib+e:on+ite pron <1gibi*2nIt> pos n. qual Old Testament. def one of the inhabitants of the town of Gibeon, who were compelled by Joshua to serve the Hebrews (Joshua 9). giblets ety C14: from Old French gibelet stew of game birds, probably from gibier game, of Germanic origin giblets 0. syl gib+lets pron <1Jiblits> pos n. mod pl. sometimes; sing. def the gizzard, liver, heart, and neck of a fowl. gibli 0. syl gib+li pron <1gibli> pos n. def a variant spelling of {ghibli}. City of 1. head Gibraltar syl City of. def a city on the {Rock of Gibraltar}, a limestone promontory at the tip of S Spain: settled by Moors in 711 and taken by Spain in 1462; ceded to Britain in 1713; a British crown colony (1830-1969), still politically associated with Britain; a naval and air base of strategic importance. Pop.: 27000 (1975 UN est.). Area: 6.5 sq. km (2.5 sq. miles). Ancient name: {Calpe}. Strait of 2. head Gibraltar syl Strait of. def a narrow strait between the S tip of Spain and the NW tip of Africa, linking the Mediterranean with the Atlantic. Gibraltarian sub head Gibraltar syl Gi+bral+tar+i:an pron <2Jibrc:l?!1te*ri*n> pos adj. n. Kahlil infl head Gibran syl Kah:lil pron <1ka:lEl> pos n. Gibran 0. syl Gi:bran pron pos n. def 1883-1931, Syro-Lebanese poet, mystic, and painter, resident in the U.S. after 1910; author of (1923). Gibson H1.0. syl Gib+son pron <1gibsN> pos n. qual Chiefly U.S. def a cocktail consisting of four or more parts dry gin and one part dry vermouth, iced and served with a pickled pearl onion. Mike infl head Gibson syl Mike. pos n. Gibson H2.0. syl Gib:son pron <1gibsN> pos n. def born 1942, Irish Rugby Union footballer: halfback for Ireland (since 1964) and the British Lions (1966-77). Gibson Desert 0. syl Gib+son Des+ert pos n. def a desert in W central Australia, between the Great Sandy Desert and the Victoria Desert: salt marshes, lakes, and scrub. Area: about 220000 sq. km (85000 sq. miles). Gibson girl 0. syl Gib:son girl pos n. def the ideal fashionable American girl of the late 1890s and early 1900s, as portrayed in the drawings of Charles Dana Gibson, 1867-1944, U.S. illustrator. gid ety C17: back formation from #7giddy gid 0. syl gid pron pos n. def a disease of sheep characterized by an unsteady gait and staggering, caused by infestation of the brain with tapeworms giddap ety C20: colloquial form of get up giddy-up alt head giddap or giddap syl gid:dy-up pron <2gidi1^p> pos interj. giddap 0. or giddy-up syl gid+dap pron pos interj. def an exclamation used to make a horse go faster. giddy ety Old English gydig mad, frenzied, possessed by God; related to G#7od giddier infl head giddy syl gid+di+er pos adj. giddiest infl head giddy syl gid+di+est. pos adj. giddy 1. syl gid+dy pron <1gidi> pos adj. def affected with a reeling sensation and feeling as if about to fall; dizzy. giddy 2. syl gid+dy pron <1gidi> pos adj. def causing or tending to cause vertigo. giddy 3. syl gid+dy pron <1gidi> pos adj. def impulsive; scatterbrained. my giddy aunt 4. head giddy syl my giddy aunt. def exclamation of surprise. {~} {+dies, +dy+ing, +died}. giddy 5. syl gid+dy pron <1gidi> pos adj. def to make or become giddy. giddily sub head giddy syl gid+di+ly pos adv. giddiness sub head giddy syl gid+di+ness pos n. Andr'e infl head Gide syl An:dr*'e pron pos n. Gide 0. syl Gide pron French pos n. def 1869-1951, French novelist, dramatist, critic, diarist, and translator, noted particularly for his exploration of the conflict between self-fulfilment and conventional morality. His novels include (1902), (1909), and (1926): Nobel prize for literature 1947. Gideon 0. syl Gid:e:on pron <1gidi*n> pos n. qual Old Testament. def a Hebrew judge who led the Israelites to victory over their Midianite oppressors (Judges 6:11-8:35). Gideon Bible 0. syl Gid:e:on Bi+ble pos n. def a Bible purchased by members of a Christian organization ({Gideons}) and placed in a hotel room, hospital ward, etc. gidgee ety C19: from a native Australian language gidjee alt head gidgee or gidgee syl gidj:ee pron <1giJE> pos n. gidgee 0. or gidjee syl gidg:ee pron <1giJE> pos n. qual Austral. def a small acacia tree, yielding useful timber. gie 0. syl gie pron pos vb. def a Scot. word for {give}. Gielgud 0. syl Giel:gud pron <1gElgud> pos n. def Sir {John}. born 1904, English stage and film actor and director. Edward infl head Gierek syl Ed:ward pron <1edvart> pos n. Gierek 0. syl Gie:rek pron <1gi%@rek>, Polish <1gjerek> pos n. def born 1913, Polish statesman; first secretary of the Politburo since 1970. Giessen 0. syl Gies+sen pron German <1gEsN> pos n. def a city in W central West Germany, in Hesse: university (1607). Pop.: 75500 (1970). gift ety Old English gift payment for a wife, dowry; related to Old Norse gipt, Old High German gift, Gothic fragifts endowment, engagement; see #7give gift 1. syl gift pron pos n. def something given; a present. gift 2. syl gift pron pos n. def a special aptitude, ability, or power; talent. gift 3. syl gift pron pos n. def the power or right to give or bestow (esp. in the phrases {in the gift of, in (someone's) gift}) . gift 4. syl gift pron pos n. def the act or process of giving. look a gift-horse in the mouth 5. head gift syl look a gift-horse in the mouth. usage usually negative def to find fault with a free gift or chance benefit. gift 6. syl gift pron pos vb. mod tr. def to present (something) as a gift to (a person). gift 7. syl gift pron pos vb. mod tr. qual Rare. def to endow with; bestow. giftless sub head gift syl gift+less pos adj. gifted 0. syl gift+ed pron <1giftid> pos adj. def having or showing natural talent or aptitude. exam 1 a gifted musician; exam 2 a gifted performance. giftedly sub head gifted syl gift+ed+ly pos adv. giftedness sub head gifted syl gift+ed+ness pos n. gift of tongues 0. syl gift of tongues pos n. def an utterance, partly or wholly unintelligible, produced under the influence of ecstatic religious emotion and conceived to be a manifestation of the Holy Ghost: practised in certain Christian churches, usually called Pentecostal. Also called: {glossolalia}. gift tax 0. syl gift tax pos n. def another name for {capital transfer tax}. giftwraps infl head giftwrap syl gift+wraps pos vb. giftwrapping infl head giftwrap syl gift+wrap+ping pos vb. giftwrapped infl head giftwrap syl gift+wrapped. pos vb. giftwrap 0. syl gift+wrap pron <1gift2r@p> pos vb. def to wrap (an article intended as a gift) attractively. Gifu 0. syl Gi:fu pron <1gEfu:> pos n. def a city in Japan, on central Honshu: hot springs. Pop.: 407257 (1974 est.). gig ety C13 (in the sense: flighty girl, spinning top): perhaps of Scandinavian origin; compare Danish gig top, Norwegian giga to shake about gig H1.1. syl gig pron pos n. def a light two-wheeled one-horse carriage without a hood. gig H1.2. syl gig pron pos n. qual Nautical. def a light tender for a vessel, often for the personal use of the captain. gig H1.3. syl gig pron pos n. def a long light rowing boat, used esp. for racing. gig H1.4. syl gig pron pos n. def a machine for raising the nap of a fabric. gigs infl head gig syl gigs pos vb. gigging infl head gig syl gig+ging pos vb. gigged infl head gig syl gigged. pos vb. gig H1.5. syl gig pron pos vb. mod intr. def to travel in a gig. gig H1.6. syl gig pron pos vb. mod tr. def to raise the nap of (fabric). gig H2.1. syl gig pron pos n. def a cluster of barbless hooks drawn through a shoal of fish to try and impale them. gig H2.2. syl gig pron pos n. def short for {fishgig}. gigs infl head gig syl gigs pos vb. gigging infl head gig syl gig+ging pos vb. gigged infl head gig syl gigged. pos vb. gig H2.3. syl gig pron pos vb. def to catch (fish) with a gig. gig ety C20: of unknown origin gig H3.1. syl gig pron pos n. qual Informal. def a job, esp. a single booking for jazz or pop musicians to play at a concert or club. gig H3.2. syl gig pron pos n. qual Informal. def the performance itself. giga- ety from Greek gigas #7giant giga- 0. syl gi:ga- pos prefix. def denoting 10%9. exam 1 gigavolt. gigahertz infl syl gi+ga+hertz. pos n. mod pl. gigahertz 0. syl gi+ga+hertz pron <1gIg*2hR:ts>, <1Jig-> pos n. def a unit of frequency equal to 10%9 hertz. Symbol: GHz gigantic ety C17: from Greek gigantikos, from gigas #7giant gigantic 1. syl gi+gan+tic pron pos adj. def very large; enormous. exam 1 a gigantic error. gigantic 2. syl gi+gan+tic pron pos adj. def Also: {gi+gan+tesque} (@!d#fa$Ig@an#!t$esk). of or suitable for giants. gigantically sub head gigantic syl gi+1gan+ti+cal+ly pos adv. giganticness sub head gigantic syl gi+1gan+tic+ness pos n. gigantism 1. syl gi+gan+tism pron <1JIg@n2tiz*m>, pos n. def Also called: {giantism}. excessive growth of the entire body, caused by over-production of growth hormone by the pituitary gland during childhood or adolescence. Compare {acromegaly}. gigantism 2. syl gi+gan+tism pron <1JIg@n2tiz*m>, pos n. def the state or quality of being gigantic. gigantomachy ety C17: from Greek gigantomakhia, from gigas giant+ makh*_e battle gigantomachia alt head gigantomachy or gigantomachy syl gi+gan+to+ma+chi:a pron pos n. gigantomachies infl head gigantomachy syl gi+gan+tom:a+chies pos n. mod pl. gigantomachy 0. or gigantomachia syl gi+gan+tom:a+chy pron <2JIg@n1tom*ki> pos n. def or {+chi@.as}. gigantomachy 1. or gigantomachia syl gi+gan+tom:a+chy pron <2JIg@n1tom*ki> pos n. qual Greek myth. def the war fought between the gods of Olympus and the rebelling giants. See {giant} (sense 3). gigantomachy 2. or gigantomachia syl gi+gan+tom:a+chy pron <2JIg@n1tom*ki> pos n. def any battle fought between or as if between giants. giggle ety C16: of imitative origin giggle 1. syl gig+gle pron <1gigL> pos vb. mod intr. def to laugh nervously or foolishly. giggle 2. syl gig+gle pron <1gigL> pos n. def such a laugh. for a giggle 3. head giggle syl for a giggle. qual Informal. def as a joke or prank; not seriously. giggler sub head giggle syl gig+gler pos n. gigglingly sub head giggle syl gig+gling+ly pos adv. giggly sub head giggle syl gig+gly pos adj. giggle house 0. syl gig+gle house pos n. qual Austral. slang. def a lunatic asylum. Beniamino infl head Gigli syl Be:nia:mi:no pron <2bAnja1mEno> pos n. Gigli 0. syl Gi:gli pron Italian <1Ji$y$yi> pos n. def 1890-1957, Italian operatic tenor. gigolo ety C20: from French, back formation from gigolette girl for hire as a dancing partner, prostitute, from giguer to dance, from gigue a fiddle; compare #7gigot, gigue, {jig } gigolos infl head gigolo syl gig:o+los. pos n. mod pl. gigolo 1. syl gig:o+lo pron <1Zig*2l*u> pos n. def a man who is kept by a woman, esp. an older woman. gigolo 2. syl gig:o+lo pron <1Zig*2l*u> pos n. def a man who is paid to dance with or escort women. gigot ety C16: from Old French: leg, a small fiddle, from gigue a fiddle, of Germanic origin gigot 1. syl gi+got pron <1ZEg*u>, <1Jig*t> pos n. def a leg of lamb or mutton. gigot 2. syl gi+got pron <1ZEg*u>, <1Jig*t> pos n. def a leg-of-mutton sleeve. gigue ety C17: from French, from Italian giga literally: a fiddle; see #7gigot gigue 1. syl gigue pron pos n. def a piece of music, usually in six-eight time and often fugal, incorporated into the classical suite. gigue 2. syl gigue pron pos n. def a formal couple dance of the 16th and 17th centuries, derived from the jig. GI Joe 0. syl GI Joe pos n. qual U.S. informal. def a U.S. enlisted soldier; a GI. Gij'on 0. syl Gi+j*'on pron , Spanish <$xi1$xon> pos n. def a port in NW Spain, on the Bay of Biscay: capital of the kingdom of Asturias until 791. Pop.: 187612 (1970). Ancient name: {Gigia}. Gila monster 0. syl Gi:la mon+ster pron <1hEl*> pos n. def a large venomous brightly coloured lizard, inhabiting deserts of the southwestern U.S. and Mexico and feeding mostly on eggs and small mammals: family gilbert ety C19: named after William G#7ilbert gilbert 0. syl gil+bert pron <1gilb*t> pos n. def a unit of magnetomotive force; the magnetomotive force resulting from the passage of 4#Gr abam?!peres through one turn of a coil. 1 gilbert is equivalent to 10/4#Gr=0.795775 ampere-turn. Abbrev.: Gb or Gi Gilbert 1. syl Gil:bert pron <1gilb*t> pos n. def Sir {Hum@.phrey}. ??1539-83, English navigator: founded the colony at St. John's, Newfoundland (1583). William 2. head Gilbert syl Wil:liam. def 1540-1603, English physician and physicist, noted for his study of terrestrial magnetism in (1600). Gilbert 3. syl Gil:bert pron <1gilb*t> pos n. def Sir {W (illiam) S (chwenck) }. 1836-1911, English dramatist, humorist, and librettist. He collaborated (1871-96) with Arthur Sullivan on the famous series of comic operettas, including (1879), (1882), and (1885). Gilbertian 0. syl Gil+ber+ti:an pron pos adj. def characteristic of or resembling the style or whimsical humour of Sir W. S. Gilbert. Gilbert Islands 0. syl Gil+bert Is+lands pos n. mod pl. def a group of islands in the W Pacific: with Ocean Island, the Phoenix Islands, and three of the Line Islands they constitute an independent state; until 1975 they formed part of the British colony of {Gilbert and Ellice Islands}; achieved full independence in 1978. Pop.: 53000 (1975 est.). Area: 655 sq. km (253 sq. miles). gild ety Old English gyldan, from gold #7gold ; related to Old Norse gylla, Middle High German verg*"ulden gilds infl head gild syl gilds pos vb. mod tr. gilding infl head gild syl gild+ing pos vb. mod tr. gilded infl head gild or gilt syl gild+ed pos vb. mod tr. gilt infl head gild or gilded syl gilt. pos vb. mod tr. gild H1.1. syl gild pron pos vb. mod tr. def to cover with or as if with gold. gild H1.2.a. syl gild pron pos vb. mod tr. def to adorn unnecessarily something already beautiful. gild H1.2.b. syl gild pron pos vb. mod tr. def to praise someone in?!ordinately. gild H1.3. syl gild pron pos vb. mod tr. def to give a falsely attractive or valuable appearance to. gild H1.4. syl gild pron pos vb. mod tr. qual Archaic. def to smear with blood. gilder sub head gild syl gild+er pos n. gild H2.0. syl gild pron pos n. def a variant spelling of { {guild} (sense 2).} gildsman sub head gild syl gilds+man pos n. gilder 0. syl gil+der pron <1gild*> pos n. def a variant spelling of {guilder}. gilding 1. syl gild+ing pron <1gildiG> pos n. def the act or art of applying gilt to a surface. gilding 2. syl gild+ing pron <1gildiG> pos n. def the surface so produced. gilding 3. syl gild+ing pron <1gildiG> pos n. def another word for {gilt} %1 (sense 2). Gilead H1.0. syl Gil+e:ad pron <1gili2@d> pos n. def a historic mountainous region east of the River Jordan, rising over 1200 m (4000 ft.). Gilead H2.0. syl Gil:e:ad pron <1gili2@d> pos n. qual Old Testament. def a grandson of Manasseh; ancestor of the Coileadites (Numbers 26: 29-30). Gileadite 1. syl Gil+e:ad+ite pron <1gili*2dIt> pos n. def an inhabitant of the region of Gilead. Gileadite 2. syl Gil+e:ad+ite pron <1gili*2dIt> pos n. def a descendant of Gilead (the man). Saint 1. head Giles syl Saint. def 7th century #7a.d., Greek hermit in France; patron saint of cripples, beggars, and lepers. Feast day: Sept. 1. William Ernest Powell 2. head Giles syl Wil:liam Er:nest Pow:ell. def 1835-97, Australian explorer, born in England. He was noted esp. for his exploration of the western desert (1875-76). gilet ety C19: French, literally: waistcoat gilet 1. syl gi+let pron pos n. def a bodice resembling a waistcoat in a woman's dress. gilet 2. syl gi+let pron pos n. def such a bodice as part of a ballet dancer's costume. gilgai ety C19: from a native Australian language gilgai 0. syl gil+gai pron <1gilgI> pos n. qual Austral. def a natural water hole. Gilgamesh 0. syl Gil:ga:mesh pron <1gilg*2meS> pos n. def a legendary Sumerian king. gill ety C14: of Scandinavian origin; compare Swedish g*"al, Danish gj@alle, Greek khelun*_e lip gill H1.1. syl gill pron pos n. def the respiratory organ in many aquatic animals, consisting of a membrane or outgrowth well supplied with blood vessels. {External gills} occur in tadpoles, some molluscs, etc.; {internal gills}, within gill slits, occur in most fishes. gill H1.2. syl gill pron pos n. def any of the radiating leaflike spore-producing structures on the under?!surface of the cap of a mushroom. gill H1.3. syl gill pron pos vb. def to catch (fish) or (of fish) to be caught in a gill net. gill H1.4. syl gill pron pos vb. mod tr. def to gut (fish). gilled sub head gill syl gilled pos adj. gill-less sub head gill syl gill-less pos adj. gill-like sub head gill syl gill-2like pos adj. gill ety C14: from Old French gille vat, tub, from Late Latin gill*_o cooling vessel for liquids, of obscure origin gill H2.1. syl gill pron pos n. def a unit of liquid measure equal to one quarter of a pint. gill H2.2. syl gill pron pos n. qual Northern Brit. dialect. def half a pint, esp. of beer. gill ety C11: from Old Norse gil steep-sided valley ghyll alt head gill or gill syl ghyll pron pos n. gill H3.1. or ghyll syl gill pron pos n. qual Brit. dialect. def a narrow stream; rivulet. gill H3.2. or ghyll syl gill pron pos n. qual Brit. dialect. def a wooded ravine. gill H3.3. or ghyll syl gill pron pos n. qual Brit. dialect. usage cap. when part of place name def a deep natural hole in rock; pothole. exam 1 Gaping Gill. gill ety C15: special use of Gill, short for Gillian, girl's name gill H4.1. syl gill pron pos n. qual Archaic. def a girl or sweetheart. gill H4.2. syl gill pron pos n. def an archaic or dialect name for {ground ivy}. Dizzy infl head Gillespie syl Diz:zy pos n. Gillespie 0. syl Gil:les:pie pron pos n. def nickname of born 1917, U.S. jazz trumpeter. gill fungus 0. syl gill fun+gus pron pos n. def any fungus of the basidiomycetous family in which the spores are produced on gills underneath a cap. See also {agaric}. gillie ety C17: from Scottish Gaelic gille boy, servant ghillie infl head gillie or gilly syl ghil+lie pron <1gili> pos n. gilly infl head gillie or ghillie syl gil+ly pron <1gili> pos n. gillies infl head gillie syl gil+lies. pos n. mod pl. gillie 1. syl gil+lie pron <1gili> pos n. qual Scot. def an attend?!ant or guide for hunting or fishing. gillie 2. syl gil+lie pron <1gili> pos n. qual Scot. usage formerly def a Highland chieftain's male attendant or personal servant. Gillingham 0. syl Gil+ling+ham pron <1JiliG*m> pos n. def a town in SE England, in N Kent on the Medway estuary: dockyards. Pop.: 86714 (1971). gillion ety C20: from #7g (#7iga -) +(#7m) #7illion gillion 0. syl gil+lion pron <1Jilj*n> pos n. qual Brit. def one thousand million. U.S. equivalent: {billion}. gill net 0. syl gill net pron pos n. qual Fishing. def a net suspended vertically in the water to trap fish by their gills in its meshes. gill pouch 0. syl gill pouch pron pos n. def any of a series of paired linear pouches in chordate embryos, arising as outgrowths of the wall of the pharynx. In fish and some amphibians they become the gill slits. James infl head Gillray syl James. pos n. Gillray 0. syl Gill:ray pron <1gilrA> pos n. def 1757-1815, English caricaturist. gills 1. syl gills pron pos n. mod sometimes; sing. def the wattle of birds such as domestic fowl. green around 2. head gills or about the gills syl green around qual Informal. def looking or feeling nauseated. gill slit 0. syl gill slit pron pos n. def any of a series of paired linear openings to the exterior from the sides of the pharynx in fishes and some amphibians. They contain the gills. gillyflower ety C14: changed (through influence of flower) from gilofre, from Old French girofle, from Medieval Latin, from Greek karuophullon clove tree, from karuon nut+ phullon leaf gilliflower alt head gillyflower or gillyflower syl gil+li+flow:er pron <1Jili2flau*> pos n. gillyflower 1. or gilliflower syl gil+ly+flow:er pron <1Jili2flau*> pos n. def any of several plants having fragrant flowers, such as the stock and wallflower. gillyflower 2. or gilliflower syl gil+ly+flow:er pron <1Jili2flau*> pos n. def an archaic name for {carnation}. Gilolo 0. syl Gi+lo+lo pron , pos n. def See {Halmahera}. Gilsonite ety C19: named after S. H. Gilson of Salt Lake City, Utah, who discovered it Gilsonite 0. syl Gil+son+ite pron <1gils*2nIt> pos n. qual Trademark. def a very pure form of asphalt found in Utah and Colorado; used for making paints, varnishes, and linoleum. gilt H1.1. syl gilt pron pos vb. def a past tense or past participle of {gild}. gilt H1.2. syl gilt pron pos n. def gold or a substance simulating it, applied in gilding. gilt H1.3. syl gilt pron pos n. def another word for {gilding} (senses 1, 2). gilt H1.4. syl gilt pron pos n. def superficial or false appearance of excellence; glamour. gilt H1.5. syl gilt pron pos n. def a gilt-edged security. {~} gilt H1.6. syl gilt pron pos n. def covered with or as if with gold or gilt; gilded. gilt ety C15: from Old Norse gyltr; related to Old English gelte, Old High German gelza, Middle Low German gelte gilt H2.0. syl gilt pron pos n. def a young female pig, esp. one that has not had a litter. gilt-edged 1. syl gilt-edged pos adj. usage of securities def dated over a short, medium, or long term, characterized by minimum risk and by redemption at par, and usually issued by the Government. gilt-edged 2. syl gilt-edged pos adj. usage of books, papers, etc. def having gilded edges. gilthead 1. syl gilt+head pron <1gilt2hed> pos n. def a sparid fish, of Mediterranean and European Atlantic waters, having a gold-coloured band between the eyes. gilthead 2. syl gilt+head pron <1gilt2hed> pos n. def any similar or related fish. gimbals ety C16: variant of #7gemel gimbals 0. syl gim+bals pron <1JimbLz>, <1gim-> pos n. mod pl. def a device, consisting of two or three pivoted rings at right angles to each other, that provides free suspension in all planes for an object such as a gyroscope, compass, chronometer, etc. Also called: {gimbal ring}. gimcrack ety C18: changed from C14 gibecrake little ornament, of unknown origin gimcrack 1. syl gim+crack pron <1Jim2kr@k> pos adj. def cheap; shoddy. gimcrack 2. syl gim+crack pron <1Jim2kr@k> pos n. def a cheap showy trifle or gadget. gimcrackery sub head gimcrack syl gim+2crack+er:y pos n. gimel ety literally: camel gimel 0. syl gim+el pron <1gim*l>, Hebrew <1gEmel> pos n. def the third letter of the Hebrew alphabet (###800340) transliterated as or, when final, gimlet ety C15: from Old French guimbelet, of Germanic origin, see #7wimble gimlet 1. syl gim+let pron <1gimlit> pos n. def a small hand tool consisting of a pointed spiral tip attached at right angles to a handle, used for boring small holes in wood. gimlet 2. syl gim+let pron <1gimlit> pos n. qual U.S. def a cocktail consisting of half gin or vodka and half lime juice. gimlet 3. syl gim+let pron <1gimlit> pos vb. usage tr def to make holes in (wood) using a gimlet. gimlet 4. syl gim+let pron <1gimlit> pos adj. def penetrating; piercing (esp. in the phrase {gimlet-eyed}) . gimmal ety C16: variant of #7gemel gimmal 0. syl gim+mal pron <1gim*l> pos n. def any of a number of parts forming rotating joints for transmitting motion in light mechanisms. gimme 0. syl gim+me pron <1gimE> pos vb. qual Slang. contraction of def give me. gimmick ety C20: originally U.S. slang, of unknown origin gimmick 1. syl gim+mick pron <1gimik> pos n. qual Informal. def something designed to attract extra attention, interest, or publicity. gimmick 2. syl gim+mick pron <1gimik> pos n. qual Informal. def any clever device, gadget, or stratagem, esp. one used to deceive. gimmick 3. syl gim+mick pron <1gimik> pos n. qual Informal.; Chiefly U.S. def a device or trick of legerdemain that enables a magician to deceive the audience. gimmickry sub head gimmick syl gim+mick+ry pos n. gimmicky sub head gimmick syl gim+mick:y pos adj. gimp ety C17: probably from Dutch gimp, of unknown origin guimpe alt head gimp or gimp syl guimpe pron pos n. gimp 0. or guimpe syl gimp pron pos n. def a tapelike trimming of silk, wool, or cotton, often stiffened with wire. gin ety C18: shortened from Dutch genever juniper, via Old French from Latin j*_uniperus #7juniper gin H1.1. syl gin pron pos n. def an alcoholic drink obtained by distillation and rectification of the grain of malted barley, rye, or maize, flavoured with juniper berries. gin H1.2. syl gin pron pos n. def any of various grain spirits flavoured with other fruit or aromatic essences. exam 1 sloe gin. gin H1.3. syl gin pron pos n. def an alcoholic drink made from any rectified spirit. gin ety C13 gyn, shortened from #7engine gin H2.1. syl gin pron pos n. def a primitive engine in which a vertical shaft is turned by horses driving a horizontal beam or yoke in a circle. gin H2.2. syl gin pron pos n. def Also called: {cotton gin}. a machine of this type used for separating seeds from raw cotton. gin H2.3. syl gin pron pos n. def a trap for catching small mammals, consisting of a noose of thin strong wire. gins infl head gin syl gins pos vb. mod tr. ginning infl head gin syl gin+ning pos vb. mod tr. ginned infl head gin syl ginned. pos vb. mod tr. gin H2.4. syl gin pron pos vb. mod tr. def to free (cotton) of seeds with a gin. gin H2.5. syl gin pron pos vb. mod tr. def to trap or snare (game) with a gin. ginner sub head gin syl gin+ner pos n. gins infl head gin syl gins pos vb. ginning infl head gin syl gin+ning pos vb. gan infl head gin syl gan pos vb. gun infl head gin syl gun. pos vb. gin H3.0. syl gin pron pos vb. def an archaic word for {begin}. gin ety C19: from a native Australian language gin H4.0. syl gin pron pos n. qual Austral. def an Aboriginal woman. ginger ety C13: from Old French gingivre, from Medieval Latin gingiber, from Latin zinziberi, from Greek zingiberis, probably from Sanskrit *'sr*_ngaveram, from *'sr*_nga- horn+ vera- body, referring to its shape ginger 1. syl gin+ger pron <1JinJ*> pos n. def any of several zingiberaceous plants of the genus esp. of the East Indies, cultivated throughout the tropics for its spicy hot-tasting underground stem. See also {galangal}. Compare {wild ginger}. ginger 2. syl gin+ger pron <1JinJ*> pos n. def the underground stem of this plant, which is powdered and used as a seasoning or sugared and eaten as a sweetmeat. ginger 3. syl gin+ger pron <1JinJ*> pos n. def any of certain related plants. ginger 4.a. syl gin+ger pron <1JinJ*> pos n. def a reddish-brown or yellowish-brown colour. ginger 4.b. syl gin+ger pron <1JinJ*> pos as; adj. exam 1 ginger hair. ginger 5. syl gin+ger pron <1JinJ*> pos n. qual Informal. def liveliness; vigour. ginger 6. syl gin+ger pron <1JinJ*> pos vb. mod tr. def to add the spice ginger to (a dish). {~} See also {ginger up}. ginger ale 0. syl gin+ger ale pos n. def a sweetened effervescent nonalcoholic drink flavoured with ginger extract. ginger beer 0. syl gin+ger beer pos n. def a slightly alcoholic drink made by fermenting a mixture of syrup and root ginger. gingerbread 1. syl gin:ger+bread pron <1JinJ*2bred> pos n. def a moist brown cake, flavoured with ginger and treacle or syrup. gingerbread 2.a. syl gin:ger+bread pron <1JinJ*2bred> pos n. def a rolled biscuit, similarly flavoured, cut into various shapes and sometimes covered with icing. gingerbread 2.b. syl gin:ger+bread pron <1JinJ*2bred> pos n. usage as modifier exam 1 gingerbread man. gingerbread 3.a. syl gin:ger+bread pron <1JinJ*2bred> pos n. def an elaborate but unsubstantial ornamentation. gingerbread 3.b. syl gin:ger+bread pron <1JinJ*2bred> pos n. usage as modifier exam 1 gingerbread style of architecture. gingerbread tree 0. syl gin:ger+bread tree pos n. def a W African rosaceous tree, with large mealy edible fruits ({gingerbread plums) }: family ginger group 0. syl gin+ger group pos n. qual Chiefly Brit. def a group within a party, association, etc., that enlivens or radicalizes its parent body. gingerly ety C16: perhaps from Old French gensor dainty, from gent of noble birth; see #7gentle gingerly 1. syl gin+ger+ly pron <1JinJ*li> pos adv. def in a cautious, reluctant, or timid manner. gingerly 2. syl gin+ger+ly pron <1JinJ*li> pos adj. def cautious, reluctant, or timid. gingerliness sub head gingerly syl gin+ger+li+ness pos n. nut alt head ginger snap or ginger snap syl nut pos n. ginger snap 0. or nut syl gin+ger snap pos n. def a crisp biscuit flavoured with ginger. ginger up 0. syl gin+ger up pos vb. adv. mod tr. def to enliven (an activity, group, etc.). ginger wine 0. syl gin+ger wine pos n. def an alcoholic drink made from fermented bruised ginger, sugar, and water. gingery 1. syl gin+ger:y pron <1JinJ*ri> pos adj. def like or tasting of ginger. gingery 2. syl gin+ger:y pron <1JinJ*ri> pos adj. def of or like the colour ginger. gingery 3. syl gin+ger:y pron <1JinJ*ri> pos adj. def full of vigour; high-spirited. gingery 4. syl gin+ger:y pron <1JinJ*ri> pos adj. def pointed; biting. exam 1 a gingery remark. gingham ety C17: from French guingan, from Malay ginggang striped cloth gingham 0.a. syl ging+ham pron <1giG*m> pos n. qual Textiles. def a cotton fabric, usually woven of two coloured yarns in a checked or striped design. gingham 0.b. syl ging+ham pron <1giG*m> pos n. qual Textiles. usage as modifier exam 1 a gingham dress. gingili ety C18: from Hindi jingal*_i gingelli infl head gingili or gingelly syl gin+gel+li pron <1JinJili> pos n. gingelly infl head gingili or gingelli syl gin+gel+ly pron <1JinJili> pos n. gingili 1. syl gin+gi+li pron <1JinJili> pos n. def the oil obtained from sesame seeds. gingili 2. syl gin+gi+li pron <1JinJili> pos n. def another name for {sesame}. gingiva ety from Latin &- #!gin+gi+val adj. gingivae infl head gingiva syl gin+gi+vae pron <-J*2vE>, <-1JIvE> pos n. mod pl. gingiva 0. syl gin+gi+va pron <1JinJiv*>, pos n. qual Anatomy. def the technical name for the {gum}. gingivitis 0. syl gin+gi+vi+tis pron <2JinJi1vItis> pos n. def inflammation of the gums. ginglymus ety C17: New Latin, from Greek ginglumos hinge ginglymi infl head ginglymus syl gin+gly+mi pron <-2mI> pos n. mod pl. ginglymus 0. syl gin+gly+mus pron <1JiGglim*s>, <1giG> pos n. qual Anatomy. def a hinge joint. See { {hinge} (sense 2).} gink ety C20: of unknown origin gink 0. syl gink pron pos n. qual Slang. def a man or boy, esp. one considered to be odd. ginkgo ety C18: from Japanese ginky*_o, from Ancient Chinese ngien silver+ hang apricot gingko alt head ginkgo or ginkgo syl ging+ko pron <1giGk*u> pos n. ginkgoes infl head ginkgo or ginkkoes syl gink+goes pos n. mod pl. ginkkoes infl head ginkgo or ginkgoes syl gink+koes. pos n. mod pl. ginkgo 0. or gingko syl gink+go pron <1giGkg*u> pos n. def a widely planted ornamental Chinese gymnosperm tree, with fan-shaped deciduous leaves and fleshy yellow fruit. Also called: {maidenhair tree}. ginnel ety C17: perhaps a corruption of #7channel ginnel 0. syl gin+nel pron <1ginL>, <1Jin-> pos n. qual Northern English dialect. def a narrow passageway between buildings. gin palace 0. syl gin pal+ace pron pos n. usage formerly def a gaudy drinking-house. gin rummy ety C20: from #7gin %1#7+{rummy %1}#7, apparently from a humorous allusion to gin and rum gin rummy 0. syl gin rum+my pron pos n. def a version of rummy in which a player may go out if the odd cards outside his sequences total less than ten points. Often shortened to {gin}. Allen infl head Ginsberg syl Al:len. pos n. Ginsberg 0. syl Gins:berg pron <1ginzbR:g> pos n. def born 1926, U.S. poet of the beat generation. His poetry includes (1956). ginseng ety C17: from Mandarin Chinese jen shen, from jen man (from a resemblance of the roots to human legs)+ shen ginseng ginseng 1. syl gin+seng pron <1JinseG> pos n. def either of two araliaceous plants, of China or of North America, whose forked aromatic roots are used medicinally in China. ginseng 2. syl gin+seng pron <1JinseG> pos n. def the root of either of these plants or a substance obtained from the roots. gin sling 0. syl gin sling pron pos n. def an iced drink made from gin and water, sweetened, and flavoured with lemon or lime juice. Gioconda ety Italian: the smiling (lady) La infl head Gioconda syl La. pos n. Gioconda 0. syl Gio+con+da pron Italian pos n. def See {Mona Lisa}. Il infl head Giorgione syl Il. pos n. Giorgione 0. syl Gior:gio:ne pron Italian pos n. def original name ??1478-1511, Italian painter of the Venetian school, who introduced a new unity between figures and landscape. Giorgi system ety C20: named after Giovanni Giorgi (1871-1950), Italian physicist Giorgi system 0. syl Gior+gi sys+tem pron <1Jc:Ji> pos n. def a system of units based on the metre, kilogram, second, and ampere, in which the magnetic constant has the value 4#Gr#M10-%7 henries per metre. It was used as a basis for SI units. Also called: {MKSA system}. Giotto 0. syl Giot:to pron Italian <1Jctto> pos n. def also known as ??1267-1337, Florentine painter, who broke away from the stiff linear design of the Byzantine tradition and developed the more dramatic and naturalistic style characteristic of the Renais?!sance: his work includes cycles of frescoes in Assisi, the Arena Chapel in Padua, and the Church of Santa Croce, Florence. gips infl head gip syl gips pos vb. gipping infl head gip syl gip+ping pos vb. gipped infl head gip syl gipped. pos vb. gip 1. syl gip pron pos vb. def a variant spelling of {gyp%1}. gip 2. syl gip pron pos n. def a variant spelling of {gyp%2}. gipon 0. syl gi+pon pron , <1Jipon> pos n. def another word for {jupon}. Gippsland 0. syl Gipps+land pron <1gips2l@nd> pos n. def a fertile region of SE Australia, in SE Victoria, extending east along the coast from Melbourne to the New South Wales border. Area: 35200 sq. km (13600 sq. miles). gippy ety C19: from #7Gypsy and #7Egyptian infl head gippy syl ~ pos n. qual Slang. gippies infl head gippy syl gip+pies. pos n. mod pl. gippy 1. syl gip+py pron <1Jipi> pos n. def an Egyptian person or thing. gippy 2. syl gip+py pron <1Jipi> pos n. def Also called: {gip+po}, {+poes}. a Gypsy. {~} gippy 3. syl gip+py pron <1Jipi> pos n. def Egyptian. gippy tummy 4. head gippy syl gippy tummy. def diarrhoea, esp. as experienced by visitors to hot climates. Gipsies infl head Gipsy syl Gip+sies. pos n. mod pl. Gipsy 0. syl Gip+sy pron <1Jipsi> pos n. usage sometimes not cap. def a variant spelling of {Gypsy}. &- {#!Gip+sy@!+dom} &- {#!Gip+sy@!+hood} &- {#!Gip@.sy-@!like} Gipsyish sub head Gipsy syl Gip+sy+ish pos adj. gipsy moth 0. syl gip+sy moth pos n. def a European moth, introduced into North America, where it is a serious pest of shade trees: family (or See also {tussock moth}. gipsywort 0. syl gip:sy+wort pron <1Jipsi2wR:t> pos n. def a hairy Eurasian plant, having two-lipped white flowers with purple dots on the lower lip: family (labiates). See also { {bugleweed} (sense 1).} giraffe ety C17: from Italian giraffa, from Arabic zar*_afah, probably of African origin giraffes infl head giraffe or giraffe syl gi+raffes pos n. mod pl. giraffe infl or giraffes syl gi+raffe. pos n. mod pl. giraffe 0. syl gi+raffe pron , <-1r@f> pos n. def a large ruminant mammal, inhabiting savannahs of tropical Africa: the tallest mammal, with very long legs and neck and a colouring of regular reddish-brown patches on a beige ground: family Giraldus Cambrensis 0. syl Gi:ral:dus Cam:bren:sis pron pos n. def literary name of ??1146-??1223, Welsh chronicler and churchman, noted for his accounts of his travels in Ireland and Wales. girandole ety C17: from French, from Italian girandola, from girare to revolve, from Latin g*_yr*_are to #7gyrate girandola alt head girandole or girandole syl gi+ran+do+la pron pos n. girandole 1. or girandola syl gir+an+dole pron <1Jir*n2d*ul> pos n. def an ornamental wall candle holder, usually incorporating a mirror. girandole 2. or girandola syl gir+an+dole pron <1Jir*n2d*ul> pos n. def an earring, esp. one having a central gem surround?!ed by smaller ones. girandole 3. or girandola syl gir+an+dole pron <1Jir*n2d*ul> pos n. qual Artillery. def a group of connected mines. girasol ety C16: from Italian, from girare to revolve (see #7gyrate) #7+ sole the sun, from Latin s*_ol girosol infl head girasol or girasole syl gir:o+sol pron <1Jir*2sol>, <-2s*ul> pos n. girasole infl head girasol or girosol syl gir:a+sole pron <1Jir*2sol>, <-2s*ul> pos n. girasol 0. syl gir:a+sol pron <1Jir*2sol>, <-2s*ul> pos n. def a type of opal that has a red or pink glow in bright light; fire opal. Henri Honor'e infl head Giraud syl Hen:ri Ho:no:r*'e pron pos n. Jean infl head Giraudoux syl Jean pron pos n. Giraudoux 0. syl Gi:rau:doux pron French pos n. def 1882-1944, French dramatist. His works, noted for their use of paradox and imagery, include the novel (1921) and the plays (1929) and (1935). gird ety Old English gyrdan, of Germanic origin; related to Old Norse gyrtha, Old High German gurten girds infl head gird syl girds pos vb. mod tr. girding infl head gird syl gird+ing pos vb. mod tr. girded infl head gird or girt syl gird+ed pos vb. mod tr. girt infl head gird or girded syl girt. pos vb. mod tr. gird H1.1. syl gird pron pos vb. mod tr. def to put a belt, girdle, etc., around (the waist or hips). gird H1.2. syl gird pron pos vb. mod tr. def to bind or secure with or as if with a belt. exam 1 to gird on one's armour. gird H1.3. syl gird pron pos vb. mod tr. def to surround; encircle. gird H1.4. syl gird pron pos vb. mod tr. def to prepare (oneself) for action (esp. in the phrase {gird (up) one's loins) }. gird H1.5. syl gird pron pos vb. mod tr. def to endow with a rank, attribute, etc., esp. knighthood. gird ety C13 girden to strike, cut, of unknown origin gird H2.1. syl gird pron pos vb. mod when; intr. qual Northern Brit. dialect. usage foll. by at def to jeer (at someone); mock. gird H2.2. syl gird pron pos vb. mod tr. qual Northern Brit. dialect. def to strike (a blow at someone). gird H2.3. syl gird pron pos vb. mod intr. qual Northern Brit. dialect. def to move at high speed. gird H2.4.a. syl gird pron pos n. qual Northern Brit. dialect. def a blow or stroke. gird H2.4.b. syl gird pron pos n. qual Northern Brit. dialect. def a taunt; gibe. gird H2.5. syl gird pron pos n. qual Northern Brit. dialect. def a display of bad temper or anger (esp. in the phrases {in a gird; throw a gird) }. girder 0. syl gird+er pron <1gR:d*> pos n. def a large beam, esp. one made of steel, used in the construction of bridges, buildings, etc. girdle ety Old English gyrdel, of Germanic origin; related to Old Norse gyrthill, Old Frisian gerdel, Old High German gurtila; see #7gird %1 &- #!gir@.dle-@!like adj. girdle H1.1. syl gir+dle pron <1gR:dL> pos n. def a woman's elastic corset covering the waist to the thigh. girdle H1.2. syl gir+dle pron <1gR:dL> pos n. def anything that surrounds or encircles. girdle H1.3. syl gir+dle pron <1gR:dL> pos n. def a belt or sash. girdle H1.4. syl gir+dle pron <1gR:dL> pos n. qual Jewellery. def the outer edge of a gem. girdle H1.5. syl gir+dle pron <1gR:dL> pos n. qual Anatomy. def any encircling structure or part. See {pectoral girdle, pelvic girdle}. girdle H1.6. syl gir+dle pron <1gR:dL> pos n. def the mark left on a tree trunk after the removal of a ring of bark. girdle H1.7. syl gir+dle pron <1gR:dL> pos vb. mod tr. def to put a girdle on or around. girdle H1.8. syl gir+dle pron <1gR:dL> pos vb. mod tr. def to surround or encircle. girdle H1.9. syl gir+dle pron <1gR:dL> pos vb. mod tr. def to remove a ring of bark from (a tree or branch), thus causing it to die. girdle H2.0. syl gir+dle pron <1gR:dL> pos n. def a less common word for {griddle}. girdlecake 0. syl gir:dle+cake pron <1gR:dL2kAk> pos n. def a less common name for {drop scone}. girdler 1. syl gir+dler pron <1gR:dl*> pos n. def a person or thing that girdles. girdler 2. syl gir+dler pron <1gR:dl*> pos n. def a maker of girdles. girdler 3. syl gir+dler pron <1gR:dl*> pos n. def any insect, such as the twig girdler, that bores circular grooves around the stems or twigs in which it lays its eggs. Girgenti 0. syl Gir+gen+ti pron Italian pos n. def a former name of {Agrigento}. girl ety C13: of uncertain origin; perhaps related to Low German G*"ore boy, girl girl 1. syl girl pron pos n. def a female child from birth to young womanhood. girl 2. syl girl pron pos n. def a young unmarried woman; lass; maid. girl 3. syl girl pron pos n. qual Informal. def a sweetheart or girlfriend. girl 4. syl girl pron pos n. qual Informal. def a woman of any age. girl 5. syl girl pron pos n. def an informal word for {daughter}. girl 6. syl girl pron pos n. def a female employee, esp. a female servant. girl 7. syl girl pron pos n. mod usually; pl. qual Informal. usage and preceded by the def a group of women, esp. acquaintances. girl Friday 0. syl girl Fri+day pos n. def a female employee who has a wide range of duties, usually including secretarial and clerical work. girlfriend 1. syl girl+friend pron <1gR:l2frend> pos n. def a female friend with whom a man or boy is romantically or sexually involved; sweetheart. girlfriend 2. syl girl+friend pron <1gR:l2frend> pos n. def any female friend. Girl Guide 0. syl Girl Guide pos n. def See {Guide}. girlhood 0. syl girl+hood pron <1gR:l2hud> pos n. def the state or time of being a girl. girlie 0. syl girl:ie pron <1gR:li> pos n. qual Informal. usage modifier def displaying or featuring nude or scantily dressed women. exam 1 a girlie magazine. girlish 0. syl girl+ish pron <1gR:liS> pos adj. def of or like a girl in looks, behaviour, innocence, etc. girlishly sub head girlish syl girl+ish+ly pos adv. girlishness sub head girlish syl girl+ish+ness pos n. Girl Scout 0. syl Girl Scout pos n. qual U.S. def a member of the equivalent organization for girls to the Scouts. Brit. equivalent: {Guide}. giro ety C20: ultimately from Greek guros circuit giros infl head giro syl gi:ros. pos n. mod pl. giro 0. syl gi:ro pron <1JIr*u> pos n. def the settlement of debts or other payments by transfers between accounts or by giro cheque, operated by post offices or banks. giron ety C16: from Old French giron a triangular piece of material, of Germanic origin; related to Old High German g*_ero triangular object; compare {#7gore %3} gyron alt head giron or giron syl gy+ron pron <1JIron> pos n. giron 0. or gyron syl gi+ron pron <1JIron> pos n. qual Heraldry. def a charge consisting of the lower half of a diagonally divided quarter, usually in the top left corner of the shield. Gironde 1. syl Gi+ronde pron French pos n. def a department of SW France, in Aquitaine region. Capital: Bordeaux. Pop.: 1082074 (1975). Area: 10726 sq. km. (4183 sq. miles). Gironde 2. syl Gi+ronde pron French pos n. def an estuary in SW France, formed by the confluence of the Rivers Garonne and Dordogne. Length: 72 km (45 miles). Girondist 1. syl Gi+ron+dist pron pos n. def a member of a party of moderate republicans during the French Revolution, many of whom came from Gironde: overthrown (1793) by their rivals the Jacobins. See also { {Jacobin} (sense 1).} Girondist 2. syl Gi+ron+dist pron pos adj. def of or relating to the Girondists or their principles. Girondism sub head Girondist syl Gi+1ron+dism pos n. gyronny alt head gironny or gironny syl gy+ron+ny pron pos adj. gironny 0. or gyronny syl gi+ron+ny pron pos adj. qual Heraldry. usage usually postpositive def divided into segments from the fesse point. girosol 0. syl gir+o+sol pron <1Jir*2sol>, <-2s*ul> pos n. def a variant spelling of {girasol}. girt H1.1. syl girt pron pos vb. def the past tense or past participle of {gird%1}. girt H1.2. syl girt pron pos adj. qual Nautical. def moored securely to prevent swinging. girt H2.1. syl girt pron pos vb. mod tr. def to bind or encircle; gird. girt H2.2. syl girt pron pos vb. def to measure the girth of (something). girth ety C14: from Old Norse gj*"orth belt; related to Gothic gairda #7girdle ; see #7gird %1 girth 1. syl girth pron pos n. def the distance around something; circumfer?!ence. girth 2. syl girth pron pos n. def size or bulk. exam 1 a man of great girth. girth 3. syl girth pron pos n. def a band around a horse's belly to keep the saddle in position. girth 4. syl girth pron pos vb. usage usually foll. by up def to fasten a girth on (a horse). girth 5. syl girth pron pos vb. mod tr. def to encircle or surround. gisarme ety C13: from Old French guisarme, probably from Old High German get*_isarn weeding tool, from getan to weed+ *_isarn #7iron gisarme 0. syl gi+sarme pron pos n. def a long-shafted battle-axe with a sharp point on the back of the axe head. Gisborne 0. syl Gis+borne pron <1gizb*n> pos n. def a port in N New Zealand, on E North Island on Poverty Bay. Pop.: 26726 (1971). Val'ery infl head Giscard d'Estaing syl Va:l*'e:ry pron pos n. Giscard d'Estaing 0. syl Gis:card d'Es:taing pron French pos n. def born 1926, French politician; minister of finance and economic affairs (1962-66; 1969-74): president from 1974. Dorothy 1. head Gish syl Dor:o:thy. def 1898-1968, U.S. film actress, chiefly in silent films. Gish 2. syl Gish pron pos n. def her sister, {Lil@.li@.an}. born 1896, U.S. film and stage actress; noted esp. for her roles in such silent films as (1914) and (1916). George (Robert) infl head Gissing syl George (Robert) . pos n. Gissing 0. syl Gis:sing pron <1gisiG> pos n. def 1857-1903, English novelist, noted for his depiction of middle-class poverty. His works include (1886) and (1891). gist ety C18: from Anglo-French, as in cest action gist en this action consists in, literally: lies in, from Old French g*'esir to lie, from Latin jac*_ere, from jacere to throw gist 1. syl gist pron pos n. def the point or substance of an argument, speech, etc. gist 2. syl gist pron pos n. qual Law. def the essential point of an action. git ety C20: from #7get (in the sense: to beget, hence a bastard, fool) git 1. syl git pron pos n. qual Brit. slang. def a contemptible person, often a fool. git 2. syl git pron pos n. qual Brit. slang. def a bastard. gittern ety C14: from Old French guiterne, ultimately from Old Spanish guitarra #7guitar ; see #7cittern gittern 0. syl git+tern pron <1gitR:n> pos n. qual Music. def an obsolete medieval stringed instrument resembling the guitar. Compare {cittern}. Carlo Maria infl head Giulini syl Car:lo Ma:ri:a pron <1karlo> pos n. Giulini 0. syl Giu:li:ni pron Italian pos n. def born 1914, Italian orchestral conductor, esp. of opera. Giulio Romano 0. syl Giu:lio Ro:ma:no pron Italian <1Ju:ljo> pos n. def ??1499-1546, Italian architect and painter; a founder of mannerism. giusto ety Italian: just, proper giusto 0.a. syl giu+sto pron <1Ju:st*u> pos adv. usage Music. of a tempo marking def to be observed strictly. giusto 0.b. syl giu+sto pron <1Ju:st*u> pos adv. usage Music. of a tempo marking def to be observed appropriately. exam 1 allegro giusto. give ety Old English giefan; related to Old Norse gefa, Gothic giban, Old High German geban, Swedish giva gives infl head give syl gives pos vb. mod mainly; tr. giving infl head give syl giv+ing pos vb. mod mainly; tr. gave infl head give syl gave pos vb. mod mainly; tr. given infl head give syl giv+en. pos vb. mod mainly; tr. give 1. syl give pron pos vb. mod also; intr. def to present or deliver voluntarily (something that is one's own) to the permanent possession of another or others. give 2. syl give pron pos vb. mod mainly; tr. usage often foll. by for def to transfer (something that is one's own, esp. money) to the possession of another as part of an exchange. exam 1 to give fifty pounds for a painting. give 3. syl give pron pos vb. mod mainly; tr. def to place in the temporary possession of another. exam 1 I gave him my watch while I went swimming. give 4. syl give pron pos vb. mod when; intr. usage foll. by of def to grant, provide, or bestow. exam 1 give me some advice. give 5. syl give pron pos vb. mod mainly; tr. def to administer. exam 1 to give a reprimand. give 6. syl give pron pos vb. mod mainly; tr. def to award or attribute. exam 1 to give blame, praise, etc. give 7. syl give pron pos vb. mod mainly; tr. def to be a source of. exam 1 he gives no trouble. give 8. syl give pron pos vb. mod mainly; tr. def to impart or communicate. exam 1 to give news; exam 2 give a person a cold. give 9. syl give pron pos vb. mod mainly; tr. def to utter or emit. exam 1 to give a shout. give 10. syl give pron pos vb. mod mainly; tr. def to perform, make, or do. exam 1 the car gave a jolt and stopped. give 11. syl give pron pos vb. mod mainly; tr. def to sacrifice or devote. exam 1 he gave his life for his country. give 12. syl give pron pos vb. mod mainly; tr. def to surrender. exam 1 to give place to others. give 13. syl give pron pos vb. mod mainly; tr. def to concede or yield. exam 1 I will give you this game. give 14. syl give pron pos vb. mod mainly; tr. qual Informal. def to happen. exam 1 what gives?? give 15. syl give pron pos vb. mod mainly; tr. usage often foll. by to def to cause; lead. exam 1 she gave me to believe that she would come. give 16. syl give pron pos vb. mod mainly; tr. def to place value on. exam 1 I don't give anything for his promises. give 17. syl give pron pos vb. mod mainly; tr. def to perform or present as an entertainment. exam 1 to give a play. give 18. syl give pron pos vb. mod mainly; tr. def to propose as a toast. exam 1 I give you the Queen. give 19. syl give pron pos vb. mod intr. def to yield or break under force or pressure. exam 1 this surface will give if you sit on it; exam 2 his courage will never give. give as good as one gets 20. head give syl give as good as one gets. def to respond to verbal or bodily blows to at least an equal extent as those received. give battle 21. head give syl give battle. def to commence fighting. give 22.a. syl give pron pos vb. mod mainly; tr. def to bear (offspring). give 22.b. syl give pron pos vb. mod mainly; tr. def to produce, originate, or create (an idea, plan, etc.). give ground 23. head give syl give ground. def to draw back or retreat. give rise to 24. head give syl give rise to. def to be the cause of. give me 25. head give syl give me. qual Informal. def I prefer. exam 1 give me hot weather any day&! give or take 26. head give syl give or take. def plus or minus. exam 1 three thousand people came, give or take a few hundred. give 27.a. syl give pron pos vb. mod mainly; tr. def to yield or surrender. give 27.b. syl give pron pos vb. mod mainly; tr. usage often foll. by to def to allow precedence (to). give (a person) what for 28. head give syl give (a person) what for. qual Informal. def to scold or reprimand (a person) severely. {~} give 29. syl give pron pos vb. mod mainly; tr. qual Informal. def tendency to yield under pressure; resilience. exam 1 there's bound to be some give in a long plank; exam 2 there is no give in his moral views. givable sub head give or giveable syl giv+a:ble pos adj. giveable sub head give or givable syl give+a:ble pos adj. giver sub head give syl giv+er pos n. give-and-take 1. syl give-and-take pos n. def mutual concessions, shared benefits, and cooperation. give-and-take 2. syl give-and-take pos n. def a smoothly flowing exchange of ideas and talk. {~} {give and take}. give-and-take 3. syl give-and-take pos n. def to make mutual concessions. give away 1. syl give a:way pos vb. adv. mod tr. def to donate or bestow as a gift, prize, etc. give away 2. syl give a:way pos vb. adv. mod tr. def to sell very cheaply. give away 3. syl give a:way pos vb. adv. mod tr. def to reveal or betray (esp. in the phrases {give the game} {show away}) . give away 4. syl give a:way pos vb. adv. mod tr. def to fail to use (an opportunity) through folly or neglect. give away 5. syl give a:way pos vb. adv. mod tr. def to present (a bride) formally to her husband in a marriage ceremony. give away 6. syl give a:way pos vb. adv. mod tr. qual Austral. informal. def to give up or abandon something. {~} {give+a@.way}. give away 7. syl give a:way pos vb. adv. mod tr. def a betrayal or disclosure of information esp. when unintentional. give away 8. syl give a:way pos vb. adv. mod tr. qual Chiefly U.S. def something given, esp. with articles on sale, at little or no charge to increase sales, attract publicity, etc. give away 9. syl give a:way pos vb. adv. mod tr. qual Journalism. def another name for {freesheet}. give away 10. syl give a:way pos vb. adv. mod tr. qual Chiefly U.S. def a radio or television programme characterized by the award of money and prizes. give away 11. syl give a:way pos vb. adv. mod tr. usage modifier def very cheap (esp. in the phrase {giveaway prices) }. give in 1. syl give in pos vb. adv. mod intr. def to yield; admit defeat. give in 2. syl give in pos vb. adv. mod tr. def to submit or deliver (a document). given 1. syl giv+en pron <1givN> pos vb. def the past participle of {give}. given 2. syl giv+en pron <1givN> pos adj. usage postpositive; foll. by to def tending (to); inclined or addicted (to). given 3. syl giv+en pron <1givN> pos adj. def specific or previously stated. given 4. syl giv+en pron <1givN> pos adj. def assumed as a premiss. given 5. syl giv+en pron <1givN> pos adj. qual Maths. def known or determined independently. exam 1 a given volume. given 6. syl giv+en pron <1givN> pos adj. usage on official documents def issued or executed, as on a stated date. {~} given 7. syl giv+en pron <1givN> pos adj. def an assumed fact. given name 0. syl giv+en name pos n. def a name by which a person is distinguished from others of the same name: usually chosen by the parents of a child at birth; Christian name. give off 0. syl give off pos vb. adv. mod tr. def to emit or discharge. exam 1 the mothballs gave off an acrid odour. give onto 0. syl give on:to pos vb. prep. mod intr. def to afford a view or prospect of. exam 1 their new house gives onto the sea. give out 1. syl give out pos vb. adv. mod tr. def to emit or discharge. give out 2. syl give out pos vb. adv. mod tr. def to publish or make known. exam 1 the chairman gave out that he would resign. give out 3. syl give out pos vb. adv. mod tr. def to hand out or distribute. exam 1 they gave out free chewing gum on the street. give out 4. syl give out pos vb. adv. mod intr. def to become exhausted; fail. exam 1 the supply of candles gave out. give out 5. syl give out pos vb. adv. mod tr. usage Cricket. of an umpire def to declare (a batsman) dismissed. give over 1. syl give o:ver pos vb. adv. mod tr. def to transfer, esp. to the care or custody of another. give over 2. syl give o:ver pos vb. adv. mod tr. def to assign or resign to a specific purpose or function. exam 1 the day was given over to pleasure. give over 3. syl give o:ver pos vb. adv. qual Informal. def to cease (an activity). exam 1 give over fighting, will you&! give up 1. syl give up pos vb. adv. def to abandon hope (for). give up 2. syl give up pos vb. adv. mod tr. def to renounce (an activity, belief, etc.). exam 1 I have given up smoking. give up 3. syl give up pos vb. adv. def to relinquish or resign from. exam 1 he gave up the presidency. give up 4. syl give up pos vb. adv. mod tr. usage usually reflexive def to surrender. exam 1 the escaped convict gave himself up. give up 5. syl give up pos vb. adv. mod tr. def to reveal or disclose (information). give up 6. syl give up pos vb. adv. mod intr. def to admit one's defeat or inability to do something. give up 7. syl give up pos vb. adv. mod tr. usage reflexive def to devote completely (to). exam 1 she gave herself up to caring for the sick. Giza 0. syl G*^i:za pron <1gEz*> pos n. def See {El Giza}. gizzard ety C14: from Old North French guisier fowl's liver, alteration of Latin gig*_eria entrails of poultry when cooked, of uncertain origin gizzard 1. syl giz+zard pron <1giz*d> pos n. def the thick-walled part of a bird's stomach, in which hard food is broken up by muscular action and contact with grit and small stones. gizzard 2. syl giz+zard pron <1giz*d> pos n. def a similar structure in many invertebrates. gizzard 3. syl giz+zard pron <1giz*d> pos n. qual Informal. def the stomach and entrails generally. Gk alt or Gk syl Gk. Gk 0. or Gk syl Gk qual abbrev. for def Greek. gl 1. syl gl. qual abbrev. for: def glass. gl 2. syl gl. qual abbrev. for: def gloss. glabella ety C19: New Latin, from Latin glabellus smooth, from glaber bald, smooth glabellae infl head glabella syl gla+bel+lae pron <-lE> pos n. mod pl. glabella 0. syl gla+bel+la pron pos n. qual Anatomy. def a smooth elevation of the frontal bone just above the bridge of the nose: a reference point in physical anthropology or craniometry. glabellar sub head glabella syl gla+1bel+lar pos adj. glabrous ety C17 glabrous, from Latin glaber glabrate alt head glabrous or glabrous syl gla+brate pron <1glAbrAt>, <-brit> pos adj. glabrous 0. or glabrate syl gla+brous pron <1glAbr*s> pos adj. qual Biology. def without hair or a similar growth; smooth. exam 1 a glabrous stem. glabrousness sub head glabrous syl gla+brous+ness pos n. glac'e ety C19: from French glac*'e, literally: iced, from glacer to freeze, from glace, ice, from Latin glaci*_es glac'e 1. syl gla+c*'e pron <1gl@si> pos adj. def crystallized or candied. exam 1 glac*'e cherries. glac'e 2. syl gla+c*'e pron <1gl@si> pos adj. def covered in icing. glac'e 3. syl gla+c*'e pron <1gl@si> pos adj. usage of leather, silk, etc. def having a glossy finish. glac'e 4. syl gla+c*'e pron <1gl@si> pos adj. qual Chiefly U.S. def frozen or iced. glac'es infl head glac'e syl gla+c*'es pos vb. glac'eing infl head glac'e syl gla+c*'e+ing pos vb. glac'eed infl head glac'e syl gla+c*'eed. pos vb. glac'e 5. syl gla+c*'e pron <1gl@si> pos vb. mod tr. def to ice or candy (cakes, fruits, etc.). glacial 1. syl gla+ci:al pron <1glAsi*l>, <-S*l> pos adj. def characterized by the presence of masses of ice. glacial 2. syl gla+ci:al pron <1glAsi*l>, <-S*l> pos adj. def relating to, caused by, or deposited by a glacier. glacial 3. syl gla+ci:al pron <1glAsi*l>, <-S*l> pos adj. def extremely cold; icy. glacial 4. syl gla+ci:al pron <1glAsi*l>, <-S*l> pos adj. def cold or hostile in manner. exam 1 a glacial look. glacial 5. syl gla+ci:al pron <1glAsi*l>, <-S*l> pos adj. usage of a chemical compound def of or tending to form crystals that resemble ice. exam 1 glacial acetic acid. glacial 6. syl gla+ci:al pron <1glAsi*l>, <-S*l> pos adj. def very slow in progress. exam 1 a glacial pace. glacially sub head glacial syl gla+ci+al+ly pos adv. glacial acetic acid 0. syl gla+ci:al a:ce:tic ac:id pos n. def pure acetic acid (more than 99.8 per cent). glacialist 0. syl gla+ci+al+ist pron <1glAsi*list>, <-S*l-> pos n. def a person who studies ice and its effects on the earth's surface. glacial period 1. syl gla+ci:al pe+ri+od pos n. def any period of time during which a large part of the earth's surface was covered with ice, due to the advance of glaciers, as in the late Carboniferous period, and during most of the Pleistocene; glaciation. glacial period 2. syl gla+ci:al pe+ri+od pos n. usage often caps. def the Pleistocene epoch. glacial period xref syl gla+ci:al pe+ri+od pos n. def Also called: {glacial epoch, ice age}. glaciate 1. syl gla+ci+ate pron <1glAsi2At> pos vb. def to cover or become covered with glaciers or masses of ice. glaciate 2. syl gla+ci+ate pron <1glAsi2At> pos vb. mod tr. def to subject to the effects of glaciers, such as denudation and erosion. &- {gla+ci@.#!a+tion} glacier ety C18: from French (Savoy dialect), from Old French glace ice, from Late Latin glacia, from Latin glaci*_es ice glacier 0. syl glac:i+er pron <1gl@si*>, <1glAs-> pos n. def a slowly moving mass of ice originating from an accumulation of snow. It can either spread out from a central mass ({continental glacier}) or descend from a high valley ({alpine glacier) }. glacier milk 0. syl glac:i+er milk pos n. def water flowing in a stream from the snout of a glacier and containing particles of rock. glaciology 0. syl glac:i+ol+o:gy pron <2gl@si1ol*Ji>, <2glA-> pos n. def the study of the distribu?!tion, character, and effects of glaciers. glaciological sub head glaciology or glaciologic syl glac:i:o+log:i+cal pron <2gl@si*1loJikL>, <2glA-> pos adj. glaciologic sub head glaciology or glaciological syl glac:i:o+1log+ic pos adj. glaciologist sub head glaciology or glacialist syl glac:i+1ol:o+gist pos n. glacialist sub head glaciology or glaciologist syl gla+ci+al+ist pos n. glacis ety C17: from French, from Old French glacier to freeze, slip, from Latin glaci*_are, from glaci*_es ice glacises infl head glacis or glacis syl glac+is:es pron <-Ez>, <-iz> pos n. mod pl. glacis infl or glacises syl glac+is pron <-Ez>, <-iz> pos n. mod pl. glacis 1. syl glac+is pron <1gl@sis>, <1gl@si>, <1glA-> pos n. def a slight incline; slope. glacis 2. syl glac+is pron <1gl@sis>, <1gl@si>, <1glA-> pos n. def an open slope in front of a fortified place. glad ety Old English gl*_@ad; related to Old Norse glathr, Old High German glat smooth, shining, Latin glaber smooth, Lithuanian glod*`us fitting closely gladder infl head glad syl glad+der pos adj. gladdest infl head glad syl glad+dest. pos adj. glad H1.1. syl glad pron pos adj. def happy and pleased; contented. glad H1.2. syl glad pron pos adj. def causing happiness or contentment. glad H1.3. syl glad pron pos adj. usage postpositive; foll. by to def very willing. exam 1 he was glad to help. glad H1.4. syl glad pron pos vb. mod tr. def an archaic word for {gladden}. gladly sub head glad syl glad+ly pos adv. gladness sub head glad syl glad+ness pos n. glad H2.0. syl glad pron pos n. qual Informal. def short for {gladiolus}. Also (Austral.): {glad+die} (#!gl@ad$I). Gladbeck 0. syl Glad+beck pron German <1glatbek> pos n. def a city in N West Germany, in North Rhine-Westphalia. Pop.: 83100 (1970). gladden 0. syl glad+den pron <1gl@dN> pos vb. def to make or become glad and joyful. gladdener sub head gladden syl glad+den+er pos n. gladdon ety Old English, of uncertain origin gladdon 0. syl glad+don pron <1gl@dN> pos n. def another name for the {stinking iris}. glade ety C16: of uncertain origin; perhaps related to #7glad (in obsolete sense: bright); see #7gleam glade 0. syl glade pron pos n. def an open place in a forest; clearing. gladelike sub head glade syl glade+2like pos adj. glad eye 0. syl glad eye pos n. qual Informal. def an inviting or seductive glance (esp. in the phrase {give (someone) the glad eye}) . glad hand 1.a. syl glad hand pos n. def a welcoming hand. glad hand 1.b. syl glad hand pos n. def a welcome. {~} {glad-hand}. to welcome by or as if by offering a hand. gladiate ety C18: from Latin gladius sword gladiate 0. syl glad:i+ate pron <1gl@diit>, <-2At>, <1glA-> pos adj. qual Botany. def shaped like a sword. exam 1 gladiate leaves. gladiator ety C16: from Latin: swordsman, from gladius sword gladiator 1. syl glad:i:a+tor pron <1gl@di2At*> pos n. usage in ancient Rome and Etruria def a man trained to fight in arenas to provide entertainment. gladiator 2. syl glad:i:a+tor pron <1gl@di2At*> pos n. def a person who supports and fights publicly for a cause. gladiatorial 0. syl glad:i:a+to+ri:al pron <2gl@di*1tc:ri*l> pos adj. def of, characteristic of, or relating to gladiators, combat, etc. gladiolus ety C16: from Latin: a small sword, sword lily, from gladius a sword gladiolus infl syl glad:i:o+lus pron <-lI> pos n. mod pl. gladioli infl head gladiolus or gladioluses syl glad:i:o+li pron <-lI> pos n. mod pl. gladioluses infl head gladiolus or gladioli syl glad:i:o+lus:es. pos n. mod pl. gladiolus 1. syl glad:i:o+lus pron <2gl@di1*ul*s> pos n. def Also called: {sword lily, gladiola}. any iridaceous plant of the widely cultivated genus having sword-shaped leaves and spikes of funnel-shaped brightly coloured flowers. gladiolus 2. syl glad:i:o+lus pron <2gl@di1*ul*s> pos n. qual Anatomy. def the large central part of the breastbone. gladrags 0. syl glad+rags pron <1gl@d2r@gz> pos n. mod pl. qual Slang. def best clothes or clothes used on special occasions. gladsome 0. syl glad+some pron <1gl@ds*m> pos adj. def an archaic word for {glad}. gladsomely sub head gladsome syl glad+some+ly pos adv. gladsomeness sub head gladsome syl glad+some+ness pos n. Gladstone ety C19: named after W. E. G#7ladstone Gladstone H1.0. syl Glad+stone pron <1gl@dst*n> pos n. def a light four-wheeled horse-drawn vehicle. William Ewart infl head Gladstone syl Wil:liam Ew:art. pos n. Gladstone H2.0. syl Glad:stone pron <1gl@dst*n> pos n. def 1809-98, British statesman. He became leader of the Liberal party in 1867 and was four times prime minister (1868-74; 1880-85; 1886; 1892-94). In his first ministry he disestablished the Irish Church (1869), introduced educational reform (1870), and the secret ballot (1872). He succeeded in carrying the Reform Act of 1884 but failed to gain support for a Home Rule Bill for Ireland, to which he devoted much of the latter part of his career. Gladstone bag ety C19: named after W. E. G#7ladstone Gladstone bag 0. syl Glad+stone bag pos n. def a piece of hand luggage consisting of two equal-sized hinged compartments. Glagolitic ety C19: from New Latin glagoliticus, from Serbo-Croatian glagolica the Glagolitic alphabet; related to Old Church Slavonic glagol*uu word Glagolitic 0. syl Glag:o+lit+ic pron <2gl@g*1litik> pos adj. def of, relating to, or denoting a Slavic alphabet whose invention is attributed to Saint Cyril, preserved only in certain Roman Catholic liturgical books found in Dalmatia. glaikit ety C15: of obscure origin glaiket alt head glaikit or glaikit syl glaik+et pron <1glAkit> pos adj. glaikit 0. or glaiket syl glaik+it pron <1glAkit> pos adj. qual Scot. def foolish; silly; thoughtless. glaikitness sub head glaikit or glaiketness syl glaik+it+ness pos n. glaiketness sub head glaikit or glaikitness syl glaik+et+ness pos n. glair ety C14: from Old French glaire, from Vulgar Latin cl*_aria (unattested) #7clear, from Latin cl*_arus glair 1. syl glair pron pos n. def white of egg, esp. when used as a size, glaze, or adhesive, usually in bookbinding. glair 2. syl glair pron pos n. def any substance resembling this. glair 3. syl glair pron pos vb. mod tr. def to apply glair to (something). glairy sub head glair or glaireous syl glair:y pos adj. glaireous sub head glair or glairy syl glair+e:ous pos adj. glairiness sub head glair syl glair:i+ness pos n. glaive ety C13: from Old French: javelin, from Latin gladius sword glaive 0. syl glaive pron pos n. def an archaic word for {sword}. glaived sub head glaive syl glaived pos adj. Glamorganshire alt head Glamorgan or Glamorgan syl Gla+mor+gan+shire pos n. Glamorgan 0. or Glamorganshire syl Gla+mor+gan pron pos n. usage until 1974 def a county of SE Wales, now divided into West Glamorgan, Mid Glamorgan, and South Glamorgan. glamorise infl head glamorize or glamourize syl glam+or+ise pron <1gl@m*2rIz> pos vb. glamourize infl head glamorize or glamorise syl glam+our+ize pron <1gl@m*2rIz> pos vb. qual U.S. (sometimes glamorize 0. syl glam+or+ize pron <1gl@m*2rIz> pos vb. def to cause to be or seem glamorous; romanticize or beautify. glamorization sub head glamorize or glamorisation syl glam+or:i+1za+tion pos n. glamorisation sub head glamorize or glamorization syl glam+or:i+1sa+tion pos n. glamorizer sub head glamorize or glamoriser syl glam+or+2iz+er pos n. glamoriser sub head glamorize or glamorizer syl glam+or+2is+er pos n. glamourous alt head glamorous or glamorous syl glam+our+ous pron <1gl@m*r*s> pos adj. glamorous 1. or glamourous syl glam+or+ous pron <1gl@m*r*s> pos adj. def possessing glamour; alluring and fascinating. exam 1 a glamorous career. glamorous 2. or glamourous syl glam+or+ous pron <1gl@m*r*s> pos adj. def beautiful and smart, esp. in a showy way. exam 1 a glamorous woman. glamorously sub head glamorous or glamourously syl glam+or+ous+ly pos adv. glamourously sub head glamorous or glamorously syl glam+our+ous+ly pos adv. glamorousness sub head glamorous or glamourousness syl glam+or+ous+ness pos n. glamourousness sub head glamorous or glamorousness syl glam+our+ous+ness pos n. glamour ety C18: Scottish variant of #7grammar (hence a magic spell, because occult practices were popularly associated with learning) glamor alt head glamour or glamour syl glam+or pron <1gl@m*> pos n. qual U.S. (sometimes glamour 1. or glamor syl glam+our pron <1gl@m*> pos n. def charm and allure; fascination. glamour 2.a. or glamor syl glam+our pron <1gl@m*> pos n. def fascinating or voluptuous beauty, often dependent on artifice. glamour 2.b. or glamor syl glam+our pron <1gl@m*> pos n. usage as modifier exam 1 a glamour girl. glamour 3. or glamor syl glam+our pron <1gl@m*> pos n. qual Archaic. def a magic spell; charm. glance ety C15: modification of glacen to strike obliquely, from Old French glacier to slide (see #7glacis) ; compare Middle English glenten to make a rapid sideways movement, #7glint glance H1.1. syl glance pron pos vb. mod intr. def to look hastily or briefly. glance H1.2. syl glance pron pos vb. mod intr. usage foll. by over, through, etc. def to look over briefly. exam 1 to glance through a report. glance H1.3. syl glance pron pos vb. mod intr. def to reflect, glint, or gleam. exam 1 the sun glanced on the water. glance H1.4. syl glance pron pos vb. mod intr. usage usually foll. by off def to depart (from an object struck) at an oblique angle. exam 1 the arrow glanced off the tree. glance H1.5. syl glance pron pos vb. mod tr. def to strike at an oblique angle. exam 1 the arrow glanced the tree. glance H1.6. syl glance pron pos n. def a hasty or brief look; peep. at a glance 7. head glance syl at a glance. def from one's first look; immediately. glance H1.8. syl glance pron pos n. def a flash or glint of light; gleam. glance H1.9. syl glance pron pos n. def the act or an instance of an object glancing or glancing off another. glance H1.10. syl glance pron pos n. def a brief allusion or reference. glance H1.11. syl glance pron pos n. qual Cricket. def a stroke in which the ball is deflected off the bat to the leg side; glide. glancingly sub head glance syl glanc+ing+ly pos adv. glance ety C19: from German Glanz brightness, lustre glance H2.0. syl glance pron pos n. def any mineral having a metallic lustre, esp. a simple sulphide. exam 1 copper glance. gland ety C17: from Latin gl*_ans acorn gland H1.1. syl gland pron pos n. def a cell or organ in man and other animals that synthesizes chemical substances and secretes them for the body to use or eliminate, either through a duct (see {exocrine gland}) or directly into the bloodstream (see {endocrine gland}) . gland H1.2. syl gland pron pos n. def a structure, such as a lymph node, that resembles a gland in form. gland H1.3. syl gland pron pos n. def a cell or organ in plants that synthesizes and secretes a particular substance. glandlike sub head gland syl gland+2like pos adj. gland ety C19: of unknown origin gland H2.0. syl gland pron pos n. def a device that prevents leakage of fluid from a point in a vessel, container, etc., at which a rotating or reciprocating shaft emerges. It often consists of a flanged metal sleeve bedding into a stuffing box. glanders ety C16: from Old French glandres enlarged glands, from Latin glandulae literally: little acorns, from gl*_ans acorn; see #7gland %1 &- #!glan+dered adj. ?- #!glan+der+ous adj. glanders 0. syl glan+ders pron <1gl@nd*z> pos n. def a highly infectious bacterial disease of horses, sometimes communicated to man, caused by and characterized by inflammation and ulceration of the mucous membranes of the air passages, skin and lymph glands. glandular ety C18: from Latin glandula, literally: a little acorn; see #7glanders glandulous alt head glandular or glandular syl glan+du+lous pron <1gl@ndjul*s> pos adj. glandular 0. or glandulous syl glan+du+lar pron <1gl@ndjul*> pos adj. def of, relating to, containing, functioning as, or affecting a gland. exam 1 glandular tissue. glandularly sub head glandular or glandulously syl glan+du+lar+ly pos adv. glandulously sub head glandular or glandularly syl glan+du+lous+ly pos adv. glandular fever 0. syl glan+du+lar fe+ver pos n. def another name for {infectious mono?!nucleosis}. glandule 0. syl glan+dule pron <1gl@ndju:l> pos n. def a small gland. glans ety C17: from Latin: acorn; see #7gland %1 glandes infl head glans syl glan+des pron <1gl@ndEz> pos n. mod pl. glans 0. syl glans pron pos n. qual Anatomy. def any small rounded body or glandlike mass, such as the head of the penis ({glans penis}) . glare ety C13: probably from Middle Low German, Middle Dutch glaren to gleam; probably related to Old English gl@aren glassy; see #7glass glare H1.1. syl glare pron pos vb. mod intr. def to stare angrily; glower. glare H1.2. syl glare pron pos vb. mod tr. def to express by glowering. glare H1.3. syl glare pron pos vb. mod intr. usage of light, colour, etc. def to be very bright and intense. glare H1.4. syl glare pron pos vb. mod intr. def to be dazzlingly ornamented or garish. glare H1.5. syl glare pron pos n. def an angry stare. glare H1.6. syl glare pron pos n. def a dazzling light or bril?!liance. glare H1.7. syl glare pron pos n. def garish ornamentation or appearance; gaudiness. glareless sub head glare syl glare+less pos adj. glary sub head glare syl glar:y pos adj. glareless sub head glare syl glare+less pos adj. glary sub head glare syl glar:y pos adj. ghost gum 0. syl ghost gum pos n. qual Austral. def a eucalyptus tree with white trunk and branches. ********************************************************************** Also (fem.): {gi+ant+ess} (#!d#fa$I$$nt$Is). a mythical figure of ********************************************************************** suffering from ********************************************************************** ********************************************************************** gibber ety C19: from a native Australian language ********************************************************************** ********************************************************************** gibber H2.1. syl gib+ber pron <1Jib*> pos n. qual Austral. def a stone or boulder. gibber H2.2. syl gib+ber pron <1Jib*> pos n. qual Austral. usage modifier def of or relating to a dry flat area of land covered with wind-polished stones. exam 1 gibber plains. Mike infl head Gibson syl Mike. pos n. Gibson H2.0. syl Gib:son pron <1gibsN> pos n. def born 1942, Irish Rugby Union footballer: halfback for Ireland (since 1964) and the British Lions (1966-77). Gideon Bible 0. syl Gid:e:on Bi+ble pos n. def a Bible purchased by members of a Christian organization ({Gideons}) and placed in a hotel room, hospital ward, etc. gidgee ety C19: from a native Australian language gidjee alt head gidgee or gidgee syl gidj:ee pron <1giJE> pos n. gidgee 0. or gidjee syl gidg:ee pron <1giJE> pos n. qual Austral. def a small acacia tree, yielding useful timber. Edward infl head Gierek syl Ed:ward pron <1edvart> pos n. Gierek 0. syl Gie:rek pron <1gi%@rek>, Polish <1gjerek> pos n. def born 1913, Polish statesman; first secretary of the Politburo since 1970. Gifu ety C16: of ********************************************************************** Gifu 0. syl Gi:fu pron <1gEfu:> pos n. def a city in Japan, on central Honshu: hot springs. Pop.: 407257 (1974 est.). ********************************************************************** rowing ********************************************************************** ********************************************************************** Gifor a giggle 1. head Gifu syl Gi:for a giggle. qual Informal. def as a joke or prank; not seriously. giggle house 0. syl gig+gle house pos n. qual Austral. slang. def a lunatic asylum. Beniamino infl head Gigli syl Be:nia:mi:no pron <2bAnja1mEno> pos n. Gigli 0. syl Gi:gli pron Italian <1Ji$y$yi> pos n. def 1890-1957, Italian operatic tenor. Greek ********************************************************************** ********************************************************************** William Ernest Powell 1. head Gigli syl Wil:liam Er:nest Pow:ell. def 1835-97, Australian explorer, born in England. He was noted esp. for his exploration of the western desert (1875-76). Gippsland 0. syl Gipps+land pron <1gips2l@nd> pos n. def a fertile region of SE Australia, in SE Victoria, extending east along the coast from Melbourne to the New South Wales border. Area: 35200 sq. km (13600 sq. miles). ********************************************************************** ********************************************************************** Dorothy 1. head Gish syl Dor:o:thy. def 1898-1968, U.S. film actress, chiefly in silent films. Gish 2. syl Gish pron pos n. def her sister, {Lil@.li@.an}. born 1896, U.S. film and stage actress; noted esp. for her roles in such silent films as (1914) and (1916). ********************************************************************** Carlo Maria infl head Giulini syl Car:lo Ma:ri:a pron <1karlo> pos n. Giulini 0. syl Giu:li:ni pron Italian pos n. def born 1914, Italian orchestral conductor, esp. of opera. take a few hundred. Giulini 1.a. syl Giu:li:ni pron Italian pos n. def to yield or surrender. Giulini 1.b. syl Giu:li:ni pron Italian pos n. usage often foll. by to def to allow precedence (to). ********************************************************************** Giulini 2. syl Giu:li:ni pron Italian pos n. qual Austral. informal. def to give up or abandon something. ********************************************************************** ********************************************************************** ********************************************************************** glad H2.0. syl glad pron pos n. qual Informal. def short for {gladiolus}. Also (Austral.): {glad+die} (#!gl@ad$I). ********************************************************************** and ********************************************************************** ********************************************************************** GBH 0. syl G.B.H. qual abbrev. for def grievous bodily harm. ********************************************************************** ********************************************************************** high game. ********************************************************************** ********************************************************************** {ge+ni@.i} (#!d#fi$:n$I@!a$I). chies infl head GBH syl +chies pos n. mod pl. always soldier 1. head GBH syl ********************************************************************** ********************************************************************** ********************************************************************** ********************************************************************** always ********************************************************************** ********************************************************************** soldier ********************************************************************** ********************************************************************** pos n. qual abbrev. for def or {+chi@.as. ********************************************************************** ********************************************************************** #7gentry}) ] ********************************************************************** ********************************************************************** #7gentry) ] ********************************************************************** ********************************************************************** glare ety C16: special use of #7glare %1 glare H2.0. syl glare pron qual Chiefly Canadian and U.S. adj. def smooth and glassy. exam 1 glare ice. glaring 1. syl glar+ing pron <1gle*riG> pos adj. def conspicuous. exam 1 a glaring omission. glaring 2. syl glar+ing pron <1gle*riG> pos adj. def dazzling or garish. glaringly sub head glaring syl glar+ing+ly pos adv. glaringness sub head glaring syl glar+ing+ness pos n. Glarus 1. syl Gla+rus pron German <1gla:rus> pos n. def an Alpine canton of E central Switzerland. Capital: Glarus. Pop.: 38155 (1970). Area 684 sq. km (267 sq. miles). Glarus 2. syl Gla+rus pron German <1gla:rus> pos n. def a town in E central Switzerland, the capital of Glarus canton. Pop.: 6109 (1970). {~} French name: {Gla+ris} (gla#!ri). Donald Arthur infl head Glaser syl Don:ald Ar:thur. pos n. Glaser 0. syl Gla:ser pron <1glAz*> pos n. def born 1926, U.S. physicist: invented the bubble chamber; Nobel prize for physics 1960. Glasgow 0. syl Glas+gow pron <1gla:zg*u>, <1gl@z-> pos n. def a port in W central Scotland, administrative centre of Strathclyde region on the River Clyde: the largest city in Scotland; centre of a major industrial region, chiefly shipbuilding and engineering; university (1451). Pop.: 896958 (1971). Related adj.: {Glaswegian}. glass ety Old English gl@as; related to Old Norse gler, Old High German glas, Middle High German glast brightness; see #7glare %1 glass 1.a. syl glass pron pos n. def a hard brittle transparent or translucent noncrystalline solid, consisting of metal silicates or similar compounds. They are made from a fused mixture of oxides, such as lime, silicon dioxide, phosphorus pentoxide, etc., and are used for making windows, mirrors, bottles, etc. glass 1.b. syl glass pron pos n. usage as modifier; a glass bottle. def Related adj.: {vitreous}. glass 2. syl glass pron pos n. def any com?!pound that has solidified from a molten state into a noncrystalline form. glass 3. syl glass pron pos n. def something made of glass, esp. a drinking vessel, a barometer, or a mirror. glass 4. syl glass pron pos n. def Also called: {glass+ful}. the amount or volume contained in a drinking glass. exam 1 he drank a glass of wine. glass 5. syl glass pron pos n. def glassware collectively. glass 6. syl glass pron pos n. def See {volcanic glass}. glass 7. syl glass pron pos n. def See {fibreglass}. glass 8. syl glass pron pos vb. mod tr. def to cover with, enclose in, or fit with glass. glassless sub head glass syl glass+less pos adj. glasslike sub head glass syl glass+2like pos adj. glass-blowing 0. syl glass-blow:ing pos n. def the process of shaping a mass of molten or softened glass into a vessel, shape, etc., by blowing air into it through a tube. glass-blower sub head glass-blowing syl glass-2blow:er pos n. glasses 0. syl glass:es pron <1gla:siz> pos n. mod pl. def a pair of lenses for correcting faulty vision, in a frame that rests on the bridge of the nose and hooks behind the ears. Also called: {spectacles, eyeglasses}. glass eye 0. syl glass eye pos n. def an artificial eye made of glass. glass harmonica 0. syl glass har+mon:i+ca pos n. def a musical instrument of the 18th century consisting of a set of glass bowls of graduated pitches, played by rubbing the fingers over the moistened rims or by a keyboard mechanism. Sometimes shortened to {harmonica}. Also called: {musical glasses}. glasshouse 1. syl glass+house pron <1gla:s2haus> pos n. qual Brit. def a glass building, esp. a greenhouse, used for growing plants in protected or controlled conditions. glasshouse 2. syl glass+house pron <1gla:s2haus> pos n. qual Informal, chiefly Brit. def a military detention centre. glasshouse 3. syl glass+house pron <1gla:s2haus> pos n. qual U.S. def another word for {glassworks}. glassine 0. syl glass+ine pron pos n. def a glazed translucent paper used for book jackets. glass jaw 0. syl glass jaw pos n. qual Boxing, informal. def a jaw that is excessively fragile or susceptible to punches. glass-maker 0. syl glass-mak:er pos n. def a person who makes glass or glass objects. glass-making sub head glass-maker syl glass-2mak:ing pos n. glassmen infl head glassman syl glass+men. pos n. mod pl. glassman 1. syl glass+man pron <1gla:sm*n> pos n. def a man whose work is making or selling glassware. glassman 2. syl glass+man pron <1gla:sm*n> pos n. def a less common word for {glazier}. glass snake 0. syl glass snake pos n. def any snakelike lizard of the genus of Europe, Asia, and North America, with vestigial hind limbs and a tail that breaks off easily: family glass string 0. syl glass string pos n. usage in Malaysia def the string of a kite used in kite fighting that has an abrasive coating of glue and crushed glass. glassware 0. syl glass+ware pron <1gla:s2we*> pos n. def articles made of glass, esp. drinking glasses. glass wool 0. syl glass wool pos n. def fine spun glass massed into a wool-like bulk, used in insulation, filtering, etc. glasswork 1. syl glass+work pron <1gla:s2wR:k> pos n. def the production of glassware. glasswork 2. syl glass+work pron <1gla:s2wR:k> pos n. def the fitting of glass. glasswork 3. syl glass+work pron <1gla:s2wR:k> pos n. def articles of glass. glass-worker sub head glasswork syl glass-2work:er pos n. glassworks 0. syl glass+works pron <1gla:s2wR:ks> pos n. mod functioning as; sing. def a factory for the moulding of glass. glasswort 1. syl glass+wort pron <1gla:s2wR:t> pos n. def Also called: {marsh samphire}. any plant of the chenopodiaceous genus of salt marshes, having fleshy stems and scalelike leaves: formerly used as a source of soda for glass-making. glasswort 2. syl glass+wort pron <1gla:s2wR:t> pos n. def another name for { {saltwort} (sense 1)}. glassier infl head glassy syl glass:i+er pos adj. glassiest infl head glassy syl glass:i+est. pos adj. glassy 1. syl glass:y pron <1gla:si> pos adj. def resembling glass, esp. in smoothness, slipperiness, or transparency. glassy 2. syl glass:y pron <1gla:si> pos adj. def void of expression, life, or warmth. exam 1 a glassy stare. glassily sub head glassy syl glass:i+ly pos adv. glassiness sub head glassy syl glass:i+ness pos n. Glastonbury 0. syl Glas+ton+bur:y pron <1gl@st*nb*ri>, <-bri> pos n. def a town in SW England, in Somerset: remains of pre?!historic lake villages; the reputed burial place of King Arthur; site of a ruined Benedictine abbey, probably the oldest in England. Pop.: 6571 (1971). Glaswegian ety C19: influenced by Norwegian Glaswegian 1. syl Glas+we+gian pron pos adj. def of or relating to Glasgow or its inhabitants. Glaswegian 2. syl Glas+we+gian pron pos n. def a native or inhabitant of Glasgow. Glauber's salt ety C18: named after J. R. Glauber (1604-68), German chemist Glauber salt alt head Glauber's salt or Glauber's salt syl Glau+ber salt pos n. Glauber's salt 0. or Glauber salt syl Glau+ber's salt pron <1glaub*z> pos n. def the crystalline decahydrate of sodium sulphate. Glauce 1. syl Glau:ce pron <1glc:si> pos n. qual Greek myth. def the second bride of Jason, murdered on her wedding day by Medea, whom Jason had deserted. Glauce 2. syl Glau:ce pron <1glc:si> pos n. qual Greek myth. def a sea nymph, one of the Nereids. glaucoma ety C17: from Latin, from Greek glauk*_oma, from glaukos; see #7glaucous glaucoma 0. syl glau+co+ma pron pos n. def a disease of the eye in which increased pressure within the eyeball causes damage to the optic disc and impaired vision, sometimes progressing to blindness. glaucomatous sub head glaucoma syl glau+1co+ma+tous pos adj. glauconite ety C19: from Greek glaukon, neuter of glaukos bluish-green+-#7ite %1; see #7glaucous glauconite 0. syl glau+co+nite pron <1glc:k*2nIt> pos n. def a green mineral consisting of the hydrated silicate of iron, potassium, aluminium, and magnesium: found in greensand and similar rocks. Formula: K\2(Mg,Fe)\2Al\6(Si\4O\1\0)\3(OH)\1\2. glauconitic sub head glauconite syl glau+co+nit+ic pron <2glc:k*1nitik> pos adj. glaucous ety C17: from Latin glaucus silvery, bluish-green, from Greek glaukos glaucous 1. syl glau+cous pron <1glc:k*s> pos adj. qual Botany. def covered with a waxy or powdery bloom. glaucous 2. syl glau+cous pron <1glc:k*s> pos adj. def bluish-green. glaucously sub head glaucous syl glau+cous+ly pos adv. glaucous gull 0. syl glau+cous gull pos n. def a gull, of northern and arctic regions, with a white head and tail and pale grey back and wings. glaze ety C14 glasen, from glas #7glass glaze 1. syl glaze pron pos vb. mod tr. def to fit or cover with glass. glaze 2. syl glaze pron pos vb. mod tr. qual Ceramics. def to cover with a vitreous solution, rendering impervious to liquid and smooth to the touch. glaze 3. syl glaze pron pos vb. mod tr. def to cover (a painting) with a layer of semitransparent colour to modify the tones. glaze 4. syl glaze pron pos vb. mod tr. def to cover (foods) with a shiny coating by applying beaten egg, sugar, etc. glaze 5. syl glaze pron pos vb. mod tr. def to make glossy or shiny. glaze 6. syl glaze pron pos vb. mod when; intr. usage often foll. by over def to become or cause to become glassy. exam 1 his eyes were glazing over. glaze 7.a. syl glaze pron pos vb. def a vitreous or glossy coating. glaze 7.b. syl glaze pron pos vb. def the substance used to produce such a coating. glaze 8. syl glaze pron pos vb. def a semitransparent coating applied to a painting to modify the tones. glaze 9. syl glaze pron pos vb. def a smooth lustrous finish on a fabric produced by applying various chemicals. glaze 10. syl glaze pron pos vb. def something used to give a glossy surface to foods. exam 1 a syrup glaze. glazer sub head glaze syl glaz+er pos n. glazed frost alt head glaze ice or glaze ice syl glazed frost pos n. glaze ice 0. or glazed frost syl glaze ice pos n. qual Brit. def a thin clear layer of ice caused by the freezing of rain or water droplets in the air on impact with a cool surface or by refreezing after a thaw. Also called: {silver frost}. U.S. term: {glaze}. glazier 0. syl gla+zi+er pron <1glAzi*> pos n. def a person who fits windows, etc., with glass. glaziery sub head glazier syl gla+zi+er:y pos n. glazing 1. syl glaz+ing pron <1glAziG> pos n. def the surface of a glazed object. glazing 2. syl glaz+ing pron <1glAziG> pos n. def glass fitted, or to be fitted, in a door, frame, etc. glazing-bar 0. syl glaz:ing-bar pos n. def a supporting or strengthening bar for a glass window, door, etc. Usual U.S. word: {muntin}. Aleksandr Konstantinovich infl head Glazunov syl A:lek:sandr Kon:stan:ti:no:vich pron pos n. Glazunov 0. syl Gla:zu:nov pron <1gl@zunof>, Russian pos n. def 1865-1936, Russian composer, in France from 1928. A pupil of Rimsky-Korsakov, he wrote eight symphonies and concertos for piano and for violin among other works. GLC 0. syl G.L.C. qual abbrev. for def Greater London Council. gld 0. syl gld. qual abbrev. for def guilder. gleam ety Old English gl*_@am; related to Old Norse glj*_a to flicker, Old High German gleimo glow-worm, gl*_imo brightness, Old Irish gl*_e bright gleam 1. syl gleam pron pos n. def a small beam or glow of light, esp. reflected light. gleam 2. syl gleam pron pos n. def a brief or dim indication. exam 1 a gleam of hope. gleam 3. syl gleam pron pos vb. mod intr. def to send forth or reflect a beam of light. gleam 4. syl gleam pron pos vb. mod intr. def to appear, esp. briefly. exam 1 intelligence gleamed in his eyes. gleamingly sub head gleam syl gleam+ing+ly pos adv. gleamless sub head gleam syl gleam+less pos adj. glean ety C14: from Old French glener, from Late Latin glenn*_are, probably of Celtic origin glean 1. syl glean pron pos vb. def to gather (something) slowly and carefully in small pieces. exam 1 to glean information from the newspapers. glean 2. syl glean pron pos vb. def to gather (the useful remnants of a crop) from the field after harvesting. gleanable sub head glean syl glean+a:ble pos adj. gleaner sub head glean syl glean+er pos n. gleanings 0. syl glean+ings pron <1glEniGz> pos n. mod pl. def the useful remnants of a crop that can be gathered from the field after harvesting. glebe ety C14: from Latin glaeba glebe 1. syl glebe pron pos n. qual Brit. def land granted to a clergyman as part of his benefice. glebe 2. syl glebe pron pos n. qual Poetic. def land, esp. when regarded as the source of growing things. glede ety Old English glida; related to Old Norse gletha, Middle Low German glede gled alt head glede or glede syl gled pron pos n. glede 0. or gled syl glede pron pos n. def a former Brit. name for the {red kite}. See { {kite} (sense 4)}. glee ety Old English gl*'eo; related to Old Norse gl*_y glee 1. syl glee pron pos n. def great merriment; joy. glee 2. syl glee pron pos n. def a type of song originating in 18th-century England, sung by three or more unaccompanied voices. Compare { {madrigal} (sense 1)}. glee club 0. syl glee club pos n. qual Now chiefly U.S. def a club or society organized for the singing of choral music. gleeful 0. syl glee+ful pron <1glEful> pos adj. def full of glee; merry. gleefully sub head gleeful syl glee+ful+ly pos adv. gleefulness sub head gleeful syl glee+ful+ness pos n. gleemen infl head gleeman syl glee+men. pos n. mod pl. gleeman 0. syl glee+man pron <1glEm*n> pos n. qual Obsolete. def a minstrel. gleet ety C14: from Old French glette slime, from Latin glittus sticky gleet 1. syl gleet pron pos n. def inflammation of the urethra with a slight discharge of thin pus and mucus: a stage of chronic gonorrhoea. gleet 2. syl gleet pron pos n. def the pus and mucus discharged. gleety sub head gleet syl gleet:y pos adj. Gleiwitz 0. syl Glei+witz pron <1glIvits> pos n. def the German name for {Gliwice}. glen ety C15: from Scottish Gaelic gleann, from Old Irish glend glen 0. syl glen pron pos n. def a narrow and deep mountain valley, esp. in Scotland or Ireland. glenlike sub head glen syl glen+2like pos adj. Glen Albyn 0. syl Glen Al+byn pron <1@lbin>, <1c:l-> pos n. def another name for the {Great Glen}. Glencoe 0. syl Glen+coe pron pos n. def a glen in W Scotland, in S Highland region: site of the massacre of the Macdonalds by the Campbells and English troops (1692). Owen infl head Glendower syl Ow:en pos n. Glendower 0. syl Glen:dow:er pron pos n. def Welsh name ??1350-??1416, Welsh chieftain, who led a revolt against Henry IV's rule in Wales (1400-15). glengarry ety C19: after Glengarry, Scotland glengarries infl head glengarry syl glen+gar+ries. pos n. mod pl. glengarry 0. syl glen+gar+ry pron pos n. def a brimless Scottish woollen cap with a crease down the crown, often with ribbons dangling at the back. Also called: {glengarry bonnet}. Glen More 0. syl Glen More pron pos n. def another name for the {Great Glen}. glenoid ety C18: from Greek gl*_enoeid*_es, from gl*_en*_e socket of a joint glenoid 1. syl gle+noid pron <1glEncid> pos adj. qual Anatomy. def resembling or having a shallow cavity. glenoid 2. syl gle+noid pron <1glEncid> pos adj. qual Anatomy. def denoting the cavity in the shoulder blade into which the head of the upper arm bone fits. Glenrothes 0. syl Glen+roth+es pron pos n. def a new town in Scotland, in Fife region: founded in 1948. Pop.: 27137 (1971). gley ety C20: from Russian glei clay gley 0. syl gley pron pos n. def a bluish-grey compact sticky soil occurring in certain humid regions. glia 0. syl gli:a pron <1glE*> pos n. def another name for {neuroglia}. gliadin ety C19: from Italian gliadina, from Greek glia glue gliadine alt head gliadin or gliadin syl gli:a+dine pron <1glI*2dEn>, <-din> pos n. gliadin 0. or gliadine syl gli:a+din pron <1glI*din> pos n. def a protein of cereals, esp. wheat, with a high proline content: forms a sticky mass with water that binds flour into dough. Compare {glutelin}. glib ety C16: probably from Middle Low German glibberich slippery glibber infl head glib syl glib+ber pos adj. glibbest infl head glib syl glib+best. pos adj. glib 0. syl glib pron pos adj. def fluent and easy, often in an insincere or deceptive way. glibly sub head glib syl glib+ly pos adv. glibness sub head glib syl glib+ness pos n. glide ety Old English gl*_idan; related to Old High German gl*_itan glide 1. syl glide pron pos vb. def to move or cause to move easily without jerks or hesitations. exam 1 to glide in a boat down the river. glide 2. syl glide pron pos vb. mod intr. def to pass slowly or without perceptible change. exam 1 to glide into sleep. glide 3. syl glide pron pos vb. def to cause (an aircraft) to come into land without engine power, or (of an aircraft) to land in this way. glide 4. syl glide pron pos vb. mod intr. def to fly a glider. glide 5. syl glide pron pos vb. qual Music. def to execute a portamento from one note to another. glide 6. syl glide pron pos vb. mod intr. qual Phonetics. def to produce a glide. glide 7. syl glide pron pos n. def a smooth easy movement. glide 8.a. syl glide pron pos n. def any of various dances featuring gliding steps. glide 8.b. syl glide pron pos n. def a step in such a dance. glide 9. syl glide pron pos n. def a manoeuvre in which an aircraft makes a gentle descent without engine power. See also {glide path}. glide 10. syl glide pron pos n. def the act or process of gliding. glide 11.a. syl glide pron pos n. def a long portion of tubing slipped in and out of a trombone to increase its length for the production of lower harmonic series. See also { {valve} (sense 5)}. glide 11.b. syl glide pron pos n. def a portamento or slur. glide 12.a. syl glide pron pos n. def a transitional sound as the speech organs pass from the articulatory position of one speech sound to that of the next, as the (w) sound in some pronunciations of the word glide 12.b. syl glide pron pos n. def another word for {semivowel}. glide 13. syl glide pron pos n. qual Crystallog. def another name for { {slip%1} (sense 33)}. glide 14. syl glide pron pos n. qual Cricket. def another word for { {glance%1} (sense 11)}. glidingly sub head glide syl glid+ing+ly pos adv. glide path 0. syl glide path pos n. def the course that an aeroplane takes during a glide. glider 1. syl glid+er pron <1glId*> pos n. def an aircraft capable of gliding and soaring in air currents without the use of an engine. See also {sailplane}. glider 2. syl glid+er pron <1glId*> pos n. def a person or thing that glides. glim ety C17: probably short for #7glimmer ; compare #7glimpse glim 1. syl glim pron pos n. qual Slang. def a light or lamp. glim 2. syl glim pron pos n. qual Slang. def an eye. glimmer ety C14: compare Middle High German glimmern, Swedish glimra, Danish glimre glimmer 1. syl glim+mer pron <1glim*> pos vb. mod intr. usage of a light, candle, etc. def to glow faintly or flickeringly. glimmer 2. syl glim+mer pron <1glim*> pos vb. mod intr. def to be indicated faintly. exam 1 hope glimmered in his face. glimmer 3. syl glim+mer pron <1glim*> pos n. mod intr. def a glow or twinkle of light. glimmer 4. syl glim+mer pron <1glim*> pos n. mod intr. def a faint indication. glimmeringly sub head glimmer syl glim+mer+ing+ly pos adv. glimpse ety C14: of Germanic origin; compare Middle High German glimsen to glimmer glimpse 1. syl glimpse pron pos n. def a brief or incomplete view. exam 1 to catch a glimpse of the sea. glimpse 2. syl glimpse pron pos n. def a vague indication. exam 1 he had a glimpse of what the lecturer meant. glimpse 3. syl glimpse pron pos n. qual Archaic. def a glimmer of light. glimpse 4. syl glimpse pron pos vb. mod when; intr. usage usually foll. by at def to catch sight (of) briefly or momentarily. glimpser sub head glimpse syl glimps+er pos n. Mikhail Ivanovich infl head Glinka syl Mi:kha:il I:va:no:vich pron pos n. Glinka 0. syl Glin:ka pron Russian <1glink*> pos n. def 1803-57, Russian composer who pioneered the Russian national school of music. His works include the operas (1836) and (1842). glint ety C15: probably of Scandinavian origin; compare Swedish dialect gl*"anta, glinta to gleam glint 1. syl glint pron pos vb. def to gleam or cause to gleam brightly. glint 2. syl glint pron pos vb. mod intr. qual Archaic. def to move or pass quickly. glint 3. syl glint pron pos n. def a bright gleam or flash. glint 4. syl glint pron pos n. def brightness or gloss. glint 5. syl glint pron pos n. def a brief indication. glioma ety C19: from New Latin, from Greek glia glue+-#7oma gliomata infl head glioma or gliomas syl gli:o+ma+ta pron <-m*t*> pos n. mod pl. gliomas infl head glioma or gliomata syl gli:o+mas. pos n. mod pl. glioma 0. syl gli:o+ma pron pos n. def a tumour of the brain and spinal cord, composed of neuroglia cells and fibres. gliomatous sub head glioma syl gli:1o+ma+tous pos adj. glissade ety C19: from French, from glisser to slip, from Old French glicier, of Frankish origin; compare Old High German gl*_itan to #7glide glissade 1. syl glis+sade pron , <-1sAd> pos n. def a gliding step in ballet, in which one foot slides forwards, sideways, or backwards. glissade 2. syl glis+sade pron , <-1sAd> pos n. def a controlled descent over snow or ice. glissade 3. syl glis+sade pron , <-1sAd> pos vb. mod intr. def to perform a glissade. glissader sub head glissade syl glis+1sad+er pos n. glissando ety C19: probably Italianized variant of #7glissade glissandi infl head glissando or glissandos syl glis+san+di pron <-dE> pos n. mod pl. glissandos infl head glissando or glissandi syl glis+san+dos. pos n. mod pl. glissando 1. syl glis+san+do pron pos n. def a rapidly executed series of notes on the harp or piano, each note of which is discretely audible. glissando 2. syl glis+san+do pron pos n. def a portamento, esp. as executed on the violin, viola, etc. glisten ety Old English glisnian; related to glisian to glitter, Middle High German glistern glisten 1. syl glis+ten pron <1glisN> pos vb. mod intr. usage of a wet or glossy surface, etc. def to gleam by reflecting light. exam 1 wet leaves glisten in the sunlight. glisten 2. syl glis+ten pron <1glisN> pos vb. mod intr. usage of light def to reflect with brightness. exam 1 the sunlight glistens on wet leaves. glisten 3. syl glis+ten pron <1glisN> pos n. mod intr. qual Rare. def a gleam or gloss. glisteningly sub head glisten syl glis+ten+ing+ly pos adv. glister ety C14: probably from Middle Dutch glisteren glister 0. syl glis+ter pron <1glist*> pos vb. n. def an archaic word for {glitter}. glisteringly sub head glister syl glis+ter+ing+ly pos adv. glitter ety C14: from Old Norse glitra; related to Old High German gl*_izan to shine glitter 1. syl glit+ter pron <1glit*> pos vb. mod intr. usage of a hard, wet, or polished surface def to reflect light in bright flashes. glitter 2. syl glit+ter pron <1glit*> pos vb. mod intr. usage of light def to be reflected in bright flashes. glitter 3. syl glit+ter pron <1glit*> pos vb. mod intr. usage usually foll. by with def to be decorated or enhanced by the glamour (of). exam 1 the show glitters with famous actors. glitter 4. syl glit+ter pron <1glit*> pos n. mod intr. def sparkle or bril?!liance. glitter 5. syl glit+ter pron <1glit*> pos n. mod intr. def show and glamour. glitteringly sub head glitter syl glit+ter+ing+ly pos adv. glittery sub head glitter syl glit+ter:y pos adj. glitter ice 0. syl glit+ter ice pos n. qual Canadian. def ice formed from freezing rain. Also called: {silver thaw}. Gliwice 0. syl Gli+wi+ce pron Polish pos n. def an industrial city in S Poland. Pop.: 179900 (1974 est.). German name: {Gleiwitz}. gloaming ety Old English gl*_omung, from gl*_om; related to Old Norse gl*_amr moon gloaming 0. syl gloam+ing pron <1gl*umiG> pos n. qual Scot. or poetic. def twilight or dusk. gloat ety C16: probably of Scandinavian origin; compare Old Norse glotta to grin, Middle High German glotzen to stare gloat 1. syl gloat pron pos vb. mod intr. usage often foll. by over def to dwell (on) with malevolent smugness or exultation. gloat 2. syl gloat pron pos n. def the act of gloating. gloater sub head gloat syl gloat+er pos n. gloatingly sub head gloat syl gloat+ing+ly pos adv. glob ety C20: probably from #7globe, influenced by #7blob glob 0. syl glob pron pos n. qual Informal. def a rounded mass of some thick fluid or pliable substance. exam 1 a glob of cream. global 1. syl glob+al pron <1gl*ubL> pos adj. def covering, influencing, or relating to the whole world. global 2. syl glob+al pron <1gl*ubL> pos adj. def comprehensive. globally sub head global syl glob+al+ly pos adv. global rule 0. syl glob+al rule pos n. usage in transformational grammar def a rule that makes reference to nonconsecutive stages of a derivation. globated alt head globate or globate syl glo+bat+ed pos adj. globate 0. or globated syl glo+bate pron <1gl*ubAt> pos adj. def shaped like a globe. globe ety C16: from Old French, from Latin globus globe 1. syl globe pron pos n. def a sphere on which a map of the world or the heavens is drawn or represented. the globe 2. head globe syl the globe. def the world; the earth. globe 3. syl globe pron pos n. def a planet or some other astronomical body. globe 4. syl globe pron pos n. def an object shaped like a sphere, such as a glass lampshade or fish bowl. globe 5. syl globe pron pos n. qual Chiefly Austral. def an electric light-bulb. globe 6. syl globe pron pos n. def an orb, usually of gold, symbolic of authority or sovereignty. globe 7. syl globe pron pos vb. def to form or cause to form into a globe. globelike sub head globe syl globe+2like pos adj. globe artichoke 0. syl globe ar+ti+choke pos n. def See { {artichoke} (senses 1, 2)}. globefish infl or globefishes syl globe+fish pos n. mod pl. globefishes infl head globefish or globefish syl globe+fish:es. pos n. mod pl. globefish 0. syl globe+fish pron <1gl*ub2fiS> pos n. def another name for { {puffer} (sense 2)} or {porcupine fish}. globeflower 0. syl globe+flow:er pron <1gl*ub2flau*> pos n. def any ranunculaceous plant of the genus having pale yellow, white, or orange globe-shaped flowers. globetrotter 0. syl globe+trot:ter pron <1gl*ub2trot*> pos n. def a habitual worldwide traveller, esp. a tourist or businessman. globetrotting sub head globetrotter syl globe+2trot:ting pos n. adj. globigerina ety C19: from New Latin, from Latin globus #7globe+ gerere to carry, bear globigerinas infl head globigerina or globigerinae syl glo+big+er:i+nas pron <-nE> pos n. mod pl. globigerinae infl head globigerina or globigerinas syl glo+big+er:i+nae pron <-nE> pos n. mod pl. globigerina 1. syl glo+big+er:i+na pron pos n. def any marine protozoan of the genus having a rounded shell with spiny processes: order (foraminifers). globigerina ooze 2. head globigerina syl globigerina ooze. def a deposit on the ocean floor consisting of the shells of these protozoans. globin ety C19: from Latin globus ball, sphere+-#7in globin 0. syl glo+bin pron <1gl*ubin> pos n. qual Biochem. def a histone that is the protein component of haemoglobin. globoid 1. syl glo+boid pron <1gl*ubcid> pos adj. def shaped approximately like a globe. globoid 2. syl glo+boid pron <1gl*ubcid> pos n. def a globoid body, such as any of those occurring in certain plant granules. globose ety C15: from Latin glob*_osus; see #7globe globous alt head globose or globose syl glo+bous pron <1gl*ub*s> pos adj. globose 0. or globous syl glo+bose pron <1gl*ub*us>, pos adj. def spherical or approximately spherical. globosely sub head globose syl glo+bose+ly pos adv. globosity sub head globose or globoseness syl glo+bos+i:ty pron pos n. globoseness sub head globose or globosity syl glo+bose+ness pos n. globulous alt head globular or globular syl glob:u+lous pos adj. globular 1. or globulous syl glob:u+lar pron <1globjul*> pos adj. def shaped like a globe or globule. globular 2. or globulous syl glob:u+lar pron <1globjul*> pos adj. def having or consisting of globules. globularity sub head globular or globularness syl glob:u+lar+i:ty pron <2globju1l@riti> pos n. globularness sub head globular or globularity syl glob:u+lar+ness pos n. globularly sub head globular syl glob:u+lar+ly pos adv. globule ety C17: from Latin globulus, diminutive of globus #7globe globule 0. syl glob+ule pron <1globju:l> pos n. def a small globe, esp. a drop of liquid. globuliferous 0. syl glob:u+lif+er+ous pron <2globju1lif*r*s> pos adj. def producing, containing, or having globules. globulin 0. syl glob:u+lin pron <1globjulin> pos n. def any of a group of simple proteins, including gamma globulin, that are generally insoluble in water but soluble in salt solutions and coagulated by heat. glochidium ety C19: from New Latin, from Greek gl*_okhis project?!ing point glochidia infl head glochidium syl glo+chid:i:a pron <-1kidi*> pos n. mod pl. glochidium 1. syl glo+chid+i:um pron pos n. def any of the barbed hairs among the spore masses of some ferns and on certain other plants. glochidium 2. syl glo+chid+i:um pron pos n. def a parasitic larva of certain freshwater mussels that attaches itself to the fins or gills of fish by hooks or suckers. glochidiate sub head glochidium syl glo+1chid:i+ate pos adj. glockenspiel ety C19: German, from Glocken bells+ Spiel play glockenspiel 0. syl glock+en+spiel pron <1glok*n2spEl>, <-2SpEl> pos n. def a percussion instrument consisting of a set of tuned metal plates played with a pair of small hammers. glogg ety from Swedish gl*"ogg, from gl*"odga to burn glogg 0. syl glogg pron pos n. def a hot alcoholic mixed drink, originally from Sweden, consisting of sweetened brandy, red wine, bitters or other flavourings, and blanched almonds. glomerate ety C18: from Latin glomer*_are to wind into a ball, from glomus ball glomerate 1. syl glom+er+ate pron <1glom*rit> pos adj. def gathered into a compact round?!ed mass. glomerate 2. syl glom+er+ate pron <1glom*rit> pos adj. def wound up like a ball of thread. glomerate 3. syl glom+er+ate pron <1glom*rit> pos adj. usage Anatomy. esp. of glands def conglomerate in structure. glomeration 0. syl glom+er:a+tion pron <2glom*1rAS*n> pos n. def a conglomeration or cluster. glomerule ety C18: from New Latin #7glomerulus glomerule 1. syl glom+er+ule pron <1glom*2ru:l> pos n. qual Botany. def a cymose inflorescence in the form of a ball-like cluster of flowers. glomerule 2. syl glom+er+ule pron <1glom*2ru:l> pos n. qual Botany. def a ball-like cluster of spores. glomerulate sub head glomerule syl glo+mer:u+late pron , <-2lAt> pos adj. glomerulus ety C18: from New Latin, diminutive of glomus ball glomeruli infl head glomerulus syl glo+mer:u+li pron <-2lI> pos n. mod pl. glomerulus 1. syl glo+mer:u+lus pron pos n. def a knot of blood vessels in the kidney projecting into the capsular end of a urine-secreting tubule. glomerulus 2. syl glo+mer:u+lus pron pos n. def any cluster or coil of blood vessels, nerve fibres, etc., in the body. glomerular sub head glomerulus syl glo+1mer:u+lar pos adj. Glomma 0. syl Glom+ma pron Norwegian <1glcma> pos n. def a river in SE Norway, rising near the border with Sweden flowing generally south to the Skagerrak: the largest river in Scandinavia; important for hydroelectric power and floating timber. Length: 588 km (365 miles). gloom ety C14 gloumben to look sullen; related to Norwegian dialect glome to eye suspiciously gloom 1. syl gloom pron pos n. def partial or total darkness. gloom 2. syl gloom pron pos n. def a state of depression or melancholy. gloom 3. syl gloom pron pos n. def an appearance or expression of despondency or melancholy. gloom 4. syl gloom pron pos n. qual Poetic. def a dim or dark place. gloom 5. syl gloom pron pos vb. mod intr. def to look sullen or depressed. gloom 6. syl gloom pron pos vb. def to make or become dark or gloomy. gloomful sub head gloom syl gloom+ful pos adj. gloomfully sub head gloom syl gloom+ful+ly pos adv. gloomless sub head gloom syl gloom+less pos adj. gloomier infl head gloomy syl gloom:i+er pos adj. gloomiest infl head gloomy syl gloom:i+est. pos adj. gloomy 1. syl gloom:y pron <1glu:mi> pos adj. def dark or dismal. gloomy 2. syl gloom:y pron <1glu:mi> pos adj. def causing depression, dejection, or gloom. exam 1 gloomy news. gloomy 3. syl gloom:y pron <1glu:mi> pos adj. def despairing; sad. gloomily sub head gloomy syl gloom:i+ly pos adv. gloominess sub head gloomy syl gloom:i+ness pos n. gloria ety C16: from Latin: #7glory gloria 1. syl glo+ri:a pron <1glc:ri*> pos n. def a silk, wool, cotton, or nylon fabric used esp. for umbrellas. gloria 2. syl glo+ri:a pron <1glc:ri*> pos n. def a halo or nimbus, esp. as represented in art. Gloria 1. syl Glo+ri:a pron <1glc:ri*>, <-2a:> pos n. def any of several doxologies beginning with the word esp. the Greater and the Lesser Doxolo?!gies. Gloria 2. syl Glo+ri:a pron <1glc:ri*>, <-2a:> pos n. def a musical setting of one of these. Gloria in Excelsis Deo ety literally: glory to God in the highest Gloria in Excelsis Deo 1. syl Glo+ri:a in Ex+cel+sis De:o pron <1glc:ri*> <1dA*u>, <1glc:ri2a:>, pos n. def the Greater Doxology (see {Doxology}) , beginning in Latin with these words. Gloria in Excelsis Deo 2. syl Glo+ri:a in Ex+cel+sis De:o pron <1glc:ri*> <1dA*u>, <1glc:ri2a:>, pos n. def a musical setting of this, usually incorporated into the Ordinary of the Mass. Often shortened to {Gloria}. Gloria Patri ety literally: glory to the father Gloria Patri 1. syl Glo+ri:a Pa+tri pron <1glc:ri*> <1pa:tri>, <1glc:ri2a:>, <1p@t-> pos n. def the Lesser Doxology (see {Doxology}) , beginning in Latin with these words. Gloria Patri 2. syl Glo+ri:a Pa+tri pron <1glc:ri*> <1pa:tri>, <1glc:ri2a:>, <1p@t-> pos n. def a musical setting of this. glorification 1. syl glo+ri+fi+ca+tion pron <2glc:rifi1kAS*n> pos n. def the act of glorifying or state of being glorified. glorification 2. syl glo+ri+fi+ca+tion pron <2glc:rifi1kAS*n> pos n. qual Informal. def an enhanced or favourably exaggerated version or account. glorification 3. syl glo+ri+fi+ca+tion pron <2glc:rifi1kAS*n> pos n. qual Brit. informal. def a celebration. glorifies infl head glorify syl glo+ri+fies pos vb. mod tr. glorifying infl head glorify syl glo+ri+fy+ing pos vb. mod tr. glorified infl head glorify syl glo+ri+fied. pos vb. mod tr. glorify 1. syl glo+ri+fy pron <1glc:ri2fI> pos vb. mod tr. def to make glorious. glorify 2. syl glo+ri+fy pron <1glc:ri2fI> pos vb. mod tr. def to make more splendid; adorn. glorify 3. syl glo+ri+fy pron <1glc:ri2fI> pos vb. mod tr. def to worship, exalt, or adore. glorify 4. syl glo+ri+fy pron <1glc:ri2fI> pos vb. mod tr. def to extol. glorify 5. syl glo+ri+fy pron <1glc:ri2fI> pos vb. mod tr. def to cause to seem more splendid or imposing than reality. glorifiable sub head glorify syl glo+ri+2fi+a:ble pos adj. glorifier sub head glorify syl glo+ri+2fi+er pos n. gloriole ety C19: from Latin gl*_oriola, literally: a small #7glory gloriole 0. syl glo+ri+ole pron <1glc:ri2*ul> pos n. def another name for a {halo} or {{nimbus} (senses 2, 3)}. glorious 1. syl glo+ri+ous pron <1glc:ri*s> pos adj. def having or full of glory; illustrious. glorious 2. syl glo+ri+ous pron <1glc:ri*s> pos adj. def conferring glory or renown. exam 1 a glorious victory. glorious 3. syl glo+ri+ous pron <1glc:ri*s> pos adj. def brilliantly beautiful. glorious 4. syl glo+ri+ous pron <1glc:ri*s> pos adj. qual Informal. def delightful or enjoyable. gloriously sub head glorious syl glo+ri+ous+ly pos adv. gloriousness sub head glorious syl glo+ri+ous+ness pos n. Glorious Revolution 0. syl Glo+ri+ous Rev:o+lu+tion pos n. def the events of 1688-89 in England that resulted in the ousting of James II and the establishment of William III and Mary II as joint monarchs. Also called: {Bloodless Revolution}. glory ety C13: from Old French glorie, from Latin gl*_oria, of obscure origin glories infl head glory syl glo+ries. pos n. mod pl. glory 1. syl glo+ry pron <1glc:ri> pos n. def exaltation, praise, or honour, as that accorded by general consent. exam 1 the glory for the exploit went to the captain. glory 2. syl glo+ry pron <1glc:ri> pos n. def something that brings or is worthy of praise (esp. in the phrase {crowning glory}) . glory 3. syl glo+ry pron <1glc:ri> pos n. def thanksgiving, adoration, or worship. exam 1 glory be to God. glory 4. syl glo+ry pron <1glc:ri> pos n. def pomp; splendour. exam 1 the glory of the king's reign. glory 5. syl glo+ry pron <1glc:ri> pos n. def radiant beauty; resplendence. exam 1 the glory of the sunset. glory 6. syl glo+ry pron <1glc:ri> pos n. def the beauty and bliss of heaven. glory 7. syl glo+ry pron <1glc:ri> pos n. def a state of extreme happiness or prosperity. glory 8. syl glo+ry pron <1glc:ri> pos n. def another word for {halo} or {nimbus}. glories infl head glory syl glo+ries pos vb. glorying infl head glory syl glo+ry+ing pos vb. gloried infl head glory syl glo+ried. pos vb. glory 9. syl glo+ry pron <1glc:ri> pos vb. mod intr. usage often foll. by in def to triumph or exalt. glory 10. syl glo+ry pron <1glc:ri> pos vb. mod intr. qual Obsolete. def to brag. glory 11. syl glo+ry pron <1glc:ri> pos interj. qual Informal. def a mild interjection to express pleasure or surprise (often in the exclamatory phrase {glory be&!) }. glory box 0. syl glo+ry box pos n. qual Austral. def a box in which a young woman stores clothes, etc., in preparation for marriage. glory hole 0. syl glo+ry hole pos n. qual Nautical. def another term for { {lazaretto} (sense 2)}. glory-of-the-snow 0. syl glo:ry-of-the-snow pos n. def a small W Asian liliaceous plant, cultivated for its early-blooming blue flowers. Glos 0. syl Glos. qual abbrev. for def Gloucestershire. gloss ety C16: probably of Scandinavian origin; compare Icelandic glossi flame, Middle High German glosen to glow gloss H1.1. syl gloss pron pos n. def lustre or sheen, as of a smooth surface. gloss H1.2. syl gloss pron pos n. def a superficially attractive appearance. gloss H1.3. syl gloss pron pos vb. def to give a gloss to or obtain a gloss. gloss H1.4. syl gloss pron pos vb. mod tr. usage often foll. by over def to hide under a deceptively attractive surface or appearance. glosser sub head gloss syl gloss+er pos n. glossless sub head gloss syl gloss+less pos adj. gloss ety C16: from Latin gl*_ossa unusual word requiring explanatory note, from Ionic Greek #!gloss+er n. gloss H2.1. syl gloss pron pos n. def a short or expanded explanation or interpretation of a word, expression, or foreign phrase in the margin or text of a manuscript, etc. gloss H2.2. syl gloss pron pos n. def an intentionally misleading explanation or interpretation. gloss H2.3. syl gloss pron pos n. def short for {glossary}. gloss H2.4. syl gloss pron pos vb. mod tr. def to add glosses to. gloss H2.5. syl gloss pron pos vb. mod tr. usage often foll. by over def to give a false or misleading interpretation of. glossingly sub head gloss syl gloss+ing+ly pos adv. gloss 0. syl gloss. qual abbrev. for def glossary. glossae infl head glossa or glossas syl glos+sae pron <-sE> pos n. mod pl. glossas infl head glossa or glossae syl glos+sas. pos n. mod pl. glossa 1. syl glos+sa pron <1glos*> pos n. qual Anatomy. def a technical word for the {tongue}. glossa 2. syl glos+sa pron <1glos*> pos n. def a paired tonguelike lobe in the labium of an insect. &- {#!glos+sal} glossary ety C14: from Late Latin gloss*_arium; see #7gloss %2 glossaries infl head glossary syl glos+sa+ries. pos n. mod pl. glossary 0. syl glos+sa+ry pron <1glos*ri> pos n. def an alphabetical list of terms peculiar to a field of knowledge with definitions or explanations. Sometimes called: {gloss}. glossarial sub head glossary syl glos+sar+i:al pron pos adj. glossarially sub head glossary syl glos+1sar:i+al+ly pos adv. glossarist sub head glossary syl glos+sa+rist pos n. glossator 1. syl glos+sa+tor pron pos n. def Also called: {glossarist, glossist, glossographer}. a writer of glosses and commentaries, esp. (in the Middle Ages) an interpreter of Roman and Canon Law. glossator 2. syl glos+sa+tor pron pos n. def a compiler of a glossary. glossectomies infl head glossectomy syl glos+sec+to+mies. pos n. mod pl. glossectomy 0. syl glos+sec+to+my pron pos n. def surgical removal of all or part of the tongue. glosseme ety C20: from Greek gl*_oss*_ema; see #7gloss %2, #7-eme glosseme 0. syl gloss+eme pron <1glosEm> pos n. def the smallest meaningful unit of a language, such as stress, form, etc. glossitis 0. syl glos+si+tis pron pos n. def inflammation of the tongue. glossitic sub head glossitis syl glos+sit+ic pron pos adj. glosso- ety from Greek glossa tongue glossography 0. syl glos+sog+ra+phy pron pos n. def the art of writing textual glosses or commentaries. glossographer sub head glossography syl glos+1sog+ra+pher pos n. glossolalia ety C19: New Latin, from #7glosso -#7+ Greek lalein to babble glossolalia 0. syl glos+so+la+li:a pron <2glos*1lAli*> pos n. def another term for {gift of tongues}. glossology 0. syl glos+sol+o:gy pron pos n. def an obsolete term for {linguistics}. glossological sub head glossology syl glos+so+log:i+cal pron <2glos*1loJikL> pos adj. glossologist sub head glossology syl glos+1sol:o+gist pos n. glossopharyngeal nerve 0. syl glos+so+pha+ryn+ge:al nerve pron <2glos*u2f@rin1JE*l> pos n. def the ninth cranial nerve, which supplies the muscles of the pharynx, the tongue, the middle ear, and the parotid gland. glossier infl head glossy syl gloss:i+er pos adj. glossiest infl head glossy syl gloss:i+est. pos adj. glossy 1. syl gloss:y pron <1glosi> pos adj. def smooth and shiny; lustrous. glossy 2. syl gloss:y pron <1glosi> pos adj. def superficially attractive; plausible. glossy 3. syl gloss:y pron <1glosi> pos adj. usage of a maga?!zine def lavishly produced on shiny paper and usually with many colour photographs. glossies infl head glossy syl gloss:ies. pos n. mod pl. glossy 4. syl gloss:y pron <1glosi> pos n. def Also called (U.S.): {slick}. an expensively produced magazine, typically a sophisticated fashion or glamour magazine, printed on shiny paper and containing high quality colour photography. Compare { {pulp} (sense 3)}. glossy 5. syl gloss:y pron <1glosi> pos n. def a photograph printed on paper that has a smooth shiny surface. glossily sub head glossy syl gloss:i+ly pos adv. glossiness sub head glossy syl gloss:i+ness pos n. glottal 1. syl glot+tal pron <1glotL> pos adj. def of or relating to the glottis. glottal 2. syl glot+tal pron <1glotL> pos adj. qual Phonetics. def articulated or pronounced at or with the glottis. glottal stop 0. syl glot+tal stop pos n. def a plosive speech sound produced as the sudden onset of a vowel in several languages, such as German, by first tightly closing the glottis and then allowing the air pressure to build up in the trachea before opening the glottis, causing the air to escape with force. glottic 0. syl glot+tic pron <1glotik> pos adj. def of or relating to the tongue or the glottis. glottis ety C16: from New Latin, from Greek gl*_ottis, from gl*_otta, Attic form of Ionic gl*_ossa tongue; see #7gloss %2 glottises infl head glottis or glottides syl glot+tis:es pron <-ti2dEz> pos n. mod pl. glottides infl head glottis or glottises syl glot+ti+des pron <-ti2dEz> pos n. mod pl. glottis 0. syl glot+tis pron <1glotis> pos n. def the vocal apparatus of the larynx, consisting of the two true vocal cords and the opening between them. glottidean sub head glottis syl glot+tid+e:an pron pos adj. glottochronology ety C20: glotto-, from Greek gl*_otta tongue glottochronology 0. syl glot+to+chro+nol+o:gy pron <2glot*ukr*1nol*Ji> pos n. def the use of lexico?!statistics to establish that languages are historically related. Gloucester H1.0. syl Glouces+ter pron <1glost*> pos n. def a city in SW England, administrative centre of Gloucestershire, on the River Severn. Pop.: 90134 (1971). Latin name: {Glevum}. Humphrey 1. head Gloucester syl Hum:phrey def Duke of. 1391-1447, English soldier and statesman; son of Henry IV. He acted as protector during Henry VI's minority (1422-29) and was noted for his patronage of humanists. Duke of 2. head Gloucester syl Duke of. def See {Richard III}. Duke of 3. head Gloucester syl Duke of. def See {Thomas of Woodstock}. Gloucestershire 0. syl Glouces+ter+shire pron <1glost*2Si*>, <-S*> pos n. def a county of SW England, situated around the lower Severn valley: contains the Forest of Dean and the main part of the Cotswold Hills. Administrative centre: Gloucester. Pop.: 491500 (1976 est.). Area: 2704 sq. km (1044 sq. miles). Abbrev.: {Glos}. glove ety Old English gl*_ofe; related to Old Norse gl*_ofi glove 1. syl glove pos gl^v; n. mod often; pl. def a shaped covering for the hand with individual sheaths for the fingers and thumb, made of leather, fabric, etc. See also { {gauntlet%1} (sense 2)}. glove 2. syl glove pos gl^v; n. def any of various large protective hand covers worn in sports, such as a boxing glove. hand in glove 3. head glove syl hand in glove. qual Informal. def in an intimate relationship. handle with kid gloves 4. head glove syl handle with kid gloves. qual Informal. def to treat with extreme care. glove 5. syl glove pos vb. mod tr. def to cover or provide with or as if with gloves. gloveless sub head glove syl glove+less pos adj. glovelike sub head glove syl glove+2like pos adj. glove box 0. syl glove box pos n. def a closed box in which toxic or radioactive substances can be handled by an operator who places his hands through protective gloves sealed to the box. glove compartment 0. syl glove com+part+ment pos n. def a small compartment in a car dashboard for the storage of miscellaneous articles. glove puppet 0. syl glove pup+pet pos n. def a small figure of a person or animal that fits over and is manipulated by the hand. glover 0. syl glov+er pron <1gl^v*> pos n. def a person who makes or sells gloves. glow ety Old English gl*_owan; related to Old Norse gl*_oa, Old High German gluoen, Icelandic gl*_ora to spar?!kle glow 1. syl glow pron pos n. def light emitted by a substance or object at a high temperature. glow 2. syl glow pron pos n. def a steady even light without flames. glow 3. syl glow pron pos n. def brilliance or vividness of colour. glow 4. syl glow pron pos n. def brightness or ruddiness of complexion. glow 5. syl glow pron pos n. def a feeling of well-being or satisfaction. glow 6. syl glow pron pos n. def intensity of emotion; ardour. glow 7. syl glow pron pos vb. mod intr. def to emit a steady even light without flames. glow 8. syl glow pron pos vb. mod intr. def to shine intensely, as if from great heat. glow 9. syl glow pron pos vb. mod intr. def to be exuberant or high-spirited, as from excellent health or intense emotion. glow 10. syl glow pron pos vb. mod intr. def to experience a feeling of well-being or satisfaction. exam 1 to glow with pride. glow 11. syl glow pron pos vb. mod intr. usage esp. of the complexion def to show a strong bright colour, esp. a shade of red. glow 12. syl glow pron pos vb. mod intr. def to be very hot. glow discharge 0. syl glow dis+charge pos n. def a silent luminous discharge of electricity through a low-pressure gas. glower ety C16: probably of Scandinavian origin; related to Middle Low German gl*_uren to watch glower 1. syl glow+er pron <1glau*> pos vb. mod intr. def to stare hard and angrily. glower 2. syl glow+er pron <1glau*> pos n. def a sullen or angry stare. gloweringly sub head glower syl glow+er+ing+ly pos adv. glow lamp 0. syl glow lamp pos n. def a small light consisting of two or more electrodes in an inert gas, such as neon, at low pressure, across which an electrical discharge occurs when the voltage applied to the electrodes exceeds the ionization potential. glow-worm 1. syl glow-worm pos n. def a European beetle, the females and larvae of which bear luminescent organs producing a soft greenish light: family glow-worm 2. syl glow-worm pos n. def any of various other beetles or larvae of the family glow-worm xref syl glow-worm pos n. def See also { {firefly} (sense 1)}. gloxinia ety C19: named after Benjamin P. Gloxin, 18th-century German physician and botanist who first described it gloxinia 0. syl glox+in:i:a pron pos n. def any of several tropical plants of the genus esp. the South American cultivated for its large white, red, or purple bell-shaped flowers: family gloze ety C13: from Old French glosser to comment; see #7gloss %2 gloze 1. syl gloze pron pos vb. mod tr. qual Archaic. usage often foll. by over def to explain away; minimize the effect or importance of. gloze 2. syl gloze pron pos vb. qual Archaic. def to make explanatory notes or glosses on (a text). gloze 3. syl gloze pron pos vb. qual Archaic. def to use flattery. gloze 4. syl gloze pron pos n. qual Archaic. def flattery or deceit. gloze 5. syl gloze pron pos n. qual Archaic. def an explanatory note or gloss. gloze 6. syl gloze pron pos n. qual Archaic. def specious or deceptive talk or action. glt 0. syl glt. qual Bookbinding. abbrev. for def gilt. glucagon ety C20: from #7gluc (#7ose) #7+ -agon, perhaps from Greek agein to lead glucagon 0. syl glu+ca+gon pron <1glu:k*2gon>, <-g*n> pos n. def a polypeptide hormone, produced in the pancreas by the islets of Langerhans, that stimulates the release of glucose into the blood. Compare {insulin}. glucinum ety C19: New Latin glucina beryllium oxide, from Greek glukus sweet+-#7in ; alluding to the sweet taste of some of the salts glucinium alt head glucinum or glucinum syl glu+cin+i:um pron pos n. glucinum 0. or glucinium syl glu+ci+num pron pos n. def a former name for {beryllium}. Christoph Willibald von infl head Gluck syl Chris:toph Wil:li:bald von pron <1kristcf> <1vilibalt> pos n. Gluck 0. syl Gluck pron German pos n. def 1714-87, German composer, esp. of operas, including (1762) and (1767). glucocorticord 0. syl glu+co+cor+ti+cord pron <2glu:k*u1kc:ti2kc:d> pos n. def any of a class of corticosteroids that control carbohydrate, protein, and fat metabolism and have anti-inflammatory activity. gluconeogenesis 0. syl glu+co+ne:o+gen+e:sis pron <2glu:k*u2nE*u1Jenisis> pos n. qual Biochem. def the formation of glucose from non-carbohydrate sources, such as amino acids, pyruvic acid, or glycerol. Also called: {glyco?!neogenesis}. glucoprotein 0. syl glu+co+pro+tein pron <2glu:k*u1pr*utEn> pos n. def another name for {glycoprotein}. glucose ety C19: from French, from Greek gleukos sweet wine; related to Greek glukus sweet glucose 1. syl glu+cose pron <1glu:k*uz>, <-k*us> pos n. def a white crystalline mono?!saccharide sugar that has several optically active forms, the most abundant being dextrose: a major energy source in metabolism. Formula: C\6H\1\2O\6. glucose 2. syl glu+cose pron <1glu:k*uz>, <-k*us> pos n. def a yellowish syrup (or, after desiccation, a solid) containing dextrose, maltose, and dextrin, obtained by incomplete hydrolysis of starch: used in confectionery, fermentation, etc. glucosic sub head glucose syl glu+cos+ic pron pos adj. glucoside 0. syl glu+co+side pron <1glu:k*u2sId> pos n. qual Biochem. def any of a large group of glycosides that yield glucose on hydrolysis. glucosidal sub head glucoside or glucosidic syl glu+co+1sid+al pron <2glu:k*u1sidik> pos adj. glucosidic sub head glucoside or glucosidal syl glu+co+sid+ic pron <2glu:k*u1sidik> pos adj. glucosuria 0. syl glu+co+su+ri:a pron <2gluk*u1sju*ri*> pos n. qual Pathol. def a less common word for {glycosuria}. glucosuric sub head glucosuria syl glu+co+1su+ric pos adj. glue ety C14: from Old French glu, from Late Latin gl*_us; compare Greek gloios glue 1. syl glue pron pos n. def any natural or synthetic adhesive, esp. a sticky gelatinous substance prepared by boiling animal products such as bones, skin, and horns. glue 2. syl glue pron pos n. def any other sticky or adhesive substance. glues infl head glue syl glues pos vb. gluing infl head glue syl glu+ing pos vb. glued infl head glue syl glued. pos vb. glue 3. syl glue pron pos vb. mod tr. def to join or stick together with or as if with glue. gluelike sub head glue syl glue+2like pos adj. gluer sub head glue syl glu+er pos n. gluey sub head glue syl glue:y pos adj. glum ety C16: variant of #7gloom glummer infl head glum syl glum+mer pos gl^m; adj. glummest infl head glum syl glum+mest. pos gl^m; adj. glum 0. syl glum pos gl^m; adj. def silent or sullen, as from gloom. glumly sub head glum syl glum+ly pos adv. glumness sub head glum syl glum+ness pos n. glume ety C18: from Latin gl*_uma husk of corn; related to Latin gl*_ubere to remove the bark from glume 0. syl glume pron pos n. qual Botany. def one of a pair of dry membranous bracts at the base of the inflorescence, esp. the spikelet, of grasses. glumaceous sub head glume syl glu+1ma+ceous pos adj. glumelike sub head glume syl glume+2like pos adj. gluon 0. syl glu+on pron <1glu:on> pos n. def a hypothetical particle believed to be exchanged between quarks in order to bind them together to form particles. glut ety C14: probably from Old French gloutir, from Latin glutt*_ire; see #7glutton %1 glut 1. syl glut pos gl^t; n. def an excessive amount, as in the production of a crop, often leading to a fall in price. glut 2. syl glut pos gl^t; n. def the act of glutting or state of being glutted. gluts infl head glut syl gluts pos vb. mod tr. glutting infl head glut syl glut+ting pos vb. mod tr. glutted infl head glut syl glut+ted. pos vb. mod tr. glut 3. syl glut pos vb. mod tr. def to feed or supply beyond capacity. glut 4. syl glut pos vb. mod tr. def to supply (a market, etc.) with a commodity in excess of the demand for it. glut 5. syl glut pos vb. mod tr. def to cram full or choke up. exam 1 to glut a passage. gluttingly sub head glut syl glut+ting+ly pos adv. glutamate ety C19: from #7glutam (#7ic) + -#7ate %1 glutamate 0. syl glu+ta+mate pron <1glu:t*2mAt> pos n. def any salt of glutamic acid, esp. its sodium salt (see {monosodium glutamate}) . glutaminic acid alt head glutamic acid or glutamic acid syl glu+ta+min+ic ac:id pron <2glu:t*?!1minik> pos n. glutamic acid 0. or glutaminic acid syl glu+tam+ic ac:id pron pos n. def an amino acid, occurring in proteins, that plays an important part in the nitrogen metabolism of plants and animals; 2-aminopentanedioic acid. Formula: HOOC(CH\2)\2CH(NH\2)COOH. glutamine ety C19: from #7glut (#7en) #7+ -#7amine glutamine 0. syl glu+ta+mine pron <1glu:t*2mEn> <-min> pos n. def an amino acid occurring in proteins: plays an important role in protein metabolism. Formula: NH\2CO(CH\2)\2CH(NH\2)COOH. glutathione ety C20: from #7gluta (#7mic acid) #7+thi -#7+ -#7one glutathione 0. syl glu+ta+thi+one pron <2glu:t*1TI*un>, <-TI1*un> pos n. qual Biochem. def a tripeptide consisting of glutamic acid, cysteine, and glycine: important in biological oxidations and the activation of some enzymes. Formula: C\1\0H\1\7N\3O\6S. glutelin ety C20: See #7gluten, -#7in glutelin 0. syl glu+te:lin pron <1glu:tilin> pos n. def any of a group of water-insoluble plant proteins found in cereals. They are precipitated by alcohol and are not coagulated by heat. Compare {gliadin}. gluten ety C16: from Latin: #7glue gluten 0. syl glu+ten pron <1glu:tN> pos n. def a protein consisting of a mixture of glutelin and gliadin, present in cereal grains, esp. wheat. A gluten-free diet is necessary in cases of coeliac disease. glutenous sub head gluten syl glu+te:nous pos adj. gluten bread 0. syl glu+ten bread pos n. def bread made from flour containing a high proportion of gluten. gluteus ety C17: from New Latin, from Greek gloutos buttock, rump &- glu+#!te@.al or #!glu+tae@.al adj. glutaeus alt head gluteus or gluteus syl glu+tae:us pron pos n. glutei infl head gluteus or glutaei syl glu+te:i pron <-1tEI> pos n. mod pl. glutaei infl head gluteus or glutei syl glu+tae:i pron <-1tEI> pos n. mod pl. gluteus 0. or glutaeus syl glu+te:us pron pos n. def any one of the three large muscles that form the human buttock and move the thigh, esp. the {gluteus maximus}. glutinous 0. syl glu+ti+nous pron <1glu:tin*s> pos adj. def resembling glue in texture; sticky. glutinously sub head glutinous syl glu+ti+nous+ly pos adv. glutinousness sub head glutinous or glutinosity syl glu+ti+nous+ness pron <2glu:ti1nositi> pos n. glutinosity sub head glutinous or glutinousness syl glu+ti+nos+i:ty pron <2glu:ti1nositi> pos n. glutton ety C13: from Old French glouton, from Latin glutto, from glutt*_ire to swallow glutton H1.1. syl glut+ton pron <1gl^tN> pos n. def a person devoted to eating and drinking to excess; greedy person. glutton H1.2. syl glut+ton pron <1gl^tN> pos n. qual Often ironical. def a person who has or appears to have a voracious appetite for something. exam 1 a glutton for punishment. gluttonous sub head glutton syl glut+ton+ous pos adj. gluttonously sub head glutton syl glut+ton+ous+ly pos adv. glutton ety C17: from #7glutton %1#7, apparently translating German Vielfass great eater glutton H2.0. syl glut+ton pron <1gl^tN> pos n. def another name for {wolverine}. gluttonies infl head gluttony syl glut+ton:ies. pos n. mod pl. gluttony 0. syl glut+ton:y pron <1gl^t*ni> pos n. def the act or practice of eating to excess. glyceric 0. syl gly+cer+ic pron pos adj. def of, containing, or derived from glycerol. glyceric acid 0. syl gly+cer+ic ac:id pos n. def a viscous liquid carboxylic acid produced by the oxidation of glycerol; 2,3-dihydroxypropanoic acid. Formula: C\3H\6O\4. glyceride 0. syl glyc+er+ide pron <1glis*2rId> pos n. def any fatty-acid ester of glycerol. See {monoglyceride, diglyceride, triglyceride}. glycerin ety C19: from French glyc*'erine, from Greek glukeros sweet+ -ine -#7in ; related to Greek glukus sweet glycerine alt head glycerin or glycerin syl glyc+er+ine pron <1glis*rin>, <2glis*1rEn> pos n. glycerin 0. or glycerine syl glyc+er+in pron <1glis*rin> pos n. def another name (not in technical usage) for {glycerol}. glycerol ety C19: from #7glycer (#7in) #7+ -#7ol %1 glycerol 0. syl glyc+er+ol pron <1glis*2rol> pos n. def a colourless or pale yellow odourless sweet-tasting syrupy liquid; 1,2,3-propanetriol: a by-product of soap manufacture, used as a solvent, antifreeze, plasticizer, and sweetener. Formula: C\3H\8O\3. Also called (not in technical usage): {glycerin, glycerine}. glyceryl 0. syl glyc+er+yl pron <1glis*ril> pos n. usage modifier def derived from glycerol by replacing or removing one or more of its hydroxyl groups. exam 1 a glyceryl group or radical. glyceryl trinitrate 0. syl glyc+er+yl tri+ni+trate pos n. def another name for {nitroglycerin}. glycine ety C19: #7glyco -#7+ -#7ine %2 glycine 0. syl gly+cine pron <1glIsEn>, pos n. def a white sweet crystalline amino acid occurring in most proteins; aminoacetic acid. Formula: CH\2NH\2COOH. glyco- ety from Greek glukus sweet glycogen 0. syl gly+co+gen pron <1glIk*uJ*n>, <-Jen> pos n. def a polysaccharide consisting of glucose units: the form in which carbohydrate is stored in animals. It can easily be hydrolysed to glucose. Also called: {animal starch}. glycogenic sub head glycogen syl gly+co+gen+ic pron <2glIk*u1Jenik> pos adj. glycogenesis 0. syl gly+co+gen+e:sis pron <2glIk*u1Jenisis> pos n. def the formation of sugar, esp. (in animals) from glycogen. glycogenetic sub head glycogenesis syl gly+co+ge:net+ic pron <2glIk*u?!Ji1netik> pos adj. glycol 0. syl gly+col pron <1glIkol> pos n. def another name (not in technical usage) for {ethanediol} or a {diol}. glycolic sub head glycol or glycollic syl gly+col+ic pron pos adj. glycollic sub head glycol or glycolic syl gly+col+lic pron pos adj. glycolic acid 0. syl gly+col+ic ac:id pos n. def a colourless crystalline soluble hygroscopic compound found in sugar cane and sugar beet: used in tanning and in the manufacture of pharmaceuticals, pesticides, adhesives, and plasticizers; hydroxyacetic acid. Formula: CH\2(OH)COOH. glycolysis 0. syl gly+col:y+sis pron pos n. qual Biochem. def the breakdown of glucose by enzymes into pyruvic and lactic acids with the liberation of energy. glyconeogenesis 0. syl gly+co+ne:o+gen+e:sis pron <2glIk*u2nE*u1Jenisis> pos n. def another name for {gluconeogenesis}. glucoprotein infl head glycoprotein or glycopeptide syl glu+co+pro+tein pron <2glIk*u1peptId> pos n. glycopeptide infl head glycoprotein or glucoprotein syl gly+co+pep+tide pron <2glIk*u1peptId> pos n. glycoprotein 0. syl gly+co+pro+tein pron <2glIk*u1pr*utEn> pos n. def any of a group of conjugated proteins containing small amounts of carbohydrates as prosthetic groups. See also {mucoprotein}. glycoside 0. syl gly+co+side pron <1glIk*u2sId> pos n. def any of a group of substances, such as digitoxin, derived from monosaccharides by replacing the hydroxyl group by another group. Many are important medicinal drugs. See also {glucoside}. glycosidic sub head glycoside syl gly+co+sid+ic pron <2glIk*u?!1sidik> pos adj. glycosuria ety C19: from New Latin, from French glycose #7glucose+ -#7uria glucosuria alt head glycosuria or glycosuria syl glu+co+su+ri:a pos n. glycosuria 0. or glucosuria syl gly+co+su+ri:a pron <2glIk*u1sju*ri*> pos n. def the presence of excess sugar in the urine, as in diabetes. glycosuric sub head glycosuria or glucosuric syl gly+co+1su+ric pos adj. glucosuric sub head glycosuria or glycosuric syl glu+co+1su+ric pos adj. glyoxaline 0. syl gly+ox:a+line pron pos n. def another name (not in technical usage) for {imidazole}. glyph ety C18: from French glyphe, from Greek gluph*_e carving, from gluphein to carve glyph 1. syl glyph pron pos n. def a carved channel or groove, esp. a vertical one as used on a Doric frieze. glyph 2. syl glyph pron pos n. qual Now rare. def another word for {hieroglyphic}. glyphic sub head glyph syl glyph+ic pos adj. glyphography ety C19: from Greek gluph*_e carving+-#7graphy glyphography 0. syl gly+phog+ra+phy pron pos n. def a platemaking process in which an electrotype is made from an engraved copper plate. glyphograph sub head glyphography syl glyph:o+graph pron <1glif*2gra:f> pos n. glyphographer sub head glyphography syl gly+1phog+ra+pher pos n. glyphographic sub head glyphography or glyphographical syl glyph:o+1graph+ic pron <2glif*1gr@fik> pos adj. glyphographical sub head glyphography or glyphographic syl glyph:o+1graph:i+cal pos adj. glyptal ety C20: a trademark, perhaps from #7gly (#7cerol) +#7p (#7h) #7t (#7h) #7al (#7ic) glyptal 0. syl glyp+tal pron <1glipt*l> pos n. def an alkyd resin obtained from polyhydric alcohols and polybasic organic acids or their an?!hydrides; used for surface coatings. glyptic ety C19: from French glyptique, from Greek gluptikos, from gluptos, from gluphein to carve glyptic 0. syl glyp+tic pron <1gliptik> pos adj. def of or relating to engraving or carving, esp. on precious stones. glyptics 0. syl glyp+tics pron <1gliptiks> pos n. def the art of engraving precious stones. glyptodont ety C19: from Greek gluptos carved+-#7odont glyptodont 0. syl glyp+to+dont pron <1glipt*2dont> pos n. def any extinct late Cenozoic edentate mammal of the genus and related genera, of South America, which resembled giant armadillos. glyptography 0. syl glyp+tog+ra+phy pron pos n. def the art of carving or engraving upon gemstones. glyptographer sub head glyptography syl glyp+1tog+ra+pher pos n. glyptographic sub head glyptography or glyptographical syl glyp+to+graph+ic pron <2glipt*1gr@fik> pos adj. glyptographical sub head glyptography or glyptographic syl glyp+to+1graph:i+cal pos adj. GM 1. syl G.M. qual abbrev. for: def general manager. GM 2. syl G.M. qual abbrev. for: usage in Britain def George Medal. GM 3. syl G.M. qual abbrev. for: def Grand Master. G-men infl head G-man syl G-men. pos n. mod pl. G-man 1. syl G-man pos n. qual U.S. slang. def an FBI agent. G-man 2. syl G-man pos n. qual Irish. def a political detective. GMB 0. syl G.M.B. qual abbrev. for def Grand Master Bowman; the highest stand?!ard of archer. Gmc 0. syl Gmc qual abbrev. for def Germanic. GMC 0. syl G.M.C. qual abbrev. for def General Medical Council. GMT 0. syl GMT qual abbrev. for def Greenwich Mean Time. gnarl ety C19: back formation from gnarled, probably variant of #7knurled gnarl H1.1. syl gnarl pron pos n. def any knotty protuberance or swelling on a tree. gnarl H1.2. syl gnarl pron pos vb. mod tr. def to knot or cause to knot. gnarl ety C16: of imitative origin gnar alt head gnarl or gnarl syl gnar pron , , pos vb. mod intr. gnarl H2.0. or gnar syl gnarl pron , , pos vb. mod intr. qual Obsolete. def to growl or snarl. gnarly alt head gnarled or gnarled syl gnarl:y pos adj. gnarled 1. or gnarly syl gnarled pron pos adj. def having gnarls. exam 1 the gnarled trunk of the old tree. gnarled 2. or gnarly syl gnarled pron pos adj. usage esp. of hands def rough, twisted, and weather-beaten in appearance. gnarled 3. or gnarly syl gnarled pron pos adj. def perverse or ill-tempered. gnash ety C15: probably of Scandinavian origin; compare Old Norse gnastan gnashing of teeth, gnesta to clatter gnash 1. syl gnash pron pos vb. def to grind (the teeth) together, as in pain or anger. gnash 2. syl gnash pron pos vb. mod tr. def to bite or chew as by grinding the teeth. gnash 3. syl gnash pron pos n. def the act of gnashing the teeth. gnashingly sub head gnash syl gnash+ing+ly pos adv. gnat ety Old English gn@att; related to Middle High German gnaz scurf, German dialect Gnitze gnat gnat 0. syl gnat pron pos n. def any of various small fragile biting dipterous insects of the suborder esp. ({common gnat}) , which abounds near stagnant water. gnatlike sub head gnat syl gnat+2like pos adj. gnatcatcher 0. syl gnat+catch:er pron <1n@t2k@C*> pos n. def any of various small American songbirds of the genus and related genera, typically having a long tail and a pale bluish-grey plumage: family (Old World flycatchers, etc.). gnathic ety C19: from Greek gnathos jaw gnathal alt head gnathic or gnathic syl gnath+al pos adj. gnathic 0. or gnathal syl gnath+ic pron <1n@Tik> pos adj. qual Anatomy. def of or relating to the jaw. gnathion ety C19: from New Latin, from Greek gnathos jaw gnathion 0. syl gna+thi+on pron <1nATi2on>, <1n@T-> pos n. def the lowest point of the midline of the lower jaw: a reference point in craniometry. gnathite ety C19: from Greek gnathos jaw gnathite 0. syl gna+thite pron <1nATIt>, <1n@T-> pos n. qual Zoology. def an appendage of an arthropod that is specialized for grasping or chewing; mouthpart. gnathonic ety C17: from Latin gnath*_onicus, from Gnath*_o, such a character in the Eunuchus, Roman comedy by Terence gnathonic 0. syl gna+thon+ic pron pos adj. qual Literary. def deceitfully flattering; sycophantic. gnathonically sub head gnathonic syl gna+1thon:i+cal+ly pos adv. -gnathous ety from New Latin -gnathus, from Greek gnathos jaw -gnathous 0. syl -gna:thous pos adj. usage combining form. def indicating or having a jaw of a specified kind. exam 1 prognathous. gnaw ety Old English gnagan; related to Old Norse gnaga, Old High German gnagan gnaws infl head gnaw syl gnaws pos vb. gnawing infl head gnaw syl gnaw+ing pos vb. gnawed gnawed infl head gnaw or gnawn syl gnawed; gnawed pos vb. gnawn infl head gnaw or gnawed gnawed syl gnawn. pos vb. gnaw 1. syl gnaw pron pos vb. mod when; intr. usage often foll. by at or upon def to bite (at) or chew (upon) constantly so as to wear away little by little. gnaw 2. syl gnaw pron pos vb. mod tr. def to form by gnawing. exam 1 to gnaw a hole. gnaw 3. syl gnaw pron pos vb. def to cause erosion of (something). gnaw 4. syl gnaw pron pos vb. mod when; intr. usage often foll. by at def to cause constant distress or anxiety (to). gnaw 5. syl gnaw pron pos n. def the act or an instance of gnawing. gnawable sub head gnaw syl gnaw+a:ble pos adj. gnawer sub head gnaw syl gnaw+er pos n. gnawing 0. syl gnaw+ing pron <1nc:iG> pos n. def a dull persistent pang or pain, esp. of hunger. gnawingly sub head gnawing syl gnaw+ing+ly pos adv. gneiss ety C18: from German Gneis, probably from Middle High German ganeist spark; related to Old Norse gneista to give off sparks gneiss 0. syl gneiss pron pos n. def any coarse-grained metamorphic rock that is banded or foliated: represents the last stage in the meta?!morphism of rocks before melting. gneissic sub head gneiss syl gneiss+ic pos adj. gneissoid sub head gneiss or gneissose syl gneiss+oid pos adj. gneissose sub head gneiss or gneissoid syl gneiss+ose pos adj. gnocchi ety Italian, plural of gnocco lump, probably of Germanic origin; compare Middle High German knoche bone gnocchi 0. syl gnoc+chi pron <1noki>, , <1gnoki> pos n. mod pl. def dumplings made of pieces of semolina pasta, or sometimes potato, used to garnish soup, etc., or served alone with cheese sauce. gnome ety C18: from French, from New Latin gnomus, coined by Paracelsus, of obscure origin gnome H1.1. syl gnome pron pos n. def one of a species of legendary creatures, usually resembling small misshapen old men, said to live in the depths of the earth and guard buried treasure. gnome H1.2. syl gnome pron pos n. def the statue of a gnome, esp. in a garden. gnome H1.3. syl gnome pron pos n. def a very small or ugly person. gnome H1.4. syl gnome pron pos n. qual Facetious or derogatory. def an international banker or financier (esp. in the phrase {gnomes of Zurich}) . gnomish sub head gnome syl gnom+ish pos adj. gnome ety C16: from Greek gn*_om*_e, from gign*_oskein to know gnome H2.0. syl gnome pron pos n. def a short pithy saying or maxim expressing a general truth or principle. gnomical alt head gnomic or gnomic syl gno+mi+cal pos adj. gnomic 1. or gnomical syl gno+mic pron <1n*umik>, <1nom-> pos adj. def consisting of, containing, or relating to gnomes or aphorisms. gnomic 2. or gnomical syl gno+mic pron <1n*umik>, <1nom-> pos adj. def of or relating to a writer of such sayings. gnomically sub head gnomic syl gno+mi+cal+ly pos adv. gnomon ety C16: from Latin, from Greek: interpreter, from gign*_oskein to know &- gno+#!mon+ic adj. &- gno+#!mon@.i+cal+ly adv. gnomon 1. syl gno+mon pron <1n*umon> pos n. def the stationary arm that projects the shadow on a sundial. gnomon 2. syl gno+mon pron <1n*umon> pos n. def a geometric figure remaining after a parallelogram has been removed from one corner of a larger parallelogram. gnosis ety C18: ultimately from Greek: knowl?!edge, from gign*_oskein to know gnoses infl head gnosis syl gno+ses pron <-sEz> pos n. mod pl. gnosis 0. syl gno+sis pron <1n*usis> pos n. def intuitive knowledge of various spiritual truths, esp. that said to have been possessed by ancient Gnostics. -gnosis ety via Latin from Greek: #7gnosis -gnosis 0. syl -gno:sis pos n. usage combining form. def (esp. in medicine) recognition or knowledge. exam 1 prognosis; exam 2 diagnosis. -gnostic sub head -gnosis syl -gnos:tic pos adj. gnostical alt head gnostic or gnostic syl gnos+ti+cal pos adj. gnostic 0. or gnostical syl gnos+tic pron <1nostik> pos adj. def of, relating to, or possessing knowledge, esp. esoteric spiritual knowledge. gnostically sub head gnostic syl gnos+ti+cal+ly pos adv. Gnostic ety C16: from Late Latin Gnostic*_i the Gnostics, from Greek gn*_ostikos relating to knowledge, from gn*_ostos known, from gign*_oskein to know Gnostic 1. syl Gnos+tic pron <1nostik> pos n. def an adherent of Gnosticism. Gnostic 2. syl Gnos+tic pron <1nostik> pos adj. def of or relating to Gnostics or to Gnosticism. Gnosticism 0. syl Gnos+ti+cism pron <1nosti2siz*m> pos n. def a religious movement characterized by a belief in gnosis, through which the spiritual element in man could be released from its bondage in matter: regarded as a heresy by the Christian Church. Gnosticise alt head Gnosticize or Gnosticize syl Gnos+ti+cise pron <1nosti2sIz> pos vb. Gnosticize 1. or Gnosticise syl Gnos+ti+cize pron <1nosti2sIz> pos vb. mod intr. def to maintain or profess Gnostic views. Gnosticize 2. or Gnosticise syl Gnos+ti+cize pron <1nosti2sIz> pos vb. def to put a Gnostic interpretation upon (something). Gnosticizer sub head Gnosticize or Gnosticiser syl Gnos+ti+2ciz+er pos n. Gnosticiser sub head Gnosticize or Gnosticizer syl Gnos+ti+2cis+er pos n. gnotobiotics ety C20: from Greek, from gn*_otos, from gign*_oskein to know+ bios known life gnotobiotics 0. syl gno+to+bi+ot+ics pron <2n*ut*ubI1otiks> pos n. mod functioning as; sing. def the study of organisms living in germ-free conditions or when inoculated with known microorganisms. gnotobiotically sub head gnotobiotics syl gno+to+bi+1ot:i+cal+ly pos adv. GNP 0. syl G.N.P. qual abbrev. for def gross national product. gns 0. syl gns. qual abbrev. for def guineas. gnu ety C18: from Kaffir nqu gnus infl head gnu or gnu syl gnus pos n. mod pl. gnu infl or gnus syl gnu. pos n. mod pl. gnu 0. syl gnu pron pos n. def either of two sturdy antelopes, ({brindled gnu}) or the much rarer ({white-tailed gnu}) , inhabiting the savannas of Africa, having an oxlike head and a long tufted tail. Also called: {wildebeest}. go ety Old English g*_an; related to Old High German g*_en, Greek kikhanein to reach, Sanskrit jah*_ati he forsakes goes infl head go syl goes pos vb. mod mainly; intr. going infl head go syl go+ing pos vb. mod mainly; intr. went infl head go syl went pos vb. mod mainly; intr. gone infl head go syl gone. pos vb. mod mainly; intr. go H1.1. syl go pron pos vb. mod mainly; intr. def to move or proceed, esp. to or from a point or in a certain direction. exam 1 to go to London; exam 2 to go home. go H1.2. syl go pron pos vb. mod tr. usage takes an infinitive, often with to omitted or replaced by and def to proceed towards a particular person or place with some specified intention or purpose. exam 1 I must go and get that book. go H1.3. syl go pron pos vb. mod mainly; intr. def to depart. exam 1 we'll have to go at eleven. go H1.4. syl go pron pos vb. mod mainly; intr. def to start, as in a race: often used in commands. go H1.5. syl go pron pos vb. mod mainly; intr. def to make regular journeys. exam 1 this train service goes to the East coast. go H1.6. syl go pron pos vb. mod mainly; intr. def to operate or function effectively. exam 1 the radio won't go. go H1.7. syl go pron pos vb. mod mainly; intr. usage copula def to become. exam 1 his face went red with embarrassment. go H1.8. syl go pron pos vb. mod mainly; intr. def to make a noise as specified. exam 1 the gun went bang. go H1.9. syl go pron pos vb. mod mainly; intr. def to enter into a specified state or condition. exam 1 to go into hysterics; exam 2 to go into action. go H1.10. syl go pron pos vb. mod mainly; intr. def to be or continue to be in a specified state or condition. exam 1 to go in rags; exam 2 to go in poverty. go H1.11. syl go pron pos vb. mod mainly; intr. def to lead, extend, or afford access. exam 1 this route goes to the North. go H1.12. syl go pron pos vb. mod mainly; intr. def to proceed towards an activity. exam 1 to go to supper; exam 2 to go to sleep. go H1.13. syl go pron pos vb. mod tr. usage takes an infinitive def to serve or contribute. exam 1 this letter goes to prove my point. go H1.14. syl go pron pos vb. mod mainly; intr. def to follow a course as specified; fare. exam 1 the lecture went badly. go H1.15. syl go pron pos vb. mod mainly; intr. def to be applied or allotted to a particular purpose or recipient. exam 1 her wealth went to her son; exam 2 his money went on drink. go H1.16. syl go pron pos vb. mod mainly; intr. def to be sold or otherwise transferred to a recipient. exam 1 the necklace went for three thousand pounds. go H1.17. syl go pron pos vb. mod mainly; intr. def to be ranked; compare. exam 1 this meal is good as my meals go. go H1.18. syl go pron pos vb. mod mainly; intr. def to blend or harmonize. exam 1 these chairs won't go with the rest of your furniture. go H1.19. syl go pron pos vb. mod mainly; intr. usage foll. by by or under def to be known (by a name or disguise). go H1.20. syl go pron pos vb. mod mainly; intr. def to fit or extend. exam 1 that skirt won't go around your waist. go H1.21. syl go pron pos vb. mod mainly; intr. def to have a usual or proper place. exam 1 those books go on this shelf. go H1.22. syl go pron pos vb. mod mainly; intr. usage of music, poetry, etc. def to be sounded; expressed, etc.. exam 1 how does that song go?? go H1.23. syl go pron pos vb. mod mainly; intr. def to fail or give way. exam 1 my eyesight is going. go H1.24. syl go pron pos vb. mod mainly; intr. def to break down or collapse abruptly. exam 1 the ladder went at the critical moment. go H1.25. syl go pron pos vb. mod mainly; intr. def to die. exam 1 the old man went at 2 a.m. go H1.26.a. syl go pron pos vb. mod mainly; intr. usage of time, etc. def to elapse. exam 1 the hours go by so slowly at the office. go H1.26.b. syl go pron pos vb. mod mainly; intr. def to travel past. exam 1 the train goes by her house at four. go H1.26.c. syl go pron pos vb. mod mainly; intr. def to be guided (by). go H1.27. syl go pron pos vb. mod mainly; intr. def to occur. exam 1 happiness does not always go with riches. go H1.28. syl go pron pos vb. mod mainly; intr. def to be eliminated, abolished, or given up. exam 1 this entry must go to save space. go H1.29. syl go pron pos vb. mod mainly; intr. def to be spent or finished. exam 1 all his money has gone. go H1.30. syl go pron pos vb. mod mainly; intr. def to circulate or be transmitted. exam 1 the infection went around the whole community. go H1.31. syl go pron pos vb. mod mainly; intr. def to attend. exam 1 go to school; exam 2 go to church. go H1.32. syl go pron pos vb. mod mainly; intr. def to join a stated profession. exam 1 go to the bar; exam 2 go on the stage. go H1.33. syl go pron pos vb. mod mainly; intr. usage foll. by to def to have recourse (to); turn. exam 1 to go to arbitration. go H1.34. syl go pron pos vb. mod mainly; intr. usage foll. by to def to subject or put oneself (to). exam 1 she goes to great pains to please him. go H1.35. syl go pron pos vb. mod mainly; intr. def to proceed, esp. up to or beyond certain limits. exam 1 you will go too far one day and then you will be punished. go H1.36. syl go pron pos vb. mod mainly; intr. def to be acceptable or tolerated. exam 1 anything goes in this place. go H1.37. syl go pron pos vb. mod mainly; intr. def to carry the weight of final authority. exam 1 what the boss says goes. go H1.38. syl go pron pos vb. mod mainly; intr. usage foll. by into def to be contained in. exam 1 four goes into twelve three times. go H1.39. syl go pron pos vb. mod mainly; intr. usage often foll. by for def to endure or last out. exam 1 we can't go for much longer without water in this heat. go H1.40. syl go pron pos vb. mod tr. qual Cards. def to bet or bid. exam 1 I go two hearts. go H1.41. syl go pron pos vb. mod tr. qual Informal, chiefly U.S. def to have as one's weight. exam 1 I went eight stone a year ago. go H1.42. syl go pron pos vb. mod mainly; intr. qual U.S. (usually used in commands def takes an infinitive without go H1.42.a. syl go pron pos vb. mod mainly; intr. def to start to act so as to. exam 1 go shut the door. go H1.42.b. syl go pron pos vb. mod mainly; intr. def to leave so as to. exam 1 go blow your brains out. go H1.43. syl go pron pos vb. mod mainly; intr. qual Informal. def to perform well; be successful. exam 1 that group can really go. go and 44. head go syl go and. qual Informal. def to be so foolish or unlucky as to. exam 1 then she had to go and lose her hat. be going 45. head go syl be going. def to intend or be about to start (to do or be doing something): often used as an alternative future construction. exam 1 what's going to happen to us?? go ape 46. head go syl go ape. qual Slang. def to become crazy or extremely enthusiastic about. go astray 47. head go syl go astray. def to be mislaid; go missing. go bail 48. head go syl go bail. def to act as surety. go halves 49. head go syl go halves. qual Informal. def See { {half} (sense 11)}. go hard 50. head go syl go hard. usage often foll. by with def to cause trouble or unhappiness (to). go it 51. head go syl go it. qual Slang. def to do something or move energetically. go it alone 52. head go syl go it alone. qual Informal. def to act or proceed without allies or help. go one better 53. head go syl go one better. qual Informal. def to surpass or outdo (someone). go the whole hog 54. head go syl go the whole hog. qual Informal. def See { {hog} (sense 8)}. go H1.55.a. syl go pron pos vb. mod mainly; intr. def to relax one's hold (on); release. go H1.55.b. syl go pron pos vb. mod mainly; intr. qual Euphemistic. def to dismiss (from employment). go H1.55.c. syl go pron pos vb. mod mainly; intr. def to discuss or consider no further. go H1.56.a. syl go pron pos vb. mod mainly; intr. def to act in an uninhibited manner. go H1.56.b. syl go pron pos vb. mod mainly; intr. def to lose interest in one's appearance, manners, etc. go H1.57.a. syl go pron pos vb. mod mainly; intr. def remaining. go H1.57.b. syl go pron pos vb. mod mainly; intr. usage U.S. informal. of food served by a restaurant def for taking away. goes infl head go syl goes. pos n. mod pl. go H1.58. syl go pron pos n. mod mainly; intr. def the act of going. go H1.59.a. syl go pron pos n. mod mainly; intr. def an attempt or try. exam 1 he had a go at the stamp business. go H1.59.b. syl go pron pos n. mod mainly; intr. def an attempt at stopping a person suspected of a crime. exam 1 the police are not always in favour of the public having a go. go H1.60. syl go pron pos n. mod mainly; intr. def a turn. exam 1 it's my go next. go H1.61. syl go pron pos n. mod mainly; intr. qual Informal. def the quality of being active and energetic. exam 1 she has much more go than I. go H1.62. syl go pron pos n. mod mainly; intr. qual Informal. def hard or energetic work. exam 1 it's all go. go H1.63. syl go pron pos n. mod mainly; intr. qual Informal. def a successful venture or achievement. exam 1 he made a go of it. go H1.64. syl go pron pos n. mod mainly; intr. qual Informal. def a bargain or agreement. from the word go 65. head go syl from the word go. qual Informal. def from the very beginning. get-up-and-go 66. head go syl get-up-and-go. qual Informal. def energetic enthusiasm. exam 1 he's got plenty of get-up-and-go. no go 67. head go syl no go. qual Informal. def impossible; abortive or futile. exam 1 it's no go, I'm afraid. on the go 68. head go syl on the go. qual Informal. def active and energetic. go H1.69. syl go pron pos adj. mod mainly; intr. qual Informal. usage postpositive def functioning properly and ready for action: esp. used in astronautics. exam 1 all systems are go. go ety from Japanese I-go alt head go or go syl I-go pron pos n. go H2.0. or I-go syl go pron pos n. def a game for two players in which counters are moved on a board marked with a grid, the object being to capture the opponent's counters. GO 0. syl G.O. qual Military. abbrev. for def general order. goa ety C19: from Tibetan dgoba goa 0. syl go:a pron <1g*u*> pos n. def a gazelle, inhabiting the plains of the Tibetan plateau, having a brownish-grey coat and backward-curving horns. Goa 0. syl Go:a pron <1g*u*> pos n. def a district on the W coast of India: a Portuguese overseas territory from 1510 until annexed by India in 1961 and, along with Daman and Diu, established as a Union Territory. Area: 3496 sq. km (1363 sq. miles). go about 1. syl go a:bout pos adv. mod intr. def to move from place to place. go about 2. syl go a:bout pos prep. mod intr. def to busy oneself with. exam 1 to go about one's duties. go about 3. syl go a:bout pos prep. mod intr. def to tackle (a problem or task). go about 4. syl go a:bout pos prep. mod intr. def to be actively and constantly engaged in (doing something). exam 1 he went about doing good. go about 5. syl go a:bout pos vb. mod intr. def to circulate (in). exam 1 there's a lot of flu going about. go about 6. syl go a:bout pos adv. mod intr. usage of a sailing ship def to change from one tack to another. goad ety Old English g*_ad, of Germanic origin, related to Old English g*_ar, Old Norse geirr spear goad 1. syl goad pron pos n. def a sharp pointed stick for urging on cattle, etc. goad 2. syl goad pron pos n. def anything that acts as a spur or incitement. goad 3. syl goad pron pos vb. mod tr. def to drive with or as if with a goad; spur; incite. goadlike sub head goad syl goad+2like pos adj. Daman infl head Goa syl Da+man pos n. Goand Diu infl head Goa syl Go:and Di:u pos n. Goa 0. syl Go:a pos n. def a Union Territory of India consisting of the widely separated districts of Goa and Daman and the island of Diu. Pop.: 857771 (1971). Area: 3693 sq. km (1440 sq. miles). go against 1. syl go a:gainst pos vb. prep. mod intr. def to be contrary to (principles or beliefs). go against 2. syl go a:gainst pos vb. prep. mod intr. def to be unfavourable to (a person). exam 1 the case went against him. go ahead 1. syl go a:head pos adv. mod intr. def to start or continue, often after obtaining permission. go-ahead infl head go ahead syl go-a:head. pos n. go ahead 2. syl go a:head pos n. qual Informal. usage usually preceded by the def permission to proceed. go-ahead infl head go ahead syl go-a:head. pos adj. go ahead 3. syl go a:head pos adj. def enterprising or ambitious. goal ety C16: perhaps related to Middle English gol boundary, Old English g*_@alan to hinder, impede goal 1. syl goal pron pos n. def the aim or object towards which an endeavour is directed. goal 2. syl goal pron pos n. def the terminal point of a journey or race. goal 3. syl goal pron pos n. usage in various sports def the net, basket, etc. into or over which players try to propel the ball, puck, etc., to score. goal 4.a. syl goal pron pos n. def a successful attempt at scoring. goal 4.b. syl goal pron pos n. def the score so made. goal 5. syl goal pron pos n. usage in soccer, hockey, etc. def the position of goalkeeper. goalless sub head goal syl goal+less pos adj. goal area 0. syl goal ar:e:a pos n. qual Soccer. def a rectangular area to the sides and front of the goal, measuring 20#M6 yards on a full-sized pitch, from which goal kicks are taken. Also called: {six-yard area}. goalie 0. syl goal:ie pron <1g*uli> pos n. qual Informal. def short for {goalkeeper}. goalkeeper 0. syl goal+keep:er pron <1g*ul2kEp*> pos n. qual Sport. def a player in the goal whose duty is to prevent the ball, puck, etc., from entering or crossing it. goalkeeping sub head goalkeeper syl goal+2keep:ing pos n. goal kick 0. syl goal kick pos n. qual Soccer. def a kick taken from the six-yard line by the defending team after the ball has been put out of play by an opposing player. goal line 0. syl goal line pos n. qual Sport. def the line marking each end of the pitch, on which the goals stand. goalmouth 0. syl goal+mouth pron <1g*ul2mauT> pos n. qual Soccer, hockey, etc. def the area in front of the goal. go along 0. syl go a:long pos vb. adv. mod intr. usage often foll. by with def to refrain from disagreement; assent. goal post 0. syl goal post pos n. def either of two upright posts supporting the crossbar of a goal. goanna ety C19: changed from #7iguana goanna 0. syl go+an+na pron pos n. def any of various Australian monitor lizards. Goa powder 0. syl Go:a pow+der pos n. def another name for { {araroba} (sense 2)}. go around alt or go around syl go a:round pos vb. mod intr. go around 1. or go around syl go a:round pos adv. mod intr. def to move about. go around 2. or go around syl go a:round pos adv. mod intr. def foll. by to frequent the society (of a person or group of people). exam 1 she went around with older men. go around 3. or go around syl go a:round pos adv. mod intr. def to be sufficient. exam 1 are there enough sweets to go round?? go around 4. or go around syl go a:round pos vb. mod intr. def to circulate (in). exam 1 measles is going round the school. go around 5. or go around syl go a:round pos prep. mod intr. def to be actively and constantly engaged in (doing something). exam 1 she went around caring for the sick. go around 6. or go around syl go a:round pos vb. mod intr. def to be long enough to encircle. exam 1 will that belt go round you?? goat ety Old English g*_at; related to Old Norse geit, Old High German geiz, Latin haedus kid goat 1. syl goat pron pos n. def any sure-footed agile bovid mammal of the genus naturally inhabiting rough stony ground in Europe, Asia, and N Africa, typically having a brown-grey colouring and a beard. Domesticated varieties are reared for milk, meat, and wool. Related adjs.: {capric, hircine}. goat 2. syl goat pron pos n. def short for {Rocky Mountain goat}. goat 3. syl goat pron pos n. qual Informal. def a lecherous man. goat 4. syl goat pron pos n. def a bad or inferior person or thing (esp. in the phrase {separate the sheep from the goats) }. goat 5. syl goat pron pos n. def short for {scapegoat}. get (someone's) goat 6. head goat syl get (someone's) goat. qual Slang. def to cause annoyance to (someone). goatlike sub head goat syl goat+2like pos adj. Goathe infl head Goat syl Goathe. pos n. Goat 0. syl Goat pron pos n. def the constellation Capricorn, the tenth sign of the zodiac. go at 1. syl go at pos vb. prep. mod intr. def to make an energetic attempt at (something). go at 2. syl go at pos vb. prep. mod intr. def to attack vehemently. goat antelope 0. syl goat an+te+lope pos n. def any bovid mammal of the tribe including the chamois, goral, serow, and Rocky Mountain goat, having characteristics of both goats and antelopes. goatee ety C19: from #7goat+ -ee (see -#7y %2) goatee 0. syl goat:ee pron pos n. def a pointed tuftlike beard growing on the chin. goateed sub head goatee syl goat+1eed pos adj. goatfish infl or goatfishes syl goat+fish pos n. mod pl. goatfishes infl head goatfish or goatfish syl goat+fish:es. pos n. mod pl. goatfish 0. syl goat+fish pron <1g*ut2fiS> pos n. def the U.S. name for the {red mullet}. goatherd 0. syl goat+herd pron <1g*ut2hR:d> pos n. def a person employed to tend or herd goats. goatish 1. syl goat+ish pron <1g*utiS> pos adj. def of, like, or relating to a goat. goatish 2. syl goat+ish pron <1g*utiS> pos adj. qual Archaic or literary. def lustful or lecherous. goatishly sub head goatish syl goat+ish+ly pos adv. goatishness sub head goatish syl goat+ish+ness pos n. goat moth 0. syl goat moth pos n. def a large European moth, with pale brownish-grey variably marked wings: family goat's-beard alt head goatsbeard or goatsbeard syl goat's-beard pron <1g*uts2bi*d> pos n. goatsbeard 1. or goat's-beard syl goats+beard pron <1g*uts2bi*d> pos n. def Also called: {Jack-go-to-bed-at-noon}. a Eurasian plant, with woolly stems and large heads of yellow rayed flowers surrounded by large green bracts: family (composites). goatsbeard 2. or goat's-beard syl goats+beard pron <1g*uts2bi*d> pos n. def an American rosaceous plant, with long spikes of small white flowers. goatskin 1. syl goat+skin pron <1g*ut2skin> pos n. def the hide of a goat. goatskin 2.a. syl goat+skin pron <1g*ut2skin> pos n. def something made from the hide of a goat, such as leather or a container for wine. goatskin 2.b. syl goat+skin pron <1g*ut2skin> pos n. usage as modifier def . exam 1 a goatskin rug. goat's-rue 1. syl goat's-rue pos n. def Also called: {French lilac}. a Eurasian legumi?!nous plant, cultivated for its white, mauve, or pinkish flowers: formerly used medicinally. goat's-rue 2. syl goat's-rue pos n. def a North American leguminous plant, with pink-and-yellow flowers. goatsucker 0. syl goat+suck:er pron <1g*ut2s^k*> pos n. def the U.S. name for {nightjar}. go away 0. syl go a:way pos vb. adv. mod intr. def to leave, as when starting from home on holiday. go-away bird ety C19: imitative of its call go-away bird 0. syl go-a:way bird pos n. def any of several touracos of the genus gob ety C14: from Old French gobe lump, from gober to gulp down; see #7gobbet gob H1.1. syl gob pron pos n. def a lump or chunk, esp. of a soft substance. gob H1.2. syl gob pron pos n. mod often; pl. qual Informal. def a great quantity or amount. gob H1.3.a. syl gob pron pos n. def waste material such as clay, shale, etc. gob H1.3.b. syl gob pron pos n. def a worked-out area in a mine often packed with this. gob H1.4. syl gob pron pos n. qual Informal. def a globule of spittle or saliva. gobs infl head gob syl gobs pos vb. gobbing infl head gob syl gob+bing pos vb. gobbed infl head gob syl gobbed. pos vb. gob H1.5. syl gob pron pos vb. mod intr. qual Brit. informal. def to spit. gob ety C20: of unknown origin gob H2.0. syl gob pron pos n. def an informal word (not in nautical use) for a {sailor}. gob ety C16: perhaps from Gaelic gob gob H3.0. syl gob pron pos n. def a slang word (esp. Brit.) for the {mouth}. go back 1. syl go back pos vb. adv. mod intr. def to return. go back 2. syl go back pos vb. adv. mod intr. usage often foll. by to def to originate (in). exam 1 the links with France go back to the Norman Conquest. go back 3. syl go back pos vb. adv. mod intr. usage foll. by on def to change one's mind about; repudiate (esp. in the phrase {go back on one's word}) . go back 4. syl go back pos vb. adv. mod intr. usage of clocks and watches def to be set to an earlier time, as during British Summer Time. exam 1 when do the clocks go back this year gobbet ety C14: from Old French gobet, from gober to gulp down gobbet 0. syl gob+bet pron <1gobit> pos n. def a chunk, lump, or fragment, esp. of raw meat. Tito infl head Gobbi syl Ti:to pron <1tEto> pos n. Gobbi 0. syl Gob:bi pron Italian <1gcbbi> pos n. def born 1915, Italian operatic baritone. gobble ety C17: probably from #7gob %1 gobble H1.1. syl gob+ble pron <1gobL> pos vb. mod when; tr. usage often foll. by up def to eat or swallow (food) hastily and in large mouthfuls. gobble H1.2. syl gob+ble pron <1gobL> pos vb. mod tr. qual Informal. usage often foll. by up def to snatch. gobble ety C17: probably of imitative origin gobble H2.1. syl gob+ble pron <1gobL> pos n. def the loud rapid gurgling sound made by male turkeys. gobble H2.2. syl gob+ble pron <1gobL> pos interj. def an imitation of this sound. gobble H2.3. syl gob+ble pron <1gobL> pos vb. mod intr. usage of a turkey def to make this sound. gobbledegook ety C20: whimsical formation from #7gobble %2 gobbledygook alt head gobbledegook or gobbledegook syl gob+ble+dy+gook pron <1gobLdi2gu:k> pos n. gobbledegook 0. or gobbledygook syl gob+ble+de+gook pron <1gobLdi2gu:k> pos n. qual Informal. def pretentious language, esp. as characterized by obscure phraseology. gobbler 0. syl gob+bler pron <1gobl*> pos n. qual Informal. def a male turkey. Gobelin ety C19: from the Gobelin family, who founded the factory Gobelin 1. syl Go+be:lin pron <1g*ub*lin>, French pos adj. def of or resembling tapestry made at the Gobelins' factory in Paris, having vivid pictorial scenes. Gobelin 2. syl Go+be:lin pron <1g*ub*lin>, French pos n. def a tapestry of this kind. go-between 0. syl go-be:tween pos n. def a person who acts as agent or intermediary for two people or groups in a transaction or dealing. Gobi 0. syl Go:bi pron <1g*ubi> pos n. def a desert in E Asia, mostly in the Mongolian People's Republic and the Inner Mongolian Autonomous Region of China: sometimes considered to include all the arid regions east of the Pamirs and north of the plateau of Tibet and the Great Wall of China: one of the largest deserts in the world. Length: about 1600 km (1000 miles). Width: about 1000 km (625 miles). Average height: 900 m (3000 ft.). Chinese name: {Shamo}. Gobian sub head Gobi syl Go+bi:an pos adj. gobioid ety C19: from New Latin Gobioidea, from Latin g*_obius gudgeon gobioid 1. syl go+bi+oid pron <1g*ubi2cid> pos adj. def of or relating to the a suborder of spiny-finned teleost fishes that includes gobies and mudskippers (family and sleepers (family gobioid 2. syl go+bi+oid pron <1g*ubi2cid> pos n. def any gobioid fish. goblet ety C14: from Old French gobelet a little cup, from gobel ultimately of Celtic origin goblet 1. syl gob+let pron <1goblit> pos n. def a vessel for drinking, usually of glass or metal, with a base and stem but without handles. goblet 2. syl gob+let pron <1goblit> pos n. qual Archaic. def a large drinking cup shaped like a bowl. goblin ety C14: from Old French, from Middle High German kobolt; compare #7cobalt goblin 0. syl gob+lin pron <1goblin> pos n. usage in folklore def a small grotesque supernatural creature, regarded as malevolent towards human beings. gobo ety C20: of unknown origin gobos infl head gobo or goboes syl go:bos pos n. mod pl. goboes infl head gobo or gobos syl go:boes. pos n. mod pl. gobo 1. syl go:bo pron <1g*ub*u> pos n. def a shield placed around a microphone to exclude unwanted sounds. gobo 2. syl go:bo pron <1g*ub*u> pos n. def a black screen placed around a camera lens, television lens, etc., to reduce the incident light. gobstopper 0. syl gob+stop:per pron <1gob2stop*> pos n. qual Brit. def a large hard sweet that changes colour when sucked. goby ety C18: from Latin g*_obius gudgeon, fish of little value, from Greek k*_obios goby infl or gobies syl go:by pos n. mod pl. gobies infl head goby or goby syl go:bies. pos n. mod pl. goby 1. syl go:by pron <1g*ubi> pos n. def any small spiny-finned fish of the family of coastal or brackish waters, having a large head, an elongated tapering body, and the ventral fins modified as a sucker. goby 2. syl go:by pron <1g*ubi> pos n. def any other gobioid fish. go-by 0. syl go-by pos n. qual Slang. def a deliberate snub or slight (esp. in the phrase {give (a person) the go-by}) . go by 1. syl go by pos vb. mod intr. def to pass. exam 1 the cars went by; exam 2 as the years go by we all get older; exam 3 don't let those opportunities go by&! go by 2. syl go by pos prep. mod intr. def to be guided by. exam 1 in the darkness we could only go by the stars. go by 3. syl go by pos prep. mod intr. def to use as a basis for forming an opinion or judgement. exam 1 it's wise not to go only by appearances. -in-C infl head GOC syl -in-C. GOC 0. syl G.O.C. qual abbrev. for def General Officer Commanding(-in-Chief). go-cart 1. syl go-cart pos n. qual Chiefly U.S. def a small wagon for young children to ride in or pull. go-cart 2. syl go-cart pos n. qual Chiefly U.S. def a light frame on casters or wheels that supports a baby while learning to walk. Brit. word: {baby-walker}. go-cart 3. syl go-cart pos n. qual Motor racing. def See {kart}. go-cart 4. syl go-cart pos n. def another word for {handcart}. god ety Old English god; related to Old Norse goth, Old High German got, Old Irish guth voice god 1. syl god pron pos n. def a supernatural being, who is worshipped as the controller of some part of the universe or some aspect of life in the world or is the personification of some force. god 2. syl god pron pos n. def an image, idol, or symbolic representation of such a deity. god 3. syl god pron pos n. def any person or thing to which excessive attention is given. exam 1 money was his god. god 4. syl god pron pos n. def a man who has qualities regarded as making him superior to other men. god 5. syl god pron pos n. mod in; pl. def the gallery of a theatre. God 1. syl God pron pos n. qual Theol. def the sole Supreme Being, eternal, spiritual, and transcendent, who is the Creator and ruler of all and is infinite in all attributes; the object of worship in monotheistic religions. God 2. syl God pron pos n. qual Christian Science. def the Supreme Being regarded as Infinite Mind, Spirit, Soul, Principle, Life, Truth, and Love. God 3. syl God pron pos interj. def an oath or exclamation used to indicate surprise, annoyance, etc. (and in such expressions as {My God&}! or {God Almighty&}!) . Jean-Luc infl head Godard syl Jean-Luc pron <1lyk> pos n. Godard 0. syl Go:dard pron French pos n. def born 1930, French film director. Influenced by surrealism, his early works explored the political and documentary use of film. His works include (1965), (1967), and (1969). Godavari 0. syl Go+da+va+ri pron pos n. def a river in central India, rising in the Western Ghats and flowing southeast to the Bay of Bengal: extensive delta, linked by canal with the Krishna delta; a sacred river to Hindus. Length: about 1500 km (900 miles). godchildren infl head godchild syl god+chil:dren. pos n. mod pl. godchild 0. syl god+child pron <1god2CIld> pos n. def a person, usually an infant, who is sponsored by adults at baptism. goddamn 1. syl god+damn pron <1god1d@m> pos interj. qual Informal, chiefly U.S. usage also def an oath expressing anger, surprise, etc. Robert Hutchings infl head Goddard syl Rob:ert Hutch:ings. pos n. Goddard 0. syl God:dard pron <1goda:d> pos n. def 1882-1945, U.S. physicist. He made the first workable liquid-fuelled rocket. goddaughter 0. syl god+daugh:ter pron <1god2dc:t*> pos n. def a female godchild. goddess 1. syl god+dess pron <1godis> pos n. def a female god. goddess 2. syl god+dess pron <1godis> pos n. def a woman who is adored or idealized, esp. by a man. goddesshood sub head goddess or goddessship syl god+dess+2hood pos n. goddessship sub head goddess or goddesshood syl god+dess+2ship pos n. Godefroy de Bouillon 0. syl Gode:froy de Bouil:lon pron French pos n. def ??1060-1100, French leader of the First Crusade (1096-99), becoming first ruler of the Latin kingdom of Jerusalem. Kurt infl head Godel syl Kurt pron pos n. Godel 0. syl G*"o:del pron <1gR:dL> pos n. def 1906-78, U.S. logician and mathematician, born in Austria-Hungary. He showed ({G*"odel's proof}) that in a formal axiomatic system, such as logic or mathematics, it is impossible to prove consistency without using methods from outside the system. Viscount infl head Goderich syl Vis:count Goderich 0. syl Gode:rich pron <1g*udriC> def title of {Frederick John Robinson}, 1st Earl of Ripon 1782-1859, English statesman; prime minister 1827-28. Godesberg 0. syl Go+des+berg pron German <1go:d*s2berk> pos n. def a town and spa in West Germany, in North Rhine-Westphalia on the Rhine: a SE suburb of Bonn. Pop.: 70700 (1966). Official name: {Bad Godesberg}. godetia ety C19: named after C. H. Godet (died 1879), Swiss botanist godetia 0. syl go+de:tia pron pos n. def any plant of the American onagraceous genus esp. one grown as a showy-flowered annual garden plant. godfather 0. syl god+fa:ther pron <1god2fa:@d*> pos n. def a male godparent. god-fearing 0. syl god-fear:ing pos adj. def pious; devout. exam 1 a god-fearing people. godforsaken 1. syl god+for:sak:en pron <1godf*2sAk*n>, <2godf*1sAk*n> pos adj. usage usually prenominal def desolate; dreary; forlorn. godforsaken 2. syl god+for:sak:en pron <1godf*2sAk*n>, <2godf*1sAk*n> pos adj. def wicked. Godhead 1. syl God+head pron <1god2hed> pos n. usage sometimes not cap. def the essential nature and condition of being God. the Godhead 2. head Godhead syl the Godhead. usage sometimes not cap. def God. godhood 0. syl god+hood pron <1god2hud> pos n. def the state of being divine. Lady infl head Godiva syl La:dy. pos n. Godiva 0. syl Go:di:va pron pos n. def ??1040-1080, wife of Leofric, Earl of Mercia. According to legend, she rode naked through Coventry in order to obtain remission for the townspeople from the heavy taxes imposed by her husband. godless 1. syl god+less pron <1godlis> pos adj. def wicked or unprincipled. godless 2. syl god+less pron <1godlis> pos adj. def lacking a god. godless 3. syl god+less pron <1godlis> pos adj. def refusing to acknowledge God. godlessly sub head godless syl god+less+ly pos adv. godlessness sub head godless syl god+less+ness pos n. godlike 0. syl god+like pron <1god2lIk> pos adj. def resembling or befitting a god or God; divine. godlier infl head godly syl god+li+er pos adj. godliest infl head godly syl god+li+est. pos adj. godly 0. syl god+ly pron <1godli> pos adj. def having a religious character; pious; devout. exam 1 a godly man. godliness sub head godly syl god+li+ness pos n. godmother 0. syl god+moth:er pron <1god2m^@d*> pos n. def a female godparent. Sidney infl head Godolphin syl Sid:ney. pos n. Godolphin 0. syl Go:dol:phin pron pos n. def 1st Earl of Godolphin. 1645-1712, English statesman; as Lord Treasurer, he managed the financing of Marlborough's campaigns in the War of the Spanish Succession. godown ety C16: from Malay godong godown 0. syl go+down pron <1g*u2daun> pos n. usage in the East, esp. in India and Malaya def a warehouse. go down 1. syl go down pos also; prep. mod intr. def to move or lead to or as if to a lower place or level; sink, decline, decrease, etc., go down 2. syl go down pos vb. mainly; adv. mod intr. def to be defeated; lose. go down 3. syl go down pos vb. mainly; adv. mod intr. def to be remembered or recorded (esp. in the phrase {go down in history}) . go down 4. syl go down pos vb. mainly; adv. mod intr. def to be received. exam 1 his speech went down well. go down 5. syl go down pos vb. mainly; adv. mod intr. usage of food def to be swallowed. go down 6. syl go down pos vb. mainly; adv. mod intr. qual Bridge. def to fail to make the number of tricks previously contracted for. go down 7. syl go down pos vb. mainly; adv. mod intr. qual Brit. def to leave (a college or university) at the end of a term or the academic year. go down 8. syl go down pos vb. mainly; adv. mod intr. qual Brit. usage usually foll. by with def to fall ill; be infected. go down 9. syl go down pos vb. mainly; adv. mod intr. usage of a celestial body def to sink or set. exam 1 the sun went down before we arrived. go down 10. syl go down pos vb. mainly; adv. mod intr. qual Brit. slang. def to go to prison, esp. for a specified period. exam 1 he went down for six months. godparent 0. syl god+par:ent pron <1god2pe*r*nt> pos n. def a person who stands sponsor to another at baptism. godroon 0. syl go+droon pron pos n. def a variant spelling of {gadroon}. godrooned sub head godroon syl go+1drooned pos adj. God's acre ety C17: translation of German Gottesacker God's acre 0. syl God's a:cre pos n. qual Literary. def a churchyard or burial ground. godsend ety C19: changed from C17 God's send, alteration of goddes sand God's message, from Old English sand; see #7send godsend 0. syl god+send pron <1god2send> pos n. def a person or thing that comes un?!expectedly but is particularly welcome. godson 0. syl god+son pron <1god2s^n> pos n. def a male godchild. Godspeed ety C15: from God spede may God prosper (you) Godspeed 0. syl God+speed pron <1god1spEd> pos interj. n. def an expression of one's good wishes for a person's success and safety. Godthaab 0. syl Godt+haab pron Danish <1gcd2hc:b> pos n. def the capital of Greenland, in the southwest on {Godthaab Fiord}: the oldest Danish settlement in Greenland, founded in 1721. Pop.: 8209 (1970). Boris Fyodorovich infl head Godunov syl Bo:ris Fyo:do:ro:vich pron <1fjcd*r*viC> pos n. Godunov 0. syl Go:du:nov pron <1god*2nof>, <1gud->, Russian pos n. def ??1551-1605, Russian regent (1584-98) and tsar (1598-1605). Godwin 1. syl God:win pron <1godwin> pos n. def died 1053, Earl of Wessex. He was chief adviser to Canute and Edward the Confessor. His son succeeded Edward to the throne as Harold II. Godwin 3. syl God:win pron <1godwin> pos n. def her husband, {Wil@.liam}. 1756-1836, English political philosopher and novelist. In (1793), he rejected government and social institutions, including marriage. His views greatly influenced English romantic writers. Godwin Austen 0. syl God+win Aus+ten pron <2godwin> <1c:stin> pos n. def another name for {K2}. godwit ety C16: of unknown origin godwit 0. syl god+wit pron <1godwit> pos n. def any large shore bird of the genus of northern and arctic regions, having long legs and a long upturned bill: family (sandpipers, etc.), order Paul Joseph infl head Goebbels syl Paul Jo:seph pron <1jo:zef> pos n. Goebbels 0. syl Goeb:bels pron German <1g@obLs> pos n. def 1897-1945, German Nazi politician; minister of propaganda (1933-45). goer 1.a. syl go:er pron <1g*u*> pos n. def a person who attends something regularly. goer 1.b. syl go:er pron <1g*u*> pos n. usage in combination exam 1 filmgoer. goer 2. syl go:er pron <1g*u*> pos n. def a person or thing that goes, esp. one that goes very fast. goer 3. syl go:er pron <1g*u*> pos n. qual Austral. informal. def an acceptable or feasible idea, proposal, etc. goer 4. syl go:er pron <1g*u*> pos n. qual Austral. informal. def a person trying to succeed. Goering 0. syl Goe:ring pron German <1g$o:riG> pos n. def See (Hermann Wilhelm) {G*"oring}. Johann Wolfgang von infl head Goethe syl Jo:hann Wolf:gang von pron <1jo:han> <1vclfgaG> pos n. Goethe 0. syl Goe:the pron German <1g$o:t*> pos n. def 1749-1832, German poet, novelist, and dramatist, who settled in Weimar in 1775. His early works of the period include the play (1773) and the novel (1774). After a journey to Italy (1786-88) his writings, such as the epic play (1787) and the epic idyll (1797), showed the influence of classicism. Other works include the novels (1796-1829) and his greatest masterpiece (1808; 1832). goethite ety C19: named after G#7oethe gothite alt head goethite or goethite syl g*"o+thite pron <1g*uTIt>, German <1g$o:tIt> pos n. goethite 0. or gothite syl goe+thite pron <1g*uTIt>, German <1g$o:tIt> pos n. def a black, brown, or yellow mineral consisting of hydrated iron oxide in the form of orthorhombic crystals or fibrous masses. Formula: FeO(OH). goffer ety C18: from French gaufrer to impress a pattern, from gaufre, from Middle Low German w*_afel; see #7waffle, wafer gauffer alt head goffer or goffer syl gauf+fer pron <1g*uf*> pos vb. goffer 1. or gauffer syl gof+fer pron <1g*uf*> pos vb. mod tr. def to press pleats into (a frill). goffer 2. or gauffer syl gof+fer pron <1g*uf*> pos vb. mod tr. def to decorate (the gilt edges of a book) with a repeating pattern. goffer 3. or gauffer syl gof+fer pron <1g*uf*> pos n. def an ornamental frill made by press?!ing pleats. goffer 4. or gauffer syl gof+fer pron <1g*uf*> pos n. def the decoration formed by goffering books. goffer 5. or gauffer syl gof+fer pron <1g*uf*> pos n. def the iron or tool used in making goffers. go for 1. syl go for pos vb. prep. mod intr. def to go somewhere in order to have or fetch. exam 1 he went for a drink; exam 2 shall I go for a doctor?? go for 2. syl go for pos vb. prep. mod intr. def to seek to obtain. exam 1 I'd go for that job if I were you. go for 3. syl go for pos vb. prep. mod intr. def to apply to. exam 1 what I told him goes for you too. go for 4. syl go for pos vb. prep. mod intr. def to prefer or choose; like. exam 1 I really go for that new idea of yours. go for 5. syl go for pos vb. prep. mod intr. def to be to the advantage of. exam 1 you'll have great things going for you in the new year. go for 6. syl go for pos vb. prep. mod intr. def to make a physical or verbal attack on. go for 7. syl go for pos vb. prep. mod intr. def to be considered to be of a stated importance or value. exam 1 his twenty years went for nothing when he was made redundant. go forth 1. syl go forth pos vb. adv. mod intr. qual Archaic or formal. def to be issued. exam 1 the command went forth that taxes should be collected. go forth 2. syl go forth pos vb. adv. mod intr. qual Archaic or formal. def to go out. exam 1 the army went forth to battle. Gog and Magog 1. syl Gog and Ma:gog pron <1mAgog> pos n. qual Old Testament. def a hostile prince and the land from which he comes to attack Israel (Ezekiel 38). Gog and Magog 2. syl Gog and Ma:gog pron <1mAgog> pos n. qual New Testament. def two kings, who are to attack the Church in a climactic battle, but are then to be destroyed by God (Revelation 20:8-10). go-getter 0. syl go-get:ter pos n. qual Informal. def an ambitious enterprising person. gogga ety C20: from Hottentot xoxon insects collectively gogga 0. syl gog+ga pron <1xox*> pos n. qual S. African informal. def any small animal that crawls or flies, esp. an insect. goggle ety C14: from gogelen to look aside, of uncertain origin; see #7agog goggle 1. syl gog+gle pron <1gogL> pos vb. mod intr. def to stare stupidly or fixedly, as in astonishment. goggle 2. syl gog+gle pron <1gogL> pos vb. def to cause (the eyes) to roll or bulge or (of the eyes) to roll or bulge. goggle 3. syl gog+gle pron <1gogL> pos n. def a fixed or bulging stare. goggle 4. syl gog+gle pron <1gogL> pos n. mod pl. def spectacles, often of coloured glass or covered with gauze: used to protect the eyes. goggly sub head goggle syl gog+gly pos adj. gogglebox 0. syl gog:gle+box pron <1gogL2boks> pos n. qual Brit. slang. def a television set. goggle-eyed 0. syl gog:gle-eyed pos adj. usage often postpositive def with a surprised, staring, or fixed expression. Gogh 0. syl Gogh pron , Dutch pos n. def See (Vincent) {van Gogh}. goglet ety C17: from Portuguese gorgoleta a little throat, from gorja throat; related to French gargoule; see #7gargle gurglet infl head goglet or guglet syl gurg+let pron <1g^glit> pos n. guglet infl head goglet or gurglet syl gug+let pron <1g^glit> pos n. goglet 0. syl gog+let pron <1goglit> pos n. def a long-necked water-cooling vessel of porous earthenware, used esp. in India. go-go dancer 0. syl go-go danc+er pos n. def a dancer, usually scantily dressed, who performs rhythmic and often erotic modern dance routines, esp. in a nightclub or discotheque. Nikolai Vasilievich infl head Gogol syl Ni:ko:lai Va:sil:ie:vich pron pos n. Gogol 0. syl Go:gol pron <1g*ugol>, Russian <1gcg*lj> pos n. def 1809-52, Russian novelist, dramatist, and short-story writer. His best-known works are (1836), a comedy satirizing bureaucracy, and the novel (1842). Gogra 0. syl Gog+ra pron <1gogr*> pos n. def a river in N India, rising in Tibet, in the Himalayas, and flowing southeast through Nepal as the Karnali, then through Uttar Pradesh to join the Ganges. Length: about 1000 km (600 miles). Goiania 0. syl Goi:*^a+ni:a pron , Portuguese pos n. def a city in central Brazil, capital of Goi*'as state: planned in 1933 to replace the old capital, Goi*'as; two universities. Pop.: 362152 (1970). Goi'as 0. syl Goi+*'as pron Portuguese pos n. def a state of central Brazil, in the Brazilian Highlands: contains Braz*'ilia, the new capital of Brazil. Capital: Goi*^ania. Pop.: 2938677 (1970). Area: 642092 sq. km (250416 sq. miles). Goidel 0. syl Goi+del pron <1gcidL> pos n. def a Celt who speaks a Goidelic language; Gael. Compare {Brython}. Goidelic ety C19: from Old Irish Goidel a Celt, from Old Welsh gwyddel, from gwydd savage Goidhelic infl head Goidelic or Gadhelic syl Goi+dhel+ic pron pos n. Gadhelic infl head Goidelic or Goidhelic syl Ga+dhel+ic pos n. Goidelic 1. syl Goi+del+ic pron pos n. def the N group of Celtic languages, consisting of Irish Gaelic, Scottish Gaelic, and Manx. Compare {Brythonic}. Goidelic 2. syl Goi+del+ic pron pos adj. def of, relating to, or characteristic of this group of languages. go in 1. syl go in pos vb. mainly; adv. mod intr. def to enter. go in 2. syl go in pos vb. mainly; adv. mod intr. usage prep def See {go into}. go in 3. syl go in pos vb. mainly; adv. mod intr. usage of the sun, etc. def to become hidden behind a cloud. go in 4. syl go in pos vb. mainly; adv. mod intr. def to be assimilated or grasped. exam 1 nothing much goes in if I try to read in the evenings. go in 5. syl go in pos vb. mainly; adv. mod intr. qual Cricket. def to begin an innings. go in 6.a. syl go in pos vb. mainly; adv. mod intr. def to enter as a competitor or contestant. go in 6.b. syl go in pos vb. mainly; adv. mod intr. def to adopt as an activity, interest, or guiding principle. exam 1 she went in for nursing; exam 2 some men go in for football in a big way. going 1. syl go+ing pron <1g*uiG> pos n. def a departure or farewell. going 2. syl go+ing pron <1g*uiG> pos n. def the condition of a surface such as a road or field with regard to walking, riding, etc.. exam 1 muddy going. going 3. syl go+ing pron <1g*uiG> pos n. qual Informal. def speed, progress, etc.. exam 1 we made good going on the trip. going 4. syl go+ing pron <1g*uiG> pos adj. def thriving (esp. in the phrase {a going concern) }. going 5. syl go+ing pron <1g*uiG> pos adj. def current or accepted, as from past negotiations or commercial operation. exam 1 the going rate for electricians; exam 2 the going value of the firm. going 6. syl go+ing pron <1g*uiG> pos adj. usage postpositive def available. exam 1 the best going. gone infl head going syl gone&! going 7. syl going def a statement by an auctioneer that the bidding has almost finished. Sid (ney Milton) infl head Going syl Sid (ney Milton) pos n. Going 0. syl Go:ing pron <1g*uiG> pos n. def born 1943, New Zealand Rugby Union footballer: halfback for the All Blacks (1967-77). goings-over infl head going-over syl go:ings-o:ver. pos n. mod pl. going-over 1. syl go:ing-o:ver pos n. qual Informal. def a check, examination, or investigation. going-over 2. syl go:ing-o:ver pos n. qual Informal. def a castigation or thrashing. goings-on 1. syl go:ings-on pos n. mod pl. qual Informal. def actions or conduct, esp. when regarded with disapproval. goings-on 2. syl go:ings-on pos n. mod pl. qual Informal. def happenings or events, esp. when mysterious or suspicious. exam 1 there were strange goings-on up at the Hall. go into 1. syl go in:to pos vb. prep. mod intr. def to enter. go into 2. syl go in:to pos vb. prep. mod intr. def to start a career in. exam 1 to go into publishing. go into 3. syl go in:to pos vb. prep. mod intr. def to investigate or examine. exam 1 to go into the problem of price increases. go into 4. syl go in:to pos vb. prep. mod intr. def to dress oneself differently in. exam 1 to go into mourning. go into 5. syl go in:to pos vb. prep. mod intr. def to hit. exam 1 the car had gone into a lamp post. go into 6. syl go in:to pos vb. prep. mod intr. def to go to live in or be admitted to, esp. temporarily. exam 1 she went into hospital on Tuesday. go into 7. syl go in:to pos vb. prep. mod intr. def to enter a specified state. exam 1 she went into fits of laughter. goitre ety C17: from French goitre, from Old French goitron ultimately from Latin guttur throat &- #!goi+tred or U.S. #!goi+tered adj. &- #!goi+trous adj. goiter alt head goitre or goitre syl goi+ter pron <1gcit*> pos n. qual U.S. goitre 0. or goiter syl goi+tre pron <1gcit*> pos n. qual Pathol. def a swelling of the thyroid gland, in some cases nearly doubling the size of the neck, usually caused by under- or over-production of hormone by the gland. go-cart alt head go-kart or go-kart syl go-cart pos n. go-kart 0. or go-cart syl go-kart pos n. def See {kart}. Golconda H1.0. syl Gol+con+da pron pos n. def a ruined town and fortress in S central India, in W Andhra Pradesh near Hyderabad city: capital of one of the five Muslim kingdoms of the Deccan from 1512 to 1687, then annexed to the Mogul empire; renowned for its diamonds. Golconda H2.0. syl Gol+con+da pron pos n. usage sometimes not cap. def a source of wealth or riches, esp. a mine. gold ety Old English gold; related to Old Norse gull, Gothic gulth, Old High German gold gold 1.a. syl gold pron pos n. def a dense inert bright yellow element that is the most malleable and ductile metal, occurring in rocks and alluvial deposits: used as a monetary standard and in jewellery, dentistry, and plating. The radioisotope gold-198 ({radiogold}) , with a half-life of 2.69 days, is used in radiotherapy. Symbol: Au; atomic no.: 79; atomic wt.: 196.97; valency: 1 or 3; relative density: 19.32; melting pt.: 1063?%C; boiling pt.: 2966?%C. Related adjs.: {aurous, auric}. gold 1.b. syl gold pron pos n. usage as modifier exam 1 a gold mine. gold 2. syl gold pron pos n. def a coin or coins made of this metal. gold 3. syl gold pron pos n. def money; wealth. gold 4. syl gold pron pos n. def something precious, beautiful, etc., such as a noble nature (esp. in the phrase {heart of gold}) . gold 5.a. syl gold pron pos n. def a deep yellow colour, sometimes with a brownish tinge. gold 5.b. syl gold pron pos as; adj. exam 1 a gold carpet. gold 6. syl gold pron pos n. qual Archery. def the bull's eye of a target, scoring nine points. goldarn 0. syl gol+darn pron pos interj. adv. qual U.S. slang. def a euphemistic variant of {goddamn}. Goldbach's conjecture ety named after C. Goldbach (1690-1764), German mathematician Goldbach's conjecture 0. syl Gold:bach's con+jec+ture pron <1g*uld2ba:xs> pos n. def the hypothesis that every even number greater than two is the sum of two prime numbers. gold basis 0. syl gold ba+sis pos n. def the gold standard as a criterion for the determination of prices. goldbeater's skin 0. syl gold+beat:er's skin pos n. def animal membrane used to separate sheets of gold that are being hammered into gold leaf. gold-beating 0. syl gold-beat:ing pos n. def the act, process, or skill of hammering sheets of gold into gold leaf. gold-beater sub head gold-beating syl gold-2beat:er pos n. goldbug alt head gold beetle or gold beetle syl gold+bug pron <1g*uld2b^g> pos n. gold beetle 0. or goldbug syl gold bee+tle pron <1g*uld2b^g> pos n. def any American beetle of the family having a bright metallic lustre. gold brick 1. syl gold brick pos n. def something with only a superficial appearance of value. gold brick 2. syl gold brick pos n. qual U.S. slang. def an idler or shirker. gold certificate 1. syl gold cer+tif:i+cate pos n. qual U.S. def a currency note issued exclu?!sively to the Federal Reserve Banks by the U.S. Treasury. It forms a claim on gold reserves deposited by the Federal Reserve Banks at the Treasury and is used to transfer interbank bal?!ances within the Federal Reserve System. gold certificate 2. syl gold cer+tif:i+cate pos n. qual U.S. def Also called: {gold note}. (formerly) a bank note issued by the U.S. Treasury to the public and redeemable in gold. Gold Coast 1. syl Gold Coast pos n. def the former name (until 1957) of {Ghana}. Gold Coast 2. syl Gold Coast pos n. def the former name of {Southport} (Australia). goldcrest 0. syl gold+crest pron <1g*uld2krest> pos n. def a small Old World warbler, having a greenish plumage and a bright yellow-and-black crown. gold-digger 1. syl gold-dig:ger pos n. def a person who prospects or digs for gold. gold-digger 2. syl gold-dig:ger pos n. qual Informal. def a woman who uses her sexual attractions to accumulate gifts and wealth or advance her social position. gold-digging sub head gold-digger syl gold-2dig:ging pos n. gold dust 0. syl gold dust pos n. def gold in the form of small particles or powder, as found in placer-mining. golden 1. syl gold+en pron <1g*uld*n> pos adj. def of the yellowish or brownish-yellow metallic colour of gold. exam 1 golden hair. golden 2. syl gold+en pron <1g*uld*n> pos adj. def made from or largely consisting of gold. exam 1 a golden statue. golden 3. syl gold+en pron <1g*uld*n> pos adj. def happy or prosperous. exam 1 golden days. golden 4. syl gold+en pron <1g*uld*n> pos adj. usage sometimes cap.; of anniversaries def the 50th in a series. exam 1 Golden Jubilee; exam 2 golden wedding. golden 5. syl gold+en pron <1g*uld*n> pos adj. qual Informal. def very successful or destined for success. exam 1 the golden girl of tennis. golden 6. syl gold+en pron <1g*uld*n> pos adj. def extremely valuable or advantageous. exam 1 a golden opportunity. goldenly sub head golden syl gold+en+ly pos adv. goldenness sub head golden syl gold+en+ness pos n. golden age 1. syl gold+en age pos n. qual Classical myth. def the first and best age of mankind, when existence was happy, prosperous, and innocent. golden age 2. syl gold+en age pos n. def the most flourishing and outstanding period, esp. in the history of an art or nation. exam 1 the golden age of poetry. golden age 3. syl gold+en age pos n. def the great classical period of Latin literature, occupying approximately the 1st century #7b.c. and represented by such writers as Cicero and Virgil. golden aster 0. syl gold+en as+ter pos n. def any North American plant of the genus esp. of the eastern U.S., having yellow rayed flowers: family (composites). golden calf 1.a. syl gold+en calf pos n. def an idol made by Aaron and set up for the Israelites to worship (Exodus 32). golden calf 1.b. syl gold+en calf pos n. def either of two similar idols set up by Jeroboam I at Dan and Bethel in the northern kingdom (I Kings 12:28-30). golden calf 2. syl gold+en calf pos n. qual Informal. def the pursuit or idolization of material wealth. golden chain 0. syl gold+en chain pos n. def another name for {laburnum}. Golden Delicious 0. syl Gold+en De+li+cious pos n. def a variety of eating apple having sweet flesh and greenish-yellow skin. golden disc 0. syl gold+en disc pos n. def an award given to a musical artiste or group after the sale of one million copies of a record made by them. golden eagle 0. syl gold+en ea:gle pos n. def a large eagle, of mountainous regions of the N hemisphere, having a plumage that is golden brown on the back and brown elsewhere. goldeneyes infl head goldeneye or goldeneye syl gold:en+eyes pos n. mod pl. goldeneye infl or goldeneyes syl gold:en+eye. pos n. mod pl. goldeneye 1. syl gold:en+eye pron <1g*uld*n2I> pos n. def either of two black-and-white diving ducks, or of northern regions. goldeneye 2. syl gold:en+eye pron <1g*uld*n2I> pos n. def any lacewing of the family that has a greenish body and eyes of a metallic lustre. Golden Fleece 0. syl Gold+en Fleece pos n. qual Greek myth. def the fleece of a winged ram that rescued Phrixus and brought him to Colchis, where he sacrificed it to Zeus. Phrixus gave the fleece to King Ae*"etes who kept it in a sacred grove, whence Jason and the Argonauts stole it with the help of Ae*"etes daughter. See also {Phrixus}. Golden Gate 0. syl Gold+en Gate pos n. def a strait between the Pacific and San Francisco Bay: crossed by the {Golden Gate Bridge}, with a central span of 1260 m (4200 ft.). golden goose 0. syl gold+en goose pos n. def a goose in folklore that laid a golden egg a day until its greedy owner killed it in an attempt to get all the gold at once. golden handshake 0. syl gold+en hand+shake pos n. qual Informal. def a sum of money, usually large, given to an employee, either on retirement in recognition of long or excellent service or as compensation for loss of employment. Golden Horde 0. syl Gold+en Horde pos n. def the Mongol horde that devastated E Europe in the early 13th century. It established the westernmost Mongol khanate, which at its height ruled most of European Russia. Defeated by the power of Muscovy (1380), the realm split into four smaller khanates in 1405. Golden Horn 0. syl Gold+en Horn pos n. def an inlet of the Bosporus in NW Turkey, forming the harbour of Istanbul. Turkish name: {Hali*,c}. golden mean 1. syl gold+en mean pos n. def the middle course between extremes. golden mean 2. syl gold+en mean pos n. def another term for {golden section}. golden number 0. syl gold+en num+ber pos n. def a number between 1 and 19, used to indicate the position of any year in the Metonic cycle, calculated as the remainder when 1 is added to the given year and the sum is divided by 19. If the remainder is zero the number is 19. exam 1 the golden number of 1984 is 9. golden oriole 0. syl gold+en o:ri+ole pos n. def a European oriole, the male of which has a bright yellow head and body with black wings and tail. golden pheasant 0. syl gold+en pheas+ant pos n. def a brightly coloured pheasant, of the mountainous regions of W and central Asia, the males of which have a crest and ruff. golden plover 0. syl gold+en plov+er pos n. def any of several plovers of the genus such as of Europe and Asia, that have golden brown back, head, and wings. golden retriever 0. syl gold+en re+triev+er pos n. def a variety of retriever with a long silky wavy coat of a yellow or golden colour. goldenrod 1. syl gold:en+rod pron <2g*uld*n1rod> pos n. def any plant of the genus of North America, Europe, and Asia, having spikes of small yellow flowers: family (composites). See also {yellowweed}. goldenrod 2. syl gold:en+rod pron <2g*uld*n1rod> pos n. def any of various similar related plants, such as ({false goldenrod}) of the southern U.S. golden rule 1. syl gold+en rule pos n. def the rule of conduct formulated by Christ. exam 1 Whatsoever ye would that men should do to you, do ye even so to them golden rule 2. syl gold+en rule pos n. def any important principle. exam 1 a golden rule of sailing is to wear a life jacket. golden rule 3. syl gold+en rule pos n. def another name for {rule of three}. goldenseal 0. syl gold:en+seal pron <2g*uld*n1sEl> pos n. def a ranunculaceous woodland plant, of E North America, whose thick yellow rootstock contains such alkaloids as berberine and hydrastine and was formerly used medicinally. mean alt head golden section or golden section syl mean pos n. golden section 0. or mean syl gold+en sec+tion pos n. qual Fine arts. def the proportion of the two divisions of a straight line or the two dimensions of a plane figure such that the smaller is to the larger as the larger is to the sum of the two. golden syrup 0. syl gold+en syr+up pos n. qual Brit. def a light golden coloured treacle produced by the evaporation of cane sugar juice, used to sweeten and flavour cakes, puddings, etc. golden wattle 1. syl gold+en wat+tle pos n. def an Australian yellow-flowered mimo?!saceous plant, that yields a useful gum and bark. golden wattle 2. syl gold+en wat+tle pos n. def any of several similar and related plants, esp. of Australia. gold-exchange standard 0. syl gold-ex:change stand+ard pos n. def a monetary system by which one country's currency, which is not itself based on the gold standard, is kept at a par with another currency that is based on the gold standard. goldeyes infl head goldeye or goldeye syl gold+eyes pos n. mod pl. goldeye infl or goldeyes syl gold+eye. pos n. mod pl. goldeye 0. syl gold+eye pron <1g*uld2I> pos n. def a North American clupeoid fish, with yellowish eyes, silvery sides, and a dark blue back: family (mooneyes). goldfinch 1. syl gold+finch pron <1g*uld2finC> pos n. def a common European finch, the male of which has a red-and-white face and yellow-and-black wings. goldfinch 2. syl gold+finch pron <1g*uld2finC> pos n. def any of several North American finches of the genus esp. the yellow-and-black species goldfish infl or goldfishes syl gold+fish pos n. mod pl. goldfishes infl head goldfish or goldfish syl gold+fish:es. pos n. mod pl. goldfish 1. syl gold+fish pron <1g*uld2fiS> pos n. def a freshwater cyprinid fish, of E Europe and Asia, esp. China, widely introduced as a pond or aquarium fish. It resembles the carp and has a typically golden or orange-red coloration. goldfish 2. syl gold+fish pron <1g*uld2fiS> pos n. def any of certain similar ornamental fishes, esp. the golden orfe (see {orfe}) . goldfish bowl 1. syl gold+fish bowl pos n. def Also called: {fishbowl}. a glass bowl, typically spherical, in which fish are kept as pets. goldfish bowl 2. syl gold+fish bowl pos n. def a place or situation open to observation by onlookers. gold foil 0. syl gold foil pos n. def thin gold sheet that is thicker than gold leaf. goldilocks 1. syl gold:i+locks pron <1g*uldi2loks> pos n. def a Eurasian plant, (or with clusters of small yellow flowers: family (composites). goldilocks 2. syl gold:i+locks pron <1g*uldi2loks> pos n. def a Eurasian ranunculaceous woodland plant, with yellow flowers. See also {buttercup}. goldilocks 3. syl gold:i+locks pron <1g*uldi2loks> pos n. usage sometimes cap. def a person, esp. a girl, with light blond hair. William (Gerald) infl head Golding syl Wil:liam (Gerald) pos n. Golding 0. syl Gold:ing pron <1g*uldiG> pos n. def born 1911, English novelist noted for his allegories of man's proclivity for evil. His novels include (1954) and (1959). gold leaf 0. syl gold leaf pos n. def very thin gold sheet with a thickness between about 0.076 and 0.127 micrometre, produced by rolling or hammering gold and used for gilding woodwork, etc. gold medal 0. syl gold med+al pos n. def a medal of gold, awarded to the winner of a competition or race. Compare {silver medal, bronze medal}. gold mine 1. syl gold mine pos n. def a place where gold ore is mined. gold mine 2. syl gold mine pos n. def a source of great wealth, profit, etc. gold-miner sub head gold mine syl gold-2min:er pos n. gold-mining sub head gold mine syl gold-2min:ing pos n. gold note 0. syl gold note pos n. qual U.S. def another name for {gold certificate}. gold-of-pleasure 0. syl gold-of-pleas:ure pos n. def a yellow-flowered Eurasian cruciferous plant, widespread as a weed, esp. in flax fields: formerly cultivated for its oil-rich seeds. Carlo infl head Goldoni syl Car:lo pron <1karlo> pos n. Goldoni 0. syl Gol:do:ni pron Italian pos n. def 1707-93, Italian dramatist; author of over 250 plays in Italian or French, including (1753). His work introduced realistic Italian comedy, superseding the commedia dell'arte. gold plate 1. syl gold plate pos n. def a thin coating of gold, usually produced by electroplating. gold plate 2. syl gold plate pos n. def vessels or utensils made of gold. gold-plate 0. syl gold-plate pos vb. mod tr. def to coat (other metal) with gold, usually by electroplating. gold point 0. syl gold point pos n. qual Finance. def either of two exchange rates (the {gold export point} and the {gold import point}) at which it is as cheap to settle international accounts by exporting or importing gold bullion as by selling or buying bills of exchange. Also called: {specie point}. gold reserve 0. syl gold re+serve pos n. def the gold reserved by a central bank to support domestic credit expansion, to cover balance of payments deficits, and to protect currency. gold rush 0. syl gold rush pos n. def a large-scale migration of people to a territory where gold has been found. Richard Benedikt infl head Goldschmidt syl Rich:ard Ben:e:dikt. pos n. Goldschmidt 0. syl Gold:schmidt pron <1g*uld2Smit> pos n. def 1878-1958, U.S. geneticist, born in Germany. He advanced the theory that heredity is determined by the chemical configuration of the chromosome molecule rather than by the qualities of the individual genes. goldsmith 1.a. syl gold+smith pron <1g*uld2smiT> pos n. def a dealer in articles made of gold. goldsmith 1.b. syl gold+smith pron <1g*uld2smiT> pos n. def an artisan who makes such articles. goldsmith 2. syl gold+smith pron <1g*uld2smiT> pos n. usage formerly def a dealer or manufacturer of gold articles who also engaged in banking or other financial business. goldsmith 3. syl gold+smith pron <1g*uld2smiT> pos n. usage in Malaysia def a Chinese jeweller. Oliver infl head Goldsmith syl Ol:i:ver. pos n. Goldsmith 0. syl Gold:smith pron <1g*uld2smiT> pos n. def 1728-74, Irish poet, dramatist, and novelist. His works include the novel (1766), the poem (1770), and the comedy (1773). goldsmith beetle 0. syl gold+smith bee+tle pos n. def any of various scarabaeid beetles that have a metallic golden lustre, esp. the rose chafer. gold standard 0. syl gold stand+ard pos n. def a monetary system in which the unit of currency is defined with reference to gold. Gold Stick 1. syl Gold Stick pos n. usage sometimes not caps. def a gilt rod carried by the colonel of the Life Guards or the captain of the Gentlemen-at-arms. Gold Stick 2. syl Gold Stick pos n. usage sometimes not caps. def the bearer of this rod. gold-tail moth 0. syl gold-tail moth pos n. def a European moth, (or having white wings and a soft white furry body with a yellow tail tuft: family goldthread 1. syl gold+thread pron <1g*uld2Tred> pos n. def a North American woodland ranunculaceous plant, (or with slender yellow roots. goldthread 2. syl gold+thread pron <1g*uld2Tred> pos n. def the root of this plant, which yields a medicinal tonic and a dye. golem ety from Yiddish goylem, from Hebrew g*_olem formless thing golem 0. syl go+lem pron <1g*ulem> pos n. usage in Jewish legend def an artificially created human being brought to life by supernatural means. golf ety C15: probably from Middle Dutch colf #7club golf 1.a. syl golf pron pos n. def a game played on a large open course, the object of which is to hit a ball using clubs, with as few strokes as possible, into each of usually 18 holes. golf 2. syl golf pron pos n. mod intr. def to play golf. golf ball 1. syl golf ball pos n. def a small resilient white ball of strands of rubber wound at high tension around a core with a cover made of gutta-percha, etc., used in golf. golf ball 2. syl golf ball pos n. usage in some electric typewriters def a small detachable metal sphere, around the surface of which type characters are arranged. golf club 1. syl golf club pos n. def any of various long-shafted clubs with wood or metal heads used to strike a golf ball. golf club 2.a. syl golf club pos n. def an association of golf players, usually having its own course and facilities. golf club 2.b. syl golf club pos n. def the premises of such an association. golinks alt head golf course or golf course syl golinks pos n. golf course 0. or golinks syl golf course pos n. def a large area of open land on which golf is played. golfer 1. syl golf+er pron <1golf*> pos n. def a person who plays golf. golfer 2. syl golf+er pron <1golf*> pos n. def a type of cardigan. Camillo infl head Golgi syl Ca:mil:lo pron pos n. Golgi 0. syl Gol:gi pron Italian <1gclJi> pos n. def 1844-1926, Italian neurologist and histologist, noted for his work on the central nervous system and his discovery in animal cells of the bodies known by his name: shared the Nobel prize for medicine 1906. Golgi body ety C20: named after C. G#7olgi apparatus infl head Golgi body or complex syl ap+pa+rat+us pos n. complex infl head Golgi body or apparatus syl com+plex pos n. Golgi body 0. syl Gol:gi bod:y pos n. def a membranous complex of vesicles, vacuoles, and flattened sacs in the cytoplasm of most cells: involved in intracellular secretion and transport. Golgotha ety C17: from Late Latin, from Greek, from Aramaic, based on Hebrew gulg*_oleth skull Golgotha 1. syl Gol+go+tha pron <1golg*T*> pos n. def another name for {Calvary}. Golgotha 2. syl Gol+go+tha pron <1golg*T*> pos n. qual Now rare. usage sometimes not cap. def a place of burial. goliard ety C15: from Old French goliart glutton, from Latin gula gluttony goliard 0. syl gol+iard pron <1g*ulj*d> pos n. def one of a number of wandering scholars in 12th- and 13th-century Europe famed for their riotous behaviour, intemperance, and composition of satirical and ribald Latin verse. goliardic sub head goliard syl gol+iar+dic pron pos adj. goliardery 0. syl gol+iard+er:y pron pos n. def the poems of the goliards. Goliath 0. syl Go:li:ath pron pos n. qual Old Testament. def a Philistine giant from Gath who terrorized the Hebrews until he was killed by David with a stone from his sling (I Samuel 17). goliath beetle 0. syl go+li+ath bee+tle pos n. def any very large tropical scarabaeid beetle of the genus esp. of Africa, which may grow to a length of 20 centimetres. goliath frog 0. syl go+li+ath frog pos n. def the largest living frog, which occurs in the Congo region of Africa and can grow to a length of 30 centimetres. golliwog ety C19: from the name of a doll character in children's books by the Americans Bertha Upton (died 1912), writer, and Florence Upton (died 1922), illustrator golliwogg alt head golliwog or golliwog syl gol+li+wogg pron <1goli2wog> pos n. golliwog 0. or golliwogg syl gol+li+wog pron <1goli2wog> pos n. def a soft doll with a black face, usually made of cloth or rags. gollop ety dialect variant of #7gulp gollop 0. syl gol+lop pron <1gol*p> pos vb. def to eat or drink (something) quickly or greedily. golloper sub head gollop syl gol+lop+er pos n. golly ety C19: originally a euphemism for G#7od golly H1.0. syl gol+ly pron <1goli> pos interj. def an exclamation of mild surprise or wonder. gollies infl head golly syl gol+lies. pos n. mod pl. golly H2.0. syl gol+ly pron <1goli> pos n. qual Brit. informal. def short for {golliwog}: used chiefly by children. golly ety C20: altered from gollion a gob of phlegm, probably of imitative origin infl head golly syl ~ pos vb. qual Austral. slang. gollies infl head golly syl gol+lies pos vb. gollying infl head golly syl gol+ly+ing pos vb. gollied infl head golly syl gol+lied. pos vb. golly H3.1. syl gol+ly pron <1goli> pos vb. def to spit. {~} {+lies}. golly H3.2. syl gol+ly pron <1goli> pos vb. def a gob of spit. goloshes 0. syl go+losh:es pron pos n. mod pl. def a less common spelling of {galoshes}. Moses infl head Gomberg syl Mo:ses. pos n. Gomberg 0. syl Gom:berg pron <1gombR:g> pos n. def 1866-1947, U.S. chemist, born in Russia, noted for his work on free radicals. gombroon ety C17: named after Gombroon, Iran, from which it was originally exported gombroon 0. syl gom+broon pron pos n. def Persian and Chinese pottery and porcelain wares. Gomel 0. syl Go+mel pron Russian <1gcmilj> pos n. def an industrial city in the W Soviet Union, in the SE Byelorussian SSR: belonged to Lithuania until 1772. Pop.: 337000 (1975 est.). Gomorrha alt head Gomorrah or Gomorrah syl Go+mor+rha pron pos n. Gomorrah 1. or Gomorrha syl Go+mor+rah pron pos n. qual Old Testament. def one of two ancient cities near the Dead Sea, the other being Sodom, that were destroyed by God as a punishment for the wickedness of their inhabitants (Genesis 19:24). Gomorrah 2. or Gomorrha syl Go+mor+rah pron pos n. def any place notorious for vice and depravity. Gomorrean sub head Gomorrah or Gomorrhean syl Go+1mor+re:an pos adj. Gomorrhean sub head Gomorrah or Gomorrean syl Go+1mor+rhe:an pos adj. Samuel infl head Gompers syl Sam:u:el. pos n. Gompers 0. syl Gom:pers pron <1gomp*z> pos n. def 1850-1924, U.S. labour leader, born in England; a founder of the American Federation of Labor and its president (1886-94; 1896-1924). gomphosis ety C16: from New Latin, from Greek gomphoein to bolt together, from gomphos tooth, peg gomphoses infl head gomphosis syl gom+pho+ses pron <-sEz> pos n. mod pl. gomphosis 0. syl gom+pho+sis pron pos n. qual Anatomy. def a form of immovable articulation in which a peglike part fits into a cavity, as in the setting of a tooth in its socket. Wladyslaw infl head Gomulka syl Wla:dy:slaw pron pos n. Gomulka 0. syl Go:mul:ka pron pos n. def born 1905, Polish statesman; first secretary of the Polish Communist Party (1956-70). gomuti ety from Malay g*ue#800342 muti gomuti palm alt head gomuti or gomuti syl go+mu+ti palm pron pos n. gomuti 1. or gomuti palm syl go+mu+ti pron pos n. def an East Indian feather palm, whose sweet sap is a source of sugar. gomuti 2. or gomuti palm syl go+mu+ti pron pos n. def a black wiry fibre obtained from the leafstalks of this plant, used for making rope, etc. gomuti 3. or gomuti palm syl go+mu+ti pron pos n. def a Malaysian sago palm, gon- 0. syl gon- usage combining form. def variant of {gono-} before a vowel. exam 1 gonidium. -gon ety from Greek -g*_onon, from g*_onia angle -gon 0. syl -gon pos n. usage combining form. def indicating a figure having a specified number of angles. exam 1 pentagon. gonad ety C19: from New Latin gonas, from Greek gonos seed gonad 0. syl gon+ad pron <1gon@d> pos n. def an animal organ in which gametes are produced, such as a testis or an ovary. gonadal sub head gonad syl gon+ad+al pron pos adj. gonadial sub head gonad or gonadic syl go+na+di:al pron pos adj. gonadic sub head gonad or gonadial syl go+1nad+ic pos adj. gonadotropic hormone alt head gonadotropin or gonadotropin syl gon+ad:o+trop+ic hor+mone pos n. gonadotropin 0. or gonadotropic hormone syl gon+ad:o+tro+pin pron <2gon*d*u1tr*upin> pos n. def any of three glycoprotein hormones secreted by the pituitary gland and placenta that stimulate the gonads and control reproductive activity. See {follicle-stimulating hormone, luteinizing hormone, prolactin}. &- {@!gon+ad@.o+#!troph+ic} {@!gon+ad@.o+#!trop+ic} Gonaives 0. syl Go+na+*"ives pron French pos n. def a port in W Haiti, on the {Gulf of Gona*"ives}; scene of the proclamation of Haiti's independence (1804). Pop.: 14000 (1971 est.). Edmond Louis Antoine Huot de infl head Goncourt syl Ed:mond Louis An:toine Hu:ot de pron , pos n. Goncourt 0. syl Gon:court pron French , pos n. def 1822-96, and his brother, {Jules Al@.fred Hu@.ot de} (#fyl al#!fr$ed), 1830-70, French writers, noted for their collaboration, esp. on their , and for the Acad*'emie Goncourt founded by Edmond's will. Gond 0. syl Gond pron pos n. def a member of a formerly tribal people now living in scattered enclaves throughout S central India. Gondar 0. syl Gon+dar pron <1gonda:> pos n. def a city in NW Ethiopia: capital of Ethiopia from the 17th century until 1868. Pop.: 36570 (1971 est.). Gondi 0. syl Gon+di pron <1gondi> pos n. def the language or group of languages spoken by the Gonds, belonging to the Dravidian family of languages. gondola ety C16: from Italian (Venetian dialect), from Medieval Latin gondula, perhaps ultimately from Greek kondu drinking vessel gondola 1. syl gon+do+la pron <1gond*l*> pos n. def a long narrow flat-bottomed boat with a high ornamented stem and a platform at the stern where an oarsman stands and propels the boat by sculling or punting: traditionally used on the canals of Venice. gondola 2.a. syl gon+do+la pron <1gond*l*> pos n. def a car or cabin suspended from an airship or balloon. gondola 2.b. syl gon+do+la pron <1gond*l*> pos n. def a moving cabin suspended from a cable across a valley, etc. gondola 3. syl gon+do+la pron <1gond*l*> pos n. def a flat-bottomed barge used on canals and rivers of the U.S. as far west as the Mississippi. gondola 4. syl gon+do+la pron <1gond*l*> pos n. qual U.S. def a low, open, and flat-bottomed railway goods wagon. gondola 5. syl gon+do+la pron <1gond*l*> pos n. def a set of island shelves in a self-service shop: used for displaying goods. gondolier 0. syl gon+do+lier pron <2gond*1li*> pos n. def a man who propels a gondola. Gondwana alt head Gondwanaland or Gondwanaland syl Gond+wa+na pos n. Gondwanaland 0. or Gondwana syl Gond+wa+na+land pron pos n. def a hypothetical southern continental mass of the late Palaeozoic and Mesozoic eras that included Antarctica, South America, Africa, India, and Australia. gone 1. syl gone pron pos vb. def the past participle of {go}. gone 2. syl gone pron pos adj. usage usually postpositive def ended; past. gone 3. syl gone pron pos adj. usage usually postpositive def lost; ruined (esp. in the phrases {gone goose} {gosling}) . gone 4. syl gone pron pos adj. usage usually postpositive def dead or near to death. gone 5. syl gone pron pos adj. usage usually postpositive def spent; consumed; used up. gone 6. syl gone pron pos adj. qual Informal. usage usually postpositive def faint or weak. gone 7. syl gone pron pos adj. qual Informal. usage usually postpositive def having been pregnant (for a specified time). exam 1 six months gone. gone 8. syl gone pron pos adj. qual Slang. usage usually postpositive; usually foll. by on def in love (with). gone 9. syl gone pron pos adj. qual Slang. usage usually postpositive def in an exhilarated state, as through music or the use of drugs. goner 0. syl gon+er pron <1gon*> pos n. qual Slang. def a person or thing beyond help or recovery, esp. a person who is dead or about to die. gonfalon ety C16: from Old Italian gonfalone, from Old French gonfalon, of Germanic origin; compare Old English g*_uthfana war banner, Old Norse gunnfani gonfanon alt head gonfalon or gonfalon syl gon+fa+non pron <1gonf*n*n> pos n. gonfalon 1. or gonfanon syl gon+fa+lon pron <1gonf*l*n> pos n. def a banner hanging from a crossbar, used esp. by certain medieval Italian republics or in ecclesiastical processions. gonfalon 2. or gonfanon syl gon+fa+lon pron <1gonf*l*n> pos n. def a battle flag suspended crosswise on a staff, usually having a serrated edge to give the appearance of streamers. gonfalonier 0. syl gon+fa+lon+ier pron <2gonf*l*1ni*> pos n. def the chief magistrate or other official of a medieval Italian republic, esp. the bearer of the republic's gonfalon. gong ety C17: from Malay, of imitative origin gong 1. syl gong pron pos n. def Also called: {tam-tam}. a percussion instrument of indefinite pitch, consisting of a metal platelike disc struck with a soft-headed drumstick. gong 2. syl gong pron pos n. def a rimmed metal disc, hollow metal hemisphere, or metal strip, tube, or wire that produces a note when struck. It may be used to give alarm signals when operated electromagnetically. gong 3. syl gong pron pos n. def a fixed saucer-shaped bell, as on an alarm clock, struck by a mechanically operated hammer. gong 4. syl gong pron pos n. qual Brit. slang. def a medal, esp. a military one. {~} gong 5. syl gong pron pos n. mod intr. def to sound a gong. gong 6. syl gong pron pos n. mod tr. usage of traffic police def to summon (a driver) to stop by sounding a gong. gonglike sub head gong syl gong+2like pos adj. Gongola 0. syl Gon+go+la pron pos n. def a state of E Nigeria, formed in 1976 from part of Northeastern State. Capital: Yola. Pop.: 1585200 (1976 est). Area: 13664 sq. km (5275 sq. miles). Luis de infl head G'ongora y Argote syl Luis de pron pos n. Gongorism ety C19: from Spanish gongorismo; see G#7o*'ngora y A#7rgote Gongorism 1. syl Gon+go+rism pron <1goGg*2riz*m> pos n. def an affected literary style characterized by intricate language and obscurity. Gongorism 2. syl Gon+go+rism pron <1goGg*2riz*m> pos n. def an example of this. Gongorist sub head Gongorism syl Gon+go+rist pos n. Gongoristic sub head Gongorism syl Gon+go+1ris+tic pos adj. goniatite ety C19: from Greek g*_onia angle, referring to the angular sutures in some species+{-#7ite %1} goniatite 0. syl go+ni:a+tite pron <1g*uni*2tIt> pos n. def any extinct cephalopod mollusc of the genus and related genera, similar to ammonites: a common fossil of Devonian and Carboniferous rocks. gonidium ety C19: from New Latin, from #7gono -#7+ -#7idium gonidiia infl head gonidium syl go+nid+i:i:a pron <-i*> pos n. mod pl. gonidium 1. syl go+nid+i:um pron pos n. def a green algal cell in the thallus of a lichen. gonidium 2. syl go+nid+i:um pron pos n. def an asexual reproductive cell in some colonial algae. gonidial sub head gonidium or gonidic syl go+1nid+i:al pos adj. gonidic sub head gonidium or gonidial syl go+1nid+ic pos adj. goniometer ety C18: via French from Greek g*_onia angle goniometer 1. syl go+ni+om+e:ter pron <2g*uni1omit*> pos n. def an instrument for measuring the angles between the faces of a crystal. goniometer 2. syl go+ni+om+e:ter pron <2g*uni1omit*> pos n. def an instrument consisting of a transformer circuit connected to two directional aerials, used to determine the bearing of a distant radio station. goniometric sub head goniometer or goniometrical syl go+ni:o+met+ric pron <2g*uni*1metrik> pos adj. goniometrical sub head goniometer or goniometric syl go+ni:o+1met+ri+cal pos adj. goniometrically sub head goniometer syl go+ni:o+1met+ri+cal+ly pos adv. gonion ety C19: from New Latin, from Greek g*_onia angle gonia infl head gonion syl go+ni:a pron <-ni*> pos n. mod pl. gonion 0. syl go+ni+on pron <1g*uni*n> pos n. qual Anatomy. def the point or apex of the angle of the lower jaw. -gonium ety from New Latin gonium, from Greek gonos seed -gonium 0. syl -go:ni:um pos n. usage combining form. def indicating a seed or reproductive cell. exam 1 archegonium. gonk ety C20: of unknown origin gonk 0. syl gonk pron pos n. def a soft toy, typically egg-shaped with arms and legs attached. gonna 0. syl gon+na pron <1gon*> pos vb. qual Slang. contraction of def going to. gono- ety New Latin, from Greek gonos seed gonococci infl head gonococcus syl gon:o+coc+ci pron <-1koksI> pos n. mod pl. gonococcus 0. syl gon:o+coc+cus pron <2gon*u1kok*s> pos n. def a spherical Gram-negative bacterium, that causes gonorrhoea: family gonococcal sub head gonococcus or gonococcic syl gon:o+1coc+cal pos adj. gonococcic sub head gonococcus or gonococcal syl gon:o+1coc+cic pos adj. gonococcoid sub head gonococcus syl gon:o+1coc+coid pos adj. gonocyte 0. syl gon:o+cyte pron <1gon*u2sIt> pos n. def an oocyte or spermatocyte. gonif alt head gonof or gonof syl gon+if pron <1gon*f> pos n. gonof 0. or gonif syl gon+of pron <1gon*f> pos n. def a variant spelling of {ganef}. gonophore 1.a. syl gon:o+phore pron <1gon*u2fc:> pos n. def a polyp in certain coelenterates that bears gonads. gonophore 2. syl gon:o+phore pron <1gon*u2fc:> pos n. qual Botany. def an elongated structure in certain flowers that bears the stamens and pistil above the level of the other flower parts. &- {gon@.o+phor+ic} (@!g$An$$$u?!#!f$Ar$Ik) {go+noph@.o+rous} (g$$$u#!n$Af$$r$$s) gonopore 0. syl gon:o+pore pron <1gon*2pc:> pos n. def an external pore in insects, earthworms, etc., through which the gametes are extruded. gonorrhoeal sub head gonorrhoea syl gon+or+1rhoe:al gonorrhoeic sub head gonorrhoea syl gon+or+1rhoe+ic -gony ety from Latin -gonia, from Greek -goneia, from gonos seed, procreation -gony 0. syl -go:ny pos n. usage combining form. def genesis, origin, or production. exam 1 cosmogony. Ricardo Alonzo infl head Gonzales syl Ri:car:do A:lon:zo pron <*1lonz*u> pos n. Gonzales 0. syl Gon:za:les pron pos n. def known as born 1928, U.S. tennis player. Julio infl head Gonz'alez syl Ju:lio pron <1$xuljo> pos n. Gonz'alez 0. syl Gon:z*'a:lez pron Spanish pos n. def 1876-1942, Spanish sculptor: one of the first to create abstract geometric forms with soldered iron. goo ety C20: of uncertain origin goo 1. syl goo pron pos n. qual Informal. def a sticky or viscous substance. goo 2. syl goo pron pos n. qual Informal. def coy or sentimental language or ideas. goober ety C19: of African (Angolan) origin; related to Kongo nguba goober pea alt head goober or goober syl goo+ber pea pron <1gu:b*> pos n. goober 0. or goober pea syl goo+ber pron <1gu:b*> pos n. def another name for { {peanut} (sense 1)}. good ety Old English g*_od; related to Old Norse g*_othr, Old High German guot good better infl head good syl bet+ter pos adj. best infl head good syl best. pos adj. good 1. syl good pron pos adj. def having admirable, pleasing, superior, or positive qualities; not negative, bad, or mediocre. exam 1 a good idea; exam 2 a good teacher. good 2.a. syl good pron pos adj. def morally excellent or admirable; virtuous; righteous. exam 1 a good man. good 2.b. syl good pron pos as collective; n. usage preceded by the exam 1 the good. good 3. syl good pron pos adj. def suitable or efficient for a purpose. exam 1 a good secretary; exam 2 a good winter coat. good 4. syl good pron pos adj. def beneficial or advantageous. exam 1 vegetables are good for you. good 5. syl good pron pos adj. def not ruined or decayed; sound or whole. exam 1 the meat is still good. good 6. syl good pron pos adj. def kindly or approving. exam 1 you are good to him. good 7. syl good pron pos adj. def right or acceptable. exam 1 your qualifications are good for the job. good 8. syl good pron pos adj. def rich and fertile. exam 1 good land. good 9. syl good pron pos adj. def valid or genuine. exam 1 I would not do this without good reason. good 10. syl good pron pos adj. def honourable or held in high esteem. exam 1 a good family. good 11. syl good pron pos adj. def commercially or financially secure, sound, or safe. exam 1 good securities; exam 2 a good investment. good 12. syl good pron pos adj. usage of a draft, etc. def drawn for a stated sum. good 13. syl good pron pos adj. usage of debts def expected to be fully paid. good 14. syl good pron pos adj. def clever, competent, or talented. exam 1 he's good at science. good 15. syl good pron pos adj. def obedient or well-behaved. exam 1 a good dog. good 16. syl good pron pos adj. def reliable, safe, or recommended. exam 1 a good make of clothes. good 17. syl good pron pos adj. def affording material pleasure or indulgence. exam 1 the good things in life; exam 2 the good life. good 18. syl good pron pos adj. def having a well-proportioned, beautiful, or generally fine appearance. exam 1 a good figure; exam 2 a good complexion. good 19. syl good pron pos adj. def complete; full. exam 1 I took a good ten minutes to reach the house. good 20. syl good pron pos adj. def propitious; opportune. exam 1 a good time to ask the manager for a rise. good 21. syl good pron pos adj. def satisfying or gratifying. exam 1 a good rest. good 22. syl good pron pos adj. def comfortable. exam 1 did you have a good night?? good 23. syl good pron pos adj. def newest or of the best quality. exam 1 to keep the good plates for important guests. good 24. syl good pron pos adj. def fairly large, extensive, or long. exam 1 a good distance away. good 25. syl good pron pos adj. def sufficient; ample. exam 1 we have a good supply of food. good 26. syl good pron pos adj. usage U.S. of meat def of the third government grade, above and below good 27. syl good pron pos adj. def serious or intellectual. exam 1 good music. good 28. syl good pron pos adj. def used in a traditional description. exam 1 the good ship @6Venus@9. good 29. syl good pron pos adj. def used in polite or patronizing phrases or to express anger (often intended ironically). exam 1 how is your good lady??; exam 2 look here, my good man&! good 30.a. syl good pron pos adj. def an unbelievable assertion. good 30.b. syl good pron pos adj. def a very funny joke. as good as 31. head good syl as good as. def virtually; practically. exam 1 it's as good as finished. be as 32. head good or so good as to syl be as def would you please. come good 33. head good syl come good. qual Austral. informal. def to succeed, esp. after a setback. good 36. syl good pron pos interj. def an exclamation of approval, agreement, pleasure, etc. good 37. syl good pron pos n. def moral or material advantage or use; benefit or profit. exam 1 for the good of our workers; exam 2 what is the good of worrying?? good 38. syl good pron pos n. def positive moral qualities; goodness; virtue; righteousness; piety. good 39. syl good pron pos n. usage sometimes cap. def the force that controls or effects positive moral qualities or virtue. exam 1 Good at work in the world. good 40. syl good pron pos n. def a good thing. good 41. syl good pron pos n. qual Economics. def a commodity or service that satisfies a human need. for good (and all) 42. head good syl for good (and all) . def forever; permanently. exam 1 I have left them for good. good 43.a. syl good pron pos n. def to recompense or repair damage or injury. good 43.b. syl good pron pos n. def to be successful. good 43.c. syl good pron pos n. def to demonstrate or prove the truth of (a statement or accusation). good 43.d. syl good pron pos n. def to secure and retain (a position). good 43.e. syl good pron pos n. def to effect or fulfil (something intended or promised). good on you 44. head good syl good on you. qual Chiefly Austral. def well done, well said, etc.: a term of congratula?!tion. {~} See also {goods}. goodish sub head good syl good+ish good afternoon 0. syl good af:ter+noon usage sentence substitute. def a conventional expression of greeting or farewell used in the afternoon. good arvo 0. syl good ar:vo pron <1a:v*u> usage sentence substitute. Austral. def good afternoon. Good Book 0. syl Good Book pos n. def a name for the {Bible} . Also called: {the Book}. goodbye ety C16: contraction of God be with ye goodbye 0. syl good+bye pron <2gud1bI> exam 1 sentence substitute. goodbye 1. syl good+bye pron <2gud1bI> def farewell: a conventional expression used at leave-taking or parting with people and at the loss or rejection of things or ideas. goodbye 2. syl good+bye pron <2gud1bI> pos n. def a leave-taking; parting. exam 1 they prolonged their goodbyes for a few more minutes. goodbye 3. syl good+bye pron <2gud1bI> pos n. def a farewell. exam 1 they said goodbyes to each other. good day 0. syl good day usage sentence substitute. def a conventional expression of greeting or farewell used during the day. good evening 0. syl good eve+ning usage sentence substitute. def a conventional expression of greeting or farewell used in the evening. good-for-nothing 1. syl good-for-noth:ing pos n. def an irresponsible or worthless person. good-for-nothing 2. syl good-for-noth:ing pos adj. def irresponsible; worthless. Good Friday 0. syl Good Fri+day pos n. def the Friday before Easter, observed as a commemoration of the Crucifixion of Jesus. good hair 0. syl good hair pos n. qual Caribbean. def hair showing evidence of some European strain in a person's blood. Cape of infl head Good Hope syl Cape of. pos n. Good Hope 0. syl Good Hope pos n. def See {Cape of Good Hope}. good-humoured 0. syl good-hu:moured pos adj. def being in or expressing a pleasant, tolerant, and kindly state of mind. good-humouredly sub head good-humoured syl good-1hu:moured+ly pos adv. good-humouredness sub head good-humoured syl good-1hu:moured+ness pos n. goodies 1. syl good:ies pron <1gudiz> pos n. mod pl. def any food or foods considered a special delight. goodies 2. syl good:ies pron <1gudiz> pos n. mod pl. def a choice selection of an item or collection. exam 1 I have some goodies from my stamp collection here. Good King Henry 0. syl Good King Hen:ry pos n. def a weedy chenopodiaceous plant, of N Europe, W Asia, and North America, having arrow-shaped leaves and clusters of small green flowers. good-looker 0. syl good-look:er pos n. def a handsome or pretty person. good-looking 0. syl good-look:ing pos adj. def handsome or pretty. goodlier infl head goodly syl good+li+er pos adj. goodliest infl head goodly syl good+li+est. pos adj. goodly 1. syl good+ly pron <1gudli> pos adj. def considerable. exam 1 a goodly amount of money. goodly 2. syl good+ly pron <1gudli> pos adj. def attractive, pleasing, or fine. exam 1 a goodly man. goodliness sub head goodly syl good+li+ness pos n. goodmen infl head goodman syl good+men. pos n. mod pl. goodman 1. syl good+man pron <1gudm*n> pos n. qual Archaic. def a husband. goodman 2. syl good+man pron <1gudm*n> pos n. qual Archaic. def a man not of gentle birth: used as a title. goodman 3. syl good+man pron <1gudm*n> pos n. qual Archaic. def a master of a household. Benny infl head Goodman syl Ben:ny. pos n. Goodman 0. syl Good:man pron <1gudm*n> pos n. def born 1909, U.S. jazz clarinettist and bandleader, whose treatment of popular songs created the jazz idiom known as swing. good morning 0. syl good morn+ing usage sentence substitute. def a conventional expression of greeting or farewell used in the morning. good-natured 0. syl good-na:tured pos adj. def of a tolerant and kindly disposition. good-naturedly sub head good-natured syl good-1na:tured+ly pos adv. good-naturedness sub head good-natured syl good-1na:tured+ness pos n. goodness 1. syl good+ness pron <1gudnis> pos n. def the state or quality of being good. goodness 2. syl good+ness pron <1gudnis> pos n. def generosity; kindness. goodness 3. syl good+ness pron <1gudnis> pos n. def moral excellence; piety; virtue. goodness 4. syl good+ness pron <1gudnis> pos interj. def a euphemism for {God}: used as an exclamation of surprise (often in phrases such as {goodness knows&! thank goodness&}!) . goodness of fit 0. syl good+ness of fit pos n. qual Statistics. def the extent to which observed sample values of a variable approximate to values derived from a theoretical density. good night 0. syl good night usage sentence substitute. def a conventional expression of farewell, or, rarely, of greeting, used in the late afternoon, the evening, or at night, esp. when departing to bed. good-o alt head good-oh or good-oh syl good-o pron <1gud*u> pos interj. good-oh 0. or good-o syl good-oh pron <1gud*u> pos interj. qual Brit. informal. def an exclamation of pleasure, agreement, approval, etc. good oil 0. syl good oil pos n. qual Austral. slang. usage usually preceded by the def true or reliable facts, information, etc. the infl head good people syl the. pos n. good people 0. syl good peo+ple pos n. mod pl. qual Informal. def fairies. good question 0. syl good ques+tion pos n. def a question that is hard to answer immediately. goods 1. syl goods pron pos n. mod pl. def possessions and personal property. goods 2. syl goods pron pos n. mod sometimes; sing. qual Economics. def commodities that are tangible, usually movable, and generally not consumed at the same time as they are produced. Compare {services}. goods 3. syl goods pron pos n. mod pl. def articles of commerce; merchandise. goods 4.a. syl goods pron pos n. mod pl. def merchandise when transported, esp. by rail; freight. goods 4.b. syl goods pron pos n. mod pl. usage as modifier exam 1 a goods train. goods 5. syl goods pron pos n. mod pl. qual Slang. def that which is expected. exam 1 to deliver the goods. the goods 6. head goods syl the goods. qual Slang. def the real thing. goods 7. syl goods pron pos n. mod pl. qual Slang. def a person, esp. a woman (esp. in the phrase {a piece of goods}) . goods 8. syl goods pron pos n. mod pl. qual U.S. slang. def incriminating evidence (esp. in the phrase: {have the goods on someone}) . Good Samaritan 1. syl Good Sa+mar:i+tan pos n. qual New Testament. def a figure in one of Christ's parables (Luke 10:30-37) who is an example of compassion towards those in distress. Good Samaritan 2. syl Good Sa+mar:i+tan pos n. def a kindly person who helps another in difficulty or distress. goods and chattels 0. syl goods and chat+tels pos n. mod pl. def any property that is not freehold, usually limited to include only moveable property. Good Shepherd 0. syl Good Shep+herd pos n. qual New Testament. def a title given to Jesus Christ in John 10:11-12. good-sized 0. syl good-sized pos adj. def quite large. good sort 0. syl good sort pos n. qual Austral. informal. def an agreeable or attractive woman. good-tempered 0. syl good-tem:pered pos adj. def of a kindly and generous disposition. good-time 0. syl good-time pos adj. usage of a person def wildly seeking pleasure. good turn 0. syl good turn pos n. def a helpful and friendly act; good deed; favour. goodwives infl head goodwife syl good+wives. pos n. mod pl. goodwife 1. syl good+wife pron <1gud2wIf> pos n. qual Archaic. def the mistress of a household. goodwife 2. syl good+wife pron <1gud2wIf> pos n. qual Archaic. def a woman not of gentle birth: used as a title. good will 1. syl good will pos n. def benevolence; kindliness. good will 2. syl good will pos n. def willingness or acquiescence. good will 3. syl good will pos n. qual Accounting. def an intangible asset taken into account in assessing the value of an enterprise and reflecting its commercial reputation, customer connections, etc. Goodwin Sands 0. syl Good+win Sands pron <1gudwin> pos n. mod pl. def a dangerous stretch of shoals at the entrance to the Strait of Dover: separated from the E coast of Kent by the Downs roadstead. goody H1.1. syl good:y pron <1gudi> pos interj. def a child's exclamation of pleasure and approval. goodies infl head goody syl good:ies. pos n. mod pl. goody H1.2. syl good:y pron <1gudi> pos n. def short for {goody-goody}. goody H1.3. syl good:y pron <1gudi> pos n. qual Informal. def the hero in a film, book, etc. goody ety C16: shortened from #7goodwife goodies infl head goody syl good:ies. pos n. mod pl. goody H2.0. syl good:y pron <1gudi> pos n. qual Archaic, literary. def a married woman of low rank: used as a title. exam 1 Goody Two-Shoes. Charles infl head Goodyear syl Charles. pos n. Goodyear 0. syl Good:year pron <1gud2ji*> pos n. def 1800-60, U.S. inventor of vulcanized rubber. goody-goodies infl head goody-goody syl good:y-good:ies. pos n. mod pl. goody-goody 1. syl good:y-good:y pos n. qual Informal. def a smugly virtuous or sanctimonious person. goody-goody 2. syl good:y-good:y pos adj. def smug and sanctimonious. gooier infl head gooey syl goo:i+er pos adj. gooiest infl head gooey syl goo:i+est. pos adj. gooey 1. syl goo+ey pron <1gu:i> pos adj. qual Informal. def sticky, soft, and often sweet. gooey 2. syl goo+ey pron <1gu:i> pos adj. qual Informal. def oversweet and sentimental. goof ety C20: probably from (dialect) goff simpleton, from Old French goffe clumsy, from Italian goffo, of obscure origin goof 1. syl goof pron pos n. qual Informal. def a foolish error or mistake. goof 2. syl goof pron pos n. qual Informal. def a stupid person. goof 3. syl goof pron pos vb. qual Informal. def to bungle (something); botch. goof 4. syl goof pron pos vb. mod intr. qual Informal. usage often foll. by about or around def to fool (around); mess (about). goof 5. syl goof pron pos vb. mod tr. qual Informal. def to dope with drugs. goofball 0. syl goof+ball pron <1gu:f2bc:l> pos n. qual U.S. slang. def a barbiturate sleeping pill. go off 1. syl go off pos adv. mod intr. usage of power, a water supply, etc. def to cease to be available, running, or functioning. exam 1 the lights suddenly went off. go off 2. syl go off pos adv. mod intr. def to be discharged or activated; explode. go off 3. syl go off pos adv. mod intr. def to occur as specified. exam 1 the meeting went off well. go off 4. syl go off pos vb. mod intr. def to leave (a place). exam 1 the actors went off stage. go off 5. syl go off pos adv. mod intr. usage of a sensation def to gradually cease to be felt or perceived. go off 6. syl go off pos adv. mod intr. def to fall asleep. go off 7. syl go off pos prep. mod intr. def to become mad or crazy (esp. in the phrases {go off one's rocker} {head}) . go off 8. syl go off pos adv. mod intr. def to enter a specified state or condition. exam 1 she went off into hysterics. go off 9. syl go off pos adv. mod intr. def foll. by to abscond (with). go off 10. syl go off pos adv. mod intr. usage of concrete, mortar, etc. def to harden. go off 11. syl go off pos adv. mod intr. usage Brit. informal. of food, etc. def to become stale or rotten. go off 12. syl go off pos prep. mod intr. qual Brit. informal. def to cease to like. exam 1 she went off him after their marriage. go off 13. syl go off pos adv. mod intr. qual Taboo slang. def to have an orgasm. goofier infl head goofy syl goof:i+er pos adj. goofiest infl head goofy syl goof:i+est. pos adj. goofy 1. syl goof:y pron <1gu:fi> pos adj. qual Informal. def foolish; silly; stupid. goofy 2. syl goof:y pron <1gu:fi> pos adj. qual Informal. usage Brit. of teeth def sticking out; protruding. goofily sub head goofy syl goof:i+ly pos adv. goofiness sub head goofy syl goof:i+ness pos n. googly ety C20: Australian, of unknown origin googlies infl head googly syl goog+lies. pos n. mod pl. googly 0. syl goog+ly pron <1gu:gli> pos n. qual Cricket. def an off break bowled with a leg break action. googol ety C20: coined by E. Kasner (1878-1955), American mathematician googol 0. syl goo+gol pron <1gu:gol>, <-gL> pos n. def the number represented as one followed by 100 zeros (10%1%0%0). googolplex ety C20: from #7googol+ (#7du) #7plex googolplex 0. syl goo+gol+plex pron <1gu:gol2pleks>, <-gL-> pos n. def the number represented as one followed by a googol (10%1%0%0) of zeros. gook ety C20: of uncertain origin gook 1. syl gook pron , pos n. qual U.S.; Slang. def a derogatory word for a person from a Far Eastern country. gook 2. syl gook pron , pos n. qual U.S.; Informal. def a messy sticky substance; muck. Goole 0. syl Goole pron pos n. def an inland port in NE England, in Humberside at the confluence of the Ouse and Don Rivers, 75 km (47 miles) from the North Sea. Pop.: 18066 (1971). goon ety C20: partly from dialect gooney fool, partly after the character Alice the Goon, created by E. C. Segar (1894-1938), American cartoonist goon 1. syl goon pron pos n. def a stupid or deliberately foolish person. goon 2. syl goon pron pos n. qual U.S. informal. def a thug hired to commit acts of violence or intimidation, esp. in an industrial dispute. go on 1. syl go on pos vb. mostly; adv. mod intr. def to continue or proceed. go on 2. syl go on pos vb. mostly; adv. mod intr. def to happen or take place. exam 1 there's something peculiar going on here. go on 3. syl go on pos vb. mostly; adv. mod intr. usage of power, water supply, etc. def to start running or functioning. go on 4. syl go on pos prep. mod intr. def to mount or board and ride on, esp. as a treat. exam 1 children love to go on donkeys at the seaside. go on 5. syl go on pos vb. mostly; adv. mod intr. qual Theatre. def to make an entrance on stage. go on 6. syl go on pos vb. mostly; adv. mod intr. def to act or behave. exam 1 he goes on as though he's rich. go on 7. syl go on pos vb. mostly; adv. mod intr. def to talk excessively; chatter. go on 8. syl go on pos vb. mostly; adv. mod intr. def to continue talking, esp. after a short pause. exam 1 @6When I am Prime Minister,@9 he went on, @6we shall abolish taxes.@9 go on 9. syl go on pos vb. mostly; adv. mod intr. def to criticize or nag. exam 1 stop going on at me all the time&! go on 10. syl go on pos prep. mod intr. def to use as a basis for further thought or action. exam 1 the police had no evidence at all to go on in the murder case. go on 11. syl go on pos vb. mostly; adv. mod intr. qual Brit. usage often foll. by for def to approach (a time, age, amount, etc.). exam 1 he's going on for his hundredth birthday. go on 12. syl go on pos vb. mostly; adv. mod intr. qual Cricket. def to start to bowl. go on 13. syl go on pos vb. mostly; adv. mod intr. def to take one's turn. go on 14. syl go on pos vb. mostly; adv. mod intr. usage of clothes def to be capable of being put on. go much on 15. head go on syl go much on. qual Brit. usage used with a negative def to care for; like. something to go on 16. head go on or to be going on with syl something to go on def something that is adequate for the present time. {~} go on 17. syl go on pos vb. mostly; adv. mod intr. def I don't believe what you're saying. gooney bird ety C19 gony (originally sailors' slang), probably from dialect gooney fool, of obscure origin; compare #7goon gooney bird 0. syl goo+ney bird pron <1gu:ni> pos n. def an informal name for {albatross}, esp. the black-footed albatross goop ety C20: coined by G. Burgess (1866-1951), American humorist &- #!goop@.y adj. goop 0. syl goop pron pos n. qual U.S. slang. def a rude or ill-mannered person. goosander ety C17: probably from #7goose %1#7+ Old Norse *"ond (genitive andar) duck goosander 0. syl goos+an+der pron pos n. def a common merganser (a duck), of Europe and North America, having a dark head and white body in the male. goose ety Old English g*_os; related to Old Norse g*_as, Old High German gans, Old Irish g*_eiss swan, Greek kh*_en, Sanskrit hainsas geese infl head goose syl geese. pos n. mod pl. goose H1.1. syl goose pron pos n. def any of various web-footed long-necked birds of the family order They are typically larger and less aquatic than ducks and are gregarious and migratory. See also {brent, barnacle goose, greylag, snow goose}. goose H1.2. syl goose pron pos n. def the female of such a bird, as opposed to the male (gander). goose H1.3. syl goose pron pos n. qual Informal. def a silly person. gooses infl head goose syl goos:es pos n. mod pl. goose H1.4. syl goose pron pos n. def a pressing iron with a long curving handle, used esp. by tailors. goose H1.5. syl goose pron pos n. def the flesh of the goose, used as food. all his geese are swans 6. head goose syl all his geese are swans. def he constantly exaggerates the importance of a person or thing. cook one's goose 7. head goose syl cook one's goose. qual Informal. def to spoil one's chances or plans completely. kill the goose that lays the golden eggs 8. head goose syl kill the goose that lays the golden eggs. def to sacrifice future benefits for the sake of momentary present needs. goose ety C19: from #7goose %1#7, probably from a comparison with the jabbing of a goose's bill goose H2.1. syl goose pron pos vb. mod tr. qual U.S. slang. def to prod (a person) playfully in the behind. gooses infl head goose syl goos:es. pos n. mod pl. goose H2.2. syl goose pron pos n. qual U.S. slang. def a playful prod in the behind. goose barnacle 0. syl goose bar+na+cle pos n. def any barnacle of the genus living attached by a stalk to pieces of wood, having long feathery appendages (cirri) and flattened shells. gooseberries infl head gooseberry syl goose+ber:ries. pos n. mod pl. gooseberry 1. syl goose+ber:ry pron <1guzb*ri>, <-bri> pos n. def a Eurasian shrub, (or having greenish, purple-tinged flowers and ovoid yellow-green or red-purple berries: family See also { {currant} (sense 2)}. gooseberry 2.a. syl goose+ber:ry pron <1guzb*ri>, <-bri> pos n. def the berry of this plant. gooseberry 2.b. syl goose+ber:ry pron <1guzb*ri>, <-bri> pos n. usage as modifier exam 1 gooseberry jam. gooseberry 3. syl goose+ber:ry pron <1guzb*ri>, <-bri> pos n. qual Brit. informal. def an unwanted single person in a group of couples, esp. a third person with a couple (often in the phrase {play gooseberry}) Cape gooseberry 4. head gooseberry syl Cape gooseberry. def a tropical American solana?!ceous plant, naturalized in southern Africa, having yellow flowers and edible yellow berries. See also {ground cherry}. Chinese gooseberry 5. head gooseberry syl Chinese gooseberry. def another name for { {kiwi} (sense 2)}. gooseberry bush 1. syl goose+ber:ry bush pos n. def See {gooseberry} (sense 1). under a gooseberry bush 2. head gooseberry bush syl under a gooseberry bush. def used humorously in answering children's questions regarding their birth. goosefish infl or goosefishes syl goose+fish pos n. mod pl. goosefishes infl head goosefish or goosefish syl goose+fish:es. pos n. mod pl. goosefish 0. syl goose+fish pron <1gu:s2fiS> pos n. qual U.S. def another name for { {monkfish} (sense 1)}. goose flesh 0. syl goose flesh pos n. def the bumpy condition of the skin induced by cold, fear, etc., caused by contraction of the muscles at the base of the hair follicles with consequent erection of papillae. Also called: {goose bumps, goose pimples, goose skin}. goosefoots infl head goosefoot syl goose+foots. pos n. mod pl. goosefoot 0. syl goose+foot pron <1gu:s2fut> pos n. def any typically weedy chenopodiaceous plant of the genus having small greenish flowers and leaves shaped like a goose's foot. See also {Good King Henry, fat hen}. goosegog ety from goose in #7gooseberry+ gog, variant of #7gob %1 goosegob alt head goosegog or goosegog syl goose+gob pos n. goosegog 0. or goosegob syl goose+gog pron <1guzgog> pos n. qual Brit. def a dialect word for {gooseberry}. goosegrass 0. syl goose+grass pron <1gu:s2gra:s> pos n. def another name for {cleavers}. gooseneck 1. syl goose+neck pron <1gu:s2nek> pos n. qual Nautical. def a pivot between the forward end of a boom and a mast, to allow the boom to swing freely. gooseneck 2. syl goose+neck pron <1gu:s2nek> pos n. def something in the form of a neck of a goose. goosenecked sub head gooseneck syl goose+2necked pos adj. goose step 1. syl goose step pos n. def a military march step in which the leg is swung rigidly to an exaggerated height, esp. as in the German army in the Third Reich. goose-step infl head goose step syl goose-step pos vb. goose steps infl head goose step syl goose steps pos vb. goose stepping infl head goose step syl goose step:ping pos vb. goose stepped infl head goose step syl goose stepped. pos vb. goose step 2. syl goose step pos vb. mod intr. def to march in goose step. goosey alt head goosy or goosy syl goos+ey pron <1gu:si> pos adj. goosier infl head goosy syl goos:i+er pos adj. goosiest infl head goosy syl goos:i+est. pos adj. goosy 1. or goosey syl goos:y pron <1gu:si> pos adj. def of or like a goose. goosy 2. or goosey syl goos:y pron <1gu:si> pos adj. def having goose flesh. goosy 3. or goosey syl goos:y pron <1gu:si> pos adj. def silly and foolish. goosiness sub head goosy syl goos:i+ness pos n. go out 1. syl go out pos vb. adv. mod intr. def to depart from a room, house, country, etc. go out 2. syl go out pos vb. adv. mod intr. def to cease to illuminate, burn, or function. exam 1 the fire has gone out. go out 3. syl go out pos vb. adv. mod intr. def to cease to be fashionable or popular. exam 1 that style went out ages ago&! go out 4. syl go out pos vb. adv. mod intr. def to become unconscious or fall asleep. exam 1 she went out like a light. go out 5. syl go out pos vb. adv. mod intr. usage of a broadcast def to be transmitted. go out 6. syl go out pos vb. adv. mod intr. def to go to entertainments, social functions, etc. go out 7. syl go out pos vb. adv. mod intr. usage usually foll. by with or together def to associate (with a person of the opposite sex) regularly; date. go out 8. syl go out pos vb. adv. mod intr. usage of workers def to begin to strike. go out 9. syl go out pos vb. adv. mod intr. usage foll. by to def to be extended (to). exam 1 our sympathy went out to her on the death of her sister. go out 10. syl go out pos vb. adv. mod intr. qual Card games, etc. def to get rid of the last card, token, etc., in one's hand. go all out 11. head go out syl go all out. def to make a great effort to achieve or obtain something. exam 1 he went all out to pass the exam. go over 1. syl go o:ver pos vb. mod intr. def to be received in a specified manner. exam 1 the concert went over very well. go over 2. syl go o:ver pos prep. mod intr. def Also: {go through}. to examine and revise as necessary. exam 1 he went over the accounts. go over 3. syl go o:ver pos prep. mod intr. def Also: {go through}. to clean. exam 1 she went over the room before her mother came. go over 4. syl go o:ver pos prep. mod intr. def to check and repair. exam 1 can you go over my car please?? go over 5. syl go o:ver pos prep. mod intr. def Also: {go through}. to rehearse. exam 1 I'll go over my lines before the play. go over 6. syl go o:ver pos adv. mod intr. def foll. by go over 6.a. syl go o:ver pos vb. mod intr. def to change (to a different practice or system). exam 1 will Britain ever go over to driving on the right?? go over 6.b. syl go o:ver pos vb. mod intr. def to change one's allegiances. go over 7. syl go o:ver pos prep. mod intr. qual Slang. def to do physical violence to. exam 1 they went over him with an iron bar. GOP 0. syl G.O.P. qual U.S. abbrev. for def Grand Old Party. gopak ety from Russian, from Ukrainian hopak, from hop&! a cry in the dance, from German hopp&! gopak 0. syl go+pak pron <1g*u2p@k> pos n. def a spectacular high-leaping Russian peasant dance for men. gopher ety C19: shortened from earlier megopher or magopher, of obscure origin gopher 1. syl go+pher pron <1g*uf*> pos n. def Also called: {pocket gopher}. any burrowing rodent of the family of North and Central America, having a thickset body, short legs, and cheek pouches. gopher 2. syl go+pher pron <1g*uf*> pos n. def another name for {ground squirrel}. gopher 3. syl go+pher pron <1g*uf*> pos n. def any burrowing tortoise of the genus of SE North America. gopher snake 4. head gopher syl gopher snake. def another name for {bull snake}. gopher wood ety from Hebrew g*_opher gopher wood 0. syl go+pher wood pos n. def the wood used in the construction of Noah's ark, thought to be a type of cypress (Genesis 6:14). gopherwood 0. syl go:pher+wood pron <1g*uf*2wud> pos n. qual U.S. def another name for { {yellow?!wood} (sense 1)}. Gorakhpur 0. syl Go+rakh+pur pron <1gc:r*k2pu*> pos n. def a city in N India, in SE Uttar Pradesh: formerly an important Muslim garrison. Pop.: 230911 (1971). goral ety C19: from Hindi, probably of Sanskrit origin goral 0. syl go+ral pron <1gc:r*l> pos n. def a small goat antelope, inhabiting mountainous regions of S Asia. It has a yellowish-grey and black coat and small conical horns. the infl head Gorbals syl the. pos n. Gorbals 0. syl Gor+bals pron <1gc:bLz> pos n. def a suburb of Glasgow, formerly known for its slums. gorblimey 0. syl gor+bli+mey pron pos interj. def a variant spelling of {cor blimey}. gorcock ety C17: gor- (of unknown origin)+#7cock %1 gorcock 0. syl gor+cock pron <1gc:2kok> pos n. def the male of the red grouse. Gordian knot 1. syl Gor+di:an knot pron <1gc:di*n> pos n. usage in Greek legend def a complicated knot, tied by King Gordius of Phrygia, that Alexander the Great cut with a sword. Gordian knot 2. syl Gor+di:an knot pron <1gc:di*n> pos n. def a complicated and intricate problem (esp. in the phrase {cut the Gordian knot}) . Charles George 1. head Gordon syl Charles George def known as 1833-85, British general and administrator. He helped to crush the Taiping rebellion (1863-64), and was governor of the Sudan (1877-80), returning in 1884 to aid Egyptian forces against the Mahdi. He was killed in the siege of Khartoum. Gordon 2. syl Gor:don pron <1gc:dN> pos n. def Lord {George}. 1751-93, English religious agitator. He led the Protestant opposition to legislation relieving Roman Catholics of certain disabilities, which culminated in the Gordon riots (1780). George Hamilton 3. head Gordon syl George Ham:il:ton. def See (4th Earl of) {Aberdeen}. Gordon setter ety C19: named after Alexander Gordon, (1743-1827), Scottish nobleman who promoted this breed Gordon setter 0. syl Gor+don set+ter pos n. def a breed of setter originating in Scotland, with a black-and-tan coat. gore ety Old English gor dirt; related to Old Norse gor half-digested food, Middle Low German g*"ore, Dutch goor gore H1.1. syl gore pron pos n. def blood shed from a wound, esp. when coagulated. gore H1.2. syl gore pron pos n. qual Informal. def killing, fighting, etc. gore ety C16: probably from Old English g*_ar spear gore H2.0. syl gore pron pos vb. mod tr. usage of an animal, such as a bull def to pierce or stab (a person or another animal) with a horn or tusk. gore ety Old English g*_ara; related to Old Norse geiri gore, Old High German g*_ero gore H3.1. syl gore pron pos n. def a tapering or triangular piece of material used in making a shaped skirt, umbrella, etc. gore H3.2. syl gore pron pos n. def a similarly shaped piece, esp. of land. gore H3.3. syl gore pron pos vb. mod tr. def to make into or with a gore or gores. goreng pisang ety Malay, from goreng fry+ pisang banana goreng pisang 0. syl go+reng pi+sang pron <1gc:reG> <1pEs@G> pos n. usage in Malaysia def a dish consisting of banana fritters. gorge ety C14: from Old French gorger to stuff, from gorge throat, from Late Latin gurga, modification of Latin gurges whirlpool gorge 1. syl gorge pron pos n. def a deep ravine, esp. one through which a river runs. gorge 2. syl gorge pron pos n. def the contents of the stomach. gorge 3. syl gorge pron pos n. def feelings of disgust or resentment (esp. in the phrase {one's gorge rises) }. gorge 4. syl gorge pron pos n. def an obstructing mass. exam 1 an ice gorge. gorge 5. syl gorge pron pos n. qual Fortifications. def a narrow passage at the back of an outwork. gorge 6. syl gorge pron pos n. qual Archaic. def the throat or gullet. gorge 7. syl gorge pron pos vb. mod intr. usage also; Falconry. of hawks def to eat until the crop is completely full. gorge 8. syl gorge pron pos vb. usage also def to swallow (food) ravenously. gorge 9. syl gorge pron pos vb. mod tr. usage also def to stuff (oneself) with food. gorgeable sub head gorge syl gorge+a:ble pos adj. gorgedly sub head gorge syl gorg+ed+ly pron <1gc:Jidli> pos adv. gorger sub head gorge syl gorg+er pos n. gorgeous ety C15: from Old French gorgias elegant, from gorgias wimple, from gorge; see #7gorge gorgeous 1. syl gor+geous pron <1gc:J*s> pos adj. def strikingly beautiful or magnificent. exam 1 gorgeous array; exam 2 a gorgeous girl. gorgeous 2. syl gor+geous pron <1gc:J*s> pos adj. qual Informal. def extremely pleasing, fine, or good. exam 1 gorgeous weather. gorgeously sub head gorgeous syl gor+geous+ly pos adv. gorgeousness sub head gorgeous syl gor+geous+ness pos n. gorgerin ety C17: from French, from gorge throat; see #7gorge gorgerin 0. syl gor+ger+in pron <1gc:J*rin> pos n. qual Architect. def another name for {necking}. gorget ety C15: from Old French, from gorge; see #7gorge gorget 1. syl gor+get pron <1gc:Jit> pos n. def a collar-like piece of armour worn to protect the throat. gorget 2. syl gor+get pron <1gc:Jit> pos n. def a part of a wimple worn by women to cover the throat and chest, esp. in the 14th century. gorget 3. syl gor+get pron <1gc:Jit> pos n. def a band of distinctive colour on the throat of an animal, esp. a bird. gorgeted sub head gorget syl gor+get+ed pos adj. Gorgias 0. syl Gor:gi:as pron <1gc:Ji*s> pos n. def ??485-??380 #7b.c., Greek sophist and rhetorician, subject of a dialogue by Plato. Gorgon ety via Latin Gorg*_o from Greek, from gorgos terrible Gorgon 1. syl Gor+gon pron <1gc:g*n> pos n. qual Greek myth. def any of three winged monstrous sisters, Stheno, Euryale, and Medusa, who had live snakes for hair, huge teeth, and brazen claws. Gorgon 2. syl Gor+gon pron <1gc:g*n> pos n. qual Informal. usage often not cap. def a fierce or unpleasant woman. gorgoneion ety C19: from Greek, from gorgoneios of a G#7orgon gorgoneia infl head gorgoneion syl gor+go+nei:a pron <-1ni:*> pos n. mod pl. gorgoneion 0. syl gor+go+nei+on pron <2gc:g*1nEon> pos n. def a representation of a Gorgon's head, esp. Medusa's. gorgonian 1. syl gor+go+ni:an pron pos n. def any coral of the order having a horny or calcareous branching skeleton: includes the sea fans and red corals. gorgonian 2. syl gor+go+ni:an pron pos adj. def of, relating to, or belonging to the Gorgonian 0. syl Gor+go+ni:an pron pos adj. def of or resembling a Gorgon. Gorgonzola ety C19: named after Gorgonzola, Italian town where it originated Gorgonzola cheese alt head Gorgonzola or Gorgonzola syl Gor+gon+zo+la cheese pron <2gc:g*n1z*ul*> pos n. Gorgonzola 0. or Gorgonzola cheese syl Gor+gon+zo+la pron <2gc:g*n1z*ul*> pos n. def a semihard blue-veined cheese of sharp flavour, made from pressed milk. Gorica 0. syl Go+ri+ca pron <1gcritsa> pos n. def the Serbo-Croatian name for {Gorizia}. gorilla ety C19: New Latin, from Greek Gorillai, an African tribe renowned for their hirsute appearance gorilla 1. syl go+ril+la pron pos n. def the largest anthropoid ape, inhabiting the forests of central W Africa. It is stocky and massive, with a short muzzle and coarse dark hair. gorilla 2. syl go+ril+la pron pos n. qual Informal. def a large, strong, and brutal-looking man. gorilla-like sub head gorilla syl go:1ril:la-2like pos adj. gorillian sub head gorilla or gorilline syl go+1ril+li:an pron pos adj. gorilline sub head gorilla or gorillian syl go+ril+line pron pos adj. gorilloid sub head gorilla syl go+1ril+loid pos adj. Goering alt head Goring or Goring syl Goe:ring pron German <1g$o:riG> pos n. Hermann Wilhelm infl head Goring syl Her:mann Wil:helm pron <1herman> <1vilhelm> pos n. Goring 0. or Goering syl G*"o:ring pron German <1g$o:riG> pos n. def 1893-1946, German Nazi leader and field marshal. He commanded Hitler's storm troops (1923) and as Prussian prime minister and German commissioner for aviation (1933-45) he founded the Gestapo and mobilized Germany for war. Sentenced to death at Nuremberg, he committed suicide. Gorizia 0. syl Go+ri+zia pron Italian pos n. def a city in NE Italy, in Friuli-Venezia Giulia, on the Isonzo River: cultural centre under the Hapsburgs. Pop.: 42980 (1971). German name: {G*"orz}. Serbo-Croatian name: {Gorica}. Gorky alt head Gorki or Gorki syl Gor+ky pron Russian <1gcrjkij> pos n. Gorki H1.0. or Gorky syl Gor+ki pron Russian <1gcrjkij> pos n. def an industrial city and port in the central Soviet Union, at the confluence of the Volga and Oka Rivers: situated on the Volga route from the Baltic to central Asia; birthplace of Maxim Gorki. Pop.: 1283000 (1975 est.). Former name (until 1932): {Nizhni Novgorod}. Gorky alt head Gorki or Gorki syl Gor:ky pron Russian <1gcrjkij> pos n. Maxim infl head Gorki syl Max:im pron < mak1sim), pAn namA of> pos n. Arshile infl head Gorky syl Ar:shile pron <1a:Sil> pos n. Gorky 0. syl Gor:ky pron <1gc:ki> pos n. def 1904-48, U.S. abstract expressionist painter. Influenced by Picasso and Mir*'o, his style is characterized by fluid lines and resonant colours. Gorlitz 0. syl G*"or+litz pron German <1g@orlits> pos n. def a city in SE East Germany, on the Neisse River: divided in 1945, the area on the E bank of the river becoming the Polish town of {Zgorzelec}. Pop.: 86421 (1972 est.). Gorlovka 0. syl Gor+lov+ka pron Russian <1gcrl*fk*> pos n. def a city in the SW Soviet Union, in the SE Ukrainian SSR in the centre of the Donets basin: a major coal-mining centre. Pop.: 342000 (1975 est.). gormand 0. syl gor+mand pron <1gc:m*nd> pos n. def a less common spelling of {gourmand}. gormandise alt head gormandize or gormandize syl gor+mand+ise pron <1gc:m*n2dIz> pos vb. gormandize 1. or gormandise syl gor+mand+ize pron <1gc:m*n2dIz> pos vb. def to eat (food) greedily and voraciously. gormandize 2. or gormandise syl gor+mand+ize pron <1gc:m*n2dEz> pos n. def a less common spelling of {gourmandise}. gormandizer sub head gormandize or gormandiser syl gor+mand+2iz+er pos n. gormandiser sub head gormandize or gormandizer syl gor+mand+2is+er pos n. gormless ety C19: variant of C18 gaumless from dialect gome, from Old English gom, gome, from Old Norse gaumr heed gormless 0. syl gorm+less pron <1gc:mlis> pos adj. qual Brit. informal. def stupid; dull. Gorno-Altai Autonomous Region 0. syl Gor:no-Al:tai Au:ton:o+mous Re+gion pron <1gc:n*u> <@l1tI>, <1@ltI> pos n. def an administrative division of the S central Soviet Union: mountainous, rising over 4350 m (14500 ft.) in the Altai Mountains of the south. Capital: Gorno-Altaisk. Pop.: 168261 (1970). Area: 92600 sq. km (35740 sq. miles). Gorno-Badakhshan Autonomous Region 0. syl Gor:no-Ba:dakh+shan Au:ton:o+mous Re+gion pron <1gc:n*u> pos n. def an administrative division of the S Soviet Union, in the Tadzhik SSR: generally mountainous and inaccessible. Capital: Khorog. Pop.: 97796 (1970). Area: 63700 sq. km (24590 sq. miles). gorse ety Old English gors; related to Old Irish garb rough, Latin horr*_ere to bristle, Old High German gersta barley, Greek kh*_er hedgehog gorse 0. syl gorse pron pos n. def any evergreen shrub of the papilionaceous genus esp. the European species which has yellow flowers and thick green spines instead of leaves. Also called: {furze, whin}. gorsy sub head gorse syl gors:y pos adj. Gorsedd ety from Welsh, literally: throne Gorsedd 0. syl Gor+sedd pron <1gc:seD> pos n. usage in Wales def the bardic institution associated with the eisteddfod, esp. a meeting of bards and druids held daily before the eisteddfod. John Grey infl head Gorton syl John Grey. pos n. Gorton 0. syl Gor:ton pron <1gc:tN> pos n. def born 1911, Australian statesman; prime minister (1968-71). gorier infl head gory syl gor:i+er pos adj. goriest infl head gory syl gor:i+est. pos adj. gory 1. syl gor:y pron <1gc:ri> pos adj. def horrific or bloodthirsty. exam 1 a gory story. gory 2. syl gor:y pron <1gc:ri> pos adj. def involving bloodshed and killing. exam 1 a gory battle. gory 3. syl gor:y pron <1gc:ri> pos adj. def covered in gore. gorily sub head gory syl gor:i+ly pos adv. goriness sub head gory syl gor:i+ness pos n. Gorz 0. syl G*"orz pos g@orts; n. def the German name for {Gorizia}. gosh ety C18: euphemistic for God, as in by gosh&! gosh 0. syl gosh pron pos interj. def an exclamation of mild surprise or wonder. goshawk ety Old English g*_oshafoc; see #7goose %1#7, hawk goshawk 0. syl gos+hawk pron <1gos2hc:k> pos n. def a large hawk, of Europe, Asia, and North America, having a bluish-grey back and wings and paler underparts: used in falconry. Goshen 1. syl Go+shen pron <1g*uS*n> pos n. def a region of ancient Egypt, east of the Nile delta: granted to Jacob and his descendants by the king of Egypt and inhabited by them until the Exodus (Genesis 45:10). Goshen 2. syl Go+shen pron <1g*uS*n> pos n. def a place of comfort and plenty. gosling ety C15: from Old Norse g@aslingr; related to Danish g*"asling; see {#7goose %1#7, -#7ling %1} gosling 1. syl gos+ling pron <1gozliG> pos n. def a young goose. gosling 2. syl gos+ling pron <1gozliG> pos n. def an inexperienced or youthful person. go-slow 1.a. syl go-slow pos n. def a deliberate slackening of the rate of production by organized labour as a tactic in industrial conflict. go-slow 1.b. syl go-slow pos n. usage as modifier; go-slow tactics. def U.S. equivalent: {slowdown}. go slow infl head go-slow syl go slow. pos vb. go-slow 2. syl go-slow pos vb. mod intr. def to work deliberately slowly as a tactic in industrial conflict. gospel ety Old English g*_odspell, from g*_od #7good+ spell message; see {#7spell %2;} compare Old Norse guthspjall, Old High German guotspell gospel 1. syl gos+pel pron <1gospL> pos n. def Also called: {gospel truth}. an unquestionable truth. exam 1 to take someone's word as gospel. gospel 2. syl gos+pel pron <1gospL> pos n. def a doctrine maintained to be of great importance. gospel 3. syl gos+pel pron <1gospL> pos n. def Black religious music originating in the churches of the Southern states of the United States. gospel 4. syl gos+pel pron <1gospL> pos n. def the message or doctrine of a religious teacher. gospel 5.a. syl gos+pel pron <1gospL> pos n. def the story of Christ's life and teachings as narrated in the Gospels. gospel 5.b. syl gos+pel pron <1gospL> pos n. def the good news of salvation in Jesus Christ. gospel 5.c. syl gos+pel pron <1gospL> pos n. usage as modifier exam 1 the gospel story. Gospel 1. syl Gos+pel pron <1gospL> pos n. def any of the first four books of the New Testament, namely Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John. Gospel 2. syl Gos+pel pron <1gospL> pos n. def a reading from one of these in a religious service. gospeller 1. syl gos+pel+ler pron <1gosp*l*> pos n. def a person who reads or chants the Gospel in a religious service. gospeller 2. syl gos+pel+ler pron <1gosp*l*> pos n. def a person who professes to preach a gospel held exclusively by him and others of a like mind. gospel oath 0. syl gos+pel oath def an oath sworn on the Gospels. Gosplan ety C20: from Russian Gos (udarstvennaya) Plan (ovaya Comissiya) State Planning Committee Gosplan 0. syl Gos+plan pron <1gos2pl@n> pos n. def the state planning commission of the Soviet Union or any of its constituent republics: responsible for coordination and development of the economy, social services, etc. gospodin ety literally: lord gospoda infl head gospodin syl gos+po+da pron <-pa1da> pos n. mod pl. gospodin 0. syl gos+po+din pron Russian. pos n. def a Russian title of address, often indicating respect, equivalent to when used alone or to when before a name. Gosport 0. syl Gos+port pron <1gos2pc:t> pos n. def a town in S England, in Hampshire on Portsmouth harbour: naval base since the 16th century. Pop.: 75947 (1971). gossamer ety C14 (in the sense: a filmy cobweb): probably from gos #7goose %1#7+ somer {#7summer %1#7}; the phrase refers to St. Martin's summer, a period in November when goose was traditionally eaten; from the prevalence of the cobweb in the autumn; compare German G*"ansemonat, literally: goosemonth, used for November gossamer 1. syl gos+sa+mer pron <1gos*m*> pos n. def a gauze or silk fabric of the very finest texture. gossamer 2. syl gos+sa+mer pron <1gos*m*> pos n. def a filmy cobweb often seen on foliage or floating in the air. gossamer 3. syl gos+sa+mer pron <1gos*m*> pos n. def anything resembling gossamer in fineness or filminess. gossamer 4. syl gos+sa+mer pron <1gos*m*> pos n. usage modifier def made of or resembling gossamer. exam 1 gossamer wings. Gosse 0. syl Gosse pron pos n. def Sir {Ed@.mund Wil@.liam}. 1849-1928, English critic and poet, noted particularly for his autobiographical work (1907). gossip ety Old English godsibb godparent, from #7god+sib ; the term came to be applied to familiar friends, esp. a woman's female friends at the birth of a child, hence a person, esp. a woman, fond of light talk &- #!gos+sip+er n. gossip 1. syl gos+sip pron <1gosip> pos n. def casual and idle chat. exam 1 to have a gossip with a friend. gossip 2. syl gos+sip pron <1gosip> pos n. def a conversation involving malicious chatter or rumours about other people. exam 1 a gossip about the neighbours. gossip 3. syl gos+sip pron <1gosip> pos n. def Also called: {gossipmonger}. a person who habitually talks about others, esp. maliciously. gossip 4. syl gos+sip pron <1gosip> pos n. def light easy communication. exam 1 to write a letter full of gossip. gossip 5. syl gos+sip pron <1gosip> pos n. qual Archaic. def a close woman friend. gossip 6. syl gos+sip pron <1gosip> pos vb. mod intr. usage often foll. by about def to talk casually or maliciously (about other people). gossipingly sub head gossip syl gos+sip+ing+ly pos adv. gossipy sub head gossip syl gos+sip:y pos adj. gossipmonger 0. syl gos:sip+mon:ger pron <1gosip2m^Gg*> pos n. def a spreader of rumours. gossoon ety C17: from Old French gar*,con gossoon 0. syl gos+soon pron pos n. qual Irish. def a boy, esp. a servant boy. goster ety C18: from earlier gauster, from Middle English galstre, of obscure origin goster 0. syl gos+ter pron <1gost*> pos vb. mod intr. qual Northern English dialect. def to laugh uncontrollably. got 1. syl got pron pos vb. def the past tense or past participle of {get}. got 2.a. syl got pron pos vb. def to possess. exam 1 he has got three apples. got 2.b. syl got pron pos vb. usage takes an infinitive def used as an auxiliary to express compulsion felt to be imposed by or upon the speaker. exam 1 I've got to get a new coat. have got it badly 3. head got syl have got it badly. qual Informal. def to be infatuated. Gota 0. syl G*"o:ta pron Swedish <1j$o:ta> pos n. def a river in S Sweden, draining Lake V*"anern and flowing south-southwest to the Kattegat: forms part of the {G*"ota Canal}, which links G*"oteborg in the west with Stockholm in the east. Length: 93 km (58 miles). Gotama 0. syl Go:ta:ma pron <1g*ut*m*> pos n. def the Pali form of the name {Gautama}. Gothenburg alt head Goteborg or Goteborg syl Goth+en+burg pos n. Goteborg 0. or Gothenburg syl G*"o+te:borg pron Swedish <2j@ot*1bcrj> pos n. def a port in SW Sweden, at the mouth of the G*"ota River: the largest port and second largest city in the country; developed through the Swedish East India Company and grew through Napoleon's continental blockade and with the opening of the G*"ota Canal (1832); university (1891). Pop.: 445704 (1974 est.). Goth 1. syl Goth pron pos n. def a member of an East Germanic people from Scandinavia who settled south of the Baltic early in the first millennium #7a.d. They moved on to the Ukrainian steppes and raided and later invaded many parts of the Roman Empire from the 3rd to the 5th century. See also {Ostrogoth, Visigoth}. Goth 2. syl Goth pron pos n. def a rude or barbaric person. Goth 0. syl Goth. qual abbrev. for def Gothic. Gotha 0. syl Go+tha pron <1g*uT*>, German <1go:ta> pos n. def a town in SW East Germany, on the N edge of the Thuringian forest: capital of Saxe-Coburg-Gotha (1826-1918); noted for the (a record of the royal and noble houses of Europe, first published in 1764). Pop.: 57038 (1972 est.). Gotham 1. syl Goth+am pron <1g*ut*m>, <1got*m> pos n. def a village in N central England, in Nottinghamshire near Nottingham: renowned for the legend of its early inhabitants, the Wise Men of Gotham, who feigned stupidity in order to dissuade King John from residing in their neighbourhood. Gotham 2. syl Goth+am pron <1goT*m>, <1g*uT*m> pos n. def a nickname for the city of {New York}. Gothenburg 0. syl Goth+en+burg pron <1goT*n2bR:g> pos n. def the English name for {G*"oteborg}. Gothic 1. syl Goth+ic pron <1goTik> pos adj. def denoting, relating to, or resembling the style of architecture that was used in W Europe from the 12th to the 16th centuries, characterized by the lancet arch, the ribbed vault, and the flying buttress. Gothic 2. syl Goth+ic pron <1goTik> pos adj. def of or relating to the style of sculpture, painting, or other arts as practised in W Europe from the 12th to the 16th centuries. Gothic 3. syl Goth+ic pron <1goTik> pos adj. usage sometimes not cap. def of or relating to a literary style characterized by gloom, the grotesque, and the supernatural, popular esp. in the late 18th century. Gothic 4. syl Goth+ic pron <1goTik> pos adj. def of, relating to, or characteristic of the Goths or their language. Gothic 5. syl Goth+ic pron <1goTik> pos adj. usage sometimes not cap. def primitive and barbarous in style, behaviour, etc. Gothic 6. syl Goth+ic pron <1goTik> pos adj. def of or relating to the Middle Ages. Gothic 7. syl Goth+ic pron <1goTik> pos n. def Gothic architecture or art. Gothic 8. syl Goth+ic pron <1goTik> pos n. def the extinct language of the ancient Goths, known mainly from fragments of a translation of the Bible made in the 4th century by Bishop Wulfila. See also {East Germanic}. Gothic 9. syl Goth+ic pron <1goTik> pos n. def Also called (esp. Brit): {black letter}. the family of heavy script typefaces in use from about the 15th to 18th centuries. Gothically sub head Gothic syl Goth:i+cal+ly pos adv. Gothic arch 0. syl Goth+ic arch pos n. def another name for {lancet arch}. Gothicism 1. syl Goth:i+cism pron <1goTi2siz*m> pos n. def conformity to, use of, or imitation of the Gothic style, esp. in architecture. Gothicism 2. syl Goth:i+cism pron <1goTi2siz*m> pos n. def crudeness of manner or style. Gothicise alt head Gothicize or Gothicize syl Goth:i+cise pron <1goTi2sIz> pos vb. mod tr. Gothicize 0. or Gothicise syl Goth:i+cize pron <1goTi2sIz> pos vb. mod tr. def to make Gothic in style. Gothicizer sub head Gothicize or Gothiciser syl Goth:i+2ciz+er pos n. Gothiciser sub head Gothicize or Gothicizer syl Goth:i+2cis+er pos n. go through 1. syl go through pos adv. mod intr. def to be approved or accepted. exam 1 the amendment went through. go through 2. syl go through pos prep. mod intr. def to consume; exhaust. exam 1 we went through our supplies in a day; exam 2 some men go through a pair of socks in no time. go through 3. syl go through pos prep. mod intr. def Also: {go over}. to examine and revise as necessary. exam 1 he went through the figures. go through 4. syl go through pos prep. mod intr. def to suffer. exam 1 she went through tremendous pain. go through 5. syl go through pos prep. mod intr. def Also: {go over}. to rehearse. exam 1 let's just go through the details again. go through 6. syl go through pos prep. mod intr. def Also: {go over}. to clean. exam 1 she went through the cupboards in the spring cleaning. go through 7. syl go through pos prep. mod intr. def to participate in. exam 1 she went through the degree ceremony without getting too nervous. go through 8. syl go through pos adv. mod intr. def foll by to bring to a successful conclusion, often by persistence. go through 9. syl go through pos prep. mod intr. usage of a book def to be published in. exam 1 that book has gone through three printings this year alone. Gothland infl head Gotland or Gottland syl Goth+land pos n. Gottland infl head Gotland or Gothland syl Gott+land pos n. Gotland 0. syl Got+land pron <1gotl*nd>, Swedish <1gctlant> pos n. def an island in the Baltic Sea, off the SE coast of Sweden: important trading centre since the Bronze Age; long disputed between Sweden and Denmark, finally becoming Swedish in 1645; tourism and agriculture now important. Capital: Visby. Pop.: (including associated islands) 53780 (1970). Area: 3140 sq. km (1225 sq. miles). go to 1. syl go to pos vb. prep. mod intr. def to be awarded to. exam 1 the Nobel prize last year went to a Scot. go to it 2. head go to syl go to it. def to tackle a task vigorously. {~} go to 3. syl go to pos vb. prep. mod intr. qual Archaic. def an exclamation expressing surprise, encouragement, etc. go together 1. syl go to+geth+er pos vb. adv. mod intr. def to be mutually suited; harmonize. exam 1 the colours go well together. go together 2. syl go to+geth+er pos vb. adv. mod intr. usage Informal. of two people of opposite sex def to associate frequently with each other. exam 1 they had been going together for two years. gotta 0. syl got+ta pron <1got*> pos vb. qual Slang. contraction of def got to. gotten 1. syl got+ten pron <1gotN> pos vb. qual U.S. def the past participle of {get}. gotten 2.a. syl got+ten pron <1gotN> pos vb. qual U.S. def to have obtained. exam 1 he had gotten a car for his 21st birthday. gotten 2.b. syl got+ten pron <1gotN> pos vb. qual U.S. def to have become. exam 1 I've gotten sick of your constant bickering. Gotterdammerung 0. syl G*"ot+ter+d*"am+mer+ung pron <2got*1dem*2ruG>, German <2g@ot*r1dem*?!2ruG> pos n. qual German myth. def the twilight of the gods; their ultimate destruction in a battle with the forces of evil. Norse equivalent: {Ragnar*"ok}. Gottfried von Strassburg 0. syl Gott:fried von Strass+burg pron German <1gctfrEt> <1Stra:sburk> pos n. def early 13th-century German poet; author of the incomplete epic the version of the legend that served as the basis of Wagner's opera. Gottingen 0. syl G*"ot+tin+gen pron <1g@otiG*n> pos n. def a city in central West Germany, in Lower Saxony; important member of the Hanseatic League (14th century); university, founded in 1734 by George II of England. Pop.: 120435 (1974 est.). Gotz von Berlichingen 0. syl G*"otz von Ber+lich+ing+en qual German def g@ots f@$n #!b$erl$I*,c$I&n$$n). See {Berlichingen}. gouache ety C19: from French, from Italian guazzo puddle, from Latin aqu*_ati*_o a watering place, from aqua water gouache 1. syl gou:ache pron pos n. def Also called: {body colour}. a painting technique using opaque watercolour paint in which the pigments are bound with glue and the lighter tones contain white. gouache 2. syl gou:ache pron pos n. def the paint used in this technique. gouache 3. syl gou:ache pron pos n. def a painting done by this method. Gouda 1. syl Gou+da pron <1gaud*>, Dutch <1$xcuda:> pos n. def a town in the W Netherlands, in South Holland province: important medieval cloth trade; famous for its cheese. Pop.: 47920 (1973 est.). Gouda 2. syl Gou+da pron <1gaud*>, Dutch <1$xcuda:> pos n. def a large flat round Dutch cheese, mild and similar in taste to Edam. gouge ety C15: from French, from Late Latin gulbia a chisel, of Celtic origin gouge 1. syl gouge pron pos vb. mod mainly; tr. usage usually foll. by out def to scoop or force (something) out of its position, esp. with the fingers or a pointed instrument. gouge 2. syl gouge pron pos vb. mod mainly; tr. usage sometimes foll. by out def to cut (a hole or groove) in (something) with a sharp instrument or tool. gouge 3. syl gouge pron pos vb. mod mainly; tr. qual U.S. informal. def to extort from. gouge 4. syl gouge pron pos vb. mod intr. qual Austral. def to dig for (opal). {~} gouge 5. syl gouge pron pos vb. mod mainly; tr. def a type of chisel with a blade that has a concavo-convex section. gouge 6. syl gouge pron pos vb. mod mainly; tr. def a mark or groove made with, or as if with, a gouge. gouge 7. syl gouge pron pos vb. mod mainly; tr. qual Geology. def a fine deposit of rock fragments, esp. clay, occurring between the walls of a fault or mineral vein. gouge 8. syl gouge pron pos vb. mod mainly; tr. qual U.S. informal. def extortion; swindling. gouger sub head gouge syl goug+er pos n. goulash ety C19: from Hungarian guly*'as hus herdsman's meat, from gulya herd goulash 1. syl gou+lash pron <1gu:l@S> pos n. def Also called: {Hungarian goulash}. a rich stew, originating in Hungary, made of beef, lamb, or veal highly seasoned with paprika. goulash 2. syl gou+lash pron <1gu:l@S> pos n. qual Bridge. def a method of dealing in threes and fours without first shuffling the cards, to produce freak hands. Benjamin Apthorp infl head Gould syl Ben:ja:min Ap:thorp. pos n. Gould 0. syl Gould pron pos n. def 1824-96, U.S. astronomer: the first to use the telegraph to determine longtitudes; founded the (1849). go under 1. syl go un+der pos also; prep. mod intr. def to sink below (a surface). go under 2. syl go un+der pos vb. mainly; adv. mod intr. def to founder or drown. go under 3. syl go un+der pos vb. mainly; adv. mod intr. def to be conquered or overwhelmed. exam 1 the firm went under in the economic crisis. Charles Francois infl head Gounod syl Charles Fran:*,cois pron pos n. Gounod 0. syl Gou:nod pron <1gu:n*u>, French pos n. def 1818-93, French composer of the operas (1859) and (1867). go up 1. syl go up pos also; prep. mod intr. def to move or lead to or as if to a higher place or level; rise; increase. exam 1 prices are always going up; exam 2 the curtain goes up at eight o'clock; exam 3 new buildings are going up all around us. go up 2. syl go up pos vb. mainly; adv. mod intr. def to be destroyed. exam 1 the house went up in flames. go up 3. syl go up pos vb. mainly; adv. mod intr. qual Brit. def to go or return (to college or university) at the beginning of a term or academic year. gourami ety from Malay gurami gourami infl or gouramis syl gou+ra+mi pos n. mod pl. gouramis infl head gourami or gourami syl gou+ra+mis. pos n. mod pl. gourami 1. syl gou+ra+mi pron <1gu*r*mi> pos n. def a large SE Asian labyrinth fish, used for food and (when young) as an aquarium fish. gourami 2. syl gou+ra+mi pron <1gu*r*mi> pos n. def any of various other labyrinth fishes, such as ({kissing gourami}) , many of which are brightly coloured and popular aquarium fishes. gourd ety C14: from Old French gourde, ultimately from Latin cucurbita gourd 1. syl gourd pron pos n. def the fruit of any of various cucurbitaceous or similar plants, esp. the bottle gourd and some squashes, whose dried shells are used for ornament, drinking cups, etc. gourd 2. syl gourd pron pos n. def any plant that bears this fruit. See also {sour gourd, dishcloth gourd, calabash}. gourd 3. syl gourd pron pos n. def a bottle or flask made from the dried shell of the bottle gourd. gourd 4. syl gourd pron pos n. def a small bottle shaped like a gourd. gourdlike sub head gourd syl gourd+2like pos adj. gourdshaped sub head gourd syl gourd+2shaped pos adj. gourde ety C19: from French, feminine of gourd heavy, from Latin gurdus a stupid person gourde 0. syl gourde pron pos n. def the standard monetary unit of Haiti, divided into 100 centimes. gourmand ety C15: from Old French gourmant, of uncertain origin gormand alt head gourmand or gourmand syl gor+mand pos n. gourmand 0. or gormand syl gour+mand pron <1gu*m*nd>, French pos n. def a person devoted to eating and drinking, esp. to excess. gourmandism sub head gourmand syl gour+mand+2ism pos n. gormandize alt head gourmandise or gourmandise syl gor+man+dize pron <2gc:m*n1dEz> pos n. gourmandise 0. or gormandize syl gour+man+dise pron <2gc:m*n1dEz> pos n. def a love of and taste for good food. gourmet ety C19: from French, from Old French gromet serving boy gourmet 0. syl gour+met pron <1gu*mA>, French pos n. def a person who cultivates a discriminating palate for the enjoyment of good food and drink. Remy de infl head Gourmont syl Re:my de pron pos n. Gourmont 0. syl Gour:mont pron French pos n. def 1858-1915, French symbolist critic and novelist. gout ety C13: from Old French goute gout (thought to result from drops of humours), from Latin gutta a drop gout 1. syl gout pron pos n. def a metabolic disease characterized by painful inflammation of certain joints, esp. of the big toe and foot, caused by deposits of sodium urate in them. gout 2. syl gout pron pos n. qual Archaic. def a drop or splash, esp. of blood. gouty sub head gout syl gout:y pos adj. goutily sub head gout syl gout:i+ly pos adv. goutiness sub head gout syl gout:i+ness pos n. gout 0. syl go*^ut pos French. gu; n. def taste or good taste. goutweed 0. syl gout+weed pron <1gaut2wEd> pos n. def a widely naturalized Eurasian umbelliferous plant, with white flowers and creeping underground stems. Also called: {bishop's weed, ground elder, herb Gerard}. gov alt head Gov or Gov syl gov. Gov 1. or gov syl Gov. qual abbrev. for: def government. Gov 2. or gov syl Gov. qual abbrev. for: def governor. govern ety C13: from Old French gouverner, from Latin gubern*_are to steer, from Greek kubernan govern 1. syl gov+ern pron <1g^vN> pos vb. mod also; intr. def to direct and control the actions, affairs, policies, functions, etc., of (a political unit, organization, nation, etc.); rule. govern 2. syl gov+ern pron <1g^vN> pos vb. mod mainly; tr. def to exercise restraint over; regulate or direct. exam 1 to govern one's temper. govern 3. syl gov+ern pron <1g^vN> pos vb. mod mainly; tr. def to be a predominant influence on (something); decide or determine (something). exam 1 his injury governed his decision to avoid sports. govern 4. syl gov+ern pron <1g^vN> pos vb. mod mainly; tr. def to control the speed of an (engine, machine, etc.) using a governor. govern 5. syl gov+ern pron <1g^vN> pos vb. mod mainly; tr. def to control the rate of flow of (a fluid) by using an automatic valve. govern 6. syl gov+ern pron <1g^vN> pos vb. mod mainly; tr. usage of a word def to determine the inflection of (another word). exam 1 Latin nouns govern adjectives that modify them. governable sub head govern syl gov+ern+a:ble pos adj. governability sub head govern or governableness syl gov+ern+a:1bil+i:ty pos n. governableness sub head govern or governability syl gov+ern+a:ble+ness pos n. governance 1. syl gov+ern+ance pron <1g^v*n*ns> pos n. def government, control, or authority. governance 2. syl gov+ern+ance pron <1g^v*n*ns> pos n. def the action, manner, or system of governing. governess 0. syl gov+er+ness pron <1g^v*nis> pos n. def a woman teacher employed in a private household to teach and train the children. government 1. syl gov+ern+ment pron <1g^v*nm*nt> pos n. def the exercise of political authority over the actions, affairs, etc., of a political unit, people, etc., as well as the performance of certain functions for this unit or body; the action of governing; political rule and administration. government 2. syl gov+ern+ment pron <1g^v*nm*nt> pos n. def the system or form by which a community, etc., is ruled. exam 1 tyrannical government. government 3.a. syl gov+ern+ment pron <1g^v*nm*nt> pos n. def the executive policy-making body of a political unit, community, etc.; ministry or administration. exam 1 yesterday we got a new government. government 3.b. syl gov+ern+ment pron <1g^v*nm*nt> pos n. usage cap. when of a specific country exam 1 the British Government. government 4.a. syl gov+ern+ment pron <1g^v*nm*nt> pos n. def the state and its administration. exam 1 blame it on the government. government 4.b. syl gov+ern+ment pron <1g^v*nm*nt> pos n. usage as modifier exam 1 a government agency. government 5. syl gov+ern+ment pron <1g^v*nm*nt> pos n. def regulation; direction. government 6. syl gov+ern+ment pron <1g^v*nm*nt> pos n. qual Grammar. def the determination of the form of one word by another word. governmental sub head government syl gov+ern+men+tal pron <2g^v*n1mentL> pos adj. governmentally sub head government syl gov+ern+1men+tal+ly pos adv. government issue 0. syl gov+ern+ment is+sue pos adj. qual Chiefly U.S. def supplied by a government or government agency. governor 1. syl gov+er+nor pron <1g^v*n*> pos n. def a person who governs. governor 2. syl gov+er+nor pron <1g^v*n*> pos n. def the ruler or chief magistrate of a colony, province, etc. governor 3. syl gov+er+nor pron <1g^v*n*> pos n. def the representative of the Crown in a British colony. governor 4. syl gov+er+nor pron <1g^v*n*> pos n. qual Brit. def the senior administrator or head of a society, prison, etc. governor 5. syl gov+er+nor pron <1g^v*n*> pos n. def the chief executive of any state in the U.S. governor 6. syl gov+er+nor pron <1g^v*n*> pos n. def a device that controls the speed of an engine, esp. by regulating the supply of fuel, etc., either to limit the maximum speed or to maintain a constant speed. governor 7. syl gov+er+nor pron <1g^v*n*> pos n. qual Brit. informal. def a name or title of respect to a father, employer, etc. governors general infl head governor general or governor generals syl gov+er+nors gen+er+al pos n. mod pl. governor generals infl head governor general or governors general syl gov+er+nor gen+er+als. pos n. mod pl. governor general 1. syl gov+er+nor gen+er+al pos n. def the representative of the Crown in a dominion of the Commonwealth or a British colony; vicegerent. governor general 2. syl gov+er+nor gen+er+al pos n. qual Brit. def a governor with jurisdiction or precedence over other governors. governor-generalship sub head governor general syl gov:er:nor-1gen:er:al+2ship pos n. governorship 0. syl gov+er+nor+ship pron <1g^v*n*2Sip> pos n. def the office, jurisdiction, or term of a governor. govt alt head Govt or Govt syl govt. Govt 0. or govt syl Govt. qual abbrev. for def government. gowan ety C16: variant of gollan, probably of Scandinavian origin; compare Old Norse gullin golden gowan 0. syl gow+an pron <1gau*n> pos n. qual Scot. def any of various yellow or white flowers growing in fields, esp. the common daisy. gowaned sub head gowan syl gow+aned pos adj. gowany sub head gowan syl gow+an:y pos adj. John infl head Gower syl John. pos n. Gower H1.0. syl Gow:er pron <1gau*> pos n. def ??1330-1408, English poet, noted par?!ticularly for his tales of love, the the infl head Gower syl the. pos n. Gower H2.0. syl Gow+er pron <1gau*> pos n. def a peninsula in S Wales, in West Glamorgan in the Bristol Channel: mainly agricultural with several resorts. go with 1. syl go with pos vb. prep. mod intr. def to accompany. go with 2. syl go with pos vb. prep. mod intr. def to blend or harmonize. exam 1 that new wallpaper goes well with the furniture. go with 3. syl go with pos vb. prep. mod intr. def to be a normal part of. exam 1 three acres of land go with the house. go with 4. syl go with pos vb. prep. mod intr. def to be of the same opinion as. exam 1 I'm sorry I can't go with you on your new plan. go with 5. syl go with pos vb. prep. mod intr. usage of two people of the opposite sex def to associate frequently with each other. go without 1. syl go with+out pos vb. mod intr. qual Chiefly Brit. def to be denied or deprived of (something, esp. food). exam 1 if you don't like your tea you can go without. go withat goes without saying 2. head go without syl go withat goes without saying. def that is obvious or self-evident. gowk ety from Old Norse gaukr cuckoo; related to Old High German gouh gowk 0. syl gowk pron pos n. qual Scot. and northern English dialect. def a stupid person; fool. gown ety C14: from Old French goune, from Late Latin gunna garment made of leather or fur, of Celtic origin gown 1. syl gown pron pos n. def any of various outer garments, such as a woman's elegant or formal dress, a dressing robe, or a protective garment, esp. one worn by surgeons during operations. gown 2. syl gown pron pos n. def a loose wide garment indicating status, such as worn by academics. gown 3. syl gown pron pos n. def the members of a university as opposed to the other residents of the university town. Compare { {town} (sense 7)}. gown 4. syl gown pron pos vb. mod tr. def to supply with or dress in a gown. Yakubu infl head Gowon syl Ya:ku:bu pron <1ja:ku2bu:> pos n. Gowon 0. syl Gow:on pron <1gau*n> pos n. def born 1934, Nigerian general and statesman; head of state from 1966 until his overthrow in 1975. goy ety from Yiddish, from Hebrew goi people goyim infl head goy or goys syl goy+im pron <1gciim> pos n. mod pl. goys infl head goy or goyim syl goys. pos n. mod pl. goy 0. syl goy pron pos n. qual Slang. def a derogatory word used by Jews for a non-Jew. goyish sub head goy syl goy+ish pos adj. Francisco de infl head Goya syl Fran:cis:co de pron pos n. Goya 0. syl Goy:a pron <1gci*>, Spanish <1goja> pos n. def full name 1746-1828, Spanish painter and etcher; well known for his portraits, he became court painter to Charles IV of Spain (1799). He recorded the French invasion of Spain in a series of etchings (1810-14) and two paintings and (1814). GP 1. syl G.P. qual abbrev. for: def general practitioner. GP 2. syl G.P. qual abbrev. for: def Gallup poll. GP 3. syl G.P. qual abbrev. for: usage in Britain def graduated pension. GP 4. syl G.P. qual abbrev. for: def Grand Prix. GP 5. syl G.P. qual abbrev. for:; Music. def general pause. GPI 0. syl GPI qual abbrev. for def general paralysis of the insane (general paresis). GPO 0. syl G.P.O. qual abbrev. for def general post office. GPU ety from Russian Gosudarstvennoye politicheskoye upravlenie GPU 0. syl G.P.U. qual abbrev. for def State Political Administration; the Soviet police and secret police from 1922 to 1923. GQ 0. syl GQ qual Military. abbrev. for def general quarters. GR 0. syl GR usage international car registration for def Greece. gr 1. syl gr. qual abbrev. for: def grade. gr 2. syl gr. qual abbrev. for: def grain. gr 3. syl gr. qual abbrev. for: def gross. gr 4. syl gr. qual abbrev. for: def gunner. gr 5. syl gr. qual abbrev. for: def gram. Gr 1. syl Gr. qual abbrev. for: def Grecian. Gr 2. syl Gr. qual abbrev. for: def Greece. Gr 3. syl Gr. qual abbrev. for: def Greek. Graafian follicle ety C17: named after R. de Graaf (1641-73), Dutch anatomist Graafian follicle 0. syl Graaf+i:an fol+li+cle pron <1gra:fi*n> pos n. def a fluid-filled vesicle in the mammalian ovary containing a developing egg cell. grab ety C16: probably from Middle Low German or Middle Dutch grabben; related to Swedish grabba, Sanskrit grbhn*_ati he seizes grabs infl head grab syl grabs pos vb. grabbing infl head grab syl grab+bing pos vb. grabbed infl head grab syl grabbed. pos vb. grab 1. syl grab pron pos vb. def to seize hold of (something). grab 2. syl grab pron pos vb. mod tr. def to seize illegally or unscrupulously. grab 3. syl grab pron pos vb. mod tr. def to arrest; catch. grab 4. syl grab pron pos vb. mod intr. usage of a brake or clutch in a vehicle def to grip and release intermittently causing juddering. grab 5. syl grab pron pos vb. mod tr. qual Informal. def to catch the attention or interest of; impress. {~} grab 6. syl grab pron pos vb. def the act or an instance of grabbing. grab 7. syl grab pron pos vb. def a mechanical device for gripping objects, esp. the hinged jaws of a mechanical excavator. grab 8. syl grab pron pos vb. def something that is grabbed. grabber sub head grab syl grab+ber pos n. grabble ety C16: probably from Dutch grabbelen, from grabben to #7grab &- #!grab+bler n. grabble 1. syl grab+ble pron <1gr@bL> pos vb. mod intr. def to scratch or feel about with the hands. grabble 2. syl grab+ble pron <1gr@bL> pos vb. mod intr. def to fall to the ground; sprawl. grabble 3. syl grab+ble pron <1gr@bL> pos vb. mod tr. qual Caribbean. def to seize rashly. graben ety C19: from German, from Old High German graban to dig graben 0. syl gra+ben pron <1gra:bN> pos n. def an elongated trough of land produced by subsidence of the earth's crust between two faults. Tiberius Sempronius infl head Gracchus syl Ti:be:ri:us Sem:pro:ni:us pron pos n. Gracchus 0. syl Grac:chus pron <1gr@k*s> pos n. def ??163-133 #7b.c., and his younger brother, {Gai@.us Sem@.pro@.ni@.us} (#!ga$I$$s), 153-121 #7b.c., known as Roman tribunes and reformers. Tiberius attempted to redistribute public land among the poor but was murdered in the ensuing riot. Violence again occurred when the reform was revived by Gaius, and he too was killed. grace ety C12: from Old French, from Latin gr*_atia, from gr*_atus pleasing grace 1. syl grace pron pos n. def elegance and beauty of movement, form, expression, or proportion. grace 2. syl grace pron pos n. def a pleasing or charming quality. grace 3. syl grace pron pos n. def goodwill or favour. grace 4. syl grace pron pos n. def the granting of a favour or the manifestation of goodwill, esp. by a superior. grace 5. syl grace pron pos n. def a sense of propriety and consideration for others. grace 6.a. syl grace pron pos n. def affectation of manner (esp. in the phrase {airs and graces}) . in (someone's) good graces 6.b. head grace syl in (someone's) good graces. def regarded favourably and with kindness by (someone). grace 7. syl grace pron pos n. def mercy; clemency. grace 8.a. syl grace pron pos n. def the free and unmerited favour of God shown towards man. grace 8.b. syl grace pron pos n. def the divine assistance and power given to man in spiritual rebirth and sanctification. grace 8.c. syl grace pron pos n. def the condition of being favoured or sanctified by God. grace 8.d. syl grace pron pos n. def an unmerited gift, favour, etc., granted by God. grace 9. syl grace pron pos n. def a short prayer recited before or after a meal to invoke a blessing upon the food or give thanks for it. grace 10. syl grace pron pos n. qual Music. def a melodic ornament or decoration. grace 11. syl grace pron pos n. def See {days of grace}. with (a) bad grace 12. head grace syl with (a) bad grace. def unwillingly or grudgingly. with (a) good grace 13. head grace syl with (a) good grace. def willingly or cheerfully. grace 14. syl grace pron pos vb. mod tr. def to add elegance and beauty to. exam 1 flowers graced the room. grace 15. syl grace pron pos vb. mod tr. def to honour or favour. exam 1 to grace a party with one's presence. grace 16. syl grace pron pos vb. def to ornament or decorate (a melody, part, etc.) with nonessential notes. graceless sub head grace syl grace+less pos adj. Grace H1.0. syl Grace pron pos n. usage preceded by your, his, or her def a title used to address or refer to a duke, duchess, or archbishop. W (illiam) G (ilbert) infl head Grace syl W (illiam) G (ilbert) . pos n. Grace H2.0. syl Grace pron pos n. def 1848-1915, English cricketer. grace-and-favour 0. syl grace-and-fa:vour pos n. usage modifier; Brit. of a house, flat, etc. def owned by the sovereign and granted free of rent to a person to whom the sovereign wishes to express gratitude. grace cup 0. syl grace cup pos n. def a cup, as of wine, passed around at the end of the meal for the final toast. graceful 0. syl grace+ful pron <1grAsful> pos adj. def characterized by beauty of movement, style, form, etc. gracefully sub head graceful syl grace+ful+ly pos adv. gracefulness sub head graceful syl grace+ful+ness pos n. grace note 0. syl grace note pos n. qual Music. def a note printed in small type to indicate that it is melodically and harmonically nonessential. Graces 0. syl Grac:es pron <1grAsiz> pos n. mod pl. qual Greek myth. def three sisters, the goddesses Aglaia, Euphrosyne, and Thalia, givers of charm and beauty. gracile 1. syl grac+ile pron <1gr@sIl> pos adj. def gracefully thin or slender. gracile 2. syl grac+ile pron <1gr@sIl> pos adj. def a less common word for {graceful}. gracility sub head gracile or gracileness syl gra+cil+i:ty pron pos n. gracileness sub head gracile or gracility syl grac+ile+ness pos n. gracioso ety C17: from Spanish: #7gracious graciosos infl head gracioso syl gra+ci:o+sos. pos n. mod pl. gracioso 0. syl gra+ci:o+so pron <2gr@si1*us*u>, Spanish pos n. def a clown in Spanish comedy. gracious 1. syl gra+cious pron <1grAS*s> pos adj. def characterized by or showing kindness and courtesy. gracious 2. syl gra+cious pron <1grAS*s> pos adj. def condescendingly courteous, benevolent, or indulgent. gracious 3. syl gra+cious pron <1grAS*s> pos adj. def characterized by or suitable for a life of elegance, ease, and indulgence. exam 1 gracious living; exam 2 gracious fur?!nishings. gracious 4. syl gra+cious pron <1grAS*s> pos adj. def merciful or compassionate. gracious 5. syl gra+cious pron <1grAS*s> pos adj. qual Obsolete. def fortunate, prosperous, or happy. gracious 6. syl gra+cious pron <1grAS*s> pos interj. def an expression of mild surprise or wonder (often in exclamatory phrases such as {good gracious&! gracious me&}!) . graciously sub head gracious syl gra+cious+ly pos adv. graciousness sub head gracious syl gra+cious+ness pos n. grackle ety C18: from New Latin Gr*_acula, from Latin gr*_aculus jackdaw grackle 1. syl grack+le pron <1gr@kL> pos n. def Also called: {crow blackbird}. any American songbird of the genera and having a dark iridescent plumage: family (American ori?!oles). grackle 2. syl grack+le pron <1gr@kL> pos n. def any of various starlings of the genus such as ({Indian grackle} or {hill myna}) . grad 0. syl grad pron pos n. qual Informal. def a graduate. grad 1. syl grad. qual abbrev. for:; Maths. def gradient. grad 2. syl grad. qual abbrev. for:; Education. def gradu?!ate(d). gradable 1. syl grad+a:ble pron <1grAd*bL> pos adj. def capable of being graded. gradable 2. syl grad+a:ble pron <1grAd*bL> pos adj. qual Linguistics. def denoting or relating to a word in whose meaning there is some implicit relationship to a standard. exam 1 @6big@9 and @6small@9 are gradable adjectives. gradable 3. syl grad+a:ble pron <1grAd*bL> pos adj. qual Linguistics. def a word of this kind. gradability sub head gradable or gradableness syl grad+a:1bil+i:ty pos n. gradableness sub head gradable or gradability syl grad+a:ble+ness pos n. gradate 1. syl gra+date pron pos vb. def to change or cause to change imperceptibly, as from one colour, tone, or degree to another. gradate 2. syl gra+date pron pos vb. mod tr. def to arrange in grades or ranks. gradation 1. syl gra+da+tion pron pos n. def a series of systematic stages; gradual progression. gradation 2. syl gra+da+tion pron pos n. mod often; pl. def a stage or degree in such a series or progression. gradation 3. syl gra+da+tion pron pos n. def the act or process of arranging or forming in stages, grades, etc., or of progressing evenly. gradation 4. syl gra+da+tion pron pos n. usage in painting, drawing, or sculpture def transition from one colour, tone, or surface to another through a series of very slight changes. gradation 5. syl gra+da+tion pron pos n. qual Linguistics. def any change in the quality or length of a vowel within a word indicating certain distinctions, such as inflectional or tense differentiations. See {ablaut}. gradation 6. syl gra+da+tion pron pos n. qual Geology. def the natural levelling of land as a result of the building up or wearing down of pre-existing formations. gradational sub head gradation syl gra+1da+tion+al pos adj. gradationally sub head gradation syl gra+1da+tion+al+ly pos adv. grade ety C16: from French, from Latin gradus step, from grad*_i to step grade 1. syl grade pron pos n. def a position or degree in a scale, as of quality, rank, size, or progression. exam 1 small-grade eggs; exam 2 high-grade timber. grade 2. syl grade pron pos n. def a group of people or things of the same category. grade 3. syl grade pron pos n. qual Chiefly U.S. def a military or other rank. grade 4. syl grade pron pos n. def a stage in a course of progression. grade 5. syl grade pron pos n. def a mark or rating indicating achievement or the worth of work done, as at school. grade 6. syl grade pron pos n. qual U.S. def a unit of pupils of similar age or ability taught together at school. grade 7. syl grade pron pos n. def another word (esp. U.S.) for { {gradient} (senses 1, 2)}. grade 8. syl grade pron pos n. def a unit of angle equal to one hundredth of a right angle or 0.9 degree. grade 9.a. syl grade pron pos n. def an animal with one purebred parent and one of unknown or unimproved breeding. grade 9.b. syl grade pron pos n. usage as modifier; a grade sheep. def Compare {crossbred, {purebred} (sense 2)}. grade 10. syl grade pron pos n. qual Linguistics. def one of the forms of the vowel in a morpheme when this vowel varies because of gradation. grade 11.a. syl grade pron pos n. def on the same level. grade 11.b. syl grade pron pos n. usage of a river profile or land surface def at an equilibrium level and slope, because there is a balance between erosion and deposition. grade 12.a. syl grade pron pos n. def to reach the required standard. grade 12.b. syl grade pron pos n. def to succeed. grade 13. syl grade pron pos vb. mod tr. def to arrange according to quality, rank, etc. grade 14. syl grade pron pos vb. mod tr. def to determine the grade of or assign a grade to. grade 15. syl grade pron pos vb. mod intr. def to achieve or deserve a grade or rank. grade 16. syl grade pron pos vb. def to change or blend (something) gradually; merge. grade 17. syl grade pron pos vb. mod tr. def to level (ground, a road, etc.) to a suitable gradient. grade 18. syl grade pron pos vb. mod tr. qual Stockbreeding. def to cross (one animal) with another to produce a grade animal. -grade ety via French from Latin -gradus, from gradus a step, from grad*_i to walk -grade 0. syl -grade pos adj. usage combining form. def indicating a kind or manner of movement or progression. exam 1 plantigrade; exam 2 retrograde. grade cricket 0. syl grade crick+et pos n. qual Austral. def competitive cricket, in which cricket club teams are arranged in grades. grade crossing 0. syl grade cros+sing pos n. def the U.S. name for {level crossing}. graded post 0. syl grad+ed post pos n. qual Brit. def a position in a school, etc., having special responsibility for which additional payment is given. gradely ety C13 greithlic, greithli, from Old Norse greidhligr, from greidhr ready gradelier infl head gradely syl grade+li+er pos adj. gradeliest infl head gradely syl grade+li+est. pos adj. gradely 0. syl grade+ly pron <1grAdli> pos adj. qual Midland English dialect. def fine; excellent. grader 1. syl grad+er pron <1grAd*> pos n. def a person or thing that grades. grader 2. syl grad+er pron <1grAd*> pos n. def a machine, either self-powered or towed by a tractor, that levels earth, rubble, etc., as in road construction. grade school 0. syl grade school pos n. qual U.S. def another name for {elementary school}. gradient ety C19: from Latin gradi*_ens stepping, from grad*_i to go gradient 1. syl gra+di+ent pron <1grAdi*nt> pos n. def Also called (esp. U.S.): {grade}. a part of a railway, road, etc., that slopes upwards or downwards; inclination. gradient 2. syl gra+di+ent pron <1grAdi*nt> pos n. def Also called (esp. U.S.): {grade}. a measure of such a slope, esp. the ratio of the vertical distance between two points on the slope to the horizontal distance between them. gradient 3. syl gra+di+ent pron <1grAdi*nt> pos n. qual Physics. def a measure of the change of some physical quantity, such as temperature or electric potential, over a specified distance. gradient 4.a. syl gra+di+ent pron <1grAdi*nt> pos n. usage of a curve def the slope of the tangent at any point on a curve with respect to the horizontal axis. gradient 4.b. syl gra+di+ent pron <1grAdi*nt> pos n. usage of a function, f (x, y, z def the vector whose components along the axes are the partial derivatives of the function with respect to each variable, and whose direction is that in which the derivative of the function has its maximum value. Usually written: grad Compare { {curl} (sense 12), {divergence} (sense 4)}. gradient 5. syl gra+di+ent pron <1grAdi*nt> pos adj. def sloping uniformly. gradin ety C19: from French, from Italian gradino , a little step, from grado step; see #7grade gradine alt head gradin or gradin syl gra+dine pron pos n. gradin 1. or gradine syl gra+din pron <1grAdin> pos n. def a ledge above or behind an altar on which candles, a cross, or other ornaments stand. gradin 2. or gradine syl gra+din pron <1grAdin> pos n. def one of a set of steps or seats arranged on a slope, as in an amphitheatre. gradual ety C16: from Medieval Latin gradu*_alis relating to steps, from Latin gradus a step gradual 1. syl grad+u:al pron <1gr@dju*l> pos adj. def occurring, developing, moving, etc., in small stages. exam 1 a gradual improvement in health. gradual 2. syl grad+u:al pron <1gr@dju*l> pos adj. def not steep or abrupt. exam 1 a gradual slope. gradual 3.a. syl grad+u:al pron <1gr@dju*l> pos n. def an antiphon or group of several antiphons, usually from the Psalms, sung or recited immediately after the epistle at Mass. gradual 3.b. syl grad+u:al pron <1gr@dju*l> pos n. def a book of plainsong containing the words and music of the parts of the Mass that are sung by the cantors and choir. gradually sub head gradual syl grad:u+al+ly pos adv. gradualness sub head gradual syl grad:u+al+ness pos n. gradualism 0. syl grad:u+al+ism pron <1gr@dju*2liz*m> pos n. def the policy of seeking to change something or achieve a goal gradually rather than quickly or violently, esp. in politics. gradualist sub head gradualism syl grad:u+al+ist pos n. adj. gradualistic sub head gradualism syl grad:u+al+1is+tic pos adj. graduand ety C19: from Medieval Latin graduandus, gerundive of gradu*_ar*_i to #7graduate graduand 0. syl grad:u+and pron <1gr@dju2@nd> pos n. qual Chiefly Brit. def a person who is about to graduate. graduate ety C15: from Medieval Latin gradu*_ar*_i to take a degree, from Latin gradus a step graduate 1.a. syl grad:u+ate pron <1gr@djuit> pos n. def a person who has been awarded a first degree from a university or college. graduate 1.b. syl grad:u+ate pron <1gr@djuit> pos n. usage as modifier exam 1 a graduate profession. graduate 2. syl grad:u+ate pron <1gr@djuit> pos n. qual U.S. def a student who has completed a course of studies at a high school and received a diploma. graduate 3. syl grad:u+ate pron <1gr@djuit> pos n. qual U.S. def a container, such as a flask, marked to indicate its capacity. graduate 4. syl grad:u+ate pron <1gr@dju2At> pos vb. def to receive or cause to receive a degree or diploma. graduate 5. syl grad:u+ate pron <1gr@dju2At> pos vb. qual Chiefly U.S. def to confer a degree, diploma, etc. upon. graduate 6. syl grad:u+ate pron <1gr@dju2At> pos vb. mod tr. def to mark (a thermometer, flask, etc.) with units of measurement; calibrate. graduate 7. syl grad:u+ate pron <1gr@dju2At> pos vb. mod tr. def to arrange or sort into groups according to type, quality, etc. graduate 8. syl grad:u+ate pron <1gr@dju2At> pos vb. mod intr. usage often foll. by to def to change by degrees (from something to something else). graduator sub head graduate syl grad:u:2a+tor pos n. graduation 1. syl grad:u:a+tion pron <2gr@dju1AS*n> pos n. def the act of graduating or the state of being graduated. graduation 2. syl grad:u:a+tion pron <2gr@dju1AS*n> pos n. def the ceremony at which school or college degrees and diplomas are conferred. graduation 3. syl grad:u:a+tion pron <2gr@dju1AS*n> pos n. def a mark or division or all the marks or divisions that indicate measure on an instrument or vessel. gradus ety C18: shortened from Latin Gradus ad Parnassum a step towards Parnassus, a dictionary of prosody used in the 18th and 19th centuries graduses infl head gradus syl gra+dus+es. pos n. mod pl. gradus 1. syl gra+dus pron <1grAd*s> pos n. def a book of *'etudes or other musical exercises arranged in order of increasing difficulty. gradus 2. syl gra+dus pron <1grAd*s> pos n. qual Prosody. def a dictionary or textbook of prosody for use in writing Latin or Greek verse. Graiae alt head Graeae or Graeae syl Grai:ae pos n. mod pl. Graeae 0. or Graiae syl Grae:ae pron <1grEE> pos n. mod pl. qual Greek myth. def three aged sea deities, having only one eye and one tooth among them, guardians of their sisters, the Gorgons. Graecism 1. syl Grae+cism usage esp. U.S. def Greek characteristics or style. Graecism 2. syl Grae+cism usage esp. U.S. def admiration for or imitation of these, as in sculpture or architecture. Graecism 3. syl Grae+cism usage esp. U.S. def a form of words characteristic or imitative of the idiom of the Greek language. Graecize ety C17: from Latin graeciz*_are to imitate the Greeks, from Greek graikizein Graecise infl head Graecize syl Grae+cise Graeco-Roman 1. syl Grae:co-Ro:man usage esp. U.S. def of, characteristic of, or relating to Greek and Roman influences, as found in Roman sculpture. Graeco-Roman 2. syl Grae:co-Ro:man usage esp. U.S. def denoting a style of wrestling in which the legs may not be used to obtain a fall and no hold may be applied below the waist. Graf ety German, from Old High German gr*_avo Grafen infl head Graf syl Graf+en pron <1gra:fN> pos n. mod pl. Graf 0. syl Graf pron German. pos n. def a German or Swedish count: often used as a title. graffito ety C19: from Italian: a little scratch, from graffio, from Latin graphium stylus, from Greek grapheion; see #7graft %1 graffiti infl head graffito syl graf+fi+ti pron <-tE> pos n. mod pl. graffito 1. syl graf+fi+to pron pos n. qual Archaeol. def any inscription or drawing scratched or carved onto a surface, esp. rock or pottery. graffito 2. syl graf+fi+to pron pos n. mod pl. def drawings, messages, etc., often obscene, scribbled on the walls of public lavatories, advertising posters, etc. graft ety C15: from Old French graffe, from Medieval Latin graphium, from Latin: stylus, from Greek grapheion, from graphein to write graft H1.1.a. syl graft pron pos n. def a small piece of plant tissue (the scion) that is made to unite with an established plant (the stock), which supports and nourishes it. graft H1.1.b. syl graft pron pos n. def the plant resulting from the union of scion and stock. graft H1.1.c. syl graft pron pos n. def the point of union between the scion and the stock. graft H1.2. syl graft pron pos n. qual Surgery. def a piece of tissue or an organ transplanted from a donor or from the patient's own body to an area of the body in need of the tissue. graft H1.3. syl graft pron pos n. def the act of joining one thing to another by or as if by grafting. graft H1.4.a. syl graft pron pos vb. def to induce (a plant or part of a plant) to unite with another part or (of a plant or part of a plant) to unite in this way. graft H1.4.b. syl graft pron pos vb. def to produce (fruit, flowers, etc.) by this means or (of fruit, etc.) to grow by this means. graft H1.5. syl graft pron pos vb. def to transplant (tissue) or (of tissue) to be transplanted. graft H1.6. syl graft pron pos vb. def to attach or incorporate or become attached or incorporated. exam 1 to graft a happy ending onto a sad tale. grafter sub head graft syl graft+er pos n. grafting sub head graft syl graft+ing pos n. graft ety C19: of uncertain origin graft H2.1. syl graft pron pos n. qual Informal. def work. (esp. in the phrase {hard graft}) . graft H2.2.a. syl graft pron pos n. def the acquisition of money, power, etc., by dishonest or unfair means, esp. by taking advantage of a position of trust. graft H2.2.b. syl graft pron pos n. def something gained in this way, such as profit from government business. graft H2.2.c. syl graft pron pos n. def a payment made to a person profiting by such a practice. graft H2.3. syl graft pron pos vb. mod intr. qual Informal. def to work. graft H2.4. syl graft pron pos vb. qual Chiefly U.S. def to acquire by or practise graft. grafter sub head graft syl graft+er pos n. graft hybrid 0. syl graft hy+brid pos n. def a plant produced by grafting a scion and stock from dissimilar plants; chimera. graham ety C19: named after S. Graham (1794-1851), American dietetic reformer graham 0. syl gra+ham pron <1grA*m> pos n. qual Chiefly U.S. usage modifier def made of graham flour. exam 1 graham crackers. Martha 1. head Graham syl Mar:tha. def born 1895, U.S. dancer and choreographer. William Franklin 2. head Graham syl Wil:liam Frank:lin def known as born 1918, U.S. evangelist. Kenneth infl head Grahame syl Ken:neth. pos n. Grahame 0. syl Gra:hame pron <1grA*m> pos n. def 1859-1932, Scottish author, noted for the children's classic (1908). graham flour 0. syl gra+ham flour pos n. qual Chiefly U.S. def unbolted wheat flour ground from whole-wheat grain, similar to whole-wheat flour. Graham Land 0. syl Gra+ham Land pron <1grA*m> pos n. def the N part of the Antarctic Peninsula: became part of the British Antarctic Territory in 1962 (formerly part of the Falkland Islands Dependencies). Graiae 0. syl Grai:ae pron <1grAE>, <1grIE> pos n. mod pl. def a variant spelling of {Graeae}. Graian Alps 0. syl Gra+ian Alps pron <1grA*n>, <1grI-> pos n. mod pl. def the N part of the Western Alps, in France and NW Piedmont, Italy. Highest peak: Gran Paradiso, 4061 m (13323 ft.). Grail 0. syl Grail pron pos n. def see {Holy Grail}. grain ety C13: from Old French, from Latin gr*_anum grain 1. syl grain pron pos n. def the small hard seedlike fruit of a grass, esp. a cereal plant. grain 2. syl grain pron pos n. def a mass of such fruits, esp. when gathered for food. grain 3. syl grain pron pos n. def the plants, collectively, from which such fruits are harvested. grain 4. syl grain pron pos n. def a small hard particle. exam 1 a grain of sand. grain 5.a. syl grain pron pos n. def the general direction or arrangement of the fibrous elements in wood. exam 1 to saw across the grain. grain 5.b. syl grain pron pos n. def the pattern or texture of wood resulting from such an arrangement. exam 1 the attractive grain of the table. grain 6. syl grain pron pos n. def the relative size of the particles of a substance. exam 1 sugar of fine grain. grain 7.a. syl grain pron pos n. def the granular texture of a rock, mineral, etc. grain 7.b. syl grain pron pos n. def the appearance of a rock, etc., determined by the size and arrangement of its constituents. grain 8.a. syl grain pron pos n. def the outer (hair-side) layer of a hide or skin from which the hair or wool has been removed. grain 8.b. syl grain pron pos n. def the pattern on the outer surface of such a hide or skin. grain 9. syl grain pron pos n. def a surface artificially imitating the grain of wood, leather, stone, etc.; graining. grain 10. syl grain pron pos n. def the smallest unit of weight in the avoirdupois, Troy, and apothecaries' systems, based on the weight of a grain of wheat: in all systems it has the value one seven-thousandth of a pound. 1 grain is equal to 0.0648 gram. Abbrev.: {gr} grain 11. syl grain pron pos n. def Also called: {metric grain}. a metric unit of weight used for pearls or diamonds, equal to 50 milligrams or one quarter of a carat. grain 12. syl grain pron pos n. def the threads or direction of threads in a woven fabric. grain 13. syl grain pron pos n. qual Photog. def any of a large number of particles in a photographic emulsion, the size of which limit the extent to which an image can be enlarged without serious loss of definition. grain 14. syl grain pron pos n. def cleavage lines in crystalline material, parallel to growth planes. grain 15. syl grain pron pos n. qual Chem. def any of a large number of small crystals forming a polycrystalline solid, each having a regular array of atoms that differs in orientation from that of the surrounding crystallites. grain 16. syl grain pron pos n. def a state of crystallization. exam 1 to boil syrup to the grain. grain 17. syl grain pron pos n. def a very small amount. exam 1 a grain of truth. grain 18. syl grain pron pos n. def natural disposition, inclination, or character (esp. in the phrase {go against the grain}) . grain 19. syl grain pron pos n. qual Astronautics. def a homogenous mass of solid propellant in a form designed to give the required combustion characteristics for a particular rocket. grain 20. syl grain pron pos n. usage not in technical usage def cochineal or kermes or a red dye made from these insects. grain 21. syl grain pron pos n. qual Dyeing. def an obsolete word for {colour}. with a grain 22. head grain or pinch of salt syl with a grain def without wholly believing. grain 23. syl grain pron pos vb. mod also; intr. def to form grains or cause to form into grains; granulate; crystallize. grain 24. syl grain pron pos vb. mod mainly; tr. def to give a granular or roughened appearance or texture to. grain 25. syl grain pron pos vb. mod mainly; tr. def to paint, stain, etc., in imitation of the grain of wood or leather. grain 26.a. syl grain pron pos vb. mod mainly; tr. def to remove the hair or wool from (a hide or skin) before tanning. grain 26.b. syl grain pron pos vb. mod mainly; tr. def to raise the grain pattern on (leather). grainer sub head grain syl grain+er pos n. grainless sub head grain syl grain+less pos adj. grain alcohol 0. syl grain al+co+hol pos n. def ethanol containing about 10 per cent of water, made by the fermentation of grain. grain elevator 0. syl grain el+e:va+tor pos n. def a machine for raising grain to a higher level, esp. one having an endless belt fitted with scoops. Percy Aldridge infl head Grainger syl Per:cy Al:dridge. pos n. Grainger 0. syl Grain:ger pron <1grAnJ*> pos n. def 1882-1961, Australian pianist, composer, and collector of folk music on which many of his works are based. graining 1. syl grain+ing pron <1grAniG> pos n. def the pattern or texture of the grain of wood, leather, etc. graining 2. syl grain+ing pron <1grAniG> pos n. def the process of painting, printing, staining, etc., a surface in imitation of a grain. graining 3. syl grain+ing pron <1grAniG> pos n. def a surface produced by such a process. grains of paradise 0. syl grains of par:a+dise pos n. mod pl. def the peppery seeds of either of two African zingiberaceous plants, or used as stimulants, diuretics, etc. Also called: {guinea grains}. grainier infl head grainy syl grain:i+er pos adj. grainiest infl head grainy syl grain:i+est. pos adj. grainy 1. syl grain:y pron <1grAni> pos adj. def resembling, full of, or composed of grain; granular. grainy 2. syl grain:y pron <1grAni> pos adj. def resembling the grain of wood, leather, etc. grainy 3. syl grain:y pron <1grAni> pos adj. qual Photog. def having poor definition because of large grain size. graininess sub head grainy syl grain:i+ness pos n. grallatorial ety C19: from New Latin grall*_at*_orius, from Latin grall*_ator one who walks on stilts, from grallae stilts grallatorial 0. syl gral+la+to+ri:al pron <2gr@l*1tc:ri*l> pos adj. def of or relating to long-legged wading birds, such as cranes and storks. gram ety C18: from French gramme, from Late Latin gramma, from Greek: small weight, from graphein to write gramme alt head gram or gram syl gramme pron pos n. gram H1.0. or gramme syl gram pron pos n. def a metric unit of mass equal to one thousandth of a kilogram. It is equivalent to 15.432 grains or 0.002205 pounds. Abbrev.: {g} gram ety C18: from Portuguese gram (modern spelling: gr?~ao) , from Latin gr*_anum #7grain gram H2.1. syl gram pron pos n. def any of several leguminous plants, such as the beans ({black gram} or {urd}) and ({green gram}) , whose seeds are used as food in India. gram H2.2. syl gram pron pos n. def the seed of any of these plants. gram ety Hindi gram H3.0. syl gram pron pos n. usage in India def a village. gram 1. syl gram. qual abbrev. for: def grammar. gram 2. syl gram. qual abbrev. for: def grammatical. -gram ety from Latin -gramma, from Greek, from gramma letter and gramm*_e line -gram 0. syl -gram pos n. usage combining form. def indicating a drawing or something written or recorded. exam 1 hexagram; exam 2 telegram. grama ety C19: from Spanish, ultimately from Latin gr*_amen grass grama grass alt head grama or grama syl gra+ma grass pron <1gra:m*> pos n. grama 0. or grama grass syl gra+ma pron <1gra:m*> pos n. def any of various grasses of the genus of W North America and South America: often used as pasture grasses. gramarye ety C14: from Old French gramaire #7grammar gramary alt head gramarye or gramarye syl gram:a+ry pron <1gr@m*ri> pos n. gramarye 0. or gramary syl gram:a+rye pron <1gr@m*ri> pos n. qual Archaic. def magic, necromancy, or occult learning. gram-atomic weight alt head gram atom or gram atom syl gram-a:tom:ic weight pos n. gram atom 0. or gram-atomic weight syl gram at:om pos n. def an amount of an element equal to its atomic weight expressed in grams: now replaced by the mole. See {{mole%3}}. gram calorie 0. syl gram cal:o+rie pos n. def another name for {calorie}. gram-equivalent weight alt head gram equivalent or gram equivalent syl gram-e:quiv:a+lent weight pos n. gram equivalent 0. or gram-equivalent weight syl gram e:quiv:a+lent pos n. def an amount of a substance equal to its equivalent weight expressed in grams. gramercy ety C13: from Old French grand merci great thanks gramercy 1. syl gra+mer+cy pron pos interj. qual Archaic. def many thanks. gramercy 2. syl gra+mer+cy pron pos interj. qual Archaic. def an expression of surprise, wonder, etc. gramicidin ety C20: from G#7ram -(#7positive) #7+ -#7cid (#7e) #7+ -#7in gramicidin D alt head gramicidin or gramicidin syl gram:i+ci+din D pron <2gr@mi1sIdin> pos n. gramicidin 0. or gramicidin D syl gram:i+ci+din pron <2gr@mi1sIdin> pos n. def an antibiotic used in treating local Gram-positive bacterial infections: obtained from the soil bacterium gramineous ety C17: from Latin gr*_amineus of grass, grassy, from gr*_amen grass gramineous 1. syl gra+min+e:ous pron pos adj. def of, relating to, or belonging to the grass family, gramineous 2. syl gra+min+e:ous pron pos adj. def resembling a grass; grasslike. {~} Also: {gra+min@.a+ceous} (@!gr@am$I#!ne$I#s$$s). graminivorous ety C18: from Latin gr*_amen grass+-#7vorous graminivorous 0. syl gram:i+niv:o+rous pron <2gr@mi1niv*r*s> pos adj. usage of animals def feeding on grass. grammar ety C14: from Old French gramaire, from Latin grammatica, from Greek grammatik*_e (tekhn*_e) the grammatical (art), from grammatikos concerning letters, from gramma letter grammar 1. syl gram+mar pron <1gr@m*> pos n. def the branch of linguistics that deals with syntax and morphology, sometimes also phonology and semantics. grammar 2. syl gram+mar pron <1gr@m*> pos n. def the abstract system of rules in terms of which a person's mastery of his native language can be explained. grammar 3. syl gram+mar pron <1gr@m*> pos n. def a systematic description of the grammatical facts of a language. grammar 4. syl gram+mar pron <1gr@m*> pos n. def a book containing an account of the grammatical facts of a language or recommendations as to rules for the proper use of a language. grammar 5.a. syl gram+mar pron <1gr@m*> pos n. def the use of language with regard to its correctness or social propriety, esp. in syntax. exam 1 the teacher told him to watch his grammar. grammar 5.b. syl gram+mar pron <1gr@m*> pos n. usage as modifier exam 1 a grammar book. grammar 6. syl gram+mar pron <1gr@m*> pos n. def the elementary principles of a science or art. exam 1 the grammar of drawing. grammarless sub head grammar syl gram+mar+less pos adj. grammarian 1. syl gram+mar+i:an pron pos n. def a person whose occupation is the study of grammar. grammarian 2. syl gram+mar+i:an pron pos n. def the author of a grammar. grammar school 1. syl gram+mar school pos n. qual Brit. def a state-maintained secondary school providing an education with an academic bias for children who are selected by the eleven-plus examination, teachers' reports, or other means. Compare {secondary modern school, comprehensive school}. grammar school 2. syl gram+mar school pos n. qual U.S. def another term for {elementary school}. grammatical 1. syl gram+mat:i+cal pron pos adj. def of or relating to grammar. grammatical 2. syl gram+mat:i+cal pron pos adj. usage of a sentence def well formed; regarded as correct and acceptable by native speakers of the language. grammatically sub head grammatical syl gram+1mat:i+cal+ly pos adv. grammaticalness sub head grammatical syl gram+1mat:i+cal+ness pos n. grammatical meaning 0. syl gram+mat:i+cal mean+ing pos n. def the meaning of a word by reference to its function within a sentence rather than to a world outside the sentence. Compare {lexical meaning, function word}. grammatology 0. syl gram+ma+tol+o:gy pron <2gr@m*1tol*Ji> pos n. def the scientific study of writing systems. grammatologist sub head grammatology syl gram+ma+1tol:o+gist pos n. gramme 0. syl gramme pron pos n. def a variant spelling of {gram}. gram-molecular weight alt head gram molecule or gram molecule syl gram-mo:lec:u+lar weight pos n. gram molecule 0. or gram-molecular weight syl gram mol+e:cule pos n. def an amount of a compound equal to its molecular weight expressed in grams: now replaced by the mole. See {{mole%3}}. gram-molecular sub head gram molecule or gram-molar syl gram-mo:1lec:u+lar pron <2gr@m1m*ul*> pos adj. gram-molar sub head gram molecule or gram-molecular syl gram-mo:lar pron <2gr@m1m*ul*> pos adj. Gram-negative 0. syl Gram-neg:a:tive pos adj. def designating bacteria that fail to retain the violet stain in Gram's method. gramophone ety C19: originally a trademark, perhaps based on an inversion of phonogram; see #7phono -#7, -#7gram gramophone 1.a. syl gram:o+phone pron <1gr@m*2f*un> pos n. def Also called: {record-player}. a device for reproducing the sounds stored on a record, consisting of a turntable, usually electrically driven, that rotates the record at a fixed speed of 33, 45, 16, or (esp. formerly) 78 revolutions per minute. A stylus vibrates in accordance with the undulations of the walls of the groove in the record: these vibrations are converted into electric currents, which, after amplification are recreated in the form of sound by one or more loudspeakers. U.S. word: {phonograph}. gramophone 1.b. syl gram:o+phone pron <1gr@m*2f*un> pos n. usage as modifier; a gramophone record. def See also {monophonic, stereophonic, quadraphonic}. gramophone 2. syl gram:o+phone pron <1gr@m*2f*un> pos n. def Also called: {acoustic gramophone}. an antique instrument of this type, esp. one driven by clockwork and having a horn for amplification. Grampian Mountains 1. syl Gram+pi:an Moun+tains pron <1gr@mpi*n> pos n. mod pl. def a mountain system of central Scotland, ex?!tending from the southwest to the northeast and separating the Highlands from the Lowlands. Highest peak: Ben Nevis, 1343 m (4406 ft.). Grampian Mountains 2. syl Gram+pi:an Moun+tains pron <1gr@mpi*n> pos n. mod pl. def a mountain range in SE Australia, in W Victoria. {~} Also called: {The Grampians}. Grampian Region 0. syl Gram+pi:an Re+gion pos n. def a local government region in NE Scotland, formed in 1975 from Aberdeenshire, Kincardineshire, and most of Banffshire and Morayshire. Administrative centre: Aberdeen. Pop.: 453829 (1976 est.). Area: 8700 sq. km (3360 sq. miles). Gram-positive 0. syl Gram-pos:i:tive pos adj. def designating bacteria that retain the violet stain in Gram's method. grampus ety C16: from Old French graspois, from gras fat (from Latin crassus) + pois fish (from Latin piscis) grampuses infl head grampus syl gram+pus:es. pos n. mod pl. grampus 1. syl gram+pus pron <1gr@mp*s> pos n. def a widely distributed slaty-grey dolphin, with a blunt snout. grampus 2. syl gram+pus pron <1gr@mp*s> pos n. def another name for {killer whale}. Gram's method ety C19: named after Hans Christian Joachim Gram (1853-1938), Danish physician Gram's method 0. syl Gram's meth+od pos n. qual Bacteriol. def a staining technique used to classify bacteria, based on their ability to retain or lose a violet colour, produced by crystal violet and iodine, after treatment with a decolorizing agent. See also {Gram-negative, Gram-positive}. Granada 1. syl Gra+na+da pron pos n. def a former kingdom of S Spain, in Andalusia: founded in the 13th century and divided in 1833 into the present-day provinces of Granada, Almer*'ia, and M*'alaga. Granada 2. syl Gra+na+da pron pos n. def a city in S Spain, in Andalusia: capital of the Moorish kingdom of Granada from 1238 to 1492 and a great commercial and cultural centre, containing the Alhambra palace (13th and 14th centuries); university (1531). Pop.: 190429 (1970). Granada 3. syl Gra+na+da pron pos n. def a city in SW Nicaragua, on the NW shore of Lake Nicaragua: the oldest city in the country, founded in 1523 by C*'ordoba; attacked frequently by pirates in the 17th century. Pop.: 51500 (1971 est.). granadilla ety C18: from Spanish, diminutive of granada pomegranate, from Late Latin gr*_an*_atum granadilla 1. syl gran:a+dil+la pron <2gr@n*1dil*> pos n. def any of various passionflowers, such as ({giant granadilla}) , that have edible egg-shaped fleshy fruit. granadilla 2. syl gran:a+dil+la pron <2gr@n*1dil*> pos n. def Also called: {passion fruit}. the fruit of such a plant. Enrique infl head Granados syl En:ri:que pron pos n. Granados 0. syl Gra:na:dos pron Spanish pos n. def full name 1867-1916, Spanish composer, noted for the (1911) for piano, which formed the basis for an opera of the same name. granary ety C16: from Latin gr*_an*_arium, from gr*_anum #7grain granaries infl head granary syl gran:a+ries. pos n. mod pl. granary 1. syl gran:a+ry pron <1gr@n*ri>, U.S. <1grAn*ri> pos n. def a building or store room for storing threshed grain, farm feed, etc. granary 2. syl gran:a+ry pron <1gr@n*ri>, U.S. <1grAn*ri> pos n. def a region that produces a large amount of grain. Gran Canaria 0. syl Gran Ca+na+ria pron <1graG> pos n. def the Spanish name for {Grand Canary}. gran cassa ety Italian: great drum gran cassa 0. syl gran cas+sa pron Italian <1gran> <1kassa> pos n. qual Music. def another name for {bass drum}. Gran Chaco 0. syl Gran Cha+co pron Spanish <1gran> <1Cakc> pos n. def a plain of S central South America, between the Andes and the Paraguay River in SE Bolivia, E Paraguay, and N Argentina: huge swamps and scrub forest. Area: about 780000 sq. km (300000 sq. miles). Often shortened to: {Chaco}. grand ety C16: from Old French, from Latin grandis grand 1. syl grand pron pos adj. def large or impressive in size, extent, or consequence. exam 1 grand mountain scenery. grand 2. syl grand pron pos adj. def characterized by or attended with magnificence or display; sumptuous. exam 1 a grand feast. grand 3. syl grand pron pos adj. def of great distinction or pretension; dignified or haughty. grand 4. syl grand pron pos adj. def designed to impress. exam 1 he punctuated his story with grand gestures. grand 5. syl grand pron pos adj. def very good; wonderful. grand 6. syl grand pron pos adj. def comprehensive; complete. exam 1 a grand total. grand 7. syl grand pron pos adj. def worthy of respect; fine. exam 1 a grand old man. grand 8. syl grand pron pos adj. def large or impressive in conception or execution. exam 1 grand ideas. grand 9. syl grand pron pos adj. def most important; chief. exam 1 the grand arena. grand 10. syl grand pron pos adj. def See {grand piano}. grand 11. syl grand pron pos adj. mod pl. qual Slang, chiefly U.S. def a thousand pounds or dollars. grandly sub head grand syl grand+ly pos adv. grandness sub head grand syl grand+ness pos n. grand- ety from French grand-, on the model of Latin magnus in such phrases as avunculus magnus great-uncle grand- 0. syl grand- pos prefix. usage in designations of kinship def one generation removed in ascent or descent. exam 1 grandson; exam 2 grandfather. grandam ety C13: from Anglo-French grandame, from Old French #7grand -#7+ dame lady, mother grandame alt head grandam or grandam syl gran+dame pron <1gr@ndAm>, <-d*m> pos n. grandam 0. or grandame syl gran+dam pron <1gr@nd*m>, <-d@m> pos n. def an archaic word for {grandmother}. grandaunt 0. syl grand+aunt pron <1gr@nd2a:nt> pos n. def another name for {great-aunt}. Grand Bahama 0. syl Grand Ba+ha+ma pos n. def an island in the Atlantic, in the W Bahamas. Pop.: 225859 (1970). Area: 1114 sq. km (430 sq. miles). Grand Banks 0. syl Grand Banks pos n. def a part of the continental shelf in the Atlantic, extending for about 560 km (350 miles) off the SE coast of Newfoundland: meeting place of the cold Labrador Current and the warm Gulf Stream, producing frequent fogs and rich fishing grounds. Grand Canal 1. syl Grand Ca+nal pos n. def a canal in E China, extending north from Hangchow to Tientsin: the longest canal in China, now partly silted up; central section, linking the Yangtze and Yellow Rivers, finished in 486 #7b.c. ; north section finished by Kublai Khan between 1282 and 1292. Length: about 1600 km (1000 miles). Chinese name: {Yun-Ho Ta}. Grand Canal 2. syl Grand Ca+nal pos n. def a canal in Venice, forming the main water thoroughfare: noted for its bridges, the Rialto, and the fine palaces along its banks. Grand Canary 0. syl Grand Ca+nar:y pos n. def an island in the Atlantic, in the Canary Islands: part of the Spanish province of Las Palmas. Capital: Las Palmas. Pop.: 489881 (1970). Area: 1533 (592 sq. miles). Spanish name: {Gran Canaria}. Grand Canyon 0. syl Grand Can+yon pos n. def a gorge of the Colorado River in N Arizona, extending from its junction with the Little Colorado River to Lake Mead; cut by vertical river erosion through the multicoloured strata of a high plateau; partly contained in the {Grand Canyon National Park}, covering 2610 sq. km (1008 sq. miles). Length: 451 km (280 miles). Width: 6 km (4 miles) to 29 km (18 miles). Greatest depth: over 1.5 km (1 mile). grand chain 0. syl grand chain pos n. def a figure in formation dances, such as the Lancers and Scottish Reels, in which couples split up and move around in a circle in opposite directions, passing all other dancers until reaching their original partners. grandchildren infl head grandchild syl grand+chil:dren. pos n. mod pl. grandchild 0. syl grand+child pron <1gr@n2CIld> pos n. def the son or daughter of one's child. Grand Coulee 0. syl Grand Cou+lee pron <1ku:li> pos n. def a canyon in central Washington State, over 120 m (400 ft.) deep, at the N end of which is situated the {Grand Coulee Dam}, on the Columbia River. Height of dam: 168 m (550 ft.). Length of dam: 1310 m (4300 ft.). granddaddy alt head granddad or granddad syl grand+dad:dy pos n. granddads infl head granddad or granddaddies syl grand+dads pos n. mod pl. granddaddies infl head granddad or granddads syl grand+dad:dies. pos n. mod pl. granddad 0. or granddaddy syl grand+dad pron <1gr@n2d@d> pos n. def an informal word for {grandfather}. granddaughter 0. syl grand+daugh:ter pron <1gr@n2dc:t*> pos n. def a daughter of one's son or daughter. grand duchess 1. syl grand duch+ess pos n. def the wife or a widow of a grand duke. grand duchess 2. syl grand duch+ess pos n. def a woman who holds the rank of grand duke in her own right. grand duchy 0. syl grand duch:y pos n. def the territory, state, or principality of a grand duke or grand duchess. grand duke 1. syl grand duke pos n. def a prince or nobleman who rules a territory, state, or principality. grand duke 2. syl grand duke pos n. def a son or a male descendant in the male line of a Russian tsar. grand duke 3. syl grand duke pos n. def a medieval Russian prince who ruled over other princes. grande dame 0. syl grande dame pron French. pos n. def a woman regarded as the most experienced, prominent, or venerable member of her profession, etc.. exam 1 the grande dame of fashion. grandee ety C16: from Spanish grande grandee 0. syl gran+dee pron pos n. def a Spanish prince or nobleman of the highest rank. grandeeship sub head grandee syl gran+1dee+ship pos n. Grande-Terre 0. syl Grande-Terre qual French def gr?~ad #!t$er) an island in the French West Indies, in the Lesser Antilles: one of the two islands which constitute Guadeloupe. Chief town: Pointe-*`a-Pitre. grandeur 1. syl gran+deur pron <1gr@nJ*> pos n. def personal greatness, esp. when based on dignity, character, or accomplishments. grandeur 2. syl gran+deur pron <1gr@nJ*> pos n. def magnificence; splendour. grandeur 3. syl gran+deur pron <1gr@nJ*> pos n. def pretentious or bombastic behaviour. Grand Falls 0. syl Grand Falls pos n. mod pl. def the former name (until 1965) of {Churchill Falls}. grandfather 1. syl grand+fa:ther pron <1gr@n2fa:@d*>, <1gr@nd-> pos n. def the father of one's father or mother. grandfather 2. syl grand+fa:ther pron <1gr@n2fa:@d*>, <1gr@nd-> pos n. mod often; pl. def a male ancestor. grandfather 3. syl grand+fa:ther pron <1gr@n2fa:@d*>, <1gr@nd-> pos n. usage often cap. def a familiar term of address for an old man. grandfather 4. syl grand+fa:ther pron <1gr@n2fa:@d*>, <1gr@nd-> pos n. qual Brit. dialect. def a caterpillar or woodlouse. grandfather clause 1. syl grand+fa:ther clause pos n. qual U.S. history. def a clause in the constitutions of several Southern states that waived electoral literacy requirements for lineal descendants of people voting before 1867, thus ensuring the franchise for illiterate whites: declared unconstitutional in 1915. grandfather clause 2. syl grand+fa:ther clause pos n. def a clause in legislation that forbids or regulates an activity so that those engaged in it are exempted from the ban. grandfather clock 0. syl grand+fa:ther clock pos n. def any of various types of long-pendulum clocks in tall standing wooden cases. Also called: {longcase clock}. grandfatherly 0. syl grand+fa:ther+ly pron <1gr@n2fa:@d*li>, <1gr@nd-> pos adj. def of, resembling, or suitable to a grandfather, esp. in being kindly. grand final 0. syl grand fi+nal pos n. qual Austral. def the final game of the season in any of various sports, esp. football. Grand Guignol ety C20: after Le Grand Guignol, a small theatre in Montmartre, Paris Grand Guignol 0.a. syl Grand Gui+gnol pron French. pos n. def a brief sensational play intended to horrify. Grand Guignol 0.b. syl Grand Gui+gnol pron French. pos n. usage modifier def of, relating to, or like plays of this kind. grandiloquent ety C16: from Latin grandi?!loquus, from grandis great+ loqu*_i to speak grandiloquent 0. syl gran+dil:o+quent pron pos adj. def inflated, pompous, or bombastic in style or expression. grandiloquence sub head grandiloquent syl gran+1dil:o+quence pos n. grandiloquently sub head grandiloquent syl gran+1dil:o+quent+ly pos adv. grandiose ety C19: from French, from Italian grandioso, from grande great; see #7grand grandiose 1. syl gran+di+ose pron <1gr@ndi2*us> pos adj. def pretentiously grand or stately. grandiose 2. syl gran+di+ose pron <1gr@ndi2*us> pos adj. def imposing in conception or execution. grandiosely sub head grandiose syl gran+di+ose+ly pos adv. grandiosity sub head grandiose syl gran+di+os+i:ty pron <2gr@ndi1ositi> pos n. grandioso 0. syl gran:di:o+so pron <2gr@ndi1*us*u> pos adj. adv. qual Music. def to be played in a grand manner. grand jury 0. syl grand ju:ry pos n. usage Law. esp. in the U.S. def a jury of between 12 and 23 persons summoned to enquire into accusations of crime and ascertain whether the evidence is adequate to found an indictment. Abolished in England in 1948. Compare {petit jury}. Grand Lama 0. syl Grand La:ma pos n. def either of two high priests of Lamaism, the Dalai Lama or the Panchen Lama. grand larceny 1. syl grand lar+cen:y pos n. usage formerly in England def the theft of property valued at over 12 pence. Abolished in 1827. grand larceny 2. syl grand lar+cen:y pos n. usage in some states of the U.S. def the theft of property of which the value is above a specified figure, varying from state to state but usually being between ?$#800344 25 and ?$#800345 60. Compare {petit larceny}. grandmama infl head grandma or grandmamma syl grand+ma:ma pron <1gr@nm*2ma:>, <1gr@nd-> pos n. grandmamma infl head grandma or grandmama syl grand+mam:ma pron <1gr@nm*2ma:>, <1gr@nd-> pos n. grandma 0. syl grand+ma pron <1gr@n2ma:>, <1gr@nd->, <1gr@m-> pos n. def an informal word for {grandmother}. grand mal ety French: great illness grand mal 0. syl grand mal pron <1gron> <1m@l>, French <1mal> pos n. def a form of epilepsy characterized by loss of consciousness for up to five minutes and violent convulsions. Compare {petit mal}. Grandma Moses 0. syl Grand:ma Mo:ses pos n. def the nickname of (Anna Mary Robertson) {Moses}. Grand Manan 0. syl Grand Ma+nan pron pos n. def a Canadian island, off the SW coast of New Brunswick: separated from the coast of Maine by the {Grand Manan Channel}. Area: 147 sq. km (57 sq. miles). grandmaster 1.a. syl grand+mas:ter pron <1gr@nd2ma:st*> pos n. qual Chess. def one of the top chess players of a particular country. grandmaster 1.b. syl grand+mas:ter pron <1gr@nd2ma:st*> pos n. qual Chess. usage cap. as part of title exam 1 Grandmaster of the USSR. grandmaster 2. syl grand+mas:ter pron <1gr@nd2ma:st*> pos n. qual Chess. def Also called: {International Grandmaster}. a player who has been awarded the highest title by the F*'ed*'eration Internationale des *'Echecs. Grand Master 0. syl Grand Mas+ter pos n. def the title borne by the head of any of various societies, orders, and other organizations, such as the Templars or Freemasons. grandmother 1. syl grand+moth:er pron <1gr@n2m^@d*>, <1gr@nd-> pos n. def the mother of one's father or mother. grandmother 2. syl grand+moth:er pron <1gr@n2m^@d*>, <1gr@nd-> pos n. mod often; pl. def a female ancestor. grandmother 3. syl grand+moth:er pron <1gr@n2m^@d*>, <1gr@nd-> pos n. usage often cap. def a familiar term of address for an old woman. teach one's grandmother to suck eggs 4. head grandmother syl teach one's grandmother to suck eggs. def See {{egg} %1 (sense 8)}. grandmother clock 0. syl grand+moth:er clock pos n. def a longcase clock with a pendulum, about two thirds the size of a grandfather clock. grandmotherly 0. syl grand+moth:er+ly pron <1gr@n2m^@d*li>, <1gr@nd-> pos adj. def of, resembling, or suitable to a grandmother, esp. in being protective, indulgent, or solicitous. Grand Mufti 1. syl Grand Muf+ti pos n. def the titular head of the Muslim community in Jerusalem and formerly the chief constitutional adminis?!trator there. Grand Mufti 2. syl Grand Muf+ti pos n. usage in Turkey def the former official head of the state religion. Grand Nathe infl head Grand National syl Grand Na+the. pos n. Grand National 0. syl Grand Na+tion+al pos n. def an annual steeplechase run at Aintree, Liverpool, since 1839. grandnephew 0. syl grand+neph:ew pron <1gr@n2nevju:>, <-2nefju:>, <1gr@nd-> pos n. def another name for {geat-nephew}. grandniece 0. syl grand+niece pron <1gr@n2nEs>, <1gr@nd-> pos n. def another name for {great-niece}. Grand Old Party 0. syl Grand Old Par+ty pos n. qual U.S. def a nickname for the Republican Party since 1880. Abbrev.: {G.O.P}. grand opera 0. syl grand op+er:a pos n. def an opera with a serious plot and fully composed text. grandpapa alt head grandpa or grandpa syl grand+pa:pa pron <1gr@np*2pa:>, <1gr@nd-> pos n. grandpa 0. or grandpapa syl grand+pa pron <1gr@n2pa:>, <1gr@nd->, <1gr@m> pos n. def informal words for {grandfather}. grandparent 0. syl grand+par:ent pron <1gr@n2pe*r*nt>, <1gr@nd-> pos n. def the father or mother of either of one's parents. grand piano 0. syl grand pi:a+no pos n. def a form of piano in which the strings are arranged horizontally. Grand pianos exist in three sizes ({concert grand, baby grand, boudoir grand}) . Compare {upright piano}. Grand Pr'e 0. syl Grand Pr*'e pron <1gron> <1prA>, French <1prA> pos n. def a village in SE Canada, in W Nova Scotia: setting of Longfellow's Grand Prix ety French: great prize Grand Prix 0. syl Grand Prix qual French def gr?~a #!pri) Grand Prix 1.a. syl Grand Prix qual French def any of a series of formula motor races held to determine the annual Driver's World Championship. Grand Prix 1.b. syl Grand Prix qual French usage as modifier exam 1 a Grand Prix car. Grand Prix 2. syl Grand Prix qual French; Horse racing. def a race for three-year-old horses run at Maisons Lafitte near Paris. Grand Rapids 0. syl Grand Rap+ids pos n. def a city in SW Michigan. Pop.: 190696 (1973 est.). Grand Remonsthe infl head Grand Remonstrance syl Grand Re+mon+sthe. pos n. Grand Remonstrance 0. syl Grand Re+mon+strance pos n. qual English history. def the document prepared by the Long Parliament in 1640 listing the evils of the king's government, the abuses already rectified, and the reforms Parliament advocated. grand seigneur ety literally: great lord grands seigneurs infl head grand seigneur syl grands sei+gneurs pron pos n. mod pl. grand siecle ety literally: great century grands siecles infl head grand siecle syl grands si*`e+cles pron pos n. mod pl. grandsire H1.0. syl grand+sire pron <1gr@n2sI*>, <1gr@nd-> pos n. def an archaic word for {grandfather}. grandsire H2.0. syl grand+sire pron <1gr@nds*>, <-2sI*> pos n. def a well-established method used in change-ringing. See { {method} (sense 4)}. grand slam 1. syl grand slam pos n. qual Bridge, etc. def the winning of 13 tricks by one player or side or the contract to do so. grand slam 2. syl grand slam pos n. def the winning of all major competitions in a season, esp. in tennis and golf. grandson 0. syl grand+son pron <1gr@ns^n>, <1gr@nd-> pos n. def a son of one's son or daughter. grandstand 1.a. syl grand+stand pron <1gr@n2st@nd>, <1gr@nd-> pos n. def a terraced block of seats, usually under a roof, commanding the best view at racecourses, football pitches, etc. grandstand 1.b. syl grand+stand pron <1gr@n2st@nd>, <1gr@nd-> pos n. usage as modifier def . exam 1 grandstand tickets. grandstand 2. syl grand+stand pron <1gr@n2st@nd>, <1gr@nd-> pos n. def the spectators in a grandstand. grandstand 3. syl grand+stand pron <1gr@n2st@nd>, <1gr@nd-> pos n. usage modifier def as if from a grandstand; unimpeded (esp. in the phrase {grandstand view}) . grandstand 4. syl grand+stand pron <1gr@n2st@nd>, <1gr@nd-> pos vb. mod intr. qual U.S. informal. def to behave ostentatiously in an attempt to impress onlookers. grandstander sub head grandstand syl grand+2stand:er pos n. grand tour 1. syl grand tour pos n. usage formerly def an extended tour through the major cities of Europe, esp. one undertaken by a rich or aristocratic Englishman to complete his education. grand tour 2. syl grand tour pos n. qual Informal. def an extended sightseeing trip, tour of inspection, etc. granduncle 0. syl grand+un:cle pron <1gr@nd2^GkL> pos n. def another name for {great-uncle}. grand vizier 0. syl grand vi+zier pos n. usage formerly def the chief officer or minister of state in the Ottoman Empire and other Muslim countries. grange ety C13: from Anglo-French graunge, from Medieval Latin gr*_anica, from Latin gr*_anum #7grain grange 1. syl grange pron pos n. qual Chiefly Brit. def a farm, esp. a farmhouse or country house with its various outbuildings. grange 2. syl grange pron pos n. qual History. def an outlying farmhouse in which a religious establishment or feudal lord stored crops and tithes in kind. grange 3. syl grange pron pos n. qual Archaic. def a granary or barn. the 1. head Grange syl the. usage in the U.S. def an association of farmers that strongly influenced state legislatures in the late 19th century. Grange 2. syl Grange pron pos n. usage in the U.S. def a lodge of this association. Grangemouth 0. syl Grange+mouth pron <1grAnJm*T> pos n. def a port in Scotland, in the Central region: now Scotland's second port, with oil refineries, shipyards, and chemical industries. Pop.: 24572 (1971). grangerize ety C19: named after Joseph Granger, 18th-century English writer, whose Biographical History of England (1769) included blank pages for illustrations to be supplied by the reader grangerise alt head grangerize or grangerize syl grang+er+ise pron <1grAnJ*2rIz> pos vb. mod tr. grangerize 1. or grangerise syl grang+er+ize pron <1grAnJ*2rIz> pos vb. mod tr. def to illustrate (a book) by inserting prints, drawings, etc., taken from other works. grangerize 2. or grangerise syl grang+er+ize pron <1grAnJ*2rIz> pos vb. mod tr. def to raid (books, etc.) to acquire material for illustrating another book. grangerism sub head grangerize syl grang+er+ism pos n. grangerization sub head grangerize or grangerisation syl grang+er:i+1za+tion pos n. grangerisation sub head grangerize or grangerization syl grang+er:i+1sa+tion pos n. grangerizer sub head grangerize or grangeriser syl grang+er+2iz+er pos n. grangeriser sub head grangerize or grangerizer syl grang+er+2is+er pos n. grani- ety from Latin, from gr*_anum #7grain grani- 0. syl gran:i- usage combining form. def indicating grain. exam 1 graniform. Granicus 0. syl Gra+ni+cus pron pos n. def an ancient river in NW Asia Minor where Alexander won his first major battle against the Persians (334 #7b.c.) #7. granite ety C17: from Italian granito grained, from granire to grain, from grano grain, from Latin gr*_anum granite 1. syl gran+ite pron <1gr@nit> pos n. def a light-coloured coarse-grained acid plutonic igneous rock consisting of quartz, feldspars, and such ferromagnesian minerals as biotite or hornblende: widely used for building. granite 2. syl gran+ite pron <1gr@nit> pos n. def great hardness, endurance, or resolution. granite 3. syl gran+ite pron <1gr@nit> pos n. def another name for a { {stone} (sense 9)}. granite-like sub head granite syl gran:ite-2like pos adj. granitic sub head granite or granitoid syl gra+nit+ic pron pos adj. granitoid sub head granite or granitic syl gran+it+2oid pos adj. graniteware 1. syl gran:ite+ware pron <1gr@nit2we*> pos n. def iron vessels coated with enamel of a granite-like appearance. graniteware 2. syl gran:ite+ware pron <1gr@nit2we*> pos n. def a type of very durable white semivitreous pottery. graniteware 3. syl gran:ite+ware pron <1gr@nit2we*> pos n. def a type of pottery with a speckled glaze. granitite 0. syl gran+it+ite pron <1gr@ni2tIt> pos n. def any granite with a high content of biotite. granivorous 0. syl gra+niv:o+rous pron pos adj. usage of animals def feeding on seeds and grain. granivore sub head granivorous syl gran:i+vore pron <1gr@ni2vc:> pos n. grannie alt head granny or granny syl gran+nie pron <1gr@ni> pos n. grannies infl head granny syl gran+nies. pos n. mod pl. granny 1. or grannie syl gran+ny pron <1gr@ni> pos n. def informal words for {grandmother}. Often shortened to {gran}. granny 2. or grannie syl gran+ny pron <1gr@ni> pos n. qual Informal. def an irritatingly fussy person. granny 3. or grannie syl gran+ny pron <1gr@ni> pos n. qual Southern U.S. def a midwife or nurse. granny 4. or grannie syl gran+ny pron <1gr@ni> pos n. def See {granny knot}. granny flat 0. syl gran+ny flat pos n. def a flat built onto or constructed inside a house to accommodate an elderly parent. granny's knot alt head granny knot or granny knot syl gran+ny's knot pos n. granny knot 0. or granny's knot syl gran+ny knot pos n. def a reef knot with the ends crossed the wrong way, making it liable to slip or jam. Granny Smith ety C19: named after Maria Ann Smith, called Granny Smith (died 1870) Granny Smith 0. syl Gran+ny Smith pos n. def a variety of hard green-skinned apple eaten raw or cooked. grano- ety from German, from Granit #7granite grano- 0. syl gran:o- usage combining form. def of or resembling granite. exam 1 granolith. granodiorite ety C19: from grano+#7diorite granodiorite 0. syl gran:o+di:o+rite pron <2gr@n*u1dI*2rIt> pos n. def a coarse-grained acid igneous rock containing almost twice as much plagioclase as orthoclase: intermediate in structure between granite and diorite. granolith 0. syl gran:o+lith pron <1gr@n*u2liT> pos n. def a paving material consisting of a mixture of cement and crushed granite or granite chippings. granolithic sub head granolith syl gran:o+1lith+ic pos adj. n. granophyre ety C19: from #7gran (#7ite) #7+ -#7phyre granophyre 0. syl gran:o+phyre pron <1gr@n*u2fI*> pos n. def a fine-grained granitic rock in which irregular crystals of intergrown quartz and feldspar are embedded in a groundmass of these minerals. granophyric sub head granophyre syl gran:o+phyr+ic pron <2gr@n*u1firik> pos adj. Gran Paradiso 0. syl Gran Pa+ra+di+so qual Italian def gram para#!di$:zo) a mountain in NW Italy, in NW Piedmont: the highest peak of the Graian Alps. Height: 4061 m (13323 ft.). grant ety C13: from Old French graunter, from Vulgar Latin credent*_are (unat?!tested), from Latin cr*_edere to believe grant 1. syl grant pron pos vb. mod tr. def to consent to perform or fulfil. exam 1 to grant a wish. grant 2. syl grant pron pos vb. mod tr. usage may take a clause as object def to permit as a favour, indulgence, etc.. exam 1 to grant an interview. grant 3. syl grant pron pos vb. mod tr. usage may take a clause as object def to acknowledge the validity of; concede. exam 1 I grant what you say is true. grant 4. syl grant pron pos vb. mod tr. def to bestow, esp. in a formal manner. grant 5. syl grant pron pos vb. mod tr. def to transfer (property) to another, esp. by deed; convey. grant 6.a. syl grant pron pos vb. mod tr. def to accept (something) as true and not requiring verification. grant 6.b. syl grant pron pos vb. mod tr. def to take advantage of the benefits of (something) without due appreciation. grant 7. syl grant pron pos n. mod tr. def a sum of money provided by a government or public fund to finance educational study, overseas aid, etc. grant 8. syl grant pron pos n. mod tr. def a privilege, right, etc., that has been granted. grant 9. syl grant pron pos n. mod tr. def the act of granting. grant 10. syl grant pron pos n. mod tr. def a transfer of property by deed or other written instrument; conveyance. grant 11. syl grant pron pos n. mod tr. qual U.S. def a territorial unit in Maine, New Hampshire, and Vermont, originally granted to an individual or organization. grantable sub head grant syl grant+a:ble pos adj. granter sub head grant syl grant+er pos n. Ulysses S (impson) infl head Grant syl U:lys:ses S (impson) pos n. Grant 0. syl Grant pron pos n. def original name 1822-85, 18th president of the U.S. (1869-77); commander in chief of Union forces in the American Civil War (1864-65). Granta 0. syl Gran+ta pron <1gr@nt*>, <1gra:nt*> pos n. def the local name for the River Cam as it flows through Cambridge. grantee 0. syl grant:ee pron pos n. qual Law. def a person to whom a grant is made. Granth ety from Hindi, from Sanskrit grantha a book Grant Sahib alt head Granth or Granth syl Grant Sa+hib pos gr^nt; n. Granth 0. or Grant Sahib syl Granth pos gr^nt; n. def the sacred scripture of the Sikhs, believed by them to be the embodiment of the gurus. grants-in-aid infl head grant-in-aid syl grants-in-aid. pos n. mod pl. grant-in-aid 1. syl grant-in-aid pos n. def a sum of money granted by one government to a lower level of government or to a dependency for a programme, etc. grant-in-aid 2. syl grant-in-aid pos n. qual Education. def a grant provided by the central government or local education authority to ensure consistent standards in buildings and other facilities. grant of probate 0. syl grant of pro+bate pos n. qual Law. def an instrument authorizing an executor to control and dispose of a deceased person's estate if a will has been made. grantor 0. syl gran+tor pron , <1gra:nt*> pos n. qual Law. def a person who makes a grant. gran torismo ety C20: from Italian gran torismo 0. syl gran tor+is+mo pron <1gr@n> pos n. def a touring car; a name given to some car models, usually sports cars capable of high speed. Usually abbreviated to {GT} granular 1. syl gran:u+lar pron <1gr@njul*> pos adj. def of, like, containing, or resembling a granule or granules. granular 2. syl gran:u+lar pron <1gr@njul*> pos adj. def having a grainy or granulated surface. granularity sub head granular syl gran:u+lar+i:ty pron <2gr@nju1l@riti> pos n. granularly sub head granular syl gran:u+lar+ly pos adv. granulate 1. syl gran:u+late pron <1gr@nju2lAt> pos vb. def to make into grains. granulate 2. syl gran:u+late pron <1gr@nju2lAt> pos vb. def to make or become roughened in surface texture. granulate 3. syl gran:u+late pron <1gr@nju2lAt> pos vb. mod intr. usage of a wound, ulcer, etc. def to form granulation tissue. granulative sub head granulate syl gran:u+la+tive pos adj. granulator sub head granulate or granulater syl gran:u+2la+tor pos n. granulater sub head granulate or granulator syl gran:u+2lat+er pos n. granulated sugar 0. syl gran:u+lat+ed sug+ar pos n. def a coarsely ground white sugar. granulation 1. syl gran:u+la+tion pron <2gr@nju1lAS*n> pos n. def the act or process of granulating. granulation 2. syl gran:u+la+tion pron <2gr@nju1lAS*n> pos n. def a granulated texture or surface. granulation 3. syl gran:u+la+tion pron <2gr@nju1lAS*n> pos n. def a single bump or grain in such a surface. granulation 4. syl gran:u+la+tion pron <2gr@nju1lAS*n> pos n. def see {granulation tissue}. granulation 5. syl gran:u+la+tion pron <2gr@nju1lAS*n> pos n. def Also called: {granule}. any of numerous bright regions (approximate diameter 900 km) having a fine granular structure that can appear briefly on any part of the sun's surface. granulation tissue 0. syl gran:u+la+tion tis+sue pos n. def a mass of new connective tissue and capillaries formed on the surface of a healing ulcer or wound, usually leaving a scar. Nontechnical name: {proud flesh}. granule ety C17: from Late Latin gr*_anulum a small #7grain granule 1. syl gran+ule pron <1gr@nju:l> pos n. def a small grain. granule 2. syl gran+ule pron <1gr@nju:l> pos n. qual Astronomy. def another name for { {granulation} (sense 5)}. granulite 0. syl gran:u+lite pron <1gr@nju2lIt> pos n. def a granular foliated metamorphic rock in which the minerals form a mosaic of equal-sized granules. granulitic sub head granulite syl gran:u+lit+ic pron <2gr@nju1litik> pos adj. granulocyte 0. syl gran:u+lo+cyte pron <1gr@njul*2sIt> pos n. def any of a group of phagocytic leucocytes having cytoplasmic granules that take up various dyes. See also {eosinophil, {neutrophil} (sense 1), {basophil} (sense 2)}. granulocytic sub head granulocyte syl gran:u+lo+cyt+ic pron <2gr@njul*1sitik> pos adj. granulomas infl head granuloma or granulomata syl gran:u+lo+mas pron <-m*t*> pos n. mod pl. granulomata infl head granuloma or granulomas syl gran:u+lo+ma+ta pron <-m*t*> pos n. mod pl. granuloma 0. syl gran:u+lo+ma pron <2gr@nju1l*um*> pos n. def a tumour composed of granulation tissue. granulomatous sub head granuloma syl gran:u+lom:a+tous pron <2gr@nju1lom*t*s> pos adj. granulose 0. syl gran:u+lose pron <1gr@nju2l*us>, <-2l*uz> pos adj. def a less common word for {granular}. Harley infl head Granville-Barker syl Har:ley. pos n. Granville-Barker 0. syl Gran:ville-Bar:ker pron <1gr@nvil> <1ba:k*> pos n. def 1877-1946, English dramatist, theatre director, and critic, noted particu?!larly for his (1927-47). grape ety C13: from Old French grape bunch of grapes, of Germanic origin; compare Old High German kr*_apfo; related to {#7cramp %2}#7, grapple grape 1. syl grape pron pos n. def the fruit of the grapevine, which has a purple or green skin and sweet flesh: eaten raw, dried to make raisins, currants, or sultanas, or used for making wine. grape 2. syl grape pron pos n. def any of various plants that bear grapelike fruit, such as the Oregon grape. grape 3. syl grape pron pos n. def See { {grapevine} (sense 1)}. the grape 4. head grape syl the grape. def slang for {wine}. grape 5. syl grape pron pos n. def See {grapeshot}. grapeless sub head grape syl grape+less pos adj. grapelike sub head grape syl grape+2like pos adj. grapefruit infl or grapefruits syl grape+fruit pos n. mod pl. grapefruits infl head grapefruit or grapefruit syl grape+fruits. pos n. mod pl. grapefruit 1. syl grape+fruit pron <1grAp2fru:t> pos n. def a tropical or subtropical evergreen rutaceous tree, grapefruit 2. syl grape+fruit pron <1grAp2fru:t> pos n. def the large round edible fruit of this tree, which has yellow rind and juicy slightly bitter pulp. grapefruit xref syl grape+fruit pron <1grAp2fru:t> pos n. def Also called (esp. in the U.S.): {pomelo}. grape hyacinth 0. syl grape hy:a+cinth pos n. def any of various Eurasian liliaceous plants of the genus esp. with clusters of rounded blue flowers resembling tiny grapes. grapes 0. syl grapes pron pos n. qual Vet. science. def an abnormal growth, resembling a bunch of grapes, on the fetlock of a horse. grapeshot 0. syl grape+shot pron <1grAp2Sot> pos n. def ammunition for cannons consisting of a number of or cluster of small projectiles. grape sugar 0. syl grape sug+ar pos n. def another name for {dextrose}. grapevine 1. syl grape+vine pron <1grAp2vIn> pos n. def any of several vitaceous vines of the genus esp. of E Asia, widely cultivated for its fruit (grapes): family grapevine 2. syl grape+vine pron <1grAp2vIn> pos n. qual Informal. def an unofficial means of relaying information, esp. from person to person. grapevine 3. syl grape+vine pron <1grAp2vIn> pos n. def a wrestling hold in which a wrestler entwines his own leg around his opponent's and exerts pressure against various joints. graph ety C19: short for graphic formula graph 1. syl graph pron , pos n. def Also called: {chart}. a drawing depicting the relation between certain sets of numbers or quantities by means of a series of dots, lines, etc., plotted with reference to a set of axes. See also {bar graph}. graph 2. syl graph pron , pos n. qual Maths. def a drawing depicting a functional relation between two or three variables by means of a curve or surface containing only those points whose coordinates satisfy the relation. graph 3. syl graph pron , pos n. qual Linguistics. def a symbol in a writing system not further subdivisible into other such symbols. graph 4. syl graph pron , pos vb. mod tr. def to draw or represent in a graph. -graph ety via Latin from Greek -graphos, from graphein to write -graph 0. syl -graph pos n. exam 1 combining form. -graph 1. syl -graph pos n. def an instrument that writes or records. exam 1 telegraph. -graph 2. syl -graph pos n. def a writing, record, or drawing. exam 1 autograph; exam 2 lithograph. -graphic sub head -graph syl -graph:ic grapheme ety C20: from Greek graph*_ema a letter grapheme 0. syl graph+eme pron <1gr@fEm> pos n. qual Linguistics. def a minimum unit of writing, such as a letter, that may take different shapes but is regarded as a representation of the same letter. graphemically sub head grapheme syl gra+1phem:i+cal+ly pos adv. -grapher 0. syl -graph:er pos n. exam 1 combining form. -grapher 1. syl -graph:er pos n. def indicating a person who writes about or is skilled in a subject. exam 1 geographer; exam 2 photographer. -grapher 2. syl -graph:er pos n. def indicating a person who writes, records, or draws in a specified way. exam 1 stenographer; exam 2 lithographer. graphic ety C17: from Latin graphicus, from Greek graphikos, from graphein to write; see #7carve graphical alt head graphic or graphic syl graph:i+cal pos adj. graphic 1. or graphical syl graph+ic pron <1gr@fik> pos adj. def vividly or clearly described. exam 1 a graphic account of the disaster. graphic 2. or graphical syl graph+ic pron <1gr@fik> pos adj. def of or relating to writing or other inscribed representations. exam 1 graphic symbols. graphic 3. or graphical syl graph+ic pron <1gr@fik> pos adj. qual Maths. def using, relating to, or determined by a graph. exam 1 a graphic representation of the figures. graphic 4. or graphical syl graph+ic pron <1gr@fik> pos adj. def of or relating to the graphic arts. graphic 5. or graphical syl graph+ic pron <1gr@fik> pos adj. qual Geology. def having or denoting a texture formed by intergrowth of the crystals to resemble writing. exam 1 graphic granite. graphically sub head graphic or graphicly syl graph:i+cal+ly pos adv. graphicly sub head graphic or graphically syl graph+ic+ly pos adv. graphicalness sub head graphic or graphicness syl graph:i+cal+ness pos n. graphicness sub head graphic or graphicalness syl graph+ic+ness pos n. graphic arts 0. syl graph+ic arts pos n. mod pl. def any of the fine or applied visual arts based on drawing or the use of line, as opposed to colour or relief, on a plane surface, esp. illustration and print-making of all kinds. graphics 1. syl graph+ics pron <1gr@fiks> pos n. mod functioning as; sing. def the process or art of drawing in accordance with mathematical principles. graphics 2. syl graph+ics pron <1gr@fiks> pos n. mod functioning as; sing. def the study of writing systems. graphics 3. syl graph+ics pron <1gr@fiks> pos n. mod functioning as; pl. def the drawings, photographs, etc., in the layout of a magazine or book. graphite ety C18: from German Graphit; from Greek graphein to write+-#7ite %1 graphite 0. syl graph+ite pron <1gr@fIt> pos n. def a blackish soft allotropic form of carbon in hexagonal crystalline form: used in pencils, crucibles, and electrodes, as a lubricant, and as a moderator in nuclear reactors. Also called: {plumbago}. graphitic sub head graphite syl gra+1phit+ic pron pos adj. graphitise alt head graphitize or graphitize syl graph:i+tise pron <1gr@fi2tIz> pos vb. mod tr. graphitize 1. or graphitise syl graph:i+tize pron <1gr@fi2tIz> pos vb. mod tr. def to convert (a substance) into graphite, usually by heating. graphitize 2. or graphitise syl graph:i+tize pron <1gr@fi2tIz> pos vb. mod tr. def to coat or impregnate with graphite. graphitization sub head graphitize or graphitisation syl graph:i+ti+1za+tion pos n. graphitisation sub head graphitize or graphitization syl graph:i+ti+1sa+tion pos n. graphology 1. syl graph+ol+o:gy pron pos n. def the study of handwriting, esp. to analyse the writer's character. graphology 2. syl graph+ol+o:gy pron pos n. qual Linguistics. def the study of writing systems. graphologic sub head graphology or graphological syl graph:o+log+ic pron <2gr@f*1loJik> pos adj. graphological sub head graphology or graphologic syl graph:o+1log:i+cal pos adj. graphologist sub head graphology syl graph+1ol:o+gist pos n. graphomotor 0. syl graph:o+mo+tor pron <1gr@f*2m*ut*> pos adj. def of or relating to the muscular movements used or required in writing. graph paper 0. syl graph pa+per pos n. def paper printed with intersecting lines, usually horizontal and vertical and equally spaced, for drawing graphs, diagrams, etc. -graphy ety via Latin from Greek -graphia, from graphein to write -graphy 0. syl -graph:y pos n. exam 1 combining form. -graphy 1. syl -graph:y pos n. def indicating a form or process of writing, representing, etc.. exam 1 calligraphy; exam 2 photography. -graphy 2. syl -graph:y pos n. def indicating an art or descriptive science. exam 1 choreography; exam 2 ocean?!ography. grapnel ety C14: from Old French grapin a little hook, from grape a hook; see #7grape grapnel 1. syl grap+nel pron <1gr@pnL> pos n. def a device with a multiple hook at one end and attached to a rope, which is thrown or hooked over a firm mooring to secure an object attached to the other end of the rope. grapnel 2. syl grap+nel pron <1gr@pnL> pos n. def a light anchor for small boats. grappa ety Italian: grape stalk, of Germanic origin; see #7grape grappa 0. syl grap+pa pron <1gra:pa:> pos n. def a spirit distilled from the fermented remains of grapes after pressing. Stephane infl head Grappelli syl Steph:ane pron <1stefN> pos n. Grappelli 0. syl Grap:pel:li pron pos n. def born 1908, French jazz violinist: with Django Reinhardt, he led the Quintet of the Hot Club of France between 1934 and 1939. grapple ety C16: from Old French grappelle a little hook, from grape hook; see #7grapnel grapple 1. syl grap+ple pron <1gr@pL> pos vb. def to come to grips with (one or more persons), esp. to struggle in hand-to-hand combat. grapple 2. syl grap+ple pron <1gr@pL> pos vb. mod intr. usage foll. by with def to cope or contend. exam 1 to grapple with a financial problem. grapple 3. syl grap+ple pron <1gr@pL> pos vb. mod tr. def to secure with a grapple. grapple 4. syl grap+ple pron <1gr@pL> pos n. def any form of hook or metal instrument by which something is secured, such as a grapnel. grapple 5.a. syl grap+ple pron <1gr@pL> pos n. def the act of gripping or seizing, as in wrestling. grapple 5.b. syl grap+ple pron <1gr@pL> pos n. def a grip or hold. grapple 6. syl grap+ple pron <1gr@pL> pos n. def a contest of grappling, esp. a wrestling match. grappler sub head grapple syl grap+pler pos n. grapple plant 0. syl grap+ple plant pos n. def a herbaceous plant, of southern Africa, whose fruits are covered with large woody barbed hooks: family Also called: {wait-a-bit}. grappling 1. syl grap+pling pron <1gr@pliG> pos n. def the act of gripping or seizing, as in wrestling. grappling 2. syl grap+pling pron <1gr@pliG> pos n. def a hook used for securing something. hook alt head grappling iron or grappling iron syl hook pos n. grappling iron 0. or hook syl grap+pling i:ron pos n. def a grapnel, esp. one used for securing ships. graptolite ety C19: from Greek graptos written, from graphein to write+-#7lite graptolite 0. syl grap+to+lite pron <1gr@pt*2lIt> pos n. def any extinct Palaeozoic colonial animal of the class usually regarded as related to the coelenterates: a common fossil. Grasmere 0. syl Gras+mere pron <1gra:s2mi*> pos n. def a village in NW England, in Cumbria at the head of {Lake Grasmere} : home of William Wordsworth and of Thomas de Quincey. grasp ety C14: from Low German grapsen; related to Old English gr@appian to seize, Old Norse gr*_apa to steal grasp 1. syl grasp pron pos vb. def to grip (something) firmly with or as if with the hands. grasp 2. syl grasp pron pos vb. mod when; intr. usage often foll. by at def to struggle, snatch, or grope (for). grasp 3. syl grasp pron pos vb. mod tr. def to understand, esp. with effort. grasp 4. syl grasp pron pos n. def the act of grasping. grasp 5. syl grasp pron pos n. def a grip or clasp, as of a hand. grasp 6. syl grasp pron pos n. def the capacity to accomplish (esp. in the phrase {within one's grasp}) . grasp 7. syl grasp pron pos n. def total rule or possession. grasp 8. syl grasp pron pos n. def understanding; com?!prehension. graspable sub head grasp syl grasp+a:ble pos adj. grasper sub head grasp syl grasp+er pos n. grasping 0. syl grasp+ing pron <1gra:spiG> pos adj. def greedy; avaricious; rapacious. graspingly sub head grasping syl grasp+ing+ly pos adv. graspingness sub head grasping syl grasp+ing+ness pos n. grass ety Old English gr@as; related to Old Norse, Gothic, Old High German gras, Middle High German gruose sap grass 1. syl grass pron pos n. def any monocotyledonous plant of the family having jointed stems sheathed by long narrow leaves, flowers in spikes, and seedlike fruits. The family includes cereals, bamboo, etc. grass 2. syl grass pron pos n. def such plants collectively, in a lawn, meadow, etc. Related adj.: {verdant}. grass 3. syl grass pron pos n. def any similar plant, such as knotgrass, deergrass, or scurvy grass. grass 4. syl grass pron pos n. def ground on which such plants grow; a lawn, field, etc. grass 5. syl grass pron pos n. def ground on which animals are grazed; pasture. grass 6. syl grass pron pos n. def a slang word for {marijuana}. grass 7. syl grass pron pos n. qual Brit. slang. def a person who informs, esp. on criminals. let the grass grow under one's feet 8. head grass syl let the grass grow under one's feet. def to squander time or opportunity. grass 9.a. syl grass pron pos n. def to retire (a racehorse). grass 9.b. syl grass pron pos n. qual Informal. def to retire (a person). grass 10. syl grass pron pos vb. def to cover or become covered with grass. grass 11. syl grass pron pos vb. def to feed or be fed with grass. grass 12. syl grass pron pos vb. mod tr. def to spread (cloth, etc.) out on grass for drying or bleaching in the sun. grass 13. syl grass pron pos vb. mod tr. qual Sport, chiefly U.S. def to knock or bring down (an opponent). grass 14. syl grass pron pos vb. mod tr. def to shoot down (a bird). grass 15. syl grass pron pos vb. mod tr. def to land (a fish) on a river bank. grass 16. syl grass pron pos vb. mod when; intr. qual Brit. slang. usage usually foll. by on def to inform, esp. to the police. grassless sub head grass syl grass+less pos adj. grasslike sub head grass syl grass+2like pos adj. Grass 0. syl Grass qual German def gras) {G*"un@.ter} (#!gynt$$r). born 1927, German novelist, dramatist, and poet, noted particularly for his novels (1959) and (1963). grass box 0. syl grass box pos n. def a container attached to a lawn mower that receives grass after it has been cut. grass cloth 0. syl grass cloth pos n. def a cloth made from plant fibres, such as jute or hemp. grass court 0. syl grass court pos n. def a tennis court covered with grass. See also {hard court}. grassfinch 0. syl grass+finch pron <1gra:s2finC> pos n. def any Australian weaverbird of the genus and related genera, many of which are brightly coloured and kept as cage birds. grass hockey 0. syl grass hock+ey pos n. qual Canadian. def field hockey, as contrasted with ice hockey. grasshook 0. syl grass+hook pron <1gra:s2huk> pos n. def another name for {sickle}. grasshopper 1. syl grass+hop:per pron <1gra:s2hop*> pos n. def any orthopterous insect of the families ({short-horned grasshoppers}) and ({long-horned grasshoppers}) , typically terrestrial, feeding on plants, and producing a ticking sound by rubbing the hind legs against the leathery forewings. See also { {locust} (sense 1)}, {katydid}. grasshopper 2. syl grass+hop:per pron <1gra:s2hop*> pos n. def an iced cocktail of equal parts of cr*`eme de menthe, cr*`eme de cacao, and cream. grassland 1. syl grass+land pron <1gra:s2l@nd> pos n. def land, such as a prairie, on which grass predominates. grassland 2. syl grass+land pron <1gra:s2l@nd> pos n. def land reserved for natural grass pasture. grass-of-Parnassus 0. syl grass-of-Par:nas+sus pos n. def a herbaceous perennial N temperate marsh plant, with solitary whitish flowers: family grassquit ety from #7grass+ quit, a bird name in Jamaica grassquit 0. syl grass+quit pron <1gra:s2kwit> pos n. def any tropical American finch of the genus and related genera, such as ({yellow-faced grassquit}) . grass roots 1. syl grass roots pos n. mod pl. def the essentials. grass roots 2.a. syl grass roots pos n. mod pl. def people, esp. from rural areas, considered to represent fundamental and practical views, esp. in politics. grass roots 2.b. syl grass roots pos n. mod pl. def such rural areas. grass snake 1. syl grass snake pos n. def a harmless nonvenomous European colubrid snake, having a brownish-green body with variable markings. grass snake 2. syl grass snake pos n. def any of several similar related European snakes, such as ({viperine grass snake}) . grass tree 1. syl grass tree pos n. def Also called: {blackboy}. any liliaceous plant of the Australian genus having a woody stem, stiff grasslike leaves, and a spike of small white flowers. Some species produce fragrant resins. See also {acaroid gum}. grass tree 2. syl grass tree pos n. def any of several similar Australasian plants. grass widow ety C16: perhaps an allusion to a grass bed as representing an illicit relationship; compare #7bastard grass widower alt head grass widow or grass widow syl grass wid+ow+er pos n. mod masc. grass widow 1. or grass widower syl grass wid+ow pos n. def a person divorced, separated, or living away from his or her spouse. grass widow 2. or grass widower syl grass wid+ow pos n. def a person whose spouse is regularly away for a short period. grassier infl head grassy syl grass:i+er pos adj. grassiest infl head grassy syl grass:i+est. pos adj. grassy 0. syl grass:y pron <1gra:si> pos adj. def covered with, containing, or resembling grass. grassiness sub head grassy syl grass:i+ness pos n. grate ety C15: from Old French grater to scrape, of Germanic origin; compare Old High German krazz*_on grate H1.1. syl grate pron pos vb. mod tr. def to reduce to small shreds by rubbing against a rough or sharp perforated surface. exam 1 to grate carrots. grate H1.2. syl grate pron pos vb. def to scrape (an object) against or (objects) together, producing a harsh rasping sound, or (of objects) to scrape with such a sound. grate H1.3. syl grate pron pos vb. mod when; intr. usage foll. by on or upon def to annoy. grate H1.4. syl grate pron pos vb. mod tr. qual Archaic. def to abrade; erode. grate H1.5. syl grate pron pos n. def a harsh rasping sound. grate ety C14: from Old French grate, from Latin cr*_atis hurdle grate H2.1. syl grate pron pos n. def a framework of metal bars for holding fuel in a fireplace, stove, or furnace. grate H2.2. syl grate pron pos n. def a less common word for {fireplace}. grate H2.3. syl grate pron pos n. def another name for { {grating} %1 (sense 1)}. grate H2.4. syl grate pron pos n. qual Mining. def a perforated metal screen for grading crushed ore. grate H2.5. syl grate pron pos vb. mod tr. def to provide with a grate or grates. grateful ety C16: from obsolete grate, from Latin gr*_atus+ -#7ful grateful 1. syl grate+ful pron <1grAtful> pos adj. def thankful for gifts, favours, etc.; appreciative. grateful 2. syl grate+ful pron <1grAtful> pos adj. def showing gratitude. exam 1 a grateful letter. grateful 3. syl grate+ful pron <1grAtful> pos adj. def favourable or pleasant. exam 1 a grateful rest. gratefully sub head grateful syl grate+ful+ly pos adv. gratefulness sub head grateful syl grate+ful+ness pos n. grater 1. syl grat+er pron <1grAt*> pos n. def a kitchen utensil with sharp-edged perforations for grating carrots, cheese, etc. grater 2. syl grat+er pron <1grAt*> pos n. def a person or thing that grates. Gratian 0. syl Gra:ti:an pron <1grASi*n> pos n. def Latin name 359-383 #7a.d., Roman emperor (367-383): ruled the Western Roman Empire with his brother Valentinian II (375-83); appointed Theodosius I emperor of the Eastern Roman Empire (379). graticule ety C19: from French, from Latin cr*_aticula, from cr*_atis wickerwork graticule 1. syl grat:i+cule pron <1gr@ti2kju:l> pos n. def the grid of intersecting lines of latitude and longitude on which a map is drawn. graticule 2. syl grat:i+cule pron <1gr@ti2kju:l> pos n. def a scale or network of fine lines in the eyepiece of a telescope or microscope, to assist in locating objects. gratification 1. syl grat:i+fi+ca+tion pron <2gr@tifi1kAS*n> pos n. def the act of gratifying or the state of being gratified. gratification 2. syl grat:i+fi+ca+tion pron <2gr@tifi1kAS*n> pos n. def something that gratifies. gratification 3. syl grat:i+fi+ca+tion pron <2gr@tifi1kAS*n> pos n. def an obsolete word for {gratuity}. gratify ety C16: from Latin gr*_atific*_ar*_i to do a favour to, from gr*_atus grateful+ facere to make gratifies infl head gratify syl grat:i+fies pos vb. mod tr. gratifying infl head gratify syl grat:i+fy+ing pos vb. mod tr. gratified infl head gratify syl grat:i+fied. pos vb. mod tr. gratify 1. syl grat:i+fy pron <1gr@ti2fI> pos vb. mod tr. def to satisfy or please. gratify 2. syl grat:i+fy pron <1gr@ti2fI> pos vb. mod tr. def to yield to or indulge (a desire, whim, etc.). gratify 3. syl grat:i+fy pron <1gr@ti2fI> pos vb. mod tr. qual Obsolete. def to reward. gratifier sub head gratify syl grat:i+2fi+er pos n. gratifying sub head gratify syl grat:i+2fy+ing pos adj. gratifyingly sub head gratify syl grat:i+2fy+ing+ly pos adv. gratin 0. syl grat+in pron French def See {au gratin}. grating H1.1. syl grat+ing pron <1grAtiG> pos n. def Also called: {grate}. a framework of metal bars in the form of a grille set into a wall, pavement, etc., serving as a cover or guard but admitting air and sometimes light. grating H1.2. syl grat+ing pron <1grAtiG> pos n. def short for {diffraction grating}. grating H2.1. syl grat+ing pron <1grAtiG> pos adj. usage of sounds def harsh and rasping. grating H2.2. syl grat+ing pron <1grAtiG> pos adj. def annoying; irritating. grating H2.3. syl grat+ing pron <1grAtiG> pos n. mod often; pl. def something produced by grating. gratingly sub head grating syl grat+ing+ly pos adv. gratis ety C15: from Latin: out of kindness, from gr*_ati*_is ablative pl. of gr*_atia favour gratis 0. syl gra+tis pron <1grAtis>, <1gr@tis>, <1gra:tis> pos adv. adj. usage postpositive def without payment; free of charge. gratitude ety C16: from Medieval Latin gr*_atit*_ud*_o, from Latin gr*_atus #7grateful gratitude 0. syl grat:i+tude pron <1gr@ti2tju:d> pos n. def a feeling of thankfulness or appreciation, as for gifts or favours. Henry infl head Grattan syl Hen:ry. pos n. Grattan 0. syl Grat:tan pron <1gr@tN> pos n. def 1746-1820, Irish statesman and orator: led the movement that secured legislative independence for Ireland (1782), opposed union with England (1800), and campaigned for Catholic emancipation. gratuitous ety C17: from Latin gr*_atu*_itus from gr*_atia favour gratuitous 1. syl gra+tu:i+tous pron pos adj. def given or received without payment or obligation. gratuitous 2. syl gra+tu:i+tous pron pos adj. def without cause; unjustified. gratuitous 3. syl gra+tu:i+tous pron pos adj. qual Law. def given or made without receiving any value in return. exam 1 a gratuitous contract. gratuitously sub head gratuitous syl gra+1tu:i+tous+ly pos adv. gratuitousness sub head gratuitous syl gra+1tu:i+tous+ness pos n. gratuities infl head gratuity syl gra+tu+i:ties. pos n. mod pl. gratuity 1. syl gra+tu+i:ty pron pos n. def a gift or reward, usually of money, for services rendered; tip. gratuity 2. syl gra+tu+i:ty pron pos n. def something given without claim or obligation. gratuity 3. syl gra+tu+i:ty pron pos n. qual Military. def a financial award granted for long or meritorious service. gratulate ety C16: from Latin gr*_atul*_ar*_i, from gr*_atus pleasing gratulate 1. syl grat:u+late pron <1gr@tju2lAt> pos vb. mod tr. qual Archaic. def to greet joyously. gratulate 2. syl grat:u+late pron <1gr@tju2lAt> pos vb. mod tr. qual Archaic. def to congratulate. gratulant sub head gratulate syl grat:u+lant pos adj. gratulation sub head gratulate syl grat:u+1la+tion pos n. gratulatory sub head gratulate syl grat:u+la+to:ry pos adj. Graubunden 0. syl Grau+b*"un+den pron German pos n. def an Alpine canton of E Switzerland: the largest of the cantons, but sparsely populated. Capital: Chur. Pop.: 162086 (1970). Area: 7109 sq. km (2773 sq. miles). Italian name: {Grigioni}. Romansch name: {Grishun}. French name: {Grisons}. graupel ety German, from Graupe, probably from Serbo-Croatian krupa; related to Russian krup*'a peeled grain graupel 0. syl grau+pel pron <1graupL> pos n. def soft hail or snow pellets. grav 0. syl grav pron pos n. def a unit of acceleration equal to the standard acceleration of free fall. 1 grav is equivalent to 9.80665 metres per second per second. Symbol: G gravamen ety C17: from Late Latin: trouble, from Latin grav*_are to load, from gravis heavy; see #7grave %2 gravamina infl head gravamen syl gra+vam:i+na pron <-1v@min*> pos n. mod pl. gravamen 1. syl gra+va+men pron pos n. qual Law. def that part of an accusation weighing most heavily against an accused. gravamen 2. syl gra+va+men pron pos n. qual Law. def the substance or material grounds of a complaint. gravamen 3. syl gra+va+men pron pos n. def a rare word for {grievance}. grave ety Old English gr@af; related to Old Frisian gref, Old High German grab, Old Slavonic grob*vu; see #7grave %3 grave H1.1. syl grave pron pos n. def a place for the burial of a corpse, esp. beneath the ground and usually marked by a tombstone. Related adj.: {sepulchral}. grave H1.2. syl grave pron pos n. def something resembling a grave or resting place. exam 1 the ship went to its grave. grave H1.3. syl grave pron pos n. usage often preceded by the def a poetic term for {death}. have one foot in the grave 4. head grave syl have one foot in the grave. def to be old, weak, or near death. to make (someone) turn (over) in his grave 5. head grave syl to make (someone) turn (over) in his grave. def to do something that would have shocked or distressed a person now dead. exam 1 many modern dictionaries would make Dr. Johnson turn in his grave. grave ety C16: from Old French, from Latin gravis; related to Greek barus heavy; see #7gravamen grave H2.1. syl grave pron pos adj. def serious and solemn. exam 1 a grave look. grave H2.2. syl grave pron pos adj. def full of or suggesting danger. exam 1 a grave situation. grave H2.3. syl grave pron pos adj. def important; crucial. exam 1 grave matters of state. grave H2.4. syl grave pron pos adj. usage of colours def sober or dull. grave H2.5.a. syl grave pron pos adj. usage of a vowel or syllable in some languages with a pitch accent, such as ancient Greek def spoken on a lower or falling musical pitch relative to neighbouring syllables or vowels. grave H2.5.b. syl grave pron pos adj. def of or relating to an accent ({*` }) over vowels, denoting a pronunciation with lower or falling musical pitch (as in ancient Greek), with certain special quality (as in French), or in a manner that gives the vowel status as a syllable nucleus not usually possessed by it in that position (as in English Compare { {acute} (sense 8)}, {circumflex}. grave H2.6. syl grave pron pos n. def a grave accent. gravely sub head grave syl grave+ly pos adv. graveness sub head grave syl grave+ness pos n. grave ety Old English grafan; related to Old Norse grafa, Old High German graban to dig graves infl head grave syl graves pos vb. mod tr. graving infl head grave syl grav+ing pos vb. mod tr. graved graved infl head grave or graven syl graved; graved pos vb. mod tr. graven infl head grave or graved graved syl grav+en. pos vb. mod tr. grave H3.1. syl grave pron pos vb. mod tr. qual Archaic. def to cut, carve, sculpt, or engrave. grave H3.2. syl grave pron pos vb. mod tr. qual Archaic. def to fix firmly in the mind. grave ety C15: perhaps from Old French grave #7gravel grave H4.0. syl grave pron pos vb. mod tr. qual Nautical. def to clean and apply a coating of pitch to (the bottom of a vessel). grave ety C17: from Italian: heavy, from Latin gravis grave H5.0. syl gra+ve pron <1gra:vi> pos adj. adv. adv. qual Music. def to be performed in a solemn manner. grave clothes 0. syl grave clothes pos n. mod pl. def the wrappings in which a dead body is interred. gravel ety C13: from Old French gravele, diminutive of grave, gravel, perhaps of Celtic origin gravel 1. syl grav+el pron <1gr@vL> pos n. def a mixture of rock fragments and pebbles that is coarser than sand. gravel 2. syl grav+el pron <1gr@vL> pos n. qual Pathol. def small rough calculi in the kidneys or bladder. gravels infl head gravel or gravels syl grav+els pos vb. mod tr. qual U.S. gravelling infl head gravel or graveling syl grav+el+ling pos vb. mod tr. gravelled infl head gravel or graveled syl grav+elled pos vb. mod tr. graveling infl head gravel or gravelling syl grav+el+ing pos vb. mod tr. qual U.S. graveled infl head gravel or gravelled syl grav+eled. pos vb. mod tr. qual U.S. gravel 3. syl grav+el pron <1gr@vL> pos vb. def to cover with gravel. gravel 4. syl grav+el pron <1gr@vL> pos vb. def to confound or confuse. gravel 5. syl grav+el pron <1gr@vL> pos vb. qual U.S. informal. def to annoy or disturb. gravelish sub head gravel syl grav+el+ish pos adj. gravel-blind ety C16: from #7gravel+blind, formed on the model of #7sandblind gravel-blind 0. syl grav:el-blind pos adj. qual Literary. def almost entirely blind. gravelly 1. syl grav+el+ly pron <1gr@v*li> pos adj. def consisting of or abounding in gravel. gravelly 2. syl grav+el+ly pron <1gr@v*li> pos adj. def of or like gravel. gravelly 3. syl grav+el+ly pron <1gr@v*li> pos adj. usage esp. of a voice def harsh and grating. graven 1. syl grav+en pron <1grAvN> pos vb. def a past participle of {grave%3}. graven 2. syl grav+en pron <1grAvN> pos adj. def strongly fixed. 's infl head Gravenhage syl 's. pos n. Gravenhage 0. syl Gra+ven+ha+ge pron <2s$xra:v*n1ha:$x*> pos n. def a Dutch name for (The) {Hague}. graven image 0. syl grav+en im+age pos n. qual Chiefly Bible. def a carved image used as an idol. graver 0. syl grav+er pron <1grAv*> pos n. def any of various engraving, chasing, or sculpting tools, such as a burin. Graves 1. syl Graves pron pos n. usage sometimes not cap. def a white or red wine from the district around Bordeaux, France. Graves 2. syl Graves pron pos n. def a dry or medium sweet white wine from any country. exam 1 Spanish Graves. Robert (Ranke) infl head Graves syl Rob:ert (Ranke) . pos n. Graves 0. syl Graves pron pos n. def born 1895, English poet, novelist, and critic, whose works include his World War I autobiography, (1929), and the historical novels (1934) and (1934). Graves' disease ety C19: named after R. J. Graves (1796-1853), Irish physician Graves' disease 0. syl Graves' dis+ease pos n. def another name for {exophthalmic goitre}. Gravesend 0. syl Graves+end pron <2grAvz1end> pos n. def a river port in SE England, in NW Kent on the Thames. Pop.: 54044 (1971). gravestone 0. syl grave+stone pron <1grAv2st*un> pos n. def a stone marking a grave and usually inscribed with the name and dates of the person buried. Gravettian ety C20: from La Gravette on the Dordogne, France Gravettian 0. syl Gra+vett+i:an pron pos adj. def of, referring to, or characteristic of an Upper Palaeolithic culture, characterized esp. by small pointed blades with blunt backs. grave-wax 0. syl grave-wax pos n. def the nontechnical name for {adipocere}. graveyard 0. syl grave+yard pron <1grAv2ja:d> pos n. def a place for graves; a burial ground, esp. a small one or one in a churchyard. gravid ety C16: from Latin gravidus, from gravis heavy gravid 0. syl grav+id pron <1gr@vid> pos adj. def the technical word for {pregnant}. gravidity sub head gravid or gravidness syl gra+1vid+i:ty pos n. gravidness sub head gravid or gravidity syl gra+vid+ness pos n. gravidly sub head gravid syl gra+vid+ly pos adv. gravimeter ety C18: from French gravim*`etre, from Latin gravis heavy gravimeter 1. syl gra+vim+e:ter pron pos n. def an instrument for measuring the earth's gravitational field at points on its surface. gravimeter 2. syl gra+vim+e:ter pron pos n. def an instrument for measuring relative density. gravimetry sub head gravimeter syl gra+1vim+e:try pos n. gravimetrical alt head gravimetric or gravimetric syl grav:i+met+ri+cal pos adj. gravimetric 0. or gravimetrical syl grav:i+met+ric pron <2gr@vi1metrik> pos adj. def of, concerned with, or using measurement by weight. Compare {volumetric}. gravimetrically sub head gravimetric syl grav:i+1met+ri+cal+ly pos adv. gravimetric analysis 0. syl grav:i+met+ric a:nal:y+sis pos n. qual Chem. def quantitative analysis by weight, usually involving the precipitation, filtration, drying, and weighing of the precipitate. Compare {volumetric analysis}. graving dock 0. syl grav+ing dock pos n. def another term for {dry dock}. gravitate 1. syl grav:i+tate pron <1gr@vi2tAt> pos vb. mod intr. qual Physics. def to move under the influence of gravity. gravitate 2. syl grav:i+tate pron <1gr@vi2tAt> pos vb. mod intr. usage usually foll. by to or towards def to be influenced or drawn, as by strong impulses. gravitate 3. syl grav:i+tate pron <1gr@vi2tAt> pos vb. mod intr. def to sink or settle. gravitater sub head gravitate syl grav:i+2tat+er pos n. gravitation 1. syl grav:i+ta+tion pron <2gr@vi1tAS*n> pos n. def the force of attraction that bodies exert on one another as a result of their mass. gravitation 2. syl grav:i+ta+tion pron <2gr@vi1tAS*n> pos n. def any process or result caused by this interaction, such as the fall of a body to the surface of the earth. gravitation xref syl grav:i+ta+tion pron <2gr@vi1tAS*n> pos n. def Also called: {gravity}. See also {Newton's law of gravitation}. gravitational sub head gravitation syl grav:i+1ta+tion+al pos adj. gravitationally sub head gravitation syl grav:i+1ta+tion+al+ly pos adv. gravitational constant 0. syl grav:i+ta+tion+al con+stant pos n. def the factor relating force to mass and distance in Newton's law of gravitation. It is a universal constant with the value 6.670#M10%#-%1%1N m%2 kg%-%2. Symbol. exam 1 G gravitational field 0. syl grav:i+ta+tion+al field pos n. def the field of force surrounding a body of finite mass in which another body would experience an attractive force that is proportional to the product of the masses and inversely proportional to the square of the distance between them. exam 1 the gravitational field of the earth. gravitational interaction 0. syl grav:i+ta+tion+al in:ter+ac+tion pos n. def an interaction between particles or bodies resulting from their mass. It is very weak and occurs at all distances. Compare {electromagnetic inter?!action, strong inter?!action, weak interaction}. gravitational mass 0. syl grav:i+ta+tion+al mass pos n. def the mass of a body determined by the extent to which it responds to the force of gravity. Compare {inertial mass}. gravitative 1. syl grav:i+ta+tive pron <1gr@vi2tAtiv> pos adj. def of, involving, or produced by gravitation. gravitative 2. syl grav:i+ta+tive pron <1gr@vi2tAtiv> pos adj. def tending or causing to gravitate. graviton 0. syl grav:i+ton pron <1gr@vi2ton> pos n. def a postulated quantum of gravitational energy, usually considered to be a particle with zero charge and rest mass and a spin of 2. Compare {photon}. gravity ety C16: from Latin gravit*_as weight, from gravis heavy gravities infl head gravity syl grav+i:ties. pos n. mod pl. gravity 1. syl grav+i:ty pron <1gr@viti> pos n. def the force of attraction that moves or tends to move bodies towards the centre of a celestial body, such as the earth or moon. gravity 2. syl grav+i:ty pron <1gr@viti> pos n. def the property of being heavy or having weight. See also {specific gravity, centre of gravity}. gravity 3. syl grav+i:ty pron <1gr@viti> pos n. def another name for {gravitation}. gravity 4. syl grav+i:ty pron <1gr@viti> pos n. def seriousness or importance, esp. as a consequence of an action or opinion. gravity 5. syl grav+i:ty pron <1gr@viti> pos n. def manner or conduct that is solemn or dignified. gravity 6. syl grav+i:ty pron <1gr@viti> pos n. def lowness in pitch. gravity 7. syl grav+i:ty pron <1gr@viti> pos n. usage modifier def of or relating to gravity or gravitation or their effects. exam 1 gravity wave; exam 2 gravity feed. gravity cell 0. syl grav+i:ty cell pos n. def an electrolytic cell in which the electrodes lie in two different electrolytes, which are separated into two layers by the difference in their relative densities. gravity fault 0. syl grav+i:ty fault pos n. def a fault in which the rocks on the upper side of an inclined fault plane have been displaced downwards; normal fault. gravure ety C19: from French, from graver to engrave, of Germanic origin; see #7grave %3 gravure 1. syl gra+vure pron pos n. def a method of intaglio printing using a plate with many small etched recesses. See also {rotogravure}. gravure 2. syl gra+vure pron pos n. def See {photogravure}. gravure 3. syl gra+vure pron pos n. def matter printed by this process. gravy ety C14: from Old French grav*'e, of uncertain origin gravies infl head gravy syl gra+vies. pos n. mod pl. gravy 1.a. syl gra+vy pron <1grAvi> pos n. def the juices that exude from meat during cooking. gravy 1.b. syl gra+vy pron <1grAvi> pos n. def the sauce made by thickening and flavouring such juices. gravy 2. syl gra+vy pron <1grAvi> pos n. qual Slang, chiefly U.S. def money or gain acquired with little effort, esp. above that needed for ordinary living. gravy boat 0. syl gra+vy boat pos n. def a small often boat-shaped vessel for serving gravy or other sauces. gravy train 0. syl gra+vy train pos n. qual Slang, chiefly U.S. def a job requiring comparatively little work for good pay, benefits, etc. gray 0. syl gray pron pos adj. n. vb. def a variant spelling (now esp. U.S.) of {grey}. grayish sub head gray syl gray+ish pos adj. grayly sub head gray syl gray+ly pos adv. grayness sub head gray syl gray+ness pos n. Thomas infl head Gray syl Thom:as. pos n. Gray 0. syl Gray pron pos n. def 1716-71, English poet, best known for his (1751). Gray code ety named after Frank Gray, 20th-century American physicist Gray code 0. syl Gray code pos n. def a modification of a number system, esp. a binary code, in which any adjacent pair of numbers, in counting order, differ in their digits at one position only, the absolute difference being the value 1. grayling infl or graylings syl gray+ling pos n. mod pl. graylings infl head grayling or grayling syl gray+lings. pos n. mod pl. grayling 1. syl gray+ling pron <1grAliG> pos n. def any freshwater salmonoid food fish of the genus and family of the N hemisphere, having a long spiny dorsal fin, a silvery back, and greyish-green sides. grayling 2. syl gray+ling pron <1grAliG> pos n. def any butterfly of the satyrid genus and related genera, esp. of Europe, having grey or greyish-brown wings. Gray's Inn 0. syl Gray's Inn pos n. usage in England def one of the four legal societies in London that together form the Inns of Court. Graz 0. syl Graz pron German pos n. def an industrial city in SE Austria, capital of Styria province: the second largest city in the country. Pop.: 248500 (1971). graze ety Old English grasian, from gr@as #7grass ; related to Old High German gras*_on , Dutch grazen, Norwegian grasa graze H1.1. syl graze pron pos vb. def to allow (animals) to consume the vegetation on (an area of land), or (of animals, esp. cows and sheep) to feed thus. graze H1.2. syl graze pron pos vb. mod tr. def to tend (livestock) while at pasture. graze ety C17: probably special use of #7graze %1; related to Swedish gr*"asa graze H2.1. syl graze pron pos vb. mod when; intr. usage often foll. by against or along def to brush or scrape (against) gently, esp. in passing. graze H2.2. syl graze pron pos vb. mod tr. def to break the skin of (a part of the body) by scraping. graze H2.3. syl graze pron pos n. def the act of grazing. graze H2.4. syl graze pron pos n. def a scrape or abrasion made by grazing. grazer sub head graze syl graz+er pos n. grazingly sub head graze syl graz+ing+ly pos adv. grazier 0. syl gra+zi+er pron <1grAzi*> pos n. def a rancher or farmer who rears or fattens cattle or sheep on grazing land. grazing 1. syl graz+ing pron <1grAziG> pos n. def the vegetation on ranges or pastures that is available for livestock to feed upon. grazing 2. syl graz+ing pron <1grAziG> pos n. def the land on which this is growing. grease ety C13: from Old French craisse, from Latin crassus thick grease 1. syl grease pron pos n. def animal fat in a soft or melted condition. grease 2. syl grease pron pos n. def any thick fatty oil, esp. one used as a lubricant for machinery, etc. grease 3. syl grease pron pos n. def Also called: {grease wool}. shorn fleece before it has been cleaned. grease 4. syl grease pron pos n. qual Vet. science. def inflammation of the skin of horses around the fetlocks, usually covered with an oily secretion. grease 5. syl grease pron , pos vb. mod tr. def to soil, coat, or lubricate with grease. grease 6. syl grease pron , pos vb. mod tr. def to ease the course of. exam 1 his education greased his path to success. grease the palm 7. head grease or hand of syl grease the palm qual Slang. def to bribe; influence by giving money to. greaseless sub head grease syl grease+less pos adj. grease cup 0. syl grease cup pos n. def a container that stores grease and feeds it through a small hole into a bearing. grease gun 0. syl grease gun pos n. def a device for forcing grease through nipples into bearings, usually consisting of a cylinder with a plunger and nozzle fitted to it. grease monkey 0. syl grease mon+key pos n. qual Informal. def a mechanic, esp. one who works on cars or aircraft. greasepaint 1. syl grease+paint pron <1grEs2pAnt> pos n. def a waxy or greasy substance used as make-up by actors. greasepaint 2. syl grease+paint pron <1grEs2pAnt> pos n. def theatrical make-up. greaser 1. syl greas+er pron <1grEs*> pos n. qual Brit. slang. def a mechanic, esp. of motor vehicles. greaser 2. syl greas+er pron <1grEs*> pos n. qual Brit. slang. def a young long-haired motorcyclist, usually one of a gang. greaser 3. syl greas+er pron <1grEs*> pos n. qual Brit. slang. def an unpleasant person, esp. one who ingratiates himself with superiors. greasebush alt head greasewood or greasewood syl grease+bush pos n. greasewood 1. or greasebush syl grease+wood pron <1grEs2wud> pos n. def Also called: {chico}. a spiny chenopodiaceous shrub, of W North America, that yields an oil used as a fuel. greasewood 2. or greasebush syl grease+wood pron <1grEs2wud> pos n. def any of various similar or related plants, such as the creosote bush. greasier infl head greasy syl greas:i+er pos adj. greasiest infl head greasy syl greas:i+est. pos adj. greasy 1. syl greas:y pron <1grEsi>, <-zi> pos adj. def coated or soiled with or as if with grease. greasy 2. syl greas:y pron <1grEsi>, <-zi> pos adj. def composed of or full of grease. greasy 3. syl greas:y pron <1grEsi>, <-zi> pos adj. def resembling grease. greasy 4. syl greas:y pron <1grEsi>, <-zi> pos adj. def unctuous or oily in manner. greasily sub head greasy syl greas:i+ly pos adv. greasiness sub head greasy syl greas:i+ness pos n. greasy spoon 0. syl greas:y spoon pos n. qual Slang. def a small, cheap, and often unsanitary restaurant, usually specializing in fried foods. ********************************************************************** greasy spoon 0. syl greas:y spoon pos n. qual Slang. def a small, cheap, and often unsanitary restaurant, usually specializing in fried foods. ********************************************************************** Book. ********************************************************************** ********************************************************************** {Ben@.ny}. born 1909, U.S. jazz clarinettist and bandleader, whose treatment of popular songs created the jazz idiom known as swing. good oil 0. syl good oil pos n. qual Austral. slang. usage usually preceded by the def true or reliable facts, information, etc. ********************************************************************** immediately. ********************************************************************** ********************************************************************** good sort 0. syl good sort pos n. qual Austral. informal. def an agreeable or attractive woman. ********************************************************************** Gorgonian 0. syl Gor+go+ni:an pron pos adj. def of or resembling a Gorgon. ********************************************************************** sense: a filmy cobweb): ********************************************************************** ********************************************************************** the phrase refers to a period in November when goose was traditionally eaten; from the prevalence of the cobweb in the autumn; from ********************************************************************** ********************************************************************** Gotz von Berlichingen 0. syl G*"otz von Ber+lich+ing+en qual German def g@ots f@$n #!b$erl$I*,c$I&n$$n). See {Berlichingen. **********************************************************************} the infl head Gower syl the. pos n. Gower H2.0. syl Gow+er pron <1gau*> pos n. def a peninsula in S Wales, in West Glamorgan in the Bristol Channel: mainly agricultural with several resorts. Yakubu infl head Gowon syl Ya:ku:bu pron <1ja:ku2bu:> pos n. Gowon 0. syl Gow:on pron <1gau*n> pos n. def born 1934, Nigerian general and statesman; head of state from 1966 until his overthrow in 1975. general practitioner. Gowon 1. syl Gow:on pron <1gau*n> pos n. def Gallup poll. grade cricket 0. syl grade crick+et pos n. qual Austral. def competitive cricket, in which cricket club teams are arranged in grades. ********************************************************************** {~} Also called: {The Grampians. ********************************************************************** ********************************************************************** +ries}. grade cricket 1. syl grade crick+et pos n. qual Austral. def a building ********************************************************************** ********************************************************************** grand final 0. syl grand fi+nal pos n. qual Austral. def the final game of the season in any of various sports, esp. football. ********************************************************************** granny flat 0. syl gran+ny flat pos n. def a flat built onto or constructed inside a house to accommodate an elderly parent. ********************************************************************** gran torismo 0. syl gran tor+is+mo pron <1gr@n> pos n. def a touring car; a name given to some car models, capable of high speed. Usually abbreviated to {GT} &- {#!grap+ey} {#!grap@.y} Stephane infl head Grappelli syl Steph:ane pron <1stefN> pos n. Grappelli 0. syl Grap:pel:li pron pos n. def born 1908, French jazz violinist: with Django Reinhardt, he led the Quintet of the Hot Club of France between 1934 and 1939. See also {acaroid gum. ********************************************************************** ********************************************************************** that ********************************************************************** ********************************************************************** +lies, +ly+ing, +lied}. Grappelli 2. syl Grap:pel:li pron pos n. mod intr. qual Austral. def to dig for (opal). {~} Grappelli 3. syl Grap:pel:li pron pos n. def a type ********************************************************************** vicegerent. ********************************************************************** ********************************************************************** granny knot ety C20: from Italian ********************************************************************** ********************************************************************** granny knot ety C20: from Italian ********************************************************************** ********************************************************************** ?m?q?u aa.i1  granny's knot alt head granny knot or granny knot syl gran+ny's knot pos n. granny knot 0. or granny's knot syl gran+ny knot pos n. def a reef knot with the ends crossed the wrong way, making it liable to slip or jam. ********************************************************************** Austral. good afternoon. ********************************************************************** ********************************************************************** for @T ********************************************************************** ********************************************************************** sound, ********************************************************************** ********************************************************************** in John ********************************************************************** ********************************************************************** great ety Old English gr*_eat; related to Old Frisian gr*_at, Old High German gr*_oz; see #7grit, groat great 1. syl great pron pos adj. def relatively large in size or extent; big. great 2. syl great pron pos adj. def relatively large in number; having many parts or members. exam 1 a great assembly. great 3. syl great pron pos adj. def of relatively long duration. exam 1 a great wait. great 4. syl great pron pos adj. def of larger size or more importance than others of its kind. exam 1 the great auk. great 5. syl great pron pos adj. def extreme or more than usual. exam 1 great worry. great 6. syl great pron pos adj. def of significant importance or consequence. exam 1 a great decision. great 7.a. syl great pron pos adj. def of exceptional talents or achievements; remarkable. exam 1 a great writer. great 7.b. syl great pron pos as; n. exam 1 the great; exam 2 one of the greats. great 8. syl great pron pos adj. def arising from or possessing idealism in thought, action, etc.; heroic. exam 1 great deeds. great 9. syl great pron pos adj. def illustrious or eminent. exam 1 a great history. great 10. syl great pron pos adj. def impressive or striking. exam 1 a great show of wealth. great 11. syl great pron pos adj. def much in use; favoured. exam 1 poetry was a great convention of the Romantic era. great 12. syl great pron pos adj. def active or enthusiastic. exam 1 a great walker. great 13. syl great pron pos adj. usage often foll. by at def skilful or adroit. exam 1 a great carpenter; exam 2 you are great at singing. great 14. syl great pron pos adj. qual Informal. def excellent; fantastic. great 16.a. syl great pron pos adj. def pregnant. exam 1 great with child. great 16.b. syl great pron pos adj. def full (of). exam 1 great with hope. great 18.a. syl great pron pos adj. def to be informed about. great 18.b. syl great pron pos adj. def to be enthusiastic about or for. great 19. syl great pron pos adv. qual U.S. informal. def very well; excellently. exam 1 it was working great. great 20. syl great pron pos adv. def Also called: {great organ}. the principal manual on an organ. Compare { {choir} (sense 4)}, { {swell} (sense 16)}. greatly sub head great syl great+ly pos adv. greatness sub head great syl great+ness pos n. great- 1. syl great- pos prefix. def being the parent of a person's grandparent (in the combinations {great-grandfather, great-grandmother, great-grandparent}) . great- 2. syl great- pos prefix. def being the child of a person's grandchild (in the combinations {great-grandson, great-granddaughter, great-grandchild}) . great ape 0. syl great ape pos n. def any of the larger anthropoid apes, such as the chimpanzee, orang-utan, or gorilla. great auk 0. syl great auk pos n. def a large flightless auk, extinct since the middle of the 19th century. grandaunt alt head great-aunt or great-aunt syl grand+aunt pos n. great-aunt 0. or grandaunt syl great-aunt pos n. def an aunt of one's father or mother; sister of one's grandfather or grandmother. Great Australian Bight 0. syl Great Aus+tral+i:an Bight pos n. def a wide bay of the Indian Ocean, in S Australia, extending from Cape Pasley to the Eyre Peninsula: notorious for storms. Great Barrier Reef 0. syl Great Bar+ri+er Reef pos n. def a coral reef in the Coral Sea, off the NE coast of Australia, extending for about 2000 km (1250 miles) from the Torres Strait along the coast of Queensland; the largest coral reef in the world. Great Basin 0. syl Great Ba+sin pos n. def a semiarid region of the western U.S., between the Wasatch and the Sierra Nevada Mountains, having no drainage to the ocean: includes Nevada, W Utah, and parts of E California, S Oregon, and Idaho. Area: about 490000 sq. km (189000 sq. miles). Greathe infl head Great Bear syl Greathe. pos n. Great Bear 0. syl Great Bear pos n. def the English name for {Ursa Major}. Great Bear Lake 0. syl Great Bear Lake pos n. def a lake in NW Canada, in the Northwest Territories: the largest freshwater lake entirely in Canada; drained by the {Great Bear River}, which flows to the Mackenzie River. Area: 31792 sq. km (12275 sq. miles). Great Belt 0. syl Great Belt pos n. def a strait in Denmark, between Sj@alland and Fyn islands, linking the Kattegat with the Baltic. Danish name: {Store B@alt}. Great Britain 0. syl Great Brit+ain pos n. def the largest island in Europe and in the British Isles, separated from the mainland of W Europe by the English Channel and the North Sea: consists of England, Scotland, and Wales; forms, with Northern Ireland, the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland. It is divided geologically along a line between the Tees and the Exe, the rocks to the north and west being generally old and resistant, constituting mountains and upland, the rocks to the south and east being younger, forming plains and low hills. It has an indented coastline and several groups of islands. Pop.: 53821364 (1971). Area: 229523 sq. km (88619 sq. miles). See also {United Kingdom}. great circle 0. syl great cir+cle pos n. def a circular section of a sphere that has a radius equal to that of the sphere. Compare {small circle}. greatcoat 0. syl great+coat pron <1grAt2k*ut> pos n. def a heavy overcoat, now worn esp. by men in the armed forces. greatcoated sub head greatcoat syl great+2coat:ed pos adj. great council 0. syl great coun+cil pos n. usage in medieval England def an assembly of the great nobles and prelates to advise the king. great crested grebe 0. syl great crest+ed grebe pos n. def a European grebe, having blackish ear tufts and, in the breeding season, a dark brown frill around the head. Great Dane 0. syl Great Dane pos n. def one of a very large rangy breed of dog with a short coat. Great Divide 0. syl Great Di+vide pos n. def another name for the {Continental Divide}. Great Dividing Range 0. syl Great Di+vid+ing Range pos n. mod pl. def a series of mountain ranges and plateaus roughly parallel to the E coast of Australia, in Queensland, New South Wales, and Victoria; the highest range is the Australian Alps, in the south. Greathe infl head Great Dog syl Greathe. pos n. Great Dog 0. syl Great Dog pos n. def the English name for {Canis Major}. greaten 0. syl great+en pron <1grAtN> pos vb. qual Archaic. def to make or become great. Greater 0. syl Great+er pron <1grAt*> pos adj. usage of a city def considered with the inclusion of the outer suburbs. exam 1 Greater London. the infl head Greater Antilles syl the. pos n. Greater Antilles 0. syl Great+er An+til+les pos n. mod pl. def a group of islands in the West Indies, including Cuba, Jamaica, Hispaniola, and Puerto Rico. greater celandine 0. syl great+er cel+an+dine pos n. def a Eurasian papaveraceous plant, with yellow flowers and deeply divided leaves. Also called: {swallowwort}. Compare {lesser celandine}. Greater London 0. syl Great+er Lon+don pos n. def See { {London%1} (sense 2)}. Greater Manchester 0. syl Great+er Man+ches+ter pos n. def a metropolitan county of NW England, comprising the districts of Wigan, Bolton, Bury, Rochdale, Salford, Manchester, Oldham, Trafford, Stockport, and Tameside. Administrative centre: Manchester. Pop.: 2684100 (1976 est.). Area: 1285 sq. km (496 sq. miles). Greater Sunda Islands 0. syl Great+er Sun+da Is+lands pos n. mod pl. def a group of islands in the W Malay Archipelago, forming the larger part of the Sunda Islands: consists of Borneo, Sumatra, Java, and Celebes. greatest 1. syl great+est pron <1grAtist> pos adj. def the superlative of {great. ~} the greatest 2. head greatest syl the greatest. qual Slang. def an exceptional person. greatest common divisor 0. syl great+est com+mon di+vi+sor pos n. def another name for {highest common factor}. Greathe infl head Great Glen syl Greathe. pos n. Great Glen 0. syl Great Glen pos n. def a fault valley across the whole of Scotland, extending southwest from the Moray Firth in the east to Loch Linnhe and containing Loch Ness and Loch Lochy. Also called: {Glen More, Glen Albyn}. great gross 0. syl great gross pos n. def a unit of quantity equal to one dozen gross (or 1728). great-hearted 0. syl great-heart:ed pos adj. def benevolent or noble; magnanimous. &- {@!great-#!heart@.ed+ness} Great Indian Desert 0. syl Great In+di:an Des+ert pos n. def another name for the {Thar Desert}. Central Karoo alt head Great Karoo or Great Karoo syl Cen+tral Ka+roo pron pos n. Great Karoo 0. or Central Karoo syl Great Ka+roo pron pos n. def an arid plateau of S central South Africa, in Cape Province, separated from the Little Karoo to the southwest by the Swartberg range. Average height: 750 m (2500 ft.). Great Lakes 0. syl Great Lakes pos n. mod pl. def a group of five lakes in central North America with connecting waterways: the largest group of lakes in the world: consists of Lakes Superior, Huron, Erie, and Ontario, which are divided by the border between the U.S. and Canada and Lake Michigan, which is wholly in the U.S.; constitutes the most important system of inland waterways in the world, discharging through the St. Lawrence into the Atlantic. Total length: 3767 km (2340 miles). Area: 246490 sq. km (95170 sq. miles). Greathe infl head Great Leap Forward syl Greathe. pos n. Great Leap Forward 0. syl Great Leap For+ward pos n. def the attempt by the People's Republic of China in 1959-60 to solve the country's economic problems by labour-intensive industrialization. Great Mogul 0. syl Great Mo+gul pos n. def any of the Muslim emperors of India (1526-1857). grandnephew alt head great-nephew or great-nephew syl grand+neph:ew pos n. great-nephew 0. or grandnephew syl great-neph:ew pos n. def a son of one's nephew or niece; grandson of one's brother or sister. grandniece alt head great-niece or great-niece syl grand+niece pos n. great-niece 0. or grandniece syl great-niece pos n. def a daughter of one's nephew or niece; granddaughter of one's brother or sister. great northern diver 0. syl great north+ern div+er pos n. def a large northern bird, with a black-and-white chequered back and a black head and neck in summer: family (divers). Great Ouse 0. syl Great Ouse pos n. def See { {Ouse} (sense 1)}. Great Plains 0. syl Great Plains pos n. mod pl. def a vast region of North America east of the Rocky Mountains, extending from the lowlands of the Mackenzie River (Canada), south to the Big Bend of the Rio Grande. Great Power 0. syl Great Pow+er pos n. def a nation that has exceptional political influence, resources, and military strength. great primer 0. syl great prim+er pos n. usage formerly def a size of printer's type approximately equal to 18 point. Greathe infl head Great Rebellion syl Greathe. pos n. Great Rebellion 0. syl Great Re+bel+lion pos n. def another name for the English {Civil War}. Great Rift Valley 0. syl Great Rift Val+ley pos n. def the most extensive rift in the earth's surface, extending from the Jordan valley in Syria to Mozambique; marked by a chain of steep-sided lakes, volcanoes, and escarpments. Great Russian 1. syl Great Rus+sian pos n. qual Linguistics. def the technical name for {Russian}. Compare {Byelorussian, Ukrainian}. Great Russian 2. syl Great Rus+sian pos n. def a member of the chief East Slavonic people of Russia. Great Russian 3. syl Great Rus+sian pos adj. def of or relating to this people or their language. Greats 1. syl Greats pron pos n. mod pl. usage at Oxford University def the Honour School of Literae Humaniores, involving the study of Greek and Roman history and literature and philosophy. Greats 2. syl Greats pron pos n. mod pl. usage at Oxford University def the final examinations at the end of this course. Great Salt Lake 0. syl Great Salt Lake pos n. def a shallow salt lake in NW Utah, in the Great Basin at an altitude of 1260 m (4200 ft.): the area has fluctuated from less than 2500 sq. km (1000 sq. miles) to over 5000 sq. km (2000 sq. miles). Great Sandy Desert 1. syl Great Sand:y Des+ert pos n. def a desert in NW Australia. Area: about 415000 sq. km (160000 sq. miles). Great Sandy Desert 2. syl Great Sand:y Des+ert pos n. def the English name for the {Rub` al Khali}. Great Schism 0. syl Great Schism pos n. def the division within the Roman Catholic Church from 1378 to 1429, during which rival popes reigned at Rome and Avignon. great seal 0. syl great seal pos n. usage often caps. def the principal seal of a nation, sovereign, etc., used to authenticate signatures and documents of the highest importance. Great Slave Lake 0. syl Great Slave Lake pos n. def a lake in NW Canada, in the Northwest Territories: drained by the Mackenzie River into the Arctic Ocean. Area: 28440 sq. km (10980 sq. miles). Great Slave River 0. syl Great Slave Riv+er pos n. def another name for the {Slave River}. Great Smokies alt head Great Smoky Mountains or Great Smoky Mountains syl Great Smok:ies pos n. mod pl. Great Smoky Mountains 0. or Great Smokies syl Great Smok:y Moun+tains pos n. mod pl. def the W part of the Appalachians, in W North Carolina and E Tennessee. Highest peak: Clingman's Dome, 2024 m (6642 ft.). Great St Bernard Pass 0. syl Great St. Ber+nard Pass pos n. def a pass over the W Alps, between SW central Switzerland and N Italy: noted for the hospice at the summit, founded in the 11th century. Height: 2433 m (8111 ft.). great tit 0. syl great tit pos n. def a large common Eurasian tit, with yellow-and-black underparts and a black-and-white head. Greathe infl head Great Trek syl Greathe. pos n. Great Trek 0. syl Great Trek pos n. qual South African history. def the migration of Boer farmers from the Cape Colony to the north and east from about 1836 to 1845 to escape British authority. granduncle alt head great-uncle or great-uncle syl grand+un:cle pos n. great-uncle 0. or granduncle syl great-un:cle pos n. def an uncle of one's father or mother; brother of one's grandfather or grandmother. Great Victoria Desert 0. syl Great Vic+to+ri:a Des+ert pos n. def a desert in S Australia, in SE Western Australia and W South Australia. Area: 323750 sq. km (125000 sq. miles). Great Vowel Shift 0. syl Great Vow+el Shift pos n. qual Linguistics. def a phonetic change that took place during the transition from Middle to Modern English, whereby the long vowels were raised (e$: became i$:, o$: became u$:, etc.). The vowels (i$:) and (u$:) underwent breaking and became the diphthongs (a$I) and (a$u). Great Wall of China 0. syl Great Wall of Chi+na pos n. def a defensive wall in N China, extend?!ing from W Kansu to the Gulf of Liaotung: constructed in the 3rd century #7b.c. as a defence against the Mongols; substantially rebuilt in the 15th century. Length: over 2400 km (1500 miles). Average height: 6 m (20 ft.). Average width: 6 m (20 ft.). Great War 0. syl Great War pos n. def another name for {World War I}. Great Week 0. syl Great Week pos n. qual Eastern Church. def the week preceding Easter, the equivalent of Holy Week in the Western Church. great white heron 1. syl great white her+on pos n. def a large white heron, of S North America. great white heron 2. syl great white her+on pos n. def a widely distributed white egret, (or Great Yarmouth 0. syl Great Yar+mouth pron <1ja:m*T> pos n. def a port and resort in E England, in E Norfolk. Pop.: 50152 (1971). great year 0. syl great year pos n. def one complete cycle of the precession of the equinoxes; about 25800 years. greave ety C14: from Old French greve, perhaps from graver to part the hair, of Germanic origin greave 0. syl greave pron pos n. mod often; pl. def a piece of armour worn to protect the shin from the ankle to the knee. greaved sub head greave syl greaved pos adj. greaves ety C17: from Low German greven; related to Old High German griubo greaves 0. syl greaves pron pos n. mod pl. def the residue left after the rendering of tallow. grebe ety C18: from French gr*`ebe, of unknown origin grebe 0. syl grebe pron pos n. def any aquatic bird, such as ({great crested grebe}) , of the order similar to the divers but with lobate rather than webbed toes and a vestigial tail. Grecian 1. syl Gre+cian pron <1grES*n> pos adj. usage esp. of beauty or architecture def conforming to Greek ideals, esp. in being classically simple. Grecian 2. syl Gre+cian pron <1grES*n> pos n. def a scholar of or expert in the Greek language or literature. Grecian 3. syl Gre+cian pron <1grES*n> pos adj. n. def another word for {Greek}. Grecism 0. syl Gre+cism pron <1grE2siz*m> pos n. def a variant spelling (esp. U.S.) of {Graecism}. Grecize 0. syl Gre+cize pron <1grEsIz> pos vb. def a variant spelling (esp. U.S.) of {Graecize}. El infl head Greco syl El. pos n. Greco 1. syl Grec:o pron <1grek*u> pos n. def See {El Greco}. Juliette infl head Greco syl Ju:li:ette pron pos n. Greco 2. syl Grec:o pron French pos n. def born 1927, French night-club singer. Greco- 0. syl Gre:co- pron <1grEk*u->, <1grek*u-> usage combining form. def a variant (esp. U.S.) of {Graeco-}. gree ety C14: from Old French gr*'e, from Latin gradus step gree H1.1. syl gree pron pos n. qual Scot. archaic. def superiority or victory. gree H1.2. syl gree pron pos n. qual Scot. archaic. def the prize for a victory. gree ety C14: from Old French gr*'e, from Latin gr*_atum what is pleasing; see #7grateful gree H2.1. syl gree pron pos n. qual Obsolete. def goodwill; favour. gree H2.2. syl gree pron pos n. qual Obsolete. def satisfaction for an insult or injury. gree ety C14: variant of #7agree grees infl head gree syl grees pos vb. greeing infl head gree syl gree+ing pos vb. greed infl head gree syl greed. pos vb. gree H3.0. syl gree pron pos vb. qual Northern Brit. dialect. def to come or cause to come to agreement or harmony. Greece 0. syl Greece pron pos n. def a republic in SE Europe, occupying the S part of the Balkan Peninsula and many islands in the Ionian and Aegean Seas; site of two of Europe's earliest civilizations (the Minoan and Mycenaean); in the classical era divided into many small independent city-states, the most important being Athens and Sparta; part of the Roman and Byzantine Empires; passed under Turkish rule in the late Middle Ages; became an independent kingdom in 1827; taken over by a military junta (1967-74); the monarchy was abolished in 1973; became a republic in 1975. Language: Greek. Religion: predominantly Greek Orthodox. Currency: drachma. Capital: Athens. Pop.: 9046000 (1975 est.). Area: 131944 sq. km (50944 sq. miles). Modern Greek name: {Ell*'as}. Related adj.: {Hellenic}. greed ety C17: back formation from #7greedy greed 1. syl greed pron pos n. def excessive consumption of or desire for food; gluttony. greed 2. syl greed pron pos n. def excessive desire, as for wealth or power. greedless sub head greed syl greed+less pos adj. greedy ety Old English gr*_@adig; related to Old Norse gr*_athugr, Gothic gr*_edags hungry, Old High German gr*_atac greedier infl head greedy syl greed:i+er pos adj. greediest infl head greedy syl greed:i+est. pos adj. greedy 1. syl greed:y pron <1grEdi> pos adj. def excessively desirous of food or wealth, esp. in large amounts; voracious. greedy 2. syl greed:y pron <1grEdi> pos adj. usage postpositive; foll. by for def eager (for). exam 1 a man greedy for success. greedily sub head greedy syl greed:i+ly pos adv. greediness sub head greedy syl greed:i+ness pos n. greedy guts 0. syl greed:y guts pos n. qual Slang. def a glutton. greegree 0. syl gree+gree pron <1grEgrE> pos n. def a variant spelling of {grigri}. Greek 1. syl Greek pron pos n. def the official language of Greece, constituting the Hellenic branch of the Indo-European family of languages. See {Ancient Greek, Late Greek, Medieval Greek, Modern Greek}. Greek 2. syl Greek pron pos n. def a native or inhabitant of Greece or a descendant of such a native. Greek 3. syl Greek pron pos n. def a member of the Greek Orthodox Church. Greek 4. syl Greek pron pos n. qual Informal. def anything incomprehensible (esp. in the phrase {it's (all) Greek to me) }. Greek meets Greek 5. head Greek syl Greek meets Greek. def equals meet. {~} Greek 6. syl Greek pron pos n. def denoting, relating to, or characteristic of Greece, the Greeks, or the Greek language; Hellenic. Greek 7. syl Greek pron pos n. def of, relating to, or designating the Greek Orthodox Church. &- {#!Greek+ness} Greek Catholic 1. syl Greek Cath:o+lic pos n. def a member of an Eastern Church in communion with the Greek patriarchal see of Constantinople. Greek Catholic 2. syl Greek Cath:o+lic pos n. def a member of one of the Uniat Greek Churches, which acknowledge the Pope's authority while retaining their own institutions, discipline, and liturgy. Greek Church 0. syl Greek Church pos n. def another name for the {Greek Orthodox Church}. Greek cross 0. syl Greek cross pos n. def a cross with each of the four arms of the same length. Greek fire 1. syl Greek fire pos n. def a Byzantine weapon employed in naval warfare from 672 or 673 #7a.d. It consisted of a mixture, usually shot from tubes, that caught fire when wetted. Greek fire 2. syl Greek fire pos n. def any of several other inflammable mixtures used in ancient and medieval warfare. Greek Orthodox Church 1. syl Greek Or+tho+dox Church pos n. def Also called: {Greek Church}. the established Church of Greece, governed by the holy synod of Greece, in which the Metropolitan of Athens has primacy of honour. Greek Orthodox Church 2. syl Greek Or+tho+dox Church pos n. def another name for {Orthodox Church}. Greek Revival 0. syl Greek Re+viv+al pos n. usage modifier def denoting, relating to, or having the style of architecture used in Western Europe in the late 18th and early 19th centuries, based upon ancient Greek classical examples. Greek Revivalism sub head Greek Revival syl Greek Re+viv+al+ism pos n. Greek Revivalist sub head Greek Revival syl Greek Re+viv+al+ist pos adj. n. Horace infl head Greeley syl Hor:ace. pos n. Greeley 0. syl Gree:ley pron <1grEli> pos n. def 1811-72, U.S. journalist and political leader: founder (1841) and editor of the which championed the abolition of slavery. green ety Old English gr*_ene; related to Old High German gruoni; see #7grow green 1. syl green pron pos n. def any of a group of colours, such as that of fresh grass, that lie between yellow and blue in the visible spectrum in the wavelength range 575-500 nanometres. Green is the complementary colour of magenta and with red and blue forms a set of primary colours. Related adj.: {verdant}. green 2. syl green pron pos n. def a dye or pigment of or producing these colours. green 3. syl green pron pos n. def something of the colour green. green 4. syl green pron pos n. def a small area of grassland, esp. in the centre of a village. green 5. syl green pron pos n. def an area of ground used for a purpose. exam 1 a putting green. green 6.a. syl green pron pos n. def the edible leaves and stems of certain plants, eaten as a vegetable. green 6.b. syl green pron pos n. def freshly cut branches of ornamental trees, shrubs, etc., used as a decoration. green 7. syl green pron pos n. qual Slang. def money. green 8. syl green pron pos n. qual Slang. def marijuana of low quality. green 9. syl green pron pos n. mod pl. qual Slang. def sexual intercourse. green in one's eye 10. head green syl green in one's eye. def an indication of immaturity or gullibility. green 11. syl green pron pos adj. def of the colour green. green 12. syl green pron pos adj. def greenish in colour or having parts or marks that are greenish. exam 1 green monkey. green 13. syl green pron pos adj. def vigorous; not faded. exam 1 a green old age. green 14. syl green pron pos adj. def envious or jealous. green 15. syl green pron pos adj. def immature, unsophisticated, or gullible. green 16. syl green pron pos adj. def characterized by foliage or green plants. exam 1 a green wood; exam 2 a green salad. green 17. syl green pron pos adj. def fresh, raw, or unripe. exam 1 green bananas. green 18. syl green pron pos adj. def unhealthily pale in appearance. exam 1 he was green after his boat trip. green 19. syl green pron pos adj. usage of pottery, etc. def not fired. green 20. syl green pron pos adj. usage of meat def not smoked or cured; unprocessed. exam 1 green bacon. green 21. syl green pron pos adj. usage Metallurgy. of a product, such as a sand mould or cermet def compacted but not yet fired; ready for firing. green 22. syl green pron pos adj. usage of timber def freshly felled; not dried or seasoned. {~} green 23. syl green pron pos adj. def to make or become green. greenish sub head green syl green+ish pos adj. greenly sub head green syl green+ly pos adv. greenness sub head green syl green+ness pos n. John Richard 1. head Green syl John Rich:ard. def 1837-83, English historian; author of (1874). Thomas Hill 2. head Green syl Thom:as Hill. def 1836-82, English idealist philosopher. His chief work, was unfinished at his death. green algae 0. syl green al+gae pos n. mod pl. def the algae of the family which possess the green pigment chlorophyll. The group includes sea lettuce and spirogyra. Kate infl head Greenaway syl Kate. pos n. Greenaway 0. syl Green:a:way pron <1grEn*2wA> pos n. def 1846-1901, English painter, noted as an illustrator of children's books. greenback 1. syl green+back pron <1grEn2b@k> pos n. qual U.S. informal. def an inconvertible legal-tender U.S. currency note originally issued during the Civil War in 1862. greenback 2. syl green+back pron <1grEn2b@k> pos n. qual U.S. slang. def a dollar bill. Greenback Party 0. syl Green+back Par+ty pos n. qual U.S. history. def a political party formed after the Civil War advocating the use of fiat money and opposing the reduction of paper currency. Greenbacker sub head Greenback Party syl Green+2back:er pos n. Greenbackism sub head Greenback Party syl Green+2back:ism pos n. green bean 0. syl green bean pos n. def any bean plant, such as the French bean, having narrow green edible pods when unripe. green belt 0. syl green belt pos n. def a zone of farmland, parks, and open country surrounding a town or city: usually officially designated as such and preserved from urban development. Green Beret 0. syl Green Be+ret pos n. def an informal name for a British or American commando. greenbottle 0. syl green+bot:tle pron <1grEn2botL> pos n. def a common dipterous fly, that has a dark greenish body with a metallic lustre and lays its eggs in carrion: family greenbrier 0. syl green+bri:er pron <1grEn2brI*> pos n. def any of several prickly climbing plants of the liliaceous genus esp. of the eastern U.S., which has small green flowers and blackish berries. Also called: {cat brier}. green card 0. syl green card pos n. def an insurance document covering motorists against accidents abroad. green corn 0. syl green corn pos n. def another name for { {sweet corn} (sense 1)}. Green Cross Code 0. syl Green Cross Code pos n. qual Brit. def a code for children giving rules for road safety: first issued in 1971. green dragon 0. syl green drag+on pos n. def a North American aroid plant, with a long slender spadix projecting from a green or white long narrow spathe. Also called: {dragonroot}. Graham 1. head Greene syl Gra:ham. def born 1904, English novelist and dramatist; his works include the novels (1938) and (1940), and the film script (1949). Robert 2. head Greene syl Rob:ert. def ??1558-92, English poet, dramatist, and prose writer, noted for his autobiographical tract (1592), which contains an attack on Shakespeare. greeneries infl head greenery syl green+er:ies. pos n. mod pl. greenery 1. syl green+er:y pron <1grEn*ri> pos n. def green foliage or vegetation, esp. when used for decoration. greenery 2. syl green+er:y pron <1grEn*ri> pos n. def a place where such foliage grows. green-eyed 1. syl green-eyed pos adj. def jealous or envious. the green-eyed monster 2. head green-eyed syl the green-eyed monster. def jealousy or envy. greenfinch 0. syl green+finch pron <1grEn2finC> pos n. def a common European finch, the male of which has a dull green plumage with yellow patches on the wings and tail. green fingers 0. syl green fin+gers pos n. mod pl. def considerable talent or ability to grow plants. U.S. equivalent: {green thumb}. greenflies infl head greenfly syl green+flies. pos n. mod pl. greenfly 0. syl green+fly pron <1grEn2flI> pos n. def a greenish aphid commonly occurring as a pest on garden and crop plants. greengage ety C18: #7green+ -gage, after Sir W. Gage (1777-1864), English botanist who brought it from France greengage 1. syl green+gage pron <1grEn2gAJ> pos n. def a cultivated variety of plum tree, with edible green plumlike fruits. greengage 2. syl green+gage pron <1grEn2gAJ> pos n. def the fruit of this tree. green gland 0. syl green gland pos n. def one of a pair of excretory organs in some crustaceans that open at the base of each antenna. green glass 0. syl green glass pos n. def glass in its natural colour, usually greenish as a result of metallic substances in the raw materials. greengrocer 0. syl green+gro:cer pron <1grEn2gr*us*> pos n. qual Chiefly Brit. def a retail trader in fruit and vegetables. greengrocery sub head greengrocer syl green+2gro:cer:y pos n. greenhead 0. syl green+head pron <1grEn2hed> pos n. def a male mallard. greenheart 1. syl green+heart pron <1grEn2ha:t> pos n. def Also called: {bebeeru}. a tropical American lauraceous tree, (or that has dark green durable wood and bark that yields the alkaloid bebeerine. greenheart 2. syl green+heart pron <1grEn2ha:t> pos n. def any of various similar trees. greenheart 3. syl green+heart pron <1grEn2ha:t> pos n. def the wood of any of these trees. green heron 0. syl green her+on pos n. def a small heron, of sub?!tropical North America, with dark greenish wings and back. greenhorn ety C17: originally an animal with green (that is, young) horns greenhorn 1. syl green+horn pron <1grEn2hc:n> pos n. qual Informal. def an inexperienced person, esp. one who is extremely gullible. greenhorn 2. syl green+horn pron <1grEn2hc:n> pos n. qual Informal. def a newcomer or immigrant. greenhouse 1. syl green+house pron <1grEn2haus> pos n. def a building with transparent walls and roof, usually of glass, for the cultivation and exhibition of plants under controlled conditions. greenhouse 2. syl green+house pron <1grEn2haus> pos n. qual Informal. def the part of an aircraft covered by a clear plastic dome. greenhouse effect 1. syl green+house ef+fect pos n. def an effect occurring in greenhouses, etc., in which radiant heat from the sun passes through the glass warming the contents, the radiant heat from inside being trapped by the glass. greenhouse effect 2. syl green+house ef+fect pos n. def the application of this effect to the earth's atmosphere, which increases the temperature of the earth's surface. greening 0. syl green+ing pron <1grEniG> pos n. def any of several varieties of apples that are used for cooking and have greenish-yellow skin. Greenland 0. syl Green+land pron <1grEnl*nd> pos n. def the largest island in the world, lying mostly within the Arctic Circle off the NE coast of N America: first settled by Icelanders in 986; resettled by Danes from 1721 onwards; became an integral part of Denmark in 1953; mostly covered by an icecap up to 3300 m (11000 ft.) thick, with icefree coastal strips and coastal mountains; fishing, hunting, and mining. Capital: Godthaab. Pop.: 54000 (1975 #7un est.). Area: 2175600 sq. km (840000 sq. miles). Danish name: {Gr$onland}. Greenlander sub head Greenland syl Green+land+er pos n. Greenland Sea 0. syl Green+land Sea pos n. def the S part of the Arctic Ocean, off the NE coast of Greenland. Greenland whale 0. syl Green+land whale pos n. def an arctic right whale, that is black with a cream-coloured throat. green leek 0. syl green leek pos n. def any of several Australian parrots with a green or mostly green plumage. greenlet 0. syl green+let pron <1grEnlit> pos n. def a vireo, esp. one of the genus green light 1. syl green light pos n. def a signal to go, esp. a green traffic light. green light 2. syl green light pos n. def permission to proceed with a project, etc. greenling 0. syl green+ling pron <1grEnliG> pos n. def any scorpaenoid food fish of the family of the North Pacific Ocean. green manure 1. syl green ma+nure pos n. def a growing crop that is ploughed under to enrich the soil. green manure 2. syl green ma+nure pos n. def manure that has not yet decomposed. green monkey 0. syl green mon+key pos n. def a W African variety of a common guenon monkey, having greenish-brown fur and a dark face. Compare {grivet, vervet}. green mould 0. syl green mould pos n. def another name for { {blue mould} (sense 1)}. Green Mountain Boys 0. syl Green Moun+tain Boys pos n. mod pl. def the members of the armed bands of Vermont organized in the 1770s to oppose New York's territorial claims. Under Ethan Allen they won fame in the War of American Independence. Green Mountains 0. syl Green Moun+tains pos n. mod pl. def a mountain range in E North America, extending from Canada through Vermont into W Massachusetts: part of the Appalachian system. Highest peak: Mount Mansfield, 1338 m (4393 ft.). Greenock 0. syl Green+ock pron <1grEn*k>, <1gren*k> pos n. def a port in SW Scotland, on the Firth of Clyde: shipbuilding and other marine industries. Pop.: 74607 (1971). greenockite ety C19: named after Lord C. C. Greenock, 19th-century English soldier greenockite 0. syl green+ock+ite pron <1grEn*2kIt> pos n. def a rare yellowish mineral consist?!ing of cadmium sulphide in hexagonal crystalline form: the only ore of cadmium. Formula: CdS. green paper 0. syl green pa+per pos n. usage often caps.; in Britain def a command paper containing policy proposals to be discussed, esp. by Parliament. green pepper 1. syl green pep+per pos n. def the green unripe fruit of the sweet pepper, eaten raw or cooked. green pepper 2. syl green pep+per pos n. def the unripe fruit of various other pepper plants, eaten as a green vegetable. green plover 0. syl green plov+er pos n. def another name for {lapwing}. green pound 0. syl green pound pos n. def a unit of account used in calculating Britain's contributions to and payments from the Community Agricultural Fund of the EEC. green revolution 0. syl green rev:o+lu+tion pos n. def the introduction of high-yielding seeds and modern agricultural techniques in developing countries. Green River 0. syl Green Riv+er pos n. def a river in the western U.S., rising in W central Wyoming and flowing south into Utah, east through NW Colorado, re-entering Utah before joining the Colorado River. Length: 1175 km (730 miles). greenroom ety C18: probably from its original colour greenroom 0. syl green+room pron <1grEn2ru:m>, <-2rum> pos n. usage esp. formerly def a backstage room in a theatre where performers may rest or receive visitors. greensand 0. syl green+sand pron <1grEn2s@nd> pos n. def an olive-green sandstone consisting mainly of quartz and glauconite. Greensboro 0. syl Greens+bo:ro pron <1grEnzb*r*>, <-br*> pos n. def a city in N central North Carolina. Pop.: 155514 (1973 est.). greenshank 0. syl green+shank pron <1grEn2S@Gk> pos n. def a large European sandpiper, with greenish legs and a slightly upturned bill. greensickness 0. syl green+sick:ness pron <1grEn2siknis> pos n. def another name for {chlorosis}. greensick sub head greensickness syl green+2sick pos adj. green soap 0. syl green soap pos n. qual Med. def a soft or liquid alkaline soap made from vegetable oils, used in treating certain chronic skin diseases. Also called: {soft soap}. greenstick fracture ety C20: alluding to the similar way in which a green stick splinters greenstick fracture 0. syl green+stick frac+ture pron <1grEn2stik> pos n. def a fracture in children in which the bone is partly bent and splinters only on the convex side of the bend. greenstone 1. syl green+stone pron <1grEn2st*un> pos n. def any basic igneous rock that is dark green because of the presence of chlorite or epidote. greenstone 2. syl green+stone pron <1grEn2st*un> pos n. def a variety of jade used in New Zealand for ornaments and tools. greenstuff 0. syl green+stuff pron <1grEn2st^f> pos n. def green vegetables, such as cabbage or lettuce. greensward 0. syl green+sward pron <1grEn2swc:d> pos n. qual Archaic or literary. def fresh green turf or an area of such turf. green tea 0. syl green tea pos n. def a sharp tea made from tea leaves that have been steamed and dried quickly without fermenting. green turtle 0. syl green tur+tle pos n. def a mainly tropical edible turtle, with greenish flesh used to prepare turtle soup: family green vitriol 0. syl green vit+ri+ol pos n. def another name for {ferrous sulphate}. Greenwich 0. syl Green+wich pron <1griniJ>, <-iC>, <1gren-> pos n. def a Greater London borough on the Thames: site of a Royal Naval College and of the original Royal Observatory designed by Christopher Wren (1675), accepted internationally as the prime meridian of longitude since 1884, and the basis of Greenwich Mean Time. Pop.: 207200 (1976 est.). Greenwich Time alt head Greenwich Mean Time or Greenwich Mean Time syl Green+wich Time pos n. Greenwich Mean Time 0. or Greenwich Time syl Green+wich Mean Time pos n. def the local time of the 0?% meridian passing through Greenwich, England: a standard time for Britain and a basis for calculating times throughout most of the world. Abbrev.: {GMT} Greenwich Village 0. syl Green+wich Vil+lage pron <1greniC>, <1grin-> pos n. def a part of New York City in the lower west side of Manhattan; traditionally the home of many artists and writers. greenwood 0. syl green+wood pron <1grEn2wud> pos n. def a forest or wood when the leaves are green: the traditional setting of stories about English outlaws, esp. Robin Hood. green woodpecker 0. syl green wood+peck:er pos n. def a European woodpecker, with a dull green back and wings and a red crown. greet ety Old English gr*_etan; related to Old High German gruozzen to address greet H1.1. syl greet pron pos vb. mod tr. def to meet or receive with expressions of gladness or welcome. greet H1.2. syl greet pron pos vb. mod tr. def to send a message of friendship to. greet H1.3. syl greet pron pos vb. mod tr. def to receive in a specified manner. exam 1 her remarks were greeted by silence. greet H1.4. syl greet pron pos vb. mod tr. def to become apparent to. exam 1 the smell of bread greeted him. greeter sub head greet syl greet+er pos n. greet ety from Old English gr*_etan, northern dialect variant of gr@atan; compare Old Norse gr*_ata, Middle High German grazen greet H2.1. syl greet pron pos vb. mod intr. qual Archaic or dialect. def to weep; lament. greet H2.2. syl greet pron pos n. qual Archaic or dialect. def weeping; lamentation. greeting 1. syl greet+ing pron <1grEtiG> pos n. def the act or an instance of welcoming or saluting on meeting. greeting 2.a. syl greet+ing pron <1grEtiG> pos n. def an expression of friendly salutation. greeting 2.b. syl greet+ing pron <1grEtiG> pos n. usage as modifier exam 1 a greetings card. gregarine ety C19: from New Latin Gregar*_ina genus name, from Latin greg*_arius; see #7gregarious gregarine 1. syl greg:a+rine pron <1greg*2rEn>, <-rin> pos n. def any parasitic protozoan of the order typically occurring in the digestive tract and body cavity of other invertebrates: class (sporozoans). gregarine 2. syl greg:a+rine pron <1greg*2rEn>, <-rin> pos adj. usage also def of, relating to, or belonging to the gregarious ety C17: from Latin greg*_arius belonging to a flock, from grex flock gregarious 1. syl gre+gar:i+ous pron pos adj. def enjoying the company of others. gregarious 2. syl gre+gar:i+ous pron pos adj. usage of animals def living together in herds or flocks. Compare { {solitary} (sense 6)}. gregarious 3. syl gre+gar:i+ous pron pos adj. usage of plants def growing close together but not in dense clusters. gregarious 4. syl gre+gar:i+ous pron pos adj. def of, relating to, or characteristic of crowds or communities. gregariously sub head gregarious syl gre+1gar:i+ous+ly pos adv. gregariousness sub head gregarious syl gre+1gar:i+ous+ness pos n. Gregorian 0. syl Gre+go+ri:an pron pos adj. def relating to, associated with, or introduced by any of the popes named Gregory, esp. Gregory I or Gregory XIII. Gregorian calendar 0. syl Gre+go+ri:an cal+en+dar pos n. def the revision of the Julian calendar introduced in 1582 by Pope Gregory XIII and still in force, whereby the ordinary year is made to consist of 365 days and a leap year occurs in every year whose number is divisible by four, except those centenary years, such as 1900, whose numbers are not divisible by 400. Gregorian chant 0. syl Gre+go+ri:an chant pos n. def another name for {plainsong}. Gregorian telescope ety C18: named after J. Gregory (d.1675), Scottish mathematician who invented it Gregorian telescope 0. syl Gre+go+ri:an tel:e+scope pos n. def a form of reflecting astronomical telescope with a concave secondary mirror and the eyepiece set in the centre of the parabolic primary mirror. Gregorian tone 0. syl Gre+go+ri:an tone pos n. def a plainsong melody. See { {tone} (sense 6)}. Gregory 0. syl Greg:o:ry pron <1greg*ri> pos n. def Lady ({Isabella) Au@.gus@.ta (Persse) }. 1852-1932, Irish dramatist; a founder and director of the Abbey Theatre, Dublin. Saint infl head Gregory I syl Saint pos n. Gregory I 0. syl Greg:o:ry I pos n. def called ??540-604 #7a.d., pope (590-604), who greatly influenced the medieval Church. He strengthened papal authority by centralizing administration, tightened discipline, and revised the liturgy. He appointed Saint Augustine missionary to England. Feast day: March 12. Saint infl head Gregory VII syl Saint pos n. Gregory VII 0. syl Greg:o:ry VII pos n. def monastic name ??1020-85, pope (1073-85), who did much to reform abuses in the Church. His assertion of papal supremacy and his prohibition (1075) of lay investiture was opposed by the Holy Roman Emperor Henry IV, whom he excommunicated (1076). He was driven into exile when Henry captured Rome (1084). Feast day: May 25. Gregory XIII 0. syl Greg:o:ry XIII pos n. def 1502-85, pope (1572-85). He promoted the Counter-Reformation and founded seminaries. His reformed (Gregorian) calendar was issued in 1582. Saint infl head Gregory of Tours syl Saint. pos n. Gregory of Tours 0. syl Greg:o:ry of Tours pos n. def ??538-??594 #7a.d., Frankish bishop and historian. His is the chief source of knowledge of 6th-century Gaul. Feast day: Nov. 17. greige ety C20: from French gr*`ege raw greige 1. syl greige pron pos adj. qual Chiefly U.S. usage of a fabric or material def not yet dyed. greige 2. syl greige pron pos n. qual Chiefly U.S. def an unbleached or undyed cloth or yarn. greisen ety C19: from German, from greissen to split greisen 0. syl grei+sen pron <1grIzN> pos n. def a light-coloured metamorphic rock consisting mainly of quartz and white mica, formed by the pneumatolysis of granite. gremial ety C17: from Latin gremium lap gremial 0. syl gre+mi+al pron <1grEmi*l> pos n. qual R.C. Church. def a cloth spread upon the lap of a bishop when seated during a solemn High Mass. gremlin ety C20: of unknown origin gremlin 1. syl grem+lin pron <1gremlin> pos n. def an imaginary imp jokingly said to be responsible for mechanical troubles in aircraft, esp. in World War II. gremlin 2. syl grem+lin pron <1gremlin> pos n. def any mischievous troublemaker. Grenada 0. syl Gre+na+da pron pos n. def an island state in the West Indies, in the Windward Islands: formerly a British colony; since 1974 an independent state within the British Commonwealth. Capital: St. George's. Pop.: 96000 (1975 #7un est.). Area: 344 sq. km (133 sq. miles). Grenadian sub head Grenada syl Gre+1na+di:an pos n. adj. grenade ety C16: from French, from Spanish granada pomegranate, from Late Latin gr*_an*_ata, from Latin gr*_an*_atus seedy; see #7grain grenade 1. syl gre+nade pron pos n. def a small container filled with explosive thrown by hand or fired from a rifle. grenade 2. syl gre+nade pron pos n. def a sealed glass vessel that is thrown and shatters to release chemicals, such as tear gas or a fire extinguishing agent. grenadier ety C17: from French; see #7grenade grenadier 1.a. syl gren:a+dier pron <2gren*1di*> pos n. usage in the British Army def a member of the senior regiment of infantry in the Household Brigade. grenadier 1.b. syl gren:a+dier pron <2gren*1di*> pos n. usage formerly def a member of a special formation, usually selected for strength and height. grenadier 1.c. syl gren:a+dier pron <2gren*1di*> pos n. usage formerly def a soldier trained to throw grenades. grenadier 2. syl gren:a+dier pron <2gren*1di*> pos n. def Also called: {rat-tail}. any deep-sea gadoid fish of the family typically having a large head and trunk and a long tapering tail. grenadier 3. syl gren:a+dier pron <2gren*1di*> pos n. def any of various African weaverbirds of the genus See {waxbill}. grenadine ety C19: from French, perhaps from Granada Spain grenadine H1.0. syl gren:a+dine pron <2gren*1dEn> pos n. def a light thin leno-weave fabric of silk, wool, rayon, or nylon, used for dresses, etc. grenadine ety C19: from French: a little pomegranate, from grenade pomegranate; see #7grenade grenadine H2.1. syl gren:a+dine pron <2gren*1dEn>, <1gren*2dEn> pos n. def a syrup made from pomegranate juice, used as a sweetening and colouring agent in various drinks. grenadine H2.2.a. syl gren:a+dine pron <2gren*1dEn>, <1gren*2dEn> pos n. def a moderate reddish-orange colour. grenadine H2.2.b. syl gren:a+dine pron <2gren*1dEn>, <1gren*2dEn> pos as; adj. exam 1 a grenadine coat. the infl head Grenadines syl the. pos n. Grenadines 0. syl Gren:a+dines pron <2gren*1dEnz>, <1gren*2dEnz> pos n. mod pl. def a chain of about 600 islets in the West Indies, part of the Windward Islands, extending for about 100 km (60 miles) between St. Vincent and Grenada and divided administratively between the two states. Largest island: Carriacou. Grendel 0. syl Gren:del pron <1grendL> pos n. usage in Old English legend def a man-eating monster defeated by the hero Beowulf. Grenoble 0. syl Gre+no+ble pron , French pos n. def a city in SE France, on the Is*`ere River: university (1339). Pop.: 169740 (1975). George 1. head Grenville syl George. def 1712-70, British statesman; prime minister (1763-65). His policy of taxing the American colonies precipitated the War of Independence. Grenville 2. syl Gren:ville pron <1grenvil> pos n. def Sir {Rich@.ard}. ??1541-91, English naval commander. He was fatally wounded aboard his ship, the during a lone battle with a fleet of Spanish treasure ships. William Wyndham 3. head Grenville syl Wil:liam Wynd:ham def Baron Grenville, son of George Grenville. 1759-1834, British statesman; prime minister (1806-07) of the coalition government known as the @6ministry of all the talents.@9 Gresham 0. syl Gresh:am pron <1greS*m> pos n. def Sir {Thom@.as}. ??1519-79, English financier, who founded the Royal Exchange in London (1568). Gresham's law ety C16: named after Sir T. G#7resham theorem alt head Gresham's law or Gresham's law syl the:o+rem pos n. Gresham's law 0. or theorem syl Gresh:am's law pos n. def the economic hypothesis that bad money drives good money out of circulation; the superior currency will tend to be hoarded and the inferior will thus dominate the circulation. gressorial ety C19: from New Latin gress*_orius, from gressus having walked, from grad*_i to step gressorious alt head gressorial or gressorial syl gres+so+ri+ous pos adj. gressorial 1. or gressorious syl gres+so+ri:al pron pos adj. usage of the feet of certain birds def specialized for walking. gressorial 2. or gressorious syl gres+so+ri:al pron pos adj. usage of birds, such as the ostrich def having such feet. Gretna Green 0. syl Gret+na Green pron <1gretn*> pos n. def a village in S Scotland on the border with England: famous smithy where eloping couples were married by the blacksmith from 1754 until 1940, when such marriages became illegal. Pop.: 5519 (1971). Jean Baptiste infl head Greuze syl Jean Bap:tiste pron pos n. Greuze 0. syl Greuze pron French pos n. def 1725-1805, French genre and portrait painter. grew 0. syl grew pron pos vb. def the past tense of {grow}. grey ety Old English gr*_@ag; related to Old High German gr*_ao, Old Norse grar gray alt head grey or grey syl gray pron pos adj. qual U.S. grey 1. or gray syl grey pron pos adj. def of a neutral tone, intermediate between black and white, that has no hue and reflects and transmits only a little light. grey 2. or gray syl grey pron pos adj. def greyish in colour or having parts or marks that are greyish. grey 3. or gray syl grey pron pos adj. def dismal or dark, esp. from lack of light; gloomy. grey 4. or gray syl grey pron pos adj. def neutral or dull, esp. in character or opinion. grey 5. or gray syl grey pron pos adj. def having grey hair. grey 6. or gray syl grey pron pos adj. def of or characteristic of old age; wise. grey 7. or gray syl grey pron pos adj. def ancient; venerable. grey 8. or gray syl grey pron pos adj. usage of textiles def natural, unbleached, undyed, and untreated. grey 9. or gray syl grey pron pos n. def any of a group of grey tones. grey 10. or gray syl grey pron pos n. def grey cloth or clothing. exam 1 dressed in grey. grey 11. or gray syl grey pron pos n. def an animal, esp. a horse, that is grey or whitish. grey 12. or gray syl grey pron pos vb. def to become or make grey. greyish sub head grey or grayish syl grey+ish pos adj. grayish sub head grey or greyish syl gray+ish pos adj. qual U.S. greyly sub head grey or grayly syl grey+ly pos adv. grayly sub head grey or greyly syl gray+ly pos adv. qual U.S. greyness sub head grey or grayness syl grey+ness pos n. grayness sub head grey or greyness syl gray+ness pos n. qual U.S. Charles 1. head Grey syl Charles def 2nd Earl Grey. 1764-1845, British statesman. As Whig prime minister (1830-34), he carried the Reform Bill of 1832 and the bill for the abolition of slavery throughout the British Empire (1833). Grey 2. syl Grey pron pos n. def Sir {Ed@.ward}, 1st Viscount Grey of Fallodon. 1862-1933, British statesman; foreign secretary (1905-16). Grey 3. syl Grey pron pos n. def Sir {George}. 1812-98, English statesman and colonial administrator; prime minister of New Zealand (1877-79). Grey 4. syl Grey pron pos n. def Lady {Jane}. 1537-54, queen of England (July 9-19, 1553); great-granddaughter of Henry VII. Her father-in-law, the duke of Northumberland, persuaded Edward VI to alter the succession in her favour, but after ten days as queen she was imprisoned and later executed. Zane 5. head Grey syl Zane. def 1875-1939, U.S. author of Westerns, including (1912). grey area 1. syl grey ar:e:a pos n. usage in Britain def a region in which unemployment is relatively high. grey area 2. syl grey ar:e:a pos n. def an area or part of something existing between two extremes and having mixed characteristics of both. grey area 3. syl grey ar:e:a pos n. def an area, situation, etc., lacking clearly defined characteristics. grayback alt head greyback or greyback syl gray+back pron <1grA2b@k> pos n. qual U.S. greyback 0. or grayback syl grey+back pron <1grA2b@k> pos n. def any of various animals having a grey back, such as the grey whale and the hooded crow. graybeard alt head greybeard or greybeard syl gray+beard pron <1grA2bi*d> pos n. qual U.S. greybeard 1. or graybeard syl grey+beard pron <1grA2bi*d> pos n. def an old man, esp. a sage. greybeard 2. or graybeard syl grey+beard pron <1grA2bi*d> pos n. def a large stoneware or earthenware jar or jug for spirits. greybearded sub head greybeard or graybearded syl grey+2beard:ed pos adj. graybearded sub head greybeard or greybearded syl gray+2beard:ed pos adj. qual U.S. grey eminence 0. syl grey em:i+nence pos n. def the English equivalent of {*'eminence grise}. grey fox 1. syl grey fox pos n. def a greyish American fox, inhabiting arid and woody regions from S North America to N South America. island grey fox 2. head grey fox syl island grey fox. def a similar and related animal, inhabiting islands off North America. Grey Friar 0. syl Grey Fri+ar pos n. def a Franciscan friar. greyhen 0. syl grey+hen pron <1grA2hen> pos n. def the female of the black grouse. Compare {blackcock}. grey heron 0. syl grey her+on pos n. def a large European heron, with grey wings and back and a long black drooping crest. greyhound 0. syl grey+hound pron <1grA2haund> pos n. def a tall slender fast-moving breed of hound. greyhound racing 0. syl grey+hound rac+ing pos n. def a sport in which a mechanically propelled dummy hare is pursued by greyhounds around a race track. greylag ety C18: from #7grey+lag, from its migrating later than other species greylag goose alt head greylag or greylag syl grey+lag goose pron <1grA2l@g> pos n. greylag 0. or greylag goose syl grey+lag pron <1grA2l@g> pos n. def a large grey Eurasian goose, the ancestor of many domestic breeds of goose. U.S. spelling: {graylag}. grey market 0. syl grey mar+ket pos n. def a system involving the secret but not illegal sale of goods at excessive prices. Compare {black market}. grey matter 1. syl grey mat+ter pos n. def the greyish tissue of the brain and spinal cord, containing nerve cell bodies, dendrites, and bare (unmyelinated) axons. Technical name: {substantia grisea}. Compare {white matter}. grey matter 2. syl grey mat+ter pos n. qual Informal. def brains or intellect. grey mullet 0. syl grey mul+let pos n. def any teleost food fish of the family mostly occurring in coastal regions, having a spindle-shaped body and a broad fleshy mouth. U.S. name: {mullet}. Compare {red mullet}. grey squirrel 0. syl grey squir+rel pos n. def a grey-furred squirrel, native to E North America but now widely established. grey-state 0. syl grey-state pos n. usage modifier; of a fabric or material def not yet dyed. greywacke ety C19: partial translation of German Grauwacke; see #7wacke greywacke 0. syl grey+wack:e pron <1grA2w@k*> pos n. def any dark sandstone or grit having a matrix of clay minerals. grey whale 0. syl grey whale pos n. def a large N Pacific whalebone whale, that is grey or black with white spots and patches: family grey wolf 0. syl grey wolf pos n. def another name for {timber wolf}. gribble ety C19: perhaps related to #7grub gribble 0. syl grib+ble pron <1gribL> pos n. def any small marine isopod crustacean of the genus which bores into and damages wharves and other submerged wooden structures. grid ety C19: back formation from #7gridiron &- #!grid+ded adj. grid 1. syl grid pron pos n. def See {gridiron}. grid 2. syl grid pron pos n. def a network of horizontal and vertical lines superimposed over a map, building plan, etc., for locating points. the grid 3. head grid syl the grid. def the national network of trans?!mission lines, pipes, etc., by which electricity, gas, or water is distributed. grid 4. syl grid pron pos n. def Also called: {control grid}. grid 4.a. syl grid pron pos n. def an electrode situated between the cathode and anode of a valve usually consisting of a cylindrical mesh of wires, that controls the flow of electrons between cathode and anode. See also {screen grid, suppressor grid}. grid 4.b. syl grid pron pos n. usage as modifier exam 1 the grid bias. grid 5. syl grid pron pos n. def See {starting grid}. grid 6. syl grid pron pos n. def any interconnecting system of links. exam 1 the bus service formed a grid across the country. grid bias 0. syl grid bi:as pos n. def the fixed voltage applied between the control grid and cathode of a valve. grid declination 0. syl grid dec+li+na+tion pos n. def the angular difference between true north and grid north on a map. griddle ety C13: from Old French gridil, from Late Latin cr*_at*_icu?!lum (unattested) fine wickerwork; see #7grill %1 griddle 1. syl grid+dle pron <1gridL> pos n. def Also called: {girdle}. a thick round iron plate with a half hoop handle over the top, for making scones, etc. griddle 2. syl grid+dle pron <1gridL> pos n. def any flat heated surface, esp. on the top of a stove, for cooking food. griddle 3. syl grid+dle pron <1gridL> pos vb. mod tr. def to cook (food) on a griddle. griddlecake 0. syl grid:dle+cake pron <1gridL2kAk> pos n. def another name for {drop scone}. gride ety C14: variant of girde {#7gird %2} gride 1. syl gride pron pos vb. mod intr. qual Literary. def to grate or scrape harshly. gride 2. syl gride pron pos vb. qual Obsolete. def to pierce or wound. gride 3. syl gride pron pos n. qual Literary. def a harsh or piercing sound. gridiron ety C13 gredire, perhaps a variant (through influence of ire #7iron) of gredile #7griddle gridiron 1. syl grid+i:ron pron <1grid2I*n> pos n. def a utensil of parallel metal bars, used to grill meat, fish, etc. gridiron 2. syl grid+i:ron pron <1grid2I*n> pos n. def any framework resembling this utensil. gridiron 3. syl grid+i:ron pron <1grid2I*n> pos n. def a framework above the stage in a theatre from which suspended scenery, lights, etc., are manipulated. gridiron 4.a. syl grid+i:ron pron <1grid2I*n> pos n. def the field of play in American football. gridiron 4.b. syl grid+i:ron pron <1grid2I*n> pos n. usage as modifier exam 1 a gridiron hero. gridiron xref syl grid+i:ron pron <1grid2I*n> pos n. def Often shortened to {grid}. grid variation 0. syl grid var:i:a+tion pos n. qual Navigation. def the angle between grid north and magnetic north at a point on a map or chart. Also called: {grivation}. grief ety C13: from Anglo-French gref, from grever to #7grieve grief 1. syl grief pron pos n. def deep or intense sorrow or distress, esp. at the death of someone. grief 2. syl grief pron pos n. def something that causes keen distress or suffering. come to grief 3. head grief syl come to grief. qual Informal. def to end unsuccessfully or disastrously. griefless sub head grief syl grief+less pos adj. Edvard (Hagerup) infl head Grieg syl Ed:vard (Hagerup) pron <1edvard> pos n. Grieg 0. syl Grieg pron pos n. def 1843-1907, Norwegian composer. His works, often inspired by Norwegian folk music, include the incidental music for (1876), a piano concerto, and many songs. John infl head Grierson syl John. pos n. Grierson 0. syl Grier:son pron <1gri*sN> pos n. def 1898-1972, British film director. He coined the word of which genre his (1931) and (1934) are notable examples. grievance ety C15 grevance, from Old French, from grever to #7grieve grievance 1. syl griev+ance pron <1grEvNs> pos n. def a real or imaginary wrong causing resentment and regarded as grounds for complaint. grievance 2. syl griev+ance pron <1grEvNs> pos n. def a feeling of resentment or injustice at having been unfairly treated. grievance 3. syl griev+ance pron <1grEvNs> pos n. qual Obsolete. def affliction or hardship. grieve ety C13: from Old French grever, from Latin grav*_are to burden, from gravis heavy grieve 1. syl grieve pron pos vb. def to feel or cause to feel great sorrow or distress, esp. at the death of someone. grieve 2. syl grieve pron pos vb. mod tr. qual Obsolete. def to inflict injury, hardship, or sorrow on. griever sub head grieve syl griev+er pos n. grievingly sub head grieve syl griev+ing+ly pos adv. grievous 1. syl griev+ous pron <1grEv*s> pos adj. def very severe or painful. exam 1 a grievous injury. grievous 2. syl griev+ous pron <1grEv*s> pos adj. def very serious; heinous. exam 1 a grievous sin. grievous 3. syl griev+ous pron <1grEv*s> pos adj. def showing or marked by grief. exam 1 a grievous cry. grievous 4. syl griev+ous pron <1grEv*s> pos adj. def causing great pain or suffering. exam 1 a grievous attack. grievously sub head grievous syl griev+ous+ly pos adv. grievousness sub head grievous syl griev+ous+ness pos n. grievous bodily harm 0. syl griev+ous bod:i+ly harm pos n. qual Criminal law. def really serious injury caused by one person to another. griffe ety C19: from French: claw, of Germanic origin griffe 0. syl griffe pron pos n. qual Architect. def a carved ornament at the base of a column, often in the form of a claw. griffin ety C14: from Old French grifon, from Latin gr*_yphus, from Greek grups, from grupos hooked griffon infl head griffin or gryphon syl grif+fon pos n. gryphon infl head griffin or griffon syl gryph+on pos n. griffin H1.0. syl grif+fin pron <1grifin> pos n. def a winged monster with an eagle-like head and the body of a lion. griffin ety C18: of unknown origin griffin H2.0. syl grif+fin pron <1grifin> pos n. def a newcomer to the Orient, esp. one from W Europe. D (avid Lewelyn) W (ark) infl head Griffith syl D (avid Lewelyn) W (ark) pos n. Griffith 0. syl Grif:fith pron <1grifiT> pos n. def 1875-1948, U.S. film director. He introduced several cinematic techniques, including the flashback and the fade-out, in his masterpiece (1915). griffon ety C19: from French: #7griffin %1 griffon H1.1. syl grif+fon pron <1grifN> pos n. def any of various small wire-haired breeds of dog, originally from Belgium. griffon H1.2. syl grif+fon pron <1grifN> pos n. def any large vulture of the genus of Africa, S Europe, and SW Asia, having a pale plumage with black wings: family (hawks). griffon H2.0. syl grif+fon pron <1grifN> pos n. def a variant spelling of {griffin%1}. grig ety C14: dwarf, perhaps of Scandinavian origin; compare Swedish krik a little creature grig 1. syl grig pron pos n. qual Dialect. def a lively person. grig 2. syl grig pron pos n. qual Dialect. def a shortlegged hen. grig 3. syl grig pron pos n. qual Dialect. def a young eel. Grigioni 0. syl Gri+gio+ni pron pos n. def the Italian name for {Graub*"unden}. Grignard reagent ety C20: named after Victor Grignard (1871-1934), French chemist Grignard reagent 0. syl Gri:gnard re+a:gent pron <1grEnja:>, French pos n. qual Chem. def any of a class of organometallic reagents, having the general formula RMgX, where R is an organic group and X is a halogen atom: used in the synthesis of organic compounds. grigri ety of African origin gris-gris infl head grigri or greegree syl gris-gris pron <1grEgrE> pos n. greegree infl head grigri or gris-gris syl gree+gree pron <1grEgrE> pos n. grigris infl head grigri or grigrees syl gri+gris pron <-grEz> pos n. mod pl. grigrees infl head grigri or grigris syl gri+grees. pos n. mod pl. grigri 0. syl gri+gri pron <1grEgrE> pos n. def an African talisman, amulet, or charm. Grikwa infl or Grikwas syl Gri+kwa pos n. mod pl. Grikwas infl head Grikwa or Grikwa syl Gri+kwas. pos n. mod pl. Grikwa 0. syl Gri+kwa pron <1grEkw*>, <1grik-> pos n. def a variant spelling of {Griqua}. grill ety C17: from French gril gridiron, from Latin cr*_at*_icula fine wickerwork; see #7grille grill H1.1. syl grill pron pos vb. def to cook (meat, etc.) by direct heat, as under a grill or over a hot fire, or (of meat, etc.) to be cooked in this way. Usual U.S. word: {broil}. grill H1.2. syl grill pron pos vb. mod tr. usage usually passive def to torment with or as if with extreme heat. exam 1 the travellers were grilled by the scorching sun. grill H1.3. syl grill pron pos vb. mod tr. qual Informal. def to subject to insistent or prolonged questioning. grill H1.4. syl grill pron pos n. def a device with parallel bars of thin metal on which meat, etc., may be cooked by a fire; gridiron. grill H1.5. syl grill pron pos n. def a device on a cooker that radiates heat downwards for grilling meat, etc. grill H1.6. syl grill pron pos n. def food cooked by grilling. grill H1.7. syl grill pron pos n. def See {grillroom}. griller sub head grill syl grill+er pos n. grill ety C17: see #7grille grill H2.0. syl grill pron pos n. def a variant spelling of {grille}. grillage ety C18: from French, from griller to furnish with a grille grillage 0. syl gril+lage pron <1griliJ> pos n. def an arrangement of beams and crossbeams used as a foundation on soft ground. grille ety C17: from Old French, from Latin cr*_at*_icula fine hurdlework, from cr*_atis a hurdle grill alt head grille or grille syl grill pron pos n. grille 1. or grill syl grille pron pos n. def Also called: {grillwork}. a framework, esp. of metal bars arranged to form an ornamental pattern, used as a screen or partition. grille 2. or grill syl grille pron pos n. def Also called: {radiator grille}. a grating, often chromium-plated, that admits cooling air to the radiator of a motor vehicle. grille 3. or grill syl grille pron pos n. def a metal or wooden openwork grating used as a screen or divider. grille 4. or grill syl grille pron pos n. def a protective screen, usually plastic or metal, in front of the loudspeaker in a radio, record player, etc. grille 5. or grill syl grille pron pos n. qual Real tennis. def the opening in one corner of the receiver's end of the court. grille 6. or grill syl grille pron pos n. def a group of small pyramidal marks impressed in parallel rows into a stamp to prevent reuse. grilled 1. syl grilled pron pos adj. def cooked on a grill or gridiron. grilled 2. syl grilled pron pos adj. def having a grille. Franz infl head Grillparzer syl Franz pos n. grillroom 0. syl grill+room pron <1gril2ru:m>, <-2rum> pos n. def a restaurant or room in a restaurant, etc., where grilled steaks and other meat are served. grilse ety C15 grilles (plural), of uncertain origin grilses infl head grilse or grilse syl grils:es pos n. mod pl. grilse infl or grilses syl grilse. pos n. mod pl. grilse 0. syl grilse pron pos n. def a salmon at the stage when it returns for the first time from the sea to fresh water. grim ety Old English grimm; related to Old Norse grimmr, Old High German grimm savage, Greek khremizein to neigh grimmer infl head grim syl grim+mer pos adj. grimmest infl head grim syl grim+mest. pos adj. grim 1. syl grim pron pos adj. def stern; resolute. exam 1 grim determination. grim 2. syl grim pron pos adj. def harsh or formidable in manner or appear?!ance. grim 3. syl grim pron pos adj. def harshly ironic or sinister. exam 1 grim laughter. grim 4. syl grim pron pos adj. def cruel, severe, or ghastly. exam 1 a grim accident. grim 5. syl grim pron pos adj. qual Archaic or poetic. def fierce. exam 1 a grim warrior. grim 6. syl grim pron pos adj. qual Informal. def unpleasant; disagreeable. hold on like grim death 7. head grim syl hold on like grim death. def to hold very firmly or resolutely. grimly sub head grim syl grim+ly pos adv. grimness sub head grim syl grim+ness pos n. grimace ety C17: from French grimace, of Germanic origin; related to Spanish grimazo caricature; see #7grim grimace 1. syl gri+mace pron pos n. def an ugly or distorted facial expression, as of wry humour, disgust, etc. grimace 2. syl gri+mace pron pos vb. mod intr. def to contort the face. grimacer sub head grimace syl gri+1mac+er pos n. grimacingly sub head grimace syl gri+1mac+ing+ly pos adv. Grimaldi ety named after Francesco Maria Grimaldi (1618-63), Italian physicist Grimaldi H1.0. syl Gri+mal+di pron pos n. def a large crater in the SE quadrant of the moon, about 190 kilometres in diameter, which is con?!spicuous because of its dark floor. Joseph infl head Grimaldi syl Jo:seph. pos n. Grimaldi H2.0. syl Gri:mal:di pron pos n. def 1779-1837, English actor, noted as a clown in pantomime. Grimaldi man ety C20: named after the Grimaldi caves, Italy, where skeletons of this type were found Grimaldi man 0. syl Gri+mal+di man pos n. qual Anthropol. def a type of Aurignacian man having a negroid appearance, thought to be a race of Cro-Magnon man. grimalkin ety C17: from #7grey+malkin grimalkin 1. syl gri+mal+kin pron , <-1mc:l-> pos n. def an old cat, esp. an old female cat. grimalkin 2. syl gri+mal+kin pron , <-1mc:l-> pos n. def a crotchety or shrewish old woman. grime ety C15: from Middle Dutch grime; compare Flemish grijm, Old English gr*_ima mask grime 1. syl grime pron pos n. def dirt, soot, or filth, esp. when thickly accumulated or ingrained. grime 2. syl grime pron pos vb. mod tr. def to make dirty or coat with filth. grimy sub head grime syl grim:y pos adj. Jakob Ludwig Karl infl head Grimm syl Ja:kob Lud:wig Karl pron <1ja:kcp> <1lu:tvi*,c> <1karl> pos n. Grimm 0. syl Grimm pron pos n. def 1785-1863, and his brother, {Wil@.helm Karl} (#!v$Ilh$elm #!karl), 1786-1859, German philologists and folklorists, who collaborated on (1812-22) and began a German dictionary. Jakob is noted also for his philological work (1819-37), in which he formulated the law named after him. Grimm's law ety formulated by J. G#7rimm Grimm's law 0. syl Grimm's law pos n. def the rules accounting for systematic corre?!spondences between consonants in the Germanic languages and consonants in other Indo-European languages; it states that Proto-Indo-European voiced aspirated stops, voiced unaspirated stops, and voiceless stops became voiced unaspi?!rated stops, voiceless stops, and voiceless fricatives respectively. Grimsby 0. syl Grims+by pron <1grimzbi> pos n. def a fishing port in E England, in S Humberside. Pop.: 95685 (1971). grin ety Old English grennian; related to Old High German grennen to snarl, Old Norse grenja to howl; see #7grunt grins infl head grin syl grins pos vb. grinning infl head grin syl grin+ning pos vb. grinned infl head grin syl grinned. pos vb. grin 1. syl grin pron pos vb. def to smile with the lips drawn back revealing the teeth or express (something) by such a smile. exam 1 to grin a welcome. grin 2. syl grin pron pos vb. mod intr. def to draw back the lips revealing the teeth, as in a snarl or grimace. grin and bear it 3. head grin syl grin and bear it. qual Informal. def to suffer trouble or hardship without complaint. grin 4. syl grin pron pos n. def a broad smile. grin 5. syl grin pron pos n. def a snarl or grimace. grinner sub head grin syl grin+ner pos n. grinningly sub head grin syl grin+ning+ly pos adv. grind ety Old English grindan; related to Latin frendere, Lithuanian gr*'endu I rub, Low German grand sand grinds infl head grind syl grinds pos vb. grinding infl head grind syl grind+ing pos vb. ground infl head grind syl ground. pos vb. grind 1. syl grind pron pos vb. def to reduce or be reduced to small particles by pounding or abrading. exam 1 to grind corn; exam 2 to grind flour. grind 2. syl grind pron pos vb. mod tr. def to smooth, sharpen, or polish by friction or abrasion. exam 1 to grind a knife. grind 3. syl grind pron pos vb. def to scrape or grate together (two things, esp. the teeth) with a harsh rasping sound or (of such objects) to be scraped together. grind 4. syl grind pron pos vb. mod tr. usage foll. by out def to speak or say something in a rough voice. grind 5. syl grind pron pos vb. mod tr. usage often foll. by down def to hold down; oppress; tyrannize. grind 6. syl grind pron pos vb. mod tr. def to operate (a machine) by turning a handle. grind 7. syl grind pron pos vb. mod tr. usage foll. by out def to produce in a routine or uninspired manner. exam 1 he ground out his weekly article for the paper. grind 8. syl grind pron pos vb. mod tr. usage foll. by out def to continue to play in a dull or insipid manner. exam 1 the band only ground out old tunes all evening. grind 9. syl grind pron pos vb. mod tr. usage often foll. by into def to instil (facts, information, etc.) by persistent effort. exam 1 they ground into the recruits the need for vigilance. grind 10. syl grind pron pos vb. mod intr. qual Informal. def to study or work laboriously. grind 11. syl grind pron pos vb. mod intr. qual Chiefly U.S. def to dance erotically by rotating the pelvis (esp. in the phrase {bump and grind) }. grind 12. syl grind pron pos n. qual Informal. def laborious or routine work or study. grind 13. syl grind pron pos n. qual Slang. def a person, esp. a student, who works excessively hard. grind 14. syl grind pron pos n. def a specific grade of pulverization, as of coffee beans. exam 1 coarse grind. grind 15. syl grind pron pos n. qual Brit. slang. def the act of sexual intercourse. grind 16. syl grind pron pos n. qual Chiefly U.S. def a dance movement involving an erotic rotation of the pelvis. grind 17. syl grind pron pos n. def the act or sound of grinding. grindingly sub head grind syl grind+ing+ly pos adv. grindelia ety C19: named after David Hieronymus Grindel (1777-1836), Russian botanist grindelia 1. syl grin+de+li:a pron pos n. def any coarse plant of the American genus having yellow daisy-like flower heads: family (composites). See also {gum plant}. grindelia 2. syl grin+de+li:a pron pos n. def the dried leaves and tops of certain species of these plants, used in tonics and sedatives. Grindelwald 0. syl Grin+del+wald pron German <1grindL2valt> pos n. def a valley and resort in central Switzerland, in the Bernese Oberland: mountaineering centre, with the Wetterhorn and the Eiger nearby. grinder 1. syl grind+er pron <1grInd*> pos n. def a person who grinds, esp. one who grinds cutting tools. grinder 2. syl grind+er pron <1grInd*> pos n. def a machine for grinding. grinder 3. syl grind+er pron <1grInd*> pos n. def a molar tooth. grinderies infl head grindery syl grind+er:ies. pos n. mod pl. grindery 1. syl grind+er:y pron <1grInd*ri> pos n. def a place in which tools and cutlery are sharpened. grindery 2. syl grind+er:y pron <1grInd*ri> pos n. def the equipment of a shoemaker. grinding wheel 0. syl grind+ing wheel pos n. def an abrasive wheel, usually a composite of hard particles in a resin filler, used for grinding. grind on 0. syl grind on pos vb. adv. mod intr. def to move further relentlessly. exam 1 the enemy's invasion ground slowly on. grindstone 1.a. syl grind+stone pron <1grInd2st*un> pos n. def a machine having a circular block of stone or composite abrasive rotated for sharpening tools or grinding metal. grindstone 1.b. syl grind+stone pron <1grInd2st*un> pos n. def the stone used in this machine. grindstone 1.c. syl grind+stone pron <1grInd2st*un> pos n. def any stone used for sharpening; whetstone. grindstone 2. syl grind+stone pron <1grInd2st*un> pos n. def another name for {millstone}. keep 3. head grindstone or have one's nose to the grindstone syl keep def to work hard and perseveringly. gringo ety C19: from Spanish: foreigner, probably from griego Greek, hence an alien; see G#7reek gringos infl head gringo syl grin+gos. pos n. mod pl. gringo 0. syl grin+go pron <1griGg*u> pos n. def a person from an English-speaking country: used as a derogatory term by Latin Americans. grip ety Old English gripe grasp; related to Old Norse gripr property, Old High German grif grip H1.1. syl grip pron pos n. def the act or an instance of grasping and holding firmly. exam 1 he lost his grip on the slope. grip H1.2. syl grip pron pos n. def Also called: {handgrip}. the strength or pressure of such a grasp, as in a handshake. exam 1 a feeble grip. grip H1.3. syl grip pron pos n. def the style or manner of grasping an object, such as a tennis racket. grip H1.4. syl grip pron pos n. def understanding, control, or mastery of a subject, problem, etc. (esp. in such phrases as {get} {have a grip on) }. grip H1.5.a. syl grip pron pos n. def to deal with (a problem or subject). grip H1.5.b. syl grip pron pos n. def to tackle (an assailant). grip H1.6. syl grip pron pos n. def Also called: {handgrip}. a part by which an object is grasped; handle. grip H1.7. syl grip pron pos n. def Also called: {handgrip}. a travelling bag or holdall. grip H1.8. syl grip pron pos n. def See {hairgrip}. grip H1.9. syl grip pron pos n. def any device that holds by friction, such as certain types of brake. grip H1.10. syl grip pron pos n. def a method of clasping or shaking hands used by members of secret societies to greet or identify one another. grip H1.11. syl grip pron pos n. def a spasm of pain. exam 1 a grip in one's stomach. grip H1.12. syl grip pron pos n. def a worker in a camera crew or a stagehand who shifts sets and props, etc. grips infl head grip syl grips pos vb. gripping infl head grip syl grip+ping pos vb. gripped infl head grip or gript syl gripped pos vb. gript infl head grip or gripped syl gript. pos vb. grip H1.13. syl grip pron pos vb. def to take hold of firmly or tightly, as by a clutch. grip H1.14. syl grip pron pos vb. def to hold the interest or attention of. exam 1 to grip an audience. gripper sub head grip syl grip+per pos n. grippingly sub head grip syl grip+ping+ly pos adv. grip H2.0. syl grip pron pos n. qual Med. def a variant spelling of {grippe}. gripe ety Old English gr*_ipan; related to Gothic greipan, Old High German gr*_ifan to seize, Lithuanian greibiu gripe 1. syl gripe pron pos vb. mod intr. qual Informal. def to complain, esp. in a persistent nagging manner. gripe 2. syl gripe pron pos vb. def to cause sudden intense pain in the intestines of (a person) or (of a person) to experience this pain. gripe 3. syl gripe pron pos vb. mod intr. usage Nautical. of a ship def to tend to come up into the wind in spite of the helm. gripe 4. syl gripe pron pos vb. qual Archaic. def to clutch; grasp. gripe 5. syl gripe pron pos vb. mod tr. qual Archaic. def to afflict. gripe 6. syl gripe pron pos n. mod usually; pl. def a sudden intense pain in the intestines; colic. gripe 7. syl gripe pron pos n. qual Informal. def a complaint or grievance. gripe 8.a. syl gripe pron pos n. def the act of gripping. gripe 8.b. syl gripe pron pos n. def a firm grip. gripe 8.c. syl gripe pron pos n. def a device that grips. gripe 9. syl gripe pron pos n. mod in; pl. qual Nautical. def the lashings that secure a boat. griper sub head gripe syl grip+er pos n. gripingly sub head gripe syl grip+ing+ly pos adv. gripe water 0. syl gripe wa+ter pos n. qual Brit. def a solution given to infants to relieve colic. grippe ety C18: from French grippe, from gripper to seize, of Germanic origin; see #7grip %1 grip alt head grippe or grippe syl grip pron pos n. grippe 0. or grip syl grippe pron pos n. def a former name for {influenza}. grip tape 0. syl grip tape pos n. def a rough tape for sticking to a surface to provide a greater grip. Grikwa alt head Griqua or Griqua syl Gri+kwa pron <1grEkw*>, <1grik-> pos n. Griqua infl or Grikwa syl Gri+qua pos n. mod pl. Griquas infl head Griqua or Grikwas syl Gri+quas pos n. mod pl. Grikwa infl head Griqua or Griqua syl Gri+kwa pos n. mod pl. Grikwas infl head Griqua or Griquas syl Gri+kwas pos n. mod pl. Griqua 1. or Grikwa syl Gri+qua pron <1grEkw*>, <1grik-> pos n. def a member of a people of mixed ancestry, mainly European and Hottentot, living chiefly in Griqualand. Griqua 2. or Grikwa syl Gri+qua pron <1grEkw*>, <1grik-> pos n. def the language or dialect of Hottentot spoken by this people, belonging to the Khoisan family. Griqualand East 0. syl Gri+qua+land East pron <1grEkw*2l@nd>, <1grik-> pos n. def an area of South Africa, in E Cape Province: settled in 1861 by Griquas led by Adam Kok III; annexed to the Cape in 1879; became part of the Transkei in 1903. Chief town: Kokstad. Area: 17100 sq. km (6602 sq. miles). Griqualand West 0. syl Gri+qua+land West pos n. def an area of South Africa, in N Cape Province north of the Orange river: settled after 1803 by the Griquas; annexed by the British in 1871 following a dispute with the Orange Free State; became part of the Cape in 1880. Chief town: Kimberley. Area: 39360 sq. km (15197 sq. miles). Gris 0. syl Gris qual Spanish def gris) {Juan} ($xwan). 1887-1927, Spanish cubist painter, resident in France from 1906. grisaille ety C19: from French, from gris grey grisaille 1. syl gri+saille pron , French pos n. def a technique of monochrome painting in shades of grey, as in an oil painting or a wall decoration, imitating the effect of relief. grisaille 2. syl gri+saille pron , French pos n. def a painting, stained glass window, etc., in this manner. griseofulvin ety C20: from New Latin, from Penicillium griseofulvum dierckx (fungus from which it was isolated), from Medieval Latin griseus grey+Latin fulvus reddish yellow griseofulvin 0. syl gris:e:o+ful+vin pron <2grizi*u1fulvin> pos n. def an antibiotic used to treat fungal infections of the hair and skin. griseous ety C19: from Medieval Latin griseus, of Germanic origin griseous 0. syl gris+e:ous pron <1grisi*s>, <1griz-> pos adj. def streaked or mixed with grey; somewhat grey. grisette ety C18: from French, from grisette grey fabric used for dresses, from gris grey grisette 0. syl gri+sette pron pos n. usage esp. formerly def a French working girl, esp. a pretty or flirtatious one. gris-gris infl syl gris-gris pron <-grEz> pos n. mod pl. gris-gris 0. syl gris-gris pron <1grEgrE> pos n. def a variant spelling of {grigri}. Grishun 0. syl Gri+shun pron pos n. def the Romansch name for {Graub*"unden}. griskin ety C17: probably from dialect gris pig, from Old Norse griss griskin 0. syl gris+kin pron <1griskin> pos n. qual Brit. def the lean part of a loin of pork. grisly ety Old English grislic; related to Old Frisian grislik, Old High German gr*_isenl*_ih grislier infl head grisly syl gris+li+er pos adj. grisliest infl head grisly syl gris+li+est. pos adj. grisly H1.0. syl gris+ly pron <1grizli> pos adj. def causing horror or dread; gruesome. grisliness sub head grisly syl gris+li+ness pos n. grison ety C18: from French, from grison grey animal, from Old French gris grey grison 0. syl gri+son pron <1grIsN>, <1grizN> pos n. def either of two musteline mammals, (or or of Central and South America, having a greyish back and black face and underparts. Grisons 0. syl Gri+sons pron pos n. def the French name for {Graub*"unden}. grist ety Old English gr*_ist; related to Old Saxon grist-grimmo gnashing of teeth, Old High German grist-grimm*_on grist 1.a. syl grist pron pos n. def grain intended to be or that has been ground. grist 1.b. syl grist pron pos n. def the quantity of such grain processed in one grind?!ing. grist 2. syl grist pron pos n. qual Brewing. def malt grains that have been cleaned and cracked. one's mill infl head grist or for the syl one's mill. grist to 3. head grist or for the syl grist to def anything that can be turned to profit or advantage. gristle ety Old English gristle; related to Old Frisian, Middle Low German gristel gristle 0. syl gris+tle pron <1grisL> pos n. def cartilage, esp. when in meat. gristly sub head gristle syl gris+tly pos adj. gristliness sub head gristle syl gris+tli+ness pos n. gristmill 0. syl grist+mill pron <1grist2mil> pos n. def a mill, esp. one equipped with large grinding stones for grinding grain. grit ety Old English gr*_eot; related to Old Norse grj*_ot pebble, Old High German grioz; see #7great, groats, gruel grit 1. syl grit pron pos n. def small hard particles of sand, earth, stone, etc. grit 2. syl grit pron pos n. def Also called: {gritstone}. any coarse sandstone that can be used as a grindstone or millstone. grit 3. syl grit pron pos n. def the texture or grain of stone. grit 4. syl grit pron pos n. def indomitable courage, toughness, or resolution. grits infl head grit syl grits pos vb. gritting infl head grit syl grit+ting pos vb. gritted infl head grit syl grit+ted. pos vb. grit 5. syl grit pron pos vb. def to clench or grind together (two objects, esp. the teeth). grit 6. syl grit pron pos vb. def to cover (a surface, such as icy roads) with grit. gritless sub head grit syl grit+less pos adj. Grit 0. syl Grit pron pos n. adj. qual Canadian. def an informal word for {Liberal}. grith ety Old English grith; related to Old Norse grith home grith 1. syl grith pron pos n. qual English legal history. def security, peace, or protection, guaranteed either in a certain place, such as a church, or for a period of time. grith 2. syl grith pron pos n. def a place of safety or protection. grits ety Old English grytt; related to Old High German gruzzi; see #7great, grit grits 1. syl grits pron pos n. mod pl. def hulled and coarsely ground grain. grits 2. syl grits pron pos n. mod pl. qual U.S. def See {hominy grits}. grittier infl head gritty syl grit+ti+er pos adj. grittiest infl head gritty syl grit+ti+est. pos adj. gritty 1. syl grit+ty pron <1griti> pos adj. def courageous; hardy; resolute. gritty 2. syl grit+ty pron <1griti> pos adj. def of, like, or containing grit. grittily sub head gritty syl grit+ti+ly pos adv. grittiness sub head gritty syl grit+ti+ness pos n. grivation 0. syl gri+va+tion pron pos n. qual Navigation. def short for {grid variation}. grivet ety C19: from French, of unknown origin grivet 0. syl griv+et pron <1grivit> pos n. def an E African variety of a common guenon monkey, having long white tufts of hair on either side of the face. Compare {green monkey, vervet}. grizzle ety C15: from Old French grisel, from gris, of Germanic origin; compare Middle High German gr*_is grey grizzle H1.1. syl griz+zle pron <1grizL> pos vb. def to make or become grey. grizzle H1.2. syl griz+zle pron <1grizL> pos n. def a grey colour. grizzle H1.3. syl griz+zle pron <1grizL> pos n. def grey or partly grey hair. grizzle H1.4. syl griz+zle pron <1grizL> pos n. def a grey wig. grizzle ety C18: of Germanic origin; compare Old High German grist-grimm*_on gnashing of teeth, German Griesgram unpleasant person grizzle H2.1. syl griz+zle pron <1grizL> pos vb. mod intr. qual Informal, chiefly Brit. usage esp. of a child def to fret; whine. grizzle H2.2. syl griz+zle pron <1grizL> pos vb. mod intr. qual Informal, chiefly Brit. def to sulk or grumble. grizzler sub head grizzle syl griz+zler pos n. grizzled 1. syl griz+zled pron <1grizLd> pos adj. def streaked or mixed with grey; grizzly; griseous. grizzled 2. syl griz+zled pron <1grizLd> pos adj. def having grey or partly grey hair. grizzlier infl head grizzly syl griz+zli+er pos adj. grizzliest infl head grizzly syl griz+zli+est. pos adj. grizzly 1. syl griz+zly pron <1grizli> pos adj. def somewhat grey; grizzled. grizzlies infl head grizzly syl griz+zlies. pos n. mod pl. grizzly 2. syl griz+zly pron <1grizli> pos n. def See {grizzly bear}. grizzly bear 0. syl griz+zly bear pos n. def a greyish-brown variety of the brown bear, formerly widespread in W North America. Often shortened to {grizzly}. gro 0. syl gro. qual abbrev. for def gross (unit of quantity). groan ety Old English gr*_anian; related to Old Norse gr*_ina, Old High German gr*_inan; see #7grin groan 1. syl groan pron pos n. def a prolonged stressed dull cry expressive of agony, pain, or disapproval. groan 2. syl groan pron pos n. def a loud harsh creaking sound, as of a tree bending in the wind. groan 3. syl groan pron pos n. qual Informal. def a grumble or complaint, esp. a persistent one. groan 4. syl groan pron pos vb. def to utter (low in?!articulate sounds) expressive of pain, grief, disapproval, etc.. exam 1 they all groaned at Larry's puns. groan 5. syl groan pron pos vb. mod intr. def to make a sound like a groan. groan 6. syl groan pron pos vb. mod intr. usage usually foll. by beneath or under def to be weighed down (by) or suffer greatly (under). exam 1 the country groaned under the dictator's rule. groan 7. syl groan pron pos vb. mod intr. qual Informal. def to complain or grumble. groaner sub head groan syl groan+er pos n. groaningly sub head groan syl groan+ing+ly pos adv. groat ety C14: from Middle Dutch groot, from Middle Low German gros, from Medieval Latin (denarius) grossus thick (coin); see #7groschen groat 0. syl groat pron pos n. def an English silver coin worth four pennies, taken out of circulation in the 17th century. groats ety Old English grot particle; related to grota fragment, as in meregrota pearl; see #7grit, grout groats 1. syl groats pron pos n. mod pl. def the hulled and crushed grain of oats, wheat, or certain other cereals. groats 2. syl groats pron pos n. mod pl. def the parts of oat kernels used as food. grocer ety C15: from Old French grossier, from gros large; see #7gross grocer 0. syl gro+cer pron <1gr*us*> pos n. def a dealer in foodstuffs and other household supplies. groceries 0. syl gro+cer:ies pron <1gr*us*riz> pos n. mod pl. def merchandise, esp. foodstuffs, sold by a grocer. groceries infl head grocery syl gro+cer:ies. pos n. mod pl. grocery 0. syl gro+cer:y pron <1gr*us*ri> pos n. def the business or premises of a grocer. grockle ety C20: of unknown origin grockle 0. syl grock+le pron <1grokL> pos n. qual Devonshire dialect. def a tourist, esp. one from the Midlands or the North of England. Grodno 0. syl Grod+no pron Russian <1grcdn*> pos n. def a city in the W central Soviet Union, in the Byelorussian SSR on the Neman River: part of Poland (1921-39). Pop.: 168000 (1975 est.). grog ety C18: from Old Grog, nickname of Edward Vernon (1684-1757), British admiral, who in 1740 issued naval rum diluted with water; his nickname arose from his grogram cloak grog 1. syl grog pron pos n. def diluted spirit, usually rum, as an alcoholic drink. grog 2. syl grog pron pos n. qual Informal, chiefly Austral. def alcoholic drink in general, esp. spirits. groggier infl head groggy syl grog+gi+er pos adj. groggiest infl head groggy syl grog+gi+est. pos adj. groggy 1. syl grog+gy pron <1grogi> pos adj. qual Informal. def dazed or staggering, as from exhaustion, blows, or drunkenness. groggy 2. syl grog+gy pron <1grogi> pos adj. qual Informal. def faint or weak. groggily sub head groggy syl grog+gi+ly pos adv. grogginess sub head groggy syl grog+gi+ness pos n. grogram ety C16: from French gros grain coarse grain; see #7grosgrain grogram 0. syl grog+ram pron <1grogr*m> pos n. def a coarse fabric of silk, wool, or silk mixed with wool or mohair, often stiffened with gum, formerly used for clothing. grogshop 1. syl grog+shop pron <1grog2Sop> pos n. qual Rare. def a drinking place, esp. one of disreputable character. grogshop 2. syl grog+shop pron <1grog2Sop> pos n. qual Austral. informal. def a shop, etc., where liquor can be bought for drinking off the premises. groin ety C15: perhaps from English grynde abyss; related to #7ground %1 groin 1. syl groin pron pos n. def the depression or fold where the legs join the abdomen. groin 2. syl groin pron pos n. qual Euphemistic. def the genitals, esp. the testicles. groin 3. syl groin pron pos n. def a variant spelling (esp. U.S.) of {groyne}. groin 4. syl groin pron pos n. qual Architect. def a curved arris formed where two intersecting vaults meet. groin 5. syl groin pron pos vb. mod tr. qual Architect. def to provide or construct with groins. Grolier ety C19: named after Jean Grolier de Servi*`eres (1479-1565), French bibliophile Grolier 0. syl Gro+li+er pron <1gr*uli*>, French pos adj. def relating to or denoting a decorative style of bookbinding using interlaced leather straps, gilded ornamental scrolls, etc. grommet ety C15: from obsolete French gourmette chain linking the ends of a bit, from gourmer bridle, of unknown origin grummet alt head grommet or grommet syl grum+met pos n. grommet 0. or grummet syl grom+met pron <1gromit> pos n. def a ring of rubber or plastic or a metal eyelet designed to line a hole to prevent a cable or pipe passed through it from chafing. gromwell ety C13: from Old French gromil, from gres sandstone+ mil millet, from Latin milium gromwell 0. syl grom+well pron <1gromw*l> pos n. def any of various hairy plants of the boraginaceous genus esp. having small greenish-white, yellow, or blue flowers, and smooth nutlike fruits. See also { {puccoon} (sense 1)}. Andrei Andreyevich infl head Gromyko syl An:drei An:dre?!:ye:vich pron pos n. Gromyko 0. syl Gro:my:ko pron Russian pos n. def born 1909, Soviet statesman and diplomat; foreign minister since 1957. Groningen 1. syl Gro+ning+en pron <1gr*uniG*n>, Dutch <1$xro:niG*> pos n. def a province in the NE Netherlands: mainly agricultural. Capital: Groningen. Pop.: 530400 (1973 est.). Area: 2350 sq. km (900 sq. miles). Groningen 2. syl Gro+ning+en pron <1gr*uniG*n>, Dutch <1$xro:niG*> pos n. def a city in the NE Netherlands, capital of Groningen province. Pop.: 165777 (1974 est.). Gronland 0. syl Gro:/n+land pron <1gr@on2lan> pos n. def the Danish name for {Greenland}. groom ety C13 grom manservant; perhaps related to Old English gr*_owan to #7grow groom 1. syl groom pron , pos n. def a person employed to clean and look after horses. groom 2. syl groom pron , pos n. def See {bridegroom}. groom 3. syl groom pron , pos n. def any of various officers of a royal or noble household. groom 4. syl groom pron , pos n. qual Archaic. def a male servant or attend?!ant. groom 5. syl groom pron , pos n. qual Archaic and poetic. def a young man. groom 6. syl groom pron , pos vb. mod tr. def to make or keep (clothes, appearance, etc.) clean and tidy. groom 7. syl groom pron , pos vb. mod tr. def to rub down, clean, and smarten (a horse, dog, etc.). groom 8. syl groom pron , pos vb. mod tr. def to train or prepare for a particular task, occupation, etc.. exam 1 to groom someone for the Presidency. groomer sub head groom syl groom+er pos n. groomsmen infl head groomsman syl grooms+men. pos n. mod pl. groomsman 0. syl grooms+man pron <1gru:mzm*n>, <1grumz-> pos n. def a man who attends the bridegroom at a wedding, usually the best man. groove ety C15: from obsolete Dutch groeve, of Germanic origin; compare Old High German gruoba pit, Old Norse grof groove 1. syl groove pron pos n. def a long narrow channel or furrow, esp. one cut into wood by a tool. groove 2. syl groove pron pos n. def the spiral channel, usually V-shaped, in a gramophone record. See also {microgroove}. groove 3. syl groove pron pos n. qual Printing. def a channel across the bottom surface of a piece of type. groove 4. syl groove pron pos n. def one of the spiral cuts in the bore of a gun. groove 5. syl groove pron pos n. qual Anatomy. def any furrow or channel on a bodily structure or part; sulcus. groove 6. syl groove pron pos n. def a settled existence, routine, etc., to which one is suited or accustomed, esp. one from which it is difficult to escape. groove 7. syl groove pron pos n. qual Slang. def an experience, event, etc., that is groovy. groove 8.a. syl groove pron pos n. qual Jazz. def playing well and apparently effortlessly, with a good beat, etc. groove 8.b. syl groove pron pos n. qual U.S. def fashionable. groove 9. syl groove pron pos vb. mod tr. def to form or cut a groove in. groove 10. syl groove pron pos vb. mod intr. qual Slang. def to enjoy oneself or feel in rapport with one's surroundings. groove 11. syl groove pron pos vb. mod tr. qual Slang. def to excite. groove 12. syl groove pron pos vb. mod intr. qual Slang. def to progress or develop. groove 13. syl groove pron pos vb. mod intr. qual Jazz. def to play well, with a good beat, etc. grooveless sub head groove syl groove+less pos adj. groovelike sub head groove syl groove+2like pos adj. groovier infl head groovy syl groov:i+er pos adj. grooviest infl head groovy syl groov:i+est. pos adj. groovy 0. syl groov:y pron <1gru:vi> pos adj. qual Slang. def attractive, fashionable, or exciting. grope ety Old English gr*_apian; related to Old High German greif*_on, Norwegian greipa; compare #7gripe grope 1. syl grope pron pos vb. mod intr. usage usually foll. by for def to feel or search about uncertainly (for something) with the hands. grope 2. syl grope pron pos vb. usage usually foll. by for or after def to search uncertainly or with difficulty (for a solution, answer, etc.). grope 3. syl grope pron pos n. def the act of groping. groper sub head grope syl grop+er pos n. gropingly sub head grope syl grop+ing+ly pos adv. Walter infl head Gropius syl Wal:ter. pos n. Gropius 0. syl Gro:pi:us pron <1gr*upi*s> pos n. def 1883-1969, U.S. architect, designer, and teacher, born in Germany. He founded (1919) and directed (1919-28) the Bauhaus in Germany. His influence stemmed from his adaptation of architecture to modern social needs and his pioneering use of industrial materials, such as concrete and steel. His buildings include the Fagus factory at Alfeld (1911) and the Bauhaus at Dessau (1926). Gros 0. syl Gros qual French def gro) Baron {An@.toine Jean} (?~atwan #!#f?~a). 1771-1835, French painter, noted for his battle scenes. grosbeak ety C17: from French grosbec, from Old French gros large, thick+ bec #7beak grosbeak 1. syl gros+beak pron <1gr*us2bEk>, <1gros-> pos n. def any of various finches, such as ({pine grosbeak}) , that have a massive powerful bill. cardinal grosbeak 2. head grosbeak syl cardinal grosbeak. def any of various mostly tropical American buntings, such as the cardinal and pyrrhuloxia, the males of which have brightly coloured plumage. groschen ety C17: from German: Bohemian dialect alteration of Middle High German grosse, from Medieval Latin (denarius) grossus thick (penny); see #7gross, groat groschen infl syl gro+schen. pos n. mod pl. groschen 1. syl gro+schen pron <1gr*uS*n> pos n. def an Austrian monetary unit worth one hundredth of a schilling. groschen 2. syl gro+schen pron <1gr*uS*n> pos n. def a German coin worth ten pfennigs. groschen 3. syl gro+schen pron <1gr*uS*n> pos n. def a former German silver coin. gros de Londres ety literally: heavy (fabric) from London gros de Londres 0. syl gros de Lon+dres pron French. pos n. def a lightweight shiny ribbed silk fabric, the ribs alternating between wide and narrow between different colours or between different textures of yarn. grosgrain ety C19: from French gros grain coarse grain; see #7gross, grain grosgrain 0. syl gros+grain pron <1gr*u2grAn> pos n. def a heavy ribbed silk or rayon fabric or tape for trimming clothes, etc. gros point 1. syl gros point pron pos n. def a needlepoint stitch covering two horizontal and two vertical threads. gros point 2. syl gros point pron pos n. def work done in this stitch. gros point xref syl gros point pron pos n. def Compare {petit point}. gross ety C14: from Old French gros large, from Late Latin grossus thick gross 1. syl gross pron pos adj. def repellently or excessively fat or bulky. gross 2. syl gross pron pos adj. def with no deductions for expenses, tax, etc.; total. exam 1 gross sales. gross 3. syl gross pron pos adj. usage of personal qualities, tastes, etc. def conspicuously coarse or vulgar. gross 4. syl gross pron pos adj. def obviously or exceptionally culpable or wrong; flagrant. exam 1 gross inefficiency. gross 5. syl gross pron pos adj. def lacking in perception, sensitivity, or discrimination. exam 1 gross judgments. gross 6. syl gross pron pos adj. usage esp. of vegetation def dense; thick; luxuriant. gross 7. syl gross pron pos adj. qual Obsolete. def coarse in texture or quality. gross 8. syl gross pron pos adj. qual Rare. def rude; uneducated; ignorant. gross infl syl gross. pos n. mod pl. gross 9. syl gross pron pos n. def a unit of quantity equal to 12 dozen. grosses infl head gross syl gross:es. pos n. mod pl. gross 10.a. syl gross pron pos n. def the entire amount. gross 10.b. syl gross pron pos n. def the great majority. gross 11. syl gross pron pos vb. mod tr. def to earn as total revenue, before deductions for ex?!penses, tax, etc. gross xref syl gross pron pos adj. def See also {gross up}. grossly sub head gross syl gross+ly pos adv. grossness sub head gross syl gross+ness pos n. gross domestic product 0. syl gross do+mes+tic prod+uct pos n. def the total value of all goods and services produced domestically by a nation during a year. It is equivalent to gross national product minus net investment incomes from foreign nations. Abbrev.: {GDP} Robert infl head Grosseteste syl Rob:ert. pos n. Grosseteste 0. syl Grosse:teste pron <1gr*us2test> pos n. def ??1175-1253, English prelate and scholar; bishop of Lincoln (1235-53). He attacked ecclesiastical abuses and wrote commentaries on Aristotle and treatises on theology, philosophy, and science. gross national product 0. syl gross na+tion+al prod+uct pos n. def the total value of all final goods and services produced annually by a nation. Abbrev.: {GNP} gross profit 0. syl gross prof+it pos n. qual Accounting. def the difference between total revenue from sales and the total cost of purchases or materials, with an adjustment for stock. gross ton 0. syl gross ton pos n. def another name for {long ton}. grossularite ety C19: from New Latin grossul*_aria gooseberry, from Old French grosele+ {-#7ite %1} grossularite 0. syl gros+su+lar+ite pron <1grosjul*2rIt> pos n. def a green or greenish-grey garnet, used as a gemstone. Formula: Ca\3Al\2(SiO\4)\3. gross up 0. syl gross up pos vb. adv. mod tr. def to increase (net income) to its pre-tax value. Grosswardein 0. syl Gross+war+dein pron <2gro:svar1dIn> pos n. def the German name for {Oradea}. gross weight 0. syl gross weight pos n. def total weight of an article inclusive of the weight of the container and packaging. grosz ety from Polish, from Czech grosh; see #7groschen groszy infl head grosz syl gro+szy pron <1grc:Si> pos n. mod pl. grosz 0. syl grosz pron pos n. def a Polish monetary unit worth one hundredth of a zloty. George infl head Grosz syl George. pos n. Grosz 0. syl Grosz pron pos n. def 1893-1959, German painter, in the U.S. from 1932, whose works satirized German militarism and bourgeois society. grot ety C16: from French grotte, from Old Italian grotta; see #7grotto grot 0. syl grot pron pos n. def a poetic word for {grotto}. George infl head Grote syl George. pos n. Grote 0. syl Grote pron pos n. def 1794-1871, English historian, noted particularly for his (1846-56). grotesque ety C16: from French, from Old Italian (pittura) grottesca cave painting, from grottesco of a cave, from grotta cave; see #7grotto grotesque 1. syl gro+tesque pron pos adj. def strangely or fantastically dis?!torted; bizarre. exam 1 a grotesque reflection in the mirror. grotesque 2. syl gro+tesque pron pos adj. def of or characteristic of the grotesque in art. grotesque 3. syl gro+tesque pron pos adj. def absurdly incongruous; in a ludicrous context. exam 1 a grotesque turn of phrase. grotesque 4. syl gro+tesque pron pos n. def a 16th-century decorative style in which parts of human, animal, and plant forms are distorted and mixed. grotesque 5. syl gro+tesque pron pos n. def a decorative device, as in painting or sculpture, in this style. grotesque 6. syl gro+tesque pron pos n. qual Printing. def the family of 19th-century sans serif display types. grotesque 7. syl gro+tesque pron pos n. def any grotesque person or thing. grotesquely sub head grotesque syl gro+1tesque+ly pos adv. grotesqueness sub head grotesque syl gro+1tesque+ness pos n. grotesquerie alt head grotesquery or grotesquery syl gro+tes+quer:ie pron pos n. grotesqueries infl head grotesquery syl gro+tes+quer:ies. pos n. mod pl. grotesquery 1. or grotesquerie syl gro+tes+quer:y pron pos n. def the state of being grotesque. grotesquery 2. or grotesquerie syl gro+tes+quer:y pron pos n. def something that is grotesque, esp. an object such as a sculpture. Hugo infl head Grotius syl Hu:go pos n. Grotius 0. syl Gro:ti:us pron <1gr*uti*s> pos n. def original name 1583-1645, Dutch jurist and statesman, whose (1625) is regarded as the foundation of modern international law. Grotian sub head Grotius syl Gro+ti:an pos adj. Grotianism sub head Grotius syl Gro+ti+an+ism pos n. grotto ety C17: from Old Italian grotta, from Late Latin crypta vault; see #7crypt grottoes infl head grotto or grottos syl grot+toes pos n. mod pl. grottos infl head grotto or grottoes syl grot+tos. pos n. mod pl. grotto 1. syl grot+to pron <1grot*u> pos n. def a small cave, esp. one with attractive features. grotto 2. syl grot+to pron <1grot*u> pos n. def a construction in the form of a cave, esp. as in landscaped gardens during the 18th century. grotty ety C20: from #7grotesque grottier infl head grotty syl grot+ti+er pos adj. grottiest infl head grotty syl grot+ti+est. pos adj. grotty 0. syl grot+ty pos adj. qual Brit. slang. def unpleasant, nasty, or unattractive. grouch ety C20: from obsolete grutch, from Old French grouchier to complain; see #7grudge grouch 1. syl grouch pron pos vb. qual Informal. def to complain; grumble. grouch 2. syl grouch pron pos n. qual Informal. def a complaint, esp. a persistent one. grouch 3. syl grouch pron pos n. qual Informal. def a person who is always grumbling. grouchy sub head grouch syl grouch:y pos adj. grouchily sub head grouch syl grouch:i+ly pos adv. grouchiness sub head grouch syl grouch:i+ness pos n. ground ety Old English grund; related to Old Norse grunn shallow, grunnr, grund plain, Old High German grunt ground H1.1. syl ground pron pos n. def the land surface. ground H1.2. syl ground pron pos n. def earth or soil. exam 1 he dug into the ground outside his house. ground H1.3. syl ground pron pos n. mod pl. def the land around a dwelling house or other building. ground H1.4. syl ground pron pos n. mod sometimes; pl. def an area of land given over to a purpose. exam 1 football ground; exam 2 burial grounds. ground H1.5. syl ground pron pos n. def land having a particular characteristic. exam 1 level ground; exam 2 high ground. ground H1.6. syl ground pron pos n. def matter for consideration or debate; field of research or enquiry. exam 1 the lecture was familiar ground to him; exam 2 the report covered a lot of ground. ground H1.7. syl ground pron pos n. def a position or viewpoint, as in an argument or controversy (esp. in the phrases {give ground, hold, stand}, {shift one's ground) }. ground H1.8. syl ground pron pos n. def position or advantage, as in a subject or competition (esp. in the phrases {gain ground, lose ground}, etc.). ground H1.9. syl ground pron pos n. mod often; pl. def reason; justification. exam 1 grounds for complaint. ground H1.10.a. syl ground pron pos n. def the prepared surface applied to the support of a painting, such as a wall, canvas, etc., to prevent it reacting with or absorbing the paint. ground H1.10.b. syl ground pron pos n. def the support of a painting. ground H1.10.c. syl ground pron pos n. def the background of a painting or main surface against which the other parts of a work of art appear super?!imposed. ground H1.11.a. syl ground pron pos n. def the first coat of paint applied to a surface. ground H1.11.b. syl ground pron pos n. usage as modifier def . exam 1 ground colour. ground H1.12. syl ground pron pos n. def the bottom of a river or the sea. ground H1.13. syl ground pron pos n. mod pl. def sediment or dregs, esp. from coffee. ground H1.14. syl ground pron pos n. qual Chiefly Brit. def the floor of a room. ground H1.15.a. syl ground pron pos n. def the area from the popping crease back past the stumps, in which a batsman may legally stand. ground H1.15.b. syl ground pron pos n. def ground staff. ground H1.16. syl ground pron pos n. def See {ground bass}. ground H1.17. syl ground pron pos n. def a mesh or network supporting the main pattern of a piece of lace. ground H1.18. syl ground pron pos n. qual Electrical. def the usual U.S. word for { {earth} (sense 8)}. above ground 19. head ground syl above ground. def alive. below ground 20. head ground syl below ground. def dead and buried. break new ground 21. head ground syl break new ground. def to do something that has not been done before. common ground 22. head ground syl common ground. def a subject about which there is agreement or similar thinking. cut the ground from under someone's feet 23. head ground syl cut the ground from under someone's feet. def to anticipate someone's action and thus make it irrelevant or meaningless. (down) to the ground 24. head ground syl (down) to the ground. qual Brit. informal. def completely; absolutely. exam 1 it suited him down to the ground. get off the ground 25. head ground syl get off the ground. qual Informal. def to make a beginning, esp. one that is successful. home ground 26. head ground syl home ground. def a familiar area or topic. into the ground 27. head ground syl into the ground. def beyond what is requisite or can be endured; to exhaustion. meet someone on his own ground 28. head ground syl meet someone on his own ground. def to meet someone according to terms he has laid down himself. ground H1.29.a. syl ground pron pos n. usage of a ship def to strike the sea bed. ground H1.29.b. syl ground pron pos n. def to arrive at something solid or stable after discussing or dealing with indistinct subjects, etc. ground H1.30. syl ground pron pos n. usage modifier def situated on, living on, used on, or concerned with the ground. exam 1 ground frost; exam 2 ground forces. ground H1.31. syl ground pron pos vb. mod tr. def to put or place on the ground. ground H1.32. syl ground pron pos vb. mod tr. def to instruct in fundamentals. ground H1.33. syl ground pron pos vb. mod tr. def to provide a basis or foundation for; establish. ground H1.34. syl ground pron pos vb. mod tr. def to confine (an aircraft, pilot, etc.) to the ground. ground H1.35. syl ground pron pos vb. def the usual U.S. word for { {earth} (sense 16)}. ground H1.36. syl ground pron pos vb. mod tr. qual Nautical. def to run (a vessel) aground. ground H1.37. syl ground pron pos vb. mod tr. def to cover (a surface) with a preparatory coat of paint. ground H1.38. syl ground pron pos vb. mod intr. def to hit or reach the ground. ground H2.1. syl ground pron pos vb. def the past tense or past participle of {grind}. ground H2.2. syl ground pron pos adj. def having the surface finished, thickness reduced, or an edge sharpened by grinding. ground H2.3. syl ground pron pos adj. def reduced to fine particles by grinding. groundage 0. syl ground+age pron <1graundiJ> pos n. qual Brit. def a fee levied on a vessel entering a port or anchored off a shore. ground bait 0. syl ground bait pos n. qual Angling. def bait, such as scraps of bread, maggots, etc., thrown into an area of water to attract fish. See {chum%2}. ground alt head ground bass or ground bass syl ground pron pos n. ground bass 0. or ground syl ground bass pron pos n. qual Music. def a short melodic bass line that is repeated over and over again. ground beetle 1. syl ground bee+tle pos n. def any beetle of the family often found under logs, stones, etc., having long legs and a dark coloration. ground beetle 2. syl ground bee+tle pos n. def any beetle of the family feeding on plants and plant products. ground beetle 3. syl ground bee+tle pos n. def any of various other beetles that live close to or beneath the ground. ground cherry 0. syl ground cher+ry pos n. def any of various American solanaceous plants of the genus esp. having round fleshy fruit enclosed in a bladder-like husk. See also {winter cherry, {gooseberry} (sense 4)}. ground control 1. syl ground con+trol pos n. def the personnel, radar, computers, etc., on the ground that monitor the progress of aircraft or spacecraft. ground control 2. syl ground con+trol pos n. def a system for feeding continuous radio messages to an aircraft pilot to enable him to make a blind landing. ground cover 0. syl ground cov+er pos n. def the mass of dense low herbaceous plants and shrubs that grow over the surface of the ground, esp. in a forest, preventing soil erosion. ground elder 0. syl ground el+der pos n. def another name for {goutweed}. ground floor 1. syl ground floor pos n. def the floor of a building level or almost level with the ground. ground floor 2.a. syl ground floor pos n. def to enter a business, organization, etc., at the lowest level. ground floor 2.b. syl ground floor pos n. def to be in a project, undertaking, etc., from its inception. ground glass 1. syl ground glass pos n. def glass that has a rough surface produced by grinding, used for diffusing light. ground glass 2. syl ground glass pos n. def glass in the form of fine particles produced by grinding, used as an abrasive. ground hog 0. syl ground hog pos n. def another name for {woodchuck}. ground ice 0. syl ground ice pos n. def ice formed below the surface of a body of water, either on the ground or on a submerged object. ground ivy 0. syl ground i:vy pos n. def a creeping or trailing Eurasian aromatic herbaceous plant, (or with scalloped leaves and purplish-blue flowers: family (labiates). groundless 0. syl ground+less pron <1graundlis> pos adj. def without reason or justification. groundlessly sub head groundless syl ground+less+ly pos adv. groundlessness sub head groundless syl ground+less+ness pos n. groundling 1. syl ground+ling pron <1graundliG> pos n. def any animal or plant that lives close to the ground or at the bottom of a lake, river, etc. groundling 2.a. syl ground+ling pron <1graundliG> pos n. usage in Elizabethan theatre def a spectator standing in the yard in front of the stage and paying least. groundling 2.b. syl ground+ling pron <1graundliG> pos n. def a spectator in the cheapest section of any theatre. groundling 3. syl ground+ling pron <1graundliG> pos n. def a person on the ground as distinguished from one in an aircraft. ground loop 0. syl ground loop pos n. def a sudden uncontrolled turn by an aircraft on the ground, while moving under its own power. groundmass 0. syl ground+mass pron <1graund2m@s> pos n. def the matrix of igneous rocks, such as porphyry, in which larger crystals (phenocrysts) are embedded. groundnut 1. syl ground+nut pron <1graund2n^t> pos n. def a North American climbing leguminous plant, with fragrant brown flowers and small edible underground tubers. groundnut 2. syl ground+nut pron <1graund2n^t> pos n. def the tuber of this plant. groundnut 3. syl ground+nut pron <1graund2n^t> pos n. def any of several other plants having underground nutlike parts. groundnut 4. syl ground+nut pron <1graund2n^t> pos n. qual Brit. def another name for { {peanut} (sense 1)}. ground pine 1. syl ground pine pos n. def a hairy plant, of Europe and N Africa, having two-lipped yellow flowers marked with red spots: family (labiates). It smells of pine when crushed. See also {bugle%2}. ground pine 2. syl ground pine pos n. def any of certain North American club mosses, esp. ground plan 1. syl ground plan pos n. def a drawing of the ground floor of a building, esp. one to scale. See also { {plan} (sense 3)}. Compare { {elevation} (sense 5)}. ground plan 2. syl ground plan pos n. def a preliminary or basic outline. ground plate 0. syl ground plate pos n. def a joist forming the lowest member of a timber frame. Also called: {groundsill, soleplate}. ground plum 1. syl ground plum pos n. def a North American leguminous plant, with purple or white flowers and green thick-walled plumlike edible pods. ground plum 2. syl ground plum pos n. def the pod of this plant. ground provisions 0. syl ground pro+vi+sions pos n. mod pl. qual Caribbean. def starchy vegetables, esp. root crops and plantains. ground rent 0. syl ground rent pos n. qual Law. def the rent reserved by a lessor on granting a lease, esp. one for a long period of years to enable the lessee to develop the land. ground rule 0. syl ground rule pos n. def a procedural rule or principle. groundsel ety Old English grundeswelge , changed from gundeswilge, from gund pus+ swelgan to swallow; after its use in poultices on abscesses groundsel 1. syl ground+sel pron <1grauns*l> pos n. def any of certain plants of the genus esp. a Eurasian weed with heads of small yellow flowers: family (composites). See also {ragwort}. groundsel tree 2. head groundsel syl groundsel tree. def a shrub, of E North America, with white plumelike fruits: family ground cloth alt head groundsheet or groundsheet syl ground cloth pos n. groundsheet 1. or ground cloth syl ground+sheet pron <1graund2SEt> pos n. def a waterproof rubber, plastic, or polythene sheet placed on the ground in a tent, etc., to keep out damp. groundsheet 2. or ground cloth syl ground+sheet pron <1graund2SEt> pos n. def a similar sheet put over a sports field to protect it against rain. groundsill 0. syl ground+sill pron <1graund2sil> pos n. def another name for {ground plate}. groundsmen infl head groundsman syl grounds+men. pos n. mod pl. groundsman 0. syl grounds+man pron <1graundzm*n> pos n. def a person employed to maintain a sports ground, park, etc. groundspeed 0. syl ground+speed pron <1graund2spEd> pos n. def the speed of an aircraft relative to the ground. Compare {airspeed}. ground squirrel 0. syl ground squir+rel pos n. def any burrowing sciurine rodent of the genus and related genera, resembling chipmunks and occurring in North America, E Europe, and Asia. Also called: {gopher}. level alt head ground state or ground state syl lev+el pos n. ground state 0. or level syl ground state pos n. def the lowest energy state of an atom, molecule, particle, etc. Compare { {excited} (sense 4)}. ground stroke 0. syl ground stroke pos n. qual Tennis. def any return made to a ball that has touched the ground, as opposed to a volley. ground swell 0. syl ground swell pos n. def a considerable swell of the sea, often caused by a distant storm or earthquake or by the passage of waves into shallow water. ground water 0. syl ground wa+ter pos n. def underground water that has come mainly from the seepage of surface water and is held in the soil and in pervious rocks. gray alt head ground wave or ground wave syl gray pos n. ground wave 0. or gray syl ground wave pos n. def a radio wave that travels directly between a transmitting and a receiving aerial. Compare {sky wave}. groundwork 1. syl ground+work pron <1graund2wR:k> pos n. def preliminary work as a foundation or basis. groundwork 2. syl ground+work pron <1graund2wR:k> pos n. def the ground or background of a painting, etc. ground zero 0. syl ground ze:ro pos n. def a point on the ground directly below the centre of a nuclear explosion. group ety C17: from French groupe, of Germanic origin; compare Italian gruppo; see #7crop group 1. syl group pron pos n. def a number of persons or things considered as a collective unit. group 2.a. syl group pron pos n. def a number of persons bound together by common social standards, interests, etc. group 2.b. syl group pron pos n. usage as modifier exam 1 group behaviour. group 3. syl group pron pos n. def a small band of players or singers, esp. of pop music. group 4. syl group pron pos n. def a number of animals or plants considered as a unit because of common characteristics, habits, etc. group 5. syl group pron pos n. qual Grammar. def another word for { {phrase} (sense 1)}. group 6. syl group pron pos n. def an association of companies under a single ownership and control, consisting of a holding company, subsidiary companies, and sometimes associated companies. group 7. syl group pron pos n. def two or more figures or objects forming a design or unit in a design, in a painting or sculpture. group 8. syl group pron pos n. def a military formation comprising complementary arms and services, usually for a purpose. exam 1 a brigade group. group 9. syl group pron pos n. def an air force organization of higher level than a squadron. group 10. syl group pron pos n. def Also called: {radical}. two or more atoms that are bound together in a molecule and behave as a single unit. exam 1 a methyl group -CH\3. group 11. syl group pron pos n. def a vertical column of elements in the periodic table that all have similar electronic structures, properties, and valencies. Compare { {period} (sense 8)}. group 12. syl group pron pos n. qual Geology. def any stratigraphical unit, esp. the unit for two or more formations. group 13. syl group pron pos n. qual Maths. def a set under an operation involving any two members of the set such that the set is closed, associative, and contains both an identity and the inverse of each member. group 14. syl group pron pos n. def See {blood group}. group 15. syl group pron pos vb. def to arrange or place (things, people, etc.) in or into a group, or (of things, etc.) to form into a group. group captain 0. syl group cap+tain pos n. def an officer holding commissioned rank senior to a squadron leader but junior to an air commodore in the British R.A.F. and certain other air forces. group dynamics 0. syl group dy+nam+ics pos n. mod functioning as; sing. qual Psychol. def a field of social psychology concerned with the nature of human groups, their development, and their interactions with individuals, other groups, and larger organizations. grouper ety C17: from Portuguese garupa, probably from a South American Indian word grouper infl or groupers syl group+er pos n. mod pl. groupers infl head grouper or grouper syl group+ers. pos n. mod pl. grouper 0. syl group+er pron <1gru:p*> pos n. def any large marine serranid fish of the genus and related genera, of warm and tropical seas. groupie 0. syl group:ie pron <1gru:pi> pos n. qual Slang. def an ardent fan of pop groups, esp. a girl who follows them on tour in order to have sexual relations with them. grouping 0. syl group+ing pron <1gru:piG> pos n. def a planned arrangement of things, people, etc., within a group. group insurance 0. syl group in+sur+ance pos n. qual Chiefly U.S. def insurance relating to life, health, or accident and covering several persons, esp. the employees of a firm, under a single contract at reduced premiums. group marriage 0. syl group mar+riage pos n. def an arrangement in which several males live together with several females, forming a conjugal unit. group practice 0. syl group prac+tice pos n. def a medical practice undertaken by a group of associated doctors who work together as partners or as specialists in different areas. group therapy 0. syl group ther:a+py pos n. qual Psychiatry. def the simultaneous treatment of a number of individuals who are members of a natural group or who are brought together to share their problems in group discussion. grouse ety C16: of unknown origin grouses alt head grouse or grouse syl grous:es. pron pos n. mod pl. grouse H1.1. or grouses syl grouse pron pos n. mod pl. def any gallinaceous bird of the family occurring mainly in the N hemi?!sphere, having a stocky body and feathered legs and feet. They are popular game birds. See also {black grouse, red grouse. ~} grouse H1.2. or grouses syl grouse pron pos n. mod pl. qual Austral. slang. def excellent. grouselike sub head grouse syl grouse+2like pos adj. grouse ety C19: of unknown origin grouse H2.1. syl grouse pron pos vb. mod intr. def to grumble; complain. grouse H2.2. syl grouse pron pos n. def a persistent complaint. grouser sub head grouse syl grous+er pos n. grout ety Old English gr*_ut; related to Old Frisian gr*_et sand, Middle High German gr*_uz, Middle Dutch gr*_ute coarse meal; see #7grit, groats grout 1. syl grout pron pos n. def a thin mortar for filling joints between tiles, masonry, etc. grout 2. syl grout pron pos n. def a fine plaster used as a finishing coat. grout 3. syl grout pron pos n. def coarse meal or porridge. grout 4. syl grout pron pos vb. mod tr. def to fill (joints) or finish (walls, etc.) with grout. grouter sub head grout syl grout+er pos n. grouts 1. syl grouts pron pos n. mod pl. qual Chiefly Brit. def sediment or grounds, as from making coffee. grouts 2. syl grouts pron pos n. mod pl. def a variant spelling of {groats}. groutier infl head grouty syl grout:i+er pos adj. groutiest infl head grouty syl grout:i+est. pos adj. grouty 1. syl grout:y pron <1grauti> pos adj. qual Scot. and northern English dialect. def muddy; dirty. grouty 2. syl grout:y pron <1grauti> pos adj. qual Scot. and northern English dialect. usage of people's manners def rough; unpolished. grove ety Old English gr*_af; related to gr*_@afa thicket, #7greave, Norwegian greivla to intertwine grove 1. syl grove pron pos n. def a small wooded area or plantation. grove 2.a. syl grove pron pos n. def a road lined with houses and often trees, esp. in a suburban area. grove 2.b. syl grove pron pos n. usage cap. as part of a street name exam 1 Ladbroke Grove. grovel ety C16: back formation from obsolete groveling (adv.), from Middle English on grufe on the face, of Scandinavian origin; compare Old Norse *_a gr*_ufu, from gr*_ufa prone position; see {-#7ling %2} grovels infl head grovel or grovels syl grov+els pos vb. mod intr. qual U.S. grovelling infl head grovel or groveling syl grov+el+ling pos vb. mod intr. grovelled infl head grovel or groveled syl grov+elled pos vb. mod intr. groveling infl head grovel or grovelling syl grov+el+ing pos vb. mod intr. qual U.S. groveled infl head grovel or grovelled syl grov+eled. pos vb. mod intr. qual U.S. grovel 1. syl grov+el pron <1grovL> pos vb. def to humble or abase oneself, as in making apologies or showing respect. grovel 2. syl grov+el pron <1grovL> pos vb. def to lie or crawl face downwards, as in fear or humility. grovel 3. syl grov+el pron <1grovL> pos vb. usage often foll. by in def to indulge or take pleasure (in sensuality or vice). groveller sub head grovel syl grov+el+ler pos n. grovellingly sub head grovel syl grov+el+ling+ly pos adv. Groves 0. syl Groves pron pos n. def Sir {Charles}. born 1915, English orchestral conductor. grovet 0. syl grov+et pron <1grov*t> pos n. def a wrestling hold in which a wrestler in a kneeling position grips the head of his kneeling opponent with one arm and forces his shoulders down with the other. grow ety Old English gr*_owan; related to Old Norse gr*_oa, Old Frisian gr*_oia, Old High German gruoen; see #7green, grass grows infl head grow syl grows pos vb. growing infl head grow syl grow+ing pos vb. grew infl head grow syl grew pos vb. grown infl head grow syl grown. pos vb. grow 1. syl grow pron pos vb. usage of an organism or part of an organism def to increase in size or develop (hair, leaves, or other structures). grow 2. syl grow pron pos vb. mod intr. usage usually foll. by out of or from def to originate, as from an initial cause or source. exam 1 the federation grew out of the Empire. grow 3. syl grow pron pos vb. mod intr. def to increase in size, number, degree, etc.. exam 1 the population is growing rapidly. grow 4. syl grow pron pos vb. mod intr. def to change in length or amount in a specified direction. exam 1 some plants grow downwards; exam 2 profits over the years grew downwards. grow 5. syl grow pron pos vb. usage copula; may take an infinitive; esp. of emotions, physical states, etc. def to develop or come into existence or being gradually. exam 1 to grow cold; exam 2 to grow morose; exam 3 he grew to like her. grow 6. syl grow pron pos vb. mod intr. usage usually foll. by up def to come into existence. exam 1 a close friendship grew up between them. grow 7. syl grow pron pos vb. mod intr. usage foll. by together def to be joined gradually by or as by growth. exam 1 the branches on the tree grew together. grow 8. syl grow pron pos vb. mod intr. usage foll. by away, together, etc. def to develop a specified state of friendship. exam 1 the lovers grew together gradually; exam 2 many friends grow apart over the years. grow 9. syl grow pron pos vb. mod when; intr. usage foll. by with def to become covered with a growth. exam 1 the path grew with weeds. grow 10. syl grow pron pos vb. def to produce (plants) by controlling or encouraging their growth, esp. for home consumption or on a commercial basis. growable sub head grow syl grow+a:ble pos adj. grower 1. syl grow+er pron <1gr*u*> pos n. def a person who grows plants. exam 1 a vegetable grower. grower 2. syl grow+er pron <1gr*u*> pos n. def a plant that grows in a specified way. exam 1 a fast grower. growing pains 1. syl grow+ing pains pos n. mod pl. def pains in muscles or joints sometimes experienced by children during a period of unusually rapid growth. growing pains 2. syl grow+ing pains pos n. mod pl. def difficulties besetting a new enterprise in the early stages of its development. grow into 0. syl grow in:to pos vb. prep. mod intr. def to become big or mature enough for. exam 1 his clothes were always big enough for him to grow into. growl ety C18: from earlier grolle, from Old French grouller to grumble growl 1. syl growl pron pos vb. usage of animals, esp. when hostile def to utter (sounds) in a low inarticulate manner. exam 1 the dog growled at us. growl 2. syl growl pron pos vb. def to utter (words) in a gruff or angry manner. exam 1 he growled an apology. growl 3. syl growl pron pos vb. mod intr. def to make sounds suggestive of an animal growling. exam 1 the thunder growled around the lake. growl 4. syl growl pron pos n. def the act or sound of growling. growl 5. syl growl pron pos n. qual Jazz. def an effect resembling a growl, produced at the back of the throat when playing a wind instrument. growlingly sub head growl syl growl+ing+ly pos adv. growler 1. syl growl+er pron <1graul*> pos n. def a person, animal, or thing that growls. growler 2. syl growl+er pron <1graul*> pos n. qual Brit. slang, obsolete. def a four-wheeled hansom cab. growler 3. syl growl+er pron <1graul*> pos n. qual Canadian. def a small iceberg that can prove hazardous to shipping. growler 4. syl growl+er pron <1graul*> pos n. qual U.S. slang. def any container, such as a can, for draught beer. grown 0.a. syl grown pron pos adj. def developed or advanced. exam 1 fully grown. grown 0.b. syl grown pron pos adj. usage in combination def . exam 1 half-grown. grown-up 1. syl grown-up pos adj. def having reached maturity; adult. grown-up 2. syl grown-up pos adj. def suitable for or characteristic of an adult. grown-up 3. syl grown-up pos n. def an adult. grow on 0. syl grow on pos vb. prep. mod intr. def to become progressively more acceptable or pleasant to. exam 1 I don't think much of your new record, but I suppose it will grow on me. grow out of 0. syl grow out of pos vb. adv. +; prep. mod intr. def to become too big or mature for. exam 1 she soon grew out of her girlish ways. growth 1. syl growth pron pos n. def the process or act of growing, esp. this process in organisms following assimilation of food. growth 2. syl growth pron pos n. def an increase in size, number, significance, etc. growth 3. syl growth pron pos n. def something grown or growing. exam 1 a new growth of hair. growth 4. syl growth pron pos n. def a stage of development. exam 1 a full growth. growth 5. syl growth pron pos n. def any abnormal tissue, such as a tumour. growth 6. syl growth pron pos n. usage modifier def of, relating to, or characterized by growth. exam 1 a growth industry. growth ring 0. syl growth ring pos n. def another name for {annual ring}. growth shares 0. syl growth shares pos n. mod pl. qual Finance. def ordinary shares with good prospects of appreciation in yield and value. grow up 1. syl grow up pos vb. adv. mod intr. def to reach maturity; become adult. grow up 2. syl grow up pos vb. adv. mod intr. def to come into existence; develop. grozing iron ety C17: part translation of Dutch gruisijzer, from gruizen to crush, from gruis gravel+ yzer iron grozing iron 0. syl groz+ing i:ron pron <1gr*uziG> pos n. def an iron for smoothing joints between lead pipes. Grozny 0. syl Groz+ny pron Russian <1grcznij> pos n. def a city in the S Soviet Union, capital of the Chechen-Ingush ASSR: a major oil centre. Pop.: 375000 (1975 est.). grub ety C13: of Germanic origin; compare Old High German grubil*_on to dig, German gr*"ubeln to rack one's brain, Middle Dutch grobben to scrape together; see #7grave, groove grubs infl head grub syl grubs pos gr^b; vb. grubbing infl head grub syl grub+bing pos gr^b; vb. grubbed infl head grub syl grubbed. pos gr^b; vb. grub 1. syl grub pos gr^b; vb. mod when; tr. usage often foll. by up or out def to search for and pull up (roots, stumps, etc.) by digging in the ground. grub 2. syl grub pos gr^b; vb. def to dig up the surface of (ground, soil, etc.), esp. to clear away roots, stumps, etc. grub 3. syl grub pos gr^b; vb. mod intr. usage often foll. by in or among def to search carefully. grub 4. syl grub pos gr^b; vb. mod intr. def to work unceasingly, esp. at a dull task or research. grub 5. syl grub pos gr^b; vb. qual Slang. def to provide (a person) with food or (of a person) to take food. grub 6. syl grub pos gr^b; vb. mod tr. qual Slang, chiefly U.S. def to scrounge. exam 1 to grub a cigarette. grub 7. syl grub pos n. def the short legless larva of certain insects, esp. beetles. grub 8. syl grub pos n. qual Slang. def food; victuals. grub 9. syl grub pos n. def a person who works hard, esp. in a dull plodding way. grub 10. syl grub pos n. qual Brit. informal. def a dirty child. grubber 1. syl grub+ber pron <1gr^b*> pos n. def a person who grubs. grubber 2. syl grub+ber pron <1gr^b*> pos n. def another name for {grub hoe}. grubbier infl head grubby syl grub+bi+er pos adj. grubbiest infl head grubby syl grub+bi+est. pos adj. grubby 1. syl grub+by pron <1gr^bi> pos adj. def dirty; slovenly. grubby 2. syl grub+by pron <1gr^bi> pos adj. def mean; beggarly. grubby 3. syl grub+by pron <1gr^bi> pos adj. def infested with grubs. grubbily sub head grubby syl grub+bi+ly pos adv. grubbiness sub head grubby syl grub+bi+ness pos n. grubbing hoe alt head grub hoe or grub hoe syl grub+bing hoe pos n. grub hoe 0. or grubbing hoe syl grub hoe pos n. def a heavy hoe for grubbing up roots. Also called: {grubber}. grub screw 0. syl grub screw pos n. def a small headless screw used to secure a collar or other part to a shaft. grubstake 1. syl grub+stake pron <1gr^b2stAk> pos n. qual U.S. informal. def supplies provided for a prospector on the condition that the donor has a stake in any finds. grubstake 2. syl grub+stake pron <1gr^b2stAk> pos vb. mod tr. def to furnish with such supplies. grubstake 3. syl grub+stake pron <1gr^b2stAk> pos vb. mod tr. qual Chiefly U.S. def to supply (a person) with a stake in a gambling game. grubstaker sub head grubstake syl grub+2stak+er pos n. Grub Street 1. syl Grub Street pos n. def a former street in London frequented by literary hacks and needy authors. Grub Street 2. syl Grub Street pos n. def the world or class of literary hacks, etc. Grub Street 3. syl Grub Street pos adj. usage also; sometimes not cap. def relating to or characteristic of hack literature. grudge ety C15: from Old French grouchier to grumble, probably of Germanic origin; compare Old High German grunniz*_on to grunt grudge 1. syl grudge pron pos n. def a persistent feeling of resentment, esp. one due to some cause, such as an insult or injury. grudge 2. syl grudge pron pos vb. mod tr. def to accept unwillingly. grudge 3. syl grudge pron pos vb. def to feel resentful or envious about (someone else's success, possessions, etc.). grudgeless sub head grudge syl grudge+less pos adj. grudger sub head grudge syl grudg+er pos n. grudgingly sub head grudge syl grudg+ing+ly pos adv. gruel ety C14: from Old French, of Germanic origin; see #7grout gruel 0. syl gru+el pron <1gru:*l> pos n. def a drink or thin porridge, made by boiling meal, esp. oatmeal, in water or milk. grueling alt head gruelling or gruelling syl gru+el+ing pron <1gru:*liG> pos adj. qual U.S. gruelling 1. or grueling syl gru+el+ling pron <1gru:*liG> pos adj. def extremely severe or tiring. exam 1 a gruelling interview. gruelling 2. or grueling syl gru+el+ling pron <1gru:*liG> pos n. qual Informal. def a severe or tiring experience, esp. punishment. gruesome ety C16: originally Northern English and Scottish, of Scandinavian origin; compare Old Swedish grua, Old Danish grue; related to German graven, Dutch gruwen to abhor; see {-#7some %1} grewsome alt head gruesome or gruesome syl grew+some pron <1gru:s*m> pos adj. gruesome 0. or grewsome syl grue+some pron <1gru:s*m> pos adj. def inspiring repugnance and horror; ghastly. gruesomely sub head gruesome or grewsomely syl grue+some+ly pos adv. grewsomely sub head gruesome or gruesomely syl grew+some+ly pos adv. gruesomeness sub head gruesome or grewsomeness syl grue+some+ness pos n. grewsomeness sub head gruesome or gruesomeness syl grew+some+ness pos n. gruff ety C16: originally Scottish, from Dutch grof, of Germanic origin; compare Old High German girob; related to Old English hr*_eof, Lithuanian kraup*`us gruff 1. syl gruff pos gr^f; adj. def rough or surly in manner, speech, etc.. exam 1 a gruff reply. gruff 2. syl gruff pos gr^f; adj. usage of a voice, bark, etc. def low and throaty. gruffish sub head gruff syl gruff+ish pos adj. gruffly sub head gruff syl gruff+ly pos adv. gruffness sub head gruff syl gruff+ness pos n. grugru ety C18: from American Spanish (Puerto Rican dialect) grugr*'u, of Cariban origin grugru 1. syl gru+gru pron <1gru:gru:> pos n. def any of several tropical American palms, esp. which has a spiny trunk and leaves and edible nuts. grugru 2. syl gru+gru pron <1gru:gru:> pos n. def the large edible wormlike larva of a weevil, that infests this palm. grumble ety C16: from Middle Low German grommelen, of Germanic origin; see #7grim grumble 1. syl grum+ble pron <1gr^mbL> pos vb. def to utter (complaints) in a nagging or discontented way. grumble 2. syl grum+ble pron <1gr^mbL> pos vb. mod intr. def to make low dull rumbling sounds. grumble 3. syl grum+ble pron <1gr^mbL> pos n. def a complaint; grouse. grumble 4. syl grum+ble pron <1gr^mbL> pos n. def a low rumbling sound. grumbler sub head grumble syl grum+bler pos n. grumblingly sub head grumble syl grum+bling+ly pos adv. grumbly sub head grumble syl grum+bly pos adj. grummet 0. syl grum+met pron <1gr^mit> pos n. def another word for {grommet}. grumous ety C17: from grume a clot of blood, from Latin grumus a little heap; related to #7crumb grumose alt head grumous or grumous syl gru+mose pron <1gru:m*us> pos adj. grumous 0. or grumose syl gru+mous pron <1gru:m*s> pos adj. usage esp. of plant parts def consisting of granular tissue. grump ety C18: dialect grump surly remark, probably of imitative origin infl head grump syl ~ pos n. qual Informal, chiefly U.S. grump 1. syl grump pos n. def a surly or bad-tempered person. grump 2. syl grump pos n. mod pl. def a sulky or morose mood (esp. in the phrase {have the grumps}) . grump 3. syl grump pos vb. mod intr. def to complain or grumble. grumpy ety C18: from #7grump+ -#7y grumpish alt head grumpy or grumpy syl grump+ish pos adj. grumpier infl head grumpy syl grump:i+er pos adj. grumpiest infl head grumpy syl grump:i+est. pos adj. grumpy 0. or grumpish syl grump:y pron <1gr^mpi> pos adj. def peevish; sulky. grumpily sub head grumpy or grumpishly syl grump:i+ly pos adv. grumpishly sub head grumpy or grumpily syl grump+ish+ly pos adv. grumpiness sub head grumpy or grumpishness syl grump:i+ness pos n. grumpishness sub head grumpy or grumpiness syl grump+ish+ness pos n. Grundy ety C18: named after Mrs. Grundy, the character in T. Morton's play Speed the Plough (1798) Grundy 0. syl Grun+dy pron <1gr^ndi> pos n. def a narrow-minded person who keeps critical watch on the propriety of others. Grundyism sub head Grundy syl Grun+dy+ism pos n. Grundyist sub head Grundy or Grundyite syl Grun+dy+ist pos n. Grundyite sub head Grundy or Grundyist syl Grun+dy+ite pos n. Matthias infl head Grunewald syl Mat:thi:as pron pos n. Grunewald 0. syl Gr*"u:ne:wald pron German <1gry:n*2valt> pos n. def original name ??1470-1528, German painter, the greatest exponent of late Gothic art in Germany. The is regarded as his masterpiece. grunion ety C20: probably from Spanish gru*~n*'on a grunter grunion 0. syl grun+ion pron <1gr^nj*n> pos n. def a Californian marine teleost fish, that spawns on beaches: family (silversides). grunt ety Old English grunnettan, probably of imitative origin; compare Old High German grunniz*_on, grunni moaning, Latin grunn*_ire grunt 1. syl grunt pos gr^nt; vb. mod intr. usage esp. of pigs and some other animals def to emit a low short gruff noise. grunt 2. syl grunt pos gr^nt; vb. mod when; tr. usage may take a clause as object def to express something gruffly. exam 1 he grunted his answer. grunt 3. syl grunt pos n. def the characteristic low short gruff noise of pigs, etc., or a similar sound, as of disgust. grunt 4. syl grunt pos n. def any of various mainly tropical marine sciaenid fishes, such as ({Spanish grunt}) , that utter a grunting sound when caught. gruntingly sub head grunt syl grunt+ing+ly pos adv. grunter 1. syl grunt+er pron <1gr^nt*> pos n. def a person or animal that grunts, esp. a pig. grunter 2. syl grunt+er pron <1gr^nt*> pos n. def another name for {grunt} (sense 4). grunter 3. syl grunt+er pron <1gr^nt*> pos n. qual Austral. slang. def a promiscuous woman. gruntled ety C20: back formation from #7disgruntled gruntled 0. syl grun+tled pron <1gr^ntLd> pos adj. qual Informal. def happy or contented; satisfied. Grus ety via New Latin from Latin: crane Gruis infl head Grus syl Gru+is pron <1gru:is> pos n. qual Latin genitive Grus 0. syl Grus pron pos n. def a constellation in the S hemisphere lying near Phoenix and Piscis Austrinus and containing two second magnitude stars. Gruyere ety C19: after Gruy*`ere, Switzerland where it originated Gruyere cheese alt head Gruyere or Gruyere syl Gru+y*`ere cheese pron <1gru:je*>, French pos n. Gruyere 0. or Gruyere cheese syl Gru+y*`ere pron <1gru:je*>, French pos n. def a hard flat whole-milk cheese, pale yellow in colour and with holes. gr wt 0. syl gr. wt. qual abbrev. for def gross weight. gryphon 0. syl gryph+on pron <1grifN> pos n. def a variant spelling of {griffin%1}. grysbok ety C18: Afrikaans, from Dutch grijs grey+ bok #7buck %1 grysbok 0. syl grys+bok pron <1grIs2bok> pos n. def either of two small antelopes, or of central and southern Africa, having small straight horns. GS 1. syl G.S. qual abbrev. for: def General Secretary. GS 2. syl G.S. qual abbrev. for: def General Staff. gs 0. syl gs. qual abbrev. for def guineas. G-string 1. syl G-string pos n. def a piece of cloth worn by striptease artistes covering the pubic area only and attached to a very narrow waistband. G-string 2. syl G-string pos n. def a strip of cloth attached to the front and back of a waistband and covering the loins. G-string 3. syl G-string pos n. qual Music. def a string tuned to G, such as the lowest string of a violin. G-suit ety C20: from g (ravity) suit G-suit 0. syl G-suit pos n. def a close-fitting garment covering the legs and abdomen that is worn by the crew of high-speed aircraft and can be pressurized to prevent blackout during certain manoeuvres. Also called: {anti-G suit}. GT 0. syl GT qual abbrev. for def gran turismo. gt 1. syl gt. qual abbrev. for:; Bookbinding. def gilt. gt 2. syl gt. qual abbrev. for: def great. gtt infl head gt syl gtt. mod pl. gt 3. syl gt. qual abbrev. for:; Pharmacy. def gutta. gtc alt head GTC or GTC syl g.t.c. GTC 0. or gtc syl G.T.C. qual abbrev. for usage on a commercial order for goods def good till cancelled countermanded). gtd 0. syl gtd. qual abbrev. for def guaranteed. GU alt head gu or gu syl GU gu 0. or GU syl g.u. qual abbrev. for def genitourinary. guacamole ety from American Spanish, from Nahuatl ahuacamolli, from ahuacatl avocado+ molli sauce guachamole alt head guacamole or guacamole syl gua+cha+mo+le pron <2gwa:k*1m*uli> pos n. guacamole 1. or guachamole syl gua+ca+mo+le pron <2gwa:k*1m*uli> pos n. def a spread of mashed avocado, tomato pulp, mayonnaise, and seasoning. guacamole 2. or guachamole syl gua+ca+mo+le pron <2gwa:k*1m*uli> pos n. def any of various Mexican or South American salads containing avocado. guacharo ety C19: from Spanish gu*'acharo guacharos infl head guacharo syl gua+cha+ros. pos n. mod pl. guacharo 0. syl gua+cha+ro pron <1gwa:C*2r*u> pos n. def another name for {oilbird}. guaco ety C19: from American Spanish guacos infl head guaco syl gua+cos. pos n. mod pl. guaco 1. syl gua+co pron <1gwa:k*u> pos n. def any of several tropical American plants whose leaves are used as an antidote to snakebite, esp. the climbers family (composites), or family guaco 2. syl gua+co pron <1gwa:k*u> pos n. def the leaves of any of these plants. Guadalajara 1. syl Gua+da+la+ja+ra pron <2gwa:dL*1ha:r*>, Spanish <2gwaDala1$xara> pos n. def a city in W Mexico, capital of Jalisco state: the second largest city of Mexico: centre of the Indian slave trade until its abolition, declared here in 1810; two universities (1792 and 1935). Pop.: 1560805 (1975 est.). Guadalajara 2. syl Gua+da+la+ja+ra pron <2gwa:dL*1ha:r*>, Spanish <2gwaDala1$xara> pos n. def a city in central Spain, in New Castile. Pop.: 31917 (1970). Guadalcanal 0. syl Gua+dal+ca+nal pron <2gwa:dLk*1n@l>, Spanish <2gwaDalka1nal> pos n. def a mountainous island in the SW Pacific, the largest of the Solomon Islands: under British Protection until 1977; occupied by the Japanese (1942-43). Pop.: 23996 (1970). Area: 6475 sq. km (2500 sq. miles). Guadalquivir 0. syl Gua+dal+qui+vir pron <2gwa:dLkwi1vi*>, Spanish <2gwaDalki1$Bir> pos n. def the chief river of S Spain, rising in the Sierra de Segura and flowing west and southwest to the Gulf of C*'adiz: navigable by ocean-going vessels to Seville. Length: 560 km (348 miles). Guadalupe Hidalgo 0. syl Gua+da+lupe Hi+dal+go pron <2gwa:d%@1lu:p> , Spanish <2gwaDa1lupA> pos n. def a city in central Mexico, northwest of Mexico City: became the foremost pilgrimage centre in the Americas after an Indian convert reported seeing a vision of the Virgin Mary here in 1531. Pop.: 153454 (1970). Former name (1931-71): {Gustavo A. Madero}. Guadeloupe 0. syl Gua+de+loupe pron <2gwa:d%@1lu:p> pos n. def an overseas region of France in the E Caribbean, in the Leeward Islands, formed by the islands of Basse Terre and Grande Terre and their five dependencies. Capital: Basse-Terre. Pop.: 334900 (1975). Area: 1702 sq. km (657 sq. miles). Guadiana 0. syl Gua+dia+na pron Spanish , Portuguese pos n. def a river in SW Europe, rising in S central Spain and flowing west, then south as part of the border between Spain and Portugal, to the Gulf of C*'adiz. Length: 578 km (359 miles). guaiacol ety from #7guaiac (#7um) #7+ -{#7ol %2} guaiacol 0. syl guai:a+col pron <1gwI*2kol> pos n. def a yellowish oily creosote-like liquid extracted from guaiacum resin and hardwood tar, used medici?!nally as an expectorant. Formula: C\7H\8O\2. guaiacum ety C16: New Latin, from Spanish guayaco, of Taino origin guaiocum alt head guaiacum or guaiacum syl guai:o+cum pron <1gwI*k*m> pos n. guaiacum 1. or guaiocum syl guai:a+cum pron <1gwI*k*m> pos n. def any tropical American evergreen tree of the zygophyllaceous genus such as the lignum vitae. guaiacum 2. or guaiocum syl guai:a+cum pron <1gwI*k*m> pos n. def the hard heavy wood of any of these trees. guaiacum 3. or guaiocum syl guai:a+cum pron <1gwI*k*m> pos n. def Also called: {gui+ac} (#!gwa$I@ak). a brownish resin obtained from the lignum vitae, used medicinally and in making varnishes. Guam 0. syl Guam pron pos n. def an island in the N Pacific, the largest and southernmost of the Marianas: belonged to Spain from the 17th century until 1898, when it was ceded to the U.S.; site of naval and air force bases. Capital: Aga?~na. Pop.: 99000 (1975 est.). Area: 450 sq. km (209 sq. miles). Guamanian sub head Guam syl Gua+ma+ni:an pron pos n. adj. guan ety C18: from American Spanish guan 0. syl guan pron pos n. def any gallinaceous bird of the genera etc., of Central and South America: family (curassows). Guanabara 0. syl Gua+na+ba+ra pron Portuguese <2gw*na1bara> pos n. usage until 1975 def a state of SE Brazil, on the Atlantic and {Guanabara Bay} , now amalgamated with the state of Rio de Janeiro. guanaco ety C17: from Spanish, from Quechuan huanacu guanacos infl head guanaco syl gua+na+cos. pos n. mod pl. guanaco 0. syl gua+na+co pron pos n. def a cud-chewing South American artiodactyl mammal, closely related to the domesticated llama: family Guanajuato 1. syl Gua+na+jua+to pron Spanish <2gwana1$xwato> pos n. def a state of central Mexico, on the great central plateau: mountainous in the north, with fertile plains in the south; important mineral resources. Capital: Guanajuato. Pop.: 2270370 (1970). Area: 30588 sq. km (11810 sq. miles). Guanajuato 2. syl Gua+na+jua+to pron Spanish <2gwana1$xwato> pos n. def a city in central Mexico, capital of Guanajuato state: founded in 1554, it became one of the world's richest silver-mining centres. Pop.: 65258 (1970). guanase ety C20: from #7guan (#7ine) #7+ -#7ase guanase 0. syl gua+nase pron <1gwa:nAz> pos n. def an enzyme that converts guanine to xanthine by removal of an amino group. guanidine ety C19: from #7guano+ -{#7id %3}#7+ {-#7ine %2} guanidin alt head guanidine or guanidine syl guan:i+din pron <1gwa:nidin>, <1gw@ni-> pos n. guanidine 0. or guanidin syl guan:i+dine pron <1gwa:ni2dEn>, <-din>, <1gw@ni-> pos n. def a strongly alkaline crystalline substance, soluble in water and found in plant and animal tissues. It is used in organic synthesis. Formula: HNC(NH\2)\2. Also called: {carbamidine, iminourea}. guanine ety C19: from #7guano+ -{#7ine %2} guanine 0. syl gua+nine pron <1gwa:nEn>, <1gu:*2nEn> pos n. def a white almost insoluble compound: one of the purine bases in nucleic acids. Formula: C\5H\5N\5O. guano ety C17: from Spanish, from Quechuan huano dung guanos infl head guano syl gua+nos. pos n. mod pl. guano 1. syl gua+no pron <1gwa:n*u> pos n. def the dried excrement of fish-eating sea birds, deposited in rocky coastal regions of South America: contains the urates, oxalates, and phosphates of ammonium and calcium and is used as a fertilizer. guano 2. syl gua+no pron <1gwa:n*u> pos n. def any similar but artificially produced fertilizer. guanosine 0. syl gua+no+sine pron <1gwa:n*2sEn>, <-2zEn> pos n. qual Biochem. def a nucleoside consisting of guanine and ribose. Guant'anamo 0. syl Guan+t*'a+na+mo pron Spanish pos n. def a city in SE Cuba, on {Guant*'anamo Bay}. Pop.: 161739 (1970). Guapor'e 1. syl Gua+po+r*'e pron Portuguese pos n. def a river in W central South America, rising in SW Brazil and flowing northwest as part of the border between Brazil and Bolivia, to join the Mamor*'e River. Length: 1750 km (1087 miles). Spanish name: {It*'enez}. Guapor'e 2. syl Gua+po+r*'e pron Portuguese pos n. def the former name (until 1956) of {Rond*^onia}. guar 0. syl guar. qual abbrev. for def guaranteed. guarani infl or guaranis syl gua+ra+ni pos n. mod pl. guaranis infl head guarani or guarani syl gua+ra+nis. pos n. mod pl. guarani 0. syl gua+ra+ni pron <1gwa:r*ni> pos n. def the standard monetary unit of Paraguay, divided into 100 centimos. Guarani infl or Guaranis syl Gua+ra+ni pos n. mod pl. Guaranis infl head Guarani or Guarani syl Gua+ra+nis pos n. mod pl. Guarani 1. syl Gua+ra+ni pron <2gwa:r*1nE> pos n. def a member of a South American Indian people of Paraguay, S Brazil, and Bolivia. Guarani 2. syl Gua+ra+ni pron <2gwa:r*1nE> pos n. def the language of this people, belonging to the Tupi-Guarani family; one of the official languages of Paraguay, along with Spanish. guarantee ety C17: perhaps from Spanish garante or French garant, of Germanic origin; compare #7warrant guarantee 1. syl guar+an+tee pron <2g@r*n1tE> pos n. def a formal assurance, esp. in writing, that a product, service, etc., will meet certain standards or specifications. guarantee 2. syl guar+an+tee pron <2g@r*n1tE> pos n. qual Law. def a promise, esp. a collateral agreement, to answer for the debt, default, or miscarriage of another. guarantee 3.a. syl guar+an+tee pron <2g@r*n1tE> pos n. def a person, company, etc., to whom a guarantee is made. guarantee 3.b. syl guar+an+tee pron <2g@r*n1tE> pos n. def a person, company, etc., who gives a guarantee. guarantee 4. syl guar+an+tee pron <2g@r*n1tE> pos n. def a person who acts as a guarantor. guarantee 5. syl guar+an+tee pron <2g@r*n1tE> pos n. def something that makes a specified condition or outcome certain. guarantee 6. syl guar+an+tee pron <2g@r*n1tE> pos n. def a variant spelling of {guaranty}. guarantees infl head guarantee syl guar+an+tees pos vb. mod mainly; tr. guaranteeing infl head guarantee syl guar+an+tee+ing pos vb. mod mainly; tr. guaranteed infl head guarantee syl guar+an+teed. pos vb. mod mainly; tr. guarantee 7. syl guar+an+tee pron <2g@r*n1tE> pos vb. mod also; intr. def to take responsibility for (someone else's debts, obligations, etc.). guarantee 8. syl guar+an+tee pron <2g@r*n1tE> pos vb. mod mainly; tr. def to serve as a guarantee for. guarantee 9. syl guar+an+tee pron <2g@r*n1tE> pos vb. mod mainly; tr. def to secure or furnish security for. exam 1 a small deposit will guarantee any dress. guarantee 10. syl guar+an+tee pron <2g@r*n1tE> pos vb. mod mainly; tr. usage usually foll. by from or against def to undertake to protect or keep secure, as against injury, loss, etc. guarantee 11. syl guar+an+tee pron <2g@r*n1tE> pos vb. mod mainly; tr. def to ensure. exam 1 good planning will guarantee success. guarantee 12. syl guar+an+tee pron <2g@r*n1tE> pos vb. mod mainly; tr. usage an infinitive def to promise or make certain. guarantor 0. syl guar+an+tor pron <2g@r*n1tc:> pos n. def a person who gives or is bound by a guarantee or guaranty; surety. guaranty ety C16: from Old French garantie, variant of warantie, of Germanic origin; see #7warranty guaranties infl head guaranty syl guar+an+ties. pos n. mod pl. guaranty 1. syl guar+an+ty pron <1g@r*nti> pos n. def a pledge of responsibility for fulfilling another person's obligations in case of that person's default. guaranty 2. syl guar+an+ty pron <1g@r*nti> pos n. def a thing given or taken as security for a guaranty. guaranty 3. syl guar+an+ty pron <1g@r*nti> pos n. def the act of providing security. guaranty 4. syl guar+an+ty pron <1g@r*nti> pos n. def a person who acts as a guarantor. guaranties infl head guaranty syl guar+an+ties pos vb. guarantying infl head guaranty syl guar+an+ty+ing pos vb. guarantied infl head guaranty syl guar+an+tied. pos vb. guaranty 5. syl guar+an+ty pron <1g@r*nti> pos vb. def a variant spelling of {guarantee}. guard ety C15: from Old French garde, from garder to protect, of Germanic origin; compare Spanish guardar; see #7ward guard 1. syl guard pron pos vb. def to watch over or shield (a person or thing) from danger or harm; protect. guard 2. syl guard pron pos vb. def to keep watch over (a prisoner or other potentially dangerous person or thing), as to prevent escape. guard 3. syl guard pron pos vb. mod tr. def to control. exam 1 to guard one's tongue. guard 4. syl guard pron pos vb. mod intr. usage usually foll. by against def to take precautions. guard 5. syl guard pron pos vb. def to control entrance and exit through (a gate, door, etc.). guard 6. syl guard pron pos vb. mod tr. def to provide (machinery, etc.) with a device to protect the operator. guard 7.a. syl guard pron pos vb. qual Chess, cards. def to protect or cover (a chess man or card) with another. guard 7.b. syl guard pron pos vb. qual Curling, bowling. def to protect or cover (a stone or bowl) by placing one's own stone or bowl between it and another player. guard 8. syl guard pron pos vb. mod tr. qual Archaic. def to accompany as a guard. guard 9. syl guard pron pos n. def a person or group who keeps a protecting, supervising, or restraining watch or control over people, such as prisoners, things, etc. Related adj.: {custodial}. guard 10. syl guard pron pos n. def a person or group of people, such as soldiers, who form a ceremonial escort. guard 11. syl guard pron pos n. qual Brit. def the official in charge of a train. guard 12.a. syl guard pron pos n. def the act or duty of protecting, restraining, or supervising. guard 12.b. syl guard pron pos n. usage as modifier exam 1 guard duty. guard 13. syl guard pron pos n. def a device, part, or attachment on an object, such as a weapon or machine tool, designed to protect the user against injury, as on the hilt of a sword or the trigger of a firearm. guard 14. syl guard pron pos n. def anything that provides or is intended to provide protection. exam 1 a guard against infection. guard 15.a. syl guard pron pos n. def a chain on the fastening of a bracelet to ensure that the band cannot open enough to fall off the wrist or arm. guard 15.b. syl guard pron pos n. def a long neck chain often holding a chatelaine. guard 16. syl guard pron pos n. def See {guard ring}. guard 17. syl guard pron pos n. qual Sport. def an article of light tough material worn to protect any of various parts of the body. guard 18.a. syl guard pron pos n. def the position of either of the two defensive players in a team. guard 18.b. syl guard pron pos n. def a player in this position. guard 19. syl guard pron pos n. def the posture of defence or readiness in fencing, boxing, cricket, etc. take guard 20. head guard syl take guard. usage Cricket. of a batsman def to choose a position in front of the wicket to receive the bowling, esp. by requesting the umpire to indicate his position relative to the stumps. give guard 21. head guard syl give guard. usage Cricket. of an umpire def to indicate such a position to a batsman. off (one's) guard 22. head guard syl off (one's) guard. def having one's defences down; unprepared. on (one's) guard 23. head guard syl on (one's) guard. def prepared to face danger, difficulties, etc. stand guard 24. head guard syl stand guard. usage of a military sentry, etc. def to keep watch. mount guard 25. head guard syl mount guard. usage Chiefly military. of a sentry, etc. def to begin to keep watch. guardable sub head guard syl guard+a:ble pos adj. guarder sub head guard syl guard+er pos n. guardless sub head guard syl guard+less pos adj. guardlike sub head guard syl guard+2like pos adj. Cape infl head Guardafui syl Cape. pos n. Guardafui 0. syl Guar+da+fu:i pron <2gwa:d*1fu:i> pos n. def a cape at the NE tip of the Somali Republic, extending into the Indian Ocean. guardant ety C16: from French gardant guarding, from garder to #7guard gardant alt head guardant or guardant syl gar+dant pron <1ga:dNt> pos adj. guardant 0. or gardant syl guar+dant pron <1ga:dNt> pos adj. usage usually postpositive; Heraldry. of a beast def shown full face. guard cell 0. syl guard cell pos n. qual Botany. def one of a pair of crescent-shaped cells that surround a pore (stoma) in the epidermis. Changes in the turgidity of the cells cause the opening and closing of the stoma. guarded 1. syl guard+ed pron <1ga:did> pos adj. def protected or kept under surveil?!lance. guarded 2. syl guard+ed pron <1ga:did> pos adj. def prudent, restrained, or noncommittal. exam 1 a guarded reply. guardedly sub head guarded syl guard+ed+ly pos adv. guardedness sub head guarded syl guard+ed+ness pos n. guard hair 0. syl guard hair pos n. def any of the coarse hairs that form the outer fur in certain mammals, rising above the underfur. guardhouse 0. syl guard+house pron <1ga:d2haus> pos n. qual Military. def a building serving as the headquarters or a post for military police and in which military prisoners are detained. guardian 1. syl guard+i:an pron <1ga:di*n> pos n. def one who looks after, protects, or defends. exam 1 the guardian of public morals. guardian 2. syl guard+i:an pron <1ga:di*n> pos n. qual Law. def someone legally appointed to manage the affairs of a person incapable of acting for himself, as an infant or person of unsound mind. guardian 3. syl guard+i:an pron <1ga:di*n> pos n. usage often cap.; in England def another word for {custos}. guardian 4. syl guard+i:an pron <1ga:di*n> pos adj. def protect?!ing or safeguarding. guardianship sub head guardian syl guard:i+an+2ship pos n. guardrail 1. syl guard+rail pron <1ga:d2rAl> pos n. def a railing placed alongside a staircase, road, etc., as a safety barrier. guardrail 2. syl guard+rail pron <1ga:d2rAl> pos n. def Also called (Brit.): {checkrail}. a short metal rail fitted to the inside of the main rail to provide additional support in keeping a train's wheels on the track. guard ring 1. syl guard ring pos n. def Also called: {guard, keeper ring}. an extra ring worn to prevent another from slipping off the finger. guard ring 2. syl guard ring pos n. def an electrode used to counteract distortion of the electric fields at the edges of other electrodes in a capacitor or electron lens. guardroom 1. syl guard+room pron <1ga:d2ru:m>, <-2rum> pos n. def a room used by guards. guardroom 2. syl guard+room pron <1ga:d2ru:m>, <-2rum> pos n. def a room in which prisoners are confined under guard. Guards 0.a. syl Guards pron pos n. mod pl. usage esp. in European armies def any of various regiments responsible for ceremonial duties and, formerly, the protection of the head of state. exam 1 the Life Guards; exam 2 the Grenadier Guards. Guards 0.b. syl Guards pron pos n. mod pl. usage as modifier exam 1 a Guards regiment. guardsmen infl head guardsman syl guards+men. pos n. mod pl. guardsman 1. syl guards+man pron <1ga:dzm*n> pos n. usage in Britain def a member of a Guards battalion or regiment. guardsman 2. syl guards+man pron <1ga:dzm*n> pos n. usage in the U.S. def a member of the National Guard. guardsman 3. syl guards+man pron <1ga:dzm*n> pos n. def a guard. guard's van 0. syl guard's van pos n. qual Railways, Brit. def the van in which the guard travels, usually attached to the rear of a train. U.S. equivalent: {caboose}. Guarnieri infl head Guarneri or Guarnerius syl Guar:nie:ri pron Italian pos n. Guarnerius infl head Guarneri or Guarnieri syl Guar:ne:ri:us pron pos n. Guarneri 1. syl Guar:ne:ri pron , Italian pos n. def an Italian family of 17th- and 18th-century violin-makers. Guarneri 2. syl Guar:ne:ri pron , Italian pos n. def any violin made by a member of this family. Guat 0. syl Guat. qual abbrev. for def Guatemala. Guatemala 0. syl Gua+te+ma+la pron <2gwa:t*1ma:l*> pos n. def a republic in Central America: original Maya Indians conquered by the Spanish in 1523; became the centre of Spanish administration in Central America; gained independence and was annexed to Mexico in 1821, becoming an independent republic in 1839. Official language: Spanish. Religion: Roman Catholic. Currency: quetzal. Capital: Guatemala City. Pop.: 5175400 (1973). Area: 108889 sq. km (42042 sq. miles). Guatemalan sub head Guatemala syl Gua+te+1ma+lan pos adj. n. Guatemala City 0. syl Gua+te+ma+la Cit:y pos n. def the capital of Guatemala, in the southeast: founded in 1776 to replace the former capital, Antigua; university (1676). Pop.: 706920 (1973). guava ety C16: from Spanish guayaba, from a South American Indian word guava 1. syl gua+va pron <1gwa:v*> pos n. def any of various tropical American trees of the myrtaceous genus esp. grown in tropical regions for their edible fruit. guava 2. syl gua+va pron <1gwa:v*> pos n. def the fruit of such a tree, having yellow skin and pink pulp: used to make jellies, jams, etc. Guayaquil 0. syl Gua+ya+quil pron Spanish <2gwaja1kil> pos n. def a port in W Ecuador: the largest city in the country and its chief port; university (1867). Pop.: 701227 (1969 est.). guayule ety from American Spanish, from Nahuatl cuauhuli, from cuahuitl tree+ uli gum guayule 1. syl gua+yu+le pron pos n. def a bushy shrub, of the southwestern U.S.: family (composites). guayule 2. syl gua+yu+le pron pos n. def rubber derived from the sap of this plant. gubbins ety C16 (meaning: fragments): from obsolete gobbon, probably related to #7gobbet gubbins 1. syl gub+bins pron <1g^binz> pos n. def an object of little or no value. gubbins 2. syl gub+bins pron <1g^binz> pos n. def a small device or gadget. gubbins 3. syl gub+bins pron <1g^binz> pos n. qual Informal. def a silly person. gubernatorial ety C18: from Latin gubern*_ator governor gubernatorial 0. syl gu+ber+na+to+ri:al pron <2gju:b*n*1tc:ri*l>, <2gu:-> pos adj. qual Chiefly U.S. def of or relating to a governor. guberniya ety from Russian: government, ultimately from Latin gubern*_are to #7govern guberniya 1. syl gu+ber+ni+ya pron Russian. pos n. def a territorial division of imperial Russia. guberniya 2. syl gu+ber+ni+ya pron Russian. pos n. def a territorial and administrative subdivision in the Soviet Union. guck ety C20: perhaps a blend of #7goo and #7muck guck 0. syl guck pron pos n. def slimy matter; gunk. gudgeon ety C15: from Old French gougon, probably from Latin g*_obius; see #7goby gudgeon H1.1. syl gudg+eon pron <1g^J*n> pos n. def a small slender European freshwater cyprinid fish, with a barbel on each side of the mouth: used as bait by anglers. gudgeon H1.2. syl gudg+eon pron <1g^J*n> pos n. def any of various other fishes, such as the goby. gudgeon H1.3. syl gudg+eon pron <1g^J*n> pos n. def bait or enticement. gudgeon H1.4. syl gudg+eon pron <1g^J*n> pos n. qual Slang. def a person who is easy to trick or cheat. gudgeon H1.5. syl gudg+eon pron <1g^J*n> pos vb. mod tr. qual Slang. def to trick or cheat. gudgeon ety C14: from Old French goujon, perhaps from Late Latin gulbia chisel gudgeon H2.1. syl gudg+eon pron <1g^J*n> pos n. def the female or socket portion of a pinned hinge. gudgeon H2.2. syl gudg+eon pron <1g^J*n> pos n. qual Nautical. def one of two or more looplike sockets, fixed to the transom of a boat, into which the pintles of a rudder are fitted. gudgeon pin 0. syl gudg+eon pin pos n. qual Brit. def the pin through the skirt of a piston in an internal-combustion engine, to which the little end of the connecting rod is attached. U.S. name: {wrist pin}. Guthrun infl head Gudrun or Kudrun syl Guth+run pron <1gu@dru:n> pos n. Kudrun infl head Gudrun or Guthrun syl Kud+run pron <1kudru:n> pos n. Gudrun 0. syl Gud+run pron <1gudru:n> pos n. qual Norse myth. def the wife of Sigurd and, after his death, of Atli, whom she slew for his murder of her brother Gunnar. She corresponds to Kriemhild in the guelder-rose ety C16: from Dutch geldersche roos, from Gelderland or Gelders, province of Holland guelder-rose 0. syl guel:der-rose pron <1geld*2r*uz> pos n. def a Eurasian caprifoliaceous shrub, with clusters of white flowers and small red fruits. Guelders 0. syl Guel+ders pron <1geld*z> pos n. def another name for {Gelderland}. Guelf alt head Guelph or Guelph syl Guelf pron pos n. Guelph H1.1. or Guelf syl Guelph pron pos n. def a member of the political faction in medieval Italy that supported the power of the pope against the German emperors. Compare {Ghibelline}. Guelph H1.2. or Guelf syl Guelph pron pos n. def a member of a secret society in 19th-century Italy opposed to foreign rule. Guelphic sub head Guelph or Guelfic syl Guelph+ic pos adj. Guelfic sub head Guelph or Guelphic syl Guelf+ic pos adj. Guelphism sub head Guelph or Guelfism syl Guelph+ism pos n. Guelfism sub head Guelph or Guelphism syl Guelf+ism pos n. Guelph H2.0. syl Guelph pron pos n. def a city in Canada, in SE Ontario. Pop.: 60087 (1971). guenon ety C19: from French, of unknown origin guenon 0. syl gue+non pron pos n. def any slender agile Old World monkey of the genus inhabiting wooded regions of Africa and having long hind limbs and tail and long hair surrounding the face. guerdon ety C14: from Old French gueredon, of Germanic origin; compare Old High German widarl*_on, Old English witherl*_ean; final element influenced by Latin d*_onum gift guerdon 1. syl guer+don pron <1gR:dN> pos n. qual Poetic. def a reward or payment. guerdon 2. syl guer+don pron <1gR:dN> pos vb. mod tr. qual Poetic. def to give a guerdon to. guerdoner sub head guerdon syl guer+don+er pos n. Guernica 0. syl Guer+ni+ca pron , <1gR:nik*>, Spanish pos n. def a town in N Spain: formerly the seat of a Basque parliament; destroyed in 1937 by German bombers during the Spanish Civil War, an event depicted in one of Picasso's most famous paintings. Pop.: 15149 (1970). Guernsey 1. syl Guern+sey pron <1gR:nzi> pos n. def an island in the English Channel: the second largest of the Channel Islands, which, with Alderney and Sark, Herm, Jethou, and some islets, forms the bailiwick of Guernsey; market gardening, dairy farming, and tourism. Capital: St. Peter Port. Pop.: 53734 (1971). Area: 63 sq. km (24.5 sq. miles). Guernsey 2. syl Guern+sey pron <1gR:nzi> pos n. def a breed of dairy cattle producing rich creamy milk, originating from the island of Guernsey. Guernsey 3. syl Guern+sey pron <1gR:nzi> pos n. usage sometimes not cap. def a seaman's knitted woollen sweater. Guernsey 4. syl Guern+sey pron <1gR:nzi> pos n. qual Austral. usage not cap. def a sleeveless woollen shirt or jumper worn by a football player. get a guernsey 5. head Guernsey syl get a guernsey. qual Austral. def to be selected or gain recognition for something. Guerrero 0. syl Guer+re:ro pron Spanish pos n. def a mountainous state of S Mexico, on the Pacific: rich mineral resources. Capital: Chilpancingo. Pop.: 1597360 (1970). Area: 63794 sq. km (24631 sq. miles). guerrilla ety C19: from Spanish, diminutive of guerra #7war guerilla alt head guerrilla or guerrilla syl gue+ril+la pron pos n. guerrilla 0.a. or guerilla syl guer+ril+la pron pos n. def a member of an irregular usually politically motivated armed force that combats strong?!er regular forces, such as the army or police. guerrilla 0.b. or guerilla syl guer+ril+la pron pos n. usage as modifier exam 1 guerrilla warfare. guerrillaism sub head guerrilla or guerillaism syl guer+1ril+la+ism pos n. guerillaism sub head guerrilla or guerrillaism syl gue+1ril+la+ism pos n. guess ety C13: probably of Scandinavian origin; compare Old Swedish gissa, Old Danish gitse, Middle Dutch gissen; see #7get guess 1. syl guess pron pos vb. mod when; intr. usage may take a clause as object; often foll. by at or about def to form or express an uncertain estimate or conclusion (about something), based on insufficient information. exam 1 guess what we're having for dinner. guess 2. syl guess pron pos vb. mod when; tr. usage may take a clause as object def to arrive at a correct estimate of (something) by guessing. exam 1 he guessed my age. guess 3. syl guess pron pos vb. mod when; tr. qual Informal, chiefly U.S. usage may take a clause as object def to believe, think, or suppose (something). exam 1 I guess I'll go now. anyone's guess 4. head guess syl anyone's guess. usage may take a clause as object def something difficult to predict. keep a person guessing 5. head guess syl keep a person guessing. usage may take a clause as object def to let a person remain in a state of uncertainty. {~} guess 6. syl guess pron pos vb. mod when; tr. usage may take a clause as object def an estimate or conclusion arrived at by guessing. exam 1 a bad guess. guess 7. syl guess pron pos vb. mod when; tr. usage may take a clause as object def the act of guessing. guessable sub head guess syl guess+a:ble pos adj. guesser sub head guess syl guess+er pos n. guessingly sub head guess syl guess+ing+ly pos adv. guestimate alt head guesstimate or guesstimate syl gues+ti+mate pron <1gestimit> pos n. infl head guesstimate syl ~ pron <1gestimit> pos n. qual Informal. guesstimate 1. or guestimate syl guess+ti+mate pron <1gestimit> pos n. def an estimate calculated mainly or only by guesswork. {~} (#!g$est$I@!me$It). guesstimate 2. or guestimate syl guess+ti+mate pron <1gestimit> pos n. def to form a guesstimate of. guesswork 1. syl guess+work pron <1ges2wR:k> pos n. def a set of conclusions, estimates, etc., arrived at by guessing. guesswork 2. syl guess+work pron <1ges2wR:k> pos n. def the process of making guesses. guest ety Old English giest guest, stranger, enemy; related to Old Norse gestr, Gothic gasts, Old High German gast, Old Slavonic gost*vi, Latin hostis enemy guest 1. syl guest pron pos n. def a person who is entertained, taken out to eat, etc., and paid for by another. guest 2.a. syl guest pron pos n. def a person who receives hospitality at the home of another. exam 1 a weekend guest. guest 2.b. syl guest pron pos n. usage as modifier exam 1 the guest room. guest 3.a. syl guest pron pos n. def a person who receives the hospitality of a government, establishment, or organization. guest 3.b. syl guest pron pos n. usage as modifier exam 1 a guest speaker. guest 4.a. syl guest pron pos n. def an actor, contestant, entertainer, etc., taking part as a visitor in a programme in which there are also regular participants. guest 4.b. syl guest pron pos n. usage as modifier exam 1 a guest appearance. guest 5. syl guest pron pos n. def a patron of a hotel, boarding house, restaurant, etc. guest 6. syl guest pron pos n. qual Zoology. def a nontechnical name for {inqui?!line}. be my guest 7. head guest syl be my guest. qual Informal. def do as you like. guest 8. syl guest pron pos vb. mod intr. usage Informal. in theatre and broadcasting def to be a guest. exam 1 to guest on a show. guesthouse 0. syl guest+house pron <1gest2haus> pos n. def a private home or boarding house offering accommodation, esp. to travellers. guest rope 0. syl guest rope pos n. qual Nautical. def any line sent or trailed over the side of a vessel as a convenience for boats drawing alongside, as an aid in warping or towing, etc. Ernesto infl head Guevara syl Er:nes:to pron pos n. Guevara 0. syl Gue:va:ra pron , Spanish pos n. def known as 1928-67, Latin American politician and soldier, born in Argentina. He developed guerrilla warfare as a tool for revolution and was instrumental in Castro's victory in Cuba (1959), where he held government posts until 1965. He was killed while training guerrillas in Bolivia. guff ety C19: imitative of empty talk; compare dialect Norwegian gufs puff of wind guff 0. syl guff pos g^f; n. qual Slang. def ridiculous or insolent talk. guffaw ety C18: of imitative origin guffaw 1. syl guf+faw pron pos n. def a crude and boisterous laugh. guffaw 2. syl guf+faw pron pos vb. def to laugh crudely and boisterously or express (something) in this way. The Guianas alt head Guiana or Guiana syl The Gui+an+as pos n. Guiana 0. or The Guianas syl Gui+an:a pron , pos n. def a region of NE South America, including Guyana, Surinam, French Guiana, and the {Guiana Highlands} (largely in SE Venezuela and partly in N Brazil). Area: about 1787000 sq. km (690000 sq. miles). Guianese sub head Guiana or Guianan syl Gui:a+nese pron <2gI*1nEz>, <2gi*-> pos adj. n. Guianan sub head Guiana or Guianese syl Gui+an+an pron , pos adj. n. guidance 1. syl guid+ance pron <1gIdNs> pos n. def leadership, instruction, or direction. guidance 2.a. syl guid+ance pron <1gIdNs> pos n. def counselling or advice on educational, vocational, or psychological matters. guidance 2.b. syl guid+ance pron <1gIdNs> pos n. usage as modifier exam 1 the marriage-guidance counsellor. guidance 3. syl guid+ance pron <1gIdNs> pos n. def something that guides. guidance 4. syl guid+ance pron <1gIdNs> pos n. def any process by which the flight path of a missile is controlled in flight. See also {guided missile}. guide ety C14: from (Old) French guider, of Germanic origin; compare Old English w*_itan to observe guide 1. syl guide pron pos vb. def to lead the way for (a person). guide 2. syl guide pron pos vb. def to control the movement or course of (an animal, vehicle, etc.) by physical action; steer. guide 3. syl guide pron pos vb. def to supervise or instruct (a person). guide 4. syl guide pron pos vb. mod tr. def to direct the affairs of (a person, company, nation, etc.). exam 1 he guided the country through the war. guide 5. syl guide pron pos vb. mod tr. def to advise or influence (a person) in his standards or opinions. exam 1 let truth guide you always. guide 6.a. syl guide pron pos n. def a person, animal, or thing that guides. guide 6.b. syl guide pron pos n. usage as modifier exam 1 a guide dog. guide 7. syl guide pron pos n. def a person, usually paid, who conducts tour expeditions, etc. guide 8. syl guide pron pos n. def a model or criterion, as in moral standards or accuracy. guide 9. syl guide pron pos n. def Also called: {guidebook}. a handbook with information for visitors to a place, as a foreign country. guide 10. syl guide pron pos n. def a book that instructs or explains the fundamentals of a subject or skill. exam 1 a guide to better living. guide 11. syl guide pron pos n. def a mark used to direct the reader's eye to a place on a page of printing. guide 12. syl guide pron pos n. def any device that directs the motion of a tool or machine part. guide 13.a. syl guide pron pos n. def a mark, sign, etc., that points the way. guide 13.b. syl guide pron pos n. usage in combination exam 1 guidepost. guide 14. syl guide pron pos n. qual Spiritualism. def a spirit believed to influence a medium so as to direct what he utters and convey messages through him. guide 15.a. syl guide pron pos n. qual Naval. def a ship in a formation used as a reference for manoeuvres, esp. with relation to maintaining the correct formation and disposition. guide 15.b. syl guide pron pos n. qual Military. def a soldier stationed to one side of a column or line to regulate alignment, show the way, etc. guidable sub head guide syl guid+a:ble pos adj. guideless sub head guide syl guide+less pos adj. guider sub head guide syl guid+er pos n. guidingly sub head guide syl guid+ing+ly pos adv. Guide 0. syl Guide pron pos n. usage sometimes not cap. def a member of the organization for girls equivalent to the Scouts. U.S. equivalent: {Girl Scout}. guided missile 0. syl guid+ed mis+sile pos n. def a missile, esp. one that is rocket-propelled, having a flight path controlled during flight either by radio signals or by internal preset or self-actuating homing devices. See also {command guidance, field guidance, homing guidance, inertial guidance, terrestrial guidance}. guideline 1. syl guide+line pron <1gId2lIn> pos n. def a principle put forward to set standards or determine a course of action. guideline 2. syl guide+line pron <1gId2lIn> pos n. qual Printing. def a lightly marked line used to facilitate the alignment of letters, drawings, etc. guidepost 1. syl guide+post pron <1gId2p*ust> pos n. def a sign on a post by a road indicating directions. guidepost 2. syl guide+post pron <1gId2p*ust> pos n. def a principle or guideline. guide rope 1. syl guide rope pos n. def a stay or rope attached to another rope that is lifting a load, either to steady the load or guide the rope. guide rope 2. syl guide rope pos n. def another name for { {dragrope} (sense 2)}. Guido d'Arezzo 0. syl Gui:do d'A:rez:zo pron Italian <1gwEdo> pos n. def ??995-??1050 #7a.d., Italian Benedictine monk and musical theorist: reputed inventor of solmization. guidon ety C16: from French, from Old Proven*,cal guidoo, from guida #7guide guidon 1. syl gui+don pron <1gIdN> pos n. def a small pennant, used as a marker or standard, esp. by cavalry regiments. guidon 2. syl gui+don pron <1gIdN> pos n. def the man or vehicle that carries this. Guyenne alt head Guienne or Guienne syl Guy+enne pron French pos n. Guienne 0. or Guyenne syl Gui+enne pron French pos n. def a former province of SW France: formed, with Gascony, the duchy of Aquitaine during the 12th century. guild ety C14: of Scandinavian origin; compare Old Norse gjald payment, gildi guild; related to Old English gield offering, Old High German gelt money gild alt head guild or guild syl gild pron pos n. guild 1. or gild syl guild pron pos n. def an organization, club, or fellowship. guild 2. or gild syl guild pron pos n. usage esp. in medieval Europe def an association of men sharing the same interests, such as merchants or artisans: formed for mutual aid and protection and to maintain craft standards or pursue some other purpose such as communal worship. guild 3. or gild syl guild pron pos n. qual Ecology. def a group of plants, such as a group of epiphytes, that share certain habits or characteristics. guilder ety C15: changed from Middle Dutch gulden, literally: #7golden gulden alt head guilder or guilder syl gul+den pos n. guilders infl head guilder or guildens syl guil+ders pos n. mod pl. guilder infl or guilden syl guil+der pos n. mod pl. guildens infl head guilder or guilders syl guil+dens pos n. mod pl. guilden infl head guilder or guilder syl guil+den. pos n. mod pl. guilder 1. or gulden syl guil+der pron <1gild*> pos n. def Also: {gilder}. the standard monetary unit of the Netherlands, divided into 100 cents. guilder 2. or gulden syl guil+der pron <1gild*> pos n. def the standard monetary unit of the Netherlands Antilles and Surinam, divided into 100 cents. guilder 3. or gulden syl guil+der pron <1gild*> pos n. def any of various former gold or silver coins of Germany, Austria, or the Netherlands. Guildford 0. syl Guild+ford pron <1gilf*d> pos n. def a city in S England, administrative centre of Surrey: cathedral (1936-1968); seat of the University of Surrey (1966). Pop.: 56887 (1971). guildhall 1.a. syl guild+hall pron <1gild2hc:l> pos n. def the hall of a guild or corporation. guildhall 1.b. syl guild+hall pron <1gild2hc:l> pos n. def a town hall. guildhall 2. syl guild+hall pron <1gild2hc:l> pos n. def Also: {gildhall}. the meeting place of a medieval guild. gildsman alt head guildsman or gildswoman syl gilds+man pron <1gildzm*n> pos n. guildswoman infl head guildsman or guildsman syl guilds+wom:an pos n. mod fem. gildswoman infl head guildsman or gildsman syl gilds+wom:an pos n. mod fem. guildsmen infl head guildsman or guildswomen syl guilds+men pos n. mod pl. guildswomen infl head guildsman or guildsmen syl guilds+wom:en. pos n. mod pl. guildsman 0. or guildswoman syl guilds+man pron <1gildzm*n> pos n. def a member of a guild. guild socialism 0. syl guild so+cial+ism pos n. def a form of socialism advocated in Britain in the early 20th century. Industry was to be owned by the state but managed and controlled by worker-controlled guilds. guild socialist sub head guild socialism syl guild so+cial+ist pos n. guile ety C18: from Old French guile, of Germanic origin; see #7wile guile 0. syl guile pron pos n. def clever or crafty character or behaviour. guileful sub head guile syl guile+ful pos adj. guilefully sub head guile syl guile+ful+ly pos adv. guilefulness sub head guile syl guile+ful+ness pos n. guileless 0. syl guile+less pron <1gIllis> pos adj. def free from guile; ingenuous. guilelessly sub head guileless syl guile+less+ly pos adv. guilelessness sub head guileless syl guile+less+ness pos n. Guillaume de Lorris 0. syl Guil:laume de Lor:ris pron French pos n. def 13th century French poet, who wrote the first 4058 lines of the allegorical romance, the continued by Jean de Meung. guillemot ety C17: from French, diminutive of Guillaume William guillemot 0. syl guil+le:mot pron <1gili2mot> pos n. def any northern oceanic diving bird of the genera and having a black-and-white plumage and long narrow bill: family (auks, etc.), order guilloche ety C19: from French: tool used in ornamental work, perhaps from Guillaume William guilloche 0. syl guil+loche pron pos n. def an ornamental band or border with a repeating pattern of two or more interwoven wavy lines, as in architecture. guillotine ety C18: from French, named after Joseph Ignace Guillotin (1738-1814), French physician, who advocated its use in 1789 guillotine 1.a. syl guil+lo+tine pron <1gil*2tEn> pos n. def a device for beheading persons, consisting of a weighted blade set between two upright posts. the guillotine 1.b. head guillotine syl the guillotine. def execution by this instrument. guillotine 2. syl guil+lo+tine pron <1gil*2tEn> pos n. def a device for cutting or trimming sheet material, such as paper or sheet metal, consisting of a long rigid blade that descends onto the sheet. guillotine 3. syl guil+lo+tine pron <1gil*2tEn> pos n. def a surgical instrument for removing tonsils, growths in the throat, etc. guillotine 4. syl guil+lo+tine pron <1gil*2tEn> pos n. def Also called: {closure by compartment}. (in Parliament, etc.) a form of closure under which a bill is divided into compartments, groups of which must be completely dealt with each day. {~} (@!g$Il$$#!ti$:n). guillotine 5. syl guil+lo+tine pron <1gil*2tEn> pos n. def to behead (a person) by guillotine. guillotine 6. syl guil+lo+tine pron <1gil*2tEn> pos n. usage in Parliament, etc. def to limit debate on (a bill, motion, etc.) by the guillotine. guillotiner sub head guillotine syl guil+lo+1tin+er pos n. guilt ety Old English gylt, of obscure origin guilt 1. syl guilt pron pos n. def the fact or state of having done wrong or committed an offence. guilt 2. syl guilt pron pos n. def responsibility for a criminal or moral offence deserving punishment or a penalty. guilt 3. syl guilt pron pos n. def remorse or self-reproach caused by feeling that one is responsible for a wrong or offence. guilt 4. syl guilt pron pos n. qual Archaic. def sin or crime. guiltless 0. syl guilt+less pron <1giltlis> pos adj. def free of all responsibility for wrongdoing or crime; innocent. guiltlessly sub head guiltless syl guilt+less+ly pos adv. guiltlessness sub head guiltless syl guilt+less+ness pos n. guiltier infl head guilty syl guilt:i+er pos adj. guiltiest infl head guilty syl guilt:i+est. pos adj. guilty 1. syl guilt:y pron <1gilti> pos adj. def responsible for an offence or misdeed. guilty 2. syl guilt:y pron <1gilti> pos adj. qual Law. def having committed an offence or adjudged to have done so. exam 1 the accused was found guilty. plead guilty 3. head guilty syl plead guilty. usage Law. of a person charged with an offence def to admit responsibility for; confess. guilty 4. syl guilt:y pron <1gilti> pos adj. def of, showing, or characterized by guilt. guiltily sub head guilty syl guilt:i+ly pos adv. guiltiness sub head guilty syl guilt:i+ness pos n. guimpe ety C19: variant of {#7gimp %1} guimpe 1. syl guimpe pron , pos n. def a short blouse with sleeves worn under a pinafore dress. guimpe 2. syl guimpe pron , pos n. def a fill-in for a low-cut dress. guimpe 3. syl guimpe pron , pos n. def a piece of starched cloth covering the chest and shoulders of a nun's habit. Guin 0. syl Guin. qual abbrev. for def Guinea. guinea ety C16: the coin was originally made of gold from Guinea guinea 1.a. syl guin:ea pron <1gini> pos n. def a British gold coin taken out of circulation in 1813, worth 21 shillings. guinea 1.b. syl guin:ea pron <1gini> pos n. def the sum of 21 shillings (@P1.05), still used in some contexts, as in quoting professional fees. guinea 2. syl guin:ea pron <1gini> pos n. def See {guinea fowl}. guinea 3. syl guin:ea pron <1gini> pos n. qual U.S. slang, derogatory. def an Italian or a person of Italian descent. Guinea 1. syl Guin:ea pron <1gini> pos n. def a republic in West Africa, on the Atlantic: established as the colony of French Guinea in 1890 and became an independent republic in 1958. Official language: French. Religion: Muslim majority and animist. Currency: franc. Capital: Conakry. Pop.: 4416000 (1975 #7un est.). Area: 245855 sq. km (94925 sq. miles). Guinea 2. syl Guin:ea pron <1gini> pos n. usage formerly def the coastal region of West Africa, between Cape Verde and Mo*,c*^amedes (Angola): divided by a line of volcanic peaks into {Upper Guinea} (between Gambia and Cameroon) and {Lower Guinea} (between Cameroon and S Angola). Gulf of 3. head Guinea syl Gulf of. def a large inlet of the S Atlantic on the W coast of Africa, extending from Cape Palmas, Liberia, to Cape Lopez, Gabon: contains two large bays, the Bight of Biafra and the Bight of Benin, separated by the Niger delta. Guinean sub head Guinea syl Guin+e:an pos adj. n. Guinea-Bissau 0. syl Guin:ea-Bis:sau pos n. def a republic in West Africa, on the Atlantic: first discovered by the Portuguese in 1446 and of subsequent importance in the slave trade; made a colony in 1879; became an independent republic in 1974; eventual union with the Cape Verde Islands is planned. Languages: Portuguese and Cape Verde creole. Religion: animist majority and Muslim. Currency: Guinean peso. Provisional capital: Madina do Bo*'e. Pop.: 487488 (1970). Area: 36125 sq. km (13948 sq. miles). Former name (until 1974): {Portuguese Guinea}. Guinea corn 0. syl Guin:ea corn pos n. def another name for {durra}. guinea alt head guinea fowl or guinea fowl syl guin:ea pos n. guinea fowl 0. or guinea syl guin:ea fowl pos n. def any gallinaceous bird, esp. of the family of Africa and SW Asia, having a dark plumage mottled with white, a naked head and neck, and a heavy rounded body. guinea grains 0. syl guin:ea grains pos n. mod pl. def another name for {grains of paradise}. guinea hen 0. syl guin:ea hen pos n. def a guinea fowl, esp. a female. Guinea pepper 0. syl Guin:ea pep+per pos n. def a variety of the pepper plant from which cayenne pepper is obtained. guinea pig 1. syl guin:ea pig pos n. def a domesticated cavy, probably descended from commonly kept as a pet and used in scientific experiments. guinea pig 2. syl guin:ea pig pos n. qual Informal. def a person or thing used for experimentation. Guinea worm 0. syl Guin:ea worm pos n. def a parasitic nematode worm, that lives beneath the skin in man and other vertebrates and is common in India and Africa. Guenevere infl head Guinevere or Guinever syl Guen:e:vere pron <1gweni2vi*> pos n. Guinever infl head Guinevere or Guenevere syl Guin:e:ver pron <1gwiniv*> pos n. Guinevere 0. syl Guin:e:vere pron <1gwini2vi*> pos n. usage in Arthurian legend def the wife of King Arthur and paramour of Lancelot. Guinness 0. syl Guin:ness pron <1ginis> pos n. def Sir {Al@.ec}. born 1914, British stage and film actor; his films include (1949) and (1957). guipure ety C19: from Old French guipure, from guiper to cover with cloth, of Germanic origin; see #7wipe, whip guipure 1. syl gui+pure pron pos n. def Also called: {guipure lace}. any of many types of heavy lace that have their pattern connected by brides, rather than supported on a net mesh. guipure 2. syl gui+pure pron pos n. def a heavy corded trimming; gimp. Robert infl head Guiscard syl Ro:bert pron pos n. Guiscard 0. syl Guis:card pron French pos n. def ??1015-85, Norman conqueror in S Italy. guise ety C13: from Old French guise, of Germanic origin; see {#7wise %2} guise 1. syl guise pron pos n. def semblance or pretence. exam 1 under the guise of friendship. guise 2. syl guise pron pos n. def external appearance in general. guise 3. syl guise pron pos n. qual Archaic. def manner or style of dress. guise 4. syl guise pron pos n. qual Obsolete. def customary behaviour or manner. guise 5. syl guise pron pos vb. qual Brit. dialect. def to disguise or be disguised in fancy dress. guise 6. syl guise pron pos vb. mod tr. qual Archaic. def to dress or dress up. guitar ety C17: from Spanish guitarra, from Arabic q*_it*_ar, from Greek kithara #7kithara guitar 0. syl gui+tar pron pos n. qual Music. def a plucked stringed instrument originat?!ing in Spain, usually having six strings, a flat sounding board with a circular sound hole in the centre, a flat back, and a fretted fingerboard. Range: more than three octaves upwards from E on the first leger line below the bass staff. See also {electric guitar, bass guitar, Hawaiian guitar}. guitarist sub head guitar syl gui+1tar+ist pos n. guitar-like sub head guitar syl gui:1tar-2like pos adj. guitarfish infl or guitarfishes syl gui:tar+fish pos n. mod pl. guitarfishes infl head guitarfish or guitarfish syl gui:tar+fish:es. pos n. mod pl. guitarfish 0. syl gui:tar+fish pron pos n. def any marine sharklike ray of the family having a guitar-shaped body with a stout tail and occurring at the bottom of the sea. Francois Pierre Guillaume infl head Guizot syl Fran:*,cois Pierre Guil:laume pron pos n. Gujerat alt head Gujarat or Gujarat syl Gu+je+rat pron <2guJ*1ra:t> pos n. Gujarat 1. or Gujerat syl Gu+ja+rat pron <2guJ*1ra:t> pos n. def a state of W India: formed in 1960 from the N and W parts of Bombay State; one of India's most industrialized states. Capital: Gandhinagar. Pop.: 26697475 (1971). Area: 187114 sq. km (72245 sq. miles). Gujarat 2. or Gujerat syl Gu+ja+rat pron <2guJ*1ra:t> pos n. def a region of W India, north of the Narmada River: generally includes the areas north of Bombay city where Gujarati is spoken. Gujerati alt head Gujarati or Gujarati syl Gu+je+ra+ti pron <2guJj*1ra:ti> pos n. Gujarati infl syl Gu+ja+ra+ti pos n. mod pl. Gujarati 1. or Gujerati syl Gu+ja+ra+ti pron <2guJj*1ra:ti> pos n. def a member of a people of India living chiefly in Gujarat. Gujarati 2. or Gujerati syl Gu+ja+ra+ti pron <2guJj*1ra:ti> pos n. def the state language of Gujarat, belonging to the Indic branch of the Indo-European family. Gujarati 3. or Gujerati syl Gu+ja+ra+ti pron <2guJj*1ra:ti> pos adj. def of or relating to Gujarat, its people, or their language. Gujranwala 0. syl Guj+ran+wa+la pron pos n. def a city in NE Pakistan: textile manufacturing. Pop.: 360419 (1972). Gulag ety C20: from Russian G (lavnoye) U (pravleniye Ispravitelno-Trudovykh) Lag (erei) Main Administration for Corrective Labour Camps Gulag 0. syl Gu+lag pron <1gu:l@g> pos n. def the central administrative department of the Soviet security service, established in 1930, responsible for maintaining prisons and forced labour camps. gular ety C19: from Latin gula throat gular 0. syl gu+lar pron <1gu:l*>, <1gju:-> pos adj. qual Anatomy. def of, relating to, or situated in the throat or oesophagus. Calouste Sarkis 1. head Gulbenkian syl Ca:louste Sar:kis pron <1sa:kiz> def 1869-1955, British industrialist, born in Turkey. He endowed the international Gulbenkian Foundation for the advancement of the arts, science, and education. Gulbenkian 2. syl Gul:ben:ki:an pron pos n. def his son, {Nu@.bar Sar@.kis} (#!nu$:b$a$: #!s$a$:k$Iz). 1896-1972), British industrialist, diplomat, and philanthropist. gulch ety C19: of obscure origin gulch 0. syl gulch pron pos n. qual U.S. def a narrow ravine cut by a fast stream. guldens infl head gulden or gulden syl gul+dens pos n. mod pl. gulden infl or guldens syl gul+den. pos n. mod pl. gulden 0. syl gul+den pron <1guldN> pos n. def a variant spelling of {guilder}. Gulek Bogaz 0. syl G*"u+lek Bo+gaz pron pos n. def the Turkish name for the {Cilician Gates}. gules ety C14: from Old French gueules red fur worn around the neck, from gole throat, from Latin gula #7gullet gules 0. syl gules pron pos adj. usually postpositive; n. qual Heraldry. def red. gulf ety C14: from Old French golfe, from Italian golfo, from Greek kolpos gulf 1. syl gulf pos g^lf; n. def a large deep bay. gulf 2. syl gulf pos g^lf; n. def a deep chasm. gulf 3. syl gulf pos g^lf; n. def something that divides or separates, such as a lack of understanding. gulf 4. syl gulf pos g^lf; n. def something that engulfs, such as a whirlpool. gulf 5. syl gulf pos vb. mod tr. def to swallow up; engulf. gulflike sub head gulf syl gulf+2like pos adj. gulfy sub head gulf syl gulf:y pos adj. the 0.a. head Gulf syl the. qual Austral. def the Gulf of Carpentaria. Gulf 0.b. syl Gulf pos g^lf; n. qual Austral. usage modifier def of, relating to, or adjoining the Gulf. exam 1 Gulf country. the infl head Gulf States syl the. pos n. Gulf States 1. syl Gulf States pos n. mod pl. def the states of the U.S. that border on the Gulf of Mexico: Alabama, Florida, Louisiana, Mississippi, and Texas. Gulf States 2. syl Gulf States pos n. mod pl. def the oil-producing states around the Persian Gulf: Iran, Iraq, Kuwait, Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, Qatar, the United Arab Emirates, and Oman. Gulf Stream 1. syl Gulf Stream pos n. def a relatively warm ocean current flowing northeastwards off the Atlantic coast of the U.S. from the Gulf of Mexico. Gulf Stream 2. syl Gulf Stream pos n. def another name for {North Atlantic Drift}. gulfweed 0. syl gulf+weed pron <1g^lf2wEd> pos n. def any brown seaweed of the genus esp. having air bladders and forming dense floating masses in tropical Atlantic waters, esp. the Gulf Stream. Also called: {sargasso, sargasso weed}. gull ety C15: of Celtic origin; compare Welsh gwylan gull H1.0. syl gull pos g^l; n. def any aquatic bird of the genus and related genera, such as ({common gull} or {mew}) having long pointed wings, short legs, and a mostly white plumage: family order gull-like sub head gull syl gull-2like pos adj. gull ety C16: perhaps from dialect gull unfledged bird, probably from gul, from Old Norse gulr yellow gull H2.1. syl gull pos n. qual Archaic. usage g^l def a person who is easily fooled or cheated. gull H2.2. syl gull pos vb. mod tr. qual Archaic. usage g^l def to fool, cheat, or hoax. Gullahs infl head Gullah or Gullah syl Gul+lahs pos n. mod pl. Gullah infl or Gullahs syl Gul+lah pos n. mod pl. Gullah 1. syl Gul+lah pron <1g^l*> pos n. def a member of a Negro people living on the Sea Islands or in the coastal regions of South Carolina, Georgia, and NE Florida. Gullah 2. syl Gul+lah pron <1g^l*> pos n. def the creolized English spoken by these people. gullet ety C14: from Old French goulet, diminutive of goule throat, from Latin gula throat gullet 1. syl gul+let pron <1g^lit> pos n. def a less formal name for the {oesophagus}. gullet 2. syl gul+let pron <1g^lit> pos n. def the throat or pharynx. gullet 3. syl gul+let pron <1g^lit> pos n. qual Mining, quarrying. def a preliminary cut in excavating, wide enough to take the vehicle that removes the earth. gullable alt head gullible or gullible syl gul+la:ble pron <1g^l*bL> pos adj. gullible 0. or gullable syl gul+li:ble pron <1g^l*bL> pos adj. def easily taken in or tricked. gullibility sub head gullible or gullability syl gul+li+1bil+i:ty pos n. gullability sub head gullible or gullibility syl gul+la+1bil+i:ty pos n. gullibly sub head gullible or gullably syl gul+li+bly pos adv. gullably sub head gullible or gullibly syl gul+la+bly pos adv. gull-wing 1. syl gull-wing pron <1g^l2wiG> pos adj. usage of a car door def opening upwards. gull-wing 2. syl gull-wing pron <1g^l2wiG> pos adj. usage of an aircraft wing def having a short upward-sloping inner section and a longer horizontal outer section. gully ety C16: from French goulet neck of a bottle; see #7gullet gullies infl head gully syl gul+lies. pos n. mod pl. gully H1.1. syl gul+ly pron <1g^li> pos n. def a channel or small valley, esp. one cut by heavy rainwater. gully H1.2.a. syl gul+ly pron <1g^li> pos n. def a fielding position between the slips and point. gully H1.2.b. syl gul+ly pron <1g^li> pos n. def a fielder in this position. gully H1.3. syl gul+ly pron <1g^li> pos n. def either of the two channels at the side of a tenpin bowling lane. gully H1.4. syl gul+ly pron <1g^li> pos n. qual Northern Brit. dialect. def a path between fences or walls. gullies infl head gully syl gul+lies pos vb. gullying infl head gully syl gul+ly+ing pos vb. gullied infl head gully syl gul+lied. pos vb. gully H1.5. syl gul+ly pron <1g^li> pos vb. mod tr. def to make (channels) in (the ground, sand, etc.). gully ety C16: of obscure origin gullies infl head gully syl gul+lies. pos n. mod pl. gully H2.0. syl gul+ly pron <1g^li> pos n. qual Scot. def a large knife, such as a butcher's knife. gulosity ety C16: from Late Latin gul*_osit*_as, from Latin gul*_osus gluttonous, from gula gullet gulosity 0. syl gu+los+i:ty pron pos n. qual Archaic. def greed or gluttony. gulp ety C15: from Middle Dutch gulpen, of imitative origin gulp 1. syl gulp pos g^lp; vb. mod tr. usage often foll. by down def to swallow rapidly, esp. in large mouthfuls. exam 1 to gulp down food. gulp 2. syl gulp pos g^lp; vb. mod tr. usage often foll. by back def to stifle or choke. exam 1 to gulp back sobs. gulp 3. syl gulp pos g^lp; vb. mod intr. def to swallow air convulsively, as while drinking, because of nervousness, surprise, etc. gulp 4. syl gulp pos g^lp; vb. mod intr. def to make a noise, as when swallowing too quickly. gulp 5. syl gulp pos n. def the act of gulping. gulp 6. syl gulp pos n. def the quantity taken in a gulp. gulper sub head gulp syl gulp+er pos n. gulpingly sub head gulp syl gulp+ing+ly pos adv. gulpy sub head gulp syl gulp:y pos adj. fish alt head gulper eel or gulper eel syl fish pos n. gulper eel 0. or fish syl gulp+er eel pos n. def any deep-sea eel-like fish of the genera and and order having the ability to swallow large prey. gum ety C14: from Old French gomme, from Latin gummi, from Greek kommi, from Egyptian kemai gum H1.1. syl gum pos g^m; n. def any of various sticky substances that exude from certain plants, hardening on exposure to air and dissolving or forming viscous masses in water. gum H1.2. syl gum pos g^m; n. def any of various products, such as adhesives, that are made from such exudates. gum H1.3. syl gum pos g^m; n. def any sticky substance used as an adhesive; mucilage; glue. gum H1.4. syl gum pos g^m; n. def See {chewing gum, bubble gum, original gum}, and {gumtree}. gum H1.5. syl gum pos g^m; n. qual Chiefly Brit. def a gumdrop. gums infl head gum syl gums pos vb. gumming infl head gum syl gum+ming pos vb. gummed infl head gum syl gummed. pos vb. gum H1.6. syl gum pos vb. def to cover or become covered, clogged, or stiffened with or as if with gum. gum H1.7. syl gum pos vb. mod tr. def to stick together or in place with gum. gum H1.8. syl gum pos vb. mod intr. def to emit or form gum. {~} See also {gum up}. gumless sub head gum syl gum+less pos adj. gumlike sub head gum syl gum+2like pos adj. gum ety Old English g*_oma jaw; related to Old Norse g*_omr, Middle High German g*_ume, Lithuanian gomur*_is gum H2.0. syl gum pos g^m; n. def the fleshy tissue that covers the jaw bones around the bases of the teeth. Technical name: {gingiva}. Related adj.: {gingival}. gum ety C19: euphemism for G#7od gum H3.0. syl gum pos g^m; n. def used in the mild oath gum accroides 0. syl gum ac+croi+des pron <*1krcidEz> pos n. def another name for {acaroid gum}. gum ammoniac 0. syl gum am+mo+ni+ac pos n. def another name for {ammoniac%2}. gum arabic 0. syl gum ar:a+bic pos n. def a gum exuded by certain acacia trees, esp. used in the manufacture of ink, food thickeners, pills, emulsifiers, etc. Also called: {acacia, gum acacia}. gum benzoin 0. syl gum ben+zo+in pos n. def another name for {benzoin}. gumbo ety C19: from Louisiana French gombo, of Bantu origin gombo alt head gumbo or gumbo syl gom+bo pron <1g^mb*u> pos n. gumbos infl head gumbo syl gum+bos. pos n. mod pl. gumbo 1. or gombo syl gum+bo pron <1g^mb*u> pos n. qual U.S. def the mucilaginous pods of okra. gumbo 2. or gombo syl gum+bo pron <1g^mb*u> pos n. qual U.S. def another name for {okra}. gumbo 3. or gombo syl gum+bo pron <1g^mb*u> pos n. qual U.S. def a soup or stew thickened with okra pods. gumbo 4. or gombo syl gum+bo pron <1g^mb*u> pos n. qual U.S. def a fine soil in the W prairies that becomes muddy when wet. Gumbo ety see #7gumbo Gumbo 0. syl Gum+bo pron <1g^mb*u> pos n. usage sometimes not cap. def a French patois spoken by Creoles in Louisiana and the West Indies. gumboil 0. syl gum+boil pron <1g^m2bcil> pos n. def an abscess on the gums, often at the root of a decayed tooth. Also called: {parulis}. gumboots 0. syl gum+boots pron <1g^m2bu:ts> pos n. mod pl. def another name for { {Wellington boots} (sense 1)}. gumbotil ety C20: from #7gumbo+{til (#7l) %4} gumbotil 0. syl gum+bo+til pron <1g^mb*til> pos n. def a sticky clay formed by the weathering of glacial drift. gumdrop 0. syl gum+drop pron <1g^m2drop> pos n. def a small jelly-like sweet containing gum arabic and various colourings and flavourings. Also called (esp. Brit.): {gum}. gum elastic 0. syl gum e:las+tic pos n. def another name for { {rubber} %1 (sense 1)}. gum elemi 0. syl gum el+e:mi pos n. def another name for {elemi}. gumma ety C18: from New Latin, from Latin gummi #7gum %1 gummas infl head gumma or gummata syl gum+mas pron <-m*t*> pos n. mod pl. gummata infl head gumma or gummas syl gum+ma+ta pron <-m*t*> pos n. mod pl. gumma 0. syl gum+ma pron <1g^m*> pos n. qual Pathol. def a rubbery tumour characteristic of advanced syphilis, occurring esp. on the skin, liver, brain or heart. gummatous sub head gumma syl gum+ma+tous pos adj. gummite 0. syl gum+mite pron <1g^mIt> pos n. def an orange or yellowish amorphous secondary mineral consisting of hydrated uranium oxides. gummosis ety C19: from New Latin; see #7gumma gummosis 0. syl gum+mo+sis pron pos n. def the abnormal production of excessive gum in certain trees, esp. fruit trees, as a result of wound?!ing, infection, adverse weather conditions, severe pruning, etc. gummose alt head gummous or gummous syl gum+mose pron <1g^m*us> pos adj. gummous 0. or gummose syl gum+mous pron <1g^m*s> pos adj. qual Rare. def resembling or consisting of gum. gummy ety C14: from #7gum %1+#7-y %1 gummier infl head gummy syl gum+mi+er pos adj. gummiest infl head gummy syl gum+mi+est. pos adj. gummy H1.1. syl gum+my pron <1g^mi> pos adj. def sticky or tacky. gummy H1.2. syl gum+my pron <1g^mi> pos adj. def consisting of, coated with, or clogged by gum or a similar substance. gummy H1.3. syl gum+my pron <1g^mi> pos adj. def producing gum. gumminess sub head gummy syl gum+mi+ness pos n. gummy ety C20: from #7gum %2+-#7y %1 &- #!gum+mi+ly adv. gummier infl head gummy syl gum+mi+er pos adj. gummiest infl head gummy syl gum+mi+est. pos adj. gummy H2.1. syl gum+my pron <1g^mi> pos adj. def toothless; not showing one's teeth. {~} {+mies}. gummy H2.2. syl gum+my pron <1g^mi> pos adj. qual Austral. def a small crustacean-eating shark, with flat crushing teeth. gum nut 0. syl gum nut pos n. qual Austral. def the hardened seed container of the gum tree gumweed alt head gum plant or gum plant syl gum+weed pron <1g^m2wEd> pos n. gum plant 0. or gumweed syl gum plant pron <1g^m2wEd> pos n. def any of several American yellow-flowered plants of the genus esp. that have sticky flower heads: family (composites). gumption ety C18: originally Scottish, of unknown origin gumption 1. syl gump+tion pron <1g^mpS*n> pos n. qual Informal.; Brit. def common sense or resourcefulness. gumption 2. syl gump+tion pron <1g^mpS*n> pos n. qual Informal. def initiative or courage. exam 1 you haven't the gumption to try. gum resin 0. syl gum res+in pos n. def a mixture of resin and gum obtained from various plants and trees. See also {bdellium, gamboge}. gumshield 0. syl gum+shield pron <1g^m2SEld> pos n. def a plate or strip of soft waxy substance used by boxers to protect the teeth and gums. Also called: {mouthpiece}. gumshoe 1. syl gum+shoe pron <1g^m2Su:> pos n. def a waterproof overshoe. gumshoe 2. syl gum+shoe pron <1g^m2Su:> pos n. qual U.S. slang. def a detective or one who moves about stealthily. gumshoe 3. syl gum+shoe pron <1g^m2Su:> pos n. qual U.S. slang. def a stealthy action or movement. gumshoes infl head gumshoe syl gum+shoes pos vb. gumshoeing infl head gumshoe syl gum+shoe+ing pos vb. gumshoed infl head gumshoe syl gum+shoed. pos vb. gumshoe 4. syl gum+shoe pron <1g^m2Su:> pos vb. mod intr. qual U.S. slang. def to act stealthily. gumtree 1. syl gum+tree pron <1g^m2trE> pos n. def any of various trees that yield gum, such as the eucalyptus, sweet gum, and sour gum. Sometimes shortened to {gum}. gumtree 2. syl gum+tree pron <1g^m2trE> pos n. def Also called: {gumwood}. the wood of any of these trees. up a gumtree 3. head gumtree syl up a gumtree. qual Slang. def in a very awkward position; in difficulties. gum up 1. syl gum up pos vb. adv. mod tr. def to cover, dab, or stiffen with gum. gum up 2. syl gum up pos vb. adv. mod tr. qual Informal. def to make a mess of; bungle (often in the phrase {gum up the works}) . gun ety C14: probably from a female pet name shortened from the Scandinavian name Gunnhildr (from Old Norse gunnr war+ hildr war) gun 1.a. syl gun pos g^n; n. def a weapon with a metallic tube or barrel from which a missile is discharged, usually by force of an explosion. It may be portable or mounted. gun 1.b. syl gun pos g^n; n. usage as modifier exam 1 a gun barrel. gun 2. syl gun pos g^n; n. def the firing of a gun as a salute or signal, as in military ceremonial. gun 3. syl gun pos g^n; n. def a member of or a place in a shooting party or syndicate. gun 4. syl gun pos g^n; n. def any device used to project something under pressure. exam 1 a grease gun; exam 2 a spray gun. gun 5. syl gun pos g^n; n. qual U.S. slang. def an armed criminal; gunman. gun 6.a. syl gun pos g^n; n. def an expert. gun 6.b. syl gun pos g^n; n. usage as modifier exam 1 a gun shearer; exam 2 a gun batsman. gun 7.a. syl gun pos g^n; n. def an important or influential person. gun 7.b. syl gun pos g^n; n. def a high-ranking officer. give it the gun 8. head gun syl give it the gun. qual Slang. def to increase speed, effort, etc., to a considerable or maximum degree. go great guns 9. head gun syl go great guns. qual Slang. def to act or function with great speed, intensity, etc. gun 10.a. syl gun pos g^n; n. usage of a runner, etc. def to set off before the starting signal is given. gun 10.b. syl gun pos g^n; n. qual Informal. def to act prematurely. spike someone's guns 11. head gun syl spike someone's guns. def to hinder or obstruct someone. stick to one's guns 12. head gun syl stick to one's guns. qual Informal. def to maintain one's opinions or intentions in spite of opposition. guns infl head gun syl guns pos vb. gunning infl head gun syl gun+ning pos vb. gunned infl head gun syl gunned. pos vb. gun 13. syl gun pos vb. mod when; tr. usage often foll. by down def to shoot (someone) with a gun. gun 14. syl gun pos vb. mod tr. def to press hard on the accelerator of (an engine). exam 1 to gun the engine of a car. gun 15. syl gun pos vb. mod intr. def to hunt with a gun. {~} See also {gun for}. gunboat 0. syl gun+boat pron <1g^n2b*ut> pos n. def a small shallow-draft vessel carrying mounted guns and used by coastal patrols, etc. gunboat diplomacy 0. syl gun+boat di+plo+ma+cy pos n. def diplomacy conducted by threats of military intervention, esp. by a major power against a militarily weak state. gun carriage 0. syl gun car+riage pos n. def a mechanical frame on which a gun is mount?!ed for adjustment and firing. guncotton 0. syl gun+cot:ton pron <1g^n2kotN> pos n. def cellulose nitrate containing a relatively large amount of nitrogen: used as an explosive. gun dog 1. syl gun dog pos n. def a dog trained to work with a hunter or gamekeeper, esp. in retrieving, pointing at, or flushing game. gun dog 2. syl gun dog pos n. def a dog belonging to any breed adapted to these activities. gunfight 0. syl gun+fight pron <1g^n2fIt> pos n. qual U.S. def a fight between persons using firearms. gunfighter sub head gunfight syl gun+2fight:er pos n. gunfighting sub head gunfight syl gun+2fight:ing pos n. gunfire 1. syl gun+fire pron <1g^n2fI*> pos n. def the firing of one or more guns, esp. when done repeatedly. gunfire 2. syl gun+fire pron <1g^n2fI*> pos n. def the use of firearms, as contrasted with other military tactics. gunflint 0. syl gun+flint pron <1g^n2flint> pos n. def a piece of flint in a flintlock's hammer used to strike the spark that ignites the charge. gun for 1. syl gun for pos vb. prep. mod intr. def to search for in order to reprimand, punish, or kill. gun for 2. syl gun for pos vb. prep. mod intr. def to try earnestly for. exam 1 he was gunning for promotion. gunge ety C20: of imitative origin, perhaps influenced by #7goo and #7sponge &- gun+gy adj. infl head gunge syl ~ pos n. qual Informal. gunge 1. syl gunge pron pos n. def sticky, rubbery, or congealed matter. {~} gunge 2. syl gunge pron pos n. mod tr. usage usually passive; foll by up def to block or encrust with gunge; clog. gung ho ety C20: pidgin English, from Mandarin Chinese kung work+ ho together gung ho 0. syl gung ho pron <1g^G> <1h*u> pos adj. qual U.S. slang. def excessively or foolishly enthusiastic. gunk ety C20: perhaps of imitative origin gunk 0. syl gunk pron pos n. qual Informal. def slimy, oily, or filthy matter. gunlock 0. syl gun+lock pron <1g^n2lok> pos n. def the mechanism in some firearms that causes the charge to be exploded. gunmen infl head gunman syl gun+men. pos n. mod pl. gunman 1. syl gun+man pron <1g^nm*n> pos n. def a man who is armed with a gun, esp. unlawfully. gunman 2. syl gun+man pron <1g^nm*n> pos n. def a man who is skilled with a gun. gunman 3. syl gun+man pron <1g^nm*n> pos n. qual U.S. def a person who makes, repairs, or has expert knowledge of guns. gunmanship sub head gunman syl gun+man+2ship pos n. gunmetal 1. syl gun+met:al pron <1g^n2metL> pos n. def a type of bronze containing copper (88 per cent), tin (8-10 per cent), and zinc (2-4 per cent): used for parts that are subject to wear or to corrosion, esp. by sea water. gunmetal 2. syl gun+met:al pron <1g^n2metL> pos n. def any of various dark grey metals used for toys, belt buckles, etc. gunmetal 3. syl gun+met:al pron <1g^n2metL> pos n. def a dark grey colour with a purplish or bluish tinge. gun moll 0. syl gun moll pos n. qual U.S. slang. def a female criminal or a woman who associates with criminals. Gunnar 0. syl Gun:nar pron <1guna:> pos n. qual Norse myth. def brother of Gudrun and husband of Brynhild, won for him by Sigurd. He corresponds to Gunther in the gunned 0.a. syl gunned pos g^nd; adj. def having a gun or guns as specified. exam 1 heavily gunned. gunned 0.b. syl gunned pos g^nd; adj. usage in combination def . exam 1 three-gunned. gunnel ety C17: of unknown origin gunnel H1.0. syl gun+nel pron <1g^nL> pos n. def any eel-like blennioid fish of the family occurring in coastal regions of northern seas. See also {butterfish}. gunnel H2.0. syl gun+nel pron <1g^nL> pos n. def a variant spelling of {gunwale}. gunner 1. syl gun+ner pron <1g^n*> pos n. def a serviceman who works with, uses, or specializes in guns. gunner 2. syl gun+ner pron <1g^n*> pos n. usage Naval. formerly def a warrant officer responsible for the training of gun crews, their performance in action, and accounting for ammunition. gunner 3. syl gun+ner pron <1g^n*> pos n. usage in the British Army def an artilleryman, esp. a private. gunner 4. syl gun+ner pron <1g^n*> pos n. def a person who hunts with a rifle or shotgun. gunnership sub head gunner syl gun+ner+2ship pos n. gunnery 1. syl gun+ner:y pron <1g^n*ri> pos n. def the art and science of the efficient design and use of ordnance, esp. artillery. gunnery 2. syl gun+ner:y pron <1g^n*ri> pos n. def guns collectively. gunnery 3. syl gun+ner:y pron <1g^n*ri> pos n. def the use and firing of guns. gunnery 4. syl gun+ner:y pron <1g^n*ri> pos n. usage modifier def of, relating to, or concerned with heavy guns, as in warfare. exam 1 a gunnery officer. gunning 1. syl gun+ning pron <1g^niG> pos n. def the act or an instance of shooting with guns. gunning 2. syl gun+ning pron <1g^niG> pos n. def the art, practice, or act of hunting game with guns. gunny ety C18: from Hindi g*_on*_i, from Sanskrit gon*_i sack, probably of Dravidian origin gunnies infl head gunny syl gun+nies. pos n. mod pl. gunny 1. syl gun+ny pron <1g^ni> pos n. qual Chiefly U.S. def a coarse hard-wearing fabric usually made from jute and used for sacks, etc. gunny 2. syl gun+ny pron <1g^ni> pos n. qual Chiefly U.S. def Also called: {gunny sack}. a sack made from this fabric. gunpaper 0. syl gun+pa:per pron <1g^n2pAp*> pos n. def a cellulose nitrate explosive made by treating paper with nitric acid. gunplay 0. syl gun+play pron <1g^n2plA> pos n. qual Chiefly U.S. def the use of firearms, as by criminals, etc. gunpoint 1. syl gun+point pron <1g^n2pcint> pos n. def the muzzle of a gun. at gunpoint 2. head gunpoint syl at gunpoint. def being under or using the threat of being shot. gunpowder 0. syl gun+pow:der pron <1g^n2paud*> pos n. def an explosive mixture of potassium nitrate, charcoal, and sulphur (typical proportions are 75:15:10): used in time fuses and in fireworks. gunpowdery sub head gunpowder syl gun+2pow:der:y pos adj. Gunpowder Plot 0. syl Gun+pow:der Plot pos n. def the unsuccessful conspiracy to blow up James I and Parliament at Westminster on Nov. 5, 1605. See also {Guy Fawkes Day}. gunpowder tea 0. syl gun+pow:der tea pos n. def a fine variety of green tea, each leaf of which is rolled into a pellet. gun room 1. syl gun room pos n. usage esp. in the Royal Navy def the mess allocated to subordinate or junior officers. gun room 2. syl gun room pos n. def a room where guns are stored. gunrunning 0. syl gun+run:ning pron <1g^n2r^niG> pos n. def the smuggling of guns and ammunition or other weapons of war into a country. gunrunner sub head gunrunning syl gun+2run:ner pos n. gunsel ety C20: probably from Yiddish genzel; compare German ganslein gosling, from gans #7goose gunsel 1. syl gun+sel pron <1g^nsL> pos n. qual U.S. slang. def a catamite. gunsel 2. syl gun+sel pron <1g^nsL> pos n. qual U.S. slang. def a stupid or inexperienced person, esp. a youth. gunsel 3. syl gun+sel pron <1g^nsL> pos n. qual U.S. slang. def a criminal who carries a gun. gunshot 1.a. syl gun+shot pron <1g^n2Sot> pos n. def shot fired from a gun. gunshot 1.b. syl gun+shot pron <1g^n2Sot> pos n. usage as modifier exam 1 gunshot wounds. gunshot 2. syl gun+shot pron <1g^n2Sot> pos n. def the range of a gun. gunshot 3. syl gun+shot pron <1g^n2Sot> pos n. def the shooting of a gun. gun-shy 0. syl gun-shy pos adj. def afraid of a gun or the sound it makes. exam 1 a gun-shy dog is useless for hunting. gunslinger 0. syl gun+sling:er pron <1g^n2sliG*> pos n. qual U.S. slang. def a gunfighter or gunman, esp. in the Old West. gunslinging sub head gunslinger syl gun+2sling:ing pos n. gunsmith 0. syl gun+smith pron <1g^n2smiT> pos n. def a person who manufactures or repairs firearms, esp. portable guns. gunsmithing sub head gunsmith syl gun+2smith:ing pos n. gunstock 0. syl gun+stock pron <1g^n2stok> pos n. def the wooden or metallic handle or support to which is attached the barrel of a rifle. Edmund infl head Gunter syl Ed:mund. pos n. Gunter 0. syl Gun:ter pron <1g^nt*> pos n. def 1581-1626, English mathematician and astronomer, who invented various measuring instruments, including Gunter's chain. gunter rig ety C18: named after E. #7gunter &- #!gun@.ter-@!rigged adj. gunter rig 0. syl gun+ter rig pron <1g^nt*> pos n. qual Nautical. def a type of gaffing in which the gaff is hoisted parallel to the mast. Gunter's chain ety C17: named after E. G#7unter Gunter's chain 0. syl Gun:ter's chain pos n. qual Surveying. def a measuring chain 22 yards in length, or this length as a unit. See { {chain} (sense 6)}. Gunther 0. syl Gun:ther pron <1gunt*> pos n. qual Nibelungenlied usage in the def a king of Burgundy, allied with Siegfried, who won for him his wife Brunhild. He corresponds to Gunnar in Norse mythology. Guntur 0. syl Gun+tur pron pos n. def a city in E India, in central Andhra Pradesh: founded by the French in the 18th century; ceded to Britain in 1788. Pop.: 269991 (1971). gunnel alt head gunwale or gunwale syl gun+nel pron <1g^nL> pos n. gunwale 0. or gunnel syl gun+wale pron <1g^nL> pos n. qual Nautical. def the top of the side of a boat or the topmost plank of a wooden vessel. gunyah ety C19: from a native Australian language gunyah 0. syl gun+yah pron <1g^nja:> pos n. qual Austral. def a bush hut or shelter. Gunz ety named after the river G*"unz in Germany Gunz 0. syl G*"unz pron pos n. def the first major Pleistocene glaciation of the Alps. See also {Mindel, Riss, W*"urm}. guppy ety C20: named after R. J. L. Guppy, 19th-century clergyman of Trinidad who first presented specimens to the British Museum guppies infl head guppy syl gup+pies. pos n. mod pl. guppy 0. syl gup+py pron <1g^pi> pos n. def a small brightly coloured freshwater viviparous cyprinodont fish, of N South America and the West Indies: a popular aquarium fish. Gur 0. syl Gur pron pos n. def a small group of languages of W Africa, spoken chiefly in Upper Volta, forming a branch of the Niger-Congo family. Also called: {Voltaic}. gurdwara ety C20: from Punjabi gurdu*_ar*_a, from Sanskrit guru teacher+ dv*_ar*_a #7door gurdwara 0. syl gurd+wa+ra pron <1gR:dwa:r*> pos n. def a Sikh place of worship. gurgitation ety C16: from Late Latin gurgit*_atus engulfed, from gurgit*_are to engulf, from Latin gurges whirlpool gurgitation 0. syl gur+gi+ta+tion pron <2gR:Ji1tAS*n> pos n. def surging or swirling motion, esp. of water. gurgle ety C16: perhaps from Vulgar Latin gurgul*_are, from Latin gurguli*_o gullet gurgle 1. syl gur+gle pron <1gR:gL> pos vb. mod intr. usage of liquids, esp. of rivers, streams, etc. def to make low bubbling noises when flowing. gurgle 2. syl gur+gle pron <1gR:gL> pos vb. def to utter low throaty bubbling noises, esp. as a sign of contentment. exam 1 the baby gurgled with delight. gurgle 3. syl gur+gle pron <1gR:gL> pos n. def the act or sound of gurgling. gurglingly sub head gurgle syl gur+gling+ly pos adv. gurglet 0. syl gur+glet pron <1gR:glit> pos n. def another word for {goglet}. gurjun ety C19: from Bengali garjon gurjun 1. syl gur+jun pron <1gR:J*n> pos n. def any of several S or SE Asian diptero?!carpaceous trees of the genus that yield a resin. gurjun 2. syl gur+jun pron <1gR:J*n> pos n. def Also: {gurjun balsam}. the resin from any of these trees, used as a varnish. Gurkhas infl head Gurkha or Gurkha syl Gur+khas pos n. mod pl. Gurkha infl or Gurkhas syl Gur+kha. pos n. mod pl. Gurkha 1. syl Gur+kha pron <1gu*ka:>, <1gR:k*> pos n. def a member of a Hindu people, descended from Brahmins and Rajputs, living chiefly in Nepal, where they achieved dominance after being driven from India by the Muslims. Gurkha 2. syl Gur+kha pron <1gu*ka:>, <1gR:k*> pos n. def a member of this people serving as a soldier in the Indian or British army. Gurkhali 0. syl Gur+kha+li pron <2gu*1ka:li>, <2gR:-> pos n. def the language of the Gurkhas, belonging to the Indic branch of the Indo-European family. Gurmukhi ety Sanskrit, from guru teacher+ mukh mouth Gurmukhi 0. syl Gur+mu+khi pron <1gu*muki> pos n. def the script used for writing the Punjabi language. gurnard ety C14: from Old French gornard grunter, from grognier to grunt, from Latin grunn*_ire gurnet alt head gurnard or gurnard syl gur+net pron <1gR:nit> pos n. gurnard infl or gurnet syl gur+nard pos n. mod pl. gurnards infl head gurnard or gurnets syl gur+nards pos n. mod pl. gurnet infl head gurnard or gurnard syl gur+net pos n. mod pl. gurnets infl head gurnard or gurnards syl gur+nets. pos n. mod pl. gurnard 0. or gurnet syl gur+nard pron <1gR:n*d> pos n. def any European marine scorpaenoid fish of the family such as ({tub} or {yellow gurnard}) , having a heavily armoured head and finger-like pectoral fins. guru ety C17: from Hindi gur*_u, from Sanskrit guruh weighty guru 1. syl gu:ru pron <1guru:>, <1gu:ru:> pos n. def a Hindu or Sikh religious teacher or leader, giving personal spiritual guidance to his disciples. guru 2. syl gu:ru pron <1guru:>, <1gu:ru:> pos n. qual Often derogatory. def a leader or chief theoretician of a movement, esp. a spiritual or religious cult. guruship sub head guru syl gu+ru+2ship pos n. gush ety C14: probably of imitative origin; compare Old Norse gj*'osa, Icelandic gusa gush 1. syl gush pron pos vb. def to pour out or cause to pour out suddenly and profusely, usually with a rushing sound. gush 2. syl gush pron pos vb. def to act or utter in an overeffusive, affected, or sentimental manner. {~} gush 3. syl gush pron pos vb. def a sudden copious flow or emission, esp. of liquid. gush 4. syl gush pron pos vb. def something that flows out or is emitted. gush 5. syl gush pron pos vb. def an extravagant and insincere expression of admiration, sentiment, etc. gushingly sub head gush syl gush+ing+ly pos adv. gusher 1. syl gush+er pron <1g^S*> pos n. def a person who gushes, as in being unusually effusive or sentimental. gusher 2. syl gush+er pron <1g^S*> pos n. def something, such as a spurting oil well, that gushes. gushier infl head gushy syl gush:i+er pos adj. gushiest infl head gushy syl gush:i+est. pos adj. gushy 0. syl gush:y pron <1g^Si> pos adj. qual Informal. def displaying excessive admiration or sentimentality. gushily sub head gushy syl gush:i+ly pos adv. gushiness sub head gushy syl gush:i+ness pos n. gusset ety C15: from Old French gousset a piece of mail, a diminutive of gousse pod, of unknown origin gusset 1. syl gus+set pron <1g^sit> pos n. def an inset piece of material used esp. to strengthen or enlarge a garment. gusset 2. syl gus+set pron <1g^sit> pos n. def a triangular metal plate for strengthening a corner joist between two structural members. gusset 3. syl gus+set pron <1g^sit> pos n. def a piece of mail fitted between armour plates or into the leather or cloth underclothes worn with armour, to give added protection. gusset 4. syl gus+set pron <1g^sit> pos vb. mod tr. def to put a gusset in (a garment). gust ety C16: from Old Norse gustr; related to gj*_osa to #7gush ; see #7geyser gust 1. syl gust pos g^st; n. def a sudden blast of wind. gust 2. syl gust pos g^st; n. def a sudden rush of smoke, sound, etc. gust 3. syl gust pos g^st; n. def an outburst of emotion. gustation ety C16: from Latin gust*_ati*_o, from gust*_are to taste &- gust+ta+to@.ry (#!g^st$$t$$r$I, -tr$I) or #!gus+ta+tive adj. gustation 0. syl gus+ta+tion pron pos n. def the act of tasting or the faculty of taste. Gustavo A Madero 0. syl Gus+ta+vo A. Ma+de:ro pron Spanish <1a> pos n. def the former name (1931-71) of {Guadalupe Hidalgo}. Gustavus I 0. syl Gus:ta:vus I pron pos n. def called ??1496-1560, king of Sweden (1523-60). He was elected king after driving the Danes from Sweden (1520-23). Gustavus II 0. syl Gus:ta:vus II pos n. def See {Gustavus Adolphus}. Gustavus VI 0. syl Gus:ta:vus VI pos n. def title of 1882-1973, king of Sweden (1950-73). Gustavus II alt head Gustavus Adolphus or Gustavus Adolphus syl Gus:ta:vus II pos n. Gustavus Adolphus 0. or Gustavus II syl Gus:ta:vus A:dol:phus pron <*1dolf*s> pos n. def 1594-1632, king of Sweden (1611-32). A brilliant general, he waged successful wars with Denmark, Russia, and Poland and in the Thirty Years' War led a Protestant army against the Catholic League and the Holy Roman Empire (1630-32). He defeated Tilly at Leipzig (1631) and Lech (1632) but was killed at the battle of L*"utzen. gusto ety C17: from Spanish: taste, from Latin gustus a tasting; see #7gustation gusto 0. syl gus+to pron <1g^st*u> pos n. def vigorous enjoyment, zest, or relish, esp. in the performance of an action. exam 1 the aria was sung with great gusto. gustier infl head gusty syl gust:i+er pos adj. gustiest infl head gusty syl gust:i+est. pos adj. gusty 1. syl gust:y pron <1g^sti> pos adj. def blowing or occurring in gusts or characterized by blustery weather. exam 1 a gusty wind. gusty 2. syl gust:y pron <1g^sti> pos adj. def given to sudden outbursts, as of emotion or temperament. gustily sub head gusty syl gust:i+ly pos adv. gustiness sub head gusty syl gust:i+ness pos n. gut ety Old English gutt; related to g*_eotan to flow; see #7fusion gut 1.a. syl gut pos g^t; n. def the lower part of the alimentary canal; intestine. gut 1.b. syl gut pos g^t; n. def the entire alimentary canal. Related adj.: {visceral}. gut 2. syl gut pos g^t; n. mod often; pl. def the bowels or entrails, esp. of an animal. gut 3. syl gut pos g^t; n. def See {catgut}. gut 4. syl gut pos g^t; n. def a silky fibrous substance extracted from silkworms, used in the manufacture of fishing tackle. gut 5. syl gut pos g^t; n. def a narrow channel or passage. gut 6. syl gut pos g^t; n. mod pl. qual Informal. def courage, willpower, or daring; forcefulness. gut 7. syl gut pos g^t; n. mod pl. qual Informal. def the essential part. exam 1 the guts of a problem. hate a person's guts 8. head gut syl hate a person's guts. qual Informal. def to dislike a person very strongly. sweat 9. head gut or work one's guts out syl sweat def to work very hard. guts infl head gut syl guts pos vb. mod tr. gutting infl head gut syl gut+ting pos vb. mod tr. gutted infl head gut syl gut+ted. pos vb. mod tr. gut 10. syl gut pos vb. mod tr. def to remove the entrails from (fish, etc.). gut 11. syl gut pos vb. mod tr. usage esp. of fire def to destroy the inside of (a building). gut 12. syl gut pos vb. mod tr. def to plunder; despoil. exam 1 the raiders gutted the city. gut 13. syl gut pos vb. mod tr. def to take out the central points of (an article, etc.), esp. in summary form. gut 14. syl gut pos adj. qual Informal. def arising from or characterized by what is basic, essential, or natural. exam 1 a gut problem; exam 2 a gut reaction. gutlike sub head gut syl gut+2like pos adj. gutbucket 0. syl gut+buck:et pron <1g^t2b^kit> pos n. def a highly emotional style of jazz playing. Johann infl head Gutenberg syl Jo:hann pron <1jo:han> pos n. Gutenberg 0. syl Gu:ten:berg pron <1gu:tN2bR:g>, German <1gu:tN2berk> pos n. def original name ??1398-1468, German printer; inventor of printing by movable type. Gutersloh 0. syl G*"u+ters+loh pron German <1gy:t*rs2lo:> pos n. def a town in NW West Germany, in North Rhine-Westphalia. Pop.: 75900 (1970). Samuel 1. head Guthrie syl Sam:u:el. def 1782-1848, U.S. chemist: invented percussion priming powder and a punch lock for exploding it, and discovered chloroform (1831). Guthrie 2. syl Guth:rie pron <1g^Tri> pos n. def Sir ({William) Ty@.rone}. 1900-71, English theatrical director. Woody 3. head Guthrie syl Wood:y def original name 1912-67, U.S. folk singer and songwriter. Compilations of his recordings include and the children's album Guthrun 0. syl Guth+run pron <1gu@dru:n> pos n. def a variant of {Gudrun}. gutless 0. syl gut+less pron <1g^tlis> pos adj. qual Informal. def lacking courage or determination. gutser ety C20: from guts +-#7er %1 come a gutser infl head gutser syl come a gutser. pos n. gutser 1. syl gut+ser pron <1g^ts*> pos n. qual Austral. slang. def to fall heavily to the ground. gutser 2. syl gut+ser pron <1g^ts*> pos n. qual Austral. slang. def to fail through error or misfortune. gutsier infl head gutsy syl guts:i+er pos adj. gutsiest infl head gutsy syl guts:i+est. pos adj. gutsy 1. syl guts:y pron <1g^tsi> pos adj. qual Slang. def gluttonous; greedy. gutsy 2. syl guts:y pron <1g^tsi> pos adj. qual Slang. def full of courage, determination, or boldness. gutta ety C16: from Latin: a drop guttae infl head gutta syl gut+tae pron <-tE> pos n. mod pl. gutta 1. syl gut+ta pron <1g^t*> pos n. qual Architect. def one of a set of small droplike ornaments, esp. as used on the architrave of a Doric entablature. gutta 2. syl gut+ta pron <1g^t*> pos n. usage Med. formerly used in writing prescriptions def a technical name for {drop}. Abbrev.: {gt}. gutta-percha ety C19: from Malay getah gum+ percha piece of cloth gutta-percha 1. syl gut:ta-per:cha pron <1g^t*1pR:C*> pos n. def any of several tropical trees of the sapotaceous genera and esp. gutta-percha 2. syl gut:ta-per:cha pron <1g^t*1pR:C*> pos n. def a whitish rubber substance derived from the coagulated milky latex of any of these trees: used in electrical insulation, waterproofing and dentistry. guttate ety C19: from Latin gutt*_atus dappled, from gutta a drop guttated alt head guttate or guttate syl gut+tat+ed pos adj. guttate 1. or guttated syl gut+tate pron <1g^tAt> pos adj. qual Biology. usage esp. of plants def covered with small drops or droplike markings, esp. oil glands. guttate 2. or guttated syl gut+tate pron <1g^tAt> pos adj. qual Biology. def resembling a drop or drops. guttation sub head guttate syl gut+1ta+tion pos n. gutter ety C13: from Anglo-French goutiere, from Old French goute a drop, from Latin gutta gutter 1. syl gut+ter pron <1g^t*> pos n. def a channel along the eaves or on the roof of a building, used to collect and carry away rainwater. gutter 2. syl gut+ter pron <1g^t*> pos n. def a channel running along the kerb or the centre of a road to collect and carry away rainwater. gutter 3. syl gut+ter pron <1g^t*> pos n. def either of the two channels running parallel to a tenpin bowling lane. gutter 4.a. syl gut+ter pron <1g^t*> pos n. def the space between two pages in a forme. gutter 4.b. syl gut+ter pron <1g^t*> pos n. def the white space between the facing pages of an open book. gutter 5. syl gut+ter pron <1g^t*> pos n. def the space left between stamps on a sheet in order to separate them. the gutter 6. head gutter syl the gutter. qual Informal. def a poverty-stricken, degraded, or criminal environment. gutter 7. syl gut+ter pron <1g^t*> pos vb. mod tr. def to make gutters in. gutter 8. syl gut+ter pron <1g^t*> pos vb. mod intr. def to flow in a stream or rivulet. gutter-like sub head gutter syl gut:ter-2like pos adj. guttering 1. syl gut+ter+ing pron <1g^t*riG> pos n. def the gutters, downpipes, etc., that make up the rainwater disposal system on the outside of a building. guttering 2. syl gut+ter+ing pron <1g^t*riG> pos n. def the materials used in this system. gutter press 0. syl gut+ter press pos n. def the section of the popular press that seeks sensationalism in its coverage. guttersnipe 1. syl gut:ter+snipe pron <1g^t*2snIp> pos n. def a child who spends most of his time in the streets, esp. in a slum area. guttersnipe 2. syl gut:ter+snipe pron <1g^t*2snIp> pos n. def a person regarded as having the behaviour, morals, etc., of one brought up in squalor. guttersnipish sub head guttersnipe syl gut:ter+2snip+ish pos adj. guttural ety C16: from New Latin guttur*_alis concerning the throat, from Latin guttur gullet guttural 1. syl gut+tur+al pron <1g^t*r*l> pos adj. qual Anatomy. def of or relating to the throat. guttural 2. syl gut+tur+al pron <1g^t*r*l> pos adj. qual Phonetics. def pronounced in the throat or the back of the mouth; velar or uvular. guttural 3. syl gut+tur+al pron <1g^t*r*l> pos adj. def raucous. guttural 4. syl gut+tur+al pron <1g^t*r*l> pos n. qual Phonetics. def a guttural consonant. gutturally sub head guttural syl gut+tur+al+ly pos adv. gutturalness sub head guttural syl gut+tur+al+ness pos n. gutturality sub head guttural or gutturalism syl gut+tur+1al+i:ty pos n. gutturalism sub head guttural or gutturality syl gut+tur+al+ism pos n. gutturalise alt head gutturalize or gutturalize syl gut+tur+al+ise pron <1g^t*r*2lIz> pos vb. mod tr. gutturalize 1. or gutturalise syl gut+tur+al+ize pron <1g^t*r*2lIz> pos vb. mod tr. qual Phonetics. def to change into a guttural speech sound or pronounce with guttural articulation or pharyngeal constriction. gutturalize 2. or gutturalise syl gut+tur+al+ize pron <1g^t*r*2lIz> pos vb. mod tr. def to speak or utter in harsh raucous tones. gutturalization sub head gutturalize or gutturalisation syl gut+tur+al:i+1za+tion pos n. gutturalisation sub head gutturalize or gutturalization syl gut+tur+al:i+1sa+tion pos n. gutty ety probably from #7gutter, perhaps from the compound #7gutter?!snipe gutties infl head gutty syl gut+ties. pos n. mod pl. gutty 0. syl gut+ty pron <1g^ti> pos n. qual Irish dialect. def an urchin or delinquent. guv'nor alt head guv or guv syl guv'nor pron <1g^vn*> pos n. guv 0. or guv'nor syl guv pron <1g^vn*> pos n. qual Brit. def an informal name for {governor}. guy ety C19: short for Guy F#7awkes guy H1.1. syl guy pron pos n. qual Informal. def a man or youth. guy H1.2. syl guy pron pos n. qual Brit. def a crude effigy of Guy Fawkes, usually made of old clothes stuffed with straw or rags, that is burnt on top of a bonfire on Guy Fawkes Day. guy H1.3. syl guy pron pos n. qual Brit. def a person in shabby or ludicrously odd clothes. guy H1.4. syl guy pron pos vb. mod tr. def to make fun of; ridicule. guy ety C14: probably from Low German; compare Dutch gei brail, geiblok pulley, Old French guie guide, from guier to #7guide guy H2.1. syl guy pron pos n. def a rope, chain, wire, etc., for anchoring an object, such as a radio mast, in position or for steadying or guiding it while being hoisted or lowered. guy H2.2. syl guy pron pos vb. mod tr. def to anchor, steady, or guide with a guy or guys. Guyana 0. syl Guy+an:a pron pos n. def a republic in NE South America, on the Atlantic: colonized chiefly by the Dutch in the 17th and 18th centuries; became a British colony in 1831 and an in?!dependent republic within the Commonwealth in 1966. Official language: English. Religions: Christian and Hindu. Currency: dollar. Capital: Georgetown. Pop.: 791000 (1975 #7un est.). Area: about 215000 sq. km (83000 sq. miles). Former name (until 1966): {British Guiana}. Guyanese sub head Guyana or Guyanan syl Guy:a+nese pron <2gI*1nEz> pos adj. n. Guyanan sub head Guyana or Guyanese syl Guy+1an+an pos adj. n. Guyenne 0. syl Guy+enne pron French pos n. def a variant spelling of {Guienne}. Guy Fawkes Day 0. syl Guy Fawkes Day pos n. def the anniversary of the discovery of the Gunpowder Plot, celebrated on Nov. 5 in Britain with fireworks and bonfires. guyot ety C20: named after A. H. Guyot (1807-84), Swiss geographer guyot 0. syl guy+ot pron <1gE2*u> pos n. usage esp. in the Pacific Ocean def a flat-topped submarine mountain, probably of volcanic origin, rising to within half a mile of the surface. Antonio infl head Guzm'an Blanco syl An:to:nio pron pos n. Guzm'an Blanco 0. syl Guz:m*'an Blan:co pron Spanish <1blaGko> pos n. def 1829-99, Venezuelan statesman; president (1873-77; 1879-84; 1886-87). He was virtual dictator of Venezuela from 1870 until his overthrow (1889). guzzle ety C16: of unknown origin guzzle 0. syl guz+zle pron <1g^zL> pos vb. def to consume (food or drink) excessively or greedily. guzzler sub head guzzle syl guz+zler pos n. gv 0. syl g.v. qual abbrev. for def gravimetric volume. Gwalior 1. syl Gwa+li+or pron <1gwa:li2c:> pos n. def a city in N central India, in Madhya Pradesh: built around the fort, which dates from before 525; industrial and commercial centre. Pop.: 384772 (1971). Gwalior 2. syl Gwa+li+or pron <1gwa:li2c:> pos n. def a former princely state of central India, established in the 18th century: merged with Madhya Bharat in 1948, which in turn merged with Madhya Pradesh in 1956. Gwelo 0. syl Gwe+lo pron <1gwAl*u> pos n. def a city in central Rhodesia. Pop.: 51000 (1970 est.). Gwent 0. syl Gwent pron pos n. def a county in SE Wales, formed in 1974 from most of Monmouthshire, part of Breconshire, and the county borough of Newport: generally hilly. Administrative centre: Newport. Pop.: 439600 (1976 est.). Area: 1360 sq. km (531 sq. miles). Nell infl head Gwyn syl Nell pos n. Gwyn 0. syl Gwyn pron pos n. def original name 1650-87, English actress; mistress of Charles II. Gwynedd 0. syl Gwyn+edd pron <1gwine@d> pos n. def a county of NW Wales, formed in 1974 from Anglesey, Caernarvonshire, part of Denbighshire, and most of Merionethshire: the mainland is generally mountainous with many lakes, much of it lying in the Snowdonia National Park. Administrative centre: Ruthin. Pop.: 225100 (1976 est.). Area: 3823 sq. km (1493 sq. miles). gwyniad 0. syl gwyn:i+ad pron <1gwini2@d> pos n. def a freshwater whitefish, occurring in Lake Bala in Wales. Gyani ety Hindi, from Sanskrit gyan knowledge Gyani 0. syl Gya+ni pron <1gja:ni> pos n. usage in India def a title placed before the name of a Punjabi scholar. gybe ety C17: from obsolete Dutch gijben (now gijpen) , of obscure origin jibe alt head gybe or gybe syl jibe pron gybe 1. or jibe syl gybe pron pos vb. mod intr. qual Nautical. usage of a fore-and-aft sail def to shift suddenly from one side of the vessel to the other when running before the wind, as the result of allowing the wind to catch the leech. gybe 2. or jibe syl gybe pron pos vb. qual Nautical. def to cause (a sailing vessel) to gybe or (of a sailing vessel) to undergo gybing. gybe 3. or jibe syl gybe pron pos n. qual Nautical. def an instance of gybing. gym 0. syl gym pron def short for {gymnasium, gymnastics, gymnastic}. gymkhana ety C19: from Hindi gend-kh*_an*_a, literally: ball house, from kh*_ana house; influenced by #7gymnasium gymkhana 1. syl gym+kha+na pron pos n. qual Chiefly Brit. def an event in which horses and riders display skill and aptitude in various races and contests. gymkhana 2. syl gym+kha+na pron pos n. qual Chiefly Brit. def the place where this event is held. gymnasiarch 0. syl gym+na+si+arch pron pos n. qual History. def the magistrate responsible for education in numerous Hellenistic cities. gymnasiast 0. syl gym+na+si+ast pron pos n. def a student in a gymnasium. gymnasium ety C16: from Latin: school for gymnastics, from Greek gumnasion, from gumnazein to exercise naked, from gumnos naked gymnasiums infl head gymnasium or gymnasia syl gym+na+si:ums pron <-zi*> pos n. mod pl. gymnasia infl head gymnasium or gymnasiums syl gym+na+si:a pron <-zi*> pos n. mod pl. gymnasium 1. syl gym+na+si:um pron pos n. def a large room or hall equipped with bars, weights, ropes, etc., for games or physical training. gymnasium 2. syl gym+na+si:um pron pos n. usage in various European countries def a secondary school that prepares pupils for university. gymnast 0. syl gym+nast pron <1Jimn@st> pos n. def a person who is skilled or trained in gymnastics. gymnastic 0. syl gym+nas+tic pron pos adj. def of, relating to, like, or involving gymnastics. gymnastically sub head gymnastic syl gym+1nas+ti+cal+ly pos adv. gymnastics 1. syl gym+nas+tics pron pos n. mod functioning as; sing. def practice or training in exercises that develop physical strength and agility or mental capacity. gymnastics 2. syl gym+nas+tics pron pos n. mod functioning as; pl. def gymnastic exercises. gymno- ety from Greek gumnos naked gymno- 0. syl gym:no- usage combining form. def naked, bare, or exposed. exam 1 gymno?!sperm. gymnosophist ety C16: from Latin gymnosophistae, from Greek gumnosophistai naked philosophers gymnosophist 0. syl gym+nos:o+phist pron pos n. def one of a sect of naked Indian ascetics who regarded food or clothing as detrimental to purity of thought. gymnosophy sub head gymnosophist syl gym+1nos:o+phy pos n. gymnosperm 0. syl gym+no+sperm pron <1Jimn*u2spR:m>, <1gim-> pos n. def any seed-bearing plant of the division in which the ovules are borne naked on the surface of the megasporophylls, which are often arranged in cones; any conifer or related plant. Compare {angiosperm}. gymnospermous sub head gymnosperm syl gym+no+1sper+mous pos adj. gym shoe 0. syl gym shoe pos n. def another name for {plimsoll}. gymslip 0. syl gym+slip pron <1Jim2slip> pos n. def a tunic or pinafore dress worn by schoolgirls, often part of a school uniform. gyn 1. syl gyn. qual abbrev. for: def gynaecological. gyn 2. syl gyn. qual abbrev. for: def gynaecology. gyn- 0. syl gyn- usage combining form. def variant of {gyno-} before a vowel. gynaeceum ety C17: from Latin: women's apartments, from Greek gunaikeion, from gun*_e a woman gynaecea infl head gynaeceum syl gy+nae+ce:a pron <-1sE*> pos n. mod pl. gynaeceum 1. syl gy+nae+ce:um pron <2JIni1sE*m> pos n. usage in ancient Greece and Rome def the inner section of a house, used as women's quarters. gynaeceum 2. syl gy+nae+ce:um pron , pos n. def a variant spelling of {gynoecium}. gynaeco- ety from Greek, from gun*_e, gunaik- woman, female gyneco- alt head gynaeco- or gynaeco- syl gy:ne:co- qual U.S. gynaeco- 0. or gyneco- syl gy:nae:co- usage combining form. def relating to women; female. exam 1 gynaecology. gynecocracy alt head gynaecocracy or gynaecocracy syl gy+ne+coc+ra+cy pron <2JIni1kokr*si>, <2gI-> pos n. qual U.S. cies infl head gynaecocracy syl +cies. pos n. mod pl. gynaecocracy 0. or gynecocracy syl gy+nae+coc+ra+cy pron <2JIni1kokr*si>, <2gI-> pos n. def government by women or by a single woman. Also called: {gynarchy}. gynaecocratic sub head gynaecocracy or gynecocratic syl gy+nae+co+crat+ic pron , pos adj. gynecocratic sub head gynaecocracy or gynaecocratic syl gy+ne+co+crat+ic pron , pos adj. qual U.S. gynecoid alt head gynaecoid or gynaecoid syl gy+ne+coid pron <1JIni2kcid>, <1gI-> pos adj. qual U.S. gynaecoid 0. or gynecoid syl gy+nae+coid pron <1JIni2kcid>, <1gI-> pos adj. def resembling, relating to, or like a woman. gynaecol 1. syl gynaecol. qual abbrev. for: def gynaecological. gynaecol 2. syl gynaecol. qual abbrev. for: def gynaecology. gynecology alt head gynaecology or gynaecology syl gy+ne+col+o:gy pron <2gIni1kol*Ji> pos n. qual U.S. gynaecology 0. or gynecology syl gy+nae+col+o:gy pron <2gIni1kol*Ji> pos n. def the branch of medicine concerned with diseases in women, esp. those of the genitourinary tract. gynaecological sub head gynaecology syl gy+nae+co+log:i+cal pron <2gInik*1loJikL> pos adj. gynaecologic sub head gynaecology or gynecological gynecologic syl 2gy+nae+co+1log+ic pos adj. gynecological gynecologic sub head gynaecology or gynaecologic syl 2gy+ne+co+1log:i+cal 2gy+ne+co+1log+ic pos adj. qual U.S. gynaecomastia ety C19: from #7gynaeco-+ Greek mastos breast gynecomastia alt head gynaecomastia or gynaecomastia syl gy+ne+co+mas+ti:a pron <2gInik*u?!1m@sti*> pos n. qual U.S. gynaecomastia 0. or gynecomastia syl gy+nae+co+mas+ti:a pron <2gInik*u?!1m@sti*> pos n. def abnormal overdevelopment of the breasts in a man. gynandromorph 0. syl gy+nan+dro+morph pron , , pos n. def an abnormal organism, esp. an insect, that has both male and female physical characteristics. Compare { {hermaphrodite} (sense 1)}. gynandromorphic sub head gynandromorph or gynandromorphous syl gy+2nan+dro+1mor+phic pos adj. gynandromorphous sub head gynandromorph or gynandromorphic syl gy+2nan+dro+1mor+phous pos adj. gynandromorphism sub head gynandromorph or gynandromorphy syl gy+2nan+dro+1morph+ism pos n. gynandromorphy sub head gynandromorph or gynandromorphism syl gy+1nan+dro+2mor+phy pos n. gynandrous ety C19: from Greek gunandros of uncertain sex, from gun*_e woman+ an*_er man gynandrous 1. syl gy+nan+drous pron , , pos adj. usage of flowers such as the orchid def having the stamens and styles united in a column. gynandrous 2. syl gy+nan+drous pron , , pos adj. def hermaphroditic. gynandry sub head gynandrous or gynandrism syl gy+1nan+dry pos n. gynandrism sub head gynandrous or gynandry syl gy+1nan+drism pos n. gynarchies infl head gynarchy syl gyn+ar+chies. pos n. mod pl. gynarchy 0. syl gyn+ar+chy pron <1JI2na:ki>, <1gI-> pos n. def another word for {gynaecocracy}. gynecia infl head gynecium syl gy+ne+ci:a pron <-si*> pos n. mod pl. gynecium 0. syl gy+ne+ci:um pron , pos n. def a variant spelling (esp. U.S.) of {gynoecium}. gyneco- 0. syl gy:ne:co- usage combining form. def a variant (esp. U.S.) of {gynaeco-}. gyniatry alt head gyniatrics or gyniatrics syl gy+ni+at+ry pron , pos n. gyniatrics 0. or gyniatry syl gy+ni+at+rics pron <2JIni1@triks>, <2gI-> pos n. qual Med. def less common words for {gynaecology}. gyno- ety from Greek, from gun*_e woman gyno- 1. syl gyn:o- usage before a vowel def relating to women; female. exam 1 gynarchy. gyno- 2. syl gyn:o- usage before a vowel def denot?!ing a female reproductive organ. exam 1 gynophore. gynoecium ety C18: New Latin, from Greek gunaikeion women's quarters, from gunaik-, gun*_e woman+ -eion, suffix indicating place gynaeceum infl head gynoecium syl gy+nae+ce:um gynaecium infl head gynoecium syl gy+nae+ci:um gynophore 0. syl gy+no+phore pron <1JIn*u2fc:>, <1gI-> pos n. def a stalk in some plants that bears the gynoecium above the level of the other flower parts. gynophoric sub head gynophore syl gy+no+phor+ic pron <2JIn*u1forik>, <2gI-> pos adj. -gynous ety from New Latin -gynus, from Greek -gunos, from gun*_e woman -gynous 0. syl -gy:nous pos adj. exam 1 combining form. -gynous 1. syl -gy:nous pos adj. def of or relating to women or females. exam 1 androgynous; exam 2 misogynous. -gynous 2. syl -gy:nous pos adj. def relating to female organs. exam 1 epigynous. -gyny sub head -gynous syl -gyn:y pos n. Gyor 0. syl Gy*"or pron Hungarian pos n. def an industrial town in NW Hungary: medieval Benedictine abbey. Pop.: 114709 (1974 est.). gyp ety C18: back formation from G#7ypsy gip alt head gyp or gyp syl gip pron gyps infl head gyp or gips syl gyps pos vb. gypping infl head gyp or gipping syl gyp+ping pos vb. gypped infl head gyp or gipped syl gypped pos vb. gips infl head gyp or gyps syl gips pos vb. gipping infl head gyp or gypping syl gip+ping pos vb. gipped infl head gyp or gypped syl gipped. pos vb. gyp H1.1. or gip syl gyp pron pos vb. mod tr. qual Slang. def to swindle, cheat, or defraud. gyp H1.2. or gip syl gyp pron pos n. qual Slang. def an act of cheating. gyp H1.3. or gip syl gyp pron pos n. qual Slang. def a person who gyps. gyp ety C19: probably a contraction of gee up&!; see {#7gee %1} gyp H2.0. syl gyp pron pos n. qual Brit. slang. def severe pain; torture. exam 1 his arthritis gave him gyp. gypsophila ety C18: New Latin, from Greek gupsos chalk+ philos loving gypsophila 0. syl gyp+soph:i+la pron pos n. def any caryophyllaceous plant of the Mediterranean genus such as baby's-breath, having small white or pink flowers. gypsum ety C17: from Latin, from Greek gupsos chalk, plaster, cement, of Semitic origin gypsum 0. syl gyp+sum pron <1Jips*m> pos n. def a colourless, white, or tinted mineral consisting of hydrated calcium sulphate in monoclinic crystalline form: occurs in sedimentary rocks and clay and is used principally in making plasters and cements, esp. plaster of Paris. Formula: CaSO\4.2H\2O. gypseous sub head gypsum syl gyp+se+ous pron <1Jipsi*s> pos adj. gypsiferous sub head gypsum syl gyp+sif+er+ous pron pos adj. Gypsy ety C16: from E#7gyptian, since they were thought to have come originally from Egypt Gipsy alt head Gypsy or Gypsy syl Gip+sy pron <1Jipsi> pos n. Gypsies infl head Gypsy syl Gyp+sies. pos n. mod pl. Gypsy 1.a. or Gipsy syl Gyp+sy pron <1Jipsi> pos n. usage sometimes not cap. def a member of a people scattered throughout Europe and North America, who maintain a nomadic way of life in industrialized societies. They migrated from NW India in the 12th to 15th centuries. Gypsy 1.b. or Gipsy syl Gyp+sy pron <1Jipsi> pos n. usage sometimes not cap.; as modifier exam 1 a Gypsy fortune-teller. Gypsy 2. or Gipsy syl Gyp+sy pron <1Jipsi> pos n. usage sometimes not cap. def the language of the Gypsies; Romany. Gypsy 3. or Gipsy syl Gyp+sy pron <1Jipsi> pos n. usage sometimes not cap. def a person who looks or behaves like a Gypsy. Gypsyish sub head Gypsy or Gipsyish syl Gyp+sy+ish pos adj. Gipsyish sub head Gypsy or Gypsyish syl Gip+sy+ish pos adj. Gypsy-like sub head Gypsy or Gipsy-like syl Gyp:sy-2like pos adj. Gipsy-like sub head Gypsy or Gypsy-like syl Gip:sy-2like pos adj. gypsy moth 0. syl gyp+sy moth pos n. def a variant spelling of {gipsy moth}. gyral 1. syl gy+ral pron <1JIr*l> pos adj. def having a circular, spiral, or rotating motion; gyratory. gyral 2. syl gy+ral pron <1JIr*l> pos adj. qual Anatomy. def of or relating to a convolution (gyrus) of the brain. gyrally sub head gyral syl gy+ral+ly pos adv. gyrate ety C19: from Late Latin g*_yr*_are, from Latin g*_yrus circle, from Greek guros gyrate 1. syl gy+rate pron , pos vb. mod intr. def to rotate or spiral, esp. about a fixed point or axis. gyrate 2. syl gy+rate pron <1JIrit>, <-rAt> pos adj. qual Biology. def curved or coiled into a circle; circinate. gyrator sub head gyrate syl gy+ra+tor pos n. gyration 1. syl gy+ra+tion pron pos n. def the act or process of gyrating; rotation. gyration 2. syl gy+ra+tion pron pos n. def any one of the whorls of a spiral-shaped shell. gyre ety C16: from Latin g*_yrus circle, from Greek guros infl head gyre syl ~ pos n. qual Chiefly literary. gyre 1. syl gyre pron pos n. def a circular or spiral movement or path. gyre 2. syl gyre pron pos n. def a ring, circle, or spiral. {~} gyre 3. syl gyre pron pos n. mod intr. def to whirl. gyrfalcon ety C14: from Old French gerfaucon, perhaps from Old Norse geirfalki, from geirr spear+ falki falcon gerfalcon alt head gyrfalcon or gyrfalcon syl ger+fal+con pron <1JR:2fc:lk*n>, <-2fc:k*n> pos n. gyrfalcon 0. or gerfalcon syl gyr+fal+con pron <1JR:2fc:lk*n>, <-2fc:k*n> pos n. def a very large rare falcon, of northern and arctic regions: often used for hunting. gyros infl head gyro syl gy:ros. pos n. mod pl. gyro 1. syl gy:ro pron <1JIr*u> pos n. def See {gyrocompass}. gyro 2. syl gy:ro pron <1JIr*u> pos n. def See {gyro?!scope}. gyro- ety via Latin from Greek guro-, from guros circle gyro- 1. syl gy:ro- usage before a vowel def indicating rotating or gyrating motion. exam 1 gyro?!scope. gyro- 2. syl gy:ro- usage before a vowel def indicating a spiral. gyro- 3. syl gy:ro- usage before a vowel def indicating a gyroscope. exam 1 gyrocompass. gyrocompass 0. syl gy+ro+com+pass pron <1JIr*u2k^mp*s> pos n. qual Navigation. def a nonmagnetic compass that uses a motor-driven gyroscope to indicate true north. Sometimes shortened to {gyro}. gyro horizon 0. syl gy:ro ho+ri+zon pos n. def another name for { {artificial horizon} (sense 1)}. gyromagnetic 0. syl gy+ro+mag+net+ic pron <2JIr*um@g1netik> pos adj. def of or caused by magnetic properties resulting from the spin of a charged particle, such as an electron. gyromagnetic ratio 0. syl gy+ro+mag+net+ic ra+ti:o pos n. qual Physics. def the ratio of the magnetic moment of a rotating charged particle, such as an electron, to its angular momentum. gyron 0. syl gy+ron pron <1JIron> pos n. def a variant spelling of {giron}. gyronny 0. syl gy+ron+ny pron pos adj. def a variant spelling of {gironny}. gyroplane 0. syl gy+ro+plane pron <1JIr*2plAn> pos n. def another name for {autogiro}. gyrostat alt head gyroscope or gyroscope syl gy+ro+stat pos n. gyroscope 0. or gyrostat syl gy+ro+scope pron <1JIr*2sk*up> pos n. def a device containing a disc rotating on an axis that can turn freely in any direction so that the disc resists the action of an applied couple and tends to maintain the same orientation in space irrespective of the movement of the surrounding structure. Sometimes shortened to {gyro}. gyroscopic sub head gyroscope syl gy+ro+scop+ic pron <2JIr*1skopik> pos adj. gyroscopically sub head gyroscope syl gy+ro+1scop:i+cal+ly pos adv. gyroscopics sub head gyroscope syl gy+ro+1scop+ics pos n. gyrose 0. syl gy+rose pron <1JIr*uz> pos adj. qual Botany. def marked with sinuous lines. gyrostabiliser alt head gyrostabilizer or gyrostabilizer syl gy+ro+sta+bi+lis+er pron <2JIr*u1stAbi?!2lIz*> pos n. gyrostabilizer 0. or gyrostabiliser syl gy+ro+sta+bi+liz+er pron <2JIr*u1stAbi?!2lIz*> pos n. def a gyroscopic device used to stabilize the rolling motion of a ship. gyrostatic 0. syl gy+ro+stat+ic pron <2JIr*u1st@tik> pos adj. def of or concerned with the gyroscope or with gyrostatics. gyrostatically sub head gyrostatic syl gy+ro+1stat:i+cal+ly pos adv. gyrostatics 0. syl gy+ro+stat+ics pron <2JIr*u1st@tiks> pos n. mod functioning as; sing. def the science of rotating bodies. gyrus ety C19: from Latin; see #7gyre gyri infl head gyrus syl gy:ri pron <1JIrI> pos n. mod pl. gyrus 0. syl gy+rus pron <1JIr*s> pos n. def another name for { {convolution} (sense 3)}. gyve ety C13: of unknown origin ********************************************************************** ********************************************************************** gyve ety C13: of unknown origin ********************************************************************** ********************************************************************** guidebook. a handbook with information for ********************************************************************** ********************************************************************** (sometimes not cap.) a member of the organization for girls equivalent to the Scouts. U.S. equivalent: Girl Scout. ********************************************************************** that share ********************************************************************** ********************************************************************** Sar@.kis ********************************************************************** ********************************************************************** his son, Nu@.bar Sar@.kis (#!nu$:b$a$: #!s$a$:k$Iz). 1896-1972), British industrialist, diplomat, and philanthropist. ********************************************************************** infl head gyve syl ~ pos vb. qual Archaic. gyve 1. syl gyve pron pos vb. mod tr. def to shackle or fetter. {~} gyve 2. syl gyve pron pos vb. mod usually; pl. def fetters. the 0.a. head Gulf syl the. qual Austral. def the Gulf of Carpentaria. Gulf 0.b. syl Gulf pos g^lf; n. qual Austral. usage modifier def of, relating to, or adjoining the Gulf. exam 1 Gulf country. gum. [C14: from #7gum Gulf 1. syl Gulf pos g^lf; n. qual Austral. def a small crustacean-eating shark, with flat crushing teeth. gum nut 0. syl gum nut pos n. qual Austral. def the hardened seed container of the gum tree gum nut 0.a. syl gum nut pos n. qual Austral. def an expert. gum nut 0.b. syl gum nut pos n. qual Austral. usage as modifier exam 1 a gun shearer; exam 2 a gun batsman. gunyah ety C19: from a native Australian language ********************************************************************** of his recordings include Dust Bowl Ballads, Sacco and Vanzetti, and the children's album Songs to grow on/Poor Boy. ********************************************************************** gunyah 0. syl gun+yah pron <1g^nja:> pos n. qual Austral. def a bush hut or shelter. gutser ety C20: from guts +-#7er %1 discovery of the Gunpowder Plot, ********************************************************************** ********************************************************************** gyroscope: gyrocompass. gutser ety via ********************************************************************** ********************************************************************** approximately ********************************************************************** ********************************************************************** spelling of ********************************************************************** ********************************************************************** of your new record, but I suppose it will grow on me. ********************************************************************** ********************************************************************** Guin@.e@.ver (#!gw$In$Iv$$) n. ********************************************************************** ********************************************************************** Guil@.laume ********************************************************************** ********************************************************************** come a gutser infl head gutser syl come a gutser. pos n. gutser 1. syl gut+ser pron <1g^ts*> pos n. qual Austral. slang. def to fall heavily to the ground. gutser 2. syl gut+ser pron <1g^ts*> pos n. qual Austral. slang. def to fail through error or misfortune. gunge ety C20: of imitative origin, perhaps influenced by #7goo and #7sponge &- gun+gy adj. ********************************************************************** another word for ********************************************************************** ********************************************************************** less common words for gynaecology. ********************************************************************** ********************************************************************** d#fa$I#!re$It$$r$I) ********************************************************************** ********************************************************************** infl head gunge syl ~ pos n. qual Informal. gunge 1. syl gunge pron pos n. def sticky, rubbery, or congealed matter. {~} gunge 2. syl gunge pron pos n. mod tr. usage usually passive; foll by up def to block or encrust with gunge; clog. gross up 0. syl gross up pos vb. adv. mod tr. def to increase (net income) ********************************************************************** ********************************************************************** to its pre-tax value. ********************************************************************** ********************************************************************** to its pre-tax value. ********************************************************************** ********************************************************************** #7habit ] Habsburg 0. syl Habs:burg pron <1h@ps2bR:g>, German <1haps2burk> pos n. def the German spelling of {Hapsburg}. habu ety the native name in the Ryukyu Islands habu 0. syl ha:bu pron <1ha:bu:> pos n. def a large venomous snake, that occurs on Okinawa and other Ryukyu Islands: family (pit vipers). h'avcek ety from Czech h'avcek 0. syl h*'a+*vcek pron <1ha:Cek> pos n. def a diacritic mark (*v) placed over certain letters in order to modify their sounds, esp. used in Slavonic languages to indicate various forms of palatal articulation, as in the affricate and the fricative trill used in Czech. hachure ety C19: from French, from hacher to chop up, #7hatch %3 hachure 1. syl ha+chure pron pos n. def another word for {hatching}. hachure 2. syl ha+chure pron pos n. def shading consisting of a series of short lines drawn on a relief map following the direction of slope and varying in thickness or proximity according to the gradient. hachure 3. syl ha+chure pron pos vb. mod tr. def to mark or show by hachures. hacienda ety C18: from Spanish, from Latin facienda things to be done, from facere to do hacienda 1.a. syl hac:i+en+da pron <2h@si1end*> pos n. def a ranch or large estate, usually with plantations. hacienda 1.b. syl hac:i+en+da pron <2h@si1end*> pos n. def any substantial stock-raising, mining, or manufacturing establishment in the country. hacienda 2. syl hac:i+en+da pron <2h@si1end*> pos n. def the main house on such a ranch or plantation, typically having a porch with large rounded arches. hack ety Old English haccian; related to Old Frisian hackia, Middle High German hacken hack H1.1. syl hack pron pos vb. mod when; intr. usage usually foll. by at or away def to cut or chop (at) irregularly, roughly, or violently. hack H1.2. syl hack pron pos vb. def to cut and clear (a way, path, etc.), as through undergrowth. hack H1.3. syl hack pron pos vb. mod tr. def to break up (topsoil, clods of earth, etc.). hack H1.4. syl hack pron pos vb. qual Informal. (tr. def to damage severely or destroy. exam 1 his reputation as an artist was hacked to bits. hack H1.5. syl hack pron pos vb. usage in sport, esp. rugby def to foul (an opposing player) by kicking or striking his shins. hack H1.6. syl hack pron pos vb. qual Basketball. def to commit the foul of striking (an opposing player) on the arm, as in trying to gain possession of the ball. hack H1.7. syl hack pron pos vb. mod intr. qual Informal. def to cough in short dry spasmodic bursts. hack H1.8. syl hack pron pos vb. mod tr. def to reduce or cut (a story, article, etc.) in a careless or damaging way; mangle. hack H1.9. syl hack pron pos n. def a cut, chop, notch, or gash, esp. as made by a knife or axe. hack H1.10. syl hack pron pos n. def any tool used for hacking, such as an axe or machete. hack H1.11. syl hack pron pos n. def any tool used for shallow digging, such as a hoe, mattock, or pick. hack H1.12. syl hack pron pos n. def an instance of hacking; a chopping blow. hack H1.13. syl hack pron pos n. qual Informal. def a short dry spasmodic cough. hack H1.14. syl hack pron pos n. def a kick on the shins, as in rugby. hack H1.15. syl hack pron pos n. def a wound from a sharp kick. hacker sub head hack syl hack+er pos n. hack ety C17: short for #7hackney hack H2.1. syl hack pron pos n. def a horse of medium size and weight kept for riding or (more rarely) for driving. hack H2.2. syl hack pron pos n. def an old, ill-bred, or overworked horse. hack H2.3. syl hack pron pos n. def a horse kept for hire. hack H2.4. syl hack pron pos n. qual Brit. def a country ride, usually at a slow pace. hack H2.5. syl hack pron pos n. def a person who produces mediocre literary or journalistic work for pay. hack H2.6. syl hack pron pos n. qual U.S. def a coach or carriage that is for hire. Also called: {hackney}. hack H2.7.a. syl hack pron pos n. def a cabdriver. Also called: {hackie}. hack H2.7.b. syl hack pron pos n. def a taxi. hack H2.8. syl hack pron pos vb. qual Brit. def to ride (a horse) cross-country, usually at a fairly slow pace and for pleasure. hack H2.9. syl hack pron pos vb. mod tr. def to let (a horse) out for hire. hack H2.10. syl hack pron pos vb. mod tr. qual Informal. def to write (an article, etc.) as or in the manner of a hack. hack H2.11. syl hack pron pos vb. mod intr. qual U.S. informal. def to drive a taxi. hack H2.12. syl hack pron pos adj. usage prenominal def of or characteristic of a hack; banal, mediocre, or unoriginal. exam 1 hack writing. hack ety C16: variant of #7hatch %2 hack H3.1. syl hack pron pos n. def a rack used for fodder for livestock. hack H3.2. syl hack pron pos n. def a pile or row of unfired bricks stacked to dry. hack H3.3. syl hack pron pos vb. mod tr. def to place (fodder) in such a rack. hack H3.4. syl hack pron pos vb. mod tr. def to place (bricks) in a hack. hackamore ety C19: by folk etymology from Spanish j*'aquima headstall, from Old Spanish xaquima, from Arabic shaq*_imah hackamore 0. syl hack:a+more pron <1h@k*2mc:> pos n. qual U.S. def a rope or rawhide halter used for unbroken foals. hackberry ety C18: variant of C16 hagberry, of Scandinavian origin; compare Old Norse heggr hackberry hackberries infl head hackberry syl hack+ber:ries. pos n. mod pl. hackberry 1. syl hack+ber:ry pron <1h@k2beri> pos n. def any of various American trees and shrubs of the ulmaceous genus which have small inconspicuous flowers and edible cherry-like fruits. hackberry 2. syl hack+ber:ry pron <1h@k2beri> pos n. def the fruit or soft yellowish wood of any of these trees. hagbut alt head hackbut or hackbut syl hag+but pos n. hackbut 0. or hagbut syl hack+but pron <1h@kb^t> pos n. def another word for {arquebus}. hackbuteer sub head hackbut or hagbuteer syl hack+but+1eer pos n. hackbutter sub head hackbut or hagbutter syl hack+but+ter pos n. hagbuteer sub head hackbut or hackbuteer syl hag+but+1eer pos n. hagbutter sub head hackbut or hackbutter syl hag+but+ter pos n. hack hammer 0. syl hack ham+mer pos n. def a hand tool resembling an adze, used for dressing stone. hacking 0. syl hack+ing pron <1h@kiG> pos adj. usage of a cough def harsh, dry, and spasmodic. coat alt head hacking jacket or hacking jacket syl coat pos n. hacking jacket 1. or coat syl hack+ing jack+et pos n. qual Chiefly Brit. def a waisted riding jacket either with a vent at either side or one at the back and, usually, slanting flapped pockets. hacking jacket 2. or coat syl hack+ing jack+et pos n. qual Chiefly Brit. def a man's similar sports jacket. hackle ety C15: variant of #7heckle hackle H1.1. syl hack+le pron <1h@kL> pos n. def any of the long slender feathers on the necks of certain birds, esp. the turkey, pheasant, and related species, used in making artificial fishing flies, etc. hackle H1.2.a. syl hack+le pron <1h@kL> pos n. def parts of an artificial fly made from hackle feathers, representing the legs of a real fly. hackle H1.2.b. syl hack+le pron <1h@kL> pos n. def short for {hackle fly}. hackle H1.3. syl hack+le pron <1h@kL> pos n. def a tool used in the textile industry for combing flax. hackle H1.4. syl hack+le pron <1h@kL> pos vb. mod tr. def to comb (flax) using a hackle. hackler sub head hackle syl hack+ler pos n. hackle ety C16: from #7hack %1; related to Middle Dutch hakkelen hackle H2.0. syl hack+le pron <1h@kL> pos vb. qual Rare. def to hack or be hacked; mangle. hackle fly 0. syl hack+le fly pos n. qual Angling. def an artificial fly made from the hackle feathers of a turkey, etc. hackles 1. syl hack+les pron <1h@kLz> pos n. mod pl. def the hairs on the back of the neck and the back of a dog, cat, etc., which rise when the animal is angry or afraid. hackles 2. syl hack+les pron <1h@kLz> pos n. mod pl. def anger or resentment (esp. in the phrases hackney ety C14: probably after H#7ackney, where horses were formerly raised; def. 4 meaning derives from the allusion to an exhausted and weakened hired horse hackney 1. syl hack+ney pron <1h@kni> pos n. def a compact breed of harness horse with a high-stepping trot. hackney 2.a. syl hack+ney pron <1h@kni> pos n. def a coach or carriage that is for hire. hackney 2.b. syl hack+ney pron <1h@kni> pos n. usage as modifier exam 1 a hackney carriage. hackney 3. syl hack+ney pron <1h@kni> pos n. def a popular term for {hack%2} (def. 1). hackney 4. syl hack+ney pron <1h@kni> pos vb. mod tr. usage usually passive def to make commonplace and banal by too frequent use. exam 1 the phrases of welcome were hackneyed. hackneyism sub head hackney syl hack+ney+ism pos n. Hackney 0. syl Hack+ney pron <1h@kni> pos n. def a borough of Greater London (since 1965), NE of the City: it includes the former boroughs of Shoreditch and Stoke Newington; nearby are {Hackney Marshes}, formerly frequented by highwaymen, now the largest recreation ground in London. Pop.: 216659 (1971). hackneyed 0. syl hack+neyed pron <1h@knid> pos adj. usage of phrases, fashions, attitudes, etc. def used so often as to be trite, dull, and lacking in impact; stereotyped. hacksaw 1. syl hack+saw pron <1h@k2sc:> pos n. def a handsaw for cutting metal, consisting of a narrow hard-steel blade held in a U-shaped frame under tension. hacksaws infl head hacksaw syl hack+saws pos vb. hacksawing infl head hacksaw syl hack+saw+ing pos vb. hacksawed sawed infl head hacksaw or hacksawn syl hack+sawed; +sawed pos vb. hacksawn infl head hacksaw or hacksawed sawed syl hack+sawn. pos vb. hacksaw 2. syl hack+saw pron <1h@k2sc:> pos vb. mod tr. def to cut with a hacksaw. had 0. syl had pron pos vb. def the past tense or past participle of {have}. hadal ety C20: from French, from Had*'es H#7ades hadal 0. syl ha+dal pron <1hAdL> pos adj. def of, relating to, or constituting the parts of the ocean below about 6000 metres (18000 ft.). hadaway ety perhaps from #7hold %1#7+away hadaway 0. syl had:a+way pron <2h@d*1wA> pos interj. qual Northeastern English dialect. def an exclamation urging the hearer to refrain from delay in the execution of a task. Haddington 1. syl Had+ding+ton pron <1h@diGt*n> pos n. def a small town in SE central Scotland, county town of the former county of East Lothian: birthplace of John Knox. Pop.: 6505 (1971). Haddington 2. syl Had+ding+ton pron <1h@diGt*n> pos n. def a former name of {East Lothian}. Also: {Haddingtonshire}. haddock ety C14: of uncertain origin haddocks infl head haddock or haddock syl had+docks pos n. mod pl. haddock infl or haddocks syl had+dock. pos n. mod pl. haddock 0. syl had+dock pron <1h@d*k> pos n. def an important gadoid food fish, that is similar to but smaller than the cod and occurs in North Atlantic coastal waters. hade ety C18: of unknown origin hade 1. syl hade pron pos n. qual Geology. def the angle made to the vertical by the plane of a fault or mineral vein. hade 2. syl hade pron pos vb. mod intr. qual Geology. usage of faults, mineral veins, etc. def to incline from the vertical. Hades 1.a. syl Ha+des pron <1hAdEz> pos n. def the underworld abode of the souls of the dead. Hades 1.b. syl Ha+des pron <1hAdEz> pos n. def Pluto, the god of the underworld, brother of Zeus and husband of Persephone. Hades 2. syl Ha+des pron <1hAdEz> pos n. qual New Testament. def the abode or state of the dead, sometimes envisaged or personified as a destructive force (Matthew 16:18; Revelation 6:8). Hades 3. syl Ha+des pron <1hAdEz> pos n. qual Informal. usage often not cap. def hell. Hadean sub head Hades syl Ha+de:an pron , <1hAdi*n> pos adj. Hadramaut alt head Hadhramaut or Hadhramaut syl Ha+dra+maut pron <2ha:dr*1mc:t> pos n. Hadhramaut 0. or Hadramaut syl Ha+dhra+maut pron <2ha:dr*1mc:t> pos n. def a coastal plateau region of the S Arabian Peninsula, in E Southern Yemen bordering on the Indian Ocean: corresponds roughly to the former East Aden Protectorate. Area: about 151500 sq. km (58500 sq. miles). Hadith ety Arabic Hadith 0. syl Had+ith pron <1h@diT>, pos n. def the body of tradition and legend about Mohammed and his followers that supplements the Koran. hadjes infl head hadj syl hadj:es. pos n. mod pl. hadj 0. syl hadj pron pos n. def a variant spelling of {hajj}. hadjis infl head hadji syl hadj:is. pos n. mod pl. hadji 0. syl hadj:i pron <1h@Ji> pos n. def a variant spelling of {hajji}. hadn't 0. syl had:n't pron <1h@dNt> usage contraction of def had not. Adrian alt head Hadrian or Hadrian syl A:dri:an pos n. Hadrian 0. or Adrian syl Ha:dri:an pron <1hAdri*n> pos n. def Latin name 76-138 #7a.d., Roman emperor (117-138); adopted son and successor of Trajan. He travelled throughout the Roman empire, consolidating the frontiers and encouraging learning and architecture, and in Rome he reorganized the army and codified Roman law. Hadrian's Wall 0. syl Ha:dri:an's Wall pos n. def a fortified Roman wall across N England, of which substantial parts remain, extending from the Solway Firth in the west to the mouth of the River Tyne in the east. It was built in 120-123 #7a.d. on the orders of the emperor Hadrian as a defence against the N British tribes. hadron ety C20: from Greek hadros thick, bulky, heavy, from had*_en enough+-#7on hadron 0. syl had+ron pron <1h@dron> pos n. def any elementary particle, excluding leptons and photons, capable of taking part in a strong nuclear interaction. hadrosaur ety C19: from Greek hadros thick, fat#7+ -#7saur hadrosaurus alt head hadrosaur or hadrosaur syl ha+dro+saur+us pron <2h@dr*1sc:r*s> pos n. hadrosaur 0. or hadrosaurus syl had+ro+saur pron <1h@dr*2sc:> pos n. def any of various bipedal partly aquatic dinosaurs of the genus and related genera that lived in upper Cretaceous times and had a duck-billed skull and webbed feet. hadst 0. syl hadst pron pos vb. usage Archaic or dialect. used with the pronoun thou def a singular form of the past tense (indicative mood) of {have}. hae 0. syl hae pron , pos vb. def a Scottish variant of {have}. haecceity ety C17: from Medieval Latin haecceitas, literally: thisness, from haec, feminine of hic this haecceities infl head haecceity syl haec+ce+i:ties. pos n. mod pl. haecceity 0. syl haec+ce+i:ty pron , pos n. qual Philosophy. def something that makes an object unique. Compare {quiddity}. Ernst Heinrich infl head Haeckel syl Ernst Hein:rich pron <1Arnst> <1hainrix> pos n. Haeckel 0. syl Haeck:el pron German <1hek*l> pos n. def 1834-1919, German biologist and philosopher. He formulated the recapitulation theory of evolution and was the first to draw up a genealogical tree of animals. As a philosopher, he was an exponent of materialistic monism. Haeckelian sub head Haeckel syl Haeck+e:li:an pron pos adj. haem ety C20: shortened from #7haematin heme alt head haem or haem syl heme pron pos n. qual U.S. haem 0. or heme syl haem pron pos n. qual Biochem. def a complex red organic pigment containing iron in the ferrous state, present in haemoglobin linked to globin. See also {haematin}. haem- 0. syl haem- usage combining form. def a variant of {haemo-} before a vowel. Also (esp. U.S.): {hem-} haema- 0. syl hae:ma- usage combining form. def a variant of {haemo-}. Also (U.S.): {he@.ma-} hemachrome alt head haemachrome or haemachrome syl he:ma+chrome pron <1hEm*2kr*um>, <1hem-> pos n. qual U.S. haemachrome 0. or hemachrome syl hae:ma+chrome pron <1hEm*2kr*um>, <1hem-> pos n. def variants of {haemochrome}. hemacytometer alt head haemacytometer or haemacytometer syl he:ma+cy+tom+e:ter pron <2hEm*sI1tomit*> pos n. qual U.S. haemacytometer 0. or hemacytometer syl hae:ma+cy+tom+e:ter pron <2hEm*sI1tomit*> pos n. qual Med. def variants of {haemocytometer}. hemagglutinate alt head haemagglutinate or haemagglutinate syl he+mag+glu+tin+ate pron <2hEm*1glu:ti2nAt>, <2hem-> pos vb. mod tr. qual U.S. haemagglutinate 0. or hemagglutinate syl hae+mag+glu+tin+ate pron <2hEm*1glu:ti2nAt>, <2hem-> pos vb. mod tr. def to cause the clumping together of red blood cells in (an organism, blood sample, etc.). hemagglutinin alt head haemagglutinin or haemagglutinin syl he+mag+glu+ti+nin pron <2hEm*1glu:tin*n>, <2hem-> pos n. qual U.S. haemagglutinin 0. or hemagglutinin syl hae+mag+glu+ti+nin pron <2hEm*1glu:tin*n>, <2hem-> pos n. def an antibody that causes the clumping together of red blood cells possessing the appropriate antigen. hemagogue alt head haemagogue or haemagogue syl he:ma+gogue pron <1hEm*2gog> pos adj. qual U.S. hemagog infl head haemagogue syl he:ma+gog pron <1hEm*2gog> pos adj. qual U.S. haemagogue 1. or hemagogue syl hae:ma+gogue pron <1hEm*2gog> pos adj. def promoting the flow of blood. haemagogue 2. or hemagogue syl hae:ma+gogue pron <1hEm*2gog> pos n. def a drug or agent that promotes the flow of blood, esp. the menstrual flow. hemal alt head haemal or haemal syl he+mal pron <1hEm*l> pos adj. qual U.S. haemal 1. or hemal syl hae+mal pron <1hEm*l> pos adj. def of or relating to the blood or the blood vessels. haemal 2. or hemal syl hae+mal pron <1hEm*l> pos adj. def denoting or relating to the region or side of the body containing the heart and the major blood vessels. hematein alt head haematein or haematein syl he:ma+te:in pron <2hEm*1tEin>, <2hem-> pos n. qual U.S. haematein 0. or hematein syl hae+ma+te:in pron <2hEm*1tEin>, <2hem-> pos n. def a dark purple water-insoluble crystalline substance obtained from logwood and used as an indicator and biological stain. It is an oxidation product of haematoxylin. Formula: C\1\6H\1\2O\6. haematemesis ety C19: from #7haemato -#7+ Greek emesis vomiting hematemesis alt head haematemesis or haematemesis syl he:ma+tem+e:sis pron <2hEm*1temisis>, <2hem-> pos n. qual U.S. haematemesis 0. or hematemesis syl hae:ma+tem+e:sis pron <2hEm*1temisis>, <2hem-> pos n. def vomiting of blood arising from a lesion of the oesophagus, stomach, or duodenum, esp. as the result of a bleeding ulcer. Compare {haemoptysis}. hematic alt head haematic or haematic syl he+mat+ic pron pos adj. qual U.S. haematic 1. or hematic syl hae+mat+ic pron pos adj. def relating to, acting on, having the colour of, or containing blood. Also: {haemic}. haematic 2. or hematic syl hae+mat+ic pron pos n. qual Med. def another name for a {haematinic}. hematin alt head haematin or haematin syl hem:a+tin pron <1hem*tin>, <1hE-> pos n. qual U.S. haematin 0. or hematin syl haem:a+tin pron <1hem*tin>, <1hE-> pos n. qual Biochem. def a dark bluish or brownish pigment containing iron in the ferric state, obtained by the oxidation of haem. It is insoluble in water and most organic solvents. hematinic alt head haematinic or haematinic syl hem:a+tin+ic pron <2hem*1tinik>, <2hE-> pos n. qual U.S. haematinic 1. or hematinic syl haem:a+tin+ic pron <2hem*1tinik>, <2hE-> pos n. def an agent that tends to enrich the blood by stimulating the production of red blood cells or increasing the haemoglobin level. Also called: {haematic}. haematinic 2. or hematinic syl haem:a+tin+ic pron <2hem*1tinik>, <2hE-> pos adj. def having the effect of enriching the blood. haematite ety C16: via Latin from Greek haimatit*_es resembling blood, from haima blood hematite alt head haematite or haematite syl hem:a+tite pron <1hEm*2tIt>, <1hem-> pos n. qual U.S. haematite 0. or hematite syl haem:a+tite pron <1hEm*2tIt>, <1hem-> pos n. def a blood-red or reddish-black mineral consisting of ferric oxide in hexagonal crystalline form, widely distributed in all types of rock. It is the principal ore of iron. Formula: Fe\2O\3. haematitic sub head haematite or hematitic syl haem:a+tit+ic pron <2hEm*1titik>, <2hem-> pos adj. hematitic sub head haematite or haematitic syl hem:a+tit+ic pron <2hEm*1titik>, <2hem-> pos adj. qual U.S. haemato- ety from Greek haima, haimat- blood hematoblast alt head haematoblast or haematoblast syl he+mat:o+blast pron pos n. qual U.S. haematoblast 0. or hematoblast syl hae+mat:o+blast pron pos n. def any of numerous undifferentiated cells that occur in the bone marrow and develop into blood cells, esp. erythrocytes (red blood cells). haematoblastic sub head haematoblast or hematoblastic syl hae+2mat:o+1blas+tic pos adj. hematoblastic sub head haematoblast or haematoblastic syl he+2mat:o+1blas+tic pos adj. qual U.S. hematocele alt head haematocele or haematocele syl hem:a+to+cele pron <1hem*t*u2sEl>, <1hE-> pos n. qual U.S. haematocele 0. or hematocele syl haem:a+to+cele pron <1hem*t*u2sEl>, <1hE-> pos n. qual Pathol. def a tumourous mass formed by the abnormal pooling or collection of blood within a body cavity, such as the space formed by the serous membrane surrounding the testis; blood cyst. haematocrit ety C20: from #7haemato -#7+ -#7crit, from Greek krit*_es judge, from krinein to discern, separate hematocrit alt head haematocrit or haematocrit syl hem:a+to+crit pron <1hem*t*ukrit>, <1hE-> pos n. qual U.S. haematocrit 1. or hematocrit syl haem:a+to+crit pron <1hem*t*ukrit>, <1hE-> pos n. def a centrifuge for separating red and white blood cells from the plasma and thus for determining the ratio of the volume occupied by these cells, esp. the red cells, to the total volume of blood. haematocrit 2. or hematocrit syl haem:a+to+crit pron <1hem*t*ukrit>, <1hE-> pos n. def the value of this ratio expressed as a percentage. Also called: {packed cell volume}. hematocryal alt head haematocryal or haematocryal syl hem:a+to+cry+al pron <2hem*t*u1krI*l>, <1hE-> pos adj. qual U.S. haematocryal 0. or hematocryal syl haem:a+to+cry+al pron <2hem*t*u1krI*l>, <1hE-> pos adj. qual Zoology. def another word for {poikilothermal}. hematogenesis alt head haematogenesis or haematogenesis syl hem:a+to+gen+e:sis pron <2hem*t*u1Jenisis>, <2hE-> pos n. qual U.S. haematogenesis 0. or hematogenesis syl haem:a+to+gen+e:sis pron <2hem*t*u1Jenisis>, <2hE-> pos n. qual Physiol. def another name for {haematopoiesis}. haematogenic sub head haematogenesis or hematogenic syl haem:a+to+1gen+ic pron <2hem*t*uJi1netik>, <2hE-> pos adj. haematogenetic sub head haematogenesis or hematogenetic syl haem:a+to+ge:net+ic pron <2hem*t*uJi1netik>, <2hE-> pos adj. hematogenic sub head haematogenesis or haematogenic syl hem:a+to+1gen+ic pos adj. qual U.S. hematogenetic sub head haematogenesis or haematogenetic syl hem:a+to+ge:1net+ic pos adj. qual U.S. hematogenous alt head haematogenous or haematogenous syl hem:a+tog+e:nous pron <2hem*1toJin*s>, <2hE-> pos adj. qual U.S. haematogenous 1. or hematogenous syl haem:a+tog+e:nous pron <2hem*1toJin*s>, <2hE-> pos adj. def forming or producing blood. haematogenous 2. or hematogenous syl haem:a+tog+e:nous pron <2hem*1toJin*s>, <2hE-> pos adj. def relating to anything produced by, derived from, or originating in the blood. haematogenous 3. or hematogenous syl haem:a+tog+e:nous pron <2hem*1toJin*s>, <2hE-> pos adj. usage of bacteria, cancer cells, etc. def borne by or distributed by the blood circulation. haemoid infl head haematoid or hematoid syl hae+moid pos adj. hematoid infl head haematoid or haemoid syl he:ma+toid pos adj. qual U.S. hemoid infl head haematoid syl he+moid pos adj. qual U.S. haematoid 0. syl hae:ma+toid pron <1hEm*2tcid>, <1hem-> pos adj. def bloody or resembling blood. hematology alt head haematology or haematology syl he:ma+tol+o:gy pron <2hEm*1tol*Ji> pos n. qual U.S. haematology 0. or hematology syl hae:ma+tol+o:gy pron <2hEm*1tol*Ji> pos n. def the branch of medical science concerned with the blood and its diseases and with the blood-forming tissues. haematologic sub head haematology syl hae:ma+to+log+ic pron <2hEm*t*1loJik> pos adj. haematological sub head haematology or hematologic hematological syl hae:ma+to+1log:i+cal pos adj. hematologic hematological sub head haematology or haematological syl he:ma+to+1log+ic 2he:ma+to+1log:i+cal pos adj. qual U.S. haematologist sub head haematology or hematologist syl haema+1tol:o+gist pos n. hematologist sub head haematology or haematologist syl he:ma+1tol:o+gist pos n. qual U.S. hematolysis alt head haematolysis or haematolysis syl he:ma+tol:y+sis pron <2hEm*1tolisis> pos n. qual U.S. haematolyses infl head haematolysis syl hae:ma+tol:y+ses pron <-2sEz> pos n. mod pl. haematolysis 0. or hematolysis syl hae:ma+tol:y+sis pron <2hEm*1tolisis> pos n. def another name for {haemolysis}. hematoma alt head haematoma or haematoma syl he:ma+to+ma pron <2hEm*1t*um*>, <2hem-> pos n. qual U.S. haematomas infl head haematoma or haematomata syl hae:ma+to+mas pron <-m*t*> pos n. mod pl. haematomata infl head haematoma or haematomas syl hae:ma+to+ma:ta pron <-m*t*> pos n. mod pl. haematoma 0. or hematoma syl hae:ma+to+ma pron <2hEm*1t*um*>, <2hem-> pos n. qual Pathol. def a tumour-like and usually encapsulated mass of clotted or partially clotted blood, formed as the result of haemorrhage, trauma, etc. haemopoiesis infl head haematopoiesis or hematopoiesis syl hae:mo+poi+e:sis pos n. hematopoiesis infl head haematopoiesis or haemopoiesis syl hem:a+to+poi+e:sis pos n. qual U.S. hemopoiesis infl head haematopoiesis syl he:mo+poi+e:sis pos n. qual U.S. haematopoiesis 0. syl haem:a+to+poi+e:sis pron <2hem*t*upci1Esis>, <2hE-> pos n. qual Physiol. def the formation of blood. Also called: {haematosis, haematogenesis}. haematopoietic sub head haematopoiesis syl haem:a+to+poi+et+ic pron <2hem*t*upci1etik>, <2hE-> pos adj. haemopoietic sub head haematopoiesis or hematopoietic syl hae:mo+poi+et+ic pron <2hEm*pci1etik>, <2hem-> pos adj. hematopoietic sub head haematopoiesis or haemopoietic syl hem:a+to+poi+1et+ic pos adj. qual U.S. hemopoietic sub head haematopoiesis syl he:mo+poi+1et+ic pos adj. qual U.S. hematosis alt head haematosis or haematosis syl he:ma+to+sis pron <2hEm*1t*usis>, <2hem-> pos n. qual U.S. haematosis 1. or hematosis syl hae:ma+to+sis pron <2hEm*1t*usis>, <2hem-> pos n. qual Physiol. def another word for {haematopoiesis}. haematosis 2. or hematosis syl hae:ma+to+sis pron <2hEm*1t*usis>, <2hem-> pos n. qual Physiol. def the oxygenation of venous blood in the lungs. haematothematothermal alt head haematothermal or haematothermal syl haem:a+to+them:a+to+ther+mal pron <2hem*t*u1TR:m*l>, <2hE-> pos adj. qual U.S. haematothermal 0. or haematothematothermal syl haem:a+to+ther+mal pron <2hem*t*u1TR:m*l>, <2hE-> pos adj. qual Zoology. def another word for {homoiothermal}. haematoxylin ety C19: from New Latin Haematoxylon genus name of logwood, from #7haemato -#7+ Greek xulon wood+-#7in hematoxylin alt head haematoxylin or haematoxylin syl he:ma+tox:y+lin pron <2hEm*1toxilin>, <2hem-> pos n. qual U.S. haematoxylin 1. or hematoxylin syl hae:ma+tox:y+lin pron <2hEm*1toxilin>, <2hem-> pos n. def a colourless or yellowish crystalline compound that turns red on exposure to light and is the colouring principle of logwood. It is used in dyes and inks and as a biological stain. Formula: C\1\6H\1\4O\6.3H\2O; melting pt.: 140?%C. haematoxylin 2. or hematoxylin syl hae:ma+tox:y+lin pron <2hEm*1toxilin>, <2hem-> pos n. def a variant spelling of {haematoxylon}. haematoxylon ety C19: see #7haematoxylin haematoxylin alt head haematoxylon or haematoxylon syl hae:ma+tox:y+lin pos n. haematoxylon 0. or haematoxylin syl hae:ma+tox:y+lon pron <2hEm*1toksilon> pos n. def any of several leguminous trees constituting the genus esp. the logwood, which grow in tropical America and SW Africa and have red immature foliage and thorns in the leaf axils. The heartwood yields the dye haematoxylin. haematoxylic sub head haematoxylon syl hae:ma+tox+yl+ic pron <2hEm*tok1silik> pos adj. hematozoon alt head haematozoon or haematozoon syl he:ma+to+zo+on pron <2hEm*t*u1z*uon>, <2hem-> pos n. qual U.S. haematozoa infl head haematozoon syl hae:ma+to+zo:a pron <-1z*u*> pos n. mod pl. haematozoon 0. or hematozoon syl hae:ma+to+zo+on pron <2hEm*t*u1z*uon>, <2hem-> pos n. def any microorganism, esp. a protozoan, that is parasitic in the blood of an animal. hematuria alt head haematuria or haematuria syl he:ma+tu+ri:a pron <2hEm*1tju*ri*>, <2hem-> pos n. qual U.S. haematuria 0. or hematuria syl hae:ma+tu+ri:a pron <2hEm*1tju*ri*>, <2hem-> pos n. qual Pathol. def the presence of blood or red blood cells in the urine, often indicating kidney disease. haematuric sub head haematuria or hematuric syl hae:ma+1tu+ric pos adj. hematuric sub head haematuria or haematuric syl he:ma+1tu+ric pos adj. qual U.S. hemic alt head haemic or haemic syl he+mic pron <1hEmik>, <1hem-> pos adj. qual U.S. haemic 0. or hemic syl hae+mic pron <1hEmik>, <1hem-> pos adj. def another word for {haematic}. haemin ety C20: from #7haemo -#7+ -#7in hemin alt head haemin or haemin syl he+min pron <1hEmin> pos n. qual U.S. haemin 0. or hemin syl hae+min pron <1hEmin> pos n. qual Biochem. def haematin chloride; insoluble microscopic reddish-brown crystals that can be formed by the action of hydrochloric acid on haematin. This reaction is the basis of a test for the presence of blood. haemo- ety from Greek haima blood haema- infl head haemo- syl hae:ma- hemochrome alt head haemochrome or haemochrome syl he:mo+chrome pron <1hEm*2kr*um>, <1hem-> pos n. qual U.S. haemochrome 0. or hemochrome syl hae:mo+chrome pron <1hEm*2kr*um>, <1hem-> pos n. def a pigment, such as haemoglobin, that carries oxygen and occurs in the blood of man and many animals. haemocoel ety C19: from #7haemo -#7+ -coel, variant of -#7coele hemocoel alt head haemocoel or haemocoel syl he:mo+coel pron <1hEm*2sEl> pos n. qual U.S. haemocoel 0. or hemocoel syl hae:mo+coel pron <1hEm*2sEl> pos n. def the body cavity of many invertebrates, including arthropods and molluscs, developed from an enlarged part of the blood system so that the internal organs are bathed in blood. hemocyanin alt head haemocyanin or haemocyanin syl he:mo+cy:a+nin pron <2hEm*u1sI*nin> pos n. qual U.S. haemocyanin 0. or hemocyanin syl hae:mo+cy:a+nin pron <2hEm*u1sI*nin> pos n. def a blue respiratory pigment in crustaceans and molluscs that contains copper and functions as haemoglobin. hemocyte alt head haemocyte or haemocyte syl he:mo+cyte pron <1hEm*u2sIt>, <1hem-> pos n. qual U.S. haemocyte 0. or hemocyte syl hae:mo+cyte pron <1hEm*u2sIt>, <1hem-> pos n. def any blood cell, esp. an erythrocyte (red blood cell). haemacytometer infl head haemocytometer or hemocytometer syl hae:ma+cy+tom+e:ter pos n. hemocytometer infl head haemocytometer or haemacytometer syl he:mo+cy+tom+e:ter pos n. qual U.S. hemacytometer infl head haemocytometer syl he:ma+cy+tom+e:ter pos n. qual U.S. haemocytometer 0. syl hae:mo+cy+tom+e:ter pron <2hEm*usI1tomit*> pos n. qual Med. def an apparatus for estimating or counting the number of cells in a given quantity of blood, typically consisting of a graduated pipette for drawing and diluting the blood, a special counting chamber, and a ruled glass slide on which the blood is observed through a microscope. haemodialysis ety C20: from #7haemo -#7+dialysis hemodialysis alt head haemodialysis or haemodialysis syl he:mo+di+al:y+sis pron <2hEm*udI1@lisis> pos n. qual U.S. haemodialyses infl head haemodialysis syl hae:mo+di+al:y+ses pron <-2sEz> pos n. mod pl. haemodialysis 0. or hemodialysis syl hae:mo+di+al:y+sis pron <2hEm*udI1@lisis> pos n. qual Med. def the method or practice of filtering the circulating blood through a semipermeable membrane contained in a special apparatus ({haemodialyser} or {artificial kidney}) to remove poisons or accumulated waste products. It is performed to prevent kidney damage or because of kidney failure. Also called: {extracorporeal dialysis}. See also {dialysis}. hemoflagellate alt head haemoflagellate or haemoflagellate syl he:mo+flag+el+late pron <2hEm*1fl@J*2lAt>, <2hem-> pos n. qual U.S. haemoflagellate 0. or hemoflagellate syl hae:mo+flag+el+late pron <2hEm*1fl@J*2lAt>, <2hem-> pos n. def a flagellate protozoan, such as a trypanosome, that is parasitic in the blood of man and animals. haemoglobin ety C19: shortened from #7haematoglobulin hemoglobin alt head haemoglobin or haemoglobin syl he:mo+glo+bin pron <2hEm*u1gl*ubin>, <2hem-> pos n. qual U.S. haemoglobin 0. or hemoglobin syl hae:mo+glo+bin pron <2hEm*u1gl*ubin>, <2hem-> pos n. qual Biochem. def a conjugated protein, consisting of haem and the protein globin, that is present in red blood cells and gives them their characteristic colour. It combines reversibly with oxygen and is thus very important in the transportation of oxygen to tissues. The chemical structure of the globin portion varies in different species of animals. See also {oxyhaemoglobin}. hemoglobinuria alt head haemoglobinuria or haemoglobinuria syl he:mo+glo+bi+nu+ri:a pron <2hEm*2gl*ubi1nju*ri*>, <2hem-> pos n. qual U.S. haemoglobinuria 0. or hemoglobinuria syl hae:mo+glo+bi+nu+ri:a pron <2hEm*2gl*ubi1nju*ri*>, <2hem-> pos n. qual Pathol. def the presence of haemoglobin in the urine. hemoid alt head haemoid or haemoid syl he+moid pron <1hEmcid> pos adj. qual U.S. haemoid 0. or hemoid syl hae+moid pron <1hEmcid> pos adj. def another word for {haematoid}. hemolysin alt head haemolysin or haemolysin syl he:mo+ly+sin pron <2hEm*u1lIsin>, <2hem*u-> pos n. qual U.S. haemolysin 0. or hemolysin syl hae:mo+ly+sin pron <2hEm*u1lIsin>, <2hem*u-> pos n. qual Biochem. def any of a group of antibodies that, together with an antigen, cause the breakdown of red blood cells. haematolysis infl head haemolysis or hemolysis syl hae:ma+tol:y+sis pron <2sEz> pos n. hemolysis infl head haemolysis or haematolysis syl he+mol:y+sis pron <2sEz> pos n. qual U.S. hematolysis infl head haemolysis syl he:ma+tol:y+sis pron <2sEz> pos n. qual U.S. haemolyses infl head haemolysis syl hae+mol:y+ses pron <2sEz> pos n. mod pl. haemolysis 0. syl hae+mol:y+sis pron pos n. def the release of haemoglobin from red blood cells into the fluid in which the cells are suspended, caused by extremes of heat or cold, distilled water, certain chemicals, snake venom, etc. It can occur in the living organism or in a blood sample. {hae@.mo+lyt+ic} {he@.mo+lyt+ic} (@!hi$:m$$$u#!l$It$Ik, @!h$em-) hemophile alt head haemophile or haemophile syl he:mo+phile pron <1hEm*u2fIl>, <1hem-> pos n. qual U.S. haemophile 1. or hemophile syl hae:mo+phile pron <1hEm*u2fIl>, <1hem-> pos n. qual Pathol. def another name for {haemophiliac}. haemophile 2. or hemophile syl hae:mo+phile pron <1hEm*u2fIl>, <1hem-> pos n. def a haemophilic bacterium. hemophilia alt head haemophilia or haemophilia syl he:mo+phil:i:a pron <2hEm*u1fili*>, <2hem-> pos n. qual U.S. haemophilia 0. or hemophilia syl hae:mo+phil:i:a pron <2hEm*u1fili*>, <2hem-> pos n. def an inheritable disease, usually affecting only males but capable of transmission by women to their male children, characterized by loss or severe impairment of the normal clotting or coagulating ability of blood so that a minor wound may result in fatal bleeding. haemophilioid sub head haemophilia or hemophilioid syl hae:mo+1phil:i+2oid pos adj. hemophilioid sub head haemophilia or haemophilioid syl he:mo+1phil:i+2oid pos adj. qual U.S. hemophiliac alt head haemophiliac or haemophiliac syl he:mo+phil:i+ac pron <2hEm*u1fili2@k>, <2hem-> pos n. qual U.S. haemophiliac 0. or hemophiliac syl hae:mo+phil:i+ac pron <2hEm*u1fili2@k>, <2hem-> pos n. qual Pathol. def a person having haemophilia. Nontechnical name: {bleeder}. Also called: {haemophile}. hemophilic alt head haemophilic or haemophilic syl he:mo+phil+ic pron <2hEm*u1filik>, <2hem-> pos adj. qual U.S. haemophilic 1. or hemophilic syl hae:mo+phil+ic pron <2hEm*u1filik>, <2hem-> pos adj. def of, relating to, or affected by haemophilia. haemophilic 2. or hemophilic syl hae:mo+phil+ic pron <2hEm*u1filik>, <2hem-> pos adj. usage of bacteria def growing well in a culture medium containing or consisting of blood. hemopoiesis alt head haemopoiesis or haemopoiesis syl he:mo+poi+e:sis pron <2hEm*upci1Esis>, <2hem-> pos n. qual U.S. haemopoiesis 0. or hemopoiesis syl hae:mo+poi+e:sis pron <2hEm*upci1Esis>, <2hem-> pos n. qual Physiol. def another name for {haematopoiesis}. haemopoietic sub head haemopoiesis or hemopoietic syl hae:mo+poi+et+ic pron <2hEm*upci1etik>, <1hem-> pos adj. hemopoietic sub head haemopoiesis or haemopoietic syl he:mo+poi+et+ic pron <2hEm*upci1etik>, <1hem-> pos adj. qual U.S. haemoptysis ety C17: #7haemo -#7+ -ptysis, from Greek ptyein to spit hemoptysis alt head haemoptysis or haemoptysis syl hem+op+ty+sis pron pos n. qual U.S. haemoptyses infl head haemoptysis syl haem+op+ty+ses pron <-2sEz> pos n. mod pl. haemoptysis 0. or hemoptysis syl haem+op+ty+sis pron pos n. def spitting or coughing up of blood or blood-streaked mucus arising from a lesion of the respiratory tract, as in tuberculosis. Compare {haematemesis}. haemorrhage ety C17: from Latin haemorrhagia; see #7haemo -#7, -#7rrhagia hemorrhage alt head haemorrhage or haemorrhage syl hem+or+rhage pron <1hem*riJ> pos n. qual U.S. haemorrhage 1. or hemorrhage syl haem+or+rhage pron <1hem*riJ> pos n. def profuse bleeding from a wound or lesion. haemorrhage 2. or hemorrhage syl haem+or+rhage pron <1hem*riJ> pos n. def any abnormal bleeding, including the escape of blood through the intact walls of blood vessels. See {diapedesis}. haemorrhage 3. or hemorrhage syl haem+or+rhage pron <1hem*riJ> pos vb. mod intr. def to bleed profusely. haemorrhagic sub head haemorrhage or hemorrhagic syl haem+or+rhag+ic pron <2hem*1r@Jik> pos adj. hemorrhagic sub head haemorrhage or haemorrhagic syl hem+or+rhag+ic pron <2hem*1r@Jik> pos adj. qual U.S. haemorrhagic measles 0. syl haem+or+rhag+ic mea+sles pos n. def another name for {black measles}. hemorrhoidectomy alt head haemorrhoidectomy or haemorrhoidectomy syl hem+or+rhoid+ec+to+my pron <2hem*rci1dekt*mi> pos n. qual U.S. haemorrhoidectomies infl head haemorrhoidectomy syl haem+or+rhoid+ec+to+mies. pos n. mod pl. haemorrhoidectomy 0. or hemorrhoidectomy syl haem+or+rhoid+ec+to+my pron <2hem*rci1dekt*mi> pos n. def surgical removal of haemorrhoids. haemorrhoids ety C14: from Latin haemorrhoidae (plural), from Greek, from haimorrhoos discharging blood, from haimo- #7haemo -#7+ rhein to flow hemorrhoids alt head haemorrhoids or haemorrhoids syl hem+or+rhoids pron <1hem*2rcidz> mod pl. qual U.S. haemorrhoids 1. or hemorrhoids syl haem+or+rhoids pron <1hem*2rcidz> pos n. mod pl. qual Pathol. def swollen and twisted veins in the region of the anus and lower rectum, often painful and bleeding, generally caused by chronic straining to defecate. haemorrhoids 2. or hemorrhoids syl haem+or+rhoids pron <1hem*2rcidz> pos n. mod pl. qual Pathol. def the condition resulting from such swollen veins. Nontechnical name: {piles}. haemorrhoidal sub head haemorrhoids or hemorrhoidal syl haem+or+1rhoi+dal pos adj. hemorrhoidal sub head haemorrhoids or haemorrhoidal syl hem+or+1rhoi+dal pos adj. qual U.S. haemostasis ety C18: from New Latin, from #7haemo -#7+ Greek stasis a standing still haemostasia infl head haemostasis or hemostasis syl hae:mo+sta+si:a pron <2hEm*u1stAZi*>, <-Z*>, <2hem-> pos n. hemostasis infl head haemostasis or haemostasia syl he:mo+sta+sis pos n. qual U.S. hemostasia infl head haemostasis syl he:mo+sta+si:a pos n. qual U.S. haemostasis 1. syl hae:mo+sta+sis pron <2hEm*u1stAsis>, <2hem-> pos n. def the stopping of bleeding or arrest of blood circulation in an organ or part, as during a surgical operation. haemostasis 2. syl hae:mo+sta+sis pron <2hEm*u1stAsis>, <2hem-> pos n. def stagnation of the blood, as by abnormal pooling or interference with normal circulation. hemostat alt head haemostat or haemostat syl he:mo+stat pron <1hEm*u2st@t>, <1hem-> pos n. qual U.S. haemostat 1. or hemostat syl hae:mo+stat pron <1hEm*u2st@t>, <1hem-> pos n. def a surgical instrument that stops bleeding by mechanical compression of a blood vessel. haemostat 2. or hemostat syl hae:mo+stat pron <1hEm*u2st@t>, <1hem-> pos n. def a chemical agent that retards or stops bleeding. hemostatic alt head haemostatic or haemostatic syl he:mo+stat+ic pron <2hEm*u1st@tik>, <2hem-> pos adj. qual U.S. haemostatic 1. or hemostatic syl hae:mo+stat+ic pron <2hEm*u1st@tik>, <2hem-> pos adj. def retarding or stopping the flow of blood within the blood vessels. haemostatic 2. or hemostatic syl hae:mo+stat+ic pron <2hEm*u1st@tik>, <2hem-> pos adj. def retarding or stopping bleeding. haemostatic 3. or hemostatic syl hae:mo+stat+ic pron <2hEm*u1st@tik>, <2hem-> pos n. def a drug or agent that retards or stops bleeding. haeredes infl head haeres syl hae+re:des pron pos n. mod pl. haeres 0. syl hae+res pron <1hi*rEz> pos n. def a variant spelling of {heres}. Ha-erh-pin 0. syl Ha-erh-pin pron <1ha:1e*1pin> pos n. def the Chinese name for {Harbin}. hafiz ety from Persian, from Arabic h*_afiz one who memorizes the Koran, from hafiza to guard, keep, memorize hafiz 1. syl ha+fiz pron <1ha:fiz> pos n. qual Islam. def a title for a person who knows the Koran by heart. hafiz 2. syl ha+fiz pron <1ha:fiz> pos n. qual Islam. def the guardian of a mosque. hafnium ety C20: New Latin, named after Hafnia, Latin name of Copenhagen+-#7ium hafnium 0. syl haf+ni:um pron <1h@fni*m> pos n. def a bright silver metallic element found in zirconium ores. It is used as a neutron absorber in nuclear reactors and in the manufacture of tungsten filaments. Symbol: Hf; atomic no.: 72; atomic wt.: 178.49; valency: 4; relative density: 13.31; melting pt.: 2150?%C; boiling pt.: 5400?%C. haft ety Old English h@aft; related to Old Norse hapt fetter, Old High German haft fetter, imprisonment, hefti handle haft 1. syl haft pron pos n. def the handle of an axe, sword, knife, etc. haft 2. syl haft pron pos vb. mod tr. def to provide with a haft. hafter sub head haft syl haft+er pos n. Haphtarah alt head Haftarah or Haftarah syl Haph+ta+rah pron , Hebrew , Hebrew <-ta1rct> pos n. Haftaroth infl head Haftarah or Haftarahs syl Haf+ta+roth pron <-1t*ur*ut>, Hebrew <-ta1rct> pos n. mod pl. Haftarahs infl head Haftarah or Haftaroth syl Haf+ta+rahs. pos n. mod pl. Haftarah 0. or Haphtarah syl Haf+ta+rah pron , Hebrew , Hebrew <-ta1rct> pos n. qual Judaism. def a reading from the Prophets recited or chanted after the reading from the Pentateuch during the synagogue services for Sabbaths, festivals, and the afternoons of fast days. hag ety Old English h@agtesse witch; related to Old High German hagazussa, Middle Dutch haghetisse hag H1.1. syl hag pron pos n. def an unpleasant or ugly old woman; crone. hag H1.2. syl hag pron pos n. def a witch; sorceress. hag H1.3. syl hag pron pos n. def short for {hagfish}. hag H1.4. syl hag pron pos n. qual Obsolete. def a female demon. haggish sub head hag syl hag+gish pos adj. haggishly sub head hag syl hag+gish+ly pos adv. haggishness sub head hag syl hag+gish+ness pos n. haglike sub head hag syl hag+2like pos adj. hag ety C13: of Scandinavian origin; compare Old Norse h*"ogg gap, breach; see #7hew hag H2.0. syl hag pron , pos n. qual Northern Brit. dialect. def a spot in a bog distinguished from the surrounding ground by being either softer or firmer. Hag 0. syl Hag. qual abbrev. for def Haggai. Hagar 0. syl Ha:gar pron <1hAga:>, <-g*> pos n. qual Old Testament. def an Egyptian maid of Sarah who bore Ishmael to Abraham, Sarah's husband, and was banished to the wilderness with her infant son when Isaac was born (Genesis 16:1-14). hagbut 0. syl hag+but pron <1h@gb^t> pos n. def another word for {arquebus}. hagbuteer sub head hagbut or hagbutter syl hag+but+1eer pos n. hagbutter sub head hagbut or hagbuteer syl hag+but+ter pos n. Hagen H1.0. syl Ha:gen pron <1ha:g*n> pos n. qual Nibelungenlied usage in the def Siegfried's killer, who in turn is killed by Siegfried's wife, Kriemhild. Hagen H2.0. syl Ha+gen pron German <1hag*n> pos n. def a city in NE West Germany, in North Rhine-Westphalia on the E edge of the Ruhr district: important for iron-mining and -founding since the Middle Ages; important engineering industry. Pop.: 201000 (1970). Walter infl head Hagen syl Wal:ter. pos n. Hagen H3.0. syl Ha:gen pron <1hAg*n> pos n. def 1892-1969, U.S. golfer. hagfish infl or hagfishes syl hag+fish pos n. mod pl. hagfishes infl head hagfish or hagfish syl hag+fish:es. pos n. mod pl. hagfish 0. syl hag+fish pron <1h@g2fiS> pos n. def any of various eel-like marine cyclostome vertebrates of the genera etc., that constitute the family They have a round sucking mouth and feed on the tissues of other animals and on dead organic material. Often shortened to {hag}. Haggadah ety C19: from Hebrew hagg*_ad*_ah a telling, story, from hagged to tell Haggada alt head Haggadah or Haggadah syl Hag+ga+da pron , Hebrew , <-gc1dc:> pos n. Haggadahs infl head Haggadah syl Hag+ga+dahs pron Hebrew <-1dc:t> pos n. mod pl. Haggadas infl head Haggadah or Haggadoth syl Hag+ga+das pron Hebrew <-1dc:t> pos n. mod pl. Haggadoth infl head Haggadah or Haggadas syl Hag+ga+doth pron Hebrew <-1dc:t> pos n. mod pl. Haggadah 1. or Haggada syl Hag+ga+dah pron , Hebrew , <-gc1dc:> pos n. qual Judaism. def the nonlegal part of the Talmudic literature associated Jewish tradition, as contrasted with Halakah. Haggadah 2.a. or Haggada syl Hag+ga+dah pron , Hebrew , <-gc1dc:> pos n. qual Judaism. def a traditional recitation of the story of the Exodus by a Jewish father to his children on the first evening or first two evenings of Passover, together with the accompanying rites of the Seder. Haggadah 2.b. or Haggada syl Hag+ga+dah pron , Hebrew , <-gc1dc:> pos n. qual Judaism. def the book containing this story and the rituals of the Seder ceremony. Haggadah 3. or Haggada syl Hag+ga+dah pron , Hebrew , <-gc1dc:> pos n. qual Judaism. def a traditional homiletic form of free exposition or illustration of Scripture. Haggadahaggadic sub head Haggadah or Haggadahaggadical syl Hag+ga+dahag+gad+ic pron , <-1ga:-> pos adj. Haggadahaggadical sub head Haggadah or Haggadahaggadic syl Hag+ga+dahag+1gad:i+cal pos adj. haggadist 1. syl hag+ga+dist pron pos n. qual Judaism. def a writer of Haggadahs. haggadist 2. syl hag+ga+dist pron pos n. qual Judaism. def an expert in or a student of haggadic literature. haggadistic sub head haggadist syl hag+ga+dist+ic pron <2h@g*1distik> pos adj. Haggai 1.a. syl Hag:ga:i pron <1h@gA2I> pos n. qual Old Testament. def a Hebrew prophet whose oracles are usually dated between August and December of 520 #7b.c. Haggai 2. syl Hag:ga:i pron <1h@gA2I> pos n. qual Old Testament. def the book in which these oracles are contained, chiefly concerned with the rebuilding of the Temple after the Exile. Douay spelling. exam 1 Ag@.ge@.us haggard 1. syl hag+gard pron <1h@g*d> pos adj. def tired-looking, careworn, or gaunt, as from lack of sleep, anxiety, or starvation. haggard 2. syl hag+gard pron <1h@g*d> pos adj. def wild or unruly. haggard 3. syl hag+gard pron <1h@g*d> pos adj. usage of a hawk def having reached maturity in the wild before being caught for falconry; difficult to train and control. haggard 4. syl hag+gard pron <1h@g*d> pos n. qual Falconry. def a hawk that has reached maturity in the wild before being caught. Compare {eyas, passage hawk}. haggardly sub head haggard syl hag+gard+ly pos adv. haggardness sub head haggard syl hag+gard+ness pos n. Haggard 0. syl Hag:gard pron <1h@g*d> pos n. def Sir ({Henry) Ri@.der}. 1856-1925, English author of romantic adventure stories, including (1885). haggis ety C15: perhaps from haggen to #7hack %1 haggis 0. syl hag+gis pron <1h@gis> pos n. def a Scottish dish made from the heart, liver, etc., of a sheep or calf, mixed with oatmeal, suet, and seasonings, packed into the animals stomach and boiled. haggle ety C16: of Scandinavian origin; compare Old Norse haggva to #7hew haggle 1. syl hag+gle pron <1h@gL> pos vb. mod intr. usage often foll. by over def to bargain or wrangle (over a price, terms of an agreement, etc.); barter. haggle 2. syl hag+gle pron <1h@gL> pos vb. mod tr. qual Rare. def to hack about; mangle. haggle 3. syl hag+gle pron <1h@gL> pos vb. mod tr. qual Archaic. def to worry or annoy by bartering. haggler sub head haggle syl hag+gler pos n. hagiarchies infl head hagiarchy syl hag:i+arch:ies. pos n. mod pl. hagiarchy 1. syl hag:i+arch:y pron <1h@gi1a:ki> pos n. def government by saints, holy men, or men in holy orders; hagiocracy. hagiarchy 2. syl hag:i+arch:y pron <1h@gi1a:ki> pos n. def a hierarchy or order of saints. hagio- ety via Late Latin from Greek, from hagios holy hagiocracies infl head hagiocracy syl hag:i+oc+ra+cies. pos n. mod pl. hagiocracy 1. syl hag:i+oc+ra+cy pron <2h@gi1okr*si> pos n. def government by holy men; hagiarchy. hagiocracy 2. syl hag:i+oc+ra+cy pron <2h@gi1okr*si> pos n. def a state, community, etc., governed by holy men. Hagiographa 0. syl Hag:i+og+ra+pha pron <2h@gi1ogr*f*> pos n. def the third of the three main parts into which the books of the Old Testament are divided in Jewish tradition (the other two parts being the Law and the Prophets), comprising Psalms, Proverbs, Job, the Song of Solomon, Ruth, Lamentations, Ecclesiastes, Esther, Daniel, Ezra, Nehemiah, and Chronicles. Also called: {Writings}. hagiographist alt head hagiographer or hagiographer syl hag:i+og+ra+phist pos n. hagiographer 1. or hagiographist syl hag:i+og+ra+pher pron <2h@gi1ogr*f*> pos n. def a person who writes lives of the saints. hagiographer 2. or hagiographist syl hag:i+og+ra+pher pron <2h@gi1ogr*f*> pos n. def one of the writers of the Hagiographa. hagiographies infl head hagiography syl hag:i+og+ra+phies. pos n. mod pl. hagiography 1. syl hag:i+og+ra+phy pron <2h@gi1ogr*fi> pos n. def the writing of the lives of the saints, based on critical research into extant sources. hagiography 2.a. syl hag:i+og+ra+phy pron <2h@gi1ogr*fi> pos n. def biography of the saints. hagiography 2.b. syl hag:i+og+ra+phy pron <2h@gi1ogr*fi> pos n. def any biography or legend written in a spirit of religious idealism. hagiography 3. syl hag:i+og+ra+phy pron <2h@gi1ogr*fi> pos n. def any biography that idealizes or idolizes its subject. hagiographic sub head hagiography or hagiographical syl hag:i:o+graph+ic pron <2h@gi*1gr@fik> pos adj. hagiographical sub head hagiography or hagiographic syl hag:i:o+1graph:i+cal pos adj. hagiolatry 0. syl hag:i+ol:a+try pron <2h@gi1ol*tri> pos n. def worship or excessive veneration of saints. hagiolater sub head hagiolatry syl hag:i+1ol:a+ter pos n. hagiolatrous sub head hagiolatry syl hag:i+1ol:a+trous pos adj. hagiologies infl head hagiology syl hag:i+ol+o:gies. pos n. mod pl. hagiology 1. syl hag:i+ol+o:gy pron <2h@gi1ol*Ji> pos n. def literature concerned with the lives and legends of saints or with their veneration. hagiology 2.a. syl hag:i+ol+o:gy pron <2h@gi1ol*Ji> pos n. def a biography of a saint or saints. hagiology 2.b. syl hag:i+ol+o:gy pron <2h@gi1ol*Ji> pos n. def a collection of such biographies. hagiology 3. syl hag:i+ol+o:gy pron <2h@gi1ol*Ji> pos n. def an authoritative list or canon of saints. hagiology 4. syl hag:i+ol+o:gy pron <2h@gi1ol*Ji> pos n. def a history of sacred writings. hagiologic sub head hagiology or hagiological syl hag:i:o+log+ic pron <2h@gi*1loJik> pos adj. hagiological sub head hagiology or hagiologic syl hag:i:o+1log:i+cal pos adj. hagiologist sub head hagiology syl hag:i+1ol:o+gist pos n. hagioscope 0. syl hag:i:o+scope pron <1h@gi*2sk*up> pos n. qual Architect. def another name for {squint} (def. 7). hagioscopic sub head hagioscope syl hag:i:o+scop+ic pron <2h@gi*1skopik> pos adj. hag-ridden 1. syl hag-rid:den pos adj. def tormented or worried, as if by a witch. hag-ridden 2. syl hag-rid:den pos adj. usage Facetious. of a man def surrounded by and harassed by several women. The infl head Hague syl The. pos n. Hague 0. syl Hague pron pos n. def the seat of government of the Netherlands and capital of South Holland province, situated about 3 km (2 miles) from the North Sea: seat of the International Court of Justice, headquarters of many international companies, and an important conference centre. Pop.: 510360 (1973 est.). Dutch names: {'s Gravenhage, Den Haag}. Hague Tribunal 0. syl Hague Tri+bu+nal pos n. def a tribunal of judges at The Hague, founded in 1899 to provide a panel of arbitrators for international disputes in which the states involved desire arbitration. Nominees for election by the United Nations to the International Court of Justice are also chosen by the Hague Tribunal. Official name: {Permanent Court of Arbitration}. hah 0. syl hah pron pos interj. def a variant spelling of {ha}. haw-haw alt head ha-ha or ha-ha syl haw-haw pos interj. ha-ha H1.1. or haw-haw syl ha-ha pos interj. def an imitation or representation of the sound of a laugh or laughter. ha-ha H1.2. or haw-haw syl ha-ha pos interj. def an exclamation expressing derision, mockery, surprise, etc., according to the intonation of the speaker. ha-ha H1.3. or haw-haw syl ha-ha pos n. qual Informal. def a joke, esp. a weak or unsuccessful one. ha-ha ety C18: from French haha, probably based on ha&! ejaculation denoting surprise haw-haw alt head ha-ha or ha-ha syl haw-haw pos n. ha-ha H2.0. or haw-haw syl ha-ha pos n. def a sunken fence consisting of a ditch, one side of which is in the form of a hedge or wall with the top approximately at normal ground level. Otto infl head Hahn syl Ot:to pron <1ctc> pos n. Hahn 0. syl Hahn pron , German pos n. def 1879-1968, German physicist. He discovered the radioactive element protactinium with Meitner (1917) and, with Strassmann, demonstrated the nuclear fission of uranium when bombarded with neutrons: Nobel prize for chemistry 1944. (Christian Friedrich) Samuel infl head Hahnemann syl (Christian Friedrich) Sa:mu:el pron <1zamu:Al> pos n. Hahnemann 0. syl Hah:ne:mann pron <1ha:n*m*n>, German <1han*2man> pos n. def 1755-1843, German physician; founder of homeopathy. Haidas infl head Haida or Haida syl Hai+das pos n. mod pl. Haida infl or Haidas syl Hai+da. pos n. mod pl. Haida 1. syl Hai+da pron <1hId*> pos n. mod preceded by the; functioning as; pl. def a seafaring group of North American Indian peoples inhabiting the coast of British Columbia and SW Alaska. Haida 2. syl Hai+da pron <1hId*> pos n. def a member of one of these peoples. Haida 3. syl Hai+da pron <1hId*> pos n. def the language of these peoples, belonging to the Na-Dene phylum. Haidan sub head Haida syl Hai+dan pos adj. Haidar Ali 0. syl Hai:dar A:li pron <1hId*r> <1a:li> pos n. def a variant spelling of {Hyder Ali}. Haiduk ety C17: from Hungarian hajd*'uk brigands Heyduck infl head Haiduk or Heiduc syl Hey+duck pron <1hIduk> pos n. Heiduc infl head Haiduk or Heyduck syl Hei+duc pron <1hIduk> pos n. Haiduk 0. syl Hai+duk pron <1hIduk> pos n. def a rural brigand in the European part of the Ottoman Empire. Haifa 0. syl Hai+fa pron <1hIf*> pos n. def a port in NW Israel, near Mount Carmel, at the S end of the Bay of Acre: Israel's chief port, with an oil refinery and other heavy industry. Pop.: 218700 (1972). Douglas infl head Haig syl Doug:las pos n. Haig 0. syl Haig pron pos n. def 1st Earl Haig. 1861-1928, British field marshal; commander in chief of the British forces in France and Flanders (1915-18). haik ety C18: from Arabic h*_a'ik haick alt head haik or haik syl haick pron , pos n. haik 0. or haick syl haik pron , pos n. def a large piece of cotton, wool, or silk draped over the head and around the body, worn by Arabs as an outer garment. haiku ety from Japanese, from hai amusement+ ku verse hokku alt head haiku or haiku syl hok+ku pos n. haiku infl syl hai+ku. pos n. mod pl. haiku 0. or hokku syl hai+ku pron <1hIku:> pos n. def a concise and evocative form of Japanese verse in 17 syllables, usually describing a single thing or pairing of things in nature. hail ety Old English h@agl; related to Old Frisian heil, Old High German hagal hail, Greek kakhl*_ex pebble hail H1.1. syl hail pron pos n. def small pellets of ice falling from cumulonimbus clouds when there are very strong rising air currents. hail H1.2. syl hail pron pos n. def a shower or storm of such ice pellets. hail H1.3. syl hail pron pos n. def words, ideas, etc., that are directed at a person or thing with force and in great quantity. exam 1 a hail of abuse. hail H1.4. syl hail pron pos n. def a collection of objects, esp. bullets, spears, etc., directed at someone with violent attacking force. hail H1.5. syl hail pron pos vb. mod intr. usage with it as subject def to be the case that hail is falling. hail H1.6. syl hail pron pos vb. usage often with it as subject def to fall or cause to fall as or like hail. exam 1 to hail criticism; exam 2 bad language hailed about him. hail ety C12: from Old Norse heill healthy, #7whole ; see #7hale %1#7, wassail hail H2.1. syl hail pron pos vb. mod tr. def to greet or salute, esp. enthusiastically. exam 1 the crowd hailed the actress with joy. hail H2.2. syl hail pron pos vb. mod tr. def to acclaim or acknowledge. exam 1 they hailed him as their hero. hail H2.3. syl hail pron pos vb. mod tr. def to attract the attention of by shouting or gesturing. exam 1 to hail a taxi; exam 2 to hail a passing ship. hail from 4. head hail syl hail from. def to be a native of; originate in. exam 1 she hails from India. hail H2.5. syl hail pron pos n. mod tr. def the act or an instance of hailing. hail H2.6. syl hail pron pos n. mod tr. def a shout or greeting. hail H2.7. syl hail pron pos n. mod tr. def distance across which one can shout or attract attention (esp. in the phrase {within hail) }. hail H2.8. syl hail pron pos interj. mod tr. qual Poetic. def an exclamation of greeting. hailer sub head hail syl hail+er pos n. Haile Selassie 0. syl Hai:le Se:las:sie pron <1hIli> pos n. def title of born 1891, emperor of Ethiopia (1930-36 and since 1941). During the Italian occupation of Ethiopia (1936-41), he lived in exile in England. He is a prominent figure in the Pan-African movement. hail-fellow-well-met 0. syl hail-fel:low-well-met pos adj. def genial and familiar, esp. in an offensive or ingratiating way. exam 1 a hail-fellow-well-met slap on the back. Hail Mary 0. syl Hail Mar:y pos n. def another term for the {Ave Maria}. hailstone 0. syl hail+stone pron <1hAl2st*un> pos n. def a pellet of hail. hailstorm 0. syl hail+storm pron <1hAl2stc:m> pos n. def a storm during which hail falls. Hainan Tao alt head Hainan or Hainan syl Hai+nan Tao pron pos n. Hainan 0. or Hainan Tao syl Hai+nan pron <1hI1n@n> pos n. def an island in the South China Sea, separated from the mainland of S China by {Hainan Strait}: administratively part of Kwantung province; China's second largest offshore island; relatively unexplored for 21 centuries of Chinese rule until after 1950. Pop.: 2700000 (1956 est.). Area: 33991 sq. km (13124 sq. miles). Hainault alt head Hainaut or Hainaut syl Hai+nault pron French pos n. Hainaut 0. or Hainault syl Hai:naut pron French pos n. def a province of SW Belgium, bordering on France: stretches from the Flanders Plain in the north to the Ardennes in the south; of present-day importance for its coal mines. Capital: Mons. Pop.: 1317453 (1970). Area: 3797 sq. km (1466 sq. miles). hain't 0. syl hain't pron qual Archaic or dialect. contraction of def has not, have not, is not. Haiphong 0. syl Hai+phong pron <1hI1foG> pos n. def a port in North Vietnam, on the NE edge of the Red River delta: chief port and a major industrial centre. Pop.: 369248 (1960). hair ety Old English h@ar; related to Old Norse h*_ar, Old High German h*_ar hair, Norwegian herren stiff, hard, Lettish sari bristles, Latin crescere to grow hair 1. syl hair pron pos n. def any of the numerous threadlike pigmented structures that grow from follicles beneath the skin of mammals and consist of layers of dead keratinized cells. hair 2. syl hair pron pos n. def a growth of such structures, as on the human head or animal body, that helps prevent heat loss from the body. hair 3. syl hair pron pos n. qual Botany. def a threadlike outgrowth from the epidermis that may be absorptive, secretory, or protective; a trichome. hair 4.a. syl hair pron pos n. def a fabric or material made from the hair of some animals or their manes, tails, etc. hair 4.b. syl hair pron pos n. usage as modifier exam 1 a hair carpet. hair 5. syl hair pron pos n. def another word for {hair's-breadth}. exam 1 to lose by a hair. get in someone's hair 6. head hair syl get in someone's hair. qual Informal. def to annoy someone persistently; harass. hair of the dog (that bit one) 7. head hair syl hair of the dog (that bit one) . def an alcoholic drink taken as a supposed antidote to a hangover. keep your hair on 8. head hair syl keep your hair on&! qual Brit. informal. def keep calm; don't lose control. let one's hair down 9. head hair syl let one's hair down. def to behave informally and without reserve. not turn a hair 10. head hair syl not turn a hair. def to show no surprise, anger, fear, etc.. exam 1 he didn't turn a hair when I told him the bad news. split hairs 11. head hair syl split hairs. def to make petty and unnecessary distinctions, esp. in argument. hairless sub head hair syl hair+less pos adj. hairlike sub head hair syl hair+2like pos adj. hairball 0. syl hair+ball pron <1he*2bol> pos n. def a compact mass of hair that occurs in the stomach of certain mammals, such as cats and calves, as a result of licking and swallowing the fur, and causes indigestion and convulsions. hairbrush 0. syl hair+brush pron <1he*2br^S> pos n. def a brush for grooming the hair. haircloth 0. syl hair+cloth pron <1he*2kloT> pos n. def a cloth woven from horsehair, used in upholstery, etc. haircut 1. syl hair+cut pron <1he*2k^t> pos n. def the act or an instance of cutting the hair. haircut 2. syl hair+cut pron <1he*2k^t> pos n. def the style in which hair has been cut. hairdos infl head hairdo syl hair+dos. pos n. mod pl. hairdo 0. syl hair+do pron <1he*2du:> pos n. def the arrangement of a woman's hair, esp. after styling and setting. hairdresser 1. syl hair+dress:er pron <1he*2dres*> pos n. def a person whose business is cutting, curling, colouring and arranging hair, esp. that of women, often also providing manicures, etc. hairdresser 2. syl hair+dress:er pron <1he*2dres*> pos n. def the establishment where such a business is carried on. hairdresser xref syl hair+dress:er pron <1he*2dres*> pos n. def Related adj.: {tonsorial}. hairdressing sub head hairdresser syl hair+2dress:ing pos n. -haired 0. syl -haired pos adj. def having hair as specified. exam 1 long-haired hair follicle 0. syl hair fol+li+cle pos n. def a tiny narrow tubular cavity that contains the root of an individual hair, formed by an infolding of the epidermis and corium of the skin. hairgrip 0. syl hair+grip pron <1he*2grip> pos n. qual Chiefly Brit. def a small metal clip bent tight in order to hold the hair in place. Also called (esp. U.S.): {bobby pin}. hairif 0. syl hair+if pron <1he*rif> pos n. def another name for {cleavers}. hairline 1. syl hair+line pron <1he*2lIn> pos n. def the natural margin or outline formed by hair on the head, esp. at the front. hairline 2.a. syl hair+line pron <1he*2lIn> pos n. def a very narrow line. hairline 2.b. syl hair+line pron <1he*2lIn> pos n. usage as modifier exam 1 a hairline crack. hairline 3.a. syl hair+line pron <1he*2lIn> pos n. def a thin stroke in a typeface. hairline 3.b. syl hair+line pron <1he*2lIn> pos n. def any typeface consisting of such strokes. hairline 3.c. syl hair+line pron <1he*2lIn> pos n. def a defect in which poorly cast or worn type produces thin lines beside a character. hairline 4. syl hair+line pron <1he*2lIn> pos n. def a worsted fabric with fine woven stripes. hairnet 0. syl hair+net pron <1he*2net> pos n. def any of several kinds of light netting worn over the hair to keep it in place. hairpiece 1. syl hair+piece pron <1he*2pEs> pos n. def a wig or toupee. hairpiece 2. syl hair+piece pron <1he*2pEs> pos n. def a section of extra hair, either human or artificial, attached to a woman's real hair to give it greater bulk or length. Also called: {postiche. ********************************************************************** ********************************************************************** ********************************************************************** ********************************************************************** ********************************************************************** **********************************************************************} H alt head h or h syl H pron pos n. h's infl head h syl h's pos n. mod pl. H's infl head h or Hs syl H's pos n. mod pl. Hs infl head h or H's syl Hs. pos n. mod pl. h 1. or H syl h pron pos n. def the eighth letter and sixth consonant of the modern English alphabet. h 2. or H syl h pron pos n. def a speech sound represented by this letter, in English usually a voiceless glottal fricative, as in h 3.a. or H syl h pron pos n. def something shaped like an H. h 3.b. or H syl h pron pos n. usage in combination exam 1 an H-beam. h 1. syl h qual symbol for:; Physics. def Planck constant. h 2. syl h qual symbol for: def hecto-. H 1. syl H qual symbol for:; Chem. def hydrogen. H 2.a. syl H qual symbol for: def magnetic field strength. H 2.b. syl H qual symbol for: def Hamiltonian. H 3. syl H qual symbol for:; Electronics. def henry or henries. H 4. syl H qual symbol for:; Thermodynamics. def enthalpy. H 5. syl H qual symbol for: usage on Brit. pencils, signifying degree of hardness of lead def hard. exam 1 H; exam 2 2H; exam 3 3H. H 6. syl H qual symbol for:; Slang. def heroin. {?-$D}. Hungary. H alt head h or h syl H. h 1. or H syl h. qual abbrev. for: def harbour. h 2. or H syl h. qual abbrev. for: def hard(ness). h 3. or H syl h. qual abbrev. for: def height. h 4. or H syl h. qual abbrev. for: def high. h 5. or H syl h. qual abbrev. for:; Music. def horn. h 6. or H syl h. qual abbrev. for: def hour. h 7. or H syl h. qual abbrev. for: def hundred. h 8. or H syl h. qual abbrev. for: def husband. hah alt head ha or ha syl hah pron pos interj. ha 1. or hah syl ha pron pos interj. def an exclamation expressing derision, triumph, surprise, etc., according to the intonation of the speaker. ha 2. or hah syl ha pron pos interj. usage reiterated def a representation of the sound of laughter. ha 0. syl ha. qual abbrev. for def hectare. ha ety Latin: in this year ha 0. syl h.a. qual abbrev. for def hoc anno. HAA 0. syl HAA def hepatitis-associated antigen; an antigen that occurs in the blood serum of some people, esp. those with serum hepatitis. haaf ety Old English h@af sea; related to Old Norse haf; see #7heave haaf 0. syl haaf pron pos n. def a deep-sea fishing ground off the Shetland and Orkney Islands. Haakon VII 0. syl Haa:kon VII pron <1ha:kon> pos n. def 1872-1957, king of Norway (1905-57). During the Nazi occupation of Norway (1940-45), he led Norwegian resistance from England. haar ety C17: related to Dutch dialect harig damp haar 0. syl haar pron pos n. qual Eastern Brit. def a cold sea mist or fog off the North Sea. Haarlem 0. syl Haar+lem pron Dutch <1ha:rlem> pos n. def a city in the W Netherlands, capital of North Holland province. Pop.: 167052 (1974 est.). Hab 0. syl Hab. qual Bible. abbrev. for def Habakkuk. Habakkuk 1. syl Hab:ak:kuk pron <1h@b*k*k> pos n. qual Old Testament. def a Hebrew prophet. Habakkuk 2. syl Hab:ak:kuk pron <1h@b*k*k> pos n. qual Old Testament. def the book containing his oracles and canticle. Douay spelling: {Hab@.a@.cuc}. Habana 0. syl Ha+ba+na pron pos n. def the Spanish name for {Havana}. habanera ety from Spanish danza habanera Havanan dance habanera 1. syl ha+ba+ne:ra pron <2h@b*1ne*r*> pos n. def a slow Cuban dance in duple time. habanera 2. syl ha+ba+ne:ra pron <2h@b*1ne*r*> pos n. def a piece of music composed for or in the rhythm of this dance. Habaneros infl head Habanero syl Ha+ba+ne:ros pos n. mod pl. habeas corpus ety C15: from the opening of the Latin writ, literally: you may have the body habeas corpus 0. syl ha+be:as cor+pus pron <1hAbi*s> <1kc:p*s> pos n. qual Law. def a writ ordering a person to be brought before a court or judge, esp. so that the court may ascertain whether his detention is lawful. haberdasher ety C14: from Anglo-French hapertas small items of merchandise, of obscure origin haberdasher 1. syl hab+er+dash+er pron <1h@b*2d@S*> pos n. qual Brit. def a dealer in small articles for sewing, such as buttons, zips, and ribbons. haberdasher 2. syl hab+er+dash+er pron <1h@b*2d@S*> pos n. qual U.S. def a men's outfitter. haberdasheries infl head haberdashery syl hab+er+dash+er:ies. pos n. mod pl. haberdashery 0. syl hab+er+dash+er:y pron <1h@b*2d@S*ri> pos n. def the goods or business kept by a haberdasher. habergeon ety C14: from Old French haubergeon a little #7hauberk haubergeon alt head habergeon or habergeon syl hau+ber+geon pos n. habergeon 0. or haubergeon syl hab+er+geon pron <1h@b*J*n> pos n. def a light sleeve?!less coat of mail worn in the 14th century under the plated hauberk. Haber process ety named after Fritz Haber (1868-1934), German chemist Haber process 0. syl Ha:ber pro+cess pron <1ha:b*> pos n. def an industrial process for producing ammonia by reacting atmospheric nitrogen with hydrogen at about 200 atmospheres (2#M10%7 pascals) and 500?%C in the presence of a catalyst, usually iron. habile ety C14: from Latin habilis, from hab*_ere to have; see #7able habile 1. syl hab+ile pron <1h@bEl> pos adj. qual Rare. def skilful. habile 2. syl hab+ile pron <1h@bEl> pos adj. qual Obsolete. def fit. habiliment ety C15: from Old French habillement, from habiller to dress, from bille log; see #7{billet %2} habiliment 0. syl ha+bil:i+ment pron pos n. mod often; pl. def dress or attire. habilitate ety C17: from Medieval Latin habilit*_are to make fit, from Latin habilit*_as aptness, readiness; see #7ability habilitate 1. syl ha+bil:i+tate pron pos vb. mod tr. qual U.S., chiefly Western. def to equip and finance (a mine). habilitate 2. syl ha+bil:i+tate pron pos vb. mod intr. def to qualify for office. habilitate 3. syl ha+bil:i+tate pron pos vb. mod tr. qual Archaic. def to clothe. habilitation sub head habilitate syl ha+2bil:i+1ta+tion pos n. habilitator sub head habilitate syl ha+1bil:i+2ta+tor pos n. habit ety C13: from Latin habitus custom, from hab*_ere to have habit 1. syl hab+it pron <1h@bit> pos n. def a tendency or disposition to act in a particular way. habit 2. syl hab+it pron <1h@bit> pos n. def established custom, usual practice, etc. habit 3. syl hab+it pron <1h@bit> pos n. qual Psychol. def a learned behavioural response that has become associated with a particular situation, esp. one frequently repeated. habit 4. syl hab+it pron <1h@bit> pos n. def mental disposition or attitude. exam 1 a good working habit of mind. habit 5.a. syl hab+it pron <1h@bit> pos n. def a practice or substance to which a person is addicted. exam 1 drink has become a habit with him. habit 5.b. syl hab+it pron <1h@bit> pos n. def the state of being dependent on something, esp. a drug. habit 6. syl hab+it pron <1h@bit> pos n. qual Botany, zoology. def the method of growth, type of existence, or general appearance of a plant or animal. exam 1 a climbing habit; exam 2 a burrowing habit. habit 7. syl hab+it pron <1h@bit> pos n. def the customary apparel of a particular occupation, rank, etc., now esp. the costume of a nun or monk. habit 8. syl hab+it pron <1h@bit> pos n. def Also called: {riding habit}. a woman's riding dress. habit 9. syl hab+it pron <1h@bit> pos n. qual Crystallog. def short for {crystal habit}. habit 10. syl hab+it pron <1h@bit> pos vb. mod tr. def to clothe. habit 11. syl hab+it pron <1h@bit> pos vb. mod tr. def an archaic word for {inhabit} or {habituate}. habitable 0. syl hab+it+a:ble pron <1h@bit*bL> pos adj. def able to be lived in. habitability sub head habitable or habitableness syl hab+it+a:1bil+i:ty pos n. habitableness sub head habitable or habitability syl hab+it+a:ble+ness pos n. habitably sub head habitable syl hab+it+a:bly pos adv. habitant 1. syl hab+it+ant pron <1h@bitNt> pos n. def a less common word for {inhabitant}. habitant 2.a. syl hab+it+ant pron <1h@bitNt> pos n. def one of the original French settlers in Canada or Louisiana. habitant 2.b. syl hab+it+ant pron <1h@bitNt> pos n. def a descendant of these settlers. habitat ety C18: from Latin: it inhabits, from habit*_are to dwell, from hab*_ere to have habitat 1. syl hab:i+tat pron <1h@bi2t@t> pos n. def the natural home of an animal or plant. habitat 2. syl hab:i+tat pron <1h@bi2t@t> pos n. def the place in which a person, group, class, etc., is normally found. habitation 1. syl hab:i+ta+tion pron <2h@bi1tAS*n> pos n. def a dwelling place. habitation 2. syl hab:i+ta+tion pron <2h@bi1tAS*n> pos n. def occupa?!tion of a dwelling place. habitational sub head habitation syl hab:i+1ta+tion+al pos adj. habited 1. syl hab+it+ed pron <1h@bitid> pos adj. def dressed in a habit. habited 2. syl hab+it+ed pron <1h@bitid> pos adj. def clothed. habit-forming 0. syl hab:it-form:ing pos adj. usage of an activity, indulgence, etc. def tending to become a habit or addiction. habitual 1. syl ha+bit:u+al pron pos adj. usage usually prenominal def done or experienced regularly and repeatedly. exam 1 the habitual Sunday walk. habitual 2. syl ha+bit:u+al pron pos adj. usage usually prenominal def by habit. exam 1 a habitual drinker. habitual 3. syl ha+bit:u+al pron pos adj. def customary; usual. exam 1 his habitual comment. habitually sub head habitual syl ha+1bit:u+al+ly pos adv. habitualness sub head habitual syl ha+1bit:u+al+ness pos n. habituate 1. syl ha+bit:u+ate pron pos vb. def to accustom; make used to. habituate 2. syl ha+bit:u+ate pron pos vb. qual U.S. informal. def to frequent. habituation sub head habituate syl ha+2bit:u:1a+tion pos n. habitude 0. syl hab:i+tude pron <1h@bi2tju:d> pos n. qual Rare. def habit or tendency. habitudinal sub head habitude syl hab:i+1tu+di+nal pos adj. habitu'e ety C19: from French, from habituer to frequent habitu'e 0. syl ha+bit:u:*'e pron pos n. def a frequent visitor to a place. habitus ety C19: from Latin: state, #7habit habitus infl syl hab:i+tus. pos n. mod pl. habitus 1. syl hab:i+tus pron <1h@bit*s> pos n. qual Med. def general physical state, esp. with regard to susceptibility to disease. habitus 2. syl hab:i+tus pron <1h@bit*s> pos n. def tendency or inclination, esp. of plant or animal growth; habit. Habsburg 0. syl Habs:burg pron <1ha:ps2burk> pos n. def the German name for {Hapsburg}. habu ety the native name in the Ryukyu Islands habu 0. syl ha:bu pron <1ha:bu:> pos n. def a large venomous snake, of Okinawa and other Ryukyu Islands: family (pit vipers). HAC 0. syl H.A.C. qual abbrev. for def Honourable Artillery Company. h'avcek ety from Czech h'avcek 0. syl h*'a+*vcek pron <1ha:Cek> pos n. def a diacritic mark (*v ) placed over certain letters in order to modify their sounds, esp. used in Slavonic languages to indicate various forms of palatal articulation, as in the affricate and the fricative trill used in Czech. hachure ety C19: from French, from hacher to chop up, #7{hatch %3} hachure 1. syl ha+chure pron pos n. def another word for {hatching}. hachure 2. syl ha+chure pron pos n. def shading of short lines drawn on a relief map to indicate gradients. hachure 3. syl ha+chure pron pos vb. mod tr. def to mark or show by hachures. hacienda ety C18: from Spanish, from Latin facienda things to be done, from facere to do hacienda 1.a. syl hac:i+en+da pron <2h@si1end*> pos n. def a ranch or large estate. hacienda 1.b. syl hac:i+en+da pron <2h@si1end*> pos n. def any substantial stock-raising, mining, or manufacturing establishment in the country. hacienda 2. syl hac:i+en+da pron <2h@si1end*> pos n. def the main house on such a ranch or plantation. hack ety Old English haccian; related to Old Frisian hackia, Middle High German hacken hack H1.1. syl hack pron pos vb. mod when; intr. usage usually foll. by at or away def to cut or chop (at) irregularly, roughly, or violently. hack H1.2. syl hack pron pos vb. def to cut and clear (a way, path, etc.), as through undergrowth. hack H1.3. syl hack pron pos vb. usage in sport, esp. rugby def to foul (an opposing player) by kicking or striking his shins. hack H1.4. syl hack pron pos vb. qual Basketball. def to commit the foul of striking (an opposing player) on the arm. hack H1.5. syl hack pron pos vb. mod intr. qual Informal. def to cough in short dry spasmodic bursts. hack H1.6. syl hack pron pos vb. mod tr. def to reduce or cut (a story, article, etc.) in a damaging way. hack H1.7. syl hack pron pos vb. mod tr. qual U.S. def to tolerate. exam 1 I can't hack it. hack to bits 8. head hack syl hack to bits. def to damage severely. exam 1 his reputation was hacked to bits. hack H1.9. syl hack pron pos n. def a cut, chop, notch, or gash, esp. as made by a knife or axe. hack H1.10. syl hack pron pos n. def any tool used for shallow digging, such as a mattock or pick. hack H1.11. syl hack pron pos n. def a chopping blow. hack H1.12. syl hack pron pos n. qual Informal. def a dry spasmodic cough. hack H1.13. syl hack pron pos n. def a kick on the shins, as in rugby. hack H1.14. syl hack pron pos n. def a wound from a sharp kick. hacker sub head hack syl hack+er pos n. hack ety C17: short for #7hackney hack H2.1. syl hack pron pos n. def a horse kept for riding or (more rarely) for driving. hack H2.2. syl hack pron pos n. def an old, ill-bred, or overworked horse. hack H2.3. syl hack pron pos n. def a horse kept for hire. hack H2.4. syl hack pron pos n. qual Brit. def a country ride on horseback. hack H2.5. syl hack pron pos n. def a drudge. hack H2.6. syl hack pron pos n. def a person who produces mediocre literary or journalistic work. hack H2.7. syl hack pron pos n. def Also called: {hackney}. a coach or carriage that is for hire. hack H2.8. syl hack pron pos n. def Also called: {hackie}. hack H2.8.a. syl hack pron pos n. def a cabdriver. hack H2.8.b. syl hack pron pos n. def a taxi. hack H2.9. syl hack pron pos vb. qual Brit. def to ride (a horse) cross-country for pleasure. hack H2.10. syl hack pron pos vb. mod tr. def to let (a horse) out for hire. hack H2.11. syl hack pron pos vb. mod tr. qual Informal. def to write (an article, etc.) as or in the manner of a hack. hack H2.12. syl hack pron pos vb. mod intr. qual U.S. informal. def to drive a taxi. hack H2.13. syl hack pron pos adj. usage prenominal def banal, mediocre, or unoriginal. exam 1 hack writing. hack ety C16: variant of #7{hatch %2} hack H3.1. syl hack pron pos n. def a rack used for fodder for livestock. hack H3.2. syl hack pron pos n. def a board on which meat is placed for a hawk. hack H3.3. syl hack pron pos n. def a pile or row of unfired bricks stacked to dry. hack H3.4. syl hack pron pos vb. mod tr. def to place (fodder) in such a rack. hack H3.5. syl hack pron pos vb. mod tr. def to place (bricks) in a hack. hackamore ety C19: by folk etymology from Spanish j*'aquima headstall, from Old Spanish xaquima, from Arabic shaq*_imah hackamore 0. syl hack:a+more pron <1h@k*2mc:> pos n. qual U.S. def a rope or rawhide halter used for unbroken foals. hackberry ety C18: variant of C16 hagberry, of Scandinavian origin; compare Old Norse heggr hackberry hackberries infl head hackberry syl hack+ber:ries. pos n. mod pl. hackberry 1. syl hack+ber:ry pron <1h@k2beri> pos n. def any American tree or shrub of the ulmaceous genus having edible cherry-like fruits. hackberry 2. syl hack+ber:ry pron <1h@k2beri> pos n. def the fruit or soft yellowish wood of such a tree. hagbut alt head hackbut or hackbut syl hag+but pos n. hackbut 0. or hagbut syl hack+but pron <1h@kb^t> pos n. def another word for {arquebus}. hackbuteer sub head hackbut or hagbuteer syl hack+but+1eer pos n. hackbutter sub head hackbut or hagbutter syl hack+but+ter pos n. hagbuteer sub head hackbut or hackbuteer syl hag+but+1eer pos n. hagbutter sub head hackbut or hackbutter syl hag+but+ter pos n. hack hammer 0. syl hack ham+mer pos n. def an adze-like tool, used for dressing stone. hacking 0. syl hack+ing pron <1h@kiG> pos adj. usage of a cough def harsh, dry, and spasmodic. coat alt head hacking jacket or hacking jacket syl coat pos n. hacking jacket 0. or coat syl hack+ing jack+et pos n. qual Chiefly Brit. def a riding jacket with side or back vents and slanting pockets. hackle ety C15: variant of #7heckle hackle H1.1. syl hack+le pron <1h@kL> pos n. def any of the long slender feathers on the necks of the turkey, pheasant, etc. hackle H1.2.a. syl hack+le pron <1h@kL> pos n. def parts of an artificial fly made from hackle feathers, representing the legs of a real fly. hackle H1.2.b. syl hack+le pron <1h@kL> pos n. def short for {hackle fly}. hackle H1.3. syl hack+le pron <1h@kL> pos n. def a steel flax comb. hackle H1.4. syl hack+le pron <1h@kL> pos vb. mod tr. def to comb (flax) using a hackle. hackler sub head hackle syl hack+ler pos n. hackle ety C16: from #7hack %1; related to Middle Dutch hakkelen hackle H2.0. syl hack+le pron <1h@kL> pos vb. qual Rare. def to hack or be hacked; mangle. hackle fly 0. syl hack+le fly pos n. qual Angling. def an artificial fly made from the hackle feathers of a turkey, etc. hackles 1. syl hack+les pron <1h@kLz> pos n. mod pl. def the hairs on the back of the neck and the back of a dog, cat, etc., which rise when the animal is angry or afraid. hackles 2. syl hack+les pron <1h@kLz> pos n. mod pl. def anger or resentment (esp. in the phrases {get one's hackles up, make one's hackles rise}) . hackney ety C14: probably after H#7ackney, where horses were formerly raised; sense 4 meaning derives from the allusion to a weakened hired horse hackney 1. syl hack+ney pron <1h@kni> pos n. def a compact breed of harness horse with a high-stepping trot. hackney 2.a. syl hack+ney pron <1h@kni> pos n. def a coach or carriage that is for hire. hackney 2.b. syl hack+ney pron <1h@kni> pos n. usage as modifier exam 1 a hackney carriage. hackney 3. syl hack+ney pron <1h@kni> pos n. def a popular term for {hack%2} (sense 1). hackney 4. syl hack+ney pron <1h@kni> pos vb. mod tr. usage usually passive def to make commonplace and banal by too frequent use. hackneyism sub head hackney syl hack+ney+ism pos n. Hackney 0. syl Hack+ney pron <1h@kni> pos n. def a borough of NE Greater London: formed in 1965 from the former boroughs of Shoreditch, Stoke Newington, and Hackney; nearby are {Hackney Marshes}, the largest recreation ground in London. Pop.: 192500 (1976 est.). hackneyed 0. syl hack+neyed pron <1h@knid> pos adj. usage of phrases, fashions, etc. def used so often as to be trite, dull, and stereotyped. hacksaw 1. syl hack+saw pron <1h@k2sc:> pos n. def a handsaw for cutting metal, with a hard-steel blade in a frame under tension. hacksaws infl head hacksaw syl hack+saws pos vb. hacksawing infl head hacksaw syl hack+saw+ing pos vb. hacksawed infl head hacksaw or hacksawn syl hack+sawed pos vb. hacksawn infl head hacksaw or hacksawed syl hack+sawn. pos vb. hacksaw 2. syl hack+saw pron <1h@k2sc:> pos vb. mod tr. def to cut with a hacksaw. had 0. syl had pron pos vb. def the past tense or past participle of {have}. hadal ety C20: from French, from Had*'es H#7ades hadal 0. syl ha+dal pron <1hAdL> pos adj. def of, relating to, or constituting the parts of the ocean below about 6000 metres (18000 ft.). hadaway ety perhaps from #7hold %1#7+away hadaway 0. syl had:a+way pron <2h@d*1wA> pos interj. qual Northeastern English dialect. def an exclamation urging the hearer to refrain from delay in the execution of a task. haddock ety C14: of uncertain origin haddocks infl head haddock or haddock syl had+docks pos n. mod pl. haddock infl or haddocks syl had+dock. pos n. mod pl. haddock 0. syl had+dock pron <1h@d*k> pos n. def a North Atlantic gadoid food fish, similar to but smaller than the cod. hade ety C18: of unknown origin hade 1. syl hade pron pos n. qual Geology. def the angle made to the vertical by the plane of a fault or vein. hade 2. syl hade pron pos vb. mod intr. qual Geology. usage of faults, or veins def to incline from the vertical. Hades 1.a. syl Ha+des pron <1hAdEz> pos n. def the underworld abode of the souls of the dead. Hades 1.b. syl Ha+des pron <1hAdEz> pos n. def Pluto, the god of the underworld, brother of Zeus and husband of Persephone. Hades 2. syl Ha+des pron <1hAdEz> pos n. qual New Testament. def the abode or state of the dead. Hades 3. syl Ha+des pron <1hAdEz> pos n. qual Informal. usage often not cap. def hell. Hadean sub head Hades syl Ha+de:an pron , <1hAdi*n> pos adj. Hadramaut alt head Hadhramaut or Hadhramaut syl Ha+dra+maut pron <2ha:dr*1mc:t> pos n. Hadhramaut 0. or Hadramaut syl Ha+dhra+maut pron <2ha:dr*1mc:t> pos n. def a plateau region of the S Arabian Peninsula, in E Southern Yemen on the Indian Ocean: corresponds roughly to the former East Aden Protectorate. Area: about 151500 sq. km (58500 sq. miles). Hadith ety Arabic Hadith 0. syl Had+ith pron <1h@diT>, pos n. def the body of tradition and legend about Mohammed and his followers. hadjes infl head hadj syl hadj:es. pos n. mod pl. hadj 0. syl hadj pron pos n. def a variant spelling of {hajj}. hadjis infl head hadji syl hadj:is. pos n. mod pl. hadji 0. syl hadj:i pron <1h@Ji> pos n. def a variant spelling of {hajji}. hadn't 0. syl had:n't pron <1h@dNt> usage contraction of def had not. Adrian alt head Hadrian or Hadrian syl A:dri:an pos n. Hadrian 0. or Adrian syl Ha:dri:an pron <1hAdri*n> pos n. def Latin name 76-138 #7a.d., Roman emperor (117-138); adopted son and successor of Trajan. He travelled throughout the Roman empire, strengthening its frontiers and encouraging learning and architecture, and in Rome he reorganized the army and codified Roman law. Hadrian's Wall 0. syl Ha:dri:an's Wall pos n. def a fortified Roman wall across N England, of which substantial parts remain, extending from the Solway Firth in the west to the mouth of the River Tyne in the east. It was built in 120-123 #7a.d. on the orders of the emperor Hadrian as a defence against the N British tribes. hadron ety C20: from Greek hadros heavy, from had*_en enough+-#7on &- had+#!ron+ic adj. hadron 0. syl had+ron pron <1h@dron> pos n. def any elementary particle, excluding leptons and photons, capable of taking part in a strong nuclear interaction. hadrosaur ety C19: from Greek hadros thick, fat#7+ -#7saur hadrosaurus alt head hadrosaur or hadrosaur syl ha+dro+saur+us pron <2h@dr*1sc:r*s> pos n. hadrosaur 0. or hadrosaurus syl had+ro+saur pron <1h@dr*2sc:> pos n. def any bipedal Upper Cretaceous dinosaur of the genus and related genera: partly aquatic, with a duck-billed skull and webbed feet. hadst 0. syl hadst pron pos vb. usage Archaic or dialect. used with the pronoun thou def a singular form of the past tense (indicative mood) of {have}. hae 0. syl hae pron , pos vb. def a Scottish variant of {have}. haecceity ety C17: from Medieval Latin haecceitas, literally: thisness, from haec, feminine of hic this haecceities infl head haecceity syl haec+ce+i:ties. pos n. mod pl. haecceity 0. syl haec+ce+i:ty pron , pos n. qual Philosophy. def some?!thing that makes an object unique. Compare {quiddity}. Ernst Heinrich infl head Haeckel syl Ernst Hein:rich pron <1ernst> <1hInri*,c> pos n. Haeckel 0. syl Haeck:el pron German <1hekL> pos n. def 1834-1919, German biologist and philosopher. He formulated the recapitulation theory of evolution and was an exponent of the philosophy of materialistic monism. Haeckelian sub head Haeckel syl Haeck+e:li:an pron pos adj. haem ety C20: shortened from #7haematin heme alt head haem or haem syl heme pron pos n. qual U.S. haem 0. or heme syl haem pron pos n. qual Biochem. def a complex red organic pigment containing ferrous iron, present in haemoglobin. haem- 0. syl haem- usage combining form. def a variant of {haemo-} before a vowel. Also (esp. U.S.): {hem-} haema- 0. syl hae:ma- usage combining form. def a variant of {haemo-}. Also (U.S.): {he@.ma-} hemachrome alt head haemachrome or haemachrome syl he:ma+chrome pron <1hEm*2kr*um>, <1hem-> pos n. qual U.S. haemachrome 0. or hemachrome syl hae:ma+chrome pron <1hEm*2kr*um>, <1hem-> pos n. def variants of {haemochrome}. hemacytometer alt head haemacytometer or haemacytometer syl he:ma+cy+tom+e:ter pron <2hEm*?!sI1tomit*> pos n. qual U.S. haemacytometer 0. or hemacytometer syl hae:ma+cy+tom+e:ter pron <2hEm*?!sI1tomit*> pos n. qual Med. def variants of {haemocytometer}. hemagglutinate alt head haemagglutinate or haemagglutinate syl he+mag+glu+tin+ate pron <2hEm*?!1glu:ti2nAt>, <2hem-> pos vb. mod tr. qual U.S. haemagglutinate 0. or hemagglutinate syl hae+mag+glu+tin+ate pron <2hEm*?!1glu:ti2nAt>, <2hem-> pos vb. mod tr. def to cause the clumping of red blood cells in (a blood sample, etc.). hemagglutinin alt head haemagglutinin or haemagglutinin syl he+mag+glu+ti+nin pron <2hEm*?!1glu:tin*n>, <2hem-> pos n. qual U.S. haemagglutinin 0. or hemagglutinin syl hae+mag+glu+ti+nin pron <2hEm*?!1glu:tin*n>, <2hem-> pos n. def an antibody that causes the clumping of red blood cells. hemagogue alt head haemagogue or haemagogue syl he:ma+gogue pron <1hEm*?!2gog> pos adj. qual U.S. hemagog infl head haemagogue syl he:ma+gog pron <1hEm*?!2gog> pos adj. qual U.S. haemagogue 1. or hemagogue syl hae:ma+gogue pron <1hEm*?!2gog> pos adj. def promoting the flow of blood. haemagogue 2. or hemagogue syl hae:ma+gogue pron <1hEm*?!2gog> pos n. def a drug or agent that promotes the flow of blood, esp. the menstrual flow. hemal alt head haemal or haemal syl he+mal pron <1hEm*l> pos adj. qual U.S. haemal 1. or hemal syl hae+mal pron <1hEm*l> pos adj. def of or relating to the blood or the blood vessels. haemal 2. or hemal syl hae+mal pron <1hEm*l> pos adj. def denoting or relating to the region of the body containing the heart. hematein alt head haematein or haematein syl he:ma+te:in pron <2hEm*1tEin>, <2hem-> pos n. qual U.S. haematein 0. or hematein syl hae+ma+te:in pron <2hEm*1tEin>, <2hem-> pos n. def a dark purple water-insoluble crystalline substance obtained from logwood and used as an indicator and biological stain. Formula: C\1\6H\1\2O\6. haematemesis ety C19: from #7haemato -#7+ Greek emesis vomiting hematemesis alt head haematemesis or haematemesis syl he:ma+tem+e:sis pron <2hEm*1temisis>, <2hem-> pos n. qual U.S. haematemesis 0. or hematemesis syl hae:ma+tem+e:sis pron <2hEm*1temisis>, <2hem-> pos n. def vomiting of blood, esp. as the result of a bleeding ulcer. Compare {haemoptysis}. hematic alt head haematic or haematic syl he+mat+ic pron pos adj. qual U.S. haematic 1. or hematic syl hae+mat+ic pron pos adj. def Also: {haemic}. relating to, acting on, having the colour of, or containing blood. haematic 2. or hematic syl hae+mat+ic pron pos n. qual Med. def another name for a {haematinic}. hematin alt head haematin or haematin syl hem:a+tin pron <1hem*tin>, <1hE-> pos n. qual U.S. haematin 0. or hematin syl haem:a+tin pron <1hem*tin>, <1hE-> pos n. qual Biochem. def a dark bluish or brownish pigment containing iron in the ferric state, obtained by the oxidation of haem. hematinic alt head haematinic or haematinic syl hem:a+tin+ic pron <2hem*1tinik>, <2hE-> pos n. qual U.S. haematinic 1. or hematinic syl haem:a+tin+ic pron <2hem*1tinik>, <2hE-> pos n. def Also called: {haematic}. an agent that stimulates the production of red blood cells or increases the amount of haemoglobin in the blood. {~} haematinic 2. or hematinic syl haem:a+tin+ic pron <2hem*1tinik>, <2hE-> pos n. def having the effect of enriching the blood. haematite ety C16: via Latin from Greek haimatit*_es resembling blood, from haima blood hematite alt head haematite or haematite syl hem:a+tite pron <1hEm*2tIt>, <1hem-> pos n. qual U.S. haematite 0. or hematite syl haem:a+tite pron <1hEm*2tIt>, <1hem-> pos n. def a red or reddish-black mineral consisting of ferric oxide in hexagonal crystalline form: the principal ore of iron. Formula: Fe\2O\3. haematitic sub head haematite or hematitic syl haem:a+tit+ic pron <2hEm*1titik>, <2hem-> pos adj. hematitic sub head haematite or haematitic syl hem:a+tit+ic pron <2hEm*1titik>, <2hem-> pos adj. qual U.S. haemato- ety from Greek haima, haimat- blood hematoblast alt head haematoblast or haematoblast syl he+mat:o+blast pron pos n. qual U.S. haematoblast 0. or hematoblast syl hae+mat:o+blast pron pos n. def any of the undifferentiated cells in the bone marrow that develop into blood cells. haematoblastic sub head haematoblast or hematoblastic syl hae+2mat:o+1blas+tic pos adj. hematoblastic sub head haematoblast or haematoblastic syl he+2mat:o+1blas+tic pos adj. qual U.S. hematocele alt head haematocele or haematocele syl hem:a+to+cele pron <1hem*t*u2sEl>, <1hE-> pos n. qual U.S. haematocele 0. or hematocele syl haem:a+to+cele pron <1hem*t*u2sEl>, <1hE-> pos n. qual Pathol. def a collection of blood in a body cavity, as in the space surrounding the testis; blood cyst. haematocrit ety C20: from #7haemato -#7+ -#7crit, from Greek krit*_es judge, from krinein to separate hematocrit alt head haematocrit or haematocrit syl hem:a+to+crit pron <1hem*t*ukrit>, <1hE-> pos n. qual U.S. haematocrit 1. or hematocrit syl haem:a+to+crit pron <1hem*t*ukrit>, <1hE-> pos n. def a centrifuge for separating blood cells from plasma. haematocrit 2. or hematocrit syl haem:a+to+crit pron <1hem*t*ukrit>, <1hE-> pos n. def Also called: {packed cell volume}. the ratio of the volume occupied by these cells, esp. the red cells, to the total volume of blood, expressed as a percentage. hematocryal alt head haematocryal or haematocryal syl hem:a+to+cry+al pron <2hem*t*u1krI*l>, <2hE-> pos adj. qual U.S. haematocryal 0. or hematocryal syl haem:a+to+cry+al pron <2hem*t*u1krI*l>, <2hE-> pos adj. qual Zoology. def another word for {poikilothermal}. hematogenesis alt head haematogenesis or haematogenesis syl hem:a+to+gen+e:sis pron <2hem*t*u?!1Jenisis>, <2hE-> pos n. qual U.S. haematogenesis 0. or hematogenesis syl haem:a+to+gen+e:sis pron <2hem*t*u?!1Jenisis>, <2hE-> pos n. def another name for {haematopoiesis}. haematogenic sub head haematogenesis or hematogenic syl haem:a+to+1gen+ic pron <2hem*t*uJi1netik>, <2hE-> pos adj. haematogenetic sub head haematogenesis or hematogenetic syl haem:a+to+ge:net+ic pron <2hem*t*uJi1netik>, <2hE-> pos adj. hematogenic sub head haematogenesis or haematogenic syl hem:a+to+1gen+ic pos adj. qual U.S. hematogenetic sub head haematogenesis or haematogenetic syl hem:a+to+ge:1net+ic pos adj. qual U.S. hematogenous alt head haematogenous or haematogenous syl hem:a+tog+e:nous pron <2hem*1toJ?!in*s>, <2hE-> pos adj. qual U.S. haematogenous 1. or hematogenous syl haem:a+tog+e:nous pron <2hem*1toJ?!in*s>, <2hE-> pos adj. def producing blood. haematogenous 2. or hematogenous syl haem:a+tog+e:nous pron <2hem*1toJ?!in*s>, <2hE-> pos adj. def produced by, derived from, or originating in the blood. haematogenous 3. or hematogenous syl haem:a+tog+e:nous pron <2hem*1toJ?!in*s>, <2hE-> pos adj. usage of bacteria, cancer cells, etc. def borne by or distributed by the blood. haemoid infl head haematoid or hematoid syl hae+moid pos adj. hematoid infl head haematoid or haemoid syl he:ma+toid pos adj. qual U.S. hemoid infl head haematoid syl he+moid pos adj. qual U.S. haematoid 0. syl hae:ma+toid pron <1hEm*2tcid>, <1hem-> pos adj. def resembling blood. hematology alt head haematology or haematology syl he:ma+tol+o:gy pron <2hEm*1tol*Ji> pos n. qual U.S. haematology 0. or hematology syl hae:ma+tol+o:gy pron <2hEm*1tol*Ji> pos n. def the branch of medical science concerned with diseases of the blood and blood-forming tissues. haematologic sub head haematology syl hae:ma+to+log+ic pron <2hEm*?!t*1loJik> pos adj. haematological sub head haematology or hematologic syl hae:ma+to+1log:i+cal pos adj. hematologic sub head haematology or haematological syl he:ma+to+1log+ic pos adj. qual U.S. hematological sub head haematology syl he:ma+to+1log:i+cal pos adj. qual U.S. haematologist sub head haematology or hematologist syl haema+1tol:o+gist pos n. hematologist sub head haematology or haematologist syl he:ma+1tol:o+gist pos n. qual U.S. hematolysis alt head haematolysis or haematolysis syl he:ma+tol:y+sis pron <2hEm*1tolisis> pos n. qual U.S. haematolyses infl head haematolysis syl hae:ma+tol:y+ses pron <-2sEz> pos n. mod pl. haematolysis 0. or hematolysis syl hae:ma+tol:y+sis pron <2hEm*1tolisis> pos n. def another name for {haemolysis}. hematoma alt head haematoma or haematoma syl he:ma+to+ma pron <2hEm*1t*um*>, <2hem-> pos n. qual U.S. haematomas infl head haematoma or haematomata syl hae:ma+to+mas pron <-m*t*> pos n. mod pl. haematomata infl head haematoma or haematomas syl hae:ma+to+ma:ta pron <-m*t*> pos n. mod pl. haematoma 0. or hematoma syl hae:ma+to+ma pron <2hEm*1t*um*>, <2hem-> pos n. qual Pathol. def a tumour of clotted or partially clotted blood. haemopoiesis infl head haematopoiesis or hematopoiesis syl hae:mo+poi+e:sis pos n. hematopoiesis infl head haematopoiesis or haemopoiesis syl hem:a+to+poi+e:sis pos n. qual U.S. hemopoiesis infl head haematopoiesis syl he:mo+poi+e:sis pos n. qual U.S. haematopoiesis 0. syl haem:a+to+poi+e:sis pron <2hem*t*upci1Esis>, <2hE-> pos n. qual Physiol. def the formation of blood. Also called: {haematosis, haematogenesis}. haematopoietic sub head haematopoiesis syl haem:a+to+poi+et+ic pron <2hem*t*upci1etik>, <2hE-> pos adj. haemopoietic sub head haematopoiesis or hematopoietic syl hae:mo+poi+et+ic pron <2hEm*pci1etik>, <2hem-> pos adj. hematopoietic sub head haematopoiesis or haemopoietic syl hem:a+to+poi+1et+ic pos adj. qual U.S. hemopoietic sub head haematopoiesis syl he:mo+poi+1et+ic pos adj. qual U.S. hematosis alt head haematosis or haematosis syl he:ma+to+sis pron <2hEm*1t*usis>, <2hem-> pos n. qual U.S. haematosis 1. or hematosis syl hae:ma+to+sis pron <2hEm*1t*usis>, <2hem-> pos n. qual Physiol. def another word for {haematopoiesis}. haematosis 2. or hematosis syl hae:ma+to+sis pron <2hEm*1t*usis>, <2hem-> pos n. qual Physiol. def the oxygenation of venous blood in the lungs. haematothematothermal alt head haematothermal or haematothermal syl haem:a+to+them:a+to+ther+mal pron <2hem*t*u?!1TR:m*l>, <2hE-> pos adj. qual U.S. haematothermal 0. or haematothematothermal syl haem:a+to+ther+mal pron <2hem*t*u?!1TR:m*l>, <2hE-> pos adj. qual Zoology. def another word for {homoiothermal}. haematoxylin ety C19: from New Latin Haematoxylon genus name of logwood, from #7haemato -#7+ Greek xulon wood+-#7in hematoxylin alt head haematoxylin or haematoxylin syl he:ma+tox:y+lin pron <2hEm*1toksilin>, <2hem-> pos n. qual U.S. haematoxylin 1. or hematoxylin syl hae:ma+tox:y+lin pron <2hEm*1toksilin>, <2hem-> pos n. def a colourless or yellowish crystalline compound that turns red on exposure to light: obtained from logwood and used in dyes and as a biological stain. Formula: C\1\6H\1\4O\6.3H\2O. haematoxylin 2. or hematoxylin syl hae:ma+tox:y+lin pron <2hEm*1toksilin>, <2hem-> pos n. def a variant spelling of {haematoxylon}. haematoxylon ety C19: see #7haematoxylin haematoxylin alt head haematoxylon or haematoxylon syl hae:ma+tox:y+lin pos n. haematoxylon 0. or haematoxylin syl hae:ma+tox:y+lon pron <2hEm*1toksilon> pos n. def any thorny leguminous tree of the genus esp. the logwood, of tropical America and SW Africa. The heartwood yields the dye haematoxylin. haematoxylic sub head haematoxylon syl hae:ma+tox+yl+ic pron <2hEm*tok1silik> pos adj. hematozoon alt head haematozoon or haematozoon syl he:ma+to+zo+on pron <2hEm*t*u1z*uon>, <2hem-> pos n. qual U.S. haematozoa infl head haematozoon syl hae:ma+to+zo:a pron <-1z*u*> pos n. mod pl. haematozoon 0. or hematozoon syl hae:ma+to+zo+on pron <2hEm*t*u1z*uon>, <2hem-> pos n. def any microorganism, esp. a protozoan, that is parasitic in the blood. hematuria alt head haematuria or haematuria syl he:ma+tu+ri:a pron <2hEm*1tju*ri*>, <2hem-> pos n. qual U.S. haematuria 0. or hematuria syl hae:ma+tu+ri:a pron <2hEm*1tju*ri*>, <2hem-> pos n. qual Pathol. def the presence of blood or red blood cells in the urine. haematuric sub head haematuria or hematuric syl hae:ma+1tu+ric pos adj. hematuric sub head haematuria or haematuric syl he:ma+1tu+ric pos adj. qual U.S. hemic alt head haemic or haemic syl he+mic pron <1hEmik>, <1hem-> pos adj. qual U.S. haemic 0. or hemic syl hae+mic pron <1hEmik>, <1hem-> pos adj. def another word for {haematic}. haemin ety C20: from #7haemo -#7+ -#7in hemin alt head haemin or haemin syl he+min pron <1hEmin> pos n. qual U.S. haemin 0. or hemin syl hae+min pron <1hEmin> pos n. qual Biochem. def haematin chloride; insoluble reddish-brown crystals formed by the action of hydrochloric acid on haematin in a test for the presence of blood. haemo- ety from Greek haima blood haema- infl head haemo- syl hae:ma- hemochrome alt head haemochrome or haemochrome syl he:mo+chrome pron <1hEm*2kr*um>, <1hem-> pos n. qual U.S. haemochrome 0. or hemochrome syl hae:mo+chrome pron <1hEm*2kr*um>, <1hem-> pos n. def a blood pigment, such as haemoglobin, that carries oxygen. haemocoel ety C19: from #7haemo -#7+ -coel, variant of -#7coele hemocoel alt head haemocoel or haemocoel syl he:mo+coel pron <1hEm*2sEl> pos n. qual U.S. haemocoel 0. or hemocoel syl hae:mo+coel pron <1hEm*2sEl> pos n. def the body cavity of many invertebrates, including arthropods and molluscs, developed from part of the blood system. hemocyanin alt head haemocyanin or haemocyanin syl he:mo+cy:a+nin pron <2hEm*u1sI*nin> pos n. qual U.S. haemocyanin 0. or hemocyanin syl hae:mo+cy:a+nin pron <2hEm*u1sI*nin> pos n. def a blue copper-containing respiratory pigment in crustaceans and molluscs that functions as haemoglobin. hemocyte alt head haemocyte or haemocyte syl he:mo+cyte pron <1hEm*u2sIt>, <1hem-> pos n. qual U.S. haemocyte 0. or hemocyte syl hae:mo+cyte pron <1hEm*u2sIt>, <1hem-> pos n. def any blood cell, esp. a red blood cell. haemacytometer infl head haemocytometer or hemocytometer syl hae:ma+cy+tom+e:ter pos n. hemocytometer infl head haemocytometer or haemacytometer syl he:mo+cy+tom+e:ter pos n. qual U.S. hemacytometer infl head haemocytometer syl he:ma+cy+tom+e:ter pos n. qual U.S. haemocytometer 0. syl hae:mo+cy+tom+e:ter pron <2hEm*usI1tomit*> pos n. qual Med. def an apparatus for counting the number of cells in a quantity of blood, typically consisting of a graduated pipette for drawing and diluting the blood and a ruled glass slide on which the cells are counted under a microscope. haemodialysis ety C20: from #7haemo -#7+dialysis hemodialysis alt head haemodialysis or haemodialysis syl he:mo+di+al:y+sis pron <2hEm*udI?!1@lisis> pos n. qual U.S. haemodialyses infl head haemodialysis syl hae:mo+di+al:y+ses pron <-2sEz> pos n. mod pl. haemodialysis 0. or hemodialysis syl hae:mo+di+al:y+sis pron <2hEm*udI?!1@lisis> pos n. qual Med. def the filtering of circulating blood through a semipermeable membrane in an apparatus ({haemo?!dialyser} or {artificial kidney}) to remove waste products: performed in cases of kidney failure. Also called: {extracorpo?!real dialysis}. See also {dialysis}. hemoflagellate alt head haemoflagellate or haemoflagellate syl he:mo+flag+el+late pron <2hEm*1fl@J?!*2lAt>, <2hem-> pos n. qual U.S. haemoflagellate 0. or hemoflagellate syl hae:mo+flag+el+late pron <2hEm*1fl@J?!*2lAt>, <2hem-> pos n. def a flagellate protozoan, such as a trypanosome, that is parasitic in the blood. haemoglobin ety C19: shortened from #7haematoglobulin hemoglobin alt head haemoglobin or haemoglobin syl he:mo+glo+bin pron <2hEm*u1gl*ubin>, <2hem-> pos n. qual U.S. haemoglobin 0. or hemoglobin syl hae:mo+glo+bin pron <2hEm*u1gl*ubin>, <2hem-> pos n. def a conjugated protein, consisting of haem and the protein globin, that gives red blood cells their characteristic colour. It combines reversibly with oxygen and is thus very important in the transportation of oxygen to tissues. See also {oxyhaemo?!globin}. hemoglobinuria alt head haemoglobinuria or haemoglobinuria syl he:mo+glo+bi+nu+ri:a pron <2hEm*?!2gl*ubi1nju*ri*>, <2hem-> pos n. qual U.S. haemoglobinuria 0. or hemoglobinuria syl hae:mo+glo+bi+nu+ri:a pron <2hEm*?!2gl*ubi1nju*ri*>, <2hem-> pos n. qual Pathol. def the presence of haemoglobin in the urine. hemoid alt head haemoid or haemoid syl he+moid pron <1hEmcid> pos adj. qual U.S. haemoid 0. or hemoid syl hae+moid pron <1hEmcid> pos adj. def another word for {haematoid}. hemolysin alt head haemolysin or haemolysin syl he:mo+ly+sin pron <2hEm*u1lIsin>, <2hem*u-> pos n. qual U.S. haemolysin 0. or hemolysin syl hae:mo+ly+sin pron <2hEm*u1lIsin>, <2hem*u-> pos n. qual Biochem. def any substance, esp. an antibody, that causes the breakdown of red blood cells. haematolysis infl head haemolysis or hemolysis syl hae:ma+tol:y+sis pron <-2sEz> pos n. hemolysis infl head haemolysis or haematolysis syl he+mol:y+sis pron <-2sEz> pos n. qual U.S. hematolysis infl head haemolysis syl he:ma+tol:y+sis pron <-2sEz> pos n. qual U.S. haemolyses infl head haemolysis syl hae+mol:y+ses pron <-2sEz> pos n. mod pl. haemolysis 0. syl hae+mol:y+sis pron pos n. def the disinte?!gration of red blood cells, with the release of haemoglobin, occurring in the living organism or in a blood sample. &- {hae@.mo+lyt+ic} {he@.mo+lyt+ic} (@!hi$:m$$$u#!l$It$Ik, @!h$em-) hemophile alt head haemophile or haemophile syl he:mo+phile pron <1hEm*u2fIl>, <1hem-> pos n. qual U.S. haemophile 1. or hemophile syl hae:mo+phile pron <1hEm*u2fIl>, <1hem-> pos n. def another name for {haemophiliac}. haemophile 2. or hemophile syl hae:mo+phile pron <1hEm*u2fIl>, <1hem-> pos n. def a haemophilic bacterium. hemophilia alt head haemophilia or haemophilia syl he:mo+phil:i:a pron <2hEm*u1fili*>, <2hem-> pos n. qual U.S. haemophilia 0. or hemophilia syl hae:mo+phil:i:a pron <2hEm*u1fili*>, <2hem-> pos n. def an inheritable disease, usually affecting only males but transmitted by women to their male children, characterized by loss or impairment of the normal clotting ability of blood so that a minor wound may result in fatal bleeding. haemophilioid sub head haemophilia or hemophilioid syl hae:mo+1phil:i+2oid pos adj. hemophilioid sub head haemophilia or haemophilioid syl he:mo+1phil:i+2oid pos adj. qual U.S. hemophiliac alt head haemophiliac or haemophiliac syl he:mo+phil:i+ac pron <2hEm*u1fili2@k>, <2hem-> pos n. qual U.S. haemophiliac 0. or hemophiliac syl hae:mo+phil:i+ac pron <2hEm*u1fili2@k>, <2hem-> pos n. def a person having haemophilia. Nontechnical name: {bleeder}. Also called: {haemophile}. hemophilic alt head haemophilic or haemophilic syl he:mo+phil+ic pron <2hEm*u1filik>, <2hem-> pos adj. qual U.S. haemophilic 1. or hemophilic syl hae:mo+phil+ic pron <2hEm*u1filik>, <2hem-> pos adj. def of, relating to, or affected by haemophilia. haemophilic 2. or hemophilic syl hae:mo+phil+ic pron <2hEm*u1filik>, <2hem-> pos adj. usage of bacteria def growing well in a culture medium containing blood. hemopoiesis alt head haemopoiesis or haemopoiesis syl he:mo+poi+e:sis pron <2hEm*upci1Esis>, <2hem-> pos n. qual U.S. haemopoiesis 0. or hemopoiesis syl hae:mo+poi+e:sis pron <2hEm*upci1Esis>, <2hem-> pos n. qual Physiol. def another name for {haematopoiesis}. haemopoietic sub head haemopoiesis or hemopoietic syl hae:mo+poi+et+ic pron <2hEm*upci1etik>, <2hem-> pos adj. hemopoietic sub head haemopoiesis or haemopoietic syl he:mo+poi+et+ic pron <2hEm*upci1etik>, <2hem-> pos adj. qual U.S. haemoptysis ety C17: #7haemo -#7+ -ptysis, from Greek ptyein to spit hemoptysis alt head haemoptysis or haemoptysis syl hem+op+ty+sis pron pos n. qual U.S. haemoptyses infl head haemoptysis syl haem+op+ty+ses pron <-2sEz> pos n. mod pl. haemoptysis 0. or hemoptysis syl haem+op+ty+sis pron pos n. def spitting or coughing up of blood or blood-streaked mucus, as in tuberculosis. Compare {haematemesis}. haemorrhage ety C17: from Latin haemorrhagia; see #7haemo -#7, -#7rrhagia hemorrhage alt head haemorrhage or haemorrhage syl hem+or+rhage pron <1hem*riJ> pos n. qual U.S. haemorrhage 1. or hemorrhage syl haem+or+rhage pron <1hem*riJ> pos n. def profuse bleeding from ruptured blood vessels. {~} haemorrhage 2. or hemorrhage syl haem+or+rhage pron <1hem*riJ> pos n. mod intr. def to bleed profusely. haemorrhagic sub head haemorrhage or hemorrhagic syl haem+or+rhag+ic pron <2hem*?!1r@Jik> pos adj. hemorrhagic sub head haemorrhage or haemorrhagic syl hem+or+rhag+ic pron <2hem*?!1r@Jik> pos adj. qual U.S. hemorrhoidectomy alt head haemorrhoidectomy or haemorrhoidectomy syl hem+or+rhoid+ec+to+my pron <2hem*rci1dekt*mi> pos n. qual U.S. haemorrhoidectomies infl head haemorrhoidectomy syl haem+or+rhoid+ec+to+mies. pos n. mod pl. haemorrhoidectomy 0. or hemorrhoidectomy syl haem+or+rhoid+ec+to+my pron <2hem*rci1dekt*mi> pos n. def surgical removal of haemorrhoids. haemorrhoids ety C14: from Latin haemorrhoidae (plural), from Greek, from haimorrhoos discharging blood, from haimo- #7haemo -#7+ rhein to flow hemorrhoids alt head haemorrhoids or haemorrhoids syl hem+or+rhoids pron <1hem*2rcidz> pos n. mod pl. qual U.S. haemorrhoids 0. or hemorrhoids syl haem+or+rhoids pron <1hem*2rcidz> pos n. mod pl. qual Pathol. def swollen and twisted veins in the region of the anus and lower rectum, often painful and bleeding. Nontechnical name: {piles}. haemorrhoidal sub head haemorrhoids or hemorrhoidal syl haem+or+1rhoi+dal pos adj. hemorrhoidal sub head haemorrhoids or haemorrhoidal syl hem+or+1rhoi+dal pos adj. qual U.S. haemostasis ety C18: from New Latin, from #7haemo -#7+ Greek stasis a standing still haemostasia infl head haemostasis or hemostasis syl hae:mo+sta+si:a pron <2hEm*u1stAZi*>, <-Z*>, <2hem-> pos n. hemostasis infl head haemostasis or haemostasia syl he:mo+sta+sis pos n. qual U.S. hemostasia infl head haemostasis syl he:mo+sta+si:a pos n. qual U.S. haemostasis 1. syl hae:mo+sta+sis pron <2hEm*u1stAsis>, <2hem-> pos n. def the stopping of bleeding or arrest of blood circulation in an organ or part, as during a surgical operation. haemostasis 2. syl hae:mo+sta+sis pron <2hEm*u1stAsis>, <2hem-> pos n. def stagnation of the blood. hemostat alt head haemostat or haemostat syl he:mo+stat pron <1hEm*u2st@t>, <1hem-> pos n. qual U.S. haemostat 1. or hemostat syl hae:mo+stat pron <1hEm*u2st@t>, <1hem-> pos n. def a surgical instrument that stops bleeding by compression of a blood vessel. haemostat 2. or hemostat syl hae:mo+stat pron <1hEm*u2st@t>, <1hem-> pos n. def a chemical agent that retards or stops bleeding. hemostatic alt head haemostatic or haemostatic syl he:mo+stat+ic pron <2hEm*u1st@tik>, <2hem-> pos adj. qual U.S. haemostatic 1. or hemostatic syl hae:mo+stat+ic pron <2hEm*u1st@tik>, <2hem-> pos adj. def retarding or stopping the flow of blood within the blood vessels. haemostatic 2. or hemostatic syl hae:mo+stat+ic pron <2hEm*u1st@tik>, <2hem-> pos adj. def retarding or stopping bleeding. haemostatic 3. or hemostatic syl hae:mo+stat+ic pron <2hEm*u1st@tik>, <2hem-> pos n. def a drug or agent that retards or stops bleeding. haeremai ety C18: Maori, literally: come hither haeremai 0. syl hae+re+mai pron <1hIr*2mI> pos interj. qual N.Z. def a Maori expression of welcome. haeredes infl head haeres syl hae+re:des pron pos n. mod pl. haeres 0. syl hae+res pron <1hi*rEz> pos n. def a variant spelling of {heres}. Ha-erh-pin 0. syl Ha-erh-pin pron <1ha:1e*1pin> pos n. def transliteration of the Chinese name for {Harbin}. hafiz ety from Persian, from Arabic h*_afiz, from hafiza to guard hafiz 1. syl ha+fiz pron <1ha:fiz> pos n. qual Islam. def a title for a person who knows the Koran by heart. hafiz 2. syl ha+fiz pron <1ha:fiz> pos n. qual Islam. def the guardian of a mosque. hafnium ety C20: New Latin, named after Hafnia, Latin name of Copenhagen+-#7ium hafnium 0. syl haf+ni:um pron <1h@fni*m> pos n. def a bright metallic element found in zirconium ores: used in tungsten filaments and as a neutron absorber in nuclear reactors. Symbol: Hf; atomic no.: 72; atomic wt.: 178.49; valency: 4; relative density: 13.31; melting pt.: 2150?%C; boiling pt.: 5400?%C. haft ety Old English h@aft; related to Old Norse hapt, Old High German haft fetter, hefti handle haft 1. syl haft pron pos n. def the handle of an axe, knife, etc. haft 2. syl haft pron pos vb. mod tr. def to provide with a haft. hafter sub head haft syl haft+er pos n. Haphtarah alt head Haftarah or Haftarah syl Haph+ta+rah pron , Hebrew , Hebrew <-ta1rct> pos n. Haftaroth infl head Haftarah or Haftarahs syl Haf+ta+roth pron <-1t*ur*ut>, Hebrew <-ta1rct> pos n. mod pl. Haftarahs infl head Haftarah or Haftaroth syl Haf+ta+rahs. pos n. mod pl. Haftarah 0. or Haphtarah syl Haf+ta+rah pron , Hebrew , Hebrew <-ta1rct> pos n. qual Judaism. def a reading from the Prophets recited or chanted during the services for Sabbaths, festivals, etc. hag ety Old English h@agtesse witch; related to Old High German hagazussa, Middle Dutch haghetisse hag H1.1. syl hag pron pos n. def an unpleasant or ugly old woman. hag H1.2. syl hag pron pos n. def a witch. hag H1.3. syl hag pron pos n. def short for {hagfish}. hag H1.4. syl hag pron pos n. qual Obsolete. def a female demon. haggish sub head hag syl hag+gish pos adj. haggishly sub head hag syl hag+gish+ly pos adv. haggishness sub head hag syl hag+gish+ness pos n. haglike sub head hag syl hag+2like pos adj. hag ety C13: of Scandinavian origin; compare Old Norse h*"ogg gap; see #7hew hag H2.1. syl hag pron , pos n. qual Northern Brit. dialect. def a firm spot in a bog. hag H2.2. syl hag pron , pos n. qual Northern Brit. dialect. def a soft place in a moor. Hag 0. syl Hag. qual Bible. abbrev. for def Haggai. Hagar 0. syl Ha:gar pron <1hAga:>, <-g*> pos n. qual Old Testament. def an Egyptian maid of Sarah, who bore Ishmael to Abraham, Sarah's husband. hagbut 0. syl hag+but pron <1h@gb^t> pos n. def another word for {arquebus}. hagbuteer sub head hagbut or hagbutter syl hag+but+1eer pos n. hagbutter sub head hagbut or hagbuteer syl hag+but+ter pos n. Hagen H1.0. syl Ha:gen pron <1ha:g*n> pos n. qual Nibelungenlied usage in the def Siegfried's killer, who in turn is killed by Siegfried's wife, Kriemhild. Hagen H2.0. syl Ha+gen pron German <1ha:gN> pos n. def an industrial city in NE West Germany, in North Rhine-Westphalia. Pop.: 196764 (1974 est.). Walter infl head Hagen syl Wal:ter. pos n. Hagen H3.0. syl Ha:gen pron <1hAg*n> pos n. def 1892-1969, U.S. golfer. hagfish infl or hagfishes syl hag+fish pos n. mod pl. hagfishes infl head hagfish or hagfish syl hag+fish:es. pos n. mod pl. hagfish 0. syl hag+fish pron <1h@g2fiS> pos n. def any eel-like marine cyclostome vertebrate of the family having a round sucking mouth and feeding on the tissues of other animals and on dead organic material. Often shortened to {hag}. Haggadah ety C19: from Hebrew hagg*_ad*_ah a story, from hagged to tell Haggada alt head Haggadah or Haggadah syl Hag+ga+da pron , Hebrew , <-gc1dc> pos n. Haggadahs infl head Haggadah syl Hag+ga+dahs pron Hebrew <-1dct> pos n. mod pl. Haggadas infl head Haggadah or Haggadoth syl Hag+ga+das pron Hebrew <-1dct> pos n. mod pl. Haggadoth infl head Haggadah or Haggadas syl Hag+ga+doth pron Hebrew <-1dct> pos n. mod pl. Haggadah 1. or Haggada syl Hag+ga+dah pron , Hebrew , <-gc1dc> pos n. qual Judaism. def the nonlegal part of the Talmudic literature and associated Jewish tradition, as contrasted with Halakah. Haggadah 2.a. or Haggada syl Hag+ga+dah pron , Hebrew , <-gc1dc> pos n. qual Judaism. def the ritual recitation of the Exodus narrative at the Passover Seder service. Haggadah 2.b. or Haggada syl Hag+ga+dah pron , Hebrew , <-gc1dc> pos n. qual Judaism. def the book containing this narrative. Haggadah 3. or Haggada syl Hag+ga+dah pron , Hebrew , <-gc1dc> pos n. qual Judaism. def a traditional homiletic exposition of Scripture. Haggadahaggadic sub head Haggadah or Haggadahaggadical syl Hag+ga+dahag+gad+ic pron , <-1ga:-> pos adj. Haggadahaggadical sub head Haggadah or Haggadahaggadic syl Hag+ga+dahag+1gad:i+cal pos adj. haggadist 1. syl hag+ga+dist pron pos n. qual Judaism. def a writer of Haggadahs. haggadist 2. syl hag+ga+dist pron pos n. qual Judaism. def an expert in or a student of haggadic literature. haggadistic sub head haggadist syl hag+ga+dist+ic pron <2h@g*1distik> pos adj. Haggai 1.a. syl Hag:ga:i pron <1h@gA2I> pos n. qual Old Testament. def a Hebrew prophet, whose oracles are usually dated between August and December of 520 #7b.c. Haggai 2. syl Hag:ga:i pron <1h@gA2I> pos n. qual Old Testament. def the book in which these oracles are contained, chiefly concerned with the rebuilding of the Temple after the Exile. Douay spelling: {Ag@.ge@.us} ($$#!ji$:$$s). haggard 1. syl hag+gard pron <1h@g*d> pos adj. def careworn or gaunt, as from lack of sleep, anxiety, or starvation. haggard 2. syl hag+gard pron <1h@g*d> pos adj. def wild or unruly. haggard 3. syl hag+gard pron <1h@g*d> pos adj. usage of a hawk def having reached maturity in the wild before being caught. haggard 4. syl hag+gard pron <1h@g*d> pos n. qual Falconry. def a hawk that has reached maturity before being caught. Compare {eyas, passage hawk}. haggardly sub head haggard syl hag+gard+ly pos adv. haggardness sub head haggard syl hag+gard+ness pos n. Haggard 0. syl Hag:gard pron <1h@g*d> pos n. def Sir ({Henry) Ri@.der}. 1856-1925, English author of romantic adventure stories, including (1885). haggis ety C15: perhaps from haggen to #7hack %1 haggis 0. syl hag+gis pron <1h@gis> pos n. def a Scottish dish made from sheep's or calf's offal, oatmeal, suet, and seasonings boiled in a skin made from the animal's stomach. haggle ety C16: of Scandinavian origin; compare Old Norse haggva to #7hew haggle 1. syl hag+gle pron <1h@gL> pos vb. mod intr. usage often foll. by over def to bargain or wrangle (over a price, terms of an agreement, etc.); barter. haggle 2. syl hag+gle pron <1h@gL> pos vb. mod tr. qual Rare. def to hack. haggler sub head haggle syl hag+gler pos n. hagiarchies infl head hagiarchy syl hag:i+arch:ies. pos n. mod pl. hagiarchy 1. syl hag:i+arch:y pron <1h@gi2a:ki> pos n. def government by saints, holy men, or men in holy orders. hagiarchy 2. syl hag:i+arch:y pron <1h@gi2a:ki> pos n. def an order of saints. hagio- ety via Late Latin from Greek, from hagios holy hagiocracies infl head hagiocracy syl hag:i+oc+ra+cies. pos n. mod pl. hagiocracy 1. syl hag:i+oc+ra+cy pron <2h@gi1okr*si> pos n. def government by holy men. hagiocracy 2. syl hag:i+oc+ra+cy pron <2h@gi1okr*si> pos n. def a state, community, etc., governed by holy men. Hagiographa 0. syl Hag:i+og+ra+pha pron <2h@gi1ogr*f*> pos n. def the third of the three main parts into which the books of the Old Testament are divided in Jewish tradition (the other two parts being the Law and the Prophets), comprising Psalms, Proverbs, Job, the Song of Solomon, Ruth, Lamentations, Ecclesiastes, Esther, Daniel, Ezra, Nehemiah, and Chronicles. Also called: {Writings}. hagiographist alt head hagiographer or hagiographer syl hag:i+og+ra+phist pos n. hagiographer 1. or hagiographist syl hag:i+og+ra+pher pron <2h@gi1ogr*f*> pos n. def a person who writes about the lives of the saints. hagiographer 2. or hagiographist syl hag:i+og+ra+pher pron <2h@gi1ogr*f*> pos n. def one of the writers of the Hagiographa. hagiographies infl head hagiography syl hag:i+og+ra+phies. pos n. mod pl. hagiography 1. syl hag:i+og+ra+phy pron <2h@gi1ogr*fi> pos n. def the writing of the lives of the saints. hagiography 2. syl hag:i+og+ra+phy pron <2h@gi1ogr*fi> pos n. def biography of the saints. hagiography 3. syl hag:i+og+ra+phy pron <2h@gi1ogr*fi> pos n. def any biography that idealizes or idolizes its subject. hagiographic sub head hagiography or hagiographical syl hag:i:o+graph+ic pron <2h@gi*1gr@fik> pos adj. hagiographical sub head hagiography or hagiographic syl hag:i:o+1graph:i+cal pos adj. hagiolatry 0. syl hag:i+ol:a+try pron <2h@gi1ol*tri> pos n. def worship or veneration of saints. hagiolater sub head hagiolatry syl hag:i+1ol:a+ter pos n. hagiolatrous sub head hagiolatry syl hag:i+1ol:a+trous pos adj. hagiologies infl head hagiology syl hag:i+ol+o:gies. pos n. mod pl. hagiology 1. syl hag:i+ol+o:gy pron <2h@gi1ol*Ji> pos n. def literature concerned with the lives and legends of saints. hagiology 2.a. syl hag:i+ol+o:gy pron <2h@gi1ol*Ji> pos n. def a biography of a saint. hagiology 2.b. syl hag:i+ol+o:gy pron <2h@gi1ol*Ji> pos n. def a collection of such biographies. hagiology 3. syl hag:i+ol+o:gy pron <2h@gi1ol*Ji> pos n. def an authoritative canon of saints. hagiology 4. syl hag:i+ol+o:gy pron <2h@gi1ol*Ji> pos n. def a history of sacred writings. hagiologic sub head hagiology or hagiological syl hag:i:o+log+ic pron <2h@gi*1loJik> pos adj. hagiological sub head hagiology or hagiologic syl hag:i:o+1log:i+cal pos adj. hagiologist sub head hagiology syl hag:i+1ol:o+gist pos n. hagioscope 0. syl hag:i:o+scope pron <1h@gi*2sk*up> pos n. qual Architect. def another name for { {squint} (sense 6).} hagioscopic sub head hagioscope syl hag:i:o+scop+ic pron <2h@gi*1skopik> pos adj. hag-ridden 1. syl hag-rid:den pos adj. def tormented or worried, as if by a witch. hag-ridden 2. syl hag-rid:den pos adj. usage Facetious. of a man def harassed by women. The infl head Hague syl The. pos n. Hague 0. syl Hague pron pos n. def the seat of government of the Netherlands and capital of South Holland province, situated about 3 km (2 miles) from the North Sea. Pop.: 488788 (1974 est.). Dutch names: {'s Gravenhage, Den Haag}. Hague Tribunal 0. syl Hague Tri+bu+nal pos n. def a tribunal of judges at The Hague, found?!ed in 1899 to provide a panel of arbitrators for international disputes. It also chooses nominees for election by the United Nations to the International Court of Justice. Official name: {Permanent Court of Arbitration}. hah 0. syl hah pron pos interj. def a variant spelling of {ha}. haw-haw alt head ha-ha or ha-ha syl haw-haw pos interj. ha-ha H1.1. or haw-haw syl ha-ha pos interj. def a representation of the sound of laughter. ha-ha H1.2. or haw-haw syl ha-ha pos interj. def an exclamation expressing derision, mockery, surprise, etc. ha-ha ety C18: from French haha, probably based on ha&! ejaculation denoting surprise haw-haw alt head ha-ha or ha-ha syl haw-haw pos n. ha-ha H2.0. or haw-haw syl ha-ha pos n. def a sunken fence bordering a garden or park, that allows uninterrupted views from within. Otto infl head Hahn syl Ot:to pron <1cto> pos n. Hahn 0. syl Hahn pron German pos n. def 1879-1968, German physicist: discovered the radioactive element protactinium with Meitner (1917); with Strassmann, demonstrated the nuclear fission of uranium, when it is bombarded with neutrons: Nobel prize for chemistry 1944. (Christian Friedrich) Samuel infl head Hahnemann syl (Christian Friedrich) Sa:mu:el pron <1za:muel> pos n. Hahnemann 0. syl Hah:ne:mann pron German <1ha:n*2man> pos n. def 1755-1843, German physician; founder of homeopathy. Haidas infl head Haida or Haida syl Hai+das pos n. mod pl. Haida infl or Haidas syl Hai+da pos n. mod pl. Haida 1. syl Hai+da pron <1hId*> pos n. def a member of a seafaring group of North American Indian peoples inhabiting the coast of British Columbia and SW Alaska. Haida 2. syl Hai+da pron <1hId*> pos n. def the language of these peoples, belonging to the Na-Dene phylum. Haidan sub head Haida syl Hai+dan pos adj. Haidar Ali 0. syl Hai:dar A:li pron <1hId*r> <1a:li> pos n. def a variant spelling of {Hyder Ali}. Haiduk ety C17: from Hungarian hajd*'uk brigands Heyduck infl head Haiduk or Heiduc syl Hey+duck pron <1hIduk> pos n. Heiduc infl head Haiduk or Heyduck syl Hei+duc pron <1hIduk> pos n. Haiduk 0. syl Hai+duk pron <1hIduk> pos n. def a rural brigand in the European part of the Ottoman Empire. Haifa 0. syl Hai+fa pron <1hIf*> pos n. def a port in NW Israel, near Mount Carmel, on the Bay of Acre: Israel's chief port, with an oil refinery and other heavy industry. Pop.: 225000 (1974 est.). Douglas infl head Haig syl Doug:las pos n. Haig 0. syl Haig pron pos n. def 1st Earl Haig. 1861-1928, British field marshal; commander in chief of the British forces in France and Flanders (1915-18). haik ety C18: from Arabic h*_a'ik haick alt head haik or haik syl haick pron , pos n. haik 0. or haick syl haik pron , pos n. def an outer garment of cotton, wool, or silk, for the head and body. haiku ety from Japanese, from hai amusement+ ku verse hokku alt head haiku or haiku syl hok+ku pos n. haiku infl syl hai+ku. pos n. mod pl. haiku 0. or hokku syl hai+ku pron <1hIku:> pos n. def an epigrammatic Japanese verse form in 17 syllables. hail ety Old English h@agl; related to Old Frisian heil, Old High German hagal hail, Greek kakhl*_ex pebble hail H1.1. syl hail pron pos n. def small pellets of ice falling from cumulonimbus clouds when there are very strong rising air currents. hail H1.2. syl hail pron pos n. def a shower or storm of such pellets. hail H1.3. syl hail pron pos n. def words, ideas, etc., directed with force and in great quantity. exam 1 a hail of abuse. hail H1.4. syl hail pron pos n. def a collection of objects, esp. bullets, spears, etc., directed at someone with violent force. hail H1.5. syl hail pron pos vb. mod intr. usage with it as subject def to be the case that hail is falling. hail H1.6. syl hail pron pos vb. usage often with it as subject def to fall or cause to fall as or like hail. exam 1 to hail criticism; exam 2 bad language hailed about him. hail ety C12: from Old Norse heill #7whole ; see #7{hale %1}, #7wassail hail H2.1. syl hail pron pos vb. mod mainly; tr. def to greet, esp. enthusiastically. exam 1 the crowd hailed the actress with joy. hail H2.2. syl hail pron pos vb. mod mainly; tr. def to acclaim or acknowl?!edge. exam 1 they hailed him as their hero. hail H2.3. syl hail pron pos vb. mod mainly; tr. def to attract the attention of by shouting or gesturing. exam 1 to hail a taxi; exam 2 to hail a passing ship. hail H2.4. syl hail pron pos vb. mod intr. usage foll. by from def to be a native of; originate in. exam 1 she hails from India. hail H2.5. syl hail pron pos n. mod mainly; tr. def the act or an instance of hailing. hail H2.6. syl hail pron pos n. mod mainly; tr. def a shout or greeting. hail H2.7. syl hail pron pos n. mod mainly; tr. def distance across which one can attract attention (esp. in the phrase {within hail) }. hail H2.8. syl hail pron pos interj. mod mainly; tr. qual Poetic. def an exclamation of greeting. hailer sub head hail syl hail+er pos n. Haile Selassie 0. syl Hai:le Se:las:sie pron <1hIli> pos n. def title of 1892-1975, emperor of Ethiopia (1930-36; 1941-74). During the Italian occupation of Ethiopia (1936-41), he lived in exile in England. He was a prominent figure in the Pan-African movement: deposed 1974. hail-fellow-well-met 0. syl hail-fel:low-well-met pos adj. def genial and familiar, esp. in an offensive or ingratiating way. exam 1 a hail-fellow-well-met slap on the back. Hail Mary 0. syl Hail Mar:y pos n. def another term for the {Ave Maria}. hailstone 0. syl hail+stone pron <1hAl2st*un> pos n. def a pellet of hail. hailstorm 0. syl hail+storm pron <1hAl2stc:m> pos n. def a storm during which hail falls. Mike infl head Hailwood syl Mike. pos n. Hailwood 0. syl Hail:wood pron <1hAlwud> pos n. def born 1940, English racing motorcyclist: world champion (250 cc.) 1961 and 1966-67; (350 cc.) 1966-67; and (500 cc.) 1962-65. Hainan Tao alt head Hainan or Hainan syl Hai+nan Tao pron pos n. Hainan 0. or Hainan Tao syl Hai+nan pron <1hI1n@n> pos n. def an island in the South China Sea, separated from the mainland of S China by {Hainan Strait}: administratively part of Kwantung province; China's second largest offshore island. Pop.: 2700000 (1956 est.). Area: 33991 sq. km (13124 sq. miles). Hainault alt head Hainaut or Hainaut syl Hai+nault pron French pos n. Hainaut 0. or Hainault syl Hai+naut pron French pos n. def a province of SW Belgium: stretches from the Flanders Plain in the north to the Ardennes in the south; coal mines. Capital: Mons. Pop.: 1321846 (1975 est.). Area: 3797 sq. km (1466 sq. miles). hain't 0. syl hain't pron qual Archaic or dialect. contraction of def has not, have not, is not. Haiphong 0. syl Hai+phong pron <1hI1foG> pos n. def a port in N Vietnam, on the Red River delta: a major industrial centre. Pop.: 1190900 (1976 est.). hair ety Old English h@ar; related to Old Norse h*_ar, Old High German h*_ar hair, Norwegian herren stiff, hard, Lettish sari bristles, Latin crescere to grow hair 1. syl hair pron pos n. def any of the threadlike pigmented structures that grow from follicles beneath the skin of mammals and consist of layers of dead keratinized cells. hair 2. syl hair pron pos n. def a growth of such structures, as on the human head or animal body, which helps prevent heat loss from the body. hair 3. syl hair pron pos n. qual Botany. def any threadlike outgrowth from the epidermis, such as a root hair. hair 4.a. syl hair pron pos n. def a fabric or material made from the hair of some animals. hair 4.b. syl hair pron pos n. usage as modifier exam 1 a hair carpet; exam 2 a hair shirt. hair 5. syl hair pron pos n. def another word for {hair's-breadth}. exam 1 to lose by a hair. get in someone's hair 6. head hair syl get in someone's hair. qual Informal. def to annoy someone persistently. hair of the dog (that bit one) 7. head hair syl hair of the dog (that bit one) . def an alcoholic drink taken as an antidote to a hangover. keep your hair on 8. head hair syl keep your hair on&! qual Brit. informal. def keep calm. let one's hair down 9. head hair syl let one's hair down. def to behave without reserve. not turn a hair 10. head hair syl not turn a hair. def to show no surprise, anger, fear, etc. split hairs 11. head hair syl split hairs. def to make petty and unnecessary distinctions. hairless sub head hair syl hair+less pos adj. hairlike sub head hair syl hair+2like pos adj. hairball 0. syl hair+ball pron <1he*2bc:l> pos n. def a compact mass of hair that forms in the stomach of cats, calves, etc., as a result of licking and swallow?!ing the fur, and causes indigestion and convulsions. hairbrush 0. syl hair+brush pron <1he*2br^S> pos n. def a brush for grooming the hair. haircloth 0. syl hair+cloth pron <1he*2kloT> pos n. def a cloth woven from horsehair, used in upholstery, etc. haircut 1. syl hair+cut pron <1he*2k^t> pos n. def the act or an instance of cutting the hair. haircut 2. syl hair+cut pron <1he*2k^t> pos n. def the style in which hair has been cut. hairdos infl head hairdo syl hair+dos. pos n. mod pl. hairdo 0. syl hair+do pron <1he*2du:> pos n. def the arrangement of a woman's hair, esp. after styling and setting. hairdresser 1. syl hair+dress:er pron <1he*2dres*> pos n. def a person whose business is cutting, curling, colouring and arranging hair, esp. that of women. hairdresser 2. syl hair+dress:er pron <1he*2dres*> pos n. def a hairdresser's establishment. {~} Related adj.: {tonsorial}. hairdressing sub head hairdresser syl hair+2dress:ing pos n. -haired 0. syl -haired pos adj. def having hair as specified. exam 1 long-haired. hair follicle 0. syl hair fol+li+cle pos n. def a narrow tubular cavity that contains the root of a hair, formed by an infolding of the epidermis and corium of the skin. hair grass 0. syl hair grass pos n. def any grass of the genera etc., having very narrow stems and leaves. hairgrip 0. syl hair+grip pron <1he*2grip> pos n. qual Chiefly Brit. def a small tightly bent metal hair clip. Also called (esp. U.S.): {bobby pin}. hairif 0. syl hair+if pron <1he*rif> pos n. def another name for {cleavers}. hairline 1. syl hair+line pron <1he*2lIn> pos n. def the natural margin formed by hair on the head. hairline 2.a. syl hair+line pron <1he*2lIn> pos n. def a very narrow line. hairline 2.b. syl hair+line pron <1he*2lIn> pos n. usage as modifier exam 1 a hairline crack. hairline 3.a. syl hair+line pron <1he*2lIn> pos n. def a thin stroke in a typeface. hairline 3.b. syl hair+line pron <1he*2lIn> pos n. def any typeface consisting of such strokes. hairline 3.c. syl hair+line pron <1he*2lIn> pos n. def thin lines beside a character, produced by worn or poorly cast type. hairline 4. syl hair+line pron <1he*2lIn> pos n. def a rope or line of hair. hairnet 0. syl hair+net pron <1he*2net> pos n. def any of several kinds of light netting worn over the hair to keep it in place. hairpiece 1. syl hair+piece pron <1he*2pEs> pos n. def a wig or toupee. hairpiece 2. syl hair+piece pron <1he*2pEs> pos n. def Also called: {postiche}. a section of extra hair attached to a woman's real hair to give it greater bulk or length. ********************************************************************** ********************************************************************** ********************************************************************** ********************************************************************** ********************************************************************** ********************************************************************** member of a ********************************************************************** ********************************************************************** #7{hale %1}, ********************************************************************** ********************************************************************** Mike infl head Hailwood syl Mike. pos n. Hailwood 0. syl Hail:wood pron <1hAlwud> pos n. def born 1940, English racing motorcyclist: world champion (250 cc.) 1961 and 1966-67; (350 cc.) 1966-67; and (500 cc.) 1962-65. release ********************************************************************** ********************************************************************** release ********************************************************************** **********************************************************************    hairpin 1. syl hair+pin pron <1he*2pin> pos n. def a thin double-pronged pin used by women to fasten the hair. hairpin 2. syl hair+pin pron <1he*2pin> pos n. usage modifier; esp. of a bend in a road def curving very sharply. hair-raising 0. syl hair-rais:ing pos adj. def inspiring horror; terrifying. exam 1 a hair-raising drop of 600 feet. hair restorer 0. syl hair re+stor+er pos n. def a lotion claimed to promote hair growth. hair's-breadth 0.a. syl hair's-breadth pos n. def a very short or imperceptible margin or distance. hair's-breadth 0.b. syl hair's-breadth pos n. usage as modifier exam 1 a hair's-breadth escape. hair seal 0. syl hair seal pos n. def any earless seal, esp. the harbour seal, having a coat of stiff hair with no underfur. hair sheep 0. syl hair sheep pos n. def any variety of sheep growing hair instead of wool, yielding hides with a finer and tougher grain than those of wool sheep. hair slide 0. syl hair slide pos n. def a hinged clip with a tortoiseshell, bone, or similar back, used to fasten a girl's hair. hair space 0. syl hair space pos n. qual Printing. def the thinnest of the metal spaces used in setting type to separate letters or words. hairsplitting 1. syl hair+split:ting pron <1he*2splitiG> pos n. def the making of petty distinctions. hairsplitting 2. syl hair+split:ting pron <1he*2splitiG> pos adj. def occupied with or based on petty distinctions. hairsplitter sub head hairsplitting syl hair+2split:ter pos n. hairspring 0. syl hair+spring pron <1he*2spriG> pos n. qual Horology. def a very fine spiral spring in a timepiece, used to regulate the balance wheel. hairstreak 0. syl hair+streak pron <1he*2strEk> pos n. def any small butterfly of the genus and related genera, having fringed wings marked with narrow white streaks: family hair stroke 0. syl hair stroke pos n. def a very fine line in a written character. hairstyle 0. syl hair+style pron <1he*2stIl> pos n. def a particular mode of arranging, cutting, or setting the hair. &- {#!hair+@!styl@.ist} hairtail 0. syl hair+tail pron <1he*2tAl> pos n. def any marine spiny-finned fish of the family most common in warm seas, having a long whiplike scaleless body and long sharp teeth. Usual U.S. name: {cutlass fish}. hair trigger 1. syl hair trig+ger pos n. def a trigger of a firearm that responds to very slight pressure. hair trigger 2.a. syl hair trig+ger pos n. def any mechanism, reaction, etc., set in operation by slight provocation. hair trigger 2.b. syl hair trig+ger pos n. usage as modifier exam 1 a hair-trigger temper. hairweaving 0. syl hair+weav:ing pron <1he*2wEviG> pos n. def the interweaving of false hair with the hair on a balding person's head. hairworm 1. syl hair+worm pron <1he*2wR:m> pos n. def any hairlike nematode worm of the family such as the stomach worm, parasitic in the intestines of vertebrates. hairworm 2. syl hair+worm pron <1he*2wR:m> pos n. def Also called: {horsehair worm}. any very thin long worm of the phylum (or class) the larvae of which are parasitic in arthropods. hairier infl head hairy syl hair:i+er pos adj. hairiest infl head hairy syl hair:i+est. pos adj. hairy 1. syl hair:y pron <1he*ri> pos adj. def having or covered with hair. hairy 2.a. syl hair:y pron <1he*ri> pos adj. def difficult or problematic. hairy 2.b. syl hair:y pron <1he*ri> pos adj. def scaring, dangerous, or exciting. hairiness sub head hairy syl hair:i+ness pos n. hairy frog 0. syl hair:y frog pos n. def a W African frog, the males of which have glandular hairlike processes on the flanks. hairy willowherb 0. syl hair:y wil:low+herb pos n. def another name for {codlins-and-cream}. Haiti 1. syl Hai+ti pron <1hAti>, pos n. def a republic occupying the W part of the island of Hispaniola in the Caribbean, the E part consisting of the Dominican Republic: ceded by Spain to France in 1697 and became one of the richest colonial possessions in the world, with numerous plantations; slaves rebelled under Toussaint L'Ouverture in 1793 and defeated the French; taken over by the U.S. (1915-41) after long political and economic chaos; under the authoritarian regime of Fran*,cois Duvalier (1957-71). Official language: French; Haitian creole is the common spoken language. Religions: Roman Catholic and voodoo. Currency: gourde. Capital: Port-au-Prince. Pop.: 4314628 (1971). Area: 27749 sq. km (10714 sq. miles). Haiti 2. syl Hai+ti pron <1hAti>, pos n. def a former name for {Hispaniola}. Haytian alt head Haitian or Haitian syl Hay+tian pron <1hASi*n>, pos adj. Haitian 1. or Haytian syl Hai+tian pron <1hASi*n>, pos adj. def relating to or characteristic of Haiti, its inhabitants, or their language. Haitian 2. or Haytian syl Hai+tian pron <1hASi*n>, pos n. def a native, citizen, or inhabitant of Haiti. Haitian 3. or Haytian syl Hai+tian pron <1hASi*n>, pos n. def the creolized French spoken in Haiti. Haitink 0. syl Hai:tink pron <1hI2tiGk> pos n. def Sir {Bern@.ard}. born 1929, Dutch orchestral conductor. hajj ety from Arabic hajj pilgrimage hadj alt head hajj or hajj syl hadj pron pos n. hajjes infl head hajj or hadjes syl hajj:es pos n. mod pl. hadjes infl head hajj or hajjes syl hadj:es. pos n. mod pl. hajj 0. or hadj syl hajj pron pos n. def the pilgrimage to Mecca that every Muslim is required to make at least once in his life. hadji infl head hajji or haji syl hadj:i pron <1h@Ji> pos n. haji infl head hajji or hadji syl haj:i pron <1h@Ji> pos n. hajjis infl head hajji syl haj+jis pos n. mod pl. hadjis infl head hajji or hajis syl hadj:is pos n. mod pl. hajis infl head hajji or hadjis syl haj:is. pos n. mod pl. hajji 1. syl haj+ji pron <1h@Ji> pos n. def a Muslim who has made a pilgrimage to Mecca: also used as a title. {$D.@T} a@T Christian@T of@T the@T Greek@T Orthodox@T or @T Armenian Churches who has visited Jerusalem. hake ety C15: perhaps from Old Norse haki hook; compare Old English hacod pike; see #7hook hakes alt head hake or hake syl hakes. pron pos n. mod pl. hake H1.1. or hakes syl hake pron pos n. mod pl. def any gadoid food fish of the genus such as (European hake), of the N hemisphere, having an elongated body with a large head and two dorsal fins. hake H1.2. or hakes syl hake pron pos n. mod pl. def any North American fish of the genus similar and related to species. hake H1.3. or hakes syl hake pron pos n. mod pl. qual Austral. def another name for {barracouta}. hake ety C18: variant of #7heck %2 hake H2.0. syl hake pron pos n. def a wooden frame for drying cheese or fish. hakea 0. syl ha+ke:a pron <1ha:ki*>, <1hAki*> pos n. def any shrub or tree of the Australian genus having a hard woody fruit and often yielding a useful wood: family Hakenkreuz ety literally: hooked cross Hakenkreuz 0. syl Ha+ken+kreuz pron German <1ha:k*n2krcits> pos n. def the swastika. hakim ety C17: from Arabic, from hakama to rule hakeem alt head hakim or hakim syl ha+keem pron , <1ha:kEm> pos n. hakim 1. or hakeem syl ha+kim pron , <1ha:kEm> pos n. def a Muslim judge, ruler, or administrator. hakim 2. or hakeem syl ha+kim pron , <1ha:kEm> pos n. def a Muslim physician. Richard infl head Hakluyt syl Rich:ard. pos n. Hakluyt 0. syl Hak:luyt pron <1h@klu:t> pos n. def ??1552-1616, English geog?!rapher, who compiled (1589). Hakodate 0. syl Ha+ko+da+te pron <2ha:k*u1da:tA> pos n. def a port in N Japan, on S Hokkaido: fishing industry and shipbuilding. Pop.: 241663 (1970). hal- 0. syl hal- usage combining form. def variant of {halo-} before a vowel. Halafian 0. syl Ha+la+fi:an pron pos adj. def of or relating to the Neolithic culture extending from Iran to the Mediterranean. Halakah ety C19: from Hebrew h*val*_akh*_ah way, from h*_alakh to go Halacha alt head Halakah or Halakah syl Ha+la+cha pron <2ha:l*1ka:>, , Hebrew pos n. Halakah 0. or Halacha syl Ha+la+kah pron <2ha:l*1ka:>, , Hebrew pos n. def that part of traditional Jewish literature concerned with the law, as contrasted with Haggadah. Halakic sub head Halakah or Halachic syl Ha+lak+ic pron pos adj. Halachic sub head Halakah or Halakic syl Ha+lach+ic pron pos adj. halal ety from Arabic: lawful hallal alt head halal or halal syl hall+al pron pos vb. halal 1. or hallal syl hal+al pron pos vb. mod tr. def to kill (animals) following Muslim law. {~} halal 2. or hallal syl hal+al pron pos vb. def meat killed in this way. halation ety C19: from #7halo+ -#7ation halation 0. syl ha+la+tion pron pos n. qual Photog. def fogging usually seen as a bright ring surrounding a source of light: caused by reflection from the back of the film. halberd ety C15: from Old French hallebarde, from Middle High German helm handle, #7helm %1#7+ barde axe, from Old High German bart #7beard &- @!hal+ber+#!dier n. halbert alt head halberd or halberd syl hal+bert pos n. halberd 0. or halbert syl hal+berd pron <1h@lb*d> pos n. def a spear fitted with an axe head, used in 15th- and 16th-century warfare. halcyon ety C14: from Latin alcyon, from Greek alku*_on kingfisher, of uncertain origin halcyon 1. syl hal+cy+on pron <1h@lsi*n> pos adj. usage also def peaceful, gentle, and calm. halcyon 2. syl hal+cy+on pron <1h@lsi*n> pos adj. usage also def happy and carefree. halcyon 3. syl hal+cy+on pron <1h@lsi*n> pos n. qual Greek myth. usage also def a fabulous bird associated with the winter solstice. halcyon 4. syl hal+cy+on pron <1h@lsi*n> pos n. usage also def a poetic name for the {kingfisher}. halcyon days 5. head halcyon syl halcyon days. usage also def a fortnight of calm weather during the winter solstice. Halcyone 0. syl Hal+cy:o+ne pron pos n. def a variant spelling of {Alcyone%1}. J (ohn) B (urdon) S (anderson) 1. head Haldane syl J (ohn) B (urdon) S (anderson) . def 1892-1964, Scottish biochemist, geneticist, and writer on sci?!ence. Haldane 2. syl Hal:dane pron <1hc:ldAn> pos n. def his father, {John Scott}. 1860-1936, Scottish physiolo?!gist, noted particularly for his research into industrial diseases. Richard Burdon 3. head Haldane syl Rich:ard Bur:don def 1st Viscount Haldane of Cloan. 1856-1928, British statesman and jurist. As secretary of state for war (1905-12) he reorganized the army and set up the territorial reserve. hale ety Old English h@al #7whole hale H1.1. syl hale pron pos adj. def healthy and robust (esp. in the phrase {hale and hearty}) . hale H1.2. syl hale pron pos adj. qual Scot. and northern English dialect. def whole. haleness sub head hale syl hale+ness pos n. hale ety C13: from Old French haler, of Germanic origin; compare Old High German hal*_on to fetch, Old English geholian to acquire hale H2.1. syl hale pron pos vb. mod tr. def to pull or drag; haul. hale H2.2. syl hale pron pos vb. mod tr. qual Rare. def to compel. haler sub head hale syl hal+er pos n. George Ellery 1. head Hale syl George El:ler:y. def 1868-1938, U.S. astronomer: undertook research into sunspots and invented the spectro?!heliograph. Hale 2. syl Hale pron pos n. def Sir {Mat@.thew}. 1609-76, English judge and scholar; Lord Chief Justice (1671-76). Haleakala 0. syl Ha+le:a+ka+la pron <2ha:lE2a:ka:1la:> pos n. def a volcano in Hawaii, on E Mani Island. Height: 3057 m (10032 ft.). Area of crater: 49 sq. km (19 sq. miles). Depth of crater: 829 m (2720 ft.). haler ety Czech, from Middle High German haller a silver coin, after Hall, Swabian town where the coins were minted halers infl head haler or haleru syl ha+lers pron <-l*2ru:> pos n. mod pl. haleru infl head haler or halers syl ha+le:ru pron <-l*2ru:> pos n. mod pl. haler 0. syl ha+ler pron <1ha:l*> pos n. def a Czech monetary unit worth one hundredth of a koruna. Also called: {heller}. Halesowen 0. syl Hales+ow+en pron pos n. def a town in W central England, in the SW West Midlands. Pop.: 53933 (1971). Ludovic infl head Hal'evy syl Lu:do:vic pron pos n. Hal'evy 0. syl Ha:l*'e:vy pron French pos n. def 1834-1908, French dramatist and novelist, who collaborated with Meilhac on opera libretti. |&2945| half ety Old English healf; related to Old Norse halfr, Old High German halb, Dutch half halves infl head half syl halves pron pos n. mod pl. half 1.a. syl half pron pos n. def either of two equal or corresponding parts that together comprise a whole. half 1.b. syl half pron pos n. def a quantity equalling such a part. exam 1 half a dozen. half 2. syl half pron pos n. def half a pint, esp. of beer. half 3. syl half pron pos n. qual Football, hockey, etc. def the half of the pitch regarded as belonging to one team. half 4. syl half pron pos n. qual Golf. def an equal score on a hole or round with an opponent. half 5. syl half pron pos n. usage in various games def either of two periods of play separated by an interval (the {first half} and {second half) }. half 6. syl half pron pos n. def a half-price ticket on a bus, etc. half 7. syl half pron pos n. def short for {half-hour}. half 8. syl half pron pos n. qual Sport. def short for {halfback}. half 9. syl half pron pos n. qual Obsolete. def a half-year period. better half 10. head half syl better half. qual Informal. def a person's wife or husband. by halves 11. head half syl by halves. usage used with a negative def without being thorough or exhaustive. exam 1 we don't do things by halves. half 12.a. syl half pron pos n. def to share the expenses (of something with one other person). half 12.b. syl half pron pos n. def to share the whole amount (of something with another person). exam 1 to go halves on an orange. half 13.a. syl half pron pos determiner. def being a half or approximately a half. exam 1 half the kingdom. half 13.b. syl half pron pos determiner. mod as pronoun; functioning as; sing. pl. exam 1 half of them came. half 14. syl half pron pos adj. def not perfect or complete; partial. exam 1 he only did a half job on it. half 15. syl half pron pos adv. def to the amount or extent of a half. half 16. syl half pron pos adv. def to a great amount or extent. half 17. syl half pron pos adv. def partially; to an extent. by half 18. head half syl by half. def by an excessive amount or to an excessive degree. exam 1 he's too arrogant by half. half two 19. head half syl half two usage etc. Informal. def 30 minutes after two o'clock. have half a mind to 20. head half syl have half a mind to. def to have the intention of. half 21.a. syl half pron pos adv. def not in any way. exam 1 he's not half clever enough. half 21.b. syl half pron pos adv. qual Brit. def really; very; indeed. exam 1 he isn't half stupid. half 21.c. syl half pron pos adv. usage sentence substitute. def certainly; yes, indeed. half-a-crown 0. syl half-a-crown pos n. def another name for a {half-crown}. half-a-dollar 0. syl half-a-dol:lar pos n. qual Brit. slang. def another name for a {half-crown}. half-and-half 1. syl half-and-half pos n. def a mixture of half one thing and half another thing. half-and-half 2. syl half-and-half pos n. def a drink consisting of equal parts of beer (or ale) and porter. half-and-half 3. syl half-and-half pos adj. def of half one thing and half another thing. half-and-half 4. syl half-and-half pos adv. def in two equal parts. half-assed 1. syl half-assed pos adj. qual U.S. slang. def incompetent; inept. half-assed 2. syl half-assed pos adj. qual U.S. slang. def lacking efficiency or organization. halfback 1. syl half+back pron <1ha:f2b@k> pos n. qual Soccer. def any of three players positioned behind the line of forwards and in front of the fullbacks. halfback 2. syl half+back pron <1ha:f2b@k> pos n. qual Rugby. def either the scrum half or the stand-off half. halfback 3. syl half+back pron <1ha:f2b@k> pos n. def any of certain similar players in other team sports. halfback 4. syl half+back pron <1ha:f2b@k> pos n. def the position of a player who is halfback. half-baked 1. syl half-baked pos adj. def insufficiently baked. half-baked 2. syl half-baked pos adj. qual Informal. def foolish; stupid. half-baked 3. syl half-baked pos adj. qual Informal. def poorly planned or conceived. half-ball 0.a. syl half-ball pos n. def a contact in billiards, etc., in which the player aims through the centre of the cue ball to the edge of the object ball, so that half the object ball is covered. half-ball 0.b. syl half-ball pos n. usage as modifier exam 1 a half-ball stroke. halfbeak 0. syl half+beak pron <1ha:f2bEk> pos n. def any marine and freshwater teleost fish of the tropical and subtropical family having an elongated body with a short upper jaw and a long protruding lower jaw. half-binding 0. syl half-bind:ing pos n. def a type of bookbinding in which the backs are bound in one material and the sides in another. half-blood 1.a. syl half-blood pos n. def the relationship between individuals having only one parent in common. half-blood 1.b. syl half-blood pos n. def an individual having such a relationship. half-blood 2. syl half-blood pos n. def a less common name for a {half-breed}. half-blood 3. syl half-blood pos n. def a half-blooded domestic animal. half-blooded 1. syl half-blood:ed pos adj. def being related to another individual through only one parent. half-blooded 2. syl half-blood:ed pos adj. def having parents of different races. half-blooded 3. syl half-blood:ed pos adj. usage of a domestic animal def having only one parent of known pedigree. half-blue 0. syl half-blue pos n. usage Brit. at Oxford and Cambridge universities def a sportsman who substitutes for a full blue or who represents the university in a minor sport. Compare {blue}. half-board 0. syl half-board pos n. def a manoeuvre by a sailing ship enabling it to gain distance to windward by luffing up into the wind. half board 0.a. syl half board pos n. def the daily provision by a hotel of bed, breakfast, and one main meal. half board 0.b. syl half board pos n. usage as modifier; half-board accommodation. def Also called: {demi-pension}. half-boot 0. syl half-boot pos n. def a boot reaching to the midcalf. half-bound 0. syl half-bound pos adj. usage of a book def having a half-binding. half-breed 1. syl half-breed pos n. def a person whose parents are of different races, esp. the offspring of a White person and an American Indian. half-breed 2. syl half-breed pos adj. usage also def of, relating to, or designating offspring of people or animals of different races or breeds. half-brother 0. syl half-broth:er pos n. def the son of either of one's parents by another partner. half-butt 0. syl half-butt pos n. def a cue of length between that of a long butt and an ordinary cue. half-caste 1. syl half-caste pos n. def a person having parents of different races, esp. the offspring of a European and an Indian. half-caste 2. syl half-caste pos adj. def of, relating to, or designating such a person. half-cock 1. syl half-cock pos n. def the halfway position of a firearm's hammer when the trigger is fixed and cannot be pulled. half-cock 2.a. syl half-cock pos n. def to fail as a result of inadequate preparation or premature starting. half-cock 2.b. syl half-cock pos n. def to act or function prematurely. half-cocked 0. syl half-cocked pos adj. usage of a firearm def at half-cock. half-crown 0. syl half-crown pos n. def a British silver or cupronickel coin worth 12@2#800347 (new) pence, taken out of circulation in 1970. Also called: {half-a-crown}. half-dead 0. syl half-dead pos adj. qual Brit. informal. def very tired. half-dollar 0. syl half-dol:lar pos n. usage in the U.S. and Canada def a 50-cent piece. half eagle 0. syl half ea:gle pos n. def a former U.S. gold coin worth five dollars. half-forward 0. syl half-for+ward pos n. qual Australian Rules football. def any of three forwards positioned between the centre line and the forward line. half frame 0.a. syl half frame pos n. def a photograph taking up half the normal area of a frame on a particular film, taken esp. on 35-millimetre film. half frame 0.b. syl half frame pos n. usage as modifier exam 1 a half-frame camera. half gainer 0. syl half gain+er pos n. def a type of dive in which the diver completes a half backward somersault to enter the water headfirst facing the diving board. Compare {gainer}. half-hardy 0. syl half-har:dy pos adj. usage of a cultivated plant def able to survive out of doors except during severe frost. half-hearted 0. syl half-heart:ed pos adj. def without enthusiasm or determination. half-heartedly sub head half-hearted syl half-1heart:ed+ly pos adv. half-heartedness sub head half-hearted syl half-1heart:ed+ness pos n. half-hitch 0. syl half-hitch pos n. def a knot made by passing the end of a piece of rope around itself and through the loop thus made. half holiday 0. syl half hol:i+day pos n. def a day of which either the morning or the afternoon is a holiday. half-hour 1.a. syl half-hour pos n. def a period of 30 minutes. half-hour 1.b. syl half-hour pos n. usage as modifier exam 1 a half-hour stint. half-hour 2.a. syl half-hour pos n. def the point of time 30 minutes after the beginning of an hour. half-hour 2.b. syl half-hour pos n. usage as modifier exam 1 a half-hour chime. half-hourly sub head half-hour syl half-1hour:ly pos adv. adj. half-hunter 0. syl half-hunt:er pos n. def a watch with a hinged lid in which a small circular opening or crystal allows the approximate time to be read. See {{hunter} (sense 5)}. half-jack ety C20: jack, probably from C16 jack a leather-covered vessel, from Old French jaque, of uncertain origin half-jack 0. syl half-jack pos n. qual S African informal. def a flat pocket-sized bottle of alcohol. half landing 0. syl half land+ing pos n. def a landing halfway up a flight of stairs. half-leather 0. syl half-leath:er pos n. def a type of half-binding in which the backs and corners of a book are bound in leather. half-length 1. syl half-length pos adj. usage of a portrait def showing only the body from the waist up and including the hands. half-length 2. syl half-length pos adj. def of half the entire or original length. half-length 3. syl half-length pos n. def a half-length portrait. half-life 1. syl half-life pos n. def the time taken for half of the atoms in a radioactive material to undergo decay. Symbol: #Gt#800348 . half-life 2. syl half-life pos n. def the time required for half of a quantity of radioactive material absorbed by a living tissue or organism to be naturally eliminated ({biological half-life}) or removed by both elimination and decay ({effective half-life}) . half-light 0. syl half-light pos n. def a dim light, as at dawn or dusk. D infl head half-mast syl +D. pos n. half-mast 0. syl half-mast pos n. def the halfway position to which a flag is lowered on a mast to mourn the dead or signal distress. {~} half-mast 1. syl half-mast pos n. mod tr. def to put (a flag) in this position. half measure 0. syl half meas+ure pos n. mod often; pl. def an inadequate measure. half-miler 0. syl half-mil:er pos n. def a runner who specializes in running races over half a mile. half-moon 1. syl half-moon pos n. def the moon at first or last quarter when half its face is illuminated. half-moon 2. syl half-moon pos n. def the time at which a half-moon occurs. half-moon 3.a. syl half-moon pos n. def something shaped like a half-moon. half-moon 3.b. syl half-moon pos n. usage as modifier exam 1 half-moon spectacles. half-moon 4. syl half-moon pos n. qual Anatomy. def a nontechnical name for {lunula}. half-mourning 0. syl half-mourn:ing pos n. def dark grey clothes worn by some during a period after full formal mourning. half-nelson 0. syl half-nel:son pos n. def a wrestling hold in which a wrestler places an arm under one of his opponent's arms from behind and exerts pressure with his palm on the back of his opponent's neck. Compare {full nelson}. half-note 0. syl half-note pos n. def the usual U.S. name for {{minim} (sense 2)}. halfpennies infl head halfpenny syl half+pen:nies. pos n. mod pl. halfpenny 1. syl half+pen:ny pron <1hApni> pos n. def a small British coin worth half a new penny. halfpennies infl head halfpenny syl half+pen:nies. pos n. mod pl. halfpenny 2. syl half+pen:ny pron <1hApni> pos n. def an old British coin worth half an old penny. halfpence infl head halfpenny syl half+pence. pos n. mod pl. halfpenny 3. syl half+pen:ny pron <1hApni> pos n. def the sum represented by half a penny. halfpenny 4. syl half+pen:ny pron <1hApni> pos n. mod pl. usage 1+pence. def something of negligible value. halfpenny 5. syl half+pen:ny pron <1hApni> pos n. usage modifier def having the value or price of a halfpenny. halfpenny 6. syl half+pen:ny pron <1hApni> pos n. usage modifier def of negligible value. halfpennyworth sub head halfpenny syl half+pen:ny+worth pron <1hAp*T> pos n. half-pint 0. syl half-pint pos n. qual Slang. def a small or insignificant person. half-plate 0. syl half-plate pos n. qual Photography. def a size of plate measuring 16.5 cm by 10.8 cm. half-price 0. syl half-price pos adj. adv. def for half the normal price. exam 1 children go half-price. half-quartern 0. syl half-quar:tern pos n. qual Brit. def a loaf having a weight, when baked, of 800 g. half-rhyme 0. syl half-rhyme pos n. def a rhyme in which the vowel sounds are not identical, such as and See {{consonance} (sense 2).} half seas over 0. syl half seas o:ver pos adj. qual Brit. informal. def drunk. half-sister 0. syl half-sis:ter pos n. def the daughter of either of one's parents by another partner. half-size 0. syl half-size pos n. def any size, esp. in clothing, that is halfway between two sizes. half-slip 0. syl half-slip pos n. def a woman's topless slip that hangs from the waist. Also called: {waist-slip}. half-sole 1. syl half-sole pos n. def a sole from the shank of a shoe to the toe. {~} half-sole 2. syl half-sole pos n. mod tr. def to replace the half-sole of a shoe. half-step 0. syl half-step pos n. qual Music, U.S. def another word for {semitone}. half term 0. syl half term pos n. qual Brit. education. def a short holiday midway through an academic term. half-tide 0. syl half-tide pos n. def the state of the tide between flood and ebb. half-timber alt head half-timbered or half-timbered syl half-tim:ber pos adj. half-timbered 0. or half-timber syl half-tim:bered pos adj. usage of a building, wall, etc. def having an exposed timber framework filled with brick, stone, or plastered laths, as in Tudor architecture. half-timbering sub head half-timbered syl half-1tim:ber+ing pos n. half-time 0. syl half-time pos n. qual Sport. def a rest period between the two halves of a game. half-title 1. syl half-ti:tle pos n. def the short title of a book as printed on the right-hand page preceding the title page. half-title 2. syl half-ti:tle pos n. def a title on a separate page preceding a section of a book. halftone 1.a. syl half+tone pron <1ha:f2t*un> pos n. def a process used to reproduce an illustration by photographing it through a fine screen to break it up into dots. halftone 1.b. syl half+tone pron <1ha:f2t*un> pos n. def the etched plate thus obtained. halftone 1.c. syl half+tone pron <1ha:f2t*un> pos n. def the print obtained from such a plate. halftone 2. syl half+tone pron <1ha:f2t*un> pos n. qual Arts. def a tonal value midway between highlight and dark shading. halftone 3. syl half+tone pron <1ha:f2t*un> pos adj. def relating to, used in, or made by halftone. half-track 0. syl half-track pos n. def a vehicle with caterpillar tracks on the wheels that supply motive power only. half-tracked sub head half-track syl half-2tracked pos adj. half-truth 0. syl half-truth pos n. def a partially true statement intended to mislead. half-true sub head half-truth syl half-1true pos adj. half volley 1. syl half vol+ley pos n. qual Sport. def a stroke or shot in which the ball is hit immediately after it bounces. half-volley infl head half volley syl half-vol:ley. pos vb. half volley 2. syl half vol+ley pos vb. qual Sport. def to hit or kick (a ball) immediately after it bounces. halfway 1. syl half+way pron <2ha:f1wA> pos adv. adj. def at or to half the distance; at or to the middle. halfway 2. syl half+way pron <2ha:f1wA> pos adv. adj. def in or of an incomplete manner or nature. meet halfway 3. head halfway syl meet halfway. def to compromise with. halfway house 1. syl half+way house pos n. def a place to rest midway on a journey. halfway house 2. syl half+way house pos n. def the halfway point in any progression. halfway house 3. syl half+way house pos n. def a centre or hostel designed to facilitate the readjustment to private life of released prisoners, mental patients, etc. halfwit 1. syl half+wit pron <1ha:f2wit> pos n. def a feeble-minded person. halfwit 2. syl half+wit pron <1ha:f2wit> pos n. def a foolish or inane person. halfwitted sub head halfwit syl half+1wit:ted pos adj. halfwittedly sub head halfwit syl half+1wit:ted+ly pos adv. halfwittedness sub head halfwit syl half+1wit:ted+ness pos n. halibut ety C15: from hali #7holy (because it was eaten on holy days)+ butte flat fish, from Middle Dutch butte holibut alt head halibut or halibut syl hol:i+but pron <1holib*t> pos n. halibuts infl head halibut or halibut syl hal:i+buts pos n. mod pl. halibut infl or halibuts syl hal:i+but. pos n. mod pl. halibut 1. or holibut syl hal:i+but pron <1h@lib*t> pos n. def the largest flatfish: a dark green North Atlantic species, that is a very important food fish: family halibut 2. or holibut syl hal:i+but pron <1h@lib*t> pos n. def any of several similar and related flatfishes, such as ({Greenland halibut}) . Halic 0. syl Ha+li*,c pron pos n. def the Turkish name for the {Golden Horn}. Halicarnassus 0. syl Hal:i+car+nas+sus pron <2h@lika:1n@s*s> pos n. def a Greek colony on the SW coast of Asia Minor: one of the major Hellenistic cities. Halicarnassian sub head Halicarnassus syl Hal:i+car+1nas+si:an pos adj. halid alt head halide or halide syl hal+id pron <1h@lid> pos n. halide 1. or halid syl hal+ide pron <1h@lId> pos n. def any binary salt of a halogen acid; a chloride, bromide, iodide, or fluoride. halide 2. or halid syl hal+ide pron <1h@lId> pos n. def any organic compound containing halogen atoms in its molecules. halidom ety Old English h*_aligd*_om; see #7holy, -#7dom halidom 0. syl hal:i+dom pron <1h@lid*m> pos n. qual Archaic. def a holy place or thing. Halifax H1.1. syl Hal:i+fax pron <1h@li2f@ks> pos n. def a port in SE Canada, capital of Nova Scotia, on the Atlantic: founded in 1749 as a British stronghold. Pop.: 122035 (1971). Halifax H1.2. syl Hal:i+fax pron <1h@li2f@ks> pos n. def a town in N England, in West Yorkshire: textiles. Pop.: 91171 (1971). Charles Montagu 1. head Halifax syl Charles Mon:ta:gu def Earl of Halifax. 1661-1715, English statesman; founder of the National Debt (1692) and the Bank of England (1694). Edward Frederick Lindley Wood 2. head Halifax syl Ed:ward Fred:er:ick Lind:ley Wood def Earl of Halifax. 1881-1959, British Conserva?!tive statesman. He was viceroy of India (1926-31), foreign secretary (1938-40), and ambassador to the U.S. (1941-46). halite ety C19: from New Latin hal*_ites; see #7halo -#7, -#7{ite %2} halite 0. syl hal+ite pron <1h@lIt> pos n. def a mineral consisting of sodium chloride in cubic crystalline form, occurring in sedimentary beds and dried salt lakes: an important source of table salt and other sodium compounds. Formula: NaCl. Also called: {rock salt}. halitosis ety C19: New Latin, from Latin h*_alitus breath, from h*_al*_are to breathe halitosis 0. syl hal:i+to+sis pron <2h@li1t*usis> pos n. def the state or condition of having bad breath. hall ety Old English heall; related to Old Norse h*"oll, Old High German halla hall, Latin cela #7cell, Old Irish cuile cellar, Sanskrit *'s*_al*_a hut; see #7hell hall 1. syl hall pron pos n. def a room serving as an entry area within a house or building. hall 2. syl hall pron pos n. usage sometimes cap. def a building for public meetings. hall 3. syl hall pron pos n. usage often cap. def the great house of an estate; manor. hall 4. syl hall pron pos n. def a large building or room used for assemblies, worship, concerts, dances, etc. hall 5. syl hall pron pos n. def a residential building in a university. hall 6.a. syl hall pron pos n. def a large room, esp. for dining, in a college or university. hall 6.b. syl hall pron pos n. def a meal eaten in this room. hall 7. syl hall pron pos n. def the large room of a house, castle, etc. hall 8. syl hall pron pos n. qual U.S. def a passage or corridor into which rooms open. hall 9. syl hall pron pos n. mod often; pl. qual Informal. def short for {music hall}. Charles Martin 1. head Hall syl Charles Mar:tin. def 1863-1914, U.S. chemist: discovered the electrolytic process for producing aluminium. Hall 2. syl Hall pron pos n. def Sir {John}. 1824-1907, New Zealand statesman, born in England: prime minister of New Zealand (1879-82). Hall 3. syl Hall pron pos n. def Sir {Pe@.ter}. born 1930, English stage director: director of the Royal Shakespeare Company (1960-73) and of the National Theatre (since 1973). hallahs infl head hallah or hallot syl hal+lahs pron Hebrew <-1lct> pos n. mod pl. hallot infl head hallah or hallahs syl hal+lot pron Hebrew <-1lct> pos n. mod pl. hallah 0. syl hal+lah pron <1ha:l*>, Hebrew pos n. def a variant spelling of {challah}. Halle 0. syl Hal+le pron German <1hal*> pos n. def a city in SW East Germany, on the River Saale: early saltworks; a Hanseatic city in the late Middle Ages; university (1694). Pop.: 239181 (1975 est.). Official name: {Halle an der Saale} (an de$:r za$:l$$). Hall effect ety named after Edwin Herbert Hall (1855-1938), American physicist who discovered it Hall effect 0. syl Hall ef+fect pos n. def the production of a potential difference across a conductor carrying an electric current when a magnetic field is applied in a direction perpendicular to that of the current flow. Hallel ety C18: from Hebrew hall*_el, from hell*_el to praise Hallel 0. syl Hal+lel pron pos n. qual Judaism. def a liturgical chant of praise used at Passover and other Jewish festivals. hallelujah ety C16: from Hebrew hallel*_uy*_ah praise the Lord, from hell*_el to praise+ y*_ah the Lord, Y#7ahweh halleluiah infl head hallelujah or halleluia syl hal+le+lu+iah pron <2h@li1lu:j*> pos interj. halleluia infl head hallelujah or halleluiah syl hal+le+lu:ia pron <2@li?!1lu:j*> pos interj. hallelujah 1. syl hal+le+lu+jah pron <2h@li1lu:j*> pos interj. def an exclamation of praise to God. hallelujah 2. syl hal+le+lu+jah pron <2h@li1lu:j*> pos interj. def an expression of relief or a similar emotion. hallelujah 3. syl hal+le+lu+jah pron <2h@li1lu:j*> pos n. def an exclamation of @6Hallelujah.@9 hallelujah 4. syl hal+le+lu+jah pron <2h@li1lu:j*> pos n. def a musical composition that uses the word as its text. Albrecht von infl head Haller syl Al:brecht von pron <1albre*,ct> pos n. Haller 0. syl Hal:ler pron German <1hal*r> pos n. def 1708-77, Swiss biologist: founder of experimental physiology. Edmund infl head Halley syl Ed:mund. pos n. Halley 0. syl Hal:ley pron <1h@li> pos n. def 1656-1742, English astronomer and mathematician. He predicted the return of the comet now known as Halley's comet, constructed charts of magnetic declination, and produced the first wind maps. Halley's Comet 0. syl Hal:ley's Com+et pos n. def a comet revolving around the sun in a period of about 76 years and last seen in 1910. halliard 0. syl hal+liard pron <1h@lj*d> pos n. def a variant spelling of {halyard}. Hall-Jones 0. syl Hall-Jones pron <1hc:l> <1J*unz> pos n. def Sir {Wil@.liam}. 1851-1936, New Zealand statesman, born in England: prime minister of New Zealand (1906). hallmark ety C18: named after Goldsmiths' Hall in London, where items were graded and stamped hallmark 1. syl hall+mark pron <1hc:l2ma:k> pos n. qual Brit. def an official series of marks stamped by the London Guild of Goldsmiths on gold, silver, or platinum articles to guarantee purity, date of manufacture, etc. hallmark 2. syl hall+mark pron <1hc:l2ma:k> pos n. def a mark or sign of authenticity or excellence. hallmark 3. syl hall+mark pron <1hc:l2ma:k> pos n. def an outstanding or distinguishing feature. hallmark 4. syl hall+mark pron <1hc:l2ma:k> pos vb. mod tr. def to stamp with or as if with a hallmark. {~} Also (for senses 1 and 4): {platemark}. hallo 1. syl hal+lo pron pos interj. n. def a variant spelling of {hello}. hallo 2. syl hal+lo pron pos interj. n. vb. def a variant spelling of {halloo}. Hall of Fame 1. syl Hall of Fame pos n. qual Chiefly U.S. usage sometimes not cap. def a building containing plaques or busts honouring famous people. Hall of Fame 2. syl Hall of Fame pos n. qual Chiefly U.S. usage sometimes not cap. def a group of famous people. hall of residence 0. syl hall of res:i+dence pos n. def a residential block in or attached to a university, polytechnic, college, etc. halloo ety C16: perhaps variant of hallow to encourage hounds by shouting hallo infl head halloo or halloa syl hal+lo pron halloa infl head halloo or hallo syl hal+loa pron halloo 0. syl hal+loo pron exam 1 sentence substitute. halloo 1. syl hal+loo pron def a shout to attract attention, esp. to call hounds at a hunt. halloos infl head halloo syl hal+loos pos n. mod pl. hallos infl head halloo or halloas syl hal+los pos n. mod pl. halloas infl head halloo or hallos syl hal+loas. pos n. mod pl. halloo 2. syl hal+loo pron pos n. def a shout of @6halloo.@9 halloos infl head halloo syl hal+loos pos vb. hallooing infl head halloo syl hal+loo+ing pos vb. hallooed los infl head halloo or halloas syl hal+looed; +los pos vb. halloing infl head halloo or halloaing syl hal+lo+ing pos vb. halloed infl head halloo or halloaed syl hal+loed pos vb. halloas infl head halloo or hallooed los syl hal+loas pos vb. halloaing infl head halloo or halloing syl hal+loa+ing pos vb. halloaed infl head halloo or halloed syl hal+loaed. pos vb. halloo 3. syl hal+loo pron pos vb. def to shout (something) to (someone). halloo 4. syl hal+loo pron pos vb. mod tr. def to urge on or incite (dogs) with shouts. hallow ety Old English h*_algian, from h*_alig #7holy hallow 1. syl hal+low pron <1h@l*u> pos vb. mod tr. def to consecrate or set apart as being holy. hallow 2. syl hal+low pron <1h@l*u> pos vb. mod tr. def to venerate as being holy. hallower sub head hallow syl hal+low+er pos n. hallowed 1. syl hal+lowed pron <1h@l*ud>, <1h@l*uid> pos adj. def set apart as sacred. hallowed 2. syl hal+lowed pron <1h@l*ud>, <1h@l*uid> pos adj. def consecrated or holy. hallowedness sub head hallowed syl hal+lowed+ness pos n. Hallowe'en ety C18: see A#7llhallows, {even %2} Halloween alt head Hallowe'en or Hallowe'en syl Hal+low+een pron <2h@l*u1En> pos n. Hallowe'en 0. or Halloween syl Hal+low+e'en pron <2h@l*u1En> pos n. def the eve of All Saints' Day celebrated on Oct. 31 by masquerading; Allhallows Eve. Hallowmas ety C14: see A#7llhallows, M#7ass Hallowmass alt head Hallowmas or Hallowmas syl Hal+low+mass pron <1h@l*u2m@s> pos n. Hallowmas 0. or Hallowmass syl Hal+low+mas pron <1h@l*u2m@s> pos n. qual Archaic. def the feast celebrating All Saints' Day. Hallstatt ety C19: named after Hallstatt, Austrian village where remains were found Hallstattian alt head Hallstatt or Hallstatt syl Hall+stat+ti:an pron pos adj. Hallstatt 0. or Hallstattian syl Hall+statt pron <1h@lst@t> pos adj. def of or relating to a late Bronze Age culture extending from central Europe to Britain and lasting from the 9th to the 5th century #7b.c., characterized by distinctive burial customs, bronze and iron tools, etc. hallucinate ety C17: from Latin *_al*_ucin*_ar*_i to wander in mind; compare Greek aluein to be distraught hallucinate 0. syl hal+lu+ci+nate pron pos vb. mod intr. def to experience hallucinations. hallucinator sub head hallucinate syl hal+1lu+ci+2na+tor pos n. hallucination 0. syl hal+lu+ci+na+tion pron pos n. def the alleged perception of an object when no object is present, occurring under hypnosis, in some mental disorders, etc. hallucinational sub head hallucination syl hal+2lu+ci+1na+tion+al pos adj. hallucinative sub head hallucination or hallucinatory syl hal+1lu+ci+na+tive pos adj. hallucinatory sub head hallucination or hallucinative syl hal+1lu+ci+na+to:ry pos adj. hallucinogen 0. syl hal+lu+cin:o+gen pron pos n. def any drug, such as LSD or mescaline, that induces hallucinations. hallucinogenic sub head hallucinogen syl hal+lu+ci+no+gen+ic pron pos adj. hallucinosis 0. syl hal+lu+ci+no+sis pron pos n. qual Psychiatry. def a mental dis?!order the symptom of which is hallucinations, commonly associated with the ingestion of alcohol or other drugs. hallux ety C19: New Latin, from Late Latin allex big toe hallux 0. syl hal+lux pron <1h@l*ks> pos n. def the first digit on the hind foot of a mammal, bird, reptile, or amphibian; the big toe of man. hallux valgus 0. syl hal+lux val+gus pos n. def an abnormal bending or deviation of the big toe towards the other toes of the same foot. hallway 0. syl hall+way pron <1hc:l2wA> pos n. qual U.S. def a hall or corridor. halm 0. syl halm pron pos n. def a variant spelling of {haulm}. halma ety C19: from Greek halma leap, from hallesthai to leap halma 0. syl hal+ma pron <1h@lm*> pos n. def a board game in which players attempt to transfer their pieces from their own to their opponents' bases. Halmahera 0. syl Hal+ma+he+ra pron <2h@lm*1hi*r*> pos n. def an island in NE Indonesia, the largest of the Moluccas: consists of four peninsulas enclosing three bays; mountainous and forested. Area: 17780 sq. km (6865 sq. miles). Dutch name: {Djailolo, Gilolo}, or {Jilolo}. Halmstad 0. syl Halm+stad pron Swedish <1halm2sta:d> pos n. def a port in SW Sweden, on the Kattegat. Pop.: 47298 (1970). halo ety C16: from Medieval Latin, from Latin hal*_os circular threshing floor, from Greek haloes infl head halo or halos syl ha:loes pos n. mod pl. halos infl head halo or haloes syl ha:los. pos n. mod pl. halo 1. syl ha:lo pron <1hAl*u> pos n. def a disc or ring of light around the head of an angel, saint, etc., as in painting or sculpture. halo 2. syl ha:lo pron <1hAl*u> pos n. def the aura surrounding an idealized, famous, or admired person, thing, or event. halo 3. syl ha:lo pron <1hAl*u> pos n. def a circle of light around the sun or moon, caused by the refraction of light by particles of ice. halo 4. syl ha:lo pron <1hAl*u> pos n. qual Astronomy. def a spherical cloud of stars surrounding the Galaxy and other spiral galaxies. haloes infl head halo or halos syl ha:loes pos vb. halos infl head halo or haloes syl ha:los pos vb. haloing infl head halo syl ha:lo+ing pos vb. haloed infl head halo syl ha:loed. pos vb. halo 5. syl ha:lo pron <1hAl*u> pos vb. def to surround with or form a halo. halo-like sub head halo syl ha:lo-2like pos adj. halo- ety from Greek hals, hal- sea, salt halo- 1. syl hal:o- usage before a vowel def indicating salt or the sea. exam 1 halophyte. halo- 2. syl hal:o- usage before a vowel def relating to or containing a halogen. exam 1 halothane. halobiont ety C20: from #7halo -#7+ -biont from Greek bios life halobiont 0. syl ha+lo+bi+ont pron <2h@l*u1bIont> pos n. def a plant or animal that lives in a salty environment such as the sea. halogen ety C19: from Swedish; see #7halo -#7, -#7gen halogen 0. syl hal:o+gen pron <1h@l*2Jen> pos n. def any of the chemical elements fluorine, chlorine, bromine, iodine, and astatine. They are all monovalent and readily form negative ions. halogenoid sub head halogen syl hal:o+gen+2oid pos adj. halogenous sub head halogen syl ha+log+e:nous pron pos adj. halogenate 0. syl hal:o+gen+ate pron <1h@l*J*2nAt> pos vb. qual Chem. def to treat or combine with a halogen. halogenation sub head halogenate syl hal:o+gen:1a+tion pos n. haloid 1. syl hal+oid pron <1h@lcid> pos adj. qual Chem. def resembling or derived from a halogen. exam 1 a haloid salt. haloid 2. syl hal+oid pron <1h@lcid> pos n. qual Chem. def a compound containing halogen atoms in its molecules; halide. halophyte 0. syl hal:o+phyte pron <1h@l*2fIt> pos n. def a plant that grows in very salty soil, as in a salt marsh. halophytic sub head halophyte syl hal:o+phyt+ic pron <2h@l*1fitik> pos adj. halophytism sub head halophyte syl hal:o+phyt+ism pos n. halothane ety C20: from #7halo -#7+ -thane, as in #7methane halothane 0. syl hal:o+thane pron <1h@l*u2TAn> pos n. def a colourless volatile slightly soluble liquid with an odour resembling that of chloroform; 2-bromo-2-chloro-1,1,1-trifluoroethane: a general anaesthetic. Formula: CF\3CHBrCl. #800349 Frans infl head Hals syl Frans pron pos n. Hals 0. syl Hals pron Dutch pos n. def ??1580-1666, Dutch portrait and genre painter: his works include (1624). Helsingborg alt head Halsingborg or Halsingborg syl Hel+sing+borg pron Swedish <2helsiG1bcrj> pos n. Halsingborg 0. or Helsingborg syl H*"al+sing+borg pron Swedish <2helsiG1bcrj> pos n. def a port in SW Sweden, on the Sound opposite Helsing*"or, Denmark: changed hands several times between Denmark and Sweden, finally becoming Swedish in 1710; shipbuilding. Pop.: 102137 (1974 est.). halt ety C17: from the phrase to make halt, translation of German halt machen, from halten to #7{hold %1}#7, stop halt H1.1. syl halt pron pos n. def an interruption or end to activity, movement, or progress. halt H1.2. syl halt pron pos n. qual Chiefly Brit. def a minor railway station, without permanent buildings. call a halt (to) 3. head halt syl call a halt (to). def to put an end (to something); stop. halt H1.4. syl halt pron pos n. interj. def a command to halt, esp. as an order when marching. halt H1.5. syl halt pron pos vb. def to come or bring to a halt. halt ety Old English healt lame; related to Old Norse haltr, Old High German halz lame, Greek k*'olos maimed, Old Slavonic kladivo hammer halt H2.1. syl halt pron pos vb. mod intr. usage esp. of logic or verse def to falter or be defective. halt H2.2. syl halt pron pos vb. mod intr. def to waver or be unsure. halt H2.3. syl halt pron pos vb. mod intr. qual Archaic. def to be lame. halt H2.4. syl halt pron pos adj. mod intr. qual Archaic. def lame. the halt 5. head halt syl the halt. qual Archaic. def lame persons collectively. halt H2.6. syl halt pron pos n. mod intr. qual Archaic. def lameness. Haltemprice 0. syl Hal+tem+price pron <1hc:lt*m2prIs> pos n. def a township in NE England, in Humberside: a residential suburb of Hull. Pop.: 52239 (1971). halter ety Old English h@alfter; related to Old High German halftra, Middle Dutch heliftra halter 1. syl hal+ter pron <1hc:lt*> pos n. def a rope or canvas headgear for a horse, usually with a rope for leading. halter 2. syl hal+ter pron <1hc:lt*> pos n. def a style of woman's top fastened behind the neck and waist, leaving the back and arms bare. halter 3. syl hal+ter pron <1hc:lt*> pos n. def a rope having a noose for hanging a person. halter 4. syl hal+ter pron <1hc:lt*> pos n. def death by hanging. halter 5. syl hal+ter pron <1hc:lt*> pos vb. mod tr. def to secure with or put on a halter. halter 6. syl hal+ter pron <1hc:lt*> pos vb. mod tr. def to hang (someone). halter-like sub head halter syl hal:ter-2like pos adj. haltere ety C18: from Greek halt*_eres (plural) hand-held weights used as balancers or to give impetus in leaping, from hallesthai to leap halter alt head haltere or haltere syl hal+ter pron <1h@lt*> pos n. halteres infl head haltere syl hal+te+res pron pos n. mod pl. haltere 0. or halter syl hal+tere pron <1h@lti*> pos n. def one of a pair of short projections in dipterous insects that are modified hind wings, used for maintaining equilibrium during flight. Also called: {balancer}. halting 1. syl halt+ing pron <1hc:ltiG> pos adj. def hesitant. exam 1 halting speech. halting 2. syl halt+ing pron <1hc:ltiG> pos adj. def lame. haltingly sub head halting syl halt+ing+ly pos adv. haltingness sub head halting syl halt+ing+ness pos n. halutz ety literally: pioneer, fighter chalutz alt head halutz or halutz syl cha+lutz pron Hebrew. , English pos n. halutz 0. or chalutz syl ha+lutz pron Hebrew. , English pos n. def a member of an organization of immigrants to Israeli agricultural settlements. halvah ety from Yiddish halva, from Rumanian, from Turkish helve, from Arabic halw*_a sweetmeat halva infl head halvah or halavah syl hal+va pron <1h@lva:> pos n. halavah infl head halvah or halva syl ha+la+vah pron <1h@l*va:> pos n. halvah 0. syl hal+vah pron <1h@lva:> pos n. def a Middle Eastern or Indian sweetmeat containing sesame seeds, nuts, rose water, saffron, etc. halve ety Old English hielfan; related to Middle High German helben; see #7half halve 1. syl halve pron pos vb. mod tr. def to divide into two approximately equal parts. halve 2. syl halve pron pos vb. mod tr. def to share equally. halve 3. syl halve pron pos vb. mod tr. def to reduce by half, as by cutting. halve 4. syl halve pron pos vb. mod tr. qual Golf. def to take the same number of strokes on (a hole or round) as one's opponent. halve together 0. syl halve to+geth+er pos vb. adv. mod tr. def to join (two timbers) by cutting each to half its thickness. halyard ety C14 halier, influenced by #7{yard %1}; see #7hale %2 halliard alt head halyard or halyard syl hal+liard pron <1h@lj*d> pos n. halyard 0. or halliard syl hal+yard pron <1h@lj*d> pos n. qual Nautical. def a line for hoisting or lowering a sail, flag, or spar. ham ety Old English hamm; related to Old High German hamma haunch, Old Irish cn*_aim bone, camm bent, Latin camur bent ham H1.1. syl ham pron pos n. def the part of the hindquarters of a pig or similar animal between the hock and the hip. ham H1.2. syl ham pron pos n. def the meat of this part, esp. when salted or smoked. ham H1.3.a. syl ham pron pos n. def the back of the leg above the knee. ham H1.3.b. syl ham pron pos n. def the space or area behind the knee. ham H1.4. syl ham pron pos n. qual Needlework. def a cushion used for moulding curves. ham ety C19: special use of #7ham %1; in some senses probably influenced by #7amateur ham H2.1.a. syl ham pron pos n. def an actor who overacts or relies on stock gestures or mannerisms. ham H2.1.b. syl ham pron pos n. def overacting or clumsy acting. ham H2.1.c. syl ham pron pos n. usage as modifier exam 1 a ham actor. ham H2.2.a. syl ham pron pos n. def a licensed amateur radio operator. ham H2.2.b. syl ham pron pos n. usage as modifier exam 1 a ham licence. hams infl head ham syl hams pos vb. hamming infl head ham syl ham+ming pos vb. hammed infl head ham syl hammed. pos vb. ham H2.3. syl ham pron pos vb. qual Informal. def to overact. Hama 0. syl Ha:ma pron <1ha:ma:> pos n. def a city in W Syria, on the Orontes River: an early Hittite settlement; famous for its huge water wheels, used for irrigation since the Middle Ages. Pop.: 137421 (1970). Biblical name: {Ha+math}. Hamedan alt head Hamadan or Hamadan syl Ham+e:d*_an pron <1h@m*2d@n> pos n. Hamadan 0. or Hamedan syl Ham:a+d*_an pron <1h@m*2d@n> pos n. def city in W central Iran, at an altitude of over 1830 m (6000 ft.): changed hands several times since the 17th century between Iraq, Persia, and Turkey; trading centre. Pop.: 144000 (1973 est.). hamadryad ety C14: from Latin Ham*_adryas, from Greek Hamadruas, from hama together with+ drus tree; see #7dryad hamadryad 1. syl ham:a+dry+ad pron <2h@m*1drI*d>, <-@d> pos n. qual Classical myth. def one of a class of nymphs, each of which inhabits a tree and dies with it. hamadryad 2. syl ham:a+dry+ad pron <2h@m*1drI*d>, <-@d> pos n. def another name for {king cobra}. hamadryas ety C19: via New Latin from Latin; see #7hamadryad hamadryas 0. syl ham:a+dry+as pron <2h@m*1drI*s> pos n. def a baboon, (or of Arabia and NE Africa, having long silvery hair on the head, neck, and chest: regarded as sacred by the ancient Egyptians: family Also called: {hamadryas baboon, sacred baboon}. hamal ety from Arabic hamala to carry hammal infl head hamal or hamaul syl ham+mal pron pos n. hamaul infl head hamal or hammal syl ha+maul pron pos n. hamal 0. syl ha+mal pron pos n. usage in the Orient def a porter, bearer, or servant. Hamamatsu 0. syl Ha+ma+ma+tsu pron <2h@m*1m@tsu:> pos n. def a city in central Japan, in S central Honshu: cotton textiles and musical instruments. Pop.: 466933 (1974 est.). hamamelidaceous ety C19: from New Latin Hamamelis type genus, from Greek: medlar, from hama together with+ m*_elon fruit hamamelidaceous 0. syl ham:a+me:li+da+ceous pron <2h@m*2mEli1dAS*s>, <-2meli-> pos adj. def of, relating to, or belonging to the a chiefly subtropical family of trees and shrubs that includes the witch hazel. hamate ety C18: from Latin h*_am*_atus, from h*_amus hook hamate 0. syl ha+mate pron <1hAmAt> pos adj. qual Rare. def hook-shaped. Hambletonian 0. syl Ham+ble+to+ni:an pron <2h@mbL1t*uni*n> pos n. def one of a superior breed of trotting horses descended from a stallion named Hamble?!tonian. Hamburg 0. syl Ham+burg pron <1h@mbR:g> pos n. def a city-state and port in N West Germany, on the River Elbe: the largest port in Germany; a founder member of the Hanseatic League; became a free imperial city in 1510 and a state of the German empire in 1871; university (1919); extensive shipyards. Pop.: 1751621 (1974 est.). hamburger ety C20: shortened from Hamburger steak (that is, steak in the fashion of H#7amburg) hamburg alt head hamburger or hamburger syl ham+burg pos n. hamburger 0. or hamburg syl ham+burg+er pron <1h@m2bR:g*> pos n. def a flat fried cake of minced beef, often served in a bread roll. Also called: {Ham?!burger steak, beefburger}. hame ety C14: from Middle Dutch hame; related to Middle High German hame fishing-rod hame 0. syl hame pron pos n. def either of the two curved bars holding the traces of the harness, attached to the collar of a draught animal. Hamelin 0. syl Ham+e:lin pron <1h@m*lin>, <1h@mlin> pos n. def the English name for {Hameln}. Hameln 0. syl Ha+meln pron German <1ha:mLn> pos n. def an industrial town in N West Germany, in Lower Saxony on the Weser River: famous for the legend of the Pied Piper (supposedly took place in 1284). Pop.: 46800 (1970). English name: {Hamelin}. Hamersley Range 0. syl Ham+ers+ley Range pron <1h@m*zli> pos n. def a mountain range in N Western Australia: iron-ore deposits. Highest peak: 1236 m (4056 ft.). ham-fisted alt head ham-handed or ham-handed syl ham-fist:ed pos adj. ham-handed 1. or ham-fisted syl ham-hand:ed pos adj. qual Informal. def lacking dexterity or elegance; clumsy. ham-handed 2. or ham-fisted syl ham-hand:ed pos adj. def having large hands. Hamheung alt head Hamhung or Hamhung syl Ham+heung pron <1ha:m1huG> pos n. Hamhung 0. or Hamheung syl Ham+hung pron <1ha:m1huG> pos n. def an industrial city in central North Korea: commercial and governmental centre of NE Korea during the Yi dynasty (1392-1910). Hamilcar Barca 0. syl Ha:mil:car Bar:ca pron <1ba:k*>, <1h@mil2ka:> pos n. def died ??228 #7b.c., Carthaginian general; father of Hannibal. He held command (247-41) during the first Punic War and established Carthaginian influence in Spain (237-??228). Hamilton H1.1. syl Ham+il+ton pron <1h@m*lt*n> pos n. def a port in central Canada, in S Ontario on Lake Ontario: iron and steel industry. Pop.: 309173 (1971). Hamilton H1.2. syl Ham+il+ton pron <1h@m*lt*n> pos n. def a city in New Zealand, on central North Island. Pop.: 74784 (1971). Hamilton H1.3. syl Ham+il+ton pron <1h@m*lt*n> pos n. def a town in S Scotland, near Glasgow. Pop.: 46347 (1971). Hamilton H1.4. syl Ham+il+ton pron <1h@m*lt*n> pos n. def the capital and chief port of Bermuda. Pop.: 2060 (1970). Hamilton H1.5. syl Ham+il+ton pron <1h@m*lt*n> pos n. def the former name of the {Churchill} River. Alexander 1. head Hamilton syl Al:ex:an:der. def ??1757-1804, American statesman. He was a leader of the Federalists and as first secretary of the Treasury (1789-95) established a federal bank. Hamilton H2.2. syl Ham:il:ton pron <1h@m*lt*n> pos n. def Lady {Em@.ma}. ??1765-1815, mistress of Nelson. Hamilton H2.3. syl Ham:il:ton pron <1h@m*lt*n> pos n. def Sir {Wil@.liam Ro@.wan}. 1805-65, Irish mathematician: founded Hamiltonian mechanics and formulated the theory of quaternions. Hamiltonian 1. syl Ham+il+to+ni:an pron <2h@m*l1t*uni*n> pos n. qual Physics, maths. def a mathematical function of the coordinates and momenta of a system of particles used to express their equations of motion. Hamiltonian 2. syl Ham+il+to+ni:an pron <2h@m*l1t*uni*n> pos n. qual Physics, maths. def a mathematical operator that generates such a function. Symbol: {H ~} Hamiltonian 3. syl Ham+il+to+ni:an pron <2h@m*l1t*uni*n> pos n. qual Physics, maths. def denoting or relating to Sir William Rowan Hamilton, or the theory of mechanics or mathematical operator devised by him. Hamite 0. syl Ham+ite pron <1h@mIt> pos n. def a member of a group of peoples of N Africa supposedly descended from Noah's son Ham (Genesis 5:32, 10:6), including the ancient Egyptians, the Berbers, the Tuaregs, etc. Hamitic 1. syl Ham+it+ic pron , pos n. def a group of N African languages related to Semitic. They are now classified in four separate subfamilies of the Afro-Asiatic family: Egyptian, Berber, Cushitic, and Chadic. Hamitic 2. syl Ham+it+ic pron , pos adj. def denoting, relating to, or belonging to this group of languages. Hamitic 3. syl Ham+it+ic pron , pos adj. def denoting, belonging to, or characteristic of the Hamites. Hamito-Semitic 1. syl Ham:i:to-Se:mit:ic pos n. def a former name for the {Afro-Asiatic} family of languages. Hamito-Semitic 2. syl Ham:i:to-Se:mit:ic pos adj. def denoting or belonging to this family of languages. hamlet ety C14: from Old French hamelet, diminutive of hamel, from ham, of Germanic origin; compare Old English hamm plot of pasture, Low German hamm enclosed land; see #7home hamlet 1. syl ham+let pron <1h@mlit> pos n. def a small village or group of houses. hamlet 2. syl ham+let pron <1h@mlit> pos n. usage in Britain def a village without its own church. Hamm 0. syl Hamm qual German def ham) an industrial city in NW West Germany, in North Rhine-Westphalia: a Hanse town from 1417; severely damaged in World War II. Pop.: 84600 (1970). Dag (Hjalmar Agne Carl) infl head Hammarskjold syl Dag (Hjalmar Agne Carl) pron pos n. Hammarskjold 0. syl Ham:mar:skj*"old pron <1h@m*2Suld>, Swedish <1hamar2S@old> pos n. def 1905-61, Swedish statesman; secretary-general of the United Nations (1953-61): Nobel peace prize 1961. hammer ety Old English hamor; related to Old Norse hamarr crag, Old High German hamar hammer, Old Slavonic kamy stone hammer 1. syl ham+mer pron <1h@m*> pos n. def a hand tool consisting of a heavy usually steel head held transversely on the end of a handle, used for driving in nails, beating metal, etc. hammer 2. syl ham+mer pron <1h@m*> pos n. def any tool or device with a similar function, such as the moving part of a door knocker, the striking head on a bell, etc. hammer 3. syl ham+mer pron <1h@m*> pos n. def a power-driven striking tool, esp. one used in forging. A {pneumatic hammer} delivers a repeated blow from a pneumatic ram, a {drop hammer} uses the energy of a falling weight. hammer 4. syl ham+mer pron <1h@m*> pos n. def a part of a gunlock that strikes the primer or percussion cap when the trigger is pulled. hammer 5.a. syl ham+mer pron <1h@m*> pos n. def a heavy metal ball attached to a flexible wire: thrown in competitions. hammer 5.b. syl ham+mer pron <1h@m*> pos n. def the event or sport of throwing the hammer. hammer 6. syl ham+mer pron <1h@m*> pos n. def an auctioneer's gavel. hammer 7. syl ham+mer pron <1h@m*> pos n. def a device on a piano that is made to strike a string or group of strings causing them to vibrate. hammer 8. syl ham+mer pron <1h@m*> pos n. qual Anatomy. def the nontechnical name for {malleus}. come under the hammer infl head hammer syl come under the hammer. go 9. head hammer syl go def to be offered for sale by an auctioneer. hammer and tongs 10. head hammer syl hammer and tongs. def with great effort or energy. exam 1 fighting hammer and tongs. hammer 11. syl ham+mer pron <1h@m*> pos vb. def to strike or beat (a nail, wood, etc.) with or as if with a hammer. hammer 12. syl ham+mer pron <1h@m*> pos vb. mod tr. def to shape or fashion with or as if with a hammer. hammer 13. syl ham+mer pron <1h@m*> pos vb. mod when; intr. usage foll. by away def to impress or force (facts, ideas, etc.) into (someone) through constant repetition. hammer 14. syl ham+mer pron <1h@m*> pos vb. mod intr. def to feel or sound like hammering. exam 1 his pulse was hammering. hammer 15. syl ham+mer pron <1h@m*> pos vb. mod intr. usage often foll. by away def to work at constantly. hammer 16.a. syl ham+mer pron <1h@m*> pos vb. def to question in a relentless manner. hammer 16.b. syl ham+mer pron <1h@m*> pos vb. def to criticize severely. hammer 17. syl ham+mer pron <1h@m*> pos vb. qual Informal. def to inflict a defeat on. hammer 18.a. syl ham+mer pron <1h@m*> pos vb. def to announce the default of (a member). hammer 18.b. syl ham+mer pron <1h@m*> pos vb. def to cause prices of (securities, the market, etc.) to fall by bearish selling. hammerer sub head hammer syl ham+mer+er pos n. hammer-like sub head hammer syl ham:mer-2like pos adj. hammer and sickle 1. syl ham+mer and sick+le pos n. def the emblem on the flag of the Soviet Union, representing the industrial workers and the peasants respectively. hammer and sickle 2. syl ham+mer and sick+le pos n. def a symbolic representation of the Soviet Union or of Communism in general. hammer beam 0. syl ham+mer beam pos n. def either of a pair of short horizontal beams that project from opposite walls to support arched braces and struts. hammer drill 0. syl ham+mer drill pos n. def a rock drill operated by compressed air in which the boring bit is not attached to the reciprocating piston. Hammerfest 0. syl Ham+mer+fest pron Norwegian <1ham*r2fest> pos n. def a port in N Norway, on the W coast of Kval*"oy Island: the northernmost town in the world, with uninterrupted daylight from May 17 to July 19 and no sun between Nov. 21 and Jan. 21; fishing and tourist centre. Pop.: 6974 (1970). hammerhead 1. syl ham:mer+head pron <1h@m*2hed> pos n. def any ferocious shark of the genus and family having a flattened hammer-shaped head. hammerhead 2. syl ham:mer+head pron <1h@m*2hed> pos n. def a heavily built tropical African wading bird, related to the herons, having a dark plumage and a long backward-pointing crest: family order hammerhead 3. syl ham:mer+head pron <1h@m*2hed> pos n. def a large African fruit bat, with a large square head and hammer-shaped muzzle. hammerheaded sub head hammerhead syl ham:mer+2head:ed pos adj. hammerless 0. syl ham+mer+less pron <1h@m*lis> pos adj. usage of a firearm def having the hammer enclosed so that it is not visible. hammerlock 0. syl ham:mer+lock pos n. def a wrestling hold in which a wrestler twists his opponent's arm upwards behind his back. hammer out 1. syl ham+mer out pos vb. adv. mod tr. def to shape or remove with or as if with a hammer. hammer out 2. syl ham+mer out pos vb. adv. mod tr. def to settle or reconcile (differences, problems, etc.) after much dispute or conflict. Hammersmith 0. syl Ham+mer+smith pron <1h@m*2smiT> pos n. def a borough of Greater London on the River Thames in the south: established in 1965 by the amalgamation of Fulham and Hammersmith. Pop.: 170000 (1976 est.). Oscar infl head Hammerstein II syl Os:car. pos n. Hammerstein II 0. syl Ham:mer:stein II pron <1h@m*2stIn> pos n. def 1895-1960, U.S. librettist and songwriter: collaborated with the composer Richard Rodgers in musicals such as (1949) and (1959). hammertoe 1. syl ham:mer+toe pron <1h@m*2t*u> pos n. def a deformity of the bones of a toe causing the toe to be bent in a clawlike arch. hammertoe 2. syl ham:mer+toe pron <1h@m*2t*u> pos n. def such a toe. hammock ety C16: from Spanish hamaca, of Taino origin hammock H1.0. syl ham+mock pron <1h@m*k> pos n. def a length of canvas, net, etc., suspend?!ed at the ends and used as a bed. hammock-like sub head hammock syl ham:mock-2like pos adj. hammock H2.0. syl ham+mock pron pos n. def a variant spelling of {{hummock} (sense 3)}. Hammond H1.0. syl Ham+mond pron <1h@m*nd> pos n. def a city in NW Indiana, adjacent to Chicago. Pop.: 106383 (1973 est.). Hammond H2.1. syl Ham:mond pron <1h@m*nd> pos n. def Dame {Joan}. born 1912, Australian operatic singer. Walter Reginald 2. head Hammond syl Wal:ter Reg:i:nald def known as 1903-65, English cricketer. An all-rounder, he played for England 85 times between 1928 and 1946. Hammurapi alt head Hammurabi or Hammurabi syl Ham:mu:ra:pi pos n. Hammurabi 0. or Hammurapi syl Ham:mu:ra:bi pron <2h@mu1ra:bi> pos n. def ??18th century #7b.c., king of Babylonia; promulgator of one of the earliest known codes of law. hammier infl head hammy syl ham+mi+er pos adj. hammiest infl head hammy syl ham+mi+est. pos adj. hammy 1. syl ham+my pron <1h@mi> pos adj. qual Informal. usage of an actor def overacting or tending to overact. hammy 2. syl ham+my pron <1h@mi> pos adj. qual Informal. usage of a play, performance, etc. def overacted or exaggerated. John infl head Hampden syl John. pos n. Hampden 0. syl Hamp:den pron <1h@mpd*n>, <1h@md*n> pos n. def 1594-1643, English statesman; one of the leaders of the Parliamentary opposition to Charles I. hamper ety C14: of obscure origin; perhaps related to Old English hamm enclosure, hemm #7{hem %1} hamper H1.1. syl ham+per pron <1h@mp*> pos vb. mod tr. def to prevent the progress or free movement of. hamper H1.2. syl ham+per pron <1h@mp*> pos n. qual Nautical. def gear aboard a vessel that, though essential, is often in the way. hamperedness sub head hamper syl ham+pered+ness pos n. hamperer sub head hamper syl ham+per+er pos n. hamper ety C14: variant of #7hanaper hamper H2.1. syl ham+per pron <1h@mp*> pos n. def a large basket, usually with a cover. hamper H2.2. syl ham+per pron <1h@mp*> pos n. qual Brit. def such a basket and its contents, usually food. hamper H2.3. syl ham+per pron <1h@mp*> pos n. qual U.S. def a laundry basket. Hampshire 0. syl Hamp+shire pron <1h@mpSi*>, <-S*> pos n. def a county of S England, on the English Channel: crossed by the {Hampshire Downs} and the South Downs, with the New Forest in the southwest and many prehistoric and Roman remains. Administrative centre: Winchester. Pop.: 1456100 (1976 est.). Abbrev.: {Hants}. Hampstead 0. syl Hamp+stead pron <1h@mpstid> pos n. def a residential district in N London: part of the Greater London borough of Camden since 1965; nearby is {Hampstead Heath}, a popular recreation area. Hampton 1. syl Hamp+ton pron <1h@mpt*n> pos n. def a city in SE Virginia, on the harbour of {Hampton Roads} on Chesapeake Bay. Pop.: 128119 (1973 est.). Hampton 2. syl Hamp+ton pron <1h@mpt*n> pos n. def a district of the Greater London borough of Richmond-upon-Thames, on the River Thames: famous for {Hampton Court Palace} (built in 1515 by Cardinal Wolsey). hamshackle 0. syl ham+shack+le pron <1h@mS@kL> pos vb. mod tr. def to hobble (a cow, horse, etc.) by tying a rope around the head and one of the legs. hamster ety C17: from German, from Old High German hamustro, of Slavic origin hamster 0. syl ham+ster pron <1h@mst*> pos n. def any Eurasian burrowing rodent of the tribe such as ({golden hamster}) , having a stocky body, short tail, and cheek pouches: family They are popular pets. hamstring ety C16: #7ham %1#7+string hamstring 1. syl ham+string pron <1h@m2striG> pos n. qual Anatomy. def one of the tendons at the back of the knee. hamstring 2. syl ham+string pron <1h@m2striG> pos n. def the large tendon at the back of the hock in the hind leg of a horse, etc. hamstrings infl head hamstring syl ham+strings pos vb. hamstringing infl head hamstring syl ham+string+ing pos vb. hamstrung infl head hamstring syl ham+strung. pos vb. hamstring 3. syl ham+string pron <1h@m2striG> pos vb. def to cripple by cutting the hamstring of. hamstring 4. syl ham+string pron <1h@m2striG> pos vb. def to ruin or thwart. Knut infl head Hamsun syl Knut pron pos n. Hamsun 0. syl Ham:sun pron Norwegian <1hamsun> pos n. def pen name of 1859-1952, Norwegian novelist, whose works include (1917): Nobel prize for literature 1920. hamulus ety C18: from Latin: a little hook, from h*_amus hook hamuli infl head hamulus syl ham:u+li pron <-2lI> pos n. mod pl. hamulus 0. syl ham:u+lus pron <1h@mjul*s> pos n. qual Biology. def a hook or hooklike process at the end of some bones or between the fore and hind wings of a bee or similar insect. hamular sub head hamulus syl ham:u+lar pos adj. hamulate sub head hamulus syl ham:u+2late pos adj. hamulose sub head hamulus or hamulous syl ham:u+2lose pos adj. hamulous sub head hamulus or hamulose syl ham:u+lous pos adj. hamza ety from Arabic hamzah, literally: a compression hamzah alt head hamza or hamza syl ham+zah pron <1ha:mza:>, <-z*> pos n. hamza 0. or hamzah syl ham+za pron <1ha:mza:>, <-z*> pos n. def the sign used in Arabic to represent the glottal stop. Han H1.1. syl Han pron pos n. def the imperial dynasty that ruled China for most of the time from 206 #7b.c. to 221 #7a.d., expanding its territory and developing its bureaucracy. Han H1.2. syl Han pron pos n. def the Chinese people as contrasted to Mongols, Manchus, etc. Han H2.0. syl Han pron pos n. def a river in E central China, rising in S Shensi and flowing southeast through Hupeh to the Yangtze River at Wuhan. Length: about 1450 km (900 miles). hanaper ety C15: from Old French hanapier, from hanap cup, of Germanic origin; compare Old High German hnapf bowl, Old English hn@ap hanaper 0. syl han:a+per pron <1h@n*p*> pos n. def a small wickerwork basket, often used to hold official papers. Hanau 0. syl Ha+nau pron German <1ha:nau> pos n. def a city in central West Germany, in Hesse east of Frankfurt am Main: a centre of the jewellery industry. Pop.: 55500 (1970). hance 0. syl hance pron pos n. def a variant spelling of {{haunch} (sense 3)}. Han Cities 0. syl Han Cit:ies pron pos n. mod pl. def a group of three cities in E central China, in SE Hupeh at the confluence of the Han and Yangtze Rivers: Hanyang, Hankow, and Wuchang; united in 1950 to form the conurbation of Wuhan, the capital of Hupeh province. John infl head Hancock syl John. pos n. Hancock 0. syl Han:cock pron <1h@nkok> pos n. def 1737-93, American statesman; first signatory of the Declaration of Independence. hand ety Old English hand; related to Old Norse h*"ond, Gothic handus, Old High German hant hand 1.a. syl hand pron pos n. def the prehensile part of the body at the end of the arm, consisting of a thumb, four fingers, and a palm. hand 1.b. syl hand pron pos n. def the bones of this part. Related adj.: {manual}. hand 2. syl hand pron pos n. def the correspond?!ing or similar part in animals. hand 3. syl hand pron pos n. def something resembling this in shape or function. hand 4.a. syl hand pron pos n. def the cards dealt to one or all players in one round of a card game. hand 4.b. syl hand pron pos n. def a player holding such cards. hand 4.c. syl hand pron pos n. def one round of a card game. hand 5. syl hand pron pos n. def agency or influence. exam 1 the hand of God. hand 6. syl hand pron pos n. def a part in something done. exam 1 he had a hand in the victory. hand 7. syl hand pron pos n. def assistance. exam 1 to give someone a hand with his work. hand 8. syl hand pron pos n. def a pointer on a dial, indicator, or gauge, esp. on a clock. exam 1 the minute hand. hand 9. syl hand pron pos n. def acceptance or pledge of partnership, as in marriage. exam 1 he asked for her hand; exam 2 he gave me his hand on the merger. hand 10. syl hand pron pos n. def a position or direction indicated by its location to the side of an object or the observer. exam 1 on the right hand; exam 2 on every hand. hand 11. syl hand pron pos n. def a contrastive aspect, condition, etc. (in the phrases {on the one hand, on the other hand) }. hand 12. syl hand pron pos n. usage preceded by an ordinal number def source or origin. exam 1 a story heard at third hand. hand 13. syl hand pron pos n. def a person, esp. one who creates something. exam 1 a good hand at painting. hand 14. syl hand pron pos n. def a labourer or manual worker. exam 1 we've just taken on a new hand at the farm. hand 15. syl hand pron pos n. def a member of a ship's crew. exam 1 all hands on deck. hand 16. syl hand pron pos n. qual Printing. def another name for {{index} (sense 9)}. hand 17. syl hand pron pos n. def a person's handwriting. exam 1 the letter was in his own hand. hand 18. syl hand pron pos n. def a round of applause. exam 1 give him a hand. hand 19. syl hand pron pos n. def ability or skill. exam 1 a hand for woodwork. hand 20. syl hand pron pos n. def a manner or characteristic way of doing something. exam 1 the hand of a master. hand 21. syl hand pron pos n. def a unit of length measurement equalling four inches, used for measuring the height of horses, usually from the front hoof to the withers. hand 22. syl hand pron pos n. def a cluster or bundle, esp. of bananas. hand 23. syl hand pron pos n. def a shoulder of pork. hand 24. syl hand pron pos n. def one of the two possible mirror-image forms of an asymmetric object, such as the direction of the helix in a screw thread. a free hand 25. head hand syl a free hand. def freedom to do as desired. a heavy hand 26. head hand syl a heavy hand. def tyranny, persecution, or oppression. exam 1 he ruled with a heavy hand. a high hand 27. head hand syl a high hand. def an oppressive or dictatorial manner. (near) at hand 28. head hand syl (near) at hand. def very near or close, esp. in time. at someone's hand (s) 29. head hand syl at someone's hand (s) def from. exam 1 the acts of kindness received at their hands. hand 30.a. syl hand pron pos n. def by manual rather than mechanical means. hand 30.b. syl hand pron pos n. def by messenger or personally. exam 1 the letter was delivered by hand. come to hand 31. head hand syl come to hand. def to become available; be received. force someone's hand 32. head hand syl force someone's hand. def to force someone to act. from hand to hand 33. head hand syl from hand to hand. def from one person to another. hand 34.a. syl hand pron pos n. def in poverty. exam 1 living from hand to mouth. hand 34.b. syl hand pron pos n. def without preparation or planning. hand and foot 35. head hand syl hand and foot. def in all ways possible; completely. exam 1 they waited on him hand and foot. hand in glove 36. head hand syl hand in glove. def in close association. hand 37.a. syl hand pron pos n. def together; jointly. hand 37.b. syl hand pron pos n. def clasping each other's hands. hand 38.a. syl hand pron pos n. def in an easy manner. hand 38.b. syl hand pron pos n. def in large amounts. exam 1 he squanders money hand over fist. hold one's hand 39. head hand syl hold one's hand. def to stop or postpone a planned action or punishment. hold someone's hand 40. head hand syl hold someone's hand. def to support, help, or guide someone, esp. by giving sympathy or moral support. hand 41.a. syl hand pron pos n. def in possession. hand 41.b. syl hand pron pos n. def under control. hand 41.c. syl hand pron pos n. def receiving attention or being acted on. hand 41.d. syl hand pron pos n. def available for use; in reserve. hand 41.e. syl hand pron pos n. def with deferred payment. exam 1 he works a week in hand. keep one's hand in 42. head hand syl keep one's hand in. def to continue or practise. on hand 43. head hand syl on hand. def close by; present. exam 1 I'll be on hand to help you. hand 44.a. syl hand pron pos n. def beyond control. hand 44.b. syl hand pron pos n. def without reservation or deeper examination. exam 1 he condemned him out of hand. hand 45.a. syl hand pron pos n. def to sign (a document). hand 45.b. syl hand pron pos n. def to start (a task or undertaking). show one's hand 46. head hand syl show one's hand. def to reveal one's stand, opinion, or plans. take in hand 47. head hand syl take in hand. def to discipline; control. throw one's hand in 48. head hand syl throw one's hand in. def to give up or discontinue a venture, game, etc. to hand 49. head hand syl to hand. def accessible. try one's hand 50. head hand syl try one's hand. def to attempt to do something. hand 51.a. syl hand pron pos n. def of or involving the hand. exam 1 a hand grenade. hand 51.b. syl hand pron pos n. def made to be carried in or worn on the hand. exam 1 hand luggage. hand 51.c. syl hand pron pos n. def operated by hand. exam 1 a hand drill. hand 52. syl hand pron pos n. usage in combination def made by hand rather than by a machine. exam 1 hand-sewn. hand 53. syl hand pron pos n. def to transmit or offer by the hand or hands. hand 54. syl hand pron pos n. def to help or lead with the hand. hand 55. syl hand pron pos n. qual Nautical. def to furl (a sail). hand it to someone 56. head hand syl hand it to someone. def to give credit to someone. hand xref syl hand pron pos n. def See also {hand down, hand in, hand-off, hand on, hand-out, hand over, hands}. handless sub head hand syl hand+less pos adj. handlike sub head hand syl hand+2like pos adj. handbag 1. syl hand+bag pron <1h@nd2b@g> pos n. def Also called: {bag, purse} (U.S.), {pocketbook} (U.S.). a woman's small bag carried to contain personal articles. handbag 2. syl hand+bag pron <1h@nd2b@g> pos n. def a small suitcase that can be carried by hand. handball 1. syl hand+ball pron <1h@nd2bc:l> pos n. def a game in which two or four people strike a ball against a wall or walls with the hand, usually gloved. handball 2. syl hand+ball pron <1h@nd2bc:l> pos n. def the small hard rubber ball used in this game. {~} handball 3. syl hand+ball pron <1h@nd2bc:l> pos n. qual Australian Rules football. def to pass (the ball) with a blow of the fist. &- {#!hand+@!ball@.er} handbarrow 0. syl hand+bar:row pron <1h@nd2b@r*u> pos n. def a flat tray for transporting loads, usually carried by two men. handbell 0. syl hand+bell pron <1h@nd2bel> pos n. def a bell rung by hand, esp. one of a tuned set used in musical performance. handbill 0. syl hand+bill pron <1h@nd2bil> pos n. def a small printed notice for distribution by hand. handbook 0. syl hand+book pron <1h@nd2buk> pos n. def a reference book listing brief facts on a subject or place or directions for maintenance or repair, as of a car. exam 1 a tourists' handbook. handbrake 1. syl hand+brake pron <1h@nd2brAk> pos n. def a brake operated by a hand lever. handbrake 2. syl hand+brake pron <1h@nd2brAk> pos n. def the lever that operates the handbrake. hand's-breadth alt head handbreadth or handbreadth syl hand's-breadth pos n. handbreadth 0. or hand's-breadth syl hand+breadth pron <1h@nd2bretT>, <-2bredT> pos n. def the width of a hand used as an indication of length. h and c 0. syl h. and c. qual abbrev. for def hot and cold (water). handcart 0. syl hand+cart pron <1h@nd2ka:t> pos n. def a simple cart, usually with one or two wheels, pushed or drawn by hand. handclasp 0. syl hand+clasp pron <1h@nd2kla:sp> pos n. qual U.S. def another word for {handshake}. handcraft 1. syl hand+craft pron <1h@nd2kra:ft> pos n. def another word for {handicraft. ~} handcraft 2. syl hand+craft pron <1h@nd2kra:ft> pos n. mod tr. def to make by handicraft. handcuff 1. syl hand+cuff pron <1h@nd2k^f> pos vb. mod tr. def to put handcuffs on (a person); manacle. {~} handcuff 2. syl hand+cuff pron <1h@nd2k^f> pos vb. mod pl. def a pair of locking metal rings joined by a short bar or chain for securing prisoners, etc. hand down 1. syl hand down pos vb. adv. mod tr. def to leave to a later period or generation; bequeath. hand down 2. syl hand down pos vb. adv. mod tr. def to pass (an outgrown garment) on from one member of a family to a younger one. hand down 3. syl hand down pos vb. adv. mod tr. qual U.S. law. def to announce or deliver (a verdict). -handed 0. syl -hand:ed pos adj. def having a hand or hands as specified. exam 1 broad-handed George Frederick infl head Handel syl George Fred:er:ick. pos n. Handel 0. syl Han:del pron <1h@ndL> pos n. def German name 1685-1759, German composer, resident in England, noted particularly for his oratorios, including the (1741) and (1743). Other works include over 40 operas, 12 concerti grossi, organ concertos, chamber and orchestral music, esp. (1717). handfast 1. syl hand+fast pron <1h@nd2fa:st> pos n. qual Archaic. def an agreement, esp. of marriage, confirmed by a handshake. handfast 2. syl hand+fast pron <1h@nd2fa:st> pos n. qual Archaic. def a firm grip. handfast 3. syl hand+fast pron <1h@nd2fa:st> pos vb. mod tr. qual Archaic. def to betroth or marry (two persons or another person) by joining the hands. handfast 4. syl hand+fast pron <1h@nd2fa:st> pos vb. mod tr. qual Archaic. def to grip with the hand. handfasting 1. syl hand+fast:ing pron <1h@nd2fa:stiG> pos n. def an archaic word for {betroth?!al}. handfasting 2. syl hand+fast:ing pron <1h@nd2fa:stiG> pos n. usage formerly def a kind of trial marriage marked by the formal joining of hands. handfeeds infl head handfeed syl hand+feeds pos vb. mod tr. handfeeding infl head handfeed syl hand+feed+ing pos vb. mod tr. handfed infl head handfeed syl hand+fed. pos vb. mod tr. handfeed 1. syl hand+feed pron <1h@nd2fEd> pos vb. mod tr. def to feed (a person or an animal) by hand. handfeed 2. syl hand+feed pron <1h@nd2fEd> pos vb. mod tr. qual Agriculture. def to give food to (poultry or livestock) in fixed amounts and at fixed times, rather than use a self-feeding system. handfuls infl head handful syl hand+fuls. pos n. mod pl. handful 1. syl hand+ful pron <1h@nd2ful> pos n. def the amount or number that can be held in the hand. handful 2. syl hand+ful pron <1h@nd2ful> pos n. def a small number or quantity. handful 3. syl hand+ful pron <1h@nd2ful> pos n. qual Informal. def a person or thing difficult to manage or control. hand glass 1. syl hand glass pos n. def a magnifying glass with a handle. hand glass 2. syl hand glass pos n. def a small mirror with a handle. hand glass 3. syl hand glass pos n. def a small glazed frame for seedlings or plants. hand grenade 0. syl hand gre+nade pos n. def a small metal canister containing explosives, usually activated by a short fuse and used in close combat. handgrip 1. syl hand+grip pron <1h@nd2grip> pos n. def another word for {{grip%1} (senses 2, 6, and 7)}. handgrip 2. syl hand+grip pron <1h@nd2grip> pos n. qual Tennis, golf, etc. def a covering, usually of towelling or rubber, that makes the handle of a racket or club easier to hold. handgun 0. syl hand+gun pron <1h@nd2g^n> pos n. qual U.S. def a firearm that can be held, carried, and fired with one hand, such as a pistol. hand-held 0. syl hand-held pos adj. usage of a film camera def held rather than mounted, as in close-up action shots. handhold 1. syl hand+hold pron <1h@nd2h*uld> pos n. def an object, crevice, etc., that can be used as a grip or support, as in climbing. handhold 2. syl hand+hold pron <1h@nd2h*uld> pos n. def a grip or secure hold with the hand or hands. handicap ety C17: probably from hand in cap, a lottery game in which players drew forfeits from a cap or deposited money in it handicap 1. syl hand:i+cap pron <1h@ndi2k@p> pos n. def something that hampers or hinders. handicap 2. syl hand:i+cap pron <1h@ndi2k@p> pos n. def a contest, esp. a race, in which competitors are given advantages or disadvantages of weight, distance, time, etc., in an attempt to equalize their chances of winning. handicap 3. syl hand:i+cap pron <1h@ndi2k@p> pos n. def the advantage or disadvantage prescribed. exam 1 a handicap of three strokes. handicap 4. syl hand:i+cap pron <1h@ndi2k@p> pos n. def any physical disability, esp. one affecting the normal ability to move or manipulate objects. handicaps infl head handicap syl hand:i+caps pos vb. mod tr. handicapping infl head handicap syl hand:i+cap+ping pos vb. mod tr. handicapped infl head handicap syl hand:i+capped. pos vb. mod tr. handicap 5. syl hand:i+cap pron <1h@ndi2k@p> pos vb. mod tr. def to be a hindrance or disadvantage to. handicap 6. syl hand:i+cap pron <1h@ndi2k@p> pos vb. mod tr. def to assign a handicap or handicaps to. handicap 7. syl hand:i+cap pron <1h@ndi2k@p> pos vb. mod tr. def to organize (a contest) by handicapping. handicap 8.a. syl hand:i+cap pron <1h@ndi2k@p> pos vb. mod tr. def to attempt to forecast the winner of (a contest, esp. a horse race). handicap 8.b. syl hand:i+cap pron <1h@ndi2k@p> pos vb. mod tr. def to assign odds for or against (a contestant). handicapper sub head handicap syl hand:i+2cap+per pos n. handicapped 1. syl hand:i+capped pron <1h@ndi2k@pt> pos adj. def physically disabled. handicapped 2. syl hand:i+capped pron <1h@ndi2k@pt> pos adj. qual Psychol. def denoting a person whose social behaviour or emotional reactions are in some way impaired. handicapped 3. syl hand:i+capped pron <1h@ndi2k@pt> pos adj. usage of a competitor def assigned a handicap. handicapper 1. syl hand:i+cap+per pron <1h@ndi2k@p*> pos n. def an official appointed to assign handicaps to competitors in such sports as golf and horse racing. handicapper 2. syl hand:i+cap+per pron <1h@ndi2k@p*> pos n. def a newspaper columnist employed to estimate the chances that horses have of winning races. handicraft ety C15: changed from #7handcraft through the influence of #7handiwork, which was analysed as if #7handy+work handicraft 1. syl hand:i+craft pron <1h@ndi2kra:ft> pos n. def skill or dexterity in working with the hands. handicraft 2. syl hand:i+craft pron <1h@ndi2kra:ft> pos n. def a particular skill or art performed with the hands, such as weaving, pottery, etc. handicraft 3. syl hand:i+craft pron <1h@ndi2kra:ft> pos n. def the work produced by such a skill or art. exam 1 local handicraft is on sale. handicraftsman sub head handicraft syl hand:i+2crafts+man pos n. handily 1. syl hand:i+ly pron <1h@ndili> pos adv. def in a handy way or manner. handily 2. syl hand:i+ly pron <1h@ndili> pos adv. def conveniently or suitably. exam 1 handily nearby. handily 3. syl hand:i+ly pron <1h@ndili> pos adv. qual U.S. def easily. exam 1 the horse won handily. hand in 0. syl hand in pos vb. adv. mod tr. def to return or submit (something, such as an examination paper). handiwork ety Old English handgeweorc, from #7hand+ geweorc, from ge- (collective prefix)+ weorc #7work handiwork 1. syl hand:i+work pron <1h@ndi2wR:k> pos n. def work performed or produced by hand, such as embroidery or pottery. handiwork 2. syl hand:i+work pron <1h@ndi2wR:k> pos n. def the result of the action or endeavours of a person or thing. handkerchief 0. syl hand+ker+chief pron <1h@Gk*Cif>, <-CEf> pos n. def a small square of soft absorbent material, such as linen, silk, or soft paper, carried and used to wipe the nose, etc. hand-knit 1. syl hand-knit pos adj. usage also def knitted by hand, not on a machine. hand-knits infl head hand-knit syl hand-knits pos vb. hand-knitting infl head hand-knit syl hand-knit:ting pos vb. hand-knitted infl head hand-knit or hand-knit syl hand-knit:ted pos vb. hand-knit infl or hand-knitted syl hand-knit. pos vb. hand-knit 2. syl hand-knit pos vb. usage also def to knit (garments, etc.) by hand. handle ety Old English; related to Old Saxon handlon (vb.), Old High German hantilla towel handle 1. syl han+dle pron <1h@ndL> pos n. def the part of a utensil, drawer, etc., designed to be held in order to move, use, or pick up the object. handle 2. syl han+dle pron <1h@ndL> pos n. qual Slang. def a title put before a person's name. handle 3. syl han+dle pron <1h@ndL> pos n. def an opportunity, reason, or excuse for doing something. exam 1 his background served as a handle for their mockery. handle 4. syl han+dle pron <1h@ndL> pos n. def the quality, as of textiles, perceived by touching or feeling. handle 5. syl han+dle pron <1h@ndL> pos n. def the total amount of a bet on a horse race or similar event. fly off the handle 6. head handle syl fly off the handle. qual Informal. def to become suddenly extremely angry. handle 7. syl han+dle pron <1h@ndL> pos vb. mod mainly; tr. def to pick up and hold, move, or touch with the hands. handle 8. syl han+dle pron <1h@ndL> pos vb. mod mainly; tr. def to operate or employ using the hands. exam 1 the boy handled the reins well. handle 9. syl han+dle pron <1h@ndL> pos vb. mod mainly; tr. def to have power or control over. exam 1 my wife handles my investments. handle 10. syl han+dle pron <1h@ndL> pos vb. mod mainly; tr. def to manage successfully. exam 1 a secretary must be able to handle clients. handle 11. syl han+dle pron <1h@ndL> pos vb. mod mainly; tr. def to discuss (a theme, subject, etc.). handle 12. syl han+dle pron <1h@ndL> pos vb. mod mainly; tr. def to deal with or treat in a specified way. exam 1 I was handled with great tact. handle 13. syl han+dle pron <1h@ndL> pos vb. mod mainly; tr. def to trade or deal in (specified merchandise). handle 14. syl han+dle pron <1h@ndL> pos vb. mod intr. def to react or respond in a specified way to operation or control. exam 1 the car handles well on bends. handleable sub head handle syl han+dle+a:ble pos adj. handled sub head handle syl han+dled pos adj. handleless sub head handle syl han+dle+less pos adj. handlebar moustache 0. syl han:dle+bar mous+tache pron <1h@ndL2ba:> pos n. def a bushy extended moustache with curled ends that resembles handlebars. handlebars 0. syl han:dle+bars pron <1h@ndL2ba:z> pos n. mod pl. sometimes; sing. def a metal bar having its ends curved to form handles, used for steering a bicycle, motorcycle, etc. handler 1. syl han+dler pron <1h@ndl*> pos n. def a person who holds or incites a dog, gamecock, etc., esp. in a race or contest. handler 2. syl han+dler pron <1h@ndl*> pos n. def the trainer or second of a boxer. handling 1. syl han+dling pron <1h@ndliG> pos n. def the act or an instance of picking up, turning over, or touching something. handling 2. syl han+dling pron <1h@ndliG> pos n. def treatment, as of a theme in literature. handling 3.a. syl han+dling pron <1h@ndliG> pos n. def the process by which a commodity is packaged, transported, etc. handling 3.b. syl han+dling pron <1h@ndliG> pos n. usage as modifier exam 1 handling charges. handling 4. syl han+dling pron <1h@ndliG> pos n. qual Law. def the act of receiving property that one knows or believes to be stolen. handmade 0. syl hand+made pron <2h@nd1mAd> pos adj. def made by hand, not by machine, esp. with care or craftsmanship. handmaid alt head handmaiden or handmaiden syl hand+maid pos n. handmaiden 1. or handmaid syl hand+maid:en pron <1h@nd2mAdN> pos n. def a person or thing that serves a useful but subordinate purpose. exam 1 logic is the handmaid of philosophy. handmaiden 2. or handmaid syl hand+maid:en pron <1h@nd2mAdN> pos n. qual Archaic. def a female servant or attendant. hand-me-down 1.a. syl hand-me-down pos n. qual Informal. def something, esp. an outgrown garment, passed down from one person to another. hand-me-down 1.b. syl hand-me-down pos n. qual Informal. usage as modifier exam 1 a hand-me-down dress. hand-me-down 2.a. syl hand-me-down pos n. qual Informal. def anything that has already been used by another. hand-me-down 2.b. syl hand-me-down pos n. qual Informal. usage as modifier exam 1 hand-me-down ideas. infl head hand-off syl ~ pos n. qual Rugby. hand-off 1. syl hand-off pos n. def the act of warding off an opposing player with the open hand. hand off infl head hand-off syl hand off. pos vb. hand-off 2. syl hand-off pos adv. mod tr. def to ward off (an opponent) using a hand-off. hand on 0. syl hand on pos vb. adv. mod tr. def to pass to the next in a succession. hand organ 0. syl hand or+gan pos n. def another name for {barrel organ}. hand-out 1. syl hand-out pos n. def clothing, food, or money given to a needy person. hand-out 2. syl hand-out pos n. def a leaflet, free sample, etc., given out to publicize something. hand-out 3. syl hand-out pos n. def a statement or other document distributed to the press or an audience to confirm, supplement, or replace an oral presentation. hand out infl head hand-out syl hand out. pos vb. hand-out 4. syl hand-out pos adv. mod tr. def to distribute. hand over 0. syl hand o:ver pos vb. adv. mod tr. def to surrender possession of; transfer. hand-pick 0. syl hand-pick pos vb. mod tr. def to choose or select with great care, as for a special job or purpose. hand-picked sub head hand-pick syl hand-1picked pos adj. handrail 0. syl hand+rail pron <1h@nd2rAl> pos n. def a rail alongside a stairway, etc., at a convenient height to be grasped to provide support. hands 1. syl hands pron pos n. def power or keeping. exam 1 your welfare is in his hands. hands 2. syl hands pron pos n. def Also called: {handling}. the infringement of touching the ball with any part of the hand or arm. change hands 3. head hands syl change hands. def to pass from the possession of one person or group to another. clean hands 4. head hands syl clean hands. def freedom from guilt. hands down 5. head hands syl hands down. def without effort; easily. hands off 6. head hands syl hands off. def do not touch or interfere. hands up 7. head hands syl hands up&! def raise the hands above the level of the shoulders, an order usually given by an armed robber to a victim, etc. hands 8.a. syl hands pron pos n. def to be completely occupied. hands 8.b. syl hands pron pos n. def to be beset with problems. have one's hands tied 9. head hands syl have one's hands tied. def to be wholly unable to act. in good hands 10. head hands syl in good hands. def in protective care. hands 11.a. syl hands pron pos n. def to become married. hands 11.b. syl hands pron pos n. def to enter into partnership. hands 12.a. syl hands pron pos n. def to seize or get possession of. hands 12.b. syl hands pron pos n. def to beat up; assault. hands 12.c. syl hands pron pos n. def to find. exam 1 I just can't lay my hands on it anywhere. hands 12.d. syl hands pron pos n. qual Christianity. def to confirm or ordain by the imposition of hands. off one's hands 13. head hands syl off one's hands. def for which one is no longer responsible. hands 14.a. syl hands pron pos n. def for which one is responsible. exam 1 I've got too much on my hands to help. hands 14.b. syl hands pron pos n. def to spare. exam 1 time on my hands. throw up one's hands 15. head hands syl throw up one's hands. def to give up in despair. wash one's hands of 16. head hands syl wash one's hands of. def to have nothing more to do with. handsaw 0. syl hand+saw pron <1h@nd2sc:> pos n. def any saw for use in one hand only. hand's-breadth 0. syl hand's-breadth pos n. def another name for {handbreadth}. handsel ety Old English handselen delivery into the hand; related to Old Norse handsal promise sealed with a handshake, Swedish hands*"ol gratuity; see #7hand, {sell} hansel alt head handsel or handsel syl han+sel pron <1h@nsL> handsel 1. or hansel syl hand+sel pron <1h@nsL> pos n. qual Archaic or dialect. def a gift for good luck at the beginning of a new year, new venture, etc. handsels infl head handsel or handsels syl hand+sels pos vb. mod tr. qual U.S. handselling infl head handsel or handseling syl hand+sel+ling pos vb. mod tr. handselled infl head handsel or handseled syl hand+selled pos vb. mod tr. handseling infl head handsel or handselling syl hand+sel+ing pos vb. mod tr. qual U.S. handseled infl head handsel or handselled syl hand+seled. pos vb. mod tr. qual U.S. handsel 2. or hansel syl hand+sel pron <1h@nsL> pos vb. qual Archaic or dialect. def to give a handsel to (a person). handsel 3. or hansel syl hand+sel pron <1h@nsL> pos vb. qual Archaic or dialect. def to begin (a venture) with ceremony; inaugurate. handset 0. syl hand+set pron <1h@nd2set> pos n. def a telephone mouthpiece and earpiece mounted so that they can be held simultaneously to mouth and ear. handshake 0. syl hand+shake pron <1h@nd2SAk> pos n. def the act of grasping and shaking a person's hand, as when being introduced or agreeing on a deal. handsome ety C15 handsom easily handled; compare Dutch handzaam; see #7hand, {-#7some %1} handsome 1. syl hand+some pron <1h@nds*m> pos adj. usage of a man def good-looking, esp. in having regular, pleasing, and well-defined features. handsome 2. syl hand+some pron <1h@nds*m> pos adj. usage of a woman def fine-looking in a dignified way. handsome 3. syl hand+some pron <1h@nds*m> pos adj. def well-proportioned, stately, or comely. exam 1 a handsome room. handsome 4. syl hand+some pron <1h@nds*m> pos adj. def liberal or ample. exam 1 a handsome allowance. handsome 5. syl hand+some pron <1h@nds*m> pos adj. def gracious or generous. exam 1 a handsome action. handsomely sub head handsome syl hand+some+ly pos adv. handsomeness sub head handsome syl hand+some+ness pos n. handspike 0. syl hand+spike pron <1h@nd2spIk> pos n. def a bar or length of pipe used as a lever. handspring 0. syl hand+spring pron <1h@nd2spriG> pos n. def a gymnastic feat in which a person starts from a standing position and leaps forwards or backwards into a handstand and then onto his feet. handstand 0. syl hand+stand pron <1h@nd2st@nd> pos n. def the act or instance of supporting the body on the hands alone in an upside down position. handstroke 0. syl hand+stroke pron <1h@nd2str*uk> pos n. qual Bell-ringing. def the downward movement of the bell rope as the bell swings around allowing the ringer to grasp and pull it. hand-to-hand 0. syl hand-to-hand pos adj. adv. def at close quarters. exam 1 they fought hand-to-hand. hand-to-mouth 0. syl hand-to-mouth pos adj. adv. def with barely enough money or food to satisfy immediate needs. exam 1 a hand-to-mouth existence. handwriting 1. syl hand+writ:ing pron <1h@nd2rItiG> pos n. def writing by hand rather than by typing or printing. handwriting 2. syl hand+writ:ing pron <1h@nd2rItiG> pos n. def a person's characteristic writing style. exam 1 that signature is in my handwriting. handwritten 0. syl hand+writ:ten pron <1h@nd2ritN> pos adj. def written by hand; not printed or typed. handier infl head handy syl hand:i+er pos adj. handiest infl head handy syl hand:i+est. pos adj. handy 1. syl hand:y pron <1h@ndi> pos adj. def conveniently or easily within reach. handy 2. syl hand:y pron <1h@ndi> pos adj. def easy to manoeuvre, handle, or use. exam 1 a handy tool. handy 3. syl hand:y pron <1h@ndi> pos adj. def skilful with one's hands. &- {#!hand@.i+ness} W (illiam) C (hristopher) infl head Handy syl W (illiam) C (hristopher) . pos n. Handy 0. syl Han:dy pron <1h@ndi> pos n. def 1873-1958, U.S. blues composer, who wrote handymen infl head handyman syl hand:y+men. pos n. mod pl. handyman 1. syl hand:y+man pron <1h@ndi2m@n> pos n. def a man employed to do various tasks. handyman 2. syl hand:y+man pron <1h@ndi2m@n> pos n. def a man skilled in odd jobs, etc. hang ety Old English hangian; related to Old Norse hanga, Old High German hang*_en hangs infl head hang syl hangs pos vb. hanging infl head hang syl hang+ing pos vb. hung infl head hang syl hung. pos vb. hang 1. syl hang pron pos vb. def to fasten or be fastened from above, esp. by a cord, chain, etc.; suspend. exam 1 the picture hung on the wall; exam 2 to hang laundry. hang 2. syl hang pron pos vb. def to place or be placed in position as by a hinge so as to allow free movement around or at the place of suspension. exam 1 to hang a door. hang 3. syl hang pron pos vb. mod intr. usage sometimes foll. by over def to be suspended or poised; hover. exam 1 a pall of smoke hung over the city. hang 4. syl hang pron pos vb. mod intr. usage sometimes foll. by over def to be imminent; threaten. hang 5. syl hang pron pos vb. mod intr. def to be or remain doubtful or unresolved (esp. in the phrase {hang in the bal?!ance) }. hanged infl head hang syl hanged pos vb. hang 6. syl hang pron pos vb. def to suspend or be suspended by the neck until dead. hang 7. syl hang pron pos vb. mod tr. def to fasten, fix, or attach in position or at an appropriate angle. exam 1 to hang a scythe to its handle. hang 8. syl hang pron pos vb. mod tr. def to decorate, furnish, or cover with something suspended or fastened. exam 1 to hang a wall with tapestry. hang 9. syl hang pron pos vb. mod tr. def to fasten to or suspend from a wall. exam 1 to hang wallpaper. hang 10. syl hang pron pos vb. def to exhibit (a picture or pictures) by (a particular painter, printmaker, etc.) or (of a picture or a painter, etc.) to be exhibited in an art gallery, etc. hang 11. syl hang pron pos vb. def to fall or droop or allow to fall or droop. exam 1 to hang one's head in shame. hang 12. syl hang pron pos vb. usage of cloth, clothing, etc. def to drape, fall, or flow, esp. in a specified manner. exam 1 her skirt hangs well. hang 13. syl hang pron pos vb. mod tr. def to suspend (game such as pheasant) so that it becomes slightly decomposed and therefore more tender and tasty. hang 14. syl hang pron pos vb. usage of a jury def to prevent or be prevented from reaching a verdict. hanged infl head hang syl hanged pos vb. hang 15. syl hang pron pos vb. qual Slang. def to damn or be damned: used in mild curses or interjections. exam 1 I'll be hanged before I'll go out in that storm. hang 16. syl hang pron pos vb. mod intr. def to pass slowly (esp. in the phrase {time hangs heavily}) . hang fire 17. head hang syl hang fire. def to procrastinate or delay. See also {{fire} (sense 19)}. {~} hang 18. syl hang pron pos vb. def the way in which something hangs. hang 19. syl hang pron pos vb. qual Slang. usage usually used with a negative def a damn. exam 1 I don't care a hang for what you say. hang 20.a. syl hang pron pos vb. def to understand the technique of doing something. hang 20.b. syl hang pron pos vb. def to perceive the meaning or significance of. {~} See also {hang about, hang back, hang behind, hang in, hang on, hang out, hang together, hang up}. hang around alt head hang about or hang about syl hang a:round pos vb. mod intr. hang about 1. or hang around syl hang a:bout pos vb. mod intr. def to waste time; loiter. hang about 2. or hang around syl hang a:bout pos adv. mod intr. def foll. by to frequent the company (of someone). hangar ety C19: from French: shed, perhaps from Medieval Latin ang*_arium shed used as a smithy, of obscure origin hangar 0. syl hang+ar pron <1h@G*> pos n. def a large workshop or building for storing and maintaining aircraft. hang back 0. syl hang back pos vb. adv. mod intr. usage often foll. by from def to be reluctant to go forward or carry on (with some activity). hang behind 0. syl hang be+hind pos vb. adv. mod intr. def to remain in a place after others have left; linger. hangbird 0. syl hang+bird pron <1h@G2bR:d> pos n. qual U.S. def any bird, esp. the Baltimore oriole, that builds a hanging nest. Hang-chou alt head Hangchow or Hangchow syl Hang-chou pron <1h@G1Cau> pos n. Hangchow 0. or Hang-chou syl Hang+chow pron <1h@G1Cau> pos n. def a port in E China, capital of Chekiang province, on {Hangchow Bay} (an inlet of the East China Sea), at the foot of the Eye of Heaven Mountains: regarded by Marco Polo as the finest city in the world; seat of two universities (1927, 1959). Pop.: 960000 (1970 est.). hangdog 1. syl hang+dog pron <1h@G2dog> pos adj. def downcast, furtive, or guilty in appearance or manner. hangdog 2. syl hang+dog pron <1h@G2dog> pos n. def a furtive or sneaky person. hanger 1.a. syl hang+er pron <1h@G*> pos n. def any support, such as a hook, strap, peg, or loop, on or by which something may be hung. hanger 1.b. syl hang+er pron <1h@G*> pos n. def See {coat hanger}. hanger 2.a. syl hang+er pron <1h@G*> pos n. def a person who hangs something. hanger 2.b. syl hang+er pron <1h@G*> pos n. usage in combination exam 1 paperhanger. hanger 3. syl hang+er pron <1h@G*> pos n. def a bracket designed to attach one part of a mechanical structure to another, such as the one that attaches the spring shackle of a motor car to the chassis. hanger 4. syl hang+er pron <1h@G*> pos n. def a type of dagger worn on a sword belt. hangers-on infl head hanger-on syl hang:ers-on. pos n. mod pl. hanger-on 0. syl hang:er-on pos n. def a sycophantic follower or dependant, esp. one hoping for personal gain. hang-glider 0. syl hang-glid:er pos n. def an unpowered aircraft consisting of a large cloth wing stretched over a light framework from which the pilot hangs in a harness, using a horizontal bar to control the flight. &- {#!hang-glid@.ing} hang in 0. syl hang in pos vb. prep. mod intr. qual U.S. slang. def to persist. exam 1 just hang in there for a bit longer. hanging 1.a. syl hang+ing pron <1h@GiG> pos n. def the putting of a person to death by suspending the body by the neck from a noose. hanging 1.b. syl hang+ing pron <1h@GiG> pos n. usage as modifier exam 1 a hanging offence. hanging 2. syl hang+ing pron <1h@GiG> pos n. mod often; pl. def a decorative textile such as a tapestry or drapery hung on a wall or over a window. hanging 3. syl hang+ing pron <1h@GiG> pos n. def the act of a person or thing that hangs. hanging 4. syl hang+ing pron <1h@GiG> pos adj. def not supported from below; suspended. hanging 5. syl hang+ing pron <1h@GiG> pos adj. def undecided; still under discussion. hanging 6. syl hang+ing pron <1h@GiG> pos adj. def inclining or projecting downwards; overhanging. hanging 7. syl hang+ing pron <1h@GiG> pos adj. def situated on a steep slope or in a high place. hanging 8. syl hang+ing pron <1h@GiG> pos adj. usage prenominal def given to issuing harsh sentences, esp. death sentences. exam 1 a hanging judge. Hanging Gardens of Babylon 0. syl Hang+ing Gar+dens of Bab:y+lon pos n. usage in ancient Babylon def gardens, probably planted on terraces of a ziggurat: one of the Seven Wonders of the World. hanging valley 0. syl hang+ing val+ley pos n. qual Geography. def a tributary valley entering a main valley at a much higher level because of overdeepening of the main valley, esp. by glacial erosion. hanging wall 0. syl hang+ing wall pos n. def the rocks on the upper side of an inclined fault plane or mineral vein. Compare {footwall}. hangmen infl head hangman syl hang+men. pos n. mod pl. hangman 0. syl hang+man pron <1h@Gm*n> pos n. def an official who carries out a sentence of hanging on condemned criminals. hangnail ety C17: from Old English angn@agl, from enge tight+ n@agl #7nail ; influenced by #7hang hangnail 0. syl hang+nail pron <1h@G2nAl> pos n. def a piece of skin torn away from, but still attached to, the base or side of a fingernail. hang on 1. syl hang on pos adv. mod intr. def to continue or persist in an activity, esp. with effort or difficulty. exam 1 hang on at your present job until you can get another. hang on 2. syl hang on pos adv. mod intr. def to cling, grasp, or hold. exam 1 she hangs on to her mother's arm. hang on 3. syl hang on pos prep. mod intr. def to be conditioned or contingent on; depend on. exam 1 everything hangs on this business deal. hang on 4. syl hang on pos prep. mod intr. def Also: {hang onto, hang upon}. to listen attentively to. exam 1 she hung on his every word. hang on 5. syl hang on pos adv. mod intr. qual Informal. def to wait or remain. exam 1 hang on for a few minutes. hang out 1. syl hang out pos vb. adv. def to suspend, be suspended, or lean, esp. from an opening, as for display or airing. exam 1 to hang out the washing. hang out 2. syl hang out pos vb. adv. mod intr. qual Informal. def to live at or frequent a place. exam 1 the police know where the thieves hang out. hang out 3. syl hang out pos vb. adv. qual Slang. def to relax completely in an unassuming way (esp. in the phrase {let it all hang out) }. hang out 4. syl hang out pos vb. adv. mod intr. qual U.S. informal. def to act or speak freely, in an open, cooperative, or indiscreet manner. hang-out infl head hang out syl hang-out. pos n. hang out 5. syl hang out pos n. qual Informal. def a place where one lives or that one frequently visits. hangover 1. syl hang+o:ver pron <1h@G2*uv*> pos n. def the delayed aftereffects of drinking too much alcohol in a relatively short period of time, characterized by headache and sometimes nausea and dizziness. hangover 2. syl hang+o:ver pron <1h@G2*uv*> pos n. def a person or thing left over from or influenced by a past age. hang together 1. syl hang to+geth+er pos vb. adv. mod intr. def to be cohesive or united. hang together 2. syl hang to+geth+er pos vb. adv. mod intr. def to be consistent. exam 1 your statements don't quite hang together. hang up 1. syl hang up pos vb. adv. mod tr. def to put on a hook, hanger, etc.. exam 1 please hang up your coat. hang up 2. syl hang up pos vb. adv. def to replace (a telephone receiver) on its cradle at the end of a conversation, often breaking a conversation off abruptly. hang up 3. syl hang up pos vb. adv. mod tr. qual Informal. usage usually passive; usually foll. by on def to cause to have an emotional or psycho?!logical preoccupation or problem. exam 1 he's really hung up on his mother. hang-up infl head hang up syl hang-up. pos n. hang up 4. syl hang up pos n. qual Informal. def an emotional or psycho?!logical preoccupation or problem. hang up 5. syl hang up pos n. qual Informal. def a persistent cause of annoyance. hank ety C13: of Scandinavian origin; compare Old Norse hanka to coil, Swedish hank string hank 1. syl hank pron pos n. def a loop, coil, or skein, as of rope, wool, or yarn. hank 2. syl hank pron pos n. qual Nautical. def a ringlike fitting that can be opened to admit a stay for attaching the luff of a sail. hank 3. syl hank pron pos n. def a unit of measurement of cloth, yarn, etc., such as a length of 840 yards (767 m) of cotton or 560 yards (512 m) of worsted yarn. hank 4. syl hank pron pos vb. mod tr. qual Nautical. def to attach (a sail) to a stay by hanks. hanker ety C17: probably from Dutch dialect hankeren hanker 0. syl hank+er pron <1h@Gk*> pos vb. usage foll. by for, after, or an infinitive def to have a yearning (for something or to do something). hankerer sub head hanker syl hank+er+er pos n. Han-k'ou alt head Hankow or Hankow syl Han-k'ou pron <1h@n1kau> pos n. Hankow 0. or Han-k'ou syl Han+kow pron <1h@n1kau> pos n. def a former city in SE China, in SE Hupeh at the confluence of the Han and Yangtze Rivers: one of the Han Cities; merged with Hanyang and Wuchang in 1950 to form the conurbation of Wuhan. hankie alt head hanky or hanky syl hank:ie pron <1h@Gki> pos n. hankies infl head hanky syl hank:ies. pos n. mod pl. hanky 0. or hankie syl hank:y pron <1h@Gki> pos n. qual Informal. def short for {handkerchief}. hanky-panky ety C19: variant of #7hocus pocus hanky-panky 1. syl hank:y-pank:y pron <1h@Gki1p@Gki> pos n. qual Informal. def dubious or suspicious behaviour. hanky-panky 2. syl hank:y-pank:y pron <1h@Gki1p@Gki> pos n. qual Informal. def foolish behaviour or talk. hanky-panky 3. syl hank:y-pank:y pron <1h@Gki1p@Gki> pos n. qual Informal. def illicit sexual relations. Hannah 0. syl Han:nah pron <1h@n*> pos n. qual Old Testament. def the woman who gave birth to Samuel (I Samuel 1-2). Hannibal 0. syl Han:ni:bal pron <1h@nibL> pos n. def 247-182 #7b.c., Carthaginian general; son of Hamilcar Barca. He commanded the Carthaginian army in the Second Punic War (218-201). After capturing Sagunto in Spain, he invaded Italy (218), crossing the Alps with an army of about 40000 men and defeating the Romans at Trasimene (217) and Cannae (216). In 203 he was recalled to defend Carthage and was defeated by Scipio at Zama (202). He was later forced into exile and committed suicide to avoid capture. Hannover 0. syl Han+no+ver pron German pos n. def a city in N West Germany, capital of Lower Saxony: capital of the kingdom of Hannover (1815-66); situated on the Mittelland canal. Pop.: 505106 (1974 est.). English spelling: {Hanover}. Hanoi 0. syl Ha+noi pron pos n. def the capital of Vietnam, on the Red River: became capital of Tonkin in 1802, of French Indochina in 1887, of Vietnam in 1945, and of North Vietnam (1954-75); university (1917); industrial centre. Pop.: 1443500 (1976 est.). Hanover H1.0. syl Han:o+ver pron <1h@n*uv*> pos n. def the English spelling of {Hannover}. Hanover H2.1. syl Han:o+ver pron <1h@n*uv*> pos n. def a princely house of Germany (1692-1815), the head of which succeeded to the British throne as George I in 1714. Hanover H2.2. syl Han:o+ver pron <1h@n*uv*> pos n. def the royal house of Britain (1714-1901). Hanoverian 1. syl Han:o+ve:ri:an pron <2h@n*1vi*ri*n> pos adj. def of, relating to, or situated in Hannover. Hanoverian 2. syl Han:o+ve:ri:an pron <2h@n*1vi*ri*n> pos adj. def of or relating to the princely house of Hanover or to the monarchs of England or their reigns from 1714 to 1901. Hanoverian 3. syl Han:o+ve:ri:an pron <2h@n*1vi*ri*n> pos n. def a member or supporter of the house of Hanover. James infl head Hanratty syl James. pos n. Hanratty 0. syl Han:rat:ty pron pos n. def 1936-62, Englishman executed, despite conflicting evidence, for a murder on the A6 road. Subsequent public concern played a major part in the abolition of capital punishment in Britain. Hansard ety C19: named after L. Hansard (1752-1828) and his descendants, who compiled the reports until 1889 Hansard 1. syl Han+sard pron <1h@nsa:d> pos n. def the official verbatim report of the proceedings of the British Parliament. Hansard 2. syl Han+sard pron <1h@nsa:d> pos n. def a similar report kept by other legislative bodies. Hanse ety C12: of Germanic origin; compare Old High German hansa, Old English h*_os troop Hansa alt head Hanse or Hanse syl Han+sa pron <1h@ns*>, <-z*> pos n. Hanse 1. or Hansa syl Hanse pron pos n. def a medieval guild of merchants. Hanse 2. or Hansa syl Hanse pron pos n. def a fee paid by the new members of a medieval trading guild. Hanse 3.a. or Hansa syl Hanse pron pos n. def another name for the {Hanseatic League}. Hanse 3.b. or Hansa syl Hanse pron pos n. usage as modifier exam 1 a Hanse town. Hanseatic 1. syl Han+se:at+ic pron <2h@nsi1@tik> pos adj. def of or relating to the Hanseatic League. Hanseatic 2. syl Han+se:at+ic pron <2h@nsi1@tik> pos n. def a member of the Hanseatic League. Hanseatic League 0. syl Han+se:at+ic League pos n. def a commercial association of towns in N Germany formed in the mid-14th century to protect and control trade. It was at its most powerful in the 15th century. Also called: {Hansa, Hanse}. hansel 0. syl han+sel pron <1h@nsL> pos n. vb. def a variant spelling of {handsel}. Hansen's disease ety C20: named after G. H. Hansen (1841-1912), Norwegian physician Hansen's disease 0. syl Han+sen's dis+ease pron <1h@ns*nz> pos n. qual Pathol. def another name for {leprosy}. hansom ety C19: short for hansom cab, named after its designer J. A. Hansom (1803-82) hansom 0. syl han+som pron <1h@ns*m> pos n. usage sometimes cap. def a two-wheeled one-horse carriage with a fixed hood. The driver sits on a high outside seat at the rear. Also called: {hansom cab}. Hants 0. syl Hants. pron qual abbrev. for def Hampshire. Hanukkah ety from Hebrew: a dedication Hanukah infl head Hanukkah syl Ha+nu+kah pron <1ha:n*k*>, <-nu2ka:>, Hebrew pos n. Chanukah infl head Hanukkah or Chanukkah syl Cha+nu+kah pron <1ha:n*k*>, <-nu2ka:>, Hebrew pos n. Chanukkah infl head Hanukkah or Chanukah syl Cha+nuk+kah pron <1ha:n*k*>, <-nu2ka:>, Hebrew pos n. Hanukkah 0. syl Ha+nuk+kah pron <1ha:n*k*>, <-nu2ka:>, Hebrew pos n. def the eight-day Jewish festival of lights beginning on the 25th of Kislev and commemorating the rededication of the temple by Judas Maccabaeus in 165 #7b.c. Also called: {Feast of Dedication}. Hanuman ety from Hindi Hanum*_an , from Sanskrit hanumant having (conspicuous) jaws, from hanu jaw Hanuman 1. syl Han:u+man pron <2h^nu1ma:n> pos n. def another word for {entellus} (the monkey). Hanuman 2. syl Han:u+man pron <2h^nu1ma:n> pos n. def the monkey chief of Hindu mythology and devoted helper of Rama. Han-yang alt head Hanyang or Hanyang syl Han-yang pron <1h@n1j@G> pos n. Hanyang 0. or Han-yang syl Han+yang pron <1h@n1j@G> pos n. def a former city in SE China, in SE Hupeh at the confluence of the Han and Yangtze Rivers: one of the Han Cities; merged with Hankow and Wuchang in 1950 to form the conurbation of Wuhan. hap ety C13: from Old Norse happ good luck; related to Old English geh@aplic convenient, Old Slavonic kob*vu fate hap 1. syl hap pron pos n. qual Archaic. def luck; chance. hap 2. syl hap pron pos n. qual Archaic. def an occurrence. haps infl head hap syl haps pos vb. happing infl head hap syl hap+ping pos vb. happed infl head hap syl happed. pos vb. hap 3. syl hap pron pos vb. mod intr. qual Archaic. def an archaic word for {happen}. hapax legomenon ety Greek: thing said only once hapax legomena infl head hapax legomenon syl ha+pax le+go+men:a pron pos n. mod pl. hapax legomenon 0. syl ha+pax le+go+me:non pron <1h@p@ks> pos n. def another term for {nonce word}. ha'pennies infl head ha'penny syl ha'+pen:nies. pos n. mod pl. ha'penny 0. syl ha'+pen:ny pron <1hApni> pos n. qual Brit. def a variant spelling of {halfpenny}. haphazard 1. syl hap+haz+ard pron pos adv. adj. def at random. haphazard 2. syl hap+haz+ard pron pos adj. def careless; slipshod. haphazard 3. syl hap+haz+ard pron pos n. qual Rare. def chance. haphazardly sub head haphazard syl hap+1haz+ard+ly pos adv. haphazardness sub head haphazard syl hap+1haz+ard+ness pos n. Haphtaroth infl head Haphtarah or Haphtarahs syl Haph+ta+roth pron <-1t*ur*ut>, Hebrew <-ta1rct> pos n. mod pl. Haphtarahs infl head Haphtarah or Haphtaroth syl Haph+ta+rahs. pos n. mod pl. Haphtarah 0. syl Haph+ta+rah pron , Hebrew , Hebrew <-ta1rct> pos n. def a variant spelling of {Haftarah}. hapless 0. syl hap+less pron <1h@plis> pos adj. def unfortunate; wretched. haplessly sub head hapless syl hap+less+ly pos adv. haplessness sub head hapless syl hap+less+ness pos n. haplite 0. syl hap+lite pron <1h@plIt> pos n. def a variant spelling of {aplite}. haplitic sub head haplite syl hap+lit+ic pron pos adj. haplo- ety from Greek haplous simple haplography ety C19: from Greek, from haplous single+-#7graphy haplographies infl head haplography syl hap+log+ra+phies. pos n. mod pl. haplography 0. syl hap+log+ra+phy pron pos n. def the accidental omission of a letter or syllable in writing, as in spelling as haploid ety C20: from Greek haploeid*_es single, from haplous single haploid 1. syl hap+loid pron <1h@plcid> pos adj. qual Biology. usage also; esp. of gametes def having a single set of unpaired chromosomes. haploid 2. syl hap+loid pron <1h@plcid> pos n. qual Biology. def a haploid cell or organism. Compare {diploid}. haplology 0. syl hap+lol+o:gy pron pos n. def omission of a repeated occurrence of a sound or syllable in fluent speech, as for example in the pronunciation of as (#!la$Ibr$I). haplologic sub head haplology syl hap+lo+log+ic pron <2h@pl*?!1loJik> pos adj. haplosis 0. syl hap+lo+sis pron pos n. qual Biology. def the production of a haploid number of chromosomes during meiosis. haply 0. syl hap+ly pron <1h@pli> pos adv. usage sentence modifier def an archaic word for {perhaps}. ha'p'orth 0. syl ha'+p'orth pron <1hAp*T> pos n. qual Brit. def a variant spelling of {halfpennyworth}. happen ety C14: see #7hap #7, -#7en %1#e Usage. See at occur. happen 1. syl hap+pen pron <1h@pN> pos vb. mod intr. usage of an event in time def to come about or take place; occur. happen 3. syl hap+pen pron <1h@pN> pos vb. mod tr. def to chance (to be or do something). exam 1 I happen to know him. happen 4. syl hap+pen pron <1h@pN> pos vb. mod tr. usage takes a clause as object def to be the case, esp. if by chance, that. exam 1 it happens that I know him. happen xref syl hap+pen pron <1h@pN> pos adv. exam 1 sentence substitute. Northern Brit. dialect. happen 5.a. syl hap+pen pron <1h@pN> pos adv. def another word for {perhaps}. happen 5.b. syl hap+pen pron <1h@pN> pos adv. usage as sentence modifier exam 1 happen I'll see thee tomorrow. past infl head happen by syl past pos vb. adv. mod intr. halong infl head happen by or in syl ha:long pos vb. adv. mod intr. in infl head happen by or halong syl in pos vb. adv. mod intr. happen by 0. syl hap+pen by pos vb. adv. mod intr. qual Informal, chiefly U.S. def to appear, arrive, or come casually or by chance. happening 1. syl hap+pen+ing pron <1h@p*niG>, <1h@pniG> pos n. def an occurrence; event. happening 2. syl hap+pen+ing pron <1h@p*niG>, <1h@pniG> pos n. def an improvised or spontaneous display or performance consist?!ing of bizarre and haphazard events. upon alt head happen on or happen on syl up:on pos vb. prep. mod intr. happen on 0. or upon syl hap+pen on pos vb. prep. mod intr. def to find by chance. exam 1 I happened upon a pound note lying in the street. happenstance 1. syl hap+pen+stance pron <1h@p*n2st@ns> pos n. qual U.S. def chance. happenstance 2. syl hap+pen+stance pron <1h@p*n2st@ns> pos n. qual U.S. def a chance occurrence. happy ety C14: see #7hap, {-#7y %1} happier infl head happy syl hap+pi+er pos adj. happiest infl head happy syl hap+pi+est. pos adj. happy 1. syl hap+py pron <1h@pi> pos adj. def feeling, showing, or expressing joy; pleased. happy 2. syl hap+py pron <1h@pi> pos adj. def causing joy or gladness. happy 3. syl hap+py pron <1h@pi> pos adj. def fortu?!nate; lucky. exam 1 the happy position of not having to work. happy 4. syl hap+py pron <1h@pi> pos adj. def aptly expressed; appropriate. exam 1 a happy turn of phrase. happy 5. syl hap+py pron <1h@pi> pos adj. qual Informal. usage postpositive def slightly intoxicated. happy event 6. head happy syl happy event. qual Informal. def the birth of a child. happy medium 7. head happy syl happy medium. def a course or state that avoids extremes. happy release 8. head happy syl happy release. def liberation, esp. by death, from an unpleasant condition. {~} happy 9. syl hap+py pron <1h@pi> pos adj. usage in combination exam 1 happy birthday; exam 2 happy Christmas. happy xref syl hap+py pron <1h@pi> pos adj. def See also {trigger-happy}. happily sub head happy syl hap+pi+ly pos adv. happiness sub head happy syl hap+pi+ness pos n. happy-go-lucky 0. syl hap:py-go-luck:y pos adj. def carefree or easygoing. happy hunting ground 0. syl hap+py hunt+ing ground pos n. usage in American Indian legend def the paradise to which a person passes after death. Hapsburg 0. syl Haps:burg pron <1h@ps2bR:g> pos n. def a German princely family founded by Albert, count of Hapsburg (1153). From 1440 to 1806, the Hapsburgs wore the imperial crown of the Holy Roman Empire almost uninterruptedly. They also provided rulers for Austria, Spain, Hungary, Bohemia, etc. The line continued as the royal house of {Hapsburg-Lorraine}, ruling in Austria (1806-48) and Austria-Hungary (1848-1918). German name: {Habsburg}. hapten ety C20: from German, from Greek haptein to fasten haptene alt head hapten or hapten syl hap+tene pron <1h@ptEn> pos n. hapten 0. or haptene syl hap+ten pron <1h@pt*n> pos n. qual Immunol. def an incomplete antigen that can stimulate antibody production only when complexed to a particular protein. hapteron ety C20: from Greek haptein to make fast hapteron 0. syl hap+ter+on pron <1h@pt*ron> pos n. def a cell or group of cells that occurs in certain plants, esp. seaweeds, and attaches the plant to its substratum. haptic ety C19: from Greek, from haptein to touch haptic 0. syl hap+tic pron <1h@ptik> pos adj. def relating to or based on the sense of touch. haptotropism 0. syl hap+to+trop+ism pron <2h@pt*u1tr*upiz*m> pos n. def another name for {thigmotropism}. harakiri ety C19: from Japanese, from hara belly+ kiri cut harikari alt head harakiri or harakiri syl ha+ri+ka+ri pron <2h@ri1ka:ri> pos n. harakiri 0. or harikari syl ha+ra+ki+ri pron <2h@r*1kiri> pos n. usage in Japan def ritual suicide by disembowelment with a sword when disgraced or under sentence of death. Also called: {seppuku}. Harald I 0. syl Har:ald I pron <1h@r*ld> pos n. def called ??850-933, first king of Norway: his rule caused emigration to the British Isles. harambee ety Swahili: pull together harambee 1. syl ha+ram+bee pron <2ha:ra:m1bA> pos n. def a work chant used on the E African coast. harambee 2. syl ha+ram+bee pron <2ha:ra:m1bA> pos n. def a rallying cry used in Kenya. harambee 3. syl ha+ram+bee pron <2ha:ra:m1bA> pos interj. def a cry of harambee. harangue ety C15: from Old French, from Old Italian aringa public speech, probably of Germanic origin; related to Medieval Latin harenga; see #7harry, {ring %1} harangue 1. syl ha+rangue pron pos vb. def to address (a person or crowd) in an angry, vehement, or forcefully persuasive way. harangue 2. syl ha+rangue pron pos n. def a loud, forceful, or angry speech. haranguer sub head harangue syl ha+1rangu+er pos n. Harappa 0. syl Ha+rap+pa pron pos n. def an ancient city in the Punjab in NW Pakistan: one of the centres of the Indus civilization that flourished from 2500 to 1700 #7b.c. ; probably destroyed by Indo-European invaders. Harappan sub head Harappa syl Ha+1rap+pan pos adj. n. Harrar alt head Harar or Harar syl Har+rar pron <1ha:r*> pos n. Harar 0. or Harrar syl Ha+rar pron <1ha:r*> pos n. def a city in E Ethiopia: former capital of the Muslim state of Adal. Pop.: 45840 (1971 est.). harass ety C17: from French harasser, variant of Old French harer to set a dog on, of Germanic origin; compare Old High German har*_en to cry out harass 0. syl har+ass pron <1h@r*s> pos vb. mod tr. def to trouble, torment, or confuse by continual persistent attacks, questions, etc. harasser sub head harass syl har+ass+er pos n. harassingly sub head harass syl har+ass+ing+ly pos adv. harassment sub head harass syl har+ass+ment pos n. Harbin 0. syl Har+bin pron , <-1bin> pos n. def a city in NE China, capital of Heilungkiang province on the Sungari River: founded by the Russians in 1897; centre of tsarist activities after the October Revolution in Russia (1917). Pop.: 1670000 (1970 est.). Also called: {Ha-erh-pin}. harbinger ety C12: from Old French herbergere, from herberge lodging, from Old Saxon heriberga; compare Old High German heriberga army shelter; see #7harry, borough harbinger 1. syl har+bin+ger pron <1ha:binJ*> pos n. def a person or thing that announces or indicates the approach of something; forerunner. harbinger 2. syl har+bin+ger pron <1ha:binJ*> pos n. qual Obsolete. def a person sent in advance of a royal party or army to obtain lodgings for them. harbinger 3. syl har+bin+ger pron <1ha:binJ*> pos vb. mod tr. def to announce the approach or arrival of. harbour ety Old English herebeorg, from here troop, army+ beorg shelter; related to Old High German heriberga hostelry, Old Norse herbergi harbor alt head harbour or harbour syl har+bor pron <1ha:b*> pos n. qual U.S. harbour 1. or harbor syl har+bour pron <1ha:b*> pos n. def a sheltered port. harbour 2. or harbor syl har+bour pron <1ha:b*> pos n. def a place of refuge or safety. harbour 3. or harbor syl har+bour pron <1ha:b*> pos vb. mod tr. def to give shelter to. exam 1 to harbour a criminal. harbour 4. or harbor syl har+bour pron <1ha:b*> pos vb. mod tr. def to maintain secretly. exam 1 to harbour a grudge. harbour 5. or harbor syl har+bour pron <1ha:b*> pos vb. def to shelter (a vessel) in a harbour or (of a vessel) to seek shelter. harbourer sub head harbour or harborer syl har+bour+er pos n. harborer sub head harbour or harbourer syl har+bor+er pos n. qual U.S. harbourless sub head harbour or harborless syl har+bour+less pos adj. harborless sub head harbour or harbourless syl har+bor+less pos adj. qual U.S. harborage alt head harbourage or harbourage syl har+bor+age pron <1ha:b*riJ> pos n. qual U.S. harbourage 0. or harborage syl har+bour+age pron <1ha:b*riJ> pos n. def shelter or refuge, as for a ship, or a place providing shelter. harbour master 0. syl har+bour mas+ter pos n. def an official in charge of a harbour. harbour seal 0. syl har+bour seal pos n. def a common earless seal, that is greyish-black with paler markings: occurs off the coasts of North America, N Europe, and NE Asia. hard ety Old English heard; related to Old Norse harthr, Old Frisian herd, Old High German herti, Gothic hardus hard, Greek kratus strong hard 1. syl hard pron pos adj. def firm or rigid; not easily dented, crushed, or pierced. hard 2. syl hard pron pos adj. def toughened by or as if by physical labour; not soft or smooth. exam 1 hard hands. hard 3. syl hard pron pos adj. def difficult to do or accomplish; arduous. exam 1 a hard task. hard 4. syl hard pron pos adj. def difficult to understand or perceive. exam 1 a hard question. hard 5. syl hard pron pos adj. def showing or requiring considerable physical or mental energy, effort, or application. exam 1 hard work; exam 2 a hard drinker. hard 6. syl hard pron pos adj. def stern, cold, or intractable. exam 1 a hard judge. hard 7. syl hard pron pos adj. def exacting; demanding. exam 1 a hard master. hard 8. syl hard pron pos adj. def harsh; cruel. exam 1 a hard fate. hard 9. syl hard pron pos adj. def inflicting pain, sorrow, distress, or hardship. exam 1 hard times. hard 10. syl hard pron pos adj. def tough or adamant. exam 1 a hard man. hard 11. syl hard pron pos adj. def forceful or violent. exam 1 a hard knock. hard 12. syl hard pron pos adj. def cool or uncompromising. exam 1 we took a long hard look at our profit factor. hard 13. syl hard pron pos adj. def indisputable; real. exam 1 hard facts. hard 14. syl hard pron pos adj. usage Chem. of water def impairing the formation of a lather by soap. See {hardness} (sense 3). hard 15. syl hard pron pos adj. def practical, shrewd, or calculating. exam 1 he is a hard man in business. hard 16. syl hard pron pos adj. def too harsh to be pleasant. exam 1 hard light. hard 17.a. syl hard pron pos adj. usage of cash, money, etc. def in coin rather than paper. hard 17.b. syl hard pron pos adj. usage of currency def high and stable in exchange value and backed by bullion. hard 17.c. syl hard pron pos adj. usage of credit def difficult to obtain; tight. hard 18. syl hard pron pos adj. usage of alcoholic drink def being a spirit rather than a wine, beer, etc.. exam 1 the hard stuff. hard 19. syl hard pron pos adj. usage of a drug such as heroin, morphine, or cocaine def highly addictive. Compare {{soft} (sense 18)}. hard 20. syl hard pron pos adj. usage Physics. of radiation, such as gamma rays and x-rays def having high energy and the ability to penetrate solids. hard 21. syl hard pron pos adj. usage Chiefly U.S. of goods def durable. hard 22. syl hard pron pos adj. def short for {hard-core}. hard 23.a. syl hard pron pos adj. def an older word for {fortis}. hard 23.b. syl hard pron pos adj. usage not in modern technical usage def denoting the consonants and in English when they are pronounced as velar stops (k, g). hard 23.c. syl hard pron pos adj. usage of consonants in the Slavonic languages def not palatalized. hard 24.a. syl hard pron pos adj. def being heavily fortified and protected. hard 24.b. syl hard pron pos adj. usage of nuclear armament def located underground. hard 25. syl hard pron pos adj. qual Brit. informal. def incorrigible or disreputable (esp. in the phrase {a hard case) }. hard 26. syl hard pron pos adj. usage of bread, etc. def stale and old. hard 27.a. syl hard pron pos adj. def a person not easily persuaded or won over. hard 27.b. syl hard pron pos adj. def a thing not easily understood. hard by 28. head hard syl hard by. def near; close by. hard of hearing 29. head hard syl hard of hearing. def deaf or partly deaf. hard 30.a. syl hard pron pos adj. def in need of money; poor. hard 30.b. syl hard pron pos adj. usage foll. by for def in great need (of). exam 1 hard up for suggestions. put the hard word on (someone) 31. head hard syl put the hard word on (someone). qual Austral. informal. def to ask or demand something from (a person). hard 32. syl hard pron pos adv. def with great energy, force, or vigour. exam 1 the team always played hard. hard 33. syl hard pron pos adv. def as far as possible; all the way. exam 1 hard left. hard 34. syl hard pron pos adv. def with application; earnestly or intently. exam 1 she thought hard about the formula. hard 35. syl hard pron pos adv. def with great intensity, force, or violence. exam 1 his son's death hit him hard. hard 36. syl hard pron pos adv. usage foll. by on, upon, by, or after def close; near. exam 1 hard on his heels. hard 37. syl hard pron pos adv. usage foll. by at def assiduously; devotedly. hard 38.a. syl hard pron pos adv. def with effort or difficulty. exam 1 their victory was hard won. hard 38.b. syl hard pron pos adv. usage in combination def . exam 1 hard-earned. hard 39. syl hard pron pos adv. def slowly and reluctantly. exam 1 prejudice dies hard. go hard with 40. head hard syl go hard with. def to cause pain or difficulty to (someone). exam 1 it will go hard with you if you don't tell the truth. hard at it 41. head hard syl hard at it. def working hard. hard put (to it) 42. head hard syl hard put (to it) def scarcely having the capacity (to do something). exam 1 he's hard put to get to work by 9:30. hard 43. syl hard pron pos n. def any colorant that produces a harsh coarse appearance. hard 44. syl hard pron pos n. qual Brit. def a roadway across a foreshore. hard 45. syl hard pron pos n. qual Slang. def hard labour. hard 46. syl hard pron pos n. qual Taboo slang. def an erection of the penis (esp. in the phrase {get} or {have a hard on) }. (hard-and-fast infl head hard and fast syl (hard-and-fast pos adj. hard and fast 0. syl hard and fast pos adj. usage when prenominal) . def (of rules, etc.) invariable or strict. hardback 1. syl hard+back pron <1ha:d2b@k> pos n. def a book or edition with covers of cloth, cardboard, or leather. hardback 2. syl hard+back pron <1ha:d2b@k> pos adj. def Also: {casebound, hard+bound} (#!ha$:d@!baund), {hard+cov@.er} (#!ha$:d@!k^v$$). of or denoting a hardback or the publication of hardbacks. hardbake 0. syl hard+bake pron <1ha:d2bAk> pos n. def almond toffee. hard-bitten 0. syl hard-bit:ten pos adj. def tough and realistic. hardboard 0. syl hard+board pron <1ha:d2bc:d> pos n. def a thin stiff sheet made of compressed sawdust and woodchips bound together with plastic adhesive or resin under heat and pressure. hard-boiled 1. syl hard-boiled pos adj. usage of an egg def boiled until the yolk and white are solid. hard-boiled 2.a. syl hard-boiled pos adj. def tough, realistic. hard-boiled 2.b. syl hard-boiled pos adj. def cynical. hard cheese 0. syl hard cheese pos interj. n. qual Brit. slang. def bad luck. hard cider 0. syl hard ci+der pos n. qual U.S. def fermented apple juice. Compare {sweet cider}. hard coal 0. syl hard coal pos n. def another name for {anthracite}. Compare {soft coal}. hard copy 0. syl hard cop:y pos n. def computer output that can be read by the eye, as contrasted with machine-readable output such as magnetic tape. hard core 1. syl hard core pos n. def the members of a group or movement who form an intransigent nucleus resisting change. hard core 2. syl hard core pos n. def material, such as broken bricks, stones, etc., used to form a foundation for a road, paving, building, etc. hard-core infl head hard core syl hard-core. pos adj. hard core 3. syl hard core pos adj. usage of pornography def describing or depicting sexual acts in explicit detail. hard core 4. syl hard core pos adj. def completely and enduringly established in a belief, etc.. exam 1 hard-core Communists. hard court 0. syl hard court pos n. def a tennis court made of asphalt, concrete, etc. See also {grass court}. Hardecanute 0. syl Har:de:ca:nute pron <1ha:dik*2nju:t> pos n. def a variant of {Harthacanute}. hard-edge 0. syl hard-edge pos adj. def of, relating to, or denoting a style of painting in which vividly coloured subjects are clearly delineated. harden H1.1. syl hard+en pron <1ha:dN> pos vb. def to make or become hard or harder; freeze, stiffen, or set. harden H1.2. syl hard+en pron <1ha:dN> pos vb. def to make or become more hardy, tough, or unfeeling. harden H1.3. syl hard+en pron <1ha:dN> pos vb. def to make or become stronger or firmer. exam 1 they hardened defences. harden H1.4. syl hard+en pron <1ha:dN> pos vb. def to make or become more resolute or set. exam 1 hardened in his resolve. harden H1.5.a. syl hard+en pron <1ha:dN> pos vb. usage of prices, a market, etc. def to cease to fluctuate. harden H1.5.b. syl hard+en pron <1ha:dN> pos vb. usage of price def to rise higher. harden H2.0. syl hard+en pron <1ha:dN> pos n. def a rough fabric made from hards. Friedrich von infl head Hardenberg syl Frie:drich von pron <1frEdri*,c> pos n. Hardenberg 0. syl Har:den:berg pron German <1hardN2berk> pos n. def the original name of {Novalis}. hardened 1. syl hard+ened pron <1ha:dNd> pos adj. def rigidly set, as in a mode of behaviour. hardened 2. syl hard+ened pron <1ha:dNd> pos adj. def toughened, as by custom; seasoned. hardener 1. syl hard+en+er pron <1ha:dN*> pos n. def a person or thing that hardens. hardener 2. syl hard+en+er pron <1ha:dN*> pos n. def a substance added to paint or varnish to increase durability. hardener 3. syl hard+en+er pron <1ha:dN*> pos n. def an ingredient of certain adhesives that accelerates or promotes setting. hardening 1. syl hard+en+ing pron <1ha:dNiG> pos n. def the act or process of becoming or making hard. hardening 2. syl hard+en+ing pron <1ha:dNiG> pos n. def a substance added to another substance or material to make it harder. hardening of the arteries 0. syl hard+en+ing of the ar+ter+ies pos n. def a nontechnical name for {arteriosclerosis}. harden off 0. syl hard+en off pos vb. adv. def to accustom (a cultivated plant) or (of such a plant) to become accustomed to outdoor conditions by repeated exposure. harden up 0. syl hard+en up pos vb. mod intr. qual Nautical. def to tighten the sheets of a sailing vessel so as to prevent luffing. hardhack 0. syl hard+hack pron <1ha:d2h@k> pos n. def a woody North American rosaceous plant, with downy leaves and tapering clusters of small pink or white flowers. Also called: {steeplebush}. hard hat 1. syl hard hat pos n. def a hat made of a hard material for protection, worn esp. by construction workers. hard hat 2. syl hard hat pos n. qual Informal, chiefly U.S. def a construction worker. hard-hat infl head hard hat syl hard-hat. pos adj. hard hat 3. syl hard hat pos adj. qual Informal. def characteristic of the presumed conservative attitudes and prejudices typified by construction workers. hard-headed 1. syl hard-head:ed pos adj. def tough, realistic, or shrewd; not moved by sentiment. hard-headed 2. syl hard-head:ed pos adj. qual Chiefly U.S. def stubborn; obstinate. hard-headedly sub head hard-headed syl hard-1head:ed+ly pos adv. hard-headedness sub head hard-headed syl hard-1head:ed+ness pos n. hardheads 0. syl hard+heads pron <1ha:d2hedz> pos n. mod functioning as; sing. def a thistle-like plant, native to Europe and introduced into North America and New Zealand, that has reddish-purple flower heads: family (composites). Also called: {knapweed}. See also { {centaury} (sense 2)}. hardhearted 0. syl hard+heart:ed pron <2ha:d1ha:tid> pos adj. def unkind or intolerant. hardheartedly sub head hardhearted syl hard+1heart:ed+ly pos adv. hardheartedness sub head hardhearted syl hard+1heart:ed+ness pos n. hard-hit 0. syl hard-hit pos adj. def seriously affected or hurt. exam 1 hard-hit by taxation. Hardicanute 0. syl Har:di:ca:nute pron <1ha:dik*2nju:t> pos n. def a variant of {Harthacanute}. (James) Keir infl head Hardie syl (James) Keir pron pos n. Hardie 0. syl Har:die pron <1ha:di> pos n. def 1856-1915, Scottish labour leader and politician; the first parliamentary leader of the Labour Party. hardihood 0. syl har+di+hood pron <1ha:di2hud> pos n. def courage, daring, or audacity. hardily 0. syl har+di+ly pron <1ha:dili> pos adv. def in a hardy manner; toughly or boldly. hardiness 0. syl har+di+ness pron <1ha:dinis> pos n. def the condition or quality of being hardy, robust, or bold. Warren G (amaliel) infl head Harding syl War:ren G (amaliel) . pos n. Harding 0. syl Har:ding pron <1ha:diG> pos n. def 1865-1923, 29th president of the U.S. (1921-23). hard labour 0. syl hard la+bour pos n. usage Criminal law. formerly def the penalty of compulsory physical labour imposed in addition to a sentence of imprisonment: abolished in England in 1948. hard landing 0. syl hard land+ing pos n. def a landing by a rocket or spacecraft in which the vehicle is destroyed on impact. Compare {soft landing}. hard line 0. syl hard line pos n. def an uncompromising course or policy. &- {@!hard+#!lin@.er} hard lines 0. syl hard lines pos interj. n. qual Brit. informal. def bad luck. Also: {hard cheese}. hardly 1. syl hard+ly pron <1ha:dli> pos adv. def scarcely; barely. exam 1 we hardly knew the family. hardly 2. syl hard+ly pron <1ha:dli> pos adv. def just; only just. exam 1 he could hardly hold the cup. hardly 3. syl hard+ly pron <1ha:dli> pos adv. qual Often used ironically. def almost or probably not or not at all. exam 1 he will hardly incriminate himself. hardly 4. syl hard+ly pron <1ha:dli> pos adv. def with difficulty or effort. hardly 5. syl hard+ly pron <1ha:dli> pos adv. qual Rare. def harshly or cruelly.#e {Usage}. Since and already have negative force, it is redundant to use another negative in the same clause. exam 1 he had hardly had hard-mouthed 1. syl hard-mouthed pos adj. usage of a horse def not responding satisfactorily to a pull on the bit. hard-mouthed 2. syl hard-mouthed pos adj. def stubborn; obstinate. hardness 1. syl hard+ness pron <1ha:dnis> pos n. def the quality or condition of being hard. hardness 2. syl hard+ness pron <1ha:dnis> pos n. def one of several measures of resistance to indentation, deformation, or abrasion. See {Mohs scale, Brinell number}. hardness 3. syl hard+ness pron <1ha:dnis> pos n. def the quality of water that causes it to impair the lathering of soap: caused by the presence of certain calcium salts. {Temporary hardness} can be removed by boiling whereas {permanent hardness} cannot. hard-nosed 0. syl hard-nosed pos adj. qual U.S. slang. def tough, shrewd, and practical. hard palate 0. syl hard pal+ate pos n. def the anterior bony portion of the roof of the mouth, extending backwards to the soft palate. hardpan 0. syl hard+pan pron <1ha:d2p@n> pos n. def a hard impervious layer of clay below the soil, resistant to drainage and root growth. hard paste 0.a. syl hard paste pos n. def porcelain made with kaolin and petuntse, of Chinese origin and made in Europe from the early 18th century. hard paste 0.b. syl hard paste pos n. usage as modifier exam 1 hard-paste porcelain. hard-pressed 1. syl hard-pressed pos adj. def in difficulties. exam 1 the swimmer was hard-pressed. hard-pressed 2. syl hard-pressed pos adj. def subject to severe competition. hard-pressed 3. syl hard-pressed pos adj. def subject to severe attack. hard-pressed 4. syl hard-pressed pos adj. def closely pursued. hard rock 0. syl hard rock pos n. qual Music. def a rhythmically simple and usually highly amplified style of rock-and-roll. hard rubber 0. syl hard rub+ber pos n. def a hard fairly inelastic material made by vulcanizing natural rubber. See {vulcanite}. hards ety Old English heordan (plural); related to Middle Dutch h*_ede, Greek keskeon tow hurds alt head hards or hards syl hurds pos n. mod pl. hards 0. or hurds syl hards pron pos n. mod pl. def coarse fibres and other refuse from flax and hemp. hard sauce 0. syl hard sauce pos n. def butter and sugar creamed together with rum or brandy and served with rich puddings. hard sell 0. syl hard sell pos n. qual Chiefly U.S. def an aggressive insistent technique of selling or advertising. Compare {soft sell}. hard-shell 1. syl hard-shell pos adj. qual Zoology. usage also def having a shell or carapace that is thick, heavy, or hard. hard-shell 2. syl hard-shell pos adj. qual U.S. usage also def strictly orthodox. hard-shell 3. syl hard-shell pos n. usage also def another name for the {quahog}. hard-shell clam 0. syl hard-shell clam pos n. def another name for the {quahog}. hard-shell crab 0. syl hard-shell crab pos n. def a crab, esp. of the edible species that has not recently moulted and therefore has a hard shell. Compare {soft-shell crab}. hardship 1. syl hard+ship pron <1ha:dSip> pos n. def conditions of life difficult to endure. hardship 2. syl hard+ship pron <1ha:dSip> pos n. def something that causes suffering or privation. hard shoulder 0. syl hard shoul+der pos n. qual Brit. def a surfaced verge running along the edge of a motorway for emergency stops. hard-spun 0. syl hard-spun pos adj. usage of yarn def spun with a firm close twist. hardtack 0. syl hard+tack pron <1ha:d2t@k> pos n. def a kind of hard saltless biscuit, formerly eaten esp. by sailors as a staple aboard ship. Also called: {pilot biscuit, ship's biscuit, sea biscuit}. hardtop 1. syl hard+top pron <1ha:d2top> pos n. def a car equipped with a metal or plastic roof that is sometimes detachable. hardtop 2. syl hard+top pron <1ha:d2top> pos n. def the detachable hard roof of some sports cars. hardware 1. syl hard+ware pron <1ha:d2we*> pos n. def metal tools, implements, etc., esp. cutlery or cooking utensils. hardware 2. syl hard+ware pron <1ha:d2we*> pos n. qual Computer technol. def the physical equipment used in a computer system, such as the central processing unit, peripheral devices, and memory. Compare {software}. hardware 3. syl hard+ware pron <1ha:d2we*> pos n. def mechanical equipment, components, etc. hardware 4. syl hard+ware pron <1ha:d2we*> pos n. def heavy military equipment, such as tanks and missiles or their parts. hardware 5. syl hard+ware pron <1ha:d2we*> pos n. qual Informal. def a gun or guns collectively. hard-wearing 0. syl hard-wear:ing pos adj. def resilient, durable, and tough. hard wheat 0. syl hard wheat pos n. def a type of wheat with hard kernels, yielding a strong flour and used for bread, macaroni, etc. hardwood 1. syl hard+wood pron <1ha:d2wud> pos n. def the wood of any of numerous broad-leaved dicotyledonous trees, such as oak, beech, ash, etc., as distinguished from the wood of a conifer. hardwood 2. syl hard+wood pron <1ha:d2wud> pos n. def any tree from which this wood is obtained. hardwood xref syl hard+wood pron <1ha:d2wud> pos n. def Compare {softwood}. hard-working 0. syl hard-work:ing pos adj. usage of a person def industrious; diligent. hardy ety C13: from Old French hardi bold, past participle of hardir to become bold, of Germanic origin; compare Old English hierdan to #7harden, Old Norse hertha, Old High German herten hardier infl head hardy syl har+di+er pos adj. hardiest infl head hardy syl har+di+est. pos adj. hardy H1.1. syl har+dy pron <1ha:di> pos adj. def having or demanding a tough constitution; robust. hardy H1.2. syl har+dy pron <1ha:di> pos adj. def bold; courageous. hardy H1.3. syl har+dy pron <1ha:di> pos adj. def foolhardy; rash. hardy H1.4. syl har+dy pron <1ha:di> pos adj. usage of plants def able to live out of doors throughout the winter. hardy ety C19: probably from #7hard hardies infl head hardy syl har+dies. pos n. mod pl. hardy H2.0. syl har+dy pron <1ha:di> pos n. def any blacksmith's tool made with a square shank so that it can be lodged in a square hole in an anvil. Thomas infl head Hardy syl Thom:as. pos n. Hardy 0. syl Har:dy pron <1ha:di> pos n. def 1840-1928, English novelist and poet. Most of his novels are set in his native Dorset (described as Wessex) and include (1874), (1878), (1886), (1891), and (1895), after which his work consisted chiefly of verse. hare ety Old English hara; related to Old Norse heri, Old High German haso, Swedish hare, Sanskrit *'sa*'s*'a hares infl head hare or hare syl hares pos n. mod pl. hare infl or hares syl hare. pos n. mod pl. hare 1. syl hare pron pos n. def any solitary leporid mammal of the genus such as ({European hare}) . Hares are larger than rabbits, having longer ears and legs, and live in shallow nests (forms). start a hare 2. head hare syl start a hare. def to raise a topic for conversation. run with the hare and hunt with the hounds 3. head hare syl run with the hare and hunt with the hounds. def to be on good terms with both sides. hare 4. syl hare pron pos vb. mod intr. qual Brit. informal. usage often foll. by off, after, etc. def to go or run fast or wildly. harelike sub head hare syl hare+2like pos adj. hare and hounds 0. syl hare and hounds pos n. mod functioning as; sing. def a game in which certain players ({hares}) run across country scattering pieces of paper that the other players ({hounds}) follow in an attempt to catch the hares. harebell 0. syl hare+bell pron <1he*2bel> pos n. def a N temperate campanulaceous plant, having slender stems and leaves, and bell-shaped blue flowers. Also called (in Scotland): {bluebell}. hairbrained alt head harebrained or harebrained syl hair+brained pron <1he*2brAnd> pos adj. harebrained 0. or hairbrained syl hare+brained pron <1he*2brAnd> pos adj. def rash, foolish, or badly thought out. exam 1 harebrained schemes. harelip 0. syl hare+lip pron <1he*2lip> pos n. def a congenital cleft or fissure in the midline of the upper lip, often occurring with cleft palate. harelipped sub head harelip syl hare+2lipped pos adj. harem ety C17: from Arabic har*_im forbidden (place) hareem alt head harem or harem syl har+eem pron pos n. harem 1. or hareem syl har+em pron <1he*r*m>, pos n. def the part of an Oriental house reserved strictly for wives, concubines, etc. harem 2. or hareem syl har+em pron <1he*r*m>, pos n. def a Muslim's wives and concubines collectively. harem 3. or hareem syl har+em pron <1he*r*m>, pos n. def a group of female animals of the same species that are the mates of a single male. hare's-foot 0. syl hare's-foot pos n. def a papilionaceous annual plant, that grows on sandy soils in Europe and NW Asia and has downy heads of white or pink flowers. Also called: {hare's-foot clover}. Hargeisa 0. syl Har+gei+sa pron pos n. def a city in the NW Somali Republic: former capital of British Somaliland (1941-60); trading centre for nomadic herders. Pop.: 50000 (1972 est.). James infl head Hargreaves syl James. pos n. Hargreaves 0. syl Har:greaves pron <1ha:grEvz> pos n. def died 1778, English inventor of the spinning jenny. haricot ety C17: from French, perhaps from Nahuatl ayecotli haricot 1. syl har:i+cot pron <1h@rik*u> pos n. def a variety of French bean with light-coloured edible seeds, which can be dried and stored. haricot 2. syl har:i+cot pron <1h@rik*u> pos n. def another name for {French bean}. haricot 3. syl har:i+cot pron <1h@rik*u> pos n. def the seed or pod of any of these plants, eaten as a vegetable. Harijan ety Hindi, literally: man of God (so called by Mahatma Gandhi), from Hari god+ jan man Harijan 0. syl Ha+ri+jan pron <1h^riJ*n> pos n. def a member of certain classes in India, formerly considered inferior and untouchable. See {scheduled castes}. harikari 0. syl ha+ri+ka+ri pron <2h@ri1ka:ri> pos n. def a variant spelling of {harakiri}. Haringey 0. syl Ha+rin+gey pron <1h@riG2gA> pos n. def a borough of N Greater London. Pop.: 228200 (1976 est.). hark ety Old English heorcnian to #7hearken ; related to Old Frisian herkia, Old High German h*_orechen; see #7hear hark 0. syl hark pron pos vb. mod intr. usage usually imperative def to listen; pay attention. hark back 0. syl hark back pos vb. adv. mod intr. def to return to an earlier subject, point, or position, as in speech or thought. harken 0. syl hark+en pron <1ha:k*n> pos vb. def a variant spelling (esp. U.S.) of {hearken}. harkener sub head harken syl hark+en+er pos n. harl 0. syl harl pron pos n. qual Angling. def a variant of {herl}. Harlem 0. syl Har+lem pron <1ha:l*m> pos n. def a district of New York City, in NE Manhattan: now largely a Black ghetto. harlequin ety C16: from Old French Herlequin, Hellequin leader of band of demon horsemen, perhaps from Middle English Herle king (unattested) King Herle, mythical being identified with Woden harlequin 1. syl har+le:quin pron <1ha:likwin> pos n. qual Theatre. usage sometimes cap. def a stock comic character originating in the commedia dell'arte; the foppish lover of Columbine in the English harlequinade. He is usually represented in diamond-patterned multicoloured tights, wearing a black mask. harlequin 2. syl har+le:quin pron <1ha:likwin> pos n. def a clown or buffoon. harlequin 3. syl har+le:quin pron <1ha:likwin> pos adj. def varied in colour or decoration. harlequin 4. syl har+le:quin pron <1ha:likwin> pos adj. def comic, ludicrous, etc. harlequinade 1. syl har+le:quin+ade pron <2ha:likwi1nAd> pos n. qual Theatre. usage sometimes cap. def a play or part of a pantomime in which harlequin has a leading role. harlequinade 2. syl har+le:quin+ade pron <2ha:likwi1nAd> pos n. def buffoonery. harlequin bug 0. syl har+le:quin bug pos n. def a brightly coloured heteropterous insect, of the U.S. and Central America: a pest of cabbages and related plants: family harlequin duck 0. syl har+le:quin duck pos n. def a northern sea duck, the male of which has a blue and red plumage with black and white markings. Robert infl head Harley syl Rob:ert pos n. Harley 0. syl Har:ley pron <1ha:li> pos n. def 1st Earl of Oxford. 1661-1724, British statesman; head of the government (1710-14), negotiating the treaty of Utrecht (1713). Harley Street 0. syl Har+ley Street pos n. def a street in central London famous for its large number of medical specialists' consulting rooms. harlot ety C13: from Old French herlot rascal, of obscure origin harlot 1. syl har+lot pron <1ha:l*t> pos n. def a prostitute or promiscuous woman. Related adj.: {meretricious}. harlot 2. syl har+lot pron <1ha:l*t> pos adj. qual Archaic. def of or like a harlot. harlotry sub head harlot syl har+lot+ry pos n. Harlow H1.0. syl Har+low pron <1ha:l*u> pos n. def a town in SE England, in W Essex: designated a new town in 1947, with a planned population of 80000. Pop.: 77684 (1971). Jean infl head Harlow syl Jean Harlow H2.0. syl Har:low pron <1ha:l*u> def former name 1911-37, U.S. film actress, whose films include (1930), (1933), and (1937). harm ety Old English hearm; related to Old Norse harmr grief, Old High German harm injury, Old Slavonic sram*vu disgrace harm 1. syl harm pron pos n. def physical or mental injury or damage. harm 2. syl harm pron pos n. def moral evil or wrongdoing. harm 3. syl harm pron pos vb. mod tr. def to injure physically, morally, or mentally. harmer sub head harm syl harm+er pos n. harmattan ety C17: from Twi haramata, perhaps from Arabic har*_am forbidden thing; see #7harem harmattan 0. syl har+mat+tan pron pos n. def a dry dusty wind from the Sahara blowing towards the W African coast, esp. from November to March. harmful 0. syl harm+ful pron <1ha:mful> pos adj. def causing or tending to cause harm; injurious. harmfully sub head harmful syl harm+ful+ly pos adv. harmfulness sub head harmful syl harm+ful+ness pos n. harmless 0. syl harm+less pron <1ha:mlis> pos adj. def not causing or tending to cause harm. harmlessly sub head harmless syl harm+less+ly pos adv. harmlessness sub head harmless syl harm+less+ness pos n. harmonic ety C16: from Latin harmonicus relating to #7harmony harmonic 1. syl har+mon+ic pron pos adj. def of, involving, producing, or characterized by harmony; harmonious. harmonic 2. syl har+mon+ic pron pos adj. qual Music. def of, relating to, or belonging to harmony. harmonic 3.a. syl har+mon+ic pron pos adj. def capable of expression in the form of sine and cosine functions. harmonic 3.b. syl har+mon+ic pron pos adj. def of or relating to numbers whose reciprocals form an arithmetic progression. harmonic 4. syl har+mon+ic pron pos adj. qual Physics. def of or concerned with an oscillation that has a frequency that is an integral multiple of a fundamental frequency. harmonic 5. syl har+mon+ic pron pos adj. qual Physics. def of or concerned with harmonics. harmonic 6. syl har+mon+ic pron pos n. qual Physics, music. def a component of a periodic quantity, such as a musical tone, with a frequency that is an integral multiple of the fundamental frequency. The {first harmonic} is the fundamental, the {second harmonic} (twice the fundamental frequency) is the {first overtone}, the {third harmonic} (three times the fundamental frequency) is the {second overtone}, etc. harmonic 7. syl har+mon+ic pron pos n. qual Music. (not in technical use def overtone: in this case, the first overtone is the first harmonic, etc. harmonically sub head harmonic syl har+1mon:i+cal+ly pos adv. harmonica ety C18: from Latin harmonicus relating to #7harmony harmonica 1. syl har+mon:i+ca pron pos n. def a small wind instrument of the reed organ family in which reeds of graduated lengths set into a metal plate enclosed in a narrow oblong box are made to vibrate by blowing and suction. harmonica 2. syl har+mon:i+ca pron pos n. def See {glass harmonica}. harmonic analysis 1. syl har+mon+ic a:nal:y+sis pos n. def the representation of a periodic function by means of the summation and integration of simple trigonometric functions. harmonic analysis 2. syl har+mon+ic a:nal:y+sis pos n. def the study of this means of representation. harmonic mean 0. syl har+mon+ic mean pos n. def the reciprocal of the arithmetic mean of the reciprocals of a set of specified numbers: the harmonic mean of 2, 3, and 4 is (1/2+1/3+1/4)=36/18. harmonic minor scale 0. syl har+mon+ic mi+nor scale pos n. qual Music. def a minor scale modified from the state of being natural by the sharpening of the seventh degree. See {minor}. Compare {melodic minor scale}. harmonic motion 0. syl har+mon+ic mo+tion pos n. def a periodic motion in which the displacement is symmetrical about a point or a periodic motion that is composed of such motions. See also {simple harmonic motion}. harmonic progression 0. syl har+mon+ic pro+gres+sion pos n. def a sequence of numbers whose reciprocals form an arithmetic progression, as 1, 1/2, 1/3, &e harmonics 1. syl har+mon+ics pron pos n. mod functioning as; sing. def the science of musical sounds and their acoustic properties. harmonics 2. syl har+mon+ics pron pos n. mod functioning as; pl. def the overtones of a fundamental note, as produced by lightly touching the string of a stringed instrument at one of its node points while playing. See {harmonic} (sense 6). harmonic series 1. syl har+mon+ic se+ries pos n. qual Maths. def a series whose terms are in harmonic progression, as in 1/2+1/3+.... harmonic series 2. syl har+mon+ic se+ries pos n. qual Acoustics. def the series of tones with frequencies strictly related to one another and to the fundamental tone, as obtained by touching lightly the node points of a string while playing it. Its most important application is in the playing of brass instruments. harmonious 1. syl har+mo+ni+ous pron pos adj. usage esp. of colours or sounds def fitting together well. harmonious 2. syl har+mo+ni+ous pron pos adj. def having agreement or consensus. harmonious 3. syl har+mo+ni+ous pron pos adj. def tuneful, consonant, or melodious. harmoniously sub head harmonious syl har+1mo+ni+ous+ly pos adv. harmonist 1. syl har+mo+nist pron <1ha:m*nist> pos n. def a person skilled in the art and techniques of harmony. harmonist 2. syl har+mo+nist pron <1ha:m*nist> pos n. def a person who combines and collates parallel narratives. &- {@!har+mo+#!nis+tic} &- {@!har+mo+#! nis+ti+cal+ly} harmonium ety C19: from French, from harmonie #7harmony harmonium 0. syl har+mo+ni:um pron pos n. def a musical keyboard instrument of the reed organ family, in which air from pedal-operated bellows causes the reeds to vibrate. harmonise alt head harmonize or harmonize syl har+mo+nise pron <1ha:m*2nIz> pos vb. harmonize 1. or harmonise syl har+mo+nize pron <1ha:m*2nIz> pos vb. def to make or become harmonious. harmonize 2. or harmonise syl har+mo+nize pron <1ha:m*2nIz> pos vb. mod tr. qual Music. def to provide a harmony for (a melody, tune, etc.). harmonize 3. or harmonise syl har+mo+nize pron <1ha:m*2nIz> pos vb. mod intr. def to sing in harmony, as with other singers. harmonize 4. or harmonise syl har+mo+nize pron <1ha:m*2nIz> pos vb. def to collate parallel narratives. harmonizable sub head harmonize or harmonisable syl har+mo+2niz+a:ble pos adj. harmonisable sub head harmonize or harmonizable syl har+mo+2nis+a:ble pos adj. harmonization sub head harmonize or harmonisation syl har+mo+ni+1za+tion pos n. harmonisation sub head harmonize or harmonization syl har+mo+ni+1sa+tion pos n. harmonizer sub head harmonize or harmoniser syl har+mo+2niz+er pos n. harmoniser sub head harmonize or harmonizer syl har+mo+2nis+er pos n. harmony ety C14: from Latin harmonia concord of sounds, from Greek: harmony, from harmos a joint harmonies infl head harmony syl har+mo+nies. pos n. mod pl. harmony 1. syl har+mo+ny pron <1ha:m*ni> pos n. def agreement in action, opinion, feeling, etc.; accord. harmony 2. syl har+mo+ny pron <1ha:m*ni> pos n. def order or congruity of parts to their whole or to one another. harmony 3. syl har+mo+ny pron <1ha:m*ni> pos n. def agreeable sounds. harmony 4.a. syl har+mo+ny pron <1ha:m*ni> pos n. def any combination of notes sounded simultaneously. harmony 4.b. syl har+mo+ny pron <1ha:m*ni> pos n. def the vertically represented structure of a piece of music. Compare {{melody} (sense 1b.)}, {{rhythm} (sense 1)}. harmony 4.c. syl har+mo+ny pron <1ha:m*ni> pos n. def the art or science con?!cerned with the structure and combinations of chords. harmony 5. syl har+mo+ny pron <1ha:m*ni> pos n. def a collation of the material of parallel narratives, esp. of the four Gospels. harmotome ety C19: from French, from Greek harmos a joint+ tom*_e a slice, from temnein to cut harmotome 0. syl har+mo+tome pron <1ha:m*2t*um> pos n. def a mineral of the zeolite group consisting of hydrated aluminium barium silicate in the form of monoclinic twinned crystals. Alfred Charles William 1. head Harmsworth syl Al:fred Charles Wil:liam. def See (Viscount) {Northcliffe}. Harold Sydney 2. head Harmsworth syl Har:old Syd:ney. def See (1st Viscount) {Rothermere}. harness ety C13: from Old French harneis baggage, probably from Old Norse hernest (unattested) provisions, from herr army+ nest provisions harness 1. syl har+ness pron <1ha:nis> pos n. def an arrangement of leather straps buckled or looped together, fitted to a draught animal in order that the animal can be attached to and pull a cart. harness 2. syl har+ness pron <1ha:nis> pos n. def something resembling this, esp. for attaching something to the body. exam 1 a parachute harness. harness 3. syl har+ness pron <1ha:nis> pos n. qual Weaving. def the part of a loom that raises and lowers the warp threads, creating the shed. harness 4. syl har+ness pron <1ha:nis> pos n. qual Archaic. def armour collectively. in harness 5. head harness syl in harness. def at one's routine work. harness 6. syl har+ness pron <1ha:nis> pos vb. mod tr. def to put harness on (a horse). harness 7. syl har+ness pron <1ha:nis> pos vb. mod tr. usage usually foll. by to def to attach (a draught animal) by means of harness to (a cart, etc.). harness 8. syl har+ness pron <1ha:nis> pos vb. mod tr. def to control so as to employ the energy or potential power of. exam 1 to harness the atom. harness 9. syl har+ness pron <1ha:nis> pos vb. mod tr. def to equip or clothe with armour. harnesser sub head harness syl har+ness+er pos n. harnessless sub head harness syl har+ness+less pos adj. harness-like sub head harness syl har:ness-2like pos adj. harnessed antelope 0. syl har+nessed an+te+lope pos n. def any of various antelopes with vertical white stripes on the back, esp. the bushbuck. harness hitch 0. syl har+ness hitch pos n. def a knot forming a loop with no free ends. harness race 0. syl har+ness race pos n. qual Horse racing. def a trotting or pacing race for standardbred horses driven in sulkies and harnessed in a special way to cause them to use the correct gait. Harney Peak 0. syl Har+ney Peak pron <1ha:ni> pos n. def a mountain in SW South Dakota: the highest peak in the Black Hills. Height: 2207 m (7242 ft.). Harold I 0. syl Har:old I pron <1h@r*ld> pos n. def surname died 1040, king of England (1037-40); son of Canute. Harold II 0. syl Har:old II pos n. def ??1022-66, king of England (1066); son of Earl Godwin and successor of Edward the Confessor. His claim to the throne was disputed by William the Conqueror, who defeated him at the Battle of Hastings (1066). harp ety Old English hearpe; related to Old Norse harpa, Old High German harfa, Latin corbis basket, Russian korobit to warp harp 1. syl harp pron pos n. def a large triangular plucked stringed instrument consisting of a soundboard connected to an upright pillar by means of a curved crossbar from which the strings extend downwards. The strings are tuned diatonically and may be raised in pitch either one or two semitones by the use of pedals ({double-action harp}) . Basic key: B major; range: nearly seven octaves. harp 2. syl harp pron pos n. def something resembling this, esp. in shape. harp 3. syl harp pron pos n. def an informal name (esp. in pop music) for {harmonica}. harp 4. syl harp pron pos vb. mod intr. def to play the harp. harp 5. syl harp pron pos vb. mod tr. qual Archaic. def to speak; utter; express. harp 6. syl harp pron pos vb. mod intr. usage foll. by on or upon def to speak or write in a persistent and tedious manner. harper sub head harp or harpist syl harp+er pos n. harpist sub head harp or harper syl harp+ist pos n. Harper's Ferry 0. syl Har+per's Fer+ry pron <1ha:p*z> pos n. def a village in NE West Virginia, at the confluence of the Potomac and Shenandoah Rivers: site of an arsenal seized by John Brown (1859). harpings ety C17: perhaps related to French harpe cramp iron harpins alt head harpings or harpings syl harp+ins pron <1ha:pinz> pos n. mod pl. harpings 1. or harpins syl harp+ings pron <1ha:piGz> pos n. mod pl. qual Nautical. def wooden members used for strengthening the bow of a vessel. harpings 2. or harpins syl harp+ings pron <1ha:piGz> pos n. mod pl. qual Shipbuilding. def wooden supports used in construction. harpoon ety C17: probably from Dutch harpoen, from Old French harpon clasp, from harper to seize, perhaps of Scandinavian origin harpoon 1.a. syl har+poon pron pos n. def a barbed missile attached to a long cord and hurled or fired from a gun when hunting whales, etc. harpoon 1.b. syl har+poon pron pos n. usage as modifier exam 1 a harpoon gun. harpoon 2. syl har+poon pron pos vb. mod tr. def to spear with or as if with a harpoon. harpooner sub head harpoon or harpooneer syl har+1poon+er pos n. harpooneer sub head harpoon or harpooner syl har+poon+1eer pos n. harpoon-like sub head harpoon syl har:1poon-2like pos adj. harp seal 0. syl harp seal pos n. def a brownish-grey earless seal, of the North Atlantic and Arctic Oceans. harpsichord ety C17: from New Latin harpichordium, from Late Latin harpa #7harp+ Latin chorda #7chord %1 harpsichord 0. syl harp+si+chord pron <1ha:psi2kc:d> pos n. def a horizontally strung stringed keyboard instrument, triangular in shape, consisting usually of two manuals controlling various sets of strings plucked by plectra mounted on pivoted jacks. Some harpsichords have a pedal keyboard and stops by which the tone colour may be varied. harpsichordist sub head harpsichord syl harp+si+2chord+ist pos n. harpy ety C16: from Latin Harpyia from Greek Harpuiai the Harpies, literally: snatchers, from harpazein to seize harpies infl head harpy syl har+pies. pos n. mod pl. harpy 0. syl har+py pron <1ha:pi> pos n. def a cruel grasping person. Harpies infl head Harpy syl Har+pies. pos n. mod pl. Harpy 0. syl Har+py pron <1ha:pi> pos n. qual Greek myth. def a ravenous creature with a woman's head and trunk and a bird's wings and claws. harpy eagle 0. syl har+py ea:gle pos n. def a very large tropical American eagle, with a black-and-white plumage and a head crest. harquebuses infl head harquebus syl har+que+bus:es. pos n. mod pl. harquebus 0. syl har+que+bus pron <1ha:kwib*s> pos n. def a variant spelling of {arquebus}. harquebusier 0. syl har+que+bu+sier pron <2ha:kwib*1si*> pos n. usage formerly def a soldier armed with an arquebus. Also called: {arquebusier}. Harrar 0. syl Har+rar pron <1ha:r*> pos n. def a variant spelling of {Harar}. harridan ety C17: of uncertain origin; perhaps related to French haridelle, literally: broken-down horse; of obscure origin harridan 0. syl har+ri+dan pron <1h@ridN> pos n. def a scolding old woman; nag. harrier H1.1. syl har+ri+er pron <1h@ri*> pos n. def a person or thing that harries. harrier H1.2. syl har+ri+er pron <1h@ri*> pos n. def any diurnal bird of prey of the genus having broad wings and long legs and tail and typically preying on small terrestrial animals: family (hawks, etc.). See also {marsh harrier, Montagu's harrier}. harrier ety C16: from #7hare+ -#7er %1; influenced by #7harrier %1 harrier H2.1. syl har+ri+er pron <1h@ri*> pos n. def a smallish breed of hound used originally for hare-hunting. harrier H2.2. syl har+ri+er pron <1h@ri*> pos n. def a cross-country runner. W (illiam) Averell infl head Harriman syl W (illiam) A:ver:ell. pos n. Harriman 0. syl Har:ri:man pron <1h@rim*n> pos n. def born 1891, U.S. diplomat: negotiated the Nuclear Test Ban Treaty with the Soviet Union (1963); governor of New York (1955-58). Harris H1.0. syl Har+ris pron <1h@ris> pos n. def the S part of the island of Lewis with Harris, in the Outer Hebrides. Pop.: 2879 (1971). Area: 500 sq. km (193 sq. miles). Frank 1. head Harris syl Frank. def 1856-1931, British writer and journalist; his books include his autobiography (1923-27) and (1915-30). Joel Chandler 2. head Harris syl Jo:el Chand:ler. def 1848-1908, U.S. writer; creator of Uncle Remus. Roy 3. head Harris syl Roy. def born 1898, U.S. composer, esp. of orchestral and choral music incorporating American folk tunes. Harrisburg 0. syl Har+ris+burg pron <1h@ris2bR:g> pos n. def a city in S Pennsylvania, on the Susquehanna River: the state capital. Pop.: 68061 (1970). Benjamin 1. head Harrison syl Ben:ja:min. def 1833-1901, 23rd president of the U.S. (1889-93). George 2. head Harrison syl George. def born 1943, English rock guitarist and vocalist: member of the Beatles (1962-70). His solo albums include (1970). William Henry 3. head Harrison syl Wil:liam Hen:ry def grandfather of Benjamin Harrison. 1773-1841, 9th president of the U.S. (1841). Harris Tweed 0. syl Har+ris Tweed pos n. qual Trademark. def a loose-woven tweed made in the Outer Hebrides, esp. Lewis and Harris. Harrogate 0. syl Har+ro+gate pron <1h@r*git> pos n. def a town in N England, in North Yorkshire: a spa. Pop.: 62290 (1971). Harrovian ety C19: from New Latin Harr*_ovia H#7arrow+ -#7an Harrovian 1. syl Har+ro+vi:an pron pos n. def a person educated at Harrow. Harrovian 2. syl Har+ro+vi:an pron pos adj. def of or concerning Harrow. harrow ety C13: of Scandinavian origin; compare Danish harv, Swedish harf; related to Middle Dutch harke rake harrow H1.1. syl har+row pron <1h@r*u> pos n. def any of various implements used to level the ground, stir the soil, break up clods, destroy weeds, etc., in soil. harrow H1.2. syl har+row pron <1h@r*u> pos vb. mod tr. def to draw a harrow over (land). harrow H1.3. syl har+row pron <1h@r*u> pos vb. mod intr. usage of soil def to become broken up through harrowing. harrow H1.4. syl har+row pron <1h@r*u> pos vb. mod tr. def to distress; vex. harrower sub head harrow syl har+row+er pos n. harrowingly sub head harrow syl har+row+ing+ly pos adv. harrow ety C13: variant of Old English hergian to #7harry harrow H2.1. syl har+row pron <1h@r*u> pos vb. mod tr. qual Archaic. def to plunder or ravish. harrow H2.2. syl har+row pron <1h@r*u> pos vb. mod tr. qual Archaic. usage of Christ def to descend into (hell) to rescue righteous souls. harrowment sub head harrow syl har+row+ment pos n. Harrow 1. syl Har+row pron <1h@r*u> pos n. def a borough of NW Greater London. Pop.: 200200 (1976 est.). Harrow 2. syl Har+row pron <1h@r*u> pos n. def an English boys' public school founded in 1571 at {Harrow-on-the-Hill}, a part of this borough. Related adj.: {Harrovian}. harrumph 0. syl har+rumph pron pos vb. mod intr. qual Chiefly U.S. def to clear or make the noise of clearing the throat. harry ety Old English hergian; related to here army, Old Norse herja to lay waste, Old High German heri*_on harries infl head harry syl har+ries pos vb. harrying infl head harry syl har+ry+ing pos vb. harried infl head harry syl har+ried. pos vb. harry 1. syl har+ry pron <1h@ri> pos vb. mod tr. def to harass; worry. harry 2. syl har+ry pron <1h@ri> pos vb. def to ravage (a town, etc.), esp. in war. harsh ety C16: probably of Scandinavian origin; compare Middle Low German harsch, Norwegian harsk rancid harsh 1. syl harsh pron pos adj. def rough or grating to the senses. harsh 2. syl harsh pron pos adj. def stern, severe, or cruel. harshly sub head harsh syl harsh+ly pos adv. harshness sub head harsh syl harsh+ness pos n. harslet 0. syl hars+let pron <1ha:zlit>, <1ha:s-> pos n. def a variant spelling of {haslet}. hart ety Old English heorot; related to Old Norse hj*"ortr, Old High German hiruz hart, Latin cervus stag, Lithuanian k*'arve cow; see #7horn harts infl head hart or hart syl harts pos n. mod pl. hart infl or harts syl hart. pos n. mod pl. hart 0. syl hart pron pos n. def the male of the deer, esp. the red deer aged five years or more. Lorenz infl head Hart syl Lo:renz. pos n. Hart 0. syl Hart pron pos n. def 1895-1943, U.S. lyricist: collaborated with Richard Rodgers in writing musicals. hartal ety C20: from Hindi hart*_al, from h*_at shop (from Sanskrit hatta) +t*_al*_a bolt for a door (from Sanskrit: latch) hartal 0. syl har+tal pron pos n. usage in India def the act of closing shops or suspending work, esp. in political protest. (Francis) Bret infl head Harte syl (Francis) Bret. pos n. Harte 0. syl Harte pron pos n. def 1836-1902, U.S. poet and short-story writer, noted for his sketches of Californian gold miners, such as (1868). hartebeest ety C18: via Afrikaans from Dutch; see #7hart, beast hartbeest alt head hartebeest or hartebeest syl hart+beest pron <1ha:t2bEst> pos n. hartebeest 1. or hartbeest syl har+te+beest pron <1ha:ti2bEst> pos n. def either of two large African antelopes, or having an elongated muzzle, lyre-shaped horns, and a fawn-coloured coat. hartebeest 2. or hartbeest syl har+te+beest pron <1ha:ti2bEst> pos n. def any similar and related animal, such as ({Hunter's hartebeest}) . Hartford 0. syl Hart+ford pron <1ha:tf*d> pos n. def a port in central Connecticut, on the Connecticut River: the state capital. Pop.: 148526 (1973 est.). Hardecanute infl head Harthacanute or Hardicanute syl Har:de:ca:nute pos n. Hardicanute infl head Harthacanute or Hardecanute syl Har:di:ca:nute pos n. Harthacanute 0. syl Har:tha:ca:nute pron <1ha:T*k*2nju:t> pos n. def ??1019-42, king of Denmark (1035-42) and of England (1040-42); son of Canute. Hartlepool 0. syl Har+tle+pool pron <1ha:tli2pu:l> pos n. def a port in NE England, in Cleveland on the North Sea: greatly enlarged in 1967 by its amalgamation with West Hartlepool; shipbuilding and fishing. Pop.: 96898 (1971). David infl head Hartley syl Da:vid. pos n. Hartley 0. syl Hart:ley pron <1ha:tli> pos n. def 1705-57, English philosopher and physician. In (1749) he introduced the theory of psychological associationism. Norman infl head Hartnell syl Nor:man. pos n. Hartnell 0. syl Hart:nell pron <1ha:tnL> pos n. def born 1901, English couturier. hartshorn ety Old English heortes horn hart's horn (formerly a chief source of ammonia) hartshorn 0. syl harts+horn pron <1ha:ts2hc:n> pos n. def an obsolete name for {{sal volatile} (sense 2)}. hart's-tongue 0. syl hart's-tongue pos n. def an evergreen Eurasian fern, with narrow undivided fronds bearing rows of sori: family harum-scarum ety C17: perhaps from hare (in obsolete sense: harass)+ scare, variant of #7stare ; compare #7helter-#7skelter harum-scarum 1. syl har:um-scar:um pron <1he*r*m1ske*r*m> pos adj. adv. def in a reckless way or of a reckless nature. harum-scarum 2. syl har:um-scar:um pron <1he*r*m1ske*r*m> pos n. def a person who is impetuous or rash. Harun al-Rashid 0. syl Ha:run al-Ra:shid pron <1@l> pos n. def ??763-809 #7a.d., Abbasid caliph of Islam (786-809), whose court at Baghdad was idealized in the haruspex ety C16: from Latin, probably from h*_ira gut+ specere to look haruspices infl head haruspex syl ha+rus+pi+ces pron pos n. mod pl. haruspex 0. syl ha+rus+pex pron pos n. usage in ancient Rome def a priest who practised divination, esp. by examining the entrails of animals. haruspical sub head haruspex syl ha+rus+pi+cal pron pos adj. haruspicy sub head haruspex syl ha+rus+pi+cy pron pos n. Harvard classification ety C20: named after the observatory at Harvard, Massachusetts, where it was prepared and published as part of The Henry Draper Catalogue (1924) Harvard classification 0. syl Har+vard clas+si+fi+ca+tion pron <1ha:v*d> pos n. def a classification of stars based on the characteristic spectral absorption lines and bands of the chemical elements present. See {spectral type}. harvest ety Old English h@arfest; related to Old Norse harfr harrow, Old High German herbist autumn, Latin carpere to pluck, Greek karpos fruit, Sanskrit krp*_ana shears harvest 1. syl har+vest pron <1ha:vist> pos n. def the gathering of a ripened crop. harvest 2. syl har+vest pron <1ha:vist> pos n. def the crop itself or the yield from it in a single growing season. harvest 3. syl har+vest pron <1ha:vist> pos n. def the season for gathering crops. harvest 4. syl har+vest pron <1ha:vist> pos n. def the product of an effort, action, etc.. exam 1 a harvest of love. harvest 5. syl har+vest pron <1ha:vist> pos vb. def to gather or reap (a ripened crop) from (the place where it has been growing). harvest 6. syl har+vest pron <1ha:vist> pos vb. mod tr. def to receive or reap (benefits, consequences, etc.). harvesting sub head harvest syl har+vest+ing pos n. harvestless sub head harvest syl har+vest+less pos adj. harvester 1. syl har+vest+er pron <1ha:vist*> pos n. def a person who harvests. harvester 2. syl har+vest+er pron <1ha:vist*> pos n. def a harvesting machine, esp. a combine harvester. harvest home 1. syl har+vest home pos n. def the bringing in of the harvest. harvest home 2. syl har+vest home pos n. qual Chiefly Brit. def a harvest supper. harvestmen infl head harvestman syl har:vest+men. pos n. mod pl. harvestman 1. syl har:vest+man pron <1ha:vistm*n> pos n. def a person engaged in harvesting. harvestman 2. syl har:vest+man pron <1ha:vistm*n> pos n. def Also called (U.S.): {daddy-longlegs}. any arachnid of the order (or having a small rounded body and very long thin legs. tick alt head harvest mite or harvest mite syl tick pos n. harvest mite 0. or tick syl har+vest mite pos n. def the bright red parasitic larva of any of various free-living mites of the genus and related genera, which causes intense itching of human skin. harvest moon 0. syl har+vest moon pos n. def the full moon occurring nearest to the autumnal equinox. harvest mouse 1. syl har+vest mouse pos n. def a very small reddish-brown Eurasian mouse, inhabiting cornfields, hedgerows, etc., and feeding on grain and seeds: family American harvest mouse 2. head harvest mouse syl American harvest mouse. def any small greyish mouse of the American genus family William infl head Harvey syl Wil:liam. pos n. Harvey 0. syl Har:vey pron <1ha:vi> pos n. def 1578-1657, English physician who discovered the mechanism of blood circulation. Harwich 0. syl Har+wich pron <1h@riC> pos n. def a port in SE England, in NE Essex on the North Sea. Pop.: 14892 (1971). Haryana 0. syl Har+ya+na pron pos n. def a state of NE India, formed in 1966 from the Hindi-speaking parts of the state of Punjab. Capital: Chandigarh (shared with Punjab). Pop.: 10036808 (1971). Area: 44506 sq. km (17182 sq. miles). Harz Mountains alt head Harz or Harz syl Harz Moun+tains pron pos n. mod pl. Harz 0. or Harz Mountains syl Harz pron pos n. mod pl. def a range of wooded hills in central Germany, between the Rivers Weser and Elbe: source of many legends. Highest peak: Brocken, 1142 m (3746 ft.). has 0. syl has pron pos vb. usage used with he, she, it, or a singular noun def a form of the present tense (indicative mood) of {have}. Hasa 0. syl Ha:sa pron <1ha:s*> pos n. def See {Al Hasa}. has-been 0. syl has-been pos n. qual Informal. def a person or thing that is no longer popular, successful, effective, etc. Hasdrubal 0. syl Has:dru:bal pron <1h@zdrubL> pos n. def died 207 #7b.c., Carthaginian general: commanded the Carthaginian army in Spain (218-211); joined his brother Hannibal in Italy and was killed at the Metaurus. Jaroslav infl head Havsek syl Ja:ro:slav pron <1jarcslaf> pos n. Havsek 0. syl Ha:*vsek pron Czech <1haSek> pos n. def 1883-1923, Czech novelist and short-story writer; author of hash ety C17: from Old French hacher to chop up, from hache #7hatchet hash H1.1. syl hash pron pos n. def a dish of diced cooked meat, vegetables, etc., reheated in a sauce. hash H1.2. syl hash pron pos n. def something mixed up. hash H1.3. syl hash pron pos n. def a reuse or rework of old material. hash H1.4.a. syl hash pron pos n. def to mix or mess up. hash H1.4.b. syl hash pron pos n. def to defeat or destroy. hash H1.5.a. syl hash pron pos n. def to subdue or silence someone. hash H1.5.b. syl hash pron pos n. def to get even with someone. hash H1.6. syl hash pron pos vb. mod tr. def to chop into small pieces. hash H1.7. syl hash pron pos vb. mod tr. def to mix or mess up. hash H2.0. syl hash pron pos n. qual Slang. def short for {hashish}. Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan 0. syl Hash+e:mite King+dom of Jor+dan pron <1h@Si2mIt> pos n. def the official name of {Jordan}. hash house 0. syl hash house pos n. qual U.S. slang. def a cheap caf*'e or restaurant. hashish ety C16: from Arabic hash*_ish hemp, dried herbage hasheesh alt head hashish or hashish syl hash+eesh pos n. hashish 1. or hasheesh syl hash+ish pron <1h@SES>, <-iS> pos n. def a purified resinous extract of the dried flower tops of the female hemp plant, used as a hallucinogenic. See also {cannabis}. hashish 2. or hasheesh syl hash+ish pron <1h@SES>, <-iS> pos n. def any hallucinogenic substance prepared from this resin. Hassidim infl head Hasidim syl Has+si+dim pron <1h@si?!2dEm>, <-dim>, Hebrew , Hebrew pos n. mod pl. Chasidim infl head Hasidim or Chassidim syl Chas:i+dim pron <1h@si?!2dEm>, <-dim>, Hebrew , Hebrew pos n. mod pl. Chassidim infl head Hasidim or Chasidim syl Chas+si+dim pron <1h@si?!2dEm>, <-dim>, Hebrew , Hebrew pos n. mod pl. Hasid infl head Hasidim syl Has+id pron <1h@sid>, Hebrew pos n. mod sing. Hassid infl head Hasidim syl Has+sid pron <1h@sid>, Hebrew pos n. mod sing. Chasid infl head Hasidim or Chassid syl Chas+id pron <1h@sid>, Hebrew pos n. mod sing. Chassid infl head Hasidim or Chasid syl Chas+sid pron <1h@sid>, Hebrew pos n. mod sing. Hasidim 1. syl Has:i+dim pron <1h@si?!2dEm>, <-dim>, Hebrew , Hebrew pos n. mod pl. def a sect of Jewish mystics founded in Poland about 1750, characterized by religious zeal and a spirit of prayer, joy, and charity. Hasidim 2. syl Has:i+dim pron <1h@si?!2dEm>, <-dim>, Hebrew , Hebrew pos n. mod pl. def a Jewish sect of the 2nd century #7b.c., formed to combat Hellenistic influences. &- {Ha+sid+ic, Has+sid+ic, Cha+sid+ic}, {Chas+sid+ic} (h$$#!s$Id$Ik) Hasidism sub head Hasidim syl Has+id+ism pos n. Hassidism sub head Hasidim syl Has+sid+ism pos n. Chasidism sub head Hasidim or Chassidism syl 1Chas+id+ism pos n. Chassidism sub head Hasidim or Chasidism syl 1Chas+sid+ism pos n. hask ety a dialect variant of harsk, an earlier form of #7harsh hask 1. syl hask pron ,, pos adj. qual Northern Brit. and north Midland English dialect. usage esp. of a cough def dry or hoarse. hask 2. syl hask pron ,, pos n. qual Northern Brit. and north Midland English dialect. def a cough, usually of animals. haslet ety C14: from Old French hastelet piece of spit roasted meat, from haste spit, of Germanic origin; compare Old High German harsta frying pan harslet alt head haslet or haslet syl hars+let pos n. haslet 0. or harslet syl has+let pron <1h@zlit> pos n. def a loaf of cooked minced pig's offal, eaten cold. hasn't 0. syl has:n't pron <1h@zNt> usage contraction of def has not. hasp ety Old English h@apse; related to Old Norse hespa, Old High German haspa hasp, Dutch haspel reel, Sanskrit capa bow hasp 1. syl hasp pron pos n. def a metal fastening consisting of a hinged strap with a slot that fits over a staple and is secured by a pin, bolt, or padlock. hasp 2. syl hasp pron pos vb. mod tr. def to secure (a door, window, etc.) with a hasp. Hassan II 0. syl Has:san II pron , <1h@sN> pos n. def born 1929, king of Morocco since 1961. Hasselt 0. syl Has+selt pron Flemish <1has*lt>, French pos n. def a market town in E Belgium, capital of Limbourg province. Pop.: 39663 (1970). hassle ety C20: of unknown origin hassle 1. syl has+sle pron <1h@sL> pos n. qual Informal. def a quarrel or fight. hassle 2. syl has+sle pron <1h@sL> pos n. qual Informal. def a great deal of trouble. hassle 3. syl has+sle pron <1h@sL> pos vb. qual Informal. def to quarrel or struggle with (someone). hassock ety Old English hassuc matted grass hassock 1. syl has+sock pron <1h@s*k> pos n. def a firm upholstered cushion used for kneeling on, esp. in church. hassock 2. syl has+sock pron <1h@s*k> pos n. def a thick clump of grass. hast 0. syl hast pron pos vb. usage Archaic or dialect. used with the pronoun thou or its relative equivalent def a singular form of the present tense (indicative mood) of {have}. hastate ety C18: from Latin hast*_atus with a spear, from hasta spear hastate 0. syl has+tate pron <1h@stAt> pos adj. usage of a leaf def having a pointed tip and two outward-pointing lobes at the base. haste ety C14: from Old French haste, of Germanic origin; compare Old Norse heifst hate, Old English h*_@ast strife, Old High German heisti powerful haste 1. syl haste pron pos n. def speed, esp. in an action; swiftness; rapidity. haste 2. syl haste pron pos n. def the act of hurrying in a careless or rash manner. haste 3. syl haste pron pos n. def a necessity for hurrying; urgency. make haste 4. head haste syl make haste. def to hurry; rush. haste 5. syl haste pron pos vb. def a poetic word for {hasten}. hasteful sub head haste syl haste+ful pos adj. hastefully sub head haste syl haste+ful+ly pos adv. hasten 1. syl has+ten pron <1hAsN> pos vb. usage may take an infinitive def to hurry or cause to hurry; rush. hasten 2. syl has+ten pron <1hAsN> pos vb. mod tr. def to be anxious (to say something). exam 1 I hasten to add that we are just good friends. hastener sub head hasten syl has+ten+er pos n. Hastings H1.1. syl Hast+ings pron <1hAstiGz> pos n. def a port in SE England, in East Sussex on the English Channel: near the site of the {Battle of Hastings} (1066), in which William the Conqueror defeated King Harold; chief of the Cinque Ports. Pop.: 72169 (1971). Hastings H1.2. syl Hast+ings pron <1hAstiGz> pos n. def a town in New Zealand, on E North Island: centre of a rich agricultural and fruit-growing region. Pop.: 29753 (1971). Warren infl head Hastings syl War:ren. pos n. Hastings H2.0. syl Has:tings pron <1hAstiGz> pos n. def 1732-1818, British adminis?!trator in India; first governor general of Bengal (1773-85). He implemented important reforms but was impeached by parliament (1788) on charges of corruption; acquitted in 1795. hastier infl head hasty syl has+ti+er pos adj. hastiest infl head hasty syl has+ti+est. pos adj. hasty 1. syl has+ty pron <1hAsti> pos adj. def rapid; swift; quick. hasty 2. syl has+ty pron <1hAsti> pos adj. def excessively or rashly quick. hasty 3. syl has+ty pron <1hAsti> pos adj. def short-tempered. hasty 4. syl has+ty pron <1hAsti> pos adj. def showing irritation or anger. exam 1 hasty words. hastily sub head hasty syl hast:i+ly pos adv. hastiness sub head hasty syl hast:i+ness pos n. hasty pudding 1. syl has+ty pud+ding pos n. qual Brit. def a simple pudding made from milk thickened with tapioca, semolina, etc., and sweetened. hasty pudding 2. syl has+ty pud+ding pos n. qual U.S. def a mush of cornmeal, served with treacle sugar. hat ety Old English h@att; related to Old Norse h*"ottr cap, Latin cassis helmet; see #7hood %1 hat 1.a. syl hat pron pos n. def any of various head coverings, esp. one with a brim and a shaped crown. hat 1.b. syl hat pron pos n. usage in combination exam 1 hatrack. hat 2. syl hat pron pos n. qual Informal. def a role or capacity. at the drop of a hat 3. head hat syl at the drop of a hat. def immediately. bad hat 4. head hat syl bad hat. qual Informal, chiefly Brit. def a bad or immoral person. eat one's hat 5. head hat syl eat one's hat. qual Slang. def to be shocked or proved wrong if a certain event or result happens. exam 1 I'll eat my hat if this book comes out late. hat in hand 6. head hat syl hat in hand. def humbly or servilely. keep (something) under one's hat 7. head hat syl keep (something) under one's hat. def to keep (something) secret. hat 8.a. syl hat pron pos n. def my word&! my goodness&! hat 8.b. syl hat pron pos n. def nonsense&! old hat 9. head hat syl old hat. def something stale or old-fashioned. hat 10.a. syl hat pron pos n. def as if by magic. hat 10.b. syl hat pron pos n. def at random. pass 11. head hat or send the hat round syl pass def to collect money, as for a cause. take off one's hat to 12. head hat syl take off one's hat to. def to admire or congratulate. hat 13.a. syl hat pron pos n. def to talk foolishly. hat 13.b. syl hat pron pos n. def to deceive or bluff. hathrow 14. head hat or toss one's hat in the ring syl hathrow def to enter into competition, esp. for political office. hats infl head hat syl hats pos vb. hatting infl head hat syl hat+ting pos vb. hatted infl head hat syl hat+ted. pos vb. hat 15. syl hat pron pos vb. mod tr. def to supply (a person, etc.) with a hat or put a hat on (someone). hatless sub head hat syl hat+less pos adj. hatlike sub head hat syl hat+2like pos adj. hatband 0. syl hat+band pron <1h@t2b@nd> pos n. def a band or ribbon around the base of the crown of a hat. hatbox 0. syl hat+box pron <1h@t2boks> pos n. def a box or case for a hat or hats. hatch ety C13: of Germanic origin; compare Middle High German hecken to mate (used of birds), Swedish h*"acka to hatch, Danish h@akke hatch H1.1. syl hatch pron pos vb. def to cause (the young of various animals, esp. birds) to emerge from the egg or (of young birds, etc.) to emerge from the egg. hatch H1.2. syl hatch pron pos vb. def to cause (eggs) to break and release the fully developed young or (of eggs) to break and release the young animal within. hatch H1.3. syl hatch pron pos vb. mod tr. def to contrive or devise (a scheme, plot, etc.). hatch H1.4. syl hatch pron pos n. def the act or process of hatching. hatch H1.5. syl hatch pron pos n. def a group of newly hatched animals. hatchable sub head hatch syl hatch+a:ble pos adj. hatcher sub head hatch syl hatch+er pos n. hatch ety Old English h@acc; related to Middle High German heck, Dutch hek gate hatch H2.1. syl hatch pron pos n. def a covering for a hatchway. hatch H2.2. syl hatch pron pos n. def short for {hatchway}. hatch H2.3. syl hatch pron pos n. def Also called: {serving hatch}. an opening in a wall separating a kitchen from a dining area. hatch H2.4. syl hatch pron pos n. def the lower half of a divided door. hatch H2.5. syl hatch pron pos n. def a sluice or sliding gate in a dam, dyke, or weir. down the hatch 6. head hatch syl down the hatch. usage Slang. used as a toast def drink up&! hatch H2.7.a. syl hatch pron pos n. def below decks. hatch H2.7.b. syl hatch pron pos n. def out of sight. hatch H2.7.c. syl hatch pron pos n. def brought low; dead. hatch ety C15: from Old French hacher to chop, from hache #7hatchet &- #!hatch+ing n. hatch H3.0. syl hatch pron pos vb. qual Drawing, engraving, etc. def to mark (a figure, shade, etc.) with fine parallel or crossed lines to indicate shading. Compare {hachure}. hatchback 1.a. syl hatch+back pron <1h@C2b@k> pos n. def a sloping rear end of a car having a single door that is lifted to open. hatchback 1.b. syl hatch+back pron <1h@C2b@k> pos n. usage as modifier exam 1 a hatchback model. hatchback 2. syl hatch+back pron <1h@C2b@k> pos n. def a car having such a rear end. hatchel ety C13 hechele, of Germanic origin; related to Old High German h*_ako hook, Middle Dutch hekele #7{hackle %1} hatchels infl head hatchel or hatchels syl hatch+els pos n. qual U.S. hatchelling infl head hatchel or hatcheling syl hatch+el+ling pos n. hatchelled infl head hatchel or hatcheled syl hatch+elled pos n. hatcheling infl head hatchel or hatchelling syl hatch+el+ing pos n. qual U.S. hatcheled infl head hatchel or hatchelled syl hatch+eled. pos n. qual U.S. hatchel 0. syl hatch+el pron <1h@C*l> pos vb. def another word for {{heckle} (senses 2, 3)}. hatcheller sub head hatchel syl hatch+el+ler pos n. hatcheries infl head hatchery syl hatch+er:ies. pos n. mod pl. hatchery 0. syl hatch+er:y pron <1h@C*ri> pos n. def a place where eggs are hatched under artificial conditions. hatchet ety C14: from Old French hachette, from hache axe, of Germanic origin; compare Old High German happa knife hatchet 1. syl hatch+et pron <1h@Cit> pos n. def a short axe used for chopping wood, etc. hatchet 2. syl hatch+et pron <1h@Cit> pos n. def a tomahawk. hatchet 3. syl hatch+et pron <1h@Cit> pos n. usage modifier def of narrow dimensions and sharp features. exam 1 a hatchet face. bury the hatchet 4. head hatchet syl bury the hatchet. def to make peace. hatchet-like sub head hatchet syl hatch:et-2like pos adj. hatchet job 0. syl hatch+et job pos n. qual Informal, chiefly U.S. def a malicious or de?!vastating verbal or written attack. hatchet man 1. syl hatch+et man pos n. qual Informal, chiefly U.S. def a person carrying out unpleasant assignments for an employer or superior. hatchet man 2. syl hatch+et man pos n. qual Informal, chiefly U.S.; U.S. def a hired murderer. hatchet man 3. syl hatch+et man pos n. qual Informal, chiefly U.S.; U.S. def a severe or malicious critic. hatchment ety C16: changed from #7achievement hatchment 0. syl hatch+ment pron <1h@Cm*nt> pos n. qual Heraldry. def a diamond-shaped tablet displaying the coat of arms of a dead person. Also called: {achievement}. hatchway 1. syl hatch+way pron <1h@C2wA> pos n. def an opening in the deck of a vessel to provide access below. hatchway 2. syl hatch+way pron <1h@C2wA> pos n. def a similar opening in a wall, floor, ceiling, or roof, usually fitted with a lid or door. hatchway xref syl hatch+way pron <1h@C2wA> pos n. def Often shortened to {hatch}. hate ety Old English hatian; related to Old Norse hata, Old Saxon hat*_on, Old High German hazz*_en hate 1. syl hate pron pos vb. def to dislike (something) intensely; detest. hate 2. syl hate pron pos vb. mod intr. def to be unwilling (to be or do something). hate 3. syl hate pron pos n. def intense dislike. hate 4. syl hate pron pos n. qual Informal. def a person or thing that is hated (esp. in the phrase {pet hate) }. hateable sub head hate or hatable syl hate+a:ble pos adj. hatable sub head hate or hateable syl hat+a:ble pos adj. hateful 1. syl hate+ful pron <1hAtful> pos adj. def causing or deserving hate; loathsome; detestable. hateful 2. syl hate+ful pron <1hAtful> pos adj. qual Archaic. def full of or showing hate. hatefully sub head hateful syl hate+ful+ly pos adv. hatefulness sub head hateful syl hate+ful+ness pos n. Hatfield 0. syl Hat+field pron <1h@t2fEld> pos n. def a market town in S central England, in Hertfordshire, with a new town of the same name built on the outskirts. Pop.: Hatfield rural district, 44927 (1971); Hatfield new town, 25211 (1971). hath 0. syl hath pron pos vb. usage Archaic or dialect used with the pronouns he, she, or it or a singular noun def a form of the present tense (indicative mood) of {have}. Anne infl head Hathaway syl Anne. pos n. Hathaway 0. syl Hath:a:way pron <1h@T*2wA> pos n. def ??1557-1623, wife of William Shakespeare. Hathor 0. syl Hath:or pron <1h@Tc:> pos n. usage in ancient Egyptian religion def the mother of Horus and goddess of creation. &- {Ha+thor+ic} (h@a#!#Gg@$$:r$Ik?! -#!#Gg$Ar-) hatpin 0. syl hat+pin pron <1h@t2pin> pos n. def a sturdy pin used to secure a woman's hat to her hair, often having a decorative head. hatred 0. syl ha+tred pron <1hAtrid> pos n. def a feeling of intense dislike; enmity. Hatshepset alt head Hatshepsut or Hatshepsut syl Hat:shep:set pos n. Hatshepsut 0. or Hatshepset syl Hat:shep:sut pron pos n. def queen of Egypt of the l8th dynasty (??1512-1482 #7b.c.) #7. She built a great mortuary temple at Deir el Bahri near Thebes. hatter 1. syl hat+ter pron <1h@t*> pos n. def a person who makes and sells hats. hatter 2. syl hat+ter pron <1h@t*> pos n. qual Austral. informal. def a man, esp. a miner, who prefers to live and work alone, often considered eccentric. mad as a hatter 3. head hatter syl mad as a hatter. def crazily eccentric. Cape infl head Hatteras syl Cape. pos n. Hatteras 0. syl Hat+ter+as pron <1h@t*r*s> pos n. def a promontory off the E coast of North Carolina, on {Hatteras Island}, which is situated between Pamlico Sound and the Atlantic: known as the @6Graveyard of the Atlantic@9 for its danger to shipping. hat trick 1. syl hat trick pos n. qual Cricket. def the achievement of a bowler in taking three wickets with three successive balls. hat trick 2. syl hat trick pos n. def any achievement of three successive points, victories, etc. haubergeon 0. syl hau+ber+geon pron <1hc:b*J*n> pos n. def a variant of {habergeon}. hauberk ety C13: from Old French hauberc, of Germanic origin; compare Old High German halsberc, Old English healsbeorg, from heals neck+ beorg protection, shelter hauberk 0. syl hau+berk pron <1hc:bR:k> pos n. def a long coat of mail, often sleeveless. haugh ety Old English healh corner of land; see #7hollow haugh 0. syl haugh pron , pos n. qual Northern English dialect and Scot. def level ground forming part of a river valley. haughty ety C16: from Old French haut, literally: lofty, from Latin altus high haughtier infl head haughty syl haugh+ti+er pos adj. haughtiest infl head haughty syl haugh+ti+est. pos adj. haughty 1. syl haugh+ty pron <1hc:ti> pos adj. def having or showing arrogance. haughty 2. syl haugh+ty pron <1hc:ti> pos adj. qual Archaic. def noble or exalted. haughtily sub head haughty syl haugh+ti+ly pos adv. haughtiness sub head haughty syl haugh+ti+ness pos n. haul ety C16: from Old French haler, of Germanic origin; see #7hale %2 haul 1. syl haul pron pos vb. def to drag or draw (something) with effort. haul 2. syl haul pron pos vb. mod tr. def to transport, as in a lorry. haul 3. syl haul pron pos vb. qual Nautical. def to alter the course of (a vessel), esp. so as to sail closer to the wind. haul 4. syl haul pron pos vb. mod tr. qual Nautical. def to draw or hoist (a vessel) out of the water onto land or a dock for repair, storage, etc. haul 5. syl haul pron pos vb. mod intr. usage Nautical. of the wind def to blow from a direction nearer the bow. Compare {{veer} %1 (sense 3b.)}. haul 6. syl haul pron pos vb. mod intr. def to change one's opinion or action. haul 7. syl haul pron pos n. def the act of dragging with effort. haul 8. syl haul pron pos n. usage esp. of fish def the amount caught at a single time. haul 9. syl haul pron pos n. def something that is hauled. haul 10. syl haul pron pos n. def a distance of hauling. exam 1 a three-mile haul. over the long haul infl head haul syl over the long haul. haul 11.a. syl haul pron pos n. def in a future time. haul 11.b. syl haul pron pos n. def over a lengthy period of time. hauler sub head haul or haulier syl haul+er pos n. haulier sub head haul or hauler syl haul+i:er pos n. haulage 1. syl haul+age pron <1hc:liJ> pos n. def the act or labour of hauling. haulage 2. syl haul+age pron <1hc:liJ> pos n. def a rate or charge levied for the transportation of goods, esp. by rail. haulm ety Old English healm; related to Old Norse halmr, Old High German halm stem, straw, Latin culmus stalk, Greek kalamos reed, Old Slavonic slama straw halm alt head haulm or haulm syl halm pron pos n. haulm 1. or halm syl haulm pron pos n. def the stems or stalks of beans, peas, potatoes, grasses, etc., collectively, as used for thatching, bedding, etc. haulm 2. or halm syl haulm pron pos n. def a single stem of such a plant. haul off 1. syl haul off pos vb. adv. mod intr. qual U.S. Informal. usage foll. by and def to draw back in preparation (esp. to strike or fight). exam 1 I hauled off and slugged him. haul off 2. syl haul off pos vb. adv. mod intr. qual Nautical. def to alter the course of a vessel so as to avoid an obstruction, shallow waters, etc. haul up 1. syl haul up pos vb. adv. mod tr. qual Informal. def to call to account or criticize. haul up 2. syl haul up pos vb. adv. qual Nautical. def to sail (a vessel) closer to the wind. haunch ety C13: from Old French hanche; related to Spanish, Italian anca, of Germanic origin; compare Low German hanke haunch 1. syl haunch pron pos n. def the human hip or fleshy hindquarter of an animal, esp. a horse or similar quadruped. haunch 2. syl haunch pron pos n. def the leg and loin of an animal, used for food. exam 1 a haunch of venison. haunch 3. syl haunch pron pos n. def Also called: {hance}. the part of an arch between the impost and the apex. haunched sub head haunch syl haunched pos adj. haunch bone 0. syl haunch bone pos n. def a nontechnical name for the {ilium} or {hipbone}. haunt ety C13: from Old French hanter, of Germanic origin; compare Old Norse heimta to bring home, Old English h*_amettan to give a home to; see #7home haunt 1. syl haunt pron pos vb. def to visit (a person or place) in the form of a ghost. haunt 2. syl haunt pron pos vb. mod tr. def to intrude upon or recur to (the memory, thoughts, etc.). exam 1 he was haunted by the fear of insanity. haunt 3. syl haunt pron pos vb. def to visit (a place) frequently. haunt 4. syl haunt pron pos vb. def to associate with (someone) frequently. haunt 5. syl haunt pron pos n. mod often; pl. def a place visited frequently. exam 1 an old haunt of hers. haunt 6. syl haunt pron pos n. def a place to which animals habitually resort for food, drink, shelter, etc. haunter sub head haunt syl haunt+er pos n. haunted 1. syl haunt+ed pron <1hc:ntid> pos adj. def frequented or visited by ghosts. haunted 2. syl haunt+ed pron <1hc:ntid> pos adj. usage postpositive def obsessed or worried. haunting 1. syl haunt+ing pron <1hc:ntiG> pos adj. usage of memories def poignant or persistent. haunting 2. syl haunt+ing pron <1hc:ntiG> pos adj. def poignantly sentimental; enchantingly or eerily evocative. hauntingly sub head haunting syl haunt+ing+ly pos adv. Gerhart infl head Hauptmann syl Ger:hart pron <1gA:rhart> pos n. Hauptmann 0. syl Haupt:mann pron German <1hauptman> pos n. def 1862-1946, German naturalist, dramatist, novelist, and poet. His works include the historical drama (1892): Nobel prize for literature 1912. Hauraki Gulf 0. syl Hau+ra+ki Gulf pron pos n. def an inlet of the Pacific in New Zealand, on the N coast of North Island. Hausas infl head Hausa or Hausa syl Hau+sas pos n. mod pl. Hausa infl or Hausas syl Hau+sa pos n. mod pl. Hausa 1. syl Hau+sa pron <1haus*> pos n. def a member of a Negroid people of W Africa, living chiefly in N Nigeria. Hausa 2. syl Hau+sa pron <1haus*> pos n. def the language of this people: the chief member of the Chadic subfamily of the Afro-Asiatic family of languages. It is widely used as a trading language throughout W Africa and the S Sahara. hausfrau ety German, from Haus #7house+ Frau woman, wife hausfrau 0. syl haus+frau pron <1haus2frau> pos n. def a German housewife. haustellum ety C19: New Latin, diminutive of Latin haustrum device for drawing water, from haur*_ire to draw up; see #7exhaust haustella infl head haustellum syl haus+tel+la pron <-l*> pos n. mod pl. haustellum 0. syl haus+tel+lum pron pos n. def the tip of the proboscis of a housefly or similar insect, specialized for sucking food. haustellate sub head haustellum syl haus+1tel+late pos adj. haustorium ety C19: from New Latin, from Late Latin haustor a water-drawer; see #7haustellum haustoria infl head haustorium syl haus+to+ri:a pron <-ri*> pos n. mod pl. haustorium 0. syl haus+to+ri:um pron pos n. def the organ of a parasitic plant that penetrates the host tissues and absorbs food and water from them. haustorial sub head haustorium syl haus+1to+ri:al pos adj. hautboy ety C16: from French hautbois, from haut high+ bois wood, of Germanic origin; see #7{bush %1} hautboy 1. syl haut+boy pron <1*ubci> pos n. def Also called: {haut+bois strawberry, hau+bois}. a strawberry, of central Europe and Asia, with large fruit. hautboy 2. syl haut+boy pron <1*ubci> pos n. def an archaic word for {oboe}. haute couture ety literally: high dressmaking haute couture 0. syl haute cou+ture pron French. pos n. def high fashion. haute cuisine ety literally: high cookery haute cuisine 0. syl haute cui+sine pron French. pos n. def high-class cooking. haute 'ecole ety literally: high school haute 'ecole 0. syl haute *'e:cole pron French. pos n. def the classical art of riding. Haute-Garonne 0. syl Haute-Ga:ronne qual French def ot ga#!r@$n) a department of SW France, in Midi-Pyr*'en*'ees region. Capital: Toulouse. Pop.: 793569 (1975). Area: 6367 sq. km (2483 sq. miles). Haute-Loire 0. syl Haute-Loire qual French def ot #!lwa$:r) a department of S central France, in Auvergne region. Capital: Le Puy. Pop.: 214269 (1975). Area: 5001 sq. km (1950 sq. miles). Haute-Marne 0. syl Haute-Marne qual French def ot #!marn) a department of NE France, in Champagne-Ardenne region. Capital: Chaumont. Pop.: 221437 (1975). Area: 6257 sq. km (2440 sq. miles). Haute-Normandie 0. syl Haute-Nor:man+die qual French def ot n@$rm*~a#!di) a region of NW France, on the English Channel: generally fertile and flat. Hautes-Alpes 0. syl Hautes-Alpes qual French def ot #!zalp) a department of SE France in Provence-C*^ote-d'Azur region. Capital: Gap. Pop.: 102694 (1975). Area: 5643 sq. km (2201 sq. miles). Haute-Saone 0. syl Haute-Sa*^one qual French def ot #!so$:n) a department of E France, in Franche-Comt*'e region. Capital: Vesoul. Pop.: 229357 (1975). Area: 5375 sq. km (2096 sq. miles). Haute-Savoie 0. syl Haute-Sa:voie qual French def ot sa#!vwa) a department of E France, in Rh*^one-Alpes region. Capital: Annecy. Pop.: 458855 (1975). Area: 4958 sq. km (1934 sq. miles). Hautes-Pyr'en'ees 0. syl Hautes-Py:r*'e:n*'ees qual French def ot pire#!ne) a department of SW France, in Midi-Pyr*'en*'ees region. Capital: Tarbes. Pop.: 234112 (1975). Area: 4534 sq. km (1768 sq. miles). hauteur ety C17: from French, from haut high; see #7haughty hauteur 0. syl hau+teur pron <*u1tR:> pos n. def pride; haughtiness. Haute-Vienne 0. syl Haute-Vienne qual French def ot #!vj$en) a department of W central France, in Limousin region. Capital: Limoges. Pop.: 359365 (1975). Area: 5555 sq. km (2166 sq. miles). haut monde ety literally: high world haut monde 0. syl haut monde pron French. pos n. def high society. Haut-Rhin 0. syl Haut-Rhin qual French def o #!r?~$e) a department of E France in Alsace region. Capital: Colmar. Pop.: 647209 (1975). Area: 3566 sq. km (1377 sq. miles). Hauts-de-Seine 0. syl Hauts-de-Seine qual French def o d$$ #!s$en) a department of N central France, in Ile de France region just west of Paris: formed in 1964. Capital: Nanterre. Pop.: 1448020 (1975). Area: 175 sq. km (68 sq. miles). Havana 0. syl Ha+van:a pron pos n. def the capital of Cuba, a port in the northwest on the Gulf of Mexico: the largest city in the West Indies; founded in 1514 as San Crist*'obal de la Habana by Diego Vel*'asquez. Pop.: 1755360 (1970). Spanish name: {Habana}. Havana cigar 0. syl Ha+van:a ci+gar pos n. def any of various cigars manufactured in Cuba, known esp. for their high quality. Also: {Havana}. Havant 0. syl Hav+ant pron <1h@vNt> pos n. def a market town in S England, in SE Hampshire. Pop. (with Waterloo): 108999 (1971). have ety Old English habban; related to Old Norse hafa, Old Saxon hebbian, Old High German hab*_en, Latin hab*_ere has infl head have syl has pos vb. mod mainly; tr. having infl head have syl hav+ing pos vb. mod mainly; tr. had infl head have syl had. pos vb. mod mainly; tr. have 1. syl have pron pos vb. mod mainly; tr. def to be in material possession of; own. exam 1 he has two cars. have 2. syl have pron pos vb. mod mainly; tr. def to possess as a characteristic quality or attribute. exam 1 he has dark hair. have 3. syl have pron pos vb. mod mainly; tr. def to receive, take, or obtain. exam 1 she had a present from him; exam 2 have a look. have 4. syl have pron pos vb. mod mainly; tr. def to hold or entertain in the mind. exam 1 to have an idea. have 5. syl have pron pos vb. mod mainly; tr. def to possess a knowledge or understanding of. exam 1 I have no German. have 6. syl have pron pos vb. mod mainly; tr. def to experience or undergo. exam 1 to have a shock. have 7. syl have pron pos vb. mod mainly; tr. def to be infected with or suffer from. exam 1 to have a cold. have 8. syl have pron pos vb. mod mainly; tr. def to gain control of or advantage over. exam 1 you have me on that point. have 9. syl have pron pos vb. mod mainly; tr. qual Slang. usage usually passive def to cheat or outwit. exam 1 he was had by that dishonest salesman. have 10. syl have pron pos vb. mod mainly; tr. usage foll. by on def to exhibit (mercy, compassion, etc., towards). exam 1 have mercy on us, Lord. have 11. syl have pron pos vb. mod mainly; tr. def to engage or take part in. exam 1 to have a conversation. have 12. syl have pron pos vb. mod mainly; tr. def to arrange, carry out, or hold. exam 1 to have a party. have 13. syl have pron pos vb. mod mainly; tr. def to cause, compel, or require to (be, do, or be done). exam 1 have my shoes mended. have 14. syl have pron pos vb. mod mainly; tr. usage takes an infinitive with to def used as an auxiliary to express compulsion or necessity. exam 1 I had to run quickly to escape him. have 15. syl have pron pos vb. mod mainly; tr. def to eat, drink, or partake of. exam 1 to have a good meal. have 16. syl have pron pos vb. mod mainly; tr. qual Taboo slang. def to have sexual intercourse with. exam 1 he had her on the sofa. have 17. syl have pron pos vb. mod mainly; tr. usage used with a negative def to tolerate or allow. exam 1 I won't have all this noise. have 18. syl have pron pos vb. mod mainly; tr. def to declare, state, or assert. exam 1 rumour has it that they will marry. have 19. syl have pron pos vb. mod mainly; tr. def to put or place. exam 1 I'll have the sofa in this room. have 20. syl have pron pos vb. mod mainly; tr. def to receive as a guest. exam 1 to have three people to stay. have 21. syl have pron pos vb. mod mainly; tr. def to beget or bear (offspring). exam 1 she had three children. have 22. syl have pron pos vb. mod mainly; tr. usage takes a past participle def used as an auxiliary to form compound tenses expressing completed action. exam 1 I have gone; exam 2 I shall have gone; exam 3 I would have gone; exam 4 I had gone. had better 23. head have or best syl had better def ought to: used to express compulsion, obligation, etc.. exam 1 you had better go. had rather 24. head have or sooner syl had rather def to consider or find preferable that. exam 1 I had rather you left at once. have done 25. head have syl have done. def See { {done} (sense 3).} have 26.a. syl have pron pos vb. mod mainly; tr. def to be exhausted, defeated, or killed. have 26.b. syl have pron pos vb. mod mainly; tr. def to have lost one's last chance. have 26.c. syl have pron pos vb. mod mainly; tr. def to become unfashionable. have it 27. head have syl have it. def to win a victory. have it away 28. head have or off syl have it away qual Taboo, Brit. slang. def to have sexual intercourse. have it coming 29. head have syl have it coming. qual Informal. def to be about to receive or to merit punishment or retribution. have it in for 30. head have syl have it in for. qual Informal. def to wish or intend harm towards. have it so good 31. head have syl have it so good. def to have so many benefits, esp. material benefits. have 32.a. syl have pron pos vb. mod mainly; tr. def to have dealings or associate with. exam 1 I have nothing to do with her. have 32.b. syl have pron pos vb. mod mainly; tr. def to be of relevance to. exam 1 this has nothing to do with you. I have it 33. head have syl I have it. qual Informal. def I know the answer. let (someone) have it 34. head have syl let (someone) have it. qual Slang. def to launch or deliver an attack on, esp. to discharge a firearm at (someone). not having any 35. head have syl not having any. qual Informal. usage foll. by of def refusing to take part or be involved (in). {~} have 36. syl have pron pos vb. mod usually; pl. qual Informal. def a person or group of people in possession of wealth, security, etc.. exam 1 the haves and the have-nots. have at 0. syl have at pos vb. prep. mod intr. qual Archaic. def to make an opening attack on, esp. in fencing. have in 1. syl have in pos vb. adv. mod tr. def to ask (a person) to give a service. exam 1 we must have the electrician in to mend the fire. have in 2. syl have in pos vb. adv. mod tr. def to invite to one's home. Havel 0. syl Ha+vel pron German <1ha:fL> pos n. def a river in East Germany, flowing south to Berlin, then west and north to join the River Elbe. Length: about 362 km (225 miles). havelock ety C19: named after Sir H. Havelock (1795-1857), English general in India havelock 0. syl have+lock pron <1h@vlok> pos n. def a cover for a service cap with a flap extending over the back of the neck to protect the head and neck from the sun. haven ety Old English h@afen, from Old Norse h*"ofn; related to Middle Dutch havene, Old Irish cuan to bend haven 1. syl ha+ven pron <1hAvN> pos n. def a port, harbour, or other sheltered place for shipping. haven 2. syl ha+ven pron <1hAvN> pos n. def a place of safety or sanctuary; shelter. haven 3. syl ha+ven pron <1hAvN> pos vb. mod tr. def to secure or shelter in or as if in a haven. havenless sub head haven syl ha+ven+less pos adj. have-not 0. syl have-not pos n. mod usually; pl. def a person or group of people in possession of relatively little material wealth. have on 1. syl have on pos usually; adv. mod tr. def to wear. have on 2. syl have on pos usually; adv. mod tr. def to have (a meeting or engagement) arranged as a commitment. exam 1 what does your boss have on this afternoon have on 3. syl have on pos adv. mod tr. def to trick or tease (a person). have on 4. syl have on pos prep. mod tr. def to have available (information or evidence, esp. when incriminating) about (a person). exam 1 the police had nothing on him, so they let him go. have out 1. syl have out pos vb. adv. mod tr. def to settle (a matter) or come to (a final decision), esp. by fighting or by frank discussion (often in the phrase {have it out}) . have out 2. syl have out pos vb. adv. mod tr. def to have extracted or removed. exam 1 I had two teeth out this morning. haver ety C18: of unknown origin haver 1. syl ha+ver pron <1hAv*> pos vb. mod intr. qual Brit. def to dither. haver 2. syl ha+ver pron <1hAv*> pos vb. mod intr. qual Brit.; Scot. and northern English dialect. def to babble. {~} haver 3. syl ha+ver pron <1hAv*> pos vb. mod usually; pl. qual Brit.; Scot. def nonsense. Havering 0. syl Ha+ver+ing pron <1hAv*riG> pos n. def a borough of NE Greater London, formed in 1965 from Romford and Hornchurch (both previously in Essex). Pop.: 239200 (1976 est.). haversack ety C18: from French havresac, from German Habersack oat bag, from Old High German habaro oats+ Sack #7{sack %1} haversack 0. syl hav+er+sack pron <1h@v*2s@k> pos n. def a canvas bag for provisions or equipment, carried on the back or shoulder. Haversian canal ety C19: named after C. Havers (died 1702), English anatomist who discovered them Haversian canal 0. syl Ha+ver+sian ca+nal pron pos n. qual Histology. def any of the channels that form a network in bone and contain blood vessels and nerves. haversine ety C19: combination of half+versed+{sine%1} haversine 0. syl hav+er+sine pron <1h@v*2sIn> pos n. def half the value of the versed sine. have up 0. syl have up pos vb. adv. mod tr. usage usually passive def to cause to appear for trial. exam 1 he was had up for breaking and entering. havildar ety C17: from Hindi, from Persian haw*_ald*_ar one in charge havildar 0. syl hav+il+dar pron <1h@vil2da:> pos n. def a noncommissioned officer in the Indian army, equivalent in rank to sergeant. havoc ety C15: from Old French havot pillage, probably of Germanic origin havoc 1. syl hav+oc pron <1h@v*k> pos n. def destruction; devastation; ruin. havoc 2. syl hav+oc pron <1h@v*k> pos n. qual Informal. def confusion; chaos. cry havoc 3. head havoc syl cry havoc. qual Archaic. def to give the signal for pillage and destruction. play havoc 4. head havoc syl play havoc. usage often foll. by with def to cause a great deal of damage, distress, or confusion (to). havocs infl head havoc syl hav+ocs pos vb. havocking infl head havoc syl hav+ock+ing pos vb. havocked infl head havoc syl hav+ocked. pos vb. havoc 5. syl hav+oc pron <1h@v*k> pos vb. mod tr. qual Archaic. def to lay waste. havocker sub head havoc syl hav+ock+er pos n. Havre 0. syl Ha+vre pron <1ha:vr*>, French <1a:vr> pos n. def See {Le Havre}. haw ety Old English haga, identical with haga #7hedge ; related to Old Norse hagi pasture haw H1.1. syl haw pron pos n. def the round or oval fruit (a pome) of the hawthorn, usually red or yellow, containing one to five seeds. haw H1.2. syl haw pron pos n. def another name for {hawthorn}. haw ety C17: of imitative origin haw H2.1. syl haw pron pos n. interj. def an inarticulate utterance, as of hesitation, embarrassment, etc.; hem. haw H2.2. syl haw pron pos vb. mod intr. def to make this sound. hem 3. head haw or hum and haw syl hem def See { {hem%2} (sense 3).} haw ety of unknown origin haw H3.0. syl haw pron pos n. qual Archaic. def a yard or close. haw ety C15: of unknown origin haw H4.0. syl haw pron pos n. def the nictitating membrane of a horse or other domestic animal. Hawaii 0. syl Ha+wai:i pron pos n. def a state of the U.S. in the central Pacific, consisting of over 20 volcanic islands and atolls, including Hawaii, Maui, Oahu, Kauai, and Molokai: discovered by Captain Cook in 1778; annexed by the U.S. in 1898; naval base at Pearl Harbor attacked by the Japanese in 1941, a major cause of U.S. entry into World War II; became a state in 1959. Capital: Honolulu. Pop.: 865000 (1975 est.). Area: 16640 sq. km (6425 sq. miles). Former name: {Sandwich Islands}. Hawaiian 1. syl Ha+wai+ian pron pos adj. def of or relating to Hawaii, its people, or their language. Hawaiian 2. syl Ha+wai+ian pron pos n. def a native or inhabitant of Hawaii, esp. one descended from Melanesian or Tahitian immigrants. Hawaiian 3. syl Ha+wai+ian pron pos n. def a language of Hawaii belonging to the Malayo-Polynesian family. Hawaiian guitar 0. syl Ha+wai+ian gui+tar pos n. def a ukulele with an unfretted neck, on which a characteristic glissando can be obtained with a steel bar. Hawes Water 0. syl Hawes Wa+ter pron pos n. def a lake in NW England, in the Lake District: provides part of Manchester's water supply; extended by damming from 4 km (2.5 miles) to 6 km (4 miles). hawfinch 0. syl haw+finch pron <1hc:2finC> pos n. def an uncommon European finch, having a very stout bill and brown plumage with black-and-white wings. Lord infl head Hawhaw syl Lord. pos n. Hawhaw 0. syl Haw:haw pron <1hc:2hc:> pos n. def See (William) {Joyce}. Hawick 0. syl Haw+ick pron <1hc:ik> pos n. def a town in SE Scotland, in the S central Borders region: knitwear industry. Pop.: 16286 (1971). hawk ety Old English hafoc; related to Old Norse haukr, Old Frisian havek, Old High German habuh, Polish kobuz hawk H1.1. syl hawk pron pos n. def any of various diurnal birds of prey of the family such as the goshawk and Cooper's hawk, typically having short rounded wings and a long tail. hawk H1.2. syl hawk pron pos n. qual U.S. def any of various other falconiform birds, including the falcons but not the eagles or vultures. hawk H1.3. syl hawk pron pos n. def a person who advocates or supports war or warlike policies. Compare { {dove%1} (sense 3).} hawk H1.4. syl hawk pron pos n. def a ruthless or rapacious person. hawk H1.5. syl hawk pron pos vb. mod intr. def to hunt with falcons, hawks, etc. hawk H1.6. syl hawk pron pos vb. mod intr. usage of falcons or hawks def to fly in quest of prey. hawk H1.7. syl hawk pron pos vb. def to pursue or attack on the wing, as a hawk. hawkish sub head hawk syl hawk+ish pos adj. hawklike sub head hawk syl hawk+2like pos adj. hawk ety C16: back formation from #7hawker %1 hawk H2.1. syl hawk pron pos vb. def to offer (goods) for sale, as in the street. hawk H2.2. syl hawk pron pos vb. mod tr. usage often foll. by about def to spread (news, gossip, etc.). hawk ety C16: of imitative origin; see #7haw %2 hawk H3.1. syl hawk pron pos vb. mod intr. def to clear (the throat) noisily. hawk H3.2. syl hawk pron pos vb. mod tr. def to force (phlegm, etc.) up from the throat. hawk H3.3. syl hawk pron pos vb. qual Brit. def a slang word for {{spit%1}}. hawk H3.4. syl hawk pron pos n. def a noisy clearing of the throat. hawk ety of unknown origin hawk H4.0. syl hawk pron pos n. def a small square board with a handle underneath, used for carrying wet plaster or mortar. Also called: {mortar board}. hawkbill 0. syl hawk+bill pron <1hc:k2bil> pos n. def another name for {hawksbill turtle}. hawker ety C16: probably from Middle Low German h*_oker, from h*_oken to peddle; see #7huckster hawker H1.0. syl hawk+er pron <1hc:k*> pos n. def a person who travels from place to place selling goods. hawker ety Old English hafecere; see #7hawk %1#7, -#7er %1 hawker H2.0. syl hawk+er pron <1hc:k*> pos n. def a person who hunts with hawks, falcons, etc. hawk-eyed 1. syl hawk-eyed pos adj. def having extremely keen sight. hawk-eyed 2. syl hawk-eyed pos adj. def vigilant, watchful, or observant. hawking 0. syl hawk+ing pron <1hc:kiG> pos n. def another name for {falconry}. Coleman 1. head Hawkins syl Cole:man. def 1904-69, U.S. pioneer of the tenor saxophone for jazz. Hawkins 2. syl Haw:kins pron <1hc:kinz> pos n. def Sir {John}. 1532-95, English naval commander and slave trader, treasurer of the navy (1577-89); commander of a squadron in the fleet that defeated the Spanish Armada (1588). hawk moth 0. syl hawk moth pos n. def any of various moths of the family having long narrow wings and powerful flight, with the ability to hover over flowers when feeding from the nectar. Also called: {sphinx moth, hummingbird moth}. See also {death's-head moth}. hawk owl 0. syl hawk owl pos n. def a hawklike northern owl, with a long slender tail and brownish speckled plumage. hawk's-beard 0. syl hawk's-beard pos n. def any plant of the genus having a ring of fine hairs surrounding the fruit and clusters of small dandelion-like flowers: family (composites). hawksbill alt head hawksbill turtle or hawksbill turtle syl hawks+bill pron <1hc:ks2bil> pos n. hawksbill turtle 0. or hawksbill syl hawks+bill tur+tle pron <1hc:ks2bil> pos n. def a small tropical turtle, with a hooked beaklike mouth: a source of tortoiseshell: family Also called: {tortoiseshell turtle}. hawk's-eye 0. syl hawk's-eye pos n. def a dark blue variety of the mineral crocidolite: a semiprecious gemstone. hawkweed 0. syl hawk+weed pron <1hc:k2wEd> pos n. def any typically hairy plant of the genus with clusters of dandelion-like flowers: family (composites). Haworth 0. syl Ha+worth pron <1hau*T> pos n. def a village in N England, in West Yorkshire: home of Charlotte, Emily, and Anne Bront*"e. hawse ety C14: from earlier halse, probably from Old Norse h*'als; related to Old English heals neck hawse 1. syl hawse pron pos n. qual Nautical. def the part of the bows of a vessel where the hawseholes are. hawse 2. syl hawse pron pos n. qual Nautical. def short for {hawsehole} or {hawsepipe}. hawse 3. syl hawse pron pos n. qual Nautical. def the distance from the bow of an anchored vessel to the anchor. hawse 4. syl hawse pron pos n. qual Nautical. def the arrangement of port and starboard anchor ropes when a vessel is riding on both anchors. hawse 5. syl hawse pron pos vb. mod intr. qual Nautical. usage of a vessel def to pitch violently when at anchor. hawsehole 0. syl hawse+hole pron <1hc:z2h*ul> pos n. qual Nautical. def one of the holes in the upper part of the bows of a vessel through which the anchor ropes pass. Often shortened to {hawse}. hawsepipe 0. syl hawse+pipe pron <1hc:z2pIp> pos n. qual Nautical. def a strong metal pipe through which an anchor rope passes. Often shortened to {hawse}. hawser ety C14: from Anglo-French hauceour, from Old French haucier to hoist, ultimately from Latin altus high hawser 0. syl haws+er pron <1hc:z*> pos n. qual Nautical. def a large heavy rope. hawser bend 0. syl haws+er bend pos n. def a knot for tying two ropes together. hawser-laid 0. syl haws:er-laid pos adj. usage of a rope def made up of three ropes laid in a left-handed direction, each of which consists of three left-handed strands laid right-handed. hawthorn ety Old English haguthorn from haga hedge+ thorn thorn; related to Old Norse hagthorn, Middle High German hagendorn, Dutch haagdoorn hawthorn 0. syl haw+thorn pron <1hc:2Tc:n> pos n. def any of various thorny trees or shrubs of the N temperate rosaceous genus esp. having white or pink flowers and reddish fruits (haws). Also called (in Britain): {may, may tree, mayflower}. Nathaniel infl head Hawthorne syl Na:than:iel. pos n. Hawthorne 0. syl Haw:thorne pron <1hc:2Tc:n> pos n. def 1804-64, U.S. novelist and short-story writer: his works include the novels (1850) and (1851) and the children's stories (1853). hay ety Old English hieg; related to Old Norse hey, Gothic hawi, Old Frisian h*_e, Old High German houwi; see #7hew hay H1.1.a. syl hay pron pos n. def grass, clover, etc., cut and dried as fodder. hay H1.1.b. syl hay pron pos n. usage in combination exam 1 a hayfield; exam 2 a hayloft. hit the hay 2. head hay syl hit the hay. qual Slang. def to go to bed. make hay of 3. head hay syl make hay of. def to throw into confusion. make hay while the sun shines 4. head hay syl make hay while the sun shines. qual Informal. def to take full advantage of an opportunity. roll in the hay 5. head hay syl roll in the hay. qual Informal. def sexual intercourse or heavy petting. hay H1.6. syl hay pron pos vb. def to cut, dry, and store (grass, etc.) as fodder. hay H1.7. syl hay pron pos vb. mod tr. def to feed with hay. hay ety C16: of uncertain origin hey alt head hay or hay syl hey pron pos n. hay H2.1. or hey syl hay pron pos n. def a circular figure in country dancing. hay H2.2. or hey syl hay pron pos n. def a former country dance in which the dancers wove in and out of a circle. haybox 0. syl hay+box pron <1hA2boks> pos n. def an airtight box full of hay used for cooking by retained heat. haycock 0. syl hay+cock pron <1hA2kok> pos n. def a small cone-shaped pile of hay left in the field until dry enough to carry to the rick or barn. (Franz) Joseph 1. head Haydn syl (Franz) Jo:seph pron <1jo:zef> def 1732-1809, Austrian composer, who played a major part in establishing the classical forms of the symphony and the string quartet. His other works include the oratorios (1796-98) and (1798-1801). Haydn 2. syl Hay:dn pron <1hIdN> pos n. def his brother, {Jo@.hann Mich@.a@.el} #!jo$:han #!m$I*,ca@!e$:l). 1737-1806, Austrian composer, esp. of Church music. hay fever 0. syl hay fe+ver pos n. def an allergic reaction to pollen, dust, etc., characterized by sneezing, runny nose, and watery eyes due to inflammation of the mucous membranes of the eyes and nose. Technical name: {pollinosis}. hayfork 0. syl hay+fork pron <1hA2fc:k> pos n. def a long-handled fork with two long curved prongs, used for moving or turning hay; pitchfork. haymaker 1. syl hay+mak:er pron <1hA2mAk*> pos n. def a person who helps to cut, turn, toss, spread, or carry hay. haymaker 2. syl hay+mak:er pron <1hA2mAk*> pos n. def Also called: {hay conditioner}. either of two machines, one designed to crush stems of hay, the other to break and bend them, in order to cause more rapid and even drying. haymaker 3. syl hay+mak:er pron <1hA2mAk*> pos n. qual Boxing slang. def a wild swinging punch. haymaking sub head haymaker syl hay+2mak:ing pos adj. n. haymow 1. syl hay+mow pron <1hA2mau> pos n. def a part of a barn where hay is stored. haymow 2. syl hay+mow pron <1hA2mau> pos n. def a quantity of hay stored in a barn or loft. hayrack 1. syl hay+rack pron <1hA2r@k> pos n. def a rack for holding hay for feeding to animals. hayrack 2. syl hay+rack pron <1hA2r@k> pos n. def a rack fixed to a cart or wagon to increase the quantity of hay or straw that it can carry. hayseed 1. syl hay+seed pron <1hA2sEd> pos n. def seeds or fragments of grass or straw. hayseed 2. syl hay+seed pron <1hA2sEd> pos n. qual U.S. informal, derogatory. def a yokel. hayrick alt head haystack or haystack syl hay+rick pos n. haystack 0. or hayrick syl hay+stack pron <1hA2st@k> pos n. def a large pile of hay, esp. one built in the open air and covered with thatch. hayward 0. syl hay+ward pron <1hA2wc:d> pos n. qual Brit. obsolete. def a parish officer in charge of enclosures and fences. haywire ety C20: alluding to the disorderly tangle of wire removed from bales of hay haywire 1. syl hay+wire pron <1hA2wI*> pos adj. qual Informal. usage postpositive; of things def not functioning properly; disorganized (esp. in the phrase {go haywire) }. haywire 2. syl hay+wire pron <1hA2wI*> pos adj. qual Informal. usage postpositive; of people def erratic or crazy. hazan ety from Late Hebrew hazz*_an hazzan infl head hazan or chazan syl haz+zan pron Hebrew. , English <1ha:zN> pos n. chazan infl head hazan or hazzan syl cha+zan pron Hebrew. , English <1ha:zN> pos n. hazanim infl head hazan syl ha+za+nim pron <-za1nim> pos n. mod pl. hazan 0. syl ha+zan pron Hebrew. , English <1ha:zN> pos n. def the cantor in a Jewish synagogue. hazard ety C13: from Old French hasard, from Arabic az-zahr the die hazard 1. syl haz+ard pron <1h@z*d> pos n. def exposure or vulnerability to injury, loss, evil, etc. at hazard 2. head hazard syl at hazard. def at risk; in danger. hazard 3. syl haz+ard pron <1h@z*d> pos n. def a thing likely to cause injury, etc. hazard 4. syl haz+ard pron <1h@z*d> pos n. qual Golf. def an obstacle such as a bunker, a sand pit, etc. hazard 5. syl haz+ard pron <1h@z*d> pos n. def chance; accident (esp. in the phrase {by hazard) }. hazard 6. syl haz+ard pron <1h@z*d> pos n. def a gambling game played with two dice. hazard 7.a. syl haz+ard pron <1h@z*d> pos n. def the receiver's side of the court. hazard 7.b. syl haz+ard pron <1h@z*d> pos n. def one of the winning openings. hazard 8. syl haz+ard pron <1h@z*d> pos n. qual Billiards. def a scoring stroke made either when a ball other than the striker's is pocketed ({winning hazard}) or the striker's cue ball itself ({losing hazard) }. hazard 9. syl haz+ard pron <1h@z*d> pos vb. mod tr. def to chance or risk. hazard 10. syl haz+ard pron <1h@z*d> pos vb. mod tr. def to venture (an opinion, guess, etc.). hazard 11. syl haz+ard pron <1h@z*d> pos vb. mod tr. def to expose to danger. hazardable sub head hazard syl haz+ard+a:ble pos adj. hazard-free sub head hazard syl haz:ard-2free pos adj. hazardous 1. syl haz+ard+ous pron <1h@z*d*s> pos adj. def involving great risk. hazardous 2. syl haz+ard+ous pron <1h@z*d*s> pos adj. def depend?!ing on chance. hazardously sub head hazardous syl haz+ard+ous+ly pos adv. hazardousness sub head hazardous syl haz+ard+ous+ness pos n. hazard warning device 0. syl haz+ard warn+ing de+vice pos n. def an appliance fitted to a motor vehicle that operates a simultaneous flashing of all the direction indicators, used when the vehicle is stationary to indicate that the vehicle is temporarily obstructing traffic. haze ety C18: back-formation from #7hazy haze H1.1.a. syl haze pron pos n. def reduced visibility in the air as a result of condensed water vapour, dust, etc., in the atmosphere. haze H1.1.b. syl haze pron pos n. def the moisture or dust causing this. haze H1.2. syl haze pron pos n. def obscurity of perception, feeling, etc. haze H1.3. syl haze pron pos vb. mod when; intr. usage often foll. by over def to make or become hazy. haze ety C17: of uncertain origin haze H2.1. syl haze pron pos vb. mod tr. qual Chiefly U.S. def to subject (fellow students) to ridicule or abuse. haze H2.2. syl haze pron pos vb. mod tr. qual Nautical. def to harass with humiliating tasks. hazer sub head haze syl haz+er pos n. hazel ety Old English h@asel; related to Old Norse hasl, Old High German hasala, Latin corylus, Old Irish coll hazel 1. syl ha+zel pron <1hAzL> pos n. def Also called: {cob}. any of several shrubs of the N temperate genus esp. having oval serrated leaves and edible rounded brown nuts: family hazel 2. syl ha+zel pron <1hAzL> pos n. def the wood of any of these trees. hazel 3. syl ha+zel pron <1hAzL> pos n. def short for {hazelnut}. hazel 4.a. syl ha+zel pron <1hAzL> pos n. def a light yellowish-brown colour. hazel 4.b. syl ha+zel pron <1hAzL> pos as; adj. exam 1 hazel eyes. hazelhen 0. syl ha:zel+hen pron <1hAzL2hen> pos n. def a European woodland gallinaceous bird, with a speckled brown plumage and slightly crested crown: family (grouse). hazelnut 0. syl ha:zel+nut pron <1hAzL2n^t> pos n. def the nut of a hazel shrub, having a smooth shiny hard shell. Also called: {filbert} or (in Britain) {cobnut, cob}. William infl head Hazlitt syl Wil:liam. pos n. Hazlitt 0. syl Haz:litt pron <1h@zlit> pos n. def 1778-1830, English critic and essayist: works include (1817), (1821), and (1826). hazy ety C17: of unknown origin hazier infl head hazy syl ha:zi+er pos adj. haziest infl head hazy syl ha:zi+est. pos adj. hazy 1. syl ha:zy pron <1hAzi> pos adj. def characterized by reduced visibility; misty. hazy 2. syl ha:zy pron <1hAzi> pos adj. def indistinct; vague. hazily sub head hazy syl ha+zi+ly pos adv. haziness sub head hazy syl ha+zi+ness pos n. hazzanim infl head hazzan syl haz+za+nim pron <-za1nim> pos n. mod pl. hazzan 0. syl haz+zan pron Hebrew. , English <1ha:zN> pos n. def a variant spelling of {hazan}. Hb 0. syl Hb qual symbol for def haemoglobin. HB 0. syl HB qual symbol for usage on Brit. pencils def hard-black: denoting a medium-hard lead. Compare {H} (sense 5), {B} (sense 8). H-beam 0. syl H-beam pos n. def a rolled steel joist or girder with a cross section in the form of a capital letter Compare {I-beam}. HBM 0. syl H.B.M. qual abbrev. for usage in Britain def His Her) Britannic Majesty. H-bomb 0. syl H-bomb pos n. def short for {hydrogen bomb}. HC 1. syl H.C. qual abbrev. for: def Holy Communion. HC 2. syl H.C. qual abbrev. for: usage in Britain def House of Commons. hcf alt head HCF or HCF syl h.c.f. HCF 0. or hcf syl H.C.F. qual abbrev. for def highest common factor. hd 1. syl hd. qual abbrev. for: def hand. hd 2. syl hd. qual abbrev. for: def head. hdbk 0. syl hdbk. qual abbrev. for def handbook. hdqrs 0. syl hdqrs. qual abbrev. for def headquarters. he ety Old English h*_e; related to Old Saxon hie, Old High German her he, Old Slavonic s*ui#800362 this, Latin cis on this side he H1.1. syl he pron , pos pron. usage subjective def refers to a male person or animal. exam 1 he looks interesting; exam 2 he's a fine stallion. he H1.2. syl he pron , pos pron. usage subjective def refers to an indefinite antecedent such as or he H1.3. syl he pron , pos pron. usage subjective def refers to a person or animal of unknown or unspecified sex. exam 1 a member of the party may vote as he sees fit. he H1.4.a. syl he pron , pos n. usage subjective def a male person or animal. he H1.4.b. syl he pron , pos n. usage subjective; in combination exam 1 he-goat. he ety from Hebrew he H2.0. syl he pron , Hebrew , Hebrew pos n. def the fifth letter of the Hebrew alphabet (###800363) , transliterated as he H3.0. syl he pron pos interj. def an expression of amusement or derision. Also: {he-he} &! or {hee-hee} &! He 0. syl He usage the chemical symbol for def helium. HE alt or HE syl H.E. HE 1. or HE syl HE qual abbrev. for: def high explosive. HE 2. or HE syl HE qual abbrev. for: def His Eminence. HE 3. or HE syl HE qual abbrev. for: def His Her) Excellency. head ety Old English h*_eafod; related to Old Norse haufuth, Old Frisian h*_aved, Old Saxon h*_obid, Old High German houbit head 1. syl head pron pos n. def the upper or front part of the body in vertebrates, including man, that contains and protects the brain, eyes, mouth, and nose and ears when present. Related adj.: {cephalic}. head 2. syl head pron pos n. def the corresponding part of an invertebrate animal. head 3. syl head pron pos n. def something resembling a head in form or function, such as the top of a tool. head 4.a. syl head pron pos n. def the person commanding most authority within a group, organization, etc. head 4.b. syl head pron pos n. usage as modifier exam 1 head buyer. head 4.c. syl head pron pos n. usage in combination exam 1 headwaiter. head 5. syl head pron pos n. def the position of leadership or command. exam 1 at the head of his class. head 6.a. syl head pron pos n. def the most forward part of a thing; a part that juts out; front. exam 1 the head of a queue. head 6.b. syl head pron pos n. usage as modifier exam 1 head point. head 7. syl head pron pos n. def the highest part of a thing; upper end. exam 1 the head of the pass. head 8. syl head pron pos n. def the froth on the top of a glass of beer. head 9. syl head pron pos n. def aptitude, intelligence, and emotions (esp. in the phrases {above} or {over one's head, have a head for, keep one's head, lose one's head}, etc.). exam 1 she has a good head for figures; exam 2 a wise old head. head 10. syl head pron pos n. mod pl. def a person or animal considered as a unit. exam 1 the show was two pounds per head; exam 2 six hundred head of cattle. head 11. syl head pron pos n. def the head considered as a measure of length or height. exam 1 he's a head taller than his mother. head 12.a. syl head pron pos n. def a dense inflorescence such as that of the daisy and other composite plants. head 12.b. syl head pron pos n. def any other compact terminal part of a plant, such as the leaves of a cabbage or lettuce. head 13. syl head pron pos n. def a culmination or crisis (esp. in the phrase {bring} or {come to a head) }. head 14. syl head pron pos n. def the pus-filled tip or central part of a pimple, boil, etc. head 15. syl head pron pos n. def the head considered as the part of the body on which hair grows densely. exam 1 a fine head of hair. head 16. syl head pron pos n. def the source or origin of a river or stream. head 17. syl head pron pos n. usage cap. when part of name def a headland or promontory, esp. a high one. head 18. syl head pron pos n. def the obverse of a coin, usually bearing a portrait of the head or a full figure of a monarch, deity, etc. Compare {tail}. head 19. syl head pron pos n. def a main point or division of an argument, discourse, etc. head 20. syl head pron pos n. mod often; pl. def the headline at the top of a newspaper article or the heading of a section within an article. head 21.a. syl head pron pos n. def the front part of a ship or boat. head 21.b. syl head pron pos n. usage in sailing ships def the upper corner or edge of a sail. head 21.c. syl head pron pos n. def the top of any spar or derrick. head 21.d. syl head pron pos n. def any vertical timber cut to shape. head 21.e. syl head pron pos n. mod often; pl. def a slang word for {lavatory}. head 22.a. syl head pron pos n. def the word in a phrase that determines how the phrase operates syntactically. exam 1 the head of the phrase @6 two men walking abreast head 22.b. syl head pron pos n. usage as modifier exam 1 a head noun. head 23. syl head pron pos n. def the taut membrane of a drum, tambourine, etc. head 24.a. syl head pron pos n. def the height of the surface of liquid above a specific point, esp. when considered or used as a measure of the pressure at that point. exam 1 a head of four feet. head 24.b. syl head pron pos n. def any pressure. exam 1 a head of steam in the boiler. head 25.a. syl head pron pos n. def a person who regularly takes drugs, esp. LSD or cannabis. head 25.b. syl head pron pos n. usage in combination exam 1 an acid-head. head 25.c. syl head pron pos n. usage as modifier exam 1 a head shop. head 26. syl head pron pos n. qual Mining. def a road driven into the coal face. head 27.a. syl head pron pos n. def the terminal point of a route. head 27.b. syl head pron pos n. usage in combination exam 1 railhead. head 28. syl head pron pos n. def a device on a turning or boring machine, such as a lathe, that is equipped with one or more cutting tools held to the work by this device. head 29. syl head pron pos n. def See {cylinder head}. head 30. syl head pron pos n. def an electromagnet that can read, write, or erase information on a magnetic medium such as a magnetic tape, disk, or drum, used in computers, tape recorders, etc. head 31. syl head pron pos n. qual Informal. def short for {headmaster}. head 32.a. syl head pron pos n. def the head of a horse considered as a narrow margin in the outcome of a race (in the phrase {win by a head) }. head 32.b. syl head pron pos n. def any narrow margin of victory (in the phrase ({win) by a head) }. head 33. syl head pron pos n. qual Informal. def short for {headache}. head 34. syl head pron pos n. qual Curling. def the stones lying in the house after all 16 have been played. against the head 35. head head syl against the head. qual Rugby. def from the opposing side's put-in to the scrum. bite 36. head head or snap someone's head off syl bite qual Informal. def to speak sharply and angrily to someone. head 37.a. syl head pron pos n. def to bring or be brought to a crisis. exam 1 matters came to a head. head 37.b. syl head pron pos n. usage of a boil def to cause to be or be about to burst. get it into one's head 38. head head syl get it into one's head. def to come to believe (an idea, esp. a whimsical one). exam 1 he got it into his head that the earth was flat. give head 39. head head syl give head. qual U.S. slang, taboo. def to perform fellatio. head 40.a. syl head pron pos n. def to allow a person greater freedom or responsibility. head 40.b. syl head pron pos n. def to allow a horse to gallop by lengthening the reins. head 41.a. syl head pron pos n. def to make one dizzy or confused, as might an alcoholic drink. head 41.b. syl head pron pos n. def to make one conceited. exam 1 his success has gone to his head. head and shoulders above 42. head head syl head and shoulders above. def greatly superior to. head 43.a. syl head pron pos n. def turning a complete somersault. head 43.b. syl head pron pos n. def completely; utterly (esp. in the phrase {head over heels in love) }. hold up one's head 44. head head syl hold up one's head. def to be unashamed. keep one's head 45. head head syl keep one's head. def to remain calm. keep one's head above water 46. head head syl keep one's head above water. def to manage to survive a difficult experience. make head 47. head head syl make head. def to make progress. not make head nor tail of 48. head head syl not make head nor tail of. qual Informal. def to fail to understand (a problem, etc.). exam 1 he couldn't make head nor tail of the case. off the top of one's head 50. head head syl off the top of one's head. def without previous thought; impromptu. on one's (own) head 51. head head syl on one's (own) head. def at a person's (own) risk or responsibility. one's head off 52. head head syl one's head off. qual Slang. def loudly or excessively. exam 1 the baby cried its head off. head 53.a. syl head pron pos n. def without a person in the obvious position being considered, esp. for promotion. exam 1 the graduate was promoted over the heads of several of his seniors. head 53.b. syl head pron pos n. def without consulting a person in the obvious position but referring to a higher authority. exam 1 in making his complaint he went straight to the director, over the head of his immediate boss. head 53.c. syl head pron pos n. def beyond a person's comprehension. their infl head head syl their take it into one's head 55. head head syl take it into one's head. def to conceive a notion, desire, or wish (to do some?!thing). turn someone's head 56. head head syl turn someone's head. def to make someone vain, conceited, etc. head 57. syl head pron pos vb. mod tr. def to be at the front or top of. exam 1 to head the field. head 58. syl head pron pos vb. mod tr. usage often foll. by up def to be in the commanding or most important position. head 59. syl head pron pos vb. usage often foll. by for def to go or cause to go (towards). exam 1 where are you heading?? head 60. syl head pron pos vb. def to turn or steer (a vessel) as specified. exam 1 to head into the wind. head 61. syl head pron pos vb. qual Soccer. def to propel (the ball) by striking it with the head. head 62. syl head pron pos vb. mod tr. def to provide with a head or heading. exam 1 to head a letter. head 63. syl head pron pos vb. mod tr. def to cut the head off (something). exam 1 to head celery. head 64. syl head pron pos vb. mod intr. def to form a head, as a boil or plant. head 65. syl head pron pos vb. mod intr. usage often foll. by in; of streams, rivers, etc. def to originate or rise in. head them 66. head head syl head them. qual Austral. def to play two-up. {~} See also {head for, head off, heads}. headlike sub head head syl head+2like pos adj. headache 1. syl head+ache pron <1hed2Ak> pos n. def pain in the head, caused by dilation of cerebral arteries, muscle contraction, insufficient oxygen in the cerebral blood, reaction to drugs, etc. Technical name: {cephalalgia}. headache 2. syl head+ache pron <1hed2Ak> pos n. qual Informal. def any cause of worry, difficulty, or annoyance. headachy sub head headache syl head+2ach:y pos adj. head arrangement 0. syl head ar+range+ment pos n. qual Jazz. def a spontaneous orchestration. headband 1. syl head+band pron <1hed2b@nd> pos n. def a ribbon or band worn around the head. headband 2. syl head+band pron <1hed2b@nd> pos n. def a narrow cloth band attached to the top of the spine of a book for protection or decoration. headboard 0. syl head+board pron <1hed2bc:d> pos n. def a vertical board or terminal at the head of a bed. head butt 0. syl head butt pos n. def a wrestling attack in which a wrestler uses his head to butt his opponent. headcheese 0. syl head+cheese pron <1hed2CEz> pos n. def the U.S. name for { {brawn} (sense 3).} head collar 0. syl head col+lar pos n. def another word (esp. Brit.) for {headstall}. headdress 0. syl head+dress pron <1hed2dres> pos n. def any head covering, esp. an ornate one or one denoting a rank or occupation. headed 1.a. syl head+ed pron <1hedid> pos adj. def having a head or heads. headed 1.b. syl head+ed pron <1hedid> pos adj. usage in combination def . exam 1 two-headed; exam 2 bullet-headed. headed 2. syl head+ed pron <1hedid> pos adj. def having a heading. exam 1 headed notepaper. headed 3. syl head+ed pron <1hedid> pos adj. usage in combination def having a mind or intellect as specified. exam 1 thickheaded. header 1. syl head+er pron <1hed*> pos n. def a machine that trims the heads from castings, forgings, etc., or one that forms heads, as in wire, to make nails. header 2. syl head+er pron <1hed*> pos n. def a person who operates such a machine. header 3. syl head+er pron <1hed*> pos n. def Also called: {header tank}. a reservoir, tank, or hopper that maintains a gravity feed or a static fluid pressure in an apparatus. $D. a brick or stone laid across a wall so that its end is flush with the outer surface. Compare { {stretcher} (sense 5).} header 4. syl head+er pron <1hed*> pos n. def the action of striking a ball with the head. header 5. syl head+er pron <1hed*> pos n. qual Informal. def a headlong fall or dive. header 6. syl head+er pron <1hed*> pos n. qual Brit. dialect. def a mentally unbalanced person. headfast ety C16: from #7head (in the sense: front)+ fast a mooring rope, from Middle English fest, from Old Norse festr; related to {#7fast %1} headfast 0. syl head+fast pron <1hedfa:st> pos n. def a mooring rope at the bows of a ship. headfirst 1. syl head+first pron <1hed1fR:st> pos adj. adv. def with the head foremost; headlong. exam 1 he fell headfirst. headfirst 2. syl head+first pron <1hed1fR:st> pos adv. def rashly or carelessly. head for 1. syl head for pos vb. prep. def to go or cause to go (towards). head for 2. syl head for pos vb. prep. def to be destined for. exam 1 to head for trouble. head gate 1. syl head gate pos n. def a gate that is used to control the flow of water at the upper end of a lock. Compare {tail gate}. head gate 2. syl head gate pos n. def another name for {{floodgate} (sense 1)}. headgear 1. syl head+gear pron <1hed2gi*> pos n. def any head covering, esp. a hat. headgear 2. syl head+gear pron <1hed2gi*> pos n. def any part of a horse's harness that is worn on the head. headgear 3. syl head+gear pron <1hed2gi*> pos n. def the hoisting mechanism at the pithead of a mine. head-hunting 1. syl head-hunt:ing pos n. def the practice among certain peoples of removing the heads of slain enemies and preserving them as trophies. head-hunting 2. syl head-hunt:ing pos n. qual U.S. slang. def the destruction or neutralization of political opponents. head-hunter sub head head-hunting syl head-2hunt:er pos n. heading 1. syl head+ing pron <1hediG> pos n. def a title for a page, paragraph, chapter, etc. heading 2. syl head+ing pron <1hediG> pos n. def a main division, as of a lecture, speech, essay, etc. heading 3.a. syl head+ing pron <1hediG> pos n. def a horizontal tunnel. heading 3.b. syl head+ing pron <1hediG> pos n. def the end of such a tunnel. heading 4. syl head+ing pron <1hediG> pos n. def the angle between the direction of an aircraft and a specified meridian, often due north. heading 5. syl head+ing pron <1hediG> pos n. def the compass direction parallel to the keel of a vessel. heading 6. syl head+ing pron <1hediG> pos n. def the act of heading. heading 7. syl head+ing pron <1hediG> pos n. def anything that serves as a head. headland 1. syl head+land pron <1hedl*nd> pos n. def a narrow area of land jutting out into a sea, lake, etc. headland 2. syl head+land pron <1hed2l@nd> pos n. def a strip of land along the edge of an arable field left unploughed to allow space for machines. headless 1. syl head+less pron <1hedlis> pos adj. def without a head. headless 2. syl head+less pron <1hedlis> pos adj. def without a leader. headless 3. syl head+less pron <1hedlis> pos adj. def foolish or stupid. headless 4. syl head+less pron <1hedlis> pos adj. qual Prosody. def another word for {catalectic}. headlamp alt head headlight or headlight syl head+lamp pos n. headlight 0. or headlamp syl head+light pron <1hed2lIt> pos n. def a powerful light, equipped with a reflector and attached to the front of a motor vehicle, locomotive, etc. See also {quartz-iodine lamp}. headline 1. syl head+line pron <1hed2lIn> pos n. def Also called: {head, heading}. headline 1.a. syl head+line pron <1hed2lIn> pos n. def a phrase at the top of a newspaper or magazine article indicating the subject of the article, usually in larger and heavier type. headline 1.b. syl head+line pron <1hed2lIn> pos n. def a line at the top of a page indicating the title, page number, etc. hit the headlines 2. head headline syl hit the headlines. def to become prominent in the news. headline 3. syl head+line pron <1hed2lIn> pos vb. mod tr. def to furnish (a story or page) with a headline. headliner 1. syl head+lin+er pron <1hed2lIn*> pos n. qual U.S. slang. def a person whose name appears in the headlines. headliner 2. syl head+lin+er pron <1hed2lIn*> pos n. qual U.S. slang. def a prominent person. head-load 1. syl head-load pos n. qual African. def baggage or goods arranged so as to be carried on the heads of African porters. head-load 2. syl head-load pos vb. mod tr. qual African. def to convey or carry (goods) on the head. headlock 0. syl head+lock pron <1hed2lok> pos n. def a wrestling hold in which a wrestler locks his opponent's head between the crook of his elbow and the side of his body. headlong 1. syl head+long pron <1hed2loG> pos adv. adj. def with the head foremost; headfirst. headlong 2. syl head+long pron <1hed2loG> pos adv. adj. def with great haste. headlong 3. syl head+long pron <1hed2loG> pos adj. usage Archaic. of slopes, etc. def very steep; precipitous. headmen infl head headman syl head+men. pos n. mod pl. headman 1. syl head+man pron <1hedm*n> pos n. qual Anthropol. def a chief or leader. headman 2. syl head+man pron <1hedm*n> pos n. def a foreman or overseer. headmistress alt head headmaster or headmaster syl head+mis:tress pos n. mod fem. headmaster 0. or headmistress syl head+mas:ter pron <2hed1ma:st*> pos n. def the principal of a school. headmastership sub head headmaster or headmistressship syl head+1mas:ter+2ship pos n. headmistressship sub head headmaster or headmastership syl head+1mis:tress+2ship pos n. mod fem. head money 1. syl head mon+ey pos n. def a reward paid for the capture or slaying of a fugitive, outlaw, etc. head money 2. syl head mon+ey pos n. def an archaic term for {poll tax}. headmost 0. syl head+most pron <1hed2m*ust> pos adj. def a less common word for {foremost}. head off 1. syl head off pos vb. adv. mod tr. def to intercept and force to change direction. exam 1 to head off the stampede. head off 2. syl head off pos vb. adv. mod tr. def to prevent or forestall (something that is likely to happen). head of the river 0.a. syl head of the riv+er pos n. def any of various annual rowing regattas held on particular rivers. head of the river 0.b. syl head of the riv+er pos n. def the boat or team winning such a regatta. exam 1 Eton are head of the river again this year. head-on 1. syl head-on pos adv. adj. def with the front or fronts foremost. exam 1 a head-on collision. head-on 2. syl head-on pos adv. adj. def with directness or without compromise. exam 1 in his usual head-on fashion. headphones 0. syl head+phones pron <1hed2f*unz> pos n. mod pl. def an electrical device consisting of two earphones held in position by a flexible metallic strap passing over the head. Informal name: {cans}. headpiece 1. syl head+piece pron <1hed2pEs> pos n. qual Printing. def a decorative band at the top of a page, chapter, etc. headpiece 2. syl head+piece pron <1hed2pEs> pos n. def any covering for the head, esp. a helmet. headpiece 3. syl head+piece pron <1hed2pEs> pos n. qual Archaic. def the intellect. headpiece 4. syl head+piece pron <1hed2pEs> pos n. def a less common word for { {crownpiece} (sense 2).} headpin 0. syl head+pin pron <1hed2pin> pos n. qual Tenpin bowling. def another word for {kingpin}. headquarters 1. syl head+quar:ters pron <2hed1kwc:t*z> pos n. mod pl. sometimes functioning as; sing. def any centre or building from which operations are directed, as in the military, the police, etc. headquarters 2. syl head+quar:ters pron <2hed1kwc:t*z> pos n. mod pl. sometimes functioning as; sing. def a military formation comprising the commander, his staff, and support?!ing echelons. headquarters xref syl head+quar:ters pron <2hed1kwc:t*z> pos n. mod pl. sometimes functioning as; sing. def Abbrev.: {HQ, H.Q., h.q}. headrace 0. syl head+race pron <1hed2rAs> pos n. def a channel that carries water to a waterwheel, turbine, etc. Compare {tailrace}. headrail 0. syl head+rail pron <1hed2rAl> pos n. qual Billiards, etc. def the end of the table from which play is started, nearest the baulkline. headreach 1. syl head+reach pron <1hed2rEC> pos n. qual Nautical. def the distance made to windward while tacking. headreach 2. syl head+reach pron <1hed2rEC> pos vb. mod tr. qual Nautical. def to gain distance over (another boat) when tacking. headrest 0. syl head+rest pron <1hed2rest> pos n. def a support for the head, as on a dentist's chair or car seat. headway alt head headroom or headroom syl head+way pos n. headroom 0. or headway syl head+room pron <1hed2rum>, <-2ru:m> pos n. def the height of a bridge, room, etc.; clearance. heads 0. syl heads pron pos interj. adv. qual Informal. def with the obverse side of a coin uppermost, esp. if it has a head on it: used as a call before tossing a coin. Compare {tails}. headsail 0. syl head+sail pron <1hed2sAl>, Nautical <1heds*l> pos n. def any sail set forward of the foremast. headscarf 0. syl head+scarf pron <1hed2ska:f> pos n. def a scarf for the head, often worn tied under the chin. head sea 0. syl head sea pos n. def a sea in which the waves run directly against the course of a ship. headset 0. syl head+set pron <1hed2set> pos n. def a pair of headphones, esp. with a microphone attached. headship 1. syl head+ship pron <1hed2Sip> pos n. def the position or state of being a leader; command; leadership. headship 2. syl head+ship pron <1hed2Sip> pos n. qual Education, Brit. def the position of headmaster or headmistress of a school. headshrinker 1. syl head+shrink:er pron <1hed2SriGk*> pos n. def a slang name for {psychiatrist}. Often shortened to {shrink}. headshrinker 2. syl head+shrink:er pron <1hed2SriGk*> pos n. def a headhunter who shrinks the heads of his victims. headsmen infl head headsman syl heads+men. pos n. mod pl. headsman 0. syl heads+man pron <1hedzm*n> pos n. usage formerly def an executioner who beheaded condemned persons. headspring 1. syl head+spring pron <1hed2spriG> pos n. def a spring that is the source of a stream. headspring 2. syl head+spring pron <1hed2spriG> pos n. def a spring using the head as a lever from a position lying on the ground. headspring 3. syl head+spring pron <1hed2spriG> pos n. qual Rare. def a source. headsquare 0. syl head+square pron <1hed2skwe*> pos n. def a scarf worn on the head. headstall 0. syl head+stall pron <1hed2stc:l> pos n. def the part of a bridle that fits round a horse's head. Also called (esp. Brit.): {head collar}. headstand 0. syl head+stand pron <1hed2st@nd> pos n. def the act or an instance of balancing on the head, usually with the hands as support. head start ety originally referring to a horse's having its head in front of others at the start of a race head start 0. syl head start pos n. def an initial advantage in a competitive situation. headstock 0. syl head+stock pron <1hed2stok> pos n. def the part of a machine that supports and transmits the drive to the chuck. Compare {tailstock}. headstone 1. syl head+stone pron <1hed2st*un> pos n. def a memorial stone at the head of a grave. headstone 2. syl head+stone pron <1hed2st*un> pos n. qual Architect. def another name for {keystone}. headstream 0. syl head+stream pron <1hed2strEm> pos n. def a stream that is the source or a source of a river. headstrong 1. syl head+strong pron <1hed2stroG> pos adj. def self-willed; obstinate. headstrong 2. syl head+strong pron <1hed2stroG> pos adj. usage of an action def heedless; rash. headstrongly sub head headstrong syl head+2strong+ly pos adv. headstrongness sub head headstrong syl head+2strong+ness pos n. register alt head head voice or head voice syl reg+is+ter pos n. head voice 0. or register syl head voice pos n. def the high register of the human voice, in which the vibrations of sung notes are felt in the head. head waiter 0. syl head wait+er pos n. def a waiter who supervises the activities of other waiters and arranges the seating of guests. headward 1. syl head+ward pron <1hedw*d> pos adj. usage of river erosion def cutting backwards or upstream above the original source, which recedes. {~} headward 2. syl head+ward pron <1hedw*d> pos adj. def a variant of {headwards}. headward alt head headwards or headwards syl head+ward pos adv. headwards 0. or headward syl head+wards pron <1hedw*dz> pos adv. def backwards beyond the original source. exam 1 a river erodes headwards. headwaters 0. syl head+wa:ters pron <1hed2wc:t*z> pos n. mod pl. def the tributary streams of a river in the area in which it rises; headstreams. headway 1. syl head+way pron <1hed2wA> pos n. def motion in a forward direction. exam 1 the vessel made no headway. headway 2. syl head+way pron <1hed2wA> pos n. def progress or rate of progress. exam 1 he made no headway with the problem. headway 3. syl head+way pron <1hed2wA> pos n. def another name for {headroom}. headway 4. syl head+way pron <1hed2wA> pos n. def the distance or time between consecutive trains, buses, etc., on the same route. headwind 0. syl head+wind pron <1hed2wind> pos n. def a wind blowing directly against the course of an aircraft or ship. Compare {tailwind}. headword 0. syl head+word pron <1hed2wR:d> pos n. def a key word placed at the beginning of a line, paragraph, etc., as in a dictionary entry. headwork 1. syl head+work pron <1hed2wR:k> pos n. def mental work. headwork 2. syl head+work pron <1hed2wR:k> pos n. def the ornamenta?!tion of the keystone of an arch. headworker sub head headwork syl head+2work:er pos n. headier infl head heady syl head:i+er pos adj. headiest infl head heady syl head:i+est. pos adj. heady 1. syl head:y pron <1hedi> pos adj. usage of alcoholic drink def intoxicating. heady 2. syl head:y pron <1hedi> pos adj. def strongly affecting the mind or senses; ex?!tremely exciting. heady 3. syl head:y pron <1hedi> pos adj. def rash; impetuous. headily sub head heady syl head:i+ly pos adv. headiness sub head heady syl head:i+ness pos n. heal ety Old English h@alan; related to Old Norse heila, Gothic hailjan, Old High German heilen; see #7hale %1#7, whole heal 1. syl heal pron pos vb. def to restore or be restored to health. heal 2. syl heal pron pos vb. mod intr. usage often foll. by over or up; of a wound, burn, etc. def to repair by natural processes, as by scar formation. heal 3.a. syl heal pron pos vb. def to treat (a wound, etc.) by assisting in its natural repair. heal 3.b. syl heal pron pos vb. def to cure (a disease or disorder). heal 4. syl heal pron pos vb. def to restore or be restored to friendly relations, harmony, etc. healable sub head heal syl heal+a:ble pos adj. healer sub head heal syl heal+er pos n. healingly sub head heal syl heal+ing+ly pos adv. heal-all 0. syl heal-all pos n. def another name for {selfheal}. Denis (Winston) infl head Healey syl Den:is (Winston) pos n. Healey 0. syl Hea:ley pron <1hEli> pos n. def born 1917, English Labour politician; Chancellor of the Exchequer since 1974. health ety Old English h*_@alth; related to h*_al #7hale %1 health 1. syl health pron pos n. def the state of being bodily and mentally vigorous and free from disease. health 2. syl health pron pos n. def the general condition of body and mind. exam 1 in poor health. health 3. syl health pron pos n. def the condition of any unit, society, etc.. exam 1 the economic health of a nation. health 4. syl health pron pos n. def a toast to a person, wishing him or her good health, happiness, etc. health 5. syl health pron pos n. usage modifier def of or relating to food or other goods reputed to be beneficial to the health. exam 1 health food; exam 2 a health store. health 6. syl health pron pos n. usage modifier def of or relating to health, esp. to the administration of health. exam 1 a health committee; exam 2 health resort; exam 3 health service. health 7. syl health pron pos interj. def an exclamation wishing someone good health as part of a toast (in the phrases {your health, good health}, etc.). health centre 0. syl health cen+tre pos n. def the surgery and offices of a group medical practice. healthful 0. syl health+ful pron <1helTful> pos adj. def a less common word for {healthy} (senses 1-3). healthfully sub head healthful syl health+ful+ly pos adv. healthfulness sub head healthful syl health+ful+ness pos n. health physics 0. syl health phys+ics pos n. mod functioning as; sing. def the branch of physics concerned with the health and safety of people in medical, scientific, and industrial work, esp. with protection from the biological effects of ionizing radiation. health salts 0. syl health salts pos n. mod pl. def magnesium sulphate or similar salts taken as a mild laxative. health visitor 0. syl health vis:i+tor pos n. qual Brit. def a nurse who visits and helps the old and the sick in their homes. healthier infl head healthy syl health:i+er pos adj. healthiest infl head healthy syl health:i+est. pos adj. healthy 1. syl health:y pron <1helTi> pos adj. def enjoying good health. healthy 2. syl health:y pron <1helTi> pos adj. def functioning well or being sound. exam 1 the company's finances are not very healthy. healthy 3. syl health:y pron <1helTi> pos adj. def conducive to health; salutary. healthy 4. syl health:y pron <1helTi> pos adj. def indicating soundness of body or mind. exam 1 a healthy appetite. healthy 5. syl health:y pron <1helTi> pos adj. qual Informal. def considerable in size or amount. exam 1 a healthy sum. healthily sub head healthy syl health:i+ly pos adv. healthiness sub head healthy syl health:i+ness pos n. heap ety Old English h*'eap; related to Old Frisian h*_ap, Old Saxon h*_op, Old High German houf heap 1. syl heap pron pos n. def a collection of articles or mass of material gathered together in one place. heap 2. syl heap pron pos n. mod often; pl. qual Informal. usage usually foll. by of def a large number or quantity. heap 3. syl heap pron pos n. qual Informal. def a place or thing that is very old, untidy, unreliable, etc.. exam 1 the car was a heap. heaps 4. head heap syl heaps. usage intensifier exam 1 he said he was feeling heaps better. heap 5. syl heap pron pos vb. usage often foll. by up or together def to collect or be collected into or as if into a heap or pile. exam 1 to heap up wealth. heap 6. syl heap pron pos vb. mod tr. usage often foll. by with, on, or upon def to load or supply (with) abundantly. exam 1 to heap with riches. heaper sub head heap syl heap+er pos n. heaping 0. syl heap+ing pron <1hEpiG> pos adj. usage U.S. of a spoonful, etc. def heaped. hear ety Old English hieran; related to Old Norse heyra, Gothic hausjan, Old High German h*_oren, Greek akouein hears infl head hear syl hears pos vb. hearing infl head hear syl hear+ing pos vb. heard infl head hear syl heard. pos vb. hear 1. syl hear pron pos vb. mod tr. def to perceive (a sound) with the sense of hearing. hear 2. syl hear pron pos vb. mod tr. usage may take a clause as object def to listen to. exam 1 did you hear what I said?? hear 3. syl hear pron pos vb. mod when; intr. sometimes foll. by of or about; when; tr. usage may take a clause as object def to be informed (of); receive information (about). exam 1 to hear of his success; exam 2 have you heard?? hear 4. syl hear pron pos vb. qual Law. def to give a hearing to (a case). hear 5. syl hear pron pos vb. mod when; intr. usage usually foll. by of and used with a negative def to listen (to) with favour, assent, etc.. exam 1 she wouldn't hear of it. hear 6. syl hear pron pos vb. mod intr. usage foll. by from def to receive a letter, news, etc. (from). hear hear 7. head hear syl hear&! hear&! pos interj. def an exclamation used to show approval of something said. hear tell (of) 8. head hear syl hear tell (of) . qual Dialect. def to be told (about); learn (of). hearable sub head hear syl hear+a:ble pos adj. hearer sub head hear syl hear+er pos n. hearing 1. syl hear+ing pron <1hi*riG> pos n. def the faculty or sense by which sound is perceived. hearing 2. syl hear+ing pron <1hi*riG> pos n. def an opportunity to be listened to. hearing 3. syl hear+ing pron <1hi*riG> pos n. def the range within which sound can be heard; earshot. hearing 4. syl hear+ing pron <1hi*riG> pos n. def the investigation of a matter by a court of law, esp. the preliminary inquiry into an indictable crime by magistrates. hearing 5. syl hear+ing pron <1hi*riG> pos n. def a formal or official trial of an action or lawsuit. hearing aid 0. syl hear+ing aid pos n. def a device for assisting the hearing of partially deaf persons, typically consisting of a small battery-powered electronic amplifier with microphone and earphone, worn by a deaf person in or behind the ear. harken alt head hearken or hearken syl hark+en pron <1ha:k*n> pos vb. qual U.S. (sometimes hearken 0. or harken syl heark+en pron <1ha:k*n> pos vb. qual Archaic. def to listen to (something). hearkener sub head hearken syl heark+en+er pos n. hear out 0. syl hear out pos vb. adv. mod tr. def to listen in regard to every detail and give a proper or full hearing to. hearsay 0. syl hear+say pron <1hi*2sA> pos n. def gossip; rumour. hearsay evidence 0. syl hear+say ev:i+dence pos n. qual Law. def evidence based on what has been reported to a witness by others rather than what he has himself observed or experienced (not generally admissible as evidence). hearse ety C14: from Old French herce, from Latin hirpex harrow hearse 0. syl hearse pron pos n. def a vehicle, such as a car or carriage, used to carry a coffin to the grave. William Randolph infl head Hearst syl Wil:liam Ran:dolph. pos n. Hearst 0. syl Hearst pron pos n. def 1863-1951, U.S. newspaper publisher, whose newspapers were noted for their sensationalism. heart ety Old English heorte; related to Old Norse hjarta, Gothic hairt*_o, Old High German herza, Latin cor, Greek kardia, Old Irish cride heart 1. syl heart pron pos n. def the hollow muscular organ in vertebrates whose contractions propel the blood through the circulatory system. In mammals it consists of a right and left atrium and a right and left ventricle. Related adj.: {cardiac}. heart 2. syl heart pron pos n. def the corre?!sponding organ or part in invertebrates. heart 3. syl heart pron pos n. def this organ considered as the seat of life and emotions, esp. love. heart 4. syl heart pron pos n. def emotional mood or disposition. exam 1 a happy heart; exam 2 a change of heart. heart 5. syl heart pron pos n. def tenderness or pity. exam 1 you have no heart. heart 6. syl heart pron pos n. def courage or spirit; bravery. heart 7. syl heart pron pos n. def the inmost or most central part of a thing. exam 1 the heart of the city. heart 8. syl heart pron pos n. def the most important or vital part. exam 1 the heart of the matter. heart 9. syl heart pron pos n. def the part nearest the heart of a person; breast. exam 1 she held him to her heart. heart 10. syl heart pron pos n. def a dearly loved person: usually used as a term of address. exam 1 dearest heart. heart 11. syl heart pron pos n. def a conventionalized representation of the heart, having two rounded lobes at the top meeting in a point at the bottom. heart 12.a. syl heart pron pos n. def a red heart-shaped symbol on a playing card. heart 12.b. syl heart pron pos n. def a card with one or more of these symbols or the suit of cards so marked. heart 13. syl heart pron pos n. def a fertile condition in land, conducive to vigorous growth in crops or herbage (esp. in the phrase {in good heart) }. after one's own heart 14. head heart syl after one's own heart. def appealing to one's own disposition, taste, or tendencies. at heart 15. head heart syl at heart. def in reality or fundamentally. break one's 16. head heart or someone's heart syl break one's def to grieve (or cause to grieve) very deeply, esp. through love. by heart 17. head heart syl by heart. def by committing to memory. cross my heart (and hope to die) 18. head heart syl cross my heart (and hope to die) &! def I promise&! eat one's heart out 19. head heart syl eat one's heart out. def to grieve inconsolably. from (the bottom of) one's heart 20. head heart syl from (the bottom of) one's heart. def very sincerely or deeply. have a heart 21. head heart syl have a heart&! def be kind or merciful. have one's heart in it 22. head heart syl have one's heart in it. usage usually used with a negative def to have enthusiasm for something. have one's heart in one's boots 23. head heart syl have one's heart in one's boots. def to be depressed or down-hearted. have one's heart in one's mouth 24. head heart or hearthroat syl have one's heart in one's mouth def to be full of apprehension, excitement, or fear. heart 25.a. syl heart pron pos n. def to be kind, thoughtful, or generous. heart 25.b. syl heart pron pos n. def to mean well. have the heart 26. head heart syl have the heart. usage usually used with a negative def to have the necessary will, callousness, etc., (to do something). exam 1 I didn't have the heart to tell him. heart and soul 27. head heart syl heart and soul. def absolutely; completely. heart of hearts 28. head heart syl heart of hearts. def the depths of one's conscience or emotions. heart of oak 29. head heart syl heart of oak. def a brave person. in one's heart 30. head heart syl in one's heart. def secretly; fundamentally. lose heart 31. head heart syl lose heart. def to become despondent or disillusioned (over something). lose one's heart to 32. head heart syl lose one's heart to. def to fall in love with. near 33. head heart or close to one's heart syl near def cherished or important. set one's heart on 34. head heart syl set one's heart on. def to have as one's ambition to obtain; covet. take heart 35. head heart syl take heart. def to become encouraged. take to heart 36. head heart syl take to heart. def to take seriously or be upset about. to one's heart's content 37. head heart syl to one's heart's content. def as much as one wishes. wear one's heart on one's sleeve 38. head heart syl wear one's heart on one's sleeve. def to show one's feelings openly. heart 40. syl heart pron pos vb. def an archaic word for {hearten}. heartache 0. syl heart+ache pron <1ha:t2Ak> pos n. def intense anguish or mental suffering. heart attack 0. syl heart at+tack pos n. def any sudden severe instance of abnormal heart functioning, esp. coronary thrombosis. heartbeat 0. syl heart+beat pron <1ha:t2bEt> pos n. def one complete pulsation of the heart. See {diastole, systole}. heart block 0. syl heart block pos n. def impaired conduction or blocking of the impulse that regulates the heartbeat, resulting in a lack of coordination between the beating of the atria and the ventricles. Also called: {Adams-Stokes syndrome, atrioventricular block}. heartbreak 0. syl heart+break pron <1ha:t2brAk> pos n. def intense and overwhelming grief, esp. through disappointment in love. heartbreaker sub head heartbreak syl heart+2break:er pos n. heartbreaking 0. syl heart+break:ing pron <1ha:t2brAkiG> pos adj. def extremely sad, disappoint?!ing, or pitiful. heartbreakingly sub head heartbreaking syl heart+2break:ing+ly pos adv. heartbroken 0. syl heart+bro:ken pron <1ha:t2br*uk*n> pos adj. def suffering from intense grief. heartbrokenly sub head heartbroken syl heart+2bro:ken+ly pos adv. heartbrokenness sub head heartbroken syl heart+2bro:ken+ness pos n. heartburn 0. syl heart+burn pron <1ha:t2bR:n> pos n. def a burning sensation beneath the breastbone caused by irritation of the oesophagus, as from regurgitation of the contents of the stomach. Technical names: {cardialgia, pyrosis}. heart cherry 0. syl heart cher+ry pos n. def a heart-shaped variety of sweet cherry. -hearted 0. syl -heart:ed pos adj. def having a heart or disposition as specified. exam 1 good-hearted; exam 2 cold-hearted; exam 3 great-hearted; exam 4 heavy-hearted. hearten 0. syl heart+en pron <1ha:tN> pos vb. def to make or become cheerful. hearteningly sub head hearten syl heart+en+ing+ly pos adv. heart failure 1. syl heart fail+ure pos n. def a condition in which the heart is unable to pump an adequate amount of blood to the tissues, usually resulting in breathlessness, swollen ankles, etc. heart failure 2. syl heart fail+ure pos n. def sudden and permanent cessation of the heartbeat, resulting in death. heartfelt 0. syl heart+felt pron <1ha:t2felt> pos adj. def sincerely and strongly felt. hearth ety Old English heorth; related to Old High German herd hearth, Latin carb*_o charcoal hearth 1.a. syl hearth pron pos n. def the floor of a fireplace, esp. one that extends outwards into the room. hearth 1.b. syl hearth pron pos n. usage as modifier exam 1 hearth rug. hearth 2. syl hearth pron pos n. def this part of a fireplace as a symbol of the home, etc. hearth 3. syl hearth pron pos n. def the bottom part of a metallurgical furnace in which the molten metal is produced or contained. hearthstone 1. syl hearth+stone pron <1ha:T2st*un> pos n. def a stone that forms a hearth. hearthstone 2. syl hearth+stone pron <1ha:T2st*un> pos n. def a less common word for {hearth} (sense 1). hearthstone 3. syl hearth+stone pron <1ha:T2st*un> pos n. def soft stone used to clean and whiten floors, steps, etc. heartily 1. syl heart:i+ly pron <1ha:tili> pos adv. def thoroughly or vigorously. exam 1 to eat heartily. heartily 2. syl heart:i+ly pron <1ha:tili> pos adv. def in a sincere manner. exam 1 he congratulated me heartily. heartland 0. syl heart+land pron <1ha:t2l@nd> pos n. def the central region of a country or continent. heartless 0. syl heart+less pron <1ha:tlis> pos adj. def unkind or cruel; hard-hearted. heartlessly sub head heartless syl heart+less+ly pos adv. heartlessness sub head heartless syl heart+less+ness pos n. heart-lung machine 0. syl heart-lung ma+chine pos n. def a machine used to maintain the circulation and oxygenation of the blood during heart surgery. heart murmur 0. syl heart mur+mur pos n. def an abnormal sound heard through a stethoscope over the region of the heart. heart-rending 0. syl heart-rend:ing pos adj. def causing great mental pain and sorrow. heart-rendingly sub head heart-rending syl heart-2rend:ing+ly pos adv. hearts 0. syl hearts pron pos n. mod functioning as; sing. def a card game in which players must avoid winning tricks containing hearts or the queen of spades. Also called: {Black Maria}. heart-searching 0. syl heart-search+ing pos n. def examination of one's feelings or conscience. heart's-ease alt head heartsease or heartsease syl heart's-ease pron <1ha:ts2Ez> pos n. heartsease 1. or heart's-ease syl hearts+ease pron <1ha:ts2Ez> pos n. def another name for the {wild pansy}. heartsease 2. or heart's-ease syl hearts+ease pron <1ha:ts2Ez> pos n. def peace of mind. heartsick 0. syl heart+sick pron <1ha:t2sik> pos adj. def deeply dejected or despondent. heartsickness sub head heartsick syl heart+2sick:ness pos n. heartsome 1. syl heart+some pron <1ha:ts*m> pos adj. qual Northern Brit. dialect. def cheering or encouraging. exam 1 heartsome news. heartsome 2. syl heart+some pron <1ha:ts*m> pos adj. qual Northern Brit. dialect. def gay; cheerful. heartsomely sub head heartsome syl heart+some+ly pos adv. heartsomeness sub head heartsome syl heart+some+ness pos n. heart starter 0. syl heart start+er pos n. qual Austral. slang. def the first drink of the day. heartstrings ety C15: originally referring to the tendons supposed to support the heart heartstrings 0. syl heart+strings pron <1ha:t2striGz> pos n. mod pl. qual Often facetious. def deep emotions or feelings. heart-throb 1. syl heart-throb pos n. qual Brit. def an object of infatuation. heart-throb 2. syl heart-throb pos n. def a heart beat. heart-to-heart 1. syl heart-to-heart pos adj. usage esp. of a conversation or discussion def concerned with personal problems or intimate feelings. heart-to-heart 2. syl heart-to-heart pos n. def an intimate conversation or discussion. heart urchin 0. syl heart ur+chin pos n. def any echinoderm of the genus having a heart-shaped body enclosed in a rigid spiny test: class (sea urchins). heart-warming 1. syl heart-warm+ing pos adj. def pleasing; gratifying. heart-warming 2. syl heart-warm+ing pos adj. def emotionally moving. heart-whole 1. syl heart-whole pos adj. qual Rare. def not in love. heart-whole 2. syl heart-whole pos adj. qual Rare. def sincere. heart-whole 3. syl heart-whole pos adj. qual Rare. def stout-hearted. heart-wholeness sub head heart-whole syl heart-1whole:ness pos n. heartwood 0. syl heart+wood pron <1ha:t2wud> pos n. def the central core of dark hard wood in tree trunks, consisting of nonfunctioning xylem tissue that has become blocked with resins, tannins, and oils. Compare {sapwood}. heartworm 0. syl heart+worm pron <1ha:t2wR:m> pos n. def a parasitic nematode worm, that lives in the heart and bloodstream of vertebrates. heartier infl head hearty syl heart:i+er pos adj. heartiest infl head hearty syl heart:i+est. pos adj. hearty 1. syl heart:y pron <1ha:ti> pos adj. def warm and un?!reserved in manner or behaviour. hearty 2. syl heart:y pron <1ha:ti> pos adj. def vigorous and enthusiastic. exam 1 a hearty slap on the back. hearty 3. syl heart:y pron <1ha:ti> pos adj. def sincere and heartfelt. exam 1 hearty dislike. hearty 4. syl heart:y pron <1ha:ti> pos adj. def healthy and strong (esp. in the phrase {hale and hearty}) . hearty 5. syl heart:y pron <1ha:ti> pos adj. def substantial and nourishing. hearty 6. syl heart:y pron <1ha:ti> pos n. qual Informal. def a comrade, esp. a sailor. hearty 7. syl heart:y pron <1ha:ti> pos n. qual Informal. def a vigorous sporting man. exam 1 a rugby hearty. heartiness sub head hearty syl heart:i+ness pos n. heat ety Old English h*_@atu; related to h*_at #7hot, Old Frisian h*_ete heat, Old High German heiz*_i heat 1. syl heat pron pos n. def a form of energy that is transferred by a difference in temperature: it is equal to the total kinetic energy of the atoms or molecules of a system. Related adjs.: {thermal, calorific}. heat 2. syl heat pron pos n. def the sensation caused in the body by heat energy; warmth. heat 3. syl heat pron pos n. def the state or quality of being hot. heat 4. syl heat pron pos n. def hot weather. exam 1 the heat of summer. heat 5. syl heat pron pos n. def intensity of feeling; passion. exam 1 the heat of rage. heat 6. syl heat pron pos n. def the most intense or active part. exam 1 the heat of the battle. heat 7. syl heat pron pos n. def a period or condition of sexual excitement in female mammals that occurs at oestrus. heat 8.a. syl heat pron pos n. def a preliminary eliminating contest in a competition. heat 8.b. syl heat pron pos n. def a single section of a contest. heat 9. syl heat pron pos n. qual Slang. def police activity after a crime. exam 1 the heat is off. in the heat of the moment 10. head heat syl in the heat of the moment. def without pausing to think. turn on the heat 11. head heat syl turn on the heat. qual Informal. def to increase the intensity of activity, coercion, etc. heat 12. syl heat pron pos vb. def to make or become hot or warm. heat 13. syl heat pron pos vb. def to make or become excited or intense. heatless sub head heat syl heat+less pos adj. heat barrier 0. syl heat bar+ri+er pos n. def another name for {thermal barrier}. heat capacity 0. syl heat ca+pac+i:ty pos n. def the heat required to raise the temperature of a substance by unit temperature interval under specified conditions. Symbol: C (for constant pressure) or (for constant volume). heat content 0. syl heat con+tent pos n. def another name for {enthalpy}. heat death 0. syl heat death pos n. qual Thermodynamics. def the condition of any closed system when its total entropy is a maximum and it has no available energy. If the universe is a closed system it should eventually reach this state. heated 1. syl heat+ed pron <1hEtid> pos adj. def made hot; warmed. heated 2. syl heat+ed pron <1hEtid> pos adj. def impassioned or highly emotional. heatedly sub head heated syl heat+ed+ly pos adv. heatedness sub head heated syl heat+ed+ness pos n. heat engine 0. syl heat en+gine pos n. def an engine that converts heat into mechanical energy. heater 1. syl heat+er pron <1hEt*> pos n. def any device for supplying heat, such as a hot-air blower, radiator, convector, etc. heater 2. syl heat+er pron <1hEt*> pos n. qual U.S. slang. def a pistol. heater 3. syl heat+er pron <1hEt*> pos n. qual Electronics. def a conductor carrying a current that indirectly heats the cathode in some types of valve. heat exchanger 0. syl heat ex+chang+er pos n. def a device for transferring heat from one fluid to another without allowing them to mix. heat exhaustion 0. syl heat ex+haus+tion pos n. def a condition resulting from exposure to intense heat, characterized by dizziness, abdominal cramp, and prostration. Also called: {heat prostration}. Compare {heat?!stroke}. heath ety Old English h*_@ath; related to Old Norse heithr field, Old High German heida heather heath 1. syl heath pron pos n. qual Brit. def a large open area, usually with sandy soil and scrubby vegetation, esp. heather. heath 2. syl heath pron pos n. def Also called: {heather}. any low-growing evergreen ericaceous shrub of the Old World genus and related genera, having small bell-shaped typically pink or purple flowers. heath 3. syl heath pron pos n. def any of several nonericaceous heathlike plants, such as sea heath. heath 4. syl heath pron pos n. qual Austral. def any of various heathlike plants of the genus heathlike sub head heath syl heath+2like pos adj. heathy sub head heath syl heath:y pos adj. Edward (Richard George) infl head Heath syl Ed:ward (Richard George) . pos n. Heath 0. syl Heath pron pos n. def born 1916, British statesman; leader of the Conservative Party (1965-75); prime minister 1970-74. heathberries infl head heathberry syl heath+ber:ries. pos n. mod pl. heathberry 0. syl heath+ber:ry pron <1hET2beri> pos n. def any of various plants that have berry-like fruits and grow on heaths, such as the bilberry and crowberry. heath cock 0. syl heath cock pos n. def another name for {blackcock}. heathen ety Old English h*_@athen; related to Old Norse heithinn, Old Frisian h*_ethin, Old High German heidan heathens infl head heathen or heathen syl hea+thens pos n. mod pl. heathen infl or heathens syl hea+then. pos n. mod pl. heathen 1. syl hea+then pron <1hED*n> pos n. def a person who does not acknowledge the God of Christianity, Judaism, or Islam; pagan. heathen 2. syl hea+then pron <1hED*n> pos n. def an uncivilized or barbaric person. the heathen 3. head heathen syl the heathen. mod functioning as; pl. def heathens collectively. heathen 4. syl hea+then pron <1hED*n> pos adj. def irreligious; pagan. heathen 5. syl hea+then pron <1hED*n> pos adj. def unenlightened; uncivilized; barbaric. heathen 6. syl hea+then pron <1hED*n> pos adj. def of or relating to heathen peoples or their religious, moral, and other customs, practices, and beliefs. heathenism sub head heathen or heathenry syl hea+then+ism pos n. heathenry sub head heathen or heathenism syl hea+then+ry pos n. heathenness sub head heathen syl hea+then+ness pos n. heathendom 0. syl hea+then+dom pron <1hED*nd*m> pos n. def heathen lands, peoples, or beliefs. heathenish 0. syl hea+then+ish pron <1hED*niS> pos adj. def of, relating to, or resembling a heathen or heathen culture. heathenishly sub head heathenish syl hea+then+ish+ly pos adv. heathenishness sub head heathenish syl hea+then+ish+ness pos n. heathenise alt head heathenize or heathenize syl hea+then+ise pron <1hED*2nIz> pos vb. heathenize 1. or heathenise syl hea+then+ize pron <1hED*2nIz> pos vb. def to render or become heathen, or bring or come under heathen influence. heathenize 2. or heathenise syl hea+then+ize pron <1hED*2nIz> pos vb. mod intr. def to engage in heathen practices. heather ety C14: originally Scottish and Northern English, probably from #7heath heather 1. syl heath+er pron <1heD*> pos n. def Also called: {ling, heath}. a low-growing evergreen Eurasian ericaceous shrub, that grows in dense masses on open ground and has clusters of small bell-shaped typically pinkish-purple flowers. heather 2. syl heath+er pron <1heD*> pos n. def any of certain similar plants. heather 3. syl heath+er pron <1heD*> pos n. def a purplish-red to pinkish-purple colour. heather 4. syl heath+er pron <1heD*> pos adj. def of a heather colour. heather 5. syl heath+er pron <1heD*> pos adj. def of or relating to interwoven yarns of mixed colours. exam 1 heather mixture. heathered sub head heather syl heath+ered pos adj. heathery sub head heather syl heath+er:y pos adj. heathfowl 0. syl heath+fowl pron <1hET2faul> pos n. usage in British game laws def an archaic name for the {black grouse}. Compare {moorfowl}. heather grass alt head heath grass or heath grass syl heath+er grass pos n. heath grass 0. or heather grass syl heath grass pos n. def a perennial European grass, with flat hairless leaves. heath hen 1. syl heath hen pos n. def another name for {greyhen}. heath hen 2. syl heath hen pos n. def a recently extinct variety of the prairie chicken. Heath Robinson ety C20: named after William Heath Robinson (1872-1944), English cartoonist who drew such contrivances Heath Robinson 0. syl Heath Rob:in:son pron <1robinsN> pos adj. usage of a mechanical device def absurdly complicated in design and having a simple function. heating element 0. syl heat+ing el+e:ment pos n. def a coil or other arrangement of wire in which heat is produced by an electric current. heat-island 0. syl heat-is:land pos n. qual Meteorol. def the mass of air over a large city, characteristically having a slightly higher average temperature than that of the surrounding air. heat lightning 0. syl heat light+ning pos n. def flashes of light seen near the horizon, esp. on hot evenings: reflections of more distant lightning. heat prostration 0. syl heat pros+tra+tion pos n. def another name for {heat exhaustion}. heat pump 0. syl heat pump pos n. def a device for extracting heat from a substance that is at a slightly higher temperature than its surroundings, and delivering it to a factory, etc., at a much higher temperature. heat rash 0. syl heat rash pos n. def a nontechnical name for {miliaria}. heath wren 0. syl heath wren pos n. def either of two ground-nesting warblers of southern Australia, or , noted for their song and their powers of mimicry. heat seeker 0. syl heat seek+er pos n. def a type of missile that is guided onto its target by the infrared radiation emitted by the target. heat shield 0. syl heat shield pos n. def a coating or barrier for shielding from excessive heat, such as that experienced by a spacecraft on re-entry into the earth's atmosphere. heat sink 1. syl heat sink pos n. def a metal plate specially designed to conduct and radiate heat from an electrical component, such as a rectifier. heat sink 2. syl heat sink pos n. def a layer of material placed within the outer skin of high-speed aircraft to absorb heat. heatstroke 0. syl heat+stroke pron <1hEt2str*uk> pos n. def a condition resulting from pro?!longed exposure to intense heat, characterized by high fever and in severe cases convulsions and coma. See {sunstroke}. heat-treat 0. syl heat-treat pos vb. mod tr. def to apply heat to (a metal or alloy) in one or more temperature cycles to give it desirable properties. &- {#!heat+@!treat+ment} heat wave 1. syl heat wave pos n. def a continuous spell of abnormally hot weather. heat wave 2. syl heat wave pos n. def an extensive slow-moving air mass at a relatively high temperature. heaume ety C16: from Old French helme; see #7helmet heaume 0. syl heaume pron pos n. usage in the 12th and 13th centuries def a large helmet reaching and supported by the shoulders. heave ety Old English hebban; related to Old Norse hefja, Old Saxon hebbian, Old High German heffen to raise, Latin capere to take, Sanskrit kapat*_i two hands full heaves infl head heave syl heaves pos vb. heaving infl head heave syl heav+ing pos vb. heaved infl head heave or hove syl heaved pos vb. hove infl head heave or heaved syl hove. pos vb. heave 1. syl heave pron pos vb. mod tr. def to lift or move with a great effort. heave 2. syl heave pron pos vb. mod tr. def to throw (something heavy) with effort. heave 3. syl heave pron pos vb. def to utter (sounds, sighs, etc.) or breathe noisily or unhappily. exam 1 to heave a sigh. heave 4. syl heave pron pos vb. def to rise and fall or cause to rise and fall heavily. hove infl head heave syl hove pos vb. heave 5.a. syl heave pron pos vb. def to move or cause to move in a specified way, direction, or position. exam 1 to heave in sight. heave 5.b. syl heave pron pos vb. mod intr. usage of a vessel def to pitch or roll. heave 6. syl heave pron pos vb. mod tr. def to displace (rock strata, mineral veins, etc.) in a horizontal direction. heave 7. syl heave pron pos vb. mod intr. def to retch. heave 8. syl heave pron pos n. def the act or an instance of heaving. heave 9. syl heave pron pos n. def a fling. heave 10. syl heave pron pos n. def a horizontal displacement of rock strata at a fault. heaver sub head heave syl heav+er pos n. heave down 0. syl heave down pos vb. adv. mod intr. qual Naut. def to turn a vessel on its side for cleaning. heave-ho 1. syl heave-ho pos interj. def a sailors' cry, as when hoisting anchor. {~} heave-ho 2. syl heave-ho pos interj. qual Informal. def dismissal, as from employment. heaven ety Old English heofon; related to Old Saxon heban heaven 1.a. syl heav+en pron <1hevN> pos n. def the abode of God and the angels. heaven 1.b. syl heav+en pron <1hevN> pos n. def a place or state of communion with God after death. Compare {hell}. heaven 2. syl heav+en pron <1hevN> pos n. mod usually; pl. def the sky, firmament or space surrounding the earth. heaven 3. syl heav+en pron <1hevN> pos n. usage in any of various mythologies def a place, such as Elysium or Valhalla, to which those who have died in the gods' favour are brought to dwell in happiness. heaven 4. syl heav+en pron <1hevN> pos n. def a place or state of joy and happiness. heaven 5. syl heav+en pron <1hevN> pos n. mod sing. or; pl. usage sometimes cap. def God or the gods, used in exclamatory phrases of surprise, exasperation, etc.. exam 1 for heaven's sake; exam 2 heavens above. in seventh heaven 6. head heaven syl in seventh heaven. def ecstatically happy. move heaven and earth 7. head heaven syl move heaven and earth. def to do everything possible (to achieve something). heavenly 1. syl heav+en+ly pron <1hevNli> pos adj. qual Informal. def alluring, wonderful, or sublime. heavenly 2. syl heav+en+ly pron <1hevNli> pos adj. def of or occurring in space. exam 1 a heavenly body. heavenly 3. syl heav+en+ly pron <1hevNli> pos adj. def divine; holy. heavenliness sub head heavenly syl heav+en+li+ness pos n. heaven-sent 0. syl heav:en-sent pos adj. def providential; fortunate. exam 1 a heaven-sent opportunity. heavenward 1. syl heav+en+ward pron <1hevNw*d> pos adj. def directed towards heaven or the sky. heavenward 2. syl heav+en+ward pron <1hevNw*d> pos adv. def a variant of {heavenwards}. heavenward alt head heavenwards or heavenwards syl heav+en+ward pos adv. heavenwards 0. or heavenward syl heav+en+wards pron <1hevNw*dz> pos adv. def towards heaven or the sky. heaves 1. syl heaves pron pos n. def Also called: {broken wind}. a chronic respiratory disorder of animals of the horse family, of unknown cause. the heaves 2. head heaves syl the heaves. qual Slang. def an attack of vomiting or retching. heave to 0. syl heave to pos vb. adv. def to stop (a vessel) or (of a vessel) to stop, as by trimming the sails, etc. Also: {lay to}. heavier-than-air 1. syl heav:i:er-than-air pos adj. def having a density greater than that of air. heavier-than-air 2. syl heav:i:er-than-air pos adj. def of or relating to an aircraft that does not depend on buoyancy for support but gains lift from aerodynamic forces. Oliver infl head Heaviside syl Ol:i:ver. pos n. Heaviside 0. syl Heav:i:side pron <1hevi2sId> pos n. def 1850-1925, English physicist. Independently of Kennelly, he predicted (1902) the existence of an ionized gaseous layer in the upper atmosphere (the {Heaviside layer}) ; he also contributed to telegraphy. Heaviside layer ety C20: named after O. H#7eaviside Heaviside layer 0. syl Heav:i:side lay+er pos n. def another name for {E region} (of the ionosphere). heavy ety Old English hefig; related to hebban to #7heave, Old High German heb*_ig heavier infl head heavy syl heav:i+er pos adj. heaviest infl head heavy syl heav:i+est. pos adj. heavy 1. syl heav:y pron <1hevi> pos adj. def of comparatively great weight. exam 1 a heavy stone. heavy 2. syl heav:y pron <1hevi> pos adj. def having a relatively high density. exam 1 lead is a heavy metal. heavy 3. syl heav:y pron <1hevi> pos adj. def great in yield, quality, or quantity. exam 1 heavy rain; exam 2 heavy traffic. heavy 4. syl heav:y pron <1hevi> pos adj. def great or considerable. exam 1 heavy emphasis. heavy 5. syl heav:y pron <1hevi> pos adj. def hard to bear, accomplish, or fulfil. exam 1 heavy demands. heavy 6. syl heav:y pron <1hevi> pos adj. def sad or dejected in spirit or mood. exam 1 heavy at heart. heavy 7. syl heav:y pron <1hevi> pos adj. def coarse or broad. exam 1 a heavy line; exam 2 heavy features. heavy 8. syl heav:y pron <1hevi> pos adj. usage of soil def having a high clay content; cloggy. heavy 9. syl heav:y pron <1hevi> pos adj. def solid or fat. exam 1 heavy legs. heavy 10. syl heav:y pron <1hevi> pos adj. usage of an industry def engaged in the large-scale complex manufacture of capital goods or extraction of raw materials. Compare { {light%2} (sense 19).} heavy 11. syl heav:y pron <1hevi> pos adj. def serious; grave. heavy 12.a. syl heav:y pron <1hevi> pos adj. def armed or equipped with large weapons, armour, etc. heavy 12.b. syl heav:y pron <1hevi> pos adj. usage of guns, etc. def of a large and powerful type. heavy 13. syl heav:y pron <1hevi> pos adj. usage of a syllable def having stress or accentuation. Compare { {light%2} (sense 21).} heavy 14. syl heav:y pron <1hevi> pos adj. def dull and uninteresting. exam 1 a heavy style. heavy 15. syl heav:y pron <1hevi> pos adj. def prodigious. exam 1 a heavy drinker. heavy 16. syl heav:y pron <1hevi> pos adj. usage of cakes, bread, etc. def insufficiently leavened. heavy 17. syl heav:y pron <1hevi> pos adj. def deep and loud. exam 1 a heavy thud. heavy 18.a. syl heav:y pron <1hevi> pos adj. def dramatic and powerful; grandiose. heavy 18.b. syl heav:y pron <1hevi> pos adj. def not immediately comprehensible or appealing. heavy 19.a. syl heav:y pron <1hevi> pos adj. def unpleasant or tedious. heavy 19.b. syl heav:y pron <1hevi> pos adj. def wonderful. heavy 19.c. syl heav:y pron <1hevi> pos adj. usage of rock music def having a powerful beat; hard. heavy 20. syl heav:y pron <1hevi> pos adj. def weighted; burdened. exam 1 heavy with child. heavy 21. syl heav:y pron <1hevi> pos adj. def clumsy and slow. exam 1 heavy going. heavy 22. syl heav:y pron <1hevi> pos adj. def permeating. exam 1 a heavy smell. heavy 23. syl heav:y pron <1hevi> pos adj. def cloudy or overcast, esp. threatening rain. exam 1 heavy skies. heavy 24. syl heav:y pron <1hevi> pos adj. def not easily digestible. exam 1 a heavy meal. heavy 25. syl heav:y pron <1hevi> pos adj. usage of an element or compound def being or containing an isotope with greater atomic weight than that of the naturally occurring element. exam 1 heavy hydrogen; exam 2 heavy water. heavy 26. syl heav:y pron <1hevi> pos adj. usage Horse racing. of the going on a racecourse def soft and muddy. {~} {heav@.ies}. heavy 27.a. syl heav:y pron <1hevi> pos adj. def a villainous role. heavy 27.b. syl heav:y pron <1hevi> pos adj. def an actor who plays such a part. heavy 28.a. syl heav:y pron <1hevi> pos adj. def a large fleet unit, esp. an aircraft carrier or battleship. heavy 28.b. syl heav:y pron <1hevi> pos adj. def a large calibre or weighty piece of artillery. heavy 29. syl heav:y pron <1hevi> pos adj. qual Informal. def a heavyweight boxer, wrestler, etc. heavy 30. syl heav:y pron <1hevi> pos adj. qual Scot. def strong bitter beer. heavily sub head heavy syl heav:i+ly pos adv. heaviness sub head heavy syl heav:i+ness pos n. heavy-duty 1. syl heav:y-du:ty pos n. usage modifier def made to withstand hard wear, bad weather, etc.. exam 1 heavy-duty uniforms. heavy-duty 2. syl heav:y-du:ty pos n. usage modifier def subject to high import or export taxes. heavy earth 0. syl heav:y earth pos n. def another name for {barium oxide}. heavy-footed 0. syl heav:y-foot:ed pos adj. def having a heavy or clumsy tread. heavy-handed 1. syl heav:y-hand:ed pos adj. def clumsy. heavy-handed 2. syl heav:y-hand:ed pos adj. def harsh and oppressive. heavy-handedly sub head heavy-handed syl heav:y-1hand:ed+ly pos adv. heavy-handedness sub head heavy-handed syl heav:y-1hand:ed+ness pos n. heavy-hearted 0. syl heav:y-heart:ed pos adj. def sad; melancholy. heavy hydrogen 0. syl heav:y hy+dro+gen pos n. def another name for {deuterium}. heavy metal 0. syl heav:y met+al pos n. qual Military. def large guns or shot. heavy oil 0. syl heav:y oil pos n. def a hydrocarbon mixture, heavier than water, distilled from coal tar. heavy spar 0. syl heav:y spar pos n. def another name for {barytes}. heavy water 0. syl heav:y wa+ter pos n. def water whose molecules contain deuterium atoms rather than hydrogen atoms. Formula: D\2O. Also called: {deuterium oxide}. heavyweight 1. syl heav:y+weight pron <1hevi2wAt> pos n. def a person or thing that is heavier than average. heavyweight 2.a. syl heav:y+weight pron <1hevi2wAt> pos n. def a professional boxer weighing more than 175 pounds (79 kg). heavyweight 2.b. syl heav:y+weight pron <1hevi2wAt> pos n. def an amateur boxer weighing more than 81 kg (179 pounds). heavyweight 2.c. syl heav:y+weight pron <1hevi2wAt> pos n. usage as modifier exam 1 the world heavyweight championship. heavyweight 3. syl heav:y+weight pron <1hevi2wAt> pos n. def a wrestler in a similar weight category (usually over 214 pounds (97 kg)). heavyweight 4. syl heav:y+weight pron <1hevi2wAt> pos n. qual Informal. def an important or highly influential person. Hebr alt head Heb or Heb syl Hebr. Heb 1. or Hebr syl Heb. qual abbrev. for: def Hebrew (language). Heb 2. or Hebr syl Heb. qual abbrev. for:; Bible. def Hebrews. Christian Friedrich infl head Hebbel syl Chris:tian Frie:drich pron <1kristjan> <1frEdri*,c> pos n. Hebbel 0. syl Heb:bel pron German <1hebL> pos n. def 1813-63, German dramatist and lyric poet, whose historical works were influenced by Hegel; his major plays are (1844), (1850), and the trilogy (1862). hebdomad ety C16: from Greek, from hebdomos seventh, from heptas seven hebdomad 1. syl heb+do+mad pron <1heb?!d*2m@d> pos n. qual Obsolete. def the number seven or a group of seven. hebdomad 2. syl heb+do+mad pron <1heb?!d*2m@d> pos n. def a rare word for {week}. hebdomadary alt head hebdomadal or hebdomadal syl heb+dom:a+da+ry pron , <-dri> pos adj. hebdomadal 0. or hebdomadary syl heb+dom:a+dal pron pos adj. def a rare word for {weekly}. hebdomadally sub head hebdomadal syl heb+1dom:a+dal+ly pos adv. Hebdomadal Council 0. syl Heb+dom:a+dal Coun+cil pos n. def the governing council or senate of Oxford University. Hebe 0. syl He:be pron <1hEbi> pos n. qual Greek myth. def the goddess of youth and spring, daughter of Zeus and Hera and wife of Hercules. hebephrenia ety C20: New Latin, from Greek h*_eb*_e youth+ -phrenia mental disorder, from phr*_en mind hebephrenia 0. syl he+be+phre+ni:a pron <2hEbi1frEni*> pos n. def a form of pubertal schizophrenia, characterized by hallucinations, delusions, foolish behaviour, and senseless laughter. hebephrenic sub head hebephrenia syl he+be+phren+ic pron <2hEbi1frenik> pos adj. Jacques Ren'e infl head H'ebert syl Jacques Re:n*'e pron pos n. H'ebert 0. syl H*'e:bert pron French pos n. def 1755-94, French journalist and revolutionary: a leader of the sans-culottes during the French Revolution. He was guillotined under Robespierre. hebetate ety C16: from Latin hebet*_are to make blunt, from hebes blunt hebetate 1. syl heb+e:tate pron <1hebi2tAt> pos adj. usage of plant parts def having a blunt or soft point. hebetate 2. syl heb+e:tate pron <1hebi2tAt> pos vb. qual Rare. def to make or become blunted. hebetation sub head hebetate syl heb+e:1ta+tion pos n. hebetative sub head hebetate syl heb+e:2ta+tive pos adj. hebetic ety C19: from Greek h*_eb*_etikos youth, from h*_eb*_e youth hebetic 0. syl he+bet+ic pron pos adj. def of or relating to puberty. hebetude ety C17: from Late Latin hebet*_ud*_o, from Latin hebes blunt hebetude 0. syl heb+e:tude pron <1hebi2tju:d> pos n. qual Rare. def mental dullness or lethargy. hebetudinous sub head hebetude syl heb+e:1tu+di+nous pos adj. Hebraical infl head Hebraic or Hebrew syl He+bra:i+cal pos adj. Hebrew infl head Hebraic or Hebraical syl He+brew pos adj. Hebraic 0. syl He+bra+ic pron pos adj. def of, relating to, or characteristic of the Hebrews or their language or culture. Hebraically sub head Hebraic syl He+1bra:i+cal+ly pos adv. Hebraism 1. syl He+bra+ism pron <1hEbrA2iz*m> pos n. def a custom, linguistic usage, or other feature peculiar to or borrowed from the Hebrews, their language, or their culture. Hebraism 2. syl He+bra+ism pron <1hEbrA2iz*m> pos n. def Hebrew customs, attitudes, and tenets collectively. Hebraist 0. syl He+bra+ist pron <1hEbrAist> pos n. def a person who studies the Hebrew language and culture. Hebraistic sub head Hebraist or Hebraistical syl He+bra+1is+tic pos adj. Hebraistical sub head Hebraist or Hebraistic syl He+bra+1is+ti+cal pos adj. Hebraistically sub head Hebraist syl He+bra+1is+ti+cal+ly pos adv. Hebraise alt head Hebraize or Hebraize syl He+bra+ise pron <1hEbrA2Iz> pos vb. Hebraize 0. or Hebraise syl He+bra+ize pron <1hEbrA2Iz> pos vb. def to become or cause to become Hebrew or Hebraic. Hebraization sub head Hebraize or Hebraisation syl He+bra:i+1za+tion pos n. Hebraisation sub head Hebraize or Hebraization syl He+bra:i+1sa+tion pos n. Hebraizer sub head Hebraize or Hebraiser syl He+bra+2iz+er pos n. Hebraiser sub head Hebraize or Hebraizer syl He+bra+2is+er pos n. Hebrew ety C13: from Old French Ebreu, from Latin Hebraeus, from Greek Hebraios, from Aramaic `ibhray, from Hebrew `ibhr*_i one from beyond (the river) Hebrew 1. syl He+brew pron <1hEbru:> pos n. def a member of an ancient Semitic people claiming descent from Abraham; an Israelite. Hebrew 2. syl He+brew pron <1hEbru:> pos n. def the ancient language of the Hebrews, revived as the official language of Israel. It belongs to the Canaanitic branch of the Semitic subfamily of the Afro-Asiatic family of languages. Hebrew 3. syl He+brew pron <1hEbru:> pos adj. def of or relating to the Hebrews or their language. Hebrew calendar 0. syl He+brew cal+en+dar pos n. def another term for the {Jewish calendar}. Hebrews 0. syl He+brews pron <1hEbru:z> pos n. mod functioning as; sing. def a book of the New Testament. the infl head Hebrides syl the. pos n. Hebrides 0. syl Heb+ri+des pron <1hebri2dEz> pos n. def a group of over 500 islands off the W coast of Scotland: separated by the North Minch, Little Minch, and the Sea of the Hebrides; the chief islands are Skye, Rhum, Jura, Islay, Tiree, Coll, and Eigg ({Inner Hebrides}) , and Harris and Lewis, North and South Uist, Benbecula, and Barra ({Outer Hebrides}) . Also called: {Western Isles}. Hebridean sub head Hebrides or Hebridian syl Heb+ri+1de:an pron pos adj. n. Hebridian sub head Hebrides or Hebridean syl He+brid+i:an pron pos adj. n. Hebron 0. syl Heb+ron pron <1hebron>, <1hE-> pos n. def a city on the West Bank of the Jordan: famous for the Haram, which includes the cenotaphs of Abraham and Sarah, Isaac and Rebecca, and Jacob and Leah. Pop.: 43000 (1967). Arabic name: {El Khalil}. Hekate alt head Hecate or Hecate syl Hek:a+te pron <1hek*ti> pos n. Hecate 0. or Hekate syl Hec:a+te pron <1hek*ti> pos n. qual Greek myth. def a goddess of the underworld. hecatomb ety C16: from Latin hecatomb*_e, from Greek hekatomb*_e, from hekaton hundred+ bous ox hecatomb 1. syl hec:a+tomb pron <1hek*2t*um>, <-2tu:m> pos n. usage in ancient Greece or Rome def any great public sacrifice and feast, originally one in which 100 oxen were sacrificed. hecatomb 2. syl hec:a+tomb pron <1hek*2t*um>, <-2tu:m> pos n. def a great sacrifice. heck ety C19: euphemistic for hell heck H1.0. syl heck pron pos interj. def a mild exclamation of surprise, irritation, etc. heck ety C14: variant of #7hatch %2 heck H2.0. syl heck pron pos n. qual Northern Brit. dialect. def a frame for obstructing the passage of fish in a river. heckelphone ety C20: named after W. Heckel (1856-1909), German inventor heckelphone 0. syl heck+el+phone pron <1hek*l2f*un> pos n. qual Music. def a type of bass oboe. heckle ety C15: Northern and East Anglian form of #7{hackle %1} heckle 1. syl heck+le pron <1hekL> pos vb. def to interrupt (a public speaker, perform?!er, etc.) by comments, questions, or taunts. heckle 2. syl heck+le pron <1hekL> pos vb. mod tr. def Also: {hackle, hatchel}. to comb (hemp or flax). {~} heckle 3. syl heck+le pron <1hekL> pos vb. def an instrument for combing flax or hemp. heckler sub head heckle syl heck+ler pos n. hectare ety C19: from French; see #7hecto -#7, are hectare 0. syl hec+tare pron <1hekta:> pos n. def one hundred ares. 1 hectare is equivalent to 10000 square metres or 2.471 acres. Symbol: ha hectic ety C14: from Late Latin hecticus, from Greek hektikos habitual, from hexis state, from ekhein to have hectic 1. syl hec+tic pron <1hektik> pos adj. def characterized by extreme activity or excitement. hectic 2. syl hec+tic pron <1hektik> pos adj. def associated with, peculiar to, or symptomatic of tuberculosis (esp. in the phrases {hectic fever, hectic flush) }. hectic 3. syl hec+tic pron <1hektik> pos n. def a hectic fever or flush. hectic 4. syl hec+tic pron <1hektik> pos n. qual Rare. def a person who is consumptive or who experiences a hectic fever or flush. hectically sub head hectic syl hec+ti+cal+ly pos adv. hecto- ety via French from Greek hekaton hundred hectocotylus ety C19: New Latin, from #7hecto -#7+ Greek kotul*_e cup hectocotyli infl head hectocotylus syl hec+to+cot:y+li pron <-2lI> pos n. mod pl. hectocotylus 0. syl hec+to+cot:y+lus pron <2hekt*u1kotil*s> pos n. def a tentacle in certain male cephalopod molluscs, such as the octopus, that is specialized for transferring spermatozoa to the female. hectogramme alt head hectogram or hectogram syl hec+to+gramme pron <1hekt*u2gr@m> pos n. hectogram 0. or hectogramme syl hec+to+gram pron <1hekt*u2gr@m> pos n. def one hundred grams. 1 hectogram is equivalent to 3.527 ounces. Symbol: hg hectograph 1. syl hec+to+graph pron <1hekt*u2gra:f>, <-2gr@f> pos n. def Also called: {copygraph}. a process for copying type or manuscript from a glycerin-coated gelatin master to which the original has been transferred. hectograph 2. syl hec+to+graph pron <1hekt*u2gra:f>, <-2gr@f> pos n. def a machine using this process. hectographic sub head hectograph syl hec+to+graph+ic pron <2hekt*u1gr@fik> pos adj. hectographically sub head hectograph syl hec+to+1graph:i+cal+ly pos adv. hectography sub head hectograph syl hec+tog+ra+phy pron pos n. hector ety C17: after H#7ector (the son of Priam), in the sense: a bully hector 1. syl hec+tor pron <1hekt*> pos vb. def to bully or torment by teasing. hector 2. syl hec+tor pron <1hekt*> pos n. def a blustering bully. Hector 0. syl Hec:tor pron <1hekt*> pos n. qual Classical myth. def a son of King Priam of Troy, who was killed by Achilles. Hecuba 0. syl Hec:u:ba pron <1hekjub*> pos n. qual Classical myth. def the wife of King Priam of Troy, and mother of Hector and Paris. he'd 0. syl he'd pron , , , usage contraction of def he had he would. heddle ety Old English hefeld chain; related to Old Norse hafald, Middle Low German hevelte heddle 0. syl hed+dle pron <1hedL> pos n. def one of a set of frames of vertical wires on a loom, each wire having an eye through which a warp thread can be passed. heder ety literally: room cheder alt head heder or heder syl che+der pron Hebrew. <1$xeder>, English <1hAd*> pos n. hadarim infl head heder syl ha+da+rim pron <$xada1rEm> pos n. mod pl. heder 0. or cheder syl he+der pron Hebrew. <1$xeder>, English <1hAd*> pos n. def a school where Jewish children are taught Hebrew, the Bible, etc. hedge ety Old English hecg; related to Old High German heckia, Middle Dutch hegge; see #7haw %1 hedge 1. syl hedge pron pos n. def a row of shrubs or bushes forming a bounda?!ry to a field, garden, etc. hedge 2. syl hedge pron pos n. def a barrier or protection against something. hedge 3. syl hedge pron pos n. def the act or a method of reducing the risk of financial loss on an investment, bet, etc. hedge 4. syl hedge pron pos n. def a cautious or evasive statement. hedge 5. syl hedge pron pos vb. mod tr. def to enclose or separate with or as if with a hedge. hedge 6. syl hedge pron pos vb. mod tr. def to hinder, obstruct, or restrict. hedge 7. syl hedge pron pos vb. mod intr. def to evade decision or action, esp. by making noncommittal statements. hedge 8. syl hedge pron pos vb. mod tr. def to guard against the risk of loss in (a bet, the paying out of a win, etc.), esp. by laying bets with other bookmakers. hedge 9. syl hedge pron pos vb. mod intr. def to protect against financial loss through future price fluctuations, as by investing in futures. hedger sub head hedge syl hedg+er pos n. hedgy sub head hedge syl hedg:y pos adj. hedge garlic 0. syl hedge gar+lic pos n. def another name for {garlic mustard}. hedgehog 1. syl hedge+hog pron <1heJ2hog> pos n. def any small nocturnal Old World mammal of the genus such as and related genera, having a protective covering of spines on the back: family order (insectivores). hedgehog 2. syl hedge+hog pron <1heJ2hog> pos n. def any other insectivores of the family such as the moon rat. hedgehog 3. syl hedge+hog pron <1heJ2hog> pos n. qual U.S. def any of various other spiny animals, esp. the porcupine. hedgehops infl head hedgehop syl hedge+hops pos vb. mod intr. hedgehopping infl head hedgehop syl hedge+hop+ping pos vb. mod intr. hedgehopped infl head hedgehop syl hedge+hopped. pos vb. mod intr. hedgehop 0. syl hedge+hop pron <1heJ2hop> pos vb. mod intr. usage of an aircraft def to fly close to the ground, as in crop spraying. hedgehopper sub head hedgehop syl hedge+2hop+per pos n. hedgehopping sub head hedgehop syl hedge+2hop+ping pos n. adj. hedge hyssop 0. syl hedge hys+sop pos n. def any of several North American scrophu?!lariaceous plants of the genus esp. having small yellow or white flowers. hedgerow 0. syl hedge+row pron <1heJ2r*u> pos n. def a hedge of shrubs or low trees growing along a bank, esp. one bordering a field or lane. hedge sparrow 0. syl hedge spar+row pos n. def a small brownish European songbird, family (accentors). Also called: {dunnock}. Hedjaz 0. syl He+djaz pron pos n. def a variant spelling of {Hejaz}. hedonics 1. syl he+don+ics pron pos n. mod functioning as; sing. def the branch of psychology concerned with the study of pleasant and unpleasant sensations. hedonics 2. syl he+don+ics pron pos n. mod functioning as; sing. usage in philosophy def the study of pleasure, esp. in its relation to duty. hedonism ety C19: from Greek h*_edon*_e pleasure &- he+#!don+ic or @!he+don+#!is+tic adj. &- #!he+don+ist n. hedonism 1.a. syl he+don+ism pron <1hEd%*!niz*m>, <1hed-> pos n. def the doctrine that the pursuit of pleasure is the highest good. hedonism 1.b. syl he+don+ism pron <1hEd%*!niz*m>, <1hed-> pos n. def the pursuit of pleasure as a matter of principle. hedonism 2. syl he+don+ism pron <1hEd%*!niz*m>, <1hed-> pos n. def indulgence in sensual pleasures. -hedron ety from Greek -edron -sided, from hedra seat, base -hedron 0. syl -he:dron pos n. usage combining form. def indicating a geometric solid having a specified number of faces or surfaces. exam 1 tetrahedron. -hedral sub head -hedron syl -he:dral pos adj. heebie-jeebies ety C20: coined by W. De Beck (1890-1942), American cartoonist the infl head heebie-jeebies syl the. pos n. heebie-jeebies 0. syl hee:bie-jee:bies pron <1hEbi1JEbiz> pos n. mod pl. qual Slang. def apprehension and nervousness. heed ety Old English h*_edan; related to Old Saxon h*_odian, Old High German huoten heed 1. syl heed pron pos n. def close and careful attention; notice (often in the phrases {give, pay}, {take heed}) . {~} heed 2. syl heed pron pos n. def to pay close attention to (someone or something). heeder sub head heed syl heed+er pos n. heedful sub head heed syl heed+ful pos adj. heedfully sub head heed syl heed+ful+ly pos adv. heedfulness sub head heed syl heed+ful+ness pos n. heedless 0. syl heed+less pron <1hEdlis> pos adj. def taking little or no notice; careless or thoughtless. heedlessly sub head heedless syl heed+less+ly pos adv. heedlessness sub head heedless syl heed+less+ness pos n. heehaw 0. syl hee+haw pron <1hE2hc:> pos interj. def an imitation or representation of the braying sound of a donkey. heel ety Old English h*_ela; related to Old Norse h*_@all, Old Frisian h*^el heel H1.1. syl heel pron pos n. def the back part of the human foot from the instep to the lower part of the ankle. Compare {calcaneus}. heel H1.2. syl heel pron pos n. def the corresponding part in other vertebrates. heel H1.3. syl heel pron pos n. def the part of a shoe, stocking, etc., designed to fit the heel. heel H1.4. syl heel pron pos n. def the outer part of a shoe underneath the heel. heel H1.5. syl heel pron pos n. def the part of the palm of a glove nearest the wrist. heel H1.6. syl heel pron pos n. def the lower, end, or back section of something. exam 1 the heel of a loaf. heel H1.7. syl heel pron pos n. qual Horticulture. def the small part of the parent plant that remains attached to a young shoot cut for propagation and that ensures more successful rooting. heel H1.8.a. syl heel pron pos n. def the bottom of a mast. heel H1.8.b. syl heel pron pos n. def the after end of a ship's keel. heel H1.9. syl heel pron pos n. def the back part of a golf club head where it bends to join the shaft. heel H1.10. syl heel pron pos n. qual Rugby. def possession of the ball as obtained from a scrum (esp. in the phrase {get the heel) }. heel H1.11. syl heel pron pos n. qual Slang. def a contemptible person. at 12. head heel or on one's heels syl at def just behind or following closely. cool 13. head heel or kick one's heels syl cool def to be kept waiting, esp. deliberately. heel H1.14.a. syl heel pron pos n. def shabby or worn. heel H1.14.b. syl heel pron pos n. def slovenly or careless. rock back on one's heels 15. head heel syl rock back on one's heels. qual Informal. def to astonish or be astonished. take to one's heels 16. head heel syl take to one's heels. def to run off. to heel 17. head heel syl to heel. def disciplined or under control, as a dog walking by a person's heel. heel H1.18. syl heel pron pos vb. mod tr. def to repair or replace the heel of (shoes, etc.). heel H1.19. syl heel pron pos vb. def to perform (a dance) with the heels. heel H1.20. syl heel pron pos vb. mod tr. qual Golf. def to strike (the ball) with the heel of the club. heel H1.21. syl heel pron pos vb. qual Rugby. def to kick (the ball) backwards using the sole and heel of the boot. heel H1.22. syl heel pron pos vb. def to follow at the heels of (a person). heel H1.23. syl heel pron pos vb. mod tr. def to arm (a gamecock) with spurs. heelless sub head heel syl heel+less pos adj. heel ety Old English hieldan; related to Old Norse hallr inclined, Old High German helden to bow heel H2.1. syl heel pron pos vb. usage of a vessel def to lean over; list. heel H2.2. syl heel pron pos n. def inclined position from the vertical. exam 1 the boat is at ten degrees of heel. heel-and-toe 1. syl heel-and-toe pos adj. def of or denoting a style of walking in which the heel of the front foot touches the ground before the toes of the rear one leave it. heel-and-toe 2. syl heel-and-toe pos vb. mod intr. usage esp. in motor racing def to use the heel and toe of the same foot to operate the brake and accelerator. heelball 0.a. syl heel+ball pron <1hEl2bc:l> pos n. def a black waxy substance used by shoemakers to blacken the edges of heels and soles. heelball 0.b. syl heel+ball pron <1hEl2bc:l> pos n. def a similar substance used to take rubbings, esp. brass rubbings. heel bar 0. syl heel bar pos n. def a small shop or a counter in a department store where shoes are mended while the customer waits. heel bone 0. syl heel bone pos n. def the nontechnical name for {calcaneus}. heeled 1.a. syl heeled pron pos adj. def having a heel or heels. heeled 1.b. syl heeled pron pos adj. usage in combination exam 1 high-heeled. well-heeled 2. head heeled syl well-heeled. def wealthy. heeler 1. syl heel+er pron <1hEl*> pos n. qual U.S. def See {ward heeler}. heeler 2. syl heel+er pron <1hEl*> pos n. def a person or thing that heels. heeler 3. syl heel+er pron <1hEl*> pos n. qual Austral. def a dog that herds cattle, etc., by biting at their heels. heel in 0. syl heel in pos vb. adv. mod tr. def to insert (cuttings, shoots, etc.) into the soil before planting to keep them moist. heelpiece 0. syl heel+piece pron <1hEl2pEs> pos n. def the piece of a shoe, stocking, etc., designed to fit the heel. heelpost 0. syl heel+post pron <1hEl2p*ust> pos n. def a post for carrying the hinges of a door or gate. heeltap 1. syl heel+tap pron <1hEl2t@p> pos n. def Also called: {lift}. a layer of leather, etc., in the heel of a shoe. heeltap 2. syl heel+tap pron <1hEl2t@p> pos n. def a small amount of alcoholic drink left at the bottom of a glass after drinking. John Carmel infl head Heenan syl John Car:mel. pos n. Heenan 0. syl Hee:nan pron <1hEn*n> pos n. def 1905-75, Irish cardinal; archbishop of Westminster (1963-75). Heerlen 0. syl Heer+len pron <1hi*l*n>, Dutch <1hA:rl*> pos n. def a city in the SE Netherlands, in Limburg province: industrial centre of a coal-mining region. Pop.: 73849 (1973 est.). heft ety C19: probably from #7heave, by analogy with thieve, theft, cleave, cleft &- #!heft+er n. heft 1. syl heft pron pos vb. mod tr. qual Informal. def to assess the weight of (something) by lifting. heft 2. syl heft pron pos vb. mod tr. qual Informal. def to lift. heft 3. syl heft pron pos n. mod tr. qual Informal. def weight. heft 4. syl heft pron pos n. mod tr. qual Informal.; U.S. def the main part. heftier infl head hefty syl heft:i+er pos adj. heftiest infl head hefty syl heft:i+est. pos adj. hefty 1. syl heft:y pron <1hefti> pos adj. qual Informal. def big and strong. hefty 2. syl heft:y pron <1hefti> pos adj. qual Informal. def characterized by vigour or force. exam 1 a hefty blow. hefty 3. syl heft:y pron <1hefti> pos adj. qual Informal. def large, bulky, or heavy. heftily sub head hefty syl heft:i+ly pos adv. heftiness sub head hefty syl heft:i+ness pos n. Georg Wilhelm Friedrich infl head Hegel syl Ge:org Wil:helm Frie:drich pron <1gA:crk> <1vilhelm> <1frEdri*,c> pos n. Hegel 0. syl He:gel pron <1hAgL> pos n. def 1770-1831, German philosopher, who created a fundamentally influential system of thought. His view of man's mind as the highest expression of the Absolute is expounded in (1807) and he developed his concept of dialectic in (1812-16). Hegelian sub head Hegel syl He+ge:li:an pron , pos adj. Hegelian dialectic 0. syl He+ge:li:an di:a+lec+tic pos n. qual Philosophy. def an interpretive method in which the contradiction between a proposition (thesis) and its antithesis is resolved at a higher level of truth (synthesis). hegemony ety C16: from Greek h*_egemonia authority, from h*_egem*_on leader, from h*_egeisthai to lead hegemonies infl head hegemony syl he+gem:o+nies. pos n. mod pl. hegemony 0. syl he+gem:o+ny pron pos n. def ascendancy or domination of one power or state within a league, confederation, etc., or of one social class over others. hegemonic sub head hegemony syl heg+e:mon+ic pron <2heg*1monik> pos adj. Hegira ety C16: from Medieval Latin, from Arabic hijrah flight Hejira alt head Hegira or Hegira syl Hej:i+ra pron <1heJir*> pos n. Hegira 1. or Hejira syl Heg:i+ra pron <1heJir*> pos n. def the flight of Mohammed from Mecca to Medina in 622 #7a.d.; the starting point of the Muslim era. Hegira 2. or Hejira syl Heg:i+ra pron <1heJir*> pos n. def the Muslim era itself. See also {A.H}. Hegira 3. or Hejira syl Heg:i+ra pron <1heJir*> pos n. usage often not cap. def an escape or flight. hegumen ety C16: from Medieval Latin h*_eg*_umenus, from Late Greek h*_egoumenos leader, from Greek h*_egeisthai to lead hegumenos alt head hegumen or hegumen syl he+gu+me:nos pron pos n. hegumen 0. or hegumenos syl he+gu+men pron pos n. def the head of a monastery of the Eastern Church. heh 0. syl heh pron pos interj. def an exclamation of surprise or inquiry. Martin infl head Heidegger syl Mar:tin pron <1martEn> pos n. Heidegger 0. syl Hei:deg:ger pron German <1hIdeg*r> pos n. def 1889-1976, German existentialist philosopher: he expounded his ontological system in (1927). Heidelberg 0. syl Hei+del+berg pron <1hIdL2bR:g>, German <1hIdL2berk> pos n. def a city in SW West Germany, in NW Baden-W*"urttemberg on the River Neckar: capital of the Palatinate from the 13th century until 1719; famous castle (begun in the 12th century) and university (1386), the oldest in Germany. Pop.: 120925 (1974 est.). Heidelberg man ety C20: referring to the site where remains were found, at Mauer, near Heidelberg, Germany (1907) Heidelberg man 0. syl Hei+del+berg man pos n. def a type of primitive man, occurring in Europe in the middle Palaeolithic age, known only from a single fossil lower jaw. Heiduc 0. syl Hei+duc pron <1hIduk> pos n. def a variant spelling of {Haiduk}. heifer ety Old English heahfore; related to Greek poris calf; see #7high heifer 0. syl heif+er pron <1hef*> pos n. def a young cow. Jascha infl head Heifetz syl Ja:scha pron <1j@S*> pos n. Heifetz 0. syl Hei:fetz pron <1hIfits> pos n. def born 1901, U.S. violinist, born in Russia. heigh-ho 0. syl heigh-ho pron <1hA1h*u> pos interj. def an exclamation of weariness, disappointment, surprise, or happiness. height ety Old English h*_iehthu; related to Old Norse h*_@athe, Gothic hauhitha, Old High German h*_ohida; see #7high height 1. syl height pron pos n. def the vertical distance from the bottom or lowest part of something to the top or apex. height 2. syl height pron pos n. def the vertical distance of an object or place above the ground or above sea level; altitude. height 3. syl height pron pos n. def relatively great altitude or distance from the bottom to the top. height 4. syl height pron pos n. def the topmost point; summit. height 5. syl height pron pos n. qual Astronomy. def the angular distance of a celestial body above the horizon. height 6. syl height pron pos n. def the period of greatest activity or intensity. exam 1 the height of the battle. height 7. syl height pron pos n. def an extreme example of its kind. exam 1 the height of rudeness. height 8. syl height pron pos n. mod often; pl. def an area of high ground. height 9. syl height pron pos n. mod often; pl. def the state of being far above the ground. exam 1 I don't like heights. height 10. syl height pron pos n. mod often; pl. def a position of influence, fame, or power. heighten 1. syl height+en pron <1hItN> pos vb. def to make or become high or higher. heighten 2. syl height+en pron <1hItN> pos vb. def to make or become more extreme or intense. heightener sub head heighten syl height+en+er pos n. height of land 0. syl height of land pos n. qual U.S. def a watershed. height-to-paper 0. syl height-to-pa:per pos n. def the overall height of printing plates and type, standardized as 0.9175 inch (Brit.) and 0.9186 inch (U.S.). Heilbronn 0. syl Heil+bronn pron German pos n. def a city in SW West Germany, in N Baden-W*"urttemberg on the River Neckar. Pop.: 105767 (1974 est.). Heilungkiang 0. syl Hei+lung+kiang pron <1hA1luG1kj@G>, <-kI1@G> pos n. def a province of NE China, in Manchuria: coal-mining, with placer gold in some rivers. Capital: Harbin. Pop.: 25000000 (1967-71 est.). Area: 464000 sq. km (179000 sq. miles). Heimdal infl head Heimdall or Heimdallr syl Heim+dal pron <1hAm2da:l> pos n. Heimdallr infl head Heimdall or Heimdal syl Heim+dallr pron <1hAm?!2da:l*> pos n. Heimdall 0. syl Heim+dall pron <1hAm2da:l> pos n. qual Norse myth. def the god of light and the dawn, and the guardian of the rainbow bridge Bifrost. Heinrich infl head Heine syl Hein:rich pron <1hInri*,c> pos n. Heine 0. syl Hei:ne pron German <1hIn*> pos n. def 1797-1856, German poet and essayist, whose chief poetic work is (1827). Many of his poems have been set to music, notably by Schubert and Schumann. heinous ety C14: from Old French haineus, from haine hatred, from hair to hate, of Germanic origin; see #7hate heinous 0. syl hei+nous pron <1hAn*s>, <1hE-> pos adj. def evil; atrocious. heinously sub head heinous syl hei+nous+ly pos adv. heinousness sub head heinous syl hei+nous+ness pos n. heir ety C13: from Old French, from Latin h*_er*_es; related to Greek kh*_eros bereaved heir 1. syl heir pron pos n. qual Civil law. def the person legally succeeding to all property of a deceased person, irrespective of whether such person died testate or intestate, and upon whom devolves as well as the rights the duties and liabilities attached to the estate. heir 2. syl heir pron pos n. def any person or thing that carries on some tradition, circumstance, etc., from a forerunner. heir 3. syl heir pron pos n. def an archaic word for {offspring}. heirless sub head heir syl heir+less pos adj. heirs apparent infl head heir apparent syl heirs ap+par+ent. pos n. mod pl. heir apparent 0. syl heir ap+par+ent pos n. qual Property law. def a person whose right to succeed to certain property cannot be defeated, provided such person survives his ancestor. Compare {heir presumptive}. heirs-at-law infl head heir-at-law syl heirs-at-law. pos n. mod pl. heir-at-law 0. syl heir-at-law pos n. qual Property law. def the person entitled to succeed to the real property of a person who dies intestate. heirdom 0. syl heir+dom pron <1e*d*m> pos n. qual Property law. def succession by right of blood; inheritance. heiress 1. syl heir+ess pron <1e*ris> pos n. def a woman who inherits or expects to inherit great wealth. heiress 2. syl heir+ess pron <1e*ris> pos n. qual Property law. def a female heir. ********************************************************************** ********************************************************************** heir. ********************************************************************** ********************************************************************** heirloom ety C15: from #7heir+ lome tool; see #7loom %1 heirloom 1. syl heir+loom pron <1e*2lu:m> pos n. def an object that has been in a family for generations. heirloom 2. syl heir+loom pron <1e*2lu:m> pos n. qual Property law. def an item of personal property inherited by special custom or in accordance with the terms of a will. heir presumptive 0. syl heir pre+sump+tive pos n. qual Property law. def a person who expects to succeed to an estate but whose right may be defeated by the birth of one nearer in blood to the ancestor. Compare {heir apparent}. heirship 1. syl heir+ship pron <1e*Sip> pos n. qual Law. def the state or condition of being an heir. heirship 2. syl heir+ship pron <1e*Sip> pos n. qual Law. def the right to inherit; inheritance. Werner Karl infl head Heisenberg syl Wer:ner Karl pron <1vern*r> <1karl> pos n. Heisenberg 0. syl Hei:sen:berg pron <1hIzN2bR:g>, German <2hIzN2berk> pos n. def 1901-76, German physicist. He con?!tributed to quantum mechanics and formulated the uncertainty principle (1927): Nobel prize for physics 1932. Heisenberg uncertainty principle 0. syl Hei:sen:berg un+cer+tain+ty prin+ci+ple pos n. def a more formal name for {uncertainty principle}. heist ety variant of #7hoist heist 1. syl heist pron pos n. qual Slang, chiefly U.S. def a robbery. heist 2. syl heist pron pos vb. mod tr. qual Slang, chiefly U.S. def to steal or burgle. heister sub head heist syl heist+er pos n. heitiki ety C19: from Maori, from hei to hang +#7tiki heitiki 0. syl hei+ti+ki pron pos n. qual N.Z. def a Maori neck ornament of greenstone. Walter infl head Heitler syl Wal:ter pron <1valt*r> pos n. Heitler 0. syl Heit:ler pron German <1hItl*r> pos n. def born 1904, German physicist, noted for his work on chemical bonds. Hedjaz infl head Hejaz or Hijaz syl He+djaz pron pos n. Hijaz infl head Hejaz or Hedjaz syl Hi+jaz pron pos n. Hejaz 0. syl He+jaz pron pos n. def a provincial area of W Saudi Arabia, along the Red Sea and the Gulf of Aqaba: formerly an independent kingdom; united with Nejd in 1932 to form Saudi Arabia. Capital: Mecca. Pop.: about 2000000 (1970 est.). Area: about 348600 sq. km (134600 sq. miles). Hejira 0. syl Hej:i+ra pron <1heJir*> pos n. def a variant spelling of {Hegira}. Hekate 0. syl Hek:a+te pron <1hek*ti> pos n. def a variant spelling of {Hecate}. Hekla 0. syl Hek+la pron <1hekl*> pos n. def a volcano in SW Iceland: several craters, with the last eruption in 1970. Height: 1491 m (4892 ft.). Hela alt head Hel or Hel syl Hel:a pron <1hela:> pos n. Hel 1. or Hela syl Hel pron pos n. qual Norse Myth. def the goddess of the dead. Hel 2. or Hela syl Hel pron pos n. qual Norse Myth. def the underworld realm of the dead. held 0. syl held pron pos vb. def the past tense or past participle of {hold%1}. Heldentenor ety literally: hero tenor Heldentenore infl head Heldentenor syl Hel+den+te+n*"o+re pron <-tA1n$o:r*> pos n. mod pl. Heldentenor 0. syl Hel+den+te+nor pron German. <1heldNtA2no:r> pos n. def a tenor with a powerful voice suited to singing heroic roles, esp. in Wagner. Helen 0. syl Hel:en pron <1helin> pos n. qual Greek myth. def the beautiful daughter of Zeus and Leda, whose abduction by Paris from her husband Menelaus caused the Trojan War. Helena 0. syl Hel+e:na pron <1hel*n*> pos n. def a city in W Montana: the state capital. Pop.: 22730 (1970). Helgoland 0. syl Hel+go+land pron <1helgo2lant> pos n. def the German name for {Heligoland}. heliacal rising ety C17: from Late Latin h*_eliacus relating to the sun, from Greek h*_eliakos, from h*_elios the sun heliacal rising 1. syl he+li:a+cal ris+ing pron pos n. def the rising of a celestial object at the same time as the rising of the sun. heliacal rising 2. syl he+li:a+cal ris+ing pron pos n. def the date at which such a celestial object first becomes visible in the dawn sky. helianthus ety C18: New Latin, from Greek h*_elios sun+ anthos flower helianthuses infl head helianthus syl he+li+an+thus:es. pos n. mod pl. helianthus 0. syl he+li+an+thus pron <2hEli1@nT*s> pos n. def any plant of the genus such as the sunflower and Jerusalem artichoke, typically having large yellow daisy-like flowers with yellow, brown, or purple centres: family (composites). helical 0. syl hel:i+cal pron <1helikL> pos adj. def of or shaped like a helix; spiral. helically sub head helical syl hel:i+cal+ly pos adv. helical gear 0. syl hel:i+cal gear pos n. def a gearwheel having the tooth form generated on a helical path about the axis of the wheel. helices 0. syl hel:i+ces pron <1heli2sEz> pos n. def a plural of {helix}. helichrysum ety C16: from Latin, from Greek helikhrusos, from helix spiral+ khrusos gold helichrysum 0. syl hel:i+chry+sum pron <2heli1krIz*m> pos n. def any plant of the widely cultivated genus whose flowers retain their shape and colour when dried: family (composites). helicline ety from #7helico -#7+ -#7cline helicline 0. syl hel:i+cline pron <1heli2klIn> pos n. qual Architect. def a spiral-shaped ramp. helicograph 0. syl hel:i+co+graph pron <1helik*u2gra:f>, <-2gr@f> pos n. def an instrument for drawing spiral curves. helicoid 1. syl hel:i+coid pron <1heli2kcid> pos adj. qual Biology. usage also def shaped like a spiral. exam 1 a helicoid shell. helicoid 2. syl hel:i+coid pron <1heli2kcid> pos n. qual Geom. usage also def any surface resembling that of a screw thread. helicoidally sub head helicoid syl hel:i+1coi+dal+ly pos adv. helicon ety C19: probably from H#7elicon, associated with Greek helix spiral helicon 0. syl hel:i+con pron <1helik*n> pos n. def a bass tuba made to coil over the shoulder of a band musician. Helicon 0. syl Hel:i+con pron <1helik*n> pos n. def a mountain in Greece, in Boeotia: location of the springs of Hippocrene and Aganippe, believed by the Ancient Greeks to be the source of poetic inspiration and the home of the Muses. Height: 1749 m (5738 ft.). Modern Greek name: {Elik*'on}. helicopter ety C19: from French h*'elicopt*`ere; see #7helico -#7+ -#7pter helicopter 0. syl hel:i+cop+ter pron <1heli2kopt*> pos n. def an aircraft without wings that is capable of moving vertically and hovering, obtaining its lift from the rotation of overhead blades. See also {autogiro}. helicopter gunship 0. syl hel:i+cop+ter gun+ship pos n. def a heavily armed helicopter used for ground attack rather than aerial combat. Heligoland 0. syl Hel:i+go+land pron <1helig*u2l@nd> pos n. def a small island in the North Sea, one of the North Frisian Islands, separated from the coast of NW West Germany by {Heligoland Bight}: administratively part of the West German state of Schleswig-Holstein: a large island in early medieval times, now eroded to an area of about 150 hectares (380 acres); ceded by Britain to Germany in 1890 in exchange for Zanzibar. German name: {Helgoland}. helio- ety from Greek, from h*_elios sun heliocentric 1. syl he:li:o+cen+tric pron <2hEli*u1sentrik> pos adj. def having the sun at its centre. heliocentric 2. syl he:li:o+cen+tric pron <2hEli*u1sentrik> pos adj. def measured from or in relation to the centre of the sun. heliocentrically sub head heliocentric syl he:li:o+1cen+tri+cal+ly pos adv. heliocentricity sub head heliocentric or heliocentricism syl he:li:o+cen+tric+i:ty pron <2hEli*usen1trisiti> pos n. heliocentricism sub head heliocentric or heliocentricity syl he:li:o+cen+tri+cism pron <2hEli*u1sentri2siz*m> pos n. heliocentric parallax 0. syl he:li:o+cen+tric par+al+lax pos n. def See { {parallax} (sense 2)}. Heliochrome 0. syl He:li:o+chrome pron <1hEli*u2kr*um> pos n. qual Trademark. def a photograph that reproduces the natural colours of the subject. Heliocheliochromic sub head Heliochrome syl He:li:o+che:li:o+1chro+mic pos adj. Elagabalus alt head Heliogabalus or Heliogabalus syl El:a:gab:a:lus pos n. Heliogabalus 0. or Elagabalus syl He:li:o:gab:a:lus pron <2hEli*u1g@b*l*s> pos n. def origi?!nal name ??204-222 #7a.d., Roman emperor (218-222). His reign was notorious for debauchery and extravagance. heliograph 1. syl he:li:o+graph pron <1hEli*u2gra:f>, <-2gr@f> pos n. def an instrument used for sending messages ({heliograms}) by means of flashes of light. heliograph 2. syl he:li:o+graph pron <1hEli*u2gra:f>, <-2gr@f> pos n. def a device used to photograph the sun. heliographer sub head heliograph syl he+li+og+ra+pher pron <2hEli1ogr*f*> pos n. heliographic sub head heliograph or heliographical syl he:li:o+graph+ic pron <2hEli*u1gr@fik> pos adj. heliographical sub head heliograph or heliographic syl he:li:o+1graph:i+cal pos adj. heliography sub head heliograph syl he+li+1og+ra+phy pos n. heliogravure 0. syl he:li:o+gra+vure pron <2hEli*ugr*1vju*> pos n. qual Printing. def a former name for {photogravure}. heliolatry 0. syl he+li+ol:a+try pron <2hEli1ol*tri> pos n. def worship of the sun. heliolater sub head heliolatry syl he+li+1ol:a+ter pos n. heliolatrous sub head heliolatry syl he+li+1ol:a+trous pos adj. heliolithic 0. syl he+li:o+lith+ic pron <2hEli*u1liTik> pos adj. def of or relating to a civilization characterized by sun worship and megaliths. heliometer 0. syl he+li+om+e:ter pron <2hEli1omit*> pos n. def a refracting telescope having a split objective lens that is used to determine very small angular distances between celestial bodies. heliometric sub head heliometer or heliometrical syl he:li:o+met+ric pron <2hEli*u?!1metrik> pos adj. heliometrical sub head heliometer or heliometric syl he:li:o+1met+ri+cal pos adj. heliometrically sub head heliometer syl he:li:o+1met+ri+cal+ly pos adv. heliometry sub head heliometer syl he+li+1om+e:try pos n. Heliopolis 1. syl He+li+op:o+lis pron <2hEli1op*lis> pos n. usage in ancient Egypt def a city near the apex of the Nile delta: a centre of sun worship. Ancient Egyptian name: {On}. Heliopolis 2. syl He+li+op:o+lis pron <2hEli1op*lis> pos n. def the Ancient Greek name for {Baalbek}. Helios 0. syl He:li:os pron <1hEli2os> pos n. qual Greek myth. def the god of the sun, who drove his chariot daily across the sky. Roman counterpart: {Sol}. heliostat 0. syl he:li:o+stat pron <1hEli*u2st@t> pos n. def an astronomical instrument used to reflect the light of the sun in a constant direction. heliostatic sub head heliostat syl he:li:o+1stat+ic pos adj. heliotaxis 0. syl he:li:o+tax+is pron <2hEli*u1t@ksis> pos n. def movement of an entire organism in response to the stimulus of sunlight. heliotactic sub head heliotaxis syl he:li:o+tac+tic pron <2hEli*u1t@ktik> pos adj. heliotherapy 0. syl he:li:o+ther:a+py pron <2hEli*u1Ter*pi> pos n. def the therapeutic use of sunlight. heliotrope ety C17: from Latin h*_eliotropium, from Greek h*_eliotropion, from h*_elios sun+ trepein to turn heliotrope 1. syl he:li:o+trope pron <1hEli*2tr*up>, <1helj*-> pos n. def any boraginaceous plant of the genus esp. the South American cultivated for its small fragrant purple flowers. garden heliotrope 2. head heliotrope syl garden heliotrope. def a widely cultivated valerian, with clusters of small pink, purple, or white flowers. heliotrope 3. syl he:li:o+trope pron <1hEli*2tr*up>, <1helj*-> pos n. def any of various plants that turn towards the sun. heliotrope 4.a. syl he:li:o+trope pron <1hEli*2tr*up>, <1helj*-> pos n. def a bluish-violet to purple colour. heliotrope 4.b. syl he:li:o+trope pron <1hEli*2tr*up>, <1helj*-> pos as; adj. exam 1 a heliotrope dress. heliotrope 5. syl he:li:o+trope pron <1hEli*2tr*up>, <1helj*-> pos n. def an instrument used in geodetic surveying employing the sun's rays reflected by a mirror as a signal for the sighting of stations over long distances. heliotrope 6. syl he:li:o+trope pron <1hEli*2tr*up>, <1helj*-> pos n. def another name for {bloodstone}. heliotropin 0. syl he+li+ot+ro+pin pron <2hEli1otr*pin> pos n. def another term for {piperonal}. heliotropism 0. syl he+li+ot+ro+pism pron <2hEli1otr*2piz*m> pos n. def the growth of a plant in response to the stimulus of sunlight. heliotropic sub head heliotropism syl he:li:o+trop+ic pron <2hEli*u1tropik> pos adj. heliotropically sub head heliotropism syl he:li:o+1trop:i+cal+ly pos adv. heliotype 1. syl he:li:o+type pron <1hEli*u2tIp> pos n. def a printing process in which an impression is taken in ink from a gelatin surface that has been exposed under a negative and prepared for printing. Also called: {heliotypy}. heliotype 2. syl he:li:o+type pron <1hEli*u2tIp> pos n. def the gelatin plate produced by such a process. heliotype 3. syl he:li:o+type pron <1hEli*u2tIp> pos n. def a print produced from such a plate. heliotypic sub head heliotype syl he:li:o+typ+ic pron <2hEli*u1tipik> pos adj. heliozoan 0. syl he:li:o+zo+an pron <2hEli*u1z*u*n> pos n. def any protozoan of the mostly freshwater order typically having a siliceous shell and stiff radiating pseudopodia: class (amoeba, etc.). heliport ety C20: from #7heli (#7copter) #7+{port %1} heliport 0. syl hel:i+port pron <1heli2pc:t> pos n. def an airport for helicopters. helium ety C19: New Latin, from #7helio -#7+ -#7ium ; named from its having first been detected in the solar spectrum helium 0. syl he+li:um pron <1hEli*m> pos n. def a very light nonflammable colourless odourless element that is an inert gas, occurring in certain natural gases: used in balloons and in cryogenic research. Symbol: He; atomic no.: 2; atomic wt.: 4.0026; density: 0.178 kg/m%3; melting pt.: -272.2?%C; boiling pt.: -268.6?%C. See also {alpha particle}. helix ety C16: from Latin, from Greek: spiral; probably related to Greek helissein to twist helices infl head helix or helixes syl hel:i+ces pron <1heli2sEz> pos n. mod pl. helixes infl head helix or helices syl he+lix:es. pos n. mod pl. helix 1. syl he+lix pron <1hEliks> pos n. def a curve that lies on a cylinder or cone, at a constant angle to the line segments making up the surface; spiral. helix 2. syl he+lix pron <1hEliks> pos n. def a spiral shape or form. helix 3. syl he+lix pron <1hEliks> pos n. def the incurving fold that forms the margin of the external ear. helix 4. syl he+lix pron <1hEliks> pos n. def another name for { {volute} (sense 2)}. helix 5. syl he+lix pron <1hEliks> pos n. def any terrestrial gastropod mollusc of the genus which includes the garden snail hell ety Old English hell; related to helan to cover, Old Norse hel, Gothic halja hell, Old High German hella hell 1.a. syl hell pron pos n. def the place or state of eternal punishment of the wicked after death, with Satan as its ruler. hell 1.b. syl hell pron pos n. def forces of evil regarded as residing there. hell 2. syl hell pron pos n. usage sometimes cap.; in various religions and cultures def the abode of the spirits of the dead. See also {Hel, Hades, Sheol}. hell 3. syl hell pron pos n. def pain, extreme difficulty, etc. hell 4. syl hell pron pos n. qual Informal. def a cause of such difficulty or suffering. exam 1 war is hell. hell 5. syl hell pron pos n. qual U.S. def high spirits or mischievousness. exam 1 there's hell in that boy. hell 6. syl hell pron pos n. qual Printing. def another name for {hellbox}. hell 7. syl hell pron pos n. def a box used by a tailor for discarded material. hell 8. syl hell pron pos n. qual Now rare. def a gambling house, booth, etc. for the hell of it 10. head hell syl for the hell of it. qual Informal. def for the fun of it. hell 11.a. syl hell pron pos n. def to give someone a severe reprimand or punishment. hell 11.b. syl hell pron pos n. def to be a source of annoyance or torment to someone. hell for leather 13. head hell syl hell for leather. def at great speed. (come) hell or high water 14. head hell syl (come) hell or high water. qual Informal. def whatever difficulties may arise. hell to pay 15. head hell syl hell to pay. qual Informal. def serious consequences, as of a foolish action. hell 16.b. syl hell pron pos n. def an expression of strong disagreement with a previous statement, request, order, etc. hell 17.a. syl hell pron pos n. def to create a noisy disturbance, as in fun. hell 17.b. syl hell pron pos n. def to react strongly and unfavourably. what the hell infl head hell syl what the hell pos n. who the hell infl head hell syl who the hell pos n. hell 18.b. syl hell pron pos n. def an expression of strong disagreement or disfavour. exam 1 the hell I will. hell 19. syl hell pron pos interj. qual Informal. def an exclamation of anger, annoyance, surprise, etc. (Also in exclamations such as {hell's bells, hell's teeth}, etc.). he'll 0. syl he'll pron , , , usage contraction of def he will he shall. Helladic 0. syl Hel+lad+ic pron pos adj. def of, characteristic of, or related to the Bronze Age civilization that flourished about 2900 to 1100 #7b.c. on the Greek mainland and islands. Hellas 0. syl Hel+las pron <1hel*s> pos n. def transliteration of the Ancient Greek name for {Greece}. hellbender 0. syl hell+bend:er pron <1hel2bend*> pos n. def a very large dark grey aquatic salamander, with internal gills: inhabits rivers in E and central U.S.: family hellbent 0. syl hell+bent pron <2hel1bent> pos adj. qual Informal. usage postpositive and foll. by on def strongly or rashly intent. hellbox 0. syl hell+box pron <1hel2boks> pos n. def a receptacle used by printers for broken or unneeded type. hellcat 0. syl hell+cat pron <1hel2k@t> pos n. def a spiteful fierce-tempered woman. helldiver 0. syl hell+div:er pron <1hel2dIv*> pos n. qual U.S. informal. def a small greyish-brown North American grebe, with a small bill. Also called: {pied-billed grebe, dabchick}. Helle 0. syl Hel:le pron <1heli> pos n. qual Greek myth. def a daughter of King Athamas, who was borne away with her brother Phrixus on the golden winged ram. She fell from its back and was drowned in the Hellespont. See also {Phrixus, Golden Fleece}. hellebore ety C14: from Greek helleboros, of uncertain origin hellebore 1. syl hel+le+bore pron <1heli2bc:> pos n. def any plant of the Eurasian ranunculaceous genus esp. (black hellebore), typically having showy flowers and poisonous parts. See also {Christmas rose}. hellebore 2. syl hel+le+bore pron <1heli2bc:> pos n. def any of various liliaceous plants of the N temperate genus esp. which have greenish flowers and yield alkaloids used in the treatment of heart disease. helleborine ety C16: ultimately from Greek helleborin*_e a plant resembling hellebore helleborine 0. syl hel+le+bor+ine pron <2heli1bc:rEn> pos n. def any of various N temperate orchids of the genera and Hellen 0. syl Hel:len pron <1helin> pos n. usage in Greek legend def a Thessalian king and eponymous ancestor of the Hellenes. Hellenian alt head Hellene or Hellene syl Hel+le+ni:an pron pos n. Hellene 0. or Hellenian syl Hel+lene pron <1helEn> pos n. def another name for a {Greek}. Hellenic 1. syl Hel+len+ic pron , <-1lE-> pos adj. def of or relating to the ancient or modern Greeks or their language. Hellenic 2. syl Hel+len+ic pron , <-1lE-> pos adj. def of or relating to ancient Greece or the Greeks of the classical period (776-323 #7b.c.) #7. Com?!pare {Hellenistic}. Hellenic 3. syl Hel+len+ic pron , <-1lE-> pos adj. def another word for {Greek}. Hellenic 4. syl Hel+len+ic pron , <-1lE-> pos n. def a branch of the Indo-European family of languages consisting of Greek in its various ancient and modern dialects. Hellenically sub head Hellenic syl Hel+1len:i+cal+ly pos adv. Hellenism 1. syl Hel+len+ism pron <1heli2niz*m> pos n. def the principles, ideals, and pursuits associated with classical Greek civilization. Hellenism 2. syl Hel+len+ism pron <1heli2niz*m> pos n. def the spirit or national character of the Greeks. Hellenism 3. syl Hel+len+ism pron <1heli2niz*m> pos n. def conformity to, imitation of, or devotion to the culture of ancient Greece. Hellenism 4. syl Hel+len+ism pron <1heli2niz*m> pos n. def Also called: {Hellenisticism}. the cosmopolitan civilization of the Hellenistic world. Hellenist 1. syl Hel+len+ist pron <1helinist> pos n. def Also called: {Hellenizer}. (in the Hellenistic world) a non-Greek, esp. a Jew, who adopted Greek culture. Hellenist 2. syl Hel+len+ist pron <1helinist> pos n. def a student of the Greek civilization or language. Hellenistical alt head Hellenistic or Hellenistic syl Hel+len+is+ti+cal pos adj. Hellenistic 1. or Hellenistical syl Hel+len+is+tic pron <2heli1nistik> pos adj. def characteristic of or relating to Greek civilization in the Mediterranean world, esp. from the death of Alexander the Great (323 #7b.c.) to the defeat of Antony and Cleopatra (30 #7b.c.) #7. Hellenistic 2. or Hellenistical syl Hel+len+is+tic pron <2heli1nistik> pos adj. def of or relating to the Greeks or to Hellenism. Hellenistically sub head Hellenistic syl Hel+len+1is+ti+cal+ly pos adv. Hellenise alt head Hellenize or Hellenize syl Hel+len+ise pron <1heli2nIz> pos vb. Hellenize 0. or Hellenise syl Hel+len+ize pron <1heli2nIz> pos vb. def to make or become like the ancient Greeks. Hellenization sub head Hellenize or Hellenisation syl Hel+len:i+1za+tion pos n. Hellenisation sub head Hellenize or Hellenization syl Hel+len:i+1sa+tion pos n. Hellenizer sub head Hellenize or Helleniser syl Hel+len+2iz+er pos n. Helleniser sub head Hellenize or Hellenizer syl Hel+len+2is+er pos n. heller ety from German, after Hall, town in Swabia where the coins were minted heller infl syl hel+ler. pos n. mod pl. heller H1.1. syl hel+ler pron <1hel*> pos n. def any of various old German or Austrian coins of low denomination. heller H1.2. syl hel+ler pron <1hel*> pos n. def another word for {haler}. heller H2.0. syl hel+ler pron <1hel*> pos n. def another word for {hellion}. hellery 0. syl hell+er:y pron <1hel*ri> pos n. qual Canadian slang. def wild or mischievous behaviour. Cape infl head Helles syl Cape. pos n. Helles 0. syl Hel+les pron <1helis> pos n. def a cape in NW Turkey, at the S end of the Gallipoli Peninsula. Hellespont 0. syl Hel+les+pont pron <1heli2spont> pos n. def the ancient name for the {Dardanelles}. hellfire 1. syl hell+fire pron <1hel2fI*> pos n. def the torment and punishment of hell, envisaged as eternal fire. hellfire 2. syl hell+fire pron <1hel2fI*> pos n. usage modifier def characterizing sermons or preachers that emphasize this aspect of Christian belief. hellgrammite ety C19: of unknown origin hellgrammite 0. syl hell+gram+mite pron <1helgr*2mIt> pos n. qual U.S. def the larva of the dobsonfly, about 10 cm long with biting mouthparts: used as bait for bass. Also called: {dobson}. hellhole 0. syl hell+hole pron <1hel2h*ul> pos n. def an unpleasant or evil place. hellhound 1. syl hell+hound pron <1hel2haund> pos n. def a hound of hell. hellhound 2. syl hell+hound pron <1hel2haund> pos n. def a fiend. hellion ety C19: probably from dialect hallion rogue, of unknown origin hellion 0. syl hel+lion pron <1helj*n> pos n. qual Informal. def a rough or rowdy person, esp. a child; troublemaker. Also called: {heller}. hellish 1. syl hell+ish pron <1heliS> pos adj. def of or resembling hell. hellish 2. syl hell+ish pron <1heliS> pos adj. def wicked; cruel. hellish 3. syl hell+ish pron <1heliS> pos adj. qual Informal. def very difficult or unpleasant. hellishly sub head hellish syl hell+ish+ly pos adv. hellishness sub head hellish syl hell+ish+ness pos n. hello ety C19: see #7hallo hallo infl head hello or hullo syl hal+lo pron , <1hel*u> hullo infl head hello or hallo syl hul+lo pron , <1hel*u> hello 0. syl hel+lo pron , <1hel*u> exam 1 sentence substitute. hello 1. syl hel+lo pron , <1hel*u> def an expression of greeting used on meeting a person or at the start of a telephone call. hello 2. syl hel+lo pron , <1hel*u> def a call used to attract attention. hello 3. syl hel+lo pron , <1hel*u> def an expression of surprise. hellos infl head hello syl hel+los. pos n. mod pl. hello 4. syl hel+lo pron , <1hel*u> pos n. def the act of saying or calling @6hello@9. Hell's Angel 0. syl Hell's An+gel pos n. def a member of a motorcycle gang of a kind originating in the U.S. in the 1950s, who typically dress in denim and Nazi-style paraphernalia and are noted for their initiation rites, lawless behaviour, etc. helm ety Old English helma; related to Old Norse hjalm rudder, Old High German halmo helm H1.1.a. syl helm pron pos n. def the wheel, tiller, or entire apparatus by which a vessel is steered. helm H1.1.b. syl helm pron pos n. def the position of the helm: that is, on the side of the keel opposite from that of the rudder. helm H1.2. syl helm pron pos n. def a position of leadership or control (esp. in the phrase {at the helm) }. helm H1.3. syl helm pron pos vb. mod tr. def to direct or steer. helmless sub head helm syl helm+less pos adj. helm ety Old English helm; related to helan to cover, Old Norse hjalmr, Gothic hilms, Old High German helm helmet, Sanskrit *'s*'arman protection helm H2.1. syl helm pron pos n. def an archaic or poetic word for {helmet}. helm H2.2. syl helm pron pos vb. mod tr. qual Archaic or poetic. def to supply with a helmet. Helmand 0. syl Hel+mand pron <1helm*nd> pos n. def a river in S Asia, rising in E Afghani?!stan and flowing generally southwest to a marshy lake, Hamun Helmand, on the border with Iran. Length: 1400 km (870 miles). helmet ety C15: from Old French, diminutive of helme, of Germanic origin; see #7helm %2 &- #!hel+met+ed adj. helmet 1. syl hel+met pron <1helmit> pos n. def a piece of protective or defensive armour for the head worn by soldiers, policemen, firemen, divers, etc. See also {crash helmet, pith helmet}. helmet 2. syl hel+met pron <1helmit> pos n. qual Biology. def a part or structure resembling a helmet, esp. the upper part of the calyx of certain flowers. helmet-like sub head helmet syl hel:met-2like pos adj. Helmholtz 0. syl Helm:holtz pron German <1helm2hclts> pos n. def Baron {Her@.mann Lu@.dwig Fer@.di@.nand von} (#!h$erman #!lu$:tv$I*,c #!f$erdi@!nant f@$n). 1821-94, German physiologist, physicist, and mathematician: helped to found the theory of the conservation of energy; invented the ophthalmoscope (1850); and investigated the mechanics of sight and sound. Helmholtz function ety named after Baron Hermann Ludwig Ferdinand von H#7elmholtz Helmholtz function 0. syl Helm:holtz func+tion pos n. def a thermodynamic property of a system equal to the difference between its internal energy and the product of its temperature and its entropy. Symbol. exam 1 A helminth ety C19: from Greek helmins parasitic worm helminth 0. syl hel+minth pron <1helminT> pos n. def any parasitic worm, esp. a nematode or fluke. helminthoid sub head helminth syl hel+min+thoid pron <1helmin2Tcid>, pos adj. helminthiasis ety C19: from New Latin, from Greek helminthian to be infested with worms helminthiasis 0. syl hel+min+thi:a+sis pron <2helmin1TI*sis> pos n. def infestation of the body with parasitic worms. helminthic 1. syl hel+min+thic pron pos adj. def of, relating to, or caused by parasitic worms. helminthic 2. syl hel+min+thic pron pos n. adj. def another word for {vermifuge}. helminthology 0. syl hel+min+thol+o:gy pron <2helmin1Tol*Ji> pos n. def the study of parasitic worms. helminthological sub head helminthology syl hel+min+tho+log:i+cal pron <2helminT*1loJikL> pos adj. helminthologist sub head helminthology syl hel+min+1thol:o+gist pos n. Jean Baptiste van infl head Helmont syl Jean Bap:tiste van pron pos n. Helmont 0. syl Hel:mont pron Flemish <1helmcnt> pos n. def 1577-1644, Flemish chemist and physician. He was the first to distinguish gases and claimed to have coined the word H'eloise 0. syl H*'e:lo:*"ise pron <1el*u2Ez>, French pos n. def ??1101-64, pupil, mistress, and wife of Abelard. Helot ety C16: from Latin H*_elot*_es, from Greek Heil*_otes, alleged to have meant originally: inhabitants of Helos, who, after its conquest, were serfs of the Spartans Helot 1. syl Hel:ot pron <1hel*t>, <1hE-> pos n. usage in ancient Greece, esp. Sparta def a member of the class of unfree men above slaves owned by the state. Helot 2. syl Hel:ot pron <1hel*t>, <1hE-> pos n. usage usually not cap. def a serf or slave. helotism 1. syl hel+ot+ism pron <1hel*2tiz*m>, <1hE-> pos n. def the condition or quality of being a Helot. helotism 2. syl hel+ot+ism pron <1hel*2tiz*m>, <1hE-> pos n. def a sociopolitical system in which a class, minority, nation, etc., is held in a state of subjection. helotism 3. syl hel+ot+ism pron <1hel*2tiz*m>, <1hE-> pos n. qual Zoology. def another name for {dulosis}. helotism xref syl hel+ot+ism pron <1hel*2tiz*m>, <1hE-> pos n. def Also (for senses 1, 2): {helotage}. helotry 1. syl hel+ot+ry pron <1hel*tri>, <1hE-> pos n. def serfdom or slavery. helotry 2. syl hel+ot+ry pron <1hel*tri>, <1hE-> pos n. def serfs or slaves as a class. help ety Old English helpan; related to Old Norse hjalpa, Gothic hilpan, Old High German helfan help 1. syl help pron pos vb. def to assist or aid (someone to do something), esp. by sharing the work, cost, or burden of something. exam 1 he helped his friend to escape; exam 2 she helped him climb out of the boat. help 2. syl help pron pos vb. def to alleviate the burden of (someone else) by giving assistance. help 3. syl help pron pos vb. mod tr. def to assist (a person) to go in a specified direction. exam 1 help the old lady up from the chair. help 4. syl help pron pos vb. def to promote or contribute to. exam 1 to help the relief operations. help 5. syl help pron pos vb. def to cause improvement in (a situation, person, etc.). exam 1 crying won't help. help 6.a. syl help pron pos vb. def to avoid or refrain from. exam 1 we can't help wondering who he is. help 6.b. syl help pron pos vb. usage usually foll. by it def to prevent or be responsible for. exam 1 I can't help it if it rains. help 7. syl help pron pos vb. def to alleviate (an illness, etc.). help 8. syl help pron pos vb. mod tr. def to serve (a customer). exam 1 can I help you, madam?? help 9.a. syl help pron pos vb. def to serve (someone with food, etc.) (usually in the phrase {help oneself}) . exam 1 may I help you to some more vegetables?? exam 2 help yourself to peas. help 9.b. syl help pron pos vb. def to provide (oneself with) without permission. exam 1 he's been helping himself to money out of the petty cash. cannot help but 10. head help syl cannot help but. def to be unable to do anything else except. exam 1 I cannot help but laugh. help a person on 11. head help or off with syl help a person on def to assist a person in the putting on or removal of (clothes). help 12.a. syl help pron pos vb. def on my honour. help 12.b. syl help pron pos vb. def no matter what. exam 1 so help me, I'll get revenge. help 13. syl help pron pos n. def the act of helping, or being helped, or a person or thing that helps. exam 1 she's a great help. help 14. syl help pron pos n. def a helping. help 15.a. syl help pron pos n. def a person hired for a job; employee, esp. a farm worker or domestic servant. help 15.b. syl help pron pos n. mod functioning as; sing. def several employees collectively. help 16. syl help pron pos n. def a means of remedy. exam 1 there's no help for it. help 17. syl help pron pos interj. def used to ask for assistance. helpable sub head help syl help+a:ble pos adj. helper sub head help syl help+er pos n. helpful 0. syl help+ful pron <1helpful> pos adj. def serving a useful function; giving help. helpfully sub head helpful syl help+ful+ly pos adv. helpfulness sub head helpful syl help+ful+ness pos n. helping 0. syl help+ing pron <1helpiG> pos n. def a single portion of food taken at a meal. helping hand 0. syl help+ing hand pos n. def assistance. exam 1 many people lent a helping hand in making arrangements for the party. helpless 1. syl help+less pron <1helplis> pos adj. def unable to manage independently. helpless 2. syl help+less pron <1helplis> pos adj. def made powerless or weak. exam 1 they were helpless from so much giggling. helpless 3. syl help+less pron <1helplis> pos adj. def without help. helplessly sub head helpless syl help+less+ly pos adv. helplessness sub head helpless syl help+less+ness pos n. Helpmann 0. syl Help:mann pron <1helpm*n> pos n. def Sir {Rob@.ert}. born 1909, Australian ballet dancer and choreographer: his ballets include (1944), (1965), and (1965). helpmate 0. syl help+mate pron <1help2mAt> pos n. def a companion and helper, esp. a wife. helpmeet ety C17: from the phrase an helpe meet (suitable) for him Genesis 2:18 helpmeet 0. syl help+meet pron <1help2mEt> pos n. def a less common word for {helpmate}. help out 1. syl help out pos vb. adv. def to assist or aid (someone), esp. by sharing the burden. help out 2. syl help out pos vb. adv. def to share the burden or cost of something with (another person). Helsingborg 0. syl Hel+sing+borg pron Swedish <2helsiG1bcrj> pos n. def a variant spelling of {H*"alsingborg}. Helsingor 0. syl Hel+sing+o:\r pron Danish <2helsAG1$o:r> pos n. def a port in NE Denmark, in NE Zealand: site of Kronborg Castle (16th century), famous as the scene of Shakespeare's Pop.: 37560 (1970). English name: {Elsinore}. Helsinki 0. syl Hel+sin+ki pron <1helsiGki>, pos n. def the capital of Finland, a port in the south on the Gulf of Finland: founded by Gustavus I of Sweden in 1550; replaced Turku as capital in 1812, while under Russian rule; university. Pop.: 510614 (1973 est.). Swedish name: {Hel+sing+fors} (@!h$els$I&n#!f@$rs). helter-skelter ety C16: probably of imitative origin helter-skelter 1. syl hel:ter-skel:ter pron <1helt*1skelt*> pos adj. def haphazard or carelessly hurried. helter-skelter 2. syl hel:ter-skel:ter pron <1helt*1skelt*> pos adj. def in a helter-skelter manner. helter-skelter 3. syl hel:ter-skel:ter pron <1helt*1skelt*> pos n. qual Brit. def a high spiral slide, as at a fairground. helter-skelter 4. syl hel:ter-skel:ter pron <1helt*1skelt*> pos n. def disorder or haste. helve ety Old English hielfe; related to Old Saxon h*`elvi, Old High German halb, Lithuanian k*`ilpa stirrup; see #7halter helve 1. syl helve pron pos n. def the handle of a hand tool such as an axe or pick. helve 2. syl helve pron pos vb. mod tr. def to fit a helve to (a tool). Helvellyn 0. syl Hel+vel+lyn pron pos n. def a mountain in NW England, in the Lake District. Height: 950 m (3118 ft.). Helvetia 1. syl Hel+ve+tia pron pos n. def the Latin name for Switzerland. Helvetia 2. syl Hel+ve+tia pron pos n. def a Roman province in central Europe (1st century #7b.c. to the 5th century #7a.d.) #7, corresponding to part of S Germany and parts of W and N Switzerland. Helvetian 1. syl Hel+ve+tian pron pos adj. def of or relating to the Helvetii. Helvetian 2. syl Hel+ve+tian pron pos adj. def another word for {Swiss}. Helvetian 3. syl Hel+ve+tian pron pos n. def a native or citizen of Switzerland. Helvetian 4. syl Hel+ve+tian pron pos n. def a member of the Helvetii. Helvetic 1. syl Hel+vet+ic pron pos adj. def Helvetian or Swiss. Helvetic 2. syl Hel+vet+ic pron pos adj. def of or relating to the Helvetic Confessions or to Swiss Protestantism. Helvetic 3. syl Hel+vet+ic pron pos n. def a Swiss Protestant or reformed Calvinist who subscribes to one of the two {Helvetic Confessions} (of faith) formulated in 1536 and 1566. Helvetii 0. syl Hel+ve:ti:i pron pos n. mod pl. def a Celtic tribe from SW Germany who settled in Helvetia from about 200 #7b.c. Claude Adrien infl head Helv'etius syl Claude A:dri:en pron pos n. Helv'etius 0. syl Hel:v*'e:ti:us pron , French pos n. def 1715-71, French philosopher. In his chief work (1758), he asserted that the mainspring of human action is self-interest and that differences in human intellects are due only to differences in education. hem ety Old English hemm; related to Old Frisian hemme enclosed land hem H1.1. syl hem pron pos n. def an edge to a piece of cloth, made by folding the raw edge under and stitching it down. hem H1.2. syl hem pron pos n. def short for {hemline}. hems infl head hem syl hems pos vb. mod tr. hemming infl head hem syl hem+ming pos vb. mod tr. hemmed infl head hem syl hemmed. pos vb. mod tr. hem H1.3. syl hem pron pos vb. mod tr. def to provide with a hem. hem H1.4. syl hem pron pos vb. mod tr. usage usually foll. by in, around, or about def to enclose or confine. hemmer sub head hem syl hem+mer pos n. hem H2.1. syl hem pron pos n. interj. def a representation of the sound of clearing the throat, used to gain attention, express hesitation, etc. hems infl head hem syl hems pos vb. hemming infl head hem syl hem+ming pos vb. hemmed infl head hem syl hemmed. pos vb. hem H2.2. syl hem pron pos vb. mod intr. def to utter this sound. hem H2.3. or hum and haw syl hem pron pos vb. def to hesitate in speaking or in making a decision. hem- 0. syl hem- usage combining form. def a U.S. variant of {haemo-} before a vowel. hema- 0. syl he:ma- usage combining form. def a U.S. variant of {haemo-}. he-men infl head he-man syl he-men. pos n. mod pl. he-man 0. syl he-man pos n. qual Informal. def a strongly built muscular man. Hemel Hempstead 0. syl Hem+el Hemp+stead pron <1hem*l> <1hemstid> pos n. def a town in SE England, in W Hertfordshire: designated a new town in 1947. Pop.: 69371 (1971). hemelytron ety C19: from New Latin hemielytron, from #7hemi -#7+ Greek elutron a covering hemielytron alt head hemelytron or hemelytron syl hem:i+el:y+tron pron <-tr*> pos n. hemelytra infl head hemelytron syl hem+el:y+tra pron <-tr*> pos n. mod pl. hemelytron 0. or hemielytron syl hem+el:y+tron pron pos n. def the forewing of plant bugs and related insects, having a thickened base and a membranous apex. hemelytral sub head hemelytron or hemielytral syl hem+1el:y+tral pos adj. hemielytral sub head hemelytron or hemelytral syl hem:i+1el:y+tral pos adj. hemeralopia ety C18: New Latin, from Greek h*_emeral*_ops, from h*_emera day+ alaos blind+ *_ops eye hemeralopia 0. syl hem+er:a+lo+pi:a pron <2hem*r*1l*upi*> pos n. def inability to see clearly in bright light. Nontechnical name: {day blindness}. Compare {nyctalopia}. hemeralopic sub head hemeralopia syl hem+er:a+lop+ic pron <2hem?!*r*1lopik> pos adj. hemi- ety from Latin, from Greek h*_emi- hemi- 0. syl hem:i- pos prefix. def half. exam 1 hemicycle; exam 2 hemisphere. -hemia 0. syl -he:mi:a pos n. usage combining form. def U.S. variant of {-aemia}. hemialgia 0. syl hem:i+al+gi:a pron <2hemi1@lJi*> pos n. def pain limited to one side of the body. hemianopsia ety C19: from #7hemi- +#7an- +Greek opsis sight hemianopsia 0. syl hem:i+an+ops+i:a pron <2hemi@n1opsi*> pos n. def loss of one half of the field of vision in both eyes. Also: {hem@.i+an+o+pi@.a} (@!h$em$I@an?!#!$$$up$I$$). hemicellulose 0. syl hem:i+cel+lu+lose pron <2hemi1selju2l*uz> pos n. def any of a group of plant polysaccharides that occur chiefly in the cell wall. hemichordate 1. syl hem:i+chor+date pron <2hemi1kc:2dAt> pos n. def any small wormlike marine animal of the subphylum (or having numerous gill slits in the pharynx: phylum (chordates). hemichordate 2. syl hem:i+chor+date pron <2hemi1kc:2dAt> pos adj. def of, relating to, or belonging to the subphylum hemichordate xref syl hem:i+chor+date pron <2hemi1kc:2dAt> pos n. def See also {acorn worm}. hemicycle 1. syl hem:i+cy+cle pron <1hemi2sIkL> pos n. def a semicircular structure, room, arena, wall, etc. hemicycle 2. syl hem:i+cy+cle pron <1hemi2sIkL> pos n. def a rare word for {semicircle}. hemicyclic sub head hemicycle syl hem:i+cy+clic pron <2hemi1sIklik>, <-1sik-> pos adj. hemidemisemiquaver 0. syl hem:i+dem:i+sem:i+qua:ver pron <2hemi2demi1semi2kwAv*> pos n. qual Music. def a note having the time value of one sixty-fourth of a semibreve. Usual U.S. name: {sixty-fourth note}. hemielytra infl head hemielytron syl hem:i+el:y+tra pron <-tr*> pos n. mod pl. hemielytron 0. syl hem:i+el:y+tron pron <2hemi1eli2tron> pos n. def a variant spelling of {hemelytron}. hemielytral sub head hemielytron syl hem:i+1el:y+tral pos adj. hemihedral 0. syl hem:i+he+dral pron <2hemi1hEdr*l> pos adj. usage of a crystal def exhibiting only half the number of planes necessary for complete symmetry. hemihydrate 0. syl hem:i+hy+drate pron <2hemi1hIdrAt> pos n. qual Chem. def a hydrate in which there are two molecules of substance to every molecule of water. hemihydrated sub head hemihydrate syl hem:i+1hy+drat+ed pos adj. hemimorphic 0. syl hem:i+mor+phic pron <2hemi1mc:fik> pos adj. usage of a crystal def having different forms at each end of an axis. hemimorphism sub head hemimorphic or hemimorphy syl hem:i+1mor+phism pos n. hemimorphy sub head hemimorphic or hemimorphism syl hem:i+2mor+phy pos n. hemimorphite 0. syl hem:i+mor+phite pron <2hemi1mc:fIt> pos n. def a white mineral consisting of hydrated zinc silicate in orthorhombic crystalline form: a common ore of zinc. Formula: Zn\4Si\2O\7(OH)\2.H\2O. Former names: {calamine} (U.S.), {smithsonite} (Brit.). Ernest infl head Hemingway syl Er:nest. pos n. Hemingway 0. syl Hem:ing:way pron <1hemiG2wA> pos n. def 1899-1961, U.S. novelist and short-story writer. His novels include (1926), (1929), (1940), and (1952): Nobel prize for literature 1954. hemiola ety New Latin, from Greek h*_emiolia ratio of one to one and a half, from #7hemi -#7+ (h) olos whole hemiolia alt head hemiola or hemiola syl hem:i:o+li:a pos n. hemiola 0. or hemiolia syl hem:i:o+la pron <2hemi1*ul*> pos n. qual Music. def a rhythmical device involving the superimposition of, for example, two notes in the time of three. Also called: {sesquialtera}. hemiolic sub head hemiola syl hem:i+ol+ic pron <2hemi1olik> pos adj. hemiparasemiparasite alt head hemiparasite or hemiparasite syl hem:i+par:a+sem:i+par:a+site pos n. hemiparasite 1. or hemiparasemiparasite syl hem:i+par:a+site pron <2hemi1p@ri2sIt> pos n. def a parasitic plant, such as mistletoe, that carries out photo?!synthesis but also obtains food from its host. hemiparasite 2. or hemiparasemiparasite syl hem:i+par:a+site pron <2hemi1p@ri2sIt> pos n. def an organism that can live independently or parasitically. hemiplegia 0. syl hem:i+ple:gi:a pron <2hemi1plEJi*> pos n. def paralysis of one side of the body, usually as the result of injury to the brain. Compare {paraplegia, quadriplegia}. hemiplegic sub head hemiplegia syl hem:i+1ple+gic pos adj. hemipod alt head hemipode or hemipode syl hem:i+pod pron <1hemi2pod> pos n. hemipode 0. or hemipod syl hem:i+pode pron <1hemi2p*ud> pos n. def another name for {button quail}. hemipteran ety C19: from #7hemi -#7+ Greek pteron wing hemipteron alt head hemipteran or hemipteran syl he+mip+ter+on pron pos n. hemipteran 0. or hemipteron syl he+mip+ter+an pron pos n. def any hemipterous insect. hemipteran alt head hemipterous or hemipterous syl he+mip+ter+an pos adj. hemipterous 0. or hemipteran syl he+mip+ter+ous pron pos adj. def of, relating to, or belonging to the a large order of insects having sucking or piercing mouthparts specialized as a beak (rostrum). The group is divided into the suborders (aphids, cicadas, etc.) and (water bugs, bedbugs, etc.). hemisphere 1. syl hem:i+sphere pron <1hemi2sfi*> pos n. def one half of a sphere. hemisphere 2.a. syl hem:i+sphere pron <1hemi2sfi*> pos n. def half of the terrestrial globe, divided into {northern} and {southern hemispheres} by the equator or into {eastern} and {western hemi?!spheres} by some meridians, usually 0?% and 180?%. hemisphere 2.b. syl hem:i+sphere pron <1hemi2sfi*> pos n. def a map or projection of one of the hemispheres. hemisphere 3. syl hem:i+sphere pron <1hemi2sfi*> pos n. def either of the two halves of the celestial sphere that lie north or south of the celestial equator. hemisphere 4. syl hem:i+sphere pron <1hemi2sfi*> pos n. qual Anatomy. def short for {cerebral hemisphere}. hemispheric sub head hemisphere or hemispherical syl hem:i+spher+ic pron <2hemi1sferik> pos adj. hemispherical sub head hemisphere or hemispheric syl hem:i+1spher:i+cal pos adj. hemispheroid 0. syl hem:i+spher+oid pron <2hemi1sfi*rcid> pos n. def half of a spheroid. hemispheroidal sub head hemispheroid syl hem:i+spher+1oi+dal pos adj. hemistich 0. syl hem:i+stich pron <1hemi2stik> pos n. qual Prosody. def a half line of verse. hemiterpene 0. syl hem:i+ter+pene pron <2hemi1tR:pEn> pos n. def any of a class of simple unsaturated hydrocarbons, such as isoprene, having the formula C\5H\8. hemitrope 0. syl hem:i+trope pron <1hemi2tr*up> pos n. qual Chem. def another name for { {twin} (sense 3)}. hemitropic sub head hemitrope syl hem:i+trop+ic pron <2hemi1tropik> pos adj. hemline 0. syl hem+line pron <1hem2lIn> pos n. def the level to which the hem of a skirt or dress hangs; hem. exam 1 knee-length hemlines. hemlock ety Old English hymlic; perhaps related to hymele hop plant, Middle Low German homele, Old Norwegian humli, Old Slavonic ch*uumel*"i hemlock 1. syl hem+lock pron <1hem2lok> pos n. def an umbelliferous poisonous Eurasian plant, having finely divided leaves, spotted stems, and small white flowers. U.S. name: {poison hemlock}. See also {water hemlock}. hemlock 2. syl hem+lock pron <1hem2lok> pos n. def a poisonous drug derived from this plant. hemlock 3. syl hem+lock pron <1hem2lok> pos n. def Also called: {hemlock spruce}. any coniferous tree of the genus of North America and E Asia, having short flat needles: family See also {western hemlock}. hemlock 4. syl hem+lock pron <1hem2lok> pos n. def the wood of any of these trees, used for lumber and as a source of wood pulp. hemmer 0. syl hem+mer pron <1hem*> pos n. def an attachment on a sewing machine for hemming. hemo- 0. syl he:mo- usage combining form. def U.S. variant of {haemo-}. hemp ety Old English h@anep; related to Old Norse hampr, Old High German hanaf, Greek kannabis, Dutch hennep &- #!hemp+en or #!hemp+@!like adj. hemp 1. syl hemp pron pos n. def Also called: {cannabis, marijuana}. an annual strong-smelling Asian moraceous plant, having tough fibres, deeply lobed leaves, and small greenish flowers. See also {Indian hemp}. hemp 2. syl hemp pron pos n. def the fibre of this plant, used to make canvas, rope, etc. hemp 3. syl hemp pron pos n. def any of several narcotic drugs obtained from some varieties of this plant, esp. from Indian hemp. See {bhang, cannabis, hashish, marijuana}. hemp xref syl hemp pron pos n. def See also {bowstring hemp}. hemp agrimony 0. syl hemp ag+ri+mo+ny pos n. def a Eurasian plant, with small clusters of reddish flowers: family (composites). hemp nettle 1. syl hemp net+tle pos n. def a hairy weedy plant, of northern regions, having helmet-shaped pink, purple, and white flowers and toothed leaves: family (labiates). hemp nettle 2. syl hemp net+tle pos n. def any of various other plants of the genus hemstitch 1. syl hem+stitch pron <1hem2stiC> pos n. def a decorative edging stitch, usually for a hem, in which the cross threads are stitched in groups. hemstitch 2. syl hem+stitch pron <1hem2stiC> pos vb. def to decorate (a hem, etc.) with hemstitches. hemstitcher sub head hemstitch syl hem+2stitch:er pos n. hen ety Old English henn; related to Old High German henna, Old Frisian henne hen 1. syl hen pron pos n. def the female of any bird, esp. the adult female of the domestic fowl. hen 2. syl hen pron pos n. def the female of certain other animals, such as the lobster. hen 3. syl hen pron pos n. qual Informal. def a woman regarded as gossipy or foolish. hen 4. syl hen pron pos n. qual Scot. dialect. def a term of affectionate address, used to women and girls. hens-and-chickens infl head hen-and-chickens syl hens-and-chick:ens. pos n. mod pl. functioning as; sing. pl. hen-and-chickens 0. syl hen-and-chick:ens pos n. mod functioning as; sing. pl. def any of several plants, such as the houseleek and ground ivy, that produce many offsets or runners. henbane 0. syl hen+bane pron <1hen2bAn> pos n. def a poisonous solanaceous Mediterranean plant, with sticky hairy leaves and funnel-shaped greenish flowers: yields the drug hyoscyamine. henbit 0. syl hen+bit pron <1hen2bit> pos n. def a plant, that is native to Europe and has toothed opposite leaves and small dark red flowers: family (labiates). hence ety Old English hionane; related to Old High German hinana away from here, Old Irish cen on this side hence 1. syl hence pron usage sentence connector. def for this reason; following from this; therefore. hence 2. syl hence pron pos adv. def from this time. exam 1 a year hence. hence 3.a. syl hence pron pos adv. def from here or from this world; away. hence 3.b. syl hence pron pos adv. def from this origin or source. hence 4. syl hence pron pos interj. qual Archaic. def begone&! away&! henceforwards infl head henceforth or henceforward syl hence+for:wards pos adv. henceforward infl head henceforth or henceforwards syl hence+?!for:ward pos adv. henceforth 0. syl hence+forth pron <1hens1fc:T> pos adv. def from this time forward; from now on. henchman ety C14 hengestman, from Old English hengest stallion+#7{man }; related to Old Norse hestr horse, Old High German hengist gelding henchmen infl head henchman syl hench+men. pos n. mod pl. henchman 1. syl hench+man pron <1henCm*n> pos n. def a faithful attendant or supporter. henchman 2. syl hench+man pron <1henCm*n> pos n. qual Archaic. def a squire; page. hencoop 0. syl hen+coop pron <1hen2ku:p> pos n. def a cage for poultry. hendeca- ety from Greek hendeka, from hen, neuter of heis one+ deka ten hendeca- 0. syl hen:dec:a- usage combining form. def eleven. exam 1 hendecagon; exam 2 hendeca?!hedron; exam 3 hendecasyllable. hendecagon 0. syl hen+dec:a+gon pron pos n. def a polygon having 11 sides. hendecagonal sub head hendecagon syl hen+de+cag:o+nal pron <2hendi1k@g*nL> pos adj. hendecahedrons infl head hendecahedron or hendecahedra syl hen+dec:a+he+drons pron <-dr*> pos n. mod pl. hendecahedra infl head hendecahedron or hendecahedrons syl hen+dec:a+he+dra pron <-dr*> pos n. mod pl. hendecahedron 0. syl hen+dec:a+he+dron pron <2hendek*1hedr*n>, <-1hEdr*n> pos n. def a solid figure having 11 plane faces. See also {polyhedron}. hendecasyllable ety C18: via Latin from Greek hendekasullabos hendecasyllable 0. syl hen+dec:a+syl+la+ble pron <1hendek*2sil*bL> pos n. qual Prosody. def a verse line of 11 syllables. hendecasyllabic sub head hendecasyllable syl hen+dec:a+syl+lab+ic pron pos adj. hendiadys ety C16: from Medieval Latin, changed from Greek phrase hen dia duoin, literally: one through two hendiadys 0. syl hen+di:a+dys pron pos n. def a rhetorical device by which two nouns joined by a conjunction, usually are used instead of a noun and a modifier, as in instead of Jimi infl head Hendrix syl Jim:i. pos n. Hendrix 0. syl Hen+drix pron <1hendriks> pos n. def original name 1942-70, U.S. rock guitarist and vocalist, noted for his outrageous stage performances and his heavy, loud, acid-rock style. henequen ety C19: from American Spanish henequ*'en, probably of Taino origin henequin infl head henequen or heniquen syl hen+e:quin pron <1henikin> pos n. heniquen infl head henequen or henequin syl hen:i+quen pron <1henikin> pos n. henequen 1. syl hen+e:quen pron <1henikin> pos n. def an agave plant, that is native of Yucat*'an. henequen 2. syl hen+e:quen pron <1henikin> pos n. def the fibre of this plant, used in making rope, twine, and coarse fabrics. henge ety back formation from S#7tonehenge henge 0. syl henge pron pos n. def a circular area, often containing a circle of stones or sometimes wooden posts, dating from the Neolithic and Bronze Ages. Hengelo 0. syl Heng+e:lo pron Dutch <1heG*lo:> pos n. def a city in the E Netherlands, in Overijssel province on the Twente Canal: industrial centre, esp. for textiles. Pop.: 72062 (1973 est.). Hengist 0. syl Hen:gist pron <1heGgist> pos n. def died ??488 #7a.d., a leader, with his brother Horsa, of the first Jutish settlers in Britain; he is thought to have conquered Kent (??455). Heng-yang 0. syl Heng-yang pron <1heG1j@G> pos n. def a city in SE central China, in Hunan province on the Siang River. Pop.: 235000 (1953). hen harrier 0. syl hen har+ri+er pos n. def a common harrier, that flies over fields and marshes and nests in marshes and open land. U.S. names: {marsh hawk, marsh harrier}. henhouse 0. syl hen+house pron <1hen2haus> pos n. def a coop for hens. Sonja infl head Henie syl Son:ja pron <1scnj*> pos n. Henie 0. syl He:nie pron <1heni> pos n. def 1912-69, Norwegian figure-skater. Henley-on-Thames 0. syl Hen:ley-on-Thames pron <1henli> pos n. def a town in S England, in SE Oxfordshire on the River Thames: a riverside resort with an annual regatta. Pop.: 11402 (1971). Often shortened to {Henley}. henna ety C16: from Arabic hinn*_a' alcanna henna 1. syl hen+na pron <1hen*> pos n. def a lythraceous shrub or tree, of Asia and N Africa, with white or reddish fragrant flowers. henna 2. syl hen+na pron <1hen*> pos n. def a reddish dye obtained from the powdered leaves of this plant, used as a cosmetic and industrial dye. henna 3. syl hen+na pron <1hen*> pos n. def a reddish-brown or brown colour. {~} henna 4. syl hen+na pron <1hen*> pos n. mod tr. def to dye with henna. henna xref syl hen+na pron <1hen*> pos n. def Archaic name (for senses 1, 2): {camphire}. henneries infl head hennery syl hen+ner:ies. pos n. mod pl. hennery 0. syl hen+ner:y pron <1hen*ri> pos n. def a place or farm for keeping poultry. henotheism ety C19: from Greek heis one+ theos god henotheism 0. syl hen:o+the:ism pron <1hen*uTE2iz*m> pos n. def the worship of one deity (of several) as the special god of one's family, clan, or tribe. henotheist sub head henotheism syl hen:o+the:ist pos n. henotheistic sub head henotheism syl hen:o+the:1is+tic pos adj. hen party 0. syl hen par+ty pos n. qual Informal. def a party at which only women are present. Compare {stag party}. henpeck 0. syl hen+peck pron <1hen2pek> pos vb. mod tr. usage of a woman def to harass or torment (a man, esp. her husband) by persistent nagging. henpecked sub head henpeck syl hen+2pecked pos adj. Henrietta Maria 0. syl Hen:ri:et:ta Ma:ri:a pron <2henri1et*> pos n. def 1609-69, queen of England (1625-49), the wife of Charles I; daughter of Henry IV of France. Her Roman Catholicism contributed to the un?!popularity of the crown in the period leading to the Civil War. hen run 0. syl hen run pos n. def an enclosure for hens, esp. one made of chicken wire. henry ety C19: named after Joseph H#7enry henry infl syl hen+ry pos n. mod pl. henries infl head henry or henrys syl hen+ries pos n. mod pl. henrys infl head henry or henries syl hen+rys. pos n. mod pl. henry 0. syl hen+ry pron <1henri> pos n. def the derived SI unit of electric inductance; the inductance of a closed circuit in which an emf of 1 volt is produced when the current varies uniformly at the rate of 1 ampere per second. Symbol: H Joseph 1. head Henry syl Jo:seph. def 1797-1878, U.S. physicist. He discovered the principle of electromagnetic induction inde?!pendently of Faraday and constructed the first electromagnetic motor (1829). He also discovered self-induction and the oscillatory nature of electric discharges (1842). O 2. head Henry syl O. def See {O. Henry}. Patrick 3. head Henry syl Pat:rick. def 1736-99, American statesman and orator, a leading opponent of British rule during the War of American Independence. Henry I 0. syl Hen:ry I pos n. def 1068-1135, king of England (1100-35) and duke of Normandy (1106-35); son of William the Conqueror: crowned in the absence of his elder brother, Robert II, duke of Normandy; conquered Normandy (1106). Henry II 1. syl Hen:ry II pos n. def 1133-89, first Plantagenet king of England (1154-89): extended his Anglo-French domains and instituted judicial and financial reforms. His attempts to control the church were opposed by Becket. Henry II 2. syl Hen:ry II pos n. def 1519-59, king of France (1547-59); husband of Catherine de' Medici. He recovered Calais from the English (1558) and suppressed the Huguenots. Henry III 1. syl Hen:ry III pos n. def 1207-72, king of England (1216-72); son of John. His incompetent rule provoked the Baron's War (1264-65), during which he was captured by Simon de Montfort. Henry III 2. syl Hen:ry III pos n. def 1551-89, king of France (1574-89). He plotted the massacre of Huguenots on St. Bartholomew's Day (1572) with his mother Catherine de' Medici, thus exacerbating the religious wars in France. Henry IV 1. syl Hen:ry IV pos n. def 1050-1106, Holy Roman Emperor (1084-1105) and king of Germany (1056-1105). He was excommunicated by Pope Gregory VII, whom he deposed (1084). Henry IV 2. syl Hen:ry IV pos n. def surnamed 1367-1413, first Lancastrian king of England (1399-1413); son of John of Gaunt: deposed Richard II (1399) and suppressed rebellions led by Owen Glendower and Sir Henry Percy. Henry IV 3. syl Hen:ry IV pos n. def known as 1553-1610, first Bourbon king of France (1589-1610). He obtained toleration for the Huguenots with the Edict of Nantes (1598) and restored prosperity to France following the religious wars (1562-98). Henry V 0. syl Hen:ry V pos n. def 1387-1422, king of England (1413-22); son of Henry IV. He defeated the French at the Battle of Agincourt (1415), conquered Normandy (1419), and was recognized as heir to the French throne (1420). Henry VI 0. syl Hen:ry VI pos n. def 1421-71, last Lancastrian king of England (1422-61; 1470-71); son of Henry V. He suffered periods of insanity, which led to the loss by 1453 of all his possessions in France except Calais and to the Wars of the Roses (1455-85). He was deposed by Edward IV (1461) but was briefly restored to the throne (1470). Henry VII 0. syl Hen:ry VII pos n. def 1457-1509, first Tudor king of England (1485-1509). He came to the throne (1485) after defeating Richard III at the Battle of Bosworth Field, ending the Wars of the Roses. Royal power and the prosperity of the country greatly increased during his reign. Henry VIII 0. syl Hen:ry VIII pos n. def 1491-1547, king of England (1509-47); second son of Henry VII. His divorce from Catherine of Aragon and marriage to Anne Boleyn (1533) precipitated the Act of Su?!premacy, making Henry supreme head of the Church in England. Anne Boleyn was executed (1536) and Henry subsequently married Jane Seymour, Anne of Cleves, Catherine Howard, and Catherine Parr. His reign is also noted for the fame of his succession of advisers, Wolsey, Thomas More, and Thomas Cromwell. Henry's law ety C19: named after William Henry (1774-1836), English chemist Henry's law 0. syl Hen:ry's law pos n. qual Chem. def the principle that the amount of a gas dissolved at equilibrium in a given quantity of a liquid is proportional to the pressure of the gas in contact with the liquid. Robert infl head Henryson syl Rob:ert. pos n. Henryson 0. syl Hen:ry:son pron <1henrisN> pos n. def ??1430-??1506, Scottish poet. His works include (1593), a sequel to Chaucer's and the pastoral dialogue Henry the Navigator 0. syl Hen:ry the Nav:i+ga+tor pos n. def 1394-1460, prince of Portugal, noted for his patronage of Portuguese voyages of exploration of the W coast of Africa. Philip infl head Henslowe syl Phil:ip. pos n. Henslowe 0. syl Hens:lowe pron <1henzl*u> pos n. def died 1616, English theatre manager, noted also for his diary. hent ety Old English hentan to pursue; related to huntian to #7hunt hent 1. syl hent pron pos vb. mod tr. qual Archaic. def to seize; grasp. hent 2. syl hent pron pos n. qual Archaic. def anything that has been grasped, esp. by the mind. Hans Werner infl head Henze syl Hans Wer:ner pron pos n. Henze 0. syl Hen:ze pron German <1hents*> pos n. usage The Stag King 1956),; The Bassarids 1974), and; The Stag King 1956),; The Tedious Way to the Place of Natasha Ungeheuer 1970 def and the oratorio (1968). hepper infl head hep syl hep+per pos adj. heppest infl head hep syl hep+pest. pos adj. hep 0. syl hep pron pos adj. qual Slang. def an earlier word for { {hip%4}}. heparin ety C20: from Greek h*_epar the liver+-#7in heparin 0. syl hep:a+rin pron <1hep*rin> pos n. def a polysaccharide, containing sulphate groups, present in most body tissues: an anticoagulant used in the treatment of thrombosis. heparinoid sub head heparin syl hep:a+rin+2oid pos adj. hepatic ety C15: from Latin h*_epaticus, from Greek h*_epar liver hepatic 1. syl he+pat+ic pron pos adj. def of or relating to the liver. hepatic 2. syl he+pat+ic pron pos adj. qual Botany. def of or relating to the liverworts. hepatic 3. syl he+pat+ic pron pos adj. def having the colour of liver. hepatic 4. syl he+pat+ic pron pos n. def any of various drugs for use in treating diseases of the liver. hepatic 5. syl he+pat+ic pron pos n. def a less common name for a {liverwort}. hepatica ety C16: from Medieval Latin: liverwort, from Latin h*_epaticus of the liver hepatica 0. syl he+pat:i+ca pron pos n. def any ranunculaceous woodland plant of the N temperate genus having three-lobed leaves and white, mauve, or pink flowers. hepatitis 0. syl hep:a+ti+tis pron <2hep*1tItis> pos n. def inflammation of the liver. See also {infectious hepatitis, serum hepatitis}. hepato- ety from Greek h*_epat-, h*_epar Katharine infl head Hepburn syl Kath:a:rine. pos n. Hepburn 0. syl Hep:burn pron <1hep2bR:n> pos n. def born 1909, U.S. film actress, whose films include (1940), (1949), (1951), and (1968). hepcat 0. syl hep+cat pron <1hep2k@t> pos n. qual Obsolete slang. def a person who is hep, esp. a player or admirer of jazz and swing in the 1940s. Hephaistos alt head Hephaestus or Hephaestus syl He:phais:tos pron pos n. Hephaestus 0. or Hephaistos syl He:phaes:tus pron pos n. qual Greek myth. def the lame god of fire and metal-working. Roman counterpart: {Vulcan}. Hepplewhite ety C18: named after George Hepplewhite (died 1786), English cabinetmaker Hepplewhite 0. syl Hep:ple:white pron <1hepL2wIt> pos adj. def a style of ornamental and carved 18th-century English furniture, of which oval or shield-shaped open chairbacks are characteristic. hepta- ety from Greek heptad ety C17: from Greek heptas seven heptad 1. syl hep+tad pron <1hept@d> pos n. def a group or series of seven. heptad 2. syl hep+tad pron <1hept@d> pos n. def the number or sum of seven. heptad 3. syl hep+tad pron <1hept@d> pos n. def an atom or element with a valency of seven. heptadecanoic acid 0. syl hep+ta+de:ca+no+ic ac:id pron <2hept*2dek*1n*uik> pos n. def a colourless crystalline water-insoluble carboxylic acid used in organic synthesis. Formula: CH\3(CH\2)\1\5COOH. Also called: {margaric acid}. heptagon 0. syl hep+ta+gon pron <1hept*g*n> pos n. def a polygon having seven sides. heptagonal sub head heptagon syl hep+tag:o+nal pron pos adj. heptahedron 0. syl hep+ta+he+dron pron <2hept*1hEdr*n> pos n. def a solid figure having seven plane faces. See also {polyhedron}. heptahedral sub head heptahedron syl hep+ta+1he+dral pos adj. heptamerous 0. syl hep+tam+er+ous pron pos adj. usage esp. of plant parts such as petals or sepals def arranged in groups of seven. heptameter 0. syl hep+tam+e:ter pron pos n. qual Prosody. def a verse line of seven metrical feet. heptametrical sub head heptameter syl hep:ta+met+ri+cal pron <2hept*1metrikL> pos adj. heptane ety C19: from #7hepta -#7+ -#7ane, so called because it has seven carbon atoms heptane 0. syl hep+tane pron <1heptAn> pos n. def an alkane existing in eight isomeric forms, esp. the isomer with a straight chain of carbon atoms heptane), which is found in petroleum and used as an anaesthetic. Formula: CH\3(CH\2)\5CH\3 . heptangular 0. syl hep+tan+gu+lar pron pos adj. def having seven angles. heptarchies infl head heptarchy syl hep+tar+chies. pos n. mod pl. heptarchy 1. syl hep+tar+chy pron <1hepta:ki> pos n. def government by seven rulers. heptarchy 2. syl hep+tar+chy pron <1hepta:ki> pos n. def a state divided into seven regions each under its own ruler. heptarchy 3.a. syl hep+tar+chy pron <1hepta:ki> pos n. def the seven kingdoms into which Anglo-Saxon England is thought to have been divided from about the 7th to the 9th centuries #7a.d. : Kent, East Anglia, Essex, Sussex, Wessex, Mercia, and Northumbria. heptarchy 3.b. syl hep+tar+chy pron <1hepta:ki> pos n. def the period when this grouping existed. heptarch sub head heptarchy syl hep+tarch pos n. heptarchic sub head heptarchy or heptarchal syl hep+1tar+chic pos adj. heptarchal sub head heptarchy or heptarchic syl hep+1tar+chal pos adj. heptastich 0. syl hep+ta+stich pron <1hept*2stik> pos n. qual Prosody. def a poem, strophe, or stanza that consists of seven lines. Heptateuch ety C17: from Late Latin Heptateuchos, from Greek #7hepta -#7+ teukhos book Heptateuch 0. syl Hep+ta+teuch pron <1hept*2tju:k> pos n. def the first seven books of the Old Testament. heptavalent 0. syl hep+tav:a+lent pron , <2hept*1vAl*nt> pos adj. qual Chem. def having a valency of seven. Also: {septivalent}. heptose 0. syl hep+tose pron <1hept*us>, <-t*uz> pos n. def any monosaccharide that has seven carbon atoms per molecule. Hepworth 0. syl Hep:worth pron <1hepw*T> pos n. def Dame {Bar@.ba@.ra}. 1903-75, English sculptress of abstract works. her ety Old English hire, genitive and dative of h*_eo #7she, feminine of h*_e #7{he %1}; related to Old High German ira, Gothic iz*_os, Middle Dutch hare #e Usage. See at me. her 1. syl her pron , , <*> pos pron. usage objective def refers to a female person or animal. exam 1 he loves her; exam 2 they sold her a bag; exam 3 something odd about her; exam 4 lucky her&! her 2. syl her pron , , <*> pos pron. usage objective def refers to things personified as feminine or traditionally to ships and nations. her 3. syl her pron , , <*> pos pron. qual Chiefly U.S. usage objective def a dialect word for {herself} when used as an indirect object. exam 1 she needs to get her a better job. her 4. syl her pron , , <*> pos determiner. usage objective def of, belonging to, or associated with her. exam 1 her silly ideas; exam 2 her hair; exam 3 her smoking annoys me. her 1. syl her. qual abbrev. for: def heraldic. her 2. syl her. qual abbrev. for: def heraldry. Here alt head Hera or Hera syl He:re pron <1hi*r*> pos n. Hera 0. or Here syl He:ra pron <1hi*r*> pos n. qual Greek myth. def the queen of the Olympian gods and sister and wife of Zeus. Roman counterpart: {Juno}. Heraclea 0. syl Her:a+cle:a pron <2her*1klE*> pos n. def any of several ancient Greek colonies. The most famous is the S Italian site where Pyrrhus of Epirus defeated the Romans (280 #7b.c.) #7. Herakles alt head Heracles or Heracles syl Her:a:kles pron <1her*2klEz> pos n. Heracles 0. or Herakles syl Her:a:cles pron <1her*2klEz> pos n. def the usual name (in Greek) for {Hercules}. Heraclean sub head Heracles or Heraklean syl Her:a+1cle:an pos adj. Heraklean sub head Heracles or Heraclean syl Her:a+1kle:an pos adj. Heraklid alt head Heraclid or Heraclid syl Her:a+klid pron <1her*klid> pos n. Heraclidae infl head Heraclid or Heraklidae syl Her:a+cli+dae pron <2her*1klIdE> pos n. mod pl. Heraklidae infl head Heraclid or Heraclidae syl Her:a+kli+dae pron <2her*1klIdE> pos n. mod pl. Heraclid 0. or Heraklid syl Her:a+clid pron <1her*klid> pos n. def any person claiming descent from Hercules, esp. one of the Dorian aristocrats of Sparta. Heraclidan sub head Heraclid or Heraklidan syl Her:a+cli+dan pron <2her*1klIdN> pos adj. Heraklidan sub head Heraclid or Heraclidan syl Her:a+kli+dan pron <2her*1klIdN> pos adj. Heraclitus 0. syl Her:a:cli:tus pron <2her*1klIt*s> pos n. def ??535-??475 #7b.c., Greek philosopher, who held that fire is the primordial substance of the universe and that all things are in perpetual flux. Heraklion alt head Herakleion or Herakleion syl He+ra+kli+on pron Greek pos n. Herakleion 0. or Heraklion syl He+ra+klei+on pron Greek pos n. def variants of {Ir*'aklion}. herald ety C14: from Old French herault, of Germanic origin; compare Old English here war; see #7wield herald 1.a. syl her+ald pron <1her*ld> pos n. def a person who announces important news. herald 1.b. syl her+ald pron <1her*ld> pos n. usage as modifier exam 1 herald angels. herald 2. syl her+ald pron <1her*ld> pos n. qual Often literary. def a forerunner; harbinger. herald 3. syl her+ald pron <1her*ld> pos n. def the intermediate rank of heraldic officer, between king-of-arms and pursuivant. herald 4. syl her+ald pron <1her*ld> pos n. usage in the Middle Ages def an official at a tournament. herald 5. syl her+ald pron <1her*ld> pos vb. mod tr. def to announce publicly. herald 6. syl her+ald pron <1her*ld> pos vb. mod tr. def to precede or usher in. heraldic 1. syl he+ral+dic pron pos adj. def of or relating to heraldry. heraldic 2. syl he+ral+dic pron pos adj. def of or relating to heralds. heraldically sub head heraldic syl he+1ral+di+cal+ly pos adv. heraldries infl head heraldry syl her+ald+ries. pos n. mod pl. heraldry 1. syl her+ald+ry pron <1her*ldri> pos n. def the occupation or study concerned with the classification of armorial bearings, the allocation of rights to bear arms, the tracing of genealogies, etc. heraldry 2. syl her+ald+ry pron <1her*ldri> pos n. def the duties and pursuit of a herald. heraldry 3. syl her+ald+ry pron <1her*ldri> pos n. def armorial bearings, insignia, devices, etc. heraldry 4. syl her+ald+ry pron <1her*ldri> pos n. def heraldic symbols or symbolism. heraldry 5. syl her+ald+ry pron <1her*ldri> pos n. def the show and ceremony of heraldry. heraldist sub head heraldry syl her+ald+ist pos n. heralds' college 0. syl her+alds' col+lege pos n. def another name for {college of arms}. Herat 0. syl He+rat pron pos n. def a city in NW Afghanistan, on the Hari Rud River: on the site of several ancient cities; at its height as a cultural centre in the 15th century. Pop.: 108750 (1973 est.). H'erault 0. syl H*'e+rault pron French pos n. def a department of S France, in Languedoc region. Capital: Montpellier. Pop.: 658858 (1975). Area: 6224 sq. km (2427 sq. miles). herb ety C13: from Old French herbe, from Latin herba grass, green plants herb 1. syl herb pron , U.S. pos n. def a seed-bearing plant whose aerial parts do not persist above ground at the end of the growing season; herbaceous plant. herb 2.a. syl herb pron , U.S. pos n. def any of various usually aromatic plants, such as parsley, rue, and rosemary, that are used in cookery and medicine. herb 2.b. syl herb pron , U.S. pos n. usage as modifier exam 1 a herb garden. herblike sub head herb syl herb+2like pos adj. herbaceous 1. syl her+ba+ceous pron pos adj. def designating or relating to plants or plant parts that are fleshy as opposed to woody. exam 1 a herbaceous plant. herbaceous 2. syl her+ba+ceous pron pos adj. usage of petals and sepals def green and leaflike. herbaceous 3. syl her+ba+ceous pron pos adj. def of or relating to herbs. herbaceously sub head herbaceous syl her+1ba+ceous+ly pos adv. herbaceous border 0. syl her+ba+ceous bor+der pos n. def a flower bed that primarily contains perennials rather than annuals. herbage 1. syl herb+age pron <1hR:biJ> pos n. def herbaceous plants collectively, esp. the edible parts on which cattle, sheep, etc., graze. herbage 2. syl herb+age pron <1hR:biJ> pos n. def the vegetation of pasture land; pasturage. herbal 1. syl herb+al pron <1hR:bL> pos adj. def of or relating to herbs. {~} herbal 2. syl herb+al pron <1hR:bL> pos adj. def a book describing and listing the properties of plants. herbalist 1. syl herb+al+ist pron <1hR:bList> pos n. def a person who grows, collects, sells, or specializes in the use of herbs, esp. medicinal herbs. herbalist 2. syl herb+al+ist pron <1hR:bList> pos n. usage formerly def a descriptive botanist. herbariums infl head herbarium or herbariia syl her+bar+i:ums pron <-i*> pos n. mod pl. herbariia infl head herbarium or herbariums syl her+bar+i:i:a pron <-i*> pos n. mod pl. herbarium 1. syl her+bar+i:um pron pos n. def a collection of dried plants that are mounted and classified systematically. herbarium 2. syl her+bar+i:um pron pos n. def a building, room, etc., in which such a collection is kept. herbarial sub head herbarium syl her+1bar+i:al pos adj. herb bennet ety from Old French herbe benoite, literally: blessed herb, from Medieval Latin herba benedicta herb bennet 0. syl herb ben+net pos n. def a Eurasian and N African rosaceous plant, with yellow flowers. Also called: {wood avens, bennet}. herb Christopher ety C16: named after St. Christopher herbs Christopher infl head herb Christopher syl herbs Chris:to:pher. pos n. mod pl. herb Christopher 0. syl herb Chris:to:pher pos n. def another name for {baneberry}. George infl head Herbert syl George. pos n. Herbert 0. syl Her:bert pron <1hR:b*t> pos n. def 1593-1633, English Metaphysical poet. His chief work is (1633). herb Gerard ety C16: named after St. Gerard (feast day April 23), who was invoked by those suffering from gout herbs Gerard infl head herb Gerard syl herbs Ge:rard. pos n. mod pl. herb Gerard 0. syl herb Ge:rard pos n. def another name for {goutweed}. herbicide 0. syl herb:i+cide pron <1hR:bi2sId> pos n. def a chemical that destroys plants, esp. one used to control weeds. herbicidal sub head herbicide syl her+bi+1cid+al pos adj. herbivore ety C19: from New Latin herbivora grass-eaters herbivore 0. syl her+bi+vore pron <1hR:bi2vc:> pos n. def an animal that feeds on grass and other plants. herbivorous sub head herbivore syl her+biv:o+rous pron pos adj. herbivorously sub head herbivore syl her+1biv:o+rous+ly pos adv. herbivorousness sub head herbivore syl her+1biv:o+rous+ness pos n. herb of grace 0. syl herb of grace pos n. def an archaic name for {rue} (the plant). herb Paris ety C16: from Medieval Latin herba paris, literally: herb of a pair: so called because the four leaves on the stalk look like a true lovers' knot; associated in folk etymology with Paris, France herbs Paris infl head herb Paris syl herbs Par+is. pos n. mod pl. herb Paris 0. syl herb Par+is pos n. def a Eurasian woodland plant, with a whorl of four leaves and a solitary yellow flower: formerly used medicinally: family herb Robert ety C13: from Medieval Latin herba Roberti herb of Robert, probably named after St. Robert, 11th-century French ecclesiastic herbs Robert infl head herb Robert syl herbs Rob:ert. pos n. mod pl. herb Robert 0. syl herb Rob:ert pos n. def a low-growing N temperate geraniaceous plant, with strongly scented divided leaves and small purplish flowers. herbier infl head herby syl herb:i+er pos adj. herbiest infl head herby syl herb:i+est. pos adj. herby 1. syl herb:y pron <1hR:bi> pos adj. def abounding in herbs. herby 2. syl herb:y pron <1hR:bi> pos adj. def of or relating to medicinal or culinary herbs. Hercegovina 0. syl Her+ce+go+vi+na pron Serbo-Croatian <1hertse2gcvina> pos n. def a variant spelling of {Herzegovina}. Herculaneum 0. syl Her+cu+la+ne:um pron <2hR:kju1lAni*m> pos n. def an ancient city in SW Italy, of marked Greek character, on the S slope of Vesuvius: buried along with Pompeii by an eruption of the volcano (79 #7b.c.) #7. Excavation has uncovered well preserved streets, houses, etc. herculean 1. syl her+cu+le:an pron <2hR:kju1lE*n> pos adj. def requiring tremendous effort, strength, etc.. exam 1 a herculean task. herculean 2. syl her+cu+le:an pron <2hR:kju1lE*n> pos adj. usage sometimes cap. def resembling Hercules in strength, courage, etc. Heracles infl head Hercules or Herakles syl Her:a:cles pos n. Herakles infl head Hercules or Heracles syl Her:a:kles pos n. Hercules H1.1. syl Her:cu:les pron <1hR:kju2lEz> pos n. def Also called: {Alcides}. a hero noted for his great strength, courage, and for the performance of twelve immense labours. Hercules H1.2. syl Her:cu:les pron <1hR:kju2lEz> pos n. def a man of outstanding strength or size. Herculean sub head Hercules syl Her+cu+1le:an pos adj. Heraclean sub head Hercules or Heraklean syl Her:a+1cle:an pos adj. Heraklean sub head Hercules or Heraclean syl Her:a+1kle:an pos adj. Herculeis infl head Hercules syl Her+cu+le:is pron <2hR:kju?!1lEis> pos n. qual Latin genitive Hercules H2.1. syl Her+cu+les pron <1hR:kju2lEz> pos n. def a large constellation in the N hemisphere lying between Lyra and Corona Borealis. Hercules H2.2. syl Her+cu+les pron <1hR:kju2lEz> pos n. def a conspicuous crater in the NW quadrant of the moon, about 70 kilometres in diameter. hercules beetle 0. syl her+cu+les bee+tle pos n. def a very large tropical American scarabaeid beetle, the male has two large anterior curved horns. Hercules'-club 1. syl Her:cu:les'-club pos n. def a prickly North American araliaceous shrub, with medicinal bark and leaves. Hercules'-club 2. syl Her:cu:les'-club pos n. def a prickly North American rutaceous tree, with medicinal bark and berries. Hercynian ety C16: from Latin Hercynia silva the Hercynian forest (i.e., the wooded mountains of central Germany, esp. the Erzgebirge) Hercynian 0. syl Her+cyn+i:an pron pos adj. def denoting a period of mountain building in Europe in the late Palaeozoic. herd ety Old English heord; related to Old Norse hj*"orth, Gothic hairda, Old High German herta, Greek k*'orthus troop herd 1. syl herd pron pos n. def a large group of mammals living and feeding together, esp. a group of cattle, sheep, etc. herd 2. syl herd pron pos n. qual Often disparaging. def a large group of people. the 3. head herd syl the. qual Derogatory. def the large mass of ordinary people. herd 4.a. syl herd pron pos n. qual Archaic or dialect. def a man or boy who tends livestock. herd 4.b. syl herd pron pos n. usage in combination exam 1 goatherd; exam 2 swineherd. herd 5. syl herd pron pos vb. def to collect or be collected into or as if into a herd. herd 6. syl herd pron pos vb. mod tr. def to drive forward in a large group. herd 7. syl herd pron pos vb. mod tr. def to look after (livestock). herd-book 0. syl herd-book pos n. def a book containing the pedigrees of breeds of pigs, cattle, etc. herder 0. syl herd+er pron <1hR:d*> pos n. qual Chiefly U.S. def a person who cares for or drives herds of cattle or flocks of sheep, esp. on an open range. Brit. equivalent: {herdsman}. Johann Gottfried von infl head Herder syl Jo:hann Gott:fried von pron <1jo:han> <1gctfrEt> pos n. Herder 0. syl Her:der pron German <1herd*r> pos n. def 1744-1803, German philosopher, critic, and poet, the leading figure in the movement in German literature. His chief work is (1784-91). herdic ety C19: named after P. Herdic, 19th-century American inventor herdic 0. syl her+dic pron <1hR:dik> pos n. qual U.S. def a small horse-drawn carriage with a rear entrance and side seats. herd instinct 0. syl herd in+stinct pos n. qual Psychol. def the inborn tendency to associate with others and follow the group's behaviour. herdsmen infl head herdsman syl herds+men. pos n. mod pl. herdsman 0. syl herds+man pron <1hR:dzm*n> pos n. qual Chiefly Brit. def a person who breeds, rears, or cares for cattle or (rarely) other livestock in the herd. U.S. equivalent: {herder}. Herdwick ety C19: from obsolete herdwick pasture, sheep farm (see #7herd (sense 4), #7{wick %2}); the breed is thought to have originated on the herdwicks of Furness Abbey Herdwick 0. syl Herd+wick pron <1hR:dwik> pos n. def a hardy breed of coarse-woolled sheep from NW England. here ety Old English h*_er; related to Old Norse h*_er, Old High German hiar, Old Saxon h*_ir here 1. syl here pron pos adv. def in, at, or to this place, point, case, or respect. exam 1 we come here every summer; exam 2 here, the policemen have no guns; exam 3 here comes Roy. here and there 2. head here syl here and there. def at several places in or throughout an area. here goes 3. head here syl here goes. def an exclamation indicating that the speaker is about to perform an action. here's to 4. head here syl here's to. def a formula used in proposing a toast to someone or something. here we go again 5. head here syl here we go again. def an event or process is about to repeat itself. neither here nor there 6. head here syl neither here nor there. def of no relevance or impor?!tance. this here 7. head here syl this here. def See { {this} (senses 1-3)}. hereabout alt head hereabouts or hereabouts syl here+a:bout pos adv. hereabouts 0. or hereabout syl here+a:bouts pron <1hi*r*2bauts> pos adv. def in this region or neighbourhood; near this place. hereafter 1. syl here+af:ter pron <2hi*r1a:ft*> pos adv. qual Formal or law. def in a subsequent part of this document, matter, case, etc. hereafter 2. syl here+af:ter pron <2hi*r1a:ft*> pos adv. def a less common word for {henceforth}. hereafter 3. syl here+af:ter pron <2hi*r1a:ft*> pos adv. def at some time in the future. hereafter 4. syl here+af:ter pron <2hi*r1a:ft*> pos adv. def in a future life after death. hereafter 5. syl here+af:ter pron <2hi*r1a:ft*> pos n. usage usually preceded by the def life after death. hereafter 6. syl here+af:ter pron <2hi*r1a:ft*> pos n. usage usually preceded by the def the future. hereat 0. syl here+at pron <2hi*r1@t> pos adv. qual Archaic. def because of this. hereby 1. syl here+by pron <2hi*1bI> pos adv. usage used in official statements, proclamations, etc. def by means of or as a result of this. hereby 2. syl here+by pron <2hi*1bI> pos adv. qual Archaic. def nearby. heredes 0. syl he+re:des pron pos n. def the plural of {heres}. hereditable 0. syl he+red:i+ta:ble pron pos adj. def a less common word for {heritable}. hereditability sub head hereditable syl he+2red:i+ta:1bil+i:ty pos n. hereditably sub head hereditable syl he+1red:i+ta:bly pos adv. hereditament 1. syl her+e:dit:a+ment pron <2heri1dit*m*nt> pos n. qual Property law. def any kind of property capable of being inherited. hereditament 2. syl her+e:dit:a+ment pron <2heri1dit*m*nt> pos n. qual Property law. def property that before 1926 passed to an heir if not otherwise disposed of by will. hereditarianism 0. syl he+red:i+tar:i+an+ism pron pos n. qual Psychol. def a school of thought that emphasizes the influence of heredity in the determination of human behaviour. Compare {environmentalism}. hereditary 1. syl he+red:i+tar:y pron , <-tri> pos adj. def of, relating to, or denot?!ing factors that can be transmitted genetically from one generation to another. hereditary 2.a. syl he+red:i+tar:y pron , <-tri> pos adj. def descending or capable of descending to succeeding generations by inheritance. hereditary 2.b. syl he+red:i+tar:y pron , <-tri> pos adj. def transmitted or transmissible according to established rules of descent. hereditary 3. syl he+red:i+tar:y pron , <-tri> pos adj. def derived from one's ancestors; traditional. exam 1 hereditary feuds. hereditarily sub head hereditary syl he+1red:i+tar:i+ly pos adv. hereditariness sub head hereditary syl he+1red:i+tar:i+ness pos n. hereditist 0. syl he+red:i+tist pron pos n. def any person who places the role of heredity above that of the environment as the determining factor in human or animal behaviour. heredity ety C16: from Old French heredite, from Latin h*_er*_edit*_as inheritance; see #7heir heredities infl head heredity syl he+red+i:ties. pos n. mod pl. heredity 1. syl he+red+i:ty pron pos n. def the transmission from one generation to another of genetic factors that determine individual characteristics: responsible for the resemblances between parents and offspring. heredity 2. syl he+red+i:ty pron pos n. def the sum total of the inherited factors or their characteristics in an organism. Hereford 1. syl Her+e:ford pron <1herif*d> pos n. def a city in W England, in Hereford and Worcester county on the River Wye: trading centre for agricultural produce. Pop.: 46503 (1971). Hereford 2. syl Her+e:ford pron <1herif*d> pos n. def a hardy breed of beef cattle characterized by a red body, red and white head, and white markings. Hereford and Worcester 0. syl Her+e:ford and Worces+ter pos n. def a county of the W Midlands of England, formed in 1974 from the two former separate counties minus a small area of NW Worcestershire. Adminis?!trative centre: Worcester. Pop.: 594200 (1976 est.). Area: 3965 sq. km (1531 sq. miles). Herefordshire 0. syl Her+e:ford+shire pron <1herif*d2Si*>, <-S*> pos n. def a former county of W England, since 1974 part of Hereford and Worcester: drained chiefly by the River Wye: important agriculturally (esp. for fruit and cattle). herein 1. syl here+in pron <2hi*r1in> pos adv. qual Formal or law. def in or into this place, thing, document, etc. herein 2. syl here+in pron <2hi*r1in> pos adv. qual Rare. def in this respect, circumstance, etc. hereinafter 0. syl here+in+af:ter pron <2hi*rin1a:ft*> pos adv. qual Formal or law. def in a subsequent part or from this point on in this document, statement, etc. hereinbefore 0. syl here+in+be:fore pron <2hi*rinbi1fc:> pos adv. qual Formal or law. def in a previous part of or previously in this document, statement, etc. hereinto 0. syl here+in:to pron <2hi*r1intu:> pos adv. qual Formal or law. def into this place, circumstance, etc. hereof 0. syl here+of pron <2hi*r1ov> pos adv. qual Formal or law. def of or concerning this. hereon 0. syl here+on pron <2hi*r1on> pos adv. def an archaic word for {hereupon}. Hero infl head Herero or Heros syl He+ro pos n. mod pl. Heros infl head Herero or Hero syl He+ros pos n. mod pl. Herero 1. syl He+re:ro pron , <1he*r*2r*u> pos n. def a member of a formerly rich cattle-keeping Negroid people of southern Africa, living chiefly in central Namibia. Herero 2. syl He+re:ro pron , <1he*r*2r*u> pos n. def the language of this people, belonging to the Bantu group of the Niger-Congo family. heres ety from Latin haeres alt head heres or heres syl hae+res pron <1hi*rEz> pos n. heredes infl head heres or haeredes syl he+re:des pron pos n. mod pl. haeredes infl head heres or heredes syl hae+re:des pron pos n. mod pl. heres 0. or haeres syl he+res pron <1hi*rEz> pos n. qual Civil law. def an heir. heresiarch 0. syl he+re:si+arch pron pos n. def the leader or originator of a heretical movement or sect. heresy ety C13: from Old French eresie, from Late Latin haeresis, from Latin: sect, from Greek hairesis a choosing, from hairein to choose heresies infl head heresy syl her+e:sies. pos n. mod pl. heresy 1.a. syl her+e:sy pron <1her*si> pos n. def an opinion or doctrine contrary to the orthodox tenets of a religious body or church. heresy 1.b. syl her+e:sy pron <1her*si> pos n. def the act of maintaining such an opinion or doctrine. heresy 2. syl her+e:sy pron <1her*si> pos n. def any opinion or belief that is or is thought to be contrary to official or established theory. heresy 3. syl her+e:sy pron <1her*si> pos n. def belief in or adherence to unorthodox opinion. heretic 1. syl her+e:tic pron <1her*tik> pos n. qual Now chiefly R.C. Church. def a person who maintains beliefs contrary to the established teachings of his Church. heretic 2. syl her+e:tic pron <1her*tik> pos n. def a person who holds unorthodox opinions in any field. heretical sub head heretic syl he+ret:i+cal pron pos adj. heretically sub head heretic syl he+1ret:i+cal+ly pos adv. hereto 1. syl here+to pron <2hi*1tu:> pos adv. qual Formal or law. def to this place, thing, matter, document, etc. hereto 2. syl here+to pron <2hi*1tu:> pos adv. def an obsolete word for {hitherto}. heretofore 1. syl here+to+fore pron <2hi*tu1fc:> pos adv. qual Formal or law. def until now; before this time. heretofore 2. syl here+to+fore pron <2hi*tu1fc:> pos adj. qual Obsolete. def previous; former. heretofore 3. syl here+to+fore pron <2hi*tu1fc:> pos n. qual Archaic. usage preceded by the def the past. hereunder 1. syl here+un:der pron <2hi*r1^nd*> pos adv. qual Formal or law. usage in documents, etc. def below this; subsequently; hereafter. hereunder 2. syl here+un:der pron <2hi*r1^nd*> pos adv. qual Formal or law. def under the terms or authority of this. hereunto 0. syl here+un:to pron <2hi*r^n1tu:> pos adv. def an archaic word for {hereto} (sense 1). hereupon 1. syl here+up:on pron <2hi*r*1pon> pos adv. def following immediately after this; at this stage. hereupon 2. syl here+up:on pron <2hi*r*1pon> pos adv. qual Formal or law. def upon this thing, point, subject, etc. Hereward 0. syl He:re:ward pron <1heriw*d> pos n. def called 11th-century Anglo-Saxon rebel, who defended the Isle of Ely against William the Conqueror (1070-71): a subject of many legends. herewith 1. syl here+with pron <2hi*1wi@d>, <-1wiT> pos adv. qual Rare or formal. def together with this. exam 1 we send you herewith your statement of account. herewith 2. syl here+with pron <2hi*1wi@d>, <-1wiT> pos adv. def a less common word for {hereby} (sense 1). heriot ety Old English heregeatwa, from here army+ geatwa equipment heriot 0. syl her:i+ot pron <1heri*t> pos n. usage in medieval England def a death duty paid by villeins and free tenants to their lord, often consisting of the dead man's best beast or chattel. Herisau 0. syl He+ri+sau pron German <1hA:rizau> pos n. def a town in NE Switzerland, capital of Appenzell Outer Rhodes demicanton. Pop.: 14597 (1970). heritable ety C14: from Old French, from heriter to #7inherit heritable 1. syl her+it+a:ble pron <1herit*bL> pos adj. def capable of being inherited; inheritable. heritable 2. syl her+it+a:ble pron <1herit*bL> pos adj. qual Chiefly law. def capable of inheriting. heritability sub head heritable syl her+it+a:1bil+i:ty pos n. heritably sub head heritable syl her+it+a:bly pos adv. heritage ety C13: from Old French; see #7heir heritage 1. syl her+it+age pron <1heritiJ> pos n. def something inherited at birth, such as personal characteristics, status, and possessions. heritage 2. syl her+it+age pron <1heritiJ> pos n. def anything that has been transmitted from the past or handed down by tradition. heritage 3. syl her+it+age pron <1heritiJ> pos n. def something that is reserved for a particu?!lar person or group or the outcome of an action, way of life, etc.. exam 1 the sea was their heritage; exam 2 the heritage of violence. heritage 4. syl her+it+age pron <1heritiJ> pos n. qual Law. def any property, esp. land, that by law has descended or may descend to an heir. heritage 5.a. syl her+it+age pron <1heritiJ> pos n. def the Israelites regarded as belonging inalienably to God. heritage 5.b. syl her+it+age pron <1heritiJ> pos n. def the land of Canaan regarded as God's gift to the Israelites. heritor 0. syl her:i+tor pron <1herit*> pos n. qual Archaic or law. def a person who inherits; inheritor. heritress sub head heritor or heritrix syl her:i+tress pron <1heritris> pos n. mod fem. heritrix sub head heritor or heritress syl her:i+trix pos n. mod fem. herl ety C15: from Middle Low German herle, of obscure origin harl alt head herl or herl syl harl pos n. herl 1. or harl syl herl pron pos n. qual Angling. def the barb or barbs of a feather, used to dress fishing flies. herl 2. or harl syl herl pron pos n. qual Angling. def an artificial fly dressed with such barbs. herm ety C16: from Latin herma, from Greek herm*_es H#7ermes herma alt head herm or herm syl her+ma pron <1hR:mE> pos n. herms infl head herm syl herms pron <1hR:mE> pos n. mod pl. hermae infl head herm or hermai syl her+mae pron <1hR:mE> pos n. mod pl. hermai infl head herm or hermae syl her+mai pron <1hR:mI> pos n. mod pl. herm 0. or herma syl herm pron pos n. usage in ancient Greece def a stone head of Hermes surmounting a square stone pillar. Hermannstadt 0. syl Her+mann+stadt pron <1herman2Stat> pos n. def the German name for {Sibiu}. hermaphrodite ety C15: from Latin hermaphrod*_itus, from Greek, after H#7ermaphroditus hermaphrodite 1. syl her+maph+ro+dite pron pos n. qual Biology. def an individual animal or flower that has both male and female reproductive organs. hermaphrodite 2. syl her+maph+ro+dite pron pos n. def a person having both male and female sexual characteristics and genital tissues. hermaphrodite 3. syl her+maph+ro+dite pron pos n. def a person or thing in which two opposite forces or qualities are combined. hermaphrodite 4. syl her+maph+ro+dite pron pos adj. def having the characteristics of an hermaphrodite. hermaphroditic sub head hermaphrodite or hermaphroditical syl her+2maph+ro+1dit+ic pos adj. hermaphroditical sub head hermaphrodite or hermaphroditic syl her+2maph+ro+1dit:i+cal pos adj. hermaphroditically sub head hermaphrodite syl her+2maph+ro+1dit:i+cal+ly pos adv. hermaphrodite brig 0. syl her+maph+ro+dite brig pos n. def a sailing vessel with two masts, rigged square on the foremast and fore-and-aft on the aftermast. Also called: {brigantine}. Hermaphroditus 0. syl Her:maph:ro:di:tus pron pos n. qual Greek myth. def a son of Hermes and Aphrodite who merged with the nymph Salmacis to form one body. hermeneutical alt head hermeneutic or hermeneutic syl her+me:neu+ti+cal pos adj. hermeneutic 1. or hermeneutical syl her+me:neu+tic pron <2hR:mi1nju:tik> pos adj. def of or relating to the interpretation of Scripture; using or relating to hermeneutics. hermeneutic 2. or hermeneutical syl her+me:neu+tic pron <2hR:mi1nju:tik> pos adj. def interpretive. hermeneutically sub head hermeneutic syl her+me:1neu+ti+cal+ly pos adv. hermeneutist sub head hermeneutic syl her+me:1neu+tist pos n. hermeneutics ety C18: from Greek herm*_eneutikos expert in interpre?!tation, from herm*_eneuein to interpret, from herm*_eneus interpreter, of uncertain origin hermeneutics 1. syl her+me:neu+tics pron <2hR:mi1nju:tiks> pos n. mod functioning as; sing. def the science of interpretation, esp. of Scripture. hermeneutics 2. syl her+me:neu+tics pron <2hR:mi1nju:tiks> pos n. mod functioning as; sing. def the branch of theology that deals with the principles and methodology of exegesis. Hermes H1.0. syl Her:mes pron <1hR:mEz> pos n. qual Greek myth. def the messenger and herald of the gods; the divinity of commerce, cunning, theft, travellers, and rascals. He was represented as wearing winged sandals. Roman counterpart: {Mercury}. Hermes H2.0. syl Her+mes pron <1hR:mEz> pos n. def a small asteroid that passes within 353000 kilometres of the earth. Hermes Trismegistus ety Greek: Hermes thrice-greatest Hermes Trismegistus 0. syl Her:mes Tris:me:gis:tus pron <2trism*1Jist*s> pos n. def a Greek name for the Egyptian god Thoth, credited with various works on mysticism and magic. hermetic ety C17: from Medieval Latin herm*_eticus belonging to H#7ermes T#7rismegistus, traditionally the inventor of a magic seal hermetical alt head hermetic or hermetic syl her+met:i+cal pos adj. hermetic 0. or hermetical syl her+met+ic pron pos adj. def sealed so as to be airtight. hermetically sub head hermetic syl her+1met:i+cal+ly pos adv. Hermetic 1. syl Her+met+ic pron pos adj. def of or relating to Hermes Trismegistus or the writings and teachings ascribed to him. Hermetic 2. syl Her+met+ic pron pos adj. def of or relating to ancient science, esp. alchemy. hermit ety C13: from Old French hermite, from Late Latin er*_em*_ita, from Greek er*_emit*_es living in the desert, from er*_emia desert, from er*_emos lonely hermit 1. syl her+mit pron <1hR:mit> pos n. def one of the early Christian recluses. hermit 2. syl her+mit pron <1hR:mit> pos n. def any person living in solitude. hermitic sub head hermit or hermitical syl her+1mit+ic pos adj. hermitical sub head hermit or hermitic syl her+1mit:i+cal pos adj. hermitically sub head hermit syl her+1mit:i+cal:ly pos adv. hermit-like sub head hermit syl her:mit-?!2like pos adj. hermitage 1. syl her+mit+age pron <1hR:mitiJ> pos n. def the abode of a hermit. hermitage 2. syl her+mit+age pron <1hR:mitiJ> pos n. def any place where a person may live in seclusion; retreat. Hermithe infl head Hermitage syl Her+mi+the. pos n. Hermitage H1.0. syl Her+mi+tage pron <1hR:mitiJ> pos n. def an art museum in Leningrad, originally a palace built by Catherine the Great. Hermitage H2.0. syl Her+mit+age pron <1hR:mitiJ> pos n. def a full-bodied red or white wine from the Rh*^one valley at Tain-l'Ermitage, in SE France. hermit crab 0. syl her+mit crab pos n. def any small soft-bodied decapod crustacean of the genus and related genera, living in and carrying about the empty shells of whelks or similar molluscs. Hermitian conjugate ety C19: after Charles Hermite (1822-1901), French mathematician Hermitian conjugate 0. syl Her+mit+i:an con+ju+gate pron pos n. qual Maths. def a matrix that is the transpose of the matrix of the complex conjugates of the entries of a given matrix. Also called: {adjoint}. Hermitian matrix ety C20: after Charles Hermite (1822-1901), French mathematician Hermitian matrix 0. syl Her+mit+i:an ma+trix pos n. qual Maths. def a matrix whose transpose is equal to the matrix of the complex conjugates of its entries. Mount infl head Hermon syl Mount. pos n. Hermon 0. syl Her+mon pron <1hR:m*n> pos n. def a mountain on the border between Lebanon and SW Syria, in the Anti-Lebanon Range: represent?!ed the NE limits of Israeli conquests under Moses and Joshua. Height: 2830 m (9286 ft.). Hermosillo 0. syl Her+mo+si+llo pron Spanish <2Armo1si$yo> pos n. def a city in NW Mexico, capital of Sonora state, on the Sonora River: university (1938); winter resort and commercial centre for an agricultural and mining region. Pop.: 247887 (1975 est.). Hermoupolis 0. syl Her+mou+po+lis pron pos n. def a port in Greece, capital of Cyclades department, on the E coast of Syros Island. Pop.: 13502 (1971). hern 0. syl hern pron pos n. def an archaic or dialect word for {heron}. Herne 0. syl Her+ne pron German <1hern*> pos n. def an industrial city in W West Germany, in North Rhine-Westphalia, in the Ruhr on the Rhine-Herne Canal. Pop.: 102229 (1974 est.). hernia ety C14: from Latin hernias infl head hernia or herniae syl her+ni:as pron <-ni2E> pos n. mod pl. herniae infl head hernia or hernias syl her+ni:ae pron <-ni2E> pos n. mod pl. hernia 0. syl her+ni:a pron <1hR:ni*> pos n. def the projection of an organ or part through the lining of the cavity in which it is normally situated, esp. the protrusion of intestine through the front wall of the abdominal cavity. It is caused by muscular strain, injury, etc. Also called: {rupture}. hernial sub head hernia syl her+ni:al pos adj. herniated sub head hernia syl her+ni+2at+ed pos adj. herniorrhaphies infl head herniorrhaphy syl her+ni+or+rha+phies. pos n. mod pl. herniorrhaphy 0. syl her+ni+or+rha+phy pron <2hR:ni1or*fi> pos n. def surgical repair of a hernia by means of a suturing operation. hero ety C14: from Latin h*_er*_os, from Greek heroes infl head hero syl he:roes. pos n. mod pl. hero 1. syl he:ro pron <1hi*r*u> pos n. def a man distinguished by exceptional courage, nobility, fortitude, etc. hero 2. syl he:ro pron <1hi*r*u> pos n. def a man who is idealized for possessing superior qualities in any field. hero 3. syl he:ro pron <1hi*r*u> pos n. qual Classical myth. def a being of extraordinary strength and courage, often the offspring of a mortal and a god, who is celebrated for his exploits. hero 4. syl he:ro pron <1hi*r*u> pos n. def the principal male character in a novel, play, etc. Hero H1.0. syl He:ro pron <1hi*r*u> pos n. qual Greek myth. def a priestess of Aphrodite, who killed herself when her lover Leander drowned while swimming the Hellespont to visit her. Heron alt head Hero or Hero syl He:ron pron <1hi*r*u> pos n. Hero H2.0. or Heron syl He:ro pron <1hi*r*u> pos n. def 1st century #7a.d. Greek mathematician and inventor. Herod 0. syl Her:od pron <1her*d> pos n. def called ??73-4 #7b.c., king of Judaea (37-4). The latter part of his reign was notable for his cruelty and he ordered the Massacre of the Innocents. Herod Agrippa I 0. syl Her:od A:grip:pa I pos n. def 10 #7b.c. -44 #7a.d., king of Judaea (41-44), grandson of Herod (the Great). A friend of Caligula and Claudius, he imprisoned Saint Peter and executed Saint James. Herod Antipas 0. syl Her:od Ant:i:pas pron <1@nti2p@s> pos n. def died ??40 #7a.d., tetrarch of Galilee and Peraea (4 #7b.c. -40 #7a.d.) ; son of Herod the Great. At the instigation of his wife Herodias, he ordered the execution of John the Baptist. Herodias 0. syl He:ro:di:as pron pos n. def ??14 #7b.c. -??40 #7a.d., niece and wife of Herod Antipas and mother of Salome, whom she persuaded to ask for the head of John the Baptist. Her ambition led to the banishment of her husband. Herodotus 0. syl He:rod:o:tus pron pos n. def called ??485-??425 #7b.c., Greek historian, famous for his dealing with the causes and events of the wars between the Greeks and the Persians (490-479). heroical alt head heroic or heroic syl he+ro:i+cal pos adj. heroic 1. or heroical syl he+ro+ic pron pos adj. def of, like, or befitting a hero. heroic 2. or heroical syl he+ro+ic pron pos adj. def courageous but desperate. heroic 3. or heroical syl he+ro+ic pron pos adj. def relating to or treating of heroes and their deeds. heroic 4. or heroical syl he+ro+ic pron pos adj. def of, relating to, or resembling the heroes of classical mythology. heroic 5. or heroical syl he+ro+ic pron pos adj. usage of language, manner, etc. def extravagant. heroic 6. or heroical syl he+ro+ic pron pos adj. qual Prosody. def of, relating to, or resembling heroic verse. heroic 7. or heroical syl he+ro+ic pron pos adj. usage of the arts, esp. sculpture def larger than life-size; smaller than colossal. heroically sub head heroic syl he+1ro:i+cal+ly pos adv. heroicalness sub head heroic or heroicness syl he+1ro:i+cal+ness pos n. heroicness sub head heroic or heroicalness syl he+1ro+ic+ness pos n. heroic age 0. syl he+ro+ic age pos n. def the period in an ancient culture, when legend?!ary heroes are said to have lived. heroic couplet 0. syl he+ro+ic coup+let pos n. qual Prosody. def a verse form consisting of two rhyming lines in iambic pentameter. heroics 1. syl he+ro+ics pron pos n. mod pl. qual Prosody. def short for {heroic verse}. heroics 2. syl he+ro+ics pron pos n. mod pl. def extravagant or melodramatic language, behaviour, etc. heroic stanza 0. syl he+ro+ic stan+za pos n. qual Poetry. def a quatrain having the rhyme scheme a b a b. heroic tenor 0. syl he+ro+ic ten+or pos n. def a tenor with a dramatic voice. heroic verse 0. syl he+ro+ic verse pos n. qual Prosody. def a type of verse suitable for epic or heroic subjects, such as the classical hexameter, the French Alexandrine, or the English iambic pentameter. heroin ety C19: coined in German as a trademark, probably from #7hero, referring to its aggrandizing effect on the personality heroin 0. syl her:o+in pron <1her*uin> pos n. def a white odourless bitter-tasting crystalline powder derived from morphine: a highly addictive narcotic. Formula: C\1\7H\1\7NO(C\2H\3O\2)\2. Also called: {diacetylmorphine}. heroine 1. syl her:o+ine pron <1her*uin> pos n. def a woman possessing heroic qualities. heroine 2. syl her:o+ine pron <1her*uin> pos n. def a woman idealized for possessing superior qualities. heroine 3. syl her:o+ine pron <1her*uin> pos n. def the main female character in a novel, play, film, etc. heroism 0. syl her:o+ism pron <1her*u2iz*m> pos n. def the state or quality of being a hero. heron ety C14: from Old French hairon, of Germanic origin; compare Old High German heigaro, Old Norse hegri heron 0. syl her+on pron <1her*n> pos n. def any of various wading birds of the genera etc., having a long neck, slim body, and a plumage that is commonly grey or white: family order Heron 0. syl He:ron pron <1hi*ron> pos n. def a variant of {Hero%2}. heronries infl head heronry syl her+on+ries. pos n. mod pl. heronry 0. syl her+on+ry pron <1her*nri> pos n. def a colony of breeding herons. Herophilus 0. syl He:roph:i:lus pron pos n. def died ??280 #7b.c., Greek anatomist in Alexandria. He was the first to distinguish sensory from motor nerves. hero worship 1. syl he:ro wor+ship pos n. def admiration for heroes or idealized persons. hero worship 2. syl he:ro wor+ship pos n. def worship by the ancient Greeks and Romans of heroes. hero-worship infl head hero worship syl he:ro-wor:ship pos vb. heships infl head hero worship or heships syl he:ships pos vb. qual U.S. heshipping infl head hero worship or heshiping syl he:ship+ping pos vb. heshipped infl head hero worship or heshiped syl he:shipped pos vb. heshiping infl head hero worship or heshipping syl he:ship+ing pos vb. qual U.S. heshiped infl head hero worship or heshipped syl he:shiped. pos vb. qual U.S. hero worship 3. syl he:ro wor+ship pos vb. mod tr. def to feel admiration or adulation for. hero-worshipper sub head hero worship syl he:ro-2wor:ship+per pos n. herpet infl head herp or herpetol syl herpet. herpetol infl head herp or herpet syl herpetol. herp 0. syl herp. qual abbrev. for def herpetology. herpes ety C17: via Latin from Greek: a creeping, from herpein to creep herpes 0. syl her+pes pron <1hR:pEz> pos n. def any of several inflammatory diseases of the skin, esp. herpes simplex, characterized by formation of small watery blisters. herpetic sub head herpes syl her+pet+ic pron pos adj. herpes labialis ety New Latin: herpes of the lip herpes labialis 0. syl her+pes la+bi+al+is pron <2lAbi1@lis> pos n. def a technical name for {cold sore}. herpes simplex ety New Latin: simple herpes herpes simplex 0. syl her+pes sim+plex pron <1simpleks> pos n. def an acute viral disease characterized by formation of clusters of watery blisters, esp. on the margins of the lips and nostrils or on the genitals. herpes zoster ety New Latin: girdle herpes, from #7herpes+ Greek z*_ost*_er girdle herpes zoster 0. syl her+pes zos+ter pron <1zost*> pos n. def a technical name for {shingles}. herpetology ety C19: from Greek herpeton creeping animal, from herpein to creep herpetology 0. syl her+pe+tol+o:gy pron <2hR:pi1tol*Ji> pos n. def the study of reptiles and amphibians. herpetologic sub head herpetology or herpetological syl her+pe+to+log+ic pron <2hR:pit*1loJik> pos adj. herpetological sub head herpetology or herpetologic syl her+pe+to+1log:i+cal pos adj. herpetologist sub head herpetology syl her+pe+1tol:o+gist pos n. Herr ety German, from Old High German herro lord Herren infl head Herr syl Her+ren pron <1her*n> pos n. mod pl. Herr 0. syl Herr pron German pos n. def a German man: used before a name as a title equivalent to Herrenvolk 0. syl Her+ren+volk pron German. <1her*n2fclk> pos n. def See {master race}. Robert infl head Herrick syl Rob:ert. pos n. Herrick 0. syl Her:rick pron <1herik> pos n. def 1591-1674, English poet. His chief work is the (1648), a collection of short, delicate, sacred, and pastoral lyrics. herring ety Old English h*_@aring; related to Old High German h*_aring, Old Frisian h*_ering, Dutch haring herrings infl head herring or herring syl her+rings pos n. mod pl. herring infl or herrings syl her+ring. pos n. mod pl. herring 0. syl her+ring pron <1heriG> pos n. def any marine soft-finned teleost fish of the family esp. an important food fish of northern seas, having an elongated body covered, except in the head region, with large fragile silvery scales. herringbone 1.a. syl her:ring+bone pron <1heriG2b*un> pos n. def a pattern used in textiles, brickwork, etc., consisting of two or more rows of short parallel strokes slanting in alternate directions to form a series of parallel Vs or zigzags. herringbone 1.b. syl her:ring+bone pron <1heriG2b*un> pos n. usage as modifier exam 1 a herringbone pattern. herringbone 2. syl her:ring+bone pron <1heriG2b*un> pos n. qual Skiing. def a method of ascending a slope by walking with the skis pointing outwards and one's weight on the inside edges. herringbone 3. syl her:ring+bone pron <1heriG2b*un> pos vb. def to decorate (textiles, brickwork, etc.) with herringbone. herringbone 4. syl her:ring+bone pron <1heriG2b*un> pos vb. mod intr. qual Skiing. def to ascend a slope in herringbone fashion. herringbone bond 0. syl her:ring+bone bond pos n. def a type of bricklaying in which the bricks are laid on the slant to form a herringbone pattern. herringbone gear 0. syl her:ring+bone gear pos n. def a gearwheel having two sets of helical teeth, one set inclined at an acute angle to the other so that V-shaped teeth are formed. Also called: {double-helical gear}. herring gull 0. syl her+ring gull pos n. def a common gull, that has a white plumage with black-tipped wings and pink legs. 'Edouard infl head Herriot syl *'E:douard pron pos n. Herriot 0. syl Her:riot pron French pos n. def 1872-1957, French Radical statesman and writer; premier (1924-25; 1932). hers ety C14: see #7her, {-#7s %1} hers 1. syl hers pron pos pron. def something or someone belonging to or associated with her. exam 1 hers is the nicest dress; exam 2 that cat is hers. of hers 2. head hers syl of hers. def belonging to or associated with her. Herschel 1. syl Her:schel pron <1hR:S*l> pos n. def Sir {John Fred@.er@.ick Wil@.liam}. 1792-1871, English astronomer. He discovered and catalogued over 525 nebulae and star clusters. Herschel 2. syl Her:schel pron <1hR:S*l> pos n. def his father, Sir {Wil@.liam}. original name 1738-1822, English astronomer, born in Germany. He constructed a reflecting telescope, which led to his discovery of the planet Uranus (1781), two of its satellites, and two of the satellites of Saturn. He also discovered the motions of binary stars. herself 1.a. syl her+self pron pos pron. def the reflexive form of or herself 2. syl her+self pron pos pron. usage preceded by a copula def her normal or usual self. exam 1 she looks herself again after the operation.#e Hurstmonceux alt head Herstmonceux or Herstmonceux syl Hurst+mon+ceux pron <1hR:stm*n2su:>, <-2s*u> pos n. Herstmonceux 0. or Hurstmonceux syl Herst+mon+ceux pron <1hR:stm*n2su:>, <-2s*u> pos n. def a village in S England, in E Sussex north of Eastbourne: 15th-century castle, site of the Royal Observatory, which was transferred from Greenwich between 1948 and 1958. Hertford 0. syl Hert+ford pron <1ha:tf*d> pos n. def a town in SE England, administrative centre of Hertfordshire. Pop.: 20379 (1971). Hertfordshire 0. syl Hert+ford+shire pron <1ha:tf*d2Si*>, <-S*> pos n. def a county of S England, bordering on Greater London in the south: mainly low-lying, with the Chiltern Hills in the northwest; largely agricultural; expanding light industries, esp. in the new towns. Adminis?!trative centre: Hertford. Pop.: 937300 (1976 est.). Area: 1634 sq. km (631 sq. miles). 's infl head Hertogenbosch syl 's pron Dutch <2sherto:$x*n1bcs> pos n. Hertogenbosch 0. syl Her+to+gen+bosch pron Dutch <2sherto:$x*n1bcs> pos n. def See {'s Hertogenbosch}. hertz ety C20: named after Heinrich Rudolph H#7ertz hertz infl syl hertz. pos n. mod pl. hertz 0. syl hertz pron pos n. def the derived SI unit of frequency; the frequency of a periodic phenomenon that has a periodic time of 1 second; 1 cycle per second. Symbol: Hz Gustav 1. head Hertz syl Gus:tav pron <1gustaf> def born 1887, German atomic physicist. He provided evidence for the quantum theory by his research with Franck on the effects produced by bombarding atoms with electrons: they shared the Nobel prize for physics (1925). Heinrich Rudolph 2. head Hertz syl Hein:rich Ru:dolph pron <1hInri*,c> <1ru:dclf> def 1857-94, German physicist. He was the first to produce electromagnetic waves artificially. &- {#!Hertz+i@.an} Hertzian wave ety C19: named after H. R. H#7ertz Hertzian wave 0. syl Hertz+i:an wave pos n. def an electromagnetic wave with a frequency in the range from about 3#M10%1%0 hertz to about 1.5#M10%5 hertz. James Barry Munnik infl head Hertzog syl James Bar:ry Mun:nik. pos n. Hertzog 0. syl Hert:zog pron <1hR:tsog> pos n. def 1866-1942, South African statesman; prime minister (1924-39): founded the Nationalist Party (1913), advocating complete South African inde?!pendence from Britain; opposed South African partici?!pation in World Wars I and II. Hertzsprung-Russell diagram ety C20: named after Ejnar Hertzsprung (1873-1967), Danish astronomer, and Henry N. Russell (1877-1957), U.S. astronomer Hertzsprung-Russell diagram 0. syl Hertz:sprung-Rus:sell di:a+gram pron <1hR:tsspr^G> <1r^sL> pos n. def a graph in which the spectral types of stars are plotted against their absolute magnitudes. Stars fall into different groupings in different parts of the graph. See also {main sequence}. Hercegovina alt head Herzegovina or Herzegovina syl Her:ce:go:vi:na pron Serbo-Croatian <1hertse2gcvina> pos n. Herzegovina 0. or Hercegovina syl Her:ze:go:vi:na pron <2hR:ts*g*u1vEn*> pos n. def a region of W central Yugoslavia: originally under Austro-Hungarian rule; became part of the province of Bosnia and Herzegovina (1878), which became a constituent republic of Yugoslavia in 1946. Theodor infl head Herzl syl The:o:dor pron <1tA:o2do:r> pos n. Herzl 0. syl Her:zl pron German <1hertsL> pos n. def 1860-1904, Austrian writer, born in Hungary; founder of the Zionist movement. In (1896), he advocated resettlement of the Jews in a state of their own. Werner infl head Herzog syl Wer:ner pron <1vern*> pos n. Herzog 0. syl Her:zog pron German <1hertsck> pos n. def born 1942, West German film director. His films include (1967), (1970), (1973), and (1974). he's 0. syl he's pron usage contraction of def he is he has. Heshvan ety from Hebrew marheshw*_an Cheshvan alt head Heshvan or Heshvan syl Chesh+van pron Hebrew. pos n. Heshvan 0. or Cheshvan syl Hesh+van pron Hebrew. pos n. def the second month of the civil year and the eighth of the ecclesiastical year in the Jewish calendar, falling approximately in October and November. Hesiod 0. syl Hes:i:od pron <1hesi2od> pos n. def 8th-century #7b.c. Greek poet and the earliest author of didactic verse. His two complete extant works are the dealing with the agricultural seasons, and the concerning the origin of the world and the genealogies of the gods. Hesiodic sub head Hesiod syl Hes:i+1od+ic pos adj. Hesione 0. syl He:si:o:ne pron pos n. qual Greek myth. def daughter of King Laomedon, rescued by Hercules from a sea monster. hesitant 0. syl hes:i+tant pron <1hezitNt> pos adj. def wavering, hesitating, or irresolute. hesitantly sub head hesitant syl hes:i+tant+ly pos adv. hesitate ety C17: from Latin haesit*_are, from haer*_ere to cling to hesitate 1. syl hes:i+tate pron <1hezi2tAt> pos vb. mod intr. def to hold back or be slow in acting; be uncertain. hesitate 2. syl hes:i+tate pron <1hezi2tAt> pos vb. mod intr. def to be unwilling or reluctant (to do something). hesitate 3. syl hes:i+tate pron <1hezi2tAt> pos vb. mod intr. def to stammer or pause in speaking. hesitancy sub head hesitate or hesitation syl hes:i+tan+cy pron <1hezitNsi> pos n. hesitation sub head hesitate or hesitancy syl hes:i+1ta+tion pos n. hesitater sub head hesitate or hesitator syl hes:i+2tat+er pos n. hesitator sub head hesitate or hesitater syl hes:i+2ta+tor pos n. hesitatingly sub head hesitate syl hes:i+2tat+ing+ly pos adv. hesitative sub head hesitate syl hes:i+2ta+tive pos adj. Hesperia ety Latin, from Greek: land of the west, from hesperos western Hesperia 0. syl Hes+per:i:a pron pos n. def a poetic name used by the ancient Greeks for Italy and by the Romans for Spain or beyond. Hesperian 1. syl Hes+pe+ri:an pron pos adj. qual Poetic. def western. Hesperian 2. syl Hes+pe+ri:an pron pos adj. def of or relating to the Hesperides. Hesperian 3. syl Hes+pe+ri:an pron pos n. def a native or inhabitant of a western land. Hesperides 1. syl Hes:per:i:des pron pos n. mod pl. qual Greek myth. def the daughters of Hesperus, nymphs who kept watch with a dragon over the garden of the golden apples in the Islands of the Blessed. Hesperides 2. syl Hes:per:i:des pron pos n. mod functioning as; sing. qual Greek myth. def the gardens themselves. Hesperides 3. syl Hes:per:i:des pron pos n. mod pl. qual Greek myth. def another name for the {Islands of the Blessed}. Hesperidian sub head Hesperides or Hesperidean syl Hes+per+id+i:an pron <2hesp*?!1ridi*n> pos adj. Hesperidean sub head Hesperides or Hesperidian syl Hes+per+1id+e:an pos adj. hesperidin ety C19: from New Latin #7hesperidium+ -#7in hesperidin 0. syl hes+per:i+din pron pos n. def a glycoside extracted from orange peel or other citrus fruits and used to treat capillary fragility. hesperidium ety C19: New Latin; alluding to the fruit in the garden of the H#7esperides hesperidium 0. syl hes+per+id+i:um pron <2hesp*1ridi*m> pos n. qual Botany. def the fruit of citrus plants, in which the flesh consists of fluid-filled hairs and is protected by a tough rind. Hesperus ety from Latin, from Greek Hesperos, from hesperos western Hesperus 0. syl Hes+per+us pron <1hesp*r*s> pos n. def an evening star, esp. Venus. Hess 1. syl Hess pron pos n. def Dame {My@.ra}. 1890-1965, English pianist. Victor Francis 2. head Hess syl Vic:tor Fran:cis. def 1883-1964, U.S. physicist, born in Austria: pioneered the investigation of cosmic rays: shared the Nobel prize for physics (1936). (Walther Richard) Rudolf 3. head Hess syl (Walther Richard) Ru:dolf pron <1ru:dclf> def born 1894, German Nazi leader. He made a secret flight to Scotland (1941) to negotiate peace with Britain but was held as a prisoner of war; later sentenced to life imprisonment at the Nuremberg trials (1946). Hesse H1.0. syl Hesse pron pos n. def a state of E central West Germany, formed in 1945 from the former Prussian province of Hesse-Nassau and part of the former state of Hesse. Capital: Wiesbaden. Pop.: 5381705 (1970). Area: 21111 sq. km (8151 sq. miles). German name: {Hes+sen} (#!h$es#N). Hermann infl head Hesse syl Her:mann pron <1herman> pos n. Hesse H2.0. syl Hes:se pron , German <1hes*>, German <1hes*> pos n. def 1877-1962, German novelist, short-story writer, and poet. His novels include (1927) and (1943): Nobel prize for literature 1946. Hesse-Nassau 0. syl Hesse-Nas:sau pos n. def a former province of Prussia, now part of the state of Hesse, West Germany. hessian ety C18: from H#7esse %1+#7-ian hessian 0. syl hes+si:an pron <1hesi*n> pos n. def a coarse jute fabric similar to sacking, used for bags, upholstery, etc. Hessian 1. syl Hes+si:an pron <1hesi*n> pos n. def a native or inhabitant of Hesse. Hessian 2.a. syl Hes+si:an pron <1hesi*n> pos n. def a Hessian soldier in any of the mercenary units of the British Army in the War of American Independence or the Napoleonic Wars. Hessian 2.b. syl Hes+si:an pron <1hesi*n> pos n. qual U.S. def any German mercenary in the British Army during the War of American Independence. Hessian 3. syl Hes+si:an pron <1hesi*n> pos n. qual Chiefly U.S. def a mercenary or ruffian. Hessian 4. syl Hes+si:an pron <1hesi*n> pos adj. def of or relating to Hesse or its inhabitants. Hessian boots 0. syl Hes+si:an boots pos n. mod pl. def men's high boots with tassels around the top, fashionable in England in the early 19th century. Hessian fly ety C18: so called because it was thought to have been introduced into America by Hessian soldiers Hessian fly 0. syl Hes+si:an fly pos n. def a small dipterous fly, whose larvae damage wheat, barley, and rye: family (gall midges). hessite ety C19: from German Hessit; named after Henry Hess, 19th-century chemist of Swiss origin who worked in Russia; see {-#7ite %1} hessite 0. syl hes+site pron <1hesIt> pos n. def a black or grey metallic mineral consisting of silver telluride in cubic crystalline form. Formula: Ag\2Te. hessonite ety C19: from French, from Greek h*_ess*_on less, inferior+-#7{ite %1}; so called because it is less hard than genuine hyacinth hessonite 0. syl hes+so+nite pron <1hes*2nIt> pos n. def an orange-brown variety of grossularite garnet. Also called: {essonite, cinnamon stone}. hest ety Old English h*_@as; related to h*_atan to promise, command hest 0. syl hest pron pos n. def an archaic word for {behest}. Hestia 0. syl Hes:ti:a pron <1hesti*> pos n. qual Greek myth. def the goddess of the hearth. Roman counterpart: {Vesta}. Hesychast ety Cl8: from Medieval Latin hesychasta mystic, from Greek h*_esukhast*_es, from h*_esukhazein to be tranquil, from h*_esukhos quiet Hesychast 0. syl Hes:y+chast pron <1hesi2k@st> pos n. qual Greek Orthodox Church. def a member of a school of mysticism developed by the monks of Mount Athos in the 14th century. Hesychastic sub head Hesychast syl Hes:y+1chast+ic pos adj. het 0. syl het pron pos vb. qual Archaic or dialect. def a past tense or past participle of {heat. ~} See also {het up}. hetaera ety C19: from Greek hetaira concubine hetaira alt head hetaera or hetaera syl he+tai+ra pron pos n. hetaerae infl head hetaera or hetairai syl he+tae+rae pron <-1ti*rE> pos n. mod pl. hetairai infl head hetaera or hetaerae syl he+tai+rai pron <-1tIrI> pos n. mod pl. hetaera 0. or hetaira syl he+tae+ra pron pos n. usage esp. in ancient Greece def a female prostitute, esp. an educated courtesan. hetaeric sub head hetaera or hetairic syl he+1tae+ric pos adj. hetairic sub head hetaera or hetaeric syl he+1tai+ric pos adj. hetairism alt head hetaerism or hetaerism syl he+tai+rism pron pos n. hetaerism 1. or hetairism syl he+tae+rism pron pos n. def the state of being a concubine. hetaerism 2. or hetairism syl he+tae+rism pron pos n. qual Sociol., anthropol. def a social system attributed to some primitive societies, in which women are communally shared. hetaerist sub head hetaerism or hetairist syl he+1tae+rist pos n. hetairist sub head hetaerism or hetaerist syl he+1tai+rist pos n. hetaeristic sub head hetaerism or hetairistic syl he+tae+1ris+tic pos adj. hetairistic sub head hetaerism or hetaeristic syl he+tai+1ris+tic pos adj. hetero- ety from Greek heteros other hetero- 0. syl het:er:o- usage combining form. def other, another, or different. exam 1 heterodyne; exam 2 heterophony; exam 3 heterosexual. heterocercal ety C19: from #7hetero -#7+ Greek kerkos tail heterocercal 0. syl het:er:o+cer+cal pron <2het*r*u1sR:kL> pos adj. qual Ichthyol. def of or possessing a tail in which the vertebral column turns upwards and extends into the upper, usually larger, lobe, as in sharks. Compare {homocercal}. heterochromatic 1. syl het:er:o+chro+mat+ic pron <2het*r*ukr*u1m@tik> pos adj. def of or involving many different colours. heterochromatic 2. syl het:er:o+chro+mat+ic pron <2het*r*ukr*u1m@tik> pos adj. qual Physics. def consisting of or concerned with different frequencies or wavelengths. heterochromatism sub head heterochromatic syl het:er:o+1chro+ma+tism pos n. heterochromatin 0. syl het:er:o+chro+ma+tin pron <2het*r*u1kr*um*tin> pos n. def the part of a chromosome that stains strongly with basic dyes in the interphase of cell division and has little genetic activity. Compare {euchromatin}. heterochromosome 0. syl het:er:o+chro+mo+some pron <2het*r*u1kr*um*2s*um> pos n. def an atypical chromosome, esp. a sex chromosome. heterochromous 0. syl het:er:o+chro+mous pron <2het*r*u1kr*um*s> pos adj. usage esp. of plant parts def of different colours. exam 1 the heterochromous florets of a daisy flower. heteroclite ety C16: from Late Latin heteroclitus declining irregularly, from Greek heteroklitos, from #7hetero -#7+ klinein to bend, inflect heteroclite 1. syl het:er:o+clite pron <1het*r*2klIt> pos adj. usage also; esp. of the form of a word def irregular or unusual. heteroclite 2. syl het:er:o+clite pron <1het*r*2klIt> pos n. usage also def an irregularly formed word. heterocyclic 0. syl het:er:o+cy+clic pron <2het*r*u1sIklik>, <-1sik-> pos adj. usage of an organic compound def containing a closed ring of atoms, at least one of which is not a carbon atom. Compare {homocyclic}. heterodactyl 1. syl het:er:o+dac+tyl pron <2het*r*u1d@ktil> pos adj. usage of the feet of certain birds def having the first and second toes directed backwards and the third and fourth forwards. heterodactyl 2. syl het:er:o+dac+tyl pron <2het*r*u1d@ktil> pos n. def a bird with heterodactyl feet. heterodactyl xref syl het:er:o+dac+tyl pron <2het*r*u1d@ktil> pos adj. def Compare {zygodactyl}. heterodont 0. syl het:er:o+dont pron <1het*r*2dont> pos adj. usage of most mammals def having teeth of different types. Compare {homodont}. heterodox ety C17: from Greek heterodoxos holding another opinion, from #7hetero -#7+ doxa opinion &- #!het@.er@.o+@!dox@.y n. heterodox 1. syl het:er:o+dox pron <1het*r*u2doks> pos adj. def at variance with estab?!lished, orthodox, or accepted doctrines or beliefs. heterodox 2. syl het:er:o+dox pron <1het*r*u2doks> pos adj. def holding unorthodox doctrines or opinions. heterodyne 1. syl het:er:o+dyne pron <1het*r*u2dIn> pos vb. qual Electronics. def to mix (two alternating signals, esp. radio signals) to produce two signals having frequencies corresponding to the sum and the difference of the original frequencies. See also {superheterodyne receiver}. heterodyne 2. syl het:er:o+dyne pron <1het*r*u2dIn> pos adj. def produced by, operating by, or involved in hetero?!dyning two signals. heteroecious ety from #7hetero -#7+ -oecious, from Greek oikia house heteroecious 0. syl het+er+oe:cious pron <2het*1rES*s> pos adj. usage of parasites, esp. rust fungi def undergoing different stages of the life cycle on different host species. Compare {autoecious}. heteroecism sub head heteroecious syl het+er+1oe:cism pos n. heterogamete 0. syl het:er:o+gam+ete pron <2het*r*ug@1mEt> pos n. def a gamete that differs in size and form from the one with which it unites in fertilization. Compare {isogamete}. heterogamy 1. syl het+er+og:a+my pron <2het*1rog*mi> pos n. def a type of sexual reproduc?!tion in which the gametes differ in both size and form. Compare {isogamy}. heterogamy 2. syl het+er+og:a+my pron <2het*1rog*mi> pos n. def a condition in which different types of reproduction occur in successive generations of an organism. heterogamy 3. syl het+er+og:a+my pron <2het*1rog*mi> pos n. def the presence of both male and female flowers in one inflorescence. Compare { {homogamy} (sense 1)}. &- {@!het@.er@.#!og@.a+mous} heterogeneous ety C17: from Medieval Latin heterogeneus, from Greek heterogen*_es, from #7hetero -#7+ genos sort heterogeneous 1. syl het:er:o+ge:ne:ous pron <2het*r*u1JEni*s> pos adj. def composed of unrelated or differing parts or elements. heterogeneous 2. syl het:er:o+ge:ne:ous pron <2het*r*u1JEni*s> pos adj. def not of the same kind or type. heterogeneous 3. syl het:er:o+ge:ne:ous pron <2het*r*u1JEni*s> pos adj. qual Chem. def of, composed of, or concerned with two or more different phases. Compare {homogeneous}. heterogeneity sub head heterogeneous or heterogeneousness syl het:er:o+ge:ne:i:ty pron <2het*r*uJi1nEiti> pos n. heterogeneousness sub head heterogeneous or heterogeneity syl het:er:o+1ge:ne:ous+ness pos n. heterogeneously sub head heterogeneous syl het:er:o+1ge:ne:ous+ly pos adv. heterogenesis 0. syl het:er:o+gen+e:sis pron <2het*r*u1Jenisis> pos n. def another name for {alternation of generations} or {abiogenesis}. heterogenetic sub head heterogenesis or heterogenic syl het:er:o+ge:net+ic pron <2het*r*uJi1netik> pos adj. heterogenic sub head heterogenesis or heterogenetic syl het:er:o+1gen+ic pos adj. heterogenetically sub head heterogenesis syl het:er:o+ge:1net:i+cal+ly pos adv. heterogenous 0. syl het:er:o+gen+ous pron <2het*1roJin*s> pos adj. qual Biology, med. def not originating within the body; of foreign origin. exam 1 a heterogenous skin graft. heterogony 1. syl het:er+og:o+ny pron <2het*1rog*ni> pos n. qual Biology. def the alternation of parthenogenetic and sexual generations in rotifers and similar animals. heterogony 2. syl het:er+og:o+ny pron <2het*1rog*ni> pos n. def the condition in plants, such as the primrose, of having flowers that differ from each other in the length of their stamens and styles. Compare {homogony}. heterogonous sub head heterogony syl het+er+1og:o+nous pos adj. heterograft 0. syl het:er:o+graft pron <1het*r*u2gra:ft> pos n. def a tissue graft obtained from a donor of a different species from the recipient. heterography 1. syl het+er+og+ra+phy pron <2het*1rogr*fi> pos n. def the phenomenon of different letters or sequences of letters representing the same sound in different words, as for example and in and heterography 2. syl het+er+og+ra+phy pron <2het*1rogr*fi> pos n. def any writing system in which this phenomenon occurs. heterographic sub head heterography or heterographical syl het:er:o+graph+ic pron <2het*r*u1gr@fik> pos adj. heterographical sub head heterography or heterographic syl het:er:o+1graph:i+cal pos adj. heterogynous 0. syl het+er+og:y+nous pron <2het*1roJin*s> pos adj. usage of ants, bees, etc. def having two types of female, one fertile and the other infertile. heterolecithal ety C19: #7hetero -#7+ Greek lekithos egg yolk heterolecithal 0. syl het:er:o+lec:i+thal pron <2het*r*u1lesiT*l> pos adj. usage of the eggs of birds def having an unequally distributed yolk. Compare {isolecithal}. heterologous 1. syl het+er+ol:o+gous pron <2het*1rol*g*s> pos adj. qual Pathol. def of, relating to, or designating cells or tissues not normally present in a particu?!lar part of the body. heterologous 2. syl het+er+ol:o+gous pron <2het*1rol*g*s> pos adj. usage esp. of parts of an organism or of different organisms def differing in structure or origin. heterology sub head heterologous syl het+er+1ol+o:gy pos n. heterolysis 1. syl het+er+ol:y+sis pron <2het*1rolisis> pos n. def the dissolution of the cells of one organism by the lysins of another. Compare {autolysis}. heterolysis 2. syl het+er+ol:y+sis pron <2het*1rolisis> pos n. def Also called: {heterolytic fission}. the dissociation of a molecule into two ions with opposite charges. Compare {homolysis}. heterolytic sub head heterolysis syl het:er:o+lyt+ic pron <2het*r*u1litik> pos adj. heteromerous 0. syl het+er+om+er+ous pron <2het*1rom*r*s> pos adj. qual Biology. def having or consisting of parts that differ, esp. in number. heteromorphous alt head heteromorphic or heteromorphic syl het:er:o+mor+phous pos adj. heteromorphic 1. or heteromorphous syl het:er:o+mor+phic pron <2het*r*u1mc:fik> pos adj. qual Biology. def differing from the normal form in size, shape, and function. heteromorphic 2. or heteromorphous syl het:er:o+mor+phic pron <2het*r*u1mc:fik> pos adj. qual Biology. usage of pairs of homologous chromosomes def differing from each other in size or form. heteromorphic 3. or heteromorphous syl het:er:o+mor+phic pron <2het*r*u1mc:fik> pos adj. qual Biology. usage esp. of insects def having different forms at different stages of the life cycle. heteromorphism sub head heteromorphic or heteromorphy syl het:er:o+1mor+phism pos n. heteromorphy sub head heteromorphic or heteromorphism syl het:er:o+1mor+phy pos n. heteronomous 1. syl het+er+on:o+mous pron <2het*1ronim*s> pos adj. def subject to an external law, rule, or authority. Compare {autonomous}. heteronomously sub head heteronomous syl het+er+1on:o+mous+ly pos adv. heteronomy sub head heteronomous syl het+er+1on:o+my pos n. heteronym ety C17: from Late Greek heteronumos, from Greek #7hetero -#7+ onoma name heteronym 0. syl het:er:o+nym pron <1het*r*u2nim> pos n. def one of two or more words pronounced differently but spelt alike. exam 1 the two English words spelt @6bow@9 are heteronyms. heteronymous sub head heteronym syl het+er+on:y+mous pron <2het*1ronim*s> pos adj. heteronymously sub head heteronym syl het+er+1on:y+mous+ly pos adv. Heteroousian ety C17: from Late Greek heteroousios, from Greek #7hetero -#7+ ousia nature Heteroousian 1. syl Het:er:o+ou:si:an pron <2het*r*u1u:si*n>, <-1ausi*n> pos n. def a Christian who maintains that God the Father and God the Son are different in substance. Heteroousian 2. syl Het:er:o+ou:si:an pron <2het*r*u1u:si*n>, <-1ausi*n> pos adj. def of or relating to this belief. heterophony 0. syl het+er+oph:o+ny pron <2het*1rof*ni> pos n. def the simultaneous performance of different versions of the same melody by different voices or instruments. heterophyllous 0. syl het:er:o+phyl+lous pron <2het*r*u1fil*s>, <2het*1rofil*s> pos adj. usage of plants such as arrowhead def having more than one type of leaf on the same plant. Also: {anisophyllous}. heterophylly sub head heterophyllous syl het:er:o+2phyl+ly pos n. heterophyte 0. syl het:er:o+phyte pron <1het*r*u2fIt> pos n. def any plant that lives as a parasite or saprophyte. heteroplasties infl head heteroplasty syl het:er:o+plas+ties. pos n. mod pl. heteroplasty 0. syl het:er:o+plas+ty pron <1het*r*u2pl@sti> pos n. def the surgical trans?!plantation of tissue obtained from another person or animal. heteroplastic sub head heteroplasty syl het:er:o+1plas+tic pos adj. heteropolar 0. syl het:er:o+po+lar pron <2het*r*u1p*ul*> pos adj. def a less common word for {{polar} (sense 5a)}. heteropolarity sub head heteropolar syl het:er:o+po+lar:i:ty pron <2het*r*up*u1l@riti> pos n. heteropterous ety C19: from New Latin Heteroptera, from #7hetero -#7+ Greek pteron wing heteropteran alt head heteropterous or heteropterous syl het+er+op+ter+an pos adj. heteropterous 0. or heteropteran syl het+er+op+ter+ous pron <2het*1ropt*r*s> pos adj. def of, relating to, or belonging to the a suborder of hemipterous insects, including bedbugs, water bugs, etc., in which the forewings are membranous but have leathery tips. Compare {homopterous}. heteroscedasticity ety C20: from #7hetero -#7+ scedasticity, from Greek skedasis a scattering, dispersion heteroscedasticity 0. syl het:er:o+sce:das+tic+i:ty pron <2het*r*usk*d@s1tisiti> pos n. qual Statistics. def the condition occurring when all possible values that a variable may take do not have constant variance. Compare {homoscedasticity}. heterosexual 1. syl het:er:o+sex+u:al pron <2het*r*u1seksju*l> pos n. def a person who is sexually attracted to the opposite sex. heterosexual 2. syl het:er:o+sex+u:al pron <2het*r*u1seksju*l> pos adj. def of or relating to heterosexuality. heterosexual xref syl het:er:o+sex+u:al pron <2het*r*u1seksju*l> pos n. def Compare {homosexual}. heterosexuality 0. syl het:er:o+sex:u+al+i:ty pron <2het*r*u2seksju1@liti> pos n. def sexual attraction to or sexual relations with a person or persons of the opposite sex. Compare {homosexuality}. heterosis ety C19: from Late Greek: alteration, from Greek heteroioun to alter, from heteros other, different heterosis 0. syl het:er:o+sis pron <2het*1r*usis> pos n. qual Biology. def another name for {hybrid vigour}. heterosporous 0. syl het+er+os+po+rous pron <2het*1rosp*r*s> pos adj. usage of seed plants and some ferns def producing megaspores and microspores. Compare {homosporous}. heterospory sub head heterosporous syl het+er+1os+po+ry pos n. heterostyly ety C20: from Greek, from heteros different+ stylos pillar heterostyly 0. syl het:er:o+sty+ly pron <1het*r*2stIli> pos n. def the condition in certain plants, such as primroses, of having styles of different lengths, each type of style in flowers on different plants, which ensures cross-pollination. heterostylous sub head heterostyly syl het:er:o+1sty+lous pos adj. heterotaxy infl head heterotaxis or heterotaxia syl het:er:o+tax:y pos n. heterotaxia infl head heterotaxis or heterotaxy syl het:er:o+tax:i:a pos n. heterotaxis 0. syl het:er:o+tax+is pron <2het*r*u1t@ksis> pos n. def an abnormal or asymmetrical arrangement of parts, as of the organs of the body or the constituents of a rock. heterotactic sub head heterotaxis syl het:er:o+1tac+tic pos adj. heterotactous sub head heterotaxis or heterotaxic syl het:er:o+1tac+tous pos adj. heterotaxic sub head heterotaxis or heterotactous syl het:er:o+1tax+ic pos adj. heterothallic ety C20: from #7hetero -#7+ Greek thallos green shoot, young twig heterothallic 1. syl het:er:o+thal+lic pron <2het*r*u1T@lik> pos adj. usage of some algae and fungi def having male and female reproductive organs on different thalli. heterothallic 2. syl het:er:o+thal+lic pron <2het*r*u1T@lik> pos adj. usage of some fungi def having sexual reproduction that occurs only between two self-sterile mycelia. heterothallic xref syl het:er:o+thal+lic pron <2het*r*u1T@lik> pos adj. def Compare {homothallic}. heterotopia ety C19: from New Latin, from #7hetero -#7+ Greek topos place heterotopy alt head heterotopia or heterotopia syl het+er+ot:o+py pron <2het*?!1rot*pi> pos n. heterotopia 0. or heterotopy syl het:er:o+to+pi:a pron <2het*r*u1t*upi*> pos n. def abnormal displacement of a bodily organ or part. heterotopic sub head heterotopia or heterotopous syl het:er:o+1top+ic pos adj. heterotopous sub head heterotopia or heterotopic syl het+er+1ot:o+pous pos adj. heterotrophic ety C20: from #7hetero -#7+ Greek trophikos concerning food, from troph*_e nourishment heterotrophic 0. syl het:er:o+troph+ic pron <2het*r*u1trofik> pos adj. usage of animals and some plants def using complex organic compounds to manufacture their own organic constituents. Compare {autotrophic}. heterotypical alt head heterotypic or heterotypic syl het:er:o+typ:i+cal pos adj. heterotypic 0. or heterotypical syl het:er:o+typ+ic pron <2het*r*u1tipik> pos adj. def denoting or relating to the first nuclear division of meiosis, in which the chromosome number is halved. Compare {homeotypic}. heterozygote 0. syl het:er:o+zy+gote pron <2het*r*u1zIg*ut>, <-1zig*ut> pos n. def an animal or plant that is heterozygous; a hybrid. Compare {homozygote}. &- {@!het@.er@.o+zy+#!go+sis} heterozygous 0. syl het:er:o+zy+gous pron <2het*r*u1zIg*s> pos adj. usage Genetics. of an organism def having dissimilar alleles for any one gene. exam 1 heterozygous for eye colour. heth ety from Hebrew cheth alt head heth or heth syl cheth pron , Hebrew pos n. heth 0. or cheth syl heth pron , Hebrew pos n. def the eighth letter of the Hebrew alphabet (###800367) , transliterated as and pronounced as a pharyngeal fricative. hetman ety C18: from Polish, from German Hauptmann headman hetmans infl head hetman syl het+mans. pos n. mod pl. hetman 0. syl het+man pron <1hetm*n> pos n. def another word for {ataman}. het up 0. syl het up pos adj. def angry; excited. exam 1 don't get het up. heulandite ety C19: named after H. Heuland, 19th-century English mineral collector; see {-#7ite %1} heulandite 0. syl heu+land+ite pron <1hju:l*n2dIt> pos n. def a white, grey, red, or brown zeolite mineral that consists essentially of hydrated calcium aluminium silicate in the form of elongated tabular crystals. Formula: Ca\2(Al\4Si\1\4)O\3\6.12H\2O. heuristic ety C19: from New Latin heuristicus, from Greek heuriskein to discover heuristic 1. syl heu+ris+tic pron pos adj. def helping to learn; guiding in discovery or investigation. heuristic 2. syl heu+ris+tic pron pos adj. usage of a method of teaching def allowing pupils to learn things for themselves. heuristic 3. syl heu+ris+tic pron pos adj. qual Maths., science. def using or obtained by reasoning from past experience since no algorithm exists or is relevant. exam 1 a heuristic solution. heuristic 4. syl heu+ris+tic pron pos adj. mod pl. def the science of heuristic procedure. heuristically sub head heuristic syl heu+1ris+ti+cal+ly pos adv. Johannes infl head Hevelius syl Jo:han:nes pron pos n. Hevelius 0. syl He:ve:lius pron German pos n. def 1611-87, German astronomer, who published one of the first detailed maps of the lunar surface. Georg von infl head Hevesy syl Ge:org von pron <1gA:crg> pos n. Hevesy 0. syl He:ve:sy pron Hungarian <1heveSi> pos n. def 1885-1966, Hungarian chemist. He worked on radioactive tracing and, with D. Coster, discovered the element hafnium (1923): Nobel prize for chemistry 1943. hew ety Old English h*_eawan; related to Old Norse heggva, Old Saxon h*_awa, Old High German houwan, Latin c*_udere to beat hews infl head hew syl hews pos vb. hewing infl head hew syl hew+ing pos vb. hewed infl head hew or hewn syl hewed pos vb. hewn infl head hew or hewed syl hewn. pos vb. hew 1. syl hew pron pos vb. def to strike (something, esp. wood) with cutting blows, as with an axe. hew 2. syl hew pron pos vb. mod tr. usage often foll. by out def to shape or carve from a sub?!stance. hew 3. syl hew pron pos vb. mod tr. usage often foll. by away, down, from, off, etc. def to sever from a larger or another portion. hew 4. syl hew pron pos vb. mod intr. qual U.S. usage often foll. by to def to conform (to a code, principle, etc.). hewer sub head hew syl hew+er pos n. HEW 0. syl H.E.W. qual U.S. abbrev. for: def Department of Health, Education, and Welfare. hex ety C19: via Pennsylvania Dutch from German Hexe witch, from Middle High German hecse, perhaps from Old High German hagzissa; see {#7hag %1} hex 1. syl hex pron pos vb. mod tr. qual U.S. dialect. def to bewitch. hex 2. syl hex pron pos n. qual U.S. dialect. def an evil spell or symbol of bad luck. hex 3. syl hex pron pos n. qual U.S. dialect. def a witch. hexer sub head hex syl hex+er pos n. hex 0. syl hex. qual abbrev. for def hexadecimal. hexa- ety from Greek, from hex #7six hexachlorocyclohexane 0. syl hex:a+chlo:ro+cy:clo+hex+ane pron <2heks*2klc:r*2sIkl*u1heksAn> pos n. def a white or yellowish powder existing in many isomeric forms. A mixture of isomers, including lindane, is used as an insecticide. Formula: C\6H\6Cl\6. hexachlorethane alt head hexachloroethane or hexachloroethane syl hex:a+chlor+eth:ane pos n. hexachloroethane 0. or hexachlorethane syl hex:a+chlo:ro+eth:ane pron <2heks*2klc:r*u1eTAn> pos n. def a colourless crystalline insoluble compound with a camphor-like odour: used in pyrotechnics and explosives. Formula: C\2Cl\6. hexachlorophene 0. syl hex:a+chlo:ro+phene pron <2heks*1klc:r*fEn> pos n. def an insoluble almost odourless white bactericidal substance used in antiseptic soaps, deodorants, etc. Formula: (C\6HCl\3OH)\2CH\2. hexachord 0. syl hex:a+chord pron <1heks*2kc:d> pos n. usage in medieval musical theory def any of three diatonic scales based upon C, F, and G, each consisting of six notes, from which solmization was developed. hexacosanoic acid 0. syl hex:a+co+sa+no+ic ac:id pron <2heks*k*us*1n*uik> pos n. def a white insoluble odourless wax present in beeswax, carnauba, and Chinese wax. Formula: CH\3(CH\2)\2\4COOH. Also called: {cerotic acid}. hexad ety C17: from Greek hexas, from hex six hexad 1. syl hex+ad pron <1heks@d> pos n. def a group or series of six. hexad 2. syl hex+ad pron <1heks@d> pos n. def the number or sum of six. hexadic sub head hexad syl hex+1ad+ic pos adj. hexadecane ety C19: from #7hexa -#7+deca -#7+ -#7ane hexadecane 0. syl hex:a+de:cane pron <1heks*di2kAn>, <2heks*1dekAn> pos n. def another name for {cetane}. hexadecimal alt head hexadecimal notation or hexadecimal notation syl hex:a+dec:i+mal pron <2heks*1desi?!m*l> pos n. hexadecimal notation 0. or hexadecimal syl hex:a+dec:i+mal no+ta+tion pron <2heks*1desi?!m*l> pos n. def a number system having a base 16; used in computing, one hexadecimal digit being equivalent to a group of four bits. hexaemeron ety C16: via Late Latin from Greek, from hexa*_emeros (adj.) of six days, from #7hexa -#7+ h*_emera day hexahemeron alt head hexaemeron or hexaemeron syl hex:a+hem+er+on pos n. hexaemeron 0.a. or hexahemeron syl hex:a+em+er+on pron <2heks*1em*ron> pos n. def the period of six days in which God created the world. hexaemeron 0.b. or hexahemeron syl hex:a+em+er+on pron <2heks*1em*ron> pos n. def the account of the Creation in Genesis 1. hexaemeric sub head hexaemeron or hexahemeric syl hex:a+1em+er+ic pos adj. hexahemeric sub head hexaemeron or hexaemeric syl hex:a+1hem+er+ic pos adj. hexagon 0. syl hex:a+gon pron <1heks*g*n> pos n. def a polygon having six sides. hexagonal 1. syl hex+ag:o+nal pron pos adj. def having six sides and six angles. hexagonal 2. syl hex+ag:o+nal pron pos adj. def of or relating to a hexagon. hexagonal 3. syl hex+ag:o+nal pron pos adj. qual Crystallog. def relating or belonging to the crystal system characterized by three equal coplanar axes inclined at 60?% to each other and a fourth longer or shorter axis at right angles to their plane. See also {trigonal}. hexagonally sub head hexagonal syl hex+1ag:o+nal+ly pos adv. hexagram 1. syl hex:a+gram pron <1heks*2gr@m> pos n. def a star-shaped figure formed by extending the sides of a regular hexagon to meet at six points. hexagram 2. syl hex:a+gram pron <1heks*2gr@m> pos n. def a group of six broken or unbroken lines which may be combined into 64 different patterns, as used in the hexagrammoid sub head hexagram syl hex:a+1gram+moid pos adj. n. hexahedron 0. syl hex:a+he+dron pron <2heks*1hEdr*n> pos n. def a solid figure having six plane faces. A {regular hexahedron} (cube) has square faces. See also {polyhedron}. hexahedral sub head hexahedron syl hex:a+1he+dral pos adj. hexahydrate 0. syl hex:a+hy+drate pron <2heks*1hIdrAt> pos n. def a hydrate, such as magnesium chloride, MgCl\2.6H\2O, with six molecules of water per molecule of substance. hexahydrated sub head hexahydrate syl hex:a+1hy+drat+ed pos adj. hexameral alt head hexamerous or hexamerous syl hex+am+e:ral pos adj. hexamerous 0. or hexameral syl hex+am+er+ous pron pos adj. usage esp. of the parts of a plant def arranged in groups of six. hexamerism sub head hexamerous syl hex+1am+er+ism pos n. hexameter 1. syl hex+am+e:ter pron pos n. qual Prosody. def a verse line consist?!ing of six metrical feet. hexameter 2. syl hex+am+e:ter pron pos n. qual Prosody. usage in Greek and Latin epic poetry def a verse line of six metrical feet, of which the first four are usually dactyls or spondees, the fifth a dactyl, and the sixth a spondee or trochee. hexametric sub head hexameter syl hex:a+met+ric pron <2heks*1metrik> pos adj. hexametral sub head hexameter or hexametrical syl hex+1am+e:tral pos adj. hexametrical sub head hexameter or hexametral syl hex:a+1met+ri+cal pos adj. hexamethylenetetramine 0. syl hex:a+meth:yl:ene+tet:ra:mine pron <2heks*2meTilEn1tetr*2mEn> pos n. def a colourless crystalline organic compound used as a urinary antiseptic. Formula: C\6H\1\2N\4. Also called: {hexamine, methen?!amine}. hexane ety C19: from #7hexa -#7+ -#7ane hexane 0. syl hex+ane pron <1heksAn> pos n. def a liquid alkane existing in five isomeric forms that are found in petroleum and used as solvents, esp. the isomer with a straight chain of carbon atoms hexane). Formula: CH\3(CH\2)\4CH\3 . hexangular 0. syl hex+an+gu+lar pron pos adj. def having six angles. hexanoic acid ety C20: from #7hexane+ -oic hexanoic acid 0. syl hex:a+no+ic ac:id pron <2heks*1n*uik> pos n. def an insoluble oily carboxylic acid found in coconut and palm oils and in milk. Formula: C\5H\1\1COOH. hexapla ety C17: from Greek hexaploos sixfold hexapla 0. syl hex:a+pla pron <1heks*pl*> pos n. def an edition of the Old Testament compiled by Origen, containing six versions of the text. hexaplar sub head hexapla syl hex:a+plar pron <2heks*1pl@rik> pos adj. hexaplaric sub head hexapla or hexaplarian syl hex:a+plar+ic pron <2heks*1pl@rik> pos adj. hexaplarian sub head hexapla or hexaplaric syl hex:a+plar+i:an pron <2heks*1ple*ri*n> pos adj. hexapod 0. syl hex:a+pod pron <1heks*2pod> pos n. def any arthropod of the class (or an insect. hexapodies infl head hexapody syl hex+ap:o+dies. pos n. mod pl. hexapody 0. syl hex+ap:o+dy pron pos n. qual Prosody. def a verse measure consisting of six metrical feet. hexapodic sub head hexapody syl hex:a+pod+ic pron <2heks*1podik> pos adj. hexastichon alt head hexastich or hexastich syl hex+as+ti+chon pron pos n. hexastich 0. or hexastichon syl hex:a+stich pron <1heks*2stik> pos n. qual Prosody. def a poem, stanza, or strophe that consists of six lines. hexastichic sub head hexastich syl hex:a+1stich+ic pos adj. infl head hexastyle syl ~ pos n. qual Architect. hexastyle 1. syl hex:a+style pron <1heks*2stIl> pos n. def a portico or fa*,cade with six columns. {~} hexastyle 2. syl hex:a+style pron <1heks*2stIl> pos n. def having six columns. Hexateuch ety C19: from #7hexa -#7+ Greek teukhos a book Hexateuch 0. syl Hex:a+teuch pron <1heks*2tju:k> pos n. def the first six books of the Old Testament. Hexateuchal sub head Hexateuch syl Hex:a+2teu+chal pos adj. hexavalent 0. syl hex:a+va+lent pron , <2heks*1vAl*nt> pos adj. qual Chem. def having a valency of six. Also: {sexivalent}. hexone 0. syl hex+one pron <1heks*un> pos n. def another name for {methyl isobutyl ketone}. hexosan 0. syl hex:o+san pron <1heks*2s@n> pos n. def any of a group of polysaccharides that yield hexose on hydrolysis. hexose 0. syl hex+ose pron <1heks*us>, <-*uz> pos n. def a monosaccharide, such as glucose, that contains six carbon atoms per molecule. hexyl 0. syl hex+yl pron <1heksil> pos n. usage modifier def of, consisting of, or containing the group of atoms C\6H\1\3, esp. the isomeric form of this group, CH\3(CH\2)\4CH\2-. exam 1 a hexyl group or radical. hexylresorcinol 0. syl hex:yl+res:or+cin+ol pron <2heksilri1zc:si2nol> pos n. def a yellowish-white crystalline phenol that has a fatty odour and sharp taste; 2,4-#edihydroxy-1-hexylbenzene: used for treating bacterial infections of the urinary tract. Formula: C\1\2H\1\8O\2. hey ety C13: compare Old French hay, German hei, Swedish hej hey 1. syl hey pron pos interj. def an expression indicating surprise, dismay, discovery, etc., or calling for another's attention. hey presto 2. head hey syl hey presto. def an exclamation used by conjurors to herald the climax of a trick. heyday ety C16: probably based on #7hey heyday 0. syl hey+day pron <1hA2dA> pos n. def the time of most power, popularity, vigour, etc.; prime. Heyduck 0. syl Hey+duck pron <1hIduk> pos n. def a variant spelling of {Haiduk}. Thor infl head Heyerdahl syl Thor pron pos n. Heyerdahl 0. syl Hey:er:dahl pron Norwegian <1hej*rda:l> pos n. def born 1914, Norwegian anthropologist. In 1947 he demonstrated that the Polynesians could originally have been migrants from South America, by sailing from Peru to the Pacific Islands of Tuamotu in the a raft made of balsa wood. Heysham 0. syl Hey+sham pron <1hAS*m> pos n. def a port in NW England, in NW Lancashire. Pop. (with Morecambe): 41863 (1971). Heywood H1.0. syl Hey+wood pron <1hA2wud> pos n. def a town in NW England, in Greater Manchester near Bury. Pop.: 30418 (1971). John 1. head Heywood syl John. def ??1497-??1580, English dramatist, noted for his comic interludes. Thomas 2. head Heywood syl Thom:as. def ??1574-1641, English dramatist, noted esp. for his domestic drama (1607). Hezekiah ety from Hebrew hizq*_iyy*_ah*_u God has strengthened Hezekiah 0. syl Hez:e:ki:ah pron <2hez*1kI*> pos n. def ??715-??687 #7b.c. a king of Judah, noted for his religious reforms (II Kings 18-19). Douay spelling: {E@.ze@.chi@.as}. Hf 0. syl Hf usage the chemical symbol for def hafnium. HF infl syl H.F. hf infl head HF or hf syl hf hf infl head HF or hf syl h.f. HF 0. syl HF qual abbrev. for def high frequency. hf 0. syl hf. qual abbrev. for def half. hg 0. syl hg qual abbrev. for def hectogram. Hg ety from New Latin hydrargyrum Hg 0. syl Hg usage the chemical symbol for def mercury. HG alt or HG syl H.G. HG 1. or HG syl HG qual abbrev. for: def High German. HG 2. or HG syl HG qual abbrev. for: def His Her) Grace. HG 3. or HG syl HG qual abbrev. for: usage in Britain def Home Guard. hgt 0. syl hgt. qual abbrev. for def height. HGV 0. syl HGV qual abbrev. for usage in Britain def heavy goods vehicle. HH 1. syl H.H. qual abbrev. for: def His Her) Highness. HH 2. syl H.H. qual abbrev. for: def His Holiness (title of the Pope). HH 0. syl HH qual abbrev. for: usage on pencils def double hard. hhd alt or hhd syl hhd. hhd 0. or hhd syl hhd qual abbrev. for def hogshead. H-hour 0. syl H-hour pos n. qual Military. def the specific hour at which any operation commences. Also called: {zero hour}. hi ety C20: probably shortened from the phrase how are you hi 0. syl hi pron usage sentence substitute. Chiefly U.S. def an informal word for {hello}: sometimes used to attract attention. HI 0. syl H.I. qual abbrev. for def Hawaiian Islands. Hialeah 0. syl Hi:a+le:ah pron <2hI*1lE*> pos n. def a city in SE Florida, near Miami: racetrack. Pop.: 120809 (1973 est.). hiatus ety C16: from Latin: gap, cleft, aperture, from hi*_are to gape, yawn hiatuses infl head hiatus or hiatus syl hi:a+tus:es pos n. mod pl. hiatus infl or hiatuses syl hi:a+tus. pos n. mod pl. hiatus 1. syl hi:a+tus pron pos n. usage esp. in manu?!scripts def a break or gap where something is missing. hiatus 2. syl hi:a+tus pron pos n. def a break or interruption in continuity. hiatus 3. syl hi:a+tus pron pos n. def a break between adjacent vowels in the pronunciation of a word. hiatus 4. syl hi:a+tus pron pos n. qual Anatomy. def a natural opening or aperture; foramen. hiatus 5. syl hi:a+tus pron pos n. qual Anatomy. def a less common word for {vulva}. hiatal sub head hiatus syl hi:1a+tal pos adj. hiatal hernia alt head hiatus hernia or hiatus hernia syl hi:a+tal her+ni:a pos n. hiatus hernia 0. or hiatal hernia syl hi:a+tus her+ni:a pos n. def protrusion of part of the stomach through the diaphragm at the oesophageal opening. Hiawatha 0. syl Hi:a:wa:tha pron <2hI*1woT*> pos n. def a 16th-century Onondaga Indian chief: credited with the organization of the Five Nations. hibachi ety from Japanese, from hi fire+ bachi bowl hibachi 0. syl hi+ba+chi pron pos n. def a portable brazier for heating and cooking food. hibernaculum ety C17: from Latin: winter residence; see #7hibernate hibernacle alt head hibernaculum or hibernaculum syl hi+ber+nac+le pron <1hIb*?!2n@kL> pos n. hibernacula infl head hibernaculum or hibernacules syl hi+ber+nac:u+la pron <-jul*> pos n. mod pl. hibernacules infl head hibernaculum or hibernacula syl hi+ber+nac:u+les. pos n. mod pl. hibernaculum 1. or hibernacle syl hi+ber+nac:u+lum pron <2hIb*1n@kjul*m> pos n. qual Rare. def the winter quarters of a hibernating animal. hibernaculum 2. or hibernacle syl hi+ber+nac:u+lum pron <2hIb*1n@kjul*m> pos n. qual Rare. def the protective case or covering of a plant bud or animal. hibernal ety C17: from Latin h*_ibern*_alis, from hiems winter hibernal 0. syl hi+ber+nal pron pos adj. def of or occurring in winter. hibernate ety C19: from Latin h*_ibern*_are to spend the winter, from h*_ibernus of winter, from hiems winter hibernate 1. syl hi+ber+nate pron <1hIb*2nAt> pos vb. mod intr. usage of some mammals, reptiles, and amphibians def to pass the winter in a dormant condition with metabolism greatly slowed down. Compare {aestivate}. hibernate 2. syl hi+ber+nate pron <1hIb*2nAt> pos vb. mod intr. def to cease from activity. hibernation sub head hibernate syl hi+ber+1na+tion pos n. hibernator sub head hibernate syl hi+ber+2na+tor pos n. Hibernia 0. syl Hi+ber+ni:a pron pos n. def the Roman name for {Ireland}: used poetically in later times. Hibernian sub head Hibernia syl Hi+1ber+ni:an pos adj. n. Hibernianism alt head Hibernicism or Hibernicism syl Hi+ber+ni+an+ism pron pos n. Hibernicism 0. or Hibernianism syl Hi+ber+ni+cism pron pos n. def an Irish expression, idiom, trait, custom, etc. hibiscus ety C18: from Latin, from Greek hibiskos marsh mallow hibiscuses infl head hibiscus syl hi+bis+cus:es. pos n. mod pl. hibiscus 0. syl hi+bis+cus pron pos n. def any plant of the chiefly tropical and subtropical malvaceous genus esp. cultivated for its large brightly coloured flowers. hic 0. syl hic pron pos interj. def a representation of the sound of a hiccup. hiccup ety C16: of imitative origin hiccup 1. syl hic+cup pron <1hik^p> pos n. def a spasm of the diaphragm producing a sudden breathing in of air followed by a closing of the glottis, resulting in a characteristic sharp sound. Technical name: {singultus}. hiccup 2. syl hic+cup pron <1hik^p> pos n. def the state or condition of having such spasms. hiccup 3. syl hic+cup pron <1hik^p> pos n. qual Informal. def a minor difficulty or problem. hiccups infl head hiccup or hiccups syl hic+cups pos vb. hiccuping infl head hiccup or hiccupping syl hic+cup+ing pos vb. hiccuped infl head hiccup or hiccupped syl hic+cuped pos vb. hiccupping infl head hiccup or hiccuping syl hic+cup+ping pos vb. hiccupped infl head hiccup or hiccuped syl hic+cupped. pos vb. hiccup 4. syl hic+cup pron <1hik^p> pos vb. mod intr. def to make a hiccup or hiccups. hiccup 5. syl hic+cup pron <1hik^p> pos vb. mod tr. def to utter with a hiccup or hiccups. hiccup xref syl hic+cup pron <1hik^p> pos n. def Also: {hiccough}. hic jacet 0. syl hic ja+cet pron Latin. <1j@ket> usage on gravestones, etc. def here lies. hick ety C16: after Hick, familiar form of Richard hick 0.a. syl hick pron pos n. qual Informal, chiefly U.S. def a country person; bumpkin. hick 0.b. syl hick pron pos n. qual Informal, chiefly U.S. usage as modifier exam 1 hick ideas. hickey ety C20: of unknown origin hickey 1. syl hick+ey pron <1hiki> pos n. qual U.S. informal. def an object or gadget: used as a substitutive name when the correct name is unknown, forgotten etc.; doohickey. hickey 2. syl hick+ey pron <1hiki> pos n. qual U.S. informal. def a mark on the skin. James Butler infl head Hickok syl James But:ler pos n. Hickok 0. syl Hick:ok pron <1hikok> pos n. def known as 1837-76, U.S. frontiersman and marshal. hickory ety C17: from earlier pohickery, from Algonquian pawcohiccora food made from ground hickory nuts hickories infl head hickory syl hick:o+ries. pos n. mod pl. hickory 1. syl hick:o+ry pron <1hik*ri> pos n. def any juglandaceous tree of the chiefly North American genus having nuts with edible kernels and hard smooth shells. See also { {pignut} (sense 1),} {{bitternut} (sense 1)}, {shagbark}. hickory 2. syl hick:o+ry pron <1hik*ri> pos n. def the hard tough wood of any of these trees. hickory 3. syl hick:o+ry pron <1hik*ri> pos n. def the nut of any of these trees. hickory 4. syl hick:o+ry pron <1hik*ri> pos n. def a switch or cane made of hickory wood. hid 0. syl hid pron pos vb. def the past tense of {hide}. hidalgo ety C16: from Spanish, from Old Spanish fijo dalgo nobleman, from Latin filius son+ d*_e of+ aliquid something hidalgos infl head hidalgo syl hi+dal+gos pron <-g*uz>, Spanish <-$Gos> pos n. mod pl. hidalgo 0. syl hi+dal+go pron , Spanish , Spanish <-$Gos> pos n. def a member of the lower nobility in Spain. Hidalgo 0. syl Hi+dal+go pron , Spanish pos n. def a state of central Mexico: consists of a high plateau, with the Sierra Madre Oriental in the north and east; ancient remains of Teltec culture (at Tula); rich mineral resources. Capital: Pachuca. Pop.: 1193845 (1970). Area: 20987 sq. km (8103 sq. miles). hidden 1. syl hid+den pron <1hidN> pos vb. def the past participle of {hide%1}. hidden 2. syl hid+den pron <1hidN> pos adj. def concealed or obscured. exam 1 a hidden cave; exam 2 a hidden meaning. hiddenly sub head hidden syl hid+den+ly pos adv. hiddenness sub head hidden syl hid+den+ness pos n. hiddenite ety C19: named after W. E. Hidden (1853-1918), American mineralogist who dis?!covered it hiddenite 0. syl hid+den+ite pron <1hid*2nIt> pos n. def a green transparent variety of the mineral spodumene, used as a gemstone. hide ety Old English h*_ydan; related to Old Frisian h*_eda, Middle Low German h*"uden, Greek keuthein hides infl head hide syl hides pos vb. hiding infl head hide syl hid+ing pos vb. hid infl head hide syl hid pos vb. hidden infl head hide or hid syl hid+den pos vb. hid infl head hide or hidden syl hid. pos vb. hide H1.1. syl hide pron pos vb. def to put or keep (oneself or an object) in a secret place; conceal (oneself or an object) from view or discovery. exam 1 to hide a pencil; exam 2 to hide from the police. hide H1.2. syl hide pron pos vb. mod tr. def to conceal or obscure. exam 1 the clouds hid the sun. hide H1.3. syl hide pron pos vb. mod tr. def to keep secret. hide H1.4. syl hide pron pos vb. mod tr. def to turn (one's head, eyes, etc.) away. hide H1.5. syl hide pron pos n. qual Brit. def a place of concealment, usually disguised to appear as part of the natural environment, used by hunters, birdwatchers, etc. U.S. equivalent: {blind}. hidable sub head hide syl hid+a:ble pos adj. hider sub head hide syl hid+er pos n. hide ety Old English h*_yd; related to Old Norse h*_uth, Old Frisian h*_ed, Old High German h*_ut, Latin cutis skin, Greek kutos; see #7cuticle hide H2.1. syl hide pron pos n. def the skin of an animal, esp. the tough thick skin of a large mammal, either tanned or raw. hide H2.2. syl hide pron pos n. qual Informal. def the human skin. hides infl head hide syl hides pos vb. hiding infl head hide syl hid+ing pos vb. hided infl head hide syl hid+ed. pos vb. hide H2.3. syl hide pron pos vb. mod tr. qual Informal. def to flog. hideless sub head hide syl hide+less pos adj. hide ety Old English h*_igid; related to h*_iw family, household, Latin c*_ivis citizen hide H3.0. syl hide pron pos n. def an obsolete Brit. unit of land measure, varying in magnitude from about 60 to 120 acres. hide-and-go-seek alt head hide-and-seek or hide-and-seek syl hide-and-go-seek pos n. qual U.S. hide-and-seek 0. or hide-and-go-seek syl hide-and-seek pos n. def a game in which one player covers his eyes and waits while the others hide, and then tries to find them. hideaway 0. syl hide+a:way pron <1hId*2wA> pos n. def a hiding place or secluded spot. hidebound 1. syl hide+bound pron <1hId2baund> pos adj. def restricted by petty rules, a conservative attitude, etc. hidebound 2. syl hide+bound pron <1hId2baund> pos adj. usage of cattle, etc. def having the skin closely attached to the flesh as a result of poor feeding. hidebound 3. syl hide+bound pron <1hId2baund> pos adj. usage of trees def having a very tight bark that impairs growth. hideous ety C13: from Old French hisdos, from hisde fear; of uncertain origin hideous 1. syl hid+e:ous pron <1hidi*s> pos adj. def extremely ugly; repulsive. exam 1 a hideous person. hideous 2. syl hid+e:ous pron <1hidi*s> pos adj. def terrifying and horrific. hideously sub head hideous syl hid+e:ous+ly pos adv. hideousness sub head hideous or hideosity syl hid+e:ous+ness pron <2hidi1ositi> pos n. hideosity sub head hideous or hideousness syl hid+e:os+i:ty pron <2hidi1ositi> pos n. hide-out 1. syl hide-out pos n. def a hiding place, esp. a remote place used by outlaws, etc.; hideaway. hide out infl head hide-out syl hide out. pos vb. hide-out 2. syl hide-out pos vb. def to remain deliberately concealed, esp. for a prolonged period of time. Hideyoshi Toyotomi 0. syl Hi:de:yo:shi To:yo:to:mi pron <2hEde1jc:Si> <2tc:jc:1tc:mi> pos n. def 1536-98, Japanese military dictator (1582-98). He unified all Japan under one rule (1590). hiding H1.1. syl hid+ing pron <1hIdiG> pos n. def the state of concealment (esp. in the phrase {in hiding}) . hiding place 2. head hiding syl hiding place. def a place of concealment. hiding H2.0. syl hid+ing pron <1hIdiG> pos n. qual Informal. def a flogging; beating. hidrosis ety C18: via New Latin from Greek: sweating, from hidr*_os sweat hidrosis 1. syl hi+dro+sis pron pos n. def a technical word for {perspiration} or {sweat}. hidrosis 2. syl hi+dro+sis pron pos n. def any skin disease affecting the sweat glands. hidrosis 3. syl hi+dro+sis pron pos n. def Also called: {hy@.per+hi+dro+sis} (@!ha$Ip$$h$I#!dr$$$us$Is, -ha$I#!dr$$$us$Is). hidrotic sub head hidrosis syl hi+drot+ic pron pos adj. hidey-hole alt head hidy-hole or hidy-hole syl hid:ey-hole pos n. hidy-hole 0. or hidey-hole syl hid:y-hole pos n. qual Informal. def a hiding place. hie ety Old English h*_igian to strive hies infl head hie or hying syl hies pos vb. hieing infl head hie or hied syl hie+ing pos vb. hying infl head hie or hies syl hy+ing pos vb. hied infl head hie or hieing syl hied. pos vb. hie 0. syl hie pron pos vb. qual Archaic or poetic. def to hurry; hasten; speed. hieland ety a variant of H#7ighland, alluding to the supposed gullibility of Highlanders in towns or cities hieland 0. syl hie+land pron <1hEl*nd> pos adj. qual Scot. dialect. def easily tricked; gullible. hiemal ety C16: from Latin hiems winter; see #7hibernate hiemal 0. syl hi+e:mal pron <1hI*m*l> pos adj. def a less common word for {hibernal}. hieracosphinx ety C18: from Greek hierax hawk+#7sphinx hieracosphinxes infl head hieracosphinx or hieracosphinges syl hi+er:a+co+sphinx:es pron <-2sfinJEz> pos n. mod pl. hieracosphinges infl head hieracosphinx or hieracosphinxes syl hi+er:a+co+sphin+ges pron <-2sfinJEz> pos n. mod pl. hieracosphinx 0. syl hi+er:a+co+sphinx pron <2hI*1rAk*u2sfiGks> pos n. usage in ancient Egyptian art def a hawk-headed sphinx. hierarch 1.a. syl hi+er+arch pron <1hI*2ra:k> pos n. def a person in a position of high priestly authority. hierarch 1.b. syl hi+er+arch pron <1hI*2ra:k> pos n. def a person holding high rank in a religious hierarchy. hierarch 2. syl hi+er+arch pron <1hI*2ra:k> pos n. def a person at a high level in a hierarchy. hierarchal sub head hierarch syl hi+er+1ar+chal pos adj. hierarchy ety C14: from Medieval Latin hierarchia, from Late Greek hierarkhia, from hierarkh*_es high priest; see #7hiero -#7, -#7archy hierarchies infl head hierarchy syl hi+er+ar+chies. pos n. mod pl. hierarchy 1. syl hi+er+ar+chy pron <1hI*2ra:ki> pos n. def a system of persons or things arranged in a graded order. hierarchy 2. syl hi+er+ar+chy pron <1hI*2ra:ki> pos n. def a body of persons in holy orders organized into graded ranks. hierarchy 3. syl hi+er+ar+chy pron <1hI*2ra:ki> pos n. def the collective body of those so organized. hierarchy 4. syl hi+er+ar+chy pron <1hI*2ra:ki> pos n. def a series of ordered groupings within a system, such as the arrangement of plants and animals into classes, orders, families, etc. hierarchy 5. syl hi+er+ar+chy pron <1hI*2ra:ki> pos n. def government by an organized priesthood. hierarchical sub head hierarchy or hierarchic syl hi+er+1ar+chi+cal pos adj. hierarchic sub head hierarchy or hierarchical syl hi+er+1ar+chic pos adj. hierarchically sub head hierarchy syl hi+er+1ar+chi+cal+ly pos adv. hieratic ety C17: from Latin hier*_aticus, from Greek hieratikos, from hiereus a priest, from hieros holy hieratic 1. syl hi+er+at+ic pron <2hI*1r@tik> pos adj. usage also def of or relating to priests. hieratic 2. syl hi+er+at+ic pron <2hI*1r@tik> pos adj. usage also def of or relating to a cursive form of hieroglyphics used by priests in ancient Egypt. hieratic 3. syl hi+er+at+ic pron <2hI*1r@tik> pos adj. usage also def of or relating to styles in art that adhere to certain fixed types or methods, as in ancient Egypt. hieratic 4. syl hi+er+at+ic pron <2hI*1r@tik> pos n. usage also def the hieratic script of ancient Egypt. hieratically sub head hieratic syl hi+er+1at:i+cal+ly pos adv. hiero- ety from Greek, from hieros hierocracies infl head hierocracy syl hi+er+oc+ra+cies. pos n. mod pl. hierocracy 0. syl hi+er+oc+ra+cy pron <2hI*1rokr*si> pos n. def government by priests or ecclesiastics. hierocratic sub head hierocracy or hierocratical syl hi+er:o+crat+ic pron <2hI*r*1kr@tik> pos adj. hierocratical sub head hierocracy or hierocratic syl hi+er:o+1crat:i+cal pos adj. hierodule ety C19: from Greek hierodoulos, from #7hiero -#7+ doulos slave hierodule 0. syl hi+er:o+dule pron <1hI*r*2dju:l> pos n. usage in ancient Greece def a temple slave, esp. a sacral prostitute. hierodulic sub head hierodule syl hi+er:o+1du+lic pos adj. hieroglyphic ety C16: from Late Latin hieroglyphicus, from Greek hierogluphikos, from #7hiero -#7+ gluph*_e carving, from gluphein to carve hieroglyphic 1. syl hi+er:o+glyph+ic pron <2hI*r*1glifik> pos adj. usage also def of or relating to a form of writing using picture symbols, esp. as used in ancient Egypt. hieroglyphic 2. syl hi+er:o+glyph+ic pron <2hI*r*1glifik> pos adj. usage also def written with hieroglyphic symbols. hieroglyphic 3. syl hi+er:o+glyph+ic pron <2hI*r*1glifik> pos adj. usage also def difficult to read or decipher. hieroglyphic 4. syl hi+er:o+glyph+ic pron <2hI*r*1glifik> pos n. usage also def a picture or symbol representing an object, concept, or sound. hieroglyphic 5. syl hi+er:o+glyph+ic pron <2hI*r*1glifik> pos n. usage also def a symbol or picture that is difficult to read or decipher. hieroglyphically sub head hieroglyphic syl hi+er:o+1glyph:i+cal+ly pos adv. hieroglyphist sub head hieroglyphic syl hi+er:o+glyph+ist pron <2hI*r*1glifist>, <2hI*1rog-> pos n. hieroglyphics 1. syl hi+er:o+glyph+ics pron <2hI*r*1glifiks> pos n. mod functioning as; sing. def a form of writing, esp. as used in ancient Egypt, in which pictures or symbols are used to represent objects, concepts, or sounds. hieroglyphics 2. syl hi+er:o+glyph+ics pron <2hI*r*1glifiks> pos n. mod functioning as; sing. def difficult or undecipherable writing. hierogram 0. syl hi+er:o+gram pron <1hI*r*2gr@m> pos n. def a sacred symbol. hierologies infl head hierology syl hi+er+ol+o:gies. pos n. mod pl. hierology 1.a. syl hi+er+ol+o:gy pron <2hI*1rol*Ji> pos n. def sacred literature. hierology 2. syl hi+er+ol+o:gy pron <2hI*1rol*Ji> pos n. def a biography of a saint. hierologic sub head hierology or hierological syl hi+er:o+log+ic pron <2hI*r*?!1loJik> pos adj. hierological sub head hierology or hierologic syl hi+er:o+1log:i+cal pos adj. hierologist sub head hierology syl hi+er+1ol:o+gist pos n. Eusebius infl head Hieronymus syl Eu:se:bi:us pron pos n. Hieronymus 0. syl Hi:er:on:y:mus pron <2hI*1ronim*s> pos n. def the Latin name of (Saint) {Jerome}. Hieronymic sub head Hieronymus or Hieronymian syl Hi+er:o+nym+ic pron <2hI*r*?!1nimik> pos adj. Hieronymian sub head Hieronymus or Hieronymic syl Hi+er:o+1nym+i:an pos adj. hierophant ety C17: from Late Latin hierophanta, from Greek hierophant*_es, from #7hiero -#7+ phainein to reveal hierophant 1. syl hi+er:o+phant pron <1hI*r*2f@nt> pos n. usage in ancient Greece def an official high priest of religious mysteries, esp. those of Eleusis. hierophant 2. syl hi+er:o+phant pron <1hI*r*2f@nt> pos n. def a person who interprets and explains esoteric mysteries. hierophantic sub head hierophant syl hi+er:o+1phant+ic pos adj. hierophantically sub head hierophant syl hi+er:o+1phan+ti+cal+ly pos adv. hifalutin 0. syl hi+fa+lu+tin pron <2hIf*1lu:tin> pos adj. def a variant spelling of {highfalutin}. hi-fi 1.a. syl hi-fi pron <1hI1fI> pos n. qual Informal. def short for {high fidelity}. hi-fi 1.b. syl hi-fi pron <1hI1fI> pos n. qual Informal. usage as modifier exam 1 hi-fi equipment. hi-fi 2. syl hi-fi pron <1hI1fI> pos n. qual Informal. def a set of high-quality sound-reproducing equipment. higgle 0. syl hig+gle pron <1higL> pos vb. def a less common word for {haggle}. higgledy-piggledy 1. syl hig:gle:dy-pig:gle+dy pron <1higLdi1pigLdi> pos adj. adv. qual Informal. def in a jumble. higgledy-piggledy 2. syl hig:gle:dy-pig:gle+dy pron <1higLdi1pigLdi> pos n. qual Informal. def a muddle. high ety Old English h*_eah; related to Old Norse h*_ar, Gothic hauhs, Old High German h*_oh high, Lithuanian ka?~ukas bump, Russian k*'uch*uc#800369 a heap, Sanskrit ku*uc#800370 a bosom high 1. syl high pron pos adj. def being a relatively great distance from top to bottom; tall. exam 1 a high building. high 2. syl high pron pos adj. def situated at or extending to a relatively great distance above the ground or above sea level. exam 1 a high plateau. high 3.a. syl high pron pos adj. usage postpositive def being a specified distance from top to bottom. exam 1 three feet high. high 3.b. syl high pron pos adj. usage in combination exam 1 a seven-foot-high wall. high 4. syl high pron pos adj. def extending from an elevation. exam 1 a high dive. high 5. syl high pron pos adj. usage in combination def coming up to a specified level. exam 1 knee-high. high 6. syl high pron pos adj. def being at its peak or point of culmination. exam 1 high noon. high 7. syl high pron pos adj. def of greater than average height. exam 1 a high collar. high 8. syl high pron pos adj. def greater than normal in degree, intensity, or amount. exam 1 high prices; exam 2 a high temperature; exam 3 a high wind. high 9. syl high pron pos adj. def of large or relatively large numerical value. exam 1 high frequency; exam 2 high voltage; exam 3 high mileage. high 10. syl high pron pos adj. usage of sound def acute in pitch; having a high frequency. high 11. syl high pron pos adj. usage of latitudes def situated relatively far north or south from the equator. high 12. syl high pron pos adj. usage of meat def slightly decomposed or tainted, regarded as enhancing the flavour of game. high 13. syl high pron pos adj. def of great eminence; very important. exam 1 the high priestess. high 14. syl high pron pos adj. def exalted in style or character; elevated. exam 1 high drama. high 15. syl high pron pos adj. def expressing or feeling contempt or arrogance. exam 1 high words. high 16. syl high pron pos adj. def elated; cheerful. exam 1 high spirits. high 17. syl high pron pos adj. qual Informal. def being in a state of altered consciousness, characterized esp. by euphoria and often induced by the use of alcohol, narcotics, etc. high 18. syl high pron pos adj. def luxurious or extravagant. exam 1 high life. high 19. syl high pron pos adj. def advanced in complexity or development. exam 1 high finance. high 20. syl high pron pos adj. usage of a gear def providing a relatively great forward speed for a given engine speed. Compare { {low%1} (sense 19)}. high 21. syl high pron pos adj. qual Phonetics. def of, relating to, or denoting a vowel whose articulation is produced by raising the back of the tongue towards the soft palate or the blade towards the hard palate, such as for the in English or in English Compare { {low%1} (sense 18)}. high 22. syl high pron pos adj. usage cap. when part of name def formal and elaborate in style. exam 1 High Mass. high 23. syl high pron pos adj. usage usually cap. def of or relating to the High Church. high 24. syl high pron pos adj. def remote, esp. in time. high 25.a. syl high pron pos adj. def having a relatively great value in a suit. high 25.b. syl high pron pos adj. def able to win a trick. high and dry 26. head high syl high and dry. def stranded; helpless; destitute. high and low 27. head high syl high and low. def in all places; everywhere. high and mighty 28. head high syl high and mighty. qual Informal. def arrogant. high opinion 29. head high syl high opinion. def a favourable opinion. high 30. syl high pron pos adv. def at or to a height. exam 1 he jumped high. high 31. syl high pron pos adv. def in a high manner. high 32. syl high pron pos adv. qual Nautical. def close to the wind with sails full. high 33. syl high pron pos n. def a high place or level. high 34. syl high pron pos n. qual Informal. def a state of altered consciousness, often induced by alcohol, narcotics, etc. high 35. syl high pron pos n. def another word for {anticyclone}. high 36. syl high pron pos n. def short for {high school}. high 37. syl high pron pos n. usage cap; esp. in Oxford def the High Street. high 38.a. syl high pron pos n. def at a height. high 38.b. syl high pron pos n. def in heaven. high altar 0. syl high al+tar pos n. def the principal altar of a church. highball 0. syl high+ball pron <1hI2bc:l> pos n. qual U.S. def a long iced drink consisting of a spirit base with water, soda water, etc. highbinder ety C19: named after the High-binders, a New York city gang highbinder 1. syl high+bind:er pron <1hI2bInd*> pos n. qual U.S. informal. def a gangster. {$D.@T} a corrupt@T politician. highborn 0. syl high+born pron <1hI2bc:n> pos adj. def of noble or aristocratic birth. highboy 0. syl high+boy pron <1hI2bci> pos n. qual U.S. def a tall chest of drawers in two sections, the lower section being a lowboy. Brit. equivalent: {tallboy}. highbrow 1. syl high+brow pron <1hI2brau> pos n. qual Often disparaging. def a person of scholarly and erudite tastes. highbrow 2. syl high+brow pron <1hI2brau> pos adj. qual Often disparaging. usage also def appealing to highbrows. exam 1 highbrow literature. high camp 0. syl high camp pos n. def a sophisticated form of {camp} (the style). highchair 0. syl high+chair pron <1hI2Ce*> pos n. def a long-legged chair for a child, esp. one with a table-like tray used at meal times. High Church 1. syl High Church pos n. def the party or movement within the Church of England stressing continuity with Catholic Christendom, the authority of bishops, and the importance of sacraments, rituals, and ceremonies. Compare {Broad Church, Low Church}. High-Church infl head High Church syl High-Church. pos adj. High Church 2. syl High Church pos adj. def of or relating to this party or movement. High-Churchman sub head High Church syl High-1Church:man pos n. high-class 1. syl high-class pos adj. def of very good quality; superior. exam 1 a high-class grocer. high-class 2. syl high-class pos adj. def belonging to, associated with, or exhibiting the characteristics of an upper social class. exam 1 a high-class lady; exam 2 a high-class prostitute. high-coloured 0. syl high-col:oured pos adj. usage of the complexion def deep red or purplish; florid. high comedy 0. syl high com+e:dy pos n. def comedy set largely among cultured and articulate people and featuring witty dialogue. Compare {low comedy}. high comedian sub head high comedy syl high co+me:di:an pos n. high command 0. syl high com+mand pos n. def the commander-in-chief and senior offic?!ers of a nation's armed forces. high commissioner 1. syl high com+mis+sion+er pos n. def the senior diplomatic representative sent by one Commonwealth country to another instead of an ambassador. high commissioner 2. syl high com+mis+sion+er pos n. def the head of an international commission. high commissioner 3. syl high com+mis+sion+er pos n. def the chief officer in a colony or other dependency. High Court of Justice 0. syl High Court of Jus+tice pos n. usage in England def one of the two divisions of the Supreme Court of Judicature. See also {Court of Appeal}. High Court of Justiciary 0. syl High Court of Jus+ti+ci+ar:y pos n. def the senior criminal court in Scotland, to which all cases of murder and rape and all cases involving heavy penalties are referred. high day 0. syl high day pos n. def a day of celebration; festival (esp. in the phrase {high days and holidays}) . higher criticism 0. syl high+er crit:i+cism pos n. def the use of scientific techniques of literary criticism to establish the sources of the books of the Bible. Compare {lower criticism}. higher education 0. syl high+er ed:u+ca+tion pos n. def education and training at colleges, universities, polytechnics, etc. higher mathematics 0. syl high+er math+e:mat+ics pos n. def mathematics, including number theory and topology, that is more abstract than normal arithmetic, algebra, geometry, and trigonometry. higher-up 0. syl high:er-up pos n. qual Informal. def a person of higher rank or in a superior position. highest common factor 0. syl high+est com+mon fac+tor pos n. def the largest number or quantity that is a factor of each member of a group of numbers or quantities. Abbrev.: {H.C.F., h.c.f}. Also called: {greatest common divisor}. high explosive 0. syl high ex+plo+sive pos n. def an extremely powerful chemical explosive, such as TNT or gelignite. highfalutin ety C19: from #7high+ -falutin, perhaps variant of fluting, from #7flute hifalutin infl head highfalutin or highfaluting syl hi+fa+lu+tin pron <2hIf*1lu:tin> pos adj. highfaluting infl head highfalutin or hifalutin syl high+fa+lu+ting pos adj. highfalutin 0. syl high+fa+lu+tin pron <2hIf*1lu:tin> pos adj. qual Informal. def pompous or pretentious. high fashion 0. syl high fash+ion pos n. def another name for {haute couture}. high fidelity 0.a. syl high fi+del+i:ty pos n. def the reproduction of sound using electronic equipment that gives faithful reproduction with little or no distortion. high fidelity 0.b. syl high fi+del+i:ty pos n. usage as modifier; a high-fidelity amplifier. def Often shortened to {hi-fi}. high-flyer alt head high-flier or high-flier syl high-fly:er pos n. high-flier 1. or high-flyer syl high-fli:er pos n. def a person who is extreme in aims, ambition, etc. high-flier 2. or high-flyer syl high-fli:er pos n. def a person of great ability, esp. in a career. &- {#!high-@!fly@.ing} high-flown 0. syl high-flown pos adj. def extravagant or pretentious in conception or intention. exam 1 high-flown ideas. high frequency 0. syl high fre+quen+cy pos n. def a radio-frequency band or radio frequency lying between 30 and 3 megahertz. Abbrev.: {HF} High German 1. syl High Ger+man pos n. def the standard German language, historically developed from the form of West Germanic spoken in S Germany. Abbrev.: {HG} See also {German, Low German}. High German 2. syl High Ger+man pos n. def any of the German dialects of S Germany, Austria, or Switzerland. high-handed 0. syl high-hand:ed pos adj. def tactlessly overbearing and inconsiderate. high-handedly sub head high-handed syl high-1hand:ed+ly pos adv. high-handedness sub head high-handed syl high-1hand:ed+ness pos n. high hat 0. syl high hat pos n. def another name for {top hat}. high-hat 1. syl high-hat pos adj. qual Informal, chiefly U.S. def snobbish and arrogant. high-hats infl head high-hat syl high-hats pos vb. high-hatting infl head high-hat syl high-hat:ting pos vb. high-hatted infl head high-hat syl high-hat:ted. pos vb. high-hat 2. syl high-hat pos vb. qual Informal, chiefly U.S. def to treat in a snobbish or offhand way. high-hat 3. syl high-hat pos n. qual Informal, chiefly U.S. def a snobbish person. highjack 0. syl high+jack pron <1hI2J@k> pos vb. def a less common spelling of {hijack}. highjacker sub head highjack syl high+2jack+er pos n. hijinks alt head high jinks or high jinks syl hi+jinks pron <1hI2JiGks> pos n. high jinks 0. or hijinks syl high jinks pron <1hI2JiGks> pos n. def lively enjoyment. high jump 1.a. syl high jump pos n. usage usually preceded by the def an athletic event in which a competitor has to jump over a high bar set between two vertical supports. high jump 1.b. syl high jump pos n. usage as modifier exam 1 high-jump tech?!niques. the high jump 2. head high jump syl the high jump. qual Brit. informal. def a severe reprimand or punishment. high jumper sub head high jump syl high jump+er pos n. high jumping sub head high jump syl high jump+ing pos n. high-key 0. syl high-key pos adj. usage of a photograph, painting, etc. def having a predominance of light grey tones or light colours. Compare { {low-key} (sense 2)}. high-keyed 1. syl high-keyed pos adj. def having a high pitch; shrill. high-keyed 2. syl high-keyed pos adj. qual U.S. def highly strung. high-keyed 3. syl high-keyed pos adj. def bright in colour. highland 1. syl high+land pron <1hIl*nd> pos n. def relatively high ground. highland 2. syl high+land pron <1hIl*nd> pos n. usage modifier def of or relating to a highland. &- {#!high+land@.er} Highland 0. syl High+land pron <1hIl*nd> pos n. usage modifier def of, relating to, or denoting the Highlands of Scotland. Highland cattle 0. syl High+land cat+tle pos n. def a breed of cattle with shaggy hair, usually reddish-brown in colour, and long horns. Highlander 1. syl High+land:er pron <1hIl*nd*> pos n. def a native of the Highlands of Scotland. Highlander 2. syl High+land:er pron <1hIl*nd*> pos n. def a member of a Scottish Highland regiment. Highland fling 0. syl High+land fling pos n. def a vigorous Scottish reel. Highland Region 0. syl High+land Re+gion pos n. def a local government region in N Scotland, formed in 1975 from Caithness, Sutherland, Nairnshire, and most of Inverness-shire and Ross and Cromarty except for the Outer Hebrides. Administrative centre: Banff. Pop.: 186460 (1976 est.). Area: 25149 sq. km (9710 sq. miles). the infl head Highlands syl the. pos n. Highlands 1. syl High+lands pron <1hIl*ndz> pos n. def a mountainous region of N Scotland, north of the Grampians: sometimes includes the Inner Hebrides and Bute; distinguished by Gaelic culture. Highlands 2. syl High+lands pron <1hIl*ndz> pos n. usage often not cap. def the highland region of any country. high-level language 0. syl high-lev:el lan+guage pos n. def a computer programming language that is closer to human language or mathematical notation than to machine language. Compare {low-level language}. highlife 0.a. syl high+life pron <1hI2lIf> pos n. def a style of music combining West African elements with U.S. jazz forms, found esp. in the cities of West Africa. highlife 0.b. syl high+life pron <1hI2lIf> pos n. usage as modifier exam 1 a highlife band. highlight 1. syl high+light pron <1hI2lIt> pos n. def an area of the lightest tone in a painting, drawing, photograph, etc. highlight 2. syl high+light pron <1hI2lIt> pos n. def the most exciting or memorable part of an event or period of time. highlight 3. syl high+light pron <1hI2lIt> pos n. mod often; pl. def a bleached blond streak in the hair. highlight 4. syl high+light pron <1hI2lIt> pos vb. mod tr. qual Painting, drawing, photography, etc. def to mark (any brightly illuminated or prominent part of a form or figure) with light tone. highlight 5. syl high+light pron <1hI2lIt> pos vb. mod tr. def to bring notice or emphasis to. highlight 6. syl high+light pron <1hI2lIt> pos vb. mod tr. def to be the highlight of. highlight 7. syl high+light pron <1hI2lIt> pos vb. mod tr. def to produce blond streaks in (the hair) by bleaching. highly 2. syl high+ly pron <1hIli> pos adv. def with great approbation or favour. exam 1 we spoke highly of it. highly 3. syl high+ly pron <1hIli> pos adv. def in a high position. exam 1 placed highly in class. highly 4. syl high+ly pron <1hIli> pos adv. def at or for a high price or cost. high-strung alt head highly strung or highly strung syl high-strung pos adj. qual U.S. highly strung 0. or high-strung syl high+ly strung pos adj. def tense and easily upset; excitable; nervous. High Mass 0. syl High Mass pos n. def a solemn and elaborate sung Mass. Compare {Low Mass}. high-minded 1. syl high-mind:ed pos adj. def having or characterized by high moral principles. high-minded 2. syl high-mind:ed pos adj. qual Archaic. def arrogant; haughty. high-mindedly sub head high-minded syl high-1mind:ed+ly pos adv. high-mindedness sub head high-minded syl high-1mind:ed+ness pos n. high-muck-a-muck ety C19: from Chinook Jargon hiu muckamuck, literally: plenty (of) food high-muck-a-muck 0. syl high-muck-a-muck pos n. def a conceited or haughty person. highness 0. syl high+ness pron <1hInis> pos n. def the condition of being high or lofty. Highness 0. syl High+ness pron <1hInis> pos n. qual Her usage preceded by; Your, His or def a title used to address or refer to a royal person. high-octane 0. syl high-oc:tane pos adj. usage of petrol def having a high octane number. high-pass filter 0. syl high-pass fil+ter pos n. qual Electronics. def a filter that transmits all frequencies above a specified value, substantially attenuating frequencies below this value. Compare {low-pass filter, band-pass filter}. high-pitched 1. syl high-pitched pos adj. def pitched high in volume or tone. See { {high} (sense 10)}. high-pitched 2. syl high-pitched pos adj. usage of a roof def having steeply sloping sides. high-pitched 3. syl high-pitched pos adj. usage of an argument, style, etc. def lofty or intense. high place 0. syl high place pos n. qual Old Testament. def a hilltop, used as a place of idolatrous worship. high places 0. syl high plac:es pos n. mod pl. def positions and offices of influence and importance. exam 1 a scandal in high places. high point 0. syl high point pos n. def a moment or occasion of great intensity, interest, happiness, etc.. exam 1 the award marked a high point in his life. high-powered 1. syl high-pow:ered pos adj. usage of an optical instrument or lens def having a high magnification. exam 1 a high-powered telescope. high-powered 2. syl high-pow:ered pos adj. def dynamic and energetic; highly capable. high-pressure 1. syl high-pres:sure pos adj. def having, using, involving, or designed to withstand a pressure above normal pressure. exam 1 a high-pressure gas; exam 2 a high-pressure cylinder. high-pressure 2. syl high-pres:sure pos adj. usage Informal. of selling def per?!suasive in an aggressive and persistent manner. high priest 1. syl high priest pos n. qual Judaism. def the priest of highest rank who alone was permitted to enter the holy of holies of the tabernacle and Temple. high priest 2. syl high priest pos n. qual Mormon Church. def a priest of the order of Melchizedek priesthood. high priest 3. syl high priest pos n. def the head of a group or cult. high priesthood sub head high priest syl high priest+hood pos n. high relief 0. syl high re+lief pos n. def relief in which forms and figures stand out from the background to half or more than half of their natural depth. Also called: {alto-relievo}. the 0.a. head High Renaissance syl the. def the period from about the 1490s to the 1520s in painting, sculpture, and architecture in Europe, esp. in Italy, when the Renaissance ideals were considered to have been attained through the mastery of Leonardo, Michel?!angelo, and Raphael. High Renaissance 0.b. syl High Re+nais+sance pos n. usage as modifier exam 1 High Renaissance art. high-rise 0. syl high-rise pos adj. usage prenominal def of or relating to a building that has many storeys, esp. one used for flats or offices. exam 1 a high-rise block. highroad 1. syl high+road pron <1hI2r*ud> pos n. def a main road; highway. highroad 2. syl high+road pron <1hI2r*ud> pos n. usage usually preceded by the def the sure way. exam 1 the highroad to fame. high school 1. syl high school pos n. qual Brit. def another term for {grammar school}. high school 2. syl high school pos n. qual U.S. def a secondary school from grade 7 to grade 12. high seas 0. syl high seas pos n. mod pl. sometimes; sing. def the open seas of the world, outside the jurisdiction of any one nation. high season 0. syl high sea+son pos n. def the most popular time of year at a holiday resort, etc. high-sounding 0. syl high-sound:ing pos adj. def another term for {high-flown}. high-speed 1. syl high-speed pos adj. qual Photog. def employing or requiring a very short exposure time. exam 1 high-speed film. high-speed 2. syl high-speed pos adj. qual Photog. def recording or making exposures at a rate usually exceeding 50 and up to several million frames per second. high-speed 3. syl high-speed pos adj. qual Photog. def working, moving, or operating at a high speed. high-speed steel 0. syl high-speed steel pos n. def any of various steels that retain their hardness at high temperatures and are thus suitable for making tools used on lathes and other high-speed machines. high-spirited 0. syl high-spir:it+ed pos adj. def vivacious, bold, or lively. high-spiritedly sub head high-spirited syl high-1spir:it+ed+ly pos adv. high-spiritedness sub head high-spirited syl high-1spir:it+ed+ness pos n. high spot 0. syl high spot pos n. qual Informal. def Another word for {highlight} (sense 2). high-stepper 0. syl high-step:per pos n. def a horse trained to lift its feet high off the ground when walking or trotting. High Street 0. syl High Street pos n. qual Brit. usage often not cap.; usually preceded by the def the main street of a town, usually where the principal shops are situated. hight ety Old English heht, from hatan to call; related to Old Norse heita, Old Frisian h*_eta, Old High German heizzan hight 0. syl hight pron pos vb. mod tr. qual Archaic and poetic. usage as a past participle def to name; call. exam 1 a maid hight Mary. high table 0. syl high ta+ble pos n. usage sometimes cap. def the table, sometimes elevated, in the dining hall of a school, college, etc., at which the princi?!pal teachers, fellows, etc., sit. hightail 0. syl high+tail pron <1hI2tAl> pos vb. mod intr. qual Informal, chiefly U.S. def to go or move in a great hurry. Also: {hightail it}. High Tatra 0. syl High Tat+ra pos n. def See {Tatra Mountains}. high tea 0. syl high tea pos n. qual Brit. def a substantial early evening meal consisting of sandwiches or a cooked snack, cakes, etc., and usually accompanied by tea. high-tension 0. syl high-ten:sion pos n. usage modifier def subjected to, carrying, or capable of operating at a relatively high voltage. exam 1 a high-tension wire. high tide 1.a. syl high tide pos n. def the tide at its highest level. high tide 1.b. syl high tide pos n. def the time at which it reaches this. high tide 2. syl high tide pos n. def a culminating point. high time 1. syl high time pos adv. qual Informal. def the latest possible time; a time that is almost too late. exam 1 it's high time you mended this shelf. high time 2. syl high time pos n. qual Informal. def Also: {high old time}. an enjoyable and exciting time. high-toned 1. syl high-toned pos adj. def high in tone. high-toned 2. syl high-toned pos adj. qual U.S. informal. def affectedly superior. high treason 0. syl high trea+son pos n. def an act of treason directly affecting a sovereign or state. high-up 0. syl high-up pos n. qual Informal. def a person who holds an important or influential position. the infl head Highveld syl the. pos n. Highveld 0. syl High+veld pron <1hI2felt>, <-2velt> pos n. def the high-altitude grassland region of the Transvaal, South Africa. high water 1. syl high wa+ter pos n. def another name for {high tide} (sense 1). high water 2. syl high wa+ter pos n. def the state of any stretch of water at its highest level, as during a flood. high water xref syl high wa+ter pos n. def Abbrev.: {HW} high-water mark 1.a. syl high-wa:ter mark pos n. def the level reached by sea water at high tide or by other stretches of water in flood. high-water mark 1.b. syl high-wa:ter mark pos n. def the mark indicating this level. high-water mark 2. syl high-wa:ter mark pos n. def the highest point. highway 1. syl high+way pron <1hI2wA> pos n. qual Now chiefly U.S. except in legal contexts. def a main road, esp. one that connects towns or cities. highway 2. syl high+way pron <1hI2wA> pos n. def a main route for any form of transport. highway 3. syl high+way pron <1hI2wA> pos n. def a direct path or course. Highway Code 0. syl High+way Code pos n. usage in Britain def a booklet compiled by the Department of Transport for the guidance of users of public roads. highwaymen infl head highwayman syl high:way+men. pos n. mod pl. highwayman 0. syl high:way+man pron <1hI2wAm*n> pos n. usage formerly def a robber, usually on horseback, who held up travellers. highway robbery 0. syl high+way rob+ber:y pos n. qual Informal. def blatant overcharging. high wire 0. syl high wire pos n. def a tightrope stretched high in the air for balancing acts. High Wycombe 0. syl High Wy+combe pron <1wik*m> pos n. def a town in S central England, in S Buckinghamshire: furniture industry. Pop.: 59298 (1971). HIH 0. syl H.I.H. qual abbrev. for def His Her) Imperial Highness. hijack ety C20: of unknown origin highjack alt head hijack or hijack syl high+jack pron <1hI2J@k> pos vb. hijack 1. or highjack syl hi+jack pron <1hI2J@k> pos vb. mod tr. def to seize, divert, or appropriate (a vehicle or the goods it carries) while in transit. exam 1 to hijack an aircraft. hijack 2. or highjack syl hi+jack pron <1hI2J@k> pos vb. def to rob (a person or vehicle) by force. exam 1 to hijack a traveller. hijack 3. or highjack syl hi+jack pron <1hI2J@k> pos vb. def the act or an instance of hijacking. hijacker sub head hijack or highjacker syl hi+2jack+er pos n. highjacker sub head hijack or hijacker syl high+2jack+er pos n. Hijaz 0. syl Hi+jaz pron pos n. def a variant spelling of {Hejaz}. hike ety C18: of uncertain origin hike 1. syl hike pron pos vb. mod intr. def to walk a long way, usually for pleasure or exercise, esp. in the country. hike 2. syl hike pron pos vb. usage usually foll. by up def to pull or be pulled; hitch. hike 3. syl hike pron pos n. def a long walk. hiker sub head hike syl hik+er pos n. hike out 0. syl hike out pos vb. adv. mod intr. qual Naut. def the U.S. term for { {sit out} (sense 3)}. hilarious ety C19: from Latin hilaris glad, from Greek hilaros hilarious 0. syl hi+lar:i+ous pron pos adj. def very funny or merry. hilariously sub head hilarious syl hi+1lar:i+ous+ly pos adv. hilariousness sub head hilarious syl hi+1lar:i+ous+ness pos n. hilarity 0. syl hi+lar+i:ty pron pos n. def mirth and merriment; cheerfulness. Saint infl head Hilary of Poitiers syl Saint. pos n. Hilary of Poitiers 0. syl Hil:a:ry of Poi+tiers pron <1hil*ri> pos n. def ??315-??367 #7a.d., French bishop, an opponent of Arianism. Feast day: Jan. 13. Hilary term ety C16: named after Saint H#7ilary of Poitiers Hilary term 0. syl Hil:a:ry term pos n. def the spring term at Oxford University and some other educational establishments. David infl head Hilbert syl Da:vid. pos n. Hilbert 0. syl Hil:bert pron <1hilbert> pos n. def 1862-1943, German mathematician, who made outstanding contributions to the theories of number fields and invariants and to geometry. Hildebrand 0. syl Hil:de:brand pron <1hild*2br@nd> pos n. def the monastic name of {Gregory VII}. Hildebrandian sub head Hildebrand syl Hil:de+1bran+di:an pos adj. n. Hildebrandine sub head Hildebrand syl Hil:de+2brand+ine pos adj. Hildesheim 0. syl Hil+des+heim pron German <1hild*s2hIm> pos n. def a city in N West Germany, in Lower Saxony: a member of the Hanseatic League. Pop.: 93400 (1970). hill ety Old English hyll; related to Old Frisian holla head, Latin collis hill, Low German hull hill hill 1.a. syl hill pron pos n. def a conspicuous and often rounded natural elevation of the earth's surface, less high or craggy than a mountain. hill 1.b. syl hill pron pos n. usage in combination exam 1 a hillside; exam 2 a hilltop. hill 2.a. syl hill pron pos n. def a heap or mound made by a person or animal. hill 2.b. syl hill pron pos n. usage in combination exam 1 a dunghill. hill 3. syl hill pron pos n. def an incline; slope. hill and dale 4. head hill syl hill and dale. usage of gramophone records def having or relating to vertical groove undulations. hill 5.a. syl hill pron pos n. def beyond one's prime. hill 5.b. syl hill pron pos n. qual Military. def absent without leave or deserting. hill 6. syl hill pron pos vb. mod tr. def to form into a hill or mound. hill 7. syl hill pron pos vb. mod tr. def to cover or surround with a mound or heap of earth. hiller sub head hill syl hill+er pos n. hilly sub head hill syl hill:y pos adj. Archibald Vivian 1. head Hill syl Ar:chi:bald Viv:i:an. def 1886-1977, English biochemist, noted for his research into heat loss in muscle contraction: shared the Nobel prize for physiology (1922). Octavia 2. head Hill syl Oc:ta:vi:a. def 1838-1912, English housing reformer; a founder of the National Trust. Hill 3. syl Hill pron pos n. def Sir {Row@.land}. 1795-1879, English originator of the penny postage. Hilla 0. syl Hil+la pron <1hil*> pos n. def a market town in central Iraq, on a branch of the Euphrates: built partly of bricks from the nearby site of Babylon. Pop.: 84704 (1965). Also: {Al Hillah}. Hillary 0. syl Hil:la:ry pron <1hil*ri> pos n. def Sir {Ed@.mund}. born 1919, New Zealand explorer and mountaineer. He and his Sherpa guide, Tenzing Norgay, were the first to reach the summit of Mount Everest (1953). hillbilly ety from #7hill+ Billy (the nickname) hillbillies infl head hillbilly syl hill+bil+lies. pos n. mod pl. hillbilly 1. syl hill+bil+ly pron <1hil2bili> pos n. qual Usually disparaging. def an unsophisticated person, esp. from the mountainous areas in the southeastern U.S. hillbilly 2. syl hill+bil+ly pron <1hil2bili> pos n. def another name for {country and western}. hill climb 0. syl hill climb pos n. def a competition in which motor vehicles attempt singly to ascend a steep slope as far as possible. Hillel 0. syl Hil:lel pron <1hilel>, <-l*l> pos n. def ??60 #7b.c. -??9 #7a.d., rabbi, born in Babylonia; president of the Sanhedrin. He was the first to formulate principles of biblical interpretation. Patrick John infl head Hillery syl Pat:rick John. pos n. Hillery 0. syl Hil:le:ry pron <1hil*ri> pos n. def born 1923, Irish statesman; president of the Republic of Ireland since 1976. hillfort 0. syl hill+fort pron <1hil2fc:t> pos n. qual Archaeol. def a hilltop fortified with ramparts and ditches, dating from the second millennium #7b.c. Nicholas infl head Hilliard syl Nich:o:las. pos n. Hilliard 0. syl Hil:li:ard pron <1hili*d> pos n. def 1537-1619, English miniaturist, esp. of portraits. Hillingdon 0. syl Hil+ling+don pron <1hiliGd*n> pos n. def a residential borough of W Greater London. Pop.: 230800 (1976 est.). hill myna 0. syl hill my:na pos n. def a starling, of S and SE Asia: a popular cage bird because of its ability to talk. Also called: {Indian grackle}. hillock ety C14 hilloc hillock 0. syl hill+ock pron <1hil*k> pos n. def a small hill or mound. hillocked sub head hillock or hillocky syl hill+ocked pos adj. hillocky sub head hillock or hillocked syl hill+ock:y pos adj. the 1. head hills syl the. def a hilly and often remote region. as old as the hills 2. head hills syl as old as the hills. def very old. hill station 0. syl hill sta+tion pos n. usage in northern India, etc. def a settlement or resort at a high altitude. hilt ety Old English; related to Old Norse hjalt, Old Saxon helta oar handle, Old High German helza hilt 1. syl hilt pron pos n. def the handle or shaft of a sword, dagger, etc. to the hilt 2. head hilt syl to the hilt. def to the full. hilt 3. syl hilt pron pos vb. mod tr. def to supply with a hilt. hilum ety C17: from Latin: trifle; see #7nihil hila infl head hilum syl hi+la pron <-l*> pos n. mod pl. hilum 1.a. syl hi+lum pron <1hIl*m> pos n. def a scar on the surface of a seed marking its point of attachment to the seed stalk (funicle). hilum 1.b. syl hi+lum pron <1hIl*m> pos n. def the nucleus of a starch grain. hilum 2. syl hi+lum pron <1hIl*m> pos n. def a rare word for {hilus}. hilus ety C19: via New Latin from Latin: a trifle hilus 0. syl hi+lus pron <1hIl*s> pos n. def a deep fissure or depression on the surface of a bodily organ around the point of entrance or exit of vessels, nerves, or ducts. hilar sub head hilus syl hi+lar pos adj. Hilversum 0. syl Hil+ver+sum pron <1hilv*s*m>, Dutch <1hilv*rsym> pos n. def a city in the central Netherlands, in North Holland province: Dutch radio and television centre. Pop.: 96841 (1973 est.). him ety Old English him, dative of h*_e #7{he %1}#e Usage. See at me. him 1. syl him pron , pos pron. usage objective def refers to a male person or animal. exam 1 they needed him; exam 2 she baked him a cake; exam 3 not him again&! him 2. syl him pron , pos pron. qual Chiefly U.S. usage objective def a dialect word for {himself} when used as an indirect object. exam 1 he ought to find him a wife. HIM alt or HIM syl H.I.M. HIM 0. or HIM syl HIM qual abbrev. for def His Her) Imperial Majesty. Himachal Pradesh 0. syl Hi+ma+chal Pra+desh pron pos n. def a state of N India, in the W Himalayas: rises to about 6700 m (22000 ft.) and is densely forested. Capital: Simla. Pop.: 3460434 (1971). Area: 55658 sq. km (21707 sq. miles). the infl head Himalayas syl the. pos n. Himalayas 0. syl Him:a+la+yas pron <2him*1lA*z>, pos n. mod pl. def a vast mountain system in S Asia, extending 2400 km (1500 miles) from Kashmir (west) to Assam (east), between the valleys of the Rivers Indus and Brahmaputra: covers most of Nepal, Sikkim, Bhutan, and the S edge of Tibet; the highest range in the world, with several peaks over 7500 m (25000 ft.). Highest peak: Mount Everest, 8848 m (29028 ft.). himation ety C19: from Greek: a little garment, from heima dress, from hennunai to clothe himatia infl head himation syl hi+mat:i:a pron <-i*> pos n. mod pl. himation 0. syl hi+mat:i+on pron pos n. usage in ancient Greece def a cloak draped around the body. Himeji 0. syl Hi+me:ji pron <1hEme2JE> pos n. def a city in central Japan, on W Honshu: cotton textile centre. Pop.: 431691 (1974 est.). Heinrich infl head Himmler syl Hein:rich pron <1hInri*,c> pos n. Himmler 0. syl Himm:ler pron German <1himl*r> pos n. def 1900-45, German Nazi leader, head of the SS and the Gestapo (1936-45); committed suicide. Hims 0. syl Hims pron pos n. def a former name of {Homs}. himself ety Old English him selfum, dative singular of h*_e self; see #7he %1#7, self #e Usage. See at myself. himself 1.a. syl him+self pron , pos pron. def the reflexive form of or himself 2. syl him+self pron , pos pron. usage preceded by a copula def his normal or usual self. exam 1 he seems himself once more. Himyarite ety C19: named after Himyar legendary king in ancient Yemen Himyarite 1. syl Him+yar+ite pron <1himj*2rIt> pos n. def a member of an ancient people of SW Arabia, sometimes regarded as including the Sabeans. Himyarite 2. syl Him+yar+ite pron <1himj*2rIt> pos adj. def of or relating to this people or their culture. Himyaritic 1. syl Him+yar+it+ic pron <2himj*1ritik> pos n. def the extinct language of the Himyarites, belonging to the SE Semitic subfamily of the Afro-Asiatic family. Himyaritic 2. syl Him+yar+it+ic pron <2himj*1ritik> pos adj. def of, relating to, or using this language. hin ety from Late Latin, from Greek, from Hebrew h*_in, from Egyptian hnw hin 0. syl hin pron pos n. def a Hebrew unit of capacity equal to about 12 pints or 3.5 litres. Hinayana ety from Sanskrit h*_inay*_ana, from h*_ina lesser+ y*_ana vehicle Hinayana 0.a. syl Hi+na+ya+na pron <2hEn*1ja:n*> pos n. def any of various early forms of Buddhism. Hinayana 0.b. syl Hi+na+ya+na pron <2hEn*1ja:n*> pos n. usage as modifier exam 1 Hinayana Buddhism. Hinayanist sub head Hinayana syl Hi+na+1ya+nist pos n. Hinayanistic sub head Hinayana syl Hi+na+ya+1nis+tic pos adj. Hinckley 0. syl Hinck+ley pron <1hiGkli> pos n. def a town in central England, in Leicestershire. Pop.: 47982 (1971). hind ety Old English hindan at the back, related to German hinten; see #7behind, hinder %2 hinder infl head hind syl hind+er pos adj. hindmost infl head hind or hindermost syl hind+most pos adj. hindermost infl head hind or hindmost syl hin:der+most. pos adj. hind H1.0. syl hind pron pos adj. usage pre?!nominal; esp. of parts of the body def situated at the back or rear. exam 1 a hind leg. hind ety Old English hind; related to Old High German hinta, Greek kemas young deer, Lithuanian szm*'ulas hornless hinds infl head hind or hind syl hinds pos n. mod pl. hind infl or hinds syl hind. pos n. mod pl. hind H2.1. syl hind pron pos n. def the female of the deer, esp. the red deer when aged three years or more. hind H2.2. syl hind pron pos n. def any of several marine serranid fishes of the genus closely related and similar to the groupers. hind ety Old English h*_ine, from h*_igna, genitive plural of h*_igan servants hind H3.1. syl hind pron pos n. usage formerly def a simple peasant. hind H3.2. syl hind pron pos n. usage formerly; in N Britain def a skilled farm worker. hind H3.3. syl hind pron pos n. usage formerly def a steward. Hind 1. syl Hind. qual abbrev. for: def Hindi. Hind 2. syl Hind. qual abbrev. for: def Hindu. Hind 3. syl Hind. qual abbrev. for: def Hindu?!stan. Hind 4. syl Hind. qual abbrev. for: def Hindu?!stani. hindbrain 0. syl hind+brain pron <1hInd2brAn> pos n. def the nontechnical name for {rhomb?!encephalon}. Paul infl head Hindemith syl Paul pron pos n. Hindemith 0. syl Hin:de:mith pron German <1hind*2mit> pos n. def 1895-1963, German composer and musical theorist, who opposed the twelve-tone technique. His works include the song cycle (1923) and the opera (1938). Hindenburg H1.0. syl Hin+den+burg pron <1hindN2burk> pos n. def the German name for {Zabrze}. Paul von Beneckendorff und von infl head Hindenburg syl Paul von Be:neck:en:dorff und von pron <1paul> pos n. Hindenburg H2.0. syl Hin:den:burg pron <1hind*n2bR:g>, German <1hindN2burk>, German <1hindN2burk> pos n. def 1847-1934, German field marshal and statesman; president (1925-34). During World War I he directed German strategy together with Ludendorff (1916-18). Hindenburg line ety C20: named after P. von H#7indenburg Hindenburg line 0. syl Hin:den:burg line pos n. def a line of strong fortifications built by the German army near the Franco-Belgian border in 1916-17. hinder ety Old English hindrian; related to Old Norse hindra, Old High German hintar*_on hinder H1.1. syl hin+der pron <1hind*> pos vb. def to be or get in the way of (someone or something); hamper. hinder H1.2. syl hin+der pron <1hind*> pos vb. mod tr. def to prevent. hinderer sub head hinder syl hin+der+er pos n. hinderingly sub head hinder syl hin+der+ing+ly pos adv. hinder ety Old English; related to Old Norse hindri latter, Gothic hindar beyond, Old High German hintar behind hinder H2.0. syl hind+er pron <1hInd*> pos adj. usage prenominal def situated at or further towards the back or rear; posterior. hindgut 1. syl hind+gut pron <1hInd2g^t> pos n. def the part of the vertebrate digestive tract comprising the colon and rectum. hindgut 2. syl hind+gut pron <1hInd2g^t> pos n. def the posterior part of the digestive tract of arthropods. hindgut xref syl hind+gut pron <1hInd2g^t> pos n. def See also {foregut, midgut}. Hindi ety C18: from Hindi hind*_i, from Hind India, from Old Persian Hindu the river Indus Hindi 1. syl Hin+di pron <1hindi> pos n. def a language or group of dialects of N central India. It belongs to the Indic branch of the Indo-European family and is closely related to Urdu. See also {Hindustani}. Hindi 2. syl Hin+di pron <1hindi> pos n. def a formal literary dialect of this language, the official language of India, usually written in Nagari script. Hindi 3. syl Hin+di pron <1hindi> pos n. def a person whose native language is Hindi. hindermost alt head hindmost or hindmost syl hin:der+most pron <1hind*2m*ust> pos adj. hindmost 0. or hindermost syl hind+most pron <1hInd2m*ust> pos adj. def furthest back; last. Hindooism sub head Hindoo syl Hin+doo+ism pron <1hindu2iz*m> pos n. hindquarter 1. syl hind+quar:ter pron <1hInd2kwc:t*> pos n. def one of the two back quarters of a carcass of beef, lamb, etc. hindquarter 2. syl hind+quar:ter pron <1hInd2kwc:t*> pos n. mod pl. def the rear, esp. of a four-legged animal. hindrance 1. syl hin+drance pron <1hindr*ns> pos n. def an obstruction or snag; impediment. hindrance 2. syl hin+drance pron <1hindr*ns> pos n. def the act of hindering; prevention. hindsight 1. syl hind+sight pron <1hInd2sIt> pos n. def the ability to understand, after something has happened, what should have been done or what caused the event. hindsight 2. syl hind+sight pron <1hInd2sIt> pos n. def a firearm's rear sight. Hindu ety C17: from Persian Hind*_u, from Hind India; see H#7indi Hindoo alt head Hindu or Hindu syl Hin+doo pron <1hindu:>, pos n. Hindus infl head Hindu or Hindoos syl Hin+dus pos n. mod pl. Hindoos infl head Hindu or Hindus syl Hin+doos. pos n. mod pl. Hindu 1. or Hindoo syl Hin+du pron <1hindu:>, pos n. def a person who adheres to Hinduism. Hindu 2. or Hindoo syl Hin+du pron <1hindu:>, pos n. def an inhabitant or native of Hindustan or India, esp. one adhering to Hinduism. Hindu 3. or Hindoo syl Hin+du pron <1hindu:>, pos adj. def relating to Hinduism, Hindus, or India. Hindooism alt head Hinduism or Hinduism syl Hin+doo+ism pron <1hindu2iz*m> pos n. Hinduism 0. or Hindooism syl Hin+du+ism pron <1hindu2iz*m> pos n. def the complex of beliefs, values, and customs comprising the dominant religion of India, characterized by the worship of many gods, including Brahma as supreme being, a caste system, belief in reincarna?!tion, etc. Hindu Kush 0. syl Hin+du Kush pron , pos n. mod pl. def a mountain range in central Asia, extending about 800 km (500 miles) east from the Koh-i-Baba Mountains of central Afghanistan to the Pamirs. Highest peak: Tirich Mir, 7590 m (25230 ft.). Hindostan alt head Hindustan or Hindustan syl Hin+do+stan pos n. Hindustan 1. or Hindostan syl Hin+du+stan pron <2hindu1sta:n> pos n. def the land of the Hindus, esp. India north of the Deccan and excluding Bengal. Hindustan 2. or Hindostan syl Hin+du+stan pron <2hindu1sta:n> pos n. def the general area around the Ganges where Hindi is the predominant language. Hindustan 3. or Hindostan syl Hin+du+stan pron <2hindu1sta:n> pos n. def the areas of India where Hinduism predominates, as contrasted with those areas where Islam predominates. Hindoostani infl head Hindustani or Hindostani syl Hin+doo+sta+ni pron <2hindu1sta:ni> pos n. Hindostani infl head Hindustani or Hindoostani syl Hin+do+sta+ni pos n. Hindustani 1. syl Hin+du+sta+ni pron <2hindu1sta:ni> pos n. def the dialect of Hindi spoken in Delhi: used as a lingua franca throughout India. Hindustani 2. syl Hin+du+sta+ni pron <2hindu1sta:ni> pos n. def a group of languages or dialects consisting of all spoken forms of Hindi and Urdu considered together. Hindustani 3. syl Hin+du+sta+ni pron <2hindu1sta:ni> pos adj. def of or relating to these languages or Hindustan. Earl infl head Hines syl Earl pos n. Hines 0. syl Hines pron pos n. def known as born 1905, U.S. jazz pianist and conductor. hinge ety C13: probably of Germanic origin; compare Middle Dutch henge; see #7hang hinge 1. syl hinge pron pos n. def a device for holding together two parts such that one can swing relative to the other, typically having two interlocking metal leaves held by a pin about which they pivot. hinge 2. syl hinge pron pos n. qual Anatomy. def a type of joint, such as the knee joint, that moves only backwards and forwards; a joint that functions in only one plane. Technical name: {ginglymus}. hinge 3. syl hinge pron pos n. def something on which events, opinions, etc., turn. hinge 4. syl hinge pron pos n. def Also called: {mount}. a small thin transparent strip of gummed paper for affixing a stamp to a page. {~} hinge 5. syl hinge pron pos n. mod tr. def to attach or fit a hinge to (something). hinge 6. syl hinge pron pos n. mod intr. usage usually foll. by on or upon def to depend (on). hinge 7. syl hinge pron pos n. mod intr. def to hang or turn on or as if on a hinge. hingeless sub head hinge syl hinge+less pos adj. hingelike sub head hinge syl hinge+2like pos adj. hinger sub head hinge syl hing+er pos n. hinnies infl head hinny syl hin+nies. pos n. mod pl. hinny H1.0. syl hin+ny pron <1hini> pos n. def the sterile hybrid offspring of a male horse and a female donkey or ass. Compare { {mule%1} (sense 1)}. hinnies infl head hinny syl hin+nies pos vb. hinnying infl head hinny syl hin+ny+ing pos vb. hinnied infl head hinny syl hin+nied. pos vb. hinny H2.0. syl hin+ny pron <1hini> pos vb. def a less common word for {whinny}. hinny ety variant of #7honey hinny H3.0. syl hin+ny pron <1hini> pos n. qual Northern English dialect. def a term of endearment, esp. for a woman or child. Hinshelwood 0. syl Hin:shel:wood pron <1hinS*l2wud> pos n. def Sir {Cy@.ril Nor@.man}. 1897-1967, English chemist, who shared the Nobel prize for chemistry (1956) for the study of reaction kinetics. hint ety C17: of uncertain origin hint 1. syl hint pron pos n. def a suggestion or implication given in an indirect or subtle manner. exam 1 he dropped a hint. hint 2. syl hint pron pos n. def a helpful piece of advice or practical suggestion. hint 3. syl hint pron pos n. def a small amount; trace. hint 4. syl hint pron pos vb. mod when; intr. often foll. by at; when; tr. usage takes a clause as object def to suggest or imply indirectly. hinter sub head hint syl hint+er pos n. hinterland ety C19: from German, from hinter behind+ land #7land ; see #7hinder %2 hinterland 1. syl hin:ter+land pron <1hint*2l@nd> pos n. def land lying behind something, esp. a coast or the shore of a river. hinterland 2. syl hin:ter+land pron <1hint*2l@nd> pos n. def remote or undeveloped areas of a country. hinterland 3. syl hin:ter+land pron <1hint*2l@nd> pos n. def an area located near and dependent on a large city, esp. a port. hip ety Old English hype; related to Old High German huf, Gothic hups, Dutch heup hip H1.1. syl hip pos n. mod often; pl. def either side of the body below the waist and above the thigh, overlying the lateral part of the pelvis and its articulation with the thighbones. hip H1.2. syl hip pos n. def another name for { {pelvis} (sense 1)}. hip H1.3. syl hip pos n. def short for {hip joint}. hip H1.4. syl hip pos n. def the angle formed where two sloping sides of a roof meet or where a sloping side meets a sloping end. hipless sub head hip syl hip+less pos adj. hiplike sub head hip syl hip+2like pos adj. hip ety Old English h*'eopa; related to Old Saxon hiopo, Old High German hiufo, Dutch joop, Norwegian dialect hj*_upa hip H2.0. syl hip pron pos n. def the berry-like brightly coloured fruit of a rose plant: a swollen receptacle, rich in vitamin C, containing several small hairy achenes. Also called: {rosehip}. hip ety C18: of unknown origin hip H3.0. syl hip pron pos interj. def an exclamation used to introduce cheers (in the phrase {hip, hip, hurrah) }. hip ety variant of earlier hep hep alt head hip or hip syl hep pron , , pos adj. hipper infl head hip or hepper syl hip+per pos adj. hippest infl head hip or heppest syl hip+pest pos adj. hepper infl head hip or hipper syl hep+per pos adj. heppest infl head hip or hippest syl hep+pest. pos adj. hip H4.1. or hep syl hip pron pos adj. qual Slang. def aware of or following the latest trends in music, ideas, fashion, etc. hip H4.2. or hep syl hip pron pos adj. qual Slang. usage often postpositive; foll. by to def informed (about). hip bath 0. syl hip bath pos n. def a portable bath in which the bather sits. hipbone 0. syl hip+bone pron <1hip2b*un> pos n. def the nontechnical name for {innominate bone}. hip flask 0. syl hip flask pos n. def a small metal flask for spirits, etc., often carried in a hip pocket. hip-huggers 0. syl hip-hug:gers pos n. mod pl. qual Chiefly U.S. def trousers that begin at the hips instead of the waist. Usual Brit. word: {hipsters}. hip joint 0. syl hip joint pos n. def the ball-and-socket joint that connects each leg to the trunk of the body, in which the head of the femur articu?!lates with the socket (acetabulum) of the pelvis. hipparch ety C17: from Greek hippos horse+-#7arch hipparch 0. syl hip+parch pron <1hipa:k> pos n. usage in ancient Greece def a cavalry command?!er. Hipparchus H1.1. syl Hip:par:chus pron pos n. def 2nd-century #7b.c. Greek astronomer. He discovered the precession of the equinoxes, calculated the length of the solar year, and developed trigonometry. Hipparchus H1.2. syl Hip:par:chus pron pos n. def died 514 #7b.c., tyrant of Athens (527-514). Hipparchus H2.0. syl Hip+par+chus pron pos n. def a large crater in the SW quadrant of the moon, about 130 kilometres in diameter. hippeastrum ety C19: New Latin, from Greek hippeus knight+ astron star hippeastrum 0. syl hip+pe+as+trum pron pos n. def any plant of the South American amaryllidaceous genus cultivated for their large funnel-shaped typically red flowers. hipped H1.1.a. syl hipped pron pos adj. def having a hip or hips. hipped H1.1.b. syl hipped pron pos adj. usage in combination exam 1 broad-hipped; exam 2 low-hipped. hipped H1.2. syl hipped pron pos adj. usage esp. of cows, sheep, reindeer, elk, etc. def having an injury to the hip, such as a dislocation of the bones. hipped H1.3. syl hipped pron pos adj. qual Architect. def having a hip or hips. See also {hipped roof}. hipped ety C20: from #7hip %4 hipped H2.0. syl hipped pron pos adj. qual U.S. slang. usage often postpositive; foll. by on def very enthusiastic (about). hipped roof 0. syl hipped roof pos n. def a roof having sloping ends and sides. hippie ety C20: see #7hip %4 hippy alt head hippie or hippie syl hip+py pron <1hipi> pos n. hippies infl head hippie syl hip+pies. pos n. mod pl. hippie 0.a. or hippy syl hip+pie pron <1hipi> pos n. usage esp. during the 1960s def a person whose behaviour, dress, use of drugs, etc., implied a rejection of conventional values. hippie 0.b. or hippy syl hip+pie pron <1hipi> pos n. usage as modifier exam 1 hippie language. hippos infl head hippo syl hip+pos. pos n. mod pl. hippo 0. syl hip+po pron <1hip*u> pos n. qual Informal. def short for {hippopotamus}. hippocampus ety C16: from Latin, from Greek hippos horse+ kampos a sea monster hippopi infl head hippocampus syl hip:po+pi pron <-pI> pos n. mod pl. hippocampus 1. syl hip:po+cam:pus pron <2hip*u1k@mp*s> pos n. def a mythological sea creature with the forelegs of a horse and the tail of a fish. hippocampus 2. syl hip:po+cam:pus pron <2hip*u1k@mp*s> pos n. def a structure in the floor of the lateral ventricle of the brain, which in cross section has the shape of a sea horse. hippocampal sub head hippocampus syl hip:po+1cam:pal pos adj. hip pocket 0. syl hip pock+et pos n. def a pocket at the back of a pair of trousers. hippocras ety C14 ypocras, from Old French: H#7ippocrates, probably referring to a filter called Hippocrates' sleeve hippocras 0. syl hip+po+cras pron <1hip*u2kr@s> pos n. def an old English drink of wine flavoured with spices. Hippocrates 0. syl Hip:poc:ra:tes pron pos n. def ??460-??377 #7b.c., Greek physician, commonly regarded as the father of medicine. Hippocratic sub head Hippocrates or Hippocratical syl Hip+po+1crat+ic pos adj. Hippocratical sub head Hippocrates or Hippocratic syl Hip+po+1crat:i+cal pos adj. Hippocratic oath 0. syl Hip+po+crat+ic oath pos n. def an oath taken by a doctor to observe a code of medical ethics derived from that of Hippocrates. Hippocrene ety C17: via Latin from Greek hippos horse+ kr*_en*_e spring Hippocrene 0. syl Hip+po+crene pron <1hip*u2krEn>, <2hip*u1krEni> pos n. def a spring on Mount Helicon in Greece, said to engender poetic inspiration. Hippocrenian sub head Hippocrene syl Hip+po+1cre:ni:an pos adj. hippodrome ety C16: from Latin hippodromos, from Greek hippos horse+ dromos a race hippodrome 1. syl hip:po+drome pron <1hip*2dr*um> pos n. def a music hall, variety theatre, or circus. hippodrome 2. syl hip:po+drome pron <1hip*2dr*um> pos n. usage in ancient Greece or Rome def an open-air course for horse and chariot races. hippogriff ety C17: from Italian ippogrifo, from ippo- horse (from Greek hippos) +grifo {#7griffin %1} hippogryph alt head hippogriff or hippogriff syl hip+po+gryph pron <1hip*u2grif> pos n. hippogriff 0. or hippogryph syl hip+po+griff pron <1hip*u2grif> pos n. def a monster of Greek mythology with a griffin's head, wings, and claws and a horse's body. Hippolyte alt head Hippolyta or Hippolyta syl Hip:pol:y:te pron pos n. Hippolyta 0. or Hippolyte syl Hip:pol:y:ta pron pos n. qual Greek myth. def a queen of the Amazons, slain by Hercules in battle for her belt, which he obtained as his ninth labour. Hippolytus 0. syl Hip:pol:y:tus pron pos n. qual Greek myth. def a son of Theseus, killed after his stepmother Phaedra falsely accused him of raping her. Hippolytan sub head Hippolytus syl Hip+1pol:y+tan pos adj. Hippomenes 0. syl Hip:pom:e:nes pron pos n. qual Greek myth. def the husband, in some traditions, of Atalanta. hippopotamus ety C16: from Latin, from Greek hippopotamos river horse, from hippos horse+ potamos river hippopotamuses infl head hippopotamus or hippopotami syl hip:po+pot:a+mus:es pron <-2mI> pos n. mod pl. hippopotami infl head hippopotamus or hippopotamuses syl hip:po+pot:a+mi pron <-2mI> pos n. mod pl. hippopotamus 1. syl hip:po+pot:a+mus pron <2hip*1pot*m*s> pos n. def a very large massive gregarious artiodactyl mammal, living in or around the rivers of tropical Africa: family It has short legs and a thick skin sparsely covered with hair. pigmy hippopotamus 2. head hippopotamus syl pigmy hippopotamus. def a related but smaller animal, Hippo Regius 0. syl Hip+po Re+gi:us pron <1hip*u> <1rEJi*s> pos n. def an ancient Numidian city, adjoining present-day Annaba, Algeria. Often shortened to {Hippo}. hippier infl head hippy syl hip+pi+er pos adj. hippiest infl head hippy syl hip+pi+est. pos adj. hippy H1.0. syl hip+py pron <1hipi> pos adj. usage Informal. esp. of a woman def having large hips. hippies infl head hippy syl hip+pies. pos n. mod pl. hippy H2.0. syl hip+py pron <1hipi> pos n. def a variant spelling of {hippie}. hip roof 0. syl hip roof pos n. def a roof having sloping ends and sides. hipster 1.a. syl hip+ster pron <1hipst*> pos n. def a person who follows fashion. hipster 1.b. syl hip+ster pron <1hipst*> pos n. def an outmoded word for {hippie}. hipster 2. syl hip+ster pron <1hipst*> pos n. usage modifier; of trousers def cut so that the top encircles the hips. hipsters 0. syl hip+sters pron <1hipst*z> pos n. mod pl. qual Brit. def trousers cut so that the top encircles the hips. Usual U.S. word: {hip-huggers}. hiragana ety from Japanese: flat kana hiragana 0. syl hi+ra+ga+na pron <2hi*r*1ga:n*> pos n. def one of the Japanese systems of syllabic writing based on Chinese cursive ideograms. The more widely used of the two current systems, it is employed in newspapers and general literature. Compare {katakana}. Hiram 0. syl Hi:ram pron <1hI*r*m> pos n. def 10th-century #7b.c. king of Tyre, who supplied Solomon with materials and craftsmen for the building of the Temple (II Samuel 5:11; I Kings 5:1-18). hircine ety C17: from Latin hirc*_inus, from hircus goat hircine 1. syl hir+cine pron <1hR:sIn>, <-sin> pos adj. qual Archaic. def of or like a goat, esp. in smell. hircine 2. syl hir+cine pron <1hR:sIn>, <-sin> pos adj. qual Literary. def lustful; lascivious. hire ety Old English h*_yrian; related to Old Frisian h*_era to lease, Middle Dutch h*_uren hire 1. syl hire pron <1hI*> pos vb. mod tr. def to acquire the temporary use of (a thing) or the services of (a person) in exchange for payment. hire 2. syl hire pron <1hI*> pos vb. mod tr. usage often foll. by out def to provide (something) or the services of (oneself or others) for an agreed payment, usually for an agreed period. hire 3. syl hire pron <1hI*> pos vb. mod tr. qual Chiefly Brit. usage foll. by out def to pay independent contractors for (work to be done). {~} hire 4.a. syl hire pron <1hI*> pos vb. mod tr. def the act of hiring or the state of being hired. hire 4.b. syl hire pron <1hI*> pos vb. mod tr. usage as modifier exam 1 a hire car. hire 5.a. syl hire pron <1hI*> pos vb. mod tr. def the price paid or payable for a person's services or the temporary use of something. hire 5.b. syl hire pron <1hI*> pos vb. mod tr. usage as modifier exam 1 the hire charge. for 6. head hire or on hire syl for def available for service or temporary use in exchange for payment. hirable sub head hire or hireable syl hir+a:ble pos adj. hireable sub head hire or hirable syl hire+a:ble pos adj. hirer sub head hire syl hir+er pos n. hireling ety Old English h*_yrling; related to Dutch huurling; see #7hire, {-#7ling %1} hireling 0. syl hire+ling pron <1hI*liG> pos n. qual Derogatory. def a person who works only for money, esp. one paid to do something unpleasant. hire-purchase 0.a. syl hire-pur:chase pos n. qual Brit. def a system for purchasing merchandise, such as cars or furniture, in which the buyer takes possession of the merchandise on payment of a deposit and completes the purchase by paying a series of regular instalments while the seller retains ownership until the final instalment is paid. hire-purchase 0.b. syl hire-pur:chase pos n. qual Brit. usage as modifier; hire-purchase legislation. def Abbrev.: {H.P., h.p}. U.S. equivalent: {instalment buying}. hiri Motu 0. syl hi:ri Mo:tu pron <1hi*ri> <1m*utu:> pos n. def another name for {Motu} (the language). Hirohito 0. syl Hi:ro:hi:to pron <2hi*r*u1hEt*u> pos n. def born 1901, emperor of Japan since 1926. In 1946 he became a constitutional monarch. Ando infl head Hiroshige syl An:do pron <1a:nd*u> pos n. Hiroshige 0. syl Hi:ro:shi:ge pron <2hi*r*u1SEgA> pos n. def 1797-1858, Japanese artist, esp. of colour wood-block prints. Hiroshima 0. syl Hi+ro+shi+ma pron <2hiro1SEm*>, pos n. def a port in SW Japan, on SW Honshu on the delta of the Ota River: largely destroyed on August 6, 1945, by the first atomic bomb to be used in warfare, dropped by the U.S., which killed over 75000 of its inhabitants. Pop.: 761240 (1974 est.). hirsute ety C17: from Latin hirs*_utus shaggy; related to Latin horr*_ere to bristle, hirtus hairy; see #7horrid hirsute 1. syl hir+sute pron <1hR:sju:t> pos adj. def covered with hair. hirsute 2. syl hir+sute pron <1hR:sju:t> pos adj. usage of plants or their parts def covered with long but not stiff hairs. hirsute 3. syl hir+sute pron <1hR:sju:t> pos adj. usage Informal. of a person def having long, thick, or untrimmed hair. hirsuteness sub head hirsute syl hir+sute+ness pos n. hirudin ety C20: from Latin hirudin-, hirudo leech+-#7in hirudin 0. syl hir:u+din pron pos n. qual Med. def an anticoagulant extracted from the mouth glands of leeches. hirundine ety C19: from Late Latin hirundineus, from Latin hirund*_o a swallow hirundine 1. syl hi+run+dine pron , <-dIn> pos adj. def of or resembling a swallow. hirundine 2. syl hi+run+dine pron , <-dIn> pos adj. def belonging to the bird family which includes swallows and martins. his ety Old English his, genitive of h*_e #7he %1 and of hit #7it his 1.a. syl his pron , pos determiner. def of, belonging to, or associated with him. exam 1 his own fault; exam 2 his knee; exam 3 I don't like his being out so late. his 1.b. syl his pron , pos determiner. usage as pronoun exam 1 his is on the left; exam 2 that book is his. his and hers 2. head his syl his and hers. usage of paired objects def for a man and woman respectively. of his 3. head his syl of his. def belonging to or associated with him. Hispania 0. syl His+pan:i:a pron pos n. def the Iberian peninsula in the Roman world. Hispanic 0. syl His+pan+ic pron pos adj. def relating to, characteristic of, or derived from Spain or the Spanish. Hispanicism 0. syl His+pan:i+cism pron pos n. def a word or expression borrowed from Spanish or modelled on the form of a Spanish word or expression. Hispanicise alt head Hispanicize or Hispanicize syl His+pan:i+cise pron pos vb. mod tr. Hispanicize 0. or Hispanicise syl His+pan:i+cize pron pos vb. mod tr. def to make Spanish, as in custom or culture; bring under Spanish control or influence. &- {His+#!pan@.i+@!cist} Hispanicization sub head Hispanicize or Hispanicisation syl His+2pan:i+ci+1za+tion pos n. Hispanicisation sub head Hispanicize or Hispanicization syl His+2pan:i+ci+1sa+tion pos n. Hispaniola 0. syl His+pan:io+la pron <2hisp*n1j*ul*>, Spanish <2ispa1$jola> pos n. def the second largest island in the West Indies, in the Greater Antilles: divided politically into Haiti and the Dominican Republic; discovered in 1492 by Christopher Columbus, who named it La Isla Espa?~nola. Area: 18703 sq. km (29418 sq. miles). Former name: {Santo Domingo}. hispid ety C17: from Latin hispidus bristly hispid 0. syl his+pid pron <1hispid> pos adj. qual Biology. def covered with stiff hairs or bristles. hispidity sub head hispid syl his+1pid+i:ty pos n. hiss ety C14: of imitative origin hiss 1. syl hiss pron pos n. def a voiceless fricative sound like that of a pro?!longed hiss 2. syl hiss pron pos n. def such a sound uttered as an exclamation of derision, contempt, etc., esp. by an audience or crowd. hiss 3. syl hiss pron pos n. qual Electronics. def receiver noise with a continuous spectrum, caused by thermal agitation, shot noise, etc. hiss 4. syl hiss pron pos interj. def an exclamation of derision or disapproval. hiss 5. syl hiss pron pos vb. mod intr. def to produce or utter a hiss. hiss 6. syl hiss pron pos vb. mod tr. def to express with a hiss, usually to indicate derision or anger. hiss 7. syl hiss pron pos vb. mod tr. def to show derision or anger towards (a speaker, performer, etc.) by hissing. hisser sub head hiss syl hiss+er pos n. hist 0. syl hist pron pos interj. def an exclamation used to attract attention or as a warning to be silent. hist 1. syl hist. qual abbrev. for: def histology. hist 2. syl hist. qual abbrev. for: def historical. hist 3. syl hist. qual abbrev. for: def history. histaminase 0. syl his+tam:i+nase pron pos n. def an enzyme, occurring in the digestive system, that inactivates histamine by removal of its amino group. Also called: {diamine oxidase}. histamine ety C20: from #7hist (#7idine) #7+ -#7amine histamine 0. syl his+ta+mine pron <1hist*2mEn>, <-min> pos n. def an amine formed from histidine and released by the body tissues in allergic reactions, causing irritation. It also stimulates gastric secretions, dilates blood vessels, and contracts smooth muscle. Formula: C\5H\9N\3. See also {antihistamine}. histaminic sub head histamine syl his+ta+min+ic pron <2hist*1minik> pos adj. histidine 0. syl his+ti+dine pron <1histi2dEn>, <-din> pos n. def a sweet-tasting crystalline amino acid that occurs in most proteins: a precursor of histamine. Formula: C\3H\3N\2CH\2CH(NH\2)COOH. histiocyte ety from Greek histion a little web, from histos web+-#7cyte histiocyte 0. syl his+ti:o+cyte pron <1histi*2sIt> pos n. qual Physiol. def a macrophage that occurs in connective tissue. histiocytic sub head histiocyte syl his+ti:o+cyt+ic pron <2histi*1sitik> pos adj. histo- ety from Greek, from histos web histochemistry 0. syl his+to+chem+is+try pron <2hist*u1kemistri> pos n. def the chemistry of tissues, such as liver and bone, often studied with the aid of a microscope. histochemical sub head histochemistry syl his+to+1chem:i+cal pos adj. histogen 0. syl his+to+gen pron <1hist*2Jen> pos n. def any of several distinct regions in a plant that differentiate to produce new tissue. histogeny alt head histogenesis or histogenesis syl his+tog+e:ny pron pos n. histogenesis 0. or histogeny syl his+to+gen+e:sis pron <2hist*u1Jenisis> pos n. def the formation of tissues and organs from undifferentiated cells. histogenetic sub head histogenesis or histogenic syl his+to+ge:net+ic pron <2hist*uJ*1netik> pos adj. histogenic sub head histogenesis or histogenetic syl his+to+1gen+ic pos adj. histogenetically sub head histogenesis or histogenically syl his+to+ge:1net:i+cal+ly pos adv. histogenically sub head histogenesis or histogenetically syl his+to+1gen:i+cal+ly pos adv. histogram ety C20: from #7histo (#7ry) #7+ -#7gram histogram 0. syl his+to+gram pron <1hist*2gr@m> pos n. def a figure that represents a frequency distribution, consisting of contiguous rectangles whose width is in proportion to the class interval under consideration and whose height is the associated frequency. histoid 1. syl his+toid pron <1histcid> pos adj. usage esp. of a tumour def resembling normal tissue. histoid 2. syl his+toid pron <1histcid> pos adj. usage esp. of a tumour def composed of one kind of tissue. histology 1. syl his+tol+o:gy pron pos n. def the study, esp. the microscopic study, of the tissues of an animal or plant. histology 2. syl his+tol+o:gy pron pos n. def the structure of a tissue or organ. histological sub head histology or histologic syl his+to+log:i+cal pron <2hist*1loJikL> pos adj. histologic sub head histology or histological syl his+to+1log+ic pos adj. histologically sub head histology syl his+to+1log:i+cal+ly pos adv. histologist sub head histology syl his+1tol:o+gist pos n. histolysis 0. syl his+tol:y+sis pron pos n. def the disintegration of organic tissues. histolytic sub head histolysis syl his+to+lyt+ic pron <2hist*1litik> pos adj. histolytically sub head histolysis syl his+to+1lyt:i+cal+ly pos adv. histone 0. syl his+tone pron <1hist*un> pos n. def any of a group of simple water-soluble strongly basic proteins present in cell nuclei in association with nucleic acids. histopathology 0. syl his+to+pa+thol+o:gy pron <2hist*up*1Tol*Ji> pos n. def the study of the microscopic structure of diseased tissues. histopathological sub head histopathology syl his+to+path:o+log:i+cal pron <2hist*u2p@T*1loJikL> pos adj. histoplasmosis 0. syl his+to+plas+mo+sis pron <2hist*upl@z1m*usis> pos n. def a severe fungal disease of the lungs caused by historian 0. syl his+to+ri:an pron pos n. def a person who writes or studies history, esp. one who is an authority on it. historiated ety C19: from Medieval Latin histori*_are to tell a story in pictures, from Latin historia story historiated 0. syl his+to+ri+at+ed pron pos adj. def decorated with flowers or animals. Also: {storiated}. historic 1. syl his+tor+ic pron pos adj. def famous or likely to become famous in history; significant. historic 2. syl his+tor+ic pron pos adj. def a less common word for {historical} (senses 1-5). historic 3. syl his+tor+ic pron pos adj. def Also: {secondary}. (of Latin, Greek, or Sanskrit verb tenses) referring to past time. #e {Usage}. In careful usage, a distinction is made between (important, significant) and (pertaining to history). exam 1 a historic decision; exam 2 a historical perspective. historical 1. syl his+tor:i+cal pron pos adj. def belonging to or typical of the study of history. exam 1 historical methods. historical 2. syl his+tor:i+cal pron pos adj. def concerned with or treating of events of the past. exam 1 historical accounts. historical 3. syl his+tor:i+cal pron pos adj. def based on or constituting factual material as distinct from legend or supposition. historical 4. syl his+tor:i+cal pron pos adj. def based on or inspired by history. exam 1 a historical novel. historical 5. syl his+tor:i+cal pron pos adj. def occurring or prominent in history. historical 6. syl his+tor:i+cal pron pos adj. def a less common word for {historic} (sense 1). historically sub head historical syl his+1tor:i+cal+ly pos adv. historicalness sub head historical syl his+1tor:i+cal+ness historical linguistics 0. syl his+tor:i+cal lin+guis+tics pos n. def the study of language as it changes in the course of time, with a view either to discovering general principles of linguistic change or to establishing the correct genealogical classification of particular languages. Also called: {diachronic linguistics}. Compare {descriptive linguistics}. historical materialism 0. syl his+tor:i+cal ma+te:ri+al+ism pos n. def the part of Marxist theory maintaining that social structures derive from economic structures and that these are transformed as a result of class struggles, each ruling class producing another, which will overcome and destroy it, the final phase being the emergence of a communist society. historical method 0. syl his+tor:i+cal meth+od pos n. def a means of learning about something by considering its origins and development. historical present 0. syl his+tor:i+cal pres+ent pos n. def the present tense used to narrate past events, usually employed in English for special effect or in informal use, as in historical school 1. syl his+tor:i+cal school pos n. def a group of 19th century German economists who maintained that modern economies evolved from historical institutions. historical school 2. syl his+tor:i+cal school pos n. def the school of jurists maintaining that laws are based on social and historical circumstances rather than made by a sovereign power. historic episcopate 0. syl his+tor+ic e:pis+co+pate pos n. qual Eccles. def the derivation of the episcopate of a Church in historic succession from the apostles. historicism 1. syl his+tor:i+cism pron pos n. def the belief that natural laws govern historical events. historicism 2. syl his+tor:i+cism pron pos n. def the theory that social and cultural phenom?!ena are historically determined and that each period in history has its own values, inapplicable to other periods. historicism 3. syl his+tor:i+cism pron pos n. def excessive emphasis on history, historicism, past styles, etc. historicist sub head historicism syl his+1tor:i+cist pos n. adj. historicity 0. syl his+to+ric+i:ty pron <2hist*1risiti> pos n. def historical authenticity. historiographer 1. syl his+to+ri+og+ra+pher pron pos n. def a historian, esp. one concerned with historical method and the writings of other historians. historiographer 2. syl his+to+ri+og+ra+pher pron pos n. def a historian employed to write the history of a group or public institution. historiography 1. syl his+to+ri+og+ra+phy pron <2histc:ri1ogr*fi> pos n. def the writing of history. historiography 2. syl his+to+ri+og+ra+phy pron <2histc:ri1ogr*fi> pos n. def the study of the development of historical method, historical research, and writing. historiography 3. syl his+to+ri+og+ra+phy pron <2histc:ri1ogr*fi> pos n. def any body of historical literature. historiographic sub head historiography syl his+to+ri:o+graph+ic pron pos adj. history ety C15: from Latin historia, from Greek: enquiry, from historein to narrate, from hist*_or judge histories infl head history syl his+to+ries. pos n. mod pl. history 1.a. syl his+to+ry pron <1hist*ri>, <1histri> pos n. def a record or account, often chronological in approach, of past events, developments, etc. history 1.b. syl his+to+ry pron <1hist*ri>, <1histri> pos n. usage as modifier exam 1 a history book; exam 2 a history play. history 2. syl his+to+ry pron <1hist*ri>, <1histri> pos n. def all that is preserved or remembered of the past, esp. in written form. history 3. syl his+to+ry pron <1hist*ri>, <1histri> pos n. def the discipline of recording and interpreting past events involving human beings. history 4. syl his+to+ry pron <1hist*ri>, <1histri> pos n. def past events, esp. when considered as an aggregate. history 5. syl his+to+ry pron <1hist*ri>, <1histri> pos n. def an event in the past, esp. one that has been forgotten or reduced in importance. exam 1 their quarrel was just history. history 6. syl his+to+ry pron <1hist*ri>, <1histri> pos n. def the past, background, previous experiences, etc., of a thing or person. exam 1 the house had a strange history. history 7. syl his+to+ry pron <1hist*ri>, <1histri> pos n. def a play that depicts or is based on historical events. history 8. syl his+to+ry pron <1hist*ri>, <1histri> pos n. def a narrative relating the events of a character's life. exam 1 the history of Joseph Andrews. history xref syl his+to+ry pron <1hist*ri>, <1histri> pos n. def Abbrev. (for senses 1,2,3): {hist}. histrionic ety C17: from Late Latin histri*_onicus of a player, from histri*_o actor histrionical alt head histrionic or histrionic syl his+tri+on:i+cal pos adj. histrionic 1. or histrionical syl his+tri+on+ic pron <2histri1onik> pos adj. def excessively dramatic, insincere, or artificial. exam 1 histrionic gestures. histrionic 2. or histrionical syl his+tri+on+ic pron <2histri1onik> pos adj. qual Now rare. def dramatic. {~} histrionic 3. or histrionical syl his+tri+on+ic pron <2histri1onik> pos adj. mod pl. def melodramatic displays of temperament. histrionic 4. or histrionical syl his+tri+on+ic pron <2histri1onik> pos adj. qual Rare. (pl., functioning as sing. def dramatics. histrionically sub head histrionic syl his+tri+1on:i+cal+ly pos adv. hit ety Old English hittan, from Old Norse hitta hits infl head hit syl hits pos vb. mod mainly; tr. hitting infl head hit syl hit+ting pos vb. mod mainly; tr. hit infl syl hit. pos vb. mod mainly; tr. hit 1. syl hit pron pos vb. mod also; intr. def to deal (a blow or stroke) to (a person or thing); strike. exam 1 the man hit the child. hit 2. syl hit pron pos vb. mod mainly; tr. def to come into violent contact with. exam 1 the car hit the tree. hit 3. syl hit pron pos vb. mod mainly; tr. def to reach or strike with a missile, thrown object, etc.. exam 1 to hit a target. hit 4. syl hit pron pos vb. mod mainly; tr. def to make or cause to make forceful contact; knock or bump. exam 1 I hit my arm on the table. hit 5. syl hit pron pos vb. mod mainly; tr. def to propel or cause to move by striking. exam 1 to hit a ball. hit 6. syl hit pron pos vb. mod mainly; tr. qual Cricket. def to score (runs). hit 7. syl hit pron pos vb. mod mainly; tr. def to affect (a person, place, or thing) suddenly or adversely. exam 1 his illness hit his wife very hard. hit 8. syl hit pron pos vb. mod mainly; tr. def to achieve or reach. exam 1 to hit the jackpot; exam 2 unemployment hit a new high. hit 9. syl hit pron pos vb. mod mainly; tr. def to experience or encounter. exam 1 I've hit a slight snag here. hit 10. syl hit pron pos vb. mod mainly; tr. qual U.S. slang. def to murder (a rival criminal) in fulfilment of an underworld contract or vendetta. hit 11. syl hit pron pos vb. mod mainly; tr. def to accord or suit (esp. in the phrase {hit one's fancy) }. hit 12. syl hit pron pos vb. mod mainly; tr. def to guess correctly or find out by accident. exam 1 you have hit the answer. hit 13. syl hit pron pos vb. mod mainly; tr. qual Informal. def to set out on (a road, path, etc.). exam 1 let's hit the road. hit 14. syl hit pron pos vb. mod mainly; tr. qual Informal. def to arrive or appear in. exam 1 he will hit town tomorrow night. hit 15. syl hit pron pos vb. mod mainly; tr. qual Informal, chiefly U.S. def to demand or request from. exam 1 he hit me for a pound. hit 16. syl hit pron pos vb. mod mainly; tr. qual Slang, chiefly U.S. def to drink an excessive amount of (alcohol). exam 1 to hit the bottle. hit it 17. head hit syl hit it. qual Music, slang. def start playing. hit the sack 18. head hit or hay syl hit the sack qual Slang. def to go to bed. hit 19. syl hit pron pos n. mod mainly; tr. def an impact or collision. hit 20. syl hit pron pos n. mod mainly; tr. def a shot, blow, etc., that reaches its object. hit 21. syl hit pron pos n. mod mainly; tr. def an apt, witty, or telling remark. hit 22.a. syl hit pron pos n. mod mainly; tr. def a person or thing that gains wide appeal. exam 1 she's a hit with everyone. hit 22.b. syl hit pron pos n. mod mainly; tr. usage as modifier exam 1 a hit record. hit 23. syl hit pron pos n. mod mainly; tr. qual Informal. def a stroke of luck. hit 24. syl hit pron pos n. mod mainly; tr. qual U.S. slang. def a murder carried out as the result of an underworld vendetta or rivalry. hit 25. syl hit pron pos n. mod mainly; tr. qual Slang. def a successful injection of heroin. make 26. head hit or score a hit with syl make qual Informal. def to make a favourable impression on. hit xref syl hit pron pos vb. mod mainly; tr. def See also {hit off, hit on, hit out}. hit-and-run 1.a. syl hit-and-run pos adj. usage prenominal def involved in or denoting a motor-vehicle accident in which the driver leaves the scene without stopping to give assistance, inform the police, etc. hit-and-run 1.b. syl hit-and-run pos as; n. usage prenominal exam 1 a hit-and-run. hit-and-run 2. syl hit-and-run pos adj. usage prenominal; of an attack, raid, etc. def relying on surprise allied to a rapid departure from the scene of operations for the desired effect. exam 1 hit-and-run tactics. hit-and-run 3. syl hit-and-run pos adj. qual Baseball. usage prenominal def denoting a play in which a base runner begins to run as the pitcher throws the ball to the batter. hitch ety C15: of uncertain origin hitch 1. syl hitch pron pos vb. def to fasten or become fastened with a knot or tie, esp. temporarily. hitch 2. syl hitch pron pos vb. usage often foll. by up def to connect (a horse, team, etc.); harness. hitch 3. syl hitch pron pos vb. mod tr. usage often foll. by up def to pull up (the trousers, a skirt, etc.) with a quick jerk. hitch 4. syl hitch pron pos vb. mod intr. qual Chiefly U.S. def to move in a halting manner. exam 1 to hitch along. hitch 5. syl hitch pron pos vb. def to entangle or become entangled. exam 1 the thread was hitched on the reel. hitch 6. syl hitch pron pos vb. mod tr. qual Informal. usage passive def to marry (esp. in the phrase {get hitched) }. hitch 7. syl hitch pron pos vb. qual Informal. def to obtain (a ride or rides) by hitchhiking. hitch 8. syl hitch pron pos n. def an impediment or obstacle, esp. one that is temporary or minor. exam 1 a hitch in the proceedings. hitch 9. syl hitch pron pos n. def a knot for fastening a rope to posts, other ropes, etc., that can be undone by pulling against the direction of the strain that holds it. hitch 10. syl hitch pron pos n. def a sudden jerk; tug; pull. exam 1 he gave it a hitch and it came loose. hitch 11. syl hitch pron pos n. qual Chiefly U.S. def a hobbling gait. exam 1 to walk with a hitch. hitch 12. syl hitch pron pos n. def a device used for fastening. hitch 13. syl hitch pron pos n. qual Informal. def a ride obtained by hitchhiking. hitch 14. syl hitch pron pos n. qual U.S. slang. def a period of time spent in prison, in the army, etc. hitcher sub head hitch syl hitch+er pos n. Alfred (Joseph) infl head Hitchcock syl Al:fred (Joseph) . pos n. Hitchcock 0. syl Hitch:cock pron <1hiCkok> pos n. def born 1899, English film director, noted for his mastery in creating suspense. His films include (1935), (1940), (1960), and (1963). hitchhike 0. syl hitch+hike pron <1hiC2hIk> pos vb. mod intr. def to travel by obtaining free lifts in motor vehicles. hitchhiker sub head hitchhike syl hitch+2hik:er pos n. hitching post 0. syl hitch+ing post pos n. def a post or rail to which the reins of a horse, etc., are tied. hither ety Old English hider; related to Old Norse hethra here, Gothic hidr*_e, Latin citr*_a on this side, citr*_o hither 1. syl hith+er pron <1hi@d*> pos adv. def Also (archaic): {hith@.er+ward, hith@.er+wards}. to or towards this place (esp. in the phrase {come hither}) . hither and thither 2. head hither syl hither and thither. def this way and that, as in a state of confusion. hither 3. syl hith+er pron <1hi@d*> pos adj. usage Archaic or dialect. of a side or part, esp. of a hill or valley def nearer; closer. hithermost 0. syl hith:er+most pron <1hi@d*2m*ust> pos adj. qual Now rare. def nearest to this place or in this direction. hitherto 1. syl hith:er+to pron <1hi@d*1tu:> pos adv. def until this time. exam 1 hitherto, there have been no problems. hitherto 2. syl hith:er+to pron <1hi@d*1tu:> pos adv. qual Archaic. def to this place or point. Adolf 1. head Hitler syl A:dolf pron <1a:dclf> def 1889-1945, German dictator, born in Austria. After becoming president of the National Socialist German Workers' Party (Nazi party), he attempted to overthrow the government of Bavaria (1923). While in prison he wrote expressing his philosophy of the superiority of the Aryan race and the inferiority of the Jews. He was appointed chancellor of Germany (1933), transforming it from a democratic republic into the totalitarian Third Reich, of which he became F*"uhrer in 1934. He established concentration camps to exterminate the Jews, rearmed the Rhineland (1936), annexed Austria (1938) and Czechoslovakia and invaded Poland (1939), which precipitated World War II. He committed suicide. Hitler 2. syl Hit:ler pron <1hitl*> pos n. def a person who displays dictatorial characteristics. Hitlerism 0. syl Hit+ler+ism pron <1hitl*2riz*m> pos n. def the policies, principles, and methods of the Nazi party as developed by Adolf Hitler. hit man 0. syl hit man pos n. qual Chiefly U.S. def a hired assassin, esp. one employed by gangsters. hit off 1. syl hit off pos adv. mod tr. def to represent or mimic accurately. hit it off 2. head hit off syl hit it off. qual Informal. def to have a good relationship with. hit on 1. syl hit on pos vb. prep. mod tr. def to strike. hit on 2. syl hit on pos vb. prep. mod intr. def Also: {hit upon}. to discover unexpectedly or guess correctly. (hit-or-miss infl head hit or miss syl (hit-or-miss pos adj. hit or miss 0. syl hit or miss pos adj. usage when prenominal) Informal. def random; casual; haphazard. exam 1 his judgment is rather hit or miss; exam 2 a hit-or-miss system. hit out 1. syl hit out pos vb. adv. mod intr. usage often foll. by at def to direct a blow. hit out 2. syl hit out pos vb. adv. mod intr. usage often foll. by at def to make a verbal attack (upon someone). hitter 1. syl hit+ter pron <1hit*> pos n. qual Informal. def a boxer who has a hard punch rather than skill or finesse. hitter 2. syl hit+ter pron <1hit*> pos n. def a person who hits something. Hittite 1. syl Hit+tite pron <1hitIt> pos n. def a member of an ancient people of Anatolia, who built a great empire in N Syria and Asia Minor in the second millennium #7b.c. Hittite 2. syl Hit+tite pron <1hitIt> pos n. def the extinct language of this people, deciphered from cuneiform inscriptions found at Bo*ug#800371 azk*"oy and elsewhere. It is clearly related to the Indo-European family of languages, although the precise relationship is disputed. Hittite 3. syl Hit+tite pron <1hitIt> pos adj. def of or relating to this people, their civilization, or their language. hive ety Old English h*_yf; related to Westphalian h*"uwe, Old Norse h*_ufr ship's hull, Latin c*_upa barrel, Greek kup*_e, Sanskrit k*_upa cave hive 1. syl hive pron pos n. def a structure in which social bees live and rear their young. hive 2. syl hive pron pos n. def a colony of social bees. hive 3. syl hive pron pos n. def a place showing signs of great industry (esp. in the phrase {a hive of activity}) . hive 4. syl hive pron pos n. def a teeming crowd; multitude. hive 5. syl hive pron pos n. def an object in the form of a hive. hive 6. syl hive pron pos vb. def to cause (bees) to collect or (of bees) to collect inside a hive. hive 7. syl hive pron pos vb. def to live or cause to live in or as if in a hive. hive 8. syl hive pron pos vb. mod tr. usage of bees def to store (honey, pollen, etc.) in the hive. hive 9. syl hive pron pos vb. mod tr. usage often foll. by up or away def to store, esp. for future use. exam 1 he used to hive away a small sum every week. hivelike sub head hive syl hive+2like pos adj. hive bee 0. syl hive bee pos n. def another name for a {honeybee}. hive dross 0. syl hive dross pos n. def another name for {propolis}. hive off 1. syl hive off pos vb. adv. def to transfer or be transferred from a larger group or unit. hive off 2. syl hive off pos vb. adv. mod usually; tr. def to transfer (profitable activities of a nationalized industry) back to private ownership. hives ety C16: of uncertain origin hives 0. syl hives pron pos n. qual Pathol. def a nontechnical name for {urticaria}. HJ ety Latin: here lies HJ 0. syl H.J. qual abbrev. for usage on gravestones, etc. def hic jacet. HJS ety Latin: here lies buried HJS 0. syl H.J.S. qual abbrev. for usage on gravestones, etc. def hic jacet sepultus. HK 0. syl HK usage international car registration for def Hong Kong. HKJ 0. syl HKJ usage international car registration for def (Hashemite Kingdom of) Jordan. hl 0. syl hl qual abbrev. for def hectolitre. HL 0. syl H.L. qual abbrev. for usage in Britain def House of Lords. hm 0. syl hm qual abbrev. for def hectometre. HM 1. syl H.M. qual abbrev. for: def His Her) Majesty. HM 2. syl H.M. qual abbrev. for: def headmaster; headmistress. h'm 0. syl h'm pos spelling; pron. hmmm; interj. def used to indicate hesitation, doubt, assent, pleasure, etc. HMAS 0. syl H.M.A.S. qual abbrev. for def His Her) Majesty's Australian Ship. HMI 0. syl H.M.I. qual abbrev. for usage in Britain def Her Majesty's Inspector; a government official who examines and supervises schools. HMS 1. syl H.M.S. qual abbrev. for: def His Her) Majesty's Service. HMS 2. syl H.M.S. qual abbrev. for: def His Her) Majesty's Ship. HMSO 0. syl H.M.S.O. qual abbrev. for usage in Britain def His Her) Majesty's Stationery Office. HNC 0. syl H.N.C. qual abbrev. for usage in Britain def Higher National Certificate; a qualification recognized by many national technical and professional institutions, roughly equivalent to GCE A level. HND 0. syl H.N.D. qual abbrev. for usage in Britain def Higher National Diploma; a qualification in technical subjects equivalent to an ordinary degree. ho ety C13: of imitative origin; compare Old Norse h*'o, Old French ho&! halt&! ho 1. syl ho pron pos interj. def Also: {ho-ho}. an imitation or representation of the sound of a deep laugh. ho 2. syl ho pron pos interj. def an exclamation used to attract attention, announce a destination, etc.. exam 1 what ho&! exam 2 land ho&! exam 3 westward ho&! Ho 0. syl Ho usage the chemical symbol for def holmium. HO alt or HO syl H.O. HO 1. or HO syl HO qual abbrev. for: def head office. HO 2. or HO syl HO qual abbrev. for:; Brit. government. def Home Office. ho 0. syl ho. qual abbrev. for def house. hoactzin 0. syl ho+ac+tzin pron pos n. def a variant spelling of {hoatzin}. Lew (is) A infl head Hoad syl Lew (is) A. pos n. Hoad 0. syl Hoad pron pos n. def born 1934, Australian tennis player. hoar ety Old English h*_ar, related to Old Norse h*_arr, Old High German h*_er, Old Slavonic s*uer*uu grey hoar 1. syl hoar pron pos n. def short for {hoarfrost}. hoar 2. syl hoar pron pos adj. qual Rare. def covered with hoarfrost. hoar 3. syl hoar pron pos adj. qual Archaic. def a poetic variant of {hoary}. hoard ety Old English hord; related to Old Norse hodd, Gothic huzd, German Hort, Swedish hydda hut hoard 1. syl hoard pron pos n. def an accumulated store hidden away for future use. hoard 2. syl hoard pron pos n. def a cache of ancient coins, treasure, etc. {~} hoard 3. syl hoard pron pos n. def to gather or accumulate (a hoard). hoarder sub head hoard syl hoard+er pos n. hoarding ety C19: from C15 hoard fence, from Old French hourd palisade, of Germanic origin, related to Gothic haurds, Old Norse hurth door hoarding 0. syl hoard+ing pron <1hc:diG> pos n. def a large board used for displaying advertising posters, as by a road. Also called (esp. U.S.): {billboard}. hoarfrost 0. syl hoar+frost pron <1hc:2frost> pos n. def a deposit of needle-like ice crystals formed on the ground by direct condensation at temperatures below freezing point. Also called: {white frost}. hoarhound 0. syl hoar+hound pron <1hc:2haund> pos n. def a variant spelling of {horehound}. hoarse ety C14: of Scandinavian origin; related to Old Norse h*_as, Old Saxon h*_es hoarse 1. syl hoarse pron pos adj. def gratingly harsh or raucous in tone. hoarse 2. syl hoarse pron pos adj. def low, harsh, and lacking in intensity. exam 1 a hoarse whisper. hoarse 3. syl hoarse pron pos adj. def having a husky voice, as through illness, shouting, etc. hoarsely sub head hoarse syl hoarse+ly pos adv. hoarseness sub head hoarse syl hoarse+ness pos n. hoarsen 0. syl hoars+en pron <1hc:sN> pos vb. def to make or become hoarse. hoarier infl head hoary syl hoar:i+er pos adj. hoariest infl head hoary syl hoar:i+est. pos adj. hoary 1. syl hoar:y pron <1hc:ri> pos adj. def having grey or white hair. hoary 2. syl hoar:y pron <1hc:ri> pos adj. def white or whitish-grey in colour. hoary 3. syl hoar:y pron <1hc:ri> pos adj. def ancient or venerable. hoarily sub head hoary syl hoar:i+ly pos adv. hoariness sub head hoary syl hoar:i+ness pos n. hoary cress 0. syl hoar:y cress pos n. def a perennial cruciferous Mediterranean plant, (or with small white flowers: a widespread troublesome weed. hoatching ety of unknown origin hoatching 0. syl hoatch+ing pron <1h*uCiG> pos adj. qual Scot. def infested; swarming. exam 1 this food's hoatching with flies. hoatzin ety C17: from American Spanish, from Nahuatl uatzin pheasant hoactzin alt head hoatzin or hoatzin syl ho+act+zin pos n. hoatzin 0. or hoactzin syl ho+at+zin pron pos n. def a unique South American gallinaceous bird, with a brownish plumage, a very small crested head, and clawed wing digits in the young: family hoax ety C18: probably from #7hocus hoax 1. syl hoax pron pos n. def a deception, esp. a practical joke. {~} hoax 2. syl hoax pron pos n. mod tr. def to deceive or play a joke on (someone). hoaxer sub head hoax syl hoax+er pos n. hob ety C16: variant of obsolete hubbe, of unknown origin; perhaps related to #7hub hob H1.1. syl hob pron pos n. def a shelf beside an open fire, for keeping kettles, etc., hot. hob H1.2. syl hob pron pos n. def a steel pattern used in forming a mould or die in cold metal. hob H1.3. syl hob pron pos n. def a hard steel rotating cutting tool used in machines for cutting gears. hobs infl head hob syl hobs pos vb. hobbing infl head hob syl hob+bing pos vb. hobbed infl head hob syl hobbed. pos vb. hob H1.4. syl hob pron pos vb. mod tr. def to cut or form with a hob. hob ety C14: variant of Rob, short for Robin or Robert hob H2.1. syl hob pron pos n. def a hobgoblin or elf. raise 2. head hob or play hob syl raise qual Informal. def to cause mischief or disturbance. hoblike sub head hob syl hob+2like pos adj. Hobart 0. syl Ho+bart pron <1h*uba:t> pos n. def a port in Australia, capital of the island state of Tasmania on the estuary of the Derwent: excellent natural harbour; University of Tasmania (1890). Pop.: 164010 (1975 est.). Meindert infl head Hobbema syl Mein:dert pron <1mInd*rt> pos n. Hobbema 0. syl Hob:be:ma pron <1hobim*>, Dutch <1hcb*2ma:> pos n. def 1638-1709, Dutch painter of peaceful landscapes, usually including a watermill. Thomas infl head Hobbes syl Thom:as. pos n. Hobbes 0. syl Hobbes pron pos n. def 1588-1679, English political philosopher. His greatest work is the (1651), which contains his exposition of absolute sovereignty. Hobbesian sub head Hobbes syl Hobbes+i:an pos n. adj. Hobbism 0. syl Hob+bism pron <1hobiz*m> pos n. def the mechanistic political philosophy of Hobbes, which stresses the necessity for a powerful sovereign to control human beings. Hobbist sub head Hobbism syl Hob+bist pos n. hobble ety C14: probably from Low German; compare Flemish hoppelen, Middle Dutch hobbelen to stammer hobble 1. syl hob+ble pron <1hobL> pos vb. mod intr. def to walk with a lame awkward movement. hobble 2. syl hob+ble pron <1hobL> pos vb. mod tr. def to fetter the legs of (a horse) in order to restrict movement. hobble 3. syl hob+ble pron <1hobL> pos vb. def to progress unevenly or with difficulty. hobble 4. syl hob+ble pron <1hobL> pos n. def a strap, rope, etc., used to hobble a horse. hobble 5. syl hob+ble pron <1hobL> pos n. def a limping gait. hobble 6. syl hob+ble pron <1hobL> pos n. qual Brit. dialect. def a difficult or embarrassing situation. {~} Also (for senses 2, 4): {hopple}. hobbler sub head hobble syl hob+bler pos n. hobbledehoy ety C16: from earlier hobbard de hoy, of uncertain origin hobbledehoy 0. syl hob:ble+de:hoy pron <2hobLdi1hci> pos n. qual Archaic or dialect. def a clumsy or bad-mannered youth. hobble skirt 0. syl hob+ble skirt pos n. def a long skirt, popular between 1910 and 1914, cut so narrow at the ankles that it hindered walking. Hobbs 0. syl Hobbs pron pos n. def Sir {John Ber@.ry}, known as 1882-1963, English cricketer: scored 197 centuries. hobby ety C14 hobyn, probably variant of proper name Robin; compare D#7obbin hobbies infl head hobby syl hob+bies. pos n. mod pl. hobby H1.1. syl hob+by pron <1hobi> pos n. def an activity pursued in spare time for pleasure or relaxation. hobby H1.2. syl hob+by pron <1hobi> pos n. qual Archaic or dialect. def a small horse or pony. hobby H1.3. syl hob+by pron <1hobi> pos n. def short for {hobbyhorse} (sense 1). hobby H1.4. syl hob+by pron <1hobi> pos n. def an early form of bicycle, without pedals. hobbyist sub head hobby syl hob+by+ist pos n. hobby ety C15: from Old French hobet, from hobe falcon; probably related to Middle Dutch hobbelen to roll, turn hobbies infl head hobby syl hob+bies. pos n. mod pl. hobby H2.0. syl hob+by pron <1hobi> pos n. def any of several small Old World falcons, esp. the European formerly used in falconry. hobbyhorse ety C16: from #7hobby %1#7, originally a small horse, hence sense 3; then generalized to apply to any pastime hobbyhorse 1. syl hob:by+horse pron <1hobi2hc:s> pos n. def a toy consisting of a stick with a figure of a horse's head at one end. hobbyhorse 2. syl hob:by+horse pron <1hobi2hc:s> pos n. def another word for {rocking horse}. hobbyhorse 3. syl hob:by+horse pron <1hobi2hc:s> pos n. def a figure of a horse attached to a performer's waist in a pantomime, morris dance, etc. hobbyhorse 4. syl hob:by+horse pron <1hobi2hc:s> pos n. def a favourite topic or obsessive fixed idea (esp. in the phrase {on one's hobbyhorse) }. hobbyhorse 5. syl hob:by+horse pron <1hobi2hc:s> pos vb. mod intr. usage Nautical. of a vessel def to pitch violently. hobgoblin ety C16: from #7hob %2#7+goblin hobgoblin 1. syl hob+gob:lin pron pos n. def an evil or mischievous goblin. hobgoblin 2. syl hob+gob:lin pron pos n. def bogy. hobnail ety C16: from #7hob %1 (in the archaic sense: peg)+#7nail hobnail 0.a. syl hob+nail pron <1hob2nAl> pos n. def a short nail with a large head for protecting the soles of heavy footwear. hobnail 0.b. syl hob+nail pron <1hob2nAl> pos n. usage as modifier exam 1 hobnail boots. hobnailed sub head hobnail syl hob+2nailed pos adj. hobnob ety C18: from hob or nob to drink to one another in turns, hence, to be familiar, ultimately from Old English habban to #7have+ nabban not to have hobnobs infl head hobnob syl hob+nobs pos vb. mod intr. hobnobbing infl head hobnob syl hob+nob+bing pos vb. mod intr. hobnobbed infl head hobnob syl hob+nobbed. pos vb. mod intr. hobnob 1. syl hob+nob pron <1hob2nob> pos vb. mod intr. usage often foll. by with def to socialize or talk informally. hobnob 2. syl hob+nob pron <1hob2nob> pos vb. mod intr. qual Obsolete. usage often foll. by with def to drink (with). hobo ety C19 (U.S.): origin unknown hobos infl head hobo or hoboes syl ho:bos pos n. mod pl. hoboes infl head hobo or hobos syl ho:boes. pos n. mod pl. hobo 1. syl ho:bo pron <1h*ub*u> pos n. qual Chiefly U.S. def a tramp; vagrant. hobo 2. syl ho:bo pron <1h*ub*u> pos n. qual Chiefly U.S. def a migratory worker, esp. an unskilled labourer. hoboism sub head hobo syl ho:bo+ism pos n. Hoboken 0. syl Ho+bo+ken pron <1h*ub*uk*n> pos n. def a city in N Belgium, in Antwerp province, on the River Scheldt. Pop.: 33693 (1970). hobson-jobson ety C19: Anglo-Indian folk-etymological variant of Arabic y*_a Hasan&! y*_a Husayn&! O Hasan&! O Husain&! (ritual lament for the grandsons of Mohammed); influenced by the surnames Hobson and Jobson hobson-jobson 0. syl hob:son-job:son pron <2hobsN1JobsN> pos n. def another word for {folk etymology}. Hobson's choice ety C16: named after Thomas Hobson (1544-1631), English liveryman who gave his customers no choice but had them take the nearest horse Hobson's choice 0. syl Hob:son's choice pos n. def the choice of taking what is offered or nothing at all. Hochheimer 0. syl Hoch+hei+mer pron <1hok2hIm*>, German <1ho:$x2hIm*r> pos n. def a German white wine from the area around Hochheim near Mainz. Also called: {Hochheim}. Rolf infl head Hochhuth syl Rolf pron pos n. Hochhuth 0. syl Hoch:huth pron German <1ho:$xhu:t> pos n. def born 1931, Swiss dramatist. His best-known works are the controversial documentary drama (1963), on the papacy's attitude to the Jews in World War II, and (1967). Ho Chi Minh 0. syl Ho Chi Minh pron <1h*u> <1CE> <1min> pos n. def original name 1890-1969, Vietnamese statesman; president of North Vietnam (1954-69). He headed the Vietminh (1941), which won independence for Vietnam from the French (1954). Ho Chi Minh City 0. syl Ho Chi Minh Cit:y pos n. def a port in S Vietnam, 97 km (60 miles) from the South China Sea, on the Saigon River: captured by the French in 1859; merged with adjoining Cholon in 1932; capital of the former Republic of Vietnam (South Vietnam) from 1954 to 1976; university (1917); U.S. headquarters during the Vietnam War. Pop.: 3460500 (1976 est.). Former name (until 1976): {Saigon}. hock ety C16: short for hockshin, from Old English h*_ohsinu heel sinew hock H1.1. syl hock pron pos n. def the joint at the tarsus of a horse or similar animal, pointing backwards and corresponding to the human ankle. hock H1.2. syl hock pron pos n. def the corresponding joint in domestic fowl. hock H1.3. syl hock pron pos vb. def another word for {hamstring}. hock ety C17: short for obsolete hockamore H#7ochheimer hock H2.1. syl hock pron pos n. def any of several white wines from the German Rhine. hock H2.2. syl hock pron pos n. usage not in technical usage def any dry white wine. hock ety C19: from Dutch hok prison, debt hock H3.1. syl hock pron pos vb. mod tr. qual Informal, chiefly U.S. def to pawn or pledge. hock H3.2. syl hock pron pos n. qual Informal, chiefly U.S. def the state of being in pawn (esp. in the phrase {in hock}) . hock H3.3.a. syl hock pron pos n. qual Informal, chiefly U.S. def in prison. hock H3.3.b. syl hock pron pos n. qual Informal, chiefly U.S. def in debt. hocker sub head hock syl hock+er pos n. hockey ety C19: from earlier hawkey, of unknown origin hockey 1. syl hock+ey pron <1hoki> pos n. def Also called (esp. U.S.): {field hockey}. hockey 1.a. syl hock+ey pron <1hoki> pos n. def a game played on a field by two opposing teams of 11 players each, who try to hit a ball into their opponents' goal using long sticks curved at the end. hockey 1.b. syl hock+ey pron <1hoki> pos n. usage as modifier def . exam 1 hockey stick; exam 2 hockey ball. hockey 2. syl hock+ey pron <1hoki> pos n. def See {ice hockey}. David infl head Hockney syl Da:vid. pos n. Hockney 0. syl Hock:ney pron <1hokni> pos n. def born 1937, English painter, best known for his etchings, such as those to Cavafy's poems (1966), naturalistic portraits such as (1971), and for paintings of water, swimmers, and swimming pools. Hocktide ety C15: from hock-, hoke- (of unknown origin)+{#7tide %1} Hocktide 0. syl Hock+tide pron <1hok2tId> pos n. qual Brit. hist. def a former festival celebrated on the second Monday and Tuesday after Easter. hocuses infl head hocus or hocuses syl ho+cus:es pos vb. mod tr. hocusing infl head hocus or hocussing syl ho+cus+ing pos vb. mod tr. hocused infl head hocus or hocussed syl ho+cused pos vb. mod tr. hocussing infl head hocus or hocusing syl ho+cus+sing pos vb. mod tr. hocussed infl head hocus or hocused syl ho+cussed. pos vb. mod tr. hocus 1. syl ho+cus pron <1h*uk*s> pos vb. qual Now rare. def to take in; trick. hocus 2. syl ho+cus pron <1h*uk*s> pos vb. qual Now rare. def to stupefy, esp. with a drug. hocus 3. syl ho+cus pron <1h*uk*s> pos vb. qual Now rare. def to add a drug to (a drink). hocus-pocus ety C17: perhaps a dog-Latin formation invented by jugglers hocus-pocus 1. syl ho:cus-po:cus pron <1h*uk*s1p*uk*s> pos n. def trickery or chicanery. hocus-pocus 2. syl ho:cus-po:cus pron <1h*uk*s1p*uk*s> pos n. def mystifying jargon. hocus-pocus 3. syl ho:cus-po:cus pron <1h*uk*s1p*uk*s> pos n. def an incantation used by conjurers or magicians when performing tricks. hocus-pocus 4. syl ho:cus-po:cus pron <1h*uk*s1p*uk*s> pos n. def conjuring skill or practice. cuses infl head hocus-pocus or cuses syl :cus:es pos vb. cusing infl head hocus-pocus or cussing syl :cus:ing pos vb. cused infl head hocus-pocus or cussed syl :cused pos vb. cussing infl head hocus-pocus or cusing syl :cus:sing pos vb. cussed infl head hocus-pocus or cused syl :cussed. pos vb. hocus-pocus 5. syl ho:cus-po:cus pron <1h*uk*s1p*uk*s> pos vb. def to deceive or trick (someone). hod ety C14: perhaps alteration of C13 dialect hot, from Old French hotte pannier, creel, probably from Germanic hod 1. syl hod pron pos n. def an open wooden box attached to a pole, for carrying bricks, mortar, etc. hod 2. syl hod pron pos n. def a tall narrow coal scuttle. hod carrier 0. syl hod car+ri+er pos n. def a labourer who carries the materials in a hod for a mason, etc. Also called: {hodman}. hodden ety C18: Scottish, of obscure origin hoddin alt head hodden or hodden syl hod+din pron <1hodin> pos n. hodden 0. or hoddin syl hod+den pron <1hodN> pos n. def a coarse homespun cloth produced in Scotland: {hodden grey} is made by mixing black and white wools. Hodeida 0. syl Ho+dei+da pron pos n. def the chief port of Yemen, on the Red Sea. Pop.: 90000 (1970 est.). hodgepodge 0. syl hodge+podge pron <1hoJ2poJ> pos n. def a variant spelling (esp. U.S.) of {hotchpotch}. Alan Lloyd 1. head Hodgkin syl Al:an Lloyd. def born 1914, English physiologist. With A. F. Huxley, he explained the conduction of nervous impulses in terms of the physical and chemical changes involved: shared the Nobel prize for medicine and physiology (1963). Dorothy Crowfoot 2. head Hodgkin syl Dor:o:thy Crow:foot. def born 1910, English chemist and crystallographer, who determined the three-dimensional structure of insulin: Nobel prize for chemistry 1964. Hodgkin's disease ety C19: named after Thomas Hodgkin (1798-1866), London physician, who first described it Hodgkin's disease 0. syl Hodg:kin's dis+ease pos n. def a malignant disease characterized by enlargement of the lymph nodes, spleen, and liver. Also called: {lymphoadenoma, lymphogranulomatosis}. hodmen infl head hodman syl hod+men. pos n. mod pl. hodman 0. syl hod+man pron <1hodm*n> pos n. qual Brit. def another name for a {hod carrier}. hodometer 0. syl ho+dom+e:ter pron pos n. qual U.S. def another name for {odometer}. hodometry sub head hodometer syl ho+1dom+e:try pos n. hodoscope ety from Greek hodos way, path+-#7scope hodoscope 0. syl hod:o+scope pron <1hod*2sk*up> pos n. qual Physics. def any device for tracing the path of a charged particle, esp. a particle found in cosmic rays. hoe ety C14: via Old French houe from Germanic: compare Old High German houw*_a, houwan to #7hew, German Haue hoe hoe 1. syl hoe pron pos n. def any of several kinds of long-handled hand implement equipped with a light blade and used to till the soil, eradicate weeds, etc. {~} {hoes, hoe+ing, hoed}. hoe 2. syl hoe pron pos n. def to dig, scrape, weed, or till (surface soil) with or as if with a hoe. hoer sub head hoe syl ho:er pos n. hoelike sub head hoe syl hoe+2like pos adj. hoedown 1. syl hoe+down pron <1h*u2daun> pos n. qual U.S. def a boisterous square dance. hoedown 2. syl hoe+down pron <1h*u2daun> pos n. qual U.S. def a party at which hoedowns are danced. hoe in 0. syl hoe in pos vb. adv. mod intr. qual Austral. informal. def to eat food heartily. hoe into 0. syl hoe in:to pos vb. prep. mod intr. qual Austral. informal. def to eat (food) heartily. Hoek van Holland 0. syl Hoek van Hol+land pron <1hu:k> <1hclant> pos n. def the Dutch name for the {Hook of Holland}. Hofei 0. syl Ho+fei pron <1h*u1fA> pos n. def a city in SE China, capital of Anhwei province: administrative and commercial centre in a rice and cotton growing region. Pop.: 630000 (1970 est.). Hugo von infl head Hofmannsthal syl Hu:go von pron < 1hu:go fcn). 1874-1929, Austrian lyric poAt and dramatist, notAd as thA librAttist for Richard Strauss' opAras, Asp> pos n. Hofuf 0. syl Ho+fuf pron pos n. def another name for {Al Hufuf}. hog ety Old English hogg, from Celtic; compare Cornish hoch hog 1. syl hog pron pos n. def a domesticated pig, esp. a castrated male weighing more than 102 kg. hog 2. syl hog pron pos n. qual U.S. def any artiodactyl mammal of the family pig. hog 3. syl hog pron pos n. def Also: {hog+get} (#!h$Ag$It), {hogg}. a sheep up to the age of one year that has yet to be sheared. hog 4. syl hog pron pos n. qual Informal. def a selfish, greedy or slovenly person. hog 5. syl hog pron pos n. qual Nautical. def a stiff brush, for scraping a vessel's bottom. hog 6. syl hog pron pos n. qual Nautical. def the amount or extent to which a vessel is hogged. Compare { {sag} (sense 6)}. hog 7. syl hog pron pos n. def another word for { {camber} (def. 4)}. go the whole hog 8. head hog syl go the whole hog. qual Slang. def to do something thoroughly or unreservedly. hogs infl head hog syl hogs pos vb. hogging infl head hog syl hog+ging pos vb. hogged infl head hog syl hogged. pos vb. hog 9. syl hog pron pos vb. qual Slang. def to take more than one's share of. hog 10. syl hog pron pos vb. mod tr. def to arch (the back) like a hog. hog 11. syl hog pron pos vb. mod tr. def to cut (the mane) of (a horse) very short. hogger sub head hog syl hog+ger pos n. hoglike sub head hog syl hog+2like pos adj. hogan ety from Navaho hogan 0. syl ho+gan pron <1h*ug*n> pos n. def a wooden dwelling covered with earth, typical of the Navaho Indians. William infl head Hogarth syl Wil:liam. pos n. Hogarth 0. syl Ho:garth pron <1h*uga:T> pos n. def 1697-1764, English engraver and painter. He is noted particularly for his series of engravings satirizing the vices and affectations of his age, such as (1735) and (1745). Hogarthian sub head Hogarth syl Ho+1garth+i:an pos adj. hogback 1. syl hog+back pron <1hog2b@k> pos n. def Also called: {hog's back}. a narrow ridge with sides that consist of steeply inclined rock strata. hogback 2. syl hog+back pron <1hog2b@k> pos n. qual Archaeol. def a Saxon or Scandinavian tomb with sloping sides. hog badger 0. syl hog badg+er pos n. def a SE Asian badger, with a piglike mobile snout. Also called: {sand badger}. hog cholera 0. syl hog chol+e:ra pos n. def the U.S. term for {swine fever}. hogfish infl or hogfishes syl hog+fish pos n. mod pl. hogfishes infl head hogfish or hogfish syl hog+fish:es. pos n. mod pl. hogfish 1. syl hog+fish pron <1hog2fiS> pos n. def a wrasse, that occurs in the Atlantic off the SE coast of North America. The head of the male resembles a pig's snout. hogfish 2. syl hog+fish pron <1hog2fiS> pos n. def another name for { {pigfish} (sense 1)}. James infl head Hogg syl James pos n. Hogg 0. syl Hogg pron pos n. def called 1770-1835, Scottish poet. His works include the volume of poems (1813). hogged 0. syl hogged pron pos adj. usage Nautical. of a vessel def having a keel that droops at both ends. Compare { {sag} (sense 6)}. hoggish 0. syl hog+gish pron <1hogiS> pos adj. def selfish, gluttonous, or dirty. hoggishly sub head hoggish syl hog+gish+ly pos adv. hoggishness sub head hoggish syl hog+gish+ness pos n. Hogmanay ety C17: Scottish and Northern English, of uncertain origin Hogmanay 0.a. syl Hog+ma+nay pron <2hogm*1nA> pos n. usage sometimes not cap. def New Year's Eve in Scotland. Hogmanay 0.b. syl Hog+ma+nay pron <2hogm*1nA> pos n. usage sometimes not cap.; as modifier; a Hogmanay party. def See also {first-foot}. hognosed skunk 0. syl hog+nosed skunk pron <1hog2n*uzd> pos n. def any of several American skunks of the genus esp. having a broad snoutlike nose. hognose snake 0. syl hog+nose snake pron <1hog2n*uz> pos n. def any North American non?!venomous colubrid snake of the genus having a trowel-shaped snout and inflating the body when alarmed. Also called: {puff adder}. hognut 0. syl hog+nut pron <1hog2n^t> pos n. def another name for { {pignut} (sense 1)}. hog peanut 0. syl hog pea+nut pos n. def a North American leguminous climbing plant, having fleshy curved one-seeded pods, which ripen in or on the ground. hog's fennel 0. syl hog's fen+nel pos n. def any of several Eurasian umbelliferous marsh plants of the genus esp. having clusters of small whitish flowers. hogshead ety C14: of obscure origin hogshead 1. syl hogs+head pron <1hogz2hed> pos n. def a unit of capacity, used esp. for alcoholic beverages. It has several values, being 54 imperial gallons in the case of beer and 52.5 imperial gallons in the case of wine. hogshead 2. syl hogs+head pron <1hogz2hed> pos n. def a large cask used for shipment of wines and spirits. hogties infl head hogtie syl hog+ties pos vb. mod tr. hogtying infl head hogtie syl hog+ty+ing pos vb. mod tr. hogtied infl head hogtie syl hog+tied. pos vb. mod tr. hogtie 1. syl hog+tie pron <1hog2tI> pos vb. mod tr. qual Chiefly U.S. def to tie together the legs or the arms and legs of. hogtie 2. syl hog+tie pron <1hog2tI> pos vb. mod tr. qual Chiefly U.S. def to impede, hamper, or thwart. Hogue 0. syl Hogue pron French pos n. def See {La Hogue}. hogwash 1. syl hog+wash pron <1hog2woS> pos n. def nonsense. hogwash 2. syl hog+wash pron <1hog2woS> pos n. def pigswill. hogweed 0. syl hog+weed pron <1hog2wEd> pos n. def any of several coarse weedy plants, esp. cow parsnip. Hohenlinden 0. syl Ho+hen+lin+den pron German <2ho:*n1lindN> pos n. def a village in S West Germany, in Bavaria east of Munich: scene of the defeat of the Austrians by the French during the Napoleonic Wars (1800). Chlodwig infl head Hohenlohe syl Chlod:wig pron <1klo:tvi*,c> pos n. Hohenlohe 0. syl Ho:hen:lo:he pron <1h*u*n2l*u*>, German <2ho:*n1lo:*> pos n. def Prince of Hohenlohe-Schillingsf*"urst. 1819-1901, Prussian statesman; chancellor of the German empire (1894-1900). Hohenstaufen 0. syl Ho:hen:stau:fen pron <1h*u*n2Stauf*n>, German <2ho:*n1StaufN> pos n. def a German princely family that provided rulers of Germany (1138-1208, 1215-54), Sicily (1194-1268), and the Holy Roman Empire (1138-1254). Hohenzollern 0. syl Ho:hen:zol:lern pron <1h*u*n2zol*n>, German <2ho:*n1tscl*rn> pos n. def a German noble family the younger (Franconian) branch of which provided rulers of Brandenburg (1417-1701) and Prussia (1701-1918). The last kings of Prussia (1871-1918) were also emperors of Germany. hoick ety C20: of unknown origin hoick 0. syl hoick pron pos vb. def to rise or raise abruptly and sharply. exam 1 to hoick an aircraft. hoicks 0. syl hoicks pron pos interj. def a cry used to encourage hounds to hunt. Also: {yoicks}. hoiden 0. syl hoi+den pron <1hcidN> pos n. adj. vb. def a variant spelling of {hoyden}. hoidenish sub head hoiden syl hoi+den+ish pos adj. hoidenishness sub head hoiden syl hoi+den+ish+ness pos n. hoi polloi ety Greek, literally: the many the infl head hoi polloi syl the. pos n. hoi polloi 0. syl hoi pol+loi pron <1hci> pos n. qual Often derogatory. def the masses; common people. hoist ety C16: variant of hoise, probably from Low German; compare Dutch hijschen, German hissen hoist 1. syl hoist pron pos vb. mod tr. def to raise or lift up, esp. by mechanical means. hoist with one's own petard 2. head hoist syl hoist with one's own petard. def See { {petard} (sense 2)}. hoist 3. syl hoist pron pos n. def any apparatus or device for hoisting. hoist 4. syl hoist pron pos n. def the act of hoisting. hoist 5.a. syl hoist pron pos n. def the amidships height of a sail bent to the yard with which it is hoisted. Compare { {drop} (sense 13)}. hoist 5.b. syl hoist pron pos n. def the difference between the set and lowered positions of this yard. hoist 6. syl hoist pron pos n. qual Nautical. def the length of the luff of a fore-and-aft sail. hoist 7. syl hoist pron pos n. qual Nautical. def a group of signal flags. hoist 8. syl hoist pron pos n. def the inner edge of a flag next to the staff. Compare { {fly%1} (sense 25a)}. hoister sub head hoist syl hoist+er pos n. hoity-toity ety C17: rhyming compound based on C16 hoit to romp, of obscure origin hoity-toity 0. syl hoi:ty-toi:ty pron <2hciti1tciti> pos adj. qual Informal. def arrogant or haughty. hoke ety C20: perhaps from #7hokum hoke 0. syl hoke pron pos vb. mod tr. usage usually foll. by up def to overplay (a part, etc.). hokey cokey 0. syl ho+key co+key pron <1h*uki> <1k*uki> pos n. def a Cockney song with a traditional dance routine to match the words. hokey-pokey 0. syl ho:key-po:key pron <2h*uki1p*uki> pos n. def another word for {hocus-pocus} (senses 1, 2). Hokkaido 0. syl Hok+kai+do pron pos n. def the second largest and northernmost of the four main islands of Japan, separated from Honshu by the Tsugaru Strait and from the island of Sakhalin, Soviet Union, by La P*'erouse Strait: constitutes an autonomous administrative division. Capital: Sapporo. Pop.: 5184287 (1970). Area: 78508 sq. km (30312 sq. miles). hokku ety from Japanese, from hok beginning+ ku hemistich hokku infl syl hok+ku. pos n. mod pl. hokku 0. syl hok+ku pron <1hoku:> pos n. qual Prosody. def another word for {haiku}. hokum ety C20: probably a blend of #7hocus -#7pocus and #7bunkum hokum 1. syl ho+kum pron <1h*uk*m> pos n. qual U.S. slang. def claptrap; bunk. hokum 2. syl ho+kum pron <1h*uk*m> pos n. qual U.S. slang. def obvious or hackneyed material of a sentimental nature in a play, film, etc. Katsushika infl head Hokusai syl Kat:su:shi:ka pron <2k@tsu:?!1SEk*> pos n. Hokusai 0. syl Ho:ku:sai pron <1h*uku2sI>, <2h*uku1sI> pos n. def 1760-1849, Japanese artist, noted for the draughtsmanship of his colour wood-block prints, which influenced the impressionists. hol- 0. syl hol- usage combining form. def variant of {holo-} before a vowel. Holarctic ety C19: from #7holo -#7+arctic Holarctic 0. syl Hol+arc+tic pron pos adj. def of or denoting a zoogeographical region consisting of the Palaearctic and Nearctic regions. Holbein 2. syl Hol:bein pron German <1hclbIn> pos n. def his son, {Hans}, called 1497-1543, German painter and engraver; court painter to Henry VIII of England (1536-43). He is noted particularly for his portraits, such as those of Erasmus (1524; 1532) and Sir Thomas More (1526). hold ety Old English healdan; related to Old Norse halla, Gothic haldan, German halten holds infl head hold syl holds pos vb. holding infl head hold syl hold+ing pos vb. held infl head hold syl held. pos vb. hold H1.1. syl hold pron pos vb. def to have or keep (an object) with or within the hands, arms, etc.; clasp. hold H1.2. syl hold pron pos vb. mod tr. def to support or bear. exam 1 to hold a drowning man's head above water. hold H1.3. syl hold pron pos vb. def to maintain or be maintained in a specified state or condition. exam 1 to hold one's emotions in check; exam 2 hold firm. hold H1.4. syl hold pron pos vb. mod tr. def to set aside or reserve. exam 1 they will hold our tickets until tomorrow. hold H1.5. syl hold pron pos vb. mod when; intr. usage usually used in commands def to restrain or be restrained from motion, action, departure, etc.. exam 1 hold that man until the police come. hold H1.6. syl hold pron pos vb. mod intr. def to remain fast or unbroken. exam 1 that cable won't hold much longer. hold H1.7. syl hold pron pos vb. mod intr. usage of the weather def to remain dry and bright. exam 1 how long will the weather hold?? hold H1.8. syl hold pron pos vb. mod tr. def to keep the attention of. exam 1 her singing held the audience. hold H1.9. syl hold pron pos vb. mod tr. def to engage in or carry on. exam 1 to hold a meeting. hold H1.10. syl hold pron pos vb. mod tr. def to have the ownership, possession, etc., of. exam 1 he holds a law degree from London; exam 2 who's holding the ace of spades?? hold H1.11. syl hold pron pos vb. mod tr. def to have the use of or responsibility for. exam 1 to hold the office of director. hold H1.12. syl hold pron pos vb. mod tr. def to have the space or capacity for. exam 1 the carton will hold only eight books. hold H1.13. syl hold pron pos vb. mod tr. def to be able to control the outward effects of drinking beer, spirits, etc.. exam 1 he can hold his drink well. hold H1.14. syl hold pron pos vb. usage often foll. by to or by def to remain or cause to remain committed to. exam 1 hold him to his promise; exam 2 he held by his views in spite of opposition. hold H1.15. syl hold pron pos vb. mod tr. usage takes a clause as object def to claim. exam 1 he holds that the theory is incorrect. hold H1.16. syl hold pron pos vb. mod intr. def to remain relevant, valid, or true. exam 1 the old philosophies don't hold nowadays. hold H1.17. syl hold pron pos vb. mod tr. def to keep in the mind. exam 1 to hold affection for someone. hold H1.18. syl hold pron pos vb. mod tr. def to regard or consider in a specified manner. exam 1 I hold him very dear. hold H1.19. syl hold pron pos vb. mod tr. def to guard or defend successfully. exam 1 hold the fort against the attack. hold H1.20. syl hold pron pos vb. mod intr. def to continue to go. exam 1 hold on one's way. hold H1.21. syl hold pron pos vb. qual Music. usage sometimes foll. by on def to sustain the sound of (a note) throughout its specified duration. exam 1 to hold on a semibreve for its full value. hold H1.22. syl hold pron pos vb. mod tr. qual Computer technol. def to retain (data) in a storage device after copying onto another storage device or onto another location in the same device. Compare { {clear} (sense 49)}. hold (good) for 23. head hold syl hold (good) for. def to apply or be relevant to. exam 1 the same rules hold for everyone. hold H1.24.a. syl hold pron pos vb. def stop&! wait&! hold H1.24.b. syl hold pron pos vb. def stay in the same position&! as when being photographed. hold one's head high 25. head hold syl hold one's head high. def to conduct oneself in an arrogant and bold manner. hold H1.26.a. syl hold pron pos vb. def to maintain one's position. exam 1 the fort held its own against several assaults. hold H1.26.b. syl hold pron pos vb. def to be sufficiently competent. exam 1 she can't hold her own in the top class. hold one's peace 27. head hold or tongue syl hold one's peace qual Informal. def to be silent. hold water 28. head hold syl hold water. def to stand up to scrutiny or examination. there is no holding him 29. head hold syl there is no holding him. def he is so spirited or resolute that he cannot be restrained. hold H1.30. syl hold pron pos n. def the act or method of holding fast or grasping, as with the hands. hold H1.31. syl hold pron pos n. def something to hold onto, as for support or control. hold H1.32. syl hold pron pos n. def an object or device that holds fast or grips something else so as to hold it fast. hold H1.33. syl hold pron pos n. def controlling force or influence. exam 1 she has a hold on him. hold H1.34. syl hold pron pos n. def a short delay or pause. hold H1.35. syl hold pron pos n. def a prison or a cell in a prison. hold H1.36. syl hold pron pos n. qual Wrestling. def a way of seizing one's opponent. exam 1 a wrist hold. hold H1.37. syl hold pron pos n. qual Music. def a pause or fermata. hold H1.38.a. syl hold pron pos n. def a tenure or holding, esp. of land. hold H1.38.b. syl hold pron pos n. usage in combination exam 1 leasehold; exam 2 freehold; exam 3 copyhold. hold H1.39. syl hold pron pos n. def a container. hold H1.40. syl hold pron pos n. qual Archaic. def a fortified place. hold H1.41.a. syl hold pron pos n. def to obtain. hold H1.41.b. syl hold pron pos n. def to come into contact with. no holds barred 42. head hold syl no holds barred. def all limitations removed. {~} See also {hold back, hold down, hold forth, hold in, hold off, hold on, hold out, hold over, hold together, hold-up, hold with}. holdable sub head hold syl hold+a:ble pos adj. hold ety C16: variant of #7hole hold H2.0. syl hold pron pos n. def the space in a ship or aircraft for storing cargo. holdall 0. syl hold+all pron <1h*uld2c:l> pos n. qual Brit. def a large strong bag or basket. Usual U.S. name: {carryall}. hold back 1. syl hold back pos vb. adv. def to restrain or be restrained. hold back 2. syl hold back pos vb. adv. mod tr. def to withhold. exam 1 he held back part of the payment. hold back 3. syl hold back pos vb. adv. def a strap of the harness joining the breeching to the shaft, so that the horse can hold back the vehicle. hold back 4. syl hold back pos vb. adv. def something that restrains or hinders. hold down 1. syl hold down pos vb. adv. mod tr. def to restrain or control. hold down 2. syl hold down pos vb. adv. mod tr. qual Informal. def to manage to retain or keep possession of. exam 1 to hold down two jobs at once. holden 0. syl hold+en pron <1h*uld*n> pos vb. qual Archaic or dialect. def a past participle of {hold%1}. holder 1. syl hold+er pron <1h*uld*> pos n. def a person or thing that holds. holder 2.a. syl hold+er pron <1h*uld*> pos n. def a person, such as an owner, who has possession or control of something. holder 2.b. syl hold+er pron <1h*uld*> pos n. usage in combination exam 1 householder. holder 3. syl hold+er pron <1h*uld*> pos n. qual Law. def a person who has possession of a bill of exchange, cheque, or promissory note that he is legally entitled to enforce. holdership sub head holder syl hold+er+2ship pos n. Friedrich infl head Holderlin syl Frie:drich pron <1frEdri*,c> pos n. Holderlin 0. syl H*"ol:der:lin pron German <1h@old*rlEn> pos n. def 1770-1843, German lyric poet, whose works include the poems and and the novel (1797-99). holdfast 1.a. syl hold+fast pron <1h*uld2fa:st> pos n. def the act of gripping strongly. holdfast 1.b. syl hold+fast pron <1h*uld2fa:st> pos n. def such a grip. holdfast 2. syl hold+fast pron <1h*uld2fa:st> pos n. def any device used to secure an object, such as a hook, clamp, etc. holdfast 3. syl hold+fast pron <1h*uld2fa:st> pos n. def the organ of attachment of a seaweed or related plant. hold forth 1. syl hold forth pos vb. adv. mod intr. def to speak for a long time or in public. hold forth 2. syl hold forth pos vb. adv. mod tr. def to offer (an attraction or enticement). hold in 1. syl hold in pos vb. adv. mod tr. def to curb, control, or keep in check. hold in 2. syl hold in pos vb. adv. mod tr. def to conceal or restrain (feelings). holding 1. syl hold+ing pron <1h*uldiG> pos n. def land held under a lease and used for agriculture or similar purposes. holding 2. syl hold+ing pron <1h*uldiG> pos n. mod often; pl. def property to which the holder has legal title, such as land, stocks, shares, and other investments. holding 3. syl hold+ing pron <1h*uldiG> pos n. qual Sport. def the obstruction of an opponent with the hands or arms, esp. in boxing. holding company 0. syl hold+ing com+pa+ny pos n. def a company with controlling shareholdings in one or more other companies. holding paddock 0. syl hold+ing pad+dock pos n. qual Austral. def a paddock in which cattle or sheep are kept temporarily, as before shearing, etc. holding pattern 0. syl hold+ing pat+tern pos n. def the oval or circular path of an aircraft flying around an airport awaiting permission to land. hold off 1. syl hold off pos vb. adv. mod tr. def to keep apart or at a distance. hold off 2. syl hold off pos vb. adv. mod intr. usage often foll. by from def to refrain (from doing something). exam 1 he held off buying the house until prices fell slightly. hold on 1. syl hold on pos vb. adv. mod intr. qual Informal. def to maintain a firm grasp. exam 1 she held on with all her strength. hold on 2. syl hold on pos vb. adv. mod intr. qual Informal. def to continue or persist. hold on 3. syl hold on pos vb. adv. mod intr. qual Informal. usage foll. by to def to keep or retain. exam 1 hold on to those stamps as they'll soon be valuable. hold on 4. syl hold on pos vb. adv. mod intr. qual Informal. def to keep a telephone line open. hold on 5. syl hold on pos interj. qual Informal. def stop&! wait&! hold out 1. syl hold out pos vb. adv. mod tr. def to offer or present. hold out 2. syl hold out pos vb. adv. mod intr. def to last or endure. hold out 3. syl hold out pos vb. adv. mod intr. def to continue to resist or stand firm, as a city under siege or a person refusing to succumb to persuasion. hold out 4. syl hold out pos vb. adv. qual Chiefly U.S. def to withhold (something due or expected). hold out for 5. head hold out syl hold out for. qual Informal. def to wait patiently or uncompromisingly for (the fulfilment of one's demands). hold out on 6. head hold out syl hold out on. qual Informal. def to delay in or keep from telling (a person) some new or important information. hold over 1. syl hold o:ver pos vb. mainly; adv. mod tr. def to defer consideration of or action on. hold over 2. syl hold o:ver pos vb. mainly; adv. mod tr. def to postpone for a further period. hold over 3. syl hold o:ver pos vb. mainly; adv. mod tr. def to prolong (a note, chord, etc.) from one bar to the next. hold over 4. syl hold o:ver pos prep. mod tr. def to intimidate (a person) with (a threat). {~} {hold+o@.ver}. hold over 5. syl hold o:ver pos vb. mainly; adv. mod tr. def an elected official who continues in office after his term has expired. hold over 6. syl hold o:ver pos vb. mainly; adv. mod tr. def a performer or performance continuing beyond the original engagement. hold together 1. syl hold to+geth+er pos vb. adv. def to cohere or remain or cause to cohere or remain in one piece. exam 1 your old coat holds together very well. hold together 2. syl hold to+geth+er pos vb. adv. def to stay or cause to stay united. exam 1 the children held the family together. hold-up 1. syl hold-up pos n. def a robbery, esp. an armed one. hold-up 2. syl hold-up pos n. def a delay; stoppage. hold-up 3. syl hold-up pos n. qual U.S. def an excessive charge; extortion. hold up infl head hold-up syl hold up. pos adv. hold-up 4. syl hold-up pos vb. mod tr. def to delay; hinder. exam 1 we were held up by traffic. hold-up 5. syl hold-up pos vb. mod tr. def to keep from falling; support. hold-up 6. syl hold-up pos vb. mod tr. def to stop forcibly or waylay in order to rob, esp. using a weapon. hold-up 7. syl hold-up pos vb. mod tr. def to exhibit or present. exam 1 he held up his achievements for our admiration. hold-up 8. syl hold-up pos vb. mod intr. def to survive or last. exam 1 how are your shoes holding up?? hold-up 9. syl hold-up pos vb. qual Bridge. def to refrain from playing a high card, so delaying the establishment of (a suit). hold with 0. syl hold with pos vb. prep. mod intr. def to support; approve of. hole ety Old English hol; related to Gothic hulundi, German H*"ohle, Old Norse hylr pool, Latin caulis hollow stem; see #7hollow hole 1. syl hole pron pos n. def an area hollowed out in a solid. hole 2. syl hole pron pos n. def an opening made in or through something. hole 3. syl hole pron pos n. def an animal's hiding place or burrow. hole 4. syl hole pron pos n. qual Informal. def an unattractive place, such as a town or a dwelling. hole 5. syl hole pron pos n. qual Informal. def a cell or dungeon. hole 6. syl hole pron pos n. qual U.S. informal. def a small anchorage. hole 7. syl hole pron pos n. def a fault. exam 1 he picked holes in my argument. hole 8. syl hole pron pos n. qual Slang. def a difficult and embarrassing situation. hole 9. syl hole pron pos n. def the cavity in various games into which the ball must be thrust. hole 10.a. syl hole pron pos n. def the cup on each of the greens. hole 10.b. syl hole pron pos n. def each of the divisions of a course (usually 18) represented by the distance between the tee and a green. hole 10.c. syl hole pron pos n. def the score made in striking the ball from the tee into the hole. hole 11.a. syl hole pron pos n. def a vacancy in a normally filled band of electron energies that behaves as a carrier of charge and is mathematically equivalent to a positron. hole 11.b. syl hole pron pos n. usage as modifier exam 1 hole current. hole in the wall 12. head hole syl hole in the wall. qual Informal. def a small dingy place, esp. one difficult to find. hole 13.a. syl hole pron pos n. def in debt. hole card infl head hole syl hole card pos n. hole 13.b. syl hole pron pos n. usage in stud poker def dealt face down in the first round. make a hole in 14. head hole syl make a hole in. def to consume or use a great amount of (food, drink, money, etc.). exam 1 to make a hole in a bottle of brandy. hole 15. syl hole pron pos n. def to make a hole or holes in (something). hole 16. syl hole pron pos n. mod when; intr. qual Golf. usage often foll. by out def to hit (the ball) into the hole. holey sub head hole syl hole:y pos adj. hole-and-corner 0. syl hole-and-cor:ner pos adj. qual Informal. usage usually prenominal def furtive or secretive. hole in one 1. syl hole in one pos n. qual Golf. def a shot from the tee that finishes in the hole. Compare {birdie}. hole in one 2. syl hole in one pos vb. mod intr. qual Golf. def to score a hole in one. hole in one xref syl hole in one qual Golf. def Also (esp. U.S.): {ace}. hole in the heart 0. syl hole in the heart pos n. def a defect of the heart in which there is an abnormal opening in any of the walls dividing the four heart chambers. hole up 1. syl hole up pos vb. adv. mod intr. qual Chiefly U.S. usage of an animal def to hibernate, esp. in a cave. hole up 2. syl hole up pos vb. adv. mod intr. qual Chiefly U.S. def to hide or remain secluded. hole up 3. syl hole up pos vb. adv. mod intr. qual Chiefly U.S. def to score a hole in one. Holgu'in 0. syl Hol+gu*'in pron Spanish pos n. def a city in NE Cuba, in Oriente province: trading centre. Pop.: 131656 (1970). holiday ety Old English h*_aligd@ag, literally: holy day ********************************************************************** ********************************************************************** a holiday. holiday ety Old English h*_aligd@ag, literally: holy day ********************************************************************** ********************************************************************** holiday 1.a. syl hol:i+day pron <1holi2dA>, <-di> pos n. def a period in which a break is taken from work or studies for rest, travel, or recreation. U.S. word: {vacation}. holiday 1.b. syl hol:i+day pron <1holi2dA>, <-di> pos n. usage as modifier exam 1 a holiday mood. holiday 2. syl hol:i+day pron <1holi2dA>, <-di> pos n. def a day on which work is suspended by law or custom, such as a religious festival, bank holiday, etc. Related adj.: {ferial}. holiday 3. syl hol:i+day pron <1holi2dA>, <-di> pos n. def any of several festivals commemorating major events in Israelite or Jewish history or days connected with such festivals. holiday 4. syl hol:i+day pron <1holi2dA>, <-di> pos vb. mod intr. qual Chiefly Brit. def to spend a holiday. holiday camp 0. syl hol:i+day camp pos n. qual Brit. def a place, esp. one at the seaside, providing accommodation, recreational facilities, etc., for holiday-makers. holiday-maker 0. syl hol:i:day-mak:er pos n. qual Brit. def a person who goes on holiday. U.S. equivalents: {vacationer, vacationist}. holier-than-thou 0. syl hol:i:er-than-thou pos adj. usage usually prenominal def annoyingly self-righteous or smug. exam 1 a holier-than-thou attitude. holily 0. syl ho+li+ly pron <1h*ulili> pos adv. def in a holy, devout, or sacred manner. holiness 0. syl ho+li+ness pron <1h*ulinis> pos n. def the state or quality of being holy. Holiness 0. syl Ho+li+ness pron <1h*ulinis> pos n. usage preceded by his or your def a title once given to all bishops, but now reserved for the pope. Holingshed alt head Holinshed or Holinshed syl Hol:ing:shed pos n. Raphael infl head Holinshed syl Raph:a:el. pos n. Holinshed 0. or Holingshed syl Hol:in:shed pron <1holinSed> pos n. def died ??1580, English chronicler. His (1577) provided material for Shakespeare's historical and legendary plays. holism ety C20: from #7holo -#7+ -#7ism holism 0. syl ho+lism pron <1h*uliz*m> pos n. qual Philosophy. def the idea that the whole is greater than the sum of its parts. holistic sub head holism syl ho+1lis+tic pos adj. holistically sub head holism syl ho+1lis+ti+cal+ly pos adv. Holkar State 0. syl Hol+kar State pron pos n. def a former state of central India, ruled by the Holkar dynasty of Maratha rulers of Indore (18th century until 1947). holland ety C15: after H#7olland %1, where it was made holland 0. syl hol+land pron <1hol*nd> pos n. def a coarse linen cloth, used esp. for furnish?!ing. Holland H1.1. syl Hol+land pron <1hol*nd> pos n. def another name for the {Netherlands}. Holland H1.2. syl Hol+land pron <1hol*nd> pos n. def a county of the Holy Roman Empire, corresponding to the present-day North and South Holland provinces of the Netherlands. Parts of 3. head Holland syl Parts of. def an area in E England constituting a former administrative division of Lincolnshire. Holland H2.0. syl Hol:land pron <1hol*nd> pos n. def Sir {Sid@.ney George}. 1893-1961, New Zealand statesman; prime minister of New Zealand (1949-57). hollandaise sauce ety C19: from French sauce hollandaise Dutch sauce hollandaise sauce 0. syl hol+lan+daise sauce pron <2hol*n1dAz>, <1hol*n2dAz> pos n. def a rich sauce of egg yolks, butter, vinegar, etc., served esp. with fish. Hollander 0. syl Hol+land+er pron <1hol*nd*> pos n. def another name for a {Dutchman}. Hollandia 0. syl Hol+lan+di:a pron pos n. def a former name of {Djajapura}. Hollands ety C18: from Dutch hollandsch genever Hollands 0. syl Hol+lands pron <1hol*ndz> pos n. def Dutch gin, often sold in stone bottles. holler ety variant of C16 hollow, from holla, from French hol*`a stop&! (literally: ho there&!) holler 1. syl hol+ler pron <1hol*> pos vb. qual Informal. def to shout or yell (something). holler 2. syl hol+ler pron <1hol*> pos n. qual Informal. def a shout; call. Billie infl head Holliday syl Bil:lie. pos n. Holliday 0. syl Hol:li:day pron pos n. def original name Eleanor Holliday; known as 1915-59, U.S. jazz singer. Holliger 0. syl Hol:li:ger pron German <1halig*> pos n. def Heinz (#!ha$Ints). born 1939, West German oboist. hollo ety C16: from French hol*`a ho there&! holla alt head hollo or hollo syl hol+la pron <1hol*> pos n. hollos infl head hollo or hollas syl hol+los pos interj. mod pl. hollas infl head hollo or hollos syl hol+las. pos interj. mod pl. hollo 1. or holla syl hol+lo pron <1hol*u> pos n. def a cry for attention, or of encouragement. {~} hollo 2. or holla syl hol+lo pron <1hol*u> pos n. mod intr. def to shout. hollow ety C12: from holu, inflected form of Old English holh cave; related to Old Norse holr, German hohl; see #7hole hollow 1. syl hol+low pron <1hol*u> pos adj. def having a hole, cavity, or space within; not solid. hollow 2. syl hol+low pron <1hol*u> pos adj. def having a sunken area; concave. hollow 3. syl hol+low pron <1hol*u> pos adj. def recessed or deeply set. exam 1 hollow eyes. hollow 4. syl hol+low pron <1hol*u> pos adj. usage of sounds def as if resounding in a hollow place. hollow 5. syl hol+low pron <1hol*u> pos adj. def without substance or validity. hollow 6. syl hol+low pron <1hol*u> pos adj. def hungry or empty. hollow 7. syl hol+low pron <1hol*u> pos adj. def insincere; cynical. a hollow leg 8. head hollow or hollow legs syl a hollow leg def the capacity to eat a lot without getting fat. beat (someone) hollow 9. head hollow syl beat (someone) hollow. qual Brit. informal. def to defeat thoroughly and convincingly. hollow 10. syl hol+low pron <1hol*u> pos n. def a cavity, opening, or space in or within something. hollow 11. syl hol+low pron <1hol*u> pos n. def a depression or dip in the land. hollow 12. syl hol+low pron <1hol*u> pos vb. mod often foll. by out, usually when; tr. def to make or become hollow. hollow 13. syl hol+low pron <1hol*u> pos vb. mod often foll. by out, usually when; tr. def to form (a hole, cavity, etc.) or (of a hole, etc.) to be formed. hollowly sub head hollow syl hol+low+ly pos adv. hollowness sub head hollow syl hol+low+ness pos n. hollow-back 0. syl hol:low-back pos n. qual Pathol. def the nontechnical name for {lordosis}. Compare {hunchback}. holly ety Old English holegn; related to Old Norse hulfr, Old High German hulis, German Hulst, Old Slavonic kolja prick hollies infl head holly syl hol+lies. pos n. mod pl. holly 1. syl hol+ly pron <1holi> pos n. def any tree or shrub of the genus such as the Eurasian having bright red berries and shiny evergreen leaves with prickly edges. holly 2. syl hol+ly pron <1holi> pos n. def branches of any of these trees, used for Christmas decorations. holly oak 3. head holly syl holly oak. def another name for {holm oak}. holly xref syl hol+ly pron <1holi> pos n. def See also {sea holly}. Buddy infl head Holly syl Bud:dy. pos n. Holly 0. syl Hol:ly pron <1holi> pos n. def original name 1936-59, U.S. rock-and-roll singer, guitarist, and songwriter. His hits (all 1956-59) include and hollyhock ety C16: from #7holy+ hock, from Old English hoc mallow hollyhock 0. syl hol+ly+hock pron <1holi2hok> pos n. def a tall widely cultivated malvaceous plant, with stout hairy stems and spikes of white, yellow, red, or purple flowers. Also called (U.S.): {rose mallow}. Hollywood 1. syl Hol+ly+wood pron <1holi:2wud> pos n. def a NW suburb of Los Angeles, California: centre of the American film industry. Hollywood 2.a. syl Hol+ly+wood pron <1holi:2wud> pos n. def the American film industry. Hollywood 2.b. syl Hol+ly+wood pron <1holi:2wud> pos n. usage as modifier exam 1 a Hollywood star. holm ety Old English holm sea, island; related to Old Saxon holm hill, Old Norse holmr island, Latin culmen tip holm H1.1. syl holm pron pos n. qual Dialect, chiefly northwestern English. def an island in a river or lake. holm H1.2. syl holm pron pos n. qual Dialect, chiefly northwestern English. def low flat land near a river. holm ety C14: variant of obsolete holin, from Old English holegn #7holly holm H2.1. syl holm pron pos n. def short for {holm oak}. holm H2.2. syl holm pron pos n. qual Chiefly Brit. def a dialect word for {holly}. Oliver Wendell 1. head Holmes syl Ol:i:ver Wen:dell. def 1809-94, U.S. author, esp. of humorous essays, such as (1858) and its sequels. Holmes 2. syl Holmes pron pos n. def his son, {Ol@.i@.ver Wen@.dell}. 1841-1935, U.S. jurist, noted for his liberal judgments. holmic 0. syl hol+mic pron <1holmik> pos adj. def of or containing holmium. holmium ety C19: from New Latin Holmia Stockholm holmium 0. syl hol+mi:um pron <1holmi*m> pos n. def a malleable silver-white metallic element of the lanthanide series. Symbol: Ho; atomic no.: 67; atomic wt.: 164.93; valency: 3; relative density: 8.80; melting pt.: 1461?%C; boiling pt.: 2600?%C (approx.). holm oak 0. syl holm oak pos n. def an evergreen Mediterranean oak tree, with prickly leaves resembling holly. Also called: {holm, holly oak, ilex}. holo- ety from Greek holos holoblastic 0. syl hol:o+blas+tic pron <2hol*1bl@stik> pos adj. qual Embryol. def of or showing cleavage of the entire zygote into blastomeres, as in eggs with little yolk. Compare {meroblastic}. holoblastically sub head holoblastic syl hol:o+1blas+ti+cal+ly pos adv. Holocaine 0. syl Hol:o+caine pron <1hol*2kAn> pos n. def a trademark for {phenacaine}. holocaust ety C13: from Late Latin holocaustum whole burnt offering, from Greek holokauston, from #7holo -#7+ kaustos, from kaiein to burn holocaust 1. syl hol:o+caust pron <1hol*2kc:st> pos n. def great destruction or loss of life or the source of such destruction, esp. fire. holocaust 2. syl hol:o+caust pron <1hol*2kc:st> pos n. def a rare word for {burnt offering}. holocaustal sub head holocaust or holocaustic syl hol:o+1caus+tal pos adj. holocaustic sub head holocaust or holocaustal syl hol:o+1caus+tic pos adj. Holocene 1. syl Hol:o+cene pron <1hol*2sEn> pos adj. def of, denoting, or formed in the second and most recent epoch of the Quaternary period, which began 10000 years ago at the end of the Pleistocene. the 2. head Holocene syl the. def the Holocene epoch or rock series. Holocene xref syl Hol:o+cene pron <1hol*2sEn> pos adj. def Also: {Recent}. holocrine ety C20: from #7holo -#7+ Greek krinein to separate, decide holocrine 0. syl hol:o+crine pron <1hol*krin> pos adj. usage of the secretion of glands def characterized by disintegration of the entire glandular cell in releasing its product, as in sebaceous glands. Compare {merocrine, {apocrine}}. holoenzyme 0. syl hol:o+en+zyme pron <2hol*u1enzIm> pos n. def an active enzyme consisting of a protein component (apoenzyme) and its coenzyme. Holofernes 0. syl Hol:o:fer:nes pron <2hol*1fR:nEz>, pos n. def the Assyrian general, who was killed by the biblical heroine Judith. holograph 0.a. syl hol:o+graph pron <1hol*2gr@f>, <-2gra:f> pos n. def a book or document handwritten by its author; original manuscript; autograph. holograph 0.b. syl hol:o+graph pron <1hol*2gr@f>, <-2gra:f> pos n. usage as modifier exam 1 a holograph document. holography 0. syl ho+log+ra+phy pron pos n. def the science or practice of producing a photographic record ({hologram}) by illuminating the object with coherent light and, without using lenses, exposing a film to light reflected from this object and to a direct beam of the coherent light. When interference patterns on the film are illuminated by the coherent light a three-dimensional image is produced. holographic sub head holography syl hol:o+graph+ic pron <2hol*1gr@fik> pos adj. holographically sub head holography syl hol:o+1graph:i+cal+ly pos adv. holohedral 0. syl hol:o+he+dral pron <2hol*1hEdr*l> pos adj. usage of a crystal def exhibiting all the planes required for the symmetry of the crystal system. holohedrism sub head holohedral syl hol:o+1he+drism pos n. holomorphic 0. syl hol:o+mor+phic pron <2hol*1mc:fik> pos adj. qual Maths. def another word for {{analytic} (sense 6)}. holophrastic ety C19: from #7holo -#7+ Greek phrastikos expressive, from phrazein to express holophrastic 1. syl hol:o+phras+tic pron <2hol*1fr@stik> pos adj. def denoting the stage in a child's acquisition of syntax when most utterances are single words. holophrastic 2. syl hol:o+phras+tic pron <2hol*1fr@stik> pos adj. usage of languages def tending to express in one word what would be expressed in several words in other languages; polysynthetic. holophytic 0. syl hol:o+phyt+ic pron <2hol*1fitik> pos adj. usage of plants def capable of synthesizing their food from inorganic molecules, esp. by photo?!synthesis. holophyte sub head holophytic syl hol:o+phyte pron <1hol*2fIt> pos n. holoplankton 0. syl hol:o+plank+ton pron <2hol*1pl@Gkt*n> pos n. def organisms, such as diatoms and algae, that spend all stages of their life cycle as plankton. Compare {meroplankton}. holothurian ety C19: from New Latin Holoth*_uria name of type genus, from Latin: water polyp, from Greek holothourion, of obscure origin holothurian 1. syl hol:o+thu+ri:an pron <2hol*1Tju*ri*n> pos n. def any echinoderm of the class including the sea cucumbers, having a leathery elongated body with a ring of tentacles around the mouth. holothurian 2. syl hol:o+thu+ri:an pron <2hol*1Tju*ri*n> pos adj. def of, relating to, or belonging to the holotype 0. syl hol:o+type pron <1hol*2tIp> pos n. qual Biology. def another name for {type specimen}. holotypic sub head holotype syl hol:o+typ+ic pron <2hol*1tipik> pos adj. holozoic 0. syl hol:o+zo+ic pron <2hol*1z*uik> pos adj. usage of animals def obtaining nourishment by feeding on plants or other animals. holp 0. syl holp pron pos vb. qual Archaic or dialect. def a past tense of {help}. holpen 0. syl hol+pen pron <1h*ulp*n> pos vb. qual Archaic. def a past participle of {help}. hols 0. syl hols pron pos n. mod pl. qual Brit. school slang. def holidays. Gustav (Theodore) infl head Holst syl Gus:tav (Theodore) . pos n. Holst 0. syl Holst pron pos n. def 1874-1934, English composer. His works include operas, choral music, and orchestral music such as the suite (1917). Holstein H1.0. syl Hol+stein pron <1h*ulstIn> pos n. def the usual U.S. name for {Friesian} (the cattle). Holstein H2.0. syl Hol+stein pron German <1hclStIn> pos n. def a region of N West Germany, in S Schleswig-Holstein: in early times a German duchy of Saxony; became a duchy of Denmark in 1474; finally incorpo?!rated into Prussia in 1866. holster ety C17: via Dutch holster from Germanic; compare Old Norse hulstr sheath, Old English heolstor darkness, Gothic hulistr cover holster 0. syl hol+ster pron <1h*ulst*> pos n. def a sheathlike leather case for a pistol, attached to a belt or saddle. holstered sub head holster syl hol+stered pos adj. holt ety Old English holt; related to Old Norse holt, Old High German holz, Old Slavonic klad?~u log, Greek klados twig holt 0. syl holt pron pos n. qual Archaic or poetic. def a wood or wooded hill. Harold Edward infl head Holt syl Har:old Ed:ward. pos n. Holt 0. syl Holt pron pos n. def 1908-67, Australian statesman; prime minister (1966-67); believed drowned. holus-bolus ety C19: pseudo-Latin based on whole bolus; see #7bolus holus-bolus 0. syl ho:lus-bo:lus pron <1h*ul*s1b*ul*s> pos adv. qual Informal. def all at once. holy ety Old English h*_alig, h*_@alig; related to Old Saxon h*_elag, Gothic hailags, German heilig; see #7hallow holier infl head holy syl ho:li+er pos adj. holiest infl head holy syl ho:li+est. pos adj. holy 1. syl ho:ly pron <1h*uli> pos adj. def of, relating to, or associated with God or a deity; sacred. holy 2. syl ho:ly pron <1h*uli> pos adj. def endowed or invested with extreme purity or sublimity. holy 3. syl ho:ly pron <1h*uli> pos adj. def devout, godly, or virtuous. holier-than-thou 4. head holy syl holier-than-thou. def offensively sanctimonious or self-righteous. exam 1 a holier-than-thou attitude. holy terror 5. head holy syl holy terror. def a difficult or frightening person. holies infl head holy syl ho:lies. pos n. mod pl. holy 6.a. syl ho:ly pron <1h*uli> pos n. def a sacred place. the holy 6.b. head holy syl the holy. mod functioning as; pl. def persons or things invested with holiness. Holy Alliance 1. syl Ho:ly Al+li+ance pos n. def a document advocating government according to Christian principles that was signed in 1815 by the rulers of Russia, Prussia, and Austria. Holy Alliance 2. syl Ho:ly Al+li+ance pos n. def the informal alliance that resulted from this agreement. Holy Bible 0. syl Ho:ly Bi+ble pos n. def another name for the {Bible}. Holy Cithe infl head Holy City syl Ho:ly Cithe. pos n. Holy City 1. syl Ho:ly Cit:y pos n. def Jerusalem, esp. when regarded as the focal point of the religions of Judaism, Christianity, or Islam. Holy City 2. syl Ho:ly Cit:y pos n. qual Christianity. def heaven regarded as the perfect counterpart of Jerusalem. Holy City 3. syl Ho:ly Cit:y pos n. def any city regarded as especially sacred by a particular religion. Holy Communion 1. syl Ho:ly Com+mun+ion pos n. def the celebration of the Eucharist. Holy Communion 2. syl Ho:ly Com+mun+ion pos n. def the consecrated elements of the Eucharist. Holy Communion xref syl Ho:ly Com+mun+ion pos n. def Often shortened to {Communion}. holy day 0. syl ho:ly day pos n. def a day on which a religious festival is observed. holy day of obligation 0. syl ho:ly day of ob+li+ga+tion pos n. def a major feastday of the Roman Catholic Church on which Catholics are bound to attend Mass and refrain from servile work. the infl head Holy Family syl the. pos n. Holy Family 0. syl Ho:ly Fam:i+ly pos n. qual Christianity. def the infant Jesus, Mary, and St. Joseph. Holy Father 0. syl Ho:ly Fa+ther pos n. qual R.C. Church. def a title of the pope. Spirit alt head Holy Ghost or Holy Ghost syl Spir+it pos n. Holy Ghost 0. or Spirit syl Ho:ly Ghost pos n. qual Christianity. def the third person of the Trinity. Holy Grail ety C14: grail from Old French graal, from Medieval Latin grad*_alis bowl, of unknown origin Holy Grail 0. syl Ho:ly Grail pos n. usage in medieval legend def the bowl used by Jesus at the Last Supper. It was brought to Britain by Joseph of Arimathea, where it became the quest of many knights. Also called: {Grail, Sangraal}. Holyhead 1. syl Hol:y+head pron <1holi2hed> pos n. def an island off the NW coast of Anglesey: part of the county of Gwynedd. Area: about 62 sq. km (24 sq. miles). Holyhead 2. syl Hol:y+head pron <1holi2hed> pos n. def the chief town of this island, a port on the N coast. Pop.: 10608 (1971). Holy Innocents' Day 0. syl Ho:ly In+no+cents' Day pos n. def Dec. 28, a day commemorating the massacre of male children at Bethlehem by Herod's order (Matthew 2:16); Childermas. Holy Island 0. syl Ho:ly Is+land pos n. def an island off the NE coast of Northumberland, linked to the mainland by road but accessible only at low water: site of a monastery founded by St. Aidan in 635. Also called: {Lindisfarne}. Holy Joe 1. syl Ho:ly Joe pos n. qual Informal. def a minister or chaplain. Holy Joe 2. syl Ho:ly Joe pos n. qual Informal. def any sanctimonious or self-righteous person. the infl head Holy Land syl the. pos n. Holy Land 0. syl Ho:ly Land pos n. def another name for { {Palestine} (sense 1)}. Holyoake 0. syl Ho:ly:oake pron <1h*uli2*uk> pos n. def Sir {Keith Jack@.a} (#!d#f@ak$$). born 1904, New Zealand politician; prime minister (1957; 1960-72); governor general since 1977. Holy Office 0. syl Ho:ly Of+fice pos n. qual R.C. Church. def a congregation established in 1542 as the final court of appeal in heresy trials; it now deals with matters of doctrine. holy of holies 1. syl ho:ly of ho:lies pos n. def any place of special sanctity. holy of holies 2. syl ho:ly of ho:lies pos n. def the innermost compartment of the Jewish tabernacle, and later of the Temple, where the Ark was enshrined. holy orders 1. syl ho:ly or+ders pos n. def the sacrament or rite whereby a person is admitted to the Christian ministry. holy orders 2. syl ho:ly or+ders pos n. def the grades of the Christian ministry. holy orders 3. syl ho:ly or+ders pos n. def the rank or status of an ordained Christian minister. holy place 1. syl ho:ly place pos n. def the outer chamber of a Jewish sanctuary. holy place 2. syl ho:ly place pos n. def a place of pilgrimage. Holy Roller 0. syl Ho:ly Roll+er pos n. qual Derogatory. def a member of a sect that expresses religious fervour in an ecstatic or frenzied way. Holy Roman Empire 0. syl Ho:ly Ro+man Em+pire pos n. def the complex of European territories under the rule of the Frankish or German king who bore the title of Roman emperor, beginning with the coronation of Charlemagne in 800 #7a.d. The last emperor, Francis II, relinquished his crown in 1806. holy rood 1. syl ho:ly rood pos n. def a cross or crucifix, esp. one placed upon the rood screen in a church. holy rood 2. syl ho:ly rood pos n. usage often cap. def the cross on which Christ was crucified. Holy Saturday 0. syl Ho:ly Sat+ur+day pos n. def the Saturday before Easter Sunday. Holy Scripture 0. syl Ho:ly Scrip+ture pos n. def another term for the {Scriptures}. Holy See 1. syl Ho:ly See pos n. qual R.C. Church. def the see of the pope as bishop of Rome and head of the Church. Holy See 2. syl Ho:ly See pos n. qual R.C. Church. def the Roman curia. Holy Sepulchre 0. syl Ho:ly Sep+ul+chre pos n. qual New Testament. def the tomb in which the body of Christ was laid after the Crucifixion. Holy Spirit 0. syl Ho:ly Spir+it pos n. def another name for the {Holy Ghost}. holystone ety C19: perhaps so named from its being used in a kneeling position holystone 1. syl ho+ly+stone pron <1h*uli2st*un> pos n. def a soft sandstone used for scrubbing the decks of a vessel. holystone 2. syl ho+ly+stone pron <1h*uli2st*un> pos vb. mod tr. def to scrub (a vessel's decks) with a holystone. holy synod 0. syl ho:ly syn+od pos n. def the governing body of any of the Orthodox Churches. Holy Thursday 1. syl Ho:ly Thurs+day pos n. qual R.C. Church. def another name for {Maundy Thursday}. Holy Thursday 2. syl Ho:ly Thurs+day pos n. qual R.C. Church. def a rare name for {Ascension Day}. holytide 0. syl ho:ly+tide pron <1h*uli2tId> pos n. qual Archaic. def a season of special religious observances or one regarded as especially holy. holy water 0. syl ho:ly wa+ter pos n. def water that has been blessed by a priest for use in symbolic rituals of purification. Holy Week 0. syl Ho:ly Week pos n. def the week preceding Easter Sunday. Holy Writ 0. syl Ho:ly Writ pos n. def another term for the {Scriptures}. Holy Year 0. syl Ho:ly Year pos n. qual R.C. Church. def a period of remission from sin, esp. one granted every 25 years. hom ety from Persian, from Avestan haoma homa alt head hom or hom syl hom:a pron <1hom*> pos n. hom 1. or homa syl hom pron pos n. def a sacred plant of the Parsees and ancient Persians. hom 2. or homa syl hom pron pos n. def a drink made from this plant. homage ety C13: from Old French, from home man, from Latin homo homage 1. syl hom+age pron <1homiJ> pos n. def a public show of respect or honour towards someone or something (esp. in the phrases {pay} or {do homage to) }. homage 2.a. syl hom+age pron <1homiJ> pos n. def the act of respect and allegiance made by a vassal to his lord. See also {fealty}. homage 2.b. syl hom+age pron <1homiJ> pos n. def something done in acknowledgment of vassalage. homage 3. syl hom+age pron <1homiJ> pos vb. mod tr. qual Archaic or poetic. def to render homage to. hombre H1.0. syl hom+bre pron <1ombrA>, <-bri> pos n. qual Western U.S. def a slang word for {man}. hombre H2.0. syl hom+bre pron <1homb*> pos n. def a variant spelling of {ombre}. homburg ety C20: named after Homburg, in West Germany, town where it was originally made homburg 0. syl hom+burg pron <1hombR:g> pos n. def a man's hat of soft felt with a dented crown and a stiff upturned brim. home ety Old English h*_am; related to Old Norse heimr, Gothic haims, Old High German heim, Dutch heem, Greek k*_omi village home 1. syl home pron pos n. def the place or a place where one lives. exam 1 have you no home to go to?? home 2. syl home pron pos n. def a house or other dwelling. home 3. syl home pron pos n. def a family or other group living in a house or other place. home 4. syl home pron pos n. def a person's country, city, etc., esp. viewed as a birthplace, a residence during one's early years, or a place dear to one. home 5. syl home pron pos n. def the environment or habitat of a person or animal. home 6. syl home pron pos n. def the place where something is invented, founded, or developed. exam 1 the U.S. is the home of baseball. home 7.a. syl home pron pos n. def a building or organization set up to care for orphans, the aged, etc. home 7.b. syl home pron pos n. def an informal name for a {mental home}. home 8. syl home pron pos n. qual Sport. def one's own ground. exam 1 the match is at home. home 9.a. syl home pron pos n. def the objective towards which a player strives in certain sports. home 9.b. syl home pron pos n. def an area where a player is safe from attack. home 10.a. syl home pron pos n. def one of two positions of play nearest the opponents' goal. home 10.b. syl home pron pos n. def a player assigned to such a position. exam 1 inside home. home 11. syl home pron pos n. qual Baseball. def another name for {home plate}. a home from home 12. head home syl a home from home. def a place other than one's own home where one can be at ease. home 13.a. syl home pron pos n. def in one's own home or country. home 13.b. syl home pron pos n. def at ease, as if at one's own home. home 13.c. syl home pron pos n. def giving an informal party at one's own home. home 13.d. syl home pron pos n. qual Brit. def such a party. hon infl head home or with syl hon with infl head home or hon syl with. at home in 14. head home syl at home in def familiar or conversant with. home and dry 15. head home syl home and dry. qual Brit. slang. def definitely safe or successful. exam 1 we will not be home and dry until the votes have been counted. near home 16. head home syl near home. def concerning one deeply. {~} home 17. syl home pron pos n. def of, relating to, or involving one's home, country, etc.; domestic. home 18. syl home pron pos n. def effective or deadly. exam 1 a home thrust. home 19. syl home pron pos n. qual Sport. def relating to one's own ground. exam 1 a home game. home 20. syl home pron pos n. qual U.S. def central; principal. exam 1 the company's home office. home 21. syl home pron pos adv. def to or at home. exam 1 I'll be home tomorrow. home 22. syl home pron pos adv. def to or on the point. home 23. syl home pron pos adv. def to the fullest extent. exam 1 hammer the nail home. home 24. syl home pron pos adv. usage of nautical gear def into or in the best or proper position. exam 1 the boom is home. home 25.a. syl home pron pos adv. def to make clear to. home 25.b. syl home pron pos adv. def to place the blame on. come home 26. head home syl come home. usage Nautical. of an anchor def to fail to hold. come home to 27. head home syl come home to. def to be made absolutely clear to. to write home about 28. head home syl to write home about. def to be of particular interest. exam 1 the film was nothing to write home about. home 29. syl home pron pos vb. mod intr. usage of birds and other animals def to return home accurately from a distance. home 30. syl home pron pos vb. usage often foll. by on or onto def to direct or be directed onto a point or target, esp. by automatic navigational aids. home 31. syl home pron pos vb. def to send or go home. home 32. syl home pron pos vb. def to furnish with or have a home. home 33. syl home pron pos vb. mod intr. usage often foll. by in or in on def to be directed towards a goal, target, etc. homeless sub head home syl home+less pos adj. n. homelessness sub head home syl home+less+ness pos n. homelike sub head home syl home+2like pos adj. Alexander infl head Home syl Al:ex:an:der pos n. Home 0. syl Home pron pos n. def Baron Home of the Hirsel; title of Sir formerly 14th Earl of Home. born 1903, British Conservative statesman: he renounced his earldom to become prime minister of Great Britain and Northern Ireland (1963-64); foreign secretary (1970-74). homebred 1. syl home+bred pron <1h*um2bred> pos adj. def raised or bred at home. homebred 2. syl home+bred pron <1h*um2bred> pos adj. def lacking sophistication or cultivation; crude. home-brew 0. syl home-brew pos n. def a beer or other alcoholic drink brewed at home rather than commercially. home-brewed sub head home-brew syl home-1brewed pos adj. homecoming 0. syl home+com:ing pron <1h*um2k^miG> pos n. def the act of coming home. Home Counties 0. syl Home Coun+ties pos n. mod pl. def the counties surrounding London. home economics 0. syl home e:co+nom+ics pos n. def the study of diet, budgeting, child care, and other subjects concerned with running a home. home economist sub head home economics syl home e:con:o+mist pos n. home-grown 0. syl home-grown pos adj. usage esp. of fruit and vegetables def produced in one's own country, district, estate, or garden. Home Guard 0. syl Home Guard pos n. def a volunteer part-time military force recruited for the defence of the United Kingdom in World War II. homeland 1. syl home+land pron <1h*um2l@nd> pos n. def the country in which one lives or was born. homeland 2. syl home+land pron <1h*um2l@nd> pos n. def the official name for a {Bantustan}. homelier infl head homely syl home+li+er pos adj. homeliest infl head homely syl home+li+est. pos adj. homely 1. syl home+ly pron <1h*umli> pos adj. def characteristic of or suited to the ordinary home; unpretentious. homely 2.a. syl home+ly pron <1h*umli> pos adj. qual Brit. def warm and domesticated in manner or appearance. homely 2.b. syl home+ly pron <1h*umli> pos adj. qual Chiefly U.S. def plain or ugly. homeliness sub head homely syl home+li+ness pos n. home-made 1. syl home-made pos adj. usage esp. of cakes, jam, and other foods def made at home or on the premises, esp. of high-quality ingredients. home-made 2. syl home-made pos adj. def crudely fashioned. homemaker 1. syl home+mak:er pron <1h*um2mAk*> pos n. qual U.S. def a person, esp. a housewife, who manages a home. homemaker 2. syl home+mak:er pron <1h*um2mAk*> pos n. qual U.S. def a social worker who manages a household during the incapacity of the housewife. homemaking sub head homemaker syl home+2mak:ing pos n. adj. homeo- ety from Latin homoeo-, from Greek homoio-, from homos same homoeo- infl head homeo- or homoio- syl hom:oe:o- homoio- infl head homeo- or homoeo- syl hom:oi:o- homeo- 0. syl hom:e:o- usage combining form. def like or similar. exam 1 homeomorphism. Home Office 0. syl Home Of+fice pos n. qual Brit. government. def the national department responsible for the maintenance of law and order, immigration control, and all other domestic affairs not specifically assigned to another department. homoeomorphism alt head homeomorphism or homeomorphism syl ho:moe:o+mor+phism pron <2h*umi*?!1mc:fiz*m> pos n. homeomorphism 1. or homoeomorphism syl ho:me:o+mor+phism pron <2h*umi*?!1mc:fiz*m> pos n. def the property, shown by certain chemical compounds, of having the same crystal form but different chemical composition. homeomorphism 2. or homoeomorphism syl ho:me:o+mor+phism pron <2h*umi*?!1mc:fiz*m> pos n. qual Maths. def a one-to-one correspondence, continuous in both directions, between the points of two geometric figures or between two topological spaces. homeomorphic sub head homeomorphism or homoeomorphic syl ho:me:o+1mor+phic pos adj. homeomorphous sub head homeomorphism or homoeomorphous syl ho:me:o+1mor+phous pos adj. homoeomorphic sub head homeomorphism or homeomorphic syl ho:moe:o+1mor+phic pos adj. homoeomorphous sub head homeomorphism or homeomorphous syl ho:moe:o+1mor+phous pos adj. homoeopathy alt head homeopathy or homeopathy syl ho:moe:op:a+thy pron <2h*umi1op*Ti> pos n. homeopathy 0. or homoeopathy syl ho:me:op+a+thy pron <2h*umi1op*Ti> pos n. def a method of treating disease by the use of small amounts of a drug that, in healthy persons, produces symptoms similar to those of the disease being treated. Compare {allopathy}. homeopathic sub head homeopathy or homoeopathic syl ho:me:o+path+ic pron <2h*umi*1p@Tik> pos adj. homoeopathic sub head homeopathy or homeopathic syl ho:moe:o+path+ic pron <2h*umi*1p@Tik> pos adj. homeopathically sub head homeopathy or homoeopathically syl ho:me:o+1path:i+cal+ly pos adv. homoeopathically sub head homeopathy or homeopathically syl ho:moe:o+1path:i+cal+ly pos adv. homeopathist sub head homeopathy or homoeopathist syl ho:me:op:a+thist pron <2h*umE1op*?!Tist> pos n. homoeopathist sub head homeopathy or homeopathist syl ho:moe:op:a+thist pron <2h*umE1op*?!Tist> pos n. homoeostasis alt head homeostasis or homeostasis syl ho:moe:o+sta+sis pron <2h*umi*u1stAsis> pos n. homeostasis 1. or homoeostasis syl ho:me:o+sta+sis pron <2h*umi*u1stAsis> pos n. def the maintenance of metabolic equilibrium within an animal by a tendency to compensate for disrupting changes. homeostasis 2. or homoeostasis syl ho:me:o+sta+sis pron <2h*umi*u1stAsis> pos n. def the maintenance of equilibrium within a social group, person, etc. homeostatic sub head homeostasis or homoeostatic syl ho:me:o+stat+ic pron <2h*umi*u1st@t?!ik> pos adj. homoeostatic sub head homeostasis or homeostatic syl ho:moe:o+stat+ic pron <2h*umi*u1st@t?!ik> pos adj. homeotypical infl head homeotypic or homoeotypic syl ho:me:o+typ:i+cal pos adj. homoeotypic infl head homeotypic or homeotypical syl ho:moe:o+typ+ic pos adj. homoeotypical infl head homeotypic syl ho:moe:o+typ:i+cal pos adj. homeotypic 0. syl ho:me:o+typ+ic pron <2h*umi*u1tipik> pos adj. def denoting or relating to the second nuclear division of meiosis, which resembles mitosis. Compare {heterotypic}. home plate 0. syl home plate pos n. qual Baseball. def a flat often five-sided piece of hard rubber or other material that serves to define the area over which the pitcher must throw the ball for a strike and that a base runner must safely reach on his way from third base to score a run. Also called: {plate, home, home base}. homer H1.1. syl hom+er pron <1h*um*> pos n. def another word for {homing pigeon}. homer H1.2. syl hom+er pron <1h*um*> pos n. qual U.S. def an informal word for {home run}. homer ety C16: from Hebrew h*_omer homer H2.0. syl ho+mer pron <1h*um*> pos n. def a Hebrew unit of capacity equal to 10 ephahs in dry measure or 10 baths in liquid measure. Homer 0. syl Ho:mer pron <1h*um*> pos n. def circa 800 #7b.c., Greek poet to whom are attributed the and the Almost nothing is known of him, but it is thought that he was born on the island of Chios and was blind. home range 0. syl home range pos n. qual Ecology. def the area in which an animal normally ranges. Homerian alt head Homeric or Homeric syl Ho+me:ri:an pron pos adj. Homeric 1. or Homerian syl Ho+mer+ic pron pos adj. def of, relating to, or resembling Homer or his poems. Homeric 2. or Homerian syl Ho+mer+ic pron pos adj. def imposing or heroic. Homeric 3. or Homerian syl Ho+mer+ic pron pos adj. def of or relating to the archaic form of Greek used by Homer. See {Epic}. Homerically sub head Homeric syl Ho+1mer:i+cal+ly pos adv. Homeric laughter 0. syl Ho+mer+ic laugh+ter pos n. def loud unrestrained laughter, as that of the gods. home rule 1. syl home rule pos n. def self-government, esp. in domestic affairs. home rule 2. syl home rule pos n. qual U.S. government. def the partial autonomy of cities and (in some states) counties, under which they manage their own affairs, with their own charters, etc., within the limits set by the state constitution and laws. home rule 3. syl home rule pos n. def the partial autonomy sometimes granted to a national minority or a colony. Home Rule 0. syl Home Rule pos n. def self-government for Ireland: the goal of the Irish Nationalists from about 1870 to 1920. home run 0. syl home run pos n. qual Baseball. def a hit, usually out of the playing area, that no fielder can reach in time to prevent the batter from scoring. Home Secretary 0. syl Home Sec+re+tar:y pos n. qual Brit. government. def short for {Secretary of State for the Home Department}; the head of the Home Office. homesick 0. syl home+sick pron <1h*um2sik> pos adj. def depressed or melancholy at being away from home and family. homesickness sub head homesick syl home+2sick+ness pos n. homespun 1. syl home+spun pron <1h*um2sp^n> pos adj. def having plain or unsophisticated character. homespun 2. syl home+spun pron <1h*um2sp^n> pos adj. def woven or spun at home. homespun 3. syl home+spun pron <1h*um2sp^n> pos n. def cloth made at home or made of yarn spun at home. homespun 4. syl home+spun pron <1h*um2sp^n> pos n. def a cloth resembling this but made on a power loom. homestead 1. syl home+stead pron <1h*um2sted>, <-stid> pos n. def a house or estate and the adjoining land, buildings, etc., esp. a farm. homestead 2. syl home+stead pron <1h*um2sted>, <-stid> pos n. usage in the U.S. def a house and adjoining land designated by the owner as his fixed residence and exempt under the homestead laws from seizure and forced sale for debts. homestead 3. syl home+stead pron <1h*um2sted>, <-stid> pos n. usage Austral. on a sheep or cattle station def the owner's or manager's residence. Homestead Act 0. syl Home+stead Act pos n. def an act passed by the U.S. Congress in 1862 making available to settlers 160-acre tracts of public land for cultivation and improvement. homesteader 1. syl home+stead+er pron <1h*um2sted*> pos n. def a person owning a homestead. homesteader 2. syl home+stead+er pron <1h*um2sted*> pos n. qual U.S. def a person who acquires or possesses land under a homestead law. homestead law 0. syl home+stead law pos n. usage in the U.S. def any of various laws conferring certain privileges on owners of homesteads. home stretch 1. syl home stretch pos n. qual Horse racing. def the section of a racecourse forming the approach to the finish. home stretch 2. syl home stretch pos n. def the final stage of an undertaking or journey. home teacher 0. syl home teach+er pos n. qual Brit. def a teacher who educates ill or disabled children in their homes. home truth 0. syl home truth pos n. mod often; pl. def an unpleasant fact told to a person about himself. homeward 1. syl home+ward pron <1h*umw*d> pos adj. def directed or going home. homeward 2. syl home+ward pron <1h*umw*d> pos adj. usage of a ship, part of a voyage, etc. def returning to the home port. homeward 3. syl home+ward pron <1h*umw*d> pos adv. usage also def towards home. homework 1. syl home+work pron <1h*um2wR:k> pos n. def school work done out of lessons, esp. at home. homework 2. syl home+work pron <1h*um2wR:k> pos n. def any preparatory study. homier infl head homey syl hom:i+er pos adj. homiest infl head homey syl hom:i+est. pos adj. homey 0. syl home:y pron <1h*umi> pos adj. def a variant spelling of {homy}. homeyness sub head homey syl home:y+ness pos n. homicidal 1. syl hom:i+ci+dal pron <2homi1sIdL> pos adj. def of, involving, or characterized by homicide. homicidal 2. syl hom:i+ci+dal pron <2homi1sIdL> pos adj. def likely to commit homicide. exam 1 a homicidal maniac. homicidally sub head homicidal syl hom:i+1ci+dal+ly pos adv. homicide ety C14: from Old French, from Latin homo man+ caedere to slay homicide 1. syl hom:i+cide pron <1homi2sId> pos n. def the killing of a human being by another person. homicide 2. syl hom:i+cide pron <1homi2sId> pos n. def a person who kills another. homiletical alt head homiletic or homiletic syl hom:i+let:i+cal pos adj. homiletic 1. or homiletical syl hom:i+let+ic pron <2homi1letik> pos adj. def of or relating to a homily or sermon. homiletic 2. or homiletical syl hom:i+let+ic pron <2homi1letik> pos adj. def of, relating to, or characteristic of homiletics. homiletically sub head homiletic syl hom:i+1let:i+cal+ly pos adv. homiletics ety C17: from Greek homil*_etikos cordial, from homilein to converse with; see #7homily homiletics 0. syl hom:i+let+ics pron <2homi1letiks> pos n. mod functioning as; sing. def the art of preaching or writing sermons. homily ety C14: from Church Latin hom*_ilia, from Greek: discourse, from homilein to converse with, from homilos crowd, from homou together+ il*_e crowd homilies infl head homily syl hom:i+lies. pos n. mod pl. homily 1. syl hom:i+ly pron <1homili> pos n. def a sermon or discourse on a moral or religious topic. homily 2. syl hom:i+ly pron <1homili> pos n. def moralizing talk or writing. homilist sub head homily syl hom:i+list pos n. homing 1. syl hom+ing pron <1h*umiG> pos n. qual Zoology. usage modifier def relating to the ability to return home after travelling great distances. exam 1 homing instinct. homing 2. syl hom+ing pron <1h*umiG> pos n. usage modifier; of an aircraft, missile, etc. def capable of guiding itself onto a target or to a specified point. homing guidance 0. syl hom+ing guid+ance pos n. def a method of missile guidance in which internal equipment enables it to steer itself onto the target, as by sensing the target's heat radiation. homing pigeon 0. syl hom+ing pi+geon pos n. def any breed of pigeon developed for its homing instinct, used for carrying messages or for racing. Also called: {homer}. hominid ety C19: via New Latin from Latin homo man+{-#7id %2} hominid 1. syl hom:i+nid pron <1hominid> pos n. def any primate of the family which includes modern man and the extinct precursors of man. hominid 2. syl hom:i+nid pron <1hominid> pos adj. def of, relating to, or belonging to the hominoid ety C20: from Latin homin-, homo man+-#7oid hominoid 1. syl hom:i+noid pron <1homi2ncid> pos adj. def of or like man; manlike. hominoid 2. syl hom:i+noid pron <1homi2ncid> pos adj. def of, relating to, or belonging to the primate superfamily which includes the anthropoid apes and man. hominoid 3. syl hom:i+noid pron <1homi2ncid> pos n. def a hominoid animal. hominy ety C17: probably of Algonquian origin hominy 0. syl hom:i+ny pron <1homini> pos n. qual Chiefly U.S. def coarsely ground maize prepared as a food by boiling in milk or water. hominy grits 0. syl hom:i+ny grits pos n. mod pl. qual U.S. def finely ground hominy. Often short?!ened to {grits}. homos infl head homo syl ho:mos. pos n. mod pl. homo 0. syl ho:mo pron <1h*um*u> pos n. qual Informal. def short for {homosexual}. Homo ety Latin: man Homo 0. syl Ho:mo pron <1h*um*u> pos n. def any primate of the hominid genus including modern man (see {Homo sapiens}) and several extinct species of primitive man. homo- ety via Latin from Greek, from homos same homo- 0. syl ho:mo- usage combining form. def being the same or like. exam 1 homologous; exam 2 homosexual. homocentric 0. syl ho:mo+cen+tric pron <2h*um*u1sentrik>, <2hom-> pos adj. def having the same centre; concentric. homocentrically sub head homocentric syl ho:mo+1cen+tri+cal+ly pos adv. homocercal ety C19: from #7homo -#7+ Greek kerkos tail homocercal 0. syl ho:mo+cer+cal pron <2h*um*u1sR:kL>, <2hom-> pos adj. qual Ichthyol. def of or possessing a symmetrical tail that extends beyond the end of the vertebral column, as in most bony fishes. Compare {heterocercal}. homochromatic 0. syl ho:mo+chro+mat+ic pron <2h*um*ukr*u1m@tik>, <2hom-> pos adj. def a less common word for { {monochromatic} (sense 1)}. homochromatism sub head homochromatic syl ho:mo+chro+ma+tism pron <2h*um*u1kr*um*2tiz*m>, <2hom-> pos n. homochromous 0. syl ho:mo+chro+mous pron <2h*um*1kr*um*s>, <2hom-> pos adj. usage esp. of plant parts def of only one colour. homocyclic 0. syl ho:mo+cy+clic pron <2h*um*u1sIklik>, <-1sik->, <2hom-> pos adj. usage of an organic compound def containing a closed ring of atoms of the same kind, esp. carbon atoms. Compare {heterocyclic}. homodont ety C19: from #7homo -#7+ -#7odont homodont 0. syl ho:mo+dont pron <1h*um*2dont> pos adj. usage of most nonmammalian vertebrates def having teeth that are all of the same type. Compare {heterodont}. homoeo- 0. syl hom:oe:o- usage combining form. def variant of {homeo-}. homoerotism alt head homoeroticism or homoeroticism syl ho:mo+er:o+tism pron <2h*um*u1er*2tiz*m> pos n. homoeroticism 0. or homoerotism syl ho:mo+e:rot:i+cism pron <2h*um*ui1roti2siz*m> pos n. def eroticism centred on or aroused by persons of one's own sex. homoerotic sub head homoeroticism syl ho:mo+e:1rot+ic pos adj. homogamy 1. syl ho+mog:a+my pron pos n. def a condition in which all the flowers of an inflorescence are either of the same sex or hermaphrodite. Compare { {heterogamy} (sense 3)}. homogamy 2. syl ho+mog:a+my pron pos n. def the maturation of the anthers and stigmas of a flower at the same time, ensuring self-pollination. Compare {dichogamy}. homogamous sub head homogamy syl ho+1mog:a+mous pos adj. homogenate ety C20: from #7homogenize+{ -#7ate %1} homogenate 0. syl ho+mog+e:nate pron , <-2nAt> pos n. def a substance produced by homogenizing. homogeneous 1. syl ho:mo+ge:ne:ous pron <2h*um*1JEni*s>, <2hom-> pos adj. def composed of similar or identical parts or elements. homogeneous 2. syl ho:mo+ge:ne:ous pron <2h*um*1JEni*s>, <2hom-> pos adj. def of uniform nature. homogeneous 3. syl ho:mo+ge:ne:ous pron <2h*um*1JEni*s>, <2hom-> pos adj. def similar in kind or nature. homogeneous 4. syl ho:mo+ge:ne:ous pron <2h*um*1JEni*s>, <2hom-> pos adj. def having a constant property, such as density, throughout. homogeneous 5.a. syl ho:mo+ge:ne:ous pron <2h*um*1JEni*s>, <2hom-> pos adj. usage of a polynomial def containing terms of the same degree with respect to all the variables, as in %2+2 + %2. homogeneous 5.b. syl ho:mo+ge:ne:ous pron <2h*um*1JEni*s>, <2hom-> pos adj. usage of a function def containing a set of variables such that when each is multiplied by a constant, this constant can be eliminated without altering the value of the function, as in cos / + / . homogeneous 5.c. syl ho:mo+ge:ne:ous pron <2h*um*1JEni*s>, <2hom-> pos adj. usage of an equation def containing a homogeneous function made equal to 0. homogeneous 6. syl ho:mo+ge:ne:ous pron <2h*um*1JEni*s>, <2hom-> pos adj. qual Chem. def of, composed of, or concerned with a single phase. Compare {heterogeneous}. homogeneous xref syl ho:mo+ge:ne:ous pron <2h*um*1JEni*s>, <2hom-> pos adj. def Also (for senses 1-4): {homogenous}. homogeneity sub head homogeneous syl ho:mo+ge:ne:i+ty pron <2h*um*uJi1nEiti>, <2hom-> pos n. homogeneously sub head homogeneous syl ho:mo+1ge:ne:ous+ly pos adv. homogeneousness sub head homogeneous syl ho:mo+1ge:ne:ous+ness pos n. homogenise alt head homogenize or homogenize syl ho+mog+e:nise pron pos vb. homogenize 1. or homogenise syl ho+mog+e:nize pron pos vb. mod tr. def to break up the fat globules in (milk or cream) so that they are evenly distributed. homogenize 2. or homogenise syl ho+mog+e:nize pron pos vb. def to make or become homogeneous. homogenization sub head homogenize or homogenisation syl ho+2mog+e:ni+1za+tion pos n. homogenisation sub head homogenize or homogenization syl ho+2mog+e:ni+1sa+tion pos n. homogenizer sub head homogenize or homogeniser syl ho+1mog+e:2niz+er pos n. homogeniser sub head homogenize or homogenizer syl ho+1mog+e:2nis+er pos n. homogenous 1. syl ho+mog+e:nous pron pos adj. def another word for {homogeneous} (senses 1-4). homogenous 2. syl ho+mog+e:nous pron pos adj. def of, relating to, or exhibiting homogeny. homogeny ety C19: from Greek homogeneia community of origin, from homogen*_es of the same kind homogeny 0. syl ho+mog+e:ny pron pos n. qual Biology. def similarity in structure of individuals or parts because of common ancestry. homogony 0. syl ho+mog+o:ny pron pos n. def the condition in a plant of having stamens and styles of the same length in all the flowers. Compare { {heterogony} (sense 2)}. homogonous sub head homogony syl ho+1mog:o+nous pos adj. homogonously sub head homogony syl ho+1mog:o+nous+ly pos adv. homograft 0. syl ho:mo+graft pron <1hom*2gra:ft> pos n. def a tissue graft obtained from an organism of the same species as the recipient. homograph 0. syl hom:o+graph pron <1hom*2gr@f>, <-2gra:f> pos n. def one of a group of words spelt in the same way but having different meanings. Compare {heteronym}. homographic sub head homograph syl hom:o+1graph+ic pos adj. homoio- 0. syl hom:oi:o- usage combining form. def variant of {homeo-}. homothermal alt head homoiothermic or homoiothermic syl ho+mo+ther+mal pos adj. homoiothermic 0. or homothermal syl ho+moi:o+ther+mic pron pos adj. usage of birds and mammals def having a constant body temperature, usually higher than the temperature of the surroundings; warm-blooded. Compare {poikilothermal}. Homoiousian ety C18: from Late Greek homoiousios of like substance, from Greek homoio- like+ ousia nature Homoiousian 1. syl Ho+moi+ou+si:an pron <2h*umci1u:si*n>, <-1au-> pos n. def a Christian who believes that the Son is of like (and not identical) substance with the Father. Compare {Homoousian}. Homoiousian 2. syl Ho+moi+ou+si:an pron <2h*umci1u:si*n>, <-1au-> pos adj. def of or relating to the Homoiousians. Homoiousianism sub head Homoiousian syl Ho+moi+1ou+si+an+ism pos n. homologate ety C17: from Medieval Latin homolog*_are to agree, from Greek homologein to approve, from homologos agreeing, from #7homo -#7+ legein to speak homologate 1. syl ho+mol:o+gate pron pos vb. mod tr. qual Law, chiefly Scot. def to approve or ratify (a deed or contract, esp. one that is defective). homologate 2. syl ho+mol:o+gate pron pos vb. mod tr. qual Law. def to confirm (a proceeding, etc.). homologate 3. syl ho+mol:o+gate pron pos vb. mod tr. def to recognize (a particular type of car or car component) as a production model or component rather than a prototype, as in making it eligible for a motor race. homologation sub head homologate syl ho+2mol:o+1ga+tion pos n. homologise alt head homologize or homologize syl ho+mol:o+gise pron pos vb. homologize 0. or homologise syl ho+mol:o+gize pron pos vb. def to be, show to be, or make homologous. homologizer sub head homologize or homologiser syl ho+1mol:o+2giz+er pos n. homologiser sub head homologize or homologizer syl ho+1mol:o+2gis+er pos n. homological infl head homologous or homologic syl ho:mo+log:i+cal pron <2h*um*?!1loJikL>, <2hom-> pos adj. homologic infl head homologous or homological syl ho:mo+log+ic pos adj. homologous 1. syl ho+mol:o+gous pron , pos adj. def having a related or similar position, structure, etc. homologous 2. syl ho+mol:o+gous pron , pos adj. usage Chem. of a series of organic compounds def having similar characteristics and structure but differing by a number of CH\2 groups. homologous 3.a. syl ho+mol:o+gous pron , pos adj. usage of two or more tissues def identical in structure. homologous 3.b. syl ho+mol:o+gous pron , pos adj. usage of a vaccine def prepared from the infecting microorganism. homologous 4. syl ho+mol:o+gous pron , pos adj. usage Biology. of organs and parts def having the same evolutionary origin but different functions. exam 1 the wing of a bat and the paddle of a whale are homologous. homologous 5. syl ho+mol:o+gous pron , pos adj. usage Maths. of elements def playing a similar role in distinct figures or functions. homologically sub head homologous syl ho:mo+1log:i+cal+ly pos adv. homologous chromosomes 0. syl ho+mol:o+gous chro+mo+somes pos n. mod pl. def two chromosomes, one of paternal origin, the other of maternal origin, that are identical in appearance and pair during meiosis. homalographic alt head homolographic or homolographic syl ho+mal:o+graph+ic pos adj. homolographic 0. or homalographic syl ho+mol:o+graph+ic pron pos adj. qual Cartography. def another term for {equal-area}. homolog alt head homologue or homologue syl hom:o+log pron <1hom*2log> pos n. qual U.S. (sometimes homologue 1. or homolog syl hom:o+logue pron <1hom*2log> pos n. qual Biology. def a homologous part or organ. homologue 2. or homolog syl hom:o+logue pron <1hom*2log> pos n. qual Chem. def any homologous compound. homology ety C17: from Greek homologia agreement, from homologos agreeing; see #7homologate homologies infl head homology syl ho+mol+o:gies. pos n. mod pl. homology 1. syl ho+mol+o:gy pron pos n. def the condition of being homologous. homology 2. syl ho+mol+o:gy pron pos n. qual Chem. def the similarities in chemical behaviour shown by members of a homologous series. homology 3. syl ho+mol+o:gy pron pos n. qual Maths. def a classification of geometric figures according to their geometric properties. homolosine projection ety C20: from #7homolographic+{sine %1} homolosine projection 0. syl ho+mol:o+sine pro+jec+tion pron pos n. def a map projection of the world on which the oceans are distorted to allow for greater accuracy in representing the continents, combining the sinusoidal and equal-area projections. homolysis 0. syl ho+mol:y+sis pron pos n. def the dissociation of a molecule into two neutral fragments. Also called: {homolytic fission}. Compare { {heterolysis} (sense 2)}. homolytic sub head homolysis syl ho:mo+lyt+ic pron <2h*um*u1litik>, <2hom-> pos adj. homomorphy alt head homomorphism or homomorphism syl ho:mo+mor+phy pos n. homomorphism 0. or homomorphy syl ho:mo+mor+phism pron <2h*um*u1mc:fiz*m>, <2hom-> pos n. qual Biology. def similarity in form, as of the flowers of a plant. homomorphic sub head homomorphism or homomorphous syl ho:mo+1mor+phic pos adj. homomorphous sub head homomorphism or homomorphic syl ho:mo+1mor+phous pos adj. homonym ety C17: from Latin hom*_onymum, from Greek hom*_onumon, from hom*_o?!numos of the same name; see #7homo -#7, -#7onym homonym 1. syl hom:o+nym pron <1hom*nim> pos n. def one of a group of words pro?!nounced or spelt in the same way but having different meanings. Compare {homograph, homophone}. homonym 2. syl hom:o+nym pron <1hom*nim> pos n. def a person with the same name as another. homonym 3. syl hom:o+nym pron <1hom*nim> pos n. qual Biology. def a specific or generic name that has been used for two or more different organisms. homonymic sub head homonym or homonymous syl hom:o+1nym+ic pos adj. homonymous sub head homonym or homonymic syl ho+1mon:y+mous pos adj. homonymity sub head homonym or homonymy syl hom:o+1nym+i:ty pos n. homonymy sub head homonym or homonymity syl ho+1mon:y+my pos n. Homoousian ety C16: from Late Greek homoousios of the same substance, from Greek #7homo -#7+ ousia nature Homoousian 1. syl Ho:mo+ou+si:an pron <2h*umo1u:si*n>, <-1au->, <2hom-> pos n. def a Christian who believes that the Son is of the same substance as the Father. Compare {Homoiousian}. Homoousian 2. syl Ho:mo+ou+si:an pron <2h*umo1u:si*n>, <-1au->, <2hom-> pos adj. def of or relating to the Homoousians. Homoousianism sub head Homoousian syl Ho:mo+1ou+si+an+ism pos n. homophile 0. syl ho:mo+phile pron <1h*um*2fIl>, <1hom-> pos n. def a rare word for {homosexual}. homophone 1. syl hom:o+phone pron <1hom*2f*un> pos n. def one of a group of words pronounced in the same way but differing in meaning or spelling or both, as for example and homophone 2. syl hom:o+phone pron <1hom*2f*un> pos n. def a written letter or combination of letters that represents the same speech sound as another. exam 1 @6ph@9 is a homophone of @6f@9 in English. homophonic 1. syl hom:o+phon+ic pron <2hom*1fonik> pos adj. def of or relating to ho?!mophony. homophonic 2. syl hom:o+phon+ic pron <2hom*1fonik> pos adj. def of or relating to music in which the parts move together rather than independently. homophonically sub head homophonic syl hom:o+1phon:i+cal+ly pos adv. homophonous 0. syl ho+moph:o+nous pron pos adj. def of, relating to, or denoting a homophone. homophony 1. syl ho+moph:o+ny pron pos n. def the linguistic phenomenon whereby words of different origins become identical in pronunciation. homophony 2. syl ho+moph:o+ny pron pos n. def part music composed in a homophonic style. homophyly ety C19: from Greek, from #7homo -#7+phylum homophyly 0. syl ho+moph:y+ly pron pos n. def resemblance due to common ancestry. homophyllic sub head homophyly syl ho:mo+phyl+lic pron <2h*um*1filik>, <2hom-> pos adj. homoplastic 1. syl ho:mo+plas+tic pron <2h*um*u1pl@stik>, <2hom-> pos adj. usage of a tissue graft def derived from an individual of the same species as the recipient. homoplastic 2. syl ho:mo+plas+tic pron <2h*um*u1pl@stik>, <2hom-> pos adj. def another word for { {analogous} (sense 2)}. homoplastically sub head homoplastic syl ho:mo+1plas+ti+cal+ly pos adv. homoplasy sub head homoplastic syl ho:mo+pla+sy pron <1h*um*u2plAsi>, <1hom-> pos n. homopolar 0. syl ho:mo+po+lar pron <2h*um*u1p*ul*> pos adj. qual Chem. def of uniform charge; not ionic; covalent. exam 1 a homopolar bond. homopolarity sub head homopolar syl ho:mo+po+lar+i:ty pron <2h*um*up*u1l@riti>, <2hom-> pos n. homopterous ety C19: from Greek homopteros, from #7homo -#7+ pteron wing homopteran alt head homopterous or homopterous syl ho+mop+ter+an pos adj. homopterous 0. or homopteran syl ho+mop+ter+ous pron pos adj. def of, relating to, or belonging to the a suborder of hemipterous insects, including cicadas, aphids, and scale insects, having wings of a uniform texture held over the back at rest. Compare {heteropterous}. homorganic 0. syl ho+mor+gan+ic pron <2h*umc:1g@nik>, <2hom-> pos adj. usage Phonetics. of a consonant def articulated at the same point in the vocal tract as a consonant in a different class. Thus is the homorganic nasal of Homo sapiens ety New Latin, from Latin homo man+ sapiens wise Homo sapiens 0. syl Ho:mo sa+pi+ens pron <1s@pi2enz> pos n. def the specific name of modern man; the only extant species of the genus This species also includes extinct types of primitive man such as Cro-Magnon man. See also { {man} (sense 5)}. homoscedasticity ety C20: from #7homo -#7+ scedasticity, from Greek skedasis a scattering, dispersion homoscedasticity 0. syl ho:mo+sce:das+tic+i:ty pron <2h*um*uskid@s1tisiti>, <2hom-> pos n. qual Statistics. def the condition occurring when all possible values that a variable may take have constant variance. Compare {hetero?!scedasticity}. homosexual 1. syl ho:mo+sex+u:al pron <2h*um*u1seksju*l>, <2hom-> pos n. def a person who is sexually attracted to members of the same sex. homosexual 2. syl ho:mo+sex+u:al pron <2h*um*u1seksju*l>, <2hom-> pos adj. def of or relating to homosexuals or homosexuality. homosexual 3. syl ho:mo+sex+u:al pron <2h*um*u1seksju*l>, <2hom-> pos adj. def of or relating to the same sex. homosexual xref syl ho:mo+sex+u:al pron <2h*um*u1seksju*l>, <2hom-> pos n. def Compare {heterosexual}. homosexuality 0. syl ho:mo+sex+u:al+i:ty pron <2h*um*u2seksju1@liti>, <2hom-> pos n. def sexual attraction to or sexual relations with members of the same sex. Compare {heterosexuality}. heterosporous infl head homosporous syl heterosporous. pos adj. homospory sub head homosporous syl ho+mos+po+ry pron pos n. homotaxis 0. syl ho:mo+tax+is pron <2h*um*u1t@ksis>, <2hom-> pos n. def similarity of composition and arrangement in rock strata of different ages or in different regions. homotaxic sub head homotaxis or homotaxial syl ho:mo+1tax+ic pos adj. homotaxial sub head homotaxis or homotaxic syl ho:mo+1tax+i:al pos adj. homotaxially sub head homotaxis syl ho:mo+1tax:i+al+ly pos adv. homothallic 0. syl ho:mo+thal+lic pron <2h*um*u1T@lik> pos adj. usage of some algae and fungi def having both male and female reproductive organs on the same thallus, which is self-fertlizing. Compare {heterothallic}. homothallism sub head homothallic syl ho:mo+1thal+lism pos n. homothermal 0. syl ho:mo+ther+mal pron <2h*um*u1TR:m*l>, <2hom-> pos adj. def another word for {homoiothermic}. homozygote 0. syl ho:mo+zy+gote pron <2h*um*u1zIg*ut>, <-1zig->, <2hom-> pos n. def an animal or plant that is homozygous and breeds true to type. Compare {heterozygote}. &- {@!ho@.mo+zy+#!go+sis} &- {ho@.mo+zy+got+ic} (@!h$$$um$$$uza$I#!g$At$Ik, -z$I-, @!h$Am-) homozygous 0. syl ho:mo+zy+gous pron <2h*um*u1zIg*s>, <-1zig>, <2hom-> pos adj. usage Genetics. of an organism def having identical alleles for any one gene. exam 1 these two fruit flies are homozygous for red eye colour. homozygously sub head homozygous syl ho:mo+1zy+gous+ly pos adv. Homs 0. syl Homs: pron , <@T> <215423> <1970> def Ancient name: {Emesa}. Former name: {Hims}. homunculus ety C17: from Latin, diminutive of homo man homunculi infl head homunculus syl ho+mun+cu+li pron <-2lI> pos n. mod pl. homunculus 1. syl ho+mun+cu+lus pron pos n. def a miniature man; midget. homunculus 2. syl ho+mun+cu+lus pron pos n. usage in early biological theory def a fully-formed miniature human being existing in a spermatozoon or egg. {~} Also called: {ho+mun+cule} (h$$$u#!m^&nkju$:l). homuncular sub head homunculus syl ho+1mun+cu+lar pos adj. hominess sub head homy syl hom:i+ness hon alt or hon syl hon. hon 1. or hon syl hon qual abbrev. for: def honorary. hon 2. or hon syl hon qual abbrev. for: def honourable. Hon alt or Hon syl Hon. Hon 0. or Hon syl Hon qual abbrev. for def Honourable (title). honan 0. syl ho+nan pron <1h*u1n@n> pos n. usage sometimes cap. def a silk fabric of rough weave. Honan 0. syl Ho+nan pron <1h*u1n@n> pos n. def a province of N central China: the chief centre of early Chinese culture; mainly agricultural (the largest wheat-producing province in China). Capital: Chengchow. Pop.: 50000000 (1967-71 est.). Area: 167000 sq. km (65000 sq. miles). Hond 0. syl Hond. qual abbrev. for def Honduras. Hondo 0. syl Hon+do pron <1hond*u> pos n. def another name for {Honshu}. Honduras 1. syl Hon+du+ras pron pos n. def a republic in Central America: an early centre of Mayan civilization; colonized by the Spanish from 1524 onwards; gained independence in 1821. Official language: Spanish; English is also widely spoken. Religion: Roman Catholic. Currency: lempira. Capital: Tegucigalpa. Pop.: 2653857 (1974). Area: 112088 sq. km (43277 sq. miles). Gulf of 2. head Honduras syl Gulf of. def an inlet of the Caribbean, on the coasts of Honduras, Guatemala, and Belize. Honduran sub head Honduras syl Hon+1du+ran pos adj. n. hone ety Old English h*_an stone; related to Old Norse hein hone H1.1. syl hone pron pos n. def a fine whetstone, esp. for sharpening razors. hone H1.2. syl hone pron pos n. def a tool consisting of a number of fine abrasive slips held in a machine head, rotated and reciprocated to impart a smooth finish to cylinder bores, etc. hone H1.3. syl hone pron pos vb. mod tr. def to sharpen or polish with or as if with a hone. hone ety C17: from Old French hogner to growl, probably of Germanic origin; compare Old High German h*_onen to revile hone H2.1. syl hone pron pos vb. mod intr. qual Dialect. usage often foll. by for or after def to yearn or pine. hone H2.2. syl hone pron pos vb. mod intr. qual Dialect. def to moan or grieve. Erich infl head Honecker syl E:rich pron <1A:ri*,c> pos n. Honecker 0. syl Ho:neck:er pron German <1ho:nek*r> pos n. def born 1912, East German statesman; head of state of East Germany since 1976. Arthur infl head Honegger syl Ar:thur pron pos n. Honegger 0. syl Hon:eg:ger pron <1honig*>, French pos n. def 1892-1955, French composer, one of Les Six. His works include the oratorios (1921) and (1935), and (1924) for orchestra. honest ety C13: from Old French honeste, from Latin honestus distinguished, from hon*_os #7honour honest 1. syl hon+est pron <1onist> pos adj. def not given to lying, cheating, stealing, etc.; trustworthy. honest 2. syl hon+est pron <1onist> pos adj. def not false or misleading; genuine. honest 3. syl hon+est pron <1onist> pos adj. def just or fair. exam 1 honest wages. honest 4. syl hon+est pron <1onist> pos adj. def characterized by sincerity and candour. exam 1 an honest appraisal. honest 5. syl hon+est pron <1onist> pos adj. def without pretensions or artificial traits. exam 1 honest farmers. honest 6. syl hon+est pron <1onist> pos adj. usage Archaic. of a woman def respectable. honest broker 7. head honest syl honest broker. def a mediator in disputes, esp. international ones. make an honest woman of 8. head honest syl make an honest woman of. def to marry (a woman, esp. one who is pregnant) to prevent scandal. honest Injun 9. head honest syl honest Injun. pos interj. qual School slang. def genuinely, really. honest 10.a. syl hon+est pron <1onist> pos adj. def completely authentic. honest 10.b. syl hon+est pron <1onist> pos interj. def an expression of affirmation or surprise. honestness sub head honest syl hon+est+ness pos n. honestly 1. syl hon+est+ly pron <1onistli> pos adv. def in an honest manner. honestly 3. syl hon+est+ly pron <1onistli> pos interj. def an expression of disgust, surprise, etc. honesties infl head honesty syl hon+es+ties. pos n. mod pl. honesty 1. syl hon+es+ty pron <1onisti> pos n. def the condition of being honest. honesty 2. syl hon+es+ty pron <1onisti> pos n. def sincerity or fairness. honesty 3. syl hon+es+ty pron <1onisti> pos n. qual Archaic. def virtue or respect. honesty 4. syl hon+es+ty pron <1onisti> pos n. def a purple-flowered SE European cruciferous plant, cultivated for its flattened silvery pods, which are used for indoor decoration. Also called: {moonwort, satinpod}. honewort ety C17: apparently from obsolete dialect hone a swelling, of obscure origin; the plant was believed to relieve swellings honewort 1. syl hone+wort pron <1h*un2wR:t> pos n. def a European umbelliferous plant, with clusters of small white flowers. honewort 2. syl hone+wort pron <1h*un2wR:t> pos n. def any of several similar and related plants. honey ety Old English huneg; related to Old Norse hunang, Old Saxon hanig, German Honig, Greek kn*_ekos yellowish, Sanskrit k*'anaka- gold honey 1. syl hon+ey pron <1h^ni> pos n. def a sweet viscid substance made by bees from nectar and stored in their nests or hives as food. It is spread on bread or used as a sweetening agent. honey 2. syl hon+ey pron <1h^ni> pos n. def any similar sweet substance, esp. the nectar of flowers. honey 3. syl hon+ey pron <1h^ni> pos n. def anything that is sweet or delightful. honey 4. syl hon+ey pron <1h^ni> pos n. qual Chiefly U.S. usage often cap. def a term of endearment. honey 5. syl hon+ey pron <1h^ni> pos n. qual Informal, chiefly U.S. def something considered to be very good of its kind. exam 1 a honey of a car. honey 6. syl hon+ey pron <1h^ni> pos n. usage modifier def of, concerned with, or resembling honey. honeys infl head honey syl hon+eys pos vb. honeying infl head honey syl hon+ey+ing pos vb. honeyed infl head honey or honied syl hon+eyed pos vb. honied infl head honey or honeyed syl hon+ied. pos vb. honey 7. syl hon+ey pron <1h^ni> pos vb. mod tr. def to sweeten with or as if with honey. honey 8. syl hon+ey pron <1h^ni> pos vb. usage often foll. by up def to talk to (someone) in a fond or flattering way. honey-like sub head honey syl hon:ey-2like pos adj. honey badger 0. syl hon+ey badg+er pos n. def another name for {ratel}. honey bear 0. syl hon+ey bear pos n. def another name for { {kinkajou} (sense 1)} or {sun bear}. honeybee 0. syl hon:ey+bee pron <1h^ni2bE> pos n. def any of various social honey-producing bees of the genus esp. which has been widely domesticated as a source of honey and beeswax. Also called: {hive bee}. honeybun alt head honeybunch or honeybunch syl hon:ey+bun pos n. honeybunch 0. or honeybun syl hon:ey+bunch pron <1h^ni2b^nC> pos n. qual Informal, chiefly U.S. def honey; darling: a term of endearment. honey buzzard 0. syl hon+ey buz+zard pos n. def a common European bird of prey, having broad wings and a typically dull brown plumage with white-streaked underparts: family (hawks, buzzards, etc.). honeycomb 1. syl hon:ey+comb pron <1h^ni2k*um> pos n. def a waxy structure, constructed by bees in a hive, that consists of adjacent hexagonal cells in which honey is stored, eggs are laid, and larvae develop. honeycomb 2. syl hon:ey+comb pron <1h^ni2k*um> pos n. def something resembling this in structure or appearance. honeycomb 3. syl hon:ey+comb pron <1h^ni2k*um> pos n. qual Zoology. def another name for { {reticulum} (sense 2)}. honeycomb 4. syl hon:ey+comb pron <1h^ni2k*um> pos vb. mod tr. def to pierce or fill with holes, cavities, etc. honeycomb 5. syl hon:ey+comb pron <1h^ni2k*um> pos vb. mod tr. def to permeate. exam 1 honeycombed with spies. honeycomb moth 0. syl hon:ey+comb moth pos n. def another name for the {wax moth}. honey creeper 1. syl hon+ey creep+er pos n. def any small tropical American songbird of the genus and related genera, closely related to the tanagers and buntings, having a slender downward-curving bill and feeding on nectar. honey creeper 2. syl hon+ey creep+er pos n. def any bird of the family of Hawaii. honeydew 1. syl hon:ey+dew pron <1h^ni2dju:> pos n. def a sugary substance excreted by aphids and similar insects. honeydew 2. syl hon:ey+dew pron <1h^ni2dju:> pos n. def a similar substance exuded by certain plants. honeydew 3. syl hon:ey+dew pron <1h^ni2dju:> pos n. def short for {honeydew melon}. honeydewed sub head honeydew syl hon:ey+2dewed pos adj. honeydew melon 0. syl hon:ey+dew mel+on pos n. def a variety of muskmelon with a smooth greenish-white rind and sweet greenish flesh. honey-eater 0. syl hon:ey-eat:er pron <1h^ni2Et*> pos n. def any small arboreal songbird of the Australasian family having a downward-curving bill and a brushlike tongue specialized for extracting nectar from flowers. honied alt head honeyed or honeyed syl hon+ied pron <1h^nid> pos adj. honeyed 1. or honied syl hon+eyed pron <1h^nid> pos adj. qual Poetic. def flattering or soothing. honeyed 2. or honied syl hon+eyed pron <1h^nid> pos adj. qual Poetic. def made sweet or agreeable. exam 1 honeyed words. honeyed 3. or honied syl hon+eyed pron <1h^nid> pos adj. qual Poetic. def of, full of, or resembling honey. honeyedly sub head honeyed or honiedly syl hon+eyed+ly pos adv. honiedly sub head honeyed or honeyedly syl hon+ied+ly pos adv. honey fungus 0. syl hon+ey fun+gus pos n. def an edible agaricaceous mushroom, with a brown scaly cap: grows on dead trees, etc. honey guide 0. syl hon+ey guide pos n. def any small bird of the family inhabiting tropical forests of Africa and Asia and feeding on beeswax, honey, and insects: order (woodpeckers, etc.). honey locust 1. syl hon+ey lo+cust pos n. def a thorny mimosaceous tree, of E North America, that has long pods containing a sweet-tasting pulp. honey locust 2. syl hon+ey lo+cust pos n. def another name for {mesquite}. honey mesquite 0. syl hon+ey mes+quite pos n. def another name for {mesquite}. honeymoon ety C16: traditionally explained as an allusion to the feelings of married couples as changing with the phases of the moon honeymoon 1.a. syl hon:ey+moon pron <1h^ni2mu:n> pos n. def a holiday taken by a newly married couple. honeymoon 1.b. syl hon:ey+moon pron <1h^ni2mu:n> pos n. usage as modifier exam 1 a honeymoon cottage. honeymoon 2. syl hon:ey+moon pron <1h^ni2mu:n> pos n. def a holiday considered to resemble a honeymoon. exam 1 a second honeymoon. honeymoon 3. syl hon:ey+moon pron <1h^ni2mu:n> pos n. qual Chiefly U.S. def the early, usually calm period of a relationship, such as a political or business one. honeymoon 4. syl hon:ey+moon pron <1h^ni2mu:n> pos vb. mod intr. def to take a honeymoon. honeymooner sub head honeymoon syl hon:ey+2moon+er pos n. phalanger alt head honey mouse or honey mouse syl pha+lan+ger pos n. honey mouse 0. or phalanger syl hon+ey mouse pos n. def a small agile Australian marsupial, having dark-striped pale brown fur, a long prehensile tail, and a very long snout and tongue with which it feeds on honey, pollen, and insects: family Also called: {honeysucker}. honey plant 0. syl hon+ey plant pos n. def any of various plants that are particularly useful in providing bees with nectar. honeysucker 1. syl hon:ey+suck:er pron <1h^ni2s^k*> pos n. def any bird, esp. a honey-eater, that feeds on nectar. honeysucker 2. syl hon:ey+suck:er pron <1h^ni2s^k*> pos n. def another name for {honey mouse}. honeysuckle ety Old English hunigs*_uce, from #7honey+suck ; see #7suckle honeysuckle 1. syl hon:ey+suck:le pron <1h^ni2s^kL> pos n. def any temperate caprifoliaceous shrub or vine of the genus cultivated for their fragrant white, yellow, or pink tubular flowers. honeysuckle 2. syl hon:ey+suck:le pron <1h^ni2s^kL> pos n. def any of several similar plants. honeysuckle 3. syl hon:ey+suck:le pron <1h^ni2s^kL> pos n. def any of various Australian trees or shrubs of the genus having flowers in dense spikes: family honeysuckled sub head honeysuckle syl hon:ey+2suck:led pos adj. honeysuckle ornament 0. syl hon:ey+suck:le or+na+ment pos n. qual Arts. def another term for {anthemion}. honey-sweet 0. syl honey-sweet pos adj. def sweet or endearing. hong ety C18: from Chinese (Cantonese dialect) hong 1. syl hong pron pos n. usage in China def a factory, warehouse, etc. hong 2. syl hong pron pos n. usage formerly, in Canton def a foreign commercial establishment. Hong Kong 1. syl Hong Kong pron <1hoG1koG> pos n. def a British Crown Colony on the coast of S China: consists of Hong Kong Island, leased by China to Britain in 1842, Kowloon Peninsula, Stonecutters Island, the New Territories (mainland), and over 230 small islands; important entrep*^ot trade and manufacturing centre, esp. for textiles and other consumer goods; university (1912). Capital: Victoria. Pop.: 4077400 (1972 est.). Area: 1046 sq. km (404 sq. miles). Hong Kong 2. syl Hong Kong pron <1hoG1koG> pos n. def an island in the British Colony of Hong Kong, south of Kowloon Peninsula: contains the colonial capital, Victoria. Pop.: 996183 (1971). Area: 75 sq. km (29 sq. miles). Honiara 0. syl Ho+ni:a+ra pron <2h*uni1a:r*> pos n. def the capital of the Solomon Islands, on NW Guadalcanal Island. Pop.: 15300 (1972 est.). honied 0. syl hon+ied pron <1h^nid> pos adj. def a variant spelling of {honeyed}. honiedly sub head honied syl hon+ied+ly pos adv. honi soit qui mal y pense 0. syl ho:ni soit qui mal y pense pron French. <1swa>, French. <1p?~a:s> def shamed be he who thinks evil of it: the motto of the Order of the Garter. Honiton ety C19: named after Honiton, Devon, where it was first made Honiton lace alt head Honiton or Honiton syl Hon:i+ton lace pos n. Honiton 0. or Honiton lace syl Hon:i+ton pron <1honitN> pos n. def a type of lace with a floral sprig pattern. honk 1. syl honk pron pos n. def a representation of the sound made by a goose. honk 2. syl honk pron pos n. def any sound resembling this. {~} honk 3. syl honk pron pos n. def to make or cause (something) to make such a sound. honk 4. syl honk pron pos n. mod intr. qual Brit. def a slang word for {vomit}. honker sub head honk syl honk+er pos n. honky ety C20: of unknown origin honkies infl head honky syl honk:ies. pos n. mod pl. honky 0. syl honk:y pron <1honki> pos n. qual Derogatory slang, chiefly U.S. def a white man or white men collectively. honky-tonk ety C19: rhyming compound based on #7honk honky-tonk 1.a. syl honk:y-tonk pron <1hoGki2toGk> pos n. def a cheap dis?!reputable nightclub, bar, etc. honky-tonk 1.b. syl honk:y-tonk pron <1hoGki2toGk> pos n. usage as modifier exam 1 a honky-tonk district. honky-tonk 2.a. syl honk:y-tonk pron <1hoGki2toGk> pos n. def a style of ragtime piano-playing, esp. on a tinny-sounding piano. honky-tonk 2.b. syl honk:y-tonk pron <1hoGki2toGk> pos n. usage as modifier exam 1 honky-tonk music. Honolulu 0. syl Hon:o+lu+lu pron <2hon*1lu:lu:> pos n. def a port in Hawaii, on S Oahu Island: the state capital. Pop.: 324871 (1970). honor 0. syl hon+or pron <1on*> pos n. vb. def the U.S. spelling of {honour}. honorarium ety C17: from Latin: something presented on being admitted to a post of #7honour honorariums infl head honorarium or honoraria syl hon:o+rar+i:ums pron <-i*> pos n. mod pl. honoraria infl head honorarium or honorariums syl hon:o+rar+i:a pron <-i*> pos n. mod pl. honorarium 0. syl hon:o+rar+i:um pron <2on*1re*ri*m> pos n. def a fee paid for a nominally free service. honorary 1.a. syl hon+or+ar:y pron <1on*r*ri>, <1onr*ri> pos adj. usage usually prenominal def held or given only as an honour, without the normal privileges or duties. exam 1 an honorary degree. honorary 1.b. syl hon+or+ar:y pron <1on*r*ri>, <1onr*ri> pos adj. usage usually prenominal; of a secretary, treasurer, etc. def unpaid. honorary 2. syl hon+or+ar:y pron <1on*r*ri>, <1onr*ri> pos adj. usage usually prenominal def having such a position or title. honorary 3. syl hon+or+ar:y pron <1on*r*ri>, <1onr*ri> pos adj. usage usually prenominal def depending on honour rather than legal agreement. honorific 1. syl hon+or+if+ic pron <2on*1rifik> pos adj. def showing or conferring honour or respect. honorific 2.a. syl hon+or+if+ic pron <2on*1rifik> pos adj. usage of a pronoun, verb inflection, etc. def indicating the speaker's respect for the addressee or his acknowledgment of inferior status. honorific 2.b. syl hon+or+if+ic pron <2on*1rifik> pos as; n. exam 1 a Japanese honorific. honorifically sub head honorific syl hon+or+1if:i+cal+ly pos adv. honour ety C12: from Old French onor, from Latin honor esteem &- #!hon+our+er or U.S. #!hon+or+er n. honor alt head honour or honour syl hon+or pron <1on*> pos n. qual U.S. honour 1. or honor syl hon+our pron <1on*> pos n. def personal integrity; allegiance to moral principles. honour 2. or honor syl hon+our pron <1on*> pos n. def fame or glory. honour 3. or honor syl hon+our pron <1on*> pos n. mod often; pl. def great respect, regard, esteem, etc., or an outward sign of this. honour 4. or honor syl hon+our pron <1on*> pos n. mod often; pl. def high or noble rank. honour 5. or honor syl hon+our pron <1on*> pos n. def a privilege or pleasure. exam 1 it is an honour to serve you. honour 6. or honor syl hon+our pron <1on*> pos n. def a woman's virtue or chastity. honour 7.a. or honor syl hon+our pron <1on*> pos n. qual Bridge, poker, etc. def any of the top five cards in a suit or any of the four aces at no trumps. honour 7.b. or honor syl hon+our pron <1on*> pos n. qual Whist. def any of the top four cards. honour 8. or honor syl hon+our pron <1on*> pos n. qual Golf. def the right to tee off first. honour 9.a. or honor syl hon+our pron <1on*> pos n. def to pay homage to. honour 9.b. or honor syl hon+our pron <1on*> pos n. def to be a credit to. honour 10.a. or honor syl hon+our pron <1on*> pos n. def to serve as host or hostess. honour 10.b. or honor syl hon+our pron <1on*> pos n. def to perform a social act, such as carving meat, proposing a toast, etc. honour bright 11. head honour syl honour bright. qual Brit. school slang. def an exclamation pledging honour. in honour bound 12. head honour syl in honour bound. def under a moral obligation. in honour of 13. head honour syl in honour of. def out of respect for. hon 14. head honour or upon one's honour syl hon def on the pledge of one's word or good name. honour 15. or honor syl hon+our pron <1on*> pos vb. mod tr. def to hold in respect or esteem. honour 16. or honor syl hon+our pron <1on*> pos vb. mod tr. def to show courteous behaviour towards. honour 17. or honor syl hon+our pron <1on*> pos vb. mod tr. def to worship. honour 18. or honor syl hon+our pron <1on*> pos vb. mod tr. def to confer a distinction upon. honour 19. or honor syl hon+our pron <1on*> pos vb. mod tr. def to accept and then pay when due (a cheque, draft, etc.). honour 20. or honor syl hon+our pron <1on*> pos vb. mod tr. def to bow or curtsy to (one's dancing partner). honourless sub head honour or honorless syl hon+our+less pos adj. honorless sub head honour or honourless syl hon+or+less pos adj. qual U.S. Honour 0.a. syl Hon+our pron <1on*> pos n. qual Her usage preceded by; Your, His or def a title used to or of certain judges. Honour 0.b. syl Hon+our pron <1on*> pos n. qual Her usage preceded by; Your, His or; in Ireland def a form of address in general use. honorable alt head honourable or honourable syl hon+or+a:ble pron <1on*r*bL> pos adj. qual U.S. honourable 1. or honorable syl hon+our+a:ble pron <1on*r*bL> pos adj. def possess?!ing or characterized by high principles. exam 1 honourable intentions. honourable 2. or honorable syl hon+our+a:ble pron <1on*r*bL> pos adj. def worthy of or entitled to honour or esteem. honourable 3. or honorable syl hon+our+a:ble pron <1on*r*bL> pos adj. def consistent with or bestowing honour. honourableness sub head honourable or honorableness syl hon+our+a:ble+ness pos n. honorableness sub head honourable or honourableness syl hon+or+a:ble+ness pos n. qual U.S. honourably sub head honourable or honorably syl hon+our+a:bly pos adv. honorably sub head honourable or honourably syl hon+or+a:bly pos adv. qual U.S. Honorable alt head Honourable or Honourable syl Hon+or+a:ble pron <1on*r*bL>, <1onr*bL> pos adj. qual U.S. the infl head Honourable syl the. pos adj. Honourable 0. or Honorable syl Hon+our+a:ble pron <1on*r*bL>, <1onr*bL> pos adj. def a title of respect placed before a name: employed before the names of various officials in the English-speaking world, as a courtesy title in Britain for the children of viscounts and barons and the younger sons of earls, and in Parliament by one member speaking of another. Abbrev.: {Hon}. honourable discharge 0. syl hon+our+a:ble dis+charge pos n. def See { {discharge} (sense 15)}. Honour Moderations 0. syl Hon+our Mod+er:a+tions pos n. mod pl. usage at Oxford University def the first public examination, in which candidates are placed into one of three classes of honours. Sometimes shortened to {Moderations} or {Mods}. honors alt head honours or honours syl hon+ors pron <1on*z> pos n. mod pl. qual U.S. honours 1. or honors syl hon+ours pron <1on*z> pos n. mod pl. def observances of respect. honours 2.a. or honors syl hon+ours pron <1on*z> pos n. mod pl. usage in a university degree or degree course def a rank of the highest academic standard. honours 2.b. or honors syl hon+ours pron <1on*z> pos n. mod pl. usage as modifier; an honours degree. def Abbrev.: {Hons}. Compare { {general} (sense 9)}, {{pass} (sense 34)}. honours 3. or honors syl hon+ours pron <1on*z> pos n. mod pl. def a high mark awarded for an examination; distinction. last 4. head honours or funeral honours syl last def observances of respect at a funeral. military honours 5. head honours syl military honours. def marks of respect paid by or to soldiers, etc. honour school 0. syl hon+our school pos n. usage at Oxford University def one of the courses of study leading to an honours degree. honours list 0. syl hon+ours list pos n. qual Brit. def a list of those who have had or are having an honour, esp. a peerage or membership of an order of chivalry, conferred on them. honours of war 0. syl hon+ours of war pos n. mod pl. qual Military. def the honours granted by the victorious to the defeated, esp. as of marching out with all arms and flags flying. Hon Sec 0. syl Hon. Sec. qual abbrev. for: def Honorary Secretary. Honshu 0. syl Hon+shu pron <1honSu:> pos n. def the largest of the four main islands of Japan, between the Pacific and the Sea of Japan; regarded as the Japanese mainland; includes a number of offshore islands and contains most of the main cities. Pop.: 82559580 (1970). Area: 230448 sq. km (88976 sq. miles). Also called: {Hondo}. hoo ety from Old English heo hoo 0. syl hoo pron pos pron. qual West Yorkshire and south Lancashire dialect. def she. hooch ety C20: shortened from Tlingit Hootchinoo, name of a tribe that distilled a type of liquor hootch alt head hooch or hooch syl hootch pron pos n. hooch 0. or hootch syl hooch pron pos n. qual U.S. slang. def alcoholic drink, esp. illicitly distilled spirits. Hoogh alt head Hooch or Hooch syl Hoogh pron , Dutch pos n. (Pieter de infl head Hooch syl (Pie:ter de pron <1pEt*r> pos n. Hooch 0. or Hoogh syl Hooch pron , Dutch pos n. def 1629-??1684, Dutch genre painter, noted esp. for his light effects. hood ety Old English h*_od; related to Old High German huot hat, Middle Dutch hoet, Latin cassis helmet; see #7hat hood H1.1. syl hood pron pos n. def a loose head covering either attached to a cloak or coat or made as a separate garment. hood H1.2. syl hood pron pos n. def something resembling this in shape or use. hood H1.3. syl hood pron pos n. def the U.S. name for {bonnet} (of a car). hood H1.4. syl hood pron pos n. def the folding roof of a convertible car. hood H1.5. syl hood pron pos n. def a hoodlike garment worn over an academic gown, indicating its wearer's degree and university. hood H1.6. syl hood pron pos n. qual Falconry. def a close-fitting cover, placed over the head and eyes of a falcon to keep it quiet when not hunting. hood H1.7. syl hood pron pos n. qual Biology. def a structure or marking, such as the fold of skin on the head of a cobra, that covers or appears to cover the head or some similar part. hood H1.8. syl hood pron pos vb. mod tr. def to cover or provide with or as if with a hood. hoodless sub head hood syl hood+less pos adj. hoodlike sub head hood syl hood+2like pos adj. hood H2.0. syl hood pron pos n. qual U.S. slang. def short for {hoodlum} (gangster). Robin 1. head Hood syl Rob:in. def See {Robin Hood}. Thomas 2. head Hood syl Thom:as. def 1799-1845, English poet and humorist: his work includes protest poetry, such as (1843) and (1844). -hood ety Old English -h*_ad -hood 0. syl -hood exam 1 suffix forming nouns. -hood 1. syl -hood def indicating state or condition of being. exam 1 manhood. -hood 2. syl -hood def indicating a body of persons. exam 1 knighthood; exam 2 priesthood. hooded 0. syl hood+ed pron <1hudid> pos adj. def covered with, having, or shaped like a hood. hooded crow 0. syl hood+ed crow pos n. def a subspecies of the carrion crow, that has a grey body and black head, wings, and tail. Also called (Scot.): {hood@.ie} (#!h$ud$I), {hoodie crow}. hooded seal 0. syl hood+ed seal pos n. def a large greyish earless seal, of the N Atlantic and Arctic Oceans, having an inflatable hoodlike sac over the nasal region. Also called: {bladdernose}. hoodlum ety C19: perhaps from Southern German dialect Haderlump ragged good-for-nothing hoodlum 1. syl hood+lum pron <1hu:dl*m> pos n. qual Chiefly U.S. def a petty gangster or ruffian. hoodlum 2. syl hood+lum pron <1hu:dl*m> pos n. qual Chiefly U.S. def a lawless youth. hoodlumism sub head hoodlum syl hood+lum+ism pos n. hoodman-blind 0. syl hood:man-blind pos n. qual Brit., archaic. def blind man's buff. hood mould 0. syl hood mould pos n. def another name for { {dripstone} (sense 2)}. hoodoos infl head hoodoo syl hoo+doos. pos n. mod pl. hoodoo 1. syl hoo+doo pron <1hu:du:> pos n. def a variant of {voodoo}. hoodoo 2. syl hoo+doo pron <1hu:du:> pos n. qual Informal. def a person or thing that brings bad luck. hoodoo 3. syl hoo+doo pron <1hu:du:> pos n. qual Informal. def bad luck. hoodoo 4. syl hoo+doo pron <1hu:du:> pos n. usage in the western U.S. def a strangely shaped column of rock. hoodoos infl head hoodoo syl hoo+doos pos vb. hoodooing infl head hoodoo syl hoo+doo+ing pos vb. hoodooed infl head hoodoo syl hoo+dooed. pos vb. hoodoo 5. syl hoo+doo pron <1hu:du:> pos vb. mod tr. qual Informal. def to bring bad luck to. hoodooism sub head hoodoo syl hoo+doo+ism pos n. hoodwink ety C16: originally, to cover the eyes with a hood, blindfold hoodwink 1. syl hood+wink pron <1hud2wiGk> pos vb. mod tr. def to dupe; trick. hoodwink 2. syl hood+wink pron <1hud2wiGk> pos vb. mod tr. qual Obsolete. def to cover or hide. hoodwinker sub head hoodwink syl hood+2wink+er pos n. hooey ety C20: of unknown origin hooey 0. syl hoo+ey pron <1hu:i> pos n. interj. qual Slang. def nonsense; rubbish. hoof ety Old English h*_of; related to Old Norse h*_ofr, Old High German huof (German Huf) , Sanskrit saph*'as hooves infl head hoof or hoofs syl hooves pos n. mod pl. hoofs infl head hoof or hooves syl hoofs. pos n. mod pl. hoof 1.a. syl hoof pron pos n. def the horny covering of the end of the foot in the horse, deer, and all other ungulate mammals. hoof 1.b. syl hoof pron pos n. usage in combination; a hoofbeat. def Related adj.: {ungular}. hoof 2. syl hoof pron pos n. def the foot of an ungulate mammal. hoof 3. syl hoof pron pos n. def a hoofed animal. hoof 4. syl hoof pron pos n. qual Facetious. def a person's foot. on the hoof 5. head hoof syl on the hoof. usage of livestock def alive. hoof 6. syl hoof pron pos vb. mod tr. def to kick or trample with the hoofs. hoof 7.a. syl hoof pron pos vb. def to walk. hoof 7.b. syl hoof pron pos vb. mod intr. def to dance. hoofless sub head hoof syl hoof+less pos adj. hooflike sub head hoof syl hoof+2like pos adj. hoofbound 0. syl hoof+bound pron <1hu:f2baund> pos adj. usage Vet. science. of a horse def having dry contracted hooves, with resultant pain and lameness. hoofed 0.a. syl hoofed pron pos adj. def having a hoof or hoofs. hoofed 0.b. syl hoofed pron pos adj. usage in combination exam 1 four-hoofed; exam 2 cloven-hoofed. Hoogh 0. syl Hoogh pron Dutch pos n. def See (Pieter de) {Hooch}. Hooghly 0. syl Hoogh+ly pron <1hu:gli> pos n. def a river in NE India, in West Bengal: the westernmost and commercially most important channel by which the River Ganges enters the Bay of Bengal. Length: 232 km (144 miles). hoo-ha ety C20: of unknown origin hoo-ha 0. syl hoo-ha pron <1hu:2ha:> pos n. def a noisy commotion or fuss. hook ety Old English h*_oc; related to Middle Dutch h*_ok, Old Norse haki hook 1. syl hook pron pos n. def a piece of material, usually metal, curved or bent and used to suspend, catch, hold, or pull something. hook 2. syl hook pron pos n. def short for {fish-hook}. hook 3. syl hook pron pos n. def a trap or snare. hook 4. syl hook pron pos n. def something resembling a hook in design or use. hook 5.a. syl hook pron pos n. def a sharp bend or angle in a geological formation, esp. a river. hook 5.b. syl hook pron pos n. def a sharply curved spit of land. hook 6. syl hook pron pos n. qual Boxing. def a short swinging blow delivered from the side with the elbow bent. hook 7. syl hook pron pos n. qual Cricket. def a shot in which the ball is hit square on the leg side with the bat held horizontally. hook 8. syl hook pron pos n. qual Golf. def a shot that causes the ball to go to the player's left. hook 9. syl hook pron pos n. qual Surfing. def the top of a breaking wave. hook 10. syl hook pron pos n. def Also called: {hookcheck}. the act of hooking an opposing player. hook 11. syl hook pron pos n. def a hook-shaped stroke used in writing or printing, such as a serif or (in writing) any part of a letter extending above or below the line. hook 12. syl hook pron pos n. qual Music. def a stroke added to the stem of a written or printed note to indicate time values shorter than a crotchet. hook 13. syl hook pron pos n. def another name for a {sickle}. hook 14. syl hook pron pos n. def a nautical word for {anchor}. by hook or (by) crook 15. head hook syl by hook or (by) crook. def by any means. get the hook 16. head hook syl get the hook. qual U.S. slang. def to be dismissed from employment. line infl head hook syl line pos n. and sinker infl head hook syl and sinker. pos n. hook 17. syl hook pron pos n. qual Informal. def completely. exam 1 he fell for it hook, line, and sinker. hook 18.a. syl hook pron pos n. def out of danger; free from obligation or guilt. hook 18.b. syl hook pron pos n. usage of a telephone receiver def not on the support. on one's own hook 19. head hook syl on one's own hook. qual Slang, chiefly U.S. def on one's own initiative. hook 20.a. syl hook pron pos n. def waiting. hook 20.b. syl hook pron pos n. def in a dangerous or difficult situation. sling one's hook 21. head hook syl sling one's hook. qual Brit. slang. def to leave. hook 22. syl hook pron pos vb. usage often foll. by up def to fasten or be fastened with or as if with a hook or hooks. hook 23. syl hook pron pos vb. mod tr. def to catch (something, such as a fish) on a hook. hook 24. syl hook pron pos vb. def to curve like or into the shape of a hook. hook 25. syl hook pron pos vb. mod tr. usage of bulls, elks, etc. def to catch or gore with the horns. hook 26. syl hook pron pos vb. mod tr. def to make (a rug) by hooking yarn through a stiff fabric backing with a special instrument. hook 27. syl hook pron pos vb. mod tr. usage often foll. by down def to cut (grass or herbage) with a sickle. exam 1 to hook down weeds. hook 28. syl hook pron pos vb. qual Boxing. def to hit (an opponent) with a hook. hook 29. syl hook pron pos vb. qual Ice hockey. def to impede (an opposing player) by catching hold of him with the stick. hook 30. syl hook pron pos vb. qual Golf. def to play (a ball) with a hook. hook 31. syl hook pron pos vb. qual Rugby. def to obtain and pass (the ball) backwards from a scrum to a member of one's team, using the feet. hook 32. syl hook pron pos vb. qual Cricket. def to play (a ball) with a hook. hook 33. syl hook pron pos vb. mod tr. qual Informal. def to trick. hook 34. syl hook pron pos vb. mod tr. def a slang word for {steal}. hook it 35. head hook syl hook it. qual Slang. def to run or go quickly away. {~} See also {hook-up}. hookless sub head hook syl hook+less pos adj. hooklike sub head hook syl hook+2like pos adj. hookah ety C18: from Arabic huqqah hooka alt head hookah or hookah syl hook:a pron <1huk*> pos n. hookah 0. or hooka syl hook+ah pron <1huk*> pos n. def an oriental pipe for smoking marijuana, tobacco, etc., consisting of one or more long flexible stems connected to a container of water or other liquid through which smoke is drawn and cooled. Also called: {hubble-bubble, kalian, narghile, water pipe}. hook and eye 0. syl hook and eye pos n. def a fastening for clothes consisting of a small hook hooked onto a small metal or thread loop. Robert infl head Hooke syl Rob:ert. pos n. Hooke 0. syl Hooke pron pos n. def 1635-1703, English physicist, chemist, and inventor. He formulated Hooke's law (1678), built the first Gregorian telescope and invented a balance spring for watches. hooked 1. syl hooked pron pos adj. def bent like a hook. hooked 2. syl hooked pron pos adj. def having a hook or hooks. hooked 3. syl hooked pron pos adj. def caught or trapped. hooked 4. syl hooked pron pos adj. def a slang word for {married}. hooked 5. syl hooked pron pos adj. qual Slang. def addicted to a drug. hooked 6. syl hooked pron pos adj. usage often foll. by on def obsessed (with). hookedness sub head hooked syl hook+ed+ness pron <1hukidnis> pos n. hooker ety C17: from Dutch hoeker hooker H1.0. syl hook+er pron <1huk*> pos n. def a commercial fishing boat using hooks and lines instead of nets. hooker H2.1. syl hook+er pron <1huk*> pos n. def a person or thing that hooks. hooker H2.2.a. syl hook+er pron <1huk*> pos n. def a draught of alcoholic drink, esp. of spirits. hooker H2.2.b. syl hook+er pron <1huk*> pos n. def a prostitute. hooker H2.3. syl hook+er pron <1huk*> pos n. qual Rugby. def the central forward in the front row of a scrum whose main job is to hook the ball. Richard infl head Hooker syl Rich:ard. pos n. Hooker 0. syl Hook:er pron <1huk*> pos n. def 1554-1600, English theologian, who influenced Anglican theology with (1593-97). Hooke's law ety C18: named after R. H#7ooke Hooke's law 0. syl Hooke's law pos n. def the principle that the stress imposed on a solid is directly proportional to the strain produced, within the elastic limit. hooknose 0. syl hook+nose pron <1huk2n*uz> pos n. def a nose with a pronounced outward curve; aquiline nose. hooknosed sub head hooknose syl hook+2nosed pos adj. the infl head Hook of Holland syl the. pos n. Hook of Holland 1. syl Hook of Hol+land pos n. def a cape on the SW coast of the Netherlands, in south Holland province. Hook of Holland 2. syl Hook of Hol+land pos n. def a port on this cape. {~} Dutch name: {Hoek van Holland}. hook-up 1. syl hook-up pos n. def the contact of an aircraft in flight with the refuelling hose of a tanker aircraft. hook-up 2. syl hook-up pos n. def an alliance or relationship, esp. an unlikely one, between people, countries, etc. hook-up 3. syl hook-up pos n. def the linking of broadcasting equipment or stations to transmit a special programme. hook up infl head hook-up syl hook up pos adv. infl head hook-up syl . pos vb. hook-up 4. syl hook-up pos vb. def to connect (two or more people or things). hook-up 5. syl hook-up pos vb. qual Slang. usage often foll. by with def to get married (to). hookworm 0. syl hook+worm pron <1huk2wR:m> pos n. def any parasitic blood-sucking nematode worm of the family esp. or both of which cause disease. They have hooked mouthparts and enter their hosts by boring through the skin. hookworm disease 0. syl hook+worm dis+ease pos n. def the nontechnical name for {ancylostomiasis}. hooky ety C20: perhaps from hook it to escape hookey alt head hooky or hooky syl hook:ey pron <1huki> pos n. hooky 0. or hookey syl hook:y pron <1huki> pos n. qual Informal, chiefly U.S. def truancy, usually from school (esp. in the phrase {play hooky) }. hooligan ety C19: perhaps variant of Houlihan, Irish surname hooligan 0. syl hoo+li+gan pron <1hu:lig*n> pos n. qual Slang. def a rough lawless young person. hooliganism sub head hooligan syl hoo+li+gan+ism pos n. hoop ety Old English h*_op; related to Dutch hoep, Old Norse h*_op bay, Lithuanian kab?~e hook hoop H1.1. syl hoop pron pos n. def a rigid circular band of metal or wood. hoop H1.2. syl hoop pron pos n. def something resembling this. hoop H1.3.a. syl hoop pron pos n. def a band of iron that holds the staves of a barrel or cask together. hoop H1.3.b. syl hoop pron pos n. usage as modifier exam 1 hoop iron. hoop H1.4. syl hoop pron pos n. def a child's toy shaped like a hoop and rolled on the ground or whirled around the body. hoop H1.5. syl hoop pron pos n. qual Croquet. def any of the iron arches through which the ball is driven. hoop H1.6.a. syl hoop pron pos n. def a light curved frame to spread out a skirt. hoop H1.6.b. syl hoop pron pos n. usage as modifier def . exam 1 a hoop skirt; exam 2 a hoop petticoat. hoop H1.7. syl hoop pron pos n. qual Basketball. def the round metal frame to which the net is attached to form the basket. hoop H1.8. syl hoop pron pos n. def a large ring with paper stretched over it through which perform?!ers or animals jump. hoop H1.9.a. syl hoop pron pos n. def an earring consisting of one or more circles of metal, plastic, etc. hoop H1.9.b. syl hoop pron pos n. def the part of a finger ring through which the finger fits. go through the hoop 10. head hoop syl go through the hoop. def to be subjected to an ordeal. hoop H1.11. syl hoop pron pos vb. mod tr. def to surround with or as if with a hoop. hooped sub head hoop syl hooped pos adj. hooplike sub head hoop syl hoop+2like pos adj. hoop H2.0. syl hoop pron pos n. vb. vb. def a variant spelling of {whoop}. hooper 0. syl hoop+er pron <1hu:p*> pos n. def a rare word for {cooper}. hoopla ety C20: see #7whoop, la %2 hoopla 1. syl hoop+la pron <1hu:pla:> pos n. qual Brit. def a fairground game in which a player tries to throw a hoop over an object and so win it. hoopla 2. syl hoop+la pron <1hu:pla:> pos n. qual U.S. slang. def noise; bustle. hoopla 3. syl hoop+la pron <1hu:pla:> pos n. qual U.S. slang. def nonsense; ballyhoo. hoopoe ety C17: from earlier hoopoop, of imitative origin; compare Latin upupa hoopoe 0. syl hoo+poe pron <1hu:pu:> pos n. def an Old World bird, having a pinkish-brown plumage with black-and-white wings and an erectile crest: family order (kingfishers, etc.). hoop pine 0. syl hoop pine pos n. qual Austral. def a fast-growing timber tree, having rough bark with hoop-like cracks around the trunk and branches: family hoop snake 0. syl hoop snake pos n. def any of various North American snakes, such as the mud snake that were formerly thought to hold the tail in the mouth and roll along like a hoop. hoorah alt head hooray or hooray syl hoo+rah pron pos interj. n. vb. hooray 1. or hoorah syl hoo+ray pron pos interj. n. vb. def variant spellings of {hurrah. ~} hooray 2. or hoorah syl hoo+ray pron pos interj. n. vb. def Also: {hoo+roo} (hu$:#!ru$:). goodbye; cheerio. hoosegow ety C20: from Mexican Spanish jusgado prison, from Spanish: court of justice, from juzgar to judge, from Latin judic*_are, from judex a #7judge ; compare #7{jug } hoosgow alt head hoosegow or hoosegow syl hoos+gow pron <1hu:sgau> pos n. hoosegow 0. or hoosgow syl hoose+gow pron <1hu:sgau> pos n. qual U.S. def a slang word for {jail}. hoot ety C13 hoten, of imitative origin hoot H1.1. syl hoot pron pos n. def the mournful wavering cry of some owls. hoot H1.2. syl hoot pron pos n. def a similar sound, such as that of a train whistle. hoot H1.3. syl hoot pron pos n. def a jeer of derision. hoot H1.4. syl hoot pron pos n. qual Brit. informal. def an amusing person or thing. not give a hoot 5. head hoot syl not give a hoot. def not to care at all. hoot H1.6. syl hoot pron pos vb. usage often foll. by at def to jeer or yell (something) contemptuously (at someone). hoot H1.7. syl hoot pron pos vb. mod tr. def to drive (political speakers, actors on stage, etc.) off or away by hooting. hoot H1.8. syl hoot pron pos vb. mod intr. def to make a hoot. hoot H1.9. syl hoot pron pos vb. mod intr. qual Brit. def to blow a horn. hoot ety C17: of unknown origin hoots alt head hoot or hoot syl hoots pron , , , , , pos interj. hoot H2.0. or hoots syl hoot pron , , , , , pos interj. def an exclamation of impatience or dissatisfaction: a supposed Scotticism. hoot ety from Maori utu price hoot H3.0. syl hoot pron pos n. qual Austral., N.Z. def a slang word for {money}. hootenanny ety C20: of unknown origin hootnanny alt head hootenanny or hootenanny syl hoot+nan+ny pron <1hu:t2n@ni> pos n. hootenannies infl head hootenanny syl hoot+en+an+nies. pos n. mod pl. hootenanny 1. or hootnanny syl hoot+en+an+ny pron <1hu:t%*!n@ni> pos n. qual U.S. def an informal performance by folk singers. hootenanny 2. or hootnanny syl hoot+en+an+ny pron <1hu:t%*!n@ni> pos n. qual U.S. def something the name of which is unspecified or forgotten. hooter 1. syl hoot+er pron <1hu:t*> pos n. qual Chiefly Brit. def a person or thing that hoots, esp. a car horn. hooter 2. syl hoot+er pron <1hu:t*> pos n. qual Chiefly Brit.; Slang. def a nose. hoot owl 0. syl hoot owl pos n. def any owl that utters a hooting cry, as distinct from a screech owl. Hoover H1.1. syl Hoo+ver pron <1hu:v*> pos n. qual Trademark. def a type of vacuum cleaner. {~} Hoover H1.2. syl Hoo+ver pron <1hu:v*> pos n. def to vacuum-clean (a carpet, etc.). Herbert (Clark) infl head Hoover syl Her:bert (Clark) . pos n. Hoover H2.0. syl Hoo:ver pron <1hu:v*> pos n. def 1874-1964, U.S. statesman; 31st president of the U.S. (1929-33). He organized relief for Europe during and after World War I, but as president he lost favour after his failure to alleviate the effects of the Depression. Hoover Dam 0. syl Hoo+ver Dam pos n. def a dam in the western U.S., on the Colorado River on the border between Nevada and Arizona; forms Lake Mead. Height: 222 m (727 ft.). Length: 354 m (1180 ft.). Former name (1933-47): {Boulder Dam}. hooves 0. syl hooves pron pos n. def a plural of {hoof}. hop ety Old English hoppian; related to Old Norse hoppa to hop, Middle Low German hupfen hops infl head hop syl hops pos vb. hopping infl head hop syl hop+ping pos vb. hopped infl head hop syl hopped. pos vb. hop H1.1. syl hop pron pos vb. mod intr. def to make a jump forwards or upwards, esp. on one foot. hop H1.2. syl hop pron pos vb. mod intr. usage esp. of frogs, birds, rabbits, etc. def to move forwards in short jumps. hop H1.3. syl hop pron pos vb. mod tr. def to jump over. exam 1 he hopped the hedge. hop H1.4. syl hop pron pos vb. mod intr. qual Informal. def to move or proceed quickly (in, on, out of, etc.). exam 1 hop on a bus. hop H1.5. syl hop pron pos vb. mod tr. qual Informal. def to cross (an ocean) in an aircraft. exam 1 they hopped the Atlantic in seven hours. hop H1.6. syl hop pron pos vb. mod tr. qual U.S. informal. def to travel by means of (an aircraft, bus, etc.). exam 1 he hopped a train to Chicago. hop H1.7. syl hop pron pos vb. qual U.S. def to bounce or cause to bounce. exam 1 he hopped the flat stone over the lake's surface. hop H1.8. syl hop pron pos vb. mod intr. qual U.S. informal. def to begin intense activity, esp. work. hop H1.9. syl hop pron pos vb. mod intr. def another word for {{limp%1}}. hop it 10. head hop or hoff syl hop it qual Brit. slang. def to go away. hop H1.11. syl hop pron pos n. def the act or an instance of hopping. hop H1.12. syl hop pron pos n. qual Informal. def a dance, esp. one at which popular music is played. exam 1 we're all going to the school hop tonight. hop H1.13. syl hop pron pos n. qual Informal. def a trip, esp. in an aircraft. hop H1.14. syl hop pron pos n. qual U.S. def a bounce, as of a ball. hop H1.15.a. syl hop pron pos n. def active or busy. hop H1.15.b. syl hop pron pos n. qual Brit. def unawares or unprepared. exam 1 the new ruling caught me on the hop. hop ety C15: from Middle Dutch hoppe; related to Old High German hopfo, Norwegian hupp tassel hop H2.1. syl hop pron pos n. def any climbing plant of the N temperate genus esp. which has green conelike female flowers and clusters of small male flowers: family (or See also {hops}. hop garden 2. head hop syl hop garden. def a field of hops. hop H2.3. syl hop pron pos n. qual Slang. def opium or any other narcotic drug. {~} See also {hop up}. hop clover 0. syl hop clo+ver pos n. def the U.S. name for {hop trefoil}. hope ety Old English hopa; related to Old Frisian hope, Dutch hoop, Middle High German hoffe hope 1. syl hope pron pos n. mod sometimes; pl. def a feeling of desire for something and confidence in the possibility of its fulfilment. exam 1 his hope for peace was justified; exam 2 their hopes were dashed. hope 2. syl hope pron pos n. def a reasonable ground for this feeling. exam 1 there is still hope. hope 3. syl hope pron pos n. def a person or thing that gives cause for hope. hope 4. syl hope pron pos n. def a thing, situation, or event that is desired. exam 1 my hope is that prices will fall. not a hope 5. head hope or some hope syl not a hope def used ironically to express little confidence that expectations will be fulfilled. {~} hope 6. syl hope pron pos n. mod tr. usage an infinitive def to desire (something) with some possibility of fulfilment. exam 1 we hope you can come; exam 2 I hope to tell you. hope 7. syl hope pron pos n. mod intr. usage often foll. by for def to have a wish (for a future event, situation, etc.). hope 8. syl hope pron pos n. mod tr. usage takes a clause as object def to trust, expect, or believe. exam 1 we hope that this is satisfactory. hoper sub head hope syl hop+er pos n. Anthony 1. head Hope syl An:tho:ny def pen name of 1863-1933, English novelist; author of (1894). Bob 2. head Hope syl Bob. def born 1904, U.S. comedian and comic actor, born in England. His films include (1942), (1947), and (1969). hope chest 0. syl hope chest pos n. def the U.S. name for {bottom drawer}. hopeful 1. syl hope+ful pron <1h*upful> pos adj. def having or expressing hope. hopeful 2. syl hope+ful pron <1h*upful> pos adj. def giving or inspiring hope; promising. hopeful 3. syl hope+ful pron <1h*upful> pos n. def a person considered to be on the brink of success (esp. in the phrase {a young hopeful) }. hopefulness sub head hopeful syl hope+ful+ness pos n. hopefully 1. syl hope+ful+ly pron <1h*upfuli> pos adv. def in a hopeful manner. hopefully 2. syl hope+ful+ly pron <1h*upfuli> pos adv. qual Informal. def it is hoped. exam 1 hopefully they will be married soon. Hopei alt head Hopeh or Hopeh syl Ho+pei pron <1h*u1pA> pos n. Hopeh 0. or Hopei syl Ho+peh pron <1h*u1pA> pos n. def a province of NE China, on the Gulf of Chihli: important for the production of winter wheat, cotton, and coal. Capital: Shihchiachuang. Pop.: 43000000 (1967-71 est.). Area: 202700 sq. km (79053 sq. miles). hopeless 1. syl hope+less pron <1h*uplis> pos adj. def having or offering no hope. hopeless 2. syl hope+less pron <1h*uplis> pos adj. def impossible to analyse or solve. hopeless 3. syl hope+less pron <1h*uplis> pos adj. def unable to learn, function, etc. hopeless 4. syl hope+less pron <1h*uplis> pos adj. qual Informal. def without skill or ability. hopelessly sub head hopeless syl hope+less+ly pos adv. hopelessness sub head hopeless syl hope+less+ness pos n. hophead ety C20: from obsolete slang hop opium; see #7hop %2 hophead 0. syl hop+head pron <1hop2hed> pos n. qual Slang, chiefly U.S. def a heroin or opium addict. Hopi ety from Hopi H*'opi peaceful Hopis infl head Hopi or Hopi syl Ho:pis pos n. mod pl. Hopi infl or Hopis syl Ho:pi pos n. mod pl. Hopi 1. syl Ho:pi pron <1h*upi> pos n. def a member of a North American Indian people of NE Arizona. Hopi 2. syl Ho:pi pron <1h*upi> pos n. def the language of this people, belonging to the Shoshonean subfamily of the Uto-Aztecan family. hop into 1. syl hop in+to pos vb. prep. mod intr. qual Austral. slang. def to attack (a person). hop into 2. syl hop in+to pos vb. prep. mod intr. qual Austral. slang. def to start or set about (a task). Hopkins 1. syl Hop:kins pron <1hopkinz> pos n. def Sir {Fred@.er@.ick Gow@.land} (#!ga$ul$$nd). 1861-1947, English biochemist, who pioneered research into what came to be called vitamins: shared the Nobel prize for medicine 1929. Gerard Manley 2. head Hopkins syl Ger:ard Man:ley. def 1844-89, English poet and Jesuit priest, who experimented with sprung rhythm in his highly original poetry. hoplite ety C18: from Greek hoplit*_es, from hoplon weapon, from hepein to prepare hoplite 0. syl hop+lite pron <1hoplIt> pos n. usage in ancient Greece def a heavily armed infantryman. hoplitic sub head hoplite syl hop+lit+ic pron pos adj. hoplology ety C19: from Greek, from hoplon, weapon +-#7logy hoplology 0. syl hop+lol+o:gy pron pos n. def the study of weapons or armour. hoplologist sub head hoplology syl hop+1lol:o+gist pos n. hopper 1. syl hop+per pron <1hop*> pos n. def a person or thing that hops. hopper 2. syl hop+per pron <1hop*> pos n. def a funnel-shaped chamber or reservoir from which solid materials can be discharged under gravity into a receptacle below, esp. for feeding fuel to a furnace, loading a railway truck with grain, etc. hopper 3. syl hop+per pron <1hop*> pos n. def a machine used for picking hops; a hop-picker. hopper 4. syl hop+per pron <1hop*> pos n. def any of various long-legged hopping insects, esp. the grasshopper, leaf hopper, and immature locust. hopper 5. syl hop+per pron <1hop*> pos n. def Also called: {hoppercar}. an open-topped railway truck for bulk transport of loose minerals, etc., unloaded through doors on the underside. hopper 6. syl hop+per pron <1hop*> pos n. qual Computer technol. def a device for holding punched cards and feeding them to a card punch or card reader. hop-picker 0. syl hop-pick:er pos n. def a person employed or a machine used to pick hops. hopping 1. syl hop+ping pron <1hopiG> pos n. def the action of a person or animal that hops. hopping 2. syl hop+ping pron <1hopiG> pos n. qual Tyneside dialect. def a fair, esp. ({the Hoppings}) an annual fair in Newcastle. hopping mad 3. head hopping syl hopping mad. def in a terrible rage. hopple 0. syl hop+ple pron <1hopL> pos vb. n. def a less common word for { {hobble} (senses 2, 4)}. hoppler sub head hopple syl hop+pler pos n. Hoppus foot ety C20: named after Edward Hoppus, 18th-century English surveyor Hoppus foot 0. syl Hop:pus foot pron <1hop*s> pos n. def a unit of volume equal to 1.27 cubic feet, applied to timber in the round, the cross-sectional area being taken as the square of one quarter of the circumference. hops 0. syl hops pron pos n. mod pl. def the dried ripe flowers, esp. the female flowers, of the hop plant, used to give a bitter taste to beer. hopsack 1. syl hop+sack pron <1hop2s@k> pos n. def a roughly woven fabric of wool, cotton, etc., used for clothing. hopsack 2. syl hop+sack pron <1hop2s@k> pos n. def Also called: {hopsacking}. a coarse fabric used for bags, etc., made generally of hemp or jute. hopscotch ety C19: #7hop %1#7+scotch hopscotch 0. syl hop+scotch pron <1hop2skoC> pos n. def a children's game in which a player throws a small stone or other object to land in one of a pattern of squares marked on the ground and then hops over to it to pick it up. step infl head hop syl step pos n. and jump infl head hop syl and jump pos n. hop 1. syl hop pos n. def an older term for {triple jump}. hop 2. syl hop pos n. def Also called: {hop, skip, and jump}. a short distance. exam 1 the shops are only a hop, step, and jump from our house. hop up 1. syl hop up pos vb. adv. mod tr. def to make intoxicated, esp. by narcotics. hop up 2. syl hop up pos vb. adv. mod tr. def to invigorate, excite, etc. hop up 3. syl hop up pos vb. adv. mod tr. qual U.S. slang. def another term for { {hot up} (sense 2)}. hop-up infl head hop up syl hop-up. pos n. hop up 4. syl hop up pos n. mod tr. def a drug, chemical, etc., intended to hop up a person or thing. hor 1. syl hor. qual abbrev. for: def horizon. hor 2. syl hor. qual abbrev. for: def horizontal. hora ety from Modern Hebrew h*_or*_ah, from Rumanian hor*va, from Turkish hora 0. syl ho:ra pron <1hc:r*> pos n. def a traditional Israeli or Rumanian circle dance. Horace 0. syl Hor:ace pron <1horis> pos n. def Latin name 65-8 #7b.c., Roman poet and satirist: his verse includes the lyrics in the and the the and and the Horae ety Latin: hours Horae 0. syl Ho:rae pron <1hc:rE> pos n. mod pl. qual Classical myth. def the goddesses of the seasons. Also called: {the Hours}. horal ety C18: from Late Latin h*_or*_alis of an #7hour horal 0. syl ho+ral pron <1hc:r*l> pos adj. def a less common word for {hourly}. horary ety C17: from Medieval Latin h*_or*_arius; see #7hour horary 1. syl ho+ra+ry pron <1hc:r*ri> pos adj. qual Archaic. def relating to the hours. horary 2. syl ho+ra+ry pron <1hc:r*ri> pos adj. qual Archaic. def hourly. Horatian 0. syl Ho+ra+tian pron pos adj. def of, relating to, or characteristic of Horace or his poetry. Horatian ode 0. syl Ho+ra+tian ode pos n. def an ode of several stanzas, each of the same metrical pattern. Also called: {Sapphic ode}. Horatius Cocles 0. syl Ho:ra:ti:us Co:cles pron <1k*uklEz> pos n. def a legendary Roman hero of the 6th century #7b.c., who defended a bridge over the Tiber against Lars Porsena. horde ety C16: from Polish horda, from Turkish ord*_u camp; compare U#7rdu horde 1. syl horde pron pos n. def a vast crowd; throng; mob. horde 2. syl horde pron pos n. def a local group of people in a nomadic society. horde 3. syl horde pron pos n. def a nomadic group of people, esp. an Asiatic group. horde 4. syl horde pron pos n. def a large moving mass of animals, esp. insects. horde 5. syl horde pron pos vb. mod intr. def to form, move in, or live in a horde. hordein ety C19: from French hord*'eine, from Latin hordeum barley+French -ine -#7in hordein 0. syl hor+de:in pron <1hc:dEin> pos n. def a simple protein, rich in proline, that occurs in barley. Horeb 0. syl Ho+reb pron <1hc:reb> pos n. qual Bible. def a mountain, probably Mount Sinai. horehound ety Old English h*_arh*_une, from h*_ar grey+ h*_une horehound, of obscure origin hoarhound alt head horehound or horehound syl hoar+hound pron <1hc:2haund> pos n. horehound 1. or hoarhound syl hore+hound pron <1hc:2haund> pos n. def Also called: {white horehound}. a downy perennial herbaceous Old World plant, with small white flowers that contain a bitter juice formerly used as a cough medicine and flavouring: family (labiates). See also {black horehound}. water horehound 2. head horehound syl water horehound. def another name for { {bugleweed} (sense 1)}. horizon ety C14: from Latin, from Greek horiz*_on kuklos limiting circle, from horizein to limit, from horos limit horizon 1. syl ho+ri+zon pron pos n. def Also called: {visible horizon, apparent horizon}. the apparent line that divides the earth and the sky. horizon 2.a. syl ho+ri+zon pron pos n. def Also called: {sensible horizon}. the circular intersection with the celestial sphere of the plane tangential to the earth at the position of the observer. horizon 2.b. syl ho+ri+zon pron pos n. def Also called: {celestial horizon}. the great circle on the celestial sphere, the plane of which passes through the centre of the earth and is parallel to the sensible horizon. horizon 3. syl ho+ri+zon pron pos n. def the range or limit of scope, interest, knowledge, etc. horizon 4. syl ho+ri+zon pron pos n. def a layer of rock within a stratum that has a particular composition, esp. of fossils, by which the stratum may be dated. horizon 5. syl ho+ri+zon pron pos n. def a layer in a soil profile having particular characteristics. See {A horizon, B horizon, C horizon}. horizonless sub head horizon syl ho+1ri+zon+less pos adj. horizontal 1. syl hor:i+zon+tal pron <2hori1zontL> pos adj. def parallel to the plane of the horizon; level; flat. Compare { {vertical} (sense 1)}. horizontal 2. syl hor:i+zon+tal pron <2hori1zontL> pos adj. def of or relating to the horizon. horizontal 3. syl hor:i+zon+tal pron <2hori1zontL> pos adj. def measured or contained in a plane parallel to that of the horizon. horizontal 4. syl hor:i+zon+tal pron <2hori1zontL> pos adj. def applied uniformly or equally to all members of a group. horizontal 5. syl hor:i+zon+tal pron <2hori1zontL> pos adj. qual Economics. def relating to identical stages of commercial activity. exam 1 horizontal integration. horizontal 6. syl hor:i+zon+tal pron <2hori1zontL> pos n. def a horizontal plane, position, line, etc. horizontalness sub head horizontal or horizontality syl hor:i+1zon+tal+ness pos n. horizontality sub head horizontal or horizontalness syl hor:i+zon+1tal+i:ty pos n. horizontally sub head horizontal syl hor:i+1zon+tal+ly pos adv. horizontal bar 0. syl hor:i+zon+tal bar pos n. qual Gymnastics. def a raised bar on which swinging and vaulting exercises are performed. Also called: {high bar}. horizontal stabilizer 0. syl hor:i+zon+tal sta+bi+liz+er pos n. def the U.S. name for {tailplane}. horizontal union 0. syl hor:i+zon+tal un+ion pos n. def another name (esp. U.S.) for {craft union}. horme ety C20: from Greek horm*_e impulse &- #!hor+mic adj. horme 0. syl hor+me pron <1hc:mi> pos n. usage in the psychology of C. G. Jung def fundamental vital energy. hormone ety C20: from Greek horm*_on, from horman to stir up, urge on, from horm*_e impulse, assault hormone 1. syl hor+mone pron <1hc:m*un> pos n. def a chemical substance produced in an endocrine gland and transported in the blood to a certain tissue, on which it exerts a specific effect. hormone 2. syl hor+mone pron <1hc:m*un> pos n. def an organic compound produced by a plant that is essential for growth. hormone 3. syl hor+mone pron <1hc:m*un> pos n. def any synthetic substance having the same effects. hormonal sub head hormone syl hor+1mo+nal pos adj. Ormuz alt head Hormuz or Hormuz syl Or+muz pos n. Hormuz 0. or Ormuz syl Hor+muz pron <1hc:m^z> pos n. def an island off the SE coast of Iran, in the {Strait of Hormuz} : ruins of the ancient city of Hormuz, a major trading centre in the Middle Ages. Area: about 41 sq. km (16 sq. miles). horn ety Old English; related to Old Norse horn, Gothic haurn, Latin cornu horn horn 1. syl horn pron pos n. def either of a pair of permanent outgrowths on the heads of cattle, antelopes, sheep, etc., consisting of a central bony core covered with layers of keratin. Related adj.: {corneous}. horn 2. syl horn pron pos n. def the outgrowth from the nasal bone of a rhinoc?!eros, consisting of a mass of fused hairs. horn 3. syl horn pron pos n. def any hornlike projection or process, such as the eyestalk of a snail. horn 4. syl horn pron pos n. def the antler of a deer. horn 5.a. syl horn pron pos n. def the constituent substance, mainly keratin, of horns, hoofs, etc. horn 5.b. syl horn pron pos n. usage in combination exam 1 horn-rimmed spec?!tacles. horn 6. syl horn pron pos n. def a container or device made from this substance or an artificial substitute. exam 1 a shoe horn; exam 2 a drinking horn. horn 7. syl horn pron pos n. def an object or part resembling a horn in shape, such as the points at either end of a crescent, the point of an anvil, the pommel of a saddle, or a cornucopia. horn 8. syl horn pron pos n. def a primitive musical wind instrument made from the horn of an animal. horn 9. syl horn pron pos n. def any musical instrument consisting of a pipe or tube of brass fitted with a mouthpiece, with or without valves. See {hunting horn, French horn, cor anglais}. horn 10. syl horn pron pos n. qual Jazz slang. def any wind instrument. horn 11.a. syl horn pron pos n. def a device for producing a warning or signalling noise. horn 11.b. syl horn pron pos n. usage in combination exam 1 a foghorn. horn 12. syl horn pron pos n. mod usually; pl. def the hornlike projection attributed to certain devils, deities, etc. horn 13. syl horn pron pos n. mod usually; pl. def the imaginary hornlike parts formerly supposed to appear on the forehead of a cuckold. horn 14. syl horn pron pos n. def Also called: {horn balance}. an extension of an aircraft control surface that projects in front of the hinge providing aerodynamic assistance in moving the control. horn 15.a. syl horn pron pos n. def Also called: {acoustic horn, exponential horn}. a hollow conical device coupled to the diaphragm of a gramophone to control the direction and quality of the sound. horn 15.b. syl horn pron pos n. def a similar device attached to an electrical loudspeaker, esp. in a public address system. horn 15.c. syl horn pron pos n. def Also called: {horn antenna}. a microwave aerial, formed by flaring out the end of a waveguide. horn 16. syl horn pron pos n. qual Geology. def another name for {pyramidal peak}. horn 17. syl horn pron pos n. def a stretch of land or water shaped like a horn. horn 18. syl horn pron pos n. qual Brit. taboo slang. def an erection of the penis. horn 19. syl horn pron pos n. qual Bible. def a symbol of power, victory, or success. exam 1 in my name shall his horn be exalted. blow one's own horn 20. head horn syl blow one's own horn. qual U.S. def to boast about oneself; brag. Brit. equivalent: {blow one's own trumpet}. horn 21.a. syl horn pron pos n. def to suppress or control one's feelings, esp. of anger, enthusiasm, or passion. horn 21.b. syl horn pron pos n. def to withdraw a previous state?!ment. on the horns of a dilemma 22. head horn syl on the horns of a dilemma. def in a situation involving a choice between two equally unpalatable alternatives. horn 23. syl horn pron pos vb. mod tr. def to provide with a horn or horns. horn 24. syl horn pron pos vb. mod tr. def to gore or butt with a horn. {~} See also {horn in}. hornless sub head horn syl horn+less pos adj. hornlike sub head horn syl horn+2like pos adj. Cape infl head Horn syl Cape. pos n. Horn 0. syl Horn pron pos n. def See {Cape Horn}. hornbeam ety C16: from #7horn+beam, referring to its tough wood hornbeam 1. syl horn+beam pron <1hc:n2bEm> pos n. def any tree of the betulaceous genus such as of Europe and Asia, having smooth grey bark and hard white wood. hornbeam 2. syl horn+beam pron <1hc:n2bEm> pos n. def the wood of any of these trees. hornbeam xref syl horn+beam pron <1hc:n2bEm> pos n. def Also called: {ironwood}. hornbill 0. syl horn+bill pron <1hc:n2bil> pos n. def any bird of the family of tropical Africa and Asia, having a very large bill with a basal bony protuberance: order (kingfishers, etc.). hornblende 0. syl horn+blende pron <1hc:n2blend> pos n. def a mineral of the amphibole group consisting of the aluminium silicates of calcium, sodium, magnesium, and iron: varies in colour from green to black. Formula: CaNa(Mg,Fe)\4(Al,Fe,Ti)\3Si\6O\2\2(OH)\2. hornblendic sub head hornblende syl horn+1blen+dic pos adj. hornbook 1. syl horn+book pron <1hc:n2buk> pos n. def a page bearing a religious text or the alphabet, held in a frame with a thin window of flattened cattle horn over it. hornbook 2. syl horn+book pron <1hc:n2buk> pos n. def any elementary primer. horned 0. syl horned pron pos adj. def having a horn, horns, or hornlike parts. hornedness sub head horned syl horn+ed+ness pron <1hc:nidnis> pos n. horned owl 0. syl horned owl pos n. def any large owl of the genus having prominent ear tufts: family horned poppy 0. syl horned pop+py pos n. def any of several Eurasian papaveraceous plants of the genera and having large brightly coloured flowers and long curved seed capsules. horned pout 0. syl horned pout pos n. def a North American catfish, (or with a sharp spine on the dorsal and pectoral fins and eight long barbels around the mouth: family Also called: {brown bullhead}. lizard alt head horned toad or horned toad syl liz+ard pos n. horned toad 0. or lizard syl horned toad pos n. def any small insectivorous burrowing lizard of the genus inhabiting desert regions of America, having a flattened toadlike body covered with spines: family (iguanas). horned viper 0. syl horned vi+per pos n. def a venomous snake, that occurs in desert regions of N Africa and SW Asia and has a small horny spine above each eye: family (vipers). Also called: {sand viper}. hornet ety Old English hyrnetu; related to Old Saxon hornut, Old High German hornuz hornet 1. syl hor+net pron <1hc:nit> pos n. def any of various large social wasps of the family esp. of Europe, that can inflict a severe sting. hornet's nest 2. head hornet syl hornet's nest. def a strongly unfavourable reaction (often in the phrase {stir up a hornet's nest) }. hornfels ety German: literally, horn rock hornfels 0. syl horn+fels pron <1hc:nfelz> pos n. def a hard compact fine-grained meta?!morphic rock formed by the action of heat on clay rocks. Also called: {hornstone}. horn in 0. syl horn in pos vb. adv. mod intr. usage often foll. by on def to interrupt or intrude. exam 1 don't horn in on our conversation. Horn of Africa 0. syl Horn of Af+ri+ca pos n. def a region of NE Africa, comprising Somalia and adjacent territories. horn of plenty 0. syl horn of plen+ty pos n. def another term for {cornucopia}. hornpipe 1. syl horn+pipe pron <1hc:n2pIp> pos n. def an obsolete reed instrument with a mouthpiece made of horn. hornpipe 2. syl horn+pipe pron <1hc:n2pIp> pos n. def an old British solo dance to a hornpipe accompaniment, traditionally performed by sailors. hornpipe 3. syl horn+pipe pron <1hc:n2pIp> pos n. def a piece of music for such a dance. horn silver 0. syl horn sil+ver pos n. def another name for {cerargyrite}. hornstone ety C17: translation of German Hornstein; so called from its appearance hornstone 0. syl horn+stone pron <1hc:n2st*un> pos n. def another name for {chert} or {hornfels}. hornswoggle ety C19: of unknown origin hornswoggle 0. syl horns+wog+gle pron <1hc:nz2wogL> pos vb. mod tr. qual Slang. def to cheat or trick; bamboozle. horntail 0. syl horn+tail pron <1hc:n2tAl> pos n. def any of various large wasplike insects of the hymenopterous family the females of which have a strong stout ovipositor and lay their eggs in the wood of felled trees. Also called: {wood wasp}. hornwort 0. syl horn+wort pron <1hc:n2wR:t> pos n. def any aquatic plant of the genus forming submerged branching masses in ponds and slow-flowing streams: family hornier infl head horny syl horn:i+er pos adj. horniest infl head horny syl horn:i+est. pos adj. horny 1. syl horn:y pron <1hc:ni> pos adj. def of, like, or hard as horn. horny 2. syl horn:y pron <1hc:ni> pos adj. def having a horn or horns. horny 3. syl horn:y pron <1hc:ni> pos adj. qual Slang. def aroused sexually. hornily sub head horny syl horn:i+ly pos adv. horniness sub head horny syl horn:i+ness pos n. horol 0. syl horol. qual abbrev. for def horology. horologe ety C14: from Latin h*_orologium, from Greek h*_orologion, from h*_ora #7hour + -logos from legein to tell horologe 0. syl hor:o+loge pron <1hor*2loJ> pos n. def a rare word for {timepiece}. horologer alt head horologist or horologist syl ho+rol:o+ger pos n. horologist 0. or horologer syl ho+rol:o+gist pron pos n. def a person skilled in horology, esp. an expert maker of timepieces. horologium ety C17: from Latin; see #7horologe horologia infl head horologium syl hor:o+lo+gi:a pron <-Ji*> pos n. mod pl. horologium 0. syl hor:o+lo+gi:um pron <2hor*1l*uJi*m> pos n. def a clocktower. Horologii infl head Horologium syl Hor:o+lo+gi:i pron <2hor*1l*uJiI> pos n. qual Latin genitive Horologium 0. syl Hor:o+lo+gi:um pron <2hor*1l*uJi*m> pos n. def a faint constellation in the S hemisphere lying near Eridanus and Hydrus. horology 0. syl ho+rol+o:gy pron pos n. def the art or science of making timepieces or of measuring time. horologic sub head horology or horological syl hor:o+log+ic pron <2hor*1loJik> pos adj. horological sub head horology or horologic syl hor:o+1log:i+cal pos adj. horoscope ety Old English horoscopus, from Latin, from Greek h*_oroskopos ascendant birth sign, from h*_ora #7hour+ -#7scope horoscope 1. syl hor:o+scope pron <1hor*2sk*up> pos n. def the prediction of a person's future based on a comparison of the zodiacal data for the time of birth with the data from the period under consideration. horoscope 2. syl hor:o+scope pron <1hor*2sk*up> pos n. def the configuration of the planets, the sun, and the moon in the sky at a particular moment. horoscope 3. syl hor:o+scope pron <1hor*2sk*up> pos n. def Also called: {chart}. a diagram showing the positions of the planets, sun, moon, etc., at a particular time and place. horoscopic sub head horoscope syl hor:o+scop+ic pron <2hor*1skopik> pos adj. horoscopies infl head horoscopy syl ho+ros+co+pies. pos n. mod pl. horoscopy 0. syl ho+ros+co+py pron pos n. def the casting and interpretation of horoscopes. Vladimir infl head Horowitz syl Vlad:i:mir. pos n. Horowitz 0. syl Hor:o:witz pron <1hor*vits> pos n. def born 1904, Russian virtuoso pianist, in the U.S. since 1928. horrendous ety C17: from Latin horrendus fearful, from horr*_ere to bristle, shudder, tremble; see #7horror horrendous 0. syl hor+ren+dous pron pos adj. def another word for {horrific}. horrendously sub head horrendous syl hor+1ren+dous+ly pos adv. horrible ety C14: via Old French from Latin horribilis, from horr*_ere to tremble horrible 1. syl hor+ri+ble pron <1hor*bL> pos adj. def causing horror; dreadful. horrible 2. syl hor+ri+ble pron <1hor*bL> pos adj. def disagreeable; unpleasant. horrible 3. syl hor+ri+ble pron <1hor*bL> pos adj. qual Informal. def cruel or unkind. horribleness sub head horrible syl hor+ri+ble+ness pos n. horribly 1. syl hor+ri+bly pron <1horibli> pos adv. def in a horrible manner. horrid ety C16 (in the sense: bristling, shaggy): from Latin horridus prickly, rough, from horr*_ere to bristle horrid 1. syl hor+rid pron <1horid> pos adj. def disagreeable; unpleasant. exam 1 a horrid meal. horrid 2. syl hor+rid pron <1horid> pos adj. def repulsive or frightening. horrid 3. syl hor+rid pron <1horid> pos adj. qual Informal. def unkind. horridly sub head horrid syl hor+rid+ly pos adv. horridness sub head horrid syl hor+rid+ness pos n. horrific 0. syl hor+rif+ic pron , pos adj. def provoking horror; horrible. horrifically sub head horrific syl hor+1rif:i+cal+ly pos adv. horrifies infl head horrify syl hor+ri+fies pos vb. mod tr. horrifying infl head horrify syl hor+ri+fy+ing pos vb. mod tr. horrified infl head horrify syl hor+ri+fied. pos vb. mod tr. horrify 1. syl hor+ri+fy pron <1hori2fI> pos vb. mod tr. def to cause feelings of horror; terrify; frighten. horrify 2. syl hor+ri+fy pron <1hori2fI> pos vb. mod tr. def to dismay or shock greatly. horrification sub head horrify syl hor+ri+fi+1ca+tion pos n. horrifyingly sub head horrify syl hor+ri+2fy+ing+ly pos adv. horripilation ety C17: from Late Latin horripil*_ati*_o a bristling, from Latin horr*_ere to stand on end+ pilus hair horripilation 1. syl hor+rip:i+la+tion pron pos n. qual Physiol. def a technical name for {goose flesh}. horripilation 2. syl hor+rip:i+la+tion pron pos n. qual Physiol. def the erection of any short bodily hairs. horror ety C14: from Latin: a trembling with fear; compare #7hirsute horror 1. syl hor+ror pron <1hor*> pos n. def extreme fear; terror; dread. horror 2. syl hor+ror pron <1hor*> pos n. def intense loathing; hatred. horror 3. syl hor+ror pron <1hor*> pos n. mod often; pl. def a thing or person causing fear, loathing, etc. horror 4. syl hor+ror pron <1hor*> pos n. usage modifier def having a frightening subject, esp. a supernatural one. exam 1 a horror film. horrors 1. syl hor+rors pron <1hor*z> pos n. mod pl. qual Slang. def a fit of depression or anxiety. horrors 2. syl hor+rors pron <1hor*z> pos n. mod pl. qual Informal. def See {delirium tremens. ~} horrors 3. syl hor+rors pron <1hor*z> pos n. mod pl. def an expression of dismay, sometimes facetious. horror-stricken alt head horror-struck or horror-struck syl hor:ror-strick:en pos adj. horror-struck 0. or horror-stricken syl hor:ror-struck pos adj. def shocked; horrified. Horsa 0. syl Hor:sa pron <1hc:s*> pos n. def died ??455 #7a.d., leader, with his brother Hengist, of the first Jutish settlers in Britain. See also {Hengist}. hors concours ety literally: out of the competition hors concours 1. syl hors con+cours pron French. pos adj. postpositive; adv. usage of an artist, exhibitor, etc. def excluded from competing. hors concours 2. syl hors con+cours pron French. pos adj. postpositive; adv. def without equal; unrivalled. hors de combat ety literally: out of (the) fight hors de combat 0. syl hors de com+bat pron French. pos adj. postpositive; adv. def disabled or injured. hors d'oeuvre ety C18: from French, literally: outside the work, not part of the main course hors d'oeuvres alt head hors d'oeuvre or hors d'oeuvre syl hors d'oeu+vres pron <1dR:vr>, French <1d@o:vr> pos n. mod pl. hors d'oeuvre 0. or hors d'oeuvres syl hors d'oeu+vre pron <1dR:vr>, French <1d@o:vr>, French <1d@o:vr>, French <1d@o:vr> pos n. mod pl. def an additional dish served as an appetizer, usually before the main meal. horse ety Old English hors; related to Old Frisian hors, Old High German hros, Old Norse hross horse 1. syl horse pron pos n. def a domesticated perissodactyl mammal, used for draught work and riding: family Related adj.: {equine}. horse 2. syl horse pron pos n. def the adult male of this species; stallion. horse 3.a. syl horse pron pos n. def a horse that has become feral. horse 3.b. syl horse pron pos n. def another name for {Przewalski's horse}. horse 4.a. syl horse pron pos n. def any other member of the family such as the zebra or ass. horse 4.b. syl horse pron pos n. usage as modifier exam 1 the horse family. horse 5. syl horse pron pos n. mod functioning as; pl. def horsemen, esp. cavalry. exam 1 a regiment of horse. horse 6. syl horse pron pos n. def Also called: {buck}. a padded apparatus on legs, used for vaulting, etc. horse 7. syl horse pron pos n. def a narrow board supported by a pair of legs at each end, used as a frame for sawing or as a trestle, barrier, etc. horse 8. syl horse pron pos n. def a contrivance on which a person may ride and exercise. horse 9. syl horse pron pos n. def a slang word for {heroin}. horse 10. syl horse pron pos n. qual Mining. def a mass of rock within a vein of ore. horse 11. syl horse pron pos n. qual Nautical. def a rod, rope, or cable, fixed at the ends, along which something may slide by means of a thimble, shackle, or other fitting; traveller. horse 12. syl horse pron pos n. qual Chess. def an informal name for {knight}. horse 13. syl horse pron pos n. qual Informal. def short for {horsepower}. horse 14. syl horse pron pos n. usage modifier def drawn by a horse or horses. exam 1 a horse cart. be 15. head horse or get on one's high horse syl be qual Informal. def to act disdainfully aloof. horse 16.a. syl horse pron pos n. def to harp on some long discarded subject. horse 16.b. syl horse pron pos n. def to pursue the solution of a problem long realized to be insoluble. hold one's horses 17. head horse syl hold one's horses. def to hold back; restrain oneself. a horse of another 18. head horse or different colour syl a horse of another def a completely different topic, argument, etc. the horse's mouth 19. head horse syl the horse's mouth. def the most reliable source. to horse 20. head horse syl to horse&! def an order to mount horses. horse 21. syl horse pron pos vb. mod tr. def to provide with a horse or horses. horse 22. syl horse pron pos vb. def to put or be put on horseback. horse 23. syl horse pron pos vb. mod tr. def to move (something heavy) into position by sheer physical strength. horseless sub head horse syl horse+less pos adj. horselike sub head horse syl horse+2like pos adj. horse about alt head horse around or horse around syl horse a:bout pos vb. adv. mod intr. horse around 0. or horse about syl horse a:round pos vb. adv. mod intr. qual Informal. def to indulge in horseplay. horseback 0.a. syl horse+back pron <1hc:s2b@k> pos n. def a horse's back (esp. in the phrase {on horseback}) . horseback 0.b. syl horse+back pron <1hc:s2b@k> pos n. qual Chiefly U.S. (as modifier def . exam 1 horseback riding. horse bean 0. syl horse bean pos n. def another name for {broad bean}. horsebox 0. syl horse+box pron <1hc:s2boks> pos n. qual Brit. def a van or trailer used for carrying horses. horse brass 0. syl horse brass pos n. def a decorative brass ornament, usually circular, originally attached to a horse's harness. horse chestnut ety C16: so called from its having been used in the treatment of respiratory disease in horses horse chestnut 1. syl horse chest+nut pos n. def any of several trees of the genus esp. the Eurasian having palmate leaves, erect clusters of white, pink, or red flowers, and brown shiny inedible nuts enclosed in a spiky bur: family horse chestnut 2. syl horse chest+nut pos n. def Also called: {conker}. the nut of this tree. horseflesh 1. syl horse+flesh pron <1hc:s2fleS> pos n. def horses collectively. horseflesh 2. syl horse+flesh pron <1hc:s2fleS> pos n. def the flesh of a horse, esp. edible horse meat. horseflies infl head horsefly syl horse+flies. pos n. mod pl. horsefly 0. syl horse+fly pron <1hc:s2flI> pos n. def any large stout-bodied dipterous fly of the family the females of which suck the blood of mammals, esp. horses, cattle, and man. Also called: {gadfly, cleg}. horse gentian 0. syl horse gen+tian pos n. def any caprifoliaceous plant of the genus of Asia and North America, having small purplish-brown flowers. Also called: {feverwort}. Horse Guards 0. syl Horse Guards pos n. def the cavalry regiment that, together with the Life Guards, comprises the cavalry part of the British sovereign's Household Brigade, with headquarters in White?!hall, London. horsehair 0.a. syl horse+hair pron <1hc:s2he*> pos n. def hair taken chiefly from the tail or mane of a horse, used in upholstery and for fabric, etc. horsehair 0.b. syl horse+hair pron <1hc:s2he*> pos n. usage as modifier exam 1 a horsehair mattress. horsehair worm 0. syl horse+hair worm pos n. def another name for { {hairworm} (sense 2)}. horsehide 1. syl horse+hide pron <1hc:s2hId> pos n. def the hide of a horse. horsehide 2. syl horse+hide pron <1hc:s2hId> pos n. def leather made from this hide. horsehide 3. syl horse+hide pron <1hc:s2hId> pos n. usage modifier def made of horsehide. horse latitudes ety C18: referring either to the high mortality of horses on board ship in these latitudes or to dead horse (nautical slang: advance pay), which sailors expected to work off by this stage of a voyage horse latitudes 0. syl horse lat:i+tudes pos n. mod pl. qual Nautical. def the latitudes near 30?%N or 30?%S at sea, characterized by baffling winds, calms, and high barometric pressure. horse laugh 0. syl horse laugh pos n. def a coarse, mocking, or raucous laugh; guffaw. horseleech 1. syl horse+leech pron <1hc:s2lEC> pos n. def any of several large carnivorous freshwater leeches of the genus esp. horseleech 2. syl horse+leech pron <1hc:s2lEC> pos n. def an archaic name for a {veterinary surgeon}. horse mackerel 1. syl horse macke+rel pos n. def Also called: {scad}. a mackerel-like carangid fish, of European Atlantic waters, with a row of bony scales along the lateral line. Sometimes called (U.S.): {saurel}. horse mackerel 2. syl horse macke+rel pos n. def any of various large tunnies or related fishes. horsemen infl head horseman syl horse+men. pos n. mod pl. horseman 1. syl horse+man pron <1hc:sm*n> pos n. def a person who is skilled in riding or horsemanship. horseman 2. syl horse+man pron <1hc:sm*n> pos n. def a person who rides a horse. &- {#!horse+@!wom@.an} horsemanship 1. syl horse+man+ship pron <1hc:sm*n2Sip> pos n. def the art of riding on horseback. horsemanship 2. syl horse+man+ship pron <1hc:sm*n2Sip> pos n. def skill in riding horses. horse marine 1. syl horse ma+rine pos n. qual U.S. usage formerly def a mounted marine or cavalryman serving in a ship. horse marine 2. syl horse ma+rine pos n. qual U.S. def someone out of place; misfit. horsemint 1. syl horse+mint pron <1hc:s2mint> pos n. def a hairy European mint plant, with small mauve flowers: family (labiates). horsemint 2. syl horse+mint pron <1hc:s2mint> pos n. def any of several similar and related plants, such as of North America. horse mushroom 0. syl horse mush+room pos n. def a large edible agaricaceous field mushroom, with a white cap and greyish gills. horse nettle 0. syl horse net+tle pos n. def a weedy solanceous North American plant, with yellow prickles, white or blue flowers, and yellow berries. Horsens 0. syl Hor+sens pron Danish <1hcrs*ns> pos n. def a port in Denmark, in E Jutland at the head of {Horsens Fjord}. Pop.: 41895 (1970). horse opera 0. syl horse op+er:a pos n. qual Informal. def another term for { {Western} (sense 4)}. horse pistol 0. syl horse pis+tol pos n. def a large holstered pistol formerly carried by horsemen. horseplay 0. syl horse+play pron <1hc:s2plA> pos n. def rough, boisterous, or rowdy play. horsepower 1. syl horse+pow:er pron <1hc:s2pau*> pos n. def an fps unit of power, equal to 550 foot-pounds per second (equivalent to 745.7 watts). horsepower 2. syl horse+pow:er pron <1hc:s2pau*> pos n. def a U.S. standard unit of power, equal to 746 watts. horsepower xref syl horse+pow:er pron <1hc:s2pau*> pos n. def Abbrevs.: {HP, H.P., h.p., hp}. horsepower-hour 0. syl horse:pow:er-hour pos n. def an fps unit of work or energy equal to the work done by 1 horsepower in 1 hour. 1 horsepower-hour is equivalent to 2.686 #M 10%6 joules. horseradish 1. syl horse+rad:ish pron <1hc:s2r@diS> pos n. def a coarse Eurasian cruciferous plant, cultivated for its thick white pungent root. horseradish 2. syl horse+rad:ish pron <1hc:s2r@diS> pos n. def the root of this plant, which is ground and combined with vinegar, etc., to make a sauce. horse sense 0. syl horse sense pos n. def another term for {common sense}. horseshit 0. syl horse+shit pron <1hc:s2Sit> pos n. qual Taboo slang. def rubbish; nonsense. horseshoe 1. syl horse+shoe pron <1hc:s2Su:> pos n. def a piece of iron shaped like a U with the ends curving inwards that is nailed to the underside of the hoof of a horse to protect the soft part of the foot from hard surfaces: commonly thought to be a token of good luck. horseshoe 2. syl horse+shoe pron <1hc:s2Su:> pos n. def an object of similar shape. horseshoes infl head horseshoe syl horse+shoes pos vb. horseshoeing infl head horseshoe syl horse+shoe+ing pos vb. horseshoed infl head horseshoe syl horse+shoed. pos vb. horseshoe 3. syl horse+shoe pron <1hc:s2Su:> pos vb. mod tr. def to fit with a horseshoe; shoe. horseshoe arch 0. syl horse+shoe arch pos n. def an arch formed in the shape of a horseshoe, esp. as used in Moorish architecture. horseshoe bat 0. syl horse+shoe bat pos n. def any of numerous large-eared Old World insectivorous bats, mostly of the genus with a fleshy growth around the nostrils, used in echo location: family horseshoe crab 0. syl horse+shoe crab pos n. def any marine chelicerate arthropod of the genus of North America and Asia, having a rounded heavily armoured body with a long pointed tail: class Also called: {king crab}. horseshoes 0. syl horse+shoes pron <1hc:s2Su:z> pos n. def a game in which the players try to throw horseshoes so that they encircle a stake in the ground some distance away. horsetail 1. syl horse+tail pron <1hc:s2tAl> pos n. def any pteridophyte plant of the genus and order having jointed stems with whorls of small dark toothlike leaves. horsetail 2. syl horse+tail pron <1hc:s2tAl> pos n. def a stylized horse's tail formerly used as the emblem of a pasha, the number of tails increasing with rank. horseweed 0. syl horse+weed pron <1hc:s2wEd> pos n. def the U.S. name for {Canadian fleabane} (see { {fleabane} (sense 3))}. horsewhip 1. syl horse+whip pron <1hc:s2wip> pos n. def a whip, usually with a long thong, used for managing horses. horsewhips infl head horsewhip syl horse+whips pos vb. horsewhipping infl head horsewhip syl horse+whip+ping pos vb. horsewhipped infl head horsewhip syl horse+whipped. pos vb. horsewhip 2. syl horse+whip pron <1hc:s2wip> pos vb. mod tr. def to flog with such a whip. horsewhipper sub head horsewhip syl horse+2whip+per pos n. horst ety C20: from German: thicket horst 0. syl horst pron pos n. def a ridge of land that has been forced upwards between two faults. horsey alt head horsy or horsy syl hors:ey pron <1hc:si> pos adj. horsier infl head horsy syl hors:i+er pos adj. horsiest infl head horsy syl hors:i+est. pos adj. horsy 1. or horsey syl hors:y pron <1hc:si> pos adj. def of or relating to horses. exam 1 a horsy smell. horsy 2. or horsey syl hors:y pron <1hc:si> pos adj. def dealing with or devoted to horses. horsy 3. or horsey syl hors:y pron <1hc:si> pos adj. def like a horse. exam 1 a horsy face. horsily sub head horsy syl hors:i+ly pos adv. horsiness sub head horsy syl hors:i+ness pos n. hort 1. syl hort. qual abbrev. for: def horticultural. hort 2. syl hort. qual abbrev. for: def horticulture. Horta 0. syl Hor+ta pron Portuguese <1crt*> pos n. def a port in the Azores, on the SE coast of Fayal Island. hortatory ety C16: from Late Latin hort*_at*_orius, from Latin hort*_ar*_i to #7exhort hortative alt head hortatory or hortatory syl hor+ta+tive pron <1hc:t*tiv> pos adj. hortatory 0. or hortative syl hor+ta+to:ry pron <1hc:t*t*ri>, <-tri> pos adj. def tending to exhort; encouraging. hortatorily sub head hortatory or hortatively syl hor+ta+to+ri+ly pos adv. hortatively sub head hortatory or hortatorily syl hor+ta+tive+ly pos adv. Hortense 0. syl Hor:tense pron French pos n. def See (Eug*'enie Hortense de) {Beauharnais}. Mikl'os infl head Horthy syl Mik:l*'os pron <1miklo:S> pos n. Horthy 0. syl Hor:thy pron Hungarian <1horti> pos n. def full name 1868-1957, Hungarian admiral: suppressed Kun's Communist republic (1919); regent of Hungary (1920-44). horticulture ety C17: from Latin hortus garden+#7culture, on the model of #7agriculture horticulture 0. syl hor+ti+cul+ture pron <1hc:ti2k^lC*> pos n. def the art or science of cultivating gardens. horticultural sub head horticulture syl hor+ti+1cul+tur+al pos adj. horticulturally sub head horticulture syl hor+ti+1cul+tur+al+ly pos adv. horticulturist sub head horticulture syl hor+ti+1cul+tur+ist pos n. hortus siccus ety C17: Latin, literally: dry garden hortus siccus 0. syl hor+tus sic+cus pron <1hc:t*s> <1sik*s> pos n. def a less common name for {herbarium}. Horus ety via Late Latin from Greek H*_oros, from Egyptian Hur hawk Horus 0. syl Ho:rus pron <1hc:r*s> pos n. def a solar god of Egyptian mythology, usually depicted with a falcon's head. Hos 0. syl Hos. qual Bible. abbrev. for def Hosea. hosanna ety Old English osanna, via Late Latin from Greek, from Hebrew h*_oshi `*_ah nn*_a save now, we pray hosanna 1. syl ho+san+na pron pos interj. def an exclamation of praise, esp. one to God. hosanna 2. syl ho+san+na pron pos n. def the act of crying @6hosanna@9. hose ety C15: later use of #7hose %2 hose H1.1. syl hose pron pos n. def a flexible pipe, for conveying a liquid or gas. hose H1.2. syl hose pron pos vb. usage sometimes foll. by down def to wash, water, or sprinkle (a person or thing) with or as if with a hose. hose ety Old English hosa; related to Old High German hosa, Dutch hoos, Old Norse hosa hosen alt head hose or hose syl hos+en. pron pos n. mod pl. hose H2.1. or hosen syl hose pron pos n. mod pl. def stockings, socks, and tights collectively. hose H2.2. or hosen syl hose pron pos n. mod pl. qual History. def a man's garment covering the legs and reaching up to the waist; worn with a doublet. half-hose 3. head hose syl half-hose. def socks. Hosea 1. syl Ho:se:a pron pos n. qual Old Testament. def a Hebrew prophet of the 8th century #7b.c. Hosea 2. syl Ho:se:a pron pos n. qual Old Testament. def the book containing his oracles. hosier 0. syl ho+si:er pron <1h*uzi*> pos n. def a person who sells stockings, etc. hosiery 0. syl ho+si:er:y pron <1h*uzi*ri> pos n. def stockings, socks, and knitted underclothing collectively. hosp 0. syl hosp. qual abbrev. for def hospital. hospice ety C19: from French, from Latin hospitium hospitality, from hospes guest, #7host %1 hospitium alt head hospice or hospice syl hos+pit+i:um pron pos n. hospices infl head hospice or hospitia syl hos+pic:es pron pos n. mod pl. hospitia infl head hospice or hospices syl hos+pit:i:a pron pos n. mod pl. hospice 0. or hospitium syl hos+pice pron <1hospis> pos n. qual Archaic. def a place of shelter for travellers, esp. one kept by a monastic order. hospitable ety C16: from Medieval Latin hospit*_are to receive as a guest, from Latin hospes guest, #7host %1 hospitable 1. syl hos+pi+ta:ble pron <1hospit*bL>, pos adj. def welcoming to guests or strangers. hospitable 2. syl hos+pi+ta:ble pron <1hospit*bL>, pos adj. def fond of entertaining. hospitable 3. syl hos+pi+ta:ble pron <1hospit*bL>, pos adj. def receptive. exam 1 hospitable to new ideas. hospitableness sub head hospitable syl hos+pi+ta:ble+ness pos n. hospitably sub head hospitable syl hos+pi+ta:bly pos adv. hospital ety C13: from Medieval Latin hospit*_ale hospice, from Latin hospit*_alis relating to a guest, from hospes, hospit- guest, #7host %1 hospital 1. syl hos+pi+tal pron <1hospitL> pos n. def an institution for the medical, surgical, obstetric, or psychiatric care and treatment of patients. hospital 2. syl hos+pi+tal pron <1hospitL> pos n. usage modifier def having the function of a hospital. exam 1 a hospital ship. hospital 3. syl hos+pi+tal pron <1hospitL> pos n. def a repair shop for something specified. exam 1 a dolls' hospital. hospital 4. syl hos+pi+tal pron <1hospitL> pos n. qual Archaic. def a charitable home, hospice, or school. hospital corner 0. syl hos+pi+tal cor+ner pos n. def a corner of a made-up bed in which the bedclothes have been neatly and securely folded, esp. as in hospitals. Hospitalet 0. syl Hos+pi+ta+let pron Spanish <2ospita1lAt> pos n. def a city in NE Spain, a SW suburb of Barcelona. Pop.: 241978 (1970). hospitalities infl head hospitality syl hos+pi+tal+i:ties. pos n. mod pl. hospitality 1. syl hos+pi+tal+i:ty pron <2hospi1t@liti> pos n. def kindness in welcoming strangers or guests. hospitality 2. syl hos+pi+tal+i:ty pron <2hospi1t@liti> pos n. def receptiveness. hospitalisation alt head hospitalization or hospitalization syl hos+pi+tal:i+sa+tion pron <2hospit*lI?!1zAS*n> pos n. hospitalization 1. or hospitalisation syl hos+pi+tal:i+za+tion pron <2hospit*lI?!1zAS*n> pos n. def the act or an instance of being hospitalized. hospitalization 2. or hospitalisation syl hos+pi+tal:i+za+tion pron <2hospit*lI?!1zAS*n> pos n. def the duration of a stay in a hospital. hospitalise alt head hospitalize or hospitalize syl hos+pi+tal+ise pron <1hospit*2lIz> pos vb. mod tr. hospitalize 0. or hospitalise syl hos+pi+tal+ize pron <1hospit*2lIz> pos vb. mod tr. def to admit or send (a person) into a hospital. hospitaller ety C14: from Old French hospitalier, from Medieval Latin hospit*_al*_arius, from hospit*_ale hospice; see #7hospital hospitaler alt head hospitaller or hospitaller syl hos+pi+tal+er pron <1hospit*l*> pos n. qual U.S. hospitaller 0. or hospitaler syl hos+pi+tal+ler pron <1hospit*l*> pos n. def a person, esp. a member of certain religious orders, dedicated to hospital work, ambulance services, etc. Hospitaler alt head Hospitaller or Hospitaller syl Hos+pi+tal+er pron <1hospit*l*> pos n. qual U.S. Hospitaller 0. or Hospitaler syl Hos+pi+tal+ler pron <1hospit*l*> pos n. def a member of the order of the Knights Hospitallers. hospodar ety C17: via Ruma?!nian from Ukrainian, from hospod' lord; related to Russian gospodin courtesy title, Old Slavonic gospod*vi lord hospodar 0. syl hos+po+dar pron <1hosp*2da:> pos n. usage formerly def the governor or prince of Moldavia or Wallachia under Ottoman rule. host ety C13: from French hoste, from Latin hospes guest, foreigner, from hostis enemy host H1.1. syl host pron pos n. def a person who receives or entertains guests, esp. in his own home. host H1.2. syl host pron pos n. def the compere of a show or television programme. host H1.3.a. syl host pron pos n. def an animal or plant that nourishes and supports a parasite. host H1.3.b. syl host pron pos n. def an animal, esp. an embryo, into which tissue is experimentally grafted. host H1.4. syl host pron pos n. def the owner or manager of an inn. host H1.5. syl host pron pos vb. def to be the host of (a party, programme, etc.). exam 1 to host one's own show. host H1.6. syl host pron pos vb. mod tr. qual U.S. informal. def to leave (a restaurant) without paying the bill. host ety C13: from Old French hoste, from Latin hostis stranger, enemy host H2.1. syl host pron pos n. def a great number; multitude. host H2.2. syl host pron pos n. def an archaic word for {army}. Host ety C14: from Old French oiste, from Latin hostia victim Host 0. syl Host pron pos n. def the bread consecrated in the Eucharist. hosta ety C19: New Latin, named after N. T. Host (1761-1834), Austrian physician hosta 0. syl hos+ta pron <1host*> pos n. def any plant of the liliaceous genus of China and Japan: cultivated esp. for their ornamental foliage. hostage ety C13: from Old French, from hoste guest, #7host %1 hostage 1. syl hos+tage pron <1hostiJ> pos n. def a person given to or held by a person, organization, etc., as a security or pledge. hostage 2. syl hos+tage pron <1hostiJ> pos n. def the state of being held as a hostage. hostage 3. syl hos+tage pron <1hostiJ> pos n. def any security or pledge. hostel ety C13: from Old French, from Medieval Latin hospit*_ale hospice; see #7hospital hostel 1. syl hos+tel pron <1hostL> pos n. def a building providing overnight accommodation, as for young travellers, etc. See also {youth hostel}. hostel 2. syl hos+tel pron <1hostL> pos n. qual Brit. def a supervised lodging house for nurses, workers, etc. hostel 3. syl hos+tel pron <1hostL> pos n. qual Archaic. def another word for {hostelry}. hosteler alt head hosteller or hosteller syl hos+tel+er pron <1host*l*> pos n. qual U.S. hosteller 1. or hosteler syl hos+tel+ler pron <1host*l*> pos n. def a person who stays at youth hostels. hosteller 2. or hosteler syl hos+tel+ler pron <1host*l*> pos n. def an archaic word for {innkeeper}. hosteling alt head hostelling or hostelling syl hos+tel+ing pron <1host*liG> pos n. qual U.S. hostelling 0. or hosteling syl hos+tel+ling pron <1host*liG> pos n. def the practice of staying at youth hostels when travelling. hostelries infl head hostelry syl hos+tel+ries. pos n. mod pl. hostelry 0. syl hos+tel+ry pron <1host*lri> pos n. qual Archaic. def an inn. hostel school 0. syl hos+tel school pos n. usage in N Canada def a government boarding school for Indian and Eskimo students. hostess 1. syl host+ess pron <1h*ustis> pos n. def a woman acting as host. hostess 2. syl host+ess pron <1h*ustis> pos n. def a woman who receives and entertains patrons of a club, restaurant, etc. hostess 3. syl host+ess pron <1h*ustis> pos n. def See {air hostess}. hostie 0. syl host:ie pron <1h*usti> pos n. qual Austral. informal. def short for {air hostess}. hostile ety C16: from Latin host*_ilis, from hostis enemy hostile 1. syl hos+tile pron <1hostIl> pos adj. def antagonistic; opposed. hostile 2. syl hos+tile pron <1hostIl> pos adj. def of or relating to an enemy. hostile 3. syl hos+tile pron <1hostIl> pos adj. def unfriendly. hostilely sub head hostile syl hos+tile+ly pos adv. hostile witness 0. syl hos+tile wit+ness pos n. def a witness who gives evidence against the party calling him. hostilities infl head hostility syl hos+til+i:ties. pos n. mod pl. hostility 1. syl hos+til+i:ty pron pos n. def enmity or antagonism. hostility 2. syl hos+til+i:ty pron pos n. def an act expressing enmity or opposition. hostility 3. syl hos+til+i:ty pron pos n. mod pl. def fighting; warfare. hostler 0. syl host+ler pron <1osl*> pos n. def another name (esp. Brit.) for {ostler}. hot ety Old English h*_at; related to Old High German heiz, Old Norse heitr, Gothic heito fever hotter infl head hot syl hot+ter pos adj. hottest infl head hot syl hot+test. pos adj. hot 1. syl hot pron pos adj. def having a relatively high temperature. hot 2. syl hot pron pos adj. def having a temperature higher than desirable. hot 3. syl hot pron pos adj. def causing or having a sensation of bodily heat. hot 4. syl hot pron pos adj. def causing a burning sensation on the tongue. exam 1 hot mustard; exam 2 a hot curry. hot 5. syl hot pron pos adj. def expressing or feeling intense emotion, such as embarrassment, anger, or lust. hot 6. syl hot pron pos adj. def intense or vehement. exam 1 a hot argument. hot 7. syl hot pron pos adj. def recent; fresh; new. exam 1 a hot trial; exam 2 hot from the press. hot 8. syl hot pron pos adj. usage Ball games. of a ball def thrown or struck hard, and so difficult to respond to. hot 9. syl hot pron pos adj. def much favoured or approved. exam 1 a hot tip; exam 2 a hot favourite. hot 10. syl hot pron pos adj. qual Informal. def having a dangerously high level of radioactivity. exam 1 a hot laboratory. hot 11. syl hot pron pos adj. usage Slang. of goods or money def stolen, smuggled, or otherwise illegally obtained. hot 12. syl hot pron pos adj. usage Slang. of people def being sought by the police. hot 13. syl hot pron pos adj. usage of a colour def intense; striking. exam 1 hot pink. hot 14. syl hot pron pos adj. def close or following closely. exam 1 hot on the scent. hot 15. syl hot pron pos adj. qual Informal. def at a dangerously high electric potential. exam 1 a hot terminal. hot 16. syl hot pron pos adj. qual Physics. def having an energy level higher than that of the ground state. exam 1 a hot atom. hot 17. syl hot pron pos adj. qual Slang. def impressive or good of its kind (esp. in the phrase {not so hot) }. hot 18. syl hot pron pos adj. qual Jazz slang. def arousing great excitement or enthusiasm by inspired improvisation, strong rhythms, etc. hot 19. syl hot pron pos adj. qual Informal. def dangerous or unpleasant (esp. in the phrase {make it hot for someone}) . hot 20. syl hot pron pos adj. usage in various searching or guessing games def very near the answer or object to be found. hot 21. syl hot pron pos adj. usage Metallurgy. of a process def at a sufficiently high temperature for metal to be in a soft workable state. hot 22. syl hot pron pos adj. usage Austral. informal. of a price, charge, etc. def excessive. give it (to someone) hot 23. head hot syl give it (to someone) hot. def to punish or thrash (someone). hot under the collar 24. head hot syl hot under the collar. qual Informal. def aroused with anger, annoyance, etc. in hot water 25. head hot syl in hot water. qual Informal. def in trouble, esp. with those in authority. hot 26. syl hot pron pos adv. def in a hot manner; hotly. hotly sub head hot syl hot+ly pos adv. hotness sub head hot syl hot+ness pos n. hot air 0. syl hot air pos n. qual Informal. def empty and usually boastful talk. hot-air balloon 0. syl hot-air bal+loon pos n. def a lighter-than-air craft in which air heated by a flame is trapped in a large fabric bag. hotbed 1. syl hot+bed pron <1hot2bed> pos n. def a glass-covered bed of soil, usually heated by fermenting material, used for propagating plants, forcing early vegetables, etc. hotbed 2. syl hot+bed pron <1hot2bed> pos n. def a place offering ideal conditions for the growth of an idea, activity, etc., esp. one considered bad. exam 1 a hotbed of insurrection. hot-blooded 1. syl hot-blood:ed pos adj. def passionate or excitable. hot-blooded 2. syl hot-blood:ed pos adj. usage of a horse def being of thoroughbred stock. hot-bloodedness sub head hot-blooded syl hot-1blood:ed+ness pos n. hotchpot ety C14: from Old French hochepot, from hocher to shake, of Germanic origin+#7{pot %1} hotchpot 0. syl hotch+pot pron <1hoC2pot> pos n. qual Property law. def the collecting of property so that it may be redistributed in equal shares, esp. on the intestacy of a parent who has given property to his children in his lifetime. hotchpotch ety C15: variant of #7hotchpot hotchpotch 1. syl hotch+potch pron <1hoC2poC> usage esp. U.S. def a jumbled mixture. hotchpotch 2. syl hotch+potch pron <1hoC2poC> usage esp. U.S. def a thick soup or stew made from meat and vegetables. hot cockles 0. syl hot cock+les pos n. def a children's game in which one blindfolded player has to guess which other player has hit him. hot cross bun 0. syl hot cross bun pos n. def a yeast bun with currants and sometimes candied peel, marked with a cross and traditionally eaten on Good Friday. hot dog 0. syl hot dog pos n. def a sausage, esp. a frankfurter, usually served hot in a long roll split lengthways. hot-dog ety C20: from U.S. hot dog&!, exclamation of pleasure, approval, etc. hot-dog 0. syl hot-dog pos vb. def to perform a series of manoeuvres in skiing, skateboarding, etc., esp. in a showy manner. hotel ety C17: from French h*^otel, from Old French hostel; see #7hostel hotel 1. syl ho+tel pron pos n. def a commercially run establishment providing lodging and usually meals for guests. hotel 2. syl ho+tel pron pos n. qual Austral. def a public house. hotelier 0. syl ho+tel+ier pron pos n. def an owner or manager of one or more hotels. hotfoot 1. syl hot+foot pron <1hot2fut> pos adj. def with all possible speed; quickly. hotfoot 2. syl hot+foot pron <1hot2fut> pos vb. def to move quickly. hot-gospeller 0. syl hot-gos:pel:ler pos n. qual Informal. def a revivalist preacher with a highly enthusiastic style of addressing his audience. hothead 0. syl hot+head pron <1hot2hed> pos n. def an excitable or fiery person. hot-headed 0. syl hot-head:ed pos adj. def impetuous, rash, or hot-tempered. hot-headedly sub head hot-headed syl hot-1head:ed+ly pos adv. hot-headedness sub head hot-headed syl hot-1head:ed+ness pos n. hothouse 1.a. syl hot+house pron <1hot2haus> pos n. def a greenhouse in which the temperature is maintained at a fixed level above that of the surroundings. hothouse 1.b. syl hot+house pron <1hot2haus> pos n. usage as modifier exam 1 a hothouse plant. hothouse 2. syl hot+house pron <1hot2haus> pos n. qual Informal, often disparaging. usage modifier def sensitive or delicate. Ho-t'ien alt head Hotien or Hotien syl Ho-t'ien pron <1h*u1tjen> pos n. Hotien 1. or Ho-t'ien syl Ho+tien pron <1h*u1tjen> pos n. def an oasis in W China, in the Takla Makan desert of central Sinkiang province, around the seasonal Hotien (Khotan) River. Hotien 2. or Ho-t'ien syl Ho+tien pron <1h*u1tjen> pos n. def the chief town of this oasis, situated at the foot of the Kunlun Mountains. Pop.: about 50000 (1950 est.). Also called: {Khotan}. hot line 0. syl hot line pos n. def a direct telephone, teletype, or other communications link between heads of government, etc., for emergency use. hot metal 0.a. syl hot met+al pos n. def metallic type cast into shape in the molten state. hot metal 0.b. syl hot met+al pos n. usage as modifier exam 1 hot-metal printing. hot money 0. syl hot mon+ey pos n. def capital that is transferred from one commercial centre to another seeking the highest interest rates or the best opportunity for short-term gain. hot pants 1. syl hot pants pos n. mod pl. def very brief skin-tight shorts, worn by young women. hot pants 2. syl hot pants pos n. mod pl. qual Taboo slang. def a feeling of sexual arousal. exam 1 he has hot pants for her. hot pepper 1. syl hot pep+per pos n. def any of several varieties of the pepper esp. chilli pepper. hot pepper 2. syl hot pep+per pos n. def the pungent usually small fruit of any of these plants. hotplate 1. syl hot+plate pron <1hot2plAt> pos n. def an electrically heated plate on a cooker. hotplate 2. syl hot+plate pron <1hot2plAt> pos n. def a portable device, heated electrically or by spirit lamps, etc., on which food can be kept warm. hotpot 0. syl hot+pot pron <1hot2pot> pos n. qual Brit. def a baked stew or casserole made with meat or fish and covered with a layer of potatoes. hot potato 0. syl hot po+ta+to pos n. qual Informal. def a difficult situation or problem. hot-press 1. syl hot-press pos n. def a machine for applying a combination of heat and pressure to give a smooth surface to paper, to express oil from it, etc. hot-press 2. syl hot-press pos vb. mod tr. def to subject (paper, cloth, etc.) to heat and pressure to give it a smooth surface or extract oil. hot rod 0. syl hot rod pos n. def a car with an engine that has been radically modified to produce increased power. hot seat 1. syl hot seat pos n. qual Informal. def a precarious, difficult, or dangerous position. hot seat 2. syl hot seat pos n. qual U.S. def a slang term for {electric chair}. hot spot 1. syl hot spot pos n. def an area of potential violence or political unrest. hot spot 2. syl hot spot pos n. def a lively nightclub or other place of entertainment. hot spot 3.a. syl hot spot pos n. def any local area of high temperature in a part of an engine, etc. hot spot 3.b. syl hot spot pos n. def part of the inlet manifold of a paraffin engine that is heated by exhaust gases to vaporize the fuel. hot spring 0. syl hot spring pos n. def a natural spring of mineral water at a temperature of 21?%C (70?%F) or above, found in areas of volcanic activity. Also called: {thermal spring}. hotspur ety C15: from Hotspur, nickname of Sir Henry P#7ercy hotspur 0. syl hot+spur pron <1hot2spR:> pos n. def an impetuous or fiery person. Harry infl head Hotspur syl Har:ry. pos n. Hotspur 0. syl Hot:spur pron <1hot2spR:> pos n. def nickname of (Sir Henry) {Percy}. hot stuff 1. syl hot stuff pos n. qual Informal. def a person, object, etc., considered important, attractive, sexually exciting, etc. hot stuff 2. syl hot stuff pos n. qual Informal. def a pornographic or erotic book, play, film, etc. Hottentot ety C17: from Afrikaans, of uncertain origin Hottentot infl or Hottentots syl Hot+ten+tot pos n. mod pl. Hottentots infl head Hottentot or Hottentot syl Hot+ten+tots pos n. mod pl. Hottentot 1. syl Hot+ten+tot pron <1hotN2tot> pos n. def a member of a race of people of southern Africa, of low stature and a dark yellowish-brown complexion, who formerly occupied the region near the Cape of Good Hope and are now almost extinct. Hottentot 2. syl Hot+ten+tot pron <1hotN2tot> pos n. def any of the languages of this people, belonging to the Khoisan family. hottie 0. syl hot+tie pron <1hoti> pos n. qual Austral. informal. def a hot water bottle. hottish 0. syl hot+tish pos adj. def fairly hot. hot up 1. syl hot up pos vb. adv. qual Informal. def to make or become more exciting, active, or intense. exam 1 the chase was hotting up. hot up 2. syl hot up pos vb. adv. mod tr. qual Informal. def Also: {soup up} or (esp. U.S.) {hop up}. to modify (a car or motorcycle engine) in order to increase its power. hot-water bottle 0. syl hot-wa:ter bot+tle pos n. def a receptacle, esp. one made of rubber, designed to be filled with hot water, used for warming a bed or parts of the body. Houdan ety C19: named after Houdan, village near Paris where the breed originated Houdan 0. syl Hou+dan pron <1hu:d@n> pos n. def a breed of light domestic fowl originally from France, with a distinctive full crest. Harry infl head Houdini syl Har:ry. pos n. Houdini 0. syl Hou:di:ni pron pos n. def original name 1874-1926, U.S. magician and escapologist. Jean Antoine infl head Houdon syl Jean An:toine pron < Z?~a ?~a1twan). 1741-1828, FrAnch nAoclassical portrait sculptor> pos n. hough ety C14: from Old English h*_oh heel infl head hough syl ~ pos n. qual Brit. hough 1. syl hough pron pos n. def another word for {hock} %1. {~} hough 2. syl hough pron pos n. def to hamstring (cattle, horses, etc.). Houghton-le-Spring 0. syl Hough:ton-le-Spring pron <1hautN> <1spriG> pos n. def a town in N England, in S Tyneside: coal-mining. Pop.: 32666 (1971). houmous ety from Arabic houmus alt head houmous or houmous syl hou+mus pron <1hu:m*s> pos n. houmous 0. or houmus syl hou+mous pron <1hu:m*s> pos n. def a creamy dip originating in the Middle East, made from tahina, chickpeas, etc. hound ety Old English hund; related to Old High German hunt, Old Norse hundr, Gothic hunds hound H1.1.a. syl hound pron pos n. def any of several breeds of dog used for hunting. hound H1.1.b. syl hound pron pos n. usage in combination exam 1 an otterhound; exam 2 a deerhound. the hounds 2. head hound syl the hounds. def a pack of foxhounds, etc. hound H1.3. syl hound pron pos n. def a dog, esp. one regarded as annoying. hound H1.4. syl hound pron pos n. def a despicable person. hound H1.5. syl hound pron pos n. usage in hare and hounds def a runner who pursues a hare. hound H1.6. syl hound pron pos n. qual Slang, chiefly U.S. def an enthusiast. exam 1 an autograph hound. ride to hounds 7. head hound or follow the hounds syl ride to hounds def to take part in a fox hunt with hounds. hound H1.8. syl hound pron pos vb. mod tr. def to pursue or chase relentlessly. hound H1.9. syl hound pron pos vb. mod tr. def to urge on. hounder sub head hound syl hound+er pos n. hound ety C15: of Scandinavian origin; related to Old Norse h*_unn knob, cube hound H2.1. syl hound pron pos n. def either of a pair of horizontal bars that reinforce the running gear of a horse-drawn vehicle. hound H2.2. syl hound pron pos n. qual Nautical. def either of a pair of fore-and-aft braces that serve as supports for a topmast. hound's-tongue ety Old English hundestunge, translation of Latin cynogl*_ossos, from Greek kunogl*_ossos, from ku*_on dog+ gl*_ossa tongue; referring to the shape of its leaves hound's-tongue 0. syl hound's-tongue pos n. def any boraginaceous weedy plant of the genus esp. the Eurasian which has small reddish-purple flowers and spiny fruits. Also called: {dog's-tongue}. hound's-tooth check 0. syl hound's-tooth check pos n. def a pattern of broken or jagged checks, esp. one printed on or woven into cloth. Also called: {dog's-tooth check, dogtooth check}. Hounslow 0. syl Houns+low pron <1haunzl*u> pos n. def a borough of Greater London, on the River Thames: site of London's first civil airport (1919). Pop.: 199100 (1976 est.). F'elix infl head Houphouet-Boigny syl F*'e:lix pron pos n. Houphouet-Boigny 0. syl Hou:phou:et-Boi:gny pron French pos n. def born 1905, Ivory Coast statesman; president of the Republic of the Ivory Coast since 1960. hour ety C13: from Old French hore, from Latin h*_ora, from Greek: season hour 1. syl hour pron pos n. def a period of time equal to 3600 seconds; 1/24#800376 th of a calendar day. Related adjs.: {horal, horary}. hour 2. syl hour pron pos n. def any of the points on the face of a timepiece that indicate intervals of 60 minutes. the hour 3. head hour syl the hour. def an exact number of complete hours. exam 1 the bus leaves on the hour. hour 4. syl hour pron pos n. def the time of day as indicated by a watch, clock, etc. hour 5. syl hour pron pos n. def the period of time allowed for or used for something. exam 1 the lunch hour; exam 2 the hour of prayer. hour 6. syl hour pron pos n. def a special moment or period. exam 1 our finest hour. the hour 7. head hour syl the hour. def the present time. exam 1 the man of the hour. hour 8. syl hour pron pos n. def the distance covered in an hour. exam 1 we live an hour from the city. hour 9. syl hour pron pos n. qual Astronomy. def an angular measurement of right ascension equal to 15?% or a 24th part of the celestial equator. hour 10.a. syl hour pron pos n. def a time of success, fame, etc. hour 10.b. syl hour pron pos n. def Also: {one's last hour}. the time of one's death. exam 1 his hour had come. hour angle 0. syl hour an+gle pos n. def the angular distance along the celestial equator from the meridian of the observer to the hour circle of a particular celestial body. hour circle 0. syl hour cir+cle pos n. def a great circle on the celestial sphere passing through the celestial poles and a specified point, such as a star. hourglass 1. syl hour+glass pron <1au*2gla:s> pos n. def a device consisting of two trans?!parent chambers linked by a narrow channel, containing a quantity of sand that takes a specified time to trickle to one chamber from the other. hourglass 2. syl hour+glass pron <1au*2gla:s> pos n. usage modifier def well-proportioned with a small waist. exam 1 an hourglass figure. hour hand 0. syl hour hand pos n. def the pointer on a timepiece that indicates the hour. Compare {minute hand, second hand}. houri ety C18: from French, from Persian h*_uri, from Arabic h*_ur, plural of haur*_a' woman with dark eyes houris infl head houri syl hou+ris. pos n. mod pl. houri 1. syl hou+ri pron <1hu*ri> pos n. usage in Muslim belief def any of the nymphs of Paradise. houri 2. syl hou+ri pron <1hu*ri> pos n. def any alluring woman. hourlong 0. syl hour+long pos adj. adv. def lasting an hour. hourly 1. syl hour+ly pron <1au*li> pos adj. def of, occurring, or done every hour. hourly 2. syl hour+ly pron <1au*li> pos adj. def done in or measured by the hour. exam 1 we are paid an hourly rate. hourly 3. syl hour+ly pron <1au*li> pos adj. def continual or frequent. hourly 4. syl hour+ly pron <1au*li> pos adv. def every hour. hourly 5. syl hour+ly pron <1au*li> pos adv. def at any moment or time. hours 1. syl hours pron pos n. mod pl. def a period regularly or customarily appointed for work, business, etc. hours 2. syl hours pron pos n. mod pl. def one's times of rising and going to bed (esp. in the phrases {keep regular, irregular}, or {late hours}) . the small hours 3. head hours syl the small hours. def the hours just after midnight. till all hours 4. head hours syl till all hours. def until very late. hours 5. syl hours pron pos n. mod pl. def an indefinite period of time. hours 6. syl hours pron pos n. mod pl. def Also called (in the Roman Catholic Church): {canonical hours}. hours 6.a. syl hours pron pos n. mod pl. def the seven times of the day laid down for the recitation of the prayers of the divine office. hours 6.b. syl hours pron pos n. mod pl. def the prayers recited at these times. Hours 0. syl Hours pron pos n. mod pl. def another word for the {Horae}. house ety Old English h*_us; related to Old High German h*_us, Gothic gudh*_us temple, Old Norse h*_us house houses infl head house syl hous:es pron <1hauziz> pos n. mod pl. house 1.a. syl house pron pos n. def a building used as a home; dwelling. house 1.b. syl house pron pos n. usage as modifier def . exam 1 house dog. house 2. syl house pron pos n. def the people present in a house, esp. its usual occupants. house 3.a. syl house pron pos n. def a building used for some specific purpose. house 3.b. syl house pron pos n. usage in combination exam 1 a schoolhouse. house 4. syl house pron pos n. usage often cap. def a family line including ancestors and relatives, esp. a noble one. exam 1 the House of York. house 5.a. syl house pron pos n. def a commercial company; firm. exam 1 a publishing house. house 5.b. syl house pron pos n. usage as modifier exam 1 house style; exam 2 a house journal. house 6. syl house pron pos n. def an official deliberative or legislative body, such as one chamber of a bicameral legislature. house 7. syl house pron pos n. def a quorum in such a body (esp. in the phrase {make a house) }. house 8. syl house pron pos n. def a dwelling for a religious community. house 9. syl house pron pos n. qual Astrology. def any of the 12 divisions of the zodiac. See also {{planet} (sense 3)}. house 10.a. syl house pron pos n. def any of several divisions, esp. residential, of a large school. house 10.b. syl house pron pos n. usage as modifier def . exam 1 house spirit. house 11.a. syl house pron pos n. def a hotel, restaurant, bar, inn, club, etc., or the management of such an establishment. exam 1 drinks on the house. house 11.b. syl house pron pos n. usage as modifier exam 1 house rules. house 12. syl house pron pos n. def the audience in a theatre or cinema. house 13. syl house pron pos n. def an informal word for {brothel}. house 14. syl house pron pos n. def a hall in which an official deliberative or legislative body meets. house 15. syl house pron pos n. def See {full house}. house 16. syl house pron pos n. qual Curling. def the 12-foot target circle around the tee. house 17. syl house pron pos n. qual Nautical. def any structure or shelter on the weather deck of a vessel. bring the house down 18. head house syl bring the house down. qual Theatre. def to win great applause. house and home 19. head house syl house and home. def an emphatic form of {home}. like a house on fire 20. head house syl like a house on fire. qual Informal. def very well, quickly, or intensely. open house 21. head house syl open house. def free hospitality. put one's house in order 22. head house syl put one's house in order. def to settle or organize one's affairs. safe as houses 23. head house syl safe as houses. qual Brit. def very secure. house 24. syl house pron pos vb. mod tr. def to provide with or serve as accommodation. house 25. syl house pron pos vb. def to give or receive shelter or lodging. house 26. syl house pron pos vb. mod tr. def to contain or cover, esp. in order to protect. house 27. syl house pron pos vb. mod tr. def to fit (a piece of wood) into a mortise, joint, etc. house 28.a. syl house pron pos vb. def to secure or stow. house 28.b. syl house pron pos vb. def to secure (a topmast). house 28.c. syl house pron pos vb. def to secure and stow (an anchor). houseless sub head house syl house+less pos adj. the infl head House syl the. pos n. House 1. syl House pron pos n. def See {House of Commons}. House 2. syl House pron pos n. qual Brit. informal. def the Stock Exchange. house agent 0. syl house a:gent pos n. qual Brit. def another name for {estate agent}. house arrest 0. syl house ar+rest pos n. def confinement to one's own home. houseboat 0. syl house+boat pron <1haus2b*ut> pos n. def a stationary boat or barge used as a home. housebound 0. syl house+bound pron <1haus2baund> pos adj. def unable to leave one's house because of illness, injury, etc. houseboy 0. syl house+boy pron <1haus2bci> pos n. def a male domestic servant. housebreaking 0. syl house+break+ing pron <1haus2brAkiG> pos n. qual Criminal law. def the act of entering a building as a trespasser for an unlawful purpose. Assimilated with burglary, 1968. housebreaker sub head housebreaking syl house+2break+er pos n. house-broken 0. syl house-bro:ken pos adj. def another word for {house-trained}. housecarl ety Old English h*_uscarl, from Old Norse h*_uskarl manservant, from h*_us #7house+ karl man; see #7churl housecarl 0. syl house+carl pron <1haus2ka:l> pos n. usage in medieval Europe def a household warrior of Danish kings and noblemen. housecoat 0. syl house+coat pron <1haus2k*ut> pos n. def a woman's loose robelike informal garment. house-craft 0. syl house-craft pos n. def skill in domestic management. house factor 0. syl house fac+tor pos n. def a Scottish term for {estate agent}. housefather 0. syl house+fath:er pron <1haus2fa:D*> pos n. def a man in charge of the welfare of a particular group of children in an institution such as a children's home or approved school. &- {#!house+@!moth@.er} houseflies infl head housefly syl house+flies. pos n. mod pl. housefly 0. syl house+fly pron <1haus2flI> pos n. def a common dipterous fly, that frequents human habitations, spreads disease, and lays its eggs in carrion, decaying vegetables, etc.: family house guest 0. syl house guest pos n. def a guest at a house, esp. one who stays for a comparatively long time. household 1. syl house+hold pron <1haus2h*uld> pos n. def the people living together in one house collectively. household 2. syl house+hold pron <1haus2h*uld> pos n. usage modifier def of, relating to, or used in the running of a household; domestic. exam 1 household management. householder 0. syl house+hold:er pron <1haus2h*uld*> pos n. def a person who owns or rents a house. householdership sub head householder syl house+2hold:er+2ship pos n. household gods 1. syl house+hold gods pos n. mod pl. usage in ancient Rome def deities of the home; lares and penates. household gods 2. syl house+hold gods pos n. mod pl. qual Brit. informal. def the essentials of domestic life. word alt head household name or household name syl word pos n. household name 0. or word syl house+hold name pos n. def a person or thing that is very well known. household troops 0. syl house+hold troops pos n. mod pl. def the infantry and cavalry regiments that carry out escort and guard duties for a head of state. housekeeper 0. syl house+keep:er pron <1haus2kEp*> pos n. def a person, esp. a woman, employed to run a household. housekeeping 1. syl house+keep:ing pron <1haus2kEpiG> pos n. def the running of a household. housekeeping 2. syl house+keep:ing pron <1haus2kEpiG> pos n. def money allotted for housekeeping. housel ety Old English h*_usl; related to Gothic hunsl sacrifice, Old Norse h*_usl housel 1. syl hou+sel pron <1hauzL> pos n. def a medieval name for {Eucharist}. housels infl head housel or housels syl hou+sels pos vb. qual U.S. houselling infl head housel or houseling syl hou+sel+ling pos vb. houselled infl head housel or houseled syl hou+selled pos vb. houseling infl head housel or houselling syl hou+sel+ing pos vb. qual U.S. houseled infl head housel or houselled syl hou+seled. pos vb. qual U.S. housel 2. syl hou+sel pron <1hauzL> pos vb. mod tr. def to give the Eucharist to (someone). houseleek 0. syl house+leek pron <1haus2lEk> pos n. def any Old World crassulaceous plant of the genus esp. which has a rosette of succulent leaves and pinkish flowers: grows on walls. Also called: {hen-and-chickens}. house lights 0. syl house lights pos n. mod pl. def the lights in the auditorium of a theatre, cinema, etc. houseline 0. syl house+line pron <1haus2lIn> pos n. qual Nautical. def tarred marline. Also called: {housing}. housemaid 0. syl house+maid pron <1haus2mAd> pos n. def a girl or woman employed to do housework, esp. one who is resident in the household. housemaid's knee 0. syl house+maid's knee pos n. def inflammation and swelling of the bursa in front of the kneecap, caused esp. by constant kneeling on a hard surface. Technical name: {prepatellar bursitis}. housemen infl head houseman syl house+men. pos n. mod pl. houseman 0. syl house+man pron <1hausm*n> pos n. qual Med. def a junior doctor who is a member of the medical staff of a hospital. U.S. equivalent: {intern}. house martin 0. syl house mar+tin pos n. def a Eurasian swallow, with a slightly forked tail and a white and bluish-black plumage. housemaster 0. syl house+mas:ter pron <1haus2ma:st*> pos n. def a teacher, esp. in a boarding school, responsible for the pupils in his house. housemistress sub head housemaster syl house+mis:tress pron <1haus2mistris> pos n. mod fem. house mouse 0. syl house mouse pos n. def any of various greyish mice of the Old World genus esp. a common household pest in most parts of the world: family House of Assembly 0. syl House of As+sem+bly pos n. def a legislative assembly or the lower chamber of such an assembly, esp. in various British colonies and countries of the Commonwealth. house of cards 0. syl house of cards pos n. def an unstable situation, plan, etc. House of Commons 0. syl House of Com+mons pos n. usage in Britain, Canada, etc. def the lower chamber of Parliament. house of correction 0. syl house of cor+rec+tion pos n. usage formerly def a place of confinement for persons convicted of minor offences. house of God 0. syl house of God pos n. def a church, temple, or chapel. house of ill fame alt head house of ill repute or house of ill repute syl house of ill fame pos n. house of ill repute 0. or house of ill fame syl house of ill re+pute pos n. def a euphemistic name for {brothel}. House of Keys 0. syl House of Keys pos n. def the lower chamber of the legislature of the Isle of Man. House of Lords 0. syl House of Lords pos n. usage in Britain def the upper chamber of Parliament, composed of the peers of the realm. House of Representatives 1. syl House of Rep+re+sen+ta+tives pos n. usage in the U.S. def the lower chamber of Congress. House of Representatives 2. syl House of Rep+re+sen+ta+tives pos n. usage in Australia def the lower chamber of Parliament. House of Representatives 3. syl House of Rep+re+sen+ta+tives pos n. def the sole chamber of New Zealand's Parliament: formerly the lower chamber. House of Representatives 4. syl House of Rep+re+sen+ta+tives pos n. usage in the U.S. def the lower chamber in many state legislatures. House of the People 0. syl House of the Peo+ple pos n. def another name for {Lok Sabha}. house organ 0. syl house or+gan pos n. def a periodical published by an organization for its employees or clients. house party 1. syl house par+ty pos n. def a party, usually in a country house, at which guests are invited to stay for several days. house party 2. syl house par+ty pos n. def the guests who are invited. doctor alt head house physician or house physician syl doc+tor pos n. house physician 0. or doctor syl house phy+si+cian pos n. def a physician who lives in a hospital or other institution where he is employed. Compare { {resident} (sense 6)}. house plant 0. syl house plant pos n. def a plant that can be grown indoors. house-proud 0. syl house-proud pos adj. def proud of the appearance, cleanliness, etc., of one's house, sometimes excessively so. houseroom 1. syl house+room pron <1haus2rum>, <-2ru:m> pos n. def room for storage or lodging. give (something) houseroom 2. head houseroom syl give (something) houseroom. usage used with a negative def to have or keep (something) in one's house. exam 1 I wouldn't give that vase houseroom. Houses of Parliament 1. syl Hous:es of Par+lia+ment pos n. usage in Britain def the building in which the House of Commons and the House of Lords assemble. Houses of Parliament 2. syl Hous:es of Par+lia+ment pos n. usage in Britain def these two chambers considered together. house sparrow 0. syl house spar+row pos n. def a small Eurasian weaverbird, now established in North America and Australia. It has a brown streaked plumage with grey underparts. Also called (U.S.): {English sparrow}. housetop 1. syl house+top pron <1haus2top> pos n. def the roof of a house. proclaim from the housetops 2. head housetop syl proclaim from the housetops. def to announce (something) publicly. house-train 0. syl house-train pos vb. mod tr. qual Brit. def to train (pets) to urinate and defecate outside the house or in a special place. House Un-American Activities Committee 0. syl House Un-A:mer:i:can Ac+tiv:i+ties Com+mit+tee pos n. def the former name of the {Internal Security Committee} of the U.S. House of Representatives: notorious for its anti-Communist investigations in the late 1940s and 1950s. Acronym: {HUAC}. house-warming 0.a. syl house-warm:ing pos n. def a party given after moving into a new home. house-warming 0.b. syl house-warm:ing pos n. usage as modifier exam 1 a house-warming party. housewives infl head housewife syl house+wives. pos n. mod pl. housewife 1. syl house+wife pron <1haus2wIf> pos n. def a married woman who keeps house, usually without having a full-time job. housewife 2. syl house+wife pron <1huzif> pos n. def Also called: {hussy, huswife}. a small sewing kit issued to soldiers. housewifery sub head housewife syl house+wif+er:y pron <1haus2wif*ri>, <-2wifri> pos n. housewifely 0. syl house+wife+ly pron <1haus2wIfli> pos adj. def prudent and neat; domestic. exam 1 housewifely virtues. housewifeliness sub head housewifely syl house+2wife+li+ness pos n. housework 0. syl house+work pron <1haus2wR:k> pos n. def the work of running a home, such as cleaning, cooking, etc. houseworker sub head housework syl house+2work:er pos n. housey-housey ety C20: so called from the cry of @6house&!@9 shouted by the winner of a game, probably from #7full house housey-housey 0. syl hous:ey-hous:ey pron <1hauzi1hauzi> pos n. def another name for {bingo} or {lotto}. housing H1.1.a. syl hous+ing pron <1hauziG> pos n. def houses or dwellings collectively. housing H1.1.b. syl hous+ing pron <1hauziG> pos n. usage as modifier exam 1 a housing problem. housing H1.2. syl hous+ing pron <1hauziG> pos n. def the act of providing with accommodation. housing H1.3. syl hous+ing pron <1hauziG> pos n. def a hole, recess, groove, or slot made in one wooden member to receive another. housing H1.4. syl hous+ing pron <1hauziG> pos n. def a part designed to shelter, cover, contain, or support a component, such as a bearing, or a mechanism, such as a pump or wheel. exam 1 a bearing housing; exam 2 a motor housing; exam 3 a wheel housing. housing H1.5. syl hous+ing pron <1hauziG> pos n. def another word for {houseline}. housing ety C14: from Old French houce covering, of Germanic origin housing H2.0. syl hous+ing pron <1hauziG> pos n. mod often; pl. qual Archaic. def another word for { {trappings} (sense 2)}. housing estate 0. syl hous+ing es+tate pos n. def a planned area of housing, often with its own shops and other amenities. housing scheme 0. syl hous+ing scheme pos n. def a local-authority housing plan. Often shortened to {scheme}. A (lfred) E (dward) infl head Housman syl A (lfred) E (dward) . pos n. Housman 0. syl Hous:man pron <1hausm*n> pos n. def 1859-1936, English poet and classical scholar, author of (1896) and (1922). Houston 0. syl Hou+ston pron <1hju:st*n> pos n. def an inland port in SE Texas, linked by the {Houston Ship Canal} to the Gulf of Mexico and the Gulf Intracoastal Waterway: capital of the Republic of Texas (1837-39; 1842-45); site of the Manned Spacecraft Center (1964). Pop.: 1320018 (1973 est.). houstonia ety C19: named after Dr. William Houston (died 1733), Scottish botanist houstonia 0. syl hous+to+ni:a pron pos n. def any small North American rubiaceous plant of the genus having blue, white or purple flowers. houting ety C19: from Dutch, from Middle Dutch houtic, of uncertain origin houting 0. syl hout+ing pron <1hautiG> pos n. def a European whitefish, that lives in salt water but spawns in freshwater lakes: a valued food fish. hove 0. syl hove pron pos vb. qual Chiefly nautical. def a past tense or past participle of {heave}. Hove 0. syl Hove pron pos n. def a town and resort in S England, in East Sussex adjoining Brighton. Pop.: 72659 (1971). hovel ety C15: of unknown origin hovel 1. syl hov+el pron <1h^vL>, <1hov-> pos n. def a ramshackle dwelling place. hovel 2. syl hov+el pron <1h^vL>, <1hov-> pos n. def an open shed for livestock, carts, etc. hovel 3. syl hov+el pron <1h^vL>, <1hov-> pos n. def the conical building enclosing a kiln. hovels infl head hovel or hovels syl hov+els pos vb. qual U.S. hovelling infl head hovel or hoveling syl hov+el+ling pos vb. hovelled infl head hovel or hoveled syl hov+elled pos vb. hoveling infl head hovel or hovelling syl hov+el+ing pos vb. qual U.S. hoveled infl head hovel or hovelled syl hov+eled. pos vb. qual U.S. hovel 4. syl hov+el pron <1h^vL>, <1hov-> pos vb. def to shelter or be sheltered in a hovel. hover ety C14 hoveren, variant of hoven, of obscure origin hover 1. syl hov+er pron <1hov*> pos vb. mod intr. def to remain suspended in one place. hover 2. syl hov+er pron <1hov*> pos vb. mod intr. usage of certain birds, esp. hawks def to remain in one place in the air by rapidly beating the wings. hover 3. syl hov+er pron <1hov*> pos vb. mod intr. def to linger uncertainly in a nervous or solicitous way. hover 4. syl hov+er pron <1hov*> pos vb. mod intr. def to be in a state of indecision. hover 5. syl hov+er pron <1hov*> pos n. mod intr. def the act of hovering. hoverer sub head hover syl hov+er+er pos n. hoveringly sub head hover syl hov+er+ing+ly pos adv. hovercraft 0. syl hov:er+craft pron <1hov*2kra:ft> pos n. def a vehicle that is able to travel across both land and water on a cushion of air. The cushion is produced by fans or a peripheral ring of nozzles. hover fly 0. syl hov+er fly pos n. def any dipterous fly of the family with a typically hovering flight, esp. which mimics a wasp. hoverport 0. syl hov:er+port pron <1hov*2pc:t> pos n. def a port for hovercraft. hovertrain 0. syl hov:er+train pron <1hov*2trAn> pos n. def a train that moves over a concrete track and is supported while in motion by a cushion of air supplied by powerful fans. how ety Old English hu; related to Old Frisian h*_u, Old High German hweo how H1.1. syl how pron pos adv. def in what way?? in what manner?? by what means??. exam 1 how did it happen?? how H1.2. syl how pron pos adv. def to what extent??. exam 1 how tall is he?? how H1.3. syl how pron pos adv. def how good?? how well?? what...like??. exam 1 how did she sing?? exam 2 how was the holiday?? how about 4. head how syl how about?? def used to suggest something. exam 1 how about asking her?? exam 2 how about a cup of tea?? how are you 5. head how syl how are you?? def what is your state of health?? how come 6. head how syl how come?? qual Informal. def what is the reason (that)??. exam 1 how come you told him?? how H1.7.a. syl how pron pos adv. def is this satisfactory as regards&e. exam 1 how's that for size?? how H1.7.b. syl how pron pos adv. def an exclamation used to draw attention to a quality, deed, etc.. exam 1 how is that for endurance?? how H1.8.a. syl how pron pos adv. def what is your opinion?? how H1.8.b. syl how pron pos adv. usage Cricket. an appeal to the umpire def is the batsman out?? how now 9. head how or how so syl how now?? qual Archaic. def what is the meaning of this?? how H1.10. syl how pron pos adv. def Also: {as how}. that. exam 1 he told me as how the shop was closed. how H1.11. syl how pron pos adv. def in whatever way. exam 1 do it how you wish. and how 12. head how syl and how&! usage intensifier def very much so&!. here's how 13. head how syl here's how&! usage as a toast def good health&! {~} how H1.14. syl how pron pos adv. def the way a thing is done. exam 1 the how of it. how ety C19: of Siouan origin; related to Dakota h*'ao how H2.0. syl how pron pos interj. def a greeting supposed to be or have been used by American Indians and often used humorously. Catherine 1. head Howard syl Cath:er:ine. def ??1521-42, fifth wife of Henry VIII of England; beheaded. Charles 2. head Howard syl Charles def Lord Howard of Effingham and 1st Earl of Nottingham. 1536-1624, Lord High Admiral of England (1585-1618). He commanded the fleet that defeated the Spanish Armada (1588). Howard 3. syl How:ard pron <1hau*d> pos n. def Sir {Eb@.e@.ne@.zer}. 1850-1928, English town planner, who introduced garden cities. Henry 4. head Howard syl Hen:ry. def See (Earl of) {Surrey}. John 5. head Howard syl John. def 1726-90, English prison reformer. infl head howbeit syl ~ qual Archaic. howbeit 1. syl how+be+it pron usage sentence connector. def however. howbeit 2. syl how+be+it pron pos conj. usage subordinating def though; although. howdah ety C18: from Hindi haudah, from Arabic haudaj load carried by elephant or camel howdah 0. syl how+dah pron <1haud*> pos n. def a seat for riding on an elephant's back, esp. one with a canopy. how do you do 1. syl how do you do pos interj. def Also: {how do??, how d'ye do}?? a formal greeting said by people who are being introduced to each other or are meeting for the first time. how-do-you-do infl head how do you do syl how-do-you-do. pos n. how do you do 2. syl how do you do pos n. qual Informal. def a difficult situation. howdy ety C16: from the phrase how d'ye do howdy 0. syl how+dy pron <1haudi> pos interj. qual Chiefly U.S. def an informal word for {hello}. Elias 1. head Howe syl E:li:as. def 1819-67, U.S. inventor of the sewing machine (1846). Richard 2. head Howe syl Rich:ard def 4th Viscount Howe. 1726-99, British admiral: served (1776-78) in the War of American Independence and commanded the Channel fleet against France, winning the Battle of the Glorious First of June (1794). Howe 3. syl Howe pron pos n. def his brother, {Wil@.liam}, 5th Viscount Howe. 1729-1814, British general; commander in chief (1776-78) of British forces in the War of American Independence. howe'er 0. syl how:e'er pron usage sentence connector, adv. def a poetic contraction of {however}. however 1. syl how+ev:er pron usage sentence connector. def still; nevertheless. however 2. syl how+ev:er pron usage sentence connector. def on the other hand; yet. however 3. syl how+ev:er pron pos adv. def by whatever means; in whatever manner. however 4. syl how+ev:er pron pos adv. usage degree def no matter how. exam 1 however long it takes, finish it. however 5. syl how+ev:er pron pos adv. def an emphatic form of {how%1} (sense 1). howf ety C16: of uncertain origin howf 0. syl howf pron , pos n. qual Scot. def a public house. howitzer ety C16: from Dutch houwitser, from German Haubitze, from Czech houfnice stone-sling howitzer 0. syl how+itz+er pron <1hauits*> pos n. def a cannon having a short or medium barrel with a low muzzle velocity and a steep angle of fire. howl ety C14 houlen; related to Middle High German hiuweln, Middle Dutch h*_ulen, Danish hyle howl 1. syl howl pron pos n. def a long plaintive cry or wail characteristic of a wolf or hound. howl 2. syl howl pron pos n. def a similar cry of pain or sorrow. howl 3.a. syl howl pron pos n. def a person or thing that is very funny. howl 3.b. syl howl pron pos n. def a prolonged outburst of laughter. howl 4. syl howl pron pos n. qual Electronics. def an unwanted prolonged high-pitched sound produced by a sound-producing system as a result of feedback. howl 5. syl howl pron pos vb. def to express in a howl or utter such cries. howl 6. syl howl pron pos vb. mod intr. usage of the wind, etc. def to make a wailing noise. howl 7. syl howl pron pos vb. mod intr. qual Informal. def to shout or laugh. Howland Island 0. syl How+land Is+land pron <1haul*nd> pos n. def a small island in the central Pacific, near the equator northwest of Phoenix Island: U.S. airfield. Area: 2.6 sq. km (1 sq. mile). howl down 0. syl howl down pos vb. adv. mod tr. def to prevent (a speaker) from being heard by shouting disapprovingly. howler 1. syl howl+er pron <1haul*> pos n. def Also called: {howler monkey}. any large New World monkey of the genus inhabiting tropical forests in South America and having a loud howling cry. howler 2. syl howl+er pron <1haul*> pos n. qual Informal. def a glaring mistake. howler 3. syl howl+er pron <1haul*> pos n. qual Brit. def a device that produces a loud tone in a telephone receiver to attract attention when the receiver is incorrectly replaced. howler 4. syl howl+er pron <1haul*> pos n. def a person or thing that howls. howlet ety C15: diminutive of howle #7owl howlet 0. syl how+let pron <1haulit> pos n. qual Archaic, poetic. def another word for {owl}. howlingly sub head howling syl howl+ing+ly pos adv. Howrah 0. syl How+rah pron <1haur*> pos n. def an industrial city in E India, in West Bengal on the Hooghly River opposite Calcutta. Pop.: 737877 (1971). howsoever 0. syl how+so+ev:er pron <2haus*u1ev*> usage sentence connector, adv. def a less common word for {however}. howtowdie ety from Scottish howtowdie 0. syl how+tow+die pron pos n. def a Scottish dish of boiled chicken with poached eggs and spinach. Enver infl head Hoxha syl En:ver pron <1AmvAr> pos n. Hoxha 0. syl Hox:ha pron Albanian <1hoJa> pos n. def born 1908, Albanian statesman: founded the Albanian Communist Party in 1941 and has been its first secretary since 1954. hoy ety C15: from Middle Dutch hoei hoy H1.1. syl hoy pron pos n. qual Nautical. def a freight barge. hoy H1.2. syl hoy pron pos n. qual Nautical. def a coastal fishing and trading vessel, usually sloop-rigged, used during the 17th and 18th centuries. hoy ety C14: variant of #7hey hoy H2.0. syl hoy pron pos interj. def a cry used to attract attention or drive animals. hoya ety C19: named after Thomas Hoy (died 1821), English gardener hoya 0. syl hoy:a pron <1hci*> pos n. def any plant of the asclepiadaceous genus of E Asia and Australia, esp. the waxplant. hoyden ety C16: perhaps from Middle Dutch heidijn heathen hoiden alt head hoyden or hoyden syl hoi+den pron <1hcidN> pos n. hoyden 0. or hoiden syl hoy+den pron <1hcidN> pos n. def a wild boisterous girl; tomboy. hoydenish sub head hoyden or hoidenish syl hoy+den+ish pos adj. hoidenish sub head hoyden or hoydenish syl hoi+den+ish pos adj. hoydenishness sub head hoyden or hoidenishness syl hoy+den+ish+ness pos n. hoidenishness sub head hoyden or hoydenishness syl hoi+den+ish+ness pos n. Hoylake 0. syl Hoy+lake pron <1hci2lAk> pos n. def a town and resort in NW England, in Merseyside on the Irish Sea. Pop.: 32196 (1971). Hoyle ety after Sir Edmund Hoyle, 18th-century English authority on games, its compiler Hoyle H1.0. syl Hoyle pron pos n. def an authoritative book of rules for card games. Hoyle H2.0. syl Hoyle pron pos n. def Sir {Fred}. born 1915, English astronomer and writer: his books include (1950) and (1955), and science-fiction writings. HP 1. syl H.P. qual abbrev. for:; Brit. def hire purchase. HP 2. syl H.P. qual abbrev. for: def Also: {hp} horse?!power. HP 3. syl H.P. qual abbrev. for: def high pressure. HP 4. syl H.P. qual abbrev. for: usage in Britain def Houses of Parliament. {~} Also (for senses 1-3): {h.p}. hq alt head HQ or HQ syl h.q. HQ 0. or hq syl H.Q. qual abbrev. for def headquarters. hr alt or hr syl hr hr 0. or hr syl hr. qual abbrev. for def hour. HR 1. syl H.R. qual abbrev. for:; Brit. def Home Rule. HR 2. syl H.R. qual abbrev. for:; U.S. def House of Rep?!resentatives. Hradec Kr'alov'e 0. syl Hra+dec Kr*'a+lo+v*'e pron Czech <1hradets> <1kra:lcve:> pos n. def a town in NW Czechoslovakia, on the Elbe River. Pop.: 68160 (1968 est.). German name: {K*"oniggr*"atz}. HRE 0. syl H.R.E. qual abbrev. for def Holy Roman Emperor Empire. HRH 0. syl H.R.H. qual abbrev. for def His Her) Royal Highness. Hrvatska 0. syl Hr:vat+ska pron <1hrva:tska:> pos n. def the Serbo-Croatian name for {Croatia}. hs ety Latin: in this sense hs 0. syl h.s. qual abbrev. for def hoc sensu. HS 0. syl H.S. qual abbrev. for usage in Britain def Home Secretary. HSH 0. syl H.S.H. qual abbrev. for def His Her) Serene Highness. Hsi 0. syl Hsi pron pos n. def a variant spelling of {Si}. Hsia-men 0. syl Hsia-men pron <1Sja:1men> pos n. def a transliteration of the modern Chinese name for {Amoy}. Hsian 0. syl Hsian pron pos n. def a variant spelling of {Sian}. Hsiang 0. syl Hsiang pron pos n. def a variant spelling of {Siang}. Hsin-hai-lien 0. syl Hsin-hai-lien pron <1Sin> <1hI> <1ljen> pos n. def a variant spelling of {Sinhailien}. Hsining 0. syl Hsi+ning pron <1Si:1niG> pos n. def a variant spelling of {Sining}. Hsinking 0. syl Hsin+king pron <1Sin1kiG> pos n. def the former name (1932-45) of {Changchun}. HSM 0. syl H.S.M. qual abbrev. for def His Her) Serene Majesty. Hsuan T'ung 0. syl Hs*"uan T'ung pron <1Swa:n> <1tuG> pos n. def the title as emperor of China of (Henry) {Pu-yi}. Hsu-chou 0. syl Hs*"u-chou pron <1Su:1Cau> pos n. def a variant spelling of {S*"uchou}. HT 0. syl HT qual Physics. abbrev. for def high tension. ht 0. syl ht. qual abbrev. for def height. Hts 0. syl Hts. qual abbrev. for usage in place names def Heights. Huai-nan 0. syl Huai-nan pron <1hwI1n@n> pos n. def a city in E China, in Anhwei province north of Hofei. Pop.: 600000 (1970 est.). Hua Kuo-feng 0. syl Hua Kuo-feng pron <1hwa:> <1feG> pos n. def born 1922, Chinese Communist statesman; prime minister of China since 1976. Huambo 0. syl Huam+bo pron Portuguese <1wambu> pos n. def a town in central Angola: designated by the Portuguese as the future capital of the country. Pop.: 61885 (1970). Former name (1928-73): {Nova Lisboa}. Huang Hua 0. syl Huang Hua pron pos n. def born 1913, Chinese Communist statesman; minister for foreign affairs since 1976. Hu'ascar 0. syl Hu*'as:car pron Spanish <1waskar> pos n. def died 1533, Inca ruler (1525-33): murdered by his half brother Atahualpa. Huasc'an alt head Huascar'an or Huascar'an syl Huas+c*'an pron Spanish pos n. Huascar'an 0. or Huasc'an syl Huas+ca+r*'an pron Spanish <2waska1ran> pos n. def an extinct volcano in W Peru, in the Peruvian Andes: the highest peak in Peru; avalanche in 1962 destroyed village and killed over 3000 people. Height: 6768 m (22205 ft.). hub ety C17: probably variant of #7hob %1 hub 1. syl hub pos h^b; n. def the central portion of a wheel, propeller, fan, etc., through which the axle passes. hub 2. syl hub pos h^b; n. def the focal point. Edwin Powell infl head Hubble syl Ed:win Pow:ell. pos n. Hubble 0. syl Hub:ble pron <1h^bL> pos n. def 1889-1953, U.S. astronomer, noted for his investigations of nebulae and the recession of the galaxies. hubble-bubble ety C17: rhyming jingle based on #7bubble hubble-bubble 1. syl hub:ble-bub:ble pron <1h^bL1b^bL> pos n. def another name for {hookah}. hubble-bubble 2. syl hub:ble-bub:ble pron <1h^bL1b^bL> pos n. def hubbub; turmoil. hubble-bubble 3. syl hub:ble-bub:ble pron <1h^bL1b^bL> pos n. def a bubbling or gargling sound. Hubble constant ety C20: named after E. P. H#7ubble Hubble constant 0. syl Hub:ble con+stant pos n. def the ratio of the recessional velocity of a galaxy to its distance, the recessional velocity being determined from its red shift. It is equal to approximately 0.12 m s%-%1parsec%-%1. hubbub ety C16: probably from Irish hooboobbes; compare Scottish Gaelic ubub&! an exclamation of contempt hubbub 1. syl hub+bub pron <1h^b^b> pos n. def a confused noise of many voices. hubbub 2. syl hub+bub pron <1h^b^b> pos n. def uproar. hubby ety C17: by shortening and altering hubbies infl head hubby syl hub+bies. pos n. mod pl. hubby 0. syl hub+by pron <1h^bi> pos n. def an informal word for {husband}. hubcap 0. syl hub+cap pron <1h^b2k@p> pos n. def a metal cap fitting onto the hub of a wheel, esp. a stainless steel or chromium-plated one. Hubli 0. syl Hub+li pron <1hu:bli> pos n. def a city in W India, in NW Mysore: incorpo?!rated with Dharwar in 1961; educational and trading centre. Pop. (with Dharwar): 379116 (1971). hubris ety C19: from Greek hybris alt head hubris or hubris syl hy+bris pos n. hubris 1. or hybris syl hu+bris pron <1hju:bris> pos n. def pride or arrogance. hubris 2. or hybris syl hu+bris pron <1hju:bris> pos n. usage in Greek tragedy def an excess of ambition, pride, etc., ultimately causing the transgressor's ruin. hubristic sub head hubris or hybristic syl hu+1bris+tic pos adj. hybristic sub head hubris or hubristic syl hy+1bris+tic pos adj. huckaback ety C17: of unknown origin huckaback 0. syl huck:a+back pron <1h^k*2b@k> pos n. def a coarse absorbent linen or cotton fabric used for towels and informal shirts, etc. Also: {huck} (h^k). huckle ety C16: diminutive of Middle English huck hip, haunch; perhaps related to Old Norse h*_uka to squat huckle 1. syl huck+le pron <1h^kL> pos n. qual Rare. def the hip or haunch. huckle 2. syl huck+le pron <1h^kL> pos n. qual Rare. def a projecting or humped part. huckleberry ety C17: probably a variant of hurtleberry, of unknown origin huckleberries infl head huckleberry syl huck:le+ber:ries. pos n. mod pl. huckleberry 1. syl huck:le+ber:ry pron <1h^kL2beri> pos n. def any American ericaceous shrub of the genus having edible dark blue berries with large seeds. huckleberry 2. syl huck:le+ber:ry pron <1h^kL2beri> pos n. def the fruit of any of these shrubs. huckleberry 3. syl huck:le+ber:ry pron <1h^kL2beri> pos n. def another name for {blueberry}. huckleberry 4. syl huck:le+ber:ry pron <1h^kL2beri> pos n. def a Brit. name for { {whortleberry} (sense 1)}. hucklebone 1. syl huck:le+bone pron <1h^kL2b*un> pos n. qual Archaic. def the anklebone; talus. hucklebone 2. syl huck:le+bone pron <1h^kL2b*un> pos n. qual Archaic. def the hipbone; innominate bone. huckster ety C12: perhaps from Middle Dutch hoekster, from hoeken to carry on the back huckster 1. syl huck+ster pron <1h^kst*> pos n. def a person who uses aggressive or questionable methods of selling. huckster 2. syl huck+ster pron <1h^kst*> pos n. qual Now rare. def a person who sells small articles or fruit in the street. huckster 3. syl huck+ster pron <1h^kst*> pos n. qual U.S. def a person who writes for radio or television advertisements. huckster 4. syl huck+ster pron <1h^kst*> pos vb. mod tr. def to peddle. huckster 5. syl huck+ster pron <1h^kst*> pos vb. mod tr. def to sell or advertise aggressively or questionably. huckster 6. syl huck+ster pron <1h^kst*> pos vb. def to haggle over. hucksterism sub head huckster syl huck+ster+ism pos n. Huddersfield 0. syl Hud+ders+field pron <1h^d*z2fEld> pos n. def a town in N England, in West Yorkshire on the River Colne: textile industry. Pop.: 130964 (1971). huddle ety C16: of uncertain origin; compare Middle English hoderen to wrap up huddle 1. syl hud+dle pron <1h^dL> pos n. def a heaped or crowded mass of people or things. huddle 2. syl hud+dle pron <1h^dL> pos n. qual Informal. def a private or impromptu conference (esp. in the phrase {go into a huddle) }. huddle 3. syl hud+dle pron <1h^dL> pos vb. def to crowd or cause to crowd or nestle closely together. huddle 4. syl hud+dle pron <1h^dL> pos vb. usage often foll. by up def to draw or hunch (oneself), as through cold. huddle 5. syl hud+dle pron <1h^dL> pos vb. mod intr. qual Informal. def to meet and confer privately. huddle 6. syl hud+dle pron <1h^dL> pos vb. mod tr. qual Chiefly Brit. def to do (something) in a careless way. huddle 7. syl hud+dle pron <1h^dL> pos vb. mod tr. qual Rare. def to put on (clothes) hurriedly. huddler sub head huddle syl hud+dler pos n. Trevor infl head Huddleston syl Tre:vor. pos n. Huddleston 0. syl Hud:dle:ston pron <1h^dLst*n> pos n. def born 1913, English prelate; suffragan bishop of Stepney (1968-78) and bishop of Mauritius since 1978. hudibrastic ety C18: after Hudibras, poem (1663-68) by Samuel Butler hudibrastic 0. syl hu+di+bras+tic pron <2hju:di1br@stik> pos adj. def mock-heroic in style. Henry 1. head Hudson syl Hen:ry. def died 1611, English navigator: he explored the Hudson River (1609) and Hudson Bay (1610), where his crew mutinied and cast him adrift to die. W (illiam) H (enry) 2. head Hudson syl W (illiam) H (enry) . def 1841-1922, English naturalist and novelist, born in Argentina, noted esp. for his romance (1904) and the autobiographical (1918). Hudson Bay 0. syl Hud+son Bay pos n. def an inland sea in NE Canada: linked with the Atlantic by {Hudson Strait}; the S extension forms James Bay; discovered in 1610 by Henry Hudson. Area (excluding James Bay): 647500 sq. km (250000 sq. miles). Hudson River 0. syl Hud+son Riv+er pos n. def a river in E New York State, flowing generally south into Upper New York Bay: linked to the Great Lakes, the St. Lawrence Seaway, and Lake Champlain by the New York State Barge Canal and the canalized Mohawk River. Length: 492 km (306 miles). Hudson's Bay Company 0. syl Hud+son's Bay Com+pa+ny pos n. def an English company chartered in 1670 to trade in all parts of North America drained by rivers flowing into Hudson Bay. Hudson seal 0. syl Hud+son seal pos n. def muskrat fur that has been dressed and dyed to resemble sealskin. hue ety Old English h*_iw beauty; related to Old Norse h*_y fine hair, Gothic hiwi form hue 1. syl hue pron pos n. def the attribute of colour that enables an observer to classify it as red, green, blue, purple, etc., and excludes white, black, and shades of grey. See also {colour}. hue 2. syl hue pron pos n. def a shade of a colour. hue 3. syl hue pron pos n. def aspect; complexion. exam 1 a different hue on matters. Hu'e 0. syl Hu*'e qual French def we) a port in central Vietnam, on the delta of the {Hu*'e River} near the South China Sea: former capital of the kingdom of Annam, of French Indochina (1883-1946), and of Central Vietnam (1946-54). Pop.: 199893 (1971). hue and cry ety C16: from Anglo-French hu et cri, from Old French hue outcry, from huer to shout, from hu&! shout of warning+ cri #7cry hue and cry 1. syl hue and cry pos n. usage formerly def the pursuit of a suspected criminal with loud cries in order to raise the alarm. hue and cry 2. syl hue and cry pos n. def any loud public outcry. hued 0.a. syl hued pron pos adj. qual Archaic or poetic. def having a hue or colour as specified. hued 0.b. syl hued pron pos adj. qual Archaic or poetic. usage in combination exam 1 rosy-hued dawn. Huelva 0. syl Huel+va pron Spanish <1wAl$Ba> pos n. def a port in SW Spain, between the estuaries of the Odiel and Tinto Rivers: exports copper and other ores. Pop.: 96689 (1970). Latin name: {Onuba}. Huesca 0. syl Hues+ca pron Spanish <1wAska> pos n. def a city in NE Spain: Roman town, site of Quintus Sertorius' school (76 #7b.c.) ; 15th-century cathedral and ancient palace of Aragonese kings. Pop.: 33185 (1970). Latin name: {Osca}. huff ety C16: of imitative origin; compare #7puff &- #!huff+ish or #!huff@.y adj. &- #!huff@.i+ness or #!huff+ish+ness n. huff 1. syl huff pos h^f; n. def a passing mood of anger or pique (esp. in the phrase {in a huff) }. huff 2. syl huff pos vb. def to make or become angry or resentful. huff 3. syl huff pos vb. mod intr. def to blow or puff heavily. huff 4. syl huff pos vb. def Also: {blow}. to remove (an opponent's draught) from the board for failure to make a capture. huff 5. syl huff pos vb. mod tr. qual Obsolete. def to bully. Hufuf 0. syl Hu+fuf pron pos n. def See {Al Hufuf}. hug ety C16: probably of Scandinavian origin; related to Old Norse hugga to comfort, Old English hogian to take care of hugs infl head hug syl hugs pos h^g; vb. mod mainly; tr. hugging infl head hug syl hug+ging pos h^g; vb. mod mainly; tr. hugged infl head hug syl hugged. pos h^g; vb. mod mainly; tr. hug 1. syl hug pos h^g; vb. mod also; intr. def to clasp (another person or thing) tightly or (of two people) to cling close together; embrace. hug 2. syl hug pos h^g; vb. mod mainly; tr. def to keep close to a shore, kerb, etc. hug 3. syl hug pos h^g; vb. mod mainly; tr. def to cling to (beliefs, etc.); cherish. hug 4. syl hug pos h^g; vb. mod mainly; tr. def to congratulate (oneself); be delighted with (oneself). hug 5. syl hug pos n. mod mainly; tr. def a tight or fond embrace. huggable sub head hug syl hug+ga:ble pos adj. hugger sub head hug syl hug+ger pos n. huge ety C13: from Old French ahuge, of uncertain origin &- #!huge+ness n. huge 0. syl huge pron pos adj. def extremely large in size, amount, or scope. Archaic form: {hugeous}. hugely 0. syl huge+ly pron <1hju:Jli> pos adv. def very much; enormously. huggermugger ety C16: of uncertain origin huggermugger 1. syl hug+ger+mug+ger pron <1h^g*2m^g*> pos n. def confusion. huggermugger 2. syl hug+ger+mug+ger pron <1h^g*2m^g*> pos n. qual Rare. def secrecy. huggermugger 3. syl hug+ger+mug+ger pron <1h^g*2m^g*> pos adj. adv. qual Archaic. def with secrecy. huggermugger 4. syl hug+ger+mug+ger pron <1h^g*2m^g*> pos adj. adv. qual Archaic. def in confusion. huggermugger 5. syl hug+ger+mug+ger pron <1h^g*2m^g*> pos vb. mod tr. qual Obsolete. def to keep secret. huggermugger 6. syl hug+ger+mug+ger pron <1h^g*2m^g*> pos vb. mod intr. qual Obsolete. def to act secretly. Hugh Capet 0. syl Hugh Ca:pet pron <1hju:> <1k@pit>, <1kApit> pos n. def See (Hugh) {Capet}. Howard 1. head Hughes syl How:ard. def 1905-76, U.S. industrialist, aviator, and film producer. He became a total recluse during the last years of his life. Richard (Arthur Warren) 2. head Hughes syl Rich:ard (Arthur Warren) def 1900-76, English novelist. He wrote (1929), (1938), and (1961). Ted 3. head Hughes syl Ted. def born 1930, English poet: his works include (1957) and (1970). Thomas 4. head Hughes syl Thom:as. def 1822-96, English novelist; author of (1857). William Morris 5. head Hughes syl Wil:liam Mor:ris. def 1864-1952, Australian statesman, born in Wales: prime minister of Australia (1915-23). Hughie 0. syl Hugh:ie pron <1hju:i> pos n. qual Austral. informal. def the god of rain (esp. in the phrase {send her down, Hughie&}!) . hug-me-tight 0. syl hug-me-tight pos n. def a woman's knitted jacket. Victor (Marie) infl head Hugo syl Vic:tor (Marie) pron pos n. Hugo 0. syl Hu:go pron <1hju:g*u>, French pos n. def 1802-85, French poet, novelist, and dramatist; leader of the romantic movement in France. His works include the volumes of verse (1831) and (1856), the novels (1831) and (1862), and the plays (1830) and (1838). Huguenot ety C16: from French, from Genevan dialect eyguenot one who opposed annexation by Savoy, ultimately from Swiss German Eidgenoss confederate; influenced by Hugues, surname of 16th-century Genevan burgomaster Huguenot 1. syl Hu+gue:not pron <1hju:g*2n*u>, <-2not> pos n. def a French Calvinist, esp. of the 16th or 17th centuries. Huguenot 2. syl Hu+gue:not pron <1hju:g*2n*u>, <-2not> pos adj. def designating the French Protestant Church. Huguenotic sub head Huguenot syl Hu+gue:1not+ic pos adj. Huguenotism sub head Huguenot syl Hu+gue:2not+ism pos n. huh 0. syl huh pos spelling; pron. h^; interj. def an exclamation of derision, bewilderment, enquiry, etc. Hu-ho-hao-t'e alt head Huhehot or Huhehot syl Hu-ho-hao-t'e pron <2hu:h*u> pos n. Huhehot 0. or Hu-ho-hao-t'e syl Hu+he+hot pron <2hu:hi1hot> <2hu:i-> pos n. def a town in N China, capital of Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region (since 1954) and former capital of Suiy*"uan province; Inner Mongolia University (1957). Pop.: 320000 (1958 est.). hula-hula alt head hula or hula syl hu:la-hu:la pos n. hula 0. or hula-hula syl hu:la pron <1hu:l*> pos n. def a Hawaiian dance performed by a woman. Hula-Hoop 0. syl Hu:la-Hoop pos n. qual Trademark. def a light hoop that is whirled around the body by movements of the waist and hips. hula skirt 0. syl hu:la skirt pos n. def a skirt made of long grass attached to a waistband and worn by hula dancers. hulk ety Old English hulc, from Medieval Latin hulca, from Greek holkas barge, from helkein to tow hulk 1. syl hulk pos h^lk; n. def the body of an abandoned vessel. hulk 2. syl hulk pos h^lk; n. qual Disparaging. def a large or unwieldy vessel. hulk 3. syl hulk pos h^lk; n. qual Disparaging. def a large ungainly person or thing. hulk 4. syl hulk pos h^lk; n. mod often; pl. def the frame or hull of a ship, used as a storehouse, etc., or (esp. in 19th-century Britain) as a prison. hulk 5. syl hulk pos vb. mod intr. qual Brit. informal. def to move clumsily. hulk 6. syl hulk pos vb. mod intr. usage often foll. by up def to rise massively. hulking 0. syl hulk+ing pron <1h^lkiG> pos adj. def big and ungainly. Also: {hulky}. hull ety Old English hulu; related to Old High German helawa, Old English helan to hide hull 1. syl hull pos h^l; n. def the main body of a vessel, tank, flying boat, etc. hull 2. syl hull pos h^l; n. def the persistent calyx at the base of a strawberry, raspberry, or similar fruit. hull 3. syl hull pos h^l; n. def the outer casing of a missile, rocket, etc. {~} hull 4. syl hull pos h^l; n. def to remove the hulls from (fruit). hull 5. syl hull pos h^l; n. mod tr. def to pierce the hull of (a vessel, tank, etc.). huller sub head hull syl hull+er pos n. hull-less sub head hull syl hull-less pos adj. Hull H1.1. syl Hull pos h^l; n. def a port in NE England, administrative centre of Humberside: the largest fishing port in Britain; university (1929). Pop.: 285472 (1971). Official name: {Kingston upon Hull}. Hull H1.2. syl Hull pos h^l; n. def a city in SE Canada, in SW Quebec on the River Ottawa: a centre of the timber trade and associated industries. Pop.: 63580 (1971). Cordell infl head Hull syl Cor:dell. pos h^l; n. Hull H2.0. syl Hull pos h^l; n. def 1871-1955, U.S. statesman; secretary of state (1933-44). He helped to found the U.N.: Nobel peace prize 1945. hullabaloo ety C18: perhaps from interjection #7hallo+ Scottish baloo lullaby hullaballoo alt head hullabaloo or hullabaloo syl hul+la+bal+loo pron <2h^l*b*1lu:> pos n. hullabaloos infl head hullabaloo syl hul+la+ba+loos. pos n. mod pl. hullabaloo 0. or hullaballoo syl hul+la+ba+loo pron <2h^l*b*1lu:> pos n. def loud confused noise, esp. of protest; commotion. hull down 1. syl hull down pos adj. usage of a ship def having its hull concealed by the horizon. hull down 2. syl hull down pos adj. usage of a tank def having only its turret visible. hullo 0. syl hul+lo pron usage sentence substitute, n. def a variant spelling of {hello}. T (homas) E (rnest) infl head Hulme syl T (homas) E (rnest) . pos n. Hulme 0. syl Hul:me pron pos n. def 1883-1917, English literary critic and poet; a proponent of imagism. hum ety C14: of imitative origin; compare Dutch hommelen, Old High German humbal bumblebee hums infl head hum syl hums pos h^m; vb. humming infl head hum syl hum+ming pos h^m; vb. hummed infl head hum syl hummed. pos h^m; vb. hum 1. syl hum pos h^m; vb. mod intr. def to make a low continuous vibrating sound like that of a prolonged hum 2. syl hum pos h^m; vb. mod intr. usage of a person def to sing with the lips closed. hum 3. syl hum pos h^m; vb. mod intr. def to utter an indistinct sound, as in hesitation; hem. hum 4. syl hum pos h^m; vb. mod intr. qual Slang. def to be in a state of feverish activity. hum 5. syl hum pos h^m; vb. mod intr. qual Slang. def to smell unpleasant. hum 6. syl hum pos h^m; vb. mod intr. qual Austral., informal. usage often foll. by for def to borrow or scrounge. hum and haw 7. head hum syl hum and haw. def See { {hem%2} (sense 3)}. hum 8. syl hum pos n. def a low continuous murmuring sound. hum 9. syl hum pos n. qual Electronics. def an undesired low-frequency noise in the output of an amplifier or receiver, esp. one caused by the power supply. hum 10. syl hum pos interj. n. def an indistinct sound of hesitation, embarrassment, etc.; hem. hummer sub head hum syl hum+mer pos n. human ety C14: from Latin h*_um*_anus; related to Latin hom*_o man human 1. syl hu+man pron pos adj. def of, characterizing, or relating to man and mankind. exam 1 human nature. human 2. syl hu+man pron pos adj. def consisting of people. exam 1 the human race; exam 2 a human chain. human 3. syl hu+man pron pos adj. def having the attributes of man as opposed to animals, divine beings, or machines. exam 1 human failings. human 4.a. syl hu+man pron pos adj. def kind or considerate. human 4.b. syl hu+man pron pos adj. def natural. {~} human 5. syl hu+man pron pos adj. def a human being; person. human-like sub head human syl hu+man-2like pos adj. humanness sub head human syl hu+man+ness pos n. human being 0. syl hu+man be+ing pos n. def a member of any of the races of person; man, woman, or child. humane ety C16: variant of #7human humane 1. syl hu+mane pron pos adj. def characterized by kindness, mercy, sympathy, etc. humane 2. syl hu+mane pron pos adj. def inflicting as little pain as possible. exam 1 a humane killing. humane 3. syl hu+mane pron pos adj. def civilizing or liberal (esp. in the phrases {humane studies, humane education) }. humanely sub head humane syl hu+1mane+ly pos adv. humaneness sub head humane syl hu+1mane+ness pos n. humane society 0. syl hu+mane so+ci+e:ty pos n. def an organization for promotion of humane ideals, esp. in dealing with animals. human interest 0. syl hu+man in+ter+est pos n. usage in a newspaper story, news broadcasting, etc. def reference to individuals and their emotions. humanism 1. syl hu+man+ism pron <1hju:m*2niz*m> pos n. def a school of philosophy that believes in human effort and ingenuity rather than religion. humanism 2. syl hu+man+ism pron <1hju:m*2niz*m> pos n. usage often cap. def a cultural movement of the Renaissance, based on classical studies. humanism 3. syl hu+man+ism pron <1hju:m*2niz*m> pos n. def interest in the welfare of people. &- {#!hu+man+ist} &- {@!hu+man+#!ist+ic} humanitarian 1. syl hu+man:i+tar+i:an pron pos adj. def having the interests of mankind at heart. humanitarian 2. syl hu+man:i+tar+i:an pron pos adj. def of or relating to ethical or theological humanitarianism. humanitarian 3. syl hu+man:i+tar+i:an pron pos n. def a philanthropist. humanitarian 4. syl hu+man:i+tar+i:an pron pos n. def an adherent of humanitarianism. humanitarianism 1. syl hu+man:i+tar:i+an+ism pron pos n. def humani?!tarian principles. humanitarianism 2.a. syl hu+man:i+tar:i+an+ism pron pos n. def the doctrine that man's duty is to strive to promote the welfare of mankind. humanitarianism 2.b. syl hu+man:i+tar:i+an+ism pron pos n. def the doctrine that man can achieve perfection through his own resources. humanitarianism 3. syl hu+man:i+tar:i+an+ism pron pos n. qual Theol. def the belief that Jesus Christ was only a mortal man. humanitarianist sub head humanitarianism syl hu+2man:i+1tar:i+an+ist pos n. humanities infl head humanity syl hu+man+i:ties. pos n. mod pl. humanity 1. syl hu+man+i:ty pron pos n. def the human race. humanity 2. syl hu+man+i:ty pron pos n. def the quality of being human. humanity 3. syl hu+man+i:ty pron pos n. def kindness or mercy. humanity 4. syl hu+man+i:ty pron pos n. mod pl. usage usually preceded by the def the study of literature, philosophy, and the arts. humanity 5. syl hu+man+i:ty pron pos n. def the study of Ancient Greek and Roman language, literature, etc. humanise alt head humanize or humanize syl hu+man+ise pron <1hju:m*2nIz> pos vb. humanize 1. or humanise syl hu+man+ize pron <1hju:m*2nIz> pos vb. def to make or become human. humanize 2. or humanise syl hu+man+ize pron <1hju:m*2nIz> pos vb. def to make or become humane. humanization sub head humanize or humanisation syl hu+man:i+1za+tion pos n. humanisation sub head humanize or humanization syl hu+man:i+1sa+tion pos n. humanizer sub head humanize or humaniser syl hu+man+2iz+er pos n. humaniser sub head humanize or humanizer syl hu+man+2is+er pos n. humankind 0. syl hu:man+kind pron <2hju:m*n1kInd> pos n. def the human race; humanity. humanly 1. syl hu+man+ly pron <1hju:m*nli> pos adv. def by human powers or means. humanly 2. syl hu+man+ly pron <1hju:m*nli> pos adv. def in a human or humane manner. human nature 1. syl hu+man na+ture pos n. def the qualities common to humanity. human nature 2. syl hu+man na+ture pos n. qual Sociol. def the unique elements that form a basic part of human life and distinguish it from other animal life. humanoid 1. syl hu+man+oid pron <1hju:m*2ncid> pos adj. def like a human being in appearance. humanoid 2. syl hu+man+oid pron <1hju:m*2ncid> pos n. def a being with human rather than anthropoid characteristics. humanoid 3. syl hu+man+oid pron <1hju:m*2ncid> pos n. usage in science fiction def a robot or creature resembling a human being. human rights 0. syl hu+man rights pos n. mod pl. def the rights of individuals to liberty, justice, etc. Humber 0. syl Hum+ber pron <1h^mb*> pos n. def an estuary in NE England, into which flow the Rivers Ouse and Trent: flows east into the North Sea; navigable for large ocean-going ships as far as Hull. Length: 64 km (40 miles). Humberside 0. syl Hum:ber+side pron <1h^mb*2sId> pos n. def a county of N England around the Humber estuary, formed in 1974 from parts of the East Riding of Yorkshire and N Lincolnshire. Administrative centre: Hull. Pop.: 848600 (1976 est.). Area: 3595 sq. km (1388 sq. miles). humble ety C13: from Old French, from Latin humilis low, from humus the ground humble 1. syl hum+ble pron <1h^mbL> pos adj. def conscious of one's failings. humble 2. syl hum+ble pron <1h^mbL> pos adj. def unpretentious; lowly. exam 1 a humble cottage; exam 2 my humble opinion. humble 3. syl hum+ble pron <1h^mbL> pos adj. def deferential or servile. humble 4. syl hum+ble pron <1h^mbL> pos vb. mod tr. def to cause to become humble; humiliate. humble 5. syl hum+ble pron <1h^mbL> pos vb. mod tr. def to lower in status. humbleness sub head humble syl hum+ble+ness pos n. humbler sub head humble syl hum+bler pos n. humblingly sub head humble syl hum+bling+ly pos adv. humbly sub head humble syl hum+bly pos adv. humblebee ety C15: related to Middle Dutch hommel bumblebee, Old High German humbal; see #7hum humblebee 0. syl hum+ble+bee pron <1h^mbL2bE> pos n. def another name for the {bumblebee}. humble pie ety C17: earlier an umble pie, by mistaken word division from a numble pie, from numbles offal of a deer, from Old French nombles, ultimately from Latin lumbulus a little loin, from lumbus loin humble pie 1. syl hum+ble pie pos n. usage formerly def a pie made from the heart, entrails, etc., of a deer. eat humble pie 2. head humble pie syl eat humble pie. def to behave or be forced to behave humbly; be humiliated. Humboldt 1. syl Hum:boldt pron <1h^mb*ult>, German <1humbclt> pos n. def Baron ({Friedrich Heinrich) Al@.ex@.an@.der von} (@!al$ek#!sand$$r f@$n). 1769-1859, German scientist, who made important scientific explorations in Central and South America (1799-1804). In (1845-62), he provided a comprehensive description of the physical universe. Humboldt 2. syl Hum:boldt pron <1h^mb*ult>, German <1humbclt> pos n. def his brother, Baron ({Karl) Wil@.helm von} (#!v$Ilh$elm f@$n). 1767-1835, German philologist and educational reformer. Humboldt Current 0. syl Hum+boldt Cur+rent pos n. def a cold ocean current of the S Pacific, flowing north along the coasts of Chile and Peru. Also called: {Peru Current}. humbug ety C18: of unknown origin humbug 1. syl hum+bug pron <1h^m2b^g> pos n. def a person or thing that tricks or deceives. humbug 2. syl hum+bug pron <1h^m2b^g> pos n. def nonsense; rubbish. humbug 3. syl hum+bug pron <1h^m2b^g> pos n. qual Brit. def a hard boiled sweet, usually flavoured with peppermint and often having a striped pattern. humbugs infl head humbug syl hum+bugs pos vb. humbugging infl head humbug syl hum+bug+ging pos vb. humbugged infl head humbug syl hum+bugged. pos vb. humbug 4. syl hum+bug pron <1h^m2b^g> pos vb. def to cheat or deceive (someone). humbugger sub head humbug syl hum+2bug+ger pos n. humbuggery sub head humbug syl hum+2bug+ger:y pos n. humdinger ety C20: of unknown origin humdinger 0. syl hum+ding+er pron <1h^m2diG*> pos n. qual Slang. def an excellent person or thing. exam 1 a humdinger of a party. humdrum ety C16: rhyming compound, probably based on #7hum humdrum 1. syl hum+drum pron <1h^m2dr^m> pos adj. def ordinary; dull. humdrum 2. syl hum+drum pron <1h^m2dr^m> pos n. def a mo?!notonous routine, task, or person. humdrumness sub head humdrum syl hum+2drum+ness pos n. (George) Basil 1. head Hume syl (George) Ba:sil. def born 1923, English Roman Catholic Benedictine monk and cardinal; archbishop of Westminster since 1976. David 2. head Hume syl Da:vid. def 1711-76, Scottish empiricist philosopher, economist, and historian, whose sceptic philosophy restricted human knowledge to that which can be perceived by the senses. His works include (1740), (1751), (1752), and (1754-62). Humism sub head Hume syl Hum+ism pos n. humectant ety C17: from Latin *_umect*_are to wet, from *_um*_ere to be moist, from *_umor moisture; see #7humour humectant 1. syl hu+mec+tant pron pos adj. def producing moisture. humectant 2. syl hu+mec+tant pron pos n. def a substance added to another substance to keep it moist. humeral 1. syl hu+mer+al pron <1hju:m*r*l> pos adj. qual Anatomy. def of or relating to the humerus. humeral 2. syl hu+mer+al pron <1hju:m*r*l> pos adj. def of or near the shoulder. humeral veil 0. syl hu+mer+al veil pos n. qual R.C. Church. def a silk shawl worn by a priest at High Mass, etc. Often shortened to {veil}. humerus ety C17: from Latin umerus; related to Gothic ams shoulder, Greek *_omos humeri infl head humerus syl hu+mer:i pron <-m*2rI> pos n. mod pl. humerus 1. syl hu+mer+us pron <1hju:m*r*s> pos n. def the bone that extends from the shoulder to the elbow. humerus 2. syl hu+mer+us pron <1hju:m*r*s> pos n. def the corresponding bone in other vertebrates. humic ety C19: from Latin humus ground+-#7ic humic 0. syl hu+mic pron <1hju:mik> pos adj. def of, relating to, or derived from humus. exam 1 humic acids. humid ety C16: from Latin *_umidus, from *_um*_ere to be wet; see #7humectant, humour humid 0. syl hu+mid pron <1hju:mid> pos adj. def moist; damp. exam 1 a humid day. humidly sub head humid syl hu+mid+ly pos adv. humidness sub head humid syl hu+mid+ness pos n. humidifier 0. syl hu+mid:i+fi+er pron pos n. def a device for increasing or controlling the water vapour in a room, building, etc. humidifies infl head humidify syl hu+mid:i+fies pos vb. mod tr. humidifying infl head humidify syl hu+mid:i+fy+ing pos vb. mod tr. humidified infl head humidify syl hu+mid:i+fied. pos vb. mod tr. humidify 0. syl hu+mid:i+fy pron pos vb. mod tr. def to make (air, etc.) humid or damp. humidification sub head humidify syl hu+2mid:i+fi+1ca+tion pos n. humidistat 0. syl hu+mid:i+stat pron pos n. def a device for maintaining constant humidity. Also called: {hygrostat}. humidity 1. syl hu+mid+i:ty pron pos n. def the state of being humid; dampness. humidity 2. syl hu+mid+i:ty pron pos n. def a measure of the amount of moisture in the air. See {relative humidity, absolute humidity}. humidor 0. syl hu+mi+dor pron <1hju:mi2dc:> pos n. def a humid place or container for storing cigars, tobacco, etc. humiliate ety C16: from Late Latin humili*_are, from Latin humilis #7humble humiliate 0. syl hu+mil:i+ate pron pos vb. mod tr. def to lower or hurt the dignity or pride of. humiliatingly sub head humiliate syl hu+1mil:i+2at+ing+ly pos adv. humiliation sub head humiliate syl hu+2mil:i:1a+tion pos n. humiliative sub head humiliate syl hu+mil+ia+tive pron pos adj. humiliator sub head humiliate syl hu+1mil+i:2a+tor pos n. humiliatory sub head humiliate syl hu+1mil+i:a+to:ry pos adj. humilities infl head humility syl hu+mil+i:ties. pos n. mod pl. humility 0. syl hu+mil+i:ty pron pos n. def the state or quality of being humble. hummel ety C15: of Germanic origin; compare Low German hummel hornless animal hummel 1. syl hum+mel pron <1h^mL> pos adj. qual Scot. usage of cattle def hornless. hummel 2. syl hum+mel pron <1h^mL> pos adj. qual Scot. usage of grain def awnless. hummingbird 0. syl hum:ming+bird pron <1h^miG2bR:d> pos n. def any very small American bird of the family having a brilliant iridescent plumage, long slender bill, and wings specialized for very powerful vibrating flight: order hummingbird moth 0. syl hum:ming+bird moth pos n. qual U.S. def another name for the {hawk moth}. humming top 0. syl hum+ming top pos n. def a top that hums as it spins. hummock ety C16: of uncertain origin; compare #7hump, hammock hummock 1. syl hum+mock pron <1h^m*k> pos n. def a hillock; knoll. hummock 2. syl hum+mock pron <1h^m*k> pos n. def a ridge or mound of ice in an ice field. hummock 3. syl hum+mock pron <1h^m*k> pos n. def Also: {hammock}. a wooded area lying above the level of an adjacent marsh. hummocky sub head hummock syl hum+mock:y pos adj. humoral 0. syl hu+mor+al pron <1hju:m*r*l> pos adj. qual Obsolete. def of or relating to the four bodily fluids (humours). humoresque ety C19: from German Humoreske, ultimately from English #7humour humoresque 0. syl hu+mor+esque pron <2hju:m*1resk> pos n. def a short lively piece of music. humorist 0. syl hu+mor+ist pron <1hju:m*rist> pos n. def a person who acts, speaks, or writes in a humorous way. humoristic sub head humorist syl hu+mor+1is+tic pos adj. humorous 1. syl hu+mor+ous pron <1hju:m*r*s> pos adj. def funny; comical; amusing. humorous 2. syl hu+mor+ous pron <1hju:m*r*s> pos adj. def displaying or creating humour. humorous 3. syl hu+mor+ous pron <1hju:m*r*s> pos adj. qual Archaic. def another word for {capricious}. humorously sub head humorous syl hu+mor+ous+ly pos adv. humorousness sub head humorous syl hu+mor+ous+ness pos n. humour ety C14: from Latin: liquid; related to Latin *_um*_ere to be wet, Old Norse v*"okr moist, Greek hugros wet humor alt head humour or humour syl hu+mor pron <1hju:m*> pos n. qual U.S. humour 1. or humor syl hu+mour pron <1hju:m*> pos n. def the quality of being funny. humour 2. or humor syl hu+mour pron <1hju:m*> pos n. def Also called: {sense of humour}. the ability to appreciate or express that which is humorous. humour 3. or humor syl hu+mour pron <1hju:m*> pos n. def situations, speech, or writings that are thought to be humorous. humour 4.a. or humor syl hu+mour pron <1hju:m*> pos n. def a state of mind; temper; mood. humour 4.b. or humor syl hu+mour pron <1hju:m*> pos n. usage in combination exam 1 ill humour; exam 2 good humour. humour 5. or humor syl hu+mour pron <1hju:m*> pos n. def temperament or disposition. humour 6. or humor syl hu+mour pron <1hju:m*> pos n. def a caprice or whim. humour 7. or humor syl hu+mour pron <1hju:m*> pos n. def Also called: {cardinal humour}. any of various fluids in the body, esp. the aqueous humour and vitreous humour. humour 8. or humor syl hu+mour pron <1hju:m*> pos n. qual Archaic. def any of the four bodily fluids (blood, phlegm, choler or yellow bile, melancholy or black bile) formerly thought to determine emotional and physical disposition. out of humour 9. head humour syl out of humour. def in a bad mood. humour 10. or humor syl hu+mour pron <1hju:m*> pos vb. mod tr. def to attempt to gratify; indulge. exam 1 he humoured the boy's whims. humour 11. or humor syl hu+mour pron <1hju:m*> pos vb. mod tr. def adapt oneself to. exam 1 to humour someone's fantasies. humourful sub head humour or humorful syl hu+mour+ful pos adj. humorful sub head humour or humourful syl hu+mor+ful pos adj. qual U.S. humourless sub head humour or humorless syl hu+mour+less pos adj. humorless sub head humour or humourless syl hu+mor+less pos adj. qual U.S. humourlessness sub head humour or humorlessness syl hu+mour+less+ness pos n. humorlessness sub head humour or humourlessness syl hu+mor+less+ness pos n. qual U.S. humorsome alt head humoursome or humoursome syl hu+mor+some pron <1hju:m*s*m> pos adj. qual U.S. humoursome 1. or humorsome syl hu+mour+some pron <1hju:m*s*m> pos adj. def capricious; fanciful. humoursome 2. or humorsome syl hu+mour+some pron <1hju:m*s*m> pos adj. def inclined to humour (someone). hump ety C18: probably from earlier #7humpbacked hump 1. syl hump pos h^mp; n. def a rounded protuberance or projection, as of earth, sand, etc. hump 2. syl hump pos h^mp; n. qual Pathol. def a rounded deformity of the back in persons with kyphosis, consisting of a convex spinal curvature. hump 3. syl hump pos h^mp; n. def a rounded protuberance on the back of a camel or related animal. the hump 4. head hump syl the hump. qual Brit. informal. def a fit of depression or sulking (esp. in the phrase {it gives me the hump}) . over the hump 5. head hump syl over the hump. def past the largest or most difficult portion of work, time, etc. hump 6. syl hump pos vb. def to form or become a hump; hunch; arch. hump 7. syl hump pos vb. mod tr. qual Brit. slang. def to carry or heave. hump 8. syl hump pos vb. qual Taboo slang. def to have sexual intercourse with (someone). hump one's swag 9. head hump syl hump one's swag. usage Austral. informal. of a tramp def to carry one's belongings from place to place on one's back. humplike sub head hump syl hump+2like pos adj. humpback ety C17: alteration of earlier crumpbacked, perhaps influenced by #7hunchback ; perhaps related to Dutch homp lump humpback 1. syl hump+back pron <1h^mp2b@k> pos n. def another word for {hunchback}. humpback 2. syl hump+back pron <1h^mp2b@k> pos n. def Also called: {humpback whale}. a large whalebone whale, closely related and similar to the rorquals but with a humped back and long flippers: family humpback 3. syl hump+back pron <1h^mp2b@k> pos n. def a Pacific salmon, the male of which has a humped back and hooked jaws. humpback 4. syl hump+back pron <1h^mp2b@k> pos n. def Also: {humpback bridge}. a road bridge having a sharp incline and decline and usually a narrow roadway. humpbacked sub head humpback syl hump+2backed pos adj. Engelbert infl head Humperdinck syl En:gel:bert pron <1eGL?!bert> pos n. Humperdinck 0. syl Hum:per:dinck pron German <1hump*r2diGk> pos n. def 1854-1921, German composer, esp. of operas, including (1893). humph 0. syl humph pos spelling; pron. h^mf; interj. def an exclamation of annoyance, indecision, dissatisfaction, etc. Duke 1. head Humphrey syl Duke. def See (Humphrey, Duke of) {Gloucester}. Hubert Horatio 2. head Humphrey syl Hu:bert Ho:ra:ti:o. def 1911-78, vice-president of the U.S. under President Johnson (1965-69). Humphreys Peak 0. syl Hum+phreys Peak pos n. def a mountain in N central Arizona, in the San Francisco Peaks: the highest peak in the state. Height: 3862 m (12670 ft.). humpty ety C20: from humpty hunchbacked, perhaps influenced by Humpty Dumpty (nursery rhyme) humpty 0. syl hump+ty pron <1h^mpti> pos n. qual Brit. def a low padded seat; pouffe. humpty dumpty ety C18: after the nursery rhyme Humpty Dumpty humpty dumpty 1. syl hump+ty dump+ty pron <1h^mpti> <1d^mpti> pos n. qual Chiefly Brit. def a short fat person. humpty dumpty 2. syl hump+ty dump+ty pron <1h^mpti> <1d^mpti> pos n. qual Chiefly Brit. def a person or thing that once overthrown or broken cannot be restored or mended. humpier infl head humpy syl hump:i+er pos adj. humpiest infl head humpy syl hump:i+est. pos adj. humpy H1.1. syl hump:y pron <1h^mpi> pos adj. def full of humps. humpy H1.2. syl hump:y pron <1h^mpi> pos adj. qual Brit. informal. def angry or gloomy. humpiness sub head humpy syl hump:i+ness pos n. humpy ety C19: from a native Australian language humpies infl head humpy syl hump:ies. pos n. mod pl. humpy H2.0. syl hump:y pron <1h^mpi> pos n. qual Austral. def a primitive hut. Hums 0. syl Hums pron pos n. def a variant spelling of {Homs}. hum tone 0. syl hum tone pos n. def a note produced by a bell when struck, lying an octave or (in many English bells) a sixth or seventh below the strike tone. Also (esp. Brit.): {hum note}. humus ety C18: from Latin: soil, earth humus 0. syl hu+mus pron <1hju:m*s> pos n. def a dark brown or black colloidal mass of partially decomposed organic matter in the soil. It improves the fertility and water retention of the soil and is therefore important for plant growth. Hun ety Old English H*_unas, from Late Latin H*_un*_i, from Turkish Hun-y*_u Hun 1. syl Hun pos h^n; n. def a member of any of several Asiatic nomadic peoples speaking Mongoloid or Turkic languages who dominated much of Asia and E Europe from before 300 #7b.c., invading the Roman Empire in the 4th and 5th centuries #7a.d. Hun 2. syl Hun pos h^n; n. qual Informal. def a derogatory name for a {German}. Hun 3. syl Hun pos h^n; n. qual Informal. def a vandal. Hunlike sub head Hun syl Hun+2like pos adj. Hunan 0. syl Hu+nan pron <1hu:1n@n> pos n. def a province of S China, between the Yangtze River and the Nan Ling Mountains: drained chiefly by the Hsiang and Y*"uan Rivers; valuable mineral resources. Capital: Changsha. Pop.: 38000000 (1967-71 est.). Area: 210500 sq. km (82095 sq. miles). hunch ety C16: of unknown origin hunch 1. syl hunch pron pos n. def an intuitive guess or feeling. hunch 2. syl hunch pron pos n. def another word for {hump}. hunch 3. syl hunch pron pos n. def a lump or large piece. hunch 4. syl hunch pron pos vb. def to bend or draw (oneself or a part of the body) up or together. hunch 5. syl hunch pron pos vb. mod intr. usage usually foll. by up def to sit in a hunched position. hunchback ety C18: from earlier hunchbacked, huckbacked humpbacked, influenced by bunchbacked, from bunch (in obsolete sense of hump) +#7backed hunchback 1. syl hunch+back pron <1h^nC2b@k> pos n. def a person having an abnormal convex curvature of the thoracic spine. hunchback 2. syl hunch+back pron <1h^nC2b@k> pos n. def such a curvature. hunchback xref syl hunch+back pron <1h^nC2b@k> pos n. def Also called: {humpback}. See {kyphosis}. Compare {hollow-back}. hunchbacked sub head hunchback syl hunch+2backed pos adj. hundred ety Old English; related to Old Frisian hunderd, Old Norse hundrath, German hundert, Gothic hund, Latin centum, Greek hekaton hundreds infl head hundred or hundred syl hun+dreds pos n. mod pl. hundred infl or hundreds syl hun+dred. pos n. mod pl. hundred 1. syl hun+dred pron <1h^ndr*d> pos n. def the cardinal number that is the product of ten and ten; five score. See also { {number} (sense 1)}. hundred 2. syl hun+dred pron <1h^ndr*d> pos n. def a numeral, 100, C, etc., representing this number. hundred 3. syl hun+dred pron <1h^ndr*d> pos n. mod often; pl. def a large but unspecified number, amount, or quantity. exam 1 there will be hundreds of people there. hundred 4.a. syl hun+dred pron <1h^ndr*d> pos n. def the numbers 100 to 109. exam 1 the temperature was in the hundreds. hundred 4.b. syl hun+dred pron <1h^ndr*d> pos n. def the numbers 100 to 199. exam 1 his score went into the hundreds. hundred 4.c. syl hun+dred pron <1h^ndr*d> pos n. def the numbers 100 to 999. exam 1 the price was in the hundreds. hundred 5. syl hun+dred pron <1h^ndr*d> pos n. mod pl. def the 100 years of a specified century. exam 1 in the sixteen hundreds. hundred 6. syl hun+dred pron <1h^ndr*d> pos n. def something representing, represented by, or consisting of 100 units. hundred 7. syl hun+dred pron <1h^ndr*d> pos n. qual Maths. def the position containing a digit representing that number followed by two zeros. exam 1 in 4376, 3 is in the hundred's place. hundred 8. syl hun+dred pron <1h^ndr*d> pos n. def an ancient division of a county in England, Ireland, and parts of the U.S. hundred 9.a. syl hun+dred pron <1h^ndr*d> pos determiner. def amounting to or approximately a hundred. exam 1 a hundred reasons for that. hundred 9.b. syl hun+dred pron <1h^ndr*d> pos determiner. usage as pronoun exam 1 the hundred I chose. hundred 10. syl hun+dred pron <1h^ndr*d> pos determiner. def amounting to 100 times a particular scientific quantity. exam 1 a hundred volts. hundred days 0. syl hun+dred days pos n. mod pl. qual French history. def the period between Napoleon Bonaparte's arrival in Paris from Elba on March 20, 1815, and his abdication on June 29, 1815. hundred-percenter 0. syl hund:red-per:cent+er pos n. qual U.S. def an extreme or unjustified nationalist. hundred-percentism sub head hundred-percenter syl hund:red-per:1cent+ism pos n. hundreds and thousands 0. syl hun+dreds and thou+sands pos n. mod pl. def tiny beads of brightly coloured sugar, used in decorating cakes, sweets, etc. hundredth 1.a. syl hun+dredth pron <1h^ndr*dT> pos adj. def being the ordinal number of 100 in numbering or counting order, position, time, etc. hundredth 1.b. syl hun+dredth pron <1h^ndr*dT> pos as; n. exam 1 the hundredth in line. hundredth 2.a. syl hun+dredth pron <1h^ndr*dT> pos n. def one of 100 approximately equal parts of something. hundredth 2.b. syl hun+dredth pron <1h^ndr*dT> pos n. usage as modifier exam 1 a hundredth part. hundredth 3. syl hun+dredth pron <1h^ndr*dT> pos n. def one of 100 equal divisions of a particular scientific quantity. Related prefix: {centi-}. exam 1 centimetre. hundredth 4. syl hun+dredth pron <1h^ndr*dT> pos n. def the fraction equal to one divided by 100 (1/100). hundredweights infl head hundredweight or hundredweight syl hun:dred+weights pos n. mod pl. hundredweight infl or hundredweights syl hun:dred+weight. pos n. mod pl. hundredweight 1. syl hun:dred+weight pron <1h^ndr*d2wAt> pos n. def Also called: {long hundredweight}. a unit of weight equal to 112 pounds or 50.80235 kilograms. hundredweight 2. syl hun:dred+weight pron <1h^ndr*d2wAt> pos n. def Also called: {short hundredweight}. a unit of weight equal to 100 pounds or 45.35924 kilograms. hundredweight 3. syl hun:dred+weight pron <1h^ndr*d2wAt> pos n. def Also called: {metric hundredweight}. a metric unit of weight equal to 50 kilograms. hundredweight xref syl hun:dred+weight pron <1h^ndr*d2wAt> pos n. def Abbrev. (for senses 1, 2): {cwt} Hundred Years' War 0. syl Hun+dred Years' War pos n. def the series of wars fought intermittently between England and France from 1337-1453. hung 1. syl hung pron pos vb. def the past tense or past participle of {hang} (except in the sense of or in the idiom hung 2. syl hung pron pos adj. usage of a legislative assembly def not having a party with a working majority. exam 1 a hung parliament. hung over 3. head hung syl hung over. qual Informal. def suffering from the effects of a hangover. hung 4.a. syl hung pron pos adj. def impeded by some difficulty or delay. hung 4.b. syl hung pron pos adj. def in a state of confusion; emotionally disturbed. hung up on 5. head hung syl hung up on. qual Slang, chiefly U.S. def obsessively or exclusively interested in. exam 1 he's hung up on modern art these days. Hung 1. syl Hung. qual abbrev. for: def Hungarian. Hung 2. syl Hung. qual abbrev. for: def Hungary. Hungarian 1. syl Hun+gar+i:an pron pos n. def the official language of Hungary, also spoken in Rumania and elsewhere, belonging to the Finno-Ugric family and most closely related to the Ostyak and Vogul languages of NW Siberia. Hungarian 2. syl Hun+gar+i:an pron pos n. def a native, inhabitant, or citizen of Hungary. Hungarian 3. syl Hun+gar+i:an pron pos n. def a Hungarian-speaking person who is not a citizen of Hungary. Hungarian 4. syl Hun+gar+i:an pron pos adj. def of or relating to Hungary, its people, or their language. Hungarian xref syl Hun+gar+i:an pron pos n. def Compare {Magyar}. Hungarian goulash 0. syl Hun+gar+i:an gou+lash pos n. def the full name of {goulash}. Hungary 0. syl Hun+ga+ry pron <1h^Gg*ri> pos n. def a republic in central Europe: Magyars first unified under Saint Stephen, the first Hungarian king (1001-38); taken by the Hapsburgs from the Turks at the end of the 17th century; gained autonomy with the establishment of the dual monarchy of Austria-Hungary (1867) and became a republic in 1918; passed under Communist control in 1949; a popular rising in 1956 was suppressed by Soviet troops. It consists chiefly of the Middle Danube basin and plains. Language: Hungarian. Currency: forint. Capital: Budapest. Pop.: 10478000 (1974 est.). Area: 93030 sq. km (35919 sq. miles). Hungarian name: {Magyarorsz*'ag}. hunger ety Old English; related to Old High German hungar, Old Norse hungr, Gothic h*_uhrus hunger 1. syl hun+ger pron <1h^Gg*> pos n. def a feeling of pain, emptiness, or weakness induced by lack of food. hunger 2. syl hun+ger pron <1h^Gg*> pos n. def an appetite, desire, need, or craving. exam 1 hunger for a woman. hunger 3. syl hun+ger pron <1h^Gg*> pos vb. def to have or cause to have a need or craving for food. hunger 4. syl hun+ger pron <1h^Gg*> pos vb. mod intr. usage usually foll. by for or after def to have a great appetite or desire (for). hunger march 0. syl hun+ger march pos n. def a procession of protest or demonstration by the unemployed. hunger strike 0. syl hun+ger strike pos n. def a voluntary fast undertaken, usually by a prisoner, as a means of protest. hunger striker sub head hunger strike syl hun+ger strik+er pos n. hung jury 0. syl hung ju:ry pos n. def a jury so divided in opinion that it cannot agree on a verdict. Hungnam 0. syl Hung+nam pron <2huG1n@m> pos n. def a port in E North Korea, on the Sea of Japan southeast of Hamhung. Pop.: 150000 (1973 est.). hungrier infl head hungry syl hun+gri+er pos adj. hungriest infl head hungry syl hun+gri+est. pos adj. hungry 1. syl hun+gry pron <1h^Ggri> pos adj. def desiring food. hungry 2. syl hun+gry pron <1h^Ggri> pos adj. def experiencing pain, weakness, or nausea through lack of food. hungry 3. syl hun+gry pron <1h^Ggri> pos adj. usage postpositive; foll. by for def having a craving, desire, or need (for). hungry 4. syl hun+gry pron <1h^Ggri> pos adj. def expressing or appearing to express greed, craving, or desire. hungry 5. syl hun+gry pron <1h^Ggri> pos adj. def lacking fertility; poor. hungrily sub head hungry or hungeringly syl hun+gri+ly pos adv. hungeringly sub head hungry or hungrily syl hun+ger+ing+ly pos adv. hungriness sub head hungry syl hun+gri+ness pos n. hunk ety C19: probably related to Flemish hunke; compare Dutch homp lump hunk 1. syl hunk pron pos n. def a large piece. hunk 2. syl hunk pron pos n. def Also: {hunk of a man}. a sexually attractive man. hunkers 0. syl hunk+ers pron <1h^Gk*z> pos n. mod pl. qual Scot. and northern English dialect. def haunches. hunks ety C17: of unknown origin hunks 1. syl hunks pron pos n. mod functioning as; sing. qual Rare. def a crotchety old person. hunks 2. syl hunks pron pos n. mod functioning as; sing. qual Rare. def a miserly person. hunky-dory ety C20: of uncertain origin hunky-dory 0. syl hunk:y-do:ry pron <2h^Gki1dc:ri> pos adj. qual Informal, chiefly U.S. def very satisfactory; fine. Hunnish 1. syl Hun+nish pron <1h^niS> pos adj. def of, relating to, or characteristic of the Huns. Hunnish 2. syl Hun+nish pron <1h^niS> pos adj. def barbarously destructive; vandalistic. Hunnishly sub head Hunnish syl Hun+nish+ly pos adv. Hunnishness sub head Hunnish syl Hun+nish+ness pos n. hunt ety Old English huntian; related to Old English hentan, Old Norse henda to grasp hunt 1. syl hunt pos h^nt; vb. def to seek out and kill or capture (game or wild animals) for food or sport. hunt 2. syl hunt pos h^nt; vb. mod intr. usage often foll. by for def to look (for); search (for). exam 1 to hunt for a book; exam 2 to hunt up a friend. hunt 3. syl hunt pos h^nt; vb. mod tr. def to use (hounds, horses, etc.) in the pursuit of wild animals, game, etc.. exam 1 to hunt a pack of hounds. hunt 4. syl hunt pos h^nt; vb. mod tr. def to search or draw (country) to hunt wild animals, game, etc.. exam 1 to hunt the parkland. hunt 5. syl hunt pos h^nt; vb. mod tr. usage often foll. by down def to track or chase diligently, esp. so as to capture. exam 1 to hunt down a criminal. hunt 6. syl hunt pos h^nt; vb. mod tr. usage usually passive def to persecute; hound. hunt 7. syl hunt pos h^nt; vb. mod intr. usage of a gauge indicator, engine speed, etc. def to oscillate about a mean value or position. hunt 8. syl hunt pos h^nt; vb. mod intr. usage of an aircraft, rocket, etc. def to oscillate about a flight path. hunt 9. syl hunt pos n. def the act or an instance of hunting. hunt 10. syl hunt pos n. def chase or search, esp. of animals or game. hunt 11. syl hunt pos n. def the area of a hunt. hunt 12. syl hunt pos n. def a party or institution organized for the pursuit of wild animals or game, esp. for sport. hunt 13. syl hunt pos n. def the participants in or members of such a party or institution. {~} See also {hunt down, hunt up}. huntedly sub head hunt syl hunt+ed+ly pos adv. James 1. head Hunt syl James. def born 1947, English motor-racing driver: world champion 1976. (James Henry) Leigh 2. head Hunt syl (James Henry) Leigh. def 1784-1859, English poet and essayist: a founder of (1808) in which he promoted the work of Keats and Shelley. (William) Holman 3. head Hunt syl (William) Hol:man. def 1827-1910, English painter; a founder of the Pre-Raphaelite Brotherhood (1848). hunt down 1. syl hunt down pos vb. adv. mod tr. def to pursue successfully by diligent searching and chasing. exam 1 they finally hunted down the killer in Mexico. hunt down 2. syl hunt down pos vb. adv. mod intr. usage of a bell def to be rung progressively later during a set of changes. hunted 0. syl hunt+ed pron <1h^ntid> pos adj. def harassed and worn. exam 1 he has a hunted look. hunter 1.a. syl hunt+er: pron <1h^nt*)@T>, <$D.@T> <@T> <@T> <1h^ntris> def a person who looks diligently for something. hunter 1.b. syl hunt+er: pron <1h^nt*)@T>, <$D.@T> <@T> <@T> <1h^ntris> usage in combination def . exam 1 a fortune-hunter. hunter 2. syl hunt+er: pron <1h^nt*)@T>, <$D.@T> <@T> <@T> <1h^ntris> def a specially bred horse used in hunting, usually characterized by strength and stamina. hunter 3. syl hunt+er: pron <1h^nt*)@T>, <$D.@T> <@T> <@T> <1h^ntris> def a specially bred dog used to hunt game. hunter 4. syl hunt+er: pron <1h^nt*)@T>, <$D.@T> <@T> <@T> <1h^ntris> def a watch with a hinged metal lid or case ({hunting case}) to protect the crystal. Also called: {hunting watch}. See also {half-hunter}. hunter's moon 0. syl hun:ter's moon pos n. def the full moon following the harvest moon. hunting 0.a. syl hunt+ing pron <1h^ntiG> pos n. def the pursuit and killing or capture of game and wild animals, regarded as a sport. hunting 0.b. syl hunt+ing pron <1h^ntiG> pos n. usage as modifier exam 1 hunting boots; exam 2 hunting lodge. leopard alt head hunting cat or hunting cat syl leo+pard pos n. hunting cat 0. or leopard syl hunt+ing cat pos n. def another name for {cheetah}. Huntingdon H1.0. syl Hun+ting+don pron <1h^ntiGd*n> pos n. def a town in E central England, in Cambridgeshire: birthplace of Oliver Cromwell. Pop.: 16540 (1971). Selina infl head Huntingdon syl Se:li:na pos n. Huntingdon H2.0. syl Hun:ting:don pron <1h^ntiGd*n> pos n. def Countess of Huntingdon. 1707-91, English religious leader, who founded a Calvinistic Methodist sect. Huntingdonshire 0. syl Hun+ting+don+shire pron <1h^ntiGd*n2Si*>, <-S*> pos n. usage until 1974 def a former county of E England, now part of Cambridgeshire. hunting ground 1. syl hunt+ing ground pos n. def the area of a hunt. hunting ground 2. syl hunt+ing ground pos n. def Also called: {happy hunting ground}. any place containing a supply of what is wanted or in which a search is conducted. exam 1 some resorts are a happy hunting ground for souvenirs. hunting horn 1. syl hunt+ing horn pos n. def a long straight metal tube with a flared end and a cylindrical bore, used in giving signals in hunting. See { {horn} (sense 9)}. hunting horn 2. syl hunt+ing horn pos n. def an obsolete brass instrument from which the modern French horn was developed. hunting knife 0. syl hunt+ing knife pos n. def a knife used for flaying and cutting up game and sometimes for killing it. hunting spider 0. syl hunt+ing spi+der pos n. def another name for {wolf spider}. huntsmen infl head huntsman syl hunts+men. pos n. mod pl. huntsman 1. syl hunts+man pron <1h^ntsm*n> pos n. def a person who hunts. huntsman 2. syl hunts+man pron <1h^ntsm*n> pos n. def a person who looks after and trains hounds, beagles, etc., and manages them during a hunt. huntsman's-cup 0. syl hunts:man's-cup pos n. qual U.S. def any of various pitcher plants of the genus whose leaves are modified to form tubular pitchers. Huntsville 0. syl Hunts+ville pron <1h^ntsvil> pos n. def a city in NE Alabama: space-flight and guided-missile research centre. Pop.: 137750 (1973 est.). hunt the slipper 0. syl hunt the slip+per pos n. def a children's game in which the players look for a hidden slipper or other object, such as a thimble ({hunt the thimble}) . hunt up 1. syl hunt up pos vb. adv. mod tr. def to search for, esp. successfully. exam 1 I couldn't hunt up a copy of it anywhere. hunt up 2. syl hunt up pos vb. adv. mod intr. usage of a bell def to be rung progressively earlier during a set of changes. J'anos infl head Hunyadi syl J*'a:nos pron <1ja:noS> pos n. Hunyadi 0. syl Hun:ya:di pron Hungarian <1hunjcdi> pos n. def ??1387-1456, Hungarian general, who led Hungarian resistance to the Turks, defeating them notably at Belgrade (1456). Huon pine ety named after the Huon River, Tasmania Huon pine 0. syl Hu:on pine pron <1hju:on> pos n. def a taxaceous tree, of Australasia, SE Asia, and Chile, with scalelike leaves and cup-shaped berry-like fruits. Hupei alt head Hupeh or Hupeh syl Hu+pei pron <1hu:1pA> pos n. Hupeh 0. or Hupei syl Hu+peh pron <1hu:1pA> pos n. def a province of central China: largely low-lying, with many lakes. Capital: Wuhan. Pop.: 38000000 (1967-71 est.). Area: 187500 sq. km (72394 sq. miles). huppah ety Hebrew chuppah alt head huppah or huppah syl chup+pah pron <1hup*> huppah 1. or chuppah syl hup+pah pron <1hup*> pos n. qual Judaism. def the canopy under which a marriage is performed. huppah 2. or chuppah syl hup+pah pron <1hup*> pos n. qual Judaism. def the wedding ceremony as distinct from the celebration. hurdle ety Old English hyrdel; related to Gothic haurds door, Old Norse hurth door, Old High German hurd, Latin cr*_atis, Greek kurtos basket hurdle 1.a. syl hur+dle pron <1hR:dL> pos n. qual Athletics. def one of a number of light barriers over which runners leap in certain events. hurdle 1.b. syl hur+dle pron <1hR:dL> pos n. def a low barrier used in certain horse races. hurdle 2. syl hur+dle pron <1hR:dL> pos n. def an obstacle to be overcome. exam 1 the next hurdle in his career. hurdle 3. syl hur+dle pron <1hR:dL> pos n. def a light framework of interlaced osiers, wattle, etc., used as a temporary fence. hurdle 4. syl hur+dle pron <1hR:dL> pos n. qual Brit. def a sledge on which criminals were dragged to their executions. hurdle 5. syl hur+dle pron <1hR:dL> pos vb. def to jump (a hurdle, etc.), as in racing. hurdle 6. syl hur+dle pron <1hR:dL> pos vb. mod tr. def to surround with hurdles. hurdle 7. syl hur+dle pron <1hR:dL> pos vb. mod tr. def to overcome. hurdler sub head hurdle syl hur+dler pos n. hurds 0. syl hurds pron pos n. mod pl. def another word for {hards}. hurdy-gurdy ety C18: rhyming compound, probably of imitative origin dies infl head hurdy-gurdy syl :dies. pos n. mod pl. hurdy-gurdy 1. syl hur:dy-gur:dy pron <1hR:di1gR:di> pos n. def any mechanical musical instrument, such as a barrel organ. hurdy-gurdy 2. syl hur:dy-gur:dy pron <1hR:di1gR:di> pos n. def a medieval instrument shaped like a viol in which a rosined wheel rotated by a handle sounds the strings. hurl ety C13: probably of imitative origin hurl 1. syl hurl pron pos vb. mod tr. def to throw or propel with great force. hurl 2. syl hurl pron pos vb. mod tr. def to utter with force; yell. exam 1 to hurl insults. hurl 3. syl hurl pron pos n. def the act or an instance of hurling. hurler sub head hurl syl hurl+er pos n. hurley 1. syl hur+ley pron <1hR:li> pos n. qual Chiefly Brit. def another word for {hurling} (the game). hurley 2. syl hur+ley pron <1hR:li> pos n. def Also called: {hurley stick}. the stick used in playing hurling. hurling 0. syl hurl+ing pron <1hR:liG> pos n. def a traditional Irish game resembling hockey and lacrosse, played with sticks and a ball between two teams of 15 players each. hurly-burly ety C16: from earlier hurling and burling, rhyming phrase based on hurling in obsolete sense of uproar hurly-burlies infl head hurly-burly syl hurl:y-burl:ies. pos n. mod pl. hurly-burly 1. syl hurl:y-burl:y pron <1hR:li1bR:li> pos n. def confusion or commotion. hurly-burly 2. syl hurl:y-burl:y pron <1hR:li1bR:li> pos adj. def turbulent. Lake 1. head Huron syl Lake. def a lake in North America, between the U.S. and Canada: the second largest of the Great Lakes. Area: 59570 sq. km (23000 sq. miles). Hurons infl head Huron or Huron syl Hu+rons pos n. mod pl. Huron infl or Hurons syl Hu+ron pos n. mod pl. Huron 2. syl Hu+ron pron <1hju*r*n> pos n. def a member of a North American Indian people or confederacy formerly living along the St. Lawrence River and in the region east of Lake Huron. Huron 3. syl Hu+ron pron <1hju*r*n> pos n. def the language of this people, belonging to the Iroquoian family. hurrah ety C17: probably from German hurra; compare #7huzzah hooray infl head hurrah or hoorah syl hoo+ray pron pos interj. n. hoorah infl head hurrah or hooray syl hoo+rah pron pos interj. n. hurrah 1. syl hur+rah pron pos interj. n. def a cheer of joy, victory, etc. hurrah 2. syl hur+rah pron pos vb. def to shout @6hurrah@9. hurricane ety C16: from Spanish hurac*'an, from Taino hurak*'an, from hura wind hurricane 1. syl hur+ri+cane pron <1h^rikN>, <-kAn> pos n. def a severe, often destructive storm, esp. a tropical cyclone. hurricane 2.a. syl hur+ri+cane pron <1h^rikN>, <-kAn> pos n. def a wind of force 12 or above on the Beaufort scale. hurricane 2.b. syl hur+ri+cane pron <1h^rikN>, <-kAn> pos n. usage as modifier exam 1 a wind of hurricane force. hurricane 3. syl hur+ri+cane pron <1h^rikN>, <-kAn> pos n. def anything acting like such a wind. hurricane deck 0. syl hur+ri+cane deck pos n. def a ship's deck that is covered by a light deck as a sunshade. hurricane lamp 0. syl hur+ri+cane lamp pos n. def a paraffin lamp, with a glass covering to prevent the flame from being blown out. Also called: {storm lantern}. hurried 0. syl hur+ried pron <1h^rid> pos adj. def performed with great or excessive haste. exam 1 a hurried visit. hurriedly sub head hurried syl hur+ried+ly pos adv. hurriedness sub head hurried syl hur+ried+ness pos n. hurry ety C16 horyen, probably of imitative origin; compare Middle High German hurren; see #7scurry hurries infl head hurry syl hur+ries pos vb. hurrying infl head hurry syl hur+ry+ing pos vb. hurried infl head hurry syl hur+ried. pos vb. hurry 1. syl hur+ry pron <1h^ri> pos vb. mod intr. usage often foll. by up def to hasten (to do something); rush. hurry 2. syl hur+ry pron <1h^ri> pos vb. mod tr. usage often foll. by along def to speed up the completion, progress, etc., of. {~} {+ries}. hurry 3. syl hur+ry pron <1h^ri> pos vb. def haste. hurry 4. syl hur+ry pron <1h^ri> pos vb. def urgency or eagerness. hurry 5.a. syl hur+ry pron <1h^ri> pos vb. def easily. exam 1 you won't beat him in a hurry. hurry 5.b. syl hur+ry pron <1h^ri> pos vb. def willingly. exam 1 we won't go there again in a hurry. hurryingly sub head hurry syl hur+ry+ing+ly pos adv. hurst ety Old English hyrst; related to Old High German hurst hurst 1. syl hurst pron pos n. qual Archaic. def a wood. hurst 2. syl hurst pron pos n. qual Archaic. def a sandbank. Hurstmonceux 0. syl Hurst+mon+ceux pron <1hR:stm*n2su:>, <-2s*u> pos n. def a variant spelling of {Herstmonceux}. hurt ety C12 hurten to hit, from Old French hurter to knock against, probably of Germanic origin; compare Old Norse hr*_utr ram, Middle High German hurt a collision hurts infl head hurt syl hurts pos vb. hurting infl head hurt syl hurt+ing pos vb. hurt infl syl hurt. pos vb. hurt 1. syl hurt pron pos vb. def to cause physical, moral, or mental injury to (someone or something). hurt 2. syl hurt pron pos vb. def to produce a painful sensation in (someone). exam 1 the bruise hurts. hurt 3. syl hurt pron pos vb. mod intr. qual Informal. def to feel pain. hurt 4. syl hurt pron pos n. def physical, moral, or mental pain or suffering. hurt 5. syl hurt pron pos n. def a wound, cut, or sore. hurt 6. syl hurt pron pos n. def damage or injury; harm. hurter sub head hurt syl hurt+er pos n. hurter ety C14 hurtour, from Old French hurtoir something that knocks or strikes, from hurter to #7hurt hurter 0. syl hur+ter pron <1hR:t*> pos n. def an object or part that gives protection, such as a concrete block that protects a building from traffic or the shoulder of an axle against which the hub strikes. hurtful 0. syl hurt+ful pron <1hR:tful> pos adj. def causing distress or injury. exam 1 to say hurtful things. hurtfully sub head hurtful syl hurt+ful+ly pos adv. hurtfulness sub head hurtful syl hurt+ful+ness pos n. hurtle ety C13 hurtlen, from hurten to strike; see #7hurt hurtle 1. syl hurt+le pron <1hR:tL> pos vb. def to project or be projected very quickly, noisily, or violently. hurtle 2. syl hurt+le pron <1hR:tL> pos vb. mod intr. qual Rare. def to collide or crash. Jan infl head Hus syl Jan pos n. Huss infl head Hus syl Huss. pos n. Husain 1. syl Hu:sain pron , <-1sIn> pos n. def ??629-680 #7a.d., Islamic caliph, the son of Ali and Fatima and the grandson of Mohammed. Husain 2. syl Hu:sain pron , <-1sIn> pos n. def a variant spelling of {Hussein}. Gustav infl head Hus'ak syl Gus:tav pron <1gustaf> pos n. Hus'ak 0. syl Hu:s*'ak pron Czech <1husa:k> pos n. def born 1913, Czechoslovak statesman; first secretary of the Communist Party since 1969; president since 1975. husband ety Old English h*_usbonda from Old Norse h*_usb*_ondi, from h*_us house+ b*_ondi one who has a household, from b*_oa to dwell husband 1. syl hus+band pron <1h^zb*nd> pos n. def a woman's partner in marriage. husband 2.a. syl hus+band pron <1h^zb*nd> pos n. def a manager of an estate. husband 2.b. syl hus+band pron <1h^zb*nd> pos n. def a frugal person. husband 3. syl hus+band pron <1h^zb*nd> pos vb. def to manage or use (resources, finances, etc.) thriftily. husband 4.a. syl hus+band pron <1h^zb*nd> pos vb. mod tr. def to find a husband for. husband 4.b. syl hus+band pron <1h^zb*nd> pos vb. usage of a woman def to marry (a man). husband 5. syl hus+band pron <1h^zb*nd> pos vb. mod tr. qual Obsolete. def to till (the soil). husbander sub head husband syl hus+band+er pos n. husbandless sub head husband syl hus+band+less pos adj. husbandmen infl head husbandman syl hus:band+men. pos n. mod pl. husbandman 0. syl hus:band+man pron <1h^zb*ndm*n> pos n. qual Archaic. def a farmer. husbandry 1. syl hus+band+ry pron <1h^zb*ndri> pos n. def farming, esp. when regarded as a science, skill, or art. husbandry 2. syl hus+band+ry pron <1h^zb*ndri> pos n. def management of affairs and resources. Husein ibn-Ali 0. syl Hu:sein ibn-A:li pron <1ibN> <1a:li>, <1@li>, pos n. def 1856-1931, first king of Hejaz (1916-24). Advised by T. E. Lawrence, he took part in the Arab revolt against the Turks (1916-18); forced to abdicate by ibn-Saud. hush ety C16: probably from earlier husht quiet&!, the - t being thought to indicate a past participle hush H1.1. syl hush pron pos vb. def to make or become silent; quieten. hush H1.2. syl hush pron pos vb. def to soothe or be soothed. hush H1.3. syl hush pron pos n. def stillness; silence. hush H1.4. syl hush pron pos n. def an act of hushing. hush H1.5. syl hush pron pos interj. def a plea or demand for silence. hush ety C18: of imitative origin hush H2.1. syl hush pron pos vb. mod tr. qual Mining, northern Brit. def to run water over the ground to erode (surface soil), revealing the underlying strata and any valuable minerals present. hush H2.2. syl hush pron pos vb. mod tr. qual Mining, northern Brit. def to wash (an ore) by removing particles of earth with rushing water. hush H2.3. syl hush pron pos n. qual Mining, northern Brit. def a gush of water, esp. when artificially produced. hushaby ety C18: from #7hush %1+ by, as in #7bye-bye hushaby 1. syl hush:a+by pron <1h^S*2bI> pos interj. def used in quietening a baby or child to sleep. {~} hushaby 2. syl hush:a+by pron <1h^S*2bI> pos interj. def a lullaby. hush-hush 0. syl hush-hush pos adj. usage Informal. esp. of official work, documents, etc. def secret; confidential. hush money 0. syl hush mon+ey pos n. qual Slang. def money given to a person, such as an accomplice, to ensure that something is kept secret. hush up 0. syl hush up pos vb. adv. mod tr. def to suppress information or rumours about. husk ety C14: probably based on Middle Dutch huusken little house, from h*_us house; related to Old English hosu husk, h*_us #7house husk 1. syl husk pos h^sk; n. def the external green or membranous covering of certain fruits and seeds. husk 2. syl husk pos h^sk; n. def any worthless outer covering. {~} husk 3. syl husk pos h^sk; n. mod tr. def to remove the husk from. husker sub head husk syl husk+er pos n. husklike sub head husk syl husk+2like pos adj. husky ety C19: probably from #7husk, from the toughness of a corn husk huskier infl head husky syl husk:i+er pos adj. huskiest infl head husky syl husk:i+est. pos adj. husky H1.1. syl husk:y pron <1h^ski> pos adj. usage of a voice, utterance, etc. def slightly hoarse or rasping. husky H1.2. syl husk:y pron <1h^ski> pos adj. def of, like, or containing husks. husky H1.3. syl husk:y pron <1h^ski> pos adj. qual Informal. def big, strong, and well-built. huskily sub head husky syl husk:i+ly pos adv. huskiness sub head husky syl husk:i+ness pos n. husky ety C19: probably based on E#7skimo huskies infl head husky syl husk:ies. pos n. mod pl. husky H2.0. syl husk:y pron <1h^ski> pos n. def a breed of Arctic sled dog with a thick dense coat, pricked ears, and a curled tail. John infl head Huss syl John. pos h^s; n. Huss 0. syl Huss pos h^s; n. def Czech name ??1372-1415, Bohemian religious reformer. Influenced by Wycliffe, he anticipated the Reformation in denouncing doctrines and abuses of the Church. His death at the stake precipitated the Hussite wars in Bohemia and Moravia. hussar ety C15: from Hungarian husz*'ar hussar, formerly freebooter, from Old Serbian husar, from Old Italian corsaro #7corsair hussar 1.a. syl hus+sar pron pos n. def a member of any of various light cavalry regiments in European armies, renowned for their elegant dress. hussar 1.b. syl hus+sar pron pos n. mod pl. usage cap. when part of a name exam 1 the Queen's own Hussars. hussar 2. syl hus+sar pron pos n. def a Hungarian horseman of the 15th century. Husain alt head Hussein or Hussein syl Hu:sain pos n. Hussein 0. or Husain syl Hus:sein pron pos n. def born 1935, king of Jordan since 1952. Edmund infl head Husserl syl Ed:mund pron <1etmunt> pos n. Husserl 0. syl Hus:serl pron German <1hus*rl> pos n. def 1859-1938, German philosopher; founder of phenomenology. Hussite 1. syl Huss+ite pron <1h^sIt> pos n. def an adherent of the religious ideas of John Huss in the 14th century or a member of the movement initiated by him. Hussite 2. syl Huss+ite pron <1h^sIt> pos adj. def of or relating to John Huss, his teachings, followers, etc. Hussism sub head Hussite or Hussitism syl Huss+ism pos n. Hussitism sub head Hussite or Hussism syl Huss+it+ism pos n. hussy ety C16 (in the sense: housewife): from hussif #7housewife hussies infl head hussy syl hus+sies. pos n. mod pl. hussy 1. syl hus+sy pron <1h^si>, <-zi> pos n. qual Contemptuous. def a shameless or promiscuous woman. hussy 2. syl hus+sy pron <1h^si>, <-zi> pos n. qual Brit. dialect. def a folder for needles, thread, etc. hustings ety C11: from Old Norse h*_usthing, from h*_us #7house+ thing assembly hustings 1. syl hus+tings pron <1h^stiGz> pos n. mod functioning as; pl. sing. usage Brit. before 1872 def the platform on which candidates were nominated for Parliament and from which they addressed the electors. hustings 2. syl hus+tings pron <1h^stiGz> pos n. mod functioning as; pl. sing. def the proceedings at a parliamentary election. hustings 3. syl hus+tings pron <1h^stiGz> pos n. mod functioning as; pl. sing. def political campaigning. hustle ety C17: from Dutch husselen to shake, from Middle Dutch hutsen hustle 1. syl hus+tle pron <1h^sL> pos vb. def to shove or crowd (someone) roughly. hustle 2. syl hus+tle pron <1h^sL> pos vb. def to move or cause to move hurriedly or furtively. exam 1 he hustled her out of sight. hustle 3. syl hus+tle pron <1h^sL> pos vb. mod tr. def to deal with or cause to proceed hurriedly. exam 1 to hustle legislation through. hustle 4. syl hus+tle pron <1h^sL> pos vb. mod intr. qual Slang. def to earn or obtain (something) forcefully. hustle 5. syl hus+tle pron <1h^sL> pos vb. usage U.S. slang. of procurers and prostitutes def to solicit. hustle 6. syl hus+tle pron <1h^sL> pos n. def an instance of hustling. hustle 7. syl hus+tle pron <1h^sL> pos n. def undue activity. hustler sub head hustle syl hus+tler pos n. hustle up 0. syl hus+tle up pos vb. mod tr. qual Informal, chiefly U.S. def to prepare quickly. John infl head Huston syl John. pos n. Huston 0. syl Hus:ton pron <1hju:st*n> pos n. def born 1906, U.S. film director of (1951) and (1956). hut ety C17: from French hutte, of Germanic origin; related to Old High German hutta a crude dwelling hut 1. syl hut pos h^t; n. def a small house or shelter, usually made of wood or metal. the hut 2. head hut syl the hut. usage Austral. on a sheep or cattle station def accommodation for the shearers, stockmen, etc. {~} hut 3. syl hut pos h^t; n. def to furnish with or live in a hut. hutlike sub head hut syl hut+2like pos adj. hutch ety C14 hucche, from Old French huche, from Medieval Latin hutica, of obscure origin hutch 1. syl hutch pron pos n. def a cage, usually of wood and wire mesh, for small animals. hutch 2. syl hutch pron pos n. qual Informal, derogatory. def a small house. hutch 3. syl hutch pron pos n. def a cart for carrying ore. hutch 4. syl hutch pron pos n. def a trough, esp. one used for kneading dough or (in mining) for washing ore. hutch 5. syl hutch pron pos vb. mod tr. def to store or keep in or as if in a hutch. hutchie ety C20: from #7hutch hutchie 0. syl hutch:ie pron <1huCi> pos n. qual Austral. def a groundsheet draped over an upright stick, used as a temporary shelter. hut circle 0. syl hut cir+cle pos n. qual Archaeol. def a circle of earth or stones representing the site of a prehistoric hut. hutment 0. syl hut+ment pron <1h^tm*nt> pos n. qual Chiefly Military. def a number or group of huts. Hutu infl or Hutus syl Hu+tu pos n. mod pl. Hutus infl head Hutu or Hutu syl Hu+tus pos n. mod pl. Hutu 1. syl Hu+tu pron <1hu:2tu:> pos n. def a member of a Negroid people of Rwanda. Hutu 2. syl Hu+tu pron <1hu:2tu:> pos n. def the language of this people, belonging to the Bantu group of the Niger-Congo family. Aldous (Leonard) 1. head Huxley syl Al:dous (Leonard) . def 1894-1963, English novelist and essayist, noted particularly for his novel (1932), depicting a scientifically controlled civilization of human robots. Huxley 2. syl Hux:ley pron <1h^ksli> pos n. def his brother, Sir {Ju@.li@.an (Sorrel) }. 1887-1975, English biologist; first director-general of UNESCO (1946-48). His works include (1923) and (1942). Huxley 3. syl Hux:ley pron <1h^ksli> pos n. def their grandfather, {Thom@.as Hen@.ry}. 1825-95, English biologist, the leading British exponent of Darwin's theory of evolution; his works include (1863) and (1893). Christiaan infl head Huygens syl Chris:ti:aan pron <1kristi?!:2a:n> pos n. Huygens 0. syl Huy:gens pron <1hIg*nz>, Dutch pos n. def 1629-95, Dutch physicist: first formulated the wave theory of light. Joris Karl infl head Huysmans syl Jor:is Karl pron , pos n. Huysmans 0. syl Huys:mans pron French <$his1m*~a:s>, pos n. def 1848-1907, French novelist of the Decadent school, whose works include (1884). huzzah ety C16: of unknown origin huzzah 0. syl huz+zah pron pos interj. n. vb. def an archaic word for {hurrah}. hv alt head HV or HV syl h.v. HV 0. or hv syl H.V. qual abbrev. for def high voltage. hw alt head HW or HW syl h.w. HW 1. or hw syl H.W. qual abbrev. for: def high water. HW 2. or hw syl H.W. qual abbrev. for:; Cricket. def hit wicket. hwan ety Korean hwan 0. syl hwan pron , pos n. def another name for { {won%2} (senses 1, 2)}. Huang Hai alt head Hwang Hai or Hwang Hai syl Huang Hai pron <1w@G> <1hI> pos n. Hwang Hai 0. or Huang Hai syl Hwang Hai pron <1w@G> <1hI> pos n. def the transliteration of Chinese name for the {Yellow Sea}. Huang Ho alt head Hwang Ho or Hwang Ho syl Huang Ho pron <1w@G> <1h*u> pos n. Hwang Ho 0. or Huang Ho syl Hwang Ho pron <1w@G> <1h*u> pos n. def transliteration of the Chinese name for the {Yellow River}. HWM 0. syl H.W.M. qual abbrev. for def high-water mark. hwyl ety C19: Welsh hwyl 0. syl hw:yl pron <1hu:il> pos n. def emotional fervour, as in the recitation of poetry. hyacinth ety C16: from Latin hyacinthus, from Greek huakinthos hyacinth 1. syl hy:a+cinth pron <1hI*sinT> pos n. def any liliaceous plant of the Mediterranean genus esp. any cultivated variety of having a thick flower stalk bearing white, blue, or pink fragrant flowers. hyacinth 2. syl hy:a+cinth pron <1hI*sinT> pos n. def the flower or bulb of such a plant. hyacinth 3. syl hy:a+cinth pron <1hI*sinT> pos n. def any similar or related plant, such as the grape hya?!cinth. hyacinth 4. syl hy:a+cinth pron <1hI*sinT> pos n. def Also called: {jacinth}. a red or reddish-brown trans?!parent variety of the mineral zircon, used as a gemstone hyacinth 5. syl hy:a+cinth pron <1hI*sinT> pos n. qual Greek myth. def a flower which sprang from the blood of the dead Hyacinthus. hyacinth 6. syl hy:a+cinth pron <1hI*sinT> pos n. def a colour varying from a deep purplish-blue to a medium violet. hyacinthine sub head hyacinth syl hy:a+cin+thine pron <2hI*1sinTIn> pos adj. Hyacinthus 0. syl Hy:a:cin:thus pron <2hI*1sinT*s> pos n. qual Greek myth. def a youth beloved of Apollo and inadvertently killed by him. At the spot where the youth died, Apollo caused a flower to grow. Hyades ety C16: via Latin from Greek huades, perhaps from huein to rain Hyads alt head Hyades or Hyades syl Hy+ads pron <1hI*2dEz>, <1hI@dz>, <1hI@dz> pos n. mod pl. Hyades H1.0. or Hyads syl Hy:a+des pron <1hI*2dEz>, <1hI@dz>, <1hI@dz> pos n. mod pl. def an open cluster of stars in the constellation Taurus. Compare {{Pleiades%2}}. Hyades H2.0. syl Hy:a:des pron <1hI*2dEz> pos n. mod pl. qual Greek myth. def seven nymphs, daughters of Atlas, whom Zeus placed among the stars after death. hyaena 0. syl hy+ae:na pron pos n. def a variant spelling of {hyena}. hyaenic sub head hyaena syl hy+1ae:nic pos adj. hyalin 0. syl hy:a+lin pron <1hI*lin> pos n. def glassy translucent substance, such as occurs in certain degenerative skin conditions or in hyaline cartilage. hyaline ety C17: from Late Latin hyalinus, from Greek hualinos of glass, from hualos glass hyaline 1. syl hy:a+line pron <1hI*lin> pos adj. qual Biology. def clear and translucent, with no fibres or granules. hyaline 2. syl hy:a+line pron <1hI*lin> pos adj. qual Archaic. def transparent. hyaline 3. syl hy:a+line pron <1hI*lin> pos n. qual Archaic. def a glassy transparent surface. hyaline cartilage 0. syl hy:a+line cart:i+lage pos n. def a common type of cartilage with a translucent matrix containing little fibrous tissue. hyalite 0. syl hy:a+lite pron <1hI*2lIt> pos n. def a clear and colourless variety of opal in globular form. hyalo- ety from Greek hualos glass hyaloid ety C19: from Greek hualoeid*_es hyaloid 0. syl hy:a+loid pron <1hI*2lcid> pos adj. qual Anatomy, zoology. def clear and trans?!parent; glassy; hyaline. hyaloid membrane 0. syl hy:a+loid mem+brane pos n. def the delicate transparent membrane enclosing the vitreous humour of the eye. hyaloplasm 0. syl hy+al:o+plasm pron <1hI*l*u2pl@z*m> pos n. def the clear nongranular constituent of cell cytoplasm. hyaloplasmic sub head hyaloplasm syl hy:a+lo+1plas+mic pos adj. hyaluronic acid ety C20: #7hyalo -#7+ Greek ouron urine+-#7ic hyaluronic acid 0. syl hy:a+lu+ron+ic ac:id pron <2hI*lu1ronik> pos n. def a viscous polysaccharide with important lubricating properties, present, for example, in the synovial fluid in joints. hyaluronic sub head hyaluronic acid syl hy:a+lu+1ron+ic pos adj. hyaluronidase ety C20: #7hyalo -#7+ Greek ouron urine+{#7id %3}#7+ -#7ase hyaluronidase 0. syl hy:a+lu+ron:i+dase pron <2hI*lu1roni2dAs>, <-2dAz> pos n. def an enzyme that breaks down hyaluronic acid, thus decreasing the viscosity of the medium containing the acid. hybrid ety C17: from Latin hibrida offspring of a mixed union (human or animal) hybrid 1. syl hy+brid pron <1hIbrid> pos n. def an animal or plant resulting from a cross between genetically unlike individuals. Hybrids between different species are usually sterile. hybrid 2. syl hy+brid pron <1hIbrid> pos n. def anything of mixed ancestry. hybrid 3. syl hy+brid pron <1hIbrid> pos n. def a word, part of which is derived from one language and part from another, such as which has a prefix of Greek origin and a root of Latin origin. hybrid 4. syl hy+brid pron <1hIbrid> pos adj. def denoting or being a hybrid; of mixed origin. hybrid 5. syl hy+brid pron <1hIbrid> pos adj. usage Physics. of an electromagnetic wave def having components of both electric and magnetic field vectors in the direction of propagation. hybrid 6.a. syl hy+brid pron <1hIbrid> pos adj. usage of a circuit def consisting of transistors and valves. hybrid 6.b. syl hy+brid pron <1hIbrid> pos adj. usage of an integrated circuit def consisting of one or more fully integrated circuits and other components, attached to a ceramic substrate. Compare {{monolithic} (sense 3)}. hybridism sub head hybrid syl hy+brid+ism pos n. hybridity sub head hybrid syl hy+1brid+i:ty pos n. hybrid computer 0. syl hy+brid com+put+er pos n. def a computer combining some of the advantages of both analog and digital computers. A continuously varying analog input is converted into discrete values for fast digital processing. hybridise alt head hybridize or hybridize syl hy+brid+ise pron <1hIbri2dIz> pos vb. hybridize 0. or hybridise syl hy+brid+ize pron <1hIbri2dIz> pos vb. def to produce or cause to produce hybrids; crossbreed. hybridizable sub head hybridize or hybridisable syl hy+brid+2iz+a:ble pos adj. hybridisable sub head hybridize or hybridizable syl hy+brid+2is+a:ble pos adj. hybridization sub head hybridize or hybridisation syl hy+brid:i+1za+tion pos n. hybridisation sub head hybridize or hybridization syl hy+brid:i+1sa+tion pos n. hybridizer sub head hybridize or hybridiser syl hy+brid+2iz+er pos n. hybridiser sub head hybridize or hybridizer syl hy+brid+2is+er pos n. hybrid vigour 0. syl hy+brid vig+our pos n. qual Biology. def the increased size, strength, etc., of a hybrid as compared to either of its parents. Also called: {heterosis}. hybris 0. syl hy+bris pron <1hIbris> pos n. def a variant spelling of {hubris}. hybristic sub head hybris syl hy+1bris+tic pos adj. hydantoin ety C20: from #7hyd (#7rogen+all) #7antoin hydantoin 0. syl hy+dan+to+in pron pos n. def a colourless odourless crystalline compound present in beet molasses: used in the manu?!facture of pharmaceuticals and synthetic resins. Formula: C\3H\4N\2O\2. hydathode ety C19: from Greek, from hudor water+ hodos way hydathode 0. syl hy+da+thode pron <1hId*2T*ud> pos n. def a pore in plants, esp. on the leaves, specialized for excreting water. hydatid ety C17: from Greek hudatis watery vesicle, from hud*_or, hudat- water hydatid 1. syl hy+da+tid pron <1hId*tid> pos n. def a large bladder containing encysted larvae of the tapeworm causes serious disease in man. hydatid 2. syl hy+da+tid pron <1hId*tid> pos n. def a sterile fluid-filled cyst produced in man and animals during infestation by larval forms. {~} Also called: {hydatid cyst}. Hyde H1.0. syl Hyde pron pos n. def a town in NW England, in E Greater Manchester. Pop.: 37075 (1971). Douglas 1. head Hyde syl Doug:las. def 1860-1949, Irish statesman and author; first president of Eire (1938-45). Edward 2. head Hyde syl Ed:ward. def See (1st Earl of) {Clarendon}. Hyde Park 0. syl Hyde Park pos n. def a park in W central London: popular for open-air meetings. Hyderabad 1. syl Hy+der:a+bad pron <1hId*r*2ba:d>, <-2b@d>, <1hIdr*-> pos n. def a city in S central India, capital of Andhra Pradesh state and capital of former Hyderabad state; university (1918). Pop.: 1607396 (1971). Hyderabad 2. syl Hy+der:a+bad pron <1hId*r*2ba:d>, <-2b@d>, <1hIdr*-> pos n. def a former state of S India: divided in 1956 between the states of Andhra Pradesh, Mysore, and Maharashtra. Hyderabad 3. syl Hy+der:a+bad pron <1hId*r*2ba:d>, <-2b@d>, <1hIdr*-> pos n. def a city in SW Pakistan, on the River Indus: seat of the University of Sind (1947). Pop.: 628310 (1972). Haidar Ali alt head Hyder Ali or Hyder Ali syl Hai:dar A:li pron <1hId*r> <1a:li> pos n. Hyder Ali 0. or Haidar Ali syl Hy:der A:li pron <1hId*r> <1a:li> pos n. def 1722-82, Indian ruler of Mysore (1766-82), who waged two wars against the British in India (1767-69; 1780-82). hydnocarpate 0. syl hyd+no+car+pate pron <2hidn*u1ka:pAt> pos n. def any salt or ester of hydnocarpic acid. hydnocarpic acid ety C20: from Greek hudnon truffle+ karpos fruit+-#7ic hydnocarpic acid 0. syl hyd+no+car+pic ac:id pron <2hidn*u1ka:pik> pos n. def a cyclic fatty acid occurring in the form of its glycerides in chaulmoogra oil. Formula: C\1\6H\2\8O\2. hydr- 0. syl hydr- usage combining form. def variant of {hydro-} before a vowel. hydra ety C16: from Latin, from Greek hudra water serpent; compare #7otter hydras infl head hydra or hydrae syl hy+dras pron <-drE> pos n. mod pl. hydrae infl head hydra or hydras syl hy+drae pron <-drE> pos n. mod pl. hydra 1. syl hy+dra pron <1hIdr*> pos n. def any solitary freshwater hydroid coelenterate of the genus in which the body is a slender polyp with tentacles around the mouth. hydra 2. syl hy+dra pron <1hIdr*> pos n. def a persistent trouble or evil. exam 1 the hydra of the Irish problem. Hydra H1.0. syl Hy:dra pron <1hIdr*> pos n. qual Greek myth. def a monster with nine heads, each of which, when struck off, was replaced by two new ones. Hydrae infl head Hydra syl Hy+drae pron <1hIdrE> pos n. qual Latin genitive Hydra H2.0. syl Hy+dra pron <1hIdr*> pos n. def a very long faint constellation lying mainly in the S hemisphere and extending from near Virgo to Cancer. hydracid 0. syl hy+drac+id pron pos n. def an acid, such as hydrochloric acid, that does not contain oxygen. hydrangea ety C18: from New Latin, from Greek hud*_or water+ angeion vessel: probably from the cup-shaped fruit hydrangea 0. syl hy+dran+gea pron pos n. def any shrub or tree of the Asian and American genus cultivated for their large clusters of white, pink, or blue flowers: family hydrant ety C19: from #7hydro -#7+ -#7ant hydrant 0. syl hy+drant pron <1hIdr*nt> pos n. def an outlet from a water main, usually consisting of an upright pipe with a valve attached, from which water can be tapped for fighting fires, etc. See also {fire hydrant}. hydranth ety C19: from #7hydra+ Greek anthos flower hydranth 0. syl hy+dranth pron <1hIdr@nT> pos n. def a polyp in a colony of hydrozoan coelenterates that is specialized for feeding rather than reproduction. hydrargyrum ety C16: from New Latin, from Latin hydrargyrus from Greek hydrarguros, from #7hydro -#7+ arguros silver hydrargyrum 0. syl hy+drar+gy+rum pron pos n. def an obsolete name for { {mercury} (sense 1)}. hydrargyric sub head hydrargyrum syl hy+drar+gy+ric pron <2hIdra:1Ji*rik> pos adj. hydrastine ety C19: from #7hydrast (#7is) #7+ -{#7ine %2} hydrastine 0. syl hy+dras+tine pron , <-tin> pos n. def a white poisonous alkaloid extracted from the roots of the goldenseal: has been used in medicine (in the form of one of its water-soluble salts) to contract the uterus and arrest haemorrhage. Formula: C\2\1H\2\1NO\6. hydrastinine 0. syl hy+dras+ti+nine pron pos n. def a colourless crystalline water-soluble compound whose pharmacological action resembles that of hydrastine. Formula: C\1\1H\1\3NO\3. hydrastis ety C18: New Latin, from Greek #7hydro -#7+ -astis, of unknown origin hydrastis 0. syl hy+dras+tis pron pos n. def any ranunculaceous plant of the genus of Japan and E North America, such as goldenseal, having showy foliage and ornamental red fruits. hydrate 1. syl hy+drate pron <1hIdrAt> pos n. def a chemical compound containing water that is chemically combined with a substance and can usually be expelled without changing the constitution of the substance. hydrate 2. syl hy+drate pron <1hIdrAt> pos n. def a chemical compound that can dissociate reversibly into water and another compound. For example sulphuric acid (H\2SO\4) dissociates into sulphur trioxide (SO\3) and water (H\2O). hydrate 3. syl hy+drate pron <1hIdrAt> pos n. usage not in technical usage def a chemical compound, such as a carbohydrate, that contains hydrogen and oxygen atoms in the ratio two to one. hydrate 4. syl hy+drate pron <1hIdrAt> pos vb. def to undergo or cause to undergo treatment or impregnation with water. hydration sub head hydrate syl hy+1dra+tion pos n. hydrator sub head hydrate syl hy+dra+tor pos n. hydrated 0. syl hy+drat+ed pron <1hIdrAtid> pos adj. usage of a compound def chemically bonded to water molecules. hydraulic ety C17: from Latin hydraulicus of a water organ, from Greek hudraulikos, from hudraulos water organ, from #7hydro -#7+ aulos pipe, reed instrument hydraulic 1. syl hy+drau+lic pron pos adj. def operated by pressure transmitted through a pipe by a liquid, such as water or oil. hydraulic 2. syl hy+drau+lic pron pos adj. def of, concerned with, or employing liquids in motion. hydraulic 3. syl hy+drau+lic pron pos adj. def of or concerned with hydraulics. hydraulic 4. syl hy+drau+lic pron pos adj. def hardening under water. exam 1 hydraulic cement. hydraulically sub head hydraulic syl hy+1drau+li+cal+ly pos adv. hydraulic brake 0. syl hy+drau+lic brake pos n. def a type of brake, used in motor vehicles, in which the braking force is transmitted from the brake pedal to the brakes by a compressed liquid. hydraulic press 0. syl hy+drau+lic press pos n. def a press that utilizes liquid pressure to enable a small force applied to a small piston to produce a large force on a larger piston. The small piston moves through a proportionately greater distance than the larger. hydraulic ram 1. syl hy+drau+lic ram pos n. def the larger or working piston of a hydraulic press. hydraulic ram 2. syl hy+drau+lic ram pos n. def a form of water pump utilizing the kinetic energy of running water to provide static pressure to raise water to a reservoir higher than the source. hydraulics 0. syl hy+drau+lics pron pos n. mod functioning as; sing. def another name for {fluid mechanics}. hydraulic suspension 0. syl hy+drau+lic sus+pen+sion pos n. def a system of motor-vehicle suspension using hydraulic members, often with hydraulic compensation between front and rear systems ({hydroelastic suspension}) . hydrazine ety C19: from #7hydro -#7+azo -#7+ {-#7ine %2} hydrazine 0. syl hy+dra+zine pron <1hIdr*2zEn>, <-zin> pos n. def a colourless basic liquid made from sodium hypochlorite and ammonia: a strong reducing agent, used chiefly as a rocket fuel. Formula: N\2H\4. hydrazoic acid 0. syl hy+dra+zo+ic ac:id pron <2hIdr*1z*uik> pos n. def a colourless highly explosive liquid. Formula: HN\3. See also {azide}. hydria ety C19: from Latin, from Greek hudria, from hud*_or water hydria 0. syl hy+dri:a pron <1hIdri*> pos n. usage in ancient Greece and Rome def a large water jar. hydric 1. syl hy+dric pron <1hIdrik> pos adj. def of or containing hydrogen. hydric 2. syl hy+dric pron <1hIdrik> pos adj. def containing or using moisture. hydride 0. syl hy+dride pron <1hIdrId> pos n. def any compound of hydrogen with another element, including ionic compounds such as sodium hydride (NaH), covalent compounds such as borane (B\2H\6), and the transition metal hydrides formed when certain metals, such as palladium, absorb hydrogen. hydriodic acid ety C19: from #7hydro -#7+iodic hydriodic acid 0. syl hy+dri+od+ic ac:id pron <2hIdri1odik> pos n. def the colourless or pale yellow aqueous solution of hydrogen iodide: a strong acid. hydros infl head hydro syl hy+dros. pos n. mod pl. hydro H1.0. syl hy+dro pron <1hIdr*u> pos n. qual Brit. def a hotel or resort, often near a spa, offering facilities for hydropathic treatment. hydro H2.1. syl hy+dro pron <1hIdr*u> pos adj. def short for {hydroelectric}. hydro H2.2. syl hy+dro pron <1hIdr*u> pos n. def a Canadian name for {electricity}. hydro- ety from Greek hud*_or water hydro- 1. syl hy:dro- usage before a vowel def indicating or denoting water, liquid, or fluid. exam 1 hydrolysis; exam 2 hydrodynamics. hydro- 2. syl hy:dro- usage before a vowel def indicating the presence of hydrogen in a chemical compound. exam 1 hydrochloric acid. hydro- 3. syl hy:dro- usage before a vowel def indicating a hydroid. exam 1 hydrozoan. hydrobromic acid 0. syl hy:dro+bro+mic ac:id pron <2hIdr*u1br*umik> pos n. def the colourless or faintly yellow aqueous solution of hydrogen bromide: a strong acid. hydrocarbon 0. syl hy:dro+car+bon pron <2hIdr*u1ka:bN> pos n. def any organic compound containing only carbon and hydrogen, such as the alkanes, alkenes, alkynes, terpenes, and arenes. hydrocele 0. syl hy:dro+cele pron <1hIdr*u2sEl> pos n. def an abnormal collection of fluid in any saclike space, esp. around the testicles. hydrocellulose 0. syl hy:dro+cel+lu+lose pron <2hIdr*u1selju2l*us>, <-2l*uz> pos n. def a gelatinous material consisting of hydrated cellulose, made by treating cellulose with water, acids, or alkalis: used in making paper, viscose rayon, and mercerized cotton. hydrocephaly alt head hydrocephalus or hydrocephalus syl hy:dro+ceph:a+ly pron <2hIdr*u1sef*li> pos n. hydrocephalus 0. or hydrocephaly syl hy:dro+ceph:a+lus pron <2hIdr*u1sef*l*s> pos n. def accumulation of cerebrospinal fluid within the ventricles of the brain because its normal outlet has been blocked by congenital malformation or disease. In infancy it usually results in great enlargement of the head. Nontechnical name: {water on the brain}. hydrocephalic sub head hydrocephalus syl hy:dro+ce:phal+ic pron <2hIdr*u?!se1f@lik> pos adj. hydrocephaloid sub head hydrocephalus or hydrocephalous syl hy:dro+1ceph:a+loid pos adj. hydrocephalous sub head hydrocephalus or hydrocephaloid syl hy:dro+1ceph:a+lous pos adj. hydrochloric acid 0. syl hy:dro+chlo+ric ac:id pron <2hIdr*1klorik> pos n. def the colourless or slightly yellow aqueous solution of hydrogen chloride: a strong acid used in many industrial and laboratory processes. Formerly called: {muriatic acid}. hydrochloride ety C\6H\5NH\3%+Cl%-. hydrochloride 0. syl hy:dro+chlo+ride pron <2hIdr*1klc:rId> pos n. def a quaternary salt formed by the addition of hydrochloric acid to an organic base, such as aniline hydrochloride, hydrocoral ety C20: from #7hydro -#7+coral hydrocoralline alt head hydrocoral or hydrocoral syl hy+dro+cor+al+line pos n. hydrocoral 0. or hydrocoralline syl hy+dro+cor+al pron <2hIdr*1kor*l> pos n. def any hydrozoan coelenterate of the order (or which includes the millepores. hydrocortisone 0. syl hy:dro+cor+ti+sone pron <2hIdr*u1kc:ti2z*un> pos n. def the principal glucocorticoid secreted by the adrenal cortex; 17-hydroxycorticosterone. The synthesized form is used mainly in treating rheumatic, allergic, and inflammatory disorders. Formula: C\2\1H\3\0O\5. Also called: {cortisol}. hydrocyanic acid 0. syl hy:dro+cy+an+ic ac:id pron <2hIdr*usI1@nik> pos n. def another name for {hydrogen cyanide}, esp. when in aqueous solution. hydrodynamical alt head hydrodynamic or hydrodynamic syl hy:dro+dy+nam:i+cal pos adj. hydrodynamic 1. or hydrodynamical syl hy:dro+dy+nam+ic pron <2hIdr*udI1n@mik>, <-di-> pos adj. def of or concerned with the mechanical properties of fluids. hydrodynamic 2. or hydrodynamical syl hy:dro+dy+nam+ic pron <2hIdr*udI1n@mik>, <-di-> pos adj. def of or concerned with hydrodynamics. hydrodynamically sub head hydrodynamic syl hy:dro+dy+1nam:i+cal+ly pos adv. hydrodynamics 1. syl hy:dro+dy+nam+ics pron <2hIdr*udI1n@miks>, <-di-> pos n. mod functioning as; sing. def the branch of science concerned with the mechanical properties of fluids, esp. liquids. Also called: {hydromechanics}. See also {hydrokinetics, hydrostatics}. hydrodynamics 2. syl hy:dro+dy+nam+ics pron <2hIdr*udI1n@miks>, <-di-> pos n. def another name for {hydrokinetics}. hydroelectric 1. syl hy:dro+e:lec+tric pron <2hIdr*ui1lektrik> pos adj. def generated by the pressure of falling water. exam 1 hydroelectric power. hydroelectric 2. syl hy:dro+e:lec+tric pron <2hIdr*ui1lektrik> pos adj. def of or con?!cerned with the generation of electricity by water pressure. exam 1 a hydroelectric scheme. hydroelectricity sub head hydroelectric syl hy:dro+e:lec+tric+i:ty pron <2hIdr*uilek?!1trisitE>, <-2Elek-> pos n. hydrofluoric acid 0. syl hy:dro+flu+or+ic ac:id pron <2hIdr*uflu:1orik> pos n. def the colourless aqueous solution of hydrogen fluoride: a strong acid that attacks glass. hydrofoil 1. syl hy:dro+foil pron <1hIdr*2fcil> pos n. def a fast light vessel the hull of which is raised out of the water on one or more pairs of fixed vanes. hydrofoil 2. syl hy:dro+foil pron <1hIdr*2fcil> pos n. def any of these vanes. hydrogen ety C18: from French hydrog*`ene, from #7hydro -#7+ -#7gen ; so called because its combustion produces water hydrogen 0.a. syl hy:dro+gen pron <1hIdriJ*n> pos n. def a flammable colourless gas that is the lightest and most abundant element in the universe. It occurs mainly in water and in most organic compounds and is used in the production of ammonia and other chemicals, in the hydrogenation of fats and oils, and in welding. Symbol: H; atomic no.: 1; atomic wt.: 1.007 97; valency: 1; density: 0.0899 kg/m%3; melting pt.: -259.14?%C; boiling pt.: -252.5?%C. See also {deuterium, tritium}. hydrogen 0.b. syl hy:dro+gen pron <1hIdriJ*n> pos n. usage as modifier exam 1 hydrogen bomb. hydrogenize infl head hydrogenate or hydrogenise syl hy:dro+gen+ize pron <1hIdr*Ji2nIz>, pos vb. hydrogenise infl head hydrogenate or hydrogenize syl hy:dro+gen+ise pron <1hIdr*Ji2nIz>, pos vb. hydrogenate 0. syl hy:dro+gen+ate pron <1hIdr*Ji2nAt>, pos vb. def to undergo or cause to undergo a reaction with hydrogen. exam 1 to hydrogenate ethylene. hydrogenation sub head hydrogenate syl hy:dro+gen:1a+tion pos n. hydrogenization sub head hydrogenate or hydrogenisation syl hy:dro+gen:i+1za+tion pos n. hydrogenisation sub head hydrogenate or hydrogenization syl hy:dro+gen:i+1sa+tion pos n. hydrogenator sub head hydrogenate syl hy:dro+gen:2a+tor pos n. hydrogen bomb 0. syl hy:dro+gen bomb pos n. def a type of bomb in which energy is released by fusion of hydrogen nuclei to give helium nuclei. The energy required to initiate the fusion is provided by an atom bomb, which is surrounded by a hydrogen-containing substance such as lithium deuteride. Also called: {H-bomb}. See also {fusion bomb}. hydrogen bond 0. syl hy:dro+gen bond pos n. def a weak chemical bond between an electronegative atom, such as fluorine, oxygen, or nitrogen, and a hydrogen atom bound to another electronegative atom. Hydrogen bonds are responsible for the properties of water and many biological molecules. hydrogen bromide 1. syl hy:dro+gen bro+mide pos n. def a colourless pungent gas used in organic synthesis. Formula: HBr. hydrogen bromide 2. syl hy:dro+gen bro+mide pos n. def an aqueous solution of hydrogen bromide; hydrobromic acid. hydrogen carbonate 0. syl hy:dro+gen car+bon+ate pos n. def another name for {bicarbonate}. hydrogen chloride 1. syl hy:dro+gen chlo+ride pos n. def a colourless pungent corrosive gas obtained by the action of sulphuric acid on sodium chloride: used in making vinyl chloride and other organic chemicals. Formula: HCl. hydrogen chloride 2. syl hy:dro+gen chlo+ride pos n. def an aqueous solution of hydrogen chloride; hydrochloric acid. hydrogen cyanide 0. syl hy:dro+gen cy:a+nide pos n. def a colourless poisonous liquid with a faint odour of bitter almonds, usually made by a catalysed reaction between ammonia, oxygen, and methane. It forms prussic acid in aqueous solution and is used for making plastics and dyes and as a war gas. Formula: HCN. Also called: {hydrocyanic acid}. hydrogen fluoride 1. syl hy:dro+gen fluo+ride pos n. def a colourless poisonous corrosive gas or liquid made by reaction between calcium fluoride and sulphuric acid: used as a fluorinating agent and catalyst. Formula: HF. hydrogen fluoride 2. syl hy:dro+gen fluo+ride pos n. def an aqueous solution of hydrogen fluoride; hydrofluoric acid. hydrogen iodide 1. syl hy:dro+gen i:o:dide pos n. def a colourless poisonous corrosive gas obtained by a catalysed reaction between hydrogen and iodine vapour: used in making iodides. Formula: HI. hydrogen iodide 2. syl hy:dro+gen i:o:dide pos n. def an aqueous solution of this gas; hydriodic acid. hydrogen ion 1. syl hy:dro+gen i:on pos n. def an ionized hydrogen atom, occurring in plasmas and in aqueous solutions of acids, in which it is solvated by one or more water molecules; proton. Formula: H%+ hydrogen ion 2. syl hy:dro+gen i:on pos n. def an ionized hydrogen molecule; hydrogen molecular ion. Formula: H%+@b\2 hydrogenise alt head hydrogenize or hydrogenize syl hy:dro+gen+ise pron <1hI?!dr*Ji2nIz>, pos vb. hydrogenize 0. or hydrogenise syl hy:dro+gen+ize pron <1hI?!dr*Ji2nIz>, pos vb. def variants of {hydrogenate}. hydrogenization sub head hydrogenize or hydrogenisation syl hy:dro+gen:i+1za+tion pos n. hydrogenisation sub head hydrogenize or hydrogenization syl hy:dro+gen:i+1sa+tion pos n. hydrogenolysis 0. syl hy:dro+gen+ol:y+sis pron <2hIdr*uJi1nolisis> pos n. def a chemical reaction in which a compound is decomposed by hydrogen. hydrogenous 0. syl hy+drog+e:nous pron pos adj. def of or containing hydrogen. hydrogen peroxide 0. syl hy:dro+gen per+ox+ide pos n. def a colourless oily unstable liquid, usually used in aqueous solution. It is a strong oxidizing agent used as a bleach for textiles, wood pulp, hair, etc., and as an oxidizer in rocket fuels. Formula: H\2O\2. hydrogen sulphate 0. syl hy:dro+gen sul+phate pos n. def another name for {bisulphate}. hydrogen sulphide 0. syl hy:dro+gen sul+phide pos n. def a colourless poisonous soluble flammable gas with an odour of rotten eggs: used as a reagent in chemical analysis. Formula: H\2S. Also called: {sulphuretted hydrogen}. hydrogen sulphite 0. syl hy:dro+gen sul+phite pos n. def another name for {bisulphite}. hydrogen tartrate 0. syl hy:dro+gen tar+trate pos n. def another name for {bitartrate}. hydrograph 0. syl hy:dro+graph pron <1hIdr*2gra:f>, <-2gr@f> pos n. def a graph showing the seasonal variation in the level, velocity, or discharge of a body of water. hydrography 1. syl hy+drog+ra+phy pron pos n. def the study, surveying, and mapping of the oceans, seas, and rivers. Compare {hydrol?!ogy}. hydrography 2. syl hy+drog+ra+phy pron pos n. def the oceans, seas, and rivers as represented on a chart. hydrographer sub head hydrography syl hy+1drog+ra+pher pos n. hydrographic sub head hydrography or hydrographical syl hy:dro+graph+ic pron <2hIdr*1gr@fik> pos adj. hydrographical sub head hydrography or hydrographic syl 2hy:dro+1graph:i+cal pos adj. hydrographically sub head hydrography syl 2hy:dro+1graph:i+cal+ly pos adv. hydroid 1. syl hy+droid pron <1hIdrcid> pos adj. def of or relating to the an order of colonial hydrozoan coelenterates that have the polyp phase dominant. hydroid 2. syl hy+droid pron <1hIdrcid> pos adj. usage of coelenterate colonies or individuals def having or consisting of hydra-like polyps. hydroid 3. syl hy+droid pron <1hIdrcid> pos n. def a hydroid colony or individual. hydrokinetical alt head hydrokinetic or hydrokinetic syl hy:dro+ki+net:i+cal pos adj. hydrokinetic 1. or hydrokinetical syl hy:dro+ki+net+ic pron <2hIdr*uki1netik>, <-kI-> pos adj. def of or concerned with fluids that are in motion. hydrokinetic 2. or hydrokinetical syl hy:dro+ki+net+ic pron <2hIdr*uki1netik>, <-kI-> pos adj. def of or concerned with hydrokinetics. hydrokinetics 0. syl hy:dro+ki+net+ics pron <2hIdr*uki1netiks>, <-kI-> pos n. mod functioning as; sing. def the branch of science concerned with the mechanical behaviour and properties of fluids in motion, esp. of liquids. Also called: {hydrodynamics}. hydrologic cycle 0. syl hy:dro+log+ic cy+cle pos n. def another name for {water cycle}. hydrology 0. syl hy+drol+o:gy pron pos n. def the study of the distribution, conservation, use, etc., of the water of the earth and its atmosphere. hydrologic sub head hydrology or hydrological syl hy:dro+log+ic pron <2hIdr*1loJik> pos adj. hydrological sub head hydrology or hydrologic syl hy:dro+1log:i+cal pos adj. hydrologically sub head hydrology syl hy:dro+1log:i+cal+ly pos adv. hydrologist sub head hydrology syl hy+1drol:o+gist pos n. hydrolysate ety C20: from #7hydrolysis+{ -#7ate %1} hydrolysate 0. syl hy+drol:y+sate pron pos n. def a substance or mixture produced by hydrolysis. hydrolyze alt head hydrolyse or hydrolyse syl hy:dro+lyze pron <1hIdr*2lIz> pos vb. qual U.S. hydrolyse 0. or hydrolyze syl hy:dro+lyse pron <1hIdr*2lIz> pos vb. def to subject to or undergo hydrolysis. hydrolysable sub head hydrolyse or hydrolyzable syl hy:dro+2lys+a:ble pos adj. hydrolyzable sub head hydrolyse or hydrolysable syl hy:dro+2lyz+a:ble pos adj. qual U.S. hydrolysation sub head hydrolyse or hydrolyzation syl hy:dro+ly+1sa+tion pos n. hydrolyzation sub head hydrolyse or hydrolysation syl hy:dro+ly+1za+tion pos n. qual U.S. hydrolyser sub head hydrolyse or hydrolyzer syl hy:dro+2lys+er pos n. hydrolyzer sub head hydrolyse or hydrolyser syl hy:dro+2lyz+er pos n. qual U.S. hydrolysis 0. syl hy+drol:y+sis pron pos n. def a chemical reaction in which a compound reacts with water to produce other compounds. hydrolyte 0. syl hy:dro+lyte pron <1hIdr*2lIt> pos n. def a substance subjected to hydrolysis. hydrolytic 0. syl hy:dro+lyt+ic pron <2hIdr*1litik> pos adj. def of, concerned with, producing, or produced by hydrolysis. hydromagnetics 0. syl hy:dro+mag+net+ics pron <2hIdr*um@g1netiks> pos n. def another name for {magnetohydrodynamics}. hydromancy 0. syl hy:dro+man+cy pron <1hIdr*u2m@nsi> pos n. def divination by water. hydromancer sub head hydromancy syl hy:dro+2manc+er pos n. hydromantic sub head hydromancy syl hy:dro+1man+tic pos adj. hydromechanics 0. syl hy:dro+me:chan+ics pron <2hIdr*umi1k@niks> pos n. def another name for {hydrodynamics}. hydromechanical sub head hydromechanics syl hy:dro+me:1chan:i+cal pos adj. hydromedusas infl head hydromedusa or hydromedusae syl hy:dro+me:du+sas pron <-sE> pos n. mod pl. hydromedusae infl head hydromedusa or hydromedusas syl hy:dro+me:du+sae pron <-sE> pos n. mod pl. hydromedusa 0. syl hy:dro+me:du+sa pron <2hIdr*umi1dju:s*> pos n. def the medusa form of hydrozoan coelenterates. hydromedusan sub head hydromedusa syl hy:dro+me:1du+san pos adj. hydromel ety C15: from Latin, from Greek hudromeli, from #7hydro -#7+ meli honey hydromel 0. syl hy:dro+mel pron <1hIdr*u2mel> pos n. qual Archaic. def another word for {mead} (the drink). hydrometallurgy 0. syl hy:dro+met+al+lur+gy pron <2hIdr*u1met%*!lR:Ji>, <-me1t@l*Ji> pos n. def a technique for the recovery of a metal from an aqueous medium in which the metal or the gangue is preferentially dissolved. hydrometallurgical sub head hydrometallurgy syl hy:dro+2met+al+1lur+gi+cal pos adj. hydrometeor 0. syl hy:dro+me:te:or pron <2hIdr*u1mEti*> pos n. def any weather condition produced by water in the atmosphere, such as rain or snow. hydrometeorological sub head hydrometeor syl hy:dro+2me:te:or:o+1log:i+cal pos adj. hydrometeorology sub head hydrometeor syl hy:dro+2me:te:or+1ol+o:gy pos n. hydrometeorology sub head hydrometeor syl hy:dro+2me:te:or+1ol+o:gy pos n. hydrometer 0. syl hy+drom+e:ter pron pos n. def an instrument for measuring the relative density of a liquid, usually consisting of a sealed graduated tube with a weighted bulb on one end, the relative density being indicated by the length of the unsubmerged stem. hydrometric sub head hydrometer or hydrometrical syl hy:dro+met+ric pron <2hIdr*u1metrik> pos adj. hydrometrical sub head hydrometer or hydrometric syl hy:dro+1met+ri+cal pos adj. hydrometrically sub head hydrometer syl hy:dro+1met+ri+cal+ly pos adv. hydrometry sub head hydrometer syl hy+1drom+e:try pos n. hydronaut ety C20: from Greek, from #7hydro -#7+ -naut, as in aeronaut, astronaut hydronaut 0. syl hy:dro+naut pron <1hIdr*u2nc:t> pos n. qual U.S. Navy. def a person trained to operate deep submergence vessels. hydronium ion ety C20: from #7hydro -#7+ (#7amm) #7onium hydronium ion 0. syl hy:dro+ni:um i:on pron pos n. qual Chem. def another name for {hydroxonium ion}. hydropathy 0. syl hy+drop:a+thy pron pos n. def a pseudoscientific method of treating disease by the use of large quantities of water both internally and externally. Also called: {water cure}. Compare {hydrotherapy}. hydropathic sub head hydropathy or hydropathical syl hy:dro+path+ic pron <2hIdr*u1p@Tik> pos adj. hydropathical sub head hydropathy or hydropathic syl 2hy:dro+1path:i+cal pos adj. hydropathist sub head hydropathy or hydropath syl hy+1drop:a+thist pos n. hydropath sub head hydropathy or hydropathist syl 1hy:dro+2path pos n. hydrophane 0. syl hy:dro+phane pron <1hIdr*u2fAn> pos n. def a white partially opaque variety of opal that becomes translucent in water. hydrophanous sub head hydrophane syl hy+droph:a+nous pron pos adj. hydrophilic 0. syl hy:dro+phil+ic pron <2hIdr*u1filik> pos adj. qual Chem. def tending to dissolve in, mix with, or be wetted by water. exam 1 a hydrophilic colloid. hydrophile sub head hydrophilic syl hy:dro+2phile pos n. hydrophilous 0. syl hy+droph:i+lous pron pos adj. qual Botany. def growing in or pollinated by water. hydrophily sub head hydrophilous syl hy+1droph:i+ly pos n. hydrophobia 1. syl hy:dro+pho+bia pron <2hIdr*1f*ubi*> pos n. def another name for {rabies}. hydrophobia 2. syl hy:dro+pho+bia pron <2hIdr*1f*ubi*> pos n. def a fear of drinking fluids, esp. that of a person with rabies, because of painful spasms when trying to swallow. Compare {aquaphobia}. hydrophobic 1. syl hy:dro+pho+bic pron <2hIdr*1f*ubik> pos adj. def of or relating to hydrophobia. hydrophobic 2. syl hy:dro+pho+bic pron <2hIdr*1f*ubik> pos adj. qual Chem. def tending not to dissolve in, mix with, or be wetted by water. exam 1 a hydrophobic colloid. hydrophone 0. syl hy:dro+phone pron <1hIdr*2f*un> pos n. def an electroacoustic transducer that converts sound or ultrasonic waves travelling through water into electrical oscillations. hydrophyte 0. syl hy:dro+phyte pron <1hIdr*u2fIt> pos n. def a plant that grows only in water or very moist soil. hydrophytic sub head hydrophyte syl hy:dro+phyt+ic pron <2hIdr*u1fitik> pos adj. hydroplane 1. syl hy:dro+plane pron <1hIdr*u2plAn> pos n. def a motorboat equipped with hydrofoils or with a shaped bottom that raises its hull out of the water at high speeds. hydroplane 2. syl hy:dro+plane pron <1hIdr*u2plAn> pos n. def an attachment to an aircraft to enable it to glide along the surface of water. hydroplane 3. syl hy:dro+plane pron <1hIdr*u2plAn> pos n. def another name (esp. U.S.) for a {seaplane}. hydroplane 4. syl hy:dro+plane pron <1hIdr*u2plAn> pos n. def a horizontal vane on the hull of a submarine for controlling its vertical motion. hydroplane 5. syl hy:dro+plane pron <1hIdr*u2plAn> pos vb. mod intr. usage of a boat def to rise out of the water in the manner of a hydroplane. hydroponics ety C20: from #7hydro -#7+ (#7geo) #7ponics hydroponics 0. syl hy:dro+pon+ics pron <2hIdr*u1poniks> pos n. mod functioning as; sing. def a method of cultivating plants by growing them in gravel, etc., through which water containing dissolved inorganic nutrient salts is pumped. Also called: {aquiculture}. hydroponic sub head hydroponics syl hy:dro+1pon+ic pos adj. hydroponically sub head hydroponics syl hy:dro+1pon:i+cal+ly pos adv. hydropower 0. syl hy:dro+pow+er pron <1hIdr*u2pau*> pos n. def hydroelectric power. hydroquinol alt head hydroquinone or hydroquinone syl hy:dro+quin+ol pron <2hIdr*u1kwinol> pos n. hydroquinone 0. or hydroquinol syl hy:dro+qui+none pron <2hIdr*ukwi1n*un> pos n. def a white crystalline soluble phenol used as a photographic developer; 1,4-dihydroxybenzene. Formula: C\6H\4(OH)\2. Also called: {quinol}. hydroscope 0. syl hy:dro+scope pron <1hIdr*2sk*up> pos n. def any instrument for making observations of underwater objects. hydroscopic sub head hydroscope or hydroscopical syl hy:dro+scop+ic pron <2hIdr*1skopik> pos adj. hydroscopical sub head hydroscope or hydroscopic syl hy:dro+1scop:i+cal pos adj. hydroski 0. syl hy:dro+ski pron <1hIdr*u2skE> pos n. def a hydrofoil used on some seaplanes to provide extra lift when taking off. hydrosol 0. syl hy:dro+sol pron <1hIdr*2sol> pos n. qual Chem. def a sol that has water as its liquid phase. hydrosome ety C19: from hydro-, from #7hydra+ -{#7some %3} hydrosoma alt head hydrosome or hydrosome syl hy:dro+so+ma pron <2hIdr*1s*um*> pos n. hydrosome 0. or hydrosoma syl hy:dro+some pron <1hIdr*2s*um> pos n. qual Zoology. def the body of a colonial hydrozoan. hydrosphere 0. syl hy:dro+sphere pron <1hIdr*2sfi*> pos n. def the watery part of the earth's surface, including oceans, lakes, water vapour in the atmosphere, etc. hydrospheric sub head hydrosphere syl hy:dro+1spher+ic pos adj. hydrostat 0. syl hy:dro+stat pron <1hIdr*u2st@t> pos n. def a device that detects the presence of water as a prevention against drying out, overflow, etc., esp. one used as a warning in a steam boiler. hydrostatical alt head hydrostatic or hydrostatic syl hy:dro+stat:i+cal pos adj. hydrostatic 1. or hydrostatical syl hy:dro+stat+ic pron <2hIdr*u1st@tik> pos adj. def of or concerned with fluids that are not in motion. exam 1 hydrostatic pressure. hydrostatic 2. or hydrostatical syl hy:dro+stat+ic pron <2hIdr*u1st@tik> pos adj. def of or concerned with hydrostatics. hydrostatically sub head hydrostatic syl hy:dro+1stat:i+cal+ly pos adv. hydrostatic balance 0. syl hy:dro+stat+ic bal+ance pos n. def a balance for finding the weight of an object submerged in water in order to determine the upthrust on it and thus determine its relative density. hydrostatics 0. syl hy:dro+stat+ics pron <2hIdr*u1st@tiks> pos n. mod functioning as; sing. def the branch of science concerned with the mechanical properties and behaviour of fluids that are not in motion. See also {hydrodynamics}. hydrosulphate 0. syl hy:dro+sul+phate pron <2hIdr*u1s^lfAt> pos n. def any quaternary acid salt formed by addition of an organic base to sulphuric acid, such as aniline hydrosulphate, C\6H\5NH\3HSO\4. hydrosulphide 0. syl hy:dro+sul+phide pron <2hIdr*u1s^lfId> pos n. def any salt derived from hydrogen sulphide by replacing one of its hydrogen atoms with a metal atom. Technical name: {hydrogen sulphide}. hydrosulphite ety C20: from #7hydrosulph (#7urous) #7+ {-#7ite %2} hydrosulphite 0. syl hy:dro+sul+phite pron <2hIdr*u1s^lfIt> pos n. def another name (not in technical usage) for {dithionite}. hydrosulphurous acid 0. syl hy:dro+sul+phur+ous acid pron <2hIdr*u1s^lf*r*s> pos n. def another name (not in technical usage) for {dithionous acid}. hydrotaxis 0. syl hy:dro+tax+is pron <2hIdr*u1taksis> pos n. def the directional movement of an organism or cell in response to the stimulus of water. hydrotactic sub head hydrotaxis syl hy:dro+1tac+tic pos adj. hydrotherapeutics 0. syl hy:dro+ther:a+peu+tics pron <2hIdr*u2Ter*1pju:tiks> pos n. mod functioning as; sing. def the branch of medical science concerned with hydrotherapy. hydrotherapeutic sub head hydrotherapeutics syl hy:dro+2ther:a+1peu+tic pos adj. hydrotherapy 0. syl hy:dro+ther:a+py pron <2hIdr*u1Ter*pi> pos n. qual Med. def the treatment of certain diseases by the external application of water, as for mobilizing stiff joints or strengthening weakened muscles. Also called: {water cure}. Compare {hydropathy}. hydrotherapic sub head hydrotherapy syl hy:dro+ther:a+pic pron <2hIdr*uTi1r@pik> pos adj. hydrotherapist sub head hydrotherapy syl hy:dro+1ther:a+pist pos n. hydrothermal 0. syl hy:dro+ther+mal pron <2hIdr*u1TR:m*l> pos adj. def of or relating to the action of water under conditions of high temperature, esp. in forming rocks and minerals. hydrothermally sub head hydrothermal syl hy:dro+1ther+mal+ly pos adv. hydrothorax 0. syl hy:dro+tho+rax pron <2hIdr*u1Tc:r@ks> pos n. qual Pathol. def an accumulation of fluid in one or both pleural cavities, often resulting from disease of the heart or kidneys. hydrothoracic sub head hydrothorax syl hy:dro+tho+rac+ic pron <2hIdr*uTc:1r@sik> pos adj. hydrotropism 0. syl hy+drot+ro+pism pron pos n. def the directional growth of plants in response to the stimulus of water. hydrotropic sub head hydrotropism syl hy:dro+trop+ic pron <2hIdr*u1tropik> pos adj. hydrotropically sub head hydrotropism syl hy:dro+1trop:i+cal+ly pos adv. hydrous 1. syl hy+drous pron <1hIdr*s> pos adj. def containing water. hydrous 2. syl hy+drous pron <1hIdr*s> pos adj. usage of a chemical compound def combined with water molecules. exam 1 hydrous copper sulphate, CuSO\4.5H\2O. hydroxide 1. syl hy+drox+ide pron pos n. def a base or alkali containing the ion OH%#-. hydroxide 2. syl hy+drox+ide pron pos n. def any compound containing an -OH group. hydroxonium ion 0. syl hy+drox+o:ni:um i:on pron <2hIdrok1s*uni*m> pos n. def a positive ion, H\3O%+, formed by the attachment of a proton to a water molecule: occurs in solutions of acids and behaves like a hydrogen ion. Also called: {hydronium ion}. hydroxy ety C19: #7hydro -#7+oxy (#7gen) hydroxy 0. syl hy+drox:y pron pos adj. usage of a chemical compound def containing one or more hydroxyl groups. hydroxy- ety from #7hydro -#7+oxy (#7gen) hydroxy- 0. syl hy:drox:y- usage combining form. def (in chemical compounds) indicating the presence of one or more hydroxyl groups or ions. hydroxy acid 1. syl hy+drox:y ac:id pos n. def any acid, such as sulphuric acid, containing hydroxyl groups in its molecules. hydroxy acid 2. syl hy+drox:y ac:id pos n. def any of a class of carboxylic acids that contain both a hydroxyl group and a carboxyl group in their molecules. hydroxyl 0. syl hy+drox:yl pron pos n. usage modifier def of, consisting of, or containing the monovalent group -OH or the ion OH%#-. exam 1 a hydroxyl group or radical. hydroxylic sub head hydroxyl syl hy+drox+1yl+ic pos adj. hydroxylamine 0. syl hy+drox+yl:a+mine pron , <-1@min>, <-1sIl*2mEn> pos n. def a colourless crystalline compound that explodes when heated: a reducing agent. Formula: NH\2OH. hydroxyproline 0. syl hy+drox:y+pro+line pron , <-lin> pos n. def an amino acid occurring in some proteins, esp. collagen. Formula: (OH)C\4H\7N(COOH). hydrozoan 1. syl hy:dro+zo:an pron <2hIdr*u1z*u*n> pos n. def any colonial or solitary coelenterate of the class which includes the hydra, Portuguese man-of-war, and the sertularians. {~} hydrozoan 2. syl hy:dro+zo:an pron <2hIdr*u1z*u*n> pos n. def of, relating to, or belonging to the Hydrus ety C17: from Latin, from Greek hudros water serpent, from hud*_or water Hydri infl head Hydrus syl Hy+dri pron <1hIdrI> pos n. qual Latin genitive Hydrus 0. syl Hy+drus pron <1hIdr*s> pos n. def a constellation near the S celestial pole lying close to Eridanus and Tucana and containing part of the Small Magellanic cloud. hyena ety C16: from Medieval Latin, from Latin hyaena, from Greek huaina, from hus hog hyaena alt head hyena or hyena syl hy+ae:na pron pos n. hyena 0. or hyaena syl hy+e:na pron pos n. def any of several long-legged carnivorous doglike mammals of the genera and such as ({spotted} or {laughing hyena}) , of Africa and S Asia: family order (carnivores). hyenic sub head hyena or hyaenic syl hy+1e:nic pos adj. hyaenic sub head hyena or hyenic syl hy+1ae:nic pos adj. hyetal ety C19: from Greek huetos rain+-#7{al %1} hyetal 0. syl hy+e:tal pron <1hIitL> pos adj. def of or relating to rain, rainfall, or rainy regions. hyetograph 1. syl hy+et:o+graph pron <1hIit*2gra:f>, <-2gr@f> pos n. def a chart showing the distribution of rainfall of a particular area, usually throughout a year. hyetograph 2. syl hy+et:o+graph pron <1hIit*2gra:f>, <-2gr@f> pos n. def a self-recording rain gauge. hyetography 0. syl hy+e:tog+ra+phy pron <2hIi1togr*fi> pos n. def the study of the distribution and recording of rainfall. hyetographic sub head hyetography or hyetographical syl hy+e:to+graph+ic pron <2hIit*1gr@fik> pos adj. hyetographical sub head hyetography or hyetographic syl 2hy+e:to+1graph:i+cal pos adj. hyetographically sub head hyetography syl 2hy+e:to+1graph:i+cal+ly pos adv. Hygeia 0. syl Hy:ge:ia pron pos n. def the Greek goddess of health. Hygeian sub head Hygeia syl Hy+1ge:ian pos adj. hygiene ety C18: from New Latin hygi*_ena, from Greek hugiein*_e, from hugieinos healthful, from hugi*_es healthy hygiene 1. syl hy+giene pron <1hIJEn> pos n. def Also called: {hygienics}. the science con?!cerned with the maintenance of health. hygiene 2. syl hy+giene pron <1hIJEn> pos n. def clean or healthy prac?!tices or thinking. exam 1 personal hygiene. hygienic 0. syl hy+gien+ic pron pos adj. def promoting health or cleanliness; sanitary. hygienically sub head hygienic syl hy+1gien:i+cal+ly pos adv. hygienics 0. syl hy+gien+ics pron pos n. mod functioning as; sing. def another word for {hygiene} (sense 1). hygeist infl head hygienist or hygieist syl hy+ge:ist pron <1hIJEist> pos n. hygieist infl head hygienist or hygeist syl hy+gie:ist pron <1hIJEist> pos n. hygienist 0. syl hy+gien+ist pron <1hIJEnist> pos n. def a person skilled in the practice of hygiene. See also {dental hygienist}. hygristor ety C20: from #7hygro -#7+ (#7res) #7istor hygristor 0. syl hy+gris+tor pron pos n. def an electronic component the resist?!ance of which varies with humidity. hygro- ety from Greek hugros wet hygrograph 0. syl hy:gro+graph pron <1hIgr*2gra:f>, <-2gr@f> pos n. def an automatic hygrom?!eter that produces a graphic record of the humidity of the air. hygrometer 0. syl hy+grom+e:ter pron pos n. def any of various instruments for measuring humidity. hygrometric sub head hygrometer syl hy:gro+met+ric pron <2hIgr*1metrik> pos adj. hygrometrically sub head hygrometer syl hy:gro+1met+ri+cal+ly pos adv. hygrometry sub head hygrometer syl hy+1grom+e:try pos n. hygrophilous 0. syl hy:gro+phi+lous pron pos adj. usage of a plant def growing in moist places. &- {hy@.gro+phile} (#!ha$Igr$$$u@!fa$Il) hygroscope 0. syl hy:gro+scope pron <1hIgr*2sk*up> pos n. def any device that indicates the humidity of the air without necessarily measuring it. hygroscopic 0. syl hy:gro+scop+ic pron <2hIgr*1skopik> pos adj. usage of a substance def tending to absorb water from the air. hygroscopically sub head hygroscopic syl hy:gro+1scop:i+cal+ly pos adv. hygroscopicity sub head hygroscopic syl hy:gro+sco+pic+i:ty pron <2hIgr*sk*u1pisiti> pos n. hygrostat 0. syl hy:gro+stat pron <1hIgr*2st@t> pos n. def another name for {humidistat}. hying 0. syl hy+ing pron <1hIiG> pos vb. def the present participle of {hie}. Hyksos ety from Greek Huks*_os name of ruling dynasty in Egypt, from Egyptian h#800381 q'#800382 #800383 #800384 s'sw ruler of the lands of the nomads Hyksos infl syl Hyk+sos. pos n. mod pl. Hyksos 0. syl Hyk+sos pron <1hiksos> pos n. def a member of a nomadic Asian people, probably Semites, who controlled Egypt from 1720 #7b.c. until 1560 #7b.c. hyla ety C19: from New Latin, from Greek hul*_e forest, wood hyla 0. syl hy:la pron <1hIl*> pos n. def any tree frog of the genus such as ({white-spotted hyla}) of tropical America. hylo- ety from Greek hul*_e wood hylo- 1. syl hy:lo- usage before a vowel def indicating matter (as distinguished from spirit). exam 1 hylozoism. hylo- 2. syl hy:lo- usage before a vowel def indicating wood. exam 1 hylophagous. hylomorphism 0. syl hy:lo+morph+ism pron <2hIl*1mc:fiz*m> pos n. def the philosophical doc?!trine that identifies matter with the first cause of the universe. hylophagous ety C19: from Greek hulophagos, from hul*_e wood+ phagein to devour hylophagous 0. syl hy+loph:a+gous pron pos adj. usage esp. of insects def feeding on wood. hylotheism 0. syl hy:lo+the:ism pron <2hIl*1TEiz*m> pos n. def the doctrine that God is identical to matter. hylozoism ety C17: #7hylo -#7+ Greek z*_o*_e life hylozoism 0. syl hy+lo+zo+ism pron <2hIl*1z*uiz*m> pos n. def the philosophical doctrine that life is one of the properties of matter. hylozoic sub head hylozoism syl hy+lo+1zo+ic pos adj. hylozoist sub head hylozoism syl hy+lo+1zo+ist pos n. hylozoistic sub head hylozoism syl hy+lo+zo+1is+tic pos adj. hylozoistically sub head hylozoism syl hy+lo+zo+1is+ti+cal+ly pos adv. hymen ety C17: from Greek: membrane hymen 0. syl hy+men pron <1hImen> pos n. qual Anatomy. def a fold of mucous membrane that partly covers the entrance to the vagina and is usually ruptured when sexual intercourse takes place for the first time. hymenal sub head hymen syl hy+men+al pos adj. Hymen 0. syl Hy:men pron <1hImen> pos n. def the Greek and Roman god of marriage. hymeneal 1. syl hy+me:ne:al pron <2hIme1nE*l> pos adj. qual Chiefly poetic. def of or relating to marriage. hymeneal 2. syl hy+me:ne:al pron <2hIme1nE*l> pos n. def a wedding song or poem. hynia infl head hymenium or hyniums syl hy+ni:a pron <-ni*> pos n. mod pl. hyniums infl head hymenium or hynia syl hy+ni:ums. pos n. mod pl. hymenium 0. syl hy+me:ni:um pron pos n. usage in basidiomycetous and ascomycetous fungi def a layer of cells some of which produce the spores. hymenopteron alt head hymenopteran or hymenopteran syl hy+me+nop+ter+on pron <-t*r*> pos n. hymenopterans infl head hymenopteran syl hy+me:nop+ter+ans pron <-t*r*> pos n. mod pl. hymenoptera infl head hymenopteran or hymenopterons syl hy+me:nop+ter:a pron <-t*r*> pos n. mod pl. hymenopterons infl head hymenopteran or hymenoptera syl hy+me:nop+ter+ons. pos n. mod pl. hymenopteran 0. or hymenopteron syl hy+me:nop+ter+an pron <2hImi1nopt*r*n> pos n. def any hymenopterous insect. hymenopterous ety C19: from Greek humen?!opteros membrane wing; see #7hymen, -#7pterous hymenopteran alt head hymenopterous or hymenopterous syl hy+men+op+ter+an pos adj. hymenopterous 0. or hymenopteran syl hy+men+op+ter+ous pron <2hImi1nopt*r*s> pos adj. def of, relating to, or belonging to the an order of insects, including bees, wasps, ants, and sawflies, having two pairs of membranous wings and an ovipositor specialized for stinging, sawing, or piercing. Hymettus 0. syl Hy+met+tus pron pos n. def a mountain in SE Greece, in Attica east of Athens: famous for its marble and for honey. Height: 1032 m (3386 ft.). Modern Greek name: {Imitt*'os}. Hymettian sub head Hymettus or Hymettic syl Hy+1met+ti:an pos adj. Hymettic sub head Hymettus or Hymettian syl Hy+1met+tic pos adj. hymn ety C13: from Latin hymnus, from Greek humnos hymn 1. syl hymn pron pos n. def a Christian song of praise sung to God or a saint. hymn 2. syl hymn pron pos n. def a similar song praising other gods, a nation, etc. hymn 3. syl hymn pron pos vb. def to express (praises, thanks, etc.) by singing hymns. hymnic sub head hymn syl hym+nic pron <1himnik> pos adj. hymnlike sub head hymn syl hymn+2like pos adj. hymnal 1. syl hym+nal pron <1himnL> pos n. def a book of hymns. hymnal 2. syl hym+nal pron <1himnL> pos adj. def of, relating to, or characteristic of hymns. hymn book 0. syl hymn book pos n. def a book containing the words and music of hymns. hymnodist infl head hymnist or hymnographer syl hym+no+dist pron <1himn*dist> pos n. hymnographer infl head hymnist or hymnodist syl hym+nog+ra+pher pron pos n. hymnist 0. syl hym+nist pron <1himnist> pos n. def a person who composes hymns. hymnody ety C18: from Medieval Latin hymn*_odia, from Greek humn*_oidia, from humn*_oidein to chant a hymn, from #7hymn+ aeidein to sing hymnody 1. syl hym+no+dy pron <1himn*di> pos n. def the composition or singing of hymns. hymnody 2. syl hym+no+dy pron <1himn*di> pos n. def hymns collectively. hymnody xref syl hym+no+dy pron <1himn*di> pos n. def Also called: {hymnology}. hymnodical sub head hymnody syl hym+nod:i+cal pron pos adj. hymnology 1. syl hym+nol+o:gy pron pos n. def the study of hymn composition. hymnology 2. syl hym+nol+o:gy pron pos n. def another word for {hymnody}. hymnologic sub head hymnology or hymnological syl hym+no+log+ic pron <2himn*?!1loJik> pos adj. hymnological sub head hymnology or hymnologic syl hym+no+1log:i+cal pos adj. hymnologist sub head hymnology syl hym+1nol:o+gist pos n. hyoid ety C19: from New Latin h*_yo*"ides, from Greek huoeid*_es having the shape of the letter #7upsilon, from hu upsilon+-#7oid hyoid 1. syl hy+oid pron <1hIcid> pos adj. usage also def of or relating to the hyoid bone. hyoid 2. syl hy+oid pron <1hIcid> pos n. usage also; also: def the horseshoe-shaped bone that lies at the base of the tongue and above the thyroid cartilage. hyoid 3. syl hy+oid pron <1hIcid> pos n. usage also; also: def a corresponding bone or group of bones in other vertebrates. hyoscine ety C19: from #7hyosc (#7yamus) #7+ -#7{ine %2} hyoscine 0. syl hy+os+cine pron <1hI*2sEn> pos n. def another name for {scopolamine}. hyoscyamine 0. syl hy+os+cy:a+mine pron <2hI*1sI*2mEn>, <-min> pos n. def a poisonous alkaloid occurring in henbane and related plants: an optically active isomer of atropine, used in medicine in a similar way. Formula: C\1\7H\2\3NO\3. hyoscyamus ety C18: from New Latin, from Greek huoskuamos, from hus pig+ kuamos bean; the plant was thought to be poisonous to pigs hyoscyamus 0. syl hy+os+cy:a+mus pron <2hI*1sI*m*s> pos n. def any plant of the solanaceous genus of Europe, Asia, and N Africa, including henbane. hyp 1. syl hyp. qual abbrev. for: def hypotenuse. hyp 2. syl hyp. qual abbrev. for: def hypothesis. hyp 3. syl hyp. qual abbrev. for: def hypothetical. hyp- 0. syl hyp- pos prefix. def a variant of {hypo-} before a vowel. exam 1 hypabyssal. hypabyssal 0. syl hyp+a:byss+al pron <2hip*1bisL> pos adj. usage of igneous rocks def derived from magma that has solidified close to the surface of the earth in the form of dykes, sills, etc. hypesthesia alt head hypaesthesia or hypaesthesia syl hyp+es+the+si:a pron <2hipEs1TEzi*>, <2hI-> pos n. qual U.S. hypaesthesia 0. or hypesthesia syl hyp+aes+the+si:a pron <2hipEs1TEzi*>, <2hI-> pos n. qual Pathol. def a reduced sensibility to touch. hypaesthesic sub head hypaesthesia or hypesthesic syl hyp+aes+the+sic pron <2hipEs1TEsik>, <2hI-> pos adj. hypesthesic sub head hypaesthesia or hypaesthesic syl hyp+es+the+sic pron <2hipEs1TEsik>, <2hI-> pos adj. qual U.S. hypaethral ety C18: from Latin hypaethrus uncovered, from Greek hupaithros, from #7hypo -#7+ aithros clear sky hypethral alt head hypaethral or hypaethral syl hy+pe:thral pron , pos adj. qual U.S. hypaethral 0. or hypethral syl hy+pae:thral pron , pos adj. usage esp. of a classical temple def having no roof. hypallage ety C16: via Late Latin from Greek hupallag*_e interchange, from #7hypo- + allassein to exchange hypallage 0. syl hy+pal+la+ge pron pos n. qual Rhetoric. def a figure of speech in which the natural relations of two words in a statement are interchanged, as in hypanthium ety C19: from New Latin, from #7hypo -#7+ Greek anthion a little flower, from anthos flower hypanthia infl head hypanthium syl hy+pan+thi:a pron <-Ti*> pos n. mod pl. hypanthium 0. syl hy+pan+thi:um pron pos n. qual Botany. def the cup-shaped or flat receptacle of perigynous flowers. hypanthial sub head hypanthium syl hy+1pan+thi:al pos adj. hype ety C20: shortened from #7hypodermic infl head hype syl ~ pos n. qual Slang. hype H1.1. syl hype pron pos n. def a hypodermic needle or injection. hype H1.2. syl hype pron pos n. def a drug addict. {~} usually foll. by to inject oneself with a drug. hype ety C20: of unknown origin hype H2.1. syl hype pron pos n. qual Slang. def a deception, racket, or publicity stunt. hype H2.2. syl hype pron pos n. qual Slang. def a person who gives short change. {~} hype H2.3. syl hype pron pos n. mod tr. qual Slang. def to short-change (someone). hyped up 0. syl hyped up pos adj. qual Slang. def stimulated or excited by or as if by the effect of a stimulating drug. |&855| hyper- ety from Greek huper over hyper- 1. syl hy:per- pos prefix. def above, over, or in excess. exam 1 hypercritical. hyper- 2. syl hy:per- pos prefix. usage in medicine def denoting an abnormal excess. exam 1 hyperacidity. hyper- 3. syl hy:per- pos prefix. def indicating that a chemical compound contains a greater than usual amount of an element. exam 1 hyperoxide. hyperacidity 0. syl hy:per+a:cid+i:ty pron <2hIp*r*1siditi> pos n. def excess acidity of the gastrointestinal tract, esp. the stomach, producing a burning sensation. hyperacid sub head hyperacidity syl hy:per+1ac+id pos adj. hyperactive 0. syl hy:per+ac+tive pron <2hIp*r1@ktiv> pos adj. def abnormally active. hyperaction sub head hyperactive syl hy:per+1ac+tion pos n. hyperactivity sub head hyperactive syl hy:per+ac+1tiv+i:ty pos n. hyperemia alt head hyperaemia or hyperaemia syl hy:per+e:mi:a pron <2hIp*r1Emi*> pos n. qual U.S. hyperaemia 0. or hyperemia syl hy:per+ae:mi:a pron <2hIp*r1Emi*> pos n. qual Pathol. def an excessive amount of blood in an organ or part. hyperaemic sub head hyperaemia or hyperemic syl hy:per+1ae:mic pos adj. hyperemic sub head hyperaemia or hyperaemic syl hy:per+1e:mic pos adj. qual U.S. hyperesthesia alt head hyperaesthesia or hyperaesthesia syl hy:per+es+the+si:a pron <2hIp*rEs?!1TEzi*> pos n. qual U.S. hyperaesthesia 0. or hyperesthesia syl hy:per+aes+the+si:a pron <2hIp*rEs?!1TEzi*> pos n. qual Pathol. def increased sensitivity of any of the sense organs, esp. of the skin to cold, heat, pain, etc. hyperaesthetic sub head hyperaesthesia or hyperesthetic syl hy:per+aes+thet+ic pron <2hIp*rEs1Tetik> pos adj. hyperesthetic sub head hyperaesthesia or hyperaesthetic syl hy:per+es+thet+ic pron <2hIp*rEs1Tetik> pos adj. qual U.S. hyperbaric 0. syl hy:per+bar+ic pron <2hIp*1b@rik> pos adj. def of, concerned with, or operat?!ing at pressures higher than normal. hyperbaton ety C16: via Latin from Greek, literally: an overstepping, from #7hyper -+bainein to step hyperbaton 0. syl hy:per+ba+ton pron pos n. qual Rhetoric. def a figure of speech in which the normal order of words is reversed, as in hyperbola ety C17: from Greek huperbol*_e, literally: excess, extravagance, from #7hyper -#7+ ballein to throw hyperbolas infl head hyperbola or hyperbole syl hy:per+bo+las pron <-2lE> pos n. mod pl. hyperbole infl head hyperbola or hyperbolas syl hy:per+bo+le pron <-2lE> pos n. mod pl. hyperbola 0. syl hy:per+bo+la pron pos n. def a conic section formed by a plane that cuts both bases of a cone; it consists of two branches asymptotic to two intersecting fixed lines and has two foci. Standard equation. exam 1 x hyperbole ety C16: from Greek: from #7hyper -#7+ bol*_e a throw, from ballein to throw &- hy@.#!per+bo+lism n. hyperbole 0. syl hy:per+bo+le pron pos n. def a deliberate exaggeration used for effect. exam 1 he embraced her a thousand times. hyperbolical alt head hyperbolic or hyperbolic syl hy:per+bol:i+cal pos adj. hyperbolic 1. or hyperbolical syl hy:per+bol+ic pron <2hIp*1bolik> pos adj. def of or relating to a hyperbola. hyperbolic 2. or hyperbolical syl hy:per+bol+ic pron <2hIp*1bolik> pos adj. qual Rhetoric. def of or relating to a hyperbole. hyperbolically sub head hyperbolic syl hy:per+1bol:i+cal+ly pos adv. hyperbolic function 0. syl hy:per+bol+ic func+tion pos n. def any of a group of functions of an angle expressed as a relationship between the distances of a point on a hyperbola to the origin and to the coordinate axes. The group includes sinh ({hyperbolic sine}) , cosh ({hyperbolic cosine}) , tanh ({hyperbolic tangent}) , sech ({hyperbolic secant}) , cosech ({hyperbolic cosecant}) , and coth ({hyperbolic cotangent}) . hyperbolise alt head hyperbolize or hyperbolize syl hy:per+bo+lise pron pos vb. hyperbolize 0. or hyperbolise syl hy:per+bo+lize pron pos vb. def to express (something) by means of hyperbole. hyperboloid 0. syl hy:per+bo+loid pron pos n. def a geometric surface consist?!ing of one sheet, or of two sheets separated by a finite distance, whose sections parallel to the three coordinate planes are hyperbolas or ellipses. Equations. exam 1 x Hyperborean ety C16: from Latin hyperboreus, from Greek huperboreos, from #7hyper -#7+ Boreas the north wind Hyperborean 1. syl Hy:per+bo+re:an pron <2hIp*1bc:ri*n> pos n. qual Greek myth. def one of a people believed to have lived beyond the North Wind in a sunny land. Hyperborean 2. syl Hy:per+bo+re:an pron <2hIp*1bc:ri*n> pos n. def an inhabitant of the extreme north. {~} Hyperborean 3. syl Hy:per+bo+re:an pron <2hIp*1bc:ri*n> pos n. usage sometimes not cap. def of or relating to the extreme north. Hyperborean 4. syl Hy:per+bo+re:an pron <2hIp*1bc:ri*n> pos n. def of or relating to the Hyperboreans. hypercatalectic 0. syl hy:per+cat:a+lec+tic pron <2hIp*2k@t*1lektik> pos adj. usage Prosody. of a line of verse def having extra syllables after the last foot. hypercorrect 1. syl hy:per+cor+rect pron <2hIp*k*1rekt> pos adj. def excessively correct or fastidious. hypercorrect 2. syl hy:per+cor+rect pron <2hIp*k*1rekt> pos adj. def resulting from or characterized by hypercorrection. hypercorrectness sub head hypercorrect syl hy:per+cor+1rect+ness pos n. hypercorrection 0. syl hy:per+cor+rec+tion pron <2hIp*k*1rekS*n> pos n. def a mistaken correction made through a desire to avoid nonstandard pronunciation or grammar: @6 @9 @6 @9. hypercritical 0. syl hy:per+crit:i+cal pron <2hIp*1kritikL> pos adj. def excessively or severely critical; carping; captious. &- {@!hy@.per+#!crit+ic} hypercritically sub head hypercritical syl hy:per+1crit:i+cal+ly pos adv. hypercriticism sub head hypercritical syl hy:per+1crit:i+2cism pos n. hyperdulia ety C16: from Latin #7hyper -#7+ Medieval Latin dulia service hyperdulia 0. syl hy:per+du+li:a pron <2hIp*dju1li*> pos n. qual R.C. Church. def special veneration accorded to the Virgin Mary. Compare {dulia, latria}. hyperdulic sub head hyperdulia or hyperdulical syl hy:per+1du+lic pos adj. hyperdulical sub head hyperdulia or hyperdulic syl hy:per+1du+li+cal pos adj. hyperemia 0. syl hy:per+e:mi:a pron <2hIp*r1Emi*> pos n. qual Pathol. def the usual U.S. spelling of {hyperaemia}. hyperemic sub head hyperemia syl hy+per+1e:mic pos adj. hyperesthesia 0. syl hy:per+es+the+si:a pron <2hIp*rEs1TEzi*> pos n. qual Pathol. def the usual U.S. spelling of {hyperaesthesia}. hyperesthetic sub head hyperesthesia syl hy:per+es+1thet+ic pos adj. hypereutectoid alt head hypereutectic or hypereutectic syl hy:per+eu:tec+toid pos adj. hypereutectic 0. or hypereutectoid syl hy:per+eu:tec+tic pron <2hIp*ju:1tektik> pos adj. usage of a mixture or alloy with two components def containing more of the minor component than a eutectic mixture. Compare {hypoeutectic}. hyperextension 0. syl hy:per+ex+ten+sion pron <2hIp*rik1stenS*n> pos n. def extension of an arm or leg beyond its normal limits. hyperfine structure 0. syl hy:per+fine struc+ture pron <1hIp*2fIn> pos n. def the splitting of a spectral line of an atom or molecule into two or more closely spaced components as a result of interaction of the electrons with the magnetic moments of the nuclei or with external fields. Compare {fine structure}. See also {Stark, Zeeman effect}. hyperfocal distance 0. syl hy:per+fo+cal dis+tance pron <2hIp*1f*ukL> pos n. def the distance from a camera lens to the point beyond which all objects appear sharp and clearly defined. hyperglycaemia ety C20: from #7hyper +#7glyco +-#7aemia hyperglycemia alt head hyperglycaemia or hyperglycaemia syl hy:per+gly+ce:mi:a pron <2hIp*glI?!1sEmi*> pos n. qual U.S. hyperglycaemia 0. or hyperglycemia syl hy:per+gly+cae+mi:a pron <2hIp*glI?!1sEmi*> pos n. qual Pathol. def an abnormally large amount of sugar in the blood. hyperglycaemic sub head hyperglycaemia or hyperglycemic syl hy:per+gly+1cae+mic pos adj. hyperglycemic sub head hyperglycaemia or hyperglycaemic syl hy:per+gly+1ce:mic pos adj. qual U.S. hypergolic ety C20: from German Hypergol (perhaps from #7hyp (#7er -)#7+erg+ -#7{ol %2)}#7+ -#7ic hypergolic 0. syl hy:per+gol+ic pron <2hIp*1golik> pos adj. usage of a rocket fuel def able to ignite spontaneously on contact with an oxidizer. hypericum ety C16: via Latin from Greek hupereikon, from #7hyper -+ ereik*_e heath hypericum 0. syl hy:per+i:cum pron pos n. def any herbaceous plant or shrub of the temperate genus : family See {{rose of Sharon} (sense 1)}, {Saint John's wort}. hyperinsulinism 0. syl hy:per+in+su+lin+ism pron <2hIp*1insjuli2niz*m> pos n. qual Pathol. def an excessive amount of insulin in the blood, producing hypoglycaemia, caused by oversecretion of insulin by the pancreas or overdosage of insulin in treating diabetes. See {insulin reaction}. Hyperion H1.0. syl Hy:pe:ri:on pron pos n. qual Greek myth. def a Titan, son of Uranus and Gaea, father of Helios (sun), Selene (moon), and Eos (dawn). Hyperion H2.0. syl Hy+pe:ri+on pron pos n. def one of the smallest of the ten satellites of the planet Saturn. hyperkeratosis 0. syl hy:per+ker:a+to+sis pron <2hIp*2ker*1t*usis> pos n. qual Pathol. def overgrowth and thickening of the outer layer of the skin. hyperkeratotic sub head hyperkeratosis syl hy:per+ker:a+tot+ic pron <2hIp*2ker*1totik> pos adj. hyperkinesia ety C20: from #7hyper -#7+ -kinesia from Greek kin*_esis movement, from kinein to move hyperkinesis alt head hyperkinesia or hyperkinesia syl hy:per+ki+ne:sis pron <2hIp*ki1nEsis>, <-kI-> pos n. hyperkinesia 0. or hyperkinesis syl hy:per+ki+ne:si:a pron <2hIp*ki1nEzi*>, <-kI-> pos n. qual Pathol. def excessive movement, as in a muscle spasm. hyperkinetic sub head hyperkinesia syl hy:per+ki+net+ic pron <2hIp*ki1netik>, <-kI-> pos adj. hypermarket ety C20: translation of French hypermarch*'e hypermarket 0. syl hy:per+mar+ket pron <1hIp*2ma:kit> pos n. qual Brit. def a huge self-service store, usually built on the outskirts of a town. hypermeter 0. syl hy:per+me:ter pron pos n. qual Prosody. def a verse line containing one or more additional syllables. hypermetric sub head hypermeter or hypermetrical syl hy:per+met+ric pron <2hIp*?!1metrik> pos adj. hypermetrical sub head hypermeter or hypermetric syl hy:per+1met+ri+cal pos adj. hypermetropia ety C19: from Greek hupermetros beyond measure (from #7hyper -#7+ metron measure)+-#7opia hypermetropy alt head hypermetropia or hypermetropia syl hy:per+met+ro+py pron <2hIp*1metr*pi> pos n. hypermetropia 0. or hypermetropy syl hy:per+me:tro+pi:a pron <2hIp*mi1tr*upi*> pos n. qual Pathol. def variants of {hyperopia}. hypermetropic sub head hypermetropia or hypermetropical syl hy:per+me:trop+ic pron <2hIp*mi1tropik> pos adj. hypermetropical sub head hypermetropia or hypermetropic syl hy:per+me:1trop:i+cal pos adj. hypermnesia ety C20: New Latin, from #7hyper+ -mnesia, formed on the model of #7amnesia hypermnesia 0. syl hy+perm+ne+si:a pron <2hIp*m1nEzi*> pos n. qual Psychol. def an unusually good ability to remember, found in some mental disorders and hypnosis. hyperon ety C20: from #7hyper -#7+ -#7on hyperon 0. syl hy:per+on pron <1hIp*2ron> pos n. qual Physics. def any baryon that is not a nucleon. hyperopia 0. syl hy:per+o:pi:a pron <2hIp*1r*upi*> pos n. def inability to see near objects clearly because the images received by the eye are focused behind the retina; long-sightedness. Also called: {hyper?!metropia, hypermetropy}. Compare {myopia, presbyopia}. hyperopic sub head hyperopia syl hy:per+op+ic pron <2hIp*1ropik> hyperostoses infl head hyperostosis syl hy:per+os+to+ses pron <-sEz> pos n. mod pl. hyperostosis 1. syl hy:per+os+to+sis pron <2hIp*ro1st*usis> pos n. qual Pathol. def an abnormal proliferation of bony tissue. hyperostosis 2. syl hy:per+os+to+sis pron <2hIp*ro1st*usis> pos n. qual Pathol. def a bony growth arising from the root of a tooth or from the surface of a bone. hyperostotic sub head hyperostosis syl hy:per+os+tot+ic pron <2hIp*ro1stotik> pos adj. hyperphysical 0. syl hy:per+phys:i+cal pron <2hIp*1fizikL> pos adj. def beyond the physical; supernatural or immaterial. hyperphysically sub head hyperphysical syl hy:per+1phys:i+cal+ly pos adv. hyperpituitarism 0. syl hy:per+pi+tu:i+ta+rism pron <2hIp*pi1tju:it*2riz*m> pos n. qual Pathol. def overactivity of the pituitary gland, sometimes resulting in acromegaly or gigantism. hyperpituitary sub head hyperpituitarism syl hy:per+pi+1tu:i+tar:y pos adj. hyperplane 0. syl hy:per+plane pron <1hIp*2plAn> pos n. qual Maths. def a higher dimensional analogue of a plane in three dimensions. hyperplasia 0. syl hy:per+plas:i:a pron <2hIp*1pl@zi*> pos n. def enlargement of a bodily organ or part resulting from an increase in the total number of cells. Compare {hypertrophy}. hyperplastic sub head hyperplasia syl hy:per+plas+tic pron <2hIp*1pl@stik> pos adj. hyperploid 0. syl hy:per+ploid pron <1hIp*2plcid> pos adj. qual Biology. def having or relating to a chromosome number that slightly exceeds an exact multiple of the haploid number. hyperploidy sub head hyperploid syl hy:per+2ploid:y pos n. hyperpnoea ety C20: from New Latin, from #7hyper -#7+ Greek pnoia breath, from pnein to breathe hyperpnea alt head hyperpnoea or hyperpnoea syl hy+perp+ne:a pron <2hIp*p1nE*>, <2hIp*1nE*> pos n. qual U.S. hyperpnoea 0. or hyperpnea syl hy+perp+noe:a pron <2hIp*p1nE*>, <2hIp*1nE*> pos n. def an increase in the breathing rate or in the depth of breathing, as after strenuous exercise. hyperpyrexia 0. syl hy:per+py+rex:i:a pron <2hIp*pI1reksi*> pos n. qual Pathol. def an extremely high fever, with a temperature of 41?%C (106?%F) or above. Also called: {hyperthermia, hyperthermy}. hyperpyretic sub head hyperpyrexia or hyperpyrexial syl hy:per+py+ret+ic pron <2hIp*?!pI?!1retik> pos adj. hyperpyrexial sub head hyperpyrexia or hyperpyretic syl hy:per+py+1rex+i:al pos adj. hypersensitive 1. syl hy:per+sen+si+tive pron <2hIp*1sensitiv> pos adj. def having unduly vulnerable feelings. hypersensitive 2. syl hy:per+sen+si+tive pron <2hIp*1sensitiv> pos adj. def abnormally sensitive to an allergen, a drug, or other agent. hypersensitiveness sub head hypersensitive or hypersensitivity syl hy:per+1sen+si+tive+ness pos n. hypersensitivity sub head hypersensitive or hypersensitiveness syl hy:per+2sen+si+1tiv+i:ty pos n. hypersensitise alt head hypersensitize or hypersensitize syl hy:per+sen+si+tise pron <2hIp*1sensi2tIz> pos vb. mod tr. hypersensitize 0. or hypersensitise syl hy:per+sen+si+tize pron <2hIp*1sensi2tIz> pos vb. mod tr. def to treat (a photographic emulsion), usually after manufacture and shortly before exposure, to increase its speed. hypersensitization sub head hypersensitize or hypersensitisation syl hy:per+2sen+si+ti+1za+tion pos n. hypersensitisation sub head hypersensitize or hypersensitization syl hy:per+2sen+si+ti+1sa+tion pos n. hypersonic 0. syl hy:per+son+ic pron <2hIp*1sonik> pos adj. def concerned with or having a velocity of at least five times that of sound in the same medium under the same conditions. hypersonics sub head hypersonic syl hy:per+1son+ics pos n. hyperspace 0. syl hy:per+space pron <2hIp*1spAs> pos n. qual Maths. def space having more than three dimensions: often used to describe a four-dimensional environment. hyperspatial sub head hyperspace syl hy:per+spa+tial pron <2hIp*1spAS*l> pos adj. hypersthene ety C19: from #7hyper -#7+ Greek sthenos strength hypersthene 0. syl hy:per+sthene pron <1hIp*2sTEn> pos n. def a green, brown, or black pyroxene mineral consisting of magnesium iron silicate in orthorhombic crystalline form. Formula: (Mg,Fe)\2Si\2O\6. hypersthenic sub head hypersthene syl hy:per+sthen+ic pron <2hIp*1sTenik> pos adj. hypertension 0. syl hy:per+ten+sion pron <2hIp*1tenS*n> pos n. qual Pathol. def abnormally high blood pressure. hypertensive sub head hypertension syl hy:per+ten+sive pron <2hIp*1tensiv> pos adj. n. hyperthermy alt head hyperthermia or hyperthermia syl hy:per+ther+my pron <2hIp*?!1TR:mi> pos n. hyperthermia 0. or hyperthermy syl hy:per+ther+mi:a pron <2hIp*1TR:mi*> pos n. qual Pathol. def variants of {hyperpyrexia}. hyperthermal sub head hyperthermia syl hy:per+1ther+mal pos adj. hyperthyroidism 0. syl hy:per+thy+roid+ism pron <2hIp*1TIrci2diz*m> pos n. def overproduction of thyroid hormone by the thyroid gland, causing nervousness, insomnia, sweating, palpitation, and sensitivity to heat. Also called: {thyrotoxicosis}. See {exophthalmic goitre}. &- {@!hy@.per+#!thy+roid} hypertonic 1. syl hy:per+ton+ic pron <2hIp*1tonik> pos adj. usage esp. of muscle def being in a state of abnormally high tension. hypertonic 2. syl hy:per+ton+ic pron <2hIp*1tonik> pos adj. usage of a solution def having a higher osmotic pressure than that of a specified solution. Compare {hypotonic, isotonic}. hypertonicity sub head hypertonic syl hy:per+to+nic+i:ty pron <2hIp*t*u?!1nisiti> pos n. hypertrophies infl head hypertrophy syl hy:per+tro+phies. pos n. mod pl. hypertrophy 1. syl hy:per+tro+phy pron pos n. def enlargement of an organ or part resulting from an increase in the size of the cells. Compare {atrophy, hyperplasia}. hypertrophies infl head hypertrophy syl hy:per+tro+phies pos vb. hypertrophying infl head hypertrophy syl hy:per+tro+phy+ing pos vb. hypertrophied infl head hypertrophy syl hy:per+tro+phied. pos vb. hypertrophy 2. syl hy:per+tro+phy pron pos vb. def to undergo or cause to undergo this condition. hypertrophic sub head hypertrophy syl hy:per+troph+ic pron <2hIp*1trofik> pos adj. hyperventilation 0. syl hy:per+ven+ti+la+tion pron <2hIp*2venti1lAS*n> pos n. def an increase in the depth, duration, and rate of breathing, sometimes resulting in cramp and dizziness. hypervitaminosis 0. syl hy:per+vit:a+mi+no+sis pron <2hIp*2vit*mi1n*usis>, <-vI-> pos n. qual Pathol. def the condition resulting from the chronic excessive intake of vitamins. hypesthesia 0. syl hyp+es+the+si:a pron <2hipEs1TEzi*>, <2hI-> pos n. def the usual U.S. spelling of {hypaesthesia}. hypesthesic sub head hypesthesia syl hyp+es+the+sic pron <2hipEs1TEsik>, <2hI-> pos adj. hypethral 0. syl hy+pe:thral pron , pos adj. def the usual U.S. spelling of {hypaethral}. hypha ety C19: from New Latin, from Greek huph*_e web hyphae infl head hypha syl hy+phae pron <-fE> pos n. mod pl. hypha 0. syl hy+pha pron <1hIf*> pos n. def any of the filaments that constitute the body (mycelium) of a fungus. hyphal sub head hypha syl hy+phal pos adj. hyphen ety C17: from Late Latin (meaning: the combining of two words), from Greek huphen (adv.) together, from #7hypo -#7+ heis one hyphen 1. syl hy+phen pron <1hIfN> pos n. def the punctuation mark (-), used to separate the parts of some compound words, to link the words of a phrase, and between syllables of a word split between two consecutive lines of writing or printing. hyphen 2. syl hy+phen pron <1hIfN> pos vb. mod tr. def another word for {hyphenate}. hyphen alt head hyphenate or hyphenate syl hy+phen pos vb. mod tr. hyphenate 0. or hyphen syl hy+phen+ate pron <1hIf%*!nAt> pos vb. mod tr. def to separate (syllables, words, etc.) with a hyphen. hyphenation sub head hyphenate syl hy+phen:1a+tion pos n. hyphenated 1. syl hy+phen+at+ed pron <1hIf%*!nAtid> pos adj. def containing or linked with a hyphen. hyphenated 2. syl hy+phen+at+ed pron <1hIf%*!nAtid> pos adj. def having a nationality denoted by a hyphenated word. exam 1 Anglo-Irish. hypnagogic ety C19: from French hypnagogique; see #7hypno-, -agogic hypnogogic alt head hypnagogic or hypnagogic syl hyp+no+gog+ic pron <2hipn*1goJik> pos adj. hypnagogic 0. or hypnogogic syl hyp+na+gog+ic pron <2hipn*1goJik> pos adj. qual Psychol. def of or relating to the state just before one is fully asleep. See also: {hypnopompic}. hypnagogic image 0. syl hyp+na+gog+ic im+age pos n. qual Psychol. def an image experienced by a person just before falling asleep, which often resembles a hallucination. hypno- ety from Greek hupnos sleep hypno- 1. syl hyp:no- usage before a vowel def indicating sleep. exam 1 hypnophobia. hypno- 2. syl hyp:no- usage before a vowel def relating to hypnosis. exam 1 hypnotherapy. hypnoanalysis 0. syl hyp+no+a:nal:y+sis pron <2hipn*u*1n@lisis> pos n. qual Psychol. def psycho?!analysis conducted on a hypnotized person. hypnoanalytic sub head hypnoanalysis syl hyp+no+an:a+lyt+ic pron <2hipn*u2@n*1litik> pos adj. hypnogenesis 0. syl hyp+no+gen+e:sis pron <2hipn*u1Jenisis> pos n. qual Psychol. def the induction of sleep or hypnosis. hypnogenetic sub head hypnogenesis syl hyp+no+ge:net+ic pron <2hipn*uJi1netik> pos adj. hypnogenetically sub head hypnogenesis syl hyp+no+ge:1net:i+cal+ly pos adv. hypnoidal alt head hypnoid or hypnoid syl hyp+noi+dal pron pos adj. hypnoid 0. or hypnoidal syl hyp+noid pron <1hip2ncid> pos adj. qual Psychol. def of or relating to a state resembling sleep or hypnosis. hypnology 0. syl hyp+nol+o:gy pron pos n. qual Psychol. def the study of sleep and hypnosis. hypnologic sub head hypnology or hypnological syl hyp+no+log+ic pron <2hipn*1loJik> pos adj. hypnological sub head hypnology or hypnologic syl hyp+no+1log:i+cal pos adj. hypnologist sub head hypnology syl hyp+1nol:o+gist pos n. hypnopaedia ety C20: from #7hypno -+Greek paideia education hypnopaedia 0. syl hyp+no+pae+di:a pron <2hipn*u1pEdi*> pos n. def the learning of lessons heard during sleep. hypnopompic ety C20: from #7hypno -#7+ Greek pomp*_e a sending forth, escort+-#7ic ; see #7pomp hypnopompic 0. syl hyp+no+pom+pic pron <2hipn*u1pompik> pos adj. qual Psychol. def relating to the state existing between sleep and full waking, characterized by the persistence of dreamlike imagery. See also {hypnagogic}. Hypnos ety Greek: sleep Hypnos 0. syl Hyp:nos pron <1hipnos> pos n. qual Greek myth. def the god of sleep. Roman counterpart: {Somnus}. Compare {Morpheus}. hypnoses infl head hypnosis syl hyp+no+ses pron <-sEz> pos n. mod pl. hypnosis 0. syl hyp+no+sis pron pos n. def an artificially induced state of semiconsciousness characterized by an increased suggestibility to the words of the hypnotist: used clinically to reveal unconscious memories, etc. See also {auto?!hypnosis}. hypnotherapy 0. syl hyp+no+ther:a+py pron <2hipn*u1Ter*pi> pos n. def the use of hypnosis in the treatment of physical or mental disorders. hypnotic ety C17: from Late Latin hypn*_oticus, from Greek hupn*_otikos, from hupnoun to put to sleep, from hupnos sleep hypnotic 1. syl hyp+not+ic pron pos adj. def of, relating to, or producing hypnosis or sleep. hypnotic 2. syl hyp+not+ic pron pos adj. usage of a person def susceptible to hypnotism. hypnotic 3. syl hyp+not+ic pron pos n. def a drug or agent that induces sleep. hypnotic 4. syl hyp+not+ic pron pos n. def a person susceptible to hypnosis. hypnotically sub head hypnotic syl hyp+1not:i+cal+ly pos adv. hypnotism 1. syl hyp+no+tism pron <1hipn*2tiz*m> pos n. def the scientific study and practice of hypnosis. hypnotism 2. syl hyp+no+tism pron <1hipn*2tiz*m> pos n. def the process of inducing hypnosis. hypnotist 0. syl hyp+no+tist pron <1hipn*tist> pos n. def a person skilled in the theory and practice of hypnosis. hypnotise alt head hypnotize or hypnotize syl hyp+no+tise pron <1hipn*2tIz> pos vb. mod tr. hypnotize 1. or hypnotise syl hyp+no+tize pron <1hipn*2tIz> pos vb. mod tr. def to induce hypnosis in (a person). hypnotize 2. or hypnotise syl hyp+no+tize pron <1hipn*2tIz> pos vb. mod tr. def to charm or beguile; fascinate. hypnotizable sub head hypnotize or hypnotisable syl hyp+no+2tiz+a:ble pos adj. hypnotisable sub head hypnotize or hypnotizable syl hyp+no+2tis+a:ble pos adj. hypnotizability sub head hypnotize or hypnotisability syl hyp+no+2tiz+a:1bil+i:ty pos n. hypnotisability sub head hypnotize or hypnotizability syl hyp+no+2tis+a:1bil+i:ty pos n. hypnotization sub head hypnotize or hypnotisation syl hyp+no+ti+1za+tion pos n. hypnotisation sub head hypnotize or hypnotization syl hyp+no+ti+1sa+tion pos n. hypnotizer sub head hypnotize or hypnotiser syl hyp+no+2tiz+er pos n. hypnotiser sub head hypnotize or hypnotizer syl hyp+no+2tis+er pos n. hypo ety C19: shortened from #7hyposulphite hypo H1.0. syl hy:po pron <1hIp*u> pos n. def another name for {sodium thiosulphate}, esp. when used as a fixer in photographic developing. hypos infl head hypo syl hy:pos. pos n. mod pl. hypo H2.0. syl hy:po pron <1hIp*u> pos n. qual Informal. def short for {hypodermic syringe}. hypo- ety from Greek, from hupo under hypo- 1. syl hy:po- usage before a vowel def under, beneath, or below. exam 1 hypodermic. hypo- 2. syl hy:po- usage before a vowel def lower; at a lower point. exam 1 hypogastrium. hypo- 3. syl hy:po- usage before a vowel def less than. exam 1 hypoploid. hypo- 4. syl hy:po- usage before a vowel; in medicine def denoting a deficiency or an abnormally low level. exam 1 hypothyroid. hypo- 5. syl hy:po- usage before a vowel def incomplete or partial. exam 1 hypoplasia. hypo- 6. syl hy:po- usage before a vowel def indicating that a chemical compound contains an element in a lower oxidation state than usual. exam 1 hypochlorous acid. Hypo- ety from Greek: beneath (it lies a fourth below the corresponding authentic mode) Hypo- 0. syl Hy:po- pos prefix. def indicating a plagal mode in music. exam 1 Hypodorian. hypoacidity 0. syl hy:po+a:cid+i:ty pron <2hIp*u*1siditi> pos n. qual Med. def abnormally low acidity, as of the contents of the stomach. hypoblast 1. syl hy:po+blast pron <1hIp*2bl@st> pos n. def Also called: {endoblast}. the inner layer of an embryo at an early stage of development that becomes the endoderm at gastrulation. hypoblast 2. syl hy:po+blast pron <1hIp*2bl@st> pos n. def a less common name for {endoderm}. hypoblastic sub head hypoblast syl hy:po+1blas+tic pos adj. hypocaust ety C17: from Latin hypocaustum, from Greek hupokauston room heated from below, from hupokaiein to light a fire beneath, from #7hypo -#7+ kaiein to burn hypocaust 0. syl hy:po+caust pron <1hIp*2kc:st> pos n. def an ancient Roman heating system in which hot air circulated under the floor and between double walls. hypocentre 0. syl hy:po+cen+tre pron <1hIp*u2sent*> pos n. def the point on the ground immediately below the centre of explosion of a nuclear bomb. Also called: {ground zero}. hypochlorite 0. syl hy:po+chlor+ite pron <2hIp*1klc:rIt> pos n. def any salt or ester of hypochlorous acid. hypochlorous acid 0. syl hy:po+chlor+ous ac:id pron <2hIp*1klc:r*s> pos n. def an unstable acid known only in solution and in the form of its salts, formed when chlorine dissolves in water: a strong oxidizing and bleaching agent. Formula: HOCl. hypochondria ety C18: from Late Latin: the abdomen, supposedly the seat of melancholy, from Greek hupokhondria, from hupokhondrios of the upper abdomen, from #7hypo -#7+ khondros cartilage hypochondria 0. syl hy:po+chon+dri:a pron <2hIp*1kondri*> pos n. def chronic abnormal anxiety concerning the state of one's health, even in the absence of any evidence of disease on medical examination. Also called: {hy@.po+chon+dri@.a+sis} (@!ha$Ip$$$uk$An#!dra$I$$s$Is). hypochondriac 1. syl hy:po+chon+dri+ac pron <2hIp*1kondri2@k> pos n. def a person suffering from hypochondria. hypochondriac 2. syl hy:po+chon+dri+ac pron <2hIp*1kondri2@k> pos adj. usage also def relating to or suffering from hypochondria. hypochondriac 3. syl hy:po+chon+dri+ac pron <2hIp*1kondri2@k> pos adj. qual Anatomy. usage also def of or relating to the hypochondrium. hypochondriacally sub head hypochondriac syl hy:po+chon+1dri:a+cal+ly pos adv. hypochondrium ety C17: from New Latin, from Greek hupokhondrion; see #7hypochondria hypochondria infl head hypochondrium syl hy:po+chon+dri:a pron <-dri*> pos n. mod pl. hypochondrium 0. syl hy:po+chon+dri:um pron <2hIp*1kondri*m> pos n. qual Anatomy. def the upper region of the abdomen on each side of the epigastrium, just below the lowest ribs. hypocorism ety C19: from Greek hupokorisma, from hupokorizesthai to use pet names, from hypo- beneath+ korizesthai, from kor*_e girl, koros boy hypocorism 1. syl hy+poc:o+rism pron pos n. def a pet name, esp. one using a diminutive affix: @6 @9 @6 @9. hypocorism 2. syl hy+poc:o+rism pron pos n. def another word for { {euphemism} (sense 1)}. hypocoristic sub head hypocorism syl hy:po+co+ris+tic pron <2hIp*kc:1ristik> pos adj. hypocoristically sub head hypocorism syl hy:po+co+1ris+ti+cal+ly pos adv. hypocotyl ety C19: from #7hypo -#7+cotyl (#7edon) hypocotyl 0. syl hy:po+cot+yl pron <2hIp*1kotil> pos n. def the part of an embryo plant between the cotyledons and the radicle. hypocotylous sub head hypocotyl syl hy:po+1cot:y+lous pos adj. hypocrisies infl head hypocrisy syl hy+poc+ri+sies. pos n. mod pl. hypocrisy 1. syl hy+poc+ri+sy pron pos n. def the practice of profess?!ing standards, beliefs, etc., contrary to one's real character or actual behaviour, esp. the pretence of virtue and piety. hypocrisy 2. syl hy+poc+ri+sy pron pos n. def an act or instance of this. hypocrite ety C13: from Old French ipocrite, via Late Latin, from Greek hupokrit*_es one who plays a part, from hupokrinein to feign, from krinein to judge hypocrite 0. syl hyp:o+crite pron <1hip*krit> pos n. def a person who pretends to be what he is not. hypocritical sub head hypocrite syl hyp:o+1crit:i+cal pos adj. hypocritically sub head hypocrite syl hyp:o+1crit:i+cal+ly pos adv. hypocycloid 0. syl hy:po+cy+cloid pron <2hIp*1sIklcid> pos n. def a curve described by a point on the circumference of a circle as the circle rolls around the inside of a fixed coplanar circle. Compare {epicycloid, {cycloid} (sense 4)}. hypocycloidal sub head hypocycloid syl hy:po+cy+1cloi+dal pos adj. hypoderm 0. syl hy:po+derm pron <1hIp*2dR:m> pos n. def a variant spelling of {hypodermis}. hypodermal sub head hypoderm syl hy:po+1der+mal pos adj. hypodermic 1. syl hy:po+der+mic pron <2hIp*1dR:mik> pos adj. def of or relating to the region of the skin beneath the epidermis. hypodermic 2. syl hy:po+der+mic pron <2hIp*1dR:mik> pos adj. def injected beneath the skin. hypodermic 3. syl hy:po+der+mic pron <2hIp*1dR:mik> pos n. def a hypodermic syringe or needle. hypodermic 4. syl hy:po+der+mic pron <2hIp*1dR:mik> pos n. def a hypo?!dermic injection. hypodermically sub head hypodermic syl hy:po+1der+mi+cal+ly pos adv. hypodermic syringe 0. syl hy:po+der+mic sy+ringe pos n. qual Med. def a type of syringe consisting of a hollow cylinder, usually of glass or plastic, a tightly fitting piston, and a hollow needle ({hypodermic needle) }, used for withdrawing blood samples, injecting medicine, etc. hypodermis ety C19: from #7hypo -#7+epidermis hypoderm alt head hypodermis or hypodermis syl hy:po+derm pos n. hypodermis 1. or hypoderm syl hy:po+der+mis pron <2hIp*1dR:mis> pos n. qual Botany. def a layer of thick-walled supportive or water-storing cells beneath the epidermis in some plants. hypodermis 2. or hypoderm syl hy:po+der+mis pron <2hIp*1dR:mis> pos n. qual Zoology. def the epidermis of arthropods, annelids, etc., which secretes and is covered by a cuticle. Hypodorian 0. syl Hy+po+do+ri:an pron <2hIp*1dc:ri*n> pos adj. qual Music. def denoting a plagal mode represented by the ascending diatonic scale from A to A. Compare { {Dorian} (sense 3)}. See {Hypo-}. hypoeutectoid alt head hypoeutectic or hypoeutectic syl hy:po+eu:tec+toid pos adj. hypoeutectic 0. or hypoeutectoid syl hy:po+eu:tec+tic pron <2hIp*uju:1tektik> pos adj. usage of a mixture or alloy with two components def containing less of the minor component than a eutectic mixture. Compare {hypereutectic}. hypogastrium ety C17: from New Latin, from Greek hupogastrion, from #7hypo -#7+ gastrion, diminutive of gast*_er stomach hypogastria infl head hypogastrium syl hy:po+gas+tri:a pron <-tri*> pos n. mod pl. hypogastrium 0. syl hy:po+gas+tri:um pron <2hIp*1g@stri*m> pos n. qual Anatomy. def the lower front central region of the abdomen, below the navel. hypogastric sub head hypogastrium syl hy:po+1gas+tric pos adj. hypogeal ety C19: from Latin hypog*_eus, from Greek hupogeios, from #7hypo -#7+ g*_e earth hypogeous alt head hypogeal or hypogeal syl hy:po+ge:ous pos adj. hypogeal 1. or hypogeous syl hy:po+ge:al pron <2hIp*1JE*l> pos adj. def occurring or living below the surface of the ground. hypogeal 2. or hypogeous syl hy:po+ge:al pron <2hIp*1JE*l> pos adj. qual Botany. def of or relating to seed germination in which the cotyledons remain below the ground, because of the growth of the epicotyl. hypogene 0. syl hy:po+gene pron <1hIp*2JEn> pos adj. def formed, taking place, or originat?!ing beneath the surface of the earth. Compare {epigene}. hypogenic sub head hypogene syl hy:po+gen+ic pron <2hIp*1Jenik> pos adj. hypogenous 0. syl hy+pog+e:nous pron pos adj. qual Botany. def produced or growing on the undersurface, esp. (of fern spores) growing on the undersurface of the leaves. hypogeous 0. syl hy:po+ge:ous pron <2hIp*1JE*s> pos adj. def another word for {hypogeal}. hypogeum ety C18: from Latin, from Greek hupogeion; see #7hypogeal hypogea infl head hypogeum syl hy:po+ge:a pron <-1JE*> pos n. mod pl. hypogeum 0. syl hy:po+ge:um pron <2hIp*1JE*m> pos n. def an underground vault, esp. one used for burials. hypoglossal 1. syl hy:po+glos+sal pron <2hIp*1glosL> pos adj. def situated beneath the tongue. hypoglossal 2. syl hy:po+glos+sal pron <2hIp*1glosL> pos n. def short for {hypoglossal nerve}. hypoglossal nerve 0. syl hy:po+glos+sal nerve pos n. def the twelfth cranial nerve, which supplies the muscles of the tongue. hypoglycemia alt head hypoglycaemia or hypoglycaemia syl hy:po+gly+ce:mi:a pron <2hIp*uglI?!1sEmi*> pos n. qual U.S. hypoglycaemia 0. or hypoglycemia syl hy:po+gly+cae+mi:a pron <2hIp*uglI?!1sEmi*> pos n. qual Pathol. def an abnormally small amount of sugar in the blood. hypoglycaemic sub head hypoglycaemia or hypoglycemic syl hy:po+gly+1cae+mic pos adj. hypoglycemic sub head hypoglycaemia or hypoglycaemic syl hy:po+1gly+ce:mic pos adj. qual U.S. hypognathous 1. syl hy+pog+na+thous pron pos adj. def having a lower jaw that protrudes beyond the upper jaw. hypognathous 2. syl hy+pog+na+thous pron pos adj. usage of insects def having downturned mouthparts. hypognathism sub head hypognathous syl hy+1pog+na+thism pos n. hypogynous 1. syl hy+pog:y+nous pron pos adj. usage of a flower def having the gynoecium situated above the other floral parts, as in the buttercup. hypogynous 2. syl hy+pog:y+nous pron pos adj. def of or relating to the parts of a flower arranged in this way. hypogyny sub head hypogynous syl hy+1pog:y+ny pos n. hypoid gear ety C20: hypoid, shortened from #7hypocycloid hypoid gear 0. syl hy+poid gear pron <1hIpcid> pos n. def a gear having a tooth form generated by a hypocycloidal curve; used extensively in motor vehicle transmissions to withstand a high surface loading. hypolimnion ety C20: from #7hypo - #7+ Greek limnion, diminutive of limn*_e lake hypolimnion 0. syl hy:po+lim+ni:on pron <2hIp*u1limni*n> pos n. def the lower and colder layer of water in a lake. Hypolydian 0. syl Hy+po+lyd+i:an pron <2hIp*1lidi*n> pos adj. qual Music. def denoting a plagal mode represented by the diatonic scale from D to D. Compare { {Lydian} (sense 2)}. See {Hypo-}. hypomania 0. syl hy:po+ma+ni:a pron <2hIp*u1mAni*> pos n. qual Psychiatry. def a mild form of mania, characterized by excitability and overactivity. hypomanic sub head hypomania syl hy:po+man+ic pron <2hIp*u1m@nik> pos adj. hyponasty 0. syl hy:po+nas+ty pron <1hIp*2n@sti> pos n. def increased growth of the upper surface of a plant part, resulting in an upward bending of the part. Compare {epinasty}. hyponastic sub head hyponasty syl hy:po+1nas+tic pos adj. hyponastically sub head hyponasty syl hy:po+1nas+ti+cal+ly pos adv. hyponitrite 0. syl hy:po+ni+trite pron <2hIp*1nItrIt> pos n. def any salt or ester of hypo?!nitrous acid. hyponitrous acid 0. syl hy:po+ni+trous ac:id pron <2hIp*1nItr*s> pos n. def a white soluble unstable crystalline acid: an oxidizing and reducing agent. Formula: H\2N\2O\2. hypophosphate 0. syl hy:po+phos+phate pron <2hIp*1fosfAt> pos n. def any salt or ester of hypophosphoric acid. hypophosphite 0. syl hy:po+phos+phite pron <2hIp*1fosfIt> pos n. def any salt of hypophosphorous acid. hypophosphoric acid 0. syl hy:po+phos+phor+ic ac:id pron <2hIp*fos1forik> pos n. def a crystalline odourless deliquescent solid: a tetrabasic acid produced by the slow oxidation of phosphorus in moist air. Formula: H\4P\2O\6. hypophosphorous acid 0. syl hy:po+phos+phor+ous ac:id pron <2hIp*1fosf*r*s> pos n. def a colourless or yellowish oily liquid or white deliquescent solid: a monobasic acid and a reducing agent. Formula: H\3PO\2. hypophyge 0. syl hy+poph:y+ge pron pos n. qual Architect. def another name for {apophyge}. hypophysis ety C18: from Greek: outgrowth, from #7hypo -#7+ phuein to grow hypophyses infl head hypophysis syl hy+poph:y+ses pron <-2sEz> pos n. mod pl. hypophysis 0. syl hy+poph:y+sis pron pos n. def the technical name for {pituitary gland}. hypophyseal sub head hypophysis or hypophysial syl hy:po+phys+e:al pron <2hIp*1fizi*l>, pos adj. hypophysial sub head hypophysis or hypophyseal syl hy:po+phys+i:al pron <2hIp*1fizi*l>, pos adj. hypopituitarism 0. syl hy:po+pi+tu:i+ta+rism pron <2hIp*pi1tju:it*2riz*m> pos n. qual Pathol. def underactivity of the pituitary gland. hypopituitary sub head hypopituitarism syl hy:po+pi+1tu:i+tar:y pos adj. hypoplasty alt head hypoplasia or hypoplasia syl hy:po+plas+ty pron <1hIp*u?!2pl@sti> pos n. hypoplasia 0. or hypoplasty syl hy:po+plas:i:a pron <2hIp*u1pl@zi*> pos n. qual Pathol. def incomplete development of an organ or part. hypoplastic sub head hypoplasia syl hy:po+plas+tic pron <2hIp*u1pl@stik> pos adj. hypoploid 0. syl hy:po+ploid pron <1hIp*2plcid> pos adj. def having or designating a chromo?!some number that is slightly less than a multiple of the haploid number. hypoploidy sub head hypoploid syl hy:po+2ploid:y pos n. hypopnoea ety C20: New Latin, from #7hypo -#7+ Greek pnoia breath, from pnein to breathe hypopnea alt head hypopnoea or hypopnoea syl hy+pop+ne:a pron , <2hIp*1nE*> pos n. qual U.S. hypopnoea 0. or hypopnea syl hy+pop+noe:a pron , <2hIp*1nE*> pos n. qual Pathol. def abnormally shallow breathing, usually accompanied by a decrease in the breathing rate. hyposensitise alt head hyposensitize or hyposensitize syl hy:po+sen+si+tise pron <2hIp*u1sensi2tIz> pos vb. mod tr. hyposensitize 0. or hyposensitise syl hy:po+sen+si+tize pron <2hIp*u1sensi2tIz> pos vb. mod tr. def to desensitize; render less sensitive. hyposensitization sub head hyposensitize or hyposensitisation syl hy:po+2sen+si+ti+1za+tion pos n. hyposensitisation sub head hyposensitize or hyposensitization syl hy:po+2sen+si+ti+1sa+tion pos n. hypostasis ety C16: from Late Latin: substance, from Greek hupostasis foundation, from huphistasthai to stand under, from #7hypo -#7+ histanai to cause to stand hypostases infl head hypostasis syl hy:pos+ta+ses pron <-2sEz> pos n. mod pl. hypostasis 1. syl hy:pos+ta+sis pron pos n. qual Metaphysics. def the essential nature of anything as opposed to its attributes. hypostasis 2.a. syl hy:pos+ta+sis pron pos n. def any of the three persons of the Godhead, together constituting the Trinity. hypostasis 2.b. syl hy:pos+ta+sis pron pos n. def the one person of Christ in which the divine and human natures are united. hypostasis 3. syl hy:pos+ta+sis pron pos n. def the accumulation of blood in an organ or part as the result of poor circulation. hypostasis 4. syl hy:pos+ta+sis pron pos n. def another name for { {epistasis} (sense 3)}. hypostatic sub head hypostasis or hypostatical syl hy:po+stat+ic pron <2hIp*1st@tik> pos adj. hypostatical sub head hypostasis or hypostatic syl hy:po+1stat:i+cal pos adj. hypostatically sub head hypostasis syl hy:po+1stat:i+cal+ly pos adv. hypostasise alt head hypostasize or hypostasize syl hy+pos+ta+sise pron pos vb. hypostasize 0. or hypostasise syl hy+pos+ta+size pron pos vb. def another word for {hypostatize}. hypostasization sub head hypostasize or hypostasisation syl hy+2pos+ta+si+1za+tion pos n. hypostasisation sub head hypostasize or hypostasization syl hy+2pos+ta+si+1sa+tion pos n. hypostatise alt head hypostatize or hypostatize syl hy+pos+ta+tise pron pos vb. mod tr. hypostatize 1. or hypostatise syl hy+pos+ta+tize pron pos vb. mod tr. def to regard or treat as real. hypostatize 2. or hypostatise syl hy+pos+ta+tize pron pos vb. mod tr. def to embody or personify. hypostatization sub head hypostatize or hypostatisation syl hy+2pos+ta+ti+1za+tion pos n. hypostatisation sub head hypostatize or hypostatization syl hy+2pos+ta+ti+1sa+tion pos n. hyposthenia 0. syl hy+pos+the+ni:a pron <2hIpos1TEni*> pos n. qual Pathol. def a weakened condition; lack of strength. hyposthenic sub head hyposthenia syl hy+pos+then+ic pron <2hIpos1Tenik> pos adj. hypostyle 1. syl hy:po+style pron <1hIp*u2stIl> pos adj. def having a roof supported by columns. {~} hypostyle 2. syl hy:po+style pron <1hIp*u2stIl> pos adj. def a building constructed in this way. hyposulphite 1. syl hy:po+sul+phite pron <2hIp*1s^lfIt> pos n. def another name for {sodium thiosulphate}, esp. when used as a photographic fixer. Often shortened to {hypo}. hyposulphite 2. syl hy:po+sul+phite pron <2hIp*1s^lfIt> pos n. def another name for {dithionite}. hyposulphurous acid 0. syl hy:po+sul+phur+ous ac:id pron <2hIp*1s^lf*r*s> pos n. def another name for {dithionous acid}. hypotaxis 0. syl hy:po+tax+is pron <2hIp*u1t@ksis> pos n. qual Grammar. def the subordination of one clause to another by a conjunction. Compare {parataxis}. hypotactic sub head hypotaxis syl hy:po+tac+tic pron <2hIp*u1t@ktik> pos adj. hypotension 0. syl hy:po+ten+sion pron <2hIp*u1tenS*n> pos n. qual Pathol. def abnormally low blood pressure. hypotensive sub head hypotension syl hy:po+ten+sive pron <2hIp*u1tensiv> pos adj. hypotenuse ety C16: from Latin hypot*_en*_usa, from Greek hupoteinousa gramm*_e subtending line, from hupoteinein to subtend, from #7hypo -#7+ teinein to stretch hypotenuse 0. syl hy+pot+e:nuse pron pos n. def the side in a right-angled triangle that is opposite the right angle. Abbrev.: {hyp}. hypoth 1. syl hypoth. qual abbrev. for: def hypothesis. hypoth 2. syl hypoth. qual abbrev. for: def hypothetical. hypothalami infl head hypothalamus syl hy:po+thal:a+mi pron <-2mI> pos n. mod pl. hypothalamus 0. syl hy:po+thal:a+mus pron <2hIp*1T@l*m*s> pos n. def a neural control centre at the base of the brain, concerned with hunger, thirst, satiety, and other autonomic functions. hypothalamic sub head hypothalamus syl hy:po+tha+lam+ic pron <2hIp*uT*1l@mik> pos adj. hypothec ety C16: from Late Latin hypotheca a security, from Greek hupoth*_ek*_e deposit, pledge, from hupotithenai to deposit as a security, place under, from #7hypo -#7+ tithenai to place hypothec 0. syl hy+poth+ec pron pos n. qual Roman and Scot. law. def a charge on property in favour of a creditor. hypothecate 0. syl hy+poth+e:cate pron pos vb. mod tr. qual Law. def to pledge (personal property or a ship) as security for a debt without transferring possession or title. hypothecation sub head hypothecate syl hy+2poth+e:1ca+tion pos n. hypothecator sub head hypothecate syl hy+1poth+e:2ca+tor pos n. hypothermal 1. syl hy:po+ther+mal pron <2hIp*u1TR:m*l> pos adj. def of, relating to, or characterized by hypothermia. hypothermal 2. syl hy:po+ther+mal pron <2hIp*u1TR:m*l> pos adj. usage of rocks and minerals def formed at great depth under conditions of high temperature. hypothermia 1. syl hy:po+ther+mi:a pron <2hIp*u1TR:mi*> pos n. qual Pathol. def an abnormally low body temperature, as induced in the elderly by exposure to cold weather. hypothermia 2. syl hy:po+ther+mi:a pron <2hIp*u1TR:mi*> pos n. qual Med. def the intentional reduction of normal body temperature, as by ice packs, to reduce the patient's metabolic rate: performed esp. in heart and brain surgery. hypothesis ety C16: from Greek, from hupotithenai to propose, suppose, literally: put under; see #7hypo -#7, thesis hypotheses infl head hypothesis syl hy+poth+e:ses pron <-2sEz> pos n. mod pl. hypothesis 1. syl hy+poth+e:sis pron pos n. def a suggested explanation for a group of facts or phenomena, either accepted as a basis for further verification ({working hypothesis}) or accepted as likely to be true. Compare { {theory} (sense 4)}. hypothesis 2. syl hy+poth+e:sis pron pos n. def an assumption used in an argument; a supposition. hypothesis 3. syl hy+poth+e:sis pron pos n. qual Logic. def an unproved theory. hypothesist sub head hypothesis syl hy+1poth+e:sist pos n. hypothesise alt head hypothesize or hypothesize syl hy+poth+e:sise pron pos vb. hypothesize 0. or hypothesise syl hy+poth+e:size pron pos vb. def to form or assume as a hypothesis. hypothesizer sub head hypothesize or hypothesiser syl hy+1poth+e:2siz+er pos n. hypothesiser sub head hypothesize or hypothesizer syl hy+1poth+e:2sis+er pos n. hypothetic alt head hypothetical or hypothetical syl hy:po+thet+ic pos adj. hypothetical 1. or hypothetic syl hy:po+thet:i+cal pron <2hIp*1TetikL> pos adj. def having the nature of a hypothesis. hypothetical 2. or hypothetic syl hy:po+thet:i+cal pron <2hIp*1TetikL> pos adj. def assumed or thought to exist. hypothetical 3. or hypothetic syl hy:po+thet:i+cal pron <2hIp*1TetikL> pos adj. qual Logic. def another word for { {conditional} (sense 4)}. hypothetical 4. or hypothetic syl hy:po+thet:i+cal pron <2hIp*1TetikL> pos adj. def existing only as an idea or concept. exam 1 a time machine is a hypothetical device. hypothetically sub head hypothetical syl hy:po+1thet:i+cal+ly pos adv. hypothetical imperative 0. syl hy:po+thet:i+cal im+per:a+tive pos n. usage in the ethical system of Kant def a principle of conduct governed by necessity rather than morality. Compare {categorical imperative}. hypothyroidism 1. syl hy:po+thy+roid+ism pron <2hIp*u1TIrci2diz*m> pos n. qual Pathol. def insufficient production of thyroid hormones by the thyroid gland. {$D.@T} any@T disorder,@T such@T as@T cretinism@T or @T myxoedema, resulting from this. hypothyroid sub head hypothyroidism syl hy:po+1thy+roid pos n. adj. hypotonic 1. syl hy:po+ton+ic pron <2hIp*1tonik> pos adj. usage Pathol. of muscles def lacking normal tone or tension. hypotonic 2. syl hy:po+ton+ic pron <2hIp*1tonik> pos adj. usage of a solution def having a lower osmotic pressure than that of a specified solution. Compare {hypertonic, isotonic}. hypotonicity sub head hypotonic syl hy:po+to+nic+i:ty pron <2hIp*t*1nisiti> pos n. hypoxanthine 0. syl hy:po+xan+thine pron <2hIp*1z@nTEn>, <-Tin> pos n. def a white or colourless crystalline compound that is a breakdown product of nucleoproteins. Formula: C\5H\4N\4O. hypoxia ety C20: from #7hypo -#7+oxy -#7+ -#7ia hypoxia 0. syl hy+pox:i:a pron pos n. def deficiency in the amount of oxygen delivered to the body tissues. hypoxic sub head hypoxia syl hy+pox+ic pron pos adj. hypso- ety from Greek huspos hypsography 1. syl hyp+sog+ra+phy pron pos n. def the scientific study and mapping of the earth's topography above sea level. hypsography 2. syl hyp+sog+ra+phy pron pos n. def topog?!raphy or relief, or a map showing this. hypsography 3. syl hyp+sog+ra+phy pron pos n. def another name for {hypsometry}. hypsographic sub head hypsography or hypsographical syl hyp+so+graph+ic pron <2hips*1gr@fik> pos adj. hypsographical sub head hypsography or hypsographic syl hyp+so+1graph:i+cal pos adj. hypsometer 1. syl hyp+som+e:ter pron pos n. def an instrument for measuring altitudes by determining the boiling point of water at a given altitude. hypsometer 2. syl hyp+som+e:ter pron pos n. def any instrument used to calculate the heights of trees by triangulation. hypsometry 0. syl hyp+som+e:try pron pos n. usage in mapping def the establishment of height above sea level. Also called: {hypsography}. hypsometric sub head hypsometry or hypsometrical syl hyp+so+met+ric pron <2hips*1metrik> pos adj. hypsometrical sub head hypsometry or hypsometric syl hyp+so+1met+ri+cal pos adj. hypsometrically sub head hypsometry syl hyp+so+1met+ri+cal+ly pos adv. hypsometrist sub head hypsometry syl hyp+1som+e:trist pos n. hyracoid 1. syl hy+ra+coid pron <1hIr*2kcid> pos adj. def of, relating to, or belonging to the mammalian order which contains the hyraxes. hyracoid 2. syl hy+ra+coid pron <1hIr*2kcid> pos n. def a hyrax. hyracoidean sub head hyracoid syl hy+ra+1coi+de:an pos adj. n. hyrax ety C19: from New Latin, from Greek hurax shrewmouse; probably related to Latin s*_orex hyraxes infl head hyrax or hyraces syl hy+rax:es pron <1hIr*2sEz> pos n. mod pl. hyraces infl head hyrax or hyraxes syl hy+ra:ces pron <1hIr*2sEz> pos n. mod pl. hyrax 0. syl hy+rax pron <1hIr@ks> pos n. def any agile herbivorous mammal of the family and order of Africa and SW Asia, such as ({rock hyrax}) . They resemble rodents but have feet with hooflike toes. Also called: {dassie}. Hyrcania 0. syl Hyr+ca+ni:a pron pos n. def an ancient district of Asia, southeast of the Caspian Sea. Hyrcanian sub head Hyrcania syl Hyr+1ca+ni:an pos adj. hyson ety C18: from Chinese (Cantonese) hei-ch'un bright spring hyson 0. syl hy+son pron <1hIsN> pos n. def a Chinese green tea, the early crop of which is known as {young hyson} and the inferior leaves as {hyson skin}. hyssop ety Old English ysope, from Latin hyss*_opus, from Greek huss*_opos, of Semitic origin; compare Hebrew *_ez*_ov hyssop 1. syl hys+sop pron <1his*p> pos n. def a widely cultivated Asian plant, with spikes of small blue flowers and aromatic leaves, used as a condiment and in perfumery and folk medicine: family (labiates). hyssop 2. syl hys+sop pron <1his*p> pos n. def any of several similar or related plants such as the hedge hyssop. hyssop 3. syl hys+sop pron <1his*p> pos n. def a Biblical plant, used for sprinkling in the ritual practices of the Hebrews. hysterectomise alt head hysterectomize or hysterectomize syl hys+ter+ec+to+mise pron <2hist*1rekt*?!2mIz> pos vb. mod tr. hysterectomize 0. or hysterectomise syl hys+ter+ec+to+mize pron <2hist*1rekt*?!2mIz> pos vb. mod tr. def to perform a hysterectomy on (someone). hysterectomies infl head hysterectomy syl hys+ter+ec+to+mies. pos n. mod pl. hysterectomy 0. syl hys+ter+ec+to+my pron <2hist*1rekt*mi> pos n. def surgical removal of the uterus. hysteresis 0. syl hys+te+re+sis pron <2hist*1rEsis> pos n. qual Physics. def the lag in a variable property of a system with respect to the effect producing it as this effect varies, esp. the phenomenon in which the magnetic induction of a ferromagnetic material lags behind the changing external field. hysteretic sub head hysteresis syl hys+ter+et+ic pron <2hist*1retik> pos adj. hysteretically sub head hysteresis syl hys+ter+1et:i+cal+ly pos adv. hysteresis loop 0. syl hys+te+re+sis loop pos n. def a closed curve showing the variation of the magnetic induction of a ferromagnetic material with the external magnetic field producing it, when this field is changed through a complete cycle. hysteria ety C19: from New Latin, from Latin hystericus #7hysteric hysteria 1. syl hys+te+ri:a pron pos n. def a mental disorder characterized by emotional outbursts, susceptibility to autosuggestion, and, often, physical symptoms such as paralysis. hysteria 2. syl hys+te+ri:a pron pos n. def any frenzied emotional state, esp. of laughter or crying. hysteric ety C17: from Latin hystericus literally: of the womb, from Greek husterikos, from hustera the womb; from the belief that hysteria in women originated in disorders of the womb hysteric 1. syl hys+ter+ic pron pos n. def a hysterical person. {~} hysteric 2. syl hys+ter+ic pron pos n. def hysterical. hysteric alt head hysterical or hysterical syl hys+ter+ic pos adj. hysterical 1. or hysteric syl hys+ter:i+cal pron pos adj. def of or suggest?!ing hysteria. exam 1 hysterical cries. hysterical 2. or hysteric syl hys+ter:i+cal pron pos adj. def suffering from hysteria. hysterical 3. or hysteric syl hys+ter:i+cal pron pos adj. qual Informal. def wildly funny. hysterically sub head hysterical syl hys+1ter:i+cal+ly pos adv. hysterics 1. syl hys+ter+ics pron pos n. def an attack of hysteria. hysterics 2. syl hys+ter+ics pron pos n. qual Informal. def wild uncontrollable bursts of laughter. hystero- ety from Greek hustera womb hystero- 1. syl hys:ter:o- usage before a vowel def indicating the uterus. exam 1 hysterotomy. hystero- 2. syl hys:ter:o- usage before a vowel def hysteria. exam 1 hysterogenic. hysterogenic ety C20: from #7hysteria+ -#7genic hysterogenic 0. syl hys+ter:o+gen+ic pron <2hist*r*1Jenik> pos adj. def inducing hysteria. hysterogeny sub head hysterogenic syl hys+ter+og+e:ny pron <2hist*1roJ?!*ni> pos n. hysteroidal alt head hysteroid or hysteroid syl hys+ter:oi+dal pos adj. hysteroid 0. or hysteroidal syl hys+ter+oid pron <1hist*2rcid> pos adj. def resembling hysteria. hysteron proteron ety C16: from Late Latin, from Greek husteron proteron the latter (placed as) former hysteron proteron 1. syl hys+ter+on prot+er+on pron <1hist*2ron> <1prot*2ron> pos n. qual Logic. def a fallacious argument in which the proposition to be proved is assumed as a premiss. hysteron proteron 2. syl hys+ter+on prot+er+on pron <1hist*2ron> <1prot*2ron> pos n. qual Rhetoric. def a figure of speech in which the normal order of two sentences, clauses, etc., is reversed. exam 1 bred and born (for born and bred) . hysterotomies infl head hysterotomy syl hys+ter+ot:o+mies. pos n. mod pl. hysterotomy 0. syl hys+ter+ot:o+my pron <2hist*1rot*mi> pos n. def surgical incision into the uterus. hystricomorph ety C19: from Latin hystrix porcupine, from Greek hustrix hystricomorph 1. syl hys+tri+co+morph pron pos n. def any rodent of the suborder which includes porcupines, cavies, agoutis, and chinchillas. hystricomorph 2. syl hys+tri+co+morph pron pos adj. def Also: {hys+tri+co+mor+phic} (h$I@!stra$Ik$$$u#!m@$:f$Ik). of, relating to, or belonging to the Hz 0. syl Hz qual abbrev. for def hertz. ********************************************************************** ********************************************************************** Hz 0. syl Hz qual abbrev. for def hertz. ********************************************************************** ********************************************************************** I alt head i or i syl I pron pos n. i's infl head i syl i's pos n. mod pl. I's infl head i or Is syl I's pos n. mod pl. Is infl head i or I's syl Is. pos n. mod pl. i 1. or I syl i pron pos n. def the ninth letter and third vowel of the modern English alphabet. i 2. or I syl i pron pos n. def any of several speech sounds represented by this letter, in English as in or i 3.a. or I syl i pron pos n. def something shaped like an I. i 3.b. or I syl i pron pos n. usage in combination def . exam 1 an I-beam. dot one's i's and cross one's t's 4. head i syl dot one's i's and cross one's t's. def to pay meticulous attention to detail. i 0. syl i qual symbol for def the imaginary number $/ -1. I ety C12: reduced form of Old English ic; compare Old Saxon ik, Old High German ih, Sanskrit ah*'am I 0. syl I pron pos pron. usage subjective def refers to the speaker or writer. I 1. syl I qual symbol for:; Chem. def iodine. I 2. syl I qual symbol for:; Physics. def current. I 3. syl I qual symbol for:; Physics. def isospin. {~} I 4. syl I qual symbol for: usage the Roman numeral for def one. See {Roman numerals. ~} I 5. syl I qual symbol for: usage international car registration for def Italy. i 1. syl i. qual abbrev. for:; Grammar. def intransitive. i 2. syl i. qual abbrev. for:; Dentistry. def incisor. i 3. syl i. qual abbrev. for:; Banking. def interest. I 1. syl I. qual abbrev. for: def Independence. I 2. syl I. qual abbrev. for: def Independent. I 3. syl I. qual abbrev. for: def Institute. I 4. syl I. qual abbrev. for: def International. I 5. syl I. qual abbrev. for: def Island Isle. i- 0. syl i- pos prefix. def variant of {y-}. -i ety from an adjectival suffix in Semitic and in Indo-Iranian languages -i 0. syl -i usage suffix forming adjectives. def of or relating to a region or people, esp. of the Middle East. exam 1 Iraqi; exam 2 Bangladeshi. -i- ety from Latin, stem vowel of nouns and adjectives in combination -i- 0. syl -i- usage connective vowel. def used between elements in a compound word. exam 1 cuneiform, coniferous. Ia 0. syl Ia. qual abbrev. for def Iowa. -ia ety (for senses 1-4) New Latin, from Latin and Greek, suffix of feminine nouns; (for senses 5-6) from Latin, neuter plural suffix -ia 0. syl -i:a exam 1 suffix forming nouns. -ia 1. syl -i:a def occurring in place names. exam 1 Albania; exam 2 Columbia. -ia 2. syl -i:a def occurring in names of diseases and pathological disorders. exam 1 pneumonia; exam 2 aphasia. -ia 3. syl -i:a def occurring in words denoting condition or quality. exam 1 utopia. -ia 4. syl -i:a def occurring in names of botanical genera. exam 1 acacia; exam 2 poinsettia. -ia 5. syl -i:a def occurring in names of zoological classes. exam 1 Reptilia. -ia 6. syl -i:a def occurring in collective nouns borrowed from Latin. exam 1 marginalia; exam 2 memorabilia; exam 3 regalia. IAEA 0. syl IAEA qual abbrev. for def International Atomic Energy Agency. IAF 0. syl I.A.F. qual abbrev. for def Indian Air Force. -ial ety from Latin -i*_alis, adj. suffix; compare {-#7al %1} -ial 0. syl -i:al usage suffix forming adjectives. def of; relating to; connected with. exam 1 managerial. iamb ety C19 iamb, from C16 iambus, from Latin, from Greek iambos iambus alt head iamb or iamb syl i:am+bus pron pos n. iambs infl head iamb syl i:ambs pron pos n. mod pl. iambi infl head iamb or iambuses syl i:am+bi pron pos n. mod pl. iambuses infl head iamb or iambi syl i:am+bus:es. pos n. mod pl. iamb 1. or iambus syl i:amb pron <1I@m>, <1I@mb> pos n. qual Prosody. def a metrical foot consisting of two syllables, a short one followed by a long one (*u *_ ). iamb 2. or iambus syl i:amb pron <1I@m>, <1I@mb> pos n. qual Prosody. def a line of verse of such feet. iambic 1. syl i:am+bic pron pos adj. qual Prosody. def of, relating to, consist?!ing of, or using an iamb or iambs. iambic 2. syl i:am+bic pron pos adj. qual Prosody. usage in Greek literature def denoting a type of satirical verse written in iambs. iambic 3. syl i:am+bic pron pos n. qual Prosody. def a metrical foot, line, or stanza of verse consisting of iambs. iambic 4. syl i:am+bic pron pos n. qual Prosody. def a type of ancient Greek satirical verse written in iambs. iambically sub head iambic syl i:1am+bi+cal+ly pos adv. -ian ety from Latin -i*_anus -ian 0. syl -i:an pos suffix. def variant of {-an}. exam 1 Etonian; exam 2 Johnsonian. -iana 0. syl -i:a:na usage suffix forming nouns. def a variant of {-ana}. Iapetus 0. syl I:ap+e:tus pron pos n. def one of the ten satellites of Saturn. IAS 0. syl IAS qual Aeronautics. abbrev. for def indicated air speed. Iasi 0. syl Ia*,si pron Rumanian <1jaSj> pos n. def a city in NE Rumania: capital of Moldavia (1565-1859); university (1860). Pop.: 210388 (1974 est.). German name: {Jassy}. -iasis ety from New Latin, from Greek, suffix of action -asis alt head -iasis or -iasis syl -a:sis pos n. -iasis 0. or -asis syl -i:a:sis pos n. usage combining form. def (in medicine) indicating a diseased condition. exam 1 psoriasis. IATA 0. syl IATA pron , pos n. usage acronym for def International Air Trans?!port Association. iatric ety C19: from Greek iatrikos of healing, from iasthai to heal iatrical alt head iatric or iatric syl i:at+ri+cal pos adj. iatric 0. or iatrical syl i:at+ric pron pos adj. def relating to medicine or physicians; medical. -iatrics ety from #7iatric -iatrics 0. syl -i:at:rics pos n. usage combining form. def indicating medical care or treatment. exam 1 paediatrics. iatrogenic 0. syl i:at+ro+gen+ic pron pos adj. usage Med. of an illness or symptoms def induced in a patient as the result of a physician's words or action. iatrogenicity sub head iatrogenic syl i:at+ro+ge:nic+i:ty pron pos n. -iatry ety from New Latin -iatria, from Greek iatreia the healing art, from iatros healer, physician -iatry 0. syl -i:a:try pos n. usage combining form. def indicating healing or medical treatment. exam 1 psychiatry. -iatric sub head -iatry syl -i:at:ric pos adj. ib 0. syl ib. def See {ibid}. IBA 0. syl I.B.A. qual abbrev. for usage in Britain def Independent Broadcasting Authority. Ibadan 0. syl I:ba+dan pron pos n. def a city in SW Nigeria, capital of Oyo state: the largest town in West Africa; university (1948). Pop.: 847000 (1975 est.). Ibagu'e 0. syl I:ba+gu*'e pron Spanish pos n. def a city in W central Colombia. Pop.: 176223 (1973). Ib'anez 0. syl I:b*'a:?~nez pron Spanish pos n. def See (Vicente) {Blasco Ib*'a?~nez}. Dolores infl head Ibarruri syl Do:lo:res. pos n. Ibarruri 0. syl Ib:ar:ru:ri pron Spanish pos n. def real name of La {Pasionaria}. I-beam 0. syl I-beam pos n. def a rolled steel joist or a girder with a cross section in the form of a capital letter Compare {H-beam}. Iberia 1. syl I:be:ri:a pron pos n. def the Iberian Peninsula. Iberia 2. syl I:be:ri:a pron pos n. def an ancient region south of the Caucasus corresponding approximately to the present-day Georgian SSR. Iberian 1. syl I:be:ri:an pron pos n. def a member of a group of ancient Caucasoid peoples who inhabited the Iberian Peninsula in preclassical and classical times. See also {Celtiberian}. Iberian 2. syl I:be:ri:an pron pos n. def a native or inhabitant of the Iberian Peninsula; a Spaniard or Portuguese. Iberian 3. syl I:be:ri:an pron pos n. def a native or inhabitant of ancient Iberia in the Caucasus. Iberian 4. syl I:be:ri:an pron pos adj. def denoting or relating to the pre-Roman peoples of the Iberian Peninsula or of Caucasian Iberia. Iberian 5. syl I:be:ri:an pron pos adj. def of or relating to the Iberian Peninsula, its inhabitants, or any of their languages. Iberian Peninsula 0. syl I:be:ri:an Pen+in+su+la pos n. def a peninsula of SW Europe, occupied by Spain and Portugal. Ibero- 0. syl I:be:ro- pron <1Ib*r*u> usage combining form. def indicating Iberia or Iberian. exam 1 Ibero-Caucasian. Jacques (Francois Antoine) infl head Ibert syl Jacques (Fran*,cois Antoine) pron pos n. Ibert 0. syl I:bert pron French pos n. def 1890-1962, French composer. ibex ety C17: from Latin: chamois ibexes infl head ibex syl i:bex:es pron <1ibi2sEz>, <1I-> pos n. mod pl. ibices infl head ibex or ibex syl ib:i+ces pron <1ibi2sEz>, <1I-> pos n. mod pl. ibex infl or ibices syl i:bex. pos n. mod pl. ibex 0. syl i:bex pron <1Ibeks> pos n. def any of three wild goats, or of mountainous regions of Europe, Asia, and North Africa, having large backward-curving horns. Ibibios infl head Ibibio or Ibibio syl I:bib:i:os pos n. mod pl. Ibibio infl or Ibibios syl I:bib:i:o pos n. mod pl. Ibibio 1. syl I:bib:i:o pron pos n. def a member of a Negroid people of SE Nigeria, living esp. in and around Calabar. Ibibio 2. syl I:bib:i:o pron pos n. def the language or group of dialects spoken by this people, variously classified as belonging to the Benue-Congo or the Kwa branch of the Niger-Congo family. ibid ety Latin: in the same place ib alt head ibid or ibid syl ib. ibid 0. or ib syl ibid. qual abbrev. for usage in annotations, bibliographies, etc., when referring to a book, article, chapter, or page previously cited def ibidem. ibis ety C14: via Latin from Greek, from Egyptian hby ibises infl head ibis or ibis syl i:bis:es pos n. mod pl. ibis infl or ibises syl i:bis. pos n. mod pl. ibis 0. syl i:bis pron <1Ibis> pos n. def any of various wading birds of the family such as ({sacred ibis}) , that occur in warm regions and have a long thin down-curved bill: order (herons, storks, etc.). Compare {wood ibis}. Iviza alt head Ibiza or Ibiza syl I:vi+za pron Spanish pos n. Ibiza 1. or Iviza syl I:bi+za pron Spanish pos n. def a Spanish island in the W Mediterranean, one of the Balearic Islands: hilly, with a rugged coast; tourism. Pop.: 42456 (1970). Area: 541 sq. km (209 sq. miles). Ibiza 2. or Iviza syl I:bi+za pron Spanish pos n. def the capital of Ibiza, a port on the south of the island. Pop.: 15642 (1970). -ible 0. syl -i:ble usage suffix forming adjectives. def variant of {-able}. -ibly sub head -ible syl -i:bly -ibility sub head -ible syl -i:bil:i:ty ibn-Batuta 0. syl ibn-Ba:tu:ta pron <1ibN> pos n. def 1304-??68, Arab traveller, who wrote the an account of his travels (1325-54) in Africa and Asia. ibn-Rushd 0. syl ibn-Rushd pron <1ibN> <1ruSt> pos n. def the Arabic name of {Averro*"es}. Abdul-Aziz infl head ibn-Saud syl Ab:dul-A:ziz pron <@b1dul> <@1zEz> pos n. ibn-Saud 0. syl ibn-Saud pron <1ibN> <1saud> pos n. def 1880-1953, king of Saudi Arabia (1932-53). ibn-Sina 0. syl ibn-Si:na pron <1ibN> <1sEn*> pos n. def the Arabic name of {Avicenna}. Igbo alt head Ibo or Ibo syl Ig:bo pron <1Eb*u> pos n. Ibos infl head Ibo or Ibo syl I:bos pos n. mod pl. Ibo infl or Ibos syl I:bo pos n. mod pl. Ibo 1. or Igbo syl I:bo pron <1Eb*u> pos n. def a member of a Negroid people of W Africa, living chiefly in S Nigeria. Ibo 2. or Igbo syl I:bo pron <1Eb*u> pos n. def the language of this people, belonging to the Kwa branch of the Niger-Congo family: one of the chief literary and cultural languages of S Nigeria. Ibrahim Pasha 0. syl Ib:ra:him Pa:sha pron <2ibr*1hEm> <1pa:S*> pos n. def 1789-1848, Albanian general; son of Mehemet Ali, whom he succeeded as viceroy of Egypt (1848). IBRD 0. syl I.B.R.D. qual abbrev. for def International Bank for Reconstruction and Development (the World Bank). Henrik infl head Ibsen syl Hen:rik pron <1henrik> pos n. Ibsen 0. syl Ib:sen pron <1ibs*n> pos n. def 1828-1906, Norwegian dramatist and poet. After his early verse plays (1866) and (1867), he began the series of social dramas in prose, including (1879), (1881), and (1886), which have had a profound influence on modern drama. His later plays, such as (1890) and (1892), are more symbolic. ic 0. syl i/c qual abbrev. for def in charge (of). IC 1. syl IC qual abbrev. for: usage in transformational grammar def immediate constituent. IC 2. syl IC qual abbrev. for:; Electronics. def integrated circuit. IC 0. syl I.C. qual Astrology. abbrev. for def Imum Coeli: the lowest point on the ecliptic below the horizon, lying directly opposite the Midheaven. -ic ety from Latin -icus or Greek -ikos; -ic also occurs in nouns that represent a substantive use of adjectives (magic) and in nouns borrowed directly from Latin or Greek (critic, music) -ic 0. syl -ic exam 1 suffix forming adjectives. -ic 1. syl -ic def of, relating to, or resembling. exam 1 allergic; exam 2 Germanic; exam 3 periodic. -ic 2. syl -ic usage in chemistry def indicating that an element is chemically combined in the higher of two possible valence states. exam 1 ferric; exam 2 stannic. Ic'a 0. syl I:*,c*'a pron <1Esa:>, Portuguese pos n. def the Brazilian part of the {Putumayo River}. ICA 1. syl I.C.A. qual abbrev. for: usage in Britain def Institute of Contemporary Arts. ICA 2. syl I.C.A. qual abbrev. for: def International Cooperation Administration. -ical ety from Latin -ic*_alis -ical 0. syl -i:cal usage suffix forming adjectives. def variant of {-ic}, but in some words having a less literal application than corresponding adjectives ending in -ically sub head -ical syl -i:cal:ly ICAO 0. syl I.C.A.O. qual abbrev. for def International Civil Aviation Organization. Icaria 0. syl I:car:i:a pron , pos n. def a Greek island in the Aegean Sea, in the Southern Sporades group. Area: 256 sq. km (99 sq. miles). Modern Greek name: {Ikar*'ia}. Also called: {Nikaria}. Icarian H1.0. syl I:car+i:an pron , pos adj. def of or relating to Icarus. Icarian H2.1. syl I:car+i:an pron , pos adj. def of or relating to Icaria or its inhabitants. Icarian H2.2. syl I:car+i:an pron , pos n. def an inhabitant of Icaria. Icarian Sea 0. syl I:car+i:an Sea pos n. def the part of the Aegean Sea between the islands of Patmos and Leros and the coast of Asia Minor, where, according to legend, Icarus fell into the sea. Icarus 0. syl Ic:a:rus pron <1ik*r*s>, <1I-> pos n. qual Greek myth. def the son of Daedalus, with whom he escaped from Crete, flying with wings made of wax and feathers. Heedless of his father's warning he flew too near the sun, causing the wax to melt, and fell into the Aegean and drowned. ICBM 0. syl ICBM qual abbrev. for def intercontinental ballistic missile. ice ety Old English *_is; compare Old High German *_is, Old Norse *_iss ice 1. syl ice pron pos n. def water in the solid state, formed by freezing liquid water. Related adj.: {glacial}. ice 2. syl ice pron pos n. def the field of play in ice hockey. ice 3.a. syl ice pron pos n. def to relieve shyness, etc., esp. between strangers. ice 3.b. syl ice pron pos n. def to be the first of a group to do something. ice 4. syl ice pron pos n. def See {ice cream}. cut no ice 5. head ice syl cut no ice. qual Informal. def to fail to make an impression. on ice 6. head ice syl on ice. def in abeyance; pending. on thin ice 7. head ice syl on thin ice. def unsafe or unsafely; vulnerable or vulnerably. {~} ice 8. syl ice pron pos n. usage often foll. by up, over, etc. def to form or cause to form ice; freeze. ice 9. syl ice pron pos n. mod tr. def to mix with ice or chill (a drink, etc.). ice 10. syl ice pron pos n. mod tr. def to cover (a cake, etc.) with icing. iceless sub head ice syl ice+less pos adj. icelike sub head ice syl ice+2like pos adj. ICE 0. syl I.C.E. qual abbrev. for usage in Britain def Institution of Civil Engineers. Ice 0. syl Ice. qual abbrev. for def Iceland(ic). ice age 0. syl ice age pos n. def another name for {glacial period}. ice axe 0. syl ice axe pos n. def a light axe used by mountaineers for cutting footholds in ice. ice bag 1. syl ice bag pos n. def a waterproof bag used as an ice pack. ice bag 2. syl ice bag pos n. def a strong bag, usually made of canvas and equipped with two handles, used for carrying blocks of ice. iceberg ety C18: probably part translation of Middle Dutch ijsberg ice mountain; compare Norwegian isberg iceberg 1. syl ice+berg pron <1IsbR:g> pos n. def a large mass of ice floating in the sea, esp. a mass that has broken off a polar glacier. tip of the iceberg 2. head iceberg syl tip of the iceberg. def the small visible part of something, esp. a problem or difficulty, that is much larger. iceberg 3. syl ice+berg pron <1IsbR:g> pos n. qual Slang, chiefly U.S. def a person considered to have a cold or reserved manner. iceberg 4. syl ice+berg pron <1IsbR:g> pos n. qual Austral. informal. def a person who swims or surfs frequently in winter or takes cold showers. iceblink 1. syl ice+blink pron <1Is2bliGk> pos n. def Also called: {blink}. a yellowish-white reflected glare in the sky over an ice field. iceblink 2. syl ice+blink pron <1Is2bliGk> pos n. def a coastal ice cliff. iceboat 0. syl ice+boat pron <1Is2b*ut> pos n. def another name for { {icebreaker} (sense 1)} or {ice yacht}. icebound 0. syl ice+bound pron <1Is2baund> pos adj. def covered or made immobile by ice; frozen in. exam 1 an icebound ship. icebox 1. syl ice+box pron <1Is2boks> pos n. def a compartment in a refrigerator for storing or making ice. icebox 2. syl ice+box pron <1Is2boks> pos n. def an insulated cabinet packed with ice for storing food. icebreaker 1. syl ice+break:er pron <1Is2brAk*> pos n. def Also called: {iceboat}. a vessel with a reinforced bow for breaking up the ice in bodies of water to keep channels open for navigation. icebreaker 2. syl ice+break:er pron <1Is2brAk*> pos n. def any tool or device for breaking ice into smaller pieces. icecap 0. syl ice+cap pron <1Is2k@p> pos n. def a thick mass of glacial ice and snow that permanently covers an area of land, such as either of the polar regions or the peak of a mountain. ice cream 0. syl ice cream pos n. def a kind of sweetened frozen liquid, properly made from cream and egg yolks but often made from milk or a custard base, flavoured in various ways. ice-cream cornet alt head ice-cream cone or ice-cream cone syl ice-cream cor+net pos n. ice-cream cone 1. or ice-cream cornet syl ice-cream cone pos n. def a conical edible wafer for holding ice cream. ice-cream cone 2. or ice-cream cornet syl ice-cream cone pos n. def such a cone containing ice cream. ice-cream soda 0. syl ice-cream so:da pos n. qual Chiefly U.S. def ice cream served in a tall glass of carbonated water and a little milk, usually flavoured in various ways. iced 1. syl iced pron pos adj. def covered, coated, or chilled with ice. iced 2. syl iced pron pos adj. def covered with icing. exam 1 iced cakes. icefall 0. syl ice+fall pron <1Is2fc:l> pos n. def a very steep part of a glacier that has deep crevasses and resembles a frozen waterfall. ice field 1. syl ice field pos n. def a very large flat expanse of ice floating in the sea; large ice floe. ice field 2. syl ice field pos n. def a large mass of ice permanently covering an extensive area of land. ice fish 0. syl ice fish pos n. def any percoid fish of the family of Antarctic seas, having a semitransparent scaleless body. ice floe 0. syl ice floe pos n. def a sheet of ice, of variable size, floating in the sea. See also {ice field} (sense 1). ice foot 0. syl ice foot pos n. def a narrow belt of ice permanently attached to the coast in polar regions. ice hockey 0. syl ice hock+ey pos n. def a game played on ice by two opposing teams of six players each, who wear skates and try to propel a flat puck into their opponents' goal with long sticks having an offset flat blade at the end. ice house 0. syl ice house pos n. def a building for storing ice. Icel 0. syl I:*,cel pron pos n. def another name for {Mersin}. Icel 0. syl Icel. qual abbrev. for def Iceland(ic). Iceland 0. syl Ice+land pron <1Isl*nd> pos n. def an island republic in the N Atlantic, regarded as part of Europe: settled by Norsemen, who established a legislative assembly in 930; under Danish rule (1380-1918); gained independence in 1918 and became a republic in 1944; contains large areas of glaciers, snowfields, and lava beds with many volcanoes and hot springs (the chief source of domestic heat); inhabited chiefly along the SW coast. The economy is based largely on fishing. Language: Icelandic. Religion: mostly Lutheran. Currency: krona. Capi?!tal: Reykjavik. Pop.: 218000 (1975 est.). Area: 102828 sq. km (39702 sq. miles). Icelander 0. syl Ice+land+er pron <1Is2l@nd*>, <1Isl*nd*> pos n. def a native, citizen, or inhabitant of Iceland. Icelandic 1. syl Ice+land+ic pron pos adj. def of, relating to, or characteristic of Iceland, its people, or their language. Icelandic 2. syl Ice+land+ic pron pos n. def the official language of Iceland, belonging to the North Germanic branch of the Indo-European family. See also {Old Icelandic}. Iceland moss 0. syl Ice+land moss pos n. def a lichen, of arctic regions and N Europe, with brownish edible fronds. Iceland poppy 0. syl Ice+land pop+py pos n. def any of various widely cultivated arctic poppies, esp. with white or yellow nodding flowers. Iceland spar 0. syl Ice+land spar pos n. def a pure transparent variety of calcite with double-refracting crystals used in making polarizing micro?!scopes. ice lolly 0. syl ice lol+ly pos n. qual Brit. informal. def an ice cream or water ice on a stick. Also called: {lolly}. U.S. equivalent (trademark): {Popsicle}. ice machine 0. syl ice ma+chine pos n. def a machine that automatically produces ice for use in drinks, etc. ice needle 0. syl ice nee+dle pos n. qual Meteorol. def one of many needle-like ice crystals that form cirrus clouds in clear cold weather. Iceni 0. syl I:ce:ni pron pos n. mod pl. def an ancient British tribe that rebelled against the Romans in 61 #7a.d. under Queen Boadicea. ice pack 1. syl ice pack pos n. def a bag or folded cloth containing ice, applied to a part of the body, esp. the head, to cool, reduce swelling, etc. ice pack 2. syl ice pack pos n. def another name for {pack ice}. ice pack 3. syl ice pack pos n. def a sachet containing a gel that can be frozen or heated and that retains its temperature for an extended period of time, used esp. in cool bags. ice pick 0. syl ice pick pos n. def a pointed tool used for breaking ice. ice plant 0. syl ice plant pos n. def a low-growing plant, (or of southern Africa, with fleshy leaves covered with icelike hairs and pink or white rayed flowers: family ice point 0. syl ice point pos n. def the temperature at which a mixture of ice and water are in equilibrium at a pressure of one atmosphere. It is 0?% on the Celsius scale and 32?% on the Fahrenheit scale. Compare {steam point}. ice sheet 0. syl ice sheet pos n. def a thick layer of ice covering a large area of land for a long time, esp. the layer that covered much of the N hemi?!sphere during the last glacial period. ice shelf 0. syl ice shelf pos n. def a thick mass of ice that is permanently attached to the land but projects into and floats on the sea. ice show 0. syl ice show pos n. def any entertainment performed by ice-skaters. ice skate 1. syl ice skate pos n. def a boot having a steel blade fitted to the sole to enable the wearer to glide swiftly over ice. ice skate 2. syl ice skate pos n. def the steel blade on such a boot or shoe. ice-skate infl head ice skate syl ice-skate. pos vb. ice skate 3. syl ice skate pos vb. mod intr. def to glide swiftly over ice on ice skates. ice-skater sub head ice skate syl ice-2skat:er pos n. ice water 1. syl ice wa+ter pos n. def water formed from ice. ice water 2. syl ice wa+ter pos n. qual U.S. def drinking water cooled by refrigeration or the addition of ice. ice yacht 0. syl ice yacht pos n. def a sailing craft having a cross-shaped frame with runners for travelling over ice. Also called: {iceboat}. ICFTU 0. syl ICFTU qual abbrev. for def International Confederation of Free Trade Unions. I-ch'ang alt head Ichang or Ichang syl I-ch'ang pron <1E1C@G> pos n. Ichang 0. or I-ch'ang syl I:chang pron <1E1C@G> pos n. def a port in S central China, in Hupeh province on the Yangtze River 1600 km (1000 miles) from the East China Sea: head of navigation of the Yangtze. Pop.: 50000-100000 (1953 est.). IChemE 0. syl I.Chem.E. qual abbrev. for def Institution of Chemical Engineers. I Ching 0. syl I Ching pron <1E> <1CiG> pos n. def an ancient Chinese book of divination and a source of Confucian and Taoist philosophy. Answers to questions and advice may be obtained by referring to the text accompanying one of 64 hexagrams, selected at random. Also called: {Book of Changes}. Ichinomiya 0. syl I:chi+no+mi+ya pron <2ECi1n*umi*> pos n. def a town in Japan, on SE Honshu island: textile industry. Pop.: 235130 (1974 est.). ichneumon ety C16: via Latin from Greek, literally: tracker, hunter, from ikhneuein to track, from ikhnos a footprint; so named from the animal's alleged ability to locate the eggs of crocodiles ichneumon 0. syl ich+neu+mon pron pos n. def a mongoose, of Africa and S Europe, having greyish-brown speckled fur. wasp alt head ichneumon fly or ichneumon fly syl wasp pos n. ichneumon fly 0. or wasp syl ich+neu+mon fly pos n. def any hymenopterous insect of the family whose larvae are parasitic in caterpillars and other insect larvae. ichnite ety C19: from Greek ikhnos footprint, track+{-#7ite %1} ichnolite alt head ichnite or ichnite syl ich+no+lite pron <1ikn*2lIt> pos n. ichnite 0. or ichnolite syl ich+nite pron <1iknIt> pos n. def a fossilized footprint. ichnography ety C16: from Latin ichnographia, from Greek ikhnographia, from ikhnos trace, track ichnography 1. syl ich+nog+ra+phy pron pos n. def the art of drawing ground plans. ichnography 2. syl ich+nog+ra+phy pron pos n. def the ground plan of a building, factory, etc. ichnographic sub head ichnography or ichnographical syl ich+no+graph+ic pron <2ikn*1gr@fik> pos adj. ichnographical sub head ichnography or ichnographic syl ich+no+1graph:i+cal pos adj. ichnographically sub head ichnography syl ich+no+1graph:i+cal+ly pos adv. ichnology ety C19: from Greek ikhnos footprint, track ichnology 0. syl ich+nol+o:gy pron pos n. def the study of fossil footprints. ichnological sub head ichnology syl ich+no+log:i+cal pron <2ikn*1loJikL> pos adj. ichor ety C17: from Greek ikh*_or, of obscure origin ichor 1. syl i:chor pron <1Ikc:> pos n. qual Greek myth. def the fluid said to flow in the veins of the gods. ichor 2. syl i:chor pron <1Ikc:> pos n. qual Pathol. def a foul-smelling watery discharge from a wound or ulcer. ichorous sub head ichor syl i:chor+ous pos adj. ichthyic ety C19: from Greek, from ikhthus fish ichthyic 0. syl ich+thy+ic pron <1ikTiik> pos adj. def of, relating to, or characteristic of fishes. ichthyo- ety from Latin, from Greek ikhthus fish ichthyoid 1. syl ich+thy+oid pron <1ikTi2cid> pos adj. usage also def resembling a fish. ichthyoid 2. syl ich+thy+oid pron <1ikTi2cid> pos n. usage also def a fishlike vertebrate. ichth alt head ichthyol or ichthyol syl ichth. ichthyol 0. or ichth syl ichthyol. qual abbrev. for def ichthyology. ichthyolite 0. syl ich+thy:o+lite pron <1ikTi*2lIt> pos n. qual Rare. def any fossil fish. ichthyolitic sub head ichthyolite syl ich+thy:o+lit+ic pron <2ikTi*1litik> pos adj. ichthyology 0. syl ich+thy+ol+o:gy pron <2ikTi1ol*Ji> pos n. def the study of the physiology, history, economic importance, etc., of fishes. ichthyologic sub head ichthyology or ichthyological syl ich+thy:o+log+ic pron <2ikTi*1loJik> pos adj. ichthyological sub head ichthyology or ichthyologic syl ich+thy:o+1log:i+cal pos adj. ichthyologically sub head ichthyology syl ich+thy:o+1log:i+cal+ly pos adv. ichthyologist sub head ichthyology syl ich+thy+1ol:o+gist pos n. ichthyophagous 0. syl ich+thy+oph:a+gous pron <2ikTi1of*g*s> pos adj. def feeding on fish. ichthyophagy sub head ichthyophagous syl ich+thy+oph:a+gy pron <2ikTi1of*Ji> pos n. ichthyornis ety C19: New Latin, from #7ichthy -#7+ Greek ornis bird ichthyornis 0. syl ich+thy+or+nis pron <2ikTi1c:nis> pos n. def an extinct Cretaceous sea bird of the genus thought to have resembled a tern. ichthyosaurus alt head ichthyosaur or ichthyosaur syl ich+thy:o+saur+us pron <2ikTi*1sc:r*s> pos n. ichthyosaurs infl head ichthyosaur syl ich+thy:o+saurs pron <-1sc:rI> pos n. mod pl. ichthyosauruses infl head ichthyosaur or ichthyosauri syl ich+thy:o+saur+us:es pron <-1sc:rI> pos n. mod pl. ichthyosauri infl head ichthyosaur or ichthyosauruses syl ich+thy:o+sau+ri pron <-1sc:rI> pos n. mod pl. ichthyosaur 0. or ichthyosaurus syl ich+thy:o+saur pron <1ikTi*2sc:> pos n. def any extinct marine Mesozoic reptile of the order which had a porpoise-like body with dorsal and tail fins and paddle-like limbs. See also {plesiosaur}. ichthyosis 0. syl ich+thy:o+sis pron <2ikTi1*usis> pos n. def a congenital disease in which the skin is coarse, dry, and scaly. Also called: {xeroderma}. Nontechnical name: {fishskin disease}. ichthyotic sub head ichthyosis syl ich+thy+ot+ic pron <2ikTi1otik> pos adj. -ician ety from French -icien; see #7-ic, -ian -ician 0. syl -i:cian usage suffix forming nouns. def indicating a person skilled or involved in a subject or activity. exam 1 physician; exam 2 beautician. icicle ety C14: from #7ice + ickel, from Old English gicel icicle, related to Old Norse j*"okull large piece of ice, glacier icicle 0. syl i:ci+cle pron <1IsikL> pos n. def a hanging spike of ice formed by the freezing of dripping water. icicled sub head icicle syl i:ci+cled pos adj. icily 0. syl i:ci+ly pron <1Isili> pos adv. def in an icy or reserved manner. iciness 1. syl i:ci+ness pron <1Isinis> pos n. def the condition of being icy or very cold. iciness 2. syl i:ci+ness pron <1Isinis> pos n. def a manner that is cold or reserved; aloofness. icing 1. syl ic+ing pron <1IsiG> pos n. def Also called (esp. U.S.): {frosting}. a sugar preparation, variously flavoured and coloured, for coating and decorating cakes, biscuits, etc. icing 2. syl ic+ing pron <1IsiG> pos n. def the formation of ice, as on a ship or aircraft, due to the freezing of moisture in the atmosphere. icing sugar 0. syl ic+ing sug+ar pos n. qual Brit. def a very finely ground sugar used for icings, confections, etc. U.S. term: {confectioners' sugar}. ICJ 0. syl ICJ qual abbrev. for def International Court of Justice. icon ety C16: from Latin, from Greek eik*_on image, from eikenai to be like ikon alt head icon or icon syl i:kon pron <1Ikon> pos n. icon 1. or ikon syl i:con pron <1Ikon> pos n. def a representation of Christ, the Virgin Mary, or a saint, esp. one painted in oil on a wooden panel, depicted in a traditional Byzantine style and venerated in the Eastern Church. icon 2. or ikon syl i:con pron <1Ikon> pos n. def an image, picture, representation, etc. icon 3. or ikon syl i:con pron <1Ikon> pos n. def a symbol resembling or analogous to the thing it represents. iconical alt head iconic or iconic syl i:con:i+cal pos adj. iconic 1. or iconical syl i:con+ic pron pos adj. def relating to, resembling, or having the character of an icon. iconic 2. or iconical syl i:con+ic pron pos adj. usage of memorial sculptures, esp. those depicting athletes of ancient Greece def having a fixed conventional style. iconic memory 0. syl i:con+ic mem:o+ry pos n. qual Psychol. def the temporary persistence of visual impressions after the stimulus has been removed. Iconium 0. syl I:co+ni:um pron pos n. def the ancient name for {Konya}. icono- ety from Greek: #7icon iconoclasm 0. syl i:con:o+clasm pron pos n. def the acts or beliefs of an iconoclast. iconoclast 1. syl i:con:o+clast pron pos n. def a person who attacks established or traditional concepts, principles, laws, etc. iconoclast 2.a. syl i:con:o+clast pron pos n. def a destroyer of religious images or sacred objects. iconoclast 2.b. syl i:con:o+clast pron pos n. def an adherent of the heretical movement within the Greek Orthodox Church from 725 to 842 #7a.d., which aimed at the destruction of icons and religious images. iconoclastic sub head iconoclast syl i:2con:o+1clas+tic pos adj. iconoclastically sub head iconoclast syl i:2con:o+1clas+ti+cal+ly pos adv. iconographies infl head iconography syl i:co+nog+ra+phies. pos n. mod pl. iconography 1.a. syl i:co+nog+ra+phy pron <2Iko1nogr*fi> pos n. def the symbols used in a work of art or art movement. iconography 1.b. syl i:co+nog+ra+phy pron <2Iko1nogr*fi> pos n. def the conventional significance attached to such symbols. iconography 2. syl i:co+nog+ra+phy pron <2Iko1nogr*fi> pos n. def a collection of pictures of a particular subject, such as Christ. iconography 3. syl i:co+nog+ra+phy pron <2Iko1nogr*fi> pos n. def the representation of the subjects of icons or portraits, esp. on coins. iconographer sub head iconography syl i:co+1nog+ra+pher pos n. iconographic sub head iconography or iconographical syl i:con:o+graph+ic pron pos adj. iconographical sub head iconography or iconographic syl i:2con:o+1graph:i+cal pos adj. iconolatry 0. syl i:co+nol:a+try pron <2Iko1nol*tri> pos n. def the worship or adoration of icons as idols. iconolater sub head iconolatry syl i:co+1nol:a+ter pos n. iconolatrous sub head iconolatry syl i:co+1nol:a+trous pos adj. iconology 1. syl i:co+nol+o:gy pron <2Iko1nol*Ji> pos n. def the study or field of art history concerning icons. iconology 2. syl i:co+nol+o:gy pron <2Iko1nol*Ji> pos n. def icons collectively. iconology 3. syl i:co+nol+o:gy pron <2Iko1nol*Ji> pos n. def the symbolic representation or symbolism of icons. iconological sub head iconology syl i:con:o+log:i+cal pron pos adj. iconologist sub head iconology syl i:co+1nol:o+gist pos n. iconomatic ety C19: from Greek, from eikon image+ onoma name iconomatic 0. syl i:con:o+mat+ic pron pos adj. def employing pictures to represent not objects themselves but the sound of their names. iconomaticism sub head iconomatic syl i:con:o+mat:i+cism pron pos n. iconoscope 0. syl i:con:o+scope pron pos n. def a television camera tube in which an electron beam scans a photoemissive surface, con?!verting an optical image into electrical pulses. iconostasis ety C19: Church Latin, from Late Greek eikonostasion shrine, literally: area where images are placed, from #7icono -#7+ histanai to stand iconostas alt head iconostasis or iconostasis syl i:con:o+stas pron pos n. iconostases infl head iconostasis or iconostases syl i:co+nos+ta+ses pron <2Ik*u1nost*2sEz> pos n. mod pl. iconostases infl head iconostasis or iconostases syl i:con:o+stas:es. pos n. mod pl. iconostasis 0. or iconostas syl i:co+nos+ta+sis pron <2Ik*u1nost*sis> pos n. qual Eastern Church. def a screen with doors and icons set in tiers, which separates the bema (sanctuary) from the nave. icosahedron ety C16: from Greek eiko?!saedron, from eikosi twenty+ -edron -#7hedron icosahedrons infl head icosahedron or icosahedra syl i:co+sa+he+drons pron <-dr*> pos n. mod pl. icosahedra infl head icosahedron or icosahedrons syl i:co+sa+he+dra pron <-dr*> pos n. mod pl. icosahedron 0. syl i:co+sa+he+dron pron <2Ik*s*1hEdr*n> pos n. def a solid figure having 20 faces. The faces of a {regular icosahedron} are equilateral triangles. icosahedral sub head icosahedron syl i:co+sa+1he+dral pos adj. -ics ety plural of -ic, representing Latin -ica, from Greek -ika, as in math*_ematika mathematics -ics 0. syl -ics exam 1 suffix forming nouns; exam 2 functioning as sing. -ics 1. syl -ics def indicating a science, art, or matters relating to a particular subject. exam 1 aeronautics; exam 2 politics. -ics 2. syl -ics def indicating certain activities or prac?!tices. exam 1 acrobatics. ICS 0. syl I.C.S. qual abbrev. for def Indian Civil Service. ICSH 0. syl ICSH qual abbrev. for def interstitial-cell-stimulating hormone. icterus ety C18: from Latin: yellow bird, the sight of which reputedly cured jaundice, from Greek ikteros icterus 1. syl ic+ter+us pron <1ikt*r*s> pos n. qual Pathol. def another name for {jaundice}. icterus 2. syl ic+ter+us pron <1ikt*r*s> pos n. def a yellowing of plant leaves, caused by excessive cold or moisture. icteric sub head icterus syl ic+ter+ic pron pos adj. Ictinus 0. syl Ic:ti:nus pron pos n. def 5th century #7b.c. Greek architect, who designed the Parthenon with Callicrates. ictus ety C18: from Latin icere to strike ictuses infl head ictus or ictus syl ic+tus:es pos n. mod pl. ictus infl or ictuses syl ic+tus. pos n. mod pl. ictus 1. syl ic+tus pron <1ikt*s> pos n. qual Prosody. def metrical or rhythmical stress in verse feet, as contrasted with the stress accent on words. ictus 2. syl ic+tus pron <1ikt*s> pos n. qual Med. def a sudden attack or stroke. ictal sub head ictus syl ic+tal pos adj. icier infl head icy syl i:ci+er pos adj. iciest infl head icy syl i:ci+est. pos adj. icy 1. syl i:cy pron <1Isi> pos adj. def made of, covered with, or containing ice. icy 2. syl i:cy pron <1Isi> pos adj. def resembling ice. icy 3. syl i:cy pron <1Isi> pos adj. def freezing or very cold. icy 4. syl i:cy pron <1Isi> pos adj. def cold or reserved in manner; aloof. icy pole 0. syl i:cy pole pos n. def the Australian name for an {ice lolly}. id ety C20: New Latin, from Latin: it; used to render German Es id 0. syl id pron pos n. qual Psychoanal. def the mass of primitive instincts and energies in the unconscious mind that, modified by the ego and the superego, underlies all psychic activity. ID 0. syl ID qual abbrev. for def identification. ID 1. syl I.D. qual abbrev. for: def Also: {i.d}. inside diameter. ID 2. syl I.D. qual abbrev. for: def Intelligence Department. id 0. syl id. qual abbrev. for def idem. I'd 0. syl I'd pron usage contraction of@T def I had I would. -id ety from Latin -id-, -is, from Greek, feminine suffix of origin -id H1.0. syl -id usage suffix forming nouns def (usually pl.). indicating the names of meteor showers that appear to radiate from a specified constellation. exam 1 Orionids -id ety from New Latin -idae or -ida, from Greek -id*_es suffix indicating offspring -id H2.0. syl -id usage suffix forming nouns and adjectives. def indicating members of a zoological family. exam 1 cyprinid. -id H3.0. syl -id usage suffix forming nouns. def variant of {-ide}. Mount infl head Ida syl Mount. pos n. Ida 1. syl I:da pron <1Id*> pos n. def a mountain in central Crete: the highest on the island; in ancient times associated with the worship of Zeus. Height: 2456 m (8057 ft.). Modern Greek name: {*'Idhi}. Ida 2. syl I:da pron <1Id*> pos n. def a mountain in NW Turkey, southeast of the site of ancient Troy. Height: 1767 m (5797 ft.). Turkish name: {Kaz Da*vgi}. IDA 0. syl I.D.A. qual abbrev. for def International Development Association. -idae ety New Latin, from Latin, from Greek -idai, suffix indicating offspring -idae 0. syl -i:dae usage suffix forming nouns. def indicating names of zoological families. exam 1 Felidae; exam 2 Hominidae. Idaho 0. syl I:da+ho pron <1Id*2h*u> pos n. def a state of the northwestern U.S.: consists chiefly of ranges of the Rocky Mountains, with the Snake River basin in the south; important for agriculture ({Idaho potatoes}) , livestock, and silver-mining. Capital: Boise. Pop.: 713008 (1970). Area: 216413 sq. km (83557 sq. miles). Abbrevs.: {Id., Ida}., or (with zip code) {ID} Idahoan sub head Idaho syl I:da+2ho+an pos adj. n. IDB 0. syl IDB qual Chiefly S. African. abbrev. for def illicit diamond buying. ID card 0. syl ID card pos n. def a card or document that serves to identify a person, or to prove his age, membership, etc. ide ety C19: from New Latin idus, from Swedish id ide 0. syl ide pron pos n. def another name for the {silver orfe}. -ide ety from German -id, from French oxide #7oxide, based on the suffix of acide #7acid -id alt head -ide or -ide syl -id -ide 0. or -id syl -ide exam 1 suffix forming nouns. -ide 1. or -id syl -ide usage electronegative elements def indicating a binary compound. exam 1 sodium chloride. -ide 2. or -id syl -ide def indicating an organic compound derived from another. exam 1 acetanilide. -ide 3. or -id syl -ide def indicating one of a class of compounds or elements. exam 1 peptide; exam 2 lanthanide. idea ety C16: via Late Latin from Greek: model, pattern, notion, from idein to see idea 1. syl i:de:a pron pos n. def the product of mental activity whereby the mind consciously conceives a thought; conception. idea 2. syl i:de:a pron pos n. def an impression established in the mind by something perceived; notion. idea 3. syl i:de:a pron pos n. def a belief or viewpoint; opinion. exam 1 he has an idea that what he's doing is right. idea 4. syl i:de:a pron pos n. def a scheme, intention, plan, etc.. exam 1 here's my idea for the sales campaign. idea 5. syl i:de:a pron pos n. def a vague notion or indication; inkling. exam 1 he had no idea of what life would be like in Africa. idea 6. syl i:de:a pron pos n. def significance or purpose. exam 1 the idea of the game is to discover the murderer. idea 7. syl i:de:a pron pos n. qual Philosophy. def an immediate object of thought or perception. idea 8. syl i:de:a pron pos n. qual Music. def a thematic phrase or figure; motif. idea 9. syl i:de:a pron pos n. qual Obsolete. def a mental image. get ideas 10. head idea syl get ideas. def to become ambitious, restless, etc. not one's idea of 11. head idea syl not one's idea of. def not what one regards as (hard work, a holiday, etc.). that's an idea 12. head idea syl that's an idea. def that is worth considering. the very idea 13. head idea syl the very idea&! def that is preposterous, unreasonable, etc. idealess sub head idea syl i:1de:a+less pos adj. Idea 0. syl I:de:a pron pos n. usage in the philosophy of Plato def the universal essence or archetype of any class of things or concepts. ideal 1. syl i:de:al pron pos n. def a conception of something that is perfect, esp. that which one seeks to attain. ideal 2. syl i:de:al pron pos n. def a person or thing considered to represent perfection. exam 1 he's her ideal. ideal 3. syl i:de:al pron pos n. def something existing only as an idea. ideal 4. syl i:de:al pron pos n. def a pattern or model, esp. of ethical behaviour. ideal 5. syl i:de:al pron pos adj. def conforming to an ideal. ideal 6. syl i:de:al pron pos adj. def of, involving, or existing in the form of an idea. ideal 7.a. syl i:de:al pron pos adj. def of or relating to a highly desirable and possible state of affairs. ideal 7.b. syl i:de:al pron pos adj. def of or relating to idealism. &- {i@.de@.al+i@.ty} (@!a$Id$I#!@al$It$I) &- {i@.#!de@.al+ly} idealness sub head ideal syl i:1de:al+ness pos n. ideal element 0. syl i:de:al el+e:ment pos n. def any element added to a mathematical theory in order to eliminate special cases. The ideal element i=$/ -1 allows all algebraic equations to be solved and the point at infinity ({ideal point}) ensures that any two lines in projective geometry intersect. ideal gas 0. syl i:de:al gas pos n. def a hypothetical gas composed of spheres of negligible volume moving at random and undergoing perfectly elastic collisions with the walls of their container and with each other. Also called: {perfect gas}. idealism 1. syl i:de:al+ism pron pos n. def belief in or pursuance of ideals. idealism 2. syl i:de:al+ism pron pos n. def the tendency to represent things in their ideal forms, rather than as they are. idealism 3. syl i:de:al+ism pron pos n. qual Philosophy. def the doctrine that thought or the mind is the only reality and that external objects consist merely of ideas. Compare {materialism, phenomenalism, realism. &- i@.#!de@.al+ist} &- {i@.@!de@.al+#!is+tic} &- {i@.@!de@.al+#!is+ti+cal+ly} idealise alt head idealize or idealize syl i:de:al+ise pron pos vb. idealize 1. or idealise syl i:de:al+ize pron pos vb. def to consider or represent (something) as ideal. idealize 2. or idealise syl i:de:al+ize pron pos vb. mod tr. def to portray as ideal; glorify. idealize 3. or idealise syl i:de:al+ize pron pos vb. mod intr. def to form an ideal or ideals. idealization sub head idealize or idealisation syl i:2de:al:i+1za+tion pos n. idealisation sub head idealize or idealization syl i:2de:al:i+1sa+tion pos n. idealizer sub head idealize or idealiser syl i:1de:al+2iz+er pos n. idealiser sub head idealize or idealizer syl i:1de:al+2is+er pos n. ideate 1. syl i:de:ate pron pos vb. def to imagine or conceive (something); form an idea of (something). ideate 2. syl i:de:ate pron , <-At> pos n. def another word for {ideatum}. ideation sub head ideate syl i:de:1a+tion pos n. ideational sub head ideate syl i:de:1a+tion+al pos adj. ideationally sub head ideate syl i:de:1a+tion+al+ly pos adv. ideative sub head ideate syl i:de:a+tive pron , <1Idi2A-> pos adj. ideatum ety C18: New Latin, from Latin: #7idea ideata infl head ideatum syl i:de:a+ta pron <-1At*> pos n. mod pl. ideatum 0. syl i:de:a+tum pron <2Idi1At*m> pos n. qual Philosophy. def the objective reality with which human ideas are supposed to correspond. id'ees fixes infl head id'ee fixe syl i:d*'ees fixes pron pos n. mod pl. id'ee recue ety literally: received idea id'ees recues infl head id'ee recue syl i:d*'ees re:*,cues pron pos n. mod pl. idem 0. syl i:dem pron Latin. <1Idem>, <1idem> pos pron. adj. def the same: used to refer to an article, chapter, etc., previously cited. idempotent ety C20: from Latin idem same+#7potent idempotent 0. syl i:dem+po+tent pron <1Id*m2p*ut*nt>, <1id-> pos adj. usage Maths. of a matrix, transformation, etc. def not changed in value following multiplication by itself. identic 1. syl i:den+tic pron pos adj. usage Diplomacy. esp. of opinions expressed by two or more governments def having the same wording or intention regarding another power. exam 1 identic notes. identic 2. syl i:den+tic pron pos adj. def an obsolete word for {identical}. identical 1. syl i:den+ti+cal pron pos adj. def being the same. identical 2. syl i:den+ti+cal pron pos adj. def exactly alike, equal, or agreeing. identical 3. syl i:den+ti+cal pron pos adj. def designating either or both of a pair of twins of the same sex who developed from a single fertilized ovum that split into two. Compare { {fraternal} (sense 3)}. identically sub head identical syl i:1den+ti+cal+ly pos adv. identical proposition 0. syl i:den+ti+cal prop:o+si+tion pos n. qual Logic. def a proposition in which the subject and predicate have the same content and extent, as in identification 1. syl i:den+ti+fi+ca+tion pron pos n. def the act of identifying or the state of being identified. identification 2.a. syl i:den+ti+fi+ca+tion pron pos n. def something that identifies a person or thing. identification 2.b. syl i:den+ti+fi+ca+tion pron pos n. usage as modifier def . exam 1 an identification card. identification 3.a. syl i:den+ti+fi+ca+tion pron pos n. def the process of recognizing specific objects as the result of remembering. identification 3.b. syl i:den+ti+fi+ca+tion pron pos n. def the process by which one incorporates aspects of another person's personality. identification 3.c. syl i:den+ti+fi+ca+tion pron pos n. def the transferring of a response from one situation to another because the two bear similar features. See also { {generalization} (sense 3).} identification parade 0. syl i:den+ti+fi+ca+tion pa+rade pos n. def a group of persons including one suspected of having committed a crime assembled for the purpose of discovering whether a witness can identify the suspect. identifies infl head identify syl i:den+ti+fies pos vb. mod mainly; tr. identifying infl head identify syl i:den+ti+fy+ing pos vb. mod mainly; tr. identified infl head identify syl i:den+ti+fied. pos vb. mod mainly; tr. identify 1. syl i:den+ti+fy pron pos vb. mod mainly; tr. def to prove or recognize as being a certain person or thing; determine the identity of. identify 2. syl i:den+ti+fy pron pos vb. mod mainly; tr. def to consider as the same or equivalent. identify 3. syl i:den+ti+fy pron pos vb. mod also; intr. usage often foll. by with def to consider (oneself) as similar to another. identify 4. syl i:den+ti+fy pron pos vb. mod mainly; tr. def to determine the taxonomic classification of (a plant or animal). identify 5. syl i:den+ti+fy pron pos vb. mod intr. qual Psychol. usage usually foll. by with def to engage in identification. identifiable sub head identify syl i:1den+ti+2fi+a:ble pos adj. identifiableness sub head identify syl i:1den+ti+2fi+a:ble+ness pos n. identifier sub head identify syl i:1den+ti+2fi+er pos n. Identikit 0.a. syl I:den+ti+kit pron pos n. qual Trademark. def a set of transparencies of various typical facial characteristics that can be superimposed on one another to build up, on the basis of a description, a picture of a person sought by the police. Identikit 0.b. syl I:den+ti+kit pron pos n. qual Trademark. usage as modifier exam 1 an Identikit picture. identity ety C16: from Late Latin identit*_as, from Latin idem the same identities infl head identity syl i:den+ti:ties. pos n. mod pl. identity 1.a. syl i:den+ti:ty pron pos n. def the state of having unique identifying characteristics held by no other person or thing. identity 1.b. syl i:den+ti:ty pron pos n. usage as modifier def . exam 1 an identity card. identity 2. syl i:den+ti:ty pron pos n. def the individual characteristics by which a person or thing is recognized. identity 3. syl i:den+ti:ty pron pos n. def the state of being the same in nature, quality, etc.. exam 1 they were linked by the identity of their tastes. identity 4.a. syl i:den+ti:ty pron pos n. def an equation that is valid for all values of its variables, as in - + = %2 - %2. Often denoted by the symbol $= identity 4.b. syl i:den+ti:ty pron pos n. def Also called: {identity element}. a member of a set that when operating on another member, produces that member the identity for multiplication of numbers is 1 since 1=1.#800399 = See also { {inverse} (sense 2b.)}. identity 5. syl i:den+ti:ty pron pos n. qual Austral. informal. def a well-known person, esp. in a specified locality; figure. exam 1 a Barwidgee identity. ideo- ety from French id*'eo-, from Greek idea #7idea ideo- 0. syl id:e:o- usage combining form. def of or indicating idea or ideas. exam 1 ideol?!ogy. ideograph alt head ideogram or ideogram syl id:e:o+graph pron <1idi*u2gra:f>, <-2gr@f> pos n. ideogram 1. or ideograph syl id:e:o+gram pron <1idi*u2gr@m> pos n. def a sign or symbol, used in such writing systems as those of China or Japan, that directly represents a concept, idea, or thing rather than a word or set of words for it. ideogram 2. or ideograph syl id:e:o+gram pron <1idi*u2gr@m> pos n. def any graphic sign or symbol, such as &%#800400 , ?@#800401 , ?󃚒 , etc. ideography 0. syl id+e:og+ra+phy pron <2idi1ogr*fi> pos n. def the use of ideograms to communicate ideas. ideologue alt head ideologist or ideologist syl i:de:o+logue pron <1Idi*2log> pos n. ideologist 1. or ideologue syl i:de:ol:o+gist pron <2Idi1ol*Jist> pos n. def a person who supports a particular ideology, esp. a political theorist. ideologist 2. or ideologue syl i:de:ol:o+gist pron <2Idi1ol*Jist> pos n. def a person who studies an ideology or ideologies. ideologist 3. or ideologue syl i:de:ol:o+gist pron <2Idi1ol*Jist> pos n. def a theorist or visionary. ideologies infl head ideology syl i:de:ol+o:gies. pos n. mod pl. ideology 1. syl i:de:ol+o:gy pron <2Idi1ol*Ji> pos n. def a body of ideas that reflects the beliefs and interests of a nation, political system, etc. ideology 2. syl i:de:ol+o:gy pron <2Idi1ol*Ji> pos n. qual Philosophy. def an idea or set of ideas that is false, misleading, or held for the wrong reasons but is believed with such conviction as to be irrefutable. ideology 3. syl i:de:ol+o:gy pron <2Idi1ol*Ji> pos n. def speculation that is imaginary or visionary. ideology 4. syl i:de:ol+o:gy pron <2Idi1ol*Ji> pos n. def the study of the nature and origin of ideas. ideological sub head ideology or ideologic syl i:de:o+log:i+cal pron <2Idi*1loJikL> pos adj. ideologic sub head ideology or ideological syl i:de:o+1log+ic pos adj. ideologically sub head ideology syl i:de:o+1log:i+cal+ly pos adv. ideomotor 0. syl i:de:o+mo+tor pron <2Idi*1m*ut*> pos adj. qual Physiol. def designating automatic muscular movements stimulated by ideas, as in absent-minded acts. ides ety C15: from Old French, from Latin *_id*_us (plural), of uncertain origin ides 0. syl ides pron pos n. mod functioning as; sing. usage in the Roman calendar def the 15th day in March, May, July, and October and the 13th day of each other month. See also {calends, nones}. id est 0. syl id est pron Latin. def the full form of {i.e}. 'Idhi 0. syl *'I:dhi pron <1iDi> pos n. def a transliteration of the Modern Greek name for Mount {Ida} (in Crete). idio- ety from Greek idios private, separate idio- 0. syl id:i:o- usage combining form. def indicating peculiarity, isolation, or that which pertains to an individual person or thing. exam 1 idiolect. idioblast 0. syl id:i:o+blast pron <1idi*u2bl@st> pos n. def a plant cell that differs from those around it in the same tissue. idioblastic sub head idioblast syl id:i:o+1blas+tic pos adj. idiocies infl head idiocy syl id:i:o+cies. pos n. mod pl. idiocy 1. syl id:i:o+cy pron <1idi*si> pos n. usage not in technical usage def severe mental retardation. idiocy 2. syl id:i:o+cy pron <1idi*si> pos n. def foolishness or senselessness; stupid?!ity. idiocy 3. syl id:i:o+cy pron <1idi*si> pos n. def a foolish act or remark. idiographic 0. syl id:i:o+graph+ic pron <2idi*u1gr@fik> pos adj. qual Psychol. def of or relating to the study of individuals. Compare {nomothetic}. idiolect 0. syl id:i:o+lect pron <1idi*2lekt> pos n. def the variety or form of a language used by an individual. idiolectal sub head idiolect or idiolectic syl id:i:o+1lect+al pos adj. idiolectic sub head idiolect or idiolectal syl id:i:o+1lect+ic pos adj. idiom ety C16: from Latin idi*_oma peculiarity of language, from Greek; see #7idio - &- id@.i@.o+mat+ic (@!$Id$I$$#!m@at$Ik) or @!id@.i@.o+#!mat@.i+cal adj. &- @!id@.i@.o+#!mat@.i+cal+ly adv. idiom 1. syl id:i+om pron <1idi*m> pos n. def a group of words whose meaning cannot be predicted from the meanings of the constituent words, as for example idiom 2. syl id:i+om pron <1idi*m> pos n. def linguistic usage that is grammatical and natural to native speakers of a language. idiom 3. syl id:i+om pron <1idi*m> pos n. def the characteristic vocabulary or usage of a specific human group or subject. idiom 4. syl id:i+om pron <1idi*m> pos n. def the characteristic artistic style of an individual, school, period, etc. idiomaticalness sub head idiom syl id:i:o+1mat:i+cal+ness pos n. idiomorphic 0. syl id:i:o+mor+phic pron <2idi*u1mc:fik> pos adj. usage of minerals def occurring naturally in the form of well-developed crystals. idiomorphically sub head idiomorphic syl id:i:o+1mor+phi+cal+ly pos adv. idiomorphism sub head idiomorphic syl id:i:o+1mor+phism pos n. idiopathies infl head idiopathy syl id:i+op:a+thies. pos n. mod pl. idiopathy 0. syl id:i+op:a+thy pron <2idi1op*Ti> pos n. def any disease of unknown cause. &- {id@.i@.o+path+ic} (@!$Id$I$$$u#!p@a#Gg$Ik) idiophone 0. syl id:i:o+phone pron <1idi*2f*un> pos n. qual Music. def a percussion instrument, such as a cymbal or xylophone, made of naturally sonorous material. idiophonic sub head idiophone syl id:i:o+phon+ic pron <2idi*1fonik> pos adj. idioplasm 0. syl id:i:o+plasm pron <1idi*u2pl@z*m> pos n. def another name for {germ plasm}. idioplasmic sub head idioplasm or idioplasmatic syl id:i:o+1plas+mic pron <2idi*upl@z1m@tik> pos adj. idioplasmatic sub head idioplasm or idioplasmic syl id:i:o+plas+mat+ic pron <2idi*upl@z1m@tik> pos adj. idiosyncrasy ety C17: from Greek idiosunkrasia, from #7idio -#7+ sunkrasis mixture, temperament, from sun- #7syn -#7+ kerannunai to mingle sies infl head idiosyncrasy syl +sies. pos n. mod pl. idiosyncrasy 1. syl id:i:o+syn+cra+sy pron <2idi*u1siGkr*si> pos n. def a tendency, type of behaviour, mannerism, etc., of a specific person; quirk. idiosyncrasy 2. syl id:i:o+syn+cra+sy pron <2idi*u1siGkr*si> pos n. def the composite physical or psychological make-up of a specific person. idiosyncrasy 3. syl id:i:o+syn+cra+sy pron <2idi*u1siGkr*si> pos n. def an abnormal reaction of an individual to specific foods, drugs, or other agents. idiosyncratic sub head idiosyncrasy syl id:i:o+syn+crat+ic pron <2idi*usiG1kr@tik> pos adj. idiosyncratically sub head idiosyncrasy syl id:i:o+syn+1crat:i+cal+ly pos adv. idiot ety C13: from Latin idi*_ota ignorant person, from Greek idi*_ot*_es private person, one who lacks professional knowledge, ignoramus; see #7idio - idiot 1. syl id:i+ot pron <1idi*t> pos n. def a person with severe mental retardation. idiot 2. syl id:i+ot pron <1idi*t> pos n. def a foolish or senseless person. idiot board 0. syl id:i+ot board pos n. def a slang name for {autocue}. idiotic 0. syl id:i+ot+ic pron <2idi1otik> pos adj. def of or resembling an idiot; foolish; senseless. idiotically sub head idiotic syl id:i+1ot:i+cal+ly pos adv. idioticalness sub head idiotic syl id:i+1ot:i+cal+ness pos n. idiotism 1. syl id:i+ot+ism pron <1idi*2tiz*m> pos n. def an archaic word for {idiocy}. idiotism 2. syl id:i+ot+ism pron <1idi*2tiz*m> pos n. def an obsolete word for {idiom}. idle ety Old English *_idel; compare Old High German *_ital empty, vain idle 1. syl i:dle pron <1IdL> pos adj. def unemployed or unoccupied; inactive. idle 2. syl i:dle pron <1IdL> pos adj. def not operating or being used. idle 3. syl i:dle pron <1IdL> pos adj. def not wanting to work; lazy. idle 4. syl i:dle pron <1IdL> pos adj. usage usually prenominal def frivolous or trivial. exam 1 idle pleasures. idle 5. syl i:dle pron <1IdL> pos adj. def ineffective or powerless; fruitless; vain. idle 6. syl i:dle pron <1IdL> pos adj. def without basis; unfounded. idle 7. syl i:dle pron <1IdL> pos vb. mod when; tr. usage often foll. by away def to waste or pass (time) fruitlessly or inactively. exam 1 he idled the hours away. idle 8. syl i:dle pron <1IdL> pos vb. mod intr. def to loiter or move aimlessly. idle 9. syl i:dle pron <1IdL> pos vb. mod intr. usage of a shaft, etc. def to turn without doing useful work. idle 10. syl i:dle pron <1IdL> pos vb. mod intr. def Also (Brit.): {tick over}. (of an engine) to run at low speed with the transmission disengaged. idle 11. syl i:dle pron <1IdL> pos vb. mod tr. qual U.S. def to cause to be inactive or unemployed. idleness sub head idle syl i:dle+ness pos n. idly sub head idle syl i:dly pos adv. idler pulley alt head idle pulley or idle pulley syl i:dler pul+ley pos n. idle pulley 0. or idler pulley syl i:dle pul+ley pos n. def a freely rotating pulley used to control the tension or direction of a belt. Also called: {idler}. idler 1. syl i:dler pron <1Idl*> pos n. def a person who idles. idler 2. syl i:dler pron <1Idl*> pos n. def another name for {idle pulley} or {idle wheel}. idler 3. syl i:dler pron <1Idl*> pos n. qual Nautical. def a ship's crew member, such as a carpenter, sailmaker, etc., whose duties do not include standing regular watches. idle wheel 0. syl i:dle wheel pos n. def a gearwheel interposed between two others to transmit torque without changing the direction of rotation or the velocity ratio. Also called: {idler}. IDN ety Latin: in the name of God IDN 0. syl I.D.N. qual abbrev. for def in Dei nomine. Also: {I.N.D}. Ido ety C20: Ido: offspring, from Greek -id daughter of Ido 0. syl I:do pron <1Ed*u> pos n. def an artificial language; a modification of Esperanto. idocrase ety C19: from French, from Greek eidos form+ krasis a mingling idocrase 0. syl i:do+crase pron <1Id*2krAs>, <1id-> pos n. def another name for {vesuvianite}. idol ety C13: from Late Latin *_id*_olum, from Latin: image, from Greek eid*_olon, from eidos shape, form idol 1. syl i:dol pron <1IdL> pos n. def a material object, esp. a carved image, that is worshipped as a god. idol 2. syl i:dol pron <1IdL> pos n. qual Christianity, Judaism. def any being (other than the one God) to which divine honour is paid. idol 3. syl i:dol pron <1IdL> pos n. def a person who is revered, admired, or highly loved. idolatrise alt head idolatrize or idolatrize syl i:dol:a+trise pron pos vb. idolatrize 1. or idolatrise syl i:dol:a+trize pron pos vb. mod tr. def a less common word for {idolize}. idolatrize 2. or idolatrise syl i:dol:a+trize pron pos vb. mod intr. def to indulge in the worship of idols. idolatrizer sub head idolatrize or idolatriser syl i:1dol:a+2triz+er pos n. idolatriser sub head idolatrize or idolatrizer syl i:1dol:a+2tris+er pos n. idolatry 1. syl i:dol:a+try pron pos n. def the worship of idols. idolatry 2. syl i:dol:a+try pron pos n. def great devotion or reverence. &- {i@.#!dol@.a+ter} {i@.#!dol@.a+tress} &- {i@.#!dol@.a+trous} &- {i@.#!dol@.a+trous+ly} &- {i@.#!dol@.a+trous+ness} idolise alt head idolize or idolize syl i:dol+ise pron <1Id*2lIz> pos vb. idolize 1. or idolise syl i:dol+ize pron <1Id*2lIz> pos vb. mod tr. def to admire or revere greatly. idolize 2. or idolise syl i:dol+ize pron <1Id*2lIz> pos vb. mod tr. def to worship as an idol. idolize 3. or idolise syl i:dol+ize pron <1Id*2lIz> pos vb. mod intr. def to worship idols. &- {#!i@.dol+ism, @!i@.dol@.i+#!za+tion} {@!i@.dol@.i+#!sa+tion} &- {#!i@.dol+ist, #!i@.dol+@!iz+er} {#!i@.dol+@!is+er} idolum ety C17: from Latin: #7idol idolum 1. syl i:do+lum pron pos n. def a mental picture; idea. idolum 2. syl i:do+lum pron pos n. def a false idea; fallacy. Idomeneus 0. syl I:dom+e:neus pron pos n. qual Greek myth. def a king of Crete who fought on the Greek side in the Trojan War. Ithunn alt head Idun or Idun syl I:thunn pos n. Idun 0. or Ithunn syl I:dun pron <1Edun> pos n. qual Norse myth. def the goddess of spring who guarded the apples that kept the gods eternally young; wife of Bragi. idyll ety C17: from Latin *_idyllium, from Greek eidullion, from eidos shape, (literary) form idyl alt head idyll or idyll syl id:yl pron <1idil> pos n. qual U.S. (sometimes idyll 1. or idyl syl id:yll pron <1idil> pos n. def a poem or prose work describing an idealized rural life, pastoral scenes, etc. idyll 2. or idyl syl id:yll pron <1idil> pos n. def any simple narrative or descriptive piece in poetry or prose. idyll 3. or idyl syl id:yll pron <1idil> pos n. def a charming or picturesque scene or event. idyll 4. or idyl syl id:yll pron <1idil> pos n. def a piece of music with a calm or pastoral character. idyllic 1. syl i:dyl+lic pron , pos adj. def of or relating to an idyll. idyllic 2. syl i:dyl+lic pron , pos adj. def charm?!ing; picturesque. idyllically sub head idyllic syl i:1dyl+li+cal+ly pos adv. idylist alt head idyllist or idyllist syl i:dyl+ist pron <1idilist> pos n. qual U.S. idyllist 0. or idylist syl i:dyl+list pron <1idilist> pos n. def a writer of idylls. IE alt or IE syl I.E. IE 0. or IE syl IE qual abbrev. for def Indo-European (languages). ie ety Latin: that is (to say); in other words ie 0. syl i.e. qual abbrev. for def id est. -ie 0. syl -ie usage suffix forming nouns. def variant of { {-y%2}}. IEE 0. syl I.E.E. qual abbrev. for def Institution of Electrical Engineers. Ieper 0. syl Ie:per pron <1Ep*r> pos n. def the Flemish name for {Ypres}. -ier ety from Old English -ere {-#7er %1} or (in some words) from Old French -ier, from Latin -*_arius -#7ary -ier 0. syl -ier usage suffix forming nouns. def variant of {-eer}. exam 1 brigadier. Ieyasu 0. syl I:e:ya:su pron <2Eje1ja:su:> pos n. def a variant spelling of (Tokugawa) {Iyeuasu}. if ety Old English gif; related to Old Saxon ef if, Old High German iba whether, if if 1. syl if pron pos conj. usage subordinating def in case that, or on condition that. exam 1 if you try hard it might work; exam 2 if he were poor, would you marry him?? if 2. syl if pron pos conj. usage subordinating def used to introduce an indirect question. In this sense, approaches the meaning of if 3. syl if pron pos conj. usage subordinating def even though. exam 1 an attractive if awkward girl. if 4.a. syl if pron pos conj. usage subordinating def used to introduce expressions of desire, with if 4.b. syl if pron pos conj. usage subordinating def used to introduce exclamations of surprise, dismay, etc.. exam 1 if this doesn't top everything&! as if 5. head if syl as if. usage subordinating def as it would be if; as though. exam 1 he treats me as if I were junior to him. if 6. syl if pron pos n. usage subordinating def an uncertainty or doubt. exam 1 the big if is whether our plan will work at all. if 7. syl if pron pos n. usage subordinating def a condition or stipulation. exam 1 I won't have any ifs or buts. IF infl or if syl I.F. if infl head IF or IF syl i.f. IF 0. syl IF qual Electronics. abbrev. for def intermediate frequency. IFC 0. syl IFC qual abbrev. for def International Finance Corporation. Ife 0. syl I:fe pron <1Efi> pos n. def a town in W central Nigeria: one of the largest and oldest Yoruba towns; university (1961); centre of the cocoa trade. Pop.: 176000 (1975 est.). Ifni 0. syl If:ni pron Spanish <1ifni> pos n. def a former Spanish province in S Morocco, on the Atlantic: returned to Morocco in 1969. IFS 0. syl I.F.S. qual abbrev. for def Irish Free State (now called Republic of Ireland). -ify 0. syl -i:fy usage suffix forming verbs. def variant of {-fy}. exam 1 intensify. -ification sub head -ify syl -i:fi:ca:tion IG alt or IG syl I.G. IG 1. or IG syl IG qual abbrev. for: def Indo-Germanic (languages). IG 2. or IG syl IG qual abbrev. for: def Inspector General. Igbo infl or Igbos syl Ig:bo pos n. mod pl. Igbos infl head Igbo or Igbo syl Ig:bos. pos n. mod pl. Igbo 0. syl Ig:bo pron <1Eb*u> pos n. def a variant spelling of {Ibo}. Igdrasil 0. syl Ig+dra+sil pron <1igdr*sil> pos n. def a variant spelling of {Yggdrasil}. IGFET 0. syl IGFET pron <1igfet> pos n. def insulated-gate field-effect transistor; a type of field-effect transistor having one or more semiconductor gate electrodes. Compare {JUGFET}. igloo ety C19: from Eskimo igdlu house iglu alt head igloo or igloo syl ig:lu pron <1iglu:> pos n. igloos infl head igloo or iglus syl ig+loos pos n. mod pl. iglus infl head igloo or igloos syl ig+lus. pos n. mod pl. igloo 1. or iglu syl ig+loo pron <1iglu:> pos n. def a dome-shaped Eskimo house, usually built of blocks of solid snow. igloo 2. or iglu syl ig+loo pron <1iglu:> pos n. def a hollow made by a seal in the snow over its breathing hole in the ice. IGM 0. syl I.G.M. qual Chess. abbrev. for def International Grandmaster. ign ety Latin: unknown ign 1. syl ign. qual abbrev. for: def ignites. ign 2. syl ign. qual abbrev. for: def ignition. ign 3. syl ign. qual abbrev. for: def ignotus. Saint infl head Ignatius syl Saint pos n. Ignatius 0. syl Ig:na:ti:us pron pos n. def surnamed died ??110 #7a.d., bishop of Antioch. His seven letters, written on his way to his martyrdom in Rome, give valuable insight into the early Christian Church. Feast day: Feb. 1. Saint infl head Ignatius Loyola syl Saint. pos n. Ignatius Loyola 0. syl Ig:na:ti:us Loy:o:la pron pos n. def 1491-1556, Spanish ecclesiastic. He founded the Society of Jesus (1534) and was its first general (1541-56). His (1548) remains the basic manual for the training of Jesuits. Feast day: July 31. igneous ety C17: from Latin igneus fiery, from ignis fire igneous 1. syl ig+ne+ous pron <1igni*s> pos adj. usage of rocks def derived from magma or lava that has solidified on or below the earth's surface. Compare {sedimentary, metamorphic}. igneous 2. syl ig+ne+ous pron <1igni*s> pos adj. def of or relating to fire. ignescent ety C19: from Latin ignescere to become inflamed ignescent 1. syl ig+nes+cent pron pos adj. def giving off sparks when struck, as a flint. ignescent 2. syl ig+nes+cent pron pos adj. def capable of bursting into flame. ignescent 3. syl ig+nes+cent pron pos n. def an ignescent substance. ignis fatuus ety C16: from Medieval Latin, literally: foolish fire ignes fatui infl head ignis fatuus syl ig+nes fat:u:i pron <1ignEz> <1f@tju2I> pos n. mod pl. ignis fatuus 0. syl ig+nis fat+u:us pron <1ignis> <1f@tju*s> pos n. def another name for {will-o'-the-wisp}. ignite ety C17: from Latin ign*_ire to set alight, from ignis fire ignite 1. syl ig+nite pron pos vb. def to catch fire or set fire to; burn or cause to burn. ignite 2. syl ig+nite pron pos vb. mod tr. qual Chem. def to heat strongly. ignitable sub head ignite or ignitible syl ig+1nit+a:ble pos adj. ignitible sub head ignite or ignitable syl ig+1nit+i:ble pos adj. ignitability sub head ignite or ignitibility syl ig+2nit+a:1bil+i:ty pos n. ignitibility sub head ignite or ignitability syl ig+2nit+i:1bil+i:ty pos n. igniter 1. syl ig+nit+er pron pos n. def a person or thing that ignites. igniter 2. syl ig+nit+er pron pos n. def a fuse to fire explosive charges. igniter 3. syl ig+nit+er pron pos n. def an electrical device for lighting a gas turbine. igniter 4. syl ig+nit+er pron pos n. def a subsidiary electrode in an ignitron. ignition 1. syl ig+ni+tion pron pos n. def the act or process of initiating combustion. ignition 2. syl ig+ni+tion pron pos n. def the process of igniting the fuel in an internal-combustion engine. ignition 3. syl ig+ni+tion pron pos n. usage usually preceded by the def the devices used to ignite the fuel in an internal-combustion engine. ignition key 0. syl ig+ni+tion key pos n. def the key used in a motor vehicle to turn the switch that connects the battery to the ignition system and other electrical devices. ignitron ety C20: from #7igni#7ter+elec#7tron ignitron 0. syl ig+ni+tron pron , <1igni2tron> pos n. def a mercury-arc rectifier controlled by a subsidiary electrode, the igniter, partially immersed in a mercury cathode. A current passed between igniter and cathode forms a hot spot sufficient to strike an arc between cathode and anode. ignoble ety C16: from Latin ign*_obilis, from {#7in -%1}#7+ Old Latin gn*_obilis #7noble ignoble 1. syl ig+no+ble pron pos adj. def dishonourable; base; despicable. ignoble 2. syl ig+no+ble pron pos adj. def of low birth or origins; humble; common. ignoble 3. syl ig+no+ble pron pos adj. def of low quality; inferior. ignoble 4.a. syl ig+no+ble pron pos adj. def designating short-winged hawks that capture their quarry by swiftness and adroitness of flight. Compare {noble}. ignoble 4.b. syl ig+no+ble pron pos adj. def designating quarry which is inferior or unworthy of pursuit by a particular species of hawk or falcon. ignobility sub head ignoble or ignobleness syl ig+no+1bil+i:ty pos n. ignobleness sub head ignoble or ignobility syl ig+1no+ble+ness pos n. ignobly sub head ignoble syl ig+1no+bly pos adv. ignominy ety C16: from Latin ign*_ominia disgrace, from ig- (see {#7in -%2)}#7+ n*_omen name, reputation &- @!ig+no+#!min@.i+ous adj. &- @!ig+no+#!min@.i+ous+ly adv. &- @!ig+no+#!min@.i+ous+ness n. ignominies infl head ignominy syl ig+no+min:ies. pos n. mod pl. ignominy 1. syl ig+no+min:y pron <1ign*2mini> pos n. def disgrace or public shame; dishonour. ignominy 2. syl ig+no+min:y pron <1ign*2mini> pos n. def a cause of disgrace; a shameful act. ignoramus ety C16: from legal Latin, literally: we have no knowledge of, from Latin ign*_or*_are to be ignorant of; see #7ignore ; modern usage originated from the use of Ignoramus as the name of an unlettered lawyer in a play by G. Ruggle, 17th-century English dramatist ignoramuses infl head ignoramus syl ig+no+ra+mus:es. pos n. mod pl. ignoramus 0. syl ig+no+ra+mus pron <2ign*1rAm*s> pos n. def an ignorant person; fool. ignorance 0. syl ig+no+rance pron <1ign*r*ns> pos n. def lack of knowledge, information, or education; the state of being ignorant. ignorant 1. syl ig+no+rant pron <1ign*r*nt> pos adj. def lacking in knowledge or education; unenlightened. ignorant 2. syl ig+no+rant pron <1ign*r*nt> pos adj. usage postpositive; often foll. by of def lacking in awareness or knowledge (of). exam 1 ignorant of the law. ignorant 3. syl ig+no+rant pron <1ign*r*nt> pos adj. def resulting from or showing lack of knowledge or awareness. exam 1 an ignorant remark. ignorantly sub head ignorant syl ig+no+rant+ly pos adv. ignoratio elenchi ety Latin: an ignoring of proof, translating Greek elenchou agnoia ignoratio elenchi 0. syl ig+no+ra+ti:o e:len+chi pron <2ign*1rASi*u> pos n. qual Logic. def the fallacy of supposing that an argument proves or disproves a proposition at issue when in fact it only establishes an irrelevant conclusion. ignore ety C17: from Latin ign*_or*_are not to know, from ign*_arus ignorant of, from i- {#7in -%1}#7+ gn*_arus knowing; related to Latin noscere to know ignore 0. syl ig+nore pron pos vb. mod tr. def to fail or refuse to notice; disregard. ignorable sub head ignore syl ig+1nor+a:ble pos adj. ignorer sub head ignore syl ig+1nor+er pos n. ignotum per ignotius ety literally: the unknown by means of the more unknown ignotum per ignotius 0. syl ig+no+tum per ig+no+ti+us pron Latin. pos n. def an explanation that is obscurer than the thing to be explained. Igorrote alt head Igorot or Igorot syl Ig+or+ro+te pron <2ig*1r*uti>, <2Eg*-> pos n. Igorot infl or Igorote syl Ig:o+rot pos n. mod pl. Igorots infl head Igorot or Igorotes syl Ig:o+rots pos n. mod pl. Igorote infl head Igorot or Igorot syl Ig:o+ro+te pos n. mod pl. Igorotes infl head Igorot or Igorots syl Ig:o+ro+tes. pos n. mod pl. Igorot 0. or Igorrote syl Ig:o+rot pron <2ig*1r*ut>, <2Eg*-> pos n. def a member of a Negrito people of the mountains of N Luzon in the Philippines: noted as early exponents of mining. Ygerne alt head Igraine or Igraine syl Y:gerne pos n. Igraine 0. or Ygerne syl I:graine pron pos n. def the mother of King Arthur. Iguass'u alt head Iguac'u or Iguac'u syl I:guas+s*'u pron Portuguese <2igwa1su> pos n. Iguac'u 0. or Iguass'u syl I:gua+*,c*'u pron Portuguese <2igwa1su> pos n. def a river in SE South America, rising in S Brazil and flowing west to join the Paran*'a River, forming part of the border between Brazil and Argentina. Length: 1200 km (745 miles). Iguac'u Falls 0. syl I:gua+*,c*'u Falls pos n. def a waterfall on the border between Brazil and Argentina, on the Igua*,c*'u River: divided into hundreds of separate falls by forested rocky islands. Width: about 4 km (2.5 miles). Height: 82 m (269 ft.). iguana ety C16: from Spanish, from Arawak iwana iguana 1. syl i:gua+na pron pos n. def either of two large tropical American arboreal herbivorous lizards of the genus esp. ({common iguana}) , having a greyish-green body with a row of spines along the back: family iguana 2. syl i:gua+na pron pos n. def Also called: {i@.gua+nid} ($I#!gw$a$:n$Id). any other lizard of the tropical American family iguanian sub head iguana syl i:1gua+ni:an pos n. adj. iguanodon ety C19: New Latin, from #7iguana+ Greek od*_on tooth iguanodon 0. syl i:guan:o+don pron pos n. def a massive herbivorous long-tailed bipedal dinosaur of the genus common in Europe and N Africa in Jurassic and Cretaceous times: suborder (ornithopods). IGY 0. syl I.G.Y. qual abbrev. for def International Geophysical Year. ihram ety C18: from Arabic ihr*_am, from harama he forbade ihram 0. syl ih+ram pron pos n. def the customary white robes worn by Muslim pilgrims to Mecca, symbolizing a sacred or consecrated state. IHS 0. syl IHS def the first three letters of the name Jesus in Greek (#GI#GH#GS#GO#GY#GS), often used as a Christian emblem. IJssel 0. syl IJs+sel pron <1IsL>, Dutch <1ejs*l> pos n. def a river in the central Netherlands: a distributary of the Rhine, flowing north to the IJsselmeer. Length: 116 km (72 miles). Ysselmeer alt head IJsselmeer or IJsselmeer syl Ys+sel+meer pron Dutch <2ejs*l1mA:r> pos n. IJsselmeer 0. or Ysselmeer syl IJs+sel+meer pron Dutch <2ejs*l1mA:r> pos n. def a shallow lake in the NW Netherlands; formed from the S part of the Zuider Zee by the construction of the {IJsselmeer Dam} in 1932; salt water gradually replaced by fresh water from the IJssel River; fisheries (formerly marine fish, now esp. eels). Area: (before reclamation) 3690 sq. km (1425 sq. miles). Estimated final area by 1980: 1243 sq. km (480 sq. miles). English name: {Ijssel Lake}. ikan ety from Malay ikan 0. syl i:kan pron <1Ekan> pos n. usage in Malaysia def fish: used esp. in names of cooked dishes. exam 1 assam ikan. Ikar'ia 0. syl I:ka+r*'i:a pron <2ika1ria> pos n. def a transliteration of the modern Greek name for {Icaria}. ikebana 0. syl i:ke:ba+na pron <2Ek*1ba:n*> pos n. def the Japanese decorative art of flower arrangement. Ikeja 0. syl I:ke+ja pron pos n. def a town in SW Nigeria, capital of Lagos state: residential and industrial suburb of Lagos. Pop.: 11500 (1973 est.). Ikhnaton 0. syl Ikh:na:ton pron pos n. def a variant spelling of {Akhenaten}. ikon 0. syl i:kon pron <1Ikon> pos n. def a variant spelling of {icon}. IL 0. syl IL usage international car registration for def Israel. il- 0. syl il- pos prefix. def variant of {in-%1} and {in-%2} before ilang-ilang 0. syl i:lang-i:lang pron <1El@G> <1El@G> pos n. def a variant spelling of {ylang-ylang}. -ile ety via French from Latin or directly from Latin -ilis -ile 0. syl -ile usage suffix forming adjectives and nouns. def indicating capability, liability, or a relationship with something. exam 1 agile; exam 2 fragile; exam 3 juvenile. ILEA alt or ILEA syl I.L.E.A. ILEA 0. or ILEA syl ILEA pron <2ili*> qual abbrev. for def Inner London Education Authority. ileal alt head ileac or ileac syl il+e:al pos adj. ileac 1. or ileal syl il+e:ac pron <1ili2@k> pos adj. qual Anatomy. def of or relating to the ileum. ileac 2. or ileal syl il+e:ac pron <1ili2@k> pos adj. qual Pathol. def of or relating to ileus. Ile-de-France 0. syl *^Ile-de-France qual French def il d$$ #!fr?~a$:s) Ile-de-France 1. syl *^Ile-de-France qual French def a region of N France, in the Paris Basin: part of the duchy of France in the 10th century. Ile-de-France 2. syl *^Ile-de-France qual French def a former name (1715-1810) for {Mauritius}. Ile du Diable 0. syl *^Ile du Dia+ble pron pos n. def the French name for {Devil's Island}. ileitis 0. syl il+e:i+tis pron <2ili1Itis> pos n. def inflammation of the ileum. ileostomies infl head ileostomy syl il+e:os+to+mies. pos n. mod pl. ileostomy 0. syl il+e:os+to+my pron <2ili1ost*mi> pos n. def the surgical formation of a permanent opening through the abdominal wall into the ileum. Iles Comores 0. syl *^Iles Co+mores pron pos n. def the French name for the {Comoro Islands}. Iles du Salut 0. syl *^Iles du Sa+lut pron pos n. def the French name for the {Safety Islands}. Ilesha 0. syl I:le:sha pron pos n. def a town in W Nigeria. Pop.: 224000 (1975 est.). Iles sous le Vent 0. syl *^Iles sous le Vent pron pos n. def the French name for the { {Leeward Islands} (sense 3)}. ileum ety C17: New Latin, from Latin *_ilium, *_ileum flank, groin, of obscure origin ileum 1. syl il+e:um pron <1ili*m> pos n. def the part of the small intestine between the jejunum and the caecum. ileum 2. syl il+e:um pron <1ili*m> pos n. def the corresponding part in insects. ileus ety C18: from Latin *_ileos severe colic, from Greek eileos a rolling, twisting, from eilein to roll ileus 0. syl il+e:us pron <1ili*s> pos n. def obstruction of the intestine, esp. the ileum, by mechanical occlusion or as the result of distention of the bowel following loss of muscular action. ilex ety C16: from Latin ilex 1. syl i:lex pron <1Ileks> pos n. def any of various trees or shrubs of the widely distributed genus such as the holly and inkberry: family ilex 2. syl i:lex pron <1Ileks> pos n. def another name for the {holm oak}. Ilia 0. syl Il:i:a pron <1ili*> pos n. usage in Roman legend def the daughter of Aeneas and Lavinia, who, according to some traditions, was the mother of Romulus and Remus. See also {Rhea Silvia}. Il'ia 0. syl I:l*'i:a pron pos n. def a transliteration of the modern Greek name for { {Elia%1}}. iliac 0. syl il:i+ac pron <1ili2@k> pos adj. qual Anatomy. def of or relating to the ilium. Iliad 0. syl Il:i+ad pron <1ili*d> pos n. def a Greek epic poem describing the siege of Troy, attributed to Homer and probably composed before 700 #7b.c. Iliadic sub head Iliad syl Il:i+ad+ic pron <2ili1@dik> pos adj. Iliamna 1. syl Il:i+am+na pron <2ili1@mn*> pos n. def a lake in SW Alaska: the largest lake in Alaska. Length: about 130 km (80 miles). Width: 40 km (25 miles). Iliamna 2. syl Il:i+am+na pron <2ili1@mn*> pos n. def a volcano in SW Alaska, northwest of Iliamna Lake. Height: 3076 m (10092 ft.). Iligan 0. syl I:li:gan pron pos n. def a city in the Philippines, a port on the N coast of Mindanao. Pop.: 129454 (1975 est.). Ilion 0. syl Il:i+on pron <1ili*n> pos n. def a transliteration of the Greek name for ancient {Troy}. iliia infl head ilium syl il+i:i:a pron <-i*> pos n. mod pl. ilium 0. syl il+i:um pron <1ili*m> pos n. def the uppermost and widest of the three sections of the hipbone. Ilium 0. syl Il+i:um pron <1ili*m> pos n. def the Latin name for ancient {Troy}. ilk ety Old English ilca the same family, same kind; related to Gothic is he, Latin is, Old English gel*_ic like#e Usage. Although the use of ilk in the sense of sense 1 is often condemned as being the result of a misunderstanding of the original Scottish expression of that ilk, it is nevertheless well established and generally acceptable. ilk 1. syl ilk pron pos n. def a type; class; sort (esp. in the phrase {of that, his, her}, etc., {ilk}) . exam 1 people of that ilk should not be allowed here. of that ilk 2. head ilk syl of that ilk. qual Scot. def of the place of the same name: used to indicate that the person named is proprietor or laird of the place named. exam 1 Moncrieff of that ilk. Ilkeston 0. syl Il+kes+ton pron <1ilkist*n> pos n. def a town in N central England, in SE Derbyshire. Pop.: 34123 (1971). Ilkley 0. syl Il+kley pron <1ilkli> pos n. def a town in N England, in West Yorkshire: nearby is {Ilkley Moor} (to the south). Pop.: 21828 (1971). ill ety C11 (in the sense: evil): from Old Norse illr bad worse infl head ill syl worse pos adj. worst infl head ill syl worst. pos adj. ill 1. syl ill pron pos adj. usage usually postpositive def not in good health; sick. ill 2. syl ill pron pos adj. def characterized by or intending evil, harm, etc.; hostile. exam 1 ill deeds. ill 3. syl ill pron pos adj. def causing or resulting in pain, harm, adversity, etc.. exam 1 ill effects. ill 4. syl ill pron pos adj. def ascribing or imputing evil to something referred to. exam 1 ill repute. ill 5. syl ill pron pos adj. def promising an unfavourable outcome; unpropitious. exam 1 an ill omen. ill 6. syl ill pron pos adj. def harsh; lacking kindness. exam 1 ill will. ill 7. syl ill pron pos adj. def not up to an acceptable standard; faulty. exam 1 ill manners. ill at ease 8. head ill syl ill at ease. def unable to relax; uncomfortable. ill 9. syl ill pron pos n. def evil or harm. exam 1 to wish a person ill. ill 10. syl ill pron pos n. def a mild disease. ill 11. syl ill pron pos n. def misfortune; trouble. ill 12. syl ill pron pos adv. def badly. exam 1 the title ill befits him. ill 13. syl ill pron pos adv. def with difficulty; hardly. exam 1 he can ill afford the money. ill 1. syl ill. qual abbrev. for: def illustrated. ill 2. syl ill. qual abbrev. for: def illustration. Ill 0. syl Ill. qual abbrev. for def Illinois. I'll 0. syl I'll pron usage contraction of def I will I shall. ill-advised 1. syl ill-ad:vised pos adj. def acting without reasonable care or thought. exam 1 you would be ill-advised to sell your house now. ill-advised 2. syl ill-ad:vised pos adj. def badly thought out; not or insufficiently considered. exam 1 an ill-advised plan of action. ill-advisedly sub head ill-advised syl ill-ad:1vis:ed+ly pos adv. ill-affected 0. syl ill-af:fect:ed pos adj. usage often foll. by towards def not well disposed; disaffected. Illampu 0. syl I:llam+pu pron Spanish pos n. def one of the two peaks of Mount {Sorata}. ill-assorted 0. syl ill-as:sort:ed pos adj. def badly matched; incompatible. illation ety C16: from Late Latin ill*_ati*_o a bringing in, from Latin ill*_atus brought in, from inferre to bring in, from {#7in -%2}#7+ ferre to bear, carry illation 0. syl il+la+tion pron pos n. def a rare word for {inference}. illative ety C16: from Late Latin ill*_at*_ivus inferring, concluding illative 1. syl il+la+tive pron pos adj. def of or relating to illation; inferential. illative 2. syl il+la+tive pron pos adj. qual Grammar. def denoting a word or morpheme used to signal inference, for example or illative 3. syl il+la+tive pron pos adj. usage in the grammar of Finnish and other languages def denoting a case of nouns expressing a relation of motion or direction, usually translated by the English prepositions or Compare {elative}. illative 4.a. syl il+la+tive pron pos n. def the illative case. illative 4.b. syl il+la+tive pron pos n. def an illative word or speech element. illatively sub head illative syl il+1la+tive+ly pos adv. Illawarra 1. syl Il+la+war+ra pron <2il*1wor*> pos n. def a coastal district of E Australia, in S New South Wales. Illawarra 2. syl Il+la+war+ra pron <2il*1wor*> pos n. def an Australian breed of shorthorn dairy cattle noted for its high milk yield and ability to survive on poor pastures. ill-behaved 0. syl ill-be:haved pos adj. def poorly behaved; lacking good manners. ill-bred 0. syl ill-bred pos adj. def badly brought up; lacking good manners. ill-breeding sub head ill-bred syl ill-1breed+ing pos n. ill-considered 0. syl ill-con:sid:ered pos adj. def done without due consideration; not thought out. exam 1 an ill-considered decision. ill-defined 0. syl ill-de:fined pos adj. def badly defined; having no clear outline. ill-disposed 0. syl ill-dis:posed pos adj. usage often foll. by towards def not kindly disposed. Ille-et-Vilaine 0. syl Ille-et-Vi:laine qual French def il e vi#!l$en) a department of NW France, in E Brittany. Capital: Rennes. Pop.: 719320 (1975). Area: 6992 sq. km (2727 sq. miles). illegal 1. syl il+le:gal pron pos adj. def forbidden by law; unlawful; illicit. illegal 2. syl il+le:gal pron pos adj. def unauthorized or prohibited by a code of official or accepted rules. illegally sub head illegal syl il+1le:gal+ly pos adv. illegality sub head illegal syl il+le:1gal+i:ty pos n. illegalise alt head illegalize or illegalize syl il+le:gal+ise pron pos vb. mod tr. illegalize 0. or illegalise syl il+le:gal+ize pron pos vb. mod tr. def to make illegal. illegalization sub head illegalize or illegalisation syl il+2le:gal:i+1za+tion pos n. illegalisation sub head illegalize or illegalization syl il+2le:gal:i+1sa+tion pos n. illegible 0. syl il+leg+i:ble pron pos adj. def unable to be read or deciphered. illegibility sub head illegible or illegibleness syl il+2leg+i:1bil+i:ty pos n. illegibleness sub head illegible or illegibility syl il+1leg+i:ble+ness pos n. illegibly sub head illegible syl il+1leg+i:bly pos adv. illegitimate 1. syl il+le:git:i+mate pron <2ili1Jitimit> pos adj. def born of parents who were not married to each other at the time of birth; bastard. illegitimate 2. syl il+le:git:i+mate pron <2ili1Jitimit> pos adj. def forbidden by law; illegal; unlawful. illegitimate 3. syl il+le:git:i+mate pron <2ili1Jitimit> pos adj. def contrary to logic; incorrectly reasoned. illegitimacy sub head illegitimate or illegitimateness syl il+le:1git:i+ma+cy pos n. illegitimateness sub head illegitimate or illegitimacy syl il+le:1git:i+mate+ness pos n. illegitimately sub head illegitimate syl il+le:1git:i+mate+ly pos adv. ill-fated 0. syl ill-fat:ed pos adj. def doomed or unlucky. exam 1 an ill-fated marriage. ill-favored alt head ill-favoured or ill-favoured syl ill-fa:vored pos adj. qual U.S. ill-favoured 1. or ill-favored syl ill-fa:voured pos adj. qual Rare. def unattractive or repulsive in appearance; ugly. ill-favoured 2. or ill-favored syl ill-fa:voured pos adj. qual Rare. def offensive, disagreeable, or objectionable. ill-favouredly sub head ill-favoured or ill-favoredly syl ill-1fa:voured+ly pos adv. ill-favoredly sub head ill-favoured or ill-favouredly syl ill-1fa:vored+ly pos adv. qual U.S. ill-favouredness sub head ill-favoured or ill-favoredness syl ill-1fa:voured+ness pos n. ill-favoredness sub head ill-favoured or ill-favouredness syl ill-1fa:vored+ness pos n. qual U.S. ill feeling 0. syl ill feel+ing pos n. def hostile feeling; animosity. ill-founded 0. syl ill-found:ed pos adj. def not founded on true or reliable premisses; unsubstantiated. exam 1 an ill-founded rumour. ill-gotten 0. syl ill-got:ten pos adj. def obtained dishonestly or illegally (esp. in the phrase {ill-gotten gains}) . ill humour 0. syl ill hu+mour pos n. def a disagreeable or sullen mood; bad temper. &- {@!ill-#!hu@.moured} ill-humouredly sub head ill humour syl ill-1hu:moured+ly pos adv. illiberal 1. syl il+lib+er+al pron pos adj. def narrow-minded; prejudiced; bigoted; intolerant. illiberal 2. syl il+lib+er+al pron pos adj. def not generous; mean. illiberal 3. syl il+lib+er+al pron pos adj. def lacking in culture or refinement. illiberality sub head illiberal syl il+2lib+er+1al+i:ty pos n. illiberalness sub head illiberal or illiberalism syl il+1lib+er+al+ness pos n. illiberalism sub head illiberal or illiberalness syl il+1lib+er+al+ism pos n. illiberally sub head illiberal syl il+1lib+er+al+ly pos adv. Ivan infl head Illich syl I:van. pos n. Illich 0. syl Il:lich pron <1iliC> pos n. def born 1926, U.S. teacher and writer, born in Austria: his books include (1971) and (1975). illicit 1. syl il+lic+it pron pos adj. def another word for {illegal}. illicit 2. syl il+lic+it pron pos adj. def not allowed or approved by common custom, rule, or standard. exam 1 illicit sexual relations. illicitly sub head illicit syl il+1lic+it+ly pos adv. illicitness sub head illicit syl il+1lic+it+ness pos n. Illimani 0. syl I:lli+ma+ni pron Spanish <2iji1mani> pos n. def a mountain in W Bolivia, in the Andes near La Paz. Height: 6882 m (22580 ft.). illimitable 0. syl il+lim+it+a:ble pron pos adj. def limitless; boundless. illimitability sub head illimitable or illimitableness syl il+2lim+it+a:1bil+i:ty pos n. illimitableness sub head illimitable or illimitability syl il+1lim+it+a:ble+ness pos n. illimitably sub head illimitable syl il+1lim+it+a:bly pos adv. illinium ety C20: New Latin, from I#7llinois+ -#7ium illinium 0. syl il+lin+i:um pron pos n. qual Chem. def the former name for {promethium}. Illinois 1. syl Il+li+nois pron <2ili1nci> pos n. def a state of the N central U.S., in the Midwest: consists of level prairie crossed by the Illinois and Kaskaskia Rivers; mainly agricultural. Capital: Springfield. Pop.: 11113976 (1970). Area: 144858 sq. km (55930 sq. miles). Abbrevs.: {Ill}. or (with zip code) {IL} Illinois 2. syl Il+li+nois pron <2ili1nci> pos n. def a river in Illinois, flowing SW to the Mississippi. Length: 439 km (273 miles). Illinoisan sub head Illinois syl Il+li+nois+an pron <2ili1nci*n> pos n. adj. Illinoian sub head Illinois or Illinoisian syl Il+li+noi:an pron <2ili1nci*n> pos n. adj. Illinoisian sub head Illinois or Illinoian syl Il+li+nois+i:an pron <2ili1ncizi*n> pos n. adj. illiquid 1. syl il+liq+uid pron pos adj. usage of an asset def not easily convertible into cash. illiquid 2. syl il+liq+uid pron pos adj. usage of an enterprise, organization, etc. def deficient in liquid assets. illiterate 1. syl il+lit+er+ate pron pos adj. def unable to read and write. illiterate 2. syl il+lit+er+ate pron pos adj. def violating accepted standards in reading and writing. exam 1 an illiterate scrawl. illiterate 3. syl il+lit+er+ate pron pos adj. def uneducated, ignorant, or uncultured. exam 1 scientifically illiterate. illiterate 4. syl il+lit+er+ate pron pos n. def an illiterate person. &- {il+#!lit+er@.a+cy} {il+#!lit+er+ate+ness} &- {il+#!lit+er+ate+ly} ill-judged 0. syl ill-judged pos adj. def rash; ill-advised. ill-mannered 0. syl ill-man:nered pos adj. def having bad manners; rude; impolite. ill-manneredly sub head ill-mannered syl ill-1man:nered+ly pos adv. ill-natured 0. syl ill-na:tured pos adj. def naturally unpleasant and mean. ill-naturedly sub head ill-natured syl ill-1na:tured+ly pos adv. ill-naturedness sub head ill-natured syl ill-1na:tured+ness pos n. illness 1. syl ill+ness pron <1ilnis> pos n. def a disease or indisposition; sickness. illness 2. syl ill+ness pron <1ilnis> pos n. def a state of ill health. illness 3. syl ill+ness pron <1ilnis> pos n. qual Obsolete. def wickedness. illocution ety C20: from #7il -#7+locution illocution 0. syl il+loc:u+tion pron <2il*1kju:S*n> pos n. qual Philosophy. def an act performed by a speaker by virtue of uttering certain words, as for example the acts of promising or of threatening. See also {performative}. Compare {perlocution}. illocutionary sub head illocution syl il+lo+1cu+tion+ar:y pos adj. illogical 1. syl il+log:i+cal pron pos adj. def characterized by lack of logic; senseless or unreasonable. illogical 2. syl il+log:i+cal pron pos adj. def disregarding logical principles. illogicality sub head illogical or illogicalness syl il+log:i+cal+i:ty pron pos n. illogicalness sub head illogical or illogicality syl il+1log:i+cal+ness pos n. illogically sub head illogical syl il+1log:i+cal+ly pos adv. ill-omened 0. syl ill-o:mened pos adj. def doomed to be unlucky; ill-fated. ill-sorted 0. syl ill-sort:ed pos adj. def badly arranged or matched; ill-assorted. ill-starred 0. syl ill-starred pos adj. def unlucky; unfortunate; ill-fated. ill temper 0. syl ill tem+per pos n. def bad temper; irritability. &- {@!ill-#!tem@.pered} &- {@!ill-#!tem@.pered+ly} ill-timed 0. syl ill-timed pos adj. def occurring at or planned for an unsuitable time. ill-treat 0. syl ill-treat pos vb. mod tr. def to behave cruelly or harshly towards; misuse; maltreat. ill-treatment sub head ill-treat syl ill-1treat:ment pos n. illude ety C15: from Latin ill*_udere to sport with, from l*_udus game illude 0. syl il+lude pron pos vb. qual Literary. def to trick or deceive. illume ety C17: shortened from #7illumine illume 0. syl il+lume pron pos vb. mod tr. def a poetic word for {illuminate}. illuminance 0. syl il+lu+mi+nance pron pos n. def the luminous flux incident on unit area of a surface. It is measured in lux. Symbol. exam 1 E illuminant 1. syl il+lu+mi+nant pron pos n. def something that provides or gives off light. illuminant 2. syl il+lu+mi+nant pron pos adj. def giving off light; illuminating. illuminate ety C16: from Latin ill*_umin*_are to light up, from l*_umen light illuminate 1. syl il+lu+mi+nate pron pos vb. mod tr. def to throw light in or into; light up. exam 1 to illuminate a room. illuminate 2. syl il+lu+mi+nate pron pos vb. mod tr. def to make easily understood; clarify. illuminate 3. syl il+lu+mi+nate pron pos vb. def to adorn, decorate, or be decorated with lights. illuminate 4. syl il+lu+mi+nate pron pos vb. mod tr. def to decorate (a letter, page, etc.) by the application of colours, gold, or silver. illuminate 5. syl il+lu+mi+nate pron pos vb. mod intr. def to become lighted up. illuminate 6. syl il+lu+mi+nate pron , <-2nAt> pos adj. qual Archaic. def made clear or bright with light; illuminated. illuminate 7. syl il+lu+mi+nate pron , <-2nAt> pos n. def a person who has or claims to have special enlightenment. illuminatingly sub head illuminate syl il+1lu+mi+2nat+ing+ly pos adv. illuminative sub head illuminate syl il+1lu+mi+na+tive pos adj. illuminator sub head illuminate syl il+1lu+mi+2na+tor pos n. illuminati ety C16: from Latin, literally: the enlightened ones, from ill*_umin*_are to #7illuminate illuminato infl head illuminati syl il+lu+mi+na+to pron <-t*u> pos n. mod sing. illuminati 0. syl il+lu+mi+na+ti pron pos n. mod pl. def a group of persons claiming exceptional enlightenment on some subject, esp. religion. Illuminato infl head Illuminati syl Il+lu+mi+na+to pron <-t*u> pos n. mod sing. Illuminati 1. syl Il+lu+mi+na+ti pron pos n. mod pl. def any of several groups of illuminati, esp. in 18th-century France. Illuminati 2. syl Il+lu+mi+na+ti pron pos n. mod pl. def a group of religious enthusiasts of 16th-century Spain who were persecuted by the Inquisition. Illuminati 3. syl Il+lu+mi+na+ti pron pos n. mod pl. def a masonic sect founded in Bavaria in 1778 claiming that the illuminating grace of Christ resided in it alone. Illuminati 4. syl Il+lu+mi+na+ti pron pos n. mod pl. def a rare name for the Rosicrucians. illumination 1. syl il+lu+mi+na+tion pron pos n. def the act of illuminating or the state of being illuminated. illumination 2. syl il+lu+mi+na+tion pron pos n. def a source of light. illumination 3. syl il+lu+mi+na+tion pron pos n. mod often; pl. qual Chiefly Brit. def a light or lights, esp. coloured lights, used as decoration in streets, parks, etc. illumination 4. syl il+lu+mi+na+tion pron pos n. def spiritual or intellectual enlightenment; insight or understanding. illumination 5. syl il+lu+mi+na+tion pron pos n. def the act of making understood; clarification. illumination 6. syl il+lu+mi+na+tion pron pos n. def decoration in colours, gold, or silver used on some manuscripts or printed works. illumination 7. syl il+lu+mi+na+tion pron pos n. qual Physics. def another name (not in technical usage) for {illuminance}. illuminational sub head illumination syl il+2lu+mi+1na+tion+al pos adj. illumine ety C14: from Latin ill*_umin*_are to make light; see #7illuminate illumine 0. syl il+lu+mine pron pos vb. def a literary word for {illuminate}. illuminable sub head illumine syl il+1lu+mi+na:ble pos adj. illuminism 1. syl il+lu+mi+nism pron pos n. def belief in and advocation of special enlightenment. illuminism 2. syl il+lu+mi+nism pron pos n. def the tenets and principles of the Illuminati or of any of several religious or political movements initiated by them. illuminist sub head illuminism syl il+1lu+mi+nist pos n. ill-use 1. syl ill-use pron <1il1ju:z> pos vb. def to use badly or cruelly; abuse; maltreat. ill-use 2. syl ill-use pron <1il1ju:s> pos n. usage also def harsh or cruel treatment; abuse. illusion ety C14: from Latin ill*_usi*_o deceit, from ill*_udere; see #7illude illusion 1. syl il+lu+sion pron pos n. def a false appearance or deceptive impression of reality. exam 1 the mirror gives an illusion of depth. illusion 2. syl il+lu+sion pron pos n. def a false or misleading perception or belief; delusion. exam 1 he has the illusion that he is really clever. illusion 3. syl il+lu+sion pron pos n. qual Psychol. def a perception that is not true to reality, having been altered subjectively in some way in the mind of the perceiver. See also {hallucination}. illusion 4. syl il+lu+sion pron pos n. def a very fine gauze or tulle used for trimmings, veils, etc. illusionary sub head illusion or illusional syl il+1lu+sion+ar:y pos adj. illusional sub head illusion or illusionary syl il+1lu+sion+al pos adj. illusioned sub head illusion syl il+1lu+sioned pos adj. illusionism 1. syl il+lu+sion+ism pron pos n. qual Philosophy. def the doctrine that the external world exists only in illusory sense perceptions. illusionism 2. syl il+lu+sion+ism pron pos n. def the use of highly illusory effects in art or decoration, esp. the use of perspective in painting to create an impression of three-dimensional reality. illusionist 1. syl il+lu+sion+ist pron pos n. def a person given to illusions; visionary; dreamer. illusionist 2. syl il+lu+sion+ist pron pos n. qual Philosophy. def a person who believes in illusionism. illusionist 3. syl il+lu+sion+ist pron pos n. def an artist who practises illusionism. illusionist 4. syl il+lu+sion+ist pron pos n. def a conjuror; magician. illusionistic sub head illusionist syl il+2lu+sion+1is+tic pos adj. illusive alt head illusory or illusory syl il+lu+sive pron pos adj. illusory 0. or illusive syl il+lu+so:ry pron pos adj. def producing, produced by, or based on illusion; deceptive or unreal. illusorily sub head illusory or illusively syl il+1lu+so+ri+ly pos adv. illusively sub head illusory or illusorily syl il+1lu+sive+ly pos adv. illusoriness sub head illusory or illusiveness syl il+1lu+so+ri+ness pos n. illusiveness sub head illusory or illusoriness syl il+1lu+sive+ness pos n. illus alt head illust or illust syl illus. illust 1. or illus syl illust. qual abbrev. for: def illustrated. illust 2. or illus syl illust. qual abbrev. for: def illustration. illustrate ety C16: from Latin illustr*_are to make light, explain, from lustr*_are to purify, brighten; see #7lustrum illustrate 1. syl il+lus+trate pron <1il*2strAt> pos vb. def to clarify or explain by use of examples, analogy, etc. illustrate 2. syl il+lus+trate pron <1il*2strAt> pos vb. mod tr. def to be an example or demonstration of. illustrate 3. syl il+lus+trate pron <1il*2strAt> pos vb. mod tr. def to explain or decorate (a book, text, etc.) with pictures. illustrate 4. syl il+lus+trate pron <1il*2strAt> pos vb. mod tr. def an archaic word for {enlighten}. illustratable sub head illustrate syl il+lus+2trat+a:ble pos adj. illustrative sub head illustrate syl il+lus+2tra+tive pos adj. illustration 1. syl il+lus+tra+tion pron <2il*1strAS*n> pos n. def pictorial matter used to explain or decorate a text. illustration 2. syl il+lus+tra+tion pron <2il*1strAS*n> pos n. def an example or demonstration. exam 1 an illustration of his ability. illustration 3. syl il+lus+tra+tion pron <2il*1strAS*n> pos n. def the act of illustrating or the state of being illustrated. illustrational sub head illustration syl il+lus+1tra+tion+al pos adj. illustrious ety C16: from Latin illustris bright, distinguished, famous, from illustr*_are to make light; see #7illustrate illustrious 1. syl il+lus+tri+ous pron pos adj. def of great renown; famous and distinguished. illustrious 2. syl il+lus+tri+ous pron pos adj. def glorious or great. exam 1 illustrious deeds. illustrious 3. syl il+lus+tri+ous pron pos adj. qual Obsolete. def shining. illustriously sub head illustrious syl il+1lus+tri+ous+ly pos adv. illustriousness sub head illustrious syl il+1lus+tri+ous+ness pos n. illuviation ety C20: from Latin illuvi*_es dirt, mud, from #7il -#7+ -luvi*_es, from lavere to wash illuviation 0. syl il+lu+vi:a+tion pron pos n. def the process by which a material ({illuvium}) , which includes colloids and mineral salts, is washed down from one layer of soil to a lower layer. illuvial sub head illuviation syl il+1lu+vi:al pos adj. ill will 0. syl ill will pos n. def hostile feeling; enmity; antagonism. Illyria 0. syl Il+lyr:i:a pron pos n. def an ancient region of uncertain boundaries on the E shore of the Adriatic Sea, including parts of present-day Yugoslavia and Albania. Illyrian 1. syl Il+lyr+i:an pron pos n. def a member of the group of related Indo-European peoples who occupied Illyria from the late third millennium to the early first millennium #7b.c. Illyrian 2. syl Il+lyr+i:an pron pos n. def the extinct and almost unrecorded language of these peoples: of uncertain relationship within the Indo-European family, but thought by some to be the ancestor of modern Albanian. Illyrian 3. syl Il+lyr+i:an pron pos adj. def of, characteristic of, or relating to Illyria, its people, or their language. Illyricum 0. syl Il+lyr:i+cum pron pos n. def a Roman province founded after 168 #7b.c., based on the coastal area of Illyria. Lake infl head Ilmen syl Lake. pos n. Ilmen 0. syl Il+men pron <1ilm*n> pos n. def a lake in the NW Soviet Union, in the Novgorod Region: drains through the Volkhov River into Lake Ladoga. Area: between 780 sq. km (300 sq. miles) and 2200 sq. km (850 sq. miles), according to the season. ilmenite ety C19: from Ilmen, mountain range in the southern Urals, Russia,+{-#7ite %1} ilmenite 0. syl il+men+ite pron <1ilmi2nIt> pos n. def a weakly magnetic black mineral consisting essentially of an iron titanium oxide in hexagonal crystalline form, occurring in metamorphic and plutonic rocks: a source of titanium and titanium dioxide. Formula: FeTiO\3. ILO 0. syl I.L.O. qual abbrev. for def International Labour Organization. Iloilo 0. syl I:lo:i+lo pron <2El*u1El*u> pos n. def a port in the W central Philippines, on SE Panay Island. Pop.: 247956 (1975 est.). Ilorin 0. syl I:lor+in pron pos n. def a city in W Nigeria, capital of Kwara state: agricultural trade centre. Pop.: 282000 (1975 est.). ILS 0. syl ILS qual Aeronautics. abbrev. for def instrument landing system. IM 1. syl I.M. qual abbrev. for: def Also: {i.m}. intramuscular. IM 2. syl I.M. qual abbrev. for:; Chess. def International Master. I'm 0. syl I'm pron pos n. usage contraction of def I am. im- 0. syl im- pos prefix. def variant of {in-%1} and {in-%2} before and image ety C13: from Old French imagene, from Latin im*_ag*_o copy, representation; related to Latin imit*_ar*_i to #7imitate &- #!im+age+a@.ble adj. &- #!im+age+less adj. image 1. syl im+age pron <1imiJ> pos n. def a representation or likeness of a person or thing, esp. in sculpture. image 2. syl im+age pron <1imiJ> pos n. def an optically formed reproduction of an object, such as one formed by a lens or mirror. image 3. syl im+age pron <1imiJ> pos n. def a person or thing that resembles another closely; double or copy. image 4. syl im+age pron <1imiJ> pos n. def a mental representation or picture; idea produced by the imagination. image 5. syl im+age pron <1imiJ> pos n. def the personality presented to the public by a person. exam 1 a criminal charge is not good for a politician's image. image 6. syl im+age pron <1imiJ> pos n. def the pattern of light that is focused onto the retina of the eye. image 7. syl im+age pron <1imiJ> pos n. qual Psychol. def the mental experience of something that is not immediately present to the senses, often involving memory. See also {imagery, body image, hypnagogic image}. image 8. syl im+age pron <1imiJ> pos n. def a personification of a specified quality; epitome. exam 1 the image of good breeding. image 9. syl im+age pron <1imiJ> pos n. def a mental picture or association of ideas evoked in a literary work, esp. in poetry. image 10. syl im+age pron <1imiJ> pos n. usage Maths. of a point def the value of a function, f corresponding to the point image 11. syl im+age pron <1imiJ> pos n. def an obsolete word for {apparition}. image 12. syl im+age pron <1imiJ> pos vb. mod tr. qual Rare. def to picture in the mind; imagine. image 13. syl im+age pron <1imiJ> pos vb. mod tr. qual Rare. def to make or reflect an image of. image 14. syl im+age pron <1imiJ> pos vb. mod tr. qual Rare. def to portray or describe. image 15. syl im+age pron <1imiJ> pos vb. mod tr. qual Rare. def to be an example or epitome of; typify. image convertube alt head image converter or image converter syl im+age con+vertube pos n. image converter 0. or image convertube syl im+age con+vert+er pos n. def a device for producing a visual image formed by electromagnetic radiation, esp. x-rays or infrared radiation. image intensifier 0. syl im+age in+ten+si+fi+er pos n. def a device used in fluoroscopy containing a screen from which electrons are released by an x-ray beam. The electrons are focused onto a fluorescent screen to form a smaller brighter image than would have been produced by the x-ray beam. image orthicon 0. syl im+age or+thi+con pos n. def a television camera tube in which electrons, emitted from a photoemissive surface in proportion to the intensity of the incident light, are focused onto the target causing secondary emission of electrons. Sometimes shortened to {orthicon}. imageries infl head imagery syl im+age+ries. pos n. mod pl. imagery 1. syl im+age+ry pron <1imiJri>, <-J*ri> pos n. def descriptive language in a literary work, esp. that appealing to the senses. imagery 2. syl im+age+ry pron <1imiJri>, <-J*ri> pos n. def images collectively. imagery 3.a. syl im+age+ry pron <1imiJri>, <-J*ri> pos n. def the materials or general processes of the imagination. imagery 3.b. syl im+age+ry pron <1imiJri>, <-J*ri> pos n. def the characteristic kind of mental images formed by a particular individual. See also {image} (sense 7), { {imagination} (sense 1)} imaginal 1. syl im+ag:i+nal pron pos adj. def of, relating to, or resembling an imago. imaginal 2. syl im+ag:i+nal pron pos adj. def of or relating to an image. imaginary 1. syl im+ag:i+nar:y pron , <-Jinri> pos adj. def existing in the imagination; unreal; illusory. imaginary 2. syl im+ag:i+nar:y pron , <-Jinri> pos adj. qual Maths. def involving or containing imaginary numbers. The imaginary part of a complex number, is usually written Im imaginarily sub head imaginary syl im+1ag:i+nar:i+ly pos adv. imaginariness sub head imaginary syl im+1ag:i+nar:i+ness pos n. imaginary number 0. syl im+ag:i+nar:y num+ber pos n. def any complex number of the form + i, where is not zero and i=###800403 -1. imaginary part 0. syl im+ag:i+nar:y part pos n. def the coefficient in a complex number +i where i=###800404 -1. imagination 1. syl im+ag:i+na+tion pron pos n. def the faculty or action of producing mental images of what is not present or has not been experienced. imagination 2. syl im+ag:i+na+tion pron pos n. def mental creative ability. imagination 3. syl im+ag:i+na+tion pron pos n. def the ability to deal resourcefully with unexpected or unusual problems, circumstances, etc. imagination 4. syl im+ag:i+na+tion pron pos n. usage in romantic literary criticism, esp. that of S. T. Coleridge def a creative act of perception that joins passive and active elements in thinking and imposes unity on the poetic material. Compare { {fancy} (sense 9)}. imaginational sub head imagination syl im+2ag:i+1na+tion+al pos adj. imaginative 1. syl im+ag:i+na+tive pron pos adj. def produced by or indica?!tive of a vivid or creative imagination. exam 1 an imaginative story. imaginative 2. syl im+ag:i+na+tive pron pos adj. def having a vivid imagination. imaginatively sub head imaginative syl im+1ag:i+na+tive+ly pos adv. imaginativeness sub head imaginative syl im+1ag:i+na+tive+ness pos n. imagine ety C14: from Latin im*_agin*_ar*_i to fancy, picture mentally, from im*_ag*_o likeness; see #7image &- im+#!ag@.i+na@.ble adj. &- im+#!ag@.i+na@.bly adv. &- im+#!ag+in+er n. imagine 1. syl im+ag+ine pron pos vb. mod when; tr. usage may take a clause as object def to form a mental image of. imagine 2. syl im+ag+ine pron pos vb. mod when; tr. usage may take a clause as object def to think, believe, or guess. imagine 3. syl im+ag+ine pron pos vb. mod tr. usage takes a clause as object def to suppose; assume. exam 1 I imagine he'll come. imagine 4. syl im+ag+ine pron pos vb. def an archaic word for { {plot} %1}. imagism 0. syl im+ag+ism pron <1imi2Jiz*m> pos n. def a poetic movement in England and America between 1912 and 1917, initiated chiefly by Ezra Pound, advocating the use of ordinary speech and the precise presentation of images. imagist sub head imagism syl im+ag+ist pos n. adj. imagistic sub head imagism syl im+ag+1is+tic pos adj. imagistically sub head imagism syl im+ag+1is+ti+cal+ly pos adv. imago ety C18: New Latin, from Latin: likeness; see #7image imagoes infl head imago or imagines syl i:ma+goes pron pos n. mod pl. imagines infl head imago or imagoes syl i:ma+gi+nes pron pos n. mod pl. imago 1. syl i:ma+go pron pos n. def an adult sexually mature insect produced after metamorphosis. imago 2. syl i:ma+go pron pos n. qual Psychoanal. def an idealized image of another person, usually a parent, acquired in childhood and carried in the unconscious in later life. imam ety C17: from Arabic: leader, from amma he guided imaum alt head imam or imam syl i:maum pron , pos n. imam 1. or imaum syl i:mam pron pos n. qual Islam. def a leader of congregational prayer in a mosque. imam 2. or imaum syl i:mam pron pos n. qual Islam. def a caliph, as leader of a Muslim community. imam 3. or imaum syl i:mam pron pos n. qual Islam. def an honorific title applied to eminent doctors of Islam, such as the founders of the orthodox schools. imam 4. or imaum syl i:mam pron pos n. qual Islam. def any of a succession of either seven or twelve religious leaders of the Shiites, regarded by their followers as divinely inspired. imamate 1. syl i:mam+ate pron pos n. qual Islam. def the region or territory governed by an imam. imamate 2. syl i:mam+ate pron pos n. qual Islam. def the office, rank, or period of office of an imam. IMarE 0. syl I.Mar.E. qual abbrev. for def Institute of Marine Engineers. imaret ety C17: from Turkish, from Arabic `im*_arah hospice, building, from amara he built imaret 0. syl i:ma+ret pron pos n. usage in Turkey def a hospice for pilgrims or travellers. imbalance 0. syl im+bal+ance pron pos n. def a lack of balance, as in emphasis, proportion, etc.. exam 1 the political imbalance of the programme. imbecile ety C16: from Latin imb*_ecillus feeble (physically or mentally) imbecile 1. syl im+be:cile pron <1imbi2sEl>, <-2sIl> pos n. qual Psychol. def a person of very low intelligence (I.Q. of 25 to 50), usually capable only of guarding himself against danger and of performing simple mechanical tasks under supervision. imbecile 2. syl im+be:cile pron <1imbi2sEl>, <-2sIl> pos n. qual Informal. def an extremely stupid person; dolt. imbecile 3. syl im+be:cile pron <1imbi2sEl>, <-2sIl> pos adj. usage also def of or like an imbecile; mentally deficient; feeble-minded. imbecile 4. syl im+be:cile pron <1imbi2sEl>, <-2sIl> pos adj. usage also def stupid or senseless. exam 1 an imbecile thing to do. imbecilely sub head imbecile or imbecilically syl im+be:2cile+ly pos adv. imbecilically sub head imbecile or imbecilely syl im+be:1cil+ic+al:ly pos adv. imbeds infl head imbed syl im+beds pos vb. imbedding infl head imbed syl im+bed+ding pos vb. imbedded infl head imbed syl im+bed+ded. pos vb. imbed 0. syl im+bed pron pos vb. def a less common spelling of {embed}. imbedment sub head imbed syl im+1bed+ment pos n. imbibe ety C14: from Latin imbibere, from bibere to drink &- im+#!bib+er n. imbibe 1. syl im+bibe pron pos vb. def to drink (esp. alcoholic drinks). imbibe 2. syl im+bibe pron pos vb. qual Literary. def to take in or assimilate (ideas, facts, etc.). exam 1 to imbibe the spirit of the Renaissance. imbibe 3. syl im+bibe pron pos vb. mod tr. def to take in as if by drinking. exam 1 to imbibe fresh air. imbibe 4. syl im+bibe pron pos vb. def to absorb or cause to absorb liquid or moisture; assimilate or saturate. imbibition 1. syl im+bi+bi+tion pron <2imbi1biS*n> pos n. qual Chem. def the absorption or adsorption of a liquid by a gel or solid. imbibition 2. syl im+bi+bi+tion pron <2imbi1biS*n> pos n. qual Photog. def the absorption of dyes by gelatin, used in some colour printing processes. imbibition 3. syl im+bi+bi+tion pron <2imbi1biS*n> pos n. qual Obsolete. def the act of imbibing. imbricate ety C17: from Latin imbric*_are to cover with overlapping tiles, from imbrex pantile &- #!im+bri+cate+ly adv. &- @!im+bri+#!ca+tion n. imbricate 1. syl im+bri+cate pron <1imbrikit>, <-2kAt> pos adj. qual Architect. usage also def relating to or having tiles, shingles, or slates that overlap. imbricate 2. syl im+bri+cate pron <1imbrikit>, <-2kAt> pos adj. usage also; Botany. of leaves, scales, etc. def overlapping each other. imbricate 3. syl im+bri+cate pron <1imbri2kAt> pos vb. mod tr. usage also def to decorate with a repeating pattern resembling scales or overlapping tiles. imbroglio ety C18: from Italian, from imbrogliare to confuse, #7embroil imbroglios infl head imbroglio syl im+bro+gli:os. pos n. mod pl. imbroglio 1. syl im+bro+gli:o pron pos n. def a confused or perplexing political or interpersonal situation. imbroglio 2. syl im+bro+gli:o pron pos n. qual Obsolete. def a confused heap; jumble. Imbros 0. syl Im+bros pron <1imbr*s> pos n. def a Turkish island in the NE Aegean Sea, west of the Gallipoli Peninsula: occupied by Greece (1912-14) and Britain (1914-23). Area: 280 sq. km (108 sq. miles). Turkish name: {Imroz}. imbrue ety C15: from Old French embreuver, from Latin imbibere #7imbibe imbruembrue alt head imbrue or imbrue syl im+bruem+brue pron pos vb. mod tr. imbrues infl head imbrue syl im+brues pos vb. mod tr. imbruing infl head imbrue syl im+bru+ing pos vb. mod tr. imbrued infl head imbrue syl im+brued. pos vb. mod tr. imbrue 1. or imbruembrue syl im+brue pron pos vb. mod tr. qual Rare. def to stain, esp. with blood. imbrue 2. or imbruembrue syl im+brue pron pos vb. mod tr. qual Rare. def to permeate or impregnate. imbruement sub head imbrue or imbruembruement syl im+1brue+ment pos n. imbruembruement sub head imbrue or imbruement syl im+bruem+1brue+ment pos n. imbue ety C16: from Latin imbuere to stain, accustom &- im+#!bue+ment n. imbues infl head imbue syl im+bues pos vb. mod tr. imbuing infl head imbue syl im+bu+ing pos vb. mod tr. imbued infl head imbue syl im+bued. pos vb. mod tr. imbue 1. syl im+bue pron pos vb. mod tr. usage usually foll. by with def to instil or inspire (with ideals, principles, etc.). exam 1 his sermons were imbued with the spirit of the Reformation. imbue 2. syl im+bue pron pos vb. mod tr. qual Rare. usage usually foll. by with def to soak, esp. with moisture, dye, etc. I Mech E 0. syl I. Mech. E. qual abbrev. for def Institution of Mechanical Engineers. IMF 0. syl IMF qual abbrev. for def International Monetary Fund. imidazole ety C19: from #7imide+azole imidazole 1. syl im+id+az+ole pron <2imid1@z*ul>, <-id*1z*ul> pos n. def Also called: {glyoxaline, iminazole}. a white crystalline basic heterocyclic compound; 1,3-diazole. Formula: C\3H\4N\2. imidazole 2. syl im+id+az+ole pron <2imid1@z*ul>, <-id*1z*ul> pos n. def any substituted derivative of this compound. imide ety C19: alteration of #7amide imide 0. syl im+ide pron <1imId> pos n. def any of a class of organic compounds whose molecules contain the divalent group -CONHCO-. imidic sub head imide syl im+id+ic pron pos adj. imine ety C19: alteration of #7amine imine 0. syl i:mine pron , <1imEn> pos n. def any of a class of organic compounds in which a nitrogen atom is bound to one hydrogen atom and to two alkyl or aryl groups. They contain the divalent group NH. I Min E 0. syl I. Min. E. qual abbrev. for def Institution of Mining Engineers. iminourea 0. syl i:mi+no:u+re:a pron pos n. def another name for {guanidine}. imit 1. syl imit. qual abbrev. for: def imitation. imit 2. syl imit. qual abbrev. for: def imitative. imitate ety C16: from Latin imit*_ar*_i; see #7image imitate 1. syl im:i+tate pron <1imi2tAt> pos vb. mod tr. def to try to follow the manner, style, character, etc., of or take as a model. exam 1 many writers imitated the language of Shakespeare. imitate 2. syl im:i+tate pron <1imi2tAt> pos vb. mod tr. def to pretend to be or to impersonate, esp. for humour; mimic. imitate 3. syl im:i+tate pron <1imi2tAt> pos vb. mod tr. def to make a copy or reproduction of; duplicate; counterfeit. imitate 4. syl im:i+tate pron <1imi2tAt> pos vb. mod tr. def to make or be like; resemble or simulate. exam 1 her achievements in politics imitated her earlier successes in business. imitable sub head imitate syl im:i+ta:ble pron <1imit*bL> pos adj. imitability sub head imitate or imitableness syl im:i+ta:1bil+i:ty pos n. imitableness sub head imitate or imitability syl im:i+ta:ble+ness pos n. imitator sub head imitate syl im:i+2ta+tor pos n. imitation 1. syl im:i+ta+tion pron <2imi1tAS*n> pos n. def the act, practice, or art of imitating; mimicry. imitation 2. syl im:i+ta+tion pron <2imi1tAS*n> pos n. def an instance or product of imitating, such as a copy of the manner of a person; impression. imitation 3.a. syl im:i+ta+tion pron <2imi1tAS*n> pos n. def a copy or reproduction of a genuine article; counterfeit. imitation 3.b. syl im:i+ta+tion pron <2imi1tAS*n> pos n. usage as modifier exam 1 imitation jewellery. imitation 4. syl im:i+ta+tion pron <2imi1tAS*n> pos n. usage in contrapuntal or polyphonic music def the repetition of a phrase or figure in one part after its appearance in another, as in a fugue. imitation 5. syl im:i+ta+tion pron <2imi1tAS*n> pos n. def a literary composition that adapts the style of an older work to the writer's own purposes. imitational sub head imitation syl im:i+1ta+tion+al pos adj. imitative 1. syl im:i+ta+tive pron <1imit*tiv> pos adj. def imitating or tending to imitate or copy. imitative 2. syl im:i+ta+tive pron <1imit*tiv> pos adj. def characterized by imitation. imitative 3. syl im:i+ta+tive pron <1imit*tiv> pos adj. def copying or reproducing the features of an original, esp. in an inferior manner. exam 1 imitative painting. imitative 4. syl im:i+ta+tive pron <1imit*tiv> pos adj. def another word for {onomatopoeic}. imitatively sub head imitative syl im:i+ta+tive+ly pos adv. imitativeness sub head imitative syl im:i+ta+tive+ness pos n. Imitt'os 0. syl I:mit+t*'os pron <2imi1tcs> pos n. def a transliteration of the modern Greek name for {Hymettus}. immaculate ety C15: from Latin immacul*_atus, from #7im - (not)+ macula blemish immaculate 1. syl im+mac:u+late pron pos adj. def completely clean; extreme?!ly tidy. exam 1 his clothes were immaculate. immaculate 2. syl im+mac:u+late pron pos adj. def completely flawless, etc.. exam 1 an immaculate rendering of the symphony. immaculate 3. syl im+mac:u+late pron pos adj. def morally pure; free from sin or corruption. immaculate 4. syl im+mac:u+late pron pos adj. qual Biology. def of only one colour, with no spots or markings. immaculacy sub head immaculate or immaculateness syl im+1mac:u+la+cy pos n. immaculateness sub head immaculate or immaculacy syl im+1mac:u+late+ness pos n. immaculately sub head immaculate syl im+1mac:u+late+ly pos adv. Immaculate Conception 0. syl Im+mac:u+late Con+cep+tion pos n. qual Theol., R.C. Church. def the doctrine that the Virgin Mary was conceived without any stain of original sin. immanent ety C16: from Latin imman*_ere to remain in, from #7im - (in)+ man*_ere to stay immanent 1. syl im+ma+nent pron <1im*n*nt> pos adj. def existing, operating, or remaining within; inherent. immanent 2. syl im+ma+nent pron <1im*n*nt> pos adj. usage Philosophy. of a mental act def occurring entirely within the mind. Compare {transeunt}. immanent 3. syl im+ma+nent pron <1im*n*nt> pos adj. usage of God def present throughout the universe. immanence sub head immanent or immanency syl im+ma+nence pos n. immanency sub head immanent or immanence syl im+ma+nen+cy pos n. immanently sub head immanent syl im+ma+nent+ly pos adv. immanentism 0. syl im+ma+nent+ism pron <1im*n*n2tiz*m> pos n. def belief in the immanence of God. &- {#!im+ma+nent+ist} Immanuel ety from Hebrew `imm*_an*_u'el, literally: God with us Emmanuel alt head Immanuel or Immanuel syl Em:man:u:el pron pos n. Immanuel 0. or Emmanuel syl Im:man:u:el pron pos n. qual Bible. def the child whose birth was foretold by Isaiah (Isaiah 7:14) and who in Christian tradition is identified with Jesus. immaterial 1. syl im+ma+te:ri:al pron <2im*1ti*ri*l> pos adj. def of no real importance; inconsequential. immaterial 2. syl im+ma+te:ri:al pron <2im*1ti*ri*l> pos adj. def not formed of matter; incorporeal; spiritual. immateriality sub head immaterial or immaterialness syl im+ma+2te:ri+1al+i:ty pos n. immaterialness sub head immaterial or immateriality syl im+ma+1te:ri+al+ness pos n. immaterially sub head immaterial syl im+ma+1te:ri+al+ly pos adv. immaterialism 1. syl im+ma+te:ri+al+ism pron <2im*1ti*ri*2liz*m> pos n. qual Philosophy. def the doctrine that the material world exists only in the mind. immaterialism 2. syl im+ma+te:ri+al+ism pron <2im*1ti*ri*2liz*m> pos n. qual Philosophy. def the doctrine that only immaterial substances or spiritual beings exist. immaterialist sub head immaterialism syl im+ma+1te:ri+al+ist pos n. immaterialise alt head immaterialize or immaterialize syl im+ma+te:ri+al+ise pron <2im*1ti*ri*2lIz> pos vb. mod tr. immaterialize 0. or immaterialise syl im+ma+te:ri+al+ize pron <2im*1ti*ri*2lIz> pos vb. mod tr. def to make immaterial. immature 1. syl im+ma+ture pron <2im*1tju*>, <-1Cu*> pos adj. def not fully grown or devel?!oped. immature 2. syl im+ma+ture pron <2im*1tju*>, <-1Cu*> pos adj. def deficient in maturity; lacking wisdom, insight, emotional stability, etc. immature 3. syl im+ma+ture pron <2im*1tju*>, <-1Cu*> pos adj. qual Geography. def a less common term for { {youthful} (sense 4)}. immaturity sub head immature or immatureness syl im+ma+1tu+ri:ty pos n. immatureness sub head immature or immaturity syl im+ma+1ture+ness pos n. immaturely sub head immature syl im+ma+1ture+ly pos adv. immeasurable 0. syl im+meas+ur+a:ble pron pos adj. def incapable of being measured, esp. by virtue of great size; limitless. immeasurability sub head immeasurable or immeasurableness syl im+2meas+ur+a:1bil+i:ty pos n. immeasurableness sub head immeasurable or immeasurability syl im+1meas+ur+a:ble+ness pos n. immeasurably sub head immeasurable syl im+1meas+ur+a:bly pos adv. immediate ety C16: from Medieval Latin immedi*_atus, from Latin #7im - (not)+ medi*_are to be in the middle; see #7mediate &- im+#!me@.di@.a+cy or im+#!me@.di+ate+ness n. immediate 1. syl im+me:di+ate pron pos adj. usage usually prenominal def taking place or accomplished without delay. exam 1 an immediate reaction. immediate 2. syl im+me:di+ate pron pos adj. usage usually prenominal def closest or most direct in effect or relationship. exam 1 the immediate cause of his downfall. immediate 3. syl im+me:di+ate pron pos adj. usage usually prenominal def having no intervening medium; direct in effect. exam 1 an immediate influence. immediate 4. syl im+me:di+ate pron pos adj. usage usually prenominal def contiguous in space, time, or relationship. exam 1 our immediate neighbour. immediate 5. syl im+me:di+ate pron pos adj. qual Philosophy. usage usually prenominal def of or relating to an object or concept that is directly known or intuited. immediate annuity 0. syl im+me:di+ate an+nu+i:ty pos n. def an annuity that starts less than a year after its purchase. Compare {deferred annuity}. immediate constituent 0. syl im+me:di+ate con+stit:u+ent pos n. def a constituent of a linguistic construction at the first step in an analysis; for example, the immediate constituents of a sentence are the subject and the predicate. immediately 1. syl im+me:di+ate+ly pron pos adv. def without delay or inter?!vention; at once; instantly. exam 1 it happened immediately. immediately 2. syl im+me:di+ate+ly pron pos adv. def very closely or directly. exam 1 this immediately concerns you. immediately 3. syl im+me:di+ate+ly pron pos adv. def near or close by. exam 1 he's somewhere immediately in this area. immediately 4. syl im+me:di+ate+ly pron pos conj. qual Chiefly Brit. usage subordinating def at the same time as; as soon as. exam 1 immediately he opened the door, there was a gust of wind. immedicable 0. syl im+med:i+ca:ble pron pos adj. usage of wounds def unresponsive to treatment. immedicableness sub head immedicable syl im+1med:i+ca:ble+ness pos n. immedicably sub head immedicable syl im+1med:i+ca:bly pos adv. Immelmann turn ety C20: named after Max Immelmann (1890-1916), German aviator Immelmann alt head Immelmann turn or Immelmann turn syl Im:mel:mann pron <1im*l2ma:n>, <-m*n> pos n. Immelmann turn 0. or Immelmann syl Im:mel:mann turn pron <1im*l2ma:n>, <-m*n> pos n. def an aircraft manoeuvre used to gain height while reversing the direction of flight. It consists of a half loop followed by a half roll. immemorial ety C17: from Medieval Latin immemori*_alis, from Latin #7im - (not)+ memoria #7memory immemorial 0. syl im+me:mo+ri:al pron <2imi1mc:ri*l> pos adj. def originating in the distant past; ancient (postpositive in the phrase {time immemorial}) . immemorially sub head immemorial syl im+me:1mo+ri+al+ly pos adv. immense ety C15: from Latin immensus, literally: unmeasured, from #7im - (not)+ mensus measured, from m*_et*_ir*_i to measure immense 1. syl im+mense pron pos adj. def unusually large; huge; vast. immense 2. syl im+mense pron pos adj. def without limits; immeasurable. immense 3. syl im+mense pron pos adj. qual Informal. def very good; excellent. immensely sub head immense syl im+1mense+ly pos adv. immenseness sub head immense syl im+1mense+ness pos n. immensities infl head immensity syl im+men+si+ties. pos n. mod pl. immensity 1. syl im+men+si+ty pron pos n. def the state or quality of being immense; vastness; enormity. immensity 2. syl im+men+si+ty pron pos n. def enormous expanse, distance, or volume. exam 1 the immensity of space. immensity 3. syl im+men+si+ty pron pos n. qual Informal. def a huge amount. exam 1 an immensity of wealth. immensurable 0. syl im+men+su+ra:ble pron pos adj. def a less common word for {immeasurable}. immerge ety C17: from Latin immergere to #7immerse immerge 0. syl im+merge pron pos vb. def an archaic word for {immerse}. immergence sub head immerge syl im+1mer+gence pos n. immerse ety C17: from Latin immergere, from #7im- (in)+ mergere to dip immerse 1. syl im+merse pron pos vb. mod tr. usage often foll. by in def to plunge or dip into liquid. immerse 2. syl im+merse pron pos vb. mod tr. usage often passive; often foll. by in def to involve deeply; engross. exam 1 to immerse oneself in a problem. immerse 3. syl im+merse pron pos vb. mod tr. def to baptize by immersion. immersible sub head immerse syl im+1mers+i:ble pos adj. immersed 1. syl im+mersed pron pos adj. def sunk or submerged. immersed 2. syl im+mersed pron pos adj. usage of plants def growing completely submerged in water. immersed 3. syl im+mersed pron pos adj. usage of a plant or animal organ def embedded in another organ or part. immersion 1. syl im+mer+sion pron pos n. def a form of baptism in which part or the whole of a person's body is submerged in the water. immersion 2. syl im+mer+sion pron pos n. def Also called: {ingress}. the disappearance of a celestial body prior to an eclipse or occultation. immersion 3. syl im+mer+sion pron pos n. def the act of immersing or state of being immersed. immersion heater 0. syl im+mer+sion heat+er pos n. def an electrical device, usually thermo?!statically controlled, for heating the liquid in which it is im?!mersed. immersionism 0. syl im+mer+sion+ism pron pos n. def the doctrine that immersion is the only true and valid form of Christian baptism. immersionist sub head immersionism syl im+1mer+sion+ist pos n. immesh 0. syl im+mesh pron pos vb. def a variant spelling of {enmesh}. immethodical 0. syl im+me:thod:i+cal pron <2imi1TodikL> pos adj. def lacking in method or planning; disorganized. immethodically sub head immethodical syl im+me:1thod:i+cal+ly pos adv. immethodicalness sub head immethodical syl im+me:1thod:i+cal+ness pos n. immigrant 1.a. syl im+mi+grant pron <1imigr*nt> pos n. def a person who immigrates. Compare {emigrant}. immigrant 1.b. syl im+mi+grant pron <1imigr*nt> pos n. usage as modifier exam 1 an immigrant com?!mun?!ity. immigrant 2. syl im+mi+grant pron <1imigr*nt> pos n. qual Brit. def a person who has been settled in a country of which he is not a native for less than ten years. immigrant 3. syl im+mi+grant pron <1imigr*nt> pos n. def an animal or plant that lives or grows in a region to which it has recently migrated. immigrate ety C17: from Latin immigr*_are to go into, from #7im -#7+ migr*_are to move &- @!im+mi+#!gra+tion n. &- @!im+mi+#!gra+tion+al or #!im+mi+@!gra+to@.ry adj. &- #!im+mi+@!gra+tor n. immigrate 1. syl im+mi+grate pron <1imi2grAt> pos vb. mod intr. def to come to a place or country of which one is not a native in order to settle there. Compare {emigrate}. immigrate 2. syl im+mi+grate pron <1imi2grAt> pos vb. mod intr. usage of an animal or plant def to migrate to a new geographical area. immigrate 3. syl im+mi+grate pron <1imi2grAt> pos vb. mod tr. def to introduce or bring in as an immigrant. imminent ety C16: from Latin immin*_ere to project over, from #7im - (in)+ -min*_ere to project; related to mons mountain imminent 1. syl im+mi+nent pron <1imin*nt> pos adj. def liable to happen soon; impend?!ing. imminent 2. syl im+mi+nent pron <1imin*nt> pos adj. qual Obsolete. def jutting out or overhanging. imminence sub head imminent or imminentness syl im+mi+nence pos n. imminentness sub head imminent or imminence syl im+mi+nent+ness pos n. imminently sub head imminent syl im+mi+nent+ly pos adv. Immingham 0. syl Im+ming+ham pron <1imiG*m> pos n. def a port in N England, in Humberside: docks opened in 1912, principally for the exporting of coal; now handles chiefly bulk materials, esp. imported iron ore. Pop.: 10259 (1971). immingle 0. syl im+min+gle pron pos vb. qual Archaic. def to blend or mix together; intermingle. immiscible 0. syl im+mis+ci:ble pron pos adj. usage of two or more liquids def incapable of being mixed to form a homogeneous substance. exam 1 oil and water are immiscible. immiscibility sub head immiscible syl im+2mis+ci:1bil+i:ty pos n. immiscibly sub head immiscible syl im+1mis+ci:bly pos adv. immitigable 0. syl im+mit:i+ga:ble pron pos adj. qual Rare. def unable to be mitigated; relentless; unappeasable. immitigably sub head immitigable syl im+1mit:i+ga:bly pos adv. immitigability sub head immitigable syl im+2mit:i+ga:1bil+i:ty pos n. immix 0. syl im+mix pron pos vb. mod tr. qual Archaic. def to mix in; commix. immixture sub head immix syl im+1mix+ture pos n. immobile 1. syl im+mo+bile pron pos adj. def not moving; motionless. immobile 2. syl im+mo+bile pron pos adj. def not able to move or be moved; fixed. immobility sub head immobile syl im+mo+bil+i:ty pron <2im*u1biliti> pos n. immobilism 0. syl im+mo+bil+ism pron pos n. def a strongly reactionary political policy. immobilise alt head immobilize or immobilize syl im+mo+bi+lise pron pos vb. mod tr. immobilize 1. or immobilise syl im+mo+bi+lize pron pos vb. mod tr. def to make or become immobile. exam 1 to immobilize a car. immobilize 2.a. or immobilise syl im+mo+bi+lize pron pos vb. mod tr. def to remove (specie) from circulation and hold it as a reserve. immobilize 2.b. or immobilise syl im+mo+bi+lize pron pos vb. mod tr. def to convert (circulating capital) into fixed capital. immobilization sub head immobilize or immobilisation syl im+2mo+bi+li+1za+tion pos n. immobilisation sub head immobilize or immobilization syl im+2mo+bi+li+1sa+tion pos n. immobilizer sub head immobilize or immobiliser syl im+1mo+bi+2liz+er pos n. immobiliser sub head immobilize or immobilizer syl im+1mo+bi+2lis+er pos n. immoderate 1. syl im+mo+der+ate pron , pos adj. def lacking in moderation; excessive. exam 1 immoderate demands. immoderate 2. syl im+mo+der+ate pron , pos adj. qual Obsolete. def venial; intemperate. exam 1 immoderate habits. immoderately sub head immoderate syl im+1mod+er+ate+ly pos adv. immoderation sub head immoderate or immoderateness syl im+2mod+er:1a+tion pos n. immoderateness sub head immoderate or immoderation syl im+1mod+er+ate+ness pos n. immodest 1. syl im+mod+est pron pos adj. def indecent, esp. with regard to sexual propriety; improper. immodest 2. syl im+mod+est pron pos adj. def bold, impudent, or shameless. immodestly sub head immodest syl im+1mod+est+ly pos adv. immodesty sub head immodest syl im+1mod+es+ty pos n. immolate ety C16: from Latin immol*_are to sprinkle an offering with sacrificial meal, sacrifice, from #7im - (in)+ mola spelt grain; see {#7mill %1} immolate 1. syl im+mo+late pron <1im*u2lAt> pos vb. mod tr. def to kill or offer as a sacrifice. immolate 2. syl im+mo+late pron <1im*u2lAt> pos vb. mod tr. qual Literary. def to sacrifice (something highly valued). immolation sub head immolate syl im+mo+1la+tion pos n. immolator sub head immolate syl im+mo+2la+tor pos n. immoral 1. syl im+mor+al pron pos adj. def transgressing accepted moral rules; corrupt. immoral 2. syl im+mor+al pron pos adj. def sexually dissolute; profligate or promiscuous. immoral 3. syl im+mor+al pron pos adj. def unscrupulous or unethical. exam 1 immoral trading. immoral 4. syl im+mor+al pron pos adj. def tending to corrupt or resulting from corruption. exam 1 an immoral film; exam 2 immoral earnings. immorally sub head immoral syl im+1mor+al+ly pos adv. immoralist 0. syl im+mor+al+ist pron pos n. def a person who advocates or practises immorality. immoralities infl head immorality syl im+mo+ral+i:ties. pos n. mod pl. immorality 1. syl im+mo+ral+i:ty pron <2im*1r@liti> pos n. def the quality, character, or state of being immoral. immorality 2. syl im+mo+ral+i:ty pron <2im*1r@liti> pos n. def immoral behaviour, esp. in sexual matters; licentiousness; profligacy or promiscuity. immorality 3. syl im+mo+ral+i:ty pron <2im*1r@liti> pos n. def an immoral act. immortal 1. syl im+mor+tal pron pos adj. def not subject to death or decay; having perpetual life. immortal 2. syl im+mor+tal pron pos adj. def having everlasting fame; remembered throughout time. immortal 3. syl im+mor+tal pron pos adj. def everlasting; perpetual; constant. immortal 4. syl im+mor+tal pron pos adj. def of or relating to immortal beings or concepts. immortal 5. syl im+mor+tal pron pos n. def an immortal being. immortal 6. syl im+mor+tal pron pos n. mod often; pl. def a person who is remembered enduringly, esp. an author. exam 1 Dante is one of the immortals. immortality sub head immortal syl im+mor+1tal+i:ty pos n. immortally sub head immortal syl im+1mor+tal+ly pos adv. immortalise alt head immortalize or immortalize syl im+mor+tal+ise pron pos vb. mod tr. immortalize 1. or immortalise syl im+mor+tal+ize pron pos vb. mod tr. def to give everlasting fame to, as by treating in a literary work. exam 1 Macbeth was immortalized by Shakespeare. immortalize 2. or immortalise syl im+mor+tal+ize pron pos vb. mod tr. def to give immortality to. immortalization sub head immortalize or immortalisation syl im+2mor+tal:i+1za+tion pos n. immortalisation sub head immortalize or immortalization syl im+2mor+tal:i+1sa+tion pos n. immortalizer sub head immortalize or immortaliser syl im+1mor+tal+2iz+er pos n. immortaliser sub head immortalize or immortalizer syl im+1mor+tal+2is+er pos n. Immortals 1. syl Im+mor+tals pron pos n. mod pl. usage sometimes not cap. def the gods of ancient Greece and Rome. Immortals 2. syl Im+mor+tals pron pos n. mod pl. usage in ancient Persia def the royal bodyguard or a larger elite unit of 10000 men. Immortals 3. syl Im+mor+tals pron pos n. mod pl. def the members of the French Academy. immortelle ety C19: from French (fleur) immortelle everlasting (flower) immortelle 0. syl im+mor+telle pron <2imc:1tel> pos n. def any of various plants, mostly of the family (composites), that retain their colour when dried, esp. Also called: {everlasting, everlasting flower}. immotile 0. syl im+mo+tile pron pos adj. usage esp. of living organisms or their parts def not motile. immotility sub head immotile syl im+mo+til+i:ty pron <2im*u1tiliti> pos n. immoveable alt head immovable or immovable syl im+move+a:ble pron pos adj. immovable 1. or immoveable syl im+mov+a:ble pron pos adj. def unable to move or be moved; fixed; immobile. immovable 2. or immoveable syl im+mov+a:ble pron pos adj. def unable to be diverted from one's intentions; steadfast. immovable 3. or immoveable syl im+mov+a:ble pron pos adj. def unaffected by feeling; impassive. immovable 4. or immoveable syl im+mov+a:ble pron pos adj. def unchanging; unalterable. immovable 5. or immoveable syl im+mov+a:ble pron pos adj. usage of feasts, holidays, etc. def occurring on the same date every year. immovable 6.a. or immoveable syl im+mov+a:ble pron pos adj. usage of property def not liable to be removed; fixed. immovable 6.b. or immoveable syl im+mov+a:ble pron pos adj. def of or relating to immoveables. Compare {movable}. immovability sub head immovable or immovableness syl im+2mov+a:1bil+i:ty pos n. immoveability sub head immovable or immoveableness syl im+2move+a:1bil+i:ty pos n. immovableness sub head immovable or immovability syl im+1mov+a:ble+ness pos n. immoveableness sub head immovable or immoveability syl im+1move+a:ble+ness pos n. immovably sub head immovable or immoveably syl im+1mov+a:bly pos adv. immoveably sub head immovable or immovably syl im+1move+a:bly pos adv. immoveables 0. syl im+move+a:bles pron pos n. mod pl. usage in most foreign legal systems def real property. Compare {moveables}. immune ety C15: from Latin imm*_unis exempt from a public service, from #7im - (not)+ m*_unus duty immune 1. syl im+mune pron pos adj. def protected against a specific disease by inoculation or as the result of innate or acquired resist?!ance. immune 2. syl im+mune pron pos adj. def relating to or conferring immunity. exam 1 an immune body immune 3. syl im+mune pron pos adj. usage usually postpositive; foll. by to def unsus?!ceptible (to) or secure (against). exam 1 immune to inflation. immune 4. syl im+mune pron pos adj. def exempt from obligation, penalty, etc. immune 5. syl im+mune pron pos n. def an immune person or animal. immunities infl head immunity syl im+mu+ni:ties. pos n. mod pl. immunity 1. syl im+mu+ni:ty pron pos n. def the ability of an organism to resist disease, as by producing its own antibodies or as a result of inoculation. immunity 2. syl im+mu+ni:ty pron pos n. def freedom from obligation or duty, esp. exemption from tax, duty, legal liability, etc. immunity 3. syl im+mu+ni:ty pron pos n. def any special privilege granting immunity. immunity 4. syl im+mu+ni:ty pron pos n. def the exemption of ecclesiastical persons or property from various civil obligations or liabilities. immunise alt head immunize or immunize syl im+mu+nise pron <1imju2nIz> pos vb. immunize 0. or immunise syl im+mu+nize pron <1imju2nIz> pos vb. def to make immune, esp. by inoculation. immunization sub head immunize or immunisation syl im+mu+ni+1za+tion pos n. immunisation sub head immunize or immunization syl im+mu+ni+1sa+tion pos n. immunizer sub head immunize or immuniser syl im+mu+2niz+er pos n. immuniser sub head immunize or immunizer syl im+mu+2nis+er pos n. immunoassay 0. syl im+mu+no+as+say pron <2imjun*u1@sA> pos n. qual Immunol. def a technique of identifying a substance, esp. a protein, through its action as an antigen. immunochemistry 0. syl im+mu+no+chem+is+try pron <2imjun*u1kemistri> pos n. def the study of the chemical reactions of immunity. immunogenetics 0. syl im+mu+no+ge:net+ics pron <2imjun*uJi1netiks> pos n. mod functioning as; sing. def the study of the relationship between immunity and genetics. &- {@!im+mu+no+ge@.#!net+ic} {@!im+mu+no+ge@.#!net@.i+cal} immunogenic 0. syl im+mu+no+gen+ic pron <2imjun*u1Jenik> pos adj. def causing or producing immunity. immunogenically sub head immunogenic syl im+mu+no+1gen:i+cal+ly pos adv. immunoglobulin 0. syl im+mu+no+glob:u+lin pron <2imjun*u1globjulin> pos n. def any of five classes of proteins, all of which show antibody activity. The most abundant ones are {immunoglobulin G (IgG}) and {immuno?!globulin A (IgA}) . immunology 0. syl im+mu+nol+o:gy pron <2imju1nol*Ji> pos n. def the branch of biological science concerned with the study of immunity. immunologic sub head immunology or immunological syl im+mu+no+log+ic pron <2imjun*1loJik> pos adj. immunological sub head immunology or immunologic syl im+mu+no+1log:i+cal pos adj. immunologically sub head immunology syl im+mu+no+1log:i+cal+ly pos adv. immunologist sub head immunology syl im+mu+1nol:o+gist pos n. immunoreaction 0. syl im+mu+no+re:ac+tion pron pos n. def the reaction between an antigen and its antibody. immunotherapy 0. syl im+mu+no+ther:a+py pron <2imjun*u1Ter*pi> pos n. qual Med. def the treatment of disease by stimulating the body's production of antibodies. immure ety C16: from Medieval Latin imm*_ur*_are, from Latin #7im - (in)+ m*_urus a wall immure 1. syl im+mure pron pos vb. mod tr. qual Archaic or literary. def to enclose within or as if within walls; imprison. immure 2. syl im+mure pron pos vb. mod tr. def to shut (oneself) away from society. immure 3. syl im+mure pron pos vb. mod tr. qual Obsolete. def to build into or enclose within a wall. immure 4. syl im+mure pron pos vb. mod tr. qual Archaic. def to surround or fortify with walls. immurement sub head immure syl im+1mure+ment pos n. immutable 0. syl im+mu+ta:ble pron pos adj. def unchanging through time; unalterable; ageless. exam 1 immutable laws. immutability sub head immutable or immutableness syl im+2mu+ta:1bil+i:ty pos n. immutableness sub head immutable or immutability syl im+1mu+ta:ble+ness pos n. immutably sub head immutable syl im+1mu+ta:bly pos adv. Imo 0. syl I:mo pron <1Em*u> pos n. def a state of SE Nigeria, formed in 1976 from part of East-Central State. Capital: Owerri. Pop.: 5000000 (1976 est.). Area: 8720 sq. km (3366 sq. miles). imp ety Old English impa bud, graft, hence offspring, child, from impian to graft, ultimately from Greek emphutos implanted, from emphuein, to implant, from phuein to plant imp 1. syl imp pron pos n. def a small demon or devil; mischievous sprite. imp 2. syl imp pron pos n. def a mischievous child. imp 3. syl imp pron pos vb. mod tr. qual Falconry. def to insert (new feathers) into the stumps of broken feathers in order to repair the wing of a hawk or falcon. imp 1. syl imp. qual abbrev. for: def imperative. imp 2. syl imp. qual abbrev. for: def imperfect. imp 3. syl imp. qual abbrev. for: def imperial. imp 4. syl imp. qual abbrev. for: def impersonal. imp 5. syl imp. qual abbrev. for: def import. imp 6. syl imp. qual abbrev. for: def important. imp 7. syl imp. qual abbrev. for: def importer. imp 8. syl imp. qual abbrev. for: def imprimatur. Imp ety Latin: Emperor Imp ety Latin: Empress Imp 1. syl Imp. qual abbrev. for: def Imperator. Imp 2. syl Imp. qual abbrev. for: def Imperatrix. Imp 3. syl Imp. qual abbrev. for: def Imperial. impact ety C18: from Latin impactus pushed against, fastened on, from impingere to thrust at, from pangere to drive in &- im+#!pac+tion n. impact 1. syl im+pact pron <1imp@kt> pos n. def the act of one body, object, etc., striking another; collision. impact 2. syl im+pact pron <1imp@kt> pos n. def the force with which one thing hits another or with which two objects collide. impact 3. syl im+pact pron <1imp@kt> pos n. def the impression made by an idea, cultural movement, social group, etc.. exam 1 the impact of the Renaissance on Medieval Europe. impact 4. syl im+pact pron pos vb. def to drive or press (an object) firmly into (another object, thing, etc.) or (of two objects) to be driven or pressed firmly together. impacted 1. syl im+pact+ed pron pos adj. usage of a tooth def unable to erupt, esp. because of being wedged against another tooth below the gum. impacted 2. syl im+pact+ed pron pos adj. usage of a fracture def having the jagged broken ends wedged into each other. impair ety C14: from Old French empeirer to make worse, from Late Latin p*_ejor*_are, from Latin pejor worse; see #7pejorative impair 0. syl im+pair pron pos vb. mod tr. def to reduce or weaken in strength, quality, etc.. exam 1 his hearing was impaired by an accident. impairable sub head impair syl im+1pair+a:ble pos adj. impairer sub head impair syl im+1pair+er pos n. impala ety from Zulu impalas infl head impala or impala syl im+pa+las pos n. mod pl. impala infl or impalas syl im+pa+la. pos n. mod pl. impala 0. syl im+pa+la pron pos n. def an antelope, of southern and eastern Africa, having lyre-shaped horns and able to move with enormous leaps when disturbed. impale ety C16: from Medieval Latin imp*_al*_are, from Latin #7im - (in)+ p*_alus {#7pale %2} impalempale alt head impale or impale syl im+palem+pale pron pos vb. mod tr. impale 1. or impalempale syl im+pale pron pos vb. mod tr. usage often foll. by on, upon, or with def to pierce with a sharp instrument. exam 1 they impaled his severed head on a spear. impale 2. or impalempale syl im+pale pron pos vb. mod tr. qual Archaic. def to enclose with pales or fencing; fence in. impale 3. or impalempale syl im+pale pron pos vb. mod tr. qual Heraldry. def to charge (a shield) with two coats of arms placed side by side. impalement sub head impale or impalempalement syl im+1pale+ment pos n. impalempalement sub head impale or impalement syl im+palem+1pale+ment pos n. impaler sub head impale or impalempaler syl im+1pal+er pos n. impalempaler sub head impale or impaler syl im+palem+1pal+er pos n. impalpable 1. syl im+pal+pa:ble pron pos adj. def imperceptible, esp. to the touch. exam 1 impalpable shadows. impalpable 2. syl im+pal+pa:ble pron pos adj. def difficult to understand; abstruse. impalpability sub head impalpable syl im+2pal+pa:1bil+i:ty pos n. impanation ety C16: from Medieval Latin impan*_ati*_o, from impan*_atus embodied in bread, from Latin #7im - (in)+ panis bread impanation 0. syl im+pa+na+tion pron <2imp@1nAS*n> pos n. qual Christianity. def the embodiment of Christ in the consecrated bread and wine of the Eucharist. impanells infl head impanel or impanels syl im+pan+ells pos vb. impanelling infl head impanel or impaneling syl im+pan+el+ling pos vb. impanelled infl head impanel or impaneled syl im+pan+elled pos vb. impanels infl head impanel or impanells syl im+pan+els pos vb. qual U.S. impaneling infl head impanel or impanelling syl im+pan+el+ing pos vb. qual U.S. impaneled infl head impanel or impanelled syl im+pan+eled. pos vb. qual U.S. impanel 0. syl im+pan+el pron pos vb. def a variant spelling (esp. U.S.) of {empanel}. impanelment sub head impanel syl im+1pan+el+ment pos n. imparadise 1. syl im+par:a+dise pron pos vb. mod tr. def to make blissfully happy; enrapture. imparadise 2. syl im+par:a+dise pron pos vb. mod tr. def to make into or like paradise. imparipinnate 0. syl im+par:i+pin+nate pron <2imp@ri1pinAt>, <-1pinit> pos adj. usage of pinnate leaves def having a terminal unpaired leaflet. Compare {pari?!pinnate}. imparisyllabic 0. syl im+par:i+syl+la+bic pron pos adj. usage of a noun or verb in inflected languages def having inflected forms with different numbers of syllables. Compare {parisyllabic}. imparity ety C16: from Late Latin imparit*_as, from Latin impar unequal imparities infl head imparity syl im+par+i:ties. pos n. mod pl. imparity 0. syl im+par+i:ty pron pos n. def a less common word for { {disparity} (sense 1)}. impart ety C15: from Old French impartir, from Latin impert*_ire, from #7im - (in)+ part*_ire to share, from pars part impart 1. syl im+part pron pos vb. mod tr. def to communicate (information, etc.); relate. impart 2. syl im+part pron pos vb. mod tr. def to give or bestow (something, esp. an abstract quality). exam 1 to impart wisdom. impartable sub head impart syl im+1part+a:ble pos adj. impartation sub head impart or impartment syl im+par+1ta+tion pos n. impartment sub head impart or impartation syl im+1part+ment pos n. imparter sub head impart syl im+1part+er pos n. impartial 0. syl im+par+tial pron pos adj. def not prejudiced towards or against any particular side or party; fair; unbiased. impartiality sub head impartial or impartialness syl im+2par+ti+1al+i:ty pos n. impartialness sub head impartial or impartiality syl im+1par+tial+ness pos n. impartially sub head impartial syl im+1par+tial+ly pos adv. impartible 1. syl im+part+i:ble pron pos adj. usage Law. of land, an estate, etc. def incapable of partition; indivisible. impartible 2. syl im+part+i:ble pron pos adj. def capable of being imparted. impartibility sub head impartible syl im+2part+i:1bil+i:ty pos n. impartibly sub head impartible syl im+1part+i:bly pos adv. impassable 0. syl im+pass+a:ble pron pos adj. usage of terrain, roads, etc. def not able to be travelled through or over. impassability sub head impassable or impassableness syl im+2pass+a:1bil+i:ty pos n. impassableness sub head impassable or impassability syl im+1pass+a:ble+ness pos n. impassably sub head impassable syl im+1pass+a:bly pos adv. impasse ety C19: from French; see #7im -#7, pass impasse 0. syl im+passe pron pos n. def a situation in which progress is blocked; an insurmountable difficulty; stalemate; deadlock. impassible 1. syl im+pas+si:ble pron pos adj. qual Rare. def not susceptible to pain or injury. impassible 2. syl im+pas+si:ble pron pos adj. qual Rare. def impassive or unmoved. impassibility sub head impassible or impassibleness syl im+2pas+si:1bil+i:ty pos n. impassibleness sub head impassible or impassibility syl im+1pas+si:ble+ness pos n. impassibly sub head impassible syl im+1pas+si:bly pos adv. impassion 0. syl im+pas+sion pron pos vb. mod tr. def to arouse the passions of; inflame. impassioned 0. syl im+pas+sioned pron pos adj. def filled with passion; fiery; inflamed. exam 1 an impassioned appeal. impassionedly sub head impassioned syl im+1pas+sioned+ly pos adv. impassionedness sub head impassioned syl im+1pas+sioned+ness pos n. impassive 1. syl im+pas+sive pron pos adj. def not revealing or affected by emotion; reserved. impassive 2. syl im+pas+sive pron pos adj. def calm; serene; imperturbable. impassive 3. syl im+pas+sive pron pos adj. qual Rare. def unconscious or insensible. impassively sub head impassive syl im+1pas+sive+ly pos adv. impassiveness sub head impassive or impassivity syl im+1pas+sive+ness pron <2imp@1siviti> pos n. impassivity sub head impassive or impassiveness syl im+pas+siv+i:ty pron <2imp@1siviti> pos n. impaste ety C16: from Italian impastare, from pasta #7paste impaste 0. syl im+paste pron pos vb. mod tr. def to apply paint thickly to. impastation sub head impaste syl im+pas+ta+tion pron <2imp@s1tAS*n> pos n. impasto ety C18: from Italian, from impastare; see #7impaste impasto 1. syl im+pas+to pron pos n. def paint applied thickly, so that brush and palette knife marks are evident. impasto 2. syl im+pas+to pron pos n. def the technique of applying paint in this way. impatience 1. syl im+pa+tience pron pos n. def lack of patience; intolerance of or irritability with anything that impedes or delays. impatience 2. syl im+pa+tience pron pos n. def restless desire for change and excitement. impatiens ety C18: New Latin from Latin: impatient; from the fact that the ripe pods burst open when touched impatiens infl syl im+pa+ti+ens. pos n. mod pl. impatiens 0. syl im+pa+ti+ens pron pos n. def any balsaminaceous plant of the genus such as balsam, touch-me-not, and policeman's helmet. impatient 1. syl im+pa+tient pron pos adj. def lacking patience; easily irritated at delay, opposition, etc. impatient 2. syl im+pa+tient pron pos adj. def exhibiting lack of patience. exam 1 an impatient retort. impatient 3. syl im+pa+tient pron pos adj. usage postpositive; foll. by of def intolerant (of) or indignant (at). exam 1 impatient of indecision. impatient 4. syl im+pa+tient pron pos adj. usage postpositive; often foll. by for def restlessly eager (for something or to do something). impatiently sub head impatient syl im+1pa+tient+ly pos adv. impeach ety C14: from Old French empeechier, from Late Latin impedic*_are to entangle, catch, from Latin #7im - (in)+ pedica a fetter, from p*_es foot impeach 1. syl im+peach pron pos vb. mod tr. qual Criminal law. def to bring a charge or accusation against. impeach 2. syl im+peach pron pos vb. mod tr. qual Brit. criminal law. def to accuse of a crime, esp. of treason or some other offence against the state. impeach 3. syl im+peach pron pos vb. mod tr. qual Chiefly U.S. def to charge (a public official) with an offence committed in office. impeach 4. syl im+peach pron pos vb. mod tr. def to challenge or question (a person's honesty, integrity, etc.). impeacher sub head impeach syl im+1peach+er pos n. impeachable 1. syl im+peach+a:ble pron pos adj. def capable of being im?!peached or accused. impeachable 2. syl im+peach+a:ble pron pos adj. usage of an offence def making a person liable to impeachment. impeachability sub head impeachable syl im+2peach+a:1bil+i:ty pos n. impeachment 1. syl im+peach+ment pron pos n. usage Rare. in England def committal by the House of Commons, esp. of a minister of the Crown, for trial by the House of Lords. The last instance occurred in 1805. impeachment 2. syl im+peach+ment pron pos n. usage in the U.S. def a proceeding brought against a federal government official. impeachment 3. syl im+peach+ment pron pos n. def an accusation or charge. impeachment 4. syl im+peach+ment pron pos n. qual Obsolete. def discredit; reproach. impearl 1. syl im+pearl pron pos vb. mod tr. qual Archaic or poetic. def to adorn with pearls. impearl 2. syl im+pearl pron pos vb. mod tr. qual Archaic or poetic. def to form into pearl-like shapes or drops. impeccable ety C16: from Late Latin impecc*_abilis sinless, from Latin #7im - (not)+ pecc*_are to sin impeccable 1. syl im+pec+ca:ble pron pos adj. def without flaw or error; faultless. exam 1 an impeccable record. impeccable 2. syl im+pec+ca:ble pron pos adj. qual Rare. def incapable of sinning. impeccability sub head impeccable syl im+2pec+ca:1bil+i:ty pos n. impeccably sub head impeccable syl im+1pec+ca:bly pos adv. impeccant ety C18: from #7im - (not)+Latin peccant- , from pecc*_are to sin &- im+#!pec+can+cy n. impeccant 0. syl im+pec+cant pron pos adj. def not sinning; free from sin. impecunious ety C16: from #7im - (not)+ -pecunious, from Latin pec*_u?!ni*_osus wealthy, from pec*_unia money impecunious 0. syl im+pe:cu+ni+ous pron <2impi1kju:ni*s> pos adj. def without money; penni?!less. impecuniously sub head impecunious syl im+pe:1cu+ni+ous+ly pos adv. impecuniousness sub head impecunious or impecuniosity syl im+pe:1cu+ni+ous+ness pron <2im?!pikju:ni1ositi> pos n. impecuniosity sub head impecunious or impecuniousness syl im+pe:cu+ni+os+i:ty pron <2im?!pikju:ni1ositi> pos n. impedance 1. syl im+ped+ance pron pos n. def a measure of the opposition to the flow of an alternating current equal to the square root of the sum of the squares of the resistance and the reactance, expressed in ohms. Symbol: {Z} impedance 2. syl im+ped+ance pron pos n. def a component that offers impedance. impedance 3. syl im+ped+ance pron pos n. def Also called: {acoustic impedance}. the ratio of the sound pressure in a medium to the rate of alternating flow of the medium through a specified surface due to the sound wave. Symbol: {Z} impedance 4. syl im+ped+ance pron pos n. def Also called: {mechanical impedance}. the ratio of the mechanical force, acting in the direction of motion, to the velocity of the resulting vibration. Symbol: {Z} impede ety C17: from Latin imped*_ire to hinder, literally: shackle the feet, from p*_es foot impede 0. syl im+pede pron pos vb. mod tr. def to restrict or retard in action, progress, etc.; hinder; obstruct. impeder sub head impede syl im+1ped+er pos n. impedingly sub head impede syl im+1ped+ing+ly pos adv. impediment 1. syl im+ped:i+ment pron pos n. def a hindrance or obstruc?!tion. impediment 2. syl im+ped:i+ment pron pos n. def a physical defect, esp. one of speech, such as a stammer. impediments infl head impediment or impedimenta syl im+ped:i+ments pron <-1mAnt*> pos n. mod pl. impedimenta infl head impediment or impediments syl im+ped:i+men+ta pron <-1mAnt*> pos n. mod pl. impediment 3. syl im+ped:i+ment pron <-1mAnt*> pos n. qual Law. def an obstruction to the making of a contract, esp. a contract of marriage by reason of closeness of blood or affinity. impedimental sub head impediment or impedimentary syl im+2ped:i+1men+tal pos adj. impedimentary sub head impediment or impedimental syl im+2ped:i+1men+tar:y pos adj. impedimenta ety C16: from Latin, plural of imped*_imentum hindrance; see #7impede impedimenta 1. syl im+ped:i+men+ta pron pos n. mod pl. def the baggage and equipment carried by an army. impedimenta 2. syl im+ped:i+men+ta pron pos n. mod pl. def any objects or circumstances that impede progress. impedimenta 3. syl im+ped:i+men+ta pron pos n. mod pl. def a plural of {impediment} (sense 3). impel ety C15: from Latin impellere to push against, drive forward, from #7im - (in)+ pellere to drive, push, strike impels infl head impel syl im+pels pos vb. mod tr. impelling infl head impel syl im+pel+ling pos vb. mod tr. impelled infl head impel syl im+pelled. pos vb. mod tr. impel 1. syl im+pel pron pos vb. mod tr. def to urge or force (a person) to an action; constrain or motivate. impel 2. syl im+pel pron pos vb. mod tr. def to push, drive, or force into motion. impellent sub head impel syl im+1pel+lent pos n. adj. impeller 1. syl im+pel+ler pron pos n. def the vaned rotating disc of a centrifugal pump, compressor, etc. impeller 2. syl im+pel+ler pron pos n. def a compressor or centrifugal pump having such an impeller. impend ety C16: from Latin impend*_ere to overhang, from pend*_ere to hang impend 1. syl im+pend pron pos vb. mod intr. usage esp. of something threatening def to be about to happen; be imminent. impend 2. syl im+pend pron pos vb. mod intr. qual Rare. usage foll. by over def to be suspended; hang. impendence sub head impend or impendency syl im+1pend+ence pos n. impendency sub head impend or impendence syl im+1pend+en+cy pos n. impending sub head impend syl im+1pend+ing pos adj. impenetrable 1. syl im+pen+e:tra:ble pron pos adj. def incapable of being pierced through or penetrated. exam 1 an impenetrable forest. impenetrable 2. syl im+pen+e:tra:ble pron pos adj. def incapable of being understood; incomprehensible. exam 1 impenetrable jargon. impenetrable 3. syl im+pen+e:tra:ble pron pos adj. def incapable of being seen through. exam 1 impenetrable gloom. impenetrable 4. syl im+pen+e:tra:ble pron pos adj. def not susceptible to ideas, influence, etc.. exam 1 impenetrable ignorance. impenetrable 5. syl im+pen+e:tra:ble pron pos adj. usage Physics. of a body def incapable of occupying the same space as another body. &- {im+@!pen+e@.tra@.#!bil+i@.ty} {im+#!pen+e@.tra@.ble+ness} impenetrably sub head impenetrable syl im+1pen+e:tra:bly pos adv. impenitent 0. syl im+pen:i+tent pron pos adj. def not sorry or penitent; un?!repentant. impenitence sub head impenitent syl im+1pen:i+tence pos n. impenitency sub head impenitent or impenitentness syl im+1pen:i+ten+cy pos n. impenitentness sub head impenitent or impenitency syl im+1pen:i+tent+ness pos n. impenitently sub head impenitent syl im+1pen:i+tent+ly pos adv. impennate 0. syl im+pen+nate pron pos adj. usage Rare. of birds def lacking true functional wings or feathers. imper 0. syl imper. qual abbrev. for def imperative. imperative ety C16: from Late Latin imper*_at*_ivus, from Latin imper*_are to command imperative 1. syl im+per:a+tive pron pos adj. def extremely urgent or important; essential. imperative 2. syl im+per:a+tive pron pos adj. def peremptory or authoritative. exam 1 an imperative tone of voice. imperative 3. syl im+per:a+tive pron pos adj. def Also: {im+per@.a+ti+val} ($Im@!p$er$$#!ta$Iv%@l). denoting a mood of verbs used in giving orders, making requests, etc. In English the verb root without any inflections is the usual form, as for example in imperative 4. syl im+per:a+tive pron pos n. def something that is urgent or essential. imperative 5. syl im+per:a+tive pron pos n. def an order or command. imperative 6.a. syl im+per:a+tive pron pos n. def the imperative mood. imperative 6.b. syl im+per:a+tive pron pos n. def a verb in this mood. imperatively sub head imperative syl im+1per:a+tive+ly pos adv. imperativeness sub head imperative syl im+1per:a+tive+ness pos n. imperator ety C16: from Latin: commander, from imper*_are to command imperator 1.a. syl im+pe:ra+tor pron <2imp*1ra:tc:> pos n. usage in imperial Rome def a title of the emperor. imperator 1.b. syl im+pe:ra+tor pron <2imp*1ra:tc:> pos n. usage in republican Rome def a temporary title of honour bestowed upon a victorious general. imperator 2. syl im+pe:ra+tor pron <2imp*1ra:tc:> pos n. def a less common word for {emperor}. imperatorial sub head imperator syl im+per:a+to+ri:al pron pos adj. imperatorially sub head imperator syl im+2per:a+1to+ri+al+ly pos adv. imperatorship sub head imperator syl im+pe:1ra+tor+2ship pos n. imperceptible 0. syl im+per+cep+ti:ble pron <2imp*1septibL> pos adj. def too slight, subtle, gradual, etc., to be perceived. imperceptibility sub head imperceptible or imperceptibleness syl im+per+2cep+ti:1bil+i:ty pos n. imperceptibleness sub head imperceptible or imperceptibility syl im+per+1cep+ti:ble+ness pos n. imperceptibly sub head imperceptible syl im+per+1cep+ti:bly pos adv. imperception sub head imperceptive syl im+per+1cep+tion pos n. imperceptively sub head imperceptive syl im+per+1cep+tive+ly pos adv. imperceptivity sub head imperceptive syl im+per+cep+1tiv+i:ty pos n. imperceptiveness sub head imperceptive or impercipience syl im+per+1cep+tive+ness pos n. impercipience sub head imperceptive or imperceptiveness syl im+per+1cip:i+ence pos n. imperf 1. syl imperf. qual abbrev. for: def imperfect. imperf 2. syl imperf. qual abbrev. for: usage of stamps def imperforate. imperfect 1. syl im+per+fect pron pos adj. def exhibiting or characterized by faults, mistakes, etc.; defective. imperfect 2. syl im+per+fect pron pos adj. def not fully complete or finished; incomplete; deficient. imperfect 3. syl im+per+fect pron pos adj. usage of flowers def lacking functional stamens or pistils. imperfect 4. syl im+per+fect pron pos adj. qual Grammar. def denoting a tense of verbs used most commonly in describing continuous or repeated past actions or events, as for example as opposed to imperfect 5. syl im+per+fect pron pos adj. usage Law. of a trust, obligation, etc. def lacking some necessary formality to make effective or binding; incomplete; legally unenforceable. See also { {executory} (sense 1)}. imperfect 6.a. syl im+per+fect pron pos adj. usage of a cadence def proceeding to the dominant from the tonic, subdominant, or any chord other than the dominant. imperfect 6.b. syl im+per+fect pron pos adj. def of or relating to all intervals other than the fourth, fifth, and octave. Compare { {perfect} (sense 9)}. imperfect 7.a. syl im+per+fect pron pos n. def the imperfect tense. imperfect 7.b. syl im+per+fect pron pos n. def a verb in this tense. imperfectly sub head imperfect syl im+1per+fect+ly pos adv. imperfectness sub head imperfect syl im+1per+fect+ness pos n. imperfect competition 0. syl im+per+fect com+pe:ti+tion pos n. qual Economics. def the market situation that exists when one or more of the necessary conditions for perfect competition do not hold. imperfection 1. syl im+per+fec+tion pron <2imp*1fekS*n> pos n. def the condition or quality of being imperfect. imperfection 2. syl im+per+fec+tion pron <2imp*1fekS*n> pos n. def a fault or defect. imperfective 1. syl im+per+fec+tive pron <2imp*1fektiv> pos adj. qual Grammar. def denoting an aspect of the verb in some languages, including English, used to indicate that the action is in progress without regard to its completion. Compare {perfective}. imperfective 2.a. syl im+per+fec+tive pron <2imp*1fektiv> pos n. qual Grammar. def the imperfective aspect of a verb. imperfective 2.b. syl im+per+fec+tive pron <2imp*1fektiv> pos n. qual Grammar. def a verb in this aspect. imperfectively sub head imperfective syl im+per+1fec+tive+ly pos adv. imperforate 1. syl im+per+fo+rate pron , <-2rAt> pos adj. def not perforated. imperforate 2. syl im+per+fo+rate pron , <-2rAt> pos adj. usage of a postage stamp def not provided with perforation or any other means of separation. Abbrev.: {imperf}. Compare {perforate}. imperforate 3. syl im+per+fo+rate pron , <-2rAt> pos adj. usage of a bodily part, such as the anus def without the normal opening. imperforation sub head imperforate syl im+2per+fo+1ra+tion pos n. imperial ety C14: from Late Latin imperi*_alis, from Latin imperium command, authority, empire imperial 1. syl im+pe:ri:al pron pos adj. def of or relating to an empire, emperor, or empress. imperial 2. syl im+pe:ri:al pron pos adj. def characteristic of or befitting an emperor; majestic; commanding. imperial 3. syl im+pe:ri:al pron pos adj. def characteristic of or exercising supreme authority; imperious. imperial 4. syl im+pe:ri:al pron pos adj. usage esp. of products and commodities def of a superior size or quality. imperial 5. syl im+pe:ri:al pron pos adj. usage usually pre?!nominal; of weights, measures, etc. def conforming to standards or definitions legally established in Great Britain. exam 1 an imperial gallon. imperial 6. syl im+pe:ri:al pron pos n. def any of various book sizes, esp. 7@2#800405 by 11 inches ({imperial octavo}) or (chiefly Brit.) 11 by 15 inches ({imperial quarto) }. imperial 7. syl im+pe:ri:al pron pos n. def a size of writing or printing paper, 23 by 31 inches (U.S.) or 22 by 30 inches (Brit.). imperial 8. syl im+pe:ri:al pron pos n. usage formerly def a Russian gold coin originally worth ten roubles. imperial 9.a. syl im+pe:ri:al pron pos n. def the top of a carriage, such as a diligence. imperial 9.b. syl im+pe:ri:al pron pos n. def a luggage case carried there. imperial 10. syl im+pe:ri:al pron pos n. qual Architect. def a dome that has a point at the top. imperial 11. syl im+pe:ri:al pron pos n. def a small tufted beard popularized by the emperor Napoleon III. imperial 12. syl im+pe:ri:al pron pos n. def a member of an imperial family, esp. an emperor or empress. imperially sub head imperial syl im+1pe:ri+al+ly pos adv. imperialness sub head imperial syl im+1pe:ri+al+ness pos n. Imperial 1. syl Im+pe:ri:al pron pos adj. usage sometimes not cap. def of or relating to a specified empire, such as the British Empire. Imperial 2. syl Im+pe:ri:al pron pos n. def a supporter or soldier of the Holy Roman Empire. imperial gallon 0. syl im+pe:ri:al gal+lon pos n. def a formal name for { {gallon} (sense 1)}. imperialism 1. syl im+pe:ri+al+ism pron pos n. def the policy or practice of extending a state's rule over other territories. imperialism 2. syl im+pe:ri+al+ism pron pos n. def an instance or policy of aggressive behaviour by one state against another. imperialism 3. syl im+pe:ri+al+ism pron pos n. def the extension or attempted extension of authority, influence, power, etc., by any person, country, institution, etc.. exam 1 cultural imperialism. imperialism 4. syl im+pe:ri+al+ism pron pos n. def a system of imperial government or rule by an emperor. imperialism 5. syl im+pe:ri+al+ism pron pos n. def the spirit, character, authority, etc., of an empire. imperialism 6. syl im+pe:ri+al+ism pron pos n. def advocacy of or support for any form of imperialism. imperialist sub head imperialism syl im+1pe:ri+al+ist pos adj. n. imperialistic sub head imperialism syl im+2pe:ri+al+1is+tic pos adj. imperialistically sub head imperialism syl im+2pe:ri+al+1is+ti+cal+ly pos adv. imperil 0. syl im+per+il pron pos vb. mod tr. def to place in danger or jeopardy; endanger. imperilment sub head imperil syl im+1per+il+ment pos n. imperious ety C16: from Latin imperi*_osus from imperium command, power imperious 1. syl im+pe:ri+ous pron pos adj. def domineering; arrogant; overbearing. imperious 2. syl im+pe:ri+ous pron pos adj. qual Rare. def urgent; imperative. imperiously sub head imperious syl im+1pe:ri+ous+ly pos adv. imperiousness sub head imperious syl im+1pe:ri+ous+ness pos n. imperishable 1. syl im+per+ish+a:ble pron pos adj. def not subject to decay or deterioration. exam 1 imperishable goods. imperishable 2. syl im+per+ish+a:ble pron pos adj. def not likely to be forgotten. exam 1 imperishable truths. imperishability sub head imperishable or imperishableness syl im+2per+ish+a:1bil+i:ty pos n. imperishableness sub head imperishable or imperishability syl im+1per+ish+a:ble+ness pos n. imperishably sub head imperishable syl im+1per+ish+a:bly pos adv. imperium ety C17: from Latin: command, empire, from imper*_are to command; see #7emperor imperia infl head imperium syl im+pe:ri:a pron <-ri*> pos n. mod pl. imperium 1. syl im+pe:ri:um pron pos n. usage in ancient Rome def the supreme power, held esp. by consuls and emperors, to command and administer in military, judicial, and civil affairs. imperium 2. syl im+pe:ri:um pron pos n. def the right to command; supreme power. imperium 3. syl im+pe:ri:um pron pos n. def a less common word for {empire}. impermanent 0. syl im+per+ma+nent pron pos adj. def not permanent; fleeting; transitory. impermanence sub head impermanent or impermanency syl im+1per+ma+nence pos n. impermanency sub head impermanent or impermanence syl im+1per+ma+nen+cy pos n. impermanently sub head impermanent syl im+1per+ma+nent+ly pos adv. impermeable 0. syl im+per+me:a:ble pron pos adj. usage of a substance def not allowing the passage of a fluid through interstices; not permeable. impermeability sub head impermeable or impermeableness syl im+2per+me:a:1bil+i:ty pos n. impermeableness sub head impermeable or impermeability syl im+1per+me:a:ble+ness pos n. impermeably sub head impermeable syl im+1per+me:a:bly pos adv. impermissible 0. syl im+per+mis+si:ble pron <2imp*1misibL> pos adj. def not permissible; not allowed. impermissibility sub head impermissible syl im+per+2mis+si:1bil+i:ty pos n. impermissibly sub head impermissible syl im+per+1mis+si:bly pos adv. impers 0. syl impers. qual abbrev. for def impersonal. imperscriptible ety C19: from #7im - (not)+Latin perscribere to write down imperscriptible 0. syl im+per+script+i:ble pron <2imp*1skriptibL> pos adj. def not supported by written authority. impersonal 1. syl im+per+son+al pron pos adj. def without reference to any individual person; objective. exam 1 an impersonal assessment. impersonal 2. syl im+per+son+al pron pos adj. def devoid of human warmth or sympathy; cold. exam 1 an impersonal manner. impersonal 3. syl im+per+son+al pron pos adj. def not having human characteristics. exam 1 an impersonal God. impersonal 4. syl im+per+son+al pron pos adj. usage Grammar. of a verb def having no logical subject. Usually in English the pronoun is used in such cases as a grammatical subject, as for example in impersonal 5. syl im+per+son+al pron pos adj. usage Grammar. of a pronoun def not denoting a person. impersonality sub head impersonal syl im+2per+son+1al+i:ty pos n. impersonally sub head impersonal syl im+1per+son+al+ly pos adv. impersonalise alt head impersonalize or impersonalize syl im+per+son+al+ise pron pos vb. mod tr. impersonalize 0. or impersonalise syl im+per+son+al+ize pron pos vb. mod tr. def to make impersonal, esp. to rid of such human characteristics as sympathy, warmth, etc.; dehumanize. impersonalization sub head impersonalize or impersonalisation syl im+2per+son+al:i+1za+tion pos n. impersonalisation sub head impersonalize or impersonalization syl im+2per+son+al:i+1sa+tion pos n. impersonate 1. syl im+per+son+ate pron pos vb. mod tr. def to pretend to be (another person). impersonate 2. syl im+per+son+ate pron pos vb. mod tr. def to imitate the character, mannerisms, etc., of (another person). impersonate 3. syl im+per+son+ate pron pos vb. mod tr. qual Rare. def to play the part or character of. impersonate 4. syl im+per+son+ate pron pos vb. mod tr. def an archaic word for {personify}. impersonation sub head impersonate syl im+2per+son:1a+tion pos n. impersonator sub head impersonate syl im+1per+son:2a+tor pos n. impertinency alt head impertinence or impertinence syl im+per+ti+nen+cy pos n. impertinence 1. or impertinency syl im+per+ti+nence pron pos n. def disrespectful behaviour or language; rudeness; insolence. impertinence 2. or impertinency syl im+per+ti+nence pron pos n. def an impertinent act, gesture, etc. impertinence 3. or impertinency syl im+per+ti+nence pron pos n. qual Rare. def lack of pertinence; irrelevance; inappropriateness. impertinent ety C14: from Latin impertin*_ens not belonging, from Latin #7im - (not)+ pertin*_ere to be relevant; see #7pertain impertinent 1. syl im+per+ti+nent pron pos adj. def rude; insolent; impudent. impertinent 2. syl im+per+ti+nent pron pos adj. def irrelevant or inappropriate. impertinently sub head impertinent syl im+1per+ti+nent+ly pos adv. imperturbable 0. syl im+per+turb+a:ble pron <2impR:1tR:b*bL> pos adj. def not easily perturbed; calm; unruffled. imperturbability sub head imperturbable or imperturbableness syl im+per+2turb+a:1bil+i:ty pos n. imperturbableness sub head imperturbable or imperturbability syl im+per+1turb+a:ble+ness pos n. imperturbably sub head imperturbable syl im+per+1turb+a:bly pos adv. imperturbation sub head imperturbable syl im+per+tur+ba+tion pron <2impR:tR:1bAS*n> pos n. imperviable alt head impervious or impervious syl im+per+vi+a:ble pos adj. impervious 1. or imperviable syl im+per+vi+ous pron pos adj. def not able to be penetrated, as by water, light, etc.; impermeable. impervious 2. or imperviable syl im+per+vi+ous pron pos adj. usage often postpositive; foll. by to def not able to be influenced (by) or not receptive (to). exam 1 impervious to argument. imperviously sub head impervious syl im+1per+vi+ous+ly pos adv. imperviousness sub head impervious syl im+1per+vi+ous+ness pos n. impetigo ety C16: from Latin: scabby eruption, from impetere to assail; see #7impetus ; for form, compare #7vertigo impetigo 0. syl im+pe:ti+go pron <2impi1tIg*u> pos n. def a contagious bacterial skin disease characterized by the formation of pustules that develop into yellowish crusty sores. impetiginous sub head impetigo syl im+pe:tig:i+nous pron <2impi1tiJin*s> pos adj. impetrate ety C16: from Latin impetr*_are to procure by entreaty, from -petr*_are, from patr*_are to bring to pass, of uncertain origin; perhaps related to Latin pater a father impetrate 1. syl im+pe:trate pron <1impi2trAt> pos vb. mod tr. qual Theol. def to supplicate or entreat for, esp. by prayer. impetrate 2. syl im+pe:trate pron <1impi2trAt> pos vb. mod tr. qual Theol. def to obtain by prayer. impetration sub head impetrate syl im+pe:1tra+tion pos n. impetrative sub head impetrate syl im+pe:tra+tive pos adj. impetrator sub head impetrate syl im+pe:2tra+tor pos n. impetuous ety C14: from Late Latin impetu*_osus violent; see #7impetus impetuous 1. syl im+pet:u+ous pron pos adj. def liable to act without consideration; rash; impulsive. impetuous 2. syl im+pet:u+ous pron pos adj. def resulting from or characterized by rashness or haste. impetuous 3. syl im+pet:u+ous pron pos adj. qual Poetic. def moving with great force or violence; rushing. exam 1 the impetuous stream hurtled down the valley. impetuously sub head impetuous syl im+1pet:u+ous+ly pos adv. impetuousness sub head impetuous or impetuosity syl im+1pet:u+ous+ness pron pos n. impetuosity sub head impetuous or impetuousness syl im+pet:u+os+i:ty pron pos n. impetus ety C17: from Latin: attack, from impetere to assail, from #7im - (in)+ petere to make for, seek out impetuses infl head impetus syl im+pe:tus:es. pos n. mod pl. impetus 1. syl im+pe:tus pron <1impit*s> pos n. def an impelling movement or force; incentive or impulse; stimulus. impetus 2. syl im+pe:tus pron <1impit*s> pos n. qual Physics. def the force that sets a body in motion or that tends to resist changes in a body's motion. imperf alt head impf or impf syl imperf. impf 0. or imperf syl impf. qual abbrev. for def imperfect. imp gall alt head imp gal or imp gal syl imp. gall. imp gal 0. or imp gall syl imp. gal. qual abbrev. for def imperial gallon. Imphal 0. syl Im+phal pron , <1imf*l> pos n. def a city in NE India, capital of Manipur Territory, on the Manipur River: formerly the seat of the Manipur kings. Pop.: 100366 (1971). impi ety C19: from Zulu impi infl or impies syl im:pi pos n. mod pl. impies infl head impi or impi syl im:pies. pos n. mod pl. impi 0. syl im:pi pron <1impi> pos n. def a group of Bantu warriors. impieties infl head impiety syl im+pi+e:ties. pos n. mod pl. impiety 1. syl im+pi+e:ty pron pos n. def lack of reverence or proper respect for a god. impiety 2. syl im+pi+e:ty pron pos n. def any lack of proper respect. impiety 3. syl im+pi+e:ty pron pos n. def an impious act. impinge ety C16: from Latin impingere to drive at, dash against, from pangere to fasten, drive in impinge 1. syl im+pinge pron pos vb. mod intr. usage usually foll. by on or upon def to encroach or infringe; trespass. exam 1 to impinge on someone's time. impinge 2. syl im+pinge pron pos vb. mod intr. usage usually foll. by on, against, or upon def to collide (with); strike. impingement sub head impinge syl im+1pinge+ment pos n. impinger sub head impinge syl im+1ping+er pos n. impingement attack 0. syl im+pinge+ment at+tack pos n. qual Metallurgy. def a form of corrosion of metals caused by erosion of the oxide layer by a moving fluid in which there are suspended particles or air bubbles. impious 1. syl im+pi+ous pron <1impi*s> pos adj. def lacking piety or reverence for a god; ungodly. impious 2. syl im+pi+ous pron <1impi*s> pos adj. def lacking respect; undutiful. impiously sub head impious syl im+pi+ous+ly pos adv. impiousness sub head impious syl im+pi+ous+ness pos n. impish 0. syl imp+ish pron <1impiS> pos adj. def of or resembling an imp; mischievous. impishly sub head impish syl imp+ish+ly pos adv. impishness sub head impish syl imp+ish+ness pos n. implacable 1. syl im+plac+a:ble pron pos adj. def incapable of being placated or pacified; unappeasable. implacable 2. syl im+plac+a:ble pron pos adj. def inflexible; intractable. implacability sub head implacable or implacableness syl im+2plac+a:1bil+i:ty pos n. implacableness sub head implacable or implacability syl im+1plac+a:ble+ness pos n. implacably sub head implacable syl im+1plac+a:bly pos adv. implacental 0. syl im+pla+cen+tal pron <2impl*1sentL> pos adj. def another word for {aplacental}. implant 1. syl im+plant pron pos vb. mod tr. def to establish firmly; inculcate; instil. exam 1 to implant sound moral principles. implant 2. syl im+plant pron pos vb. mod tr. def to plant or embed; infix; entrench. implant 3.a. syl im+plant pron pos vb. mod tr. def to graft (a tissue, etc.) into the body. implant 3.b. syl im+plant pron pos vb. mod tr. def to insert (a radioactive substance, hormone, etc.) into the tissues. implant 4. syl im+plant pron <1im2pla:nt> pos n. mod tr. def anything implanted, esp. surgically, such as a tissue graft. implanter sub head implant syl im+1plant+er pos n. implantation 1. syl im+plan+ta+tion pron <2impla:n1tAS*n> pos n. def the act of implanting or the state of being implanted. implantation 2. syl im+plan+ta+tion pron <2impla:n1tAS*n> pos n. def the attachment of the blastocyst of a mammalian embryo to the wall of the uterus of the mother. implausible 0. syl im+plau+si:ble pron pos adj. def not plausible; provoking disbelief; unlikely. implausibility sub head implausible or implausibleness syl im+2plau+si:1bil+i:ty pos n. implausibleness sub head implausible or implausibility syl im+1plau+si:ble+ness pos n. implausibly sub head implausible syl im+1plau+si:bly pos adv. implead ety C13: from Anglo-French empleder; see #7im -#7, plead implead 1.a. syl im+plead pron pos vb. mod tr. qual Law, rare. def to sue or prosecute. implead 1.b. syl im+plead pron pos vb. mod tr. qual Law, rare. def to bring an action against. implead 2. syl im+plead pron pos vb. mod tr. qual Law, rare. def to accuse. impleadable sub head implead syl im+1plead+a:ble pos adj. implement ety C17: from Late Latin impl*_ementum, literally: a filling up, from Latin impl*_ere to fill up, satisfy, fulfil implement 1. syl im+ple+ment pron <1implim*nt> pos n. def a piece of equipment; tool or utensil. exam 1 gardening implements. implement 2. syl im+ple+ment pron <1implim*nt> pos n. def something used to achieve a purpose; agent. implement 3. syl im+ple+ment pron <1impli2ment> pos vb. mod tr. def to carry out; put into action; perform. exam 1 to implement a plan. implement 4. syl im+ple+ment pron <1impli2ment> pos vb. mod tr. qual Rare. def to supply with tools. implement 5. syl im+ple+ment pron <1impli2ment> pos vb. mod tr. qual Archaic. def to complete, satisfy, or fulfil. implemental sub head implement syl im+ple+1men+tal pos adj. implementation sub head implement syl im+ple+men+1ta+tion pos n. implementer sub head implement or implementor syl im+ple+2ment+er pos n. implementor sub head implement or implementer syl im+ple+2men+tor pos n. implicate ety C16: from Latin implic*_are to involve, from #7im -#7+ plic*_are to fold implicate 1. syl im+pli+cate pron <1impli2kAt> pos vb. mod tr. def to show to be involved, esp. in a crime. implicate 2. syl im+pli+cate pron <1impli2kAt> pos vb. mod tr. def to involve as a necessary inference; imply. exam 1 his protest implicated censure by the authorities. implicate 3. syl im+pli+cate pron <1impli2kAt> pos vb. mod tr. def to affect intimately. exam 1 this news implicates my decision. implicate 4. syl im+pli+cate pron <1impli2kAt> pos vb. mod tr. qual Rare. def to intertwine or entangle. implicative sub head implicate syl im+plic:a+tive pron pos adj. implicatively sub head implicate syl im+1plic:a+tive+ly pos adv. implication 1. syl im+pli+ca+tion pron <2impli1kAS*n> pos n. def the act of implicating or the state of being implicated. implication 2. syl im+pli+ca+tion pron <2impli1kAS*n> pos n. def something that is implied; suggestion. exam 1 the implication of your silence is that you're bored. implication 3. syl im+pli+ca+tion pron <2impli1kAS*n> pos n. qual Logic. def a relation between two propositions, such that the second can be logically deduced from the first. implicational sub head implication syl im+pli+1ca+tion+al pos adj. implicit ety C16: from Latin implicitus, variant of implic*_atus interwoven; see #7implicate implicit 1. syl im+plic+it pron pos adj. def not explicit; implied; indirect. exam 1 there was implicit criticism in his voice. implicit 2. syl im+plic+it pron pos adj. def absolute and unreserved; unquestioning. exam 1 you have implicit trust in him. implicit 3. syl im+plic+it pron pos adj. usage when postpositive, foll. by in def contained or inherent. exam 1 to bring out the anger implicit in the argument. implicit 4. syl im+plic+it pron pos adj. usage Maths. of a function def having an equation of the form f =0, in which cannot be directly expressed in terms of as in + %2+ %3 %2=0. Compare { {explicit} (sense 3)}. implicit 5. syl im+plic+it pron pos adj. qual Obsolete. def intertwined. implicitly sub head implicit syl im+1plic+it+ly pos adv. implicitness sub head implicit or implicity syl im+1plic+it+ness pos n. implicity sub head implicit or implicitness syl im+1plic+i:ty pos n. implied 0. syl im+plied pron pos adj. def hinted at or suggested; not directly expressed. exam 1 an implied criticism. implode ety C19: from #7im -#7+ (#7ex) #7plode implode 1. syl im+plode pron pos vb. def to collapse or cause to collapse inwards in a violent manner as a result of external pressure. exam 1 the vacuum flask imploded. implode 2. syl im+plode pron pos vb. mod tr. def to pronounce (a consonant) with or by implosion. implode xref syl im+plode pron pos vb. def Compare {explode}. implore ety C16: from Latin impl*_or*_are, from #7im -#7+ pl*_or*_are to bewail implore 1. syl im+plore pron pos vb. mod tr. def to beg or ask (someone) earnestly (to do something); plead with; beseech. implore 2. syl im+plore pron pos vb. mod tr. def to ask earnestly or piteously for; supplicate; beg. exam 1 to implore someone's mercy. imploration sub head implore syl im+plo+1ra+tion pos n. imploratory sub head implore syl im+1plo+ra+to:ry pos adj. implorer sub head implore syl im+1plor+er pos n. imploringly sub head implore syl im+1plor+ing+ly pos adv. implosion 1. syl im+plo+sion pron pos n. def the act or process of imploding. exam 1 the implosion of a light bulb. implosion 2. syl im+plo+sion pron pos n. qual Phonetics. def the suction or inhalation of breath employed in the pronunciation of an ingressive consonant. implosive 1. syl im+plo+sive pron pos adj. def pronounced by or with implosion. implosive 2. syl im+plo+sive pron pos n. def an implosive consonant. implosively sub head implosive syl im+1plo+sive+ly pos adv. imply ety C14: from Old French emplier, from Latin implic*_are to involve; see #7implicate #e Usage. See at infer. implies infl head imply syl im+plies pos vb. mod tr. implying infl head imply syl im+ply+ing pos vb. mod tr. implied infl head imply syl im+plied. pos vb. mod tr. imply 1. syl im+ply pron pos vb. mod tr. usage may take a clause as object def to express or indicate by a hint; suggest. exam 1 what are you implying by that remark?? imply 2. syl im+ply pron pos vb. mod tr. usage may take a clause as object def to suggest or involve as a necessary consequence or connotation. imply 3. syl im+ply pron pos vb. mod tr. qual Obsolete. usage may take a clause as object def to entangle or enfold. impolder ety C19: from Dutch inpolderen, see #7in -%2, #7polder impoldempolder alt head impolder or impolder syl im+pol+dem+pol+der pos vb. impolder 0. or impoldempolder syl im+pol+der pron pos vb. def to make into a polder; reclaim (land) from the sea. impolicies infl head impolicy syl im+pol:i+cies. pos n. mod pl. impolicy 0. syl im+pol:i+cy pron pos n. def the act or an instance of being unjudicious or impolitic. impolite 0. syl im+po+lite pron <2imp*1lIt> pos adj. def discourteous; rude; uncivil. impolitely sub head impolite syl im+po+1lite+ly pos adv. impoliteness sub head impolite syl im+po+1lite+ness pos n. impolitic 0. syl im+pol:i+tic pron pos adj. def not politic or expedient; unwise. impoliticly sub head impolitic syl im+1pol:i+tic+ly pos adv. impoliticness sub head impolitic syl im+1pol:i+tic+ness pos n. imponderabilia ety C20: New Latin imponderabilia 0. syl im+pon+de:ra+bil:i:a pron pos n. mod pl. def imponderables. imponderable 1. syl im+pon+der+a:ble pron , <-dr*bL> pos adj. def unable to be weighed or assessed. imponderable 2. syl im+pon+der+a:ble pron , <-dr*bL> pos n. def something difficult or impossible to assess. imponderability sub head imponderable or imponderableness syl im+2pon+der+a:1bil+i:ty pos n. imponderableness sub head imponderable or imponderability syl im+1pon+der+a:ble+ness pos n. imponderably sub head imponderable syl im+1pon+der+a:bly pos adv. imponent 0. syl im+po+nent pron pos n. def a person who imposes a duty, etc. import ety C15: from Latin import*_are to carry in, from #7im -#7+ port*_are to carry import 1. syl im+port pron , <1impc:t> pos vb. def to buy or bring in (goods or services) from a foreign country. Compare {export}. import 2. syl im+port pron , <1impc:t> pos vb. mod tr. def to bring in from an outside source. exam 1 to import foreign words into the language. import 3. syl im+port pron , <1impc:t> pos vb. qual Rare. def to signify or be significant; mean; convey. exam 1 to import doom. import 4.a. syl im+port pron <1impc:t> pos n. def goods ({visible imports}) or services ({invisible imports}) that are bought from foreign countries. import 4.b. syl im+port pron <1impc:t> pos n. usage as modifier exam 1 an import licence. import 5. syl im+port pron <1impc:t> pos n. def significance or importance. exam 1 a man of great import. import 6. syl im+port pron <1impc:t> pos n. def meaning or signification. import 7. syl im+port pron <1impc:t> pos n. qual Canadian slang. def a sportsman who is not native to the area where he plays. importable sub head import syl im+1port+a:ble pos adj. importability sub head import syl im+2port+a:1bil+i:ty pos n. importer sub head import syl im+1port+er pos n. importance 1. syl im+por+tance pron pos n. def the state of being important; significance. importance 2. syl im+por+tance pron pos n. def social status; standing; esteem. exam 1 a man of importance. importance 3.a. syl im+por+tance pron pos n. def meaning or signification. importance 3.b. syl im+por+tance pron pos n. def an important matter. importance 3.c. syl im+por+tance pron pos n. def importunity. important ety C16: from Old Italian importante, from Medieval Latin import*_are to signify, be of consequence, from Latin: to carry in; see #7import important 1. syl im+por+tant pron pos adj. def of great significance or value; outstanding. exam 1 Voltaire is an important writer. important 2. syl im+por+tant pron pos adj. def of social sig?!nificance; notable; eminent; esteemed. exam 1 an important man in the town. important 3. syl im+por+tant pron pos adj. usage when postpositive, usually foll. by to def specially relevant or of great concern (to); valued highly (by). exam 1 your wishes are important to me. important 4. syl im+por+tant pron pos adj. def an obsolete word for {importunate}. importantly sub head important syl im+1por+tant+ly pos adv. importation 1. syl im+por+ta+tion pron <2impc:1tAS*n> pos n. def the act, business, or process of importing goods or services. importation 2. syl im+por+ta+tion pron <2impc:1tAS*n> pos n. def an imported product or service. importunate 1. syl im+por+tu+nate pron pos adj. def persistent or demanding; insistent. importunate 2. syl im+por+tu+nate pron pos adj. qual Rare. def troublesome; annoying. importunately sub head importunate syl im+1por+tu+nate+ly pos adv. importunateness sub head importunate syl im+1por+tu+nate+ness pos n. importune ety C16: from Latin import*_unus tiresome, from im- {#7in -%1}#7+ -port*_unus as in opport*_unus #7opportune importune 1. syl im+por+tune pron pos vb. mod tr. def to harass with persistent requests; demand of (someone) insistently. importune 2. syl im+por+tune pron pos vb. mod tr. def to beg for persistently; request with insistence. importune 3.a. syl im+por+tune pron pos vb. mod tr. def to anger or annoy. importune 3.b. syl im+por+tune pron pos vb. mod tr. def to force; impel. importunely sub head importune syl im+1por+tune+ly pos adv. importuner sub head importune syl im+1por+tun+er pos n. importunity sub head importune or importunacy syl im+por+1tu+ni:ty pos n. importunacy sub head importune or importunity syl im+1por+tu+na+cy pos n. impose ety C15: from Old French imposer, from Latin imp*_onere to place upon, from p*_onere to place, set impose 1. syl im+pose pron pos vb. mod tr. usage usually foll. by on or upon def to establish as something to be obeyed or complied with; enforce. exam 1 to impose a tax on the people. impose 2. syl im+pose pron pos vb. usage usually foll. by on or upon def to force (oneself, one's presence, etc.) on another or others; obtrude. impose 3. syl im+pose pron pos vb. mod intr. usage usually foll. by on or upon def to take advantage, as of a person or quality. exam 1 to impose on someone's kindness. impose 4. syl im+pose pron pos vb. mod tr. qual Printing. usage usually foll. by on or upon def to arrange (pages, type, etc.) for locking into a chase so that after printing and folding the pages will be in the correct order. impose 5. syl im+pose pron pos vb. mod tr. usage usually foll. by on or upon def to pass off deceptively; foist. exam 1 to impose a hoax on someone. impose 6. syl im+pose pron pos vb. mod tr. usage usually foll. by on or upon; of a bishop or priest def to lay (the hands) on the head of a candidate for certain sacraments. imposable sub head impose syl im+1pos+a:ble pos adj. imposer sub head impose syl im+1pos+er pos n. imposing 0. syl im+pos+ing pron pos adj. def grand or impressive. exam 1 an imposing building. imposingly sub head imposing syl im+1pos+ing+ly pos adv. imposingness sub head imposing syl im+1pos+ing+ness pos n. imposing stable alt head imposing stone or imposing stone syl im+pos+ing sta+ble pos n. imposing stone 0. or imposing stable syl im+pos+ing stone pos n. qual Printing. def a flat hard surface upon which pages are imposed. imposition 1. syl im+po+si+tion pron <2imp*1ziS*n> pos n. def the act of imposing. imposition 2. syl im+po+si+tion pron <2imp*1ziS*n> pos n. def something that is imposed, esp. (in Britain) a task set as a school punishment. imposition 3. syl im+po+si+tion pron <2imp*1ziS*n> pos n. def the arrangement of pages for printing so that the finished work will have its pages in the correct order. impossibilities infl head impossibility syl im+pos+si:bil+i:ties. pos n. mod pl. impossibility 1. syl im+pos+si:bil+i:ty pron , <2impos-> pos n. def the state or quality of being impossible. impossibility 2. syl im+pos+si:bil+i:ty pron , <2impos-> pos n. def something that is impossible. impossible 1. syl im+pos+si:ble pron pos adj. def incapable of being done, undertaken, or experienced. impossible 2. syl im+pos+si:ble pron pos adj. def incapable of occurring or happening. impossible 3. syl im+pos+si:ble pron pos adj. def absurd or inconceivable; unreasonable. exam 1 it's impossible to think of him as a bishop. impossible 4. syl im+pos+si:ble pron pos adj. qual Informal. def intolerable; outrageous. exam 1 those children are impossible. impossibleness sub head impossible syl im+1pos+si:ble+ness pos n. impossibly sub head impossible syl im+1pos+si:bly pos adv. impost ety C16: from Medieval Latin impostus tax, from Latin impositus imposed; see #7impose impost H1.1. syl im+post pron <1imp*ust> pos n. def a tax, esp. a customs duty. impost H1.2. syl im+post pron <1imp*ust> pos n. qual Horse racing. def the specific weight that a particular horse must carry in a handicap race. impost H1.3. syl im+post pron <1imp*ust> pos vb. mod tr. qual U.S. def to classify (imported goods) according to the duty payable on them. imposter sub head impost syl im+post+er pos n. impost ety C17: from French imposte, from Latin impositus placed upon; see #7impose impost H2.0. syl im+post pron <1imp*ust> pos n. qual Architect. def a member at the top of a wall, pier, or column that supports an arch, esp. one that has a projecting moulding. impostor ety C16: from Late Latin: deceiver; see #7impose imposter alt head impostor or impostor syl im+post+er pron pos n. impostor 0. or imposter syl im+pos+tor pron pos n. def a person who deceives others, esp. by assuming a false identity; charlatan. impostume ety C15: from Old French empostume, from Late Latin apost*_ema, from Greek, literally: separation (of pus), from aphistanai to remove, from histanai to stand imposthume alt head impostume or impostume syl im+pos+thume pron pos n. impostume 0. or imposthume syl im+pos+tume pron pos n. def an archaic word for {abscess}. imposture ety C16: from French, from Late Latin impost*_ura, from Latin imp*_onere; see #7impose imposture 0. syl im+pos+ture pron pos n. def the act or an instance of deceiving others, esp. by assuming a false identity. impostrous sub head imposture syl im+pos+trous pron pos adj. impostorous sub head imposture or imposturous syl im+pos+tor+ous pron pos adj. imposturous sub head imposture or impostorous syl im+1pos+tur+ous pos adj. impotent 1. syl im+po+tent pron <1imp*t*nt> pos adj. usage when postpositive, often takes an infinitive def lacking sufficient strength; powerless. impotent 2. syl im+po+tent pron <1imp*t*nt> pos adj. usage esp. of males def unable to perform sexual intercourse. impotent 3. syl im+po+tent pron <1imp*t*nt> pos adj. qual Obsolete. def lacking self-control; unrestrained. impotence sub head impotent syl im+po+tence pos n. impotency sub head impotent or impotentness syl im+po+ten+cy pos n. impotentness sub head impotent or impotency syl im+po+tent+ness pos n. impotently sub head impotent syl im+po+tent+ly pos adv. impound 1. syl im+pound pron pos vb. mod tr. def to confine (stray animals, illegally parked cars, etc.) in a pound. impound 2.a. syl im+pound pron pos vb. mod tr. def to seize (chattels, etc.) by legal right. impound 2.b. syl im+pound pron pos vb. mod tr. def to take possession of (a document, evidence, etc.) and hold in legal custody. impound 3. syl im+pound pron pos vb. mod tr. def to collect (water) in a reservoir or dam, as for irrigation. impound 4. syl im+pound pron pos vb. mod tr. def to seize or appropriate. impoundable sub head impound syl im+1pound+a:ble pos adj. impoundage sub head impound or impoundment syl im+1pound+age pos n. impoundment sub head impound or impoundage syl im+?!1pound+ment pos n. impounder sub head impound syl im+1pound+er pos n. impoverish ety C15: from Old French empovrir, from povre #7poor impovempoverish alt head impoverish or impoverish syl im+pov+em+pov+er+ish pron pos vb. mod tr. impoverish 1. or impovempoverish syl im+pov+er+ish pron pos vb. mod tr. def to make poor or diminish the quality of. exam 1 to impoverish society by cutting the grant to the arts. impoverish 2. or impovempoverish syl im+pov+er+ish pron pos vb. mod tr. def to deprive (soil, etc.) of fertility. impoverisher sub head impoverish or impovempoverisher syl im+1pov+er+ish+er pos n. impovempoverisher sub head impoverish or impoverisher syl im+pov+em+1pov+er+ish+er pos n. impoverishment sub head impoverish or impovempoverishment syl im+1pov+er+ish+ment pos n. impovempoverishment sub head impoverish or impoverishment syl im+pov+em+1pov+er+ish+ment pos n. impower 0. syl im+pow+er pron pos vb. def a less common spelling of {empower}. impracticable 1. syl im+prac+ti+ca:ble pron pos adj. def incapable of being put into practice or accomplished; not feasible. impracticable 2. syl im+prac+ti+ca:ble pron pos adj. def unsuitable for a desired use; unfit. impracticable 3. syl im+prac+ti+ca:ble pron pos adj. def an archaic word for {intractable}. impracticability sub head impracticable or impracticableness syl im+2prac+ti+ca:1bil+i:ty pos n. impracticableness sub head impracticable or impracticability syl im+1prac+ti+ca:ble+ness pos n. impracticably sub head impracticable syl im+1prac+ti+ca:bly pos adv. impractical 1. syl im+prac+ti+cal pron pos adj. def not practical or workable. exam 1 an impractical solution. impractical 2. syl im+prac+ti+cal pron pos adj. def not given to practical matters or gifted with practical skills. exam 1 he is intelligent but too impractical for commercial work. impracticality sub head impractical or impracticalness syl im+2prac+ti+1cal+i:ty pos n. impracticalness sub head impractical or impracticality syl im+1prac+ti+cal+ness pos n. impractically sub head impractical syl im+1prac+ti+cal+ly pos adv. imprecate ety C17: from Latin imprec*_ar*_i to invoke, from im- {#7in -%2}#7+ prec*_ar*_i to #7pray imprecate 1. syl im+pre+cate pron <1impri2kAt> pos vb. mod intr. def to swear, curse, or blaspheme. imprecate 2. syl im+pre+cate pron <1impri2kAt> pos vb. mod tr. def to invoke or bring down (evil, a curse, etc.). exam 1 to imprecate disaster on the ship. imprecate 3. syl im+pre+cate pron <1impri2kAt> pos vb. mod tr. def to put a curse on. imprecatory sub head imprecate syl im+pre+2ca+to:ry pos adj. imprecation 1. syl im+pre+ca+tion pron <2impri1kAS*n> pos n. def the act of imprecating. imprecation 2. syl im+pre+ca+tion pron <2impri1kAS*n> pos n. def a malediction; curse. imprecise 0. syl im+pre+cise pron <2impri1sIs> pos adj. def not precise; inexact or inaccu?!rate. imprecisely sub head imprecise syl im+pre+1cise+ly pos adv. imprecision sub head imprecise or impreciseness syl im+pre+ci+sion pron <2impri1siZ*n> pos n. impreciseness sub head imprecise or imprecision syl im+pre+1cise+ness pos n. impregnable ety C15 imprenable, from Old French, from #7im - (not)+ prenable able to be taken, from prendre to take impregnable H1.1. syl im+preg+na:ble pron pos adj. def unable to be broken into or taken by force. exam 1 an impregnable castle. impregnable H1.2. syl im+preg+na:ble pron pos adj. def unable to be shaken or overcome. exam 1 impregnable self-confidence. impregnable H1.3. syl im+preg+na:ble pron pos adj. def incapable of being refuted. exam 1 an impregnable argument. impregnability sub head impregnable or impregnableness syl im+2preg+na:1bil+i:ty pos n. impregnableness sub head impregnable or impregnability syl im+1preg+na:ble+ness pos n. impregnably sub head impregnable syl im+1preg+na:bly pos adv. impregnatable alt head impregnable or impregnable syl im+preg+na+ta:ble pron , <2im?!preg1nAt*bL>, <2im?!preg1nAt*bL> pos adj. impregnable H2.0. or impregnatable syl im+preg+na:ble pron , <2im?!preg1nAt*bL>, <2im?!preg1nAt*bL> pos adj. def able to be impregnated; fertile. impregnate ety C17: from Late Latin impraegn*_are to make pregnant, from Latin im- {#7in -%2}#7+ praegnans #7pregnant impregnate 1. syl im+preg+nate pron <1impreg2nAt> pos vb. mod tr. def to saturate, soak, or infuse. exam 1 to impregnate a cloth with detergent. impregnate 2. syl im+preg+nate pron <1impreg2nAt> pos vb. mod tr. def to imbue or permeate; pervade. impregnate 3. syl im+preg+nate pron <1impreg2nAt> pos vb. mod tr. def to cause to conceive; make pregnant. impregnate 4. syl im+preg+nate pron <1impreg2nAt> pos vb. mod tr. def to fertilize (an ovum). impregnate 5. syl im+preg+nate pron <1impreg2nAt> pos vb. mod tr. def to make (land, soil, etc.) fruitful. impregnate 6. syl im+preg+nate pron , <-nAt> pos adj. mod tr. def pregnant or fertilized. impregnation sub head impregnate syl im+preg+1na+tion pos n. impregnator sub head impregnate syl im+1preg+na+tor pos n. impresa ety C16: from Italian, literally: undertaking, hence deed of chivalry, motto, from imprendere to undertake; see #7emprise imprese alt head impresa or impresa syl im+prese pron pos n. impresa 0. or imprese syl im+pre+sa pron pos n. def an emblem or device, usually a motto, as on a coat of arms. impresario ety C18: from Italian, literally: one who undertakes; see #7impresa impresarios infl head impresario syl im+pre+sa+ri:os. pos n. mod pl. impresario 1. syl im+pre+sa+ri:o pron <2impr*1sa:ri2*u> pos n. def a producer or sponsor of public entertainments, esp. musical or theatrical ones. impresario 2. syl im+pre+sa+ri:o pron <2impr*1sa:ri2*u> pos n. def the director or manager of an opera, ballet, or other perform?!ing company. imprescriptible 0. syl im+pre+scrip+ti:ble pron <2impri1skript*bL> pos adj. qual Law. def immune or exempt from prescription. imprescriptibility sub head imprescriptible syl im+pre+2scrip+ti:1bil+i:ty pos n. imprescriptibly sub head imprescriptible syl im+pre+1scrip+ti:bly pos adv. impress ety C14: from Latin imprimere to press into, imprint, from premere to {#7press %1} impress H1.1. syl im+press pron pos vb. mod tr. def to make an impression on; have a strong, lasting, or favourable effect on. exam 1 I am impressed by your work. impress H1.2. syl im+press pron pos vb. mod tr. def to produce (an imprint, etc.) by pressure in or on (something). exam 1 to impress a seal in wax; exam 2 to impress wax with a seal. impress H1.3. syl im+press pron pos vb. mod tr. usage often foll. by on def to stress (something to a person); urge; emphasize. exam 1 to impress the danger of a situation on someone. impress H1.4. syl im+press pron pos vb. mod tr. def to exert pressure on; press. impress H1.5. syl im+press pron pos vb. mod tr. qual Electronics. def to apply (a voltage) to a circuit or device. impress H1.6. syl im+press pron <1impres> pos n. mod tr. def the act or an instance of impressing. impress H1.7. syl im+press pron <1impres> pos n. mod tr. def a mark, imprint, or effect produced by impressing. impresser sub head impress syl im+1press+er pos n. impressible sub head impress syl im+1press+i:ble pos adj. impress ety C16: see im- {#7in -%2#7, press %2} impress H2.1. syl im+press pron pos vb. def to commandeer or coerce (men or things) into government service; press-gang. impress H2.2. syl im+press pron <1impres> pos n. def the act of commandeering or coercing into government service; impressment. impression 1. syl im+pres+sion pron pos n. def an effect produced in the mind by a stimulus; sensation. exam 1 he gave the impression of wanting to help. impression 2. syl im+pres+sion pron pos n. def an imprint or mark produced by pressing. exam 1 he left the impression of his finger in the mud. impression 3. syl im+pres+sion pron pos n. def a vague idea, consciousness, or belief. exam 1 I had the impression we had met before. impression 4. syl im+pres+sion pron pos n. def a strong, favourable, or remarkable effect. exam 1 he made an impression on the managers. impression 5. syl im+pres+sion pron pos n. def the act of impressing or the state of being impressed. impression 6.a. syl im+pres+sion pron pos n. def the act, process, or result of printing from type, plates, etc. impression 6.b. syl im+pres+sion pron pos n. def one of a number of printings of a publication printed from the same setting of type with no or few alterations. Compare { {edition} (sense 2)}. impression 6.c. syl im+pres+sion pron pos n. def the total number of copies of a publication printed at one time. impression 7. syl im+pres+sion pron pos n. qual Dentistry. def an imprint of the teeth and gums, esp. in wax or plaster, for use in preparing crowns, inlays, or dentures. impression 8. syl im+pres+sion pron pos n. def an imitation or impersonation. exam 1 he did a funny impression of the politician. impressional sub head impression syl im+1pres+sion+al pos adj. impressionally sub head impression syl im+1pres+sion+al+ly pos adv. impressionable 0. syl im+pres+sion+a:ble pron , <-1preSn*-> pos adj. def easily influenced or characterized by susceptibility to influence; impressionability sub head impressionable or impressionableness syl im+2pres+sion+a:1bil+i:ty pos n. impressionableness sub head impressionable or impressionability syl im+1pres+sion+a:ble+ness pos n. impressionism 1. syl im+pres+sion+ism pron pos n. usage often cap. def a movement in French painting, developed in the 1870s chiefly by Monet, Renoir, Pissarro, and Sisley, having the aim of objectively recording experience by a system of fleeting impressions, esp. of natural light effects. impressionism 2. syl im+pres+sion+ism pron pos n. def the technique in art, literature, or music of conveying experience by capturing fleeting impressions of reality or of mood. impressionist 1. syl im+pres+sion+ist pron pos n. usage usually cap. def any of the French painters of the late 19th century who were exponents of impressionism. impressionist 2. syl im+pres+sion+ist pron pos n. usage sometimes cap. def any artist, composer, or writer who uses impressionism. impressionist 3. syl im+pres+sion+ist pron pos n. def an entertainer who impersonates famous people. impressionist 4. syl im+pres+sion+ist pron pos adj. usage often cap. def denoting, of, or relating to impressionism or the exponents of this style. impressionistic sub head impressionist syl im+2pres+sion+1is+tic pos adj. impressive 0. syl im+pres+sive pron pos adj. def capable of impressing, esp. by size, magnificence, etc.; awe-inspiring; commanding. impressively sub head impressive syl im+1pres+sive+ly pos adv. impressiveness sub head impressive syl im+1pres+sive+ness pos n. impressment 0. syl im+press+ment pron pos n. def the commandeering or conscription of things or men into government service. impressure ety C17: see #7impress %1#7, -#7ure ; formed on the model of #7pressure impressure 0. syl im+pres+sure pron pos n. def an archaic word for {impression}. imprest ety C16: probably from Italian imprestare to lend, from Latin in- towards+ praest*_are to pay, from praest*_o at hand; see #7presto imprest 1. syl im+prest pron pos n. qual Chiefly Brit. def an advance from government funds for the performance of some public business or service. imprest 2. syl im+prest pron pos n. qual Chiefly U.S. def money advanced regularly to a military unit to cover incidental or unexpected expenditure; contingency account. imprest 3. syl im+prest pron pos n. usage Brit. formerly def an advance payment of income to a sailor or soldier. imprimatur ety C17: New Latin, literally: let it be printed imprimatur 1. syl im+pri+ma+tur pron <2impri1mAt*>, <-1ma:-> pos n. qual R.C. Church. def a licence granted by a bishop certifying the Church's approval of a book to be published. imprimatur 2. syl im+pri+ma+tur pron <2impri1mAt*>, <-1ma:-> pos n. def sanction, authority, or approval, esp. for something to be printed. imprimis ety C15: from Latin phrase in pr*_im*_is, literally: among the first things imprimis 0. syl im+pri+mis pron pos adv. qual Archaic. def in the first place. imprint 1. syl im+print pron <1imprint> pos n. def a mark or impression produced by pressure, printing, or stamping. imprint 2. syl im+print pron <1imprint> pos n. def a characteristic mark or indication; stamp. exam 1 the imprint of great sadness on his face. imprint 3. syl im+print pron <1imprint> pos n. def the publisher's name and address, usually with the date of publication, in a book, pamphlet, etc. imprint 4. syl im+print pron <1imprint> pos n. def the printer's name and address on any printed matter. imprint 5. syl im+print pron pos vb. def to produce (a mark, impression, etc.) on (a surface) by pressure, printing, or stamping. exam 1 to imprint a seal on wax; exam 2 to imprint wax with a seal. imprint 6. syl im+print pron pos vb. def to establish firmly; impress; stamp. exam 1 to imprint the details on one's mind. imprinter sub head imprint syl im+1print+er pos n. imprinting 0. syl im+print+ing pron pos n. def the development in young animals of recognition of and attraction to members of their own species. imprison 0. syl im+pris+on pron pos vb. mod tr. def to confine in or as if in prison. imprisoner sub head imprison syl im+1pris+on+er pos n. imprisonment sub head imprison syl im+1pris+on+ment pos n. improbable 0. syl im+prob+a:ble pron pos adj. def not likely or probable; doubtful; unlikely. improbability sub head improbable or improbableness syl im+2prob+a:1bil+i:ty pos n. improbableness sub head improbable or improbability syl im+1prob+a:ble+ness pos n. improbably sub head improbable syl im+1prob+a:bly pos adv. improbities infl head improbity syl im+pro+bi:ties. pos n. mod pl. improbity 0. syl im+pro+bi:ty pron pos n. def dishonesty, wickedness, or unscrupulousness. impromptu ety C17: from French, from Latin in prompt*_u in readiness, from promptus (adj.) ready, #7prompt impromptu 1. syl im+promp+tu pron pos adj. def unrehearsed; sponta?!neous; extempore. impromptu 2. syl im+promp+tu pron pos adj. def produced or done without care or planning; improvised. impromptu 3. syl im+promp+tu pron pos adv. def in a spontaneous or improvised way. exam 1 he spoke impromptu. impromptu 4. syl im+promp+tu pron pos n. def something that is impromptu. impromptu 5. syl im+promp+tu pron pos n. def a short piece of instrumental music, sometimes improvisatory in character. improper 1. syl im+prop+er pron pos adj. def lacking propriety; not seemly or fitting. improper 2. syl im+prop+er pron pos adj. def unsuitable for a certain use or occasion; inappropriate. exam 1 an improper use for a tool. improper 3. syl im+prop+er pron pos adj. def irregular or abnormal. improperly sub head improper syl im+1prop+er+ly pos adv. improperness sub head improper syl im+1prop+er+ness pos n. improper fraction 0. syl im+prop+er frac+tion pos n. def a fraction in which the numerator has a greater absolute value or degree than the denominator, as 7/6 or %2+3)/ +1). improper integral 0. syl im+prop+er in+te+gral pos n. def a definite integral having one or both limits infinite or having an integrand that becomes infinite within the limits of integration. impropriate ety C16: from Medieval Latin impropri*_are to make one's own, from Latin im- {#7in -%2}#7+ propri*_are to #7appropriate impropriate 1. syl im+pro+pri+ate pron pos vb. mod tr. def to transfer (prop?!erty, rights, etc.) from the Church into lay hands. {~} ($Im#!pr$$$upr$I$It, -@!e$It). impropriate 2. syl im+pro+pri+ate pron pos vb. def transferred in this way. impropriation sub head impropriate syl im+2pro+pri:1a+tion pos n. impropriator sub head impropriate syl im+1pro+pri:2a+tor pos n. improprieties infl head impropriety syl im+pro+pri+e:ties. pos n. mod pl. impropriety 1. syl im+pro+pri+e:ty pron <2impr*1prIiti> pos n. def lack of propriety; indecency; indecorum. impropriety 2. syl im+pro+pri+e:ty pron <2impr*1prIiti> pos n. def an improper act or use. impropriety 3. syl im+pro+pri+e:ty pron <2impr*1prIiti> pos n. def the state of being improper. improve ety C16: from Anglo-French emprouer to turn to profit, from en prou into profit, from prou profit, from Late Latin pr*_ode beneficial, from Latin pr*_odesse to be advantageous, from {#7pro -%1}#7+ esse to be improve 1. syl im+prove pron pos vb. def to make or become better in quality; ameliorate. improve 2. syl im+prove pron pos vb. mod tr. def to make (buildings, land, etc.) more valuable by additions or betterment. improve 3. syl im+prove pron pos vb. mod intr. usage usually foll. by on or upon def to achieve a better standard or quality in comparison (with). exam 1 to improve on last year's crop. on the improve 4. head improve syl on the improve. qual Austral. def improving. improvable sub head improve syl im+1prov+a:ble pos adj. improvability sub head improve or improvableness syl im+2prov+a:1bil+i:ty pos n. improvableness sub head improve or improvability syl im+1prov+a:ble+ness pos n. improvably sub head improve syl im+1prov+a:bly pos adv. improver sub head improve syl im+1prov+er pos n. improvingly sub head improve syl im+1prov+ing+ly pos adv. improvement 1. syl im+prove+ment pron pos n. def the act of improving or the state of being improved. improvement 2. syl im+prove+ment pron pos n. def something that improves, esp. an addition or alteration. improvident 1. syl im+prov:i+dent pron pos adj. def not provident; thriftless, imprudent, or prodigal. improvident 2. syl im+prov:i+dent pron pos adj. def heedless or incautious; rash. improvidence sub head improvident syl im+1prov:i+dence pos n. improvidently sub head improvident syl im+1prov:i+dent+ly pos adv. improvisation 1. syl im+prov:i+sa+tion pron <2impr*vI1zAS*n> pos n. def the act or an instance of improvising. improvisation 2. syl im+prov:i+sa+tion pron <2impr*vI1zAS*n> pos n. def a product of improvising; something improvised. improvisational sub head improvisation syl im+pro+vi+1sa+tion+al pos adj. improvise ety C19: from French, from Italian improvvisare, from Latin impr*_ov*_isus unforeseen, from #7im - (not)+ pr*_ov*_isus, from pr*_ovid*_ere to foresee; see #7provide improvise 1. syl im+pro+vise pron <1impr*2vIz> pos vb. def to perform or make quickly from materials and sources available, without previous planning. improvise 2. syl im+pro+vise pron <1impr*2vIz> pos vb. def to perform (a poem, play, piece of music, etc.), composing as one goes along. improviser sub head improvise syl im+pro+2vis+er pos n. imprudent 0. syl im+pru+dent pron pos adj. def not prudent; rash, heedless, or indiscreet. imprudence sub head imprudent syl im+1pru+dence pos adj. imprudently sub head imprudent syl im+1pru+dent+ly pos adv. impudence ety C14: from Latin impud*_ens shameless, from #7im - (not)+ pud*_ens modest; see #7pudency impudency alt head impudence or impudence syl im+pu+den+cy pos n. impudence 1. or impudency syl im+pu+dence pron <1impjud*ns> pos n. def the quality of being impudent. impudence 2. or impudency syl im+pu+dence pron <1impjud*ns> pos n. def an impudent act or statement. impudent 1. syl im+pu+dent pron <1impjud*nt> pos adj. def mischievous, impertinent, or disrespectful. impudent 2. syl im+pu+dent pron <1impjud*nt> pos adj. def an obsolete word for {immodest}. impudently sub head impudent syl im+pu+dent+ly pos adv. impudentness sub head impudent syl im+pu+dent+ness pos n. impudicity ety C16: from Old French impudicite, from Latin impud*_icus shameless, from {#7in -%1}#7+ pud*_icus modest, virtuous impudicity 0. syl im+pu+dic+i:ty pron <2impju1disiti> pos n. qual Rare. def immodesty. impugn ety C14: from Old French impugner, from Latin impugn*_are to fight against, attack, from #7im -#7+ pugn*_are to fight impugn 0. syl im+pugn pron pos vb. mod tr. def to challenge or attack as false; assail; criticize. impugnable sub head impugn syl im+1pugn+a:ble pos adj. impugnation sub head impugn or impugnment syl im+pug+na+tion pron <2imp^g1nAS*n> pos n. impugnment sub head impugn or impugnation syl im+1pugn+ment pos n. impugner sub head impugn syl im+1pugn+er pos n. impuissant ety C17: from French: powerless impuissant 0. syl im+pu+is+sant pron , pos adj. def powerless, ineffectual, feeble, or impotent. impuissance sub head impuissant syl im+1pu+is+sance pos n. impulse ety C17: from Latin impulsus a pushing against, incitement, from impellere to strike against; see #7impel impulse 1. syl im+pulse pron <1imp^ls> pos n. def an impelling force or motion; thrust; impetus. impulse 2. syl im+pulse pron <1imp^ls> pos n. def a sudden desire, whim, or inclination. exam 1 I bought it on an impulse. impulse 3. syl im+pulse pron <1imp^ls> pos n. def an instinctive drive; urge. impulse 4. syl im+pulse pron <1imp^ls> pos n. def tendency; current; trend. impulse 5.a. syl im+pulse pron <1imp^ls> pos n. def the product of the average magnitude of a force acting on a body and the time for which it acts. impulse 5.b. syl im+pulse pron <1imp^ls> pos n. def the change in the momentum of a body as a result of a force acting upon it. impulse 6. syl im+pulse pron <1imp^ls> pos n. qual Physiol. def See {nerve impulse}. impulse 7. syl im+pulse pron <1imp^ls> pos n. qual Electronics. def a less common word for { {pulse%1} (sense 2)}. on impulse 8. head impulse syl on impulse. def spontaneously or impulsively. impulse buying 0. syl im+pulse buy+ing pos n. def the buying of retail merchandise prompted by a whim on seeing the product displayed. impulse buyer sub head impulse buying syl im+pulse buy+er pos n. impulse turbine 0. syl im+pulse tur+bine pos n. def a turbine in which the expansion of the fluid is completed in a static nozzle, the torque being produced by the change in momentum of the fluid impinging on curved rotor blades. Compare {reaction turbine}. impulsion 1. syl im+pul+sion pron pos n. def the act of impelling or the state of being impelled. impulsion 2. syl im+pul+sion pron pos n. def motion produced by an impulse; propulsion. impulsion 3. syl im+pul+sion pron pos n. def a driving force; compulsion. impulsive 1. syl im+pul+sive pron pos adj. def characterized by actions based on sudden desires, whims, or inclinations rather than careful thought. exam 1 an impulsive man. impulsive 2. syl im+pul+sive pron pos adj. def based on emotional impulses or whims; spontaneous. exam 1 an impulsive kiss. impulsive 3. syl im+pul+sive pron pos adj. def forceful, inciting, or impelling. impulsive 4. syl im+pul+sive pron pos adj. usage of physical forces def acting for a short time; not continuous. impulsively sub head impulsive syl im+1pul+sive+ly pos adv. impulsiveness sub head impulsive syl im+1pul+sive+ness pos n. impunity ety C16: from Latin imp*_unit*_as freedom from punishment, from imp*_unis unpunished, from #7im - (not)+ poena punishment impunities infl head impunity syl im+pu+ni:ties. pos n. mod pl. impunity 1. syl im+pu+ni:ty pron pos n. def exemption or immu?!nity from punishment or recrimination. impunity 2. syl im+pu+ni:ty pron pos n. def exemption or immu?!nity from unpleasant consequences. exam 1 a successful career marked by impunity from early mistakes. impunity 3.a. syl im+pu+ni:ty pron pos n. def with no unpleasant consequences. impunity 3.b. syl im+pu+ni:ty pron pos n. def with no care or heed for such consequences. impure 1. syl im+pure pron pos adj. def not pure; combined with something else; tainted or sullied. impure 2.a. syl im+pure pron pos adj. usage of persons def ritually unclean and as such debarred from certain religious ceremonies. impure 2.b. syl im+pure pron pos adj. usage of foodstuffs, vessels, etc. def debarred from certain religious uses. impure 3. syl im+pure pron pos adj. usage of a colour def mixed with another colour or with black or white. impure 4. syl im+pure pron pos adj. def of more than one origin or style, as of architecture or other design. impurely sub head impure syl im+1pure+ly pos adv. impureness sub head impure syl im+1pure+ness pos n. impurities infl head impurity syl im+pu+ri:ties. pos n. mod pl. impurity 1. syl im+pu+ri:ty pron pos n. def the quality of being impure. impurity 2. syl im+pu+ri:ty pron pos n. def an impure thing, constituent, or element. exam 1 impurities in the water. impurity 3. syl im+pu+ri:ty pron pos n. qual Electronics. def a small quantity of an element added to a pure semiconductor crystal to control its electrical conductivity. See also { {acceptor} (sense 2), {donor} (sense 5)}. imputable 0. syl im+put+a:ble pron pos adj. def capable of being imputed; attributable; ascribable. imputability sub head imputable or imputableness syl im+2put+a:1bil+i:ty pos n. imputableness sub head imputable or imputability syl im+1put+a:ble+ness pos n. imputably sub head imputable syl im+1put+a:bly pos adv. impute ety C14: from Latin imput*_are, from #7im -#7+ put*_are to think, calculate impute 1. syl im+pute pron pos vb. mod tr. def to attribute or ascribe (something dishonest or dishonourable, esp. a criminal offence) to a person. impute 2. syl im+pute pron pos vb. mod tr. def to attribute to a source or cause. exam 1 I impute your success to nepotism. imputation sub head impute syl im+pu+1ta+tion pos n. imputative sub head impute syl im+1pu+ta+tive pos adj. imputer sub head impute syl im+1put+er pos n. impv 0. syl impv. qual abbrev. for def imperative. Imroz 0. syl Im+roz pron pos n. def the Turkish name for {Imbros}. IMS 0. syl I.M.S. qual abbrev. for def Indian Medical Service. IMunE 0. syl I.Mun.E. qual abbrev. for def Institution of Municipal Engineers. in ety Old English; compare Old High German in, Welsh yn, Old Norse *_i, Latin in, Greek en in 1. syl in pron pos prep. def inside; within. exam 1 no smoking in the auditorium. in 2. syl in pron pos prep. def at a place where there is. exam 1 lying in the shade; exam 2 walking in the rain. in 3. syl in pron pos prep. def indicating a state, situation, or condition. exam 1 in a deep sleep; exam 2 standing in silence. in 4. syl in pron pos prep. def before or when (a period of time) has elapsed. exam 1 come back in one year. in 5. syl in pron pos prep. def using (a language, etc.) as a means of communication. exam 1 written in code. in 6. syl in pron pos prep. def concerned or involved with, esp. as an occupation. exam 1 in journalism. in 7. syl in pron pos prep. def while or by performing the action of; as a consequence of or by means of. exam 1 in crossing the street he was run over. in 8. syl in pron pos prep. def used to indicate goal or purpose. exam 1 in honour of the president. in 9. syl in pron pos prep. usage used of certain animals def about to give birth to; pregnant with (specified offspring). exam 1 in foal; exam 2 in calf. in 10. syl in pron pos prep. def a variant of {into}. exam 1 she fell in the water; exam 2 he tore the paper in two. have it in one 11. head in syl have it in one. usage often foll. by an infinitive def to have the ability (to do something). in it 12. head in syl in it. qual Austral. informal. def joining in; taking part. in that 13. head in or in so far as syl in that pos conj. def because or to the extent that; inasmuch as. exam 1 I regret my remark in that it upset you. very little infl head in syl very little quite a bit infl head in syl quite a bit in 15. syl in pron pos prep. def in or into a particular place; inward or indoors. exam 1 come in; exam 2 bring him in. in 16. syl in pron pos prep. def so as to achieve office, power, or authority. exam 1 the Conservatives got in at the last election. in 17. syl in pron pos prep. def so as to enclose. exam 1 block in; exam 2 cover in a hole. in 18. syl in pron pos prep. usage in certain games def so as to take one's turn or one's team's turn at a certain aspect of the play; taking one's innings. exam 1 you have to get the other side out before you go in. in 19. syl in pron pos prep. usage Brit. of a fire def alight. exam 1 do you keep the fire in all night?? in 20. syl in pron pos prep. usage in combination def indicating an activity or gathering, esp. one organized to protest against something. exam 1 teach-in; exam 2 work-in. in at 21. head in syl in at. def present at (the beginning, end, etc.). in between 22. head in syl in between. def between. in for 23. head in syl in for. def about to be affected by (something, esp. something unpleasant). exam 1 you're in for a shock. in on 24. head in syl in on. def acquainted with or sharing in. exam 1 I was in on all his plans. in with 25. head in syl in with. def associated with; friendly with; regarded highly by. have (got) it in for 26. head in syl have (got) it in for. def to be seeking to give vent to a grievance against (someone). {~} in 27. syl in pron pos prep. usage stressed def fashionable; modish. exam 1 the in thing to do. ins and outs 28. head in syl ins and outs. def intricacies or complications; details. exam 1 the ins and outs of a computer system. In 0. syl In usage the chemical symbol for def indium. in 0. syl in. qual abbrev. for def inch(es). in- ety from Latin in-; related to ne-, n*_on not il- infl head in- syl il- pos prefix. im- infl head in- or ir- syl im- pos prefix. ir- infl head in- or im- syl ir- pos prefix. in- H1.0. syl in- pos prefix. def not; non-. exam 1 incredible; exam 2 insincere; exam 3 illegal; exam 4 imperfect; exam 5 irregular. in- ety from #7in (prep., adv.) il- infl head in- syl il- pos prefix. im- infl head in- or ir- syl im- pos prefix. ir- infl head in- or im- syl ir- pos prefix. in- H2.1. syl in- pos prefix. def in; into; towards; within; on. exam 1 infiltrate; exam 2 immigrate. in- H2.2. syl in- pos prefix. def having an intensive or causative function. exam 1 inflame; exam 2 imperil. -in ety from New Latin -ina; compare {-#7ine %2} -in 0. syl -in exam 1 suffix forming nouns. -in 1. syl -in def indicating a neutral organic compound, including proteins, glucosides, and glycerides. exam 1 insulin; exam 2 digitoxin; exam 3 tripalmitin. -in 2. syl -in def indicating an enzyme in certain nonsystematic names. exam 1 pepsin. -in 3. syl -in def indicating a pharma?!ceutical substance. exam 1 penicillin; exam 2 riboflavin; exam 3 aspirin. -in 4. syl -in def indicating a chemical substance in certain nonsystematic names. exam 1 coumarin. inability 0. syl in+a:bil+i:ty pron <2in*1biliti> pos n. def lack of ability or means; incapacity. in absentia 0. syl in ab+sen+ti:a pron Latin. <@b1senti*> pos adv. def in the absence of (someone indicated). exam 1 he was condemned in absentia. inaccessible 0. syl in+ac+ces+si:ble pron <2in@k1ses*bL> pos adj. def not accessible; unapproachable. inaccessibility sub head inaccessible or inaccessibleness syl in+ac+2ces+si:1bil+i:ty pos n. inaccessibleness sub head inaccessible or inaccessibility syl in+ac+1ces+si:ble+ness pos n. inaccessibly sub head inaccessible syl in+ac+1ces+si:bly pos adv. cies infl head inaccuracy syl +cies. pos n. mod pl. inaccuracy 1. syl in+ac+cu+ra+cy pron pos n. def lack of accuracy; imprecision. inaccuracy 2. syl in+ac+cu+ra+cy pron pos n. def an error, mistake, or slip. inaccurate 0. syl in+ac+cu+rate pron pos adj. def not accurate; imprecise, inexact, or erroneous. inaccurately sub head inaccurate syl in+1ac+cu+rate+ly pos adv. inaccurateness sub head inaccurate syl in+1ac+cu+rate+ness pos n. inaction 0. syl in+ac+tion pron pos n. def lack of action; idleness; inertia. inactivate 0. syl in+ac+ti+vate pron pos vb. mod tr. def to render inactive. inactivation sub head inactivate syl in+2ac+ti+1va+tion pos n. inactive 1. syl in+ac+tive pron pos adj. def idle or inert; not active. inactive 2. syl in+ac+tive pron pos adj. def sluggish, passive, or indolent. inactive 3. syl in+ac+tive pron pos adj. qual Military. def of or relating to persons or equipment not in active service. inactive 4. syl in+ac+tive pron pos adj. usage Chem. of a substance def having little or no reactivity. inactive 5. syl in+ac+tive pron pos adj. usage of an element, isotope, etc. def having little or no radioactivity. inactively sub head inactive syl in+1ac+tive+ly pos adv. inactivity sub head inactive or inactiveness syl in+ac+1tiv+i:ty pos n. inactiveness sub head inactive or inactivity syl in+1ac+tive+ness pos n. inadequate 1. syl in+ad+e:quate pron pos adj. def not adequate; insufficient. inadequate 2. syl in+ad+e:quate pron pos adj. def not capable or competent; lacking. inadequacy sub head inadequate syl in+1ad+e:qua+cy pos n. inadequately sub head inadequate syl in+1ad+e:quate+ly pos adv. inadmissible 0. syl in+ad+mis+si+ble pron <2in*d1mis*bL> pos adj. def not admissible or allowable. inadmissibility sub head inadmissible syl in+ad+2mis+si:1bil+i:ty pos n. inadmissibly sub head inadmissible syl in+ad+1mis+si:bly pos adv. inadvertency alt head inadvertence or inadvertence syl in+ad+vert+en+cy pos n. inadvertence 1. or inadvertency syl in+ad+vert+ence pron <2in*d1vR:tNs> pos n. def lack of attention; heedlessness. inadvertence 2. or inadvertency syl in+ad+vert+ence pron <2in*d1vR:tNs> pos n. def an instance or an effect of being inadvertent; oversight; slip. inadvertent 1. syl in+ad+vert+ent pron <2in*d1vR:tNt> pos adj. def failing to act carefully or considerately; inattentive. inadvertent 2. syl in+ad+vert+ent pron <2in*d1vR:tNt> pos adj. def resulting from heedless action; unintentional. inadvertently sub head inadvertent syl in+ad+1vert+ent+ly pos adv. inadvisable 1. syl in+ad+vis+a:ble pron <2in*d1vIz*bL> pos adj. def not advisable; not recommended. inadvisable 2. syl in+ad+vis+a:ble pron <2in*d1vIz*bL> pos adj. def unwise; imprudent. inadvisability sub head inadvisable or inadvisableness syl in+ad+2vis+a:1bil+i:ty pos n. inadvisableness sub head inadvisable or inadvisability syl in+ad+1vis+a:ble+ness pos n. inadvisably sub head inadvisable syl in+ad+1vis+a:bly pos adv. -inae ety New Latin, from Latin, feminine plural of -*_inus -{#7ine %1} -inae 0. syl -i:nae usage suffix forming plural proper nouns. def occurring in names of zoological subfamilies. exam 1 Felinae. in aeternum 0. syl in ae:ter+num pron Latin. pos n. def forever; eternally. inalienable 0. syl in+al+ien+a:ble pron pos adj. def not able to be transferred to another; not alienable. exam 1 the inalienable rights of the citizen. inalienability sub head inalienable or inalienableness syl in+2al+ien+a:1bil+i:ty pos n. inalienableness sub head inalienable or inalienability syl in+1al+ien+a:ble+ness pos n. inalienably sub head inalienable syl in+1al+ien+a:bly pos adv. inalterable 0. syl in+al+ter+a:ble pron pos adj. def not alterable; unalterable. inalterability sub head inalterable or inalterableness syl in+2al+ter+a:1bil+i:ty pos n. inalterableness sub head inalterable or inalterability syl in+1al+ter+a:ble+ness pos n. inalterably sub head inalterable syl in+1al+ter+a:bly pos adv. inamorata ety C17: from Italian innamorata, innamorato, from innamorare to cause to fall in love, from amore love, from Latin amor inamorato alt head inamorata or inamorata syl in+am:o+ra+to pron , <2in@m*-> pos n. mod masc. inamoratas infl head inamorata or inamoratos syl in+am:o+ra+tas pos n. mod pl. inamoratos infl head inamorata or inamoratas syl in+am:o+ra+tos. pos n. mod pl. masc. inamorata 0. or inamorato syl in+am:o+ra+ta pron , <2in@m*-> pos n. def a person with whom one is in love; lover. in-and-in 0. syl in-and-in pos adj. usage of breeding def carried out repeatedly among closely related individuals of the same species to eliminate or intensify certain characteristics. inane ety C17: from Latin in*_anis empty inane 1. syl in+ane pron pos adj. def senseless, unimaginative, or empty; unintelligent. exam 1 inane remarks. inane 2. syl in+ane pron pos n. qual Archaic. def something empty or vacant, esp. the void of space. inanely sub head inane syl in+1ane+ly pos adv. inanimate 1. syl in+an:i+mate pron pos adj. def lacking the qualities or features of living beings; not animate. exam 1 inanimate objects. inanimate 2. syl in+an:i+mate pron pos adj. def lacking any sign of life or consciousness; appearing dead. inanimate 3. syl in+an:i+mate pron pos adj. def lacking vitality; spiritless; dull. inanimately sub head inanimate syl in+1an:i+mate+ly pos adv. inanimateness sub head inanimate or inanimation syl in+1an:i+mate+ness pron pos n. inanimation sub head inanimate or inanimateness syl in+an:i+ma+tion pron pos n. inanition ety C14: from Late Latin in*_an*_itio emptiness, from Latin in*_anis empty; see #7inane inanition 1. syl in:a+ni+tion pron <2in*1niS*n> pos n. def exhaustion resulting from lack of food. inanition 2. syl in:a+ni+tion pron <2in*1niS*n> pos n. def mental, social, or spiritual weakness or lassitude. inanities infl head inanity syl in+an+i:ties. pos n. mod pl. inanity 1. syl in+an+i:ty pron pos n. def lack of intelligence or imagination; senselessness; silliness. inanity 2. syl in+an+i:ty pron pos n. def a senseless action, remark, etc. inanity 3. syl in+an+i:ty pron pos n. def an archaic word for {emptiness}. inappellable ety C19: from #7in -%1+Latin appell*_are to #7appeal inappellable 0. syl in+ap+pel+la:ble pron <2in*1pel*bL> pos adj. def incapable of being appealed against, as a court decision; unchallengeable. inappetency alt head inappetence or inappetence syl in+ap+pe+ten+cy pos n. inappetence 0. or inappetency syl in+ap+pe+tence pron pos n. qual Rare. def lack of appetite or desire. inappetent sub head inappetence syl in+1ap+pe+tent pos adj. inapplicable 0. syl in+ap+pli+ca:ble pron , <2in*1plik-> pos adj. def not applicable or suitable; irrelevant. inapplicability sub head inapplicable or inapplicableness syl in+2ap+pli+ca:1bil+i:ty pos n. inapplicableness sub head inapplicable or inapplicability syl in+1ap+pli+ca:ble+ness pos n. inapplicably sub head inapplicable syl in+1ap+pli+ca:bly pos adv. inapposite 0. syl in+ap+po+site pron pos adj. def not appropriate or pertinent; unsuitable. inappositely sub head inapposite syl in+1ap+po+site+ly pos adv. inappositeness sub head inapposite syl in+1ap+po+site+ness pos n. inappreciable 1. syl in+ap+pre+cia:ble pron <2in*1prES*bL> pos adj. def incapable of being appreciated. inappreciable 2. syl in+ap+pre+cia:ble pron <2in*1prES*bL> pos adj. def imperceptible; negligible. &- {@!in+ap+#!pre+cia@.bly} inappreciative 0. syl in+ap+pre+cia+tive pron <2in*1prES*tiv> pos adj. def lacking appreciation; unappreciative. inappreciatively sub head inappreciative syl in+ap+1pre+cia+tive+ly pos adv. inapprehensive 1. syl in+ap+pre+hen+sive pron <2in@pri1hensiv> pos adj. def not perceiving or feeling fear or anxiety; untroubled. inapprehensive 2. syl in+ap+pre+hen+sive pron <2in@pri1hensiv> pos adj. qual Rare. def unable to understand; imperceptive. inapprehensively sub head inapprehensive syl in+ap+pre+1hen+sive+ly pos adv. inapprehensiveness sub head inapprehensive syl in+ap+pre+1hen+sive+ness pos n. inapproachable 0. syl in+ap+proach+a:ble pron <2in*1pr*uC*bL> pos adj. def not accessible; un?!approachable; unfriendly. inapproachability sub head inapproachable syl in+ap+2proach+a:1bil+i:ty pos adv. inapproachably sub head inapproachable syl in+ap+1proach+a:bly pos adv. inappropriate 0. syl in+ap+pro+pri+ate pron <2in*1pr*upriit> pos adj. def not fitting or appropriate; unsuitable or untimely. inappropriately sub head inappropriate syl in+ap+1pro+pri+ate+ly pos adv. inappropriateness sub head inappropriate syl in+ap+1pro+pri+ate+ness pos n. inapt 1. syl in+apt pron pos adj. def not apt or fitting; inappropriate. inapt 2. syl in+apt pron pos adj. def lacking skill; inept. inaptitude sub head inapt or inaptness syl in+1ap+ti+2tude pos n. inaptness sub head inapt or inaptitude syl in+1apt+ness pos n. inaptly sub head inapt syl in+1apt+ly pos adv. inarch 0. syl in+arch pron pos vb. mod tr. def to graft (a plant) by uniting stock and scion while both are still growing independently. inarticulate 1. syl in+ar+tic:u+late pron <2ina:1tikjulit> pos adj. def unable to express oneself fluently or clearly; incoherent. inarticulate 2. syl in+ar+tic:u+late pron <2ina:1tikjulit> pos adj. usage of speech, language, etc. def unclear or incomprehensible; unintelligible. exam 1 inarticulate grunts. inarticulate 3. syl in+ar+tic:u+late pron <2ina:1tikjulit> pos adj. def unable to speak; dumb. inarticulate 4. syl in+ar+tic:u+late pron <2ina:1tikjulit> pos adj. def unable to be expressed; unvoiced. exam 1 inarticulate suffering. inarticulate 5. syl in+ar+tic:u+late pron <2ina:1tikjulit> pos adj. qual Biology. def having no joints, segments, or articulation. inarticulately sub head inarticulate syl in+ar+1tic:u+late+ly pos adv. inarticulateness sub head inarticulate syl in+ar+1tic:u+late+ness pos n. inartificial 1. syl in+ar+ti+fi+cial pron <2ina:ti1fiS*l> pos adj. qual Archaic. def not artificial; real; natural. inartificial 2. syl in+ar+ti+fi+cial pron <2ina:ti1fiS*l> pos adj. qual Archaic. def inartistic. &- {@!in+ar+ti+#!fi+cial+ly} inartistic 0. syl in+ar+tis+tic pron <2ina:1tistik> pos adj. def lacking in artistic skill, appreciation, etc.; Philistine. inartistically sub head inartistic syl in+ar+1tis+ti+cal+ly pos adv. inasmuch as 1. syl in+as+much as pron <2in*z1m^C> pos conj. usage subordinating def in view of the fact that; seeing that; since. inasmuch as 2. syl in+as+much as pron <2in*z1m^C> pos conj. usage subordinating def to the extent or degree that; insofar as. inattentive 0. syl in+at+ten+tive pron <2in*1tentiv> pos adj. def not paying attention; heedless; negligent. inattention sub head inattentive or inattentiveness syl in+at+1ten+tion pos n. inattentiveness sub head inattentive or inattention syl in+at+1ten+tive+ness pos n. inattentively sub head inattentive syl in+at+1ten+tive+ly pos adv. inaudible 0. syl in+au:di:ble pron pos adj. def not loud enough to be heard; not audible. inaudibility sub head inaudible or inaudibleness syl in+2au:di:1bil+i:ty pos n. inaudibleness sub head inaudible or inaudibility syl in+1au:di:ble+ness pos n. inaudibly sub head inaudible syl in+1au:di:bly pos adv. inaugural 1. syl in+au:gu+ral pron pos adj. def characterizing or relating to an inauguration. inaugural 2. syl in+au:gu+ral pron pos n. def a speech made at an inauguration, esp. by a president of the U.S. inaugurate ety C17: from Latin inaugur*_are, literally: to take omens, practise augury, hence to install in office after taking auguries; see #7in -%2#7, augur inaugurate 1. syl in+au:gu+rate pron pos vb. mod tr. def to commence officially or formally; initiate. inaugurate 2. syl in+au:gu+rate pron pos vb. mod tr. def to place in office formally and ceremonially; induct. inaugurate 3. syl in+au:gu+rate pron pos vb. mod tr. def to open ceremonially; dedicate formally. exam 1 to inaugurate a factory. inauguration sub head inaugurate syl in+2au:gu+1ra+tion pos n. inaugurator sub head inaugurate syl in+1au:gu+2ra+tor pos n. Inauguration Day 0. syl In+au:gu+ra+tion Day pos n. def the day on which the inauguration of a president of the U.S. takes place, Jan. 20. ********************************************************************** Inauguration Day 0. syl In+au:gu+ra+tion Day pos n. def the day on which the inauguration of a president of the U.S. takes place, Jan. 20. ********************************************************************** inauspicious 0. syl in+aus+pi+cious pron <2inc:1spiS*s> pos adj. def not auspicious; unlucky; inauspiciously sub head inauspicious syl in+aus+1pi+cious+ly pos adv. inauspiciousness sub head inauspicious syl in+aus+1pi+cious+ness pos n. inbd 0. syl inbd. qual abbrev. for def inboard (on an aircraft, boat, etc.). inbeing 1. syl in+be:ing pron <1in2bEiG> pos n. def existence in something else; inher?!ence. inbeing 2. syl in+be:ing pron <1in2bEiG> pos n. def basic and inward nature; essence. inboard 1. syl in+board pron <1in2bc:d> pos adj. usage esp. of a boat's motor or engine def situated within the hull. Compare { {outboard} (sense 1)}. inboard 2. syl in+board pron <1in2bc:d> pos adj. def situated between the wing tip of an aircraft and its fuselage. exam 1 an inboard engine. inboard 3. syl in+board pron <1in2bc:d> pos adv. def towards the centre line of or within a vessel, aircraft, etc. in-bond shop 0. syl in-bond shop pos n. qual Caribbean. def a duty-free shop. inborn 0. syl in+born pron <1in1bc:n> pos adj. def existing from birth; congenital; innate. inbound 0. syl in+bound pron <1in2baund> pos adj. def coming in; inward bound. exam 1 an inbound ship. inbreathe 0. syl in+breathe pron pos vb. mod tr. qual Rare. def to infuse or imbue. inbred 1. syl in+bred pron <1in1bred> pos adj. def produced as a result of inbreeding. inbred 2. syl in+bred pron <1in1bred> pos adj. def deeply ingrained; innate. exam 1 inbred good manners. inbreeds infl head inbreed syl in+breeds pos vb. inbreeding infl head inbreed syl in+breed+ing pos vb. inbred infl head inbreed syl in+bred. pos vb. inbreed 1. syl in+breed pron <1in1brEd> pos vb. def to breed from unions between closely related individuals, esp. over several generations. inbreed 2. syl in+breed pron <1in1brEd> pos vb. mod tr. def to develop within; engender. inbreeding sub head inbreed syl in+1breed+ing pos n. adj. in-built 0. syl in-built pos adj. def built-in, integral. inc 1. syl inc. qual abbrev. for: def included. inc 2. syl inc. qual abbrev. for: def including. inc 3. syl inc. qual abbrev. for: def inclusive. inc 4. syl inc. qual abbrev. for: def income. inc 5. syl inc. qual abbrev. for: def incomplete. inc 6. syl inc. qual abbrev. for: def increase. inc alt head Inc or Inc syl inc. Inc 0. or inc syl Inc. qual abbrev. for usage esp. after the names of U.S. business organiza?!tions def incorporated. Brit. equivalent: {Ltd}. Inca ety C16: from Spanish, from Quechua inka king Inca infl or Incas syl In:ca pos n. mod pl. Incas infl head Inca or Inca syl In:cas. pos n. mod pl. Inca 1. syl In:ca pron <1iGk*> pos n. def a member of a South American Indian people whose great empire centred on Peru lasted from about 1100 #7a.d. to the Spanish conquest in the early 1530s and is famed for its complex culture. Inca 2. syl In:ca pron <1iGk*> pos n. def the ruler or king of this empire or any member of his family. Inca 3. syl In:ca pron <1iGk*> pos n. def the language of the Incas. See also {Quechua}. incalculable 0. syl in+cal+cu+la:ble pron pos adj. def beyond calculation; unable to be predicted or determined. incalculability sub head incalculable or incalculableness syl in+2cal+cu+la:1bil+i:ty pos n. incalculableness sub head incalculable or incalculability syl in+1cal+cu+la:ble+ness pos n. incalculably sub head incalculable syl in+1cal+cu+la:bly pos adv. incalescent ety C17: from Latin incalescere, from {#7in -%2}#7+ calescere to grow warm, from cal*_ere to be warm incalescent 0. syl in+ca+les+cent pron <2ink*1lesNt> pos adj. qual Chem. def increasing in temperature. incalescence sub head incalescent syl in+ca+1les+cence pos n. in camera ety Latin: in the chamber in camera 1. syl in cam+er:a pron <1k@m*r*> pos adv. adj. def in a private or secret session; not in public. in camera 2.a. syl in cam+er:a pron <1k@m*r*> pos adv. adj. def in the privacy of a judge's chambers. in camera 2.b. syl in cam+er:a pron <1k@m*r*> pos adv. adj. def in a court not open to the public. incandesce 0. syl in+can+desce pron <2ink@n1des> pos vb. mod intr. def to exhibit incandescence. incandescency alt head incandescence or incandescence syl in+can+des+cen+cy pos n. incandescence 1. or incandescency syl in+can+des+cence pron <2ink@n1des*ns> pos n. def the emission of light by a body as a consequence of raising its temperature. Compare {luminescence}. incandescence 2. or incandescency syl in+can+des+cence pron <2ink@n1des*ns> pos n. def the light produced by raising the temperature of a body. incandescent ety C18: from Latin incandescere to become hot, glow, from {#7in -%2}#7+ candescere to grow bright, from cand*_ere to be white; see #7candid incandescent 0. syl in+can+des+cent pron <2ink@n1desNt> pos adj. def emitting light as a result of being heated to a high temperature; red-hot or white-hot. incandescently sub head incandescent syl in+can+1des+cent+ly pos adv. incandescent lamp 0. syl in+can+des+cent lamp pos n. def a source of light that contains a heated solid, such as an electrically heated filament. incantation ety C14: from Late Latin incant*_ati*_o an enchanting, from incant*_are to repeat magic formulas, from Latin, from {#7in -%2}#7+ cant*_are to sing; see #7enchant incantation 1. syl in+can+ta+tion pron <2ink@n1tAS*n> pos n. def ritual recitation of magic words or sounds. incantation 2. syl in+can+ta+tion pron <2ink@n1tAS*n> pos n. def the formulaic words or sounds used; a magic spell. incantational sub head incantation or incantatory syl in+can+1ta+tion+al pos adj. incantatory sub head incantation or incantational syl in+1can+ta+to:ry pos adj. incapable 1. syl in+ca+pa:ble pron pos adj. usage when postpositive, often foll. by of def not capable (of); lacking the ability (to). incapable 2. syl in+ca+pa:ble pron pos adj. def powerless or helpless, as through injury or intoxication. incapable 3. syl in+ca+pa:ble pron pos adj. usage postpositive; foll. by of def not susceptible (to); not admitting (of). exam 1 a problem incapable of solution. incapability sub head incapable or incapableness syl in+2ca+pa:1bil+i:ty pos n. incapableness sub head incapable or incapability syl in+1ca+pa:ble+ness pos n. incapably sub head incapable syl in+1ca+pa:bly pos adv. incapacitate 1. syl in+ca+pac:i+tate pron <2ink*1p@si2tAt> pos vb. mod tr. def to deprive of power, strength, or capacity; disable. incapacitate 2. syl in+ca+pac:i+tate pron <2ink*1p@si2tAt> pos vb. mod tr. def to deprive of legal capacity or eligibility. incapacitation sub head incapacitate syl in+ca+2pac:i+1ta+tion pos n. incapacities infl head incapacity syl in+ca+pac+i:ties. pos n. mod pl. incapacity 1. syl in+ca+pac+i:ty pron <2ink*1p@siti> pos n. def lack of power, strength, or capacity; inability. incapacity 2.a. syl in+ca+pac+i:ty pron <2ink*1p@siti> pos n. def legal disqualification or ineligibility. incapacity 2.b. syl in+ca+pac+i:ty pron <2ink*1p@siti> pos n. def a circumstance causing this. Incaparina ety C20: from Institute of Nutrition in Central America and Panama+ F#7arina Incaparina 0. syl In+cap:a+ri+na pron pos n. def a cheap high-protein food made of cottonseed, sorghum flours, maize, yeast, etc., used, esp. in Latin America, to prevent protein-deficiency diseases. incapsulate 0. syl in+cap+su+late pron pos vb. def a less common spelling of {encapsulate}. incapsulation sub head incapsulate syl in+2cap+su+1la+tion pos n. in-car 0. syl in-car pos adj. def provided within a car. exam 1 in-car entertainment. incarcerate ety C16: from Medieval Latin incarcer*_are, from Latin #7in -%2#7+ carcer prison incarcerate 1. syl in+car+cer+ate pron pos vb. mod tr. def to confine or imprison. incarcerate 2. syl in+car+cer+ate pron , <-2rAt> pos adj. qual Rare. def imprisoned. incarceration sub head incarcerate syl in+2car+cer:1a+tion pos n. incarcerator sub head incarcerate syl in+1car+cer:2a+tor pos n. incardinate ety C17: from Late Latin incardin*_are, from #7in -%2#7+ cardin*_alis #7cardinal incardinate 0. syl in+car+di+nate pron pos vb. mod tr. qual R.C. Church. def to transfer (a cleric) to the jurisdiction of a new bishop. incardination 1. syl in+car+di+na+tion pron pos n. def the official acceptance by one diocese of a clergyman from another diocese. incardination 2. syl in+car+di+na+tion pron pos n. def the promotion of a clergyman to the status of a cardinal. incarnadine ety C16: from French incarnadin flesh-coloured, from Italian, from Late Latin incarn*_atus made flesh, #7incarnate incarnadine 1. syl in+car+na+dine pron pos vb. mod tr. qual Archaic or literary. def to tinge or stain with red. incarnadine 2. syl in+car+na+dine pron pos adj. qual Archaic or literary. def of a pinkish or reddish colour similar to that of flesh or blood. incarnate ety C14: from Late Latin incarn*_are to make flesh, from Latin #7in -%2#7+ car*_o flesh incarnate 1. syl in+car+nate pron , <-nAt> pos adj. usage usually immediately postpositive def possessing bodily form, esp. the human form. exam 1 a devil incarnate. incarnate 2. syl in+car+nate pron , <-nAt> pos adj. usage usually immediately postpositive def personified or typified. exam 1 stupidity incarnate. incarnate 3. syl in+car+nate pron , <-nAt> pos adj. usage usually immediately postpositive; esp. of plant parts def flesh-coloured or pink. incarnate 4. syl in+car+nate pron pos vb. mod tr. usage usually immediately postpositive def to give a bodily or concrete form to. incarnate 5. syl in+car+nate pron pos vb. mod tr. usage usually immediately postpositive def to be representative or typical of. incarnation 1. syl in+car+na+tion pron <2inka:1nAS*n> pos n. def the act of manifesting or state of being manifested in bodily form, esp. human form. incarnation 2. syl in+car+na+tion pron <2inka:1nAS*n> pos n. def a bodily form assumed by a god, etc. incarnation 3. syl in+car+na+tion pron <2inka:1nAS*n> pos n. def a person or thing that typifies or represents some quality, idea, etc.. exam 1 the weasel is the incarnation of ferocity. Incarnation 0. syl In+car+na+tion pron <2inka:1nAS*n> pos n. qual Christian theol. def the assuming of a human body by the Son of God. incase 0. syl in+case pron pos vb. def a variant spelling of {encase}. incasement sub head incase syl in+1case+ment pos n. incautious 0. syl in+cau+tious pron pos adj. def not careful or cautious. incautiously sub head incautious syl in+1cau+tious+ly pos adv. incautiousness sub head incautious or incaution syl in+1cau+tious+ness pos n. incaution sub head incautious or incautiousness syl in+1cau+tion pos n. incendiarism 1. syl in+cen+di:a+rism pron pos n. def the act or practice of illegal burning; arson. incendiarism 2. syl in+cen+di:a+rism pron pos n. usage esp. formerly def the creation of civil strife or violence for political reasons. incendiary ety C17: from Latin incendi*_arius setting alight, from incendium fire, from incendere to kindle incendiary 1. syl in+cen+di+ar:y pron pos adj. def of or relating to the illegal burning of property, goods, etc. incendiary 2. syl in+cen+di+ar:y pron pos adj. def tending to create strife, violence, etc.; inflammatory. incendiary 3. syl in+cen+di+ar:y pron pos adj. usage of a substance def capable of catching fire, causing fires, or burning readily. incendiaries infl head incendiary syl in+cen+di+ar:ies. pos n. mod pl. incendiary 4. syl in+cen+di+ar:y pron pos n. def a person who illegally sets fire to property, goods, etc.; arsonist. incendiary 5. syl in+cen+di+ar:y pron pos n. usage esp. formerly def a person who stirs up civil strife, violence, etc., for political reasons; agitator. incendiary 6. syl in+cen+di+ar:y pron pos n. def Also called: {incendiary bomb}. a bomb that is de?!signed to start fires. incendiary 7. syl in+cen+di+ar:y pron pos n. def an incendiary substance, such as phosphorus. incense ety C13: from Old French encens, from Church Latin incensum, from Latin incendere to kindle &- @!in+cen+#!sa+tion n. incense H1.1. syl in+cense pron <1insens> pos n. def any of various aromatic substances burnt for their fragrant odour, esp. in religious ceremonies. incense H1.2. syl in+cense pron <1insens> pos n. def the odour or smoke so produced. incense H1.3. syl in+cense pron <1insens> pos n. def any pleasant fragrant odour; aroma. incense H1.4. syl in+cense pron <1insens> pos n. qual Rare. def homage or adulation. incense H1.5. syl in+cense pron <1insens> pos vb. def to burn incense in honour of (a deity). incense H1.6. syl in+cense pron <1insens> pos vb. mod tr. def to perfume or fumigate with incense. incense ety C15: from Latin incensus set on fire, from incendere to kindle incense H2.0. syl in+cense pron pos vb. mod tr. def to enrage greatly. incensement sub head incense syl in+1cense+ment pos n. incensory ety C17: from Medieval Latin incensorium incensories infl head incensory syl in+cen+so+ries. pos n. mod pl. incensory 0. syl in+cen+so+ry pron <1insens*ri> pos n. def a less common name for a {censer}. incentive ety C15: from Late Latin incent*_ivus (adj.), from Latin: striking up, setting the tune, from incinere to sing, from #7in -%2#7+ canere to sing incentive 1. syl in+cen+tive pron pos n. def a motivating influence; stimu?!lus. incentive 2.a. syl in+cen+tive pron pos n. def an additional payment made to employees as a means of increasing production. incentive 2.b. syl in+cen+tive pron pos n. usage as modifier exam 1 an incentive scheme. incentive 3. syl in+cen+tive pron pos adj. def serving to incite to action. incentively sub head incentive syl in+1cen+tive+ly pos adv. incept ety C19: from Latin inceptus begun, attempted, from incipere to begin, take in hand, from {#7in -%2}#7+ capere to take incept 1. syl in+cept pron pos vb. mod tr. usage of organisms def to ingest (food). incept 2. syl in+cept pron pos vb. mod tr. usage Brit. formerly def to take a master's or doctor's degree at a university. inceptor sub head incept syl in+1cep+tor pos n. inception 0. syl in+cep+tion pron pos n. def the beginning, as of a project or undertaking. inceptive 1. syl in+cep+tive pron pos adj. def beginning; incipient; initial. inceptive 2. syl in+cep+tive pron pos adj. def Also called: {inchoative}. denoting an aspect of verbs in some languages used to indicate the beginning of an action. {~} inceptive 3.a. syl in+cep+tive pron pos adj. def the inceptive aspect of verbs. inceptive 3.b. syl in+cep+tive pron pos adj. def a verb in this aspect. inceptively sub head inceptive syl in+1cep+tive+ly pos adv. incertitude 1. syl in+cer+ti+tude pron pos n. def uncertainty; doubt. incertitude 2. syl in+cer+ti+tude pron pos n. def a state of mental or emotional insecurity. incessant ety C16: from Late Latin incess*_ans, from Latin #7in -%1#7+ cess*_are to #7cease incessant 0. syl in+ces+sant pron pos adj. def not ceasing; continual. incessancy sub head incessant or incessantness syl in+1ces+san+cy pos n. incessantness sub head incessant or incessancy syl in+1ces+sant+ness pos n. incessantly sub head incessant syl in+1ces+sant+ly pos adv. incest ety C13: from Latin incestus incest (from adj.: impure, defiled), from #7in -%1#7+ castus #7chaste incest 0. syl in+cest pron <1insest> pos n. def sexual intercourse between two persons commonly regarded as too closely related to marry. incestuous 1. syl in+ces+tu+ous pron pos adj. def relating to or involving incest. exam 1 an incestuous union. incestuous 2. syl in+ces+tu+ous pron pos adj. def guilty of incest. incestuous 3. syl in+ces+tu+ous pron pos adj. qual Obsolete. def resulting from incest. exam 1 an incestuous bastard. incestuous 4. syl in+ces+tu+ous pron pos adj. def resembling incest in excessive or claustrophobic intimacy. incestuously sub head incestuous syl in+1ces+tu+ous+ly pos adv. incestuousness sub head incestuous syl in+1ces+tu+ous+ness pos n. inch ety Old English ynce, from Latin uncia twelfth part; see #7ounce inch H1.1. syl inch pron pos n. def a unit of length equal to one twelfth of a foot or 0.0254 metre. inch H1.2.a. syl inch pron pos n. def an amount of precipitation that would cover a surface with water one inch deep. exam 1 five inches of rain fell in January. inch H1.2.b. syl inch pron pos n. def a unit of pressure equal to a mercury column one inch high in a barometer. inch H1.3. syl inch pron pos n. def a very small distance, degree, or amount. every inch 4. head inch syl every inch. def in every way; completely. exam 1 he was every inch an aristocrat. inch by inch 5. head inch syl inch by inch. def gradually; little by little. within an inch of 6. head inch syl within an inch of. def very close to. {~} inch H1.7. syl inch pron pos n. def to move or be moved very slowly or in very small steps. exam 1 the car inched forward. inch ety C15: from Gaelic innis island; compare Welsh ynys inch H2.0. syl inch pron pos n. qual Scot. and Irish. def a small island. inchmeal ety C16: from #7inch %1#7+ -#7meal ; compare #7piecemeal inchmeal 0. syl inch+meal pron <1inC2mEl> pos adv. def gradually; inch by inch or little by little. inchoate ety C16: from Latin incoh*_are to make a beginning, literally: to hitch up, from #7in -%2#7+ cohum yokestrap inchoate 1. syl in+cho+ate pron , <-1k*uit> pos adj. def just beginning; incipient. inchoate 2. syl in+cho+ate pron , <-1k*uit> pos adj. def undeveloped; immature; rudimentary. {~} ($In?!#!k$$$ue$It). inchoate 3. syl in+cho+ate pron , <-1k*uit> pos adj. def to begin. inchoately sub head inchoate syl in+1cho+ate+ly pos adv. inchoateness sub head inchoate syl in+1cho+ate+ness pos n. Incheon alt head Inchon or Inchon syl In+cheon pron <1in1Con> pos n. Inchon 0. or Incheon syl In+chon pron <1in1Con> pos n. def a port in W South Korea, on the Yellow Sea: the chief port for Seoul. Pop.: 797140 (1975). Former name: {Chemulpo}. inchworm 0. syl inch+worm pron <1inC2wR:m> pos n. def another name for a {measuring worm}. incidence 1. syl in+ci+dence pron <1insid*ns> pos n. def degree, extent, or frequency of occurrence; amount. exam 1 a high incidence of death from pneu?!monia. incidence 2. syl in+ci+dence pron <1insid*ns> pos n. def the act or manner of impinging on or affecting by proximity or influence. incidence 3. syl in+ci+dence pron <1insid*ns> pos n. qual Physics. def the arrival of a beam of light or particles at a surface. See also {angle of incidence}. incidence 4. syl in+ci+dence pron <1insid*ns> pos n. qual Geom. def the partial coincidence of two configurations, such as a point that lies on a circle. incident ety C15: from Medieval Latin incidens an event, from Latin incidere, literally: to fall into, hence befall, happen, from #7in -%2#7+ cadere to fall incident 1. syl in+ci+dent pron <1insid*nt> pos n. def a distinct or definite occurrence; event. incident 2. syl in+ci+dent pron <1insid*nt> pos n. def a minor, subsidiary, or related event or action. incident 3. syl in+ci+dent pron <1insid*nt> pos n. def a relatively insignificant event that might have serious consequences, esp. in international politics. incident 4. syl in+ci+dent pron <1insid*nt> pos n. def a public disturbance. exam 1 the police had reports of an incident outside a pub. incident 5. syl in+ci+dent pron <1insid*nt> pos n. usage postpositive; foll. by to def related (to) or dependent (on). incident 6. syl in+ci+dent pron <1insid*nt> pos n. usage when postpositive, often foll. by to def having a subsidiary or minor relationship (with). incident 7. syl in+ci+dent pron <1insid*nt> pos n. usage esp. of a beam of light or particles def arriving at or striking a surface. exam 1 incident electrons. incidental 1. syl in+ci+den+tal pron <2insi1dentL> pos adj. def happening in connection with or resulting from something more important; casual or fortuitous. incidental 2. syl in+ci+den+tal pron <2insi1dentL> pos adj. usage postpositive; foll. by to def found in connection (with); related (to). incidental 3. syl in+ci+den+tal pron <2insi1dentL> pos adj. usage postpositive; foll. by upon def caused (by). incidental 4. syl in+ci+den+tal pron <2insi1dentL> pos adj. def occasional or minor. exam 1 incidental expenses. incidental 5. syl in+ci+den+tal pron <2insi1dentL> pos n. mod often; pl. def an incidental or minor expense, event, or action. incidentalness sub head incidental syl in+ci+1den+tal+ness pos n. incidentally 1. syl in+ci+den+tal+ly pron <2insi1dent*li> pos adv. def as a subordinate or chance occurrence. incidentally 2. syl in+ci+den+tal+ly pron <2insi1dent*li> pos adv. usage sentence modifier def by the way. incidental music 0. syl in+ci+den+tal mu+sic pos n. def background music for a film, etc. incinerate ety C16: from Medieval Latin inciner*_are, from Latin #7in -%2#7+ cinis ashes incinerate 0. syl in+cin+er+ate pron pos vb. def to burn up completely; reduce to ashes. incineration sub head incinerate syl in+2cin+er:1a+tion pos n. incinerator 0. syl in+cin+er:a+tor pron pos n. def a furnace or apparatus for incinerating something, esp. refuse. incipient ety C17: from Latin incipi*_ens, from incipere to begin, take in hand, from #7in -%2#7+ capere to take incipient 0. syl in+cip:i+ent pron pos adj. def just starting to be or happen; beginning. incipience sub head incipient or incipiency syl in+1cip:i+ence pos n. incipiency sub head incipient or incipience syl in+1cip:i+en+cy pos n. incipiently sub head incipient syl in+1cip:i+ent+ly pos adv. incipit 0. syl in+ci+pit pron <1inkipit> qual Latin. def here begins: used as an introductory word at the beginning of some medieval manuscripts. incise ety C16: from Latin inc*_idere to cut into, from #7in -%2#7+ caedere to cut incise 0. syl in+cise pron pos vb. mod tr. def to produce (lines, a design, etc.) by cutting into the surface of (something) with a sharp tool. incised 1. syl in+cised pron pos adj. def cut into or engraved. exam 1 an incised surface. incised 2. syl in+cised pron pos adj. def made by cutting or engraving. exam 1 an incised design. incised 3. syl in+cised pron pos adj. usage of a wound def cleanly cut, as with a surgical knife. incised 4. syl in+cised pron pos adj. def having margins that are sharply and deeply indented. exam 1 an incised leaf. incision 1. syl in+ci+sion pron pos n. def the act of incising. incision 2. syl in+ci+sion pron pos n. def a cut, gash, or notch. incision 3. syl in+ci+sion pron pos n. def a cut made with a knife during a surgical operation. incision 4. syl in+ci+sion pron pos n. def any indentation in an incised leaf. incision 5. syl in+ci+sion pron pos n. qual Rare. def incisiveness. incisive 1. syl in+ci+sive pron pos adj. def keen, penetrating, or acute. incisive 2. syl in+ci+sive pron pos adj. def biting or sarcastic; mordant. exam 1 an incisive remark. incisive 3. syl in+ci+sive pron pos adj. def having a sharp cutting edge. exam 1 incisive teeth. incisively sub head incisive syl in+1ci+sive+ly pos adv. incisiveness sub head incisive syl in+1ci+sive+ness pos n. incisor 0. syl in+ci+sor pron pos n. def a chisel-edged tooth at the front of the mouth. In man there are four in each jaw. incisure 0. syl in+ci+sure pron pos n. qual Anatomy. def an incision or notch in an organ or part. incisural sub head incisure syl in+1ci+sur+al pos adj. incite ety C15: from Latin incit*_are, from #7in -%2#7+ cit*_are to excite incite 0. syl in+cite pron pos vb. mod tr. def to stir up or provoke to action. incitation sub head incite syl in+ci+1ta+tion pos n. incitingly sub head incite syl in+1cit+ing+ly pos adv. incivilities infl head incivility syl in+ci+vil+i:ties. pos n. mod pl. incivility 1. syl in+ci+vil+i:ty pron pos n. def lack of civility or courtesy; rudeness. incivility 2. syl in+ci+vil+i:ty pron pos n. def an impolite or uncivil act or remark. incl 1. syl incl. qual abbrev. for: def including. incl 2. syl incl. qual abbrev. for: def inclusive. inclement 1. syl in+clem+ent pron pos adj. usage of weather def stormy, severe, or tempestuous. inclement 2. syl in+clem+ent pron pos adj. def harsh, severe, or merciless. inclemency sub head inclement or inclementness syl in+1clem+en+cy pos n. inclementness sub head inclement or inclemency syl in+1clem+ent+ness pos n. inclemently sub head inclement syl in+1clem+ent+ly pos adv. inclinable 1. syl in+clin+a:ble pron pos adj. usage postpositive; usually foll. by to def having an inclination or tendency (to); disposed (to). inclinable 2. syl in+clin+a:ble pron pos adj. def capable of being inclined. inclination 1. syl in+cli+na+tion pron <2inkli1nAS*n> pos n. usage often foll. by for, to, towards, or an infinitive def a particular disposition, esp. a liking or preference; tendency. exam 1 I've no inclination for such dull work. inclination 2. syl in+cli+na+tion pron <2inkli1nAS*n> pos n. def the degree of deviation from a particular plane, esp. a horizontal or vertical plane. inclination 3. syl in+cli+na+tion pron <2inkli1nAS*n> pos n. def a sloping or slanting surface; incline. inclination 4. syl in+cli+na+tion pron <2inkli1nAS*n> pos n. def the act of inclining or the state of being inclined. inclination 5.a. syl in+cli+na+tion pron <2inkli1nAS*n> pos n. def the angle between a line on a graph and the positive limb of the axis. inclination 5.b. syl in+cli+na+tion pron <2inkli1nAS*n> pos n. def the smaller dihedral angle between one plane and another. inclination 6. syl in+cli+na+tion pron <2inkli1nAS*n> pos n. qual Astronomy. def the angle between the plane of the orbit of a planet or comet and another plane, usually that of the ecliptic. inclination 7. syl in+cli+na+tion pron <2inkli1nAS*n> pos n. qual Physics. def another name for { {dip} (sense 29)}. inclinational sub head inclination syl in+cli+1na+tion+al pos adj. incline ety C13: from Latin incl*_in*_are to cause to lean, from cl*_in*_are to bend; see {#7lean %1} incline 1. syl in+cline pron pos vb. def to deviate or cause to deviate from a particular plane, esp. a vertical or horizontal plane; slope or slant. incline 2. syl in+cline pron pos vb. mod when; tr. usage may take an infinitive def to be disposed or cause to be disposed (towards some attitude or to do something). exam 1 he inclines towards levity; exam 2 that does not incline me to think that you are right. incline 3. syl in+cline pron pos vb. def to bend or lower (part of the body, esp. the head), as in a bow or in order to listen. incline one's ear 4. head incline syl incline one's ear. def to listen favourably (to). {~} (#!$Inkla$In, $In#!kla$In). incline 5. syl in+cline pron pos vb. def an inclined surface or slope; gradient. incline 6. syl in+cline pron pos vb. def short for {inclined railway}. incliner sub head incline syl in+1clin+er pos n. inclined 1. syl in+clined pron pos adj. usage postpositive; often foll. by to def having a disposition; tending. inclined 2. syl in+clined pron pos adj. def sloping or slanting. inclined plane 0. syl in+clined plane pos n. def a plane whose angle to the horizontal is less than a right angle. inclined railway 0. syl in+clined rail+way pos n. qual Chiefly U.S. def a cable railway used on particularly steep inclines unsuitable for normal adhesion locomotives. inclinometer 1. syl in+cli+nom+e:ter pron <2inkli1nomit*> pos n. def an aircraft instrument for indicating the angle that an aircraft makes with the horizontal. inclinometer 2. syl in+cli+nom+e:ter pron <2inkli1nomit*> pos n. def another name for {dip circle}. inclose 0. syl in+close pron pos vb. def a less common spelling of {enclose}. inclosable sub head inclose syl in+1clos+a:ble pos adj. incloser sub head inclose syl in+1clos+er pos n. inclosure sub head inclose syl in+1clos+ure pos n. include ety C15 (in the sense: to enclose): from Latin incl*_udere to enclose, from #7in -%2#7+ claudere to close include 1. syl in+clude pron pos vb. mod tr. def to have as contents or part of the contents; be made up of or contain. include 2. syl in+clude pron pos vb. mod tr. def to add as part of something else; put in as part of a set, group, or category. include 3. syl in+clude pron pos vb. mod tr. def to contain as a secondary or minor ingredient or element. includable sub head include or includible syl in+1clud+a:ble pos adj. includible sub head include or includable syl in+1clud+i:ble pos adj. included 0. syl in+clud+ed pron pos adj. usage of the stamens or pistils of a flower def not protruding beyond the corolla. includedness sub head included syl in+1clud+ed+ness pos n. include out 0. syl in+clude out pos vb. adv. mod tr. def to exclude. exam 1 you can include me out of that deal. inclusion 1. syl in+clu+sion pron pos n. def the act of including or the state of being included. inclusion 2. syl in+clu+sion pron pos n. def something included. inclusion 3. syl in+clu+sion pron pos n. qual Geology. def a solid fragment, liquid globule, or pocket of gas enclosed in a mineral or rock. inclusion 4. syl in+clu+sion pron pos n. qual Maths. def a relationship between two sets that is only valid when the members of one set are all members of the other. inclusion body 0. syl in+clu+sion bod:y pos n. qual Pathol. def any of the small particles found in cells infected with certain viruses. inclusive 1. syl in+clu+sive pron pos adj. usage postpositive; foll. by of def considered together (with). exam 1 capital inclusive of profit. inclusive 2. syl in+clu+sive pron pos adj. usage postpositive def including the limits specified. exam 1 Monday to Friday inclusive is five days. inclusive 3. syl in+clu+sive pron pos adj. def comprehensive. inclusive 4. syl in+clu+sive pron pos adj. usage Logic. of a disjunction def true if at least one of its component propositions is true. Compare { {exclusive} (sense 10)}. inclusively sub head inclusive syl in+1clu+sive+ly pos adv. inclusiveness sub head inclusive syl in+1clu+sive+ness pos n. inclusive or 0. syl in+clu+sive or pos n. qual Logic. def the connective that gives the value to a disjunction if either or both of the disjuncts are true. Also called: {inclusive disjunction}. Compare {exclusive or}. incoercible 1. syl in+co+er+ci:ble pron <2ink*u1R:s*bL> pos adj. def unable to be coerced or compelled. incoercible 2. syl in+co+er+ci:ble pron <2ink*u1R:s*bL> pos adj. usage of a gas def not capable of being liquefied by pressure alone. incog 0. syl incog. qual abbrev. for def incognito. incogitable 0. syl in+cog:i+ta:ble pron pos adj. qual Rare. def not to be contemplated; unthinkable. incogitability sub head incogitable syl in+2cog:i+ta:1bil+i:ty pos n. incogitant ety C17: from Latin inc*_ogit*_ans, from #7in -%1#7+ c*_ogit*_are to think incogitant 0. syl in+cog:i+tant pron pos adj. qual Rare. def thoughtless. incognito ety C17: from Italian, from Latin incognitus unknown, from #7in -%1#7+ cognitus known incognita alt head incognito or incognito syl in+cog+ni+ta pos adv. adj. mod fem. incognito 1. or incognita syl in+cog+ni+to pron <2inkog1nEt*u> pos adv. adj. usage postpositive def under an assumed name or appearance; in disguise. incognitos infl head incognito or incognitas syl in+cog+ni+tos pos n. mod pl. incognitas infl head incognito or incognitos syl in+cog+ni+tas. pos n. mod pl. fem. incognito 2. or incognita syl in+cog+ni+to pron <2inkog1nEt*u> pos n. usage postpositive def a person who is incognito. incognito 3. or incognita syl in+cog+ni+to pron <2inkog1nEt*u> pos n. usage postpositive def the assumed name or disguise of such a person. incognizant 0. syl in+cog+ni+zant pron pos adj. usage when postpositive, often foll. by of def unaware (of). incognizance sub head incognizant syl in+1cog+ni+zance pos n. incoherent 1. syl in+co+her+ent pron <2ink*u1hi*r*nt> pos adj. def lacking in clarity or organization; disordered. incoherent 2. syl in+co+her+ent pron <2ink*u1hi*r*nt> pos adj. def unable to express oneself clearly; inarticulate. incoherence sub head incoherent syl in+co+1her+ence pos n. incoherency sub head incoherent or incoherentness syl in+co+1her+en+cy pos n. incoherentness sub head incoherent or incoherency syl in+co+1her+ent+ness pos n. incoherently sub head incoherent syl in+co+1her+ent+ly pos adv. incombustible 1. syl in+com+bus+ti:ble pron <2ink*m1b^st*bL> pos adj. def not capable of being burnt; fireproof. incombustible 2. syl in+com+bus+ti:ble pron <2ink*m1b^st*bL> pos n. def an incombustible object or material. incombustibility sub head incombustible or incombustibleness syl in+com+2bus+ti:1bil+i:ty pos n. incombustibleness sub head incombustible or incombustibility syl in+com+1bus+ti:ble+ness pos n. incombustibly sub head incombustible syl in+com+1bus+ti:bly pos adv. income ety C13 (in the sense: arrival, entrance): from Old English incumen a coming in income 1. syl in+come pron <1ink^m>, <1ink*m> pos n. def the amount of monetary or other returns, either earned or unearned, accruing over a given period of time. income 2. syl in+come pron <1ink^m>, <1ink*m> pos n. def receipts; revenue. income 3. syl in+come pron <1ink^m>, <1ink*m> pos n. qual Rare. def an inflow or influx. income bond 0. syl in+come bond pos n. def a bond that pays interest at a rate in direct proportion to the issuer's earnings. income group 0. syl in+come group pos n. def a group in a given population having incomes within a certain range. income tax 0. syl in+come tax pos n. def a personal tax, usually progressive, levied on annual income subject to certain deductions. incoming 1. syl in+com+ing pron <1in2k^miG> pos adj. def coming in; entering. incoming 2. syl in+com+ing pron <1in2k^miG> pos adj. def about to come into office; succeeding. incoming 3. syl in+com+ing pron <1in2k^miG> pos adj. usage of interest, dividends, etc. def being received; accruing. incoming 4. syl in+com+ing pron <1in2k^miG> pos n. def the act of coming in; en?!trance. incoming 5. syl in+com+ing pron <1in2k^miG> pos n. mod usually; pl. def income or revenue. incommensurable 1. syl in+com+men+su+ra:ble pron <2ink*1menS*r*bL> pos adj. def incapable of being judged, measured, or considered comparatively. incommensurable 2. syl in+com+men+su+ra:ble pron <2ink*1menS*r*bL> pos adj. usage postpositive; foll. by with def not in accordance; incommensurate. incommensurable 3.a. syl in+com+men+su+ra:ble pron <2ink*1menS*r*bL> pos adj. def not having a common factor other than 1, such as 2 and $/#800410 -5. incommensurable 3.b. syl in+com+men+su+ra:ble pron <2ink*1menS*r*bL> pos adj. def not having units of the same dimension. incommensurable 3.c. syl in+com+men+su+ra:ble pron <2ink*1menS*r*bL> pos adj. def unrelated to another measurement by integral multiples. incommensurable 4. syl in+com+men+su+ra:ble pron <2ink*1menS*r*bL> pos n. def something incommensurable. incommensurability sub head incommensurable or incommensurableness syl in+com+2men+su+ra:1bil+i:ty pos n. incommensurableness sub head incommensurable or incommensurability syl in+com+1men+su+ra:ble+ness pos n. incommensurably sub head incommensurable syl in+com+1men+su+ra:bly pos adv. incommensurate 1. syl in+com+men+su+rate pron <2ink*1menS*rit> pos adj. usage when postpositive, often foll. by with def not commensurate; disproportionate. incommensurate 2. syl in+com+men+su+rate pron <2ink*1menS*rit> pos adj. def incommensurable. incommensurately sub head incommensurate syl in+com+1men+su+rate+ly pos adv. incommensurateness sub head incommensurate syl in+com+1men+su+rate+ness pos n. incommode ety C16: from Latin incommod*_are to be troublesome, from incommodus inconvenient, from #7in -%1#7+ commodus convenient; see #7commode incommode 0. syl in+com+mode pron <2ink*1m*ud> pos vb. mod tr. def to bother, disturb, or inconvenience. incommodious 1. syl in+com+mo+di+ous pron <2ink*1m*udi*s> pos adj. def insufficiently spa?!cious; cramped. incommodious 2. syl in+com+mo+di+ous pron <2ink*1m*udi*s> pos adj. def troublesome or inconvenient. incommodiously sub head incommodious syl in+com+1mo+di+ous+ly pos adv. incommodiousness sub head incommodious syl in+com+1mo+di+ous+ness pos n. incommodities infl head incommodity syl in+com+mod+i:ties. pos n. mod pl. incommodity 0. syl in+com+mod+i:ty pron <2ink*1moditi> pos n. def a less common word for {inconvenience}. incommunicable 1. syl in+com+mu+ni+ca:ble pron <2ink*1mju:nik*bL> pos adj. def incapable of being communicated. incommunicable 2. syl in+com+mu+ni+ca:ble pron <2ink*1mju:nik*bL> pos adj. def an obsolete word for {incommunicative}. incommunicability sub head incommunicable or incommunicableness syl in+com+2mu+ni+ca:1bil+i:ty pos n. incommunicableness sub head incommunicable or incommunicability syl in+com+1mu+ni+ca:ble+ness pos n. incommunicably sub head incommunicable syl in+com+1mu+ni+ca:bly pos adv. incommunicado ety C19: from Spanish incomunicado, from incomunicar to deprive of communication; see #7in -%1#7, communicate incommunicado 0. syl in+com+mu+ni+ca+do pron <2ink*2mju:ni1ka:d*u> pos adv. adj. usage postpositive def deprived of communication with other people, as while in solitary confinement. incommunicative 0. syl in+com+mu+ni+ca+tive pron <2ink*1mju:nik*tiv> pos adj. def tending not to communicate with others; taciturn. incommunicatively sub head incommunicative syl in+com+1mu+ni+ca+tive+ly pos adv. incommunicativeness sub head incommunicative syl in+com+1mu+ni+ca+tive+ness pos n. incommutable 0. syl in+com+mut+a:ble pron <2ink*1mju:t*bL> pos adj. def incapable of being commuted; unalterable. incommutability sub head incommutable or incommutableness syl in+com+2mut+a:1bil+i:ty pos n. incommutableness sub head incommutable or incommutability syl in+com+1mut+a:ble+ness pos n. incommutably sub head incommutable syl in+com+1mut+a:bly pos adv. incomparable 1. syl in+com+pa+ra:ble pron , <-pr*bL> pos adj. def beyond or above comparison; matchless; unequalled. incomparable 2. syl in+com+pa+ra:ble pron , <-pr*bL> pos adj. def lacking a basis for comparison; not having qualities or features that can be compared. incomparability sub head incomparable or incomparableness syl in+2com+pa+ra:1bil+i:ty pos n. incomparableness sub head incomparable or incomparability syl in+1com+pa+ra:ble+ness pos n. incomparably sub head incomparable syl in+1com+pa+ra:bly pos adv. incompatible 1. syl in+com+pat+i:ble pron <2ink*m1p@t*bL> pos adj. def incapable of living or existing together in peace or harmony; conflicting or antago?!nistic. incompatible 2. syl in+com+pat+i:ble pron <2ink*m1p@t*bL> pos adj. def opposed in nature or quality; inconsistent. incompatible 3. syl in+com+pat+i:ble pron <2ink*m1p@t*bL> pos adj. usage of an office, position, etc. def only able to be held by one person at a time. incompatible 4. syl in+com+pat+i:ble pron <2ink*m1p@t*bL> pos adj. usage Med. esp. of two drugs or two types of blood def incapable of being combined or used together; antagonistic. incompatible 5. syl in+com+pat+i:ble pron <2ink*m1p@t*bL> pos adj. usage Logic. of two propositions def unable to be both true at the same time. incompatible 6.a. syl in+com+pat+i:ble pron <2ink*m1p@t*bL> pos adj. def not capable of forming successful grafts. incompatible 6.b. syl in+com+pat+i:ble pron <2ink*m1p@t*bL> pos adj. def incapable of self-fertilization. incompatible 7. syl in+com+pat+i:ble pron <2ink*m1p@t*bL> pos adj. qual Maths. def another word for {inconsistent} (sense 4). incompatible 8. syl in+com+pat+i:ble pron <2ink*m1p@t*bL> pos n. mod often; pl. def a person or thing that is incompatible with another. incompatibility sub head incompatible or incompatibleness syl in+com+2pat+i:1bil+i:ty pos n. incompatibleness sub head incompatible or incompatibility syl in+com+1pat+i:ble+ness pos n. incompatibly sub head incompatible syl in+com+1pat+i:bly pos adv. incompetent 1. syl in+com+pe+tent pron pos adj. def not possessing the necessary ability, skill, etc. to do or carry out a task; incapable. incompetent 2. syl in+com+pe+tent pron pos adj. def marked by lack of ability, skill, etc. incompetent 3. syl in+com+pe+tent pron pos adj. qual Law. def not legally qualified. exam 1 an incompetent witness. incompetent 4. syl in+com+pe+tent pron pos adj. usage of rock strata, folds, etc. def yielding readily to pressure so as to undergo structural deformation. incompetent 5. syl in+com+pe+tent pron pos n. def an incompetent person. incompetence sub head incompetent or incompetency syl in+1com+pe+tence pos n. incompetency sub head incompetent or incompetence syl in+1com+pe+ten+cy pos n. incompetently sub head incompetent syl in+1com+pe+tent+ly pos adv. incomplete 1. syl in+com+plete pron <2ink*m1plEt> pos adj. def not complete or finished. incomplete 2. syl in+com+plete pron <2ink*m1plEt> pos adj. def not completely developed; imperfect. incomplete 3. syl in+com+plete pron <2ink*m1plEt> pos adj. qual Logic. def meaningless unless used in a specific context. incompletely sub head incomplete syl in+com+1plete+ly pos adv. incompleteness sub head incomplete or incompletion syl in+com+1plete+ness pos n. incompletion sub head incomplete or incompleteness syl in+com+1ple+tion pos n. incompliant 0. syl in+com+pli+ant pron <2ink*m1plI*nt> pos adj. def not compliant; unyielding or inflexible. incompliance sub head incompliant or incompliancy syl in+com+1pli+ance pos n. incompliancy sub head incompliant or incompliance syl in+com+1pli+an+cy pos n. incompliantly sub head incompliant syl in+com+1pli+ant+ly pos adv. incomprehensible 1. syl in+com+pre+hen+si:ble pron <2inkompri1hens*bL>, pos adj. def incapable of being understood; unintelligible. incomprehensible 2. syl in+com+pre+hen+si:ble pron <2inkompri1hens*bL>, pos adj. qual Archaic. def limitless; boundless. incomprehensibility sub head incomprehensible or incomprehensibleness syl in+com+pre+2hen+si:1bil+i:ty pos n. incomprehensibleness sub head incomprehensible or incomprehensibility syl in+com+pre+1hen+si:ble+ness pos n. incomprehensibly sub head incomprehensible syl in+com+pre+1hen+si:bly pos adv. incomprehension 0. syl in+com+pre+hen+sion pron <2inkompri1henS*n>, pos n. def inability or failure to comprehend; lack of understanding. incomprehensive 0. syl in+com+pre+hen+sive pron <2inkompri1hensiv>, pos adj. def not comprehensive; limited in range or scope. incomprehensively sub head incomprehensive syl in+com+pre+1hen+sive+ly pos adv. incomprehensiveness sub head incomprehensive syl in+com+pre+1hen+sive+ness pos n. incompressible 0. syl in+com+press+i:ble pron <2ink*m1pres*bL> pos adj. def incapable of being compressed or condensed. incompressibility sub head incompressible or incompressibleness syl in+com+2press+i:1bil+i:ty pos n. incompressibleness sub head incompressible or incompressibility syl in+com+1press+i:ble+ness pos n. incompressibly sub head incompressible syl in+com+1press+i:bly pos adv. incomputable 0. syl in+com+put+a:ble pron <2ink*m1pju:t*bL> pos adj. def incapable of being computed; incalculable. incomputability sub head incomputable syl in+com+2put+a:1bil+i:ty pos n. incomputably sub head incomputable syl in+com+1put+a:bly pos adv. inconceivable 0. syl in+con+ceiv+a:ble pron <2ink*n1sEv*bL> pos adj. def incapable of being conceived, imagined, or considered. inconceivability sub head inconceivable or inconceivableness syl in+con+2ceiv+a:1bil+i:ty pos n. inconceivableness sub head inconceivable or inconceivability syl in+con+1ceiv+a:ble+ness pos n. inconceivably sub head inconceivable syl in+con+1ceiv+a:bly pos adv. inconclusive 1. syl in+con+clu+sive pron <2ink*n1klu:siv> pos adj. def not conclusive or decisive; not finally settled; indeterminate. inconclusively sub head inconclusive syl in+con+1clu+sive+ly pos adv. inconclusiveness sub head inconclusive syl in+con+1clu+sive+ness pos n. incondensible alt head incondensable or incondensable syl in+con+den+si:ble pron <2ink*n1dens*bL> pos adj. incondensable 0. or incondensible syl in+con+den+sa:ble pron <2ink*n1dens*bL> pos adj. def incapable of being condensed. incondensability sub head incondensable or incondensibility syl in+con+2den+sa:1bil+i:ty pos n. incondensibility sub head incondensable or incondensability syl in+con+2den+si:1bil+i:ty pos n. incondite 1. syl in+con+dite pron , <-dIt> pos adj. qual Rare. def poorly constructed or composed. incondite 2. syl in+con+dite pron , <-dIt> pos adj. qual Rare. def rough or crude. inconditely sub head incondite syl in+1con+dite+ly pos adv. inconformity 0. syl in+con+form+i:ty pron <2ink*n1fc:miti> pos n. def lack of conformity; ir?!regularity. incongruities infl head incongruity syl in+con+gru+i:ties. pos n. mod pl. incongruity 1. syl in+con+gru+i:ty pron <2inkoG1gru:iti> pos n. def something incongruous. incongruity 2. syl in+con+gru+i:ty pron <2inkoG1gru:iti> pos n. def the state or quality of being incongruous. incongruent alt head incongruous or incongruous syl in+con+gru+ent pos adj. incongruous 1. or incongruent syl in+con+gru+ous pron pos adj. usage when postpositive, foll. by with or to def incompatible with (what is suitable); inappropriate. incongruous 2. or incongruent syl in+con+gru+ous pron pos adj. def containing disparate or discordant elements or parts. incongruously sub head incongruous or incongruently syl in+1con+gru+ous+ly pos adv. incongruently sub head incongruous or incongruously syl in+1con+gru+ent+ly pos adv. incongruousness sub head incongruous or incongruence syl in+1con+gru+ous+ness pos n. incongruence sub head incongruous or incongruousness syl in+1con+gru+ence pos n. inconsecutive 0. syl in+con+sec:u+tive pron <2ink*n1sekjutiv> pos adj. def not consecutive; not in sequence. &- {@!in+con+#!sec@.u+tive+ly} &- {@!in+con+#!sec@.u+tive+ness} inconsequent alt head inconsequential or inconsequential syl in+con+se:quent pron pos adj. inconsequential 1. or inconsequent syl in+con+se:quen+tial pron <2inkonsi1kwenS*l>, pos adj. def not following logically as a consequence. inconsequential 2. or inconsequent syl in+con+se:quen+tial pron <2inkonsi1kwenS*l>, pos adj. def trivial or insignificant. inconsequential 3. or inconsequent syl in+con+se:quen+tial pron <2inkonsi1kwenS*l>, pos adj. def not in a logical sequence; haphazard. inconsequentiality sub head inconsequential syl in+con+se:2quen+ti+1al+i:ty pos n. inconsequentialness sub head inconsequential syl in+con+se:1quen+tial+ness pos n. inconsequence sub head inconsequential or inconsequentness syl in+1con+se:quence pos n. inconsequentness sub head inconsequential or inconsequence syl in+1con+se:quent+ness pos n. inconsequentially sub head inconsequential or inconsequently syl in+con+se:1quen+tial+ly pos adv. inconsequently sub head inconsequential or inconsequentially syl in+1con+se:quent+ly pos adv. inconsiderable 1. syl in+con+sid+er+a:ble pron <2ink*n1sid*r*bL> pos adj. def relatively small. inconsiderable 2. syl in+con+sid+er+a:ble pron <2ink*n1sid*r*bL> pos adj. def not worthy of consideration; insignificant. inconsiderableness sub head inconsiderable syl in+con+1sid+er+a:ble+ness pos n. inconsiderably sub head inconsiderable syl in+con+1sid+er+a:bly pos adv. inconsiderate 1. syl in+con+sid+er+ate pron <2ink*n1sid*rit> pos adj. def lacking in care or thought for others; heedless; thoughtless. inconsiderate 2. syl in+con+sid+er+ate pron <2ink*n1sid*rit> pos adj. qual Rare. def insufficiently considered. inconsiderately sub head inconsiderate syl in+con+1sid+er+ate+ly pos adv. inconsiderateness sub head inconsiderate or inconsideration syl in+con+1sid+er+ate+ness pos n. inconsideration sub head inconsiderate or inconsiderateness syl in+con+2sid+er:1a+tion pos n. cies infl head inconsistency syl +cies. pos n. mod pl. inconsistency 1. syl in+con+sist+en+cy pron <2ink*n1sist*nsi> pos n. def lack of consistency or agreement; incompatibility. inconsistency 2. syl in+con+sist+en+cy pron <2ink*n1sist*nsi> pos n. def an inconsistent feature or quality. inconsistent 1. syl in+con+sist+ent pron <2ink*n1sist*nt> pos adj. def lacking in consistency, agreement, or compatibility; at variance. inconsistent 2. syl in+con+sist+ent pron <2ink*n1sist*nt> pos adj. def containing contradictory elements. inconsistent 3. syl in+con+sist+ent pron <2ink*n1sist*nt> pos adj. def irregular or fickle in behaviour or mood. inconsistent 4. syl in+con+sist+ent pron <2ink*n1sist*nt> pos adj. def Also: {incompatible}. (of two or more equations) not having one common set of values of the variables. exam 1 x+ inconsistent 5. syl in+con+sist+ent pron <2ink*n1sist*nt> pos adj. usage Logic. of a set of axioms def leading to at least one proposition that can be shown to be true by one axiom and false by another. inconsistently sub head inconsistent syl in+con+1sist+ent+ly pos adv. inconsolable 0. syl in+con+sol+a:ble pron <2ink*n1s*ul*bL> pos adj. def incapable of being consoled or comforted; disconsolate. inconsolability sub head inconsolable or inconsolableness syl in+con+2sol+a:1bil+i:ty pos n. inconsolableness sub head inconsolable or inconsolability syl in+con+1sol+a:ble+ness pos n. inconsolably sub head inconsolable syl in+con+1sol+a:bly pos adv. inconsonant 0. syl in+con+so+nant pron pos adj. def lacking in harmony or compatibility; discordant. inconsonance sub head inconsonant syl in+1con+so+nance pos n. inconsonantly sub head inconsonant syl in+1con+so+nant+ly pos adv. inconspicuous 0. syl in+con+spic:u+ous pron <2ink*n1spikju*s> pos adj. def not easily noticed or seen; not prominent or striking. inconspicuously sub head inconspicuous syl in+con+1spic:u+ous+ly pos adv. inconspicuousness sub head inconspicuous syl in+con+1spic:u+ous+ness pos n. inconstant 1. syl in+con+stant pron pos adj. def not constant; variable. inconstant 2. syl in+con+stant pron pos adj. def fickle. inconstancy sub head inconstant syl in+1con+stan+cy pos n. inconstantly sub head inconstant syl in+1con+stant+ly pos adv. inconsumable 1. syl in+con+sum+a:ble pron <2ink*n1sju:m*bL> pos adj. def incapable of being consumed or used up. inconsumable 2. syl in+con+sum+a:ble pron <2ink*n1sju:m*bL> pos adj. qual Economics. def providing an economic service without being consumed, as currency. inconsumably sub head inconsumable syl in+con+1sum+a:bly pos adv. incontestable 0. syl in+con+test+a:ble pron <2ink*n1test*bL> pos adj. def incapable of being contested or disputed. incontestability sub head incontestable or incontestableness syl in+con+2test+a:1bil+i:ty pos n. incontestableness sub head incontestable or incontestability syl in+con+1test+a:ble+ness pos n. incontestably sub head incontestable syl in+con+1test+a:bly pos adv. incontinent ety C14: from Old French, from Latin incontinens, from #7in -%1#7+ continere to hold, restrain incontinent H1.1. syl in+con+ti+nent pron pos adj. def lacking in restraint or control, esp. sexually. incontinent H1.2. syl in+con+ti+nent pron pos adj. def relating to or exhibiting involuntary urination or defecation. incontinent H1.3. syl in+con+ti+nent pron pos adj. usage foll. by of def having little or no control (over). incontinent H1.4. syl in+con+ti+nent pron pos adj. def unrestrained; uncontrolled. incontinence sub head incontinent or incontinency syl in+1con+ti+nence pos n. incontinency sub head incontinent or incontinence syl in+1con+ti+nen+cy pos n. incontinently sub head incontinent syl in+1con+ti+nent+ly pos adv. incontinent ety C15: from Late Latin in continent*_i tempore, literally: in continuous time, that is, with no interval incontinent H2.0. syl in+con+ti+nent pron pos adv. def an obsolete word for {immediately}. incontrollable 0. syl in+con+trol+la:ble pron <2ink*n1tr*ul*bL> pos adj. def a less common word for {uncontrollable}. incontrollably sub head incontrollable syl in+con+1trol+la:bly pos adv. incontrovertible 0. syl in+con+tro+vert+i:ble pron <2inkontr*1vR:t*bL>, pos adj. def in?!capable of being contradicted or disputed; undeniable. incontrovertibility sub head incontrovertible or incontrovertibleness syl in+con+tro+2vert+i:1bil+i:ty pos n. incontrovertibleness sub head incontrovertible or incontrovertibility syl in+con+tro+1vert+i:ble+ness pos n. incontrovertibly sub head incontrovertible syl in+con+tro+1vert+i:bly pos adv. inconvenience 1. syl in+con+ven+ience pron <2ink*n1vEnj*ns>, <-1vEni*ns> pos n. def the state or quality of being inconvenient. inconvenience 2. syl in+con+ven+ience pron <2ink*n1vEnj*ns>, <-1vEni*ns> pos n. def something inconvenient; a hindrance, trouble, or difficulty. inconvenience 3. syl in+con+ven+ience pron <2ink*n1vEnj*ns>, <-1vEni*ns> pos vb. mod tr. def to cause inconvenience to; trouble or harass. inconvenient 0. syl in+con+ven+ient pron <2ink*n1vEnj*nt>, <-1vEni*nt> pos adj. def not convenient; troublesome, awkward, or difficult. inconveniently sub head inconvenient syl in+con+1ven+ient+ly pos adv. inconvertible 1. syl in+con+vert+i:ble pron <2ink*n1vR:t*bL> pos adj. def incapable of being converted or changed. inconvertible 2.a. syl in+con+vert+i:ble pron <2ink*n1vR:t*bL> pos adj. def not redeemable for gold or silver specie. inconvertible 2.b. syl in+con+vert+i:ble pron <2ink*n1vR:t*bL> pos adj. def not exchangeable for another currency. inconvertibility sub head inconvertible or inconvertibleness syl in+con+2vert+i:1bil+i:ty pos n. inconvertibleness sub head inconvertible or inconvertibility syl in+con+1vert+i:ble+ness pos n. inconvertibly sub head inconvertible syl in+con+1vert+i:bly pos adv. inconvincible 0. syl in+con+vin+ci:ble pron <2ink*n1vins*bL> pos adj. def refusing or not able to be convinced. inconvincibility sub head inconvincible or inconvincibleness syl 2in+con+2vin+ci:1bil+i:ty pos n. inconvincibleness sub head inconvincible or inconvincibility syl 2in+con+1vin+ci:ble+ness pos n. inconvincibly sub head inconvincible syl 2in+con+1vin+ci:bly pos adv. incoordinate 1. syl in+co+or:di+nate pron <2ink*u1c:dinit> pos adj. def not coordinate; un?!equal in rank, order, or importance. incoordinate 2. syl in+co+or:di+nate pron <2ink*u1c:dinit> pos adj. def uncoordinated. incoordination 1. syl in+co+or:di+na+tion pron <2ink*u2c:di1nAS*n> pos n. def lack of coordina?!tion or organization. incoordination 2. syl in+co+or:di+na+tion pron <2ink*u2c:di1nAS*n> pos n. qual Pathol. def a lack of muscular control when making a voluntary movement. incor alt head incorp or incorp syl incor. incorp 0. or incor syl incorp. qual abbrev. for def incorporated. incorporable 0. syl in+cor+po+ra:ble pron pos adj. def capable of being incorporated or included. incorporate ety C14 (in the sense: put into the body of something else): from Late Latin incorpor*_are to embody, from Latin #7in -%2#7+ corpus body incorporate H1.1. syl in+cor+po+rate pron pos vb. def to include or be included as a part or member of a united whole. incorporate H1.2. syl in+cor+po+rate pron pos vb. def to form or cause to form a united whole or mass; merge or blend. incorporate H1.3. syl in+cor+po+rate pron pos vb. def to form (individuals, an unincorporated enterprise, etc.) into a corporation or other organization with a separate legal identity from that of its owners or members. incorporate H1.4. syl in+cor+po+rate pron , <-prit> pos adj. def combined into a whole; incorporated. incorporate H1.5. syl in+cor+po+rate pron , <-prit> pos adj. def formed into or constituted as a corporation. incorporative sub head incorporate syl in+1cor+po+ra+tive pos adj. incorporation sub head incorporate syl in+2cor+po+1ra+tion pos n. incorporate ety C16: from Late Latin incorpor*_atus, from Latin #7in -%1#7+ corpor*_atus furnished with a body incorporate H2.0. syl in+cor+po+rate pron , <-prit> pos adj. def an archaic word for {incorporeal}. incorporated 1. syl in+cor+po+rat+ed pron pos adj. def united or combined into a whole. incorporated 2. syl in+cor+po+rat+ed pron pos adj. def organized as a legal corporation, esp. in commerce. Abbrev.: {Inc}. {inc}. incorporatedness sub head incorporated syl in+1cor+po+2rat+ed+ness pos n. incorporating 0. syl in+cor+po+rat+ing pron pos adj. qual Linguistics. def another word for {polysynthetic}. incorporator 1. syl in+cor+po+ra+tor pron pos n. def a person who incorporates. incorporator 2.a. syl in+cor+po+ra+tor pron pos n. def any of the signatories of a certificate of incorporation. incorporator 2.b. syl in+cor+po+ra+tor pron pos n. def any of the original members of a corporation. incorporeal 1. syl in+cor+po+re:al pron <2inkc:1pc:ri*l> pos adj. def without material form, body, or substance. incorporeal 2. syl in+cor+po+re:al pron <2inkc:1pc:ri*l> pos adj. def spiritual or metaphysical. incorporeal 3. syl in+cor+po+re:al pron <2inkc:1pc:ri*l> pos adj. qual Law. def having no material existence but existing by reason of its annexation of something material, such as an easement, touchline, copyright, etc.. exam 1 an incorporeal hereditament. incorporeally sub head incorporeal syl in+cor+1po+re:al+ly pos adv. incorporeity sub head incorporeal or incorporeality syl in+cor+po+re:i:ty pron pos n. incorporeality sub head incorporeal or incorporeity syl in+cor+po+re:1al+i:ty pos n. incorrect 1. syl in+cor+rect pron <2ink*1rekt> pos adj. def false; wrong. exam 1 an incorrect calculation. incorrect 2. syl in+cor+rect pron <2ink*1rekt> pos adj. def not fitting or proper. exam 1 incorrect behaviour. incorrectly sub head incorrect syl in+cor+1rect+ly pos adv. incorrectness sub head incorrect syl in+cor+1rect+ness pos n. incorrigible 1. syl in+cor+ri+gi:ble pron pos adj. def beyond correction, reform, or alteration. incorrigible 2. syl in+cor+ri+gi:ble pron pos adj. def firmly rooted; ineradicable. incorrigible 3. syl in+cor+ri+gi:ble pron pos n. def a person or animal that is incorrigible. incorrigibility sub head incorrigible or incorrigibleness syl in+2cor+ri+gi:1bil+i:ty pos n. incorrigibleness sub head incorrigible or incorrigibility syl in+1cor+ri+gi:ble+ness pos n. incorrigibly sub head incorrigible syl in+1cor+ri+gi:bly pos adv. incorrupt 1. syl in+cor+rupt pron <2ink*1r^pt> pos adj. def free from corruption; pure. incorrupt 2. syl in+cor+rupt pron <2ink*1r^pt> pos adj. def free from decay; fresh or untainted. incorrupt 3. syl in+cor+rupt pron <2ink*1r^pt> pos adj. usage of a manuscript, text, etc. def relatively free from error or alteration. incorruptly sub head incorrupt syl in+cor+1rupt+ly pos adv. incorruptible 1. syl in+cor+rupt+i:ble pron <2ink*1r^pt*bL> pos adj. def incapable of being corrupted; honest; just. incorruptible 2. syl in+cor+rupt+i:ble pron <2ink*1r^pt*bL> pos adj. def not subject to decay or decomposition. incorruptibility sub head incorruptible or incorruptibleness syl in+cor+2rupt+i:1bil+i:ty pos n. incorruptibleness sub head incorruptible or incorruptibility syl in+cor+1rupt+i:ble+ness pos n. incorruptibly sub head incorruptible syl in+cor+1rupt+i:bly pos adv. incr 1. syl incr. qual abbrev. for: def increase. incr 2. syl incr. qual abbrev. for: def increased. incr 3. syl incr. qual abbrev. for: def increasing. incrassate ety C17: from Late Latin incrass*_are, from Latin crassus thick, dense incrassate 1. syl in+cras+sate pron , <-At> pos adj. qual Biology. usage also def thickened or swollen. exam 1 incrassate cell walls. incrassate 2. syl in+cras+sate pron , <-At> pos adj. qual Obsolete. usage also def fattened or swollen. incrassate 3. syl in+cras+sate pron pos vb. qual Obsolete. usage also def to make or become thicker. incrassation sub head incrassate syl in+cras+1sa+tion pos n. increase ety C14: from Old French encreistre, from Latin incr*_escere, from #7in -%2 cr*_escere to grow increase 1. syl in+crease pron pos vb. def to make or become greater in size, degree, frequency, etc.; grow or expand. increase 2. syl in+crease pron <1inkrEs> pos n. def the act of increasing; augmentation. increase 3. syl in+crease pron <1inkrEs> pos n. def the amount by which something increases. on the increase 4. head increase syl on the increase. def increasing, esp. becoming more frequent. increasable sub head increase syl in+1creas+a:ble pos adj. increasedly sub head increase or increasingly syl in+creas+ed+ly pron pos adv. increasingly sub head increase or increasedly syl in+1creas+ing+ly pos adv. increaser sub head increase syl in+1creas+er pos n. increate 0. syl in+cre+ate pron <2inkri1At>, <1inkri2At> pos adj. usage Archaic, poetic. esp. of gods def never having been created. increately sub head increate syl in+cre+1ate+ly pos adv. incredible 1. syl in+cred+i:ble pron pos adj. def beyond belief or understanding; unbelievable. incredible 2. syl in+cred+i:ble pron pos adj. qual Informal. def marvellous; amazing. incredibility sub head incredible or incredibleness syl in+2cred+i:1bil+i:ty pos n. incredibleness sub head incredible or incredibility syl in+1cred+i:ble+ness pos n. incredulity 0. syl in+cre+du+li:ty pron <2inkri1dju:liti> pos n. def lack of belief; scepticism. incredulous 0. syl in+cred:u+lous pron pos adj. usage often foll. by of def not prepared or willing to believe (something); unbelieving. incredulously sub head incredulous syl in+1cred:u+lous+ly pos adv. incredulousness sub head incredulous syl in+1cred:u+lous+ness pos n. increment ety C15: from Latin incr*_ementum growth, #7increase increment 1. syl in+cre+ment pron <1inkrim*nt> pos n. def an increase or addition, esp. one of a series. increment 2. syl in+cre+ment pron <1inkrim*nt> pos n. def the act of increasing; augmentation. increment 3. syl in+cre+ment pron <1inkrim*nt> pos n. qual Maths. def a small positive or negative change in a variable or function. Symbol: #GD, as in #GD or #GD incremental sub head increment syl in+cre+men+tal pron <2inkri1mentL> pos adj. incremental plotter 0. syl in+cre+men+tal plot+ter pos n. def a device that plots graphs on paper from computer-generated instructions. See also {microfilm plotter}. incremental recorder 0. syl in+cre+men+tal re+cord+er pos n. qual Computer technol. def a device for recording data as it is generated, usually on paper tape or magnetic tape, and feeding it into a computer. increscent ety C16: from Latin incr*_esc*_ens increscent 0. syl in+cres+cent pron pos adj. usage esp. of the moon def increasing in size; waxing. incretion ety C20: from {#7in -%2}#7+ (#7se) #7cretion incretion 1. syl in+cre+tion pron pos n. qual Physiol. def direct secretion into the bloodstream, esp. of a hormone from an endocrine gland. incretion 2. syl in+cre+tion pron pos n. qual Physiol. def the substance so secreted. incretionary sub head incretion or incretory syl in+1cre+tion+ar:y pron <1inkrit*ri>, <-tri> pos adj. incretory sub head incretion or incretionary syl in+cre+to:ry pron <1inkrit*ri>, <-tri> pos adj. incriminate ety C18: from Late Latin incr*_imin*_are to accuse, from Latin cr*_imen accusation; see #7crime incriminate 1. syl in+crim:i+nate pron pos vb. mod tr. def to imply or suggest the guilt or error of (someone). incriminate 2. syl in+crim:i+nate pron pos vb. mod tr. def to charge with a crime or fault. incrimination sub head incriminate syl in+2crim:i+1na+tion pos n. incriminator sub head incriminate syl in+1crim:i+2na+tor pos n. incriminatory sub head incriminate syl in+1crim:i+na+to:ry pos adj. incross 1. syl in+cross pron <1inkros> pos n. def a plant or animal produced by continued inbreeding. incross 2. syl in+cross pron <1inkros> pos vb. def to inbreed or produce by inbreeding. incrust 0. syl in+crust pron pos vb. def a variant spelling of {encrust}. incrustant sub head incrust syl in+1crust+ant pos n. adj. incrustation sub head incrust syl in+crus+1ta+tion pos n. incubate ety C18: from Latin incub*_are to lie upon, hatch, from {#7in -%2}#7+ cub*_are to lie down incubate 1. syl in+cu+bate pron <1inkju2bAt> pos vb. usage of birds def to supply (eggs) with heat for their development, esp. by sitting on them. incubate 2. syl in+cu+bate pron <1inkju2bAt> pos vb. def to cause (eggs, embryos, bacteria, etc.) to develop, esp. in an incubator or culture medium. incubate 3. syl in+cu+bate pron <1inkju2bAt> pos vb. mod intr. usage of eggs, embryos, bacteria, etc. def to develop in favourable conditions, esp. in an incubator. incubate 4. syl in+cu+bate pron <1inkju2bAt> pos vb. mod intr. usage of disease germs def to remain inactive in an animal or human before causing disease. incubate 5. syl in+cu+bate pron <1inkju2bAt> pos vb. def to develop or cause to develop gradually; foment or be fomented. incubation sub head incubate syl in+cu+1ba+tion pos n. incubational sub head incubate syl in+cu+1ba+tion+al pos adj. incubative sub head incubate or incubatory syl in+cu+2ba+tive pos adj. incubatory sub head incubate or incubative syl in+cu+2ba+to:ry pos adj. incubation period 0. syl in+cu+ba+tion pe+ri+od pos n. qual Med. def the time between exposure to an infectious disease and the appearance of the first signs or symptoms. Sometimes shortened to {incubation}. incubator 1. syl in+cu+ba+tor pron <1inkju2bAt*> pos n. qual Med. def an enclosed transparent boxlike apparatus for housing prematurely born babies under optimum conditions until they are strong enough to survive in the normal environment. incubator 2. syl in+cu+ba+tor pron <1inkju2bAt*> pos n. def a container kept at a constant temperature in which birds' eggs can be artificially hatched or bacterial cultures grown. incubator 3. syl in+cu+ba+tor pron <1inkju2bAt*> pos n. def a person, animal, or thing that incubates. incubus ety C14: from Late Latin, from incub*_are to lie upon; see #7incubate incubi infl head incubus or incubuses syl in+cu+bi pron <-2bI> pos n. mod pl. incubuses infl head incubus or incubi syl in+cu+bus:es. pos n. mod pl. incubus 1. syl in+cu+bus pron <1inkjub*s> pos n. def a demon believed in folklore to lie upon sleeping persons, esp. to have sexual intercourse with sleeping women. Compare {succubus}. incubus 2. syl in+cu+bus pron <1inkjub*s> pos n. def something that oppresses, worries, or disturbs greatly, esp. a nightmare or obsession. incudes 0. syl in+cu+des pron pos n. def the plural of {incus}. inculcate ety C16: from Latin inculc*_are to tread upon, ram down, from #7in -%2#7+ calc*_are to trample, from calx heel inculcate 0. syl in+cul+cate pron <1ink^l2kAt>, pos vb. mod tr. def to instil by forceful or insistent repetition. inculcation sub head inculcate syl in+cul+1ca+tion pos n. inculcator sub head inculcate syl in+cul+2ca+tor pos n. inculpable 0. syl in+cul+pa:ble pron pos adj. def incapable of being blamed or accused; guiltless. inculpability sub head inculpable or inculpableness syl in+2cul+pa:1bil+i:ty pos n. inculpableness sub head inculpable or inculpability syl in+1cul+pa:ble+ness pos n. inculpably sub head inculpable syl in+1cul+pa:bly pos adv. inculpate ety C18: from Late Latin inculp*_are, from Latin culp*_are to blame, from culpa fault, blame inculpate 0. syl in+cul+pate pron <1ink^l2pAt>, pos vb. mod tr. def to incriminate; cause blame to be imputed to. inculpation sub head inculpate syl in+cul+1pa+tion pos n. incult ety C16: from Latin incultus, from #7in -%1#7+ colere to till incult 1. syl in+cult pron pos adj. qual Rare. usage of land def uncultivated; untilled; naturally wild. incult 2. syl in+cult pron pos adj. qual Rare. def lacking refinement and culture. cies infl head incumbency syl +cies. pos n. mod pl. incumbency 1. syl in+cum+ben+cy pron pos n. def the state or quality of being incumbent. incumbency 2. syl in+cum+ben+cy pron pos n. def the office, duty, or tenure of an incumbent. incumbent ety C16: from Latin incumbere to lie upon, devote one's attention to, from #7in -%2#7+ -cumbere, related to Latin cub*_are to lie down incumbent 1. syl in+cum+bent pron pos adj. usage Formal. often postpositive and foll. by on or upon and an infinitive def morally binding or necessary; obligatory. exam 1 it is incumbent on me to attend. incumbent 2. syl in+cum+bent pron pos adj. usage usually postpositive and foll. by on def resting or lying (on). incumbent 3. syl in+cum+bent pron pos n. def a person who holds an office, esp. a clergyman holding a benefice. incumbently sub head incumbent syl in+1cum+bent+ly pos adv. incumber 0. syl in+cum+ber pron pos vb. def a less common spelling of {encumber}. incumberingly sub head incumber syl in+1cum+ber+ing+ly pos adv. incumbrance sub head incumber syl in+1cum+brance pos n. incunabula ety C19: from Latin, originally: swaddling clothes, hence beginnings, from #7in -%2#7+ c*_un*_abula cradle incunabulum infl head incunabula syl in+cu+nab:u+lum pron <-l*m> pos n. mod sing. incunabula 1. syl in+cu+nab:u+la pron <2inkju1n@bjul*> pos n. mod pl. def any book printed before 1500. incunabula 2. syl in+cu+nab:u+la pron <2inkju1n@bjul*> pos n. mod pl. def the infancy or earliest stages of something; beginnings. incunabular sub head incunabula syl in+cu+1nab:u+lar pos adj. incur ety C16: from Latin incurrere to run into, from currere to run incurs infl head incur syl in+curs pos vb. mod tr. incurring infl head incur syl in+cur+ring pos vb. mod tr. incurred infl head incur syl in+curred. pos vb. mod tr. incur 1. syl in+cur pron pos vb. mod tr. def to make oneself subject to (something undesirable); bring upon oneself. incur 2. syl in+cur pron pos vb. mod tr. def to run into or encounter. incurrable sub head incur syl in+1cur+ra:ble pos adj. incurable 1. syl in+cur+a:ble pron pos adj. usage esp. of a disease def not curable; unresponsive to treatment. incurable 2. syl in+cur+a:ble pron pos n. def a person having an in?!curable disease. incurability sub head incurable or incurableness syl in+2cur+a:1bil+i:ty pos n. incurableness sub head incurable or incurability syl in+1cur+a:ble+ness pos n. incurably sub head incurable syl in+1cur+a:bly pos adv. incurious 0. syl in+cu+ri+ous pron pos adj. def not curious; indifferent or uninterested. incuriosity sub head incurious or incuriousness syl in+cu+ri+os+i:ty pron pos n. incuriousness sub head incurious or incuriosity syl in+1cu+ri+ous+ness pos n. incuriously sub head incurious syl in+1cu+ri+ous+ly pos adv. incurrence 0. syl in+cur+rence pron pos n. def the act or state of incurring. incurrent ety C16: from Latin incurr*_ens running into; see #7incur incurrent 1. syl in+cur+rent pron pos adj. usage of anatomical ducts, tubes, channels, etc. def having an inward flow. incurrent 2. syl in+cur+rent pron pos adj. def flowing or running in an inward direction. incursion ety C15: from Latin incursi*_o onset, attack, from incurrere to run into; see #7incur incursion 1. syl in+cur+sion pron pos n. def a sudden invasion, attack, or raid. incursion 2. syl in+cur+sion pron pos n. def the act of running or leaking into; penetration. incursive sub head incursion syl in+cur+sive pron pos adj. incurvate ety C16: from Latin incurv*_are (vb.) incurvate 1. syl in+cur+vate pron <1inkR:2vAt> pos vb. usage also def to curve or cause to curve inwards. incurvate 2. syl in+cur+vate pron , <-vAt> pos adj. usage also def curved inwards. incurvation sub head incurvate syl in+cur+1va+tion pos n. incurvature sub head incurvate syl in+cur+va+ture pron pos n. incus ety C17: from Latin: anvil, from inc*_udere to forge incudes infl head incus syl in+cu+des pron pos n. mod pl. incus 0. syl in+cus pron <1iGk*s> pos n. def the central of the three small bones in the middle ear of mammals. Nontechnical name: {anvil}. Compare {malleus, stapes}. incudate sub head incus or incudal syl in+cu+date pron <1iGkju2dAt> pos adj. incudal sub head incus or incudate syl in+cu+dal pron <1iGkjudL> pos adj. incuse ety C19: from Latin inc*_usus hammered; see #7incus incuse 1. syl in+cuse pron pos n. def a design stamped or hammered onto a coin. {~} incuse 2. syl in+cuse pron pos n. def to impress (a design) in a coin or to impress (a coin) with a design by hammering or stamping. {~} incuse 3. syl in+cuse pron pos n. def stamped or hammered onto a coin. Ind 1. syl Ind pron pos n. def a poetic name for {India}. Ind 2. syl Ind pron pos n. def an obsolete name for the {Indies}. IND 0. syl IND usage international car registration for def India. ind 1. syl ind. qual abbrev. for: def independence. ind 2. syl ind. qual abbrev. for: def independent. ind 3. syl ind. qual abbrev. for: def index. ind 4. syl ind. qual abbrev. for: def indicative. ind 5. syl ind. qual abbrev. for: def indirect. ind 6. syl ind. qual abbrev. for: def industrial. ind 7. syl ind. qual abbrev. for: def industry. Ind 1. syl Ind. qual abbrev. for: def Independent. Ind 2. syl Ind. qual abbrev. for: def India. Ind 3. syl Ind. qual abbrev. for: def Indian. Ind 4. syl Ind. qual abbrev. for: def Indiana. Ind 5. syl Ind. qual abbrev. for: def Indies. IND ety Latin: in the name of God IND 0. syl I.N.D. qual abbrev. for def in nomine Dei. Also {I.D.N}. indaba ety C19: from Zulu: topic indaba 1. syl in+da+ba pron pos n. usage Anthropol., history. among Bantu peoples of southern Africa def a meeting to discuss a serious topic. indaba 2. syl in+da+ba pron pos n. qual S. African informal. def a matter of concern or for discussion. indamine ety C20: from #7indigo+amine indamine 1. syl in+da+mine pron <1ind*2mEn>, <-min> pos n. def Also called: {phenylene blue}. an organic base used in the production of the dye safranine. Formula: NH\2C\6H\4N:C\6H\4:NH indamine 2. syl in+da+mine pron <1ind*2mEn>, <-min> pos n. def any of a class of organic bases with a similar structure to this compound. Their salts are unstable blue and green dyes. indebted 1. syl in+debt+ed pron pos adj. usage postpositive def owing gratitude for help, favours, etc; obligated. indebted 2. syl in+debt+ed pron pos adj. usage postpositive def owing money. indebtedness 1. syl in+debt+ed+ness pron pos n. def the state of being indebted. indebtedness 2. syl in+debt+ed+ness pron pos n. def the total of a person's debts. cies infl head indecency syl +cies. pos n. mod pl. indecency 1. syl in+de+cen+cy pron pos n. def the state or quality of being indecent. indecency 2. syl in+de+cen+cy pron pos n. def an indecent act, etc. indecent 1. syl in+de+cent pron pos adj. def offensive to standards of decency, esp. in sexual matters. indecent 2. syl in+de+cent pron pos adj. def unseemly or improper (esp. in the phrase {indecent haste) }. indecently sub head indecent syl in+1de+cent+ly pos adv. indecent assault 0. syl in+de+cent as+sault pos n. def the act of taking indecent liberties with a person without his or her consent. indecent exposure 0. syl in+de+cent ex+po+sure pos n. def the offence of indecently exposing parts of one's body in public, esp. the genitals. indeciduous 1. syl in+de+cid:u+ous pron <2indi1sidju*s> pos adj. usage of leaves def not decidu?!ous. indeciduous 2. syl in+de+cid:u+ous pron <2indi1sidju*s> pos adj. def another word for { {evergreen} (sense 1)}. indecipherable 0. syl in+de+ci+pher+a:ble pron <2indi1sIf*r*bL>, <-fr*bL> pos adj. def not decipherable; illegible. indecipherability sub head indecipherable or indecipherableness syl in+de+2ci+pher+a:1bil+i:ty pos n. indecipherableness sub head indecipherable or indecipherability syl in+de+1ci+pher+a:ble+ness pos n. indecipherably sub head indecipherable syl in+de+1ci+pher+a:bly pos adv. indecisive 1. syl in+de+ci+sive pron <2indi1sIsiv> pos adj. usage of a person def vacillating; irresolute. indecisive 2. syl in+de+ci+sive pron <2indi1sIsiv> pos adj. def not decisive or conclusive. &- {@!in+de+#!ci+sion} {@!in+de+#!ci+sive+ness} &- {@!in+de+#!ci+sive+ly} indeclinable 0. syl in+de+clin+a:ble pron <2indi1klIn*bL> pos adj. usage of a noun or pronoun def having only one form; not declined for case or number. indeclinableness sub head indeclinable syl 2in+de+1clin+a:ble+ness pos n. indeclinably sub head indeclinable syl 2in+de+1clin+a:bly pos adv. indecorous 0. syl in+dec:o+rous pron pos adj. def improper or ungraceful; unseemly. indecorously sub head indecorous syl in+1dec:o+rous+ly pos adv. indecorousness sub head indecorous syl in+1dec:o+rous+ness pos n. indecorum 0. syl in+de+co+rum pron <2indi1kc:r*m> pos n. def indecorous behaviour or speech; unseemliness. indeed 1. syl in+deed pron usage sentence connector def certainly; actually. exam 1 indeed, it may never happen. indeed 3. syl in+deed pron pos adv. def or rather; what is more. exam 1 a comfortable, indeed wealthy family. indeed 4. syl in+deed pron pos interj. def an expression of doubt, surprise, etc. indef 0. syl indef. qual abbrev. for def indefinite. indefatigable ety C16: from Latin ind*_efat*_ig*_abilis, from #7in -%1#7+ d*_efat*_ig*_are, from fat*_ig*_are to tire indefatigable 0. syl in+de+fat:i+ga:ble pron <2indi1f@tig*bL> pos adj. def unable to be tired out; unflagging. indefatigability sub head indefatigable or indefatigableness syl in+de+2fat:i+ga:1bil+i:ty pos n. indefatigableness sub head indefatigable or indefatigability syl in+de+1fat:i+ga:ble+ness pos n. indefatigably sub head indefatigable syl in+de+1fat:i+ga:bly pos adv. indefeasible 0. syl in+de+fea+si:ble pron <2indi1fEz*bL> pos adj. qual Law. def not liable to be annulled or forfeited. indefeasibility sub head indefeasible or indefeasibleness syl in+de+2fea+si:1bil+i:ty pos n. indefeasibleness sub head indefeasible or indefeasibility syl in+de+1fea+si:ble+ness pos n. indefeasibly sub head indefeasible syl in+de+1fea+si:bly pos adv. indefectible 1. syl in+de+fect+i:ble pron <2indi1fektibL> pos adj. def not subject to decay or failure. indefectible 2. syl in+de+fect+i:ble pron <2indi1fektibL> pos adj. def flawless. &- {@!in+de+@!fect+i@.#!bil+i@.ty} &- {@!in+de+#!fect+i@.bly} indefensible 1. syl in+de+fen+si:ble pron <2indi1fens*bL> pos adj. def not justifiable or excusable. indefensible 2. syl in+de+fen+si:ble pron <2indi1fens*bL> pos adj. def capable of being disagreed with; untenable. indefensible 3. syl in+de+fen+si:ble pron <2indi1fens*bL> pos adj. def incapable of defence against attack. indefensibility sub head indefensible or indefensibleness syl in+de+2fen+si:1bil+i:ty pos n. indefensibleness sub head indefensible or indefensibility syl in+de+1fen+si:ble+ness pos n. indefensibly sub head indefensible syl in+de+1fen+si:bly pos adv. indefinable 0. syl in+de+fin+a:ble pron <2indi1fIn*bL> pos adj. def incapable of being defined or analysed. exam 1 there was an indefinable sense of terror. indefinableness sub head indefinable syl 2in+de+1fin+a:ble+ness pos n. indefinably sub head indefinable syl 2in+de+1fin+a:bly pos adv. indefinite 1. syl in+def:i+nite pron pos adj. def not certain or determined; unsettled. indefinite 2. syl in+def:i+nite pron pos adj. def without exact limits; indeterminate. exam 1 an indefinite number. indefinite 3. syl in+def:i+nite pron pos adj. def vague, evasive, or unclear. indefinite 4. syl in+def:i+nite pron pos adj. def Also: {indeterminate}. indefinite 4.a. syl in+def:i+nite pron pos adj. def too numerous to count. exam 1 indefinite stamens. indefinite 4.b. syl in+def:i+nite pron pos adj. def capable of continued growth at the tip of the stem, which does not terminate in a flower. exam 1 an indefinite inflorescence. indefinitely sub head indefinite syl in+1def:i+nite+ly pos adv. indefiniteness sub head indefinite syl in+1def:i+nite+ness pos n. indefinite article 0. syl in+def:i+nite ar+ti+cle pos n. qual Grammar. def a determiner that ex?!presses nonspecificity of reference, such as or Compare {definite article}. indefinite integral 0. syl in+def:i+nite in+te+gral pos n. def any function, symbolized as #s#800411 f d , whose derivative gives the function f indefinite pronoun 0. syl in+def:i+nite pro+noun pos n. qual Grammar. def a pronoun having no specific referent, such as or indehiscent 0. syl in+de+his+cent pron <2indi1hisNt> pos adj. usage of fruits, etc. def not dehiscent; not opening to release seeds, etc. indehiscence sub head indehiscent syl in+de+1his+cence pos n. indelible ety C16: from Latin ind*_el*_ebilis indestructible, from #7in -%1#7+ del*_ere to destroy indelible 1. syl in+del+i:ble pron pos adj. def incapable of being erased or obliterated. indelibility sub head indelible or indelibleness syl in+2del+i:1bil+i:ty pos n. indelibleness sub head indelible or indelibility syl in+1del+i:ble+ness pos n. indelibly sub head indelible syl in+1del+i:bly pos adv. indelicate 1. syl in+del:i+cate pron pos adj. def coarse, crude, or rough. indelicate 2. syl in+del:i+cate pron pos adj. def offensive, embarrassing, or tasteless. indelicacy sub head indelicate or indelicateness syl in+1del:i+ca+cy pos n. indelicateness sub head indelicate or indelicacy syl in+1del:i+cate+ness pos n. indemnifies infl head indemnify syl in+dem+ni+fies pos vb. mod tr. indemnifying infl head indemnify syl in+dem+ni+fy+ing pos vb. mod tr. indemnified infl head indemnify syl in+dem+ni+fied. pos vb. mod tr. indemnify 1. syl in+dem+ni+fy pron pos vb. mod tr. def to secure against future loss, damage, or liability; give security for; insure. indemnify 2. syl in+dem+ni+fy pron pos vb. mod tr. def to compensate for loss, injury, expense, etc.; reimburse. indemnification sub head indemnify syl in+2dem+ni+fi+1ca+tion pos n. indemnifier sub head indemnify syl in+1dem+ni+2fi+er pos n. indemnity ety C15: from Late Latin indemnit*_as, from indemnis uninjured, from Latin #7in -%1#7+ damnum damage indemnities infl head indemnity syl in+dem+ni:ties. pos n. mod pl. indemnity 1. syl in+dem+ni:ty pron pos n. def compensation for loss or damage; reimbursement; indemnity 2. syl in+dem+ni:ty pron pos n. def protection or insurance against future loss or damage. indemnity 3. syl in+dem+ni:ty pron pos n. def legal exemption from penalties or liabilities incurred through one's acts or defaults. act of indemnity 4. head indemnity syl act of indemnity. def an act of Parliament granting exemption to public officers from technical penalties that they may have been compelled to incur. indemonstrable 0. syl in+de+mon+stra:ble pron <2indi1monstr*bL> pos adj. def incapable of being demonstrated or proved. &- {@!in+de+@!mon+stra@.#!bil+i@.ty} &- {@!in+de+#!mon+stra@.bly} indene ety C20: from #7indole+ -#7ene indene 0. syl in+dene pron <1indEn> pos n. def a colourless liquid hydrocarbon extracted from petroleum and coal tar and used in making synthetic resins. Formula: C\9H\8. indent ety C14: from Old French endenter, from {#7en -%1}#7+ dent tooth, from Latin d*_ens indent H1.1. syl in+dent pron pos vb. mod mainly; tr. def to place (written or printed matter, etc.) in from the margin, as at the beginning of a paragraph. indent H1.2. syl in+dent pron pos vb. mod mainly; tr. def to cut or tear (a document, esp. a contract or deed in duplicate) so that the irregular lines may be matched to confirm its authenticity. indent H1.3. syl in+dent pron pos vb. mod mainly; tr. usage Chiefly Brit. in foreign trade def to place an order for (foreign goods), usually through an agent. indent H1.4. syl in+dent pron pos vb. mod when; intr. qual Chiefly Brit. usage foll. by for, on, or upon def to make an order on (a source or supply) or for (something). indent H1.5. syl in+dent pron pos vb. mod mainly; tr. def to notch (an edge, border, etc.); make jagged. indent H1.6. syl in+dent pron pos vb. mod mainly; tr. def to bind (an apprentice, etc.) by indenture. indent H1.7. syl in+dent pron <1in2dent> pos n. mod mainly; tr. usage Chiefly Brit. in foreign trade def an order for foreign merchandise, esp. one placed with an agent. indent H1.8. syl in+dent pron <1in2dent> pos n. mod mainly; tr. qual Chiefly Brit. def an official order for goods. indent H1.9. syl in+dent pron <1in2dent> pos n. mod mainly; tr. usage in the late 18th-century U.S. def a certificate issued by federal and state governments for the principal or interest due on the public debt. indent H1.10. syl in+dent pron <1in2dent> pos n. mod mainly; tr. def another word for {indenture}. indent H1.11. syl in+dent pron <1in2dent> pos n. mod mainly; tr. def another word for {indentation} (sense 4). indenter sub head indent or indentor syl in+1dent+er pos n. indentor sub head indent or indenter syl in+1den+tor pos n. indent ety C15: from {#7in -%2#7+dent %1} indent H2.1. syl in+dent pron pos vb. mod tr. def to make a dent or depression in. indent H2.2. syl in+dent pron <1in2dent> pos n. def a dent or depression. indentation 1. syl in+den+ta+tion pron <2inden1tAS*n> pos n. def a hollowed, notched, or cut place, as on an edge or on a coastline. indentation 2. syl in+den+ta+tion pron <2inden1tAS*n> pos n. def a series of hollows, notches, or cuts. indentation 3. syl in+den+ta+tion pron <2inden1tAS*n> pos n. def the act of indenting or the condition of being indented. indentation 4. syl in+den+ta+tion pron <2inden1tAS*n> pos n. def Also called: {indention, indent}. the leaving of space or the amount of space left between a margin and the start of an indented line. indention 0. syl in+den+tion pron pos n. def another word for {indentation} (sense 4). indenture 1. syl in+den+ture pron pos n. def any deed, contract, or sealed agreement between two or more parties. indenture 2. syl in+den+ture pron pos n. usage formerly def a deed drawn up in duplicate, each part having correspondingly indented edges for identification and security. indenture 3. syl in+den+ture pron pos n. mod often; pl. def a contract between an apprentice and his master. indenture 4. syl in+den+ture pron pos n. def a formal or official list or certificate authenticated for use as a voucher, etc. indenture 5. syl in+den+ture pron pos n. def a less common word for {indentation}. indenture 6. syl in+den+ture pron pos vb. mod intr. def to enter into an agreement by indenture. indenture 7. syl in+den+ture pron pos vb. mod tr. def to bind (an apprentice, servant, etc.) by indenture. indenture 8. syl in+den+ture pron pos vb. mod tr. qual Obsolete. def to indent or wrinkle. indentureship sub head indenture syl in+1den+ture+2ship pos n. independence 0. syl in+de+pend+ence pron <2indi1pend*ns> pos n. def the state or quality of being independent. Also: {independency}. Independence 0. syl In+de+pend+ence pron <2indi1pend*ns> pos n. def a city in W Missouri, near Kansas City: starting point for the Santa Fe, Oregon, and California Trails (1831-44). Pop.: 114272 (1973 est.). Independence Day 0. syl In+de+pend+ence Day pos n. def the official name for the {Fourth of July}. independencies infl head independency syl in+de+pend+en+cies. pos n. mod pl. independency 1. syl in+de+pend+en+cy pron <2indi1pend*nsi> pos n. def a territory or state free from the control of any other power. independency 2. syl in+de+pend+en+cy pron <2indi1pend*nsi> pos n. def another word for {independence}. Independency 0. syl In+de+pend+en+cy pron <2indi1pend*nsi> pos n. usage esp. in the Congregational Church def the principle upholding the independence of each local church or congregation. independent 1. syl in+de+pend+ent pron <2indi1pend*nt> pos adj. def free from control in action, judgment, etc.; autonomous. independent 2. syl in+de+pend+ent pron <2indi1pend*nt> pos adj. def not dependent on anything else for function, validity, etc.; separate. exam 1 two inde?!pendent units make up this sofa. independent 3. syl in+de+pend+ent pron <2indi1pend*nt> pos adj. def not reliant on the support, esp. financial support, of others. independent 4. syl in+de+pend+ent pron <2indi1pend*nt> pos adj. def capable of acting for oneself or on one's own. exam 1 a very independent little girl. independent 5. syl in+de+pend+ent pron <2indi1pend*nt> pos adj. def providing a large unearned sum towards one's support (esp. in the phrases {independent income, independent means) }. independent 6. syl in+de+pend+ent pron <2indi1pend*nt> pos adj. def living on an unearned income. independent 7. syl in+de+pend+ent pron <2indi1pend*nt> pos adj. usage Maths. of a system of equations def not all satisfied by the same set of values for the variables. See also {independent variable}. independent 8. syl in+de+pend+ent pron <2indi1pend*nt> pos adj. usage Statistics. of two or more variables def distributed so that the value taken by one variable will have no effect on that taken by another or others. independent 9. syl in+de+pend+ent pron <2indi1pend*nt> pos adj. usage Logic. of two or more propositions def unrelated. independent 10. syl in+de+pend+ent pron <2indi1pend*nt> pos n. def an independent person or thing. independent 11. syl in+de+pend+ent pron <2indi1pend*nt> pos n. def a person who is not affiliated to or who acts independently of a political party. independently sub head independent syl in+de+1pen+dent+ly pos adv. Independent 1. syl In+de+pend+ent pron <2indi1pend*nt> pos n. qual Ecclesiast. usage in England def a member of the Congregational Church. Independent 2. syl In+de+pend+ent pron <2indi1pend*nt> pos adj. qual Ecclesiast. def of or relating to Independency. independent clause 0. syl in+de+pend+ent clause pos n. qual Grammar. def a main or coordinate clause. Compare {dependent clause}. independent school 0. syl in+de+pend+ent school pos n. usage in Britain def a school that is neither financed nor controlled by the government or local authorities. independent variable 0. syl in+de+pend+ent var:i+a:ble pos n. def a variable in a mathematical equation or statement whose value determines that of the dependent variable: in =f , is the independent variable. Also called: {argument}. indescribable 0. syl in+de+scrib+a:ble pron <2indi1skrIb*bL> pos adj. def beyond description; too intense, extreme, etc., for words. indescribability sub head indescribable or indescribableness syl in+de+2scrib+a:1bil+i:ty pos n. indescribableness sub head indescribable or indescribability syl in+de+1scrib+a:ble+ness pos n. indescribably sub head indescribable syl in+de+1scrib+a:bly pos adv. indestructible 0. syl in+de+struct+i:ble pron <2indi1str^kt*bL> pos adj. def incapable of being destroyed; very durable. indestructibility sub head indestructible or indestructibleness syl in+de+2struct+i:1bil+i:ty pos n. indestructibleness sub head indestructible or indestructibility syl in+de+1struct+i:ble+ness pos n. indestructibly sub head indestructible syl in+de+1struct+i:bly pos adv. indeterminable 1. syl in+de+ter+mi+na:ble pron <2indi1tR:min*bL> pos adj. def incapable of being ascertained. indeterminable 2. syl in+de+ter+mi+na:ble pron <2indi1tR:min*bL> pos adj. def incapable of being settled. indeterminableness sub head indeterminable syl in+de+1ter+mi+na:ble+ness pos n. indeterminably sub head indeterminable syl in+de+1ter+mi+na:bly pos adv. indeterminacy principle 0. syl in+de+ter+mi+na+cy prin+ci+ple pos n. def another name for {uncertainty principle}. indeterminate 1. syl in+de+ter+mi+nate pron <2indi1tR:minit> pos adj. def uncertain in extent, amount, or nature. indeterminate 2. syl in+de+ter+mi+nate pron <2indi1tR:minit> pos adj. def not definite; inconclusive. exam 1 an indeterminate reply. indeterminate 3. syl in+de+ter+mi+nate pron <2indi1tR:minit> pos adj. def unable to be predicted, calculated, or deduced. indeterminate 4. syl in+de+ter+mi+nate pron <2indi1tR:minit> pos adj. usage Physics, etc. of an effect def not obeying the law of causality; noncausal. indeterminate 5.a. syl in+de+ter+mi+nate pron <2indi1tR:minit> pos adj. def having no numerical meaning, as 0.00 0/0. indeterminate 5.b. syl in+de+ter+mi+nate pron <2indi1tR:minit> pos adj. usage of an equation def having more than one variable and an unlimited number of solutions. indeterminate 6. syl in+de+ter+mi+nate pron <2indi1tR:minit> pos adj. qual Botany. def another word for { {indefinite} (sense 4)}. indeterminate 7. syl in+de+ter+mi+nate pron <2indi1tR:minit> pos adj. usage of a structure, framework, etc. def comprising forces that cannot be fully analysed, esp. by vector analysis. indeterminacy sub head indeterminate syl in+de+1ter+mi+na+cy pos n. indetermination sub head indeterminate or indeterminateness syl in+de+2ter+mi+1na+tion pos n. indeterminateness sub head indeterminate or indetermination syl in+de+1ter+mi+nate+ness pos n. indeterminately sub head indeterminate syl in+de+1ter+mi+nate+ly pos adv. indeterminate sentence 0. syl in+de+ter+min+ate sen+tence pos n. qual Law. def a prison sentence the length of which depends on the prisoner's conduct. indeterminism 0. syl in+de+ter+min+ism pron <2indi1tR:mi2niz*m> pos n. def the philosophical doctrine that behaviour is not entirely determined by motives. indeterminist sub head indeterminism syl 2in+de+1ter+min+ist pos n. adj. indeterministic sub head indeterminism syl 2in+de+2ter+min+1is+tic pos adj. index ety C16: from Latin: pointer, hence forefinger, title, index, from indic*_are to disclose, show; see #7indicate indexes infl head index or indices syl in+dex:es pron <-di2sEz> pos n. mod pl. indices infl head index or indexes syl in+di+ces pron <-di2sEz> pos n. mod pl. index 1. syl in+dex pron <1indeks> pos n. def an alphabetical list of persons, places, subjects, etc., mentioned in the text of a printed work, usually at the back, and indicating where in the work they are referred to. index 2. syl in+dex pron <1indeks> pos n. def See {thumb index}. index 3. syl in+dex pron <1indeks> pos n. qual Library science. def a systematic list of book titles or author's names, giving cross-references and the location of each book; catalogue. index 4. syl in+dex pron <1indeks> pos n. def an indication, sign, or token. index 5. syl in+dex pron <1indeks> pos n. def a pointer, needle, or other indicator, as on an instrument. index 6.a. syl in+dex pron <1indeks> pos n. def another name for { {exponent} (sense 4)}. index 6.b. syl in+dex pron <1indeks> pos n. def a number or variable placed as a superscript to the left of a radical sign indicating by its value the root to be extracted, as in #800417 %3@b$/#800418 8=2. index 6.c. syl in+dex pron <1indeks> pos n. def a subscript or superscript to the right of a variable to show that the variable should be considered over a range of specified values. exam 1 x\i for the index i index 7. syl in+dex pron <1indeks> pos n. def a numerical scale by means of which variables, such as levels of the cost of living, can be compared with each other or with some base number. index 8. syl in+dex pron <1indeks> pos n. def a number or ratio indicating a specific characteristic, property, etc.. exam 1 refractive index. index 9. syl in+dex pron <1indeks> pos n. def Also called: {fist}. a printer's mark (###800419 ###800420) used to indicate notes, paragraphs, etc. index 10. syl in+dex pron <1indeks> pos n. qual Obsolete. def a table of contents or preface. index 11. syl in+dex pron <1indeks> pos vb. mod tr. def to put an index in (a book). index 12. syl in+dex pron <1indeks> pos vb. mod tr. def to enter (a word, item, etc.) in an index. index 13. syl in+dex pron <1indeks> pos vb. mod tr. def to point out; indicate. indexer sub head index syl in+dex+er pos n. indexical sub head index syl in+1dex:i+cal pos adj. indexation 0. syl in+dex+a:tion pron <2indek1sAS*n> def or the act of making wages, interest rates, etc., index-linked. index finger 0. syl in+dex fin+ger pos n. def the finger next to the thumb. Also called: {forefinger}. Index Librorum Prohibitorum ety C17, literally: list of forbidden books Index Librorum Prohibitorum 0. syl In+dex Li+bro+rum Pro+hib:i+to+rum pron Latin. <1indeks> pos n. usage R.C. Church. formerly def an official list of proscribed books. Often called: {the Index}. index-linked 0. syl in+dex-linked pos adj. usage of wages, interest rates, etc. def directly related to the cost-of-living index and rising accordingly. index number 0. syl in+dex num+ber pos n. qual Statistics. def a statistic indicating the relative change occurring in each successive period of time in the price, volume, or value of a commodity or in a general economic variable, such as the price level, national income, or gross output, with reference to a previous base period conventionally given the number 100. index of refraction 0. syl in+dex of re+frac+tion pos n. def another name for {refractive index}. India 0. syl In+di:a pron <1indi*> pos n. def a republic in S Asia: history dates from the Indus Valley civilization (3rd millenium #7b.c.) ; came under British supremacy in 1763 and passed to the British Crown in 1858; nationalist movement arose under Gandhi (1869-1948); Indian subcontinent divided into Pakistan (Muslim) and India (Hindu) in 1947; became a republic within the Commonwealth in 1950. It consists chiefly of the Himalayas, rising over 7500 m (25000 ft.) in the extreme north, the Ganges plain in the north, the Thar Desert in the northwest, the Chota Nagpur plateau in the northeast, and the Deccan Plateau in the south. Official and administrative languages: Hindi and English; each state has its own language. Religion: Hindu majority. Currency: rupee. Capital: New Delhi. Pop.: 548154569 (1971). Area: 3268100 sq. km (1261813 sq. miles). Hindi name: {Bharat}. Indiamen infl head Indiaman syl In:di:a+men. pos n. mod pl. Indiaman 0. syl In:di:a+man pron <1indi*m*n> pos n. usage formerly def a large merchant ship engaged in trade with India. Indian 1. syl In+di:an pron <1indi*n> pos n. def a native, citizen, or inhabitant of the Republic of India. Indian 2. syl In+di:an pron <1indi*n> pos n. def an American Indian. Indian 3. syl In+di:an pron <1indi*n> pos n. usage not in scholarly usage def any of the languages of the American Indians. Indian 4. syl In+di:an pron <1indi*n> pos adj. def of, relating to, or characteristic of India, its inhabitants, or any of their languages. Indian 5. syl In+di:an pron <1indi*n> pos adj. def of, relating to, or characteristic of the American Indians or any of their languages. Indiana 0. syl In+di+an:a pron <2indi1@n*> pos n. def a state of the N central U.S., in the Midwest: consists of an undulating plain, with sand dunes and lakes in the north and limestone caves in the south. Capital: Indianapolis. Pop.: 5193669 (1970). Area: 93491 sq. km (36097 sq. miles). Abbrevs.: {Ind}. or (with zip code) {IN} Indianian sub head Indiana syl In+di+1an+i:an pos adj. n. Indian agent 0. syl In+di:an a:gent pos n. def an official who represents the U.S. or Canadian government to a group of American Indians. Indianapolis 0. syl In+di+an+ap:o+lis pron <2indi*1n@p*lis> pos n. def a city in central Indiana: the state capital. Pop.: 738657 (1973 est.). Indian bread 0. syl In+di:an bread pos n. def another name for {corn bread}. Indian cholera 0. syl In+di:an chol+er:a pos n. def another name for {cholera}. Indian club 0. syl In+di:an club pos n. def a bottle-shaped club, usually used in pairs by gymnasts, jugglers, etc. Indian corn 0. syl In+di:an corn pos n. def another name for { {maize} (sense 1)}. Indian Desert 0. syl In+di:an Des+ert pos n. def another name for the {Thar Desert}. Indian Empire 0. syl In+di:an Em+pire pos n. def British India and the Indian states under indirect British control, which gained independence as India and Pakistan in 1947. Indian file 0. syl In+di:an file pos n. def another term for {single file}. Indian giver 0. syl In+di:an giv+er pos n. qual U.S. informal. def a person who asks for the return of a present he has given. &- {In+di@.an giv+ing} Indian hemp 1. syl In+di:an hemp pos n. def another name for {hemp}, esp. the variety from which several narcotic drugs are obtained. Indian hemp 2. syl In+di:an hemp pos n. def Also called: {dogbane}. a perennial American apocynaceous plant, whose fibre was formerly used by the Indians to make rope. Indian ink 1. syl In+di:an ink usage esp. U.S. def a black pigment made from a mixture of lampblack and a binding agent such as gelatin or glue: usually formed into solid cakes and sticks. Indian ink 2. syl In+di:an ink usage esp. U.S. def a black liquid ink made from this pigment. Indian liquorice 0. syl In+di:an liq:uo+rice pos n. def a woody leguminous tropical Asian climbing plant, with scarlet black-spotted poisonous seeds, used as beads, and roots used as a substitute for liquorice. Also called: {jequirity}. Indian list 0. syl In+di:an list pos n. usage Informal. in Canada def a list of persons to whom spirits may not be sold. Also called: {interdict list}. Indian mallow 0. syl In+di:an mal+low pos n. def a tall malvaceous weedy North American plant, with small yellow flowers and large velvety leaves. Indian meal 0. syl In+di:an meal pos n. def another name for {corn meal}. Indian millet 0. syl In+di:an mil+let pos n. def another name for {durra}. Indian mulberry 0. syl In+di:an mul+ber:ry pos n. def a small rubiaceous tree, of SE Asia and Australasia, with rounded yellow fruits: yields red and yellow dyes. Indian Mutiny 0. syl In+di:an Mu+ti+ny pos n. def a revolt of Indian troops (1857-59) that led to the transfer of the administration of India from the East India Company to the British Crown. Indian National Congress 0. syl In+di:an Na+tion+al Con+gress pos n. def the official name for {Congress} (the political party). Indian Ocean 0. syl In+di:an O:cean pos n. def an ocean bordered by Africa in the west, Asia in the north, and Australia in the east and merging with the Antarctic Ocean in the south. Average depth: 3900 m (13000 ft.). Greatest depth (off the Sunda Islands): 7450 m (24442 ft.). Area: about 73556000 sq. km (28400000 sq. miles). Indian pipe 0. syl In+di:an pipe pos n. def a white or pinkish saprophytic woodland plant, of the N hemisphere, with a solitary nodding flower resembling a pipe: family Indian red 1. syl In+di:an red pos n. def a red pigment containing ferric oxide, used in paints and cosmetics and produced by oxidizing iron salts. Indian red 2. syl In+di:an red pos n. def a type of red soil containing ferric oxide, found in S Asia and used as a pigment and metal polish. Indian reservation alt head Indian reserve or Indian reserve syl In+di:an res+er+va+tion pos n. Indian reserve 0. or Indian reservation syl In+di:an re+serve pos n. def See { {reservation} (sense 4)}. Indian rice 1. syl In+di:an rice pos n. def an annual erect aquatic North American grass, with edible purplish-black grain. Indian rice 2. syl In+di:an rice pos n. def the grain of this plant. Indian rice xref syl In+di:an rice pos n. def Also called: {wild rice}. Indian rope-trick 0. syl In+di:an rope-trick pos n. def the supposed Indian feat of climbing an unsupported rope. Indian States and Agencies 0. syl In+di:an States and A:gen+cies pos n. def another name for the {Native States}. Indian summer 0. syl In+di:an sum+mer pos n. def a period of unusually warm weather, esp. in the autumn. Indian sweater 0. syl In+di:an sweat+er pos n. def another name for {Cowichan sweater}. Indian Territory 0. syl In+di:an Ter+ri+to:ry pos n. def the territory established in the early 19th century in present-day Oklahoma, where Indians were forced to settle by the U.S. government. The last remnant was integrated into the new state of Oklahoma in 1907. Indian tobacco 0. syl In+di:an to+bac+co pos n. def a poisonous North American campanulaceous plant, with small pale blue flowers and rounded inflated seed capsules. Indian wrestling 1. syl In+di:an wres+tling pos n. def a contest in which two people sit facing each other each with one elbow resting on a table, clasp hands, and each tries to force the other's arm flat onto the table while keeping his own elbow touching the table. Indian wrestling 2. syl In+di:an wres+tling pos n. def any of various similar contests. India paper 1. syl In+di:a pa+per pos n. def a thin soft opaque printing paper made in the Orient. India paper 2. syl In+di:a pa+per pos n. def another name (not in technical usage) for {bible paper}. India print 0. syl In+di:a print pos n. def a colourful cotton fabric, with a block-printed pattern, made in India. India rubber 0. syl In+di:a rub+ber pos n. def another name for {{rubber} %1 (sense 1)}. Indic 1. syl In+dic pron <1indik> pos adj. def denoting, belonging to, or relating to a branch of Indo-European consisting of the Indo-European languages of India, including Sanskrit, Hindi and Urdu, Punjabi, Gujerati, Bengali, and Sinhalese. Indic 2. syl In+dic pron <1indik> pos n. def this group of languages. {~} Also: {Indo-Aryan}. indic 1. syl indic. qual abbrev. for: def indicating. indic 2. syl indic. qual abbrev. for: def indicative. indic 3. syl indic. qual abbrev. for: def indicator. indican ety C19: from Latin indicum #7indigo+ -#7an indican 0. syl in+di+can pron <1indik*n> pos n. def a compound secreted in the urine, usually in the form of its potassium salt; indoxylsulphuric acid. Formula: C\8H\6NOSO\2OH. indicant 0. syl in+di+cant pron <1indik*nt> pos n. def something that indicates. indicate ety C17: from Latin indic*_are to point out, from #7in -%2#7+ dic*_are to proclaim; compare #7index indicate 1. syl in+di+cate pron <1indi2kAt> pos vb. mod tr. usage may take a clause as object def to be or give a sign or symptom of; imply. exam 1 cold hands indicate a warm heart. indicate 2. syl in+di+cate pron <1indi2kAt> pos vb. mod tr. def to point out or show. indicate 3. syl in+di+cate pron <1indi2kAt> pos vb. mod tr. usage may take a clause as object def to state briefly; suggest. exam 1 he indicated what his feelings were. indicate 4. syl in+di+cate pron <1indi2kAt> pos vb. mod tr. usage of instruments def to show a reading of. exam 1 the speedometer indicated 50 miles per hour. indicate 5. syl in+di+cate pron <1indi2kAt> pos vb. mod tr. usage usually passive def to recommend or require. exam 1 surgery seems to be indicated for this patient. indicatable sub head indicate syl in+di+2cat+a:ble pos adj. indicatory sub head indicate syl in+dic:a+to:ry pron , <-tri> pos adj. indication 1. syl in+di+ca+tion pron <2indi1kAS*n> pos n. def something that serves to indicate or suggest; sign. exam 1 an indication of foul play. indication 2. syl in+di+ca+tion pron <2indi1kAS*n> pos n. def the degree or quantity represented on a measuring instrument or device. indication 3. syl in+di+ca+tion pron <2indi1kAS*n> pos n. def the action of indicating. indication 4. syl in+di+ca+tion pron <2indi1kAS*n> pos n. def something that is indicated as advisable, necessary, or expedient. indicative 1. syl in+dic:a+tive pron pos adj. usage usually postpositive; foll. by of def serving as a sign; suggestive. exam 1 indicative of trouble ahead. indicative 2. syl in+dic:a+tive pron pos adj. qual Grammar. def denoting a mood of verbs used chiefly to make statements. Compare { {subjunctive} (sense 1)}. indicative 3.a. syl in+dic:a+tive pron pos n. def the indicative mood. indicative 3.b. syl in+dic:a+tive pron pos n. def a verb in the indicative mood. indicative xref syl in+dic:a+tive pron pos adj. def Abbrev.: {indic}. indicatively sub head indicative syl in+1dic:a+tive+ly pos adv. indicator 1. syl in+di+ca+tor pron <1indi2kAt*> pos n. def a device to attract attention, such as the pointer of a gauge or a warning lamp. indicator 2. syl in+di+ca+tor pron <1indi2kAt*> pos n. def an instrument that displays certain operating conditions in a machine, such as a gauge showing temperature, speed, pressure, etc. indicator 3. syl in+di+ca+tor pron <1indi2kAt*> pos n. def Also called: {blinkers}. a device for indicating that a motor vehicle is about to turn left or right, esp. two pairs of lights that flash when operated or a pair of trafficators. indicator 4. syl in+di+ca+tor pron <1indi2kAt*> pos n. def Also called: {dial gauge}. a delicate measuring instrument used to determine small differ?!ences in the height of mechanical components. It consists of a spring-loaded plunger that operates a pointer moving over a circular scale. indicator 5.a. syl in+di+ca+tor pron <1indi2kAt*> pos n. def a substance used in titrations to indicate the completion of a chemical reaction, usually by a change of colour. indicator 5.b. syl in+di+ca+tor pron <1indi2kAt*> pos n. def a substance, such as litmus, that indicates the presence of an acid or alkali. indicator 6. syl in+di+ca+tor pron <1indi2kAt*> pos n. qual Ecology. def a plant species that thrives only under particular conditions of soil composition, etc., and therefore indicates these conditions where it is found. indicator diagram 0. syl in+di+ca+tor di:a+gram pos n. def a graphical or other representation of the cyclic variations of pressure and volume within the cylinder of a reciprocating engine obtained by using an indicator. indices 0. syl in+di+ces pron <1indi2sEz> pos n. def a plural of {index}. indicia ety C17: from Latin, plural of indicium a notice, from #7index indicium infl head indicia syl in+di+ci:um pron <-Si*m> pos n. mod sing. indicia 0. syl in+di+ci:a pron pos n. mod pl. def distinguishing markings or signs; indications. indicial sub head indicia syl in+1di+ci:al pos adj. indict ety C14: alteration of enditen to #7indite indict 0. syl in+dict pron pos vb. mod tr. def to charge (a person) with crime, esp. formally in writing; accuse. indictee sub head indict syl in+dict:1ee pos n. indicter sub head indict or indictor syl in+1dict+er pos n. indictor sub head indict or indicter syl in+1dic+tor pos n. indictable 1. syl in+dict+a:ble pron pos adj. qual Criminal law. usage of a person def liable to be indicted. indictable 2. syl in+dict+a:ble pron pos adj. qual Criminal law. usage of a crime, etc. def that makes a person liable to be indicted. indictably sub head indictable syl in+1dict+a:bly pos adv. indiction ety C14: from Latin indicti*_o declaration, announcement of a tax; see #7indite indiction 1. syl in+dic+tion pron pos n. usage in the Roman Empire and later in various medieval kingdoms def a recurring fiscal period of 15 years, often used as a unit for dating events. indiction 2. syl in+dic+tion pron pos n. usage in the Roman Empire and later in various medieval kingdoms def a particular year in this period or the number assigned it. indiction 3.a. syl in+dic+tion pron pos n. usage in the Roman Empire and later in various medieval kingdoms def a valuation of property made every 15 years as a basis for taxation. indiction 3.b. syl in+dic+tion pron pos n. usage in the Roman Empire and later in various medieval kingdoms def the tax based on this valuation. indictional sub head indiction syl in+1dic+tion+al pos adj. indictment 1. syl in+dict+ment pron pos n. qual Criminal law. def a formal written charge of crime formerly referred to and presented on oath by a grand jury. indictment 2. syl in+dict+ment pron pos n. qual Criminal law. def any formal accusation of crime. indictment 3. syl in+dict+ment pron pos n. qual Criminal law.; Scot. def a charge of crime brought at the instance of the Lord Advocate. indictment 4. syl in+dict+ment pron pos n. qual Criminal law. def the act of indicting or the state of being indicted. the infl head Indies syl the. pos n. Indies 1. syl In+dies pron <1indiz> pos n. def the territories of S and SE Asia included in the East Indies, India, and Indochina. Indies 2. syl In+dies pron <1indiz> pos n. def See {East Indies}. Indies 3. syl In+dies pron <1indiz> pos n. def See {West Indies}. indifference 1. syl in+dif+fer+ence pron , <-f*r*ns> pos n. def the fact or state of being indifferent; lack of care or concern. indifference 2. syl in+dif+fer+ence pron , <-f*r*ns> pos n. def lack of quality; mediocrity. indifference 3. syl in+dif+fer+ence pron , <-f*r*ns> pos n. def lack of importance; insignificance. indifferent ety C14: from Latin indiffer*_ens making no distinction indifferent 1. syl in+dif+fer+ent pron , <-f*r*nt> pos adj. usage often foll. by to def showing no care or concern; uninterested. exam 1 he was indifferent to my pleas. indifferent 2. syl in+dif+fer+ent pron , <-f*r*nt> pos adj. def unimportant; immaterial. indifferent 3.a. syl in+dif+fer+ent pron , <-f*r*nt> pos adj. def of only average or moderate size, extent, quality, etc. indifferent 3.b. syl in+dif+fer+ent pron , <-f*r*nt> pos adj. def not at all good; poor. indifferent 4. syl in+dif+fer+ent pron , <-f*r*nt> pos adj. def showing or having no preferences; impartial. indifferent 5.a. syl in+dif+fer+ent pron , <-f*r*nt> pos adj. usage of cells or tissues def not differentiated or specialized. indifferent 5.b. syl in+dif+fer+ent pron , <-f*r*nt> pos adj. usage of a species def occurring in two or more different communities. indifferently sub head indifferent syl in+1dif+fer+ent+ly pos adv. indifferentism 0. syl in+dif+fer+ent+ism pron , <-f*r*n-> pos n. def systematic indifference, esp. in matters of religion. indifferentist sub head indifferentism syl in+1dif+fer+ent+ist pos n. indigen alt head indigene or indigene syl in+di+gen pron <1indiJ*n> pos n. indigene 0. or indigen syl in+di+gene pron <1indi2JEn> pos n. def an indigenous person, animal, or thing; native. indigenous ety C17: from Latin indigenus, from indigena indigene, from indi- in+ gignere to beget indigenous 1. syl in+dig+e:nous pron pos adj. usage when postpositive, foll. by to def originating or occurring naturally (in a country, region, etc.); native. indigenous 2. syl in+dig+e:nous pron pos adj. usage when postpositive, foll. by to def innate (to); inherent (in). indigenously sub head indigenous syl in+1dig+e:nous+ly pos adv. indigenousness sub head indigenous or indigenity syl in+1dig+e:nous+ness pron <2indi1Jeniti> pos n. indigenity sub head indigenous or indigenousness syl in+di+gen+i:ty pron <2indi1Jeniti> pos n. indigent ety C14: from Latin indig*_ere to need, from eg*_ere to lack &- #!in+di+gence n. &- #!in+di+gent+ly adv. indigent 1. syl in+di+gent pron <1indiJ*nt> pos adj. def so poor as to lack even necessities; very needy. indigent 2. syl in+di+gent pron <1indiJ*nt> pos adj. qual Archaic. usage usually foll. by of def lacking (in) or destitute (of). indigent 3. syl in+di+gent pron <1indiJ*nt> pos n. def an impoverished person. indigested 0. syl in+di+gest+ed pron <2indi1Jestid> pos adj. qual Archaic. def undigested. indigestible 1. syl in+di+gest+i:ble pron <2indi1Jest*bL> pos adj. def incapable of being digested or difficult to digest. indigestible 2. syl in+di+gest+i:ble pron <2indi1Jest*bL> pos adj. def difficult to understand or absorb mentally. exam 1 an indigestible book. indigestibility sub head indigestible or indigestibleness syl in+di+2gest+i:1bil+i:ty pos n. indigestibleness sub head indigestible or indigestibility syl in+di+1gest+i:ble+ness pos n. indigestibly sub head indigestible syl in+di+1gest+i:bly pos adv. indigestion 0. syl in+di+ges+tion pron <2indi1JesC*n> pos n. def difficulty in digesting food, accompanied by abdominal pain, heartburn, and belching. Technical name: {dyspepsia}. indigestive 0. syl in+di+ges+tive pron <2indi1Jestiv> pos adj. def relating to or suffering from indigestion; dyspeptic. indign ety C15: from Old French indigne, from Latin indignus unworthy, from #7in -%1#7+ dignus worthy; see #7dignity indign 1. syl in+dign pron pos adj. qual Obsolete or poetic. def undeserving; unworthy. indign 2. syl in+dign pron pos adj. qual Obsolete or poetic. def unseemly; disgraceful. indign 3. syl in+dign pron pos adj. qual Obsolete or poetic. def not deserved. indignant ety C16: from Latin indign*_ar*_i to be displeased with &- in+#!dig+nant+ly adv. indignant 0. syl in+dig+nant pron pos adj. def feeling or showing indignation. indignation 0. syl in+dig+na+tion pron <2indig1nAS*n> pos n. def anger or scorn aroused by something felt to be unfair, unworthy, or wrong. indignities infl head indignity syl in+dig+ni:ties. pos n. mod pl. indignity 1. syl in+dig+ni:ty pron pos n. def injury to one's self-esteem or dignity; humiliation. indignity 2. syl in+dig+ni:ty pron pos n. qual Obsolete. def disgrace or disgraceful character or conduct. indigo ety C16: from Spanish indico, via Latin from Greek Indikos of India indigos infl head indigo or indigoes syl in+di+gos pos n. mod pl. indigoes infl head indigo or indigos syl in+di+goes. pos n. mod pl. indigo 1. syl in+di+go pron <1indi2g*u> pos n. def Also called: {indigotin}. a blue vat dye originally obtained from plants but now made synthetically. indigo 2. syl in+di+go pron <1indi2g*u> pos n. def any of various tropical plants of the leguminous genus such as the anil, that yield this dye. Compare {wild indigo}. indigo 3.a. syl in+di+go pron <1indi2g*u> pos n. def any of a group of colours that have the same blue-violet hue; a spectral colour. indigo 3.b. syl in+di+go pron <1indi2g*u> pos as; adj. exam 1 an indigo carpet. indigotic sub head indigo syl in+di+got+ic pron <2indi1gotik> pos adj. (indigo-blue infl head indigo blue syl (indigo-blue pos n. adj. indigo blue 0. syl in+di+go blue pos n. adj. usage when prenominal) . def the full name for {indigo} (the colour and the dye). indigo bird infl head indigo bunting or finch syl in+di+go bird pos n. finch infl head indigo bunting or indigo bird syl finch pos n. indigo bunting 0. syl in+di+go bunt+ing pos n. def a North American bunting, the male of which is bright blue and the female brown. indigoid 1. syl in+di+goid pron <1indi2gcid> pos adj. def of, concerned with, or resembling indigo or its blue colour. indigoid 2. syl in+di+goid pron <1indi2gcid> pos n. def any of a number of synthetic dyes or pigments related in chemical structure to indigo. indigo snake 0. syl in+di+go snake pos n. def a dark-blue nonvenomous North American colubrid snake, indigotin ety C19: from #7indigo+ -#7in indigotin 0. syl in+dig:o+tin pron , <2indi1g*u-> pos n. def another name for {indigo} (the dye). indirect 1. syl in+di+rect pron <2indi1rekt> pos adj. def deviating from a direct course or line; roundabout; circuitous. indirect 2. syl in+di+rect pron <2indi1rekt> pos adj. def not coming as a direct effect or consequence; secondary. exam 1 indirect benefits. indirect 3. syl in+di+rect pron <2indi1rekt> pos adj. def not straightforward, open, or fair; devious or evasive. exam 1 an indirect insult. indirect 4. syl in+di+rect pron <2indi1rekt> pos adj. usage of a title or an inheritance def not inherited in an unbroken line of succession from father to son. indirect 5. syl in+di+rect pron <2indi1rekt> pos adj. usage Maths. of a proof def using the denial of a hypothesis to be proved to demonstrate a contradiction. Compare { {direct} (sense 16b)}. indirectly sub head indirect syl in+di+1rect+ly pos adv. indirectness sub head indirect syl in+di+1rect+ness pos n. indirection 1. syl in+di+rec+tion pron <2indi1rekS*n> pos n. def indirect procedure, courses, or methods. indirection 2. syl in+di+rec+tion pron <2indi1rekS*n> pos n. def lack of direction or purpose; aimlessness. indirection 3. syl in+di+rec+tion pron <2indi1rekS*n> pos n. def indirect dealing; deceit. indirect lighting 0. syl in+di+rect light+ing pos n. def reflected or diffused light from a concealed source. indirect object 0. syl in+di+rect ob+ject pos n. qual Grammar. def a noun, pronoun, or noun phrase indicating the recipient or beneficiary of the action of a verb and its direct object, as in the sentence Compare {direct object}. indirect question 0. syl in+di+rect ques+tion pos n. def a question reported in indirect speech, as in Compare {direct question}. indirect tax 0. syl in+di+rect tax pos n. def a tax levied on goods or services rather than on individuals or companies. Compare {direct tax}. indiscernible 1. syl in+dis+cern+i:ble pron <2indi1sR:n*bL> pos adj. def incapable of being discerned. indiscernible 2. syl in+dis+cern+i:ble pron <2indi1sR:n*bL> pos adj. def scarcely discernible or perceptible. indiscernibleness sub head indiscernible syl in+dis+1cern+i:ble+ness pos n. indiscernibly sub head indiscernible syl in+dis+1cern+i:bly pos adv. indiscipline 0. syl in+dis+ci+pline pron pos n. def lack of discipline. indiscreet 0. syl in+dis+creet pron <2indi1skrEt> pos adj. def not discreet; imprudent or tactless. indiscreetly sub head indiscreet syl in+dis+1creet+ly pos adv. indiscreetness sub head indiscreet syl in+dis+1creet+ness pos n. indiscrete 0. syl in+dis+crete pron <2indi1skrEt> pos adj. def not divisible or divided into parts. indiscretely sub head indiscrete syl in+dis+1crete+ly pos adv. indiscreteness sub head indiscrete syl in+dis+1crete+ness pos n. indiscretion 1. syl in+dis+cre+tion pron <2indi1skreS*n> pos n. def the characteristic or state of being indiscreet. indiscretion 2. syl in+dis+cre+tion pron <2indi1skreS*n> pos n. def an indiscreet act, remark, etc. indiscretionary sub head indiscretion syl in+dis+1cre+tion+ar:y pos adj. indiscriminate 1. syl in+dis+crim:i+nate pron <2indi1skriminit> pos adj. def lacking discrimi?!nation or careful choice; random or promiscuous. indiscriminate 2. syl in+dis+crim:i+nate pron <2indi1skriminit> pos adj. def jumbled; confused. indiscriminately sub head indiscriminate syl in+dis+1crim:i+nate+ly pos adv. indiscriminateness sub head indiscriminate syl in+dis+1crim:i+nate+ness pos n. indiscrimination sub head indiscriminate syl in+dis+2crim:i+1na+tion pos n. indispensable 1. syl in+dis+pen+sa:ble pron <2indi1spens*bL> pos adj. def absolutely necessary; essential. indispensable 2. syl in+dis+pen+sa:ble pron <2indi1spens*bL> pos adj. def not to be disregarded or escaped. exam 1 an indispensable role. indispensable 3. syl in+dis+pen+sa:ble pron <2indi1spens*bL> pos n. def an indispensable person or thing. indispensability sub head indispensable or indispensableness syl in+dis+2pen+sa:1bil+i:ty pos n. indispensableness sub head indispensable or indispensability syl in+dis+1pen+sa:ble+ness pos n. indispensably sub head indispensable syl in+dis+1pen+sa:bly pos adv. indispose 1. syl in+dis+pose pron <2indi1sp*uz> pos vb. mod tr. def to make unwilling or opposed; disincline. indispose 2. syl in+dis+pose pron <2indi1sp*uz> pos vb. mod tr. def to cause to feel ill. indispose 3. syl in+dis+pose pron <2indi1sp*uz> pos vb. mod tr. def to make unfit (for something or to do something). indisposed ety C15: from Latin indispositus disordered indisposed 1. syl in+dis+posed pron <2indi1sp*uzd> pos adj. def sick or ill. indisposed 2. syl in+dis+posed pron <2indi1sp*uzd> pos adj. def disinclined. indisposition sub head indisposed syl in+dis+po+si+tion pron <2indisp*1ziS*n> pos n. indisputable 0. syl in+dis+put+a:ble pron <2indi1spju:t*bL> pos adj. def beyond doubt; not open to question. indisputability sub head indisputable or indisputableness syl in+dis+2put+a:1bil+i:ty pos n. indisputableness sub head indisputable or indisputability syl in+dis+1put+a:ble+ness pos n. indisputably sub head indisputable syl in+dis+1put+a:bly pos adv. indissoluble 0. syl in+dis+sol+u:ble pron <2indi1soljubL> pos adj. def incapable of being dissolved or broken; permanent. indissolubility sub head indissoluble or indissolubleness syl in+dis+2sol+u:1bil+i:ty pos n. indissolubleness sub head indissoluble or indissolubility syl in+dis+1sol+u:ble+ness pos n. indissolubly sub head indissoluble syl in+dis+1sol+u:bly pos adv. indistinct 0. syl in+dis+tinct pron <2indi1stiGkt> pos adj. def incapable of being clearly distinguished, as by the eyes, ears, or mind; not distinct. indistinctly sub head indistinct syl 2in+dis+1tinct+ly pos adv. indistinctness sub head indistinct syl 2in+dis+1tinct+ness pos n. indistinctive 1. syl in+dis+tinc+tive pron <2indi1stiGktiv> pos adj. def without distinctive qualities. indistinctive 2. syl in+dis+tinc+tive pron <2indi1stiGktiv> pos adj. def unable to make distinctions; undiscriminating. indistinctively sub head indistinctive syl 2in+dis+1tinc+tive+ly pos adv. indistinctiveness sub head indistinctive syl 2in+dis+1tinc+tive+ness pos n. indistinguishable 1. syl in+dis+tin+guish+a:ble pron <2indi1stiGgwiS*bL> pos adj. usage often postpositive; foll. by from def identical or very similar (to). exam 1 twins indistinguishable from one another. indistinguishable 2. syl in+dis+tin+guish+a:ble pron <2indi1stiGgwiS*bL> pos adj. def not easily perceptible; indiscernible. indistinguishability sub head indistinguishable or indistinguishableness syl 2in+dis+2tin+guish+a:1bil+i:ty pos n. indistinguishableness sub head indistinguishable or indistinguishability syl 2in+dis+1tin+guish+a:ble+ness pos n. indistinguishably sub head indistinguishable syl 2in+dis+1tin+guish+a:bly pos adv. indite ety C14: from Old French enditer, from Latin ind*_icere to declare, from #7in -%2#7+ d*_icere to say indite 1. syl in+dite pron pos vb. mod tr. qual Archaic. def to write. indite 2. syl in+dite pron pos vb. mod tr. qual Obsolete. def to dictate. inditement sub head indite syl in+1dite+ment pos n. inditer sub head indite syl in+1dit+er pos n. indium ety C19: New Latin, from #7indigo#7+ -#7ium indium 0. syl in+di:um pron <1indi*m> pos n. def a rare soft silvery metallic element associated with zinc ores: used in alloys, electronics, and electroplating. Symbol: In; atomic no.: 49; atomic wt.: 114.82; valency: 1, 2, or 3; relative density: 7.31; melting pt.: 156.61?%C; boiling pt.: 2000?%C (approx.). individ alt head indiv or indiv syl individ. indiv 0. or individ syl indiv. qual abbrev. for def individual. indivertible 0. syl in+di+vert+i:ble pron <2indi1vR:tibL> pos adj. def incapable of being diverted or turned aside. &- {@!in+di+#!vert+i@.bly} individual ety C15: from Medieval Latin ind*_ividu*_alis, from Latin ind*_ividuus indivisible, from #7in -%1#7+ d*_ividuus divisible, from d*_ividere to #7divide &- @!in+di+#!vid+u@.al+ly adv.#e Usage. In careful speech and writing, the noun individual is not loosely used as a synonym of person, although it is appropriate in that sense when a single person is being considered in contrast to a group, as in in mass democracy the rights of the individual must be protected. individual 1. syl in+di+vid+u:al pron <2indi1vidju*l> pos adj. def of, relating to, characteristic of, or meant for a single person or thing. individual 2. syl in+di+vid+u:al pron <2indi1vidju*l> pos adj. def separate or distinct, esp. from others of its kind; particular. exam 1 please mark the individual pages. individual 3. syl in+di+vid+u:al pron <2indi1vidju*l> pos adj. def characterized by unusual and striking qualities; distinctive. individual 4. syl in+di+vid+u:al pron <2indi1vidju*l> pos adj. qual Obsolete. def indivisible; inseparable. individual 5. syl in+di+vid+u:al pron <2indi1vidju*l> pos n. def a single person, esp. when regarded as distinct from others. individual 6.a. syl in+di+vid+u:al pron <2indi1vidju*l> pos n. def a single animal or plant, esp. as distinct from a species. individual 6.b. syl in+di+vid+u:al pron <2indi1vidju*l> pos n. def a single member of a compound organism or colony. individualism 1. syl in+di+vid:u+al+ism pron <2indi1vidju*2liz*m> pos n. def the action or principle of asserting one's independence and individuality; egoism. individualism 2. syl in+di+vid:u+al+ism pron <2indi1vidju*2liz*m> pos n. def an individual quirk or peculiarity. individualism 3. syl in+di+vid:u+al+ism pron <2indi1vidju*2liz*m> pos n. def another word for { {laissez faire} (sense 1)}. individualism 4. syl in+di+vid:u+al+ism pron <2indi1vidju*2liz*m> pos n. qual Philosophy. def the doctrine that only individual things exist. individualist 1. syl in+di+vid:u+al+ist pron <2indi1vidju*list> pos n. def a person who shows independence and individuality in his behaviour, opinions, or actions. individualist 2. syl in+di+vid:u+al+ist pron <2indi1vidju*list> pos n. def an advocate of individualism. individualistic sub head individualist syl in+di+2vid:u+al+1is+tic pos adj. individualistically sub head individualist syl in+di+2vid:u+al+1is+ti+cal+ly pos adv. individualities infl head individuality syl in+di+vid:u+al+i:ties. pos n. mod pl. individuality 1. syl in+di+vid:u+al+i:ty pron <2indi2vidju1@liti> pos n. def distinctive or unique character or personality. exam 1 a work of great individu?!ality. individuality 2. syl in+di+vid:u+al+i:ty pron <2indi2vidju1@liti> pos n. def the qualities that distinguish one person or thing from another; identity. individuality 3. syl in+di+vid:u+al+i:ty pron <2indi2vidju1@liti> pos n. def the state or quality of being a separate entity; discreteness. individuality 4. syl in+di+vid:u+al+i:ty pron <2indi2vidju1@liti> pos n. qual Archaic. def indivisibility; inseparability. individualise alt head individualize or individualize syl in+di+vid:u+al+ise pron <2indi1vidju*2lIz> pos vb. mod tr. individualize 1. or individualise syl in+di+vid:u+al+ize pron <2indi1vidju*2lIz> pos vb. mod tr. def to make or mark as individual or distinctive in character. individualize 2. or individualise syl in+di+vid:u+al+ize pron <2indi1vidju*2lIz> pos vb. mod tr. def to consider or treat individually; particularize. individualize 3. or individualise syl in+di+vid:u+al+ize pron <2indi1vidju*2lIz> pos vb. mod tr. def to make or modify so as to meet the special requirements of a person. individualization sub head individualize or individualisation syl in+di+2vid:u+al:i+1za+tion pos n. individualisation sub head individualize or individualization syl in+di+2vid:u+al:i+1sa+tion pos n. individualizer sub head individualize or individualiser syl in+di+1vid:u+al+2iz+er pos n. individualiser sub head individualize or individualizer syl in+di+1vid:u+al+2is+er pos n. individuate 1. syl in+di+vid:u+ate pron <2indi1vidju2At> pos vb. mod tr. def to give individuality or an individual form to. individuate 2. syl in+di+vid:u+ate pron <2indi1vidju2At> pos vb. mod tr. def to distinguish from others of the same species or group; individualize. &- {@!in+di+@!vid@.u+#!a@.tion} &- {@!in+di+#!vid+u@.@!a+tor} indivisible 1. syl in+di+vis+i:ble pron <2indi1viz*bL> pos adj. def unable to be divided. indivisible 2. syl in+di+vis+i:ble pron <2indi1viz*bL> pos adj. qual Maths. def leaving a remainder when divided by a given number. exam 1 8 is indivisible by 3. indivisibility sub head indivisible or indivisibleness syl in+di+2vis+i:1bil+i:ty pos n. indivisibleness sub head indivisible or indivisibility syl in+di+1vis+i:ble+ness pos n. Indo- 0. syl In:do- pron <1ind*u-> usage combining form. def denoting India or Indian. exam 1 Indo-European. Indo-Aryan 1. syl In:do-Ar:y:an pos adj. def another word for {Indic} (sense 1). {~} Indo-Aryan 2. syl In:do-Ar:y:an pos adj. def another name for {Indic} (sense 2). Indo-Aryan 3. syl In:do-Ar:y:an pos adj. def a native speaker of an Indo-Aryan language. Indo-China alt head Indochina or Indochina syl In:do-Chi:na pron <1ind*u1CIn*> Indochina 1. or Indo-China syl In:do+chi:na pron <1ind*u1CIn*> def Also called: {Farther India}. a peninsula in SE Asia, between India and China: consists of Burma, Thailand, Laos, Cambodia, Vietnam, and Malaya. Indochina 2. or Indo-China syl In:do+chi:na pron <1ind*u1CIn*> def the former French colonial possessions of Cochin China, Annam, Tonkin, Laos, and Cambodia. Indochinese sub head Indochina or Indo-Chinese syl In:do+chi:1nese pos adj. n. Indo-Chinese sub head Indochina or Indochinese syl In:do-Chi:1nese pos adj. n. indocile 0. syl in+do+cile pron pos adj. def difficult to discipline or instruct. indocility sub head indocile syl in+do+cil+i:ty pron <2ind*u1siliti> pos n. indoctrinate 1. syl in+doc+tri+nate pron pos vb. mod tr. def to teach (a person or group of people) systematically to accept doctrines, esp. uncritically. indoctrinate 2. syl in+doc+tri+nate pron pos vb. mod tr. qual Rare. def to impart learning to; instruct. indoctrination sub head indoctrinate syl in+2doc+tri+1na+tion pos n. indoctrinator sub head indoctrinate syl in+1doc+tri+2na+tor pos n. Indo-European 1. syl In:do-Eu:ro:pe:an pos adj. def denoting, belonging to, or relating to a family of languages that includes English and many other culturally and politically important languages of the world: characteristically marked by inflection showing gender, number, and case. Indo-European 2. syl In:do-Eu:ro:pe:an pos adj. def denoting or relating to the hypothetical parent language of this family, primitive Indo-European. Indo-European 3. syl In:do-Eu:ro:pe:an pos adj. def denoting, belonging to, or relating to any of the peoples speaking these languages. Indo-European 4. syl In:do-Eu:ro:pe:an pos n. def the Indo-European family of languages. Indo-European 5. syl In:do-Eu:ro:pe:an pos n. def Also called: {primitive Indo-European, Proto-Indo-European}. the reconstructed hypothetical parent language of this family. Indo-European 6. syl In:do-Eu:ro:pe:an pos n. def a member of the prehistoric people who spoke this language. Indo-European 7. syl In:do-Eu:ro:pe:an pos n. def a descendant of this people or a native speaker of an Indo-European language. Indo-Germanic 0. syl In:do-Ger:man:ic pos adj. n. qual Obsolete. def another term for {Indo-European}. Indo-Hittite 0. syl In:do-Hit:tite pos n. def the Indo-European family of languages: used by scholars who regard Hittite not as a branch of Indo-Euro?!pean but as a related language. Indo-Iranian 1. syl In:do-I:ra:ni:an pos adj. def of or relating to the Indic and Iranian branches of the Indo-European family of languages. Indo-Iranian 2. syl In:do-I:ra:ni:an pos n. def this group of languages, sometimes considered as forming a single branch of Indo-European. indole ety C19: from #7ind (#7igo) #7+ -#7ole indol alt head indole or indole syl in+dol pron <1ind*ul>, <-dol> pos n. indole 0. or indol syl in+dole pron <1ind*ul> pos n. def a white or yellowish crystalline heterocyclic compound extracted from coal tar and used in perfumery, medicine, and as a flavouring agent; 1-benzopyrrole. Formula: C\8H\7N. indoleacetic acid 0. syl in+dole+a:ce:tic ac:id pron <2ind*ul*1sEtik>, <-1setik> pos n. def an auxin that causes elongation of the cells of plant stems. Formula: C\1\0H\9NO\2. Abbrev.: {IAA}. indolebutyric acid 0. syl in+dole+bu+tyr+ic ac:id pron <2ind*ulbju:1tirik> pos n. def a synthetic auxin used for stimulating plant growth and root formation. Formula: C\8H\6N(CH\2)\3COOH. indolent ety C17: from Latin indol*_ens not feeling pain, from {#7in -%1}#7+ dol*_ens, from dol*_ere to grieve, cause distress indolent 1. syl in+do+lent pron <1ind*l*nt> pos adj. def disliking work or effort; lazy; idle. indolent 2. syl in+do+lent pron <1ind*l*nt> pos adj. qual Pathol. def causing little pain. exam 1 an indolent tumour. indolent 3. syl in+do+lent pron <1ind*l*nt> pos adj. usage esp. of a painless ulcer def slow to heal. indolence sub head indolent syl in+do+lence pos n. indolently sub head indolent syl in+do+lent+ly pos adv. Indologist 0. syl In+dol:o+gist pron pos n. def a student of Indian literature, history, philosophy, etc. Indology sub head Indologist syl In+1dol+o:gy pos n. indomethacin ety C20: from #7indole#7+meth -#7+acetic acid#7+ -#7in indomethacin 0. syl in+do+meth:a+cin pron <2ind*u1meT*sin> pos n. def a drug administered orally to relieve pain, fever, and inflammation, esp. in rheumatoid arthritis. Formula: C\1\9H\1\6ClNO\4. indomitable ety C17: from Late Latin indomit*_abilis, from Latin indomitus untamable, from #7in -%1#7+ domitus subdued, from dom*_are to tame indomitable 0. syl in+dom:i+ta:ble pron pos adj. usage of courage, pride, etc. def difficult or impossible to defeat or subdue. indomitability sub head indomitable or indomitableness syl in+2dom:i+ta:1bil+i:ty pos n. indomitableness sub head indomitable or indomitability syl in+1dom:i+ta:ble+ness pos n. indomitably sub head indomitable syl in+1dom:i+ta:bly pos adv. Indonesia 0. syl In+do+ne:si:a pron <2ind*u1nEzi*> pos n. def a republic in SE Asia, in the Malay Archipelago, consisting of the main islands of Sumatra, Java, Bali, Celebes (Sulawesi), Lombok, Sumbawa, Flores, the Moluccas, Timor, part of Borneo (Kalimantan), West Irian, and over 3000 small islands in the Indian and Pacific Oceans: became the Dutch East Indies in 1798; declared independence in 1945; became a republic in 1950. Official language: Bahasa Indonesia. Religion: mostly Muslim. Currency: rupiah. Capital: Djakarta. Pop.: 119232499 (1971). Area: 1907568 sq. km (736512 sq. miles). Former name (1798-1945): {Dutch East Indies}. Indonesian 1. syl In+do+ne:si:an pron <2ind*u1nEzi*n> pos adj. def of or relating to Indonesia, its people, or their language. Indonesian 2. syl In+do+ne:si:an pron <2ind*u1nEzi*n> pos n. def a native or inhabitant of Indonesia. Indonesian 3. syl In+do+ne:si:an pron <2ind*u1nEzi*n> pos n. def another name for {Bahasa Indonesia}. Indonesian 4. syl In+do+ne:si:an pron <2ind*u1nEzi*n> pos n. def a branch of the Malayo-Polynesian family of languages that includes Malay, Tagalog, and Malagasy. indoor 1. syl in+door pron <1in2dc:> pos adj. usage prenominal def of, situated in, or appropriate to the inside of a house or other building. exam 1 an indoor tennis court; exam 2 indoor amusements. indoors 0. syl in+doors pron <2in1dc:z> pos adv. adj. usage postpositive def inside or into a house or other building. Indo-Pacific 1. syl In:do-Pa:cif:ic pos adj. def of or relating to the region of the Indian and W Pacific Oceans off the coast of SE Asia. Indo-Pacific 2. syl In:do-Pa:cif:ic pos n. def a hypothetical phylum or superphylum of languages that would consist of Malayo-Polynesian, Mon-Khmer, certain Indian languages, Papuan, and the Australian aboriginal languages. See also {Austro-Asiatic}. indophenol 1. syl in+do+phe:nol pron <2ind*u1fEnol> pos n. def a derivative of quinonimine. Formula: HOC\6H\4NC\6H\4O. indophenol 2. syl in+do+phe:nol pron <2ind*u1fEnol> pos n. def any of a class of derivatives of this compound, esp. one of the blue or green dyes that are used for wool and cotton. Indore 1. syl In+dore pron pos n. def a city in central India, in W Madhya Pradesh. Pop.: 543381 (1971). Indore 2. syl In+dore pron pos n. def a former state of central India: became part of Madhya Bharat in 1948, which in turn became part of Madhya Pradesh in 1956. indorse 0. syl in+dorse pron pos vb. def a variant spelling of {endorse}. indorsable sub head indorse syl in+1dors+a:ble pos adj. indorsement sub head indorse syl in+1dorse+ment pos n. indorser sub head indorse or indorsor syl in+1dors+er pos n. indorsor sub head indorse or indorser syl in+1dor+sor pos n. indorsee 0. syl in+dor+see pron <2indc:1sE>, pos n. def a variant spelling of {endorsee}. indoxyl ety C19: from #7indo -#7+hydroxyl indoxyl 0. syl in+dox+yl pron pos n. def a yellow water-soluble crystalline compound occurring in woad as its glucoside and in urine as its ester. Formula: C\8H\7NO. See also {indican}. Indra 0. syl In:dra pron <1indr*> pos n. qual Hinduism. def the most celebrated god of the Rig-Veda, governing the weather and dispensing rain. indraft alt head indraught or indraught syl in+draft pron <1in2dra:ft> pos n. qual U.S. indraught 1. or indraft syl in+draught pron <1in2dra:ft> pos n. def the act of drawing or pulling in. indraught 2. or indraft syl in+draught pron <1in2dra:ft> pos n. def an inward flow, esp. of air. indrawn 1. syl in+drawn pron <2in1drc:n> pos adj. def drawn or pulled in. indrawn 2. syl in+drawn pron <2in1drc:n> pos adj. def inward looking or introspective. Indre 0. syl In+dre pron French pos n. def a department of central France in the Centre region. Capital: Ch*^ateauroux. Pop.: 256147 (1975). Area: 6906 sq. km (2693 sq. miles). Indre-et-Loire 0. syl In:dre-et-Loire pron French , French <1lwa:r> pos n. def a department of W central France in the Centre region: contains many famous ch*^ateaux along the Loire. Capital: Tours. Pop.: 486884 (1975). Area: 6158 sq. km (2402 sq. miles). indris ety C19: from French: lemur, from Malagasy indry&! look&! mistaken for the animal's name indri alt head indris or indris syl in+dri pron <1indri> pos n. indris 1. or indri syl in+dris pron <1indris> pos n. def a large Madagascan arboreal lemuroid primate, with thick silky fur patterned in black, white, and fawn: family woolly indris 2. head indris syl woolly indris. def a related nocturnal Madagascan animal, with thick grey-brown fur and a long tail. indubitable ety C18: from Latin indubit*_abilis, from #7in -%1#7+ dubit*_are to doubt indubitable 0. syl in+du+bi+ta:ble pron pos adj. def incapable of being doubted; unquestionable. indubitability sub head indubitable or indubitableness syl in+2du+bi+ta:1bil+i:ty pos n. indubitableness sub head indubitable or indubitability syl in+1du+bi+ta:ble+ness pos n. indubitably sub head indubitable syl in+1du+bi+ta:bly pos adv. induc 0. syl induc. qual abbrev. for def induction. induce ety C14: from Latin ind*_ucere to lead in, from d*_ucere to lead induce 1. syl in+duce pron pos vb. mod tr. usage often foll. by an infinitive def to persuade or use influence on. induce 2. syl in+duce pron pos vb. mod tr. def to cause or bring about. induce 3. syl in+duce pron pos vb. mod tr. qual Med. def to initiate or hasten (labour), as by administering a drug to stimulate uterine contractions. induce 4. syl in+duce pron pos vb. mod tr. qual Logic. def to assert or establish (a general proposition, hypothesis, etc.) by induction. induce 5. syl in+duce pron pos vb. mod tr. def to produce (an electromotive force or electrical current) by induction. induce 6. syl in+duce pron pos vb. mod tr. def to transmit (magnetism) by induction. inducer sub head induce syl in+1duc+er pos n. inducible sub head induce syl in+1duc+i:ble pos adj. induced drag 0. syl in+duced drag pos n. def the former name for {trailing vortex drag}. inducement 1. syl in+duce+ment pron pos n. def the act of inducing. inducement 2. syl in+duce+ment pron pos n. def a means of inducing; persuasion; incentive. inducement 3. syl in+duce+ment pron pos n. usage Law. in pleading def the introductory part that leads up to and explains the matter in dispute. induct ety C14: from Latin inductus led in, past participle of ind*_ucere to introduce; see #7induce induct 1. syl in+duct pron pos vb. mod tr. def to bring in formally or install in an office, place, etc.; invest. induct 2. syl in+duct pron pos vb. mod tr. usage foll. by to or into def to initiate in knowledge (of). induct 3. syl in+duct pron pos vb. mod tr. qual U.S. def to enlist for military service; conscript. induct 4. syl in+duct pron pos vb. mod tr. qual Physics. def another word for {induce} (senses 5, 6). inductance 1. syl in+duct+ance pron pos n. def Also called: {induction}. the property of an electric circuit as a result of which an electromotive force is created by a change of current in the same circuit (see {self-inductance}) or in a neighbouring circuit (see {mutual inductance}) . It is usually measured in henries. Symbol: {L} inductance 2. syl in+duct+ance pron pos n. def Also called: {inductor}. a component, such as a coil, in an electrical circuit, the main function of which is to produce inductance. inductee 0. syl in+duc+tee pron <2ind^k1tE> pos n. qual U.S. def a military conscript. inductile 0. syl in+duc+tile pron pos adj. def not ductile, pliant, or yielding. inductility sub head inductile syl in+duc+1til+i:ty pos n. induction 1. syl in+duc+tion pron pos n. def the act of inducting or state of being inducted. induction 2. syl in+duc+tion pron pos n. def the act of inducing. induction 3.a. syl in+duc+tion pron pos n. def a process of reasoning, used esp. in science, by which a general conclusion is drawn from a set of premisses, based mainly on experience or experimental evidence. The conclusion contains more information than the premisses, taken as a whole, but can be disproved by a further premiss. induction 3.b. syl in+duc+tion pron pos n. def a conclusion reached by this process of reasoning. Compare { {deduction} (sense 3)}. induction 4. syl in+duc+tion pron pos n. def the process by which electrical or magnetic properties are transferred, without physical contact, from one circuit or body to another. See also {inductance}. induction 5. syl in+duc+tion pron pos n. qual Biology. def the effect of one tissue, esp. an embryonic tissue, on the development of an adjacent tissue. induction 6. syl in+duc+tion pron pos n. qual Maths. def a method of proving a proposition P containing an arbitrary integer by showing first that the proposition is true for =1, secondly, that for any value = P implies P +1), and thus thirdly every proposition, P(1), P(2), P(3), etc., is true, since P(2)=P(1+1), etc. induction 7. syl in+duc+tion pron pos n. def a formal introduction or entry into an office or position. induction 8. syl in+duc+tion pron pos n. qual U.S. def the formal enlistment of a civilian into military service. induction 9. syl in+duc+tion pron pos n. def an archaic word for {preface}. inductional sub head induction syl in+1duc+tion+al pos adj. induction coil 0. syl in+duc+tion coil pos n. def a transformer for producing a high voltage from a low voltage. It consists of a cylindrical primary winding of few turns, a concentric secondary winding of many turns, and often a common soft-iron core. Sometimes shortened to {coil}. induction hardening 0. syl in+duc+tion hard+en+ing pos n. def a process in which the outer surface of a metal component is rapidly heated by means of induced eddy currents. After rapid cooling the resulting phase transformations produce a hard wear-resistant skin. induction heating 0. syl in+duc+tion heat+ing pos n. def the heating of a conducting material as a result of the electric currents induced in it by an externally applied alternating magnetic field. induction motor 0. syl in+duc+tion mo+tor pos n. def a type of brushless electric motor in which an alternating supply fed to the windings of the stator creates a magnetic field that induces a current in the windings of the rotor. Rotation of the rotor results from the interaction of the magnetic field created by the rotor current with the field of the stator. inductive 1. syl in+duc+tive pron pos adj. def relating to, involving, or operated by electrical or magnetic induction. exam 1 an inductive reactance. inductive 2. syl in+duc+tive pron pos adj. qual Logic, maths. def of, relating to, or using induction. exam 1 inductive reasoning. inductive 3. syl in+duc+tive pron pos adj. def serving to induce or cause. inductive 4. syl in+duc+tive pron pos adj. def a rare word for {introductory}. inductive 5. syl in+duc+tive pron pos adj. qual Biology. def producing a reaction within an organism, esp. induction in embryonic tissue. inductively sub head inductive syl in+1duc+tive+ly pos adv. inductiveness sub head inductive syl in+1duc+tive+ness pos n. inductor 1. syl in+duc+tor pron pos n. def a person or thing that inducts. inductor 2. syl in+duc+tor pron pos n. def another name for an {inductance} (sense 2). indues infl head indue syl in+dues pos vb. induing infl head indue syl in+du+ing pos vb. indued infl head indue syl in+dued. pos vb. indue 0. syl in+due pron pos vb. def a variant spelling of {endue}. indulge ety C17: from Latin indulg*_ere to concede, from -dulg*_ere, probably related to Greek dolikhos long, Gothic tulgus firm indulge 1. syl in+dulge pron pos vb. mod when; intr. usage often foll. by in def to yield to or gratify (a whim or desire for). exam 1 to indulge a desire for new clothes; exam 2 to indulge in new clothes. indulge 2. syl in+dulge pron pos vb. mod tr. def to yield to the wishes of; pamper. exam 1 to indulge a child. indulge 3. syl in+dulge pron pos vb. mod tr. qual Commerce. def to allow (a debtor) an extension of time for payment of (a bill, etc.). indulge 4. syl in+dulge pron pos vb. mod intr. qual Informal. def to take alcoholic drink, esp. to excess. indulger sub head indulge syl in+1dulg+er pos n. indulgingly sub head indulge syl in+1dulg+ing+ly pos adv. indulgence 1. syl in+dul+gence pron pos n. def the act of indulging or state of being indulgent. indulgence 2. syl in+dul+gence pron pos n. def a pleasure, habit, etc., indulged in; extravagance. exam 1 fur coats are an indulgence. indulgence 3. syl in+dul+gence pron pos n. def liberal or tolerant treatment. indulgence 4. syl in+dul+gence pron pos n. def something granted as a favour or privilege. indulgence 5. syl in+dul+gence pron pos n. qual R.C. Church. def a remission of the temporal punishment for sin after its guilt has been forgiven. indulgence 6. syl in+dul+gence pron pos n. qual Commerce. def an extension of time granted as a favour for payment of a debt or as fulfilment of some other obligation. indulgence 7. syl in+dul+gence pron pos n. def Also called: {Declaration of Indulgence}. a royal grant during the reigns of Charles II and James II of England giving Nonconformists and Roman Catholics a measure of religious freedom. {~} indulgence 8. syl in+dul+gence pron pos n. qual R.C. Church. def to designate as providing indul?!gence. exam 1 indulgenced prayers. indulgent 0. syl in+dul+gent pron pos adj. def showing or characterized by indulgence. indulgently sub head indulgent syl in+1dul+gent+ly pos adv. induline ety C19: from #7indo -#7+ -#7ule+ -{#7ine %2} indulin alt head induline or induline syl in+du+lin pron <1indjulin> pos n. induline 0. or indulin syl in+du+line pron <1indju2lIn> pos n. def any of a class of blue dyes obtained from aniline and aminoazobenzene. indult ety C16: from Church Latin indultum a privilege, from Latin indulg*_ere to #7indulge indult 0. syl in+dult pron pos n. qual R.C. Church. def a faculty granted by the Holy See allowing a specific deviation from the Church's common law. induna ety C20: from Zulu nduna an official induna 0. syl in+du+na pron pos n. usage in South Africa def a Black African overseer in a factory, mine, etc. induplicated alt head induplicate or induplicate syl in+du+pli+cat+ed pos adj. induplicate 0. or induplicated syl in+du+pli+cate pron , <-2kAt> pos adj. usage of the parts of a bud def bent or folded inwards with the edges touching but not overlapping. induplication sub head induplicate syl in+2du+pli+1ca+tion pos n. indurate ety C16: from Latin ind*_ur*_are to make hard; see #7endure indurate 1. syl in+du+rate pron <1indju2rAt> pos vb. qual Rare. def to make or become hard or callous. indurate 2. syl in+du+rate pron <1indju2rAt> pos vb. qual Rare. def to make or become hardy. indurate 3. syl in+du+rate pron <1indjurit> pos adj. qual Rare. def hardened, callous, or unfeeling. induration sub head indurate syl in+du+1ra+tion pos n. indurative sub head indurate syl in+du+2ra+tive pos adj. Indus H1.0. syl In+dus pron <1ind*s> pos n. def a faint constellation in the S hemisphere lying between Telescopium and Tucano. Indus H2.0. syl In+dus pron <1ind*s> pos n. def a river in S Asia, rising in SW Tibet in the Kailas Range of the Himalayas and flowing northwest through Kashmir, then southwest across Pakistan to the Arabian Sea: important throughout history, esp. for the Indus Civilization (about 3000 to 1500 #7b.c.) #7, and for irrigation. Length: about 2900 km (1800 miles). indusium ety C18: New Latin, from Latin: tunic, from induere to put on indusia infl head indusium syl in+du+si:a pron <-zi*> pos n. mod pl. indusium 1. syl in+du+si:um pron pos n. def a membranous outgrowth on the undersurface of fern leaves that covers and protects the developing spores. indusium 2. syl in+du+si:um pron pos n. def an enveloping membrane, such as the amnion. indusial sub head indusium syl in+1du+si:al pos adj. industrial 1. syl in+dus+tri:al pron pos adj. def of, relating to, derived from, or characteristic of industry. industrial 2. syl in+dus+tri:al pron pos adj. def employed in industry. exam 1 the industrial work force. industrial 3. syl in+dus+tri:al pron pos adj. def relating to or concerned with workers in industry. exam 1 industrial conditions. industrial 4. syl in+dus+tri:al pron pos adj. def used in industry. exam 1 industrial chemicals. ?- industrial action 0. syl in+dus+tri:al ac+tion pos n. qual Brit. def any action, such as a strike or go-slow, taken by employees in industry to protest against working conditions. industrial archaeology 0. syl in+dus+tri:al ar+chae+ol+o:gy pos n. def the study of past industrial machines, works, etc. &- {in+dus+tri@.al ar+chae+ol+o@.gist} industrial design 0. syl in+dus+tri:al de+sign pos n. def the art or practice of designing any object for manufacture. industrial designer sub head industrial design syl in+dus+tri:al de+sign+er pos n. industrial estate 0. syl in+dus+tri:al es+tate pos n. qual Brit. def an area of land planned for industry and business. U.S. equivalent: {industrial park}. industrialism 0. syl in+dus+tri+al+ism pron pos n. def an organization of society characterized by large-scale mechanized manufacturing industry rather than trade, farming, etc. industrialist 0. syl in+dus+tri+al+ist pron pos n. def a person who has a substantial interest in the ownership or control of industrial enterprise. industrialise alt head industrialize or industrialize syl in+dus+tri+al+ise pron pos vb. industrialize 1. or industrialise syl in+dus+tri+al+ize pron pos vb. mod tr. def to develop industry on an extensive scale in (a country, region, etc.). industrialize 2. or industrialise syl in+dus+tri+al+ize pron pos vb. mod intr. usage of a country, region, etc. def to undergo the development of industry on an extensive scale. industrialization sub head industrialize or industrialisation syl in+2dus+tri+al:i+1za+tion pos n. industrialisation sub head industrialize or industrialization syl in+2dus+tri+al:i+1sa+tion pos n. industrial relations 1. syl in+dus+tri:al re+la+tions pos n. mod functioning as; pl. def relations between the employers and employees in an industrial enterprise. industrial relations 2. syl in+dus+tri:al re+la+tions pos n. mod functioning as; sing. def the management of such relations. the infl head Industrial Revolution syl the. pos n. Industrial Revolution 0. syl In+dus+tri:al Rev:o+lu+tion pos n. def the transformation in the 18th and 19th centuries of first Britain and then other W European countries and the U.S. into industrial nations. industrials 0. syl in+dus+tri:als pron pos n. mod pl. def stocks, shares, and bonds of industrial enterprises. industrial union 0. syl in+dus+tri:al un+ion pos n. def a labour organization in which all workers in a given industry are eligible for membership. Compare {craft union}. Industrial Workers of the infl head Industrial Workers of the World syl In+dus+tri:al Work+ers of the. pos n. Industrial Workers of the World 0. syl In+dus+tri:al Work+ers of the World pos n. def an international revolutionary federation of industrial unions founded in Chicago in 1905: banned in the U.S. in 1949. Abbrev.: {I.W.W}. See also {Wobbly}. industrious 1. syl in+dus+tri+ous pron pos adj. def hard-working, diligent, or assiduous. industrious 2. syl in+dus+tri+ous pron pos adj. def an obsolete word for {skilful}. industriously sub head industrious syl in+1dus+tri+ous+ly pos adv. industriousness sub head industrious syl in+1dus+tri+ous+ness pos n. industry ety C15: from Latin industria diligence, from industrius active, of uncertain origin industries infl head industry syl in+dus+tries. pos n. mod pl. industry 1. syl in+dus+try pron <1ind*stri> pos n. def organized economic activity concerned with manufacture, extraction and process?!ing of raw materials, or construction. industry 2. syl in+dus+try pron <1ind*stri> pos n. def a branch of commercial enterprise concerned with the output of a specified product or service. exam 1 the steel industry. industry 3.a. syl in+dus+try pron <1ind*stri> pos n. def industrial ownership and management interests collectively, as contrasted with labour interests. industry 3.b. syl in+dus+try pron <1ind*stri> pos n. def manufacturing enterprise collectively, as opposed to agriculture. industry 4. syl in+dus+try pron <1ind*stri> pos n. def diligence; assiduity. indwells infl head indwell syl in+dwells pos vb. indwelling infl head indwell syl in+dwell+ing pos vb. indwelt infl head indwell syl in+dwelt. pos vb. indwell 1. syl in+dwell pron pos vb. mod tr. usage of a spirit, principle, etc. def to inhabit; suffuse. indwell 2. syl in+dwell pron pos vb. mod intr. def to dwell; exist. &- {in+#!dwell+er} Ind' infl head Indy syl In:d' pron French pos n. Vincent infl head Indy syl Vin:cent pron pos n. Indy 0. syl In:dy pron French pos n. def 1851-1931, French composer. -ine ety from Latin -*_inus, from Greek -inos -ine H1.0. syl -ine exam 1 suffix forming adjectives. -ine H1.1. syl -ine def of, relating to, or belonging to. exam 1 saturnine. -ine H1.2. syl -ine def consisting of or resembling. exam 1 crystalline. -ine ety via French from Latin -ina (from -inus) and Greek -in*_e -ine H2.0. syl -ine exam 1 suffix forming nouns. -ine H2.1. syl -ine def indicating a halogen. exam 1 chlorine. -ine H2.2. syl -ine def indicating a nitrogenous organic compound, including amino acids, alkaloids, and certain other bases. exam 1 alanine; exam 2 nicotine; exam 3 purine. -ine H2.3. syl -ine def Also: {-in}. indicating a chemical substance in certain nonsystematic names. exam 1 glycerine. -ine H2.4. syl -ine def indicating a mixture of hydrocarbons. exam 1 benzine. -ine H2.5. syl -ine def an obsolete equivalent of {-yne}. inearth 0. syl in+earth pron pos vb. mod tr. def a poetic word for {bury}. inebriant 1. syl in+e:bri+ant pron pos adj. def causing intoxication, esp. drunkenness. inebriant 2. syl in+e:bri+ant pron pos n. def something that inebriates. inebriate ety C15: from Latin in*_ebri*_are, from #7in -%2#7+ *_ebri*_are to intoxicate, from *_ebrius drunk inebriate 1. syl in+e:bri+ate pron pos vb. mod tr. def to make drunk; intoxicate. inebriate 2. syl in+e:bri+ate pron pos vb. mod tr. def to arouse emotionally; make excited. inebriate 3. syl in+e:bri+ate pron pos n. mod tr. def a person who is drunk, esp. habitually. inebriate 4. syl in+e:bri+ate pron pos adj. mod tr. usage also def drunk, esp. habitually. inebriation sub head inebriate syl in+2e:bri:1a+tion pos n. inebriety sub head inebriate syl in+e:bri+e:ty pron <2ini1brIiti> pos n. inedible 0. syl in+ed+i:ble pron pos adj. def not fit to be eaten; uneatable. inedibility sub head inedible syl in+2ed+i:1bil+i:ty pos n. inedited 1. syl in+ed+it+ed pron pos adj. def not edited. inedited 2. syl in+ed+it+ed pron pos adj. def not published. ineducable 0. syl in+ed:u+ca:ble pron pos adj. def incapable of being educated, esp. on account of mental retardation. ineducability sub head ineducable syl in+2ed:u+ca:1bil+i:ty pos n. ineffable ety C15: from Latin ineff*_abilis unutterable, from #7in -%1#7+ eff*_abilis, from eff*_ar*_i to utter, from f*_ar*_i to speak ineffable 1. syl in+ef+fa:ble pron pos adj. def too great or intense to be expressed in words; unutterable. ineffable 2. syl in+ef+fa:ble pron pos adj. def too sacred to be uttered. ineffable 3. syl in+ef+fa:ble pron pos adj. def indescribable; indefinable. ineffability sub head ineffable or ineffableness syl in+2ef+fa:1bil+i:ty pos n. ineffableness sub head ineffable or ineffability syl in+1ef+fa:ble+ness pos n. ineffably sub head ineffable syl in+1ef+fa:bly pos adv. ineffaceable 0. syl in+ef+face+a:ble pron <2ini1fAs*bL> pos adj. def incapable of being effaced; indelible. ineffaceability sub head ineffaceable syl in+ef+2face+a:1bil+i:ty pos n. ineffaceably sub head ineffaceable syl in+ef+1face+a:bly pos adv. ineffective 1. syl in+ef+fec+tive pron <2ini1fektiv> pos adj. def having no effect. ineffective 2. syl in+ef+fec+tive pron <2ini1fektiv> pos adj. def incompetent or inefficient. ineffectively sub head ineffective syl in+ef+1fec+tive+ly pos adv. ineffectiveness sub head ineffective syl in+ef+1fec+tive+ness pos n. ineffectual 1. syl in+ef+fec+tu:al pron <2ini1fekCu*l> pos adj. def having no effect or an inadequate effect. ineffectual 2. syl in+ef+fec+tu:al pron <2ini1fekCu*l> pos adj. def lacking in power or forcefulness; impotent. exam 1 an ineffectual ruler. ineffectuality sub head ineffectual or ineffectualness syl in+ef+2fec+tu+1al+i:ty pos n. ineffectualness sub head ineffectual or ineffectuality syl in+ef+1fec+tu+al+ness pos n. ineffectually sub head ineffectual syl in+ef+1fec+tu+al+ly pos adv. inefficacious 0. syl in+ef+fi+ca+cious pron <2inefi1kAS*s> pos adj. def failing to produce the desired effect. inefficaciously sub head inefficacious syl in+ef+fi+1ca+cious+ly pos adv. inefficacy sub head inefficacious syl in+ef+fi+ca+cy pron pos n. inefficaciousness sub head inefficacious or inefficacity syl in+ef+fi+1ca+cious+ness pron <2inefi1k@siti> pos n. inefficacity sub head inefficacious or inefficaciousness syl in+ef+fi+cac+i:ty pron <2inefi1k@siti> pos n. inefficient 1. syl in+ef+fi+cient pron <2ini1fiS*nt> pos adj. def unable to perform a task or function to the best advantage; wasteful or incompetent. inefficient 2. syl in+ef+fi+cient pron <2ini1fiS*nt> pos adj. def unable to produce the desired result. inefficiency sub head inefficient syl in+ef+1fi+cien+cy pos n. inefficiently sub head inefficient syl in+ef+1fi+cient+ly pos adv. inelastic 0. syl in+e:las+tic pron <2ini1l@stik> pos adj. def not elastic; not resilient. &- {in+e@.#!las+tic+al+ly} {in+e@.las+tic+i@.ty} (@!$In$Il@as#!t$Is$It$I) inelegant 1. syl in+el+e:gant pron pos adj. def lacking in elegance or refinement; unpolished or graceless. inelegant 2. syl in+el+e:gant pron pos adj. def coarse or crude. inelegance sub head inelegant or inelegancy syl in+1el+e:gance pos n. inelegancy sub head inelegant or inelegance syl in+1el+e:gan+cy pos n. inelegantly sub head inelegant syl in+1el+e:gant+ly pos adv. ineligible 1. syl in+el:i+gi:ble pron pos adj. usage often foll. by for or an infinitive def not fit or qualified. exam 1 ineligible for a grant; exam 2 ineligible to vote. ineligible 2. syl in+el:i+gi:ble pron pos n. def an ineligible person. ineligibility sub head ineligible or ineligibleness syl in+2el:i+gi:1bil+i:ty pos n. ineligibleness sub head ineligible or ineligibility syl in+1el:i+gi:ble+ness pos n. ineligibly sub head ineligible syl in+1el:i+gi:bly pos adv. ineloquent 0. syl in+el:o+quent pron pos adj. def lacking eloquence or fluency of expression. ineloquence sub head ineloquent syl in+1el:o+quence pos n. ineloquently sub head ineloquent syl in+1el:o+quent+ly pos adv. ineluctable ety C17: from Latin in*_eluct*_abilis, from #7in -%1#7+ *_eluct*_ar*_i to escape, from luct*_ar*_i to struggle ineluctable 0. syl in+e:luc+ta:ble pron <2ini1l^kt*bL> pos adj. usage esp. of fate def incapable of being avoided; inescapable. ineluctability sub head ineluctable syl in+e:2luc+ta:1bil+i:ty pos n. ineluctably sub head ineluctable syl in+e:1luc+ta:bly pos adv. ineludible 0. syl in+e:lud+i:ble pron <2ini1lu:d*bL> pos adj. def a rare word for {inescapable}. ineludibility sub head ineludible syl in+e:2lud+i:1bil+i:ty pos n. ineludibly sub head ineludible syl in+e:1lud+i:bly pos adv. inept 1. syl in+ept pron pos adj. def not suitable, appropriate, or fitting; out of place. inept 2. syl in+ept pron pos adj. def awkward, clumsy, or incompetent. ineptitude sub head inept syl in+1ept:i+2tude pos n. ineptly sub head inept syl in+1ept+ly pos adv. ineptness sub head inept syl in+1ept+ness pos n. inequable 0. syl in+eq+ua:ble pron pos adj. def uneven; not uniform. inequalities infl head inequality syl in+e:qual+i:ties. pos n. mod pl. inequality 1. syl in+e:qual+i:ty pron <2ini1kwoliti> pos n. def the state or quality of being unequal; disparity. inequality 2. syl in+e:qual+i:ty pron <2ini1kwoliti> pos n. def an instance of disparity. inequality 3. syl in+e:qual+i:ty pron <2ini1kwoliti> pos n. def lack of smoothness or regularity. inequality 4. syl in+e:qual+i:ty pron <2ini1kwoliti> pos n. def social or economic disparity. inequality 5.a. syl in+e:qual+i:ty pron <2ini1kwoliti> pos n. def a statement indicating that the value of one quantity or expression is not equal to another, as in . exam 1 x inequality 5.b. syl in+e:qual+i:ty pron <2ini1kwoliti> pos n. def the relation of being unequal. inequitable 0. syl in+eq:ui+ta:ble pron pos adj. def not equitable; unjust or unfair. inequitableness sub head inequitable syl in+1eq:ui+ta:ble+ness pos n. inequitably sub head inequitable syl in+1eq:ui+ta:bly pos adv. inequities infl head inequity syl in+eq:ui+ties. pos n. mod pl. inequity 1. syl in+eq:ui+ty pron pos n. def lack of equity; injustice; unfairness. inequity 2. syl in+eq:ui+ty pron pos n. def an unjust or unfair act, sentence, etc. ineradicable 0. syl in+e:rad:i+ca:ble pron <2ini1r@dik*bL> pos adj. def not able to be removed or rooted out; inextirpable. exam 1 an ineradicable disease. ineradicableness sub head ineradicable syl in+e:1rad:i+ca:ble+ness pos n. ineradicably sub head ineradicable syl in+e:1rad:i+ca:bly pos adv. inerrant alt head inerrable or inerrable syl in+er+rant pron pos adj. inerrable 0. or inerrant syl in+er+ra:ble pron pos adj. def less common words for {infallible}. inerrability sub head inerrable syl in+2er+ra:1bil+i:ty pos n. inerrableness sub head inerrable or inerrancy syl in+1er+ra:ble+ness pos n. inerrancy sub head inerrable or inerrableness syl in+1er+ran+cy pos n. inert ety C17: from Latin iners unskilled, from #7in -%1#7+ ars skill; see {#7art %1} inert 1. syl in+ert pron pos adj. def having no inherent ability to move or to resist motion. inert 2. syl in+ert pron pos adj. def inactive, lazy, or sluggish. inert 3. syl in+ert pron pos adj. def having only a limited ability to react chemically; unreactive. inertly sub head inert syl in+1ert+ly pos adv. inertness sub head inert syl in+1ert+ness pos n. inert gas 0. syl in+ert gas pos n. def any of the unreactive gaseous elements helium, neon, argon, krypton, xenon, and radon. Also called: {noble gas, rare gas, argonon}. inertia 1. syl in+er+tia pron , <-Si*> pos n. def the state of being inert; inactivity. inertia 2.a. syl in+er+tia pron , <-Si*> pos n. def the tendency of a body to preserve its state of rest or uniform motion unless acted upon by an external force. inertia 2.b. syl in+er+tia pron , <-Si*> pos n. def an analogous property of other physical quantities that resist change. exam 1 thermal inertia. inertial sub head inertia syl in+1er+tial pos adj. navigation alt head inertial guidance or inertial guidance syl nav:i+ga+tion pos n. inertial guidance 0. or navigation syl in+er+tial guid+ance pos n. def a method of controlling the flight path of a missile by instruments contained within it. Velocities or distances covered, computed from the acceleration measured by these instruments, are compared with stored data and used to control the speed and direction of the missile. Compare {celestial guidance, terrestrial guidance}. inertial mass 0. syl in+er+tial mass pos n. def the mass of a body as determined by its momentum, as opposed to gravitational mass. The acceleration of a falling body is inversely proportional to its inertial mass but directly proportional to its gravitational mass: as all falling bodies have the same constant acceleration the two types of mass must be equal. inertial system 0. syl in+er+tial sys+tem pos n. def a frame of reference within which bodies are not accelerated unless acted upon by external forces. Also called: {inertial reference frame}. inertia-reel seat-belt 0. syl in:er:tia-reel seat-belt pos n. def a type of car seat-belt in which the belt is free to unwind from a metal drum except when the drum locks as a result of rapid deceleration. inertia selling 0. syl in+er+tia sell+ing pos n. usage in Britain def the practice of sending un?!requested goods to householders followed by a bill for the price of the goods if they do not return them. inescapable 0. syl in+es+cap+a:ble pron <2ini1skAp*bL> pos adj. def incapable of being escaped or avoided. inescapably sub head inescapable syl in+es+1cap+a:bly pos adv. inescutcheon 0. syl in+es+cutch+eon pron <2ini1sk^C*n> pos n. qual Heraldry. def a small shield-shaped charge in the centre of a shield. in esse ety Latin, literally: in being in esse 0. syl in es:se pron <1esi> pos adj. def actually existing. Compare {in posse}. inessential 1. syl in+es+sen+tial pron <2ini1senS*l> pos adj. def not necessary. inessential 2. syl in+es+sen+tial pron <2ini1senS*l> pos n. def anything that is not essential. inessentiality sub head inessential syl in+es+2sen+ti+1al+i:ty pos n. inessive ety C20: from Latin inesse to be in inessive 1. syl in+es+sive pron pos adj. usage in the grammar of Finnish and related languages def denoting a case of nouns, etc., used when indicating the location of the referent. inessive 2. syl in+es+sive pron pos n. def the inessive case. inestimable 1. syl in+es+ti+ma:ble pron pos adj. def not able to be estimated; immeasurable. inestimable 2. syl in+es+ti+ma:ble pron pos adj. def of immeasurable value. inestimability sub head inestimable or inestimableness syl in+2es+ti+ma:1bil+i:ty pos n. inestimableness sub head inestimable or inestimability syl in+1es+ti+ma:ble+ness pos n. inestimably sub head inestimable syl in+1es+ti+ma:bly pos adv. inevitable ety C15: from Latin in*_ev*_it*_abilis, from #7in -%1#7+ *_ev*_it*_abilis, from *_ev*_it*_are to shun, from v*_it*_are to avoid inevitable 1. syl in+ev:i+ta:ble pron pos adj. def unavoidable. inevitable 2. syl in+ev:i+ta:ble pron pos adj. def sure to happen; certain. inevitable 3. syl in+ev:i+ta:ble pron pos n. usage often preceded by the def something that is unavoidable. inevitability sub head inevitable or inevitableness syl in+2ev:i+ta:1bil+i:ty pos n. inevitableness sub head inevitable or inevitability syl in+1ev:i+ta:ble+ness pos n. inevitably sub head inevitable syl in+1ev:i+ta:bly pos adv. inexact 0. syl in+ex+act pron <2inig1z@kt> pos adj. def not exact or accurate inexactitude sub head inexact or inexactness syl in+ex+1act:i+2tude pos n. inexactness sub head inexact or inexactitude syl in+ex+1act+ness pos n. inexactly sub head inexact syl in+ex+1act+ly pos adv. inexcusable 0. syl in+ex+cus+a:ble pron <2inik1skju:z*bL> pos adj. def not able to be excused or justified. inexcusability sub head inexcusable or inexcusableness syl in+ex+2cus+a:1bil+i:ty pos n. inexcusableness sub head inexcusable or inexcusability syl in+ex+1cus+a:ble+ness pos n. inexcusably sub head inexcusable syl in+ex+1cus+a:bly pos adv. inexhaustible 1. syl in+ex+haust+i:ble pron <2inig1zc:st*bL> pos adj. def incapable of being used up; endless. exam 1 inexhaustible patience. inexhaustible 2. syl in+ex+haust+i:ble pron <2inig1zc:st*bL> pos adj. def incapable or apparently incapable of becoming tired; tireless. inexhaustibility sub head inexhaustible or inexhaustibleness syl in+ex+2haust+i:1bil+i:ty pos n. inexhaustibleness sub head inexhaustible or inexhaustibility syl in+ex+1haust+i:ble+ness pos n. inexhaustibly sub head inexhaustible syl in+ex+1haust+i:bly pos adv. inexistent 0. syl in+ex+ist+ent pron <2inig1zist*nt> pos adj. def a rare word for {nonexistent}. inexistence sub head inexistent or inexistency syl in+ex+1ist+ence pos n. inexistency sub head inexistent or inexistence syl in+ex+1ist+en+cy pos n. inexorable ety C16: from Latin inex*_or*_abilis, from #7in -%1#7+ ex*_or*_abilis, from ex*_or*_are to prevail upon, from *_or*_are to pray inexorable 1. syl in+ex:o+ra:ble pron pos adj. def not able to be moved by entreaty or persuasion. inexorable 2. syl in+ex:o+ra:ble pron pos adj. def relentless. inexorability sub head inexorable or inexorableness syl in+2ex:o+ra:1bil+i:ty pos n. inexorableness sub head inexorable or inexorability syl in+1ex:o+ra:ble+ness pos n. inexorably sub head inexorable syl in+1ex:o+ra:bly pos adv. inexpedient 0. syl in+ex+pe+di+ent pron <2inik1spEdi*nt> pos adj. def not suitable, advisable, or judicious. inexpedience sub head inexpedient or inexpediency syl in+ex+1pe+di+ence pos n. inexpediency sub head inexpedient or inexpedience syl in+ex+1pe+di+en+cy pos n. inexpediently sub head inexpedient syl in+ex+1pe+di+ent+ly pos adv. inexpensive 0. syl in+ex+pen+sive pron <2inik1spensiv> pos adj. def not expensive; cheap. inexpensively sub head inexpensive syl in+ex+1pen+sive+ly pos adv. inexpensiveness sub head inexpensive syl in+ex+1pen+sive+ness pos n. inexperience 0. syl in+ex+pe+ri+ence pron <2inik1spi*ri*ns> pos n. def lack of experience or of the knowledge and understanding derived from experience. inexperienced sub head inexperience syl in+ex+1pe+ri+enced pos adj. inexpert 0. syl in+ex+pert pron pos adj. def not expert; unskilled or unskilful; inept. inexpertly sub head inexpert syl in+1ex+pert+ly pos adv. inexpertness sub head inexpert syl in+1ex+pert+ness pos n. inexpiable 1. syl in+ex+pi+a:ble pron pos adj. def incapable of being expi?!ated; unpardonable. inexpiable 2. syl in+ex+pi+a:ble pron pos adj. qual Archaic. def implacable. inexpiableness sub head inexpiable syl in+1ex+pi+a:ble+ness pos n. inexpiably sub head inexpiable syl in+1ex+pi+a:bly pos adv. inexplainable alt head inexplicable or inexplicable syl in+ex+plain+a:ble pos adj. inexplicable 0. or inexplainable syl in+ex+pli+ca:ble pron <2inik1splik*bL> pos adj. def not capable of explanation; unexplainable. inexplicability sub head inexplicable or inexplainability syl in+ex+pli+ca:1bil+i:ty pos n. inexplicableness sub head inexplicable or inexplainableness syl in+ex+1pli+ca:ble+ness pos n. inexplainability sub head inexplicable or inexplicability syl in+ex+2plain+a:1bil+i:ty pos n. inexplainableness sub head inexplicable or inexplicableness syl in+ex+1plain+a:ble+ness pos n. inexplicit 0. syl in+ex+plic+it pron <2inik1splisit> pos adj. def not explicit, clear, or precise; vague. inexplicitly sub head inexplicit syl in+ex+1plic+it+ly pos adv. inexplicitness sub head inexplicit syl in+ex+1plic+it+ness pos n. inexpressible 0. syl in+ex+press+i:ble pron <2inik1spres*bL> pos adj. def too great, etc., to be expressed or uttered; indescribable. inexpressibility sub head inexpressible or inexpressibleness syl in+ex+2press+i:1bil+i:ty pos n. inexpressibleness sub head inexpressible or inexpressibility syl in+ex+1press+i:ble+ness pos n. inexpressive 1. syl in+ex+pres+sive pron <2inik1spresiv> pos adj. def lacking in expression. exam 1 an inexpressive face. inexpressive 2. syl in+ex+pres+sive pron <2inik1spresiv> pos adj. def an archaic word for {inexpressible}. inexpressively sub head inexpressive syl in+ex+1pres+sive+ly pos adv. inexpressiveness sub head inexpressive syl in+ex+1pres+sive+ness pos n. inexpugnable 0. syl in+ex+pug+na:ble pron <2inik1sp^gn*bL> pos adj. def a rare word for {impregnable}. inexpugnability sub head inexpugnable or inexpugnableness syl in+ex+2pug+na:1bil+i:ty pos n. inexpugnableness sub head inexpugnable or inexpugnability syl in+ex+1pug+na:ble+ness pos n. inexpugnably sub head inexpugnable syl in+ex+1pug+na:bly pos adv. inexpungible 0. syl in+ex+pung+i:ble pron <2iniks1p^nJibL> pos adj. def incapable of being expunged. inextensible 0. syl in+ex+ten+si:ble pron <2inik1stens*bL> pos adj. def not capable of extension. inextensibility sub head inextensible syl in+ex+2ten+si:1bil+i:ty pos n. in extenso 0. syl in ex+ten+so pron Latin. pos adv. def at full length. inextinguishable 0. syl in+ex+tin+guish+a:ble pron <2inik1stiGgwiS*bL> pos adj. def not able to be extinguished, quenched, or put to an end. inextinguishableness sub head inextinguishable syl 2in+ex+1tin+guish+a:ble+ness pos n. inextinguishably sub head inextinguishable syl 2in+ex+1tin+guish+a:bly pos adv. inextirpable 0. syl in+ex+tir+pa:ble pron <2inik1stR:p*bL> pos adj. def not able to be extirpated; ineradicable. inextirpableness sub head inextirpable syl in+ex+1tir+pa:ble+ness pos n. in extremis ety literally: in the furthest reaches in extremis 1. syl in ex+tre+mis pron Latin. pos adv. def in extremity; in dire straits. in extremis 2. syl in ex+tre+mis pron Latin. pos adv. def at the point of death. inextricable 1. syl in+ex+tri+ca:ble pron <2ineks1trik*bL> pos adj. def not able to be escaped from. exam 1 an inextricable dilemma. inextricable 2. syl in+ex+tri+ca:ble pron <2ineks1trik*bL> pos adj. def not able to be disentangled, etc.. exam 1 an inextricable knot. inextricable 3. syl in+ex+tri+ca:ble pron <2ineks1trik*bL> pos adj. def extremely involved or intricate. inextricability sub head inextricable or inextricableness syl in+ex+tri+ca:1bil+i:ty pos n. inextricableness sub head inextricable or inextricability syl in+ex+1tri+ca:ble+ness pos n. inextricably sub head inextricable syl in+ex+1tri+ca:bly pos adv. inf ety Latin: below; after; later inf 1. syl inf. qual abbrev. for: def inferior. inf 2. syl inf. qual abbrev. for: def infinitive. inf 3. syl inf. qual abbrev. for: def influence. inf 4. syl inf. qual abbrev. for: def information. inf 5. syl inf. qual abbrev. for: def infra. inf alt head Inf or Inf syl inf. Inf 0. or inf syl Inf. qual abbrev. for def infantry. infallibilism 0. syl in+fal+li:bil:ism pron pos n. qual R.C. Church. def the principle of papal infallibility. &- {in+#!fal+li@.bil@.ist}. infallible 1. syl in+fal+li:ble pron pos adj. def not fallible; not liable to error. infallible 2. syl in+fal+li:ble pron pos adj. def not liable to failure; certain; sure. exam 1 an infallible cure. infallible 3. syl in+fal+li:ble pron pos adj. def completely dependable or trustworthy. infallible 4. syl in+fal+li:ble pron pos n. def a person or thing that is incapable of error or failure. infallibility sub head infallible or infallibleness syl in+2fal+li:1bil+i:ty pos n. infallibleness sub head infallible or infallibility syl in+1fal+li:ble+ness pos n. infallibly sub head infallible syl in+1fal+li:bly pos adv. infamise alt head infamize or infamize syl in+fam+ise pron <1inf*2mIz> pos vb. mod tr. infamize 0. or infamise syl in+fam+ize pron <1inf*2mIz> pos vb. mod tr. def to make infamous. infamous 1. syl in+fa+mous pron <1inf*m*s> pos adj. def having a bad reputation; notorious. infamous 2. syl in+fa+mous pron <1inf*m*s> pos adj. def causing or deserving a bad reputation; shocking. exam 1 infamous conduct. infamous 3.a. syl in+fa+mous pron <1inf*m*s> pos adj. usage of a person def deprived of certain rights of citizenship on conviction of certain offences. infamous 3.b. syl in+fa+mous pron <1inf*m*s> pos adj. usage of a crime or punishment def entailing such deprivation. infamously sub head infamous syl in+fa+mous+ly pos adv. infamousness sub head infamous syl in+fa+mous+ness pos n. infamy ety C15: from Latin inf*_amis of evil repute, from #7in -%1#7+ f*_ama #7fame infamies infl head infamy syl in+fa+mies. pos n. mod pl. infamy 1. syl in+fa+my pron <1inf*mi> pos n. def the state or condition of being infamous. infamy 2. syl in+fa+my pron <1inf*mi> pos n. def an infamous act or event. infancies infl head infancy syl in+fan+cies. pos n. mod pl. infancy 1. syl in+fan+cy pron <1inf*nsi> pos n. def the state or period of being an infant; childhood. infancy 2. syl in+fan+cy pron <1inf*nsi> pos n. def an early stage of growth or development. infancy 3. syl in+fan+cy pron <1inf*nsi> pos n. def infants collectively. infancy 4. syl in+fan+cy pron <1inf*nsi> pos n. def the period of life prior to attaining legal majority (reached at 21 under common law, at 18 by statute); minority nonage. infant ety C14: from Latin inf*_ans, literally: speechless, from #7in -%1#7+ f*_ar*_i to speak infant 1. syl in+fant pron <1inf*nt> pos n. def a child at the earliest stage of its life; baby. infant 2. syl in+fant pron <1inf*nt> pos n. qual Law. def another word for { {minor} (sense 10)}. infant 3. syl in+fant pron <1inf*nt> pos n. qual Brit. def a young schoolchild, usually under the age of seven. infant 4. syl in+fant pron <1inf*nt> pos n. def a person who is beginning or inexperienced in an activity. infant 5.a. syl in+fant pron <1inf*nt> pos n. def of or relating to young children or infancy. infant 5.b. syl in+fant pron <1inf*nt> pos n. def designed or intended for young children. infant 6. syl in+fant pron <1inf*nt> pos adj. def in an early stage of development; nascent. exam 1 an infant science or industry. infant 7. syl in+fant pron <1inf*nt> pos adj. qual Law. def of or relating to the legal status of infancy. infanthood sub head infant syl in+fant+2hood pos n. infanta ety C17: from Spanish or Portuguese, feminine of #7infante infanta 1. syl in+fan+ta pron pos n. usage formerly def a daughter of a king of Spain or Portugal. infanta 2. syl in+fan+ta pron pos n. def the wife of an infante. infante ety C16: from Spanish or Portuguese, literally: #7infant infante 0. syl in+fan+te pron pos n. usage formerly def a son of a king of Spain or Portugal, esp. one not heir to the throne. infanticide 1. syl in+fan+ti+cide pron pos n. def the killing of an infant. infanticide 2. syl in+fan+ti+cide pron pos n. def the practice of killing newborn infants, still prevalent in some primitive tribes. infanticide 3. syl in+fan+ti+cide pron pos n. def a person who kills an infant. infanticidal sub head infanticide syl in+2fan+ti+1cid+al pos adj. infantile 1. syl in+fan+tile pron <1inf*n2tIl> pos adj. def like a child in action or behaviour; childishly immature; puerile. infantile 2. syl in+fan+tile pron <1inf*n2tIl> pos adj. def of, relating to, or characteristic of infants or infancy. infantile 3. syl in+fan+tile pron <1inf*n2tIl> pos adj. def in an early stage of development. infantility sub head infantile syl in+fan+til+i:ty pron <2inf*n1tiliti> pos n. infantile paralysis 0. syl in+fan+tile pa+ral:y+sis pos n. def another name for {poliomyelitis}. infantilism 1.a. syl in+fan+ti+lism pron pos n. def a condition in which an older child or adult is mentally or physically undeveloped. infantilism 1.b. syl in+fan+ti+lism pron pos n. def isolated instances of infantile behaviour in mature persons. infantilism 2. syl in+fan+ti+lism pron pos n. def childish speech; baby talk. infant prodigy 0. syl in+fant prod:i+gy pos n. def an exceptionally talented child. infantry ety C16: from Italian infanteria, from infante boy, foot soldiers; see #7infant infantries infl head infantry syl in+fan+tries. pos n. mod pl. infantry 0.a. syl in+fan+try pron <1inf*ntri> pos n. def soldiers or units of soldiers who fight on foot with small arms. infantry 0.b. syl in+fan+try pron <1inf*ntri> pos n. usage as modifier exam 1 an infantry unit. infantrymen infl head infantryman syl in+fan:try+men. pos n. mod pl. infantryman 0. syl in+fan:try+man pron <1inf*ntrim*n> pos n. def a soldier belonging to the infantry. infant school 0. syl in+fant school pos n. qual Brit. def a school for children aged between 5 and 7. Compare {junior school}. infarct ety C19: via New Latin from Latin infarctus stuffed into, from farc*_ire to stuff infarct 0. syl in+farct pron pos n. def a localized area of dead tissue (necrosis) resulting from obstruction of the blood supply to that part, esp. by an embolus. Also called: {infarction}. infarcted sub head infarct syl in+1farct+ed pos adj. infarction 1. syl in+farc+tion pron pos n. def the formation or development of an infarct. infarction 2. syl in+farc+tion pron pos n. def another word for {infarct}. infare ety Old English innf@ar, from inn in+ faran to go; see #7fare infare 0. syl in+fare pron <1in2fe*> pos n. qual Dialect, chiefly northern Brit. def a reception given on entering a new house or after a wedding. infatuate ety C16: from Latin infatu*_are, from {#7in -%2}#7+ fatuus #7fatuous infatuate 1. syl in+fat:u+ate pron pos vb. mod tr. def to inspire or fill with foolish, shallow, or extravagant passion. infatuate 2. syl in+fat:u+ate pron pos vb. mod tr. def to cause to act foolishly. infatuate 3. syl in+fat:u+ate pron , <-2At> pos adj. mod tr. def an archaic word for {infatuated}. infatuate 4. syl in+fat:u+ate pron , <-2At> pos n. mod tr. qual Literary. def a person who is infatuated. infatuated 0. syl in+fat:u+at+ed pron pos adj. usage often foll. by with def possessed by a foolish or extravagant passion, esp. for another person. infatuatedly sub head infatuated syl in+1fat:u+2at+ed+ly pos adv. infatuation 1. syl in+fat+u:a+tion pron pos n. def the act of infatuating or state of being infatuated. infatuation 2. syl in+fat+u:a+tion pron pos n. def foolish or extravagant passion. infatuation 3. syl in+fat+u:a+tion pron pos n. def an object of foolish or extravagant passion. infeasible 0. syl in+fea+si:ble pron pos adj. def a less common word for {imprac?!ticable}. infeasibility sub head infeasible or infeasibleness syl in+2fea+si:1bil+i:ty pos n. infeasibleness sub head infeasible or infeasibility syl in+1fea+si:ble+ness pos n. infect ety C14: from Latin inficere to dip into, stain, from facere to make infect 1. syl in+fect pron pos vb. mod mainly; tr. def to cause infection in; contaminate (an organism, wound, etc.) with pathogenic microorganisms. infect 2. syl in+fect pron pos vb. mod also; intr. def to affect or become affected with a communicable disease. infect 3. syl in+fect pron pos vb. mod mainly; tr. def to taint, pollute, or contaminate. infect 4. syl in+fect pron pos vb. mod mainly; tr. def to affect, esp. adversely, as if by contagion. infect 5. syl in+fect pron pos vb. mod mainly; tr. qual Chiefly international law. def to taint with crime or illegality; expose to penalty or subject to forfeiture. infect 6. syl in+fect pron pos adj. mod mainly; tr. qual Archaic. def contaminated or polluted with or as if with a disease; infected. infector sub head infect or infecter syl in+1fec+tor pos n. infecter sub head infect or infector syl in+1fect+er pos n. infection 1. syl in+fec+tion pron pos n. def invasion of the body by pathogenic microorganisms. infection 2. syl in+fec+tion pron pos n. def the resulting condition in the tissues. infection 3. syl in+fec+tion pron pos n. def an infectious disease. infection 4. syl in+fec+tion pron pos n. def the act of infecting or state of being infected. infection 5. syl in+fec+tion pron pos n. def an agent or influence that infects. infection 6. syl in+fec+tion pron pos n. def persuasion or corruption, as by ideas, perverse influences, etc. infectious 1. syl in+fec+tious pron pos adj. usage of a disease def capable of being transmitted. Compare {contagious}. infectious 2. syl in+fec+tious pron pos adj. usage of a disease def caused by microorganisms, such as bacteria, viruses, or protozoa. infectious 3. syl in+fec+tious pron pos adj. def causing or transmitting infection. infectious 4. syl in+fec+tious pron pos adj. def tending or apt to spread, as from one person to another. exam 1 infectious mirth. infectious 5.a. syl in+fec+tious pron pos adj. def tainting or capable of tainting with illegality. infectious 5.b. syl in+fec+tious pron pos adj. def rendering liable to seizure or forfeiture. infectiously sub head infectious syl in+1fec+tious+ly pos adv. infectiousness sub head infectious syl in+1fec+tious+ness pos n. infectious hepatitis 0. syl in+fec+tious hep:a+ti+tis pos n. def an acute infectious viral disease characterized by inflammation and enlargement of the liver, fever, and jaundice and transmitted by ingesting contaminated food or drink. See also {hepatitis}. infectious mononucleosis 0. syl in+fec+tious mon:o+nu+cle:o+sis pos n. def an acute infectious disease, probably caused by a virus, characterized by fever, sore throat, swollen and painful lymph nodes, and abnormal lymphocytes in the blood. Also called: {glandular fever}. infective 1. syl in+fec+tive pron pos adj. def capable of causing infection. infective 2. syl in+fec+tive pron pos adj. def a less common word for {infectious}. infectively sub head infective syl in+1fec+tive+ly pos adv. infectiveness sub head infective or infectivity syl in+1fec+tive+ness pos n. infectivity sub head infective or infectiveness syl in+fec+1tiv+i:ty pos n. infecund 0. syl in+fe+cund pron pos adj. def a less common word for {infertile}. infecundity sub head infecund syl in+fe+cun+di:ty pron <2infi1k^nditi> pos n. infelicitous 1. syl in+fe+lic:i+tous pron <2infi1lisit*s> pos adj. def not felicitous; unfortunate. infelicitous 2. syl in+fe+lic:i+tous pron <2infi1lisit*s> pos adj. def inappropriate or unsuitable. infelicitously sub head infelicitous syl in+fe+1lic:i+tous+ly pos adv. infelicities infl head infelicity syl in+fe+lic+i:ties. pos n. mod pl. infelicity 1. syl in+fe+lic+i:ty pron <2infi1lisiti> pos n. def the state or quality of being unhappy or unfortunate. infelicity 2. syl in+fe+lic+i:ty pron <2infi1lisiti> pos n. def an instance of bad luck or mischance; misfortune. infelicity 3. syl in+fe+lic+i:ty pron <2infi1lisiti> pos n. def something, esp. a remark or expression, that is inapt or inappropriate. infer ety C16: from Latin inferre to bring into, from ferre to bear, carry infers infl head infer syl in+fers pos vb. mod when; tr. inferring infl head infer syl in+fer+ring pos vb. mod when; tr. inferred infl head infer syl in+ferred. pos vb. mod when; tr. infer 1. syl in+fer pron pos vb. mod when; tr. usage may take a clause as object def to conclude (a state of affairs, supposition, etc.) by reasoning from evidence; deduce. infer 2. syl in+fer pron pos vb. mod tr. usage may take a clause as object def to have or lead to as a necessary or logical consequence; indicate. infer 3. syl in+fer pron pos vb. mod tr. usage may take a clause as object def to hint or imply. inferable sub head infer syl in+1fer+a:ble pos adj. inferible sub head infer syl in+1fer+i:ble pos adj. inferrable sub head infer or inferrible syl in+1fer+ra:ble pos adj. inferrible sub head infer or inferrable syl in+1fer+ri:ble pos adj. inferably sub head infer syl in+1fer+a:bly pos adv. inferrer sub head infer syl in+1fer+rer inference 1. syl in+fer+ence pron <1inf*r*ns>, <-fr*ns> pos n. qual Logic. def a process of reasoning in which a conclusion is obtained in some way from certain facts or premisses. See also { {deduction} (sense 3)}, {induction} (sense 3). inference 2. syl in+fer+ence pron <1inf*r*ns>, <-fr*ns> pos n. def the act or process of inferring. inference 3. syl in+fer+ence pron <1inf*r*ns>, <-fr*ns> pos n. def an inferred conclusion, deduction, etc. inferential 0. syl in+fer+en+tial pron <2inf*1renS*l> pos adj. def of, relating to, or derived from inference. inferentially sub head inferential syl in+fer+1en+tial+ly pos adv. inferior ety C15: from Latin: lower, from inferus low inferior 1. syl in+fe+ri+or pron pos adj. def lower in value or quality. inferior 2. syl in+fe+ri+or pron pos adj. def lower in rank, position, or status; subordinate. inferior 3. syl in+fe+ri+or pron pos adj. def not of the best; mediocre; commonplace. inferior 4. syl in+fe+ri+or pron pos adj. def lower in position; situated beneath. inferior 5. syl in+fe+ri+or pron pos adj. usage of a plant ovary def enclosed by and fused with the receptacle so that it is situated below the other floral parts. inferior 6.a. syl in+fe+ri+or pron pos adj. def orbiting or occurring between the sun and the earth. exam 1 an inferior planet; exam 2 inferior conjunction. inferior 6.b. syl in+fe+ri+or pron pos adj. def lying below the horizon. inferior 7. syl in+fe+ri+or pron pos adj. usage Printing. of a character def printed at the foot of an ordinary character, as the 2 in H\2O. inferior 8. syl in+fe+ri+or pron pos n. def an inferior person. inferior 9. syl in+fe+ri+or pron pos n. qual Printing. def an inferior character. inferiority sub head inferior syl in+fe+ri+or+i:ty pron pos n. inferiorly sub head inferior syl in+1fe+ri+or+ly pos adv. inferior court 1. syl in+fe+ri+or court pos n. def a court of limited jurisdiction. inferior court 2. syl in+fe+ri+or court pos n. def any court other than the Supreme Court of Judicature. inferiority complex 0. syl in+fe+ri+or+i:ty com+plex pos n. qual Psychiatry. def a disorder arising from the conflict between the desire to be noticed and the fear of being humiliated, characterized by aggressiveness or withdrawal into oneself. inferior planet 0. syl in+fe+ri+or plan+et pos n. def either of the planets Mercury and Venus, whose orbits lie inside that of the earth. infernal ety C14: from Late Latin infern*_alis, from infernus hell, from Latin (adj.): lower, hellish; related to Latin inferus low infernal 1. syl in+fer+nal pron pos adj. def of or relating to an underworld of the dead. infernal 2. syl in+fer+nal pron pos adj. def deserving hell or befitting its occupants; diabolic; fiendish. infernal 3. syl in+fer+nal pron pos adj. qual Informal. def irritating; confounded. infernality sub head infernal syl in+fer+1nal+i:ty pos n. infernally sub head infernal syl in+1fer+nal+ly pos adv. infernal machine 0. syl in+fer+nal ma+chine pos n. qual Archaic. def a usually disguised explosive device or booby trap. inferno ety C19: from Italian, from Late Latin infernus hell infernos infl head inferno syl in+fer+nos. pos n. mod pl. inferno 1. syl in+fer+no pron pos n. usage sometimes cap.; usually preceded by the def hell; the infernal region. inferno 2. syl in+fer+no pron pos n. def any place or state resembling hell, esp. a conflagration. infertile 1. syl in+fer+tile pron pos adj. def not capable of producing offspring; sterile. infertile 2. syl in+fer+tile pron pos adj. usage of land def not productive; barren. infertilely sub head infertile syl in+1fer+tile+ly pos adv. infertility sub head infertile syl in+fer+til+i:ty pron <2inf*1tiliti> pos n. infest ety C15: from Latin infest*_are to molest, from infestus hostile infest 1. syl in+fest pron pos vb. mod tr. def to inhabit or overrun in dangerously or unpleasantly large numbers. infest 2. syl in+fest pron pos vb. mod tr. usage of parasites such as lice def to invade and live on or in (a host). infestation sub head infest syl in+fes+1ta+tion pos n. infester sub head infest syl in+1fest+er pos n. infeudation 1.a. syl in+feu+da+tion pron <2infju1dAS*n> pos n. def the act of putting a vassal in possession of a fief. infeudation 1.b. syl in+feu+da+tion pron <2infju1dAS*n> pos n. def the deed conferring such possession. infeudation 1.c. syl in+feu+da+tion pron <2infju1dAS*n> pos n. def the consequent relationship of lord and vassal. infeudation 2. syl in+feu+da+tion pron <2infju1dAS*n> pos n. def the granting of tithes to laymen. infibulate ety C17: from Latin inf*_ibul*_are, from #7in -%2+ fibula clasp, #7fibula &- in+@!fib@.u+#!lation n. infibulate 0. syl in+fib:u+late pron pos vb. mod tr. qual Rare. def to enclose (esp. the genitals, to prevent sexual intercourse) with a clasp. infidel ety C15: from Medieval Latin infid*_elis, from Latin (adj.): unfaithful, from #7in -%1#7+ fid*_elis faithful; see #7feal infidel 1. syl in+fi+del pron <1infidL> pos n. def a person who has no religious belief; unbeliever. infidel 2. syl in+fi+del pron <1infidL> pos adj. def rejecting a specific religion, esp. Christianity or Islam. infidel 3. syl in+fi+del pron <1infidL> pos adj. def of, characteristic of, or relating to unbelievers or unbelief. infidelities infl head infidelity syl in+fi+del+i:ties. pos n. mod pl. infidelity 1. syl in+fi+del+i:ty pron <2infi1deliti> pos n. def lack of faith or constancy, esp. sexual faithfulness. infidelity 2. syl in+fi+del+i:ty pron <2infi1deliti> pos n. def lack of religious faith; disbelief. infidelity 3. syl in+fi+del+i:ty pron <2infi1deliti> pos n. def an act or instance of disloyalty. infield 1. syl in+field pron <1in2fEld> pos n. qual Cricket. def the area of the field near the pitch. Compare {outfield}. infield 2.a. syl in+field pron <1in2fEld> pos n. def the area of the playing field enclosed by the base lines and extending beyond them towards the outfield. infield 2.b. syl in+field pron <1in2fEld> pos n. def the positions of the first baseman, second baseman, shortstop, third baseman, and sometimes the pitcher, collectively. Compare {outfield}. infield 3.a. syl in+field pron <1in2fEld> pos n. def the part of a farm nearest to the farm buildings. infield 3.b. syl in+field pron <1in2fEld> pos n. def land from which crops are regularly taken. infieldsman alt head infielder or infielder syl in+fields+man pron <1infEldzm*n> pos n. infielder 0. or infieldsman syl in+field:er pron <1in2fEld*> pos n. def a player positioned in the infield. infighting 1. syl in+fight:ing pron <1in2fItiG> pos n. qual Boxing. def combat at close quarters in which proper blows are inhibited and the fighters try to wear down each other's strength. infighting 2. syl in+fight:ing pron <1in2fItiG> pos n. def intense competition, as between members of the same organization, esp. when kept secret from outsiders. infighter sub head infighting syl 1in+2fight:er pos n. infilling alt head infill or infill syl in+fil+ling pron <1infiliG> pos n. infill 1. or infilling syl in+fill pron <1infil> pos n. def the act of filling or closing gaps, etc., in something, such as a row of buildings. infill 2. or infilling syl in+fill pron <1infil> pos n. def material used to fill a cavity, gap, hole, etc. infiltrate ety C18: from #7in -%2#7+filtrate infiltrate 1. syl in+fil+trate pron <1infil2trAt> pos vb. def to undergo or cause to undergo the process in which a fluid passes into the pores or interstices of a solid; permeate. infiltrate 2. syl in+fil+trate pron <1infil2trAt> pos vb. qual Military. def to pass undetected through (an enemy-held line or position). infiltrate 3. syl in+fil+trate pron <1infil2trAt> pos vb. def to gain or cause to gain entrance or access surreptitiously. exam 1 they infiltrated the party structure. infiltrate 4. syl in+fil+trate pron <1infil2trAt> pos n. def something that infiltrates. infiltrate 5. syl in+fil+trate pron <1infil2trAt> pos n. qual Pathol. def any substance that passes into and accumulates within cells, tissues, or organs. infiltration sub head infiltrate syl in+fil+1tra+tion pos n. infiltrative sub head infiltrate syl in+fil+2tra+tive pos adj. infiltrator sub head infiltrate syl in+fil+2tra+tor pos n. infin 0. syl infin. qual abbrev. for def infinitive. infinite 1.a. syl in+fi+nite pron <1infinit> pos adj. def having no limits or boundaries in time, space, extent, or magnitude. infinite 1.b. syl in+fi+nite pron <1infinit> pos as collective; n. usage preceded by the exam 1 the infinite. infinite 2. syl in+fi+nite pron <1infinit> pos adj. def extremely or immeasurably great or numerous. exam 1 infinite wealth. infinite 3. syl in+fi+nite pron <1infinit> pos adj. def all-embracing, absolute, or total. exam 1 God's infinite wisdom. infinite 4.a. syl in+fi+nite pron <1infinit> pos adj. def having an unlimited or uncountable number of digits, factors, terms, members, etc.. exam 1 an infinite series. infinite 4.b. syl in+fi+nite pron <1infinit> pos adj. usage of a set def able to be put in a one-to-one correspondence with part of itself. infinite 4.c. syl in+fi+nite pron <1infinit> pos adj. usage of an integral def having infinity as one or both limits of integration. Compare { {finite} (sense 2)}. infinitely sub head infinite syl in+fi+nite+ly pos adv. infiniteness sub head infinite syl in+fi+nite+ness pos n. infinitesimal 1. syl in+fin:i+tes:i+mal pron <2infini1tesim*l> pos adj. def infinitely or im?!measurably small. infinitesimal 2. syl in+fin:i+tes:i+mal pron <2infini1tesim*l> pos adj. qual Maths. def of, relating to, or involving a small change in the value of a variable that approaches zero as a limit. infinitesimal 3. syl in+fin:i+tes:i+mal pron <2infini1tesim*l> pos n. qual Maths. def an infinitesimal quantity. infinitesimally sub head infinitesimal syl 2in+fin:i+1tes:i+mal+ly pos adv. infinitesimal calculus 0. syl in+fin:i+tes:i+mal cal+cu+lus pos n. def another name for { {calculus} (sense 1)}. infinitive 0. syl in+fin:i+tive pron pos n. qual Grammar. def a form of the verb not inflected for grammatical categories such as tense and person and used without an overt subject. In English, the infinitive usually consists of the word followed by the verb. infinitival sub head infinitive syl in+fin:i+ti+val pron <2infini1tIvL> pos adj. infinitively sub head infinitive or infinitivally syl in+1fin:i+tive+ly pos adv. infinitivally sub head infinitive or infinitively syl 2in+fin:i+1ti+val+ly pos adv. infinitive marker 0. syl in+fin:i+tive mark+er pos n. qual Grammar. def a word or affix occurring with the verb stem in the infinitive, such as in infinitude 1. syl in+fin:i+tude pron pos n. def the state or quality of being infinite. infinitude 2. syl in+fin:i+tude pron pos n. def an infinite extent, quantity, degree, etc. infinities infl head infinity syl in+fin+i:ties. pos n. mod pl. infinity 1. syl in+fin+i:ty pron pos n. def the state or quality of being infinite. infinity 2. syl in+fin+i:ty pron pos n. def endless time, space, or quantity. infinity 3. syl in+fin+i:ty pron pos n. def an infinitely or indefinitely great number or amount. infinity 4. syl in+fin+i:ty pron pos n. qual Optics, photog. def a point that is far enough away from a lens, mirror, etc., for the light emitted by it to fall in parallel rays on the surface of the lens, etc.@T {$D.@T} a dimension or quantity of sufficient size to be unaffected by finite variations. infinity 5.a. syl in+fin+i:ty pron pos n. def the concept of a value greater than any finite numerical value. infinity 5.b. syl in+fin+i:ty pron pos n. def the reci?!procal of zero. infinity 5.c. syl in+fin+i:ty pron pos n. def the limit of an infinite sequence of numbers. infinity 6. syl in+fin+i:ty pron pos n. usage in Euclidian geometry def a distant hypothetical point at which two parallel lines are assumed to meet. infinity xref syl in+fin+i:ty pron pos n. def Symbol (for senses 4-7): 8#800426 infirm 1. syl in+firm pron pos adj. def weak in health or body, esp. from old age. infirm 2. syl in+firm pron pos adj. def lacking moral certainty; indecisive or irreso?!lute. infirm 3. syl in+firm pron pos adj. def not stable, sound, or secure. exam 1 an infirm structure; exam 2 an infirm claim. infirm 4. syl in+firm pron pos adj. usage Law. of a law, custom, etc. def lacking legal force; invalid. infirmly sub head infirm syl in+1firm+ly pos adv. infirmness sub head infirm syl in+1firm+ness pos n. infirmaries infl head infirmary syl in+fir+ma+ries. pos n. mod pl. infirmary 0. syl in+fir+ma+ry pron pos n. def a place for the treatment of the sick or injured; dispensary; hospital. infirmities infl head infirmity syl in+fir+mi:ties. pos n. mod pl. infirmity 1. syl in+fir+mi:ty pron pos n. def the state or quality of being infirm. infirmity 2. syl in+fir+mi:ty pron pos n. def physical weakness or debility; frailty. infirmity 3. syl in+fir+mi:ty pron pos n. def a moral flaw or failing. infix 1. syl in+fix pron , <1in2fiks> pos vb. mod tr. def to fix firmly in. infix 2. syl in+fix pron , <1in2fiks> pos vb. mod tr. def to instil or inculcate. infix 3. syl in+fix pron , <1in2fiks> pos vb. qual Grammar. def to insert (an affix) or (of an affix) to be inserted into the middle of a word. infix 4. syl in+fix pron <1in2fiks> pos n. qual Grammar. def an affix inserted into the middle of a word. infixation sub head infix or infixion syl in+fix:1a+tion pron pos n. infixion sub head infix or infixation syl in+fix+ion pron pos n. infl 1. syl infl. qual abbrev. for: def influence. infl 2. syl infl. qual abbrev. for: def influenced. in flagrante delicto 0. syl in fla+gran+te de+lic+to pron pos adv. def See {flagrante delicto}. inflame 1. syl in+flame pron pos vb. def to arouse or become aroused to violent emotion. inflame 2. syl in+flame pron pos vb. mod tr. def to increase or intensify; aggravate. inflame 3. syl in+flame pron pos vb. def to produce inflammation in (a tissue, organ, or part) or (of a tissue, etc.) to become inflamed. inflame 4. syl in+flame pron pos vb. def to set or be set on fire; kindle. inflame 5. syl in+flame pron pos vb. mod tr. def to cause to redden. inflamer sub head inflame syl in+1flam+er pos n. inflamingly sub head inflame syl in+1flam+ing+ly pos adv. inflammable 1. syl in+flam+ma:ble pron pos adj. def liable to catch fire; flammable. inflammable 2. syl in+flam+ma:ble pron pos adj. def readily aroused to anger or passion. inflammable 3. syl in+flam+ma:ble pron pos n. def something that is liable to catch fire. inflammability sub head inflammable or inflammableness syl in+2flam+ma:1bil+i:ty pos n. inflammableness sub head inflammable or inflammability syl in+1flam+ma:ble+ness pos n. inflammably sub head inflammable syl in+1flam+ma:bly inflammation 1. syl in+flam+ma+tion pron <2infl*1mAS*n> pos n. def the reaction of living tissue to injury or infection, characterized by heat, redness, swelling, and pain. inflammation 2. syl in+flam+ma+tion pron <2infl*1mAS*n> pos n. def the act of inflaming or the state of being inflamed. inflammatory 1. syl in+flam+ma+to:ry pron , <-tri> pos adj. def characterized by or caused by inflammation. inflammatory 2. syl in+flam+ma+to:ry pron , <-tri> pos adj. def tending to arouse violence, strong emotion, etc. inflammatorily sub head inflammatory syl in+1flam+ma+to+ri+ly pos adv. inflatable 1. syl in+flat+a:ble pron pos n. def any of various large air-filled objects made of strong plastic or rubber, used for children to play on at fairs, carnivals, etc. {~} inflatable 2. syl in+flat+a:ble pron pos n. def capable of being inflated. inflate ety C16: from Latin infl*_are to blow into, from fl*_are to blow &- in+#!flat+ed+ly adv. &- in+#!flat+ed+ness n. &- in+#!flat+er or in+#!fla+tor n. inflate 1. syl in+flate pron pos vb. def to expand or cause to expand by filling with gas or air. inflate 2. syl in+flate pron pos vb. mod tr. def to cause to increase excessively; puff up; swell. exam 1 to inflate one's opinion of oneself. inflate 3. syl in+flate pron pos vb. mod tr. def to cause inflation of (prices, money, etc.). inflate 4. syl in+flate pron pos vb. mod tr. def to raise in spirits; elate. inflate 5. syl in+flate pron pos vb. mod intr. def to undergo economic inflation. inflation 1. syl in+fla+tion pron pos n. def the act of inflating or state of being inflated. inflation 2. syl in+fla+tion pron pos n. qual Economics. def a progressive increase in the general level of prices brought about by an expansion in demand or the money supply ({demand-pull inflation}) or by autonomous increases in costs ({cost-push inflation}) . Compare {deflation}. inflation 3. syl in+fla+tion pron pos n. qual Informal. def the rate of increase of prices. inflationary 0. syl in+fla+tion+ar:y pron pos adj. def of, relating to, causing, or characterized by inflation. exam 1 inflationary wage claims. inflationary spiral 0. syl in+fla+tion+ar:y spi+ral pos n. def a continuous rise in prices caused by and causing higher incomes. inflationism 0. syl in+fla+tion+ism pron pos n. def the advocacy or policy of inflation through expansion of the supply of money and credit. inflationist sub head inflationism syl in+1fla+tion+ist pos n. adj. inflect ety C15: from Latin inflectere to curve round, alter, from flectere to bend inflect 1. syl in+flect pron pos vb. qual Grammar. def to change (the form of a word) or (of a word) to change in form by inflection. inflect 2. syl in+flect pron pos vb. mod tr. def to change (the voice) in tone or pitch; modulate. inflect 3. syl in+flect pron pos vb. mod tr. def to cause to deviate from a straight or normal line or course; bend. inflectedness sub head inflect syl in+1flect+ed+ness pos n. inflective sub head inflect syl in+1flec+tive pos adj. inflector sub head inflect syl in+1flec+tor pos n. inflexion alt head inflection or inflection syl in+flex+ion pron pos n. inflection 1. or inflexion syl in+flec+tion pron pos n. def modulation of the voice. inflection 2. or inflexion syl in+flec+tion pron pos n. qual Grammar. def a change in the form of a word, usually modifi?!cation or affixation, signalling change in such grammatical functions as tense, voice, mood, person, gender, number, or case. inflection 3. or inflexion syl in+flec+tion pron pos n. def an angle or bend. inflection 4. or inflexion syl in+flec+tion pron pos n. def the act of inflecting or the state of being inflected. inflection 5. or inflexion syl in+flec+tion pron pos n. qual Maths. def a change in curvature from concave to convex or vice versa. See also {point of inflection}. inflectional sub head inflection or inflexional syl in+1flec+tion+al pos adj. inflexional sub head inflection or inflectional syl in+1flex+ion+al pos adj. inflectionally sub head inflection or inflexionally syl in+1flec+tion+al+ly pos adv. inflexionally sub head inflection or inflectionally syl in+1flex+ion+al+ly pos adv. inflectionless sub head inflection or inflexionless syl in+1flec+tion+less pos adj. inflexionless sub head inflection or inflectionless syl in+1flex+ion+less pos adj. inflexed 0. syl in+flexed pron pos adj. qual Biology. def curved or bent inwards and downwards towards the axis. exam 1 inflexed leaves. inflexible ety C14: from Latin inflex*_ibilis; see #7inflect inflexible 1. syl in+flex+i:ble pron pos adj. def not flexible; rigid; stiff. inflexible 2. syl in+flex+i:ble pron pos adj. def obstinate; unyielding. inflexible 3. syl in+flex+i:ble pron pos adj. def without variation; unalterable; fixed. inflexibility sub head inflexible or inflexibleness syl in+2flex+i:1bil+i:ty pos n. inflexibleness sub head inflexible or inflexibility syl in+1flex+i:ble+ness pos n. inflexibly sub head inflexible syl in+1flex+i:bly pos adv. inflict ety C16: from Latin infl*_igere to strike (something) against, dash against, from fl*_igere to strike &- in+#!flic+ta@.ble adj. &- in+#!flict+er or in+#!flic+tor n. inflict 1. syl in+flict pron pos vb. mod tr. usage often foll. by on or upon def to impose (something unwelcome, such as pain, oneself, etc.). inflict 2. syl in+flict pron pos vb. mod tr. qual Rare. def to cause to suffer; afflict (with). inflict 3. syl in+flict pron pos vb. mod tr. def to deal out (blows, lashes, etc.). infliction sub head inflict syl in+1flic+tion pos n. in-flight 0. syl in-flight pos adj. def provided during flight in an aircraft. exam 1 in-flight meals. inflorescence ety C16: from New Latin infl*_or*_escentia, from Late Latin infl*_orescere to blossom, from fl*_orescere to bloom inflorescence 1. syl in+flo+res+cence pron <2inflc:1res*ns> pos n. def the part of a plant that consists of the flower-bearing stalks. inflorescence 2. syl in+flo+res+cence pron <2inflc:1res*ns> pos n. def the arrangement of the flowers on the stalks. inflorescence 3. syl in+flo+res+cence pron <2inflc:1res*ns> pos n. def the process of flowering; blossoming. inflorescent sub head inflorescence syl in+flo+1res+cent pos adj. inflow 1. syl in+flow pron <1in2fl*u> pos n. def something, such as a liquid or gas, that flows in. inflow 2. syl in+flow pron <1in2fl*u> pos n. def the amount or rate of flowing in. inflow 3. syl in+flow pron <1in2fl*u> pos n. def Also called: {inflowing}. the act of flowing in; influx. influence ety C14: from Medieval Latin influentia emanation of power from the stars, from Latin influere to flow into, from fluere to flow influence 1. syl in+flu+ence pron <1influ*ns> pos n. def an effect of one person or thing on another. influence 2. syl in+flu+ence pron <1influ*ns> pos n. def the power of a person or thing to have such an effect. influence 3. syl in+flu+ence pron <1influ*ns> pos n. def power or sway resulting from ability, wealth, position, etc. influence 4. syl in+flu+ence pron <1influ*ns> pos n. def a person or thing having influence. influence 5. syl in+flu+ence pron <1influ*ns> pos n. qual Astrology. def an ethereal fluid or occult power regarded as emanating from the stars and affecting a person's actions, future, etc. under the influence 6. head influence syl under the influence. qual Informal. def drunk. influence 7. syl in+flu+ence pron <1influ*ns> pos vb. mod tr. def to persuade or induce. influence 8. syl in+flu+ence pron <1influ*ns> pos vb. mod tr. def to have an effect upon (actions, events, etc.); affect. influenceable sub head influence syl in+flu+ence+a:ble pos adj. influencer sub head influence syl in+flu+enc+er pos n. influent 1. syl in+flu+ent pron <1influ*nt> pos adj. usage also def flowing in. influent 2. syl in+flu+ent pron <1influ*nt> pos n. usage also def something flowing in, esp. a tributary. influent 3. syl in+flu+ent pron <1influ*nt> pos n. qual Ecology. usage also def an organism that has a major effect on the nature of its commu?!nity. influential 0. syl in+flu+en+tial pron <2influ1enS*l> pos adj. def having or exerting influ?!ence. influentially sub head influential syl in+flu+1en+tial+ly pos adv. influenza ety C18: from Italian, literally: #7influence, hence, incursion, epidemic (first applied to influenza in 1743) influenza 0. syl in+flu+en+za pron <2influ1enz*> pos n. def a highly contagious and often epidemic viral disease characterized by fever, prostration, muscular aches and pains, and inflammation of the respiratory passages. Also called: {grippe}. Informal name: {flu}. influenzal sub head influenza syl in+flu+1en+zal pos adj. influx ety C17: from Late Latin influxus; see #7influ?!ence influx 1. syl in+flux pron <1in2fl^ks> pos n. def the arrival or entry of many people or things. influx 2. syl in+flux pron <1in2fl^ks> pos n. def the act of flowing in; inflow. influx 3. syl in+flux pron <1in2fl^ks> pos n. def the mouth of a stream or river. info 0. syl in:fo pron <1inf*u> pos n. qual Informal. def short for {information}. infold 0. syl in+fold pron pos vb. mod tr. def a variant spelling of {enfold}. infolder sub head infold syl in+1fold+er pos n. infoldment sub head infold syl in+1fold+ment pos n. inform ety C14: from Latin inform*_are to give form to, describe, from form*_are to #7form inform H1.1. syl in+form pron pos vb. mod tr. usage often foll. by of or about def to give information to; tell. inform H1.2. syl in+form pron pos vb. mod tr. usage often foll. by of or about def to make conversant (with). inform H1.3. syl in+form pron pos vb. mod intr. usage often foll. by against or on def to give information regarding criminals, as to the police, etc. inform H1.4. syl in+form pron pos vb. def to give form to. inform H1.5. syl in+form pron pos vb. def to impart some essential or formative characteristic to. inform H1.6. syl in+form pron pos vb. mod tr. def to animate or inspire. inform H1.7.a. syl in+form pron pos vb. def to train or educate. inform H1.7.b. syl in+form pron pos vb. def to report. informable sub head inform syl in+1form+a:ble pos adj. informedly sub head inform syl in+form+ed+ly pron pos adv. informingly sub head inform syl in+1form+ing+ly pos adv. inform ety C16: from Latin informis from {#7in -%1}#7+ forma shape inform H2.0. syl in+form pron pos adj. qual Archaic. def without shape; unformed. informal 1. syl in+for+mal pron pos adj. def not of a formal, official, or stiffly conventional nature. exam 1 an informal luncheon. informal 2. syl in+for+mal pron pos adj. def appropriate to everyday life or use. exam 1 informal clothes. informal 3. syl in+for+mal pron pos adj. def denoting or characterized by idiom, vocabulary, etc., appropriate to everyday conversational language rather than to formal written language. informal 4. syl in+for+mal pron pos adj. def denoting a second-person pronoun in some languages used when the addressee is regarded as a friend or social inferior. exam 1 In French the pronoun @6tu@9 is informal, while @6vous@9 is formal. informally sub head informal syl in+1for+mal+ly pos adv. informalities infl head informality syl in+for+mal+i:ties. pos n. mod pl. informality 1. syl in+for+mal+i:ty pron <2infc:1m@liti> pos n. def the condition or quality of being informal. informality 2. syl in+for+mal+i:ty pron <2infc:1m@liti> pos n. def an informal act. informal vote 0. syl in+for+mal vote pos n. qual Austral. def an invalid vote or ballot. informant 1. syl in+form+ant pron pos n. def a person who gives information about a thing, a subject being studied, etc. information 1. syl in+for+ma+tion pron <2inf*1mAS*n> pos n. def knowledge acquired through experience or study. information 2. syl in+for+ma+tion pron <2inf*1mAS*n> pos n. def knowledge of specific and timely events or situations; news. information 3. syl in+for+ma+tion pron <2inf*1mAS*n> pos n. def the act of informing or the condition of being informed. information 4.a. syl in+for+ma+tion pron <2inf*1mAS*n> pos n. def an office, agency, etc., providing information. information 4.b. syl in+for+ma+tion pron <2inf*1mAS*n> pos n. usage as modifier exam 1 information service. information 5.a. syl in+for+ma+tion pron <2inf*1mAS*n> pos n. def a charge or complaint made before justices of the peace, usually on oath, to institute summary criminal proceedings. information 5.b. syl in+for+ma+tion pron <2inf*1mAS*n> pos n. def a complaint filed on behalf of the Crown, usually by the attorney general. information 6.a. syl in+for+ma+tion pron <2inf*1mAS*n> pos n. def the results derived from the processing of data according to programmed instructions. information 6.b. syl in+for+ma+tion pron <2inf*1mAS*n> pos n. def another word for { {data} (sense 2)}. informational sub head information syl in+for+1ma+tion+al pos adj. information retrieval 0. syl in+for+ma+tion re+triev+al pos n. def the branch of computer science concerned with the classification and storage of large quantities of information and the automatic retrieval of a particular item of this information when required. information science 0. syl in+for+ma+tion sci+ence pos n. def the science of the collection, evaluation, organization, and dissemination of information, often employing computers. information theory 0. syl in+for+ma+tion the:o+ry pos n. def a collection of mathematical theories, based on statistics, concerned with methods of coding, transmitting, storing, retrieving, and decoding information. informatory alt head informative or informative syl in+form:a+to:ry pos adj. informative 0. or informatory syl in+form:a+tive pron pos adj. def provid?!ing information; instructive. informatively sub head informative syl in+1for+ma+tive+ly pos adv. informativeness sub head informative syl in+1for+ma+tive+ness pos n. informed 0. syl in+formed pron pos adj. def having much knowledge or education; learned or cultured. informer 1. syl in+form+er pron pos n. def a person who informs against someone, esp. a criminal. informer 2. syl in+form+er pron pos n. def a person who provides information. exam 1 he was the President's financial informer. infra 0. syl in+fra pron Latin. <1infr*> pos adv. usage esp. in textual annotation def below; further on. infra- ety from Latin infr*_a infra- 0. syl in:fra- pos prefix. def below; beneath; after. exam 1 infrasonic; exam 2 infralapsarian. infracostal 0. syl in:fra+cos+tal pron <2infr*1kostL> pos adj. qual Anatomy. def situated beneath the ribs. infract ety C18: from Latin infractus broken off, from infringere; see #7infringe &- in+#!frac+tion n. &- in+#!frac+tor n. infract 0. syl in+fract pron pos vb. mod tr. def to violate or break (a law, agreement, etc.). infra dig ety C19: from Latin phrase infr*_a dignit*_atem infra dig 0. syl in+fra dig pron <1infr*> <1dig> pos adj. qual Informal. usage postpositive def beneath one's dignity. infralapsarian ety C18: from #7infra -#7+ lapsarian (see #7supralapsarian) infralapsarian 0. syl in:fra+lap+sar+i:an pron <2infr*l@p1se*ri*n> pos n. qual Theol., chiefly Calvinist. def a person who believes that only after the Fall did God decree who was predestined to salvation and who was not. Compare {supralapsarian}. infralapsarianism sub head infralapsarian syl in:fra+lap+1sar:i+an+ism pos n. infrangible ety C16: from Late Latin infrangibilis, from Latin #7in -%1#7+ frangere to break infrangible 1. syl in+fran+gi:ble pron pos adj. def incapable of being broken. infrangible 2. syl in+fran+gi:ble pron pos adj. def not capable of being violated or infringed. infrangibility sub head infrangible or infrangibleness syl in+2fran+gi:1bil+i:ty pos n. infrangibleness sub head infrangible or infrangibility syl in+1fran+gi:ble+ness pos n. infrangibly sub head infrangible syl in+1fran+gi:bly pos adv. infrared 1. syl in:fra+red pron <2infr*1red> pos n. def the part of the electromagnetic spectrum with a longer wavelength than light but a shorter wavelength than radio waves; radiation with wavelength between 0.8 micrometres and 1 millimetre. infrared 2. syl in:fra+red pron <2infr*1red> pos adj. def of, relating to, or consisting of radiation lying within the infrared. exam 1 infrared radiation. infrasonic 0. syl in:fra+son+ic pron <2infr*1sonik> pos adj. usage of an oscillation, vibration, or pressure wave def having a frequency below that of sound. infrastructure 1. syl in:fra+struc+ture pron <1infr*2str^kC*> pos n. def the basic structure of an organization, system, etc. infrastructure 2. syl in:fra+struc+ture pron <1infr*2str^kC*> pos n. def the stock of fixed capital equipment in a country, including factories, roads, schools, etc., considered as a determinant of economic growth. infrequent 1. syl in+fre+quent pron pos adj. def rarely happening or present; only occasional. infrequency sub head infrequent or infrequence syl in+1fre+quen+cy pos n. infrequence sub head infrequent or infrequency syl in+1fre+quence pos n. infrequently sub head infrequent syl in+1fre+quent+ly pos adv. infringe ety C16: from Latin infringere to break off, from frangere to break infringe 1. syl in+fringe pron pos vb. mod tr. def to violate or break (a law, agreement, etc.). infringe 2. syl in+fringe pron pos vb. mod intr. usage foll. by on or upon def to encroach or trespass. infringement sub head infringe syl in+1fringe+ment pos n. infringer sub head infringe syl in+1fring+er pos n. infulae ety C17: from Latin, plural of infula, woollen fillet worn on forehead by ancient Romans during religious rites infula infl head infulae syl in+fu+la pron <-l*> pos n. mod sing. infulae 0. syl in+fu+lae pron <1infjulE> pos n. mod pl. def the two ribbons hanging from the back of a bishop's mitre. infundibuliform 0. syl in+fun+dib:u+li+form pron <2inf^n1dibjuli2fc:m> pos adj. usage of plant parts def shaped like a funnel. infundibulum ety C18: from Latin: funnel, from infundere to #7infuse infundibula infl head infundibulum syl in+fun+dib:u+la pron <-l*> pos n. mod pl. infundibulum 0. syl in+fun+dib:u+lum pron <2inf^n1dibjul*m> pos n. qual Anatomy. def any funnel-shaped part, esp. the stalk connecting the pituitary gland to the base of the brain. infundibular sub head infundibulum or infundibulate syl in+fun+1dib:u+lar pos adj. infundibulate sub head infundibulum or infundibular syl in+fun+1dib:u+late pos adj. infuriate ety C17: from Medieval Latin infuri*_are (vb.) ; see #7in -%2#7, fury infuriate 1. syl in+fur:i+ate pron pos vb. mod tr. def to anger; annoy. infuriate 2. syl in+fur:i+ate pron pos adj. qual Archaic. def furious; infuriated. infuriately sub head infuriate syl in+1fur:i+ate+ly pos adv. infuriatingly sub head infuriate syl in+1fur:i+at+ing+ly pos adv. infuriation sub head infuriate syl in+2fur:i:1a+tion pos n. infuscate ety C17: from Latin infusc*_are to darken, from fuscus dark infuscated alt head infuscate or infuscate syl in+fus+cat+ed pos adj. infuscate 0. or infuscated syl in+fus+cate pron pos adj. usage esp. of the wings of an insect def tinged with brown. infuse ety C15: from Latin infundere to pour into infuse 1. syl in+fuse pron pos vb. mod tr. usage often foll. by into def to instil or inculcate. infuse 2. syl in+fuse pron pos vb. mod tr. usage foll. by with def to inspire; emotionally charge. infuse 3. syl in+fuse pron pos vb. def to soak or be soaked in order to extract flavour or other properties. infuse 4. syl in+fuse pron pos vb. usage Rare. foll. by into def to pour. infuser sub head infuse syl in+1fus+er pos n. infuser 0. syl in+fus+er pron pos n. def any device used to make an infusion, esp. a tea maker. infusible ety C16: from #7in -%1#7+fusible infusible H1.0. syl in+fu+si:ble pron pos adj. def not fusible; not easily melted; having a high melting point. infusibility sub head infusible or infusibleness syl in+2fu+si:1bil+i:ty pos n. infusibleness sub head infusible or infusibility syl in+1fu+si:ble+ness pos n. infusible ety C17: from #7infuse+ -#7ible infusible H2.0. syl in+fu+si:ble pron pos adj. def capable of being infused. infusibility sub head infusible or infusibleness syl in+2fu+si:1bil+i:ty pos n. infusibleness sub head infusible or infusibility syl in+1fu+si:ble+ness pos n. infusion 1. syl in+fu+sion pron pos n. def the act of infusing. infusion 2. syl in+fu+sion pron pos n. def something infused. infusion 3. syl in+fu+sion pron pos n. def an extract obtained by soaking. infusion 4. syl in+fu+sion pron pos n. qual Med. def introduction of a liquid, such as a saline solution, into a vein. infusive sub head infusion syl in+fu+sive pron pos adj. infusionism 0. syl in+fu+sion+ism pron pos n. qual Theol. def the doctrine that at the birth of each individual a pre-existing soul is implanted in his body, to remain there for the duration of his earthly life. infusionist sub head infusionism syl in+1fu+sion+ist pos n. adj. infusorial earth 0. syl in+fu+so+ri:al earth pron <2infju1zc:ri*l> pos n. def another name for {diatomaceous earth}. See {diatomite}. infusorian ety C18: from New Latin Infusoria former class name; see #7infuse &- @!in+fu+#!so+ri@.al adj. infusorian 1. syl in+fu+so+ri:an pron <2infju1zc:ri*n> pos n. qual Obsolete. def any of the micro?!scopic organisms, such as protozoans and rotifers, found in infusions of organic material. infusorian 2. syl in+fu+so+ri:an pron <2infju1zc:ri*n> pos n. qual Obsolete. def any member of the subclass (see { {ciliate} (sense 3)}). infusorian 3. syl in+fu+so+ri:an pron <2infju1zc:ri*n> pos adj. qual Obsolete. def of or relating to infusorians. -ing ety Old English -ing, -ung -ing H1.0. syl -ing exam 1 suffix forming nouns. -ing H1.1. syl -ing usage from verbs def the action of, process of, result of, or something connected with the verb. exam 1 coming; exam 2 meeting; exam 3 a wedding; exam 4 winnings. -ing H1.2. syl -ing usage from other nouns def something used in, consisting of, involving, etc.. exam 1 tubing; exam 2 soldiering. -ing H1.3. syl -ing usage from other parts of speech def . exam 1 an outing. -ing ety Middle English -ing, -inde, from Old English -ende -ing H2.1. syl -ing pos suffix. def forming the present participle of verbs. exam 1 walking; exam 2 believing. -ing H2.2. syl -ing pos suffix. def forming participial adjectives. exam 1 a growing boy; exam 2 a sinking ship. -ing H2.3. syl -ing pos suffix. def forming adjectives not derived from verbs. exam 1 swashbuckling. -ing ety Old English -ing; related to Old Norse -ingr -ing H3.0. syl -ing usage suffix forming nouns. def a person or thing having a certain quality or being of a certain kind. exam 1 sweeting; exam 2 whiting. ingather 1. syl in+gath+er pron pos vb. mod tr. def to gather together or in (a harvest, etc.). ingatherer sub head ingather syl in+1gath+er+er pos n. William Ralph infl head Inge syl Wil:liam Ralph pos n. Inge 0. syl Inge pron pos n. def called 1860-1954, English theologian, noted for his pessimism; dean of St. Paul's Cathedral (1911-34). ingeminate ety C16: from Latin ingemin*_are to redouble, from #7in -%2#7+ gemin*_are to #7geminate ingeminate 0. syl in+gem:i+nate pron pos vb. mod tr. qual Rare. def to repeat; reiterate. ingemination sub head ingeminate syl in+2gem:i+1na+tion pos n. ingenerate ety C17: from Late Latin ingener*_atus not generated; see #7in -%1#7, generate ingenerate H1.0. syl in+gen+er+ate pron pos adj. qual Rare. def inherent, intrinsic, or innate. ingenerate ety C16: from Latin ingener*_are; see #7in -%2#7, generate ingenerate xref syl in+gen+er+ate pron pos vb. mod tr. qual Archaic. def to produce within; engender. ingeneration sub head ingenerate syl in+2gen+er:1a+tion pos n. ingenious ety C15: from Latin ingeni*_osus, from ingenium natural ability; see #7engine ingenious 1. syl in+gen+ious pron , <-ni*s> pos adj. def possessing or done with ingenuity; skilful or clever. ingenious 2. syl in+gen+ious pron , <-ni*s> pos adj. qual Obsolete. def having great intelligence; displaying genius. ingeniously sub head ingenious syl in+1gen+ious+ly pos adv. ingeniousness sub head ingenious syl in+1gen+ious+ness pos n. ing'enue ety C19: from French, femi?!nine of ing*'enu #7ingenuous ing'enue 0. syl in+g*'e+nue pron <2@nZA1nju:>, French pos n. def an artless, innocent, or inexperienced girl or young woman. ingenuity ety C16: from Latin ingenuit*_as a freeborn condition, outlook consistent with such a condition, from ingenuus native, freeborn (see #7ingenuous) ; meaning influenced by #7ingenious ingenuities infl head ingenuity syl in+ge:nu+i:ties. pos n. mod pl. ingenuity 1. syl in+ge:nu+i:ty pron <2inJi1nju:iti> pos n. def inventive talent; cleverness. ingenuity 2. syl in+ge:nu+i:ty pron <2inJi1nju:iti> pos n. def an ingenious device, act, etc. ingenuity 3. syl in+ge:nu+i:ty pron <2inJi1nju:iti> pos n. qual Archaic. def frankness; candour. ingenuous ety C16: from Latin ingenuus freeborn, worthy of a freeman, virtuous, from #7in -%2#7+ -genuus, from gignere to beget ingenuous 1. syl in+gen:u+ous pron pos adj. def naive, artless, or innocent. ingenuous 2. syl in+gen:u+ous pron pos adj. def candid; frank; straightforward. ingenuously sub head ingenuous syl in+1gen:u+ous+ly pos adv. ingenuousness sub head ingenuous syl in+1gen:u+ous+ness pos n. ingest ety C17: from Latin ingerere to put into, from #7in -%2#7+ gerere to carry; see #7gest ingest 1. syl in+gest pron pos vb. mod tr. def to take (food or liquid) into the body. ingest 2. syl in+gest pron pos vb. mod tr. usage of a jet engine def to suck in (an object, bird, etc.). ingestible sub head ingest syl in+1gest+i:ble pos adj. ingestion sub head ingest syl in+1ges+tion pos n. ingestive sub head ingest syl in+1ges+tive pos adj. ingesta 0. syl in+ges+ta pron pos n. mod pl. def nourishment taken into the body through the mouth. ingle ety C16: probably from Scots Gaelic aingeal fire ingle 0. syl in+gle pron <1iGgL> pos n. qual Archaic or dialect. def a fire in a room or a fireplace. Ingleborough 0. syl In+gle+bor+ough pron <1iGgLb*r*>, <-br*> pos n. def a mountain in N England, in North Yorkshire: potholes. Height: 723 m (2373 ft.). inglenook 0. syl in:gle+nook pron <1iGgL2nuk> pos n. qual Brit. def a corner by a fireplace; chimney corner. inglorious 1. syl in+glo+ri+ous pron pos adj. def without courage or glory; dishonourable, shameful, or disgraceful. inglorious 2. syl in+glo+ri+ous pron pos adj. def unknown or obscure. ingloriously sub head inglorious syl in+1glo+ri+ous+ly pos adv. ingloriousness sub head inglorious syl in+1glo+ri+ous+ness pos n. ingoing 1. syl in+go+ing pron <1in2g*uiG> pos adj. def coming or going in; entering. ingoing 2. syl in+go+ing pron <1in2g*uiG> pos n. mod often; pl. qual English law. def the sum paid by a new tenant for fixtures left behind by the outgoing tenant. Ingolstadt 0. syl In+gol+stadt pron German <1iGgclStat> pos n. def a city in S West Germany, in Bavaria on the River Danube: oil-refining. Pop.:70600 (1970). ingot ety C14: perhaps from #7in- %2+Old English goten, past participle of geotan to pour ingot 1. syl in+got pron <1iGg*t> pos n. def a piece of cast metal obtained from a mould in a form suitable for storage, transporting, and further use. ingot 2. syl in+got pron <1iGg*t> pos vb. mod tr. def to shape (metal) into ingots. ingot iron 0. syl in+got i:ron pos n. def a type of steel containing a small amount of carbon and very small quantities of other elements. ingraft 0. syl in+graft pron pos vb. def a variant spelling of {engraft}. ingraftment sub head ingraft or ingraftation syl in+1graft+ment pos n. ingraftation sub head ingraft or ingraftment syl in+graf+1ta+tion pos n. ingrain ety C18: from the phrase dyed in grain dyed with kermes through the fibre engrain alt head ingrain or ingrain syl en+grain pron pos vb. mod tr. ingrain 1. or engrain syl in+grain pron pos vb. mod tr. def to impress deeply on the mind or nature; instil. ingrain 2. or engrain syl in+grain pron pos vb. mod tr. qual Archaic. def to dye into the fibre of (a fabric). ingrain 3. or engrain syl in+grain pron <1in2grAn> pos adj. mod tr. def variants of {ingrained}. ingrain 4. or engrain syl in+grain pron <1in2grAn> pos adj. mod tr. usage of woven or knitted articles, esp. rugs and carpets def made of dyed yarn or of fibre that is dyed before being spun into yarn. ingrain 5.a. or engrain syl in+grain pron <1in2grAn> pos n. mod tr. def a carpet made from ingrained yarn. ingrain 5.b. or engrain syl in+grain pron <1in2grAn> pos n. mod tr. def such yarn. ingrainengrained alt head ingrained or ingrained syl in+grainen+grained pron pos adj. ingrained 1. or ingrainengrained syl in+grained pron pos adj. def deeply impressed or instilled. exam 1 his fears are deeply ingrained. ingrained 2. or ingrainengrained syl in+grained pron pos adj. usage prenominal def complete or inveterate; utter. exam 1 an ingrained fool. ingrained 3. or ingrainengrained syl in+grained pron pos adj. usage esp. of dirt def worked into or through the fibre, grain, pores, etc. ingrainedly sub head ingrained or ingrainengrainedly syl in+grain+ed+ly pron pos adv. ingrainengrainedly sub head ingrained or ingrainedly syl in+grainen+grain+ed+ly pron pos adv. ingrainedness sub head ingrained or ingrainengrainedness syl in+1grain+ed+ness pos n. ingrainengrainedness sub head ingrained or ingrainedness syl in+grainen+1grain+ed+ness pos n. ingrate ety C14: from Latin ingr*_atus (adj.) , from #7in -%1#7+ gr*_atus #7grateful ingrate 1. syl in+grate pron <1ingrAt>, pos n. qual Archaic. def an ungrateful person. ingrate 2. syl in+grate pron <1ingrAt>, pos adj. qual Archaic. def ungrateful. ingrately sub head ingrate syl in+grate+ly pos adv. ingratiate ety C17: from Latin, from #7in -%2#7+ gr*_atia grace, favour ingratiate 0. syl in+gra+ti+ate pron pos vb. mod tr. usage often foll. by with def to place (oneself) purposely in the favour (of another). ingratiating sub head ingratiate or ingratiatory syl in+1gra+ti+2at+ing pos adj. ingratiatory sub head ingratiate or ingratiating syl in+1gra+ti:a+to:ry pos adj. ingratiatingly sub head ingratiate syl in+1gra+ti+2at+ing+ly pos adv. ingratiation sub head ingratiate syl in+2gra+ti:1a+tion pos n. ingratitude 0. syl in+grat:i+tude pron pos n. def lack of gratitude; ungratefulness; thanklessness. ingravescent ety C19: from Latin ingravescere to become heavier, from gravescere to grow heavy, from gravis heavy ingravescent 0. syl in+gra+ves+cent pron <2ingr*1vesNt> pos adj. usage Rare. esp. of a disease def becoming more severe. ingravescence sub head ingravescent syl in+gra+1ves+cence pos n. ingredient ety C15: from Latin ingredi*_ens going into, from ingred*_i to enter; see #7ingress ingredient 1. syl in+gre+di+ent pron pos n. def a component of a mixture, compound, etc., esp. in cooking. Jean Auguste Dominique infl head Ingres syl Jean Au:guste Do:mi:nique pron , pos n. Ingres 0. syl In:gres pron French <1?~e:gr>, pos n. def 1780-1867, French classical painter, noted for his draughtsmanship. ingress ety C15: from Latin ingressus, from ingred*_i to go in, from grad*_i to step, go ingress 1. syl in+gress pron <1ingres> pos n. def the act of going or coming in; an entering. ingress 2. syl in+gress pron <1ingres> pos n. def a way in; entrance. ingress 3. syl in+gress pron <1ingres> pos n. def the right or permission to enter. ingress 4. syl in+gress pron <1ingres> pos n. qual Astronomy. def another name for { {immersion} (sense 2)}. ingression sub head ingress syl in+gres+sion pron pos n. ingressive 1. syl in+gres+sive pron pos adj. def of or concerning ingress. ingressive 2. syl in+gres+sive pron pos adj. usage of a speech sound def pronounced with an inhalation rather than exhalation of breath. ingressive 3. syl in+gres+sive pron pos n. def an ingressive speech sound, such as a Zulu click. ingressiveness sub head ingressive syl in+1gres+sive+ness pos n. in-group 0. syl in-group pos n. qual Sociol. def a highly cohesive and relatively closed social group characterized by the preferential treatment re?!served for its members and the strength of loyalty between them. Compare {out-group}. ingrowing 1. syl in+grow+ing pron <1in2gr*uiG> pos adj. usage esp. of a toenail def growing abnormally into the flesh. ingrowing 2. syl in+grow+ing pron <1in2gr*uiG> pos adj. def growing within or into. ingrown 1. syl in+grown pron <1in2gr*un>, pos adj. usage esp. of a toenail def grown abnormally into the flesh; covered by adjacent tissues. ingrown 2. syl in+grown pron <1in2gr*un>, pos adj. def grown within; native; innate. ingrown 3. syl in+grown pron <1in2gr*un>, pos adj. def excessively concerned with oneself, one's own particular group, etc. ingrown 4. syl in+grown pron <1in2gr*un>, pos adj. def ingrained. ingrowth 1. syl in+growth pron <1in2gr*uT> pos n. def the act of growing inwards. exam 1 the ingrowth of a toenail. ingrowth 2. syl in+growth pron <1in2gr*uT> pos n. def something that grows inwards. inguinal ety C17: from Latin inguin*_alis, from inguen groin inguinal 0. syl in+gui+nal pron <1iGgwinL> pos adj. qual Anatomy. def of or relating to the groin. ingulf 0. syl in+gulf pron pos vb. mod tr. def a variant of {engulf}. ingulfment sub head ingulf syl in+1gulf+ment pos n. ingurgitate ety C16: from Latin ingurgit*_are to flood, from {#7in -%2}#7+ gurges abyss ingurgitate 0. syl in+gur+gi+tate pron pos vb. def to swallow (food, etc.) with greed or in excess; gorge. ingurgitation sub head ingurgitate syl in+2gur+gi+1ta+tion pos n. Ingushes infl head Ingush or Ingush syl In+gush:es pos n. mod pl. Ingush infl or Ingushes syl In+gush. pos n. mod pl. Ingush 0. syl In+gush pron pos n. def a member of a people of the S Soviet Union, speaking a Circassian language and chiefly inhabiting the Checheno-Ingush ASSR. inhabit ety C14: from Latin inhabit*_are, from habit*_are to dwell inhabit 1. syl in+hab+it pron pos vb. mod tr. def to live or dwell in; occupy. inhabit 2. syl in+hab+it pron pos vb. mod intr. qual Archaic. def to abide or dwell. inhabitable sub head inhabit syl in+1hab+it+a:ble pos adj. inhabitability sub head inhabit syl in+2hab+it+a:1bil+i:ty pos n. inhabitation sub head inhabit syl in+2hab:i+1ta+tion pos n. inhabitant 0. syl in+hab+it+ant pron pos n. def a person or animal that is a permanent resident of a particular place or region. inhabitancy sub head inhabitant or inhabitance syl in+1hab+it+an+cy pos n. inhabitance sub head inhabitant or inhabitancy syl in+1hab+it+ance pos n. inhalant 1. syl in+hal+ant pron pos adj. usage esp. of a volatile medicinal preparation def inhaled for its soothing or therapeutic effect. inhalant 2. syl in+hal+ant pron pos adj. def inhaling. inhalant 3. syl in+hal+ant pron pos n. def an inhalant medicinal preparation. inhalation 1. syl in+ha+la+tion pron <2inh*1lAS*n> pos n. def the act of inhaling; breathing in of air or other vapours. inhalation 2. syl in+ha+la+tion pron <2inh*1lAS*n> pos n. def an inhalant preparation. inhalator 0. syl in+ha+la+tor pron <1inh*2lAt*> pos n. def a device for issuing a vapour which is breathed in to ease discomfort of or provide medication for the respiratory system. inhale ety C18: from {#7in -%2}#7+ Latin hal*_are to breathe inhale 0. syl in+hale pron pos vb. def to draw (breath, etc.) into the lungs; breathe in. inhaler 1. syl in+hal+er pron pos n. def a device for breathing in therapeutic vapours, esp. one for relieving nasal congestion. inhaler 2. syl in+hal+er pron pos n. def a person who inhales. Inhambane 0. syl In+ham+ba+ne pron <2inj*m1ba:n*> pos n. def a port in SE Mozambique on an inlet of the Mozambique Channel ({Inhambane Bay) }. Pop.: 26701 (1970). inharmonic alt head inharmonious or inharmonious syl in+har+mon+ic pron <2inha:1monik> pos adj. inharmonious 1. or inharmonic syl in+har+mo+ni+ous pron <2inha:1m*uni*s> pos adj. def lacking harmony; discordant. inharmonious 2. or inharmonic syl in+har+mo+ni+ous pron <2inha:1m*uni*s> pos adj. def lacking accord or agreement. inharmoniously sub head inharmonious syl in+har+1mo+ni+ous+ly pos adv. inharmoniousness sub head inharmonious syl in+har+1mo+ni+ous+ness pos n. inhauler alt head inhaul or inhaul syl in+haul+er pos n. inhaul 0. or inhauler syl in+haul pron <1in2hc:l> pos n. qual Nautical. def a line for hauling in a sail. inhere ety C16: from Latin inhaer*_ere to stick in, from haer*_ere to stick inhere 0. syl in+here pron pos vb. mod intr. usage foll. by in def to be an inseparable part (of). inherency alt head inherence or inherence syl in+her+en+cy pos n. inherence 1. or inherency syl in+her+ence pron , <-1her-> pos n. def the state or condition of being inherent. inherence 2. or inherency syl in+her+ence pron , <-1her-> pos n. qual Metaphysics. def the relation of attributes, elements, etc., to the subject of which they are predicated, esp. if they are its essential constituents. inherent 0. syl in+her+ent pron , <-1her-> pos adj. def existing as an inseparable part; intrinsic. inherently sub head inherent syl in+1her+ent+ly pos adv. inherit ety C14: from Old French enheriter, from Late Latin inh*_er*_edit*_are to appoint an heir, from Latin h*_er*_es #7heir inherit 1. syl in+her+it pron pos vb. def to receive (property, a right, title, etc.) by succession or under a will. inherit 2. syl in+her+it pron pos vb. mod intr. def to succeed as heir. inherit 3. syl in+her+it pron pos vb. mod tr. def to possess (a characteristic) through genetic transmission. inherit 4. syl in+her+it pron pos vb. mod tr. def to receive (a position, attitude, property, etc.) from a predecessor. inherited sub head inherit syl in+1her+it+ed pos adj. inheritor sub head inherit syl in+1her:i+tor pos n. inheritable 1. syl in+her+it+a:ble pron pos adj. def capable of being transmitted by heredity from one generation to a later one. inheritable 2. syl in+her+it+a:ble pron pos adj. def capable of being inherited. inheritable 3. syl in+her+it+a:ble pron pos adj. qual Rare. def capable of inheriting; having the right to inherit. inheritability sub head inheritable or inheritableness syl in+2her+it+a:1bil+i:ty pos n. inheritableness sub head inheritable or inheritability syl in+1her+it+a:ble+ness pos n. inheritably sub head inheritable syl in+1her+it+a:bly pos adv. inheritance 1.a. syl in+her+it+ance pron pos n. def hereditary succession to an estate, title, etc. inheritance 1.b. syl in+her+it+ance pron pos n. def the right of an heir to succeed to property on the death of an ancestor. inheritance 1.c. syl in+her+it+ance pron pos n. def something that may legally be transmitted to an heir. inheritance 2. syl in+her+it+ance pron pos n. def the act of inheriting. inheritance 3. syl in+her+it+ance pron pos n. def something inherited; heritage. inheritance 4. syl in+her+it+ance pron pos n. def the derivation of characteristics of one generation from an earlier one by heredity. inheritance 5. syl in+her+it+ance pron pos n. qual Obsolete. def hereditary rights. inheritance tax 0. syl in+her+it+ance tax pos n. qual U.S. def a state tax imposed on an inherit?!ance according to its size and the relationship of the beneficiary to the deceased. inhesion ety C17: from Late Latin inhaesi*_o, from inhaer*_ere to #7inhere inhesion 0. syl in+he+sion pron pos n. def a less common word for {inherence} (sense 1). inhibit ety C15: from Latin inhib*_ere to restrain, from #7in -%2#7+ hab*_ere to have inhibit 1. syl in+hib+it pron pos vb. mod tr. def to restrain or hinder (an impulse, desire, etc.). inhibit 2. syl in+hib+it pron pos vb. mod tr. def to prohibit; forbid. inhibit 3. syl in+hib+it pron pos vb. mod tr. def to stop, prevent, or decrease the rate of (a chemical reaction). inhibit 4.a. syl in+hib+it pron pos vb. mod tr. def to prevent the occurrence of (a particular signal) in a circuit. inhibit 4.b. syl in+hib+it pron pos vb. mod tr. def to prevent the performance of (a particular operation). inhibitable sub head inhibit syl in+1hib+it+a:ble pos adj. inhibiter sub head inhibit or inhibitor syl in+1hib+it+er pos n. inhibitor sub head inhibit or inhibiter syl in+1hib:i+tor pos n. inhibitive sub head inhibit or inhibitory syl in+1hib:i+tive pos adj. inhibitory sub head inhibit or inhibitive syl in+1hib:i+to:ry pos adj. inhibition 1. syl in+hi+bi+tion pron <2ini1biS*n>, <2inhi-> pos n. def the act of inhibiting or the condition of being inhibited. inhibition 2.a. syl in+hi+bi+tion pron <2ini1biS*n>, <2inhi-> pos n. def a mental state or condition in which the varieties of expression and behaviour of an individual become restricted. inhibition 2.b. syl in+hi+bi+tion pron <2ini1biS*n>, <2inhi-> pos n. def the prevention of a response in oneself or another person. inhibition 2.c. syl in+hi+bi+tion pron <2ini1biS*n>, <2inhi-> pos n. usage in psychoanalytical theory def the unconscious restraining of an impulse. See also {repression}. inhibition 3. syl in+hi+bi+tion pron <2ini1biS*n>, <2inhi-> pos n. def the process of stopping or retarding a chemical reaction. inhibition 4. syl in+hi+bi+tion pron <2ini1biS*n>, <2inhi-> pos n. qual Physiol. def the suppression of the function or action of an organ or part, as by stimulation of its nerve supply. inhibition 5. syl in+hi+bi+tion pron <2ini1biS*n>, <2inhi-> pos n. qual Church of England. def an episcopal order suspending an incumbent. inhibitor 1. syl in+hib:i+tor pron pos n. def Also called: {anticatalyst}. a substance that retards or stops a chemical reaction. Compare {catalyst}. inhibitor 2. syl in+hib:i+tor pron pos n. def any impurity in a solid that prevents lumines?!cence. inhibitor 3. syl in+hib:i+tor pron pos n. def an inert substance added to some rocket fuels to inhibit ignition on certain surfaces. inhomogeneous 0. syl in+ho:mo+ge:ne:ous pron , <-2hom-> pos adj. def not homogeneous or uniform. &- {in+ho@.mo+ge@.ne@.i+ty} ($In@!h$$$um$$d#f$I#!ni$:$It$I, -@!h$Am-) inhospitable 1. syl in+hos+pi+ta:ble pron , <2inho1spit-> pos adj. def not hospitable; unfriendly. inhospitable 2. syl in+hos+pi+ta:ble pron , <2inho1spit-> pos adj. usage of a region, environment, etc. def lacking a favourable climate, terrain, etc. inhospitableness sub head inhospitable syl in+1hos+pi+ta:ble+ness pos n. inhospitably sub head inhospitable syl in+1hos+pi+ta:bly pos adv. inhospitality 0. syl in+hos+pi+tal+i:ty pron <2inhospi1t@liti>, pos n. def the state or attitude of being inhospitable or unwelcoming. in-house 0. syl in-house pos adj. adv. def within an organization or group. exam 1 an in-house job; exam 2 the job was done in-house. inhuman 1. syl in+hu+man pron pos adj. def Also: {in+hu+mane} (@!$Inhju$:#!me$In). lacking humane feelings, such as sympathy, understanding, etc.; cruel; brutal. inhuman 2. syl in+hu+man pron pos adj. def not human. &- {@!in+hu+#!mane+ly} inhumanly sub head inhuman syl in+1hu+man+ly pos adv. inhumanness sub head inhuman syl in+1hu+man+ness pos n. inhumanities infl head inhumanity syl in+hu+man+i:ties. pos n. mod pl. inhumanity 1. syl in+hu+man+i:ty pron <2inhju:1m@niti> pos n. def lack of humane qualities. inhumanity 2. syl in+hu+man+i:ty pron <2inhju:1m@niti> pos n. def an inhumane act, decision, etc. inhume ety C17: from Latin inhum*_are, from #7in -%2#7+ humus ground inhume 0. syl in+hume pron pos vb. mod tr. def to inter; bury. inhumation sub head inhume syl in+hu+1ma+tion pos n. inhumer sub head inhume syl in+1hum+er pos n. inimical ety C17: from Late Latin inim*_ic*_alis, from inim*_icus, from #7in -%1#7+ am*_icus friendly; see #7enemy inimical 1. syl in+im:i+cal pron pos adj. def adverse or unfavourable. inimical 2. syl in+im:i+cal pron pos adj. def not friendly; hostile. inimically sub head inimical syl in+1im:i+cal+ly pos adv. inimicalness sub head inimical or inimicality syl in+1im:i+cal+ness pos n. inimicality sub head inimical or inimicalness syl in+2im:i+1cal+i:ty pos n. inimitable 0. syl in+im:i+ta:ble pron pos adj. def incapable of being duplicated or imitated; unique. inimitability sub head inimitable or inimitableness syl in+2im:i+ta:1bil+i:ty pos n. inimitableness sub head inimitable or inimitability syl in+1im:i+ta:ble+ness pos n. inimitably sub head inimitable syl in+1im:i+ta:bly pos adv. inion ety C19: from Greek: back of the head inion 0. syl in:i+on pron <1ini*n> pos n. qual Anatomy. def the most prominent point at the back of the head, used as a point of measurement in craniometry. iniquity ety C14: from Latin in*_iquit*_as, from in*_iquus unfair, from #7in -%1#7+ aequus even, level; see #7equal iniquities infl head iniquity syl in+iq:ui:ties. pos n. mod pl. iniquity 1. syl in+iq:ui:ty pron pos n. def lack of justice or righteousness; wickedness; injustice. iniquity 2. syl in+iq:ui:ty pron pos n. def a wicked act; sin. iniquitous sub head iniquity syl in+1iq:ui+tous pos adj. iniquitously sub head iniquity syl in+1iq:ui+tous+ly pos adv. iniquitousness sub head iniquity syl in+1iq:ui+tous+ness pos n. init ety Latin: in the beginning init 1. syl init. qual abbrev. for: def initial. init 2. syl init. qual abbrev. for: def initio. initial ety C16: from Latin initi*_alis of the beginning, from initium beginning, literally: an entering upon, from in*_ire to go in, from #7in -%2#7+ *_ire to go initial 1. syl in:i+tial pron pos adj. def of, at, or concerning the beginning. initial 2. syl in:i+tial pron pos n. def the first letter of a word, esp. a person's name. initial 3. syl in:i+tial pron pos n. qual Printing. def a large sometimes highly decorated letter set at the beginning of a chapter or work. initial 4. syl in:i+tial pron pos n. qual Botany. def a cell from which tissues and organs develop by division and differentiation; a meristematic cell. initials infl head initial or initials syl in:i+tials pos vb. qual U.S. initialling infl head initial or initialing syl in:i+tial+ling pos vb. initialled infl head initial or initialed syl in:i+tialled pos vb. initialing infl head initial or initialling syl in:i+tial+ing pos vb. qual U.S. initialed infl head initial or initialled syl in:i+tialed. pos vb. qual U.S. initial 5. syl in:i+tial pron pos vb. mod tr. def to sign with one's initials, esp. to indicate approval; endorse. initialer sub head initial or initialler syl in:1i+tial+er pos n. initialler sub head initial or initialer syl in:1i+tial+ler pos n. initially sub head initial syl in:1i+tial+ly pos adv. initialise alt head initialize or initialize syl in:i+tial+ise pron pos vb. mod tr. initialize 0. or initialise syl in:i+tial+ize pron pos vb. mod tr. def to assign an initial value to (a variable or storage location) in a computer program. initialization sub head initialize or initialisation syl in:2i+tial:i+1za+tion pos n. initialisation sub head initialize or initialization syl in:2i+tial:i+1sa+tion pos n. initiate ety C17: from Latin initi*_are (vb.) , from initium; see #7initial initiate 1. syl in:i+ti+ate pron pos vb. mod tr. def to begin or originate. initiate 2. syl in:i+ti+ate pron pos vb. mod tr. def to accept (new members) into an organization such as a club, through often secret ceremonies. initiate 3. syl in:i+ti+ate pron pos vb. mod tr. def to teach fundamentals to. exam 1 she initiated him into the ballet. initiate 4. syl in:i+ti+ate pron , <-2At> pos adj. mod tr. def initiated; begun. initiate 5. syl in:i+ti+ate pron , <-2At> pos n. mod tr. def a person who has been initiated, esp. recently. initiate 6. syl in:i+ti+ate pron , <-2At> pos n. mod tr. def a beginner; novice. initiator sub head initiate syl in:1i+ti:2a+tor pos n. initiatress sub head initiate or initiatrix syl in:1i+ti:2a+tress pos n. mod fem. initiatrix sub head initiate or initiatress syl in:1i+ti:2a+trix pos n. mod fem. initiation 1. syl in:i+ti:a+tion pron pos n. def the act of initiating or the condition of being initiated. initiation 2. syl in:i+ti:a+tion pron pos n. def the often secret ceremony initiating new members into an organization. initiative 1. syl in:i+ti:a+tive pron , <-1niS*tiv> pos n. def the first step or action of a matter; commencing move. exam 1 he took the initiative; exam 2 a peace initiative. initiative 2. syl in:i+ti:a+tive pron , <-1niS*tiv> pos n. def the right or power to begin or initiate something. exam 1 he has the initiative. initiative 3. syl in:i+ti:a+tive pron , <-1niS*tiv> pos n. def the ability or attitude required to begin or initiate something. initiative 4.a. syl in:i+ti:a+tive pron , <-1niS*tiv> pos n. def the right or power to introduce legislation, etc., in a legislative body. initiative 4.b. syl in:i+ti:a+tive pron , <-1niS*tiv> pos n. def the procedure by which citizens originate legislation, as in many American states and Switzerland. on one's own initiative 5. head initiative syl on one's own initiative. def without being prompted. initiative 6. syl in:i+ti:a+tive pron , <-1niS*tiv> pos adj. def of or concerning initiation or serving to initiate; initiatory. initiatively sub head initiative syl in:1i+ti:a+tive+ly pos adv. inject ety C17: from injicere to throw in, from jacere to throw inject 1. syl in+ject pron pos vb. mod tr. qual Med. def to introduce (a fluid) into (the body of a person or animal) by means of a syringe or similar instrument. inject 2. syl in+ject pron pos vb. mod tr. usage foll. by into def to introduce (a new aspect or element). exam 1 to inject humour into a scene. inject 3. syl in+ject pron pos vb. mod tr. def to interject (a comment, idea, etc.). inject 4. syl in+ject pron pos vb. mod tr. def to place (a rocket, satellite, etc.) in orbit. injectable sub head inject syl in+1ject+a:ble pos adj. injection 1. syl in+jec+tion pron pos n. def fluid injected into the body, esp. for medicinal purposes. injection 2. syl in+jec+tion pron pos n. def something injected. injection 3. syl in+jec+tion pron pos n. def the act of injecting. injection 4.a. syl in+jec+tion pron pos n. def the act or process of introducing fluid under pressure, such as fuel into the combustion chamber of an engine. injection 4.b. syl in+jec+tion pron pos n. usage as modifier def . exam 1 injection moulding. injection 5. syl in+jec+tion pron pos n. qual Maths. def a function or mapping for which f =f only if = and for which the image of every element of the domain is contained in the image space. See also {surjection, bijection}. injective sub head injection syl in+1jec+tive pos adj. injector 1. syl in+jec+tor pron pos n. def a person or thing that injects. injector 2. syl in+jec+tor pron pos n. def a device for spraying fuel into the combustion chamber of an internal-combustion engine. injector 3. syl in+jec+tor pron pos n. def a device for forcing water into a steam boiler. injudicious 0. syl in+ju+di+cious pron <2inJu1diS*s> pos adj. def not discreet; imprudent. injudiciously sub head injudicious syl in+ju+1di+cious+ly pos adv. injudiciousness sub head injudicious syl in+ju+1di+cious+ness pos n. Injun 1. syl In+jun pron <1inJ*n> pos n. qual U.S. def an informal or dialect word for (American) {Indian}. honest Injun 2. head Injun syl honest Injun. pos interj. qual Slang. def genuinely; really. injunction ety C16: from Late Latin injuncti*_o, from Latin injungere to #7enjoin injunction 1. syl in+junc+tion pron pos n. qual Law. def an instruction or order issued by a court to a party to an action, esp. to refrain from some act, such as causing a nuisance. injunction 2. syl in+junc+tion pron pos n. def a command, admoni?!tion, etc. injunction 3. syl in+junc+tion pron pos n. def the act of enjoining. injunctive sub head injunction syl in+1junc+tive pos adj. injunctively sub head injunction syl in+1junc+tive+ly pos adv. injure ety C16: back formation from #7injury injure 1. syl in+jure pron <1inJ*> pos vb. mod tr. def to cause physical or mental harm or suffering to; hurt or wound. injure 2. syl in+jure pron <1inJ*> pos vb. mod tr. def to offend, esp. by an injustice. injurable sub head injure syl in+jur+a:ble pos adj. injured sub head injure syl in+jured pos adj. injurer sub head injure syl in+jur+er pos n. injurious 1. syl in+ju+ri+ous pron pos adj. def causing damage or harm; deleterious; hurtful. injurious 2. syl in+ju+ri+ous pron pos adj. def abusive, slanderous, or libellous. injuriously sub head injurious syl in+1ju+ri+ous+ly pos adv. injuriousness sub head injurious syl in+1ju+ri+ous+ness pos n. injury ety C14: from Latin inj*_uria injustice, wrong, from inj*_uri*_osus acting unfairly, wrongful, from #7in -%1#7+ j*_us right injuries infl head injury syl in+ju+ries. pos n. mod pl. injury 1. syl in+ju+ry pron <1inJ*ri> pos n. def physical damage or hurt. injury 2. syl in+ju+ry pron <1inJ*ri> pos n. def a specific instance of this. exam 1 a leg injury. injury 3. syl in+ju+ry pron <1inJ*ri> pos n. def harm done to a reputation. injury 4. syl in+ju+ry pron <1inJ*ri> pos n. qual Law. def a violation or infringement of another person's rights that causes him harm and is actionable at law. injury 5. syl in+ju+ry pron <1inJ*ri> pos n. def an obsolete word for {insult}. injury benefit 0. syl in+ju+ry ben+e:fit pos n. usage in the British National Insurance scheme def a weekly payment to a person injured while at work, varying according to the degree of injury. injury time 0. syl in+ju+ry time pos n. qual Soccer. def extra playing time added on to compensate for time spent attending to injured players during the match. injustice 1. syl in+jus+tice pron pos n. def the condition or practice of being unjust or unfair. injustice 2. syl in+jus+tice pron pos n. def an unjust act. ink ety C13: from Old French enque, from Late Latin encaustum a purplish-red ink, from Greek enkauston purple ink, from enkaustos burnt in, from enkaiein to burn in; see {#7en -%2}#7, caustic ink 1. syl ink pron pos n. def a fluid or paste used for printing, writing, and drawing. ink 2. syl ink pron pos n. def a dark brown fluid ejected into the water for self-concealment by an octopus or related mollusc from a gland ({ink sac}) near the anus. {~} ink 3. syl ink pron pos n. def to mark with ink. ink 4. syl ink pron pos n. def to coat (a printing surface) with ink. {~} See also {ink in, ink up}. inker sub head ink syl ink+er pos n. inkberries infl head inkberry syl ink+ber:ries. pos n. mod pl. inkberry 1. syl ink+ber:ry pron <1iGk2beri> pos n. def a North American holly tree, with black berry-like fruits. inkberry 2. syl ink+ber:ry pron <1iGk2beri> pos n. def another name for the {pokeweed}. inkberry 3. syl ink+ber:ry pron <1iGk2beri> pos n. def the fruit of either of these plants. inkblot 0. syl ink+blot pron <1iGk2blot> pos n. qual Psychol. def an abstract patch of ink, one of ten commonly used in the Rorschach test. ink-cap 0. syl ink-cap pos n. def any saprophytic agaricaceous fungi of the genus whose cap disintegrates into a black inky fluid after the spores mature. Inkerman 0. syl In+ker+man pron <1iGk*m*n>, Russian pos n. def a village in the SW Soviet Union, in the S Crimea east of Sevastopol: scene of a battle during the Crimean War in which English and French forces defeated the Russians (1854). inkhorn 0. syl ink+horn pron <1iGk2hc:n> pos n. usage formerly def a small portable container for ink, usually made from horn. inkhorn term 0. syl ink+horn term pos n. def an affectedly learned and obscure borrowing from another language, esp. Greek or Latin. ink in 1. syl ink in pos vb. adv. mod tr. def to use ink to go over pencil lines in (a drawing). ink in 2. syl ink in pos vb. adv. def to apply ink to (a printing surface) in preparing to print from it. inkle ety C16: of unknown origin inkle 1. syl in+kle pron <1iGkL> pos n. def a kind of linen tape used for trimmings. inkle 2. syl in+kle pron <1iGkL> pos n. def the thread or yarn from which this tape is woven. inkling ety C14: probably from inclen to hint at; related to Old English inca inkling 0. syl ink+ling pron <1iGkliG> pos n. def a slight intimation or suggestion; suspicion. inkstand 0. syl ink+stand pron <1iGk2st@nd> pos n. def a stand or tray on which are kept writing implements and containers for ink. ink up 0. syl ink up pos vb. adv. def to apply ink to (a printing machine) in preparing it for operation. inkwell 0. syl ink+well pron <1iGk2wel> pos n. def a small container for pen ink, often let into the surface of a desk. inkier infl head inky syl ink:i+er pos adj. inkiest infl head inky syl ink:i+est. pos adj. inky 1. syl ink:y pron <1iGki> pos adj. def resembling ink, esp. in colour; dark or black. inky 2. syl ink:y pron <1iGki> pos adj. def of, containing, or stained with ink. exam 1 inky fingers. inkiness sub head inky syl ink:i+ness pos n. inlace 0. syl in+lace pron pos vb. mod tr. def a variant of {enlace}. inlaid 1. syl in+laid pron <1in2lAd>, pos adj. def set in the surface, as a design in wood. inlaid 2. syl in+laid pron <1in2lAd>, pos adj. def having such a design or inlay. exam 1 an inlaid table. inland 1. syl in+land pron <1inl*nd> pos adj. def of, concerning, or located in the interior of a country or region away from a sea or border. inland 2. syl in+land pron <1inl*nd> pos adj. qual Chiefly Brit. def operating within a country or region; domestic; not foreign. inland 3. syl in+land pron <1in2l@nd>, <-l*nd> pos n. def the interior of a country or region. inland 4. syl in+land pron <1in2l@nd>, <-l*nd> pos adv. def towards or into the interior of a country or region. inlander sub head inland syl in+land+er pos n. inland bill 0. syl in+land bill pos n. def a bill of exchange that is both drawn and made payable in the same country. Compare {foreign bill}. Inland Revenue 0. syl In+land Rev+e:nue pos n. usage in Britain def a government board that administers and collects major direct taxes, such as income tax, corporation tax, and capital gains tax. Abbrev.: {I.R}. U.S. equivalent: {internal revenue}. Inland Sea 0. syl In+land Sea pos n. def a sea in SW Japan, between the islands of Honshu, Shikoku, and Kyushu. Japanese name: {Seto Naikai}. in-law ety C19: back formation from father-in-law, etc. in-law 1. syl in-law pos n. def a relative by marriage. in-law 2. syl in-law pos adj. usage postpositive; in combination def related by marriage. exam 1 a father-in-law. inlays infl head inlay syl in+lays pos vb. mod tr. inlaying infl head inlay syl in+lay+ing pos vb. mod tr. inlaid infl head inlay syl in+laid. pos vb. mod tr. inlay 1. syl in+lay pron pos vb. mod tr. def to decorate (an article, esp. of furniture, or a surface) by inserting pieces of wood, ivory, etc., into prepared slots in the surface. inlay 2. syl in+lay pron <1in2lA> pos n. mod tr. qual Dentistry. def a filling, made of gold, porcelain, etc., inserted into a cavity and held in position by cement. inlay 3. syl in+lay pron <1in2lA> pos n. mod tr. def decoration made by inlaying. inlay 4. syl in+lay pron <1in2lA> pos n. mod tr. def an inlaid article, surface, etc. inlaid sub head inlay syl in+2laid pos adj. inlayer sub head inlay syl in+2lay+er pos n. inlet 1. syl in+let pron <1in2let> pos n. def a narrow inland opening of the coastline. inlet 2. syl in+let pron <1in2let> pos n. def an entrance or opening. inlet 3. syl in+let pron <1in2let> pos n. def the act of letting someone or something in. inlet 4. syl in+let pron <1in2let> pos n. def something let in or inserted. inlet 5.a. syl in+let pron <1in2let> pos n. def a passage, valve, or part through which a substance, esp. a fluid, enters a device or machine. inlet 5.b. syl in+let pron <1in2let> pos n. usage as modifier exam 1 an inlet valve. inlets infl head inlet syl in+lets pos vb. inletting infl head inlet syl in+let+ting pos vb. inlet infl syl in+let. pos vb. inlet 6. syl in+let pron pos vb. mod tr. def to insert or inlay. inlier 0. syl in+li+er pron <1in2lI*> pos n. def an outcrop of rocks that is entirely sur?!rounded by younger rocks. in loc cit ety Latin: in the place cited in loc cit 0. syl in loc. cit. qual abbrev. for usage in textual annotation def in loco citato. in loco parentis 0. syl in lo:co pa+ren+tis pron Latin. <1l*uk*u> def in place of a parent: said of a person acting in a parental capacity. inly 0. syl in+ly pron <1inli> pos adv. qual Poetic. def inwardly; intimately. inlying 0. syl in+ly+ing pron <1in2lIiG> pos adj. def situated within or inside. inmate 1. syl in+mate pron <1in2mAt> pos n. def a person who is confined to an institution such as a prison or hospital. inmate 2. syl in+mate pron <1in2mAt> pos n. qual Obsolete. def a person who lives with others in a house. in medias res ety literally: into the midst of things, taken from a passage in Horace's Ars Poetica in medias res 0. syl in me+di+as res pron Latin. <1mEdi2@s> <1rAs> def in or into the middle of events or a narrative. in mem 0. syl in mem. qual abbrev. for def in memoriam. in memoriam 0. syl in me+mo+ri+am pron def in memory of; as a memorial to: used in obituaries, epitaphs, etc. inmesh 0. syl in+mesh pron pos vb. def a variant of {enmesh}. inmigrant 1. syl in+mi+grant pron <1in2mIgr*nt> pos adj. def coming in from another area of the same country. exam 1 an inmigrant worker. inmigrant 2. syl in+mi+grant pron <1in2mIgr*nt> pos n. def an inmigrant person or animal. inmost 0. syl in+most pron <1in2m*ust> pos adj. def another word for {innermost}. inn ety Old English; compare Old Norse inni inn, house, place of refuge inn 1. syl inn pron pos n. def a pub or small hotel providing food and accommodation. inn 2. syl inn pron pos n. usage formerly, in England def a college or hall of residence for students, esp. of law, now only in the names of such institutions as the {Inns of Court}. innless sub head inn syl inn+less pos adj. Inn 0. syl Inn pron pos n. def a river in central Europe, rising in Switzerland in Graub*"unden and flowing northeast through Austria and Bavaria to join the River Danube at Passau: forms part of the border between Austria and West Germany. Length: 514 km (319 miles). innards ety C19: colloquial variant of inwards innards 1. syl in+nards pron <1in*dz> pos n. mod pl. qual Informal. def the internal organs of the body, esp. the viscera. innards 2. syl in+nards pron <1in*dz> pos n. mod pl. qual Informal. def the interior parts or components of anything, esp. the working parts. innate ety C15: from Latin, from innasc*_i to be born in, from nasc*_i to be born innate 1. syl in+nate pron , <1inAt> pos adj. def existing in a person or animal from birth; congenital; inborn. innate 2. syl in+nate pron , <1inAt> pos adj. def being an essential part of the character of a person or thing. innate 3. syl in+nate pron , <1inAt> pos adj. def instinctive; not learned. exam 1 innate ideas. innate 4. syl in+nate pron , <1inAt> pos adj. usage Botany. of anthers def joined to the filament by the base only. innately sub head innate syl in+1nate+ly pos adv. innateness sub head innate syl in+1nate+ness pos n. inner 1. syl in+ner pron <1in*> pos adj. usage prenominal def being or located further inside. exam 1 an inner room. inner 2. syl in+ner pron <1in*> pos adj. usage prenominal def happening or occurring inside. exam 1 inner movement. inner 3. syl in+ner pron <1in*> pos adj. usage prenominal def relating to the soul, mind, spirit, etc.. exam 1 inner feelings. inner 4. syl in+ner pron <1in*> pos adj. usage prenominal def more profound or obscure; less apparent. exam 1 the inner meaning. inner 5. syl in+ner pron <1in*> pos adj. usage prenominal def exclusive or private. exam 1 inner regions of the party. inner 6. syl in+ner pron <1in*> pos adj. usage prenominal; Chem. of a compound def having a cyclic structure formed or apparently formed by reaction of one functional group in a molecule with another group in the same molecule. exam 1 an inner ester. inner 7. syl in+ner pron <1in*> pos n. usage prenominal def Also called: {red}. inner 7.a. syl in+ner pron <1in*> pos n. usage prenominal def the red innermost ring on a target. inner 7.b. syl in+ner pron <1in*> pos n. usage prenominal def a shot which hits this ring. innerly sub head inner syl in+ner+ly pos adv. innerness sub head inner syl in+ner+ness pos n. inner bar 0. syl in+ner bar pos n. qual Brit. def all Queen's or King's Counsel collectively. inner-directed 0. syl in:ner-di:rect:ed pos adj. def guided by one's own conscience and values rather than external pressures to conform. Compare {other-directed}. inner-direction sub head inner-directed syl in:ner-di:1rec:tion pos n. inner ear 0. syl in+ner ear pos n. def another name for {internal ear}. Word alt head Inner Light or Inner Light syl Word pos n. Inner Light 0. or Word syl In+ner Light pos n. qual Quakerism. def the presence and inner working of God in the soul acting as a guiding spirit that is superior even to Scripture and unites man to Christ. inner woman alt head inner man or inner man syl in+ner wom+an pos n. mod fem. inner man 1. or inner woman syl in+ner man pos n. mod fem. def the mind or soul. inner man 2. or inner woman syl in+ner man pos n. mod fem. qual Jocular. def the stomach or appetite. Inner Mongolia 0. syl In+ner Mon+go+li:a pos n. def an autonomous region of NE China: consists chiefly of the Mongolian plateau, with the Gobi Desert in the north and the Great Wall of China in the south. Capital: Huhehot. Pop.: 13000000 (1967-71 est.). Area: 1177500 sq. km (459225 sq. miles). innermost 1. syl in:ner+most pron <1in*2m*ust> pos adj. def being or located furthest within; central. innermost 2. syl in:ner+most pron <1in*2m*ust> pos adj. def intimate; private. exam 1 innermost beliefs. inner planet 0. syl in+ner plan+et pos n. def any of the planets Mercury, Venus, earth, and Mars, whose orbits lie inside the asteroid belt. inner space 1. syl in+ner space pos n. def the environment beneath the surface of the sea. inner space 2. syl in+ner space pos n. def the human mind regarded as being as unknown or as unfathomable as space. Inner Temple 0. syl In+ner Tem+ple pos n. usage in England def one of the four legal societies in London that together form the Inns of Court. inner tube 0. syl in+ner tube pos n. def an inflatable rubber tube that fits inside a pneumatic tyre casing. innervate 1. syl in+ner+vate pron <1inR:2vAt> pos vb. mod tr. def to supply nerves to (a bodily organ or part). innervate 2. syl in+ner+vate pron <1inR:2vAt> pos vb. mod tr. def to stimulate (a bodily organ or part) with nerve impulses. innervation sub head innervate syl in+ner+1va+tion pos n. innerve 0. syl in+nerve pron pos vb. mod tr. def to supply with nervous energy; stimulate. inning ety Old English innung a going in, from innian to go in inning 1. syl in+ning pron <1iniG> pos n. qual Baseball. def a division of the game consisting of a turn at bat and a turn in the field for each side. inning 2. syl in+ning pron <1iniG> pos n. qual Archaic. def the reclamation of land from the sea. innings 1.a. syl in+nings pron <1iniGz> pos n. def the batting turn of a player or team. innings 1.b. syl in+nings pron <1iniGz> pos n. def the runs scored during such a turn. innings 2. syl in+nings pron <1iniGz> pos n. mod sometimes; sing. def a period of opportunity or action. innings 3. syl in+nings pron <1iniGz> pos n. mod functioning as; pl. def land reclaimed from the sea. Inniskilling 0. syl In+nis+kil+ling pron <2inis1kiliG> pos n. def a variant spelling of {Enniskillen}. innkeeper 0. syl inn+keep:er pron <1in2kEp*> pos n. def an owner or manager of an inn. innocence ety C14: from Latin innocentia harmlessness, from innoc*_ens doing no harm, blameless, from #7in -%1#7+ noc*_ens harming, from noc*_ere to hurt, harm; see #7noxious innocence 0. syl in+no+cence pron <1in*s*ns> pos n. def the quality or state of being innocent. Archaic word: {in+no+cen+cy} (#!$In$$s$$ns$I). innocent 1. syl in+no+cent pron <1in*s*nt> pos adj. def not corrupted or tainted with evil or unpleasant emotion; sinless; pure. innocent 2. syl in+no+cent pron <1in*s*nt> pos adj. def not guilty of a particu?!lar crime; blameless. innocent 3. syl in+no+cent pron <1in*s*nt> pos adj. usage postpositive; foll. by of def free (of); lacking. exam 1 innocent of all knowledge of history. innocent 4. syl in+no+cent pron <1in*s*nt> pos adj. def harmless or innocuous. exam 1 an innocent game. innocent 5. syl in+no+cent pron <1in*s*nt> pos adj. def credulous, naive, or artless. innocent 6. syl in+no+cent pron <1in*s*nt> pos adj. def simple-minded; slow-witted. innocent 7. syl in+no+cent pron <1in*s*nt> pos n. def an innocent person, esp. a young child or an ingenuous adult. innocent 8. syl in+no+cent pron <1in*s*nt> pos n. def a simple-minded person; simpleton. innocently sub head innocent syl in+no+cent+ly pos adv. Innocent II 0. syl In:no:cent II pos n. def original name died 1143, pope (1130-43). He condemned Abelard's teachings. Innocent III 0. syl In:no:cent III pos n. def original name ??1161-1216, pope (1198-1216), under whom the temporal power of the papacy reached its height. He instituted the Fourth Crusade (1202) and a crusade against the Albigenses (1208), and called the fourth Lateran Council (1215). Innocent IV 0. syl In:no:cent IV pos n. def original name died 1254, pope (1243-54); an unrelenting enemy of Emperor Frederick II and his heirs. innocuous ety C16: from Latin innocuus harmless, from #7in -%1#7+ noc*_ere to harm innocuous 0. syl in+noc:u+ous pron pos adj. def having little or no adverse or harmful effect; harmless. innocuously sub head innocuous syl in+1noc:u+ous+ly pos adv. innocuousness sub head innocuous or innocuity syl in+1noc:u+ous+ness pron <2in*1kju:iti> pos n. innocuity sub head innocuous or innocuousness syl in+no+cu:i+ty pron <2in*1kju:iti> pos n. innominate 1. syl in+nom:i+nate pron pos adj. def having no name; nameless. innominate 2. syl in+nom:i+nate pron pos adj. def a less common word for {anonymous}. innominate bone 0. syl in+nom:i+nate bone pos n. def either of the two bones that form the sides of the pelvis, consisting of three fused components, the ilium, ischium, and pubis. Nontechnical name: {hipbone}. in nomine ety from Latin in nomine Jesu in the name of Jesus, the first words of an introit for which this type of music was originally composed in nomine 0. syl in nom:i+ne pron <1nomi2nA>, <-2nE> pos n. qual Music. def any of several pieces of music of the 16th or 17th centuries for keyboard or for a consort of viols, based on a cantus firmus derived from the Vespers antiphon innovate ety C16: from Latin innov*_are to renew, from #7in -%2#7+ nov*_are to make new, from novus new innovate 0. syl in+no+vate pron <1in*2vAt> pos vb. def to invent or begin to apply (methods, ideas, etc.). innovative sub head innovate or innovatory syl in+no+2va+tive pos adj. innovatory sub head innovate or innovative syl in+no+2va+to:ry pos adj. innovator sub head innovate syl in+no+2va+tor pos n. innovation 1. syl in+no+va+tion pron <2in*1vAS*n> pos n. def something newly introduced, such as a new method or device. innovation 2. syl in+no+va+tion pron <2in*1vAS*n> pos n. def the act of innovating. innovational sub head innovation syl in+no+1va+tion+al pos adj. innovationist sub head innovation syl in+no+1va+tion+ist pos n. innoxious 0. syl in+nox+ious pron pos adj. def not noxious; harmless. &- {in+?!#!nox+ious+ly} &- {in+#!nox+ious+ness} Innsbruck 0. syl Inns+bruck pron <1inzbruk> pos n. def a city in W Austria, on the River Inn at the foot of the Brenner Pass: tourist centre. Pop.: 115197 (1971). Inns of Court 0. syl Inns of Court pos n. mod pl. usage in England def the four private unincorporated societies in London that function as a law school and have the exclusive privilege of calling candidates to the English bar. See {Lincoln's Inn, Inner Temple, Middle Temple, Gray's Inn}. innuendo ety C17: from Latin, literally: by hinting, from innuendum, gerund of innuere to convey by a nod, from #7in -%2#7+ nuere to nod innuendos infl head innuendo or innuendoes syl in+nu+en+dos pos n. mod pl. innuendoes infl head innuendo or innuendos syl in+nu+en+does. pos n. mod pl. innuendo 1. syl in+nu+en+do pron <2inju1end*u> pos n. def an indirect or subtle reference, esp. one made maliciously or indicating criticism or disapproval; insinuation. innuendo 2. syl in+nu+en+do pron <2inju1end*u> pos n. usage Law. in pleading def a word introducing an explanatory phrase, usually in parenthesis. innuendo 3.a. syl in+nu+en+do pron <2inju1end*u> pos n. def an explanation of the construction put upon words alleged to be defamatory where the defamatory meaning is not apparent. innuendo 3.b. syl in+nu+en+do pron <2inju1end*u> pos n. def the words thus explained. Inuit alt head Innuit or Innuit syl In:u+it pron <1inju:it> pos n. Innuit infl or Innuits syl In+nu+it pos n. mod pl. Innuits infl head Innuit or Innuit syl In+nu+its. pos n. mod pl. Innuit 0. or Inuit syl In+nu+it pron <1inju:it> pos n. def an Eskimo of North America or Greenland, as distinguished from one from Asia or the Aleuts. innumerous alt head innumerable or innumerable syl in+nu+mer+ous pos adj. innumerable 0. or innumerous syl in+nu+mer+a:ble pron , pos adj. def so many as to be uncountable; extremely numerous. innumerability sub head innumerable or innumerableness syl in+2nu+mer+a:1bil+i:ty pos n. innumerableness sub head innumerable or innumerability syl in+1nu+mer+a:ble+ness pos n. innumerably sub head innumerable syl in+1nu+mer+a:bly pos adv. innumerate 1. syl in+nu+mer+ate pron pos adj. def having neither knowledge nor understanding of mathematics or science. innumerate 2. syl in+nu+mer+ate pron pos n. def an innumerate person. &- {in+#!nu+mer@.a+cy} innutrition 0. syl in+nu+tri+tion pron <2inju:1triS*n> pos n. def lack or absence of nutrition. Compare {malnutrition}. innutritious sub head innutrition syl in+nu+1tri+tious pos adj. inobservance 1. syl in+ob+serv+ance pron <2in*b1zR:v*ns> pos n. def heedlessness. inobservance 2. syl in+ob+serv+ance pron <2in*b1zR:v*ns> pos n. def lack of compliance with or adherence to a law, religious duty, etc. inobservant sub head inobservance syl in+ob+1serv+ant pos adj. inobservantly sub head inobservance syl in+ob+1serv+ant+ly pos adv. inoculable 0. syl in+oc:u+la:ble pron pos adj. def capable of being inoculated. inoculability sub head inoculable syl in+2oc:u+la:1bil+i:ty pos n. inoculate ety C15: from Latin inocul*_are to implant, from {#7in -%2}#7+ oculus eye, bud &- in+@!oc@.u+#!la+tion n. &- in+#!oc@.u+la+tive adj. inoculate 1. syl in+oc:u+late pron pos vb. def to introduce (the causative agent of a disease) into the body of (a person or animal), in order to induce immunity. inoculate 2. syl in+oc:u+late pron pos vb. mod tr. def to introduce (microorganisms, esp. bacteria) into (a culture medium). inoculate 3. syl in+oc:u+late pron pos vb. mod tr. def to cause to be influenced or imbued, as with ideas or opinions. inoculator sub head inoculate syl in+1oc:u+2la+tor pos n. inoculum ety C20: New Latin; see #7inoculate inoculant alt head inoculum or inoculum syl in+oc:u+lant pron <-l*> pos n. inocula infl head inoculum or inoculants syl in+oc:u+la pron <-l*> pos n. mod pl. inoculants infl head inoculum or inocula syl in+oc:u+lants. pos n. mod pl. inoculum 0. or inoculant syl in+oc:u+lum pron pos n. qual Med. def the substance used in giving an inoculation. inodorous 0. syl in+o:dor+ous pron pos adj. def odourless; having no odour. in-off 0. syl in-off pos n. qual Billiards. def a shot that goes into a pocket after striking another ball. inoffensive 1. syl in+of+fen+sive pron <2in*1fensiv> pos adj. def not giving offence; unobjec?!tionable. inoffensive 2. syl in+of+fen+sive pron <2in*1fensiv> pos adj. def not unpleasant, poisonous, or harmful. inoffensively sub head inoffensive syl in+of+1fen+sive+ly pos adv. inoffensiveness sub head inoffensive syl in+of+1fen+sive+ness pos n. inofficious 0. syl in+of+fi+cious pron <2in*1fiS*s> pos adj. def contrary to moral obligation, as the disinheritance of a child by his parents. exam 1 an inofficious will. inofficiously sub head inofficious syl in+of+1fi+cious+ly pos adv. inofficiousness sub head inofficious syl in+of+1fi+cious+ness pos n. Ismet infl head Inonu syl Is:met pron , <1ismet> pos n. Inonu 0. syl I:n*"o:n*"u pron <1EnR:2nu>, <2inR:1nu:> pos n. def 1884-1973, Turkish statesman; president of Turkey (1938-50) and prime minister (1923-37; 1961-65). inoperable 1. syl in+op+er+a:ble pron , <-1opr*-> pos adj. def incapable of being implemented or operated; unworkable. inoperable 2. syl in+op+er+a:ble pron , <-1opr*-> pos adj. qual Surgery. def not suitable for operation without risk, esp. (of a malignant tumour) because metastasis has rendered surgery useless. inoperability sub head inoperable or inoperableness syl in+2op+er+a:1bil+i:ty pos n. inoperableness sub head inoperable or inoperability syl in+1op+er+a:ble+ness pos n. inoperably sub head inoperable syl in+1op+er+a:bly pos adv. inoperative 1. syl in+op+er:a+tive pron , <-1opr*-> pos adj. def not operating. inoperative 2. syl in+op+er:a+tive pron , <-1opr*-> pos adj. def useless or ineffective. inoperativeness sub head inoperative syl in+1op+er:a+tive+ness pos n. inopportune 0. syl in+op+por+tune pron pos adj. def not opportune; inappropriate or badly timed. inopportunely sub head inopportune syl in+1op+por+2tune+ly pos adv. inopportuneness sub head inopportune or inopportunity syl in+1op+por+2tune+ness pos n. inopportunity sub head inopportune or inopportuneness syl in+2op+por+1tun+i:ty pos n. inordinate ety C14: from Latin inordin*_atus disordered, from #7in -%1#7+ ordin*_are to put in order inordinate 1. syl in+or+di+nate pron pos adj. def exceeding normal limits; immoderate. inordinate 2. syl in+or+di+nate pron pos adj. def unrestrained, as in behaviour or emotion; intemperate. inordinate 3. syl in+or+di+nate pron pos adj. def irregular or disordered. inordinacy sub head inordinate or inordinateness syl in+1or+di+na+cy pos n. inordinateness sub head inordinate or inordinacy syl in+1or+di+nate+ness pos n. inordinately sub head inordinate syl in+1or+di+nate+ly pos adv. inorg 0. syl inorg. qual abbrev. for def inorganic. inorganic 1. syl in+or+gan+ic pron <2inc:1g@nik> pos adj. def not having the structure or characteristics of living organisms; not organic. inorganic 2. syl in+or+gan+ic pron <2inc:1g@nik> pos adj. def relating to or denoting chemical compounds that do not contain carbon. Compare {organic}. inorganic 3. syl in+or+gan+ic pron <2inc:1g@nik> pos adj. def not having a system, structure, or ordered relation of parts; amorphous. inorganic 4. syl in+or+gan+ic pron <2inc:1g@nik> pos adj. def not resulting from or produced by growth; artificial. inorganic 5. syl in+or+gan+ic pron <2inc:1g@nik> pos adj. qual Linguistics. def denoting or relating to a sound or letter introduced into the pronunciation or spelling of a word at some point in its history. inorganically sub head inorganic syl in+or+1gan:i+cal+ly pos adv. inorganic chemistry 0. syl in+or+gan+ic chem+is+try pos n. def the branch of chemistry con?!cerned with the elements and all their compounds except those containing carbon. Some simple carbon compounds, such as oxides, carbonates, etc., are treated as inorganic. Compare {organic chemistry}. inosculate ety C17: from #7in -%2#7+ Latin *_oscul*_are to equip with an opening, from *_osculum, diminutive of *_os mouth inosculate 1. syl in+os+cu+late pron pos vb. usage Physiol. of small blood vessels def to communicate by anastomosis. inosculate 2. syl in+os+cu+late pron pos vb. def to unite or be united so as to be continuous; blend. inosculate 3. syl in+os+cu+late pron pos vb. def to intertwine or cause to intertwine. inosculation sub head inosculate syl in+2os+cu+1la+tion pos n. inositol ety C19: from Greek in-, is sinew+{-#7os #7e %2}#7+ {-#7it #7e %1}#7+ {-#7ol %1} inositol 0. syl in:o+si+tol pron pos n. def a cyclic alcohol, one isomer of which -inositol) is present in yeast and is a growth factor for some organisms; cyclohexanehexol. Formula: C\6H\1\2O\6. inotropic ety C20: from Greek, from is (stem in-) tendon+-#7tropic inotropic 0. syl in:o+trop+ic pron <2in*1tropik>, <2In*-> pos adj. def affecting or controlling the contraction of muscles, esp. those of the heart. exam 1 inotropic drugs. inpatient 0. syl in+pa+tient pron <1in2pAS*nt> pos n. def a patient living in the hospital where he is being treated. Compare {outpatient}. in perpetuum 0. syl in per+pe+tu:um pron Latin. def for ever. in personam ety Latin in personam 0. syl in per+so+nam pron pos adj. usage Law. of a judicial act def directed against a specific person or persons. Compare {in rem}. in petto ety Italian, literally: in the breast in petto 0. syl in pet+to pron <1pet*u> pos adj. qual R.C. Church. def not disclosed: used of the names of cardinals designate. in posse ety Latin, literally: in possibility in posse 0. syl in pos+se pron <1posi> pos adj. def possible; potential. Compare {in esse}. in propria persona 0. syl in pro+pri:a per+so+na pron Latin. <1pr*upri*> pos adv. qual Chiefly law. def in person; personally. input 1. syl in+put pron <1in2put> pos n. def the act of putting in. input 2. syl in+put pron <1in2put> pos n. def that which is put in. input 3. syl in+put pron <1in2put> pos n. mod often; pl. def a resource required for industrial production, such as capital goods, labour services, raw materials, etc. input 4.a. syl in+put pron <1in2put> pos n. def the signal or current fed into a component or circuit. input 4.b. syl in+put pron <1in2put> pos n. def the terminals, or some other point, to which the signal is applied. input 5.a. syl in+put pron <1in2put> pos n. def the data fed into a computer from a peripheral device. input 5.b. syl in+put pron <1in2put> pos n. def the devices and operations involved in transferring the data. input 6. syl in+put pron <1in2put> pos n. usage modifier def of or relating to electronic, computer, or other input. exam 1 input program. input 7. syl in+put pron <1in2put> pos n. mod tr. def to insert (data) into a computer. inputoutput 1.a. syl in:put/out:put pos n. qual Computer technol. def the equipment that controls the passage of information into or out of a computer. inputoutput 1.b. syl in:put/out:put pos n. qual Computer technol. def the operations that control this passage of information. inputoutput 1.c. syl in:put/out:put pos n. qual Computer technol. def a data-bearing medium, such as magnetic tape or paper tape. Abbrev.: I/O inputoutput 2. syl in:put/out:put pos n. qual Computer technol. usage modifier def concerned with or relating to the passage of information into or out of a computer. input-output analysis 0. syl in:put-out:put a:nal:y+sis pos n. qual Economics. def an analysis of production relationships between the industries of an economy involving a study of each industry's inputs and outputs, esp. as used in social accounting. inqilab ety Urdu inqilab 0. syl in+qi+lab pron <1inki2la:b> pos n. usage in India, Pakistan, etc. def revolution (esp. in the phrase {inqilab zindabad} long live the revolution). inquest ety C13: from Medieval Latin inqu*_esta, from Latin #7in -%2#7+ quaes*_itus investigation, from quaerere to examine inquest 1. syl in+quest pron <1in2kwest> pos n. def an inquiry into the cause of an unexplained, sudden, or violent death held by a jury before a coroner. inquest 2. syl in+quest pron <1in2kwest> pos n. qual Informal. def any inquiry or investigation. inquietude 0. syl in+qui+e:tude pron pos n. def restlessness, uneasiness, or anxiety. inquiet sub head inquietude syl in+qui+et pron pos adj. inquietly sub head inquietude syl in+1qui+et+ly pos adv. inquiline ety C17: from Latin inquil*_inus lodger, from {#7in -%2}#7+ colere to dwell inquiline 1. syl in+qui+line pron <1inkwi2lIn> pos n. def an animal that lives in close association with another animal without harming it. See also { {commensal} (sense 1)}. inquiline 2. syl in+qui+line pron <1inkwi2lIn> pos adj. def of or living as an inquiline. inquilinism sub head inquiline or inquilinity syl in+qui+lin+ism pron <1inkwili2niz*m> pos n. inquilinity sub head inquiline or inquilinism syl in+qui+lin+i:ty pron <2inkwi1liniti> pos n. inquilinous sub head inquiline syl in+qui+li+nous pron <2inkwi1lIn*s> pos adj. inquire ety C13: from Latin inqu*_irere from {#7in -%2}#7+ quaerere to seek inquire 1. syl in+quire pron pos vb. mod intr. usage often foll. by into def to make a search or investigation. inquire 2. syl in+quire pron pos vb. def See {enquire}. inquirer sub head inquire syl in+1quir+er pos n. inquiring 0. syl in+quir+ing pron pos adj. def seeking or tending to seek answers, information, etc.. exam 1 an inquiring mind. inquiringly sub head inquiring syl in+1quir+ing+ly pos adv. inquisition ety C14: from legal Latin inqu*_is*_iti*_o, from inqu*_irere to seek for; see #7inquire inquisition 1. syl in+qui+si+tion pron <2inkwi1ziS*n> pos n. def the act of inquiring deeply or searchingly; investigation. inquisition 2. syl in+qui+si+tion pron <2inkwi1ziS*n> pos n. def a deep or searching inquiry, esp. a ruthless official investigation of individuals in order to suppress revolt or root out the unorthodox. inquisition 3. syl in+qui+si+tion pron <2inkwi1ziS*n> pos n. def an official inquiry, esp. one held by a jury before an officer of the Crown. inquisition 4. syl in+qui+si+tion pron <2inkwi1ziS*n> pos n. def another word for { {inquest} (sense 2)}. inquisitional sub head inquisition syl in+qui+1si+tion+al pos adj. inquisitionist sub head inquisition syl in+qui+1si+tion+ist pos n. Inquisition 0. syl In+qui+si+tion pron <2inkwi1ziS*n> pos n. qual History. def a judicial institution of the Roman Catholic Church (1232-1820) founded to discover and suppress heresy. See also {Spanish Inquisition}. inquisitive 1. syl in+quis:i+tive pron pos adj. def excessively curious, esp. about the affairs of others; prying. inquisitive 2. syl in+quis:i+tive pron pos adj. def eager to learn; inquiring. inquisitively sub head inquisitive syl in+1quis:i+tive+ly pos adv. inquisitiveness sub head inquisitive syl in+1quis:i+tive+ness pos n. inquisitor 1. syl in+quis:i+tor pron pos n. def a person who inquires, esp. deeply, searchingly, or ruthlessly. inquisitor 2. syl in+quis:i+tor pron pos n. usage often cap. def an official of the ecclesiastical court of the Inquisition. Inquisitors-General infl head Inquisitor-General syl In+quis:i:tors-Gen:er:al. pos n. mod pl. Inquisitor-General 0. syl In+quis:i:tor-Gen:er:al pos n. qual History. def the head of the Spanish court of Inquisition. inquisitorial 1. syl in+quis:i+to+ri:al pron pos adj. def of, relating to, or resembling inquisition or an inquisitor. inquisitorial 2. syl in+quis:i+to+ri:al pron pos adj. def offensively curious; prying. inquisitorial 3. syl in+quis:i+to+ri:al pron pos adj. qual Law. def denoting criminal procedure in which one party is both prosecutor and judge, or in which the trial is held in secret. Compare { {accusatorial} (sense 2)}. inquisitorially sub head inquisitorial syl in+2quis:i+1to+ri+al+ly pos adv. inquisitorialness sub head inquisitorial syl in+2quis:i+1to+ri+al+ness pos n. in re ety C17: from Latin in re 0. syl in re pron <1rA> def in the matter of: used esp. in bankruptcy proceedings. in rem ety Latin, literally: against the matter in rem 0. syl in rem pron <1rem> pos adj. usage Law. of a judicial act def directed against property rather than against a specific person. Compare {in personam}. in rerum natura 0. syl in re+rum na+tu+ra pron Latin. <1re*rum> def in the nature of things. INRI ety Latin: Jesus of Nazareth, King of the Jews INRI 0. syl INRI qual abbrev. for def Iesus Nazarenus Rex Iudaeorum (the inscription placed over Christ's head during the Crucifixion). inroad 1. syl in+road pron <1in2r*ud> pos n. def an invasion or hostile attack; raid or incursion. inroad 2. syl in+road pron <1in2r*ud> pos n. def an encroachment or intrusion. inrush 0. syl in+rush pron <1in2r^S> pos n. def a sudden usually overwhelming inward flow or rush; influx. inrushing sub head inrush syl in+2rush:ing pos n. adj. INS 0. syl INS qual abbrev. for def International News Service. ins 1. syl ins. qual abbrev. for: def inches. ins 2. syl ins. qual abbrev. for: def inspector. ins 3. syl ins. qual abbrev. for: def insulated. ins 4. syl ins. qual abbrev. for: def insulation. ins 5. syl ins. qual abbrev. for: def insurance. insalivate 0. syl in+sal:i+vate pron pos vb. mod tr. def to saturate (food) with saliva during mastication. insalivation sub head insalivate syl in+2sal:i+1va+tion pos n. insalubrious 0. syl in+sa+lu+bri+ous pron <2ins*1lu:bri*s> pos adj. def not salubrious; unpleasant, unhealthy, or sordid. insalubriously sub head insalubrious syl in+sa+1lu+bri+ous+ly pos adv. insalubrity sub head insalubrious syl in+sa+lu+bri+ty pron <2ins*1lu:briti> pos n. insane 1.a. syl in+sane pron pos adj. def mentally deranged; crazy; of unsound mind. insane 1.b. syl in+sane pron pos as collective; n. usage preceded by the exam 1 the insane. insane 2. syl in+sane pron pos adj. def characteristic of a person of unsound mind. exam 1 an insane stare. insane 3. syl in+sane pron pos adj. def irresponsible; very foolish; stupid. insanely sub head insane syl in+1sane+ly pos adv. insaneness sub head insane syl in+1sane+ness pos n. insanitary 0. syl in+san:i+tar:y pron , <-tri> pos adj. def not sanitary; dirty or infected. insanitariness sub head insanitary or insanitation syl in+1san:i+tar:i+ness pos n. insanitation sub head insanitary or insanitariness syl in+2san:i+1ta+tion pos n. insanities infl head insanity syl in+san+i:ties. pos n. mod pl. insanity 1. syl in+san+i:ty pron pos n. def relatively permanent disorder of the mind; state or condition of being insane. insanity 2. syl in+san+i:ty pron pos n. usage Law. not in strict legal usage def a state of mind characterized by the inability to distinguish right from wrong. insanity 3. syl in+san+i:ty pron pos n. def utter folly; stupidity. insatiate alt head insatiable or insatiable syl in+sa+ti+ate pron pos adj. insatiable 0. or insatiate syl in+sa+tia:ble pron , <-Si*-> pos adj. def not able to be satisfied or satiated; greedy or unappeasable. insatiability sub head insatiable syl in+2sa+tia:1bil+i:ty pos n. insatiableness sub head insatiable or insatiateness syl in+1sa+tia:ble+ness pos n. insatiateness sub head insatiable or insatiableness syl in+1sa+ti+ate+ness pos n. insatiably sub head insatiable or insatiately syl in+1sa+tia:bly pos adv. insatiately sub head insatiable or insatiably syl in+1sa+ti+ate+ly pos adv. inscape ety C19: from #7in -%2+ -scape, as in #7landscape; coined by Gerard Manley Hopkins inscape 0. syl in+scape pron <1inskAp> pos n. def the essential inner nature of a person, object, etc., as expressed in literary or artistic works. inscribe ety C16: from Latin inscr*_ibere; see #7inscription inscribe 1. syl in+scribe pron pos vb. mod tr. def to make, carve, or engrave (writing, letters, a design, etc.) on (a surface such as wood, stone, or paper). inscribe 2. syl in+scribe pron pos vb. mod tr. def to enter (a name) on a list or in a register. inscribe 3. syl in+scribe pron pos vb. mod tr. def to sign one's name on (a book, photograph, etc.) before presentation to another person. inscribe 4. syl in+scribe pron pos vb. mod tr. def to draw (a geometric construction such as a circle, polygon, etc.) inside another construction so that the two are in contact but do not intersect. Compare { {circumscribe} (sense 3)}. inscribable sub head inscribe syl in+1scrib+a:ble pos adj. inscribableness sub head inscribe syl in+1scrib+a:ble+ness pos n. inscriber sub head inscribe syl in+1scrib+er pos n. inscription ety C14: from Latin inscripti*_o a writing upon, from inscr*_ibere to write upon, from #7in -%2#7+ scr*_ibere to write inscription 1. syl in+scrip+tion pron pos n. def something inscribed, esp. words carved or engraved on a coin, tomb, etc. inscription 2. syl in+scrip+tion pron pos n. def a signature or brief dedication in a book or on a work of art. inscription 3. syl in+scrip+tion pron pos n. def the act of inscribing. inscriptional sub head inscription or inscriptive syl in+1scrip+tion+al pos adj. inscriptive sub head inscription or inscriptional syl in+1scrip+tive pos adj. inscriptively sub head inscription syl in+1scrip+tive+ly pos adv. inscrutable ety C15: from Late Latin inscr*_ut*_abilis, from Latin #7in -%1#7+ scr*_ut*_ar*_i to examine inscrutable 0. syl in+scru+ta:ble pron pos adj. def incomprehensible; mysterious or enigmatic. inscrutability sub head inscrutable or inscrutableness syl in+2scru+ta:1bil+i:ty pos n. inscrutableness sub head inscrutable or inscrutability syl in+1scru+ta:ble+ness pos n. inscrutably sub head inscrutable syl in+1scru+ta:bly pos adv. insect ety C17: from Latin insectum (animal that has been) cut into, insect, from insec*_are, from {#7in -%2}#7+ sec*_are to cut; translation of Greek entomon insect insect 1. syl in+sect pron <1insekt> pos n. def any small air-breathing arthropod of the class having a body divided into head, thorax, and abdomen, three pairs of legs, and (in most species) two pairs of wings. Insects comprise about five sixths of all known animal species, with a total of over one million named species. insect 2. syl in+sect pron <1insekt> pos n. usage loosely def any similar invertebrate, such as a spider, tick, or centipede. insect 3. syl in+sect pron <1insekt> pos n. def a contemptible, loathsome, or insignificant person. insectean sub head insect syl in+1sec+te:an pos adj. insectan sub head insect or insectile syl in+1sec+tan pos adj. insectile sub head insect or insectan syl in+1sec+tile pos adj. insect-like sub head insect syl in:sect-2like pos adj. insectary alt head insectarium or insectarium syl in+sec+tar:y pron pos n. insectariums infl head insectarium syl in+sec+tar+i:ums pron <-1te*ri*> pos n. mod pl. insectaria infl head insectarium or insectaries syl in+sec+tar+i:a pron <-1te*ri*> pos n. mod pl. insectaries infl head insectarium or insectaria syl in+sec+tar:ies. pos n. mod pl. insectarium 0. or insectary syl in+sec+tar+i:um pron <2insek1te*ri*m> pos n. def a place where living insects are kept, bred, and studied. insecticide 0. syl in+sec+ti+cide pron pos n. def a substance used to destroy insect pests. insecticidal sub head insecticide syl in+2sec+ti+1cid+al pos adj. insectivore 1. syl in+sec+ti+vore pron pos n. def any placental mammal of the order being typically small, with simple teeth, and feeding on invertebrates. The group includes shrews, moles, and hedgehogs. insectivore 2. syl in+sec+ti+vore pron pos n. def any animal or plant that derives nourishment from insects. insectivorous 1. syl in+sec+tiv:o+rous pron <2insek1tiv*r*s> pos adj. def feeding on or adapted for feeding on insects. exam 1 insectivorous plants. insectivorous 2. syl in+sec+tiv:o+rous pron <2insek1tiv*r*s> pos adj. def of or relating to the order insectivorous bat 0. syl in+sec+tiv:o+rous bat pos n. def any bat of the suborder typically having large ears and feeding on insects. The group includes common bats species), vampire bats, etc. Compare {fruit bat}. insecure 1. syl in+se:cure pron <2insi1kju*> pos adj. def anxious or afraid; not confident or certain. insecure 2. syl in+se:cure pron <2insi1kju*> pos adj. def not adequately protected. exam 1 an insecure fortress. insecure 3. syl in+se:cure pron <2insi1kju*> pos adj. def unstable or shaky. &- {@!in+se@.#!cure+ly} insecureness sub head insecure syl in+se:1cure+ness pos n. insecurity sub head insecure syl in+se:1cu+ri:ty pos n. inselberg ety from German, from Insel island+ Berg mountain inselberg 0. syl in+sel+berg pron <1inzL2bR:g> pos n. def an isolated rocky hill rising abruptly from a flat plain. inseminate ety C17: from Latin ins*_emin*_are, from #7in -%2#7+ s*_emin*_are to sow, from s*_emen seed inseminate 1. syl in+sem:i+nate pron pos vb. mod tr. def to impregnate (a female) with semen. inseminate 2. syl in+sem:i+nate pron pos vb. mod tr. def to introduce (ideas or attitudes) into the mind of (a person or group). insemination sub head inseminate syl in+2sem:i+1na+tion pos n. inseminator sub head inseminate syl in+1sem:i+2na+tor pos n. insensate 1. syl in+sen+sate pron , <-sit> pos adj. def lacking sensation or consciousness. insensate 2. syl in+sen+sate pron , <-sit> pos adj. def insensitive; unfeeling. insensate 3. syl in+sen+sate pron , <-sit> pos adj. def foolish; senseless. &- {in+#!sen+sate+ly} insensateness sub head insensate syl in+1sen+sate+ness pos n. insensible 1. syl in+sen+si:ble pron pos adj. def lacking sensation or consciousness. insensible 2. syl in+sen+si:ble pron pos adj. usage foll. by of or to def unaware (of) or indifferent (to). exam 1 insensible to suffering. insensible 3. syl in+sen+si:ble pron pos adj. def thoughtless or callous. insensible 4. syl in+sen+si:ble pron pos adj. def a less common word for {imperceptible}. insensibility sub head insensible or insensibleness syl in+2sen+si:1bil+i:ty pos n. insensibleness sub head insensible or insensibility syl in+1sen+si:ble+ness pos n. insensibly sub head insensible syl in+1sen+si:bly pos adv. insensitive 1. syl in+sen+si+tive pron pos adj. def lacking sensitivity; unfeeling. insensitive 2. syl in+sen+si+tive pron pos adj. def lacking physical sensation. insensitive 3. syl in+sen+si+tive pron pos adj. usage postpositive; foll. by to def not sensitive (to) or affected (by). exam 1 insensitive to radiation. insensitively sub head insensitive syl in+1sen+si+tive+ly pos adv. insensitiveness sub head insensitive or insensitivity syl in+1sen+si+tive+ness pos n. insensitivity sub head insensitive or insensitiveness syl in+2sen+si+1tiv+i:ty pos n. insentient 0. syl in+sen+ti+ent pron pos adj. qual Rare. def lacking consciousness or senses; inanimate. insentience sub head insentient or insentiency syl in+1sen+ti+ence pos n. insentiency sub head insentient or insentience syl in+1sen+ti+en+cy pos n. inseparable 0. syl in+sep:a+ra:ble pron , <-1sepr*-> pos adj. def incapable of being separated or divided. inseparability sub head inseparable or inseparableness syl in+2sep:a+ra:1bil+i:ty pos n. inseparableness sub head inseparable or inseparability syl in+1sep:a+ra:ble+ness pos n. inseparably sub head inseparable syl in+1sep:a+ra:bly pos adv. insert ety C16: from Latin inserere to plant in, ingraft, from #7in -%2#7+ serere to join insert 1. syl in+sert pron pos vb. mod tr. def to put in or between; introduce. insert 2. syl in+sert pron pos vb. mod tr. def to introduce, as into text, such as a newspaper; interpolate. insert 3. syl in+sert pron <1insR:t> pos n. mod tr. def something inserted. insert 4.a. syl in+sert pron <1insR:t> pos n. mod tr. def a folded section placed in another for binding in with a book. insert 4.b. syl in+sert pron <1insR:t> pos n. mod tr. def a printed sheet, esp. one bearing advertising, placed loose between the leaves of a book, periodical, etc. insert 5. syl in+sert pron <1insR:t> pos n. mod tr. def another word for { {cut-in} (sense 6)}. insertable sub head insert syl in+1sert+a:ble pos adj. inserter sub head insert syl in+1sert+er pos n. inserted 1. syl in+sert+ed pron pos adj. usage Anatomy. of a muscle def attached to the bone that it moves. inserted 2. syl in+sert+ed pron pos adj. usage Botany. of parts of a plant def growing from another part, as stamens from the corolla. insertion 1. syl in+ser+tion pron pos n. def the act of inserting or something that is inserted. insertion 2. syl in+ser+tion pron pos n. def a word, sentence, correction, etc., inserted into text, such as a newspaper. insertion 3. syl in+ser+tion pron pos n. def a strip of lace, embroidery, etc., between two pieces of material. insertion 4. syl in+ser+tion pron pos n. qual Anatomy. def the point or manner of attachment of a muscle to the bone that it moves. insertion 5. syl in+ser+tion pron pos n. qual Botany. def the manner or point of attachment of one part to another. insertional sub head insertion syl in+1ser+tion+al pos adj. insessorial ety C19: from New Latin Insess*_or*_es birds that perch, from Latin: perchers, from insid*_ere to sit upon, from sed*_ere to sit insessorial 1. syl in+ses+so+ri:al pron <2inse1sc:ri*l> pos adj. usage of feet or claws def adapted for perching. insessorial 2. syl in+ses+so+ri:al pron <2inse1sc:ri*l> pos adj. usage of birds def having insessorial feet. insets infl head inset syl in+sets pos vb. insetting infl head inset syl in+set+ting pos vb. inset infl syl in+set. pos vb. inset 1. syl in+set pron pos vb. mod tr. def to set or place in or within; insert. inset 2. syl in+set pron <1in2set> pos n. def something inserted. inset 3.a. syl in+set pron <1in2set> pos n. def a small map or diagram set within the borders of a larger one. inset 3.b. syl in+set pron <1in2set> pos n. def another name for {{insert} (sense 4)}. inset 4. syl in+set pron <1in2set> pos n. def a piece of fabric inserted into a garment, as to shape it or for decoration. inset 5. syl in+set pron <1in2set> pos n. def a flowing in, as of the tide. insetter sub head inset syl in+2set+ter pos n. inshore 1. syl in+shore pron <1in1Sc:> pos adj. def in or on the water, but close to the shore. exam 1 inshore weather. inshore 2. syl in+shore pron <1in1Sc:> pos adv. adj. def towards the shore from the water. exam 1 an inshore wind; exam 2 we swam inshore. inshrine 0. syl in+shrine pron pos vb. def a variant of {enshrine}. inside 1. syl in+side pron <1in1sId> pos n. def the interior; inner or enclosed part or surface. inside 2. syl in+side pron <1in1sId> pos n. def the side of a path away from the road or adjacent to a wall. inside 3. syl in+side pron <1in1sId> pos n. mod also; pl. qual Informal. def the internal organs of the body, esp. the stomach and bowels. inside of 4. head inside syl inside of. def in a period of time less than; within. inside out 5. head inside syl inside out. def with the inside facing outwards. know (something) inside out 6. head inside syl know (something) inside out. def to know thoroughly or perfectly. {~} (@!$In#!sa$Id). inside 7. syl in+side pron <1in1sId> pos n. def in or to the interior of; within or to within; on the inside of. {~} (#!$In@!sa$Id). inside 8. syl in+side pron <1in1sId> pos n. def on or of an interior; on the inside. exam 1 an inside door. inside 9. syl in+side pron <1in1sId> pos n. usage prenominal def arranged or provided by someone within an organization or building, esp. illicitly. exam 1 the raid was an inside job; exam 2 inside information. inside 10. syl in+side pron <1in1sId> pos n. def within or to within a thing or place; indoors. inside 11. syl in+side pron <1in1sId> pos n. def by nature; fundamentally. exam 1 inside, he's a good chap. inside 12. syl in+side pron <1in1sId> pos n. qual Slang. def in or into prison.#e {Usage}. See at {outside}. inside forward 0. syl in+side for+ward pos n. usage Soccer. esp. formerly def one of two players (the {inside right} and the {inside left}) having mainly midfield and attacking roles. inside job 0. syl in+side job pos n. qual Informal. def a crime committed with the assistance of someone associated with the victim, such as a person employed on the premises burgled. insider 1. syl in+sid+er pron pos n. def a member of a specified group. insider 2. syl in+sid+er pron pos n. def a person with access to exclusive information. insidious ety C16: from Latin insidi*_osus cunning, from insidiae an ambush, from insid*_ere to sit in; see #7insessorial insidious 1. syl in+sid:i+ous pron pos adj. def stealthy, subtle, cunning, or treacherous. insidious 2. syl in+sid:i+ous pron pos adj. def working in a subtle or apparently innocuous way, but nevertheless deadly. exam 1 an insidious illness. insidiously sub head insidious syl in+1sid:i+ous+ly pos adv. insidiousness sub head insidious syl in+1sid:i+ous+ness pos n. insight 1. syl in+sight pron <1in2sIt> pos n. def the ability to perceive clearly or deeply; penetration. insight 2. syl in+sight pron <1in2sIt> pos n. def a penetrating and often sudden understanding, as of a complex situation or problem. insight 3.a. syl in+sight pron <1in2sIt> pos n. def the capacity for understanding one's own or another's mental processes. insight 3.b. syl in+sight pron <1in2sIt> pos n. def the immediate understanding of the significance of an event or action. insight 4. syl in+sight pron <1in2sIt> pos n. qual Psychiatry. def the ability to understand one's own problems, sometimes used to distinguish between psychotic and neurotic disorders. insightful sub head insight syl in+2sight+ful pos adj. insignia ety C17: from Latin: marks, badges, from insignis distinguished by a mark, prominent, from #7in -%2+ signum mark insignias infl head insignia or insignia syl in+sig+ni:as pos n. mod pl. insignia infl or insignias syl in+sig+ni:a. pos n. mod pl. insignia 1. syl in+sig+ni:a pron pos n. def a badge or emblem of membership, office, or dignity. insignia 2. syl in+sig+ni:a pron pos n. def a distinguishing sign or mark. insignia xref syl in+sig+ni:a pron pos n. def Also called (rare): {in+sig+ne} ($In#!s$Igni$:). insignificant 1. syl in+sig+nif:i+cant pron <2insig1nifik*nt> pos adj. def having little or no importance; trifling. insignificant 2. syl in+sig+nif:i+cant pron <2insig1nifik*nt> pos adj. def almost or relatively meaningless. insignificant 3. syl in+sig+nif:i+cant pron <2insig1nifik*nt> pos adj. def small or inadequate. exam 1 an insignificant wage. insignificant 4. syl in+sig+nif:i+cant pron <2insig1nifik*nt> pos adj. def not distinctive in character, etc. insignificance sub head insignificant or insignificancy syl in+sig+1nif:i+cance pos n. insignificancy sub head insignificant or insignificance syl in+sig+1nif:i+can+cy pos n. insignificantly sub head insignificant syl in+sig+1nif:i+cant+ly pos adv. insincere 0. syl in+sin+cere pron <2insin1si*> pos adj. def lacking sincerity; hypocritical. insincerely sub head insincere syl 2in+sin+1cere+ly pos adv. insincerity sub head insincere syl in+sin+cer+i:ty pron <2insin1seriti> pos n. insinuate ety C16: from Latin insinu*_are to wind one's way into, from #7in -%2#7+ sinus curve insinuate 1. syl in+sin:u+ate pron pos vb. usage may take a clause as object def to suggest by indirect allusion, hints, innuendo, etc. insinuate 2. syl in+sin:u+ate pron pos vb. mod tr. def to introduce subtly or deviously. insinuate 3. syl in+sin:u+ate pron pos vb. mod tr. def to cause (someone, esp. oneself) to be accepted by gradual approaches or manoeuvres. insinuative sub head insinuate or insinuatory syl in+1sin:u:a+tive pos adj. insinuatory sub head insinuate or insinuative syl in+1sin:u:a+to:ry pos adj. insinuator sub head insinuate syl in+1sin:u:2a+tor pos n. insinuation 1. syl in+sin+u:a+tion pron pos n. def an indirect or devious hint or suggestion. insinuation 2. syl in+sin+u:a+tion pron pos n. def the act or practice of insinuating. insipid ety C17: from Latin insipidus, from #7in -%1#7+ sapidus full of flavour, #7sapid insipid 1. syl in+sip+id pron pos adj. def lacking spirit or interest; boring. insipid 2. syl in+sip+id pron pos adj. def lacking taste; unpalatable. insipidity sub head insipid or insipidness syl in+si+1pid+i:ty pos n. insipidness sub head insipid or insipidity syl in+1sip+id+ness pos n. insipidly sub head insipid syl in+1sip+id+ly pos adv. insipience ety C15: from Latin insipientia, from #7in -%1#7+ sapientia wisdom; see #7sapient insipience 0. syl in+sip:i+ence pron pos n. qual Archaic. def lack of wisdom. insipient sub head insipience syl in+1sip:i+ent pos adj. insipiently sub head insipience syl in+1sip:i+ent+ly pos adv. insist ety C16: from Latin insistere to stand upon, urge, from #7in -%2#7+ sistere to stand insist 1. syl in+sist pron pos vb. mod when; tr. takes a clause as object; when; intr. usage usually foll. by on or upon def to make a determined demand (for). exam 1 he insisted that his rights be respected; exam 2 he insisted on his rights. insist 2. syl in+sist pron pos vb. mod when; tr. takes a clause as object; when; intr. usage usually foll. by on or upon def to express a convinced belief (in) or assertion (of). exam 1 he insisted that she was mad; exam 2 he insisted on her madness. insister sub head insist syl in+1sist+er pos n. insistingly sub head insist syl in+1sist+ing+ly pos adv. insistent 1. syl in+sist+ent pron pos adj. def making continual and persistent demands. insistent 2. syl in+sist+ent pron pos adj. def demanding notice or attention; compelling. exam 1 the insistent cry of a bird. insistence sub head insistent or insistency syl in+1sist+ence pos n. insistency sub head insistent or insistence syl in+1sist+en+cy pos n. insistently sub head insistent syl in+1sist+ent+ly pos adv. in situ 1. syl in si:tu pron Latin. <1sitju:> pos adv. adj. usage postpositive def in the natural, original, or appropriate position. in situ 2. syl in si:tu pron Latin. <1sitju:> pos adv. adj. usage postpositive; Pathol. esp. of a cancerous growth or tumour def not seen to be spreading from a localized position. insnare 0. syl in+snare pron pos vb. def a less common spelling of {ensnare}. insnarement sub head insnare syl in+1snare+ment pos n. insnarer sub head insnare syl in+1snar+er pos n. insobriety 0. syl in+so+bri+e:ty pron <2ins*u1brIiti> pos n. def lack of sobriety; intemperance. insofar alt head in so far or in so far syl in+so+far pos adv. qual U.S. in so far 0. or insofar syl in so far pos adv. usage usually foll. by as or that def to the degree or extent (that). insolate ety C17: from Latin ins*_ol*_are to place in the sun, from #7in -%2#7+ s*_ol sun insolate 0. syl in+so+late pron <1ins*u2lAt> pos vb. mod tr. def to expose to sunlight, as for drying or bleaching. insolation 1. syl in+so+la+tion pron <2ins*u1lAS*n> pos n. def the quantity of solar radiation falling upon a body or planet, esp. per unit area. insolation 2. syl in+so+la+tion pron <2ins*u1lAS*n> pos n. def exposure to the sun's rays. insolation 3. syl in+so+la+tion pron <2ins*u1lAS*n> pos n. def another name for {sunstroke}. insole 1. syl in+sole pron <1in2s*ul> pos n. def the inner sole of a shoe or boot. insole 2. syl in+sole pron <1in2s*ul> pos n. def a loose additional inner sole used to give extra warmth or to make a shoe fit. insolent ety C14: from Latin insolens from #7in -%1#7+ sol*_ere to be accustomed insolent 0. syl in+so+lent pron <1ins*l*nt> pos adj. def offensive, impudent, or disrespectful. insolence sub head insolent syl in+so+lence pos n. insolently sub head insolent syl in+so+lent+ly pos adv. insoluble 1. syl in+sol+u:ble pron pos adj. def incapable of being dissolved; incapable of forming a solution, esp. in water. insoluble 2. syl in+sol+u:ble pron pos adj. def incapable of being solved. insolubility sub head insoluble or insolubleness syl in+2sol+u:1bil+i:ty pos n. insolubleness sub head insoluble or insolubility syl in+1sol+u:ble+ness pos n. insolubly sub head insoluble syl in+1sol+u:bly pos adv. insolvable 0. syl in+solv+a:ble pron pos adj. def another word for {insoluble} (sense 2). insolvability sub head insolvable syl in+2solv+a:1bil+i:ty pos n. insolvably sub head insolvable syl in+1solv+a:bly pos adv. insolvent 1. syl in+sol+vent pron pos adj. usage of a person, company, etc. def having insufficient assets to meet debts and liabilities; bankrupt. insolvent 2. syl in+sol+vent pron pos adj. def of or relating to bankrupts or bankruptcy. insolvent 3. syl in+sol+vent pron pos n. def a person who is insolvent; bankrupt. insolvency sub head insolvent syl in+1sol+ven+cy pos n. insomnia ety C18: from Latin, from insomnis sleepless, from somnus sleep insomnia 0. syl in+som+ni:a pron pos n. def chronic inability to fall asleep or to enjoy uninterrupted sleep. insomnious sub head insomnia syl in+1som+ni+ous pos adj. insomniac 1. syl in+som+ni+ac pron pos adj. def exhibiting or causing insomnia. insomniac 2. syl in+som+ni+ac pron pos n. def a person experiencing insomnia. insomuch 1. syl in+so+much pron <2ins*u1m^C> pos adv. usage foll. by as or that def to such an extent or degree. insomuch 2. syl in+so+much pron <2ins*u1m^C> pos adv. usage foll. by as def because of the fact (that); inasmuch (as). insouciant ety C19: from French, from #7in -%1#7+ souciant worrying, from soucier to trouble, from Latin sollicit*_are; compare #7solici?!tous insouciant 0. syl in+sou+ci+ant pron pos adj. def carefree or unconcerned; light-hearted. insouciance sub head insouciant syl in+1sou+ci+ance pos n. insouciantly sub head insouciant syl in+1sou+ci+ant+ly pos adv. insp 1. syl insp. qual abbrev. for: def inspected. insp 2. syl insp. qual abbrev. for: def inspector. inspan ety C19: from Afrikaans, from Middle Dutch inspannen, from spannen to stretch, yoke; see #7span inspans infl head inspan syl in+spans pos vb. mod tr. inspanning infl head inspan syl in+span+ning pos vb. mod tr. inspanned infl head inspan syl in+spanned. pos vb. mod tr. inspan 0. syl in+span pron pos vb. mod tr. qual Chiefly S. African. def to harness (animals) to (a vehicle); yoke. inspect ety C17: from Latin inspicere, from from specere to look inspect 1. syl in+spect pron pos vb. mod tr. def to examine closely, esp. for faults or errors. inspect 2. syl in+spect pron pos vb. mod tr. def to scrutinize officially (a document, military personnel on ceremonial parade, etc.). inspectable sub head inspect syl in+1spect+a:ble pos adj. inspectingly sub head inspect syl in+1spect+ing+ly pos adv. inspection chamber 0. syl in+spec+tion cham+ber pos n. def a more formal name for { {manhole} (sense 1)}. inspector 1. syl in+spec+tor pron pos n. def a person who inspects, esp. an official who examines for compliance with regulations, standards, etc. inspector 2. syl in+spec+tor pron pos n. def a police officer ranking below a superintendent or chief inspector and above a sergeant. &- {in+#!spec+to+ral} {in+spec+to+ri@.al} (@!$Insp$ek#!t@$$:r$I$$l) inspectorship sub head inspector syl in+1spec+tor+2ship pos n. inspectorate 1. syl in+spec+tor+ate pron pos n. def the office, rank, or duties of an inspector. inspectorate 2. syl in+spec+tor+ate pron pos n. def a body of inspectors. inspectorate 3. syl in+spec+tor+ate pron pos n. def a district under an inspector. inspectors general infl head inspector general syl in+spec+tors gen+er+al. pos n. mod pl. inspector general 1. syl in+spec+tor gen+er+al pos n. def the head of an inspectorate or inspection system; an officer with wide investigative powers. inspector general 2. syl in+spec+tor gen+er+al pos n. def a staff officer of the military, air, or naval service with the responsibility of conducting inspections and investigations. inspector of taxes 0. syl in+spec+tor of tax:es pos n. def an official of the Inland Revenue whose work is to assess individuals' income tax liability. insphere 0. syl in+sphere pron pos vb. def a variant spelling of {ensphere}. inspiration 1. syl in+spi+ra+tion pron <2inspi1rAS*n> pos n. def stimulation or arousal of the mind, feelings, etc., to special or unusual activity or creativity. inspiration 2. syl in+spi+ra+tion pron <2inspi1rAS*n> pos n. def the state or quality of being so stimulated or aroused. inspiration 3. syl in+spi+ra+tion pron <2inspi1rAS*n> pos n. def someone or something that causes this state. inspiration 4. syl in+spi+ra+tion pron <2inspi1rAS*n> pos n. def an idea or action resulting from such a state. inspiration 5. syl in+spi+ra+tion pron <2inspi1rAS*n> pos n. def the act or process of inhaling; breathing in. inspirational 1. syl in+spi+ra+tion+al pron <2inspi1rAS*nL> pos adj. def of, relating to, or tending to arouse inspiration; inspiring. inspirational 2. syl in+spi+ra+tion+al pron <2inspi1rAS*nL> pos adj. def resulting from inspiration; inspired. inspirationally sub head inspirational syl in+spi+1ra+tion+al+ly pos adv. inspiratory 0. syl in+spir:a+to:ry pron , <-tri> pos adj. def of or relating to inhalation or the drawing in of air. inspire ety C14 (in the sense: to breathe upon, blow into): from Latin insp*_ir*_are, from sp*_ir*_are to breathe inspire 1. syl in+spire pron pos vb. def to exert a stimulating or beneficial effect upon (a person, etc.); animate or invigorate. inspire 2. syl in+spire pron pos vb. mod tr. usage foll. by with or to; may take an infinitive def to arouse (with a particu?!lar emotion or to a particular action); stir. inspire 3. syl in+spire pron pos vb. mod tr. def to prompt or instigate; give rise to. exam 1 her beauty inspired his love. inspire 4. syl in+spire pron pos vb. mod tr. usage often passive def to guide or arouse by divine influence or inspiration. inspire 5. syl in+spire pron pos vb. def to take or draw (air, gas, etc.) into the lungs; inhale. inspire 6.a. syl in+spire pron pos vb. def to breathe into or upon. inspire 6.b. syl in+spire pron pos vb. def to breathe life into. inspirable sub head inspire syl in+1spir+a:ble pos adj. inspirative sub head inspire syl in+1spir:a+tive pos adj. inspirer sub head inspire syl in+1spir+er pos n. inspiringly sub head inspire syl in+1spir+ing+ly pos adv. inspirit 0. syl in+spir+it pron pos vb. mod tr. def to fill with vigour; inspire. inspiriter sub head inspirit syl in+1spir+it+er pos n. inspiritingly sub head inspirit syl in+1spir+it+ing+ly pos adv. inspiritment sub head inspirit syl in+1spir+it+ment pos n. inspissate ety C17: from Late Latin inspiss*_atus thickened, from Latin spiss*_are to thicken, from spissus thick inspissate 0. syl in+spis+sate pron pos vb. qual Archaic. def to thicken, as by evaporation. inspissation sub head inspissate syl in+spis+1sa+tion pos n. inspissator sub head inspissate syl in+spis+2sa+tor pos n. inst 1. syl inst. qual abbrev. for: def instant (this month). inst 2. syl inst. qual abbrev. for: def instantaneous. inst 3. syl inst. qual abbrev. for: def instrumental. Inst 1. syl Inst. qual abbrev. for: def Institute. Inst 2. syl Inst. qual abbrev. for: def Institution. instabilities infl head instability syl in+sta:bil+i:ties. pos n. mod pl. instability 1. syl in+sta:bil+i:ty pron <2inst*1biliti> pos n. def lack of stability or steadiness. instability 2. syl in+sta:bil+i:ty pron <2inst*1biliti> pos n. def tendency to variable or unpredictable behaviour. instability 3. syl in+sta:bil+i:ty pron <2inst*1biliti> pos n. qual Physics. def a sudden deformation of a plasma due to a weakening of the confining field. instable 0. syl in+sta+ble pron pos adj. def a less common word for {unstable}. install ety C16: from Medieval Latin install*_are, from #7in -%2#7+ stallum {#7stall %1} instal alt head install or install syl in+stal pron pos vb. mod tr. installs infl head install or instals syl in+stalls pos vb. mod tr. installing infl head install or installing syl in+stall+ing pos vb. mod tr. installed infl head install or installed syl in+stalled pos vb. mod tr. instals infl head install or installs syl in+stals pos vb. mod tr. installing infl head install or installing syl in+stal+ling pos vb. mod tr. installed infl head install or installed syl in+stalled. pos vb. mod tr. install 1. or instal syl in+stall pron pos vb. mod tr. def to place (machinery, equipment, etc.) in position and connect and adjust for use. install 2. or instal syl in+stall pron pos vb. mod tr. def to put in a position, rank, etc. install 3. or instal syl in+stall pron pos vb. mod tr. def to settle (a person, esp. oneself) in a position or state. exam 1 she installed herself in an armchair. installer sub head install syl in+1stall+er pos n. installant 0.a. syl in+stall+ant pron pos n. def a person who installs another in an office, etc. installant 0.b. syl in+stall+ant pron pos n. usage as modifier exam 1 an installant bishop. installation 1. syl in+stal+la+tion pron <2inst*1lAS*n> pos n. def the act of installing or the state of being installed. installation 2. syl in+stal+la+tion pron <2inst*1lAS*n> pos n. def a large device, system, or piece of equipment that has been installed. installation 3. syl in+stal+la+tion pron <2inst*1lAS*n> pos n. def a military establishment usually serving in a support role. installment plan 0. syl in+stall+ment plan pos n. def the U.S. name for {hire-purchase}. instalment ety C18: from obsolete estallment, probably from Old French estaler to fix, hence to agree rate of payment, from estal something fixed, place, from Old High German stal {#7stall %1} installment alt head instalment or instalment syl in+stall+ment pron pos n. qual U.S. instalment H1.1. or installment syl in+stal+ment pron pos n. def one of the portions, usually equal, into which a debt is divided for payment at specified intervals over a fixed period. instalment H1.2. or installment syl in+stal+ment pron pos n. def a portion of something that is issued, broadcast, or published in parts, such as a serial in a magazine. installment alt head instalment or instalment syl in+stall+ment pron pos n. qual U.S. instalment H2.0. or installment syl in+stal+ment pron pos n. def another word for {installation} (sense 1). instance ety C14 (in the sense: case, example): from Medieval Latin instantia example, (in the sense: urgency) from Latin: a being close upon, presence, from inst*_ans pressing upon, urgent; see #7instant instance 1. syl in+stance pron <1inst*ns> pos n. def a case or particular example. for instance 2. head instance syl for instance. def for or as an example. instance 3. syl in+stance pron <1inst*ns> pos n. def a specified stage in proceedings; step (in the phrases {in the first, second}, etc., {instance) }. instance 4. syl in+stance pron <1inst*ns> pos n. def urgent request or demand (esp. in the phrase {at the instance of) }. instance 5. syl in+stance pron <1inst*ns> pos n. qual Archaic. def motive or reason. {~} . instance 6. syl in+stance pron <1inst*ns> pos n. def to cite as an example. instancy 1. syl in+stan+cy pron <1inst*nsi> pos n. qual Rare. def the quality of being urgent or imminent. instancy 2. syl in+stan+cy pron <1inst*nsi> pos n. qual Rare. def instantaneousness; immediateness. instant ety C15: from Latin inst*_ans, from inst*_are to be present, press closely, from #7in -%2#7+ st*_are to stand instant 1. syl in+stant pron <1inst*nt> pos n. def a very brief time; moment. instant 2. syl in+stant pron <1inst*nt> pos n. def a particu?!lar moment or point in time. exam 1 at the same instant. on the instant 3. head instant syl on the instant. def immediately; without delay. instant 4. syl in+stant pron <1inst*nt> pos adj. def immediate; instantaneous. instant 5. syl in+stant pron <1inst*nt> pos adj. def urgent or imperative. instant 6. syl in+stant pron <1inst*nt> pos adj. usage esp. of foods def prepared or designed for preparation with very little time and effort. exam 1 instant coffee. instant 7.a. syl in+stant pron <1inst*nt> pos adj. def of the present month. exam 1 a letter of the 7th instant. instant 7.b. syl in+stant pron <1inst*nt> pos adj. def currently under consideration. instant 8. syl in+stant pron <1inst*nt> pos adv. def a poetic word for {instantly}. instantaneous 1. syl in+stan+ta+ne:ous pron <2inst*n1tAni*s> pos adj. def occurring with almost no delay; immediate. instantaneous 2. syl in+stan+ta+ne:ous pron <2inst*n1tAni*s> pos adj. def happening or completed within a moment. exam 1 instantaneous death. instantaneous 3.a. syl in+stan+ta+ne:ous pron <2inst*n1tAni*s> pos adj. def occurring at or associated with a particular instant. instantaneous 3.b. syl in+stan+ta+ne:ous pron <2inst*n1tAni*s> pos adj. def equal to the limit of the average value of a given variable as the time interval over which the variable is considered approaches zero. exam 1 instanta?!neous velocity. instantaneously sub head instantaneous syl in+stan+1ta+ne:ous+ly pos adv. instantaneousness sub head instantaneous or instantaneity syl in+stan+1ta+ne:ous+ness pron pos n. instantaneity sub head instantaneous or instantaneousness syl in+stan+ta+ne:i:ty pron pos n. instanter ety C17: from Latin: urgently, from instans #7instant instanter 0. syl in+stan+ter pron pos adv. qual Law. def without delay; (in connection with pleading) the same day or within 24 hours. instantiate ety C20: from Latin instantia (see #7instance) +#7-ate %1 &- in+@!stan+ti+#!a@.tion n. instantiate 0. syl in+stan+ti+ate pron pos vb. mod tr. def to represent by an instance. instantly 1. syl in+stant+ly pron <1inst*ntli> pos adv. def immediately; at once. instantly 2. syl in+stant+ly pron <1inst*ntli> pos adv. qual Archaic. def urgently or insistently. instant replay 0. syl in+stant re+play pos n. def another name for {action replay}. instar ety C19: New Latin from Latin: image instar 0. syl in+star pron <1insta:> pos n. def the stage in the development of an insect between any two moults. instate 0. syl in+state pron pos vb. mod tr. def to place in a position or office; install. instatement sub head instate syl in+1state+ment pos n. instauration ety C17: from Latin instaur*_ati*_o, from instaur*_are to renew instauration 0. syl in+stau+ra+tion pron <2instc:1rAS*n> pos n. qual Rare. def restoration or renewal. instaurator sub head instauration syl in+stau+2ra+tor pos n. instead ety C13: from phrase in stead in place instead 1. syl in+stead pron pos adv. def as a replacement, substitute, or alternative. instead of 2. head instead syl instead of. pos prep. def in place of or as an alternative to. instep ety C16: probably from {#7in -%2}#7+step instep 1. syl in+step pron <1in2step> pos n. def the middle section of the human foot, forming the arch between the ankle and toes. instep 2. syl in+step pron <1in2step> pos n. def the part of a shoe, stocking, etc., covering this. instigate ety C16: from Latin inst*_ig*_are to stimulate, incite; compare Greek stizein to prick instigate 1. syl in+sti+gate pron <1insti2gAt> pos vb. mod tr. def to bring about, as by incitement or urging. exam 1 to instigate rebellion. instigate 2. syl in+sti+gate pron <1insti2gAt> pos vb. mod tr. def to urge on to some drastic or unadvisable action. instigatingly sub head instigate syl in+sti+2gat+ing+ly pos adv. instigation sub head instigate syl in+sti+1ga+tion pos n. instigative sub head instigate syl in+sti+2ga+tive pos adj. instigator sub head instigate syl in+sti+2ga+tor pos n. instil ety C16: from Latin instill*_are to pour in a drop at a time, from still*_are to drip instill alt head instil or instil syl in+still pron pos vb. mod tr. instil 1. or instill syl in+stil pron pos vb. mod tr. def to introduce gradually; implant or infuse. instil 2. or instill syl in+stil pron pos vb. mod tr. qual Rare. def to pour in or inject in drops. instiller sub head instil syl in+1still+er pos n. instilment sub head instil syl in+1stil+ment pos n. instillment sub head instil or instillation syl in+1still+ment pos n. instillation sub head instil or instillment syl in+stil+1la+tion pos n. instinct ety C15: from Latin instinctus roused, from instinguere to incite; compare #7instigate instinct 1. syl in+stinct pron <1instiGkt> pos n. def the innate capacity of an animal to respond to a given stimulus in a relatively fixed way. instinct 2. syl in+stinct pron <1instiGkt> pos n. def inborn intuitive power. instinct 3. syl in+stinct pron <1instiGkt> pos n. def a natural and apparently instinctive aptitude. instinct 4. syl in+stinct pron <1instiGkt> pos adj. qual Rare. (postpositive def often foll. by instinct 4.a. syl in+stinct pron <1instiGkt> pos adj. def animated or impelled (by). instinct 4.b. syl in+stinct pron <1instiGkt> pos adj. def imbued or infused (with). instinctual alt head instinctive or instinctive syl in+stinc+tu:al pos adj. instinctive 1. or instinctual syl in+stinc+tive pron pos adj. def of, relating to, or resulting from instinct. instinctive 2. or instinctual syl in+stinc+tive pron pos adj. def conditioned so as to appear innate. exam 1 an instinctive movement in driving. instinctively sub head instinctive or instinctually syl in+1stinc+tive+ly pos adv. instinctually sub head instinctive or instinctively syl in+1stinc+tu+al+ly pos adv. institute ety C16: from Latin instituere, from statuere to place, stand institute 1. syl in+sti+tute pron <1insti2tju:t> pos vb. mod tr. def to organize; establish. institute 2. syl in+sti+tute pron <1insti2tju:t> pos vb. mod tr. def to initiate. exam 1 to institute a practice. institute 3. syl in+sti+tute pron <1insti2tju:t> pos vb. mod tr. def to establish in a position or office; induct. institute 4. syl in+sti+tute pron <1insti2tju:t> pos vb. mod tr. usage followed by in or into def to install (a clergy?!man) in a church. institute 5. syl in+sti+tute pron <1insti2tju:t> pos n. mod tr. def an organization founded for particu?!lar work, such as education, promotion of the arts, or scientific research. institute 6. syl in+sti+tute pron <1insti2tju:t> pos n. mod tr. def the building where such an organization is situated. institute 7. syl in+sti+tute pron <1insti2tju:t> pos n. mod tr. def something instituted, esp. a rule, custom, or precedent. institutor sub head institute or instituter syl in+sti+2tu+tor pos n. instituter sub head institute or institutor syl in+sti+2tut+er pos n. institutes 0. syl in+sti+tutes pron <1insti2tju:ts> pos n. def an elementary textbook designed for students of law. Institutes 1. syl In+sti+tutes pron <1insti2tju:ts> pos n. def an introduction to legal study in ancient Rome, compiled by order of Justinian and divided into four books forming part of the Corpus Juris Civilis. Institutes 2. syl In+sti+tutes pron <1insti2tju:ts> pos n. def short for {Institutes of the Christian Religion}, the book by Calvin, completed in 1536 and constituting the basic statement of the Reformed faith, that repudiates papal authority and postulates the doctrines of justification by faith alone and predestination. institution 1. syl in+sti+tu+tion pron <2insti1tju:S*n> pos n. def the act of instituting. institution 2. syl in+sti+tu+tion pron <2insti1tju:S*n> pos n. def an organization or establishment founded for a specific purpose, such as a hospital, church, company, or college. institution 3. syl in+sti+tu+tion pron <2insti1tju:S*n> pos n. def the building where such an organization is situated. institution 4. syl in+sti+tu+tion pron <2insti1tju:S*n> pos n. def an established custom, law, or relationship in a society or community. institution 5. syl in+sti+tu+tion pron <2insti1tju:S*n> pos n. qual Informal. def a constant feature or practice. exam 1 Jones's drink at the bar was an institution. institution 6. syl in+sti+tu+tion pron <2insti1tju:S*n> pos n. def the appointment or admission of an incumbent to an ecclesiastical office or pastoral charge. institution 7. syl in+sti+tu+tion pron <2insti1tju:S*n> pos n. qual Theol. def the creation of a sacrament by Christ, esp. the Eucharist. institutionary sub head institution syl in+sti+1tu+tion+ar:y pos adj. institutional 1. syl in+sti+tu+tion+al pron <2insti1tju:S*nL> pos adj. def of, relating to, or characteristic of institutions. institutional 2. syl in+sti+tu+tion+al pron <2insti1tju:S*nL> pos adj. def dull, routine, and uniform. exam 1 institutional meals. institutional 3. syl in+sti+tu+tion+al pron <2insti1tju:S*nL> pos adj. def relating to principles or institutes, esp. of law. institutionally sub head institutional syl in+sti+1tu+tion+al+ly pos adv. institutionalism 0. syl in+sti+tu+tion+al+ism pron <2insti1tju:S*n*2liz*m> pos n. def the system of or belief in institutions. institutionalist sub head institutionalism syl in+sti+1tu+tion+al+ist pos n. institutionalise alt head institutionalize or institutionalize syl in+sti+tu+tion+al+ise pron <2insti1tju:S*n*2lIz> pos vb. institutionalize 1. or institutionalise syl in+sti+tu+tion+al+ize pron <2insti1tju:S*n*2lIz> pos vb. mod tr. usage often passive def to subject to the deleterious effects of confinement in an institution. exam 1 a mental patient who was institutionalized into boredom and apathy. institutionalize 2. or institutionalise syl in+sti+tu+tion+al+ize pron <2insti1tju:S*n*2lIz> pos vb. mod tr. def to place in an institution. institutionalize 3. or institutionalise syl in+sti+tu+tion+al+ize pron <2insti1tju:S*n*2lIz> pos vb. def to make or become an institution. institutionalization sub head institutionalize or institutionalisation syl in+sti+2tu+tion+al:i+1za+tion pos n. institutionalisation sub head institutionalize or institutionalization syl in+sti+2tu+tion+al:i+1sa+tion pos n. institutive 1. syl in+sti+tu+tive pron <1insti2tju:tiv> pos adj. def concerned with instituting and establishing. institutive 2. syl in+sti+tu+tive pron <1insti2tju:tiv> pos adj. def established by custom or law. institutively sub head institutive syl in+sti+2tu+tive+ly pos adv. instr 1. syl instr. qual abbrev. for: def instructor. instr 2. syl instr. qual abbrev. for: def instrument. instr 3. syl instr. qual abbrev. for: def instrumental. instruct ety C15: from Latin instruere to construct, set in order, equip, teach, from struere to build instruct 1. syl in+struct pron pos vb. mod tr. def to direct to do something; order. instruct 2. syl in+struct pron pos vb. mod tr. def to teach (someone) how to do (something). instruct 3. syl in+struct pron pos vb. mod tr. def to furnish with information; apprise. instruct 4.a. syl in+struct pron pos vb. mod tr. usage esp. of a client to his solicitor or a solicitor to a barrister def to give relevant facts or information to. instruct 4.b. syl in+struct pron pos vb. mod tr. def to authorize (a barrister or solicitor) to conduct a case on a person's behalf. exam 1 to instruct counsel. instructible sub head instruct syl in+1struct+i:ble pos adj. instruction 1. syl in+struc+tion pron pos n. def a direction; order. instruction 2. syl in+struc+tion pron pos n. def the process or act of imparting knowledge; teaching; education. instruction 3. syl in+struc+tion pron pos n. def Also called: {command}. a part of a program consisting of coded commands to the computer to perform a specified function. instructional sub head instruction syl in+1struc+tion+al pos adj. instructions 1. syl in+struc+tions pron pos n. mod pl. def directions, orders, or recommended rules for guidance, use, etc. instructions 2. syl in+struc+tions pron pos n. mod pl. qual Law. def the facts and details relating to a case given by a client to his solicitor or by a solicitor to a barrister with directions to conduct the case. exam 1 to take instructions. instructive 0. syl in+struc+tive pron pos adj. def serving to instruct or enlighten; conveying information. instructively sub head instructive syl in+1struc+tive+ly pos adv. instructiveness sub head instructive syl in+1struc+tive+ness pos n. instructor 1. syl in+struc+tor pron pos n. def someone who instructs; teach?!er. instructor 2. syl in+struc+tor pron pos n. qual U.S. def a university teacher ranking below assistant professor. instructorship sub head instructor syl in+1struc+tor+2ship pos n. instrument ety C13: from Latin instru*_umentum tool, equipment, from instruere to erect, furnish; see #7instruct instrument 1. syl in+stru+ment pron <1instr*m*nt> pos n. def a mechanical implement or tool, esp. one used for precision work. exam 1 surgical instrument. instrument 2. syl in+stru+ment pron <1instr*m*nt> pos n. qual Music. def any of various contrivances or mechanisms that can be played to produce musical tones or sounds. instrument 3. syl in+stru+ment pron <1instr*m*nt> pos n. def an important factor or agency in something. exam 1 her evidence was an instrument in his arrest. instrument 4. syl in+stru+ment pron <1instr*m*nt> pos n. qual Informal. def a person used by another to gain an end; dupe; tool. instrument 5. syl in+stru+ment pron <1instr*m*nt> pos n. def a measuring device, such as a pressure gauge or ammeter. instrument 6.a. syl in+stru+ment pron <1instr*m*nt> pos n. def a device or system for use in navigation or control, esp. of aircraft. instrument 6.b. syl in+stru+ment pron <1instr*m*nt> pos n. usage as modifier exam 1 instrument landing. instrument 7. syl in+stru+ment pron <1instr*m*nt> pos n. def a formal legal document. {~} (#!$Instr$$@!m$ent). instrument 8. syl in+stru+ment pron <1instr*m*nt> pos n. def another word for {{orchestrate} (sense 1)}. instrument 9. syl in+stru+ment pron <1instr*m*nt> pos n. def to equip with instruments. instrumental 1. syl in+stru+men+tal pron <2instr*1mentL> pos adj. def serving as a means or influence; helpful. instrumental 2. syl in+stru+men+tal pron <2instr*1mentL> pos adj. def of, relating to, or characterized by an instrument or instruments. instrumental 3. syl in+stru+men+tal pron <2instr*1mentL> pos adj. def played by or composed for musical instruments. instrumental 4. syl in+stru+men+tal pron <2instr*1mentL> pos adj. qual Grammar. def denoting a case of nouns, etc., in certain inflected languages, indicating the instrument used in performing an action, usually translated into English using the prepositions or instrumental 5. syl in+stru+men+tal pron <2instr*1mentL> pos n. def a piece of music composed for instruments rather than for voices. instrumental 6.a. syl in+stru+men+tal pron <2instr*1mentL> pos n. def the instrumental case. instrumental 6.b. syl in+stru+men+tal pron <2instr*1mentL> pos n. def a word or speech element in the instrumental case. instrumentality sub head instrumental syl in+stru+men+1tal+i:ty pos n. instrumentally sub head instrumental syl in+stru+1men+tal+ly pos adv. instrumental conditioning 0. syl in+stru+men+tal con+di+tion+ing pos n. qual Psychol. def a method of training by repeatedly associating the performance of a response with the presentation of a reinforcement. instrumentalism 0. syl in+stru+men+tal+ism pron <2instr*1ment*2liz*m> pos n. def a system of pragmatic philosophy holding that ideas are instruments, that they should guide our actions and can change the world, and that their value can be measured by their success. instrumentalist 1. syl in+stru+men+tal+ist pron <2instr*1ment*list> pos n. def a person who plays a musical instrument. instrumentalist 2. syl in+stru+men+tal+ist pron <2instr*1ment*list> pos n. qual Philosophy. def a person who believes in the doctrines of instrumentalism. instrumentalist 3. syl in+stru+men+tal+ist pron <2instr*1ment*list> pos adj. def of or relating to instrumentalism. instrumentation 1. syl in+stru+men+ta+tion pron <2instr*men1tAS*n> pos n. def the instruments specified in a musical score or arrangement. instrumentation 2. syl in+stru+men+ta+tion pron <2instr*men1tAS*n> pos n. def another word for {orchestration}. instrumentation 3. syl in+stru+men+ta+tion pron <2instr*men1tAS*n> pos n. def the study of the characteristics of musical instruments. instrumentation 4. syl in+stru+men+ta+tion pron <2instr*men1tAS*n> pos n. def the use of instruments or tools. instrumentation 5. syl in+stru+men+ta+tion pron <2instr*men1tAS*n> pos n. def means; agency. instrument flying 0. syl in+stru+ment fly+ing pos n. def the navigation of an aircraft by the use of instruments only. instrument landing 0. syl in+stru+ment land+ing pos n. def an aircraft landing relying only upon instruments and ground radio devices, usually made when visibility is very poor. board alt head instrument panel or instrument panel syl board pos n. instrument panel 1. or board syl in+stru+ment pan+el pos n. def a panel on which instruments are mounted, as on a car. See also {dashboard}. instrument panel 2. or board syl in+stru+ment pan+el pos n. def an array of instruments, gauges, etc., mounted to display the condition or performance of a machine. insubordinate 1. syl in+sub+or+di+nate pron <2ins*1bc:dinit> pos adj. def not submissive to authority; disobedient or rebellious. insubordinate 2. syl in+sub+or+di+nate pron <2ins*1bc:dinit> pos adj. def not in a subordinate position or rank. insubordinate 3. syl in+sub+or+di+nate pron <2ins*1bc:dinit> pos n. def an insubordinate person. insubordinately sub head insubordinate syl in+sub+1or+di+nate+ly pos adv. insubordination sub head insubordinate syl in+sub+2or+di+1na+tion pos n. insubstantial 1. syl in+sub+stan+tial pron <2ins*b1st@nS*l> pos adj. def not substantial; flimsy, tenuous, or slight. insubstantial 2. syl in+sub+stan+tial pron <2ins*b1st@nS*l> pos adj. def imaginary; unreal. insubstantiality sub head insubstantial syl in+sub+2stan+ti+1al+i:ty pos n. insubstantially sub head insubstantial syl in+sub+1stan+tial+ly pos adv. insufferable 0. syl in+suf+fer+a:ble pron pos adj. def intolerable; unendurable. insufferableness sub head insufferable syl in+1suf+fer+a:ble+ness pos n. insufferably sub head insufferable syl in+1suf+fer+a:bly pos adv. insufficiency 1. syl in+suf+fi+cien+cy pron <2ins*1fiS*nsi> pos n. def Also: {@!in+suf+#!fi+cience}. the state of being insufficient. insufficiency 2. syl in+suf+fi+cien+cy pron <2ins*1fiS*nsi> pos n. qual Pathol. def failure in the functioning of an organ, tissue, etc.. exam 1 cardiac insufficiency. insufficient 0. syl in+suf+fi+cient pron <2ins*1fiS*nt> pos adj. def not sufficient; inadequate or deficient. insufficiently sub head insufficient syl in+suf+1fi+cient+ly pos adv. insufflate 1. syl in+suf+flate pron <1ins^2flAt> pos vb. mod tr. def to breathe or blow (something) into (a room, area, etc.). insufflate 2. syl in+suf+flate pron <1ins^2flAt> pos vb. qual Med. def to blow (air, medicated powder, etc.) into the lungs or into a body cavity. insufflate 3. syl in+suf+flate pron <1ins^2flAt> pos vb. mod tr. def to breathe or blow upon (someone or something) as a ritual or sacramental act, esp. so as to symbolize the influence of the Holy Spirit. insufflation sub head insufflate syl in+suf+1fla+tion pos n. insufflator sub head insufflate syl in+suf+2fla+tor pos n. insula ety Latin: literally, island insulae infl head insula syl in+su+lae pron <-2lE> pos n. mod pl. insula 0. syl in+su+la pron <1insjul*> pos n. def a pyramid-shaped area of the brain within each cerebral hemisphere beneath parts of the frontal and temporal lobes. Also called: {island of Reil}. insular ety C17: from Late Latin insul*_aris, from Latin insula island, #7isle insular 1. syl in+su+lar pron <1insjul*> pos adj. def of, relating to, or resembling an island. insular 2. syl in+su+lar pron <1insjul*> pos adj. def remote, detached, or aloof. insular 3. syl in+su+lar pron <1insjul*> pos adj. def illiberal or narrow-minded. insular 4. syl in+su+lar pron <1insjul*> pos adj. def isolated or separated. insular 5. syl in+su+lar pron <1insjul*> pos n. qual Rare. def an inhabitant of an island. insularism sub head insular or insularity syl in+su+lar+ism pron <2insju1l@riti> pos n. insularity sub head insular or insularism syl in+su+lar+i:ty pron <2insju1l@riti> pos n. insularly sub head insular syl in+su+lar+ly pos adv. insulate ety C16: from Late Latin insul*_atus: made into an island insulate 1. syl in+su+late pron <1insju2lAt> pos vb. mod tr. def to prevent or reduce the transmission of electricity, heat, or sound to or from (a body, device, or region) by surrounding with a nonconducting material. insulate 2. syl in+su+late pron <1insju2lAt> pos vb. mod tr. def to isolate or detach. insulating tape 0. syl in+su+lat+ing tape pos n. qual Brit. def adhesive tape, impregnated with a moisture-repelling substance, used to insulate exposed electrical conductors. U.S. name: {friction tape}. insulation 1. syl in+su+la+tion pron <2insju1lAS*n> pos n. def Also called: {in+sul+ant} (#!$Insj$ul$$nt). material used to insulate a body, device, or region. insulation 2. syl in+su+la+tion pron <2insju1lAS*n> pos n. def the act or process of insulating. insulator 0. syl in+su+la+tor pron <1insju2lAt*> pos n. def any material or device that insulates, esp. a material with a very low electrical conductivity or thermal conductivity or something made of such a material. insulin ety C20: from New Latin insula islet (of the pancreas)+{-#7in } insulin 0. syl in+su+lin pron <1insjulin> pos n. def a protein hormone, secreted in the pancreas by the islets of Langerhans, that controls the concentration of glucose in the blood. Insulin deficiency results in diabetes mellitus. inshock alt head insulin reaction or insulin reaction syl in+shock pos n. insulin reaction 0. or inshock syl in+su+lin re+ac+tion pos n. def the condition in a diabetic resulting from an overdose of insulin, causing a sharp drop in the blood sugar level with tremor, profuse sweating, and convulsions. See also {hyperinsulinism}. insult ety C16: from Latin insult*_are to jump upon, from #7in -%2#7+ salt*_are to jump insult 1. syl in+sult pron pos vb. mod tr. def to treat, mention, or speak to rudely; offend; affront. insult 2. syl in+sult pron pos vb. mod tr. qual Obsolete. def to assault; attack. insult 3. syl in+sult pron <1ins^lt> pos n. def an offensive or contemptuous remark or action; affront; slight. insult 4. syl in+sult pron <1ins^lt> pos n. def a person or thing producing the effect of an affront. exam 1 some television is an insult to intelligence. insult 5. syl in+sult pron <1ins^lt> pos n. qual Med. def an injury or trauma. insulter sub head insult syl in+1sult+er pos n. insuperable 0. syl in+su+per+a:ble pron , <-pr*bL>, <-1sju:-> pos adj. def incapable of being overcome; insurmountable. insuperability sub head insuperable or insuperableness syl in+2su+per+a:1bil+i:ty pos n. insuperableness sub head insuperable or insuperability syl in+1su+per+a:ble+ness pos n. insuperably sub head insuperable syl in+1su+per+a:bly pos adv. insupportable 1. syl in+sup+port+a:ble pron <2ins*1pc:t*bL> pos adj. def incapable of being endured; intolerable; insufferable. insupportable 2. syl in+sup+port+a:ble pron <2ins*1pc:t*bL> pos adj. def incapable of being sup?!ported or justified; indefensible. insupportableness sub head insupportable syl in+sup+1port+a:ble+ness pos n. insupportably sub head insupportable syl in+sup+1port+a:bly pos adv. insuppressible 0. syl in+sup+press+i:ble pron <2ins*1pres*bL> pos adj. def incapable of being suppressed, overcome, or muffled. exam 1 an insuppressible giggle. insuppressibly sub head insuppressible syl in+sup+1press+i:bly pos adv. insurance 1.a. syl in+sur+ance pron , <-1Sc:-> pos n. def the act, system, or business of providing financial protection for property, life, health, etc., against specified contingencies, such as death, loss, or damage, and involving payment of regular premiums in return for a policy guaranteeing such protection. insurance 1.b. syl in+sur+ance pron , <-1Sc:-> pos n. def the state of having such protection. insurance 1.c. syl in+sur+ance pron , <-1Sc:-> pos n. def Also called: {insurance policy}. the policy providing such protection. insurance 1.d. syl in+sur+ance pron , <-1Sc:-> pos n. def the pecuniary amount of such protection. insurance 1.e. syl in+sur+ance pron , <-1Sc:-> pos n. def the premium payable in return for such protection. insurance 1.f. syl in+sur+ance pron , <-1Sc:-> pos n. usage as modifier exam 1 insurance agent; exam 2 insurance company; exam 3 insurance stamp. insurance 2. syl in+sur+ance pron , <-1Sc:-> pos n. def a means of protecting or safeguarding against risk or injury. insure 1. syl in+sure pron , <-1Sc:> pos vb. usage often foll. by against def to guarantee or protect (against risk, loss, etc.). exam 1 we insured against disappointment by making an early reservation. insure 2. syl in+sure pron , <-1Sc:> pos vb. usage often foll. by against def to issue (a person) with an insurance policy or take out an insurance policy (on). exam 1 his house was heavily insured against fire; exam 2 after all his car accidents the company refuses to insure@T him@T again. 3. head insure syl : def another@T word@T (esp.@T U.S.)@T for@T { {ensure} (senses 1, 2)}. {~} Also (rare) (for senses 1, 2): {ensure}. insurable sub head insure syl in+1sur+a:ble pos adj. insurability sub head insure syl in+2sur+a:1bil+i:ty pos n. insured 1. syl in+sured pron , <-1Sc:d> pos adj. def covered by insurance. exam 1 an insured risk. insured 2. syl in+sured pron , <-1Sc:d> pos n. def the person, persons, or organization covered by an insurance policy. insurer 1. syl in+sur+er pron , <-1Sc:-> pos n. def a person or company offering insurance policies in return for premiums. insurer 2. syl in+sur+er pron , <-1Sc:-> pos n. def a person or thing that insures. insurgence 0. syl in+sur+gence pron pos n. def rebellion, uprising, or riot. insurgent ety C18: from Latin insurg*_ens rising upon or against, from insurgere to rise up, from surgere to rise &- in+#!sur+gen+cy n. insurgent 1. syl in+sur+gent pron pos adj. def rebellious or in revolt, as against a government in power or the civil authorities. insurgent 2. syl in+sur+gent pron pos n. def a person who takes part in an uprising or rebellion; insurrectionist. insurgent 3. syl in+sur+gent pron pos n. qual International law. def a person or group that rises in revolt against an established government or authority but whose conduct does not amount to belligerency. insurmountable 0. syl in+sur+mount+a:ble pron <2ins*1maunt*bL> pos adj. def incapable of being overcome; insuperable. insurmountability sub head insurmountable or insurmountableness syl in+sur+2mount+a:1bil+i:ty pos n. insurmountableness sub head insurmountable or insurmountability syl in+sur+1mount+a:ble+ness pos n. insurrection ety C15: from Late Latin insurrecti*_o, from insurgere to rise up insurrection 0. syl in+sur+rec+tion pron <2ins*1rekS*n> pos n. def the act or an instance of rebelling against a government in power or the civil authorities; insurgency. insurrectional sub head insurrection syl in+sur+1rec+tion+al pos adj. insurrectionary sub head insurrection syl in+sur+1rec+tion+ar:y pos n. adj. insurrectionism sub head insurrection syl in+sur+1rec+tion+ism pos n. insurrectionist sub head insurrection syl in+sur+1rec+tion+ist pos n. adj. insusceptible 0. syl in+sus+cep+ti:ble pron <2ins*1sept*bL> pos adj. usage when postpositive, usually foll. by to def not capable of being affected (by); not susceptible (to). insusceptibility sub head insusceptible syl in+sus+2cep+ti:1bil+i:ty pos n. insusceptibly sub head insusceptible syl in+sus+1cep+ti:bly pos adv. inswing 0. syl in+swing pron <1in2swiG> pos n. qual Cricket. def the movement of a bowled ball from off to leg through the air. Compare {outswing}. inswinger sub head inswing syl 1in+2swing:er pos n. int 1. syl int. qual abbrev. for: def interest. int 2. syl int. qual abbrev. for: def interim. int 3. syl int. qual abbrev. for: def interior. int 4. syl int. qual abbrev. for: def internal. int 5. syl int. qual abbrev. for: def Also: {Int}. international. int 6. syl int. qual abbrev. for: def interpreter. intact ety C15: from Latin intactus not touched, from tangere to touch intact 0. syl in+tact pron pos adj. def untouched or unimpaired; left complete or perfect. intactness sub head intact syl in+1tact+ness pos n. intaglio ety C17: from Italian, from intagliare to engrave, from tagliare to cut, from Late Latin t*_ali*_are; see #7tailor intaglios infl head intaglio or intagli syl in+tag+li:os pron <-ljE> pos n. mod pl. intagli infl head intaglio or intaglios syl in+tag+li pron <-ljE> pos n. mod pl. intaglio 1. syl in+tag+li:o pron pos n. def a seal, gem, etc., ornamented with a sunken or incised design, as opposed to a design in relief. Compare {cameo}. intaglio 2. syl in+tag+li:o pron pos n. def the art or process of incised carving. intaglio 3. syl in+tag+li:o pron pos n. def a design, figure, or ornamentation carved, engraved, or etched into the surface of the material used. intaglio 4. syl in+tag+li:o pron pos n. def any of various printing techniques using an etched or engraved plate. The whole plate is smeared with ink, the surface wiped clean, and the ink in the recesses then transferred to the paper or other material. intaglio 5. syl in+tag+li:o pron pos n. def an incised die used to make a design in relief. intagliated sub head intaglio syl in+tag+li+at+ed pron pos adj. intake 1. syl in+take pron <1in2tAk> pos n. def a thing or a quantity taken in. exam 1 an intake of students. intake 2. syl in+take pron <1in2tAk> pos n. def the act of taking in. intake 3. syl in+take pron <1in2tAk> pos n. def the opening through which fluid enters a duct or channel, esp. the air inlet of a jet engine. intake 4. syl in+take pron <1in2tAk> pos n. def a ventilation shaft in a mine. intake 5. syl in+take pron <1in2tAk> pos n. def a contraction or narrowing. exam 1 an intake in a garment. intangible 1. syl in+tan+gi:ble pron pos adj. def incapable of being perceived by touch; impalpable. intangible 2. syl in+tan+gi:ble pron pos adj. def imprecise or unclear to the mind. exam 1 intangible ideas. intangible 3. syl in+tan+gi:ble pron pos adj. usage of property or a business asset def saleable though not possessing intrinsic productive value. intangible 4. syl in+tan+gi:ble pron pos n. def something that is intangible. intangibility sub head intangible or intangibleness syl in+2tan+gi:1bil+i:ty pos n. intangibleness sub head intangible or intangibility syl in+1tan+gi:ble+ness pos n. intangibly sub head intangible syl in+1tan+gi:bly pos adv. intarsia ety C19: changed from Italian intarsio intarsia alt or intarsia syl in+tar+si:a pron <1ta:si*> pos n. intarsia 1. or intarsia syl in+tar+si:a pron pos n. def a decorative or pictorial mosaic of inlaid wood or sometimes ivory of a style developed in the Italian Renaissance and used esp. on wooden wall panels. intarsia 2. or intarsia syl in+tar+si:a pron pos n. def the art or practice of making such mosaics. integer ety C16: from Latin: untouched, entire, from tangere to touch ********************************************************************** ********************************************************************** untouched, entire, from tangere to touch ********************************************************************** ********************************************************************** n. &- in+#!flat+er or ********************************************************************** ********************************************************************** &- in+#!flict+er or ********************************************************************** ********************************************************************** being ********************************************************************** ********************************************************************** or young ********************************************************************** ********************************************************************** his fears are deeply ingrained. ********************************************************************** ********************************************************************** Maths. ********************************************************************** ********************************************************************** match. ********************************************************************** ********************************************************************** U.S. equivalent: internal revenue. ********************************************************************** ********************************************************************** the ********************************************************************** ********************************************************************** red ********************************************************************** ********************************************************************** distinguished ********************************************************************** ********************************************************************** {-#7ol %1} ********************************************************************** ********************************************************************** the ********************************************************************** ********************************************************************** integer ety C17: from ********************************************************************** ********************************************************************** &- in+#!spec+tion+al adj. &- in+#!spec+tive adj. ********************************************************************** a sergeant. &- in+#!spec+to+ral ********************************************************************** ********************************************************************** a time, from ********************************************************************** ********************************************************************** Latin ********************************************************************** ********************************************************************** &- in+struc+tress ($In#!str^k?!tr$Is) fem. n. ********************************************************************** ********************************************************************** the ********************************************************************** ********************************************************************** ~ Also (rare) ********************************************************************** ********************************************************************** (sense ********************************************************************** ********************************************************************** integer 1. syl in+te+ger pron <1intiJ*> pos n. def any rational number that can be expressed as the sum or difference of a finite number of units, being a member of the set ...-3, -2, -1, 0, 1, 2, 3... integer 2. syl in+te+ger pron <1intiJ*> pos n. def an individual entity or whole unit. infallibilism 0. syl in+fal+li:bil:ism pron pos n. qual R.C. Church. def the principle of papal infallibility. &- {in+#!fal+li@.bil@.ist}. {in+@!fib@.u+#!lation} installment plan 0. syl in+stall+ment plan pos n. def the U.S. name for {hire-purchase. ********************************************************************** ********************************************************************** 1)}. ********************************************************************** ********************************************************************** [C13: ********************************************************************** ********************************************************************** less ********************************************************************** **********************************************************************} modulation of the voice. ********************************************************************** ********************************************************************** modulation of the voice. ********************************************************************** ********************************************************************** etc.) not ********************************************************************** ********************************************************************** &- {in+#!del@.i+cate+;y} indemonstrable 0. syl in+de+mon+stra:ble pron <2indi1monstr*b$@l> pos adj. def incapable of being demonstrated or proved. &- {@!in+de+@!mon+stra@.#!bil+i@.ty} &- {@!in+de+#!mon+stra@.bly} Also called: {indention, indent. ********************************************************************** **********************************************************************} capable of acting for oneself or on one's own. indeterminate sentence 0. syl in+de+ter+min+ate sen+tence pos n. qual Law. def a prison sentence the length of which depends on the prisoner's conduct. ********************************************************************** referred to. ********************************************************************** ********************************************************************** called: {fist}. a ********************************************************************** ********************************************************************** &- {#!in+dex+less} indexation 0. syl in+dex+a:tion pron <2indek1sAS*n> def or the act of making wages, interest rates, etc., index-linked. index-linked 0. syl in+dex-linked pos adj. usage of wages, interest rates, etc. def directly related to the cost-of-living index and rising accordingly. ********************************************************************** obtained. index-linked 1. syl in+dex-linked pos adj. usage of wages, interest rates, etc. def Also called: {dogbane. ********************************************************************** ********************************************************************** tropical Asian climbing plant, ********************************************************************** ********************************************************************** North American plant, ********************************************************************** **********************************************************************} Indian meal 0. syl In+di:an meal pos n. def another name for {corn meal. ********************************************************************** ********************************************************************** North American grass, ********************************************************************** **********************************************************************} Indian rope-trick 0. syl In+di:an rope-trick pos n. def the supposed Indian feat of climbing an unsupported rope. ********************************************************************** {~} Also: {Indo-Aryan. ********************************************************************** **********************************************************************} Also called: {blinkers}. a device for indicating that a motor vehicle ********************************************************************** of property ********************************************************************** ********************************************************************** $D. See {West Indies. ********************************************************************** **********************************************************************} (often foll. by ********************************************************************** ********************************************************************** Indian rope-trick 0.b. syl In+di:an rope-trick pos n. def not at all good; poor. Indian rope-trick 1. syl In+di:an rope-trick pos n. def showing ********************************************************************** ********************************************************************** &- {#!in+di+gence} &- {#!in+di+gent+ly} indigo snake 0. syl in+di+go snake pos n. def a dark-blue nonvenomous North American colubrid snake, indirect question 0. syl in+di+rect ques+tion pos n. def a question reported in indirect speech, as in Compare {direct question}. indiscipline 0. syl in+dis+ci+pline pron pos n. def lack of discipline. ********************************************************************** ********************************************************************** not discreet; imprudent or tactless. ********************************************************************** ********************************************************************** indivertible 0. syl in+di+vert+i:ble pron <2ind#I1vR:tibL> pos adj. def incapable of being diverted or turned aside. &- {@!in+di+#!vert+i@.bly} {@!in+di+#!vid+u@.al+ly} {Usage}. In careful speech and ********************************************************************** &- {@!in+di+@!vid@.u+#!a@.tion} &- {@!in+di+#!vid+u@.@!a+tor} &- {@!in+di+#!vis+i@.bly} Indo-Aryan 1. syl In:do-Ar:y:an pos adj. def another word for {Indic} (def. 1). {~} Indo-Aryan 2. syl In:do-Ar:y:an pos adj. def another name for {Indic} (def. 2). Indo-Aryan 3. syl In:do-Ar:y:an pos adj. def a native speaker of an Indo-Aryan language. the reconstructed hypothetical parent language of this family. Indo-Aryan 4. syl In:do-Ar:y:an pos adj. def a member of ********************************************************************** building. exam 1 an indoor tennis court; exam 2 ********************************************************************** ********************************************************************** ch*^ateaux along the ********************************************************************** ********************************************************************** Indriidae. woolly 5. head Indo-Aryan syl woolly ********************************************************************** ********************************************************************** usage often foll. by an infinitive def to persuade or ********************************************************************** ********************************************************************** to initiate or ********************************************************************** ********************************************************************** {induction}. the property of an ********************************************************************** ********************************************************************** brushless electric motor in which an ********************************************************************** ********************************************************************** magnetic field created by the rotor current ********************************************************************** ********************************************************************** +du+ing, +dued. a variant spelling of {endue. ********************************************************************** ********************************************************************** take alcoholic drink, esp. to excess. [C17: from Latin ********************************************************************** ********************************************************************** Declaration of Indulgence. ********************************************************************** ********************************************************************** of England giving ********************************************************************** ********************************************************************** ~} Indo-Aryan 6. syl In:do-Ar:y:an pos adj. qual R.C. Church. def to designate as providing indulgence. exam 1 indulgenced prayers. ********************************************************************** industrial archaeology 0. syl in+dus+tri:al ar+chae+ol+o:gy pos n. def the study of past industrial machines, works, etc. &- {in+dus+tri@.al ar+chae+ol+o@.gist} indwells infl head indwell syl in+dwells pos vb. indwelling infl head indwell syl in+dwell+ing pos vb. indwelt infl head indwell syl in+dwelt. pos vb. indwell 1. syl in+dwell pron pos vb. mod tr. usage of a spirit, principle, etc. def to inhabit; suffuse. indwell 2. syl in+dwell pron pos vb. mod intr. def to dwell; exist. &- {in+#!dwell+er} Also: {-in. indicating a chemical ********************************************************************** ********************************************************************** be incapable of being effaced; ********************************************************************** ********************************************************************** not resilient. &- in+e@.#!las+tic+al+ly} (often foll. by or an infinitive) not fit ********************************************************************** ********************************************************************** inequable 0. syl in+eq+ua:ble pron pos adj. def uneven; not uniform. ********************************************************************** {in+er+rant} ($in#!$er$$nt) less common words for ********************************************************************** ********************************************************************** in+#!er+ran+cy, &- {in+#!er+ra@.bly} inertia-reel seat-belt 0. syl inertia-reel seat-belt pos n. def a type of car seat-belt in which the belt is free to unwind from a metal drum except when the drum locks as a result of rapid deceleration. {@!in+ex+#!act+ness ********************************************************************** **********************************************************************} &- {in+#!ex+pli+ca@.bly} {@!in+ex+#!plain+a@.bly} &- {@!in+ex+#!press+i@.bly} inexpungible 0. syl in+ex+pung+i:ble pron <2iniks1p^nJibL> pos adj. def incapable of being expunged. ********************************************************************** infallibilism 0. syl in+fal+li:bil:ism pron pos n. qual R.C. Church. def the principle of papal infallibility. &- {in+#!fal+li@.bilist} infamise alt head infamize or infamize syl in+fam+ise pron <1inf*2mIz> pos vb. mod tr. infamize 0. or infamise syl in+fam+ize pron <1inf*2mIz> pos vb. mod tr. def to make infamous. ********************************************************************** infant prodigy 0. syl in+fant prod:i+gy pos n. def an exceptionally talented child. ********************************************************************** ********************************************************************** (often foll. by possessed by ********************************************************************** ********************************************************************** infant prodigy 1. syl in+fant prod:i+gy pos n. def to cause infection ********************************************************************** ********************************************************************** to affect or become affected with a ********************************************************************** ********************************************************************** infant prodigy 2. syl in+fant prod:i+gy pos n. def causing or transmitting infection ********************************************************************** ********************************************************************** a virus, characterized by ********************************************************************** ********************************************************************** in+#!fer+ra@.ble, integral 1. syl in+te+gral pron <1intigr*l> pos adj. usage often foll. by to def being an essential part (of); intrinsic (to). integral 2. syl in+te+gral pron <1intigr*l> pos adj. def intact; entire. integral 3. syl in+te+gral pron <1intigr*l> pos adj. def formed of con?!stituent parts; united. integral 4.a. syl in+te+gral pron <1intigr*l> pos adj. def of or involving an integral. integral 4.b. syl in+te+gral pron <1intigr*l> pos adj. def involving or being an integer. integral 5. syl in+te+gral pron <1intigr*l> pos n. qual Maths. def the sum of a large number of infinitesimally small quantities, summed either between stated limits ({definite integral}) or in the absence of limits ({indefinite integral}) . Symbol. exam 1 #s#800427 . integral 6. syl in+te+gral pron <1intigr*l> pos n. def a complete thing; whole. &- {in+te+gral@.i+ty} (@!$Int$I#!gr@al$It$I) &- {#!in+te+gral+ly} integral calculus 0. syl in+te+gral cal+cu+lus pos n. def the branch of calculus concerned with the determination of integrals and their application to the solution of differential equations, the determination of areas and volumes, etc. Compare {differential calculus}. integrand ety C19: from Latin: to be integrated integrand 0. syl in+te+grand pron <1inti2gr@nd> pos n. def a mathematical function to be integrated. integrant 1. syl in+te+grant pron <1int*gr*nt> pos adj. def part of a whole; integral; constituent. integrant 2. syl in+te+grant pron <1int*gr*nt> pos adj. def an integrant thing or part. integrate ety C17: from Latin integr*_are; see #7integer integrate 1. syl in+te+grate pron <1inti2grAt> pos vb. def to make or be made into a whole; incorporate or be incorporated. integrate 2. syl in+te+grate pron <1inti2grAt> pos vb. mod tr. def to designate (a school, park, etc.) for use by all races or groups; desegregate. integrate 3. syl in+te+grate pron <1inti2grAt> pos vb. def to amalgamate or mix (a racial or religious group) with an existing community. integrate 4. syl in+te+grate pron <1inti2grAt> pos vb. qual Maths. def to perform an integration on (a quantity, expression, etc.). {~} (#!$Int$Igr$It). integrate 5. syl in+te+grate pron <1inti2grAt> pos vb. def made up of parts; integrated. integrable sub head integrate syl in+te+gra:ble pron <1int*gr*bL> pos adj. integrability sub head integrate syl in+te+gra:1bil+i:ty pos n. integrative sub head integrate syl in+te+2gra+tive pos adj. integrated circuit 0. syl in+te+grat+ed cir+cuit pos n. def a very small electronic circuit consisting of an assembly of elements made from a chip of semiconducting material, such as crystalline silicon. integration 1. syl in+te+gra+tion pron <2inti1grAS*n> pos n. def the act of combining or adding parts to make a unified whole. integration 2. syl in+te+gra+tion pron <2inti1grAS*n> pos n. def the act of amalgamat?!ing a racial or religious group with an existing commu?!nity. integration 3. syl in+te+gra+tion pron <2inti1grAS*n> pos n. def the combination of previously racially segregated social facilities into a nonsegregated system. integration 4. syl in+te+gra+tion pron <2inti1grAS*n> pos n. qual Psychol. def organization into a unified pattern, esp. of different aspects of the personality into a hierarchical system of functions. integration 5. syl in+te+gra+tion pron <2inti1grAS*n> pos n. def the assimilation of nutritive material by the body during the process of anabolism. integration 6. syl in+te+gra+tion pron <2inti1grAS*n> pos n. qual Maths. def an operation used in calculus in which the integral of a function or variable is determined; the inverse of differentiation. integrationist sub head integration syl in+te+1gra+tion+ist pos n. integrator 1. syl in+te+gra+tor pron <1inti2grAt*> pos n. def a person or thing that integrates, esp. a mechanical instrument that determines the value of a definite integral, as the area under a curve. See also {planimeter}. integrator 2.a. syl in+te+gra+tor pron <1inti2grAt*> pos n. def an arithmetic component with two input variables, and whose output variable is proportional to the integral of with respect to integrator 2.b. syl in+te+gra+tor pron <1inti2grAt*> pos n. def an arithmetic component whose output variable is proportional to the integral of the input variable with respect to elapsed time. integrity ety C15: from Latin integrit*_as; see #7integer integrity 1. syl in+teg+ri:ty pron pos n. def adherence to moral principles; honesty. integrity 2. syl in+teg+ri:ty pron pos n. def the quality of being unimpaired; soundness. integrity 3. syl in+teg+ri:ty pron pos n. def unity; wholeness. integument ety C17: from Latin integumentum, from tegere to cover &- in+@!teg@.u+#!ment+al or in+@!teg@.u+#!men+ta@.ry adj. integument 0. syl in+teg:u+ment pron pos n. def any outer protective layer or covering, such as a cuticle, seed coat, rind, or shell. intellect ety C14: from Latin intellectus comprehension, intellect, from intellegere to understand; see #7intelli?!gence intellect 1. syl in+tel+lect pron <1inti2lekt> pos n. def the capacity for understanding, thinking, and reasoning, as distinct from feeling or wishing. intellect 2. syl in+tel+lect pron <1inti2lekt> pos n. def a mind or intelligence, esp. a brilliant one. exam 1 his intellect is wasted on that job. intellect 3. syl in+tel+lect pron <1inti2lekt> pos n. qual Informal. def a person possessing a brilliant mind; brain. intellect 4. syl in+tel+lect pron <1inti2lekt> pos n. def those possessing the greatest mental power. exam 1 the intellect of a nation. intellective sub head intellect syl in+tel+1lec+tive pos adj. intellectively sub head intellect syl in+tel+1lec+tive+ly pos adv. intellection 1. syl in+tel+lec+tion pron <2inti1lekS*n> pos n. def mental activity; thought. intellection 2. syl in+tel+lec+tion pron <2inti1lekS*n> pos n. def an idea or thought. &- {@!in+tel+#!lec+tive} intellectual 1. syl in+tel+lec+tu:al pron <2inti1lekCu*l> pos adj. def of or relating to the intellect, as opposed to the emotions. intellectual 2. syl in+tel+lec+tu:al pron <2inti1lekCu*l> pos adj. def appealing to or characteristic of people with a developed intellect. exam 1 intellectual literature. intellectual 3. syl in+tel+lec+tu:al pron <2inti1lekCu*l> pos adj. def expressing or enjoying mental activity. intellectual 4. syl in+tel+lec+tu:al pron <2inti1lekCu*l> pos n. def a person who enjoys mental activity and has highly developed tastes in art, literature, etc. intellectual 5. syl in+tel+lec+tu:al pron <2inti1lekCu*l> pos n. def a person who uses or works with his intellect. intellectual 6. syl in+tel+lec+tu:al pron <2inti1lekCu*l> pos n. def a highly intelligent person. intellectuality sub head intellectual or intellectualness syl in+tel+2lec+tu+1al+i:ty pos n. intellectualness sub head intellectual or intellectuality syl in+tel+1lec+tu+al+ness pos n. intellectually sub head intellectual syl in+tel+1lec+tu+al+ly pos adv. intellectualism 1. syl in+tel+lec+tu+al+ism pron <2inti1lekCu*2liz*m> pos n. def development and exercise of the intellect. intellectualism 2. syl in+tel+lec+tu+al+ism pron <2inti1lekCu*2liz*m> pos n. def the placing of excessive value on the intellect, esp. with disregard for the emotions. intellectualism 3. syl in+tel+lec+tu+al+ism pron <2inti1lekCu*2liz*m> pos n. qual Philosophy. def the doctrine that reason is the ultimate criterion of knowledge. intellectualist sub head intellectualism syl in+tel+1lec+tu+al+ist pos n. adj. intellectualistic sub head intellectualism syl in+tel+2lec+tu+al+1is+tic pos adj. intellectualistically sub head intellectualism syl in+tel+2lec+tu+al+1is+ti+cal+ly pos adv. intellectualise alt head intellectualize or intellectualize syl in+tel+lec+tu+al+ise pron <2inti1lekCu*2lIz> pos vb. intellectualize 1. or intellectualise syl in+tel+lec+tu+al+ize pron <2inti1lekCu*2lIz> pos vb. def to make or become intellectual. intellectualize 2. or intellectualise syl in+tel+lec+tu+al+ize pron <2inti1lekCu*2lIz> pos vb. def to treat or consider in an intellectual way; rationalize. intellectualization sub head intellectualize or intellectualisation syl in+tel+2lec+tu+al:i+1za+tion pos n. intellectualisation sub head intellectualize or intellectualization syl in+tel+2lec+tu+al:i+1sa+tion pos n. intellectualizer sub head intellectualize or intellectualiser syl in+tel+1lec+tu+al+2iz+er pos n. intellectualiser sub head intellectualize or intellectualizer syl in+tel+1lec+tu+al+2is+er pos n. intelligence ety C14: from Latin intellegentia, from intellegere to discern, comprehend, literally: choose between, from #7inter -#7+ legere to choose &- in+@!tel+li+#!gen+tial adj. intelligence 1. syl in+tel+li+gence pron pos n. def the capacity for understanding; ability to perceive and comprehend meaning. intelligence 2. syl in+tel+li+gence pron pos n. def good mental capacity. exam 1 a person of intelligence. intelligence 3. syl in+tel+li+gence pron pos n. qual Old-fashioned. def news; information. intelligence 4. syl in+tel+li+gence pron pos n. def military information about enemies, spies, etc. intelligence 5. syl in+tel+li+gence pron pos n. def a group or department that gathers or deals with such information. intelligence 6. syl in+tel+li+gence pron pos n. usage often cap. def an intelligent being, esp. one that is not embodied. intelligence 7. syl in+tel+li+gence pron pos n. usage modifier def of or relating to intelli?!gence. exam 1 an intelli?!gence network. intelligence quotient 0. syl in+tel+li+gence quo+tient pos n. def a measure of the intelligence of an individual derived from results obtained from specially designed tests. The quotient is traditionally derived by dividing an individual's actual age by his mental age and multiplying the result by 100. Abbrev.: {I.Q}. intelligencer 0. syl in+tel+li+genc+er pron pos n. qual Archaic. def an informant or spy. intelligence test 0. syl in+tel+li+gence test pos n. def any of a number of tests designed to assess the stage of mental development of a person. See also {Binet-Simon scale}. intelligent 1. syl in+tel+li+gent pron pos adj. def having or indicating intelligence. intelligent 2. syl in+tel+li+gent pron pos adj. def having high intelligence; clever. intelligent 3. syl in+tel+li+gent pron pos adj. def indicating high intelligence; perceptive. exam 1 an intelligent guess. intelligent 4. syl in+tel+li+gent pron pos adj. def guided by intellectual rather than emotional principles; rational. intelligent 5. syl in+tel+li+gent pron pos adj. qual Archaic. usage postpositive; foll. by of def having knowledge or information. exam 1 they were intelligent of his whereabouts. intelligently sub head intelligent syl in+1tel+li+gent+ly pos adv. intelligentsia ety C20: from Russian intelligentsiya, from Latin intellegentia #7intelligence intelligentsia 0. syl in+tel+li+gent+si:a pron pos n. usage usually preceded by the def the educated or intellectual people in a society or commu?!nity. intelligible ety C14: from Latin intellegibilis; see #7intellect intelligible 1. syl in+tel+li+gi+ble pron pos adj. def able to be understood; comprehensible. intelligible 2. syl in+tel+li+gi+ble pron pos adj. qual Philosophy. def capable of being apprehended by the mind or intellect alone. intelligibility sub head intelligible or intelligibleness syl in+2tel+li+gi:1bil+i:ty pos n. intelligibleness sub head intelligible or intelligibility syl in+1tel+li+gi:ble+ness pos n. intelligibly sub head intelligible syl in+1tel+li+gi:bly pos adv. Intelsat 0. syl In+tel+sat pron <1intel2s@t> pos n. def any of four series of communications satellites operated by the International Telecommunications Satellite Consortium. intemerate ety C15: from Latin intemer*_atus undefiled, pure, from {#7in -%1}#7+ temer*_are to darken, violate, from temere rashly intemerate 0. syl in+tem+er+ate pron pos adj. qual Rare. def not defiled; pure; unsullied. intemerately sub head intemerate syl in+1tem+er+ate+ly pos adv. intemerateness sub head intemerate syl in+1tem+er+ate+ness pos n. intemperate 1. syl in+tem+per+ate pron , <-prit> pos adj. def consuming alcoholic drink habitually or to excess. intemperate 2. syl in+tem+per+ate pron , <-prit> pos adj. def indulging bodily appetites to excess; immoderate. intemperate 3. syl in+tem+per+ate pron , <-prit> pos adj. def unrestrained. exam 1 intemperate rage. intemperate 4. syl in+tem+per+ate pron , <-prit> pos adj. def extreme or severe. exam 1 an intemperate climate. intend ety C14: from Latin intendere to stretch forth, give one's attention to, from tendere to stretch intend 1. syl in+tend pron pos vb. usage may take a clause as object def to propose or plan (something or to do something); have in mind; mean. intend 2. syl in+tend pron pos vb. mod tr. usage often foll. by for def to design or destine (for a certain purpose, person, etc.). exam 1 that shot was intended for the President. intend 3. syl in+tend pron pos vb. mod tr. def to mean to express or indicate. exam 1 what do his words intend?? intend 4. syl in+tend pron pos vb. mod intr. def to have a purpose as specified; mean. exam 1 he intends well. intend 5. syl in+tend pron pos vb. mod tr. qual Archaic. def to direct or turn (the attention, eyes, etc.). intender sub head intend syl in+1tend+er pos n. intendance 1. syl in+tend+ance pron pos n. def any of various public departments, esp. in France. intendance 2. syl in+tend+ance pron pos n. def a less common word for {superintend?!ence}. intendancy 1. syl in+tend+an+cy pron pos n. def the position or work of an intendant. intendancy 2. syl in+tend+an+cy pron pos n. def intendants collectively. intendancy 3. syl in+tend+an+cy pron pos n. qual History. def the district or area administered by an intendant. intendant 1. syl in+tend+ant pron pos n. qual History. def a provincial or colonial official of France, Spain, or Portugal. intendant 2. syl in+tend+ant pron pos n. def a senior administrator in some countries, esp. in Latin America. intendant 3. syl in+tend+ant pron pos n. def a superintendent or manager. intended 1. syl in+tend+ed pron pos adj. def planned or future. intended 2. syl in+tend+ed pron pos n. qual Informal. def a person whom one is to marry; fianc*'e or fianc*'ee. intendment 1. syl in+tend+ment pron pos n. def the meaning of something as fixed or understood by the law. intendment 2. syl in+tend+ment pron pos n. qual Obsolete. def intention, design, or purpose. intenerate ety C16: from #7in -%2#7+ Latin tener delicate, {#7tender %1} intenerate 0. syl in+ten+er+ate pron pos vb. mod tr. qual Rare. def to soften or make tender. inteneration sub head intenerate syl in+2ten+er:1a+tion pos n. intens 1. syl intens. qual abbrev. for: def intensifier. intens 2. syl intens. qual abbrev. for: def intensive. intense ety C14: from Latin intensus stretched, from intendere to stretch out; see #7intend intense 1. syl in+tense pron pos adj. def of extreme force, strength, degree, or amount. exam 1 intense heat. intense 2. syl in+tense pron pos adj. def characterized by deep or forceful feelings. exam 1 an intense person. intensely sub head intense syl in+1tense+ly pos adv. intenseness sub head intense syl in+1tense+ness pos n. intensifier 1. syl in+ten+si+fi+er pron pos n. def a person or thing that intensifies. intensifier 2. syl in+ten+si+fi+er pron pos n. def a word, esp. an adjective or adverb, that has little semantic content of its own but that serves to intensify the meaning of the word or phrase that it modifies. exam 1 awfully intensifier 3. syl in+ten+si+fi+er pron pos n. def a substance, esp. one containing silver or uranium, used to increase the density of a photographic film or plate. Compare { {reducer} (sense 1)}. intensifies infl head intensify syl in+ten+si+fies pos vb. intensifying infl head intensify syl in+ten+si+fy+ing pos vb. intensified infl head intensify syl in+ten+si+fied. pos vb. intensify 1. syl in+ten+si+fy pron pos vb. def to make or become intense or more intense. intensify 2. syl in+ten+si+fy pron pos vb. mod tr. def to increase the density of (a photographic film or plate). intensification sub head intensify syl in+2ten+si+fi+1ca+tion pos n. intension 1. syl in+ten+sion pron pos n. qual Logic. def the set of characteristics, attributes, or properties that distinguish the referent or referents of a given word: thus, the intension of is the set containing the characteristics and Compare { {extension} (sense 11)}. intension 2. syl in+ten+sion pron pos n. def a rare word for {intensity, determination}, or {intensification}. intensional sub head intension syl in+1ten+sion+al pos adj. intensionally sub head intension syl in+1ten+sion+al+ly pos adv. intensities infl head intensity syl in+ten+si:ties. pos n. mod pl. intensity 1. syl in+ten+si:ty pron pos n. def the state or quality of being intense. intensity 2. syl in+ten+si:ty pron pos n. def extreme force, degree, or amount. intensity 3.a. syl in+ten+si:ty pron pos n. def a measure of field strength or of the energy transmitted by radiation. See {radiant intensity, luminous intensity}. intensity 3.b. syl in+ten+si:ty pron pos n. usage of sound in a specified direction def the average rate of flow of sound energy, usually in watts, for one period through unit area at right angles to the specified direction. Symbol. exam 1 I intensive 1. syl in+ten+sive pron pos adj. def of, relating to, or characterized by intensity. exam 1 intensive training. intensive 2. syl in+ten+sive pron pos adj. usage usually in combination def using one factor of production proportionately more than others, as specified. exam 1 capital-intensive; exam 2 labour-intensive. intensive 3. syl in+ten+sive pron pos adj. qual Agriculture. def involving or farmed using large amounts of capital or labour. Compare { {extensive} (sense 3)}. intensive 4. syl in+ten+sive pron pos adj. def denoting or relating to a grammatical intensifier. intensive 5. syl in+ten+sive pron pos adj. def denoting or belonging to a class of pronouns used to emphasize a noun or personal pronoun, such as in the sentence In English, intensive pronouns are identical in form with reflexive pro?!nouns. intensive 6. syl in+ten+sive pron pos adj. def of or relating to intension. intensive 7. syl in+ten+sive pron pos adj. qual Physics. def of or relating to a property, measurement, etc., that is independent of mass. Compare { {extensive} (sense 4)}. intensive 8. syl in+ten+sive pron pos n. def an intensifier or intensive pronoun or grammatical construction. intensively sub head intensive syl in+1ten+sive+ly pos adv. intensiveness sub head intensive syl in+1ten+sive+ness pos n. intensive care 0. syl in+ten+sive care pos n. def extensive and continual care and treatment provided for an acutely ill patient, usually in a specially designated section ({intensive care unit}) of a hospital. intent ety C13 (in the sense: intention): from Late Latin intentus aim, intent, from Latin: a stretching out; see #7intend intent 1. syl in+tent pron pos n. def something that is intended; aim; purpose; design. intent 2. syl in+tent pron pos n. def the act of intending. intent 3. syl in+tent pron pos n. qual Law. def the will or purpose with which one does an act. intent 4. syl in+tent pron pos n. def implicit meaning; connotation. to all intents and purposes 5. head intent syl to all intents and purposes. def for all practical purposes; virtually. intent 6. syl in+tent pron pos adj. def firmly fixed; determined; concentrated. exam 1 an intent look. intent 7. syl in+tent pron pos adj. usage postpositive; usually foll. by on or upon def having the fixed intention (of); directing one's mind or energy (to). exam 1 intent on committing a crime. intently sub head intent syl in+1tent+ly pos adv. intentness sub head intent syl in+1tent+ness pos n. intention 1. syl in+ten+tion pron pos n. def a purpose or goal; aim. exam 1 it is his intention to reform. intention 2. syl in+ten+tion pron pos n. def the act of intending. intention 3. syl in+ten+tion pron pos n. qual Law. def the resolve or design with which a person does or refrains from doing an act, a necessary ingredient of certain offences. intention 4. syl in+ten+tion pron pos n. qual Med. def a natural healing process, as by {first intention}, in which the edges of a wound cling together with no tissue between, or by {second intention}, in which the wound edges adhere with granulation tissue. intention 5. syl in+ten+tion pron pos n. mod usually; pl. def design or purpose with respect to a proposal of marriage (esp. in the phrase {honourable intentions}) . intention 6. syl in+ten+tion pron pos n. def an archaic word for {meaning} or {intentness}. intention 7. syl in+ten+tion pron pos n. def a less common spelling of {intension} (sense 1). intentional 1. syl in+ten+tion+al pron pos adj. def performed by or expressing intention; deliberate. intentional 2. syl in+ten+tion+al pron pos adj. def of or relating to intention or purpose. intentional 3.a. syl in+ten+tion+al pron pos adj. def of or relating to appearance or phenomenal being. intentional 3.b. syl in+ten+tion+al pron pos adj. def of or relating to the capacity of the mind to refer to different kinds of objects. intentionality sub head intentional syl in+2ten+tion+1al+i:ty pos n. intentionally sub head intentional syl in+1ten+tion+al+ly pos adv. inter ety C14: from Old French enterrer, from Latin {#7in -%2}#7+ terra earth inters infl head inter syl in+ters pos vb. mod tr. interring infl head inter syl in+ter+ring pos vb. mod tr. interred infl head inter syl in+terred. pos vb. mod tr. inter 0. syl in+ter pron pos vb. mod tr. def to place (a body, etc.) in the earth; bury, esp. with funeral rites. inter 0. syl inter. qual abbrev. for def intermediate. |&2395| inter- ety from Latin inter- 1. syl in:ter- pos prefix. def between or among. exam 1 international. inter- 2. syl in:ter- pos prefix. def together, mutually, or reciprocally. exam 1 interdependent; exam 2 interchange. interact 0. syl in:ter+act pron <2int*r1@kt> pos vb. mod intr. def to act on or in close relation with each other. interaction 1. syl in:ter+ac+tion pron <2int*r1@kS*n> pos n. def a mutual or reciprocal action or influence. interaction 2. syl in:ter+ac+tion pron <2int*r1@kS*n> pos n. qual Physics. def the transfer of energy between elementary particles, between a particle and a field, or between fields. See {strong interaction, electromagnetic interaction, gravitational interaction}, and {weak interaction}. interactional sub head interaction syl in:ter+1ac+tion+al pos adj. interactive 1. syl in:ter+ac+tive pron <2int*r1@ktiv> pos adj. def allowing or relating to continuous two-way transfer of information between a computer and its user. interactive 2. syl in:ter+ac+tive pron <2int*r1@ktiv> pos adj. usage of two or more persons, forces, etc. def acting upon or in close relation with each other; interacting. interactivity sub head interactive syl in:ter+ac+1tiv+i:ty pos n. inter alia 0. syl in+ter a:li:a pron Latin. <1int*r> <1Ali*> pos adv. def among other things. inter alios 0. syl in+ter a:li+os pron Latin. <1int*r> <1Ali*us> pos adv. def among other people. interatomic 0. syl in:ter+a:tom+ic pron <2int*r*1tomik> pos adj. def existing or occurring between or among atoms. Compare {intra-atomic}. interbedded 0. syl in:ter+bed+ded pron <2int*1bedid> pos adj. qual Geology. def occurring between beds, esp. (of laval rock) occurring between strata of a different origin. interbrain 0. syl in:ter+brain pron <1int*2brAn> pos n. qual Anatomy. def a nontechnical word for {diencephalon}. interbreeds infl head interbreed syl in:ter+breeds pos vb. interbreeding infl head interbreed syl in:ter+breed+ing pos vb. interbred infl head interbreed syl in:ter+bred. pos vb. interbreed 1. syl in:ter+breed pron <2int*1brEd> pos vb. def to breed within a single family or strain so as to produce particu?!lar characteristics in the offspring. interbreed 2. syl in:ter+breed pron <2int*1brEd> pos vb. def another term for { {crossbreed} (sense 1)}. intercalary ety C17: from Latin intercal*_arius; see #7intercalate &- @!in@.ter+ca+#!lar@.i+ly adv. intercalary 1. syl in:ter+ca+lar:y pron pos adj. usage of a day, month, etc. def inserted in the calendar. intercalary 2. syl in:ter+ca+lar:y pron pos adj. usage of a particular year def having one or more days inserted. intercalary 3. syl in:ter+ca+lar:y pron pos adj. def inserted, introduced, or interpolated. intercalate ety C17: from Latin intercal*_are to insert, proclaim that a day has been insert?!ed, from #7inter -#7+ cal*_are to proclaim intercalate 1. syl in:ter+ca+late pron pos vb. mod tr. def to insert (one or more days) into the calendar. intercalate 2. syl in:ter+ca+late pron pos vb. mod tr. def to interpolate or insert. intercalation sub head intercalate syl in:2ter+ca+1la+tion pos n. intercalative sub head intercalate syl in:1ter+ca+la+tive pos adj. intercede ety C16: from Latin interc*_edere to intervene, from #7inter -#7+ c*_edere to move intercede 1. syl in:ter+cede pron <2int*1sEd> pos vb. mod intr. usage often foll. by in def to come between parties or act as mediator or advocate. exam 1 to intercede in the strike. intercede 2. syl in:ter+cede pron <2int*1sEd> pos vb. mod intr. usage Roman history. of a tribune or other magistrate def to interpose a veto. interceder sub head intercede syl in:ter+1ced+er pos n. intercellular 0. syl in:ter+cel+lu+lar pron <2int*1seljul*> pos adj. qual Biology. def between or among cells. exam 1 intercellular fluid. intercept ety C16: from Latin intercipere to seize before arrival, from #7inter -#7+ capere to take intercept 1. syl in:ter+cept pron <2int*1sept> pos vb. mod tr. def to stop, deflect, or seize on the way from one place to another; prevent from arriving or proceeding. intercept 2. syl in:ter+cept pron <2int*1sept> pos vb. mod tr. qual Sport. def to seize or cut off (a pass) on its way from one opponent to another. intercept 3. syl in:ter+cept pron <2int*1sept> pos vb. mod tr. qual Maths. def to cut off, mark off, or bound (some part of a line, curve, plane, or surface). intercept 4.a. syl in:ter+cept pron <1int*2sept> pos n. mod tr. def a point at which two figures intersect. intercept 4.b. syl in:ter+cept pron <1int*2sept> pos n. mod tr. def the distance from the origin to the point at which a line, curve, or surface cuts a coordinate axis. intercept 4.c. syl in:ter+cept pron <1int*2sept> pos n. mod tr. def an intercepted segment. intercept 5. syl in:ter+cept pron <1int*2sept> pos n. mod tr. qual Sport, U.S. def the act of intercepting an opponent's pass. interception sub head intercept syl in:ter+1cep+tion pos n. interceptive sub head intercept syl in:ter+1cep+tive pos adj. intercepter alt head interceptor or interceptor syl in:ter+cept+er pron <2int*1sept*> pos n. interceptor 1. or intercepter syl in:ter+cep+tor pron <2int*1sept*> pos n. def a person or thing that intercepts. interceptor 2. or intercepter syl in:ter+cep+tor pron <2int*1sept*> pos n. def a fast highly manoeuvrable fighter aircraft used to intercept enemy aircraft. intercession ety C16: from Latin intercessio; see #7intercede &- @!in@.ter+#!ces+sion+al or @!in@.ter+#!ces+so@.ry adj. &- @!in@.ter+#!ces+sor n. &- @!in@.ter+ces+#!so+ri+al adj. intercession 1. syl in:ter+ces+sion pron <2int*1seS*n> pos n. def the act or an instance of interceding. intercession 2. syl in:ter+ces+sion pron <2int*1seS*n> pos n. def the act of interceding or offering petitionary prayer to God on behalf of others. intercession 3. syl in:ter+ces+sion pron <2int*1seS*n> pos n. def such petitionary prayer. intercession 4. syl in:ter+ces+sion pron <2int*1seS*n> pos n. qual Roman history. def the interposing of a veto by a tribune or other magistrate. interchange 1. syl in:ter+change pron <2int*1CAnJ> pos vb. def to change places or cause to change places; alternate; exchange; switch. {~} (#!$Int$$@!t#se$Ind#f). interchange 2. syl in:ter+change pron <2int*1CAnJ> pos vb. def the act of interchanging; exchange or alternation. interchange 3. syl in:ter+change pron <2int*1CAnJ> pos vb. def a motorway junction of interconnecting roads and bridges designed to prevent streams of traffic crossing one another. interchangeable sub head interchange syl in:ter+1change+a:ble pos adj. interchangeability sub head interchange or interchangeableness syl in:ter+2change+a:1bil+i:ty pos n. interchangeableness sub head interchange or interchangeability syl in:ter+1change+a:ble+ness pos n. interchangeably sub head interchange syl in:ter+1change+a:bly pos adv. interclavicle 0. syl in:ter+clav:i+cle pron <2int*1kl@vikL> pos n. def a membrane bone between and beneath the clavicles, present in some fossil amphibians, all reptiles except snakes, and monotremes. interclavicular sub head interclavicle syl in:ter+cla+vic:u+lar pron <2int*kl*1vikjul*> pos adj. intercolumniation ety C17: from Latin intercolumnium space between two columns intercolumniation 1. syl in:ter+co+lum+ni:a+tion pron <2int*k*2l^mni1AS*n> pos n. qual Architect. def the horizontal distance between two adjacent columns. intercolumniation 2. syl in:ter+co+lum+ni:a+tion pron <2int*k*2l^mni1AS*n> pos n. qual Architect. def the system of spacing for a set of columns. intercolumnar sub head intercolumniation syl in:ter+co+1lum+nar pos adj. intercom ety C20: short for #7intercommunication intercom 0. syl in:ter+com pron <1int*2kom> pos n. qual Informal. def an internal telephone system for communicating within a building, aircraft, etc. intercommunicate 1. syl in:ter+com+mu+ni+cate pron <2int*k*1mju:ni2kAt> pos vb. mod intr. def to communicate mutually. intercommunicate 2. syl in:ter+com+mu+ni+cate pron <2int*k*1mju:ni2kAt> pos vb. mod intr. def to interconnect, as two rooms, etc. intercommunicable sub head intercommunicate syl in:ter+com+1mu+ni+ca:ble pos adj. intercommunicability sub head intercommunicate syl in:ter+com+2mu+ni+ca:1bil+i:ty pos n. intercommunication sub head intercommunicate syl in:ter+com+2mu+ni+1ca+tion pos n. intercommunicative sub head intercommunicate syl in:ter+com+1mu+ni+ca+tive pos adj. intercommunicator sub head intercommunicate syl in:ter+com+1mu+ni+2ca+tor pos n. intercommunion 0. syl in:ter+com+mun+ion pron <2int*k*1mju:nj*n> pos n. def association between Churches, involving esp. mutual reception of Holy Communion. intercontinental ballistic missile 0. syl in:ter+con+ti+nen+tal bal+lis+tic mis+sile pron <2int*2konti1nentL> pos n. def a missile that follows a ballistic trajectory and has the range to carry a nuclear bomb between continents. Abbrev.: {ICBM} intercostal ety C16: via New Latin from Latin #7inter -#7+ costa rib intercostal 0. syl in:ter+cos+tal pron <2int*1kostL> pos adj. qual Anatomy. def between the ribs. exam 1 intercostal muscles. intercourse ety C15: from Medieval Latin intercursus business, from Latin intercurrere to run between, from currere to run intercourse 1. syl in:ter+course pron <1int*2kc:s> pos n. def communication or exchange between individuals; mutual dealings. intercourse 2. syl in:ter+course pron <1int*2kc:s> pos n. def See {sexual intercourse}. intercrop 1. syl in:ter+crop pron <2int*1krop> pos n. def a crop grown between the rows of another crop. intercrops infl head intercrop syl in:ter+crops pos vb. intercropping infl head intercrop syl in:ter+crop+ping pos vb. intercropped infl head intercrop syl in:ter+cropped. pos vb. intercrop 2. syl in:ter+crop pron <2int*1krop> pos vb. def to grow (one crop) between the rows of (another). intercross 0. syl in:ter+cross pron <2int*1kros> pos vb. n. def another word for {crossbreed}. intercurrent 1. syl in:ter+cur+rent pron <2int*1k^r*nt> pos adj. def occurring during or in between; intervening. intercurrent 2. syl in:ter+cur+rent pron <2int*1k^r*nt> pos adj. usage Pathol. of a disease def occurring during the course of another disease. intercurrence sub head intercurrent syl in:ter+1cur+rence pos n. intercurrently sub head intercurrent syl in:ter+1cur+rent+ly pos adv. intercuts infl head intercut syl in:ter+cuts pos vb. intercutting infl head intercut syl in:ter+cut+ting pos vb. intercut infl syl in:ter+cut. pos vb. intercut 0. syl in:ter+cut pron <2int*1k^t> pos vb. qual Films. def another word for {crosscut}. interdental 1. syl in:ter+den+tal pron <2int*1dentL> pos adj. def situated between teeth. interdental 2. syl in:ter+den+tal pron <2int*1dentL> pos adj. usage Phonetics. of a consonant def pronounced with the tip of the tongue lying between the upper and lower front teeth, as for the sounds in English and interdentally sub head interdental syl in:ter+1den+tal+ly pos adv. interdict ety C13: from Latin interdictum prohibition, from interd*_icere to forbid, from #7inter -+ d*_icere to say interdict 1. syl in:ter+dict pron <1int*2dikt>, <-2dIt> pos n. qual R.C. Church. def the exclusion of a person or all persons in a particular place from certain sacraments and other benefits, although not from communion. interdict 2. syl in:ter+dict pron <1int*2dikt>, <-2dIt> pos n. qual Civil law. def any order made by a court or official prohibiting an act. interdict 3. syl in:ter+dict pron <1int*2dikt>, <-2dIt> pos n. qual Scot. law. def an order having the effect of an injunction. interdict 4.a. syl in:ter+dict pron <1int*2dikt>, <-2dIt> pos n. def an order of a praetor command?!ing or forbidding an act. interdict 4.b. syl in:ter+dict pron <1int*2dikt>, <-2dIt> pos n. def the procedure by which this order was sought. interdict 5. syl in:ter+dict pron <2int*1dikt>, <-1dIt> pos vb. mod tr. def to place under legal or ecclesiastical sanction; prohibit; forbid. interdict 6. syl in:ter+dict pron <2int*1dikt>, <-1dIt> pos vb. mod tr. qual Military. def to destroy (an enemy's lines of communication) by firepower. interdictive sub head interdict or interdictory syl in:ter+1dic+tive pos adj. interdictory sub head interdict or interdictive syl in:ter+1dic+to:ry pos adj. interdictively sub head interdict syl in:ter+1dic+tive+ly pos adv. interdictor sub head interdict syl in:ter+1dic+tor pos n. interdiction 1. syl in:ter+dic+tion pron <2int*1dikS*n> pos n. def the act of interdicting or state of being interdicted. interdiction 2. syl in:ter+dic+tion pron <2int*1dikS*n> pos n. def an interdict. interdict list 0. syl in:ter+dict list pos n. def another name for {Indian list}. interdigitate ety C19: from #7inter -+Latin digitus (see #7digit) + -#7ate %1 interdigitate 0. syl in:ter+dig:i+tate pron <2int*1diJi2tAt> pos vb. mod intr. def to interlock like the fingers of clasped hands. interdisciplinary 0. syl in:ter+dis+ci+pli+nar:y pron <2int*1disiplin*ri> pos adj. def involving two or more academic disciplines. interest ety C15: from Latin: it concerns, from interesse; from #7inter -#7+ esse to be interest 1. syl in+ter+est pron <1intrist>, <-t*rist> pos n. def the sense of curiosity about or concern with something or someone. interest 2. syl in+ter+est pron <1intrist>, <-t*rist> pos n. def the power of stimulating such a sense. exam 1 to have great interest. interest 3. syl in+ter+est pron <1intrist>, <-t*rist> pos n. def the quality of such stimulation. interest 4. syl in+ter+est pron <1intrist>, <-t*rist> pos n. def something in which one is interested; a hobby or pursuit. interest 5. syl in+ter+est pron <1intrist>, <-t*rist> pos n. mod often; pl. def benefit; advantage. exam 1 in one's own interest. interest 6.a. syl in+ter+est pron <1intrist>, <-t*rist> pos n. def a right, share, or claim, esp. in a business or property. interest 6.b. syl in+ter+est pron <1intrist>, <-t*rist> pos n. def the business, property, etc., in which a person has such concern. interest 7.a. syl in+ter+est pron <1intrist>, <-t*rist> pos n. def a charge for the use of credit or borrowed money. interest 7.b. syl in+ter+est pron <1intrist>, <-t*rist> pos n. def such a charge expressed as a percentage per time unit of the sum borrowed or used. interest 8. syl in+ter+est pron <1intrist>, <-t*rist> pos n. mod often; pl. def a section of a community, etc., whose members have common aims. exam 1 we must not offend the landed interest. declare an interest 9. head interest syl declare an interest. def to make known one's connection, esp. a prejudicial connection, with an affair. interest 10. syl in+ter+est pron <1intrist>, <-t*rist> pos vb. mod tr. def to arouse or excite the curiosity or concern of. interest 11. syl in+ter+est pron <1intrist>, <-t*rist> pos vb. mod tr. def to cause to become involved in something; concern. interested 1. syl in+ter+est+ed pron <1intristid>, <-t*ris-> pos adj. def showing or having interest. interested 2. syl in+ter+est+ed pron <1intristid>, <-t*ris-> pos adj. usage usually prenominal def personally involved or implicated. exam 1 the interested parties met to discuss the business. interestedly sub head interested syl in+ter+est+ed+ly pos adv. interestedness sub head interested syl in+ter+est+ed+ness pos n. interesting 0. syl in+ter+est+ing pron <1intristiG>, <-t*ris-> pos adj. def inspiring interest; absorb?!ing. interestingly sub head interesting syl 1in+ter+est+ing+ly pos adv. interestingness sub head interesting syl 1in+ter+est+ing+ness pos n. interface 1. syl in:ter+face pron <1int*2fAs> pos n. qual Physical chem. def a surface that forms the boundary between two bodies, liquids, or chemical phases. interface 2. syl in:ter+face pron <1int*2fAs> pos n. def a common point or boundary between two things, subjects, etc. interface 3. syl in:ter+face pron <1int*2fAs> pos n. def an electrical circuit linking one device, esp. a computer, with another. &- {in@.ter+fa+cial} (@!$Int$$#!fe$I#s$$l) &- {@!in@.ter+#!fa+cial+ly} interfacing 1. syl in:ter+fac+ing pron <1int*2fAsiG> pos n. def a piece of fabric sewn beneath the facing of a garment, usually at the inside of the neck, armholes, etc., to give shape and firmness. interfacing 2. syl in:ter+fac+ing pron <1int*2fAsiG> pos n. def another name for {interlining}. interfere ety C16: from Old French s'entreferir to collide, from entre- #7inter -#7+ ferir to strike, from Latin fer*_ire interfere 1. syl in:ter+fere pron <2int*1fi*> pos vb. mod intr. usage often foll. by in def to interpose, esp. meddlesomely or unwarrantedly; intervene. interfere 2. syl in:ter+fere pron <2int*1fi*> pos vb. mod intr. usage often foll. by with def to come between or in opposition; hinder; obstruct. interfere 3. syl in:ter+fere pron <2int*1fi*> pos vb. mod intr. qual Euphemistic. usage foll. by with def to assault sexually. interfere 4. syl in:ter+fere pron <2int*1fi*> pos vb. mod intr. def to strike one against the other, as a horse's legs. interfere 5. syl in:ter+fere pron <2int*1fi*> pos vb. mod intr. qual Physics. def to cause or produce interference. interferer sub head interfere syl in:ter+1fer+er pos n. interferingly sub head interfere syl in:ter+1fer+ing+ly pos adv. interference 1. syl in:ter+fer+ence pron <2int*1fi*r*ns> pos n. def the act or an instance of interfering. interference 2. syl in:ter+fer+ence pron <2int*1fi*r*ns> pos n. qual Physics. def the process in which two or more waves of the same frequency and phase combine to form a resultant wave in which the displacement at any point is the vector sum of the displacements of the individual waves. A series of stationary nodes or antinodes, known as {interference patterns}, are formed. interference 3. syl in:ter+fer+ence pron <2int*1fi*r*ns> pos n. def Also called: {radio interference}. any undesired signal that tends to interfere with the reception of radio waves. interferential sub head interference syl in:ter+fe:ren+tial pron <2int*f*1renS*l> pos adj. interferometer 1. syl in:ter+fer+om+e:ter pron <2int*f*1romit*> pos n. qual Physics. def any acoustic, optical, or microwave instrument that uses interference patterns or fringes to make accurate measurements of wavelength, wave velocity, distance, etc. interferometer 2. syl in:ter+fer+om+e:ter pron <2int*f*1romit*> pos n. qual Astronomy. def a radio telescope consisting of two or more radio antennas separated by a known distance and connected to the same receiver so that radio waves from a source in space undergo interference, enabling the position of the source to be accurately determined. interferometric sub head interferometer syl in:ter+fer:o+met+ric pron <2int*2fer*1metrik> pos adj. interferometrically sub head interferometer syl in:ter+2fer:o+1met+ri+cal+ly pos adv. interferometry sub head interferometer syl in:ter+fer+1om+e:try pos n. interferon ety C20: from #7interfere+ -#7on interferon 0. syl in:ter+fer+on pron <2int*1fi*ron> pos n. qual Biochem. def a protein produced by virus-invaded cells to inhibit the replication of the virus. interfertile 0. syl in:ter+fer+tile pron <2int*1fR:tIl> pos adj. usage of plants and animals def able to interbreed. interfertility sub head interfertile syl in:ter+fer+1til+i:ty pos n. interfile 1. syl in:ter+file pron <2int*1fIl> pos vb. mod tr. def to place (one or more items) among other items in a file or arrangement. interfile 2. syl in:ter+file pron <2int*1fIl> pos vb. mod tr. def to combine (two or more sets of items) in one file or arrangement. interflow 0. syl in:ter+flow pron <2int*1fl*u> pos vb. mod intr. def to flow together; merge. interfluent ety C17: from Latin interfluere, from #7inter -+ fluere to flow interfluent 0. syl in:ter+flu+ent pron pos adj. def flowing together; merging. interfluve ety C20: back formation from interfluvial, from #7inter -#7+ Latin fluvius river interfluve 0. syl in:ter+fluve pron <1int*2flu:v> pos n. def a ridge or area of land dividing two river valleys. interfluvial sub head interfluve syl in:ter+1flu+vi:al pos adj. interfuse 1. syl in:ter+fuse pron <2int*1fju:z> pos vb. def to diffuse or mix throughout or become so diffused or mixed; intermingle. interfuse 2. syl in:ter+fuse pron <2int*1fju:z> pos vb. def to blend or fuse or become blended or fused. interfusion sub head interfuse syl in:ter+1fu+sion pos n. interglacial 1. syl in:ter+gla+ci:al pron <2int*1glAsi*l> pos adj. def occurring or formed between periods of glacial action. interglacial 2. syl in:ter+gla+ci:al pron <2int*1glAsi*l> pos n. def a period of comparatively warm climate between two glaciations, esp. of the Pleistocene epoch. intergrade 1. syl in:ter+grade pron <2int*1grAd> pos vb. mod intr. usage esp. of biological species, etc. def to merge one into another. intergrade 2. syl in:ter+grade pron <1int*2grAd> pos n. def an intermediate stage or form. intergradation sub head intergrade syl in:ter+gra+1da+tion pos n. intergradational sub head intergrade syl in:ter+gra+1da+tion+al pos adj. intergradient sub head intergrade syl in:ter+1gra+di+ent pos adj. interim ety C16: from Latin: meanwhile interim 1. syl in+ter+im pron <1int*rim> pos adj. usage prenominal def temporary, provisional, or intervening. exam 1 interim measures to deal with the emergency. interim 2. syl in+ter+im pron <1int*rim> pos n. usage usually preceded by the def the intervening time; the meantime (esp. in the phrase {in the interim}) . {~} interim 3. syl in+ter+im pron <1int*rim> pos n. qual Rare. def meantime. Interim 0. syl In+ter+im pron <1int*rim> pos n. def any of three provisional arrangements made during the Reformation by the German emperor and Diet to regulate religious differences between Roman Catholics and Protestants. interior ety C15: from Latin (adj.), comparative of inter within interior 1. syl in+te+ri+or pron pos n. def a part, surface, or region that is inside or on the inside. exam 1 the interior of Africa. interior 2. syl in+te+ri+or pron pos n. def inner character or nature. interior 3. syl in+te+ri+or pron pos n. def a film or scene shot inside a building, studio, etc. interior 4. syl in+te+ri+or pron pos n. def a picture of the inside of a room or building, as in a painting or stage design. interior 5. syl in+te+ri+or pron pos n. def the inside of a building or room, with respect to design and decoration. interior 6. syl in+te+ri+or pron pos adj. def of, situated on, or suitable for the inside; inner. interior 7. syl in+te+ri+or pron pos adj. def coming or acting from within; internal. interior 8. syl in+te+ri+or pron pos adj. def of or involving a nation's domestic affairs; internal. interior 9. syl in+te+ri+or pron pos adj. usage esp. of one's spiritual or mental life def secret or private; not observable. interiorly sub head interior syl in+1te+ri+or+ly pos adv. Interior 0. syl In+te+ri+or pron pos n. usage in titles; usually preceded by the def the domestic or internal affairs of any of certain countries. exam 1 Department of the Interior. interior angle 1. syl in+te+ri+or an+gle pos n. def an angle of a polygon contained between two adjacent sides. interior angle 2. syl in+te+ri+or an+gle pos n. def any of the four angles made by a transversal that lie inside the region between the two intersected lines. interior decoration 1. syl in+te+ri+or dec:o+ra+tion pos n. def the colours, furniture, etc., of the interior of a house, etc. interior decoration 2. syl in+te+ri+or dec:o+ra+tion pos n. def Also called: {interior design}. the art or business of an interior decorator. interior decorator 1. syl in+te+ri+or dec:o+ra+tor pos n. def Also called: {interior designer}. a person whose profession is the planning of the decoration and furnishings of the interior of houses, etc. interior decorator 2. syl in+te+ri+or dec:o+ra+tor pos n. def a person whose profession is the painting and wallpapering of houses. interiorise alt head interiorize or interiorize syl in+te+ri+or+ise pron pos vb. mod tr. interiorize 0. or interiorise syl in+te+ri+or+ize pron pos vb. mod tr. def another word for {internalize}. interior monologue 0. syl in+te+ri+or mon:o+logue pos n. def a literary attempt to present the mental processes of a character before they are formed into regular patterns of speech or logical sequence. See also {stream of consciousness}. interior-sprung 0. syl in:te:ri:or-sprung pos adj. usage esp. of a mattress def containing springs. interj 0. syl interj. qual abbrev. for def interjection. interjacent ety C16: from Latin interjac*_ent-, from interjac*_ere, from #7inter -+ jac*_ere to lie interjacent 0. syl in:ter+ja+cent pron <2int*2JAsNt> pos adj. def located in between; intervening. interject ety C16: from Latin interjicere to place between, from jacere to throw interject 1. syl in:ter+ject pron <2int*1Jekt> pos vb. mod tr. def to interpose abruptly or sharply; interrupt with; throw in. exam 1 she interjected clever remarks. interject 2. syl in:ter+ject pron <2int*1Jekt> pos vb. mod tr. qual Archaic. def to come between; interpose. interjector sub head interject syl in:ter+1jec+tor pos n. interjection 1. syl in:ter+jec+tion pron <2int*1JekS*n> pos n. def a word or remark express?!ing emotion; exclamation. interjection 2. syl in:ter+jec+tion pron <2int*1JekS*n> pos n. def the act of interjecting. interjection 3. syl in:ter+jec+tion pron <2int*1JekS*n> pos n. def a word or phrase that is characteristically used in syntactic isolation and that usually expresses sudden emotion; expletive. Abbrev.: {interj}. interjectional sub head interjection syl in:ter+1jec+tion+al pos adj. interjectory sub head interjection or interjectural syl in:ter+1jec+to:ry pos adj. interjectural sub head interjection or interjectory syl in:ter+1jec+tur+al pos adj. interjectionally sub head interjection syl in:ter+1jec+tion+al+ly pos adv. interlace 1. syl in:ter+lace pron <2int*1lAs> pos vb. def to join together (patterns, fingers, etc.) by crossing, as if woven; intertwine. interlace 2. syl in:ter+lace pron <2int*1lAs> pos vb. mod tr. def to mingle or blend in an intricate way. interlace 3. syl in:ter+lace pron <2int*1lAs> pos vb. mod tr. usage usually foll. by with def to change the pattern of; diversify; intersperse. exam 1 to interlace a speech with humour. interlacedly sub head interlace syl in:ter+lac+ed+ly pron <2int*1lAsidli> pos adv. interlacement sub head interlace syl in:ter+1lace+ment pos n. interlaced scanning 0. syl in:ter+laced scan+ning pos n. def a system of scanning a television picture using one or more electron beams, first along the even-numbered lines, then along the odd-numbered lines, in one complete scan. Interlaken 0. syl In+ter+la+ken pron <1int*2la:k*n> pos n. def a town and resort in central Switzerland, situated between Lakes Brienz and Thun on the River Aar. Pop.: 4735 (1970). interlaminate 0. syl in:ter+lam:i+nate pron <2int*1l@mi2nAt> pos vb. mod tr. def to place, stick, or insert (a sheet, layer, etc.) between (other layers). interlaminar sub head interlaminate syl in:ter+1lam:i+nar pos adj. interlamination sub head interlaminate syl in:ter+2lam:i+1na+tion pos n. interlaps infl head interlap syl in:ter+laps pos vb. interlapping infl head interlap syl in:ter+lap+ping pos vb. interlapped infl head interlap syl in:ter+lapped. pos vb. interlap 0. syl in:ter+lap pron <2int*1l@p> pos vb. def a less common word for {overlap}. interlard 1. syl in:ter+lard pron <2int*1la:d> pos vb. mod tr. def to scatter thickly in or between; intersperse. exam 1 to interlard one's writing with foreign phrases. interlard 2. syl in:ter+lard pron <2int*1la:d> pos vb. mod tr. def to occur frequently in; be scattered in or through. exam 1 foreign phrases interlard his writings. interlays infl head interlay syl in:ter+lays pos vb. interlaying infl head interlay syl in:ter+lay+ing pos vb. interlaid infl head interlay syl in:ter+laid. pos vb. interlay 1. syl in:ter+lay pron <2int*1lA> pos vb. mod tr. def to insert (layers) between; interpose. exam 1 to interlay gold among the silver; exam 2 to interlay the silver with gold. interlay 2. syl in:ter+lay pron <2int*1lA> pos vb. def material, such as paper, placed between a printing plate and its base, either all over in order to bring it up to type height, or in places in order to achieve the correct printing pressure all over the plate. interleaves infl head interleaf syl in:ter+leaves. pos n. mod pl. interleaf 0. syl in:ter+leaf pron <1int*2lEf> pos n. def a blank leaf inserted between the leaves of a book. interleave 1. syl in:ter+leave pron <2int*1lEv> pos vb. mod tr. usage often foll. by with def to intersperse (with), esp. alternately, as the illustrations in a book (with protective leaves). interleave 2. syl in:ter+leave pron <2int*1lEv> pos vb. mod tr. def to provide (a book) with blank leaves for notes, etc., or to protect illustrations. interlibrary loan 1. syl in:ter+li+brar:y loan pos n. def a system by which libraries borrow publications from other libraries. interlibrary loan 2.a. syl in:ter+li+brar:y loan pos n. def an instance of such borrowing. interlibrary loan 2.b. syl in:ter+li+brar:y loan pos n. def a publication so borrowed. interlineate alt head interline or interline syl in:ter+lin+e:ate pron <2int*1lIn>, <2int*1lini2At>, <2int*1lini2At> pos vb. mod tr. interline H1.0. or interlineate syl in:ter+line pron <2int*1lIn>, <2int*1lini2At>, <2int*1lini2At> pos vb. mod tr. def to write or print (matter) between the lines of (a text, book, etc.). interlining sub head interline or interlineation syl in:ter+2lin+ing pos n. interlineation sub head interline or interlining syl in:ter+2lin:e+1a:tion pos n. interline H2.0. syl in:ter+line pron <2int*1lIn> pos vb. mod tr. def to provide (a part of a garment, such as a collar or cuff) with a second lining, esp. of stiffened material. interliner sub head interline syl in:ter+2lin+er pos n. interlineal alt head interlinear or interlinear syl in:ter+lin+e:al pos adj. interlinear 1. or interlineal syl in:ter+lin+e:ar pron <2int*1lini*> pos adj. def written or printed between lines of text. interlinear 2. or interlineal syl in:ter+lin+e:ar pron <2int*1lini*> pos adj. def written or printed with the text in different languages or versions on alternate lines. interlinearly sub head interlinear or interlineally syl in:ter+1lin+e:ar+ly pos adv. interlineally sub head interlinear or interlinearly syl in:ter+1lin+e:al+ly pos adv. Interlingua ety C20: from Italian, from #7inter -#7+ lingua language Interlingua 0. syl In:ter+lin+gua pron <2int*1liGgw*> pos n. def an artificial language based on words common to English and the Romance languages. interlining 0. syl in:ter+lin+ing pron <1int*2lIniG> pos n. def the material used to interline parts of garments, now often made of reinforced paper. interlock 1. syl in:ter+lock pron <2int*1lok> pos vb. def to join or be joined firmly, as by a mutual interconnection of parts. interlock 2. syl in:ter+lock pron <1int*2lok> pos n. def the act of interlocking or the state of being interlocked. interlock 3. syl in:ter+lock pron <1int*2lok> pos n. def a device, esp. one operated electromechanically, used in a logic circuit to prevent an activity being initiated unless preceded by certain events. interlocker sub head interlock syl in:ter+2lock+er pos n. interlocking directorates 0. syl in:ter+lock+ing di+rec+tor+ates pos n. mod pl. def boards of directors of different companies having sufficient members in common to ensure that the companies involved are under the same control. interlocution 0. syl in:ter+lo+cu+tion pron <2int*lo1kju:S*n> pos n. def conversation, discussion, or dialogue. interlocutor 1. syl in:ter+loc:u+tor pron <2int*1lokjut*> pos n. def a person who takes part in a conversation. interlocutor 2. syl in:ter+loc:u+tor pron <2int*1lokjut*> pos n. def Also called: {middleman}. the man in the centre of a troupe of minstrels who engages the others in talk or acts as announcer. &- {@!in@.ter+#!loc@.u+tress, @!in@.ter+#!loc@.u+trice}, {@!in@.ter+#!loc@.u+trix} interlocutory 1. syl in:ter+loc:u+to:ry pron <2int*1lokjut*ri>, <-tri> pos adj. qual Law. def pro?!nounced during the course of proceedings; provisional. exam 1 an interlocutory injunction. interlocutory 2. syl in:ter+loc:u+to:ry pron <2int*1lokjut*ri>, <-tri> pos adj. def interposed, as into a conversation, narrative, etc. interlocutory 3. syl in:ter+loc:u+to:ry pron <2int*1lokjut*ri>, <-tri> pos adj. def of, relating to, or characteristic of dialogue. &- {@!in@.ter+#!loc@.u+to+ri+ly} interlope ety C17: probably back formation from interloper, from #7inter -#7+ -loper, from Middle Dutch loopen to #7leap interlope 1. syl in:ter+lope pron <2int*1l*up> pos vb. mod intr. def to interfere; meddle. interlope 2. syl in:ter+lope pron <2int*1l*up> pos vb. mod intr. def to intercept another's trade, esp. illegally. interloper sub head interlope syl in:ter+2lop+er pos n. interlude ety C14: from Medieval Latin interl*_udium, from Latin #7inter -#7+ l*_udus play interlude 1. syl in:ter+lude pron <1int*2lu:d> pos n. def a period of time or different activity between longer periods, processes, or events; episode or interval. interlude 2. syl in:ter+lude pron <1int*2lu:d> pos n. qual Theatre. def a short dramatic piece played separately or as part of a longer entertainment, common in 16th-century England. interlude 3. syl in:ter+lude pron <1int*2lu:d> pos n. def a brief piece of music, dance, etc., given between the sections of another performance. interlunation 0. syl in:ter+lu+na+tion pron <2int*lu1nAS*n> pos n. def the monthly period during which the moon is invisible. See {new moon}. &- {@!in@.ter+#!lu+nar} intermarries infl head intermarry syl in:ter+mar+ries pos vb. mod intr. intermarrying infl head intermarry syl in:ter+mar+ry+ing pos vb. mod intr. intermarried infl head intermarry syl in:ter+mar+ried. pos vb. mod intr. intermarry 1. syl in:ter+mar+ry pron <2int*1m@ri> pos vb. mod intr. def to marry someone from another group, race, religion, creed, etc. intermarry 2. syl in:ter+mar+ry pron <2int*1m@ri> pos vb. mod intr. def to marry within one's own family, clan, group, etc. intermarriage sub head intermarry syl in:ter+1mar+riage pos n. intermediaries infl head intermediary syl in:ter+me:di+ar:ies. pos n. mod pl. intermediary 1. syl in:ter+me:di+ar:y pron <2int*1mEdi*ri> pos n. def a person who acts as a mediator or agent between parties. intermediary 2. syl in:ter+me:di+ar:y pron <2int*1mEdi*ri> pos n. def something that acts as a medium or means. intermediary 3. syl in:ter+me:di+ar:y pron <2int*1mEdi*ri> pos n. def an intermediate state or period. intermediary 4. syl in:ter+me:di+ar:y pron <2int*1mEdi*ri> pos adj. def acting as an intermediary. intermediary 5. syl in:ter+me:di+ar:y pron <2int*1mEdi*ri> pos adj. def situated, acting, or coming between; intermediate. intermediate ety C17: from Medieval Latin intermedi*_are to intervene, from Latin #7inter -#7+ medius middle intermediate 1. syl in:ter+me:di+ate pron <2int*1mEdiit> pos adj. def occurring or situated between two points, extremes, places, etc.; in between. intermediate 2. syl in:ter+me:di+ate pron <2int*1mEdiit> pos adj. usage Physics. of a neutron def having an energy between 100 and 100000 electronvolts. intermediate 3. syl in:ter+me:di+ate pron <2int*1mEdiit> pos n. def something intermediate. intermediate 4. syl in:ter+me:di+ate pron <2int*1mEdiit> pos n. def a substance formed during one of the stages of a chemical process before the desired product is obtained. {~} (@!$Int$$#!mi$:d$I@!e$It). intermediate 5. syl in:ter+me:di+ate pron <2int*1mEdiit> pos n. mod intr. def to act as an intermediary or mediator. intermediacy sub head intermediate or intermediateness syl in:ter+1me:di:a+cy pos n. intermediateness sub head intermediate or intermediacy syl in:ter+1me:di+ate+ness pos n. intermediator sub head intermediate syl in:ter+1me:di:2a+tor pos n. intermediate frequency 0. syl in:ter+me:di+ate fre+quen+cy pos n. qual Electronics. def the frequency to which the signal carrier frequency is changed in a super?!heterodyne receiver and at which most of the amplification takes place. intermediate host 0. syl in:ter+me:di+ate host pos n. def an animal that acts as host to a parasite that has not yet become sexually mature. intermediate range ballistic missile 0. syl in:ter+me:di+ate range bal+lis+tic mis+sile pos n. def a missile that follows a ballistic trajectory with a medium range, normally of the order of 750-1500 miles. Abbrev.: {IRBM} interment 0. syl in+ter+ment pron pos n. def burial, esp. with ceremonial rites. intermezzo ety C19: from Italian, from Late Latin intermedium interval; see #7intermediate intermezzos infl head intermezzo or intermezzi syl in:ter+mez+zos pron <-sE> pos n. mod pl. intermezzi infl head intermezzo or intermezzos syl in:ter+mez+zi pron <-sE> pos n. mod pl. intermezzo 1. syl in:ter+mez+zo pron <2int*1mets*u> pos n. def a short piece of instrumental music composed for performance between the acts or scenes of an opera, drama, etc. intermezzo 2. syl in:ter+mez+zo pron <2int*1mets*u> pos n. def an instrumental piece either inserted between two longer movements in an extended composition or intended for independent performance. intermezzo 3. syl in:ter+mez+zo pron <2int*1mets*u> pos n. def another name for {interlude} (sense 3). intermigration 0. syl in:ter+mi+gra+tion pron <2int*mI1grAS*n> pos n. def migration between two groups of people, animals, etc., resulting in an exchange of habitat. interminable 0. syl in+ter+mi+na:ble pron pos adj. def endless or seemingly endless because of monotony or tiresome length. &- {in+@!ter+mi+na@.#!bil+i@.ty} {in+#!ter+mi+na@.ble+ness} interminably sub head interminable syl in+1ter+mi+na:bly pos adv. intermission ety C16: from Latin intermissi*_o, from intermittere to leave off, #7intermit intermission 1. syl in:ter+mis+sion pron <2int*1miS*n> pos n. def an interval, as between parts of a film, etc. intermission 2. syl in:ter+mis+sion pron <2int*1miS*n> pos n. def a period between events or activities; pause. intermission 3. syl in:ter+mis+sion pron <2int*1miS*n> pos n. def the act of intermitting or the state of being intermitted. intermissive sub head intermission syl in+ter+1mis+sive pos adj. intermit ety C16: from Latin intermittere to leave off, from #7inter -#7+ mittere to send intermits infl head intermit syl in:ter+mits pos vb. intermitting infl head intermit syl in:ter+mit+ting pos vb. intermitted infl head intermit syl in:ter+mit+ted. pos vb. intermit 0. syl in:ter+mit pron <2int*1mit> pos vb. def to suspend or cause to suspend activity temporarily or at intervals. intermittingly sub head intermit syl in:ter+1mit+ting+ly pos adv. intermittor sub head intermit syl in:ter+1mit+tor pos n. intermittent 0. syl in:ter+mit+tent pron <2int*1mitNt> pos adj. def occurring occasionally or at regular or irregular intervals; periodic. intermittence sub head intermittent or intermittency syl in:ter+1mit+tence pos n. intermittency sub head intermittent or intermittence syl in:ter+1mit+ten+cy pos n. intermittently sub head intermittent syl in:ter+1mit+tent+ly pos adv. intermittent claudication 0. syl in:ter+mit+tent clau+di+ca+tion pos n. qual Pathol. def pain and cramp in the calf muscles, aggravated by walking and caused by an insufficient supply of blood. intermittent fever 0. syl in:ter+mit+tent fe+ver pos n. def any fever, such as malaria characterized by intervals of periodic remission. intermixture 1. syl in:ter+mix+ture pron <2int*1miksC*> pos n. def the act of intermixing or state of being intermixed. intermixture 2. syl in:ter+mix+ture pron <2int*1miksC*> pos n. def another word for {mixture}. intermixture 3. syl in:ter+mix+ture pron <2int*1miksC*> pos n. def an additional constituent or ingredient. intermolecular 0. syl in:ter+mo+lec:u+lar pron <2int*m*1lekjul*> pos adj. def occurring among or between molecules. intern ety C19: from Latin internus internal intern 1. syl in+tern pron pos vb. mod tr. def to detain or confine (foreign or enemy citizens, ships, etc.), esp. during wartime. intern 2. syl in+tern pron <1intR:n> pos vb. mod intr. qual Chiefly U.S. def to serve or train as an intern. {~} (#!$Int$z$:n). intern 3. syl in+tern pos vb. def another word for {internee}. intern 4. syl in+tern pos vb. def Also: {interne}. the approximate U.S. equivalent of a British {houseman. ~} ($In#!t$z$:n). intern 5. syl in+tern pos vb. def an archaic word for {internal}. internship sub head intern or interneship syl in+tern+2ship pos n. interneship sub head intern or internship syl in+terne+2ship pos n. internal ety C16: from Medieval Latin intern*_alis, from Late Latin internus inward internal 1. syl in+ter+nal pron pos adj. def of, situated on, or suitable for the inside; inner. internal 2. syl in+ter+nal pron pos adj. def coming or acting from within; interior. internal 3. syl in+ter+nal pron pos adj. def involving the spiritual or mental life; subjective. internal 4. syl in+ter+nal pron pos adj. def of or involving a nation's domestic as opposed to foreign affairs. internal 5. syl in+ter+nal pron pos adj. usage of examinations def set and marked within a school, college, or university rather than a public body. internal 6. syl in+ter+nal pron pos adj. def situated within, affecting, or relating to the inside of the body. internal 7. syl in+ter+nal pron pos n. qual Euphemistic. def a medical examination of the vagina or uterus. internality sub head internal or internalness syl in+ter+1nal+i:ty pos n. internalness sub head internal or internality syl in+1ter+nal+ness pos n. internally sub head internal syl in+1ter+nal+ly pos adv. internal-combustion engine 0. syl in+ter:nal-com:bus+tion en+gine pos n. def a heat engine, such as a petrol engine or gas turbine, in which combustion occurs within the engine rather than in an external furnace. internal ear 0. syl in+ter+nal ear pos n. def the part of the ear that consists of the cochlea, vestibule, and semicircular canals. Also called: {inner ear, labyrinth}. internal energy 0. syl in+ter+nal en+er+gy pos n. def the thermodynamic property of a system that changes by an amount equal to the work done on the system when it suffers an adiabatic change. It is the sum of the kinetic and potential energies of its constituent atoms, molecules, etc. Symbol. exam 1 U internalise alt head internalize or internalize syl in+ter+nal+ise pron pos vb. mod tr. internalize 0. or internalise syl in+ter+nal+ize pron pos vb. mod tr. qual Psychol., sociol. def to make internal, esp. to incorporate within oneself (values, attitudes, etc.) through learning or socialization. Compare {introject}. Also: {interiorize}. internalization sub head internalize or internalisation syl in+2ter+nal:i+1za+tion pos n. internalisation sub head internalize or internalization syl in+2ter+nal:i+1sa+tion pos n. internal medicine 0. syl in+ter+nal med:i+cine pos n. def the branch of medical science con?!cerned with the diagnosis and nonsurgical treatment of disorders of the internal structures of the body. internal rhyme 0. syl in+ter+nal rhyme pos n. qual Prosody. def rhyme that occurs between words within a verse line. internal secretion 0. syl in+ter+nal se+cre+tion pos n. qual Physiol. def a secretion, esp. a hormone, that is absorbed directly into the blood. internat 0. syl internat. qual abbrev. for def international. international 1. syl in:ter+na+tion+al pron <2int*1n@S*nL> pos adj. def of, concerning, or involving two or more nations or nationalities. international 2. syl in:ter+na+tion+al pron <2int*1n@S*nL> pos adj. def established by, controlling, or legislating for several nations. exam 1 an international court; exam 2 international fishing rights. international 3. syl in:ter+na+tion+al pron <2int*1n@S*nL> pos adj. def available for use by all nations. exam 1 international waters. international 4.a. syl in:ter+na+tion+al pron <2int*1n@S*nL> pos n. def a contest between two national teams. international 4.b. syl in:ter+na+tion+al pron <2int*1n@S*nL> pos n. def a member of these teams. internationality sub head international syl in:ter+2na+tion+1al+i:ty pos n. internationally sub head international syl in:ter+1na+tion+al+ly pos adv. International 1. syl In:ter+na+tion+al pron <2int*1n@S*nL> pos n. def any of several international socialist organizations. See {Comintern, First International, Labour and Socialist International, Second International, Socialist International, Trotskyist International, Vienna Union}. International 2. syl In:ter+na+tion+al pron <2int*1n@S*nL> pos n. def a member of any of these organizations. International Bank for Reconstruction and Development 0. syl In:ter+na+tion+al Bank for Re+con+struc+tion and De+vel+op+ment pos n. def the official name for the {World Bank}. international candle 0. syl in:ter+na+tion+al can+dle pos n. def a former international unit of luminous intensity, originally defined in terms of a standard candle and later in terms of a pentane-burning lamp. It has now been replaced by the candela. International Court of Justice 0. syl In:ter+na+tion+al Court of Jus+tice pos n. def a court established in the Hague to settle disputes brought by members of the United Nations. See also {World Court}. International Criminal Police Organization 0. syl In:ter+na+tion+al Crim:i+nal Po+lice Or+gan:i+za+tion pos n. def See {Interpol}. international date line 0. syl in:ter+na+tion+al date line pos n. def the line approximately following the 180?% meridian from Greenwich on the east side of which the date is one day earlier than on the west. Also called: {date line}. International Development Association 0. syl In:ter+na+tion+al De+vel+op+ment As+so+ci:a+tion pos n. def an organization set up in 1960 to provide low-interest loans to developing countries. It is part of the World Bank Group. Abbrev: {I.D.A}. Internationale ety C19: shortened from French chanson internationale international song the infl head Internationale syl the. pos n. Internationale 0. syl In:ter+na+tio+nale pron French. <*~eternasjc1nal> pos n. def a revolutionary socialist hymn, first sung in 1871 in France. International Finance Corporation 0. syl In:ter+na+tion+al Fi+nance Cor+po+ra+tion pos n. def an organiza?!tion that invests directly in private companies and makes or guarantees loans to private investors. It is affiliated to the World Bank and is part of the World Bank Group. Abbrev.: {I.F.C}. International Geophysical Year 0. syl In:ter+na+tion+al Ge:o+phys:i+cal Year pos n. def the 18-month period from July 1, 1957, to Dec. 31, 1958, during which a number of nations agreed to cooperate in a geophysical research programme. Abbrev.: {I.G.Y}. International Gothic 0. syl In:ter+na+tion+al Goth+ic pos n. def a style in art during the late 14th and early 15th centuries characterized by elegant stylization of illuminated manuscripts, mosaics, stained glass, etc., and by increased interest in secular themes. Major contributors were Simone Martini, Giotto, and Pisanello. International Grandmaster 0. syl In:ter+na+tion+al Grand+mas:ter pos n. qual Chess. def See { {grandmaster} (sense 2)}. internationalism 1. syl in:ter+na+tion+al+ism pron <2int*1n@S*n*2liz*m> pos n. def the ideal or practice of cooperation and understanding between nations. internationalism 2. syl in:ter+na+tion+al+ism pron <2int*1n@S*n*2liz*m> pos n. def the state or quality of being international. internationalist 1. syl in:ter+na+tion+al+ist pron <2int*1n@S*n*list> pos n. def an advocate of internationalism. internationalist 2. syl in:ter+na+tion+al+ist pron <2int*1n@S*n*list> pos n. def a person versed in international law. internationalist 3. syl in:ter+na+tion+al+ist pron <2int*1n@S*n*list> pos n. usage cap. def a member of an International. internationalise alt head internationalize or internationalize syl in:ter+na+tion+al+ise pron <2int*1n@S*n*2lIz> pos vb. mod tr. internationalize 1. or internationalise syl in:ter+na+tion+al+ize pron <2int*1n@S*n*2lIz> pos vb. mod tr. def to make international. internationalize 2. or internationalise syl in:ter+na+tion+al+ize pron <2int*1n@S*n*2lIz> pos vb. mod tr. def to put under international control. internationalization sub head internationalize or internationalisation syl in:ter+2na+tion+al:i+1za+tion pos n. internationalisation sub head internationalize or internationalization syl in:ter+2na+tion+al:i+1sa+tion pos n. International Labour Organization 0. syl In:ter+na+tion+al La+bour Or+gan:i+za+tion pos n. def an agency of the United Nations responsible for research and recommendations in the field of labour conditions and practices: founded in 1919 in affiliation to the League of Nations. Abbrev.: {I.L.O}. International Master 0. syl In:ter+na+tion+al Mas+ter pos n. qual Chess. def the second highest title awarded by the F.I.D.E. to a player: won by obtaining a certain number of points during specific international chess tourna?!ments. Often shortened to {master}. Compare { {grandmaster} (sense 2)}. International Monetary Fund 0. syl In:ter+na+tion+al Mon+e:tar:y Fund pos n. def an international financial institution organized in 1945 to promote international trade by increasing the exchange stability of the major currencies. A fund is maintained out of which member nations with temporary balance-of-payments deficits may make withdrawals. Abbrev.: {IMF} international Morse code 0. syl in:ter+na+tion+al Morse code pos n. def the full name for {Morse code}. international nautical mile 0. syl in:ter+na+tion+al nau+ti+cal mile pos n. def the full name for { {nautical mile} (sense 1)}. International Phonetic Alphabet 0. syl In:ter+na+tion+al Pho+net+ic Al+pha+bet pos n. def a series of signs and letters propagated by the Association Phon*'etique Internationale for the representation of human speech sounds. It is based on the Roman alphabet but supplemented by modified signs or symbols from other writing systems, and is usually employed in its revised form of 1951. Abbrev.: {IPA} international pitch 0. syl in:ter+na+tion+al pitch pos n. qual Music. def the frequency of 435 hertz assigned to the A above middle C, widely used until 1939. See {pitch} %1(sense 26b). International Practical Temperature Scale 0. syl In:ter+na+tion+al Prac+ti+cal Tem+per:a+ture Scale pos n. def a temperature scale adopted by international agreement in 1968 based on thermodynamic temperature and using experimental values to define 11 fixed points. The lowest is the triple point of an equilibrium mixture of orthohydrogen and parahydrogen (-259.34?%C) and the highest the freezing point of gold (1064.43?%C). international sea and swell scale 0. syl in:ter+na+tion+al sea and swell scale pos n. def another name for the {Douglas scale}. International Standards Organization 0. syl In:ter+na+tion+al Stand+ards Or+gan:i+za+tion pos n. def an international organization for the standardization of units of measurement, technical terminology, etc. Founded in its present form in 1947, it has a secretariat in Geneva. interne 0. syl in+terne pron <1intR:n> pos n. def a variant spelling of {intern}. internecine ety C17: from Latin internec*_inus, from internec*_are to destroy, from nec*_are to kill internecine 1. syl in:ter+ne:cine pron <2int*1nEsIn> pos adj. def mutually destructive or ruinous; maiming both or all sides. exam 1 internecine war. internecine 2. syl in:ter+ne:cine pron <2int*1nEsIn> pos adj. def of or relating to slaughter or carnage; bloody. internecine 3. syl in:ter+ne:cine pron <2int*1nEsIn> pos adj. def of or involving conflict within a group or organization. internee 0. syl in+tern:ee pron <2intR:1nE> pos n. def a person who is interned, esp. an enemy citizen in wartime or a terrorism suspect. interneuron 0. syl in:ter+neu+ron pron <2int*1nju*ron> pos n. qual Physiol. def any neuron that connects afferent and efferent neurons in a reflex arc. Also called: {internuncial neuron}. internist 0. syl in+tern+ist pron <1intR:nist>, pos n. def a physician who specializes in internal medicine. internment 0.a. syl in+tern+ment pron pos n. def the act of interning or state of being interned, esp. of enemy citizens in wartime or of terrorism suspects. internment 0.b. syl in+tern+ment pron pos n. usage as modifier exam 1 an internment camp. internode 1. syl in:ter+node pron <1int*2n*ud> pos n. def the part of a plant stem between two nodes. internode 2. syl in:ter+node pron <1int*2n*ud> pos n. def the part of a nerve fibre between two nodes of Ranvier. internodal sub head internode syl in:ter+1nod+al pos adj. internship 0. syl in+tern+ship pron <1intR:n2Sip> pos n. qual U.S. def the position of being an intern or the period during which a person is an intern. internuncial 1. syl in:ter+nun+cial pron <2int*1n^nS*l> pos adj. usage Physiol. esp. of neurons def interconnecting. See {internode}. internuncial 2. syl in:ter+nun+cial pron <2int*1n^nS*l> pos adj. def of, relating to, or emanating from a papal internuncio. internuncio ety C17: from Italian internunzio, from Latin internuntius, from #7inter -#7+ nuntius messenger internuncios infl head internuncio syl in:ter+nun+ci:os. pos n. mod pl. internuncio 1. syl in:ter+nun+ci:o pron <2int*1n^nSi2*u> pos n. def an ambassador of the pope ranking immediately below a nuncio. internuncio 2. syl in:ter+nun+ci:o pron <2int*1n^nSi2*u> pos n. def a messenger, agent, or go-between. interoceptor ety C20: from #7inter (#7ior) #7+ (#7re) #7ceptor &- @!in@.ter@.o+#!cep+tive adj. interoceptor 0. syl in:ter:o+cep+tor pron <2int*r*u1sept*> pos n. qual Physiol. def a sensory receptor of an internal organ. interosculate 0. syl in:ter+os+cu+late pron <2int*r1oskju2lAt> pos vb. mod intr. usage Biology. of two different species or groups of organisms def to share certain characteristics. interosculation sub head interosculate syl in:ter+2os+cu+1la+tion pos n. interpage 1. syl in:ter+page pron <2int*1pAJ> pos vb. mod tr. def to print (matter) on intervening pages. interpage 2. syl in:ter+page pron <2int*1pAJ> pos vb. mod tr. def to insert (intervening pages) into a book. interpellant 1. syl in:ter+pel+lant pron <2int*1pel*nt> pos adj. def causing an interpellation. interpellant 2. syl in:ter+pel+lant pron <2int*1pel*nt> pos n. def a deputy who interpellates. interpellate ety C16: from Latin interpell*_are to disturb, from #7inter -+pellere to push interpellate 0. syl in:ter+pel+late pron pos vb. mod tr. usage Parliamentary procedure. in European legislatures def to question (a member of the government) on a point of government policy, often interrupt?!ing the business of the day. interpellation sub head interpellate syl in+2ter+pel+1la+tion pos n. interpellator sub head interpellate syl in+1ter+pel+2la+tor pos n. interpenetrate 1. syl in:ter+pen+e:trate pron <2int*1peni2trAt> pos vb. def to penetrate (something) thoroughly; pervade. interpenetrate 2. syl in:ter+pen+e:trate pron <2int*1peni2trAt> pos vb. def to penetrate each other or one another mutually. interpenetrable sub head interpenetrate syl in:ter+1pen+e:tra:ble pos adj. interpenetrant sub head interpenetrate syl in:ter+1pen+e:trant pos adj. interpenetration sub head interpenetrate syl in:ter+2pen+e:1tra+tion pos n. interpenetrative sub head interpenetrate syl in:ter+1pen+e:tra+tive pos adj. interpenetratively sub head interpenetrate syl in:ter+1pen+?!e:tra+tive+ly pos adv. interphase 0. syl in:ter+phase pron <1int*2fAz> pos n. qual Biology. def the period between two divisions of a cell. interphone 0. syl in:ter+phone pron <1int*2f*un> pos n. def a telephone system for linking different rooms within a building, ship, etc. interplay 0. syl in:ter+play pron <1int*2plA> pos n. def reciprocal and mutual action and reaction, as in circumstances, events, or personal relations. interpleads infl head interplead syl in:ter+pleads pron <-1pled> pos vb. mod intr. interpleading pleaded infl head interplead syl in:ter+plead+ing; +plead+ed pron <-1pled> pos vb. mod intr. interplead infl or interpled syl in:ter+plead pron <-1pled> pos vb. mod intr. interpled infl head interplead or interplead syl in:ter+pled. pos vb. mod intr. interplead 0. syl in:ter+plead pron <2int*1plEd> pos vb. mod intr. qual Law. def to institute interpleader proceedings. interpleader 1. syl in:ter+plead+er pron <2int*1plEd*> pos n. qual Law. def a process by which a person holding money or property claimed by two or more parties and having no interest in it himself can require the claimants to litigate with each other to determine the issue. interpleader 2. syl in:ter+plead+er pron <2int*1plEd*> pos n. qual Law. def a person who interpleads. Interpol 0. syl In:ter+pol pron <1int*2pol> pos n. usage acronym for def International Criminal Police Organization, an association of over 100 national police forces, devoted chiefly to fighting international crime. interpolate ety C17: from Latin interpol*_are to give a new appearance to, from #7inter -#7+ pol*_ire to #7polish interpolate 1. syl in+ter+po+late pron pos vb. def to insert or introduce (a comment, passage, etc.) into (a conversation, text, etc.). interpolate 2. syl in+ter+po+late pron pos vb. def to falsify or alter (a text, manuscript, etc.) by the later addition of (material, esp. spurious or valueless passages). interpolate 3. syl in+ter+po+late pron pos vb. mod intr. def to make additions, interruptions, or insertions. interpolate 4. syl in+ter+po+late pron pos vb. qual Maths. def to estimate (a value of a function) between the values already known or determined. Compare { {extrapolate} (sense 1)}. interpolater sub head interpolate or interpolator syl in+1ter+po+2lat+er pos n. interpolator sub head interpolate or interpolater syl in+1ter+po+2la+tor pos n. interpolative sub head interpolate syl in+1ter+po+la+tive pos adj. interpolation 1. syl in+ter+po+la+tion pron pos n. def the act of interpolating or the state of being interpolated. interpolation 2. syl in+ter+po+la+tion pron pos n. def something interpolated. interpose ety C16: from Old French interposer, from Latin interp*_onere, from #7inter -+ p*_onere to put interpose 1. syl in:ter+pose pron <2int*1p*uz> pos vb. def to put or place between or among other things. interpose 2. syl in:ter+pose pron <2int*1p*uz> pos vb. def to introduce (comments, questions, etc.) into a speech or conversation; interject. interpose 3. syl in:ter+pose pron <2int*1p*uz> pos vb. def to exert or use power, influence, or action in order to alter or intervene in (a situation). interposable sub head interpose syl in:ter+1pos+a:ble pos adj. interposal sub head interpose syl in:ter+1pos+al pos n. interposer sub head interpose syl in:ter+1pos+er pos n. interposition 1. syl in:ter+po+si+tion pron <2int*p*1ziS*n> pos n. def something interposed. interposition 2. syl in:ter+po+si+tion pron <2int*p*1ziS*n> pos n. def the act of interposing or the state of being interposed. interpret ety C14: from Latin interpret*_ar*_i, from interpres negotiator, one who explains, from #7inter -#7+ -pres, probably related to pretium #7price interpret 1. syl in+ter+pret pron pos vb. def to clarify or explain the meaning of; elucidate. interpret 2. syl in+ter+pret pron pos vb. def to construe the significance or intention of. exam 1 to interpret a smile as an invitation. interpret 3. syl in+ter+pret pron pos vb. def to convey or represent the spirit or meaning of (a poem, song, etc.) in performance. interpret 4. syl in+ter+pret pron pos vb. mod intr. def to act as an interpreter; translate orally. interpretable sub head interpret syl in+1ter+pret+a:ble pos adj. interpretability sub head interpret or interpretableness syl in+2ter+pret+a:1bil+i:ty pos n. interpretableness sub head interpret or interpretability syl in+1ter+pret+a:ble+ness pos n. interpretably sub head interpret syl in+1ter+pret+a:bly pos adv. interpretation 1. syl in+ter+pre+ta+tion pron pos n. def the act or process of interpreting or explaining; elucidation. interpretation 2. syl in+ter+pre+ta+tion pron pos n. def the result of interpreting; an explanation. interpretation 3. syl in+ter+pre+ta+tion pron pos n. def a particular view of an artistic work, esp. as expressed by stylistic individuality in its performance. interpretational sub head interpretation syl in+2ter+pre+1ta+tion+al pos adj. interpreter 1. syl in+ter+pret+er pron pos n. def a person who translates orally from one language into another. interpreter 2. syl in+ter+pret+er pron pos n. def a person who interprets the work of others. interpreter 3.a. syl in+ter+pret+er pron pos n. def the part of a program that translates the code in which instructions are written into machine language for immediate use by the computer. interpreter 3.b. syl in+ter+pret+er pron pos n. def a machine that interprets the holes in a punched card and prints the corresponding characters on that card. &- {in@.#!ter+pret+er+@!ship} &- {in@.#!ter+pre+tress} interpretative alt head interpretive or interpretive syl in+ter+pre+ta+tive pron pos adj. interpretive 0. or interpretative syl in+ter+pre+tive pron pos adj. def of, involving, or providing interpretation; expository. interpretatively sub head interpretive or interpretively syl in+1ter+pre+ta+tive+ly pos adv. interpretively sub head interpretive or interpretatively syl in+1ter+pre+tive+ly pos adv. interpretive semantics 0. syl in+ter+pre+tive se+man+tics pos n. mod functioning as; sing. def a school of semantic theory based on the doctrine that the rules that relate sentences to their meanings form an autonomous system in the mind, separate from the rules that determine what is grammatical in a language. Compare {generative semantics}. interradial 0. syl in:ter+ra+di+al pron <2int*1rAdi*l> pos adj. def situated between two radii or rays, esp. between the radii of a sea urchin or similar animal. interradially sub head interradial syl in:ter+1ra+di+al+ly pos adv. interregnum ety C16: from Latin, from #7inter -#7+ regnum #7reign interregnums infl head interregnum or interregna syl in:ter+reg+nums pron <-n*> pos n. mod pl. interregna infl head interregnum or interregnums syl in:ter+reg+na pron <-n*> pos n. mod pl. interregnum 1. syl in:ter+reg+num pron <2int*1regn*m> pos n. def an interval between two reigns, governments, incumbencies, etc. interregnum 2. syl in:ter+reg+num pron <2int*1regn*m> pos n. def any period in which a state lacks a ruler, government, etc. interregnum 3. syl in:ter+reg+num pron <2int*1regn*m> pos n. def a period of absence of some control, authority, etc. interregnum 4. syl in:ter+reg+num pron <2int*1regn*m> pos n. def a gap in a continuity. interregnal sub head interregnum syl in:ter+1reg+nal pos adj. interrelate 0. syl in:ter+re+late pron <2int*ri1lAt> pos vb. def to place in or come into a mutual or reciprocal relationship. interrelation sub head interrelate syl in:ter+re+1la+tion pos n. interrelationship sub head interrelate syl in:ter+re+1la+tion+2ship pos n. interrex ety C16: from Latin, from #7inter -#7+ r*_ex king interreges infl head interrex syl in:ter+re+ges pron <2int*1rEJEz> pos n. mod pl. interrex 0. syl in:ter+rex pron <2int*1reks> pos n. def a person who governs during an interregnum; provisional ruler. interrobang ety C20: blend of interrogation mark + bang, printer's slang for exclamation mark interabang alt head interrobang or interrobang syl in+ter:a+bang pron pos n. interrobang 0. or interabang syl in+ter+ro+bang pron pos n. def a newly invented punctuation mark (&!#800428) , used after a sentence that is both question and exclamation. interrog 1. syl interrog. qual abbrev. for: def interrogate. interrog 2. syl interrog. qual abbrev. for: def interrogation. interrog 3. syl interrog. qual abbrev. for: def interrogative. interrogate ety C15: from Latin interrog*_are to question, examine, from rog*_are to ask interrogate 0. syl in+ter+ro+gate pron pos vb. def to ask questions (of), esp. to question (a witness in court, spy, etc.) closely. interrogatingly sub head interrogate syl in+1ter+ro+2gat+ing+ly pos adv. interrogator sub head interrogate syl in+1ter+ro+2ga+tor pos n. interrogation 1. syl in+ter+ro+ga+tion pron pos n. def the technique, practice, or an instance of interrogating. interrogation 2. syl in+ter+ro+ga+tion pron pos n. def a question or query. interrogation 3. syl in+ter+ro+ga+tion pron pos n. qual Telecomm. def the transmission of one or more triggering pulses to a transponder. interrogational sub head interrogation syl in+2ter+ro+1ga+tion+al pos adj. interrogation mark 0. syl in+ter+ro+ga+tion mark pos n. def a less common term for {question mark}. interrogative 1. syl in+ter+rog:a:tive pron <2int*1rog*tiv> pos adj. def asking or having the nature of a question. interrogative 2. syl in+ter+rog:a:tive pron <2int*1rog*tiv> pos adj. def denoting a form or construction used in asking a question. interrogative 3. syl in+ter+rog:a:tive pron <2int*1rog*tiv> pos adj. def denoting or belonging to a class of words, such as and that are determiners, adjectives, or pronouns and serve to question which individual referent or referents are intended. Compare {demonstrative, relative}. interrogative 4. syl in+ter+rog:a:tive pron <2int*1rog*tiv> pos n. def an interrogative word, phrase, sentence, or construc?!tion. interrogative 5. syl in+ter+rog:a:tive pron <2int*1rog*tiv> pos n. def a question mark. interrogatively sub head interrogative syl in+ter+1rog:a+tive+ly pos adv. interrogatories 0. syl in+ter+rog:a+to:ries pron <2int*1rog*t*riz>, <-triz> pos n. mod pl. qual Law. def written questions asked by one party to a suit, to which the other party has to give written answers under oath. interrogatory 1. syl in+ter+rog:a+to:ry pron <2int*1rog*t*ri>, <-tri> pos adj. def expressing or involving a question. interrogatory 2. syl in+ter+rog:a+to:ry pron <2int*1rog*t*ri>, <-tri> pos n. def a question or interrogation. interrogatorily sub head interrogatory syl in+ter+1rog:a+to+ri+ly pos adv. interrupt ety C15: from Latin interrumpere, from #7inter -+ rumpere to break interrupt 1. syl in+ter+rupt pron <2int*1r^pt> pos vb. def to break the continuity of (an action, event, etc.) or hinder (a person) by intrusion. interrupt 2. syl in+ter+rupt pron <2int*1r^pt> pos vb. mod tr. def to cease to perform (some action). interrupt 3. syl in+ter+rupt pron <2int*1r^pt> pos vb. mod tr. def to obstruct (a view, etc.). interrupt 4. syl in+ter+rupt pron <2int*1r^pt> pos vb. def to prevent or disturb (a conversation, discussion, etc.) by questions, interjections, or comment. {~} interrupt 5. syl in+ter+rupt pron <2int*1r^pt> pos vb. def the signal to initiate the stopping of the running of one computer program in order to run another, after which the running of the original program is usually continued. interruptible sub head interrupt syl in+ter+1rupt+i:ble pos adj. interruptive sub head interrupt syl in+ter+1rup+tive pos adj. interruptively sub head interrupt syl in+ter+1rup+tive+ly pos adv. interrupted 1. syl in+ter+rupt+ed pron <2int*1r^ptid> pos adj. def broken, discontinued, or hindered. interrupted 2. syl in+ter+rupt+ed pron <2int*1r^ptid> pos adj. usage of plant organs, esp. leaves def not evenly spaced along an axis. interrupted 3. syl in+ter+rupt+ed pron <2int*1r^ptid> pos adj. def Also: {deceptive}. (of a cadence) progressing from the dominant chord to any other, such as the subdominant or submediant. interruptedly sub head interrupted syl in+ter+1rupt+ed+ly pos adv. interrupted screw 0. syl in+ter+rupt+ed screw pos n. def a screw with a slot or slots cut into the thread, esp. one used in the breech of some guns permitting both engagement and release of the block by a partial turn of the screw. interruptor alt head interrupter or interrupter syl in+ter+rup+tor pron <2int*1r^pt*> pos n. interrupter 1. or interruptor syl in+ter+rupt+er pron <2int*1r^pt*> pos n. def a person or thing that interrupts. interrupter 2. or interruptor syl in+ter+rupt+er pron <2int*1r^pt*> pos n. def an electromechanical device for opening and closing an electric circuit. interruption 1. syl in+ter+rup+tion pron <2int*1r^pS*n> pos n. def something that interrupts, such as a comment, question, or action. interruption 2. syl in+ter+rup+tion pron <2int*1r^pS*n> pos n. def an interval or intermission. interruption 3. syl in+ter+rup+tion pron <2int*1r^pS*n> pos n. def the act of interrupting or the state of being interrupted. interscholastic 1. syl in:ter+scho+las+tic pron <2int*sk*1l@stik> pos adj. usage of sports events, competitions, etc. def occurring between two or more schools. interscholastic 2. syl in:ter+scho+las+tic pron <2int*sk*1l@stik> pos adj. def representative of various schools. inter se 0. syl in+ter se pron Latin. <1int*> <1sA> pos adv. def among or between themselves. intersect ety C17: from Latin intersec*_are to divide, from #7inter+ sec*_are to cut intersect 1. syl in:ter+sect pron <2int*1sekt> pos vb. def to divide, cut, or mark off by passing through or across. intersect 2. syl in:ter+sect pron <2int*1sekt> pos vb. usage esp. of roads def to cross (each other). intersect 3. syl in:ter+sect pron <2int*1sekt> pos vb. usage Maths. often foll. by with def to have one or more points in common (with another configuration). intersection 1. syl in:ter+sec+tion pron <2int*1sekS*n>, <1int*2sek-> pos n. def a point at which things intersect, esp. a road junction. intersection 2. syl in:ter+sec+tion pron <2int*1sekS*n>, <1int*2sek-> pos n. def the act of intersecting or the state of being intersected. intersection 3.a. syl in:ter+sec+tion pron <2int*1sekS*n>, <1int*2sek-> pos n. def a point or set of points common to two or more geometric configurations. intersection 3.b. syl in:ter+sec+tion pron <2int*1sekS*n>, <1int*2sek-> pos n. def Also called: {product}. the elements that are common to two or more sets. Symbol: #800429 $U#800430 , as in intersectional sub head intersection syl in:ter+1sec+tion+al pos adj. intersex 0. syl in:ter+sex pron <1int*2seks> pos n. qual Zoology. def an individual with characteristics intermediate between those of a male and a female. Compare {gynandromorph, {hermaphrodite} (sense 1)}. intersexual 1. syl in:ter+sex+u:al pron <2int*1sekSu*l> pos adj. def occurring or existing between the sexes. intersexual 2. syl in:ter+sex+u:al pron <2int*1sekSu*l> pos adj. def relating to or being an intersex. intersexuality sub head intersexual or intersexualism syl in:ter+2sex:u+1al+i:ty pos n. intersexualism sub head intersexual or intersexuality syl in:ter+1sex:u+al+ism pos n. intersexually sub head intersexual syl in:ter+1sex:u+al+ly pos adv. interspace 1. syl in:ter+space pron <2int*1spAs> pos vb. mod tr. def to make or occupy a space between. interspace 2. syl in:ter+space pron <1int*2spAs> pos n. def space between or among things. interspatial sub head interspace syl in:ter+spa+tial pron <2int*1spAS*l> pos adj. interspatially sub head interspace syl in:ter+1spa+tial+ly pos adv. intersperse ety C16: from Latin interspargere, from #7inter -#7+ spargere to sprinkle intersperse 0. syl in:ter+sperse pron <2int*1spR:s> pos vb. mod tr. def to scatter or distribute among, between, or on. interspersedly sub head intersperse syl in:ter+spers+ed+ly pron <2int*1spR:sidli> pos adv. interspersion sub head intersperse or interspersal syl in:ter+sper+sion pron <2int*1spR:S*n> pos n. interspersal sub head intersperse or interspersion syl in:ter+1sper+sal pos n. interstadial ety C20: from New Latin, from #7inter -#7+ stadium stage interstadial 0. syl in:ter+sta+di:al pron <2int*1stAdi*l> pos adj. n. def another word for {interglacial}. interstate 1. syl in:ter+state pron <1int*2stAt> pos adj. def between or involving two or more of the states of the U.S., Australia, etc. {~} interstate 2. syl in:ter+state pron <1int*2stAt> pos adj. qual Austral. def to or into another state. interstice ety C17: from Latin interstitium interval, from intersistere, from #7inter -+ sistere to stand interstice 1. syl in+ter+stice pron pos n. mod usually; pl. def a minute opening or crevice between things. interstice 2. syl in+ter+stice pron pos n. mod usually; pl. qual Physics. def the space between adjacent atoms in a crystal lattice. interstitial 1. syl in+ter+sti+tial pron <2int*1stiS*l> pos adj. def of or relating to an interstice or interstices. interstitial 2. syl in+ter+sti+tial pron <2int*1stiS*l> pos adj. qual Physics. def forming or occurring in an interstice. exam 1 an interstitial atom. interstitial 3. syl in+ter+sti+tial pron <2int*1stiS*l> pos adj. qual Chem. def containing interstitial atoms or ions. exam 1 an interstitial compound. interstitial 4. syl in+ter+sti+tial pron <2int*1stiS*l> pos adj. qual Anatomy, zoology. def occurring in the spaces between organs, tissues, etc.. exam 1 interstitial cells. interstitial 5. syl in+ter+sti+tial pron <2int*1stiS*l> pos n. qual Chem. def an atom or ion situated in the interstices of a crystal lattice. interstitially sub head interstitial syl in+ter+1sti+tial+ly pos adv. interstitial-cell-stimulating hormone 0. syl in+ter:sti:tial-cell-stim:u:lat+ing hor+mone pos n. def another name for {luteinizing hormone}. interstratifies infl head interstratify syl in:ter+strat:i+fies pos vb. mod tr. interstratifying infl head interstratify syl in:ter+strat:i+fy+ing pos vb. mod tr. interstratified infl head interstratify syl in:ter+strat:i+fied. pos vb. mod tr. interstratify 0. syl in:ter+strat:i+fy pron <2int*1str@ti2fI> pos vb. mod tr. usage usually passive def to arrange (a series of rock strata) in alternating beds. interstratification sub head interstratify syl in:ter+2strat:i+fi+1ca+tion pos n. intertexture 1. syl in:ter+tex+ture pron <2int*1teksC*> pos n. def the act or process of interweaving or the condition of having been interwoven. intertexture 2. syl in:ter+tex+ture pron <2int*1teksC*> pos n. def something that has been interwoven. intertidal 0. syl in:ter+tid+al pron <2int*1tIdL> pos adj. def of or relating to the zone of the shore between the high-water mark and low-water mark. intertrigo ety C18: from #7inter -+- trigo, from Latin terere to rub intertrigo 0. syl in:ter+tri+go pron <2int*1trIg*u> pos n. def chafing between two moist closely opposed skin surfaces, as at the armpit. Intertropical Convergence Zone 0. syl In:ter+trop:i+cal Con+ver+gence Zone pos n. qual Meteorol. def the zone of converging trade winds along the equator causing rising air currents and low atmospheric pressure. Abbrev.: {I.T.C.Z}. intertwine 0. syl in:ter+twine pron <2int*1twIn> pos vb. def to unite or be united by twisting or twining together. Also: {intertwist}. intertwinement sub head intertwine syl in:ter+1twine+ment pos n. intertwiningly sub head intertwine syl in:ter+1twin+ing+ly pos adv. interval ety C13: from Latin intervallum, literally: space between two palisades, from #7inter -+ vallum palisade, rampart &- in@.ter+val+lic (@!$Int$$#!v@al$Ik) adj. interval 1. syl in+ter+val pron <1int*v*l> pos n. def the period of time marked off by or between two events, instants, etc. interval 2. syl in+ter+val pron <1int*v*l> pos n. def the distance between two points, objects, etc. interval 3. syl in+ter+val pron <1int*v*l> pos n. def a pause or interlude, as between periods of intense activity. interval 4. syl in+ter+val pron <1int*v*l> pos n. qual Brit. def a short period between parts of a play, concert, film, etc.; intermission. interval 5. syl in+ter+val pron <1int*v*l> pos n. qual Music. def the difference of pitch between two notes, either sounded simultaneously ({harmonic interval}) or in succession as in a musical part ({melodic interval}) . An interval is calculated by counting the (inclusive) number of notes of the diatonic scale between the two notes. exam 1 the interval between C and G is a fifth. interval 6. syl in+ter+val pron <1int*v*l> pos n. def the ratio of the frequencies of two sounds. interval 7.a. syl in+ter+val pron <1int*v*l> pos n. def the set containing all real numbers or points between two given numbers or points, called the endpoints. A {closed interval} includes the endpoints, but an {open interval} does not. interval 7.b. syl in+ter+val pron <1int*v*l> pos n. def the set of points in -dimensional space where coordinates satisfy the inequalities \i &<#800433 \i &<#800434 \i ({closed interval}) or \i <#800435 \i <#800436 \i ({open interval}) where \i <#800437 \i. interval 8.a. syl in+ter+val pron <1int*v*l> pos n. def occasionally or intermittently. interval 8.b. syl in+ter+val pron <1int*v*l> pos n. def with spaces between. interval training 0. syl in+ter+val train+ing pos n. def a method of athletic training using alternate sprinting and jogging. Also called: {fartlek}. intervene ety C16: from Latin interven*_ire to come between, from #7inter -+ ven*_ire to come intervene 1. syl in:ter+vene pron <2int*1vEn> pos vb. mod intr. usage often foll. by in def to take a decisive or intrusive role (in) in order to modify or determine events or their outcome. intervene 2. syl in:ter+vene pron <2int*1vEn> pos vb. mod intr. usage foll. by in or between def to come or be (among or between). intervene 3. syl in:ter+vene pron <2int*1vEn> pos vb. mod intr. usage of a period of time def to occur between events or points in time. intervene 4. syl in:ter+vene pron <2int*1vEn> pos vb. mod intr. usage of an event def to disturb or hinder a course of action. intervene 5. syl in:ter+vene pron <2int*1vEn> pos vb. mod intr. qual Law. def to interpose and become a party to a legal action between others esp. in order to protect one's interests. intervener sub head intervene or intervenor syl in:ter+1ven+er pos n. intervenor sub head intervene or intervener syl in:ter+1ve+nor pos n. intervention sub head intervene syl in:ter+ven+tion pron <2int*1venS*n> pos n. interventional sub head intervene syl in:ter+1ven+tion+al pos adj. interventionist 1. syl in:ter+ven+tion+ist pron <2int*1venS*nist> pos adj. def of, relating to, or advocating intervention, esp. in the affairs of a foreign country. interventionist 2. syl in:ter+ven+tion+ist pron <2int*1venS*nist> pos n. def an interventionist person or state. interventionism sub head interventionist syl in:ter+1ven+tion+ism pos n. intervertebral disc 0. syl in:ter+ver+te:bral disc pos n. def any of the cartilaginous discs between individual vertebrae, acting as shock absorbers. interview ety C16: from Old French entrevue; see #7inter -#7, view &- @!in@.ter+view@.#!ee n. interview 1. syl in:ter+view pron <1int*2vju:> pos n. def a conversation with or questioning of a person, usually conducted for television, radio, or a newspaper. interview 2. syl in:ter+view pron <1int*2vju:> pos n. def a formal discussion, esp. one in which an employer assesses an applicant for a job. {~} interview 3. syl in:ter+view pron <1int*2vju:> pos n. def to conduct an interview with (someone). interviewer sub head interview syl in:ter+2view+er pos n. intervocalic 0. syl in:ter+vo+cal+ic pron <2int*v*u1k@lik> pos adj. def pronounced or situated between vowels. intervocalically sub head intervocalic syl in:ter+vo+1cal:i+cal+ly pos adv. interweaves infl head interweave or interweaved woven syl in:ter+weaves pos vb. interweaving infl head interweave or interwove syl in:ter+weav+ing pos vb. interwove infl head interweave or interweaved syl in:ter+wove pos vb. interweaved woven infl head interweave or interweaves syl in:ter+weaved; +woven pos vb. interweaved infl head interweave or interwove syl in:ter+weaved. pos vb. interweave 0. syl in:ter+weave pron <2int*1wEv> pos vb. def to weave, blend, or twine together; intertwine. Also: {interwork}. interweavement sub head interweave syl in:ter+1weave+ment pos n. interweaver sub head interweave syl in:ter+2weav+er pos n. intestate ety C14: from Latin intest*_atus, from {#7in -%1}#7+ test*_atus, from test*_ar*_i to bear witness, make a will, from testis a witness intestate 1.a. syl in+tes+tate pron , <-tit> pos adj. usage of a person def not having made a will. intestate 1.b. syl in+tes+tate pron , <-tit> pos adj. usage of property def not disposed of by will. intestate 2. syl in+tes+tate pron , <-tit> pos n. def a person who dies without having made a will. intestate xref syl in+tes+tate pron , <-tit> pos adj. def Compare {testate}. intestacy sub head intestate syl in+1tes+ta+cy pos n. intestinal flora 0. syl in+tes+ti+nal flo+ra pos n. def harmless microorganisms that inhabit the lumen of the intestinal tract. intestine ety C16: from Latin intest*_inum gut, from intest*_inus internal, from intus within &- in+tes+ti+nal ($In#!t$est$In%@l, @!$Int$es#!ta$In%@l) adj. &- in+#!tes+ti+nal+ly adv. intestine 0. syl in+tes+tine pron pos n. mod usually; pl. def the part of the alimentary canal between the stomach and the anus. See {large intestine, small intestine}. Related adj.: {alvine}. intima ety C19: from Latin, feminine of intimus innermost; see #7intimate intimae infl head intima syl in+ti+mae pron <-2mE> pos n. mod pl. intima 0. syl in+ti+ma pron <1intim*> pos n. qual Anatomy, zoology. def the innermost layer of an organ or part, esp. of a blood vessel. intimal sub head intima syl in+ti+mal pos adj. intimacies infl head intimacy syl in+ti+ma+cies. pos n. mod pl. intimacy 1. syl in+ti+ma+cy pron <1intim*si> pos n. def close or warm friendship or understanding; personal relationship. intimacy 2. syl in+ti+ma+cy pron <1intim*si> pos n. mod often; pl. qual Euphemistic. def sexual relations. intimate ety C17: from Latin intimus very close friend, from (adj.): innermost, deepest, from intus within intimate H1.1. syl in+ti+mate pron <1intimit> pos adj. def characterized by a close or warm personal relationship. exam 1 an intimate friend. intimate H1.2. syl in+ti+mate pron <1intimit> pos adj. def deeply personal, private, or secret. intimate H1.3. syl in+ti+mate pron <1intimit> pos adj. qual Euphemistic. usage often postpositive; foll. by with def having sexual relations (with). intimate H1.4.a. syl in+ti+mate pron <1intimit> pos adj. usage postpositive; foll. by with def having a deep or unusual knowledge (of) intimate H1.4.b. syl in+ti+mate pron <1intimit> pos adj. usage of knowledge def deep; extensive. intimate H1.5. syl in+ti+mate pron <1intimit> pos adj. def having a friendly, warm, or informal atmosphere. exam 1 an intimate nightclub. intimate H1.6. syl in+ti+mate pron <1intimit> pos adj. def of or relating to the essential part or nature of something; intrinsic. intimate H1.7. syl in+ti+mate pron <1intimit> pos adj. def denoting the informal second person of verbs and pronouns in French and other languages. intimately sub head intimate syl in+ti+mate+ly pos adv. intimateness sub head intimate syl in+ti+mate+ness pos n. intimate ety C16: from Late Latin intim*_are to proclaim, from Latin intimus innermost intimate H2.1. syl in+ti+mate pron <1inti2mAt> pos vb. mod tr. usage may take a clause as object def to hint; suggest. intimate H2.2. syl in+ti+mate pron <1inti2mAt> pos vb. mod tr. qual Rare. usage may take a clause as object def to proclaim. intimater sub head intimate syl in+ti+2mat+er pos n. intimidate ety C17: from Medieval Latin intimid*_are, from Latin {#7in -%2}#7+ timidus fearful, from timor fear intimidate 1. syl in+tim:i+date pron pos vb. mod tr. def to make timid or frightened, as by threats; scare. intimidate 2. syl in+tim:i+date pron pos vb. mod tr. def to discourage, restrain, or silence illegally or unscrupulously, as by threats or blackmail. intimidation sub head intimidate syl in+2tim:i+1da+tion pos n. intimidator sub head intimidate syl in+1tim:i+2da+tor pos n. intinction ety C16: from Late Latin intincti*_o a dipping in, from Latin intingere to dip in, from tingere to dip intinction 0. syl in+tinc+tion pron pos n. def the practice of dipping the Eucharistic bread into the wine at Holy Communion. intine ety C19: from Latin intimus innermost+{-#7ine %1} intine 0. syl in+tine pron <1intin>, <-tEn>, <-tIn> pos n. def the inner membrane of a pollen grain or a spore. Compare {extine}. intitule ety C15: from Old French intituler, from Latin titulus #7title intitule 0. syl in+tit+ule pron pos vb. mod tr. usage Parliamentary procedure. in Britain def to entitle (an Act). intl 0. syl intl. qual abbrev. for def international. into 1. syl in:to pron <1intu:>, <1int*> pos prep. def to the interior or inner parts of. exam 1 to look into a case. into 2. syl in:to pron <1intu:>, <1int*> pos prep. def to the middle or midst of so as to be surrounded by. exam 1 into the water; exam 2 into the bushes. into 3. syl in:to pron <1intu:>, <1int*> pos prep. def against; up against. exam 1 he drove into a wall. into 4. syl in:to pron <1intu:>, <1int*> pos prep. def used to indicate the result of a transformation or change. exam 1 he changed into a monster. into 5. syl in:to pron <1intu:>, <1int*> pos prep. qual Maths. def used to indicate a dividend. exam 1 three into six is two. into 6. syl in:to pron <1intu:>, <1int*> pos prep. qual Informal. def interested in. exam 1 I'm really into Freud these days. intolerable 1. syl in+tol+er+a:ble pron pos adj. def more than can be tolerated or endured; insufferable. intolerable 2. syl in+tol+er+a:ble pron pos adj. qual Informal. def extremely irritating or annoying. intolerability sub head intolerable or intolerableness syl in+2tol+er+a:1bil+i:ty pos n. intolerableness sub head intolerable or intolerability syl in+1tol+er+a:ble+ness pos n. intolerably sub head intolerable syl in+1tol+er+a:bly pos adv. intolerant 1. syl in+tol+er+ant pron pos adj. def lacking respect for practices and beliefs other than one's own. intolerant 2. syl in+tol+er+ant pron pos adj. usage postpositive; foll. by of def not able or willing to tolerate or endure. exam 1 intolerant of noise. intolerantly sub head intolerant syl in+1tol+er+ant+ly pos adv. intonate 1. syl in+to+nate pron <1int*u2nAt> pos vb. mod tr. def to pronounce or articulate (continuous connected speech) with a characteristic rise and fall of the voice. intonate 2. syl in+to+nate pron <1int*u2nAt> pos vb. mod tr. def a less common word for {intone}. intonation 1. syl in+to+na+tion pron <2int*u1nAS*n> pos n. def the sound pattern of phrases and sentences produced by pitch variation in the voice. intonation 2. syl in+to+na+tion pron <2int*u1nAS*n> pos n. def the act or manner of intoning. intonation 3. syl in+to+na+tion pron <2int*u1nAS*n> pos n. def an intoned, chanted, or monoto?!nous utterance; incantation. intonation 4. syl in+to+na+tion pron <2int*u1nAS*n> pos n. qual Music. def the opening of a piece of plainsong, sung by a soloist. intonation 5.a. syl in+to+na+tion pron <2int*u1nAS*n> pos n. def the correct or accurate pitching of intervals. intonation 5.b. syl in+to+na+tion pron <2int*u1nAS*n> pos n. def the capacity to play or sing in tune. See also {just intonation}. intonational sub head intonation syl in+to+1na+tion+al pos adj. contour alt head intonation pattern or intonation pattern syl con+tour pos n. intonation pattern 0. or contour syl in+to+na+tion pat+tern pos n. qual Linguistics. def a characteristic series of musical pitch levels that serves to distinguish between questions, statements, and other types of utterance in a language. intone 1. syl in+tone pron pos vb. def to utter, recite, or sing (a chant, prayer, etc.) in a monotonous or incantatory tone. intone 2. syl in+tone pron pos vb. def to speak with a particular or characteristic intonation or tone. intone 3. syl in+tone pron pos vb. def to sing (the opening phrase of a psalm, etc.) in plainsong. intoner sub head intone syl in+1ton+er pos n. intorsion 0. syl in+tor+sion pron pos n. qual Botany. def a spiral twisting in plant stems or other parts. in toto 0. syl in to:to pron Latin. <1t*ut*u> pos adv. def totally; entirely; completely. intoxicant 1. syl in+tox:i+cant pron pos n. def anything that causes intoxication. intoxicant 2. syl in+tox:i+cant pron pos adj. def causing intoxication. intoxicate ety C16: from Medieval Latin, from intoxic*_are to poison, from Latin toxicum poison; see #7toxic intoxicate 1. syl in+tox:i+cate pron pos vb. mod tr. usage of an alcoholic drink def to produce in (a person) a state ranging from euphoria to stupor, usually accompanied by loss of inhibitions and control; make drunk; inebriate. intoxicate 2. syl in+tox:i+cate pron pos vb. mod tr. def to stimulate, excite, or elate so as to overwhelm. intoxicate 3. syl in+tox:i+cate pron pos vb. mod tr. usage of a drug, etc. def to poison. intoxicable sub head intoxicate syl in+1tox:i+ca:ble pos adj. intoxicatingly sub head intoxicate syl in+1tox:i+2cat+ing+ly pos adv. intoxicative sub head intoxicate syl in+1tox:i+2ca+tive pos adj. intoxicator sub head intoxicate syl in+1tox:i+2ca+tor pos n. intoxication 1. syl in+tox:i+ca+tion pron pos n. def drunkenness; inebria?!tion. intoxication 2. syl in+tox:i+ca+tion pron pos n. def great elation. intoxication 3. syl in+tox:i+ca+tion pron pos n. def the act of intoxicating. intoxication 4. syl in+tox:i+ca+tion pron pos n. def poisoning. intr 0. syl intr. qual abbrev. for def intransitive. intra- ety from Latin intr*_a on the inside, within; see #7interior intra- 0. syl in:tra- pos prefix. def within; inside. exam 1 intravenous. intra-atomic 0. syl in:tra-a:tom:ic pron <2intr**1tomik> pos adj. def existing or occurring within an atom or atoms. Compare {interatomic}. intracardiac 0. syl in:tra+car+di+ac pron <2intr*1ka:di2@k> pos adj. def within the heart. intracellular 0. syl in:tra+cel+lu+lar pron <2intr*1seljul*> pos adj. qual Biology. def situated or occurring inside a cell or cells. intracellularly sub head intracellular syl in:tra+1cel+lu+lar+ly pos adv. Intracoastal Waterway 0. syl In:tra+coast+al Wa:ter+way pos n. def short for {Atlantic Intracoastal Waterway}. intracranial 0. syl in:tra+cra+ni:al pron <2intr*1krAni*l> pos adj. def within the skull. intractable 1. syl in+trac+ta:ble pron pos adj. def difficult to influence or direct. exam 1 an intractable disposition. intractable 2. syl in+trac+ta:ble pron pos adj. usage of a problem, illness, etc. def difficult to solve, alleviate, or cure. intractable 3. syl in+trac+ta:ble pron pos adj. def difficult to shape or mould, esp. with the hands. intractability sub head intractable or intractableness syl in+2trac+ta:1bil+i:ty pos n. intractableness sub head intractable or intractability syl in+1trac+ta:ble+ness pos n. intractably sub head intractable syl in+1trac+ta:bly pos adv. intracutaneous 0. syl in:tra+cu+ta+ne:ous pron <2intr*kju:1tAni*s> pos adj. qual Anatomy. def within the skin. Also: {intradermal}. intracutaneously sub head intracutaneous syl in:tra+cu+1ta+ne:ous+ly pos adv. intradermic alt head intradermal or intradermal syl in:tra+der+mic pos adj. intradermal 0. or intradermic syl in:tra+der+mal pron <2intr*1dR:m*l> pos adj. qual Anato?!my. def other words for {intracutaneous}. intradermally sub head intradermal or intradermically syl in:tra+1der+mal+ly pos adv. intradermically sub head intradermal or intradermally syl in:tra+1der+mi+cal+ly pos adv. intrados ety C18: from French, from #7intra -#7+ dos back, from Latin dorsum intrados infl or intradoses syl in+tra+dos pos n. mod pl. intradoses infl head intrados or intrados syl in+tra+dos:es. pos n. mod pl. intrados 0. syl in+tra+dos pron pos n. qual Architect. def the inner curve or surface of an arch or vault. Compare {extrados}. intramolecular 0. syl in:tra+mo+lec:u+lar pron <2intr*m*1lekjul*> pos adj. def occurring within a molecule or molecules. intramural 1. syl in:tra+mu+ral pron <2intr*1mju*r*l> pos adj. qual Education, chiefly U.S. def operating within or involving those in a single establishment. intramural 2. syl in:tra+mu+ral pron <2intr*1mju*r*l> pos adj. qual Anatomy. def within the walls of a cavity or hollow organ. intramurally sub head intramural syl in:tra+1mu+ral+ly pos adv. intramuscular 0. syl in:tra+mus+cu+lar pron <2intr*1m^skjul*> pos adj. qual Anatomy. def within a muscle. exam 1 an intramuscular injection. intramuscularly sub head intramuscular syl in:tra+1mus+cu+lar+ly pos adv. intranational 0. syl in:tra+na+tion+al pron <2intr*1n@S*nL> pos adj. def within one nation. intrans 0. syl intrans. qual abbrev. for def intransitive. intransigent ety C19: from Spanish los intransigentes the uncompromising (ones), a name adopted by certain political extremists, from {#7in -%1}#7+ transigir to compromise, from Latin transigere to settle; see #7trans?!act intransigent 1. syl in+tran+si+gent pron pos adj. def not willing to compromise; obstinately maintaining an attitude. intransigent 2. syl in+tran+si+gent pron pos n. usage also def an intransigent person, esp. in politics. intransigence sub head intransigent or intransigency syl in+1tran+si+gence pos n. intransigency sub head intransigent or intransigence syl in+1tran+si+gen+cy pos n. intransigently sub head intransigent syl in+1tran+si+gent+ly pos adv. intransitive 1.a. syl in+tran+si+tive pron pos adj. def denoting a verb when it does not require a direct object. intransitive 1.b. syl in+tran+si+tive pron pos adj. def denoting a verb that customarily does not require a direct object. intransitive 1.c. syl in+tran+si+tive pron pos as; n. def a verb in either of these categories. intransitive 2. syl in+tran+si+tive pron pos adj. def denoting an adjective or noun that does not require any particular noun phrase as a referent. intransitive 3. syl in+tran+si+tive pron pos adj. def having the property that although one object is related to a second that bears the same relationship to a third, the first does not bear this relationship to the third. exam 1 @6being the mother of@9 is an intransitive relationship. intransitive xref syl in+tran+si+tive pron pos adj. def Compare {transitive, pseudo-intransitive}. intransitively sub head intransitive syl in+1tran+si+tive+ly pos adv. intranuclear 0. syl in:tra+nu+cle:ar pron <2intr*1nju:kli*> pos adj. def situated or occurring within a nucleus. intrastate 0. syl in:tra+state pron <2intr*1stAt> pos adj. qual Chiefly U.S. def of, relating to, or confined within a single state, esp. a state of the U.S. intratelluric 0. syl in:tra+tel+lu+ric pron <2intr*t*1lju*rik> pos adj. usage of rocks and their constituents, processes, etc. def formed or occurring below the surface of the earth. intrauterine 0. syl in:tra+u:ter+ine pron <2intr*1ju:t*rIn> pos adj. def within the womb. intrauterine device 0. syl in:tra+u:ter+ine de+vice pos n. def a metal or plastic device, in the shape of a loop, coil, or ring, inserted into the uterus to prevent conception. Abbrev.: {I.U.D}. intravasation 0. syl in+trav:a+sa+tion pron pos n. def the passage of extra?!neous material, such as pus, into a blood or lymph vessel. Compare {extravasation}. intravenous 0. syl in:tra+ve:nous pron <2intr*1vEn*s> pos adj. qual Anatomy. def within a vein. exam 1 an intravenous injection. intravenously sub head intravenous syl in:tra+1ve:nous+ly pos adv. in-tray 0. syl in-tray pos n. def a tray for incoming papers, etc., requiring attention. intrazonal soil 0. syl in:tra+zon+al soil pron <2intr*1z*unL> pos n. def a soil that has a well-developed profile determined by relief, parent material, age, etc. intreat 0. syl in+treat pron pos vb. def an archaic spelling of {entreat}. intreatingly sub head intreat syl in+1treat+ing+ly pos adv. intreatment sub head intreat syl in+1treat+ment pos n. intrench 0. syl in+trench pron pos vb. def a less common spelling of {entrench}. intrencher sub head intrench syl in+1trench+er pos n. intrenchment sub head intrench syl in+1trench+ment pos n. intrepid ety C17: from Latin intrepidus, from {#7in -%1}#7+ trepidus fearful, timid intrepid 0. syl in+trep+id pron pos adj. def fearless; daring; bold. intrepidity sub head intrepid or intrepidness syl in+tre+1pid+i:ty pos n. intrepidness sub head intrepid or intrepidity syl in+1trep+id+ness pos n. intrepidly sub head intrepid syl in+1trep+id+ly pos adv. intricate ety C15: from Latin intr*_ic*_are to entangle, perplex, from {#7in -%2}#7+ tr*_icae trifles, perplexities intricate 1. syl in+tri+cate pron <1intrikit> pos adj. def difficult to understand; obscure; complex; puzzling. intricate 2. syl in+tri+cate pron <1intrikit> pos adj. def entangled or involved. exam 1 intricate patterns. intricacy sub head intricate or intricateness syl in+tri+ca+cy pos n. intricateness sub head intricate or intricacy syl in+tri+cate+ness pos n. intricately sub head intricate syl in+tri+cate+ly pos adv. intriguant alt head intrigant or intrigante syl in+tri+guant pron <1intrig*nt>, French , French <*~etri1g*~a:t> pos n. intrigante infl head intrigant or intriguante syl in+tri+gante pron <2intri1gont>, French <*~etri1g*~a:t> pos n. mod fem. intriguante infl head intrigant or intrigante syl in+tri+guante pron <2intri1gont>, French <*~etri1g*~a:t> pos n. mod fem. intrigant 0. or intriguant syl in+tri+gant pron <1intrig*nt>, French , French <*~etri1g*~a:t> pos n. qual Archaic. def a person who intrigues; intriguer. intrigue ety C17: from French intriguer, from Italian intrigare, from Latin intr*_ic*_are; see #7intricate intrigues infl head intrigue syl in+trigues pos vb. intriguing infl head intrigue syl in+trigu+ing pos vb. intrigued infl head intrigue syl in+trigued. pos vb. intrigue 1. syl in+trigue pron pos vb. mod tr. def to make interested or curious. exam 1 I'm intrigued by this case, Watson. intrigue 2. syl in+trigue pron pos vb. mod intr. def to make secret plots or employ underhand methods; conspire. intrigue 3. syl in+trigue pron pos vb. mod intr. usage often foll. by with def to carry on a clandestine love affair. intrigue 4. syl in+trigue pron , <1intrEg> pos n. def the act or an instance of secret plotting, etc. intrigue 5. syl in+trigue pron , <1intrEg> pos n. def a clandestine love affair. intrigue 6. syl in+trigue pron , <1intrEg> pos n. def the quality of arousing interest or curiosity; beguilement. intriguer sub head intrigue syl in+1tri+guer pos n. intriguingly sub head intrigue syl in+1tri+guing+ly pos adv. intrinsic ety C15: from Late Latin intrinsecus from Latin, inwardly, from intr*_a within+ secus alongside; related to sequ*_i to follow intrinsical alt head intrinsic or intrinsic syl in+trin+si+cal pos adj. intrinsic 1. or intrinsical syl in+trin+sic pron pos adj. def of or relating to the essential nature of a thing; inherent. intrinsic 2. or intrinsical syl in+trin+sic pron pos adj. qual Anatomy. def situated within or peculiar to a part. exam 1 intrinsic muscles. intrinsically sub head intrinsic syl in+1trin+si+cal+ly pos adv. intrinsic semiconductor 0. syl in+trin+sic sem:i+con+duc+tor pos n. def an almost pure semiconduc?!tor to which no impurities have been added and in which the electron and hole densities are equal at thermal equilibrium. Also called: {i-type semiconductor}. intros infl head intro syl in+tros. pos n. mod pl. intro 0. syl in+tro pron <1intr*u> pos n. qual Informal. def short for {introduction}. introd alt head intro or intro syl introd. intro 1. or introd syl intro. qual abbrev. for: def introduction. intro 2. or introd syl intro. qual abbrev. for: def introductory. intro- ety from Latin intr*_o towards the inside, inwardly, within intro- 0. syl in:tro- pos prefix. def in, into, or inward. exam 1 introvert. introduce ety C16: from Latin intr*_od*_ucere to bring inside, from #7intro -#7+ d*_ucere to lead introduce 1. syl in:tro+duce pron <2intr*1dju:s> pos vb. mod tr. usage often foll. by to def to present (someone) by name (to another person) or (two or more people to each other). introduce 2. syl in:tro+duce pron <2intr*1dju:s> pos vb. mod tr. usage foll. by to def to cause to experience for the first time. exam 1 to introduce a visitor to beer. introduce 3. syl in:tro+duce pron <2intr*1dju:s> pos vb. mod tr. def to present for consideration or approval, esp. before a legislative body. exam 1 to introduce a draft bill in Congress. introduce 4. syl in:tro+duce pron <2intr*1dju:s> pos vb. mod tr. def to bring in; establish. exam 1 to introduce decimal currency. introduce 5. syl in:tro+duce pron <2intr*1dju:s> pos vb. mod tr. def to present (a radio or television programme, etc.) verbally. introduce 6. syl in:tro+duce pron <2intr*1dju:s> pos vb. mod tr. usage foll. by with def to start. exam 1 he introduced his talk with some music. introduce 7. syl in:tro+duce pron <2intr*1dju:s> pos vb. mod tr. usage often foll. by into def to insert or inject. exam 1 he introduced the needle into his arm. introducer sub head introduce syl in:tro+1duc+er pos n. introducible sub head introduce syl in:tro+1duc+i:ble pos adj. introduction 1. syl in:tro+duc+tion pron <2intr*1d^kS*n> pos n. def the act of introducing or fact of being introduced. introduction 2. syl in:tro+duc+tion pron <2intr*1d^kS*n> pos n. def a presentation of one person to another or others. introduction 3. syl in:tro+duc+tion pron <2intr*1d^kS*n> pos n. def a means of presenting a person to another person, group, etc., such as a {letter of introduction} or refer?!ence. introduction 4. syl in:tro+duc+tion pron <2intr*1d^kS*n> pos n. def a preliminary part, as of a book, speech, etc. introduction 5.a. syl in:tro+duc+tion pron <2intr*1d^kS*n> pos n. def an instrumental passage preceding the entry of a soloist, choir, etc. introduction 5.b. syl in:tro+duc+tion pron <2intr*1d^kS*n> pos n. def an opening passage in a movement or composition that precedes the main material. introduction 6. syl in:tro+duc+tion pron <2intr*1d^kS*n> pos n. def something that has been or is introduced, esp. something that is not native to an area, country, etc. introduction 7. syl in:tro+duc+tion pron <2intr*1d^kS*n> pos n. def a basic or elementary work of instruction, reference, etc. introductory 0. syl in:tro+duc+to:ry pron <2intr*1d^kt*ri>, <-tri> pos adj. def serving as an introduction; preliminary; prefatory. introductorily sub head introductory syl in:tro+1duc+to+ri+ly pos adv. introductoriness sub head introductory syl in:tro+1duc+to+ri+ness pos n. introgression 0. syl in:tro+gres+sion pron <2intr*1greS*n> pos n. def the introduction of genes from the gene pool of one species into that of another during hybridization. introit ety C15: from Church Latin introitus introit, from Latin: entrance, from intro*_ire to go in, from #7intro -#7+ *_ire to go introit 0. syl in+troit pron <1intrcit> pos n. qual R.C. Church, Church of England. def a short prayer said or sung as the celebrant is entering the sanctuary to celebrate Mass or Holy Communion. introital sub head introit syl in+1troi+tal pos adj. introject 1. syl in:tro+ject pron <2intr*1Jekt> pos vb. mod intr. qual Psychol. usage esp. of a child def to incorporate ideas of others, or (in fantasy) of objects. introject 2. syl in:tro+ject pron <2intr*1Jekt> pos vb. qual Psychol. def to turn (feelings for another) towards oneself. introject xref syl in:tro+ject pron <2intr*1Jekt> pos vb. qual Psychol. def Compare {project}. See also {internalize}. introjection ety C20: from #7intro -#7+ (#7pro) #7jection introjection 0. syl in:tro+jec+tion pron <2intr*1JekS*n> pos n. qual Psychol. def the act or process of introjecting. introjective sub head introjection syl in:tro+1jec+tive pos adj. intromission 0. syl in:tro+mis+sion pron <2intr*1miS*n> pos n. def a less common word for {insertion} or {introduction}. intromissive sub head intromission syl in:tro+1mis+sive pos adj. intromit ety C15: from Latin intr*_omittere to send in, from #7intro -#7+ mittere to send intromits infl head intromit syl in:tro+mits pos vb. mod tr. intromitting infl head intromit syl in:tro+mit+ting pos vb. mod tr. intromitted infl head intromit syl in:tro+mit+ted. pos vb. mod tr. intromit 0. syl in:tro+mit pron <2intr*1mit> pos vb. mod tr. qual Rare. def to enter or insert or allow to enter or be inserted. intromissible sub head intromit syl in:tro+1mis+si:ble pos adj. intromissibility sub head intromit syl in:tro+2mis+si:1bil+i:ty pos n. intromittent sub head intromit syl in:tro+1mit+tent pos adj. intromitter sub head intromit syl in:tro+1mit+ter pos n. introrse ety C19: from Latin introrsus, contraction of intr*_oversus, from #7intro -#7+ versus turned, from vertere to turn introrse 0. syl in+trorse pron pos adj. qual Botany. def turned inwards or towards the axis, as anthers that shed their pollen towards the centre of the flower. introrsely sub head introrse syl in+1trorse+ly pos adv. introspect 0. syl in:tro+spect pron <2intr*1spekt> pos vb. mod intr. def to examine and analyse one's own thoughts and feelings. introspection ety C17: from Latin intr*_ospicere to look within, from #7intro -#7+ specere to look introspection 0. syl in:tro+spec+tion pron <2intr*1spekS*n> pos n. def the examination of one's own thoughts, impressions, and feelings, esp. for long periods. introspectional sub head introspection or introspective syl in:tro+1spec+tion+al pos adj. introspective sub head introspection or introspectional syl in:tro+1spec+tive pos adj. introspectionist sub head introspection syl in:tro+1spec+tion+ist pos n. introspectiveness sub head introspection syl in:tro+1spec+tive+ness pos n. introversion 1. syl in:tro+ver+sion pron <2intr*1vR:S*n> pos n. qual Psychol. def the directing of interest inwards towards one's own thoughts and feelings rather than towards the external world or making social contacts. introversion 2. syl in:tro+ver+sion pron <2intr*1vR:S*n> pos n. qual Pathol. def the turning inside out of a hollow organ or part. introversion xref syl in:tro+ver+sion pron <2intr*1vR:S*n> pos n. def Compare {extroversion}. introversive sub head introversion or introvertive syl in:tro+1ver+sive pos adj. introvertive sub head introversion or introversive syl in:tro+1ver+tive pos adj. introvert ety C17: see #7intro -#7, invert introvert 1. syl in:tro+vert pron <1intr*2vR:t> pos n. qual Psychol. def a person prone to introversion. {~} (#!$Intr$$@!v$z$:t). introvert 2. syl in:tro+vert pron <1intr*2vR:t> pos n. def Also: {introverted}. characterized by introversion. {~} (@!$Intr$$#!v$z$:t). introvert 3. syl in:tro+vert pron <1intr*2vR:t> pos n. mod tr. qual Pathol. def to turn (a hollow organ or part) inside out. introvert xref syl in:tro+vert pron <1intr*2vR:t> pos n. def Compare {extrovert}. intrude ety C16: from Latin intr*_udere to thrust in, from {#7in -%2}#7+ tr*_udere to thrust intrude 1. syl in+trude pron pos vb. usage often foll. by into, on, or upon def to put forward or interpose (oneself, one's views, something) abruptly or without invitation. intrude 2. syl in+trude pron pos vb. qual Geology. def to force or thrust (rock material, esp. molten magma) or (of rock material) to be thrust between solid rocks. intruder sub head intrude syl in+1trud+er pos n. intrudingly sub head intrude syl in+1trud+ing+ly pos adv. intrusion 1. syl in+tru+sion pron pos n. def the act or an instance of intruding; an unwelcome visit, interjection, etc.. exam 1 an intrusion on one's privacy. intrusion 2.a. syl in+tru+sion pron pos n. def the movement of magma from within the earth's crust into spaces in the overlying strata to form igneous rock. intrusion 2.b. syl in+tru+sion pron pos n. def any igneous rock formed in this way. intrusion 3. syl in+tru+sion pron pos n. qual Property law. def an unlawful entry onto land by a stranger after determination of a particular estate of freehold and before the remainderman or reversioner has made entry. intrusional sub head intrusion syl in+1tru+sion+al pos adj. intrusive 1. syl in+tru+sive pron pos adj. def characterized by intrusion or tending to intrude. intrusive 2. syl in+tru+sive pron pos adj. usage of igneous rocks def formed by intrusion. Compare { {extrusive} (sense 2)}. intrusive 3. syl in+tru+sive pron pos adj. qual Phonetics. def relating to or denot?!ing a speech sound that is introduced into a word or piece of connected speech for a phonetic rather than a historical or grammatical reason, such as the (r) often pronounced between and in intrusively sub head intrusive syl in+1tru+sive+ly pos adv. intrusiveness sub head intrusive syl in+1tru+sive+ness pos n. intrust 0. syl in+trust pron pos vb. def a less common spelling of {entrust}. intrustment sub head intrust syl in+1trust+ment pos n. intubate 0. syl in+tu+bate pron <1intju2bAt> pos vb. mod tr. qual Med. def to insert a tube or cannula into (a hollow organ); cannulate. intubation sub head intubate syl in+tu+1ba+tion pos n. INTUC 0. syl INTUC pron <1int^k> usage acronym for def Indian National Trade Union Congress. intuit 0. syl in+tu+it pron pos vb. def to know or discover by intuition. intuitable sub head intuit syl in+1tu+it+a:ble pos adj. intuition ety C15: from Late Latin intuiti*_o a contemplation, from Latin intu*_er*_i to gaze upon, from tu*_er*_i to look at intuition 1. syl in+tu:i+tion pron <2intju1iS*n> pos n. def knowledge or perception not gained by reasoning and intelligence; instinctive knowledge or insight. intuition 2. syl in+tu:i+tion pron <2intju1iS*n> pos n. def anything learned or perceived in this way. intuitional sub head intuition syl in+tu:1i+tion+al pos adj. intuitionally sub head intuition syl in+tu:1i+tion+al+ly pos adv. intuitionalism alt head intuitionism or intuitionism syl in+tu:i+tion+al+ism pos n. intuitionism 1. or intuitionalism syl in+tu:i+tion+ism pron <2intju1iS*2niz*m> pos n. qual Philosophy. def the doctrine that knowledge is acquired primarily by intuition. Compare {empiricism, rationalism}. intuitionism 2. or intuitionalism syl in+tu:i+tion+ism pron <2intju1iS*2niz*m> pos n. qual Philosophy. def the theory that general terms are used of a variety of objects in accordance with perceived similarities. Compare {nominalism, Platonism}. intuitionism 3. or intuitionalism syl in+tu:i+tion+ism pron <2intju1iS*2niz*m> pos n. qual Philosophy. def the theory that the solution to moral problems can be discovered by intuition. intuitionism 4. or intuitionalism syl in+tu:i+tion+ism pron <2intju1iS*2niz*m> pos n. qual Philosophy. def the doctrine that external objects are known to be real by intuition. intuitionist sub head intuitionism or intuitionalist syl in+tu:1i+tion+ist pos n. intuitionalist sub head intuitionism or intuitionist syl in+tu:1i+tion+al+ist pos n. intuitive 1. syl in+tu:i+tive pron pos adj. def resulting from intuition. exam 1 an intuitive awareness. intuitive 2. syl in+tu:i+tive pron pos adj. def of, characterized by, or involving intuition. intuitive 3. syl in+tu:i+tive pron pos adj. usage Philosophy. of knowledge def obtained by intuition, not empirically or discursively. Compare {dianoetic}. intuitively sub head intuitive syl in+1tu:i+tive+ly pos adv. intuitiveness sub head intuitive syl in+1tu:i+tive+ness pos n. intuitivism 1. syl in+tu:i+tiv+ism pron pos n. qual Philosophy. def another word for {intuitionism}. intuitivism 2. syl in+tu:i+tiv+ism pron pos n. def intuitive knowledge; intuition. intuitivist sub head intuitivism syl in+1tu:i+tiv+ist pos n. intumesce ety C18: from Latin intumescere, from tumescere to begin to swell, from tum*_ere to swell intumesce 0. syl in+tu+mesce pron <2intju1mes> pos vb. mod intr. def to swell or become swollen; undergo intumescence. intumescency alt head intumescence or intumescence syl in+tu+mes+cen+cy pos n. intumescence 1. or intumescency syl in+tu+mes+cence pron <2intju1mes*ns> pos n. qual Pathol. def a swelling up, as with blood or other fluid. intumescence 2. or intumescency syl in+tu+mes+cence pron <2intju1mes*ns> pos n. qual Pathol. def a swollen organ or part. intumescence 3. or intumescency syl in+tu+mes+cence pron <2intju1mes*ns> pos n. qual Chem. def the swelling of certain substances on heating, often accompanied by the escape of water vapour. intumescent sub head intumescence syl in+tu+1mes+cent pos adj. intussuscept 0. syl in+tus+sus+cept pron <2int*ss*1sept> pos vb. qual Pathol. (tr.; usually passive def to turn or fold (an organ or part) inwards; invaginate. intussusceptive sub head intussuscept syl in+tus+sus+1cep+tive pos adj. intussusception ety C18: from Latin intus within+ suscepti*_o a taking up intussusception 1. syl in+tus+sus+cep+tion pron <2int*ss*1sepS*n> pos n. qual Pathol. def invagination of a tubular organ or part, esp. the telescoping of one section of the intestinal tract into a lower section, causing obstruction. intussusception 2. syl in+tus+sus+cep+tion pron <2int*ss*1sepS*n> pos n. qual Biology. def growth in the surface area of a cell by the deposition of new particles between the existing particles of the cell wall. Compare { {apposition} (sense 3)}. intwine 0. syl in+twine pron pos vb. def a less common spelling of {entwine}. intwinement sub head intwine syl in+1twine+ment pos n. Inuit 0. syl In:u+it pron <1inj*w*t> pos n. def a variant spelling of {Innuit}. inulin ety C19: from Latin inula elecampane+{-#7in} inulin 0. syl in:u+lin pron <1injulin> pos n. def a fructose polysaccharide present in the tubers and rhizomes of some plants. Formula: (C\6H\1\0O\5)\n. inunction ety C15: from Latin inunguere to anoint, from unguere; see #7unction inunction 1. syl in+unc+tion pron pos n. def the application of an ointment to the skin, esp. by rubbing. inunction 2. syl in+unc+tion pron pos n. def the ointment so used. inunction 3. syl in+unc+tion pron pos n. def the act of anointing; anointment. inundate ety C17: from Latin inund?!*_are to flood, from unda wave inundate 1. syl in+un+date pron <1in^n2dAt> pos vb. mod tr. def to cover completely with water; overflow; flood; swamp. inundate 2. syl in+un+date pron <1in^n2dAt> pos vb. mod tr. def to overwhelm, as if with a flood. exam 1 to be inundated with requests. inundant sub head inundate or inundatory syl in+un+dant pos adj. inundatory sub head inundate or inundant syl in+1un+da+to:ry pos adj. inundation sub head inundate syl in+un+1da+tion pos n. inundator sub head inundate syl in+un+2da+tor pos n. inurbane 0. syl in+ur+bane pron <2inR:1bAn> pos adj. qual Rare. def not urbane; lacking in courtesy or polish. inurbanity sub head inurbane syl in+ur+ban+i:ty pron <2inR:1b@niti> pos n. inurbanely sub head inurbane syl in+ur+1bane+ly pos adv. inure ety C15 enuren to accustom, from ure use, from Old French euvre custom, work, from Latin opera works, plural of opus inurenure alt head inure or inure syl in+uren+ure pron pos vb. inure 1. or inurenure syl in+ure pron pos vb. mod tr. usage often passive; often foll. by to def to cause to accept or become hardened to; habituate. inure 2. or inurenure syl in+ure pron pos vb. mod intr. usage esp. of a law, etc. def to come into operation; take effect. inuredness sub head inure or inurenuredness syl in+ur+ed+ness pron pos n. inurenuredness sub head inure or inuredness syl in+uren+ur+ed+ness pron pos n. inurement sub head inure or inurenurement syl in+1ure+ment pos n. inurenurement sub head inure or inurement syl in+uren+1ure+ment pos n. inurn 1. syl in+urn pron pos vb. mod tr. def to place (esp. cremated ashes) in an urn. inurn 2. syl in+urn pron pos vb. mod tr. def a less common word for {inter}. inurnment sub head inurn syl in+1urn+ment pos n. in utero 0. syl in u:t+er:o pron Latin. <1ju:t*2r*u> pos adv. def within the womb. inutile 0. syl in+u:tile pron pos adj. qual Rare. def useless; unprofitable. inutilely sub head inutile syl in+1u:tile+ly pos adv. inutility sub head inutile syl in+u:1til+i:ty pos n. inv 1. syl inv. qual abbrev. for: def invented. inv 2. syl inv. qual abbrev. for: def invention. inv 3. syl inv. qual abbrev. for: def inventor. inv 4. syl inv. qual abbrev. for: def invoice. in vacuo 1. syl in va+cu:o pron Latin. <1v@kju2*u> pos adv. def in a vacuum. in vacuo 2. syl in va+cu:o pron Latin. <1v@kju2*u> pos adv. def in isolation; without reference to facts or evidence. invade ety C15: from Latin inv*_adere, from v*_adere to go invade 1. syl in+vade pron pos vb. def to enter (a country, territory, etc.) by military force. invade 2. syl in+vade pron pos vb. mod tr. def to occupy in large numbers; overrun; infest. invade 3. syl in+vade pron pos vb. mod tr. def to trespass or encroach upon (privacy, etc.). invade 4. syl in+vade pron pos vb. mod tr. def to enter and spread throughout, esp. harmfully; pervade. invade 5. syl in+vade pron pos vb. usage of plants, esp. weeds def to become established in (a place to which they are not native). invadable sub head invade syl in+1vad+a:ble pos adj. invader sub head invade syl in+1vad+er pos n. invaginate ety C19: from Medieval Latin inv*_ag*_in*_are, from Latin {#7in -%2}#7+ v*_ag*_ina sheath invaginate 1. syl in+vag:i+nate pron pos vb. qual Pathol. def to push one section of (a tubular organ or part) back into itself so that it becomes ensheathed; intussuscept. invaginate 2. syl in+vag:i+nate pron pos vb. mod intr. usage of the outer layer of an organism or part def to undergo invagination. invaginate 3. syl in+vag:i+nate pron , <-2nAt> pos adj. usage of an organ or part def folded back upon itself. invaginable sub head invaginate syl in+1vag:i+na:ble pos adj. invagination 1. syl in+vag:i+na+tion pron pos n. qual Pathol. def the process of invaginating or the condition of being invaginated; intussusception. invagination 2. syl in+vag:i+na+tion pron pos n. qual Pathol. def an invaginated organ or part. invagination 3. syl in+vag:i+na+tion pron pos n. def an infolding of the outer layer of cells of an organism or part of an organism so as to form a pocket in the surface, as in the embryonic development of a gastrula from a blastula. invalid ety C17: from Latin invalidus infirm, from {#7in -%1}#7+ validus strong invalid H1.1.a. syl in+va+lid pron <1inv*2lEd>, <-lid> pos n. def a person suffering from disablement or chronic ill health. invalid H1.1.b. syl in+va+lid pron <1inv*2lEd>, <-lid> pos n. usage as modifier exam 1 an invalid chair. invalid H1.2. syl in+va+lid pron <1inv*2lEd>, <-lid> pos adj. def suffering from or disabled by injury, sickness, etc. invalid H1.3. syl in+va+lid pron <1inv*2lEd>, <-lid> pos vb. mod tr. def to cause to become an invalid; disable. invalid H1.4. syl in+va+lid pron <1inv*2lEd>, <-lid> pos vb. mod tr. qual Chiefly Brit. usage usually foll. by out; often passive def to require (a member of the armed forces) to retire from active service through wounds or illness. invalid ety C16: from Medieval Latin invalidus without legal force; see #7invalid %1 invalid H2.1. syl in+val+id pron pos adj. def not valid; having no cogency or legal force. invalid H2.2. syl in+val+id pron pos adj. qual Logic. def having a conclusion that does not necessarily follow from its premisses and that can be true if one or more premisses are false; not valid. invalidity sub head invalid or invalidness syl in+va+lid+i:ty pron <2inv*1liditi> pos n. invalidness sub head invalid or invalidity syl in+1val+id+ness pos n. invalidly sub head invalid syl in+1val+id+ly pos adv. invalidate 1. syl in+val:i+date pron pos vb. mod tr. def to render weak or ineffective, as an argument. invalidate 2. syl in+val:i+date pron pos vb. mod tr. def to take away the legal force or effectiveness of; annul, as a contract. invalidation sub head invalidate syl in+2val:i+1da+tion pos n. invalidator sub head invalidate syl in+1val:i+2da+tor pos n. invalidism 1. syl in+va+lid+ism pron <1inv*li2diz*m> pos n. def the state of being an invalid, esp. by reason of ill health. invalidism 2. syl in+va+lid+ism pron <1inv*li2diz*m> pos n. def a state of being abnormally preoccupied with one's physical health. invalidity benefit 0. syl in+va+lid+i:ty ben+e:fit pos n. usage in the British National Insurance scheme def a weekly payment to a person who has been off work through illness for more than six months. Abbrev.: {IVB} invaluable 0. syl in+val:u+a:ble pron pos adj. def having great value that is impossible to calculate; priceless. invaluableness sub head invaluable syl in+1val:u+a:ble+ness pos n. invaluably sub head invaluable syl in+1val:u+a:bly pos adv. Invar ety C20: shortened from #7invariable Invar 0. syl In+var pron pos n. qual Trademark. def an alloy containing iron (63.8 per cent), nickel (36 per cent), and carbon (0.2 per cent). It has a very low coefficient of expansion and is used for the balance springs of watches, etc. invariable 1. syl in+var:i+a:ble pron pos adj. def not subject to alteration; unchanging. invariable 2. syl in+var:i+a:ble pron pos n. def a mathematical quantity having an unchanging value; a constant. invariability sub head invariable or invariableness syl in+2var:i+a:1bil+i:ty pos n. invariableness sub head invariable or invariability syl in+1var:i+a:ble+ness pos n. invariably sub head invariable syl in+1var:i+a:bly pos adv. invariant 1. syl in+var:i+ant pron pos n. qual Maths. def an entity, quantity, etc., that is unaltered by a particular transformation of coordinates. exam 1 a point in space, rather than its coordinates, is an invariant. invariant 2. syl in+var:i+ant pron pos adj. usage Maths. of a relationship or a property of a function, configuration, or equation def unaltered by a particular trans?!formation of coordinates. invariant 3. syl in+var:i+ant pron pos adj. def a rare word for {invariable}. invariance sub head invariant or invariancy syl in+1var:i+ance pos n. invariancy sub head invariant or invariance syl in+1var:i+an+cy pos n. invasion 1. syl in+va+sion pron pos n. def the act of invading with armed forces. invasion 2. syl in+va+sion pron pos n. def any encroachment or intrusion. exam 1 an invasion of rats. invasion 3. syl in+va+sion pron pos n. def the onset or advent of something harmful, esp. of a disease. invasion 4. syl in+va+sion pron pos n. def the movement of plants to an area to which they are not native. invasive sub head invasion syl in+va+sive pron pos adj. invective ety C15: from Late Latin invect*_ivus reproachful, scolding, from Latin invectus carried in; see #7inveigh invective 1. syl in+vec+tive pron pos n. def vehement accusation or denunciation, esp. of a bitterly abusive or sarcastic kind. invective 2. syl in+vec+tive pron pos adj. def characterized by or using abusive language, bitter sarcasm, etc. invectively sub head invective syl in+1vec+tive+ly pos adv. invectiveness sub head invective syl in+1vec+tive+ness pos n. inveigh ety C15: from Latin inveh*_i, literally: to be carried in, hence, assail physically or verbally, from {#7in -%2}#7+ veh*_i to be carried, ride inveigh 0. syl in+veigh pron pos vb. mod intr. usage foll. by against def to speak with violent or invective language; rail. inveigher sub head inveigh syl in+1veigh+er pos n. inveigle ety C15: from Old French avogler to blind, deceive, from avogle blind, from Medieval Latin ab oculis without eyes inveigle 0. syl in+vei+gle pron , <-1vA-> pos vb. mod tr. usage often foll. by into or an infinitive def to lead (someone into a situation) or persuade (to do something) by cleverness or trickery; cajole. exam 1 to inveigle customers into spending more. inveiglement sub head inveigle syl in+1vei+gle+ment pos n. inveigler sub head inveigle syl in+1vei+gler pos n. invent ety C15: from Latin inven*_ire to find, come upon, from {#7in -%2}#7+ ven*_ire to come invent 1. syl in+vent pron pos vb. def to create or devise (new ideas, machines, etc.). invent 2. syl in+vent pron pos vb. def to make up (falsehoods, etc.); fabricate. inventible sub head invent or inventable syl in+1vent+i:ble pos adj. inventable sub head invent or inventible syl in+1vent+a:ble pos adj. invention 1. syl in+ven+tion pron pos n. def the act or process of inventing. invention 2. syl in+ven+tion pron pos n. def something that is invented. invention 3. syl in+ven+tion pron pos n. qual Patent law. def the discovery or production of some new or improved process or machine that is both useful and is not obvious to persons skilled in the particular field. invention 4. syl in+ven+tion pron pos n. def creative power or ability; inventive skill. invention 5. syl in+ven+tion pron pos n. qual Euphemistic. def a fabrication; lie. invention 6. syl in+ven+tion pron pos n. usage in traditional rhetoric def one of the five steps in preparing a speech or discourse: the process of finding suitable topics on which to talk or write. invention 7. syl in+ven+tion pron pos n. qual Music. def a short piece consisting of two or three parts usually in imitative counterpoint. invention 8. syl in+ven+tion pron pos n. qual Sociol. def the creation of a new cultural pattern or trait. inventional sub head invention syl in+1ven+tion+al pos adj. inventionless sub head invention syl in+1ven+tion+less pos adj. inventive 1. syl in+ven+tive pron pos adj. def skilled or quick at contriving; ingenious; resourceful. inventive 2. syl in+ven+tive pron pos adj. def characterized by inventive skill. exam 1 an inventive programme of work. inventive 3. syl in+ven+tive pron pos adj. def of or relating to invention. inventively sub head inventive syl in+1ven+tive+ly pos adv. inventiveness sub head inventive syl in+1ven+tive+ness pos n. inventor 0. syl in+ven+tor pron pos n. def a person who invents, esp. as a profession. &- {in+#!ven+tress} inventory ety C16: from Medieval Latin invent*_orium; see #7invent inventory 1. syl in+ven+to:ry pron <1inv*nt*ri>, <-tri> pos n. def a detailed list of articles, goods, property, etc. inventory 2.a. syl in+ven+to:ry pron <1inv*nt*ri>, <-tri> pos n. def the amount or value of a firm's current assets that consist of raw materials, work in progress, and finished goods; stock. inventory 2.b. syl in+ven+to:ry pron <1inv*nt*ri>, <-tri> pos n. def such assets individually. inventory 3. syl in+ven+to:ry pron <1inv*nt*ri>, <-tri> pos vb. mod tr. def to enter (items) in an inventory; make a list of. inventoriable sub head inventory syl in+ven+to+ri+a:ble pos adj. inventorial sub head inventory syl in+ven+1to+ri+al pos adj. inventorially sub head inventory syl in+ven+1to+ri+al+ly pos adv. inveracities infl head inveracity syl in+ve+rac+i:ties. pos n. mod pl. inveracity 1. syl in+ve+rac+i:ty pron <2inv*1r@siti> pos n. qual Formal or euphemistic. def lying; untruthfulness. inveracity 2. syl in+ve+rac+i:ty pron <2inv*1r@siti> pos n. qual Formal or euphemistic. def an untruth; lie. Invercargill 0. syl In+ver+car+gill pron <2inv*1ka:gil> pos n. def a city in New Zealand, on South Island: regional trading centre for sheep and agricultural products. Pop.: 47098 (1971). Inverness 1. syl In+ver+ness pron <2inv*1nes> pos n. def a port in NW Scotland, in the Highland region: tourism and specialized engineering. Pop.: 34870 (1971). Inverness 2. syl In+ver+ness pron <2inv*1nes> pos n. usage until 1975 def a county of NW Scotland, now part of the Highland region. inverse ety C17: from Latin inversus, from invertere to #7invert inverse 1. syl in+verse pron , <1invR:s> pos adj. def opposite or contrary in effect, sequence, direction, etc. inverse 2.a. syl in+verse pron , <1invR:s> pos adj. usage of a relationship def containing two variables such that an increase in one results in a decrease in the other. exam 1 the volume of a gas is in inverse ratio to its pressure. inverse 2.b. syl in+verse pron , <1invR:s> pos adj. usage of an element def operating on a specified member of a set to produce the identity of the set. exam 1 the additive inverse element of x is -x, the multiplicative inverse element of x is 1/ x#800438 . inverse 3. syl in+verse pron , <1invR:s> pos adj. usage usually prenominal def upside down; inverted. exam 1 in an inverse position. inverse 4.a. syl in+verse pron , <1invR:s> pos n. def another name for {reciprocal} (sense 6). inverse 4.b. syl in+verse pron , <1invR:s> pos n. def an inverse element. inversely sub head inverse syl in+1verse+ly pos adv. inverse function 0. syl in+verse func+tion pos n. def a function whose independent variable is the dependent variable of a given trigonometric or hyperbolic function. exam 1 the inverse function of inversion 1. syl in+ver+sion pron pos n. def the act of inverting or state of being inverted. inversion 2. syl in+ver+sion pron pos n. def something inverted, esp. a reversal of order, mutual functions, etc.. exam 1 an inversion of their previous relationship. inversion 3. syl in+ver+sion pron pos n. def Also called: {anastrophe}. the reversal of a normal order of words. inversion 4.a. syl in+ver+sion pron pos n. def the conversion of a dextrorotatory solution of sucrose into a laevorotatory solution of glucose and fructose by hydrolysis. inversion 4.b. syl in+ver+sion pron pos n. def any similar reaction in which the optical properties of the reactants are opposite to those of the products. inversion 5.a. syl in+ver+sion pron pos n. def the process or result of transposing the notes of a chord (esp. a triad) such that the root, originally in the bass, is placed in an upper part. When the bass note is the third of the triad, the resulting chord is the {first inversion}; when it is the fifth, the resulting chord is the {second inversion}. See also {root position}. inversion 5.b. syl in+ver+sion pron pos n. usage in counterpoint def the modification of a melody or part in which all ascending intervals are replaced by corresponding descending intervals and vice versa. inversion 5.c. syl in+ver+sion pron pos n. def the modification of an interval in which the higher note becomes the lower or the lower one the higher. See { {complement} (sense 8)}. inversion 6. syl in+ver+sion pron pos n. qual Pathol. def abnormal positioning of an organ or part, as in being upside down or turned inside out. inversion 7.a. syl in+ver+sion pron pos n. def the adoption of the role or characteristics of the opposite sex. inversion 7.b. syl in+ver+sion pron pos n. def another word for {homosexuality}. inversion 8. syl in+ver+sion pron pos n. qual Meterol. def an abnormal condition in which the layer of air next to the earth's surface is cooler than an overlying layer. inversion 9. syl in+ver+sion pron pos n. qual Anatomy or phonetics. def another word for { {retroflexion} (sense 2)}. inversion 10. syl in+ver+sion pron pos n. def Also called: {negation}. an operation by which each digit of a binary number is changed to the alternative digit, as to inversion 11. syl in+ver+sion pron pos n. qual Genetics. def a type of chromosomal mutation in which a section of a chromosome, and hence the order of its genes, is reversed. inversive sub head inversion syl in+1ver+sive pos adj. invert ety C16: from Latin invertere, from {#7in -%2}#7+ vertere to turn invert 1. syl in+vert pron pos vb. def to turn or cause to turn upside down or inside out. invert 2. syl in+vert pron pos vb. mod tr. def to reverse in effect, sequence, direction, etc. invert 3.a. syl in+vert pron pos vb. def to turn (the tip of the tongue) up and back. invert 3.b. syl in+vert pron pos vb. def to pronounce (a speech sound) by retroflexion. invert 4.a. syl in+vert pron <1invR:t> pos n. def a person who adopts the role of the opposite sex. invert 4.b. syl in+vert pron <1invR:t> pos n. def another word for {homosexual}. invert 5.a. syl in+vert pron <1invR:t> pos n. def the lower inner surface of a drain, sewer, etc. Compare { {soffit} (sense 2)}. invert 5.b. syl in+vert pron <1invR:t> pos n. def an arch that is concave upwards, esp. one used in foundations. invertible sub head invert syl in+1vert+i:ble pos adj. invertibility sub head invert syl in+2vert+i:1bil+i:ty pos n. invertase 0. syl in+vert+ase pron pos n. def an enzyme, occurring in the intestinal juice of animals and in yeasts, that hydrolyses sucrose to glucose and fructose. Also called: {saccharase}. invertebrate 1. syl in+ver+te:brate pron , <-2brAt> pos n. def any animal lacking a backbone, including all species not classified as vertebrates. invertebrate 2. syl in+ver+te:brate pron , <-2brAt> pos adj. usage also def of, relating to, or designating invertebrates. inverturned comma alt head inverted comma or inverted comma syl in+verturned com+ma pos n. inverted comma 0. or inverturned comma syl in+vert+ed com+ma pos n. def another term for {quotation mark}. inverted mordent 0. syl in+vert+ed mor+dent pos n. qual Music. def a melodic ornament consisting of the rapid single or double alternation of a principal note with a note one degree higher. Also called: {upper mordent}. See also {pralltriller}. inverted pleat 0. syl in+vert+ed pleat pos n. qual Dressmaking. def a box pleat reversed so that the fullness of the material is turned inwards. inverted snob 0. syl in+vert+ed snob pos n. def a person who scorns the conventions or attitudes of his own class or social group by attempting to identify with people of a supposedly lower class. invertor alt head inverter or inverter syl in+ver+tor pron pos n. inverter 1. or invertor syl in+vert+er pron pos n. def any device for convert?!ing a direct current into an alternating current. inverter 2. or invertor syl in+vert+er pron pos n. qual Computer technol. def another name for {NOT circuit}. invert sugar 0. syl in+vert sug+ar pos n. def a mixture of fructose and glucose obtained by the inversion of sucrose. invest ety C16: from Medieval Latin invest*_ire to clothe, from Latin, from vest*_ire, from vestis a garment invest 1. syl in+vest pron pos vb. usage often foll. by in def to lay out (money or capital in an enterprise, esp. by purchasing shares) with the expectation of profit. invest 2. syl in+vest pron pos vb. mod tr. usage often foll. by in def to devote (effort, resources, etc., to a project). invest 3. syl in+vest pron pos vb. mod tr. qual Archaic or ceremonial. usage often foll. by in or with def to clothe or adorn (in some garment, esp. the robes of an office). exam 1 to invest a king in the insignia of an emperor. invest 4. syl in+vest pron pos vb. mod tr. usage often foll. by in def to install formally or ceremoniously (in an official position, rank, etc.). invest 5. syl in+vest pron pos vb. mod tr. usage foll. by in or with def to place (power, authority, etc., in) or provide (with power or authority). exam 1 to invest new rights in the monarchy. invest 6. syl in+vest pron pos vb. mod tr. usage usually passive; foll. by in or with def to provide or endow (a person with qualities, characteristics, etc.). exam 1 he was invested with great common sense. invest 7. syl in+vest pron pos vb. mod tr. qual Usually poetic. usage foll. by with def to cover or adorn, as if with a coat or garment. exam 1 when spring invests the trees with leaves. invest 8. syl in+vest pron pos vb. mod tr. qual Rare. def to surround with military forces; besiege. invest 9. syl in+vest pron pos vb. mod intr. qual Informal. usage foll. by in def to purchase; buy. investable sub head invest or investible syl in+1vest+a:ble pos adj. investible sub head invest or investable syl in+1vest+i:ble pos adj. investor sub head invest syl in+1ves+tor pos n. investigate ety C16: from Latin invest*_ig*_are to search after, from {#7in -%2}#7+ vest*_igium track; see #7vestige investigate 0. syl in+ves+ti+gate pron pos vb. def to inquire into (a situation or problem, esp. a crime or death) thoroughly; examine systematically, esp. in order to discover the truth. investigable sub head investigate syl in+1ves+ti+ga:ble pos adj. investigative sub head investigate or investigatory syl in+1ves+ti+2ga:tive pos adj. investigatory sub head investigate or investigative syl in+1ves+ti+ga+to:ry pos adj. investigation 0. syl in+ves+ti+ga+tion pron pos n. def the act or process of investigating; a careful search or examination in order to discover facts, etc. investigational sub head investigation syl in+2ves+ti+1ga+tion+al pos adj. investigator 0. syl in+ves+ti+ga+tor pron pos n. def a person who investigates, such as a private detective. investiture 1. syl in+ves+ti+ture pron pos n. def the act of presenting with a title or with the robes and insignia of an office or rank. investiture 2. syl in+ves+ti+ture pron pos n. usage in feudal society def the formal bestowal of the possessory right to a fief or other benefice. investiture 3. syl in+ves+ti+ture pron pos n. def a less common word for {investment} (sense 5). investitive sub head investiture syl in+1ves+ti+tive pos adj. investment 1.a. syl in+vest+ment pron pos n. def the act of investing money. investment 1.b. syl in+vest+ment pron pos n. def the amount invested. investment 1.c. syl in+vest+ment pron pos n. def an enterprise, asset, etc., in which money is or can be invested. investment 2. syl in+vest+ment pron pos n. qual Biology. def the outer layer or covering of an organ, part, or organism. investment 3. syl in+vest+ment pron pos n. def a less common word for {investiture} (sense 1). investment 4. syl in+vest+ment pron pos n. def the act of investing or state of being invested, as with an official robe, specific quality, etc. investment 5. syl in+vest+ment pron pos n. qual Rare. def the act of besieging with military forces, works, etc. investment trust 0. syl in+vest+ment trust pos n. def a financial enterprise that invests its subscribed capital in securities for its investors' benefit. inveterate ety C16: from Latin inveter*_atus of long standing, from inveter*_are to make old, from {#7in -%2}#7+ vetus old inveterate 1. syl in+vet+er+ate pron pos adj. def long established, esp. so as to be deep-rooted or ingrained. exam 1 an inveterate feeling of hostility. inveterate 2. syl in+vet+er+ate pron pos adj. usage prenominal def settled or confirmed in a habit or practice, esp. a bad one; hardened. exam 1 an inveterate smoker. inveterate 3. syl in+vet+er+ate pron pos adj. qual Obsolete. def full of hatred; hostile. inveteracy sub head inveterate or inveterateness syl in+1vet+er:a+cy pos n. inveterateness sub head inveterate or inveteracy syl in+1vet+er+ate+ness pos n. inveterately sub head inveterate syl in+1vet+er+ate+ly pos adv. inviable 0. syl in+vi+a:ble pron pos adj. def not viable, esp. financially; not able to survive. exam 1 an inviable company. inviability sub head inviable or inviableness syl in+2vi+a:1bil+i:ty pos n. inviableness sub head inviable or inviability syl in+1vi+a:ble+ness pos n. inviably sub head inviable syl in+1vi+a:bly pos adv. invidious ety C17: from Latin invidi*_osus full of envy, from invidia #7envy invidious 1. syl in+vid:i+ous pron pos adj. def incurring or tending to arouse resentment, unpopularity, etc.. exam 1 an invidious task. invidious 2. syl in+vid:i+ous pron pos adj. usage of comparisons or distinctions def unfairly or offensively discrimi?!nating. invidious 3. syl in+vid:i+ous pron pos adj. qual Obsolete. def grudging; envious. invidiously sub head invidious syl in+1vid:i+ous+ly pos adv. invidiousness sub head invidious syl in+1vid:i+ous+ness pos n. invigilate ety C16: from Latin invigil*_are to watch over, from {#7in -%2}#7+ vigil*_are to keep watch; see #7vigil invigilate 1. syl in+vig:i+late pron pos vb. mod intr. qual Brit. def to watch examination candidates, esp. to prevent cheating. U.S. word: {proctor}. invigilate 2. syl in+vig:i+late pron pos vb. mod intr. qual Archaic. def to keep watch. invigilation sub head invigilate syl in+2vig:i+1la+tion pos n. invigilator sub head invigilate syl in+1vig:i+2la+tor pos n. invigorate ety C17: from {#7in -%2}#7+ Latin vigor #7vigour invigorate 0. syl in+vig+or+ate pron pos vb. mod tr. def to give vitality and vigour to; animate; brace; refresh. exam 1 to be invigorated by fresh air. invigoratingly sub head invigorate syl in+1vig+or+2at+ing+ly pos adv. invigoration sub head invigorate syl in+2vig+or:1a+tion pos n. invigorative sub head invigorate syl in+1vig+or:a+tive pos adj. invigoratively sub head invigorate syl in+1vig+or:a+tive+ly pos adv. invigorator sub head invigorate syl in+1vig+or:2a+tor pos n. invincible ety C15: from Late Latin invincibilis, from Latin {#7in -%1}#7+ vincere to conquer invincible 1. syl in+vin+ci:ble pron pos adj. def incapable of being defeated; unconquerable. invincible 2. syl in+vin+ci:ble pron pos adj. def unable to be overcome; insuperable. exam 1 in?!vincible prejudices. invincibility sub head invincible or invincibleness syl in+2vin+ci:1bil+i:ty pos n. invincibleness sub head invincible or invincibility syl in+1vin+ci:ble+ness pos n. invincibly sub head invincible syl in+1vin+ci:bly pos adv. in vino veritas 0. syl in vi:no ve+ri+tas pron Latin. <1vEn*u> <1veri2t@s> def in wine there is truth; people speak the truth when they are drunk. inviolable 0. syl in+vi:o+la:ble pron pos adj. def that must not or cannot be transgressed, dishonoured, or broken; to be kept sacred. exam 1 an inviolable oath. inviolability sub head inviolable or inviolableness syl in+2vi:o+la:1bil+i:ty pos n. inviolableness sub head inviolable or inviolability syl in+1vi:o+la:ble+ness pos n. inviolably sub head inviolable syl in+1vi:o+la:bly pos adv. inviolate 1. syl in+vi:o+late pron , <-2lAt> pos adj. def free from violation, injury, disturbance, etc. inviolate 2. syl in+vi:o+late pron , <-2lAt> pos adj. def a less common word for {inviolable}. inviolacy sub head inviolate or inviolateness syl in+1vi:o+la+cy pos n. inviolateness sub head inviolate or inviolacy syl in+1vi:o+late+ness pos n. inviolately sub head inviolate syl in+1vi:o+late+ly pos adv. invisible 1. syl in+vis+i:ble pron pos adj. def not visible; not able to be perceived by the eye. exam 1 invisible rays. invisible 2. syl in+vis+i:ble pron pos adj. def concealed from sight; hidden. invisible 3. syl in+vis+i:ble pron pos adj. def not easily seen or noticed. exam 1 invisible mending. invisible 4. syl in+vis+i:ble pron pos adj. def kept hidden from public view; secret; clandestine. invisible 5. syl in+vis+i:ble pron pos adj. qual Economics. def of or relating to services rather than goods in relation to the invisible balance. exam 1 invisible earnings. invisible 6. syl in+vis+i:ble pron pos n. qual Economics. def an invisible item of trade; service. invisibility sub head invisible or invisibleness syl in+2vis+i:1bil+i:ty pos n. invisibleness sub head invisible or invisibility syl in+1vis+i:ble+ness pos n. invisibly sub head invisible syl in+1vis+i:bly pos adv. invisible balance 0. syl in+vis+i:ble bal+ance pos n. qual Economics. def the difference in value between total exports of services plus payment of property incomes from abroad and total imports of services plus payment abroad of property incomes. Compare {balance of trade}. invisible ink 0. syl in+vis+i:ble ink pos n. def a liquid used for writing that does not become visible until it has been treated with chemicals, heat, ultraviolet light, etc. invitation 1.a. syl in+vi+ta+tion pron <2invi1tAS*n> pos n. def the act of inviting, such as an offer of entertainment or hospitality. invitation 1.b. syl in+vi+ta+tion pron <2invi1tAS*n> pos n. usage as modifier exam 1 an invitation dance; exam 2 an invitation race. invitation 2. syl in+vi+ta+tion pron <2invi1tAS*n> pos n. def the act of enticing or attracting; allurement. invitatory 1. syl in+vi+ta+to:ry pron , <-tri> pos adj. def serving as or conveying an invitation. invitatory 2. syl in+vi+ta+to:ry pron , <-tri> pos n. def any of various invitations to prayer, such as Psalm 95 in a religious service. invite ety C16: from Latin inv*_it*_are to invite, entertain, from {#7in -%2}#7+ -v*_it*_are, probably related to Greek hiesthai to be desirous of invite 1. syl in+vite pron pos vb. mod tr. def to ask (a person or persons) in a friendly or polite way (to do something, attend an event, etc.). exam 1 he invited them to dinner. invite 2. syl in+vite pron pos vb. mod tr. def to make a request for, esp. publicly or formally. exam 1 to invite applications. invite 3. syl in+vite pron pos vb. mod tr. def to bring on or provoke; give occasion for. exam 1 you invite disaster by your actions. invite 4. syl in+vite pron pos vb. mod tr. def to welcome or tempt. invite 5. syl in+vite pron <1invIt> pos n. mod tr. def an informal word for {invitation}. inviter sub head invite syl in+1vit+er pos n. inviting 0. syl in+vit+ing pron pos adj. def tempting; alluring; attractive. invitingly sub head inviting syl in+1vit+ing+ly pos adv. invitingness sub head inviting syl in+1vit+ing+ness pos n. in vitro ety New Latin, literally: in glass in vitro 0. syl in vi+tro pron <1vEtr*u> pos adv. adj. usage of biological processes or reactions def made to occur outside the body of the organism in an artificial environment. in vivo ety New Latin, literally: in a living (thing) in vivo 0. syl in vi:vo pron <1vEv*u> pos adv. adj. usage of biological processes or experiments def occurring or carried out in the living organism. invocate 0. syl in+vo+cate pron <1inv*2kAt> pos vb. def an archaic word for {invoke}. invocative sub head invocate syl in+voc:a+tive pron pos adj. invocator sub head invocate syl in+vo+2ca+tor pos n. invocation 1. syl in+vo+ca+tion pron <2inv*1kAS*n> pos n. def the act of invoking or calling upon some agent for assistance. invocation 2. syl in+vo+ca+tion pron <2inv*1kAS*n> pos n. def a prayer asking God for help, forgiveness, etc., esp. as part of a religious service. invocation 3. syl in+vo+ca+tion pron <2inv*1kAS*n> pos n. def an appeal for inspiration and guidance from a Muse or deity at the beginning of a poem. invocation 4.a. syl in+vo+ca+tion pron <2inv*1kAS*n> pos n. def the act of summoning a spirit or demon from another world by ritual incantation or magic. invocation 4.b. syl in+vo+ca+tion pron <2inv*1kAS*n> pos n. def the incantation used in this act. invocational sub head invocation syl in+vo+1ca+tion+al pos adj. invocatory sub head invocation syl in+voc:a+to:ry pron , <-tri> pos adj. invoice ety C16: from earlier invoyes, from Old French envois, plural of envoi message; see #7envoy invoice 1. syl in+voice pron <1invcis> pos n. def a document issued by a seller to a buyer listing the goods or services supplied and stating the sum of money due. invoice 2. syl in+voice pron <1invcis> pos n. qual Rare. def a consignment of invoiced merchandise. invoice 3.a. syl in+voice pron <1invcis> pos vb. def to present (a customer, etc.) with an invoice. invoice 3.b. syl in+voice pron <1invcis> pos vb. def to list (merchandise sold) on an invoice. invoke ety C15: from Latin invoc*_are to call upon, appeal to, from voc*_are to call invoke 1. syl in+voke pron pos vb. mod tr. def to call upon (an agent, esp. God or another deity) for help, inspiration, etc. invoke 2. syl in+voke pron pos vb. mod tr. def to appeal to (an outside agent or authority) for confirmation, corroboration, etc. invoke 3. syl in+voke pron pos vb. mod tr. def to implore or beg (help, etc.). invoke 4. syl in+voke pron pos vb. mod tr. def to summon (a spirit, demon, etc.); conjure up. invocable sub head invoke syl in+1vo+ca:ble pos adj. invoker sub head invoke syl in+1vok+er pos n. involucel ety C19: from New Latin invol*_ucellum a little cover; see #7involucre involucellum alt head involucel or involucel syl in+vol:u+cel+lum pron pos n. involucels infl head involucel or involucella syl in+vol:u+cels pron <-1sel*> pos n. mod pl. involucella infl head involucel or involucels syl in+vol:u+cel+la pron <-1sel*> pos n. mod pl. involucel 0. or involucellum syl in+vol:u+cel pron pos n. def a ring of bracts at the base of the florets of a compound umbel. involucelate sub head involucel or involucelated syl in+2vol:u+1cel+ate pos adj. involucelated sub head involucel or involucelate syl in+2vol:u+1cel+at+ed pos adj. involucre ety C16 (in the sense: envelope): from New Latin involucrum, from Latin: wrapper, from involvere to wrap; see #7involve involucrum alt head involucre or involucre syl in+vo+lu+crum pron <2inv*1lu:kr*m> pos n. involucres infl head involucre or involucra syl in+vo+lu+cres pron <-kr*> pos n. mod pl. involucra infl head involucre or involucres syl in+vo+lu+cra pron <-kr*> pos n. mod pl. involucre 0. or involucrum syl in+vo+lu+cre pron <1inv*2lu:k*> pos n. def a ring of bracts at the base of an inflorescence in such plants as the involucral sub head involucre syl in+vo+1lu+cral pos adj. involucrate sub head involucre syl in+vo+1lu+crate pos adj. involuntary 1. syl in+vol+un+tar:y pron , <-tri> pos adj. def carried out without one's conscious wishes; not voluntary; unintentional. involuntary 2. syl in+vol+un+tar:y pron , <-tri> pos adj. usage Physiol. esp. of a movement or muscle def performed or acting without conscious control. involuntarily sub head involuntary syl in+1vol+un+tar:i+ly pos adv. involuntariness sub head involuntary syl in+1vol+un+tar:i+ness pos n. involute ety C17: from Latin invol*_utus, from involvere; see #7involve involute 1. syl in+vo+lute pron <1inv*2lu:t> pos adj. usage also def complex, intricate, or involved. involute 2. syl in+vo+lute pron <1inv*2lu:t> pos adj. usage also; Botany. esp. of petals, leaves, etc., in bud def having margins that are rolled inwards. involute 3. syl in+vo+lute pron <1inv*2lu:t> pos adj. usage also; of certain shells def closely coiled so that the axis is obscured. involute 4. syl in+vo+lute pron <1inv*2lu:t> pos n. qual Geom. usage also def the curve described by the free end of a thread as it is wound around another curve, the {evolute}, such that its normals are tangential to the evolute. involute 5. syl in+vo+lute pron <2inv*1lu:t> pos vb. mod intr. usage also def to become involute. involutely sub head involute syl in+vo+2lute+ly pos adv. involutedly sub head involute syl in+vo+2lut+ed+ly pos adv. involution 1. syl in+vo+lu+tion pron <2inv*1lu:S*n> pos n. def the act of involving or complicating or the state of being involved or complicated. involution 2. syl in+vo+lu+tion pron <2inv*1lu:S*n> pos n. def something involved or complicated. involution 3. syl in+vo+lu+tion pron <2inv*1lu:S*n> pos n. qual Zoology. def degeneration or structural deformation. involution 4. syl in+vo+lu+tion pron <2inv*1lu:S*n> pos n. qual Biology. def an involute formation or structure. involution 5. syl in+vo+lu+tion pron <2inv*1lu:S*n> pos n. qual Physiol. def reduction in size of an organ or part, as of the uterus following childbirth or as a result of ageing. involution 6. syl in+vo+lu+tion pron <2inv*1lu:S*n> pos n. def an algebraic operation in which a number, variable, expression etc., is raised to a specified power. Compare { {evolution} (sense 5)}. involution 7. syl in+vo+lu+tion pron <2inv*1lu:S*n> pos n. qual Grammar. def an involved construction, such as one in which the subject is separated from the predicate by an additional clause. involutional sub head involution syl in+vo+1lu+tion+al pos adj. involve ety C14: from Latin involvere to roll in, surround, from {#7in -%2}#7+ volvere to roll involve 1. syl in+volve pron pos vb. mod tr. def to include or contain as a necessary part. exam 1 the task involves hard work. involve 2. syl in+volve pron pos vb. mod tr. def to have an effect on; spread to. exam 1 the investigation involved many innocent people. involve 3. syl in+volve pron pos vb. mod tr. usage often passive; usually foll. by in or with def to concern or associate significantly. exam 1 many people were involved in the crime. involve 4. syl in+volve pron pos vb. mod tr. usage often passive def to make complicated; tangle. exam 1 the situation was further involved by her disappearance. involve 5. syl in+volve pron pos vb. mod tr. qual Rare, often poetic. def to wrap or surround. involve 6. syl in+volve pron pos vb. mod tr. qual Archaic. def to coil up. involve 7. syl in+volve pron pos vb. mod tr. qual Maths., obsolete. def to raise to a specified power. involvement sub head involve syl in+1volve+ment pos n. involver sub head involve syl in+1volv+er pos n. involved 1. syl in+volved pron pos adj. def complicated; difficult to comprehend. exam 1 an involved literary style. involved 2. syl in+volved pron pos adj. usage usually postpositive def concerned or implicated. exam 1 one of the men involved. involved 3. syl in+volved pron pos adj. qual Euphemistic. usage postpositive; foll. by with def having sexual relations. exam 1 she was involved with a number of men. invty alt head invt or invt syl invty. invt 0. or invty syl invt. qual abbrev. for def inventory. invulnerable 1. syl in+vul+ner+a:ble pron , <-v^nr*bL> pos adj. def incapable of being wounded, hurt, damaged, etc., either physically or emotionally. invulnerable 2. syl in+vul+ner+a:ble pron , <-v^nr*bL> pos adj. def incapable of being damaged or captured. exam 1 an invulnerable fortress. invulnerability sub head invulnerable or invulnerableness syl in+2vul+ner+a:1bil+i:ty pos n. invulnerableness sub head invulnerable or invulnerability syl in+1vul+ner+a:ble+ness pos n. invulnerably sub head invulnerable syl in+1vul+ner+a:bly pos adv. invultuation ety C19: from Medieval Latin invultu*_are to make a likeness, from #7in -%2+ vultus likeness invultuation 0. syl in+vul+tu:a+tion pron pos n. def the use of or the act of making images of people, animals, etc., for witchcraft. inward 1. syl in+ward pron <1inw*d> pos adj. def going or directed towards the middle of or into something. inward 2. syl in+ward pron <1inw*d> pos adj. def situated within; inside. inward 3. syl in+ward pron <1inw*d> pos adj. def of, relating to, or existing in the mind or spirit. exam 1 inward meditation. inward 4. syl in+ward pron <1inw*d> pos adv. def a variant of {inwards}. inward 5. syl in+ward pron <1inw*d> pos n. def the inward part; inside. inwardness sub head inward syl in+ward+ness pos n. inwardly 1. syl in+ward+ly pron <1inw*dli> pos adv. def within the private thoughts or feelings; secretly. exam 1 inwardly troubled, he kept smiling. inwardly 2. syl in+ward+ly pron <1inw*dli> pos adv. def not aloud. exam 1 to laugh inwardly. inwardly 3. syl in+ward+ly pron <1inw*dli> pos adv. def with reference to the inside or inner part; internally. inwardly 4. syl in+ward+ly pron <1inw*dli> pos adv. qual Archaic. def intimately; essentially. exam 1 the most inwardly concerned of the plotters. inwards 1. syl in+wards pron <1inw*dz> pos adv. usage also def towards the interior or middle of something. inwards 2. syl in+wards pron <1inw*dz> pos adv. usage also def in, into, or towards the mind or spirit. inwards 3. syl in+wards pron <1in*dz> pos n. mod pl. usage also def a variant of {innards}. inweaves infl head inweave syl in+weaves pos vb. mod tr. inweaving infl head inweave syl in+weav+ing pos vb. mod tr. inwove infl head inweave or inweaved woven syl in+wove pos vb. mod tr. inweaved woven infl head inweave or inweaved syl in+weaved; +wo+ven pos vb. mod tr. inweaved infl head inweave or inweaved woven syl in+weaved. pos vb. mod tr. inweave 0. syl in+weave pron pos vb. mod tr. def to weave together into or as if into a design, fabric, etc.; interweave. inwraps infl head inwrap syl in+wraps pos vb. inwrapping infl head inwrap syl in+wrap+ping pos vb. inwrapped infl head inwrap syl in+wrapped. pos vb. inwrap 0. syl in+wrap pron pos vb. def a less common spelling of {enwrap}. inwrought 1. syl in+wrought pron <2in1rc:t> pos adj. def worked or woven into material, esp. decoratively. inwrought 2. syl in+wrought pron <2in1rc:t> pos adj. qual Rare. def blended with other things. inyala 0. syl in+ya+la pron pos n. def another name for {nyala}. Io H1.0. syl I:o pron <1I*u> pos n. qual Greek myth. def a maiden loved by Zeus and turned into a white heifer by either Zeus or Hera. Io H2.0. syl I:o pron <1I*u> pos n. def the third largest of the twelve satellites of Jupiter and the second nearest to the planet. IO 0. syl I/O qual abbrev. for def input/output. Yanina alt head Io'annina or Io'annina syl Ya+ni+na pos n. Io'annina 0. or Yanina syl Io:*'an+ni+na pron Greek pos n. def a city in NW Greece: belonged to the Serbs (1349-1430) and then the Turks (until 1913); seat of Ali Pasha, the @6Lion of Janina,@9 from 1788 to 1822. Pop.: 40130 (1971). Serbian name: {Janina}. iodate 1. syl i:o:date pron <1I*2dAt> pos n. def a salt of iodic acid. iodate 2. syl i:o:date pron <1I*2dAt> pos vb. mod tr. def another word for {iodize}. iodation sub head iodate syl i:o:1da+tion pos n. iodic 0. syl i:od+ic pron pos adj. def of or containing iodine, esp. in the pentavalent state. iodic acid 0. syl i:od+ic ac:id pos n. def a colourless or pale yellow soluble crystalline substance that forms acidic aqueous solutions. Used as a reagent and disinfectant. Formula: HIO\3. iodide 1. syl i:o:dide pron <1I*2dId> pos n. def a salt of hydriodic acid, containing the iodide ion, I%-. iodide 2. syl i:o:dide pron <1I*2dId> pos n. def a compound containing an iodine atom, such as methyl iodide, CH\3I. iodine ety C19: from French iode, from Greek i*_od*_es rust-coloured, but taken to mean violet-coloured, through a mistaken derivation from ion violet iodine 0. syl i:o:dine pron <1I*2dEn> pos n. def a bluish-black element of the halogen group that sublimates into a violet irritating gas. Its compounds are used in medicine and photography and in dyes. The radioisotope {iodine-131 (radioiodine) }, with a half-life of 8 days, is used in the diagnosis and treatment of thyroid disease. Symbol: I; atomic no.: 53; atomic wt.: 126.90; valency: 1,3,5, or 7; relative density: 4.93; melting pt.: 113.5?%C; boiling pt.: 184.35?%C. iodism 0. syl i:o:dism pron <1I*2diz*m> pos n. def poisoning induced by ingestion of iodine or its compounds. iodise alt head iodize or iodize syl i:o:dise pron <1I*2dIz> pos vb. mod tr. iodize 0. or iodise syl i:o:dize pron <1I*2dIz> pos vb. mod tr. def to treat or react with iodine or an iodine compound. Also: {iodate}. iodization sub head iodize or iodisation syl i:o:di+1za+tion pos n. iodisation sub head iodize or iodization syl i:o:di+1sa+tion pos n. iodizer sub head iodize or iodiser syl i:o:2diz+er pos n. iodiser sub head iodize or iodizer syl i:o:2dis+er pos n. iodoform 0. syl i:o:do+form pron pos n. def a yellow crystalline insoluble volatile solid with a penetrating sweet odour made by heating alcohol with iodine and an alkali: used as an antiseptic. Formula: CHI\3. Also called: {triiodomethane}. iodometry 0. syl i:o:dom+e:try pron <2I*1domitri> pos n. qual Chem. def a procedure used in volumetric analysis for determining the quantity of substance present that contains, liberates, or reacts with iodine. iodometric sub head iodometry or iodometrical syl i:o:do+met+ric pron <2I*d*u1metrik> pos adj. iodometrical sub head iodometry or iodometric syl i:o:do+1met+ri+cal pos adj. iodometrically sub head iodometry syl i:o:do+1met+ri+cal+ly pos adv. iodopsin 0. syl i:o:dop+sin pron <2I*1dopsin> pos n. def a violet light-sensitive pigment in the cones of the retina of the eye. Also called: {visual violet}. See also {rhodopsin}. iodous 1. syl i:o:dous pron pos adj. def of or containing iodine, esp. in the trivalent state. iodous 2. syl i:o:dous pron pos adj. def concerned with or resembling iodine. iolite ety C19: from Greek ion a violet+-#7lite iolite 0. syl i:o:lite pron <1I*2lIt> pos n. def another name for {cordierite}. IOM 0. syl I.O.M. qual abbrev. for def Isle of Man. Io moth ety C19: after Io (who was tormented by a gadfly), referring to the sting of the larva Io moth 0. syl I:o moth pos n. def an American saturniid moth, bright yellow with a blue-and-pink eyelike spot on each of the hindwings. ion ety C19: from Greek, literally: going, from ienai to go ion 0. syl i:on pron <1I*n>, <-on> pos n. def an electrically charged atom or group of atoms formed by the loss or gain of one or more electrons. See also {cation, anion}. -ion ety from Latin -i*_on- , -io -ion 0. syl -ion usage suffix forming nouns. def indicating an action, process, or state. exam 1 creation; exam 2 objection. Iona 0. syl I:o+na pron pos n. def an island off the W coast of Scotland, in the Inner Hebrides: site of St. Columba's monastery (founded in 563) and an important early centre of Christianity. Area: 854 ha (2112 acres). ion engine 0. syl i:on en+gine pos n. def a type of rocket engine in which thrust is obtained by the electrostatic acceleration of charged positive ions. Compare {plasma engine}. Eugene infl head Ionesco syl Eu:g*`ene pron <$o1Zen> pos n. Ionesco 0. syl I:o:nes:co pron <2E*1nesk*u>, French pos n. def born 1912, French dramatist, born in Rumania; a leading exponent of the theatre of the absurd. His plays include (1950) and (1960). ion exchange 0. syl i:on ex+change pos n. def the process in which ions are exchanged between a solution and an insoluble solid, usually a resin. It is used to soften water, to separate radioactive isotopes, and to purify certain industrial chemicals. Ionia 0. syl I:o:ni:a pron pos n. def an ancient region of W central Asia Minor, including adjacent Aegean islands: colonized by Greeks in about 1100 #7b.c. Ionian 1. syl I:o:ni:an pron pos n. def a member of a Hellenic people who settled in Attica in about 1100 #7b.c. and later colonized the islands and E coast of the Aegean Sea. Ionian 2. syl I:o:ni:an pron pos adj. def of or relating to this people or their dialect of Ancient Greek; Ionic. Ionian 3. syl I:o:ni:an pron pos adj. def of or relating to Ionia. Ionian 4. syl I:o:ni:an pron pos adj. qual Music. def relating to or denoting an authentic mode represented by the ascending natural diatonic scale from C to C and forming the basis of the modern major key. See also {Hypo-}. Ionian Islands 0. syl I:o:ni:an Is+lands pos n. mod pl. def a group of Greek islands in the Ionian Sea, consisting of Corfu, Cephalonia, Zante, Levkas, Ithaca, Cythera, and Paxos: ceded to Greece in 1864. Pop.: 184443 (1971). Area: 2307 sq. km (891 sq. miles). Ionian Sea 0. syl I:o:ni:an Sea pos n. def the part of the Mediterranean Sea between SE Italy, E Sicily, and Greece. ionic 0. syl i:on+ic pron pos adj. def of, relating to, or occurring in the form of ions. Ionic 1. syl I:on+ic pron pos adj. def of, denoting, or relating to one of the five classical orders of architecture, characterized by fluted columns and capitals with scroll-like ornaments. See also {Doric, Composite, Tuscan, Corinthian}. Ionic 2. syl I:on+ic pron pos adj. def of or relating to Ionia, its inhabitants, or their dialect of Ancient Greek. Ionic 3. syl I:on+ic pron pos adj. qual Prosody. def of, relating to, designating, or employing Ionics in verse. Ionic 4. syl I:on+ic pron pos n. def one of four chief dialects of Ancient Greek; the dialect spoken in Ionia. Compare {Aeolic, Arcadic, Doric}. Ionic 5. syl I:on+ic pron pos n. usage in classical prosody def a type of metrical foot having either two long followed by two short syllables ({greater Ionic) }, or two short followed by two long syllables ({lesser Ionic) }. ionic bond 0. syl i:on+ic bond pos n. def another name for {electrovalent bond}. ionium ety C20: from New Latin, from #7ion+ -#7ium ionium 0. syl i:o:ni:um pron pos n. qual Obsolete. def a naturally occurring radioisotope of thorium with a mass number of 230. Symbol: Io. ionisation alt head ionization or ionization syl i:on:i+sa+tion pron <2I*nI1zAS*n> pos n. ionization 0.a. or ionisation syl i:on:i+za+tion pron <2I*nI1zAS*n> pos n. def the formation of ions as a result of a chemical reaction, heat, electrical discharge, or radiation. ionization 0.b. or ionisation syl i:on:i+za+tion pron <2I*nI1zAS*n> pos n. usage as modifier exam 1 ionization temperature; exam 2 ionization current. ionization chamber 0. syl i:on:i+za+tion cham+ber pos n. def a device for detecting and measuring ionizing radiation, consisting of a tube containing a low pressure gas and two electrodes between which a high voltage is maintained. The current between the electrodes is a function of the intensity of the radiation. ionization potential 0. syl i:on:i+za+tion po+ten+tial pos n. def the energy required to remove an electron from an atom, molecule, or radical, measured in electronvolts. Symbol. exam 1 I ionise alt head ionize or ionize syl i:on+ise pron <1I*2nIz> pos vb. ionize 0. or ionise syl i:on+ize pron <1I*2nIz> pos vb. def to change or become changed into ions. &- {#!i@.on+@!iz+a@.ble} {#!i@.on+@!is+a@.ble} ionizing radiation 0. syl i:on+iz+ing ra+di:a+tion pos n. def electromagnetic or corpuscular radiation that is able to cause ionization. ionone 1. syl i:o:none pron <1I*2n*un> pos n. def a yellowish liquid mixture of two isomers with an odour of violets, extracted from certain plants and used in perfumery. ionone 2. syl i:o:none pron <1I*2n*un> pos n. def either of these two isomers. Formula: C\1\3H\2\0O. ionopause 0. syl i:on:o+pause pron pos n. def the transitional zone in the atmosphere between the ionosphere and the exosphere, about 644 km (400 miles) from the earth's surface. ionosphere 0. syl i:on:o+sphere pron pos n. def a region of the earth's atmosphere, extending from about 60 kilometres to 1000 km above the earth's surface, in which there is a high concentration of free electrons formed as a result of ionizing radiation entering the atmosphere from space. See also {D region, E region, F region}. &- {i@.on@.o+spher+ic} (a$I@!$An$$#!sf$er$Ik) ionospheric wave 0. syl i:on:o+spher+ic wave pos n. def another name for {sky wave}. ion rocket 0. syl i:on rock+et pos n. def a rocket propelled by an ion engine. iontophoresis ety C20: from Greek iont-, ion, from ienai to go+#7-phoresis iontophoresis 0. syl i:on+to+pho+re:sis pron pos n. qual Biochem. def a technique for studying neurotransmitters in the brain by the application of experimental solutions to the tissues through fine glass electrodes. IOOF 0. syl I.O.O.F. qual abbrev. for def Independent Order of Oddfellows. iota ety C16: via Latin from Greek, of Semitic origin; see #7jot iota 1. syl i:o:ta pron pos n. def the ninth letter in the Greek alphabet (#GI, #Gi), a vowel or semivowel, transliterated as or iota 2. syl i:o:ta pron pos n. usage usually used with a negative def a very small amount; jot (esp. in the phrase {not one} {an iota}) . iotacism 0. syl i:o:ta+cism pron pos n. def a tendency of vowels and diphthongs, esp. in Modern Greek, to acquire the pronunciation of the vowel iota (i$:). IOU ety C17: representing I owe you IOU 0. syl IOU pos n. def a written promise or reminder to pay a debt. -ious ety from Latin -ius and -i*_osus full of -ious 0. syl -i:ous usage suffix forming adjectives from nouns. def characterized by or full of. exam 1 ambitious; exam 2 religious; exam 3 suspicious. IOW 0. syl I.O.W. qual abbrev. for def Isle of Wight. Iowa 0. syl I:o:wa pron <1I*u*> pos n. def a state of the N central U.S., in the Midwest: consists of rolling plains crossed by many rivers, with the Missouri forming the western border and the Mississippi the eastern. Capital: Des Moines. Pop.: 2825041 (1970). Area: 144887 sq. km (55941 sq. miles). Abbrevs.: {Ia}. or (with zip code) {IA} Iowan sub head Iowa syl I:o:wan pron <1I*u*n> pos adj. IPA 0. syl IPA qual abbrev. for def International Phonetic Alphabet. ipecac ety C18: from Portuguese ipecacuanha, from Tupi ipekaagu*'ene, from ipeh low+ kaa leaves+ gu*'ene vomit ipecacuanha alt head ipecac or ipecac syl ip+e:cac:u+an+ha pron <2ipi2k@kju1@n*> pos n. ipecac 1. or ipecacuanha syl ip+e:cac pron <1ipi2k@k> pos n. def a low-growing South American rubiaceous shrub, ipecac 2. or ipecacuanha syl ip+e:cac pron <1ipi2k@k> pos n. def a drug prepared from the dried roots of this plant, used as a purgative and emetic. Iphigenia 0. syl Iph:i:ge:ni:a pron <2ifiJi1nI*> pos n. qual Greek myth. def the daughter of Agamemnon, taken by him to be sacrificed to Artemis, who saved her life and made her a priestess. Ipoh 0. syl I:poh pron <1Ep*u> pos n. def a city in Malaysia, capital of Perak state: tin-mining centre. Pop.: 247689 (1970). ipomoea ety C18: New Latin, from Greek ips worm+ homoios like ipomoea 1. syl ip:o+moe:a pron <2ip*1mi*>, <2I-> pos n. def any tropical or subtropical convolvulaceous plant of the genus such as the morning glory, sweet potato, and jalap, having trumpet-shaped flowers. ipomoea 2. syl ip:o+moe:a pron <2ip*1mi*>, <2I-> pos n. def the dried root of a Mexican species, which yields a cathartic resin. Ipsambul 0. syl Ip+sam+bul pron <2ips@m1bu:l> pos n. def another name for {Abu Simbel}. ipse dixit ety C16, literally: he himself said it ipse dixit 0. syl ip:se dix+it pron Latin. <1ipsA> <1diksit> pos n. def an arbitrary and unsupported assertion. ipsilateral ety C20: irregularly formed from Latin ipse self+#7lateral ipsilateral 0. syl ip:si+lat+er:al pron <2ipsi1l@t*r*l> pos adj. def on or affecting the same side of the body. ipsissima verba 0. syl ip+sis+si+ma ver+ba pron Latin. <1vR:b*> pos n. mod pl. def the very words; verbatim. ipso facto ety from Latin ipso facto 0. syl ip:so fac+to pron <1ips*u> <1f@kt*u> pos adv. def by that very fact or act. exam 1 ipso facto his guilt was apparent. ipso jure ety from Latin ipso jure 0. syl ip:so ju:re pron <1ips*u> <1ju*ri> pos adv. def by the law itself; by operation of law. Ipsus 0. syl Ip+sus pron <1ips*s> pos n. def an ancient town in Asia Minor, in S Phrygia: site of a decisive battle (301 #7b.c.) in the Wars of the Diadochi in which Lysimachus and Seleucus defeated Antigonus and Demetrius. Ipswich 0. syl Ips+wich pron <1ipswiC> pos n. def a town in E England, administrative centre of Suffolk, at the head of the Orwell estuary: manu?!factures agricultural and industrial machinery. Pop.: 122814 (1971). iq ety Latin: the same as iq 0. syl i.q. qual abbrev. for def idem quod. IQ 0. syl I.Q. qual abbrev. for def intelligence quotient. Muhammad infl head Iqbal syl Mu:ham:mad pron pos n. Iqbal 0. syl Iq:bal pron <1ikbal> pos n. def 1875-1938, Indian Muslim poet, philosopher, and political leader, who advocated the establishment of separate nations for Indian Hindus and Muslims and is generally regarded as the originator of Pakistan. Iquique 0. syl I:qui+que pron Spanish pos n. def a port in N Chile: oil refineries. Pop.:64340 (1970). Iquitos 0. syl I:qui+tos pron Spanish pos n. def an inland port in NE Peru, on the Amazon 3703 km (2300 miles) from the Atlantic: head of navigation for large steamers. Pop.: 110242 (1972). Ir 0. syl Ir usage the chemical symbol for def iridium. IR 0. syl IR usage international car registration for def Iran. Ir 1. syl Ir. qual abbrev. for: def Ireland. Ir 2. syl Ir. qual abbrev. for: def Irish. IR 0. syl I.R. qual abbrev. for usage in Britain def Inland Revenue. ir- 0. syl ir- pos prefix. def variant of {in-%1} and {in-%2} before IRA 0. syl I.R.A. qual abbrev. for def Irish Republican Army. iracund ety C19: from Latin *_ir*_acundus, from *_ira anger iracund 0. syl i:ra+cund pron <1I*r*2k^nd> pos adj. qual Rare. def easily angered. iracundity sub head iracund syl i:ra+1cund+i:ty pos n. irade ety C19: from Turkish: will, desire, from Arabic ir*_adah irade 0. syl i:ra+de pron pos n. def a written edict of a Muslim rule. Ir'aklion 0. syl I:r*'a+kli+on pron Greek pos n. def a port in Greece, in N Crete: former capital of Crete (until 1841); ruled by Venetians (13th-17th centuries). Pop.: 78209 (1971). Italian name: {Candia}. Also called: {Heraklion, Herakleion}. Iran 0. syl I:ran pron pos n. def a kingdom in SW Asia, between the Caspian Sea and the Persian Gulf: consists chiefly of a high central desert plateau almost completely surrounded by mountains, a semitropical fertile region along the Caspian coast, and a hot and dry area beside the Persian Gulf. Oil is the most important export. Language: Iranian. Religion: chiefly Muslim. Currency: rial. Capital: Teheran. Pop.: 25785210 (1966). Area: 1647050 sq. km (635932 sq. miles). Former name (until 1935): {Persia}. See also {Persian Empire}. Iran 0. syl Iran. qual abbrev. for def Iranian. Iranian 1. syl I:ra+ni:an pron pos n. def a native, citizen, or inhabitant of Iran. Iranian 2. syl I:ra+ni:an pron pos n. def a branch of the Indo-European family of languages, divided into {West Iranian} (including Old Persian, Pahlavi, modern Persian, Kurdish, Baluchi, and Tadzhiki) and {East Iranian} (including Avestan, Sogdian, Pashto, and Ossetic). Iranian 3. syl I:ra+ni:an pron pos n. def the modern Persian language. Iranian 4. syl I:ra+ni:an pron pos adj. def relating to, denoting, or characteristic of Iran, its inhabitants, or their language; Persian. Iranian 5. syl I:ra+ni:an pron pos adj. def belonging to or relating to the Iranian branch of Indo-European. Iraq 0. syl I:raq pron pos n. def a republic in SW Asia, on the Persian Gulf: coextensive with ancient Mesopotamia; became a British mandate in 1920, independent in 1932, and a republic in 1958. It consists chiefly of the mountains of Kurdistan in the northeast, part of the Syrian Desert, and the lower basin of the Rivers Tigris and Euphrates. Oil is the major export. Official language: Arabic; Kurdish is also spoken. Religion: chiefly Muslim. Currency: dinar. Capital: Baghdad. Pop.: 8047415 (1965). Area: 438446 sq. km (169284 sq. miles). Iraqi sub head Iraq syl I:ra+qi pron pos adj. n. irascible ety C16: from Late Latin *_irascibilis, from Latin *_ira anger irascible 1. syl i:ras+ci:ble pron pos adj. def easily angered; irritable. irascible 2. syl i:ras+ci:ble pron pos adj. def showing irritability. exam 1 an irascible action. irascibility sub head irascible or irascibleness syl i:2ras+ci:1bil+i:ty pos n. irascibleness sub head irascible or irascibility syl i:1ras+ci:ble+ness pos n. irascibly sub head irascible syl i:1ras+ci:bly pos adv. irate ety C19: from Latin *_ir*_atus enraged, from *_irasc*_i to be angry irate 1. syl i:rate pron pos adj. def incensed with anger; furious. irate 2. syl i:rate pron pos adj. def marked by extreme anger. exam 1 an irate letter. irately sub head irate syl i:1rate+ly pos adv. Irbid 0. syl Ir+bid pron <1irbid> pos n. def a town in NW Jordan. Pop.: 125000 (1974 est.). Irbil 0. syl Ir+bil pron <1i*bil> pos n. def a variant spelling of {Erbil}. IRBM 0. syl IRBM qual abbrev. for def intermediate range ballistic missile. ire ety C13: from Old French, from Latin *_ira ire 0. syl ire pron pos n. qual Literary. def anger; wrath. ireful sub head ire syl ire+ful pos adj. irefully sub head ire syl ire+ful+ly pos adv. irefulness sub head ire syl ire+ful+ness pos n. ireless sub head ire syl ire+less pos adj. Ire 0. syl Ire. qual abbrev. for def Ireland. Ireland H1.1. syl Ire+land pron <1I*l*nd> pos n. def an island off NW Europe: part of the British Isles, separated from Britain by the North Channel, the Irish Sea, and St. George's Channel; contains large areas of peat bog, with mountains that rise over 900 m (3000 ft.) in the southwest and several large lakes. It was conquered by England in the 16th and early 17th centuries and ruled as a dependency until 1801, when it was united with Great Britain until its division in 1921 into the Republic of Ireland and Northern Ireland. Latin name: {Hibernia}. Republic of 2. head Ireland syl Republic of. def Also called: {Irish Republic, Southern Ireland}. a republic in NW Europe occupying most of Ireland: established as the Irish Free State (a British dominion) in 1921 and declared a republic in 1949; joined the Common Market in 1973. Languages: English and Gaelic. Currency: Irish pound. Capital: Dublin. Pop.: 3086000 (1974 est.). Area: 70282 sq. km (27136 sq. miles). Gaelic name: {Eire}. Related adj.: {Hibernian}. Ireland xref syl Ire+land pron <1I*l*nd> pos n. def See also {Northern Ireland}. John infl head Ireland syl John. pos n. Ireland H2.0. syl Ire:land pron <1I*l*nd> pos n. def 1879-1962, English composer, esp. of songs. Irene 0. syl I:re:ne pron pos n. qual Greek myth. def the goddess of peace. irenic ety C19: from Greek eir*_enikos, from eir*_en*_e peace eirenic alt head irenic or eirenical syl ei:ren+ic pron , <-1ren-> pos adj. irenical infl head irenic or irenic syl i:ren:i+cal pos adj. eirenical infl head irenic or eirenic syl ei:ren:i+cal pos adj. irenic 0. or irenical syl i:ren+ic pron , <-1ren-> pos adj. qual Chiefly theol. def tending to conciliate or promote peace. irenically sub head irenic or eirenically syl i:1ren:i+cal+ly pos adv. eirenically sub head irenic or irenically syl ei:1ren:i:cal+ly pos adv. irenicon 0. syl i:re:ni+con pron pos n. def a variant spelling of {eirenicon}. irenics 0. syl i:ren+ics pron , <-1ren-> pos n. mod functioning as; sing. def that branch of theology that is concerned with unity between Christian sects and denominations. Henry infl head Ireton syl Hen:ry. pos n. Ireton 0. syl Ire:ton pron <1I*tN> pos n. def 1611-51, English Parliamentarian general in the Civil War; son-in-law of Oliver Cromwell. His plan for a constitutional monarchy was rejected by Charles I (1647), whose death warrant he signed; lord deputy of Ireland (1650-51). Irian Barat 0. syl Ir:i+an Bar+at pron <1i*ri*n> <1b@ra:t> pos n. def the former Indonesian name for {West Irian}. Irian Jaya 0. syl Ir:i+an Ja:ya pron <1Ja:j*> pos n. def the Indonesian name for {West Irian}. iridaceous 0. syl ir:i+da+ceous pron <2iri1dAS*s>, <2I-> pos adj. def of, relating to, or belonging to the a family of monocotyledonous plants, including iris, crocus, and gladiolus, having swordlike leaves and showy flowers. iridectomies infl head iridectomy syl ir:i+dec+to+mies. pos n. mod pl. iridectomy 0. syl ir:i+dec+to+my pron <2iri1dekt*mi>, <2I-> pos n. def surgical removal of part of the iris. iridescent ety C18: from #7irido -#7+ -#7escent iridescent 0. syl ir:i+des+cent pron <2iri1desNt> pos adj. def displaying a spectrum of colours that shimmer and change due to interference and scattering as the observer's position changes. iridescence sub head iridescent syl ir:i+1des+cence pos n. iridescently sub head iridescent syl ir:i+1des+cent+ly pos adv. iridic 1. syl i:rid+ic pron , pos adj. def of or containing iridium, esp. in the tetravalent state. iridic 2. syl i:rid+ic pron , pos adj. def of or relating to the iris of the eye. iridium ety C19: New Latin, from #7irido -#7+ -#7ium ; from its colourful appearance when dissolving in certain acids iridium 0. syl i:rid+i:um pron , pos n. def a very hard inert yellowish-white transition element that is the most corrosion-resistant metal known. It occurs in platinum ores and is used as an alloy with platinum. Symbol: Ir; atomic no.: 77; atomic wt.: 192.2; valency: 3 or 4; relative density: 22.42; melting pt.: 2410?%C; boiling pt.: 4130?%C. irido ety from Latin irid-, #7iris irido 1. syl ir:i+do usage before a vowel def denoting the iris of the eye or the genus of plants. exam 1 iridectomy; exam 2 iridaceous. irido 2. syl ir:i+do usage before a vowel def denoting a rainbow. exam 1 iridescent. iridosmine ety C19: from #7irido -#7+osm (#7ium) #7+ {-#7ine %2} iridosmium alt head iridosmine or iridosmine syl ir:i+dos+mi:um pos n. iridosmine 0. or iridosmium syl ir:i+dos+mine pron <2iri1dosmIn>, <2Iri-> pos n. def other names for {osmiridium}. iridotomies infl head iridotomy syl ir:i+dot:o+mies. pos n. mod pl. iridotomy 0. syl ir:i+dot:o+my pron <2iri1dot*mi>, <2Iri-> pos n. def surgical incision into the iris, esp. to create an artificial pupil. iris ety C14: from Latin: rainbow, iris (flower), crystal, from Greek irises infl head iris or irides syl i:ris:es pron <1Iri2dEz>, <1iri-> pos n. mod pl. irides infl head iris or irises syl ir:i+des pron <1Iri2dEz>, <1iri-> pos n. mod pl. iris 1. syl i:ris pron <1Iris> pos n. def the coloured muscular diaphragm that surrounds and controls the size of the pupil. iris 2. syl i:ris pron <1Iris> pos n. def Also called: {fleur-de-lis}. any plant of the iridaceous genus having brightly coloured flowers composed of three petals and three drooping sepals. See also { {flag%2}, orris, stinking iris}. iris 3. syl i:ris pron <1Iris> pos n. def a rare or poetic word for {rainbow}. iris 4. syl i:ris pron <1Iris> pos n. def something resembling a rainbow; iridescence. Iris 0. syl I:ris pron <1Iris> pos n. def the goddess of the rainbow along which she travelled to earth as a messenger of the gods. iris diaphragm 0. syl i:ris di:a+phragm pos n. def an adjustable diaphragm that regulates the amount of light entering an optical instrument, esp. a camera. It usually consists of a number of thin metal leaves arranged so that they open out into an approximately circular aperture. Irish 1. syl I:rish pron <1IriS> pos adj. def of, relating to, or characteristic of Ireland, its people, their Celtic language, or their dialect of English. the 2. head Irish syl the. mod functioning as; pl. def the natives or inhabitants of Ireland. Irish 3. syl I:rish pron <1IriS> pos n. def another name for {Irish Gaelic}. Irish 4. syl I:rish pron <1IriS> pos n. def the dialect of English spoken in Ireland. Irish bull 0. syl I:rish bull pos n. def a ludicrously illogical statement. See also { {bull%2.}} Irish coffee 0. syl I:rish cof+fee pos n. def hot coffee mixed with whiskey and topped with double cream. Irish elk 0. syl I:rish elk pos n. def an extinct Eurasian giant deer of the Pleistocene genus which had antlers up to 4 metres across. Irish Free State 0. syl I:rish Free State pos n. def a former name for the (Republic of) {Ireland} (1922-37). Irish Gaelic 0. syl I:rish Gael+ic pos n. def the Goidelic language of the Celts of Ireland, still spoken in the southwest; an official language of the Republic of Ireland since 1921. Irishism 0. syl I:rish+ism pron <1Iri2Siz*m> pos n. def an Irish custom or idiom. Irishwoman alt head Irishman or Irishman syl I:rish+wom:an pos n. mod fem. Irishmen infl head Irishman or Irishwomen syl I:rish+men pos n. mod pl. Irishwomen infl head Irishman or Irishmen syl I:rish+wom:en. pos n. mod pl. Irishman 0. or Irishwoman syl I:rish+man pron <1IriSm*n> pos n. def a native, citizen, or inhabitant of Ireland or a descendant of one. Irish moss 0. syl I:rish moss pos n. def another name for {carrageen}. Irish potato 0. syl I:rish po+ta+to pos n. qual Chiefly U.S. def another name for the {potato}. Irish Republican Army 0. syl I:rish Re+pub+li+can Ar+my pos n. def a militant organization of Irish nationalists founded with the aim of striving for a united independent Ireland by means of guerrilla warfare. Abbrev.: {I.R.A}. Irish Sea 0. syl I:rish Sea pos n. def an arm of the North Atlantic Ocean between Great Britain and Ireland. Irish setter 0. syl I:rish set+ter pos n. def a breed of setter developed in Ireland, having a red coat. Also called: {red setter}. Irish stew 0. syl I:rish stew pos n. def a white stew made of mutton, lamb, or beef, with potatoes, onions, etc. Irish terrier 0. syl I:rish ter+ri+er pos n. def a breed of terrier with a wiry brown coat. Irish whiskey 0. syl I:rish whis+key pos n. def any of the whiskeys made in Ireland, usually from malt and subject to three distillations. Irish wolfhound 0. syl I:rish wolf+hound pos n. def a large breed of hound with a rough thick coat. iritis 0. syl i:ri+tis pron pos n. def inflammation of the iris of the eye. iritic sub head iritis syl i:rit+ic pron pos adj. irk ety C13 irken to grow weary; probably related to Old Norse yrkja to work irk 0. syl irk pron pos vb. mod tr. def to irritate, vex, or annoy. irksome 0. syl irk+some pron <1R:ks*m> pos adj. def causing vexation, annoyance, or boredom; troublesome or tedious. irksomely sub head irksome syl irk+some+ly pos adv. irksomeness sub head irksome syl irk+some+ness pos n. Irkutsk 0. syl Ir+kutsk pron Russian pos n. def a city in the S Soviet Union: situated on the Trans-Siberian railway; university (1918); one of the largest industrial centres in Siberia, esp. for heavy engineering. Pop.: 508000 (1975 est.). IRL 0. syl IRL usage international car registration for def Republic of Ireland. IRO 1. syl I.R.O. qual abbrev. for: usage in Brit. def Inland Revenue Office. IRO 2. syl I.R.O. qual abbrev. for: def International Refugee Organization. iron ety Old English ir*_en; related to Old High German *_isan, Old Norse j*_arn; compare Old Irish *_iarn iron 1.a. syl i:ron pron <1I*n> pos n. def a malleable ductile silvery-white ferro?!magnetic metallic element occurring principally in haematite and magnetite. It is widely used for structural and engineering purposes. See also {steel, cast iron, wrought iron, pig iron}. Symbol: Fe; atomic no.: 26; atomic wt.: 55.847; valency: 2,3,4, or 6; relative density: 7.874; melting pt.: 1535?%C; boiling pt.: 2750?%C. Related adjs.: {ferric, ferrous}. Related prefix: {ferro-}. iron 1.b. syl i:ron pron <1I*n> pos n. usage as modifier def . exam 1 iron railings. iron 2. syl i:ron pron <1I*n> pos n. def any of certain tools or implements made of iron or steel, esp. for use when hot. exam 1 a grappling iron; exam 2 a soldering iron. iron 3. syl i:ron pron <1I*n> pos n. def an appliance for pressing fabrics using dry heat or steam, esp. a small electrically heated device with a handle and a weighted flat bottom. iron 4. syl i:ron pron <1I*n> pos n. def any of various golf clubs with metal heads, numbered from 2 to 10 according to the slant of the face, used esp. for approach shots. exam 1 a No. 6 iron. iron 5. syl i:ron pron <1I*n> pos n. def an informal word for { {harpoon} (sense 1}). iron 6. syl i:ron pron <1I*n> pos n. qual U.S. slang. def a splint-like support for a malformed leg. iron 7. syl i:ron pron <1I*n> pos n. def great hardness, strength, or resolve. exam 1 a will of iron. iron 8. syl i:ron pron <1I*n> pos n. def See {shooting iron}. strike while the iron is hot 9. head iron syl strike while the iron is hot. def to act at an opportune moment. iron 10. syl i:ron pron <1I*n> pos adj. def very hard, immovable, or implacable. exam 1 iron determination. iron 11. syl i:ron pron <1I*n> pos adj. def very strong; extremely robust. exam 1 an iron constitution. iron 12. syl i:ron pron <1I*n> pos adj. def cruel or unyielding iron 13. syl i:ron pron <1I*n> pos vb. def to smooth (clothes or fabric) by removing (creases or wrinkles) using a heated iron; press. iron 14. syl i:ron pron <1I*n> pos vb. mod tr. def to furnish or clothe with iron. iron 15. syl i:ron pron <1I*n> pos vb. mod tr. qual Rare. def to place (a prisoner) in irons. {~} See also {iron out, irons}. ironer sub head iron syl i:ron+er pos n. ironless sub head iron syl i:ron+less pos adj. ironlike sub head iron syl i:ron+2like pos adj. iron age 0. syl i:ron age pos n. qual Classical myth. def the last and worst age in the history of the world. Iron Age 0.a. syl I:ron Age pos n. def the period following the Bronze Age characterized by the extremely rapid spread of iron tools and weapons, which began in the Middle East about 1100 #7b.c. Iron Age 0.b. syl I:ron Age pos n. usage modifier def of or relating to this period. ironbark 0. syl i:ron+bark pron <1I*n2ba:k> pos n. def any of several Australian eucalyptus trees that have hard rough bark. ironbound 1. syl i:ron+bound pron <1I*n2baund> pos adj. def bound with iron. ironbound 2. syl i:ron+bound pron <1I*n2baund> pos adj. def unyielding; inflexible. ironbound 3. syl i:ron+bound pron <1I*n2baund> pos adj. usage of a coast def rocky; rugged. the infl head Iron Chancellor syl the. pos n. Iron Chancellor 0. syl I:ron Chan+cel+lor pos n. def nickname of (Prince Otto Eduard Leopold von) {Bismarck}. ironclad 1. syl i:ron+clad pron <2I*n1kl@d> pos adj. def covered or protected with iron. exam 1 an ironclad warship. ironclad 2. syl i:ron+clad pron <2I*n1kl@d> pos adj. def inflexible; rigid. exam 1 an ironclad rule. ironclad 3. syl i:ron+clad pron <2I*n1kl@d> pos adj. def not able to be assailed or contradicted. exam 1 an ironclad argument. ironclad 4. syl i:ron+clad pron <1I*n2kl@d> pos n. def a large wooden 19th-century warship with armoured plating. Iron Cross 0. syl I:ron Cross pos n. def the highest decoration for bravery awarded to the German armed forces. Iron Curtain 1.a. syl I:ron Cur+tain pos n. def the guarded border between the countries of the Soviet bloc and the rest of Europe. Iron Curtain 1.b. syl I:ron Cur+tain pos n. usage as modifier exam 1 Iron Curtain countries. Iron Curtain 2. syl I:ron Cur+tain pos n. usage sometimes not caps. def any barrier that separates communities or ideologies. Iron Gates alt head Iron Gate or Iron Gate syl I:ron Gates pos n. Iron Gate 0. or Iron Gates syl I:ron Gate pos n. def a gorge of the River Danube on the border between Rumania and Yugoslavia. Length: 3 km (2 miles). Rumanian name: {Por*,tile de Fier}. iron glance 0. syl i:ron glance pos n. def another name for {haematite}. iron grey 0.a. syl i:ron grey pos n. def a neutral or dark grey colour. iron grey 0.b. syl i:ron grey pos as; adj. exam 1 iron-grey hair. Iron Guard 0. syl I:ron Guard pos n. def a Rumanian fascist party that ceased to exist after World War II. iron hand 0. syl i:ron hand pos n. def harsh or rigorous control; overbearing or autocratic force. exam 1 he ruled with an iron hand. iron horse 1. syl i:ron horse pos n. qual Informal, rare. def a steamdriven railway locomotive. iron horse 2. syl i:ron horse pos n. qual Archaic. def a bicycle or tricycle. ironical alt head ironic or ironic syl i:ron:i+cal pos adj. ironic 0. or ironical syl i:ron+ic pron pos adj. def of, characterized by, or using irony. ironically sub head ironic syl i:1ron:i+cal+ly pos adv. ironicalness sub head ironic syl i:1ron:i+cal+ness pos n. ironing 1. syl i:ron+ing pron <1I*niG> pos n. def the act of ironing washed clothes. ironing 2. syl i:ron+ing pron <1I*niG> pos n. def clothes, etc., that are to be or that have been ironed. ironing board 0. syl i:ron+ing board pos n. def a board, usually on legs, with a suitable covering on which to iron clothes. ironise alt head ironize or ironize syl i:ro+nise pron <1Ir*2nIz> pos vb. ironize 1. or ironise syl i:ro+nize pron <1Ir*2nIz> pos vb. mod intr. def to use or indulge in irony. ironize 2. or ironise syl i:ro+nize pron <1Ir*2nIz> pos vb. mod tr. def to make ironic or use ironically. &- {#!i@.ro+nist} iron lung 0. syl i:ron lung pos n. def an airtight metal cylinder enclosing the entire body up to the neck and providing artificial respiration when the respiratory muscles are paralysed, as by poliomyelitis. iron maiden 0. syl i:ron maid+en pos n. def a medieval instrument of torture, consisting of an enclosed space lined with iron spikes, into which the victim was locked. iron man 0. syl i:ron man pos n. qual Austral. def an event at a surf carnival in which contestants compete at swimming, surfing, running, etc. ironmaster 0. syl i:ron+mas:ter pron <1I*n2ma:st*> pos n. qual Brit. def a manufacturer of iron, esp. (formerly) the owner of an ironworks. ironmonger 0. syl i:ron+mon:ger pron <1I*n2m^Gg*> pos n. qual Brit. def a dealer in metal utensils, hardware, locks, etc. U.S. equivalent: {hardware dealer}. ironmongery sub head ironmonger syl i:ron+2mon:ger:y pos n. iron out 1. syl i:ron out pos vb. adv. mod tr. def to smooth, using a heated iron. iron out 2. syl i:ron out pos vb. adv. mod tr. def to put right or settle (a problem or difficulty) as a result of negotiations or discussions. iron out 3. syl i:ron out pos vb. adv. mod tr. qual Austral. informal. def to knock (a person) out. iron pyrites 0. syl i:ron py+ri+tes pos n. def another name for {pyrite}. iron rations 0. syl i:ron ra+tions pos n. mod pl. def emergency food supplies, esp. for military personnel in action. See also {K ration}. irons 1. syl i:rons pron <1I*nz> pos n. mod pl. def fetters or chains (often in the phrase {in} or {into irons) }. in irons 2. head irons syl in irons. usage Nautical. of a sailing vessel def headed directly into the wind without steerageway. have several irons in the fire 3. head irons syl have several irons in the fire. def to be involved in many projects, activities, etc. Ironside 0. syl I:ron+side pron <1I*n2sId> pos n. def nickname of Edmund II of England. ironsides 1. syl i:ron:sides pron <1I*n2sIdz> pos n. def a person with great stamina or resistance. ironsides 2. syl i:ron:sides pron <1I*n2sIdz> pos n. def an ironclad ship. ironsides 3.a. syl i:ron:sides pron <1I*n2sIdz> pos n. def the cavalry regiment trained and commanded by Oliver Cromwell. ironsides 3.b. syl i:ron:sides pron <1I*n2sIdz> pos n. def Cromwell's entire army. ironstone 1. syl i:ron+stone pron <1I*n2st*un> pos n. def any rock consisting mainly of an iron-bearing ore. ironstone 2. syl i:ron+stone pron <1I*n2st*un> pos n. def Also called: {ironstone china}. a tough durable earthenware. ironware 0. syl i:ron+ware pron <1I*n2we*> pos n. def domestic articles made of iron. ironwood 1. syl i:ron+wood pron <1I*n2wud> pos n. def any of various betulaceous trees, such as hornbeam, that have very hard wood. ironwood 2. syl i:ron+wood pron <1I*n2wud> pos n. def a Californian rosaceous tree, with very hard wood. ironwood 3. syl i:ron+wood pron <1I*n2wud> pos n. def the wood of any of these trees. ironwork 1. syl i:ron+work pron <1I*n2wR:k> pos n. def work done in iron, esp. decorative work. ironwork 2. syl i:ron+work pron <1I*n2wR:k> pos n. def the craft or practice of working in iron. ironworker 1. syl i:ron+work:er pron <1I*n2wR:k*> pos n. def a person who works in an ironworks. ironworker 2. syl i:ron+work:er pron <1I*n2wR:k*> pos n. def a person who makes articles of iron. ironworks 0. syl i:ron+works pron <1I*n2wR:ks> pos n. mod sometimes functioning as; sing. def a building in which iron is smelted, cast, or wrought. ironies infl head irony syl i:ro+nies. pos n. mod pl. irony H1.1. syl i:ro+ny pron <1Ir*ni> pos n. def the humorous or mildly sarcastic use of words to imply the opposite of what they normally mean. irony H1.2. syl i:ro+ny pron <1Ir*ni> pos n. def an instance of this, used to draw attention to some incongruity or irrationality. irony H1.3. syl i:ro+ny pron <1Ir*ni> pos n. def incongruity between what is expected to be and what actually is, or a situation or result showing such incongruity. irony H1.4. syl i:ro+ny pron <1Ir*ni> pos n. def See {dramatic irony}. irony H1.5. syl i:ro+ny pron <1Ir*ni> pos n. qual Philosophy. def See {Socratic irony}. irony H2.0. syl i:ron:y pron <1I*ni> pos adj. def of, resembling, or containing iron. Iroquoian 1. syl Ir:o+quoi+an pron <2ir*1kwci*n> pos n. def a family of North American Indian languages including Cherokee, Mohawk, Seneca, Oneida, and Onondaga. Iroquoian 2. syl Ir:o+quoi+an pron <2ir*1kwci*n> pos adj. def of or relating to the Iroquois, their culture, or their languages. Iroquois infl syl Ir:o+quois. pos n. mod pl. Iroquois 1. syl Ir:o+quois pron <1ir*2kwci>, <-2kwciz> pos n. def a member of any of a group of North American Indian peoples formerly living between the Hudson River and the St. Lawrence and Lake Erie. See also {Five Nations, Six Nations}. Iroquois 2. syl Ir:o+quois pron <1ir*2kwci>, <-2kwciz> pos n. def any of the Iroquoian languages. Iroquois 3. syl Ir:o+quois pron <1ir*2kwci>, <-2kwciz> pos adj. def of or relating to the Iroquois, their language, or their culture. IRQ 0. syl IRQ usage international car registration for def Iraq. irradiance 0. syl ir+ra+di+ance pron pos n. def the radiant flux incident on unit area of a surface. It is measured in watts per square metre. Symbol. exam 1 E\e #800439 #800440 irradiant 0. syl ir+ra+di+ant pron pos adj. def radiating light; shining brightly. irradiate 1. syl ir+ra+di+ate pron pos vb. mod tr. qual Physics. def to subject to or treat with light or other electromagnetic radiation or with beams of particles. irradiate 2. syl ir+ra+di+ate pron pos vb. mod tr. def to make clear or bright intellectually or spiritually; illumine. irradiate 3. syl ir+ra+di+ate pron pos vb. def a less common word for { {radiate} (sense 1}). irradiate 4. syl ir+ra+di+ate pron pos vb. mod intr. qual Obsolete. def to become radiant. irradiative sub head irradiate syl ir+1ra+di:a+tive pos adj. irradiator sub head irradiate syl ir+1ra+di:2a+tor pos n. irradiation 1. syl ir+ra+di:a+tion pron pos n. def the act or process of irradiating or the state of being irradiated. irradiation 2. syl ir+ra+di:a+tion pron pos n. def the apparent enlargement of a brightly lit object when it is viewed against a dark background. irradiation 3. syl ir+ra+di:a+tion pron pos n. def a shaft of light; beam or ray. irradiation 4.a. syl ir+ra+di:a+tion pron pos n. def the therapeutic or diagnostic use of radiation, esp. x-rays. irradiation 4.b. syl ir+ra+di:a+tion pron pos n. def exposure of a patient to such radiation. irradiation 5. syl ir+ra+di:a+tion pron pos n. def another name for {radiation} or {irradiance}. irrational 1. syl ir+ra+tion+al pron pos adj. def inconsistent with reason or logic; illogical; absurd. irrational 2. syl ir+ra+tion+al pron pos adj. def incapable of reasoning. irrational 3.a. syl ir+ra+tion+al pron pos adj. usage Maths. of an equation, etc. def containing one or more variables in irreducible radical form or raised to a fractional power: $/ %2+1)= %5%/%3. irrational 3.b. syl ir+ra+tion+al pron pos as; n. exam 1 an irrational. irrational 4.a. syl ir+ra+tion+al pron pos adj. def of or relating to a metrical irregularity, usually the occurrence of a long syllable instead of a short one. irrational 4.b. syl ir+ra+tion+al pron pos adj. def denoting a metrical foot where such an irregularity occurs. irrationally sub head irrational syl ir+1ra+tion+al+ly pos adv. irrationalness sub head irrational syl ir+1ra+tion+al+ness pos n. irrationalism alt head irrationality or irrationality syl ir+ra+tion+al+ism pos n. irrationality 1. or irrationalism syl ir+ra+tion+al+i:ty pron pos n. def the state or quality of being irrational. irrationality 2. or irrationalism syl ir+ra+tion+al+i:ty pron pos n. def irrational thought, action, or behaviour. irrational number 0. syl ir+ra+tion+al num+ber pos n. def any real number that cannot be expressed as the ratio of two integers, such as #Gr. Irrawaddy 0. syl Ir+ra+wad+dy pron <2ir*1wodi> pos n. def the main river in Burma, rising in the north in two headstreams and flowing south through the whole length of Burma, to enter the Andaman Sea by nine main mouths. Length: 2100 km (1300 miles). irreclaimable 0. syl ir+re+claim+a:ble pron <2iri1klAm*bL> pos adj. def not able to be reclaimed. irreclaimability sub head irreclaimable or irreclaimableness syl ir+re+2claim+a:1bil+i:ty pos n. irreclaimableness sub head irreclaimable or irreclaimability syl ir+re+1claim+a:ble+ness pos n. irreclaimably sub head irreclaimable syl ir+re+1claim+a:bly pos adv. irreconcilable 1. syl ir+rec+on+cil+a:ble pron , pos adj. def not able to be reconciled; uncompromisingly conflicting; incompatible. irreconcilable 2. syl ir+rec+on+cil+a:ble pron , pos n. def a person or thing that is implacably hostile or uncompromisingly opposed. irreconcilable 3. syl ir+rec+on+cil+a:ble pron , pos n. mod usually; pl. def one of various principles, ideas, etc., that are incapable of being brought into agreement. irreconcilability sub head irreconcilable or irreconcilableness syl ir+2rec+on+2cil+a:1bil+i:ty pos n. irreconcilableness sub head irreconcilable or irreconcilability syl ir+1rec+on+2cil+a:ble+ness pos n. irreconcilably sub head irreconcilable syl ir+1rec+on+2cil+a:bly pos adv. irrecoverable 1. syl ir+re+cov+er+a:ble pron <2iri1k^v*r*bL>, <-1k^vr*-> pos adj. def not able to be recovered or regained. irrecoverable 2. syl ir+re+cov+er+a:ble pron <2iri1k^v*r*bL>, <-1k^vr*-> pos adj. def not able to be remedied or rectified. irrecoverableness sub head irrecoverable syl ir+re+1cov+er+a:ble+ness pos n. irrecoverably sub head irrecoverable syl ir+re+1cov+er+a:bly pos adv. irrecusable 0. syl ir+re+cu+sa:ble pron <2iri1kju:z*bL> pos adj. def not able to be rejected or challenged, as evidence, etc. irrecusably sub head irrecusable syl ir+re+1cu+sa:bly pos adv. irredeemable 1. syl ir+re+deem+a:ble pron <2iri1dEm*bL> pos adj. usage of bonds, debentures, shares, etc. def without a date of redemption of capital; incapable of being bought back directly or paid off. irredeemable 2. syl ir+re+deem+a:ble pron <2iri1dEm*bL> pos adj. usage of paper money def not convertible into specie. irredeemable 3. syl ir+re+deem+a:ble pron <2iri1dEm*bL> pos adj. usage of a sinner, etc. def not able to be saved or reformed. irredeemable 4. syl ir+re+deem+a:ble pron <2iri1dEm*bL> pos adj. usage of a loss def not able to be recovered; irretrievable. irredeemable 5. syl ir+re+deem+a:ble pron <2iri1dEm*bL> pos adj. def not able to be improved or rectified; irrepa?!rable. irredeemability sub head irredeemable or irredeemableness syl ir+re+2deem+a:1bil+i:ty pos n. irredeemableness sub head irredeemable or irredeemability syl ir+re+1deem+a:ble+ness pos n. irredeemably sub head irredeemable syl ir+re+1deem+a:bly pos adv. irredentist ety C19: from Italian irredentista, from the phrase Italia irredenta, literally: Italy unredeemed, from ir- {#7in -%1}#7+ redento redeemed, from Latin redemptus bought back; see #7redeem irredentist 1. syl ir+re+den+tist pron <2iri1dentist> pos n. def a person who favours the acquisition of territory that once was part of his country or is considered to have been. {~} irredentist 2. syl ir+re+den+tist pron <2iri1dentist> pos n. def of, relating to, or advocating irredentism. irredentism sub head irredentist syl ir+re+1den+tism pos n. Irredentist 0. syl Ir+re+den+tist pron <2iri1dentist> pos n. usage sometimes not cap. def a member of an Italian association prominent in 1878 that sought to recover for Italy certain neighbouring regions ({Italia irredenta}) with a predominantly Italian population that were under foreign control. irreducible 1. syl ir+re+duc+i:ble pron <2iri1dju:sibL> pos adj. def not able to be reduced or lessened. irreducible 2. syl ir+re+duc+i:ble pron <2iri1dju:sibL> pos adj. def not able to be brought to a simpler or reduced form. irreducible 3.a. syl ir+re+duc+i:ble pron <2iri1dju:sibL> pos adj. usage of a polynomial def unable to be factorized into polynomials of lower degree, as %2+1). irreducible 3.b. syl ir+re+duc+i:ble pron <2iri1dju:sibL> pos adj. usage of a radical def incapable of being reduced to a rational expression, as $/#800449 +1). irreducibility sub head irreducible or irreducibleness syl ir+re+2duc+i:1bil+i:ty pos n. irreducibleness sub head irreducible or irreducibility syl ir+re+1duc+i:ble+ness pos n. irreducibly sub head irreducible syl ir+re+1duc+i:bly pos adv. irrefragable ety C16: from Late Latin irrefr*_ag*_abilis, from Latin #7ir -+ refr*_ag*_ar*_i to resist, thwart irrefragable 0. syl ir+ref+ra+ga:ble pron pos adj. def not able to be denied or refuted; indisputable. irrefragability sub head irrefragable or irrefragableness syl ir+2ref+ra+ga:1bil+i:ty pos n. irrefragableness sub head irrefragable or irrefragability syl ir+1ref+ra+ga:ble+ness pos n. irrefragably sub head irrefragable syl ir+1ref+ra+ga:bly pos adv. irrefrangible 1. syl ir+re+fran+gi:ble pron <2iri1fr@nJ*bL> pos adj. def not to be broken or transgressed; inviolable. irrefrangible 2. syl ir+re+fran+gi:ble pron <2iri1fr@nJ*bL> pos adj. qual Physics. def incapable of being refracted. irrefrangibility sub head irrefrangible or irrefrangibleness syl ir+re+2fran+gi:1bil+i:ty pos n. irrefrangibleness sub head irrefrangible or irrefrangibility syl ir+re+1fran+gi:ble+ness pos n. irrefrangibly sub head irrefrangible syl ir+re+1fran+gi:bly pos adv. irrefutable 0. syl ir+ref:u+ta:ble pron , <2iri1fju:t*bL> pos adj. def impossible to deny or disprove; incontrovertible. irrefutability sub head irrefutable or irrefutableness syl ir+2ref:u+ta:1bil+i:ty pos n. irrefutableness sub head irrefutable or irrefutability syl ir+1ref:u+ta:ble+ness pos n. irrefutably sub head irrefutable syl ir+1ref:u+ta:bly pos adv. irreg 0. syl irreg. qual abbrev. for def irregular(ly). irregular 1. syl ir+reg:u+lar pron pos adj. def lacking uniformity or symmetry; uneven in shape, position, arrangement, etc. irregular 2. syl ir+reg:u+lar pron pos adj. def not occurring at expected or equal intervals. exam 1 an irregular pulse. irregular 3. syl ir+reg:u+lar pron pos adj. def differing from the normal or accepted practice or routine. irregular 4. syl ir+reg:u+lar pron pos adj. def not according to established standards of behaviour; unconventional. irregular 5. syl ir+reg:u+lar pron pos adj. usage of the formation, inflections, or derivations of a word def not following the usual pattern of formation in a language, as English plurals ending other than in or irregular 6. syl ir+reg:u+lar pron pos adj. def of or relating to guerrillas or volunteers not belonging to regular forces. exam 1 irregular troops. irregular 7. syl ir+reg:u+lar pron pos adj. usage of flowers def having any of their parts, esp. petals, differing in size, shape, etc.; asymmetric. irregular 8. syl ir+reg:u+lar pron pos adj. usage U.S. of merchandise def not up to the manufacturer's standards or specifications; flawed; imperfect. irregular 9. syl ir+reg:u+lar pron pos n. def a soldier not in a regular army. irregular 10. syl ir+reg:u+lar pron pos n. mod often; pl. qual U.S. def imperfect or flawed merchandise. Compare { {second} (sense 15}). irregularly sub head irregular syl ir+1reg:u+lar+ly pos adv. irregularities infl head irregularity syl ir+reg:u+lar+i:ties. pos n. mod pl. irregularity 1. syl ir+reg:u+lar+i:ty pron pos n. def the state or quality of being irregular. irregularity 2. syl ir+reg:u+lar+i:ty pron pos n. def something irregular, such as a bump in a smooth surface. irregularity 3. syl ir+reg:u+lar+i:ty pron pos n. def a breach of a convention or normal procedure. irrelative 1. syl ir+rel:a+tive pron pos adj. def unrelated. irrelative 2. syl ir+rel:a+tive pron pos adj. def a rare word for {irrelevant}. irrelatively sub head irrelative syl ir+1rel:a+tive+ly pos adv. irrelativeness sub head irrelative syl ir+1rel:a+tive+ness pos n. irrelevant 0. syl ir+rel+e:vant pron pos adj. def not relating or pertinent to the matter at hand; not important. irrelevance sub head irrelevant or irrelevancy syl ir+1rel+e:vance pos n. irrelevancy sub head irrelevant or irrelevance syl ir+1rel+e:van+cy pos n. irrelevantly sub head irrelevant syl ir+1rel+e:vant+ly pos adv. irrelievable 0. syl ir+re+liev+a:ble pron <2iri1lEv*bL> pos adj. def not able to be relieved. irreligion 1. syl ir+re+li+gion pron <2iri1liJ*n> pos n. def lack of religious faith. irreligion 2. syl ir+re+li+gion pron <2iri1liJ*n> pos n. def indifference or opposition to religion. irreligionist sub head irreligion syl ir+re+1li+gion+ist pos n. irreligiously sub head irreligion syl ir+re+1li+gious+ly pos adv. irreligiousness sub head irreligion syl ir+re+1li+gious+ness pos n. irremeable ety C16: from Latin irreme*_abilis, from #7ir -#7+ reme*_are to return, from #7re -#7+ me*_are to go irremeable 0. syl ir+rem+e:a:ble pron , pos adj. qual Archaic or poetic. def afford?!ing no possibility of return. irremeably sub head irremeable syl ir+1rem+e:a:bly pos adv. irremediable 0. syl ir+re+me:di+a:ble pron <2iri1mEdi*bL> pos adj. def not able to be remedied; incurable or irreparable. irremediableness sub head irremediable syl ir+re+1me:di+a:ble+ness pos n. irremediably sub head irremediable syl ir+re+1me:di+a:bly pos adv. irremissible 1. syl ir+re+mis+si:ble pron <2iri1mis*bL> pos adj. def unpardonable; inexcusable. irremissible 2. syl ir+re+mis+si:ble pron <2iri1mis*bL> pos adj. def that must be done, as through duty or obligation. irremissibility sub head irremissible or irremissibleness syl ir+re+2mis+si:1bil+i:ty pos n. irremissibleness sub head irremissible or irremissibility syl ir+re+1mis+si:ble+ness pos n. irremissibly sub head irremissible syl ir+re+1mis+si:bly pos adv. irremovable 0. syl ir+re+mov+a:ble pron <2iri1mu:v*bL> pos adj. def not able to be removed. irremovability sub head irremovable or irremovableness syl ir+re+2mov+a:1bil+i:ty pos n. irremovableness sub head irremovable or irremovability syl ir+re+1mov+a:ble+ness pos n. irremovably sub head irremovable syl ir+re+1mov+a:bly pos adv. irreparable 0. syl ir+rep:a+ra:ble pron , pos adj. def not able to be repaired or remedied; beyond repair. irreparability sub head irreparable or irreparableness syl ir+2rep:a+ra:1bil+i:ty pos n. irreparableness sub head irreparable or irreparability syl ir+1rep:a+ra:ble+ness pos n. irreparably sub head irreparable syl ir+1rep:a+ra:bly pos adv. irrepealable 0. syl ir+re+peal+a:ble pron <2iri1pEl*bL> pos adj. def not able to be repealed. irrepealability sub head irrepealable or irrepealableness syl ir+re+2peal+a:1bil+i:ty pos n. irrepealableness sub head irrepealable or irrepealability syl ir+re+1peal+a:ble+ness pos n. irrepealably sub head irrepealable syl ir+re+1peal+a:bly pos adv. irreplaceable 0. syl ir+re+place+a:ble pron <2iri1plAs*bL> pos adj. def not able to be replaced. exam 1 an irreplaceable antique. irreplaceably sub head irreplaceable syl ir+re+1place+a:bly pos adv. irrepleviable ety C16: see ir- {#7in -%1}#7, replevin irreplevisable alt head irrepleviable or irrepleviable syl ir+re+plev:i+sa:ble pron <2iri1plevis*bL> pos adj. irrepleviable 0. or irreplevisable syl ir+re+plev:i+a:ble pron <2iri1plevi*bL> pos adj. qual Law. def not able to be replevied. irrepressible 0. syl ir+re+press+i:ble pron <2iri1pres*bL> pos adj. def not capable of being repressed, controlled, or restrained. irrepressibility sub head irrepressible or irrepressibleness syl ir+re+2press+i:1bil+i:ty pos n. irrepressibleness sub head irrepressible or irrepressibility syl ir+re+1press+i:ble+ness pos n. irrepressibly sub head irrepressible syl ir+re+1press+i:bly pos adv. irreproachable 0. syl ir+re+proach+a:ble pron <2iri1pr*uC*bL> pos adj. def not deserving reproach; blameless. irreproachability sub head irreproachable or irreproachableness syl ir+re+2proach+a:1bil+i:ty pos n. irreproachableness sub head irreproachable or irreproachability syl ir+re+1proach+a:ble+ness pos n. irreproachably sub head irreproachable syl ir+re+1proach+a:bly pos adv. irresistible 1. syl ir+re+sist+i:ble pron <2iri1zist*bL> pos adj. def not able to be resisted or refused; overpowering. exam 1 an irresistible impulse. irresistible 2. syl ir+re+sist+i:ble pron <2iri1zist*bL> pos adj. def very fascinat?!ing or alluring. exam 1 an irresistible woman. irresistibility sub head irresistible or irresistibleness syl ir+re+2sist+i:1bil+i:ty pos n. irresistibleness sub head irresistible or irresistibility syl ir+re+1sist+i:ble+ness pos n. irresistibly sub head irresistible syl ir+re+1sist+i:bly pos adv. irresoluble 1. syl ir+res:o+lu:ble pron pos adj. def a less common word for {insoluble}. irresoluble 2. syl ir+res:o+lu:ble pron pos adj. qual Archaic. def not capable of being relieved. irresolubility sub head irresoluble syl ir+2res:o+lu:1bil+i:ty pos n. irresolubly sub head irresoluble syl ir+1res:o+lu:bly pos adv. irresolute 0. syl ir+res:o+lute pron pos adj. def lacking resolution; wavering; hesitating. irresolutely sub head irresolute syl ir+1res:o+2lute+ly pos adv. irresoluteness sub head irresolute or irresolution syl ir+1res:o+2lute+ness pos n. irresolution sub head irresolute or irresoluteness syl ir+2res:o+1lu+tion pos n. irresolvable 1. syl ir+re+solv+a:ble pron <2iri1zolv*bL> pos adj. def not able to be resolved into parts or elements. irresolvable 2. syl ir+re+solv+a:ble pron <2iri1zolv*bL> pos adj. def not able to be solved; insoluble. irresolvability sub head irresolvable or irresolvableness syl ir+re+2solv+a:1bil+i:ty pos n. irresolvableness sub head irresolvable or irresolvability syl ir+re+1solv+a:ble+ness pos n. irresolvably sub head irresolvable syl ir+re+1solv+a:bly pos adv. irrespective of 1. head irrespective syl irrespective of. pos prep. def without taking account of; regardless of. irrespective 2. syl ir+re+spec+tive pron <2iri1spektiv> pos adv. qual Informal. def regardless; without due consideration. exam 1 he carried on with his plan irrespective. irrespectively sub head irrespective syl ir+re+1spec+tive+ly pos adv. irrespirable 0. syl ir+re+spir+a:ble pron , <2iri1spI*r*bL> pos adj. def not fit for breathing or incapable of being breathed. irresponsible 1. syl ir+re+spon+si:ble pron <2iri1spons*bL> pos adj. def not showing or done with due care for the consequences of one's actions or attitudes; reckless. irresponsible 2. syl ir+re+spon+si:ble pron <2iri1spons*bL> pos adj. def not capable of bearing responsibility. irresponsible 3. syl ir+re+spon+si:ble pron <2iri1spons*bL> pos adj. qual Archaic. def not answerable to a higher authority for one's actions. irresponsibility sub head irresponsible or irresponsibleness syl ir+re+2spon+si:1bil+i:ty pos n. irresponsibleness sub head irresponsible or irresponsibility syl ir+re+1spon+si:ble+ness pos n. irresponsibly sub head irresponsible syl ir+re+1spon+si:bly pos adv. irresponsive 0. syl ir+re+spon+sive pron <2iri1sponsiv> pos adj. def not responsive. irresponsively sub head irresponsive syl ir+re+1spon+sive+ly pos adv. irresponsiveness sub head irresponsive syl ir+re+1spon+sive+ness pos n. irretentive 0. syl ir+re+ten+tive pron <2iri1tentiv> pos adj. def not retentive. irretentiveness sub head irretentive syl ir+re+1ten+tive+ness pos n. irretrievable 0. syl ir+re+triev+a:ble pron <2iri1trEv*bL> pos adj. def not able to be retrieved, recovered, or repaired. irretrievability sub head irretrievable or irretrievableness syl ir+re+2triev+a:1bil+i:ty pos n. irretrievableness sub head irretrievable or irretrievability syl ir+re+1triev+a:ble+ness pos n. irretrievably sub head irretrievable syl ir+re+1triev+a:bly pos adv. irreverence 1. syl ir+rev+er+ence pron , pos n. def lack of due respect or veneration; disrespect. irreverence 2. syl ir+rev+er+ence pron , pos n. def a disrespectful remark or act. irreverence 3. syl ir+rev+er+ence pron , pos n. qual Rare. def disrepute; lack of reputation. &- {ir+#!rev+er+ent} {ir+@!rev+e@.#!ren+tial} irreverently sub head irreverence syl ir+1rev+er+ent+ly pos adv. irreversible 1. syl ir+re+vers+i:ble pron <2iri1vR:s*bL> pos adj. def not able to be reversed. exam 1 the irreversible flow of time. irreversible 2. syl ir+re+vers+i:ble pron <2iri1vR:s*bL> pos adj. def not able to be revoked or repealed; irrevocable. irreversible 3. syl ir+re+vers+i:ble pron <2iri1vR:s*bL> pos adj. qual Chem., physics. def capable of changing or producing a change in one direction only. exam 1 an irreversible reaction. irreversible 4. syl ir+re+vers+i:ble pron <2iri1vR:s*bL> pos adj. usage Thermodynamics. of a change, process, etc. def occurring through a number of intermediate states that are not all in thermodynamic equilibrium. irreversibility sub head irreversible or irreversibleness syl ir+re+2vers+i:1bil+i:ty pos n. irreversibleness sub head irreversible or irreversibility syl ir+re+1vers+i:ble+ness pos n. irreversibly sub head irreversible syl ir+re+1vers+i:bly pos adv. irrevocable 0. syl ir+rev:o+ca:ble pron pos adj. def not able to be revoked, changed, or undone; unalterable. irrevocability sub head irrevocable or irrevocableness syl ir+2rev:o+ca:1bil+i:ty pos n. irrevocableness sub head irrevocable or irrevocability syl ir+1rev:o+ca:ble+ness pos n. irrevocably sub head irrevocable syl ir+1rev:o+ca:bly pos adv. irrigate ety C17: from Latin irrig*_are, from rig*_are to moisten, conduct water &- #!ir+ri+ga@.ble adj. &- @!ir+ri+#!ga+tion n. irrigate 1. syl ir+ri+gate pron <1iri2gAt> pos vb. def to supply (land) with water by means of artificial canals, ditches, etc., esp. to promote the growth of food crops. irrigate 2. syl ir+ri+gate pron <1iri2gAt> pos vb. qual Med. def to bathe or wash out a bodily part, cavity, or wound. irrigate 3. syl ir+ri+gate pron <1iri2gAt> pos vb. mod tr. def to make fertile, fresh, or vital by or as if by watering. irrigational sub head irrigate or irrigative syl ir+ri+1ga+tion+al pos adj. irrigative sub head irrigate or irrigational syl ir+ri+2ga+tive pos adj. irrigator sub head irrigate syl ir+ri+2ga+tor pos n. irriguous ety C17: from Latin irriguus supplied with water, from riguus watered; see #7irrigate irriguous 0. syl ir+rig:u+ous pron pos adj. qual Archaic or poetic. def well-watered; watery. irritable 1. syl ir+ri+ta:ble pron <1irit*bL> pos adj. def quickly irritated; easily annoyed; peevish. irritable 2. syl ir+ri+ta:ble pron <1irit*bL> pos adj. usage of all living organisms def capable of responding to such stimuli as heat, light, and touch. irritable 3. syl ir+ri+ta:ble pron <1irit*bL> pos adj. qual Pathol. def abnormally sensitive. &- {@!ir+ri+ta@.#!bil+i@.ty} &- {#!ir+ri+ta@.ble+ness} irritably sub head irritable syl ir+ri+ta:bly pos adv. irritant 1. syl ir+ri+tant pron <1irit*nt> pos adj. def causing irritation; irritating. irritant 2. syl ir+ri+tant pron <1irit*nt> pos n. def something irritant. irritancy sub head irritant syl ir+ri+tan+cy pos n. irritate ety C16: from Latin irr*_it*_are to provoke, exasperate irritate 1. syl ir+ri+tate pron <1iri2tAt> pos vb. def to annoy or anger (someone). irritate 2. syl ir+ri+tate pron <1iri2tAt> pos vb. mod tr. qual Biology. def to stimulate (an organism or part) to respond in a characteristic manner. irritate 3. syl ir+ri+tate pron <1iri2tAt> pos vb. mod tr. qual Pathol. def to cause (a bodily organ or part) to become excessively stimulated, resulting in inflammation, tenderness, etc. irritator sub head irritate syl ir+ri+2ta+tor pos n. irritation 1. syl ir+ri+ta+tion pron <2iri1tAS*n> pos n. def something that irritates. irritation 2. syl ir+ri+ta+tion pron <2iri1tAS*n> pos n. def the act of irritating or the condition of being irritated. &- {#!ir+ri+@!ta+tive} irrupt ety C19: from Latin irrumpere to rush into, invade, from rumpere to break, burst irrupt 1. syl ir+rupt pron pos vb. mod intr. def to enter forcibly or suddenly. irrupt 2. syl ir+rupt pron pos vb. mod intr. usage of a human or animal population def to increase suddenly in numbers. irruption sub head irrupt syl ir+1rup+tion pos n. irruptive 1. syl ir+rup+tive pron pos adj. def irrupting or tending to irrupt. irruptive 2. syl ir+rup+tive pron pos adj. def of, involving, or causing irruption. irruptive 3. syl ir+rup+tive pron pos adj. usage of igneous rocks def intrusive. irruptively sub head irruptive syl ir+1rup+tive+ly pos adv. Irtish alt head Irtysh or Irtysh syl Ir+tish pron pos n. Irtysh 0. or Irtish syl Ir+tysh pron pos n. def a river in central Asia, rising in China in the Altai Mountains and flowing west into the Soviet Union, then northwest into the Ob River as its chief tributary. Length: 4444 km (2760 miles). Irvine 0. syl Ir+vine pron <1R:vin> pos n. def a town on the W coast of Scotland, in Strathclyde: designated a new town in 1966. Pop.: 23160 (1971). Irving 1. syl Ir:ving pron <1R:viG> pos n. def Sir {Hen@.ry}. original name 1838-1905, English actor and manager of the Lyceum Theatre in London (1878-1902). Washington 2. head Irving syl Wash:ing:ton. def 1783-1859, U.S. essayist and short-story writer, noted for (1820), which contains the stories and is ety Old English; compare Old Norse es, German ist, Latin est, Greek esti is 0. syl is pron pos vb. usage used with he, she, it, and with singular nouns def a form of the present tense (indicative mood) of {be}. IS ety Icelandic *'Island IS 0. syl IS usage international car registration for def Iceland. Is 1. syl Is. qual abbrev. for: def Also: {Isa}. Isaiah. Is 2. syl Is. qual abbrev. for: def Island(s) Isle(s). is- 0. syl is- usage combining form. def variant of {iso-} before a vowel. exam 1 isentropic. Isaac 0. syl I:saac pron <1Iz*k> pos n. def an Old Testament patriarch, the son of Abraham and Sarah and father of Jacob and Esau (Genesis 17; 21-27). Isabella ety C17: from the name Isabella ; original reference uncertain Isabel alt head Isabella or Isabella syl Is:a+bel pron <1iz*2bel> pos n. Isabella 0.a. or Isabel syl Is:a+bel+la pron <2iz*1bel*> pos n. def a greyish-yellow colour. Isabella 0.b. or Isabel syl Is:a+bel+la pron <2iz*1bel*> pos n. def Also: {Isabelline}. . exam 1 an Isabella mohair coat. Isabella I 0. syl Is:a:bel:la I pos n. def called 1451-1504, queen of Castile (1474-1504) and, with her husband, Ferdinand V, joint ruler of Castile and Aragon (1479-1504). isagoge ety C17: from Latin, from Greek eisag*_og*_e, from eisagein to introduce, from eis- into+ agein to lead isagoge 0. syl i:sa+go+ge pron <1Is*2g*uJi>, <2Is*1g*u-> pos n. def an academic introduction to a specialized subject field or area of research. isagogics 1. syl i:sa+gog+ics pron <2Is*1goJiks> pos n. mod usually functioning as; sing. def introductory studies, esp. in the history of the Bible. &- {@!i@.sa+#!gog+ic} Isaiah 1. syl I:sai:ah pron pos n. qual Old Testament. def the first of the major Hebrew prophets, who lived in the 8th century #7b.c. Isaiah 2. syl I:sai:ah pron pos n. qual Old Testament. def the book of his and others' prophecies. isallobar 0. syl is+al+lo+bar pron pos n. qual Meteorol. def a line on a map running through places experiencing equal pressure changes. Isar 0. syl I:sar pron <1Eza:> pos n. def a river in central Europe, rising in W Austria and flowing generally northeast through S West Germany into the Danube. Length: over 260 km (160 miles). isatin ety C19: from Latin isatis woad+-#7in isatine alt head isatin or isatin syl i:sa+tine pron <1Is*2tEn> pos n. isatin 0. or isatine syl i:sa+tin pron <1Is*2tin> pos n. def a yellowish-red crystalline compound soluble in hot water, used for the preparation of vat dyes. Formula: C\8H\5NO\2. isatinic sub head isatin syl i:sa+1tin+ic pos adj. Isauria 0. syl I:sau+ri:a pron pos n. def an ancient district of S central Asia Minor, chiefly on the N slopes of the W Taurus Mountains. Isaurian sub head Isauria syl I:1sau+ri:an pos adj. n. ISBN 0. syl I.S.B.N. qual abbrev. for def International Standard Book Number. Iscariot 0. syl Is:car:i:ot pron pos n. def See {Judas} (Iscariot). ischaemia ety C19: from Greek iskhein to restrict, +-#7emia ischemia alt head ischaemia or ischaemia syl is+che+mi:a pron pos n. ischaemia 0. or ischemia syl is+chae+mi:a pron pos n. qual Pathol. def an inad?!equate supply of blood to an organ or part, as from an obstructed blood flow. ischemic sub head ischaemia syl is+chem+ic pron pos adj. Ischia 0. syl Is+chia pron <1Eskja:>, <1iski*> pos n. def a volcanic island in the Tyrrhenian Sea, at the N end of the Bay of Naples. Area: 47 sq. km (18 sq. miles). ischium ety C17: from Latin: hip joint, from Greek iskhion ischia infl head ischium syl is+chi:a pron <-ki*> pos n. mod pl. ischium 0. syl is+chi:um pron <1iski*m> pos n. def one of the three sections of the hipbone, situated below the ilium. ischial sub head ischium syl is+chi:al pos adj. -ise 0. syl -ise usage suffix forming verbs. def a variant of {-ize.#eUsage}. See at {-ize}. isentropic 0. syl is+en+trop+ic pron <2Isen1tropik> pos adj. def having or taking place at constant entropy. Isere 1. syl I:s*`ere pron French pos n. def a department of SE France, in Rh*^one-Alpes region. Capital: Grenoble. Pop.: 875526 (1975). Area: 7904 sq. km (3083 sq. miles). Isere 2. syl I:s*`ere pron French pos n. def a river in SE France, rising in the Graian Alps and flowing west and southwest to join the River Rh*^one near Valence. Length: 290 km (180 miles). Yseult infl head Iseult or Isolde syl Y:seult pron pos n. Isolde infl head Iseult or Yseult syl I:sol:de pron pos n. Iseult 1. syl I:seult pron pos n. usage in Arthurian legend def an Irish princess wed to Mark, king of Cornwall, but in love with his knight Tristan. Iseult 2. syl I:seult pron pos n. usage in Arthurian legend; in another account def the daughter of the king of Brittany, married to Tristan. Esfahan alt head Isfahan or Isfahan syl E*,s+fa+h*_an pos n. Isfahan 0. or Esfahan syl Is+fa+han pron <2isf*1ha:n> pos n. def a city in central Iran: the second largest city in the country; capital of Persia in the 11th century and from 1598 to 1722. Pop.: 605000 (1973 est.). Ancient name: {Aspadana}. -ish ety Old English -isc; related to German -isch, Greek -iskos -ish 0. syl -ish exam 1 suffix forming adjectives. -ish 1. syl -ish def of or belonging to a nationality or group. exam 1 Scottish. -ish 2. syl -ish qual Often derogatory. def having the manner or qualities of; resembling. exam 1 slavish; exam 2 prudish; exam 3 boyish. -ish 3. syl -ish def somewhat; approximately. exam 1 yellowish; exam 2 sevenish. -ish 4. syl -ish def concerned or preoccu?!pied with. exam 1 bookish. Christopher (William Bradshaw-Isherwood) infl head Isherwood syl Chris:to:pher (William Bradshaw-Isherwood) pos n. Isherwood 0. syl Ish:er:wood pron <1ish*2wud> pos n. def born 1904, U.S. novelist and dramatist, born in England. His works include the novel (1939) and three verse plays written in collaboration with W.H. Auden. Ishmael 1. syl Ish:ma:el pron <1iSmA*l> pos n. def the son of Abraham and Hagar, Sarah's handmaid: the ancestor of 12 Arabian tribes (Genesis 21:8-21; 25:12-18). Ishmael 2. syl Ish:ma:el pron <1iSmA*l> pos n. def a bandit chieftain, who defied the Babylonian conquerors of Judah and assassinated the governor appointed by Nebuchadnezzar (II Kings 25:25; Jeremiah 40:13-41:18). Ishmaelite 1. syl Ish+ma+el+ite pron <1iSmA*2lIt> pos n. def a supposed descendant of Ishmael; a member of a desert people of Old Testament times. Ishmaelite 2. syl Ish+ma+el+ite pron <1iSmA*2lIt> pos n. qual Rare. def an outcast. Ishmaelitism sub head Ishmaelite syl Ish+ma+el+2it+ism pos n. Ishtar 0. syl Ish+tar pron <1iSta:> pos n. def the principal goddess of the Babylonians and Assyrians; divinity of love, fertility, and war. Isidore of Saint infl head Isidore of Seville syl Is:i:dore of Saint. pos n. Isidore of Seville 0. syl Is:i:dore of Se+ville pron <1izidc:> pos n. def Latin name ??560-636 #7a.d., Spanish archbishop and scholar, noted for his an encyclopedia. Feast day: April 4. isinglass ety C16: from Middle Dutch huysenblase, literally: sturgeon bladder; influenced by English #7glass isinglass 1. syl i:sin+glass pron <1IziG2gla:s> pos n. def a gelatine made from the air bladders of freshwater fish, used as a clarifying agent and adhesive and for preserving eggs. isinglass 2. syl i:sin+glass pron <1IziG2gla:s> pos n. def another name for {mica}. Isis H1.0. syl I:sis pron <1Isis> pos n. def the local name for the River Thames at Oxford. Isis H2.0. syl I:sis pron <1Isis> pos n. def an ancient Egyptian fertility goddess, usually depicted as a woman with a cow's horns, between which was the disc of the sun; wife and sister of Osiris. Iskander Bey 0. syl Is:kan:der Bey pron <1bA> pos n. def the Turkish name of {Scanderbeg}. Iskenderun 0. syl Is+ken+de+run pron pos n. def a port in S Turkey, on the {Gulf of Iskenderun}. Pop.: 107437 (1975). Former name: {Alexan?!dretta}. Isl 1. syl Isl. qual abbrev. for: def Island. Isl 2. syl Isl. qual abbrev. for: def Isle. Islam ety C19: from Arabic: surrender (to God), from aslama to surrender Islam 1. syl Is+lam pron <1izla:m> pos n. def Also called: {Islamism}. the religion of Muslims, having the Koran as its sacred scripture and teaching that there is only one God and that Mohammed is his prophet; Mohammedanism. Islam 2.a. syl Is+lam pron <1izla:m> pos n. def Muslims collectively and their civilization. Islam 2.b. syl Is+lam pron <1izla:m> pos n. def the countries where the Muslim religion is predominant. Islamic sub head Islam syl Is+1lam+ic pos adj. Islamabad 0. syl Is+lam:a+bad pron pos n. def the capital of Pakistan, in the north on the Potwar Plateau: site chosen in 1959; surrounded by the Capital Territory of Islamabad for 909 sq. km (351 sq. miles). Pop.: 77318 (1972). Islamise alt head Islamize or Islamize syl Is+lam+ise pron <1izl*2mIz> pos vb. mod tr. Islamize 0. or Islamise syl Is+lam+ize pron <1izl*2mIz> pos vb. mod tr. def to convert or subject to the influence of Islam; Mohammedanize. Islamization sub head Islamize or Islamisation syl Is+lam:i+1za+tion pos n. Islamisation sub head Islamize or Islamization syl Is+lam:i+1sa+tion pos n. island ety Old English *_igland, from *_ig island+#7land ; s inserted through influence of #7isle island 1. syl is+land pron <1Il*nd> pos n. def a mass of land that is surrounded by water and is smaller than a continent. island 2. syl is+land pron <1Il*nd> pos n. def something resembling this. exam 1 a traffic island. island 3. syl is+land pron <1Il*nd> pos n. qual Anatomy. def a part, structure, or group of cells distinct in constitution from its immediate surroundings. {~} Related adj.: {insular}. island 4. syl is+land pron <1Il*nd> pos vb. mod tr. qual Rare. def to cause to become an island. island 5. syl is+land pron <1Il*nd> pos vb. mod tr. qual Rare. def to intersperse with islands. island 6. syl is+land pron <1Il*nd> pos vb. mod tr. qual Rare. def to place on an island; insulate; isolate. island-like sub head island syl is:land-2like pos adj. islander 0. syl is+land+er pron <1Il*nd*> pos n. def a native or inhabitant of an island. island of Reil ety after Johann Reil (died 1813), German physician island of Reil 0. syl is+land of Reil pron pos n. def another name for {insula}. Islands of the Blessed 0. syl Is+lands of the Blessed pos n. mod pl. qual Greek myth. def lands where the souls of heroes and good men were taken after death. Also called: {Hesperides}. island universe 0. syl is+land u:ni+verse pos n. def a former name for {galaxy}. Islay 0. syl Is+lay pron <1IlA> pos n. def an island off the W coast of Scotland: the southernmost of the Inner Hebrides; separated from the island of Jura by the {Sound of Islay}; ancient seat of the Lord of the Isles. Pop.: 3825 (1971). Area: 606 sq. km (234 sq. miles). isle ety C13: from Old French isle, from Latin insula island isle 0. syl isle pron pos n. qual Poetic except when cap. and part of place name. def an island, esp. a small one. Isle of Man 0. syl Isle of Man pos n. def See (Isle of) {Man}. Isle of Pines 0. syl Isle of Pines pos n. def See (Isle of) {Pines}. Isle of Wight 0. syl Isle of Wight pos n. def See (Isle of) {Wight}. Isle Royale 0. syl Isle Roy+ale pron <1rci*l> pos n. def an island in the northeast U.S., in NW Lake Superior: forms, with over 100 surrounding islands, {Isle Royale National Park}. Area: 541 sq. km (209 sq. miles). islet ety C16: from Old French islette; see #7isle islet 0. syl is+let pron <1Ilit> pos n. def a small island. islets of Langerhans ety C19: named after Paul Langerhans (1847-88), German physician islands of Langerhans alt head islets of Langerhans or islets of Langerhans syl is+lands of Lang+er+hans pron <1l@G*2h@ns> pos n. mod pl. islets of Langerhans 0. or islands of Langerhans syl is+lets of Lang+er+hans pron <1l@G*2h@ns> pos n. mod pl. def small groups of endocrine cells in the pancreas that secrete the hormones insulin and glucagon. Islington 0. syl Is+ling+ton pron <1izliGt*n> pos n. def a borough of N Greater London. Pop.: 171600 (1976 est.). ism 0. syl ism pron <1iz*m> pos n. qual Informal, often derogatory. def an unspecified doctrine, system, or practice. -ism ety from Old French -isme, from Latin -ismus, from Greek -ismos -ism 0. syl -ism exam 1 suffix forming nouns. -ism 1. syl -ism def indicating an action, process, or result. exam 1 criticism; exam 2 terrorism. -ism 2. syl -ism def indicating a state or condition. exam 1 paganism. -ism 3. syl -ism def indicating a doctrine, system, or body of principles and practices. exam 1 Leninism; exam 2 spiritualism. -ism 4. syl -ism def indicating behaviour or a characteristic quality. exam 1 heroism. -ism 5. syl -ism def indicating a characteristic usage, esp. of a language. exam 1 colloquialism; exam 2 Scotticism. Isma'ili alt head Ismaili or Ismaili syl Is:ma':i:li pron <2izma:1Eli> pos n. Ismaili 1. or Isma'ili syl Is+ma:i+li pron <2izma:1Eli> pos n. qual Islam. def the Shiah Sect, whose head is the Aga Khan. Ismaili 2. or Isma'ili syl Is+ma:i+li pron <2izma:1Eli> pos n. qual Islam. def Also called: {Is+ma@.i+li@.an} (@!$Izm$a$:$I#!li$:$$n). a member of this sect. Ismailia 0. syl Is+mai+li:a pron <2izmI1li*> pos n. def a city in NE Egypt, on the Suez Canal: founded in 1863 by the former Suez Canal Company; devastated by Israeli troops in the October War (1973). Pop.: 189700 (1974 est.). Ismail Pasha 0. syl Is:ma:il Pa:sha pron <2izma:1El> <1pa:S*> pos n. def 1830-95, viceroy (1863-66) and khedive (1867-79) of Egypt, who brought his country close to bankruptcy. He was forced to submit to Anglo-French financial control (1876) and to abdicate (1879). isn't 0. syl is:n't pron <1izNt> usage contraction of def is not. ISO 0. syl ISO qual abbrev. for def International Standards Organization. ISO 0. syl I.S.O. qual abbrev. for def Imperial Service Order (a Brit. decoration). iso- ety from Greek isos equal iso- 1. syl i:so- usage before a vowel def equal or identical. exam 1 isomagnetic. iso- 2. syl i:so- usage before a vowel def indicating that a chemical compound is an isomer of a specified compound. exam 1 isobutane; exam 2 isocyanic acid. isoagglutination 0. syl i:so+ag+glu+ti+na+tion pron <2Is*u*2glu:ti1nAS*n> pos n. def the agglutination of red blood cells of an organism by the blood serum of another organism of the same species. isoagglutinative sub head isoagglutination syl i:so+ag+1glu+ti+na+tive pos adj. isoagglutinin 0. syl i:so+ag+glu+ti+nin pron <2Is*u*1glu:tinin> pos n. def an antibody that causes agglutination of red blood cells in animals of the same species from which it was derived. isoamyl acetate 0. syl i:so+am+yl ac+e:tate pron <2Is*u1@mil> pos n. def a colourless volatile compound used as a solvent for cellulose lacquers and as a flavouring. Formula: (CH\3)\2CHCH\2CH\2OOCCH\3. isoantigen 0. syl i:so+an:ti+gen pron <2Is*u1@ntiJ*n> pos n. qual Immunol. def an antigen that stimulates antibody production in different members of the same species. isobar ety C19: from Greek isobar*_es of equal weight, from #7iso -#7+ baros weight isobar 1. syl i:so+bar pron <1Is*u2ba:> pos n. def a line on a map connecting places of equal atmospheric pressure, usually reduced to sea level for purposes of comparison, at a given time or period. isobar 2. syl i:so+bar pron <1Is*u2ba:> pos n. qual Physics. def any of two or more atoms that have the same mass number but different atomic numbers. exam 1 tin-115 and indium-115 are isobars. isobarism sub head isobar syl i:so+bar+ism pos n. isobaric 1. syl i:so+bar+ic pron <2Is*u1b@rik> pos adj. def Also: {isopiestic}. having equal atmospheric pressure. isobaric 2. syl i:so+bar+ic pron <2Is*u1b@rik> pos adj. def of or relating to isobars. isobath ety C19: from Greek isobath*_es of equal depth, from #7iso -#7+ bathos depth isobath 0. syl i:so+bath pron <1Is*u2b@T> pos n. def a line on a map connecting points of equal underwater depth. isobathic sub head isobath syl i:so+1bath+ic pos adj. isocheim ety C19: from #7iso -#7+ Greek kheima winter weather isochime alt head isocheim or isocheim syl i:so+chime pron <1Is*u2kIm> pos n. isocheim 0. or isochime syl i:so+cheim pron <1Is*u2kIm> pos n. def a line on a map connecting places with the same mean winter temperature. isocheimal sub head isocheim syl i:so+1chei+mal pos adj. isocheimenal sub head isocheim or isochimal syl i:so+1chei+me:nal pos adj. isochimal sub head isocheim or isocheimenal syl i:so+1chi+mal pos adj. isochor ety C19: from #7iso -#7+ Greek kh*_oros place, space isochore alt head isochor or isochor syl i:so+chore pron <1Is*u2kc:> pos n. isochor 0. or isochore syl i:so+chor pron <1Is*u2kc:> pos n. def a line on a graph showing the variation of the temperature of a fluid with its pressure, when the volume is kept constant. isochoric sub head isochor syl i:so+1chor+ic pos adj. isochromatic 1.a. syl i:so+chro+mat+ic pron <2Is*ukr*u1m@tik> pos adj. def having the same colour. isochromatic 1.b. syl i:so+chro+mat+ic pron <2Is*ukr*u1m@tik> pos adj. def of uniform colour. isochromatic 2. syl i:so+chro+mat+ic pron <2Is*ukr*u1m@tik> pos adj. usage Photog. of an early type of emulsion def sensitive to green light in addition to blue light but not to red light. isochronal ety C17: from New Latin isochronus, from Greek isokhronos, from #7iso -#7+ khronos time isochronous alt head isochronal or isochronal syl i:soch+ro+nous pos adj. isochronal 1. or isochronous syl i:soch+ro+nal pron pos adj. def having the same duration; equal in time. isochronal 2. or isochronous syl i:soch+ro+nal pron pos adj. def occurring at equal time intervals; having a uniform period of vibration or oscillation. isochronally sub head isochronal or isochronously syl i:1soch+ro+nal+ly pos adv. isochronously sub head isochronal or isochronally syl i:1soch+ro+nous+ly pos adv. isochronism sub head isochronal syl i:1soch+ro+nism pos n. isochronise alt head isochronize or isochronize syl i:soch+ro+nise pron pos vb. mod tr. isochronize 0. or isochronise syl i:soch+ro+nize pron pos vb. mod tr. def to make isochronal. isochroous 0. syl i:soch+ro+ous pron pos adj. def of uniform colour. isoclinic alt head isoclinal or isoclinal syl i:so+clin+ic pron <2Is*u1klinik> pos adj. isoclinal 1. or isoclinic syl i:so+cli+nal pron <2Is*u1klInL> pos adj. def sloping in the same direction and at the same angle. isoclinal 2. or isoclinic syl i:so+cli+nal pron <2Is*u1klInL> pos adj. usage Geology. of folds def having limbs that are parallel to each other. isoclinal 3. or isoclinic syl i:so+cli+nal pron <2Is*u1klInL> pos n. def Also called: {isocline, isoclinal line}. an imaginary line connecting points on the earth's surface having equal angles of dip. isocline 1. syl i:so+cline pron <1Is*u2klIn> pos n. def a series of rock strata with isoclinal folds. isocline 2. syl i:so+cline pron <1Is*u2klIn> pos n. def another name for {isoclinal} (sense 3). isocracies infl head isocracy syl i:soc+ra+cies. pos n. mod pl. isocracy 1. syl i:soc+ra+cy pron pos n. def a form of government in which all people have equal powers. isocracy 2. syl i:soc+ra+cy pron pos n. def equality of political power. isocratic sub head isocracy syl i:so+crat+ic pron <2Is*u1kr@tik> pos adj. Isocrates 0. syl I:soc:ra:tes pron pos n. def 436-338 #7b.c., Athenian rhetorician and teacher. isocyanic acid 0. syl i:so+cy+an+ic ac:id pron <2Is*usI1@nik> pos n. def a hypothetical acid known only in the form of its compounds. Formula: HNCO. isocyanide 0. syl i:so+cy:a+nide pron <2Is*u1sI*2nId> pos n. def any salt or ester of isocyanic acid. Also called: {carbylamine}. isodiametric 1. syl i:so+di:a+met+ric pron <2Is*u2dI*1metrik> pos adj. def having diameters of the same length. isodiametric 2. syl i:so+di:a+met+ric pron <2Is*u2dI*1metrik> pos adj. usage of a crystal def having three equal axes. isodiametric 3. syl i:so+di:a+met+ric pron <2Is*u2dI*1metrik> pos adj. usage of a cell or similar body def having a similar diameter in all planes. isodiaphere 0. syl i:so+di:a+phere pron <2Is*u1dI*2fi*> pos n. def one of two or more nuclides in which the difference between the number of neutrons and the number of protons is the same. exam 1 a nuclide that has emitted an alpha particle, and its decay product, are isodiapheres. isodimorphism 0. syl i:so+di+mor+phism pron <2Is*udI1mc:fiz*m> pos n. def a property of a dimorphous substance such that it is isomorphous with another dimorphous substance in both its forms. isodimorphous sub head isodimorphism or isodimorphic syl i:so+di+1mor+phous pos adj. isodimorphic sub head isodimorphism or isodimorphous syl i:so+di+1mor+phic pos adj. isodynamic 1. syl i:so+dy+nam+ic pron <2Is*udI1n@mik> pos adj. qual Physics. def having equal force or strength. isodynamic 2. syl i:so+dy+nam+ic pron <2Is*udI1n@mik> pos adj. qual Physics. def of or relating to an imaginary line on the earth's surface connecting points of equal horizontal magnetic intensity. isoelectric 0. syl i:so+e:lec+tric pron <2Is*ui1lektrik> pos adj. def having the same electric potential. isoelectric point 0. syl i:so+e:lec+tric point pos n. def the pH of a substance, such as an amino acid or protein, at which it is electrically neutral. isoelectronic 0. syl i:so+e:lec+tron+ic pron <2Is*uilek1tronik> pos adj. usage of atoms, radicals, or ions def having an equal number of electrons or a similar configuration of electrons. isogamete 0. syl i:so+gam+ete pron <2Is*ug@1mEt> pos n. def a gamete that is similar in size and form to the one with which it unites in fertilization. Compare {heterogamete}. isogametic sub head isogamete syl i:so+ga+met+ic pron <2Is*ug@1met?!ik> pos adj. isogamy 0. syl i:sog:a+my pron pos n. usage in some algae and fungi def sexual fusion of gametes of similar size and form. Compare { {heterogamy} (sense 1}). isogamous sub head isogamy syl i:1sog:a+mous pos adj. isogenous 1. syl i:sog+e:nous pron pos adj. qual Biology. def of similar origin, as parts derived from the same embryonic tissue. isogenous 2. syl i:sog+e:nous pron pos adj. qual Biology. def Also: {isogenic}. genetically uniform. isogeny sub head isogenous syl i:1sog+e:ny pos n. isogeotherm 0. syl i:so+ge:o+therm pron <2Is*u1JE*u2TR:m> pos n. def an imaginary line below the surface of the earth connecting points of equal temperature. isogeothermal sub head isogeotherm or isogeothermic syl i:so+2ge:o+1ther+mal pos adj. isogeothermic sub head isogeotherm or isogeothermal syl i:so+2ge:o+1ther+mic pos adj. isogloss 0. syl i:so+gloss pron <1Is*u2glos> pos n. def a line drawn on a map around the area in which a linguistic feature is to be found, such as a particular pronunciation of a given word. isoglossal sub head isogloss or isoglottic syl i:so+1glos+sal pos adj. isoglottic sub head isogloss or isoglossal syl i:so+1glot+tic pos adj. isogon 0. syl i:so+gon pron <1Is*u2gon> pos n. def an equiangular polygon. isogonal alt head isogonic or isogonic syl i:sog:o+nal pron pos adj. isogonic 1. or isogonal syl i:so+gon+ic pron <2Is*u1gonik> pos adj. qual Maths. def having, making, or involving equal angles. isogonic 2. or isogonal syl i:so+gon+ic pron <2Is*u1gonik> pos n. def Also called: {isogonic line, isoganal line, isogone}. an imaginary line connecting points on the earth's surface having equal magnetic declination. isogram 0. syl i:so+gram pron <1Is*u2gr@m> pos n. def another name for {isopleth}. isohel ety C20: from #7iso -#7+ Greek h*_elios sun isohel 0. syl i:so+hel pron <1Is*u2hel> pos n. def a line on a map connecting places with an equal period of sunshine. isohyet ety C19: from #7iso -#7+ -hyet, from Greek huetos rain isohyet 0. syl i:so+hy+et pron <2Is*u1hIit> pos n. def a line on a map connecting places having equal rainfall. isolate ety C19: back formation from isolated, via Italian from Latin insul*_atus, literally: made into an island; see #7insulate &- #!i@.so+la@.ble adj. &- @!i@.so+la@.#!bil+i@.ty n. &- #!i@.so+@!la+tor n. isolate 1. syl i:so+late pron <1Is*2lAt> pos vb. mod tr. def to place apart; cause to be alone. isolate 2. syl i:so+late pron <1Is*2lAt> pos vb. mod tr. qual Med. def to quarantine (a person or animal) having or suspected of having a contagious disease. isolate 3. syl i:so+late pron <1Is*2lAt> pos vb. mod tr. def to obtain (a compound) in an uncombined form. isolate 4. syl i:so+late pron <1Is*2lAt> pos vb. mod tr. def to obtain pure cultures of (bacteria, esp. those causing a particular disease). isolate 5. syl i:so+late pron <1Is*2lAt> pos vb. mod tr. qual Electronics. def to prevent interaction between (circuits, components, etc.); insulate. isolate 6. syl i:so+late pron <1Is*lit> pos n. mod tr. def an isolated person or group. isolating 0. syl i:so+lat+ing pron <1Is*2lAtiG> pos adj. qual Linguistics. def another word for {analytic}. isolation 1. syl i:so+la+tion pron <2Is*1lAS*n> pos n. def the act of isolating or the condition of being isolated. isolation 2. syl i:so+la+tion pron <2Is*1lAS*n> pos n. usage of a country, party, etc. def nonparticipation in or withdrawal from international politics. isolation 3.a. syl i:so+la+tion pron <2Is*1lAS*n> pos n. def social separation of a person who has or is suspected of having a contagious disease. Compare {quarantine}. isolation 3.b. syl i:so+la+tion pron <2Is*1lAS*n> pos n. usage as modifier def . exam 1 an isolation hospital. isolation 4. syl i:so+la+tion pron <2Is*1lAS*n> pos n. qual Sociol. def a lack of contact between persons, groups, or whole societies. isolation 5. syl i:so+la+tion pron <2Is*1lAS*n> pos n. qual Social psychol. def the failure of an individual to maintain contact with others or genuine communication where interaction with others persists. in isolation 6. head isolation syl in isolation. def without regard to context, similar matters, etc. isolationism 1. syl i:so+la+tion+ism pron <2Is*1lAS*2niz*m> pos n. def a policy of nonpartici?!pation in or withdrawal from international affairs. isolationism 2. syl i:so+la+tion+ism pron <2Is*1lAS*2niz*m> pos n. def an attitude favouring such a policy. isolationist sub head isolationism syl i:so+1la+tion+ist pos n. adj. isolative 1. syl is:o+la+tive pron <1Is*2lAtiv>, <1Is*l*tiv> pos adj. usage of a sound change def occurring in all linguistic environments, as the change of Middle English /i$:/ to Modern English /a$I/, as in Compare { {combinative} (sense 2)}. isolative 2. syl is:o+la+tive pron <1Is*2lAtiv>, <1Is*l*tiv> pos adj. def of, relating to, or concerned with isolation. Isolde 0. syl I:sol:de pron pos n. def the German name of {Iseult}. isolecithal 0. syl i:so+lec:i+thal pron <2Is*u1lesiT*l> pos adj. usage of the ova of mammals and certain other vertebrates def having an evenly distributed yolk. Compare {heterolecithal}. isoleucine 0. syl i:so+leu+cine pron <2Is*u1lu:sEn>, <-sin> pos n. def an amino acid that occurs in proteins and is essential to man. Formula: C\2H\5CH(CH\3)?!CH(NH\2)COOH. isolex ety C20: from #7iso (#7gloss) +Greek lex (is) word isolex 0. syl i:so+lex pron <1Is*2leks> pos n. qual Linguistics. def an isogloss marking off the area in which a particular item of vocabulary is found isoline 0. syl i:so+line pron <1Is*u2lIn> pos n. def another term for {isopleth}. isologous ety C19: from #7iso -#7+ (#7homo) #7logous isologous 0. syl i:sol:o+gous pron pos adj. usage of two or more organic compounds def having a similar structure but containing different atoms of the same valency. isologue sub head isologous syl i:so+logue pron <1Is*u2log> pos n. isomagnetic 1. syl i:so+mag+net+ic pron <2Is*um@g1netik> pos adj. def having equal magnetic induction or force. isomagnetic 2. syl i:so+mag+net+ic pron <2Is*um@g1netik> pos n. def Also called: {isomagnetic line}. an imaginary line connecting points on the earth's surface having equal magnetic intensity. isomer 1. syl i:so+mer pron <1Is*m*> pos n. qual Chem. def a compound that exhibits isomerism with one or more other compounds. isomer 2. syl i:so+mer pron <1Is*m*> pos n. qual Physics. def a nuclide that exhibits isomerism with one or more other nuclides. isomeric sub head isomer syl i:so+mer+ic pron <2Is*1merik> pos adj. isomerism 1. syl i:som+er+ism pron pos n. def the existence of two or more compounds having the same molecular formula but a different arrangement of atoms within the molecule. See also {stereoisomerism, optical isomerism}. isomerism 2. syl i:som+er+ism pron pos n. def the existence of two or more nuclides having the same atomic numbers and mass numbers but different energy states. isomerise alt head isomerize or isomerize syl i:som+er+ise pron pos vb. isomerize 0. or isomerise syl i:som+er+ize pron pos vb. qual Chem. def to change or cause to change from one isomer to another. isomerization sub head isomerize or isomerisation syl i:2som+er:i+1za+tion pos n. isomerisation sub head isomerize or isomerization syl i:2som+er:i+1sa+tion pos n. isomerous 1. syl i:som+er+ous pron pos adj. def having an equal number of parts or markings. isomerous 2. syl i:som+er+ous pron pos adj. usage of flowers def having floral whorls with the same number of parts. Compare {anisomerous}. isometric ety C19: from Greek isometria (see #7iso -+-#7metry) +-#7ic isometric 1. syl i:so+met+ric pron <2Is*u1metrik> pos adj. usage also def having equal dimensions or measurements. isometric 2. syl i:so+met+ric pron <2Is*u1metrik> pos adj. qual Physiol. usage also def of or relating to muscular contraction that does not produce shortening of the muscle. isometric 3. syl i:so+met+ric pron <2Is*u1metrik> pos adj. usage also; of a crystal or system of crystallization def having three mutually perpendicular equal axes. isometric 4. syl i:so+met+ric pron <2Is*u1metrik> pos adj. qual Crystallog. usage also def another word for { {cubic} (sense 4)}. isometric 5. syl i:so+met+ric pron <2Is*u1metrik> pos adj. qual Prosody. usage also def having or made up of regular feet. isometric 6. syl i:so+met+ric pron <2Is*u1metrik> pos adj. usage also; of a method of projecting a drawing in three dimensions def having the three axes equally inclined and all lines drawn to scale. isometric 7. syl i:so+met+ric pron <2Is*u1metrik> pos n. usage also def Also called: {isometric drawing}. a drawing made in this way. isometric 8. syl i:so+met+ric pron <2Is*u1metrik> pos n. usage also def Also called: {isometric line}. a line on a graph showing variations of pressure with temperature at constant volume. isometrically sub head isometric syl i:so+1met+ri+cal+ly pos adv. isometrics 0. syl i:so+met+rics pron <2Is*u1metriks> pos n. mod functioning as; sing. def physical exercise involving isometric contraction of muscles. isometropia ety from Greek isometros of equal measure+{-#7opia} isometropia 0. syl i:so+me:tro+pi:a pron <2Is*umi1tr*upi*> pos n. qual Ophthalmol. def equal refraction of the two eyes. isometry 1. syl i:som+e:try pron pos n. qual Maths. def rigid motion of a plane or space such that the distance between any two points before and after this motion is unaltered. isometry 2. syl i:som+e:try pron pos n. def equality of height above sea level. isomorph 0. syl i:so+morph pron <1Is*u2mc:f> pos n. def a substance or organism that exhibits isomorphism. isomorphism 1. syl i:so+mor+phism pron <2Is*u1mc:fiz*m> pos n. qual Biology. def similarity of form, as in different generations of the same life cycle. isomorphism 2. syl i:so+mor+phism pron <2Is*u1mc:fiz*m> pos n. qual Chem. def the existence of two of more substances of different composition in a similar crystalline form. isomorphism 3. syl i:so+mor+phism pron <2Is*u1mc:fiz*m> pos n. qual Maths. def a one-to-one correspondence between the elements of two or more sets, such as those of Arabic and Roman numerals, and between the sums or products of the elements of one of these sets and those of the equivalent elements of the other set or sets. isomorphic sub head isomorphism or isomorphous syl i:so+1mor+phic pos adj. isomorphous sub head isomorphism or isomorphic syl i:so+1mor+phous pos adj. isoniazid ety C20: isoni (cotinic acid hydr) azid (e) isoniazid 0. syl i:so+ni:a+zid pron <2Is*u1nI*zid> pos n. def a soluble colourless crystalline compound used to treat tuberculosis. Formula: C\6H\7N\3O. isonomy 1. syl i:son:o+my pron pos n. def the equality before the law of the citizens of a state. isonomy 2. syl i:son:o+my pron pos n. def the equality of civil or political rights. isonomic sub head isonomy or isonomous syl i:so+nom+ic pron <2Is*u1nomik> pos adj. isonomous sub head isonomy or isonomic syl i:1son:o+mous pos adj. isooctane 0. syl i:so+oc:tane pron <2Is*u1oktAn> pos n. def a colourless liquid alkane hydrocarbon produced from petroleum and used in standardizing petrol. Formula: (CH\3)\3CCH\2CH(CH\3)\2. See also {octane number}. isophone ety C20: from iso- (as in #7isogloss) #7+ -phone (as in #7phoneme, etc.) isophone 0. syl i:so+phone pron <1Is*2f*un> pos n. qual Linguistics. def an isogloss marking off an area in which a particular feature of pronunciation is found. isopiestic ety C19: from #7iso -#7+ Greek piestos compressible, from piezein to press isopiestic 0. syl i:so+pi+es+tic pron <2Is*upI1estik> pos adj. def another word for {isobaric} (sense 1). isopiestically sub head isopiestic syl i:so+pi+1es+ti+cal+ly pos adv. isopleth ety C20: from Greek isopl*_eth*_es equal in number, from #7iso -#7+ pl*_ethos multitude, great number isopleth 0. syl i:so+pleth pron <1Is*u2pleT> pos n. def a line on a map connecting places registering the same amount or ratio of some geographical or meteorological phenomenon or phenomena. Also called: {isogram, isoline}. isopod 1. syl i:so+pod pron <1Is*u2pod> pos n. def any crustacean of the order including woodlice and pill bugs, in which the body is flattened dorsoventrally. isopod 2. syl i:so+pod pron <1Is*u2pod> pos adj. def of, relating to, or belonging to the isopodan sub head isopod or isopodous syl i:sop:o+dan pron pos adj. isopodous sub head isopod or isopodan syl i:1sop:o+dous pos adj. isoprene ety C20: from #7iso -#7+pr (#7opyl) #7+ -#7ene isoprene 0. syl i:so+prene pron <1Is*u2prEn> pos n. def a colourless volatile liquid with a penetrating odour: used in making synthetic rubbers. Formula: CH\2:CHC(CH\3):CH\2. isopropyl 0. syl i:so+pro+pyl pron <2Is*u1pr*upil> pos n. usage modifier def of, consisting of, or containing the group of atoms (CH\3)\2CH-, derived from propane. exam 1 an isopropyl group or radical. isorhythmic 0. syl i:so+rhyth+mic pron <2Is*1ri@dmik> pos adj. usage Music. of medieval motets def having a cantus firmus that is repeated according to a strict system of internal reiterated note values. isosceles ety C16: from Late Latin, from Greek isoskel*_es, from #7iso -#7+ skelos leg isosceles 1. syl i:sos+ce:les pron pos adj. usage of a triangle def having two sides of equal length. isosceles 2. syl i:sos+ce:les pron pos adj. usage of a trapezium def having the two nonparallel sides of equal length. isoseismal 1. syl i:so+seis+mal pron <2Is*u1sIzm*l> pos adj. def of or relating to equal intensity of earthquake shock. isoseismal 2. syl i:so+seis+mal pron <2Is*u1sIzm*l> pos n. def a line on a map connecting points at which earthquake shocks are of equal intensity. isoseismal xref syl i:so+seis+mal pron <2Is*u1sIzm*l> pos adj. def Also: {isoseismic}. isosmotic 0. syl is+os+mot+ic pron <2Isoz1motik> pos adj. def another word for {isotonic} (sense 2). isospondylous ety C20: from #7iso -#7+ Greek spondulos vertebra isospondylous 0. syl i:so+spon+dy+lous pron <2Is*1spondL*s> pos adj. def of, relating to, or belonging to the (or an order of soft-finned teleost fishes that includes the herring, salmon, trout, and pike. isostasy ety C19: #7iso -#7+ -stasy, from Greek stasis a standing isostasy 0. syl i:sos+ta+sy pron pos n. def the theoretical state of balance between different landmasses on the earth's surface, which are assumed to float on a denser underlying material so that when one mass becomes lighter, as by erosion, it rises causing compensating subsidence of a heavier mass. isostatic sub head isostasy syl i:so+stat+ic pron <2Is*u1st@tik> pos adj. isosteric 0. syl i:so+ster+ic pron <2Is*u1sterik> pos adj. usage of two different molecules def having the same number of atoms and the same number and configuration of valency electrons, as carbon dioxide and nitrous oxide. isotactic 0. syl i:so+tac+tic pron <2Is*u1t@ktik> pos adj. usage Chem. of a stereospecific polymer def having identical steric configurations of the groups on each asymmetric carbon atom on the chain. Compare {syndiotactic}. isothere ety C19: from #7iso -#7+ Greek theros summer isothere 0. syl i:so+there pron <1Is*u2Ti*> pos n. def a line on a map linking places with the same mean summer temperature. Compare {isocheim}. isotheral sub head isothere syl i:soth+er+al pron pos adj. isotherm 1. syl i:so+therm pron <1Is*u2TR:m> pos n. def a line on a map linking places of equal temperature. isotherm 2. syl i:so+therm pron <1Is*u2TR:m> pos n. qual Physics. def a curve on a graph that connects points of equal temperature. {~} Also called: {isothermal, isothermal line}. isothermal 1. syl i:so+ther+mal pron <2Is*u1TR:m*l> pos adj. usage of a process or change def taking place at constant temperature. isothermal 2. syl i:so+ther+mal pron <2Is*u1TR:m*l> pos adj. def of or relating to an isotherm. isothermal 3. syl i:so+ther+mal pron <2Is*u1TR:m*l> pos n. def another word for {isotherm}. isothermally sub head isothermal syl i:so+1ther+mal+ly pos adv. isotone 0. syl i:so+tone pron <1Is*2t*un> pos n. def one of two or more atoms of different atomic number that contain the same number of neutrons. isotonic 1. syl i:so+ton+ic pron <2Is*u1tonik> pos adj. usage Physiol. of two or more muscles def having equal tension. isotonic 2. syl i:so+ton+ic pron <2Is*u1tonik> pos adj. def Also: {isosmotic}. (of two solutions) having the same osmotic pressure. Compare {hypertonic, hypotonic}. isotonic 3. syl i:so+ton+ic pron <2Is*u1tonik> pos adj. qual Music. def of, relating to, or characterized by the equal intervals of the well-tempered scale. exam 1 isotonic tuning. isotonicity sub head isotonic syl i:so+to+nic+i:ty pron <2Is*ut*u1nisiti> pos n. isotope ety C20: from #7iso -#7+ Greek topos place isotope 0. syl i:so+tope pron <1Is*2t*up> pos n. def one of two or more atoms with the same atomic number that contain different numbers of neutrons. isotopic sub head isotope syl i:so+top+ic pron <2Is*1topik> pos adj. isotopically sub head isotope syl i:so+1top:i+cal+ly pos adv. isotopy sub head isotope syl i:sot:o+py pron pos n. isotron ety C20: from #7isotope+ -#7tron isotron 0. syl i:so+tron pron <1Is*2tron> pos n. qual Physics. def a device for separating small quantities of isotopes by ionizing them and separating the ions by an electric field, as in a mass spectrometer. isotropous alt head isotropic or isotropic syl i:sot+ro+pous pron pos adj. isotropic 1. or isotropous syl i:so+trop+ic pron <2Is*u1tropik> pos adj. def having uniform physical properties in all directions. isotropic 2. or isotropous syl i:so+trop+ic pron <2Is*u1tropik> pos adj. qual Biology. def not having predetermined axes. exam 1 isotropic eggs. I-spy 0. syl I-spy pos n. def a game in which one player specifies the initial letter of the name of an object that he can see, which the other players then try to guess. Israel 1. syl Is+ra+el pron <1izrA*l>, <-ri*l> pos n. def a republic in SW Asia, on the Mediterranean Sea: established in 1948, in the former British mandate of Palestine, as a Jewish state; sporadic border disputes with Arab neighbours, erupting into full-scale wars in 1949, 1956, 1967 (the Six Day War), and 1973. Official language: Hebrew. Religion: Judaism. Currency: Israeli pound. Capital: Jerusalem. Pop.: 3371000 (1975 est.). Area (after 1949 armistice): 20700 sq. km (7993 sq. miles). After the 1967 cease-fire Israel controlled an area of 89359 sq. km (34493 sq. miles). Israel 2.a. syl Is+ra+el pron <1izrA*l>, <-ri*l> pos n. def the ancient kingdom of the 12 Hebrew tribes at the SE end of the Mediterranean. Israel 2.b. syl Is+ra+el pron <1izrA*l>, <-ri*l> pos n. def the kingdom in the N part of this region formed by the ten northern tribes of Israel in the 10th century #7b.c. and destroyed by the Assyrians in 721 #7b.c. Israelis infl head Israeli or Israeli syl Is+rae+lis pos n. mod pl. Israeli infl or Israelis syl Is+rae+li. pos n. mod pl. Israeli 1. syl Is+rae+li pron pos n. def a citizen or inhabitant of the state of Israel. Israeli 2. syl Is+rae+li pron pos adj. def of, relating to, or characteristic of the state of Israel or its inhabitants. Israelite 1. syl Is+ra:el+ite pron <1izri*2lIt>, <-r*-> pos n. qual Bible. def a member of the ethnic group claiming descent from Jacob; a Hebrew. Israelite 2. syl Is+ra:el+ite pron <1izri*2lIt>, <-r*-> pos n. qual Bible. def a citizen of the kingdom of Israel (922 to 721 #7b.c.) as opposed to Judah. Israelite 3. syl Is+ra:el+ite pron <1izri*2lIt>, <-r*-> pos n. def a member of any of various Christian sects who regard themselves as God's chosen people. Israelite 4. syl Is+ra:el+ite pron <1izri*2lIt>, <-r*-> pos n. def an archaic word for a {Jew}. Israfel infl head Israfil or Israfeel syl Is+ra+fel pron <1izr*2fel> pos n. Israfeel infl head Israfil or Israfel syl Is+ra+feel pron <1izr*2fEl> pos n. Israfil 0. syl Is+ra+fil pron <1izr*2fEl> pos n. qual Koran. def the archangel who will sound the trumpet on the Day of Judgment, heralding the end of the world. Issachar 1. syl Is:sa:char pron <1is*2ka:> pos n. qual Old Testament. def the fifth son of Jacob by his wife Leah (Genesis 30:17-18). Issachar 2. syl Is:sa:char pron <1is*2ka:> pos n. qual Old Testament. def the tribe descended from this patriarch. Issachar 3. syl Is:sa:char pron <1is*2ka:> pos n. qual Old Testament. def the territory of this tribe. issuable 1. syl is+su+a:ble pron <1iSju*bL> pos adj. def capable of issuing or being issued. issuable 2. syl is+su+a:ble pron <1iSju*bL> pos adj. qual Chiefly law. def open to debate or litigation. issuable 3. syl is+su+a:ble pron <1iSju*bL> pos adj. def authorized to be issued. issuably sub head issuable syl is+su+a:bly pos adv. issuance 0. syl is+su+ance pron <1iSju*ns> pos n. def the act of issuing. issuant 0. syl is+su+ant pron <1iSju*nt> pos adj. qual Archaic or heraldry. def emerging or issuing. issue ety C13: from Old French eissue way out, from eissir to go out, from Latin ex*_ire, from {#7ex -%1}#7+ *_ire to go issue 1. syl is+sue pron <1iSju:> pos n. def the act of sending or giving out something; supply; delivery. issue 2. syl is+sue pron <1iSju:> pos n. def something issued; an edition of stamps, a magazine, etc. issue 3. syl is+sue pron <1iSju:> pos n. def the act of emerging; outflow; discharge. issue 4. syl is+sue pron <1iSju:> pos n. def something flowing out, such as a river. issue 5. syl is+sue pron <1iSju:> pos n. def a place of outflow; outlet. issue 6. syl is+sue pron <1iSju:> pos n. def the descendants of a person; offspring; progeny. issue 7. syl is+sue pron <1iSju:> pos n. def a topic of interest or discussion. issue 8. syl is+sue pron <1iSju:> pos n. def an important subject requiring a decision. issue 9. syl is+sue pron <1iSju:> pos n. def an outcome or consequence; result. issue 10.a. syl is+sue pron <1iSju:> pos n. def a suppurating sore. issue 10.b. syl is+sue pron <1iSju:> pos n. def discharge from a wound. issue 11. syl is+sue pron <1iSju:> pos n. qual Law. def the matter remaining in dispute between the parties to an action after the pleadings. issue 12. syl is+sue pron <1iSju:> pos n. def the yield from or profits arising out of land or other property. issue 13. syl is+sue pron <1iSju:> pos n. qual Military. def the allocation of items of government stores, such as food, clothing, and ammunition. issue 14.a. syl is+sue pron <1iSju:> pos n. def the system for recording current loans. issue 14.b. syl is+sue pron <1iSju:> pos n. def the number of books loaned in a specified period. issue 15. syl is+sue pron <1iSju:> pos n. qual Obsolete. def an act, deed, or proceeding. issue 16.a. syl is+sue pron <1iSju:> pos n. def under discussion. issue 16.b. syl is+sue pron <1iSju:> pos n. def in disagreement. force the issue 17. head issue syl force the issue. def to compel decision on some matter. issue 18.a. syl is+sue pron <1iSju:> pos n. def to join in controversy. issue 18.b. syl is+sue pron <1iSju:> pos n. def to submit an issue for adjudication. take issue 19. head issue syl take issue. def to disagree. issues infl head issue syl is+sues pos vb. issuing infl head issue syl is+su+ing pos vb. issued infl head issue syl is+sued. pos vb. issue 20. syl is+sue pron <1iSju:> pos vb. def to come forth or emerge or cause to come forth or emerge. issue 21. syl is+sue pron <1iSju:> pos vb. def to publish or deliver (a newspaper, magazine, etc.). issue 22. syl is+sue pron <1iSju:> pos vb. mod tr. def to make known or announce. issue 23. syl is+sue pron <1iSju:> pos vb. mod intr. def to originate or proceed. issue 24. syl is+sue pron <1iSju:> pos vb. mod intr. def to be a consequence; result. issue 25. syl is+sue pron <1iSju:> pos vb. mod intr. usage foll. by in def to end or terminate. issue 26.a. syl is+sue pron <1iSju:> pos vb. def to give out or allocate (equipment, a certificate, etc.) officially to someone. issue 26.b. syl is+sue pron <1iSju:> pos vb. usage foll. by with def to supply officially (with). issueless sub head issue syl is+sue+less pos adj. issuer sub head issue syl is+su+er pos n. Issus 0. syl Is+sus pron <1is*s> pos n. def an ancient town in S Asia Minor, in Cilicia north of present-day Iskenderun: scene of a battle (333 #7b.c.) in which Alexander the Great defeated the Persians. Issyk-Kul 0. syl Is:syk-Kul pron Russian <1kulj> pos n. def a lake in the SW Soviet Union, in the NE Kirghiz SSR in the Tien Shan mountains, at an altitude of 1609 m (5280 ft.): one of the largest mountain lakes in the world. Area: 6200 sq. km (2390 sq. miles). -ist ety via Old French from Latin -ista, -ist*_es, from Greek -ist*_es -ist 1. syl -ist pos suffix. usage forming nouns def a person who performs a certain action or is concerned with something specified. exam 1 motorist; exam 2 soloist. -ist 2. syl -ist pos suffix. usage forming nouns def a person who practises in a specific field. exam 1 physicist; exam 2 typist. -ist 3. syl -ist pos suffix. usage forming nouns and adjectives def a person who advocates a particular doctrine, system, etc., or relating to such a person or the doctrine advocated. exam 1 socialist. -ist 4. syl -ist pos suffix. usage forming nouns and adjectives def a person characterized by a specified trait, tendency, etc., or relating to such a person or trait. exam 1 purist. istana ety from Malay istana 0. syl i:sta+na pron pos n. usage in Malaysia def a royal palace. Istanbul 0. syl Is+tan+bul pron <2ist@n1bu:l> pos n. def a port in NW Turkey, on the western (European) shore of the Bosporus: the largest city in Turkey; founded in about 660 #7b.c. by Greeks; refounded by Constantine the Great in 330 #7a.d. as the capital of the Eastern Roman Empire; taken by the Turks in 1453 and remained capital of the Ottoman Empire until 1922; industrial centre for shipbuilding, textiles, etc. Pop.: 2547364 (1975). Ancient name: {Byzantium}. Former name (330-1930): {Constantinople}. isth alt head Isth or Isth syl isth. Isth 0. or isth syl Isth. qual abbrev. for def isthmus. isthmian 0. syl isth+mi:an pron <1isTmi*n> pos adj. def relating to or situated in an isthmus. Isthmian 0. syl Isth+mi:an pron <1isTmi*n> pos adj. def relating to or situated in the Isthmus of Corinth or the Isthmus of Panama. Isthmian Games 0. syl Isth+mi:an Games pos n. def a Panhellenic festival celebrated every other year in ancient Corinth. isthmus ety C16: from Latin, from Greek isthmos isthmuses infl head isthmus or isthmi syl isth+mus:es pron <-mI> pos n. mod pl. isthmi infl head isthmus or isthmuses syl isth+mi pron <-mI> pos n. mod pl. isthmus 1. syl isth+mus pron <1ism*s> pos n. def a narrow strip of land connecting two relatively large land areas. isthmus 2.a. syl isth+mus pron <1ism*s> pos n. def a narrow band of tissue connecting two larger parts of a structure. isthmus 2.b. syl isth+mus pron <1ism*s> pos n. def a narrow passage connecting two cavities. isthmoid sub head isthmus syl isth+moid pos adj. -istic ety from Latin -isticus, from Greek istikos -istic 0. syl -is:tic usage suffix forming adjectives. def equivalent to a combination of {-ist} and {-ic} but in some words having a less specific or literal application and sometimes a mildly pejorative force, as compared with corresponding adjectives ending in {-ist}. exam 1 communistic; exam 2 impressionistic. istle ety C19: from Mexican Spanish ixtle, from Nahuatl ichtli ixtle alt head istle or istle syl ix+tle pos n. istle 0. or ixtle syl is+tle pron <1istli> pos n. def a fibre obtained from various tropical American agave and yucca trees used in making carpets, cord, etc. Istria 0. syl Is+tri:a pron <1istri*> pos n. def a peninsula in the N Adriatic Sea: passed from Italy to Yugoslavia (except for Trieste) in 1947. Istrian sub head Istria syl Is+tri:an pos n. adj. it ety Old English hit it 1. syl it pron pos pron. usage objective def refers to a nonhuman, animal, plant, or inanimate thing, or sometimes to a small baby. exam 1 it looks dangerous; exam 2 give it a bone. it 2. syl it pron pos pron. usage objective def refers to an unspecified or implied antecedent or to a previous or understood clause, phrase, etc.. exam 1 it is impossible; exam 2 I knew it. it 3. syl it pron pos pron. usage objective def used to represent human life or experience either in totality or in respect of the present situation. exam 1 how's it going?? exam 2 I've had it; exam 3 to brazen it out. it 4. syl it pron pos pron. usage objective def used as a formal subject (or object), referring to a following clause, phrase, or word. exam 1 it helps to know the truth; exam 2 I consider it dangerous to go on. it 5. syl it pron pos pron. usage objective def used in the nominative as the formal grammatical subject of impersonal verbs. When functions absolutely in such sentences, not referring to any previous or following clause or phrase, the context is nearly always a description of the environment or of some physical sensation. exam 1 it is raining; exam 2 it hurts. it 6. syl it pron pos pron. qual Informal. usage objective; used as complement with be def the crucial or ultimate point. exam 1 the steering failed and I thought that was it. it 7. syl it pron pos n. usage objective; in children's games def the player whose turn it is to try to touch another. it 8.a. syl it pron pos n. usage objective def sexual intercourse. it 8.b. syl it pron pos n. usage objective def sex appeal. It 1. syl It. qual abbrev. for: def Italian. It 2. syl It. qual abbrev. for: def Italy. ITA alt head ita or ita syl I.T.A. ita 0. or ITA syl i.t.a. qual abbrev. for def initial teaching alphabet, a partly phonetic alphabet used to teach reading. ITA 0. syl I.T.A. qual abbrev. for usage in Britain def Independent Television Authority: now superseded by the I.B.A. itacolumite ety C19: named after Itacolumi mountain in Brazil where it is found itacolumite 0. syl it:a+col:u+mite pron <2it*1kolju2mIt> pos n. def a fine-grained micaceous sandstone that occurs in thin flexible slabs. itaconic acid 0. syl it:a+con+ic ac:id pron <2it*1konik> pos n. def a white colourless crystalline carboxylic acid obtained by the fermentation of carbohydrates and used in the manufacture of synthetic resins. Formula: CH\2:C(COOH)CH\2COOH. ital 0. syl ital. qual abbrev. for def italic. Ital 1. syl Ital. qual abbrev. for: def Italian. Ital 2. syl Ital. qual abbrev. for: def Italy. Italia 0. syl I:ta+lia pron pos n. def the Italian name for {Italy}. Italia irredenta 0. syl I:ta+lia ir+re+den+ta pron Italian. <2irrA1denta> def See {Irredentist}. Italian 1. syl I:tal+ian pron pos n. def the official language of Italy and one of the official languages of Switzerland: the native language of approximately 60 million people. It belongs to the Romance group of the Indo-European family, and there is a considerable diversity of dialects. Italian 2. syl I:tal+ian pron pos n. def a native, citizen, or inhabitant of Italy, or a descendant of one. Italian 3. syl I:tal+ian pron pos n. def See {Italian vermouth. ~} Italian 4. syl I:tal+ian pron pos n. def relating to, denoting, or characteristic of Italy, its inhabitants, or their language. Italianesque alt head Italianate or Italianate syl I:tal+ian+esque pos adj. Italianate 0. or Italianesque syl I:tal+ian+ate pron , <-2nAt> pos adj. def Italian in style or character. Italian East Africa 0. syl I:tal+ian East Af+ri+ca pos n. def a former Italian territory in E Africa, formed in 1936 from the possessions of Eritrea, Italian Somaliland, and Ethiopia: taken by British forces in 1941. Italicism alt head Italianism or Italianism syl I:tal:i+cism pron pos n. Italianism 1. or Italicism syl I:tal+ian+ism pron pos n. def an Italian custom or style. Italianism 2. or Italicism syl I:tal+ian+ism pron pos n. def Italian quality or life, or the cult of either. Italianise alt head Italianize or Italianize syl I:tal+ian+ise pron pos vb. Italianize 0. or Italianise syl I:tal+ian+ize pron pos vb. def to make or become Italian or like an Italian person or thing. Italianization sub head Italianize or Italianisation syl I:2tal+ian:i+1za+tion pos n. Italianisation sub head Italianize or Italianization syl I:2tal+ian:i+1sa+tion pos n. Italian sixth 0. syl I:tal+ian sixth pos n. usage in musical harmony def an augmented sixth chord characterized by having a major third and an augmented sixth above the root. Italian Somaliland 0. syl I+tal+ian So+ma+li+land pos n. def a former Italian colony in E Africa, united with British Somaliland in 1960 to form the independent republic of Somalia. Italian sonnet 0. syl I:tal+ian son+net pos n. def another term for {Petrarchan sonnet}. Italian vermouth 0. syl I:tal+ian ver+mouth pos n. def sweet vermouth. italic ety C16 (after an edition of Virgil (1501) printed in Venice and dedicated to Italy): from Latin Italicus of Italy, from Greek Italikos italic 1. syl i:tal+ic pron pos adj. def Also: {Italian}. of, relating to, or denoting a style of handwriting with the letters slanting to the right. italic 2. syl i:tal+ic pron pos adj. def a style of printing type modelled on this, chiefly used to indicate emphasis, a foreign word, etc. Compare {roman}. italic 3. syl i:tal+ic pron pos n. mod often; pl. def italic type or print. Italic 1. syl I:tal+ic pron pos n. def a branch of the Indo-European family of languages that includes many of the ancient languages of Italy, such as Venetic and the Osco-Umbrian group, Latin, which displaced them, and the Romance languages. Italic 2. syl I:tal+ic pron pos adj. def denot?!ing, relating to, or belonging to this group of languages, esp. the extinct ones. italicise alt head italicize or italicize syl i:tal:i+cise pron pos vb. italicize 1. or italicise syl i:tal:i+cize pron pos vb. def to print (textual matter) in italic type. italicize 2. or italicise syl i:tal:i+cize pron pos vb. mod tr. def to underline (letters, words, etc.) with a single line to indicate italics. italicization sub head italicize or italicisation syl i:2tal:i+ci+1za+tion pos n. italicisation sub head italicize or italicization syl i:2tal:i+ci+1sa+tion pos n. Italo- 0. syl I:tal:o- pron usage combining form. def indicating Italy or Italian. exam 1 Italophobia; exam 2 Italo-German. Italy 0. syl It:a+ly pron <1it*li> pos n. def a republic in S Europe, occupying a peninsula in the Mediterranean between the Tyrrhenian and the Adriatic Seas, with the islands of Sardinia and Sicily to the west: first united under the Romans but became fragmented into numerous political units in the Middle Ages; united kingdom proclaimed in 1861; under the dictatorship of Mussolini (1922-43); became a republic in 1946; a member of the Common Market. It is generally mountainous, with the Alps in the north and the Apennines running the length of the peninsula. Language: Italian. Religion: Roman Catholic. Currency: lira. Capital: Rome. Pop.: 55361000 (1974 est.). Area: 301247 sq. km (116312 sq. miles). Italian name: {Italia}. itch ety Old English g*_iccean to itch, of Germanic origin itch 1. syl itch pron pos n. def an irritation or tickling sensation of the skin causing a desire to scratch. itch 2. syl itch pron pos n. def a restless desire. itch 3. syl itch pron pos n. def any skin disorder, such as scabies, characterized by intense itching. itch 4. syl itch pron pos vb. mod intr. def to feel or produce an irritating or tickling sensation. itch 5. syl itch pron pos vb. mod intr. def to have a restless desire (to do something). itching palm 6. head itch syl itching palm. def a grasping nature; avarice. itch 7. syl itch pron pos vb. qual Not standard. def to scratch (the skin). itchy sub head itch syl itch:y pos adj. itchiness sub head itch syl itch:i+ness pos n. itch mite 0. syl itch mite pos n. def any mite of the family all of which are skin parasites, esp. which causes scabies. -ite ety via Latin -ita from Greek -it*_es or directly from Greek -ite H1.0. syl -ite exam 1 suffix forming nouns. -ite H1.1. syl -ite def a native or inhabitant of. exam 1 Israelite. -ite H1.2. syl -ite def a follower or advocate of; a member or supporter of a group. exam 1 Luddite; exam 2 labourite. -ite H1.3. syl -ite usage in biology def indicating a division of a body or organ. exam 1 neurite; exam 2 somite. -ite H1.4. syl -ite def indicating a mineral or rock. exam 1 nephrite; exam 2 peridotite. -ite H1.5. syl -ite def indicating a commercial product. exam 1 vulcanite. -ite ety from French, arbitrary alteration of {-#7ate %1} -ite H2.0. syl -ite usage suffix of nouns. def indicating a salt or ester of an acid having a name ending in item ety C14 (adv.) from Latin: in like manner item 1. syl i:tem pron <1It*m> pos n. def a thing or unit, esp. included in a list or collection. item 2. syl i:tem pron <1It*m> pos n. qual Bookkeeping. def an entry in an account. item 3. syl i:tem pron <1It*m> pos n. def a piece of information, detail, or note. exam 1 a news item. item 4. syl i:tem pron <1It*m> pos vb. mod tr. def an archaic word for {itemize}. item 5. syl i:tem pron <1Item> pos adv. def likewise; also. itemise alt head itemize or itemize syl i:tem+ise pron <1It*2mIz> pos vb. mod tr. itemize 0. or itemise syl i:tem+ize pron <1It*2mIz> pos vb. mod tr. def to put on a list or make a list of. itemization sub head itemize or itemisation syl i:tem:i+1za+tion pos n. itemisation sub head itemize or itemization syl i:tem:i+1sa+tion pos n. itemizer sub head itemize or itemiser syl i:tem+2iz+er pos n. itemiser sub head itemize or itemizer syl 1i+tem+2is+er pos n. item veto 0. syl i:tem ve:to pos n. qual U.S. def the power of a state governor to veto items in bills without vetoing the entire measure. It'enez 0. syl I:t*'e+nez pron pos n. def the Spanish name for the {Guapor*'e}. iterate ety C16: from Latin iter*_are, from iterum again iterate 0. syl it+er+ate pron <1it*2rAt> pos vb. mod tr. def to say or do again; repeat. iterant sub head iterate syl it+er+ant pos adj. iteration sub head iterate or iterance syl it+er:1a+tion pos n. iterance sub head iterate or iteration syl it+er+ance pos n. iterative 0. syl it+er:a+tive pron <1it*r*tiv> pos adj. def repetitious or frequent. iteratively sub head iterative syl it+er:a+tive+ly pos adv. iterativeness sub head iterative syl it+er:a+tive+ness pos n. Ithaca 0. syl Ith:a+ca pron <1iT*k*> pos n. def a Greek island in the Ionian Sea, the smallest of the Ionian Islands: regarded as the home of Homer's Odysseus. Area: 93 sq. km (36 sq. miles). Modern Greek name: {I@.th*'a+ki} (i#!#Ggaki). Ithacan sub head Ithaca syl Ith:a+can pos n. adj. Ithunn 0. syl I:thunn pron <1E@du:n> pos n. def a variant spelling of {Idun}. ithyphallic ety C17: from Late Latin, from Greek ithuphallikos, from ithu?!phallos erect phallus, from ithus straight+ phallos #7phallus ithyphallic 1. syl ith:y+phal+lic pron <2iTi1f@lik> pos adj. usage Prosody. in classical verse def of or relating to the usual metre in hymns to Bacchus. ithyphallic 2. syl ith:y+phal+lic pron <2iTi1f@lik> pos adj. def of or relating to the phallus carried in the ancient festivals of Bacchus. ithyphallic 3. syl ith:y+phal+lic pron <2iTi1f@lik> pos adj. usage of sculpture and graphic art def having or showing an erect penis. {~} ithyphallic 4. syl ith:y+phal+lic pron <2iTi1f@lik> pos adj. qual Prosody. def a poem in ithyphallic metre. itineracy alt head itinerancy or itinerancy syl i:tin+er:a+cy pos n. itinerancy 1. or itineracy syl i:tin+er+an+cy pron , pos n. def the act of itinerating. itinerancy 2. or itineracy syl i:tin+er+an+cy pron , pos n. qual Chiefly Methodist Church. def the system of ap?!pointing a minister to a circuit of churches or chapels. itinerancy 3. or itineracy syl i:tin+er+an+cy pron , pos n. def itinerants collectively. itinerant ety C16: from Late Latin itiner*_ar*_i to travel, from iter a journey itinerant 1. syl i:tin+er+ant pron , pos adj. def itinerating. itinerant 2. syl i:tin+er+ant pron , pos adj. def working for a short time in various places, esp. as a casual labourer. itinerant 3. syl i:tin+er+ant pron , pos n. def an itinerant worker or other person. itinerantly sub head itinerant syl i:1tin+er+ant+ly pos adv. itineraries infl head itinerary syl i:tin+er+ar:ies. pos n. mod pl. itinerary 1. syl i:tin+er+ar:y pron , pos n. def a plan or line of travel; route. itinerary 2. syl i:tin+er+ar:y pron , pos n. def a record of a journey. itinerary 3. syl i:tin+er+ar:y pron , pos n. def a guidebook for travellers. itinerary 4. syl i:tin+er+ar:y pron , pos adj. def of or relating to travel or routes of travel. itinerary 5. syl i:tin+er+ar:y pron , pos adj. def a less common word for {itinerant}. itinerate 0. syl i:tin+er+ate pron , pos vb. mod intr. def to travel from place to place. itineration sub head itinerate syl i:2tin+er:1a+tion pos n. -itis ety New Latin, from Greek, feminine of -it*_es belonging to; see -#7ite %1 -itis 0. syl -i:tis usage suffix forming nouns. def indicating inflammation of a specified part. exam 1 tonsillitis. it'll 0. syl it'll pron <1itL> usage contraction of def it will it shall. Ito 0. syl I:to pron <1Et*u> pos n. def Marquis {Hi@.ro@.bu@.mi} (@!h$I$$r$$#!bu$:m$I). 1841-1909, Japanese statesman; premier (1884-88; 1892-96; 1898; 1900-01). He led the movement to modernize Japan and helped to draft the Meiji constitution (1889); assassinated. ITO 0. syl I.T.O. qual abbrev. for def International Trade Organization. -itol ety from -#7ite %2#7+{-#7ol %1} -itol 0. syl -it:ol usage suffix forming nouns. def indicating that certain chemical compounds are polyhydric alcohols. exam 1 inisitol; exam 2 sorbitol. its 0.a. syl its pron pos determiner. def of, belonging to, or associated in some way with it. exam 1 its left rear wheel; exam 2 I can see its logical consequence. its 0.b. syl its pron pos determiner. usage as pronoun exam 1 its is over there. it's 0. syl it's pron usage contraction of def it is. itself 1.a. syl it+self pron pos pron. def the reflexive form of {it}. itself 1.b. syl it+self pron pos pron. usage intensi?!fier exam 1 even the money itself won't convince me. itself 2. syl it+self pron pos pron. usage preceded by a copula def its normal or usual self. exam 1 my cat doesn't seem itself these days.#e ITU 0. syl I.T.U. qual abbrev. for def International Telecommunications Union. ITV 0. syl ITV qual abbrev. for usage in Britain def Independent Television. -ity ety from Old French -ite, from Latin -it*_as -ity 0. syl -i:ty usage suffix forming nouns. def indicating state or condition. exam 1 technicality. i-type semiconductor 0. syl i-type sem:i+con+duc+tor pos n. def another name for {intrinsic semiconductor}. IU 1. syl I.U. qual abbrev. for: def immunizing unit. IU 2. syl I.U. qual abbrev. for: def international unit. IU(C)D 0. syl I.U.(C.)D. qual abbrev. for def intra-uterine (contraceptive) device. Iulus 1. syl I:u:lus pron pos n. def another name for {Ascanius}. Iulus 2. syl I:u:lus pron pos n. def the son of Ascanius, founder of the Julian gens or clan. -ium ety New Latin, from Latin, from Greek -ion, diminutive suffix -ium 1. syl -i:um usage sometimes def indicating a metallic element. exam 1 platinum; exam 2 barium. -ium 2. syl -i:um usage sometimes; in chemistry def indicating groups forming positive ions. exam 1 ammonium chloride; exam 2 hydroxonium ion. -ium 3. syl -i:um usage sometimes def indicating a biological structure. exam 1 syncytium. iv 1. syl i.v. qual abbrev. for: def initial velocity. iv 2. syl i.v. qual abbrev. for: def intravenous(ly). iv alt head IV or IV syl i.v. IV 0. or iv syl I.V. qual abbrev. for def intravenous. Ivan III 0. syl I:van III pron <1Iv*n> pos n. def called 1440-1505, grand duke of Muscovy (1462-1505). He expanded Muscovy by conquest, defeated the Tatars (1480), and assumed the title of Ruler of all Russia (1472). Ivan IV 0. syl I:van IV pos n. def called 1530-84, grand duke of Muscovy (1533-47) and first tsar of Russia (1547-84). He conquered Kazan (1552), Astrakhan (1556), and Siberia (1581), but was defeated by Poland in the Livonian War (1558-82) after which his rule became increasingly oppressive. Ivanovo 0. syl I:va+no+vo pron Russian pos n. def a city in the central Soviet Union, on the Uvod River: textile centre. Pop.: 453000 (1975 est.). Former name (1871-1932): {I@.va@.no@.vo-Voz@.ne+sensk} (v$$zn$I#!sj$ensk). IVB 0. syl IVB qual abbrev. for def invalidity benefit. -ive ety from Latin -*_ivus -ive 1. syl -ive pos suffix. usage forming adjectives def indicating a tendency, inclination, character, or quality. exam 1 divisive; exam 2 prohibitive; exam 3 festive; exam 4 massive. -ive 2. syl -ive pos suffix. usage forming nouns of adjectival origin exam 1 detective; exam 2 expletive. I've 0. syl I've pron usage contraction of def I have. Charles Edward 1. head Ives syl Charles Ed:ward. def 1874-1954, U.S. composer, noted for his innovative use of polytonality, polyrhythms, and quarter tones. His works include (1915), five symphonies, chamber music, and songs. Frederick Eugene 2. head Ives syl Fred:er:ick Eu:gene. def 1856-1937, U.S. inventor of halftone photography. ivied 0. syl i:vied pron <1Ivid> pos adj. def covered with ivy. Iviza 0. syl I:vi+za pron Spanish pos n. def a variant spelling of {Ibiza}. ivories 1. syl i:vo+ries pron <1Iv*riz>, <-vriz> pos n. mod pl. qual Slang. def the keys of a piano. ivories 2. syl i:vo+ries pron <1Iv*riz>, <-vriz> pos n. mod pl. qual Slang. def another word for {teeth}. ivories 3. syl i:vo+ries pron <1Iv*riz>, <-vriz> pos n. mod pl. qual Slang. def another word for {dice}. ivory ety C13: from Old French ivurie, from Latin evoreus made of ivory, from ebur ivory; related to Greek elephas ivory, #7elephant ivories infl head ivory syl i:vo+ries. pos n. mod pl. ivory 1.a. syl i:vo+ry pron <1Iv*ri>, <-vri> pos n. def a hard smooth creamy white variety of dentine that makes up a major part of the tusks of elephants, walruses, and similar animals. ivory 1.b. syl i:vo+ry pron <1Iv*ri>, <-vri> pos n. usage as modifier def . exam 1 ivory ornaments. ivory 2. syl i:vo+ry pron <1Iv*ri>, <-vri> pos n. def a tusk made of ivory. ivory 3.a. syl i:vo+ry pron <1Iv*ri>, <-vri> pos n. def a yellowish-white colour; cream. ivory 3.b. syl i:vo+ry pron <1Iv*ri>, <-vri> pos as; adj. exam 1 ivory shoes. ivory 4. syl i:vo+ry pron <1Iv*ri>, <-vri> pos n. def a substance resembling elephant tusk. ivory 5. syl i:vo+ry pron <1Iv*ri>, <-vri> pos n. def an ornament, etc., made of ivory. black ivory 6. head ivory syl black ivory. qual Obsolete. def Negro slaves collectively. ivory-like sub head ivory syl i:vo:ry-2like pos adj. ivory black 0. syl i:vo+ry black pos n. def a black pigment obtained by grinding charred scraps of ivory in oil. Ivory Coasthe infl head Ivory Coast syl I:vo+ry Coasthe. pos n. Ivory Coast 0. syl I:vo+ry Coast pos n. def a republic in West Africa, on the Gulf of Guinea: Portuguese trading for ivory and slaves began in the 16th century; made a French protectorate in 1842 and became independent in 1960; third largest producer of coffee in the world. Official language: French. Religion: animist majority, with Muslim and Roman Catholic minorities. Currency: franc. Capital: Abidjan. Pop.: 6673013 (1975). Area: 319820 sq. km (123483 sq. miles). ivory gull 0. syl i:vo+ry gull pos n. def a white gull, (or mostly confined to arctic regions. ivory nut 1. syl i:vo+ry nut pos n. def the seed of the ivory palm, which contains an ivory-like substance used to make buttons, etc. ivory nut 2. syl i:vo+ry nut pos n. def any similar seed from other palms. ivory nut xref syl i:vo+ry nut pos n. def Also called: {vegetable ivory}. ivory palm 0. syl i:vo+ry palm pos n. def a low-growing South American palm tree, that yields the ivory nut. ivory tower 0. syl i:vo+ry tow+er pron <1tau*> pos n. def seclusion or remoteness of attitude regarding real problems, everyday life, etc. ivy ety Old English *_ifig; related to Old High German ebah, perhaps to Greek iphuon a plant ivies infl head ivy syl i:vies. pos n. mod pl. ivy 1. syl i:vy pron <1Ivi> pos n. def any woody climbing or trailing araliaceous plant of the Old World genus esp. having lobed evergreen leaves and black berry-like fruits. ivy 2. syl i:vy pron <1Ivi> pos n. def any of various other climbing or creeping plants, such as Boston ivy, poison ivy, and ground ivy. ivy-like sub head ivy syl i:vy-2like pos adj. the infl head Ivy League syl the. pos n. qual U.S. Ivy League 0.a. syl I:vy League pos n. def a group of eight universities (Brown, Columbia, Cornell, Dartmouth College, Harvard, Princeton, Pennsylvania, and Yale) that have similar academic and social prestige in the U.S. to Oxford and Cambridge in Britain. Ivy League 0.b. syl I:vy League pos n. usage as modifier exam 1 an Ivy-League education. iwis ety C12: from Old English gewiss certain ywis alt head iwis or iwis syl y:wis pron pos adv. iwis 0. or ywis syl i:wis pron pos adv. def an archaic word for {certainly}. Iwo 0. syl I:wo pron <1Ew*u> pos n. def a city in SW Nigeria. Pop.: 214000 (1975 est.). Iwo Jima 0. syl I:wo Ji:ma pron <1Ew*u> <1JEm*> pos n. def an island in the W Pacific, about 1100 km (700 miles) south of Japan: one of the Volcano Islands; scene of prolonged fighting between U.S. and Japanese forces until taken by the U.S. in 1945; returned to Japan in 1968. Area: 20 sq. km (8 sq. miles). IWW 0. syl I.W.W. qual abbrev. for def Industrial Workers of the World. ixia ety C18: New Latin from Greek ixos mistletoe, birdlime prepared from mistletoe berries ixia 0. syl ix:i:a pron <1iksi*> pos n. def any plant of the iridaceous genus of southern Africa, having showy ornamental funnel-shaped flowers. Ixion 0. syl Ix:i:on pron pos n. qual Greek myth. def a Thessalian king punished by Zeus for his love of Hera by being bound to a perpetually revolving wheel. Ixionian sub head Ixion syl Ix:i:o+ni:an pron <2iksi1*uni*n> pos adj. Iztaccihuatl alt head Ixtaccihuatl or Ixtaccihuatl syl Iz+tac+ci+huatl pos n. Ixtaccihuatl 0. or Iztaccihuatl syl Ix+tac+ci+huatl pron <2Est*k1sEw*tL> pos n. def a dormant volcano in central Mexico, southeast of Mexico City. Height: (central peak) 5286 m (17342 ft.). ixtle 0. syl ix+tle pron <1ikstli>, <1ist-> pos n. def a variant spelling of {istle}. Iyar ety from Hebrew Iyyar alt head Iyar or Iyar syl Iy+yar pron Hebrew. pos n. Iyar 0. or Iyyar syl I:yar pron Hebrew. pos n. qual Judaism. def the eighth month of the civil year and the second of the ecclesiastical year, falling approximately in April and May. Ieyasu alt head Iyeyasu or Iyeyasu syl I:e:ya:su pron <2EjA1ja:su:> pos n. Tokugawa infl head Iyeyasu syl To:ku:ga:wa pron <2toku:1ga:w*> pos n. Iyeyasu 0. or Ieyasu syl I:ye:ya:su pron <2EjA1ja:su:> pos n. def 1542-1616, Japanese general and statesman; founder of the Tokugawa shogunate (1603-1867). izard 0. syl iz:ard pron <1iz*d> pos n. usage esp. in the Pyrenees def another name for { {chamois}} . -ize ety from Old French -iser, from Late Latin -iz*_are, from Greek -izein #e Usage. In the U.S. and in Britain, -ize is the standard ending for many verbs, but -ise is equally acceptable in British English. Certain words are, however, always spelt with -ise in both the U.S. and in Britain: advertise, revise. -ise alt head -ize or -ize syl -ise -ize 0. or -ise syl -ize exam 1 suffix forming verbs. -ize 1. or -ise syl -ize def to cause to become, resemble, or agree with. exam 1 legalize. -ize 2. or -ise syl -ize def to become; change into. exam 1 crystallize. -ize 3. or -ise syl -ize def to affect in a specified way; subject to. exam 1 hypnotize. -ize 4. or -ise syl -ize def to act according to some practice, principle, policy, etc.. exam 1 economize. Izhevsk 0. syl I:zhevsk pron Russian pos n. def an industrial city in the E Soviet Union, capital of the Udmurt ASSR. Pop.: 506000 (1975 est.). Izmir 0. syl Iz+mir pron <1izmi*> pos n. def a port in W Turkey, on the {Gulf of Izmir}: the third largest city in the country; university (1955). Pop.: 636834 (1975). Former name: {Smyrna}. Izmit 0. syl Iz+mit pron <1izmit> pos n. def a town in NW Turkey, on the {Gulf of Izmit}. Pop.: 165483 (1975). Iznik 0. syl Iz+nik pron pos n. def the modern Turkish name of {Nicaea}. Iztaccihuatl 0. syl Iz+tac+ci+huatl pron <2Est*k1sEw*tL> pos n. def a variant spelling of {Ixtaccihuatl}. izzard ety C18: from earlier ezed, probably from Old French et z*`ede, literally: and zed ********************************************************************** ********************************************************************** ********************************************************************** ********************************************************************** ********************************************************************** ********************************************************************** -eous. izzard ety from Latin -ius and -i*_osus full of ********************************************************************** ********************************************************************** izzard 0. syl iz+zard pron <1iz*d> pos n. qual Archaic. def the letter Muhammad infl head Iqbal syl Mu:ham:mad pron pos n. Iqbal 0. syl Iq:bal pron <1ikbal> pos n. def ********************************************************************** ********************************************************************** 1875-1938, Indian Muslim poet, philosopher, and political leader, who advocated the establishment of separate nations for Indian Hindus and Muslims and is generally regarded as the originator of Pakistan. John infl head Ireland syl John. pos n. Ireland H2.0. syl Ire:land pron <1I*l*nd> pos n. def 1879-1962, English composer, esp. of songs. ********************************************************************** Henry infl head Ireton syl Hen:ry. pos n. Ireton 0. syl Ire:ton pron <1I*tN> pos n. def 1611-51, English Parliamentarian general in the Civil War; son-in-law of Oliver Cromwell. His plan for a constitutional monarchy was rejected by Charles I (1647), whose death warrant he signed; lord deputy of Ireland (1650-51). ********************************************************************** aim of striving for a united ********************************************************************** ********************************************************************** iron man 0. syl i:ron man pos n. qual Austral. def an event at a surf carnival in which contestants compete at swimming, surfing, running, etc. ********************************************************************** iron man 1. syl i:ron man pos n. qual Austral.; Austral. informal. def to knock (a person) out. ********************************************************************** ********************************************************************** Also: {Isa}. Isaiah. iron man 3. syl i:ron man pos n. qual Austral. def Also called: {isometric line. ********************************************************************** ********************************************************************** ion}. iron man 4. syl i:ron man pos n. qual Austral. def indicating a biological structure. exam 1 syncytium. ********************************************************************** ********************************************************************** |&2395| ********************************************************************** ********************************************************************** iron man 5. syl i:ron man pos n. qual Austral. def something ********************************************************************** ********************************************************************** interval) ********************************************************************** ********************************************************************** {interval}) ********************************************************************** ********************************************************************** rampart] ********************************************************************** ********************************************************************** Also: {introverted. ********************************************************************** **********************************************************************} iontophoresis ety C20: from Greek iont-, ion, from ienai to go+#7-phoresis ********************************************************************** iontophoresis 0. syl i:on+to+pho+re:sis pron pos n. qual Biochem. def a technique for studying neurotransmitters in the brain by the application of experimental solutions to the tissues through fine glass electrodes. iq ety Latin: the same as ********************************************************************** ********************************************************************** iq 0. syl i.q. qual abbrev. for def idem quod. iv ety C18: ********************************************************************** ********************************************************************** regular ********************************************************************** ********************************************************************** makes ********************************************************************** ********************************************************************** enter or ********************************************************************** ********************************************************************** the ********************************************************************** ********************************************************************** iv ety C19: ********************************************************************** ********************************************************************** /i$:/ to Modern English ********************************************************************** ********************************************************************** /i$:/ to Modern English ********************************************************************** ********************************************************************** print ********************************************************************** ********************************************************************** International Criminal Police Organization, an association of over 100 national police forces, devoted chiefly to fighting international ********************************************************************** &- in@.#!ter+pre+tress fem. n. ********************************************************************** ********************************************************************** urchin or similar animal. ********************************************************************** ********************************************************************** governments, incumbencies, etc. $1$D. ********************************************************************** ********************************************************************** are determiners, adjectives, or ********************************************************************** ********************************************************************** (of a cadence) progressing from the dominant chord to any other, ********************************************************************** ********************************************************************** iv 1. syl i.v. qual abbrev. for: def initial velocity. iv 2. syl i.v. qual abbrev. for: def intravenous(ly). ********************************************************************** inter se 0. syl in+ter se pron Latin. <1int*1sA> pos adv. def among or between themselves. ********************************************************************** called: {product}. the ********************************************************************** ********************************************************************** atom. inter se 1. syl in+ter se pron Latin. <1int*1sA> pos adv. qual Chem. def containing interstitial atoms or ions. exam 1 an interstitial compound. ********************************************************************** or ********************************************************************** ********************************************************************** where ********************************************************************** ********************************************************************** inter se 1.b. syl in+ter se pron Latin. <1int*1sA> pos adv. usage of knowledge def deep; extensive. ********************************************************************** ********************************************************************** may take a clause as object) inter se 2. syl in+ter se pron Latin. <1int*1sA> pos adv. def to hint; suggest. inter se 3. syl in+ter se pron Latin. <1int*1sA> pos adv. qual Rare. def to ********************************************************************** &- {@!in+ti+#!ma+tion} intitule ety C15: from Old French intituler, from Latin titulus #7title lacking respect for practices and beliefs other than one's own. ********************************************************************** ********************************************************************** &- in+#!tol+er+ance n. ********************************************************************** ********************************************************************** Music. the opening of a piece of plainsong, sung by a soloist. ********************************************************************** ********************************************************************** intitule 0. syl in+tit+ule pron pos vb. mod tr. usage Parliamentary procedure. in Britain def to entitle (an Act). J alt head j or j syl J pron pos n. j's infl head j syl j's pos n. mod pl. J's infl head j or Js syl J's pos n. mod pl. Js infl head j or J's syl Js. pos n. mod pl. j 1. or J syl j pron pos n. def the tenth letter and seventh consonant of the modern English alphabet. j 2. or J syl j pron pos n. def a speech sound represented by this letter, in English usually a voiced palato-alveolar affricate, as in j 1. syl j qual symbol for: def current density. j 2. syl j qual symbol for:; Maths. def the unit vector along the -axis. j 3. syl j qual symbol for: def the imaginary number $/#800450 -1. J 1. syl J qual symbol for:; Cards. def jack. J 2. syl J qual symbol for: def joule(s). {~$D}. Japan. J 1. syl J. qual abbrev. for: def Journal. JJ infl head J syl JJ. mod pl. J 2. syl J. qual abbrev. for: def Judge. JJ infl head J syl JJ. mod pl. J 3. syl J. qual abbrev. for: def Justice. JA 0. syl JA usage international car registration for def Jamaica. Ja 0. syl Ja. qual abbrev. for def January. JA 1. syl J.A. qual abbrev. for: def Also: {J/A} joint account. JA 2. syl J.A. qual abbrev. for: def Judge Advocate. jaap ety from Afrikaans jaap 0. syl jaap pron pos n. qual S. African. def a simpleton or country bumpkin. jab ety C19: originally Scottish variant of #7job jabs infl head jab syl jabs pos vb. jabbing infl head jab syl jab+bing pos vb. jabbed infl head jab syl jabbed. pos vb. jab 1. syl jab pron pos vb. def to poke or thrust sharply. jab 2. syl jab pron pos vb. def to strike with a quick short blow or blows. jab 3. syl jab pron pos n. def a sharp poke or stab. jab 4. syl jab pron pos n. def a quick short blow, esp. (in boxing) a straight punch with the leading hand. jab 5. syl jab pron pos n. qual Informal. def an injection. exam 1 polio jabs. jabbingly sub head jab syl jab+bing+ly pos adv. Jubbulpore alt head Jabalpur or Jabalpur syl Jub+bul+pore pron <2J^b*l1pu*> pos n. Jabalpur 0. or Jubbulpore syl Jab+al+pur pron <2J^b*l1pu*> pos n. def a city in central India, in central Madhya Pradesh. Pop.: 426224 (1971). jabber ety C15: of imitative origin; compare #7gibber jabber 1. syl jab+ber pron <1J@b*> pos vb. def to speak or say rapidly, incoherently, and without making sense; chatter. jabber 2. syl jab+ber pron <1J@b*> pos n. def such talk. jabberer sub head jabber syl jab+ber+er pos n. jabberwocky ety C19: coined by Lewis Carroll as the title of a poem in Through the Looking Glass (1871) jabberwocky 0. syl jab+ber+wock:y pron <1J@b*2woki> pos n. def nonsense verse. Jabir ibn Hayyan 0. syl Ja:bir ibn Hay:yan pron <1Ja:bi*> <1Eb*n> pos n. def ??721-??815. Arab alchemist, whose many works enjoyed enormous esteem among later alchemists, such as Geber. jabiru ety C18: via Portuguese from Tupi-Guarani jabiru 1. syl jab:i+ru pron <1J@bi2ru:> pos n. def a large white tropical American stork, with a dark naked head and a dark bill. jabiru 2. syl jab:i+ru pron <1J@bi2ru:> pos n. def Also called: {black-necked stork, policeman bird}. a large Australian stork, having a white plumage, dark green back and tail, and red legs. jabiru 3. syl jab:i+ru pron <1J@bi2ru:> pos n. def another name for {saddlebill}. jabiru 4. syl jab:i+ru pron <1J@bi2ru:> pos n. usage not in ornithological usage def another name for {wood ibis}. jaborandi ety C19: from Portuguese, from Tupi-Guarani yaborand*'i jaborandi 1. syl jab:o+ran+di pron <2J@b*1r@ndi> pos n. def any of several tropical American rutaceous shrubs of the genus esp. jaborandi 2. syl jab:o+ran+di pron <2J@b*1r@ndi> pos n. def the dried leaves of any of these plants, used to induce sweating. jabot ety C19: from French: bird's crop, jabot; compare Old French gave throat jabot 0. syl ja+bot pron <1Z@b*u> pos n. def a frill or ruffle on the breast or throat of a garment, originally to hide the closure of a shirt. jacamar ety C19: from French, from Tupi jacam*'a-ciri jacamar 0. syl jac:a+mar pron <1J@k*2ma:> pos n. def any bird of the tropical American family having an iridescent plumage and feeding on insects: order (woodpeckers, etc.). jacana ety C18: from Portu?!guese ja*,can?~a, from Tupi-Guarani jasan*'a jacana 0. syl ja+*,ca+na pron <2Za:s*1na:>, <2J@-> pos n. def any bird of the family of tropical and subtropical marshy regions, having long legs and very long toes that enable walking on floating plants: order Also called: {lily-trotter}. jacaranda ety C18: from Portuguese, from Tupi-Guarani yacarand*'a jacaranda 1. syl jac:a+ran+da pron <2J@k*1r@nd*> pos n. def any bignoniaceous tree of the tropical American genus having fernlike leaves and pale purple flowers. jacaranda 2. syl jac:a+ran+da pron <2J@k*1r@nd*> pos n. def the fragrant ornamental wood of any of these trees. jacaranda 3. syl jac:a+ran+da pron <2J@k*1r@nd*> pos n. def any of several related or similar trees or their wood. jacinth ety C13: from Medieval Latin jacinthus, from Latin hya?!cinthus plant, precious stone; see #7hyacinth jacinth 0. syl ja+cinth pron <1J@sinT> pos n. def another name for { {hyacinth} (sense 4).} jack ety C16 jakke, variant of Jankin, diminutive of John jack H1.1. syl jack pron pos n. def a man or fellow. jack H1.2. syl jack pron pos n. def a sailor. jack H1.3. syl jack pron pos n. def the male of certain animals, esp. of the ass or donkey. jack H1.4. syl jack pron pos n. def a mechanical or hydraulic device for exerting a large force, esp. to raise a heavy weight such as a motor vehicle. jack H1.5. syl jack pron pos n. def any of several mechanical devices that replace manpower, such as a contrivance for rotating meat on a spit. jack H1.6. syl jack pron pos n. def one of four playing cards in a pack, one for each suit, bearing the picture of a young prince; knave. jack H1.7. syl jack pron pos n. qual Bowls. def a small usually white bowl at which the players aim with their own bowls. jack H1.8. syl jack pron pos n. qual Electrical engineering. def a socket for receiving a plug ({jack plug) }. A {break jack} breaks the normal circuit when a jack plug is inserted. jack H1.9. syl jack pron pos n. def a flag, esp. a small flag flown at the bow of a ship indicating the ship's nationality. Compare {Union Jack}. jack H1.10. syl jack pron pos n. qual Nautical. def either of a pair of crosstrees at the head of a topgallant mast used as standoffs for the royal shrouds. jack H1.11. syl jack pron pos n. def a part of the action of a harpsichord, consisting of a fork-shaped device on the end of a pivoted lever on which a plectrum is mounted. jack H1.12. syl jack pron pos n. def any of various tropical and subtropical carangid fishes, esp. those of the genus such as ({crevalle jack}) . jack H1.13. syl jack pron pos n. def Also called: {jackstone}. one of the pieces used in the game of jacks. jack H1.14. syl jack pron pos n. def short for {applejack, bootjack, jackass, jack rabbit}, and {lumberjack}. jack H1.15. syl jack pron pos n. qual U.S. def a slang word for {money}. every man jack 16. head jack syl every man jack. def everyone without exception. {~} jack H1.17. syl jack pron pos n. qual Austral. slang. def tired or fed up (esp. in the phrase {to be jack of} something). {~} jack H1.18. syl jack pron pos n. mod tr. def to lift or push (an object) with a jack. jack H1.19. syl jack pron pos n. mod tr. def Also: {jacklight}. to hunt (fish or game) by seeking them out or dazzling them with a flashlight. {~} See also {jack in, jack up}. jack ety C17: from Portuguese jaca; see #7jackfruit jack H2.0. syl jack pron pos n. def short for {jackfruit}. jack ety C14: from Old French jaque, of uncertain origin jack H3.1. syl jack pron pos n. def a short sleeveless coat of armour of the Middle Ages, consisting usually of a canvas base with metal plates. jack H3.2. syl jack pron pos n. qual Archaic. def a drinking vessel, often of leather. jackal ety C17: from Turkish chak*_al, from Persian shag*_al, from Sanskrit srg*_ala jackal 1. syl jack+al pron <1J@kc:l> pos n. def any of several African or S Asian canine mammals of the genus closely related to the dog, having long legs and pointed ears and muzzle: predators and carrion-eaters. jackal 2. syl jack+al pron <1J@kc:l> pos n. def a person who does menial tasks for another. jackal 3. syl jack+al pron <1J@kc:l> pos n. def a villain, esp. a swindler. jackanapes ety C16: variant of Jakken-apes, literally: Jack of the ape, nickname of William de la Pole (1396-1450), first Duke of Suffolk, whose badge showed an ape's ball and chain jackanapes 1. syl jack:a+napes pron <1J@k*2nAps> pos n. def a conceited impertinent person. jackanapes 2. syl jack:a+napes pron <1J@k*2nAps> pos n. def a mischievous child. jackanapes 3. syl jack:a+napes pron <1J@k*2nAps> pos n. qual Archaic. def a monkey. jackass ety C18: from #7jack %1 (male)+#7ass %1 jackass 1. syl jack+ass pron <1J@k2@s> pos n. def a male donkey. jackass 2. syl jack+ass pron <1J@k2@s> pos n. def a stupid person; fool. laughing jackass 3. head jackass syl laughing jackass. def another name for {kookaburra}. jack bean 0. syl jack bean pos n. def a tropical American leguminous plant, that has clusters of purple flowers and long pods and is grown in the southern U.S. for forage. jackboot 1. syl jack+boot pron <1J@k2bu:t> pos n. def an all-leather military boot, ex?!tending up to or above the knee. jackboot 2. syl jack+boot pron <1J@k2bu:t> pos n. def arbitrary, cruel, and authoritarian rule. jackbooted sub head jackboot syl jack+2boot+ed pos adj. jack-by-the-hedge 0. syl jack-by-the-hedge pos n. def another name for {garlic mustard}. jackdaw ety C16: from #7jack %1+#7daw jackdaw 0. syl jack+daw pron <1J@k2dc:> pos n. def a large common Eurasian passerine bird, in which the plumage is black and dark grey: noted for its thieving habits: family (crows). jackeroo ety C19: from #7jack %1#7+ (#7kang) #7aroo jackaroo alt head jackeroo or jackeroo syl jack:a+roo pron <2J@k*1ru:> pos n. jackeroos infl head jackeroo syl jack+e:roos. pos n. mod pl. jackeroo 0. or jackaroo syl jack+e:roo pron <2J@k*1ru:> pos n. qual Austral. informal. def a young male management trainee on a sheep or cattle station. jacket ety C15: from Old French jaquet short jacket, from jacque peasant, from proper name Jaques James jacket 1. syl jack+et pron <1J@kit> pos n. def a short coat, esp. one that is hip-length and has a front opening and sleeves. jacket 2. syl jack+et pron <1J@kit> pos n. def something that resembles this or is designed to be worn around the upper part of the body. exam 1 a life jacket. jacket 3. syl jack+et pron <1J@kit> pos n. def any exterior covering or casing, such as the insulating cover of a boiler. jacket 4. syl jack+et pron <1J@kit> pos n. def the part of the cylinder block of an internal-combustion engine that encloses the coolant. jacket 5. syl jack+et pron <1J@kit> pos n. def See {dust jacket}. jacket 6.a. syl jack+et pron <1J@kit> pos n. def the skin of a baked potato. jacket 6.b. syl jack+et pron <1J@kit> pos n. usage as modifier exam 1 jacket potatoes. jacket 7. syl jack+et pron <1J@kit> pos n. def a toughened metal casing used in certain types of ammunition. jacket 8. syl jack+et pron <1J@kit> pos n. qual U.S. def a cover to protect gramophone records. Brit. name: {sleeve}. jacket 9. syl jack+et pron <1J@kit> pos n. qual Chiefly U.S. def a folder or envelope to hold documents. jacket 10. syl jack+et pron <1J@kit> pos vb. mod tr. def to put a jacket on (someone or something). jacketed sub head jacket syl jack+et+ed pos adj. jacket-like sub head jacket syl jack:et-2like pos adj. jackfish infl or jackfishes syl jack+fish pos n. mod pl. jackfishes infl head jackfish or jackfish syl jack+fish:es. pos n. mod pl. jackfish 0. syl jack+fish pron <1J@k2fiS> pos n. def a popular name for {pike} (the fish), esp. when small. Jack Frost 0. syl Jack Frost pos n. def a personification of frost or winter. jackfruit ety C19: from Portu?!guese jaca, from Malayalam cakka jackfruit 1. syl jack+fruit pron <1J@k2fru:t> pos n. def a tropical Asian moraceous tree, jackfruit 2. syl jack+fruit pron <1J@k2fru:t> pos n. def the edible fruit of this tree, which resembles breadfruit and can weigh up to 27 kilograms (60 pounds). jackfruit xref syl jack+fruit pron <1J@k2fru:t> pos n. def Sometimes shortened to {jack}. Jack-go-to-bed-at-noon 0. syl Jack-go-to-bed-at-noon pos n. def another name for { {goatsbeard} (sense 1).} jackhammer 0. syl jack+ham:mer pron <1J@k2h@m*> pos n. def a hand-held hammer drill, driven by compressed air, for drilling rocks, etc. jack in 0. syl jack in pos vb. adv. mod tr. def to abandon or leave (an attempt or enterprise). jack-in-office 0. syl jack-in-of:fice pos n. def a self-important petty official. jack-in-the-boxes infl head jack-in-the-box or jacks-in-the-box syl jack-in-the-box:es pos n. mod pl. jacks-in-the-box infl head jack-in-the-box or jack-in-the-boxes syl jacks-in-the-box. pos n. mod pl. jack-in-the-box 0. syl jack-in-the-box pos n. def a toy consisting of a figure on a tight spring in a box, which springs out when the lid is opened. jack-in-the-pulpit 1. syl jack-in-the-pul:pit pos n. def an E North American aroid plant, having a leaflike spathe partly arched over a clublike spadix. jack-in-the-pulpit 2. syl jack-in-the-pul:pit pos n. qual Brit. def another name for {cuckoopint}. Jack Ketch ety C18: after John Ketch (died 1686), public executioner in England Jack Ketch 0. syl Jack Ketch pron pos n. qual Brit. archaic. def a hangman. jackknives infl head jackknife syl jack+knives. pos n. mod pl. jackknife 1. syl jack+knife pron <1J@k2nIf> pos n. def a knife with the blade pivoted to fold into a recess in the handle. jackknife 2. syl jack+knife pron <1J@k2nIf> pos n. def a type of dive in which the diver bends at the waist in midair, with his legs straight and his hands touching his feet, finally straightening out and entering the water headfirst. jackknife 3. syl jack+knife pron <1J@k2nIf> pos vb. mod intr. usage of an articulated lorry def to go out of control in such a way that the trailer swings round at an angle to the tractor. jackknife 4. syl jack+knife pron <1J@k2nIf> pos vb. mod intr. def to make a jackknife dive. jack ladder 0. syl jack lad+der pos n. def another name for { {Jacob's ladder} (sense 2)}. jacks of all trades infl head jack of all trades syl jacks of all trades. pos n. mod pl. jack of all trades 0. syl jack of all trades pos n. def a person who undertakes many different kinds of work. jack-o'-lantern 1. syl jack-o'-lan:tern pos n. def a lantern made from a hollowed pumpkin, which has holes cut in it to represent a human face. jack-o'-lantern 2. syl jack-o'-lan:tern pos n. def a will-o'-the-wisp or similar phenomenon. jack pine 0. syl jack pine pos n. def a coniferous tree, of North America, having paired needle-like leaves and small cones that remain on the branches for many years: family jack plane 0. syl jack plane pos n. def a carpenter's plane, usually with a wooden body, used for rough planing of timber. jackpot ety C20: probably from #7jack %1 (playing card)+#7pot jackpot 1. syl jack+pot pron <1J@k2pot> pos n. def any large prize, kitty, or accumulated stake that may be won in gambling, such as a pool in poker that accumulates until the betting is opened with a pair of jacks or higher. jackpot 2.a. syl jack+pot pron <1J@k2pot> pos n. def to win a jackpot. jackpot 2.b. syl jack+pot pron <1J@k2pot> pos n. def to achieve great success, esp. through luck. jack rabbit ety C19: shortened from jackass-rabbit, referring to its long ears jack rabbit 0. syl jack rab+bit pos n. def any of various W North American hares, such as ({white-tailed jack rabbit}) , having long hind legs and large ears. jack rafter 0. syl jack raf+ter pos n. def a short rafter used in a hip roof. jacks ety C19: shortened from jackstones, variant of checkstones pebbles jacks 0. syl jacks pron pos n. def a game in which bone or metal pieces ({jackstones}) are thrown and then picked up in various groups between bounces or throws of a small ball. Sometimes called: {knuckle?!bones}. jackscrew 0. syl jack+screw pron <1J@k2skru:> pos n. def another name for {screw jack}. jackshaft 0. syl jack+shaft pron <1J@k2Sa:ft> pos n. def a short length of shafting that transmits power from an engine or motor to a machine. jacksmelts infl head jacksmelt or jacksmelt syl jack+smelts pos n. mod pl. jacksmelt infl or jacksmelts syl jack+smelt. pos n. mod pl. jacksmelt 0. syl jack+smelt pron <1J@k2smelt> pos n. def a marine teleost food fish, of American coastal waters of the North Pacific: family (silversides). jacksnipe infl or jacksnipes syl jack+snipe pos n. mod pl. jacksnipes infl head jacksnipe or jacksnipe syl jack+snipes. pos n. mod pl. jacksnipe 1. syl jack+snipe pron <1J@k2snIp> pos n. def a small Eurasian short-billed snipe, jacksnipe 2. syl jack+snipe pron <1J@k2snIp> pos n. def any of various similar birds, such as the pectoral sandpiper. Jackson H1.0. syl Jack+son pron <1J@ks*n> pos n. def a city in and state capital of Mississippi, on the Pearl River. Pop.: 163924 (1973 est.). Andrew 1. head Jackson syl An:drew. def 1767-1845, U.S. statesman, general, and lawyer; seventh president of the U.S. (1828-36). He became a national hero after successfully de?!fending New Orleans from the British (1815). During his adminis?!tration the spoils system was introduced and the national debt was fully paid off. Glenda 2. head Jackson syl Glen:da. def born 1936, English stage and film actress. Her films include (1969), (1970), (1972), and (1976). Thomas Jonathan 3. head Jackson syl Thom:as Jon:a:than def known as 1824-63, Confederate general in the American Civil War, noted particularly for his command at the first Battle of Bull Run (1861). &- {Jack+so+ni@.an} (d#f@ak#!s$$$un$I$$n) Jacksonville 0. syl Jack+son+ville pron <1J@ks*n2vil> pos n. def a port in NE Florida: the leading commercial centre of the southeast. Pop.: 548007 (1973 est.). ********************************************************************** ********************************************************************** ********************************************************************** ********************************************************************** ********************************************************************** ********************************************************************** military boot, ex?!tending up to or above the knee. Jand authoritarian rule Eurasian passerine bird infl head Jacksonville syl Jand authoritarian rule. ********************************************************************** Eurasian passerine bird noted for its thieving habits infl head Jacksonville syl ********************************************************************** ********************************************************************** noted for its thieving habits: ********************************************************************** ********************************************************************** Jacruel 1. head Jacksonville syl Jacruel def a young male management trainee on a sheep or cattle station. ********************************************************************** ********************************************************************** hand-held hammer drill, driven by compressed air, for drilling rocks, ********************************************************************** ********************************************************************** jack in 0. syl jack in pos vb. adv. mod tr. def to abandon or leave (an attempt or enterprise). jack-in-office 0. syl jack-in-of:fice pos n. def a self-important petty official. W North American hares, such as jack rafter 0. syl jack raf+ter pos n. def a short rafter used in a hip roof. ********************************************************************** ********************************************************************** pieces ({jackstones}) are ********************************************************************** ********************************************************************** Eurasian short-billed snipe, {Jack+so+ni@.an} (d#f@ak#!s$$$un$I$$n) a large Australian stork, having a white plumage, dark green back and tail, and red legs. jack rafter 1. syl jack raf+ter pos n. def another name for Also called: {jackstone}. one of the pieces used in the game of ********************************************************************** ********************************************************************** fed up (esp. in the phrase {to be jack of} something). {~} jack rafter 2. syl jack raf+ter pos n. mod tr. def ********************************************************************** {Glen@.da}. born 1936, English stage and film actress. Her films include (1969), (1970), (1972), and (1976). Thomas 3. head jack rafter syl Thom:as ********************************************************************** ********************************************************************** def arbitrary, ********************************************************************** ********************************************************************** arbitrary, ********************************************************************** ********************************************************************** jackstay 1. syl jack+stay pron <1J@k2stA> pos n. qual Nautical. def a metal rod, wire rope, or wooden batten to which an edge of a sail is fastened along a yard. jackstay 2. syl jack+stay pron <1J@k2stA> pos n. qual Nautical. def a support for the parrel of a yard. jackstraws 0. syl jack+straws pron <1J@k2strc:z> pos n. mod pl. def another name for {spillikins}. Jack Tar 0. syl Jack Tar pos n. qual Now chiefly literary. def a sailor. Jack-the-rags 0. syl Jack-the-rags pos n. qual South Wales dialect. def a rag-and-bone man. Jack the Ripper 0. syl Jack the Rip+per pos n. def an unidentified murderer who killed at least seven prostitutes in London's East End between August and November 1888. jack up 1. syl jack up pos vb. adv. mod tr. def to increase (prices, salaries, etc.). jack up 2. syl jack up pos vb. adv. mod tr. def to raise an object, such as a car, with or as with a jack. jack up 3. syl jack up pos vb. adv. mod intr. qual Austral. informal. def to refuse to comply; rebel, esp. collectively. Jacob 0. syl Ja:cob pron <1JAk*b> pos n. qual Old Testament. def the son of Isaac, twin brother of Esau, and father of the twelve patriarchs of Israel. Jacobean ety C18: from New Latin jac*_obaeus, from Jac*_obus James Jacobean 1. syl Jac:o+be:an pron <2J@k*1bi*n> pos adj. qual History. def characteristic of or relating to James I of England or to the period of his rule (1603-25). Jacobean 2. syl Jac:o+be:an pron <2J@k*1bi*n> pos adj. def of or relating to the style of furniture current at this time, characterized by the use of dark brown carved oak. Jacobean 3. syl Jac:o+be:an pron <2J@k*1bi*n> pos adj. def denoting, relating to, or having the style of architecture used in England during this period, characterized by a combination of late Gothic and Palladian motifs. Jacobean 4. syl Jac:o+be:an pron <2J@k*1bi*n> pos n. def any writer or other person who lived in the reign of James I. Karl Gustav Jacob infl head Jacobi syl Karl Gus:tav Ja:cob pron <1karl> <1gustaf> <1ja:kcp> pos n. Jacobi 0. syl Ja:co:bi pron , German pos n. def 1804-51, German mathematician. Independently of N. H. Abel, he discovered elliptic functions (1829). He also made important contributions to the study of determinants and differential equations. Jacobian ety named after K. G. J. J#7acobi Jacobian determinant alt head Jacobian or Jacobian syl Ja+co+bi:an de+ter+mi+nant pos n. Jacobian 0. or Jacobian determinant syl Ja+co+bi:an pron pos n. qual Maths. def a function from equations in variables whose value at any point is the determinant of the partial derivatives of those equations evaluated at that point. Jacobin ety C14: from Old French, from Medieval Latin Jac*_ob*_inus, from Late Latin Jac*_obus James; applied to the Dominicans, from the proximity of the church of St. Jacques (St. James) to their first convent in Paris; the political club originally met in the convent in 1789 Jacobin 1. syl Jac:o+bin pron <1J@k*bin> pos n. def a member of the most radical club founded during the French Revolution, which overthrew the Girondists in 1793 and, led by Robespierre, instituted the Reign of Terror. Jacobin 2. syl Jac:o+bin pron <1J@k*bin> pos n. def a leftist or extreme political radical. Jacobin 3. syl Jac:o+bin pron <1J@k*bin> pos n. def a French Dominican friar. Jacobin 4. syl Jac:o+bin pron <1J@k*bin> pos n. usage sometimes not cap. def a variety of fancy pigeon with a hood of feathers swept up over and around the head. Jacobin 5. syl Jac:o+bin pron <1J@k*bin> pos adj. def of, characteristic of, or relating to the Jacobins or their policies. Jacobinic sub head Jacobin or Jacobinical syl Jac:o+1bin+ic pos adj. Jacobinical sub head Jacobin or Jacobinic syl Jac:o+1bin:i+cal pos adj. Jacobinically sub head Jacobin syl Jac:o+1bin:i+cal+ly pos adv. Jacobinism sub head Jacobin syl Jac:o+bin+ism pos n. Jacobite ety C17: from Late Latin Jac*_obus James+-#7ite %1 Jacobite 1. syl Jac:o+bite pron <1J@k*2bIt> pos n. qual British history. def an adherent of James II after his overthrow in 1688, or of his descendants in their attempts to regain the throne. Jacobite 2.a. syl Jac:o+bite pron <1J@k*2bIt> pos n. def a member of the Monophysite Church of Syria, which became a schismatic church in 451 #7a.d. Jacobite 2.b. syl Jac:o+bite pron <1J@k*2bIt> pos n. qual Rare. def a Monophysite Christian of the Coptic Church of Egypt. Jacobitic sub head Jacobite syl Jac:o+bit+ic pron <2J@k*1bitik> pos adj. Jacobitism sub head Jacobite syl Jac:o+2bit+ism pos n. Jacobithe infl head Jacobite Rebellion syl Jac:o+bithe. pos n. Jacobite Rebellion 0. syl Jac:o+bite Re+bel+lion pos n. qual British history. def the last Jacobite rising (1745-46) led by Charles Edward Stuart, the Young Pretender, which after initial successes was crushed at Culloden. Arne infl head Jacobsen syl Ar:ne pron <1arn*> pos n. Jacobsen 0. syl Ja:cob:sen pron Danish <1jakcbs*n> pos n. def 1902-71, Danish architect and designer. His buildings include the Town Hall at Rodovre (1955). Jacob's ladder 1. syl Ja:cob's lad+der pos n. qual Old Testament. def the ladder reaching up to heaven that Jacob saw in a dream (Genesis 28:12-17). Jacob's ladder 2. syl Ja:cob's lad+der pos n. def Also called: {jack ladder}. a ladder made of wooden or metal steps supported by ropes or chains. Jacob's ladder 3. syl Ja:cob's lad+der pos n. def a North American polemoniaceous plant, with blue flowers and a ladder-like arrangement of leaves. Jacob's ladder 4. syl Ja:cob's lad+der pos n. def any of several similar or related plants. Jacob's staff 0. syl Ja:cob's staff pos n. def a medieval instrument for measuring heights and distances. jacobus ety C17: from Late Latin: James jacobuses infl head jacobus syl ja+co+bus:es. pos n. mod pl. jacobus 0. syl ja+co+bus pron pos n. def an English gold coin minted in the reign of James I. jaconet ety C18: from Urdu jagann*_ath*_i, from Jagann*_ath?!p*_ur*_i, India, where it was originally made jaconet 0. syl jac:o+net pron <1J@k*nit> pos n. def a light cotton fabric used for clothing, bandages, etc. Jacquard ety C19: named after Joseph M. Jacquard (1752-1834), French inventor Jacquard 1. syl Jac+quard pron <1J@ka:d>, , French pos n. def Also called: {Jacquard weave}. a fabric in which the design is incorporated into the weave instead of being printed or dyed on. Jacquard 2. syl Jac+quard pron <1J@ka:d>, , French pos n. def Also called: {Jacquard loom}. the loom that produces this fabric. Jacquerie ety C16: from Old French: the peasantry, from jacque a peasant, from Jacques James, from Late Latin Jac*_obus Jacquerie 0. syl Jacque+rie pron French. pos n. def the revolt of the N French peasants against the nobility in 1358. jactation ety C16: from Latin jact*_ati*_o bragging, from jact*_are to flourish, from jacere to throw jactation 1. syl jac+ta+tion pron pos n. qual Rare. def the act of boasting. jactation 2. syl jac+ta+tion pron pos n. qual Pathol. def another word for { {jactitation} (sense 3)}. jactitation ety C17: from Medieval Latin jactit*_ati*_o, from Latin jacit*_are to utter publicly, from jact*_are to toss about; see #7jactation jactitation 1. syl jac+ti+ta+tion pron <2J@kti1tAS*n> pos n. def the act of boasting. jactitation 2. syl jac+ti+ta+tion pron <2J@kti1tAS*n> pos n. def a false boast or claim that tends to harm another person, esp. a false assertion that one is married to another, formerly actionable at law. jactitation 3. syl jac+ti+ta+tion pron <2J@kti1tAS*n> pos n. def Also called: {jactation}. restless tossing in bed, characteristic of severe fevers and certain mental disorders. jade ety C18: from French, from Italian giada, from obsolete Spanish piedra de ijada colic stone (literally: stone of the flank, because it was believed to cure renal colic); ijada, from Vulgar Latin *_iliata (unattested) flanks, from Latin *_ilia, plural of *_ilium; see #7ileum jade H1.1.a. syl jade pron pos n. def a semiprecious stone consisting of either jadeite or nephrite. It varies in colour from white to green and is used for making ornaments and jewellery. jade H1.1.b. syl jade pron pos n. usage as modifier exam 1 jade ornaments. jade H1.2. syl jade pron pos n. def the green colour of jade. jadelike sub head jade syl jade+2like pos adj. jade ety C14: of unknown origin jade H2.1. syl jade pron pos n. def an old overworked horse; nag; hack. jade H2.2. syl jade pron pos n. qual Derogatory. def a woman considered to be ill-tempered or dis?!reputable. jade H2.3. syl jade pron pos vb. def to exhaust or make exhausted from work or use. jadish sub head jade syl jad+ish pos adj. jadishly sub head jade syl jad+ish+ly pos adv. jadishness sub head jade syl jad+ish+ness pos n. jaded 1. syl jad+ed pron <1JAdid> pos adj. def exhausted or dissipated. jaded 2. syl jad+ed pron <1JAdid> pos adj. def satiated. jadedly sub head jaded syl jad+ed+ly pos adv. jadedness sub head jaded syl jad+ed+ness pos n. jade green 0.a. syl jade green pos n. adj. def a colour varying from yellowish-green to bluish-green. jade green 0.b. syl jade green pos as; adj. exam 1 a jade-green carpet. jadeite 0. syl jade+ite pron <1JAdIt> pos n. def a hard green pyroxene mineral, a variety of jade, consisting of sodium aluminium silicate in monoclinic crystalline form. Formula: NaAlSi\2O\6. Jadotville 0. syl Ja+dot+ville pron French pos n. def the former name of {Likasi}. j'adoube ety literally: I adjust j'adoube 0. syl j'a:doube pron French. pos interj. qual Chess. def an expression of an intention to touch a piece in order to adjust its placement rather than to make a move. jaeger ety C18: from German J*"ager hunter, from jagen to hunt; see #7yacht jaeger 1. syl jae+ger pron <1jAg*> pos n. qual Military. def a marksman in certain units of the German or Austrian armies. jaeger 2. syl jae+ger pron <1jAg*> pos n. qual U.S. def any of several skuas of the genus jaeger 3. syl jae+ger pron <1jAg*> pos n. qual Rare. def a hunter or hunter's attendant. {~} Also (for senses 1, 3): {jager} or {j*"ager}. Jael 0. syl Ja:el pron <1JA*l> pos n. qual Old Testament. def the woman who killed Sisera when he took refuge in her tent (Judges 4:17-21). Ja'en 0. syl Ja:*'en pron <$xa1An> pos n. def a city in S Spain. Pop.: 78156 (1970). Jaffa 1. syl Jaf+fa pron <1J@f*>, <1Ja:-> pos n. def a port in W Israel, on the Mediterranean: incorporated into Tel Aviv in 1950; an old Canaanite city. Biblical name: {Joppa}. Arabic name: {Yafo}. Jaffa 2. syl Jaf+fa pron <1J@f*>, <1Ja:-> pos n. def a large variety of orange, having a thick skin. Jaffna 0. syl Jaff+na pron <1J@fn*> pos n. def a port in N Sri Lanka: for many centuries the capital of a Tamil kingdom. Pop.: 112000 (1973 est.). jag ety C14: of unknown origin jagg alt head jag or jag syl jagg pron pos vb. jags infl head jag syl jags pos vb. jagging infl head jag syl jag+ging pos vb. jagged infl head jag syl jagged. pos vb. jag H1.1. or jagg syl jag pron pos vb. mod tr. def to cut unevenly; make jagged. jag H1.2. or jagg syl jag pron pos n. vb. def an informal word for {jab}. jag H1.3. or jagg syl jag pron pos n. def a jagged notch or projection. jagless sub head jag syl jag+less pos adj. jag ety C16: perhaps from Old English ceacga broom jag H2.1.a. syl jag pron pos n. def intoxication from drugs or alcohol. jag H2.1.b. syl jag pron pos n. def a bout of drinking or drug taking. jag H2.2. syl jag pron pos n. qual Dialect. def a small load, as of hay, etc. JAG 0. syl J.A.G. qual abbrev. for def Judge Advocate General. jaga ety from Malay jaga 1. syl ja:ga pron <1Jaga> pos n. usage in Malaysia). def a guard; sentry. jaga 2. syl ja:ga pron <1Jaga> pos vb. mod tr. usage in Malaysia). def to guard or watch. exam 1 jaga the door. Jagganath infl head Jagannath or Jagannatha syl Jag+ga+nath pron <1J^g*2na:t>, <-2nc:t> pos n. Jagannatha infl head Jagannath or Jagganath syl Jag+an+na+tha pron <2J^g*1na:th*> pos n. Jagannath 0. syl Jag+an+nath pron <1J^g*2na:t>, <-2nc:t> pos n. qual Hinduism. def other names for {Juggernaut}. jager 0. syl j*"a+ger pron <1jAg*> pos n. def See {jaeger}. jagged 0. syl jag+ged pron <1J@gid> pos adj. def having sharp projecting notches; ragged; serrate. jaggedly sub head jagged syl jag+ged+ly pos adv. jaggedness sub head jagged syl jag+ged+ness pos n. Mick infl head Jagger syl Mick. pos n. Jagger 0. syl Jag:ger pron <1J@g*> pos n. def born 1943, English rock singer and songwriter: lead vocalist with the Rolling Stones, noted for the vigour and overt sexuality of his performances on stage. jaggery ety C16: from Hindi j*_agr*_i; compare Sanskrit s*'arkar*_a gritty substance, sugar jaggary infl head jaggery or jagghery syl jag+gar:y pron <1J@g*ri> pos n. jagghery infl head jaggery or jaggary syl jag+gher:y pron <1J@g*ri> pos n. jaggery 0. syl jag+ger:y pron <1J@g*ri> pos n. def a coarse brown sugar made in the East Indies from the sap of the date palm. jaggier infl head jaggy syl jag+gi+er pos adj. jaggiest infl head jaggy syl jag+gi+est. pos adj. jaggy 0. syl jag+gy pron <1J@gi> pos adj. def a less common word for {jagged}. jaguar ety C17: from Portuguese, from Tupi jaguara, Guarani yaguara jaguar 0. syl jag:u+ar pron <1J@gju*> pos n. def a large feline mammal, of S North America, Central America, and N South America, similar to the leopard but with a shorter tail and larger spots on its coat. jaguarondi ety C19: via Portuguese from Tupi jaguarundi alt head jaguarondi or jaguarondi syl ja+gua+run+di pron <2J@gw*1r^ndi> pos n. jaguarondis infl head jaguarondi syl ja+gua+ron+dis. pos n. mod pl. jaguarondi 0. or jaguarundi syl ja+gua+ron+di pron <2J@gw*1rondi> pos n. def a feline mammal, of Central and South America, with a reddish or grey coat, short legs, and a long tail. See also {eyra}. Jahweh alt head Jahveh or Jahveh syl Jah+weh pron <1ja:wA> pos n. Jahveh 0. or Jahweh syl Jah+veh pron <1ja:vA> pos n. def variant spellings of {Yahweh}. Jahwist alt head Jahvist or Jahvist syl Jah+wist pron <1ja:wist> pos n. Jahvist 0. or Jahwist syl Jah+vist pron <1ja:vist> pos n. def variant spellings of {Yahwist}. jai ety Hindi jaya victory jai 0. syl jai pron pos n. qual Indian. def victory (to). jai alai ety via Spanish from Basque, from jai game, festival+ alai merry jai alai 0. syl jai a:lai pron <1hI> <1lI>, <1hI> <*2lI>, <2hI> <*1lI> pos n. def a version of pelota played by two or four players. Jai Hind ety Hindi, from jaya victory+ Hind India Jai Hind 0. syl Jai Hind pron <1J@> <1hind> def victory to India: a political slogan and a form of greeting in India. jail ety C13: from Old French jaiole cage, from Vulgar Latin caveola (unattested), from Latin cavea enclosure; see #7cage gaol alt head jail or jail syl gaol pron pos n. jail 1. or gaol syl jail pron pos n. def a place for the confinement of persons convicted and sentenced to imprisonment or of persons awaiting trial to whom bail is not granted. jail 2. or gaol syl jail pron pos vb. mod tr. def to confine in prison. jailless sub head jail or gaolless syl jail+less pos adj. gaolless sub head jail or jailless syl gaol+less pos adj. jail-like sub head jail or gaol-like syl jail-like pos adj. gaol-like sub head jail or jail-like syl gaol-like pos adj. gaolbird alt head jailbird or jailbird syl gaol+bird pron <1JAl2bR:d> pos n. jailbird 0. or gaolbird syl jail+bird pron <1JAl2bR:d> pos n. def a person who is or has been confined to jail, esp. repeatedly; convict. gaolbreak alt head jailbreak or jailbreak syl gaol+break pron <1JAl2brAk> pos n. jailbreak 0. or gaolbreak syl jail+break pron <1JAl2brAk> pos n. def an escape from jail. jail delivery 1. syl jail de+liv+er:y pos n. def forcible and illegal liberation of prisoners from jail. jail delivery 2. syl jail de+liv+er:y pos n. usage English law. formerly def a commission issued to assize judges when they come to a circuit town authorizing them to try all prisoners and release those acquitted. jailor infl head jailer or gaoler syl jail+or pron <1JAl*> pos n. gaoler infl head jailer or jailor syl gaol+er pron <1JAl*> pos n. jailer 0. syl jail+er pron <1JAl*> pos n. def a person in charge of prisoners in a jail. jailhouse 0. syl jail+house pron <1JAl2haus> pos n. qual Southern U.S. def a jail; prison. Jain ety C19: from Hindi jaina saint, literally: overcomer, from Sanskrit Jaina alt head Jain or Jain syl Jai+na pron <1JIn*> pos n. Jain 1. or Jaina syl Jain pron pos n. def an adherent of Jainism. Jain 2. or Jaina syl Jain pron pos n. def one of the saints believed to be the founders of Jainism. Jain 3. or Jaina syl Jain pron pos adj. def of or relating to Jainism or the Jains. Jainism 0. syl Jain+ism pron <1JIniz*m> pos n. def an ancient Hindu sect, which has its own scriptures and believes that the material world is eternal, progressing endlessly in a series of vast cycles. Jainist sub head Jainism syl Jain+ist pos n. adj. Jaipur 0. syl Jai+pur pron pos n. def a city of great beauty in N India, capital of Rajasthan state: University of Rajasthan (1947). Pop.: 615258 (1971). Jakarta 0. syl Ja+kar+ta pron pos n. def a variant spelling of {Djakarta}. jakes ety C16: probably from French Jacques James jakes 1. syl jakes pron pos n. def an archaic slang word for {lavatory}. jakes 2. syl jakes pron pos n. qual Southwestern English dialect. def human excrement. jalap ety C17: from French, from Mexican Spanish jalapa, short for purga de Jalapa purgative of Jalapa jalop alt head jalap or jalap syl jal+op pron <1J@l*p> pos n. jalap 1. or jalop syl jal+ap pron <1J@l*p> pos n. def a Mexican convolvulaceous plant, (or jalap 2. or jalop syl jal+ap pron <1J@l*p> pos n. def any of several similar or related plants. jalap 3. or jalop syl jal+ap pron <1J@l*p> pos n. def the dried and powdered root of any of these plants, used as a purgative. jalap 4. or jalop syl jal+ap pron <1J@l*p> pos n. def the resin obtained from any of these plants. jalapic sub head jalap syl ja+lap+ic pron pos adj. Jalapa 0. syl Ja+la+pa pron Spanish <$xa1lapa> pos n. def a city in E central Mexico, capital of Veracruz State, at an altitude of 1427 m (4681 ft.): resort. Pop.: 171937 (1975 est.). Jalisco 0. syl Ja+lis+co pron Spanish <$xa1lisko> pos n. def a state of W Mexico, on the Pacific: crossed by the Sierra Madre; valuable mineral re?!sources. Capital: Guadalajara. Pop.: 3296587 (1970). Area: 80137 sq. km (30941 sq. miles). jalopy ety C20: of unknown origin jaloppy alt head jalopy or jalopy syl ja+lop+py pron pos n. jalopies infl head jalopy or jaloppies syl ja+lop:ies pos n. mod pl. jaloppies infl head jalopy or jalopies syl ja+lop+pies. pos n. mod pl. jalopy 0. or jaloppy syl ja+lop:y pron pos n. qual Informal. def a dilapidated old car. jalousie ety C19: from Old French gelosie latticework screen, literally: #7jealousy, perhaps because one can look through the screen without being seen jalousie 1. syl jal:ou+sie pron <1Z@lu2zE> pos n. def a window blind or shutter constructed from angled slats of wood, plastic, etc. jalousie 2. syl jal:ou+sie pron <1Z@lu2zE> pos n. def a window made of similarly angled slats of glass. jam ety C18: probably of imitative origin; compare {#7champ %1} jams infl head jam syl jams pos vb. jamming infl head jam syl jam+ming pos vb. jammed infl head jam syl jammed. pos vb. jam H1.1. syl jam pron pos vb. mod tr. def to cram or wedge into or against something. exam 1 to jam paper into an incinerator. jam H1.2. syl jam pron pos vb. mod tr. def to crowd or pack. exam 1 cars jammed the roads. jam H1.3. syl jam pron pos vb. def to make or become stuck or locked. exam 1 the switch has jammed. jam H1.4. syl jam pron pos vb. mod tr. usage often foll. by on def to activate suddenly (esp. in the phrase {jam on the brakes}) . jam H1.5. syl jam pron pos vb. mod tr. def to block; congest. exam 1 to jam the drain with rubbish. jam H1.6. syl jam pron pos vb. mod tr. def to crush, bruise, or squeeze; smash. jam H1.7. syl jam pron pos vb. qual Radio. def to prevent the clear reception of (radio communications or radar signals) by transmitting other signals on the same frequency. jam H1.8. syl jam pron pos vb. mod intr. qual Jazz slang. def to play in a jam session. jam H1.9. syl jam pron pos n. def a crowd or congestion in a confined space. exam 1 a traffic jam. jam H1.10. syl jam pron pos n. def the act of jamming or the state of being jammed. jam H1.11. syl jam pron pos n. qual Informal. def a difficult situation; predicament. exam 1 to help a friend out of a jam. jam H1.12. syl jam pron pos n. def See {jam session}. jammer sub head jam syl jam+mer pos n. jam ety C18: perhaps from #7jam %1 (the act of squeezing) jam H2.0. syl jam pron pos n. def a preserve containing whole fruit, which has been boiled with sugar until the mixture sets. Jam 1. syl Jam. qual abbrev. for def Jamaica. Jam 2. syl Jam. qual abbrev. for; Bible. def James. Jamaica 0. syl Ja+mai+ca pron pos n. def an island and state of the West Indies in the Caribbean Sea: colonized by the Spanish from 1494 onwards, large numbers of Negro slaves being imported; captured by the British in 1655 and established as a colony in 1866; gained full independence in 1962; a member of the Commonwealth. Exports: chiefly bauxite and alumina, sugar, and bananas. Language: English. Religion: Protestant majority. Currency: Jamaican dollar. Capital: Kingston. Pop.: 2029000 (1975 UN est.). Area: 10992 sq. km (4244 sq. miles). Jamaican sub head Jamaica syl Ja+1mai+can pos n. adj. Jamaica rum 0. syl Ja+mai+ca rum pos n. def a highly flavoured rum produced in Jamaica. jamb ety C14: from Old French jambe leg, jamb, from Late Latin gamba hoof, hock, from Greek kamp*_e joint jambe alt head jamb or jamb syl jambe pron pos n. jamb 1. or jambe syl jamb pron pos n. def a vertical side member of a door frame, window frame, or lining. jamb 2. or jambe syl jamb pron pos n. def a vertical inside face of an opening in a wall. jambalaya ety C19: from Louisiana French, from Proven*,cal jambalaia chicken and rice stew jambalaya 0. syl jam+ba+lay:a pron <2J^mb*1lI*> pos n. def a Creole dish made of shrimps, ham, rice, onions, etc. jambeau ety C14: from Anglo-French, from jambe leg; see #7jamb jambart infl head jambeau or jamber syl jam+bart pron <1J@mba:t> pos n. mod often; pl. jamber infl head jambeau or jambart syl jam+ber pron <1J@mb*> pos n. mod often; pl. jambeaux infl head jambeau syl jam+beaux pron <-b*uz> pos n. mod pl. often; pl. jambarts infl head jambeau or jambers syl jam+barts pos n. mod pl. often; pl. jambers infl head jambeau or jambarts syl jam+bers. pos n. mod pl. often; pl. jambeau 0. syl jam+beau pron <1J@mb*u> pos n. mod often; pl. def other words for {greave}. Jambi 0. syl Jam+bi pron <1Ja:mbi> pos n. def a variant spelling of {Djambi}. jambo ety C20: from Swahili jambo 0. syl jam+bo pron <1Jambc> pos interj. def an E African salutation. jamboree ety C19: of uncertain origin jamboree 1. syl jam+bo+ree pron <2J@mb*1rE> pos n. def a large and often international gathering of Scouts. jamboree 2. syl jam+bo+ree pron <2J@mb*1rE> pos n. def a party or spree. Henry 1. head James syl Hen:ry. def 1843-1916, British novelist, short-story writer, and critic, born in the U.S. Among his novels are (1880), (1881), (1897), (1902), (1903), and (1904). Jesse (Woodson) 2. head James syl Jes:se (Woodson) . def 1847-82, U.S. outlaw. William 3. head James syl Wil:liam def brother of Henry James. 1842-1910, U.S. philosopher and psychologist, whose theory of pragmatism is expounded in (1912). His other works include (1897), (1890), and (1902). James 4.a. syl James pron pos n. def Also called: {James the Great}. one of the twelve apostles, a son of Zebedee and brother to John the apostle (Matthew 4:21). James 4.b. syl James pron pos n. def Also called: {James the brother of the Lord}. a brother or close relative of Jesus (Mark 6:3; Galatians 1:19). James 4.c. syl James pron pos n. def the book ascribed to his authorship (in full {The Epistle of James}) . James I 0. syl James I pos n. def 1566-1625, king of England and Ireland (1603-25) and, as James VI, king of Scotland (1567-1625), in succession to Elizabeth I of England and his mother, Mary Queen of Scots, respectively. He alienated Parliament by his assertion of the divine right of kings, his favourites, esp. the Duke of Bucking?!ham, and his subservience to Spain. James II 0. syl James II pos n. def 1633-1701, king of England, Ireland, and, as James VII, of Scotland (1685-88); son of Charles I. His pro-Catholic sympathies and arbitrary rule caused the Whigs and Tories to unite in inviting William of Orange to take the throne. James was defeated at the Boyne (1690) when he attempted to regain the throne. James VI 0. syl James VI pos n. def title as king of Scotland of {James I}. James VII 0. syl James VII pos n. def title as king of Scotland of {James II}. James Bay 0. syl James Bay pos n. def the S arm of Hudson Bay, in central Canada. Jamesean alt head Jamesian or Jamesian syl James+e:an pron <1JAmzi*n> pos adj. Jamesian 0. or Jamesean syl James+i:an pron <1JAmzi*n> pos adj. def relating to or characteristic of Henry James or his brother, William. Jameson 0. syl Jame:son pron <1JAmsN> pos n. def Sir {Le@.an@.der Starr}. 1853-1917, British administrator in South Africa, who led an expedition into the Transvaal in 1895 in an unsuccessful attempt to topple its Boer regime (the {Jameson Raid}) ; prime minister of Cape Colony (1904-08). Jamestown 0. syl James+town pron <1JAmz2taun> pos n. def a ruined village in E Virginia, on {Jamestown Island} (a peninsula in the James River): the first permanent settlement by the English in America (1607); capital of Virginia (1607-98); abandoned in 1699. Jammu 0. syl Jam+mu pron <1J^mu:> pos n. def a city in N India, winter capital of the state of Jammu and Kashmir. Pop.: 155338 (1971). Jammu and Kashmir 0. syl Jam+mu and Kash+mir pos n. def the official name for the part of {Kashmir} under Indian control. jammier infl head jammy syl jam+mi+er pos adj. jammiest infl head jammy syl jam+mi+est. pos adj. jammy 1. syl jam+my pron <1J@mi> pos adj. qual Brit. slang. def pleasant; desirable. jammy 2. syl jam+my pron <1J@mi> pos adj. qual Brit. slang. def lucky. Jamnagar 0. syl Jam+na+gar pron <1Ja:m2n^g*> pos n. def a city in W India, in E Gujerat. Pop.: 199709 (1971). jam-packed 0. syl jam-packed pos adj. def crowded, packed, or filled to capacity. jampan ety C19: from Bengali jh*_amp*_an jampan 0. syl jam+pan pron <1J@m2p@n> pos n. def a type of sedan chair used in India. jam session ety C20: probably from #7jam %1 jam session 0. syl jam ses+sion pos n. qual Slang. def a jazz concert, esp. one in which the music is improvised. Jamshedpur 0. syl Jam+shed+pur pron <2J^mSed1pu*> pos n. def a city in NE India, in SE Bihar: large iron and steel works (1907-11); a major industrial centre. Pop.: 356783 (1971). Jamshyd alt head Jamshid or Jamshid syl Jam:shyd pron pos n. Jamshid 0. or Jamshyd syl Jam:shid pron pos n. qual Persian myth. def a ruler of the peris who was punished for bragging that he was immortal by being changed into human form. He then became a great king of Persia. See also {peri}. Jan 0. syl Jan. qual abbrev. for def January. Leovs infl head Jan'avcek syl Le:o*vs pron <1lecS> pos n. Jan'avcek 0. syl Ja:n*'a:*vcek pron Czech <1jana:Cek> pos n. def 1854-1928, Czech composer. His music is influenced by Czech folksong and speech rhythms and is remarkable for its integration of melody and language. His works include the operas (1904) and (1924), the (1927), as well as orchestral and chamber music and songs. Jana Sangh ety Hindi, literally: people's party Jana Sangh 0. syl Ja:na Sangh pron <1J^n*> <1s^Gg> pos n. def a political party in India. Janata ety Hindi Janata 1. syl Ja+na+ta pron <1J^n*ta:> pos n. usage in India def the general public; the people. Janata 2. syl Ja+na+ta pron <1J^n*ta:> pos n. def a political party in India: founded in 1976 and came to power in 1977. jane 0. syl jane pron pos n. qual Slang, chiefly U.S. def a girl or woman. Pierre Marie F'elix infl head Janet syl Pierre Ma:rie F*'e:lix pron , pos n. Janet 0. syl Ja:net pron French , pos n. def 1859-1947, French psychologist and neurologist, noted particu?!larly for his work on the origins of hysteria. jangle ety C13: from Old French jangler, of Germanic origin; compare Middle Dutch jangelen to whine, complain jangle 1. syl jan+gle pron <1J@GgL> pos vb. def to sound or cause to sound discordantly, harshly, or unpleasantly. exam 1 the telephone jangled. jangle 2. syl jan+gle pron <1J@GgL> pos vb. mod tr. def to produce a jarring effect on. exam 1 the accident jangled his nerves. jangle 3. syl jan+gle pron <1J@GgL> pos vb. def an archaic word for {wrangle}. jangler sub head jangle syl jan+gler pos n. Janiculum 0. syl Ja+nic:u+lum pron pos n. def a hill in Rome across the River Tiber from the Seven Hills. Janina 0. syl Ja+ni+na pron <1janEna> pos n. def the Serbian name for {Io*'annina}. janissary ety C16: from French janissaire, from Italian giannizzero, from Turkish yeni*,ceri, from yeni new+ *,ceri soldiery janizary alt head janissary or janissary syl jan:i+zar:y pron <1J@niz*ri> pos n. janissaries infl head janissary or janizaries syl jan+is+sar:ies pos n. mod pl. janizaries infl head janissary or janissaries syl jan:i+zar:ies. pos n. mod pl. janissary 0. or janizary syl jan+is+sar:y pron <1J@nis*ri> pos n. def an infantryman in the Turkish sovereign's personal guard, from the 14th to the early 19th century. janitor ety C17: from Latin: doorkeeper, from j*_anua door, entrance, from j*_anus covered way (compare J#7anus) ; related to Latin *_ire to go janitor 0. syl jan:i+tor pron <1J@nit*> pos n. qual Chiefly U.S. def a person employed to clean and maintain a building, esp. the public areas in a block of flats or office building; porter. janitorial sub head janitor syl jan:i+to+ri+al pron <2J@ni1tc:ri*l> pos adj. janitress sub head janitor syl jan:i+tress pos n. mod fem. Jan Mayen 0. syl Jan May+en pron <1j@n> <1mI*n> pos n. def an island in the Arctic Ocean, between Greenland and N Norway: volcanic, with large glaciers; former site of Dutch whaling stations; annexed to Norway in 1929. Area: 373 sq. km (144 sq. miles). Cornelis infl head Jansen syl Cor:ne:lis pron pos n. Jansen 0. syl Jan:sen pron <1J@nsN> pos n. def Latin name 1585-1638, Dutch Roman Catholic theologian. In (1640) he defended the teachings of St. Augustine, esp. on free will, grace, and predestination. Jansenism 1. syl Jan+sen+ism pron <1J@ns*2niz*m> pos n. qual R.C. Church. def the doctrine of Cornelis Jansen and his disciples, who maintained that salvation was limited to those subject to a supernatural determinism, the rest being destined to perdition. Jansenism 2. syl Jan+sen+ism pron <1J@ns*2niz*m> pos n. def the religious movement arising from these doctrines. Jansenist sub head Jansenism syl Jan+sen+ist pos n. adj. Jansenistic sub head Jansenism or Jansenistical syl Jan+sen+1is+tic pos adj. Jansenistical sub head Jansenism or Jansenistic syl Jan+sen+1is+ti+cal pos adj. January ety C14: from Latin J*_anu*_arius, from adj.: (month) of J#7anus Januaries infl head January syl Jan:u+ar:ies. pos n. mod pl. January 0. syl Jan:u+ar:y pron <1J@nju*ri> pos n. def the first month of the year, consisting of 31 days. Janus ety C16: from Latin, from j*_anus archway Janus H1.0. syl Ja:nus pron <1JAn*s> pos n. def the Roman god of doorways, passages, and bridges. In art he is depicted with two heads facing opposite ways. Janus H2.0. syl Ja+nus pron <1JAn*s> pos n. def one of the smallest of the ten satellites of Saturn, discovered in 1966. Janus-faced 0. syl Ja:nus-faced pos adj. def two-faced; hypocritical; deceitful. Jap 0. syl Jap pron pos n. adj. qual Informal. def short for {Japanese}. Jap 0. syl Jap. qual abbrev. for def Japan(ese). japan 1. syl ja+pan pron pos n. def a glossy durable black lacquer originally from the Orient, used on wood, metal, etc. japan 2. syl ja+pan pron pos n. def work decorated and varnished in the Japanese manner. japan 3. syl ja+pan pron pos n. def a liquid used as a paint drier. japan 4. syl ja+pan pron pos adj. def relating to or varnished with japan. japans infl head japan syl ja+pans pos vb. japanning infl head japan syl ja+pan+ning pos vb. japanned infl head japan syl ja+panned. pos vb. japan 5. syl ja+pan pron pos vb. mod tr. def to lacquer with japan or any similar varnish. Japan 0. syl Ja+pan pron pos n. def an archipelago and empire in E Asia, extending for 3200 km (2000 miles) between the Sea of Japan and the Pacific and consisting of the main islands of Hokkaido, Honshu, Shikoku, and Kyushu and over 3000 smaller islands: feudalism abolished in 1871, followed by industrialization and expansion of territories, esp. during World Wars I and II, when most of SE Asia came under Japanese control; dogma of the emperor's divinity abolished in 1946 under a new democratic constitution; rapid economic growth has made Japan the most industrialized nation in the Far East. Language: Japanese. Religion: Buddhist and Shintoist. Currency: yen. Capital: Tokyo. Pop.: 114150000 (1977 est.). Area: 369660 sq. km (142726 sq. miles). Japanese names: {Nippon, Nihon}. Japan Current 0. syl Ja+pan Cur+rent pos n. def a warm ocean current flowing north?!eastwards off the E coast of Japan towards the North Pacific. Also called: {Kuroshio}. Japanese 1. syl Jap:a+nese pron <2J@p*1nEz> pos adj. def of, relating to, or characteristic of Japan, its people, or their language. Japanese infl syl Jap:a+nese. pos n. mod pl. Japanese 2. syl Jap:a+nese pron <2J@p*1nEz> pos n. def a native or inhabitant of Japan or a descendant of one. Japanese 3. syl Jap:a+nese pron <2J@p*1nEz> pos n. def the official language of Japan: the native language of approximately 100 million people. No relationship with any other language has been established. Japanese andromeda 0. syl Jap:a+nese an+drom+e:da pos n. def an ericaceous Japanese shrub, with drooping clusters of small bell-shaped white flowers. Japanese beetle 0. syl Jap:a+nese bee+tle pos n. def a scarabaeid beetle, that eats the leaves and fruits of various plants: accidentally introduced into the U.S. from Japan. Japanese cedar 0. syl Jap:a+nese ced+ar pos n. def another name for {cryptomeria}. Japanese ivy 0. syl Jap:a+nese i:vy pos n. def another name for { {Virginia creeper} (sense 2)}. Japanese lantern 0. syl Jap:a+nese lan+tern pos n. def another name for { {Chinese lantern} (sense 1)}. Japanese persimmon 0. syl Jap:a+nese per+sim+mon pos n. def an Asian persimmon tree, with red or orange edible fruit. Also called: {kaki}. Japanese river fever 0. syl Jap:a+nese riv+er fe+ver pos n. def another name for {scrub typhus}. Japanese slippers 0. syl Jap:a+nese slip+pers pos n. mod pl. usage in Malaysia def a type of casual sandal; flip-flop. Japanese stranglehold 0. syl Jap:a+nese stran:gle+hold pos n. def a wrestling hold in which an opponent's wrists are pulled to cross his arms in front of his own neck and exert pressure on his windpipe. tallow alt head Japan wax or Japan wax syl tal+low pos n. Japan wax 0. or tallow syl Jap+an wax pos n. def a yellow wax obtained from the berries of plants of the genus It is used in making matches, soaps, candles, and polishes. jape ety C14: perhaps from Old French japper to bark, yap, of imitative origin jape 1. syl jape pron pos n. def a jest or joke. jape 2. syl jape pron pos vb. def to joke or jest (about). japer sub head jape syl jap+er pos n. japery sub head jape syl jap+er:y pos n. japingly sub head jape syl jap+ing+ly pos adv. Japheth 0. syl Ja:pheth pron <1JAfeT> pos n. qual Old Testament. def the second son of Noah, traditionally regarded as the ancestor of a number of non-Semitic nations (Genesis 10:1-5). Japhetic 0. syl Ja+phet+ic pron pos adj. def denoting a discredited grouping of languages that postulated a relationship between Basque, Etruscan, and Georgian among others. japonica ety C19: from New Latin, feminine of japonicus Japanese, from Japonia J#7apan japonica 1. syl ja+pon:i+ca pron pos n. def Also called: {Japanese quince}. a Japanese rosaceous shrub, cultivated for its red flowers and yellowish fruit. japonica 2. syl ja+pon:i+ca pron pos n. def another name for the {camellia}. Japur'a 0. syl Ja+pu+r*'a pron Portuguese <2Zapu1ra> pos n. def a river in NW South America, rising in SW Colombia and flowing southeast across Colombia and Brazil to join the Amazon near Tef*'e: known as the Caquet*'a in Colombia. Length: about 2800 km (1750 miles). Spanish name: {Yapur*'a}. 'Emile infl head Jaques-Dalcroze syl *'E:mile pron pos n. Jaques-Dalcroze 0. syl Jaques-Dal:croze pron French pos n. def 1865-1950, Swiss composer and teacher: invented eurythmics. jar ety C16: from Old French jarre, from Old Proven*,cal jarra, from Arabic jarrah large earthen vessel jar H1.1. syl jar pron pos n. def a wide-mouthed container that is usually cylindrical, made of glass or earthenware, and without handles. jar H1.2. syl jar pron pos n. def Also: {jar+ful}. the contents or quantity contained in a jar. jar H1.3. syl jar pron pos n. qual Brit. informal. def a glass of alcoholic drink, esp. beer. exam 1 to have a jar with someone. jar ety C16: probably of imitative origin; compare Old English cearran to creak jars infl head jar syl jars pos vb. jarring infl head jar syl jar+ring pos vb. jarred infl head jar syl jarred. pos vb. jar H2.1. syl jar pron pos vb. def to vibrate or cause to vibrate. jar H2.2. syl jar pron pos vb. def to make or cause to make a harsh discordant sound. jar H2.3. syl jar pron pos vb. usage often foll. by on def to have a disturbing or painful effect (on the nerves, mind, etc.). jar H2.4. syl jar pron pos vb. mod intr. def to disagree; clash. jar H2.5. syl jar pron pos n. def a jolt or shock. jar H2.6. syl jar pron pos n. def a harsh discordant sound. jarringly sub head jar syl jar+ring+ly pos adv. jar ety C17 (in the sense: turn): from earlier char, from Old English cierran to turn; see #7ajar on a infl head jar or the jar syl on a pos n. the jar infl head jar or on a syl the jar. pos n. jar H3.0. syl jar pron pos n. usage of a door def slightly open; ajar. jardiniere ety C19: from French, feminine of jardinier gardener, from jardin #7garden jardiniere 1. syl jar+di+ni*`ere pron <2Za:di1nje*> pos n. def an ornamental pot or trough for plants. jardiniere 2. syl jar+di+ni*`ere pron <2Za:di1nje*> pos n. def a garnish of fresh vegetables, cooked, diced, and served around a dish of meat. jargon ety C14: from Old French, perhaps of imitative origin; see #7gargle jargon H1.1. syl jar+gon pron <1Ja:g*n> pos n. def specialized language concerned with a particular subject, culture, or profession. jargon H1.2. syl jar+gon pron <1Ja:g*n> pos n. def language characterized by pretentious syntax, vocabulary, or meaning. jargon H1.3. syl jar+gon pron <1Ja:g*n> pos n. def gibberish. jargon H1.4. syl jar+gon pron <1Ja:g*n> pos n. def another word for {pidgin}. jargon H1.5. syl jar+gon pron <1Ja:g*n> pos vb. mod intr. def to use or speak in jargon. jargon ety C18: from French, from Italian giargone, ultimately from Persian zarg*_un of the golden colour; see #7zircon jargoon alt head jargon or jargon syl jar+goon pron <1Ja:gon>, , pos n. jargon H2.0. or jargoon syl jar+gon pron <1Ja:gon>, , pos n. qual Mineralogy. def a golden yellow, smoky, or colourless variety of zircon. jargonise alt head jargonize or jargonize syl jar+gon+ise pron <1Ja:g*2nIz> pos vb. jargonize 1. or jargonise syl jar+gon+ize pron <1Ja:g*2nIz> pos vb. mod tr. def to translate into jargon. jargonize 2. or jargonise syl jar+gon+ize pron <1Ja:g*2nIz> pos vb. mod intr. def to talk in jargon. jargonization sub head jargonize or jargonisation syl jar+gon:i+1za+tion pos n. jargonisation sub head jargonize or jargonization syl jar+gon:i+1sa+tion pos n. jarl ety C19: from Old Norse; see #7earl jarl 0. syl jarl pron pos n. qual Medieval history. def a Scandinavian chieftain or noble. jarldom sub head jarl syl jarl+dom pos n. jarosite ety C19: from Barranco Jaroso, in Almeria, Spain+{-#7ite %1} jarosite 0. syl jar:o+site pron <1J@r*2sIt> pos n. def a yellow to brown secondary mineral consisting of basic hydrated sulphate of iron and potassium in masses or hexagonal crystals. Formula: KFe\3(SO\4)\2(OH)\6. jarp ety from Scottish jaup, jawp to dash or splash like water: perhaps of imitative origin jaup alt head jarp or jarp syl jaup pron pos vb. mod tr. jarp 0. or jaup syl jarp pron pos vb. mod tr. qual Northeast English dialect. def to strike or smash, esp. to break the shell of (an egg) at Easter. jarrah ety from a native Australian language jarrah 0. syl jar+rah pron <1J@r*> pos n. def a widely planted Australian eucalyptus tree, that yields a valuable timber. Jarrow 0. syl Jar+row pron <1J@r*u> pos n. def a port in NE England, in Tyne and Wear: ruined monastery where the Venerable Bede lived and died; its unemployed marched on London in the 1930s; shipyards, iron and steel works. Pop.: 28779 (1971). Alfred infl head Jarry syl Al:fred pron pos n. Jarry 0. syl Jar:ry pron French pos n. def 1873-1907, French dramatist and poet, who initiated the theatre of the absurd with his play (1896). jarvey ety C19: from Jarvey, familiar form of personal name Jarvis jarvie alt head jarvey or jarvey syl jar+vie pron <1Ja:vi> pos n. jarvey 0. or jarvie syl jar+vey pron <1Ja:vi> pos n. qual Brit. informal, obsolete. def a hackney coachman. Jas 0. syl Jas. qual Bible. abbrev. for def James. jasmine ety C16: from Old French jasmin, from Arabic y*_asam*_in, from Persian y*_asm*_in jasmine 1. syl jas+mine pron <1J@smin>, <1J@z-> pos n. def Also called: {jessamine}. any oleaceous shrub or climbing plant of the tropical and sub?!tropical genus esp. widely cultivated for their white, yellow, or red fragrant flowers, which are used in making perfume and in flavouring tea. See also {winter jasmine}. jasmine 2. syl jas+mine pron <1J@smin>, <1J@z-> pos n. def any of several other shrubs with fragrant flowers, such as the Cape jasmine, yellow jasmine, and frangipani ({red jasmine) }. jasmine 3. syl jas+mine pron <1J@smin>, <1J@z-> pos n. def a light to moderate yellow colour. Jason 0. syl Ja:son pron <1JAsN> pos n. qual Greek myth. def the hero who led the Argonauts in quest of the Golden Fleece. He became the husband of Medea, whom he later abandoned for Glauce. jasp'e ety C19: from French, from jasper to marble jasp'e 0. syl jas+p*'e pron <1J@spA> pos adj. def resembling jasper; variegated. jasper ety C14: from Old French jaspe, from Latin jaspis, from Greek iaspis, of Semitic origin; related to Assyrian ashp*_u, Arabic yashb, Hebrew y*_ashpheh jasper 1. syl jas+per pron <1J@sp*> pos n. def an opaque impure microcrystalline form of quartz, red, yellow, brown, or dark green in colour, used as a gemstone and for ornamental decoration. jasper 2. syl jas+per pron <1J@sp*> pos n. def Also called: {jasper ware}. a dense hard stoneware, invented in 1775 by Wedgwood, capable of being stained throughout its substance with metallic oxides and used as background for applied classical decoration. Jasper National Park 0. syl Jas+per Na+tion+al Park pos n. def a national park in SW Canada, in W Alberta in the Rockies: wildlife sanctuary. Area: 10900 sq. km (4200 sq. miles). Karl infl head Jaspers syl Karl pos n. Jassy 0. syl Jas+sy pron <1jasi> pos n. def the German name for {Ia*,si}. Jats alt head Jat or Jat syl Jats. pos n. mod pl. Jat 0. or Jats syl Jat pron pos n. mod pl. def a member of an Indo-European people widely dispersed throughout the Punjab, Rajputana, and Uttar Pradesh. jato ety C20: j (et) a (ssisted) t (ake) o (ff) jatos infl head jato syl ja:tos. pos n. mod pl. jato 0. syl ja:to pron <1JAt*u> pos n. qual Aeronautics. def jet-assisted takeoff. jaundice ety C14: from Old French jaunisse, from jaune yellow, from Latin galbinus yellowish, from galbus jaundice 1. syl jaun+dice pron <1Jc:ndis> pos n. def Also called: {icterus}. yellowing of the skin and whites of the eyes due to the abnormal presence of bile pigments in the blood, as in hepatitis. jaundice 2. syl jaun+dice pron <1Jc:ndis> pos n. def a mental state of bitterness, jealousy, and ill humour resulting in distorted judgment. jaundice 3. syl jaun+dice pron <1Jc:ndis> pos vb. def to distort (the judgment, etc.) adversely. exam 1 jealousy had jaundiced his mind. jaundice 4. syl jaun+dice pron <1Jc:ndis> pos vb. def to affect with or as if with jaundice. jaunt ety C16: of unknown origin jaunt 1. syl jaunt pron pos n. def a short pleasurable excursion; outing. jaunt 2. syl jaunt pron pos vb. mod intr. def to go on such an excursion. jauntingly sub head jaunt syl jaunt+ing+ly pos adv. jaunty car alt head jaunting car or jaunting car syl jaun+ty car pos n. jaunting car 0. or jaunty car syl jaunt+ing car pos n. def a light two-wheeled one-horse car, formerly widely used in Ireland. jaunty ety C17: from French gentil noble; see #7genteel jauntier infl head jaunty syl jaun+ti+er pos adj. jauntiest infl head jaunty syl jaun+ti+est. pos adj. jaunty 1. syl jaun+ty pron <1Jc:nti> pos adj. def sprightly, self-confident, and cheerful; brisk. exam 1 a jaunty step. jaunty 2. syl jaun+ty pron <1Jc:nti> pos adj. def smart; trim. exam 1 a jaunty hat. jauntily sub head jaunty syl jaun+ti+ly pos adv. jauntiness sub head jaunty syl jaun+ti+ness pos n. Jean L'eon infl head Jaures syl Jean L*'e:on pron pos n. Jaures 0. syl Jau:r*`es pron French pos n. def 1859-1914, French politician and writer, who founded the socialist paper (1904), and united the French socialist movement into a single party (1905); assassinated. Jav 0. syl Jav. qual abbrev. for def Javanese. Java 0. syl Ja:va pron <1Ja:v*> pos n. def an island of Indonesia, south of Borneo, from which it is separated by the {Java Sea}: politically the most important island of Indonesia; it consists chiefly of active volcanic mountains and is densely forested. It came under Dutch control in 1596 and became part of Indonesia in 1949. It is one of the most densely populated areas in the world. Capital: Djakarta. Pop. (with Madura): 76102486 (1971). Area: 132174 sq. km (51032 sq. miles). &- {#!Ja+van} {@!Ja@.va+#!nese} Java man 0. syl Ja:va man pos n. def a type of primitive man, (formerly called that lived in the middle Palaeolithic Age in Java. Also called: {Trinil man}. Javary alt head Javari or Javari syl Ja+va+ry pron Portuguese <2Zava1ri> pos n. Javari 0. or Javary syl Ja+va+ri pron Portuguese <2Zava1ri> pos n. def a river in South America, flowing northeast as part of the border between Peru and Brazil to join the Amazon. Length: about 1050 km (650 miles). Spanish name: {Yavar*'i}. Java sparrow 0. syl Ja:va spar+row pos n. def a small grey-and-pink finchlike Indonesian weaverbird, a popular cage bird. javelin ety C16: from Old French javeline, variant of javelot, of Celtic origin javelin 1. syl jave+lin pron <1J@vlin> pos n. def a long pointed spear thrown as a weapon or in competitive field events. the javelin 2. head javelin syl the javelin. def the event or sport of throwing the javelin. Javel water ety C19: partial translation of French eau de Javel, from Javel, formerly a town, now part of Paris Javelle water alt head Javel water or Javel water syl Jav+elle wa+ter pron <1J@vL>, pos n. Javel water 1. or Javelle water syl Jav+el wa+ter pron <1J@vL>, pos n. def an aqueous solution containing sodium hypochlorite and some sodium chloride, used as a bleach and disinfectant. Javel water 2. or Javelle water syl Jav+el wa+ter pron <1J@vL>, pos n. def Also called: {eau de Javelle}. a similar solution made from potassium carbonate and chlorine. jaw ety C14: probably from Old French joue cheek; related to Italian gota cheek jaw 1. syl jaw pron pos n. def the part of the skull of a vertebrate that frames the mouth and holds the teeth. In higher vertebrates it consists of the {upper jaw} (maxilla) fused to the cranium and the {lower jaw} (mandible). jaw 2. syl jaw pron pos n. def the corresponding part of an invertebrate, esp. an insect. jaw 3. syl jaw pron pos n. def a pair or either of a pair of hinged or sliding components of a machine or tool designed to grip an object. jaw 4.a. syl jaw pron pos n. def impudent talk; cheek. jaw 4.b. syl jaw pron pos n. def idle conversation; chat. jaw 4.c. syl jaw pron pos n. def moralizing talk; a lecture. jaw 5.a. syl jaw pron pos vb. def to talk idly; chat; gossip. jaw 5.b. syl jaw pron pos vb. def to lecture. jawlike sub head jaw syl jaw+2like pos adj. Jawan ety Urdu: young man Jawan 1. syl Ja+wan pron pos n. usage in India def a soldier. Jawan 2. syl Ja+wan pron pos n. usage in India def a young man. Jawara 0. syl Ja:wa:ra pron <1Ja:w*r*> pos n. def Sir {Dau@.da} (#!d@$$:d$$). born 1924, president of Gambia since 1970. jawbone 0. syl jaw+bone pron <1Jc:2b*un> pos n. def a nontechnical name for {mandible} or (less commonly) {maxilla}. jawbreaker 1. syl jaw+break:er pron <1Jc:2brAk*> pos n. def Also called: {jawcrusher}. a device having hinged jaws for crushing rocks and ores. jawbreaker 2. syl jaw+break:er pron <1Jc:2brAk*> pos n. qual Informal. def a word that is hard to pronounce. jawbreaking sub head jawbreaker syl jaw+2break:ing pos adj. jawbreakingly sub head jawbreaker syl jaw+2break:ing+ly pos adv. jaws 1. syl jaws pron pos n. mod pl. def the narrow opening of some confined place such as a gorge. the jaws 2. head jaws syl the jaws. def a dangerously close position. exam 1 the jaws of death. Jaxartes 0. syl Jax+ar+tes pron pos n. def the ancient name for {Syr Darya}. jay ety C13: from Old French jai, from Late Latin g*_aius, perhaps from proper name G*_aius jay 1. syl jay pron pos n. def any of various passerine birds of the family (crows), esp. the Eurasian with a pinkish-brown body, blue-and-black wings, and a black-and-white crest. See also {blue jay}. jay 2. syl jay pron pos n. def a foolish or gullible person. John infl head Jay syl John. pos n. Jay 0. syl Jay pron pos n. def 1745-1829, American statesman, jurist, and diplomat; first chief justice of the Supreme Court (1789-95). He negotiated the treaty with Great Britain ({Jay's treaty}, 1794), that settled outstanding disputes. Junius Richard infl head Jayawardena syl Ju:nius Richard. pos n. Jayawardena 0. syl Jay:a:war:den:a pron <2JA*1wa:din*> pos n. def born 1906, Sri Lanka statesman; prime minister (1977-78) and first president (since 1978) of Sri Lanka. Jaycee ety C20: from the initials of J (unior) C (hamber) , short for United States Junior Chamber of Commerce Jaycee 0. syl Jay+cee pron <1JA1sE> pos n. qual U.S. def a young person who belongs to a junior chamber of commerce. jaywalk 0. syl jay+walk pron <1JA2wc:k> pos vb. mod intr. def to cross or walk in a street recklessly or illegally. jaywalker sub head jaywalk syl jay+2walk+er pos n. jaywalking sub head jaywalk syl jay+2walk+ing pos n. jazz ety C20: of unknown origin jazz 1.a. syl jazz pron pos n. def a kind of music of American Negro origin, characterized by syncopated rhythms, solo and group improvi?!sation, and a variety of harmonic idioms and instrumental techniques. It exists in a number of styles. Compare {blues}. See also: {bebop, bop, Dixieland, modern jazz, New Orleans jazz, {swing} (sense 26)}, {trad}. jazz 1.b. syl jazz pron pos n. usage as modifier exam 1 a jazz band. jazz 1.c. syl jazz pron pos n. usage in combination exam 1 a jazzman. jazz 2. syl jazz pron pos n. qual Informal. def enthusiasm or liveliness. jazz 3. syl jazz pron pos n. qual Slang. def rigmarole; paraphernalia. exam 1 legal papers and all that jazz. jazz 4. syl jazz pron pos n. qual U.S. Negro slang, obsolete. def sexual intercourse. {~} jazz 5. syl jazz pron pos n. mod intr. def to play or dance to jazz music. jazz 6. syl jazz pron pos n. qual U.S. Negro slang, obsolete. def to have sexual intercourse with (a person). jazzer sub head jazz syl jazz+er pos n. jazz up 1. syl jazz up pos vb. adv. mod tr. qual Informal. def to imbue (a piece of music) with jazz qualities, esp. by improvisation or a quicker tempo. jazz up 2. syl jazz up pos vb. adv. mod tr. qual Informal. def to make more lively, gaudy, or appealing. jazzier infl head jazzy syl jazz:i+er pos adj. jazziest infl head jazzy syl jazz:i+est. pos adj. jazzy 1. syl jazz:y pron <1J@zi> pos adj. qual Informal. def of, characteristic of, or resembling jazz music. jazzy 2. syl jazz:y pron <1J@zi> pos adj. qual Informal. def gaudy or flashy. exam 1 a jazzy car. jazzily sub head jazzy syl jazz:i+ly pos adv. jazziness sub head jazzy syl jazz:i+ness pos n. JC 1. syl J.C. qual abbrev. for: def Jesus Christ. JC 2. syl J.C. qual abbrev. for: def Julius Caesar. JC 3. syl J.C. qual abbrev. for: def juris?!consult. JCD ety Latin: Juris Canonici Doctor JCD ety Latin: Juris Civilis Doctor JCD 1. syl J.C.D. qual abbrev. for: def Doctor of Canon Law. JCD 2. syl J.C.D. qual abbrev. for: def Doctor of Civil Law. JCL 0. syl J.C.L. qual Computer technol. abbrev. for def Job Control Language. JCR 0. syl J.C.R. qual abbrev. for def junior common room. JCS 0. syl J.C.S. qual abbrev. for def Joint Chiefs of Staff. jctn alt head jct or jct syl jctn. jct 0. or jctn syl jct. qual abbrev. for def junction. JD ety Latin: Jurum Doctor JD 1. syl J.D. qual abbrev. for: def Doctor of Laws. JD 2. syl J.D. qual abbrev. for: def juvenile delinquent. jealous ety C13: from Old French gelos, from Medieval Latin z*_el*_osus, from Late Latin z*_elus emulation, jealousy, from Greek z*_elos #7zeal jealous 1. syl jeal+ous pron <1Jel*s> pos adj. def suspicious or fearful of being displaced by a rival. exam 1 a jealous lover. jealous 2. syl jeal+ous pron <1Jel*s> pos adj. usage often postpositive and foll. by of def resentful (of) or vindictive (towards), esp. through envy. exam 1 a child jealous of his brother. jealous 3. syl jeal+ous pron <1Jel*s> pos adj. usage often postpositive and foll. by of def possessive and watchful in the maintenance or protection (of). exam 1 jealous of one's reputation. jealous 4. syl jeal+ous pron <1Jel*s> pos adj. def characterized by or result?!ing from jealousy. jealous 5. syl jeal+ous pron <1Jel*s> pos adj. qual Obsolete except in biblical use. def demand?!ing exclusive loyalty. exam 1 a jealous God. jealous 6. syl jeal+ous pron <1Jel*s> pos adj. def an obsolete word for {zealous}. jealously sub head jealous syl jeal+ous+ly pos adv. jealousness sub head jealous syl jeal+ous+ness pos n. jealousies infl head jealousy syl jeal+ous:ies. pos n. mod pl. jealousy 0. syl jeal+ous:y pron <1Jel*si> pos n. def the state or quality of being jealous. jean ety C16: short for jean fustian, from Gene G#7enoa jean 0. syl jean pron pos n. def a tough twill-weave cotton fabric used for hard-wearing trousers, overalls, etc. Jean 0. syl Jean pron French pos n. def born 1921, grand duke of Luxembourg since 1964. Jean de Meung 0. syl Jean de Meung pron French <1m*~@o> pos n. def real name ??1250-??1305, French poet, who continued Guillaume de Lorris' His portion of the poem consists of some 18000 lines and contains satirical attacks on women and the Church. Jeanne d'Arc 0. syl Jeanne d'Arc pron <1dark> pos n. def the French name of {Joan of Arc}. Jean Paul 0. syl Jean Paul pron French <1pcl> pos n. def pen name of 1763-1825, German novelist. jeans ety plural of #7jean jeans 0. syl jeans pron pos n. mod pl. def informal trousers for casual wear, made esp. of denim or corduroy. Jeans 0. syl Jeans pron pos n. def Sir {James Hop@.wood}. 1877-1946, English astronomer, physicist, and mathematician, best known for his popular books on astronomy. He made important contributions to the kinetic theory of gases and the theory of stellar evolution. djebel alt head jebel or jebel syl djeb+el pron <1JebL> pos n. jebel 0. or djebel syl jeb+el pron <1JebL> pos n. def a hill or mountain in an Arab country. Jebel Musa 0. syl Jeb+el Mu:sa pron <1JebL> <1mu:s*> pos n. def a mountain in NW Morocco, near the Strait of Gibraltar: one of the Pillars of Hercules. Height: 850 m (2790 ft.). Jedda 0. syl Jed+da pron <1Jed*> pos n. def another name for {Jidda}. jeep ety C20: probably from the initials G.P., for general purpose (vehicle) jeep 0. syl jeep pron pos n. def a small military road vehicle with four-wheel drive. jeepers ety C20: euphemism for Jesus jeepers creepers alt head jeepers or jeepers syl jee+pers cree+pers pron <1JEp*z> <1krEp*z> pos interj. jeepers 0. or jeepers creepers syl jee+pers pron <1JEp*z> <1krEp*z> pos interj. qual U.S. slang. def a mild exclamation of surprise. Dickie infl head Jeeps syl Dick:ie. pos n. Jeeps 0. syl Jeeps pron pos n. def born 1931, English Rugby Union footballer: halfback for England (1956-62) and the British Lions (1959-62). jeer ety C16: of unknown origin jeer 1. syl jeer pron pos vb. usage often foll. by at def to laugh or scoff (at a person or thing); mock. jeer 2. syl jeer pron pos n. def a remark or cry of derision; gibe; taunt. jeerer sub head jeer syl jeer+er pos n. jeeringly sub head jeer syl jeer+ing+ly pos adv. jefe ety Spanish, from French chef #7chief jefe 0. syl je:fe pron Spanish <1$xAfA> pos n. usage in Spanish-speaking countries def a military or political leader. Thomas infl head Jefferson syl Thom:as. pos n. Jefferson 0. syl Jef:fer:son pron <1Jef*sN> pos n. def 1743-1826, U.S. statesman: secretary of state (1790-93); third president (1801-09). He was the chief drafter of the Declaration of Independence (1776), the chief opponent of the centralizing policies of the Federalists under Hamilton, and effected the Louisiana Purchase (1803). Jeffersonian sub head Jefferson syl Jef+fer+so+ni:an pron <2Jef*1s*uni*n> pos adj. n. Jefferson City 0. syl Jef+fer+son Cit:y pos n. def a city in central Missouri, the state capital, on the Missouri River. Pop.: 32407 (1970). Francis infl head Jeffrey syl Fran:cis pos n. Jeffrey 0. syl Jef:frey pron <1Jefri> pos n. def Lord Jeffrey. 1773-1850, Scottish judge and literary critic. As editor of the (1803-29), he was noted for the severity of his criticism of the romantic poets, esp. Wordsworth. George infl head Jeffreys syl George pos n. Jeffreys 0. syl Jef:freys pron <1Jefriz> pos n. def 1st Baron Jeffreys of Wem. ??1645-89, English judge, notorious for his brutality at the @6Bloody Assizes@9 (1685), where those involved in Monmouth's rebellion were tried. jehad 0. syl je+had pron pos n. def a variant spelling of {jihad}. Jehol 0. syl Je+hol pron pos n. def a region and former province of NE China, north of the Great Wall: divided among Hopeh, Liaoning, and Inner Mongolia in 1956. Area: 192380 sq. km (74278 sq. miles). Jehoshaphat 1. syl Je:hosh:a:phat pron , <-1hos-> pos n. qual Old Testament. def the king of Judah (??873-??849 #7b.c.) (I Kings 22:41-50). Valley of Jehoshaphat 2. head Jehoshaphat syl Valley of Jehoshaphat. qual Old Testament. def the site of Jehovah's apocalyptic judgment upon the nations (Joel 4:14). Jehovah ety C16: from Medieval Latin, from Hebrew YHVH Y#7ahweh ; the vowels a, o, a were substituted in the Masoretic Hebrew text of the Old Testament for YHVH, this name being regarded as too sacred to be pronounced; in Medieval Latin translations they were incorporated into the name as Jehovah (YaHoVaH) Jehovah 0. syl Je+ho+vah pron pos n. qual Old Testament. def the personal name of God, revealed to Moses on Mount Horeb (Exodus 3). Jehovah's Witness 0. syl Je+ho+vah's Wit+ness pos n. def a member of a Christian sect of American origin, the followers of which believe that the end of the world is near, that all other Churches and religions are false or evil, that all war is unlawful, and that the civil law must be resisted whenever it conflicts with the sect's own religious principles. Jehovist 1. syl Je+ho+vist pron pos n. def another name for the {Yahwist}. Jehovist 2. syl Je+ho+vist pron pos n. def a person who maintains that the name YHVH in the Hebrew text of the Old Testament was originally pronounced Jehovist 3. syl Je+ho+vist pron pos adj. def of or relating to the Yahwist source of the Pentateuch. Jehovism sub head Jehovist syl Je+1ho+vism pos n. Jehovistic sub head Jehovist syl Je+ho+vis+tic pron <2JEh*u1vistik> pos adj. Jehu 0. syl Je:hu pron <1JEhju:> pos n. qual Old Testament. def the successor to Ahab as king of Israel (??842-??815 #7b.c.) ; the slayer of Jezebel (II Kings 9:11-30). jejune ety C17: from Latin j*_ej*_unus hungry, empty jejune 1. syl je+june pron pos adj. def simple; naive; unsophisticated. jejune 2. syl je+june pron pos adj. def insipid; dull; dry. jejune 3. syl je+june pron pos adj. def lacking nourishment; insubstantial or barren. jejunely sub head jejune syl je+1june+ly pos adv. jejuneness sub head jejune or jejunity syl je+1june+ness pos n. jejunity sub head jejune or jejuneness syl je+1jun+i:ty pos n. jejunum ety C16: from Latin, from j*_ej*_unus empty; from the belief that the jejunum is empty after death jejunum 0. syl je+ju+num pron pos n. def the part of the small intestine between the duodenum and the ileum. jejunal sub head jejunum syl je+1ju+nal pos adj. Jekyll and Hyde ety C19: after the principal character of Robert Louis Stevenson's novel The Strange Case of Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde (1886) Jekyll and Hyde 0.a. syl Jek:yll and Hyde pron <1JekL> pos n. def a person with two distinct personalities, one good, the other evil. Jekyll and Hyde 0.b. syl Jek:yll and Hyde pron <1JekL> pos n. usage as modifier exam 1 a Jekyll-and-Hyde personality. jell ety C19: back formation from #7jelly gel alt head jell or jell syl gel pron pos vb. jells infl head jell or gels syl jells pos vb. jelling infl head jell or gelling syl jell+ing pos vb. jelled infl head jell or gelled syl jelled pos vb. gels infl head jell or jells syl gels pos vb. gelling infl head jell or jelling syl gel+ling pos vb. gelled infl head jell or jelled syl gelled. pos vb. jell 1. or gel syl jell pron pos vb. def to make or become gelatinous; congeal. jell 2. or gel syl jell pron pos vb. def to assume definite form. exam 1 his ideas have jelled. jell 3. or gel syl jell pron pos n. qual U.S. def an informal word for {jelly}. jellabah alt head jellaba or jellaba syl jel+lab+ah pron <1Jel*b*> pos n. jellaba 0. or jellabah syl jel+lab:a pron <1Jel*b*> pos n. def a kind of loose cloak with a hood, worn esp. in North Africa and the Middle East. John Rushworth infl head Jellicoe syl John Rush:worth pos n. Jellicoe 0. syl Jel:li:coe pron <1Jeli2k*u> pos n. def 1st Earl Jellicoe. 1859-1935, British admiral, who commanded the Grand Fleet at the Battle of Jutland (1916), which incapacitated the German fleet for the rest of World War I. jellied 1. syl jel+lied pron <1Jelid> pos adj. def congealed into jelly, esp. by cooling. jellied 2. syl jel+lied pron <1Jelid> pos adj. def containing, set in, or coated with jelly. jellifies infl head jellify syl jel+li+fies pos vb. jellifying infl head jellify syl jel+li+fy+ing pos vb. jellified infl head jellify syl jel+li+fied. pos vb. jellify 0. syl jel+li+fy pron <1Jeli2fI> pos vb. def to make into or become jelly. jellification sub head jellify syl jel+li+fi+1ca+tion pos n. jello ety C20: from the trademark Jell-O jello 0. syl jell:o pron <1Jel*u> pos n. def the usual U.S. name for {jelly%1} (sense 1). jelly ety C14: from Old French gelee frost, jelly, from geler to set hard, from Latin gel*_are, from gelu frost jellies infl head jelly syl jel+lies. pos n. mod pl. jelly H1.1. syl jel+ly pron <1Jeli> pos n. def a fruit-flavoured clear dessert set with gelatine. U.S. name: {jello}. jelly H1.2. syl jel+ly pron <1Jeli> pos n. def a preserve made from the juice of fruit boiled with sugar and used as jam. jelly H1.3. syl jel+ly pron <1Jeli> pos n. def a savoury food preparation set with gelatine or with a strong gelatinous stock and having a soft elastic consistency. exam 1 calf's-foot jelly. jelly H1.4. syl jel+ly pron <1Jeli> pos n. def anything having the consistency of jelly. jellies infl head jelly syl jel+lies pos vb. jellying infl head jelly syl jel+ly+ing pos vb. jellied infl head jelly syl jel+lied. pos vb. jelly H1.5. syl jel+ly pron <1Jeli> pos vb. def to jellify. jelly-like sub head jelly syl jel:ly-2like pos adj. jelly H2.0. syl jel+ly pron <1Jeli> pos n. qual Brit. def a slang name for {gelignite}. jelly baby 0. syl jel+ly ba:by pos n. qual Brit. def a small sweet made from a gelatinous substance formed to resemble a baby in shape. jellybean 0. syl jel:ly+bean pron <1Jeli2bEn> pos n. def a bean-shaped candy with a brightly coloured coating around a gelatinous filling. jellyfish infl or jellyfishes syl jel:ly+fish pos n. mod pl. jellyfishes infl head jellyfish or jellyfish syl jel:ly+fish:es. pos n. mod pl. jellyfish 1. syl jel:ly+fish pron <1Jeli2fiS> pos n. def any marine medusoid coelenterate of the class having a gelatinous umbrella-shaped body with trailing tentacles. jellyfish 2. syl jel:ly+fish pron <1Jeli2fiS> pos n. def any other medusoid coelenterate. jellyfish 3. syl jel:ly+fish pron <1Jeli2fiS> pos n. qual Informal. def a weak in?!decisive person. jemadar ety C18: from Urdu jama `d*_ar, from Persian jama `at body of men+ d*_ar having jemadar 0. syl jem:a+dar pron <1Jem*2da:> pos n. def a native junior officer belonging to a locally raised regiment serving as mercenaries in India, esp. with the British Army. Jemappes 0. syl Je+mappes pron French pos n. def a town in SW Belgium, in Hainaut province west of Mons: scene of a battle (1792) during the French Revolutionary Wars, in which the French defeated the Austrians. Pop.: 18040 (1970). jembe ety C19: from Swahili jembe 0. syl jem+be pron <1Jembe> pos n. qual E. African. def a hoe. jemmy ety C19: from the pet name for James jimmy alt head jemmy or jemmy syl jim+my pos n. qual U.S. jemmies infl head jemmy syl jem+mies. pos n. mod pl. jemmy 1. or jimmy syl jem+my pron <1Jemi> pos n. def a short steel crowbar used, esp. by burglars, for forcing doors and windows. jemmies infl head jemmy syl jem+mies pos vb. jemmying infl head jemmy syl jem+my+ing pos vb. jemmied infl head jemmy syl jem+mied. pos vb. jemmy 2. or jimmy syl jem+my pron <1Jemi> pos vb. mod tr. def to prise (something) open with a jemmy. Jena 0. syl Je:na pron German <1jA:na> pos n. def a city in S East Germany, in Thuringia: university (1558), at which Hegel and Schiller taught; site of the battle (1806) in which Napoleon Bonaparte defeated the Prussians; optical and precision instrument industry. Pop.: 94060 (1972 est.). je ne sais quoi ety literally: I don't know what je ne sais quoi 0. syl je ne sais quoi pron French. <1kwa> pos n. def an indefinable quality, esp. of personality. Jenghis Khan 0. syl Jen:ghis Khan pron <1JeGgis> <1ka:n> pos n. def See {Genghis Khan}. Roy (Harris) infl head Jenkins syl Roy (Harris) pos n. Jenkins 0. syl Jen:kins pron <1JeGkinz> pos n. def born 1920, British Labour politician; president of the Common Market Commission since 1977. Edward 1. head Jenner syl Ed:ward. def 1749-1823, English physician, who discovered vaccination by showing that injections of cowpox virus produce immunity against smallpox (1796). Jenner 2. syl Jen:ner pron <1Jen*> pos n. def Sir {Wil@.liam}. 1815-98, English physician and pathologist, who differentiated between typhus and typhoid fevers (1849). jennet ety C15: from Old French genet, from Catalan ginet, horse of the type used by the Zenete, from Arabic Zan*_atah the Zenete, a Moorish people renowned for their horsemanship genet infl head jennet or gennet syl gen+et pron <1Jenit> pos n. gennet infl head jennet or genet syl gen+net pron <1Jenit> pos n. jennet 1. syl jen+net pron <1Jenit> pos n. def Also called: {jenny}. a female donkey or ass. jennet 2. syl jen+net pron <1Jenit> pos n. def a small Spanish riding horse. jenny ety C17: from the name Jenny, diminutive of Jane jennies infl head jenny syl jen+nies. pos n. mod pl. jenny 1. syl jen+ny pron <1Jeni> pos n. def a hand-operated machine for turning up the edge of a piece of sheet metal in preparation for making a joint. jenny 2. syl jen+ny pron <1Jeni> pos n. def the female of certain animals or birds, esp. a donkey, ass, or wren. jenny 3. syl jen+ny pron <1Jeni> pos n. def short for {spinning jenny}. jenny 4. syl jen+ny pron <1Jeni> pos n. qual Billiards, etc. def an in-off. See {long jenny, short jenny}. jeopardise alt head jeopardize or jeopardize syl jeop+ard+ise pron <1Jep*2dIz> pos vb. jeopardize 1. or jeopardise syl jeop+ard+ize pron <1Jep*2dIz> pos vb. def to risk; hazard. exam 1 he jeopardized his job by being persistently un?!punctual. jeopardize 2. or jeopardise syl jeop+ard+ize pron <1Jep*2dIz> pos vb. mod tr. def to put in danger; imperil. jeopardy ety C14: from Old French jeu parti, literally: divided game, hence uncertain issue, from jeu game, from Latin jocus joke, game+ partir to divide, from Latin part*_ir*_i jeopardy 1. syl jeop+ard:y pron <1Jep*di> pos n. usage usually preceded by in def danger of injury, loss, death, etc.; risk; peril; hazard. exam 1 his health was in jeopardy. jeopardy 2. syl jeop+ard:y pron <1Jep*di> pos n. qual Law. usage usually preceded by in def danger of being convicted and punished for a criminal offence. See also {double jeopardy}. Jephthah 0. syl Jeph:thah pron <2JefT*> pos n. qual Old Testament. def a judge of Israel, who sacrificed his daughter in fulfilment of a vow (Judges 11:12-40). Douay spelling: {Jeph@.te} (#!d#f$eft$$). jequirity ety C19: from Portuguese jequirit*'i, from Tupi-Guarani jekirit*'i jequerity alt head jequirity or jequirity syl je+quer+i:ty pron pos n. jequirities infl head jequirity syl je+quir+i:ties. pos n. mod pl. jequirity 1. or jequerity syl je+quir+i:ty pron pos n. def other names for {Indian liquorice}. jequirity bean 2. head jequirity syl jequirity bean. def the seed of the Indian liquorice. Jer 0. syl Jer. qual Bible. abbrev. for def Jeremiah. Jerba 0. syl Jer+ba pron <1JR:b*> pos n. def a variant spelling of {Djerba}. jerbil 0. syl jer+bil pron <1JR:bil> pos n. def a variant spelling of {gerbil}. jerboa ety C17: from New Latin, from Arabic yarb*_u` jerboa 0. syl jer+bo:a pron pos n. def any small nocturnal burrowing rodent of the family inhabiting dry regions of Asia and N Africa, having pale sandy fur, large ears, and long hind legs specialized for jumping. jeremiad 0. syl jer+e:mi+ad pron <2Jeri1mI*d> pos n. def a long mournful lamentation or complaint. Jeremiah 1. syl Jer:e:mi:ah pron <2Jeri1mI*> pos n. qual Old Testament. def a major prophet of Judah from about 626 to 587 #7b.c. Jeremiah 2. syl Jer:e:mi:ah pron <2Jeri1mI*> pos n. qual Old Testament. def the book containing his oracles. Jerez 0. syl Je+rez pron Spanish <$xA1rAT> pos n. def a town in SW Spain: famous for the making of sherry. Pop.: 149867 (1970). Official name: {Je+rez de la Fron+te+ra} ($de la fron#!tera). Former name: {Xeres}. Jericho 0. syl Jer:i+cho pron <1Jeri2k*u> pos n. def a village in Jordan near the N end of the Dead Sea, 251 m (825 ft.) below sea level: on the site of an ancient city, the first place to be taken by the Israelites under Joshua after entering the Promised Land in the 14th century #7b.c. (Joshua 6). jerid 0. syl je+rid pron pos n. def a wooden javelin used in Muslim countries in military displays on horseback. Also: {jereed, jerreed}. jerk ety C16: probably variant of yerk to pull stitches tight in making a shoe; compare Old English gearcian to make ready jerk H1.1. syl jerk pron pos vb. def to move or cause to move with an irregular or spasmodic motion. jerk H1.2. syl jerk pron pos vb. def to throw, twist, pull, or push (something) abruptly or spasmodically. jerk H1.3. syl jerk pron pos vb. mod tr. usage often foll. by out def to utter (words, sounds, etc.) in a spasmodic, abrupt, or breathless manner. jerk H1.4. syl jerk pron pos n. def an abrupt or spasmodic movement. jerk H1.5. syl jerk pron pos n. def an irregular jolting motion. exam 1 the car moved with a jerk. jerk H1.6. syl jerk pron pos n. mod pl. def Also called: {physical jerks}. physical exercises. jerk H1.7. syl jerk pron pos n. mod pl. qual U.S. def a slang word for {chorea}. jerk H1.8. syl jerk pron pos n. qual Slang, chiefly U.S. def a person regarded with contempt esp. a stupid or ignorant person. jerker sub head jerk syl jerk+er pos n. jerkingly sub head jerk syl jerk+ing+ly pos adv. jerk ety C18: back formation from jerky, from #7charqui jerk H2.1. syl jerk pron pos vb. def to preserve venison, beef, etc., by cutting into thin strips and curing by drying in the sun. jerk H2.2. syl jerk pron pos n. def Also called: {jerky}. jerked meat, esp. beef. jerkin ety C16: of unknown origin jerkin 1. syl jer+kin pron <1JR:kin> pos n. def a sleeveless and collarless short jacket worn by men or women. jerkin 2. syl jer+kin pron <1JR:kin> pos n. def a man's sleeveless and collarless fitted jacket, often made of leather, worn in the 16th and 17th centuries. jerk off 0. syl jerk off pos vb. adv. usage often reflexive) U.S. taboo slang. def to masturbate. jerkwater ety C19: originally referring to railway locomotives for which water was taken on in buckets from streams along the route jerkwater 0. syl jerk+wa:ter pron <1JR:k2wc:t*> pos adj. qual U.S. slang. def inferior and insignifi?!cant. exam 1 a jerkwater town. jerkier infl head jerky syl jerk:i+er pos adj. jerkiest infl head jerky syl jerk:i+est. pos adj. jerky 0. syl jerk:y pron <1JR:ki> pos adj. def characterized by jerks; spasmodic. jerkily sub head jerky syl jerk:i+ly pos adv. jerkiness sub head jerky syl jerk:i+ness pos n. jeroboam ety C19: humorous allusion to J#7eroboam (sense 1), described as a @6mighty man of valour@9 (I Kings 11:28) who @6made Israel to sin@9 (I Kings 14:16) jeroboam 0. syl jer:o+bo+am pron <2Jer*1b*u*m> pos n. def a wine bottle holding the equivalent of four normal bottles (approximately 104 ounces). Also called: {double-magnum}. Jeroboam 1. syl Jer:o:bo:am pron <2Jer*1b*u*m> pos n. qual Old Testament. def the first king of the northern kingdom of Israel (??922-??901 #7b.c.) #7. Jeroboam 2. syl Jer:o:bo:am pron <2Jer*1b*u*m> pos n. qual Old Testament. def king of the northern kingdom of Israel (??786-??746 #7b.c.) #7. Saint 1. head Jerome syl Saint. def Latin name ??347-??420 #7a.d., Christian monk and scholar, whose outstanding work was the production of the Vulgate. Feast day: Sept. 30. Jerome K (lapka) 2. head Jerome syl Je:rome K (lapka) . def 1859-1927, English humorous writer; author of (1889). jerreed 0. syl jer+reed pron pos n. def a variant spelling of {jerid}. jerries infl head jerry syl jer+ries. pos n. mod pl. jerry 1. syl jer+ry pron <1Jeri> pos n. qual Brit. def an informal word for {chamber pot}. jerry 2. syl jer+ry pron <1Jeri> pos n. def short for {jeroboam}. Jerries infl head Jerry syl Jer+ries. pos n. mod pl. Jerry 1. syl Jer+ry pron <1Jeri> pos n. qual Brit. slang. def a German, esp. a German soldier. Jerry 2. syl Jer+ry pron <1Jeri> pos n. qual Brit. slang. def the Germans collectively. exam 1 Jerry didn't send his bombers out last night. jerry-builds infl head jerry-build syl jer:ry-builds pos vb. mod tr. jerry-building infl head jerry-build syl jer:ry-build:ing pos vb. mod tr. jerry-built infl head jerry-build syl jer:ry-built. pos vb. mod tr. jerry-build 0. syl jer:ry-build pos vb. mod tr. def to build (houses, flats, etc.) badly using cheap materials. jerry-builder sub head jerry-build syl jer:ry-2build:er pos n. jerry can ety C20: from jerry, short for #7jeroboam jerry can 0. syl jer+ry can pos n. def a flat-sided can used for storing or transporting liquids, esp. motor fuel. It has a capacity of between 4.5 and 5 gallons. jersey ety C16: from J#7ersey, from the woollen sweaters traditionally worn by the fishermen jersey 1. syl jer+sey pron <1JR:zi> pos n. def a knitted garment covering the upper part of the body. jersey 2.a. syl jer+sey pron <1JR:zi> pos n. def a machine-knitted slightly elastic cloth of wool, silk, nylon, etc., used for clothing. jersey 2.b. syl jer+sey pron <1JR:zi> pos n. usage as modifier exam 1 a jersey suit. Jersey 1. syl Jer+sey pron <1JR:zi> pos n. def an island in the English Channel, the largest of the Channel Islands: forms, with two other islands, the bailiwick of Jersey; colonized from Normandy in the 11th century and still officially French-speaking; noted for market gardening, dairy farming, and tourism. Capital: St. Helier. Pop.: 72532 (1971). Area: 116 sq. km (45 sq. miles). Jersey 2. syl Jer+sey pron <1JR:zi> pos n. def a breed of dairy cattle producing milk with a high butterfat content, originating from the island of Jersey. Jersey City 0. syl Jer+sey Cit:y pos n. def an industrial city in NE New Jersey, opposite Manhattan on a peninsula between the Hudson and Hackensack Rivers: part of the Port of New York; site of one of the greatest railway terminals in the world. Pop.: 255030 (1973 est.). Jerusalem 1. syl Je+ru+sa+lem pron pos n. def the capital of Israel, situated in the Judaean hills: became capital of the Hebrew kingdom after its capture by David around 1000 #7b.c. ; destroyed by Nebuchadnezzar of Babylon in 586 #7b.c. ; taken by the Romans in 63 #7b.c. ; devastated in 70 #7a.d. and 135 #7a.d. during the Jewish rebellions against Rome; fell to the Arabs in 637 and to the Seljuk Turks in 1071; ruled by Crusaders from 1099 to 1187 and by the Egyptians and Turks until conquered by the British (1917); centre of the British mandate of Palestine from 1920 to 1948, when the Arabs took the old city and the Jews held the new city; unified after the Six Day War (1967) under the Israelis; the holy city of Jews, Christians, and Muslims. Pop.: 344200 (1974 est.). the New Jerusalem 2. head Jerusalem syl the New Jerusalem. qual Christianity. def Heaven. Jerusalem artichoke ety C17: by folk etymology from Italian girasole articiocco; see #7girasol Jerusalem artichoke 1. syl Je+ru+sa+lem ar+ti+choke pos n. def a North American sunflower, widely cultivated for its underground edible tubers. Jerusalem artichoke 2. syl Je+ru+sa+lem ar+ti+choke pos n. def the tuber of this plant, which is cooked and eaten as a vegetable. Jerusalem artichoke xref syl Je+ru+sa+lem ar+ti+choke pos n. def See also { {artichoke} (senses 1, 2)}. Jerusalem cherry 0. syl Je+ru+sa+lem cher+ry pos n. def a small South American solanaceous shrub, cultivated as a house plant for its white flowers and inedible reddish cherry-like fruit. Jerusalem cross 0. syl Je+ru+sa+lem cross pos n. def a cross the equal arms of which end in a bar. Also called: {cross potent}. Jerusalem oak 0. syl Je+ru+sa+lem oak pos n. def a weedy North American chenopodiaceous plant, that has lobed leaves and smells of turpentine. Jervis Bay 0. syl Jer+vis Bay pron <1Ja:vis> pos n. def an inlet of the Pacific in SE Australia, on the coast of S New South Wales: part of the Australian Capital Territory: site of the Royal Australian Naval College. (Jens) Otto (Harry) infl head Jespersen syl (Jens) Ot:to (Harry) pos n. Jespersen 0. syl Jes:per:sen pron <1jesp*sN>, <1Jes-> pos n. def 1860-1943, Danish philologist: author of (1909-31). jess ety C14: from Old French ges, from Latin jactus a throw, from jacere to throw infl head jess syl ~ pos n. qual Falconry. jess 1. syl jess pron pos n. def a short leather strap, one end of which is permanently attached to the leg of a hawk or falcon while the other can be attached to a leash. jess 2. syl jess pron pos vb. mod tr. def to put jesses on (a hawk or falcon). jessed sub head jess syl jessed pos adj. jessamine 0. syl jes+sa+mine pron <1Jes*min> pos n. def another name for { {jasmine} (sense 1)}. Jesse 0. syl Jes:se pron <1Jesi> pos n. qual Old Testament. def the father of David (I Samuel 16). Jesselton 0. syl Jes+sel+ton pron <1Jes*lt*n> pos n. def the former name of {Kota Kinabalu}. jest ety C13: variant of {#7gest } jest 1. syl jest pron pos n. def something done or said for amusement; joke. jest 2. syl jest pron pos n. def a frivolous mood or attitude; playfulness; fun. exam 1 to act in jest. jest 3. syl jest pron pos n. def a jeer or taunt. jest 4. syl jest pron pos n. def an object of derision; laughingstock; butt. jest 5. syl jest pron pos vb. def to act or speak in an amusing, teasing, or frivolous way; joke. jest 6. syl jest pron pos vb. def to make fun of (a person or thing); scoff or mock. jestful sub head jest syl jest+ful pos adj. jestfully sub head jest syl jest+ful+ly pos adv. jester 0. syl jest+er pron <1Jest*> pos n. def a professional clown employed by a king or nobleman, esp. at courts during the Middle Ages. Jesu ety C17: from Late Latin, vocative of J#7esus Jesu 0. syl Je:su pron <1JEzju:> pos n. def a poetic name for or vocative form of {Jesus}. Jesuit ety C16: from New Latin J*_esuita, from Late Latin J*_esus+-ita -#7ite %1 Jesuit 1. syl Jes:u+it pron <1Jezjuit> pos n. def a member of a Roman Catholic religious order (the {Society of Jesus}) founded by Ignatius Loyola in 1534 with the aims of defending the papacy and Catholicism against the Reformation and to undertake missionary work among the heathen. Jesuit 2. syl Jes:u+it pron <1Jezjuit> pos n. qual Informal, offensive. usage sometimes not cap. def a person given to subtle and equivocating arguments; casuist. Jesuitic sub head Jesuit or Jesuitical syl Jes:u+1it+ic pos adj. Jesuitical sub head Jesuit or Jesuitic syl Jes:u+1it:i+cal pos adj. Jesuitry alt head Jesuitism or Jesuitism syl Jes:u+it+ry pos n. Jesuitism 1. or Jesuitry syl Jes:u+it+ism pron <1Jezjui2tiz*m> pos n. def theology or practices of the Jesuits. Jesuitism 2. or Jesuitry syl Jes:u+it+ism pron <1Jezjui2tiz*m> pos n. qual Informal, offensive. def subtle and equivocating arguments; casuistry. Jesus ety via Latin from Greek I*_esous, from Hebrew Yesh*_ua`, shortened from Yeh*_osh*_ua` God is help, J#7oshua Jesus 1. syl Je:sus pron <1JEz*s> pos n. def Also called: {Jesus Christ, Jesus of Nazareth}. ??4 #7b.c. -??29 #7a.d., founder of Christianity, born in Galilee and brought up as a Jew. He is believed by Christians to be the Son of God and to have been miraculously conceived by the Virgin Mary, wife of Joseph. With 12 disciples, he undertook two missionary journeys through Galilee, perform?!ing miracles, teaching, and proclaiming the coming of the Kingdom of God. His revolutionary Sermon on the Mount (Matthew 5-8), which preaches love, humility, and charity, the essence of his teaching, aroused the hostility of the Pharisees. After the Last Supper with his disciples, he was betrayed by Judas and crucified. He is believed by Christians to have risen from his tomb after three days, appeared to his disciples several times, and ascended to Heaven after 40 days. Jesus 2. syl Je:sus pron <1JEz*s> pos n. qual Son of Sirach. def 3rd century #7b.c., author of the Apocryphal book of Ecclesiasticus. Jesus 3. syl Je:sus pron <1JEz*s> pos interj. usage also def used to express intense surprise, dismay, etc. Jesus freak 0. syl Je:sus freak pos n. qual Informal. def a member of any of various Christian groups that combine a hippie communal way of life with zealous evangelicalism. jet ety C16: from Old French jeter to throw, from Latin jact*_are to toss about, frequentative of jacere to throw jet H1.1. syl jet pron pos n. def a thin stream of liquid or gas forced out of a small aperture or nozzle. jet H1.2. syl jet pron pos n. def an outlet or nozzle for emitting such a stream. jet H1.3. syl jet pron pos n. def a jet-propelled aircraft. jets infl head jet syl jets pos vb. jetting infl head jet syl jet+ting pos vb. jetted infl head jet syl jet+ted. pos vb. jet H1.4. syl jet pron pos vb. def to issue or cause to issue in a jet. exam 1 water jetted from the hose; exam 2 he jetted them with water. jet H1.5. syl jet pron pos vb. def to transport or be transported by jet aircraft. jet ety C14: from Old French jaiet, from Latin gag*_at*_es, from Greek lithos gagat*_es stone of Gagai, a town in Lycia, Asia Minor jet H2.0.a. syl jet pron pos n. def a hard black variety of lignite that takes a brilliant polish and is used for jewellery, ornaments, etc. jet H2.0.b. syl jet pron pos n. usage as modifier exam 1 jet earrings. JET 0. syl JET pron pos n. usage acronym for def Joint European Torus. jet black 0.a. syl jet black pos n. def a deep black colour. jet black 0.b. syl jet black pos as; adj. exam 1 jet-black hair. jet'e ety French, literally: thrown, from jeter; see #7jet %1 jet'e 0. syl je:t*'e pron pos n. qual Ballet. def a step in which the dancer springs from one leg and lands on the other. jet engine 0. syl jet en+gine pos n. def a gas turbine, esp. one fitted to an aircraft. Jethro 0. syl Jeth:ro pron <1JeTr*u> pos n. qual Old Testament. def a Midianite priest, the father-in-law of Moses (Exodus 3:1; 4:18). jet lag 0. syl jet lag pos n. def a general feeling of fatigue and other symptoms often experienced by travellers by jet aircraft who cross several time zones in relatively few hours. jetliner 0. syl jet+lin:er pron <1Jet2lIn*> pos n. def a commercial airliner powered by jet engines. jet pipe 0. syl jet pipe pos n. def the duct attached to the rear of a gas turbine through which the exhaust gases are discharged, esp. one fitted to an aircraft engine. jet plane 0. syl jet plane pos n. def an aircraft powered by one or more jet engines. jetport 0. syl jet+port pron <1Jet2pc:t> pos n. def an airport for jet planes. jet-propelled 0. syl jet-pro:pelled pos adj. def driven by jet propulsion. jet propulsion 1. syl jet pro+pul+sion pos n. def propulsion by means of a jet of fluid. jet propulsion 2. syl jet pro+pul+sion pos n. def propulsion by means of a gas turbine, esp. when the exhaust gases provide the propulsive thrust. jetsam ety C16: shortened from #7jettison jetsom alt head jetsam or jetsam syl jet+som pron <1Jets*m> pos n. jetsam 1. or jetsom syl jet+sam pron <1Jets*m> pos n. def that portion of the equipment or cargo of a vessel thrown overboard to lighten her, as during a storm. Compare {flotsam, lagan}. jetsam 2. or jetsom syl jet+sam pron <1Jets*m> pos n. def another word for {flotsam} (sense 2). jet set 0. syl jet set pos n. def a rich and fashionable social set the members of which travel widely for pleasure. jetsetter sub head jet set syl jet+2set:ter pos n. jet stream 1. syl jet stream pos n. qual Meteorol. def an extensive high-altitude airstream (about 12000 metres high) moving west at high speeds and having an important effect on frontogenesis. jet stream 2. syl jet stream pos n. def the jet of exhaust gases produced by a gas turbine, rocket motor, etc. jettison ety C15: from Old French getaison, ultimately from Latin jact*_ati*_o a tossing about; see #7jactation jettison 1. syl jet+ti+son pron <1JetisN>, <-zN> pos vb. mod tr. def to throw away; abandon. exam 1 to jettison old clothes. jettison 2. syl jet+ti+son pron <1JetisN>, <-zN> pos vb. mod tr. def to throw overboard. jettison 3. syl jet+ti+son pron <1JetisN>, <-zN> pos n. mod tr. def another word for {jetsam} (sense 1). jetton ety C18: from French jeton, from jeter to cast up (accounts); see #7jet %1 jetton 0. syl jet+ton pron <1JetN> pos n. def a counter or token, esp. a chip used in such gambling games as roulette. jetty ety C15: from Old French jetee projecting part, literally: something thrown out, from jeter to throw; see #7jet %1 jetties infl head jetty syl jet+ties. pos n. mod pl. jetty H1.0. syl jet+ty pron <1Jeti> pos n. def a pier, dock, groyne, mole, or other structure extending into the water from the shore. jetty H2.0. syl jet+ty pron <1Jeti> pos adj. def of or resembling jet, esp. in colour or polish. jettiness sub head jetty syl jet+ti+ness pos n. jeu d'esprit ety literally: play of spirit jeux d'esprit infl head jeu d'esprit syl jeux d'es+prit pron pos n. mod pl. jeu d'esprit 0. syl jeu d'es+prit pron French pos n. def a light-hearted display of wit or cleverness, esp. in literature. jeunesse dor'ee ety literally: gilded youth jeunesse dor'ee 0. syl jeu+nesse do+r*'ee pron French. pos n. def rich and fashionable young people. William Stanley infl head Jevons syl Wil:liam Stan:ley. pos n. Jevons 0. syl Jev:ons pron <1JevNz> pos n. def 1835-82, English economist and logician: introduced the concept of final or marginal utility in (1871). Jew ety C12: from Old French juiu, from Latin j*_udaeus, from Greek ioudaios, from Hebrew yeh*_ud*_i, from yeh*_ud*_ah J#7udah Jew 1. syl Jew pron pos n. def a member of the Semitic people who are notionally descended from the ancient Israelites, are spread throughout the world, and are linked by loose cultural or religious ties. Jew 2. syl Jew pron pos n. def a person whose religion is Judaism. Jew 3. syl Jew pron pos n. def a member of the ancient tribe or nation of Judah. Jew 4. syl Jew pron pos n. def another word for {Israeli}. Jew 5. syl Jew pron pos n. qual Offensive. usage modifier def Jewish. exam 1 a Jew boy. Jew 6.a. syl Jew pron pos n. def a person who drives a hard bargain. Jew 6.b. syl Jew pron pos n. def a miserly person. Jew 6.c. syl Jew pron pos n. qual Obsolete. def a usurer. Jew 7. syl Jew pron pos vb. mod tr. qual Offensive and obsolete. usage often not cap. def to drive a hard bargain, esp. in order to defraud. Jew-baiting 0. syl Jew-bait:ing pos n. def active persecution or harassment of Jews. Jew-baiter sub head Jew-baiting syl Jew-2bait:er pos n. jewel ety C13: from Old French jouel, perhaps from jeu game, from Latin jocus jewel 1. syl jew+el pron <1Ju:*l> pos n. def a precious or semiprecious stone; gem. jewel 2. syl jew+el pron <1Ju:*l> pos n. def a person or thing resembling a jewel in preciousness, brilliance, etc. jewel 3. syl jew+el pron <1Ju:*l> pos n. def a gemstone, often synthetically produced, used as a bearing in a watch. jewel 4. syl jew+el pron <1Ju:*l> pos n. def a piece of jewellery. jewel 5. syl jew+el pron <1Ju:*l> pos n. def an ornamental glass boss, sometimes faceted, used in stained glass work. jewels infl head jewel or jewels syl jew+els pos vb. qual U.S. jewelling infl head jewel or jeweling syl jew+el+ling pos vb. jewelled infl head jewel or jeweled syl jew+elled pos vb. jeweling infl head jewel or jewelling syl jew+el+ing pos vb. qual U.S. jeweled infl head jewel or jewelled syl jew+eled. pos vb. qual U.S. jewel 6. syl jew+el pron <1Ju:*l> pos vb. mod tr. def to fit or decorate with a jewel or jewels. jewel-like sub head jewel syl jew:el-2like pos adj. jewelfish infl or jewelfishes syl jew:el+fish pos n. mod pl. jewelfishes infl head jewelfish or jewelfish syl jew:el+fish:es. pos n. mod pl. jewelfish 0. syl jew:el+fish pron <1Ju:*l2fiS> pos n. def an African cichlid, : a beautifully coloured and popular aquarium fish. jeweler alt head jeweller or jeweller syl jew+el+er pron <1Ju:*l*> pos n. qual U.S. jeweller 0. or jeweler syl jew+el+ler pron <1Ju:*l*> pos n. def a person whose business is the cutting, polishing, or setting of gemstones or the making, repairing, or selling of jewellery. jeweller's rouge 0. syl jew+el+ler's rouge pos n. def a finely powdered form of ferric oxide used as a metal polish. Also called: {crocus}. See also {colcothar}. jewelry alt head jewellery or jewellery syl jew+el+ry pron <1Ju:*lri> pos n. qual U.S. jewellery 1. or jewelry syl jew+el+ler:y pron <1Ju:*lri> pos n. def objects that are worn for personal adornment, such as bracelets, rings, necklaces, etc., considered collectively. jewellery 2. or jewelry syl jew+el+ler:y pron <1Ju:*lri> pos n. def the art or business of a jeweller. Jewess 0. syl Jew+ess pron <1Ju:is> pos n. def a Jewish girl or woman. jewfish ety C17: of uncertain origin jewfish infl or jewfishes syl jew+fish pos n. mod pl. jewfishes infl head jewfish or jewfish syl jew+fish:es. pos n. mod pl. jewfish 0. syl jew+fish pron <1Ju:2fiS> pos n. def any of various large dark serranid fishes, such as , of warm or tropical seas. Jewish 1. syl Jew+ish pron <1Ju:iS> pos adj. def of, relating to, or characteristic of Jews. Jewish 2. syl Jew+ish pron <1Ju:iS> pos adj. qual Offensive. def miserly. Jewish 3. syl Jew+ish pron <1Ju:iS> pos n. def a less common word for {Yiddish}. Jewishly sub head Jewish syl Jew+ish+ly pos adv. Jewishness sub head Jewish syl Jew+ish+ness pos n. Jewish Autonomous Region 0. syl Jew+ish Au:ton:o+mous Re+gion pos n. def an administrative division of the SE Soviet Union, in E Siberia: colonized by Jews in 1928; largely agricultural. Capital: Birobidzhan. Pop.: 172449 (1970). Area: 36000 sq. km (13895 sq. miles). Also called: {Birobidzhan}. Jewish calendar 0. syl Jew+ish cal+en+dar pos n. def the lunisolar calendar used by the Jews, in which time is reckoned from 3761 #7b.c., regarded as the year of the Creation. It is based on a Metonic cycle of 19 years, the 3rd, 6th, 8th, 11th, 14th, 17th, and 19th being designated leap years. Each year begins in September or October and contains the following 12 or, in intercalary years, 13 months of 29 or 30 days each: Tishri, Heshvan, Kislev, Tebet, Shebat, Adar, Adar Sheni (occurring only in intercalary years), Nisan, Iyar, Sivan, Tammuz, Ab, and Elul. Also called: {Hebrew calendar}. Jewries infl head Jewry syl Jew+ries. pos n. mod pl. Jewry 1.a. syl Jew+ry pron <1Ju*ri> pos n. def Jews collectively. Jewry 1.b. syl Jew+ry pron <1Ju*ri> pos n. def the Jewish religion or culture. Jewry 2. syl Jew+ry pron <1Ju*ri> pos n. def a quarter of a town inhabited by Jews. Jewry 3. syl Jew+ry pron <1Ju*ri> pos n. qual Archaic. def the land of Judaea. jew's-ear 0. syl jew's-ear pos n. def an edible saprophytic basidiomycetous fungus, that grows on wood and has a brown or flesh-coloured jelly-like saucer-shaped body: order jew's-harp 0. syl jew's-harp pos n. def a musical instrument consisting of a small lyre-shaped metal frame held between the teeth, with a steel tongue plucked with the finger. Changes in pitch are produced by varying the size of the mouth cavities. Jezebel 1. syl Jez:e:bel pron <1Jez*2bel>, <-bL> pos n. qual Old Testament. def the wife of Ahab, king of Israel: she fostered the worship of Baal and tried to destroy the prophets of Israel (I Kings 18:4-13); she was killed by Jehu (II Kings 9:29-37). Jezebel 2. syl Jez:e:bel pron <1Jez*2bel>, <-bL> pos n. usage sometimes not cap. def a shameless or scheming woman. Plain of infl head Jezreel syl Plain of. pos n. Jezreel 0. syl Jez+re+el pron <1Jezri*l> pos n. def another name for {Esdraelon}. Jezreelite sub head Jezreel syl Jez+re+el+2ite pos n. Jhansi 0. syl Jhan+si pron <1Ja:nsi> pos n. def a city in central India, in SW Uttar Pradesh: scene of a mutiny against the British in 1857. Pop.: 173292 (1971). Jhelum 0. syl Jhe+lum pron <1JEl*m> pos n. def a river in Pakistan and Kashmir, rising in W central Kashmir and flowing northwest through the Vale of Kashmir, then southwest into N West Punjab to join the Chenab River: important for irrigation, having the Mangla Dam (Pakistan), completed in 1967. Length: about 720 km (450 miles). JHVH 0. syl JHVH pos n. def a variant spelling of {YHVH}. -ji ety Hindi -ji 0. syl -ji pron <-dzE> qual Indian. def a suffix placed after a person's name or title as a mark of respect. jib ety C17: of unknown origin jib H1.1. syl jib pron pos n. qual Nautical. def any triangular sail set forward of the foremast of a vessel. cut of someone's jib 2. head jib syl cut of someone's jib. def someone's manner, behaviour, style, etc. jib H1.3.a. syl jib pron pos n. def the lower lip, usually when it protrudes forwards in a grimace. jib H1.3.b. syl jib pron pos n. def the face or nose. jib ety C19: of unknown origin jibs infl head jib syl jibs pos vb. mod intr. jibbing infl head jib syl jib+bing pos vb. mod intr. jibbed infl head jib syl jibbed. pos vb. mod intr. jib H2.1. syl jib pron pos vb. mod intr. qual Chiefly Brit. usage often foll. by at def to be reluctant (to); hold back (from); balk (at). jib H2.2. syl jib pron pos vb. mod intr. qual Chiefly Brit. usage of an animal def to stop short and refuse to go forwards. exam 1 the horse jibbed at the jump. jib H2.3. syl jib pron pos vb. mod intr. qual Chiefly Brit.; Nautical. def variant of {gybe}. jibber sub head jib syl jib+ber pos n. jib ety C18: probably based on #7gibbet jib H3.0. syl jib pron pos n. def the projecting arm of a crane or the boom of a derrick, esp. one that is pivoted to enable it to be raised or lowered. jib ety special use of #7jib %1 (in the sense: lower lip, face) jib H4.0. syl jib pron pos n. mod often; pl. qual South Wales dialect. def a contortion of the face; a face. exam 1 stop making jibs. jibbons ety from Norman French chiboule, variant of French ciboule onion, ultimately from Latin capulla an onion patch, from caepa an onion jibbons 0. syl jib+bons pron <1JibNz> pos n. mod pl. qual Southwest Brit. dialect. def spring onions. jib boom 0. syl jib boom pos n. qual Nautical. def a spar forming an extension of the bowsprit. jib infl head jibe or jibb syl jib pron pos vb. n. jibb infl head jibe or jib syl jibb pron pos vb. n. jibe H1.0. syl jibe pron pos vb. n. n. qual Nautical. def variant spellings of {gybe}. jibe H2.0. syl jibe pron pos vb. def a variant spelling of { {gibe} %1}. jiber sub head jibe syl jib+er pos n. jibingly sub head jibe syl jib+ing+ly pos adv. jibe ety C19: of unknown origin jibe H3.0. syl jibe pron pos vb. mod intr. qual Informal. def to agree; accord; harmonize. jib-headed 1. syl jib-head:ed pos adj. qual Nautical. usage of a sail def pointed at the top or head. jib-headed 2. syl jib-head:ed pos adj. qual Nautical. usage of a sailing vessel or rig def having sails that are triangular. Jibuti alt head Jibouti or Jibouti syl Ji+bu+ti pron pos n. Jibouti 0. or Jibuti syl Ji+bou:ti pron pos n. def variant spellings of {Djibouti}. Jedda alt head Jidda or Jidda syl Jed+da pos n. Jidda 0. or Jedda syl Jid+da pron <1Jid*> pos n. def a port in W Saudi Arabia, in Hejaz on the Red Sea: the diplomatic capital of the country; the port of entry for Mecca, 80 km (50 miles) east. Pop.: 194000 (1965 est.). jiffy ety C18: of unknown origin jiff alt head jiffy or jiffy syl jiff pos n. jiffies infl head jiffy or jiffs syl jif+fies pos n. mod pl. jiffs infl head jiffy or jiffies syl jiffs. pos n. mod pl. jiffy 0. or jiff syl jif+fy pron <1Jifi> pos n. qual Informal. def a very short time. exam 1 wait a jiffy. jig ety C16 (originally: a dance or the music for it; applied to various modern devices because of the verbal sense: to jerk up and down rapidly): of unknown origin jig 1. syl jig pron pos n. def any of several old rustic kicking and leaping dances. jig 2. syl jig pron pos n. def a piece of music composed for or in the rhythm of this dance, usually in three-four time. jig 3. syl jig pron pos n. def a mechanical device designed to hold and locate a component during machining and to guide the cutting tool. jig 4. syl jig pron pos n. qual Angling. def any of various spinning lures that wobble when drawn through the water. jig 5. syl jig pron pos n. def Also called: {jigger}. a device for separating ore or coal from waste material by agitation in water. jig 6. syl jig pron pos n. qual Obsolete. def a joke or prank. jigs infl head jig syl jigs pos vb. jigging infl head jig syl jig+ging pos vb. jigged infl head jig syl jigged. pos vb. jig 7. syl jig pron pos vb. def to dance (a jig). jig 8. syl jig pron pos vb. def to jerk or cause to jerk up and down rapidly. jig 9. syl jig pron pos vb. usage often foll. by up def to fit or be fitted in a jig. jig 10. syl jig pron pos vb. mod tr. def to drill or cut (a workpiece) in a jig. jig 11. syl jig pron pos vb. qual Mining. def to separate ore or coal from waste material using a jig. jig 12. syl jig pron pos vb. mod intr. def to produce or manufacture a jig. jigger H1.1. syl jig+ger pron <1Jig*> pos n. def a person or thing that jigs. jigger H1.2. syl jig+ger pron <1Jig*> pos n. qual Golf. def a club, an iron, usually No. 4. jigger H1.3. syl jig+ger pron <1Jig*> pos n. def any of a number of mechanical devices having a vibratory or jerking motion. jigger H1.4. syl jig+ger pron <1Jig*> pos n. def a light lifting tackle used on ships. jigger H1.5. syl jig+ger pron <1Jig*> pos n. def a small glass, esp. for whisky, with a capacity of about one and a half ounces. jigger H1.6. syl jig+ger pron <1Jig*> pos n. qual Mining. def another word for {jig} (sense 5). jigger H1.7. syl jig+ger pron <1Jig*> pos n. qual Nautical. def short for {jiggermast}. jigger H1.8. syl jig+ger pron <1Jig*> pos n. qual Billiards. def another word for { {bridge%1} (sense 10)}. jigger H1.9. syl jig+ger pron <1Jig*> pos n. qual U.S. informal. def a device or thing the name of which is unknown or temporarily forgotten. jigger H1.10. syl jig+ger pron <1Jig*> pos n. qual Liverpool dialect. def an alleyway. jigger flea alt head jigger or jigger syl jig+ger flea pron <1Jig*> pos n. jigger H2.0. or jigger flea syl jig+ger pron <1Jig*> pos n. def other names for the { {chigoe} (sense 1)}. jiggered ety C19: probably euphemism for buggered; see #7bugger jiggered 1. syl jig+gered pron <1Jig*d> pos adj. qual Informal. usage postpositive def damned; blowed. exam 1 I'm jiggered if he'll get away with it. jiggered 2. syl jig+gered pron <1Jig*d> pos adj. qual Northern Brit. dialect. usage postpositive; sometimes foll. by up def tired out. jiggermast 0. syl jig:ger+mast pron <1Jig*2ma:st> pos n. qual Nautical. def any small mast on a sailing vessel, esp. the mizzenmast of a yawl. Sometimes shortened to {jigger}. jiggery-pokery ety C19: from Scottish dialect joukery-pawkery jiggery-pokery 0. syl jig:ger:y-pok:er:y pron <1Jig*ri1p*uk*ri> pos n. qual Informal, chiefly Brit. def dishonest or deceitful behaviour or business; trickery. jiggle ety C19: frequentative of #7jig ; compare #7joggle jiggle 0. syl jig+gle pron <1JigL> pos vb. def to move or cause to move up and down or to and fro with a short jerky motion. exam 1 to jiggle the door handle. jiggly sub head jiggle syl jig+gly pos adj. jigsaw ety C19: from #7jig (to jerk up and down rapidly)+{#7saw %1} jigsaw 1. syl jig+saw pron <1Jig2sc:> pos n. def a mechanical saw with a fine steel blade for cutting intricate curves in sheets of material. jigsaw 2. syl jig+saw pron <1Jig2sc:> pos n. def See {jigsaw puzzle}. jigsaw puzzle 0. syl jig+saw puz+zle pos n. def a puzzle in which the player has to reassemble a picture that has been mounted on a wooden or cardboard base and cut into a large number of irregularly shaped interlocking pieces. jihad ety C19: from Arabic jih*_ad a conflict jehad alt head jihad or jihad syl je+had pron pos n. jihad 1. or jehad syl ji+had pron pos n. qual Islam. def a holy war against infidels undertaken by Muslims. jihad 2. or jehad syl ji+had pron pos n. qual Rare. def a crusade in support of a cause. jillaroo 0. syl jill:a+roo pron <1Jil*2ru:> pos n. qual Austral. informal. def a female jackaroo. jillion ety C20: fanciful coinage based on #7million, billion, etc. jillion 0. syl jil+lion pron <1Jilj*n> pos n. qual Informal. def an extremely large number or amount. exam 1 jillions of pounds. jillionth sub head jillion syl jil+lionth pos adj. Jilolo 0. syl Ji+lo+lo pron pos n. def a variant spelling of {Djailolo}. See {Halmahera}. jilt ety C17: from dialect jillet flighty girl, diminutive of proper name Gill jilt 1. syl jilt pron pos vb. mod tr. def to leave or reject (a lover), esp. without previous warning. exam 1 she was jilted at the altar. jilt 2. syl jilt pron pos n. def a woman who jilts a lover. jilter sub head jilt syl jilt+er pos n. jim crow ety C19: from Jim Crow, name of song used as the basis of an act by Thomas Rice (1808-60), American entertainer jim crow 1.a. syl jim crow pron <1Jim> <1kr*u> pos n. qual U.S. usage often caps. def the policy or practice of segregating Negroes. jim crow 1.b. syl jim crow pron <1Jim> <1kr*u> pos n. qual U.S. usage often caps.; as modifier exam 1 jim-crow laws. jim crow 2.a. syl jim crow pron <1Jim> <1kr*u> pos n. qual U.S. usage often caps. def a derogatory term for Negro. jim crow 2.b. syl jim crow pron <1Jim> <1kr*u> pos n. qual U.S. usage often caps.; as modifier exam 1 a jim-crow saloon. jim crow 3. syl jim crow pron <1Jim> <1kr*u> pos n. qual U.S. usage often caps. def an implement for bending iron bars or rails. jim crow 4. syl jim crow pron <1Jim> <1kr*u> pos n. qual U.S. usage often caps. def a crowbar fitted with a claw. jim-crowism sub head jim crow syl jim-1crow:ism pos n. Juan Ram'on infl head Jim'enez syl Juan Ra:m*'on pron <$xwan ra1mon). 1881-1958, Spanish lyric poAt. His most famous work is> pos n. Francisco infl head Jim'enez de Cisneros syl Fran:cis:co pron pos n. Jim'enez de Cisneros 0. syl Ji:m*'e:nez de Cis:ne:ros pron Spanish <$xi1mAnAT> pos n. def 1436-1517, Spanish cardinal and statesman; regent of Castile (1506-07) and Spain (1516-17) and grand inquisitor for Castile and Le*'on (1507-17). Also: {Xi@.me@.nes de Cis@.ne@.ros, Xi@.me@.nez de Cis@.ne@.ros}. jimjams ety C19: whimsical formation based on #7jam %1 jimjams 1. syl jim+jams pron <1Jim2J@mz> pos n. mod pl. def a slang word for {delirium tremens}. jimjams 2. syl jim+jams pron <1Jim2J@mz> pos n. mod pl. def a state of nervous tension, excitement, or anxiety. jimmies infl head jimmy syl jim+mies pos vb. mod pl. jimmying infl head jimmy syl jim+my+ing pos n. jimmied infl head jimmy syl jim+mied. pos n. jimmy 0. syl jim+my pron <1Jimi> pos n. def the U.S. spelling of {jemmy}. Jimmy 0. syl Jim:my pron <1Jimi> pos n. def an informal name for a {Scot}. Jimmy Woodser 1. syl Jim+my Wood+ser pron <2Jimi> <1wudz*> pos n. qual Austral. informal. def a man who drinks by himself. Jimmy Woodser 2. syl Jim+my Wood+ser pron <2Jimi> <1wudz*> pos n. qual Austral. informal. def a drink taken alone. jimson weed ety C17: from earlier Jamestown weed, from Jamestown, Virginia jimson weed 0. syl jim+son weed pron <1JimsN> pos n. def the U.S. name for { {thorn apple} (sense 1}). Jinghis Khan 0. syl Jin:ghis Khan pron <1JiGgis> <1ka:n> pos n. def See {Genghis Khan}. jingle ety C16: probably of imitative origin; compare Dutch jengelen jingle 1. syl jin+gle pron <1JiGgL> pos vb. def to ring or cause to ring lightly and repeatedly. jingle 2. syl jin+gle pron <1JiGgL> pos vb. mod intr. def to sound in a manner suggestive of jingling. exam 1 a jingling verse. jingle 3. syl jin+gle pron <1JiGgL> pos n. def a sound of metal jingling. exam 1 the jingle of the keys. jingle 4. syl jin+gle pron <1JiGgL> pos n. def a catchy and rhythmical verse, song, etc., esp. one used in advertising. jingler sub head jingle syl jin+gler pos n. jingly sub head jingle syl jin+gly pos adj. jingo ety C17: originally perhaps a euphemism for Jesus; applied to bellicose patriots after the use of by Jingo&! in the refrain of a 19th-century music-hall song jingoes infl head jingo syl jin+goes. pos n. mod pl. jingo 1. syl jin+go pron <1JiGg*u> pos n. def a loud and bellicose patriot; chauvinist. jingo 2. syl jin+go pron <1JiGg*u> pos n. def jingoism. by jingo 3. head jingo syl by jingo. pos interj. def an exclamation of surprise. jingoish sub head jingo syl jin+go+ish pos adj. jingoism 0. syl jin+go+ism pron <1JiGg*u2iz*m> pos n. def the belligerent spirit or foreign policy of jingoes; chauvinism. jingoist sub head jingoism syl jin+go+ist pos n. adj. jingoistic sub head jingoism syl jin+go+1is+tic pos adj. jingoistically sub head jingoism syl jin+go+1is+ti+cal+ly pos adv. Jinja 0. syl Jin+ja pron <1JinJ*> pos n. def a town in Uganda, on the N shore of Lake Victoria. Pop.: 52509 (1969). jink ety C18: of Scottish origin, imitative of swift movement jink 1. syl jink pron pos vb. def to move swiftly or jerkily or make a quick turn in order to dodge or elude. {~} jink 2. syl jink pron pos vb. def a jinking movement. jinks ety C18: of unknown origin jinks 0. syl jinks pron pos n. mod pl. def boisterous or mischievous play (esp. in the phrase {high jinks) }. jinn 0. syl jinn pron pos n. mod often functioning as; sing. def the plural of {jinni}. Mohammed Ali infl head Jinnah syl Mo:ham:med A:li. pos n. Jinnah 0. syl Jin:nah pron <1Jin*> pos n. def 1876-1948, Indian Muslim statesman. He campaigned for the partition of India into separate Hindu and Muslim states, becoming first governor general of Pakistan (1947-48). jinni ety C17: from Arabic jinnee infl head jinni syl jin+nee pron , <1Jini> pos n. djinni infl head jinni or djinny syl djin+ni pron , <1Jini> pos n. djinny infl head jinni or djinni syl djin+ny pron , <1Jini> pos n. jinn infl head jinni or djinn syl jinn pron pos n. mod pl. djinn infl head jinni or jinn syl djinn pron pos n. mod pl. jinni 0. syl jin+ni pron , <1Jini> pos n. def a spirit in Muslim mythology who could assume human or animal form and influence man by supernatural powers. jinrikisha ety C19: from Japanese, from jin man+ riki power+ sha carriage jinricksha infl head jinrikisha syl jin+rick+sha pron , <-S*> pos n. jinrickshaw infl head jinrikisha or jinriksha syl jin+rick+shaw pron , <-S*> pos n. jinriksha infl head jinrikisha or jinrickshaw syl jin+rik+sha pron , <-S*> pos n. jinrikisha 0. syl jin+rik:i+sha pron , <-S*> pos n. def other names for {rickshaw}. jinx ety C20: perhaps from New Latin Jynx genus name of the wryneck, from Greek iunx wryneck, the name of a bird used in magic jinx 1. syl jinx pron pos n. def an unlucky or malevolent force, person, or thing. jinx 2. syl jinx pron pos vb. mod tr. def to be or put a jinx on. jipijapa ety American Spanish, after Jipijapa, Ecuador jipijapa 0. syl ji+pi+ja+pa pron <2hEpE1ha:pa:> pos n. def a palmlike plant, of central and South America, whose fanlike leaves are bleached for making panama hats: family jissom ety of unknown origin jissom 0. syl jis+som pron <1Jis*m> pos n. qual Taboo. def an informal word for {semen}. jitney ety C20: of unknown origin jitney 1. syl jit+ney pron <1Jitni> pos n. qual U.S., now rare. def a small bus that carries passengers for a low price, originally five cents. jitney 2. syl jit+ney pron <1Jitni> pos n. qual U.S., now rare.; Slang. def a nickel; five cents. jitter ety C20: of unknown origin jitter 1. syl jit+ter pron <1Jit*> pos vb. mod intr. qual Informal. def to be anxious or nervous. the jitters 2. head jitter syl the jitters. qual Informal. def nervousness and anxiety. jitter 3. syl jit+ter pron <1Jit*> pos n. qual Informal.; Electronics. def small rapid variations in a waveform arising from fluctuations in the voltage supply, mechanical vibrations, etc. jittery sub head jitter syl jit+ter:y pos adj. jitterbug 1. syl jit:ter+bug pron <1Jit*2b^g> pos n. def a fast jerky American dance, usually to a jazz accompaniment, that was popular in the 1940s. jitterbug 2. syl jit:ter+bug pron <1Jit*2b^g> pos n. def a person who dances the jitterbug. jitterbug 3. syl jit:ter+bug pron <1Jit*2b^g> pos n. def a highly nervous or@T excitable@T person. jitterbug 4. syl jit:ter+bug pron <1Jit*2b^g> pos n. mod intr. usage vb.@T def to perform such a dance. jiujutsu alt head jiujitsu or jiujitsu syl jiu+jut+su pron pos n. jiujitsu 0. or jiujutsu syl jiu+jit+su pron pos n. def variant spellings of {jujitsu}. jive ety C20: of unknown origin &- #!jiv+er n. jive 1. syl jive pron pos n. def a style of lively and jerky dance performed to jazz and, later, to rock-and-roll, popular esp. in the 1940s and 1950s. jive 2. syl jive pron pos n. def Also called: {jive talk}. a variety of American slang spoken chiefly by Blacks, esp. jazz musicians. {~} jive 3. syl jive pron pos n. mod intr. def to dance the jive. JJ 1. syl JJ. qual abbrev. for: def Judges. JJ 2. syl JJ. qual abbrev. for: def Justices. jnd 0. syl j.n.d. qual Psychol. abbrev. for def just noticeable difference. Jnr 0. syl Jnr. qual abbrev. for def junior. jo ety C16: alteration of #7joy joe alt head jo or jo syl joe pron pos n. joes infl head jo syl joes. pos n. mod pl. jo 0. or joe syl jo pron pos n. def a Scot. word for {sweetheart}. Joab 0. syl Jo:ab pron <1J*u@b> pos n. qual Old Testament. def the successful commander of King David's forces and the slayer of Abner and Absalom (II Samuel 2:18-23; 3:24-27; 18:14-15). Joseph infl head Joachim syl Jo:seph pron <1jo:zef> pos n. Joachim 1. syl Jo:a:chim pron <1jo:a$xim> pos n. def 1831-1907, Hungarian violinist and composer. Saint infl head Joachim syl Saint. pos n. Joachim 2. syl Jo:a:chim pron <1J*u*kim> pos n. def 1st century #7b.c., traditionally the father of the Virgin Mary; feast day: Aug. 16. Joan 0. syl Joan pron pos n. def known as 1328-85, wife of Edward the Black Prince; mother of Richard II. joannes infl syl jo+an+nes. pos n. mod pl. joannes 0. syl jo+an+nes pron pos n. def a variant spelling of {johannes}. Saint infl head Joan of Arc syl Saint. pos n. Joan of Arc 0. syl Joan of Arc pos n. def known also as French name ??1412-31, French national heroine, who led the army that relieved Orl*'eans in the Hundred Years' War, enabling Charles VII to be crowned at Reims (1429). After being captured (1430), she was burnt at the stake as a heretic. She was canonized in 1920. Feast day: May 30. Joao Pessoa 0. syl Jo:?~ao Pes+so:a pron Portuguese pos n. def a port in NE Brazil, capital of Para*'iba state. Pop.: 197398 (1970). Former name (until 1930): {Para*'iba}. job ety C16: of uncertain origin job 1. syl job pron pos n. def an individual piece of work or task. job 2. syl job pron pos n. def an occupation; post of employment. job 3. syl job pron pos n. def an object worked on or a result produced from working. job 4. syl job pron pos n. def a duty or responsibility. exam 1 her job was to cook the dinner. job 5. syl job pron pos n. qual Informal. def a difficult task or problem. exam 1 I had a job to contact him. job 6. syl job pron pos n. qual Informal. def a damaging piece of work. exam 1 he really did a job on that. job 7. syl job pron pos n. qual Informal. def a crime, esp. a robbery or burglary. job 8. syl job pron pos n. def an instance of jobbery. job 9. syl job pron pos n. qual Computer technol. def a unit of work for a computer. job 10. syl job pron pos n. qual Informal. def a state of affairs. exam 1 make the best of a bad job; exam 2 it's a good job I saw you. job 11.a. syl job pron pos n. def actively engaged in one's employment. job 11.b. syl job pron pos n. qual Brit. taboo. def engaged in sexual intercourse. just the job 12. head job syl just the job. def exactly what was required. jobs infl head job syl jobs pos vb. jobbing infl head job syl job+bing pos vb. jobbed infl head job syl jobbed. pos vb. job 13. syl job pron pos vb. mod intr. def to work by the piece or at casual jobs. job 14. syl job pron pos vb. def to make a private profit out of (a public office, etc.). job 15.a. syl job pron pos vb. def to buy and sell (goods or services) as a middleman. exam 1 he jobs in government surplus. job 15.b. syl job pron pos vb. qual Brit. def to buy and sell stocks and shares as a stockjobber. exam 1 he jobs in blue chips. job 16. syl job pron pos vb. mod tr. usage often foll. by out def to apportion (a contract, work, etc.) among several contractors, workers, etc. Job 1. syl Job pron pos n. qual Old Testament. def a Jewish patriarch, who maintained his faith in God in spite of the afflictions sent by God to test him. Job 2. syl Job pron pos n. qual Old Testament. def the book containing Job's pleas to God under these afflictions, attempted explanations of them by his friends, and God's reply to him. Job 3. syl Job pron pos n. qual Old Testament. def any person who withstands great suffering without despairing. jobber 1. syl job+ber pron <1Job*> pos n. qual Brit. def short for { {stockjobber} (sense 1)}. jobber 2. syl job+ber pron <1Job*> pos n. def a person who jobs. jobbery 0. syl job+ber:y pron <1Job*ri> pos n. def the practice of making private profit out of a public office; corruption or graft. jobbing printer 0. syl job+bing print+er pos n. def one who prints mainly commercial and display work rather than books or newspapers. Jobcentre 0. syl Job+cen+tre pron <1Jobsent*> pos n. qual Brit. def any of a number of government offices forming a section of the Employment Service Agency, having premises situated in the main shopping area of a town in which people seeking jobs can consult displayed advertisements in informal surroundings. Job Corps 0. syl Job Corps pos n. qual U.S. def a Federal organization established in 1964 to train unemployed youths in order to make it easier for them to find work. jobless 1. syl job+less pron <1Joblis> pos adj. def unemployed. the jobless 2. head jobless syl the jobless. def unemployed people collectively. joblessness sub head jobless syl job+less+ness pos n. job lot 1. syl job lot pos n. def a miscellaneous collection of articles sold as a lot. job lot 2. syl job lot pos n. def a collection of cheap or trivial items. Job's comforter 0. syl Job's com+fort+er pos n. def a person who, while purporting to give sympathy, succeeds only in adding to distress. Job's-tears 1. syl Job's-tears pos n. mod functioning as; sing. def a tropical Asian grass, cultivated for its white beadlike modified leaves, which contain edible seeds. Job's-tears 2. syl Job's-tears pos n. mod functioning as; pl. def the beadlike structures of this plant, used as rosary or ornamental beads. Jocasta 0. syl Jo:cas:ta pron pos n. qual Greek myth. def a queen of Thebes, the wife of Laius, who married Oedipus without either of them knowing he was her son. Eugen infl head Jochum syl Eu:gen pron <1cig*n> pos n. Jochum 0. syl Jo:chum pron German <1jc$xum> pos n. def born 1902, German orchestral conductor. jock 0. syl jock pron pos n. qual Informal. def short for {jockey} or {jockstrap}. Jock 0. syl Jock pron pos n. def a slang word or name for a Scot. jockey ety C16 (in the sense: lad): from name Jock+ -#7ey jockey 1. syl jock+ey pron <1Joki> pos n. def a person who rides horses in races, esp. as a profession or for hire. jockey 2.a. syl jock+ey pron <1Joki> pos vb. def to ride (a horse) in a race. jockey 2.b. syl jock+ey pron <1Joki> pos vb. mod intr. def to ride as a jockey. jockey 3. syl jock+ey pron <1Joki> pos vb. usage often foll. by for def to try to obtain an advantage by manoeuvring, esp. literally in a race or metaphorically, as in a struggle for power (esp. in the phrase {jockey for position}) . jockey 4. syl jock+ey pron <1Joki> pos vb. def to trick or cheat (a person). jockey cap 0. syl jock+ey cap pos n. def a cap with a long peak projecting upwards from the forehead. Jockey Club 0. syl Jock+ey Club pos n. qual Brit. def the governing body that regulates and controls horse-racing both on the flat and over jumps. jocko ety C19: from French, based on Bantu ngeko jockos infl head jocko syl jock:os. pos n. mod pl. jocko 0. syl jock:o pron <1Jok*u> pos n. def a W African name for {chimpanzee}. jockstrap ety C20: from slang jock penis+#7strap jockstrap 0. syl jock+strap pron <1Jok2str@p> pos n. def a piece of elasticated material worn by men, esp. athletes, to support the genitals. Also called: {athletic supporter}. jocose ety C17: from Latin joc*_osus given to jesting, from jocus #7joke jocose 0. syl jo+cose pron pos adj. def characterized by humour; merry. jocosely sub head jocose syl jo+1cose+ly pos adv. jocoseness sub head jocose or jocosity syl jo+1cose+ness pron pos n. jocosity sub head jocose or jocoseness syl jo+cos+i:ty pron pos n. jocular ety C17: from Latin@T jocul*_aris,@T from@T joculus @T little@T #7joke jocular 1. syl joc:u+lar pron <1Jokjul*> pos adj. def characterized by joking and good humour. jocular 2. syl joc:u+lar pron <1Jokjul*> pos adj. def meant lightly or humorously; facetious. jocularity sub head jocular syl joc:u+lar+i:ty pron <2Jokju1l@riti> pos n. jocularly sub head jocular syl joc:u+lar+ly pos adv. jocund ety C14: from Late Latin jocundus, from Latin j*_ucundus pleasant, from juv*_are to please jocund 0. syl joc+und pron <1Jok*nd> pos adj. def of a humorous temperament; merry. jocundity sub head jocund or jocundness syl jo+cun+di:ty pron pos n. jocundness sub head jocund or jocundity syl joc+und+ness pos n. jocundly sub head jocund syl joc+und+ly pos adv. Jodhpur 1. syl Jodh+pur pron <2Jod1pu*> pos n. def a former state of NW India, one of the W Rajputana states: now part of Rajasthan. Jodhpur 2. syl Jodh+pur pron <2Jod1pu*> pos n. def a walled city in NW India, in W Rajasthan: university (1962). Pop.: 317612 (1971). Jodhpuri sub head Jodhpur syl Jodh+pu+ri pron <1Jodpuri> pos adj. Jodhpuri coat ety named after J#7odhpur Jodhpuri coat 0. syl Jodh+pu+ri coat pos n. def a coat worn by men in India, similar to but shorter than a sherwani. jodhpurs ety C19: from the town J#7odhpur jodhpurs 1. syl jodh+purs pron <1Jodp*z> pos n. mod pl. def riding breeches, loose-fitting around the hips and tight-fitting from the thighs to the ankles. jodhpurs 2. syl jodh+purs pron <1Jodp*z> pos n. mod pl. def Also called: {jodhpur boots}. ankle-length leather riding boots. Jodo ety from Japanese Jodo 0. syl Jo:do pron <1J*u2d*u> pos n. def a Japanese Buddhist sect teaching salvation through faith in Buddha. Jodrell Bank 0. syl Jod+rell Bank pron <1Jodr*l> pos n. def an astronomical observatory in NW England, in Cheshire: radio telescope with a steerable parabolic dish, 75 m (250 ft.) in diameter. Joe 1. syl Joe pron pos n. qual U.S. slang. def a man or fellow. Joe 2. syl Joe pron pos n. qual U.S. slang. def a G.I.; soldier. Joe Blow 0. syl Joe Blow pos n. qual Chiefly U.S. and Austral. slang. def an average or typical man. Joel 1. syl Jo:el pron <1J*u*l> pos n. qual Old Testament. def a Hebrew prophet. Joel 2. syl Jo:el pron <1J*u*l> pos n. qual Old Testament. def the book containing his oracles. joe-pye weed ety C19: of unknown origin joe-pye weed 0. syl joe-pye weed pron <1J*u1pI> pos n. qual U.S. def any of several North American plants of the genus esp. having pale purplish clusters of flower heads lacking rays: family (composites). joey ety C19: from a native Australian language joey 1. syl jo:ey pron <1J*ui> pos n. qual Austral. informal. def a young kangaroo. joey 2. syl jo:ey pron <1J*ui> pos n. qual Austral. informal. def a young animal or child. Joey Hooker 0. syl Jo:ey Hook+er pron <1J*ui> <1huk*> pos n. def another name for {gallant soldier} (a plant). Joseph Jacques C'esaire infl head Joffre syl Jos:eph Jacques C*'e:saire pron pos n. Joffre 0. syl Jof:fre pron French <1Zcfr> pos n. def 1852-1931, French marshal. He commanded the French army (1914-16) and was largely responsible for the Allies' victory at the Marne (1914), which halted the German advance on Paris. jog ety C14: probably variant of shog to shake, influenced by dialect jot to jolt jogs infl head jog syl jogs pos vb. jogging infl head jog syl jog+ging pos vb. jogged infl head jog syl jogged. pos vb. jog H1.1. syl jog pron pos vb. mod intr. def to run or move slowly or at a jog trot, esp. for physical exercise. jog H1.2. syl jog pron pos vb. mod intr. usage foll. by on or along def to continue in a plodding way. jog H1.3. syl jog pron pos vb. mod tr. def to jar or nudge slightly; shake lightly. jog H1.4. syl jog pron pos vb. mod tr. def to remind; stimulate. exam 1 please jog my memory. jog H1.5. syl jog pron pos vb. mod tr. qual Printing. def to even up the edges of (a stack of paper); square up. jog H1.6. syl jog pron pos n. def the act of jogging. jog H1.7. syl jog pron pos n. def a slight jar or nudge. jog H1.8. syl jog pron pos n. def a jogging motion; trot. jogger sub head jog syl jog+ger pos n. jog ety C18: probably variant of #7jag %1 jog H2.1. syl jog pron pos n. qual U.S. def a sharp protruding point in a surface; jag. jog H2.2. syl jog pron pos n. qual U.S. def a sudden change in course or direction. joggle ety C16: frequentative of #7jog %1 joggle 1. syl jog+gle pron <1JogL> pos vb. def to shake or move (someone or something) with a slightly jolting motion. joggle 2. syl jog+gle pron <1JogL> pos vb. mod tr. def to join or fasten (two pieces of building material) by means of a joggle. joggle 3. syl jog+gle pron <1JogL> pos n. def the act of joggling. joggle 4. syl jog+gle pron <1JogL> pos n. def a slight irregular shake; jolt. joggle 5. syl jog+gle pron <1JogL> pos n. def a joint between two pieces of building material by means of a projection on one piece that fits into a notch in the other; dowel. joggle 6. syl jog+gle pron <1JogL> pos n. def a shoulder designed to take the thrust of a strut or brace. joggler sub head joggle syl jog+gler pos n. joggle post 0. syl jog+gle post pos n. def a post or beam consisting of two timbers joined to each other by joggles. Jokjakarta infl head Jogjakarta or Djokjakarta syl Jok+ja+kar+ta pron <2J*ukja:1ka:ta:>, <2Jok-> pos n. Djokjakarta infl head Jogjakarta or Jokjakarta syl Djok+ja+kar+ta pron <2J*ukja:1ka:ta:>, <2Jok-> pos n. Jogjakarta 0. syl Jog+ja+kar+ta pron <2J*ugja:1ka:ta:>, <2Jog-> pos n. def a city in S Indonesia, in central Java: seat of government of Indonesia (1946-49); university (1949). Pop.: 342267 (1971). jog trot 1. syl jog trot pos n. def an easy bouncy gait, esp. of a horse, midway between a walk and a trot. jog trot 2. syl jog trot pos n. def a monotonous or regular way of living or doing something. jog-trot infl head jog trot syl jog-trot pos vb. jog trots infl head jog trot syl jog trots pos vb. jog trotting infl head jog trot syl jog trot:ting pos vb. jog trotted infl head jog trot syl jog trot:ted. pos vb. jog trot 3. syl jog trot pos vb. mod intr. def to move at a jog trot. johannes ety C18: after Joannes (King John V) of Portugal, whose name was inscribed on the coin joannes alt head johannes or johannes syl jo+an+nes pos n. johannes infl syl jo+han+nes. pos n. mod pl. johannes 0. or joannes syl jo+han+nes pron pos n. def a Portu?!guese gold coin minted in the early 18th century. Johannesburg 0. syl Jo+han+nes+burg pron pos n. def a city in South Africa, in S Transvaal: South Africa's largest city and chief industrial centre; grew with the establishment in 1886 of the gold-mining industry; University of Witwatersrand (1922). Pop.: 1407963 (1970). john ety C20: special use of the proper name john 0. syl john pron pos n. qual U.S. def a slang word for {lavatory}. John 1.a. syl John pron pos n. def the apostle John, the son of Zebedee, identified with the author of the fourth Gospel, three epistles, and the book of Revelation. John 1.b. syl John pron pos n. def the fourth Gospel. John 1.c. syl John pron pos n. def any of three epistles (in full {The First, Second}, and {Third Epistles of John}) . John 2. syl John pron pos n. def See {John the Baptist}. John 3. syl John pron pos n. def known as 1167-1216, king of England (1199-1216); son of Henry II. He succeeded to the throne on the death of his brother Richard I, having previously tried to usurp the throne. War with France led to the loss of most of his French possessions. After his refusal to recognize Stephen Langton as archbishop of Canterbury an interdict was imposed on England (1208-14). In 1215 he was compelled by the barons to sign the Magna Carta. Augustus (Edwin) 4. head John syl Au:gus:tus (Edwin) def 1878-1961, Welsh paint?!er, esp. of portraits. Barry 5. head John syl Bar:ry. def born 1945, British Rugby Union footballer: halfback for Wales (1966-72) and the British Lions (1968-71). Elton 6. head John syl El:ton. def original name born 1947, English rock pianist, composer, and singer. His albums include (1970), (1973), and (1973). The words of almost all his songs are by Bernie Taupin. John I 0. syl John I pos n. def called 1357-1433, king of Portugal (1385-1433). He secured independence for Portugal by his victory over Castile (1385) and initiated Portuguese overseas expansion. John III 0. syl John III pos n. def surnamed 1624-96, king of Poland (1674-96). He raised the Turkish siege of Vienna (1683). John XXII 0. syl John XXII pos n. def original name ??1244-1334, pope (1316-34), residing at Avignon; involved in a long conflict with the Holy Roman Emperor Louis IV and opposed the Franciscan Spirituals. John XXIII 0. syl John XXIII pos n. def original name 1881-1963, pope (1958-63). He promoted ecumenicalism and world peace and summoned the second Vatican Council (1962-65). John Barleycorn 0. syl John Bar:ley+corn pos n. qual Usually humorous. def the personification of alcoholic drink, esp. of malt spirits. John Birch Society ety C20: named after John Birch (died 1945), American USAF captain John Birch Society 0. syl John Birch So+ci+e:ty pos n. qual U.S. politics. def a fanatical right-wing association organized along semisecret lines to fight Communism. John Bull ety C18: name of a character intended to be representative of the English nation in The History of John Bull (1712) by John Arbuthnot &- John Bull+ish adj. John Bull 1. syl John Bull pos n. def a personification of England or the English people. John Bull 2. syl John Bull pos n. def a typical Englishman. John Bullishness sub head John Bull syl John Bull+ish+ness pos n. John Bullism sub head John Bull syl John Bull+ism pos n. Saint infl head John Chrysostom syl Saint. pos n. John Chrysostom 0. syl John Chrys:os:tom pron <1kris*st*m> pos n. def ??345-407 #7a.d., Greek bishop and theologian; one of the Fathers of the Greek Church, noted for his eloquence. Feast day: Jan. 27. John Doe 0. syl John Doe pos n. def See {Doe}. John Dory ety C18: from proper name John+{#7dory %2}; on the model of D#7oe John Dory 0. syl John Do:ry pron <1dc:ri> pos n. def a European dory (the fish), having a deep compressed body, spiny dorsal fins, and massive mobile jaws. John Hancock ety after John H#7ancock, from his clear and legible signature on the American Declaration of Independence John Hancock 0. syl John Han:cock pos n. qual U.S. informal. def a person's signature. exam 1 put your John Hancock on this form. johnnies infl head johnny syl john+nies. pos n. mod pl. johnny 1. syl john+ny pron <1Joni> pos n. qual Brit.; Informal. usage often cap. def a man or boy; chap. johnny 2. syl john+ny pron <1Joni> pos n. qual Brit. def a slang word for {condom}. johnny cake 0. syl john+ny cake pos n. qual Austral. def a thin cake of flour and water paste cooked in the ashes of a fire or in a pan. Johnny Canuck 1. syl John+ny Ca+nuck pron <1Joni> pos n. qual Canadian. def an informal name for a {Canadian}. Johnny Canuck 2. syl John+ny Ca+nuck pron <1Joni> pos n. qual Canadian. def a personification of Canada. Johnny-jump-up ety C19: so called from its quick growth Johnny-jump-up 0. syl John:ny-jump-up pos n. qual U.S. def any of several violaceous plants, esp. the wild pansy. Johnny Reb ety C19: from #7rebel (n.) Johnny Reb 0. syl John+ny Reb pos n. usage U.S. informal. in the American Civil War def a Confederate soldier. John of Austria 0. syl John of Aus+tri:a pos n. def called 1547-78, Spanish general: defeated the Turks at Lepanto (1571). Saint infl head John of Damascus syl Saint. pos n. John of Damascus 0. syl John of Da+mas+cus pos n. def ??675-749 #7a.d., Syrian theologian, who defended image worship against the iconoclasts. Feast day: March 27. John of Gaunt ety Gaunt, variant of G#7hent, where he was born John of Gaunt 0. syl John of Gaunt pron pos n. def Duke of Lancaster. 1340-99, son of Edward III: virtual ruler of England during the last years of his father's reign and during Richard II's minority. John of Leyden 0. syl John of Ley+den pron <1lIdN> pos n. def original name ??1509-36, Dutch Anabaptist leader. He established a theoc?!racy in M*"unster (1534) but was tortured to death after the city was recaptured (1535) by its prince bishop. John of Salisbury 0. syl John of Salis+bur:y pos n. def died 1180, English ecclesiastic and scholar; bishop of Chartres (1176-80). He supported Thomas *`a Becket against Henry II. Saint infl head John of the Cross syl Saint. pos n. John of the Cross 0. syl John of the Cross pos n. def original name 1542-91, Spanish Carmelite monk, poet, and mystic. He founded the Discalced Carmelites with Saint Teresa (1568). Feast day: Nov. 24. John o'Groats 0. syl John o'Groats pron <*1gr*uts> pos n. def a village at the northwesternmost tip of the Scottish mainland: considered to be the northernmost point of the mainland of Great Britain although Dunnet Head, slightly to the west, lies further north. See also {Land's End}. John Paul I 0. syl John Paul I pos n. def original name 1912-78, pope (1978) whose brief 33-day reign was characterized by a simpler less pompous papal style and anticipated an emphasis on pastoral rather than administrative priorities. John Paul II 0. syl John Paul II pos n. def original name born 1920, pope since 1978, born in Poland: the first non-Italian to be elected since 1522. Amy 1. head Johnson syl A:my. def 1903-41, English flier, who made several record flights, including those to Australia (1930) and to Cape Town and back (1936). Andrew 2. head Johnson syl An:drew. def 1808-75, U.S. Democrat statesman; 17th president of the U.S. (1865-69). His lenience towards the South after the American Civil War led to strong opposition from radical Republicans, who tried to impeach him. Jack 3. head Johnson syl Jack. def 1878-1946, U.S. boxer; world heavyweight champion (1908-15). Lyndon Baines 4. head Johnson syl Lyn:don Baines def known as 1908-73, U.S. Democrat statesman; 36th president of the U.S. (1963-69). His administration carried the Civil Rights Acts of 1964 and 1965, but he lost popularity by increasing U.S. involvement in the Vietnam war. Robert 5. head Johnson syl Rob:ert. def ??1898-1937, U.S. blues singer and guitarist. Samuel 6. head Johnson syl Sam:u:el def known as 1709-84, English lexicographer, critic, and conversationalist, whose greatest works are his (1755), his edition of Shakespeare (1765), and his (1779-81). His fame, however, rests as much on Boswell's biography of him as on his literary output. Johnson grass ety C19: named after William Johnson (died 1859), American agriculturalist who introduced it Johnson grass 0. syl John:son grass pos n. def a persistent perennial Mediterranean grass, cultivated for hay and pasture in the U.S. where it also grows as a weed. See also {sorghum}. Johnsonian 0. syl John+so+ni:an pron pos adj. def of, relating to, or characteristic of Samuel Johnson, his works, or his style of writing. John the Baptist 0. syl John the Bap+tist pos n. qual New Testament. def the son of Zacharias and Elizabeth and the cousin and forerunner of Jesus, whom he baptized. He was beheaded by Herod (Matthew 14:1-2). Johore 0. syl Jo+hore pron pos n. def a state of Malaysia, on the S Malay Peninsula: mostly forested, with large swamps; bauxite- and iron-mining. Capital: Johore Bahru. Pop.: 1271794 (1970). Area: 18984 sq. km (7330 sq. miles). Johore Bahru 0. syl Jo+hore Bah+ru pron <1ba:ru:> pos n. def a city in S Malaysia, capital of Johore state: important trading centre, situated at the sole crossing point of {Johore Strait} (between Malaya and Singapore Island). Pop.: 135936 (1970). joie de vivre 0. syl joie de vi+vre pron French. <1vivr> pos n. def joy of living; enjoyment of life; ebullience. join ety C13: from Old French joindre from Latin jungere to yoke join 1. syl join pron pos vb. def to come or bring together; connect. join 2. syl join pron pos vb. def to become a member of (a club, organization, etc.). join 3. syl join pron pos vb. mod intr. usage often foll. by with def to become associated or allied. join 4. syl join pron pos vb. mod intr. usage usually foll. by in def to take part. join 5. syl join pron pos vb. mod tr. def to meet (someone) as a companion. join 6. syl join pron pos vb. mod tr. def to become part of; take a place in or with. join 7. syl join pron pos vb. mod tr. def to unite (two people) in marriage. join 8. syl join pron pos vb. mod tr. qual Geom. def to connect with a straight line or a curve. join 9. syl join pron pos vb. mod tr. def an informal word for {adjoin}. join battle 10. head join syl join battle. def to engage in conflict or competition. join duty 11. head join syl join duty. qual Indian. def to report for work after a period of leave or a strike. join 12.a. syl join pron pos vb. def to hold one's own hands together. join 12.b. syl join pron pos vb. usage of two people def to hold each other's hands. join 12.c. syl join pron pos vb. usage usually foll. by with def to work together in an enterprise or task. join 13. syl join pron pos n. def a joint; seam. join 14. syl join pron pos n. def the act of joining. join 15. syl join pron pos n. qual Maths. def another name for { {union} (sense 9)}. {~} See {join up}. joinable sub head join syl join+a:ble pos adj. joinder ety C17: from French joindre to #7join joinder 1. syl join+der pron <1Jcind*> pos n. def the act of joining, esp. in legal contexts. joinder 2.a. syl join+der pron <1Jcind*> pos n. usage in pleading def the stage at which the parties join issue ({joinder of issue}) . joinder 2.b. syl join+der pron <1Jcind*> pos n. def the joining of two or more persons as coplaintiffs or codefendants ({joinder of parties}) . joinder 2.c. syl join+der pron <1Jcind*> pos n. def the joining of two or more causes in one suit. joiner 1. syl join+er pron <1Jcin*> pos n. qual Chiefly Brit. def a person trained and skilled in making finished woodwork, such as windows, doors, and stairs. joiner 2. syl join+er pron <1Jcin*> pos n. def a person or thing that joins. joiner 3. syl join+er pron <1Jcin*> pos n. qual Informal. def a person who joins many clubs, causes, etc. joinery 1. syl join+er:y pron <1Jcin*ri> pos n. def the skill or craft of a joiner. joinery 2. syl join+er:y pron <1Jcin*ri> pos n. def work made by a joiner. joint 1. syl joint pron pos n. def a junction of two or more parts or objects. joint 2. syl joint pron pos n. def the part or space between two such junctions. joint 3. syl joint pron pos n. qual Anatomy. def the junction between two or more bones, usually formed of connective tissue and cartilage. joint 4. syl joint pron pos n. def the point of connection between movable parts in invertebrates, esp. insects and other arthropods. joint 5. syl joint pron pos n. def the part of a plant stem from which a branch or leaf grows. joint 6. syl joint pron pos n. def one of the parts into which a carcass of meat is cut by the butcher, esp. for roasting. joint 7. syl joint pron pos n. qual Geology. def a crack in a rock along which no displacement has occurred. joint 8.a. syl joint pron pos n. def a disreputable establishment, such as a bar or nightclub. joint 8.b. syl joint pron pos n. qual Often facetious. def a dwelling or meeting place. joint 9. syl joint pron pos n. qual Slang. def a marijuana cigarette. joint 10.a. syl joint pron pos n. def dislocated. joint 10.b. syl joint pron pos n. def out of order or disorganized. joint 11. syl joint pron pos adj. def shared by or belonging to two or more. exam 1 joint property. joint 12. syl joint pron pos adj. def created by combined effort. joint 13. syl joint pron pos adj. def sharing with others or with one another. exam 1 joint rulers. joint 14. syl joint pron pos adj. usage Law. of persons def combined in ownership or obligation; regarded as a single entity in law. joint 15. syl joint pron pos vb. mod tr. def to provide with or fasten by a joint or joints. joint 16. syl joint pron pos vb. mod tr. def to plane the edge of (a board, etc.) into the correct shape for a joint. joint 17. syl joint pron pos vb. mod tr. def to cut or divide (meat, fowl, etc.) into joints or at a joint. &- {#!joint+ly} joint account 0. syl joint ac+count pos n. def a bank account registered in the name of two or more persons, any of whom may make deposits and withdrawals. joint density function 0. syl joint den+si:ty func+tion pos n. qual Statistics. def a function of two or more random variables from which can be obtained a single probability that all the variables in the function will take specified values or fall within specified intervals. jointed 1.a. syl joint+ed pron <1Jcintid> pos adj. def having a joint or joints. jointed 1.b. syl joint+ed pron <1Jcintid> pos adj. usage in combination exam 1 large-jointed. jointed 2. syl joint+ed pron <1Jcintid> pos adj. usage of a plant stem or similar part def marked with constrictions, at which the stem breaks into separate portions. jointedly sub head jointed syl joint+ed+ly pos adv. jointedness sub head jointed syl joint+ed+ness pos n. jointer 1. syl joint+er pron <1Jcint*> pos n. def a tool for pointing mortar joints, as in brickwork. jointer 2. syl joint+er pron <1Jcint*> pos n. def Also called: {jointing plane}. a long plane for shaping the edges of planks so that they can be fitted together. jointer 3. syl joint+er pron <1Jcint*> pos n. def a person or thing that makes joints. joint resolution 0. syl joint res:o+lu+tion pos n. qual U.S. def a resolution passed by both houses of a bicameral legislature, signed by the chief executive and legally binding. jointress 0. syl joint+ress pron <1Jcintris> pos n. qual Law. def a woman entitled to a jointure. joint stock 0. syl joint stock pos n. def capital funds held in common and usually divided into shares between the owners. joint-stock company 1. syl joint-stock com+pa+ny pos n. qual Brit. def a business enterprise characterized by its separate legal existence and the sharing of ownership between shareholders, whose liability is limited. joint-stock company 2. syl joint-stock com+pa+ny pos n. qual U.S. def a business enterprise whose owners are issued shares of transferable stock but do not enjoy limited liability. jointure ety C14: from Old French, from Latin junct*_ura a joining jointure 1.a. syl join+ture pron <1JcinC*> pos n. def provision made by a husband for his wife by settling property upon her at marriage for her use after his death. jointure 1.b. syl join+ture pron <1JcinC*> pos n. def the property so settled. jointure 2. syl join+ture pron <1JcinC*> pos n. qual Obsolete. def the act of joining or the condition of being joined. jointworm 0. syl joint+worm pron <1Jcint2wR:m> pos n. qual U.S. def the larva of chalcid flies of the genus esp. which form galls on the stems of cereal plants. join up 1. syl join up pos vb. adv. mod intr. def to become a member of a military or other organization; enlist. join up 2. syl join up pos vb. adv. usage often foll. by with def to unite or connect. Jean de infl head Joinville syl Jean de pron <1Z?~a> pos n. Joinville 0. syl Join:ville pron French pos n. def ??1224-1317, French chronicler, noted for his (1309). joist ety C14: from Old French giste beam supporting a bridge, from Vulgar Latin jacitum (unattested) support, from jac*_ere to lie joist 1. syl joist pron pos n. def a beam made of timber, steel, or reinforced concrete, used in the construction of floors, roofs, etc. See also {rolled-steel joist}. joist 2. syl joist pron pos vb. mod tr. def to construct (a floor, roof, etc.) with joists. joke ety C17: from Latin jocus a jest &- #!jok+ey or #!jok@.y adj. joke 1. syl joke pron pos n. def a humorous anecdote. joke 2. syl joke pron pos n. def something that is said or done for fun; prank. joke 3. syl joke pron pos n. def a ridiculous or humorous circumstance. joke 4. syl joke pron pos n. def a person or thing inspiring ridicule or amusement; butt. joke 5. syl joke pron pos n. def a matter to be joked about or ignored. no joke 6. head joke syl no joke. def something very serious. joke 7. syl joke pron pos vb. mod intr. def to tell jokes. joke 8. syl joke pron pos vb. mod intr. def to speak or act facetiously or in fun. joke 9. syl joke pron pos vb. def to make fun of (someone); tease. jokingly sub head joke syl jok+ing+ly pos adv. joker 1. syl jok+er pron <1J*uk*> pos n. def a person who jokes, esp. in an obnoxious manner. joker 2. syl jok+er pron <1J*uk*> pos n. qual Slang. def a man; fellow. joker 3. syl jok+er pron <1J*uk*> pos n. def an extra playing card in a pack, which in many card games can substitute for or rank above any other card. joker 4. syl jok+er pron <1J*uk*> pos n. qual Chiefly U.S. def a clause or phrase in?!serted in a legislative bill in order to make the bill inoperative or to alter its apparent effect. Jokjakarta 0. syl Jok+ja+kar+ta pron <2J*ukja:1ka:ta:>, <2Jok-> pos n. def a variant spelling of {Jogjakarta}. Jean-Fr'ed'eric infl head Joliot-Curie syl Jean-Fr*'e:d*'e:ric pron pos n. Joliot-Curie 0. syl Jo:liot-Cu:rie pron French pos n. def 1900-58, and his wife, {I@.r*`ene} (i#!r$en), 1897-1956, French physicists: shared the Nobel prize for chemistry in 1935 for discovering artificial radioactivity. jollification 0. syl jol+li+fi+ca+tion pron <2Jolifi1kAS*n> pos n. def a merry festivity. jollifies infl head jollify syl jol+li+fies pos vb. jollifying infl head jollify syl jol+li+fy+ing pos vb. jollified infl head jollify syl jol+li+fied. pos vb. jollify 0. syl jol+li+fy pron <1Joli2fI> pos vb. def to be or cause to be jolly. jollities 0. syl jol+li:ties pron <1Jolitiz> pos n. mod pl. qual Brit. def a party or celebration. jollities infl head jollity syl jol+li:ties. pos n. mod pl. jollity 0. syl jol+li:ty pron <1Joliti> pos n. def the condition of being jolly. jolly ety C14: from Old French jolif, probably from Old Norse j*_ol #7yule jollier infl head jolly syl jol+li+er pos adj. jolliest infl head jolly syl jol+li+est. pos adj. jolly 1. syl jol+ly pron <1Joli> pos adj. def full of good humour; jovial. jolly 2. syl jol+ly pron <1Joli> pos adj. def having or provoking gaiety and merrymaking; festive. jolly 3. syl jol+ly pron <1Joli> pos adj. def greatly enjoyable; pleasing. jollies infl head jolly syl jol+lies pos vb. mod tr. jollying infl head jolly syl jol+ly+ing pos vb. mod tr. jollied infl head jolly syl jol+lied. pos vb. mod tr. jolly 5. syl jol+ly pron <1Joli> pos vb. mod tr. qual Informal. usage often foll. by up or along def to try to make or keep (someone) cheerful. jolly 6. syl jol+ly pron <1Joli> pos vb. mod tr. qual Informal. def to make good-natured fun of. jolliness sub head jolly syl jol+li+ness pos n. jolly boat ety C18: jolly probably from Danish jolle {#7yawl %1} jolly boat 1. syl jol+ly boat pos n. def a small boat used as a utility tender for a vessel. jolly boat 2. syl jol+ly boat pos n. def a small sailing boat used for pleasure. Jolly Roger 0. syl Jol+ly Rog+er pos n. def the traditional pirate flag, consisting of a white skull and crossbones on a black field. Jolo 0. syl Jo:lo pron pos n. def an island in the SW Philippines: the main island of the Sulu Archipelago. Pop.: 249860 (1970). Area: 893 sq. km (345 sq. miles). Al infl head Jolson syl Al pos n. Jolson 0. syl Jol:son pron <1J*uls*n> pos n. def original name 1886-1950, U.S. singer and film actor; star of the first talking picture (1927). jolt ety C16: probably blend of dialect jot to jerk and dialect joll to bump jolt 1. syl jolt pron pos vb. mod tr. def to bump against with a jarring blow; jostle. jolt 2. syl jolt pron pos vb. mod tr. def to move in a jolting manner. jolt 3. syl jolt pron pos vb. mod tr. def to surprise or shock. jolt 4. syl jolt pron pos n. mod tr. def a sudden jar or blow. jolt 5. syl jolt pron pos n. mod tr. def an emotional shock. jolter sub head jolt syl jolt+er pos n. joltingly sub head jolt syl jolt+ing+ly pos adv. jolty sub head jolt syl jolt:y pos adj. Jon 0. syl Jon. qual Bible. abbrev. for def Jonah. Jonas alt head Jonah or Jonah syl Jo:nas pron <1J*un*s> pos n. Jonah 1.a. or Jonas syl Jo:nah pron <1J*un*> pos n. def a Hebrew prophet who, having been thrown overboard from a ship in which he was fleeing from God, was swallowed by a whale and vomited onto dry land. Jonah 1.b. or Jonas syl Jo:nah pron <1J*un*> pos n. def the book in which his adventures are recounted. Jonah 2. or Jonas syl Jo:nah pron <1J*un*> pos n. def a person believed to bring bad luck to those around him; a jinx. &- {@!Jo+nah+#!esque} Jonathan ety C19: named after Jonathan Hasbrouk (died 1846), American jurist Jonathan H1.0. syl Jon:a+than pron <1Jon*T*n> pos n. def a variety of red apple that ripens in early autumn. Jonathan H2.0. syl Jon:a:than pron <1Jon*T*n> pos n. qual Old Testament. def the son of Saul and David's close friend, who was killed in battle (I Samuel 31; II Samuel 1:19-26). Daniel 1. head Jones syl Dan:iel. def 1881-1967, English phonetician. David 2. head Jones syl Da:vid. def 1895-1974, English painter, poet, and novelist: his highly original literary works include (1937), a novel of World War I, and the religious poem (1952). Inigo 3. head Jones syl In:i:go pron <1inig*u> def 1573-1652, English architect and theatrical designer, who introduced Palladianism to England. His buildings include the Banqueting Hall of Whitehall. He also designed the settings for court masques, being the first to use the proscenium arch and movable scenery in England. James Larkin 4. head Jones syl James Lar:kin def called born 1913, English trades union leader; general secretary of the Transport and General Workers' Union (1969-78). John Paul 5. head Jones syl John Paul. def 1747-92, American naval commander in the War of Independence. Robert Tyre 6. head Jones syl Rob:ert Tyre def known as 1902-71, U.S. golfer. jongleur ety C18: from Old French jogleour, from Latin jocul*_ator joker, jester; see #7juggle jongleur 0. syl jon+gleur pron French pos n. usage in medieval France def an itinerant minstrel. Jonkoping 0. syl J*"on+k*"o+ping pron Swedish <1j@onC$o:piG> pos n. def a city in S Sweden, on the S shore of Lake V*"attern: scene of the conclusion of peace between Sweden and Denmark in 1809. Pop.: 108195 (1974 est.). jonnock ety of uncertain origin jannock alt head jonnock or jonnock syl jan+nock pron <1J@n*k> jonnock 1. or jannock syl jon+nock pron <1Jon*k> pos adj. qual Brit. dialect. usage usually postpositive def genuine; real. jonnock 2. or jannock syl jon+nock pron <1Jon*k> pos adv. qual Brit. dialect. def honestly; truly; genuinely. jonquil ety C17: from French jonquille, from Spanish junquillo, diminutive of junco reed; see #7junco jonquil 0. syl jon+quil pron <1JoGkwil> pos n. def a Eurasian amaryllidaceous plant, with long fragrant yellow or white short-tubed flowers. Ben infl head Jonson syl Ben. pos n. Jonson 0. syl Jon:son pron <1JonsN> pos n. def 1572-1637, English dramatist and poet, who developed the @6comedy of humours@9, in which each character is used to satirize one particular humour or temperament. His plays include (1606), (1610), and (1614), and he also wrote court masques. jook ety C20:of uncertain origin chook alt head jook or jook syl chook jook 1. or chook syl jook pron pos vb. mod tr. qual Caribbean informal. def to poke or puncture (the skin). jook 2. or chook syl jook pron pos n. qual Caribbean informal. def a jab or the resulting wound. Janis 1. head Joplin syl Jan:is. def 1943-70, U.S. rock singer, noted for her hoarse and passionate style. Her albums include (1968), (1969), and (1970). Scott 2. head Joplin syl Scott. def 1868-1917, U.S. pianist: creator of ragtime. Joppa 0. syl Jop+pa pron <1Jop*> pos n. def the biblical name of {Jaffa}, the port from which Jonah embarked (Jonah 1:3). Jacob infl head Jordaens syl Ja:cob pron <1ja:kcp> pos n. Jordaens 0. syl Jor:daens pron Flemish pos n. def 1593-1678, Flemish painter, noted for his naturalistic depiction of peasant scenes. Jordan 1. syl Jor+dan pron <1Jc:dN> pos n. def a kingdom in SW Asia: coextensive with the biblical Moab, Gilead, and Edom; made a League of Nations mandate and emirate under British control in 1922 and became an independent kingdom in 1946; territories west of the River Jordan and the Jordanian part of Jerusalem were occupied by Israel after the war of 1967. It contains part of the Great Rift Valley and consists mostly of desert. Language: Arabic. Religion: mostly Sunni Muslim. Currency: dinar. Capital: Amman. Pop.: 2618000 (1974 est.). Area: 89185 sq. km (34434 sq. miles). Official name: {Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan}. Former name (1922-49): {Trans-Jordan}. Jordan 2. syl Jor+dan pron <1Jc:dN> pos n. def the chief and only perennial river of Israel and Jordan, rising in several headstreams in Syria and Lebanon, and flowing south through the Sea of Galilee to the Dead Sea: occupies the N end of the Great Rift Valley system and lies mostly below sea level. Length: over 320 km (200 miles). Jordanian sub head Jordan syl Jor+da+ni:an pron pos adj. n. Jordan almond ety C15: by folk etymology from earlier jardyne almaund, literally: garden almond, from Old French jardin #7garden Jordan almond 1. syl Jor+dan al+mond pos n. def a large variety of Spanish almond used in confectionery. Jordan almond 2. syl Jor+dan al+mond pos n. def a sugar-coated almond. jorum ety C18: probably named after Jorum, who brought vessels of silver, gold, and brass to King David (II Samuel 8:10) jorum 0. syl jo+rum pron <1Jc:r*m> pos n. def a large drinking bowl or vessel or its contents. exam 1 a jorum of punch. Jos 0. syl Jos pron pos n. def a city in central Nigeria, capital of Plateau state on the {Jos Plateau}: major centre of the tin-mining industry. Pop.: 90402 (1963). joseph 0. syl jo+seph pron <1J*uzif> pos n. def a woman's floor-length riding coat with a small cape, worn esp. in the 18th century. Joseph 1.a. syl Jo:seph pron <1J*uzif> pos n. def the eleventh son of Jacob and one of the 12 patriarchs of Israel (Genesis 30:2-24). Joseph 1.b. syl Jo:seph pron <1J*uzif> pos n. def either or both of two tribes descended from his sons Ephraim and Manasseh. Joseph 2. syl Jo:seph pron <1J*uzif> pos n. qual New Testament. def the husband of Mary the mother of Jesus (Matthew 1:16-25). Joseph II 0. syl Jo:seph II pos n. def 1741-90, Holy Roman emperor (1765-90); son of Francis I. He ruled Austria jointly with his mother, Maria Theresa, until her death (1780). He reorganized taxation, abolished serfdom, curtailed the feudal power of the nobles, and asserted his independence from the pope. Joseph Bonaparte Gulf 0. syl Jo+seph Bo+na+parte Gulf pos n. def an inlet of the Timor Sea in N Australia. Width: 360 km (225 miles). the Empress infl head Josephine syl the Em+press pos n. Josephine 0. syl Jo:se:phine pron <1J*uz*2fEn> pos n. def previous name original name 1763-1814, empress of France as wife of Napoleon Bonaparte (1796-1809). Joseph of Arimathea 0. syl Jo:seph of Ar:i+ma+the:a pron <2@rim*1TE*> pos n. qual New Testament. def a wealthy member of the Sanhedrin, who obtained the body of Jesus after the Crucifixion and laid it in his own tomb (Matthew 27:57-60). Flavius infl head Josephus syl Fla:vi:us pron <1flAvi*s> pos n. Josephus 0. syl Jo:se:phus pron pos n. def original name ??37-??100 #7a.d., Jewish historian and general; author of and josh ety C19: perhaps from #7joke, influenced by #7bosh %1 josh 1. syl josh pron pos vb. qual U.S. slang. def to tease (someone) in a bantering way. josh 2. syl josh pron pos n. qual U.S. slang. def a teasing or bantering joke. josher sub head josh syl josh+er pos n. Josh 0. syl Josh. qual Bible. abbrev. for def Joshua. Joshua 1. syl Josh:u:a pron <1JoSu*> pos n. qual Old Testament. def Moses' successor, who led the Israelites in the conquest of Canaan. Joshua 2. syl Josh:u:a pron <1JoSu*> pos n. qual Old Testament. def the book recounting his deeds. Douay spelling: {Jos@.u@.e} (#!d#f$Asj$ui$:). Joshua tree ety named after the prophet Joshua, alluding to the extended branches of the tree Joshua tree 0. syl Josh:u:a tree pos n. def a treelike desert yucca plant, of the southwestern U.S., with sword-shaped leaves and greenish-white flowers. Josiah 0. syl Jo:si:ah pron pos n. def died ??609 #7b.c., king of Judah (??640-??609). After the discovery of a book of law (probably Deuteronomy) in the Temple he began a programme of religious reform. Douay spelling: {Jo@.si@.as} (d#f$$$u#!sa$I$$s). Josquin des Pr'es 0. syl Jos+quin des Pr*'es pron French , French <1prA> pos n. def See {des Pr*'es}. joss ety C18: from pidgin English, from Portuguese deos god, from Latin deus joss 0. syl joss pron pos n. def a Chinese deity worshipped in the form of an idol. joss house 0. syl joss house pos n. def a Chinese temple or shrine where an idol or idols are worshipped. joss stick 0. syl joss stick pos n. def a stick of dried perfumed paste, giving off a fragrant odour when burnt as incense. jostle ety C14: see #7joust, -#7le justle alt head jostle or jostle syl jus+tle pron <1J^sL> pos vb. jostle 1. or justle syl jos+tle pron <1JosL> pos vb. def to bump or push (someone) roughly. jostle 2. or justle syl jos+tle pron <1JosL> pos vb. def to come or bring into contact. jostle 3. or justle syl jos+tle pron <1JosL> pos vb. def to force (one's way) by pushing. jostle 4. or justle syl jos+tle pron <1JosL> pos n. def the act of jostling. jostle 5. or justle syl jos+tle pron <1JosL> pos n. def a rough bump or push. jostlement sub head jostle or justlement syl jos+tle+ment pos n. justlement sub head jostle or jostlement syl jus+tle+ment pos n. jostler sub head jostle or justler syl jos+tler pos n. justler sub head jostle or jostler syl jus+tler pos n. jot ety C16: from Latin jota, from Greek i*_ota, of Semitic origin; see #7iota jots infl head jot syl jots pos vb. jotting infl head jot syl jot+ting pos vb. jotted infl head jot syl jot+ted. pos vb. jot 1. syl jot pron pos vb. mod tr. usage usually foll. by down def to write a brief note of. jot 2. syl jot pron pos n. usage used with a negative def a little bit (in phrases such as {not to care} {give) a jot}) jota ety Spanish, probably modification of Old Spanish sota, from sotar to dance, from Latin salt*_are jota 0. syl jo:ta pron Spanish <1$xota> pos n. def a Spanish dance with castanets in fast triple time, usually to a guitar and voice accompaniment. jotter 0. syl jot+ter pron <1Jot*> pos n. def a small notebook. jotting 0. syl jot+ting pron <1JotiG> pos n. def something jotted down. Jotun ety from Old Norse j*"otunn giant; related to #7eat Jotunn alt head Jotun or Jotun syl Jo:tunn pron <1jc:tun> pos n. Jotun 0. or Jotunn syl Jo:tun pron <1jc:tun> pos n. qual Norse myth. def any of a race of giants. Jotunheim ety from Old Norse, from j*"otunn giant+ heimr world, #7home Jotunnheim alt head Jotunheim or Jotunheim syl Jo+tunn+heim pron <1jc:tun2hAm> pos n. Jotunheim 0. or Jotunnheim syl Jo+tun+heim pron <1jc:tun2hAm> pos n. qual Norse myth. def the home of the giants in the northeast of Asgard. joual ety from the pronunciation in this dialect of French cheval horse joual 0. syl joual pron pos n. def nonstandard Canadian French dialect, esp. as associated with ill-educated speakers. joule ety C19: named after J. P. J#7oule joule 0. syl joule pron pos n. def the derived SI unit of work or energy; the work done when the point of application of a force of 1 newton is displaced through a distance of 1 metre in the direction of the force. 1 joule is equivalent to 1 watt-second, 10%7 ergs, 4.187 calories, or 0.738 foot-pound. Symbol: {J} James Prescott infl head Joule syl James Pres:cott. pos n. Joule 0. syl Joule pron pos n. def 1818-89, English physicist, who evaluated the mechanical equivalent of heat and con?!tributed to the study of heat and electricity. Joule's law ety C19: named after J. P. J#7oule Joule's law 1. syl Joule's law pos n. qual Physics. def the principle that the heat produced by an electric current is equal to the product of the resistance of the conductor, the square of the current, and the time for which it flows. Joule's law 2. syl Joule's law pos n. qual Thermodynamics. def the principle that at constant temperature the internal energy of an ideal gas is independent of volume. Real gases change their internal energy with volume as a result of intermolecular forces. Joule-Thomson effect ety C20: named after J. P. J#7oule and Sir William Thomson, 1st Baron K#7elvin Joule-Thomson effect 0. syl Joule-Thom:son ef+fect pos n. def a fall in temperature of a gas when it expands without doing external work, usually demonstrated by passing the gas through a small hole. It is caused by work being done against the intermolecular forces in the gas. Also called: {Joule-Kel@.vin ef+fect}. jounce ety C15: probably a blend of dialect joll to bump+#7bounce jounce 1. syl jounce pron pos vb. def to shake or jolt or cause to shake or jolt; bounce. jounce 2. syl jounce pron pos n. def a jolting movement; shake; bump. jour 1. syl jour. qual abbrev. for: def journal. jour 2. syl jour. qual abbrev. for: def journalist. jour 3. syl jour. qual abbrev. for: def journeyman. journal ety C14: from Old French: daily, from Latin diurn*_alis; see #7diurnal journal 1. syl jour+nal pron <1JR:nL> pos n. def a newspaper or periodical. journal 2. syl jour+nal pron <1JR:nL> pos n. def a book in which a daily record of happenings, etc., is kept. journal 3. syl jour+nal pron <1JR:nL> pos n. def an official record of the proceedings of a legislative body. journal 4.a. syl jour+nal pron <1JR:nL> pos n. def one of several books in which transactions are initially recorded to facilitate subsequent entry in the ledger. journal 4.b. syl jour+nal pron <1JR:nL> pos n. def another name for { {daybook}}. journal 5. syl jour+nal pron <1JR:nL> pos n. def the part of a shaft or axle in contact with or enclosed by a bearing. journal 6. syl jour+nal pron <1JR:nL> pos n. def a plain cylindrical bearing to support a shaft or axle. journal box 0. syl jour+nal box pos n. qual Machinery. def a case enclosing or supporting a journal, often used as a means of retaining the lubricant. journalese 0. syl jour+nal+ese pron <2JR:n%@1lEz> pos n. qual Derogatory. def a superficial style of writing regarded as typical of newspapers, etc. journalism 1. syl jour+nal+ism pron <1JR:n%*!liz*m> pos n. def the profession or practice of reporting about, photographing, or editing news stories for one of the mass media. journalism 2. syl jour+nal+ism pron <1JR:n%*!liz*m> pos n. def newspapers and magazines collectively; the press. journalism 3. syl jour+nal+ism pron <1JR:n%*!liz*m> pos n. def the material published in a newspaper, etc.. exam 1 this is badly written journalism. journalism 4. syl jour+nal+ism pron <1JR:n%*!liz*m> pos n. def news reports presented factually without analysis. journalist 1. syl jour+nal+ist pron <1JR:nList> pos n. def a person whose occupation is journalism. journalist 2. syl jour+nal+ist pron <1JR:nList> pos n. def a person who keeps a journal. journalistic 0. syl jour+nal+is+tic pron <2JR:n%@1listik> pos adj. def of, relating to, or characteristic of journalism or journalists. journalistically sub head journalistic syl jour+nal+1is+ti+cal+ly pos adv. journalise alt head journalize or journalize syl jour+nal+ise pron <1JR:n%*!lIz> pos vb. journalize 0. or journalise syl jour+nal+ize pron <1JR:n%*!lIz> pos vb. def to record (daily events) in a journal. journalization sub head journalize or journalisation syl jour+nal:i+1za+tion pos n. journalisation sub head journalize or journalization syl jour+nal:i+1sa+tion pos n. journalizer sub head journalize or journaliser syl jour+nal+2iz+er pos n. journaliser sub head journalize or journalizer syl jour+nal+2is+er pos n. journey ety C13: from Old French journee a day, a day's travelling, from Latin diurnum day's portion; see #7diurnal journey 1. syl jour+ney pron <1JR:ni> pos n. def a travelling from one place to another; trip or voyage. journey 2.a. syl jour+ney pron <1JR:ni> pos n. def the distance travelled in a journey. journey 2.b. syl jour+ney pron <1JR:ni> pos n. def the time taken to make a journey. journey 3. syl jour+ney pron <1JR:ni> pos vb. mod intr. def to make a journey. journeyer sub head journey syl jour+ney+er pos n. journeyman ety C15: from #7journey (in obsolete sense: a day's work)+#7man journeymen infl head journeyman syl jour:ney+men. pos n. mod pl. journeyman 1. syl jour:ney+man pron <1JR:nim*n> pos n. def a craftsman, arti?!san, etc., who is qualified to work at his trade in the employment of another. journeyman 2. syl jour:ney+man pron <1JR:nim*n> pos n. def a competent workman. journeyman 3. syl jour:ney+man pron <1JR:nim*n> pos n. usage formerly def a worker hired on a daily wage. journeywork 1. syl jour:ney+work pron <1JR:ni2wR:k> pos n. qual Rare. def necessary, routine, and menial work. journeywork 2. syl jour:ney+work pron <1JR:ni2wR:k> pos n. qual Rare. def the work of a journeyman. journos infl head journo syl journ:os. pos n. mod pl. journo 0. syl journ:o pron <1JR:n*u> pos n. qual Austral. slang. def a journalist. joust ety C13: from Old French jouste, from jouster to fight on horseback, from Vulgar Latin juxt*_are (unattested) to come together, from Latin juxt*_a close joust 1. syl joust pron pos n. qual History. def a combat between two mount?!ed knights tilting against each other with lances. A tournament consisting of a series of such engagements. joust 2. syl joust pron pos vb. mod intr. qual History. usage often foll. by against or with def to encounter or engage in such a tournament. exam 1 he jousted with five opponents. jouster sub head joust syl joust+er pos n. j'ouvert ety from French jour ouvert the day having been opened j'ouvert 0. syl j'ou+vert pron <1Zu:ve*t> pos n. qual Chiefly Caribbean. def the eve of Mardi gras; the Monday morning on which the festivities begin. Jove ety C14: from Old Latin Jovis Jupiter Jove 1. syl Jove pron pos n. def another name for {Jupiter} %1. by Jove 2. head Jove syl by Jove. def an exclamation of surprise or excitement. jovial ety C16: from Latin jovi*_alis of (the planet) Jupiter, considered by astrologers to foster good humour jovial 0. syl jo+vi:al pron <1J*uvi*l> pos adj. def having or expressing convivial humour; jolly. joviality sub head jovial or jovialness syl jo+vi+1al+i:ty pos n. jovialness sub head jovial or joviality syl jo+vi+al+ness pos n. jovially sub head jovial syl jo+vi+al+ly pos adv. Jovian ety C16: from Old Latin Jovis Jupiter Jovian H1.1. syl Jo+vi:an pron <1J*uvi*n> pos adj. def of or relating to the god Jove (Jupiter). Jovian H1.2. syl Jo+vi:an pron <1J*uvi*n> pos adj. def of, occurring on, or relating to the planet Jupiter. Jovian H2.0. syl Jo:vi:an pron <1J*uvi*n> pos n. def full name ??331-364 #7a.d., Roman emperor (363-64): he made peace with Persia, relinquishing Roman provinces beyond the Tigris, and restored privileges to the Christians. Benjamin infl head Jowett syl Ben:ja:min. pos n. Jowett 0. syl Jo:wett pron <1Jauit> pos n. def 1817-93, English classical scholar and educator: translated the works of Plato. jowl ety Old English ceafl jaw; related to Middle High German kivel, Old Norse kjaptr jowl H1.1. syl jowl pron pos n. def the jaw, esp. the lower one. jowl H1.2. syl jowl pron pos n. mod often; pl. def a cheek, esp. a prominent one. cheek by jowl 3. head jowl syl cheek by jowl. def See { {cheek} (sense 7)}. jowled sub head jowl syl jowled pos adj. jowl ety Old English ceole throat; compare Old High German kela jowl H2.1. syl jowl pron pos n. def fatty flesh hanging from the lower jaw. jowl H2.2. syl jowl pron pos n. def a similar fleshy part in animals, such as the wattle of a fowl or the dewlap of a bull. joy ety C13: from Old French joie, from Latin gaudium joy, from gaud*_ere to be glad joy 1. syl joy pron pos n. def a deep feeling or condition of happiness or contentment. joy 2. syl joy pron pos n. def something causing such a feeling; a source of happiness. joy 3. syl joy pron pos n. def an outward show of pleasure or delight; rejoicing. joy 4. syl joy pron pos n. qual Brit. informal. def success; luck. exam 1 I went to the bank for a loan, but got no joy. joy 5. syl joy pron pos vb. mod intr. def to feel joy. joy 6. syl joy pron pos vb. mod tr. qual Obsolete. def to make joyful; gladden. joyance 0. syl joy+ance pron <1Jci*ns> pos n. qual Archaic. def a joyous feeling or festivity. James (Augustine Aloysius) 1. head Joyce syl James (Augustine Aloysius) . def 1882-1941, Irish novelist and short-story writer. He profoundly influenced the development of the modern novel by his use of complex narrative techniques, esp. stream of consciousness and parody, and of compound and coined words. His works include the novels (1922) and (1939) and the short stories (1914). William 2. head Joyce syl Wil:liam def known as 1906-46, British broadcaster of Nazi propaganda to Britain, who was executed for treason. &- {Joyc+e@.an} (#!d#f@$$Is$I$$n) joyful 1. syl joy+ful pron <1Jciful> pos adj. def full of joy; elated. joyful 2. syl joy+ful pron <1Jciful> pos adj. def expressing or producing joy. exam 1 a joyful look; exam 2 a joyful occasion. joyfully sub head joyful syl joy+ful+ly pos adv. joyfulness sub head joyful syl joy+ful+ness pos n. joyless 0. syl joy+less pron <1Jcilis> pos adj. def having or producing no joy or pleasure. joylessly sub head joyless syl joy+less+ly pos adv. joylessness sub head joyless syl joy+less+ness pos n. joyous 1. syl joy+ous pron <1Jci*s> pos adj. def having a happy nature or mood. joyous 2. syl joy+ous pron <1Jci*s> pos adj. def joyful. joyously sub head joyous syl joy+ous+ly pos adv. joyousness sub head joyous syl joy+ous+ness pos n. joypops infl head joypop syl joy+pops pos vb. mod intr. joypopping infl head joypop syl joy+pop+ping pos vb. mod intr. joypopped infl head joypop syl joy+popped. pos vb. mod intr. joypop 0. syl joy+pop pron <1Jci2pop> pos vb. mod intr. qual Slang. def to take addictive drugs occasionally without becoming addicted. infl head joy ride syl ~ pos n. qual Informal. joy ride 1. syl joy ride pos n. def an enjoyable ride taken in a car, esp. in a stolen car driven recklessly. joy-ride infl head joy ride syl joy-ride pos vb. joy rides infl head joy ride syl joy rides pos vb. joy riding infl head joy ride syl joy rid:ing pos vb. joy rode infl head joy ride syl joy rode pos vb. joy ridden infl head joy ride syl joy rid:den. pos vb. joy ride 2. syl joy ride pos vb. mod intr. def to take such a ride. joyrider sub head joy ride syl joy+2rid:er pos n. joy stick 0. syl joy stick pos n. qual Informal. def the control stick of an aircraft. JP 0. syl J.P. qual abbrev. for def Justice of the Peace. jr alt head Jr or Jr syl jr. Jr 0. or jr syl Jr. qual abbrev. for def junior. JSD 0. syl J.S.D. qual abbrev. for def Doctor of Juristic Science. jt 0. syl jt. qual abbrev. for def joint. Juan Carlos I 0. syl Juan Car:los I qual Spanish def $xwan #!karlos) born 1938, king of Spain since 1975. He was nominated by Franco as the latter's successor and as the first king of the restored Spanish monarchy that was to follow Franco's death. Strait of infl head Juan de Fuca syl Strait of. pos n. Juan de Fuca 0. syl Ju:an de Fu:ca pron <1Ju:*n> <1fju:k*>, Spanish <1$xwan> <1fuka> pos n. def a strait between Vancouver Island (Canada) and NW Washington (U.S.). Length: about 129 km (80 miles). Width: about 24 km (15 miles). Juan Fern'andez Islands 0. syl Ju:an Fer+n*'an+dez Is+lands pron <1Ju:*n> , Spanish <1$xwan> pos n. mod pl. def a group of three islands in the S Pacific Ocean, administered by Chile: volcanic and wooded. Area: about 180 sq. km (70 sq. miles). Alberto infl head Juantorena syl Al:ber:to pron pos n. Juantorena 0. syl Juan:to:re:na pron Spanish <$xwanto1rAna> pos n. def born 1951, Cuban runner: won the 400 metres and the 800 metres in the 1976 Olympic Games. Ju'arez H1.0. syl Ju*'a+rez pron <1$xwarAs> pos n. def short for {Ciudad Ju*'arez}. Benito Pablo infl head Ju'arez syl Be:ni:to Pa:blo pron <1pa$Blo> pos n. Ju'arez H2.0. syl Ju*'a:rez pron Spanish <1$xwarAs> pos n. def 1806-72, Mexican statesman. As president (1861-65; 1867-72) he thwarted Napoleon III's attempt to impose an empire under Maximilian and introduced many reforms. juba ety C19: of Zulu origin juba 0. syl ju:ba pron <1Ju:b*> pos n. def a lively Negro dance developed in the southern U.S. Juba 0. syl Ju:ba pron <1Ju:b*> pos n. def a river in NE Africa, rising in S central Ethiopia and flowing south across the Somali Republic to the Indian Ocean: the chief river of the Somali Republic. Length: about 1660 km (1030 miles). Jubal 0. syl Ju+bal pron <1Ju:bL> pos n. qual Old Testament. def the alleged inventor of musical instruments (Genesis 4:21). jubbah ety C16: from Arabic jubbah 0. syl jub+bah pron <1Jub*> pos n. def a long loose outer garment with wide sleeves, worn by Muslim men and women, esp. in India. Jubbulpore 0. syl Jub+bul+pore pron <2J^bL1pu*> pos n. def a variant spelling of {Jabalpur}. jube ety C18: from French jub*'e, from opening words of Medieval Latin prayer Jube, Domine, benedicere Bid, Lord, a blessing; probably from the deacon's standing by the rood screen or in the rood loft to pronounce this prayer jube H1.1. syl ju:be pron <1Ju:bi> pos n. def a gallery or loft over the rood screen in a church or cathedral. jube H1.2. syl ju:be pron <1Ju:bi> pos n. def another name for {rood screen}. jube ety C20: shortened from #7jujube jube H2.0. syl jube pron pos n. qual Austral. informal. def any jelly-like sweet. jubilant ety C17: from Latin j*_ubil*_ans shouting for joy, from j*_ubil*_are to give a joyful cry, from j*_ubilum a shout, wild cry jubilant 0. syl ju+bi+lant pron <1Ju:bil*nt> pos adj. def feeling or expressing great joy. jubilance sub head jubilant or jubilancy syl ju+bi+lance pos n. jubilancy sub head jubilant or jubilance syl ju+bi+lan+cy pos n. jubilantly sub head jubilant syl ju+bi+lant+ly pos adv. jubilate ety C17: from Latin j*_ubil*_are to raise a shout of joy; see #7jubilant jubilate 1. syl ju+bi+late pron <1Ju:bi2lAt> pos vb. mod intr. def to have or express great joy; rejoice. jubilate 2. syl ju+bi+late pron <1Ju:bi2lAt> pos vb. mod intr. def to celebrate a jubilee. Jubilate ety from the opening word (Jubilate make a joyful noise) of the Vulgate version Jubilate 1. syl Ju+bi+la+te pron <2Ju:bi1la:ti> pos n. qual R.C. Church, Church of England. def the 100th psalm used as a canticle in the liturgy. Jubilate 2. syl Ju+bi+la+te pron <2Ju:bi1la:ti> pos n. def a musical setting of this psalm. jubilation 1. syl ju+bi+la+tion pron <2Ju:bi1lAS*n> pos n. def the act of rejoicing; exultation. jubilation 2. syl ju+bi+la+tion pron <2Ju:bi1lAS*n> pos n. def a celebration or joyful occasion. jubilee ety C14: from Old French jubile, from Late Latin jubilaeus, from Late Greek i*_ob*_elaios, from Hebrew y*_obh*_el ram's horn, used for the proclamation of the year of jubilee; influenced by Latin j*_ubil*_are to shout for joy jubilee 1. syl ju+bi+lee pron <1Ju:bi2lE>, <2Ju:bi1lE> pos n. def a time or season for rejoicing. jubilee 2. syl ju+bi+lee pron <1Ju:bi2lE>, <2Ju:bi1lE> pos n. def a special anniversary, esp. a 25th or 50th one. jubilee 3. syl ju+bi+lee pron <1Ju:bi2lE>, <2Ju:bi1lE> pos n. qual R.C. Church. def a specially appointed period, now ordinarily every 25th year, in which special indulgences are granted. jubilee 4. syl ju+bi+lee pron <1Ju:bi2lE>, <2Ju:bi1lE> pos n. qual Old Testament. def a year that was to be observed every 50th year, during which Hebrew slaves were to be liberated, alienated property was to be restored, etc. jubilee 5. syl ju+bi+lee pron <1Ju:bi2lE>, <2Ju:bi1lE> pos n. def a less common word for {jubilation}. Jud 1. syl Jud. qual Bible. abbrev. for: def Also: {Judg}. Judges. Jud 2. syl Jud. qual Bible. abbrev. for: def Judith. JUD ety Latin Juris Utriusque Doctor JUD 0. syl J.U.D. qual abbrev. for def Doctor of Canon and Civil Law. Judea alt head Judaea or Judaea syl Ju+de:a pron pos n. Judaea 0. or Judea syl Ju+dae:a pron pos n. def the S division of ancient Palestine, succeeding the kingdom of Judah: a Roman province during the time of Christ. Judaean sub head Judaea or Judean syl Ju+1dae:an pos adj. n. Judean sub head Judaea or Judaean syl Ju+1de:an pos adj. n. Judeo- alt head Judaeo- or Judaeo- syl Ju:de:o- pron , qual U.S. Judaeo- 0. or Judeo- syl Ju:dae:o- pron , usage combining form. def relating to Judaism. exam 1 Judaeo-Christian. Judaeo-German 0. syl Ju:dae:o-Ger:man pos n. def another name for {Yiddish}. Judaeo-Spanish 0. syl Ju:dae:o-Span:ish pos n. def another name for {Ladino}. Judah 1. syl Ju:dah pron <1Ju:d*> pos n. qual Old Testament. def the fourth son of Jacob, one of whose descendants was to be the Messiah (Genesis 29:35; 49:8-12). Judah 2. syl Ju:dah pron <1Ju:d*> pos n. qual Old Testament. def the tribe descended from him. Judah 3. syl Ju:dah pron <1Ju:d*> pos n. qual Old Testament. def the tribal territory of his descendants which became the nucleus of David's kingdom and, after the kingdom had been divided into Israel and Judah, the southern kingdom of Judah, with Jerusalem as its centre. Douay spelling: {Ju@.da}. Judah ha-Nasi 0. syl Ju:dah ha-Na:si pron pos n. def ??135-??220 #7a.d., rabbi and patriarch of the Sanhedrin, who compiled the Mishnah. Judaical alt head Judaic or Judaic syl Ju+da:i+cal pos adj. Judaic 1. or Judaical syl Ju+da+ic pron pos adj. def of or relating to the Jews or Judaism. Judaic 2. or Judaical syl Ju+da+ic pron pos adj. def a less common word for {Jewish}. Judaically sub head Judaic syl Ju+1da:i+cal+ly pos adv. Judaica ety Latin, literally: Jewish matters Judaica 0. syl Ju+da:i+ca pron pos n. mod pl. def the literature, customs, culture, etc., of the Jews, esp. as presented in books or articles. Judaism 1. syl Ju+da+ism pron <1Ju:dA2iz*m> pos n. def the religion of the Jews, based on the Old Testament and the Talmud and having as its central point a belief in the one God as transcendent creator of all things and the source of all righteousness. Judaism 2. syl Ju+da+ism pron <1Ju:dA2iz*m> pos n. def the religious and cultural traditions, customs, attitudes, and way of life of the Jews. Judaism 3. syl Ju+da+ism pron <1Ju:dA2iz*m> pos n. def the Jews collectively. &- {#!Ju+da+ist} Judaistic sub head Judaism syl Ju+da+1is+tic pos adj. Judaise alt head Judaize or Judaize syl Ju+da+ise pron <1JudA2Iz> pos vb. Judaize 1. or Judaise syl Ju+da+ize pron <1JudA2Iz> pos vb. def to conform or bring into conformity with Judaism. Judaize 2. or Judaise syl Ju+da+ize pron <1JudA2Iz> pos vb. mod tr. def to convert to Judaism. Judaize 3. or Judaise syl Ju+da+ize pron <1JudA2Iz> pos vb. mod tr. def to imbue with Jewish principles. Judaization sub head Judaize or Judaisation syl Ju+da:i+1za+tion pos n. Judaisation sub head Judaize or Judaization syl Ju+da:i+1sa+tion pos n. Judaizer sub head Judaize or Judaiser syl Ju+da+2iz+er pos n. Judaiser sub head Judaize or Judaizer syl Ju+da2is+er pos n. judas ety C19: after Judas Iscariot judas 0. syl ju+das pron <1Ju:d*s> pos n. usage sometimes cap. def a peephole or a very small window in a door. Also called: {judas window, judas hole}. Judas 1. syl Ju:das pron <1Ju:d*s> pos n. qual New Testament. def the apostle who betrayed Jesus to his enemies for 30 pieces of silver (Luke 22:3-6, 47-48). Full name: {Judas Iscariot}. Judas 2. syl Ju:das pron <1Ju:d*s> pos n. def a person who betrays a friend; traitor. Judas 3. syl Ju:das pron <1Ju:d*s> pos n. def a brother or relative of James and also of Jesus (Matthew 13:55). This figure, Thaddaeus, and Jude were probably identical. Judas 4. syl Ju:das pron <1Ju:d*s> pos adj. def denoting an animal or bird used to lure others of its kind or lead them to slaughter. Judas Maccabaeus 0. syl Ju:das Mac:ca:bae:us pron <2m@k*1bE*s> pos n. def Jewish leader, whose revolt (166-161 #7b.c.) against the Seleucid kingdom of Antiochus IV (Epiphanes) enabled him to recapture Jerusalem and re?!dedicate the Temple. Judas tree 0. syl Ju+das tree pos n. def small Eurasian leguminous tree, with pinkish-purple flowers that bloom before the leaves appear: popularly thought to be the tree on which Judas hanged himself. See also {redbud}. judder ety prob?!ably blend of #7jar %2#7+shudder judder 1. syl jud+der pron <1J^d*> pos vb. mod intr. qual Informal, chiefly Brit. def to shake or vibrate. judder 2. syl jud+der pron <1J^d*> pos n. qual Informal, chiefly Brit. def abnormal vibration in a mechanical system, esp. due to grabbing between friction surfaces, as in the clutch of a motor vehicle. judder 3. syl jud+der pron <1J^d*> pos n. qual Informal, chiefly Brit. def a juddering motion. Jude 1. syl Jude pron pos n. def a book of the New Testament (in full {The Epistle of Jude}) . Jude 2. syl Jude pron pos n. def Also called: {Judas}. the author of this, stated to be the brother of James (Jude 1) and almost certainly identical with Thaddaeus (Matthew 10:2-4). Judea 0. syl Ju+de:a pron pos n. def a variant spelling of {Judaea}. Judezmo ety from Ladino: Jewish Judezmo 0. syl Ju+dez+mo pron pos n. def another name for {Ladino}. judge ety C14: from Old French jugier, from j*_udic*_are to pass judgment, from j*_udex a judge judge 1. syl judge pron pos n. def a public official with authority to hear cases in a court of law and pronounce judgment upon them. Compare {magistrate, justice} (senses 5, 6). judge 2. syl judge pron pos n. def a person who is appointed to determine the result of contests or competitions. judge 3. syl judge pron pos n. def a person qualified to comment critically. exam 1 a good judge of antiques. judge 4. syl judge pron pos n. def a leader of the peoples of Israel from Joshua's death to the accession of Saul. judge 5. syl judge pron pos vb. def to hear and decide upon (a case at law). judge 6. syl judge pron pos vb. mod tr. def to pass judgment on; sentence. judge 7. syl judge pron pos vb. mod when; tr. usage an infinitive def to decide or deem (something) after inquiry or deliberation. judge 8. syl judge pron pos vb. def to determine the result of (a contest or competition). judge 9. syl judge pron pos vb. def to appraise (something) critically. judge 10. syl judge pron pos vb. mod tr. usage takes a clause as object def to believe something to be the case; suspect. judgeable sub head judge syl judge+a:ble pos adj. judgeless sub head judge syl judge+less pos adj. judgelike sub head judge syl judge+2like pos adj. judger sub head judge syl judg+er pos n. judgingly sub head judge syl judg+ing+ly pos adv. judge advocates infl head judge advocate syl judge ad+vo+cates. pos n. mod pl. judge advocate 0. syl judge ad+vo+cate pos n. def an officer who superintends proceedings at a military court martial. judge advocates general infl head judge advocate general or judge advocate generals syl judge ad+vo+cates gen+er+al pos n. mod pl. judge advocate generals infl head judge advocate general or judge advocates general syl judge ad+vo+cate gen+er+als. pos n. mod pl. judge advocate general 0. syl judge ad+vo+cate gen+er+al pos n. def the civil adviser to the Crown on matters relating to courts martial and on military law generally. judge-made 0. syl judge-made pos adj. def based on a judge's interpretation or decision (esp. in the phrase {judge-made law}) . Judges 0. syl Judg:es pron <1J^Jiz> pos n. def the book of the Old Testament recounting the history of Israel under the warrior champions and national leaders known as judges. judgeship 0. syl judge+ship pron <1J^J2Sip> pos n. def the position, office, or function of a judge. judges' rules 0. syl judg:es' rules pos n. mod pl. usage in English law def a set of rules, not legally binding, governing the behaviour of police towards suspects, as in administering a caution to a person under arrest. judgement alt head judgment or judgment syl judge+ment pron <1J^Jm*nt> pos n. judgment 1. or judgement syl judg+ment pron <1J^Jm*nt> pos n. def the faculty of being able to make critical distinctions and achieve a balanced viewpoint; discernment. judgment 2.a. or judgement syl judg+ment pron <1J^Jm*nt> pos n. def the verdict pronounced by a court of law. judgment 2.b. or judgement syl judg+ment pron <1J^Jm*nt> pos n. def an obligation arising as a result of such a verdict, such as a debt. judgment 2.c. or judgement syl judg+ment pron <1J^Jm*nt> pos n. def the document recording such a verdict. judgment 2.d. or judgement syl judg+ment pron <1J^Jm*nt> pos n. usage as modifier exam 1 a judgment debtor. judgment 3. or judgement syl judg+ment pron <1J^Jm*nt> pos n. def the formal decision of one or more judges at a contest or competition. judgment 4. or judgement syl judg+ment pron <1J^Jm*nt> pos n. def a particular decision or opinion formed in a case in dispute or doubt. judgment 5. or judgement syl judg+ment pron <1J^Jm*nt> pos n. def an estimation. exam 1 a good judgment of distance. judgment 6. or judgement syl judg+ment pron <1J^Jm*nt> pos n. def criticism or censure. judgment 7.a. or judgement syl judg+ment pron <1J^Jm*nt> pos n. def the act of establishing a relation between two or more terms, esp. as an affirmation or denial. judgment 7.b. or judgement syl judg+ment pron <1J^Jm*nt> pos n. def the expression of such a relation. against one's better judgment 8. head judgment syl against one's better judgment. def contrary to a more appropriate or preferred course of action. judgment 9.a. or judgement syl judg+ment pron <1J^Jm*nt> pos n. def to preside as judge. judgment 9.b. or judgement syl judg+ment pron <1J^Jm*nt> pos n. def to assume the position of critic. judgmental sub head judgment or judgemental syl judg+men+tal pron pos adj. judgemental sub head judgment or judgmental syl judge+men+tal pron pos adj. Judgment 1. syl Judg+ment pron <1J^Jm*nt> pos n. def the estimate by God of the ultimate worthiness or unworthiness of the individual (the {Particular Judgment}) or of all mankind (the {General Judgment} or {Last Judgment}) . Judgment 2. syl Judg+ment pron <1J^Jm*nt> pos n. def God's subsequent decision determining the final destinies of all individuals. Judgment Day 0. syl Judg+ment Day pos n. def the occasion of the Last (or General) Judgment by God at the end of the world. Also called: {Day of Judgment}. See {Last Judgment}. judicable 0. syl ju+di+ca:ble pron <1Ju:dik*bL> pos adj. def capable of being judged, esp. in a court of law. judicative 1. syl ju+di+ca+tive pron <1Ju:dik*tiv> pos adj. def having the function of trying causes. judicative 2. syl ju+di+ca+tive pron <1Ju:dik*tiv> pos adj. def competent to judge and pass sentence. judicator 0. syl ju+di+ca+tor pron <1Ju:di2kAt*> pos n. def a person who acts as a judge. judicatory 1. syl ju+di+ca+to:ry pron <1Ju:di2kAt*ri> pos adj. def of or relating to the administration of justice. judicatory 2. syl ju+di+ca+to:ry pron <1Ju:di2kAt*ri> pos n. def a court of law. judicatory 3. syl ju+di+ca+to:ry pron <1Ju:di2kAt*ri> pos n. def the administration of justice. judicatorial sub head judicatory syl ju+di+ca+1to+ri:al pos adj. judicature 1. syl ju+di+ca+ture pron <1Ju:dik*C*> pos n. def the administration of jus?!tice. judicature 2. syl ju+di+ca+ture pron <1Ju:dik*C*> pos n. def the office, function, or power of a judge. judicature 3. syl ju+di+ca+ture pron <1Ju:dik*C*> pos n. def the extent of authority of a court or judge. judicature 4. syl ju+di+ca+ture pron <1Ju:dik*C*> pos n. def a body of judges or persons exercising judicial authority; judiciary. judicature 5. syl ju+di+ca+ture pron <1Ju:dik*C*> pos n. def a court of justice or such courts collectively. judicial ety C14: from Latin j*_udici*_alis belonging to the law courts, from j*_udicium judgment, from j*_udex a judge judicial 1. syl ju+di+cial pron pos adj. def of or relating to the administration of justice. judicial 2. syl ju+di+cial pron pos adj. def of or relating to judgment in a court of law or to a judge exercising this function. judicial 3. syl ju+di+cial pron pos adj. def inclined to pass judgment; discriminating. judicial 4. syl ju+di+cial pron pos adj. def allowed or enforced by a court of law. exam 1 a decree of judicial separation. judicial 5. syl ju+di+cial pron pos adj. def having qualities appropriate to a judge. judicial 6. syl ju+di+cial pron pos adj. def giving or seeking judgment, esp. determining or seeking determination of a contested issue. judicially sub head judicial syl ju+1di+cial+ly pos adv. Judicial Committee of the Privy Council 0. syl Ju+di+cial Com+mit+tee of the Priv:y Coun+cil pos n. def the highest appellate court for Britain's dependencies and for some dominions of the Commonwealth. judicial separation 0. syl ju+di+cial sep:a+ra+tion pos n. qual Family law. def a decree prohibiting a man and wife from cohabiting but not dissolving the marriage. See also {a mensa et thoro}. Compare {divorce}. judiciary 1. syl ju+di+ci+ar:y pron , <-1diS*ri> pos adj. def of or relating to courts of law, judgment, or judges. judiciaries infl head judiciary syl ju+di+ci+ar:ies. pos n. mod pl. judiciary 2. syl ju+di+ci+ar:y pron , <-1diS*ri> pos n. def the branch of the central authority in a state concerned with the administration of justice. Compare { {executive} (sense 2)}, {legislature}. judiciary 3. syl ju+di+ci+ar:y pron , <-1diS*ri> pos n. def the system of courts in a country. judiciary 4. syl ju+di+ci+ar:y pron , <-1diS*ri> pos n. def the judges collectively; bench. judicious 0. syl ju+di+cious pron pos adj. def having or proceeding from good judgment. judiciously sub head judicious syl ju+1di+cious+ly pos adv. judiciousness sub head judicious syl ju+1di+cious+ness pos n. Judith 1. syl Ju:dith pron <1Ju:diT> pos n. def the heroine of one of the books of the Apocrypha, who saved her native town by decapitating Holofernes. Judith 2. syl Ju:dith pron <1Ju:diT> pos n. def the book recounting this episode. judo ety Japanese, from j*_u gentleness+ d*_o art judo 0.a. syl ju:do pron <1Ju:d*u> pos n. def the modern sport derived from jujitsu, in which the object is to throw, hold to the ground, or otherwise force an opponent to submit, using the minimum of physical effort. judo 0.b. syl ju:do pron <1Ju:d*u> pos n. usage as modifier exam 1 a judo throw. judoist sub head judo syl ju+do+ist pos n. judogi ety from Japanese judogi 0. syl ju+do+gi pron pos n. def a white two-piece cotton costume worn during judo contests. judoka ety Japanese; see #7judo judoka 0. syl ju+do+ka pron <1Ju:d*u2ka:> pos n. def a competitor or expert in judo. Judies infl head Judy syl Ju:dies. pos n. mod pl. Judy 1. syl Ju:dy pron <1Ju:di> pos n. def the wife of Punch in the children's puppet show See {Punch}. Judy 2. syl Ju:dy pron <1Ju:di> pos n. qual Brit. slang. usage often not cap. def a girl; young woman. jug ety C16: probably from Jug, nickname from girl's name Joan jug 1. syl jug pron pos n. def a vessel for holding or pouring liquids, usually having a handle and a spout or lip. U.S. equivalent: {pitcher}. jug 2. syl jug pron pos n. qual Austral. def such a vessel used as a kettle. exam 1 an electric jug. jug 3. syl jug pron pos n. qual U.S. def a large vessel with a narrow mouth. jug 4. syl jug pron pos n. def Also called: {jug+ful}. the amount of liquid held by a jug. jug 5. syl jug pron pos n. qual Brit. informal. def a glass of alcoholic drink, esp. beer. jug 6. syl jug pron pos n. def a slang word for {jail}. jugs infl head jug syl jugs pos vb. jugging infl head jug syl jug+ging pos vb. jugged infl head jug syl jugged. pos vb. jug 7. syl jug pron pos vb. def to stew or boil (meat, esp. hare) in an earthenware container. jug 8. syl jug pron pos vb. mod tr. qual Slang. def to put in jail. jugal ety C16: from Latin jug*_alis of a yoke, from jugum a yoke jugal 1. syl ju+gal pron <1Ju:gL> pos adj. def of or relating to the zygomatic bone. {~} jugal 2. syl ju+gal pron <1Ju:gL> pos adj. def Also called: {jugal bone}. other names for {zygomatic bone}. jugate ety C19: from New Latin jug*_atus (unattested), from Latin jugum a yoke jugate 0. syl ju+gate pron <1Ju:gAt>, <-git> pos adj. usage esp. of compound leaves def having parts arranged in pairs. jug band 0. syl jug band pos n. def a small group playing folk or jazz music, using empty jugs that are played by blowing across their openings to produce bass notes. Jugendstil ety from Jugend literally: youth, name of illustrated periodical that first appeared in 1896,+ Stil #7style Jugendstil 0. syl Ju+gend+stil pron German. <1ju:gNt2StEl> pos n. def another name for {art nouveau}. JUGFET 0. syl JUGFET pron <1J^gfet> pos n. usage acronym for def junction-gate field-effect transistor; a type of field-effect transistor in which the semiconductor gate region or regions form one or more p-n junctions with the conduction channel. Compare {IGFET}. jugged hare 0. syl jugged hare pos n. def a stew of hare cooked in an earthenware pot or casserole. juggernaut 1. syl jug+ger+naut pron <1J^g*2nc:t> pos n. def any terrible force, esp. one that destroys or that demands complete self-sacrifice. juggernaut 2. syl jug+ger+naut pron <1J^g*2nc:t> pos n. qual Brit. def a very large lorry for transporting goods by road, esp. one that travels throughout Europe. Juggernaut ety C17: from Hindi Jagannath, from Sanskrit Jagann*_atha lord of the world (that is, Vishnu, chief of the Hindu gods), from jagat world+ n*_atha lord Juggernaut 1. syl Jug+ger+naut pron <1J^g*2nc:t> pos n. qual Hinduism. def a crude idol of Krishna worshipped at Puri and throughout Orissa and Bengal. At an annual festival the idol is wheeled through the town on a gigantic chariot and devotees are supposed to have formerly thrown themselves under the wheels in the hope of going straight to paradise. Juggernaut 2. syl Jug+ger+naut pron <1J^g*2nc:t> pos n. qual Hinduism. def a form of Krishna miraculously raised by Brahma from the state of a crude idol to that of a living god. juggins ety C19: special use of the surname Juggins juggins 0. syl jug+gins pron <1J^ginz> pos n. qual Brit. informal. def a silly fellow. juggle ety C14: from Old French jogler to perform as a jester, from Latin jocul*_ar*_i to jest, from jocus a jest juggle 1. syl jug+gle pron <1J^gL> pos vb. def to throw and catch (several objects) continuously so that most are in the air all the time, as an entertainment. juggle 2. syl jug+gle pron <1J^gL> pos vb. def to arrange or manipulate (facts, figures, etc.) so as to give a false or misleading picture. juggle 3. syl jug+gle pron <1J^gL> pos vb. mod tr. def to keep (several activities) in progress, esp. with difficulty. {~} juggle 4. syl jug+gle pron <1J^gL> pos vb. def an act of juggling. jugglery sub head juggle syl jug+gler:y pos n. juggler 1. syl jug+gler pron <1J^gl*> pos n. def a person who juggles, esp. a professional entertainer. juggler 2. syl jug+gler pron <1J^gl*> pos n. def a person who fraudulently manipulates facts or figures. juglandaceous ety C19: via New Latin from Latin juglans walnut, from ju-, shortened from Jovi- of Jupiter+ glans acorn juglandaceous 0. syl ju+glan+da+ceous pron <2Ju:gl@n1dAS*s> pos adj. def of, relating to, or belonging to the a family of trees that includes walnut and hickory. Jugoslavia 0. syl Ju+go+sla+vi:a pron <2ju:g*u1sla:vi*> pos n. def a variant spelling of {Yugo?!slavia}. Jugoslav sub head Jugoslavia or Jugoslavian syl Ju+go+2slav pos adj. n. Jugoslavian sub head Jugoslavia or Jugoslav syl Ju+go+1sla+vi:an pos adj. n. jugular ety C16: from Late Latin jugul*_aris, from Latin jugulum throat jugular 1. syl jug:u+lar pron <1J^gjul*> pos adj. def of, relating to, or situated near the throat or neck. jugular 2. syl jug:u+lar pron <1J^gjul*> pos adj. def of, having, or denoting pelvic fins situated in front of the pectoral fins. exam 1 a jugular fish. jugular 3. syl jug:u+lar pron <1J^gjul*> pos n. def short for {jugular vein}. jugular vein 0. syl jug:u+lar vein pos n. def any of three large veins of the neck that return blood to the heart from the head and face. jugulate ety C17 (in the obsolete sense: kill by cutting the throat of): from Latin jugul*_are, from jugulum throat, from jugum yoke jugulate 0. syl jug:u+late pron <1J^gju2lAt> pos vb. mod tr. qual Rare. def to check (a disease) by extreme measures or remedies. jugulation sub head jugulate syl jug:u+1la+tion pos n. jugum ety C19: from Latin, literally: #7yoke jugum 1. syl ju+gum pron <1Ju:g*m> pos n. def a small process at the base of each forewing in certain insects by which the forewings are united to the hindwings during flight. jugum 2. syl ju+gum pron <1Ju:g*m> pos n. qual Botany. def a pair of opposite leaflets. Jugurtha 0. syl Ju:gur:tha pron pos n. def died 104 #7b.c., king of Numidia (??112-104), who waged war against the Romans (the {Jugurthine War}, 112-105) and was defeated and executed. juice ety C13: from Old French jus, from Latin juice 1. syl juice pron pos n. def any liquid that occurs naturally in or is secreted by plant or animal tissue. exam 1 the juice of an orange; exam 2 digestive juices. juice 2.a. syl juice pron pos n. def fuel for an engine, esp. petrol. juice 2.b. syl juice pron pos n. def electricity. juice 2.c. syl juice pron pos n. def alcoholic drink. juice 3.a. syl juice pron pos n. def vigour or vitality. juice 3.b. syl juice pron pos n. def essence or fundamental nature. juiceless sub head juice syl juice+less pos adj. juice extractor 0. syl juice ex+trac+tor pos n. def a kitchen appliance, usually operated by electricity, for extracting juice from fruits and vegetables. U.S. equivalent: {juicer}. juice up 1. syl juice up pos vb. adv. mod tr. qual U.S. slang. def to make lively. exam 1 to juice up a party. juice up 2. syl juice up pos vb. adv. mod tr. usage often passive def to cause to be drunk. exam 1 he got juiced up on Scotch last night. juicier infl head juicy syl juic:i+er pos adj. juiciest infl head juicy syl juic:i+est. pos adj. juicy 1. syl juic:y pron <1Ju:si> pos adj. def full of juice. juicy 2. syl juic:y pron <1Ju:si> pos adj. def provocatively interesting; spicy. exam 1 juicy gossip. juicy 3. syl juic:y pron <1Ju:si> pos adj. qual Slang. def voluptuous or seductive. exam 1 she's a juicy bit. juicy 4. syl juic:y pron <1Ju:si> pos adj. qual Chiefly U.S. def profitable. exam 1 a juicy contract. juicily sub head juicy syl juic:i+ly pos adv. juiciness sub head juicy syl juic:i+ness pos n. Juiz de Fora 0. syl Juiz de Fo:ra pron Portuguese <1Zwiz>, Portuguese <1fcra> pos n. def a city in SE Brazil, in Minas Gerais state on the Rio de Janeiro-Belo Horizonte railway: textiles. Pop.: 218832 (1970). jujitsu ety C19: from Japanese, from j*_u gentleness+ jutsu art jujutsu infl head jujitsu or jujiujutsu syl ju+jut+su pron pos n. jujiujutsu infl head jujitsu or jujutsu syl ju+jiu+jut+su pron pos n. jujitsu 0. syl ju+jit+su pron pos n. def the traditional Japanese system of unarmed self-defence perfected by the samurai. See also {judo}. juju ety C19: probably from Hausa djudju evil spirit, fetish juju 1. syl ju:ju pron <1Ju:Ju:> pos n. def an object superstitiously revered by certain West African peoples and used as a charm or fetish. juju 2. syl ju:ju pron <1Ju:Ju:> pos n. def the power associated with a juju. juju 3. syl ju:ju pron <1Ju:Ju:> pos n. def a taboo effected by a juju. juju 4. syl ju:ju pron <1Ju:Ju:> pos n. def any process in which a mystery is exploited to confuse people. jujuism sub head juju syl 1ju+ju+ism pos n. jujuist sub head juju syl 1ju+ju+ist pos n. jujube ety C14: from Medieval Latin jujuba, modification of Latin z*_izyphum, from Greek zizuphon jujube 1. syl ju+jube pron <1Ju:Ju:b> pos n. def any of several Old World spiny rhamnaceous trees of the genus esp. that have small yellowish flowers and dark red edible fruits. See also {Christ's-thorn}. jujube 2. syl ju+jube pron <1Ju:Ju:b> pos n. def the fruit of any of these trees. jujube 3. syl ju+jube pron <1Ju:Ju:b> pos n. def a chewy sweet made of flavoured gelatine and sometimes medicated to soothe sore throats. jujube xref syl ju+jube pron <1Ju:Ju:b> pos n. def Also called (for senses 1, 2): {Chinese date}. jukebox ety C20: from Gullah juke bawdy (as in juke house brothel)+{#7box %1} jukebox 0. syl juke+box pron <1Ju:k2boks> pos n. def an automatic gramophone, usually in a large case, in which records may be selected by inserting coins and pressing appropriate buttons. Jul 0. syl Jul. qual abbrev. for def July. julep ety C14: from Old French, from Arabic jul*_ab, from Persian gul*_ab rose water, from gul rose+ *_ab water julep 1. syl ju+lep pron <1Ju:lip> pos n. def a sweet drink, variously prepared and sometimes medicated. julep 2. syl ju+lep pron <1Ju:lip> pos n. qual Chiefly U.S. def short for {mint julep}. Julian H1.0. syl Jul:ian pron <1Ju:lj*n>, <-li*n> pos n. def called Latin name 331-363 #7a.d., Roman emperor (361-363), who attempted to revive paganism in the Roman empire while remaining tolerant to Christians and Jews. Julian H2.1. syl Jul+ian pron <1Ju:lj*n>, <-li*n> pos adj. def of or relating to Julius Caesar. Julian H2.2. syl Jul+ian pron <1Ju:lj*n>, <-li*n> pos adj. def denoting or relating to the Julian calendar. Juliana 0. syl Ju:li:an:a pron <2Juli1a:n*>, Dutch <2jy:lE1a:na:> pos n. def full name born 1909, queen of the Netherlands since 1948. Julian Alps 0. syl Jul+ian Alps pos n. mod pl. def a mountain range in NW Yugoslavia, in Slovenia: an E range of the Alps. Julian calendar 0. syl Jul+ian cal+en+dar pos n. def the calendar introduced by Julius Caesar in 46 #7b.c., identical to the present calendar in all but two aspects: the beginning of the year was not fixed on Jan. 1 and leap years occurred every fourth year and in every centenary year. Compare {Gregorian calendar}. julienne 1. syl ju+li+enne pron <2Ju:li1en> pos adj. usage of vegetables def cut into thin shreds. julienne 2. syl ju+li+enne pron <2Ju:li1en> pos n. def a clear consomm*'e to which a mixture of such vegetables has been added. Juliet cap ety C20: after the heroine of Shakespeare's Romeo and Juliet Juliet cap 0. syl Ju+li+et cap pron <1Ju:liit> pos n. def a close-fitting decorative cap, worn esp. by brides. Julius II 0. syl Jul:ius II pron <2Ju:lj*s>, <-li*s> pos n. def original name 1443-1513, pope (1503-13). He completed the restoration of the Papal States to the Church, began the building of St. Peter's, Rome (1506), and patronized Michelangelo, Raphael, and Bramante. Julius Caesar 0. syl Jul:ius Cae:sar pos n. def See {Caesar}. Jullundur 0. syl Jul+lun+dur pron <1J^l*nd*> pos n. def a city in NW India, in central Punjab. Pop.: 296106 (1971). July ety C13: from Anglo-French julie, from Latin J*_ulius, after Gaius Julius C#7aesar, in whose honour it was named Julies infl head July syl Ju:lies. pos n. mod pl. July 0. syl Ju:ly pron , , pos n. def the seventh month of the year, consisting of 31 days. Jumada ety Arabic Jumada 0. syl Ju+ma+da pron pos n. def either the fifth or the sixth month of the Muslim year, known respectively as {Jumada I} and {Jumada II}. jumble ety C16: of uncertain origin jumble 1. syl jum+ble pron <1J^mbL> pos vb. def to mingle (objects, papers, etc.) in a state of disorder. jumble 2. syl jum+ble pron <1J^mbL> pos vb. mod tr. usage usually passive def to remember in a confused form; muddle. jumble 3. syl jum+ble pron <1J^mbL> pos n. def a disordered mass, state, etc. jumble 4. syl jum+ble pron <1J^mbL> pos n. def Also called: {jumbal}. a small thin cake, variously flavoured. jumble 5. syl jum+ble pron <1J^mbL> pos n. def articles donated for a jumble sale. jumbler sub head jumble syl jum+bler pos n. jumblingly sub head jumble syl jum+bling+ly pos adv. jumble sale 0. syl jum+ble sale pos n. def a sale of miscellaneous articles, usually cheap and predominantly secondhand, in aid of charity. U.S. equivalent: {rummage sale}. jumbo ety C19: after the name of a famous elephant exhibited by P. T. Barnum, from Swahili jumbe chief jumbos infl head jumbo syl jum+bos. pos n. mod pl. jumbo 1.a. syl jum+bo pron <1J^mb*u> pos n. def a very large person or thing. jumbo 1.b. syl jum+bo pron <1J^mb*u> pos n. usage as modifier exam 1 a jumbo box of detergent. jumbo 2. syl jum+bo pron <1J^mb*u> pos n. def See {jumbo jet}. jumbo jet 0. syl jum+bo jet pos n. qual Informal. def a type of large jet-propelled airliner. jumbuck ety C19: from a native Australian language jumbuck 0. syl jum+buck pron <1J^m2b^k> pos n. qual Austral. def an informal word for {sheep}. Jumna 0. syl Jum+na pron <1J^mn*> pos n. def a river in N India, rising in Uttar Pradesh in the Himalayas and flowing south and southeast to join the Ganges just below Allahabad (a confluence held sacred by Hindus). Length: 1385 km (860 miles). jump ety C16: probably of imitative origin; compare Swedish gumpa to jump jump 1. syl jump pron pos vb. mod intr. def to leap or spring clear of the ground or other surface by using the muscles in the legs and feet. jump 2. syl jump pron pos vb. mod tr. def to leap over or clear (an obstacle). exam 1 to jump a gap. jump 3. syl jump pron pos vb. mod tr. def to cause to leap over an obstacle. exam 1 to jump a horse over a hedge. jump 4. syl jump pron pos vb. def to move or proceed hastily (into, onto, out of, etc.). exam 1 she jumped into a taxi and was off. jump 5. syl jump pron pos vb. mod tr. qual Informal. def to board so as to travel illegally on. exam 1 he jumped the train as it was leaving. jump 6. syl jump pron pos vb. mod intr. def to parachute from an aircraft. jump 7. syl jump pron pos vb. mod intr. def to jerk or start, as with astonishment, surprise, etc.. exam 1 she jumped when she heard the explosion. jump 8. syl jump pron pos vb. def to rise or cause to rise suddenly or abruptly. jump 9. syl jump pron pos vb. def to pass or skip over (intervening objects or matter). exam 1 she jumped a few lines and then continued reading. jump 10. syl jump pron pos vb. mod intr. def to change from one thing to another, esp. from one subject to another. jump 11. syl jump pron pos vb. mod tr. def to drill by means of a jumper. jump 12.a. syl jump pron pos vb. def to have sections of a continuous sequence omitted, as through faulty cutting. jump 12.b. syl jump pron pos vb. def to flicker, as through faulty alignment of the film. jump 13. syl jump pron pos vb. mod tr. qual U.S. def to promote in rank, esp. unexpectedly or to a higher rank than expected. jump 14. syl jump pron pos vb. mod tr. def to start (a car) using jump leads. jump 15. syl jump pron pos vb. qual Draughts. def to capture (an opponent's piece) by moving one of one's own pieces over it to an unoccupied square. jump 16. syl jump pron pos vb. mod intr. qual Bridge. def to bid in response to one's partner at a higher level than is necessary, to indicate a strong hand. jump 17. syl jump pron pos vb. mod tr. def to come off (a track, rail, etc.). exam 1 the locomotive jumped the rails. jump 18. syl jump pron pos vb. mod intr. usage of the stylus of a record player def to be jerked out of the groove. jump 19. syl jump pron pos vb. mod intr. qual Slang. def to be lively. exam 1 the party was jumping when I arrived. jump 20. syl jump pron pos vb. mod tr. qual Informal. def to attack without warning. exam 1 thieves jumped the old man as he walked through the park. jump 21. syl jump pron pos vb. mod tr. usage Informal. of a driver or a motor vehicle def to pass through (a red traffic light) or move away from (traffic lights) before they change to green. jump 22. syl jump pron pos vb. mod tr. usage Brit. slang. of a man def to have sexual intercourse with. jump bail 23. head jump syl jump bail. def to forfeit one's bail by failing to appear in court, esp. by absconding. jump down someone's throat 24. head jump syl jump down someone's throat. qual Informal. def to address someone sharply; scold. jump ship 25. head jump syl jump ship. def to desert, esp. to leave a ship in which one is legally bound to serve. jump the queue 26. head jump syl jump the queue. qual Informal. def to obtain prior consideration or some other advantage out of turn or unfairly. jump to it 27. head jump syl jump to it. qual Informal. def to begin something quickly and efficiently. jump 28. syl jump pron pos n. def an act or instance of jumping. jump 29. syl jump pron pos n. def a space, distance, or obstacle to be jumped or that has been jumped. jump 30. syl jump pron pos n. def a descent by parachute from an aircraft. jump 31. syl jump pron pos n. qual Sport. def any of several contests involving a jump. exam 1 the high jump. jump 32. syl jump pron pos n. def a sudden rise. exam 1 the jump in prices last month. jump 33. syl jump pron pos n. def a sudden or abrupt transition. jump 34. syl jump pron pos n. def a sudden jerk or involuntary muscular spasm, esp. as a reaction of surprise. jump 35. syl jump pron pos n. def a step or degree. exam 1 one jump ahead. jump 36. syl jump pron pos n. qual Draughts. def a move that captures an opponent's piece by jumping over it. jump 37.a. syl jump pron pos n. def a break in continuity in the normal sequence of shots. jump 37.b. syl jump pron pos n. usage as modifier exam 1 a jump cut. jump 38. syl jump pron pos n. qual Computer technol. def another name for { {branch} (sense 7)}. jump 39. syl jump pron pos n. qual Brit. slang. def an act of sexual intercourse. jump 40.a. syl jump pron pos n. def in a hurry. jump 40.b. syl jump pron pos n. def busy and energetic. {~} See also {jump at, jump-off, jump on, jump-up}. jumpable sub head jump syl jump+a:ble pos adj. jumpingly sub head jump syl jump+ing+ly pos adv. jump at 0. syl jump at pos vb. prep. mod intr. def to be glad to accept. exam 1 I would jump at the chance of going. jump ball 0. syl jump ball pos n. qual Basketball. def a ball thrown high by the referee between two opposing players to put it in play, as after a stoppage in which no foul or violation was committed. jump bid 0. syl jump bid pos n. qual Bridge. def a bid by the responder at a higher level than is necessary. jumped-up 0. syl jumped-up pos adj. qual Informal. def suddenly risen in significance, esp. when appearing arrogant. jumper ety C19: from obsolete jump man's loose jacket, variant of jupe, from Old French, from Arabic jubbah long cloth coat jumper H1.1. syl jump+er pron <1J^mp*> pos n. qual Chiefly Brit. def a sweater or pullover. jumper H1.2. syl jump+er pron <1J^mp*> pos n. def the U.S. term for {pinafore dress}. jumper H2.1. syl jump+er pron <1J^mp*> pos n. def a boring tool that works by repeated impact, such as a steel bit in a hammer drill used in boring rock. jumper H2.2. syl jump+er pron <1J^mp*> pos n. def Also called: {jumper cable, jumper lead}. a short length of wire used to make a connection, usually temporarily, between terminals or to bypass a component. jumper H2.3. syl jump+er pron <1J^mp*> pos n. def a type of sled with a high crosspiece. jumper H2.4. syl jump+er pron <1J^mp*> pos n. def a person or animal that jumps. jumping bean 0. syl jump+ing bean pos n. def a seed of any of several Mexican euphorbiaceous plants, esp. species of that contains a moth caterpillar whose movements cause it to jerk about. jumping jack 1. syl jump+ing jack pos n. def a firework having a long narrow tube filled with gunpowder, folded like an accordion so that when lit it burns with small explosions causing it to jump along the ground. jumping jack 2. syl jump+ing jack pos n. def a toy figure of a man with jointed limbs that can be moved by pulling attached strings. jumping mouse 0. syl jump+ing mouse pos n. def any long-tailed small mouselike rodent of the family of North America, E Asia, and N and E Europe, having long hind legs specialized for leaping. point alt head jumping-off place or jumping-off place syl point pos n. jumping-off place 1. or point syl jump:ing-off place pos n. def a starting point, as in an enterprise. jumping-off place 2. or point syl jump:ing-off place pos n. def a final or extreme condition. jumping-off place 3. or point syl jump:ing-off place pos n. qual U.S. def a very remote spot. jump jet 0. syl jump jet pos n. qual Informal. def a fixed-wing jet aircraft that is capable of landing and taking off vertically. jump leads 0. syl jump leads pron pos n. mod pl. def two heavy cables fitted with crocodile clips used to start a motor vehicle with a discharged battery by connecting the battery to an external battery. U.S. name: {jumper cables}. jump-off 1. syl jump-off pos n. def an extra round in a showjumping contest when two or more horses are equal first, the fastest round deciding the winner. jump off infl head jump-off syl jump off. pos vb. jump-off 2. syl jump-off pos adv. mod intr. def to begin or engage in a jump-off. jump on 0. syl jump on pos vb. prep. mod intr. qual Informal. def to berate or reprimand. jump seat 1. syl jump seat pos n. def a folding seat on the flight deck of some aircraft for an additional crew member. jump seat 2. syl jump seat pos n. qual Brit. def a folding seat in a motor vehicle such as in a London taxi. jump shot 0. syl jump shot pos n. qual Basketball. def a shot at the basket made by a player releasing the ball at the highest point of a leap. jump-start 1. syl jump-start pos vb. def to start the engine of (a car) by pushing or rolling it and then engaging the gears or (of a car) to start in this way. jump-start 2. syl jump-start pos n. def the act of starting a car in this way. jump-start xref syl jump-start pos vb. def Also called (in Brit.): {bump-start}. jump suit 0. syl jump suit pos n. def a one-piece garment of combined trousers and jacket or shirt. jump-up 1. syl jump-up pos n. usage in the Caribbean def an occasion of mass dancing and merrymaking, as in a carnival. jump up infl head jump-up syl jump up. pos adv. mod intr. jump-up 2. syl jump-up pos vb. mod intr. def to stand up quickly and suddenly. jump-up 3. syl jump-up pos vb. mod intr. usage in the Caribbean def to take part in a jump-up. jumpier infl head jumpy syl jump:i+er pos adj. jumpiest infl head jumpy syl jump:i+est. pos adj. jumpy 1. syl jump:y pron <1J^mpi> pos adj. def nervous or apprehensive. jumpy 2. syl jump:y pron <1J^mpi> pos adj. def moving jerkily or fitfully. jumpily sub head jumpy syl jump:i+ly pos adv. jumpiness sub head jumpy syl jump:i+ness pos n. Jun 1. syl Jun. qual abbrev. for: def June. Jun 2. syl Jun. qual abbrev. for: def Also: {jun}. junior. junc 0. syl junc. qual abbrev. for def junction. juncaceous ety C19: via New Latin from Latin juncus a rush juncaceous 0. syl jun+ca+ceous pron pos adj. def of, relating to, or belonging to the a family of grasslike plants with small brown flowers: includes the rushes and woodrushes. Compare {cyperaceous}. junco ety C18: from Spanish: a rush, a marsh bird, from Latin juncus rush juncos infl head junco syl jun+cos. pos n. mod pl. junco 0. syl jun+co pron <1J^Gk*u> pos n. def any North American buntings of the genus having a greyish plumage with white outer tail feathers. junction ety C18: from Latin juncti*_o a joining, from junctus joined, from jungere to join junction 1. syl junc+tion pron <1J^GkS*n> pos n. def a place where several routes or lines meet, link, or cross each other. exam 1 a railway junction. junction 2.a. syl junc+tion pron <1J^GkS*n> pos n. def a contact between two different metals or other materials. exam 1 a thermocouple junction. junction 2.b. syl junc+tion pron <1J^GkS*n> pos n. def a transition region between regions of differing electrical properties in a semi?!conductor. exam 1 a p-n junction. junction 3. syl junc+tion pron <1J^GkS*n> pos n. def a connection between two or more conductors or sections of transmission lines. junction 4. syl junc+tion pron <1J^GkS*n> pos n. def the act of joining or the state of being joined. junctional sub head junction syl junc+tion+al pos adj. junction box 0. syl junc+tion box pos n. def an earthed enclosure within which wires or cables can be safely connected. junction transistor 0. syl junc+tion tran+sis+tor pos n. def a bipolar transistor consisting of two p-n junctions combined to form either an n-p-n or a p-n-p transistor, having the three electrodes, the emitter, base, and collector. juncture 1. syl junc+ture pron <1J^GkC*> pos n. def a point in time, esp. a critical one (often in the phrase {at this juncture) }. juncture 2.a. syl junc+ture pron <1J^GkC*> pos n. def a pause in speech or a feature of pronunciation that introduces, accompanies, or replaces a pause. juncture 2.b. syl junc+ture pron <1J^GkC*> pos n. def the set of phonological features signalling a division between words, such as those that distinguish from juncture 3. syl junc+ture pron <1J^GkC*> pos n. def a less common word for {junction}. Jundia'i 0. syl Jun+dia:*'i pron Portuguese <2Zundja1i> pos n. def an industrial city in SE Brazil, in S?~ao Paulo state. Pop.: 145785 (1970). June ety Old English iunius, from Latin junius, probably from Junius name of Roman gens June 0. syl June pron pos n. def the sixth month of the year, consisting of 30 days. Juneau 0. syl Ju+neau pron <1ju:n*u> pos n. def a port in SE Alaska: state capital. Pop.: 6050 (1970). Juneberries infl head Juneberry syl June+ber:ries. pos n. mod pl. Juneberry 0. syl June+ber:ry pron <1Ju:n2beri> pos n. def another name for {serviceberry} (senses 1, 2). June beetle alt head June bug or June bug syl June bee+tle pos n. June bug 0. or June beetle syl June bug pos n. def any of various large brown North American scarabaeid beetles that are common in late spring and early summer, esp. any of the genus Also called: {May beetle, May bug}. Carl Gustav infl head Jung syl Carl Gus:tav pron pos n. Jungfrau 0. syl Jung+frau pron German <1juG2frau> pos n. def a mountain in S Switzerland, in the Bernese Alps south of Interlaken. Height: 4158 m (13642 ft.). Jungian 0. syl Jung+i:an pron <1juGi*n> pos adj. def of, following, or relating to C. G. Jung, his system of psychoanalysis, or to analytic psychology. jungle ety C18: from Hindi jangal, from Sanskrit j*_angala wilderness jungle 1. syl jun+gle pron <1J^GgL> pos n. def an equatorial forest area with luxuriant vegetation, often almost impenetrable. jungle 2. syl jun+gle pron <1J^GgL> pos n. def any dense or tangled thicket or growth. jungle 3. syl jun+gle pron <1J^GgL> pos n. def a place of intense competition or ruthless struggle for survival. exam 1 the concrete jungle. jungle 4. syl jun+gle pron <1J^GgL> pos n. usage U.S. slang. esp. in the Depression def a gathering place for the unemployed, etc. jungly sub head jungle syl jun+gly pos adj. jungle fever 0. syl jun+gle fe+ver pos n. def a serious malarial fever occurring in the East Indies. jungle fowl 1. syl jun+gle fowl pos n. def any small gallinaceous bird of the genus of S and SE Asia, the males of which have an arched tail and a combed and wattled head: family (pheasants). ({red jungle fowl}) is thought to be the ancestor of the domestic fowl. jungle fowl 2. syl jun+gle fowl pos n. qual Austral. def any of several megapodes, esp. jungle juice 1. syl jun+gle juice pos n. def a slang name for alcoholic liquor, esp. home-made liquor. jungle juice 2. syl jun+gle juice pos n. qual Austral. def a slang name for {kerosene}. junior ety C17: from Latin: younger, from juvenis young junior 1. syl jun+ior pron <1Ju:nj*> pos adj. def lower in rank or length of service; subordinate. junior 2. syl jun+ior pron <1Ju:nj*> pos adj. def younger in years. exam 1 junior citizens. junior 3. syl jun+ior pron <1Ju:nj*> pos adj. def of or relating to youth or childhood. exam 1 junior pastimes. junior 4. syl jun+ior pron <1Ju:nj*> pos adj. qual Brit. def of or relating to schoolchildren between the ages of 7 and 11 approximately. junior 5. syl jun+ior pron <1Ju:nj*> pos adj. qual U.S. def of, relating to, or designating the third year of a four-year course at college or high school. junior 6. syl jun+ior pron <1Ju:nj*> pos n. usage Law. in England def any barrister below the rank of Queen's Counsel. junior 7. syl jun+ior pron <1Ju:nj*> pos n. def a junior person. junior 8. syl jun+ior pron <1Ju:nj*> pos n. qual Brit. def a junior schoolchild. junior 9. syl jun+ior pron <1Ju:nj*> pos n. qual U.S. def a junior student. Junior 0. syl Jun+ior pron <1Ju:nj*> pos adj. qual Chiefly U.S. def being the younger: usually used after a name to distinguish the son from the father with the same first name or names. exam 1 Charles Parker, Junior. junior college 1. syl jun+ior col+lege pos n. qual U.S. def an educational establishment providing a two-year course that either terminates with an associate degree or is the equivalent of the freshman and sophomore years of a four-year undergraduate course. junior college 2. syl jun+ior col+lege pos n. qual U.S. def the junior section of a college or university. junior common room 0. syl jun+ior com+mon room pos n. usage in certain universities and col?!leges def a common room for the use of students. Compare {senior common room, middle common room}. junior lightweight 0.a. syl jun+ior light+weight pos n. def a professional boxer weighing 126-130 pounds (57-59 kg). junior lightweight 0.b. syl jun+ior light+weight pos n. usage as modifier exam 1 a junior-lightweight bout. junior middleweight 0.a. syl jun+ior mid:dle+weight pos n. def a professional boxer weighing 147-154 pounds (66.5-70 kg). junior middleweight 0.b. syl jun+ior mid:dle+weight pos n. usage as modifier; the junior-middleweight championship. def Compare {light middleweight}. junior school 0. syl jun+ior school pos n. qual Brit. def a school for children aged between 7 and 11. Compare {infant school}. junior welterweight 0.a. syl jun+ior wel+ter+weight pos n. def a professional boxer weighing 135-140 pounds (61-63.5 kg). junior welterweight 0.b. syl jun+ior wel+ter+weight pos n. usage as modifier; a junior-welterweight fight. def Compare {light welterweight}. juniper ety C14: from Latin j*_uniperus, of obscure origin juniper 1. syl ju+ni+per pron <1Ju:nip*> pos n. def any coniferous shrub or small tree of the genus of the N hemisphere, having purple berry-like cones. The cones of ({common} or {dwarf juniper}) are used as a flavouring in making gin. See also { {red cedar} (sense 1)}. juniper 2. syl ju+ni+per pron <1Ju:nip*> pos n. def any of various similar trees, grown mainly as ornamentals. juniper 3. syl ju+ni+per pron <1Ju:nip*> pos n. qual Old Testament. def one of the trees used in the building of Solomon's temple (I Kings 6:15, 34) and for shipbuilding (Ezekiel 27:5). Junius 0. syl Jun:ius pron <1Ju:nj*s> pos n. def pen name of the anonymous author of a series of letters (1769-72) attacking the ministries of George III of England: now generally believed to have been written by Sir Philip Francis (1740-1818), a clerk in the War Office. junk ety C15: jonke old useless rope junk H1.1. syl junk pron pos n. def discarded or secondhand objects, etc., collectively. junk H1.2. syl junk pron pos n. qual Informal. def nonsense; rubbish. exam 1 the play was absolute junk. junk H1.3. syl junk pron pos n. qual Slang. def any narcotic drug, esp. heroin. junk H1.4. syl junk pron pos vb. mod tr. qual Informal, chiefly U.S. def to discard as junk; scrap. junk ety C17: from Portuguese junco, from Javanese jon; related to Dutch jonk junk H2.0. syl junk pron pos n. def a sailing vessel used in Chinese waters and characterized by a very high poop, flat bottom, and square sails supported by battens. Junker ety C16: from German, from Old High German junch*_erro young lord, from junc young+ h*_erro master, lord Junker 1. syl Jun+ker pron <1juGk*> pos n. qual History. def any of the aristocratic landowners of Prussia who were devoted to maintaining their identity and extensive social and political privileges. Junker 2. syl Jun+ker pron <1juGk*> pos n. def an arrogant, narrow-minded, and tyrannical German army officer or official. Junker 3. syl Jun+ker pron <1juGk*> pos n. usage formerly def a young German nobleman. Junkerdom sub head Junker syl Jun+ker+dom pos n. Junkerism sub head Junker syl Jun+ker+ism pos n. junket ety C14 (in the sense: rush basket, hence custard served on rushes): from Old French (dialect) jonquette, from jonc rush, from Latin juncus reed junket 1. syl jun+ket pron <1J^Gkit> pos n. def a sweet dessert made of flavoured milk set to a curd with rennet. junket 2. syl jun+ket pron <1J^Gkit> pos n. def a feast. junket 3. syl jun+ket pron <1J^Gkit> pos n. qual U.S. def an excursion, esp. one made for pleasure at public expense by a public official or committee. junket 4. syl jun+ket pron <1J^Gkit> pos vb. def to have or entertain with a feast. junket 5. syl jun+ket pron <1J^Gkit> pos vb. mod intr. usage U.S. of a public official, committee, etc. def to go on a junket. junketer sub head junket syl jun+ket+er pos n. junketter sub head junket or junketeer syl jun+ket+ter pos n. junketeer sub head junket or junketter syl jun+ke+1teer pos n. junky alt head junkie or junkie syl junk:y pron <1J^Gki> pos n. junkies infl head junkie syl junk:ies. pos n. mod pl. junkie 0. or junky syl junk:ie pron <1J^Gki> pos n. def an informal word for {drug addict}, esp. one who injects heroin into himself. junkmen infl head junkman syl junk+men. pos n. mod pl. junkman 0. syl junk+man pron <1J^Gk2m@n> pos n. def the U.S. term for {rag-and-bone man}. junk shop 1. syl junk shop pos n. def a shop selling miscellaneous secondhand goods. junk shop 2. syl junk shop pos n. qual Derogatory. def a shop selling antiques. junkyard 0. syl junk+yard pron <1J^Gk2ja:d> pos n. def a place where junk is stored or collected for sale. Juno H1.1. syl Ju:no pron <1Ju:n*u> pos n. usage in Roman tradition def the queen of the Olympian gods. Greek counterpart: {Hera}. Juno H1.2. syl Ju:no pron <1Ju:n*u> pos n. def a woman of stately bearing and regal beauty. Juno H2.0. syl Ju:no pron <1Ju:n*u> pos n. qual Astronomy. def the fourth largest known asteroid (approximate diameter 240 kilometres) and one of the four brightest. Junoesque 0. syl Ju+no+esque pron <2Ju:n*u1esk> pos adj. def having stately bearing and regal beauty like the goddess Juno. junr alt head Junr or Junr syl junr. Junr 0. or junr syl Junr. qual abbrev. for def junior. junta ety C17: from Spanish: council, from Latin junctus joined, from jungere to #7join junta 1. syl jun+ta pron <1Junt*>, <1J^n->, U.S. <1hunt*> pos n. def a group of military officers holding the power in a country, esp. after a coup d'*'etat. junta 2. syl jun+ta pron <1Junt*>, <1J^n->, U.S. <1hunt*> pos n. def Also called: {junto}. a small group of men; cabal, faction, or clique. junta 3. syl jun+ta pron <1Junt*>, <1J^n->, U.S. <1hunt*> pos n. def a legislative or executive council in some parts of Latin America. junto ety C17: variant of #7junta juntos infl head junto syl jun+tos. pos n. mod pl. junto 0. syl jun+to pron <1Junt*u>, <1J^n-> pos n. def a cabal, faction, or clique; junta. Jupiter H1.0. syl Ju:pi:ter pron <1Ju:pit*> pos n. usage in Roman tradition def the king and ruler of the Olympian gods. Greek counterpart: {Zeus}. Jupiter H2.0. syl Ju+pi+ter pron <1Ju:pit*> pos n. def the largest of the planets and the fifth from the sun. It has 12 satellites and is surrounded by a system of swirling cloud belts at a temperature of about -130?%C. Mean distance from sun: 778 million km; period of revolution around sun: 11.86 years; period of axial rotation: 9.83 hours; diameter and mass: 11.2 and 317.9 times that of earth respectively. jupon ety C15: from Old French, from Old French jupe; see #7jumper %1 jupon 0. syl ju+pon pron <1Zu:pon> pos n. def a short close-fitting sleeveless padded garment, used in the late 14th and early 15th centuries with armour. Also called: {gipon}. jura 0. syl ju:ra pron <1Ju*r*> pos n. def the plural of {jus}. Jura 1. syl Ju:ra pron <1Ju*r*> pos n. def a department of W France, in Franche-Comt*'e region. Capital: Lons-le-Saunier. Pop.: 247370 (1975). Area: 5055 sq. km (1971 sq. miles). Jura 2. syl Ju:ra pron <1Ju*r*> pos n. def an island off the W coast of Scotland, in the Inner Hebrides, separated from the mainland by the {Sound of Jura}. Pop.: (with Colonsay) 343 (1971). Area: 381 sq. km (147 sq. miles). Jura 3. syl Ju:ra pron <1Ju*r*> pos n. def a mountain range in W central Europe, between the Rivers Rhine and Rh*^one: mostly in E France, extending into W Switzerland. Jura 4. syl Ju:ra pron <1Ju*r*> pos n. def a range of mountains in the NE quadrant of the moon lying on the N border of the Mare Imbrium. jural ety C17: from Latin i*_us law+-#7al %1 &- #!ju+ral+ly adv. jural 1. syl ju+ral pron <1Ju*r*l> pos adj. def of or relating to law or to the administration of justice. jural 2. syl ju+ral pron <1Ju*r*l> pos adj. def of or relating to rights and obligations. Jurassic ety C19: from French jurassique, after the J#7ura (Mountains) Jurassic 1. syl Ju+ras+sic pron pos adj. def of, denoting, or formed in the second period of the Mesozoic era, between the Triassic and Cretaceous periods, lasting for 45 million years during which dinosaurs and ammonites flourished. the 2. head Jurassic syl the. def the Jurassic period or rock system. jurat ety C16: from Medieval Latin j*_ur*_atus one who has been sworn, from Latin j*_ur*_are to swear jurat 1. syl ju+rat pron <1Ju*r@t> pos n. qual Law. def a statement at the foot of an affidavit, naming the parties, stating when, where, and before whom it was sworn, etc. jurat 2. syl ju+rat pron <1Ju*r@t> pos n. usage in England def a municipal officer of the Cinque Ports, having a similar position to that of an alderman. jurat 3. syl ju+rat pron <1Ju*r@t> pos n. usage in France and the Channel Islands def a magistrate. juratory 0. syl ju+ra+to:ry pron <1Ju*r*t*ri>, <-tri> pos adj. qual Law. def of, relating to, or expressed in an oath. Jur D ety Latin: Juris Doctor Jur D 0. syl Jur. D. qual abbrev. for def Doctor of Law. jurel ety C18: from Spanish, from Catalan sorell, from Late Latin saurus horse mackerel, from Greek sauros lizard jurel 0. syl ju+rel pron pos n. def any of several carangid food fishes of the genus of warm American Atlantic waters. juridical ety C16: from Latin j*_uridicus, from i*_us law+ dicere to say juridic alt head juridical or juridical syl ju+rid+ic pos adj. juridical 0. or juridic syl ju+rid:i+cal pron pos adj. def of or relating to law, to the administration of justice, or to the office or function of a judge; legal. juridically sub head juridical syl ju+1rid:i+cal+ly pos adv. juridical days 0. syl ju+rid:i+cal days pos n. mod pl. qual Law. def days on which the courts are in session. Compare {dies non}. jurisconsult ety C17: from Latin j*_uris consultus; see #7jus, consult jurisconsult 1. syl ju+ris+con+sult pron <2Ju*ris1kons^lt> pos n. def a person qualified to advise on legal matters. jurisconsult 2. syl ju+ris+con+sult pron <2Ju*ris1kons^lt> pos n. def a master of jurisprudence. jurisdiction ety C13: from Latin j*_urisdicti*_o administration of justice; see #7jus, diction jurisdiction 1. syl ju+ris+dic+tion pron <2Ju*ris1dikS*n> pos n. def the right or power to administer justice and to apply laws. jurisdiction 2. syl ju+ris+dic+tion pron <2Ju*ris1dikS*n> pos n. def the exercise or extent of such right or power. jurisdiction 3. syl ju+ris+dic+tion pron <2Ju*ris1dikS*n> pos n. def power or authority in general. jurisdictional sub head jurisdiction syl ju+ris+1dic+tion+al pos adj. jurisdictionally sub head jurisdiction syl ju+ris+1dic+tion+al+ly pos adv. jurisdictive sub head jurisdiction syl ju+ris+1dic+tive pos adj. jurisp 0. syl jurisp. qual abbrev. for def jurisprudence. jurisprudence ety C17: from Latin j*_uris pr*_udentia; see #7jus, prudence jurisprudence 1. syl ju+ris+pru+dence pron <2Ju*ris1pru:dNs> pos n. def the science or phi?!losophy of law. jurisprudence 2. syl ju+ris+pru+dence pron <2Ju*ris1pru:dNs> pos n. def a system or body of law. jurisprudence 3. syl ju+ris+pru+dence pron <2Ju*ris1pru:dNs> pos n. def a branch of law. exam 1 medical jurisprudence. jurisprudential sub head jurisprudence syl ju+ris+pru+den+tial pron <2Ju*rispru:1denS*l> pos adj. jurisprudentially sub head jurisprudence syl ju+ris+pru+1den+tial+ly pos adv. jurisprudent 1. syl ju+ris+pru+dent pron <2Ju*ris1pru:dNt> pos adj. def skilled in jurisprudence or versed in the principles of law. jurisprudent 2. syl ju+ris+pru+dent pron <2Ju*ris1pru:dNt> pos n. def a jurisprudent person. jurist ety C15: from French juriste, from Medieval Latin j*_urista; see #7jus jurist 1. syl ju+rist pron <1Ju*rist> pos n. def a person versed in the science of law, esp. Roman or civil law. jurist 2. syl ju+rist pron <1Ju*rist> pos n. def a writer on legal subjects. jurist 3. syl ju+rist pron <1Ju*rist> pos n. def a student or graduate of law. jurist 4. syl ju+rist pron <1Ju*rist> pos n. usage in the U.S. def a lawyer. juristical alt head juristic or juristic syl ju+ris+ti+cal pos adj. juristic 1. or juristical syl ju+ris+tic pron pos adj. def of or relating to jurists. juristic 2. or juristical syl ju+ris+tic pron pos adj. def of, relating to, or characteristic of the study of law or the legal profession. juristically sub head juristic syl ju+1ris+ti+cal+ly pos adv. juristic act 1. syl ju+ris+tic act pos n. def a proceeding designed to have a legal effect. juristic act 2. syl ju+ris+tic act pos n. def an act by an individual aimed at altering, terminating, or otherwise affecting a legal right. juror ety C14: from Anglo-French jurour, from Old French jurer to take an oath, from Latin j*_ur*_are juror 1. syl ju+ror pron <1Ju*r*> pos n. def a member of a jury. juror 2. syl ju+ror pron <1Ju*r*> pos n. def a person whose name is included on a panel from which a jury is selected. juror 3. syl ju+ror pron <1Ju*r*> pos n. def a person who takes an oath. Juru'a 0. syl Ju+ru*'a pron Portuguese pos n. def a river in South America, rising in E central Peru and flowing northeast across NW Brazil to join the Amazon. Length: 1900 km (1200 miles). jury ety C14: from Old French juree, from jurer to swear; see #7juror juries infl head jury syl ju:ries. pos n. mod pl. jury H1.1. syl ju:ry pron <1Ju*ri> pos n. def a group of twelve people sworn to deliver a true verdict according to the evidence upon a case presented in a court of law. See also {grand jury, petit jury}. jury H1.2. syl ju:ry pron <1Ju*ri> pos n. def a body of persons appointed to judge a competition and award prizes. jury ety C17: of unknown origin jury H2.0. syl ju:ry pron <1Ju*ri> pos adj. usage Chiefly nautical. in combination def makeshift. exam 1 jury-rigged. jury box 0. syl ju:ry box pos n. def an enclosure where the jury sit in court. jurymen infl head juryman syl ju:ry+men. pos n. mod pl. juryman 0. syl ju:ry+man pron <1Ju*rim*n> pos n. def a member of a jury. jury process 0. syl ju:ry pro+cess pos n. def the writ used to summon jurors. jury-rigged 0. syl ju:ry-rigged pos adj. qual Chiefly nautical. def set up in a makeshift manner, usually as a result of the loss of regular gear. jus ety Latin: law jura infl head jus syl ju:ra pron <1Ju*r*> pos n. mod pl. jus 1. syl jus pron pos n. qual Law. def a right, power, or authority. jus 2. syl jus pron pos n. qual Law. def law in the abstract or as a system, as distinguished from specific enactments. just alt head jus or jus syl just. jus 0. or just syl jus. qual abbrev. for def justice. jus canonicum ety from Latin jus canonicum 0. syl jus ca+no+ni+cum pron <1J^s> pos n. def canon law. jus civile ety from Latin jus civile 1. syl jus ci+vi+le pron <1J^s> pos n. def the civil law of the Roman state. jus civile 2. syl jus ci+vi+le pron <1J^s> pos n. def the body of law derived from the principles of this law. Compare {jus gentium, jus naturale}. jus divinum ety from Latin jus divinum 0. syl jus di+vi+num pron <1J^s> pos n. def divine law. jus gentium ety from Latin jus gentium 0. syl jus gen+ti+um pron <1J^s> <1Jenti*m> pos n. qual Roman law. def those rules of law common to all nations. jus naturale ety from Latin jus naturale 1. syl jus na+tu+ra+le pron <1J^s> <2n@tju1rAli> pos n. qual Roman law. usage originally def a system of law based on fundamental ideas of right and wrong; natural law. jus naturale 2. syl jus na+tu+ra+le pron <1J^s> <2n@tju1rAli> pos n. qual Roman law. usage in later usage def another term for {jus gentium}. jus sanguinis ety Latin, literally: law of blood jus sanguinis 0. syl jus san+gui+nis pron <1J^s> <1s@Ggwinis> pos n. qual Law. def the principle that a person's nationality at birth is the same as that of his natural parents. Compare {jus soli}. jussive ety C19: from Latin j*_ussus ordered, from jub*_ere to command jussive 0. syl jus+sive pron <1J^siv> pos adj. qual Grammar. def another word for { {imperative} (sense 3)}. jus soli ety from Latin, literally: law of soil jus soli 0. syl jus so:li pron <1J^s> <1s*ulI> pos n. qual Law. def the principle that a person's nationality at birth is determined by the territory within which he was born. Compare {jus sanguinis}. just ety C14: from Latin j*_ustus righteous, from j*_us justice &- #!just+ly adv. &- #!just+ness n. just 1.a. syl just pron pos adj. def fair or impartial in action or judgment. just 1.b. syl just pron pos as; n. exam 1 the just. just 2. syl just pron pos adj. def conforming to high moral standards; honest. just 3. syl just pron pos adj. def consistent with justice. exam 1 a just action. just 4. syl just pron pos adj. def rightly applied or given; deserved. exam 1 a just reward. just 5. syl just pron pos adj. def legally valid; lawful. exam 1 a just inheritance. just 6. syl just pron pos adj. def well-founded; reasonable. exam 1 just criticism. just 7. syl just pron pos adj. def correct, accurate, or true. exam 1 a just account. just 8. syl just pron , pos adv. def used with forms of to indicate an action performed in the very recent past. exam 1 I have just closed the door. just 9. syl just pron , pos adv. def at this very instant. exam 1 he's just coming in to land. just 10. syl just pron , pos adv. def no more than; merely; only. exam 1 just an ordinary car. just 11. syl just pron , pos adv. def exactly; precisely. exam 1 that's just what I mean. just 12. syl just pron , pos adv. def by a small margin; barely. exam 1 he just got there in time. just 14.a. syl just pron , pos adv. def at the point of starting (to do something). just 14.b. syl just pron , pos adv. def very nearly; almost. exam 1 I've just about had enough. jusecond infl head just or minute syl jusecond minute infl head just or jusecond syl minute. just a moment 15. head just syl just a moment def an expression requesting the hearer to wait or pause for a brief period of time. just 16.a. syl just pron , pos adv. def an expression of complete agreement or of unwillingness to dissent. just 16.b. syl just pron , pos adv. def conforming precisely to a required standard. justice ety C12: from Old French, from Latin j*_ustitia, from justus #7just justice 1. syl jus+tice pron <1J^stis> pos n. def the quality or fact of being just. justice 2. syl jus+tice pron <1J^stis> pos n. qual Ethics. def the moral principle that determines the fairness of actions, etc. justice 3. syl jus+tice pron <1J^stis> pos n. def the administration of law according to prescribed and accepted principles. justice 4. syl jus+tice pron <1J^stis> pos n. def conformity to the law; legal validity. justice 5. syl jus+tice pron <1J^stis> pos n. def a judge of the Supreme Court of Judicature. justice 6. syl jus+tice pron <1J^stis> pos n. def short for {justice of the peace}. justice 7. syl jus+tice pron <1J^stis> pos n. def good reason (esp. in the phrase {with justice) }. exam 1 he was disgusted by their behaviour, and with justice. justice 8.a. syl jus+tice pron <1J^stis> pos n. def to show to full advantage. exam 1 the picture did justice to her beauty. justice 8.b. syl jus+tice pron <1J^stis> pos n. def to show full appreciation of by action. exam 1 he did justice to the meal. justice 8.c. syl jus+tice pron <1J^stis> pos n. def to treat or judge fairly. do oneself justice 9. head justice syl do oneself justice. def to make full use of one's abilities. bring to justice 10. head justice syl bring to justice. def to capture, try, and usually punish (a criminal, outlaw, etc.). justice court 0. syl jus+tice court pos n. def an inferior court presided over by a justice of the peace. justice of the peace 0. syl jus+tice of the peace pos n. def a lay magistrate, appointed by the crown or acting whose function is to preserve the peace in his area, try summarily such cases as are within his jurisdiction, and perform miscellaneous administrative duties. justiceship 0. syl jus+tice+ship pron <1J^stis2Sip> pos n. def the rank or office of a justice. justiciable 1. syl jus+ti+ci+a:ble pron pos adj. def capable of being determined by a court of law. justiciable 2. syl jus+ti+ci+a:ble pron pos adj. def liable to be brought before a court for trial; subject to jurisdiction. justiciability sub head justiciable syl jus+2ti+ci+a:1bil+i:ty pos n. justiciar 0. syl jus+ti+ci+ar pron pos n. qual English legal history. def the chief political and legal officer from the time of William I to that of Henry III, who deputized for the king in his absence and presided over the kings' courts. Also called: {justiciary}. justiciarship sub head justiciar syl jus+1ti+ci+ar+2ship pos n. justiciary 1. syl jus+ti+ci+ar:y pron pos adj. def of or relating to the administration of justice. justiciaries infl head justiciary syl jus+ti+ci+ar:ies. pos n. mod pl. justiciary 2. syl jus+ti+ci+ar:y pron pos n. def an officer or administrator of justice; judge. justiciary 3. syl jus+ti+ci+ar:y pron pos n. def another word for {justiciar}. justifiable 0. syl jus+ti+fi+a:ble pron <1J^sti2fI*bL> pos adj. def capable of being justified; understandable. justifiability sub head justifiable or justifiableness syl jus+ti+2fi+a:1bil+i:ty pos n. justifiableness sub head justifiable or justifiability syl jus+ti+2fi+a:ble+ness pos n. justifiably sub head justifiable syl jus+ti+2fi+a:bly pos adv. justifiable homicide 0. syl jus+ti+fi+a:ble hom:i+cide pos n. def lawful killing, as in the execution of a death sentence. justification 1. syl jus+ti+fi+ca+tion pron <2J^stifi1kAS*n> pos n. def reasonable grounds for complaint, defence, etc. justification 2. syl jus+ti+fi+ca+tion pron <2J^stifi1kAS*n> pos n. def the act of justifying; proof, vindication, or exculpation. justification 3.a. syl jus+ti+fi+ca+tion pron <2J^stifi1kAS*n> pos n. def the act of justifying. justification 3.b. syl jus+ti+fi+ca+tion pron <2J^stifi1kAS*n> pos n. def the process of being justified or the condition of having been justified. justificative alt head justificatory or justificatory syl jus+ti+fi+ca+tive pron <1J^stifi2kAtiv> pos adj. justificatory 0. or justificative syl jus+ti+fi+ca+to:ry pron <1J^stifi2kAt*ri>, <-tri> pos adj. def serving as justification or capable of justifying; vindicatory. justify ety C14: from Old French justifier, from Latin justific*_are, from j*_ustus #7just #7+ facere to make justifies infl head justify syl jus+ti+fies pos vb. mod mainly; tr. justifying infl head justify syl jus+ti+fy+ing pos vb. mod mainly; tr. justified infl head justify syl jus+ti+fied. pos vb. mod mainly; tr. justify 1. syl jus+ti+fy pron <1J^sti2fI> pos vb. mod mainly; tr. usage often passive def to prove or see to be just or valid; vindicate. exam 1 he was certainly justified in taking the money. justify 2. syl jus+ti+fy pron <1J^sti2fI> pos vb. mod mainly; tr. def to show to be reasonable; warrant or substantiate. exam 1 his behaviour justifies our suspicion. justify 3. syl jus+ti+fy pron <1J^sti2fI> pos vb. mod mainly; tr. def to declare or show to be free from blame or guilt; absolve. justify 4.a. syl jus+ti+fy pron <1J^sti2fI> pos vb. mod mainly; tr. def to show good reason in court for (some action taken). justify 4.b. syl jus+ti+fy pron <1J^sti2fI> pos vb. mod mainly; tr. def to show adequate grounds for doing (that with which a person is charged). exam 1 to justify a libel. justify 5. syl jus+ti+fy pron <1J^sti2fI> pos vb. mod also; intr. qual Printing. def to adjust the spaces between words in (a line of type) so that it is of the required length or (of a line of type) to fit exactly. justify 6.a. syl jus+ti+fy pron <1J^sti2fI> pos vb. mod mainly; tr. qual Protestant theol. def to account or declare righteous by the imputation of Christ's merits to the sinner. justify 6.b. syl jus+ti+fy pron <1J^sti2fI> pos vb. mod mainly; tr. qual R.C. theol. def to change from sinfulness to righteousness by the transforming effects of grace. justify 7. syl jus+ti+fy pron <1J^sti2fI> pos vb. mod also; intr. qual Law. def to prove (a person) to have sufficient means to act as surety, etc., or (of a person) to qualify to provide bail or surety. justifier sub head justify syl jus+ti+2fi+er pos n. justifyingly sub head justify syl jus+ti+2fy+ing+ly pos adv. Justinian I 0. syl Jus:tin:i:an I pron pos n. def called Latin name 483-565 #7a.d., Byzantine emperor (527-565). He recovered North Africa, SE Spain, and Italy, largely owing to the brilliance of generals such as Belisarius. He sponsored the Justinian Code. Justinian Code 0. syl Jus+tin+i:an Code pos n. def the codification of Roman law made by order of Justinian I. See {Corpus Juris Civilis}. Saint infl head Justin Martyr syl Saint. pos n. Justin Martyr 0. syl Jus:tin Mar:tyr pron <1J^stin> pos n. def ??100-??165 #7a.d., Christian apologist and philosopher. Feast day: April 14. just intonation 0. syl just in+to+na+tion pos n. def a form of tuning employing the pitch intervals of the untempered natural scale, sometimes employed in the playing of the violin, cello, etc. justle 0. syl jus+tle pron <1J^sL> pos vb. def a less common word for {jostle}. justlement sub head justle syl jus+tle+ment pos n. justler sub head justle syl jus+tler pos n. just noticeable difference 0. syl just no+tice+a:ble dif+fer+ence pos n. qual Psychol. def the smallest detectable difference between two stimuli. Abbrev.: {j.n.d}. jut ety C16: variant of #7jet %1 juts infl head jut syl juts pos vb. jutting infl head jut syl jut+ting pos vb. jutted infl head jut syl jut+ted. pos vb. jut 1. syl jut pron pos vb. mod intr. usage often foll. by out def to stick out or overhang beyond the surface or main part; protrude or project. jut 2. syl jut pron pos n. def something that juts out. juttingly sub head jut syl jut+ting+ly pos adv. jute ety C18: from Bengali jhuto, from Sanskrit j*_uta braid of hair, matted hair jute 1. syl jute pron pos n. def either of two Old World tropical yellow-flowered herbaceous plants, or cultivated for their strong fibre: family jute 2. syl jute pron pos n. def this fibre, used in making sacks, rope, etc. Jute 0. syl Jute pron pos n. def a member of one of various Germanic tribes, some of whom invaded England in the 6th century #7a.d., settling in Kent. Jutish 1. syl Jut+ish pron <1Ju:tiS> pos adj. def of or relating to the Jutes. Jutish 2. syl Jut+ish pron <1Ju:tiS> pos n. def another name for {Kentish}. Jutland 0. syl Jut+land pron <1J^tl*nd> pos n. def a peninsula of N Europe: forms the continental portion of Denmark and geographically includes the N part of the West German province of Schleswig-Holstein, while politically it includes only the mainland of Denmark and the islands north of Limfjorden; an indecisive naval battle was fought off its NW coast in 1916 between the British and German fleets. Danish name: {Jylland}. Jutlander sub head Jutland syl Jut+land+er pos n. juvenal 0. syl ju+ve:nal pron <1Ju:vinL> pos adj. qual Ornithol. def a variant spelling (esp. U.S.) of {{juvenile} (sense 4).} Juvenal 0. syl Ju:ve:nal pron <1Ju:vinL> pos n. def Latin name ??60-??140 #7a.d., Roman satirist. In his 16 verse satires, he denounced the vices of imperial Rome. juvenescence 1. syl ju+ve:nes+cence pron <2Ju:vi1nes*ns> pos n. def youth or immaturity. juvenescence 2. syl ju+ve:nes+cence pron <2Ju:vi1nes*ns> pos n. def the act or process of growing from childhood to youth. juvenescence 3. syl ju+ve:nes+cence pron <2Ju:vi1nes*ns> pos n. def restoration of youth; rejuvenation. juvenescent ety C19: from Latin juven*_escere to grow up, regain strength, from juvenis youthful juvenescent 0. syl ju+ve:nes+cent pron <2Ju:vi1nesNt> pos adj. def becoming or being young or youthful. juvenile ety C17: from Latin juven*_ilis youthful, from juvenis young juvenile 1. syl ju+ve:nile pron <1Ju:vi2nIl> pos adj. def young, youthful, or immature. juvenile 2. syl ju+ve:nile pron <1Ju:vi2nIl> pos adj. def suitable or designed for young people. exam 1 juvenile pas?!times. juvenile 3. syl ju+ve:nile pron <1Ju:vi2nIl> pos adj. usage of animals or plants def not yet fully mature. juvenile 4. syl ju+ve:nile pron <1Ju:vi2nIl> pos adj. def of or denoting young birds that have developed their first plumage of adult feathers. {~} juvenile 5. syl ju+ve:nile pron <1Ju:vi2nIl> pos adj. def a juvenile person, animal, or plant. juvenile 6. syl ju+ve:nile pron <1Ju:vi2nIl> pos adj. def an actor who performs youthful roles. juvenile 7. syl ju+ve:nile pron <1Ju:vi2nIl> pos adj. def a book intended for young readers. juvenilely sub head juvenile syl ju+ve:2nile+ly pos adv. juvenile court 0. syl ju+ve:nile court pos n. def a court that deals with juvenile offenders and children beyond parental control or in need of care. juvenile delinquency 0. syl ju+ve:nile de+lin+quen+cy pos n. def antisocial or criminal conduct by juvenile delinquents. juvenile delinquent 0. syl ju+ve:nile de+lin+quent pos n. def a child or young person guilty of some offence, act of vandalism, or antisocial behaviour or whose conduct is beyond parental control and who may be brought before a juvenile court. juvenile hormone 0. syl ju+ve:nile hor+mone pos n. def a hormone, secreted by insects from a pair of glands behind the brain, that promotes the growth of larval characteristics and inhibits metamorphosis. juvenilia ety C17: from Latin, literally: youthful things; see #7juvenile juvenilia 0. syl ju+ve:nil:i:a pron <2Ju:vi1nili*> pos n. mod pl. def works of art, literature, or music produced in youth or adolescence, before the artist, author, or composer has formed a mature style. juvenilities infl head juvenility syl ju+ve:nil+i:ties. pos n. mod pl. juvenility 1. syl ju+ve:nil+i:ty pron <2Ju:vi1niliti> pos n. def the quality or condition of being juvenile, esp. of being immature. juvenility 2. syl ju+ve:nil+i:ty pron <2Ju:vi1niliti> pos n. mod often; pl. def a juvenile act or manner. juvenility 3. syl ju+ve:nil+i:ty pron <2Ju:vi1niliti> pos n. def juveniles collectively. juxtapose ety C19: back formation from juxtaposition, from Latin juxta next to+#7position juxtapose 0. syl jux+ta+pose pron <2J^kst*1p*uz> pos vb. mod tr. def to place close together or side by side. juxtaposition sub head juxtapose syl jux+ta+po+1si+tion pos n. juxtapositional sub head juxtapose syl jux+ta+po+1si+tion+al pos adj. JWV 0. syl J.W.V. qual abbrev. for def Jewish War Veterans. Jylland 0. syl Jyl+land pron < 1jylan> pos n. def the Danish name for {Jutland. ********************************************************************** ********************************************************************** ********************************************************************** ********************************************************************** ********************************************************************** **********************************************************************} jube ety C20: shortened from #7jujube ********************************************************************** Also called: Judas. the ********************************************************************** ********************************************************************** as in administering a caution to a person under arrest. ********************************************************************** ********************************************************************** using jump leads. jube H2.0. syl jube pron pos n. qual Austral. informal. def any jelly-like sweet. jube H2.1. syl jube pron pos n. qual Austral. informal.; Draughts. def to capture (an ********************************************************************** ********************************************************************** in an ********************************************************************** ********************************************************************** jungle juice 1. syl jun+gle juice pos n. def a slang name for alcoholic liquor, esp. home-made liquor. jungle juice 2. syl jun+gle juice pos n. qual Austral. def a slang name for {kerosene}. a group of military ********************************************************************** ********************************************************************** twelve people ********************************************************************** ********************************************************************** justifiable homicide 0. syl jus+ti+fi+a:ble hom:i+cide pos n. def lawful killing, as in the execution of a death sentence. ********************************************************************** change from sinfulness to righteousness by the transforming effects of grace. ********************************************************************** person. ********************************************************************** ********************************************************************** comply; rebel, esp. collectively. ********************************************************************** ********************************************************************** expression ********************************************************************** ********************************************************************** Nautical. ********************************************************************** ********************************************************************** $D. ********************************************************************** ********************************************************************** John Paul I 0. syl John Paul I pos n. def original name 1912-78, pope (1978) whose brief 33-day reign was characterized by a simpler less pompous papal style and anticipated an emphasis on pastoral rather than administrative priorities. John Paul II 0. syl John Paul II pos n. def original name born 1920, pope since 1978, born in Poland: the first non-Italian to be elected since 1522. ********************************************************************** ********************************************************************** necessary, routine, and menial work. John Paul II 1. syl John Paul II pos n. def the ********************************************************************** ********************************************************************** 2. head John Paul II syl ********************************************************************** ********************************************************************** def to ********************************************************************** ********************************************************************** nervous or apprehensive. ********************************************************************** ********************************************************************** junior lightweight 0.a. syl jun+ior light+weight pos n. def a professional boxer weighing 126-130 pounds (57-59 kg). junior lightweight 0.b. syl jun+ior light+weight pos n. usage as modifier exam 1 a junior-lightweight bout. junior middleweight 0.a. syl jun+ior mid:dle+weight pos n. def a professional boxer weighing 147-154 pounds (66.5-70 kg). junior middleweight 0.b. syl jun+ior mid:dle+weight pos n. usage as modifier; the junior-middleweight championship. def Compare {light middleweight. ********************************************************************** **********************************************************************} junior welterweight 0.a. syl jun+ior wel+ter+weight pos n. def a professional boxer weighing 135-140 pounds (61-63.5 kg). junior welterweight 0.b. syl jun+ior wel+ter+weight pos n. usage as modifier; a junior-welterweight fight. def Compare {light welterweight. ********************************************************************** ********************************************************************** ********************************************************************** 3): ********************************************************************** **********************************************************************} Jimmy Woodser 1. syl Jim+my Wood+ser pron <2Jimi> <1wudz*> pos n. qual Austral. informal. def a man who drinks by himself. Jimmy Woodser 2. syl Jim+my Wood+ser pron <2Jimi> <1wudz*> pos n. qual Austral. informal. def a drink taken alone. ********************************************************************** Jimmy Woodser 1. syl Jim+my Wood+ser pron <2Jimi> <1wudz*> pos n. qual Austral. informal. def a man who drinks by himself. Jimmy Woodser 2. syl Jim+my Wood+ser pron <2Jimi> <1wudz*> pos n. qual Austral. informal. def a drink taken alone. ********************************************************************** K alt head k or k syl K pron pos n. k's infl head k syl k's pos n. mod pl. K's infl head k or Ks syl K's pos n. mod pl. Ks infl head k or K's syl Ks. pos n. mod pl. k 1. or K syl k pron pos n. def the 11th letter and 8th consonant of the modern English alphabet. k 2. or K syl k pron pos n. def a speech sound represented by this letter, usually a voiceless velar stop, as in k 1. syl k qual symbol for: def kilo(s). k 2. syl k qual symbol for:; Maths. def the unit vector along the axis. K ety from New Latin kalium K ety from #7kilo - K 1. syl K qual symbol for: def kelvin(s). K 2. syl K qual symbol for:; Chess. def king. K 3. syl K qual symbol for:; Chem. def potassium. K 4. syl K qual symbol for:; Physics. def kaon. K 5. syl K qual symbol for: def one thousand. K 6. syl K qual symbol for:; Computer technol. def a unit of 1024 words, bytes, or bits. {~$D}. Cambodia. k alt head K or K syl k. K 1. or k syl K. qual abbrev. for: usage not cap. def karat. K 2. or k syl K. qual abbrev. for: def king. K 3.a. or k syl K. qual abbrev. for: def kip. K 3.b. or k syl K. qual abbrev. for: def kopeck. K 3.c. or k syl K. qual abbrev. for: def krona. K 3.d. or k syl K. qual abbrev. for: def krone. K 4. or k syl K. qual abbrev. for: def knight. K 5. or k syl K. qual abbrev. for: usage cap. def K*"ochel: indicating the serial number in the catalogue (1862) of the works of Mozart made by Ludwig von K*"ochel, 1800-77. K 0. syl K2 pos n. def a mountain in N India, in N Kashmir in the Karakoram Range: the second highest mountain in the world. Height: 8610 m (28250 ft.). Also called: {Godwin Austen, Dapsang}. ka ety from Egyptian ka 0. syl ka pron pos n. usage in ancient Egypt def an attendant spirit supposedly dwelling as a vital force in a man or statue. Kaaba ety from Arabic ka`bah, from ka`b cube Caaba alt head Kaaba or Kaaba syl Caa+ba pron <1ka:b*> pos n. Kaaba 0. or Caaba syl Kaa+ba pron <1ka:b*> pos n. def a cube-shaped building in Mecca, the most sacred Muslim pilgrim shrine, into which is built the black stone believed to have been given by Gabriel to Abraham. Muslims turn in its direction when praying. kab 0. syl kab pron pos n. def a variant spelling of { {cab%2.}} kabaka ety C19: from Luganda kabaka 0. syl ka+ba+ka pron pos n. def any of the former rulers of the Baganda people of S Uganda. Kabalega Falls 0. syl Ka+ba+le:ga Falls pron <2ka:b*1lAg*> pos n. mod pl. def rapids on the lower Victoria Nile, about 35 km (22 miles) east of Lake Albert, where the Nile drops 120 m (400 ft.). kabaragoya ety perhaps Taga?!log kabaragoya 0. syl ka+ba+ra+go+ya pron pos n. def a very large monitor lizard, of SE Asia: it grows to a length of three metres. Also called: {Malayan monitor}. Kabardino-Balkar Autonomous Soviet Socialist Republic 0. syl Ka+bar:di:no-Bal:kar Au:ton:o+mous So+vi+et So+cial+ist Re+pub+lic pron <2k@b*1dEn*u2b@lk*> pos n. def an administrative division of the S Soviet Union, on the N side of the Caucasus Mountains. Capital: Nalchik. Pop.: 588203 (1970). Area: 12500 sq. km (4825 sq. miles). kabala alt head kabbala or kabbala syl ka+ba+la pron pos n. kabbala 0. or kabala syl kab+ba+la pron pos n. def variant spellings of {cabbala}. kabbalism sub head kabbala or kabalism syl kab+ba+lism pron <1k@b*2liz*m> pos n. kabalism sub head kabbala or kabbalism syl kab:a+lism pron <1k@b*2liz*m> pos n. kabbalist sub head kabbala or kabalist syl kab+ba+list pos n. kabalist sub head kabbala or kabbalist syl kab:a+list pos n. kabbalistic sub head kabbala or kabalistic syl kab+ba+1lis+tic pos adj. kabalistic sub head kabbala or kabbalistic syl kab:a+1lis+tic pos adj. kabob 0. syl ka+bob pron pos n. def another name for {kebab}. kabuki ety Japanese, from kabu music and dancing + ki art kabuki 0. syl ka+bu+ki pron pos n. def a form of Japanese drama based on popular legends and characterized by elaborate costumes, stylized acting, and the use of male actors for all roles. See also { {No%1}}. Kabul 1. syl Ka+bul pron , <1kc:bL> pos n. def the capital of Afghanistan, in the northeast of the country at an altitude of 1800 m (5900 ft.) on the {Kabul River} : over 3000 years old, with a strategic position command?!ing passes through the Hindu Kush and main routes to the Khyber Pass; destroyed and rebuilt many times; capital of the Mogul Empire from 1504 until 1738 and of Afghanistan from 1773; university (1932). Pop.: 318094 (1971 est.). Kabul 2. syl Ka+bul pron , <1kc:bL> pos n. def a river in Afghanistan and Pakistan, rising in the Hindu Kush and flowing east into the Indus at Attock, Pakistan. Length: 700 km (435 miles). Kabyle ety C19: from Arabic qab*_a'il, plural of qab*_ilah tribe Kabyles infl head Kabyle or Kabyle syl Ka+byles pos n. mod pl. Kabyle infl or Kabyles syl Ka+byle pos n. mod pl. Kabyle 1. syl Ka+byle pron pos n. def a member of a Berber people inhabiting the E Atlas Mountains in Tunisia and Algeria. Kabyle 2. syl Ka+byle pron pos n. def the dialect of Berber spoken by this people. kachang puteh ety from Malay, literally: white beans kachang puteh 0. syl ka+chang pu+teh pron <1kaCaG> pos n. usage in Malaysia def roasted or fried nuts or beans. kachina ety from Hopi qa*vcina supernatural kachina 0. syl ka+chi+na pron pos n. def any of the supernatural beings believed by the Hopi Indians to be the ancestors of living humans. J'anos infl head K'adar syl J*'a:nos pron <1ja:noS> pos n. K'adar 0. syl K*'a:dar pron <1ka:da:r> pos n. def born 1912, Hungarian statesman; Communist prime minister of Hungary (1956-58; 1961-65) and first secretary of the Communist Party since 1965. Kaddish ety C17: from Aramaic qadd*_ish holy Kaddishim infl head Kaddish syl Kad+di+shim pron pos n. mod pl. Kaddish 1. syl Kad+dish pron <1k@diS> pos n. def an ancient Jewish liturgical prayer consisting of a doxology of three to six verses. Kaddish 2. syl Kad+dish pron <1k@diS> pos n. def a form of this prayer used on the anniversary of a death and during the eleven-month period of mourning after a death. kadis infl head kadi syl ka:dis. pos n. mod pl. kadi 0. syl ka:di pron <1ka:di>, <1kAdi> pos n. def a variant spelling of {cadi}. Kadiyevka 0. syl Ka+di+yev+ka pron Russian <1kadijifk*> pos n. def a city in the S Soviet Union, in the E Ukrainian SSR in the Donbass: coal-mining centre. Pop.: 141000 (1975 est.). Kaduna 1. syl Ka+du+na pron pos n. def a state of N Nigeria. Capital: Kaduna. Pop.: 4098305 (1976 est.). Area: 68989 sq. km (26631 sq. miles). Former name (until 1976): {North-Central State}. Kaduna 2. syl Ka+du+na pron pos n. def a city in N central Nigeria, capital of Kaduna state on the {Kaduna River} (a principal tributary of the Niger). Pop.: 202000 (1975 est.). Kaffir ety C19: from Arabic k*_afir infidel, from kafara to deny, refuse to believe Kafir alt head Kaffir or Kaffir syl Kaf+ir pron <1k@f*> pos n. Kaffirs infl head Kaffir or Kafirs syl Kaf+firs pos n. mod pl. Kaffir infl or Kafir syl Kaf+fir pos n. mod pl. Kafirs infl head Kaffir or Kaffirs syl Kaf+irs pos n. mod pl. Kafir infl head Kaffir or Kaffir syl Kaf+ir. pos n. mod pl. Kaffir 1.a. or Kafir syl Kaf+fir pron <1k@f*> pos n. usage in southern Africa def any Black African. Kaffir 1.b. or Kafir syl Kaf+fir pron <1k@f*> pos n. usage as modifier exam 1 Kaffir farming. Kaffir 2. or Kafir syl Kaf+fir pron <1k@f*> pos n. def a former name for the {Xhosa} language. Kaffir 3. or Kafir syl Kaf+fir pron <1k@f*> pos n. usage Offensive. among Muslims def a non-Muslim or infidel. kaffir beer 0. syl kaf+fir beer pos n. qual S. African. def beer made from sorghum (kaffir corn) or millet. kafir corn alt head kaffir corn or kaffir corn syl kaf+ir corn pos n. qual U.S. (sometimes kaffir corn 0. or kafir corn syl kaf+fir corn pos n. def a Southern African variety of sorghum, cultivated in dry regions for its grain and as fodder. Sometimes shortened to {kaffir} or (U.S.) {kafir}. Kaffirs 0. syl Kaf+firs pron <1k@f*z> pos n. mod pl. qual Stock Exchange. def South African mining shares. Kaffraria 0. syl Kaf+frar:i:a pron pos n. def a former region of South Africa, in E Cape Province: inhabited chiefly by the Kaffirs; British Kaffraria was a crown colony established in 1853 in the southwest of the region and annexed to Cape Colony in 1865. Kaffrarian sub head Kaffraria syl Kaf+1frar+i:an pos adj. n. Kafir ety C19: from Arabic; see K#7affir Kafirs infl head Kafir or Kafir syl Kaf+irs pos n. mod pl. Kafir infl or Kafirs syl Kaf+ir. pos n. mod pl. Kafir 1. syl Kaf+ir pron <1k@f*> pos n. def another name for the {Nuri}. Kafir 2. syl Kaf+ir pron <1k@f*> pos n. def a variant spelling of {Kaffir}. Kafiristan 0. syl Ka+fi+ri+stan pron <2k@firi1sta:n> pos n. def the former name of {Nuristan}. Franz infl head Kafka syl Franz pos n. Kafka 0. syl Kaf:ka pron <1k@fk*>, Czech <1kafka> pos n. usage frants). 1883-1924, Czech novelist writing in German. In his two main novels; The Trial 1925 def and (1926), published posthumously against his wishes, he portrays man's fear, isolation, and bewilderment in a nightmarish dehumanized world. &- {Kaf@.ka+esque} (@!k@afk$$#!$esk) kaftan ety C16: from Turkish qaft*_an caftan alt head kaftan or kaftan syl caf+tan pron <1k@ft@n>, <-2ta:n> pos n. kaftan 1. or caftan syl kaf+tan pron <1k@ft@n>, <-2ta:n> pos n. def a long coatlike garment, usually worn with a belt and made of rich fabric, worn in the East. kaftan 2. or caftan syl kaf+tan pron <1k@ft@n>, <-2ta:n> pos n. def an imitation of this, worn, esp. by women, in the West, consisting of a loose dress with long wide sleeves. Kagera 0. syl Ka+ge:ra pron pos n. def a river in E Africa, rising in headstreams on the border between Tanzania and Rwanda and flowing east to Lake Victoria: the most remote headstream of the Nile and largest tributary of Lake Victoria. Length: about 480 km (300 miles). Kagoshima 0. syl Ka+go+shi+ma pron <2ka:gc:1SEm*> pos n. def a port in SW Japan, on S Kyushu. Pop.: 443966 (1974 est.). kagu ety native name in New Caledonia kagu 0. syl ka:gu pron <1ka:gu:> pos n. def a crested nocturnal bird, with a red bill and greyish plumage: occurs only in New Caledonia and is nearly extinct: family order (cranes, rails, etc.). Herman infl head Kahn syl Her:man. pos n. Kahn 0. syl Kahn pron pos n. def born 1922, U.S. mathematician and futurologist; director since 1961 of the Hudson Institute. kaiak 0. syl kai+ak pron <1kI@k> pos n. def a variant spelling of {kayak}. Kaieteur Falls 0. syl Kai+e:teur Falls pron <2kI*1tu*> pos n. mod pl. def a waterfall in Guyana, on the Potaro River. Height: 226 m (741 ft.). Width: about 107 m (350 ft.). kaif 0. syl kaif pron pos n. def a variant spelling of {kif}. Kaifeng 0. syl Kai+feng pron <1kI1feG> pos n. def a city in E China, in N Honan on the Yellow River: one of the oldest cities in China and its capital (as Pien-liang) from 907 to 1126. Pop.: 450000 (1970 est.). kail 0. syl kail pron pos n. def a variant spelling of {kale}. kailyard 0. syl kail+yard pron <1kAl2ja:d> pos n. def a variant spelling of {kaleyard}. kain 0. syl kain pron pos n. qual History. def a variant spelling of {cain}. kainite ety C19: from German Kainit, from Greek kainos new+-{#7ite %1} kainite 0. syl kai+nite pron <1kInIt> pos n. def a white mineral consisting of potassium chloride and magnesium sulphate: a fertilizer and source of potassium salts. Formula: KCl.MgSO\4.3H\2O. kainogenesis 0. syl kai+no+gen+e:sis pron <2kIn*u1Jenisis> pos n. def another name for {caenogenesis}. kainogenetic sub head kainogenesis syl kai+no+ge:net+ic pron <2kIn*uJ*1netik> pos adj. kainogenetically sub head kainogenesis syl kai+no+ge:1net:i+cal+ly pos adv. Kairwan infl head Kairouan or Qairwan syl Kair+wan pron pos n. Qairwan infl head Kairouan or Kairwan syl Qair+wan pron pos n. Kairouan 0. syl Kair+ouan pron French pos n. def a city in NE Tunisia: one of the holy cities of Islam; pilgrimage and trading centre. Pop.: 82229 (1969). Kaiser ety C16: from German, ultimately from Latin Caesar emperor, from the cognomen of Gaius Julius C#7aesar Kaiser H1.1. syl Kai+ser pron <1kIz*> pos n. qual History. usage sometimes not cap. def either German emperor, esp. Wilhelm II (1888-1918). Kaiser H1.2. syl Kai+ser pron <1kIz*> pos n. qual History.; Obsolete. usage sometimes not cap. def any Austro-Hungarian emperor. kaiserdom sub head Kaiser or kaiserism syl 1kai+ser+dom pos n. kaiserism sub head Kaiser or kaiserdom syl 1kai+ser+ism pos n. Georg infl head Kaiser syl Ge:org pron <1gA:crk> pos n. Kaiser H2.0. syl Kai:ser pron German <1kIz*r> pos n. def 1878-1945, German expressionist dramatist. Kaiserslautern 0. syl Kai+sers+lau+tern pron German <2kIzers1laut*rn> pos n. def a city in West Germany, in S Rhineland-Palatinate. Pop.: 102450 (1974 est.). kaka ety C18: from Maori, perhaps imitative of its call kaka 0. syl ka:ka pron <1ka:k*> pos n. def a green New Zealand parrot, with a long compressed bill. kakapo ety C19: from Maori, literally: night kaka kakapos infl head kakapo syl ka+ka+pos. pos n. mod pl. kakapo 0. syl ka+ka+po pron <1ka:k*2p*u> pos n. def a ground-living nocturnal parrot, of New Zealand, resembling an owl. kakemono ety C19: from Japanese, from kake hanging+ mono thing kakemonos infl head kakemono syl ka+ke:mo+nos. pos n. mod pl. kakemono 0. syl ka+ke:mo+no pron <2k@ki1m*un*u> pos n. def a Japanese paper or silk wall hanging, usually long and narrow, with a picture or inscription on it and a roller at the bottom. kaki ety Japanese kakis infl head kaki syl ka:kis. pos n. mod pl. kaki 0. syl ka:ki pron <1ka:ki> pos n. def another name for {Japanese persimmon}. kala-azar 0. syl ka:la-a:zar pron <2ka:l**1za:> pos n. def a tropical infectious disease caused by the protozoan in the liver, spleen, etc., characterized by fever and weight loss; visceral leishmaniasis. the infl head Kalahari syl the. pos n. Kalahari 0. syl Ka+la+ha+ri pron <2k@l*1ha:ri> pos n. def an extensive arid plateau of South Africa, South West Africa, and Botswana: inhabited by Bushmen. Also called: {Kalahari Desert}. Kalamazoo 0. syl Kal:a+ma+zoo pron <2k@l*m*1zu:> pos n. def a city in SW Michigan, midway between Detroit and Chicago. Pop.: 85555 (1970). Khelat alt head Kalat or Kalat syl Khe+lat pron pos n. Kalat 0. or Khelat syl Ka+lat pron pos n. def a division of SW Pakistan, in S Baluchistan: formerly a princely state ruled by the Khan of Kalat, which joined Pakistan in 1948. Capital: Kalat. Pop.: 156480 (1961). Area: 65610 sq. km (25332 sq. miles). kale ety Old English c*_al; see #7cole kail alt head kale or kale syl kail pron pos n. kale 1. or kail syl kale pron pos n. def a cultivated variety of cabbage, with crinkled leaves: used as a potherb. See also {collard}. kale 2. or kail syl kale pron pos n. qual Scot. def a cabbage. kale 3. or kail syl kale pron pos n. qual U.S. slang. def money. {~} Compare (for senses 1, 2) {sea kale}. kaleidoscope ety C19: from Greek kalos beautiful+ eidos form+-#7scope kaleidoscope 1. syl ka+lei+do+scope pron pos n. def an optical toy for producing symmetrical patterns by multiple reflections in inclined mirrors enclosed in a tube. Loose pieces of coloured glass, paper, etc., are placed in the tube between the mirrors and as this is turned, changing patterns are formed. kaleidoscope 2. syl ka+lei+do+scope pron pos n. def any complex pattern of frequently changing shapes and colours. kaleidoscope 3. syl ka+lei+do+scope pron pos n. def a complicated set of circumstances. kaleidoscopic sub head kaleidoscope syl ka+lei+do+scop+ic pron pos adj. kaleidoscopically sub head kaleidoscope syl ka+2lei+do+1scop:i+cal+ly pos adv. kalends 0. syl kal+ends pron <1k@lindz> pos n. mod pl. def a variant spelling of {calends}. Kalevala ety Finnish, from kaleva of a hero+ -la dwelling place, home Kalevala 1. syl Ka+le:va+la pron <2ka:l*1va:l*>, Finnish <1kale2vala> pos n. qual Finnish legend. def the land of the hero Kaleva, who performed legendary exploits. Kalevala 2. syl Ka+le:va+la pron <2ka:l*1va:l*>, Finnish <1kale2vala> pos n. qual Finnish legend. def the Finnish national epic in which these exploits are recounted, compiled by Elias L*"onnrot from folk poetry in 1835 to 1849. kaleyard ety C19, literally: cabbage garden kailyard alt head kaleyard or kaleyard syl kail+yard pron <1kAl2ja:d> pos n. kaleyard 0. or kailyard syl kale+yard pron <1kAl2ja:d> pos n. qual Scot. def a vegetable garden. kaleyard school 0. syl kale+yard school pos n. def a group of writers who depicted the sentimental and homely aspects of life in the Scottish Lowlands from about 1880 to 1914. The best known contributor to the school was J. M. Barrie. Kalgan 0. syl Kal+gan pron <1ka:l1ga:n> pos n. def a former name of {Changchiakow}. Kalgoorlie 0. syl Kal+goor+lie pron pos n. def a city in Western Australia, adjoining the town of Boulder: a centre of the Coolgardie gold rushes of the early 1890s; declining gold resources superseded by the discovery of nickel ore in 1966. Pop.: 20784 (including Boulder) (1971). kali 0. syl kal:i pron <1k@li>, <1kA-> pos n. def another name for { {saltwort} (sense 1).} Kali 0. syl Ka:li pron <1ka:li> pos n. def the Hindu goddess of destruction, consort of Siva. Her cult was characterized by savagery and cannibalism. kalian ety C19: from Persian, from Arabic qaly*_an kalian 0. syl kal+ian pron pos n. def another name for {hookah}. Kalidasa 0. syl Ka:li:da:sa pron <2k@li1da:s*> pos n. def ??5th century #7a.d., Indian dramatist and poet, noted for his romantic verse drama kalif 0. syl ka+lif pron <1kAlif>, <1k@l-> pos n. def a variant spelling of {caliph}. Kalimantan 0. syl Ka+li+man+tan pron <2k@li1m@nt*n> pos n. def the Indonesian name for Borneo: applied to the Indonesian part of the island only, excluding the Malaysian states of Sabah and Sarawak and the sultanate of Brunei. Pop.: 5152166 (1971). Kalinin H1.0. syl Ka+li+nin pron Russian pos n. def a city in the central Soviet Union, at the confluence of the Volga and Tversta Rivers: chief port of the upper Volga, linked by canal with Moscow. Pop.: 389000 (1975 est.). Former name (until 1932): {Tver}. Mikhail Ivanovich infl head Kalinin syl Mi:kha:il I:va:no:vich pron pos n. Kalinin H2.0. syl Ka:li:nin pron Russian pos n. def 1875-1946, Soviet statesman: titular head of state (1919-46); a founder of (1912). Kaliningrad 0. syl Ka+li+nin+grad pron Russian pos n. def a port in the W Soviet Union, on the Pregolya River: severely damaged in World War II as the chief German naval base on the Baltic; ceded to the Soviet Union in 1945 and is now its chief Baltic naval base. Pop.: 338000 (1975 est.). Former name (until 1946): {K*"onigsberg}. Kalisz 0. syl Ka+lisz pron Polish <1kaliS> pos n. def a town in central Poland, on an island in the Prosna River: textile industry. Pop.: 83600 (1972 est.). Ancient name: {Calissia}. Kaliyuga 0. syl Ka+li+yu+ga pron <2ka:li1ju:g*> pos n. usage in Hindu mythology def the fourth (present) age of the world, characterized by total decadence. Kalmar 0. syl Kal+mar pron Swedish <1kalmar> pos n. def a port in SE Sweden, partly on the mainland and partly on a small island in the {Sound of Kalmar}, opposite *"Oland: scene of the signing of the Union of Kalmar, which united Sweden, Denmark, and Norway into a single monarchy (1397-1523). Pop.: 52774 (1970). kalmia ety C18: named after Peter Kalm (1715-79), Swedish botanist and pupil of Linnaeus kalmia 0. syl kal+mi:a pron <1k@lmi*> pos n. def any evergreen ericaceous shrub of the North American genus having showy clusters of white or pink flowers. See also: {mountain laurel}. Kalmyk alt head Kalmuck or Kalmuck syl Kal+myk pron <1k@lmik> pos n. Kalmucks infl head Kalmuck or Kalmyks syl Kal+mucks pos n. mod pl. Kalmuck infl or Kalmyk syl Kal+muck pos n. mod pl. Kalmyks infl head Kalmuck or Kalmucks syl Kal+myks pos n. mod pl. Kalmyk infl head Kalmuck or Kalmuck syl Kal+myk pos n. mod pl. Kalmuck 1. or Kalmyk syl Kal+muck pron <1k@lm^k> pos n. def a member of a Mongoloid people of Buddhist tradition, who migrated from NE China in the 17th century. Kalmuck 2. or Kalmyk syl Kal+muck pron <1k@lm^k> pos n. def the language of this people, belonging to the Mongolic branch of the Altaic family. Kalmuck Autonomous Soviet Socialist Republic 0. syl Kal+muck Au:ton:o+mous So+vi+et So+cial+ist Re+pub+lic pos n. def an administrative division of the S Soviet Union, on the Caspian Sea: became subject to Russia in 1646. Capital: Elista. Pop.: 267993 (1970). Area: 75900 sq. km (29300 sq. miles). Also called: {Kalmyk Autonomous Soviet Socialist Republic}. kalong ety Javanese kalong 0. syl ka+long pron <1ka:loG> pos n. def any fruit bat of the genus a flying fox. kalpa ety C18: Sanskrit kalpa 0. syl kal+pa pron <1k@lp*> pos n. usage in Hindu cosmology def a period in which the universe experiences a cycle of creation and destruction. kalpak 0. syl kal+pak pron <1k@lp@k> pos n. def a variant spelling of {calpac}. kalsomine 0. syl kal+so+mine pron <1k@ls*2mIn>, <-min> pos n. def a variant spelling of {calcimine}. Kaluga 0. syl Ka+lu+ga pron Russian pos n. def a city in the central Soviet Union, on the Oka River. Pop.: 247000 (1975 est.). Kama H1.0. syl Ka:ma pron Russian <1kam*> pos n. def a river in the E Soviet Union, rising in the Ural Mountains and flowing to the River Volga, of which it is the largest tributary. Length: 2030 km (1260 miles). Kama ety from Sanskrit Kama H2.0. syl Ka:ma pron <1ka:m*> pos n. def the Hindu god of love. kamacite ety C19: from (obsolete) German Kamacit, from Greek kamax shaft, pole+{-#7ite %1} kamacite 0. syl kam:a+cite pron <1k@m*2sIt> pos n. def an alloy of iron and nickel, occurring in meteorites. Kamakura 0. syl Kam:a+ku+ra pron <2ka:m*1ku*r*> pos n. def a city in central Japan, on S Honshu: famous for its Great Buddha (Daibutsu), a 13th-century bronze, 15 m (49 ft.) high. Pop.: 163117 (1974 est.). kamala ety C19: from Sanskrit, probably of Dravidian origin; compare Kanarese k*_omale kamala 1. syl ka+ma+la pron , <1k@m*l*> pos n. def an East Indian euphorbiaceous tree, kamala 2. syl ka+ma+la pron , <1k@m*l*> pos n. def a powder obtained from the seed capsules of this tree, used as a dye and formerly as a worm powder. Kamasutra ety Sanskrit: book on love, from k*_ama love+ s*_utra thread Kamasuthe infl head Kamasutra syl Ka+ma+su+the. pos n. Kamasutra 0. syl Ka+ma+su+tra pron <2ka:m*1su:tr*> pos n. def an ancient Hindu text on erotic pleasure and other topics. Kamchatka 0. syl Kam+chat+ka pron Russian pos n. def a peninsula in the E Soviet Union, between the Sea of Okhotsk and the Bering Sea. Length: about 1200 km (750 miles). Kamchatkan sub head Kamchatka syl Kam+1chat+kan pos adj. n. kame ety C19: Scottish and northern English variant of #7comb kame 0. syl kame pron pos n. def an irregular mound or ridge of gravel, sand, etc., deposited by water derived from melting glaciers. Kamensk-Uralski 0. syl Ka:mensk-U:ral:ski pron Russian <1kaminsk> pos n. def an industrial city in the W Soviet Union. Pop.: 181000 (1975 est.). Kamerad ety German: #7comrade Kamerad 0. syl Ka+me+rad pron German. <2kam*1ra:t>, English <1k@m*2ra:d> pos n. def a shout of surrender, used by German soldiers. Kamerun 0. syl Ka+me:run pron <2kam*1ru:n> pos n. def the German name for {Cameroon}. Kamet 0. syl Ka+met pron <1ka:met>, <1k^mAt> pos n. def a mountain in N India, in Uttar Pradesh in the Himalayas. Height: 7756 m (25447 ft.). kami ety C18: from Japanese: god, lord kami infl syl ka:mi. pos n. mod pl. kami 0. syl ka:mi pron <1ka:mi> pos n. def a divine being or spiritual force in Shinto. kamikaze ety C20: from Japanese, from kami divine+ kaze wind kamikaze 1.a. syl ka+mi+ka+ze pron <2k@mi1ka:zi> pos n. usage often cap. def one of a group of Japanese pilots who performed suicidal missions by crashing their aircraft, loaded with explosives, into an enemy target, esp. a ship. kamikaze 1.b. syl ka+mi+ka+ze pron <2k@mi1ka:zi> pos n. usage often cap.; as modifier def . exam 1 a kamikaze attack. kamikaze 2. syl ka+mi+ka+ze pron <2k@mi1ka:zi> pos n. usage often cap. def an aircraft used for such a mission. Kampala 0. syl Kam+pa+la pron pos n. def the capital and largest city of Uganda, in Buganda province on Lake Victoria: Makerere University (1961). Pop.: 330700 (1969). kampong ety C19: from Malay kampong 0. syl kam+pong pron <1k@mpoG>, pos n. usage in Malaysia def a village. Also called: {compound}. Kampuchea 0. syl Kam:pu:che:a pron <2k@mpu1Ci*> pos n. def the official name (since 1976) of {Cambodia}. kamsin alt head kamseen or kamseen syl kam+sin pron <1k@msin> pos n. kamseen 0. or kamsin syl kam+seen pron pos n. def a variant spelling of {khamsin}. kana ety C18: from Japa?!nese, literally: false letters; compare #7kanji, which are regarded as real letters kana 0. syl ka:na pron <1ka:n*> pos n. def the Japanese syllabary, which consists of two written varieties. See {hiragana, katakana}. Kanaka ety C19: from Hawaiian: man, human being Kanaka 1. syl Ka+nak:a pron , <1k@n*k*> pos n. usage esp. in Hawaii def a native Hawaiian. Kanaka 2. syl Ka+nak:a pron , <1k@n*k*> pos n. usage often not cap. def any native of the South Pacific islands, esp. (formerly) one abducted to work in Australia. kanamycin ety C20: from New Latin kanamyceticus kanamycin 0. syl kan:a+my+cin pron <2k@n*1mIsin> pos n. def an antibiotic obtained from the soil bacterium used in the treatment of various infections, esp. those caused by Gram-negative bacteria. Formula: C\1\8H\3\6N\4O\1\1. Kananga 0. syl Ka+nan+ga pron pos n. def a city in SW Za*"ire: a commercial centre on the railway from Lubumbashi to Port Francqui. Pop.: 601239 (1974 est.). Former name (until 1966): {Lulua?!bourg}. Canara alt head Kanara or Kanara syl Ca+na+ra pron pos n. Kanara 0. or Canara syl Ka+na+ra pron pos n. def a region of SW India, in Karnataka on the Deccan Plateau and the W Coast. Area: about 155000 sq. km (60000 sq. miles). Canarese alt head Kanarese or Kanarese syl Ca+na+rese pron <2k@n*1rEz> pos n. Kanarese infl syl Ka+na+rese pos n. mod pl. Kanarese 1. or Canarese syl Ka+na+rese pron <2k@n*1rEz> pos n. def a member of a people of S India living chiefly in Kanara. Kanarese 2. or Canarese syl Ka+na+rese pron <2k@n*1rEz> pos n. def the language of this people; Kannada. Kanazawa 0. syl Kan:a+za+wa pron <2k@n*1za:w*> pos n. def a port in central Japan, on W Honshu: textile and porcelain industries. Pop.: 383451 (1974 est.). Kanchenjunga 0. syl Kan+chen+jun+ga pron <2k@nC*n1J^Gg*> pos n. def a variant spelling of {Kangchenjunga}. Kanchipuram 0. syl Kan+chi+pu+ram pron pos n. def a city in SE India, in Tamil Nadu: a sacred Hindu town known as @6the Benares of the South@9; textile industries. Pop.: 110657 (1971). Kandahar 0. syl Kan+da+har pron <2k@nd*1ha:> pos n. def a city in S Afghanistan: an important trading centre, built by Ahmad Shah Durrani (1724-73) as his capital on the site of several former cities. Pop.: 140024 (1973 est.). Vasili infl head Kandinsky syl Va:si:li pron pos n. Kandinsky 0. syl Kan:din:sky pron Russian pos n. def 1866-1944, Russian expressionist painter and theorist, regard?!ed as the first to develop an entirely abstract style: a founder of Kandy 0. syl Kan+dy pron <1k@ndi> pos n. def a city in central Sri Lanka: capital of the kingdom of Kandy from 1480 until 1815, when occupied by the British; sacred Buddhist temple; University of Sri Lanka. Pop.: 94000 (1971). kanga ety from Swahili khanga alt head kanga or kanga syl khan+ga pron <1ka:Gga:> pos n. kanga 0. or khanga syl kan+ga pron <1ka:Gga:> pos n. def a piece of gaily decorated thin cotton cloth used as a garment by women in E Africa. kangaroo ety C18: probably from a native Australian language &- @!kan@.ga@.#!roo-@!like adj. kangaroos infl head kangaroo syl kan+ga+roos. pos n. mod pl. kangaroo 1. syl kan+ga+roo pron <2k@Gg*1ru:> pos n. def any large herbivorous marsupial of the genus and related genera, of Australia and New Guinea, having large powerful hind legs, used for leaping, and a long thick tail: family See also {rat kangaroo, tree kangaroo}. kangaroo 2. syl kan+ga+roo pron <2k@Gg*1ru:> pos vb. usage Informal. of a car def to move forward or to cause (a car) to move forward with short sudden jerks, as a result of improper use of the clutch. kangaroo closure 0. syl kan+ga+roo clos+ure pos n. qual Parliamentary procedure. def a form of closure in which the chairman or speaker selects certain amendments for discussion and excludes others. Compare { {guillotine} (sense 4)}. kangaroo court 0. syl kan+ga+roo court pos n. def an irregular court, esp. one set up by prisoners in a jail or by trade unionists. kangaroo grass 0. syl kan+ga+roo grass pos n. def a tall widespread Australian grass, which is highly palatable to cattle and is used for fodder. Kangaroo Island 0. syl Kan+ga+roo Is+land pos n. def an island in the Indian Ocean, off South Australia. Area: 4350 sq. km (1680 sq. miles). kangaroo paw 0. syl kan+ga+roo paw pos n. def any plant of the Australian genus having green-and-red hairy flowers: family kangaroo rat 1. syl kan+ga+roo rat pos n. def any small leaping rodent of the genus related to the squirrels and inhabiting desert regions of North America, having a stocky body and very long hind legs and tails: family kangaroo rat 2. syl kan+ga+roo rat pos n. def Also called: {kangaroo mouse}. any of several leaping murine rodents of the Australian genus Kanchenjunga infl head Kangchenjunga or Kinchinjunga syl Kan+chen+jun+ga pron <2k@nC*n1J^Gg*> pos n. Kinchinjunga infl head Kangchenjunga or Kanchenjunga syl Kin+chin+jun+ga pos n. Kangchenjunga 0. syl Kang+chen+jun+ga pron <2k@nC*n1J^Gg*> pos n. def a mountain on the border between Nepal and Sikkim, in the Himalayas: the third highest mountain in the world. Height: 8600 m (28216 ft.). K'ang-te 0. syl K'ang-te pron <1k@G> <1tA> pos n. def title as emperor of Manchukuo of (Henry) {Pu-yi}. KaNgwane 0. syl Ka+Ngwa+ne pron <2ka:%@G1gwa:nA> pos n. def a Bantustan in South Africa, in E Transvaal. Capital: Schoemansdal. Former name: {Swazi Territory}. kanji ety Japanese, from Chinese hantz*^u, from han Chinese+ ts*^u word, character kanji infl or kanjis syl kan+ji pos n. mod pl. kanjis infl head kanji or kanji syl kan+jis. pos n. mod pl. kanji 0. syl kan+ji pron <1k@nJi>, <1ka:n-> pos n. def a Japanese syllabary derived from Chinese orthography. Kannada 0. syl Kan+na+da pron <1ka:n*d*>, <1k@n-> pos n. def a language of S India belonging to the Dravidian family of languages: the state language of Karnataka, also spoken in Madras and Maharashtra. Also called: {Kanarese}. Kano 1. syl Ka:no pron <1ka:n*u>, <1kAn*u> pos n. def a state of N Nigeria: consists of wooded savanna in the south and scrub vegetation in the north. Capital: Kano. Pop.: 5774842 (1976 est.). Area: 42593 sq. km (16442 sq. miles). Kano 2. syl Ka:no pron <1ka:n*u>, <1kAn*u> pos n. def a city in N Nigeria, capital of Kano state: transport and market centre. Pop.: 399000 (1975 est.). Kanpur 0. syl Kan+pur pron pos n. def an industrial city in NE India, in S Uttar Pradesh on the River Ganges: scene of the massacre by Nana Sahib of British soldiers and European families in 1857. Pop.: 1154388 (1971). Former name: {Cawnpore}. Kans 0. syl Kans. qual abbrev. for def Kansas. Kansas 0. syl Kan+sas pron <1k@nz*s> pos n. def a state of the central U.S.: consists of undulating prairie, drained chiefly by the Arkansas, Kansas, and the Missouri Rivers; mainly agricultural. Capital: Topeka. Pop.: 2249071 (1970). Area: 211828 sq. km (81787 sq. miles). Abbrevs.: {Kan., Kans}., or (with zip code) {KS} Kansas City 1. syl Kan+sas Cit:y pos n. def a city in W Missouri, at the confluence of the Missouri and Kansas Rivers: important centre of livestock and meat-packing industry. Pop.: 487799 (1973 est.). Kansas City 2. syl Kan+sas Cit:y pos n. def a city in NE Kansas, adjacent to Kansas City, Missouri. Pop.: 172994 (1973 est.). Kansu 0. syl Kan+su pron <1k@n1su:> pos n. def a province of NW China, between Tibet and Inner Mongolia: mountainous, with desert regions; forms a corridor, the old Silk Road, much used in early and medieval times for trade with Turkistan, India, and Persia. Capital: Lanchow. Pop.: 18000000 (1976 est.). Area: 355100 sq. km (137100 sq. miles). Immanuel infl head Kant syl Im:man:u:el pron pos n. Kant 0. syl Kant pron , German pos n. def 1724-1804, German idealist philosopher. He sought to determine the limits of man's knowledge in (1781) and propounded his system of ethics as guided by the categorical imperative in (1788). &- {#!Kant+i@.an} (#!k@ant$I$$n) &- {#!Kant+i@.an+ism} {#!Kant+ism} kantar ety C16: from Arabic qint*_ar, from Late Greek kent*_enarion weight of a hundred pounds, from Late Latin cent*_en*_arium, from centum hundred kantar 0. syl kan+tar pron pos n. def a unit of weight used in E Mediterranean countries, equivalent to 100 pounds or 45 kilograms but varying from place to place. KANU 0. syl KANU pron <1ka:nu:> pos n. usage acronym for def Kenya African National Union. kanzu ety C20: from Swahili kanzu 0. syl kan+zu pron <1k@nzu> pos n. def a long garment, usually white, with long sleeves, worn by E African men. Kao-hsiung alt head Kaohsiung or Kaohsiung syl Kao-hsiung pron <1kau1SjuG> pos n. Kaohsiung 0. or Kao-hsiung syl Kao+hsiung pron <1kau1SjuG> pos n. def a port in SW Taiwan, on the South China Sea: the chief port of the island. Pop.: 884000 (1972 est.). Japanese name: {Takao}. Kaolack 0. syl Ka:o+lack pron <1ka:*u2l@k>, <1kaul@k> pos n. def a port in SW Senegal, on the Saloum River. Pop.: 95000 (1970 est.). kaoliang ety from Chinese kao tall+ liang grain kaoliang 0. syl ka:o+li+ang pron <2kA*uli1@G> pos n. def any of various E Asian varieties of the sorghum kaolin ety C18: from French, from Chinese Kaoling Chinese mountain where supplies for Europe were first obtained, from kao high+ ling hill kaoline alt head kaolin or kaolin syl ka:o+line pron <1kA*lin> pos n. kaolin 0. or kaoline syl ka:o+lin pron <1kA*lin> pos n. def a fine white clay used for the manufacture of hard-paste porcelain and bone china and in medicine as a poultice and gastrointestinal absorbent. Also called: {china clay, china stone}. kaolinic sub head kaolin syl ka:o+1lin+ic pos adj. kaolinite 0. syl ka:o+lin+ite pron <1kA*li2nIt> pos n. def a white or grey clay mineral consisting of hydrated aluminium silicate in triclinic crystalline form, the main constituent of kaolin. Formula: Al\2Si\2O\5(OH)\4. kaon ety C20: ka representing the letter k+ (#7mes) #7on kaon 0. syl ka:on pron <1kAon> pos n. def a meson that has a positive or negative charge and a rest mass of about 996 electron masses, or no charge and a rest mass of 964 electron masses. Also called: {K-meson}. kapellmeister ety German, from Kapelle chapel+ Meister #7master kapellmeister infl syl ka+pell+meis+ter. pos n. mod pl. kapellmeister 0. syl ka+pell+meis+ter pron pos n. def a person in charge of an orchestra, esp. the private orchestra of an 18th century German prince. See also {maestro di cappella}. Kapfenberg 0. syl Kap+fen+berg pron German <1kapfN2berk> pos n. def an industrial town in E Austria, in Styria. Pop.: 26001 (1971). kaph ety Hebrew, literally: palm of the hand kaph 0. syl kaph pron , , Hebrew pos n. def the 11th letter of the Hebrew alphabet (###800453 or, at the end of a word, ###800454) transliterated as or, when final, kapok ety C18: from Malay kapok 0. syl ka+pok pron <1kApok> pos n. def a silky fibre obtained from the hairs covering the seeds of a tropical bombacaceous tree, ({kapok tree} or {silk-cotton tree}) : used for stuffing pillows, etc., and for sound insulation. Also called: {silk cotton}. kappa 0. syl kap+pa pron <1k@p*> pos n. def the tenth letter in the Greek alphabet (#GK, #Gk), a consonant, transliterated as or kaput ety C20: from German kaputt done for, from French *^etre capot to have made no tricks (literally: to be hoodwinked), from capot hooded cloak kaput 0. syl ka+put pron pos adj. qual Informal. usage postpositive def ruined, broken, or not functioning. karabiner ety shortened from German Karabinerhaken, literally: carbine hook, that is, one used to attach carbines to a belt karabiner 0. syl kar:a+bi+ner pron <2k@r*1bEn*> pos n. qual Mountaineering. def a metal clip with a spring for attaching to a piton or joining two ropes. Also called: {snap ring}. Karachai-Cherkess Autonomous Region 0. syl Ka:ra:chai-Cher:kess Au:ton:o+mous Re+gion pron pos n. def an administrative division of the S Soviet Union, on the N side of the Caucasus Mountains. Capital: Cherkessk. Pop.: 344651 (1970). Area: 14100 sq. km (5440 sq. miles). Also: {Ka+ra+cha@.ye@.vo-Cher@.kess Autonomous Region} (k$$r^#!t#sa$I$ev$$$u t#s$e$$#!k$es). Karachi 0. syl Ka+ra+chi pron pos n. def a port in S Pakistan, on the Arabian Sea: capital of Pakistan (1947-60); university (1950); chief port, commercial, and industrial centre. Pop.: 3498634 (1972). Karafuto 0. syl Ka+ra+fu+to pron <2ka:ra:1fu:tc> pos n. def transliteration of the Japanese name for {Sakhalin}. Karaganda 0. syl Ka+ra+gan+da pron Russian pos n. def a city in the SW Soviet Union, in the W Kazakh SSR: a major coal-mining and industrial centre. Pop.: 564000 (1975 est.). Karaite ety C18: from Hebrew q*_ara*_im members of the sect, scripturalists, from q*_ar*_a to read Karaite 1. syl Kar:a+ite pron <1ke*r*2It> pos n. def a member of a Jewish sect originating in the 8th century #7a.d., which rejected the Talmud, favoured strict adherence to and a literal interpretation of the Bible, and attempted to deduce a code of life from it. Karaite 2. syl Kar:a+ite pron <1ke*r*2It> pos adj. def of, relating to, or designating the Karaite sect. Herbert von infl head Karajan syl Her:bert von pron <1herbert> pos n. Karajan 0. syl Ka:ra:jan pron German <1ka:rajan> pos n. def born 1908, Austrian conductor. Kara-Kalpaks infl head Kara-Kalpak or Kara-Kalpak syl Ka:ra-Kal:paks pos n. mod pl. Kara-Kalpak infl or Kara-Kalpaks syl Ka:ra-Kal:pak pos n. mod pl. Kara-Kalpak 1. syl Ka:ra-Kal:pak pron pos n. def a member of a Mongoloid people of Soviet central Asia. Kara-Kalpak 2. syl Ka:ra-Kal:pak pron pos n. def the language of this people, belonging to the Turkic branch of the Altaic family. Kara-Kalpak Autonomous Soviet Socialist Republic 0. syl Ka:ra-Kal:pak Au:ton:o+mous So+vi+et So+cial+ist Re+pub+lic pos n. def an administrative division of the S Soviet Union, in the Uzbek SSR, on the Aral Sea: came under Russian rule by stages from 1873 onwards. Capital: Nukus. Pop.: 702264 (1970). Area: 165600 sq. km (63900 sq. miles). Also called: {Ka@.ra-Kal@.pa@.ki@.a} (k$$#!r$a$: k$$l#!p$a$:k$I$$), {Ka@.ra-Kal@.pa@.ki+stan} (k$$#!r$a$: k$$l@!p$a$:k$I#!st@an, -#!st$a$:n). Karakorum alt head Karakoram or Karakoram syl Ka+ra+ko+rum pron <2k@r*1kc:r*m> pos n. Karakoram 0. or Karakorum syl Ka+ra+ko+ram pron <2k@r*1kc:r*m> pos n. def a mountain system in N Kashmir, extending for about 480 km (300 miles) from northwest to southeast: contains the second highest peak in the world (K2); crossed by several high passes, notably the {Karakoram Pass}, 5575 m (18290 ft.). Karakorum 0. syl Ka+ra+ko+rum pron <2k@r*1kc:r*m> pos n. def a ruined city in the Mongolian People's Republic: founded in 1220 by Ghenghis Khan; destroyed by Kublai Khan when his brother rebelled against him, after Kublai Khan had moved his capital to Peking. karakul ety C19: from Russian, from the name of a region in Bokhara where the sheep originated caracul alt head karakul or karakul syl car:a+cul pron <1k@r*kL> pos n. karakul 1. or caracul syl kar:a+kul pron <1k@r*kL> pos n. def a breed of sheep of central Asia having coarse black, grey, or brown hair: the lambs have soft curled usually black hair. karakul 2. or caracul syl kar:a+kul pron <1k@r*kL> pos n. def the fur prepared from these lambs. karakul xref or caracul syl kar:a+kul pron <1k@r*kL> pos n. def See also {Persian lamb}. Kara Kum 0. syl Ka:ra Kum pron Russian <1kum> pos n. def a desert in the SW Soviet Union, covering most of the Turkmen SSR: extensive areas now irrigated. Area: about 300000 sq. km (120000 sq. miles). Konstantinos infl head Karamanlis syl Kon:stan:ti:nos pron pos n. Karamanlis 0. syl Ka:ra:man:lis pron Greek pos n. def born 1907, Greek statesman; prime minister of Greece (1955-58; 1958-61; 1961-63; since 1974). Kara Sea 0. syl Ka:ra Sea pron <1ka:r*> pos n. def a shallow arm of the Arctic Ocean off the N coast of the Soviet Union: ice-free for about three months of the year. karat 0. syl kar+at pron <1k@r*t> pos n. def the usual U.S. spelling of { {carat} (sense 2)}. karate ety Japanese, literally: empty hand, from kara empty+ te hand karate 0. syl ka+ra+te pron pos n. def a traditional Japanese system of unarmed combat, employing smashes, chops, kicks, etc., made with the hands, feet, elbows, or legs. Kerbela alt head Karbala or Karbala syl Ker+be+la pos n. Karbala 0. or Kerbela syl Kar+ba+la pron <1ka:b*l*> pos n. def a town in central Iraq: the chief holy city of Iraq and centre of Shiah Muslim pilgrimage. Pop.: 107500 (1970 est.). Karelia 0. syl Ka+re:li:a pron , Russian pos n. def a region of NE Europe, formerly in Finland but annexed in several stages by the Soviet Union: corresponds roughly to the Karelian ASSR. Karelian 1. syl Ka+re:li:an pron pos adj. def of or relating to Karelia, its people, or their language. Karelian 2. syl Ka+re:li:an pron pos n. def a native or inhabitant of Karelia. Karelian 3. syl Ka+re:li:an pron pos n. def the dialect of Finnish spoken in Karelia. Karelian Autonomous Soviet Socialist Republic 0. syl Ka+re:li:an Au:ton:o+mous So+vi+et So+cial+ist Re+pub+lic pos n. def an administrative division of the NW Soviet Union between the White Sea and Lakes Onega and Ladoga. Capital: Petrozavodsk. Pop.: 713451 (1970). Area: 172400 sq. km (66560 sq. miles). Karelian Isthmus 0. syl Ka+re:li:an Isth+mus pos n. def a strip of land between the Gulf of Finland and Lake Ladoga: annexed by the Soviet Union after the Russo-Finnish War (1939-40). Karens infl head Karen or Karen syl Ka+rens pos n. mod pl. Karen infl or Karens syl Ka+ren pos n. mod pl. Karen 1. syl Ka+ren pron pos n. def a member of a Thai people of Burma. Karen 2. syl Ka+ren pron pos n. def the language of this people, probably related to Thai and belonging to the Sino-Tibetan family. Lake infl head Kariba syl Lake. pos n. Kariba 0. syl Ka+ri+ba pron pos n. def a lake on the Zambia-Rhodesia border, created by the building of the Kariba Dam across the Zambezi for hydroelectric power. Length: 282 km (175 miles). Karl-Marx-Stadt 0. syl Karl-Marx-Stadt pron German <1karl> <1marks> <1Stat> pos n. def a city in S East Germany, at the foot of the Erz Mountains: a textile centre; engineering works. Pop.: 304055 (1975 est.). Former name (until 1953): {Chemnitz}. Boris infl head Karloff syl Bo:ris. pos n. Karloff 0. syl Kar:loff pron <1ka:lof> pos n. def stage name of 1887-1969, English film actor, famous for his roles in horror films, esp. (1931). Karlovy Vary 0. syl Kar+lo+vy Va:ry pron Czech <1karlcvi> <1vari> pos n. def a city in W Czecho?!slovakia, at the confluence of the Tepla and Oh*ure Rivers: warm mineral springs. Pop.: 43708 (1970). German name: {Karlsbad}. Karlsbad 0. syl Karls+bad pron <1karls2ba:t> pos n. def the German name for {Karlovy Vary}. Karlsruhe 0. syl Karls+ruh:e pron German <1karls2ru:*> pos n. def a city in West Germany, in Baden-W*"urttemberg: capital of the former Baden state; now the seat of justice of West Germany. Pop.: 261250 (1974 est.). karma ety C19: from Sanskrit: action, effect, from karoti he does karma 1. syl kar+ma pron <1ka:m*> pos n. qual Hinduism, Buddhism. def the principle of retributive justice determining a person's state of life and the state of his reincarnations as the effect of his past deeds. karma 2. syl kar+ma pron <1ka:m*> pos n. qual Theosophy. def the doctrine of inevitable consequence. karma 3. syl kar+ma pron <1ka:m*> pos n. def destiny or fate. karmic sub head karma syl kar+mic pos adj. Karnak 0. syl Kar+nak pron <1ka:n@k> pos n. def a village in E Egypt, on the Nile: site of the N part of the ruins of ancient Thebes. Karnataka 0. syl Kar+na+tak:a pron pos n. def a state of S India, on the Arabian Sea: consists of a narrow coastal plain rising to the South Deccan plateau; mainly agricultural. Capital: Bangalore. Pop.: 29299014 (1971). Area: 192204 sq. km (74210 sq. miles). Former name (1956-73): {Mysore}. Karnatak music 0. syl Kar+na+tak mu+sic pos n. def the classical music of South India. Karnten 0. syl K*"arn+ten pron <1kerntN> pos n. def the German name for {Carinthia}. karoo ety C18: from Afrikaans karo, perhaps from Hottentot garo desert karroo alt head karoo or karoo syl kar+roo pron pos n. karoos infl head karoo syl ka+roos. pos n. mod pl. karoo 0. or karroo syl ka+roo pron pos n. def a dry tableland of southern Africa, with semidesert vegetation. Karoo ety C18: from Afrikaans karo, probably from Hottentot garo desert Karroo alt head Karoo or Karoo syl Kar+roo pron pos n. Karoos infl head Karoo syl Ka+roos. pos n. mod pl. Karoo 1. or Karroo syl Ka+roo pron pos n. def any of several high arid plateaus in South Africa, esp. the {Great (Central) Karoo} and the {Little Karoo} in S Cape Province. The High Veld, north of the Great Karoo, is sometimes called the {Northern Karoo}. Karoo 2. or Karroo syl Ka+roo pron pos n. def a period or rock system in southern Africa equivalent to the period or system extending from the Upper Carboniferous to the Lower Jurassic: divided into {Lower} and {Upper Karoo}. Karoo 3. or Karroo syl Ka+roo pron pos adj. def of, denoting, or formed in the Karoo period. kaross ety C18: from Afrikaans karos, perhaps from Dutch kuras, from French cuirasse #7cuirass kaross 0. syl ka+ross pron pos n. def a garment of skins worn by indigenous peoples in southern Africa. Anatoly infl head Karpov syl A:na:to:ly pron pos n. Karpov 0. syl Kar:pov pron Russian <1karp*f> pos n. def born 1931, Soviet chess player: world champion since 1975. karri ety from a native Australian language karri 1. syl kar+ri pron <1ka:ri> pos n. def an Australian eucalyptus tree, karri 2. syl kar+ri pron <1ka:ri> pos n. def the durable wood of this tree, used for construction, etc. karst ety C19: German, from Karst, limestone plateau near Trieste karst 0. syl karst pron pos n. usage modifier def denoting the characteristic scenery of a limestone region, including underground streams, gorges, etc. karstic sub head karst syl karst+ic pos adj. kart 0. syl kart pron pos n. def a light low-framed vehicle with small wheels and engine used for recreational racing ({karting) }. Also called: {go-cart, go-kart}. karyo- ety from New Latin, from Greek karuon kernel, nut caryo- alt head karyo- or karyo- syl car:y:o- karyo- 0. or caryo- syl kar:y:o- usage combining form. def indicating the nucleus of a cell. exam 1 karyogamy. karyogamy 0. syl kar:y+og:a+my pron <2k@ri1og*mi> pos n. qual Biology. def the fusion of two gametic nuclei during fertilization. karyogamic sub head karyogamy syl kar:y:o+gam+ic pron <2k@ri*1g@mik> pos adj. karyokinesis 0. syl kar:y:o+ki+ne:sis pron <2k@ri*uki1nEsis>, <-kI-> pos n. def another name for {mitosis}. karyokinetic sub head karyokinesis syl kar:y:o+ki+net+ic pron <2k@ri*uki1netik>, <-kI-> pos adj. karyolymph 0. syl kar:y:o+lymph pron <1k@ri*u2limf> pos n. def the liquid portion of the nucleus of a cell. karyolysis ety C20: from Greek, from karyon a nut+-#7lysis karyolysis 0. syl kar:y+ol:y+sis pron <2k@ri1olisis> pos n. qual Cytology. def the disintegration of a cell nucleus, which occurs on death of the cell. karyolytic sub head karyolysis syl kar:y:o+lyt+ic pron <2k@ri*1litik> pos adj. karyoplasm 0. syl kar:y:o+plasm pron <1k@ri*u2pl@z*m> pos n. def another name for {nucleoplasm}. karyoplasmic sub head karyoplasm syl kar:y:o+1plas+mic pos adj. karyosome 1. syl kar:y:o+some pron <1k@ri*u2s*um> pos n. def any of the dense aggregates of chromatin in the nucleus of a cell: thought to be thickened segments of chromosomes. karyosome 2. syl kar:y:o+some pron <1k@ri*u2s*um> pos n. def the nucleus of a cell. karyotin ety from #7karyo -#7+ (#7chroma) #7tin karyotin 0. syl kar:y:o+tin pron <2k@ri1*utin> pos n. def a less common word for {chromatin}. karyotype 0. syl kar:y:o+type pron <1k@ri*2tIp> pos n. def the appearance of the chromo?!somes in a somatic cell of an individual or species, with reference to their number, size, shape, etc. karyotypic sub head karyotype or karyotypical syl kar:y:o+typ+ic pron <2k@ri*1tipik> pos adj. karyotypical sub head karyotype or karyotypic syl kar:y:o+1typ:i+cal pos adj. kangaroo grass 0. syl kan+ga+roo grass pos n. def a tall widespread Australian grass, which is highly palatable to cattle and is used for fodder. Kangaroo Island 0. syl Kan+ga+roo Is+land pos n. def an island in the Indian Ocean, off South Australia. Area: 4350 sq. km (1680 sq. miles). ********************************************************************** KaNgwane 0. syl Ka+Ngwa+ne pron <2ka:%@G1gwa:nA> pos n. def a Bantustan in South Africa, in E Transvaal. Capital: Schoemansdal. Former name: {Swazi Territory. N Nigeria: consists of wooded savanna in the south and scrub vegetation in the north. Capital: Kano. Pop.: 5774842 (1976 est.). Area: 42593 sq. km (16442 sq. miles}). KaNgwane 1. syl Ka+Ngwa+ne pron <2ka:%@G1gwa:nA> pos n. def a city in N Nigeria, capital of Kano state: transport and market centre. Pop.: 399000 (1975 est.). ********************************************************************** &- {#!Kant+i@.an+ism ********************************************************************** **********************************************************************} Konstantinos infl head Karamanlis syl Kon:stan:ti:nos pron pos n. Karamanlis 0. syl Ka:ra:man:lis pron Greek pos n. def born 1907, Greek statesman; prime minister of Greece (1955-58; 1958-61; 1961-63; since 1974). ********************************************************************** ********************************************************************** {+ren}) a ********************************************************************** ********************************************************************** Boris infl head Karloff syl Bo:ris. pos n. Karloff 0. syl Kar:loff pron <1ka:lof> pos n. def stage name of 1887-1969, English film actor, famous for his roles in horror films, esp. (1931). Karpov ety from #7kilo - Anatoly infl head Karpov syl A:na:to:ly pron pos n. Karpov 0. syl Kar:pov pron Russian <1karp*f> pos n. def born 1931, Soviet chess player: world champion since 1975. {Lulua?!bourg. ********************************************************************** ********************************************************************** Union. ********************************************************************** **********************************************************************} one thousand. Kasai 0. syl Ka+sai pron pos n. def a river in southwestern Africa, rising in central Angola and flowing east then north as part of the border between Angola and Za*"ire, continuing northwest through Za*"ire to the River Congo. Length: 2154 km (1338 miles). casbah alt head kasbah or kasbah syl cas+bah pron <1k@zba:> kasbah 1. or casbah syl kas+bah pron <1k@zba:> pos n. usage sometimes cap. def the citadel of any of various North African cities. kasbah 2. or casbah syl kas+bah pron <1k@zba:> pos n. usage sometimes cap. def the quarter in which a kasbah is located. Compare {medina}. kasha ety from Russian kasha 0. syl ka+sha pron <1ka:S*> pos n. def a dish originating in Eastern Europe, consisting of boiled or baked buckwheat. kasher 0. syl ka+sher pron <1ka:S*> pos n. def a variant spelling of {kosher}. Kashgar 0. syl Kash+gar pron <1ka:S1ga:> pos n. def an oasis city in W China, in W Sinkiang-Uigur AR. Pop.: 100000 (1958 est.). Chinese names: {Shufu, Sufu}. kashmir 0. syl kash+mir pron <1k@Smi*> pos n. def a variant spelling of {cashmere}. Kashmir 0. syl Kash+mir pron pos n. def a region of SW central Asia: from the 16th century ruled by the Moguls, Afghanis, Sikhs, and British successively; since 1947 disputed between India and Pakistan; 84000 sq. km (33000 sq. miles) in the northwest are held by Pakistan and known as Azad Kashmir (Free Kashmir); the remainder was in 1956 officially incorporated into India as the state of Jammu and Kashmir; traversed by the Himalaya and Karakoram mountain ranges and the Rivers Jhelum and Indus; a fruit-growing and cattle-grazing region, with a woollen industry. Capitals: (Azad Kashmir) Muzaffarabad; (Jammu and Kashmir) Srinagar (summer), Jammu (winter). Kashmir goat 0. syl Kash+mir goat pos n. def a Himalayan breed of goat having an undercoat of silky wool from which cashmere wool is obtained. Kashmiri 1. syl Kash+mir:i pron pos adj. def of or relating to Kashmir, its people, or their language. Kashmiris infl head Kashmiri or Kashmiri syl Kash+mir:is pos n. mod pl. Kashmiri infl or Kashmiris syl Kash+mir:i pos n. mod pl. Kashmiri 2. syl Kash+mir:i pron pos n. def a member of the people of Kashmir. Kashmiri 3. syl Kash+mir:i pron pos n. def the state language of Kashmir, belonging to the Dardic group of the Indo-European family of languages. Kashmirian sub head Kashmiri syl Kash+1mir+i:an pos adj. n. kashruth ety literally: appropriateness, fitness kashrut alt head kashruth or kashruth syl kash+rut pron Hebrew. pos n. kashruth 1. or kashrut syl kash+ruth pron Hebrew. pos n. def the condition of being kosher. kashruth 2. or kashrut syl kash+ruth pron Hebrew. pos n. def the Jewish dietary laws. Kassa 0. syl Kas+sa pron <1kcSSc> pos n. def the Hungarian name for {Ko*vsice}. Kassala 0. syl Kas+sa+la pron pos n. def a city in the E Sudan: founded as a fort by the Egyptians in 1834. Pop.: 106602 (1973). Cassel alt head Kassel or Kassel syl Cas+sel pron German <1kasL> pos n. Kassel 0. or Cassel syl Kas+sel pron German <1kasL> pos n. def a city in E West Germany, in Hesse: capital of Westphalia (1807-13) and of the Prussian province of Hesse-Nassau (1866-1945). Pop.: 212575 (1974 est.). Kastrop-Rauxel 0. syl Ka:strop-Rau:xel pron German <1kastrcp> <1rauksL> pos n. def a variant spelling of {Castrop-Rauxel}. kat ety C19: from Arabic q*_at khat alt head kat or kat syl khat pron , pos n. kat 0. or khat syl kat pron , pos n. def a white-flowered evergreen shrub, of Africa and Arabia, whose leaves have narcotic properties and are chewed or prepared as a drink. kata- 0. syl kat:a- pos prefix. def variant of {cata-}. katabasis ety C19: from Greek: a going down, from katabainein to go down katabases infl head katabasis syl ka+tab:a+ses pron <-2sEz> pos n. mod pl. katabasis 1. syl ka+tab:a+sis pron pos n. def the retreat of the Greek mercenaries of Cyrus the Younger, after his death at Cunaxa, from the Euphrates to the Black Sea in 401-400 #7b.c. under the leadership of Xenophon: recounted in his Compare {anabasis}. katabasis 2. syl ka+tab:a+sis pron pos n. qual Literary. def a retreat. katabatic 0. syl kat:a+bat+ic pron <2k@t*1b@tik> pos adj. usage of winds def blowing downhill through having become denser with cooling, esp. at night when heat is lost from the earth's surface. Compare { {anabatic}}. katabolism 0. syl ka+tab:o+lism pron pos n. def a variant spelling of {catabolism}. katabolic sub head katabolism syl kat:a+bol+ic pron <2k@t*1bolik> pos adj. katabolically sub head katabolism syl kat:a+1bol:i+cal+ly pos adv. katakana ety Japanese, from kata side+#7kana katakana 0. syl ka+ta+ka+na pron <2ka:t*1ka:n*> pos n. def one of the two systems of syllabic writing employed for the representation of Japanese, based on Chinese ideograms. It is used mainly for scientific articles and official documents. Katanga 0. syl Ka+tan+ga pron pos n. def the former name (until 1972) of {Shaba}. Katar 0. syl Ka+tar pron pos n. def a variant spelling of {Qatar}. Kathak ety Bengali: narrator, from Sanskrit kathayati he tells Kathak 0. syl Ka+thak pron <1k^t*k> pos n. def a form of Indian classical dancing that tells a story. Katharevousa alt head Katharevusa or Katharevusa syl Ka+tha+re:vou+sa pron <2ka:T*1rev*2sa:> pos n. Katharevusa 0. or Katharevousa syl Ka+tha+re:vu+sa pron <2ka:T*1rev*2sa:> pos n. def a literary style of Modern Greek, derived from the Attic dialect of Ancient Greek and including many archaic features. Compare {Demotic}. katharsis 0. syl ka+thar+sis pron pos n. def a less common spelling of {catharsis}. kathartic sub head katharsis syl ka+1thar+tic pos adj. Kathiawar 0. syl Ka+thi:a+war pron <2k@ti*1wa:> pos n. def a large peninsula of W India, in Gujerat between the Gulf of Kutch and the Gulf of Cambay. Area: about 60690 sq. km (23430 sq. miles). Mount infl head Katmai syl Mount. pos n. Katmai 0. syl Kat+mai pron <1k@tmI> pos n. def a volcano in SW Alaska, in the Aleutian Range: erupted in 1912 forming the Valley of Ten Thousand Smokes, a region with numerous fumaroles; established as {Katmai National Monument}, 10917 sq. km (4215 sq. miles), in 1918. Height: 2100 m (7000 ft.). Depth of crater: 1130 m (3700 ft.). Width of crater: about 4 km (2.5 miles). Kathmandu alt head Katmandu or Katmandu syl Kath+man+du pron <2k@tm@n1du:> pos n. Katmandu 0. or Kathmandu syl Kat+man+du pron <2k@tm@n1du:> pos n. def the capital of Nepal, in the east at the confluence of the Baghmati and Vishnumati Rivers. Pop.: 353756 (1971). Katowice 0. syl Ka+to+wi+ce pron Polish <2katc1vitse> pos n. def an industrial city in S Poland. Pop.: 320400 (1974 est.). Former name (1953-56): {Stalinogrod}. Loch infl head Katrine syl Loch. pos n. Katrine 0. syl Kat+rine pron <1k@trin> pos n. def a lake in central Scotland, east of Loch Lomond: noted for its associations with Sir Walter Scott's Length: about 13 km (8 miles). Katsina 0. syl Kat+si+na pron pos n. def a city in N Nigeria in Kaduna state: a major intellectual and cultural centre of the Hausa people (16th-18th centuries). Pop.: 109424 (1971 est.). Cattegat alt head Kattegat or Kattegat syl Cat+te+gat pron <1k@ti2g@t> pos n. Kattegat 0. or Cattegat syl Kat+te+gat pron <1k@ti2g@t> pos n. def a strait between Denmark and Sweden: linked by the Sound, the Great Belt, and the Little Belt with the Baltic Sea and by the Skagerrak with the North Sea. katydid ety C18: of imitative origin katydid 0. syl ka+ty+did pron <1kAti2did> pos n. def any typically green long-horned grasshopper of the genus and related genera, living among the foliage of trees in North America. katzenjammer ety German, from Katzen cats + jammer misery katzenjammer 1. syl kat+zen+jam+mer pron <1k@ts*n2J@m*> pos n. qual Chiefly U.S. def a confused uproar. katzenjammer 2. syl kat+zen+jam+mer pron <1k@ts*n2J@m*> pos n. qual Chiefly U.S. def a hangover. Kauai 0. syl Ka+u:a:i pron pos n. def a volcanic island in NW Hawaii, northwest of Oahu. Chief town: Lihue. Pop.: 29524 (1970). Area: 1433 sq. km (553 sq. miles). Kaunas 0. syl Kau+nas pron <1kaun*s> pos n. def a city in the W Soviet Union, in the S central Lithuanian SSR at the confluence of the Neman and Viliya Rivers: ceded by Poland to Russia in 1795; became the provisional capital of Lithuania (1920-40); incorporated into the Soviet Union in 1944; university (1922). Pop.: 344000 (1975 est.). Russian name: {Kovno}. Kenneth (David) infl head Kaunda syl Ken:neth (David). pos n. Kaunda 0. syl Ka:un:da pron pos n. def born 1924, Zambian statesman. He led his country into independence and became its first president (1964). kauri ety C19: from Maori kawri kaury alt head kauri or kauri syl kau+ry pron <1kauri> pos n. kauris infl head kauri or kauries syl kau+ris pos n. mod pl. kauries infl head kauri or kauris syl kau+ries. pos n. mod pl. kauri 1. or kaury syl kau+ri pron <1kauri> pos n. def a New Zealand coniferous tree, with oval leaves and round cones, cultivated for wood and resin: family kauri 2. or kaury syl kau+ri pron <1kauri> pos n. def the wood or resin of this tree. kava ety C18: from Polynesian (Tongan): bitter kava 1. syl ka:va pron <1ka:v*> pos n. def a Polynesian shrub, family kava 2. syl ka:va pron <1ka:v*> pos n. def an alcoholic drink prepared from the aromatic roots of this shrub. Kav'alla 0. syl Ka+v*'al+la pron , Greek pos n. def a port in E Greece, in Macedonia on the {Bay of Kav*'alla}: an important Macedonian fortress of the Byzantine empire; ceded to Greece by Turkey after the Balkan War (1912-13). Pop.: 46887 (1971). Ancient name: {Neapolis}. Kaveri 0. syl Ka+ver:i pron <1kc:v*ri> pos n. def a variant spelling of {Cauvery}. Kawasaki 0. syl Ka+wa+sa+ki pron <2ka:w*1sa:ki> pos n. def a port in central Japan, on SE Honshu, between Tokyo and Yokohama: heavy industries. Pop.: 1020000 (1975). Sir infl head Kay syl Sir. pos n. Kay 0. syl Kay pron pos n. usage in Arthurian legend def the braggart foster brother and steward of King Arthur. kayak ety C18: from Eskimo (Greenland dialect) kaiak alt head kayak or kayak syl kai+ak pron <1kI@k> pos n. kayak 0. or kaiak syl kay+ak pron <1kI@k> pos n. def a small light canoe-like boat used by Eskimos, consisting of a light frame covered with watertight animal skins. kayo ety C20: from the initial letters of knock out KO alt head kayo or kayo syl KO pron <1kA1*u> pos n. vb. kayo 0. or KO syl kay:o pron <1kA1*u> pos n. vb. qual Boxing, slang. def another term for {knockout} or {knock out}. Kayseri 0. syl Kay+se:ri pron <2kIse1rE>, Turkish <1kajseri> pos n. def a city in central Turkey: trading centre since ancient times as the chief city of Cappadocia. Pop.: 207037 (1975). Ancient name: {Caesarea Mazaca}. kazachok ety Russian kazachok 0. syl ka+za+chok pron <2ka:z*1Cok> pos n. def a Russian folk dance in which the performer executes high kicks from a squatting position. Kazak alt head Kazakh or Kazakh syl Ka+zak pron , pos n. Kazakhs infl head Kazakh or Kazaks syl Ka+zakhs pos n. mod pl. Kazaks infl head Kazakh or Kazakhs syl Ka+zaks pos n. mod pl. Kazakh 1. or Kazak syl Ka+zakh pron , pos n. def a member of a traditionally Muslim Mongoloid people of the Kazakh SSR. Kazakh 2. or Kazak syl Ka+zakh pron , pos n. def the language of this people, belonging to the Turkic branch of the Altaic family. Kazakh Soviet Socialist Republic 0. syl Ka+zakh So+vi+et So+cial+ist Re+pub+lic pos n. def an administrative division of the S central Soviet Union, on the Caspian Sea. Capital: Alma-Ata. Pop.: 12849573 (1970). Area: 2715100 sq. km (1048030 sq. miles). Also: {Kazak Soviet Socialist Republic, Ka+zakh+stan}, {Ka+zak+stan} (@!k$a$:z$a$:k#!st@an, -#!st$a$:n). Kazan H1.0. syl Ka+zan pron , <-1za:n>, Russian , Russian pos n. def a city in the E Soviet Union, capital of the Tatar ASSR on the River Volga: capital of an independent khanate in the 15th century; university (1804); a major industrial centre. Pop.: 946000 (1975 est.). Elia infl head Kazan syl E:lia pron <1Elj*> pos n. Kazan H2.0. syl Ka:zan pron pos n. def born 1909, U.S. stage and film director and writer, born in Turkey. His films include (1947), (1954), and (1955). Kazan Retto 0. syl Ka+zan Ret+to pron <1ret*u> pos n. def transliteration of the Japanese name for the {Volcano Islands}. Nikos infl head Kazantzakis syl Ni:kos pron <1nikcs> pos n. Kazantzakis 0. syl Ka:zan:tza:kis pron Greek pos n. def 1885-1957, Greek novelist, poet, and dramatist, noted particu?!larly for his novel (1946) and his epic poem (1938). Mount infl head Kazbek syl Mount. pos n. Kazbek 0. syl Kaz+bek pron pos n. def an extinct volcano in the S Soviet Union, in the N Georgian SSR in the central Caucasus Mountains. Height: 5047 m (16558 ft.). Kaz Daugi 0. syl Kaz Da*ugi pron <1kaz> <1daj> pos n. def the Turkish name for {(Mount) {Ida} (sense 2)}. kazoo ety C20: probably imitative of the sound produced kazoos infl head kazoo syl ka+zoos. pos n. mod pl. kazoo 0. syl ka+zoo pron pos n. def a cigar-shaped musical instrument of metal or plastic with a membranous diaphragm of thin paper that vibrates with a nasal sound when the player hums into it. kb 0. syl kb qual abbrev. for def kilobar. KB 0. syl KB qual Chess. symbol for def king's bishop. KB 1. syl K.B. qual abbrev. for: usage in Britain def King's Bench. KB 2. syl K.B. qual abbrev. for: usage in Britain def Knight Bachelor. KBE 0. syl K.B.E. qual abbrev. for def Knight (Commander of the Order) of the British Empire. KBP 0. syl KBP qual Chess. symbol for def king's bishop's pawn. kc 0. syl kc qual abbrev. for def kilocycle. KC 0. syl K.C. qual abbrev. for usage in Britain def King's Counsel. kcal 0. syl kcal qual abbrev. for def kilocalorie. KCB 0. syl K.C.B. qual abbrev. for def Knight Commander of the Bath (a Brit. title). KCMG 0. syl K.C.M.G. qual abbrev. for def Knight Commander of St. Michael and St. George (a Brit. title). Kvcs ety Czech koruna *vceskoslovensk*'a Kvcs 0. syl K*vcs. qual abbrev. for def koruna. KCVO 0. syl K.C.V.O. qual abbrev. for def Knight Commander of the Royal Victorian Order (a Brit. title). kd alt head KD or KD syl k.d. KD 0. or kd syl K.D. qual Commerce. abbrev. for def knocked down: indicating furniture, machinery, etc., in separate parts. KE 0. syl K.E. qual abbrev. for def kinetic energy. kea ety C19: from Maori, imitative of its call kea 0. syl ke:a pron <1kA*> pos n. def a large New Zealand parrot, with brownish-green plumage. K'ea 0. syl K*'e:a pron <1kea> pos n. def transliteration of the Modern Greek name for {Keos}. Edmund infl head Kean syl Ed:mund. pos n. Kean 0. syl Kean pron pos n. def 1789-1833, English actor, noted for his Shakespearian roles. Buster infl head Keaton syl Bust:er pos n. Keaton 0. syl Kea:ton pron <1kEtN> pos n. def original name 1895-1966, U.S. film comedian who starred in silent films such as (1924), (1926), and (1927). John infl head Keats syl John. pos n. Keats 0. syl Keats pron pos n. def 1795-1821, English poet. His finest poetry is contained in (1820), which includes and the odes and kebab ety C17: via Urdu from Arabic kab*_ab roast meat kebab 0. syl ke+bab pron pos n. def a dish consisting of small pieces of meat, tomatoes, onions, etc., threaded onto skewers and grilled, generally over charcoal. Also called: {shish kebab, kabob, cabob}. John infl head Keble syl John. pos n. Keble 0. syl Ke:ble pron <1kEbL> pos n. def 1792-1866, English clergyman. His sermon on national apostasy (1833) is considered to have inspired the Oxford Movement. keck ety C17: of imitative origin keck H1.1. syl keck pron pos vb. mod intr. qual Chiefly U.S. def to retch or feel nausea. keck H1.2. syl keck pron pos vb. mod intr. qual Chiefly U.S. def to feel or express disgust. keck ety C17: from #7kex, which was mistaken as a plural (as if kecks) keck H2.0. syl keck pron pos n. def another name for {cow parsnip} and {cow parsley}. Kecskem'et 0. syl Kecs+ke+m*'et pron Hungarian <1keCkemA:t> pos n. def a city in central Hungary: vineyards and fruit farms. Pop.: 77000 (1970). ked 0. syl ked pron pos n. def See {sheep ked}. Kedah 0. syl Ked+ah pron <1ked*> pos n. def a state of NW Malaysia: under Thai control until it came under the British in 1909; the chief exports are rice, tin, and rubber. Capital: Alor Star. Pop.: 952421 (1970). Area: 9425 sq. km (3639 sq. miles). keddah 0. syl ked+dah pron <1ked*> pos n. def a variant spelling of {kheda}. kedge ety C15: from caggen to fasten kedge 1. syl kedge pron pos vb. qual Nautical. def to draw (a vessel) along by hauling in on the cable of a light anchor that has been dropped at some distance from it, or (of a vessel) to be drawn in this fashion. kedge 2. syl kedge pron pos n. qual Nautical. def a light anchor, used esp. for kedging. kedgeree ety C17: from Hindi khicar*_i, from Sanskrit khicc*_a, of obscure origin kedgeree 0. syl ked+ger:ee pron <2keJ*1rE> pos n. qual Chiefly Brit. def a dish consisting of rice, cooked flaked fish, and hard-boiled eggs. Kediri 0. syl Ke+di+ri pron pos n. def a city in Indonesia, in E Java: commercial centre. Pop.: 178865 (1971). Kidron alt head Kedron or Kedron syl Ki+dron pos n. Kedron 0. or Kidron syl Ked+ron pron <1kedron> pos n. qual Bible. def a ravine under the eastern wall of Jerusalem. keef 0. syl keef pron pos n. def a variant spelling of {kif}. Kevin infl head Keegan syl Ke:vin. pos n. Keegan 0. syl Kee:gan pron <1kEg*n> pos n. def born 1951, English footballer: a striker, he played for Liverpool (1971-77), Hamburg (from 1977), and England (from 1972). keek ety C18: probably from Middle Dutch k*_iken to look keek 0. syl keek pron pos n. vb. def a Scot. word for {{peep%1}}. keel ety C14: from Old Norse kj*"olr; related to Middle Dutch kiel, #7keel %2 keel H1.1. syl keel pron pos n. def one of the main longitudinal structural members of a vessel to which the frames are fastened and that may extend into the water to provide lateral stability. on an even keel 2. head keel syl on an even keel. def well-balanced; steady. keel H1.3. syl keel pron pos n. def any structure corresponding to or resembling the keel of a ship, such as the central member along the bottom of an aircraft fuselage. keel H1.4. syl keel pron pos n. qual Biology. def a ridgelike part; carina. keel H1.5. syl keel pron pos n. def a poetic word for {ship. ~} keel H1.6. syl keel pron pos n. def See {keel over}. keel-less sub head keel syl keel-less pos adj. keel ety C14 kele, from Middle Dutch kiel; compare Old English c*_eol ship keel H2.1. syl keel pron pos n. qual Northern Brit. dialect. def a flat-bottomed vessel, esp. one used for carrying coal. keel H2.2. syl keel pron pos n. qual Northern Brit. dialect. def a measure of coal equal to about 21 tons. keel ety Old English c*_elan, from c*_ol #7cool keel H3.1. syl keel pron pos n. def red ochre stain used for marking sheep, timber, etc. keel H3.2. syl keel pron pos vb. def to mark with this stain. keel ety C15: probably from Scottish Gaelic c*_il keel H4.0. syl keel pron pos vb. def an archaic word for {cool} (esp. in the phrase {keel the pot) }. keel ety C19: from #7keel %1; see #7keel over keel H5.0. syl keel pron pos n. def a fatal disease of young ducks, characterized by intestinal bleeding. keel arch 0. syl keel arch pos n. def another name for {ogee arch}. keelboat 0. syl keel+boat pron <1kEl2b*ut> pos n. def a river boat with a shallow draught and a keel, used for freight and moved by towing, punting, or rowing. keelhaul ety C17: from Dutch kielhalen; see #7keel %1#7, haul keelhaul 1. syl keel+haul pron <1kEl2hc:l> pos vb. mod tr. def to drag (a person) by a rope from one side of a vessel to the other through the water under the keel. keelhaul 2. syl keel+haul pron <1kEl2hc:l> pos vb. mod tr. def to rebuke harshly. Keeling Islands 0. syl Keel+ing Is+lands pron <1kEliG> pos n. mod pl. def another name for the {Cocos Islands}. keel over 1. syl keel o:ver pos vb. adv. def to turn upside down; capsize. keel over 2. syl keel o:ver pos vb. adv. mod intr. qual Informal. def to collapse suddenly. keelson ety C17: probably from Low German kielswin, keel swine, ultimately of Scandinavian origin kelson alt head keelson or keelson syl kel+son pron <1kels*n> pos n. keelson 0. or kelson syl keel+son pron <1kels*n>, <1kEl-> pos n. def a longitudinal beam fastened to the keel of a vessel for strength and stiffness. Keelung 0. syl Kee+lung pron <1kE1luG> pos n. def another name for {Chilung}. keen ety Old English c*_ene; related to Old High German kuoni brave, Old Norse koenn wise; see #7{can %1}#7, know keen H1.1. syl keen pron pos adj. def eager or enthusiastic. keen H1.2. syl keen pron pos adj. usage postpositive; foll. by on def fond (of); devoted (to). exam 1 keen on a girl; exam 2 keen on golf. keen H1.3. syl keen pron pos adj. def intellectually acute. exam 1 a keen wit. keen H1.4. syl keen pron pos adj. usage of sight, smell, hearing, etc. def capable of recognizing fine distinctions. keen H1.5. syl keen pron pos adj. def having a sharp cutting edge or point. keen H1.6. syl keen pron pos adj. def extremely cold and penetrating. exam 1 a keen wind. keen H1.7. syl keen pron pos adj. def intense or strong. exam 1 a keen desire. keen H1.8. syl keen pron pos adj. qual Chiefly Brit. def extremely competitive. exam 1 keen prices. keen H1.9. syl keen pron pos adj. qual Slang, chiefly U.S. def very good. keenly sub head keen syl keen+ly pos adv. keenness sub head keen syl keen+ness pos n. keen ety C19: from Irish Gaelic caoine, from Old Irish co*_inim I wail keen H2.1. syl keen pron pos vb. def to lament the dead. keen H2.2. syl keen pron pos n. def a dirge or lament for the dead. keener sub head keen syl keen+er pos n. keep ety Old English c*_epan to observe; compare Old Saxon kap*_on to look, Old Norse k*_opa to stare keeps infl head keep syl keeps pos vb. keeping infl head keep syl keep+ing pos vb. kept infl head keep syl kept. pos vb. keep 1. syl keep pron pos vb. mod tr. def to have or retain possession of. keep 2. syl keep pron pos vb. mod tr. def to have temporary possession or charge of. exam 1 keep my watch for me during the game. keep 3. syl keep pron pos vb. mod tr. def to store in a customary place. exam 1 I keep my books in the desk. keep 4. syl keep pron pos vb. def to remain or cause to remain in a specified state or condition. exam 1 keep the dog quiet; exam 2 keep ready. keep 5. syl keep pron pos vb. def to continue or cause to continue. exam 1 keep the beat; exam 2 keep in step. keep 6. syl keep pron pos vb. mod tr. def to have or take charge or care of. exam 1 keep the shop for me till I return. keep 7. syl keep pron pos vb. mod tr. def to look after or maintain for use, pleasure, etc.. exam 1 to keep chickens; exam 2 keep two cars. keep 8. syl keep pron pos vb. mod tr. def to provide for the upkeep or livelihood of. keep 9. syl keep pron pos vb. mod tr. def to support financially, esp. in return for sexual favours. exam 1 he keeps a mistress in the country. keep 10. syl keep pron pos vb. def to confine or detain or be confined or detained. keep 11. syl keep pron pos vb. def to withhold or reserve or admit of withholding or reserving. exam 1 your news will keep till later. keep 12. syl keep pron pos vb. mod tr. def to refrain from divulging or violating. exam 1 to keep a secret; exam 2 keep one's word. keep 13. syl keep pron pos vb. def to preserve or admit of preservation. keep 14. syl keep pron pos vb. mod tr. usage sometimes foll. by up def to observe with due rites or ceremonies. exam 1 to keep Christmas. keep 15. syl keep pron pos vb. mod tr. def to maintain by writing regular records in. exam 1 to keep a diary. keep 16. syl keep pron pos vb. mod when; intr. usage foll. by in, on, to, etc. def to stay in, on, or at (a place or position). exam 1 please keep your seats; exam 2 keep to the path. keep 17. syl keep pron pos vb. mod tr. def to associate with (esp. in the phrase {keep bad company) }. keep 18. syl keep pron pos vb. mod tr. def to maintain in existence. exam 1 to keep court in the palace. keep 19. syl keep pron pos vb. mod tr. qual Chiefly Brit. def to have habitually in stock. exam 1 this shop keeps all kinds of wool. how are you keeping 20. head keep syl how are you keeping?? def how are you?? keep time 22. head keep syl keep time. def See { {time} (sense 42)}. keep wicket 23. head keep syl keep wicket. def to play as wicketkeeper in the game of cricket. you can keep it 24. head keep syl you can keep it. qual Informal. def I have no interest in what you are offering. keep 25. syl keep pron pos n. def living or support. exam 1 he must work for his keep. keep 26. syl keep pron pos n. def charge or care. exam 1 the dog is in your keep while I am away. keep 27. syl keep pron pos n. def Also called: {dungeon, donjon}. the main tower within the walls of a medieval castle or fortress. keep 28.a. syl keep pron pos n. def completely; permanently. keep 28.b. syl keep pron pos n. def for the winner or possessor to keep permanently. keep at 1. syl keep at pos vb. prep. mod intr. def to persevere with or persist in. keep at 2. syl keep at pos vb. prep. mod tr. def to constrain (a person) to continue doing (a task). keep away 0. syl keep a:way pos vb. adv. def often foll. by keep away 1. syl keep a:way pos vb. adv. def to refrain or prevent from coming (near). keep away 2. syl keep a:way pos vb. adv. def to stop using, touching, etc. keep back 0. syl keep back pos vb. adv. def often foll. by keep back 1. syl keep back pos vb. adv. mod tr. def to refuse to reveal or disclose. keep back 2. syl keep back pos vb. adv. def to prevent, be prevented, or refrain from advancing, entering, etc. keep down 0. syl keep down pos vb. adv. exam 1 mainly tr.) keep down 1. syl keep down pos vb. adv. def to repress; hold in submission. keep down 2. syl keep down pos vb. adv. def to restrain or control. exam 1 he had difficulty keeping his anger down. keep down 3. syl keep down pos vb. adv. def to cause not to increase or rise. exam 1 prices were kept down for six months. keep down 4. syl keep down pos vb. adv. mod intr. def not to show oneself to one's opponents; lie low. keep down 5. syl keep down pos vb. adv. def to cause (food) to stay in the stomach; not vomit. keeper 1. syl keep+er pron <1kEp*> pos n. def a person in charge of animals, esp. in a zoo. keeper 2. syl keep+er pron <1kEp*> pos n. def a person in charge of a museum, collection, or section of a museum. keeper 3. syl keep+er pron <1kEp*> pos n. def a person in charge of other people, such as a warder in a jail. keeper 4. syl keep+er pron <1kEp*> pos n. def See {goalkeeper, wicketkeeper, gamekeeper}. keeper 5. syl keep+er pron <1kEp*> pos n. def a person who keeps something. keeper 6. syl keep+er pron <1kEp*> pos n. def a device, such as a clip, for keeping something in place. keeper 7. syl keep+er pron <1kEp*> pos n. def a soft-iron or steel bar placed across the poles of a permanent magnet to close the magnetic circuit when it is not in use. keeperless sub head keeper syl keep+er+less pos adj. keepership sub head keeper syl keep+er+2ship pos n. keeper ring 0. syl keep+er ring pos n. def another name for {guard ring}. keep from 1. syl keep from pos vb. prep. usage foll. by a gerund def to prevent or restrain (oneself or another); refrain or cause to refrain. keep from 2. syl keep from pos vb. prep. mod tr. def to preserve or protect. keep in 1. syl keep in pos also; prep. mod intr. def to stay indoors. keep in 2. syl keep in pos vb. mainly; adv. mod tr. def to restrain (an emotion); repress. keep in 3. syl keep in pos vb. mainly; adv. mod tr. def to detain (a schoolchild) after hours as a punishment. keep in 4. syl keep in pos vb. mainly; adv. usage of a fire def to stay alight or cause (a fire) to stay alight. keep in 5. syl keep in pos prep. mod tr. def to allow a constant supply of. exam 1 her prize money kept her in new clothes for a year. keep in with 6. head keep in syl keep in with. def to maintain good relations with. keeping 1. syl keep+ing pron <1kEpiG> pos n. def conformity or harmony (esp. in the phrases {in} {out of keeping}) . keeping 2. syl keep+ing pron <1kEpiG> pos n. def charge or care. exam 1 valuables in the keeping of a bank. keepnet 0. syl keep+net pron <1kEp2net> pos n. def a cylindrical net strung on wire hoops and sealed at one end, suspended in water by anglers to keep alive the fish they have caught. keep off 1. syl keep off pos vb. def to stay or cause to stay at a distance (from). keep off 2. syl keep off pos prep. def not to eat or drink or prevent from eating or drinking. keep off 3. syl keep off pos prep. def to avoid or cause to avoid (a topic). keep off 4. syl keep off pos adv. mod intr. def not to start. exam 1 the rain kept off all day. keep on 1. syl keep on pos vb. adv. def to continue or persist in (doing something). exam 1 keep on running. keep on 2. syl keep on pos vb. adv. mod tr. def to continue to wear. keep on 3. syl keep on pos vb. adv. mod tr. def to continue to employ. exam 1 the firm kept on only ten men. keep on 4. syl keep on pos vb. adv. mod intr. usage foll. by about def to persist in talking (about). keep on 5. syl keep on pos vb. adv. mod intr. usage foll. by at def to nag (a person). keep out 1. syl keep out pos vb. adv. def to remain or cause to remain outside. keep out 2.a. syl keep out pos vb. adv. def to remain or cause to remain unexposed to. exam 1 keep out of the sun. keep out 2.b. syl keep out pos vb. adv. def to avoid or cause to avoid. exam 1 the boss is in an angry mood, so keep out of his way. keepsake 0. syl keep+sake pron <1kEp2sAk> pos n. def a gift that evokes memories of a person or event with which it is associated. keep to 1. syl keep to pos vb. prep. def to adhere to or stand by or cause to adhere to or stand by. exam 1 to keep to a promise. keep to 2. syl keep to pos vb. prep. def to confine or be confined to. keep to 3.a. syl keep to pos vb. prep. mod intr. def to avoid the society of others. keep to 3.b. syl keep to pos vb. prep. mod tr. def to refrain from sharing or disclosing. keep oneself to oneself 4. head keep to syl keep oneself to oneself. def to avoid the society of others. keep under 1. syl keep un+der pos vb. def to remain or cause to remain below (a surface). keep under 2. syl keep un+der pos vb. mod tr. def to cause to remain unconscious. keep under 3. syl keep un+der pos adv. mod tr. def to hold in submission. keep up 1. syl keep up pos vb. adv. mod tr. def to maintain (prices, one's morale) at the present level. keep up 2. syl keep up pos vb. adv. mod intr. def to maintain a pace or rate set by another. keep up 3. syl keep up pos vb. adv. mod intr. usage often foll. by with def to remain informed. exam 1 to keep up with technological developments. keep up 4. syl keep up pos vb. adv. mod tr. def to maintain in good condition. keep up 5. syl keep up pos vb. adv. mod tr. def to hinder (a person) from going to bed at night. exam 1 the excitement kept the children up well past their bedtime. keep it up 6. head keep up syl keep it up. def to continue a good performance. keep one's chin up 7. head keep up syl keep one's chin up. def to maintain one's courage or cheerfulness. keep up with 8. head keep up syl keep up with. def to remain in contact, esp. by letter. keep up with (the Joneses) 9. head keep up syl keep up with (the Joneses) qual Informal. def to compete with (one's neighbours) in material possessions, etc. keeshond ety C20: from Dutch, probably from Kees nickname for Cornelis Cornelius, from Latin+ hond #7hound keeshonds infl head keeshond or keeshonden syl kees+honds pron <-2hondN> pos n. mod pl. keeshonden infl head keeshond or keeshonds syl kees+hond:en pron <-2hondN> pos n. mod pl. keeshond 0. syl kees+hond pron <1kAs2hond>, <1kEs-> pos n. def a breed of dog of the Spitz type with a shaggy greyish coat and tightly curled tail, originating in Holland. Keewatin 0. syl Kee+wa+tin pron pos n. def an administrative district of the Northwest Territories of Canada stretching from the district of Mackenzie to Hudson Bay: mostly tundra. Pop.: 3403 (1971). Area: 590930 sq. km (228160 sq. miles). kef 0. syl kef pron pos n. def a variant spelling of {kif}. keffiyeh ety C19: from Arabic, perhaps from Late Latin cofea #7coif keffiyeh 0. syl kef+fi+yeh pron pos n. def a cotton headdress worn by Arabs. keg ety C17: variant of Middle English kag, of Scandinavian origin; related to Old Norse kaggi cask keg 1. syl keg pron pos n. def a small barrel with a capacity of between five and ten gallons. keg 2.a. syl keg pron pos n. def an aluminium container in which beer is transported and stored. keg 2.b. syl keg pron pos n. def the beer kept in a keg. kegler ety from German, from Kegel pin, from Old High German kegil peg kegeler alt head kegler or kegler syl keg+e:ler pos n. kegler 0. or kegeler syl keg+ler pron <1kegl*> pos n. qual Informal, chiefly U.S. def a partici?!pant in a game of tenpin bowling. Keighley 0. syl Keigh+ley pron <1kETli> pos n. def a town in N England, in West Yorkshire on the River Aire: textile industry. Pop.: 55263 (1971). Keijo 0. syl Kei+jo pron <2kA1J*u> pos n. def transliteration of the Japanese name for {Seoul}. keister ety C20: of uncertain origin keester alt head keister or keister syl kees+ter pron <1kEst*> pos n. keister 1. or keester syl keis+ter pron <1kEst*> pos n. qual Slang, chiefly U.S. def the rump; buttocks. keister 2. or keester syl keis+ter pron <1kEst*> pos n. qual Slang, chiefly U.S. def a suitcase, trunk, or box. Wilhelm infl head Keitel syl Wil:helm pron <1vilhelm> pos n. Keitel 0. syl Kei:tel pron <1kItL> pos n. def 1882-1946, German field marshal; chief of the supreme command of the armed forces (1938-45). He was convicted at the Nuremberg trials and executed. keitloa ety C19: from Tswana khetlwa keitloa 0. syl keit+lo:a pron <1kItl*u*>, <1kAt-> pos n. def a southern African variety of the black two-horned rhinoceros, Urho infl head Kekkonen syl Ur:ho pron <1urhc> pos n. Kekkonen 0. syl Kek:ko:nen pron Finnish <1kekkcnen> pos n. def born 1900, Finnish statesman; president since 1956. Kekul'e formula ety C19: named after F. A. Kekul*'e von Stradonitz (1829-96), German chemist Kekul'e formula 0. syl Ke:ku:l*'e for+mu+la pron <1kekj*2lA> pos n. def a representation of the benzene molecule as six carbon atoms at the corners of a regular hexagon with alternate double and single bonds joining them and with one hydrogen atom bound to each carbon atom. See {benzene ring}. Kelantan 0. syl Ke+lan+tan pron , pos n. def a state of NE Malaysia: under Thai control until it came under the British in 1909; produces rice and rubber. Capital: Kota Bharu. Pop.: 684312 (1970). Area: 14930 sq. km (5765 sq. miles). Helen (Adams) infl head Keller syl Hel:en (Adams) . pos n. Keller 0. syl Kel:ler pron <1kel*> pos n. def 1880-1968, U.S. author and lecturer. Blind and deaf from infancy, she was taught to read, write, and speak and became noted for her work for the handicapped. Ned infl head Kelly syl Ned. pos n. Kelly 0. syl Kell:y pron <1keli> pos n. def 1855-80, Australian horse and cattle thief and bushranger, active in Victoria: captured by the police and hanged. keloid ety C19: from Greek kh*_el*_e claw cheloid alt head keloid or keloid syl che+loid pron <1kElcid> pos n. keloid 0. or cheloid syl ke+loid pron <1kElcid> pos n. qual Pathol. def a hard smooth pinkish raised growth of scar tissue at the site of an injury, tending to occur more frequently in dark-skinned races. keloidal sub head keloid or cheloidal syl ke+1loi+dal pos adj. cheloidal sub head keloid or keloidal syl che+1loi+dal pos adj. kelp ety C14: of unknown origin kelp 1. syl kelp pron pos n. def any large brown seaweed, esp. any species of kelp 2. syl kelp pron pos n. def the ash of such seaweed, used as a source of iodine and potash. kelpie ety C18: of unknown origin kelpy alt head kelpie or kelpie syl kel+py pron <1kelpi> pos n. kelpies infl head kelpie syl kel+pies. pos n. mod pl. kelpie H1.0. or kelpy syl kel+pie pron <1kelpi> pos n. def a breed of sheepdog with pointed ears, originally from Australia. kelpie ety C18: probably related to Scottish Gaelic cailpeach heifer, of obscure origin kelpie H2.0. syl kel+pie pron <1kelpi> pos n. usage in Scottish folklore def a water spirit in the form of a horse that drowned its riders. kelson 0. syl kel+son pron <1kels*n> pos n. def a variant spelling of {keelson}. kelt ety C14: of unknown origin kelt 0. syl kelt pron pos n. def a salmon that has recently spawned and is usually in poor condition. Kelt 0. syl Kelt pron pos n. def a variant spelling of {Celt}. Keltic sub head Kelt syl Kelt+ic pos adj. Keltically sub head Kelt syl Kelt:i+cal+ly pos adv. Kelticism sub head Kelt syl Kelt:i+cism pos n. Kelticist sub head Kelt or Keltist syl Kelt:i+cist pos n. Keltist sub head Kelt or Kelticist syl Kelt+ist pos n. kelter ety C17: of unknown origin kelvin 0. syl kel+vin pron <1kelvin> pos n. def the basic SI unit of thermodynamic temperature; the fraction 1/273.16 of the thermodynamic temperature of the triple point of water. Symbol: K William Thomson infl head Kelvin syl Wil:liam Thom:son pos n. Kelvin 0. syl Kel:vin pron <1kelvin> pos n. def 1st Baron Kelvin. 1824-1907, British physicist, noted for his work in thermodynamics, inventing the Kelvin scale, and in electricity, pioneering undersea telegraphy. Kelvin scale 0. syl Kel:vin scale pos n. def a scale of temperature in which the degree is equal to that on the Celsius scale and the zero value is -273.15?%C. It has now been replaced by the International Practical Temperature Scale of 1968. Also called: {absolute scale}. Compare {Rankine scale}. Kemal Ataturk 0. syl Ke:mal A:ta:t*"urk pron <1@t*2tR:k> pos n. def See {Atat*"urk}. Kemalism sub head Kemal Ataturk syl Ke+1mal+ism pos n. Kemalist sub head Kemal Ataturk syl Ke+1mal+ist pos n. adj. Frances Anne 1. head Kemble syl Fran:ces Anne def known as 1809-93, English actress, in the U.S. from 1832. Kemble 2. syl Kem:ble pron <1kembL> pos n. def her uncle, {John Phil@.ip}. 1757-1823, English actor and theatrical manager. Kemerovo 0. syl Ke+me:ro+vo pron Russian <1kjAmir*v*> pos n. def a city in the S Soviet Union: a major coal-mining centre of the Kuznetsk Basin, with important chemical plants. Pop.: 435000 (1975 est.). Former name (until 1932): {Shcheglovsk}. Rudolf infl head Kempe syl Ru:dolf pron <1ru:dclf> pos n. Kempe 0. syl Kem:pe pron German <1kemp*> pos n. def 1910-76, German orchestral conductor, noted esp. for his interpretations of Wagner. Thomas a infl head Kempis syl Thom:as *`a. pos n. Kempis 0. syl Kem:pis pron <1kempis> pos n. def ??1380-1471, German Augustinian monk, generally regarded as the author of the devotional work kempt ety C20: back formation from unkempt; originally past participle of dialect kemb to #7comb kempt 0. syl kempt pron pos adj. usage of hair def tidy; combed. See also {unkempt}. ken ety Old English cennan; related to Old Norse kenna to perceive, Old High German kennen to make known; see #7can %1 ken 1. syl ken pron pos n. def range of knowledge or perception (esp. in the phrase {beyond} {in one's ken}) . kens infl head ken syl kens pos vb. kenning infl head ken syl ken+ning pos vb. kenned infl head ken or kent syl kenned pos vb. kent infl head ken or kenned syl kent. pos vb. ken 2. syl ken pron pos vb. mod tr. qual Northern Brit. dialect. def to know. ken 3. syl ken pron pos vb. qual Northern Brit. dialect. def to understand; perceive. ken 4. syl ken pron pos vb. mod tr. qual Archaic. def to see. kenaf ety from Persian kenaf 0. syl ke+naf pron pos n. def another name for {ambary}. Kendal 0. syl Ken+dal pron <1kendL> pos n. def a town in NW England, in Cumbria: a gateway town to the Lake District, with an ancient woollen industry. Pop.: 21572 (1971). Kendal green ety C14: from Kendal, where it originated Kendal green 1. syl Ken+dal green pos n. def a green woollen cloth, formerly worn by foresters. Kendal green 2. syl Ken+dal green pos n. def the colour of this cloth, produced by a dye obtained from the woad plant. kendo ety from Japanese kendo 0. syl ken+do pron <1kend*u> pos n. def a Japanese form of fencing employing wooden staves, usually of bamboo. Kenilworth 0. syl Ken+il+worth pron <1kenil2wR:T> pos n. def a town in central England, in Warwickshire: ruined 12th-century castle, subject of Sir Walter Scott's novel Pop.: 20121 (1971). K'enitra 0. syl K*'e+ni+tra pron French pos n. def another name for {Mina Hassan Tani}. Cape infl head Kennedy syl Cape. pos n. Kennedy H1.0. syl Ken+ne+dy pron <1kenidi> pos n. def a former name (1963-73) of {Cape Canaveral}. Edward Moore 1. head Kennedy syl Ed:ward Moore. def born 1932, U.S. Democrat politician; senator since 1962. Kennedy H2.2. syl Ken:ne:dy pron <1kenidi> pos n. def his brother, {John Fitz@.ger@.ald}. 1917-63, U.S. Democrat statesman; 35th president of the U.S. (1961-63), the first Roman Catholic and the young?!est man ever to be president. He demanded the withdrawal of Soviet missiles from Cuba (1962) and prepared civil rights reforms; assassinated. Kennedy H2.3. syl Ken:ne:dy pron <1kenidi> pos n. def his brother, {Rob@.ert Fran@.cis}. 1925-68, U.S. Democrat statesman; attorney general (1961-64) and senator for New York (1965-68); assassinated. kennel ety C14: from Old French chenil, from Vulgar Latin can*_ile (unattested), from Latin canis dog kennel H1.1. syl ken+nel pron <1kenL> pos n. def a hutlike shelter for a dog. U.S. name: {doghouse}. kennel H1.2. syl ken+nel pron <1kenL> pos n. mod usually; pl. def an establishment where dogs are bred, trained, boarded, etc. kennel H1.3. syl ken+nel pron <1kenL> pos n. def the lair of a fox or other animal. kennel H1.4. syl ken+nel pron <1kenL> pos n. def a ramshackle house; hovel. kennel H1.5. syl ken+nel pron <1kenL> pos n. def a pack of hounds. kennels infl head kennel or kennels syl ken+nels pos vb. qual U.S. kennelling infl head kennel or kenneling syl ken+nel+ling pos vb. kennelled infl head kennel or kenneled syl ken+nelled pos vb. kenneling infl head kennel or kennelling syl ken+nel+ing pos vb. qual U.S. kenneled infl head kennel or kennelled syl ken+neled. pos vb. qual U.S. kennel H1.6. syl ken+nel pron <1kenL> pos vb. def to put or go into a kennel; keep or stay in a kennel. kennel ety C16: variant of cannel #7{channel %1} kennel H2.0. syl ken+nel pron <1kenL> pos n. qual Archaic. def an open sewer or street gutter. Arthur Edwin infl head Kennelly syl Ar:thur Ed:win. pos n. Kennelly 0. syl Ken:nel:ly pron <1ken*li> pos n. def 1861-1939, U.S. electrical engineer: independently of Heaviside, he predicted the existence of an ionized layer in the upper atmosphere, known as the Kennelly-Heaviside layer or E region. Kennelly-Heaviside layer 0. syl Ken:nel:ly-Heav:i:side lay+er pos n. def See {E region}. kenning ety C14: from Old Norse, from kenna; see #7ken kenning 0. syl ken+ning pron <1keniG> pos n. def a conventional metaphoric name for something, esp. in Old Norse and Old English poetry, such as Old English (bone house) for @6body.@9 Kenny method ety C20: named after Sister Elizabeth Kenny, 1886-1952, Australian nurse who developed it Kenny metreatment alt head Kenny method or Kenny method syl Ken:ny metreat+ment pos n. Kenny method 0. or Kenny metreatment syl Ken:ny meth+od pos n. def a method of treating poliomyelitis by applying hot moist packs to the affected muscles alternated by passive and later active movement of the muscles. keno ety C19: of unknown origin keeno infl head keno syl kee+no pron <1kEno> pos n. kino infl head keno or quino syl ki+no pron <1kEno> pos n. quino infl head keno or kino syl qui+no pron <1kEno> pos n. keno 0. syl ke+no pron <1kEno> pos n. qual U.S. def a game of chance similar to bingo. kenogenesis 0. syl ke+no+gen+e:sis pron <2kEn*u1Jenisis> pos n. def a secondary U.S. spelling of {caenogenesis}. kenogenetic sub head kenogenesis syl ke+no+ge:net+ic pron <2kEn*uJ*1netic> pos adj. kenogenetically sub head kenogenesis syl ke+no+ge:1net:i+cal+ly pos adv. kenosis ety C19: from Greek: an empty?!ing, from kenoun to empty from kenos empty kenosis 0. syl ke+no+sis pron pos n. qual Christianity. def Christ's voluntary renunciation of certain divine attributes, in order to identify himself with mankind (Philippians 2:6-7). kenotic sub head kenosis syl ke+not+ic pron pos adj. n. Kensington and Chelsea 0. syl Ken+sing+ton and Chel+sea pron <1kenziGt*n> pos n. def a borough of Greater London, on the River Thames: {Kensington Palace} (17th century) and gardens. Pop.: 161400 (1976 est.). kenspeckle ety C18: from dialect kenspeck, of Scandinavian origin; compare Old Norse kennispecki power of recognition; related to #7ken kenspeckle 0. syl ken+speck:le pron <1ken2spekL> pos adj. qual Scot. def easily seen or recognized. kent 0. syl kent pron pos vb. def a past tense or past participle of {ken}. Kent H1.0. syl Kent pron pos n. def a county of SE England, on the English Channel: the first part of Great Britain to be colonized by the Romans; one of the seven kingdoms of Anglo-Saxon England until absorbed by Wessex in the 9th century #7a.d. Apart from the Downs it is mostly low-lying and agricultural, specializing in fruit and hops. There is a small coalfield on the S coast. Administrative centre: Maidstone. Pop.: 1448100 (1976 est.). Area: 4237 sq. km (1636 sq. miles). William infl head Kent syl Wil:liam. pos n. Kent H2.0. syl Kent pron pos n. def ??1685-1748, English painter, architect, and landscape gardener. kente ety from a Ghanaian language, possibly Akan kente 1. syl ken+te pron <1kenti> pos n. def Also called: {kente cloth}. a brightly coloured handwoven cloth of Ghana, usually with some gold thread. kente 2. syl ken+te pron <1kenti> pos n. def the toga made of this cloth. Kentish 1. syl Kent+ish pron <1kentiS> pos adj. def of or relating to Kent. Kentish 2. syl Kent+ish pron <1kentiS> pos n. def Also called: {Jutish}. the dialect of Old and Middle English spoken in Kent. See also {Anglian, West Saxon}. kentledge ety C17: perhaps from Old French quintelage ballast, from quintal hundredweight, ultimately from Arabic qint*_ar; see #7kantar kentledge 0. syl kent+ledge pron <1kentliJ> pos n. qual Nautical. def scrap metal used as ballast in a vessel. Kentucky 1. syl Ken+tuck:y pron pos n. def a state of the S central U.S.: consists of an undulating plain in the west, the Bluegrass region in the centre, the Tennessee and Ohio River basins in the southwest, and the Appalachians in the east. Capital: Frankfort. Pop.: 3219311 (1970). Area: 102693 sq. km (39650 sq. miles). Abbrevs.: {Ken., Ky}. or (with zip code) {KY} Kentucky 2. syl Ken+tuck:y pron pos n. def a river in central Kentucky, rising in the Cumberland Mountains and flowing northwest to the Ohio River. Length: 417 km (259 miles). Kentuckian sub head Kentucky syl Ken+1tuck+i:an pos adj. n. Kentucky bluegrass 0. syl Ken+tuck:y blue+grass pos n. def a Eurasian grass, grown for forage and naturalized throughout North America. Kentucky coffee tree 0. syl Ken+tuck:y cof+fee tree pos n. def a North American leguminous tree, whose seeds, in brown curved pulpy pods, were formerly used as a coffee substitute. Kentucky Derby 0. syl Ken+tuck:y Der+by pos n. def a race for three-year-old horses run annually since 1875 at Louisville, Kentucky. Kenya 1. syl Ken+ya pron <1kenj*>, <1kEnj*> pos n. def a republic in E Africa, on the Indian Ocean: became a British protectorate in 1895 and a colony in 1920; gained independence in 1963 and is a member of the Commonwealth. Coffee constitutes about a third of the total exports. Official languages: English and Swahili. Religions: animist and Christian. Currency: shilling. Capital: Nairobi. Pop.: 10942705 (1969). Area: 582647 sq. km (224960 sq. miles). Mount 2. head Kenya syl Mount. def an extinct volcano in central Kenya: the second highest mountain in Africa; girth at 2400 m (8000 ft.) is about 150 km (95 miles). The regions above 3200 m (10500 ft.) constitute {Mount Kenya National Park}. Height: 5200 m (17058 ft.). Kenyan sub head Kenya syl Ken+yan pos adj. n. Jomo infl head Kenyatta syl Jo:mo pron <1J*um*u> pos n. Kenyatta 0. syl Ken:yat:ta pron pos n. def ??1891-1978, Kenyan statesman: imprisoned as a leader of the Mau Mau revolt (1953-59); elected president of the Kenya African National Union (1961); prime minister of independent Kenya (1963) and president (1964-78). Keos 0. syl Ke:os pron <1kAos> pos n. def an island in the Aegean Sea, in the NW Cyclades. Pop.: 4347 (1971). Area: 174 sq. km (67 sq. miles). Italian name: {Zea}. Modern Greek name: {K*'ea}. kep ety from #7keep (in obsolete sense: to put oneself in the way of) kep 0. syl kep pron pos vb. mod tr. qual Northern Brit. dialect. def to catch. Kephallin'ia 0. syl Ke+phal+li+n*'i:a pron <2kefali1nia>, English <2kef*1lEni*> pos n. def transliteration of the modern Greek name for {Cephalonia}. kepi ety C19: from French k*'epi, from German (Swiss dialect) k*"appi a little cap, from kappe #7{cap } kepis infl head kepi syl kep:is. pos n. mod pl. kepi 0. syl kep:i pron <1kApE> pos n. def a military cap with a circular top and a horizontal peak. Johan infl head Kepler syl Jo:han pron <1jo:han> pos n. Kepler H1.0. syl Kep:ler pron <1kepl*> pos n. def 1571-1630, German astronomer. As discoverer of Kepler's laws of planetary motion he is regarded as one of the founders of modern astronomy. Kepler H2.0. syl Kep+ler pron <1kepl*> pos n. def a small crater in the NE quadrant of the moon, about 35 kilometres in diameter. Kepler's laws 0. syl Kep:ler's laws pos n. mod pl. def three laws of planetary motion published by Kepler between 1609 and 1619. The first states that the orbit of a planet describes an ellipse with the sun at one focus. The second states that, during one orbit, the straight line joining the sun and a planet sweeps out equal areas in equal times. The third states that the squares of the periods of any two planets are proportional to the cubes of their mean distances from the sun. kept 1. syl kept pron pos vb. def the past tense or past participle of {keep}. kept woman 2. head kept syl kept woman. qual Censorious. def a woman maintained by a man as his mistress. Kerala 0. syl Ker:a+la pron <1ker*l*>, pos n. def a state of SW India, on the Arabian Sea: formed in 1956, it includes the former state of Travancore-Cochin; has the highest population density of any Indian state. Capital: Trivandrum. Pop.: 21347375 (1971). Area: 38855 sq. km (15153 sq. miles). keramic 0. syl ke+ram+ic pron pos adj. def a rare spelling of {ceramic}. keramics 0. syl ke+ram+ics pron pos n. def a rare spelling of {ceramics}. ceratin alt head keratin or keratin syl cer:a+tin pos n. keratin 0. or ceratin syl ker:a+tin pron <1ker*tin> pos n. def a fibrous sulphur-containing protein that occurs in the outer layer of the skin and in hair, nails, feathers, hooves, etc. keratinise alt head keratinize or keratinize syl ke+rat+in+ise pron , <1ker*ti-> pos vb. keratinize 0. or keratinise syl ke+rat+in+ize pron , <1ker*ti-> pos vb. def to become or cause to become impregnated with keratin. keratinization sub head keratinize or keratinisation syl ke+2rat+in:i+1za+tion pos n. keratinisation sub head keratinize or keratinization syl ke+2rat+in:i+1sa+tion pos n. keratitis 0. syl ker:a+ti+tis pron <2ker*1tItis> pos n. def inflammation of the cornea. kerato- ety from Greek kerat-, keras horn keratogenous 0. syl ker:a+tog+e:nous pron <2ker*1toJin*s> pos adj. def developing or causing the growth of horny tissue. keratoid 0. syl ker:a+toid pron <1ker*2tcid> pos adj. def resembling horn; horny. ties infl head keratoplasty syl +ties. pos n. mod pl. keratoplasty 0. syl ker:a+to+plas+ty pron <1ker*t*u2pl@sti> pos n. def plastic surgery of the cornea, esp. involving corneal grafting. keratoplastic sub head keratoplasty syl ker:a+to+1plas+tic pos adj. keratose 0. syl ker:a+tose pron <1ker*2t*us>, <-2t*uz> pos adj. usage esp. of certain sponges def having a horny skeleton. keratosis 1. syl ker:a+to+sis pron <2ker*1t*usis> pos n. qual Pathol. def any skin condition marked by a horny growth, such as a wart. keratosis 2. syl ker:a+to+sis pron <2ker*1t*usis> pos n. qual Pathol. def a horny growth. kerb ety C17: from Old French courbe bent, from Latin curvus; see #7curve curb alt head kerb or kerb syl curb pron pos n. qual U.S. kerb 1. or curb syl kerb pron pos n. def a line of stone or concrete forming an edge between a pavement and a roadway. {~} kerb 2. or curb syl kerb pron pos n. mod tr. def to provide with or enclose with a kerb. kerbaya ety from Malay kerbaya 0. syl ker+ba+ya pron <1kerbaja> pos n. def a blouse worn by Malay women. kerb drill 0. syl kerb drill pos n. def a pedestrian's procedure for crossing a road safely, esp. as taught to children. Kerbela 0. syl Ker+be+la pron <1kR:b*l*> pos n. def a variant spelling of {Karbala}. curbing alt head kerbing or kerbing syl curb+ing pron <1kR:biG> pos n. qual U.S. kerbing 1. or curbing syl kerb+ing pron <1kR:biG> pos n. def material used for a kerb. kerbing 2. or curbing syl kerb+ing pron <1kR:biG> pos n. def a less common word for {kerb}. kerb market 1. syl kerb mar+ket pos n. qual Stock Exchange. def an after-hours street market. kerb market 2. syl kerb mar+ket pos n. qual Stock Exchange. def a street market dealing in unquoted securities. curbstone alt head kerbstone or kerbstone syl curb+stone pron <1kR:b2st*un> pos n. qual U.S. kerbstone 0. or curbstone syl kerb+stone pron <1kR:b2st*un> pos n. def one of a series of stones that form a kerb. kerb weight 0. syl kerb weight pos n. def the weight of a motor car without occupants, luggage, etc. Kerch 0. syl Kerch pron Russian <1kjArC> pos n. def a port in the SW Soviet Union, in the Ukrainian SSR on the {Kerch Peninsula} and the {Strait of Kerch} (linking the Black Sea with the Sea of Azov): founded as a Greek colony in the 6th century #7b.c. ; ceded to Russia in 1774; iron-mining and fishing. Pop.: 149000 (1975 est.). kerchief ety C13: from Old French cuevrechef, from covrir to #7cover + chef head; see #7chief kerchief 0. syl ker+chief pron <1kR:Cif> pos n. def a piece of cloth worn tied over the head or around the neck. kerchiefed sub head kerchief syl ker+chiefed pos adj. Kerensky alt head Kerenski or Kerenski syl Ke:ren:sky pron , Russian <1kjArinskij> pos n. Aleksandr Fyodorovich infl head Kerenski syl A:le:ksan:dr Fyo:do:ro:vich pron <1fjcd*r*viC> pos n. Kerenski 0. or Kerensky syl Ke:ren:ski pron , Russian <1kjArinskij> pos n. def 1881-1970, Russian liberal revolutionary leader; prime minister (July-?!October 1917): overthrown by the Bolsheviks. kerf ety Old English cyrf a cutting; related to Old English ceorfan to #7carve kerf 0. syl kerf pron pos n. def the cut made by a saw, axe, etc. kerfuffle ety from Scottish curfuffle, carfuffle, from Scottish Gaelic car twist, turn+ fuffle to disarrange carfuffle infl head kerfuffle or kurfuffle syl car+fuf+fle pron pos n. kurfuffle infl head kerfuffle or carfuffle syl kur+fuf+fle pron pos n. kerfuffle 1. syl ker+fuf+fle pron pos n. qual Informal, chiefly Brit. def commotion; disorder; agitation. kerfuffle 2. syl ker+fuf+fle pron pos vb. mod tr. qual Scot. def to put into disorder or disarray; ruffle or disarrange. Kerguelen 0. syl Ker+gue+len pron <1kR:gilin> pos n. def an archipelago in the S Indian Ocean: consists of one large volcanic island (Kerguelen or Desolation Island) and 300 small islands; part of the French Southern and Antarctic Territories. Kerkrade 0. syl Kerk+ra+de pron Dutch <1kerkra:d*> pos n. def a town in the SE Netherlands, in Limburg: one of the oldest coal-mining centres in Europe. Pop.: 47301 (1973 est.). K'erkyra 0. syl K*'er+ky+ra pron <1kerkira> pos n. def transliteration of the Modern Greek name for {Corfu}. Kerman 0. syl Ker+man pron pos n. def a city in SE Iran: carpet-making centre. Pop.: 100000 (1972 est.). Kermanshah 0. syl Ker+man+shah pron <2kR:m@n1Sa:> pos n. def a city in W Iran, in the valley of the Qareh Su: oil refinery. Pop.: 249000 (1973 est.). kermes ety C16: from French kerm*`es, from Arabic qirmiz, from Sanskrit krmija- red dye, literally: produced by a worm, from krmi worm+ ja- produced kermes 1. syl ker+mes pron <1kR:miz> pos n. def the dried bodies of female scale insects of the genus esp. of Europe and W Asia, used as a red dyestuff. kermes 2. syl ker+mes pron <1kR:miz> pos n. def a small evergreen Eurasian oak tree, the host plant of kermes scale insects. kermis ety C16: from Middle Dutch kercmisse, from kerc church+ misse M#7ass ; originally a festival held to celebrate the dedication of a church kirmess alt head kermis or kermis syl kir+mess pos n. kermis 1. or kirmess syl ker+mis pron <1kR:mis> pos n. usage in Belgium and the Netherlands, esp. formerly def an annual country festival or carnival. kermis 2. or kirmess syl ker+mis pron <1kR:mis> pos n. qual U.S. def a similar event, esp. one held to collect money for charity. kern ety C17: from French carne corner of type, projecting angle, ultimately from Latin card*_o hinge kerne alt head kern or kern syl kerne pron pos n. kern H1.1. or kerne syl kern pron pos n. def the part of the character on a piece of printer's type that projects beyond the body. kern H1.2. or kerne syl kern pron pos vb. mod tr. def to furnish (a typeface) with a kern. kern ety C14: from Middle Irish cethern band of foot soldiers, from cath battle kern H2.1. syl kern pron pos n. def a lightly armed foot soldier in medieval Ireland or Scotland. kern H2.2. syl kern pron pos n. def a troop of such soldiers. kern H2.3. syl kern pron pos n. qual Archaic. def a loutish peasant. kern H3.0. syl kern pron pos n. qual Engineering. def the central area of a wall, column, etc., through which all compressive forces pass. Jerome (David) infl head Kern syl Je:rome (David) . pos n. Kern 0. syl Kern pron pos n. def 1885-1945, U.S. composer of musical comedies, esp. (1927). kernel ety Old English cyrnel a little seed, from corn seed; see #7corn kernel 1. syl ker+nel pron <1kR:nL> pos n. def the edible seed of a nut or fruit within the shell or stone. kernel 2. syl ker+nel pron <1kR:nL> pos n. def the grain of a cereal, esp. wheat, consisting of the seed in a hard husk. kernel 3. syl ker+nel pron <1kR:nL> pos n. def the central or essential part of something. kernels infl head kernel or kernels syl ker+nels pos vb. qual U.S. kernelling infl head kernel or kerneling syl ker+nel+ling pos vb. kernelled infl head kernel or kerneled syl ker+nelled pos vb. kerneling infl head kernel or kernelling syl ker+nel+ing pos vb. qual U.S. kerneled infl head kernel or kernelled syl ker+neled. pos vb. qual U.S. kernel 4. syl ker+nel pron <1kR:nL> pos vb. mod intr. qual Rare. def to form kernels. kernel-less sub head kernel syl ker+nel-less pos adj. kernite ety C20: from Kern Coun?!ty, California, where it was found+-{#7ite %1} kernite 0. syl ker+nite pron <1kR:nIt> pos n. def a light soft colourless or white mineral consisting of a hydrated sodium borate in monoclinic crystalline form: an important source of borax and other boron compounds. Formula: Na\2B\4O\7.4H\2O. kero 0. syl ker:o pron <1ker*u> pos n. qual Austral. def See {kerosene}. kerosene ety C19: from Greek k*_eros wax+-#7ene kerosine alt head kerosene or kerosene syl ker:o+sine pron <1ker*2sEn> pos n. kerosene 0. or kerosine syl ker:o+sene pron <1ker*2sEn> pos n. def another name for {paraffin}, (esp. U.S.) except when used as a fuel for jet aircraft. Jack infl head Kerouac syl Jack pos n. Kerouac 0. syl Ke:rou:ac pron <1keru2@k> pos n. def original name 1922-69, U.S. novelist and poet of the beat generation. His works include (1957) and (1962). Kerr 0. syl Kerr pron pos n. def Sir {John Robert}. born 1914, Australian public servant. As governor general of Australia (1974-77), he dismissed the Labour prime minister Gough Whitlam (1975) amid great controversy. Kerr effect ety C19: named after John Kerr (1824-1907), Scottish physicist Kerr effect 1. syl Kerr ef+fect pron pos n. def Also called: {electro-optical effect}. the production of double refraction in certain transparent sub?!stances by the application of a strong electric field. Kerr effect 2. syl Kerr ef+fect pron pos n. def Also called: {magneto-optical effect}. a slight elliptical polarization of plane polarized light when reflected from one of the poles of a strong magnet. Kerry H1.0. syl Ker+ry pron <1keri> pos n. def a county of SW Ireland, in W Munster province: mostly mountainous (including the highest peaks in Ireland), with a deeply indented coast and many offshore islands. County town: Tralee. Pop.: 112772 (1971). Area: 4701 sq. km (1815 sq. miles). Kerry ety C19: named after County Kerry, Ireland Kerries infl head Kerry syl Ker+ries. pos n. mod pl. Kerry H2.0. syl Ker+ry pron <1keri> pos n. def a small black breed of dairy cattle, originally from Ireland. Kerry blue terrier 0. syl Ker+ry blue ter+ri+er pos n. def a breed of terrier with a thick wavy grey coat. kersey ety C14: probably from Kersey, village in Suffolk kersey 1. syl ker+sey pron <1kR:zi> pos n. def a smooth woollen cloth used for overcoats, etc. kersey 2. syl ker+sey pron <1kR:zi> pos n. def a twilled woollen cloth with a cotton warp. kerseymere ety C18: from #7kersey + (#7cassi) #7mere kerseymere 0. syl ker+sey+mere pron <1kR:zi2mi*> pos n. def a fine soft woollen cloth of twill weave. Albert infl head Kesselring syl Al:bert pron <1albert> pos n. Kesselring 0. syl Kes:sel:ring pron <1kesLriG> pos n. def 1885-1960, German field marshal. He commanded the Luftwaffe attacks on France, Britain, and North Africa (1939-45) and on the western front (1945). Parts of infl head Kesteven syl Parts of. pos n. Kesteven 0. syl Kes+te+ven pron <1kestivN> pos n. def an area in E England constituting a former administrative division of Lincolnshire. kestrel ety C15: changed from Old French cresserele, from cressele rattle, from Vulgar Latin crepicella (unattested), from Latin crepit*_are to crackle, from crep*_are to rustle kestrel 0. syl kes+trel pron <1kestr*l> pos n. def any of several small falcons, esp. the European that tend to hover against the wind and feed on small mammals on the ground. Keswick 0. syl Kes+wick pron <1kezik> pos n. def a market town in NW England, in the Lake District: tourist centre. Pop.: 5169 (1971). ketch ety C15 cache, probably from cacchen to hunt; see #7catch ketch 0. syl ketch pron pos n. def a two-masted sailing vessel, fore-and-aft rigged, with a tall mainmast and a mizzen stepped forward of the rudderpost. Compare { {yawl%1} (sense 1)}. ketchup ety C18: from Chinese (Amoy) k*_oetsiap brine of pickled fish, from k*_oe seafood+ tsiap sauce ketcatchup infl head ketchup or ketcatsup syl ketcatch+up pos n. ketcatsup infl head ketchup or ketcatchup syl ketcat+sup pos n. ketchup 0. syl ketch+up pron <1keC*p> pos n. def any of various piquant sauces containing vinegar. exam 1 tomato ketchup. ketene 0. syl ke+tene pron <1kEtEn>, <1ket-> pos n. def a colourless irritating toxic gas used as an acetylating agent in organic synthesis. Formula: CH\2:CO. Also called: {ethonone}. keto-enol tautomerism 0. syl ke:to-e:nol tau+tom+er+ism pron <1kEt*u1Enol> pos n. qual Chem. def tautomerism in which the tautomers are an enol and a keto form. The change occurs by transfer of a hydrogen atom within the molecule. keto form 0. syl ke:to form pron <2kEt*u> pos n. def the form of tautomeric compounds when they are ketones rather than enols. See {keto-enol tautomerism}. ketone ety C19: from German Keton, from Aketon #7acetone ketone 0. syl ke+tone pron <1kEt*un> pos n. def any of a class of compounds with the general formula R@'#800457 COR, where R and R@'#800458 are usually alkyl or aryl groups. See also {acetone}. ketonic sub head ketone syl ke+ton+ic pron pos adj. ketone body 0. syl ke+tone bod:y pos n. qual Biochem. def any of three compounds (aceto?!acetic acid, 3-hydroxybutanoic acid, and acetone) produced when fatty acids are broken down in the liver to provide a source of energy. Excess ketone bodies are present in the blood and urine of people unable to use glucose as an energy source, as in diabetes and starvation. Also called: {acetone body}. ketone group 0. syl ke+tone group pos n. qual Chem. def the functional group of ketones: a carbonyl group attached to the carbon atoms of two other organic groups. ketonuria 0. syl ke+to+nu+ri:a pron <2kEt*u1nju*ri*> pos n. qual Pathol. def the presence of ketone bodies in the urine. ketose 0. syl ke+tose pron <1kEt*uz> pos n. def any monosaccharide that contains a ketone group. ketosis 0. syl ke+to+sis pron pos n. qual Pathol. def the condition resulting from excess production of ketone bodies. ketoxime 0. syl ke+tox+ime pron pos n. def an oxime formed by reaction between hydroxylamine and a ketone. Kettering 0. syl Ket+ter+ing pron <1ket*riG> pos n. def a town in central England, in Northamptonshire: footwear industry. Pop.: 42628 (1971). kettle ety C13: from Old Norse ketill; related to Old English cietel kettle, Old High German kezzil; all ultimately from Latin catillus a little pot, from cat*_inus pot kettle 1. syl ket+tle pron <1ketL> pos n. def a metal container with a handle and spout for boiling water. kettle 2. syl ket+tle pron <1ketL> pos n. def any of various metal containers for heating liquids, cooking fish, etc. kettle 3. syl ket+tle pron <1ketL> pos n. def an open-topped refractory-lined steel vessel in which metals with low melting points are refined. kettle 4. syl ket+tle pron <1ketL> pos n. def short for {kettle hole}. kettledrum 0. syl ket:tle+drum pron <1ketL2dr^m> pos n. def a percussion instrument consist?!ing of a hollow bowl-like hemisphere covered with a skin or membrane, supported on a tripod or stand. The pitch may be adjusted by means of screws or pedals, which alter the tension of the skin. kettledrummer sub head kettledrum syl ket:tle+2drum:mer pos n. kettle hole 0. syl ket+tle hole pos n. def a round hollow formed by the melting of a mass of buried ice. Often shortened to {kettle}. kettle of fish 0. syl ket+tle of fish pos n. def an awkward situation; mess (often used ironically in the phrase {a pretty} or {fine kettle of fish}) . kevel ety C14: from Old Northern French keville, from Latin cl*_avicula a little key, from cl*_avis key kevel 0. syl kev+el pron <1kevL> pos n. qual Nautical. def a strong bitt or bollard for securing heavy hawsers. Kew 0. syl Kew pron pos n. def part of the Greater London borough of Richmond-upon-Thames, on the River Thames: famous for {Kew Gardens} (the Royal Botanic Gardens), established in 1759 and given to the nation in 1841. kewpie doll ety C20: kewpie, perhaps from Cupid kewpie doll 1. syl kew+pie doll pron <1kju:pi> pos n. qual U.S. def any brightly coloured doll, commonly given as a prize at carnivals. kewpie doll 2. syl kew+pie doll pron <1kju:pi> pos n. qual U.S.; Trademark. usage caps. def a doll having rosy cheeks and a curl of hair on its head. kex ety C14: of obscure origin kex 1. syl kex pron pos n. def any of several large hollow-stemmed umbellif?!erous plants, such as cow parsnip and chervil. kex 2. syl kex pron pos n. def the dried stalks of any of these plants. key ety Old English c*_@ag; related to Old Frisian k*_ei, Middle Low German keie spear key H1.1. syl key pron pos n. def a metal instrument, usually of a specifically contoured shape, that is made to fit a lock and, when rotated, operates the lock's mechanism. key H1.2. syl key pron pos n. def any instrument that is rotated to operate a valve, clock winding mechanism, etc. key H1.3. syl key pron pos n. def a small metal peg or wedge inserted into keyways. key H1.4. syl key pron pos n. def any of a set of levers operating a typewriter, computer, etc. key H1.5. syl key pron pos n. def any of the visible parts of the lever mechanism of a musical keyboard instrument that when depressed set in motion the action that causes the instrument to sound. key H1.6.a. syl key pron pos n. def Also called: {tonality}. any of the 24 major and minor diatonic scales considered as a corpus of notes upon which a piece of music draws for its tonal framework. key H1.6.b. syl key pron pos n. def the main tonal centre in an extended composition. exam 1 a symphony in the key of F major. key H1.6.c. syl key pron pos n. def the tonic of a major or minor scale. key H1.6.d. syl key pron pos n. def See {tuning key}. key H1.7. syl key pron pos n. def something that is crucial in providing an explanation or interpretation. exam 1 the key to adult behaviour lies in childhood. key H1.8. syl key pron pos n. def a means of achieving a desired end. exam 1 the key to happiness. key H1.9. syl key pron pos n. def a means of access or control. exam 1 Gibraltar is the key to the Mediterranean. key H1.10. syl key pron pos n. def a list of explanations of symbols, codes, etc. key H1.11. syl key pron pos n. def a text that explains or gives information about a work of literature, art, or music. key H1.12. syl key pron pos n. def Also called: {key move}. the correct initial move in the solution of a set problem. key H1.13. syl key pron pos n. qual Biology. def a systematic list of taxonomic characteristics, used to identify animals or plants. key H1.14. syl key pron pos n. qual Photog., painting. def the dominant tonal value and colour intensity of a picture. See also { {low-key} (sense 2)}, {high-key}. key H1.15.a. syl key pron pos n. def a hand-operated device for opening or closing a circuit or for switching circuits. key H1.15.b. syl key pron pos n. def a hand-operated switch for transmitting coded signals, esp. Morse code. key H1.16. syl key pron pos n. def the grooving or scratching of a surface or the application of a rough coat of plaster, etc., to provide a bond for a subsequent finish. key H1.17. syl key pron pos n. def pitch. exam 1 he spoke in a low key. key H1.18. syl key pron pos n. def a characteristic mood or style. exam 1 a poem in a melancholic key. key H1.19. syl key pron pos n. def level of intensity. exam 1 she worked herself up to a high key. key H1.20. syl key pron pos n. qual Railways. def a wooden wedge placed between a rail and a chair to keep the rail firmly in place. key H1.21. syl key pron pos n. def a wedge for tightening a joint or for splitting stone or timber. key H1.22. syl key pron pos n. def short for {keystone} (sense 1). key H1.23. syl key pron pos n. qual Botany. def any dry winged fruit, esp. that of the ash. key H1.24. syl key pron pos n. usage modifier def of great importance. exam 1 a key issue. key H1.25. syl key pron pos n. qual Photog. usage modifier def determining the tonal value of a photograph. exam 1 flesh colour is an important key tone. key H1.26. syl key pron pos vb. mod tr. usage foll. by to def to harmonize (with). exam 1 to key one's actions to the prevailing mood. key H1.27. syl key pron pos vb. mod tr. def to adjust or fasten with a key or some similar device. key H1.28. syl key pron pos vb. mod tr. def to provide with a key or keys. key H1.29. syl key pron pos vb. mod tr. usage often foll. by up def to locate the position of (a piece of copy, artwork, etc.) on a layout by the use of symbols. key H1.30. syl key pron pos vb. mod tr. def to include a distinguishing device in (an advertisement, etc.), so that re?!sponses to it can be identified. key H1.31. syl key pron pos vb. mod tr. def to provide a keystone for (an arch). key xref syl key pron pos n. def See also {key up}. keyless sub head key syl key+less pos adj. key H2.0. syl key pron pos n. def a variant spelling of {cay}. keyboard 1.a. syl key+board pron <1kE2bc:d> pos n. def a complete set of keys, usually hand-operated, as on a piano, organ, typewriter, or typesetting machine. keyboard 1.b. syl key+board pron <1kE2bc:d> pos n. usage as modifier exam 1 a keyboard instrument. keyboard 2. syl key+board pron <1kE2bc:d> pos vb. mod tr. def to set (a text) in type, onto magnetic tape, or into some other medium by using a keyboard machine. key fruit 0. syl key fruit pos n. def another name for {samara}. keyhole 1. syl key+hole pron <1kE2h*ul> pos n. def an aperture in a door or a lock case through which a key may be passed to engage the lock mechanism. keyhole 2.a. syl key+hole pron <1kE2h*ul> pos n. def any small aperture resembling a keyhole in shape or function. keyhole 2.b. syl key+hole pron <1kE2h*ul> pos n. usage as modifier exam 1 keyhole surgery. key money 0. syl key mon+ey pos n. def a fee payment required from a new tenant of a house or flat before he moves in. John Maynard infl head Keynes syl John May:nard pos n. Keynes 0. syl Keynes pron pos n. def 1st Baron Keynes. 1883-1946, English economist. In (1936) he advocated the use of government fiscal and monetary policy to adjust demand and maintain full employment without inflation ({Keynesianism}) . He helped to found the International Monetary Fund and the World Bank. Keynesian sub head Keynes syl Keynes+i:an pos adj. n. keynote 1.a. syl key+note pron <1kE2n*ut> pos n. def a central or determining principle in a speech, literary work, etc. keynote 1.b. syl key+note pron <1kE2n*ut> pos n. usage as modifier def . exam 1 a keynote speech. keynote 2. syl key+note pron <1kE2n*ut> pos n. def the note upon which a scale or key is based; tonic. keynote 3. syl key+note pron <1kE2n*ut> pos vb. mod tr. def to deliver a keynote address to (a political convention, etc.). keynote 4. syl key+note pron <1kE2n*ut> pos vb. mod tr. def to outline (political issues, policy, etc.) in or as in a keynote address. key punch 1. syl key punch pos n. def Also called: {card punch}. a device having a keyboard that is operated manually to transfer data onto punched cards, paper tape, etc. key-punch infl head key punch syl key-punch. pos vb. key punch 2. syl key punch pos vb. def to transfer (data) onto punched cards, paper tape, etc., by using a key punch. key signature 0. syl key sig+na+ture pos n. qual Music. def a group of sharps or flats appearing at the beginning of each stave line to indicate the key in which a piece, section, etc., is to be performed. keystone 1. syl key+stone pron <1kE2st*un> pos n. def Also called: {headstone, quoin}. the central stone at the top of an arch or the top stone of a dome or vault. keystone 2. syl key+stone pron <1kE2st*un> pos n. def something that is necessary to connect or support a number of other related things. keystroke 0. syl key+stroke pron <1kE2str*uk> pos n. def a single operation of the mechanism of a typewriter or keyboard-operated typesetting machine by the action of a key. key up 0. syl key up pos vb. adv. mod tr. def to raise the intensity, excitement, tension, etc., of. keyway 0. syl key+way pron <1kE2wA> pos n. def a longitudinal slot cut into a component to accept a key that engages with a similar slot on a mating component to prevent relative motion of the two components. key word 1. syl key word pos n. def a word used as a key to a code. key word 2. syl key word pos n. def any signifi?!cant word or thing, esp. a word used to describe the contents of a document. kg alt or kg syl kg. kg 1. or kg syl kg qual abbrev. for: def kilogram. kg 2. or kg syl kg qual abbrev. for: def keg. KG 0. syl K.G. qual abbrev. for def Knight of the Order of the Garter (a Brit. title). KGB ety from Russian Komitet Gosudarstennoi Bezopasnosti State Security Committee KGB 0. syl K.G.B. qual abbrev. def the Soviet secret police since 1954. Khabarovsk 0. syl Kha+ba+rovsk pron Russian <$x*1bar*fsk> pos n. def a port in the E Soviet Union, on the Amur River: the administrative centre of the whole Soviet Far Eastern territory until 1938; a major industrial centre. Pop.: 500000 (1975 est.). Aram Ilich infl head Khachaturian syl Ar:am Il:ich pron <1ar*m> pos n. Khachaturian 0. syl Kha:cha:tur:i:an pron <2ka:C*1tu*ri*n>, Russian pos n. def 1903-78, Russian composer. His works, which often incorporate Armenian folk tunes, include a piano concerto and the ballet (1942). khaddar ety from Hindi kh*_adar khadi alt head khaddar or khaddar syl kha+di pron <1ka:di> pos n. khaddar 0. or khadi syl khad+dar pron <1ka:d*> pos n. def a cotton cloth of plain weave, produced in India. Khakass Autonomous Region 0. syl Kha+kass Au:ton:o+mous Re+gion pron pos n. def an administrative division of the S central Soviet Union, in the Krasnoyarsk Territory of the RSFSR: formed in 1930. Capital: Abakan. Pop.: 445824 (1970). Area: 61900 sq. km (23855 sq. miles). khaki ety C19: from Urdu, from Persian: dusty, from kh*_ak dust khakis infl head khaki syl kha+kis. pos n. mod pl. khaki 1.a. syl kha+ki pron <1ka:ki> pos n. def a dull yellowish-brown colour. khaki 1.b. syl kha+ki pron <1ka:ki> pos as; adj. exam 1 a khaki background. khaki 2.a. syl kha+ki pron <1ka:ki> pos n. def a hard-wearing fabric of this colour, used esp. for military uniforms. khaki 2.b. syl kha+ki pron <1ka:ki> pos n. usage as modifier exam 1 a khaki jacket. Khalid ibn Abdul Aziz 0. syl Kha:lid ibn Ab:dul Az:iz pron <1ka:lid> <1ibN> <1@bdul> pos n. def born 1913, king and President of the Council of Ministers of Saudi Arabia since 1975, when his brother King Faisal was assassinated. khalif 0. syl kha+lif pron <1kAlif>, <1k@l-> pos n. def a variant spelling of {caliph}. Khalkha 0. syl Khal+kha pron <1k@lk*> pos n. def the dialect of Mongolian that is the official language of the Mongolian People's Republic. Khalkidiki 0. syl Khal+ki+di+ki pron <2$xalkiDi1ki> pos n. def transliteration of the Modern Greek name for {Chalcidice}. Khalk's 0. syl Khal+k*':s pron <$xal1kis> pos n. def transliteration of the Modern Greek name for {Chalcis}. Khama 0. syl Kha:ma pron <1ka:m*> pos n. def Sir {Se@.ret@.se} (s$$#!r$ets$I). born 1921, Botswana statesman. He became the first president of Botswana in 1966. khamsin ety C17: from Arabic, literally: fifty kamseen infl head khamsin or kamsin syl kam+seen pos n. kamsin infl head khamsin or kamseen syl kam+sin pos n. khamsin 0. syl kham+sin pron <1k@msin>, pos n. def a hot southerly wind blowing from about March to May, esp. in Egypt. khan ety C14: from Old French caan, from Medieval Latin caanus, from Turkish kh*_an, contraction of kh*_aq*_an ruler khan H1.1.a. syl khan pron pos n. usage formerly def a title borne by medieval Chinese emperors and Mongol and Turkic rulers: usually added to a name. exam 1 Kublai Khan. khan H1.1.b. syl khan pron pos n. def such a ruler. khan H1.2. syl khan pron pos n. def a title of respect borne by important personages in Afghanistan and central Asia. khan ety C14: via Arabic from Persian khan H2.0. syl khan pron pos n. def an inn in Turkey, certain Arab countries, etc.; caravanserai. khanate 1. syl khan+ate pron <1ka:nAt>, <1k@n-> pos n. def the territory ruled by a khan. khanate 2. syl khan+ate pron <1ka:nAt>, <1k@n-> pos n. def the position or rank of a khan. khanga 0. syl khan+ga pron <1k@Gg*> pos n. def a variant spelling of {kanga}. Khania 0. syl Kha+nia pron <$xa1nja> pos n. def transliteration of the Modern Greek name for {Canea}. kharif ety Urdu, ultimately from Arabic kharafa to gather kharif 0. syl kha+rif pron pos n. usage in Pakistan, India, etc. def a crop that is harvested at the beginning of winter. Compare {rabi}. Kharkov 0. syl Khar+kov pron Russian <1$xarjk*f> pos n. def a city in the S Soviet Union, in the E Ukrainian SSR: capital of the Ukrainian SSR (1917-34); university (1805). Pop.: 1357000 (1975 est.). Khartum alt head Khartoum or Khartoum syl Khar+tum pron pos n. Khartoum 0. or Khartum syl Khar+toum pron pos n. def the capital of the Sudan, at the junction of the Blue and the White Nile: with adjoining Khartoum North and Omdurman, the largest conurbation in the country destroyed by the Mahdists in 1885 when General Gordon was killed; seat of the Anglo-Egyptian government of the Sudan until 1954, then capital of the new republic. Pop.: 261840 (1971 est.). khat 0. syl khat pron , pos n. def a variant spelling of {kat}. khayal ety Urdu: literally: thought, imagination khayal 0. syl kha+yal pron pos n. def a kind of Indian classical vocal music. Omar infl head Khayy'am syl O:mar. pos n. Khayy'am 0. syl Khay:y*'am pron pos n. def See {Omar Khayy*'am}. kheda ety from Hindi khedah infl head kheda or keddah syl khed+ah pron <1ked*> pos n. keddah infl head kheda or khedah syl ked+dah pron <1ked*> pos n. kheda 0. syl khed:a pron <1ked*> pos n. usage in India, Burma, etc. def an enclosure into which wild elephants are driven to be captured. khedive ety C19: from French kh*'edive, from Turkish hidiv, from Persian khid*_iw prince khedive 0. syl khe+dive pron pos n. def the viceroy of Egypt under Ottoman suzerainty (1867-1914). khedival sub head khedive or khedivial syl khe+1di+val pos adj. khedivial sub head khedive or khedival syl khe+1di+vi:al pos adj. khedivate sub head khedive or khediviate syl khe+1di+vate pos n. khediviate sub head khedive or khedivate syl khe+1di+vi+ate pos n. Khelat 0. syl Khe+lat pron pos n. def a variant spelling of {Kalat}. Kherson 0. syl Kher+son pron Russian pos n. def a port in the SW Soviet Union, in the S Ukrainian SSR on the Dnieper River near the Black Sea: shipyards. Pop.: 307000 (1975 est.). Samphan infl head Khieu syl Sam:phan pron <1s@mf@n> pos n. Khieu 0. syl Khieu pron pos n. def born 1932, Cambodian Communist statesman; president of Cambodia since 1976. Khingan Mountains 0. syl Khin+gan Moun+tains pron <1SiG1a:n> pos n. mod pl. def a mountain system of NE China, in W Manchuria. Highest peak: 2034 m (6673 ft.). Kh'os 0. syl Kh*':+os pron <1*,cics> pos n. def transliteration of the Modern Greek name for {Chios}. Khirbet Qumran 0. syl Khir+bet Qum+ran pron <1ki*bet> <1kumra:n> pos n. def an archaeological site in NW Jordan, near the NW shore of the Dead Sea: includes the caves where the Dead Sea Scrolls were found. Khiva 0. syl Khi+va pron Russian <$xi1va> pos n. def a former khanate of W Asia, on the Amu Darya River: divided between the Uzbek and Turkmen SSRs in 1924. Khmer 1. syl Khmer pron , pos n. def a member of a people of Cambodia, noted for a civilization that flourished from about 800 #7a.d. to about 1370, remarkable for its architecture. Khmer 2. syl Khmer pron , pos n. def the language of this people, belonging to the Mon-Khmer family: the official language of Cambodia. Khmer 3. syl Khmer pron , pos adj. def of or relating to this people or their language. Khmerian sub head Khmer syl Khmer+i:an pos adj. Khmer Republic 0. syl Khmer Re+pub+lic pos n. def the former official name (1970-76) of {Cambodia}. Khmer Rouge 0. syl Khmer Rouge pron <1ru:Z> pos n. def the Cambodian communist party, which seized power in a civil war (1970-75). Khoikhoi 0. syl Khoi+khoi pron <1kcikci> pos n. def a group of the Khoisan languages, spoken mostly by Hottentots. Khoisan 1. syl Khoi+san pron <1kcisa:n>, pos n. def a family of languages, divided into the Khoikhoi and San subfamilies, spoken in southern Africa by the Hottentots and Bushmen and by two small groups in Tanzania. A characteristic phonological feature of these languages is the use of suction stops (clicks). Khoisan 2. syl Khoi+san pron <1kcisa:n>, pos adj. def denoting, relating to, or belonging to this family of languages. Khodzhent alt head Khojent or Khojent syl Kho+dzhent pron Russian <$xad1Zent> pos n. Khojent 0. or Khodzhent syl Kho+jent pron Russian <$xad1Zent> pos n. def the former name (until 1936) of {Leninabad}. Khotan 0. syl Kho+tan pron <1k*u1ta:n> pos n. def another name for {Hotien}. Nikita Sergeyevich infl head Khrushchev syl Ni:ki:ta Ser:ge:ye:vich pron pos n. Khrushchev 0. syl Khrush:chev pron , <1krusCof>, Russian <$xru1SCcf> pos n. def 1894-1971, Soviet statesman; premier of the Soviet Union (1958-64). On Stalin's death he became first secretary of the Soviet Communist Party (1953-64) and initiated a destalinization policy (1956). As premier, he pursued a policy of peaceful coexistence with the West, but alienated Communist China. He was removed from office in 1964. Khufu 0. syl Khu:fu pron <1ku:fu:> pos n. def the original name of {Cheops}. Khulna 0. syl Khul+na pron <1kulna:> pos n. def a city in S Bangladesh. Pop.: 437304 (1974). khuskhus ety Hindi khuskhus 0. syl khus+khus pron <1kuskus> pos n. def an aromatic perennial Indian grass, (or whose roots are woven into mats, fans, and baskets. Khyber Pass 0. syl Khy+ber Pass pron <1kIb*> pos n. def a narrow pass over the Safed Koh Range between Afghanistan and Pakistan, over which came the Persian, Greek, Tatar, Mogul, and Afghan invasions of India; scene of bitter fighting between the British and Afghans (1838-42, 1878-80). Length: about 53 km (33 miles). Highest point: 1072 m (3518 ft.). kHz 0. syl kHz qual abbrev. for def kilohertz. kiaat ety from Afrikaans, probably from a Bantu language kiaat 1. syl ki+aat pron <1kia:t> pos n. def a tropical African leguminous tree, kiaat 2. syl ki+aat pron <1kia:t> pos n. def the wood of this tree, used for furniture, floors, etc. kiang ety C19: from Tibetan rkyan kiang 0. syl ki+ang pron pos n. def a variety of the wild ass, that occurs in Tibet and surrounding regions. Compare {onager}. Kiangsi 0. syl Kiang+si pron <1kj@G1sE> pos n. def a province of SE central China, in the basins of the Kan River and the Po-yang Lake: mineral re?!sources include coal and tungsten. Capital: Nanchang. Pop.: 28000000 (1976 est.). Area: 164800 sq. km (64300 sq. miles). Kiangsu 0. syl Kiang+su pron <1kj@G1su:> pos n. def a province of E China, on the Yellow Sea: consists mostly of the marshy delta of the Yangtze River, with some of China's largest cities and most densely populated areas. Capital: Nanking. Pop.: 55000000 (1976 est.). Area: 102200 sq. km (39860 sq. miles). Kiaochow 0. syl Kiao+chow pron <1kjau1Cau> pos n. def a territory of NE China, in SE Shantung province, surrounding {Kiaochow Bay} (an inlet of the Yellow Sea): leased to Germany from 1898 to 1914. Area: about 520 sq. km (200 sq. miles). kibble ety C17: from German k*"ubel; related to Old English cyfel, ultimately from Medieval Latin cuppa #7cup kibble H1.0. syl kib+ble pron <1kibL> pos n. qual Brit. def a bucket used in wells or in mining for hoisting. kibble ety C18: of unknown origin kibble H2.0. syl kib+ble pron <1kibL> pos vb. mod tr. def to grind into small pieces. kibbutz ety C20: from Modern Hebrew qibb*_us: gathering, from Hebrew qibb*_utz kibbutzim infl head kibbutz syl kib+but+zim pron <2kibut1sEm> pos n. mod pl. kibbutz 0. syl kib+butz pron pos n. def a collective agricultural settlement in modern Israel, owned and administered communally by its members and on which children are reared collectively. kibe ety C14: probably from Welsh cibi, of obscure origin kibe 0. syl kibe pron pos n. def a chilblain, esp. an ulcerated one on the heel. kibitka ety C18: Russian, from Tatar kibits kibitka 1. syl ki+bit+ka pron pos n. usage in Russia def a covered sledge or wagon. kibitka 2. syl ki+bit+ka pron pos n. def a felt tent used among the Tatars of central Asia. kibitka 3. syl ki+bit+ka pron pos n. def a Tatar family. kibitz ety C20: from Yiddish kibitzen, from German kiebitzen to be an onlooker, from Kiebitz busybody, literally: plover &- #!kib+itz+er n. kibitz 0. syl kib+itz pron <1kibits> pos vb. mod intr. qual U.S. informal. def to interfere or offer unwanted advice, esp. as a spectator at a card game. kiblah ety C18: from Arabic q*'iblah that which is placed opposite; related to qabala to be opposite kibla alt head kiblah or kiblah syl kib+la pron <1kibla:> pos n. kiblah 0. or kibla syl kib+lah pron <1kibla:> pos n. qual Islam. def the direction of Mecca, to which Muslims turn in prayer, indicated in mosques by a niche (mihrab) in the wall. kibosh ety C19: of unknown origin put the kibosh on 1. head kibosh syl put the kibosh on. qual Slang. def to put a stop to; prevent from continuing; halt. kibosh 2. syl ki+bosh pron <1kI2boS> pos vb. mod tr. qual Slang.; Rare. def to put a stop to. kick ety C14 kiken, perhaps of Scandinavian origin kick 1. syl kick pron pos vb. mod tr. def to drive or impel with the foot. kick 2. syl kick pron pos vb. mod tr. def to hit with the foot or feet. kick 3. syl kick pron pos vb. mod intr. def to strike out or thrash about with the feet, as in fighting or swimming. kick 4. syl kick pron pos vb. mod intr. def to raise a leg high, as in dancing. kick 5. syl kick pron pos vb. usage of a gun, etc. def to recoil or strike in recoiling when fired. kick 6.a. syl kick pron pos vb. def to make (a conversion or a drop goal) by means of a kick. kick 6.b. syl kick pron pos vb. def to score (a goal) by means of a kicked conversion. kick 7. syl kick pron pos vb. mod tr. qual Soccer. def to score (a goal) by a kick. kick 8. syl kick pron pos vb. mod intr. usage Cricket. of a ball def to rear up sharply. kick 9. syl kick pron pos vb. mod intr. qual Informal. usage sometimes foll. by against def to object or resist. kick 10. syl kick pron pos vb. mod intr. qual Informal. def to be active and in good health (esp. in the phrase {alive and kicking) }. kick 11. syl kick pron pos vb. qual Informal. def to change gear in a car, esp. a racing car. exam 1 he kicked into third and passed the bigger car. kick 12. syl kick pron pos vb. mod tr. qual Informal. def to free oneself of (an addiction, etc.). exam 1 to kick heroin; exam 2 to kick the habit. kick 13.a. syl kick pron pos vb. def to act against one's own conscience. kick 13.b. syl kick pron pos vb. def to resist the inevitable. kick one's heels 14. head kick syl kick one's heels. def to be idle or be kept waiting. kick over the traces 15. head kick syl kick over the traces. def See { {trace%2} (sense 3)}. kick the bucket 16. head kick syl kick the bucket. qual Slang. def to die. kick up one's heels 17. head kick syl kick up one's heels. qual Informal. def to enjoy oneself without inhibition. kick 18. syl kick pron pos n. def a thrust or blow with the foot. kick 19. syl kick pron pos n. def any of certain rhythmic leg movements used in swimming. kick 20. syl kick pron pos n. def the recoil of a gun or other firearm. kick 21. syl kick pron pos n. qual Informal. def stimulating or exciting quality or effect (esp. in the phrases {get a kick out of, for kicks) }. kick 22. syl kick pron pos n. qual Informal. def the sudden stimulating or intoxicating effect of strong alcoholic drink or certain drugs. kick 23. syl kick pron pos n. qual Informal. def power or force. kick 24. syl kick pron pos n. qual Slang. def a temporary enthusiasm. exam 1 he's on a new kick every week. kick 25.a. syl kick pron pos n. def a reprimand. kick 25.b. syl kick pron pos n. def a setback. kick in the teeth 26. head kick syl kick in the teeth. qual Slang. def a humiliating rebuff. kickable sub head kick syl kick+a:ble pos adj. kick around alt head kick about or kick about syl kick a:round pos vb. mainly; adv. kick about 1. or kick around syl kick a:bout pos vb. mainly; adv. mod tr. qual Informal. def to treat harshly. kick about 2. or kick around syl kick a:bout pos vb. mainly; adv. mod tr. qual Informal. def to discuss (ideas, etc.) informally. kick about 3. or kick around syl kick a:bout pos vb. mainly; adv. mod intr. qual Informal. def to wander aimlessly. kick about 4. or kick around syl kick a:bout pos vb. mainly; adv. mod intr. qual Informal. def to lie neglected or forgotten. kick about 5. or kick around syl kick a:bout pos also; prep. mod intr. qual Informal. def to be present in (some place). kickback 1. syl kick+back pron <1kik2b@k> pos n. def a strong reaction. kickback 2. syl kick+back pron <1kik2b@k> pos n. qual U.S. def part of an income paid to a person having influence over the size or payment of the income, esp. by some illegal arrangement. kick back infl head kickback syl kick back. pos adv. kickback 3. syl kick+back pron <1kik2b@k> pos vb. mod intr. def to have a strong reaction. kickback 4. syl kick+back pron <1kik2b@k> pos vb. mod intr. usage esp. of a gun def to recoil. kickback 5. syl kick+back pron <1kik2b@k> pos vb. qual U.S. def to pay a kickback to (someone). kickdown 0. syl kick+down pron <1kik2daun> pos n. def a method of changing gear in a car with automatic transmission, by fully depressing the accelerator. kicker 1. syl kick+er pron <1kik*> pos n. def a person or thing that kicks. kicker 2. syl kick+er pron <1kik*> pos n. qual Sport. def a player in a rugby or occasionally a soccer team whose task is to attempt to kick conversions, penalty goals, etc. kicker 3. syl kick+er pron <1kik*> pos n. qual U.S. slang. def a hidden and disadvantageous factor, such as a clause in a contract. kicker 4. syl kick+er pron <1kik*> pos n. qual Informal. def any light outboard motor for propelling a boat. kick off 1. syl kick off pos vb. adv. mod intr. def to start play in a game of football by kicking the ball from the centre of the field. kick off 2. syl kick off pos vb. adv. mod intr. qual Informal. def to commence (a discussion, job, etc.). kickoff infl head kick off syl kick+off. pos n. kick off 3.a. syl kick off pos n. mod intr. def a place kick from the centre of the field in a game of football. kick off 3.b. syl kick off pos n. mod intr. def the time at which the first such kick is due to take place. exam 1 kickoff is at 2:30 p.m. kick off 4.a. syl kick off pos n. mod intr. def the beginning of something. for a kickoff 4.b. head kick off syl for a kickoff. def to begin with. kick out 1. syl kick out pos vb. adv. mod tr. qual Informal. def to eject or dismiss. kick out 2. syl kick out pos vb. adv. mod intr. def to turn a skateboard or surfboard into the air, as in surfing over a wave, by shifting weight to the back of the board with the foot. {~} {kick-out}. kick out 3. syl kick out pos vb. adv. def an act or instance of kicking out. kick pleat 0. syl kick pleat pos n. def a back pleat at the hem of a straight skirt to allow the wearer greater ease in walking. kickshaw ety C16: back formation from kickshaws, by folk etymology from French quelque chose something kickshaws alt head kickshaw or kickshaw syl kick+shaws pos n. kickshaw 1. or kickshaws syl kick+shaw pron <1kik2Sc:> pos n. def a valueless trinket. kickshaw 2. or kickshaws syl kick+shaw pron <1kik2Sc:> pos n. qual Archaic. def a small elaborate or exotic delicacy. kicksorter 0. syl kick+sort:er pron <1kik2sc:t*> pos n. qual Physics. def a multichannel pulse-height analyser used esp. to distinguish between isotopes by sorting their characteristic pulses (kicks). kickstand 0. syl kick+stand pron <1kik2st@nd> pos n. def a short metal bar attached to and pivoting on the bottom of the frame of a motorcycle or bicycle, which when kicked into a vertical position holds the stationary vehicle upright. kick-start 0. syl kick-start pron <1kik2sta:t> pos vb. def to start an engine, esp. of a motorcycle, by means of a pedal that is kicked downwards. &- {#!kick-@!start@.er} kicktail 0. syl kick+tail pron <1kik2tAl> pos n. def the slightly turned-up part of the back of a skateboard, designed to make manoeuvres easier. kick turn 1. syl kick turn pos n. qual Skiing. def a standing turn performed by swivelling each ski separately through 180?%. kick turn 2. syl kick turn pos n. qual Skateboarding. def a manoeuvre in which the front wheels are lifted off the ground by the rider changing his weight distribution, to alter the direction of forward movement. kick up 0. syl kick up pos vb. adv. qual Informal. def to cause (trouble, a fuss, etc.). kick upstairs 0. syl kick up+stairs pos vb. adv. mod tr. qual Informal. def to promote to a nominally higher but effectively powerless position. kid ety C12: of Scandinavian origin; compare Old Norse kith, Shetland Islands kidi lamb kid H1.1. syl kid pron pos n. def the young of a goat or of a related animal, such as an antelope. kid H1.2.a. syl kid pron pos n. def soft smooth leather made from the hide of a kid. kid H1.3.a. syl kid pron pos n. def a young person; child. kid H1.3.b. syl kid pron pos n. usage modifier def younger or being still a child. exam 1 kid brother; exam 2 kid sister. our kid 4. head kid syl our kid. qual Liverpool dialect. def one's younger brother or sister. kids infl head kid syl kids pos vb. kidding infl head kid syl kid+ding pos vb. kidded infl head kid syl kid+ded. pos vb. kid H1.5. syl kid pron pos vb. usage of a goat def to give birth to (young). kiddishness sub head kid syl kid+dish+ness pos n. kidlike sub head kid syl kid+2like pos adj. kid ety C19: probably from #7kid %1 kids infl head kid syl kids pos vb. kidding infl head kid syl kid+ding pos vb. kidded infl head kid syl kid+ded. pos vb. kid H2.1. syl kid pron pos vb. mod tr. qual Informal. def to tease or deceive. kid H2.2. syl kid pron pos vb. mod intr. qual Informal. def to behave or speak deceptively for fun. kidder sub head kid syl kid+der pos n. kiddingly sub head kid syl kid+ding+ly pos adv. kid ety C18: probably variant of #7kit %1 (in the sense: barrel) kid H3.0. syl kid pron pos n. def a small wooden tub. Thomas infl head Kid syl Thom:as. pos n. Kid 0. syl Kid pron pos n. def a variant spelling of (Thomas) {Kyd}. William infl head Kidd syl Wil:liam pos n. Kidd 0. syl Kidd pron pos n. def known as 1645-1701, Scottish privateer, pirate, and murderer; hanged. Kidderminster 1. syl Kid+der+min+ster pron <1kid*2minst*> pos n. def a town in W central England, in NE Hereford and Worcester on the River Stour: carpet industry. Pop.: 47255 (1971). Kidderminster 2. syl Kid+der+min+ster pron <1kid*2minst*> pos n. def a type of ingrain re?!versible carpet originally made at Kidderminster. kiddle ety C13: from Anglo-French, from Old French quidel, of obscure origin kiddle 0. syl kid+dle pron <1kidL> pos n. qual Brit., archaic. def a device, esp. a barrier constructed of nets and stakes, for catching fish in a river or in the sea. Kiddush ety from Hebrew qidd*_ush sanctification Kiddush 0. syl Kid+dush pron <1kid*S>, Hebrew pos n. qual Judaism. def a traditional blessing recited over bread or a cup of wine on the Sabbath or a festival. kiddie alt head kiddy or kiddy syl kid+die pron <1kidi> pos n. kiddies infl head kiddy syl kid+dies. pos n. mod pl. kiddy 0. or kiddie syl kid+dy pron <1kidi> pos n. qual Informal. def an affectionate word for {child}. kid glove 1. syl kid glove pos n. def a glove made of kidskin. handle with kid gloves 2. head kid glove syl handle with kid gloves. def to treat with great tact or caution. {~} {kid+glove}. kid glove 3. syl kid glove pos n. def over?!delicate or overrefined. kid glove 4. syl kid glove pos n. def diplomatic; tactful. exam 1 a kidglove approach. kidnap ety C17: #7kid %1#7+ obsolete nap to steal; see #7nab kidnaps infl head kidnap or kidnaps syl kid+naps pos vb. mod tr. qual U.S. kidnapping infl head kidnap or kidnaping syl kid+nap+ping pos vb. mod tr. kidnapped infl head kidnap or kidnaped syl kid+napped pos vb. mod tr. kidnaping infl head kidnap or kidnapping syl kid+nap+ing pos vb. mod tr. qual U.S. kidnaped infl head kidnap or kidnapped syl kid+naped. pos vb. mod tr. qual U.S. kidnap 0. syl kid+nap pron <1kidn@p> pos vb. def to carry off and hold (a person), usually for ransom. kidnapper sub head kidnap syl kid+nap+per pos n. kidney ety C14: of uncertain origin kidney 1. syl kid+ney pron <1kidni> pos n. def either of two bean-shaped organs at the back of the abdominal cavity in man, one on each side of the spinal column. They maintain water and electrolyte balance and filter waste products from the blood, which are excreted as urine. Related adj.: {renal}. kidney 2. syl kid+ney pron <1kidni> pos n. def the corresponding organ in other animals. kidney 3. syl kid+ney pron <1kidni> pos n. def the kidneys of certain animals used as food. kidney 4. syl kid+ney pron <1kidni> pos n. def class, type, or disposition (esp. in the phrases {of the same} or {a different kidney) }. kidney-like sub head kidney syl kidn:ey-like pos adj. kidney bean 1. syl kid+ney bean pos n. def any of certain bean plants having kidney-shaped seeds, esp. the French bean and scarlet runner. kidney bean 2. syl kid+ney bean pos n. def the seed of any of these beans. kidney machine 0. syl kid+ney mach+ine pos n. def another name for {artificial kidney}. See {haemodialysis}. kidney stone 0. syl kid+ney stone pos n. qual Pathol. def a hard mass formed in the kidney, usually composed of oxalates, phosphates, and carbonates. Also called: {renal calculus}. kidney vetch 0. syl kid+ney vetch pos n. def a silky papilionaceous perennial plant, of Europe and N Africa, with yellow or orange flowers. Also called: {ladies' fingers}. Kidron 0. syl Ki+dron pron <1kEdr*n> pos n. def a variant spelling of {Kedron}. kidskin 0. syl kid+skin pron <1kid2skin> pos n. def a soft smooth leather made from the hide of a young goat. Often shortened to {kid}. kids' stuff 1. syl kids' stuff pos n. def something considered fit only for children. kids' stuff 2. syl kids' stuff pos n. def something considered simple or easy. kief 0. syl kief pron pos n. def a variant spelling of {kif}. Kiel 0. syl Kiel pron pos n. def a port in N West Germany, capital of Schleswig-Holstein state, on the {Kiel Canal} (connecting the North Sea with the Baltic): joined the Hanseatic League in 1284; became part of Denmark in 1773 and passed to Prussia in 1866; an important naval base in World Wars I and II; shipbuilding and engineering industries. Pop.: 265587 (1974 est.). Kielce 0. syl Kiel+ce pron Polish <1kjeltse> pos n. def an industrial city in S Poland. Pop.: 142000 (1974 est.). kier ety C16: from Old Norse ker tub; related to Old High German kar kier 0. syl kier pron pos n. def a vat in which cloth is bleached. Soren Aabye infl head Kierkegaard syl So:\:ren Aa:bye pron <1s@o:r*n> <1c:by> pos n. Kierkegaard 0. syl Kier:ke:gaard pron <1ki*k*2ga:d>, Danish <1kirg*2c:r> pos n. def 1813-55, Danish philosopher and theologian. He rejected organized Christianity and anticipated the existentialists in emphasizing man's moral responsibility and freedom of choice. His works include (1843), (1844), and (1849). Kierkegaardian sub head Kierkegaard syl Kier+ke+1gaard+i:an pos adj. kieselguhr ety C19: from German Kieselgur, from Kiesel flint, pebble+ Gur loose earthy deposit kieselguhr 0. syl kie+sel+guhr pron <1kEzL2gu*> pos n. def an unconsolidated form of {diatomite}. kieserite ety C19: named after Dietrich G. Kieser (died 1862), German physician; see {-#7ite %1} kieserite 0. syl kie+ser+ite pron <1kEz*2rIt> pos n. def a white mineral consisting of hydrated magnesium sulphate. Formula: MgSO\4.H\2O. Kiev 0. syl Ki:ev pron <1kEef>, Russian <1kijif> pos n. def a city in the SW Soviet Union, capital of the Ukrainian SSR, on the Dnieper River: formed the first Russian state by the late 9th century; university (1834). Pop.: 1947000 (1975 est.). kif ety C20: from Arabic kayf pleasure kaif infl head kif syl kaif pos n. keef infl head kif syl keef pos n. kef infl head kif or kief syl kef pos n. kief infl head kif or kef syl kief pos n. kif 1. syl kif pron , pos n. def another name for {marijuana}. kif 2. syl kif pron , pos n. def any drug or agent that when smoked is capable of producing a euphoric condition. kif 3. syl kif pron , pos n. def the euphoric condition produced by smoking marijuana. Kigali 0. syl Ki+ga+li pron pos n. def the capital of Rwanda, in the central part. Pop.: 54403 (1970 est.). kike ety C20: probably variant of kiki, reduplication of -ki, common name-ending among Jews from Slavic countries kike 0. syl kike pron pos n. qual U.S. slang. def an offensive word for {Jew}. Kikl'adhes 0. syl Ki+kl*'a+dhes pron pos n. def transliteration of the modern Greek name for {Cyclades}. kikoi ety C20: from Swahili kikoi 0.a. syl ki+koi pron <1kEkci> pos n. usage in E Africa def a piece of cotton cloth with coloured bands, worn wrapped around the body. kikoi 0.b. syl ki+koi pron <1kEkci> pos n. usage in E Africa; as modifier exam 1 kikoi material. kikumon ety Japanese kikumon 0. syl kik:u+mon pron <1kiku:2mon> pos n. def the chrysanthemum emblem of the imperial family of Japan. Kikuyus infl head Kikuyu or Kikuyu syl Ki+ku+yus pos n. mod pl. Kikuyu infl or Kikuyus syl Ki+ku+yu pos n. mod pl. Kikuyu 1. syl Ki+ku+yu pron pos n. def a member of a Negroid people of E Africa, living chiefly in Kenya on the high foothills around Mount Kenya. Kikuyu 2. syl Ki+ku+yu pron pos n. def the language of this people, belonging to the Bantu group of the Niger-Congo family. Kilauea 0. syl Ki+la:u:e:a pron <2kEla:u:1A*> pos n. def a crater on the E side of Mauna Loa volcano, on SE Hawaii Island: the world's largest active crater. Height: 1247 m (4090 ft.). Width: 3 km (2 miles). Kildare 0. syl Kil+dare pron pos n. def a county of E Ireland, in Leinster province: mostly low-lying and fertile. County town: Naas. Pop.: 71977 (1971). Area: 1694 sq. km (654 sq. miles). kilderkin ety C14: from Middle Dutch kindekijn, from kintal hundredweight, from Medieval Latin quintale; see #7kentledge kilderkin 0. syl kil+der+kin pron <1kild*kin> pos n. def an obsolete unit of capacity equal to approximately 18 Imperial gallons. Kilimanjaro 0. syl Kil:i+man+ja+ro pron <2kilim*n1Ja:r*u> pos n. def a volcanic massif in N Tanzania: the highest peak in Africa; extends from east to west for 80 km (50 miles). Height: 5895 m (19340 ft.). Kilkenny 1. syl Kil+ken+ny pron pos n. def a county of SE Ireland, in Leinster province: mostly agricultural. County town: Kilkenny. Pop.: 61473 (1971). Area: 2062 sq. km (796 sq. miles). Kilkenny 2. syl Kil+ken+ny pron pos n. def a market town in SE Ireland, county town of Co. Kilkenny: capital of the ancient kingdom of Ossory. Pop.: 12351 (1971). kill ety C13 cullen; perhaps related to Old English cwellan to kill; compare German (Westphalian dialect) k*"ullen; see #7quell kill H1.1. syl kill pron pos vb. mod also; intr. when; tr. usage sometimes foll. by off def to cause the death of (a person or animal). kill H1.2. syl kill pron pos vb. mod mainly; tr. def to put an end to; destroy. exam 1 to kill someone's interest. kill H1.3. syl kill pron pos vb. mod mainly; tr. def to make (time) pass quickly, esp. while waiting for something. kill H1.4. syl kill pron pos vb. mod mainly; tr. def to deaden (sound). kill H1.5. syl kill pron pos vb. mod mainly; tr. qual Informal. def to tire out; exhaust. exam 1 the effort killed him. kill H1.6. syl kill pron pos vb. mod mainly; tr. qual Informal. def to cause to suffer pain or discomfort. exam 1 my shoes are killing me. kill H1.7. syl kill pron pos vb. mod mainly; tr. qual Informal. def to cancel, cut, or delete. exam 1 to kill three lines of text. kill H1.8. syl kill pron pos vb. mod mainly; tr. qual Informal. def to quash, defeat, or veto. exam 1 the bill was killed in the House of Lords. kill H1.9. syl kill pron pos vb. mod mainly; tr. qual Informal. def to switch off; stop. exam 1 to kill a motor. kill H1.10. syl kill pron pos vb. mod also; intr. qual Informal. def to overcome with attraction, laughter, surprise, etc.. exam 1 she was dressed to kill; exam 2 his gags kill me. kill H1.11. syl kill pron pos vb. mod mainly; tr. qual Slang. def to consume (alcoholic drink) entirely. exam 1 he killed three bottles of rum. kill H1.12. syl kill pron pos vb. mod mainly; tr. qual Tennis, squash, etc. def to hit (a ball) so hard or so accurately that the opponent cannot return it. kill H1.13. syl kill pron pos vb. mod mainly; tr. qual Soccer. def to bring (a moving ball) under control; trap. kill oneself 14. head kill syl kill oneself. qual Informal. def to overexert oneself. exam 1 don't kill yourself. kill two birds with one stone 15. head kill syl kill two birds with one stone. def to achieve two results with one action. kill H1.16. syl kill pron pos n. mod mainly; tr. def the act of causing death, esp. at the end of a hunt, bullfight, etc. kill H1.17. syl kill pron pos n. mod mainly; tr. def the animal or animals killed during a hunt. kill H1.18. syl kill pron pos n. mod mainly; tr. def the destruction of a battleship, tank, etc. in at the kill 19. head kill syl in at the kill. def present at the end or climax of some undertaking. kill ety C17: from Middle Dutch kille; compare Old Norse k*_ill small bay, creek kill H2.0. syl kill pron pos n. qual U.S. def a channel, stream, or river (chiefly as part of place names). Killarney 0. syl Kil+lar+ney pron pos n. def a town in SW Ireland, in Co. Kerry: a tourist centre near the {Lakes of Killarney}. Pop.: 7150 (1971). killdeer ety C18: of imitative origin killdeer infl or killdeers syl kill+deer pos n. mod pl. killdeers infl head killdeer or killdeer syl kill+deers. pos n. mod pl. killdeer 0. syl kill+deer pron <1kil2di*> pos n. def a large brown-and-white North American plover, with two black breast bands and a noisy cry. killer 1.a. syl kill+er pron <1kil*> pos n. def a person or animal that kills, esp. habitually. killer 1.b. syl kill+er pron <1kil*> pos n. usage as modifier def . exam 1 a killer shark. killer 2. syl kill+er pron <1kil*> pos n. def another name for {slaughterman}. killer whale 0. syl kill+er whale pos n. def a ferocious black-and-white toothed whale, with a large erect dorsal fin, most common in cold seas: family Also called: {killer, grampus, orc}. killick ety C17: of unknown origin killock alt head killick or killick syl kil+lock pron <1kil*k> pos n. killick 0. or killock syl kil+lick pron <1kilik> pos n. qual Nautical. def a small anchor, esp. one made of a heavy stone. Killiecrankie 0. syl Kil+lie+cran+kie pron <2kili1kr@Gki> pos n. def a pass in central Scotland, in the Grampians: scene of a battle (1689) in which the Jacobites defeated William III's forces but lost their leader, Viscount Dundee. killifish ety C19: see #7kill %2#7, fish killifish infl or killifishes syl kil+li+fish pos n. mod pl. killifishes infl head killifish or killifish syl kil+li+fish:es. pos n. mod pl. killifish 0. syl kil+li+fish pron <1kili2fiS> pos n. def any of various chiefly American minnow-like cyprinodont fishes of the genus and related genera, of fresh and brackish waters: used as aquarium fishes, to control mosquitoes, and as anglers' bait. killikinick 0. syl kil+li+ki+nick pron <2kiliki1nik> pos n. def a variant spelling of {kinnikinnick}. killing 1. syl kill+ing pron <1kiliG> pos adj. qual Informal. def very tiring; exhausting. exam 1 a killing pace. killing 2. syl kill+ing pron <1kiliG> pos adj. qual Informal. def extremely funny; hilarious. killing 3. syl kill+ing pron <1kiliG> pos n. qual Informal. def a sudden stroke of success, as in speculations on the stock market (esp. in the phrase {make a killing) }. killingly sub head killing syl kill+ing+ly pos adv. kill-joy 0. syl kill-joy pos n. def a person who spoils other people's pleasure. kill-time 0.a. syl kill-time pos n. def an occupation that passes the time. kill-time 0.b. syl kill-time pos n. usage as modifier def . exam 1 kill-time pursuits. Kilmarnock 0. syl Kil+mar+nock pron pos n. def a town in SW Scotland, in SW Strathclyde region: associations with Robert Burns; engineering and textile industries; whisky blending. Pop.: 48785 (1971). kiln ety Old English cylen, from Late Latin cul*_ina kitchen, from Latin coquere to #7cook kiln 1. syl kiln pron pos n. def a large oven for burning, drying, or processing something, such as porcelain or bricks. kiln 2. syl kiln pron pos vb. mod tr. def to fire or process in a kiln. kilos infl head kilo syl ki:los. pos n. mod pl. kilo 0. syl ki:lo pron <1kEl*u> pos n. def short for {kilogram} {kilometre}. kilo- ety from French, from Greek khilioi thousand kilo- 1. syl kil:o- pos prefix. def denoting 10%3 (1000). exam 1 kilometre. kilo- 2. syl kil:o- pos prefix. usage in computer technology def denoting 2%1%0 (1024). exam 1 kilobyte. kilocalorie 0. syl kil:o+cal:o+rie pron <1kil*u2k@l*ri> pos n. def another name for {Calorie}. kilocycle 0. syl kil:o+cy:cle pron <1kil*u2sIkL> pos n. def short for kilocycle per second: a former unit of frequency equal to 1 kilohertz. kilogramme alt head kilogram or kilogram syl kil:o+gramme pron <1kil*u2gr@m> pos n. kilogram 1. or kilogramme syl kil:o+gram pron <1kil*u2gr@m> pos n. def one thousand grams. kilogram 2. or kilogramme syl kil:o+gram pron <1kil*u2gr@m> pos n. def the basic SI unit of mass, equal to the mass of the international prototype held by the One kilogram is equivalent to 2.20462 pounds. Symbol: kg kilogram calorie 0. syl kil:o+gram cal:o+rie pos n. def another name for {Calorie}. kilohertz 0. syl kil:o+hertz pron <1kil*u2hR:ts> pos n. def one thousand hertz; one thousand cycles per second. Symbol: kHz kilometer alt head kilometre or kilometre syl kil:o+me:ter pron <1kil*2mEt*>, pos n. qual U.S. kilometre 0. or kilometer syl kil:o+me:tre pron <1kil*2mEt*>, pos n. def one thousand metres, equal to 0.621371 miles. Symbol: km kilometric sub head kilometre or kilometrical syl kil:o+met+ric pron <2kil*u1metrik> pos adj. kilometrical sub head kilometre or kilometric syl kil:o+1met+ri+cal pos adj. kiloton 1. syl kil:o+ton pron <1kil*u2t^n> pos n. def one thousand tons. kiloton 2. syl kil:o+ton pron <1kil*u2t^n> pos n. def an explosive power, esp. of a nuclear weapon, equal to the power of 1000 tons of TNT. kilovolt 0. syl kil:o+volt pron <1kil*u2v*ult> pos n. def one thousand volts. Symbol: kV kilowatt 0. syl kil:o+watt pron <1kil*u2wot> pos n. def one thousand watts. Symbol: kW kilowatt-hour 0. syl kil:o:watt-hour pos n. def a unit of energy equal to the work done by a power of 1000 watts in one hour. Symbol: kW-hr kilt ety C18: of Scandinavian origin; compare Danish kilte to tuck up, Old Swedish kilta lap kilt 1. syl kilt pron pos n. def a knee-length pleated skirt, esp. one in plaid, as worn by men in the Scottish Highlands. kilt 2. syl kilt pron pos vb. mod tr. def to tuck (the skirt) up around one's body. kilt 3. syl kilt pron pos vb. mod tr. def to put pleats in (cloth, a skirt, etc.). kilted sub head kilt syl kilt+ed pos adj. kiltlike sub head kilt syl kilt+2like pos adj. kilter ety C17: origin unknown kilter 0. syl kil+ter pron <1kilt*> pos n. def a variant spelling (esp. U.S.) of {kelter}. Kilung 0. syl Ki+lung pron <1kE1luG> pos n. def another name for {Chilung}. Kimberley 1. syl Kim+ber+ley pron <1kimb*li> pos n. def a city in central South Africa, in N Cape Province: besieged (1899-1900) for 126 days during the Boer War; diamond-mining and -marketing centre, with heavy engineering works. Pop.: 103789 (1970). Kimberley 2. syl Kim+ber+ley pron <1kimb*li> pos n. def Also called: {The Kimberleys}. a plateau region of NW Australia, in N Western Australia: consists of rugged mountains surrounded by grassland. Area: about 360000 sq. km (140000 sq. miles). kimberlite ety C19: from K#7imberley+ -#7ite %1 kimberlite 0. syl kim+ber+lite pron <1kimb*2lIt> pos n. def a type of peridotite that occurs in South Africa and often contains diamonds. Kim Il Sung 0. syl Kim Il Sung pron <1kim> <1suG> pos n. def born 1912, North Korean statesman and marshal; prime minister (1948-72) and president (since 1972) of North Korea. kimono ety C19: from Japanese: clothing, from ki to wear+ mono thing kimonos infl head kimono syl ki+mo+nos. pos n. mod pl. kimono 1. syl ki+mo+no pron pos n. def a loose sashed ankle-length garment with wide sleeves, worn in Japan. kimono 2. syl ki+mo+no pron pos n. def any garment copied from this. kimonoed sub head kimono syl ki+1mo+noed pos adj. kin ety Old English cyn; related to Old Norse kyn family, Old High German kind child, Latin genus kind kin 1. syl kin pron pos n. def a person's relatives collectively; kindred. kin 2. syl kin pron pos n. def a class or group with similar characteristics. kin 3. syl kin pron pos n. def See {next of kin}. kin 4. syl kin pron pos adj. usage postpositive def related by blood. kin 5. syl kin pron pos adj. def a less common word for { {akin}}. -kin ety from Middle Dutch, of West Germanic origin; compare German -chen -kin 0. syl -kin usage suffix forming nouns. def small. exam 1 lambkin. kina ety from a Papuan language kina 0. syl ki:na pron <1kEn*> pos n. def the standard monetary unit of Papua New Guinea, divided into 100 toeas. Kinabalu 0. syl Kin:a+ba+lu pron <2kin*b*1lu:> pos n. def a mountain in Malaysia, on N Borneo in central Sabah: the highest peak in Borneo. Height: 4125 m (13533 ft.). kinaesthesia ety C19: from New Latin, from Greek kinein to move+#7aesthesia kinaesthesis infl head kinaesthesia or kinesthesia syl kin+aes+the+sis pos n. kinesthesia infl head kinaesthesia or kinaesthesis syl kin+es+the+si:a pos n. qual U.S. kinesthesis infl head kinaesthesia syl kin+es+the+sis pos n. qual U.S. kinaesthesia 0. syl kin+aes+the+si:a pron <2kinEs1TEzi*>, <2kIn-> pos n. def the sensation by which bodily position, weight, muscle tension, and movement are perceived. Also called: {muscle sense}. kinaesthetic sub head kinaesthesia or kinesthetic syl kin+aes+thet+ic pron <2kines1Tetik>, <2kIn-> pos adj. kinesthetic sub head kinaesthesia or kinaesthetic syl kin+es+thet+ic pron <2kines1Tetik>, <2kIn-> pos adj. qual U.S. kinase ety C20: from #7kin (#7etic) #7+ -#7ase kinase 0. syl ki+nase pron <1kInAz>, <1kin-> pos n. def a biochemical agent, such as a metal ion or a protein, that can convert an inactive zymogen to an enzyme. Kincardine 0. syl Kin+car+dine pron pos n. usage until 1975 def a county of E Scotland, now part of Grampian region. Kinchinjunga 0. syl Kin+chin+jun+ga pron <2kinCin1J^Gg*> pos n. def a variant spelling of {Kangchenjunga}. kincob ety C18: from Urdu kimkh*_ab kincob 0. syl kin+cob pron <1kiGkob> pos n. def a fine silk fabric embroidered with threads of gold or silver, of a kind made in India. kind ety Old English gecynde natural, native; see #7kind %2 kind H1.1. syl kind pron pos adj. def having a friendly or generous nature or attitude. kind H1.2. syl kind pron pos adj. def helpful to others or to another. exam 1 a kind deed. kind H1.3. syl kind pron pos adj. def considerate or humane. kind H1.4. syl kind pron pos adj. def cordial; courteous (esp. in the phrase {kind regards) }. kind H1.5. syl kind pron pos adj. def pleasant; agreeable; mild. exam 1 a kind climate. kind H1.6. syl kind pron pos adj. qual Informal. def beneficial or not harmful. exam 1 a detergent that is kind to the hands. kind H1.7. syl kind pron pos adj. qual Archaic. def loving. kind ety Old English gecynd nature; compare Old English cyn #7kin, Gothic kuni race, Old High German kikunt, Latin gens #e Usage. Careful users of English avoid the mixture of plural and singular constructions frequently used informally with kind, as in those kind (instead of kinds) of buildings seem badly de?!signed. kind H2.1. syl kind pron pos n. def a class or group having characteristics in common; sort; type. exam 1 two of a kind; exam 2 what kind of creature?? kind H2.2. syl kind pron pos n. def an instance or example of a class or group, esp. a rudimentary one. exam 1 heating of a kind. kind H2.3. syl kind pron pos n. def essential nature or character. exam 1 the difference is one of kind rather than degree. kind H2.4. syl kind pron pos n. qual Archaic. def gender or sex. kind H2.5. syl kind pron pos n. qual Archaic. def nature; the natural order. kind H2.6.a. syl kind pron pos n. usage of payment def in goods or produce rather than in money. kind H2.6.b. syl kind pron pos n. def with something of the same sort. exam 1 to return an insult in kind. kind of 7. head kind syl kind of. pos adv. qual Informal. def somewhat; rather. exam 1 kind of tired. kindergarten ety C19: from German, literally: children's garden kindergarten 0. syl kin+der+gar+ten pron <1kind*2ga:tN> pos n. def a class or small school for young children, usually between the ages of four and six to prepare them for primary education. In Australia, often shortened to {kinder}. kindergartener sub head kindergarten syl kin+der+2gar+ten+er pos n. kind-hearted 0. syl kind-heart:ed pos adj. def characterized by kindness; sympathetic. &- {@!kind-#!heart@.ed+ly} kind-heartedness sub head kind-hearted syl kind-1heart:ed+ness pos n. kindle ety C12: from Old Norse kynda, in?!fluenced by Old Norse kyndill candle kindle 1. syl kin+dle pron <1kindL> pos vb. def to set alight or start to burn. kindle 2. syl kin+dle pron <1kindL> pos vb. def to arouse or be aroused. exam 1 the project kindled his interest. kindle 3. syl kin+dle pron <1kindL> pos vb. def to make or become bright. kindler sub head kindle syl kin+dler pos n. kindless 1. syl kind+less pron <1kIndlis> pos adj. qual Archaic. def heartless. kindless 2. syl kind+less pron <1kIndlis> pos adj. qual Archaic. def against nature; unnatural. kindlessly sub head kindless syl kind+less+ly pos adv. kindling 0. syl kin+dling pron <1kindliG> pos n. def material for starting a fire, such as dry wood, straw, etc. kindlier infl head kindly syl kind+li+er pos adj. kindliest infl head kindly syl kind+li+est. pos adj. kindly 1. syl kind+ly pron <1kIndli> pos adj. def having a sympathetic or warm-hearted nature. kindly 2. syl kind+ly pron <1kIndli> pos adj. def motivated by warm and sympathetic feelings. exam 1 a kindly act. kindly 3. syl kind+ly pron <1kIndli> pos adj. def pleasant, mild, or agreeable. exam 1 a kindly climate. kindly 4. syl kind+ly pron <1kIndli> pos adj. qual Archaic. def natural; normal. kindly 5. syl kind+ly pron <1kIndli> pos adv. def in a considerate or humane way. kindly 6. syl kind+ly pron <1kIndli> pos adv. def with tolerance or forbearance. exam 1 he kindly forgave my rudeness. kindly 7. syl kind+ly pron <1kIndli> pos adv. def cordially; pleasantly. exam 1 he greeted us kindly. kindly 8. syl kind+ly pron <1kIndli> pos adv. def please (often used to express impatience or formal?!ity). exam 1 will you kindly behave yourself&! kindly 9. syl kind+ly pron <1kIndli> pos adv. qual Archaic. def in accordance with nature; appropriately. take kindly 10. head kindly syl take kindly. def to react favourably. kindliness sub head kindly syl kind+li+ness pos n. kindness 1. syl kind+ness pron <1kIndnis> pos n. def the practice or quality of being kind. kindness 2. syl kind+ness pron <1kIndnis> pos n. def a kind, considerate, or helpful act. kindred ety C12 kinred, from #7kin+ -red, from Old English r*_@aden rule, from r*_@adan to rule kindred 1. syl kin+dred pron <1kindrid> pos adj. def having similar or common qualities, origin, etc. kindred 2. syl kin+dred pron <1kindrid> pos adj. def related by blood or marriage. kindred spirit 3. head kindred syl kindred spirit. def a person with whom one has something in common. {~} kindred 4. syl kin+dred pron <1kindrid> pos adj. def relationship by blood. kindred 5. syl kin+dred pron <1kindrid> pos adj. def similarity in character. kindred 6. syl kin+dred pron <1kindrid> pos adj. def a person's relatives collectively. kindredness sub head kindred or kindredship syl kin+dred+ness pos n. kindredship sub head kindred or kindredness syl kin+dred+2ship pos n. kine ety Old English c*_yna of cows, from c*_u #7cow %1 kine 0. syl kine pron pos n. mod functioning as; pl. def an archaic word for {cows} or {cattle}. kinematics ety C19: from Greek kin*_ema movement; see #7cinema, -#7ics kinematics 0. syl kin+e:mat+ics pron <2kini1m@tiks>, <2kI-> pos n. mod functioning as; sing. def the study of the motion of bodies without reference to mass or force. Compare {{dynamics} (sense 1)}. kinematic sub head kinematics syl kin+e:1mat+ic pos adj. kinematically sub head kinematics syl kin+e:1mat:i+cal+ly pos adv. kinematic viscosity 0. syl kin+e:mat+ic vis+cos+i:ty pos n. def a measure of the resistance to flow of a fluid, equal to its absolute viscosity divided by its density. Symbol: #Gn kinematograph 0. syl kin+e:mat:o+graph pron <2kini1m@t*2gra:f>, <2kIni-> pos n. def a variant spelling of {cinematograph}. kinematographer sub head kinematograph syl kin+e:ma+tog+ra+pher pron <2kin?!*m*1togr*f*> pos n. kinematographic sub head kinematograph syl kin+e:mat:o+graph+ic pron <2kini2m@t*1gr@fik>, <2kIni-> pos adj. kinematography sub head kinematograph syl kin+e:ma+1tog+ra+phy pos n. kinesics 0. syl ki+ne:sics pron pos n. mod functioning as; sing. def the study of the role of body movements, such as winking, shrugging, etc., in communication. kinesiology 0. syl ki+ne:si+ol+o:gy pron pos n. def the study of the mechanics and anatomy of human muscles. kinesthesis alt head kinesthesia or kinesthesia syl kin+es+the+sis pos n. kinesthesia 0. or kinesthesis syl kin+es+the+si:a pron <2kinEs1TEzi*>, <2kIn-> pos n. def the usual U.S. spelling of {kinaesthesia}. kinesthetic sub head kinesthesia syl kin+es+thet+ic pron <2kines1Tetik>, <2kIn-> pos adj. kinetic ety C19: from Greek kin*_etikos, from kinein to move kinetic 0. syl ki+net+ic pron , pos adj. def relating to, characterized by, or caused by motion. kinetically sub head kinetic syl ki+1net:i+cal+ly pos adv. kinetic art 0. syl ki+net+ic art pos n. def art, esp. sculpture, that moves or has moving parts. kinetic energy 0. syl ki+net+ic en+er+gy pos n. def the energy of motion of a body or system. It is equal to the product of half its mass and the square of its velocity and is measured in joules (SI units), electronvolts, etc. Symbol. exam 1 E\k, I, kinetics 1. syl ki+net+ics pron , pos n. mod functioning as; sing. def another name for {{dynamics} (sense 2)}. kinetics 2. syl ki+net+ics pron , pos n. mod functioning as; sing. def the branch of mechanics, including both dynamics and kinematics, concerned with the study of bodies in motion. kinetics 3. syl ki+net+ics pron , pos n. mod functioning as; sing. def the branch of dynamics that excludes the study of bodies at rest. kinetics 4. syl ki+net+ics pron , pos n. mod functioning as; sing. def the branch of chemistry concerned with the rates of chemical reactions. kinetic the infl head kinetic theory (of gases) syl ki+net+ic the. pos n. kinetic theory (of gases) 0. syl ki+net+ic the:o+ry (of gas:es) pos n. def a theory of gases postulating that they consist of particles of negligible size moving at random and undergoing elastic collisions. kinetoplast ety C20: from Greek; see #7kinetic, -#7plast kinetoplast 0. syl ki+net:o+plast pron , <-1nE->, <-2pla:st> pos n. def a small granular cell body close to the nucleus in some flagellate protozoans. Also called: {ki+net@.o+nu+cle+us} (kj@!n$et$$u#!nju$:kl$I$$s). kinfolk 0. syl kin+folk pron <1kin2f*uk> pos n. mod pl. qual Chiefly U.S. def another word for {kinsfolk}. king ety Old English cyning; related to Old High German kunig king, Danish konge king 1. syl king pron pos n. def a male sovereign prince who is the official ruler of an independent state; monarch. Related adjs.: {royal, regal, monarchical}. king 2.a. syl king pron pos n. def a ruler or chief. exam 1 king of the fairies. king 2.b. syl king pron pos n. usage in combination def . exam 1 the pirate king. king 3.a. syl king pron pos n. def a person, animal, or thing considered as the best or most important of its kind. king 3.b. syl king pron pos n. usage as modifier exam 1 a king bull. king 4. syl king pron pos n. def any of four playing cards in a pack, one for each suit, bearing the picture of a king. king 5. syl king pron pos n. def the most important chess piece, although theoretically the weakest, being able to move only one square at a time in any direction. See also { {check} (sense 30), {checkmate}}. king 6. syl king pron pos n. qual Draughts. def a piece that has moved entirely across the board and has been crowned, after which it may move backwards as well as forwards. king 7.a. syl king pron pos n. def God. king 7.b. syl king pron pos n. def a title of any of various oriental monarchs. {~} to make (someone) a king. king it 8. head king syl king it. def to act in a superior fashion. kinghood sub head king syl king+2hood pos n. kingless sub head king syl king+less pos adj. kinglike sub head king syl king+2like pos adj. Billie Jean 1. head King syl Bil:lie Jean qual Moffitt usage n*'ee def born 1943, U.S. tennis player: Wimbledon champion 1966-68, 1972-73, and 1975; U.S. champion 1967, 1971-72, and 1974. Martin Luther 2. head King syl Mar:tin Lu:ther. def 1929-68, U.S. Baptist minister and civil rights leader. He advocated nonviolence in his campaigns against the segregation of Negroes in the South: assassinated: Nobel peace prize 1964. Riley 3. head King syl Ri:ley def called born 1925, U.S. blues singer and guitarist. William Lyon Mackenzie 4. head King syl Wil:liam Ly:on Mac:ken:zie. def 1874-1950, Canadian Liberal statesman; prime minister (1921-26; 1926-30; 1935-48). kingbird 0. syl king+bird pron <1kiG2bR:d> pos n. def any of several large American flycatchers of the genus esp. ({eastern kingbird} {bee martin}) . king rod alt head kingbolt or kingbolt syl king rod pos n. kingbolt 0.a. or king rod syl king+bolt pron <1kiG2b*ult> pos n. def the pivot bolt that connects the body of a horse-drawn carriage to the front axle and provides the steering joint. kingbolt 0.b. or king rod syl king+bolt pron <1kiG2b*ult> pos n. def a similar bolt placed between a railway carriage and the bogies. King Charles spaniel ety C17: named after Charles II of England, who popularized the breed King Charles spaniel 0. syl King Charles span+iel pos n. def a toy breed of spaniel with very long ears and a wavy coat. king cobra 0. syl king co+bra pos n. def a very large venomous tropical Asian elapid snake, that feeds on snakes and other reptiles and extends its neck into a hood when alarmed. Also called: {hamadryad}. king crab 0. syl king crab pos n. def another name for the {horseshoe crab}. kingcraft 0. syl king+craft pron <1kiG2kra:ft> pos n. qual Archaic. def the art of ruling as a king, esp. by diplomacy and cunning. kingcup 0. syl king+cup pron <1kiG2k^p> pos n. qual Brit. def any of several yellow-flowered ranunculaceous plants, esp. the marsh marigold. kingdom 1. syl king+dom pron <1kiGd*m> pos n. def a territory, state, people, or commu?!nity ruled or reigned over by a king or queen. kingdom 2. syl king+dom pron <1kiGd*m> pos n. def any of the three groups into which natural objects may be divided: the animal, plant, and mineral kingdoms. kingdom 3. syl king+dom pron <1kiGd*m> pos n. qual Theol. def the eternal sovereignty of God. kingdom 4. syl king+dom pron <1kiGd*m> pos n. def an area of activity, esp. mental activity, considered as being the province of something specified. exam 1 the kingdom of the mind. kingdomless sub head kingdom syl king+dom+less pos adj. kingdom come 1. syl king+dom come pos n. def the next world; life after death. kingdom come 2. syl king+dom come pos n. qual Informal. def the end of the world (esp. in the phrase {until kingdom come}) . kingdom come 3. syl king+dom come pos n. qual Informal. def unconsciousness or death. kingfish infl or kingfishes syl king+fish pos n. mod pl. kingfishes infl head kingfish or kingfish syl king+fish:es. pos n. mod pl. kingfish 1. syl king+fish pron <1kiG2fiS> pos n. def any marine sciaenid food and game fish of the genus occurring in warm American Atlantic coastal waters. kingfish 2. syl king+fish pron <1kiG2fiS> pos n. def another name for {opah} (the fish). kingfish 3. syl king+fish pron <1kiG2fiS> pos n. def any of various other large food fishes, esp. the Spanish mackerel. kingfisher ety C15: originally king's fisher kingfisher 0. syl king+fish:er pron <1kiG2fiS*> pos n. def any coraciiform bird of the family esp. the Eurasian which has a greenish-blue and orange plumage. Kingfishers have a large head, short tail, and long sharp bill and tend to live near open water and feed on fish. infl head king-hit syl ~ pos n. qual Austral. informal. king-hit 1. syl king-hit pos n. def a knockout blow, esp. an unfair one. {~} to deliver a knockout blow. Bible alt head King James Version or King James Version syl Bi+ble pos n. the infl head King James Version syl the. pos n. King James Version 0. or Bible syl King James Ver+sion pos n. def another name for the {Authorized Version}. kinglet 1. syl king+let pron <1kiGlit> pos n. qual Often derogatory. def the king of a small or insignificant territory. kinglet 2. syl king+let pron <1kiGlit> pos n. qual U.S. def any of various small warblers of the genus having a black-edged yellow crown: family kingly 1. syl king+ly pron <1kiGli> pos adj. def appropriate to a king; majestic. kingly 2. syl king+ly pron <1kiGli> pos adj. def royal. kingly 3. syl king+ly pron <1kiGli> pos adv. qual Poetic or archaic. def in a manner appropriate to a king. kingliness sub head kingly syl king+li+ness pos n. kingmaker 0. syl king+mak:er pron <1kiG2mAk*> pos n. def a person who has control over appointments to positions of authority. kings-of-arms infl head king-of-arms syl kings-of-arms. pos n. mod pl. king-of-arms 1. syl king-of-arms pos n. def the highest rank of heraldic officer. king-of-arms 2. syl king-of-arms pos n. def a person holding this rank. king of the castle 1. syl king of the cas+tle pos n. qual Chiefly Brit. def a children's game in which each child attempts to stand alone on a mound, sandcastle, etc., by pushing other children off it. king of the castle 2. syl king of the cas+tle pos n. qual Chiefly Brit.; Informal. def a person who is in a commanding or superior position. king of the herrings 0. syl king of the her+rings pos n. def another name for {oarfish} or {{rabbitfish} (sense 1)}. kingpin 1. syl king+pin pron <1kiG2pin> pos n. def Also called (Brit.): {swivel pin}. a pivot pin that provides a steering joint in a motor vehicle by securing the stub axle to the axle beam. kingpin 2. syl king+pin pron <1kiG2pin> pos n. qual Tenpin bowling. def the front pin in the triangular arrangement of the ten pins. kingpin 3. syl king+pin pron <1kiG2pin> pos n. qual Informal. def the most important person in an organization. kingpin 4. syl king+pin pron <1kiG2pin> pos n. usage in ninepins def the central pin in the diamond pattern of the nine pins. kingpin 5. syl king+pin pron <1kiG2pin> pos n. qual Informal. def the crucial or most important feature of a theory, argument, etc. king post 0. syl king post pos n. def a vertical post connecting the apex of a triangular roof truss to the tie beam. Also called: {joggle post}. Compare {queen post}. king prawn 0. syl king prawn pos n. qual Austral. def any of several large prawns of the genus which are fished commercially in Australian waters. Kings 0. syl Kings pron pos n. usage Old Testament. in versions based on the Hebrew, including the Authorized Version def either of the two books called {I} and {II Kings}, recounting the histories of the kings of Judah and Israel. king salmon 0. syl king salm+on pos n. def another name for {Chinook salmon}. King's Bench 0. syl King's Bench pos n. usage when the sovereign is male def another name for {Queen's Bench}. King's Counsel 0. syl King's Coun+sel pos n. usage when the sovereign is male def another name for {Queen's Counsel}. King's English 0. syl King's Eng+lish pos n. usage esp. when the British sovereign is male def standard Southern British English. king's evidence 0. syl king's ev:i+dence pos n. usage when the sovereign is male def another name for {queen's evidence} (esp. in the phrase {turn king's evidence) }. king's evil ety C14: from the belief that the king's touch would heal scrofula the infl head king's evil syl the. pos n. king's evil 0. syl king's e:vil pos n. qual Pathol. def a former name for {scrofula}. king's highway 0. syl king's high+way pos n. usage in Britain, esp. when the sovereign is male def any public road or right of way. kingship 1. syl king+ship pron <1kiGSip> pos n. def the position or authority of a king. kingship 2. syl king+ship pron <1kiGSip> pos n. def the skill or practice of ruling as a king. king-sized alt head king-size or king-size syl king-sized pos adj. king-size 0. or king-sized syl king-size pos adj. def larger or longer than a standard size. Charles infl head Kingsley syl Charles. pos n. Kingsley 0. syl Kings:ley pron <1kiGzli> pos n. def 1819-75, English clergyman and author. His works include the historical romances (1855) and (1866) and the children's story (1863). King's Lynn 0. syl King's Lynn pron <1kiGz> <1lin> pos n. def a market town in E England, in Norfolk on the estuary of the Great Ouse near the Wash: a leading port in the Middle Ages. Pop.: 30102 (1971). Also called: {Lynn, Lynn Regis}. king snake 0. syl king snake pos n. def any nonvenomous North American colubrid snake of the genus feeding on other snakes, small mammals, etc. king's peace 1. syl king's peace pos n. usage in early medieval England def the protection secured by the king for particular people or places. king's peace 2. syl king's peace pos n. usage in medieval England def the general peace secured to the entire realm by the law administered in the king's name. King's proctor 0. syl King's proc+tor pos n. usage in England when the sovereign is male def an official empowered to intervene in divorce and certain other cases when it is alleged that facts are being suppressed. King's Regulations 0. syl King's Reg:u+la+tions pos n. mod pl. usage in Britain and the Commonwealth when the sovereign is male def the code of conduct for members of the armed forces that deals with discipline, aspects of military law, etc. King's Scout 0. syl King's Scout pos n. usage in Britain and the Commonwealth when the sovereign is male def another name for {Queen's Scout}. U.S. equivalent: {Eagle Scout}. king's shilling 1. syl king's shil+ling usage or, when the sovereign was female,; until 1879 def a shilling paid to new recruits to the British army. take the king's 2. head king's shilling or queen's shilling syl take the king's qual Brit. archaic. usage or, when the sovereign was female, def to enlist in the army. King's speech 0. syl King's speech pos n. usage in Britain and the dominions of the Commonwealth when the sovereign is male def another name for the {speech from the throne}. Kingston 1. syl King+ston pron <1kiGst*n> pos n. def the capital and chief port of Jamaica, on the SE coast: University of the West Indies. Pop.: 117400 (1970). Kingston 2. syl King+ston pron <1kiGst*n> pos n. def a port in SE Canada, in SE Ontario: the chief naval base of Lake Ontario and a large industrial centre; university (1841). Pop.: 59047 (1971). Kingston 3. syl King+ston pron <1kiGst*n> pos n. def short for {Kingston upon Thames}. Kingston upon Hull 0. syl Kings+ton up:on Hull pos n. def the official name of {{Hull%1}}. Kingston upon Thames 0. syl King+ston up:on Thames pos n. def a borough of SW Greater London, on the River Thames: formed in 1965 by the amalgamation of several former boroughs of Surrey. Pop.: 135600 (1976 est.). Kingstown 0. syl Kings+town pron <1kiGz2taun> pos n. def a port in the West Indies, in the Windward Islands, capital of St. Vincent. Pop.: 23645 (1970). Kingwana 0. syl King+wa+na pron pos n. def a language of Za*"ire in W Africa, closely related to Swahili and used as a lingua franca. kingwood 1. syl king+wood pron <1kiG2wud> pos n. def the hard fine-grained violet-tinted wood of a Brazilian leguminous tree, used in cabinetwork. kingwood 2. syl king+wood pron <1kiG2wud> pos n. def the tree yielding this wood. kinin ety C20: from Greek kin (*_ema) motion+-#7in kinin 0. syl ki+nin pron <1kInin> pos n. def any of a group of polypeptides in the blood that cause dilation of the blood vessels and make smooth muscles contract. kink ety C17: from Dutch: a curl in a rope; compare Middle Low German kinke kink, Old Norse kinka to nod kink 1. syl kink pron pos n. def a sharp twist or bend in a wire, rope, hair, etc., esp. one caused when it is pulled tight. kink 2. syl kink pron pos n. def a crick in the neck or similar muscular spasm. kink 3. syl kink pron pos n. def a flaw or minor difficulty in some undertaking or project. kink 4. syl kink pron pos n. def a flaw or idiosyncrasy of personality; quirk. kink 5. syl kink pron pos n. qual Brit. informal. def a sexual deviation. kink 6. syl kink pron pos n. qual U.S. def a clever or unusual idea. kinkajou ety C18: from French quincajou, from Algonquian; related to Ojibwa gw*u@i#800461 ngw*^aage wolverine kinkajou 1. syl kin+ka+jou pron <1kiGk*2Ju:> pos n. def Also called: {honey bear, potto}. an arboreal fruit-eating mammal, of Central and South America, with a long prehensile tail: family (raccoons) order (carnivores). kinkajou 2. syl kin+ka+jou pron <1kiGk*2Ju:> pos n. def another name for { {potto} (sense 1)}. kinkier infl head kinky syl kink:i+er pos adj. kinkiest infl head kinky syl kink:i+est. pos adj. kinky 1. syl kink:y pron <1kiGki> pos adj. qual Slang. def given to unusual, abnormal, or deviant sexual practices. kinky 2. syl kink:y pron <1kiGki> pos adj. qual Slang. def exhibiting unusual idiosyncrasies of personality; quirky; eccentric. kinky 3. syl kink:y pron <1kiGki> pos adj. qual Slang. def attractive or provocative in a bizarre way. exam 1 kinky clothes. kinky 4. syl kink:y pron <1kiGki> pos adj. def tangled or tightly looped, as a wire or rope. kinky 5. syl kink:y pron <1kiGki> pos adj. def tightly curled, as hair. kinkily sub head kinky syl kink:i+ly pos adv. kinkiness sub head kinky syl kink:i+ness pos n. kinnikinnick ety C18: from Algonquian, literally: that which is mixed; related to Natick kinukkinuk mixture kinnikinic infl head kinnikinnick or killikinick syl kin+ni+ki+nic pron <2kiniki1nik> pos n. killikinick infl head kinnikinnick or kinnikinic syl kil+li+ki+nick pos n. kinnikinnick 1. syl kin+ni+kin+nick pron <2kiniki1nik> pos n. def the dried leaves and bark of certain plants, sometimes with tobacco added, formerly smoked by some North American Indians. kinnikinnick 2. syl kin+ni+kin+nick pron <2kiniki1nik> pos n. def any of the plants used for such a preparation, such as the sumach kino ety C18: of West African origin; related to Mandingo keno kino 0. syl ki:no pron <1kEn*u> pos n. def a dark red resin obtained from various tropical plants, esp. an Indian leguminous tree, used as an astringent and in tanning. Also called: {kino gum}. Kinross 0. syl Kin+ross pron pos n. usage until 1975 def a county of E central Scotland, now part of Tayside region. Alfred Charles infl head Kinsey syl Al:fred Charles. pos n. Kinsey 0. syl Kin:sey pron <1kinzi> pos n. def 1894-1956, U.S. zoologist, who directed a survey of human sexual behaviour. kinsfolk 0. syl kins+folk pron <1kinz2f*uk> pos n. mod pl. def one's family or relatives. Kinshasa 0. syl Kin+sha+sa pron , <-1Sa:s*> pos n. def the capital of Za*"ire, on the River Congo opposite Brazzaville: became capital of the Belgian Congo in 1929 and of the new republic of Za*"ire in 1960; university (1954). Pop.: 2008352 (1974 est.). Former name (until 1966): {L*'eopoldville}. kinship 1. syl kin+ship pron <1kinSip> pos n. def blood relationship. kinship 2. syl kin+ship pron <1kinSip> pos n. def the state of having common characteristics or a common origin. kinsmen infl head kinsman syl kins+men. pos n. mod pl. kinsman 1. syl kins+man pron <1kinzm*n> pos n. def a blood relation or a relation by marriage. kinsman 2. syl kins+man pron <1kinzm*n> pos n. def a member of the same race, tribe, or ethnic stock. kinswoman sub head kinsman syl kins+2wom:an pos n. mod fem. kiosk ety C17: from French kiosque bandstand, from Turkish k*"osk, from Persian k*_ushk pavilion kiosk 1. syl ki+osk pron <1kEosk> pos n. def a small sometimes movable booth from which cigarettes, newspapers, light refreshments, etc., are sold. kiosk 2. syl ki+osk pron <1kEosk> pos n. qual Chiefly Brit. def a telephone box. kiosk 3. syl ki+osk pron <1kEosk> pos n. qual Chiefly U.S. def a thick post on which advertise?!ments are posted. kiosk 4. syl ki+osk pron <1kEosk> pos n. usage in Turkey, Iran, etc., esp. formerly def a light open-sided pavilion. Kioto 0. syl Ki:o+to pron pos n. def a variant spelling of {Kyoto}. kip ety C18: of uncertain origin; apparently related to Danish kippe common alehouse kip H1.1. syl kip pron pos n. qual Brit. slang. def sleep or slumber. exam 1 to get some kip. kip H1.2. syl kip pron pos n. qual Brit. slang. def a bed or lodging. kip H1.3. syl kip pron pos n. qual Brit. slang.; Obsolete. def a brothel. kips infl head kip syl kips pos vb. mod intr. kipping infl head kip syl kip+ping pos vb. mod intr. kipped infl head kip syl kipped. pos vb. mod intr. kip H1.4. syl kip pron pos vb. mod intr. qual Brit. slang. def to sleep or take a nap. kip H1.5. syl kip pron pos vb. mod intr. qual Brit. slang. usage foll. by down def to prepare for sleep. kip ety C16: from Middle Dutch kipp; related to Middle Low German kip, Old Norse kippa bundle kipskin alt head kip or kip syl kip+skin pron pos n. kip H2.0. or kipskin syl kip pron pos n. def the hide of a young animal, esp. a calf or lamb. kip ety C20: from #7ki (#7lo) #7+p (#7ound) kip H3.0. syl kip pron pos n. def a unit of weight equal to one thousand pounds. kip ety from Thai kip H4.0. syl kip pron pos n. def the standard monetary unit of Laos, divided into 100 at. kip ety C19: from #7kep kip H5.0. syl kip pron pos n. qual Austral. def a small board used to spin the coins in two-up. (Joseph) Rudyard infl head Kipling syl (Joseph) Rud:yard pron <1r^dj*d> pos n. Kipling 0. syl Kip:ling pron <1kipliG> pos n. def 1865-1936, English poet, short-story writer, and novelist, born in India. His works include (1892), the two (1894, 1895), (1899), (1901), and the (1902): Nobel prize for literature 1907. kipper ety Old English cypera, perhaps from coper #7copper ; referring to its colour kipper H1.1. syl kip+per pron <1kip*> pos n. def a fish, esp. a herring, that has been cleaned, salted, and smoked. kipper H1.2. syl kip+per pron <1kip*> pos n. def a male salmon during the spawning season. an Englishman. kipper H1.3. syl kip+per pron <1kip*> pos vb. mod tr. def to cure (herrings, etc.) by salting and smoking. kipper ety from a native Australian language kipper H2.0. syl kip+per pron <1kip*> pos n. def an Australian Aborigine youth who has completed an initiation rite. Kipp's apparatus ety C19: named after Petrus Jacobus Kipp (1808-84), Dutch chemist Kipp's apparatus 0. syl Kipp's ap+pa+rat+us pron pos n. def a laboratory apparatus for producing a gas, usually hydrogen sulphide, by the action of a liquid on a solid without heating. Gustav Robert infl head Kirchhoff syl Gus:tav Rob:ert pron <1gustaf> <1ro:bert> pos n. Kirchhoff 0. syl Kirch:hoff pron German <1kir*,chcf> pos n. def 1824-87, German physicist. With Bunsen he devel?!oped the method of spectrum analysis that led to their discovery of caesium (1860) and rubidium (1861): also worked on electrical networks. Kirchhoff's laws 0. syl Kirch:hoff's laws pos n. def two laws describing the flow of currents in electric circuits. The first states that the algebraic sum of all the electric currents meeting at any point in a circuit is zero. The second states that in a closed loop of a circuit the algebraic sum of the products of the resistances and the currents flowing through them is equal to the algebraic sum of all the electromotive forces acting in the loop. Kirgiz alt head Kirghiz or Kirghiz syl Kir+giz pron <1kR:giz> pos n. Kirghiz infl syl Kir+ghiz pos n. mod pl. Kirgiz infl head Kirghiz syl Kir+giz pos n. mod pl. Kirghiz 1. or Kirgiz syl Kir+ghiz pron <1kR:giz> pos n. def a member of a Mongoloid people of the Soviet Union, inhabiting a vast area of central Siberia. Kirghiz 2. or Kirgiz syl Kir+ghiz pron <1kR:giz> pos n. def the language of this people, belonging to the Turkic branch of the Altaic family. Kirghiz Soviet Socialist Republic 0. syl Kir+ghiz So+vi+et So+cial+ist Re+pub+lic pos n. def an administrative division of the S central Soviet Union: annexed by Russia in 1864. Capital: Frunze. Pop.: 2932805 (1970). Area: 198500 sq. km (76460 sq. miles). Also: {Kirgiz Soviet Socialist Republic} {Kir+ghi+zi@.a, Kir+gi+zi@.a} (k$z$:#!g$Iz$I$$). Kirghiz Steppe 0. syl Kir+ghiz Steppe pos n. def a vast steppe region of the SW Soviet Union, in the central Kazakh SSR. Also called: (the) {Steppes}. kirigami ety C20: from Japanese kirigami 1. syl kir:i+gami pron <2kiri1ga:mi> pos n. def the art, originally Japanese, of folding and cutting paper into decorative shapes. Compare {origami}. Kirin 1. syl Ki+rin pron <1kE1rin> pos n. def a province of NE China, in central Manchuria. Capital: Changchun. Pop.: 23000000 (1976 est.). Area: 187000 sq. km (72930 sq. miles). Kirin 2. syl Ki+rin pron <1kE1rin> pos n. def Also called: {Chi-lin} (#!t#si$:#!l$In). a river port in NE China, in N central Kirin province on the Sungari River. Pop.: 720000 (1970 est.). kirk ety C12: from Old Norse kirkja, from Old English cirice #7church kirk 1. syl kirk pron pos n. def a Scot. word for {church}. kirk 2. syl kirk pron pos n. def a Scottish church. the infl head Kirk syl the. pos n. Kirk H1.0. syl Kirk pron pos n. qual Informal. def the Presbyterian Church of Scotland. Norman infl head Kirk syl Nor:man. pos n. Kirk H2.0. syl Kirk pron pos n. def 1923-74, prime minister of New Zea?!land (1972-74). Kirkby 0. syl Kirk+by pron <1kR:bi> pos n. def a town in NW England, in N Merseyside. Pop.: 59759 (1971). Kirkcaldy 0. syl Kirk+cal+dy pron pos n. def a port in E Scotland, in SE Fife on the Firth of Forth. Pop.: 50338 (1971). Kirkcudbright 0. syl Kirk+cud+bright pron pos n. usage until 1975 def a county of SW Scotland, now part of Dumfries and Galloway region. kirkmen infl head kirkman syl kirk+men. pos n. mod pl. kirkman 1. syl kirk+man pron <1kR:km*n> pos n. qual Scot. def a member or strong upholder of the Kirk. kirkman 2. syl kirk+man pron <1kR:km*n> pos n. qual Scot. def a churchman; clergyman. Mount infl head Kirkpatrick syl Mount. pos n. Kirkpatrick 0. syl Kirk+pat:rick pron pos n. def a mountain in Antarctica, in S Victoria Land in the Queen Alexandra Range. Height: 4554 m (14942 ft.). kirk session 0. syl kirk ses+sion pos n. def the lowest court of the Presbyterian church. Kirkuk 0. syl Kir+kuk pron , <1kR:kuk> pos n. def a city in NE Iraq: centre of a rich oilfield with pipelines to the Mediterranean. Pop.: 175303 (1965). Kirkwall 0. syl Kirk+wall pron <1kR:k2wc:l> pos n. def a town in NE Scotland, administrative centre of the island authority of Orkney, on the N coast of Mainland: cathedral built by Norsemen (begun in 1137). Pop.: 4618 (1971). Kirman ety named after K#7erman, Iran Kirman 0. syl Kir+man pron pos n. def a Persian carpet or rug. kirmess 0. syl kir+mess pron <1kR:mis> pos n. def a variant spelling of {kermis}. Kirov H1.0. syl Ki+rov pron Russian <1kir*f> pos n. def a city in the W Soviet Union, on the Vyatka River: an early trading centre; engineering industries. Pop.: 371000 (1975 est.). Former name (1780-1934): {Vyatka}. Sergei Mironovich infl head Kirov syl Ser:gei Mi:ro:no:vich pron pos n. Kirov H2.0. syl Ki:rov pron Russian <1kir*f> pos n. def 1888-1934, Soviet politician; one of Stalin's chief aides. His assassination was the starting point for Stalin's purge of the Communist Party (1934-38). Kirovabad 0. syl Ki+ro+va+bad pron Russian pos n. def a city in the S Soviet Union, in the NW Azerbaijan SSR: annexed by the Russians in 1804; centre of a cotton-growing region. Pop.: 207000 (1975 est.). Former names: {Gandzha} (until 1813 and 1920-35), {Yelisavetpol} (1813-1920). Kirovograd 0. syl Ki+ro+vo+grad pron Russian pos n. def a city in the SW Soviet Union, in the S central Ukrainian SSR on the Ingul River: manufacturing centre of a rich agricultural area. Pop.: 218000 (1975 est.). Former names: {Yelisavetgrad} (until 1924), {Zinoviyevsk} (1924-36). Kirsch ety German Kirschwasser: cherry water Kirschwasser alt head Kirsch or Kirsch syl Kirsch+was+ser pron <1ki*S2va:s*> pos n. Kirsch 0. or Kirschwasser syl Kirsch pron pos n. def a brandy distilled from cherries, made chiefly in the Black Forest in Germany and in the Jura and Vosges districts of France. kirtle ety Old English cyrtel, probably from cyrtan to shorten, ultimately from Latin curtus cut short kirtle 1. syl kir+tle pron <1kR:tL> pos n. qual Archaic. def a woman's skirt or dress. kirtle 2. syl kir+tle pron <1kR:tL> pos n. qual Archaic. def a man's coat. Kiruna 0. syl Ki+ru+na pron Swedish <1kEruna> pos n. def a town in N Sweden: iron-mining centre. Pop.: 30534 (1970). Kirundi 0. syl Ki+run+di pron pos n. def the official language of Burundi, belonging to the Bantu group of the Niger-Congo family and closely related to Rwanda. Kisangani 0. syl Kis+an+ga+ni pron <2kis@G1ga:ni> pos n. def a city in N Za*"ire, at the head of navigation of the River Congo below Stanley Falls: Universit*'e Libre du Congo (1963). Pop.: 310705 (1974 est.). Former name (until 1966): {Stanleyville}. kish ety C19: perhaps changed from German Kies gravel; related to Old High German kisil pebble kish 0. syl kish pron pos n. qual Metallurgy. def graphite formed on the surface of molten iron that contains a large amount of carbon. Kishinev 0. syl Ki+shi+nev pron Russian pos n. def a city in the SW Soviet Union, capital of the Moldavian SSR on the Byk River: manufacturing centre of a rich agricultural region; university (1945). Pop.: 452000 (1975 est.). Rumanian name: {Chi*,sin*vau}. kishke ety Yiddish: gut, probably from Russian kishka kishke 0. syl kish+ke pron <1kiSk*> pos n. def a beef or fowl intestine or skin stuffed with flour, onion, etc., and boiled and roasted. Kislev ety from Hebrew kisl*_ew, from Akkadian kistimu Kislev 0. syl Kis+lev pron Hebrew. pos n. qual Judaism. def the ninth month of the civil year and the third of the ecclesiastical year in the Jewish calendar, falling approximately in November and December. Kismayu 0. syl Kis+ma+yu pron pos n. def another name for {Chisimaio}. kismet ety C19: from Turkish, from Persian qismat, from Arabic, qasama he divided kismet 1. syl kis+met pron <1kizmet>, <1kis-> pos n. qual Islam. def the will of Allah. kismet 2. syl kis+met pron <1kizmet>, <1kis-> pos n. def fate or destiny. kiss ety Old English cyssan, from coss; compare Old High German kussen, Old Norse kyssa kiss 1. syl kiss pron pos vb. mod tr. def to touch with the lips or press the lips against as an expression of love, greeting, respect, etc. kiss 2. syl kiss pron pos vb. mod intr. def to join lips with another person in an act of love or desire. kiss 3. syl kiss pron pos vb. def to touch (each other) lightly. exam 1 their hands kissed. kiss 4. syl kiss pron pos n. def the act of kissing; a caress with the lips. kiss 5. syl kiss pron pos n. def a light touch. kissable sub head kiss syl kiss+a:ble pos adj. kiss curl 0. syl kiss curl pos n. qual Brit. def a circular curl of hair pressed flat against the cheek or forehead. U.S. term: {spit curl}. kissel ety from Russian kisel kissel 0. syl kis+sel pron <1kisL> pos n. def a Russian dessert of sweetened fruit pur*'ee thickened with arrowroot. kisser 1. syl kiss+er pron <1kis*> pos n. def a person who kisses, esp. in a way specified. kisser 2. syl kiss+er pron <1kis*> pos n. def a slang word for {mouth} or {face}. kissing bug 0. syl kiss+ing bug pos n. def a North American assassin bug, with a painful bite, usually attacking the lips or cheeks of man. Henry infl head Kissinger syl Hen:ry. pos n. Kissinger 0. syl Kis:sin:ger pron <1kisinJ*> pos n. def born 1923, U.S. academic and diplomat, born in Germany; assistant to President Nixon for national security affairs (1968-73); Secretary of State (1973-76): shared the Nobel Peace Prize 1972. kissing gate 0. syl kiss+ing gate pos n. def a gate set in a U- or V-shaped enclosure, allowing only one person to pass through at a time. kiss of death ety from Judas' kiss that betrayed Jesus in the garden of Gethsemane (Mark 14:44-45) kiss of death 0. syl kiss of death pos n. def an act or relationship, that has fatal or disastrous consequences. kiss off 1. syl kiss off pos adv. mod tr. qual Slang, chiefly U.S. def to ignore or dismiss rudely and abruptly. kiss-off infl head kiss off syl kiss-off. pos n. kiss off 2. syl kiss off pos n. qual Slang, chiefly U.S. def a rude and abrupt dismissal. the infl head kiss of life syl the. pos n. kiss of life 0. syl kiss of life pos n. qual Informal. def mouth-to-mouth resuscitation in which a person blows gently into the victim's mouth, allowing the lungs to deflate after each blow. kist ety C14: from Old Norse kista; see #7chest kist H1.0. syl kist pron pos n. qual Scot. and northern Brit. dialect. def a large chest or coffer. kist H2.0. syl kist pron pos n. qual Archaeol. def a variant spelling of {{cist%2}}. kist ety from Afrikaans, from Dutch: #7chest kist H3.0. syl kist pron pos n. qual S. African. def a large wooden chest in which linen is stored, esp. one used to store a bride's trousseau. Kistna 0. syl Kist+na pron <1kistn*> pos n. def another name for the (River) {Krishna}. Kisumu 0. syl Ki+su+mu pron pos n. def a port in W Kenya, in Nyanza province on the NE shore of Lake Victoria: fishing and trading centre. Pop.: 30700 (1969). kit ety C14: from Middle Dutch kitte tankard kit H1.1. syl kit pron pos n. def a set of tools, supplies, construction materials, etc., for use together or for a purpose. exam 1 a first-aid kit; exam 2 a model aircraft kit. kit H1.2. syl kit pron pos n. def the case or container for such a set. kit H1.3. syl kit pron pos n. def clothing and other personal effects, esp. those of a traveller or soldier. exam 1 safari kit; exam 2 battle kit. the whole kit 4. head kit or kit and caboodle syl the whole kit qual Informal. def everything or everybody. {~} See also {kit out}. kit ety C16: of unknown origin kit H2.0. syl kit pron pos n. def a kind of small violin, now obsolete, used esp. by dancing masters in the 17th-18th centuries. kit ety C16: by shortening kit H3.0. syl kit pron pos n. def an informal or diminutive name for {kitten}. Kitakyushu 0. syl Ki+ta+kyu+shu pron <2kEt*1kju:Su:> pos n. def a port in Japan, on N Kyushu: formed in 1963 by the amalgamation of the cities of Wakamatsu, Yahata, Tobata, Kokura, and Moji; one of Japan's largest industrial centres. Pop.: 1060000 (1975). kitbag 0. syl kit+bag pron <1kit2b@g> pos n. def a canvas or other bag for a serviceman's kit. kitchen ety Old English cycene, ultimately from Late Latin coqu*_ina, from Latin coquere to #7cook ; see #7kiln kitchen 0.a. syl kitch+en pron <1kiCin> pos n. def a room or part of a building equipped for preparing and cooking food. kitchen 0.b. syl kitch+en pron <1kiCin> pos n. usage as modifier exam 1 a kitchen table. Kitchener H1.0. syl Kitch+e:ner pron <1kiCin*> pos n. def an industrial town in SE Canada, in S Ontario: founded in 1806 as Dutch Sand Hills, it was renamed Berlin in 1830 and Kitchener in 1916. Pop.: 111804 (1971). Horatio Herbert infl head Kitchener syl Ho:ra:ti:o Her:bert pos n. Kitchener H2.0. syl Kitch:e:ner pron <1kiCin*> pos n. def 1st Earl Kitchener of Khartoum. 1850-1916, British field marshal. As head of the Egyptian army (1892-98), he expelled the Mahdi from the Sudan (1898), occupying Khartoum; he also commanded British forces (1900-02) in the Boer War and (1902-09) in India. He conducted the mobilization of the British army for World War I as war minister (1914-16). kitchenet alt head kitchenette or kitchenette syl kitch+en+et pron <2kiCi1net> pos n. kitchenette 0. or kitchenet syl kitch+en+ette pron <2kiCi1net> pos n. def a small kitchen or part of another room equipped for use as a kitchen. kitchen garden 0. syl kitch+en gar+den pos n. def a garden where vegetables and sometimes also fruit are grown. kitchen gardener sub head kitchen garden syl kitch+en gar+den+er pos n. kitchen kaffir 0. syl kitch+en kaf+fir pos n. def a derogatory term for {Fanagalo}. kitchen midden 0. syl kitch+en mid+den pos n. qual Archaeology. def the site of a large mound of domestic refuse marking a prehistoric settlement: usually including bones, potsherds, seashells, etc. kitchen police 0. syl kitch+en po+lice pos n. mod pl. qual U.S. def soldiers who have been detailed to work in the kitchen, esp. as a punishment. K.P. kitchen sink 1. syl kitch+en sink pos n. def a sink in a kitchen for washing dishes, vegetables, etc. everything except the kitchen sink 2. head kitchen sink syl everything except the kitchen sink. def everything that can be conceived of. kitchen sink 3. syl kitch+en sink pos n. usage modifier def denoting a type of drama or painting of the 1950s depicting the sordid aspects of domestic reality. kitchen tea 0. syl kitch+en tea pos n. qual Austral. def a party held before a wedding to which female guests bring items of kitchen equipment as wedding presents. kitchenware 0. syl kitch:en+ware pron <1kiCin2we*> pos n. def pots and pans, knives, forks, spoons, and other utensils used in the kitchen. kite ety Old English c*_yta; related to Middle High German k*"uze owl, Old Norse k*_yta to quarrel kite 1. syl kite pron pos n. def a light frame covered with a thin material flown in the wind at the end of a length of string. kite 2. syl kite pron pos n. qual Brit. slang. def an aeroplane. kite 3. syl kite pron pos n. mod pl. qual Nautical. def any of various light sails set in addition to the working sails of a vessel. kite 4. syl kite pron pos n. def any diurnal bird of prey of the genera etc., typically having a long forked tail and long broad wings and usually preying on small mammals and insects: family (hawks, etc.). kite 5. syl kite pron pos n. qual Archaic. def a person who preys on others. kite 6. syl kite pron pos n. qual Commerce. def a nego?!tiable paper drawn without any actual transaction or assets and designed to obtain money on credit, give an impression of affluence, etc. kite 7. syl kite pron pos vb. def to issue (fictitious papers) to obtain credit or money. kite 8. syl kite pron pos vb. mod tr. qual U.S. def to write (a cheque) in anticipation of sufficient funds to cover it. kite 9. syl kite pron pos vb. mod intr. def to soar and glide. kiter sub head kite syl kit+er pos n. kite fighting 0. syl kite fight+ing pos n. usage in Malaysia def a game in which one player attempts to cut the string of his opponent's kite with the string of his own. See also {glass string}. Kite mark 0. syl Kite mark pos n. qual Brit. def the official mark of quality and reliability, in the form of a kite, on articles approved by the British Standards Institution. kitenge ety C20: from Swahili kitenge 0.a. syl ki+ten+ge pron pos n. qual E African. def a thick cotton cloth measuring 114#M213 cm (45#M84 inches), used in making garments. kitenge 0.b. syl ki+ten+ge pron pos n. qual E African. usage as modifier exam 1 a kitenge dress. kit fox 0. syl kit fox pos n. def another name for {swift fox}. kith ety Old English c*_ythth, from c*_uth; see #7uncouth kith 0. syl kith pron pos n. def one's friends and acquaintances (esp. in the phrase {kith and kin) }. kithara 0. syl kith:a+ra pron <1kiT*r*> pos n. def a variant spelling of {cithara}. K'ithira 0. syl K*'i+thi+ra pron <1kiTira> pos n. def transliteration of the Modern Greek name for {Cythera}. kit oup alt head kit out or kit out syl kit oup pos vb. mod tr. kits infl head kit out syl kits pos adv. mod tr. kitting infl head kit out syl kit+ting pos adv. mod tr. kitted infl head kit out syl kit+ted. pos adv. mod tr. kit out 0. or kit oup syl kit out pos vb. mod tr. qual Chiefly Brit. def to provide with or acquire (a kit of personal effects and necessities). kitsch ety C20: from German: rubbish kitsch 0.a. syl kitsch pron pos n. def tawdry, vulgarized, or pretentious art, literature, etc., usually with popular or sentimental appeal. kitsch 0.b. syl kitsch pron pos n. usage as modifier exam 1 a kitsch plaster bust of Beethoven. kitten ety C14: from Old Northern French caton, from #7cat ; probably influenced by Middle English kiteling kitten 1. syl kit+ten pron <1kitN> pos n. def a young cat. have kittens 2. head kitten syl have kittens. def Also: {have a canary}. to react with disapproval, anxiety, etc.. exam 1 she had kittens when she got the bill. kitten 3. syl kit+ten pron <1kitN> pos vb. usage of cats def to give birth to (young). kitten-like sub head kitten syl kit:ten-2like pos adj. kittenish 1. syl kit+ten+ish pron <1kitNiS> pos adj. def like a kitten; lively. kittenish 2. syl kit+ten+ish pron <1kitNiS> pos adj. usage of a woman def flirtatious, esp. coyly flirtatious. kittenishly sub head kittenish syl kit+ten+ish+ly pos adv. kittenishness sub head kittenish syl kit+ten+ish+ness pos n. kittiwake ety C17: of imitative origin kittiwake 0. syl kit+ti+wake pron <1kiti2wAk> pos n. def either of two oceanic gulls of the genus esp. having a white plumage with pale grey black-tipped wings and a square-cut tail. kittle ety C16: probably from Old Norse kitla to #7tickle kittle 1. syl kit+tle pron <1kitL> pos adj. qual Scot. def capricious and unpredictable. kittle 2. syl kit+tle pron <1kitL> pos vb. qual Scot. def to be troublesome or puzzling to (someone). kittle 3. syl kit+tle pron <1kitL> pos vb. qual Scot. def to tickle. kitty ety C18: see #7kit %3 kitties infl head kitty syl kit+ties. pos n. mod pl. kitty H1.0. syl kit+ty pron <1kiti> pos n. def a diminutive or affectionate name for a {kitten} or {cat}. kitty ety C19: see #7kit %1 kitties infl head kitty syl kit+ties. pos n. mod pl. kitty H2.1. syl kit+ty pron <1kiti> pos n. def the pool of bets in certain gambling games. kitty H2.2. syl kit+ty pron <1kiti> pos n. def any shared fund of money, etc. kitty H2.3. syl kit+ty pron <1kiti> pos n. usage in bowls def the jack. Kitty Hawk 0. syl Kit+ty Hawk pos n. def a village in NE North Carolina, near Kill Devil Hill, where the Wright brothers made the first aeroplane flight in the U.S. (1903). Kitwe 0. syl Kit+we pron <1kitwA> pos n. def a city in N Zambia: commercial centre of the Copper Belt. Pop.: 199798 (1969). Kiushu 0. syl Kiu+shu pron <1kju:Su:> pos n. def a variant spelling of {Kyushu}. kiva ety from Hopi kiva 0. syl ki:va pron <1kEv*> pos n. def a large underground or partly underground room in a Pueblo Indian village, used chiefly for religious ceremonies. Lake infl head Kivu syl Lake. pos n. Kivu 0. syl Ki:vu pron <1kEvu:> pos n. def a lake in central Africa, between Za*"ire and Rwanda at an altitude of 1460 m (4790 ft.). Area: 2698 sq. km (1042 sq. miles). Depth: (maximum) 475 m (1558 ft.). Kiwanis ety C20: alleged to be from an American Indian language: to make oneself known Kiwanis 0. syl Ki+wa+nis pron pos n. def a North American organization of men's clubs founded in 1915 to promote community service. Kiwanian sub head Kiwanis syl Ki+1wan+i:an pos n. kiwi ety C19: from Maori, of imitative origin kiwis infl head kiwi syl ki:wis. pos n. mod pl. kiwi 1. syl ki:wi pron <1kEwi> pos n. def any nocturnal flightless New Zealand bird of the genus having a long beak, stout legs, and weakly barbed feathers: order (see {ratite}) . kiwi 2. syl ki:wi pron <1kEwi> pos n. def Also called: {Chinese gooseberry}. an Asian climbing plant, with fuzzy edible fruit: family kiwi 3. syl ki:wi pron <1kEwi> pos n. qual Slang. def a New Zealander. Kizil Irmak 0. syl Ki+zil Ir+mak pron pos n. def a river in Turkey, rising in the Kizil Dag and flowing southwest, northwest, and northeast to the Black Sea: the longest river in Asia Minor. Length: about 1150 km (715 miles). Ancient name: {Halys}. KKK 0. syl K.K.K. qual abbrev. for def Ku Klux Klan. KKt 0. syl KKt qual Chess. symbol for def king's knight. KKtP 0. syl KKtP qual Chess. symbol for def king's knight's pawn. kl 0. syl kl. qual abbrev. for def kilolitre. Klagenfurt 0. syl Kla+gen+furt pron German <1kla:gN2furt> pos n. def a city in S Austria, capital of Carinthia province: tourist centre. Pop.: 74326 (1971). Klaipeda 0. syl Klai+pe+da pron Russian <1klajpid*> pos n. def a port in the W Soviet Union, in the Lithuanian SSR on the Baltic: shipbuilding. Pop.: 164000 (1975 est.). German name: {Memel}. Klan 0. syl Klan pron pos n. usage usually preceded by the def short for {Ku Klux Klan}. Klanism sub head Klan syl Klan+ism pos n. klangfarbe ety German: tone colour klangfarbe 0. syl klang+far+be pron <1kla:G2fa:b*> pos n. usage often cap. def instrumental timbre or tone colour. Klansmen infl head Klansman syl Klans+men. pos n. mod pl. Klansman 0. syl Klans+man pron <1kl@nzm*n> pos n. def a member of the Ku Klux Klan. Klausenburg 0. syl Klau+sen+burg pron <1klauzN2burk> pos n. def the German name for {Cluj}. klaxon ety C20: former trademark, from the name of the manufacturing company claxon alt head klaxon or klaxon syl clax+on pron <1kl@ksN> pos n. klaxon 0. or claxon syl klax+on pron <1kl@ksN> pos n. def a type of loud horn formerly used on motor vehicles. Jean Baptiste infl head Kl'eber syl Jean Bap:tiste pron pos n. Kl'eber 0. syl Kl*'e:ber pron French pos n. def 1753-1800, French general, who succeeded Napoleon as commander in Egypt (1799); assassinated. Klebs-Loffler bacillus ety C19: named after Edwin Klebs (1834-1913) and Friedrich A. J. L*"offler (1852-1915), German bacteriologists Klebs-Loffler bacillus 0. syl Klebs-L*"of:fler ba+cil+lus pron <1klebz> <1l^fl*>, German <1klA:ps> <1l@ofl*r> pos n. def a rodlike Gram-positive bacterium, that causes diphtheria: family Paul infl head Klee syl Paul pron pos n. Klee 0. syl Klee pron German pos n. def 1879-1940, Swiss painter and etcher. A founder member of he subsequently evolved an intensely personal style of unusual fantasy and wit. Kleenex infl or Kleenexes syl Kleen+ex pos n. mod pl. Kleenexes infl head Kleenex or Kleenex syl Kleen+ex:es. pos n. mod pl. Kleenex 0. syl Kleen+ex pron <1klEneks> pos n. qual Trademark. def a kind of soft paper tissue, used esp. as a handkerchief. Klein bottle ety named after Felix Klein (1849-1925) German mathematician Klein bottle 0. syl Klein bot+tle pron pos n. qual Maths. def a one-sided surface having no edges that encloses a three-dimensional space and is formed by inserting the smaller end of an open tapered tube through the surface of the tube and making this end contiguous with the other end. (Bernd) Heinrich (Wilhelm) von infl head Kleist syl (Bernd) Hein:rich (Wilhelm) von pron <1hInri*,c> pos n. Kleist 0. syl Kleist pron pos n. def 1777-1811, German dramatist, poet, and short-story writer. His plays include (1808), (1808), and (published 1821). Otto infl head Klemperer syl Ot:to. pos n. Klemperer 0. syl Klem:pe:rer pron <1klemp*r*> pos n. def 1885-1973, orchestral conductor, born in Germany. He was best known for his interpretations of Beethoven. klepht ety C19: from Modern Greek klepht*_es, from Greek klept*_es thief klepht 0. syl klepht pron pos n. def any of the Greeks who fled to the mountains after the 15th-century Turkish conquest of Greece and survived as brigands into the 19th century. klephtic sub head klepht syl kleph+tic pos adj. kleptomania ety C19: klepto- from Greek klept*_es thief, from kleptein to steal+-#7mania &- klep+to+#!ma+ni+@!ac or @!clep+to+#!ma+ni@!+ac n. cleptomania alt head kleptomania or kleptomania syl clep+to+ma+ni:a pron <2klept*u1mAni*> pos n. kleptomania 0. or cleptomania syl klep+to+ma+ni:a pron <2klept*u1mAni*> pos n. qual Psychol. def a strong impulse to steal, esp. when there is no obvious motivation. klieg light ety C20: named after John H. Kliegl (1869-1959) and his brother Anton (1872-1927), German-born American inventors in the field of lighting klieg light 0. syl klieg light pron pos n. def an intense carbon-arc light used for illumination in producing films. Gustav infl head Klimt syl Gus:tav pron <1gustaf> pos n. Klimt 0. syl Klimt pron pos n. def 1862-1918, Austrian painter. He founded the Vienna Sezession (1897), a group of painters influenced by art nouveau. Franz infl head Kline syl Franz pron pos n. Kline 0. syl Kline pron pos n. def 1910-62, U.S. abstract expressionist painter. His works are characterized by heavy black strokes on a white or grey background. klipspringer ety C18: from Afrikaans, from Dutch klip rock (see #7cliff) #7+ springer, from springen to #7spring klipspringer 0. syl klip+spring+er pron <1klip2spriG*> pos n. def a small agile antelope, inhabiting rocky regions of Africa south of the Sahara. Klondike 1. syl Klon+dike pron <1klondIk> pos n. def a region of NW Canada, in the Yukon in the basin of the Klondike River: site of rich gold deposits, discovered in 1896 but largely exhausted by 1910. Area: about 2100 sq. km (800 sq. miles). Klondike 2. syl Klon+dike pron <1klondIk> pos n. def a river in NW Canada, rising in the Yukon and flowing west to the Yukon River. Length: about 145 km (90 miles). klong ety from Thai klong 0. syl klong pron pos n. def a type of canal in Thailand. kloof ety C18: from Afrikaans, from Middle Dutch clove a cleft; see #7{cleave %1} kloof 0. syl kloof pron pos n. def a mountain pass or gorge in southern Africa. klootchman ety C19: from Chinook jargon, from Nootka hlotssma woman, wife klootchmans infl head klootchman or klootchmen syl klootch+mans pos n. mod pl. klootchmen infl head klootchman or klootchmans syl klootch+men. pos n. mod pl. klootchman 0. syl klootch+man pron <1klu:Cm*n> pos n. qual Northwestern Canadian. def an Indian woman; squaw. Also called: {klootch, klooch}. Friedrich Gottlieb infl head Klopstock syl Frie:drich Gott:lieb pron <1frEdri*,c> <1gctlEp> pos n. Klopstock 0. syl Klop:stock pron German <1klcp2Stck> pos n. def 1724-1803, German poet, noted for his religious epic (1748-73) and for his odes. klutz ety from German Klotz dolt; compare #7clot klutz 0. syl klutz pos kl^ts; n. qual U.S. slang. def a clumsy or stupid person. klutzy sub head klutz syl klutz:y pos adj. klystron ety C20: klys-, from Greek klus-, kluzein to wash over, break over+-#7tron klystron 0. syl klys+tron pron <1klistron>, <1klI-> pos n. def an electron tube for the amplifi?!cation or generation of microwaves by means of velocity modulation. km alt or km syl km. km 0. or km syl km qual abbrev. for def kilometre. k-meson 0. syl k-me:son pos n. def another name for {kaon}. kn 1. syl kn. qual abbrev. for:; Nautical. def knot. kn 2. syl kn. qual abbrev. for: def krona. kn 3. syl kn. qual abbrev. for: def krone. KN 0. syl KN qual Chess. symbol for def king's knight. knack ety C14: probably variant of knak sharp knock, rap, of imitative origin knack 1. syl knack pron pos n. def a skilful, ingenious, or resourceful way of doing something. knack 2. syl knack pron pos n. def a particular talent or aptitude, esp. an intuitive one. knacker ety C16: probably from nacker saddler, probably of Scandinavian origin; compare Old Norse hnakkur saddle knacker 1. syl knack+er pron <1n@k*> pos n. qual Brit. def a person who buys up old horses for slaughter. knacker 2. syl knack+er pron <1n@k*> pos n. qual Brit. def a person who buys up old buildings and breaks them up for scrap. knacker 3. syl knack+er pron <1n@k*> pos n. mod usually; pl. qual Brit.; Slang. def another word for {testicle}. knacker 4. syl knack+er pron <1n@k*> pos vb. mod tr. qual Brit.; Slang. usage usually passive def to exhaust; tire. knackery sub head knacker syl knack+er:y pos n. knackwurst ety German, from knacken to make a cracking sound+ Wurst sausage knockwurst alt head knackwurst or knackwurst syl knock+wurst pron <1nok2wR:st> pos n. knackwurst 0. or knockwurst syl knack+wurst pron <1nok2wR:st> pos n. def a short fat highly seasoned sausage. knag ety C15: perhaps from Low German knagge knag 1. syl knag pron pos n. def a knot in wood. knag 2. syl knag pron pos n. def a wooden peg. knap ety Old English cn@app top; compare Old Norse knappr knob knap H1.0. syl knap pron pos n. qual Dialect. def the crest of a hill. knap ety C15 (in the sense: to strike with a sharp sound): of imitative origin; compare Dutch knappen to crack knaps infl head knap syl knaps pos vb. mod tr. knapping infl head knap syl knap+ping pos vb. mod tr. knapped infl head knap syl knapped. pos vb. mod tr. knap H2.0. syl knap pron pos vb. mod tr. qual Brit. dialect. def to hit, hammer, or chip. knapper sub head knap syl knap+per pos n. knapsack ety C17: from Low German knappsack, probably from knappen to bite, snap+ sack bag; related to Dutch knapzak; see #7{sack %1} knapsack 0. syl knap+sack pron <1n@p2s@k> pos n. def a canvas or leather bag carried strapped on the back or shoulder. knapweed ety C15 knopwed; see #7knop, {weed %1} knapweed 0. syl knap+weed pron <1n@p2wEd> pos n. def any of several plants of the genus having purplish thistle-like flowers: family (composites). See also {{centaury} (sense 2)}, {hardheads}. knar ety C14: knarre rough stone, knot on a tree; related to Low German knarre knar 0. syl knar pron pos n. def a variant of {knur}. knarred sub head knar or knarry syl knarred pos adj. knarry sub head knar or knarred syl knar+ry pos adj. knave ety Old English cnafa; related to Old High German knabo boy &- #!knav+ish adj. &- #!knav+ish+ly adv. &- #!knav+ish+ness n. knave 1. syl knave pron